Kitabisa achieves a 33% boost in Transactions per user and Increase in User-stickiness with CleverTap

San Francisco, Calif, & Mumbai, India, June 26, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Kitabisa, Indonesia’s leading donation platform, chooses CleverTap, the all-in-one engagement platform, to boost app stickiness and click-through rates for push notifications. Kitabisa was able to deliver data-driven, personalized interactions on their platform which led to notable improvements in donations per user.

Set up in 2013, Kitabisa is Indonesia’s leading donation platform and facilitates over 10+ million donors, 1,000,000+ campaigns, 3,500+ NGOs and social institutions, and 400+ CSR initiatives. By deploying CleverTap’s platform, Kitabisa aimed to improve engagement, better segment their users, and understand donors’ specific behaviors and preferences on the app. With CleverTap, Kitabisa was able to automate user segmentation, create personalized user journeys and push-notifications, and further its mission of encouraging more frequent and impactful donations.

Impact of this collaboration:

33% increase in the median number of donations per user
10% increase in average click-through rate for push notifications and in-app notifications
5% increase in user stickiness (daily average users/monthly average users)

Denny Yusuf, Product Lead at Kitabisa, said – “CleverTap has been instrumental in helping us achieve remarkable growth in user engagement and donations. The 33% increase in the number of donations per user is a testament to how effectively CleverTap has enabled us to take an integrated approach to tracking user interactions and tapping into insights to better understand user behavior. This equips us to deliver highly relevant communication across various channels based on user preferences. Furthermore, with CleverTap’s intent-based segmentation, we are able to predict future intent and tailor our communication strategies to suit the specific needs of our users. This has been instrumental in fostering a more engaged and loyal user base.”

Sidharth Pisharoti, Chief Revenue Officer, CleverTap said – “We are honored to have been a part of Kitabisa’s journey and efforts to raise more funds to support various causes in Indonesia. In today’s competitive world, leveraging data-driven insights is crucial for marketers to craft and deliver tailored messages that build lasting relationships with users. With CleverTap, Kitabisa has been able to craft more personalized communication strategies and increase donations from their users. We look forward to continuing our support for Kitabisa as they expand their impact and build a loyal user base.”

About CleverTap

CleverTap is the all-in-one engagement platform that helps brands unlock limitless customer lifetime value by helping them create personalized experiences to retain their most valuable customers. The platform empowers businesses to orchestrate experiences for individuals across their lifecycles and design personalized journeys that span a lifetime. It offers analytics that encompasses every aspect of the lifecycle, enabling businesses to measure and optimize each experience in real-time. Its unique AI capability is insightful, empathetic, and prescriptive, facilitating smarter and faster decisions. The all-in-one platform unifies experiences from every touchpoint, paving the way for a new era of customer engagement.

The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ – the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale.

CleverTap is trusted by 2000 customers, including Electronic Arts, TiltingPoint, Gamebasics, Big Fish, MobilityWare, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa John’s, and Tesco.

Backed by leading investors such as Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, Accel, CDPQ, and 360 One, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with presence in New York, São Paulo, Bogota, Mexico City, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Singapore, Jakarta, and Ho Chi Minh.

For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/
X: https://twitter.com/CleverTap

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap’s belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.

Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.

For more information:
SONY SHETTY
Director, Public Relations, CleverTap
+91 9820900036
sony@clevertap.com

IPSHITA BALU
Consultant
Archetype
+91 9590111798
ipshita.balu@archetype.co

MSG Officials: Papua Is Stable and Conducive Overall

JAKARTA, June 20, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) team, led by Director General Leonard Louma and Executive Advisor Christopher Nisbert, emphasized that Papua is stable, and conducive overall. Economic and social activities are well and normal. The statement was released after MSG officials visited the Land of Cenderawasih, as Papua is known, traveling overland from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG) to Jayapura on Monday, 17 June.

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin (left) waves to residents in the Malawei Fishing Village, Sorong Manoi District, Sorong City, West Papua, on Thursday (6 June 2024). The government set a target to build 350 houses for indigenous Papuan fishers in 2014, but only 40 houses have been completed due to technical constraints, including environmental impact assessments (AMDAL permits). Therefore, the remaining houses will be completed in 2024/2025. (ANTARA FOTO/Olha Mulalinda/Spt.) — Vice President Ma’ruf Amin waves to residents in the Malawei Fishing Village, Sorong Manoi District, Sorong City, West Papua, on 6 June 2024. The Indonesian government targeted building 350 houses for indigenous Papuan fishers in 2014, but only 40 houses have been completed due to technical constraints, including environmental impact assessments (AMDAL permits). The remaining houses will be completed in 2024/25.(ANTARA FOTO/Olha Mulalinda/Spt.)

Usman Kansong, Head of the Public Communication Task Force for Papua Welfare, appreciated the MSG team’s visit. “This is a positive step, and I would like to express my appreciation for MSG because its two leaders were able to witness the real conditions in Bumi Cenderawasih, and various developments that the government has undertaken in Papua,” he said in Jakarta on Tuesday, 18 June.

During their visit, both Leonard Louma and Christopher Nisbert agreed that Indonesia could serve as a good example of how a country manages its borders. These best practices could be emulated in border areas in the MSG region. They also believe that Indonesia’s role in the ASEAN region will be crucial and beneficial for MSG member countries, providing various advantages and benefits in multiple fields.

Specifically, Leonard Louma revealed that he would promote cooperation in the plantation sector within MSG that involves Indonesia, including a vanilla plantation program in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Therefore, he believes it is necessary to create an economic corridor in the form of an MSG vanilla association to strengthen the vanilla commodity in the region.

Indonesia’s involvement is crucial because it is believed to help open the ASEAN market. This is highly beneficial as MSG is working to build communication and involve Indonesia regionally. During his visit, Leonard Louma also discussed the potential for cooperation in education between MSG and Indonesia, suggesting that student and faculty exchanges can be realized soon.

Separately, Senior Advisor Theo Litaay of the Presidential Staff Office deemed the MSG leaders visit to Indonesia a significant breakthrough that benefits the region across various economic, socio-cultural, and political sectors. “Such regional cooperation will expand economic growth towards the Pacific. The region will benefit from economic growth in Southeast Asia as a driver for development. That is from a regional perspective,” he said.

Leonard Louma and Christopher Nisbert, with their entourage, arrived in Indonesia from Port Moresby via overland journey to the Skouw-Wutung border on Monday, 17 June. They arrived at the border post around 10:00 AM local time, accompanied by Indonesian Consul General Tangkuman Alexander, and left the post with Representatives of the Border Affairs and Cooperation Agency of Papua Province as they continued their journey to the city of Jayapura, observing developments in Papua.

Both MSG leaders attended the MSG Security Strategy (MSG SS) on Wednesday, 19 June, in Jakarta, organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The MSG SS aims to gather various input from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), including civil society, regarding key priorities in addressing security challenges in the region.

* Note: The Melanesian Spearhead Group is an intergovernmental organization, composed of the four Melanesian states of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia. In June 2015, Indonesia was recognized as an associate member.

For more information, please contact the Directorate General of Public Information and Communication, Usman Kansong (+62 81 678 5320), or visit https://infopublik.id for up-to-the-minute news.

ONERHT Foundation’s 7th Edition of Annual GAIL Forum Returns on 25 June 2024 at Suntec Singapore

Business and industry leaders as well as sustainability domain experts will gather to share actionable insights and strategies to drive ASEAN’s Green Future
Mr Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance to attend as Guest-of-Honour
Fireside chat with Vivek Kumar, Chairman of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Interactive discussion panels on ESG, SME Sustainability, and Low-Carbon Strategies

SINGAPORE, June 18, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The 7th edition of the Greening ASEAN: Initiatives and Leadership (“GAIL”) forum is set to take place on 25 June 2024 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. Business and Industry leaders, as well as sustainability domain experts, gather to share actionable insights and strategies to drive ASEAN’s Green Future. The forum will be graced by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, as the Guest-of-Honour.

The GAIL forum aims to facilitate the sharing of expertise, experience, and practical strategies for businesses and other stakeholders within ASEAN to respond to the region’s growing call for sustainable development. Attendees will be able to hear directly from business and industry leaders as well as sustainability domain experts as they share their insights and experience on future-proofing SMEs for sustainability, integrating ESG at Board level, and navigating the carbon economy with strategies and cutting-edge technologies.

Kaylee Kwok, Chairman of ONERHT Foundation, said, “For businesses, sustainability transcends being just a necessity. By its impact on the physical environment, supply chains, natural resources, on the general population, and the economic environment, it has become a fundamental issue for businesses on which their viability and success depend. GAIL serves as a crucial platform for promoting sustainable practices throughout ASEAN.”

A key highlight of event will be a fireside chat with Mr. Vivek Kumar, CEO of Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore.

Abe Jacob, Director of RHT Green, said, “Sustainability isn’t just a choice; it’s a shared responsibility for our future, and we are passionate about educating and empowering individuals to make sustainable choices. GAIL serves as a reminder that through regional collaboration, we can achieve significant progress towards achieving net zero.”

Recognising the importance of sustainability in addressing climate change, adverse social and community impact, and corporate governance issues, ONERHT Foundation launched the GAIL initiative at the 2018 annual RHT ASEAN Summit. Today, GAIL has become a much-anticipated annual event for the region’s business and industry leaders looking for actionable insights and strategies to advance their sustainability goals.

GREENING ASEAN: INITIATIVES & LEADERSHIP (GAIL) will facilitate the sharing of expertise, experience and practical strategies with the aim of helping the ASEAN businesses and other stakeholders gain the confidence and capabilities to embed and grow sustainability into their business models.

For more information and to register for the ONERHT Foundation GAIL Forum 2024, please visit: GAIL 2024 https://www.gail2024.com/#/?lang=en

ONERHT Foundation Ltd

A Singapore registered charity and grant-making philanthropic organisation, ONERHT Foundation Ltd (“Foundation”) enables RHTLaw Asia LLP and the RHT Group of Companies (collectively, “ONERHT”) to do right and do good through various charitable endeavours.

Set up by ONERHT in 2015, the Foundation was registered as a Singapore charity by the Commissioner of Charities and a grant-making philanthropic organisation by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore on 16 September 2016 and 28 November 2016 respectively.

The Foundation seeks to establish, inspire and encourage the right philanthropic culture among the corporate and legal fraternity of giving back to the community in a focused, hands-on and meaningful manner. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than S$5 million to support more than 30 beneficiaries involved in education, the environment and sustainability, disadvantaged groups as well as the arts and sports.

For more information, please visit www.onerht.foundation

For media enquiries, please contact:
Elliot Siow / Elliot@waterbrooks.com.sg / +65 8375 0417

Travel with Syafiq Kyle and Koe Yeet in Spritzer’s ‘Air Love Cuti-Cuti’ Adventure

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Spritzer, Malaysia’s leading mineral water company, is committing to enhancing travel experiences by launching the “Air Love Cuti-Cuti” campaign. This exciting initiative celebrates the passion for travel deep within the Malaysian spirit, offering engaging experiences, games, prizes, and a star-studded ambassador line-up.

Leading the charge as the faces of the “Air Love Cuti-Cuti” campaign are two of Malaysia’s well-known celebrity names – Syafiq Kyle and Koe Yeet. Syafiq Kyle, a renowned actor and model, is famous for his charismatic on-screen presence and love for adventure. Joining him is Koe Yeet, the acclaimed TV and film actress who won the Best Newcomer award at the Asia Content Awards 2021.

Together, these newly appointed Spritzer ambassadors will share their travel stories and vlogs, inspiring Malaysians to embrace the spirit of exploration and create unforgettable memories across the nation’s diverse landscapes. From heritage sites to bustling cities and local food, Syafiq Kyle and Koe Yeet will showcase Malaysia’s best, encouraging travellers to stay hydrated with Spritzer’s refreshing mineral water.

“At Spritzer, we understand that travel is about more than just destinations – it’s about the experiences, connections, and memories created along the way,” said Kenny Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Spritzer Berhad. “Through ‘Air Love Cuti-Cuti,’ we want to become an integral part of those journeys, ensuring that every traveller feels refreshed and hydrated as they explore the beauty of our nation.

The “Air Love Cuti-Cuti” campaign, which started in June, aims to deepen Spritzer’s connection with travel enthusiasts by offering various interactive experiences at major transportation hubs across Peninsular Malaysia. Travellers can enjoy free Spritzer drinks, participate in mini-games, and capture memorable moments at photo booths.

A key campaign highlight is the Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Snap & Menang social media contest, running from June 10th to July 21st. Participants can share their most creative travel photos or videos featuring Spritzer on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtags #AirLoveCutiCuti and #CutiCutiSpritzer. Exciting prizes include 30 weekly local travel vouchers worth RM1,000 each and two grand prizes of overseas travel vouchers worth RM10,000 each. For more details, visit the microsite.

The “Air Love Cuti-Cuti” campaign underscores Spritzer’s commitment to being more than a mineral water brand. It aspires to be a trusted companion that enhances the travel experiences of all locals and tourists alike. The brand aims to become integral to every Malaysian’s travel adventures and daily lives by connecting a joy of exploration with and their experiences with Spritzer. Spritzer’s continued commitment to quality and purity ensures you stay refreshed throughout your adventures.

For more information on the “Air Love Cuti-Cuti” campaign, including the “Snap & Menang” contest, visit www.spritzer.com.my/airlovecuticuti.

Please download the high-res images from this link.

About Spritzer:

Established in 1989, Spritzer Group has been a pioneer in providing Malaysians with natural mineral water sourced from a 440-acre green rainforest. Committed to innovation, Spritzer Group leads the Malaysian bottled water industry through manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and sales of its diverse product line. From renowned natural mineral water to refreshing non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, each product is carefully crafted to meet consumer needs.

Comprising eight business subsidiaries, Spritzer Group specializes in the production and distribution of silica-rich natural mineral water, sparkling natural mineral water, distilled drinking water, carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, and non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks.

With over 30 years of experience, Spritzer Group is Malaysia’s largest and only listed bottled water producer. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.

Local Brands Unite to Celebrate Team Malaysia Youth All Girl Cheerleading Team’s Historic Gold Medal Victory

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Presto, Malaysia’s First and Largest Loyalty E-commerce Aggregator, and OldTown White Coffee, Malaysia’s largest halal-certified kopitiam chain, joined hands in a spectacular Victory Celebration last Saturday to honor Team Malaysia Youth All Girl’s (TMYAG) historic achievement. The event, held at OldTown White Coffee’s Jaya One outlet, marked TMYAG’s remarkable journey from securing Malaysia’s first-ever Gold Medal at the ICU International Cheerleading Cup 2024 to their earlier Bronze Medal win at the ICU Junior World Cheerleading Championships 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

(Top row, 7th from left): Ms. Jaymee Tan Yee Ming, Vice President of the Cheerleading Association and Register of Malaysia (CHARM), and Ms. Prawn Cheng, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer of Presto, together with the Team Malaysia Youth All Girl (TMYAG).

The celebration brought together local brands and community members, including Presto’s brand partners such as Neucvr, a home-grown fashion brand, SAYS Energy Drink, a new lifestyle Energy Drink, and ButterCup, your next best friend for period care, all joining to celebrate the athletes’ success. These offerings served as tokens of appreciation and rewards for the athletes’ hard work and dedication.

“Today, we’ve brought our brand partners, who are local homegrown brands, together to showcase the power of community and corporate collaboration. By working together, we hope to inspire more young athletes and reinforce the importance of supporting local talent,” said Prawn Cheng, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer of Presto.

“Seeing such talent and passion from our local youth is truly inspiring. As a home-grown brand, we take immense pride in nurturing local talent and contributing to our community’s success. Being the main F&B provider for this celebration gave us a wonderful opportunity to support these amazing athletes and celebrate their achievements together with our community,” said Phan Tsui Suan, Head of Brand & Marketing of OldTown White Coffee.

By showcasing this collaboration, the event aimed to inspire more young athletes and emphasise the importance of community and corporate involvement in sports development. It not only celebrated TMYAG’s success but also promoted the value of supporting local talent and sports initiatives, reinforcing the belief that community support is crucial for nurturing future champions.

TMYAG’s journey from securing Malaysia’s first-ever cheerleading medal with a Bronze at the ICU Junior World Cheerleading Championships 2024 to achieving Gold at the ICU International Cheerleading Cup 2024 is a testament to their dedication and perseverance. Their success story is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, hard work, and unwavering support from family and community.

The Victory Celebration, held at OldTown White Coffee’s Jaya One outlet, was a vibrant affair filled with joy and excitement. Attendees included the TMYAG athletes, coaches, the Cheerleading Association and Register of Malaysia (CHARM) Vice President, committee heads, advisors, parents, and brand partners of Presto.

Presto http://www.prestoconnect.io
OldTown White Coffee https://www.oldtown.com.my/

Nomination Opens for 2024 Directors Of The Year Awards & Inaugural Climate Governance Awards

HONG KONG, June 6, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”) announced yesterday that nomination has opened for the 2024 Award Series for Director Excellence (the “Awards”), consisting of the long-established Directors of the Year Awards (“DYA) and the first Climate Governance Awards (“CGA”).

From left to right: Ir Edmund K H Leung, Dr Christopher To, Ms Alice Yip, and Mr Vincent Chan provide an overview of the 2024 Award Series for Director Excellence during the briefing session.

The new series of Climate Governance Awards, launched on the United Nations World Environment Day on 5 June, aims to recognise and inspire exemplary achievements in climate governance, advocating climate action by directors to help build a sustainable future. The judging format of CGA is similar to that of the DYA.

The Awards project this year, themed “Leading with Agility in an Era of Innovation”, echoes with today’s rapidly evolving business landscape that presents both challenges and opportunities. The global economy has remained sluggish, with tough financial conditions and prevailing geopolitical tensions dampening economic prospects. Directors in Hong Kong are facing particularly daunting challenges in the demanding economic environment. On top of business performance, another test of organisational agility is in climate action. Directors must guide their companies in identifying the risks and opportunities that climate change brings, which are vital to ensuring the sustainability of the world and mankind.

Dr Christopher To, Chairman of HKIoD, said, “In the face of unpredictable circumstances, we must be prepared to learn, evolve, and change quickly in order to build a prosperous future. Adaptability, vision, and integrity are also essential leadership traits. Directors need the agility to pivot strategies as the landscape shifts, the foresight to anticipate and prepare for future challenges, and the principled decision-making to uphold good governance even in turbulent times. By hosting these award series, HKIoD aims to recognise outstanding boards and directors, as well as promote good practices in corporate governance.”

Director Of The Year Awards & Climate Governance Awards

Nomination for these two Awards will close on 31 July 2024. The Panel of Judges consists of leaders, professionals and regulators in Hong Kong. Both awards recognise excellence in the following categories:

Company Categories

Director Categories

1. Listed Companies

2. Non-Listed Companies

3. Statutory/Non-Profit-Distributing Organisations*

1. Executive Directors

2. Non-Executive Directors

3. Boards

Notes: *A non-profit-distributing organisation is defined as an organisation of which profits are not distributed to its shareholders, members, directors, employees or any other persons, with objectives including, but not limited to, charitable welfare, social service, health and medical care, education, research, trade and industrial alliance, professional advancement, self-help support etc.

The Awards nomination form and related information are available on The Hong Kong Institute of Directors website at www.hkiod.com.

About “HKIoD Award Series for Director Excellence”

The HKIoD Award Series for Director Excellence is a project organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”) and consists of two series of Awards.

The first series, Directors Of The Year Awards, was inaugurated in 2001 as the first ever such Awards organised in Asia. As directors are ultimately responsible for corporate governance and leading the company in prosperity and integrity, the objectives of the Awards are to recognise outstanding boards and directors and to promote good practices in corporate governance and director professionalism. The Awards have become an annual project of impact in the community organised by HKIoD together with over 100 Project Partners. To date, 242 Awardees have been recognised for their achievements in demonstrating exemplary high standards in corporate governance and director practice.

Inaugurated in 2024, Climate Governance Awards constitute the second series of HKIoD Awards with the objectives to recognise and inspire exemplary achievements in climate governance and to advocate climate action by directors. It is critical time now for directors to address the risks and opportunities of climate change in board agendas and their governance role.

Candidates are open to public nomination, with data processed in well-defined and stringent procedures, followed by interviews with independent consultants in utmost due diligence and finally selected by independent judges with high standards and fair judgment. Awards are presented by company categories, viz Listed Companies, Non-listed Companies and Statutory/Non-profit-distributing Organisations, and by capacities, viz Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and Boards.

About The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”)

The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”) is Hong Kong’s premier body representing directors working together to advance corporate sustainability in creating long-term value for companies, their owners, stakeholders, humankind and Planet Earth through advocacy and standards-setting in corporate governance and director professionalism.

Led by Founder Chairman Dr The Hon Moses Cheng, HKIoD was founded in 1997. Throughout the years, HKIoD is honoured to have the Chief Executive of HKSAR as the Institute’s Patron. Membership of HKIoD comprises of directors from diverse industries and corporate types and includes Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and Independent Non-Executive Directors. With multi-culturalism and international perspectives, HKIoD organises activities that cover director training, seminars and forums, collective director voice, guideline establishment, public education, Award Series for Director Excellence, assessment of Corporate Governance Scorecard for listed companies etc.

As a member body of the Global Network of Director Institutes (“GNDI”), HKIoD is committed to global collaboration in promoting good corporate governance and director professionalism. HKIoD is the appointed Host of the Hong Kong Chapter of Climate Governance Initiative, a global network that collaborates with the World Economic Forum in actively promoting directors’ address of the risks and opportunities of climate change.

For details please visit: http://www.hkiod.com | http://www.gndi.org | https://climate-governance.org/

Directors Award Series for Director Excellence Enquiries	Media Enquiries
The Hong Kong Institute of Directors	Strategic Public Relations Group
Odessa So	Brenda Chan
+852 2889 4988 / odessa.so@hkiod.com	+852 2114 4396 / brenda.chan@sprg.com.hk
Fax +852 2889 9982	Fax +852 2114 4948

The 11th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) are now accepting entries across new, diverse categories

HONG KONG, June 6, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Organisers of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) have announced an expanded roster of categories for the programme’s 2024 edition.

The 11th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) are now accepting submissions ahead of the highly anticipated presentation ceremony on Friday, 13 December 2024. This prestigious event will be held at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, promising a day of celebration and recognition for outstanding achievements in the Chinese property sector.

Submissions from eligible entrants are currently being accepted via asiapropertyawards.com until 13 September 2024.

Key dates for the 2024 edition:
13 September 2024 – Entries close
23 September – 14 October 2024 – Site Inspections (Hong Kong and Macau)
16-17 October 2024 – Final Judging
13 December 2024 – Awards Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand
13 December 2024 – Regional Grand Final Gala Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand

Embracing change, underscoring innovation

The latest edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) features an expanded list of categories that embrace change and underscore innovation in the real estate industry.

New categories in 2024 include titles for affordable residential developers as well as the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) awards for companies that lead in sustainable design, sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and social impact.

Outstanding projects can also compete for new categories distinguishing the country’s finest investment properties; lifestyle developments; nature-integrated projects; and sales galleries.

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Awards and Events, said: “Following the successful return of our awards programme to a physical format last year, we eagerly anticipate another celebration of success in China this year, recognising exemplary leaders and professionals in property development, architecture, and design. With innovative ideas and a commitment to quality, the real estate industry across Asia demonstrates resilience and adapts to challenges. As the Gold Standard of real estate, we believe the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards inspire creativity, stimulate solutions, elevate standards, and will ultimately help drive positive outcomes for the property sector in China.”

The Best in Asia

Top winners will have an opportunity to compete with their peers for the coveted titles of “Best in Asia” at the 19th Annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final on 13 December 2024.

China showcased exceptional projects at last year’s 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final where developments such as The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong by Sino Land Company Limited; M8 by China Construction Engineering (Macau) Company Limited; and New Bund 31 by Shun Tak Qiantan (Shanghai) Cultural and Real Estate Company Limited garnered regional acclaim.

The winners of the 2024 awards will be determined by an independent panel of judges, composed of experts in the property sector and related fields. The judges conduct a transparent, fair, and impartial selection process under the supervision of HLB, the global advisory and accounting network.

Ken Ip, chairperson of the Awards in Mainland China and chairman of Asia MarTech Society, said: “The Mainland Chinese property market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation in the face of headwinds. Last year’s landmark edition of our awards programme showcased the incredible dedication and creativity of developers and designers, setting new benchmarks across China’s real estate industry. Building on this success, we are glad to open entries for the latest edition of our awards, featuring exciting new categories that reflect current trends and opportunities.”

Paul Tse, chairperson of the Awards in Hong Kong and Macau and president of the Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, said: “Last year saw the remarkable achievements of the Hong Kong and Macau property sectors showcased on the international platform of the awards. As we embark on a new edition of the awards in 2024, we anticipate an even more robust display of excellence, growth, and development in these cities. We look forward to developers and designers embracing change, exploring fresh opportunities, and guiding consumers towards a more brilliant, sustainable property market in Hong Kong and Macau.”

The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) are part of the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its 19th year in 2024. The series covers key markets across the region, spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, with exclusive gala events and ceremonies that represent the most anticipated property events of the year.

Organised by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE:PGRU), the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) programme is supported by official partner Anjuke; official marketing partner Global Design Awards Lab; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; official publicity partner Molihua Media Group (MMG); media partners Mingtiandi and The Standard; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: asiapropertyawards.com.

About PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards

PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent.

In 2024, the Awards series is open to key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during ‘PropertyGuru Week’ in December 2024.

For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com

About PropertyGuru Group

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading(1) PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 34 million property seekers(2) to connect with almost 55,000 agents’ monthly(3) to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.8 million real estate listings(4), in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 16 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its core markets; mortgage marketplace, PropertyGuru Finance; home services platform,Sendhelper; a host of proprietary enterprise solutions under PropertyGuru For Business including DataSense, ValueNet, Awards, events and publications across Asia.

For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com;PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn

(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2023 and December 2023.
(2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2023 and December 2023.
(3) Based on data between October 2023 and December 2023.
(4) Based on data between October 2023 and December 2023.

PropertyGuru Contacts:

General Enquiries:
Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing Services
M: +66 92 954 4154
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Startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia and India show signs of maturity – Profitability and customer-centricity take centre stage: HubSpot Study

SINGAPORE, June 5, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – HubSpot, the customer platform for scaling businesses, today announced the findings of a study conducted by Milieu Insight that explored the trends and innovations shaping the startup landscape in Southeast Asia and India.

Despite current global economic headwinds and private funding in the region declining to its lowest levels in six years, the startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia and India remains resilient, demonstrating significant signs of maturity. HubSpot’s new report reveals that on average, about half (53%) of startups across the region found it easier to grow their businesses in the past year compared to previous years. Notably, startups recognise the need to balance growth and profitability, with the majority of regional startups agreeing that a clear path to profitability (98%) has become more important in the last year as compared to the years prior.

This resilience is characterised by an interesting dichotomy: while geographical expansion presents challenges, with 23% of startups finding it harder to enter new markets, customer acquisition and retention have become more manageable. Although 18% mentioned that acquiring customers has become more challenging, more than half (55%) of startups report improvements in customer acquisition and retention. Increased competition (31%), stricter customer demands (31%), and access to capital (29%) were cited as the key challenges to customer acquisition among those who mentioned acquiring customers have gotten harder.

Laurence Butler, Global Senior Director, HubSpot for Startups, commented: “These signs of growing resilience are a testament to the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability. While digital transformation has been a focus among the region’s SMBs in recent years, the digital-first nature of modern startups empowers them to swiftly adapt to volatile market conditions by leveraging data analytics and foundational technologies such as CRM platforms. Most startups now recognise the critical importance of having a clear path to profitability, marking a shift towards focusing on core markets and building robust customer relationships, which are crucial for long-term sustainability.”

Potential for technology-augmented growth

The survey findings also revealed that startups in the region have built a robust foundation of technology and are leveraging their tech stack to collect, structure, and analyse customer data to drive business growth.

Almost all (99%) startups say they are using at least one CRM tool and eight in ten (81%) startups are satisfied with their tech stack. CRM platforms consolidate customer data from multiple sources, creating a single source of truth that enables brands to accurately track and measure the impact or effectiveness of their customer engagement efforts.

Consequently, 71% of startups surveyed perceive that they have an adequate amount of data at their disposal to identify new opportunities for business growth. The collective use of data and technology is not only helping drive innovation and build better customer relationships, but may have also contributed to the enhanced resilience and adaptability of startups in the backdrop of a persisting global funding winter.

The report also uncovered a disparity between countries surveyed. More than a third of startups (38%) in the Philippines reported a lack of sufficient data on their business prospects and the customer journey. Only 58% of startups in the Philippines indicated satisfaction with their tech stack, the lowest among all countries surveyed. This could have contributed to local startups’ inability to collect the right data for better decision-making and also their growth prospects. Nearly half (48%) expressed that it is more difficult than before to grow their companies, almost double the regional average of 25%.

Amid ongoing economic uncertainties, the findings collectively suggest that the most successful startups will be those that adopt the relevant technologies to collect and leverage customer data, boosting their growth or expansion prospects.

AI is on the rise but talent is still in short supply

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally transforming the startup landscape in Southeast Asia and India. AI is increasingly seen as a pivotal element in the future strategies of companies, automating repetitive tasks and creating new roles that demand advanced skill sets. However, this technological advancement comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in the area of talent acquisition.

Startups are struggling to fill key positions, with marketing (46%), customer success (40%), as well as sales and business development (38%) roles being the most difficult to hire for among go-to-market positions. For non-go-to-market positions, AI and machine learning engineers top the list of hardest-to-hire roles (35%), followed closely by experts in data analytics (33%), product management, (33%) and industry-specific specialists (33%). Software engineers also remain in high demand (32%).

Cost and experience are identified as the primary shortcomings in the current talent pool across the region. Other challenges include a lack of soft skills among candidates and mismatch of expectations regarding remote and hybrid working arrangements.

The talent landscape varies across different countries:

In Singapore, the lack of diversity in the talent pool (41%) and the shortage of specialised technical skills (37%) are significant challenges, alongside cost (37%).
In India, limited experience in startup environments (49%), expectations misalignment regarding remote/hybrid work (49%), a general shortage of talent (48%), lack of soft skills (47%), and high turnover rates (41%) are prevalent issues, with cost being a major factor (50%).
Indonesia mirrors many of India’s trends, although the challenges related to soft skills, remote/hybrid working expectations, and turnover rates are less pronounced.

With the talent shortage showing no signs of easing, startups must rethink their talent strategies to overcome these hurdles. Solutions could include investing in upskilling and reskilling employees by tapping government-led talent initiatives such as Singapore’s SkillsFuture programme, leveraging remote work to access a broader talent pool, and fostering a culture that values diversity and continuous learning.

Future outlook: The role of AI in driving growth

The majority of startups across the region (98%) agree that AI is important in their future strategy, particularly among those in India and Indonesia. 73% of respondents in India and 63% in Indonesia strongly agreed with this statement, the highest sentiments registered among all countries surveyed.

Leveraging AI offers several key opportunities for startups:

Accelerating Time to Market: 32% of startups see AI as a way to bring products to market faster.
Enhancing Product Delivery: 30% believe AI can help in delivering products more quickly.
Competing with Larger Competitors: 30% view AI as a tool to level the playing field against bigger competitors and incumbents.

“Today, AI is viewed as the single largest economic opportunity since the start of the internet, and data is the currency of AI,” explained Butler. “Residing in some of the world’s fastest growing digital economies, digital-native startups in the region are well-positioned to tap on their established tech infrastructure and quality data that form the basis for effective AI solutions. By leveraging AI, startups can quickly identify gaps in their business models, better anticipate customer needs, and improve their overall ability to deliver highly personalised customer experiences.”

These findings were based on responses from 600 startup founders and decision-makers across Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and India to understand their biggest challenges and opportunities for growth conducted from February to March 2024.

Learn more about the startup pulse report at https://hubs.la/Q02zzr3s0. For more insights like this and helpful tips for founders, we invite you to join HubSpot for Startups. Get a library of free resources, access to top investors, and a place to meet other passionate founders — plus exclusive discounts on AI-powered growth tools. Learn more here: hubspot.com/startups

About HubSpot

HubSpot (NYSE: HUBS) is the customer platform that helps your business grow better. HubSpot delivers seamless connections for customer-facing teams with a unified platform that includes AI-powered engagement hubs, a Smart CRM, a connected ecosystem, and a team of over 7,600 employees. With over 1,500 App Marketplace integrations, a community network, and educational content from HubSpot Academy, that has helped over 459,000 professionals. Today, over 216,000 customers, like DoorDash, Reddit, Eventbrite, and Tumblr, across more than 135 countries use HubSpot to attract, engage, and delight customers. Learn more at www.hubspot.com.

Press contact:
Yanchang Tan
E: yanchangtan@slingstone.com

Pride for All: Thailand Celebrates and Empowers Equality and Gender Diversity for Pride Month 2024

BANGKOK, June 4, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Central Pattana proudly launches ‘Pride for All,’ a nationwide campaign celebrating Pride Month at Central shopping centers. Aligning with recent government policies advocating for diversity and equality, this initiative aims to position Thailand as a top LGBTQ+ friendly destination, potentially hosting World Pride 2030. The campaign is expected to attract half a million people at Central shopping centers nationwide in June, stimulating tourism and the economy.

Highlighted by colorful Pride events nationwide in June:

– City Pride – Central World’s “Rhythm of Pride 2024” kicked off Thailand’s Pride events after a 4-year hiatus. The event, led by Lukkade-Metinee and supported by various organizations, celebrated diversity with over 500 LGBTQIAN+ community members. Highlights included a fashion show parade on the 80-meter Rainbow Runway, featuring Victoria’s Secret, Drag Queens, and the launch of the Crybaby Pride Parade Figure Limited Edition in rainbow design, along with the Special Giant Pride Wings Show featuring the 3.5-meter Crybaby Let Your Colors Pop Giant Figure.

– Bangkok Pride Festival 2024 celebrated the LGBTQIAN+ community’s strength and marriage equality on Rainbow Road. The event featured 5 main processions representing different forms of love, covering over 2.5 kilometers and culminating at Central World. Participants waved a giant flag to celebrate Pride month, with over 200,000 LGBTQIAN+ attendees uniting alongside a 200-meter-long rainbow flag.

– Pride Across the Nation – Celebrations at Pride Landmarks nationwide, including Central Chiang Mai, Samui, Phuket, Hat Yai, Pattaya, Rayong, Korat, Khon Kaen, and more, will be packed with events throughout the month.

– Promotion for All Global Citizens – Central shopping malls are offering special promotions for international customers from June to July 2024. Visitors can receive a Welcome Package worth over 10,000 THB by showing their passport and signing up for The 1 membership. During The Greatest Grand Sale 2024 (June 7 – July 31), customers who spend 5,000 THB can redeem a special Bath & Bloom Travel Set spa product, with Klook customers able to redeem the set with a 4,000 THB purchase. Chinese customers paying with WeChat Pay or AliPay will receive special exchange rates at participating branches.

Central Pattana is hosting Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2024, “Pride For All,” throughout June at Central shopping centers nationwide. This includes Central Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Marina, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Airport, Khon Kaen, and more.

Follow CENTRAL PATTANA updates:
www.centralpattana.co.th/th/shopping/shopping-update/lifestyle-activities

Contact:
CENTRAL PATTANA Public Relations
Tatthep Hatsakanpiamsuk (Aum), +66-81-928-7702, hatatthep@centralpattana.co.th
Ninasreen Matha (Memee), +66-82-426-3914, maninasreen@centralpattana.co.th

Singapore’s First On-Demand Gig Work Platform, Jod, Reveals 80% of Blue-Collar Gig Workers Lack Benefits, Unveils Rewards Programme Benefitting 60,000 Workers

With eight in ten users seeking access to critical basic employment benefits, JodRewards bridges the income gap and incentivising users with benefits such as Sponsored Personal Accident Insurance Coverage, Paid Break Time Cover and Transport & Meal Vouchers

In a local survey conducted by Jod among 1000 members, 800 surveyed respondents are benefits-starved and seek traditional employment benefits akin to full-time salaried employees
The launch of JodRewards will better support and protect Singapore’s gig workforce through enhanced access to insurance coverage and redeemable benefits tailored for the informal workers, that are often associated with regular full-time employment
JodRewards, boasting around 60,000 members, witnessed over 1,000 active engagements and a redemption of 65,000 points (equivalent to S$12,755 worth of rewards) since its soft launch in April
Jod will further expand JodRewards’ offerings to include benefits such as Prolonged Medical Leave Coverage and a first-of-its-kind Worker and Hiring Manager Cancellation Coverage in Southeast Asia by H2 2024
Since its launch in 2015, Jod aims to pioneer support for gig workers, providing them with the same benefits as traditional salaried employees to foster their success both personally and professionally

SINGAPORE, May 29, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Jobs on Demand (Jod), Singapore’s first multi-industry flexible on-demand gig work platform, launches JodRewards, an initiative to incentivise its users to complete jobs on the Jod platform while providing worker benefits to the gig economy. This comes in the wake of a local survey conducted among 1000 Jod Members, where eight out of ten surveyed members expressed a lack of access to traditional employment benefits as gig workers.

Calls for implementing changes in work-life balance and mental health recognition surged amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an increase in employees transitioning to gig work despite sacrificing the stability and security of full-time jobs. According to a 2023 annual survey by DBS, gig workers, often dipping into their savings to cover expenses, are considered the “most financially stretched” group due to the escalating cost of living.

The JodRewards Benefits Program represents a pivotal step forward in ensuring the well-being of gig workers across various industries. Comprising a comprehensive suite of benefits tailored specifically to the needs of gig workers, this program aims to redefine the standards of support and protection within the gig economy by providing the same employment benefits akin to traditional full-time employees. Through a range of sponsored and redeemable rewards on the platform, it fosters an ecosystem that empowers the gig economy to thrive and improve the quality of life.

Speaking about the launch of this program, Sebastian San, Singapore Country Manager of Jod shared, “We are excited to launch JodRewards and play a leading role in empowering Singapore’s gig workforce – an important backbone for today’s economy. Beyond just a conventional hiring platform, Jod caters to flexible on-demand gig work across various sectors. Eight in ten of our members are seeking greater protection and employment benefits. In response to this growing demand, we’re committed to safeguarding the benefits of these gig workers. Since the launch of JodRewards, we’ve sponsored over S$400,000 worth of Group Personal Accident and Group Public Liability coverage for over 300 jobs. We are honoured by the trust and support that our brand partners have placed in us, and will continue to work towards enhancing social protection for our gig workforce.”

JodRewards, which currently has an estimate of 60,000 Jod Members, saw over 1,000 active engagements and a redemption of 65,000 points (equivalent to S$$12,755 worth of rewards) since its soft launch in April, accumulated based on the user’s tiering and the total number of hours completed per job.

The program also saw strong participation in challenges, with close to 800 members participating in challenges throughout April. The points earned could be redeemed for transport, meal, and grocery vouchers worth up to $20 each. It was particularly notable that over 600 vouchers, worth more than S$7,000 in total, were redeemed during the month. The highest number of vouchers redeemed by one Jod member was S$380 worth of grocery vouchers, which is more than the monthly average of S$211 spent by Singaporeans per month.

The JodRewards Benefits Program comprises three tiers: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Jod Members progress through these tiers by accumulating points through the user’s activity level on the platform. The program offers a comprehensive suite of sponsored benefits that members typically pay out-of-pocket. Underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Singapore, this includes personal accident coverage with up to S$3,000 in medical expenses and up to S$100,000 in permanent disability and accidental death coverage. Additionally, members also enjoy public liability coverage of up to S$100,000 per accident, safeguarding gig workers from the financial impact of workplace accidents.

Beyond the insurance-based benefits, the program also provides redeemable rewards. Members can redeem benefits such as paid break time, allowing them to receive payment for up to one hour of break time, and paid annual leave, which provides a S$80 payout for a rest day. Through these tiered benefits, the program aims to provide its members with a comprehensive suite of support, incentives and resources, both personally and professionally.

Ms Pally, a 38-year-old PMET currently undergoing a career shift, recently joined Jod. Reflecting on her membership, she adds, “Discovering the Jod app was a game-changer. As someone seeking flexible and part-time opportunities, it aligned perfectly with my needs. Jod’s prompt payout system significantly bolstered my financial stability, and the introduction of JodRewards served as a strong incentive for me to consistently perform my best, especially with redeemable rewards such as grocery vouchers. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking reliable part-time job opportunities.”

In the coming months, JodRewards will continue to expand their offerings to include benefits such as Prolonged Medical Leave, and a first-of-its-kind Worker and Hiring Manager Cancellation Coverage in Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to address the uncertainties inherent in gig work arrangements, fostering a more equitable and sustainable future in the dynamic world of gig work.

Jod remains committed to its mission of empowering the next billion workers by creating an ecosystem that allows them to connect with communities and businesses – unlocking unlimited opportunities through technology and innovation.

How Jod Works

Jod is a re-imagination of the ultimate gig worker hiring platform, built for speed and efficiency with mobile-first innovations such as Attendance Tracker and Daily Earnings Payout. This helps Employers save time and resources to hire fast.

Employers have access to a web-based dashboard to manage candidates and job applications, as well as analytics to hire more effectively.

Jod Members simply need to download the Jod App, register and they can start applying for available jobs. With Jod’s easy-to-use features, it is a quick and simple process for Gig workers to apply for jobs.

The Jod mobile app is now available for download in Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia at the Android Play store and Apple App store.

About Jod

Jod is a mobile-first digital platform that easily enables employers to find and manage their workforce more effectively & efficiently. Jod deploys technology to make our products simple, flexible, easy to use and accessible.

Started in 2015, Jod launched Southeast Asia’s first gig work platform – JodGig and has since evolved to empower the new workforce as one of the fastest growing HR tech services platform in Southeast Asia.

Jod is a subsidiary of Janakuasa since 2020, a Singaporean energy MNC as part of its newly launched New Ventures division.

The company’s vision is, “To be the pioneering force in shaping a brighter future for the world’s next billion workers”. As Jod expands across Southeast Asia, the company utilises key data insights to support better job matching; promoting greater personal economic growth and improving people’s lives.

For media enquiries, please contact:
PRecious Communications for Jod
jod@preciouscomms.com