SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 19 April 2021 – Pearl FALCO announces the 4^th edition of The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery, inviting aspiring designers around the world to send in their entries to showcase their eminence and innovation in pearl jewellery design.

Themed “Connection“, the 2021 edition aims to strengthen human connections with nature as well as between one another. With the belief that relationships are just like jewellery with different moments connecting us to another just like pearls do when strewn into necklaces, Pearl FALCO aims for creativity to be at the core of all entries.

The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery competition was first conceptualised in Ise Shima in 2018 to identify and celebrate excellence in pearl jewellery design and has since been receiving phenomenal responses from attentive students, graduates and professionals from 10 different countries who were attracted to the non-contestable beauty of the Akoya Pearl.

Maiko Makito, Co-owner and Managing Director of Pearl FALCO, commented, ” Ise Shima has always been known for its rich legacy of cultured pearls, but what continues to surprise me is that despite the rising number of visitors to Japan, there is considerably less awareness of the existence of Ise Shima, let alone the beauty it has to offer. The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery was instituted to bring Ise Shima to the world through various designs of jewellery made of carefully curated pearls.”

“This year, we are proud to present the 4th Edition of the Awards, with yet another meaningful theme, allowing participants to showcase their innovative designs that will stand the test of time and connect them with their loved ones.” Maiko continues.

Entries to the jewellery design competition will be open until 30^th April 2021. For more information on participation criteria, please visit https://www.p-falco.com/grandprix/english/

Pearl FALCO takes pride in its heritage and aspires to connect you and your loved ones through its carefully curated pearl jewellery offerings. For more information on Akoya pearls, please visit the Pearl FALCO Gallery at #02-03, 33 Mohamed Sultan Road or https://www.pearlfalco.com/

For more information, please refer to the following link: https://bit.ly/3an7QPk

As Singapore’s first digital network operator, M1 has kept its promise to deliver an excellent network experience in Singapore. Prompted by the monumental shift to Work-from-Home models, its newly launched ‘Be’ campaign’s central message of ultimate flexibility and customisation offer customers hyper-personalised solutions.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 16 April 2021 – As the pandemic brings about a surge in Internet use and the adoption of remote working technology, M1 Limited stays ahead with its line of fibre broadband plans and devices. Its selection of featured network solutions minimises disruptions in workplaces by bridging physical distance and optimising connectivity. Addressing the telecommunications needs of all its customers, the made-to-measure approach adopted by M1 reaffirms its pledge to build the best possible network experience.

Embracing a Hybrid Workplace

M1’s fibre broadband plans and smart home solutions aim to meet individual customer demands in relation to the new mode of work and play. Whether looking to adjust to remote working or keep up with technological advances, M1’s offerings support business and lifestyle changes as the pandemic redefines the new normal.

Tapping on the introduction of Wi-Fi 6, M1 fibre broadband plans allow customers to keep up with trends and respond more effectively to disruptions. Further supporting shifts towards a hybrid workplace, users can take full advantage of M1’s networking solutions and devices to expand their wireless coverage. With devices like Wi-Fi 6 routers and Wi-Fi mesh systems, users can enjoy speedy, strong signals throughout their homes.

M1’s home solutions also give customers the ability to design a smart home customised for their needs. From just $3.60/mth, customers can choose from four smart home add-on packages and benefit from access to a future-proof digital infrastructure. Its Bespoke mobile plans further complement the remote working experience by providing users the freedom to make changes to their data and call time freely and with no strings attached.

Serving Individual Customer Needs in the New Normal

With the launch of the ‘Be’ campaign, M1’s renewed stance of embracing change and individual uniqueness addresses challenges that other service providers have yet to tackle. Showcasing its pioneering spirit, M1 pushes for innovation and transformation in Singapore’s digital landscape through its progressive solutions, with the core message of attaining ultimate freedom in the new normal.

About M1

M1, a subsidiary of Keppel Corporation, is Singapore’s first digital network operator, providing a suite of communications services, including mobile, fixed line, and fibre offerings to over two million customers.

Since the launch of its commercial services in 1997, M1 has achieved many firsts – becoming one of the first operators to be awarded one of Singapore’s two nationwide 5G standalone network licences, being the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, ultra-high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice, and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN).

M1’s mission is to drive transformation and evolution in Singapore’s telecommunications landscape through cutting-edge technology and its made-to-measure offerings. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg

About NTUC LearningHub

NTUC LearningHub was corporatised in 2004 with the vision of transforming the lifelong employability of working people. We work with both corporate and individual clients to provide learning solutions in areas such as Infocomm Technology, Healthcare, Employability & Literacy, Business Excellence, Workplace Safety & Health, Security, Human Resources and Foreign Worker Training.

To date, NTUC LearningHub has helped over 21,000 organisations and achieved over 2.5 million training places across more than 500 courses with a pool of over 600 certified trainers. As a Total Learning Solutions provider to organisations, we also forge partnerships and provide a wide range of relevant end-to-end training solutions and work constantly to improve our training quality and delivery.

For more information, visit www.ntuclearninghub.com.

From HK$800nett/night with daily 3 meals & up to US$281 Cash Credits upon booking including the newly introduced ‘Fitness Suite’ featuring in-suite treadmill & yoga set

• “One of the best mid-range quarantine hotels in Hong Kong” by Discovery, Cathay Pacific,
• “Best Quarantine Hotel in Hong Kong – Silver” by Expat Living’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2021

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 April 2021 – Being “one of the best Hong Kong hotels for quarantine that goes above and beyond to keep quarantining guests sane and comfortable during their stay” recommended by Discovery, Cathay Pacific, Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong is offering all-inclusive quarantine packages from just HK$800 per night, with 3 meals per day and up to US$281 cash credits to be used during the stay. Living up to its reputation as one of the best quarantine hotels in Hong Kong, the Dorsett Wanchai understands your needs and is therefore launching the Fitness Suite (size: 48 sq. m) equipped with in-suite treadmill and yoga set with resistance band for indoor workouts 24/7. Book your quarantine at the Dorsett Wanchai at HK$800-3,800nett per night with 3 meals per day and get US$60-281 cash credits upon booking. Free cancellation applies 14 days prior to arrival.

Dorsett Wanchai’s Fitness Suite features in-suite treadmill & yoga set

This limited-time offer is applicable to both new and existing Dorsett-Your Rewards members – sign up for free now, and book direct! For details please refer to the official hotel website.

Affordable ‘Home Gym’ Experience @ Fitness Suite

Quarantine can also be fun when you exercise to stay fit in our spacious Fitness Suite. Without the trouble of ordering and bringing the equipment yourself, Dorsett Wanchai has got the most-wanted fitness items covered – at no extra rental costs! The newly launched Fitness Suite comes with a Cybex 770T Treadmill, and a full yoga set with a 4 mm thick yoga mat, a yoga block and 25kg resistance bands, perfect for both physical exercise and meditation practices, 24/7 in the comfort of your guest room.

Most rooms in the Dorsett Wanchai, including the Fitness Suite, overlook the Happy Valley Racecourse with windows that opens, which makes for a comfortable workout environment. After a thorough and enjoyable workout, guests can enjoy a hot bath or a high-pressure walk-in massage shower in the spacious bathroom.

Up to US$281 Cash Credits for Dorsett-Your Rewards Members!

From now until 30 June 2021, guests can instantly earn US$60-281 cash credits upon check-in by booking Dorsett Wanchai’s quarantine package – e.g., guests booking Fitness Suite for quarantine at HK$3,800nett per night will receive US$281 cash credits! The cash credits will be available for use during your stay for:

• Foodpanda in-room dining menu with over 100 options including Western, Chinese, Japanese, and Vegetarian cuisine and even Halal dishes
• Dorsett Mart the Online Shopping Platform with everyday items, fitness & entertainment equipment available for rental or purchase (e.g., dumbbells, exercise bike, Nintendo Switch)

Being voted by thousands of participants, Dorsett Wanchai has also won the Silver Prize for the “Best Quarantine Hotel in Hong Kong” in Expat Living’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 in February, adding another feather to its cap.

In the new normal, the hotel never ceases to enhance the services and amenities for its guests. A complementary cutlery set is given to every quarantine guest presented with a set of reusable bowls and plates to reduce the need for disposable utensils, and afternoon treats every Friday #TGIF to cheer up guests. A halfway bloomed flower pot is also gifted to improve the air quality in the room and boosts the oxygen level to build an airier and fresher exercise environment – truly, the hotel has been going the extra mile to make the long 21-night stay bearable, and even delightful for those in quarantine.

Stay tuned for more to come.

BOOK NOW for an active & healthy quarantine at Dorsett Wanchai.

About Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong

The award-winning 4.5-star Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong (Award-winner of Traveler’s Choice 2020) is conveniently located between Wanchai and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island giving its guests easy access to all business, shopping, and sightseeing destinations in the city. The hotel is a mere 8-minute walk to MTR stations, Times Square, and a 10-minute drive from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong offers 8 types of meticulously designed rooms and theme suites ranging up to 48 sq. m. The signature Grand Deluxe Course View Room offers a breath-taking view of the racecourse in front of the hotel. All rooms are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi internet. Other facilities include the stylish 3T Bar, a gym room, and various meeting spaces.

Visit: www.wanchai.dorsetthotels.com

• Most Mainland Chinese small businesses have or expect to recover from COVID-19 in 2021.
• Sixty-four per cent of small businesses expect their revenue to grow in 2021.
• Forty-two per cent of small business expect to increase employee headcount in 2021.

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach – 16 April 2021 – The small business sector in Mainland China is showing strong signs of confidence. Sixty-four per cent of small businesses expect their revenue to grow and forty-two per cent expect to increase their employee numbers in 2021.

These results are part of CPA Australia’s 2020-21 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey, published today. The survey canvasses the views of 4,227 small businesses in 11 markets across the Asia-Pacific region, including India, Singapore and Vietnam, to understand their business strategies and outlook. Seven hundred and seventy-nine Mainland Chinese small businesses took part.

COVID-19 is not expected to be a major barrier for many Mainland Chinese small businesses in 2021. Fifty-one per cent have already recovered from the negative impacts of the pandemic or expect to recover in 2021, the second highest result among the markets surveyed.

“The successful implementation of control measures to mitigate the health and economic impacts of the pandemic translated into Mainland China’s small businesses enjoying a relatively positive 2020,” said Mr.Justin Qiu, President of CPA Australia’s North China Committee.

“While there was an understandable fall in the number of small businesses that grew in 2020, 83 per cent of surveyed Mainland Chinese businesses grew or stayed the same last year, the best result of the markets surveyed.

“A strong emphasis on innovation and technology means that Mainland Chinese small businesses are well-prepared for growth. For three consecutive years, small businesses from Mainland China have been the leaders in earning revenue from online sales, using new digital or mobile payment technologies and using social media for business purposes.”

In 2020, 82 per cent of surveyed Mainland Chinese small businesses earned over ten per cent of their revenue from online sales. Meanwhile, 91 per cent generated more than ten per cent of their sales through new payment technologies and 94 per cent used social media in 2020. The survey results show that these activities are strongly associated with high growth businesses.

“With the survey showing e-commerce growing across the region, there are excellent opportunities for Mainland Chinese small businesses to use their online expertise to diversify their exports and tap into new markets,” Qiu said.

Small businesses in Mainland China found ‘government support and incentives’ to be the second most positive influence on their business after ‘customer loyalty’ in 2020. Twenty-four per cent of small businesses sought government support and subsidies in response to COVID-19.

“The results show that government relief measures to help small businesses in 2020 had a strong positive influence on many small businesses. This highlights the important role governments can play in supporting small businesses in difficult times,” said Kevin Ng, member of CPA Australia’s North China Committee.

Although ‘increasing costs’, ‘cash flow difficulties’ and ‘increasing competition’ were identified as key barriers to growth, 48 per cent of Mainland Chinese small businesses expect to seek external finance for business growth this year, up from the 43 per cent last year. These results reflect strong expectations for a rebound in 2021.

“The measures and incentives recently announced in the Government Work Report 2021 should provide further support to businesses facing challenges such as financing constraints, and position them for future expansion,” Ng said.

“These measures, including tax cuts, fees reduction, raising the VAT threshold for small businesses, and increasing the tax deduction on research and development expenses, will not only help reduce the financial burden on small businesses but also spur additional investment into innovation and technology.

“Together with the resilient nature of small businesses in Mainland China, these measures are likely to lead to a rebound in business growth in 2021,” Ng said.

CPA Australia recommends the following key measures for small businesses in Mainland China:

• Keep up to date with government announcements on support and incentives for business.
• Identify, review and implement digital technologies to improve performance and save costs.
• Strike a balance between short-term cash flow management and longer-term investment in new technologies and upskilling employees.
• Review and utilise existing business data to seek innovations in areas such as products and services, customer experience and business operations.
• Seek professional advice to maximise success, including in obtaining external finance.
• Explore opportunities to diversify and expand into new markets, especially into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in mainland China and ASEAN countries.

Download CPA Australia Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey 2020-21 (English only)

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 168,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 20,000 members in Greater China. We have offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au

iSee Taiwan Foundation to Share Exquisite Service With the World

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 16 April 2021 – The 2021 iSee Gastronomy Forum, organized by the iSee Taiwan Foundation, unveils today with a view to highlighting how culture and cuisine can be perfectly blended into an experience of delicacy and exquisiteness.

From left: Eneko Atxa, chef of Azurmendi in Basque, Spain; Ryohei Hieda, chef of Taipei’s Shoun RyuGin; Richie Lin, chef of Taipei’s MUME; Charles Reed, CEO of William Reed; Benjamín Lana Velasco, president of Vocento Gastronomía.

As Taiwan sprinkles its world-famous delicacies with a unique cultural flavor, Charles Reed, CEO of William Reed that ranks The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and Benjamín Lana Velasco, president of Vocento Gastronomía that hosts Madrid Fusión, share their experiences in presenting local treats to global palates.

Also in the spotlight are the chefs of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants from Taiwan and beyond: Eneko Atxa, chef of Azurmendi from Basque, Spain; Richie Lin, chef of MUME in Taipei; and Ryohei Hieda, chef of Shoun RyuGin, also in Taipei. Entrusted to interpret the meticulous service advanced by the iSee Taiwan Foundation and make it the core of their cooking, the three chefs draw on ingredients unique to Spain and Taiwan and come up with fine food appealing not only to taste but also to all other senses. Participants in the forum are treated to a unique opportunity to appreciate the essence of scrupulous service first-hand.

“Committed to promoting exquisite service, our foundation aims to foster it worldwide through this experience-it-yourself forum,” according to Don Chen, Chief Executive of iSee Taiwan Foundation. The Forum is supported by the like minded enterprises and institutions that endeavor to bring the great quality to the world including Rice House, T-Ham, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., the AUO Foundation, iStaging Corp., ProFederal Co., Ltd., Sayling Wen Cultural & Educational Foundation, TAIWAN SAKURA Corp., , and Taiyen Biotech Co., Ltd.

The iSee Taiwan Foundation

The iSee Taiwan Foundation was founded by late entrepreneur Sayling Wen in 2003. The Foundation’s vision is to become an essential portal for the world to see Taiwan via cultural tourism.

www.iseetaiwan.org