Category: Tourism

Roles in Hospitality and Travel Soar with 120% Surge in Hiring: foundit Insights Tracker

foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), one of the leading talent platforms, today published the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for May 2023, previously Monster Employment Index (MEI). According to the fit Report for Malaysia, job roles in the Hospitality and Travel sector have shown impressive growth of 120% over the past year.

fit also reveals a promising year-on-year (YoY) growth of 8%, as the index climbed from 73 in May 2022 to 79 in May 2023. Additionally, a month-on-month (MoM) analysis indicates a notable 6% surge, with an index of 73 recorded in April 2023. The rising index values reveal a thriving labour market that will benefit employers and job seekers alike.

Commenting on Malaysia’s job trends for May 2023, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit, said, “Our findings indicate a strong momentum and a promising future for Malaysia’s labour market. However, in this competitive landscape, companies emphasise on individuals with specialised skills. Hence, job seekers must always be aware of the changing demands of the industry and equip themselves with the required skills. Upskilling and continuous learning will be the key to unlocking new opportunities and thriving in this dynamic landscape.”

Hospitality and Retail sectors lead in hiring activity, while the IT, Telecom, Oil and Gas Industries witness a drop in recruitment.

The hospitality and retail industries continue to lead the way among steadily growing sectors. The hospitality industry saw a remarkable YoY growth of 102%, owing to Malaysia’s booming tourism. Similarly, the Retail sector (57%) marked noteworthy progress in e-recruitment due to the rising retail sales. Being next in the rung, Engineering, Construction, and Real Estate industries also witnessed a YoY increase in May 2023 with a 24% rise in the hiring activity due to infrastructure developments, government policies, and rapid urbanisation plans of Malaysia.

The IT, Telecom/ISP, and BPO/ITES, along with Oil and Gas industries recorded a substantial deceleration in YoY hiring activity with a decrease of 14% and 7% respectively. This trend can be attributed to the economic slowdown and political uncertainties that lead to reduced investments, and lower demand for services. However, the overall hiring sentiment in Malaysia has been positive with industries such as Production/Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary (+2%), BFSI (+5%), Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media and Entertainment (+14%), and, Logistic, Courier/ Freight/ Transportation, Shipping/ Marine (+18%) showcasing hiring optimism in May ’23.

Hospitality & Travel, and Sales & Business Development Lead the Way in Hiring Trends

In terms of functional roles, Hospitality & Travel jobs continued to witness significant demand in May 2023, with a staggering YoY growth of 120% driven by international tourism and the holiday season. This economic recovery created an online demand for other job roles, such as Sales & Business Development (28%) and Marketing & Communications (16%) as well. A few of the other job roles that have showcased a robust YoY growth rate include Software, Hardware & Telecom (+3%), Engineering/ Production, Real Estate (+4%), Purchase/ Logistics/ Supply chain (+8%), Finance & Accounts (+8%) and HR & Admin (+12%).

The roles in Customer Service (-33%) registered the steepest monthly as well as annual decline and it was also the only sector to register negative growth among all monitored functions. Several reasons can be attributed to this including the advancements in technology that have led to the implementation of automated customer service systems such as chatbots and self-service portals. There have also been instances during challenging economic times, where businesses need to prioritise cost-cutting measures, resulting in a decrease in hiring across various job roles, including customer service.

The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

Period for the report

The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is May 2022 Vs May 2023.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 75 million registered users to find jobs, upskill, and connect with the right opportunities across 18 countries. Over the last two decades, the company has been a catalyst in recruitment solutions with advanced technology, seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches, and precision hiring. foundit strongly believes that a job title doesn’t define one’s potential and leverages technology to dig deeper to curate opportunities central to the needs and aspirations of each user.

To learn more, about foundit in APAC & Gulf:

Visit: www.foundit.com.ph|www.foundit.my | https://www.foundit.in | https://www.founditgulf.com | https://www.foundit.sg | www.foundit.com.hk | https://www.foundit.id

Contact
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
+6581383034

Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA) to Formally Introduce Society Pass Loyalty App at Launch Party in Singapore on Wednesday, 28 June 2023

Society Pass Incorporated (SoPa) (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia’s (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces that it will formally introduce its universal loyalty application, Society Pass Loyalty Wallet, at a launch party to be held at Clifford Pier, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326 at 6 pm on Wednesday, 28 June 2023.

Consumers and merchants can now download Society Pass either on:

With its vision of “building the next generation digital ecosystem and loyalty platform in SEA”, the SoPa loyalty platform generates the following benefits for merchants: creating permanent customer loyalty, replacing cash discounting, and generating additional revenue streams. Society Points means the more customers buy from merchants, the more rewards they will earn, and the more revenue generation for merchants. Sopa Loyalty platform encourages continuous consumer engagement with brands, thereby increasing conversions and revenues.

Society Pass/Society Points cover registered consumers and registered merchants in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore. Users can pay for goods and services in-store, in-app or online. SoPa Loyalty Wallet allows users to pay for goods and services by scanning QR Codes and making payments via credit card, debit card, or Society Points.

Rokas Sidlauskas, Chief Marketing Officer of SoPa, elaborates, “We are beyond excited to finally introduce this much needed product to the market. As we celebrate this milestone, which is a result of years of hard work across multiple teams, we believe that this ground-breaking product will not only provide immediate value to our registered consumers and registered merchants, but also will drive a revolution of fintech and e-commerce innovation across the region.”

Howie Ng, Chief Technology Officer of SoPa, explains, “We designed a best-in-class user interface backed by fully integrated backend infrastructure to kickstart a virtuous cycle of revenue generation and loyalty creation. SoPa Loyalty App offers a wide range of options: gamification, badges, tiers, birthday surprises, and early access privileges. Our smooth registration process allows consumers to redeem points for coupons, refer friends and earn SOPA points, view wallet balance, change your settings, purchase SOPA points, store multiple credit cards, and settle purchases in real-time.”

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 650,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operatesThoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network;NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; VLeisure, Vietnam’s leading provider of hotel management and payment solutions; Gorilla Global, a Singapore-based, mobile network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; andPushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contacts:
Rokas Sidlauskas
Chief Marketing Officer
rokas@thesocietypass.com

Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA)/Gorilla Global Releases Its Next Generation Mobile Telecoms App Targeted at Travelers in Southeast Asia

Gorilla Global (Gorilla), the mobile telecommunications arm of Society Pass Incorporated (SoPa) (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia’s (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces the release of its next generation mobile telecoms app, offering a full suite of smart digital mobile communication solutions for travelers and working professionals in the SEA region.

Customers can now download Society Pass either on:

With the motto of “STAY CONNECTED, GET REWARDED”, Gorilla works with over 500 mobile operators across 190 countries, providing affordable roaming mobile data to business travelers in the SEA region and around the world through its proprietary e-SIM product. Embedded in the user’s mobile phone as a virtual SIM card, which eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, e-SIM technology offers the convenience of managing multiple cellular providers on a single device for traveling abroad and even separate plans for personal and business purposes. And later in 2023, Gorilla will launch its revolutionary Switchback Rewards feature, which allows any unused mobile data and credit to be converted into SOPA Loyalty Points and redeemed for rewards and offers across the SOPA platform. With a virtual mobile number, Gorilla’s users access cost-effective data plans to enjoy a reliable internet connection worldwide. And through its tiered data plans, Gorilla’s customers enjoy global mobile internet and have full control over their data spending.

Asia Pacific currently has over 100 million business travelers, representing more than 30% of the world’s market. According to Amadeus, by 2025, corporate travel spending in Asia Pacific is forecast to double and account for half of the world’s total. Rokas Sidlauskas, Chief Marketing Officer of SoPa, elaborates, “Gorilla’s next-generation technology is targeted to the fast-growing business travel segment here in SEA. Our digital e-SIM product allows customers to buy data credit and to stay connected online with their mobile devices while traveling abroad. By 2H 2023, our suite of services will expand into local e-SIM provisions. Gorilla plans to offer a revolutionary Switchback Rewards feature, allowing any unused mobile data and credit to be converted into SOPA Loyalty Points and redeem them for awards across the ecosystem.”

Going forward, customers can access Gorilla’s services in the following manner:

Howie Ng, Chief Technology Officer of SoPa, explains Gorilla’s three main products:

1) Gorilla Local e-SIM enables users to acquire a temporary local phone number while traveling, make phone calls, receive SMS, OTPs and other data through conventional 4G/5G network. Features include:

  • Local e-SIM product with full flexibility and control over required data and talk-time
    ●Comes with local number
    ●Switch unused data back to Gorilla Points with SwitchBack
    ●Available globally
    ●Strategic partnership with Society Pass

2) Gorilla Global Mobile App allows users to:

  • Purchase & Activate Gorilla Global e-SIM Service
    ●Purchase, transfer and send data plans and mobile credit to business associates, family and friends
    ●SwitchBack unutilized data (later in 2023)
    ●Eliminate the need for multiple SIM cards when travelling
    ●Avoid high roaming charges
    ●Enjoy benefits of the next-generation telco solutions

3) Gorilla SwitchBack’s features are the following:

  • Unused data can be converted to SOPA Points using SwitchBack
    ●Proprietary technology, new age solution
    ●Transforming digital consumable into a digital rewards
    ●SwitchBack, save and redeem points to enjoy thousands of rewards
    ●No Limits, No Caps

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 650,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operatesThoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network;NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; VLeisure, Vietnam’s leading provider of hotel management and payment solutions; Gorilla Global, a Singapore-based, mobile network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; andPushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contacts:
Rokas Sidlauskas
Chief Marketing Officer
rokas@thesocietypass.com

FRIED WITH PRIDE: Everyone has a seat at the table with KFC

KFC Thailand loaded its buckets with three important ingredients at the “Proud To Be Pride Parade 2023”: Love, Respect and Equal Opportunity. A trio of deep-fried values that’ve been coming in hot for KFC fans since 1952 – and this year’s rainbowed streets of CentralWorld Square, were no exception.

A pride parade unlike any other, “Proud To Be Pride” lit up Bangkok as a love fest spectacular on 1 June. Presented by Muse by Metinee x CentralWorld x The United Nations Development Programme, this was one gathering of minds that certainly needed no introduction. KFC Thailand was front and centre, with its Pride placard quoting the Colonel’s very first testimony from back in the day: ‘Everyone gets a seat at the table.’ And this year, everyone did. The Colonel’s 2023 Thai team bucketed forth and joined hearts with their pledge for diversity, inclusion, and equality, specifically in the workplace. KFC took to the bright-striped avenues with life-size recruitment buckets, in support of equal opportunities for all.

Spectators, marchers and even musicians were embraced and ushered by zealous KFC-stars to the KFC Walk-In Recruitment Buckets – where the table was duly laid with the freedom to be your best self, no matter what. Everyone was invited to step in and apply for some of the hottest KFC job vacancies this side of the menu. This was undoubtedly a proud moment for the KFC squad.

“At KFC Thailand, we’re not just about chicken; we’re about people – and encouraging people to bring their best selves to the party,” says Sakechai Choomuenwai, General Manager of KFC Thailand. “We’re an inclusive organization that goes above and beyond to cultivate a workplace where human values like Love, Respect and Pride are always dished up first,” says Choomuenwai.

With its zero-discrimination policy, and an all-time customer promise to serve its patrons with friendship, KFC Thailand makes no bones about its uncapped celebration of LGBTQ+ rights, applying the essence of diversity and equality to every touchpoint in and outside of its business. For KFC, Pride is not only reserved for the month of June, but rather, “Pride is a way of service and a way of life,” adds Choomuenwai, “and so too is individualism. If we can continue to provide an environment where our team members feel safe and comfortable to openly express themselves, then we’re doing our jobs, and we’re doing them well,” ends Choomuenwai.

By affording equal and fair career opportunities, KFC Thailand continues to stand strong against the backdrop of diversity and inclusion and holds true to its deeply-ingrained wishbone: to nourish a nation of dreamers, doers and achievers – and to do it with a whole lot of zing!

#KFCThailand #musebymetinee #UNDPthailand #centralwOrld #CTWprOudtObepride #PrideMonth2023

About KFC
KFC, one of the largest brands of quick service restaurants (QSR) and is popular all over the world. Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1952 with a commitment to improving and offering delicious and unique fried chicken menu of excellent quality to customers who love fried chicken. In Thailand, the first KFC store was established in 1985 at Central Ladprao Department Store. Currently, there are 978 KFC branches nationwide (as of October 2022). Brand and franchise management by YUM Restaurants International (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and KFC restaurant management by 3 franchisees: Central Restaurants Group Co., Ltd. (CRG), Restaurant Development Co., Ltd. (RD), The QSR of Asia Co., Ltd. (QSA).

Source: KFC Thailand

HotelRunner Introduces AI-Powered Review Center for Enhanced Reputation Management in the Travel and Hospitality Industry

HotelRunner, the leading travel and hospitality technologies platform, has launched HotelRunner Review Center, an innovative solution that will fundamentally change the way properties manage their online reputation and form the building blocks of technological transformation fueled by artificial intelligence.

HotelRunner Review Center HotelRunner Introduces AI-Powered Review Center for Enhanced Reputation Management in the Travel and Hospitality Industry

In the highly competitive world of hospitality, reputation management is more critical than ever. Guests rely heavily on reviews when making decisions and hold the power to drive a property’s successful reputation and exponential revenue growth.

As a company that draws its strength from its agility, HotelRunner proudly delivers an innovative solution to its partners and the industry after extensive research and development by observing the latest trends and anticipating the future that will be shaped around them.

HotelRunner Review Center is an advanced product that centralizes guest reviews, empowering properties to take control of their online reputation from a single user-friendly dashboard.

Thanks to HotelRunner’s strategic partnerships and certified integrations with Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb, Review Center allows properties to view and reply to all their reviews in one place. The AI technology generates unique and personalized replies to guest reviews within seconds. This ensures that each review receives timely and tailored responses, leading to improved guest satisfaction, and a steady revenue stream. The product also helps overcome language barriers effortlessly with built-in Google Translate functionality, translating guest reviews into more than 133 languages instantly, and facilitating effective communication. Another great benefit is saving hoteliers valuable time and effort. They can save their favorite replies for future use, easily fine-tune the replies, and deliver customized messages to each guest. Last but not least, the Review Center provides comprehensive performance tracking. Since the product gathers all reviews in one dashboard, it offers properties a HotelRunner score across various categories, allowing properties to identify areas for improvement, monitor progress over time, and continuously enhance their service offerings.

Yigit Can Bacakoglu, Director of Engineering at HotelRunner, said, “The introduction of HotelRunner Review Center marks a pivotal moment in the fiercely competitive hospitality industry. Through its integrated AI assistance, properties can streamline the consolidation of their reviews, address guest feedback, and elevate guest satisfaction and loyalty. We take great pride in spearheading the deployment of this cutting-edge technology and will continue to enrich our platform with homegrown AI-based products.”

Cihan Coskuntuncel, Director of Supply at HotelRunner, added, “Effective reputation management is the key to a lucrative sales strategy. We are delighted to unveil the HotelRunner Review Center, an AI-driven solution that empowers hoteliers to seize control over their online reputation. Equipped with advanced features and multilingual translation capabilities, Review Center ensures properties can promptly respond to reviews, enhance their online reputation, and never miss another reservation.”

HotelRunner Review Center is now available to properties worldwide to take advantage of AI-powered reputation management. Click here to get detailed information about the HotelRunner Review Center.

Contact Information
Suheyla van Taarling
Head of Brand
suheyla@hotelrunner.com
00905314010303

OYO becomes accommodation partner of differently abled Indian cricket team for Malaysia tour

  • OYO to offer discounted accommodation to the differently abled Indian cricket team touring Malaysia
  • Accommodation to be arranged in Hotel Signature International at Kuala Lumpur
  • The team is on a 3-day tour to Malaysia (June 12-14) to play matches with Malaysian team
  • OYO has also offered accommodation for differently abled players in India during the Sardar Patel Divyang Cricket Tournament

Global hospitality technology company OYO has announced that it will offer discounted accommodation to the differently abled Indian cricket team touring Malaysia from June 12 to 14 2023.

The sponsorship is a part of OYO’s ongoing commitment to supporting inclusivity and promoting equal opportunities for all individuals in sports.

As part of the sponsorship, OYO will take care of the team’s accommodation expenses throughout the duration of the tournament at discounted prices. Their accommodation will be arranged at Hotel Signature International in Kuala Lumpur to ensure that the players can focus on their performance and have a comfortable and stress-free stay during the competition.

The tour is organised by the Divyang Cricket Control Board of India which handles the affairs of Indian Cricket Team for the physically challenged, Indian wheelchair cricket team, Indian women cricket team for the physically challenged and Indian deaf and dumb cricket team.

Speaking on the development, Akshay Rathod, Country Head, OYO Malaysia said “OYO believes in creating an inclusive environment where every athlete, regardless of their unique abilities, can participate in sports with equal opportunities. This is a great opportunity for us to host cricket players from India and give them a memorable experience. With this initiative, we aim to break down barriers and foster an environment where these players can thrive, showcasing their talents and abilities without limitations”.

Ghazal Khan, CEO, Divyang Cricket Control Board of India said “We would like to thank OYO for going above and beyond in arranging accommodation for our players and championing equality. OYO’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is truly inspiring and it has created an environment where everyone can fully participate and excel. It has made a lasting impact on the lives of these athletes, and for that, we are immensely grateful”.

OYO’s partnership with the differently abled cricket team aligns with OYO’s core values of diversity, accessibility and innovation. It recently provided accommodation for disabled players who participated in the Sardar Patel Divyan Cricket Tournament in Lucknow, India.

About OYO
OYO is a global platform that aims to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses with hotels and homes by providing full-stack technology products and services that aim to increase revenue and ease operations; bringing easy-to-book, affordable, and trusted accommodation to customers around the world. OYO offers 40+ integrated products and solutions to patrons who operate approximately 1.70 lakh hotels and home storefronts in more than 35 countries including India, Europe and Southeast Asia, as of September 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.oyorooms.com.

Disclaimer: Oravel Stays Limited is proposing, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offering of its equity shares (the “Equity Shares”) and has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”).

The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of the Stock Exchanges, i.e., BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com, respectively, and is available on the websites of the Global Coordinators and Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited and Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited at www.investmentbank.kotak.com, www.jpmipl.com and www.online.citibank.co.in/rhtm/citigroupglobalscreen1.htm; the websites of the Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., ICICI Securities Limited, Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited, JM Financial Limited and Deutsche Equities India Private Limited at www.icicisecurities.com, www.nomuraholdings.com/company/group/asia/india/index.html, www.jmfl.com and www.db.com/India, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to the same, refer to the Red Herring Prospectus which may be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the future, including the section titled “Risk Factors”. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP filed with SEBI for making any investment decision. The Equity Shares offered in the Fresh Issue (as defined in the DRHP) and the Offer for Sale (as defined in the DRHP) have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and, may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are only being offered and sold (i) within the United States only to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements under the Securities Act, and (ii) outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act and pursuant to the applicable laws of the jurisdictions where those offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering of the Equity Shares in the United States.

Website: https://www.oyorooms.com/my/

Media contact:
Abhishek Sinha
PR & Corporate Communications
Tel: +91-9198461616
Email: abhishek.sinha3@oyorooms.com

Thailand celebrates sensational rainbow phenomenon with “Pride for All” campaign at Central World, putting forward the country to be a world pride destination in 2028

Over 500 LGBTQIAN+ joining a Parade of Rainbow Flags – symbolizing equality to reflect Central World as a space that embraces diversity that accepts all differences and promotes equality

Celebrate Pride Month: experience the magic of colourful Pride festivals here in Thailand, supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIAN+ community. Join the Spectacular Pride parade at Central World shopping center – one of a leader of the celebration of the Pride festival in Thailand, JVs with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, partners from government and private sectors led by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Galderma Thailand, Muse by Metinee, Bangkok PRIDE and Tiffany’s Show Pattaya Co., Ltd. to roll out the great celebration of THAILAND’S PRIDE CELEBRATION 2023 – ‘PRIDE FOR ALL’

PRIDE HAPPENING – the rainbow phenomenon throughout June.
The Biggest Pride Parade – waving rainbow flags in eight branches nationwide led by ‘Proud to be Pride’ at Central World with the show ‘Fly High In The Sky for Pride’ and Fashion Parade that gathers over 500+ models together with the ‘This is my look’ Parade from Galderma (Thailand) to express self-expression with confidence and charm. Followed by the sensational ‘Pride Concert’ by Thailand’s leading artists.

Echoing voices of diversity and equality with the Bangkok Pride 2023 parade, which Central World co-hosted with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in addition to Naruemit Pride. The parade are moved from the Pathumwan intersection to the Ratchaprasong intersection at Central World, waving the beautiful and spectacular 144.8-meter rainbow flag with hundreds of thousands of people joining the grand procession. Enjoy special shows, mini concerts and celebrations of gender diversity attended by provincial governors ambassadors, government agencies and representatives from the LGBTQIAN+ community.

Pride Talk with UNDP, listen to discussions from key persons in the LGBTQIAN+ community at centralwOrld, Central Pattaya, Phuket, Udonthani, Khon Kaen, Chiangmai and Chonburi. Enjoy Pride Competitions of Miss International Queen with national costumes at centralwOrld. Pride Vibe – experience an art installation from artist: ‘Teayii’ Prapatsorn with her work: ‘Seat a Pride’ throughout two full months at centralwOrld (June-July 2023) and at Central Chonburi under the art concept of ‘Mirror Mirror: Reflect Yourself’.

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

Vivid Sydney 2023 Kicks Off With Biggest Opening Weekend on Record

Vivid Sydney has enjoyed its largest-ever opening weekend, attracting more than 453,000 visitors to experience Australia’s largest event in 2023.

Vivid Sydney Circular Quay (Credit: Destination NSW)
Vivid Sydney Custom House (Credit: Destination NSW)
Vivid Sydney Walsh Bay (Credit: Destination NSW)

Festival-goers from Sydney, as well as regional New South Wales (NSW), interstate and international markets, turned out for the festival’s first weekend to experience some of the 300+ events and activations that make up the 2023 program. The opening weekend attendance represents a 4 per cent increase from Vivid Sydney’s previous highest opening weekend in 2022.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said the 2023 program was about bringing people together while providing economic benefits to Sydney and NSW businesses.

“It was great to see tens of thousands of families out enjoying the Vivid Light Walk and it was encouraging to see the city’s business district so vibrant and businesses benefiting from the record turnout.

“This festival is about community, bringing Sydneysiders and visitors from around the state, the country and the world together to celebrate our creative industries, and experience something new from world-class activations and events to diverse food culture and hospitality.

“Vivid Sydney 2023 is off to a flying start but there is still plenty of time to get out and take part in this unique Sydney celebration. I encourage those who are thinking about visiting the festival to plan their visit to the city and enjoy the festival in person.”

The longest-ever Vivid Sydney Light Walk, festival-first experiences including Lightscape and Dark Spectrum, as well as Vivid Food, were all among the most visited festival offerings on the opening weekend. Restaurants, cafes and bars benefited from over 120,000 diners (up 5 per cent on opening weekend in 2022). Overall, 85 per cent of attendees purchased food and beverages during the festival’s opening weekend.

Vivid Sydney 2023 started with First Light, a moving Welcome to Country, followed by a celebration of First Nations peoples and culture featuring Yothu Yindi performing the iconic song Treaty.

Then, at 6 p.m. on Friday 26 May (AEST), the bright and dazzling lights of Vivid Sydney 2023 were turned on as fireworks, searchlights and drones lit up the sky around Circular Quay and the sails of the Sydney Opera House were illuminated with the vibrant works of the late John Olsen AO OBE animated by creative technologists Curiious for Life Enlivened (2023).

On Sunday 28 May (AEST), more than 1,000 drones took to the night sky in the first of six scheduled drone shows titled “Written in the Stars.” Tens of thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors were amazed by the incredible images and animations from the largest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere which provides an awe-inspiring journey through the natural world above us.

“Written in the Stars” will be staged throughout the festival on Sunday and Wednesday nights, and on Monday 12 June, from 9:10 p.m. (subject to weather conditions), and is set to an accompanying audio track available on Cinewav.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said the expanded program and new, innovative events were key to engaging audiences in 2023.

“Vivid Sydney is the ultimate celebration of creative industries and our spectacular city.

“This year’s program raises the bar and reimagines the types of activations we offer – festival firsts, world premieres and never-before-activated spaces, and the brand-new pillar, Vivid Food.

“The programming is so diverse – there really is something for everyone. We are thrilled that so many have been part of our first festival weekend – the feedback and response have been incredible. There is still so much more to come!”

Vivid Sydney is the largest festival in Australia and runs nightly from 6 p.m. until Saturday 17 June. In 2022, the festival welcomed 2.58 million visitors and injected $119 million into the NSW economy.

For more information, visit www.visitsydney.com.

Contact Information
Jenna Whyte
PR Manager
jenna.whyte@dnsw.com.au

Calling Travel Changemakers Who Built Better with Tech

WiT (Web in Travel), Asia Pacific’s leading travel tech news and events platform, will launch an awards series, the Travel Changemakers Awards, at its signature conference in Singapore this year. The Awards aim to recognise travel innovators that have used technology to build back better, post-pandemic. Award winners will be announced at WiT Singapore, 2-4 Oct 2023.

The Travel Changemakers Awards are supported by ATTIA (Asia Travel and Technology Industry Association), an association which represents companies that operate in the travel and tourism sector in Asia Pacific and have technology and innovation at their core. Its members include Agoda, Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Amadeus, Travelport and Skyscanner.

About the Awards

Travel Changemakers Awards recognises innovators in Asia Pacific who have seized the opportunity to introduce new initiatives and programmes to transform not only their organisation but also the industry, with the imaginative and clever use of technology at the heart of the change.

There are five Awards categories:

  • Environmental Awareness & Action: Spreading the message of environmental awareness through a specific programme/activity
  • Local Community Engagement: Deepening engagement with local communities through a specific programme/activity
  • Hidden Gems: Uncovering hidden gems in a destination through a specific programme/activity
  • Regenerative Tourism: Repurposing of assets or regenerating a destination through a specific programme/activity
  • Diversity & Inclusion: Empowering under-represented segments of the population through a specific programme/activity

The Awards are open to nominations by all in the travel industry, be it a tourism board, NGO, NPO (not-for-profit), social enterprise, public sector enterprise or private sector organization. The submission should describe programmes and activities that were launched between May 2020 and December 2022.

A panel of experts, curated by WiT and ATTIA, will form the jury and will be announced at a later date. The deadline for entries is July 31, 2023.

Conceiving the Awards

“Since the reopening of travel in Asia Pacific, there have been lots of calls made in the travel industry to build back better, to take the lessons thrown at the industry by the Covid-19 pandemic, to plan and create a better future,” said Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT.

“We felt it was time to honour those who actually did it – who turned ideas into action and initiated programmes to build back better.

“The idea for the awards also came from the Global Travel Tech Thinktank, held at WiT Singapore last year, when leaders gathered to brainstorm for a better future for travel. It was clear that respect for the environment, meaningful engagement with local communities, unearthing hidden gems for travellers to discover, repurposing of assets rather than building new as well as diversity and inclusion were critical to building back better.”

Commented Chis Kerin, Managing Director – ATTIA, “Our focus within ATTIA is to establish and promote productive relationships across the travel tech industry. Having the opportunity to work with WiT and to support the Travel Changemakers Awards is a perfect way for us to help showcase the positive and productive initiatives that have developed across the industry from various organisations in a post pandemic environment.

“ATTIA hopes that the sharing of ideas, creation of relationships and productive discussions will not only accelerate the recovery of the industry, but also drive further change to improve our industry as a whole in each of the awards category areas. These categories were specifically chosen as fundamental areas that could apply to most organisations in the travel tech industry and we are genuinely excited to see how creative, impactful and meaningful these initiatives are that our industry has to offer.

“Something like the Travel Changemakers Awards takes a lot of planning, time and effort to be executed and ATTIA are very excited and proud to be working with WiT for such an initiative in our industry. The WiT conferences are always at the top of the priority list for most organisations in the travel tech industry each year and to have an opportunity to formally recognise some of the great contributions made within the industry is long overdue.”

To enter, click here

MEDIA CONTACT:
Illka Gobius
Managing Director
PINPOINT PR Pte. Ltd.
illka@pinpointpr.sg | pinpointpr.sg
SG: +65 9769 8370

The 5th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) 2023 celebrate popularity of Japan’s alpine market

Organisers of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards have opened the call for entries for Greater Niseko at an opportune time for the world-renowned Japanese holiday property market.

The 5th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) are now accepting entries ahead of their presentation on Friday, 8 December 2023. The awards will be announced on an international stage at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok in Thailand, where the best of the best in the region’s real estate will gather to celebrate industry excellence. Submissions are accepted online via: https://asiapropertyawards.com/

The emergence of increasingly upscale communities and easy access for Asian tourists and second-home buyers continue to contribute to Niseko’s ascent, according to research from Property Report by PropertyGuru, the official magazine of the Awards.

With significant infrastructure developments in the pipeline, including a bullet-train route from Tokyo and a new regional highway, as well as a bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics, Greater Niseko is bound for greater prominence in the coming years. While foreign families and individual investors continue to be the primary property buyers in the area, Greater Niseko is seeing renewed interest from Japanese individual and corporate buyers, many of whom are increasingly drawn to the area’s emerging enclaves.

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “With its world-class hotels and hospitality projects, Greater Niseko continues to be a significant player in Asia’s property landscape, capturing the attention of investors, as well as the judges for the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards. As cross-border travel resumes in Japan, we eagerly anticipate the rebound of tourism in Greater Niseko, and are pleased to recognise and award the development and design firms that are revitalising one of the world’s premier ski resort destinations.”

Key dates for the 2023 edition:
15 September 2023 – Entries Close
2-13 October 2023 – Site Inspections
18 October 2023 – Final Judging
8 December 2023 – Gala Event and Awards Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand
8 December 2023 – Regional Grand Final Gala Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand

The public are encouraged to submit their nominations before the deadline of entries on 15 September 2023 here: https://asiapropertyawards.com/nominations

New chairperson elected

Experts in real estate consultancy, design, and other fields have been assembled to form a panel of judges who will participate in a fair, transparent process of selecting the award recipients. This year, Eddie Guillemette, CEO of Midori no Ki (MnK), will serve as the new chairperson of the independent panel of judges, succeeding Bill Barnett, founder and managing director of C9 Hotelworks, who will remain on the panel.

Eddie Guillemette said: “I’m delighted to announce the resumption of the search for outstanding developments, companies, and design practices in Greater Niseko through the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, in collaboration with an esteemed panel of independent judges. With the revitalisation of Japan’s tourism sector and its close association with the real estate industry, we hold a positive outlook for the Greater Niseko property market this year.”

Bill Barnett said: “Niseko is Asia’s leading alpine real estate market and on the cusp of even greater things with a pipeline of international hotel brands such as Six Senses and Capella adding traction to the branded residences sector. We are optimistic of a significant market uplift this year based on very strong fundamentals.”

The nominees shortlisted by the judges will be able to showcase their companies and projects to a wide network of property seekers, real estate agents, banks and valuers, and enterprises served by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE: PGRU), Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company.

Supervised by HLB, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, the awards programme makes full use of a professionally run judging system, with an established reputation for credibility and integrity.

Representation for Greater Niseko

Main winners of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) will qualify to compete with the region’s best at the 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which will also be held in Bangkok, Thailand on 8 December 2023.

Greater Niseko was represented last year at the 17th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final with Andaru Collection Niseko by Blue Waves Group winning both the Best Completed Housing/Landed Development (Asia) and Best Housing/Landed Interior Design (Asia) awards. Also representing Greater Niseko, HakuVillas by H2 Group won the Best Completed Condo Development (Asia) award.

Established in 2005, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards continue to reward high-calibre work within the industry, encompassing property development, construction, architecture, interior design, and sustainable building practices. The series initially covered Southeast Asia and has expanded over the years to include the region’s dynamic property markets, including Australia, China, and India.

Organised by PropertyGuru Group, the 5th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) are supported by official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partner Powderlife; supporting association Niseko Tourism; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: https://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 2023, the Awards series is open to more than a dozen 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 2023.

For more information, please visit https://AsiaPropertyAwards.com

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUP

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading(1) PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 41 million property seekers(2) to connect with more than 63,000 agents(3) monthly to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 3.2 million real estate listings(4), in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, 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 15 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio of leading property marketplaces across its core markets; award-winning mobile apps; mortgage marketplace, PropertyGuru Finance; and a host of enterprise solutions now under PropertyGuru For Business, including a high-quality developer sales enablement platform, FastKey, DataSense, ValueNet, Awards, events and publications across Asia.

For more information, please visit: https://PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/propertyguru).

(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2022 and December 2022.
(2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2022 and December 2022.
(3) Based on data between July 2022 and December 2022.
(4) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2022 and December 2022.

PropertyGuru Contacts:

General Enquiries:
Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing Services
M: +66 92 954 4154
E: allan@propertyguru.com

Media & Partnerships:
Piyachanok Raungpaka, Media Relations & Marketing Services Executive
M: +66 94 887 5163
E: piyachanok@propertyguru.com

Sponsorships:
Kanittha Srithongsuk, Regional Manager, Awards Sponsorship
M: +66 93 293 9794
E: kanittha@propertyguru.com

Sales & Nominations:
Nyan Zaw Aung (Jordan), Solutions Manager
M: +66 964 575088
E: jordan@propertyguru.com

NOTE: Use of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards logo is limited to the publication of this article only.