Latest news with #Nanyang-style
Korea Herald
12-06-2025
- Korea Herald
When "Just for Fun" Meets AI Tech: Singapore Tourism Board and Mafengwo Explore New Ways to Travel in the Future
SINGAPORE, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 10th, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Mafengwo jointly hosted the "#AnywayIt'sFun Inspiration Renewal Journey" event in Beijing. Centered around the themes of "contrast, novelty, and social connection," the event showcased the diverse charm of Singapore travel through an immersive Nanyang-style experience, a friendly roundtable discussion, and stories shared by travel influencers. Mafengwo unveiled its latest AI-powered cultural and creative product, powered by its self-developed AI model for travel industry, offering tourists a glimpse into the future of "smart travel." In recent years, Chinese travelers have increasingly sought deeper, more personalized travel experiences rather than chasing popular attractions. According to user data from Mafengwo's "AI Travel Assistant for Singapore", travelers' preferences to Singapore are becoming more nuanced and segmented. Families with children care about "queue times at attractions" and "stroller rentals," young travelers seek out "trendy cafés" and "Peranakan culture check-ins," while seniors prioritize "barrier-free facilities." "To meet these needs, Singapore has introduced five themed travel profiles," explained Mr. Andrew Phua, STB's Chief Representative and Executive Director of Greater China, during the roundtable. "Health-conscious travelers can explore Sentosa's rainforest ecosystem through immersive guided tours. Food lovers may try the uniquely flavored coffee pork ribs. Urban explorers can marvel at prehistoric wonders at the new Jurassic World: The Exhibition at Gardens by the Bay. Experience-seekers can feel the pulse of Formula 1 and enjoy live performances at the Singapore Grand Prix. Meanwhile, senior travelers may enjoy the tranquility and joy of traditional embroidery workshops. By combining AI technology with tourism products, we can provid endless possibilities aligned with the "Just for Fun" spirit. " "AI travel assistants—whether in the form of digital itineraries or creative cultural products—are more than tools. They are triggers for travel inspiration," said Chen Gang, CEO of Mafengwo. He elaborated on how AI is reshaping travel in the era of hyper-independent travel and introduced "AI XiaoXinxin," an AI assistant in plush doll form. It could seamlessly answer Singapore-related travel questions from both the host and guests, while also acting as a fun companion for photos and emotional support on trips. The AI Travel Itinerary tool ("AI Roadbook") offers exhaustive pre-trip planning support. Chen Gang demonstrated when prompted with "a 5-day in-depth cultural trip with parents," the system generated a thoughtfully balanced itinerary including Chinese heritage tours in Chinatown, local coffee culture, traditional crafts, and old-school cafés. Each section comes with budget allocations from economical to premium tiers. Especially for senior travelers, it introduces features like Singapore's "Green Man+" system and Silver Zones—facilities designed to enhance elderly convenience—thus easing planning anxiety. "Additionally, the newly launched real-time translation tool by AI Xiaoma eliminates the hassle of typing; users can simply press and speak into two microphones alternately on the same screen for seamless multilingual interaction." Two Mafengwo's influencers (Feng Shou) shared what "Just for Fun" means to them in Singapore. Geotechnical engineer and super dad Ren Yuan Tai Shan reflected on how he once fixated on rigid itineraries, but now treasures spontaneous moments—like chatting with local elders while enjoying fish ball noodles with his child near HDB flats. Meanwhile, first-time visitor and ski coach Yi Yun looked forward to zoning out, sipping Kopi, and strolling around the vibrant, sun-soaked streets, hoping to stumble upon delightful surprises. Beyond savoring local dishes at the Peranakan Flavor Remix Booth and creating handmade crafts at the Nanyang Mini Workshop, the appearance of the AI-powered "Xiaoma Robot" dressed in Singapore-themed outfits brought the event to a peak. Like travelers just back from Singapore, these robots offered guests a quirky, smart, and whimsical travel encounter. As long-term strategic partners, STB and Mafengwo have previously precisely reached family and young traveler segments through campaigns like "The Best Summer Homework" and "Jackson Wang's Itinerary," pioneering the integration of the latest technology into travel as the first overseas destination AI partner. The launch of this AI travel companion marks a significant transition in their collaboration from "content marketing" to " intelligent services." It is understood that both parties will continue to upgrade the AI companion's features to empower the "Just for Fun" philosophy, enabling travelers to enjoy both meticulous planning and unexpected discoveries around every corner in their Singapore journey.
Malaysian Reserve
12-06-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
When "Just for Fun" Meets AI Tech: Singapore Tourism Board and Mafengwo Explore New Ways to Travel in the Future
SINGAPORE, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On June 10th, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Mafengwo jointly hosted the '#AnywayIt'sFun Inspiration Renewal Journey' event in Beijing. Centered around the themes of 'contrast, novelty, and social connection,' the event showcased the diverse charm of Singapore travel through an immersive Nanyang-style experience, a friendly roundtable discussion, and stories shared by travel influencers. Mafengwo unveiled its latest AI-powered cultural and creative product, powered by its self-developed AI model for travel industry, offering tourists a glimpse into the future of 'smart travel.' In recent years, Chinese travelers have increasingly sought deeper, more personalized travel experiences rather than chasing popular attractions. According to user data from Mafengwo's 'AI Travel Assistant for Singapore', travelers' preferences to Singapore are becoming more nuanced and segmented. Families with children care about 'queue times at attractions' and 'stroller rentals,' young travelers seek out 'trendy cafés' and 'Peranakan culture check-ins,' while seniors prioritize 'barrier-free facilities.' 'To meet these needs, Singapore has introduced five themed travel profiles,' explained Mr. Andrew Phua, STB's Chief Representative and Executive Director of Greater China, during the roundtable. 'Health-conscious travelers can explore Sentosa's rainforest ecosystem through immersive guided tours. Food lovers may try the uniquely flavored coffee pork ribs. Urban explorers can marvel at prehistoric wonders at the new Jurassic World: The Exhibition at Gardens by the Bay. Experience-seekers can feel the pulse of Formula 1 and enjoy live performances at the Singapore Grand Prix. Meanwhile, senior travelers may enjoy the tranquility and joy of traditional embroidery workshops. By combining AI technology with tourism products, we can provid endless possibilities aligned with the 'Just for Fun' spirit. ' 'AI travel assistants—whether in the form of digital itineraries or creative cultural products—are more than tools. They are triggers for travel inspiration,' said Chen Gang, CEO of Mafengwo. He elaborated on how AI is reshaping travel in the era of hyper-independent travel and introduced 'AI XiaoXinxin,' an AI assistant in plush doll form. It could seamlessly answer Singapore-related travel questions from both the host and guests, while also acting as a fun companion for photos and emotional support on trips. The AI Travel Itinerary tool ('AI Roadbook') offers exhaustive pre-trip planning support. Chen Gang demonstrated when prompted with 'a 5-day in-depth cultural trip with parents,' the system generated a thoughtfully balanced itinerary including Chinese heritage tours in Chinatown, local coffee culture, traditional crafts, and old-school cafés. Each section comes with budget allocations from economical to premium tiers. Especially for senior travelers, it introduces features like Singapore's 'Green Man+' system and Silver Zones—facilities designed to enhance elderly convenience—thus easing planning anxiety. 'Additionally, the newly launched real-time translation tool by AI Xiaoma eliminates the hassle of typing; users can simply press and speak into two microphones alternately on the same screen for seamless multilingual interaction.' Two Mafengwo's influencers (Feng Shou) shared what 'Just for Fun' means to them in Singapore. Geotechnical engineer and super dad Ren Yuan Tai Shan reflected on how he once fixated on rigid itineraries, but now treasures spontaneous moments—like chatting with local elders while enjoying fish ball noodles with his child near HDB flats. Meanwhile, first-time visitor and ski coach Yi Yun looked forward to zoning out, sipping Kopi, and strolling around the vibrant, sun-soaked streets, hoping to stumble upon delightful surprises. Beyond savoring local dishes at the Peranakan Flavor Remix Booth and creating handmade crafts at the Nanyang Mini Workshop, the appearance of the AI-powered 'Xiaoma Robot' dressed in Singapore-themed outfits brought the event to a peak. Like travelers just back from Singapore, these robots offered guests a quirky, smart, and whimsical travel encounter. As long-term strategic partners, STB and Mafengwo have previously precisely reached family and young traveler segments through campaigns like 'The Best Summer Homework' and 'Jackson Wang's Itinerary,' pioneering the integration of the latest technology into travel as the first overseas destination AI partner. The launch of this AI travel companion marks a significant transition in their collaboration from 'content marketing' to ' intelligent services.' It is understood that both parties will continue to upgrade the AI companion's features to empower the 'Just for Fun' philosophy, enabling travelers to enjoy both meticulous planning and unexpected discoveries around every corner in their Singapore journey.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
When "Just for Fun" Meets AI Tech: Singapore Tourism Board and Mafengwo Explore New Ways to Travel in the Future
SINGAPORE, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 10th, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Mafengwo jointly hosted the "#AnywayIt'sFun Inspiration Renewal Journey" event in Beijing. Centered around the themes of "contrast, novelty, and social connection," the event showcased the diverse charm of Singapore travel through an immersive Nanyang-style experience, a friendly roundtable discussion, and stories shared by travel influencers. Mafengwo unveiled its latest AI-powered cultural and creative product, powered by its self-developed AI model for travel industry, offering tourists a glimpse into the future of "smart travel." In recent years, Chinese travelers have increasingly sought deeper, more personalized travel experiences rather than chasing popular attractions. According to user data from Mafengwo's "AI Travel Assistant for Singapore", travelers' preferences to Singapore are becoming more nuanced and segmented. Families with children care about "queue times at attractions" and "stroller rentals," young travelers seek out "trendy cafés" and "Peranakan culture check-ins," while seniors prioritize "barrier-free facilities." "To meet these needs, Singapore has introduced five themed travel profiles," explained Mr. Andrew Phua, STB's Chief Representative and Executive Director of Greater China, during the roundtable. "Health-conscious travelers can explore Sentosa's rainforest ecosystem through immersive guided tours. Food lovers may try the uniquely flavored coffee pork ribs. Urban explorers can marvel at prehistoric wonders at the new Jurassic World: The Exhibition at Gardens by the Bay. Experience-seekers can feel the pulse of Formula 1 and enjoy live performances at the Singapore Grand Prix. Meanwhile, senior travelers may enjoy the tranquility and joy of traditional embroidery workshops. By combining AI technology with tourism products, we can provid endless possibilities aligned with the "Just for Fun" spirit. " "AI travel assistants—whether in the form of digital itineraries or creative cultural products—are more than tools. They are triggers for travel inspiration," said Chen Gang, CEO of Mafengwo. He elaborated on how AI is reshaping travel in the era of hyper-independent travel and introduced "AI XiaoXinxin," an AI assistant in plush doll form. It could seamlessly answer Singapore-related travel questions from both the host and guests, while also acting as a fun companion for photos and emotional support on trips. The AI Travel Itinerary tool ("AI Roadbook") offers exhaustive pre-trip planning support. Chen Gang demonstrated when prompted with "a 5-day in-depth cultural trip with parents," the system generated a thoughtfully balanced itinerary including Chinese heritage tours in Chinatown, local coffee culture, traditional crafts, and old-school cafés. Each section comes with budget allocations from economical to premium tiers. Especially for senior travelers, it introduces features like Singapore's "Green Man+" system and Silver Zones—facilities designed to enhance elderly convenience—thus easing planning anxiety. "Additionally, the newly launched real-time translation tool by AI Xiaoma eliminates the hassle of typing; users can simply press and speak into two microphones alternately on the same screen for seamless multilingual interaction." Two Mafengwo's influencers (Feng Shou) shared what "Just for Fun" means to them in Singapore. Geotechnical engineer and super dad Ren Yuan Tai Shan reflected on how he once fixated on rigid itineraries, but now treasures spontaneous moments—like chatting with local elders while enjoying fish ball noodles with his child near HDB flats. Meanwhile, first-time visitor and ski coach Yi Yun looked forward to zoning out, sipping Kopi, and strolling around the vibrant, sun-soaked streets, hoping to stumble upon delightful surprises. Beyond savoring local dishes at the Peranakan Flavor Remix Booth and creating handmade crafts at the Nanyang Mini Workshop, the appearance of the AI-powered "Xiaoma Robot" dressed in Singapore-themed outfits brought the event to a peak. Like travelers just back from Singapore, these robots offered guests a quirky, smart, and whimsical travel encounter. As long-term strategic partners, STB and Mafengwo have previously precisely reached family and young traveler segments through campaigns like "The Best Summer Homework" and "Jackson Wang's Itinerary," pioneering the integration of the latest technology into travel as the first overseas destination AI partner. The launch of this AI travel companion marks a significant transition in their collaboration from "content marketing" to " intelligent services." It is understood that both parties will continue to upgrade the AI companion's features to empower the "Just for Fun" philosophy, enabling travelers to enjoy both meticulous planning and unexpected discoveries around every corner in their Singapore journey. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mafengwo Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Huggs Coffee expands from cafes in CBD to supplying corporate pantries and hospitals
Clarissa Choo is a brand director of Huggs Coffee and a second-generation leader of the business, which was founded by her father Ron Choo. PHOTO: BT FILE Huggs Coffee expands from cafes in CBD to supplying corporate pantries and hospitals SINGAPORE - Having established itself in the Central Business District (CBD), Huggs Coffee seeks to delve deeper into workplaces – not just offices, but hospitals too. This is under its business-to-business (B2B) division Huggs Professionale, which focuses on corporate and healthcare workers. The chain began in 2008 with cafes in the CBD, offering both traditional Nanyang-style kopi and artisanal Western-style coffee. After Huggs became established among office workers, the company ventured into another industry where caffeine is key: hospitals. 'For us, it is a natural extension – looking outside the CBD and into hospital spaces,' said Clarissa Choo, brand director of Huggs Coffee and a second-generation leader of the business, which was founded by her father Ron Choo. Huggs made its first foray into healthcare with a cafe in Tan Tock Seng Hospital in 2017, followed by one at National University Hospital in 2022, and another at the National Cancer Centre Singapore in October 2023. It was also in 2023 that the company launched Huggs Professionale, offering coffee beans, coffee machines and vending machines – with a selected range of freshly brewed coffees – to businesses. 'This really allows us to diversify our footprint – not just within the retail space, but also in corporate pantries,' said Ms Choo. In 2024, Huggs opened cafes in Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, with the latter also featuring the first Huggs Professionale vending machine. As hospitals run around the clock, their staff may need coffee at any time of the day. But this has implications for labour costs, Ms Choo noted. 'It's not commercially viable to open our cafe 24/7.' Vending machines solve this problem. Even after the cafe closes at 5 pm, staff can still get a fresh brew from the vending machine. Ms Choo looks forward to setting up vending machines in other hospitals while improving both the coffee – with a wider range of blends – and the machines themselves. For instance, Mount Elizabeth worked with Huggs to create its own coffee blend for staff and patients named 'It's Possible', after the hospital's tagline. Custom brews Huggs has already been offering packaged coffee beans for retail in their CBD cafes. But the B2B division enables the company to look at retail and customisation in a 'more structured manner', said Choo. With corporate offices, for instance, Huggs works with clients' requests for coffee blends and coffee machines. For those unsure of which blends to stock, Huggs holds blind tasting sessions – similar to those for Mount Elizabeth – where clients can taste Huggs' coffee blends in different variations, as well as its non-caffeinated drinks. 'We introduce a realm of different taste profiles and dive into a very extensive R&D (research and development) session,' she said. These range from fruitier, tropical blends to ones that are thicker and more chocolatey, the director added. Local, international expansion Corporate clients aside, Huggs is strengthening its consumer presence, aiming to reach Singapore's speciality coffee drinkers. In June 2024, it launched its first Sojourner outlet in the Royal Group Building along Phillip Street. The new concept is part of the so-called 'fifth wave' of coffee: modern, business-centred cafes that serve high-quality, artisanal brews. The aim is to reach more coffee connoisseurs and those who are more 'discerning and adventurous' with their coffee, said Ms Choo. Sojourner brings in premium beans such as Ethiopia Bensa and those from less well-known regions such as Papua New Guinea; it also brews its own artisanal blends. A second Sojourner outlet was later opened in private vault The Reserve, and is exclusive to its employees. Similarly, Apple employees also have exclusive use of a Huggs Coffee cafe. This June, Huggs will open its third Sojourner outlet in Capital Tower and its 19th Huggs Coffee outlet in Punggol Digital District, with the help of an SME Working Capital Loan from UOB, under the government's Enterprise Financing Scheme. The Punggol branch will include a Huggs Professionale showcase and a vending machine that remains accessible, even after the cafe's business hours. Ms Choo wanted to live up to the district's name by digitalising the cafe experience, as well as taking the opportunity to showcase Huggs Professionale's automation. Regionally, Huggs Coffee plans to expand to Malaysia and the Philippines, and is considering Japan and Dubai. The company is still in preliminary discussions with partners and master franchisees, and is still undecided about which market to enter first. Obtaining adequate information is key, said Ms Choo. 'Otherwise, it's uncharted territory for us.' Going abroad may require some adaptation, as the Nanyang-style coffee offered in Huggs outlets in Singapore is tailored to the local market. In overseas ventures, Huggs may have to tweak the intensity and composition of its coffee, to align it more with the taste buds of coffee drinkers there, said Ms Choo. Overseas menus may incorporate artisanal coffee, as well as the new market's own version of kopi. 'Depending on the market that we penetrate, we need to see what their version of everyday coffee (is), and localise.' THE BUSINESS TIMES Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Huggs Coffee expands from retail cafes in CBD to supplying corporate pantries and hospitals
[SINGAPORE] Having established itself in the Central Business District (CBD), Huggs Coffee seeks to delve deeper into workplaces – not just offices, but hospitals too. This is under its business-to-business (B2B) division Huggs Professionale, which focuses on corporate and healthcare workers. The chain began in 2008 with cafes in the CBD, offering both traditional Nanyang-style kopi and artisanal Western-style coffee. After Huggs became established among office workers, the company decided to venture into another industry where caffeine is key: hospitals. 'For us, it is a natural extension – looking outside of the CBD and into hospital spaces,' said Clarissa Choo, brand director of Huggs Coffee and a second-generation leader of the business, which was founded by her father Ron Choo. Huggs made its first foray into healthcare with a cafe at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in 2017, followed by one at National University Hospital in 2022, and another at the National Cancer Centre Singapore in October 2023. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am SGSME Get updates on Singapore's SME community, along with profiles, news and tips. Sign Up Sign Up It was also in 2023 that the company launched Huggs Professionale, offering coffee beans, coffee machines and vending machines – with a selected range of freshly brewed coffee – to businesses. 'This really allows us to diversify our footprint – not just within the retail space, but also in corporate pantries,' said Choo. In 2024, Huggs opened cafes in Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, with the latter also featuring the first Huggs Professionale vending machine. As hospitals run around the clock, their staff may need coffee at any time of the day. But this has implications for labour costs, Choo noted. 'It's not commercially viable to open our cafe 24/7.' Vending machines solve this problem. Even after the cafe closes at 5 pm, staff can still get a fresh brew from the vending machine. Choo looks forward to setting up vending machines in other hospitals while improving both the coffee – with a wider range of blends – and the machines themselves. For instance, Mount Elizabeth worked with Huggs to create its own coffee blend for staff and patients named 'It's Possible', after the hospital's tagline. Custom brews Huggs has already been offering packaged coffee beans for retail in their CBD cafes. But the B2B division allows the company to look at retail and customisation in a 'more structured manner', said Choo. With corporate offices, for instance, Huggs works with clients' requests for coffee blends and coffee machines. For those unsure of which blends to stock, Huggs holds blind tasting sessions – similar to those for Mount Elizabeth – where clients can taste Huggs' coffee blends in different variations, as well as its non-caffeinated drinks. 'We introduce a realm of different taste profiles and dive into a very extensive R&D (research and development) session,' she said. These range from fruiter, tropical blends to ones that are thicker and more chocolatey, the director added. Local, international expansion Other than corporate clients, Huggs is strengthening its consumer presence, aiming to reach Singapore's speciality coffee drinkers. In June 2024, Huggs launched its first Sojourner outlet in the Royal Group Building along Phillip Street. The new concept is part of the so-called 'fifth wave' of coffee: modern, business-centred cafes that serve high-quality, artisanal brews. The aim is to reach more coffee connoisseurs and those who are more 'discerning and adventurous' with their coffee, said Choo. Sojourner brings in premium beans such as Ethiopia Bensa and those from less common regions such as Papua New Guinea, as well as brewing its own artisanal blends. A second Sojourner outlet was later opened in private vault The Reserve, and is exclusive to its employees. Similarly, one of the Huggs Coffee cafes is exclusive to Apple employees. This June, Huggs will open its third Sojourner outlet in Capital Tower and its 19th Huggs Coffee outlet in Punggol Digital District, with the help of an SME Working Capital Loan from UOB under the government's Enterprise Financing Scheme. The Punggol branch will include a Huggs Professionale showcase and a vending machine that remains accessible even after the cafe closes for the day. Choo wanted to live up to the district's name: digitalising the cafe experience, as well as taking the opportunity to showcase Huggs Professionale's automation. Regionally, Huggs Coffee plans to expand to Malaysia and the Philippines, and is considering Japan and Dubai. The company is still in preliminary discussions with partners and master franchisees, and has not yet decided which market to enter first. Obtaining adequate information is key, said Choo. 'Otherwise, it's uncharted territory for us.' Going abroad may require some adaptation, as the Nanyang-style coffee offered in Huggs outlets here is tailored to the local market. In overseas ventures, Huggs may have to tweak the intensity and composition of its coffee, such that it is more familiar and attuned to the locals' tastebuds, said Choo. Overseas menus may incorporate artisanal coffee, as well as the new market's own version of kopi. 'Depending on the market that we penetrate, we need to see what their version of everyday coffee (is), and localise.'
