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UOB partners Shopee to offer customers greater value as they shop online

Partnership comes as more customers are shifting their buying online; online campaigns such as 11.11 and Black Friday expected to boost online spend

United Overseas Bank (UOB) and Shopee have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to offer customers more value when they use UOB’s flagship UOB One Credit or Debit cards to make purchases on Shopee’s online marketplace.

The MOU is timely given the surge in online spending this year. Since the start of the year, spend on retail purchases made online by UOB cardmembers has grown close to 50 per cent year on year. In the second quarter of this year when Singapore underwent a circuit breaker period to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, spend made online surged 69 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.

Even as businesses begin to resume operations from July, online spending continues to increase as customers take to the ease of shopping online. Among UOB cardmembers, Shopee has been their preferred choice, with spend made on Shopee outpacing other popular online marketplaces in 2020. For example, spend at Shopee made by cardmembers of UOB’s flagship cashback credit card, the UOB One Card tripled between 2019 and September 2020.

Given the popularity of Shopee among UOB One Cardmembers, the MOU partners have signed up to offer exclusive deals and cash rebates of up to 10 per cent when customers charge their purchases on Shopee to their UOB One Card. The partnership comes as e-commerce campaigns such as 11.11 and Black Friday are expected to draw in more customers looking for value as they shop online.

In addition to exclusive privileges for UOB One Cardmembers, the MOU partners will also explore the use of data analytics and APIs to personalise the customer experience as they shop online and to offer digital payment options that are relevant to the consumer, such as using reward points to offset their purchases.

This could also lead to initiatives such as the integration of Shopee’s features on UOB’s all-in-one mobile banking app, UOB Mighty or vice versa.

Ms Jacquelyn Tan, Head of Group Personal Financial Services, UOB said, “At UOB, our focus is always on how we can make our customers’ purchasing journey simpler, smarter and safer. We have been expanding the exclusive partnerships for our flagship credit card, the UOB One Card, to serve the lifestyle needs of our consumers. Today, UOB One Cardmembers can enjoy exclusive privileges when they shop at any Dairy Farm Group brands, hail a ride or order food delivery with Grab or pay their utilities bills with SP Group.

With Shopee on board as a long-term partner, we now have the largest partner ecosystem in Singapore to enable our customers to derive greater value as they shop online. We are also excited to embark on our commitment with Shopee to explore and to design innovative processes, solutions and services to drive the adoption and usage of online retail and digital payments.”

Mr. Zhou Junjie, Chief Commercial Officer, Shopee, said, “Shopee’s priority has always been to deliver our users with memorable and unique shopping experiences. We utilise a data-driven and hyper-localised approach to cater to consumer needs, resulting in campaigns, offerings, and partnerships that evolve in tandem with ever-changing user demands. Being a proudly homegrown company ourselves, we thus see great synergy in partnering with UOB, one of the largest local banks in both Singapore and Asia, to explore new ways of deepening user engagement. This timely partnership coincides with one of our largest shopping events – the Shopee 11.11 Big Sale – giving us the opportunity to not only bring users the best shopping experience possible, but to also connect, inform, and inspire consumers all across the region.”

Top 5 Airbnb rentals from S$41/night you can book for your yearend trip to Hong Kong

Just two weeks back, we read with joy that Singapore and Hong Kong are in talks to establish a travel bubble where travellers can exempt from quarantines or stay-home notices. Fast forward to today (Nov 2); it seems like the authorities will put the then in-principle agreement to action soon. To be exact, we should be able to start flying between Hong Kong and Singapore by late November.

Are you thinking of celebrating Christmas and countdown in Hong Kong? We’ve found five best Airbnb rentals from S$41/night with flexible cancellation policies you can book for your long-awaited yearend trip. Prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing and valid for stays from Dec 25 to Jan 1.

#1: Five-star rated room near Causeway Bay Station

Price: S$41/night

When we last check, this room has a perfect five-star rating thanks to its previous occupants! There is a double bed by the window and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. We like how it’s conveniently near Causeway Bay Station. You will be able to walk over to SOGO Causeway Bay, Hysan Place, and Times Square within minutes.

#2: Guest suite with bathroom a 10-minute walk to SOGO

Price: S$45/night

The same Airbnb superhost hosts this guest suite as our previous listing. There are one double bed and a private bathroom. By booking this listing, you will find yourself in the vicinity of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. According to the host, Causeway Bay Station is a 7-minute walk away, and SOGO Causeway Bay is just 10 minutes away.

#3: Clean and tidy studio for the solo traveller

Price: S$54/night

Solo travellers, this space is perfect for you. There’s a small writing desk which can act as a mini dining table as well. Decent storage spaces are available for you to store your belongings. The studio also comes with an attached toilet, fridge, and water kettle. The closest train station is Sheung Wan Station, and nearby attractions include the Western Market and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park.

#4: Spacious apartment for two at Kowloon

Price: S$68/night

By Hong Kong’s housing standards, this Airbnb is relatively roomy. You will get a queen-size bed and a private bathroom with a shower. There’s also a two-seater couch with a coffee table right in front of it. Jordan Station is a short walk away, and Temple Street Night Market is steps away from the accommodation.

#5: Flat for four guests close to Eaton HK Hotel

Price: S$75/night

If you don’t mind squeezing, the Airbnb host allows up to four guests in this living space. There are two double beds and a mini kitchen area with a sink. You will find yourself along Nathan Road if you decide to stay here. Sited between Jordan Station and Yau Ma Tei Station, you can walk your way to Temple Street Night Market and Jade Market.

Here are 6 online furniture stores for people who want options other than IKEA

Talk about new furniture and people might naturally bring up IKEA. Well, there’s nothing wrong about shopping at IKEA but sometimes we humans want a little fresher alternative. If you share the same sentiments, how about shopping at these online furniture stores we’re about to introduce to you?

Here are six online furniture stores for people who want options other than IKEA.

#1: Island Living

Website: islandliving.sg

Island Living is the brainchild of Karin Rysgaard and Denise Vrontas, a designer and ex-PR consultant, respectively. If you fancy a laid-back approach to your home, this brand will resonate with you. You can expect lots of different textures, including sustainable rattan and reclaimed teak wood. Check back frequently if you want to keep up with the latest global interior trends.

#2: Ong Shunmugam

Website: ongshunmugam.com

In case you’re wondering, Ong Shunmugam rattan furniture and basketry is designed and drafted in their offices across London and Singapore and made in Malaysia. High-end is probably the right word to describe their range of products. To allow the veteran craftsmen to work their magic, be ready to wait for about 6 to 8 weeks before you welcome the masterpieces back home.

#3: Celson

Website: celson.sg

Celson was founded in 2018 by Sonam, who did her postgraduate studies in merchandising and designing in Delhi, the capital of India. The brand believes that they are capable of bringing quality handcrafted products to every home at transparent prices. We like how they have customisation options for both bone inlay and solid Indian wood furniture types. Check them out!

#4: Naturalis Historia

Website: nhteak.com

Naturalis Historia designs and creates furniture pieces that combine modern functions with classic features. Entirely handcrafted by experienced artisans, the brand only utilises materials from sustainable and ethical sources. To put it simply, you can expect attractive, stable, and trustworthy products to last you for generations to come.

#5: Hock Siong

Website: hocksiong.com.sg

Hock Siong is the go-to place if you want to own furniture that has a rich history, passed down from previous owners. In other words, they deal with secondhand items, including those from local hotels and residential households. This place is for people who find beauty in slightly defective items due to wear and tear over time. Light touch-ups are available for wooden products.

#6: Crate & Barrel

Website: crateandbarrel.com.sg

We will wrap up this list of online furniture stores with a possibly familiar name – Crate & Barrel. They have been around for almost 60 years, with over 100 stores and franchise partners in 11 countries. You will adore their furniture collection if you’re on a hunt for clean, minimalistic, and timeless designs.

Don’t forget to compare prices before hitting that ‘pay’ button!

Top Spots For Rooftop Dining in Singapore

Once you visit Singapore you have not experienced traditional Singapore unless you try rooftop dining in Singapore. It’s a one-of-a-kind dining experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life. You can enjoy fine cuisine, atmosphere , and catch the breathtaking view of the Singapore skyline all at one sitting. Singapore has many unique rooftop restaurants so you have your pick of the best.

Braci – as the name implies serves Italian dishes that have been carried on from antiquity. Freshly imported from Italy the restaurant maintains the fine Italian legacy of rich pasta marinated in rich sauces. The restaurant has picturesque views of the Singapore river that can be enjoyed from both the bar and the restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxed and you can enjoy their fork-tender pork dish a must try among their traditional Italian cuisine dishes.

CE LA VI – situated on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel brings a new definition to fine twilight rooftop dining in Singapore. Come and enjoy a special night atop this rooftop wonder. You can enjoy one of their unforgettable Asian dishes while you take in the breathtaking Singapore skyline.. You will have an unforgettable panoramic view of the world famous sky-lit skyline.

Zafferano – the pride of Singapore brings you some of the finest Italian cuisine you will ever taste. It is perched atop the 43rd floor of the Ocean Financial Center in Collyer Quay a once-in-a-lifetime rooftop dining experience. You have the luxury of glancing across the crystal clear water of Singapore to drink in the beautiful skyline of Singapore’s impressive Central Business district highlighted by the Marina Bay Sands. You can feast on their delicious Canadian Lobster Linguine and scrumptious house-made fettuccine.

Southbridge – a taste of the sea you will enjoy on this 5th floor paradise. The restaurant features some of the best views of the Lion City’s skyline. And who can forget the view of the majestic Marina Bay Sands hotel. Additionally, you can enjoy mouth-watering oyster dishes from the world over. Don’t forget the Lobster Knuckle rolls a treat you won’t forget.

Stellar at 1- Altitude – restaurant perched 62 levels up into the Singapore skyline. As you dine you can enjoy a panoramic view of the stellar Singapore skyline in the distance. The Marina Sands and Singapore Flyer stand out in the distant star-lit skyline. They offer a fine line of menus especially their constellations menu. It features steamed sea urchin custard(an experience all in itself) and roasted pigeon, two dishes that are out of this world.

Jaan – sits on the 7oth floor of the tallest hotel in Singapore-the Swissotel. It has become Singapore’s signature rooftop dining hotspot. You will experience unforgettable rooftop dining in Singapore that will stay with you the rest of your life. Its food is as dreamy as its spectacular night time views. It has been noted perennially on world famous lists of “Best restaurants in Asia” putting it in a dining class all of its own. Their fish and chips is a must try.

Finally, you have a panoramic view of some of the best rooftop dining in Singapore. The list notes some of the best restaurants you will find in Singapore. Each one presenting its own unique dining experience.

Important Things To Know About The TraceTogether Token

TraceTogether is a digital system, which the Singaporean Government had implemented to allow for better contact tracing in response to the effects of the pandemic in the country. The system was originally designed as an app and was later supplemented by a physical token due to the low-usage of the TraceTogether app.

October 26 (Monday) marked the start of the mandatory use of TraceTogether app or token at all Singapore cinemas. Venues with activities that involve larger groups of people will follow the same mandate. By the end of December, checking-in with the TraceTogether app or token will be compulsory in public venues such as restaurants, workplaces, schools, cinemas, hotels, healthcare facilities, and shopping malls.

This means that you will no longer be able to gain access to these places through the SingPass mobile app or by scanning SafeEntry QR codes with your phone’s camera. Instead, you can either use the TraceTogether app or token. The former includes a function for users to scan SafeEntry QR codes that are displayed at venues. The latter comes with a QR code that can be scanned for entry. Please do not cover the QR code attached to your token.

In the recent days, Singapore has hit about 50% participation rate in its digital COVID-19 contact tracing program. This is good news because having 70% of Singapore’s population using TraceTogether is one of the conditions that has to be met for Singapore to enter phase three. This is according to Education Minister Lawrence Wong, co-chair of the COVID-19 task force.

Before you collect your token at the community centre (CC), please check token.gowhere.gov.sg to know its availability. To prevent long queues from forming, members of the public have been encouraged to collect their TraceTogether tokens from the CC nearest to where they live. There is no need to collect a physical token, if you already have the TraceTogether app. You may download the latest version of the app at tracetogether.gov.sg.

Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation initiative Vivian Balakrishnan also highlighted that there will be more than enough TraceTogether tokens for everyone. These tokens can be collected at thirty-eight CCs around the country. It will be made available at all 108 CCs by the end of November.

Once you receive your token, check its light. The green light blinks, if your token is working. It should blink once every minute. Its battery lasts for six months and is not rechargeable. You may “dress-up” your token by putting your old first-generation AirPods case. It will fit nicely on that.

Image Credits: Putri Shaghira via Facebook

Lastly, the data stored in your token will be automatically deleted after twenty-five days. There will be room for more information.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

#1: Island Living

#2: Ong Shunmugam

#3: Celson

#4: Naturalis Historia

#5: Hock Siong

#6: Crate & Barrel

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