National recognition of Singapore’s retail frontliners driving customer trust and experience
MOU – Accelerating AI adoption and integration in retail
Singapore, 14 October 2025 The Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) today concluded the SRAExcellent Service Award (EXSA) 2025 presentation ceremony at Nanyang Polytechnic Auditorium, honouring Singapore’s retail professionals who exemplify the nation’s hallmark of service excellence. The event, graced by Guest of Honour, Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development, celebrated individuals who have consistently raised the bar for customer service and leadership across Singapore’s vibrant retail ecosystem.
3. Mr Reuben Goh, Senior Sales Executive, TC Acoustic (Sonos flagship store at Wheelock Place)
SRA EXSA 2025: Guardian Health & Beauty Awards Presentation. Photo Credit: Singapore Retail Association (SRA)
Among them, Mr Reuben Goh, Senior Sales Executive at TC Acoustic emerged as the winner of the coveted SRA EXSA 2025 Service SuperStar Award, recognised for exemplifying the highest standards of empathy, professionalism, and dedication that define Singapore’s retail service culture. All three finalists continue to inspire their peers across the retail sector – delivering warmth, attentiveness, and personalised service that create lasting customer relationships and strengthen Singapore’s reputation for service excellence.
SRA EXSA 2025: BSH Home Appliances PTE LTD Awards Presentation. Photo Credit: Singapore Retail Association (SRA)
In addition to the Service SuperStar category, hundreds of retail employees were recognised across Silver, Gold, and StarAward tiers, reflecting the industry’s collective drive to uphold Singapore’s standing as a world-class retail destination.
This year, SRA EXSA received nominations from 130 companies representing over 135 brands and concepts. In total, 4,465 recipients were honoured across four categories:
1. SRA EXSA Star Award: 743 recipients
2. SRA EXSA Gold Award: 1,502 recipients
3. SRA EXSA Silver Award: 2,220 recipients
4. SRA EXSA (Retail) Service SuperStar Award: 1 recipient
MOU Signing: Accelerating AI Integration in Retail
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between SRA and the Singapore Artificial Intelligence Association (SAIA) during the ceremony, witnessed by Guest of Honour, Minister of State, Mr Tan.
The partnership aims to accelerate AI adoption across two key areas of retail:
1. Customer Service: Using AI to analyse customer data and enhance personalised service.
2. Merchandising&Inventory Management: Leveraging predictive analytics to optimise inventory and forecast demand.
Together, SRA and SAIA seek to empower retailers with innovation that enhances operational excellence, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Training Innovation: RetailX App for On-Demand Learning
To address manpower challenges and enhance workforce capabilities, SRA has developed and piloted the SRA RetailX app. This asynchronous learning tool enables retail staff to learn and role-play with AI-driven scenarios during downtime, without leaving the shop floor.
This innovation marks Singapore’s first sector-wide initiative enabling large-scale, flexible training. With its successful pilot, SRA plans to leverage the app to roll out Progressive Wage Model (PWM) training industry-wide, ensuring that service staff remain skilled and competitive in an evolving retail environment.
Co-Developed Curriculum with Singapore Airlines Academy
In partnership with the Singapore Airlines Academy (SIAA), SRA has co-developed an EXSA Retail curriculum built on world-class service standards. This collaboration merges SIA’s internationally recognised service framework with SRA’s retail expertise to ensure Singapore’s retail workforce continues to deliver customer experiences on par with global benchmarks.
According to Mr Ernie Koh, President of the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA), “Retail is fundamentally about people – our customers, and the professionals who serve them every day. Through EXSA, we honour the individuals whose empathy, dedication, and professionalism continue to define Singapore’s retail experience.” He added, “This year’s MOU with SAIA and our RetailX learning app mark a significant step forward in empowering our workforce with the tools and technology needed to thrive in an evolving landscape. Service excellence remains our industry’s strongest differentiator – one that strengthens resilience and sustains customer trust.”
About the Excellence Service Award (EXSA)
Launched in 1994, the Excellent Service Award (EXSA) is a national award that recognises individuals who have delivered quality service. It seeks to develop service models for staff to emulate and to create service champions. Organisations with EXSA staff are committed to achieving service excellence and delivering superior service through their service champions. The objectives of EXSA are to inspire service staff to scale new heights, identify service role models, encourage service champions, and recognise the efforts of service staff across industries.
EXSA nominees are distinguished by their commitment to going beyond the call of duty to exceed customer expectations and champion excellent service. They are prompt and proactive in anticipating and attending to customer needs, accurate and consistent in service delivery, and always ready to support team members without being asked. Knowledgeable and helpful in communicating service offerings, they use their skills and empathy to add value to customer experiences. With strong emotional intelligence and agility, they handle feedback effectively, exercise good judgement, and turn challenges into opportunities for service recovery – creating positive and memorable experiences for every customer interaction.
Exclusive designs available through UTme! at selected stores
15 October 2025, Kuala Lumpur – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO is celebrating Malaysia’s love for local flavours with a new and exclusive collaboration with Oriental Kopi, one of the nation’s most beloved traditional kopitiam brands. Available from October 17, this partnership brings a creative twist to Malaysian food culture through fashion.
Drawing inspiration from Oriental Kopi’s rich Hainanese culinary heritage, the collaboration captures the nostalgic charm of Malaysia’s iconic kopitiam culture, featuring nine exclusive UTme! Designs on signature kopitiam’s dishes from Nasi Lemak, Polo Buns, Egg Tarts, which are loved by many Malaysians.
Celebrate Local Culture, Your Way
Available exclusively through UTme!, UNIQLO’s interactive customisation service, this collaboration brings new life to LifeWear by allowing customers to co-create designs that celebrate Malaysia’s rich food and fashion culture.
With Oriental Kopi-inspired graphics, customers can mix, match, and personalise their favourite designs to create one-of-a-kind T-shirts and tote bags that express their love for local flavours. Those who prefer ready-made options can also shop exclusive pre-printed T-shirts and tote bags featuring the Oriental Kopi designs, available at UNIQLO Mid Valley Megamall and UNIQLO Suria KLCC, while stocks last.
This collaboration celebrates the simple joys that bring Malaysians together. Through its partnership with Oriental Kopi, UNIQLO invites everyone to wear their favourite flavours and carry a little piece of kopitiam culture wherever they go.
With Malaysia emerging as Southeast Asia’s top travel destination, Alipay+ makes payments seamless and travel experiences smoother for international visitors
Globally
• Alipay+ acceptance expands to over 100 countries and regions, connecting merchants to 1.8 billion users of 40 international payment partners
• More than 6.5 million consumers used Alipay+ cross-border payments for the first time in the first half of 2025, bringing new opportunities to global merchants
Malaysia
• Malaysia recorded the highest transaction growth in Southeast Asia with a 45% year-on-year increase, reflecting the country’s status as the number one destination in the region and top five most popular global destinations for Alipay+ users; and the top growth market amongst Chinese travellers
• Spending growth across tourist attractions, food and beverage (F&B) and retail and services, showcasing the breadth of Malaysia’s tourism offerings
• Alipay+ transactions via PayNet’s DuitNow QR increased more than 80% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, as it remains the leading contributor to Malaysia’s inbound transaction volume
• Tourism spending via Alipay+ at DuitNow QR merchants increased more than 150% during the same period, bringing revenue to local SMEs
Kuala Lumpur, 16 October 2025 – Alipay+, Ant International’s global wallet gateway, revealed that mobile-first habits are reshaping how international travellers spend in Malaysia. Ranked among the world’s top five most popular destinations and number one in Southeast Asia based on transactions, Malaysia is seeing a surge in mobile wallet usage not only in Kuala Lumpur, but also across secondary cities such as Semporna, Kuantan and Tawau.
With Malaysia preparing to welcome 47 million visitors under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, Alipay+ is helping local merchants, and the tourism industry meet growing traveller demand by expanding its payments and digital services ecosystem, including:
Payments: Growing cross-border payment acceptance for Alipay+ to more than 100 markets, and expanding its partner ecosystem to 40, representing 1.8 billion users. In Malaysia, expanded acceptance and joint campaigns with local partners led to transactions increasing 45% year-on-year.
Partners: Supporting [new] Bluecode (Europe), PayPay (Japan) and KBank (Thailand) users to pay with their banking and wallet apps when traveling abroad
Services: New services include (i) Alipay+ Voyager, a built-in AI travel agent, integrating partners like Trip.com, Agoda and Grab, (ii) Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, an AI-as-a-Service solution for digital wallets to build AI-native solutions, and (iii) Expanded Global Blue in-app tax refunds for more partners, creating an end-to-end digital experience
“Travel has a significant impact on local economies, and we believe that mobile wallets can be a catalyst for growth, connecting travellers and businesses in more ways than ever,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “Alipay+ aims to support the travel ecosystem with AI-powered payments and digital services to enable online and offline merchants, tourism partners, and other fintechs to create customer-centric engagements for mobile-savvy consumers. Through greater collaboration, we can create a new future of travel, one that enhances the experience for consumers, and promotes growth and connectivity.”
This growth has also been further strengthened through Alipay+’s collaboration with Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) to expand payment acceptance and engage travellers, paving the way for three key trends set to define Malaysia’s tourism economy in 2025 and beyond.
“The rise in mobile wallet usage reflects how digital payments are now integral to Malaysia’s tourism experience,” said Farhan Ahmad, PayNet’s Group Chief Executive Officer. “Through PayNet’s collaboration with Alipay+, we’re enabling travellers to spend seamlessly in Malaysia with their home wallets through DuitNow QR. This partnership makes travel easier, while strengthening Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in interoperable, inclusive digital payments. As we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026, we’re also ensuring local businesses, whether in city centres or small towns, benefit directly from tourist spending.”
Mobile payments become the norm, driving inclusive growth for global merchants
Globally, travellers are embracing the use of their trusted home payment app, with more than 6.5 million digital wallet users using Alipay+ cross-border payments for the first time while abroad in the first half of 2025. Malaysia continues to stand out as a top destination, particularly for travellers from China, Hong Kong SAR, Kazakhstan and Thailand. For Chinese travellers, Malaysia is the top growth market, compared to other global travel hotspots.
Cross-border payment acceptance for Alipay+ in Malaysia is accelerating, with transactions via PayNet’s DuitNow interoperable QR increasing more than 80% year-on-year the first half of 2025. Tourism spending via Alipay+ at DuitNow QR merchants increased more than 150% during the same period, bringing revenue to local SMEs. This growth reflects Malaysia’s position as one of the world’s fastest-rising destinations in terms of total payment volume, where visitors are not only spending more overall but also contributing directly to local SMEs and neighbourhood businesses.
Short-haul, value-conscious travel on the rise, opening up more opportunities for local businesses
Travellers are seeking greater value when they travel by going to places closer to home, looking for deals, and spending at local merchants.
Asia is leading global travel growth in 2025, with intra-Asia travel a big contributor. China, Japan, South Korea, and particularly Southeast Asia are amongst the most popular travel destinations globally, with intra-Asia transactions by Alipay+ partners increasing 32% year-on-year.
Travellers want to save when they can, without compromising on experiencing local destinations. Redemptions via A+ Rewards, an in-app marketing platform where travellers can browse local promotions and coupons, increased 57%. Travellers are also spending more at local businesses, with transactions under USD10 increasing 37%.
While hotspots within Europe like France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom remain popular, destinations like Hungary, Greece and Norway saw the biggest growth in transactions, as travellers aim to explore new places while maximising their budgets.
Experiences and niche services in higher demand as travellers seek more conscious travel
Travellers are spending across more diverse travel scenarios beyond retail. While transactions for attractions and F&B continue to see significant growth, spending on local services including beauty, medical and education have become one of the key aspects of travel. For example, transactions for K-beauty services in South Korea increased 115% year-on-year.
In Malaysia, digital payments are opening doors for tourists to explore more authentic, homegrown experiences across the country, whether it’s enjoying street food at a hawker stall or visiting historic heritage sites. This growing digital acceptance is benefitting businesses of all sizes, from neighbourhood hawkers to major retail chains.
Travellers are also going around more independently, with transactions on ride-hailing platforms doubling, and those on public transport increasing close to 50%. The expansion of Alipay+ acceptance across merchants and different modes of transportation has made it easier for travellers to visit smaller towns including Semporna in Malaysia, Shikokuchūō in Japan, Jeollabuk-do in South Korea and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province in Thailand.
*All Alipay+ data included are year-to-year comparison between H1 2025 and H1 2024
From 21 – 23 November, Boutiques Singapore lights up the F1 Pit Building with over 300 brands from Singapore and abroad, along with over 200 exclusive launches
The homegrown event, one of the region’s most anticipated, continues to shine a light on local creatives while welcoming a record number of international brands
New additions include more inclusive food options that cater to halal diners and those with special dietary preferences, as well as a new kids’ drop-off area
Singapore, 16 October 2025 — Since its inception, Boutiques Singapore has championed homegrown creativity by offering local designers a platform to shine. The Gifting Edition 2025 — held at the F1 Pit Building from 21 – 23 November — continues this mission, bringing together over 320 brands and unveiling over 200 exclusive launches. This includes a broader mix of international labels alongside local talents for a festive shopping experience like no other!
Visitors can also look forward to two new experiential lounge concepts, designed not only as places to rest, but as spaces shaped by collaborative efforts between several creative brands.
Additionally, a new kids’ drop-off space by The Artground will host hands-on workshops, allowing parents to drop their children off to participate in fun, hands-on activities while they browse.
More inclusive food and beverage options — including more halal-certified brands, and more choices for different dietary requirements — will be available at both the Garage Café, the alfresco dining space unveiled at the last edition of Boutiques, and the Nourish Café at Room 3A.
Read on to see what’s in store at The Gifting Edition 2025!
Fresh additions to elevate the shopping experience
Boutiques debuts two specially curated lounge spaces this edition, designed not just as rest stops, but as immersive, multi-label showcases that provide brands with space to experiment beyond their Boutiques space.
The Art & Music Lounge, located at the heart of Room 3D, is a vibrant hub bringing together creative talents from across Southeast Asia. Highlights include GOFY, which will showcase prints and posters from the region’s brightest artists, alongside complimentary talks led by artists through the weekend and live drawing sessions on 21 and 23 November, while Avant Culture Club will also bring its turntables and tracks to the space.
Meanwhile, The Living Room in Room 3A offers a relaxed, immersive experience. Visitors can explore new art prints from By Fable and a curated selection of vintage decorative pieces from Object.re, while Hush Candle’s portable diffuser gently disperses its Grounding scent — a harmonious, woody blend — throughout the day.
Additionally, Decibelist will showcase its new upcycling service — introduced by popular demand — which gives older speakers a new lease of life through reskinning and technical updating.
Families will also appreciate the introduction of a dedicated kids’ drop-off zone at The Artground. With playful installations and new hands-on workshops, from mosaic trays and pottery making, the space provides a comfortable and engaging environment for children, while giving parents peace of mind as they shop.
At the Garage Café, the 300-seat alfresco dining area used during the Singapore Grand Prix by pit crew, more halal dining options will be available. Highlights include ROSTII, a halal-certified brand serving up crispy Swiss-style potato rosti, and Tipo, the pasta bar beloved for its artisanal creations, which will bring with it its delectable cold pastas.
The dining collective at 3A — Nourish Café — will now feature a curated list of brands that focus on holistic foods. Among the highlights is OMG! Decadent Donuts, an award-winning gourmet doughnut brand from Australia known for its plant-based treats that are completely free from gluten, eggs, nuts, and wheat. Locally founded ahimsa sanctuary brings a wellness-driven menu featuring nourishing, flavour-packed plant-based dishes such as their crowd-favourite vegan burgers. Visitors can also look forward to their exclusive new menu debuting at Boutiques.
ele tea
Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, ele tea serves handcrafted herbal teas such as their Immunity Tea, made with premium-grade herbs to naturally strengthen the body’s defences and restore vitality. Finally, Lush Platters presents beautifully assembled platters of clean eats, from artfully arranged cheese grazing carts to their signature Lush & Loaded Sandwiches available in six variations, including vegan and vegetarian options.
New brands and Boutiques-exclusives launches
There’s something for everyone at The Gifting Edition 2025. Whether you’re looking for gifts for friends and family, or even a well-deserved present for yourself, there are plenty of new brands and Boutiques-exclusive launches to discover!
ANOTHER LAND, the much-anticipated wellness brand co-founded by Singaporean creative and President’s Design Award-winner Jackson Tan, brings with it a series of products for the face, body, and home. At the heart of the brand is its trademark ZeroDilute™ formulation that replaces water with Organic Aloe Extract, which delivers more restorative and moisturising benefits while conserving one of Earth’s most vital resources. The brand will also launch its new Rose Facial Mask exclusively at Boutiques, the perfect remedy in Singapore’s hot and humid weather.
Local lifestyle brand ARTÉ Pickleball makes its Boutiques debut with the exclusive launch of its Pastel series of paddles. Don’t be deceived by their delightful patterns and colours — they boast a strong T700 Carbon Fibre surface paired with a durable TPU edge guard.
Maison Mugen brings an interactive touch with its complimentary Jewellery Wax Imprint Crafting Workshop, where guests can craft personalised pendants or rings with their loved ones. Shoppers can also take home the experience with the KIN Imprint Jewellery Kit, a hands-on set that allows users to capture unique imprints in soft wax, and have it cast into a precious metal heirloom.
For those looking to bring a touch of design into their living spaces, Boutiques gathers some of the most exciting names in art and decor under one roof. CrafiLab celebrates Asian craftsmanship and innovation with a bounty of creations from artisans across the region. Its artistic homeware — such as the motion-sensing Red Sandalwood lamps adorned with natural conch shades — are the perfect blend of heritage and modern styling sensibilities.
Another name to look out for is Minimoor, a local curator of luxurious home accessories that range from exquisite handcrafted lighting, to timepieces that combine precision with jewellery-like elegance.
Building on the excitement, this edition of Boutiques also features one of its largest selections of international brands to date, each bringing unique and innovative offerings to our shores. Taiwanese brand Paper Shoot Camera presents its eco-friendly paper cameras in person for the first time at Boutiques, while bringing with it three Boutiques-exclusive designs, including a new customisable case. Danish kids-brand MODU combines simplicity and functionality into a series of toys that encourage children to explore and build, while seamlessly fitting into the aesthetic of modern homes.
The Hong Kong-based fashion brand Cherry Bobbins offers a range of inclusive, stylish dresses that blend fashion with a generous range of sizes. Those looking to stock their liquor cabinets or prepare for festive parties will also be keen to check out Copenhagen Distillery’s range of signature spirits which range from whiskies and dry gin to aquavits and coffee spirits, all made with solar energy. HENU, a South Korean jewellery brand that blends modern designs with vintage sensibilities, also appears for the first time in Singapore with its handmade, unisex jewellery inspired by well-aged materials and the human touch.
Creative collaborations found only at Boutiques
Boutiques provides more than just a retail space for brands — by conducting vendor mixers and allowing for opportunities for brands to mingle and ideate, they’ve also been the birthplace of numerous creative collaborations.
IN GOOD COMPANY partners with Studio Karyn Lim to debut an exclusively designed metallic woven bag, complemented by curated mesh accessories, while Rymh Studio and Commune Wear reunite to present a unisex collection highlighting their shared dedication to craftsmanship.
Maverick Made
Continuing their well-received partnership which began at the last edition of Boutiques, Indonesia-based Lievik Atelier and homegrown brand Maverick Made. return with craft tactile charms that blend leather with Pamor metals. Another collaboration to look out for is the exclusive launch of rare Korean teas in Singapore by ANTEA Social and Saero Collective to offer a unique tasting experience seldom found outside Korea.
Lievik Atelier x Maverick Made
Gift and do good: Brands that give back
ART:DIS Studio
In line with Boutiques Singapore’s ethos of giving back, the event continues to host Boutiques space from local charity organisations to raise awareness for important causes. In addition to returning organisations like ART:DIS Studio, BABES, and SEW CAN WE, Boutiques also welcome the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME).
Beyond gift vouchers that provide upskilling courses for migrant domestic workers, and a coffee table book with stories written by HOME Shelter residents, HOME will also debut a Boutiques-exclusive tote made in collaboration with sustainable swimwear brand August Society. Made of 100% linen, all proceeds made from the tote will go directly to HOME to support its initiatives.
Shoppers can also discover numerous social enterprises that have embedded giving back into their brand mission. Newcomers Lily and Sophia offer one-of-a-kind ceramics handmade by craftswomen in Vietnam’s first female-owned and female-led pottery studio. With their partnership with Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, every piece sold provides meals for homeless children in Hanoi.
In partnership with AWWA, The Everyday Club is launching a fundraising campaign to support the organisation’s work with disadvantaged families and individuals in Singapore. All proceeds from the sale of its Gachapon pins will be donated directly to AWWA, while 20% of sales from the ‘Everyone is a Champion’ T-shirts will go towards the cause.
The Boutiques Showcase Grant: Nurturing emerging local talents
Given out at each edition to young and emerging local labels, the Boutiques Showcase Grant is one part of how Boutiques hopes to inspire and uplift Singapore’s next generation of creatives.
Through a combination of grants, marketing support, and mentorship, these designers are given opportunities to showcase their work and connect with other like-minded artists, enabling them to reach wider audiences and grow their brands.
This edition, Boutiques Singapore is proud to introduce six new grant recipients: Aomorie, Wolfsloth, LouDotLou, Lait Hepines, ANON, and PAWPAL.
Aomorie
Aomorie is a homegrown brand that brings texture and quality to everyday wear. From the smoothness of leather to the roughness of wood, each piece offers quiet confidence and longevity, speaking to those who value quality over trends. The brand’s first coffee leather jacket, crafted from PU leather made with coffee grounds, exemplifies its commitment to innovative materials and thoughtful design.
Wolfsloth, the creative label of Singaporean artist Gabriel De Souza, reimagines ancient folklore, fables, and mythological motifs through a modern lens. Ukiyo-e, surrealism, mythology, and animal folklore are just some of the elements Gabriel weaves into his art through his signature visual style and unique language of colour. At Boutiques Singapore, Wolfsloth will launch a collection of textile-based works, including tapestries, cushion case sets, and hand-tufted carpets.
LouDotLou was born from two French-Chinese sisters’ love of handicraft, vintage treasures, and the desire to mix traditional meaning with playful French touches — thus paying homage to both sides of their heritage. The brand handcrafts its clothing, accessories and jewellery, reflecting a deeper appreciation for a diverse cultural heritage while advocating a more intentional approach to fashion.
Driven by the belief that art can bring joy and confidence, Lait Hepines creates works that hope to spark joy, whether through original paintings, florals on upcycled paper, or sustainable calendars and planners. The brand’s founder and main artisan, Nur Aisyah, champions sustainability by producing art on-demand, and using recycled and bamboo papers, upcycled materials, and eco-friendly packaging.
Founded by a trio of seasoned creatives from the worlds of interior design, fashion, and photography, ANON was born from a shared vision to redefine elevated menswear essentials that move seamlessly between work, leisure, and travel. The result is a line of thoughtfully crafted pieces like the Isak Cropped Jacket, layerable even for warmer climes, and the Theo Polo, a sharp piece made to move beyond casualwear.
PAWPAL
PawPal is Singapore’s first cat-focused pet bed brand that creates eco-conscious, design-forward products for cats and their humans. Each bed is handcrafted with solid wood frames, designed to be durable, long-lasting, and a worthy alternative to mass-market beds that quickly wear out and contribute to landfill waste. Unlike typical designs, PawPal beds are made without any plastic components: Every detail uses only wood, fabric, and metal hardware. Beyond beds, the brand also offers apparel and lifestyle products for cat parents and fans.
Tickets to Boutiques Singapore: The Gifting Edition 2025 are now available. Early bird tickets are available at $8 until 31 October, while regular tickets are priced at $10 from 1 November to 23 November. Each ticket grants unlimited 3-day access to the event, free entry for children under 12, and one Redemption Perk, redeemable while stocks last.
Cha Zen by Tealive presents consumers with a choice of Matcha or Hojicha beverages, both crafted from premium Japanese green tea leaves. What makes Cha Zen stand out is Tealive’s approach—not only embracing the global popularity of matcha, but also introducing hojicha, a roasted variation derived from the same leaves yet processed differently.
As matcha continues to gain worldwide attention, it often sparks curiosity about hojicha. Since both teas share Japanese origins, interest in one naturally encourages exploration of the other.
Hojicha offers a warm, toasty flavour with nutty undertones and a hint of sweetness, all without the bitterness often found in other teas. Unlike matcha, it contains significantly less caffeine, making it a soothing choice for evenings or for those who prefer a gentler pick-me-up.
Masita has introduced its newest limited-edition flavour, inspired by the bold taste of shrimp paired with spicy seafood dipping sauce. This exciting release will be available for just three months, joining the brand’s lineup of Thai-inspired flavours such as Thai Style Papaya Salad with Salted Egg and Larb flavours, also available for a limited time only.
Nestlé Professional Thailand, the foodservice division of Nestlé, has introduced NESCAFÉ RoastCoffy, a specially formulated coffee blend featuring chicory, designed to capture the essence of traditional Thai-style iced coffee. Leveraging Nestlé’s proprietary aroma-preserving technology, this finely ground instant coffee delivers a smooth, bold flavour with a fragrant roasted profile.
NESCAFÉ RoastCoffy dissolves effortlessly, making it ideal for quick preparation in busy foodservice environments. Each pack yields up to 63 servings, offering excellent value and profit potential for vendors.
Masita, Thailand’s No.1 roasted seaweed brand by Singha Corp, has launchd its new X2 Intense formula, delivering a richer flavour experience with a crispy Korean-style texture.. Available in Original and Spicy flavours, Masita continues to showcase its core strengths, which are 100% authentic Korean seaweed and a recipe free from added MSG. crispy Korean-style texture.
Nestlé Thailand has unveiled a bold new look for its MAGGI cooking sauces, introducing an iconic square-shaped bottle designed to enhance grip, pouring, and storage—while also reducing plastic usage.
The new packaging draws inspiration from feedback by home cooks and is thoughtfully crafted to suit the demands of today’s kitchens—accommodating everything from hectic routines to compact storage spaces.
The streamlined bottle design reduces plastic usage while maintaining durability and recyclability, promoting sustainability without sacrificing quality.
The brand also assures that each bottle is filled with the same rich, aromatic flavor that elevates every meal.
The new cooking sauce lineup includes:
Yellow Cap (Stir-Fry Blend)
Green Cap (Rich Marinade)
Oyster Sauce
Low-Sodium Option
Cooking sauce brands typically limit how often they update their packaging or retain key design elements to ensure their products remain easily recognizable to consumers. When a redesign does occur, it is usually aimed at refreshing the brand image or attracting new users or incorporating sustainability goals.
Widely popular in Japan, Yakult’s Y1000 expands its range in Singapore to support better gut health.
SINGAPORE, 18 September 2025 — Yakult Singapore, well-loved for its premium probiotic cultured drinks, has introduced Y1000 from 1 Oct 2025, its most concentrated probiotic drink to date. Containing over 100 billion live probiotics per bottle, Y1000 expands Yakult’s probiotic range in Singapore to support a healthy gut.
Alongside Yakult Ace Light® and Yakult Gold®, Y1000 reinforces the brand’s long-standing commitment to science-backed innovation, helping Singaporeans of all ages enjoy healthier lifestyles. Y1000 has also received international recognition, winning the Food Category Gold Award at the DIME Trend Awards and the X Trend Award in 2022, underscoring the product’s popularity among Japanese consumers.
First introduced in Japan, Y1000 is part of the Yakult 1000 series1, which has been selling 3 million bottles a day in Japan. The health benefits of Y1000 build on 90 years of extensive probiotic research and contain Yakult’s unique Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota™ (LcS), a probiotic strain specially cultivated to survive digestion and reach the intestines alive. There, it supports the growth of beneficial bacteria, reduces harmful bacteria, aids in digestion, and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Keeping a balanced and healthy gut is essential for overall wellbeing and vitality. It not only supports proper nutrient absorption and the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence our energy and mood, but also boosts the body’s natural defences to better handle stress, irregular sleep, and busy days. Good gut health can also reduce the risk of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects one in five Singaporeans.
“Singaporeans have trusted Yakult since 1979. This year, as the nation celebrates SG60 and the Yakult brand marks 90 years of heritage, we are proud to continue this journey with the launch of Y1000 in Singapore – our most concentrated probiotic drink yet. Imported directly from Japan. It offers Singaporeans more ways to enjoy Yakult daily, with the same science and quality they trust,” said Sunami Masaaki, Managing Director, Yakult Singapore.
With the introduction of Y1000, Yakult now offers Singaporeans an expanded range of probiotic choices:
Yakult Ace Light®: A lighter version of Yakult with 30 billion LcS per bottle, 30% fewer calories, and sweetened with Stevia. With zero calories, it is ideal for those who prefer a lighter taste and more probiotic support for their digestive system.
Yakult Gold®: Formulated with less sugar and fortified with vitamin D, it contains 10 billion LcS per bottle and was awarded the Healthier Choice Symbol.
Y1000: Containing over 100 billion LcS per bottle, it is Yakult’s most concentrated probiotic drink to date.
From 1 October 2025, Y1000 will be available individually in selected FairPrice supermarkets and Japanese supermarkets such as Isetan Scotts and MEIDI-YA at Millenia Walk and Great World City, at S$3.50 per bottle.
For the full list of locations and their available dates, please click here.
Thursday 13 March 2025 - Betagro Public Company Limited (BTG), Thailand's leading integrated food company, announces the official opening of its new 297-million-baht chicken...
