Technology

First up would be my photography sector, my regular and usual approach from both enterprise/B2B and consumer perspectives.

Consumer technology

Along with the usual regular consumer technology media news coverage that I have been covering for the past decade, I would be looking at getting back to doing consumer technology gadgets review for Year 2024, one area that I had slowed down in previous years.

Other key areas of interest would be on the impacts and potentials of AI on consumer technology, from the gadgets to the apps and the human side of using AI technology on the ground level.

Enterprise / B2B technology

I foresee more coverage and writing on the enterprise / B2B technology sector in Year 2024 with Q1 2024 getting off to a good start in this area attending enterprise / B2B technology conference/media events in-person/online.

This enterprise / B2B technology sector for me is still a work-in-progress, building up and growing at a slow and steady pace. In my short learning and growing years writing enterprise / B2B technology topics (as compared to my consumer technology side of things).

2024 is Year of Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Year 2024 is the Year of Artificial Intelligence (AI), that is the theme/motto for many technology brands for Year 2024. From an enterprise/business B2B to consumer B2C technology industry, we have already seen how much and how far they are investing into AI.

As I mentioned earlier on my TGH Technology and Business website, I am kickstarting my TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on AI for 2024, continuing where I left off in 2023. I feel that is a lot more work, learning, education and outreach needed to be done by technology brands and technology writers.

Business / Digital Marketing

The economy is facing poor sentiments and uncertainties ahead, making it challenging and difficult for business and digital marketing. From my interactions and networkings with friends from various industries, marketing budgets have been cut without them saying much at all. You just need to look at what some of the companies are doing on their social media platforms, where they are concentrating on, there seem to be lesser product launch or delayed product launch, indirectly pointing towards a reduction in marketing budget.

Meanwhile, other business ideas/collaborations are always on my cards amidst the networkings and plannings. Should something materialises and bear fruits from those discussions/ideas/collaborations, I would share when the time is ripe.

Personal / Social Media

The social media can get really narcissistic and showing off at times. I wasn’t into them, that might have caused me lost opportunities, even though I do use social media quite a lot, to be fair. Probably age has caught up, I just don’t wish to get involved in narcissism and showing off, I just want to continue my craft (photography and visual storytelling), my writing and passion.

Yes, I am still using and leveraging on social media platforms, I would be more selective on what and where I share my things/articles/thoughts on social media.

Moving Forward in Q2 and beyond in 2024

The uncertainties, poor economic sentiments and a slowdown in the world economy can and have already been felt on the ground level. The challenges and constraints would still be ever present, moving forward in Q2 and beyond in 2024, I would continue to work smart, be strategic and work extra hard.

Q2 2024 has just begun, time to take on the challenges ahead, moving forward in Q2 and beyond on 2024.

The post Reflecting Q1 2024 (Technology | Business | Personal) appeared first on TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog.

TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

My TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on Artificial Intelligence was launched in 2023 when I started going deeper into the world of AI, mainly from the technology writer and everyday user perspectives. From Q&A interviews to AI technology news coverage, it was a learning and enlightening journey, from both as a technology writer, as well as a photographer/creative perspective.

What do I feel and think about AI? Here are my personal thoughts and views on AI – This technology has huge potential and impacts that can help us better in our work/profession and daily life, yet this AI technology can (and already have) take away some of our work/jobs, on top of disruptions and changes.

Key AI articles published in 2023

Here are some of my in-depth articles that I published till date on the subject of AI

• Q&A on the impacts of AI, the human side of AI and fear of AI
• Q&A on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries
• Fireside Chat with Temus and Qlik on 8th May 2023 – Key Takeaways on AI

In 2024, I would be working to expand on those two areas further, along with other AI research interests as I engage and work with major technology companies on AI discussion topics.

Other AI articles coverage include:

• IBM-SMU AI-based Supply Chain Risk Optimisation Models Saves Millions of Dollars
• Acronis launch first ever AI-powered Cyber Protection Software
• Temus and AI Singapore sign MOU to accelerate AI innovation and adoption
• Hive 2.0 – High Tech Retail Innovation Hub by Stellar Lifestyle

ChatGPT 3.5 – Can you do a bio write up for Tan Geng Hui?

Before I begin on this, have a look at what ChatGPT 3.0 wrote my bio write up for my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog inside my About page. As I am began to kickstart, relaunch and continue on my in-depth learning, understanding, analysis, coverage and documentation of AI in year 2024, I decided to mark this start by asking ChatGPT 3.5 to do a bio write up for me.

Here’s the conversation between ChatGPT 3.5 and what they wrote about me:

You

Can you do a bio write up for Tan Geng Hui?

ChapGPT

Sure, here’s a bio write-up for Tan Geng Hui:

Tan Geng Hui is a multifaceted individual with a passion for photography, technology, and business. Based in Singapore, Tan Geng Hui has established himself as a prominent figure in these fields through his diverse interests and expertise.

With a keen eye for detail and a creative vision, Tan Geng Hui has made significant contributions to the world of photography. As a skilled photographer, he has captured the beauty of various subjects, including landscapes, architecture, and portraits. His work reflects a deep appreciation for aesthetics and storytelling, earning him recognition and acclaim within the photography community.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Tan Geng Hui is deeply involved in the realm of technology. With a strong background in tech-related fields, he stays abreast of the latest developments and trends in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and consumer electronics. His insights and analyses are valued by professionals and enthusiasts alike, and he often shares his thoughts through his writings and online platforms.

Furthermore, Tan Geng Hui is an entrepreneur and business enthusiast. He has demonstrated a knack for identifying opportunities and navigating the complexities of the business world. Through his ventures and initiatives, he seeks to drive innovation, create value, and make a positive impact on society.

Overall, Tan Geng Hui is a dynamic individual who thrives at the intersection of photography, technology, and business. His passion, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire others and contribute to the advancement of these fields.

Note: Non-edited or proof read by any of my human friends trained in communications and public relations. I would leave it as it is for now, as my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog About Me page.

Kickstarting TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on AI for 2024

Kickstarting my TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on AI for 2024, I would work on my earlier AI conferences/webinars that I attended online or in-person, with IBM and Dell Technologies.

As I pick up my pace, writing and coverage on AI, I reckon that would be more topics of more in-depth learning and understanding for myself and for my readers as well. I am planning to work closer with technology companies that I have engagements with over the years, to write and publish more insights and learning articles on AI, its impacts and potential.

The world of AI technology has tremendous potential, giving both positive and negative impacts along with disruptions to the world. All parties have to play a role to play, from the supply side of technology providers, to the demand side of companies/industries and last but not least, the everyday person on the streets.

Come along with me as I continue to navigate the world of AI from various hats, as a technology writer, as a visual storyteller/creative and as a daily user, sharing my knowledge, learning and experiences with you, through my TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on AI for 2024.

The post Kickstarting TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on AI for 2024 appeared first on TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog.

A quiet and low key Year of Dragon Lunar New Year 2024 celebrations

Year of Dragon Chinese New Year 2024 celebration was quiet and low key, not showing much on social media platforms. I had a few small gatherings, not many Lou Hei tossing and Chinese New Year dinners. This is probably due to feeling jaded and not having too much of a festive feel for  Chinese New Year over the years gone by.

The slowdown in content creation and publishing articles

Why is there a slowdown in content creation and publishing articles? A key part of it is the hustle and bustle establishing photography business partnerships/assignments for year 2024 in January and February 2024.

The month of January 2024 was also a time of spring cleaning, together with inevitable replacement of spoilt/old items with new ones. Year of Dragon 2024 Chinese New Year spring cleaning for me was one of my more extensive/intensive till date, it was somehow deeply satisfying and therapeutic.

Time to “Transcend” the fire and kickstart Year of Dragon 2024 technology and personal writing adventures

My yearly theme 2024 for business, technology and personal is “Transcend”. The time is now to “Transcend” and kickstart my technology and writing adventures in Year of Dragon 2024.

First and foremost, I would need to clear my technology news coverage backlogs. After that, I am continuing on my Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in-depth stories for Year 2024. The other key area that I am interested in is on “Sustainability”.

On my personal writing, I am always striving to improve on my writing and storytelling, in my technology and visual storytelling with my photography. I have some writing and creative projects in my lineup for Year 2024, I hope that I am able to bring it to life.

More updates along the way

Yes, I have kick-started my Year of Dragon 2024 technology and personal writing adventures, that might be some ideas/thoughts that I didn’t manage to write and publish inside this article at that point in time. There would also be updates along the way as and when possible on the developments and stages of my technology and personal writing adventures.

I am also kickstarting Year of Dragon 2024 Visual Storytelling Adventures! Have a great Year of the Dragon 2024 ahead!   

The post Kickstarting Year of Dragon 2024 Technology and Personal Writing Adventures appeared first on TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog.

The Jabra Elite 10 and Jabra Elite 8 Active are two ‘life-proof’ true wireless earbuds designed to withstand everything life contrives to throw your way, so nothing can stop you from having quality conversations with the person that matters most.

Jabra’s flagship lifestyle-themed true wireless earbuds are also renowned for their performance and reliability, with features that check all the right boxes for modern lifestyles. This includes a long battery life — 6 hours and 8 hours (with ANC) for the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active, respectively — Qi wireless charging, Bluetooth Multipoint and certified protection against the elements — IP57 for Elite 10 and IP68 for Elite 8 Active.

He who values audio quality: The Jabra Elite 10

The Jabra Elite 10 uses a unique semi-open design for a best-of-both-worlds approach to balancing audio quality and noise cancellation for music lovers and video streaming fans.

Along with a more natural-sounding musical presentation, the Elite 10 features Jabra’s best Advanced Active Noise Cancellation technology, which is twice as effective at neutralising noise compared to its regular earbuds.

Pair that with Dolby Atmos with Dolby Head Tracking for cutting-edge spatial sound, and your partner will be immersed in total entertainment bliss. But don’t worry, he has no excuses for not hearing you calling out his name, thanks to the highly effective HearThrough feature.

Key features:

• Jabra Advanced ANC^TM blocks out 2x more noise than Jabra’s standard ANC
• Advanced 6-mic technology for clear calls in any environment
• Optimised for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Head Tracking
• Jabra ComfortFit for a natural fit with a semi-open design to relieve ear pressure
• HearThrough technology with wind noise reduction
• IP57-rating
• Bluetooth Multipoint connection
• Hands-free Voice Assistant, Fast Pair, Swift Pair, Spotify Tap playback
• 6-hour battery (27 hours with case) with ANC on
• Available in Cream, Cocoa, Titanium black

Limited Time Promotion

Jabra Elite 10 will be available at a promotional price of S$278 (regular retail price S$382) from 1st February 2024 to 18th February 2024 at authorised retailers and Jabra’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Orders on Lazada and Shopee are on hold from 8th to 11th February due to Chinese New Year and will resume on 12th February.

She who values an active lifestyle: Jabra Elite 8 Active

The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds are the toughest in Jabra’s lineup. We are not exaggerating because these earbuds are rugged enough to meet the stringent requirements of the US Military Standard for Ruggedised Electronics (810H).

These earbuds are effectively “life-proofed” against mishaps and are a fantastic companion for even the most intense workouts — she can submerge them in 1.5m of water without any problem.

And she can feel safe running because the Wind Neutralising HearThrough technology muffles any wind interference without blocking out critical sounds from the traffic around her. Meanwhile, the Jabra ShakeGrip keeps the earbuds so snug in her ears that it’s almost magical. Even if she doesn’t have an active lifestyle, these are helpful features to have.

And with its relatively long battery life of 8 hours with ANC and up to 32 hours with the charging case, it’s a reliable companion throughout the day. It’s reliable, dependable, lasts a really long time and looks pretty stylish — hopefully, it reminds her of you, too!

Key features:

• Adaptive Hybrid ANC auto-filters background noise
• 6-mic call technology with wind noise-protecting mesh
• IP68-rated dustproof, watertight, sweatproof and 1m drop-resistant earbuds, and IP54-rated dust and splashproof case
• Crystal clear sound and added dimensionality with Dolby Audio
• Jabra ShakeGrip^TM technology for a secure fit in a wing-free, sleek design
• Wind Neutralizing HearThrough^TM for indoor and outdoor activities
• Google Assistant, Fast Pair, Swift Pair & Spotify Tap playback
• Bluetooth Multipoint connection
• Up to 8 hours of battery life and up to 32 hours with case (ANC on)
• Available in Caramel, Navy and Dark Grey.

Limited Time Promotion

Jabra Elite 8 Active will be available at a promotional price of S$248 (regular retail price S$312) from 1st February 2024 to 18th February 2024 at authorised retailers and Jabra’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Orders on Lazada and Shopee are on hold from 8th to 11th February due to Chinese New Year and will resume on 12th February.

Happy Valentine’s Day 2024!

Wishing all a Happy Valentine’s Day 2024! Have a wonderful time with your family, loved ones and friends! Happy Valentine’s Day shopping with Jabra!

* Information and picture courtesy of Jabra and Gloo *

The post Jabra Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2024 appeared first on TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog.

As I was working to get my technology writing up some gears and pace, clearing backlogs and working on key interest topics for Year 2024, and working on photography business deals for TGH Photography and visual stories / content creation for TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. January 2024 and first week of February 2024 were kind of hectic and busy. I want to start off Year 2024 on the right note and on a good foundation. A different set of uncertainties and challenges are looming ahead in 2024, along with geo-political risks, the route ahead might be rocky and challenging, yet it might bring some opportunities too.

However during the past few weeks, there were also other matters that brought me back down to reality, on the topics of family ties and close friends around us. I just want to say family and health comes first. Whatever judgements, noise and arguments taking place on social media or against you, we have to block them out, let it go and carry on with life, on what really matters to us, beyond capitalism, status, wealth, saving face and narcissism.

For this Chinese New Year 2024, enjoy your Lunar New Year festivities, gatherings and eating, a long weekend holiday, a short travel holiday away, or visiting family and relatives back in your home country. Have a good festive break before we return to the daily grind action.

Wishing all a Happy Chinese New Year 2024, wishing you good health, abundance in prosperity, wealth and relationships with family, relatives and friends. Have a good long weekend, catching up with family, relatives and friends, feasting and eating Chinese New Year goodies and snacks.

The post Happy Chinese New Year 2024! appeared first on TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog.

Dragon Inspiration Behind Dragon Arctis Nova 7

The makers of Arctis, the most awarded audio line in gaming, SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, recently introduced the special-edition Dragon Arctis Nova 7 series headset. This is designed by a collective group of SteelSeries designers and product managers with Chinese and Taiwanese heritage. The Dragon Arctis Nova 7 honours their heritage and culture, the traditions of family gatherings and festivals, and the celebration of the new beginning of Chinese Lunar New Year 2024.

This design is centred around a Dragon, one of the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals, the Dragon icon has been sculpted with softer edges, giving it a more modern look. The Dragon’s body wraps around the Chinese character for “Dragon” and sits atop a stack of lucky clouds. Hidden beneath the Dragon that is emblazoned on the speaker plates, a circular version of the Chinese character for good fortune adorns the ear cups, while the headband takes the shape of a Dragon’s scales. The deep red colour-way symbolises prosperity in life and is accented with bold gold symbolising money and fortune.

The story of SteelSeries

Through four years of innovative and meticulous engineering, SteelSeries set out to push boundaries, solve problems for those living a multi-faceted ‘gaming lifestyle’ and reinvent the world’s #1 premium gaming headphones. Whether it’s gaming on the go, listening to Spotify or watching Netflix while commuting on the train or bus, taking a Zoom call and needing to tune out the noise in a shared apartment, workspace, or coffee shop, at the home office with furry kids running around, in the gym or basketball court, playing some Call of Duty MWIII or Mario at home, and so much more… Welcome to the future of audio for a gaming lifestyle.

Arctis Nova 7

The Arctis Nova 7 is equipped with the Nova Acoustic System, which fuses hardware and software to raise the bar over the competition and provide those living a ‘gaming lifestyle’ with a new superpower known as ‘Almighty Audio.’ The combination of custom-designed High Fidelity speaker drivers that offer unparalleled sound purity, plus immersive 360° Spatial Audio for an immersive soundscape, along with the Sonar Audio Software Suite, which features the first pro-grade parametric EQ for gamers and allows them to adjust every individual frequency, provides unparalleled sound customisation.

With wireless freedom and Simultaneous Audio, you can listen to two audio streams at the same time with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, easily swapping between PC, Mac, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iPhone, Android, and mobile devices with USB-C. Communications are key and the new ClearCast Gen 2’s AI-powered noise cancelation gives users crystal clear comms. Purposely designed for gamers, the bidirectional mic uses the same technology used by Formula 1 teams and silences noise and distractions, including button-mashing and keyboard tapping, co-workers in shared workspaces, family members and pets while working from home, and background noise in coffee shops. Additionally, the mic has been reimagined with a unique design that blends seamlessly into the ear cup when fully retracted for a sleek and stylish look for on-the-go.

Key Features of Arctis Nova 7

• Arctis Nova 7 Wireless – Venture past the mundane into Almighty Audio with the Arctis Nova 7.
• Listen to two audio streams at once with simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth and stay in the action with a 38-hour battery and a fast charge function, bringing 6 hours of use after just a 15-minute charge.
• Players will experience noise-free communications as AI-algorithms guide the ClearCast Gen 2 mic to clean up both incoming and outgoing audio in team chat.
• The ComfortMax System delivers 4 points of adjustability and breathable AirWeave Memory Foam cushions for marathon sessions on any platform.
• The special-edition Dragon Arctis Nova 7 series headset comes with an extra set of red x gold speaker plates.
• The original SteelSeries Arctis 7 was the most-awarded headset of all time…Welcome to the future of gaming audio.

Pricing and Availability

The special edition SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7 will go on sale on 16 February 2024 at the following recommended retail selling price:

• Dragon Arctis Nova 7 Wireless – S$359/-
• SteelSeries Sonar Audio Suite – Free Download at: SteelSeries.com/gg/sonar

SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7 will be available for pre-order on the SteelSeries official store at Shopee Singapore from 1st February 2024 to 16th February 2024. Pre-orders will start shipping from 16th February 2024 onwards. Every purchase of the Dragon Arctis Nova 7 entitles you to a free limited edition SteelSeries T-shirt while stocks last.

Follow and connect with SteelSeries on social media

If you like to learn and know more about SteelSeries, follow and connect with SteelSeries on social media! Visit steelseries.com and join the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/SteelSeriesSG and Instagram at SteelSeries Singapore (@steelseriessg).

* Information and pictures courtesy of SteelSeries and Gloo *

The post Celebrate Lunar New Year with SteelSeries Special Edition Dragon Arctis Nova 7 appeared first on TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog.

Singtel CNY Film Series

Singtel CNY film series are heartwarming and fun to watch, starting back in 2020 with “His Grandfather’s Road“, “My Grandmother’s House” in 2021, “The Hunt For the Lucky Tiger” in 2022, “Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy” in 2023. Now in 2024, the next Singtel CNY film, “A Date With Spring”, is here for everyone to watch, reminisce, gather and bond together as we gather for our extended family gatherings during Chinese New Year 2024.

A Date With Spring

When Uncle is watching the younger skaters at East Coast Park one day, he is inspired to look for his old roller skates and take up the sport again. When his initial attempt to skate proves unsuccessful, he turns to the smartphone to video and review his own performance as well as renew his skills by watching videos of young skaters executing their last moves.

Technology has the Power to Inspire and Empower

This film “A Date With Spring” is a testimonial to how technology has the power to inspire and empower – not just the younger generation, the older generation like Uncle as well. With Uncle’s newfound skating prowess, he can be seen exploring modern Singapore and revisiting old haunts. Very soon, Uncle’s skating antics at various iconic landmarks such as Marina Barrage and Chinatown go viral, with onlookers recording and sharing his extraordinary moves. Even his family is surprised by his newly acquired abilities.

“This film isn’t just aspirational,” said Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, Singtel Group CEO. “We drew inspiration from the real life of 70-year-old mechanic Tan Teck Hung who stars in the film as he had indeed gone viral due to his amazing skating skills. Stirred by his personal story, we decided to turn it into a tale of empowerment for the new year which is what Singtel’s purpose is all about – to empower every generation. Technology is not just the purview of the young. It is inclusive and enabling. People of all ages can use it and we’ve made it our mission to help everyone reap its benefits.”

From Real to Reel

“Uncle Heng”, who plays Uncle in the film, was played by Mr Tan Teck Hung. He himself was once an avid skater in his youth, starting at age 16! It was not until he was 59 years old that he chanced upon a pair of roller skates at a second-hand store in Toa Payoh, found that it fits and picked up the sport again. The rest as they say, is history!

He has become a regular at the East Coast Park skating ring near Carpark 3, where he likes to skate while blasting Canto pop music on loudspeakers. Uncle Heng mastered difficult moves that can rival skaters decades younger than him – like skating on one leg or executing what’s known as the Arabesque spin, both of which are featured in “A Date With Spring”.

All this made him something of an online celebrity with a Facebook community called the Lion City Roller Skaters, posting videos of him which has attracted the adulation of many netizens who have become his fans. Uncle Heng has also formed close friendships with other regular skaters, some of whom are above 60 years old. He is now attempting to choreograph skating sequences of his own.

“The power of this film lies in the fact that it is not fiction,” said Ms Lian Pek, Singtel’s Vice President of Group Strategic Communications and Brand. “Uncle Heng is the real thing. In real life, he’s adept at using the handphone and other technology. He’s 70 years old and skates like a dream – a classic example of ‘age is just a number.’ He’s pursued his passion and it doesn’t look like he’s going to stop.  We think this is a worthy message to spread this festive season, whether its skating or technology – it is never too late to try.”

Brand Building through Stories 

“A Date With Spring” is the latest addition to Singtel’s lineup of brand stories that seek to express what they stands for.

Ms Pek added, “We find that storytelling helps create that central narrative around our brand and evokes emotional responses from customers, which helps them make personal connections to us. We hope that this film, loosely based on Uncle Heng’s skating journey, has allowed us to communicate our core values in an authentic and engaging way.”

This short film is conceived in-house, Singtel worked with Akanga Films to produce the film which airs on Singtel TV and various social media channels from 25th January to 24th February 2024.

Having watched and shared Singtel’s previous Chinese New Year’s offerings over the years, revolving around heart-warming antics of two Singaporean families – the Angs and the Huangs, who went from fierce rivals to fast friends over the years. In case you missed it, do check out and watch “Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy!”, “His Grandfather’s Road”, “My Grandmother’s House”, and “The Hunt For The Lucky Tiger” garnered over 50 million views as the theme of strengthening family bonds resonated strongly with viewers.

In 2023, Singtel was named Singapore’s strongest brand across all sectors for the second year running, according to Brand Finance’s ranking of the country’s top 100 brands. Brand Finance also named Singtel the world’s 6th strongest brand in the telecoms sector that same year.

Happy Chinese New Year 2024!

Here’s wishing all my readers a Happy Chinese New Year 2024! May the Year of the Dragon be a year of good health, wealth and prosperity in the Year 2024!

* Information and pictures courtesy of Singtel *

The post Singtel CNY 2024 – A Date With Spring appeared first on TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog.

Mr Tony Heng, President of Stellar Lifestyle, said, “Hive by Stellar Lifestyle continues to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by introducing and validating innovations. This year, Hive 2.0 will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and connected networks to help our merchant partners become more operationally resilient. We designed these innovations to leverage our extensive rail network, allowing us to create new in-store experiences where consumers can enjoy greater convenience and enhanced retail experiences. What you see here today could scale across the train network in the future, as SMRT is committed to Moving People, Enhancing Lifestyles.”

Hive 2.0 – Future of Retail Innovation

Hive 2.0 is Stellar Lifestyle’s showcase of how they are envisioning the future of retail innovation through the usage and implantation of technology in our Future Cities, Future Living and Future of Work. Hive 2.0 enhances the vibrancy of retail space, the surroundings and creating new commuter experiences. Commuters at Hive 2.0 can experience about 10 unique retail concepts, mostly developed by up-and-coming local startups, within the 3,200 sq feet innovation space daily.

Hive innovation hub was first launched in 2022, connecting Stellar Lifestyle and hundreds of tenants with partners in the technology eco-system. Hive 2.0 features a new lineup of startups and partners, including selected startups from Stellar Lifestyle’s Stellarate Innovation programme.

Hive 2.0 in action

Prior to the official launch event, I had a preview of the Hive 2.0 in action during a media session. This gave me the opportunity to check out the Hive 2.0 retail and technology partners. While I didn’t manage to speak to all of the participating retail and technology partners at Hive 2.0, I had a few chats with some of them, getting to know more about them, what they are doing and their future business plans.

I have a keen interest in chatting with startups in the technology industries, and also relating to SME industries. Those chats allowed me to understand first hand on understanding and seeing Hive 2.0 in action. Here are some of my stories from my interactions and conversations with some of the retail and technology partners at Hive 2.0.

First-of-its-kind robo-delivery by QuikBot

For those working at South Beach Development, they will be able to use a first-of-its-kind robs-delivery service from Esplanade MRT station to their office building. They can order items from Esplanade MRT station’s 7-Evelen through the QuikBot app. For the first time in Singapore, QuikBot’s delivery robots will autonomously transport purchases, consolidating orders on larger robots with a fleet of smaller robots. The robots can seamlessly navigate lifts, gantries and multiple buildings to deliver items directly to office floors. Those robots will exchange items with each other to optimise logistics efficiency, they will also be the first to self-navigate on common corridors as they travel between Esplanade MRT and South Beach Tower.

During the media session, we were given a demonstration of the robo-delivery by QuikBot from Esplanade Xchange to South Beach Development. I reckon this robo-delivery by QuikBot has the potential to expand and grow in business districts e.g. Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar.

Robot bubble tea store from JAVIS

In the coming months, if you are a bubble tea lover, you would love this idea that you can order bubble tea while they are commuting on the train, picking it up from JAVIS, a robot tea store when they arrive at Hive 2.0.

Even though I am not a bubble tea fan, I still occasionally have my bubble tea drink. Chatting with JAVIS, understanding more about their technology expertise and future developments, watching a video of how they are preparing and dispensing their bubble tea as compared to the robotic arm coffee making machine that I saw previously at other technology conferences/events.

Considering that there are many bubble tea fans in Singapore, I would be looking forward to witness the robot tea store by JAVIS in action at Hive 2.0.

Robotic detail dispensing machine by Mr. R Robotics

A robotic retail dispensing machine that is approximately the size of a room. Place your order on the touch screen panel, make the payment and watch the robotic arm collects and delivers your product to you. When you see the number of different items that they can be pack inside and seeking Mr. R Robotics in action, the regular vending machines that you see on a regular basis may not spark you joy anymore.

Showcase of local Singapore brands curated by Yzel

Yzel is a local space aggregator that showcases local Singapore brands curated by them, a pop-up sampling solution that allows merchants to offer their products to customers on a short-term basis in curated retail spaces. Great to see local Singapore businesses, artists in action, displaying their works.

As an arts and craft supporter, and also a fan of going flea market or arts and craft market, I feel that Yzel local space aggregator business concept would fit in nicely at curated retail spaces such as Hive 2.0.

7-Eleven Shop & Go

The first self-checkout retail store where commuters can tap their credit card to enter. They are leveraging AI, smart cameras, deep learning and multi-sensor fusion technologies. This 7-Eleven Shop & Go store provides a frictionless retail experience to shoppers with a seamless Tap, Shop and Go process. The first automated self-checkout store in an MRT Station in Singapore.

IncuBaker

As a technology writer covering technology startups, fin-tech startups, and also a travel/food writer covering travel and tourism related startups over the years, I have yet to come across food/food technology startups in my media/writing coverage. At Hive 2.0, I was introduced to IncuBaker, I met two food startups incubated under them that were showcasing their innovative food products – LadleDrops and Tais’ Kitchen. Do check out and find out more about them!

In my personal humble opinion, IncuBaker incubating F&B startups/entrepreneurs to test and sell their products at Hive 2.0 is a great fit for both parties.

Hive 2.0 Retail and Technology Partners

Who are the Hive 2.0 retail and technology partners? The list below gives a short writeup and insights into each of them:

• 7-Eleven Shop & Go: The first ever autonomous store in Singapore to enable the seamless tap, shop and go process. Commuters only need to tap their credit card to enter, shop what they need and leave the store. Their purchases will automatically be charged to their card as they walk out.
• QuikBot: Leading with its “Autonomous Final-mile Delivery Platform-as-a-Service’’ (AFMD), QuikBot is transforming Singapore’s urban infrastructures into “SMART’’ systems integrated with robotics and IoT. Set for a January 2024 launch with partners like Stellar Lifestyle, South Beach Consortium, and 7-Eleven, South Beach Development office workers can conveniently order from the Esplanade MRT station’s 7-Eleven from the Quikbot app, after which its autonomous robots will transport these orders directly to their office floors, self-navigating along common corridors as they move between Esplanade MRT and South Beach Tower.
• Mr.R Robotics: Singapore’s first adaptive robotics retail store, serving frozen, chilled and ambient products concurrently.
• Yzel: An AI-powered, pop-up sampling solution that helps local brands access complementary physical spaces for product display, sampling and sales.
• IncuBaker: An F&B Incubator offering a co-working kitchen workspace and studio to help aspiring F&B entrepreneurs test and sell their products.
• The Gym Pod: An on-demand fully-private state-of-the-art gym to help health-conscious commuters hit their fitness goals.
• Le Tach Vending: An intelligent vending machine operator that stocks traditional and non-traditional products, ranging from herbal teas to bak kwa (sweetmeat) and fresh fruit.
• Tap Tiles: Tap Tiles is a startup that designs kinetic floor tiles which can harvest clean energy in the form of electricity and data from footsteps while engaging the users in the process..
• BuzzAR: An AI-powered virtual assistant that provides shopping guidance and recommendations to Hive customers.
• JAVIS: An upcoming fully automated bubble tea store that can brew freshly made bubble tea tailored to customers’ preferences.
• NOYES: For retailers, a fully automated nano-warehousing storage solution to support re-stocking and self-collection.

Hive 2.0 – Technology Innovations and the Future of Retail, Future Cities, Future Living

Hive 2.0 features technologies that are used to help retailers improve business efficiency and deal with teething issues that they are facing such as rising costs in workforce and logistics, yet concurrently providing commuters with unique retail experiences.

Hive 2.0 demonstrates Stellar Lifestyle’s continuous improvements to developing solutions that support its retail partners, benefitting the local community and transforming retail spaces at MRT stations into vibrant lifestyle destinations. This goal is achieved through a series of innovations, changes and place-making, by incorporating new technologies, creating new experiential experiences for commuters, and reimagining the use of existing spaces.

Other exciting commuter experiences by Stellar Lifestyle include the sprawling 22,000 sq ft Timezone at Orchard Xchange and the bustling bazaar at Dhoby Xchange with its eclectic range of F&B and lifestyle outlets.

Hive 2.0 encompasses technology innovations into the future of retail, how our future cities and future living could be envisioned, transformed and coming to life in an eco-system and a vibrant community supporting local Singapore SMEs and startups. All these have the potential to be expand further into the heartlands of Singapore, beyond the business and downtown hubs.

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Reflecting Year 2023

How was my Year 2023 like? If you like to read about year in review, you can visit the two articles that I wrote – Reflecting Year 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal) and Reflecting Year 2023 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage). The Year 2023 is a mixed bag of results and outcomes, some worthy points to note, as well as challenging, volatile and difficult economic conditions for running a business. Although 2023 is like the first full year of recovery from the global pandemic (2020 to 2022), it’s anything but a bed of roses for many of us in my personal opinion. Year 2023 is not my best year, however I learned a lot.

Yearly Theme 2024

My approach to using a yearly theme is slightly different from the old school style of goal setting and objectives. This approach gives and sets the directions for my year 2024, I might share a bit more on some aspects of my goals and objectives inside my articles.

Here are my Yearly Themes 2024 below, I would like to share them with you, in case you have missed them.

• Yearly Theme 2024 (Technology | Business | Personal) – “Transcend”
• Yearly Theme 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) – “Ignite”

Key areas

At the start of a fresh new year 2024, first up are working on my key areas. My TGH Photography commercial photography services packages and suite of services are currently reviewed and updated for year 2024, that would be completed by end January 2024. Curation of portfolio is currently underway, uploading and adding new photography works into my portfolio.

Partnerships and Collaborations

I am also establishing new partnerships and collaborations, and I hope to add more of them into my lineup in this year 2024.

Media Kits 2024

This is also time to review my media kits for both my TGH Photography and Travel, as well as my TGH Technology and Business, in my content creation, digital marketing and writing suite of services.

Scheduling (Backlogs and Current News)

As I am preparing to embark on covering and writing in those areas that I am interested in (heritage projects, visual storytelling, sustainability and AI) for this new Year 2024, I am also going to strike a balance and clear my key backlogs.

Ready for Year 2024? Let’s kickstart!

A new set of different challenges, uncertainties, fears and economic difficulties are looming around us in this new Year 2024, from economic challenges of the world economy, to local Singapore economy, international and regional geo-politics, adding in technological advancements and disruptions.

Just like this cover photo, the AI image was generated by Microsoft Designer, merged onto a explorer template and edited into this cover photo on Canvas. How would AI, content creation , social media marketing and visual storytelling play their different roles and functions for me In Year 2024?

Are you ready for Year 2024? Let’s kickstart! Join me on my adventures in 2024!

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Why use a Yearly Theme? How to Choose a Yearly Theme?

I am inspired by Fernando Gros “How to choose a Yearly Theme”, this is my 5th year writing and announcing a Yearly Theme, an approach that I personally feel that it’s more forward looking for a new future, a new era of working, thinking and how we connect as an individual, as a collective, society and the world. It’s not that goal settings or setting resolutions are no longer popular or useful, they still have a purpose and it still works for some people or industries.

Recap of previous Yearly Themes

Before I announce my Yearly Theme 2023 for my technology, business and personal, let me bring you back in time, looking at my previous Yearly Themes through a recap below:

Year 2020: Striving to Excel

Year 2021: Recovery and Rejuvenation

Year 2022: Onward

Year 2023: Transform

Yearly Theme 2024 (Technology | Business | Personal) – “Transcend”

Now, announcing my Yearly Theme 2024 (Technology | Business | Personal) – “Transcend”

Why Transcend?

Via Google Bard – “Transcend: This word implies going beyond the ordinary and creating something truly special and meaningful. A good storyteller transcends facts and figures to touch the listener’s heart and mind.”

I want to be a better storyteller in the Year 2024 for both my two key areas of business and  key interest areas. For this year, I decided to try something different, I asked Google Bard to recommend a word to summarise “be a better storyteller”, and the chat based AI tool from Google gave me a few to choose from.

Transcend beyond my years of technology writing and coverage

Transcend beyond my years of technology writing and coverage, to change beyond my previous styles of technology writing and coverage, creating something different, meaningful and hopefully truly special and unique in my own ways and styles, especially in the enterprise technology and deep technology sectors.

How can I transcend my social media marketing and bring it to another level?

As I am working over the past few years to diversify into other business interests, how can I bring my social media marketing and content creation together, and bring it to another level? How do I transcend beyond marketing in both traditional and digital formats that would serve me well in a modern digital and social media driven world?

Startups sector

I am also making strategic business plans and directions to transcend into the startups sector, bringing my technology writing knowledge and experiences, together with my visual storytelling, photography, content creation and social media marketing into delivering a holistic package that is more necessary and crucial in an increasing digital and social media world driving the world economy.

Should an opportunity arises to work/collaborate with a startup, I would strategise, plan, diversify and adjust my photography business commitments into this new setup.

Yearly Theme 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) – “Ignite”

As for my core/main focus of business interest, TGH Photography business, together with my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog, I have chosen my Yearly Theme 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) to be “Ignite”. I would like to invite you to hop over to my other website and have a read!

Join me in my “Transcend” journeys in 2024

To my networks in the technology, business and social media marketing sectors, I would like to invite you to join me in my “Transcend” journeys in 2024, let’s work closer together for more in-depth, meaningful and powerful stories, on both visual storytelling and social media.

Thank you for your support and encouragement!

To my family, relatives, friends, followers and supporters who supported me through my visual storytelling, photography, technology writing, social media marketing, especially those that make the effort to read, not assuming thinking you know everything about me, or my business model operations, and making the effort to know more and understand, without judgement or putting me down, I sincerely thank you for your support and encouragement!

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