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Singapore Residents’ Year End and Lunar New Year Travel Spending Hit New Highs: Visa
Shopping and Dining Remain Top Spend Categories during December Year-End Travel
Visa’s data highlights that shopping and dining remain top priorities for Singapore travellers, accounting for 61 per cent of their travel spend, while lodging and airline bookings saw strong year-on-year growth as consumers plan ahead for travel. Retail spend recorded a 14 per cent year-on-year increase, while spending on restaurants and fast food surged by 27 and 30 per cent, respectively. These figures underscore the enduring appeal of overseas shopping and dining experiences for Singapore travellers.[1]
Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand have emerged as the leading travel corridors for cross-border outbound spending, closely followed by South Korea and Australia during the year-end holidays last year. The implementation of visa-free travel to China has significantly boosted travel demand, resulting in an 86 per cent year-on-year increase in travel spend in China. This reflects a broader trend of increased regional travel, facilitated by relaxed entry requirements and strong economic ties.
Malaysia has always been the top travel destination for Singapore residents all-year round. Based on Visa’s International Travel platform, the top cities that Singaporeans visited include Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Cameron Highlands, Bangkok, Bali and Kota Tinggi (Johor). Last year, Singapore travellers’ card spending in Japan also grew 138 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels.[2]
Visa’s data also highlighted the evolving destination preferences for Singapore residents. Compared to December 2023, Japan and Thailand have secured their place as key travel destinations, while long-haul markets such as the UK, US, and France continue to attract high-spending travellers. South Korea and Thailand are also emerging as healthcare-driven travel destinations, with increasing numbers of Singapore residents seeking medical services abroad. In fact, South Korea saw a 58 per cent rise in healthcare-related travel spending.
Japan and Thailand experienced the highest travel spend growth, recording 42 and 29 per cent year-on-year increase respectively. Meanwhile, Malaysia saw the strongest growth in food and groceries spending at 75 per cent year-on-year, reinforcing its position as a key travel and consumption hub.
“Travel continues to be a key category of spend for Visa cardholders in Singapore. Based on a Visa study[3], travel is a top priority for Singapore travellers, surpassing other big-ticket spending items such as vehicles, property, healthcare and luxury goods in terms of importance. This finding is aligned with what we’re seeing from our data, where there is strong cross-border spend growth during year-end and festive periods. We continue to see interest in consumers using cards that can earn airline miles for their spend, and other propositions such as zero FX and multi-currency offerings. With the vast data that we see, we can work with our partners to share these key insights and create relevant benefits for our cardholders, making the payment experience seamless and secure when they travel and pay with Visa”, said Adeline Kim, Visa Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei.
As travel planning becomes more strategic, Singapore travellers are making early bookings to manage costs and secure better deals. Spending on alternative airline carriers, including European and Middle Eastern airlines, rose by 15 per cent year-on-year, indicating a growing preference for diverse flight options. In addition, online lodging bookings increased by 16 per cent year-on-year in December last year.
Top travel destinations during Lunar New Year holiday similar to year-end of 2024
The top travel destinations during this year’s Lunar New Year holiday are similar to the year-end break, with the exception of Indonesia taking the fourth spot, replacing South Korea. During the Lunar New Year holiday week, Singapore travellers took the opportunity to spend the week travelling, with a strong spike in cross-border spend at 22 per cent growth compared to the week of Lunar New Year in 2024. eCommerce spend also grew by close to 30 per cent compared to the previous year during the festive period, showing that people were spending more to purchase online, given this year’s Lunar New Year coincides with February 2.
Malaysia continues to be the top travel corridor, with payments volume growing at 57 per cent compared to the previous Lunar New Year week. The top growing category in Malaysia was jewellery stores, showing over 220 per cent growth compared to the previous year. Japan comes in second as a preferred destination for Singaporeans. During this ski season, Visa saw a 36 per cent growth on cross-border spend compared to the same festive period the year before. Thailand’s healthcare spend also grew at over 59 per cent.[4]
[1] VisaNet data as of December 2024 and December 2023
[2] Visa International Travel Platform- data as of Q2 – 2024
[3] Visa Green Shoots Radar Survey 2024 (June)
[4] VisaNet data as of CNY week in 2025 (27 January – 2 February) compared to CNY week in 2024 (10-16 February).
Hashtag: #Visa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at www.visa.com.sg
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New Battery-Operated Bluetooth® Controller Enables Truly Mobile, Plug-and-Play Access
Powerful Performance from Just Four AA Batteries
Powered by only four AA batteries, the controller delivers over two years of operation when driving a 12VDC latch, dramatically reducing maintenance compared to typical battery-powered systems. Its high-efficiency internal buck/boost technology ensures optimal power delivery while using fewer batteries than conventional approaches.
Redundant Power for Critical Access
When batteries eventually require replacement, Southco has designed built-in redundancy to avoid downtime. A power override port—compatible today with a 9V battery and adaptable for future power inputs—provides temporary power so users can unlock the enclosure, replace batteries, and restore full operation quickly.
Smart Monitoring Through the Keypanion® App
Battery health is continuously monitored through Southco’s Keypanion® App, which alerts users well before battery replacement is needed, reducing the likelihood of emergency access situations.
For Original Equipment Manufacturers building their own mobile apps, Southco also offers a Software Development Kit (SDK), enabling seamless integration between the controller and customers’ existing digital ecosystems.
Designed for Real-World Enclosures
A removable battery pod allows fast, frustration-free battery changes—especially valuable in tight, hard-to-reach installations. Users can slide out the cartridge, load all batteries at once, and reinsert it without navigating cramped enclosure spaces.
The controller also features true plug-and-play installation. Simply insert the four AA batteries, plug in the latch, and the system is ready to operate—no wire splicing, no external power, and no additional electronics required.
Mobile Access Without Security Infrastructure
With the Keypanion® App, users can activate, manage, and share access directly from a mobile device. There is no server setup, no IT overhead, and no wiring required. Permissions can be granted or revoked instantly, replacing physical keys with secure digital control.
New Possibilities for Remote and Unpowered Applications
This combination of self-contained power, Bluetooth® connectivity, and mobile access expands what designers can do in environments once considered too challenging for electronic access. Ideal applications include:
- Remote and public installations without external power
- Retrofit upgrades for existing unpowered enclosures
- Critical infrastructure such as fiber optic boxes requiring secure, monitored access
By eliminating the need for solar panels, power drops, or complex security systems, Southco’s Battery-Operated Bluetooth® Controller reduces material costs and gives OEMs far greater design freedom.
A Flexible, Future-Ready Solution
Beyond immediate use cases, the power override port helps engineers address mechanical override considerations by providing a reliable method to restore power and gain entry when traditional power sources fail—a major benefit noted by early customer feedback.
The Battery-Operated Single Output Bluetooth® Controller provides a strong foundation for the next generation of remote access solutions, delivering convenience, efficiency, and security in one streamlined device.
For more information, please visit www.southco.com or email Southco’s 24/7 customer service team at in**@*****co.com.
Hashtag: #Southco
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Southco
Southco, Inc. is the leading global designer and manufacturer of engineered access solutions. From quality and performance to aesthetics and ergonomics, we understand that first impressions are lasting impressions in product design. For over 80 years, Southco has helped the world’s most recognized brands create value for their customers with innovative access solutions designed to enhance the touch points of their products in transportation and industrial applications, medical equipment, data centers and more. With unrivalled engineering resources, innovative products and a dedicated global team, Southco delivers the broadest portfolio of premium access solutions available to equipment designers throughout the world.
Southco Asia Limited
2401, Tower 2, Ever Gain Plaza
88 Container Port Road, Kwai Chung
Hong Kong
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OTIC Hearing Unveils New Audiological Milestones In Hong Kong: Launching The Award-Winning Oticon Zeal And The Pediatric Oticon Play SI Platforms
Developed to mimic natural brain sound processing, these platforms represent a major leap forward in treating hearing loss across all ages. Together, the Oticon Zeal and Oticon Play SI lines bring the next evolution of BrainHearing™ technology to Hong Kong. Headlining this release is the custom-molded Oticon Zeal, which recently won the 2026 Red Dot Design Award—one of the world’s most prestigious international seals of design quality and innovation. By introducing these dual systems, OTIC Hearing effortlessly bridges the gap between invisible aesthetics for image-conscious adults and robust learning support for developing children.
Oticon Zeal: Setting a New Standard for Invisible Hearing Technology
For many adults experiencing mild-to-moderate hearing impairment, the social stigma of traditional behind-the-ear devices remains a major deterrent to seeking intervention. Oticon Zeal rewrites this narrative with its NXT In-the-Ear (ITE) style.
Individually sculpted to fit deeply within the user’s ear canal, Oticon Zeal achieves absolute invisibility when viewed from a frontal profile, presenting an ultra-compact faceplate only when observed directly from the side. This is achieved via advanced 3D modeling and laser-sculpting technology, which integrates complex components into an exceptionally small shell without compromising on features.
Overcoming a historic limitation of invisible hearing aids, the frequent changing of tiny disposable batteries; Oticon Zeal introduces an integrated lithium-ion rechargeable power cell. The system delivers up to 20 hours of continuous battery life on a single charge. Every device pairs with a desktop SmartCharger that functions as a mobile power bank. For urgent situations, a fast-charging protocol provides four hours of operational power from a brief 15-minute charge.
Deep Neural Network 2.0 Processing
At the core of Oticon Zeal’s processing is an on-chip, second-generation AI engine. Driven by an updated Deep Neural Network (DNN) 2.0 and a SuddenSound Stabilizer, the processor scans and balances the surrounding soundscape hundreds of times per second.
Standard digital hearing systems often rely on narrow, directional microphones that isolate a single speaker while dampening peripheral noise. This artificial restriction deprives the brain of essential contextual audio, creating cognitive strain and mental fatigue.
In contrast, Oticon Zeal’s AI preserves a natural, 360-degree open soundscape. By suppressing sudden background noises by up to 12 decibels while actively enhancing speech clarity by up to 6 decibels, the platform allows the brain to naturally choose which sound source to focus on, even within high-volume environments like corporate meetings or crowded restaurants.
Oticon Play SI: Purpose-Built Pediatric Care for Growing Minds
Alongside the adult-focused Oticon Zeal, OTIC Hearing is introducing Oticon Play SI to deliver specialized auditory care tailored directly to the unique developmental requirements of growing children. The Oticon Play SI family is optimized to deliver a rich, high-fidelity sound stream essential for language acquisition, academic success, and social confidence.
Children live dynamic lives, moving rapidly from quiet homes to noisy classrooms and playgrounds. Oticon Play SI addresses this volatility by becoming the industry’s first pediatric family to combine a second-generation AI processing core with integrated 4D user-intent sensors.
These sensors track physical head movements, body activity levels, and localized acoustic shifts. The system automatically adjusts its processing parameters in real time, ensuring the child remains clearly connected to teacher instructions, parental guidance, and peer interactions.
To withstand childhood adventures, Oticon Play SI features an IP68-certified robust housing, offering maximum protection against dust, moisture, and debris. This fully sealed architecture safeguards delicate internal circuitry from sweat, rain, and accidental spills. Available in versatile miniRITE R and miniBTE R styles, the lineup offers a broad array of 12 expressive color choices, seven colored ear-hook options, and custom decorative stickers, empowering children to wear their devices with personal pride.
Advanced Digital Connectivity
To seamlessly interface with today’s digital environment, both Oticon Zeal and Oticon Play SI feature state-of-the-art streaming protocols. Utilizing advanced Bluetooth® LE Audio technology, both product families deliver low-energy direct audio streaming from smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart televisions, keeping users connected without draining device batteries.
Hashtag: #OTIC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About OTIC Hearing
Established in 2005, OTIC Hearing (Otic Hearing & Speech Centre) is one of the largest, most trusted hearing care clinical groups in Hong Kong. Guided by a corporate philosophy of “People First”, OTIC Hearing manages a comprehensive network of eight specialized service centers strategically distributed across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Clinics are located in Central, Causeway Bay, Jordan, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwun Tong, Shatin, Tsuen Wan, and Yuen Long.
As the exclusive distributor of Oticon A/S in Hong Kong, OTIC Hearing pairs world-leading technology with an elite team of clinical audiologists and technical hearing specialists. Every facility is fully outfitted with advanced diagnostic and testing instrumentation, allowing the clinical team to deliver precise hearing assessments, custom-fitting protocols, and specialized pediatric auditory rehabilitation. OTIC Hearing maintains a strict commitment to ongoing professional training, ensuring that every client receives a supportive, accurate rehabilitation journey designed to restore lifestyle confidence.
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Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited announces interim results for six months ended June 30, 2026
2026 Interim Results – Financial Highlights
(Figures for the corresponding period in 2025 are shown in brackets)
- Consolidated revenue: HK$593 million (HK$ 636 million)
- Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company: HK$189 million (HK$ 249 million)
- Basic loss per share: 9.28 HK cents (12.23 HK cents)
- No interim dividend (No interim dividend)
Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD”, SEHK: 00432) announced its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2026.
The consolidated revenue of PCPD and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) amounted to HK$ 593 million, compared to HK$ 636 million for the corresponding period of 2025.
The Group’s consolidated loss attributable to equity holders of the Company for the first six months of 2026 totalled HK$ 189 million, compared to a net loss of HK$249 million for the corresponding period last year. Basic loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was 9.28 Hong Kong cents, compared to a loss per share of 12.23 Hong Kong cents for the corresponding period of 2025.
The Board of Directors did not declare an interim dividend for the first half of 2026.
For the first half of 2026, the Group delivered encouraging results as we built on our core strengths and benefited from resilient demand across the markets in which we operate. During the period, we also took steps to enhance our portfolio, including the disposals of two investment assets. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the Group’s financial position and reinforce its long-term growth.
Our operations in Japan performed well despite some moderation in tourism demand, shaped by changes in the composition of international visitors and fluctuations in travel demand. Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono, our hospitality business in Niseko, Hokkaido, delivered a stable performance with healthy occupancy and room rates, while our ski operations remained a key contributor to the Group’s results. Earnings from our recreational facilities, ski lifts, equipment rentals, “Hanazono EDGE” (a restaurant and entertainment centre) and Niseko International Snowsports Schoolcontinued togrow year-on-year. We will stay focused on establishing Niseko Hanazono Resort as a world-class, all-season luxury destination and remain optimistic about its long-term development.
On March 16, 2026, the Group announced the sale of its entire interest in Pacific Century Place, Jakarta (“PCP Jakarta”) in Indonesia. The transaction, at a total consideration of US$400 million, was completed on June 8, 2026. Notwithstanding the disposal, the Group will continue to provide property management services in respect of PCP Jakarta.
On February 13, 2026, the Group announced the sale of its entire interest in Midtown Niseko. The transaction, at a total consideration of US$80 million, was completed on May 31, 2026.
The Group formed a strategic alliance with Hotel Properties Limited in Singapore to bring a Four Seasons Resort and Branded Residences to Aquella, a large-scale integrated resort development in Phang Nga. The move represents a significant milestone in PCPD‘s long-term vision of transforming Aquella into an integrated resort destination that effortlessly blends luxury living, recreation and exceptional service.
Central Residence by the Park in Hong Kong was launched for sale in January 2026. As at the end of June, 90.9% of the total available units of the luxury residential project had already been sold. The project will be completed in the latter half of 2026.
Mr. Benjamin Lam, PCPD’s Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director, said: “The first half of 2026 presented a challenging global environment, characterised by geopolitical tensions including the conflict in the Middle East, inflation, trade uncertainties and concerns over monetary policies. Despite the headwinds, global growth was relatively resilient, while international tourism in many parts of Asia continued to perform steadily. The Group’s core markets in Asia generally remained solid during the period. Tourism demand continued to support Japan and Thailand despite a slightly more measured pace of growth. Improving sentiment in Hong Kong’s property market also provided a more favourable backdrop for our luxury residential development.
In the second half of the year, we will continue to enhance the value of our existing assets while positioning the Group to capitalise on opportunities that support our long-term strategy and create value for our stakeholders.”
Hashtag: #PacificCenturyPremiumDevelopments
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About PCPD
Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD” or the “Group”, SEHK: 00432) is principally engaged in the development and management of premium-grade property and infrastructure projects as well as premium-grade property investments. PCCW Limited (“PCCW”, SEHK: 00008) is the single largest shareholder of the Group.


