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Ascott powers up loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards, with enhanced member features to treble membership by 2028

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1 year ago

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  • Refreshes user interface and boosts personalisation on ASR mobile app to enhance ease of use
  • Expands booking capabilities of GenAI-powered chatbot on discoversasr.com to make online direct bookings more seamless
  • Develops predictive AI travel recommendation engine for ASR members to simplify travel planning process
  • Elevates perks for ASR members to gain exclusive access to iconic events and experiences

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2025 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is celebrating the sixth anniversary of its loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), with feature enhancements aimed at further enriching the travel experience for its growing base of loyal members. In 2024, ASR membership grew by over 40% to surpass five million. Ascott is setting a target to treble the number of ASR members to at least 15 million by 2028.

Ascott is enhancing its mobile app and website to reach 15 million Ascott Star Rewards members by 2028. Cubby, the GenAI-powered web chatbot on Ascott’s booking website discoverasr.com, now offers direct bookings with personalised property recommendations and the best rates.

In 2024, ASR members accounted for over 90% of Ascott’s app and website bookings, more than 60% of which were repeat bookings. On average, ASR members spent 55% more than non-members, which brought about over 30% increase in ASR-driven room revenue in 2024. Last year, ASR mobile app downloads surged by over 120%, with bookings increasing 64%, driving a more than 70% rise in revenue compared to 2023. Ascott’s web booking channel – discoverasr.com, has been seeing double digit growth for the past three years. As ASR continues to evolve, its focus will move beyond traditional benefits to include curated event experiences and personalised offerings through its mobile app and website. From a traditional points-based rewards system to an integrated solution, the strong growth trajectory of ASR within six years is testament of the loyalty from its growing membership base.

Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott said: “To achieve our target of more than 15 million members by 2028, Ascott is making significant enhancements to our mobile app and website, to enable our loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), to be seamlessly integrated into the digital journey. Tapping into the power of AI, Ascott is harnessing technology as a driver of efficiency, personalisation, and seamless customer engagement, as part of our tech-forward hospitality journey. This enhanced digital presence is complemented by our commercial strategy which focuses on offering compelling deals, benefits and exclusive experiences to ASR members. It also underscores ASR’s role in driving direct bookings for Ascott properties, reducing our reliance on online travel agencies. ASR members tend to book more frequently, hence contributing to higher profitability for property owners while delivering richer data insights for Ascott to enhance guest experiences and brand loyalty.”

“Looking ahead, Ascott will be stepping up our loyalty engagement with corporate accounts, to create compelling ASR offerings for business travellers as well as the companies they represent. We are also broadening the ASR ecosystem with more strategic partnerships such as airlines and airports, to reward members with more perks to enrich their stay experiences with Ascott. In line with ASR’s brand promise to Stay Rewarded, we remain focused on deepening connections with our members to deliver them the best experiences while supporting the long-term profitability of Ascott’s business,” added Ms Tan.

Enhancing the ASR Booking Experience with Seamless Features and AI-Driven Innovation

In 2024, ASR mobile app downloads surged 120%, bookings rose 64% and revenue grew over 70% compared to 2023. The updated ASR app will feature a refreshed interface, faster access to preferred properties, personalised deal recommendations and enhanced functions for a seamless pre-to- post stay experience.
In 2024, ASR mobile app downloads surged 120%, bookings rose 64% and revenue grew over 70% compared to 2023. The updated ASR app will feature a refreshed interface, faster access to preferred properties, personalised deal recommendations and enhanced functions for a seamless pre-to- post stay experience.

Bookings via ASR mobile app will soon take half the steps of before. To further enhance the mobile experience, ASR will introduce a series of app updates from April 2025, streamlining the journey from log-in to check-out. These updates include a refreshed user interface, personalised travel and stay recommendations and geolocation-based offers, along with an optimised landing page for quicker access to deals and property highlights. In addition, the app will go beyond just booking, with upcoming enhancements made to pre-to-post stay functions like seamless pre-arrival check-in, self-check-out alongside easy management of multi-room reservations, while providing convenient access to in-room services and communication with the property teams.

Together with the mobile app, the ASR website discoverasr.com serves as a key driver of direct bookings. The website now supports 11 languages and added payment options like WeChat and Alipay, to cater to Ascott’s expanding global reach. New member sign-up and log-in options via WeChat and Alipay further allow for easy access to member accounts and deals. The ASR website also acts as a content hub for travel inspiration, offering destination guides and insider recommendations to help members plan their ideal stays. Since its launch in August 2023, Cubby, a generative AI-powered web chatbot, has processed over 300,000 queries and generated more than 2,000 booking leads. New features, including the pilot of direct booking capabilities within Cubby, further personalise the experience by offering tailored property recommendations and the best rates.

Ascott will further harness AI to uplift the ASR programme to support the planning journey of its guests. Leveraging data-driven insights, Ascott’s new recommendation engine will tap on predictive AI, turning past data and preferences into tailored recommendations for ASR members. These include recommendations of travel destinations, suggested brand experiences alongside potential properties that would be most ideal for each guest.

Exclusive Partnerships and Curated Experiences to Enhance ASR Member Journeys

This year, ASR is adding the French Open in Paris to its lineup of Ascott Privilege Signatures series and will also offer the Bangkok edition of The Famous CFC from 25 to 26 April 2025, featuring Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola. More details on our member package for the Bangkok edition of The Famous CFC can be found here.

These new additions are in line with ASR’s shift in focus to offering curated experiences and exclusive partnerships as part of its member rewards strategy. In 2024, Ascott became the Official Global Hotels Partner of Chelsea Football Club, providing ASR members with access to exclusive experiences, including private stadium tours of Stamford Bridge, coaching sessions at Chelsea’s Cobham Training Ground and the Singapore edition of The Famous CFC, Chelsea’s international fan engagement programme.

Through the Ascott Privilege Signatures series, ASR also brought members to major events such as The Championships, Wimbledon, and the Singapore Night Race. Additionally, through the ASR Local Signatures series, members have enjoyed immersive explorations of local culture, from a gastronomic journey in Penang to a private violin recital in Paris. These tailor-made events elevate the ASR membership experience, creating unforgettable moments in each destination.

With additional partnerships and experiences on the horizon, ASR is set to continue delivering highly sought after opportunities for its members.

More Ways to Earn Rewards

By partnering with top travel brands, ASR now offers a one-stop platform where members can enjoy exclusive benefits like Priority Airport Lounge access and earn frequent flyer miles on qualifying stays. These updates reflect ASR's shift towards curated experiences and exclusive partnerships as part of its enhanced rewards strategy.
By partnering with top travel brands, ASR now offers a one-stop platform where members can enjoy exclusive benefits like Priority Airport Lounge access and earn frequent flyer miles on qualifying stays. These updates reflect ASR’s shift towards curated experiences and exclusive partnerships as part of its enhanced rewards strategy.

To enhance the booking and travel planning journey for ASR members, Ascott has partnered with leading travel partners to create a one-stop platform where members can access exclusive experiences and earn ASR points simultaneously. For just 15,600 points, members can enjoy Priority Pass Airport Lounge access at over 1,700 lounges worldwide. Ascott has also teamed up with frequent flyer programmes like KrisFlyer, enabling members to earn miles on qualifying stays. More on our latest partner offers can be found here.

A Special Anniversary Offer for ASR Members

In celebration of ASR’s 6th anniversary, members can earn a bonus of 24,000 ASR points for bookings and stays made between 1 April and 31 May 2025, plus enjoy a pair of complimentary airport lounge passes. This offer is valid for bookings made via the ASR mobile app or website, limited to the first 300 bookings. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit our website for the latest member deals.

About Ascott Star Rewards (ASR)

Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) offers members a range of exclusive privileges designed to elevate every aspect of their travel experience. From priority welcome services and access to airport lounges, to enhanced stay benefits such as car rental privileges, bonus ASR points, airline miles and travel vouchers, ASR ensures a seamless, start-to-finish experience. Beyond exceptional stays, ASR members also enjoy access to Ascott Privilege Signatures, which unlocks invitations to prestigious global events, including Premier League football matches, renowned tennis tournaments, and elite gastronomy and lifestyle experiences. To become an ASR member, sign up today at https://www.discoverasr.com/en/sign-up.
Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #AscottStarRewards #DiscoverASR #StayRewarded




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of over 980 properties across more than 230 cities in over 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes , , , , , , , , , , , , and .

Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.

As a wholly owned business unit of , Ascott generates fee-related earnings by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored and private funds.

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit . Alternatively, connect with Ascott on , , and .

CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 December 2024, CLI had S$136 billion of assets under management, as well as S$117 billion of funds under management held via stakes in seven listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities.

CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

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Survey: AI Investment Boom in Asia Pacific Fuelled More by Fear of Missing Out Than Actual Results

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4 hours ago

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12/06/2026

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 June 2026 – Enterprise AI spending is climbing rapidly, with boards racing to deploy the technology faster than they can measure whether it works. According to the latest IDC InfoBrief, commissioned by Expereo*, around 70% of organizations are investing in AI, motivated by its potential or by the fear of falling behind the competition, but they lag in disciplined ROI evaluation, and one in five (20%) admit they are investing aggressively in AI with little evaluation, driven by the fear of being left behind.

In Asia Pacific (APAC), that pressure is even more pronounced as 37% of organizations admit investing aggressively with little evaluation – nearly double the global average, and well ahead of the US (10%) and Europe (13%). The pressure is most acute in Australia (45%) and Vietnam (44%), while in Singapore, more than one in three organizations admit the same.
The IDC InfoBrief, based on a survey of 800 technology leaders across APAC, Europe, and the US, found that AI has become one of the most prioritized technology investments globally, with 51% of organizations planning to prioritize AI or machine learning investment over the next 12 months – rising to 61% across APAC. However, returns are failing to keep pace with the hype. Just 19% of global organizations surveyed say their AI implementations have exceeded expectations, and only 5% report they have significantly exceeded them1.
Across APAC, 40% say implementations have exceeded or significantly exceeded expectations – ahead of the global average but still leaving the majority falling short. Globally, the most-cited reasons for underperformance are inadequate or poor-quality training data (51%), higher-than-expected costs or ROI not achieved (47%), and AI not performing as well as expected (46%). For APAC specifically, the picture is broadly similar – though costs bite harder: 49% cite poor-quality training data, 54% cite cost overruns or ROI not achieved (rising to 80% in Malaysia), and 46% say AI has simply not performed as expected.
Where organizations have the right foundations in place, the results speak for themselves. Across APAC, 87% report productivity improvements in the business units most affected by AI, and 82% say quality of work has improved.

Underpinning many of these challenges is also a network and infrastructure readiness gap. Globally, 26% of organizations whose AI implementations have failed to meet expectations cite inadequate network or connectivity performance as a contributing factor. Looking ahead, 54% of organizations say they need more flexible and scalable networks to thrive in an AI-driven environment, and 51% need greater resilience and reliability to maximize uptime2. In APAC, the gap is acute as only 9% of organizations describe their network infrastructure as fully ready to support new AI, cloud, and digital initiatives, and 37% say it will need upgrading or replacing soon. The need is most acute in Thailand (74%) and Singapore (58%), both of which rank above the regional average on demand for flexible, scalable networks. In Indonesia, nearly half of all organizations (48%) say their infrastructure will need upgrading or replacing soon.

Ben Elms, CEO, Expereo, says: “Every enterprise we speak to is investing in AI, yet the data shows a clear gap opening up between AI ambition and AI outcomes. More often than not, that gap comes down to the network underneath. AI only delivers on its promise when the infrastructure carrying it is built to support it.
Without resilient, scalable, cloud-optimized networks, even the most well-funded AI programs will struggle to deliver ROI. Getting the network right is no longer an IT decision; it is one of the most important conversations happening in the boardroom today to help fulfill AI ambition.”
APAC is also leading on adoption, with 35% of organizations reporting extensive AI use across the business, against a global average of 25%3. Yet adoption alone is not enough without the right foundations beneath it.
Eric Wong, President, APAC, Expereo, says: “Asia Pacific is moving aggressively on AI adoption, but many organizations are discovering that scaling AI successfully requires more than just investment in applications and models. The underlying network, cloud connectivity, and operational readiness matter just as much. Across the region, we are seeing enterprises reassess whether their infrastructure is truly ready to support AI at scale, particularly around performance, resilience, governance, and visibility. Organizations that address those foundations early are generally seeing stronger outcomes and faster operational impact from their AI initiatives.”
Boardrooms are also waking up to the longer-term risks of unchecked AI investment. According to the survey, 54% of global tech leaders cite the creation of new security risks as a significant potential future threat for their organization’s use of AI, while 39% globally are concerned about losing track of AI-related costs and ROI once the technology is embedded across the business4. In APAC, that concern is sharper still as 41% of technology leaders in the region are worried about losing oversight of AI-related costs and ROI as adoption deepens – a figure that rises to 54% in Malaysia. Digital sovereignty is also moving up the strategic agenda, with 38% of APAC organizations rating it a high or top priority as they look to retain control over data and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
For the full IDC InfoBrief, commissioned by Expereo, “Enterprise Horizons 2026: Where Innovation Meets Reality“ (doc #EUR154457526-IB, May 2026) please visit: [LINK]

Hashtag: #Expereo, #Network, #ArtificialIntelligence, #AI, #Technology, #AIInvestment

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Expereo

Expereo is a world-leading Managed Network as a Service provider that connects people, places, and things anywhere. Solutions include Global Internet, SD-WAN/SASE, and Enhanced Internet. With an extensive global reach, Expereo is the trusted partner of 60% of Fortune 500 companies. It powers enterprise and government sites in more than 190 countries, with the ability to connect to any location worldwide, working with over 2,300 partners to help customers improve productivity and empowering their networks and cloud services with the agility, flexibility, and value of the Internet, with optimal network performance.

Expereo was acquired in Feb 2021, by Vitruvian Partners which acquired a majority shareholding from Seven2.

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Taylor Swift Wax Figure Arrives in Singapore for Limited-Time

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5 hours ago

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12/06/2026

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Following last summer’s historic global launch of 13 Taylor Swift wax figures across four continents, one of the world’s most celebrated icons is now making a dazzling limited-time stop at Madame Tussauds Singapore.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 June 2026 – In news guaranteed to send Swifties into a frenzy, Madame Tussauds Singapore today announces the arrival of its touring Taylor Swift wax figure, inviting fans to feel as if they’ve stepped on stage at Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour.

Taylor Swift Wax Figure

Originally launched as part of Madame Tussauds’ biggest figure release in its 250-year history, this Taylor Swift wax figures celebrates the Lover era, showcasing the look that became the post image for the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour concert film. The figure is dressed in a replica of the pink, blue and silver embellished Versace leotard. The look is completed with mesmerising, hand-applied strass Christian Louboutin knee-high boots, donated by the Maison, and bespoke embellished microphone created by Rebel Stage Gear UK, the specialist customisation company behind the original microphones Taylor used during the tour.

The campaign will run from 26 June to 27 September 2026. Designed as the ultimate fan celebration, it combines interactive experiences, limited-time activities and social moments inspired by Taylor Swift as one of the most influential and enduring artists of the 21st century.

Guests can enjoy an exclusive online promotion from 26 June to 12 July 2026, with 20% off tickets using promo code TAYLOR20; fans can also participate in a special social media giveaway activity following Madame Tussauds Singapore’s Instagram account to win two pairs of attraction tickets.

Inside the attraction, Swifties will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the experience through a series of themed activities, including:

  • DIY Friendship Bracelet Booth (26 June to 12 July) – All ticket holders can create their own friendship bracelets inspired by the fan-favourite tradition made famous during The Eras Tour. Available while stocks last.
  • Concert-Inspired Photo Props – Strike a pose with our exclusive concert-style blazer photo props for the ultimate concert-style photo moment.
  • “Show Us Your Era” Challenge (26 June to 31 July) – Guests who take a photo with Taylor Swift wax figure, post it on social media and tag Madame Tussauds Singapore with #MadameTussaudsSG #MTSG will receive a free gift onsite, limited to the first 100 participants only.

Friendship Bracelet
Friendship Bracelet

Steven Chung, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore said: “Last year’s global Taylor Swift figure launch became a cultural moment in itself, and we’re thrilled to bring one to Singapore. This summer, we welcome all Swifties to celebrate the joy, nostalgia and connection Taylor Swift has created for millions of fans around the world at Madame Tussauds Singapore.”

The Taylor Swift touring figure will be available exclusively at Madame Tussauds Singapore from 26 June to 27 September 2026. For this limited time only, Swifties in Singapore will have the rare opportunity to step into one of her most iconic eras and create unforgettable moments of their own.

Madame Tussauds Singapore continues to bring fans closer to the world’s biggest stars through immersive and interactive celebrity experiences, creating unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. For more information, please visit www.madametussauds.com/singapore/
Hashtag: #MerlinEntertainments #MadameTussaudsSingapore

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Madame Tussauds Singapore

Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered – and feared – for over 250 years. With 22 attractions in the world’s top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to infamous world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.

About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND Resorts which span across UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its growing estate, with over 140 sites across 23 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, Dreamworks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides, and uplifting learning experiences. See for more information.

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AIVA Launches a Pioneering, New Model for AI Vehicle Industry

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18 hours ago

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11/06/2026

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BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 June 2026 – AIVA, an AI-native mobility brand, was officially unveiled in Beijing on 9 June 2026.

AIVA will collaborate with Volcano Engine, ByteDance’s cloud and AI platform, to jointly define, design, and develop a new generation of AI vehicles. Volcano Engine will provide AIVA with advanced capabilities, including the Doubao AI Foundation Model and intelligent cockpit, enabling smarter in-vehicle interactions.

At the launch event, AIVA unveiled its brand name and logo, introducing a development philosophy centered on “AI-first vehicle creation”—where AI comes before the car itself. It is believed that AI-native vehicles will fundamentally redefine the relationship between people and automobiles. AIVA also showcased the AIVA Origin Concept, while AIVA ME7, its first mass-production model, is scheduled to debut in 2026. The AIVA lineup will target the mainstream market segment priced above RMB 200,000.

AIVA, short for Artificial Intelligence Voyage Ahead, reflects the brand’s vision of AI accompanying users on every journey toward the future. Built around AI-native mobility, AIVA aims to create embodied AI companions powered by advanced intelligence, transforming vehicles from mere transportation tools into trusted partners that understand, accompany, and serve their users.

When AI is deeply integrated into the vehicle, users no longer need to navigate complex menus. Instead, AI operates around human intent, making the interaction intuitive and direct. By understanding real-time context and user preferences, it can proactively anticipate needs and coordinate vehicle capabilities, delivering a more natural, personalized mobility experience.

As an independently operated company backed by a powerful alliance of strategic shareholders, AIVA will oversee brand development, product strategy, and business operations. SERES Group, as a key shareholder and industrial partner, will provide expertise in vehicle manufacturing and supply chain management. CATL will contribute comprehensive battery solutions. Shaci Zhiyuan, a strategic institutional investor, will provide industrial resource support.

Looking ahead, AIVA will broaden its product lineup through rapid innovation and iteration. By focusing on AI-powered interaction, intelligent experiences, emotional companionship, and safety-centered care, AIVA is committed to creating vehicles that not only move people, but understand them, unlocking a new era of intelligent mobility.
Hashtag: #AIVA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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