Media OutReach

Cata Debuts Game-Changing All-in-One App Platform for F&B and Retail Operators

Published

3 months ago

02/09/2025

Launch your own branded mobile app with omni-channel loyalty, online ordering, and CRM in days—no coding required

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – Cata today launches its groundbreaking commercial Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) app platform for F&B operators and retailers in Singapore and beyond. One of the world’s first, the SaaS white-label app platform enables businesses of any size—from single outlets to global chains across multiple markets—to seamlessly launch their own branded native mobile app for ordering, marketing, omni-channel loyalty programs, CRM and more in days and without upfront investment.

Cata’s SaaS app platform is now live in Guzman y Gomez outlets across Singapore.

Cata’s SaaS app platform has already been deployed in Singapore with Guzman y Gomez (GYG)—one of Australia’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant businesses that operates over 230 locations globally—with 21 locations island wide in Singapore and counting.

By focusing specifically on chains and Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), Cata has achieved what few startups accomplish on day one—securing established, renowned brands as founding partners rather than starting with smaller independent operators.

The restaurant and retail industries, especially chains and QSRs, are at an inflection point. While mobile convenience has become an expectation among consumers—shaped by e-commerce giants and super apps—most F&B and retail businesses still rely on outdated tools: paper-based loyalty cards, manual ordering at the POS, and siloed, unintegrated systems. Rising labor costs and shrinking margins make it increasingly important to look for innovative ways to grow revenues and increase profits.

Meanwhile, advanced digital solutions that connect mobile ordering, loyalty, and CRM remain exclusive to global giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks who spend millions on custom development each year and maintain large internal tech teams to secure their competitive edge. For everyone else, building such capabilities is too expensive, too fragmented, and too slow, leaving 99% of the industry digitally underserved and unable to compete.

Cata directly addresses these challenges by enabling businesses to rapidly deploy their own fully branded mobile apps without technical knowledge within days, equipped with integrated online ordering, payments, customizable omni-channel loyalty programs, and data-driven CRM, without the need for expensive custom apps that are rarely able to meet evolving customer requirements over time – especially without continuous investment. This democratizes sophisticated digital capabilities previously exclusive to enterprise giants and leading e-commerce platforms.

Leveraging robust infrastructure, a holistic and ever-evolving product suite, and deep operational knowledge, Cata is built for global scale from day one and aims to become the invisible infrastructure behind thousands of outlets over the coming years. With Cata, partners can truly know and own their customers for the first time, revolutionizing historically offline industries by transforming anonymous transactions into direct customer relationships, and turbocharge growth via targeted customer acquisition, increased purchasing frequency, and higher basket sizes.

“After exploring numerous options, Cata was the only solution that works as a true one-stop platform, eliminating the complex tech stacks we’d otherwise need for a sophisticated app,” says Josh Bell, Principal at Guzman y Gomez Singapore. “What sets Cata apart is their operator-built approach – they understand exactly what F&B businesses need because they’ve been in our shoes. Unlike other providers, Cata works as a genuine partner with aligned incentives through transaction-based pricing, allowing us to launch a premium app without the financial risk of custom development. While we’ve seen competitors spend millions on custom apps that customers ultimately didn’t love, Cata’s platform keeps evolving with customer expectations and delivers the digital convenience our customers actually want, all while driving additional efficiency across our operations.”

Cata is aiming to generate up to 5-10x ROI for their partners if fully rolled out. This significant ROI is achieved through the ability to leverage digital marketing channels to drive customer acquisition and retention, significantly increased purchasing frequency and average order values (AOVs), and competitive differentiation via Cata’s omni-channel loyalty platform, data-driven business optimization, and the opportunity for critical POS staffing cost reductions.

“Offline retail is at a tipping point. The next generation of physical businesses won’t rely on POS, self-checkout terminals, or cashiers—they’ll run on mobile apps, deep consumer data to power individualized experiences, and automated growth engines. Cata is building the infrastructure to make that future possible. From digital brand exploration and omni-channel online ordering and loyalty to AI-driven campaigns, we’ll put enterprise-grade capabilities into the hands of every merchant—turning daily operations into digital advantage.” said David Brunier, Founder and CEO of Cata.

With an initial focus on F&B chains, Cata plans for aggressive geographic expansion from Singapore into developed markets across Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, and the Middle East, with long-term global ambitions to cover verticals including wellness and beauty, convenience stores, groceries, specialty retail, and fashion.

Cata’s founding team combines deep domain expertise and proven capability to scale across markets, which include CEO David Brunier (ex-Flash Coffee CEO, ex-Foodpanda CMO), CRO Marija Brunier (ex-Delivery Hero Global Director of International Sales), and CFO Sebastian Hannecker (ex-Flash Coffee COO/CFO, ex-Bain). Cata also secured top regional tech talent by appointing Ashwin Irappa as CPO (ex-Grab Head of Product, ex-Foodpanda Senior Director of Product) and Ali Irawan as CTO (ex-Flash Coffee CTO, ex-Rocket Internet Venture CTO) to complete their management team. Other prominent collaborators and advisors include Anand Thakur (CTPO at Reliance Retail) and Felix Haas (UI/UX Design for Cata, Lovable and Gorillas).
Hashtag: #Cata

https://www.cata.sg/

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

About Cata

Cata is a comprehensive white-label SaaS platform that enables restaurants and retail businesses to launch branded mobile apps with enterprise-level features in days, not months. The company democratizes access to digital capabilities previously available only to global giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks, allowing businesses to drive significant revenue growth, own their customer relationships, and streamline operations. Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Singapore, Cata’s mission is to become the global infrastructure powering the digital storefronts of offline businesses.

Cata is backed by prominent global investors such as White Star Capital, FoodLabs, 468 Capital, FJ Labs, and Rally Cap.

For more information about Cata, visit www.cata.sg.

Media OutReach

Payment Options Singapore Secures In-Principle Approval from MAS for Major Payment Institution Licence

Published

16 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – Payment Options Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based payment solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence under the Payment Services Act 2019.

Payment Options Pte Ltd office in Singapore

This milestone underscores Payment Options’ commitment to supporting Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simple, secure, and accessible digital payment solutions.

If granted the licence, Payment Options Pte Ltd will be authorised to provide three regulated payment services: Merchant Acquisition, Domestic Money Transfer, and Cross-Border Money Transfer. Through these services, the company aims to empower SMEs with a full suite of payment capabilities — from online payment gateways and QR code payments to the upcoming SoftPOS payments technology — enabling merchants to accept digital payments easily and securely.

“We remain deeply committed to supporting Singapore’s SMEs as they grow and compete in an increasingly digital-first economy. Our vision is to position digital payments as a growth enabler — not a challenge — for small businesses”, said Aaron Yip, Director of Payment Options Pte Ltd. “Our goal is to make digital transactions seamless, secure, and accessible for every business, regardless of size.”

Building on this vision, if the licence is granted, Payment Options will continue to work closely with local merchants, financial institutions, and technology partners to enhance payment accessibility and drive innovation across Singapore’s SME ecosystem.

“We reaffirm our commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation, as we contribute to Singapore’s ongoing journey toward a secure, inclusive, and cash-lite economy.”

The IPA granted by the MAS indicates that a licence may be issued upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and provided there are no material adverse developments affecting the applicant. The IPA does not constitute a licence to provide payment services at this stage, and MAS reserves the right to rescind the approval if it deems appropriate.
Hashtag: #PaymentOptions

https://www.paymentoptions.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/payment-options/
https://www.facebook.com/PaymentOptions.int/
https://www.instagram.com/payment.options/

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

About Payment Options Pte Ltd

Payment Options Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based financial technology company providing innovative and secure payment solutions designed to help SMEs and merchants simplify digital transactions. With a focus on compliance, technology, and customer experience, the company aims to make digital payments accessible for every business.

Media OutReach

Financial Assistance at SIM: Breaking Barriers to Education

Published

17 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – For many aspiring learners, financial constraints remain one of the biggest obstacles to achieving their goals. SIM is determined to change that. Guided by the principle that no student should be left behind because of cost, SIM has built a comprehensive ecosystem of financial aid, scholarships, and bursaries to make quality education attainable for all.

At the heart of this mission is the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that financial hardship never stands in the way of academic or personal growth. By blending need-based assistance with merit-driven opportunities, SIM is creating an inclusive learning environment where talent and ambition define success.

Empowering Learners Through the SIM Impact Fund

In 2024, SIM introduced the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to supporting students from lower-income households and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational aspirations. Administered through SIM Trust, the fund is designed to empower learners within and beyond SIM’s community by removing barriers to access. Beginning in 2025, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with a per-capita income of S$1,750 or below can benefit from tiered assistance, ranging from S$6,000 up to S$13,500 for those with PCI of S$600 or less, S$4,500 to S$6,750 for PCI between S$601 and S$1,000, and S$2,000 for PCI between S$1,001 and S$1,750. Beyond tuition aid, the fund also provides support for overseas internships and merit-based scholarships, benefiting approximately 500 students annually.

Beyond Tuition: Comprehensive Financial Aid

SIM’s commitment to learning accessibility goes far beyond tuition subsidies. Through its Financial Assistance schemes, students can tap into a range of support options tailored to different needs. These include Enhanced Bursaries Aid, which provide up to S$13,500 per year for Singapore Citizens, and a SIM GE Crisis Fund offering emergency relief of up to S$5,000 for unforeseen circumstances. In addition, SIM encourages global exposure through Study Abroad Awards, enabling students to broaden their horizons without financial strain. Together, these initiatives reflect SIM’s ethos of inclusivity and resilience, ensuring that financial challenges never derail academic aspirations.

Community-Focused Support

The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) exemplifies SIM’s deep-rooted commitment to community empowerment and social impact. Launched in July 2024 in partnership with the late Dr Eu’s family,

RESSEC received a combined S$8 million donation, S$6 million from the Eu family and S$2 million from SIM, marking a significant investment in nurturing social entrepreneurship. Guided by Dr Eu’s vision of transforming social service through ethical leadership and innovation, the Centre equips learners and social service professionals via initiatives such as a specialised postgraduate Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship, mentorship, and collaborative dialogues.

RESSEC also provides 12 bursaries of S$10,000 each for SIM Global Education students (check that this is accurate and that it’s not also extended to those outside the SIM ecosystem) who demonstrate strong community service and leadership and those with per-capita income up to S$1,750, prioritising those with per-capita income less than S$1,000. Through this initiative, SIM embeds purpose-driven learning into its mission, empowering students to create sustainable, positive impact in Singapore and beyond

Scholarship for Excellence

SIM offers a diverse range of scholarships under SIM Global Education to recognize excellence and resilience among its students. These include the SIM STARRR Award, which provides up to S$36,000 to outstanding achievers who demonstrate academic distinction and leadership qualities, and the Sports & Arts Talent Award, also valued at S$15,000 for students who excel in athletic or artistic pursuits. Additionally, the Chairman’s Award for Resilience grants S$3,000 to students who successfully balance work and study commitments, showcasing perseverance in the face of challenges. Together, these scholarships complement SIM’s need-based financial aid, creating a holistic support system that rewards merit while ensuring inclusivity.

Conclusion: Building a Future Without Barriers

SIM’s financial assistance framework is more than a set of policies, it is a promise to the community. By investing in initiatives like the SIM Impact Fund and expanding bursaries and scholarships, SIM is actively dismantling the barriers that prevent talented individuals from reaching their potential. This approach does not just benefit students, it strengthens society by cultivating a diverse pool of graduates equipped to lead, innovate, and give back. In a world where education often comes with a hefty price tag, SIM stands out as a beacon of accessibility and empowerment. For students and families seeking assurance that quality education is within reach, SIM offers not just hope but a clear, actionable path forward.

References:

Bursaries & Financial Aid (Enhanced) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/bursaries-and-financial-aids
Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/ressec
The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) Opens to Advance Singapore’s Social Sector – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/the-dr-richard-k-m-eu-sim-social-entrepreneurship-centre-%28ressec%29-opens
SIM Scholarship – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships
SIM’s STARRR Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-starrr-award-for-new-undergraduate-students
SIM Award and Sports & Artistic Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-scholarship
SIM Global Education Diploma Scholarships – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-diploma-scholarships
Chairman’s Award for Resilience – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/chairman-s-award-for-resilience

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

Media OutReach

Beyond Academic Excellence: SIM Scholarships Champion Leadership, Resilience, and Talent

Published

1 day ago

07/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2025 – The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) is proud to reaffirm its commitment to developing future-ready graduates through a comprehensive scholarship framework that goes beyond academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to recognize and nurture qualities such as leadership, resilience, and talent. These attributes are essential for success in today’s dynamic global environment.

For decades, scholarships have been synonymous with academic excellence. SIM is redefining this narrative by adopting a holistic approach that values character, contribution, and courage alongside academic performance. This initiative reflects SIM’s mission to prepare graduates who are adaptable, innovative, and socially responsible.

Scholarships That Go Beyond Academics

SIM’s scholarship ecosystem reflects its belief that success is multidimensional. Rather than focusing solely on grades, these awards celebrate qualities such as resilience, leadership, and talent. The SIM STARRR Award, for instance, supports freshmen who embody Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Responsibility, offering up to S$36,000 in tuition fees, along with living and exchange allowances, without any bond requirement.

For students who shine in sports or the arts, the SIM Award & Sports/Artistic Talent Award provides S$15,000, disbursed in two tranches, to help them balance academic and extracurricular excellence.

International students pursuing diploma programmes can benefit from the Diploma Scholarships, which cover up to 100% of course fees for academic excellence or 50% for merit-based achievements.

For working adults who have overcome significant challenges, the SIM Chairman’s Award for Resilience offers S$3,000, recognizing perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

Stories That Inspire

SIM’s scholarships are more than financial aid. They are catalysts for transformation, opening doors for students to turn challenges into triumphs. Take Ernita Tanudjaja, an international student who refused to let pandemic disruptions derail her ambitions. Instead, she leveraged technology to livestream events and boost engagement, showcasing resilience and resourcefulness.

Similarly, Chow Kah Ying, an ICU nurse, managed the intense demands of frontline healthcare during COVID-19 while completing her degree, showcasing perseverance and purpose. Likewise, Michelle Seah transformed O-level failure into triumph, excelling in javelin and academics to earn the SIM Sports & Artistic Talent Award, proof that determination and discipline can rewrite any story.

These journeys reflect SIM’s unwavering belief that leadership and resilience matter as much as grades, and that true achievement lies in character and contribution as much as in academic performance.

The Broader Vision

SIM’s scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They serve as a strategic platform for transformation and growth. Recipients benefit from networking opportunities that connect them with alumni and industry leaders, fostering mentorship and career development. Many scholarships also provide international exposure through exchange programmes that broaden perspectives and enhance global competencies.

In addition to academic achievement, students cultivate essential life skills such as leadership, resilience and adaptability through experiential learning and community engagement. These qualities equip graduates to excel in uncertain environments and contribute meaningfully to society.

This commitment reflects SIM’s core belief that education is not limited to examinations. It is about shaping leaders who create impact and drive positive change in a rapidly evolving world.

References: