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Ascott Star Rewards Expands Airline Partnerships, Offers Free Nights and Richer Stay Experiences to Mark 8-Millionth Member
Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “Seven years ago, Ascott Star Rewards set out to reward our guests for their stays. Today, we are rewarding them for how they travel – from the moment they book a flight to the experiences they seek at their destination. Whether they are looking to earn more airline miles, unlock exclusive experience packages, or enjoy complimentary preview stays and free breakfasts, the latest ASR programme enhancements across flights, experiences and events are designed to deepen our relationship with ASR members, giving every one of them more reasons to Stay Rewarded with ASR. In 2025, ASR member revenue rose 23% year-on-year, with members accounting for over 90% of our online direct bookings and more than 60% returning for repeat stays. The trust that our members place in ASR as their travel companion is what drives our ambition to do more.”
ASR Extends Its Rewards to Flights and Airline Miles
Flights are where many journeys begin, and ASR’s rewards now extend there too. In a first for ASR, members can now convert their loyalty points directly into airline miles, making ASR one of the few hotel loyalty programmes globally to offer both earn and convert capabilities from its airline partnerships. In partnership with KrisFlyer, the lifestyle rewards programme of the Singapore Airlines Group, ASR members can now convert their ASR points to KrisFlyer miles at a rate of 20 ASR points to one KrisFlyer mile. A minimum of 5,000 ASR points is required, with conversions of up to 50,000 ASR points per calendar year per membership account. This is in addition to the existing benefit of earning 500 KrisFlyer miles on qualifying direct bookings on DiscoverASR.com and the ASR app.
Come June 2026, ASR will welcome Cathay Pacific, ranked No. 2 in World’s Best Full-Service Airlines by Airlineratings.com, expanding its airline partner network which currently comprises KrisFlyer, ANA and AirAsia. Through this new partnership, ASR members will earn 500 Asia Miles on qualifying direct bookings, while Cathay Silver, Gold and Diamond members will be eligible for an ASR tier match. ASR members currently enjoy double-earning on qualifying stays, accumulating both ASR points and airline miles from a single booking – a benefit not commonly found among hotel loyalty programmes globally.
From June 2026, members can also put their ASR points towards flight credits, with vouchers worth S$50, S$100 or S$200 redeemable across more than 640 airlines through DiscoverASR.com in partnership with Trip.com.
Unlocking Elevated Experiences Beyond the Stay
Beyond flights, ASR is broadening the programme to encompass destination experiences. Members can now book Tours and Experiences through DiscoverASR.com and accumulate ASR points in the process. From May 2026, points can go towards redeeming curated sporting and lifestyle events, Chelsea Football Club matchday experiences, selected ASR Local Signatures events, and tours and attraction tickets.
Recognising Loyalty with More Ways to Stay Rewarded
Every stay with Ascott earns members closer to a free night. ASR members can convert the points accumulated from their stays into complimentary nights across participating properties in 30 countries. For Platinum-tier members, complimentary breakfast is available when they book Ascott properties in Europe and, coming soon, China and Japan.
In addition, Ascott has introduced exclusive preview stays for Platinum-tier and Gold-tier ASR members at newly opened properties, offering privileged and complimentary access during the first month of opening. Piloted at Oakwood Cameron Highlands, which opened in March 2026, the programme is set to encompass a pipeline of upcoming Ascott property openings globally, including lyf Chinatown Singapore and Citadines Elizabeth Street Hobart.
Mr Moustafa Elmalawany, an ASR Platinum-tier member who was among the first guests to experience Oakwood Cameron Highlands, said: “As an ASR member there are already plenty of perks, and being part of the Elite Preview Stay made me feel truly recognised. The arrival experience was smooth and the personalised attention throughout my stay made it very pleasant. Overall, the stay was a fantastic experience. I’m looking forward to coming back here.”
ASR members can also look forward to locally curated in-room welcome gifts, tailored by membership tier, ranging from artisan confectioneries in Europe to seasonal tropical produce in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Across participating properties in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam, all ASR members enjoy 20% dining discounts on buffet and à la carte menus.
ASR Extends Its Rewards to Event Planners
As Ascott’s MICE business expands, ASR is extending its rewards to the organisers and corporate bookers behind its growing events business. The refreshed ASR Meeting Planner programme awards two ASR points for every dollar spent on rooms and events, unlocking privileges including membership upgrades, discounts, vouchers and bonus points.
Unlike conventional hotel venues, Ascott’s apartment-style accommodation and flexible event spaces support everything from short corporate offsites to long-stay project teams, product launches and celebrations. For groups seeking a more distinctive dining experience, Ascott partners with curated caterers and specialty chefs to design bespoke menus and immersive formats – from live cooking stations to hyper-local tasting journeys – at properties across its global portfolio.
ASR 7th Anniversary Campaign: Fast Track to Free Nights
To mark its seventh anniversary, ASR is rewarding members with a “Fast Track to Free Nights” campaign. Members who complete a minimum of six qualifying nights across participating ASR properties from April to May 2026, combining multiple bookings where needed, will earn a free night. Each member can earn a maximum of two free nights. The campaign is available across all participating ASR properties worldwide and is valid for bookings made via DiscoverASR.com and the ASR app. Terms and conditions apply.
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.
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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 more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 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 Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Fox, Harris, POP!, Preference, Quest, Vertu and Yello.
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 Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.
As a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott generates fee-related revenue by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Alternatively, connect with Ascott on Facebook, Instagram, 
TikTok and LinkedIn.
CapitaLand Investment Limited
Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 December 2025, CLI had S$125 billion of funds under management. CLI holds stakes in eight 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 and credit.
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.
CLI is committed to growing in a responsible manner, delivering long-term economic value and contributing to the environmental and social well-being of its communities.
Investment by leading industry institute supports Tracr’s evolution to becoming an independent, industry-wide platform for natural diamond provenance
LAS VEGAS, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 June 2026 – De Beers Group and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for GIA to acquire a 30 per cent shareholding in Tracr, the De Beers Group-backed company behind the development of the pioneering diamond provenance blockchain-driven platform.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in Tracr’s evolution towards independence and reflects GIA’s confidence in the platform’s role as an industry-wide infrastructure to advance natural diamond provenance and traceability at scale.
GIA’s investment – which builds on a 2023 initiative to include diamond provenance information registered on Tracr’s platform on eligible GIA diamond grading reports – represents a significant step in this transition, reinforcing Tracr’s long-term credibility across the diamond value chain.
Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, said: “Consumers deserve to know where their diamonds come from and they should feel more confident in their understanding of each diamond’s source. At De Beers we have been providing provenance data on diamonds through Tracr for several years and we believe that delivering provenance should become an industry standard. Following our promise to open Tracr up to broad ownership, we are proud to be partnering with GIA as Tracr evolves into an independent, industry-wide platform. We will work alongside GIA to advance provenance transparency for the entire diamond sector.”
Pritesh Patel, President and CEO of GIA, said: “At GIA, our mission has always been rooted in trust, integrity, and consumer confidence. Our collaboration with Tracr over the past several years reinforced our belief that combining source-based blockchain provenance with GIA’s independent grading and identification expertise can help unlock a new level of transparency for the diamond industry. As Tracr continues to scale globally, we see a tremendous opportunity to deliver meaningful, verifiable provenance information from the source to the consumer. We are proud to deepen our commitment through this investment and help shape the next evolution of transparency, traceability, and trust across our industry.”
Jillian Wolk, CEO of Tracr, said: “The start of Tracr’s evolution into an independent platform, as a result of GIA’s investment, creates a strong foundation for the future. I am excited to continue scaling the platform and bringing more producers on board, which will support Tracr in enabling the individual journey of every registered diamond to come to life. Each stone carries its own narrative, defined by its source and the craftsmanship that has shaped it, and as Tracr continues to grow we have a fantastic opportunity to help reveal those unique stories.”
Today, more than five million rough diamonds have been registered on Tracr at source, representing around two-thirds of De Beers’rough diamond production by value. Since January 2025, single country of origin for De Beers diamonds has been available on Tracr, with all newly sourced De Beers rough diamonds of one carat and above being registered on the platform.
Hashtag: #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds #DeBeersGroup #GIA #Tracr
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About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo-American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism.
Media OutReach
Smart Design Global 2026 Awards Presentation Ceremony Proudly Unveils 52 Original Award-Winning Designs International Tour Highlights Hong Kong’s Creative Design Power
Set to Appear at Bangkok Mega Show and Paris Maison&Objet
HONG KONG SAR –
About The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association
Founded in 1955, The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association (The HKEA) is a non-profit making trade association registered under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance as a company limited by guarantee. The HKEA is committed to creating new business opportunities and enhancing market value for Hong Kong exporters, aiming to position Hong Kong as a premier trading hub. The HKEA focuses on serving the industry and taking export trade as its core value, helping members expand their business by closely liaising with the government, initiating different projects, and organising seminars, business gatherings, business delegation trips and exhibitions. The HKEA also disseminate the latest local and international trade information and provides online product display and search services for additional publicity, to further promote Hong Kong’s export trade and enhance market competitiveness.
The HKEA website:
About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
CCIDA’s website: www.ccidahk.gov.hk
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Media OutReach
Disney Garden of Wonder blooms to life again at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay with all-new character topiaries
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 June 2026 – Disney magic blooms anew at Singapore’s premier horticultural destination Gardens by the Bay as the second edition of Disney Garden of Wonder, opens today. Featuring 23 vibrant topiaries inspired by beloved Disney and Pixar characters, the enchanting showcase transforms Floral Fantasy into a world of floral artistry and imagination through 14 March 2027.
Organised in collaboration with Disney and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Disney Garden of Wonder is inspired by Disney and Pixar stories that have charmed generations of fans around the world, inviting people of all ages to re-discover their favourite stories of courage, kindness, friendship and love through the beauty of plants. Following the success of its debut at Gardens by the Bay in 2024, the enthralling floral showcase returns in an even more special second edition.
Visitors can look forward to five themed areas:
- Frozen, in which topiary versions of Anna, Elsa and Olaf preside over an enchanting snowy landscape, brought to life through themed lighting that imagines a frost-kissed world of wonder. Inspired by Elsa’s Ice Palace, visitors can step on a floor where magical snowflakes dance and respond to movement.
- Disney princesses, where Rapunzel appears alongside her best friend Pascal the chameleon; Belle is with the Beast and their enchanted companions; and Jasmine is accompanied by her loyal tiger Rajah.
- Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger gather in a cheerful party scene. Tigger bounces up and down while Piglet twirls, and visitors can picture themselves joining everyone at the table!
- Toy Story 5, where Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear appear as topiaries in a playful setting inspired by Bonnie’s Room, alongside displays of new characters Lilypad and Smarty Pants.
- Go Local, a Singaporean-themed zone where Disney characters are reimagined in familiar local settings. Chip ‘n Dale perch atop a giant ice cream sandwich; Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck share the spicy rice noodle dish laksa; and Mickey Mouse makes the traditional beverage teh tarik with Donald Duck.
Outside Floral Fantasy, a 4m-tall Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey marks the entrance and welcomes visitors to Gardens by the Bay.
The hand-assembled topiaries are crafted from more than 40 species of preserved and dried floral materials, which took more than 16,000 man hours.
Each material was selected for its colour, texture and form, helping to reflect each character’s features. Plenty of flowers are used for the Disney princesses for example, while Rapunzel’s hair is crafted from Stipa, a perennial grass that has fluffy or oat-like flowerheads.
The surrounding landscapes also use plant palettes that reflect the mood of each zone — sunflowers and marigolds reflect the honey-toned meadow setting of Winnie the Pooh, while lilies and roses bring out the romantic and jewel-toned settings of Disney Princess stories. Hydrangeas and dusty miller evoke the icy blues, whites and silvers of Frozen.
Throughout the duration of Garden of Wonder, visitors can enjoy select weekend Meet and Greet sessions with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in outfits inspired by Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. Donald Duck and Daisy Duck will also join the experience on select weekends, dressed for a sunny getaway on our tropical island. Meet and Greet dates are available at www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/disneygardenofwonder.
Visitors can round off their experience with shopping at the gift shop, which carries items launching exclusively at Disney Garden of Wonder.
Hashtag: #DisneyGardenofWonder #FloralFantasy #GardensbytheBay
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Gardens by the Bay
An integral part of Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and premier horticultural attraction that showcases the best of garden and floral artistry for all to enjoy. Spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Singapore’s downtown Marina Bay, it comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012.
Guided by the vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, the Gardens’ extensive plant collection, ever-changing floral displays, and myriad of engaging programmes have captured the imagination of many, while its Gift of Gardens community initiative, with Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore as Patron, reaches out to people from all walks of life.
Since opening, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed more than 115 million visitors and garnered numerous international accolades including the third Top Attraction in the World in Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026, Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2024, Best Theme Attraction at TTG Travel Awards 2022 and 2023, and Best Attraction Experience at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2019. The Gardens continues to refresh and refine its offerings, to be a place that everyone can enjoy – a garden where wonder blooms.
For more information, visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.
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