As the world is emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, global travel is picking up again. A survey of travel sentiment, carried out last month by the South China Morning Post and payment solution Alipay+, highlights just how useful such an innovative offering can be. Nearly a quarter of the people questioned for the poll said they plan to take more than five overseas trips this year. Almost half of them expect to spend more than US$1,000 on retail, dining and entertainment on each overseas trip.

The start-up ecosystem is flourishing across Southeast Asia. As the region ushers in a digital future, there has been a surge in innovation across a broad spectrum of industries. Businesses are tapping into the demands of a rapidly growing consumer base – one which boasts the highest rate of digital adoption in the world. According to the “e-Conomy SEA (Southeast Asia) 2022” report, there are now more than 460 million internet users in the region, almost a quarter of whom joined just within the

From finance to fine art, blockchain technology has proven to be useful across a number of industries. Over the past few years, the blockchain space has grown significantly in terms of both user adoption and applications. That being said, not all use cases are here to stay. Ideas which were purely dependent on their novelty or hype have struggled during the “crypto winter” that began with the cryptocurrency crash earlier this year. Many companies went under due to poor management and unsustaina

For those of you who’ve been following along our beginner’s guide to crypto, you should feel fairly confident by now. We’ve gone over all the fundamentals – from how blockchain technology works, to the different types of cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, NFTs and DeFi. In partnership with Luno, we’ve also stressed the importance of doing research the right way so that you can always be equipped to make informed decisions. While this space offers a lot of opportunities, there’s also a lot of risks

‘Do your own research’ or ‘DYOR’ has emerged as one of the commandments of the crypto space, and for good reason. It’s a sentiment echoed across Discord communities and Telegram groups. With hundreds of projects — some legitimate, others not so much — trying to gain attention and attract investments, all crypto users have the responsibility to protect their funds and ensure they are well-positioned to make informed decisions. This is easier said than done, especially when you don’t know where

Cryptocurrencies have long been characterised by volatility. As far back as 2013 – when Bitcoin rallied from US$550 to US$1,200, and back down to US$800 in a matter of weeks – it became apparent that there was a need for a more stable form of cryptocurrencies in the crypto space. In traditional finance, they vary from commodities such as gold and silver, to fiat currencies like the US dollar. Investors use these assets to hedge and manage their risk exposure during times of uncertainty. As wit

So far in our beginner’s guide, we’ve approached blockchain technology with a bird’s eye view. For those who have been following along, you should now be reasonably familiar with what blockchain is, how to find opportunities, and how to start investing in the space. Now, it’s time to dive deeper into slightly more advanced, but essential concepts within the blockchain realm – as it turns out, there’s more to do in this world than buying crypto coins and waiting for profits. As with any investm

In the first edition of our beginner’s guide to blockchain and cryptocurrency, we laid down the basics of this emerging technology. Now, it’s time to get you ready to enter the space. Cryptocurrency has emerged as an appealing asset class over the past few years. “Blue chip” coins such as Bitcoin and Ethereum showed their resilience through the pandemic, coupled with the ability to bounce back after sharp falls. In 2020, Bitcoin outperformed stock market indices such as the Dow Jones as well as

Over the past few years, there has been an exponential increase in the users of blockchain technology. Since 2016, the number of people holding crypto assets on exchanges and wallets has shot up from five million to over 200 million. There is, however, a huge disparity between those who have adopted blockchain technology and those who understand it. If you’re reading this, you’re still early and there’s plenty of time to get ahead on your crypto knowledge. There’s even evidence to prove it. St

We spoke to the founders of homegrown fashion brands to find out what sets apart Singaporean fashion from the rest of the world. Diversity drives the conversation on the little red dot, where local fashion is free to take on multicultural shapes and forms. For designers at Singapore’s homegrown brands, the city often acts as a moodboard—“a melting pot of inspiration,” as designer Iris Ramos describes it. In the summer of 2018, Ramos co-founded Duxton along with her husband Dustin. The brand dre

At Aqua Expeditions, we take pride in ticking off New Year’s Resolutions. Whether you’re out to broaden your horizons or face your fears, there’s no stone left unturned on our small ship expeditions. With itineraries across seven destinations – and our entire fleet sailing – the signature Aqua experience is more accessible than it has ever been. In Cambodia and Vietnam, Aqua Mekong journeys through the caramel waters of its namesake river. The Mekong boasts over 2,000 years of history, dating ba

Last June, Aqua Mare set off on its inaugural voyage across the Galapagos Islands, and it was nothing short of a dream. A year on – with almost fifty sailings under her belt – we’ve had the pleasure of showing hundreds of guests the wonders of this remote destination. Where else would you find wild animals – from penguins to giant tortoises – thoroughly unbothered by human presence? These amazing creatures roam freely across the archipelago, without fear of any predatory threats. As you venture

Spice Islands season isn’t all that far away with Aqua Blu completing its annual Bali-Komodo sailings this September. Starting off, we’re looking at an epic 12-night cruise from the volcanic lakes of Flores through the pristine forgotten islands and finally, to the home of nutmeg and cloves – spices which have started wars and toppled kingdoms. After settling into its new home for the next two months, Aqua Blu will sail 7-night itineraries featuring cultural and wildlife excursions unlike any ot

Life on the Mekong is never a quiet affair. From the bustle of floating markets to the weaving of tuk-tuks through intricate streets, the delta boasts an energy which you wouldn't find anywhere else. As you journey aboard the Aqua Mekong, each day will host a symphony of colors and sounds – an opportunity to discover a rich culture molded by centuries-old heritage and traditions. On our floating retreat, find yourself at home in a luxurious design suite. With floor-to-ceiling windows facing out