Day: August 25, 2023

The Conjuring Universe’s horror experience launches in M’sia, tickets start at RM80

Popular American horror franchise The Conjuring Universe has crept its way into Malaysia through an immersive horror experience located at The Curve Shopping Mall.  

Making its debut in Southeast Asia 10 years after the first The Conjuring movie was screened, The Conjuring Universe Tour features an interactive walk-through of set recreations from iconic scenes of the film franchise.

Films housed under this universe are The Conjuring, The Conjuring 2, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, Annabelle, Annabelle: Creation, Annabelle Comes Home, The Nun, and the upcoming The Nun II, set to be released in Malaysia on September 7, 2023.

The recreated scenes and sets featured include The Abbey of St. Carta from The Nun, The Warren Artifact Room from Annabelle, and The Perron’s House from The Conjuring, amongst other scenes.

The Conjuring Universe Tour is produced by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, Sunny SideUp, and Incubase Studio, in partnership with AM PM (HK) and Ace Media Network.  

The experience will be available from August 26, 2023 to November 19, 2023.

Where to buy the tickets

Tickets start at RM80, with the full breakdown here:

The timing for daytime is 11AM to 6PM, while evening is 6PM to 10PM. The movie tickets included in the bundles can be used for The Conjuring, which is being screened again after 10 years, or the upcoming The Nun II.

Official ticketing platforms for the experience are Klook, Wetix, Incutix, and Keepsake by GSC.

With the theme of the experience being horror, children under 15 are recommended to be accompanied by an adult.

What to expect

Vulcan Post was invited to a preview launch of The Conjuring Universe Tour on August 25. At the venue, located right next to MAJUHOME Concept on Level 1 of The Curve Shopping Mall, we witnessed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, though the event will only be officially open to the public on August 26.  

The interactive journey encompasses 20 zones altogether, and pictures and videos are allowed only up to a certain point (before zone 15). For those unfamiliar with the films, not to worry, as the waiting area actually shows trailers of past films to get you up to speed.

A complete walk-through of the tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Groups will be led by a tour guide. Making use of technology, fog machines, animatronics, mirrors, and projectors, the tour was truly quite immersive and could be scary at times.

I personally have not watched any of the films, but still found the experience to be very intriguing. The use of clever props and rooms created a captivating journey overall, blending all elements of the three movie series (The Conjuring, The Nun, and Annabelle) into one cohesive storyline.

In our group of 12, there were a few who jolted and screamed at turns, present company included.

At the end of the walk-through, there’ll be a photo zone, then a line-up of The Conjuring Universe-related merchandise, exclusively released for this experience.

We had a great time at the new horror experience, so be sure to stay tuned for a more in-depth review of our walk-through of The Conjuring Universe Tour.

• Learn more about The Conjuring Universe Tour here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about entertainment here.

Also Read: Turn your idea for a social enterprise into reality by joining this SEEd.Lab programme

S$200K debt to S$10M revenue: This S’porean turned his e-commerce store into a homeware empire

In a world where the home and living industry is continuously evolving, Sheldon Global stands out as a beacon of innovation, adaptability, and diversity.

Founded in 2014 by Brien Chua, Sheldon Global has rapidly emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of household and lifestyle products.

Under his leadership, the company has achieved remarkable success, boasting a diverse portfolio of seven major house brands, each catering to unique consumer preferences and needs.

From banking to business

Brien’s academic journey began at the University of Western Australia, where he graduated with a triple major in Investment Finance, Corporate Finance, and Financial Accounting in 2006. Armed with a strong foundation in numbers and financial acumen, he initially embarked on a career in banking.

However, the allure of entrepreneurship was strong, and he soon found himself seeking more fulfilling avenues beyond the confines of the financial sector.

“I’ve always been interested in starting my own business, so it was natural that my next step would be an entrepreneurial endeavour,” Brien shared.

His familiarity with numbers and accounting rules, as well as background in global markets and Forex equipped him with a unique advantage, enabling him to seize foreign exchange opportunities that played a pivotal role in reducing buying costs.

Prior to Sheldon Group, Brien first ventured into four different business undertakings, including a Chinese doughnut franchise named Kirin Pte Ltd.

[It] required me to work 4,000km away from home, and eventually landed me S$200,000 in debt. During that time, my wife and I could only afford necessities.

We were so poor back in China that we did not have enough to pay for electricity during winter. Our Chinese New Years were also spent alone in the apartment room [that] we were renting as air tickets were too expensive prior to the festive season.

This was at the time when I had a newborn as well. But just like how I had a baby to feed, my business ventures were also very personal to me, and I knew I could not fail.

– Brien Chua, founder of Sheldon Global

The turning point came when Brien later took on the role of overseeing houseware company Citylong’s overseas operations, which made him realise his personal resonance with the home and living sector.

This was what prompted him to launch his own e-commerce homeware brand, HOUZE, which specialises in storage solutions.

It later became part of Sheldon Global, a conglomerate housing six other brands: The Life Shop (economical alternatives within HOUZE), Table Matters (crockery), Aroma Matters (fragrance), Creative Polybag (customisable polymailers), SoleMate (shoe storage), and Jeju House (natural wet wipes).

“Our overall strategy has always been about bringing value to the consumers,” said Brien.

From the outset, their focus wasn’t merely on being the cheapest option on the market, but rather on enhancing the purchase experience and product functionality, which has helped them build a loyal consumer base.

Rose to be one of the top stores on Shopee and Lazada

HOUZE’s ascent was meteoric, transforming from a modest e-commerce store into one of the top homeware stores on Southeast Asia’s top online shopping platforms, Shopee and Lazada.

Its growth can be attributed to their shrewd marketing strategies. In particular, Brien’s keen understanding of the power of both paid and organic marketing channels has been pivotal.

He recognises that consumers today are drawn not just by flashy ads, but by genuine value. Thus, Sheldon Global’s products are meticulously crafted with the highest quality materials and designs that can speak for themselves, generating positive word-of-mouth and consumer-generated content.

Beyond product quality, Sheldon Global’s focus on personalised shopping experiences has been instrumental in fostering customer loyalty. The ability to suggest complementary products based on individual preferences has not only increased sales, but also fuelled brand loyalty through repeat purchases.

Furthermore, Brien’s strategic decision to embrace an omni-channel approach has proved to be a masterstroke. Brands like ecoHOUZE and Table Matters, which was initially conceived online, have established brick-and-mortar retail stores to “create multiple personal touchpoints with customers”.

As the retail landscape shifts, Sheldon Global acknowledges that retail alone is no longer a sustainable option. By combining the tactile engagement of in-store shopping with the convenience of online purchasing, the brand is ensuring a well-rounded customer experience.

In their retail stores, customers can interact with products firsthand, aided by knowledgeable sales staff. They then have the flexibility to make their purchases on-site or through the respective websites.

Navigating COVID-19 challenges

Brien attributes much of the business growth to key lessons learned through adversity.

One such challenge was the global COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses, Sheldon Global faced operational obstacles. The need for diversified sourcing and the management of human elements became paramount.

Brien recognised the importance of embracing change, leading to significant investments in system automation and robotics.

The brand managed to secure a six-figure grant from Enterprise Singapore to integrate robotics into production. This not only helped navigate the pandemic’s difficulties, but also boosted productivity by 50 per cent, cushioning the impact of manpower shortages.

While competitors grappled with fallout, Sheldon Global continued to grow, which prompted a strategic shift in business operations. It pivoted to a leaner model, identifying non-crucial roles and outsourcing them.

In fact, their integration of robotics led to a strategic partnership with BizLink, contributing to creating employment opportunities for the physically challenged and elderly individuals, ensuring inclusivity in the workforce.

Remaining a frontrunner in an industry marked by continuous change is no easy feat. Yet, Sheldon Global has mastered the art of staying ahead of the curve.

Brien points out their strategy, “We are looking to increase and improve customer experience across both online and offline channels with better customer service and a more focused approach to how our workflow is managed.”

Incorporating innovation into the shopping experience, Brien elaborates, “The plan is to let people browse through the products on their mobile and check them out at our shops, using RFID tagging to facilitate the process.”

This seamless fusion of digital and physical realms showcases the brand’s commitment to harnessing technology for the ultimate customer journey.

It achieved S$10 million revenue in 2021

With a modest capital of S$150,000 — bootstrapping without external funding –the company managed to breakeven in just 2.5 years.

Funding was hard for us as we did not take the venture capital/private equity route, but it all paid off.

At the start, [we] octupled [our] revenue in just five years. … In 2021, we saw a S$10 million revenue from the Singapore market alone.

– Brien Chua, founder of Sheldon Global

Beyond Singapore, it has strategically positioned itself into other markets of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

“Our current strategy is to expand into ASEAN markets by appointing distributors for these countries, or forming joint ventures with local market leaders. This is a good way to ensure that our investments are in safe hands – to work with people who know the market shifts and nuances, so that we do not have to make avoidable mistakes or start from scratch,” said Brien.

As the sun rises on new horizons, Sheldon Global is poised to make its mark on the international stage, with plans to expand into the United States, United Kingdom, and parts of Europe.

“Consumers in these regions value products that are durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Different regions also have distinct tastes and needs which our diverse brand portfolio will be able to cater to,” said Brien.

“We’re looking to replicate our success in Asia by continuing our commitment to delivering top-notch products to quickly gain a reputation for reliability and excellence.”

Peering into the future, Sheldon Global envisions a world where sustainability and excellence harmoniously coexist.

“We aim to make a lasting impact in the home and living industry by leading the way for e-commerce brands to scale and become more sustainable in their production processes,” declared Brien.

Featured Image Credit: Sheldon Global

Also Read: This S’porean started WaaCow! with only S$53 in sales – now rakes in 8-figure annual sales

The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 has a slimmer build & more health trackers, so what?

On the daily, I feel just fine going about life without wearing a watch, let alone a smartwatch. But wearing the new Samsung Galaxy Watch6 (40mm) has reminded me again what I’m missing out on without a smartwatch.

When writing my first impressions, one of the things I had most been looking forward to was getting my Sleep Animal, which requires you to have at least six to seven days of sleep data recorded.

Fast forward to the time of writing, and I’ve gotten my results. But more on that later.

One issue I’ve often had with various smartwatches I’ve tried in the past was that they were often too bulky for me to sleep comfortably, which led to me not wanting to keep them on, defeating the purpose of the health trackers.

Thankfully, the Watch6 is quite significantly slimmer than the Watch5, and overall is very comfortable to wear.

Despite that, it has a wider display than the Watch5 (by about 0.1 inches) thanks to thinner bezels. 

While I don’t have the experience to compare what difference this makes, I will say that the screen of the Watch6 is very sharp and gets quite bright, making it easy to see when under direct sunlight, and even in water.

The sapphire crystal screen and aluminium frame should hold up to daily wear and tear just fine, and you have the option of switching out your band straps across different materials to suit your lifestyle.

I stuck with the Sports band despite being not sporty at all, since it was comfortable, and easy to clean. Samsung has a new one-click band function that makes swapping out bands much easier, a plus point for those who like to accessorise.

Still in the realm of aesthetics, only the Watch6 Classic comes with a physical bezel, but I wish the Watch6 did too. 

I’m not sure if it’s just my finger, but sometimes I would have a bit of trouble getting the watch screen to register my touches, especially for swipes and the digital bezel function.

Keeping life on track 

I often have my phone with me, so I don’t really need to use the Watch6 as an extension of my phone, mainly more for just daily health and sleep tracking.

Said to be Samsung’s most complete health smartwatch yet, the Watch6 is chock-full of features, with newer ones being the electrocardiogram (ECG), personalised heart rate zone, a menstrual cycle tracker, and even skin temperature monitoring.

I know for certain that those are more features than I would probably ever use (unless I decide on a drastic lifestyle change), so I’ll highlight what mainly stood out to me.

One of which is the Sleep Animal I was talking about. The results are in: I am a Nervous Penguin who sleeps sporadically and is always nervous. 

Sure, I have a bit of anxiety every now and then, and I was doubting the sporadic sleep part, but a look through my sleep data does show that I wake up at least three times a night on average which is…  kind of a lot? 

However, that’s where the fun seems to end. After I learnt my Sleep Animal, I was able to start my sleep coaching. But I’ve honestly not been inspired to keep up with that.

There are three potential reasons for this:

1. The sleep coaching programme feels like another tracker for your pre-sleep, sleep, and post-sleep habits, but this time the data has to be manually put in. It’s not hard, and it’s more interactive than just getting a face full of text on improving your sleep, but I find it rather boring.
2. My sleep is not particularly bad, though it’s never been an ‘Excellent!’ or something similar, my ratings range from ‘Good’ to ‘Fair’. So, I’m not really incentivised to make any changes.
3. I’m simply not ready to acknowledge that my sleep could be better, since I fall asleep and wake up just fine most of the time.

I think for users like me, more gamification where your sleep quality directly affects some sort of 2D creature (your own Sleep Animal maybe?) could push me to want to improve my sleep. 

On the other end of the spectrum are the more active trackers, such as the workout and fitness ones. 

Underutilised by my couch potato self, but I will say that the auto workout detection deserves a shoutout.

I was surprised the first time it triggered, and the second time too, since I wasn’t intending for me walking around to become a workout, but I’m glad the Watch6 is looking out for me like that.

I usually track my steps with my phone, but a smartwatch would definitely be more accurate with its tracking.

The Watch6 is rated IP68 for water resistance, and I like that the Water Lock function to reduce accidental touches while in water can be easily accessed by swiping down from the home screen. When you turn it off, the watch will automatically expel any remaining water in its speakers.

With a new 300mAh battery on the Watch6, you’re supposed to get about 40 hours of performance, which I would say isn’t too far off from what I’ve experienced based on my usage. 

If I’m lucky, I can sometimes stretch my usage to about two days and two nights, though the anxiety of the Watch6 shutting off during my sleep on the second night is real.

Verdict

Overall, this is a smartwatch that admittedly doesn’t stand out too much to me, as someone who sees smartwatches as a “nice, but not necessary to have” accessory.

It does everything it sets out to do well, and there are notable improvements to the device when compared to its predecessors, but I’ve not found it groundbreaking in ways that would matter to me. 

For example, if you were someone who was more active, perhaps the personalised heart rate zone would be more impressive. That function is meant to point out when your workout is getting too intense for your limits, or if you still have room to push yourself, based on your average heart rate. 

All that said, you might be harder to convince if you’re already using a Watch4 or Watch5, which will be getting some new features that the Watch6 has through upgrades, I believe.

If you’re coming from being watchless, then the Watch6 makes a good enough case for itself, perhaps more so if you have a Samsung phone, which will ensure a seamless connection.

You can pick between Gold and Graphite colourways, and prices start at RM1,099 for the 40mm version.

• Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 here.
• Read more of our content on Samsung devices here.

VP Verdict is a series where we personally try and test out products, services, fads, and apps. Want to suggest something else for us to try? Leave a comment here or send the suggestion to our Facebook page.

Also Read: At 23, she went into real estate. Now she runs a firm that made RM1.4bil revenue in 2022.

LinkedIn: S’poreans fastest in the world at adopting AI skills at work for 7 years in a row

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed below belong solely to the author.

According to the August 2023 release of LinkedIn’s Future of Work report, Singaporean workers came in first in the world in the pace of adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills at work — or so they say at least.

The Microsoft-owned social network has created an AI Skills Index on the basis of “diffusion” of AI-related skills among millions of its users across 25 countries.

In essence, it tracks the frequency with which they appear in user profiles and how they change over time, as compared to 1 January 2016.

With seven years of data, the Index has been regularly dominated by Singapore, which has led the pack from the very beginning, together with Finland following it in second place.

As of June 2023, the share of Singaporean professionals who have added AI-related skills to their professional profiles has increased by over 20 times compared to 2016 — significantly above the global average of nine times — with Finland reporting a 16 times increase, Ireland third at 15 times, India at 14 times, and Canada rounding up the top five with a 13 times growth.

AI opportunism?

However, the question remains how these skills are put into practical use.

It’s one thing to tout them on social media in the hopes of brushing up your public image ahead of a job search, and it’s something entirely different to productively deploy them at work.

This is why we have to take LinkedIn’s claims with more than a pinch of salt, as the methodology is not entirely scientific — or at least, it does not show exactly what it purports to show (is it about adopting AI skills at work or rather in the process of looking for work?).

What we can infer from it with a good degree of certainty though, is the fact that Singaporeans are leading the world in recognising the job market value of AI skills and are using them to their professional advantage at a greater pace than anybody else.

In the long run, however, their skills will have to follow their claims, since you can only go so far by pretending you know something you really do not. So, while candidates’ claims may be somewhat exaggerated, they should still reflect a genuine, underlying trend of improving AI competences among Singaporean job seekers.

Pooja Chhabria, career expert and Asia-Pacific head of editorial at LinkedIn, said Singapore has long been a “fertile ground” for AI disruption, thanks to the country’s “robust digital infrastructure, a strong framework for the protection of intellectual property, and a thriving ecosystem of venture capital firms, angel investors … that provide capital.”

We have seen rapid growth in AI development and adoption fuelled by startups and businesses over the years, in their efforts to carve out new niches or achieve greater competitive advantage.” [in Singapore].

– Pooja Chhabria, LinkedIn

Which is why, regardless of methodological concerns of such a study and how accurately it compares deployment of various AI skills between different countries (as well as industries), Singapore is bound to stay in the lead for the foreseeable future.

Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post

Also Read: DOS, EDB S’pore Q3 surveys: More jobs in all industries bar one as business optimism returns

These Perak bros turned their dad’s bunga kantan chilli sauce recipe into a full-fledged biz

When I think of snacks, my first thought is keropok kering (fish crackers) from Terengganu. My family would frequently fry up these crackers for afternoon tea or even just something to munch on while huddled in front of the TV.

And the one thing we always pair it with is chilli sauce. No, not the regular chilli sauce that’s slightly sweet or tangy. We look for localised chilli condiments like cili padi sauce and sambal belacan. 

So I was intrigued when Bintang Flavours, a local brand selling Kantan Chili Sauce, appeared on my Instagram feed.

Adding spice to life

Hailing from the seaside town of Sitiawan, Perak, brothers Kevin and Philip Ong started Bintang Flavours with the recipes and help of their father, Mr Ong Kee Kwong.

At the time, the brothers were working corporate jobs and felt a bit unfulfilled. 

“We wanted to do something more creative and challenging, and we felt like we had a good idea for a business that could fill a gap in the market,” the pair told Vulcan Post.

And to their luck, they knew of just the thing to make that possible—their father’s Kantan Chili Sauce.

“Our father is a foodie at heart and also a great homecook. He was taught how to cook traditionally by his mother when he was young,” they shared. His adventurous spirit in trying new flavours is also applied in the kitchen. 

Mr Ong’s drive in coming up with his own sauce recipe was motivated by the other sauces in the market. Or rather, the lack thereof. 

Speaking candidly, the brothers explained, “It was mainly inspired by the fact that sauces available in the market do not offer the preferred taste profile (he was seeking), and also tend to skimp on quality for quantity.” 

As such, the duo shared that their family recipe is rich in all-natural local ingredients, emphasising high-quality taste and the absence of artificial preservatives, colouring, and flavouring.

Family, faith, and fragrance

The confidence to launch Bintang Flavours despite the lack of entrepreneurial experience was credited to three key factors. 

Firstly, they had done lots of research on the F&B industry until they felt confident about having a good understanding of the market. And there was the strong support network of family and friends, who both believed in them and were willing to help out, including their father who now acts as the brand’s adviser.

But ultimately, it was Kevin and Philip’s own faith in their product, the Signature Kantan Chili Sauce (RM12.90 for a bottle of 250ml), and its ability to be a disrupter in the existing market.

A key ingredient used in Bintang Flavours’ Kantan Chili Sauce is bunga kantan, which is also known as the torch ginger flower. The reason is that it adds a fragrant and unique touch to the dishes it’s used in.

Bunga kantan is quite commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking including Malaysia, and you can find it in meals like laksa, asam pedas, and nasi kerabu.

But apart from that, the Ong brothers’ choice of making this Bintang Flavours’ first (and so far only) sauce stems from a hint of national pride. “It (Kantan Chili Sauce) is an embodiment of local flavours that represents Malaysia.”

Fun fact: Bunga kantan is native to Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, and Borneo.

Source: Malaysia Biodiversity Information System

“Our signature recipe has gone through a couple of years of on-and-off R&D by our father,” the pair stated. “Mainly tweaking based on our own preferences and also feedback from families and friends.”

Bringing the heat

With that in mind, they launched Bintang Flavours from the comfort of their home in 2020. 

Then what began as a pet project during the pandemic slowly grew into an established business. After receiving encouraging responses from the public, Kevin and Philip took a few months to upgrade Bintang Flavours’ production capabilities and raise capital.

You may notice a slight hiatus on the brand’s Instagram page between January 2021 and early this year. But that wasn’t because the business was taking a break.

Kevin and Philip shared that Bintang Flavours was up and running throughout that whole period despite being inactive on social media. “We didn’t shut the business but continued to sell through agents and directly to regular customers.”

Now, going into their third year of running the brand, the brothers have since expanded the team to include two part-timers. The business has also successfully transitioned out of their house to a commercial centralised kitchen in Sungai Buloh.

“At our current capacity, [we produce] 200 bottles (of chilli sauce) a day. We average 950 bottles of sales monthly,” they proudly exclaimed. “A good month would see sales exceed 1,000 bottles.”

Both brothers also teased two new products in the pipeline that will be launched very soon. Namely, their kantan curry cooking paste and gourmet habanero hot sauce. 

For now, their Signature Kantan Chili Sauce can be bought through the brand’s official website, Shopee page, or TikTok Shop.

When life gives you peppers…

All that said, Kevin and Philip confessed to us that there have been certain challenges they’ve faced in running Bintang Flavours. The usual matters apply, such as the cost of starting the business and the time taken to turn a profit.

This in turn makes the R&D process for developing new flavours a long and expensive one. Not to mention the investment needed to boost marketing and sales to reach the brand’s target audience.

One notable factor is the sourcing of ingredients. As mentioned, bunga kantan is the star of Bintang Flavours’ Kantan Chili Sauce. 

But the trouble lies in the fact that weather can be a threat to its harvest. And these flowers take two years to grow from a rhizome, according to Mingguan Wanita’s interview with a local kantan plant farmer.

So while the future goal is to start farming their own ingredients, Kevin and Philip believe that diversification in suppliers is their solution for now. “Fortunately, we have a few dependable local suppliers for Bunga Kantan in Sungai Buloh which is farm-direct.”

At this point in time, though, they confessed the biggest challenge is obtaining halal certification and starting distribution in the traditional and modern trades. 

“Our goal is to distribute or wholesale to bigger players in the market, and that typically requires us to be halal-certified,” the pair confided.

In the meantime, they’re working on collaborating with some F&B outlets, mainly Nyonya and Chinese eateries, as well as gourmet cafes and fast food chains to come up with limited-time menu campaigns. 

• Learn more about Bintang Flavours here.
• Read articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: What M’sian SMEs should know about TikTok Shop, which saw a 78% seller increase in 2023

Featured Image Credit: Bintang Flavours