Day: October 2, 2024

CHAGEE returns months after its sudden exit in S’pore, we spoke to their execs to get the tea

Singaporeans love their bubble and milk teas, but only a handful of brands gained a cult following.

Along with giants like KOI, Gong Cha, CHICHA San Chen, and local mainstays such as Each A Cup and LiHo, one brand stands out: CHAGEE.

Previously known as Ba Wang Cha Ji (霸王茶姬), the brand has gained popularity for its drinks and even went viral for its “tear and win” lucky draw event that occurred on the 10th of every month. This event gave customers a chance to win products from big-name brands such as YSL and Dior cosmetics.

Despite the praise from Singaporeans, many fans were shocked when the brand made a quiet and sudden exit at the beginning of 2024. However, they did not have to wait long for the brand’s return, as CHAGEE opened their new outlet at the heart of Singapore at Orchardgateway on August 9, just in time for the country’s annual National Day.

But one question remains: why did they leave in the first place? Vulcan Post spoke to CHAGEE’s execs to spill the tea.

Why did they leave in the first place?

According to Lawrence Wen, CEO of CHAGEE Singapore, the company saw “great support” from the local market when it first opened in 2019, and at one point, it had opened 12 stores islandwide.

They managed to gain a loyal fanbase in the crowded F&B market—with some even travelling across the Singapore-Malaysia causeway to satisfy their cravings—when the brand seemingly “disappeared.”

As for the reason for their abrupt exit, Lawrence stated that it was a “strategic decision.”

He first explained that CHAGEE Singapore previously operated via a franchise partnership model. However, he declined to comment further when asked if he could elaborate on why it did not work out.

Currently, the Singapore outlets are operating under the direct ownership of the main company based in China—simply put, there are no more franchises for the brand.

“[This is] to ensure that our teas remain attractive and accessible for tea lovers from all walks of life, without compromising taste and quality,” said Lawrence.

He added that CHAGEE also recognises Singapore’s position as a multicultural country and a strategic location as a global business hub. It has since set up its SEA headquarters in the city-state—making it an ideal launchpad and door for many international brands to enter the SEA market.

In addition, Lawrence stated that Singapore has an “affluent consumer base coupled with a growing appreciation for premium tea products” which increases the brand’s growth potential in the country.

Transforming the business

CHAGEE has opened three new “tea bars” in Central Singapore, all within the same month: Orchardgateway, Plaza Singapura, and Raffles Place.

The brand’s return to the city-state was highly anticipated by fans, with crowds forming long, snaking queues and some waiting for as long as an hour to receive their orders.

To keep up with the influx of customers and ensure smoother customer experiences, the brand rolled out in-app ordering and delivery and constantly upgraded the ordering process.

Jane Sun, CHAGEE’s APAC R&D Director, also shared that the brand has a unique exchange policy: They will remake your drink if you are not satisfied with it, which turned out not to be the brand’s only edge.

For starters, CHAGEE is not a bubble tea brand as they do not offer pearls or toppings to encourage customers to experience the “original tea taste.”

However, given that Chinese tea making has had a rich history for centuries, it seemed unrealistic for the younger demographic to appreciate the art, as they often prioritise speed and convenience.

“We hope to connect people and cultures through a great cup of tea, but also understand that traditional tea culture has quite a high entry barrier,” Lawrence emphasised.

Hence, the company embarked on a mission to modernise the tea-drinking experience and relooked at their store concepts and overall approach—ultimately pivoting from their takeaway kiosks for comfortable dine-in, sit-down tea bars.

Aside from offering a new menu, the company has also leveraged technology with their semi-automated tea-making equipment to increase their stores’ overall efficiency, as well as a Product ID Card and a Health Calculator on the CHAGEE app.

According to Gao Hongbo, CHAGEE’s Director of Singapore User Operations, these features are “a first” to be offered in the ready-to-drink industry.

“Technology and innovation play a crucial role in the growth and evolution of the CHAGEE brand and business in establishing itself as an international modern oriental tea brand,” said Hongbo.

More plans brewing ahead

CHAGEE is set to continue growing its global presence, having expanded from more than 4,000 outlets to over 5,000 stores in the last couple of years.

The brand is planning to open more stores in Singapore, with Vivo City and One Raffles Place being their next two stops and more to come beyond the central region by the end of 2024.

Lawrence, who previously worked at foodpanda Singapore as a CEO, expressed his ambition to transform the brand to become the “foremost brand in the beverage industry”, and that comes from harbouring an unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Our mission is to craft a seamless, end-to-end journey that not only delights but also inspires customers to return to our stores repeatedly. A key aspect of this focus is enhancing the digital experience, ensuring that every interaction from ordering and waiting for delivery is smooth and enjoyable for our customers.

Lawrence Wen, CEO of CHAGEE Singapore

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• Learn more about CHAGEE Singapore here.
• Read more stories about Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: Madison Beer’s support saved this S’porean nail salon, how’s it doing a month later?

Featured Image Credit: CHAGEE Singapore

Samsung axes thousands of jobs in global layoff round, including S’porean ones. Why now?

Samsung Electronics is trimming its workforce across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, as part of a global reduction in headcount, reported The Business Times today.

These layoffs are reportedly part of a larger strategy to cut jobs in overseas subsidiaries, including Australia and New Zealand, aiming to reduce operational costs and increase efficiency.

While Samsung has faced challenges in its key markets, including a dip in shares and increased competition in the semiconductor sector, the company has stated that these workforce adjustments are routine.

Singapore employees affected by job cuts

According to an anonymous source (who is familiar with the situation) quoted by the news portal, Samsung employees in Singapore were called into private meetings with their HR and reporting managers on October 1, where they were informed of the layoffs.

The employees were provided details of their retrenchment and severance packages, marking a significant moment for Samsung’s Singapore team.

This comes as part of a larger wave of layoffs in Samsung’s Southeast Asian subsidiaries, which are expected to affect about 10% of the workforce in these regions, though the specific impact may vary by country.

For Singapore, this downsizing effort comes as a surprise for many employees, especially those working across various teams. 

Samsung’s restructuring plans, however, will reportedly avoid affecting manufacturing jobs, focusing instead on management and support roles.

Global workforce cuts: Why now?

Samsung’s decision to lay off workers globally stems from its struggle to maintain dominance in the memory chip and smartphone markets. The company has experienced a tough year, with its stock price falling by over 20%. 

According to The Business Times, competition from companies like SK Hynix in AI memory chips and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in custom chip production has put pressure on Samsung’s financial performance. 

As part of its restructuring, Samsung has already reduced headcounts in markets like India and parts of Latin America. The cuts, though significant, will impact less than 10% of Samsung’s total overseas workforce of 147,000 employees.

Samsung’s response

The news portal quoted Samsung’s spokesperson as saying, “Some overseas subsidiaries are conducting routine workforce adjustments to improve operational efficiency.” 

They added that there are no specific target numbers for the cuts in any particular positions or locations. The adjustments aim to streamline management and support functions without compromising production roles, which remain a priority for the tech giant.

Samsung also confirmed that the layoffs will not affect its home market in South Korea.

However, Samsung’s relationship with its employees in South Korea has been tense, with the company facing its first-ever strike by unionised employees in May this year.

As Samsung navigates these turbulent times, the impact on its overseas workforce highlights the delicate balance of staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Also Read: 5 scenarios in which you would appreciate having the reliable ASUS Vivobook 16 for work

Featured Image Credit: db&b

Only one day’s notice: Dyson’s surprise layoff leaves S’porean employees & union blindsided

Dyson has laid off an undisclosed number of workers in Singapore while conducting a “surprise” layoff on October 1, 2024. With a short one-day notice, employees were left shocked and in a state of “low morale”.

The Singapore-headquartered consumer electronics manufacturer performed the retrenchment exercise “very discreetly”, news outlet CNA reported in an article.

Those impacted received a private email notifying them of a one-on-one meeting, an affected employee told CNA.

“Unfortunately, reason given (was) the job is redundant, and we need to pack our things and prepare to leave,” the employee said.

Another employee told the news outlet that those laid off were from the manufacturing and procurement departments.

This round of layoffs comes after Dyson announced on July 9 that it would lay off about 1,000 of its 3,500 staff in Britain as part of global restructuring. At the time, when asked about the fate of its staff in Singapore, the multinational company said then that there would be no direct impact here.

The company employed over 1,920 staff in Singapore as at the end of 2023, after an expansion of head count by 35% that year.

Given that the July retrenchments in Britain were reportedly carried out department by department and over weeks, this might not be the end to the layoffs at Dyson’s Singapore office.

Speaking to CNA, a Dyson spokesperson responded that the company constantly evolves the composition of their teams, taking steps to ensure they have the right skills in the right places.

“Our ambitions in Singapore remain unchanged, and we anticipate that we will continue to grow here in the medium term,” the spokesperson stated.

The union speaks up

The United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI) said in a statement released late on October 1 that it was disappointed the union was given only one day’s notice of the exercise by the company.

This leaves “insufficient time for meaningful discussion between the parties involved”, the union said.

The Straits Times reported that UWEEI stated, “Unionised companies should work with their unions in a timely manner to ensure that a fair and equitable process is carried out to safeguard the interests of all workers, especially our Singaporean core.”

The article also reported that UWEEI has escalated the matter to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

That said, the affected workers actually fall outside UWEEI’s scope of representation under the collective agreement with Dyson. “Nonetheless, UWEEI stands ready to support affected workers,” the union shared.

In response to this, a Dyson spokesperson shared, “Dyson respectfully informed UWEEI in advance. Dyson is following all prevailing guidelines from MOM and providing employees with the support they need, including outplacement services and employment assistance programmes.”

Although the layoff came as a surprise to the employees, the UWEEI will work with the National Trades Union Congress’ Employment and Employability Institute to help match affected workers to employment opportunities. It will also support them with career coaching and job training, where needed.

Its members may tap the Union Training Assistance Programme fund to offset training courses for skills upgrading. It will also assist members who may face financial hardship via its assistance programmes.

Hopefully, with the support, employees at Dyson will feel more at ease despite the layoffs, which may not be over just yet.

• Learn more about Dyson here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about layoffs here.

Also Read: Shein’s S’pore layoffs: Strategic restructuring or signs of trouble ahead of London IPO?

Featured Image Credit: Dyson

I had to find out why everyone’s crazy over Sony’s vlogging cams, so I tested its latest one

As a long-time DSLR enthusiast, I’m used to the feel and versatility of larger cameras designed for photography.

So, when I got my hands on the new Sony ZV-E10 II vlogging camera, paired with the updated E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, I was stepping into unfamiliar territory.

While vlogging cameras are known for their portability and ease of use, I was curious to see how this compact setup could also win over someone more accustomed to DSLRs and mirrorless cameras aimed at photographers.

First impressions

Right out of the box, the ZV-E10 II makes a strong first impression with its lightweight build. At just 375g (without the lens), it’s significantly lighter than the cameras I usually carry. I found this compactness to be a boon for my trips. I could easily mount it on a handheld tripod and switch between stills and video without feeling weighed down. 

The larger NP-FZ100 battery, borrowed from Sony’s more robust models like the A6700, also ensures that you don’t have to worry about the camera dying on you halfway through your content creation spree. 

However, the ZV-E10 II isn’t without its quirks. The positioning of the memory card slot on the left side, sandwiched between ports, felt a little awkward. And while the flip-out LCD screen is great for selfies and vlogging, I was slightly annoyed by its inability to sit flat, making precise composition trickier than I’d like.

A highlight for me was the customisability of the camera’s buttons and menus. With a bit of time spent setting up the ‘My Menu’ section and reassigning some of the buttons, I managed to get the camera to operate in a way that felt natural and intuitive, something I’ve always valued in a camera.

Sony ZV-E10 II key specs

Features that stand out

The ZV-E10 II shines in features designed specifically for vlogging and content creation. The directional 3-capsule microphone, coupled with a windscreen, made recording crisp audio a breeze, even in bustling outdoor settings. 

The inclusion of both microphone and headphone ports adds to its versatility for more serious recording setups.

Sony’s autofocus system, a hallmark of its cameras, is predictably excellent. The real-time eye autofocus (AF) and face priority make the transition from photography to video a seamless experience.

As someone who loves photography, I’m a bit of a control freak about focus, often spending extra time ensuring my subject is crisp. But when vlogging, I realised you don’t always have that luxury, especially when you’re moving, walking, or just holding the camera at arm’s length.

Whether I was capturing a bustling street scene or trying to keep my subject in focus, the camera’s AF system was quick, accurate, and dependable. 

The enhanced connectivity features, especially the ability to seamlessly transfer content via the Sony Creators’ App, were a welcome upgrade from older models I’ve used.

Performance and limitations

When it comes to video quality, the ZV-E10 II delivers. Its 26MP sensor produces beautiful images and 4K video that’s sharp and vibrant, thanks to 10-bit 4:2:2 colour. 

As someone who’s used to tweaking colour grading and adjusting exposure in post-production for my photography work, the new S-Cinetone and S-Log 3 colour profiles gave me a familiar level of control in my images. 

It’s great for those who want to push their creative boundaries, allowing me to get cinematic results without having to purchase high-end gear.

That being said, if you’re new to vlogging and not a pro editor, the standard colour settings will more than suffice. The soft skin effect is also a neat addition for vloggers who want a little bit of skin smoothing without having to mess around with post-production filters.

However, my experience wasn’t without hiccups. While recording in 4K/60p, the camera started overheating after about 20 minutes, forcing me to shut it down and let it cool. 

I’m not sure if this was a one-off issue with my loaned model, but this limitation would make it challenging for long-form video content, and while it’s something you can work around by planning your shoots, it’s definitely a consideration if you’re looking to create extended vlogs or YouTube videos.

As a photographer, I found the lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) a noticeable downside. Composing shots using just the rear LCD felt limiting, especially under bright sunlight. 

The camera’s buffer also left me wanting more—only about three seconds of burst shooting at 11fps when capturing Raw+JPEG. For someone used to photographing fast-moving subjects, this was a bit of a letdown.

Image quality

Despite these limitations, the image quality on both stills and video was impressive. The JPEGs were crisp and well-exposed in good lighting, while the raw files offered plenty of dynamic range for editing. 

Low-light performance was solid up to around ISO 6400, beyond which noise and colour shifts became apparent. Video footage, especially when shot in 10-bit, held up well and offered plenty of flexibility for grading.

The lack of built-in sensor stabilisation was somewhat mitigated when I used the camera with the OSS lens. It’s not as steady as some of the competition, but with a little help from Sony’s Catalyst Browse software, I was able to get reasonably smooth footage without needing a gimbal.

Verdict: Is it a keeper?

For vloggers and beginner content creators, the Sony ZV-E10 II might be an excellent choice. Priced at RM4,999, it packs a lot of high-end features into a small, travel-friendly form factor and delivers great image and video quality. 

The upgraded battery life and connectivity options make it a reliable companion for on-the-go shooting, and its intuitive controls are easy to master.

However, for someone like me, who’s primarily focused on photography, the ZV-E10 II doesn’t quite hit the mark. The absence of an EVF, the limited buffer, and the camera’s tendency to overheat during long video sessions are significant drawbacks. 

If you’re looking for a camera that can do double duty as both a photography and a vlogging tool, you might want to consider other options in Sony’s lineup that are more tailored to still photography.

That said, if you’re just getting started with vlogging or need a capable second camera for video content, the ZV-E10 II is a compelling option. Just be prepared to work around a few quirks—and maybe keep a fan handy if you’re planning on shooting a lot of high-resolution video.

• Learn more about Sony ZV-E10 II here. 
• Read other articles we’ve written about Sony 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: A ClassPass competitor? This new app lets you access nearly 300 fitness studios in M’sia.

Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post

Why this couple pioneered horse-assisted therapy for kids with special needs in Malaysia

Have you heard of hippotherapy before?

And no, it’s not therapy involving hippopotamuses.

Hippotherapy is also known as equine-assisted therapy, and refers to a form of physical, occupational, and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input.

And the very first centre to offer hippotherapy services in Malaysia is Green Apple Hippotherapy, which opened ten years ago.

Behind the business is couple Iliza Ikhbal and Dr Ali Azman Minhaj. Iliza herself is a horserider, while Dr Ali is a paediatrician. But the reason for them starting Green Apple actually goes beyond their interests and professions.

“One of our sons is autistic,” Dr Ali shared with Vulcan Post. “It’s because of him that we looked into hippotherapy.”

The couple has always stayed abreast on all the new developments and therapies being offered to neurodivergent children. After learning about hippotherapy, they actually flew to Greece, South Africa, and more, to learn more about it.

They actually ended up bringing two horses back to Malaysia, where their son was able to try hippotherapy. And lo and behold, the parents shared that he ended up progressing much faster than he ever had. He ended up overcoming many challenges, and now he is capable of being independent and will be heading to college soon.  

Understanding the potential in hippotherapy, they established Green Apple Hippotherapy in 2014, and they’ve been offering their services ever since.

Staying up to date with best practices

The staff members are comprised of three types of trained therapists—physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist.

Green Apple takes what they do extremely seriously, which is why staff members are sent overseas to learn hippotherapy and get certified.

“In fact, all the people that practise hippotherapy in this country are trained by us,” Dr Ali claimed. “Nobody else trains.”

According to Dr Ali, the certification lasts for five years, after which therapists must be recertified to continue practising. This is critical for them to not just retain but update their knowledge.

He shared that Green Apple has welcomed more than 1,000 students, with 60 children receiving therapy there currently. Typically, these students have sessions once or twice a week. They’ve had students travel from as far as Alor Setar.

The ratio of therapists to students is three to one, making hippotherapy rather labour-intensive.

The centre is home to four horses, all of which are brought in from abroad as local horses are not quite suitable for the therapy.

And of course, the staff must be appropriately trained to handle the horses, too. To ensure the horse’s safety, they have a qualified horse management professional.

Horses as healers

But what’s so different about hippotherapy, compared to other therapies and treatments in the market?

“The horse is a very unique animal,” Dr Ali said. “They really mirror what you do.”

He shared that through the experience, as children learn about the horses, they will also end up learning more about themselves and their own feelings.

On top of that, the riding helps with balance, posture, and strength. Speech and social skills are also gained as the child interacts with the riding team.

Green Apple’s services are suitable for children with special needs, Dr Ali said. This includes those with autism, cerebral palsy, and global development delays.

In terms of results, he believes that apparent changes can be observed as early as three sessions in.

But before one can begin sessions, there are proper medical protocols to follow.

“They must be assessed by me first, as a paediatrician,” Dr Ali said.

This assessment involves verifying the child’s diagnosis and whether they will be able to benefit from hippotherapy. From there, Dr Ali will refer them to the trained therapists at Green Apple.

These therapists will carry out their own evaluations to plan the programme for that particular child.  

“We’re not teaching them how to ride, we’re giving them treatment on the horse, with the aid of the horse,” he said.

The assessments are very thorough, and the therapists will record and discuss each session with the parents.

Raising awareness

But as far as I can tell, there isn’t that much attention or awareness when it comes to hippotherapy in Malaysia. This is something that Dr Ali definitely recognises.

“On our part, I do not expose hippotherapy too much,” he said. “We don’t want this programme, this treatment to be abused.”

He pointed to acupuncture as an example. When acupuncture first started being offered as a treatment, there were many who were hesitant to try it. But then, as it became popularised, many people, including untrained individuals, would start offering it as a service.

Dr Ali believes that this is what’s happening to hippotherapy as well. There may be a number of providers out there who are not necessarily qualified or have not received retraining.

It’s why Green Apple strives to do everything in a proper way, with the proper medical protocols.  

And now, after 10 years of operations, the team is finally ready to expose it to the market.

But there is a myriad of challenges still. For example, many parents still cannot afford it because of the expensive prices.

And then for parents who can afford it, they may not be aware of hippotherapy and its benefits, or perhaps do not know that Green Apple exists in Malaysia as a provider.

That’s why awareness is key.

This will be critical in allowing the team to open more centres in regions like Johor or Penang. With that expansion, Green Apple Hippotherapy will be able to serve children across the country with their horses.

• Learn more about Green Apple Hippotherapy here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: After 4 yrs, this Melaka-founded private fitness brand is going global. First stop, Thailand.

Featured Image Credit: Green Apple Hippotherapy