OWNDAYS opening new store at Takashimaya

OWNDAYS opening new store at Takashimaya

Japanese fast fashion eyewear brand, OWNDAYS, is pleased to announce the opening of a new store at Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City. This will be the brand's second premium concept store in the world and its 33rd store in Singapore. The new store will open to public on 20 May 2022 and will house a collection of made-in-Japan eyewear and premium ophthalmic lenses curated exclusively for its premium concept stores.

The Takashimaya S.C. store mirrors the concept of "Japanese Luxury" originally introduced at its first premium concept store at Marina Bay Sands, offering a premium eyewear shopping experience topped with Japanese hospitality and an extended product offering. Drawing inspiration from Ryoanji Temple, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular attraction in Kyoto, Japan known for its famous rock garden, the new store features a distinct Japanese-styled aesthetics that pays homage to the origins of the brand while incorporating a touch of luxury.

The main retail floor is flanked by a dry landscape complete with rock arrangements, gravel, moss and shrubs to achieve the Zen Garden interior. Beige wood elements are also heavily featured in the store interior to emphasise a sense of traditional Japanese-ness.

Také Umiyama, Managing Director/COO of OWNDAYS INC. said, "The Takashimaya S.C. store reflects the core value of OWNDAYS, which is to constantly evolve and innovate in order to deliver quality eyewear to consumers at the best value. With a store that is located right in the heart of Orchard Road, it allows us to make well-designed, good quality eyewear more accessible to our customers. Besides, the new store is a space where we hope local consumers could enjoy a complete Japanese experience without having to physically travel to Japan. We welcome customers to visit the store even when they are not looking to purchase any spectacles and just to feel transported to Japan."

To celebrate the store opening, OWNDAYS will be giving away gifts to customers who visit the store during its grand opening campaign that runs from 20 to 22 May 2022. The first 33 walk-in customers of each day will receive $100 OWNDAYS digital gift voucher[1] each while the 34th to the 66th walk-in customers of each day will get to bring home a pair of OWNDAYS sunglasses (worth $78)[1] of their choice. No purchase is required.

OWNDAYS Takashimaya S.C. Premium Store is located at 391 Orchard Road, #B1-30 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872 (near the B1 underground passage between Takashimaya Shopping Centre and Wisma Atria). The store is open daily from 10:00am to 9:30pm.

OWNDAYS is a leading eyewear brand from Japan with more than 350 shops in Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, Hong Kong, India and Dubai. The company sells over 2.5 million pairs of glasses a year. It is one of the few companies in the world that have implemented the SPA (Specialty store retailer of Private label Apparel) system into the optical business where the entire process from design and manufacturing through to inventory management and retail is managed from within. This system has allowed the company to maintain the highest level of product quality in order to meet the Japanese Industrial Standards while keeping prices affordable.

As it increases its global footprints, OWNDAYS continues to challenge itself to provide eyewear that are both functional and fashionable. The company aspires to be the eyewear of choice for everyone by constantly innovating and improving its systems and services.

Famous Infrastructures

Famous Infrastructures

Singapore has stunning skyscrapers and exciting architectural styles. However, because of the proximity to Changi Airport, there is a height restriction for any structure created, which the owners and architects must adhere to. This list outlines some of the prominent, must-see structures that Singapore has in store for all visitors.

Tanjong Pagar Centre- Tanjong Pagar Centre, also known as Guoco Tower and located in 'Tanjong Pagar,' is now Singapore's highest building. The building's height, 290m, exceeds the height limit for structures in Singapore- however, the government exempted it from the limitation owing to its position, which does not interfere with flight patterns. The development began in 2013 and was finished in 2016, breaking the record by UOB Plaza, Republic Plaza and One Raffles Place, for being the highest buildings- with a height of 280m.

Marina Bay Sands- Nothing in Singapore thus far can compete with Marina Bay Sands in terms of design and location since it fronts Marina Bay and all this world-class integrated resort has to offer. The architectural style appears to be inspired by decks of cards, with three major towers that are wider at the base and connected by a lobby. Sands SkyPark, with a 150m swimming pool, gardens, and running pathways on the top of the complex, is one of the Hotel's distinguishing characteristics.

Shenton Way – Also known as AXA Tower- This tower, with a height of around 235m and 16 Double Decker elevators, is famous for providing a 360-degree bird's eye perspective of the business center. This commercial complex's structure is made up of steel beams that took nearly four years to build. Capital Land sold it to MPGA in 2007 for around S$1.04 billion.

Capital Tower - Capital Tower, Singapore's fourth-tallest skyscraper, has 52 floors. This 254m tall tower is served by five shuttle double-deck elevators and stands out aesthetically at night when specific areas of the structure undergo a lighting shift every few seconds. When it was authorized as the company's main building, it was dubbed 'Capital Tower.'

Ocean Financial Centre- Ocean Financial Center, an epicenter of several financial businesses in the city, encourages the use of sustainable energy (Solar Energy) by exhibiting a large 'solar array.' This skyscraper, at 245m tall, is the eighth-tallest structure in the city-state and took around three years to complete. The structure was built to replace the Ocean Building, which was destroyed in 2007.

Pearl Bank- Pearl Bank, often known as the Death Star among architecture students, is regarded as one of the best works by the pioneering architects of the mid-twentieth century. The façade conceals all of its complexity, and merely gazing at it does not reveal the interlocking of split-level apartments throughout each story. When it was built in 1976, this was the highest and densest residential building in Singapore, standing at around 113 meters. The fundamental notion was to build the complex in such a way that the facade area exposed to direct sunlight was greatly decreased.

The Interlace- Despite its moderate height, roughly 90 meters, this is one of the trendiest complex buildings in Singapore, with over 1000 units on 25 floors, designed by OMA and Ole Scheeren.It's an attractive complex for its contemporary style architectural design, which resembles 31 bricks irregularly stacked upon each other, similar to Jenga blocks, and is fully equipped with facilities such as swimming pools, gymnasium, tennis and basketball courts, karaoke rooms, and playgrounds for children, offering convenience to residents. This is among the city-most state's ambitious residential complexes, with a distinct housing ideology, and it took around six years to complete.

Tree House, Bukit Timah- Tree House, the world's largest vertical garden, is an eco-friendly condominium that entered the Guinness Book of Records; this was in 2014. Why? For its creatively constructed, sheer scaled construction. The vertical garden significantly decreases the estate's carbon footprint and hence global warming since it minimizes the energy needed to cool internal spaces and is fitted with additional modern amenities such as heat-reducing windows and proximity sensors (for lighting) in public areas. Apart from the recreational swimming pool, Tree House also has a Rain spa and an Aqua-gym. It's among the most remarkable buildings in Singapore.

API security Growth in Singapore

API security Growth in Singapore

Noname Security, the leading API security company, today announced that it has appointed AZ Asia-Pacific as its distribution partner in Singapore and The Philippines as it continues to expand within Asia Pacific. To drive customer acquisition and market share expansion, Noname Security has appointed Lim Pun Kok as Vice President Sales, Asia Pacific, and Eric Chong as Channel Sales Director, Asia Pacific.

Noname Security delivers the most powerful, complete, and easy-to-use API security platform. Noname finds and inventories all APIs; detects attacks, suspicious behavior, and misconfigurations using AI-based behavioral analysis; prevents attacks and integrates with existing remediation and security infrastructure; and actively validates APIs before deployment.

Unlike other solutions that only monitor API traffic, the Noname API Security Platform analyzes API traffic and application and infrastructure configurations to provide better API security posture management, API runtime security, and active API SDLC testing.

As predicted by Gartner, APIs have been the top attack vector for web applications in 2022, thus driving demand for API security. Fresh from securing USD 135 million in Series C funding at USD 1 billion valuation, only Noname Security, through its API Security Platform, can find all shadow APIs and API misconfigurations before impacting the enterprise.

Lim Pun Kok, Vice President Sales Asia Pacific at Noname Security, said, "We are committed to establishing a strong local presence so we can better serve our customers in Asia Pacific, and with AZ Asia-Pacific's technical expertise and proven track record across various industries, we are confident that this partnership will cement our position as the leading API security platform in the region."

Headquartered in Singapore, AZ Asia-Pacific is a distribution services hub that focuses on delivering quality solutions and services in technology, namely within the cloud, network and security space. AZ Asia-Pacific has a stellar range of products and services aimed at responding effectively to the industry's needs, which will now include Noname Security's proprietary products and services.

Seth Ho, Regional Director, Business Development, Asia Pacific at AZ Asia-Pacific, said, "Partnering with Noname Security will put us in a strong position to address our customers' evolving API security requirements and more importantly, their digital transformation goals to future-proof their businesses. We are excited that this partnership enables us to take advantage of the unique value of the Noname API Security Platform and technology, whilst unlocking new revenue opportunities."

Noname Security is the only company taking a complete, proactive approach to API Security. Noname works with 20' of the Fortune 500 and covers the entire API security scope across three pillars — Posture Management, Runtime Security, and Secure API SDLC. Noname Security is privately held, remote first with headquarters in Palo Alto, California, and an office in Tel Aviv and London.

AZ Asia-Pacific is a full-fledged distributor that works with the best breed of industry system integrators and service providers across the APJ region to re-invent solutions and services delivery in order to meet and exceed enterprises' technology challenges and requirements — Cloud, Network and Security. AZ Asia-Pacific is privately held, headquartered in Singapore, with offices and operations in Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, China & South Asia.

Spectrum of the Seas the largest newest and most innovative ship

Spectrum of the Seas the largest newest and most innovative ship

Holidaymakers can now pack their bags from April 11, 2022 for the ultimate adventure on board Royal Caribbean International's Spectrum of the Seas, Asia's largest, newest and most innovative ship, for spectacular 3- to 4-night Ocean Getaways. Six months sooner than anticipated, guests will enjoy world-class dining, showstopping entertainment, a private enclave for suite guests and state-of-the-art amenities exclusively designed for the Asian market. Sailings are now open for bookings.

"We know that vacation time is precious and choosing how to spend it is more important than ever, which is why we are thrilled to welcome Spectrum of the Seas – one of the most advanced ships in the world, to Singapore in April – making Singapore the cruising destination of choice," said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International. "We have seen incredible demand for Royal Caribbean cruise holidays in Singapore. Having hosted more than 178,000 Singapore residents since we restarted cruising, bringing Spectrum six months early is truly exciting. The combination of experiences specially designed for the Asian market, together with signature Royal Caribbean favourites on board, will make Spectrum a huge hit."

Stephen continued, "I would like to thank the Singapore government for their strong partnership and collaboration that have allowed cruising to become one of the safest holiday options in the world. We look forward to continuing to bring the best of the Royal Caribbean experience to holidaymakers."

"The Asia-Pacific region holds tremendous opportunity for the growth of the cruise industry. The last year provided many Singapore residents the opportunity to try cruising for the first time, and from what we can see, they are hooked. As we navigate COVID-19 as an endemic, we are confident that holidaymakers around the region will see cruising as an unbeatable adventure-packed holiday option," said Kenneth Yeo, regional director of sales, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International.

Guests on board Spectrum can savour an array of Asian-inspired cuisine, such as teppanyaki and hot pot-style dining, a showcase of unparalleled entertainment that touches on the cultures, colour, music and dance styles of Asia; high-tech experiences; and more. Highlights include: Sky Pad, Suite Enclave, 270-degree ocean views, SeaPlex – The largest indoor active space at sea, Star Moment – A lively and energetic karaoke venue, Family Friendly Accommodations – From exterior balcony staterooms to interconnected rooms, to the signature two-level Ultimate Family Suite, an expansive, multiroom retreat complete with its own slide and cinema that also doubles as a karaoke stage, there's an array of staterooms designed for the whole family. FlowRider surf simulator, the North Star, an all-glass observation capsule which ascends 300 feet above the ocean to deliver incomparable 360-degree views, 19 dining options!

In line with its Royal Promise and regulations stipulated by the Singapore government, Royal Caribbean continues to implement health and safety measures for the well-being of its guests and crew members, and the destinations it visits. The comprehensive, multilayered set of measures include pre-departure wellness screenings and testing, contactless embarkation and debarkation, enhanced ventilation and sanitization on board, as well as sailing with fully vaccinated crew members and guests. The cruise line will continue to evaluate and update its measures as circumstances evolve with various government and health authorities.

Guests who book their vacation on Spectrum on or before March 31, 2022, can be assured of flexibility in their plans with Royal Caribbean's Cruise with Confidence program, which allows for changes and cancellations up to 48 hours before their cruise sets sail. As long as holidaymakers cancel at least 48 hours before their sail date, they will receive a Future Cruise Credit. The credit is valid for future bookings on or before Sept. 30, 2022, for sailings departing before Dec. 31, 2022, or one year from the original sailing date, whichever is later.

Royal Caribbean International, owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel that features the latest technology and guest experiences for today's adventurous traveller. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean's private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 19 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.