Chinese travel brand Tongcheng-Elong partnered with social media platform Kuaishou to integrate travel products (hotel stays and tourist attraction tickets, for instance) with short videos and live-streaming content. The duo also launched a traveler incentive program, encouraging Kuaishou users to create their own inspiring content in exchange for deals and special offers.

Investing in of-the-moment distribution channels and new media will broaden your brand’s outreach and could bring lucrative returns.

In order to facilitate the traditional shouts that accompany the communal tossing of the vegetable dish lohei/yusheng, Singapore-based Koh Beng Liang — aka DJ Beng — created an app containing 14 pre-recorded shouted phrases. By tapping on the phrases, users can make sure that every step of the lohei is accompanied by the appropriate shouts, for prosperity without the risk of COVID-19 infection.

It's a simple yet smart innovation that allows people to enjoy traditional celebrations, while also keeping each other safe and healthy.

ArtWallStreet is an inclusive platform that supports artists and incorporates their work into new spaces. They believe art has a place in daily life, and recognize a growing market for affordable work. Curating artists from Southeast Asia to exhibit across a network of spaces, ‘Everyday Galleries’ can occur in cafés, bistros, bars and retail spaces, allowing art and artists to reach new communities.

As we look to a new year, find ways to invigorate existing spaces, uncover hidden talent and reward hard work.

The mayors of Beijing and Shanghai announced 2021 pilot programs with the digital yuan. No details were given as of yet, but both mayors hinted at the pilots supporting larger plans for economic recovery. With more cities rapidly adopting the new means of payment, China is well on its way to achieving widespread use of digital money.

This year will see changes in the way people look at money. Anticipating these changes ahead of the curve could be key to acquiring new customers.

Work on the three new Penang South Islands, off the coast of Malaysia, will start in March. The design team includes the Bjarke Ingels Group, and their masterplan — dubbed BiodiverCity — envisions 2.86 miles of beaches, 600 acres of parks and 15.53 miles of waterfront development, integrating Malaysian culture. Transportation will be by autonomous air, land and water vehicles, keeping everything car-free and pedestrian-friendly.

(Re)building society is an opportunity to improve quality of life while keeping the esthetics and traditions that make a culture unique.

An extended lockdown hasn’t stopped Petaling Street's Lunar New Year celebrations. Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is operating online trading until February 13th on e-commerce platform Shopee. Market-goers can access traditional decorations, food and clothing. Additionally, Shopee has provided traders with free access to Shopee University e-commerce workshops to help them develop an online business.

Virtual celebrations can boost holiday spirits.  Better yet, sharing skills will allow businesses to adapt and prosper.

Malaysian nature-based preschool Rimbun Montessori was forced to be creative to continue teaching their students about gardening, sustainability and food. To work around COVID-19 restrictions, learning kits were created for students to use at home during screen-led, hands-on activities. Contents varied from planting materials and cooking ingredients to batik painting.

Children are digital natives, but that doesn't mean that shouldn't be given the opportunity to get hands-on with nature.

Buy now, pay later is surging in Singapore. Fintech startups Atome, hoolah and OctiFi allow consumers to split payments into several installments. What's key, is that they're not charging interest. Responsible credit is a win-win for both businesses and consumers, as it increases online conversion while making purchases more financially manageable.

Accessibility is key to ensuring that economic recovery is swift and uplifts all layers of society.