Go Digital During This ‘Ox-picious’ Chinese New Year With DBS

Hi Huneybees,

With the encouragement of less social interaction amidst this Covid-19 situation, it seems the festive Chinese New Year mood has dampened. Therefore, to allow their customers to continue ushering in the Year of the Ox joyfully and safely,  DBS is bolstering its suite of digital offerings during this period.

Comprising digital gifting alternatives like the DBS eGift and DBS QR Gift, and a line-up of interactive experiences including games and a virtual Chingay event, so their customers can continue to keep long-standing festive CNY traditions alive even in the new normal. 

Gift safely, conveniently and sustainably with DBS eGift and DBS QR Gift

Customers can beat the queues for CNY new notes and enjoy contactless, hassle-free gifting with digital alternatives such as the DBS QR Gift and DBS eGift. Hosted on DBS PayLah! (one of Singapore’s most popular mobile platforms with over 1.8 million users) these also serve as more environmentally friendly options as compared to cash: according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the production of new notes for CNY each year is estimated to generate about 330 tonnes in carbon emissions.

To make it even easier for customers to obtain their DBS QR Gift cards, from tomorrow to 26 January, customers will be able to order their desired amount of DBS QR Gift cards online and DBS will deliver them by mail, at no cost, by 10 February.

The DBS QR Gift, which aims to replace cash while preserving the meaningful CNY tradition of exchanging physical red packets, has grown increasingly popular with customers since its introduction in 2019. The number of DBS QR Gift cards used during CNY in 2020 tripled from the previous year, with the amount of money loaded on them in the same period nearly doubling to SGD 2.8 million.

This CNY, DBS is also introducing a new customizable expiry feature that allows customers to choose their preferred expiry date of up to eight weeks from the date of loading. DBS QR Gift cards not redeemed by this date will be refunded to the givers thereafter. This new and enhanced version of DBS QR Gift has a shelf life of up to three years.

To use a DBS QR Gift card, customers simply need to scan its QR code via DBS PayLah! to load their desired cash value, then gift it to a recipient for redemption via DBS PayLah! or PayNow. Teens below the age of 16 can also scan and receive DBS QR Gift cards directly by registering for their own DBS PayLah! wallets, which can be done with their parents’ authorization via SingPass. Up to 10 DBS QR Gift cards with the same cash value, message, expiry date, and animation can be loaded at once, providing greater convenience to time-strapped users.

DBS QR Gift cards (Design 1)  for CNY

DBS QR Gift cards (Design 2)  for special occasions

This year’s DBS QR Gift cards come in packs of eight, with each pack featuring two designs: one specifically designed for CNY festivities, and a generic design suitable for all special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. DBS QR Gift cards can be collected for free at all DBS/POSB full-service branches and DBS Treasures Centres as of 11 January, and at POSB new notes pop-up ATMs starting 25 January.

For customers who prefer a fully digital option, DBS eGift allows them to gift loved ones from the safety and comfort of their homes. Customers simply need to tap the in-app ‘eGift’ icon in DBS PayLah! and indicate their preferred amount, along with a message and animation of their choice. Both DBS eGift and DBS QR Gift can be redeemed by users of DBS PayLah! and PayNow.

A range of interactive games and experiences for families and friends to enjoy

DBS has also lined up a series of interactive digital games and experiences for families and friends to enjoy this CNY. These include the return of the DBS TapLah! Contest, a scaled-up version of the highly anticipated POSB #HuntYourZodiac virtual game, and virtual showcases at Chingay 2021.

Up to SGD 888 in cash prizes to be won in the DBS TapLah! Contest

Hosted on DBS PayLah!, the DBS TapLah! mobile game challenges players to collect as many gold coins (+3 points) and red packets (+25 points) as possible within 30 seconds, while avoiding “bombs” (-10 points). DBS TapLah! exceeded 36,000 gameplays in a span of 15 days last CNY.

The game will go live on DBS PayLah! from 12 to 26 February (“game period”). Daily prizes of SGD 88 will be awarded to the top 10 players at the end of each day, while the player with the highest score of the entire game period will walk away with the grand prize of SGD 800.

To participate, customers simply need to partake in a qualifying transaction - defined as the giving and receiving of a DBS eGift or DBS QR Gift (minimum transaction of SGD 2) between a unique giver-receiver pair (i.e. multiple transactions between the same giver-receiver pair are counted as one transaction) – between 16 January to 26 February, both dates inclusive. Customers gain one chance to play for every qualifying transaction made.

Game On! POSB #HuntYourZodiac goes island-wide

POSB #HuntYourZodiac, an interactive virtual game designed for River Hongbao (RHB) last year, is back bigger and better this year!

POSB #HuntYourZodiac creates an immersive virtual experience where players can search for, encounter, and hunt the twelve Chinese zodiac animals via their mobile screens, in exchange for cash prizes and specialized Chinese horoscope predictions based not only on their zodiac animal but also the zodiac element (metal, wood, fire, water, earth) corresponding to their birth date. Piloted last CNY, the game site racked up more than 19,000 unique visitors over five days.

Previously confined to RHB grounds, #HuntYourZodiac is leveling up this year to be an exciting island-wide hunt with over SGD 150,000 worth of prizes to be won! From 10 to 14 February, customers will be able to join the nation’s largest virtual hunt for zodiac animals from anywhere in Singapore.

Chingay Parade 2021: Going digital with virtual showcases and talent shows

Organised by The People’s Association (PA), the Chingay Parade 2021 will be conducted as a digital showcase to be aired live on television, online and social media channels on 20 February 2021, 8pm – 9pm.

As a longstanding partner of the Chingay Parade, DBS is sponsoring the ‘We’ve Got Talent’ segment, which seeks to inspire and spark creativity by giving local talents a chance to showcase their skills. DBS will also leverage this platform to highlight homegrown small and medium-sized merchants, including social enterprises, by offering them more opportunities to reach out to more people in the community.

To reserve  your DBS QR Gift cards, visit go.dbs.com/sg-qrgiftorder and for more information on  DBS' Chinese New Year promotions, go to https://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/promotion/dbs-qr-gift

 

 

 

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Abundant Happiness At VivoCity This Chinese New Year

Hi Huneybees,

Are you ready for Chinese New Year? Have you gotten all the preparations settled? Well, you have to come on over to one of my favourite shopping hunt - VivoCity to do all your CNY shopping and come soak up the festive mood with the activities that they have planned!

To get your CNY shopping on, you can't miss the TANGS Chinese New Year Fair 2015 (27 January – 17 February 2015) and VivoCity Arts and Crafts Fair (23 January – 5 March 2015). Held together, these 2 fairs are here to satisfy your CNY needs, from exquisite delicacies such as bird’s nest, abalone and bakkwa to Chinese arts and crafts, Chinese paintings and calligraphy pieces, as well as on-site art demonstrations. 

VivoCity Arts and Crafts Fair 

Date: 23 January – 5 March 2015

Venue: North Court, East Boulevard A & East Boulevard B

TANGS Chinese New Year Fair 2015

Date: 27 January – 17 February 2015

Venue: Central Court A, B & C

And if you have been spending, don't forget to get some incentives too ~

Complimentary Hong Bao Gift Set with Purchase

With a minimum spending of $200 (maximum of 3 combined same-day receipts) from 27 January to 18 February 2015, you can redeem an exclusive hong bao set of a pouch and 2 packs of red packets. For American Express Card members, you only need to spend $150 to qualify. 

*Redemption is limited to first 200 shoppers per day on a first-come-first-served basis.

Happiness in Abundance Lucky Draw

Small investment with potential big returns! Simply spend a minimum of $50 (in a single receipt) and stand a chance to win over $15,000 worth of Mapletree Vouchers. Use your American Express Card to double your chances of winning! 

To participate, simply to SMS to 8302 3636 by 5 March 2015. Five weekly draws will be conducted and $380 worth of Mapletree Vouchers will be given out to 8 lucky winners.

Draw dates: 3, 10, 17, 24 February & 6 March 2015

Name<space>NRIC<space>Email Address<space>Store Name<space>Purchase Amount<space>Date of Purchase

Key in ‘AMEX’ at the end of the SMS if purchase was charged to an American Express Card. Each valid entry will receive an email acknowledgement at the email address provided. Receipts and charge slips must be kept for verification. Each shopper is entitled to a maximum of 5 chances per day. American Express Card Members^ are entitled to a maximum of 10 chances per day.

Say cheers this Chinese New Year!

Don't forget to share your beautiful photos as well! Spread the Chinese New Year festive spirit through the VivoCity Instagram Photo Competition! You could receive a printed photo after taking selfies at the Welomo Photo Booth located at the atrium. 

To enter the photo competition, simply present you receipt (with no min. spending), tag your photos with #VivoCityCNY and post the image on their personal Instagram for a chance to be one of the twenty winners to walk away with a $50 PUTIEN dining voucher.

Date: 30 January – 15 February 2015

Venue: Outside AIX Armani Exchange at Level 1 Lobby L

After all the shopping, you will definitely be tired. Why not take a break and enjoy some performances prepared for you?

Lion Dance Performance

One of the most recognizable traditions of the Chinese New Year is the Lion Dance, a legendary ritual that is performed each New Year to frighten away evil spirits and bring luck for the coming year. Shoppers can enjoy the performances by award-winning Wen Yang Lion Dance Troupe that will bring good luck and prosperity to all!

Date: 27 February 2015, Friday

Time: 12:00 noon

Venue: The Plaza

Chinese Acrobatic Performances 

Adding some exciting element to your Chinese New Year with Chinese acrobatic performances from 3 award-winning troops at VivoCity! These 3 specially selected groups from Xuzhou, Hangzhou and Gansusheng will be performing at the Amphitheatre, Level 3 of VivoCity, adding a component of exhilaration and thrill to make your Year of the Goat a memorable one!

There will be 2 shows per day at 6:00pm and 7:30pm. Each show will last about 30 minutes. The show schedule is as follows:

Xuzhou Performing Art Group 25 Jan – 5 Feb 2015, except 2 Feb

Hangzhou Performing Art Group 6 Feb – 15 Feb 2015, except 9 Feb

Gansusheng Acrobatic Troupe 20 Feb – 26 Feb 2015

So, go on down to VivoCity and have a great festive time shopping with your friends and family!

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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There's Always Room For King's Grand Ice Cream

Hi Huneybees,

Desserts are always a delight. Like my girlfriends always say, there's always space for desserts no matter how full we are from the main course, who can resist to end the night on a sweet note?

The King's Grand Ice Cream is definitely one for you to share with friends and families, my choice to cap the night of 8 hours straight of stressful work. I waited till tonight, when my whole family is back for the reunion dinner, before I opened the delightful box of King's Grand Ice Cream in Crème Brûlée flavour.

Yummy classic velvety ice cream with swirls of caramelized sugar sauce.

Crème Brûlée has been known to be the most classic dessert in the world and with its rich and creamy custard base topped with a disc of toffee crust, it is no wonder the most popular dessert served in numerous restaurants and dessert palours.

And now in the comfort of your home, you can actually enjoy this dessert in the form of an ice cream! My whole family loved the ice cream and my little nephew even had a second round. I simply cant stop biting into the little chunks of caramelized compound chips! It's so devilishly yummy, we all had to think about calories another day! LOL!

The King's Grand Ice Cream also comes in Green Tea, so if you are into something more refreshing, you can give it a try too. And if you have been sharing the enjoyment of King's Grand rich and creamy ice cream this Chinese New Year, do take note of this promotion as well as a chance to win angpows!

Promotion

Buy two 1-litre tubs of any King's Grand Ice Cream at a special price of S$8.88 (Usual price: S$6.75 per tub) and stand a chance to win one of the three S$888 angpows! 

To participate, send the contest forms and proofs of purchase via:

• Mail  (F&N Creameries (S) Pte Ltd, 51 Quality Road, Singapore 618813
• SMS  (GRAND <space>Name<space>NRIC<space>Tel No<space>Receipt No<space>Purchase Amount to 9095 7676
• Email (Submit your name, NRIC, contact number, receipt number and purchase amount to icecream-sg@fnnfoods.com

Promotion ends on February 8, 2014, while stocks last, at participating retailers - FairPrice, FairPriceXtra, FairPrice Finest and Giant.

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Happy Lunar New Year!

Hi Huneybees,

It's that time of the year! Chinese/Lunar New Year is here and today is the reunion dinner day. I bet lots of you would be busy preparing the dinner and helping mummies out.

Same here. Since last year, I have 2 reunion dinners to attend. My mum would have ours done for lunchtime and by the time I finish and catch a program or 2 on the TV, I have to rush back home for the reunion dinner with my hubby's family. Talk about watching those weight!

Ok! I just finish up the last touches and here's a little tour around my house. 

My Living Room.

If you are wondering what are those little dots on the wall, it's 3D origiami flowers made from Ang Bao-s (Red Packets).

My TV console and Bedroom Corridor.

Is it nice? It was all decorated by me! It was so much joy putting them up~

Here's wishing you and your family a wonderful Lunar New Year! May you guys be prosperous and strike your best in everything you do! 

I'm off to my parents to begin my reunion "lunch"! Have Fun, My Huneybees!

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River Hongbao 2011

Hi Huneybees,

It's been a tradition here for my family to visit the River Hongbao every year (whenever there is one) and this year, we didn't give it a miss. We had an additional member this year, my cousin's daughter, Calista and my fiance. :P

Here are some pics to share. (Apologies for the late updates, due to my wedding preparations. 2 more weeks! I'm stressed, but excited.... What complex feelings I'm experiencing man~)

The view and lights that caught our eyes when we exit Marina Square.

 A mini family pic before we head on.

 Check out the 360 degrees ride!

 "兔"气扬眉 = Year of The Rabbit; Many Returns

 Grabbing a pic with Calista. Hvn't had a pic with her in ages....

 Through the rabbit hole.

 There was bumper rides.

 Fiance and Calista took the Super Jet.

 We didn't dare to take this ride after a full stomach, so I could only snap pictures of others.

Then, the kids went on another ride.

 I just can't help snapping more pics, I had to play and work on one...

 Cotton Candy!

 It was meant for Calista, but I just had to have a little bite....

 

Heading further off to the Floating Platform.

 All the P.Y.T.s 

 A shot from the audience seat.

 Kids at the mock up Marina Barrage.

 Duxton or not?

 Another shot for us.

 We ran for YOG!

 The Dragons meet Dragon head...

 Then there was this wire-y Phoenix.

 The Dragons.

 The Miss Horsies.

 And little Miss Rat.

 Couple shot with bundle of rabbits.

 Toss some coins, hit the bells for some luck for the new year?

 No fishes, just coins.

 I love walking under these red lanterns....

 God of Prosperity. It's said that gold powder pours out of his hands at certain time of the day....

 One last shot before we head home.

Here's a little intro about River Hongbao 2011 from the website (http://www.riverhongbao.sg/):

River Hongbao 2011
The Float @Marina Bay
1st Feb 2011 to 13th Feb 2011

River Hongbao will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011 at The Float @ Marina Bay. The festivities will be bigger and better lasting throughout 13 days covering two weekends from 1st to 13th Feb 2011 opening daily from 12 noon to 11:30pm (except for CNY Eve countdown night which would close at 12:30am).

The five key organisers firmly behind the event are Singapore Press Holdings, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, People’s Association, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Singapore Tourism Board. (Please refer to Annex 1: Organising Committee line-up for River Hongbao 2011.)

The theme of River Hongbao 2011 will be “Year of The Rabbit; Many Returns” ( "兔"气扬眉 in Chinese ) meaning to usher in the Rabbit year feeling proud and happy of what we have achieved in past years with the return of the rabbit year.

This coming River Hongbao would also be different from past River Hongbaos with a focus on things uniquely Singapore (新加坡派). Visitors could expect to eat, drink and be merry with the many exciting experiences lined up for them.

The grand opening night would see performance by our very own Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) with the rest of the nights peppered with local performances by local pop artists, Clan associations and youth and students. A specially commissioned short film entitled “The Reunion Dinner” directed by local youth talent Anthony Chen would be screened. Residents and new immigrants would be able to interact and enjoy together during the National Integration Night. A number of stalls by Singapore brands will also be featured on-site such as Singapore Post, Singapore Mint and National Heritage Museum.

Other nightly performances include cultural performances from Nanjing City and Guangdong Province of China, Taiwan and regional countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. More details on the series of interesting and exciting programmes would be unveiled in future press conferences and news releases! In fact, an MOU was signed with Nanjing City Government to collaborate and promote cultural exchange through River Hongbao. Therefore, a special Nanjing Pavilion would be set up to feature its rich tradition through Handicraft and tourism.

During the day, visitors could visit River Hongbao and get the chance to taste unique delicacies from Nanjing, China and watch demonstration and buy handicrafts. At night, the Float would be transformed with beautifully crafted lanterns and lighting installations against the magnificent backdrop of Marina Bay. In addition to the traditionally popular lanterns such as God of Fortune, Chinese Zodiac, visitors can look forward to taking photos with the many “Big Pictures” with local flavours so as to create their own precious photo memories on-site with their loved ones. There will also be cultural activities such as nightly Chinese riddle-guessing. Calligraphy and Photography competitions would also be held. Children would be able to enjoy themselves too at the children’s funland. Therefore, RHB 2011 will definitely be a memorable, cultural and educational event not to be missed.

Mr Seng Han Thong, Chairman of River Hongbao 2011 Organising Committee, said: “River Hongbao has always been a key event for Singaporean residents and tourists to visit during the Chinese New Year. For the 25th Anniversary of River Hongbao, we want to celebrate in style and be proud of our own Singaporean culture. It will be people’s River Hongbao and everyone will enjoy the festive atmosphere and joy by coming to River Hongbao.”

Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Chairman of River Hongbao 2011 Tender and Dinner Committees and Chairman of River Hongbao 2010 Organising Committee, said: “I am happy to see that River Hongbao has re-invented itself again with the many exciting new ideas with Singapore flavour. I have no doubt that visitors will be able to have a memorable time through visiting River Hongbao 2011.”

________________________________________________________________________________

River Hongbao aside, I wana explain a little on what's Hongbao to my Huneybees from foreign countries.

Hongbaos are little red packets that we Chinese use to fill money with and given out during happy events like weddings and especially Lunar New Year, as the red symbolizes good luck and is supposedly said to ward off evil!

It used to be just red paper folded in the shape of envelope but it has been modernised (or rather commercialised) to bear cartoon characters on it with symbols of luck or words of blessings.

An example of the Hongbao.

(Credits: http://g4station.com/blog/2009/01/03/chinese-lunar-new-year-in-singapore/)

So, for those in Singapore, hurry down to the River Hongbao 2011. It ends this weekend, just 2 more days!!!

Muahz,
Christina aka Huney

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