What To Expect At Asia GAME Festival 2018?

Hi Huneybees,

The inaugural Asia GAME Festival (AGF) debuts at Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, in Hall 401 to 403, on 9th and 10th June 2018, with an exhilarating line-up of Games and Esports, together with Anime and Anisong!

The biggest attraction to AGF is probably the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) Championship for PlayerUnknown’s Battleground (PUBG), partnered by MSI, where public could complete for the balance 14 tournament team slots to join the 6 team slots already reserved for the 6 countries representatives to compete for the honour of being crowned the first CPL Regional Champion for PUBG.

Another interesting activities happening at AGF is an impressive line-up of video games including triple-A titles, indie games, and tabletop games for visitors to participate.

I find the Community Competitions organized by Campus Game Fest with support by Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and National Youth Council (NYC) very inclusive and offers public an alternate platform to Esports career.

Visitors can pick games such as Super Smash Bros, FIFA 18 and Hearthstone and put their gaming skills to the test against each other to win attractive prizes at AGF!

No game-theme festival can do without Cosplay since increasing more cosplayers are dressing the characters of popular Esports, such as League of Legends Star guardian Ahri and Overwatch D.Va. There will also be a Day Stage where up close and personal interaction such as artiste interview, Meet-and-Greet (with Aza Miyoko!), Anisong performance will be taking place during the two-day festival.

All-in-all, it's great to see more game-themed festivals like AGF taking place in Singapore and supporting local Esports and gaming scene. I really hope AGF can grow fast enough to be a truly Asia Game Festival in the near future!

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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We Love This Year's Edition Of The PC Show!

Hi Huneybees,

If you are like me, always on the look out for what's new in the technology market or maybe in need to upgrade your tech wares, head on over to Marina Bay Sands from 31 May to 3 June; as The PC Show is back for its 28th round!

This 28th edition promises a high brand recall among consumers, latest cutting edge technology from leading brand names and exclusive deals from our participating exhibitors. It’s a guarantee that there will be something for everyone - be it from the latest mobile devices to laptops, from printers to desktop computers, PC games, cameras, and TVs, this is an event not to be missed for deal hunters and tech enthusiasts alike.

The list of local and global participating brands are endless, so be sure to head on over to check them out - Acer, Aftershock PC, Apple, ASUS, Brother, Dell, Epson, HP, Lenovo, M1, Microsoft, Philips, Samsung, SanDisk, Seagate, Secretlab, Singtel, WD, Xiaomi, Sony, StarHub, Google, Canon, Olympus, Nikon, Huawei, GoPro, Omnidesk, Prism+, Razer, etc.

The PC Show is not just a place for deals, there are also lots to explore. Huney'Z World has picked out a few must-visit exhibitors: 

For the first time exhibitor and a local tech startup, teachnlearn, hopes to redefine the tuition industry with an online marketplace just like what Airbnb and Grab did for their respective industry. With the advancements made in technology and students growing more digitally inclined, technlearn is bringing remedial education in the form of convenience, efficiency and transparency to not just tutor and student; but parents too.

To promote technlearn services to the public, it is offering 1-For-1 for courses signed up during The PC Show!

Another local tech startup - Dreamcore -  envisions to be Singapore’s leading custom PC company by bridging personalization with size and performance to computing through its offering. 
This made-in-Singapore brand will be featuring two unique PCs at The PC Show 2018 with the ultra-compact and still Singapore's smallest PC - Dreamcore Bullet and the e-sports centric but NVIDIA-less Dreamcore Ghost, running on AMD Ryzen 3 2200G that comes with built-in Radeon Vega 8 graphics capable to play esports such as Overwatch, CS: GO, Battlegrounds, and Dota 2. 

Priced at just SGD875 at The PC Show, Dreamcore Ghost is definitely my pick for the best value performance e-sports PC!

Cryptocurrency aka “digital money” has gained its popularity among common folks, thanks to the surge in both value and payment acceptance of Bitcoins over the years.
While Cryptocurrency is a hugely speculative investment vehicle not for the faint-hearted, Cryptomouse, also a local tech startup, is offering a less risky investment alternative into cryptocurrency through "Crypto Mining". Crypto mining is about providing a record-keeping service aimed at keeping the cryptocurrency blockchain in shape, complete and safe, as well as unalterable through specialised PCs known as "mining rigs" running round the clock; in exchange for a small friction of the cryptocurrency that rig owner supports.

Huneybees can learn more about crypto mining, the price of the mining rigs, such as RX580 at SGD6288, and the different hosting services by Cryptomouse at The PC Show!

There are a few characterized segments catered specially for different customer groups at this year's The PC Show that I found pretty refreshing. One such designed zone is Women Tech where exhibitors (from Canon and Hp) market innovative IT, electronics gadgets targeting at women.
For action camera users, you may head to the Know Your Tech zone where exhibitor GoPro will be holding a Masterclass for their latest model at 3pm on 2nd and 3rd June 2018. No pre-registration is required!

There's even a MoveFuture zone where mobility meets technology. This zone features everything from e-scooters and e-skateboards, and exhibitor Mobot will be holding two (2) unique all day activities at their booth - Safe Riding Programme and E-Scooter Balacing Art - both of which visitors can stand to win prizes in a lucky draw worth up to SGD5,000.

For gamers at this year’s PC Show, there will be a slew of competitions for all to enjoy at the GG Gaming zone, which hosts the GAM3.SHOW 2018. Huneybees can catch the ROG Champions Cup, Razer and FIFA 18 Community Challenges and rub shoulders with Singapore’s very own local Pro-Gamer "Xian"! There will be four (4) different gaming competitions for anyone to participate in on-site. Interested parties will need to register online (www.gam3show.com) to participate in the competitions on-site.

The PC Show 2018

Venue: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre (Level 1)

Date: 31 May to 3 June

Time: 12pm – 9pm daily

Website: www.thepcshow.com.sg/

Here's a map of the PC Show and flyer deals for your reference, so you can plan your route before heading over (click on pic to open in high res)...

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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Decoded: The Winning Formula Of CharaExpo 2017!

Hi Huneybees,

While many people are looking forward to this weekend's 2017 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, let's relook at CharaExpo 2017 that happened the weekend before and recollect the many fond memories from those exciting and dynamic Japanese entertainment content that still linger amongst us.

Despite it being only the third year running, the success of past two events has already established CharaExpo as one of the key annual events among Anime fans, Japanese TCG players and Cosplayers both in Singapore and around the region.

Mad rush at the opening of CharaExpo 2017. Credit: CharaExpo 2017.

Here are the five (5) success factors that I felt have contributed to CharaExpo's attraction to draw an ever increasing visitorship - a new record of a total of 19,247 visitors - throughout last weekend on 9th and 10th September 2017 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 404 - 406.

#1 Exclusive Anime Merchandise

The annual CharaExpo event is a great one-stop place to get your favourite authentic and exclusive merchandise ranging from collectable toys, OST, appeals, bags to prints as the organizer (Bushiroad) is the producer of Japanese collectable and trading card games (TCG) and owns media franchise of many popular Anime series such as Love Live!, BanG Dream!, and Tantei Opera Milky Holmes.

While there are many uncommon and rare merchandise (e.g. Remilia Scarlet Nendoroid action figure!) on sales and on discount from the likes of Good Smile Company, Toy Coin, and Otaku Tachi, the real deal for Anime fans was the opportunity to grab those exclusive Bushiroad merchandise, such as Love Live! Sunshine!! Aqours Jersey featuring member’s representative colors, including WGP 2017 merchandise for the first time outside Japan!

In conjunction with Bushiroad's 10th anniversary this year, Bushiroad showcased its flagship titles with slew of fun activities for Anime fans to dive into such as playing games for FREE by simply present the CharaExpo 2017 ticket to at the game booths and win prizes!

#2 Meeting with idols

CharaExpo is a mini themed Comic Con, where fans have the opportunity to meet up with  their  idols such as celebrity Cosplayers, Seiyuus, TCG artistes and even MMA star!

Cosplay luminaries,  Ely (Taiwan), Hakken (Malaysia), Knitemaya (Australia), and Yui (Hong Kong) were here to judge for this year’s Cos Stage competition as well as scheduled autography and photo-taking sessions to the delight of their adoring fans.

Selfie with Cosplayer YUI from Hong Kong during photo-taking session at CharaExpo 2017.

The debut appearance of KEMONO FRIENDS on the back of their recent Anime television series in Japan created much excitement among Anime fans and their joint performance with the returning fan favourites Poppin’ Party, the all-girl band from popular anime series BanG Dream!, and Tomohiro Hatano had rocked the final CharaExpo ENDING LIVE STAGE! and ended the event on a high!

Autography session by Angela Lee, the ambassador for Dragonborne Asia Championship 2017. Credit: CharaExpo 2017

Together with Sora Tokui; voice actress of Yuzurizaki Nero in Detective Opera Milky Holmes, Izumi Kitta; voice actress of Misaki Tokura in Cardfight!!, as well as Angela Lee; ONE Championship Women’s Atomweight World Champion and the ambassador for the Dragoborne Asia Championship 2017, made their respective appearance for their fans, CharaExpo 2017 managed to 
bring stars and fans together under one roof.

NJPW's  Jushin Thunder Liger with Voice Actress Ayasa Ito from Poppin'Party,, Kenji Shinoda, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, Takaaki Kidani, CEO and President of Bushiroad Inc and Hisanori Yoshida "Yoppy", host from Nippon Broadcasting System. Credit: CharaExpo 2017

Fortunately, fans of pro-wrestling were not left out in cold despite the absence of a New Japan Pro-Wrestling stage this year as they got to meet and had an autograph session with New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s stars Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask.

#3 Workshops and Performances

Being able to attend and understand the thought process was an golden opportunity for Anime fans and that's priceless. And that was what they got with Aso-PA Manga & Anime Drawing Workshop and Akira Ito: Cardfight Vanguard!! Live Drawing at Mini Stage during the event!

Cosplayers also got their rare opportunity to learn the tips and tricks from one of the region's very best at Ely's Cosplay Make-up Workshop.

Anime fans at ENDING LIVE STAGE! at CharaExpo 2017. Credit CharaExpo 2017

While Live stage performance was much scaled down then previous editions, performance on both ENDING LIVE STAGE! at CharaExpo 2017 featuring Featuring Rummy Labyrinth, Rita, Milky Holmes on Day 1, and KEMONO FRIENDS, Tomohiro Hatano, Poppin'Party on Day 2, did bring out the light sticks that waved in unison to the tempo!

#4 Cosplayers 

Cosplaying has been a significant part of Japan due to its Manga and Anime culture and event that featured Japanese Entertainment Content would certainly incorporate such activity.

With such emphasis, CharaExpo has became an annual gathering place in Cosplayers' calendar to dress up as their favorite characters in Manga, Anime or PC/Video gaming as well as an opportunity for photographers to test their skills in capturing the best moment of these costume players in their elaborate best.

While it was common to see cosplayers dressed up as popular gaming characters of Overwatch, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, Love Live! and the evergreen Sailor Moon, I do notice a growing trend for inflatable costume such as T Rex and Big hero 6 characters.

 #5 Tournament

TCG has always been a big component of CharaExpo since day 1, thanks to its organizer Bushiroad, the leading producer of collectable and trading card games.

To hold a Regional Qualifiers (WGP 2017 and BCS 2017) and side tournaments at such a venue has certainly helped to bring in crowds from both competitive and leisure TCG landscape as well as TCG traders, while at the same time generate the awareness for non-players (and hopefully conversion), who otherwise would unlikely to walk  into the many small TCG outlets littered around Singapore.

Being a former TCG players of MTG, I truly understood the intense atmosphere of such tournament where the winners of the respective TCG tournaments - Cardfight!! Vanguard, Weiss Schwarz

and Future Card Buddyfight -will receive a paid invitation to pit their skills with the strongest opponents, in the World Finals taking place in Tokyo, Japan early next year!

The life-sized Eren Titan presented event goers a photo opportunity as a souvenir to bring home from CharaExpo 2017.
Credit: CharaExpo 2017 

With the five (5) success factors in play, CharaExpo 2017 has managed to achieve a record high visitorship despite having a smaller venue and has scheduled the event two months later than expected (previous events were held in July), which incidentally fall within the End-of-Year examination preparation period for many students and also went head-on with another competing event happening in the same weekend, within the same vicinity!

With the success, I am looking forward to a bigger and better live stage performance from CharaExpo in 2018!

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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