A Celebration of Community and Creativity at Canon PhotoMarathon 2024

  

The event attracted over 500 participants from all walks of life.

Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Canon Singapore) announced the successful return of its iconic Canon PhotoMarathon as it welcomed over 500 photography enthusiasts at the event, held at Fountain Square @ Clarke Quay.

This year’s theme, “Every Lens, Every Age”, celebrated the diversity and creativity of the participants who captured Singapore’s beauty with their own unique perspectives. With two-hour submission windows assigned to each theme, the competition offered a dynamic and challenging experience, pushing photographers to think on their feet and produce one-of-a-kind visual stories. The three themes under both Open and Student Categories were Harmony, Clarity, and Wonder/Wander.

“It is exciting to see Canon PhotoMarathon back in action, and the creativity on display today is truly remarkable. We hope that this experience has given the participants memories that will last a lifetime. Our heartfelt thanks go to all participants, sponsors, and supporters for making this event a resounding success,” says Mr. Andrew Koh, Vice President and Head of Singapore Operations Group, Canon Singapore.

Empowering Photographers with Equal Opportunities

Canon proudly continues its long-standing partnership with APSN, a social service agency dedicated to providing special education, vocational training, and employment support for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities, at this year’s Canon PhotoMarathon 2024. In an exciting first, APSN beneficiaries participated in the student category, showcasing their eagerness to test and refine their photography skills. For Theme 1, ‘Harmony’, APSN Katong School student Zul Nuriman emerged as the winner of the second prize.

Since 2006, Canon has collaborated with APSN to foster equal opportunities for aspiring photographers. This partnership has included the provision of camera and lens equipment, the organisation of photo outings with staff volunteers, and photography workshops designed to boost confidence and spark creativity among APSN students. Through this meaningful collaboration, Canon seeks to unite individuals through photography — a universal art form that knows no boundaries.

Check out the full press release and all the winning entries here, each telling a unique visual story.

For more details on Canon PhotoMarathon 2024, please visit the Canon PhotoMarathon website, Facebook, and Instagram.

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About Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies.

Besides handling the domestic market, the company covers 22 other countries and regions including subsidiaries in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The parent company Canon Inc. has a global network of more than 300 companies and employs about 169,000 people worldwide. Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good.

More information is available at https://sg.canon.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Companies, Stop Aiming for a Complaint-free Record

 

Your customers' complaints could be the goldmine you’re overlooking.

“We want zero complaints,” says every company in the world. But what if complaints are the secret competitive advantage your business needs?

"Complaints offer an intimate way of understanding your business through the eyes of your customers," Dr. Janelle Barlow, President of All Out Performance and author of A Complaint is a Gift, said during her talk, Turning Critics into Advocates hosted by Management Strategies on September 23, 2024, at Discovery Primea, Makati. The event explored a radical idea: complaints can be your greatest source of insight and revenue, if only companies dared to listen.

And listen they did. Senior management who attended the event came from private foundations, telecommunications, finance, real estate and hospitality industries.

Silence is worse

If complaints aren’t bad news for companies, why don’t more customers speak up?

Many don’t think anything will get done, or the situation could worsen further. Dr. Barlow shared an anecdote about people being afraid to complain to their doctors, worrying that voicing their concerns might lead to worse treatment.

The same logic applies in business: silence from customers can be far more dangerous than complaints. These are the customers who simply walk away–the 50% you’ll never see again.

But, here's the twist: 60-70% of customers who have their complaints resolved satisfactorily go on to buy five times more than they initially would have.

"If you solve their concerns instead of over-apologizing, they’ll actually come back to repurchase five times more,” Dr. Barlow said. “This is the power of complaint handling in the language of revenue and results.”

Everyone owns the complaint

Only 1 in 10,000 written complaints ever make their way to senior management. In the US, companies are losing 1 trillion dollars due to poor complaint handling.  

Dr. Barlow emphasized the need to break down silos. Businesses must instead foster a culture where everyone feels responsible for addressing customer concerns.  

Too often, companies are laser-focused on acquiring new customers, missing the retention goldmine. 

Retaining existing customers is significantly cheaper than attracting new ones. And the rewards are exponential. A small increase in retention can lead to a dramatic uptick in profits.

“Most companies spend half of their revenue attracting new customers,” Dr. Barlow revealed. “But retaining even just 5% of your customers can lead to up to 95% profit increase.”

Turning critics into advocates

So what can businesses do in face of complaints? Dr. Barlow suggests three power tools that will turn even the worst critics into staunch advocates.

First, widen your customers’ tolerance zone. “When customers feel understood and valued, they are far more forgiving,” Dr. Barlow explained. A little friendliness and empathy go a long way in easing tensions and getting customers on your side. Instead of reacting defensively, aim to create an environment where your customers feel heard. 

Next, speed. “Above all, what customers want from service is responsiveness,” Dr. Barlow emphasized. Quick resolutions show that you value their time and concerns. When you act swiftly, you not only diffuse anger but also demonstrate your company’s commitment to resolving problems. 

Big data can speed up resolution. “Access to every data point can address the root cause of customer complaints and understand them beyond face value.”

Finally, fairness is more important than you realize. Customers aren’t just looking for their problem to be solved—they want it handled fairly. When your solution feels balanced and just, customers are more likely to leave with a positive impression, even if things didn’t start off smoothly. 

Behind every complaint is a gift. The question is: Are you ready to unwrap it?

About MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Management Strategies is a global consulting firm specializing in culture building and organizational transformation.

Today, with over 50 passionate consultants and coaches worldwide, the company continues to focus on bringing out the best in people and activating their purpose and strengths. For more information on the company and their services, visit their website at www.mgtstrat-asia.com

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia Introduces Exciting New Lunch Package!

Lunchtime just got better at Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia! Enjoy a delicious meal and 90 minutes of singing for only RM25 per person with our new lunch package.

Kuala Lumpur – 1st Oct 2024 – Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia is thrilled to announce its new lunch package, designed to make your lunchtime experience even more enjoyable! For just RM25 per person, guests can savor a delicious meal while enjoying 90 minutes of karaoke fun. This fantastic offer is available from 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Sunday, making it the perfect way to unwind during the workweek or catch up with friends over the weekend.

The lunch package includes a choice of one main course from a delightful selection that caters to a variety of tastes. Guests can indulge in Shoyu Ramen, a flavorful Japanese noodle soup; Teriyaki Don, featuring tender meat glazed in savory teriyaki sauce served over fluffy rice; the Hawaiian Chicken Pizza, which combines tropical flavors with cheesy goodness; Chili Fried Rice, perfect for those who love a bit of spice; and Seafood Aglio Olio, a pasta dish brimming with fresh seafood and aromatic garlic. Each dish is crafted with high-quality ingredients to ensure a satisfying meal.

To enhance the experience, the package also includes free-flow drinks and tidbits, ensuring guests stay refreshed and energized while they sing their hearts out. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just looking to have some fun, this lunch package offers the perfect blend of food and entertainment.

Our new lunch package offers a unique dining experience that combines delicious food with entertainment, making it an ideal choice for friends, families, and colleagues alike. We believe that good food and great music bring people together, and this package captures that spirit.

In addition to the delicious food and singing, the lively atmosphere at Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia makes it a great spot for group outings or casual get-togethers. With private karaoke rooms available, guests can enjoy their meals and performances in a comfortable and inviting setting.

Don’t miss out on this incredible offer! Book your lunch package today and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia.

For more details about the lunch package or to make a reservation, please visit https://karaokemanekineko.my/outlets/ or contact us at +603-20116888.

About Koshidaka International KL Sdn Bhd

Koshidaka International was incorporated in 2021 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a full subsidiary of Koshidaka Holdings. The company serves as a management consultancy arm for the Karaoke Manekineko operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Karaoke Manekineko is a friendly and safe environment for Karaoke that is designed to accommodate a diverse range of customers, from families with young children to groups of friends and corporate teams.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Revolutionizing Water Treatment: AQUARING's Advanced Technology for a Healthier, Sustainable Future

  

AQUARING, an Italian company revolutionizing water treatment for the past two decades by using eco-friendly high-frequency electric pulses instead of harmful chemicals, expands in the Philippines. This technology, made in Italy, prevents scale buildup and eliminates bacteria like Legionella, enhancing health and safety in industrial and hospitality settings. Through its partnership with Reurasia, AQUARING brings these sustainable solutions to the Philippines and Asia-Pacific, aligning with environmental initiatives and promoting a greener future.

Traditional water treatment methods often rely on chemicals, which can be harmful to handlers, the environment, and water systems. AQUARING offers a groundbreaking alternative by using high-frequency electric pulses to treat water. This innovative technology not only minimizes chemical use but also addresses major health and safety concerns, such as the spread of Legionella and other harmful bacteria.

AQUARING's system works by emitting multi-frequency electric signals permeating comprehensively the water in the pipes. These signals prevents limescale buildup by keeping calcium and carbonate ions in suspension, preventing them to form hard deposits. This same process also facilitates the breakdown and dissolution of existing limescale and biofilm, improving the efficiency and sanitization of water systems. Additionally, the electric field disrupts bacteria and bio-fouling, eliminating harmful microorganisms like Legionella, making the system particularly valuable in the animal farming, agriculture, agri-food, hospitality and healthcare sectors.

The benefits of AQUARING's technology extend beyond health and safety. By preventing limescale, corrosion, and biofouling, it enhances the performance and longevity of industrial and commercial water systems and capital equipment, reducing maintenance costs and improving energy efficiency. Industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, power and food processing can see immediate operational improvements, while residential and hospitality setups benefit from cleaner, safer water.

In partnership with REURASIA (https://reurasia.com/), AQUARING (https://www.aquaring.it/) is bringing its eco-friendly water treatment solutions to the Philippines and the broader Asia-Pacific region. This partnership ensures local assistance and support services to industries and communities to access advanced, sustainable water treatment technologies that align with government initiatives on energy efficiency and environmental protection.

For more information or request for quotation you may send your query to aquaring@reurasia.com

About Reurasia management corporation

REURASIA Management Corporation is a Filipino company committed to delivering sustainable solutions for industries. Founded in 2016, it specializes in providing engineering, procurement, and construction services for biomass and renewable energy projects. Partnering with both local and international experts, REURASIA helps businesses transition to net-zero carbon operations by offering innovative technologies and comprehensive project support​. https://reurasia.com/company-profile/

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES