FOCUS - Winter 2019 issue

plazapremiumgroup.com

WINTER 2018/19

Skytrax World Airline Awards World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge 2016- 2018

An award winning year Song Hoi-see, Founder & CEO named EY Entrepreneur of The Year & Master Entrepreneur of The Year 2018 view from the top

David Yeung

Founder & CEO of Green Monday shares his passion for sustainability

The Future of

Airport Experience

• Reinventing Culinary • The Future Forum Highlights

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The Future of

Airport Dining

Future of Airport Dining: Reinventing Culinary Experience for Travellers

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ining is an essential part of airport experience. With everyone being a traveller nowadays, offering varieties of food and beverages must be included in overall airport planning. Airport dining seems to have improved through the years in major international airports, however, global fast food chains or food court still dominate airports. How can we offer better and wider dining options that suit different travellers’ needs? How can we create a global culinary experience yet stay relevant to local cultures? How can we reinvent dining experience for travellers? In this year’s last edition of Focus, we decided to share Plaza Premium Group’s vision on the Future of Airport Dining.

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Feature Story

Chef Sum, Executive Chinese Chef from The Terrace at Hong Kong AWTC with his team

Plaza Premium Group’s Global Culinary Team from around the world

Shane Wilkins, Group Director of Culinary at Plaza Premium Group

Global Culinary Team Within our network across 42 international airports, Plaza Premium Group has a team of global culinary talents with international experience, knowledge and skillsets to reinvent dining scenes at airports around the world. Our Global Culinary Team, led by Shane Wilkins, Group Director of Culinary brings world class standard across all our business portfolios including Plaza Premium Lounge, Aerotel and Airport Dining concepts.

“Our Global Culinary Team comes from some of the most reputable travel companies, hotels and dining outlets around the world.

We understand the travel experience should be enhanced by quality, accessibility and personalisation. Travelling through airports can be hectic – whether departing, transiting or arriving. Our goal is to offer a respite to airport diners, a refreshed environment for leisure or business travellers.”

Shane shares.

The Concept of Glocal Airports are the first and last touchpoints of a destination, marking a lasting impression of the city for travellers. Travellers often look for an authentic experience from food or beverages that reflect local cultures. From a research conducted by travel technology brand Amadeus research, 66% of the respondents would like to have an international food selection at airports and another 61% voted to have locally sourced food. Using hyper local ingredients wherever and whenever possible and embracing local culture while offering global cuisine is one of the core culinary elements at Plaza Premium Group.

“We go glocal to give a sense of place, while reaching into our global culinary expertise to give an authentic taste of the globe. Striking a balance is key – for both travellers and food suppliers. We support sourcing food locally, this can mutually benefit consumers and the local economy. Reducing food miles lead to lighter environmental footprint and connecting with local producers helps support local economies. As buyers, we also benefit from knowing the conditions of how produce is grown down to some of the smallest detail.” Shane says.

In every Plaza Premium Lounge, signature local dishes are always featured in the live-cooking station or à la carte menu offered in Primo, a premium dining experience within the latest Plaza Premium First.

International cuisine like the world-famous English fish and chips will appeal

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to a local brit as it would to a Chinese passenger at Heathrow airport. Arabic sweets in Abu Dhabi, spices like Za’atar and Ras el hanout from the Middle East, “Yu dan fun” our classic fish ball noodle soup from Hong Kong, “Laksa” from Southeast Asia are all examples of our local culinary highlights. For beverages, local

Classic English Fish and Chips

An express concept of Root98 is Root98 Grab ‘n’ Go Hong Kong which offers a sumptuous variety of western-style quick food like sandwiches, wraps, salads and simple hot fare. There is also a selection of slow pressed juices, packed with essential vitamins and minerals which help fight toxins and boost immunity and health while travelling. Presently, Root98 and Root98 Grab’n’Go are located in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Winnipeg, Dammam and will be expanding to other locations in the coming year.

With regards to cooking methods we employ a modern slowcooking method, which retains nutrients and breaks down heavy cell structures while offering delicious food for travellers. Slow cooking is appropriate in both Western and Asian cuisines such as Slow Cooked Texas Rubbed Beef Tritip or an Asian Marinated Pork Belly used for a delicious pulled pork served in a fluffy steamed bun. For vegetarian options, we feature menu items such as Chickpea and Butternut Squash Ragu served on a Quinoa Salad.

We are constantly seeking innovation with regards to the cooking process, we explore equipment that reduces energy consumption,

Malaysian Paneng Laksa

“Omnipork” Meat Ball with Tomato Sub Sandwiches, Root98

‘Yu Dan Fun’ - Hong Kong Style Fish Ball Noodles

wines are also sourced and offered in the glocal experience.

Cook, Eat Mindfully Offering healthy, balanced food and beverage options has always been in the heart of Plaza Premium Group. On top of that, the Group is also making concerted efforts to contribute to environmental and social sustainability. Staying mindful while travelling can be challenging: passengers rushing through airports, unpredictable changes in flight schedules and spending long durations at airports make it difficult to keep environmental factors in mind. As a global airport hospitality solutions provider, one of our goals is to cook and produce dining options that are healthy and environment-conscious. Since July 2018, we have partnered with Green Monday - a non-profit organisation that promotes plantbased diets and reduced carbon footprints by advocating for eating no meats on Mondays. Together we launched the Beyond Meat burger at our Plaza Premium First, Asia’s first lounge to offer plantbased meat burger.

Shane says, “We believe that plant-based meat is the Future of Food as plant-based diets are proven to lower methane levels.

We encourage travellers to be conscious of healthy eating while on the go and to be mindful of planet health.”

Dining at airport lounge aside, the Group has recently launched Root98, a “herb and seed inspired” dining concept where we provide mixed-cultural healthy menu offering different dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.

Aerobar, Plaza Premium First

increases flexibility with menu engineering and delivers a quality healthy consumer product.

Something for Everyone All in all, variety is essential when it comes to dining at airports.

Everyone is a traveller, how do we keep every travel type and culture happy? We serve the world and it is crucial to offer diverse food options available for everyone: from grab-and-go, casual dining, buffet, fine dining to non-alcoholic tea/coffee bar, international menu and kid meals. Personalisation is at the heart of our culinary experience.

Stay Innovative and Customer-First Eating habits, customer behaviours, travel trends and the future of dining will continue to change constantly, something remains unchanged for Plaza Premium Group is to be observant, curious, customer insight centric, working closely with airport authorities and suppliers to stay ahead of trends to meet market demands.

The future of airport dining is certainly not fixated, it’s a constant evolution. P

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View From The Top

Interview with

David Yeung

Founder & CEO of Green Monday

Plaza Premium Group has recently worked with Green Monday, a social enterprise group that promotes green, healthy and sustainable dining. As we are visioning the Future of Airport Dining, let’s hear what David’s views are.

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Global fast food chains dominate key airports across the globe. Are airports or travellers a target market for Green Monday? What are your thoughts on working with global food chains to offer healthier, greener options?

One of our earliest collaboration was the partnership between Hong Kong International Airport and Green Monday, to work with all the restaurants at the airport to increase plant-based options. In order to scale the impact, we surely look to extend partnership with many chains to bring more green choices to customers and their own employees.

Beyond Meat Burger served at Plaza Premium First Hong Kong

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Plaza Premium First is the first lounge in Asia to serve the Beyond Meat burger, has it been a popular choice in the menu?

How do you feel about the lounge and its services?

The Beyond Burger at Plaza Premium First is a REAL treat. Many people have commented that they love the fact that there is such an awesome plant-based option.

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Travelling has evolved throughout the years and have become a lifestyle to many, can you share some tips on eating well while travelling?

Drinking a lot of water or juice in general, but I find that hydrogen water really helps me to deal with jetlag. Nuts is a major snack during long flights or road trips as it is a great source of protein.

Green Common now offers lots of ready-to-eat food that are more wholesome such as quinoa and turmeric congee which is a great late-night food when adjusting to jetlag.

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You’ve had a lot of success in the few years since you started the Green Monday movement and have led you to launching new ventures such as Green Common, was this a part of your vision?

I believe that education and empowerment must go hand in hand.

We cannot advocate sustainability just by telling people what NOT to do. We must come with innovation and provide a new solution, which is where Green Common and Right Treat Omnipork come into the picture. So yes, this multi-pronged social venture model is part of the vision from day one.

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You recently set up a pop-up shop at Hong Kong International Airport, what observations did you make on travellers’ behaviour?

There is a huge demand for healthy, organic and plant-based food globally. We see a lot of travellers, both domestic and international, who were super excited when they saw our shop.

In fact they urge us to open the restaurant to accommodate their dietary needs.

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Millennials are said to be more conscious of their eating habits leaning more towards healthier food options. As this age group is also soon to be the biggest base for the travellers, do you feel that the food and beverage landscape at airports will begin to evolve to suit their preferences?

It is already happening. In airports of many major cities, there are more organic food options, more juice bars, and more plant-based offering. Conscious consumption is going to be an ongoing theme as millennials become the core of the consumer market.

Healthy choice of cold pressed juices at Root98

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What was your motivation behind starting Green Monday movement, is there a reason why you chose Monday over other days of the week?

There are many problems our world is facing: climate change, food insecurity, public health issues and population explosion. The nexus of these urgent global crises is the food industry, or more specifically our overconsumption of meat. The Green Monday movement was established to provide a common platform that institutions and individuals can join to contribute to sustainability and health. We choose Monday because it is symbolic to a new beginning.

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You were recently awarded as Social Entrepreneur of the Year, does this recognition motivate you to achieve more followers? Can you share your next big plan for Green Monday?

Salad Bar at Plaza Premium First Hong Kong

The award doesn’t necessarily give me more motivation as I am driven by the mission. Rather, it serves as a great validation that we are on the right path, and to skeptics who still don’t understand what we are doing, the award is a good conversation opener to let people know the urgency of the movement we are championing.

9 Omni Pork Meat Chinese Dumpling served with Sliced Ginger and Condiments

When you travel, how do you usually spend your time at the airport?

Just like most business road warriors, I use my time at the airport on email and messaging. So having a comfortable lounge environment where I can grab some nice food while handling my work is the most ideal. Occasionally if I see massage service available, even for 10 or 15 minutes, I would like to take that break, especially at the tail end of a long trip. P

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Future of Airport Experience Forum

A Vision on Airport Experience: Key to Future of Travel

Ching-ching Ni

Vivian Cheung

Song Hoi-see

David Yeung

Gary Cheng

Editor-in-Chief The New York Times Chinese Magazine

Deputy Director Aviation Development Airport Authority HK

Founder and CEO Plaza Premium Group

Founder and CEO Green Monday

Destination Marketing APAC TripAdvisor

On 21st November 2018, Plaza Premium Group, in collaboration with The New York Times Chinese Magazine, organised Airport Experience: Key to the Future of Travel Forum in Hong Kong. At the forum, a panel of forward-thinking industry experts shared predictions and insights on travel evolution and how industry practitioners should prepare for the future of better airport experience.

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echnology should not replace human touch

Vivian Cheung, Deputy Director Aviation Development, Airport Authority Hong Kong shared the key considerations while creating a seamless airport journey, “Originally, there were three things to consider, Hardware - the facilities in an airport; Software, the process of your airport journey, and the Heartware, the courtesy and service you experience. We have recently also added Smartware: the introduction of futuristic technology such as biometric facial recognition, high-speed Wi-Fi and airport apps that introduce online shopping and indoor navigation to everything at the airport. Having said that, when airports focus on efficiency, service providers must not forget the “smile.”

Plaza Premium Group’s Founder and CEO Song Hoi-see agreed with the importance of hospitality and the personal touch, “Travel has become a way of life and routine for many which is why airports need to incorporate more lifestyle elements to adapt to this change. A travel lifestyle should always include Comfort, Convenience, Value and very importantly, Love and Care.”

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veryone is a traveller

“We must appreciate that everyone is a traveller. There are different needs for different travel types, culture and behaviour. Therefore, in our existing and upcoming Plaza Premium Lounge experiences, you will find spa, business corner, meeting room, nursery room, kids room, yoga room, prayer room etc.” added Mr. Song.

Gary Cheng from TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online travel platform that has just launched a new, dynamic, social-centric interface, and the panel discussed that technology we have today such as big data enables digital personalisation, a powerful tool to anticipate and predict what individual travellers need even before they have thought about it themselves.

All panellists agreed that although predictive analytics help improve user engagement, it will never replace the social, cultural emotional aspects amongst human beings.

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illennials are driving the change

Also on the panel, the influence of millennials who appreciate emotional experiences during travels was discussed. Plaza Premium Group recognised the power of millennials. “Millennials are the travellers now and the future of travels, they are also the ones spending ample time in the airport as transit and stopover travel patterns become more popular, economical and provide more experiential experiences as this generation requires. Airport hospitality must reinvent to serve these needs.” Mr. Song said.

David Yeung, Founder & CEO of Green Monday, a multi-faceted social venture that drives the movement of consuming plant-based diet commented on the millennials’ mentality, “In addition to emotional experiences, millennials look for authenticity and corporate social responsibility in companies, they care if companies use their network and platform to change the world for the better.”

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ellness: Travellers & Our Planet

“It is crucial to be mindful of life and planet wellness, and this should be available anytime, anywhere, especially airports. When landing or arriving to any city, airports are always the first and last touchpoints, making your impression of the city a lasting one.

Mr. Song has introduced the Beyond Burger, our plant-based burger to their Plaza Premium First lounge in Hong Kong International Airport last July, the first airport lounge in Asia Pacific ever to offer our plant-based burger. The mission of Green Monday is not to duplicate meat, but to surpass it, as the food supply chain is far from efficient.” David Yeung shared.

Mr. Song responded, “It has been an amazing beginning to creating a more sustainable and responsible airport dining experience with Green Monday and we look forward to bringing this initiative across our global network.”

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irports are destinations on its own

Airports are becoming more crowded, and together, they are all expanding to cater to high volume of passengers. “Travellers now have a choice to which airports they wish to travel or transit to and it is crucial to stay ahead of the game when it comes to creating a seamless end-to-end customer centric airport experience. As travellers become more discerning, they expect a smooth and interactive airport journey, meaning the use of technology to increase efficiency, food and beverage choices to suit different dietary requirements and airport experiences for different travel needs in the terminal that provide comfort, convenience, love and care.”

Mr. Song concluded.

Attended by over 150 industry experts from the aviation industry, world banks, financial institutions, developers and media, the forum provided our participants an opportunity to immerse themselves in intellectual conversations on future travel. In celebration of the Group’s 20th Anniversary, the forum was topped off with Plaza Premium Group experiential zones showcasing neck and shoulder massages by Refreshhh by Aerotel and an interactive zone by Arrture, the Group’s travel rewards programme. Participants received complimentary reward points by becoming a member on the day of the event. Canapés served by the Group’s culinary team highlighted the vision of future food and beverages including delicacies made with plant-based meat sponsored by Green Monday, Lavazza coffee cocktails and wine on tap sponsored by Treasury Wine Estates. P

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Future of Airport Experience Forum

Gary Cheng Destination Marketing APAC TripAdvisor

Guest enjoying massage at Refreshhh by Aerotel experiential zone

Song Hoi-see Clara Lo, Senior Sales Manager, Linda Song, Executive Director and Johnson Wong, Chief Operating Officer of Plaza Premium Group with DragonPass team - Karen Xiong, Adam Liu, Tiger Yao, Ginnie Lee and Berisa Li

Clara Lo, Senior Manager Global Sales, Siew Kiat Wong, Senior Manager, Loyalty Programme and Cavin Loh, Regional Director of Sales Marketing SEA of Plaza Premium Group with Rico Law from Corporate Travel Management

Lavazza Coffee experiential zone featuring coffee cocktails

Founder and CEO Plaza Premium Group

Future Forum Panelists taking selfie with, Linda Song, Executive Director, Janis Tse, Marketing Director and Song Hoi-see, Founder & CEO of Plaza Premium Group

Polly Wan, Senior Marketing Manager, Mei Mei Song, Brand Director, Linda Song, Executive Director, Panffy Ma, Personal Assistant to CEO of Plaza Premium Group and Millie Kim from Maxearn

Vivian Cheung Deputy Director Aviation Development Airport Authority HK

Linda Song, Executive Director of Plaza Premium Group with Johnny Wong from HSBC

Wilson Ambosta, Station Manager of Jet Airways

George Liu, Chief Marketing Officer of Hong Kong Airlines

Laurence James and Denis Fahy of Jetsetter Magazine with Song Hoi-see, Founder & CEO of Plaza Premium Group

Linda Song, Executive Director, Jonathan Song, Business Development Director and Song Hoi-see of Plaza Premium Group with Helena Phua from The New York Times and Dato’ Gan K C, Chairman of The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce

David Yeung Founder and CEO Green Monday

Ching-ching Ni

Siew Kiat Wang, Senior Manager and Bobby Wong, Partnership Manager of Plaza Premium Group Loyalty Programme with Frankie Shi from iFREE Group

Editor-in-Chief The New York Times Chinese Magazine

Janis Tse, Marketing Director, Johnson Wong, Chief Operating Officer and Song Hoisee, CEO & Founder of Plaza Premium Group with Frances Kor and Helena Phua of The New York Times and Gray Cheng from TripAdvisor APAC

Shane Wilkins, Group Director of Culinary with Daniel Small and Raluca Popa of HSBC

Omnipork dumplings served at Future of Food station

Plaza Premium Group Management Team Cake Cutting Moment in Celebration of the Group’s 20th Anniversary

Linda Song, Executive Director of Plaza Premium Group with Cindy Chee and Jeanie Wong from ACI

Ben Choi, Group Director of Hotel & Customer Engagement of Plaza Premium Group with Lionel Kwok of Hong Kong Tourism Board and Krystal Ku of Hutchgo.com

Johnny Wan, Director of Alliances and Partnerships (L1), Song Hoi-see (R1) and Jenny Zhang, Business Development Director China (R2) of Plaza Premium Group with Peter Chang (L2) from Eva Air

Polly Wan of Plaza Premium Group and Jessie Poon from K11

Janis Tse, Marketing Director and Stephanie Li, Assistant Manager of PR & Corporate Communications of Plaza Premium Group with Kit Tang from Bloomberg Business Week

Future of food selection prepared by Plaza Premium First Culinary team

Vicky Wong of Prestique Limited with Jonathan Song, Business Development Director of Plaza Premium Group

Global Footprints - Awards

Song Hoi-see, Founder & CEO wins EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 Malaysia Award

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ounder of Plaza Premium Group, Mr. Song Hoi-see Named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 Malaysia

Mr. Song Hoi-see, Founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group, won the revered Malaysian Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of The Year (EOY) and Master Entrepreneur of The Year at the EY Entrepreneur of The Year 2018 Malaysia Awards Gala.

Mr. Song, who legendarily transformed the airport hospitality industry by establishing the world’s first pay-in airport lounge for all travellers regardless of their airline or class of travel, created the business and the entire independent airport lounge industry from his poor travel experience. Since 1998, Plaza Premium Lounge has evolved substantially into Plaza Premium Group, a global

Song Hoi-see (2nd from right) guest-of-honour Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof, Minister of Entrepreneur Development, Malaysia (2nd from left), Tan Sri Rebecca Sta. Maria Chairman, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (far left) and Dato’ Abdul Rauf Rashid, Malaysia Managing Partner, Ernst & Young Advisory Services (far right).

service brand offering premium airport services in Airport Lounge Operation and Management, Meet and Greet Services, Airport Transit Hotels and Airport Dining businesses in over 160 locations across 42 international airports, serving over 14 million passengers annually.

Mr. Song will be representing Malaysia and joining more than 60 other country winners to compete for the coveted EY World Entrepreneur of The Year (WEOY) award at the annual WEOY event in Monte Carlo, Monaco in June 2019.

MALAYSIA

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ULinary 2018

Mohammad Nazli Abdul Aziz, Malaysia Airports’ Senior General Manager for Commercial Services (3rd from the left) and Scha Alyahya, one of Malaysia’s top celebrity congratulates Rose Hew, Head of Operations (2nd from right) and Chef Haward (far right) and the team on their sweep of FIVE awards at the event.

Plaza Premium Group Malaysian culinary team brought home five awards at the annual KULinary 2018, held in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Flight Club (KLIA), The Green Market and TheBAR (both in Terminal klia2), were awarded top spots in KULinary 2018, an annual award culinary presentation hosted by Malaysia Airports, showcasing the 20 best food discoveries in KLIA and klia2. Our three Airport Dining outlets received the Top Food Outlet Award for their winning dishes, outlet ambience and excellent service.

This year, KULinary introduced the inaugural Judges’ Choice awards, where the appointed judges selected five “best of the best dishes” from the 20 award winning dishes and it was an honour that Flight Club and The Green Market were two of the selected establishments for this coveted award!

Flight Club Malaysia Team with Awal Ashaari, Malaysian Celebrity (4th from right)

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laza Premium Group Wins Top Travel Recognitions in Asia

Plaza Premium Group has been recognised by two leading travel publications Business Traveller Asia Pacific and TTG Asia in October 2018. At the award ceremonies respectively held in Hong Kong and Bangkok, Plaza Premium Lounge was awarded by 2018 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Award “Best Independent Airport Lounge” with its Departure Lounge (Gate 40) in Hong Kong International Airport and by TTG Travel Award 2018 “Best Airport Lounge Operator.”

From Left to Right: Polly Wan, Senior Marketing Manager, Linda Song, Executive Director, Song Hoi-see, Founder & CEO, Mei Mei Song, Brand Director, Janis Tse, Marketing Director with award sponsors

THAILAND

HONG KONG

From Left to Right: Arthur Chen, Vice President, TTG Global Limited, Linda Song, Executive Director of Plaza Premium Group, Janis Tse, Marketing Director of Plaza Premium Group and Darren Ng, Managing Director, TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd.

Prakash Harpalani (Left) and Prashanth Satrasala (Right) of Plaza Premium Lounge New Delhi

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laza Premium Lounge New Delhi Wins “Hospitality of the Year Award”

Plaza Premium Lounge New Delhi wins “Hospitality of the Year Award” at GMR IGI Airport Awards, 2018. GMR IGI Airport Awards celebrate and recognise achievements by “Raising the Standard of Excellence” and meeting the various demands of the increasing number of passengers at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. Hospitality of the Year Award was presented to Plaza Premium Lounge team at a glittering ceremony held at The Umrao Resort by Mr. Shyam Sundar (Chief Commercial Officer - Non Aero, DIAL) and Mr. Srinivas Bommidala (Business Chairman – Energy & International Airports, GMR Group).

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Global Footprints

Seating and arrival area design at the upcoming Plaza Premium Lounge Helsinki

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FINLAND

laza Premium Lounge Helsinki to Open in February 2019

The new Plaza Premium Lounge Helsinki is set to open in the non-Schengen terminal as part of the terminal extension. As the third European location, the new lounge will feature 137 comfortable seating, a live kitchen, a bar, shower facilities, recharging stations, complimentary Wi-Fi, computer workstations, and a kids zone for family travellers to relax and unwind before their travel journey at Helsinki Airport. A major transit hub, Finland offers the shortest route between Europe and Asia.

INDIA

Plaza Premium Lounge Ahmedabad Lounge opening ceremony dance performance

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Song Hoi-see opening and welcome speech at Plaza Premium Lounge Ahmedabad

laza Premium Lounge Expands Presence in India at Ahmedabad International Airport

Plaza Premium Lounge has opened two new locations at Ahmedabad airport, International Departures and Domestic Departures. Plaza Premium Lounge Ahmedabad International Departures is strategically located at Level 1, opposite of Gate No. 3, International Departures, Terminal 2, spanning 2,131 square feet featuring comfortable seating for up to 65 guests. The Domestic Departures lounge is located on Level 1, Terminal 1, near Gate 40 accommodating up to 105 guests. Both locations feature complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations and international newspapers and magazines, the new lounge offers a wide range of delectable national and international cuisines, power showers and seated massage chairs for guests to refresh and relax before takeoff and during transit.

PHILIPPINES

Aerotel Cebu Arrival Lounge

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Aerotel Cebu single bedroom with view of restroom

erotel Expands to Cebu Mactan International Airport

Aerotel Cebu is the Group’s 7th Aerotel location. Located at Level 1, Terminal 2 of Cebu Mactan International Airport, the new Aerotel is designed with local touches and elements to reflect the location. Comprising 11 rooms with comfortable beds, showers and amenities, guests in transit can refresh and recharge with a power nap and shower in between flights. Guests can also access a 24-hour refreshment counter offering light bites and beverages.

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erotel Launches First Property in China

In celebration of Golden Week, Aerotel Guangzhou started operations on China National Day - 1st October 2018, welcoming travellers transitting to different parts of the world. Aerotel Guangzhou features 57 rooms all equipped with high-quality bedding, bottled water, slippers and complimentary Wi-Fi. A Library Lounge is available to offer light bites and entertainment including TV and reading materials for guests to relax in a cosy environment away from the busy airport terminal.

CHINA

Aerotel Guangzhou Library Lounge offering all-day dining options and entertainment

Plaza Premium Lounge New Delhi team welcomes Song Hoi-see Founder and CEO with fresh flowers at the event

Aerotel Guangzhou Double Plus room with twin beds

Plaza Premium Lounge New Delhi team celebrates the Group’s 20th anniversary with Song Hoi-see, Founder & CEO of Plaza Premium Group

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laza Premium Group Celebrates 20th Anniversary Celebration in New Delhi

The Group’s India Operations team organised their annual event “Utsav 2018” on 30th October 2018 at Udman Hotels and Resort, New Delhi. The occasion was graced by the presence of Mr. Song Hoi–see, Founder and CEO, Plaza Premium Group, Mr. Dinesh Jhunjhunwala, Director, Premium Port Lounge Management Co. Pvt. Ltd., India and Mr. Mohan Limbu, Regional General Manager, Plaza Premium Group, India. The event was a fun-filled entertainment night with the mix of music, dance, and fashion shows witnessed by approximately 300 guests. Bringing alive the festivities, the guests were welcomed with “Dhol walas” (Drummer of Indian musical instrument used during joyful events) in typical Indian style at the venue.

laza Premium Lounge New Delhi Celebrates Cake Mixing Ceremony

A family and friends’ affair to usher in the blessed season and Christmas spirit, Mr. Song Hoi-see Founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group and Mr. Mohan Limbu, Regional General Manager of Plaza Premium Group India joined the team to celebrate Cake Mixing Ceremony. A ritual that can be traced back to the 17th century, the ceremony is used to mark the advent of the harvesting season.

Freshly harvested fruits and nuts were used and the mixture, packed in airtight bags until Christmas the cake mixture will release fragrant aromas and will be ready to be baked and served to guests during Christmas.

Cake Mixing ceremony at Plaza Premium Lounge New Delhi

Plaza Premium Lounge New Delhi team joins together for Cake Mixing ceremony in preparation for Christmas

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Global Footprints

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laza Premium Group 20th Anniversary Celebration in Taipei

HONG KONG

TAIPEI In celebration of Plaza Premium th Group’s 20 Anniversary, the Taipei team led by General Manager Lu Lu Lin hosted a gala party to acknowledge everyone’s hard work, dedication and commitment to enhancing airport experience at the lounge. All the staff received special Plaza Premium Group tote bag after the event.

Root98 Grab ‘n’ Go in Hong Kong International Airport offering travellers a variety of healthy food and drink options on the go

I Plaza Premium Group Taipei team poses with ‘You are More than Premium’ tote bag to celebrate the Group’s 20th anniversary

New Partnership & Promotion

ntroducing Root98 a Global Herbs and Seeds Inspired Concept

Herbs and seeds inspired, Root98 has newly launched in King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh. Previously known as Flight Club, two locations including Hong Kong and Winnipeg are now named as Root98. Menu enhancements including new featured dishes are now available in each outlet. In Winnipeg, the new menu offers signature dishes such as Vegetarian Red Curry, Plant-based Beyond Beef Burger and Healthy Fruit and Granola Parfait.

AUSTRALIA

Complimentary admission for kids (aged 2 to 11) upon any adult purchase of lounge access (maximum 2 children per family are eligible for the offer redemption) with DragonPass.

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TAIPEI

Selected Hua Nan Bank credit card holders can enjoy lounge entitlement service when visiting Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei

Mei Mei Song, Brand Director of Plaza Premium Group with panellists at Branding 360 forum

Haresh Chainani, Group Director of Human Resources from Plaza Premium Group poses with judges and participants at HR Vendors of the Year 2018

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ei Mei Song, Brand Director of Plaza Premium Group Speaks at Branding 360 Forum

Mei Mei Song participated as panellist at this year’s Branding 360 forum on 14th November 2018 in Hong Kong. Hosted by Marketing magazine, Branding 360 is a one-day conference programme with inspiring speakers, sharing brand stories and thought provoking insights.

Mei Mei Song shares insights and latest Mei Mei spoke on the importance developments of the Group with the of reviewing the whole customer audience journey and discussed, alongside panellists from Subway and Genting Cruises, on the importance of omnichannel branding and arguing that offline channels are not to be overlooked when digitalising marketing. Also, further argued that there are some touchpoints in hospitality that cannot be replaced with technology, but rather that we should use technology to enable efficiency.

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aresh Chainani, Plaza Premium Group, Director of Human Resources joins as judge for the HR Vendors of the Year 2018

Our Group Director of Human Resources, Haresh Chainani joined an esteemed panel of HR VPs and Directors as a judge at the HR Vendor of Year Awards held on 29th November, 2018 in Hong Kong.

This was the second time in recent years that Haresh was invited to be a judge at this event. Published since 2005 and included as an awards show since 2015, Human Resources Magazine (www. humanresourcesonline.net) has garnered an immense following

by HR professionals across the region for the past 13 years. HR Vendors of the Year Awards, back for its fourth annual edition, continues to identify and recognise the most trusted HR solution providers across the region.

MALAYSIA

Offering fitness members at all Plaza Premium Lounge locations in Malaysia, airport dining facilities and Aerotel Kuala Lumpur.

Platinum members are accorded complimentary access into Plaza Premium First, KLIA and Gold, Silver members can enjoy the signature services and facilities at Plaza Premium Lounge locations in Malaysia.

Complimentary 3-hour access into selected airports in Malaysia, Cambodia, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Selected credit card holders are entitled for a 20 % to 25% discount off at Malaysia and overseas locations.

Plaza Premium Lounge KLIA is honoured to provide lounge access to the business class passengers.

New Huawei phone owners can enjoy a 3-hour complimentary access to selected Plaza Premium Lounge locations within Malaysia and Airport Dining outlets in KLIA and klia2.

Accompanying guests will also receive a 20% discount for a 3-hour lounge access package.

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Feature Event & CSR Story

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Plaza Premium Group Australia team hosts “Cupcakes for Cure” fundraising event

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Plaza Premium Group Australia team at “Wellness Walk” across Sydney City

laza Premium Group Australia Supports Brain Cancer Research and Mental Health Awareness

Plaza Premium Group Australian Team held a charity fundraising event “Cupcakes for a Cure”, collectively the team exchanged cupcakes and desserts as donations for Brain Cancer Research.

Together the team raised AUD600 and created awareness within each of the airport communities. In addition, the team participated in mental health awareness month in October by joining a “Wellness Walk” where the team walked 6km across the Harbour Bridge and Sydney City.

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laza Premium Lounge Hong Kong Gives Back This Christmas with Heep Hong Society

For the fifth consecutive year, Plaza Premium Group partners with Heep Hong Society to bring love and joy to children with diverse needs through an exciting Christmas workshop. Mr. Eric Lau, General Manager, Hong Kong Operations led a Christmas cookie-making workshop with 30 little bakers, creating their own Christmas crystal cookies.

During the Christmas period, all travellers visiting Plaza Premium Lounge in Hong Kong International Airport are invited to write Christmas wishes or greetings to the children of Heep Hong Society on wish cards that will adorn the Christmas tree in the lounge. With each wish card purchased, Plaza Premium Group will donate HK$5 to Heep Hong Society.

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Children of Heep Hong Society participating at Chistmas Workshop arranged by Plaza Premium Group Hong Kong team

laza Premium Group Hong Kong Supports Aids Concern

Plaza Premium Group Hong Kong participated in Aids Concern Gala by sponsoring Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First invitations for their silent auction. The gala took place at The Langham hotel, with over 300 guests, all of which are supporters of Aids Concern. The gala and silent auction raised over HK$1.1 million to support community education.

Shane Wilkins, Group Director of Culinary from Plaza Premium Group attends Aids Concern Gala at Langham Hotel, Hong Kong

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