logo
Singapore coffee brand Alchemist opens its first Japan outlets in Tokyo

Singapore coffee brand Alchemist opens its first Japan outlets in Tokyo

Straits Times5 days ago
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
SINGAPORE - Local coffee brand Alchemist has made its debut in Japan with the opening of two outlets in Tokyo, in the neighbourhoods of Aoyama and Asakusa, in late June.
This is the first time the company, which was founded in 2016, has expanded outside of Singapore. Alchemist also has plans to open 10 stores across the Japanese city by the end of 2028.
The 140 sq m Aoyama store seats 30 while the 200 sq m Asakusa store seats 70, with each single item priced between 600 yen (S$5.25) and 1,200 yen.
Every Alchemist store carries more than 10 rotating menu items, and handles 80 to 100 single-origin coffees annually.
In a media statement, Alchemist founder Will Leow says: 'We've always admired Japan's deep-rooted coffee culture and attention to detail. We are excited to share our vision with coffee lovers in Japan - a country that already has such a deep and refined appreciation for quality and craft.'
Alchemist began as a humble 4 sq m coffee stand in Singapore's central business district, roasting its in-season beans in small batches. Today, Alchemist has expanded to 11 locations islandwide, with its flagship store in Khong Guan Building in MacTaggart Road boasting its own roastery.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Economic headwinds do not dampen outlook for new Marina Bay development: Las Vegas Sands president
Economic headwinds do not dampen outlook for new Marina Bay development: Las Vegas Sands president

Straits Times

time44 minutes ago

  • Straits Times

Economic headwinds do not dampen outlook for new Marina Bay development: Las Vegas Sands president

Find out what's new on ST website and app. Las Vegas Sands president and CEO Patrick Dumont said Singapore is 'incredibly desirable' to the firm as so many people want to come to the Republic to live and do business. SINGAPORE – Consumer spending in the Asia-Pacific is currently dampened due to geopolitical factors, but Mr Patrick Dumont remains unfazed about long-term business projections for the upcoming Las Vegas Sands development. 'We think in 10, 20-year terms,' said Mr Dumont, who is the president and chief operating officer at Las Vegas Sands, Marina Bay Sands' (MBS) parent company. 'South-east Asia is filled with young people who are entrepreneurial, aspirational and working very hard and creating business success, and as that occurs, they want to consume, and experience things that are unique, luxury and aspirational.' Las Vegas Sands' new US$8 billion (S$10.3 billion) development is set to be completed by 2030 and open in the first quarter of 2031. The complex will comprise 570 luxury hotel suites, a casino, a 15,000-seat entertainment arena, and 200,000 sq ft of meeting and convention space. It will also have a 'Skyloop' – a counterpart to the current MBS SkyPark – and high-end restaurants. An artist's impression of Las Vegas Sands' new ultra-luxury development in Singapore. PHOTO: MARINA BAY SANDS 'This is going to be the most luxurious and high-serviced hotel in the world,' Mr Dumont told The Straits Times on July 14, a day before the ground-breaking on the new development. The new complex costs almost 50 per cent more than the US$5.6 billion that was pumped into the development of the existing MBS integrated resort by Las Vegas Sands 15 years ago. Despite being targeted at the ultra-luxury market, it will have public spaces open to everybody – such as the new Skyloop on the roof, where two overlapping elliptical decks are stacked on top of each other. An artist's impression of the Lower and Upper Skyloop on the tower's roof, where two overlapping elliptical decks are stacked on top of each other. PHOTO: SAFDIE ARCHITECTS The lower Skyloop will have several public areas, including an observatory, restaurants and rooftop gardens, while above, hotel guests will have private cabanas and infinity-edge pools. There will also be a wellness terrace for events. Singapore is 'incredibly desirable' to Las Vegas Sands and its significant investments because so many people want to come to the Republic to live and do business, said Mr Dumont. 'So, it is very important for us to continue to invest and grow our capabilities, to maintain leadership in the industry... This is the next evolution in high-value tourism investment.' (From left) Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, Las Vegas Sands co-founder Miriam Adelson, Las Vegas Sands chief operating officer Patrick Dumont, architect Moshe Safdie and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong looking at a model of the new hotel tower during its ground-breaking ceremony on July 15. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI The focus on high-spending business and leisure tourists aligns with the Government's focus, he noted. For example, the authorities have identified the Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) segment as a key growth engine for Singapore tourism. Mice visitors are expected to contribute 10 per cent, or $3.5 billion, of the country's tourism receipts by 2040. The upcoming entertainment arena, for instance, will be able to hold both live performances and Mice events. The hotel tower and arena by Las Vegas Sands set against the horizon. PHOTO: SAFDIE ARCHITECTS 'We will have a connection through a bridge that will allow people to have a large Mice event and then also use the arena for other purposes as part of that event,' said Mr Dumont, adding that it is important for the new development to include amenities not available in the existing MBS property. He also envisions the new development having a larger impact on the Marina Bay district as a whole in what he described as a 'halo effect'. 'Where it not only enhances our ability to conduct tourism and drive people to Singapore and to our properties, but also enhances the Marina Bay district as a desirable tourism destination because of the amenities that we will provide.'

PM Wong reaffirms ‘full support and confidence' in ST as netizens question its impartiality
PM Wong reaffirms ‘full support and confidence' in ST as netizens question its impartiality

Online Citizen​

timean hour ago

  • Online Citizen​

PM Wong reaffirms ‘full support and confidence' in ST as netizens question its impartiality

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has underlined the importance of trusted journalism, declaring that Singapore needs credible media more than ever to help society distinguish fact from falsehood in an increasingly complex world. Speaking on 11 July 2025 at a dinner celebrating the 180th anniversary of The Straits Times (ST), Wong reiterated the government's 'full support and confidence' in the publication's mission to inform, educate, and hold Singapore society together. His backing comes amid ongoing debate over the independence of Singapore's main English-language newspaper. Many Singaporeans have taken to social media to question whether ST can operate free of state influence, especially after substantial government funding was pledged to its parent, SPH Media Trust (SMT). In February 2022, the government announced up to S$900 million in funding over five years for SMT, which operates ST. This support, of up to S$180 million a year, is intended to sustain quality journalism and keep the national newspaper financially viable as advertising revenues fall and audiences move online. The injection of public money followed SMT's restructuring in 2021, when it was separated from Singapore Press Holdings to function as a not-for-profit entity. The move was aimed at ensuring that the nation's flagship paper could adapt to the challenges of digital disruption and remain a trusted source of news. PM Wong: Government support essential to keep public service media viable, independent, and accountable Wong acknowledged that globally, traditional news outlets face shrinking newsrooms and commercial pressures that threaten editorial quality. He cautioned against allowing Singapore's national newspaper to fall into the hands of private billionaires with partisan aims or to let public trust in the press erode as a result of poor funding. 'We cannot allow that to happen here in Singapore,' Wong said. 'We do not want our national newspaper to be owned by billionaires with narrow or partisan agendas. Nor do we want public trust in the media to be eroded.' He explained that government support is essential to keep public service media viable, independent, and accountable to Singaporeans. PM Wong: ST must adapt and stay relevant Wong also acknowledged that ST faces unprecedented competition, not just from other reputable outlets but from content creators and distractions across countless digital platforms. He called on the paper's editors and journalists to adapt boldly to remain relevant to future readers, even if that means significant changes to the newspaper's style, tone, or length in the coming decade. 'I believe there will still be a place for print, and we should all do our best to keep print newspapers viable in Singapore for as long as possible,' Wong said. He added that while the government supports ST's mission, it would not dictate the editorial choices needed to keep the paper meaningful to Singaporeans. Minister Josephine Teo echoes call for trusted news Communications and Information Minister Josephine Teo also emphasised the government's commitment to trusted media. She noted that Singaporeans must have reliable sources to inform decisions affecting their daily lives and futures. 'We remain very committed to ensuring that our public service media can continue to capture the attention of our audience,' Teo said. Public doubts over impartiality: 'Will ST pose hard questions to those in power?' Despite such reassurances, scepticism persists. Many Singaporeans have questioned whether the government's financial backing allows ST to remain truly independent. On social media platforms such as Reddit and Facebook, netizens have asked if journalists at ST will pose hard questions to those in power. Some doubt whether the paper can avoid serving as a government mouthpiece, given its reliance on state funding. One Reddit comment described the newspaper as a 'monopoly' that still requires government help despite diversifying its business interests into property and aged care. Concerns about media control Another comment criticised what they saw as irony in PM Wong's rejection of billionaire-owned outlets, pointing out that ST is already heavily funded and indirectly controlled by the state. Some argued that both billionaire ownership and state control can threaten true journalistic independence. One user wrote that Singaporeans should not have to choose between 'billionaire-owned media and state-owned media,' but should instead have independent journalists who report in the public interest. Comparisons to other countries Several netizens compared Singapore's situation to international examples. One noted that while government ownership carries a partisan slant, at least an elected government is accountable to citizens — unlike unelected billionaires. However, others countered that real media independence comes from autonomy, not state or corporate influence. One cited the BBC as an outlet that once enjoyed a reputation for neutrality but has struggled to maintain it amid funding debates. The user suggested that ST could position itself as a truly neutral outlet providing balanced coverage of both Eastern and Western perspectives, arguing that doing so could fill a gap left by declining trust in other global media brands. Ravi Philemon: ST already heavily funded and controlled by the state Ravi Philemon, Chief of Red Dot United, also weighed in the debate, criticised PM Wong's remark about rejecting billionaire-owned media as ironic, pointing out that The ST is already heavily funded and controlled by the state. 'It is already funded to the tune of one billion dollars to keep a ruling party, one that seems more aligned with the filthy rich than with anyone else, in power,' Philemon commented in a FB post on 12 July. He argued that Singapore's ruling party uses public money to maintain a media system that serves its own power rather than true public interest journalism. He highlighted that despite claims of independence, the press avoids asking tough questions and fails to challenge the government meaningfully. Philemon warned that this controlled media environment keeps Singaporeans uninformed about real struggles like rising debt and inequality. He warned that the real threat is not foreign billionaires, but a media kept loyal through state funding, which preserves a system that benefits the wealthy and entrenches political power. Calls for media literacy and critical reading Some Singaporeans stressed the importance of critical reading and media literacy. They argued that citizens should consult a range of credible outlets rather than depend solely on one publication, whether state-backed or privately owned. One user commented that media must serve the people and retain enough autonomy to scrutinise those in power without fear or favour. Another urged fellow Singaporeans to read widely, pointing out that a healthy democracy relies on an informed citizenry capable of questioning any narrative. Singapore ranks low on press freedom, with RSF citing lack of editorial independence According to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders on 2 May, Singapore ranked 123rd out of 180 countries. The report criticised Singapore as an example not to follow, citing a severe lack of editorial independence and little respect for press freedom. RSF noted that independent political journalism is scarce, with outlets like The Online Citizen forced into exile.

US consumer inflation accelerates as Trump tariff effects creep in
US consumer inflation accelerates as Trump tariff effects creep in

Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • Straits Times

US consumer inflation accelerates as Trump tariff effects creep in

Find out what's new on ST website and app. Prices of apparel rose in June, as President Donald Trump's tariffs begin to kick in. WASHINGTON – US consumer inflation picked up in line with analyst expectations in June, government data showed on July 15, with vehicle costs cooling over the month but increases seen in sectors exposed to President Donald Trump's widening slate of tariffs. Observers anticipate they will learn more about the effects of Mr Trump's duties over the summer months, meaning June's data marks the start in a series of closely watched figures, particularly as the central bank mulls changes to interest rates. But Mr Trump insisted in a Truth Social post after the figures were released that consumer prices were low, urging for interest rates to be cut: 'Bring down the Fed Rate, NOW!!!' The consumer price index (CPI) was up 2.7 per cent from a year ago in June, climbing from 2.4 per cent in May as energy costs rose, said the Department of Labour. Excluding the volatile food and energy segments, 'core' CPI picked up also to 2.9 per cent from a year ago, and accelerated from 0.1 per cent in May to 0.2 per cent in June on a month-on-month basis. In particular, household furnishings and apparel saw cost hikes, and both are segments that experts are eyeing as these are more exposed to tariffs. The price increases in June signal that companies are beginning to pass on higher import costs to customers. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Las Vegas Sands' new development part of S'pore's broader, more ambitious transformation: PM Wong Singapore Economic headwinds do not dampen outlook for new Marina Bay development: Las Vegas Sands president Business MAS records net profit of $19.7 billion, fuelled by investment gains Singapore Man charged with attempted murder of woman at Kallang Wave Mall Singapore Singapore CDL's long-time director Phillip Yeo to depart after boardroom feud Singapore Ex-cleaner jailed over safety lapses linked to guard's death near 1-Altitude rooftop bar Life The Violinist, Singapore's first animated historical film, set for August 2026 release Singapore 'Nobody deserves to be alone': Why Mummy and Acha have fostered over 20 children in the past 22 years But the costs of new and used vehicles declined in June. While Mr Trump imposed a 10 per cent tariff on almost all trading partners in April and separately slapped steeper duties on imports of steel, aluminium and autos, US officials have pushed back against warnings that these could spark price increases. Economists caution that tariff hikes could fuel inflation and weigh on economic growth, but US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has labelled such expectations 'tariff derangement syndrome'. Overall, CPI rose 0.3 per cent in June from the previous month, an uptick from the 0.1 per cent increase in May as well. 'Strikingly visible' 'Tariff costs are strikingly visible in June's CPI data,' said Pantheon Macroeconomics' chief US economist Samuel Tombs in a note. 'Prices rose especially sharply for goods which are primarily imported, and less quickly for those that are mainly made in the US,' he added. These include appliances, sports equipment and toys, although items like mobile phones were an outlier as they are exempt from Mr Trump's 'reciprocal' tariffs targeting nearly all trading partners. Even if headline inflation shows no 'meaningful' surge from tariffs alone, Nationwide economist Oren Klachkin warned it may be too soon to see their full impact just yet. Businesses have been trying to hold off consumer price hikes through actions like eating into their own margins and trying to share costs with their suppliers, he said. But it remains to be seen how long they can do this. Mr Klachkin said there could be a bigger impact over the summer. Besides steep tariffs that have already taken effect, Mr Trump has also threatened higher levels on dozens of key partners, including the European Union, India and Japan. Economists caution that consumer prices could rise further from these steeper duties, and because exemptions for goods like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors could eventually end. Mr Trump has opened doors to levies on such sector-specific imports, injecting more uncertainty into the global economy and worries of supply chain snags. Underscoring these uncertainties, Mr Bessent said in a Bloomberg Television interview on July 15 that he tells markets not to worry about the August deadline when higher tariffs on Chinese goods are set to kick in. Analysts and Federal Reserve policymakers are monitoring if Mr Trump's tariffs will trigger a one-off price hike or cause more persistent inflation. This is despite Mr Trump insisting on July 15 in a separate post that the Fed 'should cut Rates by 3 Points'. 'Rising prices will make it harder for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates and tougher for families living paycheque to paycheque,' said Ms Heather Long, chief economist at the Navy Federal Credit Union. Mr Ryan Sweet, chief US economist at Oxford Economics, added that Mr Trump's latest tariff threats, if put in place, will take time to feed into inflation too. This 'will keep the Fed on the sideline unless the labour market takes a sudden turn for the worse', he said. AFP

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store