3 Tips to be Cyber Smart when Doing Online Purchases

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3 Tips to be Cyber Smart when Doing Online Purchases

As e-commerce has become increasingly popular for its convenience, with the implementation of online payment transaction, the opportunity for online fraud increases too. Thus, we have to practice good cyber safety & security in order not to fall into the trap of cyber criminals. Here’s 3 tips on how you can be cyber smart when doing online purchases:


1. Purchase only from Secured Websites

First of all, make sure to check and examine the site’s URL on the address bar. Does it start with a http or https? Did you see a closed padlock symbol next to the URL? Yes, it makes a difference as this helps you to determine if the site is secured and whether it has a registered SSL Certificate. If it’s https, it indicates that it’s a secured site and any information you key into the site (e.g. username and passwords or credit card details) will be encrypted.

Secondly, you also need to ensure that the URL link is legit, by checking if it consists the company name and/or if there’s any spelling errors (missing or extra letters) with your sharp eyes. Because unfortunately, sometimes even the phishing sites may use https and appear safe. In this case, although your data is encrypted, it’s still falling into the wrong hands.

Secured Site Comparison

Image Credit: GlobalSign

 

2. Think Twice before Purchasing if the Deal is Too-Good-To-Be-True

Stay cyber smart and be wary if you came across a deal on the site which is too-good-to-be-true, as the adage goes “if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is”. While there are many bona fide deals that can surely provide you with good value for money, you have to stay vigilant when the offers on websites sound unbelievable. Hidden costs may be incurred or you may inadvertently sign up for a monthly charge upon your purchase. Therefore, it’s also necessary for you to always read the fine print in any transaction, so as to understand the terms & conditions and not miss out on the important information which can impact your consumer rights.

 

3. Purchase with a Credit Card

Credit cards often have additional fraud protection and prevention as compared to debit cards. You’ll have more time and it’s easier to dispute fraudulent charges that you didn’t approve when you use a credit card, because the bank can withhold payment while the fraud case is under investigation. Whereas debit card withdraws cash from your account instantly even if the purchases or transaction is not made by you. Besides checking your bank statements, it’s also practical for you to review your credit card and bank accounts transaction history regularly to track if there’s any unauthorized payments, so that you can inform your bank immediately to rectify when you spot anything suspicious and unusual.

Bonus Tip to be Cyber Smart: Activate your credit card with 2FA (two-factor authentication) for all account logins and online transactions for additional security and protection.

 

Check out our Cyber Monday hotel promotions for the following events:

Self-Destruct or Self-Satisfied: Voice through Banksy Street Art

The well-known “faceless” British street artist Banksy pulled off a brilliant art stunt at the Sotheby’s Auction House in London, by shredding his renowned art piece “Girl with Balloon” through self-destruction right after it was sold for $1.4 million. His identity still remains a mystery till date. Banksy street art is usually satirical adding edgy dark humor to the graffiti with messages spreading across politics, philosophy and art, while some instill hope and advocate for peace. It is speculated that this Banksy-ed prank could have doubled up the value of the painting. Will Banksy be self-satisfied now after this whole self-destructing episode?


Finding the Voice through Interpretation of Banksy  Street Art


1. Don’t Lose Hope

Banksy Street Art: Girl with Balloon
Image Credit: Banksy

So, the aforementioned famous “Girl with Balloon” is Banksy’s most iconic graffiti in the South Bank, London. This Banksy street art illustrates a little girl losing her heart-shaped balloon which symbolizes loss, but with a ‘There is always hope’ message etched beside it, indicating that we should not lose hope in the midst of loss. If you do not succeed at first, do not give up and keep trying. Stay positive even when you’re faced with challenges. When there’s a will, there’s a way.


2. Don’t Be Egoistical

Banksy Street Art: What we do in life echoes in Eternity
Image Credit: Banksy

This piece of Banksy street art can be found at Queens, New York. It stencils a man erases a message ‘What we do in life echoes in Eternity’, depicting that we should do things in order to be a good person instead of to be remembered, although life is finite. It also indicates that our thoughts matter, our choices matter and our actions matter. We should always stay humble, and not be too full of ourselves.


3. Don’t Be Discouraged 

Banksy Street Art: Follow Your Dreams Cancelled
Image Credit: Banksy

This is yet another Banksy street art piece drawn at a low-poverty section of Chinatown, Massachusetts, Boston. It features an exhausted looking man holding a paintbrush with a painted ‘Follow Your Dreams’ phrase being overlay by a ‘Cancelled’ stamp, interpreting that sometimes our dreams are out of reach or we’re forced to give up following our dreams due to different circumstances such as financial issues or other hardships. However, we should never give up and continue to strive hard. Follow your dreams regardless of any discouragement or deterrence that may be in your way.


The Insights I’ve Gathered & Relevance To The Business

On a personal level, these three personal traits of staying hopeful, being humble and not being discouraged that we’ve interpreted through Banksy street art are powerful pillars to rely on when faced with challenges in daily life.

For Burnaby Solutions, in the competitive environment of hospitality service provision, we innovate in order to stay relevant. One direction the organization has taken to support Event Innovation is to develop and offer the Tradeshow Success Program in collaboration with tradeshow expert – Maarten Van Den Bos.

Follow us on LinkedIn to be the first to know more about this exciting program!



	




							
								

	

		Medical Fair Asia 2018 in 50 seconds	


	

		
Thanks to the evolution of medical technology that is seemingly coming fast and furious, together with emerging solutions and equipment, quality of life is improving, comprehensive healthcare is actualized in the home, and patients are able to monitor and address chronic conditions on-the-go.




Medical Fair Asia is the most definitive event in Southeast Asia’s for the medical and healthcare industry, showcasing new and innovative technologies, solutions, products and services. We’ve discovered the latest industry innovations at MFA 2018, demonstrated in the following videos below.






Ferno iN∫X™


The iN∫X™ is the world’s first Integrated Patient Transport & Loading System featuring an independent X-frame design that gives medics unprecedented flexibility in almost every situation, in order to eliminate lifting and prevent their risk of personal injury due to the nature of their everyday operations in EMS. It is designed to allow medics to navigate and overcome obstacles in diverse environments by using their thumb instead of their back, as well as enhances delivery of care by providing unique clinical care in multiple patient comfort positions.






Clinell Rediroom


Clinell Rediroom is the world’s first Instant Patient Isolation room. It is a temporary, mobile pop up isolation room that can be assembled around a bed space in less than 5 minutes, even with a patient in residence, intended to isolate patients to help prevent infections and reduce transmission opportunity to others. It comprises of two components; one main, reusable frame, which doubles as a PPE station, and a disposable, single-use canopy. The canopy will be disposed after each patient use, or after 14 days, reducing the risk of transmission.






Collaboration & Partnerships


Burnaby Solutions collaborated with Messe Duesseldorf Asia for this event by providing an event dedicated Online Hotel Reservation Solution & travel services support.




Benefits For Event Organiser (Messe Duesseldorf Asia)


    

  • Ease of working with 1 contact (Burnaby Solutions) to manage hotel & hospitality services
    • 

  • Gain more precious time to focus on other key events management responsibilities
    • 

  • Professional & reliable travel service – “Meet & Greet” for country delegation
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Benefits For Exhibitors, Visitors, VIPs / Speakers:


    

  • 24/7 event dedicated Online Hotel Reservation Solution with a good selection of hotels at competitive rates
    • 

  • Live chat online to inquire & resolve hotel booking arrangements
    • 

  • Convenience & networking opportunities for staying at recommended hotels
    • 



 


	




							
								

	

		Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention 2018 in 1.5 minutes	


	

		
Are you a cosplay enthusiast or a fan of comics, toys, games and anime? The Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC) is a fusion of the East and West’s pop culture. It is Singapore’s largest pop culture event that showcases your favorite superheroes, video games and anime characters in an entertaining and fascinating manner, which you don’t want to miss out. But fret not if you’ve missed it, we’ve got you covered in this 1 and a half minutes video capturing some of the fun and exciting elements of STGCC 2018.






Collaboration & Partnerships


Burnaby Solutions collaborated with ReedPOP for the Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC).


 


Collaboration Focus


    

  • Dedicated Online Hotel Reservation Solution for STGCC 2018
    • 





Hotel Partnership


With the international exhibitors & visitors expected; Burnaby Solutions partnered the following number of hotels in Singapore:


    

  • 3 Star Hotels: 5 hotels
    • 

  • 4 Star Hotels: 5 hotels
    • 

  • 5 Star Hotels: 5 hotels
    • 





Benefits / Outcomes




For Event Organiser (ReedPOP)


    

  • Ease of working with 1 contact (Burnaby Solutions) to manage hotel & hospitality services
    • 

  • 24/7 Dedicated online hotel reservation solution to support exhibitors, visitors & VIP / Speakers accommodation arrangements
    • 

  • Gain more precious time to focus on other key events management responsibilities
    • 





For Exhibitors, Visitors, VIPs / Speakers:


    

  • 24/7 Dedicated online hotel reservation solution
    • 

  • Live chat online to inquire & resolve hotel booking arrangements
    • 

  • Competitive room rates with good selection of hotels
    • 

  • Networking opportunities by staying at selected hotels
    • 



	




							
								

	

		Detect Spy Camera Like A Pro In 3 Simple Steps	


	

		
Have you ever wondered if you’re being watched when you’re staying at home rentals or hotels other than your own house? I believe everyone should know the dark side of staying at such places, when there have been several cases where hidden camera has been secretly installed. Hence, we have to stay vigilant and prevent our privacy from getting invaded at all times. It is better to be safe than sorry. As technology improves, these spy cameras and listening devices have become more readily hidden and disguised since they are getting smaller and noiseless. Therefore, an inch-by-inch thorough search around the apartment or room is necessary. Follow this 3 easy steps to detect spy camera like a pro.




Step 1: Darken the Room and Scan Thoroughly 


Switch off all the lights and draw all the curtains in the room to make sure the entire place is pitch dark. Once your eye is adjusted to the low-light conditions, scan around all the areas of the room carefully and spot for blinking red or green LED lights by using either your naked eye or mobile phone camera. With the mobile phone camera’s adjustment ability for light, it can detect any tiny lights emitting from any devices rapidly. Infrared light can also be seen on your mobile screen if there’s any night-vision camera around you.


Alternatively, you may also use flashlight and a toilet roll to find the hidden camera by holding the roll up to one eye and placing the flashlight at eye level next to the roll, while you slowly scan the room for the telltale reflective/white light. We often overlook what we think is obvious, so don’t miss out any obvious part as well. Remember to take a close look at your surroundings and give a detailed check at every area of the room.




Step 2: Pay Attention to Electromagnetic Wave


Hidden surveillance usually radiates a special radio frequency which would interfere with the phone call signal. Place a call on your mobile phone, then move or wave it around the suspected area where the device could be hidden to check for this telltale interference. If you notice any crackling or clicking sound from your phone speaker, it means that it might be interfering with an electromagnetic field, and it’s likely that the hidden camera is there.




Step 3: Conduct a Two-Way Mirror Test




a. Analyze the Mirror


Peer very closely into the mirror by pressing your eyes against it and cup your hands around your eyes to block out any light in the room. Alternatively, you may turn off the lights and use your phone’s flashlight to shine it directly and closely into the mirror. If it’s a two-way mirror, you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the other side.




b. The Sound Test


Tap on the mirror surface with your knuckle and listen carefully. If it’s a two-way mirror, you’ll hear an open, hollow and reverberating sound. A two-way mirror produces a bright or sharp tapping sound as compared to a dull flat sound from a normal mirror.




c. The Finger Test




Observe if there’s any gap between your finger and the mirror when you touched it. If it’s a real mirror, there will be a small gap between your finger and its reflection. If, however, it’s a two-way mirror there will be no gap at all. Your finger and its reflection will touch tip to tip.


 


Detect spy camera


Be the first to know, follow us on our LinkedIn page http://bit.ly/BurnabySolutionsLinkedin!


	




							
								

	

		Trade Show Success Experience	


	

		
With Burnaby Solutions’ focus to support & drive innovation for events through different channels of engagement, we have partnered Trade Show Success expert – Mr. Maarten Van Den Bos (from Bright Forever Consultants Pte Ltd) to head this Trade Show Success Program initiative.


Advancing forward with excitement & energy, the team at International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) kick started their Trade Show Success program in early August. The session was packed with key trade show success insights & excellent discussions amongst those present.




International Furniture Fair Singapore 2019 takes place at a new venue – Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 9 – 12 March 2019. Look out for an exciting, fresh & new eventful experience for all at IFFS 2019.


Exhibitors – Be the first to book your space!


Visitors – Mark your calendars!


International Furniture Fair Singapore 2019 link: https://www.iffs.com.sg/




Services & Benefits


Burnaby Solutions supported International Furniture Fair Singapore during March 2018 as the appointed hospitality service provider. Key partnership benefits for event organiser, exhibitors & visitors of International Furniture Fair Singapore 2018 include:


    

  • Ease of working with 1 contact (Burnaby Solutions) to manage hotel & hospitality services
    • 

  • 24/7 dedicated online hotel reservation solution to support exhibitors, visitors & VIP / Speakers accommodation arrangements
    • 

  • Live chat online to inquire & resolve hotel booking arrangements
    • 

  • Competitive room rates with good selection of hotels
    • 

  • Networking opportunities by staying at selected hotels
    • 



	




							
								

	

		Home Rentals or Hotel Stays: Your Choice	


	

		
Have any of you noticed that the initial concept of peer-to-peer home-rentals service is becoming increasingly commercialized? It is no longer a pure sharing economy, where the hosts rent out their own apartment or extra bedrooms. It is now shifted more towards a standardized service with hosts operating multiple locations. Due to this shift, the apartment listing is furnished in a more economical manner, and therefore the quality is being compromised. So, which one will you prefer? Choosing to stay in a hotel for convenience and comfort or to stay at a home rental apartment for cost-savings but compromising on the comfort level?  Below are 3 key points for your considerations if you can’t decide whether you should choose home rentals or hotel stays.




1. Quality Assurance 


Home Rentals: As there is no reception, room service or housekeeping, home rental apartment doesn’t provide you with the convenience you may need. You may also face the risk of getting a room quality and condition that is under your expectation due to unreliable or misleading and mismatch information from the hosts. Furthermore, you may also need to deal with some unaccounted-for issues independently, as the hosts may not provide you with the assistance you need. Another inconvenience is that there’s no place to store your luggage once you checked out.




Hotel Stays: In contrast, hotel provides you with a consistent quality and professional service. Additionally, you are equipped with amenities that you can enjoy. Assistance is just one call away if you encounter with any issues, since the reception is operating 24 hours daily and hotel staffs will be at your service. If you are hungry and too occupied with your work that you cannot afford the time to eat out, you can always order room service. You may be free of uncertainties and ensured with better night’s sleep because the quality and condition of hotel rooms will not be compromised. You may also leave your luggage at the counter after you’ve checked out to save you from any inconvenience.




2. Sense of Security


Home Rentals: Ever have the fear of not knowing what will happen if you got stranded in a foreign country especially in the middle of the night? Yes, this fear is amplified when you choose to stay in a home rental apartment, as there is history of guests being left stranded with no alternative solution provided to them. You’re completely at the mercy of your host, where he/she has the control to cancel your booking anytime. In addition, the apartment or room you rented may be lack of the safety and security regulations, and you may have to deal with the anxiety of having your privacy invaded.




Hotel Stays: As compared to staying in a hotel, where there is a reliable reservation process, you can have a peace of mind that your room reservation is guaranteed and binding. You don’t have to worry about being left stranded because hotels will never cancel on you, and even if it really happened, rest assured that the hotel will provide you with an alternative place to stay. Similarly, if there’s any issues with your room, you can request for a room changed.  Furthermore, hotels follow all the safety and security regulations strictly which will make you feel more secure.




3. Ideal Location


Home Rentals: The locations of available home rental apartments are usually in the suburb which may be too far off from the city center, and it may not be located in close proximity to the event venues as a hotel. The transportation is not as convenient compared to that of a hotel which is located at a more ideal area. The home rental online portal is lack of location accuracy, as it doesn’t show you the exact address or location until your booking is approved. Thus, the searching and booking process will be time and effort consuming for you to find an offer matching to your needs.




Hotel Stays: In comparison, hotels are generally situated in the ideal location for business meetings, events, sightseeing, and the restaurants and bars. Besides, the event itself might be held at the hotel as well. Your searching and booking process will be much easier and more instant where the exact location is stated clearly and accurately.


 


Giveaway


Good news everyone! You may stand a chance to enjoy a 1-night weekend stay in a deluxe room (inclusive of breakfast for 2) @ Village Hotel Katong, Singapore, by 31st Aug 2018. Check out how you can be the lucky contributor by following us on our LinkedIn page –http://bit.ly/BurnabySolutionsLinkedin


	




							
								

	

		3 ACTs to Improve Communication Skills for Business Success	


	

		
How many of you have a love-hate relationship with business travel? Many of us know it only seem glamourous on the surface, because unlike leisure travel, we don’t have the luxury of time to enjoy much and we’re usually alone during our business trip. We will be so tied up with never-ending meetings and tight schedules, and most of our time will be spent either at the airport or hotel. However, you may make your next business trip an exciting and unorthodox one by adopting these 3 ACTs to improve communication skills for business success.




1. Socialize and Communicate with “The Undercover Professors” [Action]


Do you know that there’s actually many “undercover professors” around you? They can be anybody. Find them! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone by striking up a little conversation with them to experience a different kind of excitement. Who knows you might learn something valuable and out of the norm in this casual chat with the stranger sitting next to you in the plane or in the airport waiting for flights while you’re on your business trip. You might even be surprised that he/she may be your potential clients/customers. This might seem somewhat unconventional, but life is always full of surprises, you will never find out till you give it a try on your next business travel.


Improve communication skills for business success




2. Seize the Chance to Improve Your Communication Skills [Communication]


If you’re not a social butterfly, the more you have to muster up your courage to interact and connect with people to practice and improve on your communication skills. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Especially in today’s digital world, technology has since taken over society and humanity. However, we should not let technology replace our “social skills”, “interpersonal communication”, “empathy”, “emotional intelligence” and “creativity”. Therefore, it is still imperative for you to master effective communication skills regardless of your job titles.




3. Leverage on LinkedIn to have an In-depth Knowledge of a Country [Technology]


Start using LinkedIn to professionally connect and socialize and meet new interesting professionals globally, via relevant connections with like-minded people. Once connected, you may initiate a short meet-up session over a cup of coffee or even lunch/dinner to have a more in-depth chat with the local professionals when you’re in a particular country. You might be surprised at how much knowledge you may gain over this simple meal with your new friend – i.e., the local culture and custom, business rules and the ways of world.




Network & Opportunities with Burnaby Solutions 


As a leading hospitality service provider – Burnaby Solutions has always been focused on creating networking & business opportunities via communications for our clients. Parties who have benefited from our collaborations & partnerships:




For Event Organizers, Exhibitors, Visitors, VIPs / Speakers


    

  • Offering of official hotel options: By staying at official hotels, it is more likely for parties to meet & communicate; thereby increasing network & business growth opportunities
    • 

  • Live chat online: Communicate with Burnaby Solutions online via our Live Chat to inquire & resolve hotel booking arrangements
    • 





Take the Challenge: Click the green chat icon on the bottom right – Chat with us live & we are here to assist!


	




							
								

	

		Singapore (Asia)-China International Consumer Electronics & Homeware Show 2018 in 35 seconds	


	

		
Are you a technophile? Have you been to this year’s Singapore (Asia)-China International Consumer Electronics & Homeware Show (ACES 2018)? It is the only all-inclusive consumer electronics fair in Singapore, exhibiting a wide range of electronics and household products. We’ve explored some interesting smart technology and electronics goods, summed up in this 35 seconds video for you!




Collaboration


Burnaby Solutions collaborated with ACES Operation Centre Singapore for this event; collaboration areas include:


    

  • Provide a dedicated Online Hotel Reservation Solution for ACES 2018
    • 

  • Provide hospitality service management for the Hosted Buyer Program covering the offer of air ticketing, local Singapore airport / hotel / airport transportation & local hotel stay in Singapore
    • 





For Event Organiser (ACES Operation Centre Singapore)


    

  • Ease of working with 1 contact (Burnaby Solutions) to manage hotel & hospitality services
    • 

  • 24/7 Dedicated online hotel reservation solution to support hosted buyers, exhibitors & visitors accommodation arrangements
    • 

  • Gain more precious time to focus on other key events management responsibilities
    • 





For Hosted Buyers, Exhibitors & Visitors


    

  • 24/7 Dedicated online hotel reservation solution
    • 

  • Live chat online to inquire & resolve hotel booking arrangements
    • 

  • Competitive room rates with good selection of hotels
    • 

  • Networking opportunities by staying at selected hotels
    • 



	




							
								

	

		Speciality and Fine Food Asia 2018 in 30 seconds	


	

		
Being a food guru, how can you possibly miss out on this Asian edition of London’s greatest gourmet event, Speciality and Fine Food Asia 2018? SFFA is a market-leading tradeshow which you can experience fine food & drink from around the world. If you’ve missed the event; we’ve got you covered – here’s a walkaround in 30 seconds!




Yamaguchi the Japanese Premium Food


Have you discovered this amazing Japanese fine food from Yamaguchi yet? Yamaguchi Prefecture is specialized in their local production of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and stockbreeding. We loved the honesty from both gentlemen in relating their love of the local produce, thumbs up!




 


Collaboration & Partnerships


Burnaby Solutions collaborated with Montgomery Asia for Specialty and Fine Food Asia 2018; held in Singapore.


Collaboration Focus


    

  • Dedicated Online Hotel Reservation Solution for Specialty and Fine Food Asia 2018
    • 



Hotel Partnership


With the international exhibitors & visitors expected; Burnaby Solutions partnered the following number of hotels in Singapore:


    

  • 3 Star Hotels: 3 hotels
    • 

  • 4 Star Hotels: 7 hotels
    • 

  • 5 Star Hotels: 1 hotel
    • 





Benefits / Outcomes


For Event Organiser (Montgomery Asia)


    

  • Ease of working with 1 contact (Burnaby Solutions) to manage hotel & hospitality services
    • 

  • 24/7 Dedicated online hotel reservation solution to support exhibitors, visitors & VIP / Speakers accommodation arrangements
    • 

  • Gain more precious time to focus on other key events management responsibilities
    • 



For Exhibitors, Visitors, VIPs / Speakers:


    

  • 24/7 Dedicated online hotel reservation solution
    • 

  • Live chat online to inquire & resolve hotel booking arrangements
    • 

  • Competitive room rates with good selection of hotels
    • 

  • Networking opportunities by staying at selected hotels
    •