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TFWA i.lab Asia: innovation in action TFWA i.lab Asia is located on the exhibition show floor within Level 1 of the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. It features a blend of returning companies and new names active in fields such as digital traveller engagement, in-store solutions, data analytics, sustainable and social initiatives, and services for travellers. C hina Trading Desk (Level 1 – i.lab 2) is a MarTech innovator specialising in bridging the gap between global brands and China’s dynamic consumer landscape. “We have been working with over 50 brands worldwide in the last six years,” explains Subramania Bhatt, Founder & CEO, China Trading Desk. “Headquartered in Singapore, with a strong presence in key cities like New York, London, Hong Kong and Shanghai, we empower businesses to extend their reach into the world’s second-largest economy.” The company has developed a two-pronged strategy to help international brands win the travel retail channel focused on Chinese travellers. “Firstly, meet China Travel Dashboard – a real-time analytics platform that delves into the multifaceted behaviour of Chinese travellers,” says Bhatt. “This tool combines real-time flight and booking data with qualitative insights gleaned from our proprietary surveys and consumer behaviour powered by UnionPay data, giving you a 360-degree view of your target demographic. With this proprietary data and our expertise in advertising to the right Chinese audience, we have one of the best- in-class solutions in the world.” Secondly, China Trading Desk has released an Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant uniquely tailored to the Chinese consumer market and its marketing landscape. “Drawing upon our exclusive insights, China Marketing Maestro integrates data from surveys of more than 40,000 Chinese travellers, along with over 300 analyses and reports on China,” Bhatt explains. “It also encompasses an extensive overview of marketing regulations, rules, and media specifics in China, offering marketers an all-encompassing resource to navigate and succeed in this dynamic market.” China Trading Desk’s services have been engaged by recognised brands, such as the European Travel Commission, LVMH Group, and McArthurGlen to name a few. “With our latest solution on the Chinese Travel Dashboard, we aim to further provide the most relevant information to our clients to help decide the best strategies and execution to attract Chinese travellers,” says Bhatt. The company’s primary objective in the TFWA i.lab Asia is to amplify its presence within the duty free & travel retail sector. “We aim to connect with potential partners, both brands and landlords, who are looking to effectively reach the Chinese traveller demographic,” Bhatt adds. “Our focus is laser-sharp: China and Chinese travellers. Our singular concentration, combined with our advanced, real-time China Travel Dashboard and Marketing Maestro AI Assistant, makes us an unrivalled solution for marketers aiming to maximise the ROI of their marketing efforts.” China Trading Desk: br idging the gap between global brands and China’s dynamic consumer landscape China Trading Desk is a MarTech innovator specialising in bridging the gap between global brands and China’s dynamic consumer landscape. • TFWA i.lab Asia is hosted in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. • Opening hours: 09:00-18:00 on 14-15 May; 09:00-17:00 on 16 May. • Location: Level 1, Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. • TFWA i.lab Asia pitch sessions take place on Tuesday 14 May from 14:30 to 15:30 and on Wednesday 15 May from 10:30 to 11:30 (Level 1, Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre). • A dedicated workshop hosted by Xiaohongshu takes place on Wednesday 15 May from 10:00 to 10:20 (Level 1, Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre). TFWA i.lab Asia at a glance