Business
Kantar Lighthouse 2023: Gen Z – unravelled
KANTAR Sri Lanka, hosted its annual knowledge-sharing event, KANTAR LIGHT HOUSE 2023, at the Kings Court, Cinnamon Lakeside and unravelled compelling insights around the young generation, Gen Z in Sri Lanka, through sessions that included key trends impacting the overall business landscape and their implications on brands.
The conference was attended by top leaders from a diverse range of brands present in Sri Lanka. The distinguished guests included CEO, Kantar APAC – Leung Cheong Tai, Executive Managing Director, Insights Division, Kantar South Asia – Deepender Rana, and the Executive committee of Kantar South Asia.
Head of Kantar Sri Lanka – Himalee Madurasinghe, emphasised the crucial necessity of comprehending the prevailing pulse of the people. She explained the myriad experiences individuals have undergone in recent years, leading to unprecedented shifts in behaviour. “The resultant impact on businesses has been profound, leaving little room for proactive planning or anticipation of these transformative changes. While certain sectors show positive momentum, the journey towards reclaiming past levels of achievements is anticipated to be gradual.”
Madurasinghe emphasised that the profound understanding of consumers remains a paramount concern, given the evolving landscape. “Notably, the emergence of Gen Z into the workforce introduces novel and intriguing behavioural patterns that demand thoughtful consideration from brands and their custodians”. In reaffirming Kantar’s commitment, Madurasinghe reiterated the company’s dedicated role as a facilitator for providing invaluable insights into these nuanced dynamics.
CEO, Kantar APAC – Leung Cheong Tai, shared insightful observations with the audience, shedding light on three overarching trends prevalent in the APAC region. With a succinct articulation, she outlined these trends as “Do more with less, Unlearn to build brands of tomorrow, and Do well by doing good.”
In his engaging address, Executive Managing Director, Insights Division South Asia – Deependra Rana, presented a compelling perspective on the integration of artificial intelligence within KANTAR, aptly titled “KANTAR and Artificial Intelligence – Future is Here”. Rana illuminated how this technology serves as a catalyst for “Generative AI = Humanizing EI (Enhanced Intelligence)”, ushering in a paradigm where AI enhances human capabilities.
The evening’s focal point was the exchange of information and insights encapsulated within the theme – GEN Z – Unravelled. Shevanie Senanayake and Nuwani Jayasuriya skillfully took the audience through a captivating presentation. “Gen Z, the demographic cohort aged between 11 to 26 years, took centre stage in our exploration, with a specific focus on those aged 15-26 for this study, constituting 23% of the population. These Gen Zers emerged as alchemists, reshaping the societal norms of Sri Lanka.
While Gen Z can sometimes be enigmatic, they represent a puzzle, embodying a complex and multi-faceted identity composed of various pieces that together form a cohesive whole. Our exploration delved into five distinct facets of this generation, casting light on their identity.” The facets categorised as Neo-Traditional, Aspirant, Go-Getter, Phygital (Physical and Digital), and Explorer, offered a nuanced understanding of Gen Z.
The study not only reaffirmed known behaviours but also unveiled new perspectives, empowering marketers and businesses to appreciate the significance of these findings for making informed decisions.
Gen Z and Gen Y make up 50% of Sri Lanka’s population with 25% being Gen Z. As per Kantar’s National Demographic and Lifestyle Survey (NDLS), Gen Z is present in 58% of our households and is not only influencing the buying power shift, but they are also a part of a large-scale cultural shift.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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