Daily Briefing: EZ-Link, Touch 'n Go launch dual-currency contactless card; Aura Group, Conduit House raised $82.07m for hotel upgrade

And Singapore carriers' pilots and cabin crew who are returning from overseas to be tested for COVID-19.

From ChannelNewsAsia:

Motorists who travel regularly between Singapore and Malaysia could soon find it more convenient to do so with the launch of a new dual-currency contactless card by Singapore's EZ-Link and Malaysia's Touch 'n Go.

The dual-currency cross-border card, which the companies say is a first for the region, will allow users to store both Singapore dollars and Malaysian ringgit in two electronic purses on the same card, EZ-Link said in a news release.

"The EZ-Link x Touch ’n Go Motoring Card offers motorists the convenience and flexibility of payment options in both countries," said the company.

The announcement came on the first day of the implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane and Periodic Commuting Arrangement at the Singapore-Malaysia border.

“With the Reciprocal Green Lane established between Singapore and Malaysia and now in operation, motorists can look forward to a gradual and phased resumption of cross-border travel between the two countries," said EZ-Link.

Read more here. 

From DealStreetAsia:

Singapore-headquartered fund manager Aura Group and real estate investment firm Conduit House have raised a $82.07m (US$60m) vehicle to invest in the refurbishment of The Montien Hotel Bangkok.

The Aura Conduit House Hospitality Fund 1, along with a side-car vehicle, will provide a structured credit investment to Tantakitt Company Limited, the operator of the five-star hotel.

Located in Silom, Bangkok’s central business district, The Montien Hotel Bangkok was opened in 1967 as the city’s first international standard five-star hotel.

Aura Conduit fund has assembled, structured and led the financing consortium including multiple institutional investors, Aura Group said in a statement.

The upgrade entails the refurbishment of its 500 rooms, construction of a 179-room serviced apartment and hotel, repositioning of an independent heritage-listed neighborhood retail mall, the introduction of destination dining and bars, and an integrated banquet and MICE space.

Read more here. 

From ChannelNewsAsia:

Pilots and cabin crew working for Singapore carriers will be routinely tested for COVID-19 from Aug 20 after they return from overseas, said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

This is on top of the health and safety protocols put in place earlier by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and CAAS.

However, air crew returning from places where travellers can serve their stay-home notice at their own accommodation will be exempt from the COVID-19 testing.

These include mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia, with the exception of the state of Victoria.

"Existing protocols have been effective in keeping air crew of Singapore carriers safe as there have been no positive COVID-19 cases among air crew of Singapore carriers for more than three months," said CAAS.

Read more here.