The Business Times
business-time-50

Instagram reels, ‘passports’ and neon signs: Nanyang Poly students help heartland merchants attract younger consumers

In the annual Heartland Innovation Challenge, 14 merchants team up with students to co-create business solutions

Summarise
google-preferred-sourceAdd BT as a preferred source

Benjamin Liu

Published Wed, Sep 3, 2025 · 04:52 PM
    • FMAS president Yeo Hiang Meng (third from left) and Nanyang Polytechnic principal and CEO Russell Chan (fourth from left) viewing the prototype business solutions of a heartland merchant.
    • FMAS president Yeo Hiang Meng (third from left) and Nanyang Polytechnic principal and CEO Russell Chan (fourth from left) viewing the prototype business solutions of a heartland merchant. PHOTO: FMAS

    TO ATTRACT younger customers, heartland merchants are experimenting with Instagram reels of electric fans and passport-style loyalty cards, in collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic students.

    These were the winning ideas in this year’s Heartland Innovation Challenge, which ran from April till the award ceremony on Aug 29.

    Held annually since 2021 by the Federation of Merchants’ Associations, Singapore (FMAS), the challenge provides a platform for students and heartland enterprises to co-develop prototypes of business solutions.

    Singapore SMEsInnovationInstagram

    TRENDING NOW

    Eugene Lai (left) says that he was sharing a view with Tan Chian Khong that the board needed a refresh and that it was not an explicit direction to resign.

    CSE Global independent director quits after clashes with chairman Eugene Lai over board refresh

    The Open category COE rose S$2 to S$129,002.

    Cat A COE rate exceeds Cat B for third time in 4 months; premiums largely down

    Siranudh Scott had caused an internet sensation with a video accusing his brother of allegedly abusing him during his childhood years.

    ‘I felt like dying’: Thai Singha beer scion speaks up after disclosure of alleged sexual abuse

    The suspension at Manulife comes amid a broader, coordinated crackdown on cross-border wealth channels.

    Manulife pulls loan product for rich Hong Kong clients after scrutiny

    Latest T-bills Treasury Bills Results & Interest NewsLatest SSB Singapore Savings Bonds NewsLatest COE Certificate of Entitlement News
    Latest Johor-Singapore SEZ NewsLatest BTO Build To Order & Sales of Balance NewsLatest STI Straits Times Index NewsLatest SGX Dividends, Share Price NewsLatest Bonds Market NewsLatest Singapore Stocks To Buy NewsLatest Singapore Economy News
    View More