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Black Country Day Live on BBC Radio WM from Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill-Dudley

September 2, 2026

Black Country Day Live on BBC Radio WM from Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill-Dudley

14 July marked the annual Black Country Day celebration, and this year a number of activities were organised on the Waterfront at Brierley Hill, where Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill-Dudley sits. BBC Radio WM asked the hotel to host an outside live broadcast of the Ed James show from 10.00am to 2.00pm, and the hotel was glad to oblige.

A Studio in a Patio Pod

Ed James hosted his entire show from the hotel patio overlooking the Waterfront, with the broadcast desk set up inside one of the hotel’s wooden patio pods. BBC Radio WM is one of the largest regional radio stations in the United Kingdom, and the show ran live across the four hours.

Drinks and dishes from the menu on a midweek night out at Beast & Butterflies.

Guests on Air

Ed welcomed local guests through the morning, among them Councillor Pete Lowe, Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Adam Aston, Deputy Mayor of Dudley, and Councillor Patrick Harley, Leader of Dudley Council. They were joined by The Fizzogs, local historian John Homer, and Stuart Fleming, General Manager of Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill-Dudley, to talk about what the Black Country means to listeners across the region.

Presenter Ed James greets Councillor Patrick Harley, Leader of Dudley Council, at the pod.
Presenter Ed James greets Councillor Patrick Harley, Leader of Dudley Council, at the pod.
Ed James with the Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill-Dudley team beside the BBC Radio WM banner.
Ed James with the Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill-Dudley team beside the BBC Radio WM banner.

Why 14 July

In 2014, a unified festival brought together the boroughs of Dudley, Wolverhampton, Walsall and Sandwell in a single celebration. The first of its kind, it grew from a desire to acknowledge the cultural heritage, history and continuing evolution of the Black Country, and it began an annual tradition of looking back at the past while recognising the region’s present and future.

14 July is Black Country Day because it marks the anniversary of the world’s first commercially successful steam engine, the Newcomen atmospheric engine, invented by Thomas Newcomen in 1712. First installed at the Coneygree Coal Works in Tipton, the engine allowed miners to pump water out of deep coal mines and effectively started the Industrial Revolution. The Black Country is known as the birthplace of that revolution, and takes its name from the colour of the sky in the 1700s and 1800s, when smoke from hundreds of chimney stacks burning coal across the region turned it black.

A live DJ sets the pace every Wednesday evening from 6.00pm at Beast & Butterflies.
Flags fly over the Waterfront at Brierley Hill under clear skies on Black Country Day.

Lok Lok Skewers and a September Pour at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore

September 2, 2026

Lok Lok Skewers and a September Pour at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore

Two very different evenings have taken hold Two offers are running at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore this month, and they sit at opposite ends of the same evening. One is a hands-on Penang street food spread at Princess Terrace. The other is a cold, alcohol-free glass for anyone joining the September celebrations without the beer.

A Taste of Penang, One Skewer at a Time

Princess Terrace brings the flavours of Penang to the table with its Lok Lok and street food favourites. Diners choose from a selection including Tiger Prawns, Mini Abalone, Cuttlefish, Sliced Pork Belly, Ngoh Hiang and Prawn Wontons, alongside mushrooms, vegetables and more from the Penang buffet spread. Picks are cooked fresh by the chefs, then eaten with an assortment of punchy homemade dipping sauces.

The usual price is S$80++ for adults and S$40++ for children aged 6 to 12. MyMillennium member and major credit card discounts apply.

Swekers representing the best of Penang flavours
A selection of flavours as part of the Taste of Penang buffet

A Refreshing September Pour

Blended with honey syrup, fresh lemon juice and sparkling water, this alcohol-free mocktail is bright, gently sweet and refreshingly fizzy. It is priced at S$8++ per glass, against a usual price of S$12++, and is available at Princess Terrace, Tien Court and Connections Lounge.

The Social Butterfly is now a monthly affair at Beast & Butterflies, and previous editions have sold out quickly, so early booking is encouraged. Further details for both evenings are available on the M Social Hotel Singapore website.

Find out more

A live DJ sets the pace every Wednesday evening from 6.00pm at Beast & Butterflies.

Sip Happens: Penang Flavours in a Glass at M Social Resort Penang

September 1, 2026

Sip Happens: Penang Flavours in a Glass at M Social Resort Penang

The George Town Sour, finished with pandan-infused whipped cream and a sprinkle of palm sugar.
The George Town Sour, finished with pandan-infused whipped cream and a sprinkle of palm sugar.
The bartender strains a cocktail to order during Sip Happens at M Social Resort Penang.
The bartender strains a cocktail to order during Sip Happens at M Social Resort Penang.

M Social Resort Penang has turned the early evening into an occasion with Sip Happens, a cocktail experience served daily at The Social Hub and Breezy Bites. The list leans on the island itself, with local ingredients running through the signature drink and a set of familiar favourites alongside it.

The George Town Sour

Leading the selection is the resort’s new signature cocktail, the George Town Sour, a tropical-inspired creation that captures the flavours of Penang with a modern twist. It is crafted with spiced rum, fresh calamansi juice, gula Melaka syrup and pandan-infused whipped cream, then finished with a fresh pandan leaf garnish and a sprinkle of palm sugar, delivering a balance of citrus, sweetness and local flavour in every sip.

Beyond the Signature

Other highlights include the Tequila Sunrise, a classic blend of tequila, grenadine syrup and orange juice, and the Social Shot, a mix of vodka, lemongrass-infused syrup, lime juice and brown sugar. The selection also features crowd favourites such as Test Tube Baby, Screwdriver, Gin Fizz and Mojito.

The Tequila Sunrise, layered with grenadine and finished with orange and rosemary.
The Tequila Sunrise, layered with grenadine and finished with orange and rosemary.
Final touches on the Tequila Sunrise before it leaves the bar.
Final touches on the Tequila Sunrise before it leaves the bar.
The Social Shot, a lemongrass and lime mix served under a veil of smoke.
When and Where

Sip Happens is available daily from 6.00pm to 9.00pm at The Social Hub and Breezy Bites, with cocktails at RM48 nett per glass. Whether catching up with family, spending time with friends, or simply unwinding after a long day, the invitation is to sip, chill and stay social at M Social Resort Penang.

Find out more

Sundown Yoga Becomes a Monthly Fixture at Studio M Hotel Singapore

August 31, 2026

Sundown Yoga Becomes a Monthly Fixture at Studio M Hotel Singapore

A single yoga session at Studio M Hotel Singapore on 1 August drew enough demand to change the calendar. Sundown Yoga now returns every month, held at Breeze on Level 2, where the mats go down on the pool deck as the light drops.

An Evening Built Around the Sunset

The sunset session offers an opportunity to unwind, recharge and reconnect in an outdoor setting. In-house guests join complimentary, while members of the public can take part for S$15. Participants also receive a complimentary drink at MEMO Cafe and 20 per cent off their meal after the session, which makes it an easy way to wind down, refuel and carry the evening on.

The next session takes place on 5 September 2026 at Breeze, Level 2, with further dates to follow monthly. It is an invitation to gather a few friends, roll out a mat and take the evening at a slower pace.

Participants hold tree pose on the pool deck at Breeze, Level 2, as the light fades.

Singles Mixers and Ladies Nights at Beast & Butterflies

August 31, 2026

Singles Mixers and Ladies Nights at Beast & Butterflies

Two very different evenings have taken hold at Beast & Butterflies, the riverside restaurant at M Social Hotel Singapore. One brings strangers together over ice-breakers and canapes. The other gives a midweek night out back to groups of friends. Both have proved popular enough to earn a permanent place in the calendar.

The Social Butterfly Singles Mixer

Following the response to previous editions, The Social Butterfly Singles Mixer returned to Beast & Butterflies at M Social Hotel Singapore on 27 July 2026 in partnership with Lunch Actually, one of Asia’s leading matchmaking companies. The event welcomed singles aged 25 to 45 for an evening of conversation, curated ice-breaking games, a canapés buffet spread and one complimentary drink.

The collaboration met with an enthusiastic response, with guests embracing the opportunity to meet like-minded people beyond the usual dating apps. The success of the event reflects the growing demand for authentic, in-person social experiences.

Guests mingle over ice-breakers at The Social Butterfly Singles Mixer, held at Beast & Butterflies.
Guests mingle over ice-breakers at The Social Butterfly Singles Mixer, held at Beast & Butterflies.
A host opens the evening for guests seated across the riverside restaurant.
A host opens the evening for guests seated across the riverside restaurant.
The canapés buffet laid out for the evening at Beast & Butterflies.
The canapés buffet laid out for the evening at Beast & Butterflies.

Ladies Night at Beast & Butterflies

Every Wednesday from 6.00pm, ladies can enjoy specially priced drinks at S$10++ while a live DJ sets the mood with upbeat tunes through the evening. The choice runs to Mimosa, Prosecco or Rossini, paired with dishes from the menu and the atmosphere of the riverside restaurant.

Whether it is a catch-up with friends, a midweek celebration or simply a reason to step out, Ladies Night is an easy excuse to relax and enjoy good company.

A live DJ sets the pace every Wednesday evening from 6.00pm at Beast & Butterflies.
A Mimosa and a Prosecco meet across the table on a Wednesday evening at Beast & Butterflies.
Mimosa, Prosecco or Rossini, all at S$10++ on Wednesday evenings.

The Social Butterfly is now a monthly affair at Beast & Butterflies, and previous editions have sold out quickly, so early booking is encouraged. Further details for both evenings are available on the M Social Hotel Singapore website.

Find out more

Drinks and dishes from the menu on a midweek night out at Beast & Butterflies.

Nineteen Oil Paintings Turn Millennium Hotel Taichung Into a Gallery

August 31, 2026

Nineteen Oil Paintings Turn Millennium Hotel Taichung Into a Gallery

Millennium Hotel Taichung has given over its public spaces to Abundance in Flow, a solo exhibition by the Taiwanese artist Emily LIU. On view through 3 January 2027, the exhibition presents 19 oil paintings inspired by flowers, mountains, flowing water and abstract landscapes, transforming the hotel’s public spaces into a walk through nature and art.

Colour, Layer and Light

Inspired by the changing beauty of the natural world, Emily LIU’s works reflect the continuous rhythm of growth, transformation and renewal. Richly layered colours, expressive brushstrokes and luminous compositions create immersive landscapes that evoke vitality, serenity and hope.

Gentle Brightness, one of nineteen oil paintings on view in the hotel's public spaces.
Gentle Brightness, one of nineteen oil paintings on view in the hotel's public spaces.

Art in the Public Spaces

Integrated into the hotel’s surroundings, the exhibition offers guests the chance to encounter art in a relaxed and intimate setting. Whether staying at the hotel, sitting down to a meal, or simply passing through, visitors are invited to pause and find a moment of inspiration where contemporary art and hospitality meet.

Luminous Summer Tide and Reflections of Tai'an Hot Springs hang in the hotel's public spaces.
Luminous Summer Tide and Reflections of Tai'an Hot Springs hang in the hotel's public spaces.

A Longer Conversation With Nature

Drawing on years of artistic exploration, Emily LIU’s creations extend beyond the depiction of nature, offering reflections on the passage of time, the energy of the natural world and the enduring connection between people and their surroundings. Works on view include Ninety-nine Peaks, Caotun, Taiwan, Reflections of Tai’an Hot Springs, The Northeastern Coast of Taiwan I and II, Gentle Brightness, Luminous Summer Tide and New Born・Redefine. Each painting invites quiet contemplation, and the exhibition remains in place well into the new year for those who want to return to it more than once.

New Born・Redefine, one of the abstract works in Emily LIU's solo exhibition.
New Born・Redefine, one of the abstract works in Emily LIU's solo exhibition.

How a Framed Drawing Made a Young Guest’s First New York Stay

August 31, 2026

How a Framed Drawing Made a Young Guest’s First New York Stay

When a guest arrived at Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square in July with his 12-year-old daughter, Aaradhya Sunder, the pair had travelled from Singapore for the World Children’s Festival. What they did not know was that the hotel team had picked up on a small but meaningful detail in their earlier correspondence and prepared a thoughtful surprise in the room ahead of their arrival. 

A Detail Noticed in Advance

The night before the arrival, the team discussed the family’s requirements and decided to upgrade them to the Times Square suite. Vikram Sardana, General Manager and VP of Operations, New York, suggested going further. Aaradhya is an artist, and her work, The Artist-Athlete, was framed and placed in the suite before the family arrived.

A Check-In Handled in Person

George Jacob, Rooms Manager, watched for the family in the lower lobby and recognised them as they approached the lifts. He escorted them to the upper lobby, handled the check-in personally, offered a late check-out, and walked them back to the guest lifts, deliberately saying nothing about the framed artwork so that it would still be a surprise. Twenty minutes later he made a welcome call to check that everything was in order. Colleagues across the team, the concierge among them, supported the arrangements throughout.

A Note Left Behind

Aaradhya wrote to the team before leaving, addressing her note to Vikram, George and the wider hotel team, and left a small magnet from Singapore alongside it.

Thank you for making my first night in America so special.
– Aaradhya Sunder, guest at Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

Her father wrote separately to say that the framed artwork had made his daughter feel not merely accommodated, but seen and celebrated. For a hotel in the middle of Times Square, it is a reminder that the details worth remembering are usually the small ones, decided the night before.

Three Race Weekend Stays in the Heart of Singapore

August 31, 2026

Three Race Weekend Stays in the Heart of Singapore

Singapore’s race season fills the city each year, and three Millennium Hotels and Resorts properties have built two-night stays around it. Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, Studio M Hotel Singapore and M Social Hotel Singapore each offer a two-night package pitched at guests who want the atmosphere of the weekend without giving up a comfortable base.

Ultimate Race Weekend Stay at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore

Conveniently accessible to the city’s race festivities, this two-night package combines premium comfort with race-inspired experiences. Guests enjoy a complimentary upgrade to a Premier Room, subject to availability, race-themed welcome amenities and turndown service, a limited-edition Racer Otter plushie, and access to an exclusive Race Merchandise Retail Booth.

The package also includes a range of dining privileges, among them 1-for-1 race-themed cocktails and Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge, 1-for-1 dining at Food Capital, and 1-for-1 Epicure Sunday Brunch on 11 October 2026. Beyond the racing, guests can unwind with complimentary Saturday yoga sessions, explore the Singapore River by bicycle or on foot, take a one-way heritage shuttle to nearby attractions, and use lifestyle privileges including discounts at Prime Padel, Grand Shanghai, Party World KTV and J’s Salon & Medi Spa. Bookings run to 17 October 2026, for stays from 22 September to 19 October 2026.

Find out more

Race-themed welcome amenities at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, for illustration only.

Race & Recharge at Studio M Hotel Singapore Where race day meets rest day. Available exclusively for a minimum two-night stay, the package includes a stay in a Loft Room, daily breakfast buffet for two at Breeze, and evening refreshments at MEMO Café with free-flow Prosecco, wine, beer, coffee and tea from 5.00pm to 7.00pm, alongside a complimentary chef’s selection of house snacks. Guests also receive 30 per cent off dining at MEMO Café and race-themed chocolates on check-in. Bookings are open from 20 July to 17 October 2026, with stays from 29 September to 20 October 2026, making this a way to combine the adrenaline of race weekend with a city getaway. Find out more

Long-exposure light trails set the tone for Race & Recharge at Studio M Hotel Singapore.

The Pit Stop at M Social Hotel Singapore

Designed exclusively for Loft Room stays of a minimum two nights, The Pit Stop includes a breakfast buffet for two at Beast & Butterflies, evening drinks with free-flow Prosecco, wine, beer, coffee and tea from 5.00pm to 7.00pm, and a complimentary chef’s selection of house snacks during the same period.

Guests also enjoy 30 per cent off dining at Beast & Butterflies and race-themed chocolates on check-in. Bookings are open from 20 July to 17 October 2026, with stays from 29 September to 20 October 2026, moments from where the action happens.

Find out more

The breakfast buffet at Beast & Butterflies, included for two with The Pit Stop package.
The breakfast buffet at Beast & Butterflies, included for two with The Pit Stop package.
Free-flow Prosecco from 5.00pm to 7.00pm, part of the evening wind-down at M Social Hotel Singapore.
Free-flow Prosecco from 5.00pm to 7.00pm, part of the evening wind-down at M Social Hotel Singapore.

How Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai Looked After Its Team in July

August 31, 2026

How Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai Looked After Its Team in July

Two initiatives ran at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai in July, both organised by the hotel’s Human Resources team and both held in the Al Garhoud Ballroom. The first looked inwards, offering colleagues a free eye screening. The second looked outwards, bringing the Dubai Health Authority on site for a blood donation campaign.

A Free Eye Test for Colleagues

On 13 July 2026, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai held a Free Eye Test Campaign for its colleagues. The initiative provided hotel employees with convenient access to professional eye screening services, supporting early detection and encouraging colleagues to take proactive steps towards maintaining their eye health.

The campaign was designed as part of the hotel’s ongoing commitment to employee welfare, creating opportunities for colleagues to benefit from wellness-focused programmes within the workplace. Throughout the day, team members from various departments took part in the examination sessions, receiving professional guidance and recommendations to support their overall health and comfort.

Team members from across the departments wait their turn at the eye screening in Al Garhoud Ballroom.
Our colleagues are the heart of our success, and their health and well-being remain one of our top priorities. Initiatives such as the Free Eye Test reflect our commitment to creating a supportive workplace where our team members have access to resources that contribute to their personal wellness. We appreciate the Human Resources team for organizing this initiative and continuously finding meaningful ways to support our colleagues.
– Simon Moore, General Manager, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
A colleague has his vision checked by a visiting specialist during the free eye test campaign.

Fifty-One Donors for the Dubai Health Authority

Ten days later, on Thursday 23 July 2026, the hotel hosted a Blood Donation Campaign in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority. The campaign ran in the Al Garhoud Ballroom from 9.00am to 2.00pm and was organised by the Human Resources team as part of the hotel’s ongoing efforts to encourage colleagues to contribute to initiatives that create a positive impact within the community.

A total of 51 team members from Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai took part as blood donors, contributing to the Dubai Health Authority’s efforts in maintaining an adequate blood supply to support patients in need.

Colleagues give blood during the Dubai Health Authority campaign in Al Garhoud Ballroom.
At Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, we believe our responsibility extends beyond delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. Supporting initiatives that positively impact the wider community is an important part of our values. We are incredibly proud of our colleagues who volunteered to donate blood and contribute to a cause that has the power to save lives. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all participating team members, as well as to Majid Al Ali, Director of Human Resources & Government Relations, and the HR team for their dedication in organizing this meaningful campaign.
– Simon Moore, General Manager, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
Donors settle in for the session, which ran from 9.00am to 2.00pm on 23 July.
Located in Al Garhoud, minutes from Dubai International Airport, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai continues to build a workplace where care for colleagues and care for the wider community sit side by side.
Colleagues pause for a photograph beside one of the donors during the campaign.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Takes Home Ten Trophies and Team of the Year

August 26, 2026

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Takes Home Ten Trophies and Team of the Year

Millennium Hotels and Resorts took ten awards at the 14th Loyalty & Engagement Awards, announced at a gala dinner at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore on 20 August 2026. Four gold, three silver and three bronze, spread across card-based loyalty, regional campaigns, partnerships, events, user-generated content and social media.
Four Golds
Gold went to MyMillennium: The Card That Opens More in Best Card-based Loyalty Programme, and to MyMillennium: Membership Reimagined in Best Loyalty Strategy – Membership Programme. Loyalty Across Southeast Asia Through Stays and Dining took gold in Best Regional Loyalty Campaign. The fourth gold was Team of the Year – Brand, awarded to the team behind the work rather than to a single campaign.
Gold for MyMillennium: Membership Reimagined in Best Loyalty Strategy, Membership Programme featuring Cinn Tan, Chief Commercial Officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts
Gold for MyMillennium: Membership Reimagined in Best Loyalty Strategy, Membership Programme featuring Cinn Tan, Chief Commercial Officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts
The team collects gold for Best Card-based Loyalty Programme at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
The team collects gold for Best Card-based Loyalty Programme at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
Gold for Loyalty Across Southeast Asia Through Stays and Dining in Best Regional Loyalty Campaign.
Gold for Loyalty Across Southeast Asia Through Stays and Dining in Best Regional Loyalty Campaign.
Three Silvers

Partnerships With Purpose: Building a Global Loyalty Ecosystem at 30 took silver in Best Loyalty Strategy – Collaborative Partnerships. #YesMillennium: Where Guests Tell the Story was recognised in Best Use of User-Generated Content. A Thousand Ways to Belong took silver in Best Use of Emotional Loyalty Strategy.

Silver for Partnerships With Purpose in Best Loyalty Strategy, Collaborative Partnerships.
Silver for Partnerships With Purpose in Best Loyalty Strategy, Collaborative Partnerships.
Silver for #YesMillennium: Where Guests Tell the Story in Best Use of User-Generated Content.
Silver for #YesMillennium: Where Guests Tell the Story in Best Use of User-Generated Content.
Silver for A Thousand Ways to Belong in Best Use of Emotional Loyalty Strategy.
Silver for A Thousand Ways to Belong in Best Use of Emotional Loyalty Strategy.
Three Bronzes

Where Members Belong took bronze in Best Use of Events. MHR30: A Multi-Touchpoint Loyalty Engine for the Next 30 Years was recognised in Best Loyalty Strategy – Travel & Hospitality. Turning Passive Audiences Into Active Brand Participants took bronze in Best Use of Social Media.

Bronze for Where Members Belong in Best Use of Events.
Bronze for Where Members Belong in Best Use of Events.
Bronze for MHR30 in Best Loyalty Strategy, Travel & Hospitality.
Bronze for MHR30 in Best Loyalty Strategy, Travel & Hospitality.
Bronze for Turning Passive Audiences Into Active Brand Participants in Best Use of Social Media.
Bronze for Turning Passive Audiences Into Active Brand Participants in Best Use of Social Media.

Taken together, the ten awards cover the full breadth of the programme, from the card in a member’s wallet to the partnerships, events and social channels that surround it.

A selfie between categories at the Loyalty & Engagement Awards 2026.
About the Loyalty & Engagement Awards

Run by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, the Loyalty & Engagement Awards is the only event in the Asia Pacific region focused completely on customer loyalty and engagement, with entries sought from across South Asia, Southeast Asia and ANZ. The 2026 edition, its 14th, opened 53 categories covering broader vertical engagement bases and loyalty schemes.

Entries are open to any client company, public, private or NGO, and to partners or agencies entering on behalf of their clients. The awards seek to give merit to the most effective, innovative and deserving consumer-centric programmes and strategies, and are judged by an independent panel of senior, client-side marketers.

The team at the awards backdrop on the night of the gala dinner.
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