StarHub has introduced two new prepaid SIM cards, named “StarHub WeChat Go SIM”, specifically designed for Chinese tourists visiting Singapore. This launch is a collaboration between StarHub and WeChat.
The StarHub WeChat Go SIM aims to meet the connectivity needs of the increasing number of Chinese tourists. Data from the Singapore Tourism Board shows a 36% rise in tourists from China in 2016 compared to the previous year. A 2017 Hotels.com survey also revealed that Singapore is the top destination in the Asia Pacific region that Chinese travelers desire to visit within the next year.
Karen Ng, StarHub’s GM of Mobile Prepaid, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “Celebrating four years of collaboration with WeChat, we’re pleased to launch the StarHub WeChat Go SIM, making it readily available in China for travelers’ convenience. This partnership allows Chinese visitors in Singapore to effortlessly connect with anyone on a familiar app without worrying about high local data charges.”
WeChat also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with StarHub to provide Chinese travelers with an enhanced experience in Singapore. Through our network of partners like StarHub, we continuously strive to broaden WeChat’s ecosystem and offer our users more value-added services.”
The StarHub WeChat Go SIM offers users unlimited social messaging on WeChat. As of June 2017, WeChat and Weixin combined had 963 million monthly active users, solidifying its position as the leading social media app in China, according to Kantar.
Source: StarHub website. WeChat logo.
Users of the StarHub WeChat Go SIM can also enjoy complimentary access to the Lingcod TV mobile app. Developed by Sunway Media, a video streaming company, Lingcod TV offers more than 100,000 hours of high-definition Chinese movies, documentaries, and educational programs.
Luo Weiyu, CEO of Sunway Media, stated, “The launch signifies a milestone for Sunway Media, demonstrating our capacity for international research and development, marketing, and promotion. We are committed to collaborating with global partners to create innovative products and services for our users worldwide.”
Available in two options, the StarHub WeChat Go SIM provides local calls, SMS, and international direct dialing (IDD) credits. Users will also receive Happy Roam data, usable in 14 other countries. An upcoming feature will allow users to top up data and extend validity using credit cards and WeChat Pay through WeChat’s self-service mini-program.
Pricing details
Price
S$16 StarHub WeChat Go SIM
S$32 StarHub WeChat Go SIM
Validity
7 days of use
12 days of use
Unlimited local data access to WeChat and Lingcod TV
Yes
Yes
Local data bundle
7GB
15GB
Happy Roam data bundle for use across 14 overseas destinations
1GB
2.4GB
Local talktime
500 outgoing minutes with free incoming call
3000 outgoing minutes with free incoming call
Local SMS
Unlimited
Unlimited
IDD calls to China
60 minutes
150 minutes
Starting September 11, 2017, Chinese travelers can purchase the StarHub WeChat Go SIM through popular online travel platforms like Mafengwo, Tongcheng Tourism, and Qyer.com. Upon arriving at Changi Airport, they can activate the SIM card at any of the 15 UOB Currency Exchange Counters. The StarHub WeChat Go SIM will also be sold locally at StarHub Shops and 7-Eleven stores.
*Singapore Tourism Board, 13 April 2017, International Visitor Arrivals Statistics (PDF)
**Hotels.com, 2017, Chinese International Travel Monitor.
***Kantar, June 2017, China Social Media Impact Report 2017. The Weixin app is used by people who register for the WeChat app with a Chinese phone number, and the WeChat app refers to the international mode of the app, which people register for with a non-Chinese phone number.