Latest news with #ChiangMai
South China Morning Post
17 hours ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
China doubles down on building telescopes in Thailand to monitor Earth using space signals
China has completed its first overseas new-generation radio telescope in northern Thailand , bolstering a global scientific network that monitors deep space signals and tracks subtle shifts in the Earth's rotation and tectonic plates. Advertisement The 13-metre (43-foot) radio antenna, jointly developed by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, was officially inaugurated in Chiang Mai on May 16, according to the observatory's WeChat account. Together with a second telescope under construction in Songkhla, southern Thailand, the station will enhance deep-space tracking and high-precision Earth monitoring, contributing to more accurate GPS, climate research and earthquake forecasting. 11:05 Space race elevates Asia in new world order Space race elevates Asia in new world order Ding Chibiao, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, described the Chiang Mai telescope as 'a role model of scientific cooperation between China and Thailand'. During the inauguration ceremony, he said its launch held special significance as the two countries marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Supachai Pathumnakul, permanent secretary of Thailand's higher education and science ministry, said the telescope reflected the growing scientific partnership between the two nations and would deliver high quality data for global research efforts. According to the Shanghai observatory, the project began with a memorandum of understanding in 2017. After years of delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic , the telescope captured its first signal in August last year. Advertisement By April, it had completed a full 24-hour observation session – including enhanced measurements of Earth's rotation – as part of a network of similar Chinese telescopes. The data met the expected precision benchmarks.
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Is there a ‘best country' for Singaporean Chinese to migrate to?
SINGAPORE: You might be considering moving to another country sometime in the future. While Singapore is one of the safest and most modern countries around the world today, some people might be interested in greener pastures elsewhere or may simply want to try out what a different culture has to offer. Also, with Singapore regularly making it on the top of 'most expensive places to live' lists, some may feel that other shores would simply be more affordable, such as the 39-year-old adjunct lecturer from the National University of Singapore (NUS) who lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but flies over once a week for his digital marketing class . In this article, The Independent Singapore takes a look at what countries may be best for Singaporeans of Chinese descent, with the Chinese being the largest ethnic group in the Little Red Dot. The simple answer is that there is no simple answer, as it depends on what a person looking to move is looking for. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to migration, including how well one fits with the culture and lifestyle of the country they're looking at, job opportunities, immigration policies, and support from the community, which is vital for anyone who migrates. See also Bored and broke, Vietnam migrants risk lives for riches in Europe Having said that, the most popular choices for Singaporean Chinese to migrate to include Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. However, Malaysia and other Asian countries are gaining ground in this aspect as well. Australia and New Zealand appear to be a preferred destination for Singaporeans for many reasons, with many already choosing to go to university in the Land Down Under. Both countries are more accessible than North America and Europe, and the landscapes, laid-back vibe, and slower pace of life, in comparison to Singapore, are attractive to many. Living costs are also lower in both countries. The US has also long been popular with Singaporeans, especially major cities such as San Francisco and New York, but this may change due to the country's immigration and student visa policies, as well as the cost of living, which is rapidly gaining pace with Singapore's. Canada might be a friendlier alternative, but for those used to tropical weather, its cold winters would be a challenge. See also Protests send Hong Kongers to Taiwan in search of new lives Historical ties and ease with language have made the UK a viable choice for Singaporeans, but, again, if the cost of living is a consideration, this would be a problem. Also, many countries in Europe are 'immigrant weary' at the moment. Aside from Malaysia, which may be the most obvious choice to many Singaporeans due to lower living costs and a shared culture, others have considered Indonesia and Thailand. The advantage of moving to another Southeast Asian country is that one can stay relatively close to home. And finally, there is China itself. The country is, after all, an economic giant and is making strides in technology, manufacturing, finance, and other fields. Many in Singapore may find China's siren call irresistible, with untold opportunities. /TISG Read also: Earning SG dollars, spending Thai bahts: S'poreans cheer the man who 'games the system' by living in Thailand but flies to SG once a week for work while enjoying a luxurious lifestyle
Independent Singapore
4 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Earning SG dollars, spending Thai bahts: S'poreans cheer the man who ‘games the system' by living in Thailand but flies to SG once a week for work while enjoying a luxurious lifestyle
SINGAPORE: To some in Singapore, Chen Shao Chun may just be a modern-day example of living one's best life. While the 39-year-old adjunct lecturer from the National University of Singapore (NUS) lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand, he flies over to the Little Red Dot once a week to show up for the students of his digital marketing class. Unbelievably, what he earns from that three-hour class is enough to support him and his wife, although his circumstances are probably very different from yours and mine. The former Google employee was featured in a CNBC piece earlier this month and has since gained a lot of attention. Mr Chen, 39, earns S$2,000 to S$4,000 monthly at his teaching gig. However, he also has a seven-figure portfolio of a cool US$2.6 million, which means he could afford to give up working full-time, which he did after getting laid off last year. 'I've been working for the last 14 years of my life, and because of the layoff, I was forced to take a break. It was very devastating, it was a huge blow to my ego, my identity, but it turns out, with time … it sort of mandated me to think [about] what I really wanted in life,' he told CNBC. See also Maid receives S$3.66M inheritance from her employer In addition to teaching, he has a side business as a coach and can charge clients as much as US$500 (S$645) per hour. His content on YouTube is yet another source of income. 'I'm gaming the system,' he said. He is also enjoying a more relaxed pace of life these days, being able to prepare breakfast for his wife, for example, instead of always being in a rush. Whereas when they lived in Singapore, they paid S$2,450 for their two-bedroom condominium, now they pay S$450 for a brand new one-bedroom condo, which is more luxurious, with several pools and a Pilates studio. The couple spends around S$400 a month on food and S$200 on transportation, and his weekly flight to Singapore costs around S$250 per round trip. While he's satisfied with life at the moment, he's also open to moving back to Singapore if the right opportunity arises. For some netizens, Mr Chen appears to be living the dream. 'Bro doesn't even need to come to Singapore to work for once a week, just chill and lepak there with his wife,' one Reddit user wrote. 'He may not have the job stability of a senior civil servant, but he sure is richer than any of them. Plus, all the money saved from free lunches. These things really add up,' another mused. 'He's happy. He isn't breaking the law. Inflation is happening by the second as we speak, so his 2.6 million portfolio is really not gonna be everlasting even if he makes passive income. If anything, he's gaming the last point to stretch his dollar by whatever benchmark is comfortable for him,' a commenter chimed in. Another summed it up succinctly: 'Bro worked with Google. Used his smarts to invest millions. Good for him.' /TISG Read also: Google employees track layoffs with circulating Google Doc as job cuts continue
South China Morning Post
24-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
China Airlines diverts Taiwan-Thailand flight to Hong Kong over abnormal signals
China Airlines diverted a Taiwan-to-Thailand flight to Hong Kong two hours after take-off on Saturday morning, reportedly citing abnormal mechanical signals. Authorities said the plane requested 'local standby' at Hong Kong International Airport at around 9am. The term refers to a situation in which an aircraft approaching an airport is known or suspected to have developed a defect, but the issue does not pose a significant difficulty in making a safe landing. 'The flight landed safely and the airport operations were not affected,' the Airport Authority said. Media reported that China Airlines flight 851, which left Taipei Taoyuan Airport at around 7.26am, was the flight involved. It was heading to Chiang Mai, Thailand. The carrier reportedly said the plane was diverted to Hong Kong for inspection under standard operating procedures due to abnormal mechanical signals.
Hospitality Net
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Arnaud Béril has been promoted Cluster General Manager at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Arnaud returns to Anantara Chiang Mai, where he was Food & Beverage Manager in 2015 and will oversee both northern Thailand Anantara properties. Arnaud joined Minor Hotels as an intern in 2010, rising through the ranks to hold several senior operations roles across the group's properties across Thailand, including Koh Phangan, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Chiang Rai. In 2022, he moved to Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort as Resort Manager and became General Manager a year later. During his tenure at Anantara Golden Triangle, Arnaud spearheaded projects to further elevate the resort experience, including the introduction of Canopy, A Tree Top Dining Experience; the launch of the Samsarn restaurant honouring Thai, Lao, and Burmese culinary heritage; and the newly-launched Mekong Explorer Tents. His elevation of the Anantara Golden Triangle guest experience earned him recognition as General Manager of the Year - Asia in 2024 at the Minor Awards of Excellence. A French national, Arnaud holds a bachelor's degree from the Institut Vatel Bordeaux Hospitality Management School.
