Latest news with #DoubleTree
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Tng dancers fly Sarawak flag high at Malaysia Open DanceSport Championships
TDA dancers pose with Chan (back row, third from right) at the 4th WDSF Malaysia Open DanceSport Championships. KUCHING (Aug 7): Tyng Dance Academy (TDA), which represented Sarawak, has made a breakthrough for the state at the 4th WDSF Malaysia Open DanceSport Championships held at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam from July 25 to 27. The competition, which featured elite dancers from across Asia, was held at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam from July 25 to 27. The TDA dance athletes emerged with a total of 44 podium placements including 10 gold, nine silver and six bronze medals. 'The 10-gold haul is one of the highest ever achieved by a Sarawak-based academy in national Dancesport history, marking a milestone not only for the academy but for the state's rising prominence in the performing arts. 'Every step we take is intentional because our goal has always been clear: to let Sarawak shine on the world stage through the strength of our people and our craft,' said TDA founder and principal Chan Tyng Tyng. Among the standout performers was Claudin Tay Jiayen, who dominated both the university and adult open solo Latin events, securing five gold medals. Eight-year-old prodigy Jovanna Goh Yi Xian bagged three gold medals with winning performances in Cha Cha and Jive events. Ariella Tang Chen Xin brought home one gold in Jive and a silver in Cha Cha Cha. In the Junior and Youth divisions, Jayda Chang Xu Ern and Trisha Yap Tai Qii, each earned multiple podium placements, earning national and international rankings under both the Malaysia DanceSport Federation and World DanceSport Federation. Also making the finalist roster were Amanda Goh Suk Min and Bong Ker Chien who performed across all Latin solo categories. 'We train to win, yes. But we dance to honour our home. To stand on the podium and lift the Sarawak flag — that feeling is worth every drop of sweat!' Claudia exclaimed. That spirit was hailed by Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, who extended his congratulations following the championships. 'We are proud to have athletes who don't just compete, they represent. These young dancers have shown what it means to fight for Sarawak through hard work, precision and pride. 'This is the kind of excellence we strive to build,' he remarked. TDA is aiming for a broader mission beyond the medals. Dance serves as a platform for cultural storytelling and youth empowerment. According to Chan, each movement and discipline is rooted in a system developed in Sarawak, one that combines world-class training with local values. 'TDA's continued dominance at national and international levels is no coincidence. Rather, it is the result of a studio culture built on values, excellence and identity, one that quietly positions Sarawak as a new force in the global performing arts arena,' she explained. The Kuching-based Tyng Dance Academy is an internationally certified dance institution under the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), United Kingdom and ComDance, Australia. It is a registered member of the Malaysia DanceSport Federation and the organising body behind two of East Malaysia's premier dance events: the Borneo Open International DanceSport Championships (BOIDC) and Dance for Love.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Four-star migrant hotel covers up Hilton branding after protesters targeted previous buildings
A four-star migrant hotel has covered up its Hilton branding after protesters targeted similar buildings. The DoubleTree by Hilton in Cranford, west London, closed itself off to its traditional clientele of tourists and business travellers in November after admitting a host of all-male migrants. Concerns were raised at the time about the hotel's close proximity to several schools. And bosses have now got rid of any sign that the DoubleTree was ever open to guests, obscuring several branded notices. Eerie pictures have shown grey boards covering signs which would have advertised the establishment to paying visitors in days gone by. Another attempt to banish the hotel's former identity saw a huge tarpaulin draped over a logo at the top of the building. Various signs across the car park and the establishment's entrance have now become just blank spaces. Rooms at DoubleTree hotels in the surrounding area cost between £91 and £260 a night. Photos from the west London building from last year show the establishment's luxury, including lush rooms and state-of-the-art facilities including a gym and restaurant. It is not clear whether migrants have access to these on-site perks. People attempting to book a room at the Cranford hotel online are greeted by a message saying that it is not available 'for those dates'. Many locals, including those of Asian descent, have panned the decision to move asylum seekers into the DoubleTree without prior warning. The hotel is leased by the Home Office through Clearsprings Ready Homes, whose boss Graham King has a whopping net worth of £750million and is known as the 'Asylum King'. The Daily Mail has approached Hilton for comment. It comes after asylum seekers appeared to have moved into glitzy four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, London under the cover of darkness. A coach full of suspected migrants was seen arriving at the establishment at around 1.40am on Saturday morning. Tower Hamlets Council confirmed the Government intends to use the hotel - which has around 500 rooms - for asylum seekers in a move that has angered anti-migrant protesters and guests whose bookings have been cancelled. Footage of the passengers getting off the coach showed they were all men, with the vast majority dressed in matching grey tracksuit tops and bottoms. They were helped by masked security guards, some of whom appeared to be wearing body cameras. Last week, workers were seen hauling beds and mattresses into the hotel in preparation for the arrival of 'hundreds' of asylum seekers. A barricade of metal fencing was placed around the hotel by the Metropolitan Police after anti-migrant demonstrators protested the plan for immigrants to be housed there. Met Police officers were called to the Britannia International Hotel last week amid warnings the 'discontent is real' in Britain. Footage on social media shows eggs were thrown, while a police helicopter was circling above as officers on the ground blocked the entrance to the hotel which has more than 500 rooms and is located on the waterfront of the South Dock. The Canary Wharf protest did not reach the violence seen in Epping, with YouTuber-types making up a large proportion of the crowd in preparation for any tension. Bosses have now got rid of any sign that the DoubleTree was ever open to guests, obscuring several branded notices The hotel pictured in a wider shot, with many signs now removed and a sheet covering the main bit of branding at the top However, there were still dozens of protesters - some wearing masks and others draped in St George's flags. One placard said: 'This is a peaceful protest to protect our own.' Counter-protesters also gathered outside the scene - and in one clip appeared to be escorted away from the hotel by police as protesters followed behind. Furious hotel guests have left damning reviews online, claiming they were told their stays were 'cancelled'. While guests claimed they were not given a reason for the cancellations, a spokesman for Tower Hamlets Council confirmed: 'We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. 'It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. 'We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.' A Home Office spokeswoman said: 'Since this Government took office, we have taken immediate action to fix the asylum system, removing more than 35,000 people with no right to be here in our first year. 'From over 400 asylum hotels open in summer 2023, costing almost £9million a day, there are now less than 210, and we want them all closed by the end of this Parliament. People attempting to book a room at the Cranford hotel, pictured in a general view shot, online are greeted by a message saying that it is not available 'for those dates' 'We will continue to work closely with community partners across the country, and discuss any concerns they have, as we look to fix this broken system together. 'In the interim, the security of the local communities within which hotels are located will always be our first priority.' Protests have broken out across the country this summer, with more than 150 gathering outside The Park Hotel, in Diss, Norfolk last week after the Home Office announced plans to change it from housing asylum-seeker families to single men. Trouble first broke out in Epping two weeks ago after Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the town by attempting to kiss her. He denies the charges. The protest started peacefully, but descended into frenzied violence when anti-migrant demonstrators clashed with counter protesters and police.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Four-star migrant hotel hides Hilton signs after asylum seekers arrive in apparent bid to hide use from protesters
A FOUR-star hotel given over to asylum seekers has taken down its Hilton signs — in an apparent bid to hide it from anti-migrant protesters. It was converted for all-male arrivals in November despite concerns from locals that it is near several schools. Advertisement 10 The DoubleTree name proudly on display 10 All sign of the hotel chain is erased Credit: Simon Jones 10 The hotel ahead of the asylum switch Credit: Supplied Now bosses at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Cranford, West London — a few miles from Heathrow — have removed all trace of its old identity, covering up the fact it ever hosted tourists and business travellers. Pictures show a large beige tarpaulin spread over a logo across the top of the building. Others have gone or been covered up from the entrance and car park area. Rooms at nearby DoubleTree hotels still open to the public cost between £91 and £260 a night. Advertisement And snaps from the Cranford hotel last August show off its comfy rooms along with a gym and restaurant, though it is unclear if either of those are available to asylum seekers. Its website simply tells guests trying to book that no rooms are available 'for those dates'. Handing the hotel to migrants without warning has been criticised by a host of locals, including many of Asian heritage. Umme Khanzada, who runs a local environment group, told The Sun on Sunday: 'The hotel has totally changed the community. Advertisement 'We are not against people coming to the UK or immigration, but the way this hotel has been opened is wrong.' The mum, 49, added: 'My daughter tells me they stare at her. I don't feel safe walking through the streets. I went out to the park and one of the migrants told me, 'This is our park. It's not your park anymore'. New migrant protest erupts as Home Office changes asylum seeker hotel plan 'I think they have covered the signs up to protect DoubleTree and Hilton's reputation.' Emails between residents and Hounslow Council show locals being told: 'This decision was made by the Home Office without prior consultation with the local authority, stakeholders, or residents. Advertisement 'We understand the frustration and uncertainty this has caused.' Last night ex-Tory minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke fumed: 'What the Government are doing quite frankly represents their utter failure on immigration. And the management of Hilton are taking the King's shilling from the Government, but they're not willing to let the public know that.' The DoubleTree is leased by the Home Office through Clearsprings Ready Homes. Its boss Graham King, dubbed the 'Asylum King', has a reported net worth of £750million. Advertisement 10 The DoubleTree tag on the outside of the building can be seen clearly Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 10 The DoubleTree tag has been hidden Credit: Simon Jones Hilton were approached for comment. In London, a coach full of asylum seekers arrived at a controversial four-star Canary Wharf migrant hotel in the middle of the night. Advertisement The Britannia International Hotel was closed to paying customers and converted into taxpayer-funded 'surge' accommodation for illegal arrivals last month. When open to the public, a standard room cost up to £425 — though it will cost the Home Office £81 a night. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun: 'This is one of the most luxurious hotels people can only dream of staying in, right in the heart of London's financial centre. This is an insult to law-abiding citizens.' The Government said: 'Since taking office, we have removed 35,000 people with no right to be here — up 28 per cent on the previous year. From 400 asylum hotels open in summer 2023, costing almost £9million a day, there are now less than 210. We want them all closed by the end of this Parliament.' Advertisement ROOMS at the DoubleTree in Cranford come with massive double beds and TVs, the hotel's snaps show. Some also have lounge chairs and tables where residents can sit and work, as well as grand dressing tables and mirrors. 10 Rooms come with massive double beds and TVs 10 Some also have lounge chairs and tables where residents can sit and work Advertisement ARRESTS AT DEMO CLASHES 10 Nine arrests were made after pro and anti-migrant groups scuffled at the Thistle City Barbican in Islington, North London Credit: Reuters 10 Similar scenes played out at the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle Credit: NNP 10 In Manchester, Britain First held a march calling for mass deportations Credit: AFP PROTESTERS clashed with police yesterday in demonstrations across the UK outside hotels housing asylum seekers. Advertisement Nine arrests were made after pro and anti-migrant groups scuffled at the Thistle City Barbican in Islington, North London. Similar scenes played out at the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle. In Manchester, far-right group Britain First held a march calling for mass deportations.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Four-star migrant hotel hides Hilton signs after asylum seekers arrive in apparent bid to hide use from protesters
A FOUR-star hotel given over to asylum seekers has taken down its Hilton signs — in an apparent bid to hide it from anti-migrant protesters. It was converted for all-male arrivals in November despite concerns from locals that it is near several schools. 10 The DoubleTree name proudly on display 10 All sign of the hotel chain is erased Credit: Simon Jones 10 The hotel ahead of the asylum switch Credit: Supplied Now bosses at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Cranford, Pictures show a large beige tarpaulin spread over a logo across the top of the building. Others have gone or been covered up from the entrance and car park area. Rooms at nearby DoubleTree hotels still open to the public cost between £91 and £260 a night. Read More on ASYLUM HOTELS And snaps from the Cranford hotel last August show off its comfy rooms along with a gym and restaurant, though it is unclear if either of those are available to Its website simply tells guests trying to book that no rooms are available 'for those dates'. Handing the Umme Khanzada, who runs a local environment group, told The Sun on Sunday: 'The hotel has totally changed the community. Most read in The Sun 'We are not against people coming to the UK or immigration, but the way this hotel has been opened is wrong.' The mum, 49, added: 'My daughter tells me they stare at her. I don't feel safe walking through the streets. I went out to the park and one of the migrants told me, 'This is our park. It's not your park anymore'. New migrant protest erupts as Home Office changes asylum seeker hotel plan 'I think they have covered the signs up to protect DoubleTree and Hilton's reputation.' Emails between residents and Hounslow Council show locals being told: 'This decision was made by the Home Office without prior consultation with the local authority, stakeholders, or residents. 'We understand the frustration and uncertainty this has caused.' Last night ex-Tory minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke fumed: 'What the Government are doing quite frankly represents their utter failure on immigration. And the management of Hilton are taking the King's shilling from the Government, but they're not willing to let the public know that.' The DoubleTree is leased by the Home Office through Clearsprings Ready Homes. Its boss Graham King, dubbed the 'Asylum King', has a reported net worth of £750million. 10 The DoubleTree tag on the outside of the building can be seen clearly Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 10 The DoubleTree tag has been hidden Credit: Simon Jones Hilton were approached for comment. In London, a coach full of When open to the public, a standard room cost up to £425 — though it will cost the Home Office £81 a night. Shadow Home Secretary The Government said: 'Since taking office, we have removed 35,000 people with no right to be here — up 28 per cent on the previous year. From 400 asylum hotels open in summer 2023, costing almost £9million a day, there are now less than 210. We want them all closed by the end of this Parliament.' ROOMS at the DoubleTree in Cranford come with massive double beds and TVs, the hotel's snaps show. Some also have lounge chairs and tables where residents can sit and work, as well as grand dressing tables and mirrors. 10 Rooms come with massive double beds and TVs 10 Some also have lounge chairs and tables where residents can sit and work ARRESTS AT DEMO CLASHES 10 Nine arrests were made after pro and anti-migrant groups scuffled at the Thistle City Barbican in Islington, North London Credit: Reuters 10 Similar scenes played out at the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle Credit: NNP 10 In Manchester, Britain First held a march calling for mass deportations Credit: AFP PROTESTERS clashed with police yesterday in demonstrations across the UK outside hotels housing asylum seekers. Nine arrests were made after pro and anti-migrant groups scuffled at the Thistle City Barbican in Islington, North London. Similar scenes played out at the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle. In Manchester, far-right group Britain First held a march calling for mass deportations.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Four-star migrant hotel hides Hilton signs after asylum seekers arrive in apparent bid to hide use from protesters
A FOUR-star hotel given over to asylum seekers has taken down its Hilton signs — in an apparent bid to hide it from anti-migrant protesters. It was converted for all-male arrivals in November despite concerns from locals that it is near several schools. 10 10 10 Now bosses at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Cranford, West London — a few miles from Heathrow — have removed all trace of its old identity, covering up the fact it ever hosted tourists and business travellers. Pictures show a large beige tarpaulin spread over a logo across the top of the building. Others have gone or been covered up from the entrance and car park area. Rooms at nearby DoubleTree hotels still open to the public cost between £91 and £260 a night. And snaps from the Cranford hotel last August show off its comfy rooms along with a gym and restaurant, though it is unclear if either of those are available to asylum seekers. Its website simply tells guests trying to book that no rooms are available 'for those dates'. Handing the hotel to migrants without warning has been criticised by a host of locals, including many of Asian heritage. Umme Khanzada, who runs a local environment group, told The Sun on Sunday: 'The hotel has totally changed the community. 'We are not against people coming to the UK or immigration, but the way this hotel has been opened is wrong.' The mum, 49, added: 'My daughter tells me they stare at her. I don't feel safe walking through the streets. I went out to the park and one of the migrants told me, 'This is our park. It's not your park anymore'. 'I think they have covered the signs up to protect DoubleTree and Hilton's reputation.' Emails between residents and Hounslow Council show locals being told: 'This decision was made by the Home Office without prior consultation with the local authority, stakeholders, or residents. 'We understand the frustration and uncertainty this has caused.' Last night ex-Tory minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke fumed: 'What the Government are doing quite frankly represents their utter failure on immigration. And the management of Hilton are taking the King's shilling from the Government, but they're not willing to let the public know that.' The DoubleTree is leased by the Home Office through Clearsprings Ready Homes. Its boss Graham King, dubbed the 'Asylum King', has a reported net worth of £750million. 10 Hilton were approached for comment. In London, a coach full of asylum seekers arrived at a controversial four-star Canary Wharf migrant hotel in the middle of the night. The Britannia International Hotel was closed to paying customers and converted into taxpayer-funded 'surge' accommodation for illegal arrivals last month. When open to the public, a standard room cost up to £425 — though it will cost the Home Office £81 a night. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun: 'This is one of the most luxurious hotels people can only dream of staying in, right in the heart of London's financial centre. This is an insult to law-abiding citizens.' The Government said: 'Since taking office, we have removed 35,000 people with no right to be here — up 28 per cent on the previous year. From 400 asylum hotels open in summer 2023, costing almost £9million a day, there are now less than 210. We want them all closed by the end of this Parliament.' ROOMS at the DoubleTree in Cranford come with massive double beds and TVs, the hotel's snaps show. Some also have lounge chairs and tables where residents can sit and work, as well as grand dressing tables and mirrors. 10 10 ARRESTS AT DEMO CLASHES 10 10 PROTESTERS clashed with police yesterday in demonstrations across the UK outside hotels housing asylum seekers. Nine arrests were made after pro and anti-migrant groups scuffled at the Thistle City Barbican in Islington, North London. Similar scenes played out at the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle. In Manchester, far-right group Britain First held a march calling for mass deportations.
