Latest news with #Peninsula
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Malaysian Bar's EGM on judicial independence dissolves over lack of quorum
KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — The Malaysian Bar's extraordinary general meeting (EGM), convened to debate urgent motions concerning judicial independence, was dissolved today after it failed to meet the required quorum of 500 members, The Star reported. Only 309 lawyers from the Peninsula — out of more than 24,000 members — turned up for the session, prompting the EGM's automatic dissolution under the Bar's rules. Bar Council president Ezri Abdul Wahab expressed disappointment over the outcome. 'We are disappointed as every EGM requires financial resources, and we aimed to address urgent issues on judicial independence,' he reportedly said. The Bar had intended to table and debate three motions, including one titled 'Judicial Independence' led by Ezri himself, and another that sought to 'hold the prime minister accountable for undermining public confidence in the judiciary,' proposed by senior lawyers Malik Imtiaz Sarwar and Surendra Ananth. A third motion focused on implementing fair minimum remuneration for pupils, raised by Goh Cia Yee and Vince Tan. Despite the dissolution, Ezri said the council would rely on a resolution passed during its annual general meeting in May, which empowers the leadership to act in defence of the judiciary. 'We will use the resolution to proceed with necessary actions. I cannot explain why members did not attend. We hoped younger lawyers would support the motion on remuneration for pupils, but that was not the case,' he told The Star. He added that many issues had already been addressed by the council, which might explain the low turnout. Bar Council vice-president Anand Raj said the lack of quorum should not be read as a sign of disinterest or distrust. 'It indicates our actions thus far have been sufficient and align with members' expectations. Those who attended wanted to contribute, but the majority have entrusted us with a broad mandate,' he said. The EGM had been called earlier this month amid concern over the impending retirement of Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who was nearing the mandatory retirement age of 66 at the time. Despite Saturday's setback, the Bar Council indicated it will press ahead with its efforts to uphold judicial independence based on its existing mandate.
Hypebeast
5 days ago
- Hypebeast
Hong Kong Luxe: Where to Stay, Eat and Drink in Ultimate Style
There's a version ofHong Kongthat only the clued-in get to experience. A city of sky-high rooftop lounges, multi-sensory degustation menus, harbour-facing penthouse suites, and experiences so discreet you have to know, to know. If you're curating a trip that leans more elevated escape than quick layover, this is your entry point. Hong Kong is levelling up in 2025 — this is how to do it right. There's no shortage of five-star hotels in Hong Kong, but the secret is finding those that offer more than just marble lobbies and city views. AtThe Upper House, on Hong Kong Island, serenity is the real amenity. Designed to feel more like a private residence than a hotel, its rooms feature natural timber and stone exteriors, with windows that overlook Victoria Harbour and deep bathtubs built for soaking in the skyline. Over the other side of the harbour, in Tsim Sha Tsui,Rosewood Hong Kongcontinues to redefine contemporary luxury. Eleven restaurants and bars, a next-gen wellness center and personalised butler service make it the epitome of indulgence. Book the Grand Harbour Corner Suite for something truly special. Then there'sThe Peninsula, the city's original 'grande dame.' Vaulted ceilings, its own Rolls-Royce fleet and a Roman-style pool that faces Hong Kong Island keep it in a league of its own. For something newly revitalised, theRegent Hong Kongis back after a major redesign, bringing 129 luxurious suites and a renewed focus on service. Each of these stays offers bespoke services, comfort and amenities that'll make it hard to check out upon your departure. If you're after once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Hong Kong awaits. Start on the water with a private yacht charter around the islands. Operators like Lazydays or Breakaway offer fully catered day cruises with omakase chef experiences, bespoke itineraries and luxury vessels. Time your sail with golden hour for a surreal view of the city. If you'd rather view from the sky, several luxury hotels — including The Peninsula — offer helicopter transfers and exclusive sightseeing flights directly from their rooftops, making the journey just as luxurious as the destination. And for those who want to dial things up, consider booking the André Fu Suite at The Upper House for sophisticated, private fine dining, or a wine tasting experience at one of Rosewood's premium dining venues. There's no such thing as a bad meal in Hong Kong, but there is such a thing as a next-level one. AtWING, Chef Vicky Cheng's modern Chinese tasting menus are carefully crafted. Ranked 20th on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, the fine dining restaurant reimagines nostalgic Chinese flavours with obsessive attention to detail. On a quiet corner of Sheung Wan,Racinesbrings modern French finesse to the table with a seven or nine-course dinner menu built around seasonal elegance and impeccable plating. Helmed by chef Romain Dupeyre, dining here feels intimate, thoughtful, and quietly confident. For something with fewer frills but just as much flavour, head to Yat Lok for its legendary roast goose. The skin crackles, the queues wrap around the corner, and the Michelin star speaks for itself. Sometimes luxury arrives on a plastic tray, rather than white linen. If a drink with a view is non-negotiable, start atOzone, the world's highest bar perched atop the Ritz-Carlton. But if you're more interested in flavour than floor level,ARGOat the Four Seasons is the place to go. Its concept focuses on innovation, with unique spirits and cocktails that read like a design experiment. Down in Soho, Bar Leone brings Rome to Hong Kong with cracking cocktails and a warm, neighbourhood vibe. It's earned the title ofAsia's Best Bartwice, yet carries itself with casual ease. There are theatrics here, just happy locals and excellent drinks. For something more exciting, suss out the Social Club Series. A favorite amongst the city's 'it' crowd, these pop-ups are an evolving mix of daytime parties with curated music and secret locations. No matter the location, the energy is always high and you can walk away early without a hangover. If you're looking to immerse yourself in Hong Kong's cultural scene, you're spoilt for choice. What makes this city truly exceptional is how seamlessly tradition and experimentation coexist, often within the same the museum of visual culture in West Kowloon, expect bold exhibitions that span design, moving image, digital media, conceptual art and photography — all within a striking Herzog & de Meuron-designed space that's become a creative hub for the region. A short ride across the harbour,Tai Kwunrepurposes the city's Former Central Police Station Compound into a cultural destination. Part heritage site, part open-air gallery, it's the perfect hosting space for exhibitions, performances, screenings and installations. There's alsoPMQ, which has long championed emerging design with fashion labels, artisans and concept stores hidden throughout its immense corridors. And for something immersive, Xiqu Centre offers a sensory deep dive into Cantonese opera and Chinese theatre in a venue equally as impressive as the performances. Round things off atThe Peak. Yes, it's a popular landmark for tourists. Yes, it's busy. But as the sun sets and the city lights up below, it still earns a place on any curated itinerary — especially when you see it as a kind of living, breathing art gallery. Hong Kong is a city that never stops evolving and where luxury is as much about knowledge as it is about access. Whether you're here for a week or a long layover, this is the version of Hong Kong worth exploring. For more inspiration and to start planning your own elevated Hong Kong itinerary, visit the Discover Hong Kongwebsite.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Powerful 7.3 earthquake rocks Alaska — scientists say more are coming
A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck offshore of Alaska's Peninsula region on July 16, 2025, at 12:37 PM local time, prompting immediate tsunami warnings and evacuations across multiple coastal communities. Hitting 55 miles south of Sand Point, Alaska, the earthquake was felt across a vast area, extending from the immediate epicenter to major cities like Anchorage and Juneau. The earthquake's effects varied dramatically across Alaska's expansive coastline. In tiny Sand Point, the closest community to the epicenter with about 600 residents, locals reported objects flying from pantries and shelves as the ground shook violently. Homer residents described the motion as "mild rolling" with lamps and plants swaying gently. Despite the significant magnitude, luckily, no major structural damage has been reported in communities nearest to the earthquake's source. Alaska tsunami warning issued — then revoked The human response was swift and coordinated. Within minutes of the earthquake, the National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning covering a 700-mile stretch of Alaska's southern coast. Communities from Sand Point to Unalaska quickly activated evacuation procedures, with residents moving to higher ground as a precautionary measure. Video footage on social media showed orderly evacuations in Seward, where tourists and locals alike walked uphill to safety zones. (Alaskan residents are pretty good at this by now!) "We have seen other earthquakes in the area that have not generated significant tsunami waves, but we're treating it seriously and going through our procedures," explained Jeremy Zidek, spokesperson for Alaska's emergency management division. The tsunami warning initially covered communities from 40 miles southwest of Homer to Unimak Pass, affecting major population centers including Kodiak (population 5,200), King Cove (870 residents), and Unalaska (4,100 residents). The U.S. Coast Guard evacuated personnel at its Kodiak base to higher ground as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, the Alaska earthquake generated only minimal water level changes and damage reports remained surprisingly minimal. Sand Point Police Chief Benjamin Allen confirmed no damage to critical infrastructure, including the airport and harbor. The most notable damage occurred at the Alaska Commercial general store, where about half of the alcohol aisle crashed to the floor, creating what manager Vickey McDonald described as a "horrendous" smell from broken bottles of barbecue sauce, pickles, and other liquids. This limited damage pattern reflects both Alaska's experience with seismic activity and the earthquake's offshore location, which reduced the intensity of ground shaking in populated areas. The warning system also worked as designed — officials downgraded the tsunami warning to an advisory within an hour, and completely canceled all alerts by 2:45 PM. The advisory system warned people to stay away from beaches and waterways until the all-clear was given. More earthquakes possible — even likely Naturally, travelers and residents should prepare for continued seismic activity in the region. The U.S. Geological Survey's Aftershock Forecast indicates that at least one magnitude 6 or greater earthquake is possible within the next week, with smaller earthquakes highly likely to continue for the foreseeable future. This prediction reflects the nature of major earthquakes, which typically generate extended sequences of aftershocks as surrounding rock formations adjust to their new stress patterns. While most aftershocks will be smaller than the main event, some can still be significant enough to cause additional concern. For travelers planning visits to Alaska's southern coast, it's important to understand that this region remains seismically active. The Alaska Earthquake Center works continuously with communities to provide tsunami hazard information and evacuation procedures. Visitors should familiarize themselves with local emergency procedures and evacuation routes, particularly in coastal areas. Lastly, this Alaska earthquake serves as a reminder of the state's position in one of the world's most seismically active regions. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred in this area in March 1964, when a 9.2-magnitude earthquake devastated Anchorage and generated a tsunami that killed more than 250 people. Modern monitoring systems and community preparedness have significantly improved since then, as demonstrated by the coordinated response to yesterday's event. The Alaska Earthquake Center provides ongoing monitoring and community education, helping ensure that future earthquakes can be managed with the same effectiveness demonstrated during this latest event. Hopefully, we can stay lucky into the future.
Business Standard
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Bangalore Watch Company™ Enters GPHG 2025, the Oscars of Luxury Watches
NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], July 16: Bangalore Watch Company™, a luxury watch brand based in India, has entered the 2025 edition of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) - widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the world of watchmaking. Two watches from the brand's Peninsula Professional collection, launched earlier this year, have been submitted for consideration: Peninsula Agumbe in the Sports category, and Peninsula Mannar in the Challenge category. Before the formal nomination was submitted, the GPHG jury independently put forward the Peninsula collection - an early and significant recognition for the brand. "This is an incredibly proud moment for us," said Nirupesh Joshi, Co-Founder of Bangalore Watch Company. "Since we founded the brand in 2018, our aim has always been to elevate watchmaking from India to global standards, and this recognition by the GPHG jury is a huge pat on the back for the work that the team has put in over the years. It shows that our work is being noticed globally!" The Peninsula Professional collection was launched in April 2025 as a celebration of India's geographic diversity. With watches celebrating the Himalayas, the Oceans, and the Western Ghats, the brand has positioned the Peninsula collection as an all-purpose outdoor watch. The watches are built for 200 Meters of water resistance, made of a unibody surgical-grade steel case, with Sapphire crystal housing. The watches are also powered by highly accurate Swiss Automatic movements. "The Agumbe with its deep green dial draws from the dense rainforests of the Western Ghats. And the Mannar is a limited-edition with a dial made from a rare black mother-of-pearl, inspired by the ancient pearl diving tradition of the Gulf of Mannar. We're really thrilled to present these watches to the GPHG jury this year." said Mercy Amalraj, Co-Founder of the brand. "India is becoming a fast-growing market for Swiss luxury watches; it almost feels like a coming of age when Indian customers appreciate luxury watches. All eyes are on India at the moment. However, this recognition for a small brand like ours is a sign that India should not just be viewed as a consumer of luxury watches but has the potential to produce brands that can be appreciated globally for our storytelling, design, and world-class craftsmanship," added Joshi. Bangalore Watch Company™ produces world-class, luxury wristwatches from India. Each collection, produced in limited numbers, tells stories from the Indian Air Force, Indian space program and others from modern-India. Founded in India's watchmaking ground-zero in 2018, the brand has built an enthusiastic following around the world with patrons in over 30 countries.
Fashion Value Chain
16-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Bangalore Watch Company™ Enters GPHG 2025, the Oscars of Luxury Watches
Bangalore Watch Company™, a luxury watch brand based in India, has entered the 2025 edition of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genve (GPHG) – widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the world of watchmaking. Two watches in Agumbe Two watches from the brand's Peninsula Professional collection, launched earlier this year, have been submitted for consideration: Peninsula Agumbe in the Sports category, and Peninsula Mannar in the Challenge category. Before the formal nomination was submitted, the GPHG jury independently put forward the Peninsula collection – an early and significant recognition for the brand. 'This is an incredibly proud moment for us,' said Nirupesh Joshi, Co-Founder of Bangalore Watch Company. 'Since we founded the brand in 2018, our aim has always been to elevate watchmaking from India to global standards, and this recognition by the GPHG jury is a huge pat on the back for the work that the team has put in over the years. It shows that our work is being noticed globally!' The Peninsula Professional collection was launched in April 2025 as a celebration of India's geographic diversity. With watches celebrating the Himalayas, the Oceans, and the Western Ghats, the brand has positioned the Peninsula collection as an all-purpose outdoor watch. The watches are built for 200 Meters of water resistance, made of a unibody surgical-grade steel case, with Sapphire crystal housing. The watches are also powered by highly accurate Swiss Automatic movements. 'The Agumbe with its deep green dial draws from the dense rainforests of the Western Ghats. And the Mannar is a limited-edition with a dial made from a rare black mother-of-pearl, inspired by the ancient pearl diving tradition of the Gulf of Mannar. We're really thrilled to present these watches to the GPHG jury this year.' said Mercy Amalraj, Co-Founder of the brand. 'India is becoming a fast-growing market for Swiss luxury watches; it almost feels like a coming of age when Indian customers appreciate luxury watches. All eyes are on India at the moment. However, this recognition for a small brand like ours is a sign that India should not just be viewed as a consumer of luxury watches but has the potential to produce brands that can be appreciated globally for our storytelling, design, and world-class craftsmanship,' added Joshi. About Bangalore Watch Company™ Bangalore Watch Company™ produces world-class, luxury wristwatches from India. Each collection, produced in limited numbers, tells stories from the Indian Air Force, Indian space program and others from modern-India. Founded in India's watchmaking ground-zero in 2018, the brand has built an enthusiastic following around the world with patrons in over 30 countries.
