Latest news with #STB
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Independent Singapore
What makes Singapore home? Locals share the small, sacred things
Photo: Wikipedia/CC SINGAPORE: A thread on r/Singapore started with a simple question: 'What are some things in Singapore that feel truly local?' The answers that followed didn't just reveal what makes this country unique — they revealed what makes it lived-in. One popular reply summed it up plainly: 'Being able to go downstairs at any point in the night, feel safe, find some food, and leave my stuff on a table without fear.' It's the kind of mundane magic that's easy to forget — until you leave. Another user recalled a cracked path behind Ngee Ann Polytechnic — wedged between a drain and an old fence, used by night walkers and overgrown by rain-soaked branches. One day, without fanfare, it was fixed. Then lit. Not just lit — floodlit — because conventional lampposts wouldn't fit. That kind of infrastructural attention, they noted, doesn't happen in most places. And they're right. In many cities, 'good enough' is the norm. Here, 'good enough' sometimes gets rebuilt overnight. However, perhaps the most poignant reflections came from a Malaysian who had lived in KL, Hong Kong, and now Singapore. Their verdict? 'The most uniquely Singaporean thing is the HDB void deck.' Not because it's grand. Because it isn't. It's where a Malay wedding and a Chinese funeral can happen within metres of each other. Where kids revise for exams, uncles drink and debate, and cats nap on stone benches. They added something else: 'I hope STB never tries to make the void deck a tourist attraction.' That quiet fear of losing authenticity in the name of showcasing it speaks volumes. Singapore's soul, it turns out, doesn't glow in neon. It flickers in fluorescent, in corners where the world doesn't look, and locals don't perform. It is both ordinary and irreplaceable. () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
India.com
a day ago
- Business
- India.com
Mukesh Ambani launches JioPC, what is this game-changer device? How to use it? What are the recharge plans? Get all answers here
Jio Platforms, a company that is a part of Reliance Industries, has introduced a new cloud-powered virtual desktop service called JioPC. This service essentially converts a normal set-top box into a fully functional personal computer. The JioPC service can be used with any compatible TV linked to a Jio set-top box. The company is offering JioPC for free to users through a waitlist. According to the official website of Jio, JioPC is a virtual desktop service. It is like having a computer in the cloud, delivered over the internet. You can use it through your Jio Set-Top Box (STB) by connecting a keyboard and mouse. It is ideal for browsing, running productivity apps, educational tools, attending online classes, and more. It is affordable, requires low upfront cost, and eliminates maintenance or upgrade worries since everything is managed in the cloud. Plus, one's data remains secure even if your set-top box is damaged or replaced. All users need to do is buy a keyboard and mouse, then choose a monthly subscription plan. This is definitely a distinctive offering with a PC-like interface on a smart TV via a monthly or multi-month payment. Customers no longer need to purchase a separate computer. Their TV will be transformed into a computer. All they must have is a Jio Home connection and a Jio Set-Top Box (STB) connected to a mouse and keyboard. By using JioPC, customers can transform their TV into a functional computer and accomplish a variety of tasks. Everything from online classes to web surfing can be performed. Jio claims that all user data is prolifically stored in the cloud. So even if the set-top box breaks or needs to be replaced, the data will still be safe and available. To start using a JioPC, a customer needs: A JioFiber or JioAirFiber connection with a set-top box (STB). A keyboard and mouse. An active JioPC subscription. Based on the information stated on Jio's official website, JioPC has 8 GB of RAM and 100 GB of cloud storage. The system runs on the Ubuntu (Linux) operating system. The This setup claims that it is ideal for browsing, online learning, programming, design and productivity applications. CPU: 4 CPU RAM: 8 GB Storage: 100 GB Cloud Storage Usage: Unlimited Operating System: Ubuntu (Linux) 'Your JioPC is a virtual desktop that is running in the cloud and streamed to you over the internet. You will be disconnected from the virtual desktop if you lose internet connectivity. Your work will continue to be securely stored on the cloud, and you can reconnect within the idle time (15 mins) to pick up from where you left off. After the idle time passes, your JioPC virtual desktop will be shut down and all unsaved work will be lost,' the website reads. At the moment, JioPC's site contains five subscription plans. The least expensive plan is Rs599 (+ GST), and it has a validity of one month. It includes unlimited usage, 8GB RAM, and 100GB storage. The second plan priced at Rs 999 (+ GST) includes two months validity with unlimited usage and includes 8GB RAM and 100GB of cloud storage. The third plan prices Rs 2,499 and is included with 8 months validity, includes 8GB RAM, and includes 100GB of storage. The fourth product prices Rs 4,599, and provides 15 months validity, unlimited usage, includes 8GB RAM, and includes 100GB of storage. The last plan is a special offer priced at Rs 1,499, gives 4 month validity with unlimited usage, includes 8GB RAM, and includes 100GB data.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
STB's ecoGreenPlanet hits 62 pct of tree planting target at PNR Miri
(Holding banner, from second right) Dennis, Yii, and participants commemorate the programme with a group photo. MIRI (July 19): Over 6,000 trees have now been planted across Sarawak under the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) ecoGreenPlanet initiative. Following the planting of 2,500 seedlings at Piasau Nature Reserve (PNR) here, the initiative has reached 62 per cent of its target to plant 10,000 trees by 2027. Speaking at the tree planting event at PNR yesterday, STB chairman Dato Dennis Ngau said the effort reflects a deeper commitment to sustainability beyond mere rhetoric. 'Today is not only about planting trees. It is about planting hope, partnerships, and accountability. 'It is about showing the world that Sarawak doesn't just talk about sustainability – we act on it,' he said. He added that Piasau Nature Reserve, with its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, serves as a fitting location to reaffirm Sarawak's pledge to environmental responsibility. The ecoGreenPlanet initiative was launched in 2023 in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), as part of the state's broader environmental goals under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. Previous planting activities were also carried out at Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary and Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, where the trees planted are estimated to offset more than 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the next 10 years. 'Every seedling represents our belief that tourism can, and must, be a force for good,' Dennis emphasised. This year's planting also forms part of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 sustainability programme, which includes initiatives such as a shuttle bus system to reduce emissions and solar-powered charging stations and lighting supported by Sarawak Energy Berhad. 'Through the Rainforest World Music Festival, we are leading by example and showing what sustainable tourism can look like in action,' he concluded. Also present was Miri Mayor Adam Yii. ecoGreenPlanet Piasau Nature Reserve Sarawak Tourism Board tree planting
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Express
Oceanman makes a return this Sunday
Published on: Friday, July 18, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 Text Size: Participants of a previous Oceanman Malaysia event with their medals. Kota Kinabalu: Oceanman, the world's premier open-water swimming endurance event, is set to return to Sabah with the second edition of Oceanman Kota Kinabalu on July 20 (Sunday), in the waters of Pantai Dalit, Tuaran. The competition will challenge swimmers of all ages and abilities to test their limits against the backdrop of the breathtaking Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu's coastline. Advertisement The event will feature a range of distances, including the Sprint 2km, 5km, 10km 500-metre relay race, as well as the Oceankids 500-metre race, catering to swimmers of all levels. Participants can expect a unique and unforgettable experience, swimming in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. The event will also showcase the beauty and diversity of Sabah's marine life and ecosystems. 'We are thrilled to bring Oceanman to Sabah for the second time, after last year's successful event,' said Azura Zainol Abidin, Event Director of Oceanman Malaysia. 'Kota Kinabalu offers an incredible setting for this world-class event, and we are confident that it will be a resounding success yet again,' Azura added. In its first chapter last year in October, Oceanman Kota Kinabalu welcomed 200 participants. This year, Oceanman Kota Kinabalu is welcoming 592 participating swimmers from 39 countries around the world, signifying a strong sign of global interest and engagement in the sport. This open water swimming event challenges these swimmers to test their swimming capabilities in an open sea setting, as opposed to within the constraints of a swimming pool. In addition, this global event is also expected to contribute to the local economy and tourism industry in Sabah. 'We are organising an exciting, enjoyable open water swimming series under a cleverly branded umbrella for swimmers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds,' says Race Director Amirizal Ishak. 'This event is perfect for a 'swimcation' with the whole family. The support from Tourism Malaysia and the Sabah Tourism Board will be instrumental in making the Oceanman event a mainstay as a Sabah event. Hopefully, Oceanman will offer an exciting new experience for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) believes the event can help strengthen Sabah's reputation as a leading sports tourism destination in Malaysia. 'As the host venue for Oceanman Malaysia these three years (2024-2026), we are excited about the potential this event holds for positioning Sabah as a prime destination for sports tourism,' he said. Oceanman has also proven to be an inclusive sporting event welcoming participants as young as 7 years old and as old as 70 on top of an Inspiration Category for swimmers with disabilities. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore tourism receipts edge down 0.1% in Q1
[SINGAPORE] The city-state's tourism receipts (TR) marginally fell 0.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 to S$8.07 billion, from S$8.08 billion in the year-ago period. This came as international visitor arrivals rose 0.1 per cent year on year (yoy) to 4.31 million, just a touch above 4.30 million in Q1 2024, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) figures showed on Wednesday (Jul 16). On a quarterly basis, visitor spending grew 9.4 per cent, from S$7.4 billion in the final quarter of 2024. 'Singapore's tourism sector continues to perform steadily,' said an STB spokesperson. Major components mixed The largely consistent TR performance in Q1 2025 came as major components made mixed showings compared with the same quarter in the preceding year. Expenditure on food and beverages (F&B) increased the most yoy, up 14.1 per cent to S$1.3 billion. This was followed by accommodation, where TR rose 6.5 per cent to S$1.4 billion. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The 'other components' segment – which includes spending on airfares on Singapore-based carriers, port taxes, local transportation, business, medical, education and transit visitors – was also up 4.1 per cent to S$2.5 billion. In contrast, shopping TR slowed 2.5 per cent to S$1.3 billion; and the sightseeing, entertainment and gaming (SEG) component moderated 16 per cent compared with the corresponding 2024 period. But STB noted that the first quarter of last year 'featured an exceptional line-up of events', including the Singapore Airshow 2024 and Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour concerts. Singapore hotels' average room rates, revenues, and occupancy for Q1 2025 similarly fell on a yearly basis. Quarter on quarter, the higher TR was due to growth in spending across all major components except shopping, where TR declined marginally. F&B expenditure picked up most on a quarterly basis, at 16.9 per cent. China drives receipts By market, Mainland China remained the top TR generator for Singapore tourism in the Q1 2025, contributing S$1.3 billion in revenue, excluding the SEG segment. This was up 9.3 per cent from its S$1.2 billion contribution to TR in Q1 2024. 'Mainland China's top TR-contributing market position is consistent with its strong IVA (international visitor arrival) performance in Q1 2025, boosted by the 30-day mutual visa exemption and the Chinese New Year peak travel season,' said the STB spokesperson. China was the source of 831,472 tourists to Singapore in the quarter. In Q1 2025, Indonesia (S$719.8 million) and Australia (S$538 million) were the second and third-largest contributors to TR respectively. The US (S$474.6 million) and India (S$342.9 million) rounded out the list of Singapore's top five TR-generating markets. Indonesia was the origin of 640,259 visitors; 312,218 came from Malaysia; 308,124 arrived from Australia; and 261,456 hailed from India. Among these key markets, Australia and the US both recorded strong TR growth of nearly 15 per cent yoy, which the STB spokesperson attributed to robust spending on accommodation and F&B. The spokesperson also pointed to F&B as a strong growth driver in general, with eight of the top 10 markets recording yearly growth in this segment in Q1 2025. This growth, they said, reflects 'Singapore's growing appeal as (a) culinary destination, and follows STB's launch of a marketing campaign in October 2024 to position Singapore as a culinary capital, showcasing the city's vibrant, diverse and innovative food scene to a global audience'.
