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Travelers have been returning to the Maldives in steadily increasing numbers since mid-July due to its successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Its remote location and strict health guidelines, set by the Maldivian Ministry of Health, have made it one of the safest remote areas of the world. The Maldives is currently open to visitors from all countries, and travelers will find their journey to be safe and comfortable.  A Health Declaration Form must be filled out and submitted online 24 hours prior to their flight, and then visitors must present a negative PCR test issued within 96 hours prior to the departure from their original destination.  As The Standard is a “one island, one resort” paradise – all guests will be exempt from the 14-day quarantine.  The Maldivian government recently announced, “The Maldives Border Miles Program.”  The program is the first loyalty program of its kind anywhere in the world, awarding travelers into the country with discounts, privileges and other offers. The Standard’s first island paradise, will reopen on December 5, 2020 to welcome guests back to the unparalleled beauty of Huruvalhi’s turquoise waters and white sand beaches.  Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a getaway with a group of friends, or a pristine diving adventure, The Standard awaits with special reopening packages. The Maldives, traditionally seen as a serene honeymoon destination, has been shaken and stirred by The Standard’s fresh approach to its island retreat; offering relaxation within its 115 overwater and beach villas, continuous vibrant programming such as dancing under the largest disco ball in the Maldives at the Beru Bar, moonlight movie screenings with cocktails on the beach, the acclaimed Standard Hollywood style pool and beach parties, and a lineup of festive Christmas and New Year’s workshops, celebrations and culinary delights.  Throughout their stay, a wide selection of authentic Maldivian and international cuisines with locally sourced produce from the resort’s own island farm and fresh catches of the day will welcome not only couples but groups of friends and singles looking to reset and recharge in paradise.   The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is only a 30-minute journey by seaplane from Velana International Airport.  The resort is nestled between the Raa and Baa Atolls, on a naturally protected island.  Alternatively, guests can take a 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo followed by a 35-minute speedboat ride to the resort. As we continue to navigate our uncertain world, opportunities have emerged that allow for more agile and remote working and learning.  Digital nomads are moving to the outback of Australia, the tombs of Timbuktu and the safaris of the Serengeti, turning a negative situation into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  By combining virtual classrooms, Zoom meetings and social distancing with an open mind, previously unimaginable lifestyles are now possible.  The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is ready to meet the needs of both individuals, couples and families adopting remote work and study arrangements.  Its stunning, natural, protected house reef, combined with the team’s knowledge about marine life and commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, create unforgettable personal and educational experiences for the little (and big) ones.  Extracurricular classes and excursions have been set up at our Lil’ Sharks Kid’s Club to learn directly from local experts about indigenous cultures, culinary, craftmanship, agriculture and of course, the beautiful Maldivian marine ecosystem.  And even better, kids 11 and under stay for free.  The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is offering a special package to celebrate its reopening, with stays starting at $350 USD per night and flexible worry-free bookings that allow cancellations up to 3 days prior to arrival with no cancellation fees.  Stays are good until the 23rd of December 2022.  Book by 31 December 2020 for these rates. Terms & Conditions apply. Plan your getaway now at  standardhotels.com

Maldives opens Borders & The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives ready to open doors on 5 Dec

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The Starhill is welcoming the renowned eslite spectrum  ( 誠品生活 ) by the eslite Group, which innovatively created the world’s first 24-hour bookstore, from Taiwan to Kuala Lumpur in 2022 – their first-ever eslite  branch in Southeast Asia, following the signing of a tenancy agreement between Mr Joseph Yeoh, Vice President of YTL Land & Development Bhd and Ms Mercy Wu, Chairperson of the eslite  Group today. Not just a bookstore, eslite spectrum  will be a creative cultural venue with a rich selection of Chinese, English and Malay language books, as well as music, design and hand-made goods, performing arts, themed restaurants and coffee shops, lifestyle brands, and diverse cutting-edge cultural and creative brands. The focus will be on showcasing the dynamism and vibrant energy of cross-cultural and creative exchange between Malaysia and Taiwan. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the 70,191 sq ft store will become The Starhill’s anchor tenant, commanding the entire Level 1 space and also including a street-fronting F&B outlet on the Ground Level right next to The Starhill Piazza where creative events and programmes will be staged all year round. The flagship store will also feature a sweeping café terrace on Level 1 overlooking The Starhill Piazza fronting the bustling Jalan Bukit Bintang – perfect for patrons to gather, connect and people watch. An exclusive escalator is also strategically placed to bring shoppers directly from The Starhill’s new entrance atrium to eslite spectrum  upstairs. As a renowned Taiwanese cultural icon, eslite spectrum  had been chosen by Time Magazine and CNN as "Asia's Best Bookstore" and “World’s Coolest Bookstore”. The eslite spectrum Songyan  store in Taipei was also named among the “14 Coolest department stores in the world” by CNN. eslite spectrum  is considered THE quintessentially Taiwanese store by Taiwanese and tourists alike – a must visit-shop-dine destination for visitors to Taiwan. eslite spectrum will be a game changer in the Kuala Lumpur retail landscape, providing fresh ideas for the retail experience and co-creating with Malaysians by presenting the crème de la crème of Taiwan’s diverse offerings and warm hospitality to Malaysia, right here at The Starhill. eslite spectrum  is targeted to open its doors in The Starhill by 2022. More information on the new store will be revealed in due time.

Taiwan's Eslite Spectum opening at The Starhill in 2022

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As the first snows falls in the mountains of Hokkaido, Kiroro, a pristine alpine resort in the heart of Yoichi, is gearing up for the opening of Kiroro Snow World  on November 28. Kiroro is offering ski and snow packages for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. With the world’s deepest powder and high-end mountainside accommodations, Kiroro is the ideal mountain getaway for this winter season. A stunning alpine resort nestled in the Yoichi mountains, Kiroro is an all-season resort offering high-end accommodations, dining and shopping, a variety of outdoor recreational activities and world-class relaxation services. Each winter, Kiroro regularly sees close to 20 meters of snow, one of the most in Japan and more than most ski areas around the world. The resort offers something for everyone with perfectly groomed ski runs, hundreds of acres of tree skiing, a terrain park and dozens of alpine activities from snowshoe tours through the winter forest to onsen in a natural caldera spring.  After months of staying near home, people are eager to travel again safely. For skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, Kiroro offers the perfect winter destination with plenty of open space, outdoor activities and extra special attention to hygiene and health protocols. Its new promotions and packages offer plenty of incentive to visit multiple times over the ski season, which is one of the longest in the world stretching from November through April.  Special deals and programs include: Kiroro Snow Village  – Kiroro is lighting up Après Ski with a dynamic and fun outdoor festival in Kiroro Village.  Enjoy gourmet Hokkaido-inspired fare, cozy winter cocktails, snow candle-making, a life-size Japanese igloo and festive light displays.  Offered from December 24 – March 13, 2021. Kiroro and Sapporo Kokusai Partnership Passes  – One pass, two iconic Hokkaido ski areas! Purchase a 5-day pass at one resort and you can use it at the other! Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is located near Sapporo City. Offered from December 1 through February 28, 2021 for 19,400 JPY. Stay Five Days…Ski All Season  – Enjoy Kiroro all year round! Earn your way toward a Kiroro season ski package pass  when you stay for five or more days.  Contactless Online Purchasing  – This winter, all lift passes, products and services need to be purchased safely online. This includes lift and resort passes, lessons, equipment rentals and dining reservations.  Season Pass Early Bird Discount  – Enjoy full access to the Kiroro resort, including free, unlimited access to the resort Onsen, pools and fitness centers. Purchase by December 15th 2020; Adults 45,000 JPY (regular price 55,000 JPY); Seniors 43,000 JPY (50,000 JPY); Youth 38,000 JPY (45,000 JPY); Children 26,000 JPY (30,000 JPY)  Ensuring Guest Wellbeing & Safety with Enhanced Hygiene Protocols - Kiroro re-opened successfully in July after closing for COVID. The resort adopted new hygiene and operations protocols to meet and exceed local and national health guidelines and standards set by Marriott International. For the winter season, the resort has updated those standards, as seen on its new video “ Kiroro Cares: Winter 2020-2021 .”  For more information about Kiroro Cares , please visit www.kiroro.co.jp

Award-winning Kiroro mountain resort gears up for winter ski season starting November 28

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For more countries, spring is a beautiful time of the year to visit. But for the most iconic city in Australia, it's the best time to visit. Think of mystical tunnels of elegant Jacarandas along the streets, mild and comfortable temperatures and sunny, vibrant days. There is no better time than spring to bask in the colours of Sydney. Here is our list of things to do in Sydney in spring that will make you want to go back over and over again. 1. Bask in Sydney's mesmerizing Jacarandas Just like how Japan is known for its cherry blossoms, Sydney has its tunnels of Jacarandas that line its streets in spring. The trees that bloom beautiful purple-blue flowers are native to the subtropical regions of South America but have grown in abundance in Sydney. A popular location to view the trees is at McDougall Street in Kirribilli where the trees lining the road creates magical canopy of soft purple hues. At the end of October to early Nov, the annual Grafton Jacaranda Festival is usually held. It's one of the oldest family floral festivals in Australia, with the entire city casted in Jacarandas, float parades and firework displays. 2. Spring come alive at the Royal Botanical Garden Spring basically sees Sydney come alive with colours as its myriad of floras around the city start to bloom. Embark on the Spring Walk at Sydney’s  Royal Botanic Garden  to see cherry blossoms, tulips, ranunculus and beautiful roses at the Palace Rose Garden. If you have the time, Hyde Park , the Chinese Garden of Friendship  in Darling Harbour, Nutcote  in Neutral Bay (a short ferry ride from Circular Quay), Vaucluse House (for the wisterias) and the Australian Botanic Gardens at Mount Annan  are also worth the visit to experience more of Sydney’s blooms. 3. Discover hidden Beaches during a coastline stroll The mild temperature of spring makes it the perfect time to explore Sydney on foot and enjoy the beautiful coastal views and spring blooms. You might even accidentally stumble on one of the many hidden beaches in Sydney. One of the most popular coastal walks to take near the city is the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk . A two to three-hour walk is about 6.5km long, passes through Bronte Beach and Aboriginal engraving sites, and offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the towering sandstone cliffs. Pit stops are plentiful and one can make an day out of this one activity. 4. A Whale of a Time Ever want to see a whale leaping from open waters? Well, this is the best time to do so in Sydney as May to November is the prime time to spot humpback whales migrating past Sydney’s coast! If you're lucky, you might be able to spot them from over 38 vantage points along the coastal walking trails. Otherwise, there are plenty of cruises that depart from Sydney Harbour that will allow you to get as close to the whales as you can get! 5. Soul Food to Warm the Belly From scrumptious sweets to succulent seafood, spring eats in Sydney and NSW are tempting. Slurp hot noodles under city lights at Sydney Night Noodle Markets; gather armloads of scrumptious pastries, Pepe Saya Butter and native bush foods spices and fresh local produce at Carriageworks Farmers Markets, or dine on Insta-worthy desserts, pastries and coffee at The Grounds of Alexandria. Breathe in fresh sea air and have fish and chips right on Bondi Beach at The Bucket List. Bookmark our Instagrammable Cafe list  when planning where and what to eat in Sydney. 6. Run across the Sydney Bridge at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival Spring into action with one of the most scenic marathons in the world! The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is one of the only days of the year you can run (or walk) across Sydney Harbour Bridge. Experience the wholesomeness of the city's hospitality as you take to the streets, passing by iconic landmarks and venturing into new neighbourhoods. Best of all, upon completion, you will granted with your finisher medal to commemorate this unique experience. The run takes you past many of Sydney landmarks which you can read about in our article 10 Iconic Sydney Landmarks to look to look out for at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 7. Art Hunting with Sculpture by the Sea For a unique experience, Sculpture By The Sea is a free outdoor art exhibition of extraordinary sculptures dotted along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. The stunning beaches and cliff faces play host to 100 pieces by artists from Australia and across the world. It’s a spectacular art display, just make sure you go either early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds. Our tip is to go on the opening day as people tend to wait until towards the end of festivals when they visit them. 8. Fly a Kite at Bondi Beach during the Festival of the Winds The Festival of the Winds takes place on Bondi Beach early September and is known as one of the largest kite festivals in the world. Bring the kids along as it’s a great day out filled with professional kite flying demonstrations, a circus zone, kids zones and much more. 
  9. Head up to the Blue Mountains for the Leura Gardens Festival Let's venture out of the city a bit and ride the train all the way to the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains is such a spectacular place to visit near Sydney that you’ll never run out of things to do there. Even if hiking isn’t your thing, the spring season offers many things to see and do such as the t he Leura Gardens Festival. The festival is the only opportunity to walk through some private gardens in the Blue Mountains. These breathtaking gardens contain many varieties of cool climate plants and flowers, such as azaleas, camellias and cherry blossoms. 10. Highland's excursion for Tulip Time Festival Tulips are more famously associated with Netherlands but the famed Tulip Time Festival in the Southern Highlands has come a long way since 1961, when it began with just 500 tulips. Corbett Gardens, in the town of Bowral, is the centrepiece of the festival with over 75,000 tulip bulbs to rival its European counterparts. Visitors from all over the world descend on Bowral every year to marvel at the bright pockets of glossy tulips in red, yellow, mauve and white. In 2015, the festival won the World Tulip Award, voted by the World Tulip Summit Society and make it well worth a trip for. There are a lot more reasons to visit Sydney and the region of New South Wales in the spring. With its vast flora and fauna, food scene, unique wildlife, rich culture and heritage, it's  no wonder Sydney is one of the most diverse cities in the world. There is just something for everyone to enjoy be it for the young or old, in groups, couple or just by one's self. Tip: Travelling to Australia during shoulder season (spring and autumn) is generally cheaper and less crowded, making it a great time to explore the country. Watch out for the  school break period  (late September to mid October for most states) as this is also when local families will head on their vacations. Learn more about where to visit and great things to do across the country in springtime at  https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/  or allow Sedunia Travel, a certified Aussie Specialist  to handle your travel arrangements for when it's safe to travel once more.

10 Reasons to Fall in Love with Sydney in Spring

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2020 has been a year of lockdowns and indoors and many of us has gone a little crazy especially when our travel bug is just ragging to get out. The best and most popular way to burn off this excessive energy is to do something exciting and adrenaline pumping and that's where eco-adventure comes in. The bustling state of Selangor, for all its colour activities and business, in particular has plenty to offer when it comes to exciting eco-adventures for everyone.  Here's our top 9 spots to check out for that eco-adventure weekend: 1) FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE MALAYSIA (FRIM), KEPONG Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong occupies an area of ​​600 hectares, and surrounded by the Lagong Hill Forest Reserve. One of its latest attractions is the Sky Walk. Among the activities that can be carried out here are having a picnic with your family, jogging on the Rover Track, walking under the canopy, camping, hiking, cycling and studying the beauty of nature. The entrance is RM5 and an additional RM5 will be charged if you bring a camera to take pictures. One interesting fact - FRIM, Kepong was initially a mining site before turning into a vegetable garden site and now is a free forest destination area with a cozy and quiet atmosphere. For more information, contact: FRIM (03-62797000 or 03-62797575) 2) KANCHING ECO FOREST PARK Kanching Eco Forest Park is a must-visit eco-tourism destination in Rawang. This eco forest park has 7 layers of 208-meter high beautiful waterfalls and challenging hiking trail with different level of difficulties. Not only that, visitors can also spend time with family by having a picnic surrounded by nature. The entrance fee is RM1 (with MyCard) on weekdays, RM2 (with MyCard) on weekends and RM5 for non-citizens. For more information, log on to www.selangor.travel  or contact 03-55132000 3) SKYTREX SUNGAI CHONGKAK, HULU LANGAT Known as the "Malaysia First Flying Fox Park ", this place has more flying fox elements that are longer than its branches in Langkawi and Melaka. In addition, Skytrex Sg Chongkak is surrounded by the greenery of the forest as well as the flow of the river under the resistance path. There are 3 packages available for visitors where each package has 25 different obstacles and it takes an hour to complete. Entrance fees for Skytrex Sungai Congkak are in the range of RM50 to RM130 according to the package. For more information, log on to www.skytrex-adventure.org  or contact +6013-276 9841 4) BROGA HILL, HULU LANGAT  Broga Hill is the most suitable hill to climb for all ages due to the less challenging and easy-climbing journey. The hill, which is only 400-meters high above sea level, takes an hour to reach the top. What is interesting about Broga Hill is that at the top of this hill is filled with green grass. With a combination of lalang and beautiful scenery, taking pictures at the top of Broga Hill is perfect for memories. Also, there is a coconut stall at the top of the hill for climbers to enjoy the scenery while drinking coconut water. A fee of RM1 will be charged for hiking. One interesting fact - if you climb Broga Hill 10 times, it is equivalent to climbing the Mount Kinabalu. For more information, log on to www.mpkj.gov.my  or contact 0387377899 / 0387371789. 5) WHITE WATER RAFTING, HULU SELANGOR Located in Kuala Kubu Bharu, white water rafting is a lot of fun for those who want to try out the rugged water activity at the river which is 8km long. Not only that, many other activities can be carried out at the Selangor River. This activity is very suitable for individuals, couples, families and groups of all ages from 8 to 88 years old making this rafting activity ideal in Malaysia. Payment rates are estimated at RM199 to RM800 with a minimum requirement of 2 persons. For more information, log on to www.malaysia-whitewater-rafting.com  or contact +6012 -4653307. 6) WATER TUBING, HULU SELANGOR Water tubing or tubing is also one of the water activities offered in Kuala Kubu Bharu besides white water rafting. This tubing activity is fun especially with friends and family because it does not require a paddle but only following the river currents. If the currents are strong, then the speed of the tube will be faster. If otherwise, participants need to temper with the currents using their hands to move forward. The estimated price for tubing activities is RM30. For more information, contact: rentasadventures@gmail.com  or contact 011-11414674. 7) TAMAN ALAM KUALA SELANGOR Taman Alam, Kuala Selangor is a park surrounded by mangrove swamps with an almost 4-km route provided for visitors to explore the natural environment. For bird lovers, you can go to the observation tower to view and take pictures of about 150 species of birds from around the world including migrating birds from Siberia and Russia. Visitors can also take pictures in the mangroves area as the trees are breathtaking. The fee to enter this Nature Park is RM4 for adults and RM1 for under 16 years old. For more information, log on to www.kuala-selangor.com  or contact 03-3289-2294. 8) 4X4 ADVENTURE TERATAK RIVERVIEW, HULU SELANGOR Why not take a trip into the jungle by taking a fun and challenging 4x4 car ride rather than a regular city tour? The 4x4 car provided will travel through the green forest roads directly to the traditional village areas, fruit plantations, across the river, swamps, brick areas and even waterfalls. In addition, participants can have a picnic and swim in the river while enjoying the beauty of nature. The price range to experience this 4x4 adventure depends on the itinerary and demands by the participants with a minimum of 6 persons. For more information, log on to www.teratakriverview.blogspot.com  or contact +6012- 5653397. 9) PARAGLIDING (JUGRA HILL, KUALA LANGAT & BATU PAHAT HILL, HULU SELANGOR) You can explore the city of Jugra and Batu Pahat and witness the beautiful natural scenery from the skies by participating in paragliding activity at Jugra Hill, Kuala Langat and Batu Pahat Hill, Hulu Selangor with approximate heights of 400-feet in the air. These two places are must-visits for anyone who enjoys challenging activities and want to try the experience of flying in the air. The suitable time to experience this paragliding activity is from the month of March to September and the fee is estimated at RM320 per person. For more information, log on to www.mdkl.gov.my  or contact 03-31803694) / www.mdhs.gov.com  or contact 03-60641235. The State of Selangor has many eco-adventure places for people to enjoy nature and extreme sports activities. The suggestions that have been given strongly encourage visitors to experience the memorable activities in the State of Selangor. In addition, Tourism Selangor recommends everyone to always be vigilant and comply with the standard operating procedure (SOPs) set by the Government to break the Covid-19 infection chain. For more information, please log on to the official website of Tourism Selangor at Selangor.Travel .

9 Eco- Adventure Spots to Explore around and about Selangor after CMCO

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Book lovers rejoice as the World’s Biggest Book Sale, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale , returns and will be debuting its new e-commerce  platform ,  for the first time to readers in Malaysia from 4 to 11 November 2020 . The 8-day Book Sale fiesta is set to delight book enthusiasts and bibliophiles alike with more than 20 million books  and over 40,000 book titles . On top of the massive array of book selections, Malaysian shoppers will get to enjoy brand-new quality books and save up to 90% off recommended retail prices . Readers from all walks of life can traverse through the vast offerings at this year’s virtual Book Sale fiesta where they can find bestseller titles, novels, science fiction, romance, literature, graphic novels, business books, self-help, architecture books, cookbooks, and many more, all under one website. Known for its extensive collection of children’s books; parents can choose from storybooks, activity books, board books, colouring books, picture books, and interactive books to keep their children accompanied in the comfort of their homes. “The safety of our shoppers and staff is our main priority. With that said, when the pandemic struck earlier this year, we didn’t want it to hamper our ongoing mission to build a new generation of readers and spread the joy of reading. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that book lovers in Malaysia can still enjoy accessible books at their favourite end-of-the-year Book Sale,” said Jacqueline Ng, Co-Founder of the Big Bad Wolf Books . “With our new e-commerce platform, everyone in Malaysia can buy books at this year’s Big Bad Wolf Book Sale safely, no matter where they are,” she added. With the ongoing Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya and Sabah, as well as lockdowns in other affected states, Big Bad Wolf Books hopes to give readers continuous access to knowledge with its library of books — advocating the fun of reading in the comfort of their own homes. Its new e-commerce platform allows consumers to browse a catalogue of over 40,000 titles from the comfort of their own abodes. Exciting promotions  across categories such as Horrible Books, White Star Classic Fairy Tales, Magical Books Deal and book of the Sale, the Christmas 8 in 1 Game Book await readers. Consumers can also enjoy free shipping within Peninsular Malaysia on orders above RM180, as well as offers of RM5 off with a minimum purchase of RM80 or 10% off their total bill with a minimum purchase of RM300, terms and conditions apply. East Malaysian readers will also enjoy 30% off the shipping fee with no minimum spend.  Established in Petaling Jaya in 2009, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale spans across 12 countries in 34 cities, which include Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, The Philippines, Cambodia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Myanmar, Taiwan, and most recently, Singapore.  More updates on the most-anticipated Online Book Sale in Malaysia to be announced soon on their website  and social media. Follow the Big Bad Wolf Books on their Facebook page  or Instagram page  to stay updated.

The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, Goes Online 4 - 11 Nov 2020

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DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today expands the legacy of the highly popular and prestigious DJI Ronin series, by introducing the rebranded DJI RS 2 and DJI RSC 2. Redesigned and reimagined, both systems offer the filmmaking and content creation community an extremely robust, versatile, and professional 3-axis camera gimbal for their various needs. DJI RS 2 brings added strength and agility to creators using heavier camera systems such as DSLR and compact cinema cameras. At the same time, DJI RSC 2 was created to be more portable, meeting the needs of mirrorless and more compact camera operators. “DJI’s first Ronin-S and the original Ronin-SC created so much excitement when they launched that we immediately went back to the drawing board to figure out how to make our products even better,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager. “Just like with the first version, we took time to research how our professional customers use their Ronin products and what new features they wanted in the next generation of a handheld gimbal. Yet again, the result is the culmination of user feedback, years of design and development, and significant advancements in stabilization technology. Now we are excited to showcase two new filmmaking tools designed to meet the needs of a wide array of filmmakers. From cinema cameras to mirrorless systems, we have a solution for you.”  DJI RS 2: Masterfully Crafted Considering a tremendous amount of feedback from professional operators, DJI RS 2 incorporates carbon fiber in vital structural components, reducing weight down to 1.3 kg (2.86 lbs) while remaining highly durable. Pushing the innovation of single-handed gimbal technology even further, DJI RS 2 now supports a tested dynamic payload of 4.5 kg (10 lbs) for creators to use heavier camera and lens combinations while still achieving up to 12 hours of battery life. A new quick-charge function directly to the battery handle has been added for urgent situations, providing an extra two hours of battery life with just a 15-minute charge. DJI RS 2 continues pushing gimbal technology forward with the ability to support heavier payloads while capturing ultra-smooth cinematic footage. Based on years of experience developing predictive technology, a newly optimized Titan Stabilization Algorithm reduces the need for manual user input while compensating for user movement and optimizing the gimbal tilt and angle. Additionally, a new SuperSmooth mode provides another level of camera stability, especially for compensating longer focal length lenses of up to 100mm.   DJI RSC 2: Filmmaking Unfolds A completely new and portable folding design makes DJI RSC 2 easy for creators to carry everywhere without adding additional weight to the gear list. Additionally, the folding design provides creative ways to use the gimbal such as vertical filming without additional accessories, as well as a new Briefcase mode, where the main gimbal arm can be loosened and slung forward to provide unique shooting angles. Durable materials like steel are used on vital and frequently used components, while lightweight materials such as aluminum reduce overall weight. DJI RSC 2 weighs in at 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs), 35% less than the original Ronin-S, and has a folding footprint of 180×190 mm, the same size as a sheet of A5 paper. The built-in battery offers an impressive 12 hours of battery life and – like DJI RS 2 – the new quick-charge function directly to the battery handle has been added for urgent situations.  Pre-Programmed Movements and Features That Make Stories Come to Life DJI RS 2 and RSC 2 expand on their predecessors’ suite of creative modes, movements, and features with tools to help capture content that stands out, including:    - *New* Time Tunnel : The system performs a 360-degree roll while capturing a hyperlapse, adding a level of creativity to footage.[ [3] ] - Flashlight:  The system tilts the camera all the way forward so users can grip the base like a flashlight. - One-Tap Portrait Mode:   The gimbal quickly orients the camera into vertical shooting for professional-level social media content. - Panorama:  After configuring sensor and focal length, choose a start and stop point for panoramas up to gigapixel size. - Roll 360:  The gimbal enters into the Flashlight position and rolls the camera system 360 degrees. - Timelapse:  This classic feature shows subtle changes over durations of your choosing.  Price and Availability DJI RS 2 and DJI RSC 2 will be available in Malaysia on 22 October 2020 . Each product offers purchase options for a standalone gimbal and a combination pack that includes additional accessories. The standalone DJI RS 2 is available for the retail price of RM 3,299, and the standalone DJI RSC 2 is available at the retail price of RM 1,699. The Pro Combo includes additional accessories such as a phone holder, Focus Motor, RavenEye Image Transmitter, dedicated carrying case, and more. The DJI RS 2 Pro Combo is priced at RM 3,899, and the DJI RSC 2 Pro Combo is priced at RM 2,549.  DJI RS 2 or RSC 2 will be available to purchase at DJI Malaysia Flagship store, authorised dealers, and DJI Malaysia’s official store on e-commerce platforms such as Lazada: http://bit.ly/lazadadjiofficialstore  and  Shopee: http://bit.ly/shopeedjiofficialstore .  
     [1]  Compatibility varies by camera model. Please check the Ronin Series Compatibility Search at www.dji.com . 
   [2]  The 3D Focus System will be available at a later date after launch. 
   [3]  Time Tunnel for DJI RSC 2 will be available at a later date via firmware update.

DJI’s Ronin Series Grows Stronger, Lighter, and Smarter with New DJI RS 2 and RSC 2 Gimbals

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The Starhill, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous shopping belt Bukit Bintang, is rolling out the red carpet to fans of top global brands from Europe and around the world come Q1 2021, when it opens its doors with a slew of Malaysia’s first-ever exclusive flagship stores and new-to-market concepts and experiences. Previously known as Starhill Gallery, this iconic shopping destination for tourists and locals alike first announced its transformation plans and new identity as The Starhill in October last year. The Starhill will be reinforcing its position as the Home of the Tastemakers, where the mall will redefine Kuala Lumpur’s shopping scene in a whole new concept that infuses hospitality into the retail experience. Patrons will shop and stay in a refined home-like environment replete with tasteful, thoughtful touches of true tastemakers.  “Amidst the current challenging times for the retail industry, we are delighted to share exciting news today after keeping things under wraps since The Starhill started renovation works a year ago. We will be welcoming a number of top global brands to complement the brands that our patrons have come to love in The Starhill over the years. Tenants will showcase refreshed new concepts in order to offer both our loyal clientele and new shoppers a whole new experience in our Home of the Tastemakers . Our transformed boutique mall presents four floors of premium retail environment, designed to defy the ever-prevalent cookie cutter mall trend and to offer every visitor more meaning, authenticity and connection. This new incarnation of The Starhill is a crucial undertaking that strengthens our position at the forefront of the fast-changing and fluid retail landscape,” said Mr Joseph Yeoh, Vice President of YTL Land & Development Bhd.  “Although we were faced with some unexpected circumstances due to the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the pandemic spread, we are thankful that our renovation timeline caught up with delays and has remained on track. The Starhill is set to welcome patrons in early 2021,” he added. New luxury brands with exclusive flagship stores in Malaysia that are opening on the Ground Floor of The Starhill include Balmain  from France, Patek Philippe  from Switzerland, Philipp Plein  from Switzerland and Tom Ford  from the USA – with the new flagship store featuring their pret-a-porter collection including master tailoring and much sought-after beauty products. Paul & Shark and Stefano Ricci , both luxury menswear brands from Italy, will be amongst other new brands with first-ever flagship stores in Malaysia, soon to open its doors on the Upper Ground Floor of The Starhill. To up the ante in luxury, caviar seafood bar and fashion lounge Mari*Star – a brand new concept by The Marini’s Group, will be fronting the street at The Starhill as the newest one-stop destination for trendsetters in Kuala Lumpur. Luxury brands at The Starhill which have been much-loved by patrons will reopen with their newest concepts, including Davidoff Cigars , Louis Vuitton, Off-White , Roberto Coin  and Shiatzy Chen , all of which will be located on the Ground Floor. On the Upper Ground Floor, the Audemars Pigu et flagship store will be doubling in size with a new and refreshed interior concept to reflect their brand positioning, alongside exclusive flagship boutiques by Bedat & Co, Cecil Purnell, Cortina Watch, HYT  and Rolex . A flagship CIMB Bank  branch serving their top clientele will also feature on the same floor.  Meanwhile, at the heart of the Home of the Tastemakers on the Lower Ground Floor, The Starhill Dining celebrates culinary sophistication, bringing to diners fresh, seasonal and globally inspired dining experiences with a diverse spread of gastronomic creations served by the Tastemakers, each with a unique food programming. The Starhill Dining’s collection of captivating dining and entertainment concepts includes Shook!, KL's choice restaurant that continues to fuel the imagination; Luk Yu Tea House that embraces a poetic Chinese heritage; The Alchemy bar featuring gin botanicals for every season; the popular Jogoya restaurant; fine Arabic cuisine at Tarbush Lounge and much more. Diners can look forward to rediscovering the city’s most riveting dining and entertainment destination hotspot, stylishly reinvented right in the heart of Bukit Bintang this December.  More new and exquisite brands with new-to-market concepts are set to make a mark at The Starhill and will be announced in due time.

The Starhill Set to Reopen Exclusive Flagship Stores in 2021

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Covid might have led to so many races and sporting events being cancelled for the rest of the year. But it doesn't hurt to plan and train ahead for your next race for when it's safe to travel once more. So how about checking out the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival? Described as one of the most scenic and spectacular courses in Australia, the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival attracts around 33,000 participants annually. Did you know that it was first held in 1999 as a test event for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games? Even since then, it has been held as a legacy of the 2000 Summer Olympics and is recognised as a Gold Label by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is also a great way to see the charms of Australia's most iconic city on foot and an excuse to start saving up and planning for your next runcation. Here are our top 10 Sydney landmarks and attractions that will make the run feel like a scenic tour of Sydney by foot. 1. Luna Park The beaming moon face of Sydney's Luna Park will be one of the first things you will see as soon as you flag off from Milson's Point.  Commencing in Bradfield Park you will run directly past the restored fun-park which was first opened in 1935. Luna Park is one of Sydney’s heritage listed park and a popular venue not just for a day out at the rides but also for events. Of course, its main attraction is the million dollar view of Sydney Harbour. Be sure to snap a commemorative shot before you flag off or from atop one of the park's exciting rides! 2. Sydney Harbour Bridge When else will you have the opportunity to run across a  world-renowned iconic Australian landmark; the Sydney Harbour Bridge? And without traffic too! During this stretch, take the time to admire the engineering marvel of the world's largest steel arch bridge. Even if you're not running the event, you can always participate in the Sydney BridgeClimb experience on the day of the event for an overview of a sea of people running below you. 3. Fort Denison From the high vantage point of the bridge you can also spot Fort Denison, a small island right in the middle of the harbour. Fort Denison has had a varied past – it has been used as a fishing spot, defense structure, navigational guide, tide gauge station, weather station and time marker. Today, the tiny island houses an historic museum and a beautiful restaurant with a modern Australian menu. Worth checking out after the run. 4. Circular Quay After the bridge, you will pass the well-known transportation hub of Circular Quay. On a sunny day, you will be treated to street entertainment, buskers and street stalls. Ferries depart from the quay every couple of minutes to some of the city's main highlights such as Taronga Zoo, Manly and Darling Harbour. 5. State Library Run along Macquarie Street and you will pass the iconic State Library of New South Wales on your left. This beautiful sandstone building is one of the world’s great libraries and contains extraordinary collections that document the heritage of Australia. 6. Royal Botanic Gardens After passing through the city’s bustling harbour precinct you will take a left hand turn into the peaceful grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The run will lead you to the edge of the Gardens to one of the best vantage points in Sydney, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Carved out of a rock ledge for Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s wife, Elizabeth, this spot offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. 7. Centennial Park After passing the Sydney Cricket Ground on your left you will enter Centennial Park, another beautiful inner-city parkland. Ambassador for the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival, Jesinta Campbell, describes Centennial Park as her favourite spot to run in Sydney, feeling removed from the city despite the park’s central location. “Running through the park, you will see people riding horses and lakes filled with swans, and in the cool early mornings a layer of mist covers the ground beneath your feet. It just feels so far removed from the city,” she shared. 8. Barangaroo At the 34km mark your legs may be burning but there’s still plenty to see. Running along Hickson Road on your right you will be passing Barangaroo, which is Sydney’s newest financial and business hub.  The history of Barangaroo has many rich threads woven from Sydney's maritime history, the first container port and the dark days of the Hungry Mile. 9. Darling Harbour Breath a sigh of relief at the lively, urban precinct of Darling Harbour - you're in the last stretch of your run. Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, Darling Harbour is packed full of sleek dining establishments, chic bars and popular tourist attractions, including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo. Perhaps after the race, come back to stroll along Pymont Bridge at night. 10. Sydney Opera House Towards the last stretch of your run, you will be greeted by the sight of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the distinctive white sails of the world heritage listed Sydney Opera House . This world-class performing arts centre is a must-see landmark for visitors to Sydney and has become a symbol of both the city and the Australian nation. Runners, joggers and walkers of all skill levels and ages will experience a challenge or a fun day out to explore the extraordinary scenic views of Sydney. Whether you're an experienced marathoner, leisurely runner or just running for the fun of it, there is an event for different fitness levels and equally stunning landmarks to look out for on each route. The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival consists of four exciting events, all crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with the Marathon, Half Marathon and Bridge Run (10 kilometre Certified) distances finishing at the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Family Fun Run (3.5 kilometre) at Sydney's prestigious Conservatorium of Music. Due to the pandemic, this year's event has been transferred into an online virtual race, enabling runners from across the globe to participate in it. More information on the Blackmores Sydney Running festival can be found on the festival site, www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au . You can still sign up and join the virtual race until 8 Nov 2020.

10 Iconic Sydney Landmarks to look to look out for at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival

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These days, if you are out of pictures with lack of social media postings, you do not have to go far amid today’s Covid-19 pandemic. You can just stop by at any cafes in Selangor to enjoy food and the display of cool, beautiful and unique interior or exterior decorations for social media pictures. The State of Selangor is often known for its many interesting tourist spots, but not only that, Selangor also has many “hipster” or “instagrammable” cafes offering various interesting and unique themes as follows: 1) LA FLEUR X UNIQORN CAFÉ The District of Petaling is always known for many hipster and unique cafes. One of the cafes is Le Fleur x Uniqorn café with unicorn theme. This café is decorated with pink paint and unicorn toys making the environment hyped and beautiful so customers may take pictures in this café while having coffee and food. The meaning of “La Fleur” is hot drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate, and so on. While “Uniqorn” implies the unicorn theme on their food such as waffles and ice cream. Adress :  01, E1, 02, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Sunway Geo Avenue, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor  2) JIBBY & CO CAFÉ Jibby & Co Café is located next to Empire Mall building. The café’s beautiful aesthetic is similar to the cafes in Melbourne. This 2-storey café is a place that suits anyone who loves taking pictures or “Insta persons” because of the minimalist, light lamps hung on the ceiling, colourful potted plants, big glass mirror which reflects natural light providing good lighting for pictures, topped with a variety of decorated food. Address: Empire Shopping Gallery, Jalan SS 16/1, Ss 16, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor  3) KUEH CAFÉ, SHAH ALAM If you want to enjoy Malaysian traditional food, why not come over to  Kueh  Café with the theme of serving “kuih muih”  or desserts as their main menu that consist almost 40 types of Malay desserts. This café has 2 areas; outdoor and indoor which is air-conditioned. The colorful desserts are appealing to the customers. Not only desserts, Kueh Café also serves other traditional food such as Laksam, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Hujan Panas, Lempeng , and much more. Address: No 6 Jalan Renang 13/26 Seksyen 13, Tadisma Business Park, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor  4) LE GARDENZ CAFÉ, SERI KEMBANGAN This café was opened in 2014 and located in Kuala Selangor. Customers may enjoy a calming dining session while enjoying with a variety of food from main course to desserts. This 3-storey café has its own theme. It is built from containers and features interesting wall arts at level 1 to 2 and the nature theme on level 3. Le Gardenz Café is usually packed with customers for private events such as birthday celebrations and more. Address: Jalan Kpb 5, Kawasan Perindustrian Balakong, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor  5) THE PICNIC TABLE CAFE, KOTA DAMANSARA With relatively hot and unpredictable weather throughout the year, it is always a problem to have a picnic in Malaysia. Therefore, The Picnic Cafe can solve the problem because this cafe is themed in a picnic atmosphere even though it is actually located indoor. The café is designed with lawn carpet decoration where customers can sit on the floor to enjoy food, with wooden tables, special "jamming session" and more. It offers delicious menus such as cheese grilled chicken sandwich, layer cakes, slice cakes and various drinks. Address: 62A-G, The Strand, Kota Damansara The Strand, 21, Jalan PJU 5/21, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor  6) THE BOTANIST CAFE, CYBERJAYA Visitors who spend their time in Cyberjaya can stop by at The Botanist, a 2-storey aesthetic and beautiful cafe where the decoration of table furnitures, walls and even frames are all made of wood. The natural trees outside of the shop create a peaceful ambience. With different exterior and interior themes, it is perfect for customers who love to take pictures. The Botanist Cafe provides menus such as homemade burgers, cakes, coffee, fruit juices and more at reasonable prices. Address: GP3A-03M, LEVEL 3M, Tamarind square, Persiaran Multimedia, 63000 Cyberjaya  7) N16 CAFÉ, SABAK BERNAM Surrounded by paddy field, this unique mini cafe is made up of an old antique bus converted into a cafe. Customers can not only enjoy the food but also the view of the paddy field. This N16 cafe serves menus such as spaghetti, Korean fried chicken, cakes and drinks. After the meal, customers may take pictures of the paddy field and also the antique bus. Taking almost 2 hours to reach from Shah Alam, it is worth your trip for its beautiful and unique environment. Address: Jalan Tali Air 4, Tanjong Karang, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor  8) BLOCK CAFÉ, GOMBAK This Block Cafe which opened in 2018 has become a favorite place for many customers to spend their time here. With a beautiful modern minimalist concept, it is perfect for customers to take pictures in this cafe while enjoying their meals. This Block Cafe provides "Asian" and "Western" fusion menus. This café can also accommodate 50 people at a time for private events. To customers who stop by at Block Cafe, do not forget to try their famous Ayam Penyet  (Javanese Fried Chicken) which it favored by many customers. Address: No. 59-G, Lorong Perusahaan Ringan 1, Kawasan Perusahan Ringan Seri Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor  9) BACKSTREET CAFÉ, KUALA LANGAT Backstreet Café is one of the hipster cafés in Kuala Langat. Opened in 2014, this café is decorated creatively with handmade arts and the menus are written on blackboards with chalks. So, customers may take astatic pictures while enjoying their food. This café offers menu such as pizza, chicken burger with fries, coffees and many more. Address: C-G-, Pekan 4, 19, Taman Seri Bayu Morib, Medan Seri pekan, 42700 Banting, Selangor  10) DENALI & PINNACLES CAFÉ, BANGI The spacious Denali & Pinnacles Cafe is located in Bangi which has 2 spaces; outdoor and indoor. The cafe is on the 2nd floor of the building where customers may enjoy the beautiful scenery in the evening. This bohemian-concept cafe is perfect for taking pictures or OOTDs for its vibrant theme. Address: Lot 1-4, Tingkat 1, Pusat Perniagaan Seksyen 3, off, Jalan 3/70, Seksyen 3 Bandar Baru Bangi, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor   11) PROVISION CAFÉ, DAMANSARA This Provision Cafe is open from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening only. It is best to come in the morning because this cafe provides homemade bread menus such as sandwiches, toast, "sourdough" and others. With modern yet simple orange exterior, it is perfect for social media OOTDs. Address: 49, Jalan SS 22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor  12) TINY BAKER IN PINK CAFE, DAMANSARA This Korean-style cafe is very suitable for customers to come and spend time while taking pictures because of its simple and aesthetic decoration in every corner. The cafe provides attractive and stylish decorated cake menus with a variety of patterns, colors and decorations. This cafe also provides space for birthday parties and private events. Address: C58-2, Jalan PJU 5/21, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor  13) TUJOH CAFÉ, PETALING JAYA Tujoh Cafe is located in Section 17, Petaling Jaya. It is equipped with two different indoor spaces. The architecture and decoration of the cafe is designed with stylish and classic furniture including a vintage television and radio collection, green trees, posters, modern black and white paintings and a combination of hanging lamps. The lush background and the penetration of sunlight from the outside make this Tujoh Cafe more attractive from various angles for social media pictures. Address: 617, Jalan 17/10, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor   14) BUKKU CAFÉ, KLANG With their minimalist and aesthetic Japanese interior, this café is a very beautiful place for customers to dine in. The name of the cake “Bukku” means “book” in English as the interior of this café is decorated with books and wooden bookshelves with wrapped coffee decoration. If you stop by this café, do not forget to try their “Salted Egg Croissant”, “Almond Tiramisu” and “Burnt Cheesecake” which are often mentioned by the public. Address: No.1, Jalan Singgahsana 4A/KU5, Bandar Bukit Raja, 41050 Klang, Selangor   15) TUAH CAFÉ, BANGI This casual concept café is known for its variety of menus ranging from food to drinks. If you stop by this café, do not forget to try their special Western food dish which is the Trip Platter that consists of a combination of buffalo wings, beef meatball and fries that is worth the taste. Apart from that, there are also various flavours of Frappuccino coffees such as Cookies & Cream, Black Forest and more. Address: No20, Jalan 7/1c, Seksyen 7 Bandar Baru Bangi, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor   We know that travelling far and wide may not be everyone's top priority now but why not take the time to explore what Selangor has to offer. One cafe at a time. For more information, please log on to the official website of Tourism Selangor at Selangor.Travel.

15 Instagrammable cafes around Selangor (and not just Petaling Jaya)

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Sparkling waters, white sand along pristine beaches, sun spilling through the towering trees surrounding you, an escape away from the real world - all of these awaits you at The Datai Langkawi. Just an hour's flight away from Kuala Lumpur, the Datai Langkawi is set amidst breathtaking views of the Datai Bay and surrounding greenery. The Datai Bay is rated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world by National Geographic and together with the resort’s surrounding jungle, is host to a wealth of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the area. A homage to the work of visionary architect Kerry Hill, the creation of The Datai Langkawi began with the discovery of the Datai Bay and a view so breathtaking that Hill fell instantly in love with it, as did fellow designer Didier Lefort. Despite housing 121 rooms, villas and suites, a sense of peace and privacy as most of the villas are well distanced. Some even comes with their own private pools. The resort received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001, inspiring the work of fellow architects worldwide. The resort underwent extensive renovations in 2017 under the guidance of Didier Lefort  of DL2A  to retain its much-loved vision. To protect this unique natural habitat, sustainability is also a key component to the resort’s strategy with a strong commitment to consume less energy, water and single-use plastic. Recycling and upcycling plants, a bottling plant and a permaculture garden have been created, with upcoming initiatives to protect the coral reef and surrounding areas where guests can play a conservation role. In light of the pandemic, the Datai has put in place its own hygiene SOPs and measures  to protect its guests and staffs such as temperature checks, social distancing, sanitisation, cleaning SOP, face masks for all employees and so on. There is also a group limit for activities or some privately. All employees have undergone stringent training and briefing on Covid-19 measures and practices. The Datai strives to ensure that guests has a relaxing and stress-free escape amongst these trying times. From now until Dec 2020, Sedunia Travel has several promotional package stays at The Datai Langkawi with prices starting from RM1,089. Travel dates are until 2 Jan 2021.  Some of the packages include: - Full board - Complimentary stay and meals for kids. - Free room upgrade (subject to availability) - Discounts Check out Sedunia Travel  to view the Datai Langkawi packages. Get in touch with contact@sedunia.com.my  to grab this limited time offer and book your stay at this secluded resort escape.

A Safe Retreat to The Datai Langkawi awaits

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On the occasion of World Teacher’s Day, Qatar Airways will give away 21,000 complimentary tickets to teachers to thank them for their vital work in educating young people worldwide during the challenges brought by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The giveaway will open at 04.00 AM on 5 October and close at 03:59 on 8 October (Doha time). Teaching professionals can register for this exclusive offer at qatarairways.com/ThankYouTeachers  by submitting a form to receive a unique promotion code, offered on a first come, first served basis.  Teaching professionals from over 75 countries in which Qatar Airways currently operates are eligible for tickets. To ensure the application process is fair and transparent, each country will receive a daily allocation of tickets, staggered over the three-day campaign period. The daily allocation will be released at 04:00 AM Doha time throughout the campaign period.  Teachers that successfully register will receive one Economy Class return ticket to anywhere on Qatar Airways’ current network of more than 90 destinations worldwide. Additionally, they will receive a voucher for 50 per cent off one future return ticket that they can use for themselves, a family member or a friend. Both tickets are valid for travel up to 30 September 2021. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We at Qatar Airways are incredibly grateful for the commitment and hard work of teaching professionals around the world who continue to educate our young people in these times of uncertainty. We know that it has not been an easy task, yet teachers have been incredibly resourceful, turning to online learning and other methods.  “As the largest airline flying consistently throughout the pandemic, we have also supported students in recent weeks by flying to wherever they need to be to start their studies on charter as well as scheduled flights. As an airline, we firmly believe in the importance of education and are committed to lending our support to educational causes.”  Since 2013, Qatar Airways has been a proud supporter of Education Above All’s Educate A Child programme, which was launched in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to significantly reduce the number of children worldwide who are denied their right to education. Qatar Airways’ passengers are invited to donate to Educate A Child on board and at qatarairways.com  upon reaching the payment page during the online flight booking process. Each year, Qatar Airways matches the total number of on board passenger donations. The airline also displays the foundation’s video commercial on its Oryx One inflight entertainment to raise awareness and encourage donations.   Teachers that successfully register for complimentary Qatar Airways tickets can benefit from the airline’s leading flexible booking policies. Tickets issued up to 31 December 2020 are valid for two years with unlimited date changes and the option to exchange them for a travel voucher with an additional 10 per cent value. For full terms and conditions visit qatarairways.com/RelyOnUs .  According to the latest IATA data, Qatar Airways has become the largest international carrier between April to July by fulfilling its mission of taking people home. This enabled the airline to accumulate unmatched experience in carrying passengers safely and reliably and uniquely positioned the airline to effectively rebuild its network. The carrier has stringently implemented the most advanced safety and hygiene measures on board its aircraft and in Hamad International Airport (HIA).  Qatar Airways’ onboard safety measures for passengers and cabin crew include the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for cabin crew and a complimentary protective kit and disposable face shields for passengers. Business Class passengers on aircraft equipped with Qsuite can enjoy the enhanced privacy this award-winning business seat provides, including sliding privacy partitions and the option to use a ‘Do Not Disturb (DND)’ indicator. Qsuite is available on flights to more than 30 destinations including Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, London and New York. For full details of all the measures that have been implemented onboard and in HIA, please visit qatarairways.com/safety .  Qatar Airways’ home and hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), has implemented stringent cleaning procedures and applied social distancing measures throughout its terminals. Passenger touchpoints are sanitized every 10-15 minutes and boarding gates and bus gate counters are cleaned after each flight. In addition, hand sanitizers are provided at immigration and security screening points. HIA was recently ranked ‘Third Best Airport in the World’, among 550 airports worldwide, by the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2020. HIA was also voted the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for the sixth year in a row and ‘Best Staff Service in the Middle East’ for the fifth year in a row.  * This offer is only available for Qatar Airways operated flights. Eligible teaching professions are limited to: Classroom Paraprofessionals, Teaching Assistants and Substitutes, Intervention and Inclusion Specialists, Tutors, Senior Leaders, Early Childhood Teacher, Student Counsellors, Primary Teacher, Secondary Teacher, Casual Teacher, English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher, Special Ed Teacher, Teacher Aide, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Instructor, Pre-School and Early Years Practitioners, and Classroom Technicians. A valid employer ID must be presented at the airport at the point of check in. Airport taxes shall be absorbed by passenger.

Qatar Airways Thanks Teachers With 21,000 Complimentary Tickets

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While we won’t be travelling for the foreseeable future, it’s never too early for your readers to start dreaming about their first trip once international travel is a reality again. Of course, that first trip will have to be a trip of a lifetime and if it’s not on the ‘gram, did it really happen? Undeniably, this generation of travellers curate their itineraries like they do their feed. We’re seeing more and more travellers flocking to certain cafes and dining destinations around the world to get the ultimate ‘gram and given its iconic café culture, Sydney is a must-visit for foodie photographers. Whether it’s the interior décor or the photogenic dishes, Sydney’s café and restaurant scene has it all. Here are 10 Instagram-worthy cafes and foodie must-visits, ranging from iconic spots to hidden gems, that travellers need to add to their Sydney list. 1. Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge Located on the third floor of Pullman Quay Grand, Hyde Hacienda Bar + Lounge is every Instagrammer’s dream: spectacular harbour views, lush baby pink velvet chairs, tropical plants and wisteria hanging from the ceiling. Views and interiors aside, if you’re a foodie, you won’t be able to get enough of their photogenic cocktails, including the Campfire Espresso Martini topped with toasted marshmallows and the vibrantly coloured Harbourside Hibiscus. You know what they say - camera eats first!  2.  The Grounds of Alexandria Already an iconic Instagram location, no list would be complete without The Grounds. Located in a former industrial precinct from the 1920s in the inner city suburb of Alexandria, The Grounds of Alexandria is a landmark multi-purpose space, housing a cafe, sustainable garden, coffee roastery and research facility, animal farm, and so much more! The enchanting garden should be your first photo stop - the arbour laced with bougainvillaea and interwoven lighting is the ultimate setting to spice up your feed. You also can’t miss the enchanting glass house, which provides the perfect combination of natural light and flourishing foliage for a gorgeous capture.  3. Speedos If you visit Sydney and don’t pop into the ‘World’s Most Instagrammable Cafe’, did you really visit Sydney at all? Speedos is located along the mesmerising coastline of Bondi Beach and serves whimsical and vibrant dishes (with vegan, dairy and gluten-free options) reminiscent of the Mad Hatter’s tea party in Alice in Wonderland. Photogenic must-orders include the decadent Big Breaky, #GramWorthy pancake stacks with caramelised bananas and chia, and a colourful Green Goddess bowl with super greens, flax and sesame seed fritters and quinoa.  4. Archie Rose Distillery Founded in 2014, Archie Rose Distilling Co. is Australia's most highly awarded distillery producing a diverse range of whiskies, gins, vodkas and rums. It’s also Sydney’s first inner-city distillery in 100 years, setting off a massive trend across Australia when they opened. Join one of their renowned distillery tours and learn first hand how they produce their gins, whiskies and vodka followed by a guided tasting of all three of their core spirits. While you’re there, get an industrial chic #OOTD complemented by the copper tubing, brick walls and exposed concrete floors, or film their charismatic bartenders in action while they pour you a drink.  5. Black Star Pastry They’ve been copied multiple times the world over, but that beautiful strawberry and watermelon cake you see online originated in Sydney at Black Star Pastry. Chef Christopher Thé originally created the Strawberry Watermelon Cake for a wedding. Little did he know that his creation of layered almond dacquoise, rose-scented cream and watermelon would be declared as “the world’s most Instagrammed cake” by the New York Times. Stop by their original outlet in Newtown, or pop by their Rosebery outlet after your Archie Rose tour — they’re located right around the corner from each other.  6. No Fail With a vibrant menu of teas available for selection, No Fail is an exciting indie tea shop located along Goulburn Street and Burwood Road and is Sydney’s homegrown bubble tea brand. Aside from regular bubble tea, tea aficionados can choose from fresh fruit teas, cheese fruit tea frappes and brûlée milk teas. The store is well known for its thick, savoury cheese foam that is the perfect complement to its refreshing fruit teas. Secret menu items are available here too and the new cups have a caricature of a pig dabbing on them - how could you resist taking a snapshot?  7. Two Sis & Co. When it comes to Instagrammable cafes in Sydney, it’s hard to leave Two Sis & Co. off the list. Delightfully vibrant creations fill the menu, meaning that the camera will be eating first throughout the whole meal! A bright white wall provides a clean backdrop for photos of the dishes, which iclude everything from mermaid pancakes and syrup-filled shots to fairy floss-topped ice lattes.  8. Cuppa Flower Cuppa Flower’s floral section is great for taking Instagram shots, and the cafe’s decor is diverse enough to allow guests to really tailor their photos to suit their own feed’s aesthetic. Add on a unique line-up of dishes and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a quality bite with some wonderfully photogenic food.  9. Social Hideout With seventeen thousand flowers suspended from the ceiling and stuck into feature walls, it's no wonder Social Hideout has been dubbed one of Sydney's most Instagrammable cafés. The menu plays with both Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine to create delicious and, of course, visually aesthetic eats. Popular menu dishes seem to have been designed for Instagram and include a milkshake served in a pretty gold bathtub topped with fairy floss, perfectly paired with their Red Velvet Benedict - eggs benedict complete with red velvet croissant.  10. KitKat Chocolatory The first of its kind in Australia, the newly-opened KitKat Chocolatory in Sydney is an immersive, photogenic experience. As well as offering a range of exclusive flavours, the Chocolatory also has a ‘Create Your Break’ section which allows chocoholics to create up to 30,000 different combinations of chocolate. It’ll be impossible to stop from going snap-happy! With this list, we hope we have added more Instagrammable cafes to your list of places to visit in Sydney for once borders have opened between Malaysia and Australia.

10 Instagram-worthy Cafes and Foodie Must-Visits in Sydney

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Thanks to this lockdown, we have grown a newfound respect and appreciation for our own country's attractions. Pristine beaches, chilly highlands, historical cities, food trails and Instagrammable corners everywhere - we are truly a melting pot of culture, nature and history. This very melting pot is one of the reasons that make us Malaysians “ best ” according to four rising international YouTube creators from Japan, the US, and South Korea in Youtube Malaysia’s Generasi YouTube ‘Bestnya Malaysia!’ session. In conjunction with of Malaysia Day, YouTube Malaysia showcased the stories and perspectives of Motoaki Hara from the channel Aki from Japan , Jade, Yerim, and Dasol from the channel Blimey , Adam Potter from the channel MotoMatsalleh ,  and Changmin Lee from the channel Teh Tarik Oppa . These creators shared how they came to find their content niche in all things Malaysian and what moves them about our people and culture. Aki from Japan A teacher in Japan, Aki found himself wondering if there was more out there for him beyond the four walls of his classroom. His travels took him to Southeast Asia, which he instantly took a liking for - the friendly people and the more laidback lifestyle he saw here was a refreshing change to the life he was accustomed to. Between the different countries he visited, it was in Malaysia which the former educator found his ideal home - offering the appeal of having a large English speaking population, and a lifestyle which matched what he was looking for. “I started my YouTube channel to have more opportunities to practice speaking, to learn and to teach English for a Japanese audience - but I noticed that when I posted a video on Malaysia, I started seeing many Malaysians visiting my channel - much more than my Japanese viewers, for sure. This encouraged me to do more content that would interest this segment of my audience,” explained Aki. Aki, who gained much of his local popularity from his cultural commentary videos, said “I do get nervous doing content which touches on culture and religion, because what if I’m giving out the wrong information, or what if I accidentally say or do something offensive? I am fortunate that my viewers have been nothing but encouraging. Their feedback and comments have been my biggest motivation to continue doing videos, and without them, I wouldn’t be able to do this.” "It's hard to pick my favourite place in Malaysia because there are so many places! But if I had to chose, I would say Perhentian Island because it is so fascinating and also Langkawi. There are so many activities in Langkawi." he shared. Blimey Jade, Yerim, and Dasol - three friends who knew each other from university - formed the channel Blimey out of their mutual interest in media, broadcast, and journalism. Even as early as 2010, at least in South Korea, they saw more and more people turning online for entertainment and platforms like YouTube were becoming the “new TV”. This made YouTube a natural choice for them to explore content creation. It was their sampling and review of a Maggi cup noodle was what invited a surge of views from Malaysians who were very interested to hear what they had to say about it, according to Jade on behalf of Blimey. And seeing that their Malaysian viewers were very supportive and engaged, Blimey saw the opportunity to do more content around Malaysia. “We feel honored to receive comments like - ‘your content should be aired in TV stations.’ That gives us an indication of which content resonates with our audience - and by paying attention to those types of feedback, we plan to make more quality content like that,” said Jade. Blimey's channel continues to introduce Koreans to Malaysia's local cuisine. "Koreans don't know about Penang and we want to highlight it to our viewers for its amazing food. There are so many different kinds of food in Malaysia. Nasi Lemak and sambal are especially well-loved by Koreans." MotoMatsalleh Adam is a motorcycle enthusiast based in mainland Penang who has built himself a steady following of serious enthusiasts just like him. Adam’s travels and lifestyle content are set against the backdrop of Malaysia, covering in-depth bike and gear reviews, and test rides among others. “Malaysia is the perfect place for motorcycle enthusiasts - 365 days out of the year, for a good part of the day, you are bound to experience good weather. No heavy snow, or any other elements of the weather to get in the way. Also, there is a large chunk of the population who loves motorcycling over here, giving me an opportunity to share my passion with them.” "Every state has something different to offer - for diving, it's Perhentian, delicious tea in Cameron Highlands and so on. I got to 'balik kampung' with some friends to Kedah and Malacca where I spent Raya there. You have heard so much about the balik kampung' but experience it is different and it was one of my best experience in Malaysia," Speaking of his content creation journey, Adam said, “Growth on YouTube can be tough to hack sometimes - on occasions, your content hits gold, but other times, not so much. But that’s the beauty of YouTube - the algorithm has the power to connect you with an audience which finds your content useful, entertaining, and valuable. If you are able to deliver valuable information or really great entertainment, YouTube rewards that. It has this exponential potential to show your content to a wide audience whom you are not yet already connected to.” Teh Tarik Oppa Changmin , another South Korean creator from the channel Teh Tarik Oppa, only got started on his YouTube journey as recently as May 2019 - but even then, he has made great strides in growing his following which now hovers at 25,900 subscribers. While you may think majority of this followers are from Korea, it was actually the contrary. Close to 95% of his viewers are from Malaysia as they enjoy watching him speak in Malay and enjoy his Korean language lessons done in Bahasa. Changmin first came to Malaysia as an exchange student and that short stint made such an impression on him that he continued doing more Malaysian-centred content to preserve memories of his life in Malaysia. But that’s not all, Changmin majors in Bahasa and has taken on a Malaysian name: Asyraf. Mersing, Johor holds precious memories for him when he spent Hari Raya with his Malaysian family and friends. He fondly reminisce of fishing with friends and delicious Malaysian snacks such as keropok and lemang during the holiday. For him, it was a good cultural experience. One distictively Malaysian experience he has enjoyed is the mamak culture here as he enjoys 'lepakking' at mamak and meeting new friends over food.  “I may not already have a fancy car or lots of money from starting my YouTube channel, but there has been one important change to my life - I gained so many Malaysian friends through YouTube. My dream is to live in Malaysia with my future wife and kids, and to make it into Malaysian TV. My name is Teh Tarik Oppa because I think teh tarik is one of the most perfect drinks out there - maybe teh tarik could be a way how I could do collaborations with Malaysian brands,” volunteered Changmin eagerly. *** Generasi YouTube is a YouTube Malaysia initiative to showcase talented, up-and-coming creators handpicked based on the mark they are making on the platform. Previous creator showcases have highlighted local geek culture, the Malaysian fashionista community, millennial vloggers and stereotype-breaking female YouTubers. For the latest on these creators’ work, head on over to their channels: Aki from Japan , Blimey , MotoMatsalleh  and Teh Tarik Oppa .

What’s Best About Malaysia (feat Youtubers Aki from Japan, Blimey, MotoMatsalleh & Teh Tarik Oppa)

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In the past week, my social media channels has been flooded with photos of mystical rabbits popping up at Kwai Chai Hong for the Mid Autumn Festival. The Hops  and Dreams installation is in town until 4 Oct 2020 at the historical and instagrammable Kwai Chai Hong lane, Chinatown. The installation celebrates the Jade Rabbit, a well known tale of the hare which lives on the moon with the goddess Chang’e . The story goes: The  ‘Jade Emperor’  disguised as a starving old man came into the forest where the monkey, otter, jackal and rabbit live. As the Monkey offers the man fruits from the trees he climbs, the Otter gathered fish from the water he swims in while the Jackal got a lizard and a pot of milk curd. However, the rabbit only being able to offer grass, which would be dietarily insufficient to the man offers itself by throwing its body to the fire the man had made. Here, rabbit realising he did not burn, the man reveals his true form, moved by the rabbit’s gesture and sacrifice grants the rabbit immortality. In celebration for the Mid-Autumn Festival on 1 October, eight local artists displayed their own interpretation of the Jade Rabbit story in their own way. Kwai Chai Hong lane opens at 9am and just for this event, will keep its gates open until 12 midnight for a special night time light up and the appearance of a giant rabbit. The daytime viewing was nice but the evening light up was really something else. I would recommend joining around 5pm to catch golden hour in the area, grab dinner in one of the many cafes and restaurants around and then head back to Kwai Chai Hong for the night light up. And oh, go during the weekdays to avoid the crowd as I heard there can be a queue on weekends. Enjoy!

Chasing Rabbits at Kwai Chai Hong, Chinatown's Mid Autumn Festival

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