Month: March 2023

China and ASEAN have set their Sights on Significantly Increasing Agricultural Trade

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China and ASEAN have set their Sights on Significantly Increasing Agricultural Trade

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) topped China’s agricultural trade last year, reaching US$61 billion, ahead of the US and Brazil

China and the 10-nation Asean bloc should explore potential agricultural collaboration, with Beijing eager to enhance its ties with the region, officials and diplomats said at the Boao Forum for Asia.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) topped China’s agricultural trade last year, reaching US$61 billion, followed by the United States and Brazil, according to Sui Pengfei, head of international cooperation with China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

“Given the density and scale of populations in China and Asean, we cannot tolerate any mistake which undermines food security in the region,” Sui said at the summit on the tropical island of Hainan on Wednesday.

“We should keep our agricultural trade at top level. We have 40 per cent of agricultural investment in total in Asean, which is our foundation for moving forward. We are not only aiming to expand agricultural trade to above US$100 billion in coming five to seven years, but also optimise trade structure.”

Sui said there was a huge amount of room to improve the quality of trade beyond raw materials and primary goods, suggesting an increase in technological and professional exchanges could help.

“We indeed need to make efforts to increase the value of our trade,” he said.

Djauhari Oratmangun, Indonesia’s ambassador to China, said agricultural collaboration is a focus between China and Asean this year to meet soaring demand after the coronavirus pandemic.

Hainan, which enjoys a similar climate with parts of Southeast Asia, could serve as “a gateway for Asean countries” to deepen agriculture cooperation with China, he added.

“We will have effective and technical discussions on the standards and process of tropical countries producing tropical fruits,” Oratmangun said.

The island is gearing up for the harvest of its first domestic durian crop this summer after more than four years of cultivation with help from Asean experts.

Xie Jianghui, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agriculture Science, said China has conducted 83 joint projects and training programmes with Asean nations in the past five years.

“Chinese tropical agriculture has certain advantages in terms of technology, and Asean countries have better advantages in terms of production capacity and prices,” Xie said.

China has conducted 50 multilateral agricultural science and technology training courses with nine Asean countries, excluding Singapore, and signed cooperation agreements with 25 educational units for training personnel, according to Xie.

“Our cooperation [with Asean] mainly covers breeding and the green and efficient cultivation of new varieties of natural rubber, bananas and other crops, as well as deep processing of agricultural products,” he said.

Xie said China had also introduced eight cassava species to Southeast Asia in recent years, planting more than 666,667 hectares (1.65 million acres) in various nations and providing them with more than 40,000 newly developed planting materials.

The Asean bloc last year exported US$36 billion of agricultural products to China, its top trading partner, and is looking forward to expanding its partnership with increased investment, supply chain activities and food products, according to Asean secretary general Kao Kim Hourn.

“We will also include in this free-trade agreement some of the areas of interest that we have talked about, such as creativity and supply chain activities and the digital economy,” Kao said.

Kao hopes that a better customs arrangement will be on the agenda, such as a one-stop shop for window services and better logistics and warehousing, and that Asean can deepen bilateral cooperation in the green economy and sustainable areas in addition to agriculture.

Source: South China Post

Singapore Changi Airport is named the World’s Best Airport 2023

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Singapore Changi Airport is named the World’s Best Airport 2023

Singapore Changi Airport has been named as the World’s Best Airport in 2023 in the World Airport Awards held at Passenger Terminal EXPO in Amsterdam on 15th March 2023. Changi Airport also won the awards for the World’s Best Airport Dining and World’s Best Airport Leisure Amenities.

Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group said: “Changi Airport is honoured to be named World’s Best Airport for the 12th time. This recognition is great encouragement to our airport community, who stood firmly together to battle the challenges of Covid-19 over the past two years. We thank them for their dedication to serve Changi’s passengers and the perseverance to keep Singapore connected to the world. To our passengers, we are deeply grateful for your vote of confidence. Your continued support encourages us to keep pursuing service excellence as we expand our offerings to redefine the Changi Experience. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Changi Airport as we rediscover the magic of travel again.”

The 2021 and 2022 Airport of the Year, Hamad International Airport, Doha took 2nd place in the global ranking and won three top awards for the World’s Best Airport Shopping, the Best Airport in the Middle East and the Cleanest Airport in the Middle East.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: “We are delighted to collect these accolades by the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards, we will continue to strive to provide our passengers with an exceptional travel experience and provide our partners with the best facility and unmatched service. We stay committed to our growth plans and maintaining highest standards in the global travel industry.”

Tokyo Haneda Airport, No 3 in the global ranking, continued its previous year successes winning the awards as the World’s Cleanest Airport, the World’s Best Domestic Airport and the Best Airport PRM & Accessible Facilities.

Seoul’s Incheon Airport, ranked No 4 globally, won awards for the World’s Best Airport Staff Service, the World’s Best Airport Immigration Processing, and Best Airport Staff in Asia.

Amongst other global Award winners, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport was named the World’s Most Improved Airport, and Chubu Centrair International Airport, Nagoya, won the World’s Best Regional Airport award, with Centrair’s Terminal 2 receiving the Best Low-Cost Airline Terminal award.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport won the award for the World’s Best Airport Hotel, this achievement for a remarkable eighth consecutive year.

Zurich Airport repeated it’s success winning the World’s Best Airport Security Processing award, and Bahrain International Airport took top honours with the award for the World’s Best Airport Baggage Delivery.

Terminal B, LaGuardia Airport received the award for the World’s Best New Airport Terminal, on the same day that this new Terminal B received the highest 5-Star Airport Terminal Rating from Skytrax.

“Our goal at the Port Authority was to completely transform the customer experience at LaGuardia, from curb to gate, by building a brand-new, world-class airport,” said Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority. “Winning this prestigious award and becoming the first North American airport terminal to receive a 5-star rating from Skytrax proves that we have accomplished what many once said was impossible: elevate LaGuardia from worst to best.”

Paris CDG Airport was named the Best Airport in Europe, with Munich Airport winning the Best Airport Staff Service in Europe award, as well as the Best Airport in Central Europe.

Helsinki Airport was a repeat winner of the Best Airport in Northern Europe award. “We are proud that our passengers have once again chosen Helsinki Airport as the best airport in Northern Europe. Our airport continues to have a strong position among the best airports in the world,” says Ulla Lettijeff, Director of Helsinki Airport at Finavia.

Istanbul Airport won awards for the Most Family Friendly Airport and the Best Airport in Southern Europe.

Bahrain International Airport received two awards, as the World’s Best Airport for Baggage Delivery and for the Best Airport Staff in Middle East. Gulf Air Group Chairman, His Excellency Zayed R. Al Zayani said: “We are honored to be recognized for the quality of our services and our commitment to ensuring that all passengers enjoy a hassle-free travel experience. BIA is the central asset of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s aviation sector. Awards such as these demonstrate the efficacy of our aviation strategy and reinforce our position as a leading regional and global aviation hub. Backed by state-of-the-art facilities and a highly skilled team dedicated to providing the highest levels of service, BIA celebrates Bahrain’s rich heritage and spotlights our warm hospitality to the world.”

Bahrain Airport Company Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah said: “The baggage handling department plays a key role in making the airport experience as seamless as possible for passengers. Although passengers may not see all the hard work and attention to detail that goes into this process, we are pleased that they appreciate a job well done. While our advanced facilities play a key role, having an outstanding team is crucial to deliver a safe, efficient, and memorable airport experience. Customers are at the center of our daily operations and wherever their onward journeys take them, our goal is to ensure the time they spend at BIA is convenient and enjoyable.”

A new award for 2023, Skytrax introduced the Art in the Airport category for the first time, with the winning airport being Houston Airport System in recognition of the art standards across their two airports, William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport. For this 2023 Art in the Airport, the results are based on the Skytrax judging panel and not customer survey results.

“Houston Airports is relentless in its quest to create a global air service gateway where the magic of flight is celebrated. We’ve thoughtfully invested in and curated works of art representative of our city and the greater global community we diligently work to serve,” said Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “It is an honor to know our unique visual and performing arts experience resonate not only with customers but also with Skytrax. Art is magical, and with imagination and innovation, the magic of art inspires Houston Airports to elevate the world’s best art experience to new heights.”

Elsewhere in North America, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport won the award as the Best Airport in North America.

Montréal–Trudeau International Airport received the award for Best Airport Staff in North America. “With a strong recovery in aviation activity in 2022 creating many challenges for our industry, I am very proud that the excellent work of employees in our airport community has been recognized. YUL has distinguished itself for many years by the way it welcomes people and for its commitment to championing the passenger experience. So winning this award twice in the last five years is no accident. To the more than 13,000 people who are dedicated to serving passengers every day and who, above all, have continued to smile during the most difficult times over the past year, I say thank you and, above all, bravo!” said Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of ADM.

In South America, Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport won the Best Airport in South America award. According to Natalí Leal, General Manager of Opain, the operating company of the Bogotá airport, “Receiving this recognition is a source of immense pride and satisfaction for all the people, companies and entities that work tirelessly to make the operation of El Dorado possible. With this recognition, for the second consecutive year, we continue to consolidate the airport of all Colombians as a point of reference in the region. We will continue working with excellence and dedication to offer an exceptional service to the more than 36 million passengers that pass through our terminal.”

Quito International Airport received the awards as the Best Regional Airport in South America and the Best Airport Staff in South America. Ramón Miró, CEO of Quiport said: “Maintaining leadership in the region is a huge responsibility and we are committed to continue working to find opportunities for improvement and adequately understand the expectations of our passengers. We are proud to receive these awards from Skytrax, which show that in Ecuador we can provide an airport service with high levels of excellence and, above all, with the warmth that characterizes Ecuadorians. I thank all the companies and institutions that work at the Quito International Airport because this award belongs to all of them.”

San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport took top honours by winning the awards as the Best Regional Airport in Central America & Caribbean and the Best Airport Staff in Central America & Caribbean. In Africa, Cape Town International Airport continues it’s multi-year success by winning the Best Airport in Africa and Best Airport Staff in Africa awards.

In the Australia / Pacific region, Melbourne Airport won the awards for the Best Airport in Australia & Pacific and the Best Airport Staff in Australia & Pacific.

Gold Coast Airport won the award as the Best Regional Airport in Australia & Pacific. Queensland Airports Limited Chief Executive Officer Amelia Evans congratulated all of the team who work at Gold Coast Airport. “To win this award for the fifth time is credit to the more than 2,200 team members who work at Gold Coast Airport, including our airline and retail partners,” Ms Evans said. “What makes these awards so special is that we don’t self-nominate, it’s based on direct feedback from the travelling public, so it’s the best indicator of our performance from a customer experience point of view. The recognition that comes with awards at this level not only puts Gold Coast Airport in the spotlight, but it places the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales communities on the world stage. This has come at a particularly exciting time for Gold Coast Airport, with our new international terminal now open and new global connections on the horizon.”

Delhi Airport received the award as the Best Airport in India / South Asia. The CEO of Delhi International Airport , Mr Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said: “It is the hard work and dedication of all the stakeholders which has helped Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) attain this unique feat. This acclamation by Skytrax reinforces DIAL’s commitment to constantly work towards bettering passenger experience, while developing sustainable and environment-friendly infrastructure at Delhi Airport.”

Hyderabad Airport won the awards as the Best Regional Airport in India & South Asia and for the Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia. Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Pradeep Panicker, CEO-GHIAL said, “We are thrilled to receive this award and be recognized for our commitment to provide an exceptional travel experience for our passengers. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our airport staff, stakeholders and partners working at Hyderabad Airport, who have worked relentlessly to deliver world- class services to our passengers. This recognition motivates us to continue to innovate and further improve the airport experiences and reinforce our commitment to provide a safe and seamless experience for all.”

In China, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport won the award as the Best Airport in China, with Haikou Meilan International Airport winning awards for the Best Regional Airport in China and the Best Airport Staff in China. The Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport was named as the Best Airport Hotel in China.

Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: “We congratulate Singapore Changi Airport on being named the World’s Best Airport for 2023. After being severely hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is pleasing to note that passenger numbers at Changi Airport are now at about 80 percent of pre-Covid-19 levels, and expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. This recognition for Changi Airport is from the airport customers and serves to underline the airport’s popularity with international air travellers. Winning this award as the World’s Best Airport is a very clear recognition of the team effort amongst all staff at the airport who contribute to Changi Airport’s success”.

The World’s Top 20 Airports for 2023

  1. Singapore Changi Airport
  2. Hamad International Airport
  3. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)
  4. Incheon International Airport
  5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
  6. Istanbul Airport
  7. Munich Airport
  8. Zurich Airport
  9. Narita International Airport
  10. Madrid-Barajas Airport
  11. Vienna International Airport
  12. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
  13. Rome Fiumicino Airport
  14. Copenhagen Airport
  15. Kansai International Airport
  16. Chubu Centrair International Airport
  17. Dubai International Airport
  18. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
  19. Melbourne Airport
  20. Vancouver International Airport

Source: skytraxratings

Japanese Bussinessman wearing a full office suit climbed Mount Kinabalu

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Japanese Bussinessman wearing a full office suit climbed Mount Kinabalu

A Japanese businessman is making headlines after climbing Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Borneo, in a full office suit and leather shoes. Nobutaka Sada’s unique ascent has captured the attention of Malaysians and social media users around the world.

Despite not wearing the typical clothes worn by mountain climbers, Sada successfully climbed the 13,400-foot peak and shared his achievement on Facebook. His story quickly went viral, with many people admiring his determination and spirit of adventure.

Sada’s climb is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. His unconventional attire has made him a hero to many, and his story serves as an inspiration to anyone who wants to push themselves beyond their limits.

First Hydrogen ART in ASEAN Own by Sarawak Metro

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First Hydrogen ART in ASEAN Own by Sarawak Metro

The Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) says it will widely promote the use of hydrogen-powered public transport vehicles in the state. According to its chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Hussain, this will include hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles as well as buses.

He said that one ART vehicle is ready and would be coming in soon. It will be trialled on the highway in Samarahan for a period of a year, the Borneo Post reports.

He added that more ART vehicles will start coming in next year, and when the required number is obtained the state will begin commercial operations, which is expected to be by the end of 2025. When asked how many ART vehicles would arrive next year, he replied that they will come in batches. “Bit by bit, maybe three or four units at one time,” he said.

The ART system consists of a trackless tram that is outfitted with rubber tyres to run on tarmac instead of on rails as required by trains. These can run autonomously on virtual routes, directed by road markings.

In the case of the hydrogen-powered system that will be used by Sarawak, the Chinese-made ART vehicle measures 30.2 metres in length, 2.65 metres in width and 3.7 metres in height. It can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and has a 241-passenger capacity with a revised seating layout.

Back in January, Abdul Aziz said that SEDC Energy would produce hydrogen to power the state’s ART system. “We will require about two tonnes of hydrogen a day for the ART next year and we need to ramp this up to five tonnes a day. As such, we need to produce electrolysers for that and we want to produce our own. We don’t want to import from other countries and add to the cost,” he said then.

The state is aiming to become a leader in hydrogen economy in the country, having stated plans to begin large-scale commercial production and export of hydrogen by 2027. development of a new plant located in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu, was announced last year. Dubbed the H2biscus project, the plant will eventually produce 220,000 tonnes of green hydrogen, 630,000 tonnes of green ammonia and 600,000 tonnes of blue ammonia when it is up and running.

Source: Paul Tan

Singapore’s Airport Declared ‘Best Airport’ of the World

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Singapore’s Airport Declared ‘Best Airport’ of the World

Based on responses to questionnaires from the Global Airport Survey provided by more than 60 different nationalities of airport users throughout the study period, a new ranking of the world’s top airports has been released.

If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll be pleased to hear that Singapore Changi Airport has once again been named the world’s best airport in a new ranking released by Skytrax. According to the survey, which received responses from over 60 nationalities of airport users, Changi Airport stood out for its exceptional facilities, services, and overall experience. Hamad International Airport of Qatar also made the list, earning recognition for its stunning design that has been hailed as the most architecturally significant terminal complex in the world.

“It’s an incredible achievement to be named the world’s best airport for the 12th time,” said the CEO of Changi Airport Group, noting that the award is a source of inspiration for the entire airport community. Other travelers and industry experts agree, praising Changi’s top-notch amenities and customer service.

Michelle Yeoh Makes History As First Southeast Asian to Win Best Actress Oscar

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Michelle Yeoh Makes History As First Southeast Asian to Win Best Actress Oscar

Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh is a true gem in the world of entertainment. The Malaysian-born actress has graced us with her captivating performances in various Hollywood and international films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Memoirs of a Geisha. Her most recent masterpiece, Everything Everywhere All at Once, has set an unparalleled standard in the movie industry, surpassing even the iconic The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King as the most-awarded movie in Hollywood history with over 336 awards and 691 nominations.

Michelle Yeoh’s talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as she has made history by becoming the first Asian actress to win the coveted Best Actress award at the prestigious 95th Academy Awards. Her incredible achievement has also marked her as the first Malaysian woman to be nominated for and to win an Academy Award. Yeoh’s dedication and unparalleled talent continue to inspire and leave us in awe.

“Thank you, thank you. For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof, dream big, and dreams do come true,” Yeoh said after accepting the award from fellow actresses Jessica Chastain and Halle Berry.

“And ladies, don’t let anyone ever tell you you’re past your prime,” she added. Yeoh, 60, is the oldest nominee in her category.

The Ipoh-born actor bested Australian actress and two-time Oscar recipient Cate Blanchett, who was one of the major contenders for the coveted award. Ana De Armas, Michelle Williams, and Andrea Riseborough were also nominated for Best Actress.

“I have to dedicate this (award) to my mum, all the mums in the world because they are really the superheroes, and without them, none of us would be here tonight.

“I’m taking this home to her. She’s watching right now in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys. I’m bringing this home to you,” Yeoh said in gratitude to her family.

“And also to my extended family in Hong Kong where I started my career. Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders, giving me a leg up so that I can be here today,” she added.

The show Everything Everywhere All At Once very well deserves all its awards it has won at this years Oscars, bringing a unique and exhilarating experience to viewers through immaculate storytelling and screenplay.