Month: June 2023

Leading Indosat’s growth to empower Indonesia, Vikram Sinha named 2023 CEO of the Year

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Leading Indosat’s growth to empower Indonesia, Vikram Sinha named 2023 CEO of the Year

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat) continues to record splendid operational and financial performances following its recent merger. Embracing the spirit of Gotong Royong, Indosat has a greater goal of empowering Indonesia. Recognizing the company’s various initiatives in achieving its goals, Vikram Sinha, President Director and CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, was named CEO of the Year at the Selular Award 2023. In addition, Indosat also won awards in the categories of Operator of the Year, Best Fiber to the Home Performance and Best Gaming Operator.

“I am delighted to receive this award. This moment is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved, including Indosat employees, partners and the support of our loyal customers. Indosat will continue to deliver marvelous experiences to all stakeholders and become the main collaborator in pursuing our goal of empowering Indonesia by accelerating the nation’s digital transformation,” Sinha said at the ceremony.

The CEO of The Year award was bestowed on Sinha in recognition of Indosat’s outstanding performance under his leadership. Sinha has significantly contributed to the company’s growth following the merger. As of March 31, 2023, Indosat recorded revenues of Rp 11.94 trillion, representing 10 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth, while the EBITDA for the first quarter of 2023 amounted to Rp 5.33 trillion, a 22 percent YoY increase. Furthermore, the successful integration of the MOCN network in over 46,000 sites across Indonesia reflects the company’s accelerated transformation amid the increasingly competitive telecommunications industry.

Selular Award 2023, its 20th edition, had the theme “Moving to the Next Level.” The awards, organized by Selular Media Network, are an appreciation of the ICT industry, particularly telecommunications companies, network vendors, handset vendors and other technology companies, for their contributions to society through their excellent services in Indonesia. The evaluation for the awards was based on their strategic achievements according to assessments conducted by Selular Award. In addition to the Selular Award ceremony, the sixth Selular Congress 2023 was also held, featuring prominent figures in the industry. This year’s theme was “Cross-Industry Synergy Driving Digitalization and Economic Growth.” Among the panelists in the discussion panel was Muhammad Buldansyah, Director and Chief Business Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison.

Source: The Jakarta Post

Liza Diño, first Filipino recipient of the highest civilian honor from France

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Liza Diño, first Filipino recipient of the highest civilian honor from France

LIZA Diño, a staunch supporter of Philippine cinema who continues to espouse the cause of Filipino filmmakers even after her tenure at the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), was awarded by the French Ministry of Culture with the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (National Order of Arts and Letters). She was given the rank of Chevalier (Knight), a first for a Filipina in the field of cinema.

The former FDCP chairman and Sunday Times Magazine (STM) columnist was cited for her achievements in drawing the world’s attention to quality Filipino filmmakers and movies during her service at the council. In return, she promoted French and world cinema to the Philippine audience.

During the awarding ceremony at the ambassador’s official residence in Makati, French Ambassador to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz cited the many projects Diño led that benefitted both countries.

“On your first official trip to France to attend the Cannes Film Festival to accompany your Philippine delegation, you met with CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée or National Centre for Cinematography (CNC)) of France to discuss possible areas of cooperation and soon after, you signed a cooperation agreement” Boccoz said.

Boccoz also recognized Diño’s efforts to host the Policy Forum on Government Support on Film Productions in 2018 — showed Filipino legislators and stakeholders how the French levy fund created self-sustainable funding for the French film and audiovisual industry — for them to understand the possible assistance that can also be implemented in the Philippines.

The list also includes the Philippines’ participation in the biggest animation festival, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival (MIFA), and how Diño worked hand-in-hand with the French embassy and its regional attaché in Singapore to host an animation teaching workshop in Manila, with no less than the experts from Annecy.

To top it all, Boccoz cited the efforts of Diño in paving the way for the signing of the co-production treaty between France and the Philippines, which she said “would open doors for Filipino films to the grants and funding tools available to French films.” Though the treaty has yet to be finalized, the French ambassador thanked the former FDCP chairman for championing what could be a great achievement for Philippine cinema.

“You really worked hard for that, and the representatives of different agencies and CNC can all attest to your commitment,” Boccoz said.

“Your energy, your talent, your intensive work have been recognized by the French professionals and by all French institutions,” the envoy added.

In her acceptance speech [full copy of which is available today on her column “The Future is Creative,” on page C4], Diño said that the award acknowledges not only her work but also the power of cinema to connect people from different cultures.

“I believed that in forming authentic relationships with colleagues, partners, and collaborators, I could get them on board to help me in my vision of an empowered and strong film industry. This was how this fruitful collaboration with France blossomed into impactful cooperation that bridged Philippine and French Cinema together,” Diño said.

Advocates for the Philippine cinema — including award-winning directors Brillante Mendoza, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna and Bibeth Orteza; actresses Bela Padilla and Angel Aquino; and public servants and film industry advocates Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Quezon City First District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, and Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher “Toff” de Venecia — witnessed Diño’s knighthood.

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is considered the highest civilian award given by France to individuals who have significantly contributed to furthering the arts in France and around the world.

Diño is the first Filipino chevalier awardee for cinema and is second only to Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh to be knighted in the field for Southeast Asia.

Source: Manila Times

Jalan Kek Chuan in Penang: Ranked 17th Among the World’s Most Beautiful Streets

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Jalan Kek Chuan in Penang: Ranked 17th Among the World’s Most Beautiful Streets

Penang’s Kek Chuan Road has been named one of ’40 of the Most Beautiful Streets in the World That Will Stop You in Your Tracks.

Penang and Phuket, Thailand, are the only Southeast Asia countries on the list.

Penang came in 17th after Symi, Greece; Boston, Massachusetts; Cape Town, South Africa; Chefchaouen, Morocco; Águeda, Portugal; Alberobello, Italy; Athens, Greece; Colmar, France; Burano, Italy; Kyoto, Japan; Buenos Aires, Argentina; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; Paris, France; Cotswolds, England; and San Francisco, California.

Others on the list included Annecy, France; Phuket, Thailand; Copenhagen, Denmark; Sichuan, China; Istanbul, Turkey; London, England; Brooklyn, New York; Miami, Florida; Milos, Greece; Big Sur, California; Salvador, Brazil; Bergen, Norway; Bamberg, Germany; Campeche, Mexico; San Antonio, Texas; Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; Recife, Brazil; Charleston, South Carolina; Oita, Japan; Québec City, Canada; Bath, England; Cairo, Egypt; and Lisbon, Portugal.

The article described George Town, the capital of the Malaysian island Penang, as a Unesco World Heritage Site with lively street art and even more famed street food.

“If it’s an architectural eye candy you’re after, head to Jalan Kek Chuan to peruse the ornately detailed shops that blend Eastern and Western designs,” it added.

Meanwhile, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin believed this recognition would bring a profound impact on Penang’s local economy and the tourism industry as a whole.

“It gives me great pleasure to share with you that our very own local street – Kek Chuan Road, has been accredited as the top 17th of the most beautiful streets in the world.

“Amidst countless breathtaking destinations across the globe, the humble street of our state has emerged as a shining gem, captivating the hearts of visitors from every corner of the world,” he added.

Yeoh said Penang could expect an influx of curious travellers, eager to witness the state’s very-own Kek Chuan Road in Penang.

Source: New Straits Times

Singapore Airlines named World’s Best Airline in the 2023 Skytrax Awards

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Singapore Airlines named World’s Best Airline in the 2023 Skytrax Awards

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been named World’s Best Airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, taking over the top spot from Qatar Airways.

It’s the fifth time the country’s national air carrier has won the prestigious accolade. In 2019, 2021 and 2022, SIA came second after Qatar Airways.

The Skytrax awards are based on surveys of more than 20 million travellers across over 100 nationalities, who rated more than 325 airlines between September 2022 and May 2023.

Japan’s All Nippon Airways is in third place this year, with Emirates and Japan Airlines coming in fourth and fifth, respectively.

SIA took the top spot in four categories at this year’s Skytrax awards, including Best First Class Airline, Best First Class Comfort Amenities, and Best Airline in Asia.

Scoot named Best Long Haul Low-cost Airline

SIA’s low-cost subsidiary Scoot was named Best Long Haul Low-cost Airline, and ranked second in the World’s Best Low-cost Airlines category.

SIA’s chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong received the World’s Best Airline award on behalf of the Airline in Paris on Tuesday (20 June).

“This award is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our people, who worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices to ensure that SIA was ready for the recovery in air travel. That has allowed us to emerge stronger and fitter from the pandemic as a leading international airline,” Goh said in a statement.

He added that they are very grateful to their customers for their loyalty and support, especially during the pandemic.

Edward Plaisted, Skytrax’s chief executive, congratulated SIA for the achievement and said that the success should be a source of great pride and satisfaction for the airline management and staff.

World’s top 10 airlines in 2023
1. Singapore Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. ANA All Nippon Airways
4. Emirates
5. Japan Airlines
6. Turkish Airlines
7. Air France
8. Cathay Pacific
9. EVA Air
10. Korean Air

Pinay Teen Dominates the Table: Capturing Double Gold in Table Tennis Championships

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Pinay Teen Dominates the Table: Capturing Double Gold in Table Tennis Championships

Kheith Rhynne Cruz bagged two gold medals for the Philippines in the 2023 Southeast Asia Youth table tennis championships in Brunei over the weekend.

Cruz ruled the girls’ U16 singles competition, beating Wirakarn Tayapitak of Thailand, 11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-3. 

She also captured the title in U19 doubles together with Chrishien Mae Santillan, defeating Wirakarn and Wanwisa Aueawiriyayothin, 11-2, 11-9, 11-7.

The 16-year-old Cruz earlier won silver in the SEA Table Tennis Association event, along with Santillan, Althea Jade Gudes, Jelaine Monteclaro, and Zachi Chua in the girls’ 19U team event. Santillan also claimed a bronze medal in the U19 girls singles tournament. 

“These remarkable victories, coupled with the unwavering support of our coaches, staff, and the PTTF showcase the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our athletes,” Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. president Ting Ledesma said.

“This momentous achievement not only etches a golden chapter in Philippine table tennis history but also propels our nation to new heights on the global stage.”

Also winning medals for the Philippines are: Jigsaya Cabrido and Joanna Isabelle Esguerra (bronze – cadet girls doubles), Khevine Khieth Cruz and Carl Benjamin De Los Reyes (bronze – cadet boys doubles), and Ray Joshua Lawrence Manlapaz (bronze – U17 boys singles).

The team’s coaches are Annabelle Commendador, Lauro Crisostomo, and Johann Remaneses.

Source: ABS-CBN News

Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah: Shattering Records and Making Waves in Water Skiing for Malaysia and Asia

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Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah: Shattering Records and Making Waves in Water Skiing for Malaysia and Asia

National water skier Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah created history after clinching the jump bronze medal at the Under-21 World Championships in Boca Laguna, Mexico, on Saturday.The 19-year-old, who is now based in the United States where she attends the Florida Southern College, leapt to a distance of 45.20m to settle for third place.

Chile’s Agustina Varas claimed the gold with a flying distance of 49.50m, while Australia’s Sade Ferguson pipped Aaliyah to silver with 45.30m.It was still, however, a tremendous achievement for the youngster who became the first Malaysian and Asian to win a medal at a water ski world meet.

Aaliyah also enjoyed a strong run in the slalom final. She improved from her 12th position in the preliminaries to finish ninth in the final.With nothing to lose, she stayed consistent enough for a 3/55kmh/12m finish to move up to ninth.

The event was won by American Annemarie Wroblewski, who finished with 0.5/55/10.75, while Sade (4/55/11.25) and Chile’s Trinidad Espinal (3.5/55/11.25) took silver and bronze, respectively.The only dampener for Aaliyah was falling short of taking a medal in the overall category.

Aaliyah had started the day in third spot, but Sade’s excellent showing meant she got bumped down to fourth spot.She finished with a total of 2065.38, behind third-placed Australian Lara Butlin, who garnered 2136.98 points.

American Kennedy Hansen won the overall gold with 2786.30 points, while Sade took the silver with 2553.80.”I am excited as I pushed hard for my first world podium,” said Aaliyah.

Malaysian Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (MWWF) coach Hanifah Yoong said it was a proud moment for Aaliyah and Malaysia.”This is certainly a historic moment as Aaliyah is the first Malaysian and Asian to stand on the podium at a world meet,” said Hanifah.

Source: New Straits Times

Asean bloc to hold first joint military drills

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Asean bloc to hold first joint military drills

South-East Asian nations have agreed to hold their first-ever joint military drills in the South China Sea, Indonesian officials said Thursday, as tensions grow over China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

“We will hold joint military drills in the North Natuna Sea,” Indonesian military chief Yudo Margono said after a meeting of Southeast Asian defence chiefs in Bali, state news agency Antara reported.

They will take place in September involving all 10 members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) bloc and observer member Timor-Leste, he said.

That would include junta-ruled Myanmar, where the military has overthrown a civilian leader and overseen a bloody crackdown on dissent that has resulted in wide-ranging US and EU sanctions.

Margono said the exercises will focus on maritime security and rescue, and will not involve combat operations.

“It is about Asean centrality,” he said.

The bloc’s members have held naval drills with the United States before but never military exercises as a bloc on its own.

The announcement comes after Washington called on Beijing to stop “provocative” behaviour in the disputed waterway after a near-collision with a Philippine vessel and a Chinese fighter pilot’s dangerous manoeuvre near an American surveillance aircraft.

Chinese vessels have also occasionally intruded into the Indonesian-claimed waters of North Natuna where the drills will take place, prompting protests in Jakarta.

China says most of the South China Sea is its own despite competing claims from other Southeast Asian nations including Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Beijing’s ships have patrolled the area and when confronted have invoked China’s so-called nine-dash line — an area it claims but is contested by its neighbours — to justify its alleged historic rights to the waters.

At a summit last month, Asean leaders discussed “serious incidents” in the South China Sea and ongoing negotiations for a code of conduct aimed at reducing the risk of conflict there.

Asean has long been decried by critics as a toothless talking shop, and its charter principles of consensus and non-interference have hamstrung its ability to take action.

The bloc will hold its next leaders’ summit in Indonesian capital Jakarta in September. – AFP

Source: thestar.com.my

Malaysia and Indonesia are strengthening their trade, investment, and halal ties

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Malaysia and Indonesia are strengthening their trade, investment, and halal ties

Malaysia and Indonesia today further heightened their collaboration on trade, investment and halal sector following the signing of agreements in conjunction with the visit by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his delegation to Malaysia.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and his Indonesian counterpart Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan, representing Malaysia and Indonesia, sealed the border trade agreement and memorandum of understanding on investment promotion cooperation during the bilateral instrument signing ceremony at Seri Perdana Complex here, today.

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Hakimah Mohd Yusoff and head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency Indonesia Muhammad Aqil Irham signed the mutual cooperation on recognition of halal certification for halal products.

Malaysia also sealed the agreement on border crossing signed by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Indonesia’s Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian.

Joko Widodo is on a two-day working visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, starting Wednesday, to further strengthen the longstanding and close relations between the two economies.

Indonesia was Malaysia’s sixth largest trading partner and second largest among Asean member states in 2022 with total trade of RM130.14 billion (US$29.55 billion).

Source: Bernama

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing support for Indonesia

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The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing support for Indonesia

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship through the visit of the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and ASEAN Richard Graham MP.

Graham is visiting Indonesia from June 5–7, 2023, highlighting the UK’s strong support for Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship, the British Embassy in Jakarta said in a press statement on Monday.

During his visit, Graham will meet Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, to discuss the UK’s support for a number of economic deliverables of Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship.

He will also meet ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn to enquire how the UK can further support ASEAN in its economic integration journey post 2025.

His eleventh visit as the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and ASEAN underlines the UK’s commitment to both bilateral and multinational partnership in the region, focused on economic growth and development, Graham said.

Graham is also scheduled to meet Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan; National Development Planning Minister/head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Suharso Monoarfa; and head of the New Capital City Authority (OIKN) to discuss potential commercial collaboration in Nusantara.

The visit follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral investment promotion with the Indonesian Investment Minister last year, which encourages two-way investment between the two countries.

Furthermore, Graham will also visit Surabaya and meet several interlocutors, including the Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and the Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, to discuss trade and investment opportunities in sustainable transport, defense, green energy, and education.

The UK is of the view that Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship year holds tremendous significance for the Southeast Asian region and beyond, and it is keen on playing an active role in supporting Indonesia’s efforts to promote regional prosperity and resilience.

As a key partner of ASEAN, the UK is committed to fostering even closer ties with Indonesia, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the region’s economic landscape, the British Embassy said in its statement.

As ASEAN chair this year, Indonesia plays a critical role in driving the bloc’s many ambitions. He looks forward to seeing key Indonesian interlocutors and the ASEAN secretary general to discuss ways to deepen our relationship, Graham said.

Meanwhile, the UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, said that 2023 is the second year of the UK’s Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN, and marks one year of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action and driving forward the delivery of the plans it contains.

The UK supports Indonesia’s ambitious agenda as ASEAN chair, including to progress the region’s economic integration efforts, Ambassador Tiffin said, adding that rhe UK is proud to support this, including through the delivery of the priority economic deliverables (PED) Indonesia has identified.

The Prime Minister’s Trade Envoys are a network of UK parliamentarians who are appointed to foster trade and investment opportunities in their respective markets.

Source: antaranews.com

Sarawak flagpole to be tallest flagpole in the country

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Sarawak flagpole to be tallest flagpole in the country

The Sarawak government has unveiled plans to construct the nation’s tallest flagpole in Petra Jaya, Kuching. This monumental structure will proudly hoist the state’s flag, symbolizing Sarawak’s heritage and achievements. According to The Borneo Post, insiders have revealed that the proposed flagpole will stand an impressive 99 meters tall, with an estimated project cost of approximately RM30 million.

The strategic location for this remarkable flagpole is near the Tea House or Fort Margherita, within close proximity to the State Legislative Assembly Complex. Surpassing the current tallest flagpole in Malaysia, situated in Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka Square, the Sarawak flagpole will reach a height of 4 meters higher, making it a remarkable sight to behold.

Sources report that the flagpole’s erection serves as a tribute to Sarawak’s unwavering commitment in safeguarding its rights and privileges during the formation of Malaysia. The Borneo Post is diligently gathering additional details about the project, including its anticipated commencement and completion dates.

The current highest flagpole in Malaysia, erected in 1989, stands at a towering height of 95 meters. Positioned at the southern end of the iconic Merdeka Square, this flagpole marks the historic spot where the Union Jack was lowered, signifying the end of British rule, and the Malayan flag was raised for the first time on 31 August 1957. Remarkably, it holds the distinction of being the twelfth tallest flagpole globally, trailing the Belagavi flagpole in India, which soars to a height of 110 meters. The title for the world’s tallest flagpole presently belongs to the 201.952-meter flagpole in Egypt.