Microsoft We Tech Care 2016 | President’s Challenge 16th edition launched by Singapore President Tony Tan

The 16th President’s Challenge was launched at Microsoft We Tech Care 2016 by President Tony Tan Keng Yam. In line with Microsoft’s mantra to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more, We Tech Care 2016 includes regular fund-raising to rally the local startup community, non-profit organisations and partner organisations where Microsoft showcased the power of technology in creating a smarter and more inclusive Singapore.

The President’s Challenge goes beyond financial support to address today’s social needs, promoting community interaction and integration, providing beneficiaries support, skills and confidence to lead dignified and meaningful lives.

For every S$10 donated to President’s Challenge, S$2 will be channelled to the President’s Challenge Silver Volunteer Fund and Singapore government will match dollar-for-dollar donations, capped at S$20 million. 

Held at JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, Microsoft We Tech Care 2016 half-day event created opportunities for all ages to learn coding and computing through IT workshops and talks; connected current generation of innovators with the next through startup discovery tours; raised awareness of innovative technologies to solve societal issues; supported digital inclusion programmes through partnerships with non-profit organisations; and fostered Microsoft employees’ skill-based volunteering efforts.

Jessica Tan, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore shared that 'by contributing what Microsoft knows and does best, we are heartened to see that close to 2,200 people with disabilities and 22,461 seniors have been equipped with practical IT skills. In the last two years, 55 people with disabilities have also been trained with vocational IT skills and 19 of them have gone on to find job opportunities in IT-related fields.'

We Tech Care 2016 raised a total of S$268,963 from Microsoft and its employees, partners and members of the public. President Tan accepted the donation cheque from Microsoft on behalf of President’s Challenge. Funds raised through President’s Challenge 2016 is for 57 beneficiaries across various sectors and charities supported by Microsoft. 

We Tech Care 2016 was supported by Gold Sponsors - Accenture Technology Solutions Pte Ltd and Avanade Asia Pte Ltd; and Bronze Sponsors - Challenger Technologies Ltd, Datapulse Technology Limited, and Dimension Data (Singapore) Pte Ltd. In-kind corporate contribution was also provided by Embrya and JTC Corporation. For more information, visit www.microsoft.com/singapore/WeTechCare and www.pc.org.sg.

Malaysia e-Visa China Tourists exemption | Shila Amzah Malaysia’s Tourism Ambassador in China appointment

Malaysia e-Visa programme and visa exemption by the Malaysian government for China tourists was officially launched by the Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Malaysia e-Visa system will be carried out in three phases starting with Chinese nationals residing in Mainland China, followed by the second phase for Chinese nationals residing outside Mainland China and the final phase which incorporates other countries like India, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Chinese tourists could submit their application with relevant documents for Malaysia e-Visa at https://www.windowmalaysia.my/evisa the official website for Malaysian e-Visa application. A processing fee of USD25 (RM128/200 yuan) applies and upon visa approval, print the Malaysia e-visa at their convenience.

The Malaysia e-Visa is for visitors travelling and visiting relatives and friends in Malaysia and limited to 30 days for a single entry to Malaysia within three months from the date of issuance of the e-Visa.

Visa-free entry is available for Chinese tourists staying in Malaysia for a period not exceeding 15 days, subject to conditions from 1 March to 31 December 2016

Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri also announced the appointment of Shila Amzah, Malaysian singer-songwriter, actress, record producer and winner of Asian Wave, a Chinese reality singing talent show as Malaysia’s Tourism Ambassador in China.

The Tourism Ambassador Programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture through Tourism Malaysia to engage prominent, well-established and influential Malaysians in various fields to promote the country.

Malaysia Super Sale 2016 | Miss SHOPhia Shopping Icon Launch in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia National Sales 2016 Grand Launch of 1Malaysia Super Sale (1st-31st March), 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (15th June - 31st August) and 1Malaysia Year-End Sale (1st Nov -31st December) was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin at Nu Sentral, Kuala Lumpur in the presence of tourism industry players, retailers and Tourism Malaysia’s Mega FAM programme international media and travel agents participants from Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Seychelles, Sudan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Malaysia is an award winning shopping destination and secured the second top position in the Muslim Travel Shopping Index for the category of the Best Shopping Destination 2015 for Muslims in the OIC Destination.  

Kuala Lumpur  - Best shopping destination in Southeast Asia and among the top in Asia.

Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur is the best shopping destination in Southeast Asia and among the top in Asia. Expedia UK named Kuala Lumpur as top 5 in shopping destination for 2016. CNN ranked Kuala Lumpur as the world’s 4th Best Shopping City, after New York, Tokyo and London for two consecutive years – 2012 and 2013. Globe Shopper Index ranked Kuala Lumpur as the 2nd Best Shopping Destination in Asia Pacific in 2012.

Tourism Malaysia’s new Shopping Malaysia Maps with directional details around major shopping hubs in the country are shoppers must have. Four separate maps covering the shopping precincts of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya, Penang, Johor & Melaka and Sabah & Sarawak included various places of interest for tourists to visit complete with a list of Malaysia Shopping malls.

Malaysia Miss SHOPhia Shopping Icon

Malaysia’s Tourist Refund Scheme information can be found in Tourism Malaysia Shopping Malaysia Maps. A step-by-step guide is given to help tourists claim GST refund of 6 per cent on shopping spend of at least RM300, including GST in a single invoice or receipt. 

Malaysia Tax Refund validation counters are located at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA 2 plus airports in Subang, Kuantan, Senai, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu where approved refund agents are available to help tourists with their GST refund claims.

Malaysia Super Sale 2016 fringe activity, Tourism Malaysia Shopping Hunt 2016 was flagged off by Tourism Malaysia’s Director General, YBHg. Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab and shopping mall representatives at Malaysia Tourism Center in Jalan Ampang.

Tourism Malaysia Mega FAM participants visited Kuala Lumpur shopping belts by rapid LRT trains and monorails to :-

1) Kuala Lumpur city center shopping malls : KLCC to Bukit Bintang starting from Suria KLCC, Avenue K, Pavilion KL, Starhill Gallery, Fahrenheit88, Lot 10, Sungei Wang Plaza, Berjaya Times Square and Nu Sentral in KL Sentral.

2) Kuala Lumpur shopping districts : Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman where Quill City Mall, Sogo, Jakel Mall and local stores beckons, Central Market (Pasar Seni) and Sunway Putra Mall at Putra World Trade.

Malaysia Miss SHOPhia Shopping Icon and shopping slogan “Super Bargains, Fantastic Experiences” was unveiled at Malaysia National Sales Grand Launch  2016.

Miss SHOPhia will be featured in international and domestic shopping campaigns, videos and television commercials plus shopping and food blog where she shares the best deals and bargains in Malaysia. Like facebook.com/missshophia, Instagram : @miss_shophia Twitter: missshophia for more Tourism Malaysia Shopping news.

VIETJET HANOI TAIPEI NEW 2016 INTERNATIONAL ROUTE LAUNCHED

VietJet Hanoi – Taipei flight VJ5972 is the newest VietJet Air international route launched in 2016 with thrice weekly schedule from February 1st, departing at 1510 and arriving at 1850 in Taipei. VJ5973 will depart an hour later at 19:50 and arrive in Hanoi at 21:30.

Hanoi is located on Northern Vietnam with cool climate during winter is an ideal vacation choice all year round with its charming old French quarters architecture, heritage cultural and close proximity to Ha Long Bay limestone islands, an UNESCO world heritage site. 

VietJet operates daily flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Taipei on VJ840, departing at 1:10 and arriving in Taipei at 05:35. The returning flight VJ841 departs Taipei at 06:35 and arrive in Ho Chi Minh Coty at 09:00.

 

Book your Vietjet air tickets at www.vietjetair.com,https://m.vietjetair.com) or www.facebook.com/vietjetvietnam (by click the “Booking” tab).

Changi airport millionaire 2016 winner shopped at DFS Wines & Spirits

Changi airport group 'Be a Changi Millionaire' 2016 Grand Draw winner is Irish traveller Linda Tobin, crowned at Changi Airport Terminal 3 with cheers from more than 330 Changi Airport fans present.

The annual Changi Millionaire campaign with the biggest cash prize to be won in the world attracted almost two million entires from 229 nationalities globally, with top three group from Singapore, Indonesia and China.

Six lucky winners picked from Changi Airport retail stores and 1 winner from iShopChangi.Com, Changi airport online store gathered and play Changi Airport theme games where the final two contestants had to chose the correct boarding pass to open Changi Millionaire Cabin door.

Linda Tobin striked three and hit the jackpot with boarding pass no 3, her new lucky number. It was her third time passing through Changi Airport and the third finalist picked for Changi Grand Draw.

A bottle of Laphtoaig 25 year old Islay single scotch whisky purchased by Linda was her winning ticket to become an instant millionaire.

The 6 other finalists won S$5000 cash and three night stay at Crowned Plaza Changi Airport with airfare provided for non-Singaporean contestants.

With a minimum spending of S$30 in a single receipt at either public or transit areas were eligible for 'Be a Changi Millionaire' draw held from May to December 2015.

Liquor and tobacco, cosmetics and perfumes continued to be the two most popular product categories at Changi Airprit, followed by luxury brands, electronics equipments and chocolate confectionery.

Changi airport group achieved another year of record breaking sales of over S$2.2 billion with the opening of the world first DFS liquor duplex store, Shilla Duty Free beauty duplex stores and numerous first in Changi exciting retail brands in the airport. 

Changi airport group will continue its successful campaign of 'Be a Changi Millionaire' 2016 and picking it's lucky winner in 2017.

MALAYSIA DEEPAVALI OPEN HOUSE 2015 KEDAH CELEBATION WITH NAJIB,MALAYSIA PRIME MINISTER

Malaysia Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak and wife, Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Manson officiated Malaysia Deepavali Open House 2015 dinner at Padang Awam Kulim, Kedah to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights with Malaysia Hindu community after the annual MIC Deepavali open house ceremony at the Batu Caves temple, Gombak in the morning.

 

Malaysia National Open House for Deepavali 2015 was organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Kedah State Government in the heritage, cultural and eco state of Kedah, renowned for the picturesque  Zahir Mosque in Alor Star, one of the oldest and most beautiful mosque in Malaysia to  Sedim Kulim tree top walks, world's longest canopy walk at 950 metres  and the recently discovered archaeological site Sungai Batu Petani, believed to be the oldest civilisation in Southeast Asia with relic artefacts over 1,900 years old (110 AD).

Prime Minister Najib wished all Malaysia Hindu Community a very Happy Deepavali as local Hindu dancers fronted the Deepavali Open House celebrations with popular Indian artistes, singers and comedians like Datuk David Arumugam, Iwal AF,  MGR Suresh, Rajini Suresh, Sathia, Shamimi, Sivakumar, Vivek Chakrasonic and William entertained  the cheery Malaysians crowd and tourists.

The 152  invited international  media and travel agents from  Australia, Azerbaijan, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Korea, Laos, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, USA and Vietnam witness the grand celebration and feast of traditional Indian food, curries and snacks like muruki with local Kedah sweets.

The preparation of muruku by Prime Minister Najib and wife Rosmah , together with a strong team of 450 participants for Malaysia Deepavali Open House 2015 was awarded an entry in Malaysia Book of Records.

 

 

Prime Minister  Najib Tun and wife Rosmah Mansor, alongside with Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi; Kedah state Chief Minister, Paduka Hj. Mukhriz Tun Mahathir; Minister of Health, Dr. Subramaniam K.V. Sathasivam; Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mohamed Nazri bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz； and Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hajah Mas Ermieyati bin Samsudin graced 1Malaysia Deepavali Open House 2015 and a spectacular    fireworks display ended the Diwali festive night on  a high note.

 

 

Experience Malaysia Open House festive celebrations throughout the year when you travel to Malaysia for holidays. For more information, visit http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my,  www.facebook.com/friendofmalaysia; twitter.com/tourismmalaysia and blog.tourism.gov.my for calendar of Malaysia events to make your holidays more memorable.