Wednesday, 31 July 2019
Friday, 19 July 2019
Scoot to operate from Changi Airport's Terminal 1 from Oct 22
Scoot to operate from Changi Airport's Terminal 1 from Oct 22
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by long-haul budget carrier Scoot, a subsidiary of File photo of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by long-haul budget carrier Scoot parked on the apron at Changi
SINGAPORE: Low-cost carrier Scoot will move its operations from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 (T1) at Changi Airport on Oct 22, it announced on Thursday (Jul 18).
The move aims to "facilitate Scoot's growth in the next few years", said the airline in a joint media release with Changi Airport Group.
"Since April 2019, Scoot has launched eight new destinations in China, India, Laos and Malaysia, as part of expansion plans for the future," it said.
The airline added that it was on track to launch nine more new routes by the end of next year.
With this growth expected to continue, Scoot said that customer experience will "play an even bigger role". Check-in experience, in particular, has been identified as one of the top three areas which the airline wanted to improve.
Scoot's check-in counters at T1 will be located at rows 5 to 7 on the departure level, according to a notice on its website.
Changi Airport has undertaken upgrading works over the last five years to expand the passenger handling capacity of T1, said the release.
Improved features include automated check-in kiosks and bag-drop machines at the departure hall, expansion of the meeters and greeters hall at the arrival level, as well as the integration of the terminal with Jewel Changi Airport.
Two belts have also been added to the baggage claim hall, and two of the belts have been lengthened to handle more arriving passengers.
Scoot CEO Lee Lik Hsin said that the airline has strived to provide its growing customers base "with enhanced efficiency from the moment they arrive at the airport".
"With the move, we hope to encourage more customers to use the expanded self-service facilities, to enjoy a quicker and more seamless check-in process," he added.
The airline last year announced that it would move operations to T1, but did not specify the date.
Scoot is the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines and began flying in June 2012. In July 2017, it merged with Tigerair Singapore in a move that retained the Scoot brand.
The airline has a fleet of 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 29 Airbus A320 aircraft.
Source: CNA/ad(hm)
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by long-haul budget carrier Scoot, a subsidiary of File photo of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by long-haul budget carrier Scoot parked on the apron at Changi
SINGAPORE: Low-cost carrier Scoot will move its operations from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 (T1) at Changi Airport on Oct 22, it announced on Thursday (Jul 18).
The move aims to "facilitate Scoot's growth in the next few years", said the airline in a joint media release with Changi Airport Group.
"Since April 2019, Scoot has launched eight new destinations in China, India, Laos and Malaysia, as part of expansion plans for the future," it said.
The airline added that it was on track to launch nine more new routes by the end of next year.
With this growth expected to continue, Scoot said that customer experience will "play an even bigger role". Check-in experience, in particular, has been identified as one of the top three areas which the airline wanted to improve.
Scoot's check-in counters at T1 will be located at rows 5 to 7 on the departure level, according to a notice on its website.
Changi Airport has undertaken upgrading works over the last five years to expand the passenger handling capacity of T1, said the release.
Improved features include automated check-in kiosks and bag-drop machines at the departure hall, expansion of the meeters and greeters hall at the arrival level, as well as the integration of the terminal with Jewel Changi Airport.
Two belts have also been added to the baggage claim hall, and two of the belts have been lengthened to handle more arriving passengers.
Scoot CEO Lee Lik Hsin said that the airline has strived to provide its growing customers base "with enhanced efficiency from the moment they arrive at the airport".
"With the move, we hope to encourage more customers to use the expanded self-service facilities, to enjoy a quicker and more seamless check-in process," he added.
The airline last year announced that it would move operations to T1, but did not specify the date.
Scoot is the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines and began flying in June 2012. In July 2017, it merged with Tigerair Singapore in a move that retained the Scoot brand.
The airline has a fleet of 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 29 Airbus A320 aircraft.
Source: CNA/ad(hm)
Thursday, 18 July 2019
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Wednesday, 17 July 2019
More rainy days expected for the rest of July
More rainy days expected for the rest of July: Met Service
Expect more rain in the second half of July compared to the previous fortnight, said the Meteorological Service Singapore on Tuesday (Jul 16).
In its media advisory, the Met Service said that widespread thundery showers, at times heavy, are expected on two to three days over the next two weeks due to "large scale wind convergence over Singapore and the surrounding region".
There could also be a few days of short thundery showers in the late morning and early afternoon.
"The monsoon rain band is forecast to lie over northern Southeast Asia and northern South China Sea," said the Met Service.
It added that this is expected to bring generally dry and occasionally windy conditions to Singapore and the surrounding region this week.
The daily temperature during the rest of July is expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
"The daily maximum temperature could reach a high of around 34 degrees Celsius on some days," added the Met Service.
"On some nights, warm and humid conditions with night-time temperatures of around 28 degrees Celsius are expected, in particular when prevailing winds blowing from the southeast bring warm and humid air from the sea."
Source: CNA/ad(mi)
Expect more rain in the second half of July compared to the previous fortnight, said the Meteorological Service Singapore on Tuesday (Jul 16).
In its media advisory, the Met Service said that widespread thundery showers, at times heavy, are expected on two to three days over the next two weeks due to "large scale wind convergence over Singapore and the surrounding region".
There could also be a few days of short thundery showers in the late morning and early afternoon.
"The monsoon rain band is forecast to lie over northern Southeast Asia and northern South China Sea," said the Met Service.
It added that this is expected to bring generally dry and occasionally windy conditions to Singapore and the surrounding region this week.
The daily temperature during the rest of July is expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
"The daily maximum temperature could reach a high of around 34 degrees Celsius on some days," added the Met Service.
"On some nights, warm and humid conditions with night-time temperatures of around 28 degrees Celsius are expected, in particular when prevailing winds blowing from the southeast bring warm and humid air from the sea."
Source: CNA/ad(mi)
Tuesday, 16 July 2019
Raffles Hotel's shopping arcade reopens with wider mix of tenants
Raffles Hotel's shopping arcade reopens with wider mix of tenants
The three-storey arcade now boasts a wider range of tenants and event spaces, with over 30 retail, dining and lifestyle offerings.ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
Raffles Hotel's shopping arcade reopened its doors on Thursday (July 11) after renovation works that started in 2017.
The three-storey arcade now boasts a wider range of tenants and event spaces, with over 30 retail, dining and lifestyle offerings including co-working space The Great Room, multi-label store The AC, luxury furniture label Minotti, and restaurant Burger & Lobster.
Some returning tenants include luxury watch store The Hour Glass and German camera brand Leica. There is also a new Raffles Spa.
About 70 per cent of stores are already open for business while the rest, including Burger & Lobster, will open within the next three months.
The Jubilee Hall - a popular venue for plays and concerts in the 1990s - has been transformed into the Jubilee Ballroom that can seat 300 guests.
The 5,199 sq ft ballroom, decked in elegant hues of cream and gold, is billed as an ideal venue for weddings and galas.
General manager of Raffles Hotel Singapore Christian Westbeld told The Straits Times: "The last renovation was about 30 years ago so now to have something a lot more current and experiential is very timely. We want guests to be entertained."
Although the number of tenants has fallen from 40 previously, 90 per cent of the arcade has been rented out and Mr Westbeld explained that certain store spaces had been reassigned during the revamp.
Chef Jereme Leung will open modern Chinese restaurant yi by Jereme Leung.
For example, an area on the hotel's third level that previously housed the Raffles Museum, pineapple cake retailer SunnyHills and Tooth Matters Dental Surgery, has been made into new Residence Suites while some tenants are also taking up larger spaces - such as The Great Room, which takes up 12 units.
"The Raffles Arcade has always been a place for gathering and recreation and this continues to remain true for the refreshed property," Mr Westbeld added.
Ms Claire Chahil, 39, founder and creative director of multi-label fashion and lifestyle store The AC, said being at the arcade is a "once in a lifetime opportunity", adding: "We are very excited to be a part of the resurgence of such a famous building."
~Straits Times~
The three-storey arcade now boasts a wider range of tenants and event spaces, with over 30 retail, dining and lifestyle offerings.ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
Raffles Hotel's shopping arcade reopened its doors on Thursday (July 11) after renovation works that started in 2017.
The three-storey arcade now boasts a wider range of tenants and event spaces, with over 30 retail, dining and lifestyle offerings including co-working space The Great Room, multi-label store The AC, luxury furniture label Minotti, and restaurant Burger & Lobster.
Some returning tenants include luxury watch store The Hour Glass and German camera brand Leica. There is also a new Raffles Spa.
About 70 per cent of stores are already open for business while the rest, including Burger & Lobster, will open within the next three months.
The Jubilee Hall - a popular venue for plays and concerts in the 1990s - has been transformed into the Jubilee Ballroom that can seat 300 guests.
The 5,199 sq ft ballroom, decked in elegant hues of cream and gold, is billed as an ideal venue for weddings and galas.
General manager of Raffles Hotel Singapore Christian Westbeld told The Straits Times: "The last renovation was about 30 years ago so now to have something a lot more current and experiential is very timely. We want guests to be entertained."
Although the number of tenants has fallen from 40 previously, 90 per cent of the arcade has been rented out and Mr Westbeld explained that certain store spaces had been reassigned during the revamp.
Chef Jereme Leung will open modern Chinese restaurant yi by Jereme Leung.
For example, an area on the hotel's third level that previously housed the Raffles Museum, pineapple cake retailer SunnyHills and Tooth Matters Dental Surgery, has been made into new Residence Suites while some tenants are also taking up larger spaces - such as The Great Room, which takes up 12 units.
"The Raffles Arcade has always been a place for gathering and recreation and this continues to remain true for the refreshed property," Mr Westbeld added.
Ms Claire Chahil, 39, founder and creative director of multi-label fashion and lifestyle store The AC, said being at the arcade is a "once in a lifetime opportunity", adding: "We are very excited to be a part of the resurgence of such a famous building."
~Straits Times~
Thursday, 11 July 2019
India's Vistara to launch flights to Singapore
India's Vistara to launch international flights, starting with Singapore in August
Indian airline Vistara announced on Thursday (Jul 11) it would launch international flights in August, with Singapore as its first destination.
The full-service carrier will operate two daily flights to Singapore, one each from Delhi and Mumbai.
The Delhi-Singapore route will start on Aug 6 and the Mumbai-Singapore route will start on Aug 7, and the airline said it would soon expand its international network to other destinations.
Boeing 737-800NG aircraft will ply the two new routes, with business and economy class seats.
"We’re excited to start with Singapore as our first international destination, which we see as a very important market, given the opportunities it presents for corporate, business as well as leisure travel," said Vistara's chief executive officer Leslie Thng.
"As we soon take the ‘new feeling of flying’ to more international destinations, we hope to provide our customers from overseas the finest way to experience India, and inspire travellers from across India to explore more of the world.”
Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
Bookings for flights to Singapore are "being opened progressively" on Vistara's website, mobile apps and through travel agencies, said the airline.
In its push to launch more international flights, Vistara said it has bought six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2020 and 2021. The planes will be used for long-haul international operations.
Vistara has said the launch of international flights, which will give it greater scale to grow, is part of its path to profitability.
The new services could also ease pressure on international airfares from India, which rose by as much as 32 per cent after the collapse of Jet Airways earlier this year.
Jet Airways, which halted operations on Apr 17 after running out of cash, had a market share of around 12 per cent on international flights to and from India in 2018, according to government statistics.
Vistara met the requirement of having more than 20 jets needed for international flights in June 2018. However, it took longer than expected to receive further regulatory approvals.
Low-cost carrier AirAsia India, a joint venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Group Bhd that operates narrowbodies, is also seeking approvals to launch international flights.
AirAsia India reached the 20 plane milestone in December and has said it wants to connect Indian passengers to destinations in Southeast Asia
Source: CNA/Reuters/nc(gs)
Indian airline Vistara announced on Thursday (Jul 11) it would launch international flights in August, with Singapore as its first destination.
The full-service carrier will operate two daily flights to Singapore, one each from Delhi and Mumbai.
The Delhi-Singapore route will start on Aug 6 and the Mumbai-Singapore route will start on Aug 7, and the airline said it would soon expand its international network to other destinations.
Boeing 737-800NG aircraft will ply the two new routes, with business and economy class seats.
"We’re excited to start with Singapore as our first international destination, which we see as a very important market, given the opportunities it presents for corporate, business as well as leisure travel," said Vistara's chief executive officer Leslie Thng.
"As we soon take the ‘new feeling of flying’ to more international destinations, we hope to provide our customers from overseas the finest way to experience India, and inspire travellers from across India to explore more of the world.”
Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
Bookings for flights to Singapore are "being opened progressively" on Vistara's website, mobile apps and through travel agencies, said the airline.
In its push to launch more international flights, Vistara said it has bought six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2020 and 2021. The planes will be used for long-haul international operations.
Vistara has said the launch of international flights, which will give it greater scale to grow, is part of its path to profitability.
The new services could also ease pressure on international airfares from India, which rose by as much as 32 per cent after the collapse of Jet Airways earlier this year.
Jet Airways, which halted operations on Apr 17 after running out of cash, had a market share of around 12 per cent on international flights to and from India in 2018, according to government statistics.
Vistara met the requirement of having more than 20 jets needed for international flights in June 2018. However, it took longer than expected to receive further regulatory approvals.
Low-cost carrier AirAsia India, a joint venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Group Bhd that operates narrowbodies, is also seeking approvals to launch international flights.
AirAsia India reached the 20 plane milestone in December and has said it wants to connect Indian passengers to destinations in Southeast Asia
Source: CNA/Reuters/nc(gs)
Six short-term measures to address Johor checkpoint congestion
Six short-term measures to address Johor checkpoint congestion
Six short-term measures will be implemented to handle the congestion at the country's checkpoints especially at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex and the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ (KSAB) complex in Johor.
The measures were decided at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee to study a single agency at national border and checkpoints including ports today chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail with the primary agenda of trade facilitation.
According to a statement from Deputy Prime Minister's Office, the meeting also took cognizance of the congestion and management challenges at the BSI CIQ and KSAB (Second Link CIQ) as well as agreeing on infrastructure and system improvements to overcome congestion at the two checkpoints.
She said the implementation of the short-term measures to address the congestion are reopening the Malaysia Automated Clearance System at KSAB on June 19; procurement tender for MACS valued at RM9 million by December; mobilisation of officers from less congested counters to more congested counters.
Also decided were opening contra lanes for cars; compulsory overtime shift (7 am to 8 am) and the opening of all counters for MBike, the statement said.
In the long term, the meeting also decided to increase the number of MBike counters for motorcycles going out of Malaysia; biometric exemption for visitors going out; filling up 99 per cent of the Immigration Department posts and Malaysia-Singapore bilateral cooperation for a single clearance.
Also decided was extending the use of autogate for all foreign visitors; increasing the number of Customs scanning machines, increasing the number of lorry counters at KSAB on par with Tuas; usage of hybrid counters; and the development of immigration integrated system (IIS) with automation features.
"The meeting also agreed in principle that a study on a single agency to manage national border and checkpoints including ports should be implemented as it is relevant to the current situation as well as taking into consideration all needs such as finance, manpower, logistics and other related laws,” the statement said.
It said the Home Ministry has been tasked with carrying out the study as the secretariat while the scope of the study would cover three domains namely land, air and sea and the focus of the study at this stage is on land. The study will end by the middle of next year.
According to the statement, based on initial findings, there are three optional proposals for the single body which can be implemented namely coordinate and integration (reformative concept), New (transformative concept) and Combination (Transformative concept).
“The single agency proposed is to facilitate trade while strengthening enforcement, security control and coordination among agencies,” it said.
The Cabinet Committee followed the decision of the Cabinet Meeting on November 16 last year which stated the massive congestion at the country's checkpoints especially at BSI CIQ which is still going on despite various measures taken to tackle the issues.
-- BERNAMA
Six short-term measures will be implemented to handle the congestion at the country's checkpoints especially at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex and the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ (KSAB) complex in Johor.
The measures were decided at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee to study a single agency at national border and checkpoints including ports today chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail with the primary agenda of trade facilitation.
According to a statement from Deputy Prime Minister's Office, the meeting also took cognizance of the congestion and management challenges at the BSI CIQ and KSAB (Second Link CIQ) as well as agreeing on infrastructure and system improvements to overcome congestion at the two checkpoints.
She said the implementation of the short-term measures to address the congestion are reopening the Malaysia Automated Clearance System at KSAB on June 19; procurement tender for MACS valued at RM9 million by December; mobilisation of officers from less congested counters to more congested counters.
Also decided were opening contra lanes for cars; compulsory overtime shift (7 am to 8 am) and the opening of all counters for MBike, the statement said.
In the long term, the meeting also decided to increase the number of MBike counters for motorcycles going out of Malaysia; biometric exemption for visitors going out; filling up 99 per cent of the Immigration Department posts and Malaysia-Singapore bilateral cooperation for a single clearance.
Also decided was extending the use of autogate for all foreign visitors; increasing the number of Customs scanning machines, increasing the number of lorry counters at KSAB on par with Tuas; usage of hybrid counters; and the development of immigration integrated system (IIS) with automation features.
"The meeting also agreed in principle that a study on a single agency to manage national border and checkpoints including ports should be implemented as it is relevant to the current situation as well as taking into consideration all needs such as finance, manpower, logistics and other related laws,” the statement said.
It said the Home Ministry has been tasked with carrying out the study as the secretariat while the scope of the study would cover three domains namely land, air and sea and the focus of the study at this stage is on land. The study will end by the middle of next year.
According to the statement, based on initial findings, there are three optional proposals for the single body which can be implemented namely coordinate and integration (reformative concept), New (transformative concept) and Combination (Transformative concept).
“The single agency proposed is to facilitate trade while strengthening enforcement, security control and coordination among agencies,” it said.
The Cabinet Committee followed the decision of the Cabinet Meeting on November 16 last year which stated the massive congestion at the country's checkpoints especially at BSI CIQ which is still going on despite various measures taken to tackle the issues.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 10 July 2019
Drivers can now apply for hassle-free clearance at Johor’s Second Link
Drivers can now apply for hassle-free clearance at Johor’s Second Link
The Johor Immigration Department on Wednesday (June 19) opened applications for the new Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) — the scanning device that offers a hassle-free entry to Johor — for visitors entering Malaysia.
However, its implementation will only be valid for foreigners who are long-term social visit pass holders at the Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine facility on the Malaysian checkpoint at the Second Link crossing in Tanjung Kupang.
In a notice issued by the Johor Immigration Department, Singaporeans or other foreigners with long-term social visit passes can apply for the new MACS at the Malaysian Immigration MACS office at the Iskandar Regional Development Authority at Danga Bay in Johor.
“Please take note that the MACS facility can only be used at KSAB (Sultan Abu Bakar Complex),” stated the notice which was in Malay and English, referring to the particular border crossing where the automated clearance system can be used.
MACS uses a sticker that is embedded with an RFID chip that is attached to a passport and scanned upon entry and departure from Malaysia. This eliminates waiting time and also makes do without the Malaysian immigration passport stamps.
It was learnt that the new MACS system will be improved from the previous one where it will cater only to Singaporeans or foreigners with long-term social visit pass holders.
The system will only cater to genuine non-Malaysian investors, business persons and professionals.
Malay Mail reported last August that more than 500,000 Singaporeans and other foreigners have been registered with MACS.
However, the system was prone to abuse as a majority of visitors were not long-term social visit pass holders, investors or property owners in Johor.
Due to the MACS weaknesses, there have been cases of Singaporeans and foreigners entering Malaysia through Johor and travelling from the state to take flights out of the country without getting their passports endorsed.
The reintroduction of the system for the target groups follows the end for those previously registered with the MACS system that ceases this month.
Chairman of the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex operations task force, Mr Cheo Yee How said he has been notified by the Johor Immigration Department that the MACS application had restarted on Wednesday and will only be implemented on the Malaysian side of the Second Link crossing.
He expects about 10,000 foreigners who are mainly Singaporeans with long-term social visit passes and property in Johor to apply for the new MACS initially.
“The reintroduction of MACS is timely as this will hopefully assist in some ways to ease the traffic congestion on the Second Link crossing as it eliminates waiting time and also makes do without the Malaysian immigration passport stamps,” Mr Cheo told Malay Mail when contacted.
Mr Cheo, who is also a Perling assemblyman, added that the previous system was criticised for its purportedly weak security measures as well as being abused by Singaporeans and foreigners.
“However, I have been told that the new MACS system has been improved and is synchronised and connected with the passport clearance system,” he said.
The MACS system, introduced in 2010, was lauded at first as it also coincided with the development boom of south Johor into what is now known as the Iskandar Malaysia zone.
It was initially one of several measures to strengthen transport connectivity to both sides of the Malaysian checkpoint along the Johor Causeway and Second Link.
However, the previous system had its problems such as not having biometric scanning as well as being prone to abuse by Singaporeans and foreigners who travel out of Johor. MALAY MAIL
The Johor Immigration Department on Wednesday (June 19) opened applications for the new Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) — the scanning device that offers a hassle-free entry to Johor — for visitors entering Malaysia.
However, its implementation will only be valid for foreigners who are long-term social visit pass holders at the Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine facility on the Malaysian checkpoint at the Second Link crossing in Tanjung Kupang.
In a notice issued by the Johor Immigration Department, Singaporeans or other foreigners with long-term social visit passes can apply for the new MACS at the Malaysian Immigration MACS office at the Iskandar Regional Development Authority at Danga Bay in Johor.
“Please take note that the MACS facility can only be used at KSAB (Sultan Abu Bakar Complex),” stated the notice which was in Malay and English, referring to the particular border crossing where the automated clearance system can be used.
MACS uses a sticker that is embedded with an RFID chip that is attached to a passport and scanned upon entry and departure from Malaysia. This eliminates waiting time and also makes do without the Malaysian immigration passport stamps.
It was learnt that the new MACS system will be improved from the previous one where it will cater only to Singaporeans or foreigners with long-term social visit pass holders.
The system will only cater to genuine non-Malaysian investors, business persons and professionals.
Malay Mail reported last August that more than 500,000 Singaporeans and other foreigners have been registered with MACS.
However, the system was prone to abuse as a majority of visitors were not long-term social visit pass holders, investors or property owners in Johor.
Due to the MACS weaknesses, there have been cases of Singaporeans and foreigners entering Malaysia through Johor and travelling from the state to take flights out of the country without getting their passports endorsed.
The reintroduction of the system for the target groups follows the end for those previously registered with the MACS system that ceases this month.
Chairman of the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex operations task force, Mr Cheo Yee How said he has been notified by the Johor Immigration Department that the MACS application had restarted on Wednesday and will only be implemented on the Malaysian side of the Second Link crossing.
He expects about 10,000 foreigners who are mainly Singaporeans with long-term social visit passes and property in Johor to apply for the new MACS initially.
“The reintroduction of MACS is timely as this will hopefully assist in some ways to ease the traffic congestion on the Second Link crossing as it eliminates waiting time and also makes do without the Malaysian immigration passport stamps,” Mr Cheo told Malay Mail when contacted.
Mr Cheo, who is also a Perling assemblyman, added that the previous system was criticised for its purportedly weak security measures as well as being abused by Singaporeans and foreigners.
“However, I have been told that the new MACS system has been improved and is synchronised and connected with the passport clearance system,” he said.
The MACS system, introduced in 2010, was lauded at first as it also coincided with the development boom of south Johor into what is now known as the Iskandar Malaysia zone.
It was initially one of several measures to strengthen transport connectivity to both sides of the Malaysian checkpoint along the Johor Causeway and Second Link.
However, the previous system had its problems such as not having biometric scanning as well as being prone to abuse by Singaporeans and foreigners who travel out of Johor. MALAY MAIL
New measures to tackle congestion at Johor checkpoints
Malaysia proposes new measures to tackle congestion at Johor checkpoints
A series of short-term measures will be implemented to reduce congestion at Malaysia's checkpoints, especially at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Causeway and the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ complex at the Second Link.
The measures were decided at the meeting of a Cabinet committee to study having a single agency at the national border and checkpoints on Wednesday (July 3), Malaysia's official news agency Bernama reported.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, it said.
According to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister's Office, the meeting noted the congestion and management challenges at the Sultan Iskandar CIQ and the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ and agreed on infrastructure and system improvements needed.
In the short term, said Datuk Seri Wan Azizah, congestion will be managed through the reopening the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) at the Second Link on June 19, floating a procurement tender for MACS, valued at RM9 million (S$2.95 million) by December, and by mobilising officers from the less busy counters to the more congested counters.
Other decisions were to open contra lanes for cars in which traffic flows in the opposite direction of the surrounding lanes; institute a compulsory overtime shift (7am to 8am) and to open all counters for the MBike automated clearance system for motorcyclists, the statement said.
In the longer term, the meeting also decided to increase the number of MBike counters for motorcycles going out of Malaysia, to include biometric exemption for visitors going out, to fill up 99 per cent of the Immigration Department posts and to seek Malaysia-Singapore bilateral cooperation for a single clearance.
Also decided was extending the use of the autogate for all foreign visitors, increasing the number of Customs scanning machines, increasing the number of lorry counters at Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ on a par with Tuas, the usage of hybrid counters, and the development of immigration integrated system with automation features.
"The meeting also agreed in principle that a study on a single agency to manage national border and checkpoints including ports should be implemented, as it is relevant to the current situation as well as taking into consideration all needs such as finance, manpower, logistics and other related laws," the statement said, according to Bernama.
It added that the Home Ministry had been tasked with carrying out the study. While the scope of the study would cover three domains, namely land, air and sea, the focus of the study at this stage is on land. The study will end by the middle of next year.
Wednesday's Cabinet committee meeting came after a Cabinet meeting last November noted that there was massive congestion at the country's checkpoints despite various measures taken.
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
A series of short-term measures will be implemented to reduce congestion at Malaysia's checkpoints, especially at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Causeway and the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ complex at the Second Link.
The measures were decided at the meeting of a Cabinet committee to study having a single agency at the national border and checkpoints on Wednesday (July 3), Malaysia's official news agency Bernama reported.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, it said.
According to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister's Office, the meeting noted the congestion and management challenges at the Sultan Iskandar CIQ and the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ and agreed on infrastructure and system improvements needed.
In the short term, said Datuk Seri Wan Azizah, congestion will be managed through the reopening the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) at the Second Link on June 19, floating a procurement tender for MACS, valued at RM9 million (S$2.95 million) by December, and by mobilising officers from the less busy counters to the more congested counters.
Other decisions were to open contra lanes for cars in which traffic flows in the opposite direction of the surrounding lanes; institute a compulsory overtime shift (7am to 8am) and to open all counters for the MBike automated clearance system for motorcyclists, the statement said.
In the longer term, the meeting also decided to increase the number of MBike counters for motorcycles going out of Malaysia, to include biometric exemption for visitors going out, to fill up 99 per cent of the Immigration Department posts and to seek Malaysia-Singapore bilateral cooperation for a single clearance.
Also decided was extending the use of the autogate for all foreign visitors, increasing the number of Customs scanning machines, increasing the number of lorry counters at Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ on a par with Tuas, the usage of hybrid counters, and the development of immigration integrated system with automation features.
"The meeting also agreed in principle that a study on a single agency to manage national border and checkpoints including ports should be implemented, as it is relevant to the current situation as well as taking into consideration all needs such as finance, manpower, logistics and other related laws," the statement said, according to Bernama.
It added that the Home Ministry had been tasked with carrying out the study. While the scope of the study would cover three domains, namely land, air and sea, the focus of the study at this stage is on land. The study will end by the middle of next year.
Wednesday's Cabinet committee meeting came after a Cabinet meeting last November noted that there was massive congestion at the country's checkpoints despite various measures taken.
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
Thursday, 4 July 2019
Tebrau Shuttle Service in Johor to ease congestion at Second Link
Tebrau Shuttle Service in Johor to ease congestion at Second Link
JOHOR BARU, July 2 — A new initiative to promote the usage of the Tebrau Shuttle Service among tourists from the Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral station will hopefully ease the notorious congestion at the Second Link crossing’s Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Gelang Patah.
The initiative, by the Tourism Productivity Nexus (TPN), will promote the Tebrau Shuttle Service among tourists from Singapore’s Woodlands Train Checkpoint to Jojor Baru’s JB Sentral station.
This initiative is a result of strategic collaboration between TPN and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to provide a world class tourist experience by utilising the KTMB Tebrau Shuttle.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) president Uzaidi Udanis said that this initiative to utilise the shuttle service would reduce the congestion on the Second Link at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Gelang Patah.
“This service, if used efficiently, can reduce congestion at the Second Link by about 30 per cent and it will have a very good effect on the traffic congestion there,” he said in a statement today.
KSAB operations task force chairman and Perling assemblyman Cheo Yee How said he welcomed the move.
“The Tebrau Shuttle Service has been around for a while, but this latest initiative will hopefully have a positive impact for the Second Link crossing that has seen an upsurge in traffic over the years,” he said.
Meanwhile Johor Tourism, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said that the initiative signifies strong cooperation involving tourism players led by the MITA in partnership with TPN.
She said that this service will facilitate the massive number of tourists traveling to Malaysia in Johor Baru, through the Woodlands Checkpoint.
The collaboration is fully supported by various stakeholders namely the Economic Affairs Ministry, the Home Affairs Ministry, Customs Department, Immigration Department, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Tourism Malaysia as well as Tourism Johor.
Liow, who is also the Johor Jaya assemblyman, will lead the delegation comprising local travel agents as well as representatives from both federal and state ministries and agencies to experience the five-minute journey from JB Sentral to Woodlands checkpoint.
The Tebrau shuttle service, introduced in 2015, is a rail service aimed at reducing the Johor Causeway congestion. It commutes daily to and from Woodlands to Johor Baru.
The pilot service for tourist groups is scheduled to start on 15 July until 19 July.
In April, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said to reduce the congestion at the border, Malaysia has requested an increase in the frequency of the Tebrau Shuttle Service.
All KTM Intercity trains now terminate at JB Sentral station, the shuttle is the only way to travel between Malaysia and Singapore by train, with the journey across the Causeway taking just five minutes.
The Second Link Crossing, located in Tanjung Kupang near Gelang Patah, is one of two land routes connecting Johor and Singapore. The other is the busier Johor Causeway that is connected to JB Sentral in Johor Baru.
It is estimated that more than 450,000 people enter and exit Singapore from Johor via both the Johor Causeway in Johor Baru and the Second Link Crossing on a daily basis, in what can be described as one of the region’s busiest border crossings.
~News courtesy of Malay Mail~
JOHOR BARU, July 2 — A new initiative to promote the usage of the Tebrau Shuttle Service among tourists from the Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral station will hopefully ease the notorious congestion at the Second Link crossing’s Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Gelang Patah.
The initiative, by the Tourism Productivity Nexus (TPN), will promote the Tebrau Shuttle Service among tourists from Singapore’s Woodlands Train Checkpoint to Jojor Baru’s JB Sentral station.
This initiative is a result of strategic collaboration between TPN and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to provide a world class tourist experience by utilising the KTMB Tebrau Shuttle.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) president Uzaidi Udanis said that this initiative to utilise the shuttle service would reduce the congestion on the Second Link at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Gelang Patah.
“This service, if used efficiently, can reduce congestion at the Second Link by about 30 per cent and it will have a very good effect on the traffic congestion there,” he said in a statement today.
KSAB operations task force chairman and Perling assemblyman Cheo Yee How said he welcomed the move.
“The Tebrau Shuttle Service has been around for a while, but this latest initiative will hopefully have a positive impact for the Second Link crossing that has seen an upsurge in traffic over the years,” he said.
Meanwhile Johor Tourism, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said that the initiative signifies strong cooperation involving tourism players led by the MITA in partnership with TPN.
She said that this service will facilitate the massive number of tourists traveling to Malaysia in Johor Baru, through the Woodlands Checkpoint.
The collaboration is fully supported by various stakeholders namely the Economic Affairs Ministry, the Home Affairs Ministry, Customs Department, Immigration Department, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Tourism Malaysia as well as Tourism Johor.
Liow, who is also the Johor Jaya assemblyman, will lead the delegation comprising local travel agents as well as representatives from both federal and state ministries and agencies to experience the five-minute journey from JB Sentral to Woodlands checkpoint.
The Tebrau shuttle service, introduced in 2015, is a rail service aimed at reducing the Johor Causeway congestion. It commutes daily to and from Woodlands to Johor Baru.
The pilot service for tourist groups is scheduled to start on 15 July until 19 July.
In April, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said to reduce the congestion at the border, Malaysia has requested an increase in the frequency of the Tebrau Shuttle Service.
All KTM Intercity trains now terminate at JB Sentral station, the shuttle is the only way to travel between Malaysia and Singapore by train, with the journey across the Causeway taking just five minutes.
The Second Link Crossing, located in Tanjung Kupang near Gelang Patah, is one of two land routes connecting Johor and Singapore. The other is the busier Johor Causeway that is connected to JB Sentral in Johor Baru.
It is estimated that more than 450,000 people enter and exit Singapore from Johor via both the Johor Causeway in Johor Baru and the Second Link Crossing on a daily basis, in what can be described as one of the region’s busiest border crossings.
~News courtesy of Malay Mail~
Monday, 1 July 2019
Singapore Food Festival returns with LiHO avocado kopi and Ya Kun Pocky
Singapore Food Festival returns with LiHO avocado kopi and Ya Kun Pocky
The 26th edition will run from Jul 12 to 28, and delve into the stories and experiences that drive our singularly Singapore food obsession.
(Photo: STB; art: Chern Ling)
Avocado kopi, a vegan food crawl and the ultimate chilli crab ramen – these are some of the things food lovers can look forward to at the upcoming Singapore Food Festival (SFF).
The annual celebration of local cuisine is back for its 26th year with the theme “Savour Singapore in every bite”. The event is dedicated to local cuisine and talent, celebrating the country’s multicultural heritage.
Twenty event partners have come together to offer a myriad of dining concepts and gastronomic experiences during the festival that will run from Jul 12 to 28.
The 26th edition of the Singapore Food Festival will run from Jul 12 to 28, featuring 20 gastronomic experiences offering the flavours of Singapore. Expect some unique dishes including chilled squid ink pasta, chilli crab ramen and avocado coffee smoothies from the likes of Project Plait x Artistry, Ippudo x No Signboard Seafood and LiHo Tea. First-time participant 7-Eleven will also be offering takoyaki with chilli crab sauce and egg mayo, as well as salted egg tamagoyaki.
The food festival's main event, STREAT, will be back. The two-day event will offer a range of traditional hawker fare and mod-sin interpretations of Singapore street food from 12 eateries.
Highlights include duck rice bento from Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck and Kway Chap, chicken rice kueh pie tee from Salted & Hung, as well as an Impossible Burger and Fat Papas collaboration.
Diners will also be entertained by local music acts Charlie Lim and Glen Wee, and have the opportunity to attend workshops and masterclasses by local culinary talents.
STREAT will kick off from 5pm on Jul 12 at The Promontory @ Marina Bay.
MODERNITY, CULTURE, TRADITION AND ART: HIGHLIGHTS
Vendors at the Singapore Food Festival will be grouped into four different categories - Modernity, Culture, Tradition and Art.
Here's a taste of what diners can look forward to:
1. The Ultimate Chilli Crab Ramen by Ippudo x No Signboard Seafood (Modernity)
Only two Ippudo Ramen outlets - Marina Bay Sands and Mandarin Gallery - will serve this dish in the month of July. (Photo: Darius Boey) This may be a fan favourite - the Ultimate Chilli Crab Ramen was dreamed up by Japanese ramen chain Ippudo and famous seafood restaurant No Signboard. The dish brings together tonkotsu ramen broth with No Signboard's signature chilli crab sauce, giving it a spicy and savoury kick.
The Ultimate Chilli Crab Ramen's noodles, which have a springy texture, are customised for the dish - which also comes with toppings such as an umami egg, a whole crab claw and fried mantou.
Only 30 bowls of this special ramen dish will be served every day at two Ippudo outlets - Mandarin Gallery and Marina Bay Sands - and it will be available in the month of July.
2. Avocado Kopi by LiHo
liho avocado kopi - singapore food festival 2019
You can find avocado kopi at selected LiHo outlets around Singapore from Jul 12 to Sep 30. (Photo: Darius Boey) Bubble tea lovers can pick up an avocado kopi from selected LiHO outlets.
The new concoction blends the sweet and creamy avocado flavour with a nutty and chocolatey brew, resulting in a smooth and flavour-packed beverage. It will be available at selected LiHo outlets from Jul 12 to Sep 20, 2019.
This is the first time that LiHo is participating in the Singapore Food Festival, along with 7-Eleven and Glico. Glico is also going local, with a limited edition Pocky x Ya Kun Kaya Toast & Kopi O.
3. Sor Hei by Project Plait X Artistry (Art)
Chilled squid ink pasta with smoked golden trout, a dish from the five-course menu as part of the food and contemporary dance experience, held in a black and white colonial house near Mount Faber. (Photo: Darius Boey) What does dance have to do with food?
Well, as part of the art category, chef Nixon Low and dancer Naomi Tan are coming together to create a unique experience for diners by combining a five-dish menu with a contemporary dance exhibition, named The Mem's Servants.
This will be held in four interconnected rooms in a black-and-white colonial house near Mount Faber, where diners are required to enter different rooms for each dish.
One of the dishes featured is called Sor Hei. It's chilled squid ink pasta with smoked golden trout, giving diners a subtle tinge of flavour past the slightly salty squid ink. It is complemented with golden tobiko (flying fish roe), cauliflower puree and pickled carrots to set up a complex but flavourful dish.
4. Jimami Tofu 5D Experience by Cookyn Ink (Art)
Jimami tofu with sweet potato croquettes. (Photo: Darius Boey)
Another unique dining experience can be found in Jimami Tofu 5D Dining Experience by Cookyn Inc.
Drawing inspiration from the award-winning 2017 Singaporean-Japanese drama film Jimami Tofu, Cookyn Inc will prepare a seven-course dinner menu for diners, all of which are prepared and served at the same time the movie is being screened.
The idea is to provide an all-round experience, allowing diners to use their five senses.
Jimami tofu - naturally - is one of the dishes, along with sweet potato croquette. Both are of Okinawan origin, with the Jimami tofu, a mixture of tapioca and quinoa, having a smooth, sticky and glutinous rice ball-esque texture with sweetened soy sauce.
The croquettes, on the other hand, are quite the opposite - crispy on the outside and pasty on the inside with finely hand-grated sweet potato.
Diners can also look forward to taking pictures with the chefs and cast of the movie.
5. Mutton Keema from Indian Restaurants Association (Tradition)
Mutton keema. (Photo: Darius Boey)
Featuring authentic Indian dishes from the 1960s, Campbell Lane in Little India will be opened up to host this year’s Great Indian Food Festival from Jul 19 to 28. This is a collaboration between the Indian Restaurants Association Singapore (IRAS) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
One of the highlights is Mutton Keema, essentially minced mutton with Indian breads ranging from naan, chapati, coin prata and a normal-sized prata.
The meat, delicate yet juicy, comes with soft potatoes and peas. The thick gravy adds a spicy final touch to the Keema, due to the fragrant herbs used in its creation.
The Indian Food Festival will include 16 food carts along Campbell Lane, allowing visitors to experience Singapore’s heritage through food.
OTHER EVENTS
Vegans - heads up. The Singapore Vegan Food Crawl will take diners to Chinatown, Geylang Serai and Little India to discover the booming vegan street food culture, while the Singapore Tea Festival on Jul 19 will bring a curated line-up of artisanal teas, workshops and snack brands for the perfect teatime experience.
Festival-goers can also look forward to The Mem’s Servants from Jul 24 to 27, a unique five-course food and contemporary dance experience that’ll bring to life untold stories from the cooks and amahs (nannies) who served at black-and-white colonial houses.
Ranita Sundramoorthy, Director of Retail and Dining, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “With this year’s robust line-up of events, from private chef dinners and food tours around our heritage districts, to theatrical dining experiences – Singaporeans and visitors will be able to taste Singapore’s diverse flavours and experience our food obsession first-hand.”
She added: “In its 26th year, the Festival continues to be a highlight on the Singapore foodie calendar. SFF is a compelling testament to the richness and diversity of our food scene, further cementing our city-state’s reputation as a global culinary capital.”
~News courtesy of CNA~
The 26th edition will run from Jul 12 to 28, and delve into the stories and experiences that drive our singularly Singapore food obsession.
(Photo: STB; art: Chern Ling)
Avocado kopi, a vegan food crawl and the ultimate chilli crab ramen – these are some of the things food lovers can look forward to at the upcoming Singapore Food Festival (SFF).
The annual celebration of local cuisine is back for its 26th year with the theme “Savour Singapore in every bite”. The event is dedicated to local cuisine and talent, celebrating the country’s multicultural heritage.
Twenty event partners have come together to offer a myriad of dining concepts and gastronomic experiences during the festival that will run from Jul 12 to 28.
The 26th edition of the Singapore Food Festival will run from Jul 12 to 28, featuring 20 gastronomic experiences offering the flavours of Singapore. Expect some unique dishes including chilled squid ink pasta, chilli crab ramen and avocado coffee smoothies from the likes of Project Plait x Artistry, Ippudo x No Signboard Seafood and LiHo Tea. First-time participant 7-Eleven will also be offering takoyaki with chilli crab sauce and egg mayo, as well as salted egg tamagoyaki.
The food festival's main event, STREAT, will be back. The two-day event will offer a range of traditional hawker fare and mod-sin interpretations of Singapore street food from 12 eateries.
Highlights include duck rice bento from Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck and Kway Chap, chicken rice kueh pie tee from Salted & Hung, as well as an Impossible Burger and Fat Papas collaboration.
Diners will also be entertained by local music acts Charlie Lim and Glen Wee, and have the opportunity to attend workshops and masterclasses by local culinary talents.
STREAT will kick off from 5pm on Jul 12 at The Promontory @ Marina Bay.
MODERNITY, CULTURE, TRADITION AND ART: HIGHLIGHTS
Vendors at the Singapore Food Festival will be grouped into four different categories - Modernity, Culture, Tradition and Art.
Here's a taste of what diners can look forward to:
1. The Ultimate Chilli Crab Ramen by Ippudo x No Signboard Seafood (Modernity)
Only two Ippudo Ramen outlets - Marina Bay Sands and Mandarin Gallery - will serve this dish in the month of July. (Photo: Darius Boey) This may be a fan favourite - the Ultimate Chilli Crab Ramen was dreamed up by Japanese ramen chain Ippudo and famous seafood restaurant No Signboard. The dish brings together tonkotsu ramen broth with No Signboard's signature chilli crab sauce, giving it a spicy and savoury kick.
The Ultimate Chilli Crab Ramen's noodles, which have a springy texture, are customised for the dish - which also comes with toppings such as an umami egg, a whole crab claw and fried mantou.
Only 30 bowls of this special ramen dish will be served every day at two Ippudo outlets - Mandarin Gallery and Marina Bay Sands - and it will be available in the month of July.
2. Avocado Kopi by LiHo
liho avocado kopi - singapore food festival 2019
You can find avocado kopi at selected LiHo outlets around Singapore from Jul 12 to Sep 30. (Photo: Darius Boey) Bubble tea lovers can pick up an avocado kopi from selected LiHO outlets.
The new concoction blends the sweet and creamy avocado flavour with a nutty and chocolatey brew, resulting in a smooth and flavour-packed beverage. It will be available at selected LiHo outlets from Jul 12 to Sep 20, 2019.
This is the first time that LiHo is participating in the Singapore Food Festival, along with 7-Eleven and Glico. Glico is also going local, with a limited edition Pocky x Ya Kun Kaya Toast & Kopi O.
3. Sor Hei by Project Plait X Artistry (Art)
Chilled squid ink pasta with smoked golden trout, a dish from the five-course menu as part of the food and contemporary dance experience, held in a black and white colonial house near Mount Faber. (Photo: Darius Boey) What does dance have to do with food?
Well, as part of the art category, chef Nixon Low and dancer Naomi Tan are coming together to create a unique experience for diners by combining a five-dish menu with a contemporary dance exhibition, named The Mem's Servants.
This will be held in four interconnected rooms in a black-and-white colonial house near Mount Faber, where diners are required to enter different rooms for each dish.
One of the dishes featured is called Sor Hei. It's chilled squid ink pasta with smoked golden trout, giving diners a subtle tinge of flavour past the slightly salty squid ink. It is complemented with golden tobiko (flying fish roe), cauliflower puree and pickled carrots to set up a complex but flavourful dish.
4. Jimami Tofu 5D Experience by Cookyn Ink (Art)
Jimami tofu with sweet potato croquettes. (Photo: Darius Boey)
Another unique dining experience can be found in Jimami Tofu 5D Dining Experience by Cookyn Inc.
Drawing inspiration from the award-winning 2017 Singaporean-Japanese drama film Jimami Tofu, Cookyn Inc will prepare a seven-course dinner menu for diners, all of which are prepared and served at the same time the movie is being screened.
The idea is to provide an all-round experience, allowing diners to use their five senses.
Jimami tofu - naturally - is one of the dishes, along with sweet potato croquette. Both are of Okinawan origin, with the Jimami tofu, a mixture of tapioca and quinoa, having a smooth, sticky and glutinous rice ball-esque texture with sweetened soy sauce.
The croquettes, on the other hand, are quite the opposite - crispy on the outside and pasty on the inside with finely hand-grated sweet potato.
Diners can also look forward to taking pictures with the chefs and cast of the movie.
5. Mutton Keema from Indian Restaurants Association (Tradition)
Mutton keema. (Photo: Darius Boey)
Featuring authentic Indian dishes from the 1960s, Campbell Lane in Little India will be opened up to host this year’s Great Indian Food Festival from Jul 19 to 28. This is a collaboration between the Indian Restaurants Association Singapore (IRAS) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
One of the highlights is Mutton Keema, essentially minced mutton with Indian breads ranging from naan, chapati, coin prata and a normal-sized prata.
The meat, delicate yet juicy, comes with soft potatoes and peas. The thick gravy adds a spicy final touch to the Keema, due to the fragrant herbs used in its creation.
The Indian Food Festival will include 16 food carts along Campbell Lane, allowing visitors to experience Singapore’s heritage through food.
OTHER EVENTS
Vegans - heads up. The Singapore Vegan Food Crawl will take diners to Chinatown, Geylang Serai and Little India to discover the booming vegan street food culture, while the Singapore Tea Festival on Jul 19 will bring a curated line-up of artisanal teas, workshops and snack brands for the perfect teatime experience.
Festival-goers can also look forward to The Mem’s Servants from Jul 24 to 27, a unique five-course food and contemporary dance experience that’ll bring to life untold stories from the cooks and amahs (nannies) who served at black-and-white colonial houses.
Ranita Sundramoorthy, Director of Retail and Dining, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “With this year’s robust line-up of events, from private chef dinners and food tours around our heritage districts, to theatrical dining experiences – Singaporeans and visitors will be able to taste Singapore’s diverse flavours and experience our food obsession first-hand.”
She added: “In its 26th year, the Festival continues to be a highlight on the Singapore foodie calendar. SFF is a compelling testament to the richness and diversity of our food scene, further cementing our city-state’s reputation as a global culinary capital.”
~News courtesy of CNA~
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