Samsung introduces new Out of Office accessories

Source: Samsung. The Out of Office collection includes exclusive accessories from FINNS Beach Club of Indonesia (at 12 o'clock), Sunnies Studios from the Philippines (bottom right), and The Paper Bunny from Singapore (top left).

Samsung has suggested it's a good time to bring #SamsungOnHoliday to escape the daily grind with the new Out of Office collection for the Galaxy S24 Series.

The accessories collection includes phone cases, GripToks, Buds cases, keyrings and more, available in Singapore till 24 May. The collection also features three exclusive ranges designed in collaboration with lifestyle brands known across Southeast Asia and Oceania – FINNS Beach Club from Indonesia, Philippines-based Sunnies Studios and Singapore brand The Paper Bunny.

Out of Office accessories will be available for redemption exclusively at the Samsung Experience Store at VivoCity:

- Purchase any Galaxy S24 Ultra/ S24+/ S24 phone case to receive a free Out of Office phone case

- Buy a Galaxy Buds2 Pro to receive a free Out of Office Galaxy Buds case

- Participate in Samsung Live Space sessions to get free Out of Office accessories while learning more about Galaxy AI features 

Samsung members can join the #OOOReplyChallenge, submitting their most creative out-of-office (OOO) auto-reply with the help of Chat Assist on Galaxy AI. The prize is a Sunnies Studios OOO bundle.

Samsung Galaxy users can also visit @samsungsg on Instagram to find out how to stand a chance to win the full set of one of the exclusive collections. More ways to get the accessories will be shared on Samsung x You.

Details

While stocks last; designs will be given at random. T&Cs apply.

Hashtag: #SamsungOnHoliday, #OOOReplyChallenge

Pavilion KL hosts Dyson Airstrait pop-up

Explore, style and engage at the Dyson Airstrait Pop-Up as it celebrates its latest innovation — the first wet-to-dry straightener. No hot plates. No heat damage.

A testament to Dyson's pursuit of excellence in haircare technology, the Dyson Airstrait promises to transform hair styling routines. Interactive demonstrations led by Dyson experts and hands-on experiences such as masterclasses by professional stylist Eri Su are lined up till May 5.

Promotional perks include:

· A complimentary customised flower box worth RM129 with any purchase of a Dyson haircare machine.

· RM128 off when spending a minimum of RM2,300 for any Dyson machines at the pop-up event for all UOB card holders.

Details

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Center Court, Level 2, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

10 am to 10 pm daily 

Free admission

Southeast Asian universities rise in the Times Higher Education university rankings

Tsinghua University in mainland China has topped Times Higher Education’s (THE's) Asia University Rankings 2024, retaining its No. 1 spot for the 6th year in a row. In second place is Peking University, which is 2nd for the 5th year in a row. 

Taking third place is National University of Singapore (NUS), which has also maintained its position for the 5th consecutive year. Besides NUS, Singapore has Nanyang Technological University in the ranking. The university up one place, from 5th to 4th this year. 

Meanwhile, mainland China’s representation in the top 10 has increased to five, up from four last year. The advances come at the expense of Hong Kong universities, with one fewer institution in the top 10 against three last year.

Japanese universities had significantly higher scores in this year’s research quality pillar due to the addition of a new research influence metric. Institutions such as the University of Tokyo moved from 8th last year to 5th, and Kyoto University jumped from 18th last year to 13th.

Top 10 universities in THE’s Asia University Rankings 2024

1 Tsinghua University, mainland China (2023 1st)

2 Peking University, mainland China (2023 2nd)

3 National University of Singapore, Singapore (2023 3rd)

4 Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2023 5th)

5 The University of Tokyo, Japan (2023 8th)

6 University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (2023 4th)

7 Shanghai Jiao Tong University, mainland China (2023 tied for 9th)

8 Fudan University, China (2023 tied for 9th)

9 Zhejiang University, China (2023 12th)

10 Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (2023 6th)

Source: Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2024 

Seventeen of Thailand’s 19 universities either moved up or maintained their position in this year’s ranking. The country’s top three institutions are: Chulalongkorn University, which is ranked 117; Mahidol University, ranked 139; and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, ranked 192. All rose from 201–250 rankings last year.

While most of Indonesia’s 24 universities maintained their position in the ranking there are two notable exceptions. The University of Indonesia jumped up from 251–300 last year to 201–250 this year, and Universitas Gadjah Mada shot up from 401–500 last year to 351–400 in 2024.

Seventy more universities are ranked this year than last, totalling 739 this year. This is a 10.5% increase, from 31 countries/regions, while a further 388 are listed as having reporter status*. Many of the newly-ranked institutions are in west or south Asia.

Phil Baty, Times Higher Education’s Chief Global Affairs Officer said: “We have tracked the impressive rise of China in the global rankings for two decades now, but what we can clearly see now is that the rising tide in Asia is lifting all boats.

“While China’s leading universities now compete at the very top of the world rankings, our data shows a strengthening across Asia, where a healthy competition, more collaboration, more investment in research and university capacity and more internationalisation is driving up performance. It all amounts to hugely positive tectonic shifts in higher education from the west to the wast, with real excellence demonstrated in East Asia and Southeast Asia in particular and well beyond.

“Another significant highlight is the growth of other regional powerhouses including India, Japan and increasingly Thailand, all of which show a continuous improvement in Asian countries’ higher education systems, which must be seen against the backdrop of an increasingly highly competitive higher education environment in the region.”

This is the 12th edition of THE’s the Asia University Rankings. Japan had the most universities in the rankings with 119 entries, followed by India with 91, up from 75 last year. The country’s highest-ranked institution is the Indian Institute of Science at 32nd place, up from 48th. In 3rd place is mainland China with 86 universities. 

Turkey has 75 universities, up from 61 last year. The top two – Koç University and Middle East Technical University – share 69th place, while Istanbul Technical University rose from joint 149th to 92nd. Iran is the fifth-most represented country with 73 universities.

Details

The methodology behind the Asia University Rankings is based on the same framework as the World University Rankings, but the weightings are recalibrated to reflect the priorities of Asian institutions. Check the Asia University Rankings 2024 methodology. THE revised and improved its methodology for its World University Rankings 2024, adding new metrics relating to research quality and patents. The methodological change has highlighted performances from universities in research that were not previously completely visible.

The addition of the new patent metric, part of the industry pillar, allows the transfer of knowledge from academia to industry to be measured. Nineteen Asian universities scored 100 on this metric, with four institutions each from Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea achieving this. 

*Reporter status means that although the institution submitted data, it did not meet THE’s eligibility criteria to receive a ranked position.

StarHub launches affordable home broadband plan

Source: StarHub. Poster for the StarHub 5 Gbps broadband plan.

StarHub will offer the first ever 5 Gbps broadband plan tailored for households in Singapore. 

Equipped with the latest fibre technology, this plan will ensure that customers can experience enhanced connectivity with less interference. The 5 Gbps broadband plan guarantees symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5x faster than a 1 Gbps broadband plan, ensuring smoother streaming experiences and uninterrupted online interactions. Gamers will also be able to engage in immersive gaming experiences without worrying about lag, StarHub said.

Created for higher-capacity usage, the expanded bandwidth of this plan will accommodate more devices to be connected effortlessly at the same time. Installations for customers will be provided at no added costs, StarHub said, with its Hubtroopers recommending the most suitable location for router placement in homes.

StarHub’s 5 Gbps broadband plan is available at a promotional price of S$45/month at all StarHub stores and online for a limited time. This plan will also include a Nokia Optical Network WiFi 6 wireless router, and complimentary Amazon Prime access for three months. 

Explore

Learn about bundle information at https://www.starhub.com/personal/broadband.html.

Dusit Thani Bangkok announces September 2024 reopening

Source: Dusit Hotels and Resorts. The lobby of the Dusit Thani Bangkok.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, has confirmed that the iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok will reopen on 27 September 2024 following its transformation as part of Dusit Central Park.

Starting 1 May 2024, guests can secure their bookings for the new Dusit Thani Bangkok exclusively on dusit.com. Early bookers will be rewarded with a nightly credit of US$75 for dining and spa treatments, along with other perks. Rates start at US$330++ per night. Bookings under this promotion can be made until 31 October 2024 for stays between 27 September 2024 and 31 March 2025.

The hotel boasts 257 guestrooms, including suites designed by André Fu Studio. Starting at 50 sq m, each room boasts uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park through floor-to-ceiling windows complemented by stylish seating nooks. The unique floorplan ensures every room offers this vista.

The reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok also features an urban wellness concept, curated dining experiences crafted by renowned chefs, and a multi-level rooftop bar created in collaboration with award-winning mixologists. 

For meetings and events, the hotel has over 5,000 sq m of banqueting and meeting facilities. This includes one of Bangkok's largest grand ballrooms, featuring an 8 m ceiling and panoramic park views. 

The new Dusit Thani Bangkok retains its predecessor's signature golden spire. Precious artworks by well-known local artists and handcrafted teakwood décor from the original property can also be found within the reimagined space.

Said Adrian Rudin, MD, Dusit Thani Bangkok: "This is not just a rebuild; it's a rebirth. We've woven our rich legacy into the fabric of contemporary design and cutting-edge experiences, crafting a truly transformative destination that will delight longtime fans of the original property astind discerning new generations of travellers alike. 

"Our special reopening offer unlocks the door to being among the first to experience this reimagined icon, and we look forward to welcoming guests and exceeding their expectations with our signature blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury."

Alongside the new Dusit Thani Bangkok, Dusit Central Park also features luxury residences Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), an office tower, a high-end retail centre, and an 11,200 sq m roof park. All facilities are slated to open in 2025.

Explore

Sign up for Dusit Gold through dusit.com/signup to receive updates on the opening.

Taste The World Dining Series aims to show how food is a universal language

Private travel specialist Gourmet Trails has launched the inaugural Taste The World dining series, running from 4-26 May 2024. The festival demonstrates how food truly transcends boundaries and acts as a conduit for understanding and common purpose.

Taste The World highlights the essence of world cuisines in partnership with Appetite, Hashida, CURE, Canchita, Esquina, Ummi Beirut, and ANJU. Profits from the event will go towards the United Nations World Food Programme.

Opening Day Special: Dialogue Over A Lunch Journey with Michelin-starred Chef Ivan Brehm and Gourmet Trails founder Pamela Tan

Chef Brehm of Nouri and Appetite, known for his ‘crossroads’ cooking, will be hosting a lunch journey together with Tan on 4 May 2024. Join a group of no more than 14 guests and enjoy three snacks, four courses, dessert, and a choice of drink (S$300/pax).

Taste The World: Hashida

Source: Gourmet Trails. Preparing sushi at Hashida.

Dive into an unorthodox exploration of Japanese cuisine at Hashida, led by celebrity chef Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida. Chef Hashida brings to the table an interpretation of sushi omakase that is deeply rooted in personal reflection and uninhibited artistic expression.

Lunch and dinner sessions are available at S$220 and S$450 each respectively. Available on 10 May and 16 May for dinner service, and on 15 May and 18 May for lunch.

Taste The World: CURE

Explore the depths of modern Irish cuisine at CURE, from its produce to its history, through a meal. Michelin-starred chef Andrew Walsh offers variations of his seasonal menu on 9 May for dinner service (S$300 each) and on 10 and 11 May for lunch (S$220 each).

Taste The World: Canchita

Chef couple Daniel and Tamara Chavez will bring together the best of Peruvian and Mexican flavours in a six-course dinner, complete with a demonstration of ceviche preparation - a signature dish in Peru - and mole poblano (a Mexican stew) at Canchita, Dempsey Hill. Available on 4 May and 23 May for dinner service at 7.00pm ($220/pax).

Taste The World: ESQUINA

A six-course dinner awaits guests at ESQUINA, led by Barcelona-born chef Carlos Montobbio. The one-night-only event includes a Gran Reserva and Reserva Especial worth S$600 a bottle. Available on 15 May at 7 pm (S$220 per person, including wine pairing).

Taste The World: UMMI Beirut

At UMMI Beirut, where guests will be treated to a time-limited set menu. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Greg Malouf and his protégé chef Ali Assaf, UMMI will serve elevated classics in a glamorous setting that will transport guests to the city of Beirut. 

Start with a welcome drink before being served six hot/cold mezze and freshly-made Lebanese bread. Guests will be able to select their choice of main before ending the meal with UMMI’s signature kunafeh dessert. Available from 4-26 May for dinner service at S$180 each.

Taste The World: ANJU

In Tanjong Pagar, ANJU brings modern Korean flavours to guests with a four-course dinner, including a dish created especially for Taste The World guests. Available on 7 May for a minimum of two diners.

Details

Tickets for Taste The World range from S$180 to S$450. Purchase at https://tastetheworld.sg/

Restaurant	Date / Time	Ticket price
Appetite (Crossroads cuisine)	4 May, 12 pm	Lunch S$300
Hashida (Japanese sushi omakase)	15 May, 12 pm 18 May, 12 pm	Lunch S$220
	10 May, 7 pm 16 May, 7 pm	Dinner S$450
CURE (Irish fine dining)	10 May, 12 pm 11 May, 12 pm	Lunch S$220
	9 May, 7 pm	Dinner S$300
Canchita (Peruvian and Mexican with chef demonstrations)	4 May, 7 pm 23 May, 7 pm	Dinner S$220
Esquina (Spanish dinner)	15 May, 7 pm	Dinner S$220
Ummi Beirut (Lebanese gourmet casual)	4-26 May, flexible ticket	Dinner S$180
ANJU (Korean gourmet casual)	7 May, 7 pm	Dinner S$180 each (minimum two diners)