Public days for one-north Festival are jam-packed with scientific and creative experiences

The one-north Festival is open to the public on 5 and 6 August at Fusionopolis One. Visitors will be able to hear from, meet, and interact with scientists, innovators, creators and entrepreneurs from around one-north and discover what they do, what inspires them, and why there is no such thing as a typical day when it comes to science, innovation, creativity or enterprise.

Jointly organisers Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and JTC have put together an exciting line-up of activities to engage and delight the public. The journey of learning and discovery includes:

Public talks (registration required)

Many of us may not be aware of the latest advances or future trends, be it in science, innovation, technology or media. These sessions allow visitors to hear directly from scientists, innovators and creators on the latest developments or future possibilities that will impact our lives. Some of the questions which will be answered include:

• What is big data and what does it mean for our online privacy? 
• How can we create a greener, cleaner environment? 
• How are A*STAR researchers using computers to better understand heart attacks and infectious diseases? 
• What are the latest advances in the fight against cancer? 
• What can scientists from NUS do with satellites the size of a shoebox? 

Register for more than 20 talks on www.onenorthfestival.sg

Lab studio tours and open houses (registration required)

• Gain exclusive access to restricted areas such as scientific labs and studio soundstages and talk to the people who work in these spaces.
• Get up close and personal with the supercomputers that connect us to the world and the specialised microscopes that can see inside living cells. 
• Take a tour of Infinite Studios and see the soundstage where Channel 5’s Tanglin is shot. 
• Go on a tour of Disney Studios 
• Check out the latest cool technologies from Canon 

There are 50 tours to register for at www.onenorthfestival.sg

Watch made-in-Singapore innovations come alive

Health and wellbeing
Featuring research and innovations that help to keep us healthy, including the latest advances in medical research and new technologies that help doctors diagnose and treat health problems and diseases:

• Become a virtual antibody and prevent a dengue virus infection 
• Check out how to edit your DNA 
• Find out how worms are helping NTU scientists study metabolic diseases 

Technology for life
These discoveries could change our lives on a personal level:

• Test your strength against flexible armour that stiffens on impact 
• Play a video game with your mind using technology created by A*STAR scientists 
• See animations and play games created at DigiPen Institute of Technology 

Future city
The technologies that are shaping the urban landscape – from the way we live, to the way we work, and how we get around every day:

• See a car that can drive itself 
• Engage in a conversation with a social robot from NTU 
• Find out how electronics can control our houses 

Hands-on workshops (sign up on-the-spot)

Participate in interactive art activities, led by NAFA students, which take inspiration from scientific innovations.

See how researchers from A*STAR are teaching computers to recognise emotions, and create your own emoji to match specific feelings.

Interested?

The core activities of the Festival will be held at the Connexis, Symbiosis and Galaxis Towers at Fusionopolis in one-north. View the schedule for 5 and 6 August. Registration may be required for some events; click on the pictures under the 'Programmes' tab to register.

Hashtags: #‎onf16‬, ‪#‎onenorthsg‬

Get up to speed on data science with CEG Digital's online course

CEG Digital, the flexible learning division of global education provider Cambridge Education Group (CEG) has partnered the Web Science Institute at the University of Southampton (WSI), a world top-100 university*, to deliver short online courses.

Dr Elena Simperl, Continuing Professional Development Course Director, WSI Associate Professor and Scientific Director of the European Data Science Academy, explained, "Data science is a critical competence for our economy. Our new series of short professional courses is an integral and essential part of our training portfolio, alongside our postgraduate degrees. With these new online courses, we reach out to decision makers, business analysts, IT developers, and other groups of practitioners interested in learning about some of the most promising technologies and application domains in data science, including digital marketing, finances, and healthcare." 

The initial Foundations of Data Science course will welcome its first intake in the autumn (roughly between Q3 and Q4), followed by specialised options in the areas of Data Science for Marketing, Finance and Healthcare launching in 2017. The application process will be highly selective to ensure each participant is fully prepared for the demands of the course. 

Delivered part-time and wholly online over four weeks via Instructure's Canvas learning platform, the courses will enable participants to study with professionals and leading academics. Supplementary workshops will provide opportunities to meet with fellow participants, tutors and teachers, and to present their work to potential employers. Fees will be competitive with current face-to-face and online options; corporate rates will also be available.

The University of Southampton is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world and its Web Science Institute is the home to a uniquely rich network of experts in computer science, Web science, mathematical and statistical sciences, health science, social science, economics and business. As a result of the WSI's pioneering work in data science, the expertise is transforming the way that data are collected, integrated and converted into knowledge and evidence, informing decision making in business, industry and government sectors. 

WSI is also the founding partner of the UK's Open Data Institute in Tech City. The WSI's current training programme has reached many tens of thousands of people through its MOOCs in Web Science, Linked Data, and the Power of Social Media, and its university-level Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral programmes provide a career grounding in the digital and information economy.

Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Director of the Web Science Institute, said, "The future of education is on-line and this partnership will enable the WSI to develop and deliver state of the art data science courses that are available to busy professionals wherever they are based."

CEG Digital and the Web Science Institute are working in partnership to develop, market and deliver the world leading courses to students in the UK and worldwide. Geoff Webster, Managing Director of CEG Digital, said, "We believe there is enormous demand for high quality professionally focused courses in this area and we are excited to be working with the world-leading academics at Southampton. We believe this will be a very attractive proposition for professionals, companies and entrepreneurs, in the UK and around the world."

*QS World University Rankings 2015/16

LAVISH introduces new level of premium catering to Singapore

Premium catering extraordinaire LAVISH rebranded at its 18th Anniversary gala extravaganza in late January, where the company also unveiled the future of catering with a combination of food technology and science. The company is well-known for its experience in helming catering for MICE, corporate galas, private banquets, product launches, after-parties, as well as dinner and dance functions.

Source: LAVISH. The gala dinner was held
at Gardens by the Bay.

Jerry Sim, Director of Strategic Business at LAVISH said, “We recognised at the outset that as Singapore modernised to become an important MICE hub, so would the demand for world-class indoor and outdoor catering. As the average spend per head has more than tripled over the last 10 years from S$70 to S$250, we leveraged on food technology and invested in our long-serving team to develop their passion and skills. Our Service Ambassadors are trained to provide intuitive service before the guests even ask for it. We relooked each aspect of our business and even went on learning trips to enable the company to lead in the catering industry.” 

LAVISH’s Executive Chef Teo Yeow Siang (Chef Siang), a member of the internationally acclaimed Singapore National Culinary Team, presented a unique spread of food fashion that invited gastronomists to expect the unexpected. The menu included local favourites, all reinvented to showcase LAVISH's vision of 'dining 2.0'. 

Source: LAVISH. The team preparing for the gala dinner.

Chef Siang said, "Ten years ago, the catering brief was generally: give us good food and feed us till we are full. Today, we must help make the host look good as well.” Dragon’s Pearl, the chef’s adaption of frozen citrus foam, thrilled guests as they expelled vapours through their nostrils on consuming the mythical pearl - just like mythical dragons. Instead of live cooking or carving stations, LAVISH had a standing degustation menu of intricately created tasting portions inspired by sushi, served on a conveyor belt at a 3m x 3m live station. Dishes included the Reversed Chawanmushi, consisting of cold chawanmushi, scallop tartar, wasabi yuzu, and spring onion foam, as well as Earth, a sous vide egg, wild mushroom ragout, truffle crumble, and porcini foam.

Source: LAVISH. The LAVISH Culinary Theatre featured small bites on a conveyor belt.

Source: LAVISH. The LAVISH Culinary Theatre featured small bites on a conveyor belt.

Chef Siang also showcased some of the dishes that had won awards at international culinary competitions. The Taste of Chef's Award Winning Culinary Journey menu included lobster fritters, mentaiko aioli and seaweed dust, which won an award at the Culinary World Cup 2014; pan seared king crab in brick pastry, lemon puree, a winner at FHA 2012, and braised beef cheek, char leek, bush tomato, smoked onion & potato foam, which made waves at the Culinary World Cup 2010. 

Source: LAVISH. Canapes.

Source: LAVISH. Hainanese chicken rice, LAVISH style. This dish showcased local favourites in the earlier part of the dinner. 

Source: LAVISH. Charcoal Cones containing marinated Thai beef and coconut espuma (a culinary foam). LAVISH had in the past used spicy shredded duck as an alternative for those who do not take beef.

Source: LAVISH. A croquembouche adds interest as a centrepiece.

Source: LAVISH. Edible mahjong tiles.

Source: LAVISH. The exquisite dessert selection.

Sim observed, “We are taking the road less travelled by providing the overall dining experience. Our planning would take into consideration the décor to ambient lighting, the wow factor as well as minding cultural etiquette. Gone are the days when special diet means vegetarian or meat-free. Now, we have gluten-free, no shellfish, no flour, no mushrooms, no pepper…Jain and kosher are no longer the only special cultural dietary requirements.”

Source: LAVISH. From left: Teo and Sim.

"It’s my own level of wow. My team is very passionate about what we do. We try to surpass ourselves because to us, each event is a special event,” Chef Siang added.

Interested?

View LAVISH's curated menus

National Geographic Channel and GE present new six-part TV series focusing on game-changing innovation

Source: National Geographic Channel website.

The National Geographic Channel and GE have announced a new TV series, BREAKTHROUGH, produced by Imagine Entertainment and Asylum Entertainment. Presented by National Geographic and GE, both brands dedicated to innovation, science and exploration, the series will air on National Geographic channels in 440 million homes spanning 171 countries and in 45 languages.

Executive-produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Steven Michaels, Jonathan Koch, Mark Dowley and Kurt Sayenga, BREAKTHROUGH is about scientific explorers from leading universities and institutions and how their cutting-edge innovations and advancements will change our lives in the future. The series brings to life the stories, people and technology behind these breakthroughs, and show how they are changing our world. Each hour-long episode is directed by a Hollywood visionary.

Breakthroughs covered include:

Fighting Pandemics (directed and narrated by Peter Berg, who may be known for his role as Dr Billy Kronk in Chicago Hope)
Premieres 7 November at 10pm SGT

Berg takes viewers into the world of pioneers scrambling to stop an outbreak and save the world from future plagues. From antibiotics and vaccines to computer programs that predict how viruses will spread, new lifesaving tools will be used to fight a wide range of viruses in the near future, including HIV, influenza, dengue fever, and malaria.

More Than Human (directed and narrated by Paul Giamatti, Golden Globe winner for Barney's Version)
Premieres 14 November at 10pm

Chances are you either are, or you know, a cyborg: a person who is aided or enhanced by embedded technology, such an artificial limbs or pacemakers. But advances in science are taking us beyond replacement parts and into a new realm that is changing the nature of the human body and the human mind.

The fusion of biology and technology is making us better, stronger, faster and smarter. But as the natural and man-made worlds merge, will we become more than human? Watch Trish Aelker at Lockheed Martin Exoskeleton Technologies build exoskeletons that give mere mortals super strength, and Dr Miguel Nicolelis, a brain-machine interfaces expert whose work with the Walk Again Project is giving hope to people with traumatic spine injuries.

Decoding The Brain (directed by Brett Ratner, who also directed the Rush Hour series; narrated by Adrien Brody, who starred in The Pianist)
Premieres 21 November at 10pm

We now have the tools to explore the hidden reaches of the brain, leading to research that may help those suffering from afflictions such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. Meet scientists such as Dr John Schenck, who helped pioneer magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies and was the first person to have his brain imaged by the machine in the early 1980s; Dr Mohamad Koubeissi, a neurologist who developed a groundbreaking way to treat epilepsy; and Dr Steve Ramirez, who is investigating how to implant or erase memories and hopes his work could help people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How Long Can We Live? (directed and narrated by Ron Howard, who also directed Grand Theft Auto and A Beautiful Mind)
Premieres 28 November at 10pm

In recent years, studies of the ageing process have opened up new ways that could help us all live healthier for longer. Some researchers believe the real breakthrough is extending our health span — the period of life spent free of disease. Hear from Laura Deming, who dropped out of MIT at age 14 and now focuses on projects that can expand the human health span, and Dr Brian Kennedy, whose work in the basic biology of ageing is the foundation of much other research.

Energy On the Edge (directed by Akiva Goldsman, an Academy Award winner for A Beautiful Mind; narrated by Jason Bateman of Arrested Development and Horrible Bosses fame)
Premieres 5 December at 10pm

We are surrounded by clean, raw energy waiting to be tapped — energy that could eventually replace fossil fuels. This episode follows innovative alternative energy projects and the people behind them, like the team at the US National Ignition Facility, who are trying to save the world by harnessing the power of controlled fusion.

Water Apocalypse (directed and narrated by Angela Bassett, who portrayed Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It)
Premieres 12 December at 10pm

All over the world, governments are struggling with bigger populations and a diminishing supply of fresh water. Bassett focuses on inspiring stories of people working on innovative water projects.

Interested?

BREAKTHROUGH will air on National Geographic Channel (Singtel TV channel 201, StarHub channel 411) from Saturday 7 November 2015 at 10pm. View the repeat schedule

Read the TechTrade Asia blog post about Project Breakthrough, a complementary programme for Singapore kids that fosters their passion in science and technology

DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou - Science City adds new MICE options in High Tech Development District

Hilton Worldwide has launched the DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou - Science City in Guangdong province, China. The 314-room DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou - Science City extends the brand's existing portfolio of 20 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels operating in China, and strengthens Hilton Worldwide's presence in Guangzhou where the company currently operates three hotels under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton brands.

Source: Hilton Worldwide.

"Science City is one of the leading strategic development areas in Guangzhou, offering a competitive business environment with excellent opportunities for domestic and international companies that wish to grow in South China," said Bruce McKenzie, Senior VP of operations, Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton Worldwide. "Having operated in China for 27 years with 54 hotels currently open, we remain committed to supporting the growth of key regions in the country and look forward to addressing the demand for quality hotels in Guangzhou with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou – Science City."

The hotel is located in the heart of Guangzhou High Tech Development District – the Science City, adjacent to the new Huangpu District Government Administration Office (formerly Luo Gang District). The hotel is approximately 25.5 km from Canton Fair Pazhou Complex and 40 km from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Guests heading to Hong Kong, Macao and other major cities in the Pearl River Delta can do so within two hours via inter-city direct bus.

"DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou – Science City will be the brand's second hotel in Guangzhou, following the success of the DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou," said John Greenleaf, Global Head, DoubleTree by Hilton. "DoubleTree by Hilton continues to focus on growing our footprint in Asia Pacific, particularly in China, and delivering world-class hospitality and special comforts that we call the 'little things' to international travellers, starting with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival."

Each guest room features a broad range of modern furnishings and amenities, including the Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree Sleep Experience, 42" LCD television sets offering satellite channels, and bathrooms stocked with the new Aroma Actives natural skin and body care line. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness centre offering Precor-branded cardiovascular and strength training equipment. A complimentary 24-hour connectivity zone is also available to accommodate guests' business needs, and complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel's public areas.

DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou – Science City features over 2,000 sq m of meeting space, including a Grand Ballroom and six function rooms. The 1,000 sq m Grand Ballroom is one of the largest pillar-less ballrooms within Science City; the 2,500 sq m rooftop garden with views of the central garden is also ideal for events.

Elements, the hotel's all day dining restaurant, is a gathering place with a wide selection of regional Asian cuisine, Western grill items, and fresh seafood. China House serves top-quality Cantonese cuisine, while Chao Shang Specialty Restaurant features fine Chaozhou cuisine. Seven private dining rooms offer additional meeting options.

DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou - Science City participates in Hilton HHonors, the guest-loyalty programme. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including: digital check-in and the ability to choose their room. Free Wi-Fi will be available later in 2015.

To mark its opening, the hotel will is offering Hilton HHonors members double bonus points per night on best available rates for stays through October 7, 2015. Based on availability, Gold and Diamond members will also enjoy upgrades to the hotel's exclusive Hilton HHonors floor. Additionally, Diamond Hilton HHonors guests will enjoy complimentary continental breakfasts and 1,000 bonus points per stay, and Gold Hilton HHonors guests will have the option of complimentary continental breakfast or 1,000 bonus points per stay. 

Interested?

DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou - Science City is at No. 18 ShuiXi Rd, Huang Pu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China. Make an e-reservation or call +86 02 3223 8888.

Starwood opens first Element hotel in Asia Pacific

Source: Element Suzhou website.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has debuted its eco-conscious Element brand in Asia Pacific with the opening of the Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town in Suzhou, China. Owned by Suzhou Science and Technology Town Kexin Cultural Tourism Development Company, the new Element hotel is set to offer healthy, active travellers a sustainable stay.

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town is located in the Science and Technology Town, an eco-city in the heart of Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (SND). Known as the Venice of the East and f or its UNESCO World Heritage-listed classical gardens, Suzhou is a major city in the southeast of Jiangsu Province, half an hour by speed train from Shanghai. The hotel is 30 minutes' drive from Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX).

"As Starwood's eco-innovation lab, the Element brand has changed the face of extended stay with its light-filled atmosphere, eco-minded design and commitment to innovation," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "On track to triple its global portfolio by the end of 2017, Element is experiencing tremendous growth momentum and the brand's debut in Asia Pacific is set to pave the way for more growth opportunities in the region."

Element signed 19 deals in 2014 and is on track to triple its portfolio by 2017, with key China openings such as Element Chongli in Zhangjiakou, Element Sanya Haitang Bay in Sanya and Element Tianjin Beicheng in Tianjin in the pipeline. 

Said Stephen Ho, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific: "Recent studies have shown that consumers are becoming increasingly interested in environmentally-friendly practices and products, as well as sustainable living. We are confident that the stylish and sustainable Element brand ethos that modern design flows from nature will resonate with travellers and meet that demand."

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town has 188 rooms and suites. Guests can work, play, or relax in the spacious, smart and modern guestrooms, all of which offer natural lighting. Each room comes with an energy-efficient kitchen; the signature Heavenly Beds, spa-inspired baths, separate rain showers and natural bath amenities. 

Each room also features a work space installed with office and entertainment equipment. There is complimentary Internet access and a one-stop connectivity solution that allows guests to hook up portable electronics to their in-room TV. SPG Keyless Check-In – a mobile, keyless entry system that allows guests to use their smartphone as a key – is available at Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town. The hotel also offers 1,200 sq m of flexible meeting space with modular fast and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Guests can eat at Salon, an all-day dining restaurant, or enjoy a variety of traditional local, Huaiyang and authentic Cantonese cuisines in private rooms. A daily Relax evening reception offers food and beverage pairings. 

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town has an opening package starting from RMB 558 net for a one-night stay in a standard room, including breakfast for one person. SPG members will receive double Starpoints as part of the package. In addition, SPG members will enjoy a 20% discount on all food and beverage consumption at Salon.

Interested?

Make a reservation 

Temple University in Singapore hosts two class previews in mid-November

Temple University is offering introductions to two graduate programmes on 15 November in Singapore for those interested in human resource management and executive MBAs respectively.

The Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) is designed for HR professionals who wish to be real business partners geared towards managing the "human capital within the enterprise".

The MSHRM covers aspects of HR like leadership, communications, strategic challenges in HR, managing rewards, best practices in HR, and negotiations, among others. The course comprises 10 modules in 10 months. All courses are taught by faculty who are US-based. 

Temple University is offering a scholarship of up to US$10,000 for qualified applicants to attend the next cohort. Click here to complete a free initial application.

A second class preview for the part time Fox School of Business executive MBA (EMBA) programme will run concurrently with the MSHRM presentation. Sixteen modules can be completed in 15 months. The EMBA is taught by US professors from Temple University in Philadelphia. 

Click here to register for the MSHRM session, and here for the EMBA session. Both sessions will run from 10am to 11am at the ERC Institute Campus at 30 Prinsep Street, Singapore.