Quantcast
Channel: AsiaOne - AsiaOne
Viewing all 2393 articles
Browse latest View live

Exciting gongfu action on HBO channels this Christmas

$
0
0

Two action-packed martial arts movies set at the end of the Qing dynasty will premiere on prime time in Asia this Christmas.

"Master of the Drunken Fist: Beggar So" will screen on Dec 25 while "Master of the Shadowless Kick: Wong Kei-Ying" will debut on Dec 26, said a statement by HBO Asia today.

The two movies will be shown on HBO and Red Bb HBO in Asia. You can also catch them on HBO Go and HBO On Demand in Asia, as well as on CCTV6 in China at a later date.

The movies will boast a cast of Chinese actors professionally trained in mixed martial arts, gongfu and muay thai.

The executive producer of the films is renowned Hong Kong action director, Corey Yuen. The director is Guo Jian-yong, who had choreographed big-action sequences for Red Cliff and Transporter I, II and III.

Playing the lead roles will be Cao Jun in "Master of the Drunken Fist: Beggar So" and Sun Hao-ran in "Master of the Shadowless Kick: Wong Kei-Ying".

The screenplays were written by a team of writers from China, while award-winning Singaporean screenwriter, Koh Teng Liang, also contributed to the screenplay of "Master of the Shadowless Kick: Wong Kei-Ying".

Shot in Hengdian studios in China's Zhejiang province, the movies will be dubbed in English with local language subtitles when shown in Asia on HBO. Both movies will also debut at the same time on Red By HBO in its original Mandarin language with English subtitles. Both will air in Mandarin in China.

chenj@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, October 17, 2016 - 21:23
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Story Type: 
Others

Trump pledges strong US ties with India if elected president

$
0
0

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged that the United States and India would be "best friends" if he is elected and that he would boost intelligence sharing with India in the battle against Islamic militants.

Trump spoke at an event sponsored by the Republican Hindu Coalition to raise money for victims of terrorism. It featured Bollywood-style performers who danced in colorful, traditional costumes.

on Twitter

 

on Twitter

"If I'm elected president, the Indian and Hindu community will have a true friend in the White House, that I can guarantee you," said Trump, who noted that as a real estate developer he has two "massive developments" in India.

Trump also declared himself a "big fan of Hindu", the New York Times reported. "I am a big fan of Hindu, and I am a big fan of India," he is reported to have said.

on Twitter

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has developed a friendly relationship with President Barack Obama, a Democrat who wants Trump's opponent, Hillary Clinton, to win the Nov. 8 election.

"We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism when I'm president. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with India in sharing intelligence and keeping our people safe mutually," said Trump.

on SPH Brightcove

However, the Wall Street Journal reported that he appeared to mix up the attack on Mumbai in 2008 and the one on the Indian Parliament in New Delhi in 2001 when he said: "For all of the people in Mumbai, the attack on the parliament was outrageous and terrible."

on Twitter

He called India a strategic ally and that "we will be best friends" if he wins the election.

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 - 11:39
Send to mobile app: 
Rotator Headline: 
Trump says "I'm a big fan of Hindu" at charity event
Rotator Image: 
video embed code: 
<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"><div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe src="//players.brightcove.net/4802324435001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5174514414001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;"></iframe></div></div>
Video Media: 
Other Video Media
Hermes ID: 
2 676 031
Hermes ID String: 
SY_TRUMPHINDU_1018
Hermes Author: 
SEANYAP
Story Type: 
Others

Local celebrities Felicia Chin and Jeffrey Xu admit they're dating

$
0
0

Is it Felifrey or finally free?

Local TV stars Felicia Chin, 31, and Jeffrey Xu, 28, have finally confirmed their relationship, after the whole Star Awards 'incident' this year.

The pair were first spotted canoodling in public this February, but denied their romance during the awards ceremony in April.

In case you need something to jog your memory, the picture of Xu planting a big kiss on his lady's cheek (in front of a group of reporters, no less) had set tongues wagging.

And this was after he literally stood with his arms wide open, waiting for Chin to give him a hug when he was announced as a Top 10 Most Popular Male Artist winner. On live television.

The man's got guts, that's for sure. It paid off, though, even though we now know that they were already an item at the time.

The couple, who were interviewed by 8 Days magazine and My Paper, were candid about their relationship. If you're keeping count, they've been going out for 10 months.

The beginning

According to Chin, it all began during a surprise birthday steamboat dinner on Oct 24 last year that was planned by her church friends.

Her friends had hinted that Xu might show up to surprise her. But when she found herself wondering where he was and feeling "so happy" when he finally turned up, it was a "confirmation" of her feelings for him.

For Xu, he told My Paper that he felt the sparks "from the start", and was attracted to Chin's character and caring personality. But what sealed it for him was when he had a "vision" of the two of them having a cup of coffee at Paris' Eiffel Tower - a place they had talked about visiting together.

Xu had been conflicted about pursuing one of the "princesses" of the TV station and was praying about it when the vision struck, he told 8 Days.

"Now in terms of where she stands in my heart, she's second only to my mum!" said the China-born actor to My Paper, laughing.

Said Chin: "Although we are quite different in our thinking, but we are alike in many ways - such as our love for nature, reading, and we share the same faith (Christianity).

Marriage on the cards?

The pair, who have known each other for two years, are already talking marriage.

Xu revealed that when they embarked on the relationship, "the end goal is to get married, that is our understanding". He cheekily adds: "And she also wants to give me a family."

But the pair, who met each other's parents even before they got together, have somewhat different desires when it comes to their ideal wedding.

Xu, who hails from Shanghai, told My Paper he would like an island wedding whereas Chin is happy with something more private, with just close friends and family.

Asked if they will now be resistant to filming intimate scenes, Xu says it's important to still be professional:

"If our seniors (who are married) can do it, how would we dare." Chin adds that it'll be natural to warn each other in advance if the script calls for such scenes, "out of respect and to be considerate about the other party's feelings".

ssandrea@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 - 11:48
Send to mobile app: 
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Others

Single Japanese men turn to childcare lessons to snag life partners

$
0
0

If it's hard to snag someone to settle down with, perhaps picking up some skills in childcare might up your game.

This is exactly what some single Japanese man are hoping to do in order to increase their chances of finding life partners.

One Osaka-based company called Ikumen University conducts all-male courses which teach men not only how to bathe and dress a baby, but also help them understand a woman's perspective on child-rearing, reported The Japan Times.

Ikumen is a made-up word combining the Japanese word "ikuji" (meaning "child-rearing") and the English word "men", and usually refers to married men who take up active roles in child-rearing.

During these lessons, men also get to experience how it feels like to be pregnant by trying on 7kg pregnancy suits, known as "empathy bellies".

Course instructor and Ikumen University president Mr Takeshi Akiyama told Ruptly: "Men must work. They work very hard (and) over-time, to bring food to the family,"

"And now we have fewer opportunities to meet singles, (and face) difficulties in marriage."

He added in the Japan Times report that he wanted to create a form of certification to prove a man's child-rearing skills and support for married life.

Japan has long suffered from declining birth rates, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledging to raise the country's birth rate to 1.8 children per woman as part of this "three arrows" of economic stimulus.

One Ikumen University participant, Mr Hirose Masanor told Ruptly: "I joined the lessons for my future (for) when I have my own family. "It is good if things run smoothly in childcare."

sujint@sph.com.sg

on SPH Brightcove

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 - 12:07
Send to mobile app: 
Rotator Headline: 
Japanese men wear 7kg suits to know what it feels like to be pregnant
Rotator Image: 
video embed code: 
<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"><div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe src="//players.brightcove.net/4802324435001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5173344949001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;"></iframe></div></div>
Video Media: 
Other Video Media
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story
W.T.M. (Why This Matters): 
Japan has long suffered from declining birth rates. Some single Japanese men are hoping to increase their chances of finding life partners by learning some skills in childcare and to understand a woman's perspective on child-rearing.

Samsung customers here can exchange Note7 for S7 edge and get $250

$
0
0

Samsung Galaxy Note7 owners can exchange their phones for the S7 edge model, and receive a cheque for $250 in return, Samsung announced in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 18).

Those who want a full refund will get $1,168, the retail price of Note7 when it was launched about two months ago, added the statement. The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge costs a little less at around $1,098.

The options to swop phones will apply to customers who had bought the Note7 at full price from retailers as well as those who paid a subsidised rate for it after signing a two-year contract with telcos Singtel, StarHub and M1. Their contracts will not be affected.

A week ago, Samsung had warned customers to stop using the Note7 after fire issues remained unresolved, and so decided to scrap the phones altogether.

Customers can indicate their choice of exchange on Samsung's website (www.samsung.com/sg/note7exchange) from Oct 26.

They have to give their home address and other details so that their Note7 can be collected, and a refund or a replacement S7 edge delivered.

Samsung has recalled some 2.5 million handsets worldwide, including tens of thousands of units in Singapore. It followed reports that some units had caught fire and exploded.

At first, it was thought that the phone's battery could be faulty but the same problem emerged even after replacement sets were issued.

Samsung then made the decision to pull the plug on its new flagship device.

chenj@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 - 22:34
Send to mobile app: 
Story Type: 
Others

Move over cute airport officer, now attention is on forgiving Lamborghini owner

$
0
0

You may have read about the "handsome" auxiliary police officer at Changi Airport who caused a stir on social media for his boyish looks and charming smile.

But another good-looker also became a topic of conversation after he graciously forgave a teen who rode his bicycle over his Lamborghini in a daring stunt to attempt what a famous YouTuber did in a BMX video clip.

While the identity of the kind-hearted supercar owner became known in the media, few realised that Mr Aaron Rylan Keder, 28, had already made the news on a number of occasions before, for being a self-made millionaire.

A few years ago and earlier this month, Berita Harian had reported about the enterprising man who became a property agent with PropNex after completing his national service.

Mr Aaron made a whopping $65,000 in commission earned from the sale of one semi-detached house. He then used that money to start a cleaning company of his own.

He told Berita Harian in an article published on Oct 2: "I began learning the ropes in this area from the age 17 when I was a student at Temasek Polytechnic. I started from the bottom, first working as a cleaner."

"I used the opportunity to learn more about using different cleaning equipment and machines.

When he was promoted to a supervisory position, he learned how to manage workers.

Today, Mr Aaron has five companies under his belt in various trades from facilities management and air-conditioning to an online women's fashion store.

His primary business is Newash Facility Management, which offers services like cleaning, landscaping, event support and pest control.

Starting with just three workers when he launched the firm, he now has more than 400 workers under him.

He has the following advice for aspiring business owners, which he told Berita Harian:

1. Read the newspapers to keep abreast of current trends

2. Check on the grants that are given by the Government

3. Avoid forging partnerships as it is highly likely that you and your partner might clash because of different goals and strategies

He added that his success would not have been possible without setting clear goals, strategies and sheer hard work.

Today, he owns not only a Lamborghini but a semi-detached house.

"I bought this Lamborghini not to show off, but as a reward for my hard work, and also, I have a deep interest in sports cars," he told Berita Harian.

chenj@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 - 22:58
Send to mobile app: 
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Others

Indian media praise Singapore's first-ever Deepavali-themed NEL train

$
0
0

If you've taken a ride on a specific North East Line train this week and noticed how intricately decked the interior of the cabins are in Deepavali designs and colours, you are not alone.

Word of the first-ever Deepavali-themed train in Singapore, launched last Saturday, was picked up by many news publications in India even if it did not receive as much fanfare in the local media.

Publications such as the India Times, The Indian Express and News18.com reported on the unique set-up of this year's initiative.

on Facebook

The themed train was launched today by Minister for Transport, Mr Khaw Boon Wan.

Posted by Land Transport Authority – We Keep Your World Moving on Saturday, 15 October 2016

The cabins of the trains are decorated with colourful pictures of diyas (oil filled lamps) and garlands. As seen in the photos uploaded on LTA's Facebook post, images of lotus, peacock, and jewellery associated with the festival are also spotted in the cabins and both the NEL and Downtown Line platforms at Little India Station.

And with the Festival of Lights, observed by Hindus, just 10 days away, the initiative by the Land Transport Authority has only served to add to the celebratory mood.

India Times said: "This train looks as if it is hosting a mini-festival inside it - with colourful walls and floor.

And how did the Singapore public respond to the decorative trains? Well, several Facebook users left positive comments on LTA's post of the initiative, commending the effort as a good way to promote multiracial and cultural relations.

In a forum letter to The Straits Times, reader Mr Kumar Pillay Thangavalu said: "Kudos to the Land Transport Authority for the Deepavali decor on MRT trains...I am sure we will see more of such decorated trains for other festivals too, to reflect and enhance the rich multicultural society we have."

Besides the decorations at Little India Station and on the trains, Deepavali-themed lights have been put up on the roads along Little India, with lotuses and peacocks making up the top lights.

It is reported that LTA had collaborated with Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association for the project. According to LTA, the specially-themed train will run till mid-November.

stephluo@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 14:15
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

HSA warns of two health products with undeclared ingredients

$
0
0

A man in his 60s fell ill after taking two health products with undeclared potent ingredients, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Wednesday (Oct 19).

He had taken LongRed Oyster-X to prevent prostate problems, as well as LifeSparks 100 per cent Natural Pain Relief Supplement to ease joint pain.

Although the supplements provided pain relief on the day he consumed them, he developed severe gastric pain and facial swelling a week later. He sought help from a general practitioner and has since recovered.

HSA's investigations revealed that the health products contained prescription-only medicines that are not allowed to be used in complementary health products.

A chemical compound related to sildenafil, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction, was found in LongRed Oyster-X.

Misuse of this compound can lead to impairment or loss of vision and hearing, low blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks.

Meanwhile, dexamethasone, a potent steroid usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions, was found in LifeSparks 100 per cent Natural Pain Relief Supplement.

Prolonged use of this oral steroid can increase blood glucose levels leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, increase the risk of infections, and Cushing's syndrome (a round face and upper body obesity with thin limbs).

HSA advises consumers of the above products to:

- Stop taking LongRed Oyster-X and seek medical attention if they are feeling unwell

- Not to stop using LifeSparks 100 per cent LifeSparks 100 per cent Natural Pain Relief Supplement but consult a doctor as soon as possible. Sudden discontinuation of steroids can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure.

Following HSA's advisory, Paul Harrison International Pte Ltd, the distributor of the above products, has since stopped sales. Those with enquiries on product return can call the company at 6635 8684.

minlee@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 12:21
Send to mobile app: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

5 ways you can explore the UK with a falling pound

$
0
0

To say the British pound has fallen upon hard times is a gross understatement.

Since the United Kingdom exited the European Union, investors have pulled out of the country, with some worried about the current "government's xenophobic and divisive rhetoric," the Economist reported.

The pound's decline is so drastic that it is even listed on a chart of worst-performing currencies against the US dollar, alongside the Nigerian naira and the Sierra Leone leone.

Read also: Brexit just happened, what does it mean for travellers?

As it stands, S$1 is currently worth 0.59 in pounds as of publication time.

So if you're looking for somewhere to hang up your Christmas stockings this December, you know where to go.

Here are 5 things you can check out in UK on a budget:

1. Go museum hunting

Museums are not just for history buffs and textbook nerds. The UK has an interesting collection of contemporary museums dedicated to football and pop culture. To top it off, most of them are free!

Check out our report here.

2. Adventure-ahoy in Wales

Deep underground in the north of Wales, lies Llechwedd Slate Caverns. The now defunct slate mine has been converted into an adventure arena complete with high obstacle courses, trampolines and zip-lines - all within a subterranean underworld.

Check out our report here.

Read also: In Wales, you can 'fly' just like Superman

3. Trek the highlands in Scotland

Scotland is best known for its impressive craggy cliffs and ancient castles. One popular tourist spot is the Isle of Skye which is home to iconic rock formations like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing pinnacles. Those who have had their fill of Scottish whisky and a heap-full of haggis, can also do some climbing on the Black Cuillin, a jagged mountain range which overlooks the island.

Read more here.

Read also: Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland with 24 hours

4. Relieve history in Northern Ireland

Belfast in Northern Ireland was the home of the Titanic. Designed and built in Harland & Wolff Shipyards, the luxurious ocean liner sailed out of Belfast in 1912 on its maiden and final voyage. Today, an exhibit and memorial stands on the waterfront as a tribute to the victims who perished in the Atlantic Ocean.

The region is also excellent for those in love with the road. Take a drive down Causeway Coastal Route, which connects Belfast to County Antrim, and you will be greeted by a scenic coastline. Not to mention, the world-famous Giant's Causeway is also on the map.

Read more here

5. Luxury living in London

London has always been associated with expensive taxi rides and astronomical hotel room prices. Not anymore.

According to the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index for 2015, deals for top hotels in London are now 50 per cent less.

Read more here.

debwong@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 12:21
Send to mobile app: 
Regions: 
Country: 
Interest: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

'Scorpion Manicure' craze hits Mexico

$
0
0

Forget fur nails. Gluing scorpions onto fingernails is the new beauty craze hitting Mexico. And if the reports are true, the trend seems to have originated from North America.

According to Daily Mail, the bizarre beauty treatment started out "as a sick joke", said beauty parlour owner Rico Vidales, who added that women from North America went to Mexico specifically to have baby scorpions fitted on their nails.

The trend reportedly started in September. The insects were killed with bug spray and although dead, these creatures are still venomous.

Dead scorpions are normally preserved in alcohol and are available for 2 pounds (S$3.40) each in local markets. Baby scorpions are glued onto one or two fingernails, covered in acrylic and then dried under UV light.

It may look cool and edgy - even dangerous - but this trend seems like it may not make its way here to Singapore, and the closest place you can do this next time may be in Thailand, where scorpions are fried and eaten.

on SPH Brightcove

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 12:36
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Video Media: 
Other Video Media
Story Type: 
Others

Can't import live seafood? Man had 20 crabs cooked in airport instead

$
0
0

Turned away by immigration officers in Taipei after he tried to import 20 raw hairy crabs from Hong Kong, a passenger proceeded to cook the crustaceans.

The Taiwanese man, a Cathay Pacific "diamond" member, had arrived in Taoyuan International Airport from Hong Kong with his stash when he was stopped.

He then approached a member of Cathay's ground staff at the baggage claim area, who took him to the airline's VIP lounge without clearing immigration, Apple Daily reported.

When the restaurant staff at the VIP lounge couldn't cook the crabs for him, he sought help at another restaurant in the airport.

Since the passenger was a regular patron, the staff agreed to cook all 20 crabs for him. The man was then cleared to enter Taiwan.

Read also: What items can you bring on board your flight?

But local authorities were pretty crabby about how the situation was resolved.

While Cathay released a statement saying that it would co-operate with ongoing investigations, it added that the incident could have been a case of an employee being too keen to help.

Read also: Strange range of lost items at KL International Airport

One flight attendant told the South China Morning Post that the ground staff member was probably under pressure as the carrier values "diamond" membership-holders. 

"Cathay requires us to treat every passenger with sincerity, especially 'diamond' members. We have to greet them and introduce ourselves on board every flight. The ground staff member might have misinterpreted what the company required of us," said the crew member who asked not to be named.

debwong@sph.com.sg

 

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 13:24
Send to mobile app: 
Regions: 
Country: 
Interest: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

Customise your own Nutella jar at this new pop-up store

$
0
0

SINGAPORE - Missed the opportunity to personalise your Nutella jar last year?

You'll get a second chance at a Nutella pop-up store at Cathay Cineleisure from Oct 26-30.

Customers who purchase at least one of the personalised jars will be entitled to complimentary Nutella-inspired breakfast treats at a cafe within the pop-up store at B1-09.

The first 100 at the pop-up store, which will be open from 10am to 10pm, on Oct 26 will receive a limited edition a gift pack from Nutella.

"The response we received from Nutella fans last year to the #YourNutella campaign was so overwhelming that we felt compelled to do something special again this year for our Singaporean fans," said Fabian Heymer, Category Director for Nutella South East Asia.

The brand has also rolled out a website where Nutella fans can create and download animated GIFs of the Nutella jars with greetings, Singlish phrases and other prefixed messages.

huizhen@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 15:26
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

Man gets 2.5cm tear in oesophagus after eating ghost pepper

$
0
0

A man from California recently found out the hard way why Bhut Jolokia Pepper is dubbed the Ghost Pepper.

He nearly lost his life after eating a burger topped with a puree made from one of the spiciest chillies in the world - the Ghost Pepper packs over 1,000,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). In comparison, the Chilli Padi, commonly savoured in Singapore, measures at 200,000 SHU.

After finishing the fiery treat in an eating contest, the 47-year-old man downed six large glasses of water to try to cool the heat, LiveScience reported.

The drinks did not help and he started to vomit profusely. Severe abdominal and chest pain followed and the man had to be taken to a hospital's emergency department.

Graphic: The Straits Times

There, a CT scan revealed a 2.5cm tear in his oesophagus and a collapsed left lung, said an article in the Journal of Emergency Medicine.

He was diagnosed with spontaneous oesophageal rupture, a rare condition which could have killed him if left untreated.

The man was immediately wheeled into surgery to repair his ruptured oesophagus and re-inflate his lung. Doctors also inserted a feeding tube to give his injured organs time to heal.

He was finally discharged from hospital 23 days after the operation.

Bhut Jolokia Pepper Photo: Wikipedia/Asit K. Ghosh

Chillies contain capsaicin, a substance that stings our taste buds and sends us scrambling for a drink to ease the pain.

Although many of us would instinctively reach for a glass of cold water, milk is actually the better choice as it binds with capsaicin and washes it away. According to a Discovery report, cold water may offer a brief relief but it prolongs the pain as it spreads capsaicin around in the mouth.

Last month, another man took on the challenge of wolfing down a bowl of Indonesia's 'death noodles' prepared using bird's eye chilli. The spicy dish caused him to temporarily lose his hearing.

Also read: Feel the heat: 6 chillies that are red hot and spicy

minlee@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 15:10
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Rotator Headline: 
Man gets 2.5cm tear in oesophagus after eating world's spiciest chilli
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

Justin Bieber renting exclusive London mansion for $2.2 million a year

$
0
0

"All around the world, people want to be loved," sang Justin Bieber. But whether residents of one of London's most exclusive streets will love their newest neighbour remains to be seen.

Bieber, 22, will be renting a lavish 'party mansion' on The Bishops Avenue, a street that is home to ageing magnates, foreign diplomats and members of the aristocracy, according to the Daily Mail.

The "Baby" singer is reported to have fell in love with the leafy north London neighbourhood, and plans to split his time between California and London.

According to a video by CNBC, the sprawling 24,000 sq ft mansion has 15 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms and five reception rooms, making it perfect for Bieber to host his celebrity friends.

The home also boasts indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, a home cinema and a driveway large enough for 50 cars.

Obviously, such a swanky pad does not come cheap. The London Evening Standard reported that the Canadian pop star will be shelling out a whopping £108,000 (S$184,049) a month to rent the property.

That's over S$2.2 million a year! Good thing then that Bieber's current net worth is estimated to be US$225 million (S$312 million), according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Luxury real estate listings site Mansion Global revealed that the luxury abode was built in 1910, and was most recently sold to an anonymous buyer for £25 million last year.

Bieber's move is another sign of London's booming rental market, with one real estate agency recording a 34 per cent increase in the number of new leases signed in September, CNBC reported.

However, the story for sales is different, and prices of prime London real estate have actually fallen on the back of the UK's decision to leave the European Union.

seanyap@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 16:53
Send to mobile app: 
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

Cat A COE falls while Cat B rises in latest exercise

$
0
0

SINGAPORE - Certificate of entitlement (COE) premiums for Category A cars fell in the latest bidding exercise, while premiums for Cat B rose.

Cat A COE ended at $50,991, down from $51,507, while Cat B COE rose to $56,410 from $53,001 previously.

The COE premium for Cat C dropped to a five-month low of $45,589, and the premium for the motorcycle category ended with almost no change at $6,354.

Category E COE also rose, ending at $56,340, up from $54,200 two weeks ago.

ljessica@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 20:39
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

Singapore Red Cross sets aside $150,000 aid for typhoon-hit areas of Philippines, Vietnam

$
0
0

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has committed a total of $150,000 for disaster response efforts in areas of the Philippines and Vietnam which are affected by Typhoons Ferdie (Meranti), Karen (Sarika) and Haima (Lawin).

Of this amount, $100,000 is committed to the Philippines and $50,000 has been set aside for Vietnam.

The money will be used for the provision of blankets, shelter materials, hot meals, family and food packs, biscuits, as well as psychosocial support services to the affected communities, SRC said on Oct 19.

Two teams of staff and volunteers equipped with disaster management skills are also on standby to be deployed to the Philippines and Vietnam.

In the Philippines, the team is likely to be deployed in the northern part of Luzon, where Typhoon Haima - the strongest yet of the recent typhoons in Philippines - is expected to cause the most damage.

Typhoons have recently caused severe flooding, bursting rivers, mudslides and landslides in Northern Philippines.

In Vietnam, a team is on standby to work with the a local team in relief operations in the central region, which suffered the brunt of the typhoons.

ljessica@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 21:58
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

What to eat at Golden Shoe food centre before it closes

$
0
0

With Golden Shoe Car Park slated for redevelopment next year, the food centre in the building will also be taking a hiatus.

The Market Street Food Centre, popularly known as Golden Shoe, is known for offering cheap and good hawker fare in the Central Business District.

It is unclear when the stallholders' leases will expire, and whether they will return after the redevelopment completes, but regular customers have expressed sadness at seeing the food centre go, My Paper reported.

Here are some of the popular stalls there to check out before they're gone:

1. 12 Stones Noodle House, 02-21

Photo: The Straits Times

Dishes to try: Har Cheong Gai Noodles ($3), Mixed Ngau Lum noodles ($5.50), Pork Chop Noodles ($3)

Photo: The Straits Times

The second-generation owner of 12 Stones Noodle House, Roy Loi, used to helm popular Cantonese restaurant Loy Sum Juan at Murray Terrace, until its closure in 2014 due to manpower and rental woes.

Their claim to fame is its Har Cheong Gai (shrimp paste chicken) - a dish that Mr Loi claims to have been invented by his mother.

2. Golden Nur Nasi Briyani Special, 02-02

Photo: The Business Times

Dishes to try: Roti Prata ($0.80), Chicken Briyani ($4.50)

Photo: The New Paper

The secret to Golden Nur's Nasi Briyani Special is the "magic powder" -deep fried cornflour mixed with tomato puree - which gives the dish an extra crunch. However, this extra ingredient is only available in the crispy chicken briyani, and not its other briyani offers like masala chicken, mutton or fish.

There is also always a queue for its Roti Prata, which is one of the cheapest in the Central Business District (CBD).

3. Ah Heng Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee, 01-32

Photo: The Straits Times

Dishes to try: Curry noodles ($5.50)

Photo: The Straits Times

The long queues at Ah Heng Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee is a testament to the popularity of its curry chicken noodles - which is famous for its Hainanese-style poached chicken and flavourful tofu puffs.

4. Selera Bonda, 03-37

Photo: The New Paper

Dishes to try: Nasi Ayam ($3)

Photo: The New Paper

If you are on a budget, you should visit Selera Bonda, or so the Ministry of Trade and Industry advises in its 2015 online directory of budget hawker food. According to The New Paper's Yeoh Wee Teck, the chicken rice at this stall is one of the best he has eaten, and its portions are huge.

5. Market Street Teochew Kway Teow Mee, 02-38

Photo: The Straits Times

Dishes to try: Kway teow soup ($3)

If you are a fan of Teochew-style fishball noodles, the food at this stall wouldn't disappoint. The sauce is mixed well with ample lard, sliced garlic, lard and vinegar, packing flavour in every mouthful.

6. Makanshiok, 02-06

Photo: The Straits Times

Dishes to try: Mee goreng ($2), fried chicken biryani ($5) and fish curry rice ($4)

For $2 a plate, the mee goreng at Makanshiok is one of the cheapest in the CBD. Makanshiok also sells snacks such as curry puffs and goreng pisang, which is fantastic for when you're hit by sudden hunger pangs.

7. Soi 55 (Moved)

Photo: Soi 55

Previously located at 02-21, the stall has since relocated a short distance away to the new F&B area at One Shenton. So for those who miss their Thai iced tea ($3.30) with toppings like red ruby, sago and pearls, you know where to go.

grongloh@sph.com.sg
huizhen@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Thursday, October 20, 2016 - 17:23
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

Gotta study 'em all at Pokemon Research Exhibition

$
0
0

Pokemon trainers, think you know the cute critters like the back of your hand?

It's time to put on a lab coat and put your investigative skills to the test at the Pokemon Research Exhibition, which opens this Saturday (Oct 22).

The mission? To identify the pocket monster hiding in your Pokeball, by performing some hands-on research.

There are over 700 Pokemons featured in this exhibition - located within the S.E.A Aquarium in Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), so which one could yours be?

After you enter the space, you can choose a Pokeball that represents three different levels of difficulty - Pokeball (regular), Great ball (medium) or Ultra ball (hard), before collecting clues from the eight Observation Machines spread out across the 1,000 square metre 'research centre'.

AsiaOne played research scientist for a day, and guess which Pokemon was found snoozing in our Pokeball? It was our office favourite - Snorlax!

Fun for the family

We can foresee that this will definitely be a hit with the kiddos and a fun family activity during the school holidays, but hardcore Pokemon trainers may be left wanting.

It was nice to actually hold a Pokeball in our hands, and boy did we have to resist the urge to throw it at the adorable Pikachu mascot to 'capture' him.

Some stations are also more interactive than the others, requiring more effort to earn the clues.

There are no prizes for guessing the correct Pokemon, though. Bummer. 

And nope, you have to return that shiny Pokeball after you're done.

But as a consolation, you can still bring home a Pokemon plushie or two from the nearby gift shop - for a price, of course.

The Pokemon Research Exhibition at Resorts World Sentosa opens daily from 10am to 7pm and runs from Oct 22 to Jan 2 next year. Ticket bundles are available online at $35 (UP$42) for adults, $23 (UP $32) for children or seniors, and include admission to S.E.A Aquarium.

minlee@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Friday, October 21, 2016 - 13:45
Send to mobile app: 
Rotator Headline: 
Gotta study 'em all: Become a Pokemon research scientist for a day at Sentosa
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Assignment

Fan Bingbing's boyfriend Li Chen a millionaire?

$
0
0

Fan Bingbing may soon be marrying into wealth, even if she doesn't want to.

According to My Paper, the Chinese actress, 35, was famously quoted as saying that she need not marry a rich man, indicating that she is not lacking in that department.

But Chinese media has revealed that unknown to many, her boyfriend Li Chen, 37, may actually be a tycoon after all.

Read also: Fan Bingbing's boyfriend Li Chen speaks up, denies that she stole him from his former girlfriend

According to reports, Li is worth more than 1 billion yuan (S$206 million).

Reports say that Li was born into a military family, with property investments in Beijing, Shanghai and Dubai.

Li's popularity in China also allows him to command as much as 4 million yuan (S$824,037) for an appearance.

He also reportedly buys a new car as often once every six months.

Shortly after the reports surfaced however, a statement appeared on a Weibo account owned by 'Li Chen's Office', clarifying that the news was false.

It also advised the public not to believe the rumours.

candicec@sph.com.sg

 

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Thursday, October 20, 2016 - 16:53
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Others

Here's how you can win tickets to Macao

$
0
0

Venetian gondolas, old Portugese forts and numerous shopping outlets form the multi-cultural landscape of Macao.

If you have never had the chance to explore the city of Macao, here's your chance.

Macao Tourism has launched a new contest with SPHMBO that will see 200 lucky winners walking away with Tigerair travel vouchers to Macao.

Those who walk through the Ocean Financial Centre underpass will find a 54m-long interactive feature with “Unveil and Win Your Way to Macao” stickers which can be peeled off to reveal if a person has won.

If you're fortunate enough, your sticker could reveal a $100 travel voucher in the overleaf.

Photo: Macao Tourism

Hurry! Over 1,500 stickers were already peeled off on the first day of the campaign.

debwong@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Thursday, October 20, 2016 - 18:11
Send to mobile app: 
Regions: 
Country: 
State: 
Interest: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story
Viewing all 2393 articles
Browse latest View live


Latest Images