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Art tour hosted by Hari Hong Kong

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 23 July 2025: The Hari Hong Kong has launched a cultural experience that guides guests through the remarkable roster of art adorning its walls and Wan Chai neighbourhood’s art scene.

“The Hari Art Trail” is a personalised art tour led by the hotel’s in-house Art Ambassador, practising artist Bibek Rai, who shares anecdotes behind the hotel’s art collection and contemporary design.

The Hari Hong Kong has launched a cultural experience that guides guests through a remarkable roster of art adorning its walls and the exciting art scene of Wan Chai. “The Monumental Melt” (pictured) by Rado Kirov, featuring mirrored stainless steel, is among the standouts in The Hari Hong Kong’s permanent collection.

Spanning a variety of mediums including installations, mixed media, surreal photographs, graphic paintings, three-dimensional images and digital film pieces, the art is curated by London-based art advisory A Space For Art, which also selects works for sister hotel The Hari London.

Following Bibek’s art tour, guests are encouraged to continue the art trail by visiting two of Wan Chai’s hidden gems — the 1960s tenement block turned creative hub, the Foo Tak Building, and the appointment-only gallery PHD Group.

Described by locals as a “vertical art village,” the Foo Tak Building offers partially subsidised rental units at below-market rates. Its variety of arts and cultural organisations, focused on the likes of visual arts, literature and publishing, sound and performing arts, and community development, pursue their artistic endeavours without burdensome rents.

Housed in a renovated space that used to be a private rooftop clubhouse in the 1970s, contemporary gallery PHD Group’s concrete walls and floors showcase creations from the region’s emerging and mid-career artists.

Wai Chai and the neighbouring Central District are home to a host of art galleries, including Woaw Gallery, Kiang Malingue, 10 Chancery Lane Gallery, Villepin, White Cube Hong Kong, Pearl Lam Galleries, Over The Influence, Tang Contemporary Art, and Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery.

“With art running through The Hari Hong Kong’s DNA, our art trail affords a whole new perspective of our hotel and Wan Chai, one of Hong Kong’s oldest yet most creative districts,” said Hari Hong Kong’s General Manager Edward Snoeks. “Bringing more depth and substance to a stay with us, Bibek connects guests with the narratives behind our artworks and our hotel’s design before guests step out into Wan Chai to interact with its edgy art scene.”

The elegant 30-story hotel features 210 guest rooms, including three signature rooftop suites, offering views overlooking Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, The Peak, and Victoria Harbour. 

The exclusive art tour is available by appointment only.

AHS expansion reaches Egypt

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 23 July 2025: Absolute Hotel Services Middle East and Africa (AHS MEA) has inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with top-tier developer AKAM Al Rajhi Developments. 

Together, they will launch a brand-new U Hotels & Resorts property in the coastal enclave of El Dabaa, located in the Marsa Matrouh Governorate.

Photo credit: AHS.

The collaboration marks the debut of the U Hotels & Resorts brand on Egypt’s North Coast — one of the region’s fastest-growing lifestyle and leisure hotspots. 

The ambitious greenfield project will feature 160 to 230 keys, offering a mix of hotel rooms and fully serviced residential units, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options — all part of a professionally managed rental pool programme.

Slated to open in 2029 as a full-fledged international five-star resort, the property promises to raise the bar for hospitality experiences in the area.

AHS MEA, Managing Director Kevork Deldelian commented: “We’re thrilled to team up with AKAM Al Rajhi Developments to introduce the unique spirit and elevated service of U Hotels & Resorts to Egypt’s North Coast. This partnership reflects our vision for growth and our commitment to redefining the guest experience across key destinations in the Middle East and Africa.”

Under the MOU, AHS MEA will provide full pre-opening support, technical services, and long-term operational management.

AKAM Al Rajhi Developments CEO Edrees Mohamed emphasised the shared vision: “We aim to craft a world-class hospitality destination that reflects the modern luxury and evolving tastes of Egypt’s tourism market. Partnering with AHS MEA and the U Hotels & Resorts brand brings the international pedigree we need to realise that goal.”

About Absolute Hotel Services (AHS)
AHS manages a portfolio of hotels, resorts, and serviced residences, with its headquarters located in Bangkok, Thailand. The company also has regional offices in Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India, the UAE, and Europe.

Singaporeans tap Vietnam travel bargains

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 July 2025: Vietjet is making international travel more affordable with its latest promotion: Eco tickets are on sale for SGD86 (one-way, inclusive of taxes and fees) for all Singapore-Vietnam routes. 

The deal includes 20kg of free checked baggage on all international flights to and from Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

The promotion runs from 0100 on 23 July to 26 July 2025 (GMT+8) on the airline’s website and mobile app. The discounted fares also apply to all Vietjet domestic and international routes for travel between 4 September 2025 and 20 May 2026. 

Adding to the value, Vietjet is offering an extra 20kg of free checked baggage for Eco ticket holders on all international flights.

Hong Kong Airlines boosts summer services

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 23 July 2025: Hong Kong Airlines has launched five weekly direct flights connecting Hong Kong and Xi’an, offering travellers convenient access and fostering tourism, cultural, and trade links.

Airbus A320s fly the latest route linking Hong Kong and Xi’an Located in northwestern China, Xi’an is one of the nation’s four great ancient capitals and the historic starting point of the Silk Road.

The city is home to world-renowned heritage sites, including the magnificent Terracotta Army, the well-preserved Ming Dynasty City Wall, the ancient Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and the vibrant Muslim Quarter. 

This expansion highlights Hong Kong Airlines’ ongoing strategy to enhance its Asia-Pacific network. It has successfully launched services to Vientiane (Lao PDR) and Da Nang (Vietnam).

Coinciding with the peak summer travel season, Hong Kong Airlines has also increased frequencies on several routes to mainland China. Since 27 June, services to Hangzhou and Nanjing increased to twice daily, while the Shanghai Pudong route will operate with four flights daily. These additions complement the existing network, which includes Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, Haikou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Sanya, Xining, Hulunbuir, and Dunhuang in Mainland China.

Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule between Hong Kong and Xi’an is as follows (All times local):

About Hong Kong Airlines
Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline with a strong presence in Hong Kong, serving 30 destinations across the Asia Pacific and North America.

Changi Airport declares strong Q2 trends

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 July 2025: Singapore Changi Airport registered 17.5 million passenger movements from April to June (Q2 2025), reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.9%. 

Aircraft movements, including landings and take-offs, totalled 93,600 for the second quarter — up 4.9% compared to the same period last year.   

Photo credit: Changi Airport Group.

Changi Airport’s top five markets for the quarter were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and India. Passenger traffic between Singapore and its top source markets, China and Indonesia, witnessed the highest growth during this period, with traffic exceeding 2024 levels by 15.8% and 12.0% respectively. Consistent with this trend, Jakarta and Shanghai were the fastest growing among Changi’s top 10 cities. 

In Q2 2025, Changi Airport registered 516,000 tonnes of airfreight throughput, a 6.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Amid global trade uncertainties, Changi recorded growth across all cargo flows, with imports posting the strongest performance, increasing by 8% compared to Q2 2024. 

For this quarter, Changi’s top five air cargo markets were China, the US, Hong Kong, Australia, and India.   

Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development, Lim Ching Kiat, said: “We continue to see healthy growth in passenger traffic this quarter, supported by steady demand across key markets. Notably, traffic to and from China and Indonesia recorded robust growth in the second quarter, demonstrating our ongoing efforts to boost travel demand in the region. Together with our airline partners, we strive to establish more connections for passengers to travel to new and exciting destinations.”

New and reinstated services

Scoot’s inaugural flight to Vienna took off on 3 June. The non-stop service between Singapore and the Austrian capital expands Changi’s reach to Central Europe, strengthening its growing network of European destinations. The airline also announced new services to several Southeast Asian cities, including Da Nang, Kota Bharu, Nha Trang, and Labuan Bajo, as well as Okinawa in Japan. These additions further enhance Changi Airport’s regional connectivity, with Kota Bharu and Nha Trang being new city links for the airport.

Other updates

As part of efforts to optimise resources across Changi Airport’s terminals, Myanmar National Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Philippine Airlines and T’way Air will be operating from Terminal 2 in the coming months, starting July. 

As of 1 July, approximately 100 airlines operate over 7,200 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to more than 170 cities in 50 countries and territories worldwide.

(Source: Changi Airport Group)

Sarawak hosts CMPC 2025 this November

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TTR WEEKLY
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MIRI, Sarawak, 22 July 2025: Sarawak will take centre stage in the global scientific community with the 17th International Conference on Materials Processing and Characterisation (ICMPC 2025), scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 November 2025.

To be held at the Imperial Hotel, Miri, this conference will bring together leading researchers, engineers, and academics from around the world, including the US, Brunei Darussalam, India, and South Africa, to explore the future of materials science and its role in driving technological advancements and sustainable development.

Yii (seventh left), Lee (sixth right), Sujan (fifth right), Amelia (sixth left) and other distinguished guests pose for a photo during the press conference last Friday for the 17th International Conference on Materials Processing and Characterisation (ICMPC 2025).

The conference, a long-standing event with previous editions in the UK and India, is hosted by Curtin University Malaysia in partnership with the Sarawak Government through the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) and the Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering & Technology (GRIET), India, supported by BusinessEvents Sarawak (BESarawak).

The conference will serve as a critical platform for accelerating key PCDS 2030 objectives, including the development of high-value manufacturing, the downstream processing of Sarawak’s rich natural resources, such as rare earth elements, and the transition to a green economy powered by renewable energy.

YB Mayor Adam Yii, Mayor of Miri City Council and Chairman of the Miri Business Events Committee (MBEC), highlighted the conference’s strategic importance for Sarawak’s future.

“Hosting the 17th ICMPC in Sarawak is a direct reflection of our commitment to the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. It aligns with the Sarawak Government’s core mandate to cultivate a new generation of talent and foster a vibrant innovation ecosystem that drives Sarawak towards a high-income, sustainable future.

“We are creating an unparalleled opportunity for our students, researchers, and local industries to engage with cutting-edge knowledge. This exchange is essential for building the skilled human capital we need to lead in high-value manufacturing, renewable energy, and the digital economy.”

Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin University Malaysia, said it was a great honour for the university to host such a prestigious international conference, bringing together leading minds from around the world to drive innovation in sustainable materials and technologies. “The conference reflects Curtin’s strong commitment to global collaboration and its strategic vision of transforming lives and communities through education and research with real-world impact. I am confident that the event would spark meaningful dialogue and solutions.”

Professor Sujan Debnath of Curtin University Malaysia, serving as Conference Chair, commented on the scientific significance of the event: “At Curtin University Malaysia, we are proud to conduct high-impact research that contributes to these solutions. This conference will be a crucible for new ideas, fostering collaborations that will shape the future of technology and sustainable development.”

Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak, adds: “The 17th ICMPC is a prime example of a legacy-driven business event that aligns with Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. The knowledge exchanged and networks built here will catalyse tangible progress towards Sarawak’s shared goals of economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, leaving a powerful legacy long after the conference concludes.” For more information on the conference programme, submission guidelines, and registration, visit the official website at www.icmpc.com.

For more information: https://businesseventssarawak.com/

S Hotels & Resorts teams up with GHA

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 22 July 2025: S Hotels and Resorts PCL, the international hospitality company under Singha Estate PCL, has confirmed its partnership with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). 

It will join GHA Discovery, a curated collection of independent hospitality brands that is arguably the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, with 45 brands and 850 hotels in 100 countries.

Effective since 1 July, SHR will introduce SAii Discovery, its new loyalty programme within the global GHA Discovery programme. Guests staying at SAii Laguna Phuket, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, SAii Koh Samui Villas and Santiburi Koh Samui will enjoy exclusive member benefits, rewards, and personalised experiences from the moment they join. These include instant savings, room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and curated Local Experiences that connect travellers with the culture of each destination.

SAii Laguna Phuket, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, and Santiburi Koh Samui are proud members of GHA’s Green Collection — a portfolio of hotels and resorts that are mindful of their environmental impact and the ecosystems in which they operate. 

“Our partnership with Global Hotel Alliance and our inclusion in GHA Discovery, with its over 30 million loyal members, opens up exceptional opportunities for SHR, said S Hotels & Resorts CEO Michael Marshall.

UOB extends Michelin Guide partnership

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 July 2025: UOB has announced that it is the Global Principal Partner of The Michelin Guide Hotels, the first time a Singapore company has partnered with the distinguished ratings authority on an international scale. 

The bank’s customers will soon be able to enjoy exclusive, curated experiences and access to the world’s best hotels.

The partnership reinforces the bank’s leadership position in delivering exclusive lifestyle privileges across dining, entertainment, and travel, positioning Singapore and ASEAN as discerning purveyors of exceptional experiences. This aligns with The Michelin Guide Hotel Selection’s emphasis on excellence, quality, consistency, character, value, and contribution to local culture.

UOB’s partnership with The Michelin Guide Hotels builds on the bank’s existing collaboration with Michelin in the dining sector, where it serves as the official bank partner for The Michelin Guide Restaurants in Malaysia and Thailand. 

“We are proud to be the inaugural partner of the Michelin Guide Hotels, as it will soon honour the most outstanding hotels around the world by unveiling its first-ever Global Michelin Key selection,” said UOB Head, Group Personal Financial Services, Jacquelyn Tan.

Star Princess scales up theatrical productions

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 July, 2025: Princess Cruises has revealed a new entertainment lineup for its newest Sphere-class ship, Star Princess, which includes two original theatrical productions, a stargazing candlelight concert series, and an ensemble of global performers from 24 countries ready to bring every corner of the ship to life.

The 4,300-guest, 175,500-ton Star Princess, sister ship to award-winning Sun Princess, sets sail on 4 October 2025 and will debut an inaugural season across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska. Voyages are on sale now.

Photo credit: Princess Cruises. The newest Sphere-class ship, Star Princess.

The ship’s Princess Arena combines grand-scale productions with the most technically advanced theatre at sea, featuring atmospheric live music in the breathtaking glass-enclosed Dome atop Star Princess, as well as vibrant pop-up performances in the glass-enclosed Piazza, which boasts a retractable stage.

The two new productions are Meridian and Illuminate. Meridian is a sweeping, cinematic spectacle of longing and liberation, set to a lush original score and reimagined chart-toppers. Against a backdrop of glittering masked balls and roaring engine rooms, the luminous collision of high society and hidden truths brings the windswept destiny of noblewoman Arabella Dovewood to life. Under the velvet canopy of a nostalgic circus tent, Illuminate features a sweeping, multi-generational pop score. Guided by a troupe of characters embodying the ringmaster’s many facets, the audience will journey through breathtaking spectacles that bend reality.

Viva La Música returns from premiering on Sun Princess, choreographed by famed Latin American talent Liz Imperio, known for her work with Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, and Gloria Estefan. Featuring Latin soundtrack favourites like Camila Cabello’s “Havana” and Santana’s “Oye Como Va,” this high-energy celebration brings the irresistible rhythms of Latin America to the sea.

Entertainment on Star Princess reaches beyond the theatre, from vibrant deck soirées under the stars and lively Piazza celebrations to a reimagined champagne waterfall with a sparkling twist. Guests can dance to live music, mingle at themed events, or soak in an atmosphere that truly comes alive after dark.

Step into a world of enchantment with the Princess Cruises Candlelight Concert Series. This extraordinary new experience transforms the Dome atop Star Princess into a glowing haven of music and light. Guests will be swept away by mesmerising live performances that blend cinematic storytelling with stirring musical artistry, creating a magical fusion of sight, sound, and atmosphere unlike anything else at sea.

Princess Jamz is a 45-minute sound spectacular that showcases the incredible talents of the 15-member Princess World Orchestra, led by the Cruise Director. Set in the heart of the ship, this dynamic live performance fills the Piazza with rich, vibrant music and unforgettable energy, inviting guests to sit back, soak it in, and enjoy every thrilling moment.

Also taking place in the Piazza, Princess Cruises invites guests to experience the all-new Celestial Champagne Soirée, an unforgettable multimedia celebration under the stars, premiering exclusively aboard Star Princess. This enchanting evening event dazzles with immersive light, sound, and visual storytelling — all culminating in Princess’ iconic Champagne Waterfall, a beloved tradition that continues to sparkle with timeless elegance.

QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 July 2025: Seoul is the world’s best study destination, the QS Best Student Cities Ranking shows, ending London’s six-year run at the top. 

Seoul rises two spots, reflecting strong international appeal and its excellent selection of universities. London slips to third place due to a decline in the affordability indicator.

QS Best Student Cities Ranking. QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd

QS ranks 150 cities across 58 countries and territories. The US and UK are the most represented, with 16 cities each. Vienna joins the top 10 while Kuala Lumpur (12th), Taipei (14th), and Hong Kong (17th) enter the top 20.

The Republic of Korea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Ju-Ho Lee said: “We are proud that Seoul has been recognised as the best student city in the world. This achievement reflects the global confidence in Korea’s higher education system and highlights Seoul’s ability to blend academic excellence with vibrant culture, cutting-edge innovation, and a safe, welcoming environment.”

Global highlights

In the UK, only Nottingham (49th) and Leeds (51st) have improved. The UK performs exceptionally in desirability but struggles in affordability.

Of all ranked US cities, only Boston (15th) climbs; US cities face challenges in student mix and desirability.

All four Canadian cities drop, but all remain in the top 100, led by Montreal (18th).

Melbourne and Sydney remain in the top 10, affirming Australia’s position as one of the world’s premier study destinations.

Tokyo comes second, leading globally in Employer Activity.

Beijing ranks 13th — its highest ever position. It leads Mainland China’s eighth-ranked cities.

All Indian cities rise; Mumbai enters the top 100, placing 98th. It boasts strong affordability (11th) and employer activity (37th).

Germany and Australia are the only locations with two top-10 cities. Munich and Berlin are both exceptionally well-regarded by students and graduates who have studied and lived there.

Paris remains seventh. It is the European leader in the QS World University Rankings indicator, reflecting its outstanding universities.

Madrid breaks into the Top-30, while Milan and Rome are in the Top-50.

Amman is the highest-ranked city in the Arab region, ranking 64th, a 19-place increase year-over-year. 

Cairo leads in Africa, ranking 71st.

Buenos Aires leads in Latin America, placing 32nd, up 10 places. 

Santiago follows in 50th place.

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