DELHI, 9 October 2025: Air India Express has announced the launch of multiple new direct flights from its Delhi hub starting 26 October 2025.
The airline will operate direct services from Delhi to Goa (Dabolim), Imphal, Lucknow, and Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), followed by Amritsar on 28 October 2025, and the introduction of new routes to Jodhpur and Udaipur from 1 November 2025.
Photo credit: Air India Express.
The new flights will improve access to the capital from culturally and economically significant cities across the country. Bookings are now open on the airline’s website, mobile app, and other primary booking channels.
The new flights are part of the airline’s focus on enhancing direct connectivity from major metropolitan cities to other cities in South Asia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
By linking historical cities, tourism and heritage hotspots, and fast-growing regional centres with Delhi, the airline is furthering its vision of building a truly inclusive and accessible travel network.
This announcement follows the airline’s recent expansion, which has introduced new destinations and domestic and international routes, particularly from its largest hubs, Bengaluru and Delhi.
With a fleet of 115 aircraft and over 500 daily flights connecting 43 domestic and 17 international destinations, Air India Express continues to strengthen its role as a vital connector of India’s cultural and economic landscape.
From Delhi: Air India Express operates over 400 weekly flights from Delhi (IGI) connecting directly to 24 domestic destinations including Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Guwahati, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, North Goa, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Udaipur, and Varanasi and two international destinations: Muscat, and Sharjah.
Air India Express also operates over 60 flights from Hindon, Delhi NCR (Ghaziabad) to nine domestic destinations, including Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, and Varanasi. From 26 October 2025, all Air India Express domestic flights will operate from T1, while all international flights will continue to operate from T3.
SINGAPORE, 9 October 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda has launched the Agoda Ambassador programme, a new initiative designed to strengthen commercial ties with travel creators on social media.
The initiative will see Agoda working directly with travel creators to inspire their audiences to book travel through the platform.
Agoda Ambassador programme
Under the programme, participating travel creators will be given unique promo codes to share with their followers.
For every booking made using these codes, a commission will be awarded. Agoda will also offer sponsored stays and activities valued at up to USD225 per month, enabling them to showcase firsthand experiences of Agoda’s partner hotels and destinations of their choice.
The programme also aims to enhance exposure for creators by featuring them in Agoda campaigns, thereby expanding their reach.
Agoda Chief Marketing Officer Matteo Frigerio shared: “Travel creators play an increasingly important role in how travellers discover and choose their next trip. By giving them the tools to share authentic experiences and rewarding them for the bookings they generate, we’re building a partnership model that benefits travel creators, travellers and our hotel partners alike.”
Rewards range from earning profits and receiving exclusive Agoda swag packs to winning special trophies and accumulating travel credits of up to USD1,000. Creators can explore and sign up on the Agoda Ambassador page via Agoda.com/agoda-ambassador.
SINGAPORE, 9 October 2025: Pakistan International Airlines has confirmed it will resume flights to the UK after a five-year pause due to safety restrictions imposed by the UK government.
Arab News reported that the decision to resume flights between the Pakistan capital, Islamabad and Manchester, UK, “came hours after the UK Civil Aviation Authority issued a Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit to PIA and cleared the final administrative hurdle for the carrier to resume flights to Britain.”
Pakistan International Airlines Facebook page promotion.
The airline’s Facebook page confirms that it will deploy a Boeing 777-200ER with 321 seats on the service to Manchester, UK, which resumes on 25 October. The airline plans to fly the route twice weekly on Tuesday and Saturday. Bookings are already open on the PIA website. The airline quotes a return fare of USD836.76.
It’s Facebook post announced: “The wait is over! Pakistan International Airlines proudly reconnects Islamabad and Manchester, bringing hearts, homes, and horizons closer once again.”
Flight schedule
PK701 departs Islamabad (ISB) at 1220 and arrives in Manchester (MAN) at 1600 PK702 departs Manchester (MAN) at 1800 and arrives in Islamabad (ISB) at 0650, plus a day. (online schedules data)
Britain lifted restrictions on Pakistani carriers in July 2025, nearly half a decade since grounding them following a 2020 PIA Airbus A320 crash in Karachi that killed 97 people. The disaster was followed by claims of irregularities in pilot licensing, which led to bans in the US, the UK, and the European Union, Arab News reported.
After resuming flight operations to Manchester, the airline intends to add flights to Birmingham and London in the near future.
BANGKOK, 9 October 2025: Myanmar’s junta confirmed in an announcement on 6 October that Malaysian citizens have been eligible to enter the country visa-free for a stay of 14 days since 1 October.
Malaysia announced that it would allow Myanmar citizens to visit Malaysia for a visa-free stay on 1 October, while the public announcement by the Myanmar junta took a few more days to reach the public domain.
For Malaysian Citizens, Myanmar has granted visa exemption for Malaysian passport holders for up to 14 days for short-term social visits. Travellers must enter and depart through designated international entry and exit points.
For Myanmar Citizens visiting Malaysia, Myanmar passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for short-term social visits to Malaysia for up to 14 days.
Important Note: The Malaysian Embassy in Yangon emphasised that the visa exemption does not guarantee entry into Malaysia, as admission is still subject to the approval of the immigration officer at the designated entry and exit points.
The 14-day visa-free entry for Malaysian citizens to Myanmar aligns with the standard visa-free period for all ASEAN nations. It is intended to have a positive impact on Myanmar’s tourism sector, thanks to the simplified travel process.
Removing the visa requirement eliminates the need for Malaysian travellers to go through the application process (which previously involved a visa or an e-Visa). This makes spontaneous, short-term travel much easier and more appealing.
Encouraging Short-Stay Tourism: The 14-day limit is ideal for a typical vacation or a short break. It encourages Malaysians to visit Myanmar for brief cultural and sightseeing trips without the commitment of a lengthy visa process.
While the policy is a positive step, its ultimate impact will be viewed within the context of Myanmar’s current tourism environment.
Political and Security Concerns: The tourism sector in Myanmar has been significantly affected by ongoing political instability and civil unrest since 2021. For the visa-free policy to have a significant impact, travellers’ safety and security concerns need to be addressed.
Myanmar already offers visa-free entry for up to 14 days to citizens of ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, and Thailand), with ASEAN member countries Singapore and Vietnam receiving a 30-day exemption. The extension of this policy to Malaysian citizens rounds off the visa-free offering to all ASEAN bloc nations.
Targeted Entry Points: To qualify for visa-free entry to Myanmar, Malaysian travellers must enter and exit through specific international airports such as Yangon, Mandalay, or Nay Pyi Taw.
Tourism in Myanmar came to a halt after the 2021 military coup, and the 2025 earthquake further reduced tourist arrivals to a fraction of the 2019 levels.
In the past, Myanmar focused its visa-free and visa-on-arrival expansions on major tourism markets outside of ASEAN, such as China and India, to boost its tourism sector. The focus on markets with high-volume tourism potential may have taken precedence over completing the final ASEAN member arrangement.
SINGAPORE, 8 October 2025: EVA Air celebrated the launch of its new Taipei – Dallas Fort Worth route with a special inaugural ceremony held at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
“EVA Air’s new route builds on nearly 30 years of partnership with Dallas-Fort Worth, which began with our cargo operations,” said EVA Air President Clay Sun during the ceremony. “Our new route will begin with three weekly flights, increase to five in mid-November, and reach daily frequencies by year-end.”
EVA Air President, Clay Sun, celebrates the Dallas-Fort Worth to Taipei inaugural flight with guests. From left to right: Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores. Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US, Ambassador Alexander Tah-Ray YUI, EVA AIR President Clay Sun, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer Ken Buchanan, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Vice President of Airline Relations, Milton De La Paz.
When that happens, EVA Air will serve nine passenger gateways with 94 weekly flights between Taiwan and North America — more than any other Taiwanese carrier. Passengers arriving in Taipei on a morning BR49 flight from the US, as well as other North American flights, can effortlessly connect to more than 450 weekly EVA Air flights throughout Asia without undergoing additional security screening.”
The DFW-TPE route is served by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring EVA Air’s latest fourth-generation Premium Economy Class, making its US debut.
Dallas is one of Texas’s fastest-growing cities. In recent years, the growth of the Asian American community and the relocation of primary US corporate headquarters have fueled strong economic and population growth, positioning Dallas as a rising global hub for technology and manufacturing.
Many Taiwanese electronics companies have also established facilities and investments in the region. With the launch of the new DFW–TPE route, EVA Air aims to provide an exceptional travel experience for both business and leisure travellers connecting Dallas-Fort Worth to Asia.
PHUKET, 8 October 2025: C9 Hotelworks will lead the Phuket Real Estate Forum 2025 scheduled on 20 November to explore “inside the rise” of the holiday island’s recent real estate developments.
Hosted by C9 Hotelworks in collaboration with Delivering Asia, ThirdHome, and FazWaz/Dot Property Group, the 90-minute session will take place on Thursday, 20 November 2025, at the SAii Laguna Phuket, Similan Ballroom.
CP Hotelworks founder and managing director Bill Barnett describes Phuket as one of Asia’s most dynamic resort destinations.
“Phuket is undergoing a remarkable transformation — shifting from a purely tourism-driven economy to a thriving world community. What was once a market led by individual investors and lifestyle buyers is now attracting growing attention from institutional investors, establishing Phuket as not only a real estate hotspot but also a driving force in the broader Thai economy.”
BANGKOK, 8 October 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel operator headquartered in Thailand, has partnered with Royal Canin Club to launch the “Furry Friends Welcome” campaign, offering pet owners an elevated travel experience at nine stunning properties across Thailand.
Centara The 1 members who book from today to 20 December 2025 for stays between 15 October and 20December 2025 will enjoy an increased member discount of 20%, along with a complimentary Royal Canin pet minibar featuring specially selected premium treats for their four-legged companions.
The offer provides access to pet-friendly facilities and services designed to ensure both pets and their owners enjoy a comfortable and relaxing experience in some of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations, including Hua Hin, Pattaya, Trat, Koh Chang, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Korat, and Ayutthaya.
Whether guests seek a romantic beach retreat, a family adventure, or cultural discovery, Centara’s pet-friendly collection offers the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories with their furry friends. Non-members can sign up for CentaraThe1 for free to take advantage of this offer at www.centarathe1.com.
BANGKOK, 8 October 2025: Bangkok’s street food is world-renowned, but for travellers eager to delve deeper into the art of Thai cooking, the White Lotus Thai Cooking School offers an immersive half-day journey into Thailand’s culinary heart.
Located in the capital’s ‘Old Town’, near the Chao Phraya River, the school provides a distinctive experience that combines a lively market tour, a hands-on cooking class, and cultural traditions in one unforgettable experience.
Photo credits: Andrew J Woods. White Lotus Thai Cooking School in Bangkok’s historic district.
“White Lotus has been my passion and dream. I simply love Thailand, and I wanted to offer tourists visiting Bangkok the chance to experience a traditional Thai cooking class, an activity that brings people happiness. I’ve lived here for eight years, and my company is run with a Thai business partner. Our instructors and colleagues are also Thai,” says Krysia, the school’s founder, originally from China but now proudly calling Thailand home.
Market first, kitchen later
The adventure begins at Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok’s century-old flower and produce market. Students follow their teacher through colourful stalls filled with jasmine blossoms, fiery chilis, and kaffir lime leaves while learning how to select the freshest ingredients. The hustle and bustle of the market becomes part of the lesson, turning shopping into a lively introduction to Thai culture.
Cooking with Pat
Shop, chop, cook, taste, smile – and graduate with your White Lotus certificate.
Back at the school’s welcoming teaching kitchen, classes are led by Pat Rodtim, a dynamic instructor whose cooking is often described as tasting “just like a mother’s kitchen.” Students prepare four classic dishes — Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Som Tam, and Mango Sticky Rice — as well as coconut cream and curry paste. Each step is explained clearly in English, ensuring international guests feel confident, engaged, and able to replicate the dishes at home.
More than food
Alongside cooking, guests enjoy a flower-arranging workshop where they craft jasmine garlands or traditional Krathong baskets. Every class includes a herbal welcome drink, an apron, fresh ingredients, a recipe book, a certificate, a souvenir, and of course, the meal itself.
Practical details
Duration: 3.5 hours, halal-friendly.
Language: All classes taught in English.
Sessions: Morning (0830 to 1200) and Afternoon (1330 to 1700).
Capacity: 20 guests per session.
Location: 390/18 Ban Mo, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200.
Price: THB1,200 per person on the official website; THB1,100 via Klook, GetYourGuide, and Viator (inclusive of market tour, class, flower craft, meal, souvenir, and certificate).
Getting There: MRT Sanam Chai (Exit 5), Chao Phraya Express (Memorial Bridge Pier), or 20 to 30 minutes by taxi/tuk tuk from Sukhumvit or Silom.
Google Maps: Search White Lotus Thai Cooking Class
Also available on: Klook, GetYourGuide, Viator, Tripadvisor (Airbnb and KKday coming soon)
A Taste of Thailand to take home
From the bustle of the market to the sizzle of the wok, White Lotus Thai Cooking School is more than a cooking class — it is a cultural immersion, a joyful memory, and a flavour of Thailand to take home.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand for over three decades. He writes about travel, gastronomy, and culture across Asia. He is a former Director of Skål International, as well as Past President of Skål International Asia, Skål International Thailand, and twice Past President of Skål International Bangkok.
KUCHING, 8 October 2025:The Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards (BILA) 2025, held as part of LEGACY360, celebrated visionary individuals and organisations driving transformative change through business events.
As one of the signature programmes under LEGACY360, the awards shine a spotlight on legacy makers whose work extends far beyond economic impact – touching communities, industries, and the environment.
The Hon Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, representing the Premier of Sarawak, with the first winners of the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards 2025.
This initiative complements LEGACY360’s mission to implement a full cycle of impact — Learn, Act, Inspire, and Teach — ensuring that every stage of the business events journey leaves a meaningful footprint.
Crucially, the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards are open to changemakers worldwide, recognising and celebrating impactful work wherever it is taking place. What began in Sarawak has evolved into a truly global initiative, providing leaders across borders with a platform to be recognised for their legacies.
“The Sarawak Government recognises the powerful role and outcomes of business events in driving sustainable growth. With additional investment, Sarawak is committed to securing 50% more business events and ensuring at least 50% of them deliver measurable legacies by 2030,” said The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, Premier of Sarawak.
“These events and their legacy visions will contribute towards the Post COVID-Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and reinforce Sarawak’s position as the Legacy Capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo, as well as being the preferred business events destination in the region. The Sarawak Government will continue to support the business events industry, and I call upon the government sector in Malaysia and across the world to explore the power of business events and legacies as strategic tools for building a stronger and better tomorrow.”
Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, outlined that Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards now opens its doors to the world, while continuing to recognise and celebrate Sarawak’s champions. “As industries worldwide seek new ways to create value beyond profit, we are experiencing changes in the way we organise, host, and communicate business events. This global shift showcases what business events can and should achieve. The Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards is designed to highlight this transformation — but more importantly, to honour the people who bring this vision to life.”
“Impact is a shared responsibility – that’s the lesson from LEGACY360,” said Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy Sarawak State Secretary (Operations) and Acting Chairman of BESarawak.“By acknowledging our legacymakers, we affirm that people are actively working to create a positive impact. Their stories, their initiatives, and their collaborations deserve to be highlighted, not only because they contribute to Sarawak’s 2030 aspirations, but also because they demonstrate how business events serve as a powerful engine for holistic growth.”
Winners were recognised across multiple categories, highlighting achievements in knowledge advancement, sustainability, community development, and cross-sector collaboration. The ceremony not only acknowledged their legacies but also served as an inspiration for others to drive long-lasting impact.
Hosted within the LEGACY360 framework, the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards continue to grow as a global initiative — giving legacy makers everywhere a platform to be celebrated, while empowering the next generation to create meaningful change.
WINNERS OF BILA 2025
Conventions and Exhibitions: Honorary
Honorary Champion:
1st International Conference on Biotechnology, Smart Farming & Entrepreneurship For Food Security (BioSFE 2023) by Universiti Teknologi MARA Sarawak Branch
Honorary Accelerator:
World Congress on Innovation & Technology | International Digital Economy Corporation (WCIT | IDECS 2023) by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad
Honorary Changemaker:
1st ASEAN Tourist Guides Conference 2024 by Sarawak Tourist Guide Association
Conventions and Exhibitions: Social
Social Champion:
Asia for Animals Sarawak Conference (AfA 2023) by Sarawak Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (SSPCA)
Social Accelerator:
Rabies In Borneo Conference (RIB 2023) by Place Borneo Sdn Bhd
Social Changemaker:
International Council on Education Media Conference (ICEM 2023) by Universiti Teknologi MARA Sarawak Branch
Conventions and Exhibitions: Environmental
Environmental Champion:
Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2024 (APGH 2024) by Borneo Business Connect (BBC) Sdn Bhd
Environmental Accelerator:
Asia Carbon Conference 2023 by Argus Media
Environmental Changemaker:
Congress on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (COSAFS2024) by Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPM)
Corporate Meetings Corporate Incentives: Corporate Social Responsibility
CMCI CSR Champion:
Spogomi Team Building and Retreat 2025 by Brewspark Technologies Group
CMCI CSR Accelerator:
GRADUAN x Gawai Cultural Bridge 2025 by the Malaysian Young Graduates Association (GRADUAN)
CMCI CSR Changemaker:
Jubilant Annual Awards by Cat City Holidays Sdn B
Journalism
Journalism Category:
Sabal Forest Reserve – A Living Legacy of Conservation and Ecotourism by BorneoTalk
Journalism Accelerator:
Challenges Ahead For the CCUS Pathway 2025 by The Borneo Post
Journalism Changemaker:
Amplifying a Legacy of Conscious & Green Leadership Across Malaysia & Beyond by The Shift Asia (Cloud E Sdn Bhd)
Sarawak Industry – Kuching
Sarawak Industry – Kuching Champion:
Spiral Legacy Projects by Spiral Eventz Management Sdn Bhd
Sarawak Industry – Kuching Accelerator:
Sago Incubator by Sago Group Sdn Bhd
Sarawak Industry – Miri
Sarawak Industry – Miri Champion:
Leading the Way in Sustainable Hospitality by Mercure Miri Hotel
SINGAPORE, 8 October 2025: Mount Faber Leisure Group, a Singapore-based attractions operator, announced on Tuesday the addition of 13 new SkyOrb cabins to the Singapore Cable Car’s Mount Faber Line, bringing the fleet to 20 from mid-November 2025.
In celebration of SG60, Mount Faber Leisure Group will also be rolling out a limited-time online exclusive promotion, offering SGD60 for two passengers for a Round-Trip in the SkyOrb Cabin (usual price: SGD96) on the official website, until 5 November 2025.
Photo credit: Mount Faber Leisure Group. More SkyOrb cabins lift off.
First unveiled in March 2024, the SkyOrb Cabin is the world’s first chrome-finished, spherical cable car cabin. It offers a bold, futuristic design and glass floors that provide a clear view of the scenery below and a panoramic perspective of the skyline. Each cabin is also equipped with double front and triple rear louvred windows to improve ventilation and guest comfort.
Since their debut to mark the Singapore Cable Car’s 50th anniversary last year, the SkyOrb cabins have received a strong reception for their innovation. The fleet expansion — nearly tripling capacity — reflects the strong demand and underscores Mount Faber Leisure Group’s broader commitment to refreshing its offerings, adapting to evolving guest preferences and driving innovation across its portfolio.
Photo credit: Mount Faber Leisure Group. SkyOrb cabin interior.
