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Changi Airport declares strong Q2 trends

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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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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.

Middle East and African hotel pipeline slows

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SINGAPORE, 22 July 2025: Middle East and Africa are the only regions to show a decline in overall hotel pipeline activity at the end of the second quarter, according to CoStar’s June 2025 pipeline data. 

CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.

Europe

In Construction: 171,503 rooms (+3.4%)

Final Planning: 74,922 rooms (-19.7%)

Planning: 185,311 rooms (+15.4%) 

Total Under Contract: 431,736 (+2.9%)

The UK led the region in total rooms in construction (24,711), closely followed by Germany (23,400).

Asia Pacific

In Construction: 523,672 rooms (+4.0%)

Final Planning: 41,705 rooms (-54.3%)

Planning: 391,877 rooms (+21.0%)

Total Under Contract: 957,254 (+4.2%)

Among countries in the region, China (318,327) led in construction activity, followed by India (40,950) and Vietnam (36,338).

Middle East & Africa

In Construction: 103,115 rooms (-5.4%)

Final Planning: 21,731 rooms (-34.2%)

Planning: 94,391 rooms (+13.7%)

Total Under Contract: 219,237 (-2.6%)

Most of the region’s pipeline activity is focused on the Middle East. Saudi Arabia (46,015) and the United Arab Emirates (16,271) have the most significant number of rooms under construction.

Americas

In Construction: 189,102 rooms (-9.3%)

Final Planning: 303,528 rooms (+1.5%)

Planning: 410,322 rooms (+6.4%)

Total Under Contract: 902,952 (+1.1%)

The US (138,922) holds the majority of rooms in construction in the region. After the US, Mexico (14,562), Canada (9,128), and Brazil (5,334) show the highest number of rooms in construction.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit costargroup.com

T’way Air boosts seasonal flights to Singapore

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 July 2025: T’way Air, Korea’s low-cost carrier, is expanding its summer flights with increased connectivity between Singapore and Korea, alongside seasonal promotions. 

Available through 31 July, the fare promotion is open for travel through 25 October 2025 as the airline inaugurates flights from Jeju to Singapore and doubles frequencies from its Seoul hub to Singapore. 

T’way Air operates daily Incheon Seoul-Singapore flights using A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft. However, effective from 23 July to 15 August, the airline will increase flights to twice daily. It will then shift to a mixed schedule from 16 to 31 August, with two flights on Thursdays and Sundays, and one flight on the remaining days of the week. As of 1 September 1, the airline will revert to daily flights on the route. Additionally, the airline will inaugurate its new Jeju-Singapore route on 16 August, deploying a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

T’way Air offers downloadable coupons until 31 July.

SGD 15 Off Coupon: valid on Singapore–Incheon and Singapore–Jeju bookings of SGD 150 or more, with a travel period from July 2025.

SGD 40 Off Coupon: valid on Singapore–Incheon and Singapore–Jeju bookings of SGD 400 or more, with a travel period from July 2025.

SGD 50 Early Bird Coupon: valid on Singapore–Incheon, Singapore–Jeju bookings of SGD 400 or more, with a travel period from September 2025.

Additionally, passengers booking flights to Incheon or Jeju using promo code VACAYKR can save up to 15% (actual savings vary depending on the exchange rate at the time of purchase).

T’way Air currently serves 60 destinations worldwide and continues to expand its network.

About T’way Air
T’way Air Co Ltd, headquartered in Daegu, South Korea, serves customers across Asia, Oceania, and Europe with a fleet of Boeing 737-800s, Boeing 737 MAX 8s, Airbus A330s, and Boeing 777-300ERs. 


(Source: T’way Air)

Emirates flies three daily to Dublin

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 21 July 2025: Emirates will operate a third daily service to Dublin, commencing on 26 October, providing customers with additional travel options to and from Dubai. 

Emirates flight EK165 will depart Dubai at 0210 and arrive in Dublin at 0625, local time. The return flight, EK166, will depart Dublin at 0825 and arrive in Dubai at 2000 local time. 

The additional flight will provide Irish travellers with an early morning departure option, complementing the existing afternoon and evening departures offered by the airline’s double daily service to the country.

The third daily flight will operate utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft set in a three-class configuration, offering customers eight private suites in first class, 42 lie-flat seats in business class and 304 spacious seats in economy class. 

The added service will also provide travellers with enhanced connectivity to popular destinations across Emirates’ network, including Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok.

Connecting Dublin to the world

Last month, the airline officially introduced its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 on the Dubai to Dublin route, offering Irish passengers an upgraded experience with its four-class configuration, featuring its award-winning premium economy cabin and latest business class experience. The airline has also announced that it will deploy its second refurbished Boeing 777 to Dublin, starting from 16 October.

Customers travelling with Emirates can look forward to the warm hospitality of the airline’s multinational crew, regionally inspired meals, and the award-winning in-flight entertainment system – ice – offering up to 6,500 channels of the best movies, TV shows, podcasts, and more. Premium passengers will also experience an essence of Ireland onboard with VOYA bathroom amenities, Keogh’s Crisps and Killowen yoghurt.

For more information, visit www.emirates.com or make a booking on the Emirates App at Emirates Retail stores, the Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

Sarawak greens with trees

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MIRI, Sarawak, 21 July 2025: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) celebrated a significant milestone in its long-term greening efforts last week by planting 2,500 native tree seedlings at Piasau Nature Reserve, Miri, as part of its ongoing ecoGreenPlanet Initiative. 

It brings the cumulative total to 6,200 trees planted, representing 62% of the initiative’s 10,000-tree target by 2027. Launched in 2023 in collaboration with Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), the ecoGreenPlanet Initiative reflects STB’s steadfast commitment to environmental restoration, biodiversity protection, and responsible tourism practices under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

YB Dato Dennis (Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board) gave his opening remarks during the opening ceremony of the event at Miri Piasau Nature Reserve. 

“Today is not only about planting trees, it is about planting hope, partnerships, and accountability. It is about showing the world that Sarawak doesn’t just talk about sustainability, we act on it,” said Sarawak Tourism Board Chairman YB Dato Dennis Ngau. “Together, we are not only greening Sarawak, we are shaping a more resilient, responsible future for our people, our planet, and our tourism industry.”

The planting activity in Miri complements previous efforts at Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary and Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, with seedlings planted under the initiative estimated to offset approximately 1,085 tonnes of CO2 over the next 10 years.

This year’s tree planting is also part of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 sustainability programme, which continues to set new benchmarks for responsible event management.

YB Dato Dennis Ngau with YB Adam Yii Siew Yang officially start the event with planting the first seedling.

This year’s green initiatives include a dedicated Shuttle Bus System to reduce traffic emissions to and from the festival site, solar-powered charging stations and lighting supported by Sarawak Energy Berhad, and an upcycling project that transformed over 1,300 wristbands into lanyards handcrafted by single mothers in Sarawak. Circular kitchen practices are also being implemented, with waste cooking oil converted into biodiesel through a collaboration with SD Guthrie.

Complementing these efforts are interactive educational booths focused on wildlife conservation, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF); recycling and ecobrick-making initiatives, in collaboration with the Miri Secondhand Dealers and Recyclers Association; and carbon footprint tracking, in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

The ecoGreenPlanet Initiative directly supports Sarawak’s alignment with global Sustainable Development Goals, including Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

For more information on Sarawak’s attractions, visit the Sarawak Tourism Board. 

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