Instagram contests for Mother's Day in Singapore

With Mother's Day on May 8, themed Instagram contests are all the rage. Check out these three:

Beautiful bouquets

Bucket Full Of Roses, which delivers roses and other flowers in a bucket in Singapore, has teamed up with ASHLEYSUMMER.CO to give away its Mother's Day Roses & Carnations Bucket (worth S$118) and a surprise Lace Bralette (worth between S$56 and S$69).

Follow @ashleysummer.co and @bucketfullof_roses on Instagram (double the chances if you 'like' their Facebook pages), then tag two friends in the comments of this Instagram post and tell them why you deserve to win.

Interested?

The winner will be announced on 6 May.

Bucket Full of Roses is also offering a discount up till 6 May. Take S$20 off your order with the ThanksMum discount code at checkout.

Hashtags: #ashleysummerco, #bucketfullofroses, #giveaway, #sggiveaway, #sgcontest, #ThanksMum, #mothersday

Video a memory

Share kids' responses about what they like most about their mother in Instagram videos, hashtagged
#foxmothersday! FOX shopping vouchers from Fox Fashion Singapore are up for grabs.

Interested?

Contest closes on Mother's Day, 8 May 2016.

Hashtags: #foxmothersday

For craft enthusiasts

Source: Etsy Craft Party 2016.

The organisers of Etsy Craft Party 2016 - The Summer Edition in Singapore are gifting tickets to a mother-child pair for the event in Singapore on 18 June.

To participate, make something for your mother, upload a photo or video of your gift to her on Instagram and tell us why you should win those tickets. Add the hashtag #CraftySGSummer, tag @craftysg in the entry and keep the Instagram account public.

Interested?

Entries must be sent in by 15 May, 2016. This contest is open to Singapore residents only.

Hashtags: #craftysg, #craftysingapore, #craftysgsummer, #etsycraftparty, #etsycraftparty2016, #sgig, #igsg, #singapore, #art, #creative, #design, #handmade, #craftworkshop, #workshop, #craft, #crafting, #craftparty, #etsy #diy, #artsg, #artssg, #sgart, #sgarts

Since Mother's Day is coming, we want to give you & your mum a pair of tickets to our Etsy Craft Party 2016 - The Summer Edition (18 June). We adore handmade things that are made with love. Make something for Mum, upload a photo or video of your gift to her and tell us why you should win those tickets. Remember to add the hashtag #CraftySGSummer, tag us in your entry and keep your Instagram account public. Submit your entry by 15 May, 11.59pm. This contest is open to Singapore residents only. Get crafty now and we look forward to receiving your entries. 😊

A photo posted by Crafty Singapore (@craftysg) on Apr 28, 2016 at 11:15pm PDT

Singapore mosques open collection for earthquake victims

The Blessings-To-All Mosque Committee, representing all mosques in Singapore and in supporting the aim of the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), is organising a fund raiser in aid of victims of the earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador.

Two earthquakes of magnitudes 6.5 and 7.3 hit the Kumamoto Prefecture of Japan on 14 April and 16 April 2016 while a 7.8-magnitude quake struck Ecuador on 17 April 2016. The earthquakes have contributed to widespread damage of infrastructure, as well as loss of lives and properties. Hundreds of thousands have been made homeless as a result.

Mosques in Singapore will extend support to those devastated by the earthquakes with RLAF donation boxes at all 69 mosques up to 6 May 2016. All boxes will be marked Humanitarian Relief Effort for Victims of Earthquakes in Ecuador and Japan.

Members of the public can also offer their donation in cash or by cheque. All cheques should be made payable to “RLAF" with the words “Humanitarian Relief Effort for Victims of Earthquakes in Ecuador and Japan” written on the back. Cash and cheques can be delivered to the Muis Building at the Singapore Islamic Hub, No 273, Braddell Road Singapore 579702.

Online donations can also be made at the Muis website. Online collection is extended to 15 May 2016.

All proceeds from the collection will be handed over to Mercy Relief and Singapore Red Cross Society who are supporting emergency relief operations in both countries.

posted from Bloggeroid

IDB-funded UINSA buildings inaugurated

Source: Ministry of Finance, Indonesia. The Assistant Minister for Financial Services and Capital Market Policy and Regulation of Ministry of Finance, Indonesia, Isa Rachmatarwata, spoke at the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group 41st Annual Meeting Roadshow in Surabaya, Indonesia on 26 April. The President of IDB, Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al Madani, Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, the Mayor of Surabaya Tri Rismaharini, Rector of UINSA Abd A’la and as well as Isa Rachmatarwata were present at the ceremony.

The Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel (UINSA) Twin Tower Buildings, funded with a soft loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), was inaugurated during the IDB Group 41st Annual Meeting Roadshow was also held at UINSA, in Surabaya, Indonesia. 

The Rector of UINSA Abd A’la expects that with the Twin Towers and other seven buildings and fixed buildings, academicians in UINSA will be more motivated to be creative, innovative, and expert in their respective fields.

Indonesian Assistant Minister for Financial Services and Capital Market Policy and Regulation of the Ministry of Finance Isa Rachmatarwata said, "This aid from IDB (shows) how IDB supports infrastructure development in Indonesia.” According to Isa, Indonesia still needs basic infrastructure development, such as infrastructure for education and connectivity in all over Indonesia.

“Therefore, we would like to use this upcoming 41st annual meeting of IDB for not only Finance Ministers’ meeting but also an opportunity for Indonesia to show the (that) development happens here, establish networking and have new as well as better opportunities to build Indonesia.”

Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim named as new Governor for Bank Negara Malaysia

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, advised by the Prime Minister Najib Razak, has appointed Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim as the Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia for a term of five years, starting on 1 May 2016.

Source: BNM. Datuk Muhammad.

"I'm confident that under his leadership, Bank Negara Malaysia will continue assisting the government with advice to further strengthen Malaysia's economy, as well as managing monetary policy, and regulating and developing the financial services industry," said the Prime Minister.

"On behalf of the government of Malaysia, I would like to thank Tan Seri Dato' Seri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz for her excellent contributions during her tenure as the 7th Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia."

"The appointment of Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim as Governor is definitely positive for the country. Being part of our policy team at the bank will provide continuity and the much needed certainty in this prevailing period of great uncertainty. I have great confidence in his ability to lead the Bank going forward into the future," added Dr Zeti.

Datuk Muhammad called his appointment "an opportunity and call to serve the nation". "I will strive to carry out the duties of Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia to the best of my ability," he said. "It is important for the central bank to maintain monetary and financial stability, remain focused on its strategic agenda and work towards contributing to a better future for all Malaysians.

"I would like to also thank Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz for her exemplary leadership and enormous contributions to the Bank and to the nation."

Datuk Muhammad has been Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia since 2010. As Deputy Governor he sits on Bank Negara Malaysia's Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Committees and is responsible for the development of the financial markets and  treasury operations including foreign exchange and reserve management of the Central Bank. His other responsibilities including oversseing the development of the banking including Islamic finance and insurance sector. 

Muhammad is responsible for promoting Malaysia's agenda of migration to e-payments,  aimed to generate cost and operational efficiency for businesses. He is additionally involved in collaborative efforts with the regional central banks to develop a multicurrency payment settlement platform aimed to enhance linkages in cross border transactions in trade and investment. He further serves as Chairman of the Finance Accreditation Agency; Board member of the Retirement Fund; member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants; panel member of the National Trust Fund; and Senate Chair of the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance.;

He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Malaya and Master’s Degree from Harvard University. He also holds a post-graduate diploma from International Islamic University of Malaysia.

Ramadhan timetable for Singapore available for download

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has released the timetable for the fasting month of Ramadhan, which runs from June 6 to July 5 this year (1437).

The end of suhoor extends from 5.25am at the beginning of the month, ending at 5.31am, while sunset is at 7.11pm on the first day of Ramadhan, and 7.17pm at the end of the month.

Interested?

Download the timetable (PDF)

Alchemiya offers uplifting content for Muslims on streaming platform

The Alchemiya streaming service is offering a limited promotion to watch its content for three months for a small fee. Alchemiya currently has over 50 films, documentaries and lifestyle programmes on offer, with new content added regularly. The films are streamed over the Internet onto connected devices like phones and laptops, and not downloaded.

According to Alchemiya's founders, there is also little content for a Muslim audience, which is "young, well-educated, politically aware and socially conscious". The platform presents uplifting content and a side of Muslims and Islam that is widely unknown.

"There is a lot of misinformation and lack of understanding about our faith. It is our intention to create content that breaks down negative stereotypes and makes people reconsider their views," the company states on its website.

Alchemiya will also support creatives producing Muslim-related content by giving them paid commissions and promoting their work. "We are also on the hunt for the next generation," the founders said.

Interested?

Watch the trailer for Islam in Color

Alchemiya costs US$160 for 24 months. Take advantage of the three-month limited time offer

All-female Aurora Spa opens at Mövenpick Hotel Riyadh

Mövenpick Hotel Riyadh, in a joint venture with Joelle Mardinian, has officially opened the doors to its all-female Aurora Spa by Joelle. Madinian is a well-known female TV personality in the GCC, as well as an influential fashion and makeup expert in the Middle East.

The Aurora Spa has six individual therapy rooms that provide tailored treatments designed to help guests unwind, re-balance and rejuvenate. The spa features dedicated female-only access from the parking area and hotel, as well as whirlpools and a traditional Oriental hammam.

Philippe Bonnot, General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Riyadh said: “The opening of Aurora Spa by Joelle is a fantastic opportunity for female Saudi residents and visitors to experience unique spa treatments. From employing female therapists to creating facilities exclusively for women, our goal is to make the hotel as friendly as possible for ladies.”

The opening of Aurora Spa marks the first spa for Mardinian. She said, "I love to engage with projects that aim to enhance the beauty of women everywhere, hence we have spent a considerable amount of time with designers, architects and a host of other professionals to make sure the spa meets all expectations, with every individual part being of an extremely high standard.”

Interested?

Call +966 11 457 9999

Labuan IBFC begins ASEAN roadshows with session on shari'ah-compliant solutions

Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC), Asia Pacific’s midshore international business and financial centre, has launched a series of roadshows across ASEAN.

The Labuan IBFC ASEAN Roadshow 2016 will visit key countries in ASEAN and, for the first time will include events as well as closed door briefings in the emerging economies of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar. The roadshows have kicked off in Jakarta, Indonesia, will continue through till end-July.

“Our approach to the roadshow this year is distinct as we are targeting business owners in the region looking to internationalise or even regionalise their businesses. We believe that with as businesses embrace higher tax transparency requirements, it would be natural for them to consider to establishing substance in a well-regulated jurisdiction facilitate cross border transactions and investments.” said Danial Mah Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Labuan IBFC.

He went on to state that the roadshow will also focus in meeting the wealth management needs in the region, adding that as ASEAN has a large Muslim population, the Jakarta chapter of the roadshow focuses on shari'ah-compliant wealth management solutions.

Themed Innovative Solutions towards Islamic Wealth Management the kickoff masterclass was aimed at Indonesian service providers, intermediaries and high net worth individuals who are looking to better understand shari'ah-compliant wealth management offerings, wealth preservation and succession planning solutions.

Mah, who is also the Deputy Director General of Labuan FSA, said, “What makes Labuan IBFC different is that it was established with the main aim of intermediating crossborder trade and investments in the region. The expectations are that intra-Asia and ASEAN trade and investments will grow, and there is a need for a well-regulated jurisdiction in the region able to facilitate these trades and investments. ”

The masterclass included a presentation on the Labuan International Waqf Foundation, a shari'ah-compliant wealth management tool, which incorporates the element of waqf* (وقف‎) in its structure.

Labuan IBFC is the only jurisdiction in the region offering foundation structures including Islamic foundations with waqf elements built in.

The event also included a panel session titled Opportunity and Challenges: Islamic Wealth Management in Asia with Dr Aida Othman, Director at ZICO Law Shariah Advisory Services, Maikel Sajangbati, CEO and Founder of MaeSa Consulting Indonesia as well as Aderi Adnan, Business Development Director of Labuan IBFC.

The panel focused on the new Islamic wealth management environment in light of more stringent global regulatory requirements, evolving Islamic wealth management strategies amidst changing family legacy mindsets, experiences and cultural differences in Asia.

Interested?

View event details


*Waqf refers to a donation made for a religious, educational or charitable cause.

posted from Bloggeroid

FHA2016's Halal Supermarket offers quick sourcing for halal products

A Halal Supermarket debuted at the premium Food&HotelAsia2016 (FHA2016) regional trade event. Created by organisers Singapore Exhibition Services in conjunction with halal ecosystem provider DagangHalal, the open-plan supermarket was billed as a one-stop area to source for quality halal-certified food and beverages. The area was staffed by representatives from DagangHalal who could offer expert advice on obtaining halal certification.

The Halal Supermarket, situated outside the FoodAsia2016 halls, showcased a number of halal cooking ingredients and finished products as well as beverages, together with product-linked QR codes, namecards and brochures for easy follow-ups.

The extent of the Halal Supermarket - nine three-level shelves.

Omni Mal Agencies sells dates and date products in handy, hygienic packaging. The company offers organic dates, dates with cornflakes, date syrup, and dates coated with black cumin seed oil as some of its innovations. The Malaysia-based agency also exports around the world. 

Arborea full cream milk is from Arborea, Italy.

Litat Import & Export featured jams and spreads as well as beverages. The company is best known for its Ice Cool range beverages, which range from coffees, energy drinks, carbonated beverages, aloe vera juice in different flavours, sports drinks, milkshakes, coconut juice in different formulations, fruit juices, soluble fibre drinks, as well as soya milk. Ice Cool Asian specialty drinks range from wheat grass and traditional herbal tea, to wintermelon tea and bandung (rose-flavoured milk).  

Koka noodles from Tat Hui Foods is positioned as the healthier noodle choice as they contain no trans fats, MSG, preservatives, or artificial colouring. Since 2002, Tat Hui has invested S$10 million in R&D, new production facilities and equipment for fat-free instant noodles, fat-free noodle snacks, gluten-free rice noodles, low fat, reduced carbohydrate and high fibre instant noodles.

Indoguna is about providing quality foods. The company announced Indoguna Productions FZCO in Jebel Ali, UAE in 2013, and the halal-certified food processing plant was formally launched in 2015. Indoguna Productions FZCO manufactures Asian dim sum, value-added canapés, finger foods, sausages and hams, targeting markets in the Middle East, Asia and eventually Europe under the Carne Meats by Indoguna and Masterpiece by Indoguna brands. The Carne Meats halal butchery and charcuterie range includes veal, lamb, poultry and beef.

Anods Cocoa from Sri Lanka produces premium white, dark and milk chocolate buttons in both couverture and compound chocolate; ice cream coatings, biscuit coatings, and chocolate slabs. 

Interested?

Read the TechTrade Asia blog post on Epson's next-generation mobility and payment solutions at FHA2016

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about:

Office pantry ideas from FHA2016
The FHA2016 roundup
Epson hospitality and retail solutions at FHA2016

New food launches at FoodAsia2016

How Singapore food manufacturers strategise for success

What's new at FHA2016

Read the Suroor Asia blog posts about:

The Halal Supermarket at FHA2016

Halal products at FHA2016

Announcing the Halal Supermarket at FHA2016

Hashtag: #sghalal

posted from Bloggeroid

Competitors offer fare discounts to stranded Rayani Air passengers

Malindo Air is offering special discounted fares to stranded Rayani Air passengers. Rayani Air, a shari'ah-compliant airline which began operations in December last year, has had its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) provisionally suspended for three months as of 11 April by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) of Malaysia.

Passengers holding Rayani Air tickets will be able to rebook their cancelled flights at Malindo Air’s ticketing counter nationwide, the airline said.

“These fares are available for purchase from today until April 30, 2016, for immediate travel and until October 31, 2016, said Malindo Air’s spokesperson. “Malindo Air has also helped Rayani Air on numerous occasions when they have encountered delays and cancellations.

“We hope this will ease the problems of passengers who are in urgent need to travel without any disruptions.” 

Malindo Air recently celebrated its third anniversary, and moved its operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the Main terminal building from the klia2 terminal in mid-March.

Malaysia Airlines earlier announced that passengers holding Rayani Air tickets will be able to rebook their cancelled flights via Malaysia Airlines at discounted fares.

Malaysia Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Paul Simmons said, “As the national carrier and as caring Malaysians, it is our duty to extend any assistance to ease the burden of impacted Rayani Air passengers. In this case, we are offering affected passengers a special fare to connect them to their intended destination. We hope this offer will help alleviate the passengers’ travel woes.”

DCA said that it would conduct a full administration and safety audit of Rayani Air's operations to assess its compliance with its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). According to a joint statement from Dato' Sri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, Director General of the DCA and the Malaysian Aviation Commission on 11 April, Rayani Air had already received warning letters for non-compliance and poor service levels prior to the suspension.

The Malaysian Aviation Commission will further evaluate Rayani Air's commercial standing and capabilities to continue as an air service licence holder. An airline which intends to cease operations must give the DCA at least six months' notice, the DCA added.

Rayani Air said on its Facebook page on 13 April that refunds and handling queries are now its main priority, and pasted Malindo Air's offer on Facebook on 15 April.

Interested?

To take advantage of Malindo Air's special fare, affected passengers will need to present their email or proof of travel booking on Rayani Air. For further enquiries, visit the website or contact Malindo Air's hotline at +603 7841 5388 from 9am to 9pm daily.

For Malaysia Airlines' special fare, affected passengers should present their email or proof of travel booking on Rayani Air. Passengers may call 1 300 88 3000 within Malaysia or visit any Malaysia Airlines ticket counters nationwide. The fares are available until 30 April 2016, for immediate travel until 31 July 2016.

Rayani Air can be contacted at refund at rayaniair.com or info at rayaniair.com.

Read the Suroor Asia blog post on Rayani Air's launch

Winners of the 14th IDB Prizes for Science and Technology are from Kuwait, Turkey and Bangladesh

Three scientific institutions have won this year’s 14th IDB Prizes for Science and Technology.

The 2016 winners, chosen by an independent committee are:

• Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KSIR): Overall Outstanding Contribution to Social and Economic Development
KSIR was selected for its scientific and technological contributions and accomplishments, which have had a positive impact on the socioeconomic development of Kuwait and other IDB member countries. Its research and scientific achievements are centred on enhanced oil exploration, innovative desalination, waste water treatment and zero liquid discharge. KISR’s technologies in these fields are being used in the region and around the world. KISR has a longstanding tradition of fostering young talent and promoting innovative scientific research.

• NanoManyetik Bilimsel Cihazlar Sanayi ve Ticaret, Turkey: Most Outstanding Contribution in a Given Scientific Field

NanoManyetik Bilimsel Cihazlar Sanayi ve Ticaret was selected for its high quality of research and its commercial application in applied nanomagnetics. The company specialises in the development of sensing, measurements, characterisation and manipulation of nanosystems.

• Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture: Most Noted Scientific Institution from a Least Developed Member Country The Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture was selected for its outstanding contribution to the field of nuclear technologies in agriculture. The institute was established in 1961 to develop friendly nuclear technologies to enhance the performance of the agriculture sector, one of the major economic drivers in Bangladesh. It has a team of 170 scientists and researchers who focus on biotechnology and crop management. The team has published nearly 300 scientific research papers. The institute has successfully commercialised some of its technologies, with nearly 40 products on the market, and has close collaborations with many scientific institutions globally. 

"IDB is proud of their inspiring feats in the field of scientific and technological research. I hope other universities and scientific centres in member countries benefit from these admirable examples,” said
Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group.

The prize was established in 2002 (1422) to promote science and technology excellence and capacity building in IDB member countries. Each year, three institutions are selected by an independent panel of eminent scientists outside the bank to receive the prizes, which consist of US$100,000 and a trophy.

The award ceremony will be held at the 41st Annual Meeting of IDB’s Board of Governors, which will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia from 15 to 19 May.

DIB's latest sukuk brings its listings on Nasdaq Dubai to US$3.25 billion

• Bank’s sukuk listings on Nasdaq Dubai now total US$3.25 billion
• Listing reinforces Dubai’s position as the international leader for listed sukuk

Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) has listed its latest sukuk, with a value of US$500 million, on Nasdaq Dubai. This brings DIB’s total sukuk listings on the region’s international exchange to US$3.25 billion, underlining the rapid expansion of Dubai as the global capital of the Islamic economy.

Dr Adnan Chilwan, Group Chief Executive Officer, DIB said: “As the leading Islamic bank in the country, we are committed to the economic development in Dubai and to promote the emirate’s growth and success in the field of Islamic finance. Given the challenging market conditions, it was critical to have strong credit come in and successfully close a deal. As such, this transaction effectively marks the re-opening of the GCC financial sector debt capital markets after a hiatus of four months.

"Nasdaq Dubai provides us with both a well-regulated listing framework and excellent links to investors in our own region and globally as we continue to expand the scope of our investor base in the capital markets arena.”

HE Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Secretary General of Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC), said: “Through their location in the heart of the Muslim world, Dubai’s Islamic capital markets are uniquely placed to expand in all aspects including issuance and listing. DIB’s prominence in both activities reinforces Dubai’s status as the leading centre for sukuk and its growth as the global capital of the Islamic economy, under the initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minster, and Ruler of Dubai.”

Following a total of seven sukuk listings this year by regional and international issuers, the total value of sukuk currently listed in Dubai is now US$42.61 billion, the largest for any listing centre in the world.

Abdul Wahed Al Fahim, Chairman of Nasdaq Dubai, said: “As a pioneer of Islamic finance and pillar of Dubai’s growth and prosperity, DIB is a key issuer on Nasdaq Dubai. Through their close cooperation, a range of government and semi-government institutions in Dubai as well as private companies are underpinning the growth of the shari’ah-compliant financial markets in the region and internationally.”

Hamed Ali, Chief Executive of Nasdaq Dubai, said: “The sukuk sector will continue to be a core focus for Nasdaq Dubai as we look forward to further listings in 2016 and beyond from a range of issuers. We are also developing further initiatives in the Islamic capital markets to provide innovative services designed to meet the evolving needs of market participants.”

DIB’s latest US$500 million sukuk listed on the exchange on March 31, 2016. DIB listed one sukuk in 2013 and two in 2015.

posted from Bloggeroid

ICIEC to hold strategy meet in Jakarta, Indonesia this May

The Board of Governors of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) will hold its 23rd annual meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 18, 2016 in conjunction with the 41st annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). The ICIEC Chief Executive Officer HE Oussama Kaissi will lead the delegation.

The meeting is an occasion for the governors of IDB Group members, most of whom are the finance ministers of ICIEC-member countries, to provide guidance on IDB Group’s operational, financial, as well as strategic directions.

In the same meeting, the Board of Governors is expected to approve the financial results of the Corporation for 1436 (2015), and sanction the selection of the external auditors for the financial year 1438 to 1439 (2017).

Sheikh Zayed Book Award names Amin Maalouf Cultural Personality of the Year 2016

Source: Sheikh Zayed Book Award. Amin Maalouf, French novelist.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award’s board of trustees and scientific committee have named Lebanese-born French novelist Amin Maalouf as their winner for this year’s Cultural Personality of the Year Award in recognition of his achievements as a novelist. 

The Award recognises Maalouf’s ability to recreate unique experiences and adventures in an extraordinary literary style that amalgamates distinctly Arabic narrative and modernist Western styles in creative works and intellectual research. Maalouf’s treatment of themes that touch upon modern-day fears and concerns, in intricate poetic and narrative forms, secured his indisputable position within the literary world, and informed the decision by the Sheikh Zayed Book Award to name him Cultural Personality of the Year, according to a statement from the award organisers.

Maalouf holds a degree in economics and sociology from Beirut University. He worked in the Beirut-based daily Al-Nahar, reporting on international and political affairs. He had firsthand experience of the Lebanese civil war, and then moved to Paris with his wife and children, where he worked for the weekly newspaper Al-Nahar Al-Arabi and at the French Jeune Afrique.
Maalouf has conveyed in French some key moments in the history of Arab and other Eastern peoples to the world, shedding light on distinguished personalities dedicated to promoting harmony and dialogue between the East and the West. His works are characterised by a consistent array of themes ranging from his civil war experience, constant search for identity, cultural tolerance, and world citizenship. The themes are embodied in his characters, most of whom speak several languages, master more than one talent, and enjoy multiple citizenships. Several characters in his novels are victims of circumstances (migration, war, and unremitting suffering); nevertheless, they are able to reinvent their own destinies, relying on their talent and belief in their high human values.

His first book in French, The Crusades through Arab Eyes (1983), revealed his fundamental interests: history on one hand, and narrative writing on the other. Back then, the Crusades were a central theme in French historical studies and literary texts based on history, but they were rarely presented from an Arab perspective. Maalouf‘s book presented the Crusades as experienced by the Arab community in its various segments and affiliations. He followed a strictly objective approach founded on a humanism that pervades all his work. The Crusades were not merely wars of religion as they are sometimes taken to be; they were cultural clashes whose impact can still be witnessed today.

Maalouf has continued to make use of history in his fiction and to employ his narrative skill in his historical studies. He has published a number of novels based on history, including Leon Africanus (1986), Samarkand (1988), The Gardens of Light (1991), and The Rock of Tanios (1993). 

Interested?

The award ceremony will take place on May 1, coinciding with the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Maalouf will receive a prize of AED1,000,000, a gold medal bearing the Sheikh Zayed Book Award logo, as well as a certificate of merit.

On the halal food and beverage trail at Food&HotelAsia2016

Trails were introduced for the first time at the premium Food&HotelAsia2016 (FHA2016) regional trade event, covering dairy, gelato/ice cream, packaging equipment, productivity boosters and halal food and beverages. The self-guided trail of halal food and beverages, created by organisers Singapore Exhibition Services in conjunction with halal ecosystem provider DagangHalal, included a list of exhibitors with halal products sorted by hall location as well as a directory of halal certification bodies.

The global halal opportunity (excluding Islamic finance) is estimated to be worth US$2.3 trillion, and growing 20% a year, an annual value of US$560 billion, according to the authors of the food trail, with 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide are growing increasingly affluent and looking for halal food and beverages. The demand for halal products and services has also expanded beyond F&B to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health products, toiletries, and medical devices, all the way to finance, logistics, marketing, media, packaging and branding.

At FoodAsia, many exhibitors displayed halal logos prominently, or had halal-certified goods on show: 

One of the more interesting displays was from Seng Hua Hng Foodstuff, responsible for the Camel Nuts brand. The booth had a camel statue standing on a bed of its snacks welcoming visitors. Rival Tong Garden was also at the show.

Goh Tiong Wee, head of Nuhoney, holds up a can of the sparkling honey beverage of the same name. Nuhoney is made in Singapore from Australian honey and was developed in conjunction with Singapore Polytechnic's Food Innovation & Resource Centre. The centre's services include developing functional foods, natural alternatives for food additives, reformulating foods to reduce fat, salt and sugar, process optimisation as well as sample preparation at trade shows and business events.

MyBizcuit is from Malaysia. The company launched golden cheese tart and choco peanut bar snacks in value packs at the show. The snacks will soon be available as convi packs, in the golden cheese tart (Golden), peanut crunchy bar (Peanut), Belgium choco (Bellco) and melting almond (Almento) flavours. Also new were Mas Bear Danish cookies in a tin that are packaged in a gift box.

Kayamila, which also had space at the Halal Supermarket outside the hall, features traditional kaya - a sweet coconut milk based paste eaten with bread - in different flavours. From kaya expert Fong Yit, the Kayamila brand was developed in response to changing consumer demand. 

“In recent years, consumers have become more adventurous and creative, trying non-conventional ideas for their food choices. We have seen traditional breakfast spreads turned into ingredients for everything from baking desserts to cooking a main course. Kaya has to evolve too, and  Kayamila is taking that first step," said Goh May San, Marketing and Research Manager for Fong Yit, at the launch of the brand in February. 

Kayamila is available in the original flavour, called Original Coconut Kaya (a rebrand from XO Kaya; left), as well as Sea Salt Caramel (second from left), Vanilla Pandan (third from left) and  Calamansi Citrus (fourth from left). Kayamila products contain no preservatives and artificial colouring. The products are retailing at S$3.50 each and are available at Fairprice, Sheng Siong and Prime supermarkets from April 2016 onwards.

CS Tay is offering fresh portobello mushrooms airflown from Thailand. The mushrooms are grown without pesticides and do not have preservatives. 

Sealed, ready to eat cups of corn may soon be in NTUC supermarkets and Cheers convenience stores in Singapore, said a spokesperson at the CS Tay booth. The corn, from Thailand, keeps for two years in cool conditions. The packaging has an easy-open lid and a built-in spoon, so consumers can eat the corn straight from the cup if they wish. 

Pure Eddiction makes gourmet cakes, pastries and breads for the food service industry and also has a central kitchen creating products to customers' specifications. It has since expanded into processed meats and soups. Pure Eddiction moved its production kitchen in 2005 to within the Singapore Changi Prison Complex as part of the Yellow Ribbon project to rehabilitate inmates. 

Cones, cups and ice cream - Oishi International had it all: Red velvet (left) and charcoal waffles in the foreground, and from left in the back, chocolate, buttermilk and green tea waffles. 

Cones, cups and ice cream - Oishi International had it all: from 12 o'clock, the buttermilk, red velvet, chocolate, charcoal and green tea cups.

Cones, cups and ice cream - Oishi International had it all: its super premium ice cream contains about 20% fat, and melts slowly. Its gelatos are 6% to 9% fat. Oishi's ice creams are created to feature 3D shapes on the surface, and meant for ice cream parlours. Oishi also sells display showcases.

Egokoro Trading featured halal gyoza aji in three flavours at its booth. Other halal products  at its booth included pasteurised crab from Viya Crab Products of Thailand; Hikari miso soup; Chitsuruya Enterprise's seaweed, Kochi Ice ice cream in green tea, yuzu sorbet and sea salt flavours, as well as green tea from Miyama Green Corporation. 

BoBo offers different kinds of chicken-based meats.

BoBo also has seafood-based foods such as fishballs and rolls.

Prawn & water chestnut rolls are new at BoBo. The products were introduced early in 2016.

Cooked fish noodles are also new at BoBo. The products were introduced early in 2016.

Sincere Food Investment Group features seafood and premium halal dim sum. It also makes Japanese mousse in different flavours. Frozen seafood was on display at its booth. 

Kim Yam Trading's Bumimas brand includes frozen french fries among other savoury frozen foods. The Bumimas portfolio of frozen and chilled products includes sweet corn, French fries, beef balls, ice cream, ice cream cones, as well as various breads like the Chinese steamed mantou bread and the Indian roti paratha.

Bumimas had frozen fried ice cream as well as more traditional 'potong' ice cream.

Source: Tan Seng Kee Foods (TSK). TSK is known for its Kang Kang (康康) fresh, preservative-free shelf-stable noodle range. The company is launching Express Meal Kits, which incorporate its noodles together with sauces for laksa, curry mee and the non-spicy prawn mee. All products are halal and have a shelf life of a month. The Express Meal Kits also appeared on Halal Supermarket shelves.

Tan Seng Kee Foods rolled out its Kang Kang (康康) Express Meal Kit at the show. The halal kits incorporate fresh, pasteurised noodles and spice pastes for quick meals. The preservative-free products have a shelf life of 30 days in ambient conditions, and can last for up to six months if chilled. A QR code on the packaging leads to a video with preparation instructions.

Interested?

Read the TechTrade Asia blog post on Epson's next-generation mobility and payment solutions at FHA2016

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about:

Office pantry ideas from FHA2016
The FHA2016 roundup
Epson hospitality and retail solutions at FHA2016

New food launches at FoodAsia2016

How Singapore food manufacturers strategise for success

What's new at FHA2016

Read the Suroor Asia blog posts about:

The Halal Supermarket at FHA2016

Halal products at FHA2016

Announcing the Halal Supermarket at FHA2016

Hashtag: #sghalal

posted from Bloggeroid

Boubyan Bank planning sukuk issuance in 2016

Boubyan Bank, an Islamic bank in Kuwait, has recorded a profit growth of 23% in Q116, amounting to net profits of KD 9.1 million.

Adel Abdul Wahab Al-Majed, the Bank’s Vice Chairman and CEO, said that this growth was achieved despite a highly competitive environment. Al-Majed also stated that the bank will issue sukuk this year to enhance the capital base through CET1 instruments as per Basel III instructions on a mudarabah basis.

posted from Bloggeroid

Moringa is a miracle, some say

Green Virgin Products, a provider of responsibly harvested and ecofriendly moringa products, has released a new guide about the benefits of moringa.

Green Virgin calls moringa a 'superfood', quoting studies finding that a single serving of the powder (in capsule form) contains over 40 antioxidants, 70 nutrients, 8 amino acids and a long list of vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatories. The company uses a far-infrared drying system to dry the moringa within hours of harvest, then package it within eight hours of harvest in triple-layer, resealable packages that contain a specially designed oxygen absorber in the pouch to help prevent sun damage and oxidation.

Moringa (M. oleifera) trees are also called drumstick or horseradish trees. The leaves, roots, flowers, bark, sap and fruit have been used traditionally, some for food and some for folk medicine. Pubmed research dating as far back as 2007 have outlined moringa's pharmacological properties. As recently as 2015, a Phytotherapy Research abstract noted: "A rapidly growing number of published studies have shown that aqueous, hydroalcohol, or alcohol extracts of M. oleifera leaves possess a wide range of additional biological activities including antioxidant, tissue protective (liver, kidneys, heart, testes, and lungs), analgesic, antiulcer, antihypertensive, radioprotective, and immunomodulatory actions."

A 2012 meta-study of moringa in past studies showed indications that it can help people with diabetes or fatty livers, with better glucose tolerance if used over time. Another 2012 study also noted that it seems to be beneficial for diabetes. A 2014 experiment on moringa leaf extracts in cold water separately showed that it could damage lung cancer cells with much less damage to normal cells.

It has not been established however which formulations of moringa extracts are the most effective for various outcomes, and the results not strictly apples-to-apples as the moringa was prepared differently in different research. Researchers have also pointed out that research subjects might unconsciously act to fulfil a certain outcome if they know that they are taking moringa.

Interested?

Read the guide online

Use the coupon code 10OFF to save 10% off an online order. Green Virgin ships internationally. Its moringa leaf products are certified kosher and it has vegan capsules