Category Archives: AFT Features

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AFT Features, AFTNews, Features Malaysia, Sport

Tourism Selangor hosts its 2nd Golf Tournament – A step into the tourism economic recovery phase

The 2nd Tourism Selangor Golf Tournament 2020 descended at Templer Park Country Club, Rawang on Sunday, September 13th, which marked its second year of establishment following the 2019 debut.

The 18-hole tournament welcomed a plethora of golfers; from golf industry players, top management in the private sector, celebrity golfers, Tournament Sponsors, golf enthusiasts, and members of the Media, to the representatives from Government-linked Companies (GLCs). The Tournament paved the way for the strengthening of existing or future relations among contesting golfers in a competitive yet enjoyable setting.

The 2nd Tourism Selangor Golf Tournament 2020 was supported by Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI Selangor), Landasan Lumayan, Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd, OPG Global Sdn Bhd, WB Event and Management Sdn Bhd, Worldwide Holdings Berhad, Gamuda Land, Sweet Spot Digital (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, and Roslan, Hazratul, Azman & Hisyam Peguambela & Peguamcara.

General Manager of Tourism Selangor, Mr. Azrul Shah bin Mohamad in a statement shared, “Tourism Selangor is proud to host this 18-hole Tournament which has entered its second year of establishment. It is of delight to see how the support and responses to this Tournament have grown over a couple of years”.

“Selangor is the leading, premier golf hub in Malaysia”, says Mr. Azrul Shah bin Mohamad, General Manager of Tourism Selangor

“Selangor is home to the highest number of Golf Clubs in Malaysia, with a total of 29 Golf Clubs across the State. Thus, from this fact alone, it cannot be denied, Selangor is the leading, premier golf hub in Malaysia”, Mr. Azrul Shah added.

The Tournament’s first tee was executed at 8.00 a.m on Sunday, on which such tremendous support received by the star-list was in favour of the Tourism Promotion Agency despite the Tournament’s second inception was held post Covid-19.

As Selangor is expected to become the host for more upcoming Golf Tournaments and Championships in the State post-pandemic, it is mandatory for organizers to strictly comply with the SOPs set by the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) and the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Golfing in the rise of the new norms should not be less exciting yet it should be no-less of a safe setting either. One of the nearest Tournaments tailing from Sunday’s event is the Selangor Golf Classic 2020 making its debut on 29 & 30 September 2020, on which Tourism Selangor proudly becomes its Title Sponsor.

The State of Selangor through Tourism Selangor is committed to explore the opportunities and further leverage in the sports and golf tourism, as it poses as a key role in fuelling the State’s economy through domestic tourism. This tourism segmentation does not only benefit golf operators; retail, accommodation, hospitality and transportation providers will also attain a positive impact from the travels. The buzz created from golf tourism events will draw the tourists’ attention onto nearby tourism attractions such as the ones near to the Tournament’s venue in Rawang; Taman Eko Rimba Kanching and Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel.

“Pusing Selangor Dulu” is Tourism Selangor’s domestic tourism campaign

Golf tourism acts a catalyst to creating an influx of local sports tourists into the State. With the highest number of Golf Clubs in the nation, it is not an intricate effort to further penetrate the golf tourism segmentation. This is in line with Tourism Selangor’s Domestic Tourism Campaign, ‘Pusing Selangor Dulu’ (travel in Selangor first) which is growing in popularity among domestic travelers. 

The penetration of golf tourism in Selangor improves the living standard of its residents, leads to the enhancement of sports facilities across the State and increases public interest in golf making Selangor the preferred golf destination in Malaysia. 

For more information on Selangor’s latest and in-trend tourism attractions, log on to www.selangor.travel.

AFT Features, AFT Interviews, Features Vietnam

Vu Huyen Thuong (Vietnam) expresses her feelings through art

AFT speaks to Hanoi-based artist Vu Huyen Thuong, who shares her feelings about people and life through her paintings and installation work.

“My art works focus on the connection between the past and the present. In that context, human is the centre”

Vu Huyen Thuong

AFT: Tell us about your environment, while growing up.

Vu: I live a very peaceful life in Hanoi. I was born and raised in a happy family, full of love and responsibility. Since young, I’ve been encouraged to pursue my education and practise good self-discipline to achieve success so I can be someone my family especially my parents can be proud of.

2) What influenced you artistically?

Vu: When I entered the art world, my constant inspiration was around the theme of people, us humans. I observed my peaceful world and interacted with gentle people, pleasant, kind people, I learned how to love, to share, sympathise and understand humanity. How humans show compassion for one another, how they sympathise and show mercy to those who may be less fortunate, how they refrain from cruelty. It is through human eyes that I’m inspired to create more works that depict human kindness, aspiring for a better life!

AFT: Which art piece did you submit to the International Surrealism NOW exhibition and why?

Vu: The first piece of art I sent to the International Surrealism Now Exhibition in 2010 was the “Eye” (oil on canvas). In this work, I used the eyes to evoke the humanity in it. Eyes like people gathered in a certain miniature world, flying, free-falling, many eyes are lonely, many others are protected by human hands. Some eyes are protected until they fall down; and the eyes removed (or leave) from protection of hands. In my view, our life is the same. The work is only conceptual about a certain aspect of life with a primitive view of human fate.

the eye – Vu Huyen Thuong
(oil on canvas)

Surreal works that promote ideas, contemplations, strange things, near and far from the real world, make you soar in creativity whether reasonable or unreasonable, real or unreal, ideas.

Surreal style is always very unique, interesting, strange and new.

The eye and detail – Vu Huyen Thuong
(oil on canvas/ 120x85cm)

AFT: Did you paint during the Covid-19 pandemic? What did you do to pass time?

Vu: I made two paintings. One named “Open the door” and another one in progress entitled “When the love dies …”

I observed many countries undergoing a very difficult period especially when high number of deaths were recorded. In my country, we were always on high alert but many of us complied with the state regulations and stayed indoors, not going out on the streets, avoiding crowded places to protect ourselves and the community.

Open the door – Vu Huyen Thuong
Oil on canvas/ 80x110cm
When the love dies… Vu Huyen Thuong
Oil on canvas/ 80x110cm

AFT: What is the one thing you strive to do with your art? Do you think you’ve been successful?

Vu: The only thing I do with my art is to be creative and remain constantly creative. I have had certain success on the path of art from the beginning until now, winning awards while still in school. I participated in many events accompanied by famous international artists, participated in many significant exhibition activities in the country and internationally. For
me, success takes time and is a form of ‘gathering moments’, even experienced people must try until they want to stop. To achieve success, there is no way but to try to assert myself in my career and I always set goals to accomplish and to succeed.

AFT: Is there any work that you have not finished or can’t complete? What happens then?

Vu: I have many plans and goals to accomplish, this takes time to implement it. I have things to be done and I do not allow myself to leave any work unfinished, so all the things that I do have to be done by a timeline. My character is such that I must finish what I have set out to do.

AFT: Is health and fitness important to you as an artist? Care to share about your daily routine?

Vu: For me, health is very important, almost the first indispensable factor in life in general and career in particular, and similarly, I believe it is an important factor for an artist. If you have good health and you maintain it by living a healthy lifestyle, it will help you to complete the work you want in good spirit, good intellect. All of that would then contribute to promoting and inspiring even more creative ideas.

Habit? I exercise when I can, I jog every day (morning and afternoon), “eat clean”, minimise fat, increase resistance. Diets makes an important contribution to staying healthy. I work a lot on the computer and sometimes it’s an overload of work where I sit for many hours to complete the work.
During those times, I tend to gain weight. I like a slim and healthy body, so I know I must arrange my time so that it’s balanced and I stay healthy.

AFT: Finally, what’s your ultimate favourite thing to do?

Creating art is the most important thing for me. This career is a great passion for me, so creating art is not just a hobby but my life.

Team AFT thanks Santiago Ribeiro & Vu Huyen Thuong for participating in this interview.

Visit the artist’s official blog: https://vuhuyenthuong.blogspot.com/

Learn more about the International SURREALISM NOW exhibition: https://www.facebook.com/internationalsurrealismnow.org/

AFT Features, AFT Interviews

In the mind of artist, Chih Hui Chuang (Taiwan)

AFT catches up with Chih Hui Chuang whose works include oil painting, contemporary wood carving, composite media and ceramic sculpture creations.

油畫 當代木雕 複合媒材 陶塑創作

Artist: Chih-Hui Chuang (Taiwan)
Title: Who am I?
Type: Acrylic Painting-2016
莊志輝-我是誰? Acrylic Painting-2016
Artist: Chih-Hui Chuang (Taiwan)
Title: Emotions
Size: 75X34cm
Type: Acrylic on canvas-2016
莊志輝-心緒 -75X34cm-Acrylic Painting-2016
Artist: Chih Hui Chuang (Taiwan)
Title: Number Games
Size: 72X34cm
Type: Acrylic Painting-2016
莊志輝-金錢遊戲-72X34cm-Acrylic Painting-2016

“My paintings are inspired from the world, an ode to the heart, a reflection of the disorder of our sad world, but I believe there’s still hope and it lies in the goodness of grateful hearts,” says Chuang.

我的繪畫來自人間，歸於人心，悲人間之失序，喜人心之善性猶存。生命之可貴，在於生命本身所散發的強韌生命力。在於其多元序列之美。對人性劣根的描繪，只為照見人類本然的真實面貌。唯美使人賞心悅目，此乃人情之屬，美醜交加則近於天理大自然之屬，繪出人世本位與良知。

AFT: Tell us about your environment, what was it like where you grew up?
你長大的環境是怎樣的？
The ocean was my childhood companion, and the blue sky held my soul. I grew up in the Penghu Islands in Taiwan. The people here are simple and kind. They live by the sea and live a simple life. In the summer, the sun is so warm. In the winter, there’s a vicissitude of wind gusts. I like to run and jump and let my body take flight against the wind.
海洋是我小時候的玩伴，藍天是心靈的溫床。我成長在台灣的澎湖列島，這裡的人們純樸善良，以海維生，活得簡單。
記憶裡夏天的太陽好熱情，冬天時狂風吹拂，宛如一幅滄桑的美景，我喜歡頂著風奔跑、跳躍，讓身體短暫的飛行。
AFT: What do you think influenced your artistic eye?
你的藝術眼光是受了什麼影響而來的？

It is in my nature to be attracted to things new, to novelty. In our country, art education is our cultural heritage, we take pride in learning the skills of creators of the past. When I was exposed to the Western Renaissance in high school, I realised then that art has no boundaries, that we are no longer painting for the Gods and the rich, and that I was able to invoke my own emotions, express my inner feelings and create art.

我的個性喜歡新奇的東西，早期在我們的國家，美術教育是一種傳承，複製過去創作者所留下來的技巧與樣版。高中時接觸到西方文藝復興運動，才知道藝術沒有邊際，不再為諸神及富人而做畫，回到自身的感受而創作。

AFT: Which pieces of works did you submitted to the International Surrealism NOW exhibition and why?
請問你向這次國際SurrealismNOW展覽提交了你的那一幅作品？為何會選擇提交它？

These three pieces of work were exhibited in a world tour exhibition a few years ago. I stayed near a Hong Kong train station and for 60 days, I observed and created works on site. People seem to live their lives in a hurry, I watched a large number of passengers who entered and exited the subway station every day, they were coming and going just like innumerable cans being canned on an assembly line in a factory. I meditated and realised how precious it was to be able to think independently and live our lives the way we design; not copying success models of others or constantly pursuing material satisfaction. As an artist, it is my hope for people to find the purest versions of themselves instead of living like others, explore infinite possibilities of oneself, and explore and understand this world and this universe.

這件參展作品，是我前幾年進行世界巡迴展，停留在香港站60天，從日常中觀察並在當地創作的。我深深感受到這裡人們生活節奏匆忙，大量的乘客進進出出地鐵站，我想像著日日從火車上上下下的人們，就像一間大工廠的生產線上，無量被複製的罐頭般。 我沈思著，人能獨立思考並活出自己的樣貌很珍貴；而不是一昧複製別人成功的模式，並無限上綱的不斷追求物質與金錢。我希望，人人能找回最純粹的自我，而不是活得像別人，能挖掘自身無限的可能性，並去探索和了解這個世界丶這個宇宙。
AFT: Did you paint during COVID19? What did you do to pass time?
在這個covid19 疫症期間你有沒有畫畫？在這段時間你是怎樣渡過的？

Creation is a daily routine of my life. So I didn’t stop creating at all even during the pandemic. All the things that happen in the world, add up to enriching my creations and reflect my thoughts at the time.

創作是我生活的日常，即便是在疫期，我從不停止創作。世上所有發生的事情，堆疊出我藝術創作的養分，記錄著我生命存在的想法。
AFT: What is the one thing you strive to do with your art? Have you been successful?
你為藝術最努力做的一件事是什麼？成功了沒有？
Art to me is a concept and a responsibility that I work very hard and honestly to create. Art helps me understand myself. It helps me understand how the world operates. I can only pray that those who view my work will be able to appreciate my work, understand me and value me as a person beyond my possessions. Whether or not I’ve been successful at achieving this, what’s more important is that I continue to be in the process of creating art and I am still alive.

藝術，我認為是一種理念，一種責任。我努力並誠實的面對創作，從中更理解自己丶理解人世間的運作及最有意義的本質，並祈願觀者能從我的作品投射出什麼，例如：關照自身的處境丶擁有與價值。關於成功否，我一直走在藝術過程中，我還活著。

AFT: Is there any work that you have not finished or can’t complete? What happens then?
你還有什麼作品還未完成或不能完成的？如果不，你會怎樣了？

I think that life in itself is an unfinished creation, so my work is not yet finished but one day it will be complete.

我認為生命的存在就是未完成的創作，所以我的作品還未完成，有一天，我一定會完成。

AFT: Is health and fitness important to you as an artist? Would you care to share about your daily routine?
你認為作為一個藝術者，健康和運動很重要嗎？你能分享你每日一定做的事情嗎？

Having the right mood is very important for me. I try to remain in a calm state as far as possible – it is easier to understand when doing things. When I get up in the morning, I tend to flowers and trees, irrigate the garden, wash and feed my chicken, collect eggs, enjoy my my daily Buddhist ritual, have breakfast, and start my day of creation.

心情很重要，我盡可能把自己的心放在平靜的狀態，做起事情來比較容易理解。 早上起來看看花草樹木，幫他們灌溉丶幫他們洗滌，餵食我養的幾隻蛋雞丶撿雞蛋，每天禮佛，用早餐，開始創作的一天。
AFT: Finally, what’s your ultimate favourite thing to do?
最後，你能分享你最喜歡做的事情嗎？

Be with my family, be able to talk about what I know, and share my creation with everyone.

跟家人在一起丶聊聊我知道的事情，把創作分享給大家。
Team AFT thanks Santiago Ribeiro, Chih Hui Chuang and Yami Su-Min Yang for making this interview a reality. We also thank Eve Wong for her assistance in preparing the English – Chinese translations.

Visit the artist’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chc888/

Learn more about the International SURREALISM NOW exhibition: https://www.facebook.com/internationalsurrealismnow.org/

AFT TV, Features Japan, Seniors' Health, Wellness

Ikigai

Video

Tim is a successful jazz musician from Alberta, Canada and for twenty years, he was immersed in music; from performing with bands, singing at events and in front of prime ministers and royalty and writing this book, How to Ikigai: Lessons for Finding Happiness and Living Your Life’s Purpose.

My cousin Angeline gifted me with a best seller by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles titled, Ikigai The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Not so secret anymore, it seems, this ideology that originated from Okinawa, Japan. Or not…

Photo credit: Louis Low

The authors interviewed residents of the Japanese village with the highest percentage of 100-year-olds—one of the world’s Blue Zones in Okinawa. How did they eat, how did they move, how they worked, how they fostered collaboration and community, and—their best-kept secret—how did they find the ikigai that brings satisfaction to their lives?

1. Stay active and don’t retire

2. Leave urgency behind and adopt a slower pace of life

3. Only eat until you are 80 per cent full

4. Surround yourself with good friends

5. Get in shape through daily, gentle exercise

6. Smile and acknowledge people around you

7. Reconnect with nature

8. Give thanks to anything that brightens our day and makes us feel alive.

9. Live in the moment

10. Follow your ikigai

So I decided to do a quick check on what others thought of the concept, especially Japanese people (including foreigners who live in Japan).

What is ikigai?

Melbournian editor in Japan, Lucy Dayman wrote about the origin of ikigai in online magazine Savvy Tokyo. Here’s what she wrote:

The origin of the word ikigai goes back to the Heian period (794 to 1185). Clinical psychologist and avid expert of the ikigai evolution, Akihiro Hasegawa released a research paper in 2001 where he wrote that the word “gai” comes from the word “kai” which translates to “shell” in Japanese.

During the Heian period, shells were extremely valuable, so the association of value is still inherently seen in this word. It can also be seen in similar Japanese words like hatarakigai, (働きがい) which means the value of work, or yarigai ~ga aru (やり甲斐がある), meaning “it’s worth doing it.”

Ikigai Tribe podcast

I also found Ikigai Tribe – a podcast by Ikigai coach Nick Kemp. His ikigai, is about what ikigai truly means to the Japanese and how you can find it to make your own life worth living. This first episode features Professor Akihiro Hasegawa of Toyo Eiwa University, one of Japan’s leading researchers and experts on ikigai. Together, they discuss the meaning and origin of the word “ikigai”, his research, the Mother of Ikigai Psychology, Mieko Kamiya, and more.

One of the takeaways from the podcast, was his study in dementia patients. Patients with strong sense of Ikigai, deferred dementia.

A diagram depicted in Garcia and Miralles’ book about the meaning of Ikigai went viral very quickly but it turns out many Japanese people disagreed and didn’t think it was a good representation of the concept. It was a gentrified version, simplified and wrongly inserted a line, “that you can be paid for”, which was something of err to the original ideology. Google Ikigai diagram images and you will see so many versions plagiarised from one to another, but based on the wrong interpretation – a peril of good information that’s wrongly interpreted but gone viral. I found Kyle Kowalski’s SLOWW movement and he described the origin of the diagram in detail, the Ikigai concept.

So what is really the true meaning of Ikigai and how can one achieve it?

“Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.”

Japanese proverb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=708OD9AdTwU
Penguin’s promotional video

In the podcast interview, Hasegawa Sensei shared that Ikigai was a way of life and not so much something you’d do which you can be paid for.

  • Health
  • Intellectual Activeness
  • Social Roles in Communities
  • Family Structure (especially in rural areas)

These were the core areas of Ikigai, as described by Hasegawa Sensei.

Read more here: https://ikigaitribe.com/ikigai
Peggy Oki

Peggy Oki talks about flow and motion and it’s clear her ikigai is sharing tales about the ‘Cetacean Nation’. A Surfer, Skateboarder, Artist and Activist, Peggy founded the Origami Whales Project in 2004 to raise awareness about commercial whaling. She has also developed the Whales and Dolphins Ambassador Program and led campaigns such as ‘Let’s Face It’, which petitions to save New Zealand’s critically endangered Maui’s dolphins and Hector’s dolphins.

Follow your heart with vision and actions,

Create your own folds and you will connect with your purpose in life.

Peggy Oki

Thought I’d end this ikigai piece with a real life example like Peggy’s story. I’m sure we’ll each find our way, whichever way that works for us but one thing is true – it’s about having a deep sense of purpose.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI-6LMU6OWA
AFT Features, AFT Interviews, AFTNews, Airsports, Sport

A moment with Markus Haggeny, FAI Secretary General

It is apparent that Markus Haggeny has a heart full of love for air sports. He is passionate about it and its participants’ safety especially during this time of the COVID-19 crisis. But don’t take our word for it, read on below to find out more about this magnanimous man.

Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival 2019, The Philippines. Photo: writer’s own.

Markus Haggeny was named as the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) Secretary General on 15 April 2020. He was appointed as the Acting Secretary General in December 2019. He is not new to the Federation though – he was the Sports & Event Director, a role he held from 2014.

If you are wondering what he does exactly at the FAI, here are some words of introduction by Markus Haggeny himself –

“As the newly appointed Secretary General of the FAI, the World Air Sports Federation, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, I’m responsible for the smooth running of the FAI Office, which is charged with the day-to-day operations of the Federation. Together, the FAI staff, officials and volunteers strive to fulfill FAI’s mission to promote air sports and recreational flying around the world. This includes the ratification of world and continental records, and the sanctioning of competitions.”

Air sports from an early age

Markus brings with him an “extensive international corporate experience, which gives me the valuable insight into the business world that is so vital for International Federations today.” This is on top of his years of experience as a pilot and air sports official.

If you caught the word “pilot” in the previous paragraph, you will be forgiven if you thought that Markus Haggeny was an airplane pilot. His first foray into air sports was on a hot air balloon.

Paragliding at Jugra Hill, Malaysia. Photo: writer’s own

“‘Vocation’ is the first word that springs to mind. I developed a lifelong interest in all things flying when I was a kid, thanks to my family’s involvement in hot air balloons – my father had been flying for many years when I first set foot in a basket. That’s why I can say that training to become a Ballooning pilot came very naturally for me.

One thing led to another, and I began competing. Not long after, I was keen to take an even more active role in the ballooning community, and I organised numerous events, and represented Germany in ballooning for many years: In 2014 I joined the sports department of the FAI Office and now, at 60, my enthusiasm for flying remains unchanged, so much so that I have recently started Paragliding, which I thoroughly enjoy. Air sports are for anyone, at any age!” he happily enthused.   

FAI and COVID-19

Now with the appearance of the coronavirus and the world adapting to a new normal he says the FAI is changing the way they approach things.

“Stabilisation and consolidation are the key words at the moment. Given this unprecedented Coronavirus situation, it is more important than ever that we, the elected representatives, staff and officials, fly through the turbulence as a united front. Similarly, I think that now, more than ever, is the time to nurture the bonds within the air sports community, to strengthen the relationships with all the officials and members, and to support those that need assistance. These are the priorities right now,” he says.

When asked about how COVID-19 has changed the landscape of air sports worldwide, he says, “Unfortunately, 2020 is a peculiar year for everyone, including all those involved in sports. For example, at this time of the year, our events calendar is usually packed with hundreds of championships and regional events involving thousands of pilots and skydivers around the world. Sadly, many of these competitions had to be postponed or cancelled because of the pandemic: the paramount concern of FAI and our event organisers is public health and safety.”

Making a joint effort

He also says that “Uncertainty is our main challenge here. Nobody knows how the situation will evolve, how fast the situation will improve, or even when the pilots will be able to train properly again. We have to stay flexible and to adapt to whatever challenge is thrown at us, like the rest of the world. I am sure that our global air sports community will adapt to the many challenges that society is faced with.”

His remark was in response to what kind of changes on future air sports events will be organised. But all is not lost though as there are already plans in place.

“In this difficult context, I am pleased to say that FAI and the air sports community is making an extraordinary joint effort to overcome this crisis. We are developing new tools to work together remotely more efficiently, and we are supporting the event organisers as best we can, so they can find solutions to hold their events at a later date,” he says.

The Olympics

When asked about the inclusion of air sports in the Olympic Games, he is frank with his answer.

“This is not our prime focus, given the current state of affairs. However, FAI is a proud member of the Olympic Family and we share the values of the Olympic Movement, even when not participating in the Games,” he says.

“The Olympic Games is a wonderful event that we would be honoured to be part of. At this moment in time, we are proud of our status of IOC-recognised Federation,” he added.

This pride goes back full circle with his involvement with FAI, as it gives him the opportunity to not only practice but to promote air sports at the same time. He says, “This makes me happy to get up every day.”

To all of the air sports athletes out there itching to fly again, he has these words of advice:

“Please stay home, practice social distancing and stay healthy. In aviation we say: ‘Take off is optional, landing is mandatory’. The message being – make wise decisions, be aware of your responsibility to and for others and look ahead to the future. We will fly in safe conditions again together soon.”

AFT Features, AFTNews, Daily Digest, Features Australia/NZ, Men's Health, Mental Health, PRNews, Wellness, Women's Health

Blys launches online wellness and telehealth services – yoga, pilates, meditation, PT, counseling and more

On-demand wellness app enables skilled practitioners to work online 

Sessions help maintain Australians’ well-being from home

As self-isolation measures tighten in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, on-demand wellness app Blys announces the launch of its new telehealth service, which allows clients to book qualified wellness professionals for private or group sessions delivered via two-way video.

Blys also offers mental health assistance

In line with Blys’ vision to ensure wellness services are easily accessible to Australians, Blys will launch 20 new digital wellness offerings to help maintain mental and physical health while people across the country are urged to stay home. Costing as little as $39 for a private session, users have digital access to services including yoga, pilates, meditation, physiotherapy, personal training, mindfulness and mental health.

Blys’ digital offering comes at a crucial time as consumer behavior shifts rapidly to support a healthy lifestyle while in isolation. Research from global affiliate network Awin* has revealed a particular surge in online wellness content, with ‘home workout’ searches alone spiking 90% in 30 days.

In addition to ensuring Australians have access to vital wellness services, Blys is committed to helping self-employed practitioners make a living after being hit financially as a result of non-essential closures. 

Founder and CEO, Ilter Dumduz commented, “We are pleased to launch our telehealth service and continue to carry out our mission of conveniently providing wellness to Australians, especially as we navigate our way through a particularly isolating and uncertain time.

He added, “We are constantly seeking new services, fresh ideas, and partner practitioners to work alongside. Our utmost priority is the health and safety of our customers and practitioners. We urge Australians to stay home and to stay healthy and fit in both body and mind.” 

Blys has various services

“We already had a great response so far from our existing customers, particularly the business customers who are looking for ways to keep their Work From Home (WFH) staff physically and mentally fit.”

In an effort to combat the spread of virus, Blys encourages all valued clients and practitioners to remain at home in order to protect the wider community and has suspended all in-person massage bookings until further notice. 

Anyone looking for work as a personal trainer, yoga or pilates instructor, mental health professional, mindfulness teacher, or wellness expert, can get in touch with Blys directly at hello@getblys.com.au.

For all information on the telehealth service visit https://getblys.com.au/services/blys-telehealth/.

AFT Features, AFTNews, Daily Digest, Diet & Nutrition, Features Thai, Wellness

Chiva-Som now delivering wellness cuisine

Reinforcing its philosophy of inspiring daily physical and mental wellness lifestyle, a pioneer in transformative wellness, Chiva-Som is introducing the brand new ‘Wellness Delivery by Chiva-Som’. This service is available for Hua Hin residents, in which they can have healthy food and wellness products delivered straight to their homes.

Encouraging staying at home and also promoting your health and immune system, Chiva-Som’s latest delivery service is underpinned in the belief that a nutritious diet is the foundation of long-term health.

Chef Dan Bark (sixth left), Chef Sinchai Srivipa (fifth right) and Chiva-Som chef team in 2019

This is a unique culinary collaboration between Chiva-Som’s chef team and Michelin Star Chef Dan Bark, from Upstairs Mikkeller, Bangkok. Together, they have combined the Chiva-Som’s philosophy of nutritionally-rich wellness cuisine to support gut healing and immune system enhancement with Chef Dan’s signature cooking techniques and distinctive presentation, without compromising on delicious flavor.

The wellness cuisine menu features over 30 items that range from salads and soups to main courses, desserts, and drinks. Each item on this menu contains a number of health benefits with amazing flavor while remaining low in calories.

Items on the menu include:

Wellness Delivery by Chiva-Som drinks

·         Salad, Soup and Main Course – Natural Collagen Beef or Chicken Bone Broth, Symbiotic Yam Bean with Green Mango Salad, Massaman Osso Buco Curry, Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Oven-Baked Ratatouille with Prawn

·         Vegetarian Menu – Tofu Lasagne, Ginger Lentil Dahl and Fried Quinoa and Gaba Rice with Egg Whites

·         Desserts – Riceberry Pudding, Flourless Chocolate Parfait and Creamy Cashew Nut served with Calamarised Apple topped with Crumble

·         Healthy Shots – Immune Aid enhancing immunity and blood cleansing, Minty Green promoting digestive aid and lymphatic cleansing and Vit C Booster supporting antioxidant and the digestive system

The Wellness Delivery by Chiva-Som is currently available in the Hua Hin area, ordering from 10.00 to 18.00 each day.

To place an order or to make an enquiry, please contact the official line @chivasomdelivery or call us on 032 536 536.

AFT Features, Features Australia/NZ, Wellness

Chiva-Som launches complimentary onlline wellness services

A pioneer in transformative wellness practices, Chiva-Som in Hua Hin, Thailand, has announced the launch of Chiva-Som Online Wellness Services, to provide support and encourage individuals to maintain wellness goals during this unprecedented time. The Chiva-Som Online Wellness Services will be provided by wellness advisors, practitioners, and experts. The services include some of Chiva-Som’s most popular services including consultations, activities and physical training, all of which will be conducted one-on-one.

Chiva-Som has delivered its proven holistic wellness therapies to guests worldwide for over 25 years. In these challenging times, maintaining physical and mental wellbeing is much needed. The new tele-therapy service at Chiva-Som will connect individuals with the resort’s team to provide bespoke professional support during this time of heightened anxiety and social isolation. Participants will be able to speak directly to the experienced wellness team live from home via video communication and receive personalised feedback regarding lifestyle and nutrition.

Chiva-Som is also sharing a collection of on-demand, inspirational wellness content and hands-on tools across the resort’s digital channels to help everyone adapting to a new way of life within the limits of home. From healthy cuisine recipes and holistic wellbeing advice, to virtual exercise programmes and self-training tutorials, all curated by the resort’s world-class team of trainers and education facilitators, to keep the body and mind active and healthy whilst the resort is closed. Example features include tips on boosting the immune system and how to promote restful sleep; Pilates, yoga and meditation sessions; pranayama classes; and tutorials to teach to self-massage at home.  These are available on Chiva-Som’s blog www.chivasom.com/about-blog, Facebook chivasomresort, Instagram @chivasomresort and YouTube Chiva-Som International Health Resort channels.

“Now is a time for support, collaboration and encouragement. We are committed to our guests and community, in which we are striving to distribute our wellness resources to support people’s wellbeing without boundaries. We shall pass this together.” said Krip Rojanastien, Chairman and CEO of Chiva-Som.

The Complimentary Online Wellness Services are available daily from now to 31st May 2020. Please note that a reservation is required and should be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Individuals will receive a live health and wellness consultation, and a separate one-on-one consultation with a Naturopath, or a physiotherapy or exercise session with a practitioner. The selection of consultation, treatment and exercise session will be based on the advisor’s expert guidance.

For more information or to reserve a session, please email h-wreception@chivasom.com or visit our website www.chivasom.com/online-wellness-services or call telephone at +66 32 536 536.

Please visit Chiva-Som’s blog, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channel for daily inspiration.

AFT Features, AFTNews, Daily Digest, Fitness

TAITRA to hold TAIPEI CYCLE+ & TaiSPO+ Exhibitions in May 2020

[28 April 2020] Update: This event has been cancelled.

The TAIPEI CYCLE show and TaiSPO, hosted by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, was originally scheduled to be held from March 4th to 7th. These 2 globally significant shows together, would normally attract over 5000 booths representing industry exhibitors from around the globe. Due to the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), there have been significant developments in the number of travel and logistical restrictions; bringing into question the practicality this year’s planned dates.

The resulting restrictions have left many exhibitors unable to travel to, or ship exhibition stands and sample goods to show as travel and freight restrictions start to be put in place. This has led the organisers to make the difficult decision to re-schedule the March 2020 edition of the event.

In these uncertain times, TAITRA stands together with Taiwanese industry and government to stabilize global confidence in Taiwan as the benchmark for sourcing quality and innovation. TAITRA will continue to organise several economic and trade development activities. 

Subject to the further development of the outbreak; in 2020, upon the request of those who still need this platform to explore business opportunities, TAITRA will hold the TAIPEI CYCLE+ & TaiSPO+ exhibitions, which will be held at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2 from May 14th to 16th.

These special edition versions of these globally important shows will be held to support both the cycling and sporting goods industries. We expect to have companies with bicycles, components, electric bicycles and motor systems, fitness equipment, sportswear, smart sports, sporting services, ball sports, watersports, outdoor supplies and more.

The 3-day exhibition will also launch the first ever online exhibition concept, one-to-one procurement meetings, video conferences, and live-stream broadcasting. Services are provided to SMEs who need TAITRA’s assistance to find International customers.

TAITRA will coordinate its 63 international branch offices to invite buyers to visit Taiwan and send out a firm message to ensure confidence in the safety and quality to be expected when trading with Taiwanese companies.

For the latest details, please visit www.taipeicycle.com.tw and www.taispo.com.tw. 

AFT Features, Community, Editor's Note, Wellness

Movement Aid for seniors

I want you to move it #move8.

I was catching up with friends, and chatting about communities who would be most affected by global pandemics such as COVID-19. I decided to delve into researching about seniors and what was being done in the region and stumbled upon a truly heart warming story to share.

Senior Volunteerism by RSVP Singapore

RSVP Singapore is an organisation setup in 1998 with a vision to make every senior a volunteer! It is an Institution of Public Character and the National Centre of Excellence for Senior Volunteerism under the patronage of Mdm Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore.

If you’ve visited Singapore, you’ll notice many of its public events involve seniors and it’s a lovely and refreshing note to see people from all walks of life, contributing their time and playing a role in society. In Singapore, seniors as young as 55 years can enjoy discounts and offers from the various merchants. I found a useful link compiling savings here. There’s also reference to the Pioneer Generation, which denotes those who are aged 70 and above in 2019 who obtained Singapore citizenship on or before 31 December 1986).

On the RSVP Singapore website, seniors were invited to join and sign-up for the following:

  • Befriending
  • Episodic volunteering
  • Guiding
  • Training
  • Retire with a purpose
  • Social enterprise

RSVP has a clear mission and that is to develop senior volunteers and provide meaningful opportunities to serve the needs of the community. They do this by working with various partners to create volunteering opportunities to allow new and would-be volunteers to have a taste of volunteering. This movement, called Senior Volunteer Week (SVW), has grown from 30 activities involving over 1,000 volunteers in 2012 and stretched to a full month’s celebration from 2015 on.

What’s even more heartwarming is their Facebook page, which has about 3,300 odd followers. It shares that they now have 2,500 volunteers serving more than 200,000 beneficiaries each year including the mentally disadvantaged, at-risk children from low income families, and socially isolated seniors through its community service programmes.

A Facebook video response about mask distribution exercise by the Punggol 21 Community Club is embedded video below. For an external link, click here.

Besides community outreach, the RSVP group is also proactive in another kind of sharing, through food! You could visit their website to donate or purchase an RSVP Cookbook – a collection of culinary treasures contributed by its volunteers, many of whom are from the Pioneer Generation, with contribution from guest cooks.

The cookbook offers RSVP volunteers the opportunity to create, to write, photograph and cook the many dishes for the photo shoot. The video above shows how much fun it seemed in putting this book together.

To order, call or email. Note, book is for self-collection only.

On their website, transparency be the key, I read their 2018-2019 annual report and have reached out to RSVP Singapore via email to learn more about how other countries could learn from their experience. I’ll report more once I hear from them.

The efforts of RSVP Singapore ought be lauded as their management and volunteers have worked very hard and smart to bring so much joy to those involved. I believe this is a model that can be undertaken by many more countries so their seniors too can sign on as volunteers and play a role in society. The cook book is also a brilliant idea! Imagine if we were able to document by text, photo and video for every grandma’s recipe – what a treasure trove that would be for not just the family, their community and the nation!

As a carer of my 75-year old mother, I’ve often wondered if there was such a service available – a club where seniors could volunteer and episodic is a good word! Sometimes what’s concerning is to just volunteer once and because of medical conditions or other reasons, a senior person isn’t able to continue physically however the heart is willing. I know my mum has lots more to contribute to society, anecdotes, laughter and amazing customer service skills too! I found a senior’s day care centre, but it’s not something she’d be keen to do because I too would feel awkward being left in a place where I know no one.

A Move8 Walkathon in Kuala Lumpur

And that was one of the driving forces behind the Move8 fitness movement that Nikki and I started in 2018. Our intention was to help move as many humans as we could, once a month, with organised activities. Just this month, we’ve rolled out MOVEAID, a support platform that helps bring together certified professionals and non-certified buddies to provide virtual movement sessions (or anything that requires movement assistance from groceries to medications during COVID-19) to serve our senior citizens who have contributed so much to our lives.

Meanwhile, if you’re home and would like to help a senior in your home moving, here’s a special playlist we’ve put together just for them. Keep on moving #move8.

Move8 Seniors Playlist