by Ferry Bayu | Apr 9, 2024 | Business
In an initiative to spur the employment of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Singapore, SPD has launched a compelling video campaign.
Singapore, 09 April 2024 – In an initiative to spur the employment of persons with disabilities (PwDs)
in Singapore, SPD has launched a compelling video campaign.
Employment is not only a means to financial independence for PwDs, but it also empowers them with
the dignity they derive from their economic contributions. With fast changing business environments,
there is a risk that PwDs may be left behind. Hence, the need to address misconceptions and create
meaningful employment opportunities for PwDs has never been more pressing.
About SPD Contact Centre
Set up in 2022, the SPD Contact Centre provides training and employment opportunities for PwDs in
the contact centre industry. Clients can outsource administrative work, including call management,
e-mail management, live chat support, telesurvey and telemarketing, data entry, and more. Over 800
such inquiries are tended to annually.
The centre is managed by industry veterans who are passionate about imparting knowledge and
mentoring PwDs under their charge. Each staff with disabilities receives up to 60 hours of training
before taking on the job, with ongoing refresher courses to continuously enhance and update
their skills.
By extending opportunities to this untapped reservoir of talent, SPD Contact Centre strives to dispel
preconceived notions surrounding employees with physical or cognitive limitations.
Breaking Away from the Norm
In a twist on the status quo, the campaign video turned the usual societal dynamic on its head by
conferring authority to the employee. “So do you ever regret hiring me?” Athirah, an employee at the
SPD Contact Centre, playfully asks.

The light-hearted conversation surrounding a controversial topic displayed the customer service
associate’s skilled eloquence, while VITAL (Ministry of Finance) Chief Executive Dennis Lui, offered
truthful insights from the perspective of an employer.
“I think many employers focus on what the PwDs cannot do, rather than what they can do. But in
reality, all of us are unique individuals with great talents and we can bring a lot to the table,”
Mr Lui explained.
Excellence Personified
Athirah is an example of one such talent discovered at SPD Contact Centre. Born with low vision due
to Retinitis Pigmentosa, she plays a pivotal role in supporting e-mail queries from stakeholders across
over 100 ministries, as part of the VITAL pilot project.
To complete daily to-do lists, Athirah leverages alternative methods and assistive technology to
perform tasks with precision and efficiency.
“I feel happy because this [campaign video] gives the opportunity to educate people, to show that
persons with disabilities can also work in the customer service industry, and at the same time shows
how we can overcome our challenges when we are doing our day-to-day jobs,” Athirah expressed.
“This year we were awarded the Enabling Mark platinum label, which is a really, really important
recognition for VITAL. And that is something we want to continue into the new year and continue to
amplify this message of inclusive hiring and hopefully encourage other organisations as well,” added
Ms Jacyn Kang, Senior Manager, Corporate Planning (Corporate Communications) at VITAL.
For more information about the campaign, members of the public can visit the website:
https://www.spd.org.sg/spd-contact-centre/.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6te-XriYLw.
###
SPD Contact Centre is located at Enabling Village, 20 Lengkok Bahru, Singapore 159053.
For more information, please visit:
Instagram: @spdsingapore
Facebook: @SPDSingapore
Website: https://www.spd.org.sg/.
by Ferry Bayu | Apr 9, 2024 | Business
JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 9, 2024 – Indonesia has marked significant strides in adopting crypto assets and blockchain technology in the ever-evolving digital era. The country has showcased remarkable growth in the crypto asset industry.
According to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Bappebti), in February 2024, there were 19.18 million crypto asset investors in Indonesia, with an average increase in registered customers of 427.2 thousand customers per month since this data was reported in February 2021. The value of crypto trading transactions in February 2024 amounted to more than US$2,1 billion (up 56.22% from the previous month). The total transaction value for January-February 2024 was more than US$3,4 billion, or an increase of 113.05% compared to the same period in 2023, amounting to US$1,8 billion (yoy), indicating the strong economic potential of the industry.
Asian countries fiercely compete to become hubs for crypto technology development, with Indonesia not lagging in this race. The Indonesian government has proactively created policies supporting the growth of the crypto ecosystem, including regulations facilitating innovation and increasing public awareness of the investment potential in crypto assets.
As a leading #ExchangeIndonesia, Tokocrypto is fully committed to shaping the future of the country’s blockchain and digital asset industry. This statement reinforces Tokocrypto’s role as a key player in Indonesia’s crypto-asset sector, demonstrating its commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable digital economic growth.
“We at Tokocrypto are proud to be part of this digital transformation and to lead in its initiation. The steps taken by Bappebti, along with full support from the government, provide a solid foundation for the growth of the crypto industry in Indonesia,” said the CEO of Tokocrypto, Yudhono Rawis.
Yudho added that the regulation and supervision of crypto assets, previously under Bappebti, will officially transfer to the Financial Services Authority (OJK) in January 2025, building stronger regulations to maintain market integrity and protect consumers. The transition of crypto asset supervision to OJK marks a new chapter in digital financial regulation in Indonesia. With collaboration between regulators and industry players, Indonesia is on the right path to harness the full potential of digital financial assets, including crypto assets, to support national economic growth.
Sustaining Growth
In early 2024, Tokocrypto recorded significant achievements, dominating about 43% of the market based on CoinMarketCap data, with over 4 million users and an average daily transaction exceeding US$30 million. This comprises more than 400 types of tokens and coins traded on the platform, positioning Tokocrypto as a critical indicator in Indonesia’s progression within the crypto industry.
The outstanding performance in early 2024 was supported by various positive developments in the crypto world, including optimism towards Bitcoin spot ETFs and anticipation of the Bitcoin halving. Yudhono shared exciting plans for 2024, such as increasing the trading transaction volume to reach US$12 billion (approximately IDR 189 trillion) and doubling its users to 6 million people in 2024.
“The user growth at Tokocrypto reflects a global trend showing increasing interest in crypto investments. Additionally, the increasing adaptation of Indonesian investors indicates that the crypto market continues to grow and become more inclusive for various segments of society,” explained Yudho.
Tokocrypto has also significantly contributed to tax revenue from crypto asset transactions in Indonesia during 2024. According to the Directorate General of Taxes of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, as of February 2024, tax revenue from crypto transactions has reached US$4.5 million. Tokocrypto has contributed approximately US$18 million, equivalent to about 40%.
Toko Token (TKO)
To support innovation, Tokocrypto has made significant changes to Toko Token (TKO), Tokocrypto’s original utility crypto token, aimed at advancing blockchain technology adoption in Indonesia. The TKO Foundation, a separate independent entity from Tokocrypto, will manage TKO.
“This will ensure the sustainability of TKO and provide new utilities that would not be possible if TKO were just a simple exchange token,” explained Yudho.
The main focus of the TKO Foundation is to develop the TKO token. The TKO Foundation has released a whitepaper introducing a roadmap and a new management team determined to advance this local crypto asset project further. The market capitalisation of TKO tokens has reached US$52 million, making it the most prominent local token.
Since the release of White Paper V4.0 on January 31, 2024, TKO has achieved remarkable success in February 2024, entering the Top Gainers list, according to CryptoRank. TKO’s performance has significantly improved, marking a historic milestone and boosting investor confidence.
According to TKO’s Monthly Return (USD) data, TKO’s performance experienced a significant increase of 68.8% during February 2024. This marks an important milestone in TKO’s history, demonstrating the potential of this crypto asset project and its considerable development.
For more details about the V4.0 TKO whitepaper, please refer to the official Tkotoken website. Additionally, you can track TKO’s price performance on platforms like CoinMarketCap and CryptoRank.
by Ferry Bayu | Apr 9, 2024 | Business
JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 9, 2024 – Indonesia has marked significant strides in adopting crypto assets and blockchain technology in the ever-evolving digital era. The country has showcased remarkable growth in the crypto asset industry.
According to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Bappebti), in February 2024, there were 19.18 million crypto asset investors in Indonesia, with an average increase in registered customers of 427.2 thousand customers per month since this data was reported in February 2021. The value of crypto trading transactions in February 2024 amounted to more than US$2,1 billion (up 56.22% from the previous month). The total transaction value for January-February 2024 was more than US$3,4 billion, or an increase of 113.05% compared to the same period in 2023, amounting to US$1,8 billion (yoy), indicating the strong economic potential of the industry.
Asian countries fiercely compete to become hubs for crypto technology development, with Indonesia not lagging in this race. The Indonesian government has proactively created policies supporting the growth of the crypto ecosystem, including regulations facilitating innovation and increasing public awareness of the investment potential in crypto assets.
As a leading #ExchangeIndonesia, Tokocrypto is fully committed to shaping the future of the country’s blockchain and digital asset industry. This statement reinforces Tokocrypto’s role as a key player in Indonesia’s crypto-asset sector, demonstrating its commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable digital economic growth.
“We at Tokocrypto are proud to be part of this digital transformation and to lead in its initiation. The steps taken by Bappebti, along with full support from the government, provide a solid foundation for the growth of the crypto industry in Indonesia,” said the CEO of Tokocrypto, Yudhono Rawis.
Yudho added that the regulation and supervision of crypto assets, previously under Bappebti, will officially transfer to the Financial Services Authority (OJK) in January 2025, building stronger regulations to maintain market integrity and protect consumers. The transition of crypto asset supervision to OJK marks a new chapter in digital financial regulation in Indonesia. With collaboration between regulators and industry players, Indonesia is on the right path to harness the full potential of digital financial assets, including crypto assets, to support national economic growth.
Sustaining Growth
In early 2024, Tokocrypto recorded significant achievements, dominating about 43% of the market based on CoinMarketCap data, with over 4 million users and an average daily transaction exceeding US$30 million. This comprises more than 400 types of tokens and coins traded on the platform, positioning Tokocrypto as a critical indicator in Indonesia’s progression within the crypto industry.
The outstanding performance in early 2024 was supported by various positive developments in the crypto world, including optimism towards Bitcoin spot ETFs and anticipation of the Bitcoin halving. Yudhono shared exciting plans for 2024, such as increasing the trading transaction volume to reach US$12 billion (approximately Rp 189 trillion) and doubling its users to 6 million people in 2024.
“The user growth at Tokocrypto reflects a global trend showing increasing interest in crypto investments. Additionally, the increasing adaptation of Indonesian investors indicates that the crypto market continues to grow and become more inclusive for various segments of society,” explained Yudho.
Tokocrypto has also significantly contributed to tax revenue from crypto asset transactions in Indonesia during 2024. According to the Directorate General of Taxes of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, as of February 2024, tax revenue from crypto transactions has reached US$4.5 million. Tokocrypto has contributed approximately US$1.8 million, equivalent to about 40%.
Toko Token (TKO)
To support innovation, Tokocrypto has made significant changes to Toko Token (TKO), Tokocrypto’s original utility crypto token, aimed at advancing blockchain technology adoption in Indonesia. The TKO Foundation, a separate independent entity from Tokocrypto, will manage TKO.
“This will ensure the sustainability of TKO and provide new utilities that would not be possible if TKO were just a simple exchange token,” explained Yudho.
The main focus of the TKO Foundation is to develop the TKO token. The TKO Foundation has released a whitepaper introducing a roadmap and a new management team determined to advance this local crypto asset project further. The market capitalisation of TKO tokens has reached US$52 million, making it the most prominent local token.
Since the release of White Paper V4.0 on January 31, 2024, TKO has achieved remarkable success in February 2024, entering the Top Gainers list, according to CryptoRank. TKO’s performance has significantly improved, marking a historic milestone and boosting investor confidence.
According to TKO’s Monthly Return (USD) data, TKO’s performance experienced a significant increase of 68.8% during February 2024. This marks an important milestone in TKO’s history, demonstrating the potential of this crypto asset project and its considerable development.
For more details about the V4.0 TKO whitepaper, please refer to the official Tkotoken website. Additionally, you can track TKO’s price performance on platforms like CoinMarketCap and CryptoRank.
by Ferry Bayu | Apr 8, 2024 | Business
Manila, April 8, 2024 – VRITIMES, a leading media company known for its innovative press release distribution services, announced a strategic partnership with Technophile, a rising Philippine tech blog and reviews website. This collaboration aims to widen the dissemination of press releases across various industries, utilizing Technophile’s powerful platform and VRITIMES’s distribution expertise.
Technophile is a trusted source for Filipinos seeking unfiltered reviews of tech gadgets and insightful information about the latest technological advancements. Through its engaging content and growing readership, Technophile has established itself as a prominent voice within the Philippine tech landscape.
VRITIMES, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive solution for press release creation and distribution. Their user-friendly platform allows companies to craft impactful press releases, distribute them to relevant media outlets like Technophile, and analyze the performance of their campaigns – all in one place.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with Technophile,” said Ferry Bayu, Co-Founder and CEO of VRITIMES. “Their commitment to delivering accurate, real-world facts aligns perfectly with VRITIMES’ mission to facilitate a more efficient flow of information. This partnership will provide brands with unparalleled access to a highly engaged audience, allowing them to share their stories and innovations effectively.”
by Ferry Bayu | Apr 4, 2024 | Business
Join us to explore Singapore’s innovative strategies, private sector contributions, and ERIA’s role in combating plastic waste. Don’t miss out on “Toward Plastic Circularity: Good Practices from Singapore”.
The Regional Knowledge Centre for
Marine Plastic Debris will unpack the Singapore’s strategy to promote resource
circularity, with a focus on plastics. Especially in the context of new laws
and regulations aiming to improve plastic circularity in Singapore, highlighted
in the application of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes for plastics,
the webinar will be an occasion to discuss the many ways private companies are
contributing to combatting plastic waste and marine plastic debris.
Save the date!
Webinar: “Toward Plastic
Circularity: Good Practices from Singapore.”
Date and Time: April 18, 2024,
10:00 AM to 12:15 PM (GMT+8)
Platform: Zoom
Registration: bit.ly/8thPSP
What You Can Learn:
-
Singapore’s strategy and
progress on marine plastic waste management.
-
The role of private companies
in combating plastic waste and marine pollution.
-
ERIA’s role in promoting
innovative approaches undertaken by the private sector in the ASEAN+3 region.
by Ferry Bayu | Apr 2, 2024 | Business
The RevComm Research and Development Team was selected to present its research “Large Language Model-Based Emotional Speech Annotation Using Context and Acoustic Feature for Speech Emotion Recognition” at the IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing, ICASSP 2024 in Seoul, South Korea.
Jakarta, April 1, 2024 – RevComm is pleased to announce that RevComm’s Research and Development team, RevComm Research, has been selected to present its research at the International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing, ICASSP 2024.
The conference is organized by the IEEE Signal Processing Society, the longest serving society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This year will be the 49th ICASSP conference and will be held on April 14-19, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea.
RevComm Research: Identifying Emotions through Voice Transcription with a Large Language Model

The research findings related to Speech Emotion Recognition by RevComm Research are motivated by the high cost involved in adding emotional information to a voice. Conventionally, this has to be done manually by listening to the voice, identifying the emotion, and adding it. This makes it very difficult to create large-scale voice data with emotional information.
Recognizing this challenge, RevComm Senior Research Engineers Jennifer Santoso and Kenkichi Ishizuka, as well as Research Director Taiichi Hashimoto, published their research “Large Language Model-Based Emotional Speech Annotation Using Context and Acoustic Feature for Speech Emotion Recognition” to ICASSP 2024 and was selected to present their research at the conference.
RevComm Research made an innovative breakthrough by proposing the automatic annotation of emotions using a Large Language Model (LLM) based on voice transcription and acoustic features. The results of this research experiment demonstrate that the Large Language Model can estimate emotions with nearly the same accuracy as humans. Therefore, with the outcomes of this research, it is anticipated that generating voice data with rich emotional information will become more accessible, facilitating the development of more accurate voice emotion recognition systems.
RevComm Research aims to drive innovation in the field of AI technology and enhance communication. To accomplish this objective, RevComm will continue to advance research and development in speech, language, and image processing. Furthermore, RevComm will actively contribute to academic endeavors on both national and global scales by harnessing AI technology for product and service development.
RevComm continues to provide leading-edge communication solutions through its product, MiiTel. MiiTel as an AI-based technology is able to analyze your telephone conversations and meetings automatically. Claim MiiTel Free Demo now at miitel.id. Limited slots are available!

by Ferry Bayu | Mar 29, 2024 | Business
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 March – Throughout the month of Ramadan, UEM Edgenta Berhad (UEM Edgenta), a leading provider of integrated asset management and infrastructure services, embarked on a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in sealing the Company’s commitment to the community through 2024’s edition of its “Jalinan Kasih Edgenta” series. Reflecting the true spirit of the holy month, the initiatives included distribution of bubur lambuk, food baskets and iftar with selected orphanages.
The month-long CSR programme which touched close to 3,800 beneficiaries nationwide recently culminated with a twinned activity involving mosques in Pantai Dalam; namely Masjid Al-Ikhlasiah and Masjid Ar-Rahah. The programme kicked off with an iftar (breaking of the fast) session with orphans from selected orphanages in Kuala Lumpur together with the congegration of Masjid Al-Ikhlasiah, followed by the distribution of food baskets consisting of grocery items to 300 asnaf beneficiaries which included the congegration of Masjid Ar-Rahah. Both mosques are located within the same locale of UEM Edgenta’s head office, situated in the Pantai Dalam area.
“The spirit of Ramadan is one of generosity, compassion, and shared experiences. Through our signature CSR series aptly called “Jalinan Kasih Edgenta,” we aim to embody these values and create positive experiences for the wider community. We are proud to play a role in strengthening the bonds of togetherness during this holy month,” said Syahrunizam Samsudin, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of UEM Edgenta.
“It is hoped that the distribution of the essential food supplies will also help alleviate the needs of the beneficiaries in the Pantai Dalam and Kerinchi areas while ensuring they have the necessary provisions in preparing meals during the holy month. We believe that UEM Edgenta and the community wherever it operates in have a special bond and we intend to strengthen that silaturahim,” added Syahrunizam.
Also present was Razman Ismail, Chief People Officer of UEM Edgenta, who complemented the food distribution with a donation to Masjid Al-Ikhlasiah, reflecting the company’s commitment to ensure the pillar of the local community is well taken care of. The spirit of giving was extended further with the distribution of duit raya to the asnaf children and Tahfiz students in attendance, bringing smiles to their faces.
Echoing previous editions, “Jalinan Kasih Edgenta” this Ramadan extends beyond the Pantai Dalam community where the initiatives are held with the objective of making a larger impact in the community UEM Edgenta has presence in.
Prior and upcoming initiatives include a range of activities:
Distribution of Food Baskets
i. Surau Ashabul Kahfi, Dungun, Terengganu
ii. Masjid Abdullah Fahim, Kepala Batas, Penang
Distribution of Bubur Lambuk
2 April 2024
i. Sg. Buloh Overhead Bridge Restaurant & Rest Stop Area
ii. Menara UEM, Kuala Lumpur
UEM Edgenta’s “Jalinan Kasih Edgenta” series sees the Company working side by side with various partners. In addition to its longstanding partner, the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur); 2024’s edition will also witness the Company collaborating with PLUS in its “Infaq Musafir Ramadan” programme, to distribute food and drinks to highway users during peak travel periods scheduled for 2 April 2024. Also locking arms with UEM Edgenta this year are the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Zayan FM from Astro Audio’s stable of radio stations, who will be jointly organising another iftar session with orphans on 3 April 2024 held at Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA).
While giving back to the communities it operates in, UEM Edgenta aims to cultivate mutual understanding and establish long-lasting partnerships with participating organizations. Through collaborative efforts, we aspire to create a sustainable and impactful legacy of compassion and support. Additionally, UEM Edgenta recently sponsored an Iftar at Masjid Saidina Umar Al-Khattab, Bukit Damansara, further demonstrating its commitment to community engagement.
For further information on UEM Edgenta and its CSR other initiatives, logon to https://www.uemedgenta.com.
Razman Ismail,
Chief People Officer, UEM Edgenta (left), handing over a ‘food basket’
consisting of grocery items to a beneficiary during the Company’s “Jalinan
Kasih Edgenta” CSR programme in conjunction with the month of Ramadan.

One of the many
beneficiaries receiving a ‘food basket’ consisting of grocery items from a UEM
Edgenta representative during the Company’s recent “Jalinan Kasih
Edgenta” CSR programme, held in conjunction with Ramadan.
by Ferry Bayu | Mar 28, 2024 | Business
Discover the simply elegant facilities and services offered by Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta, the city’s finest 5-star luxury hotel. From the precious history of the building to the fancy yet tantalizing delights.
Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta has a long early life story from the establishment of “Jenu” which was a royal garden in the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono II on 1792 until 1812. It was still used as a royal garden until the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono V. In his era, “Jenu” was changed to “Pesanggrahan Harja Purna” which was once used as a place to welcome special guests outside the palace. In 1898, the era of Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII, “Pesanggrahan Harja Purna” was transformed into “Kedhaton Ambarrukmo.” His Majesty furnished the place with additional buildings similar to Kraton Yogyakarta. It was used as His Majesty’s home after he abdicated the throne. Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII spend most of his time here until his death.
During the reign of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX, “Kedhaton Ambarrukmo” was often used for public interest. For instance, in 1947 this beautiful place was used as the administration office of the Sleman government. Long journey short, in around 1960, by the suggestion of Ir. Soekarno who was the first president of the Republic of Indonesia, both Ir. Soekarno and Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX decided to build a five-star hotel with a signature touch of architecture from Ir. Soekarno. They used the pampasan fund from the Japanese to build one of the first five-star hotels in Indonesia. The hotel was named Ambarrukmo Palace Hotel. Onwards, in 2011, this magnificent hotel got a big renovation and transformed into Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta, a five-star hotel that is famous for its Javanese culture and tradition.
“Kedhaton Ambarrukmo” heritage complex are consist of Pendopo Agung Kedhaton Ambarrukmo, Ndalem Ageng and Bale Kambang. The Pendopo are usually used for traditional Javanese activities such as Javanese dance activities, Javanese creation dances, Siteran, Suling Bambu, as well as Jemparingan or traditional archery combining with Royal High Tea Patehan.
Ndalem Ageng nowadays is used as a private museum, which before was used as the place of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII and his family rooms. Today, it has a wondrous Gamelan named Kiai Yasa Arum and a set of wayang kulit. The museum also has many batik clothing, various kinds of Batik, and also pictures and paintings of the Kasultanan family. Meanwhile, Bale Kambang is a stunning water castle located behind Ndalem Ageng, which used to be a place for Sultan to pray. Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta is famous for its signature Royal Moments, Patehan and Ladosan Dhahar. Patehan is originally a traditional tea ceremony at the Sultan Palace, served with a special procession of Abdi Dalem dressed in traditional Javanese clothes. The dish will be carried in a parade of Abdi Dalem and the tea will be poured with appreciation towards participants and a prayer for the earth’s harmony.
Meanwhile, Ladosan Dhahar is a luncheon or dinner ceremony which begins with Jodhang (wooden box to carry the meals & offerings) ceremony, the Jodhang will be carried by Abdi Dalem. The dish for Ladosan Dhahar are Sultan’s favorite dish, known for its delicacy and rich flavor.
The upcoming Royal Moment that will be launch is Pradangga. A luncheon or dinner offering a traditional lavish Javanese cuisine accompanied with wayang kulit performance and melodious sound of Kiai Yasa Arum Gamelan.

Discover the allure of Royal Ambarrukmo, an integral part of the esteemed Ambarrukmo Group, where timeless Javanese hospitality merges seamlessly with contemporary luxury, inviting travelers to indulge in an extraordinary journey through the heart of Java.
For information and reservation just visit www.royalambarrukmo.com or check out the Instagram account @royalambarrukmo and Facebook Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta for promo and events.
by Ferry Bayu | Mar 28, 2024 | Business
To address the issue of talent shortage in Singapore’s F&B industry, JUMBO Group of Restaurants launches JUMBO Academy graced by the Guest of Honour, Ms. Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). JUMBO Academy is a homegrown training institute dedicated to cultivating a skilled F&B workforce.
Singapore, 28 March 2024 – To address the issue of talent shortage in Singapore’s F&B industry, JUMBO Group of Restaurants launches JUMBO Academy graced by the Guest of Honour, Ms. Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). JUMBO Academy is a homegrown training institute dedicated to cultivating a skilled F&B workforce.
Through the JUMBO Academy, JUMBO Group reinforces its commitment to be an incubator of talents in Singapore’s F&B industry by deepening its advocacy for and promotion of Asian culinary and hospitality training. JUMBO aims to attract and support more talents looking for F&B careers by offering upskilling, reskilling, internship, and scholarship opportunities open to students and aspiring mid-career professionals alike.
Upskilling and Reskilling: Developing a Resilient F&B Workforce
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s 2022 National Day message emphasised the importance of upskilling and reskilling to sustain Singapore’s economic progress. In the Budget 2024 speech, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Lawrence Wong highlighted SkillsFuture as one of the initiatives to provide upskilling support for employers and individuals, showing the government’s continued efforts to boost workforce resilience and development.
Mr Ang Kiam Meng, Group Chief Executive Officer of JUMBO Group of Restaurants, expresses the Group’s efforts in support of the lifelong learning vision: “Building on our 30-year tradition of ‘Bonding people through food’, JUMBO is dedicated to nurturing talent in culinary and hospitality excellence through our industry expertise.”

“We believe food connects people and we are committed to shaping the future of this experience. Through JUMBO Academy, The Heart of Asian Hospitality, we will honour tradition while driving innovation to elevate Singapore’s status as a food paradise.”
Accessible and Applicable: Providing fundings, sponsorships, and hands-on experience
JUMBO Group believes that quality education should be accessible to everyone. As a Registered Training Provider, the Group works closely with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to provide course fee funding and grants to individuals and employers. JUMBO Group also works with Workforce Singapore (WSG) to leverage the Career Conversion Programme (CCP) to reskill mid-career workers. With the new JUMBO Academy, existing workers can be trained to take on higher-value jobs that provide good career prospects.
For those keen on exploring the world of F&B management, JUMBO Academy offers scholarship under its Management Associates Programme, which supports trainees through a fully-sponsored education (diploma or degree) in a relevant field of study. Aspiring individuals within JUMBO Group will also be offered a chance to join the Fast Track Programme that provides accelerated pathways for career advancement within JUMBO Group.

JUMBO also focuses on practical applicability across its programmes by adopting an innovative training approach that combines classroom teaching and hands-on practice. Such immersive experiences empower trainees with industry-standard skills and the confidence to step into their F&B career roles with readily useable skills.
In 2023, JUMBO was awarded the “Certified On-the-Job Training Centre” status by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). This status affirms the JUMBO’s role as an industry leader in providing holistic workplace learning to support its trainees’ professional growth and personal development.
JUMBO x ITE partnership: Some 1,000 students to benefit over three years
Through a longstanding partnership, JUMBO has empowered ITE students in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Operations by providing practical learning experiences that extend beyond textbooks, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue their aspirations and thrive within the F&B industry.

During the JUMBO Academy launch ceremony on 27 March 2024, the two organisations also announced their continued collaboration by signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Under the MOU, both parties will commit to innovative initiatives such as the new JUMBO internship awards, internship opportunities, workshops, and learning journeys for some 1,000 ITE students.
“We are pleased to ink our partnership with JUMBO as part of our commitment to nurturing culinary talents. The internship opportunities, internship awards, learning journeys, and chef demo workshops offered by JUMBO, together with joint efforts such as food hackathons, will enrich our students’ learning experiences and enhance their motivation and passion as they embark on their culinary careers,” says Ms Low Khah Gek, Chief Executive Officer of ITE.

JUMBO and ITE will also continue its “JUMBO x ITE Culinary Hackathon”, a sustainability-themed challenge for ITE students that was first held in 2023. Through such out-of-classroom activities, the partners hope to inspire participants to become creative problem solvers in the face of challenges common in the dynamic F&B industry.
Welcoming Lifelong Learners: JUMBO Academy courses now open for registration
Individuals, mid-career switchers, current F&B workers and media representatives are invited to explore the opportunities provided by JUMBO Academy and actively participate in shaping the future of F&B in Singapore. Course registration is now open at jumboacademy.com.sg.
Note to Editors: High-resolutions images are available for download from this link.
About JUMBO Group Limited
JUMBO Group Limited (“JUMBO Group”) is one of Singapore’s leading multi-dining concept F&B establishments. Fulfilling its philosophy of “Bonding People Through Food”, JUMBO Group has grown to over 20 restaurants in Singapore and other Asia countries with 4 restaurant brands – JUMBO Seafood, NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh, Singapore Seafood Republic, and Xinyao Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Besides renowned local brands such as Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine, Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine, Chao Ting, Kok Kee Wonton Noodle, and Lau Lim Mee Pok, JUMBO Group has expanded its local presence by operating Hong Kong’s famous “Cha Chaan Teng” restaurant –Tsui Wah in Singapore and establishing the first Halal-certified restaurant – MUTIARA Seafood, and JUMBO Group’s premium dining concept – JUMBO Signatures, adding up to more than 25 restaurants.
For more information, please visit https://www.jumbogroup.sg
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 27, 2024 | Food & Beverage
Creating a wholesome meal plan could be a struggle for both experienced and new cooks — especially a healthy one! Scrolling through social media for a recipe worth trying could be mind-numbing. Search results for a “healthy meal” would most likely lead to multiple choices of greens, and a drastic change in diet like this could be intimidating for most. Adapting to a flexitarian diet can be an easier approach.
This semi-vegetarian diet increases the consumption of plant or plant-based foods and beverages, along with smaller meat portions. Veega provides delicious and protein-rich options such as Veega Meat-Free Nuggets and Veega Meat-Free Burger Patty — dishes that even kids will enjoy. This is also perfect for the Lenten season.
Elevate your meals with Veega — mmmeaty without the meat! Check out a variety of recipes in Home Foodie and get to shop conveniently from San Miguel Mart.
Veega Meat Free products are good to cook as is, but if you want to find other ways to cook them, here are some samples.
Veega Burger Pizza

Veega Nuggets with Cheesy Sriracha Dip and Garlic Mayo Dip

Looking for more #madalicious recipes? Scan QR code on the recipes above.
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