999th Post: Happy SG52

I was initially planning to write this post after SG52 National Day Parade on 9th August 2017. Things didn’t go to plan with work, planning and disruptions for the month of August, I am also reaching my own personal milestone for my personal blog/website here, this is my 999th post and it has a special theme to it.

Celebrating SG52, Singapore’s 52nd birthday in 2017, I was looking back at our growth, changes and challenges as far as I can remember. In most recent years, the world is facing some huge, fast and furious disruptions and changes to how they work and live. There were times whereby the pace was so relentless that some segments of the community might not be able to catch up. Running a small photography business at the start of year 2017, coupled with my reading, observance and analysis of business, finance, economics topics, I had a big taste of the difficulties in doing a small business in a highly competitive world faced with market saturation.

There are a number of areas/topics that are affecting and impacting us, from economics, industrial, business, technology, sociology, the following topics are just close to my heart and brains.

Technology Innovation and Disruptions

As an avid consumer of technology products, a tech lover, I have seen first hand on how innovation and disruptions took place over the past ten years, been there and still inside there. These two matters are really huge, it can help us to grow or it have (if not might) replace us (partially and hopefully not totally replacing us) in what we are currently doing, in our work, in our leisure life.

Technology innovations have also make us more lazy and stupid, that is not good and it’s dangerous for us.

Complacency

This issue to me is something that strikes a deep concern and fear. Complacency affects everyone of us at least some points in our life/studies/career, a very dangerous situation to be in. Once we fall from it, we have to pick ourselves up and make a come back again.

It is a very worrying issue when we seem (or are already very) complacent from where we are right now, oblivious of the regional and world situations.

More graciousness or more selfish?

This topic was brought up recently during a kopitiam lah kopi session a.k.a coffeeshop chit chat with a very old classmate from my primary school days. I have seen more groups and societies starting and doing many initiatives for different groups/causes in the society.

At the same time, I have also observed more selfish and rude actions/behaviours in society, happening all around us.

Are we more graciousness or more selfish? Are we growing more towards on both extreme ends of this spectrum?

Situational awareness – microeconomics and macroeconomics

How are of our situational awareness in our domestic front (microeconomics) and regional/international front (macroeconomics)? Do we know the competition and challenges that we are facing domestially and internationally?

Or we having a don’t care, don’t want to know mindset?

Stagnation

Have we stagnated? Looking at the various industries, this is not going to be a clear cut answer, probably some industries have stagnated, some are doing pretty alright, which are the ones to expand and grow for the future of Singapore?

On a personal basis, have we gone on to improving ourselves in our skills and knowledge? Do we want to cross learn other subject areas to improve our overall self, not just for professional career, for your own personal self improvement and enrichment? Having a paper qualification might not account for too much after some time in the workforce.

Final thoughts and views

What I shared and written above, are just the tip of the iceberg. We are facing many many more issues in other different areas that are not brought up here in my article.

It takes two hands to clap, the entire Singapore has to stand up and be part of the change, innovation and action. There are many many many things to do and it must not be done by one side or group of people only. Only when everybody is united together can we ensure the future of Singapore. The theme for National Day Parade 2017 is One Nation Together, is perfect for the article that I have written here.

While I count my blessings and be thankful for what we have here in Singapore, I also reflect, think and plan for the future of Singapore. We need to innovate, adapt and change for the future of Singapore. By everyone of us coming together to do the above, innovate, adapt and change, in their own respective fields, expertise and interests, we can continue to grow for the future of Singapore.

Time to find opportunities/growth in an era of lesser opportunities/growth.

Happy 52nd Birthday Singapore!

Singtel to deploy Massive MIMO technology at special events

The journey to 5G by Singtel continues, it’s shaping up nicely and progressing towards reaching the 5G standards. Singtel recently announced that they would be deploying massive MIMO technology at special events in Singapore, starting with National Day Parade 2017, taking place very soon on 9th August 2017!

For those who regularly visited National Day Parades over the years, whether at the parade ground itself or in the nearby vicinity, we would encountered and experienced no mobile network coverage due to the huge number of people in the area. With the deployment of the massive MIMO technology, that would relieve the issues that mobile users faced previously. I am looking forward to Singapore reaching the 5G technology standards, it would be very helpful and useful for businesses and consumers.

Let me share with you more information on Singtel to deploy massive MIMO technology at special events from the press release information:

Singtel announced plans to deploy Massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology commercially on its LTE-Advanced mobile network, to enhance mobile data speed experience by up to 200% at special events for its customers. A precursor to 5G technology, Massive MIMO is an advanced solution used to boost network capacity in highly dense environments.

Singtel will team up with Ericsson, Huawei and ZTE to deploy Massive MIMO technology at the Marina Bay area. For a start, Singtel will roll out the network boost at the upcoming National Day celebrations, with other deployments planned for the Singapore F1 Night Race and the New Year countdown event.

Over 150,000 people are expected at the Marina Bay area to celebrate National Day. Singtel mobile customers gathered there will be able to enjoy a better data experience as they share their photos and videos of the exciting performances and fireworks on social media.

Mr Mark Chong, Group Chief Technology Officer, Singtel, said: “On the joyous occasion of our National Day celebrations, Singtel is pleased to be pairing our newly-acquired 2.5GHz spectrum with Massive MIMO technology to expand our network capacity and offer our customers an enhanced mobile experience at this and other special events. We look forward to rolling out new technologies and innovative solutions to support the anticipated growth in mobile data.”

Globally, large crowds gathered at events, such as concerts and festivals, use high volumes of data to share their experiences via real-time videos on social media. This extraordinary behaviour generates a dramatic spike in network traffic, presenting a challenge for operators to provide fast and consistent data speeds.

Singtel has identified Massive MIMO as one of the solutions to the problem. Singtel will use Massive MIMO base stations featuring a large array of 64 antennas that improve spectral efficiency and cell capacity using innovations in radio technologies. The innovative antenna system channels signals to users’ specific locations instead of broadcasting across a geographical area. This multiplies the number of data paths from the cellular base stations, thus increasing network capacity and improving user experience.

Singtel provides Singapore’s fastest nationwide mobile data speeds at 450Mbps and recently launched 800Mbps speeds in the high-traffic Orchard Road area. In addition to having the island’s widest outdoor 4G coverage as rated by IMDA1 for 10 consecutive quarters, Singtel is also ranked the fastest telco in Singapore by global metrics leader, Ookla.

For more information on Singtel’s mobile data speeds, please visit here.

* Information courtesy of Singtel Corporate Communications *

Singtel launched an integrated multimedia campaign to inspire Singaporeans

National Day 2017 is just round the corner, it’s arriving soon, 9th August 2017. The celebrations are starting to get into full swing, building up towards National Day 2017, when we celebrate Singapore’s 52nd birthday.

In conjunction with National Day celebrations, Singtel launched an integrated multimedia campaign to inspire Singaporeans to continue and keep up the Singaporean spirit, the Majulah spirit to unite and propel Singaporeans together towards being bigger and better.

What is this integrated campaign all about? Let me share the news and information:

This is going to be a month long campaign, paying tribute to Singaporeans from all walks of life, who have, in their own ways, contributed to the making of the nation. It features Singaporeans from different backgrounds coming together as one nation to seize opportunities, overcome challenges and keep on striving.

“National Day is a celebration of our progress as one people every 9 August when Singaporeans fill up with national pride and patriotism,” says Ms Lian Pek, Vice President of Group Strategic Communications and Brand. “But often times, the spirit of National Day tends to fizzle out shortly after. We hope our campaign will serve as an awareness ribbon of sorts to gently remind ourselves to keep flying the Singapore flag even after the birthday party.”

Jointly developed with BBH, the Singtel campaign will roll out 12 print ads in the run up to 9 August, featuring portraits of Singaporeans and their aspirations on banners and posters at bus stops across the island and on social media. Well-known photographer and instagrammer Chia Aik Beng was enlisted to capture a representative spectrum of society and their different hopes for the country. A customized National Day frame (https://www.facebook.com/profilepicframes) will be made available on Facebook for users to download and partake in the celebratory greetings. Singtel will also release a video, dedicated to Singaporeans’ go-getting spirit.

Powering On Sports

The second part of this month-long campaign will feature Singapore’s athletes heading to the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur from August 19 to 30 in their quest for sporting glory for the nation.

“There’s nothing like having our athletes represent Singapore at regional or international sporting meets to bring Singaporeans together,” says Ms Pek. “We see the Games as a natural extension of our National Day campaign as ultimately, it’s a very tangible reminder that we all have to raise our game to keep Singapore ahead of the pack.”

Supporting Team Singapore at the upcoming SEA Games is part of Singtel’s ongoing partnership with the Singapore National Olympic Council to develop the local sporting scene. Under this recently renewed partnership that started as far back as 2012, Singtel will help fund the training of the nation’s athletes to promote and develop sports in Singapore.

The ‘Power On’ campaign will feature six partner athletes in content that aims to promote a sporting culture and inspire Singaporeans during major athletic events. They are: Joseph Schooling (Swimming), Loh Zhi (Water Polo), Mark Leong (Water Ski), Nur Alfian (Silat), Shanti Pereira (Track and Field) and Shayna Ng (Bowling).

* Information courtesy of Singtel Corporate Communications *

I personally know Aik Beng and I am looking forward to view his wonderful and powerful photographs that he would be sharing for this integrated campaign by Singtel.

Counting down to Singapore’s 52nd birthday party celebration on 9th August 2017. Let’s also continue and keep up the Majulah spirit!

Jabra Evolve 75

Jabra, a leading developer and manufacturer of communications and sound solutions, recently launched a new Evolve wireless headset for the busy and bustling open office environments.

The Jabra Evolve 75, combines wireless capability and active noise cancellation (ANC) into a portable, compact package, the first in the Evolve line up of headsets. It has been certified by most major Unified Communications platforms, such as Skype for Business, Cisco WebEx, and Google Hangouts, the Evolve 75 is also compatible with Jabra Direct – Jabra’s comprehensive cloud-based software that lets users extensively customize their headset.

What makes the Jabra Evolve 75 unique and special, ahead of its competitors is the Open Office and Outdoor certifications from Microsoft’s Skype for Business Certification Program.

To pass the Open Office test, a microphone must not pick up chatter from adjacent users, making it usable in crowded offices like call centres, where multiple people are speaking. Meanwhile, the Outdoor test pits products against several different noise profiles, ranging from a cafeteria to the inside of a car to a railway station. A headset should be able to effectively cancel out ambient noise and maintain audio clarity in all of the above situations. The Evolve 75 is thus far the only wireless ANC headset to receive both the Open Office and Outdoor certifications.

 

To achieve this, engineers at Jabra spent over four years developing a software solution that integrates both the boom microphone and ANC microphones to create a noise-free zone around the user, with the boom microphone as the centre point. All noise picked up by the ANC microphones in a 60-centimetre radius is recognized as background noise, and will be appropriately filtered out by the Evolve 75. The software can also recognize and transmit only when the user is speaking, ensuring optimal call quality.

Key features and specifications:

  • High-definition (HD) voice for crystal clear calls and music
  • Superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and an integrated busylight to boost productivity by reducing noise and interruptions
  • Wireless range of up to 100 feet / 30 metres away from your laptop and 33 feet / 10 metres away from your smartphone
  • Flexibility to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time for calls and music – meaning for example both a computer and a smartphone
  • Integration with leading Unified Communications (UC) platforms including Skype for Business and Cisco certification
  • Up to 15 hours of battery life
  • All-day comfort leather feel ear cushions and an on-the-ear wearing style for all day comfort
  • Discreet boom-arm: Boom-arm can be clipped into the headband when not on calls
  • Listen-In: Easy to reach button on ear cup to hear announcements without removing the headset
  • Optional charging stand: Easy charging and docking comes with an optional charging stand to eliminate battery concerns

Pricing and availability:

The Jabra Evolve 75 is available at an MSRP of SGD 512.53 (incl. charging stand) and SGD 434.42 (excl. charging stand).

For more information, visit www.jabra.com/evolve75

* Information and pictures courtesy of Jabra and GLOO PR *

Journey to 5G: Singtel launched near-gigabit speeds

The journey to 5G continues, it is getting there, getting closer. I have been covering on the topic of 5G networks and I have more information to share with my readers and fellow technology enthusiasts.

Singtel is launching in phases, near-gigabit speed on its LTE-Advanced network at selected high traffic outdoor locations across the island, starting with Orchard Road (outdoor areas of Shaw Centre, ION Orchard and Tang Plaza). If you are a Singtel mobile network user, time to test the near-gigabit speed when you are at this part of Orchard Road!

As Singapore moves ahead in her journey to 5G, how we work, live and consume mobile data is going to change. It is going to be interesting to see how 5G networks is going to help us in our everyday life and work. During my course of learning, researching and writing on 5G networks, I would share more information and updates along the way, on the Journey to 5G in Singapore!

Let me share some key information and details of Singtel’s journey to 5G – Near-gigabit speed LTE-Advanced network:

At 800Mbps, it is Southeast Asia’s fastest Gigabit-class LTE mobile data peak speed, delivering up to 60% faster download speeds than prevailing LTE services (at 450Mbps).

The near-gigabit transmission speeds are achieved by scaling pre-5G technology solutions, 4×4 Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (4×4 MIMO) and 256 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), coupled with triple carrier aggregation of spectrum exclusive to Singtel.

Starting today, customers with Sony Xperia™ XZ Premium smartphones will be able to enjoy the 800Mbps peak speeds at the outdoor areas of Shaw Centre, ION Orchard and Tang Plaza on Orchard Road. Full deployment at Orchard Road, Raffles Place and Clarke Quay is slated for the end of August. More Cat 16 smartphones supporting 1Gbps speeds are scheduled to be launched later this year.

The 800Mbps service augments Singtel’s nationwide 450Mbps mobile data speeds. In addition to having Singapore’s widest outdoor 4G coverage as rated by IMDA[3] for 10 consecutive quarters, Singtel was also recently named the fastest telco in Singapore by global metrics leader, Ookla.

For more information on Singtel’s mobile data speeds, please visit here.

* Information and details courtesy of Singtel Corporate Communications *

 

Logitech M590 Multi-Device Silent Mouse

Logitech recently launched a new mouse to their line-up, the Logitech M590 Multi-Device Silent Mouse. If you are 2 x computers owner at work or at home, with both Windows and Mac platform, this Logitech M590 Multi-Device Silent Mouse would come in handy and useful for you.

With Logitech FLOW, you can navigate seamlessly on two computers concurrently, copy and paste from one to the other even if you are using a Windows PC and a Mac, with the Logitech M590 Multi-Device Silent Mouse.

Key Features
  • Logitech FLOW: Seamlessly control multiple devices at the same time and even copy-paste content and documents between those computers.*
  • Enjoy the Sound of Silence: The mouse provides an over 90 percent noise reduction in click sounds with the same click feel and a rubber wheel for quiet gliding.
  • Ultra-Precise Scrolling: A micro-precision scroll wheel packs more grooves per millimeter, making scrolling through long webpages faster and easier.
  • Two Thumb Buttons: Two customisable thumb buttons come programmed to move backwards and forwards through Web pages but can be re-programmed to do exactly what you want them to.
  • 24-Month Battery Life: This mouse just keeps going, with 24 months of power on a single AA battery.** Automatic sleep mode and an On/Off switch save power, while an indicator light eliminates surprises.

Pricing and Availability 

Price: SGD $54.00

Availability: www.logitech.com (Jul. 20, 2017) and in-stores (Aug. 11, 2017)

Available Colours: Graphite Tonal, Mid Grey Tonal & Ruby

* Information and pictures courtesy of Logitech and SPRG *

Microsoft announced new Surface Pro for Singapore

The new Surface Pro by Microsoft was unveiled in May 2017 and Microsoft recently announced that the new Surface Pro and Surface Pro Signature Type Cover are now available for pre-order in Singapore.

Starting on 20th July, they are available from the Microsoft Store, as well as authorised retailers including Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Harvey Norman, and Newstead. Pre-order for commercial customers is also available via Authorised Device Resellers including AsiaPac Distribution Pte Ltd, Insight Technology Solutions Pte Ltd, JK Technology Pte Ltd, SoftwareOne Pte Ltd and UIC Asian Computer Services Pte Ltd.

The new Surface Pro by Microsoft has been redesigned from the inside out, giving users more performance with improved battery life. The design has been streamlined and refined via softer round edges, to cameras built to fade into the bezel. A thin, light and powerful laptop, with up to 13.5 hours of battery life.

The Surface Pro is not only a powerhouse laptop, but also a mobile creative studio with a high-resolution 12.3” PixelSense™ touch display that supports the new Surface Pen,4 the fastest pen ever. Twice as accurate as the previous version. Inking in applications across Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 3654, including the new Microsoft Whiteboard app, will unlock ways for people to use digital ink to be more creative, collaborative and productive.

“With every release of the Surface Pro, we continue to push boundaries to better serve the needs of our customers who are seeking greater mobility and power in their devices in order to stay productive. The new Surface Pro delivers the versatility of a laptop and a creative studio in one thin, lightweight device,” said Veronica Chiu, Windows and Devices Group Lead, Microsoft Singapore.

Pricing and Availability

The new Surface Pro will officially launch in market on 15 August 2017. For more information, visit www.surface.com.

Product

Suggested Retail Price

(inclusive of GST)

Surface Pro Configurations

Intel® Core™ m3, 128 GB SSD, 4GB RAM, Intel® HD Graphics 615

S$1,188

Intel® Core™ i5, 128 GB SSD, 4GB RAM, Intel® HD Graphics 620

S$1,488

Intel® Core™ i5, 256 GB SSD, 8GB RAM, Intel® HD Graphics 620

S$1,788

Intel® Core™ i7, 256 GB SSD, 8GB RAM, Intel® IrisTM Plus Graphics 640

S$2,288

Intel® Core™ i7, 512 GB SSD, 16GB RAM, Intel® IrisTM Plus Graphics 640

S$3,188

Accessories

Surface Pro Type Cover

(Available in Black)

S$199

Surface Pro Signature Type Cover

(Available in Platinum, Burgundy and Cobalt Blue)

S$249

Surface Pen

(Available in Black, Platinum, Burgundy and Cobalt Blue)

S$148

Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse

(Available in Light Gray, Burgundy, Cobalt Blue. Black available as the Microsoft Arc Mouse.)

S$118

* Information and pictures courtesy of Microsoft Singapore and IN.FOM *

 

OPPO Announced Limited Edition Red R11

OPPO recently launched the R11 smartphone in Singapore, their flagship model smartphone. I was at the launch event and had a short hands on with the OPPO R11 smartphone, more information on the OPPO R11 can be found here that I shared in an earlier article.

Now, I am going to share an exciting news with fans of OPPO, especially looking to get the OPPO R11 smartphone! OPPO announced a limited edition Red OPPO R11 smartphone, it will debut on 29th July 2017 and pre-orders start on 21st July 2017!

Let me share with you some key information on the limited edition Red OPPO R11 smartphone:

The all-new Red colour variant will be launched together with French cosmetic brand MAKE UP FOR EVER, the Official Makeup Partner of the Red R11. Consumers will receive a limited edition custom engraved red lipstick by the cult beauty label with successful purchases of the Red R11 camera phone. The launch will be accompanied by a multi-platform campaign fronted by local Instagram personalities including Daryl Yow (@darylaidenyow), Cassandra Tan (@caxs) and Sophia Chong (@sophiachong). Named ‘Caught You RED Handed’, the campaign aims to excite consumers with the creative use of the OPPO Red phone in Instagram stars’ ‘red-handed’ mugshots.

In addition to Instagram celebrations, OPPO will transform part of the OPPO Suntec City concept store into a picture-worthy experience zone, where consumers will be able to try out first-hand the Red R11’s camera capabilities against stunning backdrops – guaranteed to attract more Instagram likes. Consumers will also have the exclusive opportunity to experience beauty products by MAKE UP FOREVER in their Red R11 photoshoots.

The perfect accessory for fashion enthusiasts, the R11 features a sleek and streamlined appearance and boasts the world’s first 20MP front camera and 20MP+16MP rear dual camera, allowing fashionistas to capture their #OOTD’s and everyday moments in greater clarity. Makeup aficionados can also master the art of clear and beautiful portraits with the R11, thanks to the foreground bokeh effect, the automatic HDR function, and intelligent skin tone beautification technology that ensure every shot is captured to perfection.

The limited edition Red R11 retails at S$699 and is available for preorder from 21 to 28 July at all OPPO concept stores and online at the official OPPO Singapore website at https://www.oppostore.com.sg/.

For more information about the R11, visit http://www.oppo.com/sg/.

* Information and pictures courtesy of OPPO Singapore and MSLGROUP *

Paradigm Persona Series

For those music lovers, I would like to share with you a series of elegant, beautiful and powerful speakers suitable for your own home entertainment system. This post is a bit late since I attended the event during last week of April, to view and listen to this amazing series of music speakers, the Persona series by Paradigm Electronics. Having a Persona series setup can transform your home into a mini theatre, without having to visit the cinema to catch your movies.

The Persona series is the flagship lineup of Paradigm Electronics, entirely developed, designed, engineered and crafted in Canada, over a period of five years. At the Paradigm Persona series event organised by Hwee Seng Electronics, there were demonstrations and testing of the Persona series, it’s simply amazing, the excellent and sharp sound quality, the feel of the solid bass from the Persona series speakers.

The Persona series are currently priced out of my reach and I don’t have my own home at this time too. I do not mind going for their Paradigm Wireless Series with DTS Play-Fi, a lot more affordable for me! However, if you have the capital, home space and you are an avid music/movies lover, do check out the Paradigm Persona series!

Let me share some key information and details on the Paradigm Persona series from the press release information:

“We were able to transform what began as a bold concept speaker into a renaissance for the brand,” said Paul Grove, SVP Global Sales and Marketing for Paradigm. “After receiving rave reviews about our Concept 4F, which debuted at Munich High End 2015, we knew we had something special, and the foundation to create the best sounding speakers we’ve ever produced.”

  • The World’s 1st speakers to use 99% pure Beryllium for its tweeters and midrange drivers
  • Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA ) Driver Lenses ­ A patent pending technology for Beryllium tweeter and mid-range drivers, this exclusive design actively blocks out-of-phase frequencies to smooth output without coloring the sound.
  • Ultra-High-Excursion X-PAL Woofer Drivers ­ Mounted in a dual-directional array within isolated chambers, efficiently damped to eliminate internal standing waves.
  • Paradigm’s patented  Active Ridge Technology (ART ) Surrounds ­With ART Surrounds, Persona drivers generate a 3dB gain in distortion-free output (50 per cent greater output).
  • Elegantly Curved Waveguide Cabinet ­ Designed, engineered and Crafted in Canada, this heavy duty, non-resonant cabinet is an intricate system of rigid enclosures, braced and damped to defeat vibrations and internal standing waves.

Persona is comprised of 7 models:

Persona 9H Flagship – S$25,000/each

Hybrid Floorstanding Loudspeaker, with Four 8.5” Active Bass Drivers & Anthem Room Correction (ARC™).

Persona 7F – S$18,000/each

Passive Floorstanding Loudspeaker, with Two 8.5” Bass Drivers.

Persona 5F – S$12,500/each

Passive Floorstanding Loudspeaker, with Three 7” Bass Drivers.

Persona 3F – S$7,250/each

Passive Floorstanding Loudspeaker, with Two 7” Bass Drivers.

Persona B – S$5,100/each

Passive Bookshelf / Stand-Mount Loudspeaker.

Persona C – S$10,800/each

Passive Center Channel Loudspeaker.

Persona SUB – S$10,000/each

Six 8” Driver Subwoofer with 1700W Continuous / 3400W Peak Power.

Personal Thoughts and Views

Such elegance, beauty and excellent music and sound quality produced by the Persona series, if you have the capital (due to its expensive pricing) and your home space allows, you can consider the Persona series by Paradigm Electronics and transform your home into a mini theatre.

* I would like to thank Hwee Seng (Electronics) Pte Ltd and Brand Cellar for the invitation to the Paradigm Persona series launch *