Tips For Planning A Luxury Vacation
 
Jul 21, 2019
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A holiday, like one to the resorts near Boise, should always be an experience that allows you to spoil yourself and have a great time. This is important because it can give you something to look forward to, allow you to make new memories and have something always to look back on. Getaways are essential for looking after your mental health, yet many people do not know how to make the most out of their holidays. Indulging in luxury is the best way to make your vacation extra special, and there are many different ways that you can do this. Here are a few tips for planning a luxury holiday.

Destination

Of course, the first thing to decide is where to go. This will depend on a few factors, but there are many glamorous cities and destinations all over the world to consider. Places like New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris and Tokyo are all exciting cities, or you could opt for a getaway on a private island.

Charter A Private Jet

A luxury holiday should start even before you arrive at your destination and chartering a private jet is a brilliant way to do this. How much does a jet cost? Money can be an issue, but a private jet charter is much more affordable nowadays, and the cost will depend on a few factors. This is an amazing experience though which will allow you to travel like the rich and famous and arrive at your destination feeling pampered and ready to enjoy your luxury holiday.

5-Star Hotel

The accommodation is one of the biggest decisions that you will make when planning a holiday as this will be your base and home away from home. There is nothing quite like staying in a 5-star hotel as this allows you to relax and indulge yourself throughout your stay. In addition to the fantastic bedrooms, you are likely to benefit from superb facilities such as a spa, gym, bar, restaurants, and much more.

Luxury Car Rental

It is usually a good idea to hire a vehicle while on vacation as this puts you control of your own transportation, which can make it easier to plan activities and days out. If you want to enjoy the finer things in life, then you should consider hiring a luxury car so that you can cruise around in style and turn heads wherever you go.

Experiences

How you fill your time will depend on where you are and what your interest are, but there are sure to be a few ways to indulge in luxury. This might include eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant, going on a cruise, attending a show, etc.

A luxury vacation will create memories that you can look back on forever and allow you to spoil yourself. Everyone needs to treat themselves from time to time, and a holiday is an essential experience for trying new things, going to new places, and escaping your daily routine even if just for a short while. The above are the most effective ways to enjoy a luxury vacation and should help you to plan an unforgettable trip.

 
 
Newly Renovated Hotel Indigo HSP is Now Open for Business in Taiwan’s high-tech hub - Hsinchu
 
Oct 08, 2018
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HSINCHU, TAIWAN – Hsinchu city is better known around the world as Taiwan’s Silicon Valley rather than its chic and trendy hotels. However, the city’s hotel and F&B landscape has just been injected with a shot of coolness, thanks to the recent grand opening of the new Hotel Indigo Hsinchu Science Park (“Hotel Indigo HSP”).

Riant Capital Ltd., and its affiliated company Tech Bright Ltd. worked in conjunction with InterContinental Hotels Group (“IHG”) to bring the first Hotel Indigo to Northern Taiwan. The Hotel Indigo HSP represents a new innovation in Taiwan’s hotel sector focused on lifestyle design and service catered to the global business travelers. Through the close collaboration with the world-renowned lighting consultant, UNOLAI Design and uber stylish furniture designer Stellar Works, Riant Capital brought together a world class team to skillfully create this one of a kind Hotel Indigo.

Riant Capital Ltd.’s chairman Mr. Aaron Chan notes “We are extremely proud to have opened Hotel Indigo HSP in just three months, since we took over the property from the previous operator Miramar Hotel. Not only was the hotel opened in record time, but we have also accomplished the rebranding and repositioning of the property with minimum construction work but with a lot of style.”

Catering to the large demand from international young high-tech professionals, Hotel Indigo HSP represents a new generation of business lifestyle hotel for the millennial traveler. The ground floor’s innovative design features a café, bar, games room and restaurant, all of which are specifically designed for today’s modern young business professionals.

Mr. Aaron Chan further adds “Every detail of this hotel was designed with the needs of our customers in mind and nothing was spared in providing our guests with a memorable stay. The smells, sounds, sights, tastes and textures were all carefully selected to enhance the guest’s overall experience.”

The Hotel Indigo HSP is conveniently located adjacent to the main freeway exit and just a few minutes by car from the Hsinchu Science park. The 140-key hotel features 9 executive suites, 12 studios, 78 superior rooms, and 41 standard rooms, all equipped with Sealy mattresses, AVEDA bath amenities, branded high end Bluetooth speakers, and Nespresso coffee machines. Each room also has its own yoga matt in case you wish to follow the in-room yoga programs available via on-demand television.

CHAR bar & bistro, IHG’s flagship F&B concept offers exceptional western dining experience for guests on the first floor of the Hotel Indigo HSP. The 240 ping 4-in-1 F&B concept including café, bar, lounge, and restaurant is the first of its kind in Taiwan and the fourth in Asia following Shanghai, Beijing and Bangkok. The restaurant is known for its exquisite cuts, cooking methods, and high-equality steak combined with trendy lifestyle décor. Items offered on the menu include (not often to be seen in Hsinchu items) grain fed quality steak, Normandy fresh oysters and Boston lobsters. The bar offers some of finest craft beers from Taiwan.

The Mayor of Hsinchu Mr. Lin Chih-chien noted while attending the grand opening of Hotel Indigo HSP “Hsinchu has traditionally been known as a technology innovation hub. I hope everyone can visit Hotel Indigo HSP so that they can see Hsinchu has the capacity to innovate beyond the technology sector”.

 
 
Infrastructure Projects Driving Malaysia's Growth
 
May 07, 2018
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Nations cannot develop and progress forward if the infrastructure of the country is poorly developed. This is something that the Malaysian government is acutely aware of. As a key enabler for sustainable economic growth, the government has driven high-value infrastructure projects that will benefit the people and the nation.

The implementation and development of key mega infrastructure projects, is seen as key to raising the economic status of the people, especially those in the rural areas.

Relooking projects that benefit the nation

Malaysia has always stressed on projects that would have a clear beneficial impact on the community such as housing, health and transport.

It has sought to unwind legacy policies which were not beneficial to the people, such as reducing billions of ringgit spent on fuel subsidies annually, and axing the cost-intensive Formula One races, replacing them with a more comprehensive public transport network that will bring greater connectivity for those in the interior with the urban centres.

These infrastructure projects will be catalysts for greater development for the people, as income of those in the interior would also rise in tandem with urban development, thereby further bridging the poverty gap between the interior and urban areas.

Transportation network crucial for economic growth

The 11th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020) has placed high priority on public transportation as a key enabler for growth as it increases connectivity.

For instance, the Pan Borneo Highway, which is being built at a cost of RM27 billion, will provide a more expansive connection for the states of Sarawak and Sabah with Brunei.
The Pan Borneo Highway project was announced in 2013 and followed by a commitment made in the national Budget 2015. Construction works on the highway has begun, and the 1,060km highway is expected to be completed in 2022. This will be key in accelerating the social and economic growth in Sabah and Sarawak, including boosting tourism and bringing much needed goods and services to hard-to-reach places.

To ensure that the community benefits economically from the construction of the highway, the contracts were given to local contractors, allowing local engineers and contractors the opportunity to up skill their knowledge and gain experience. The on-going construction of the project has already generating some 400,000 jobs in the two states.

The Mass Rapid Transit Line (MRT), a rail network that brings expanded connectivity within Greater Kuala Lumpur, will significantly elevate the country’s public transportation system. The MRT, which is supported by feeder bus services, will connect those traveling within the city to the fringes of the capital more efficiently.

The high-speed rail (HSR) project is another mega project that will link Malaysia and Singapore, cutting down travel time significantly from a drive of four-hours to just 90 minutes. The east coast will benefit from improved connectivity between the west and east coasts of Peninsular Malaysia through the construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) that will run from Port Klang to Pengkalan Kubor.

Driving greater quality of life

The strong push for greater efficiency through identified infrastructure projects under the 11th Malaysia Plan has seen the country poised to boost its competitiveness and elevate the quality of life for Malaysians.

The expansion of the transportation network in Malaysia will certainly trigger more economic multipliers alongside the project. In the short term, the construction works for the identified infrastructure projects would provide employment opportunities and in the long term, the development of new townships and commercial centres alongside the connected areas will spur economic activities. Consequently, there will be more demand for housing and amenities such as hospitals.

Malaysia has been far-sighted to recalibrate the strategy to ensure only infrastructure projects that can enable faster economic growth and development, and bring great benefit to the people are the projects that are pushed forward. This is important to the country’s national goals to becoming a developed nation with a high qualify of life for its people.

END

By Shahril Mokhtar

* Shahril Mokhtar is the CEO of MRT Corp and a Board Member of MyHSR Corp and Prasarana Malaysia

 
 
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting India
 
Apr 24, 2018
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India has long been one of the world’s most loved travel destinations, due to the diversity of the landscape and the colorful cities that don’t stop in high heat. It is a place that enchants many people when they first visit and is somewhere people rarely visit only once. Once you have perfected your chosen route, you can think about what to do when to make it to each stop on your tour. However, to get the most out of your trip, you should follow some essential travel tips that are guaranteed to put your safety and enjoyment above all else.

Follow safety recommendations

As a country with a colorful history, there are a number of dangers you can encounter when you are traveling through India. Whether you are a solo traveler, or you have gone as a group, you should always follow recommended safety advice from travelers that have been before you. For example, you should ensure that you have all the appropriate vaccinations completed before you leave, which will ensure you don’t contract any diseases while you are away. Getting the necessary vaccinations when visiting India is easy when you find the right clinic. Once you are there, you should keep you and your belongings safe by taking out insurance.

Explore the natural world

The bustling cities in India are what draws people to the country, where they can see the culture, food, and poverty in one place. It is a place of extremes, which means alongside such urban landscapes, you can find some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. This ranges from smooth, white beaches to the peaks of the Himalayan Mountains. Not only this, but you will see exciting, exotic wildlife like tigers and elephants when you go on one of many wildlife safaris. If you are a nature lover, you can find an array of locations to explore that will make you want to stay longer than your planned trip.

Indulge in the culture

There will be times when you stay in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, which are some of the best places to explore the history of the nation and indulge in the rich culture. Here, you can try authentic Indian food delicacies, stroll through the markets, and go on city tours through the busy streets. In any case, you should remember to take a good camera with you so that you can capture all you see along the way.

Go off the beaten track

India is home to many tourist hotspots, such as the Taj Mahal, which see millions of visitors each year. While it is worthwhile to see such impressive monuments, there are many hidden gems which lie off the beaten track, where you may find yourself making some of your best memories. If you would like to see tourist spots with fewer people surrounding you, you can try traveling in shoulder season when crowds are thinner, and prices for flights and hotels are much lower.

Photo by pavan gupta on Unsplash

 
 
Have You Been to Santorini?
 
Jun 07, 2017
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A 4,000-year-old history, an eternal rock that continues to stand, an island whose praises have been sung by fabulous poets – Santorini is all that and more. Robust and majestic in its beauty it rises well above the ground and guards the secret treasures of Atlantis. It is a famous island in not only Greece but the entire world. There are only a few destinations around the world that combine breathtaking scenery, stunning beaches, antediluvian cities, delectable cuisine all in one and Santorini is one of them.

It is an ideal destination that fulfills a range of traveling purposes. Be it a solo expedition, or a romantic getaway or an all-girl gang trip; one can experience a host of emotions when in Santorini. If you need a destination which is an assortment of the old and new, then Santorini is the way to go.

Since it will be your first time in Santorini, here are things you must know before heading out

Flights and Hotels

Santorini is a global tourist destination and sees a massive influx of people every year which amounts close to 1.5 million. If you are looking to travel and save money, make sure you book your flights and hotel in advance to avoid any last-minute hiccups. Visit an online travel portal like Yatra to book hotels and flights. You can even check flight status online on Yatra which can help you zero down on the cheapest flights.

The Magnificent Santorini Beaches

Santorini is famous for its beaches that are spread out on the southern and eastern side of the island. Every beach has a unique character to it which makes traveling to Santorini more enjoyable. The black pebbles toppled with unique land formations in the red, black and white sand makes up for a very different yet appealing view. The beaches are clean and organized with a choice of lounge chairs, water sports and are set up to chill. Beaches on the coastline of Oia will leave you enchanted. On the southern coast, the beaches of Monoliths, Kamari and Avis are frequented by families and is especially liked by children. There are several options for watersports on the Avis beach and is frequented by young’uns.

Perissa and Perivolos are two most famous beaches in Santorini. The two beaches together form the longest black-sanded beach on the island. On the southern side, there’s Vlychada with its beautiful moon shaped carved landscape, which was sculptured by the wind throughout the years.

Walk the Caldera Path – Explore

Walk over the Caldera over to Fira and enjoy the mesmerizing views you discover on your way. Make sure you have a camera by your side because you do not want to miss those picturesque moments. Santorini has a host of places that you can explore, from a sailing trip to sunset cruises, everything can be done with a little research.

A Historical Tale

Santorini has a plethora of archeological sites and is frequented by historians for its significance. From churches to prehistoric sites, one can engulf themselves in the chapter's history. Panagia Episkopi exists since the time of Byzantine Empire. It is carved in marble and combined with wax decoration.

The ancient city at Akrotiri exists since the prehistoric times, and it is often characterized as the ancient Pompeii of the Aegean.

Check out Wineries – Greek it Up!

Agriculture is the second source of income in Santorini, and their wineries are exceptionally famous and delightful. You should visit the Boutari Winery if you are looking to get educated on wines along with the taste sessions. The Santorini Brewing Company is a must-visit place too!

What to Eat – Feast

Santorini has extravagant options for foodies! You can have an entirely different meal every hour of the day, and it will not get boring. Chocolate croissants, Fava me Koukia, Tomato Keftedes, Saganaki, Greek Salad, Roasted Greek Lamb, Moussaka are some of the famous Greek dishes you cannot skip when in Santorini.

Santorini makes up for a perfect destination to unwind and enjoy nature in its magnificence. With so many things to do and places to see, Santorini is highly valuable for its tourism. An odd yet enchanting place, Santorini will leave you mesmerized with its beauty. Make sure you travel to this pristine location at least once, in your lifetime, we are confident you will be coming back.

 
 
How Tech Companies Are Looking to Solve China's Burgeoning Parking Problem
 
May 25, 2017
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The automotive industry is considered one of the fastest-growing sectors in China. It is powering the country’s economic growth and showing steady growth. According to statistics released by the government, car sales grew from 6.76 million units in 2008 to 24.38 million in 2016. This steady increase in car sales resulted in the number of cars jumping from 64 million in 2008 to a whopping 194 million in 2016.

The big jump in the number of vehicles across the country has caused serious problems. Aside from the fact that the road network is not capable of keeping up, China is also facing problems with parking. Several tech companies are trying to solve China's parking problem by offering smarter solutions.

Parkopedia and Smart Parking

More intelligent in-car entertainment systems allow drivers to have more information on the road. These systems can communicate with data sources to provide drivers with the information they need, including information about parking spaces available nearby. This is where Parkopedia comes in.

The company partners with car manufacturers like Audi to bring its parking data to cars. Parkopedia is the world’s largest parking service provider offering a premium parking service. Through Amap, China's leading provider of map data, Parkopedia can deliver information about available parking spaces directly to in-car navigation systems.

Parkopedia is also working with other OEMs, including Apple, BMW, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Land Rover, TomTom, Toyota, and Volvo. The company relies on its tried and tested solution to allow drivers to find a parking space nearby within seconds.

U-Parking for Urban Drivers

While Parkopedia focuses more on the technological side of the equation, U-Parking is investing a lot of money to provide parking spaces in China’s highly populated urban areas. The company is also investing in smarter solutions to make parking a breeze.

The latest addition to the company’s services is parking spot booking, which lets drivers use an app to book a parking spot at U-Parking-managed facilities. The company is also an expert in advanced parking management with its automated allocation system and better parking space utilisation. The system can even recognise license plates, as well as the car make and model, to distribute cars to available parking spaces more efficiently.

More Solutions

Despite both companies pushing to deliver a better parking experience to drivers in China, there are still many challenges to overcome. However, parking space booking is considered to be part of the solution going forward. The solution also works well in other countries that are facing similar problems with parking.

In the UK, for example, YourParkingSpace offers access to an advanced booking system for parking spaces. Customers can use YourParkingSpace to seek available spaces and make instant bookings in just a couple of taps. The same can be said for SpotHero in the US.

The Chinese government is also taking steps to increase the number of parking facilities available, especially in the major cities, where most of the population drive. By working together with tech start-ups, China will be able to cure its parking problems and provide a better experience to drivers across the country.

 
 
10 Things To Consider When Making An International Move
 
Oct 17, 2016
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Many people make international moves for business or academic reasons. These international moves are far different from domestic ones because there are many more factors to consider when you move from one country to another. Not thinking things through early enough can cause added stress.

Perhaps you are moving from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to a job in Silicon Valley, California; or, perhaps you are an acupuncturist in Denver, Colorado, moving from the United States to learn acupuncture from the world-renowned Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In either case, you will have to arrange for visas and passports. Additionally, if you are moving for business purposes, you will also need work authorization. Then, if you are moving for academic purposes, you will need academic transcript verification. And if it happens to be a permanent move, you will need immigration documentation.

You will quickly realize that preparing for an international move might be just as important as making the move itself. For this reason, it pays to work with a professional moving company like Allied that has strong international partnerships.

Here are 10 things that you have to consider when making an international move:

1. Take a preview trip to get oriented.

Ideally, you should take a trip overseas to get oriented to the new country. This will help mitigate the culture shock when you finally settle there, especially if the language and traditions are far different from anything you know.

2. Study the country and culture through the Internet.

If an actual trip is not possible because of cost or time shortage, the next best thing is to take a virtual orientation trip through the Internet. This way, you’ll understand some of the things to expect when you finally get there. You will also find it helpful to learn key phrases and get insights into the country’s history, geography, and culture.

3. Spend time on pre-move planning.

Your moving company will be interested in surveying your belongings to figure out how to expedite your move in the most efficient way. You, in turn, will be interested in learning more about the services that they offer. By working together, you’ll be able to arrange a customized plan to fit your specific needs.

4. Sort out your belongings.

It’s easier to make a local move by decluttering—selling, giving away, or disposing of things that you no longer need. You will also need to do the same thing with an international move, and perhaps be even more strict about what you need to take with you. By minimizing your belongings, it will make it easier to figure out transportation issues.

5. Manage your move.

Working with your moving company, you will have to make many decisions on how to manage your move from working out transit scheduling to figuring out international pricing. Your moving company will provide ongoing tracking from the time your belongings leave your current house to your final destination.

6. Become familiar with the language

If you have time, you should sign up for classes that will help you learn the language. Learning the language will help you understand the cultural traditions. While it will probably take a few years to speak the language or understand the customs, at least you’ll be able to take the first steps in learning how to fit right in.

7. Arrange for your family’s needs.

If you have school age children, you will need to enroll them in local schools. Sometimes this can be arranged internationally through telephone calls, emails, and regular mail. In a similar way, your spouse may need help with childcare or with starting a new career. While you may not be able to arrange everything before you leave, you can at least look into what you will have to do once you arrive at your destination.

8. Organize your paperwork.

You will also need to think about basic personal documents like driver’s licenses, terminating leases, closing out bank accounts and opening new bank accounts.

9. Understand your moving costs.

Your entire shipment costs will be based on weight, and you should take some time to identify your high-value items so that they are treated with additional care and protection when moving. Usually, a high value item is anything that is $1,500 or more.

10. Arranging your stay when you arrive.

You may have to arrange for temporary accommodations for your first few days in the new country and then use a home finding service to locate an apartment or a house. You will also have to figure out what to do with your current home. If you own it, you may have to rent it out or sell it before you go or hire a property management service to take care of your property while you are gone.

Take Planning Seriously

Reading through this list of things to consider can be overwhelming, and you might even wonder how people manage to get it all done. However, the better you plan, the easier it will be to get everything organized. Failure to plan will lead to a lot of unnecessary problems and confusion.

 
 
Venue sourcing in a rising market
 
Aug 26, 2016
Category:
Tags:

The meetings industry continues to thrive which may be good for the economy but creates new challenges for the planner. According to the annual Amex report, meeting spend is rising globally, led by the Asia Pacific region with a 2.1 expected increase, followed by a 1.9 percent rise in North America (2016). What does this mean to planners?

Sourcing venues and hotels in a rising market can create unique challenges. While technology tools may assist planners with the process; they only scratch the surface when it comes to choosing the right venue. Based on a full set of criteria which typically includes location, cost, look and feel, amenities, contractual terms, dates, to name a few, putting together the options in a meaningful way can be daunting. Moreover, as each market encompasses different dynamics how does the planner know they are getting the best venue/value proposition?

According to Smartmeetings.com; these are the top reasons planners choose an event space:

1. Location

A venue in a convenient location can be the difference between a large turnout and an event that flops. If the event is hosting people from out of town, consider a venue near an airport or hotels. Events should be easy and enjoyable for guests, not a hassle.

2. Cost

Before planning any event, it’s crucial to sit down and plan a budget you can stick to. Pay attention to the cost of the venue so that you can ensure you have enough money for food, equipments, decorations, and other expenses for the event. While we all want to book the most glamorous venue, it’s sometimes necessary to compromise and be flexible.

3. Look & feel

While it’s fairly easy to manipulate a space with decorations, there are some things that can’t be changed such as the architecture and overall atmosphere of the venue. Whether you’re planning a social event or a corporate meeting, the venue needs to be able to define the experience your guests have. By choosing the right venue with the right atmosphere, you’ll be more likely to create an unforgettable experience for your guests.

4. Capacity and Availability

How many attendees are you expecting for the event? This would include things like space/room capacity (including lobby and exhibitor space if you are planning a meeting or convention); load in/out amenities; and technical capabilities.

It is always better to have several day / time options in mind (or at least be flexible with the date and time of the event) before start reviewing venues options so you are not immediately limit the number of the venues you can consider.

5. Amenities

Aside from how the venue looks, consider what the venue offers. Is it a one stop shop for all your event planning needs? Consider if the venue has a kitchen and catering staff, seating, a setup/clean up crew, and AV capabilities. These are just a few of the services you should be asking about when choosing a venue.

With all of these factors to consider, how does a planner ensure they are getting the best options in a market? Having sourced programs in over 750 destinations in 150 countries; now is a GREAT time to let Global Cynergies be your advocate and your consultant for your next meeting, anywhere in the world; at no cost to you. With over 100 experienced professionals in 21 countries we are poised to help you save time and money! Let us earn your trust and your business one meeting at a time!

About Global Cynergies
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Global Cynergies is a hotel and venue selection company comprised of more than 100 industry professionals located in 21 countries. Global Cynergies offers the best solutions in sourcing hotel rooms and meeting space for local, regional, and global meetings at no cost to their clients. For more information, visit www.globalcynergies.com

For further enquiries, please contact:
Elna Vogel
Account Manager, Worldwide Hotel & Venue Selection Specialist
Global Cynergies, LLC
Phone: +1 936-697-3181
Email: evogel@globalcynergies.com

- ASIA TODAY Newswire http://www.AsiaToday.com

 
 
Recent Advances In Biological Science
 
Dec 16, 2015
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Science maintains a never-ending process of moving forward. Biology has been no exception to this advancement, and today there are things being done that would have never been thought possible just a few years ago.

It's worth noting before we go any further that these developments would have been impossible without technological advances working in concert with the direct research. The development of sampling techniques, laboratory processes, and biorepository storage facilities have paved the way for researchers to delve into the possibilities presented in living things.

With that said, biological advances of recent decades have covered several major areas.

DNA Sequencing And Mapping

Arguably the most impactful of these has been the world of DNA research. The ability to map and compare the genes of two different organisms has had an unbelievable effect on the world. We can now identify people who are at an increased risk of certain types of diseases, possibly helping them through preventive treatments. We can trace the lineage of animals on one continent to animals on another continent. Law enforcement can acquire tiny bits of tissue from a crime scene and use it to identify a murderer or thief. The list goes on and on.

The impact of these connections goes far beyond family trees or paternity suits, of course. We can manage all kinds of health threats to both plants and animals by understanding their DNA. For example, the American chestnut tree was rendered nearly extinct by a disease outbreak decades ago. Its cousin, the Chinese chestnut, is immune. A development process has created a new, immune American chestnut that could prove valuable for timber, food, and erosion control, all thanks to DNA technology.

Stem Cells

As of now, this area has perhaps the most unexplored potential. We know a great deal about the use of these special cells for reversing genetic disorders and curing diseases long considered hopeless.

Of course, stem cell research remains very controversial. Anti-abortion groups have been concerned since the earliest days of the research with whether these developments could ever create a demand for aborted human fetuses. In time, the development of cord blood banking and other processes has helped to ease these fears, but they could always re-emerge if new opportunities steer scientists back toward the origin of these cells.

Hence, science is not the only limiting factor in the development of stem cell technology. Regulation and the court of public opinion will have a lot to say about where it goes.

Genetically-Modified Crops

Another area of considerable debate is genetic modification. This process is essentially a fast-forwarding of the development of plant breeds. What used to take years and years to create through a painstaking process of managing pollination, establishing new offspring, and repeating can now be done relatively quickly in a laboratory.

Concerns exist about whether these foods are safe to eat, and despite considerable research confirming that they are, there is reason to be alert to the risk of a narrowing of the genetic pool for crops. For example, if every farmer in the world is growing one of five or six different varieties of corn, a new disease could emerge that would attack those limited types and could have a huge impact on world harvest levels. As a result, scientists are operating storehouses of seed to maintain the genetic base for new varieties.

An ever-growing world population and the desire to keep it healthy and well-fed is driving research that has made it possible to do things no one dared dream a generation ago.

by Jane Brown

 
 
How To Move A Business To Asia
 
Sep 30, 2014
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Although opening a business in Asia is an important development, the move has to be strategic. Before considering the logistics of how to make a smooth transition from a firm’s home country to Asia, it’s important to first get clear why opening up a business division in Asia is a good business idea.

Asia: The New Business Frontier

Asia’s economy is growing at a rapid rate. It’s an important target zone for emerging or established companies looking for a global business. Research shows that as much as 40% of the global economy is now in Asia. What’s more, over the next ten years, Asia is expected to be a thriving marketplace for international commerce.

One reason why Asia is becoming an economic hub for progressive companies in the West to migrate to or open branch offices in is the rapid increase in urban population. All the diverse countries in Asia have one thing in common: the cities are growing by more than 120,000 people a day.

The future looks bright for Western companies who want to establish a presence in Asia. By the year 2025, incomes in Asia will be a quarter less than they are in the United States. To put this in perspective—in 1980, incomes in Asia were one thirtieth less than they were in the U.S. In other words, the economic and population growth in Asia over the past few decades has been nothing short of staggering.

What this means for forward-looking Western companies seeking a foothold in Asia is that Asia is destined to be the biggest producer and consumer in the world.

How to Move a Business to Asia

When a company moves from one state to another, one city to another, or from one region to another, it can be challenging, but the cultural norms and structures are similar enough to make the move fairly predictable. However, when moving a business in the West to a new home in the East, there are cultural, linguistic, and logistical challenges that need to be understood for the move to go smoothly. Consequently, the best way to make the transition go well is to hire a trusted moving partner. Visit Unigroup Logistics to access a relocation network in well over one hundred countries.

Without a doubt, it can be a complex thing to create an international business. There needs to be a lot of thought put into moving a division, expanding operations, or relocating the entire company. If breaking into a new market is done in a haphazard way, it can actually determine whether the business itself will succeed or fail.

Conclusion

Asia is re-emerging as the most dynamic economic region in the world and this offers many opportunities for a business that is eager to find new production opportunities and consumer markets. This is going to be the century when Asia gains momentum and become the new frontier for business growth.It offers exciting, new possibilities.

Written by Jane Brown