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Showing posts with label travels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travels. Show all posts

Saturday, July 20, 2024

Thrilled to leave his mark in China

 

Melaka-born lawyer finds the perfect place to work hard and play hard


Running man: Mah, has taken part in over 10 marathons in China. — Photo by Mah Soon Sin

PETALING JAYA: Aiming to establish a legal career, he decided to relocate to the Middle Kingdom with the expectation of a relatively short stay in the country.

“Yet, unexpectedly, here I am in my ninth year,” said Mah Soon Sin, an international legal consultant at a Chinese law firm.

The Melaka-born lawyer has become so proficient in Mandarin that locals often mistake him for a native speaker.

“Whenever I meet strangers or make new friends, they tend to think that I’m a local,” he said, adding that his accent is similar to theirs.

In addition to his linguistic abilities, the 39-year-old bachelor has participated in over 10 marathons in China.

The enthusiastic runner, who has worked in Shanghai, Qingdao and Hangzhou, said: “I have achieved a personal best by completing a marathon in three hours and 43 minutes in China.”

Currently based in Hangzhou, Mah said he appreciates the ease of travel between cities.

“I find it convenient here. Shanghai is a mere 50-minute high-speed train ride away, along with Suzhou.”

It’s easy to travel within this vast country, said Mah.

“I enjoyed exploring the cities. While I haven’t visited them all, places like Tibet have left me mesmerised.”

Looking ahead, he said Beijing could be his next destination.

“It beckons as a place steeped in history. The Forbidden City and other historical sites are truly remarkable and worth exploring.”

When it comes to food, Mah has savoured the diverse offerings rooted in the country’s geography and population.

“The culinary scene in China is a delightful mix of flavours.

“Sichuan dishes bring the heat while Shanghai cuisine leans towards sweetness, each offering a unique taste,” he said.

As for his vocation, Mah has found his career thriving in China.

Serving as a legal director and in-house counsel for multinational giants spanning ecommerce, high-tech, and traditional manufacturing industries, Mah has spearheaded a wide range of projects, from mergers and acquisitions to litigation.

“My work here is fulfilling, although demanding at times,” he said.

Reflecting on his early days in China, Mah remembered arriving in China alone in 2015 with limited knowledge of the country but armed with a strong desire to better himself.

“I distinctly remember arriving here with no friends and with just 20,000 yuan to cover my initial expenses.

“Although unfamiliar with China and lacking local connections, I was eager to establish myself.”

Mah said he was thankful for his enriching experiences and achievements in China.

“I have gained much insight (into the country). I am thankful for all that I have accomplished so far.”

As for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, Mah said, “I hope this relationship will deepen with more development between the two nations and their people.”

He encouraged young people to bravely pursue their dreams, even in a foreign land.

“With clear vision and preparation, we can overcome any obstacles and achieve our goals.”

Having worked in Malaysia and Singapore before finding his niche in China, Mah acknowledges that he misses home sometimes.

“I do miss the work-life balance in Malaysia, but I aspire to achieve more in my current environment.”

And when homesickness does strike, Mah has some familiar “companions” from Malaysia.

“My trusty blanket and pillow from my hometown still accompany me,” he quipped.

By ALLISON LAI allison@thestar.com.my

China’s 5th Gen J-31B Stealth Jet Readies For Combat Role


In a recent reveal that has caused shockwaves across military circles worldwide, China has unveiled something that might just shift the balance of power in the skies. What if we told you there's a new player in the game, designed to rival the best out there? An aircraft so advanced, its mere existence is a clear sign to a nation's relentless pursuit of excellence. Today’s episode will uncover China’s upcoming 5th generation J-31 Stealth Jet fighter and how its almost ready for a combat role. #china #chinadefense #chinesemilitary #military #militaryaircraft Chapter 00:00 – Intro 00:52 - J-31B China’s Upcoming Aerial Beastx 03:45 - A Collaboration With Fujian? 06:08 - The Global Power Shift

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Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Singapore and Japan passports tied for most powerful in the world, Vaccination rates for Asean

 

Holders of Singapore and Japan passports can travel without a prior visa to 192 destinations.PHOTO: ST FILE


SINGAPORE - Singapore and Japan have the most powerful passports in the world, according to the latest update of a global index.

Holders of passports from the two countries can travel without a prior visa to 192 destinations, it noted last week.

This is a change from April, when Japan outstripped Singapore in having the world's most powerful passport, with Japanese passport holders able to travel to 193 destinations without a prior visa, while Singaporean passport holders had such access to 192 destinations.

In the latest update, South Korea and Germany are tied for second place, with such access to 190 countries. The two countries had been tied for third place in April, with access to 191 destinations.

Finland, Italy, Luxembourg and Spain are in third place, with access to 189 nations; while Austria and Denmark are in fourth, with access to 188 countries.

The index, administered by Henley & Partners and updated throughout the year, ranks passport power according to how many destinations their holders can travel to without a prior visa.

The global citizenship and residence advisory firm noted that the gap in travel freedom is at its widest since the index was started in 2006, with Singaporean and Japanese passport holders able to visit 166 more destinations than Afghan citizens, who can travel to only 26 nations worldwide without acquiring a visa in advance.

Britain and the United States have been facing eroding passport strength since they held the top spot in 2014. Both remain tied in seventh place, but have a score of 185, down from 187 in the first quarter of the year.

Egypt is ranked 97th, with its citizens having access to 51 countries without a prior visa, while Kenya is 77th, with access to 72 destinations visa-free.

Meanwhile, Singapore will be allowing vaccinated travellers to travel to nine more countries and return without quarantine, the authorities announced last Saturday (Oct 9).

From Oct 19, vaccinated travellers from Singapore will be able to fly to Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Britain and the US.

The scheme will be extended to South Korea from Nov 15, it was announced last Friday.

These are in addition to Brunei and Germany, which Singapore had already approved for quarantine-free travel for those fully vaccinated.

In total, there will be 11 countries that Singapore approves for quarantine-free travel.

 
Based on data from the International Air Transport Association, the index showed that countries in the global north with high-ranking passports have enforced some of the most stringent inbound Covid-19 travel restrictions.

On the other hand, many countries with lower-ranking passports have relaxed their borders without seeing this openness reciprocated, it noted.

Henley & Partners chairman Christian Kaelin said: "It is pivotal that advanced nations consider revising their somewhat exclusive approach to the rest of the world, and reform and adapt to overcome the competition and not miss the opportunity to embrace the potential."

 
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S'pore & Japan have most powerful passports for visa-free travel to 192 countries

 

Vaccination rates for Asean (%)

Source: Centre for Strategic & International Studies, Aminvestment Bank
 

Malaysia is ranked the 3rd highest among Asean countries. 

 This paves the way for more economic activities to resume although it may not be a full recovery, matching that of pre-covid times.

Analysts are positive on this as the high vaccination rate is a leading indicator that economic activities should recover faster in Malaysia as compared to most countries in Asean.