Day: December 7, 2024

As autumn settles in Hongkong’s air, its lane-like pools beckon for another swim or splash-around with your children amidst lush greenery – providing an escape from city life’s hectic pace and hustle and bustle. However, closer inspection reveals rules governing swimming within this Chinese Special Administrative Region may either help or hinder swimmer wellbeing in Hongkong.

There are numerous government-run public swimming pools throughout Hong Kong and Kowloon, many of which feature one or more 50m pools with shallow areas for children. Entrance fees range from $19 for one session each day between 6:30am-12:00, 1:00-6:00 and 7:00-10:00pm, and lockers can be obtained with either inserting a $5 coin into a machine for a key, or by providing your own padlock to secure your belongings.

Hongkong’s most beloved pool is Pao Yue Kong Swimming Complex, designed by Terry Farrell and Partners and opened for public use along Victoria Harbour in February this year. Since its opening, this spaceship-shaped structure has become a magnet for locals and tourists alike. Costing $671 million Hong Kong dollars ($86 million U.S), construction was undertaken between December 2000 and 2002 and operations of all public swimming pools within Southern District were transferred from Urban Councils/Regional Councils/LCSD for management at end of millennium.

Swimming pools offer more than just an idyllic spot for relaxing under the sun – they also offer opportunities to exercise and socialize with colleagues and friends alike. While LCSD does have certain regulations regarding swim wear and costumes, fines will apply if anyone smokes near or throws garbage near these facilities.

No matter its restrictive regulations, many still enjoy spending their free time at Hong Kong’s beautiful pools. Some can be found right in the heart of city center while others provide breathtaking views or state-of-the-art facilities; one such pool being The Ritz-Carlton Infinity Pool which provides an underwater view of Victoria Harbor.

However, when visiting any Hongkong pool it is vitally important to remember safety as the top priority. To do this, always check on the condition of the pool as well as any rules or regulations governing its usage before using equipment specifically tailored for you needs. If in doubt regarding safety consult an expert before making your decision. This will ensure a pleasant and relaxing time spent floating about.

Universities worldwide are competing to entice a new generation of students, with Singapore university ITE College Central standing out by showing its commitment to community outreach during the Covid-19 pandemic. Muhammad Dinie led an appreciative project during this period that gave food and groceries directly to Town Council cleaners in Ang Mo Kio estate as well as hanging thank-you cards around their estate to express our appreciation for all they had done for us!

They were among five winners of the 2024 Singapore History Prize, awarded at a special ceremony hosted by Emmy-nominated actress Hannah Waddingham and consisting of book-length publications written in English that have had an exceptional effect on our understanding of Singapore’s past. For 2019, three new categories have been added –

Singapore may be small island nation, but they lead the world in Olympic gold medal payouts. Joseph Schooling’s gold in 100m butterfly at Rio Olympics earned him over one million Singapore dollars through their Major Games Award Programme; by contrast, US athletes only receive approximately $78,000 per gold while Serbia awards an individual one million ringgits as compensation.

Sharlene Wen-Ning Teo was another Singaporean winner at the prize ceremony. A British-Singaporean writer studying at University of East Anglia (UEA), Teo was awarded the Deborah Rogers Writers’ Prize – worth PS10,000 or around $14,300 – to support authors in finishing their first novel Ponti. Ponti details family trauma following an Indonesian tsunami disaster.

In 2024, this prize will recognize books which explore any period or theme from Singaporean history, precolonial to present day, in any language and any genre – with particular consideration given to those featuring prominent Singaporean themes or characters in their narratives. A jury panel consisting of historians, scholars, art and literary figures as well as education professionals will select a winner.

The Millennium Technology Prize and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have formed their inaugural official partnership, in an effort to further their shared mission of supporting emerging technological innovations that improve humanity.

The Millennium Technology Prize aims to foster the next generation of innovators by awarding grants to early-stage companies with innovative technologies that have significant applications in society, healthcare, or the environment. These grants will enable these innovative companies to scale up their innovations for a healthier and safer future.