Latest news with #AFTA
New Straits Times
28-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Despite tough life, good time management and self-discipline helped me to excel, says best armed forces cadet
KUALA LUMPUR: A deep passion for a career in the military since his school days has driven Second Lieutenant Muhamad Amir Akhtar Saiful Azmi to give his best and emerge as the armed forces' 2025 overall best cadet. The Selangor-born officer, who holds a degree in civil engineering from the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), said he looked up to armed forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar as his role model. "He is a source of inspiration for me. This is the third time I've had the honour of meeting him, and I hope, God-willing, to follow in his footsteps and one day become the chief," he said. He was speaking after the commissioning parade and presentation of appointment letters to armed forces cadet officers at Kem Perdana, Sungai Besi, here today. Reflecting on the challenges faced during training, Amir admitted that balancing physical training and academic commitments was no easy task. "Military training is undoubtedly exhausting, but I made time to study. Good time management and self-discipline were essential in ensuring I performed well in both areas," he said. Second Lieutenant Fazril Azim Shaharuddin, who was named Best Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) cadet at the Armed Forces Training Academy (ALK), credited his mother as a key influence in developing his leadership qualities. "Of course, within the military, we look up to the senior commanders. But my mother, Nor Asma Mat Dam, who is a headmistress of SK Kuala Krai in Kelantan, has taught me how to lead and give clear instructions — a vital skill in military service," he said. Fazril, who is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at UPNM, said the demanding academic and military schedule required immense discipline and determination. "Our classes run from morning to evening, followed by military training sessions from evening into the night. "So I had to stay focused. If I didn't understand something, I would immediately ask the lecturers. The same goes for training — I always gave my best," he said. He added that his interest in discipline was nurtured from a young age in primary school, forming a strong foundation for both his academic and military success today. Earlier, a total of 509 officer cadets were commissioned during the ceremony, which was graced by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. Sultan Ibrahim also presented the Sword of Honour and accompanying trophies to five other top officer cadets from each branch of the armed forces. Other top honours went to Lt Adam Daniel Suhaily (Best Army Cadet – AFTA), Lt Azrul Naiem Shah Amer (Best Navy Cadet – AFTA), Lt Fazril Azim Shaharuddin (Best Air Force Cadet – AFTA), Lt Mohamad Syahmezan Amat (Best Army Cadet – ATA), Lt Ayman Saharuddin (Best Navy Cadet – KDSI I) and Lt Muhamad Shahrul Amran (Best Air Force Cadet – RMAF-OTS).
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Hang art at home like a pro
Art is no longer a highbrow indulgence reserved for influential collectors or something that is tucked away in stark galleries. Today's design enthusiasts are rewriting that narrative, embracing art as an expressive part of their homes and often doing it themselves. Curating art at home is a nuanced exercise, capitalising on ideal heights, strong framing, and the quiet power of composition. We ask popular designers, collectors, and stylists to craft a definitive guide, turning bare walls into vignettes that reflect your story and sensibility. Jaiveer Johal, art collector and entrepreneur in Chennai A celebrated name in the Indian art fraternity, Jaiveer Johal's personal collection is guided by the Navarasa — the nine essential emotions that underpin Indian classical art. Through the Avtar Foundation for the Arts (AFTA), Johal brings modern and contemporary art to Chennai, and Chennai to the world. Recent artists who have captured his attention include Lakshmi Madhavan, Baaraan Ijlal, and G. Gurunathan. 'My aesthetic has always leaned towards art that defies genre — it must tug at my heartstrings. Be prepared to live with the work you hang. Art at home should be meditative,' says the entrepreneur. His trusted advice on composition? Blend 2D and 3D works to create depth, where modern and traditional elements coexist. An easy mistake Johal cautions first-timers against? Treating homes like hotels. 'Art isn't acquired overnight. Display must be intentional, and a home should evolve around its art,' he avers. The art collector encourages collecting art through a personal lens — pieces found on travels, in flea markets, or tied to memory. 'Look for works that bring your walls to life and tell a story. It does not have to be expensive to be worthwhile,' he shares. In Chennai, Johal swears by professional framing and art treatment. 'Museum glass helps preserve the art's demeanour. Acid-free mounting is critical even in the backing selected. Bring out pieces every six to eight months and inspect their backs for fungal growth,' he advises. Another rule of thumb? 'Art displayed in homes is not meant to emulate a gallery. Something that always works for me is bottom lighting for subtle impact and including table lamps for an immersive ambience.' Pro tip Invest in museum glass and bottom lighting: 'Museum glass helps preserve the art's demeanour. Acid-free mounting is critical even in the backing selected,' says Johal. Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith, interior stylists in Chennai Living by the adage of 'better halves,' interior stylists Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith are the creative forces behind immaculately styled residences in the country. Their approach towards curating art is heartfelt. 'Art should evoke something personal — a sense of belonging, memory, or roots. It helps to remember that no choice is burdened by permanence,' shares Harith. The duo ensures art is installed at typically 50 to 60 inches from the floor. 'Art hung too high feels disconnected from the space,' notes Naif. 'When placed in context with furniture, ensure a clearing of six to 10 inches between the bottom of the art and the top of the furniture. An easy way to gauge size is to let art span two-thirds the furniture's width,' she illustrates. The team sees the gallery wall as a 'personality puzzle'. They start with a bigger piece at the centre of the wall and work outwards. Their pro tip: create and edit your layout on the floor, freeze the composition, then execute. Strategically placed spotlights or floor lamps can elevate the presence of displayed art. The works of artists Sachin Samson, Nida Jahain, and Anjali Ponni Rajkumar have intrigued the two recently. 'We love peppering wall-scapes with photographs, pressed flowers, and heirloom objects. Allow two to three inches of gap between frames,' Naif adds. Framing, Harith notes, is an unsung hero, especially in coastal cities. 'UV-protective glass, acid-free mounting, and sealed backing are our go-to checks. They prevent yellowing, warping, and fading.' More miniature artworks shine in styled clusters, especially when arranged in odd numbers. Pair them with vases, candles, books, or curios. Pro trip Mind the inches. Ensure art is installed at typically 50 inches to 60 inches from the floor, says Naif. Vinithra Amarnathan, principal designer at Weespaces in Bengaluru The signature of a Weespaces project has always embodied the balance between modern nuances and personalised details. 'Art has always been an integral part of my design process, almost subconsciously,' says designer Vinithra Amarnathan. 'Over the past eight years, this instinct has shaped every home's story and become central to our team's ethos.' For the novice, she recommends a trusted approach: A common thread in art, as a form of storytelling, always works. 'The style, colour palette, or framing choices can be made consistent,' she highlights, and recommends a size between half and two-thirds of the furniture's width for oversized art paired with furniture. In moody spaces, single or grouped miniature prints can create a striking focal point with an interplay of scale. In Bengaluru's drier conditions, the designer uses anti-glare glass for artwork exposed to sunlight. She recommends pre-treatment for textured installations (mixed media, plaster, fabric) to ensure durability and to control potential moisture buildup. 'Typically, the artwork's centre, about five feet from the floor, is ideal. Frame choice, mount colour, and thickness are crucial to realising the vision. When working with multiple pieces, I create an imaginary perimeter to compose each piece within,' she explains. Some of Amarnathan's recent curatorial projects feature works of artists Harisha Chennangod, Richa Kashelkar, and Deborah Velasquez. She loves introducing art in unconventional spaces. 'Dining consoles, kitchen shelves, powder baths — the idea is to unexpectedly layer everyday spaces with art to instantly elevate them,' she explains. She often highlights pieces with picture lights in intimate nooks and adjustable track lights in communal areas. Pro tip Amarnathan recommends a size between half and two-thirds of the furniture's width for oversized art paired with furniture The writer is an architect and design specialist.
Time Business News
28-05-2025
- Time Business News
The Best Travel Agents in Sydney and Everything You Need to Know About Choosing One
Vacations, honeymoons, corporate retreats, and family holidays are some of the most enjoyable things to plan for. But to most people, planning these vacations can be overwhelming. This is exactly why you need the help of a travel agent. With all the options available in a city like Sydney, having a travel agent that fits your personal needs is crucial. Domestic getaways or international adventures, best travel agents in Sydney are there to provide you guidance, assistance and ensure it is taken care of. The role of a travel agent is best described as a one shop stop for their client. Every aspect of the journey, right from accommodation booking to flight bookings, arranging insurance, and organizing tours, is done by them. The to-do list is instantly transformed into a carefully organized holiday, thanks to their assistance. A well-informed travel agent will also require no special information regarding travel advisories, visas, and even regional trends, as they will already have the information. Since Sydney has a variety of travel agencies, the competition is fierce. Unlike other travel agents who only take care of the bookings, the Best Travel Agents in Sydney focus on personalizing each customer's journey. They often have exclusive deals and insider information that would be hard to find otherwise. Furthermore, in case there is an unfortunate travel accident, having an agent you can rely on eases the burden that comes with that ease. During these times, their assistance is pivotal. To begin, picking an agent with an impressive office or a license shouldn't be the only basis for choosing a travel agent. Rather, seek for people who have vast experience in the industry coupled with outstanding communication skills and a passion for travel. A reliable agent is one who is proactive by asking plenty of relevant questions as they strive to give tailored suggestions that fulfill the customer's travel needs. Do not forget to check for credible documents like membership IDs from AFTA, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, to show credibility. Begin with checking the reviews from Google, TripAdvisor, and other social media outlets. Do not forget the traditional approach and so reach out to your colleagues, friends, or family for referrals. Check for their websites; some agents may specialize in catering to luxurious travel, while others focus on budget travelers or adventure seekers. Feel free to reach out to a couple of agents, evaluate their responses and willingness to assist alongside the travel packages they offer. Understanding the Sydney region is an added advantage, unlike for an out-of-town agent. A Sydney-based agent can assist through the whole process with issues for your time zone, help you get connected to tour providers from the region, assist with domestic travels, etc. Further, being capable of meeting in person builds more confidence, trust, and clarity. Furthermore, local agents tend to build sustained relations with their clients, which makes planning for subsequent trips super easy. The Best Travel Agents in Sydney have kept up with the emerging technologies of today. A lot offer virtual consultations, planning itineraries using AI, and eco-friendly travel options. They can also handle complex group bookings for events, organize destination weddings, and multi-country trips. Their responsibilities have broadened to that of a travel concierge—offering complete customized journeys instead of just the routes and means of transport. Choosing the right travel agent will undoubtedly improve your travel experience. It will change most stressful processes into an exhilarating and meticulously planned escapade so you can focus on enjoying your holiday. By selecting from the best travel agents in Sydney, you get a guarantee of their expertise, peace of mind, and assurance that your need will be catered to every step of the way. Instead of booking a flight online or reserving a hotel, consider the invaluable service and lasting benefits a professional travel agent provides—your dream trip may just depend on it. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Irish Examiner
26-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
It costs €110,000 to become an airline pilot: A new report says the ISIF should be used to offer low-cost loans to candidates
A €40m pilot training loan fund should be created from the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) to provide low-cost and fully repayable debt finance to train commercial pilots at Irish flight schools. That is one of the five recommendations from a new study, commissioned by former Ryanair CEO Declan Ryan, who heads aviation investment group Irelandia. In relation to trainee pilots, the report recommends quadrupling the flow of cockpit crews for European airlines and positioning Ireland as a centre of excellence for pilot training with a focus on smaller underutilised airports, including Waterford, Sligo, Derry and Weston It highlights the high cost of training to become a pilot, at approximately €110,000 over two years. "Accessing debt finance for that is extremely challenging and when debt is available it is only at exorbitant interest rates of up to 15%," the report notes. "This limits the supply of cadets as individuals, especially those in lower income cohorts, as they cannot access the required finance." Across Europe, there are over 70,000 qualified commercial pilots at present and estimates suggest a need for over 5,000 newly qualified pilots every year for the next ten years. The report, authored by aviation expert Eamonn Brennan and Goodbody Capital Markets director Joe Gill, said this creates an opportunity for flight training schools that have the capacity to produce pilots. "Our proposal is for ISIF to establish a Pilot Training Debt Fund (PTDF) that is managed via the banking system and offers interest rates backed by a Government guarantee. A similar programme exists in support of Irish SMEs via the Strategic Corporation of Ireland offering loans with interest rates of 4%-5%." To qualify for these loans, candidates would have to be approved by registered Flight Schools as suitable candidates, the report states, adding that if such a scheme was available, pilot training in Ireland could expand significantly, from an output of about 100 at present to approximately 400. "This increased activity can be focused on airports that are currently underutilised including Waterford, Sligo, Derry and Weston. These locations offer ideal and challenging weather conditions to train line-ready commercial pilots for airlines around the world." The Cork-headquartered Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA), headed by Captain Mark Casey, welcomed the publication of the report. AFTA, which trains pilots in Cork and Waterford, said it has over 100 applications on file from individuals who simply cannot access the more than €100,000 required for a full commercial pilot's license. 'If this recommendation is implemented, AFTA will commit to expanding its operations at airports including Waterford," Mr Casey said. 'Ireland can quickly accelerate its annual output of professionally trained commercial pilots if funding can be secured at a reasonable interest rate for prospective students. At every Pilot Career's recruitment event we attend, AFTA staff are constantly reminded by parents and students about the lack of available finance for prospective Pilot Cadets in Ireland." "This issue is the major barrier to entry. Furthermore, this puts Irish Pilot Training Schools, like AFTA, at a competitive disadvantage, while our EU competitor Schools enjoy main street bank lending for trainees and state-backed lending for trainees," he said. Other recommendations in the Irelandia report 'A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation' include an all-island approach to aviation, introducing concise legislation to immediately remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, expand the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector with a focus on Shannon and Derry airports and strengthening the aircraft leasing industry by exp[adding existing treaties to ake in new markets including Brazil, Japan and Asutralia.
Business Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Post
AFTA welcomes calls for €40m fund to train pilots at Irish regional airports
European natural gas prices extended gains after unplanned capacity cuts were announced... There will be no capacity for any new homes in Dublin in fewer than three years if... Kayna, a Cork-based InsurTech company, has announced plans to create 13 new high-skilled... The Iseq All Share opened in the green on Monday, the Irish market grew 0.88 per... Ireland's government will present plans on Tuesday to ban trade in goods with Israeli... Stock markets across Asia were steady on Monday, and the euro rallied after President... AFTA, Ireland's largest commercial airline pilot training academy, has welcomed...
