Latest news with #Poh
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
St Peter's Church Padungan launches book chronicling legacy, architecture
Archbishop Poh (right) launches the 'Anchoring Tradition, Embracing Changes' coffee table book as Fr Chin (second right), along with editorial team members Donald and Marina, look on. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 28): A coffee table book titled 'Anchoring Tradition, Embracing Changes', chronicling the rich history and architectural evolution of St Peter's Church Padungan, was launched today during a ceremony that also marked the official opening of the parish's new church building. The book was unveiled by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Dato Dr Simon Poh, witnessed by St Peter's Church Rector Rev Fr Vincent Chin and editorial team members Donald Tan and Marina Tan. A cloth was lifted from the display copy to reveal the cover, symbolising the culmination of years of collective effort to preserve the parish's legacy in print. Described as both a visual and written testament to the church's journey, the book captures decades of faith, transformation, and architectural craftsmanship. In his 'Introduction & Feature Brief' of the new church, Fr Chin reflected on the design philosophy behind the building. 'Today marks a significant milestone for our parish as we officially open this new St Peter's Church – a house of God built with love, faith, and purpose. 'In designing this sacred space, we were guided by the principle of anchoring traditions, embracing change. It was Archbishop Emeritus John Ha who suggested we adopt a classic Neo-Gothic style – to root this church in timeless tradition. In contrast, our Cathedral of St Joseph speaks boldly of modernity. 'Together, they reflect the balance our Church seeks – grounded in the past, open to the future,' said Fr Chin. The book documents the history of St Peter's Church, Padungan, and highlights the building's architectural features and unique design elements. It stands as a product of the parish community's collective efforts — guided by the Parish Council and supported by the faithful — and as a living testament to God's grace at work in both Padungan and Bintawa. Copies were presented to Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who officiated the ceremony on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The grand opening began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by key dignitaries including Uggah; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian; Archbishop Poh; Bishop of Penang, His Eminence Cardinal Dato Sri Sebastian Francis; Melaka-Johor Diocese's Right Reverend Bishop Bernard Paul; and Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd director James Ling, the project's main contractor. Fr Chin then led the symbolic opening of the church doors, welcoming parishioners and guests into the new sacred space. In a show of support, Uggah also presented a RM1 million cheque from the Sarawak government through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to support the St Peter's Church Development Fund. The cheque was received by Archbishop Poh and Fr Chin, witnessed by Dr Sim and Unifor director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau. A musical highlight of the event featured 11-year-old organist Kai Laird performing a digital organ showcase, introduced with a technical explanation by Stephen Chin. The historic celebration concluded with lunch for invited guests, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Kuching's most cherished parishes. coffee table book Kuching simon poh St Peter's Church Padungan
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak govt's RM1 mln contribution completes funding for St Peter's Church
Uggah (second left) presents the RM1 million cheque to Poh (centre) as additional aid for the construction of St Peter's Church, Padungan. Also seen are (from left) Unifor director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau, St Peter's Church Rector Rev Vincent Chin, and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 28): The Sarawak government has contributed an additional RM1 million to the building fund of St Peter's Church, Padungan, marking the final financial boost needed to complete the RM38 million construction of the new church. The cheque was handed over during the church's official opening ceremony today, in a gesture of continued support for religious harmony and development in the state. 'On behalf of the Sarawak government, we will be handing over a RM1 million cheque to the church in further aid to the building fund,' said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in a text of speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Abang Johari congratulated the Catholic community on the successful completion of the iconic house of worship. 'This is not just a place for prayer and reflection, it is a symbol of vision, resilience, and deep-rooted faith. 'Located in the very centre of Kuching, the presence of St. Peter's Church, among other religious houses in close proximity, is a powerful testament to the religious harmony and unity that Sarawak is so proud to uphold,' he said. The church's completion was made possible through a combination of donations, government funding, and community support, with much of the fundraising effort taking place amid the challenges of the pandemic. Poh speaks to reporters when met at the event. – Photo by Roystein Emmor Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Datuk Dr Simon Poh said the total cost of the building was RM38 million. 'Yes, so from the overall initial planning it was RM38 million and then you know the pandemic knocked out all the donors and pledgers so we had to start from zero again,' he said. Poh acknowledged the critical role of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), which had earlier contributed RM2 million through two separate cheques presented in the past two years. 'And then today is the final cheque,' he said. According to him, the RM1 million presented today brought the total contribution from the Sarawak government through Unifor to RM3 million. 'With this last RM1 million, today we received a total of RM3 million from the Sarawak government through Unifor. We have enough just to cover everything and pay everything so tomorrow we will consecrate the whole church together,' he said. While some minor funding is still needed for furnishings and interior work, Poh said the contract sum for construction is now fully covered. 'The smaller things like furnishing and interior work still need to be done, but the building, the contract sum, everything is cleared. With the last RM1 million coming in, we can cover everything,' he added. The Archbishop noted that support had come not just from Catholics but from many other communities and faiths in Sarawak. 'This church stands more than just the church for the Catholic because people from all walks of life are looking and saying wow this is in Kuching. It's amazing that we don't need to go to Europe to see a very nice church here,' he said. Poh said the church had become a new landmark symbolising unity and mutual respect among Sarawakians. 'This became a landmark for a sign of our desire for harmony, contributing to society and building a better Sarawak for peace, for harmony, as a model for other parts of Malaysia and for the world,' he added. Built entirely using local materials and expertise, the church also showcases Sarawak's growing capabilities in architecture and construction, said Poh. 'This is the beginning of something that's possible. So Anak Sarawak out there, those graduating in a few years, by 2030, they can come back. We believe Sarawak will provide employment and continue contributing to peace, harmony, and progress.' The consecration of the new St Peter's Church is scheduled to take place tomorrow. building fund douglas uggah embas sarawak government St Peter's Church
Straits Times
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Singapore artist Charmaine Poh wins Villa Romana Prize, Germany's oldest art award
Charmaine Poh, the first Singaporean to receive the prestigious Villa Romana Prize, will enrol in a 10-month residency from February to November 2026 in the historic Villa Romana in Florence, Italy. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHARMAINE POH SINGAPORE – Video artist Charmaine Poh has won the Villa Romana Prize, Germany's oldest art award. The 35-year-old was among four fellows selected for the 2026 prize – its 120th edition. This makes her the first Singaporean to win the award aimed at emerging artists based in Germany. As is tradition, Poh and fellow winners Mikolaj Sobczak, Gulbin Unlu and Susanne Sachsse will enrol in a 10-month residency from February to November 2026 in the historic Villa Romana in Florence, Italy. They will each receive a monthly stipend of €2,000 (S$2,955) and participate in art shows in Florence and Germany. Their stay will culminate in an artists' book, incorporating their respective practices which span video, sound, object installation, performance and painting. Poh tells The Straits Times that she considers the residency, with its generous resources, 'a holistic demonstration of an investment in my practice'. 'These are resources that enable me to think more expansively and ambitiously about my practice, including working with mediums that I didn't have the space for before. Working more consistently with performance is one of them,' she adds. Britain -born Nigerian artist Karimah Ashadu, whose work was opposite Poh's at the Venice Biennale in 2024, nominated her for the prize. Ashadu was encouraged to do so by her producer Leonardo Bigazzi, who had selected the Singaporean artist for the Visio-European Programme in 2024. This is a residency, research and production project for artists who use moving images in their work. 'I want to express my gratitude to the both of them,' says Poh. She shares some artistic interests with her fellow nominees, including mining alternative archives, queer activism and critiques of social norms. Once a child actor in the Singapore TV series We Are R.E.M (2008 to 2009) – about three teenage girls who form a detective agency to bust crime – she has harnessed her experience to discuss the non-consensual proliferation of her image online, situating this in artificial intelligence-generated techno-futuristic worlds. Poh, currently based in Berlin for her doctorate in contemporary art, visual culture and performance, has been racking up accolades since showing at the 2024 Venice Biennale. Since then, she has been accepted for Arkipel, Jakarta's international documentary and experimental film festival, secured shows in Los Angeles and Hong Kong, and completed a six-month Singapore Art Museum residency. In December 2024, she was named Deutsche Bank's Artist of the Year for 2025 – also a first for Singapore. Poh's first solo and institutional exhibition in Berlin will take place at the PalaisPopulaire museum during Berlin Art Week in September. During Singapore Art Week in January, one of her videos shown in Venice, What's Softest In The World Rushes And Runs Over What's Hardest In The World (2024), was given an R21 rating by the authorities. It was eventually represented by an unlit projection area at Sundaram Tagore Gallery, in part due to logistical difficulties of enforcing the age requirement. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
It's an unkind cut, say hairdressers
Our services are a necessity and not a luxury, claim industry players PETALING JAYA: Hairdressing and salon industry players have appealed to the government to reconsider imposing the expanded 8% Sales and Service Tax (SST) on their services, which they deem a necessity and not a luxury. United Asian Hairdressers Association (UAHA) president Dr Michael Poh said hairdressing remains a basic need and personal hygiene-related service for many, including those seeking to treat scalp problems. ALSO READ: Hairdressers in the dark over expanded SST rules 'Taxing hairdressing as though it is a luxury service is not only inappropriate, but also unfairly affects both operators and consumers. 'We kindly urge the government to reconsider and exempt hairdressing services to protect this fragile yet essential industry, and prevent further financial strain on micro-entrepreneurs as well as the people they serve. 'Placing it under the same tax category as other luxury or high-margin services does not reflect the economic realities faced by most in our sector,' he told The Star. Poh said a letter by UAHA and other industry players was sent to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Finance Ministry on June 12 to express their concern regarding the imposition of the 8% tax. The stakeholders include the Malaysian Hairdressing Association, Bumiputera Hairdressers Association, Malaysian Indian Hairstylist Empowerment Association, Persatuan Kemahiran Wanita Selangor and Branding Association of Malaysia. The Federation of Malaysian Business Associations has also come up with a petition form for its stakeholders appealing to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan for the postponement and reconsideration of the SST expansion. According to the Finance Ministry, effective July 1, an 8% SST will be applied to all hairdressing services, which are deemed non-essential services, for businesses with an annual value exceeding RM500,000. This includes services provided by salons and hairdressers, but not the sale of hair products. Poh said that given the current situation for financially-strained businesses operating in malls with high rentals, periodic renovations and overhead costs, their average turnover ranges between RM650,000 and RM700,000, which is barely enough to break even. 'In the long run, those operating in shopping malls will have to close down because they are not friendly to the beauty industry. This is an important thing that must be considered. 'If they (the government) want to tax, then use the Goods and Service Tax (GST) of 3% or 6%, which is easier for us, or reduce (the SST) from 8% to 3% so that we can ensure our survival,' he said. Syiling Unisex Hair Salon owner Mogana Chinnathamby said smaller local barbers or salon owners with revenues below the threshold can continue without SST, but many salons in malls or premium areas typically exceed that limit and have started adjusting prices. 'As a responsible salon operator, we fully support tax transparency and compliance. 'If our revenue meets the threshold, we will implement the SST accordingly and ensure that it is clearly communicated to our customers with no hidden or unexpected charges. 'But the majority of customers may reduce frequency from monthly to every two months to cope with the rising costs, and I believe there will be some initial pushback too from customers,' said Mogana, who is also Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Honorary secretary-general. She hopes the authorities will continue engaging with industry players to review classifications that affect essential services like haircuts, especially in the interest of affordability for the public. Malaysian Indian Hair Dressing Saloon Owners Association honorary secretary-general Jeyakumar Manokaran said they will be meeting with their members to discuss the implementation of the SST. He acknowledged that the 8% SST will eventually be passed on to consumers. 'But we have to bear in mind that they are already being burdened by a lot of other increases in cost of living. 'So, we have to see whether they can eventually afford it. 'The other matter is that the Indian barbers and salons are mostly frequented by the B40 group,' he noted. As such, he hopes the government will reconsider imposing the SST expansion.
New Paper
01-06-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Team Singapore steal the show at World Indoor Skydiving C'ships despite break-in
The Singapore skydiving team showed incredible resolve as they rose above a burglary at their accommodation to collect a sterling haul of four medals (one gold, two silvers and one bronze) at the World Indoor Skydiving Championships in Charleroi, Belgium. On April 25, the athletes were shocked to find their place ransacked, forcing them to relocate to a hotel midway through the April 24-27 competition. But rather than let the harrowing experience affect them, the skydivers regrouped with Kyra Poh teaming up with her younger sister Vera, Choo Yi Xuan and Kai Minejima-Lee to claim the dynamic four-way open title. Kai, 16, added a silver in the solo freestyle open event, while Poh and Choo showed their chemistry is still intact with a dynamic two-way open bronze in their first competition since 2018. Vera, also 16, snatched a silver in the solo speed junior category, while the remaining member of the Singapore contingent, Jordan Lee, was placed 11th in the solo freestyle open event on his world championships debut. A spokesperson for iFly Singapore, an indoor skydiving facility in Sentosa where the skydivers train, confirmed the burglary took place but declined to reveal further details when contacted by The Straits Times. Poh, making her return to competition after a year-long hiatus due to an ankle injury, was delighted to add to the solo freestyle open gold she won at the 2023 world meet. "Coming back from such a long injury break and immediately winning medals at the world championships is incredibly rewarding," said the 22-year-old, Singapore's only Red Bull-sponsored athlete. Hailing the support of the team during her recovery from the injury, Poh added: "It feels amazing to be competing again at the highest level." The gold was especially satisfying as Singapore avenged their loss to Switzerland at the world meet two years ago with a decisive victory. "To come back this year and win... against the same Switzerland team, made all the daily training worthwhile," said Choo, who was in the 2023 team who won a bronze. The 23-year-old also marked her reunion with Poh for the "Team Firefly" partnership by edging out France by just 0.2 seconds in a dramatic tiebreak for the dynamic two-way open bronze. Choo Yi Xuan and Kyra Poh, also known as "Team Firefly", competed for the first time together since 2018. PHOTO: MARAT DAMINOV "Reuniting with Yi Xuan after my injury and immediately getting back on the podium feels amazing," said Poh. For Kai, the solo freestyle open champion at the World Cup in 2024, it was another close call as he finished a mere 0.1 point behind Poland's Maja Kuczynska. "I gave everything in my routine and am proud to add a world championships silver to my World Cup gold," said the teenager. "The margin of 0.1 point shows just how competitive this field is." Kai Minejima-Lee (left) won the silver medal in the solo freestyle open event. PHOTO: MARAT DAMINOV Vera also showed her potential after losing by a mere 0.985sec to Sofya Pauzin of France in the solo speed junior category. "Speed events are all about focus and consistency," said the 16-year-old. "We are flying at speeds of 280kmh which means there is hardly a split second to think when I'm in the tunnel. "I've been working on perfecting every move and the transitions between patterns and I'm proud to contribute this first silver medal for a solo speed event."
