Latest news with #Shangri-LaSingapore
AsiaOne
6 days ago
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
BYD Sealion 6 rolls into Singapore, Lifestyle News
Think BYD only makes electric cars? You might want to reconsider that assumption. After first embarking on a 1,300km-long teaser road trip from Singapore to Kuantan and back down, the plug-in hybrid BYD Sealion 6 DM-i has officially been launched in Singapore. Its splashy local launch event saw more than 400 guests in attendance at Shangri-La Singapore on Wednesday afternoon (July 16), where they were reminded of BYD's growing market dominance in Singapore. But back to the main headline this time. While the Sealion 6 DM-i sports a similar visual outlook to the Sealion 7 with its bracket-like head lights, it swims into uncharted waters for BYD in Singapore by marking its first model ever to have a combustion engine under the hood. 'DM-i', which stands for 'Dual Mode - Intelligent', references the car's plug-in hybrid powertrain, which can switch seamlessly between a highly-efficient 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 145kW electric motor fed by an 18.3kWh Blade Battery (or rely on both together). The latter gives the car an electric-only range of up to 80km, and impressively, supports DC charging. Combined peak output from the DM-i Super Hybrid system stands at a healthy 160kW (215bhp) and 300Nm. If you're wondering how exactly the Sealion 6 DM-i stands out within the BYD family, driving range is most certainly its calling card when stacked against all of its other fully-electric siblings. BYD Singapore states that under local driving conditions, the SUV is capable of a "long cruising range" of more than 1,200km when fully refuelled and with its battery fully charged. As demonstrated in its cross-border jaunt earlier in July 2025, its marathoning capabilities make it perfect for longer road trips, with BYD referring to it as a "vehicle that adapts to your lifestyle, and not the other way around". Another quality worth highlighting about the Sealion 6 DM-i's powertrain is that it enables the car to behave more like an EV than an ICE car. With the car operating by default on an 'electric-first' basis, its electric motor is tasked exclusively with powering the front wheels at low to medium speeds, allowing owners to drive about in a silent and emissions-free manner. At medium to high speeds, its 1.5-litre engine is then awoken in the capacity of a generator to feed the battery. Thereafter, it's only when the car is being pushed to its limit that the engine comes in fully to propel the car directly in tandem with the electric motor. As we noted on our first drive with the car, smoothness and refinement are amplified as a result, allowing the Sealion 6 DM-i to boast "creamy" power delivery. Intriguing powertrain aside, the Sealion 6 DM-i excels on the practicality front. While residing within the same mid-sized SUV segment as the Sealion 7, its boxier shape and flatter roofline provides rear passengers with slightly more headroom, with seats that can be reclined for extra comfort. Its 574-litre boot is also generous for its size, and can be further expanded to 1,700 litres with the 60:40 second row folded flat. What's more, as we've come to expect from BYD, standard equipment levels are generous. Front occupants won't have to fight over who gets to charge their phone, thanks to a dual-wireless charging tray, while all on board will get to savour road-trip playlists to the fullest on long drives with the car's premium Infinity by Harman Kardon sound system. Amidst these creature comforts, a full-digital dashboard, consisting of a 12.3-inch curved instrument cluster and 15.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen, adds a good dose of modernity. Furthermore, the Sealion 6 DM-i comes with a full suite of safety assistance systems, including the likes of Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Intelligent Cruise Control. All of these are sure to take some of the stress out of long road trips (as mentioned, this is already a certified border-crosser). Speaking at the launch, James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and the Phillipines, highlighted the brand's enduring popularity among Singapore buyers, revealing that the 840 units sold in June 2025 had marked the brand's best month for the year so far. The Chinese carmaker has seen its lineup of models steadily increase in recent times, with the Sealion 6 DM-i following hot on the heels of the Sealion 7 that launched in January's 2025 Singapore Motor Show. Within the last 12 months, BYD has also fielded a Cat A-friendly compact electric MPV in the form of the M6, and a full-sized electric MPV with its luxury sub-brand: The DENZA D9. Additionally, the BYD Seal, Atto 3, and Dolphin all received recent updates for the 2025 model year. (In tandem, BYD Singapore has continued to grow its retail network with the latest addition of Jack Cars as an authorised dealer.) And this family is set to grow even bigger still. Soon to be launched in Singapore — as revealed by Ng at the event — is the BYD Atto 2, another compact electric crossover that will sit beneath the Atto 3 in terms of positioning and size. The Sealion 6 DM-i is now on sale in Singapore, and launches with a special price of $212,888 (inclusive of a guaranteed COE) — which places it slightly above the single-motor Sealion 7. The plug-in hybrid SUV also retails with a six-year car warranty, 10-year battery warranty, and 10 years worth of free servicing*. *Terms and conditions to apply Car model Price as of press time (including COE) BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Plug-in Hybrid $212,888 [[nid:719528]] This article was first published in sgCarMart .
India Today
09-07-2025
- India Today
What is Peranakan culture and how it is still alive? All you need to know
Peranakan culture, an intricate blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences is more than a historical legacy. It's a living, breathing thread in Singapore's multicultural tapestry. But in today's modern world, how does one preserve such a richly layered heritage? And more importantly, how does one make it resonate with new generations?Indiatoday spoke with Mr Stephan Kapek, VP Operations, SEAA and General Manager at Shangri-La Singapore, and Ms Regina Chia, Senior Assistant Director, Brand Experience and Marketing at Sentosa Development Corporation. Their insights, along with immersive cultural showcases like Peranakan Reimagined, paint a compelling picture of how the Peranakan identity is evolving, thriving, and captivating audiences with Mr Stephan Kapek, one immediately senses a deep respect for cultural storytelling through hospitality. 'Peranakan culture is an integral part of Singapore's multicultural tapestry,' he tells me. 'It's known for its vibrant aesthetics, distinctive cuisine, and deep-rooted traditions that reflect the blending of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences.''At The Lobby Lounge, we offer iconic Peranakan dishes such as Ayam Buah Keluak, Nyonya Chap Chye, and Kueh Lapis as part of our local highlights,' Mr Kapek shares. 'We also serve two special Peranakan tasting menus in a vibrant three-tiered tingkat, letting guests experience the diverse and delicious heritage of Singapore.'And the connection goes beyond cuisine.'We regularly feature Peranakan craft demonstrations and workshops for children and families,' he says. 'And our curated heritage trails at nearby Emerald Hill immerse guests in the beautifully preserved shophouses and boutiques that still keep the Peranakan spirit alive.'For Mr Kapek, heritage is not static 'Our approach is about honouring tradition while making it accessible and engaging for the modern traveller.'CULTURAL EVOLUTION ROOTED IN IDENTITYBut what exactly does 'Peranakan' mean?The term 'Peranakan,' from the Malay word for 'local born,' historically referred to descendants of Chinese immigrants who settled in the Malay Archipelago and intermarried with local populations. Over centuries, a distinctive culture evolved, defined by a hybrid language (Baba Malay), intricate beadwork and embroidery, and a cuisine famed for its Singapore, the Peranakan community became especially prominent during the British colonial era, holding positions of influence while preserving a deeply personal and community-based identity.'Peranakan traditions are expressed not just in food or fashion, but in family values, community rituals, and even architecture,' Ms Chia reflects. 'Every element—whether it's a tiffin carrier or a kebaya—is layered with meaning.'NEW LENS ON THE PERANAKAN IDENTITYRegina Chia, who has spearheaded the Peranakan Reimagined showcase at Sentosa's Sensoryscape, speaks from a different, but equally passionate vantage point.'I was inspired by the visual and cultural language of the Peranakan communities, from intricate beadwork and bold batik motifs to the sounds, flavours, and stories passed down through generations,' she explains. 'There's a richness in the craftsmanship that has evolved with time. We wanted to honour that, but also reinterpret it through the lens of modern design and technology.'advertisementThe result? An immersive sensory wonderland that engages sight, sound, taste, and touch, from towering projection-mapped Peranakan Houses to enormous beaded slipper displays and contemporary kebaya fashion showcases. And it's not just a display, it's participatory.'We have felt beaded slipper workshops, embroidery sessions, and clay kueh-making activities for families,' Ms Chia says. 'Our goal is to create experiences that feel both familiar and fresh.'Indeed, Peranakan Reimagined balances nostalgia with innovation. Visitors stroll through installations like the Field of Beaded Blooms and the Giant in Grace walkway, where life-sized kamcheng jars, teapots, and wedding baskets celebrate traditional forms while surprising guests with digital interpretations through augmented visuals and photo effects.- Ends
Mint
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
‘A new red line': At Shangri-La Dialogue, CDS General Anil Chauhan's ‘limit of tolerance' warning to Pakistan
Top military officials from India and Pakistan exchanged warnings at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, billed as Asia's premier defence forum, amid heightened tensions between the two sides following last month's military confrontation. The longstanding tensions between the two neighbours grabbed attention at the gathering of the top global defence forum held from Friday to Sunday, reported Channel News Asia on Sunday. Pakistan-based terror group attacked tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, killing 26 people. Pakistan has denied involvement. And just as these nations sit next to each other geographically, some of their top generals sat in neighbouring conference rooms inside the Shangri-La Singapore, taking part in simultaneous sessions late on Saturday afternoon on topics ranging from defence innovation solutions to regional crisis-management mechanisms. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, talked about India drawing a new red line of intolerance against terror. Referring to Operation Sindoor, General Chauhan said, 'What India has done, politically, they have drawn a new red line of intolerance against terror.' "I hope, this particular operation, it's basically lying in military domain, that should bring about some lessons for our adversary also, and hopefully they learn that this is a limit of India's tolerance," Gen Chauhan said. "We have been subjected to this proxy war of terror for almost two decades and more, and we lost lot of want to put an end to it," he said. Operation Sindoor was launched early on May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. All subsequent retaliations to Pakistani offensives were carried out under this operation. The four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Pakistan Armed Forces, warned of what could happen should another clash occur. "The strategic stability with the lowering of this threshold to the dangerous levels if next time such a conflict occurs and the cities are targeted first and the borders become irrelevant... there could be a possibility that before the international community intervenes because of the restricted or constricted times window, the damage and destruction may have already taken place," he said at the event. General Mirza told the Channel in a wide-ranging interview that Pakistan is taking on terrorism on its soil and working to tackle cross-border terrorism from groups based in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Mirza said terrorism has cost his country hundreds of billions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives. In the wake of the recent hostilities, both sides have moved from weapons to words, with India dispatching several delegations to visit more than 30 capitals across the world. A similar effort by Pakistan is set to start on June 2. "India doesn't depend on one nation for its defence needs,' said General Chauhan. "It's a number of capabilities which were put together, and most of these capabilities were put to good effects,' he was quoted as saying. General Mirza told the Channel that his country's capabilities include weapons from China and many other places. "I have military equipment from the US. I have military equipment from Turkiye. I have military equipment from Italy. I have military equipment from the UK," he listed. "We have the equipment from all equipment-producing countries." The countries continue to maintain that the use of nuclear weapons was never on the table, with Pakistani officials, including General Mirza dismissing reports that Islamabad called a meeting of the National Command Authority, the body that oversees Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Top military officials from India, Pakistan share views at Shangri-La Dialogue
Top military officials from India and Pakistan highlighted their views at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, billed as Asia's premier defence forum, amid heightened tensions between the two sides following last month's military confrontation. The longstanding tensions between the two neighbours grabbed attention at the gathering of the top global defence forum held from Friday to Sunday, reported Channel News Asia on Sunday. India accused Pakistan-based terror groups of a deadly attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in April, while Pakistan denies any involvement. And just as these nations sit next to each other geographically, some of their top generals sat in neighbouring conference rooms inside the Shangri-La Singapore, taking part in simultaneous sessions late on Saturday afternoon on topics ranging from defence innovation solutions to regional crisis-management mechanisms. "What India has done, politically, they have drawn a new red line of intolerance against terror," General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff with the Indian Armed Forces, said, referring to Operation Sindoor. "I hope, this particular operation, it's basically lying in military domain, that should bring about some lessons for our adversary also, and hopefully they learn that this is a limit of India's tolerance," Gen Chauhan said. "We have been subjected to this proxy war of terror for almost two decades and more, and we lost lot of want to put an end to it," he said. Operation Sindoor was launched early on May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. All subsequent retaliations to Pakistani offensives were carried out under this operation. The four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Pakistan Armed Forces, warned of what could happen should another clash occur. "The strategic stability with the lowering of this threshold to the dangerous levels if next time such a conflict occurs and the cities are targeted first and the borders become irrelevant... there could be a possibility that before the international community intervenes because of the restricted or constricted times window, the damage and destruction may have already taken place," he said at the event. In the wake of the recent hostilities, both sides have moved from weapons to words, with India dispatching several delegations to visit more than 30 capitals across the world. A similar effort by Pakistan is set to start on June 2. The Channel also had a member of the multi-party Indian delegation that visited East and Southeast Asia during a stop in Singapore on May 27. Congress party leader and former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid agreed with the views that the effort is unprecedented. "It is an innovation, in a sense. And the fact that there are multi-party delegations, seven of them across the world, to all members of the (UN) Security Council and prospective members of the Security Council. In that sense, it is unprecedented, and we've got enormous support," he was quoted as saying. "You might even put it as something that has started, something that will at least ensure that our narrative is carried right through," he said. And that narrative is firmly focused on India's accusations that Pakistan isn't doing nearly enough to snuff out terrorism, according to the Channel report. General Mirza told the Channel in a wide-ranging interview that Pakistan is taking on terrorism on its soil and working to tackle cross-border terrorism from groups based in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Mirza said terrorism has cost his country hundreds of billions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives. India and Pakistan's 96-hour confrontation was seen as a test of the rivals' respective weapons systems, including French-made Rafale fighter jets and Chinese-made J10-C jets, armed with Chinese-made missiles, according to the Channel report. But the top generals on both sides have said their military forces can pick and choose when it comes to their firepower. "India doesn't depend on one nation for its defence needs,' said General Chauhan. "It's a number of capabilities which were put together, and most of these capabilities were put to good effects,' he was quoted as saying. General Mirza told the Channel that his country's capabilities include weapons from China and many other places. "I have military equipment from the US. I have military equipment from Turkiye. I have military equipment from Italy. I have military equipment from the UK," he listed. "We have the equipment from all equipment-producing countries." In addition, both sides relied on drones while also facing serious threats in the form of disinformation. But global concern was firmly fixed on the unconventional weapons they both possess, the ones that can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. The countries continue to maintain that the use of nuclear weapons was never on the table, with Pakistani officials, including General Mirza dismissing reports that Islamabad called a meeting of the National Command Authority, the body that oversees Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. "The tools of modern conflict are artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, cyber, precision, firepower and weapons," Mirza said.
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Straits Times
Traffic delays, vehicle security checks expected in Orchard Road areas during Shangri-La Dialogue
As parking within the hotel will be limited, visitors are advised to take public transport or carpool. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG SINGAPORE - Motorists should avoid roads near the Shangri-La Singapore hotel from May 29 to June 1, and those around The St. Regis Singapore hotel on May 31. This is because the Shangri-La Dialogue will be held at the Shangri-La Singapore from May 30 to June 1, with the reception and dinner at The St. Regis Singapore. The annual security summit sees ministers and delegates from Asia-Pacific region coming together. The police said in an advisory on May 27 that they would be conducting security checks on vehicles near the two hotels in Orchard Road during the event period, and encouraged the public to use public transport to get to these areas. Motorists should avoid the surrounding roads of Shangri-La Singapore , including Anderson Road and Orange Grove Road, and use alternative routes, said the police. For example, they should use Scotts Road to get to Stevens Road from Tanglin Road, to get to Orchard Road from Stevens Road, and to get to Balmoral Road from Tanglin Road. Those heading to Ardmore Park should use Draycott Park or Draycott Drive, as there is no through road between Ardmore Park lamp post 8 and Anderson Road from 11pm on May 29 to 5pm on June 1. The entry of commercial vehicles with registration plates starting with G, W, X and Y into Anderson Road will be restricted. Also, the following roads and lanes near The St. Regis Singapore will also be closed from 4am on May 31 to 6am on June 1: two right lanes of Tanglin Road in the direction of Orchard Road (between lamp post 31 and Ellis Road) two right lanes of Tanglin Road in the direction of Orchard Road (between lamp post 25 and lamp post 11) Tomlinson Road (between Cuscaden Road and Tanglin Road) The carriageway of Cuscaden Road in the direction of Orchard Road (between Tomlinson Road and lamp post 6) Right lane of the carriageway of Tomlinson Road in the direction of Tanglin Road (between lamp post 5 and Cuscaden Road) The following roads and lanes near the St. Regis will be closed from 4am on May 31 to 6am on June 1. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE During the road closures, access will be granted only to authorised vehicles, along with police and emergency vehicles, the police said. Police and auxiliary police officers will be deployed along the affected roads and lanes to assist and direct motorists. Motorists can also expect traffic delays along Orchard Boulevard, Tanglin Road , Cuscaden Road and Tomlinson Road. Motorists heading to Orchard Road via Cuscaden Road or Tomlinson Road should use alternative routes via Grange Road followed by Paterson Hill towards Paterson Road. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will set up Temporary Restricted Areas over the two hotels, and it is an offence for anyone to fly drones or kites within and into these zones. The restricted area over Shangri-La Singapore will be from: May 30, 7.30am to 11.30pm May 31, 7.30am to 7.30pm June 1, 7.30am to 3.30pm The other restricted area, over The St. Regis Singapore, is on May 31, from 6pm to 11pm. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
