[Product Launch] Parallels Desktop 14

The leading desktop virtualisation software that enables users to run Windows on Mac, Parallels, has just launch its latest version - the Parallels Desktop 14. 

The Parallels Desktop 14 offers significant storage savings, faster launch times, improved graphics and the latest versions of Parallels Toolbox for Windows or Mac. Through Parallels Desktop 14, customers now have access to more Windows features on Mac than ever before.

Some of the highlights are;

Enhanced Storage Optimisation: Typically, virtual machines are large and storage optimisation is a great feature when running both Windows and Mac simultaneously. New Free Up Disk Space dialog that suggests storage-saving actions now better handles multiple virtual machines. 

Support for Microsoft Ink Continues: Parallels Desktop 14 continue to include support for Microsoft Ink on Microsoft Office for Windows documents on a Mac, including pressure-sensitive support in applications such as PowerPoint, Microsoft Edge, CorelDRAW, Fresh Paint, Leonardo, openCanvas and Photoshop for Windows.

Preconfigured Touch Bar Support for the following Windows Applications: Microsoft Visio and OneNote, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit, Quicken, QuickBooks and Visual Studio. They join current Parallels Desktop Touch Bar sets for Windows applications, including: Office 2016 (MicrosoftWord, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Windows Start Menu and desktop (Cortana, Task View and TaskBar pinned elements), File Explorer (File Open and Save As settings), ArcGIS and web browsers (InternetExplorer, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Vivaldi).

Personalised Touch Bar: The Parallels Desktop Touch Bar Wizard makes it easy for users to customise the Touch Bar for thousands of Windows applications, so their function key shortcuts are at their fingertips when using the applications. Additionally, with the use of Touch Bar XML Authoring, users can further personalise the Touch Bar with their own customised function key shortcuts for their favorite Windows applications.

macOS Mojave–Ready: Parallels Desktop 14 supports Dark Mode. Quick Look issued on Windows files now shows quick actions. Support for additional Mojave features, which are currently in development, will be tested, finalised and introduced around the forthcoming public release of Mojave. The Parallels Desktop 14 for Mac installation image, which is notarised by Apple®, will be seen by users when it is installed on Mojave.

Enhanced Graphic Support and 4K Shared Camera Support: Parallels Desktop 14 now features improved OpenGL support for enhanced graphics, with notable improvements in SketchUp 2017/2018, CTVox, DIALux 8 and OriginLab. All view modes have been improved in terms of speed and memory usage, which is especially important when working on multiple high-resolution external displays, including those of 5K resolutions. Unused virtual video memory is now effectively returned to Mac system memory. Auto mode for graphics allows Windows to use more than 2 GB of Mac system memory for video purposes, while allowing Windows applications to use it when possible. Additionally, users now get a better frame rate in video conferencing and can use shared camera technology with cameras that support up to 4K resolutions.

Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition: New Business Edition features include enhanced management, plus security and licensing portals. Additional improvements also made to the Smart card readers, administrators invitation to user via email, replace existing virtual machines in Deployment Mode to streamline productivity, faster start up of applications deployed in the Single Application mode along with a new splash screen, and a new “My Account” portal.

More than 30+ Single-Click Utilities from Parallels Toolbox for Windows and Mac including screenshot of lengthy webpages, check and reclaim RAM memory through Free Memory tool, as well as resizing images to the desired file size and format.

Better Performance: Up to 200 percent performance improvement on the iMac Pro®, up to 80 percent faster application launch, up to 10 percent faster boot time, up to 30 percent faster suspend operation on APFS partition, up to 130 percent more frames per second in Shared Camera, and up to 17 percent more frames per second in Coherence view mode. The CPU usage indicator has been added to the title bar to give a better understanding of high CPU usage in Windows. Resource Monitor is completely redesigned to show Mac resources along with the impact that multiple virtual machines have on them.

The Parallels Desktop 14 for Mac, Parallels Desktop 14 for Mac Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition are available for subscribers and upgraders from Parallels Desktop 12 and 13 (parallels.com/upgradepd14), as well as new customers, online at parallels.com/desktop and at local retail and online stores worldwide. There is a Free 14-day full-featured trials available for download.

The recommended retail price (RRP) of Parallels Desktop 14 for Mac is US$79.99 for an annual subscription or US$99.99 for a perpetual license. Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition and Business Edition are each available to new customers for US$99.99 per year. Parallels Desktop 12 and 13 perpetual license customers can upgrade to Parallels Desktop 14 for US$49.99, or upgrade to a Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition subscription for US$49.99 per year. Parallels Desktop subscriptions include a complimentary concurrent subscription to Parallels Toolbox for Mac or Windows (parallels.com/toolbox), as well as Parallels Access® (parallels.com/access).

Visit parallels.com/about for more information. Facebook at facebook.com/parallelsinc, Twitter at twitter.com/parallelsmac and blog at blog.parallels.com.

[Product Launch] KIM's Bird Nest Beverage

KIM Bird's Nest Beverage is probably one of the best summer day to day drink to be launched in Singapore! My family and i really do enjoy every bottle of this genuine bird's nest goodness where it is all natural and refreshing made from genuine cave bird's nest harvested from Thailand. The formula is fibrous and has only 72kcal per serving. Hygienically processed, it contains 100% genuine cave bird's nest and no artifical preservatives and colouring. It is halal-certified and it can be consumed straight from the glass bottle itself, chilled or diluted with warm water.

Each bottle of KIM Bird's Nest Beverage truthfully contains a spoonful of genuine bird's nest goodness. Consume one bottle of the beverage for an instant boost during the day. Bird's nest is also known for its beauty benefits, help in rejuvenation and maintaining smooth, radiant and youthful complexion.

KIM Bird's Nest Beverage comes in two flavours in the form of The Gift Box (pack of 6) and retails at S$16.90: Rock Sugar and Ginseng. Sugar-Free flavour is available in individual bottle and retails at S$3.60 each.

The Gift Box promotion is available on a while stock last basis, starting from 7 May 2018, and can be purchased at:
✓ Prime and Sheng Siong Supermarkets;
✓ Caltex, Cheers, Shell and SPC Petrol Mart;
✓ Tao Kae Noi Land (L3 Suntec City);
✓ and Online: FairPrice On, Shopee.sg/ninjasnacks, Redmart and Qoo10.sg/shop/sansesan.

Jessie and i enjoyed our time at Spa Nes, Annex @ Furama (Level 2) where the launch of KIM Bird's Nest Beverage was held. The food prepared at the Dining Cove by Spa Nes was delicious!

A great night together enjoying a glass of specially prepared Bird's Nest Mocktail! Thank you KIM and Spa Nes! And yes, you can make your own concoction or dessert with KIM Bird's Nest Beverage too!

Newly opened just last year, Spa Nes is a pretty nice place to relax and rejuvenate in. Friends and/or couples can enjoy spa treatments together! Do check out their website for more information, http://www.spanes.sg/!

[Press Event] "Made In Italy" - Showcase of Latest Trends to ASEAN Partners

For the very first time, with the rest of the media representatives, i attended the media briefing for "Made In Italy" Showcase to ASEAN Partners. Nine major Italian federations representing sectors from fashion to healthcare and technology were present for the session.

They shared how they will work with local associations, the latest trends, success stories, future strategies and information about advanced technology with local businesses and entrepreneurs.

The large delegation, led by CONFINDUSTRIA – the Italian Confederation of Industries with the support of the Italian Embassy’s Italian Trade Agency arm (ICE), came as part of the contingent for the second edition of the High Level Dialogue on ASEAN Italy Economic Relations held on 11 April 2018.

2018 marks two decades since Singapore and Italy embarked on formal economic co-operation and exchange. Recognising that innovation drives the transformation of economies and societies, Singapore and Italy agreed to intensify long-term co-operation across various sectors from fashion to healthcare, furniture and technology. “Singapore, with its Smart City ambition, and businesses around the region can take advantage of the opportunities we bring. With cummulative knowledge and strong relationships, we can leverage on our experience to overcome challenges and fast-track the attainment of industrial and development goals,” said Mr Leonardo Radicati, Director Italian Trade Agency Singapore.

Italian exports to the international market have increased by 7.4%, with a surplus of 47.5 billion euro in 2017. Bilateral trade between Italy and ASEAN countries have reached 16 billion euro in 2017, with an increase of 10.2% in exports.

UCIMU Sistemi Per Produrre – Italian machine tool, robots, automation systems and ancilliary products manufacturers’ association

A representative association of Italian Manufacturers, UCIMU, will help improve commercial networks and implement university networks. Mr. Massimo Carboniero, President of UCIMU and Managing Director of OMERA S.R.L. shared that the 2018 edition of BI-MU trade show organised by UCIMU will be held in Milan, at Fiera Milano, Rho, from the 9th to 13th of October 2018. ASEAN end-user are invited. The association will also organise study tours of the main ASEAN countries and provide local end-user analysis. UCIMU will also implement Technology Centres that feature Italian machine tools in ASEAN.


ANIMA – Federation of Italian Associations of Mechanical and Engineering Sectors

ANIMA aims to strengthen ties with Government, Institutions, Trade Associations with those in ASEAN countries over the next three years. They will do this through Trade Fairs, B2B missions and events dedicated to showcase Italy’s technological excellence from a “solution enabler” point of view. It will also host B2B sessions in Italy dedicated to ASEAN partners.

Mr. Alberto Caprari, President ANIMA and CEO Caprari SpA. shared that there is an increasing trend in food production machinery and is expecting a great request from industries of bigger ASEAN markets and partners.

MCE Asia 2018 will be held in Singapore, at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, from the 5th to 7th of September 2018.


Confindustria Digitale – Association for Italian Digital Technology

In 2017, the Italian digital market exceeded 67 billion euros, up by 2.3%, and is expected to grow further. Digital Enablers (the IoT, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Big Data, Web Management Platforms and Mobile Business) are driving the growth of ICT investment by businesses. Emerging technologies such as Blockchain and Cognitive Computing, though it is hard to measure such values, they are expected to support market growth in the medium term.

Mr. Alberto Tripi, Board Member, Confindustria Digitale, highlighted that Italy’s technological advancements can benefit ASEAN's various industries.


Confindustria Moda – A New Federation for Associations of Textiles, Fashion and Accessories

Fashion exports from clothing to footwear, textile, leatherwear, eyewear and jewellery reached almost 48.8 billion euros in the first 10 months of 2017, a 5.9% increase compared to the same time of 2016.

"The ASEAN markets have been growing fast in the last five years and in the Region. By 2025, there will be a consuming class of 123 million people with high income. For the fashion industry, the Area has a great potential as the new customers are asking more and more for Made in Italy products. Singapore is the entry point to reach the ASEAN countries for distribution projects and also for manufacturing co-operation," said Claudio Marenzi, President, Confindustria Moda.


Assocalzaturifici – Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association

This sector has a turnover of about 14.2 billion euro yearly and exports 85% of its production. Between January and October 2017, 180.6 million pairs of shoes (2.6 million more than the same period in 2016) were sold abroad with a total value of 7.78 billion euro, a 1.5% increase in quantity and a 3.3% increase in value.

The association organises the world’s most important footwear fashion fairs such as MICAM Milano. In 2017 exports to Singapore remained unchanged in volume (301,217 pairs, worth 34.69 million euros) representing approximately half of totals for ASEAN.

“Italian footwear exports reached the highest value in the last 15 years, even when considered net of inflation. According to projections, the final result for the year 2017 as a whole should be around 9.2 billion euro. A new record in commercial trade especially with ASEAN buyers is expected in 2018,” said Mr. Tommaso Cancellara, Director General and CEO MICAM.

AIMPES – Italian Leather Goods Association

AIMPES represents the leather goods sector which is worth 7.5 billion euros. It organises MIPEL, the international leather goods and fashion accessories exhibition, which takes place twice a year in Milan in February and September, during Milano Fashion Week.

“Statistics on leather goods show a very positive trend in the ASEAN markets with significant increase of our export in the last years. Thanks to the high quality of Italian leather goods we can further improve our cooperation and AIMPES will continue to undertake more promotional initiatives in the Area”, said Mr. Riccardo Braccialini, President of AIMPES and MIPEL.


Cosmetica Italia – Personal Care Association

About 60% or more of the make-up distributed throughout the world is produced in Italy. The Italian cosmetics sector is worth 11 billion euros in turnover in 2017, an increase of 4.3% from 2016.

ASEAN countries attracted about 88 million euros of Italian cosmetics last year with a growth of 9.6% on the previous year. The largest category of Italian exports are alcohol-based perfume products (47 million euros), following products for hair care (18 million euros), these two categories account for about 75% of total Italian cosmetics exports to ASEAN.

Singapore is the leading country of total Italian cosmetics exports to ASEAN with an amount of 57.5 million euros (+9.3% on previous year). Cosmetics companies in Italy invest about 6% of the turnover in research and development, against a national average estimated to be about 3%.

“The figures highlight the competitive nature of the Italian cosmetics industry, despite the uncertainty of the political-economic situation. The Made in Italy cosmetics sector reaffirms its constant attention to investments in innovation and in customer service, validated by the response from the domestic market and also from the international ones such as ASEAN," said Mr. Fabio Rossello, President of Cosmetica Italia.


Federlegno Arredo – Italian Federation of Wood, Cork, Furniture and Furnishing Industries

This woodworking and furniture sector saw a total turnover of 41.3 billion euros in 2017. Export amounts to 15 billion euros. Italian wood-furnishing export to ASEAN last year was 193 million euros (+4.3%). As ambassadors of the Italian flair of living worldwide, this association organises fairs such as the Salone Internazionale del Mobile which is the world’s largest furniture fair, the MADE
fair devoted to architecture and construction, fairs in Moscow and Shanghai, as well as Salone Satellite which showcases emerging designers under 35 years. Each represents the global benchmark for furniture and design.

Mr. Nazzareno Mengoni, President of the Young Entrepreneurs, shared that they are looking into understanding the trends in ASEAN markets, and is keen to scout opportunities for strategic partnerships with local industry.


Farmindustria - Association of Pharmaceutical Companies

The pharmaceutical industry in Italy represents 30 billion euros in manufacturing value of which 75% are from exports. Each year, 2.7 billion euros is invested in research and development (1.5 billion euros) and high-tech equipment (1.2 billion euros).

Mr. Pierluigi Petrone, Member of the Board Farmindustria, shared that Italian life sciences' R&D ranks among the best in the World and that there will be many opportunities available for ASEAN partnership.

[Food Tasting] South East Asia Flavours by River Wok

Newly opened restaurant River Wok offers flavours from Indochina under one roof with an electic menu created by Executive Chef Kantha Chookiat, focusing on Southeast Asian cuisines from countries like Laos, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

As soon as i arrived, I went all awe by how beautiful this reastaurant is. I love the big space, the huge bar area with long white countertops in the middle, and the many decors that reflects Southeast Asian cultures. It has both indoor and outdoor sitting area, overlooking the Singapore River. Lovely, isn't it?

Loving those tiles on the counter wall!!

Such a beautiful restaurant! Suitable for both dinner date with loved ones or with group of friends.

Flexibility that caters for bigger groups of customers.

Loving the table and the settings.

The design on the wall kinda reminds me of the days in Hawaii.

A unique drink, Coco Bay, is a concoction of Lime, Coriander, Coconut cream and Gin served in a young Coconut! Refreshing with a hint of alcohol!

The restaurant do serve a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. My friends ordered the Craneberry Juice, something icy and sweet to have.

Chef Chookiat grew up in Chiang Mai, Thailand where he develop his knowledge and familiarity with the myriad of herbs and spices synonymous with the Indochina region. Along with over 30 years of culinary experience, Chef Chookiat specializes in Indochina cuisine where he is able to re-create dishes with authenticity while giving his own unique spin to traditional favourites without the need for preservatives or artificial colouring.

Traditional Thai Salad, Yam Tuapoo Goong Sod (S$16). This consists of Wing Beans, Tiger Prawns and shredded Chicken mixed with a lovely tangy and spicy dressing made with Fish sauce, Lime juice, Coconut cream, Chilli paste and topped with crispy fried Shallots and roasted grated Coconut.

Great for sharing due to its generous portion as a starter! A dish bursting with flavours is sure to increase anyone's appetite! I honestly couldn't stop eating this after having my first taste of it.

Vietnamese-style hand rolled rice paper with minced chicken and roasted rice crumbles, Nam Khao Hor (S$10 - veg / S$14). The lemon-marinated chicken with crispy rice crumbles really goes well together and will keep diners reaching out for more after every bite. This is another dish that is good for sharing too if you are keeping your stomach for the mains.

Pho and Beer pairing session - Pho that paired perfectly with Hoegaarden beer.

The classic Vietnamese staple, Pho Bo (S$26) is served the traditional way in a fragrant beef broth but with the added richness of premium sliced Wagyu beef accompanied with the freshness of crunchy bean sprouts and other herbs, presented on the side when served.

Diners can also go for the Chicken Pho instead and i really love how surprisingly flavourful the chicken broth is! 

All smiles and excited to dig in on Jessie's and CF's faces!

Savoury gravy or curry, both great dishes to go with rice!

Enjoy traditional Indonesian Ayam Buah Keluak (S$24) with just the right hint of nuttiness paired with the spiciness of the gravy (not very spicy). The buah keluak is stuffed with minced chicken so diners can enjoy a nice surprise when digging into the nut.

Another best seller dish, the decadent Gaeng Phed Ped Yang (S$22), is a roasted duck in rich Thai red curry (perfectly paired with Stella Artois Pilsner). Chef Chookiat adds a creative twist to this traditional dish with grapes and pineapple giving a wonderful hint of sweetness with spice.

Here's a snap of one of the duck meat in the curry.

Post Meal sweet Tooth indulgence .. 

After the mains come desserts and we were introduced to crowd favourite - traditional Thai Khao Neow Ma Muang (S$10), a sweet sticky rice pudding paired with sliced sweet mango and coconut cream!

Another crowd favourite - the Banana Fritters and Black Sesame Ice-cream, Banh Chuoi (S$12), is simply delicious!

Nice to see CK again and so glad we met a few years back! Thank you Jessie and CK for asking me along for this tasting!!

Nestled among restaurants and the romantic riverside of Robertson Quay, River Wok serves modern Indochina cuisine, pulling together dishes from Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand that has a shared love of robust flavours, heat and contrasting textures.

As part of the new menu, 

River Wok will launch local seafood favourites such as the Singapore Chilli Crab (S$78 per kg). Patrons can also get their hands dirty with the Black Pepper and Salted Egg crabs that are packed with rich gravy and shreds of crab!

Location: 80 Mohamed Sultan Road, The Pier, #01-12, Singapore 239013

Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays from 12pm to 11pm

Contact: (65) 6732 1126 for enquiries and reservations

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RiverWok 

Instagram page: www.instagram.com/river_wok

ARTBOX Singapore 2018

Known as Singapore's largest pop-up creative market, Artbox is back for its 2nd edition set up at Bayfront Event Space, close to 3 times bigger than before, spanning over 140,000 square feet! (Nearest MRT : Bayfront station)

Artbox is held across two weekends from 25th to 27th May 2018 and 1st to 3rd June 2018 and is expected to cater to an estimated 700,000 visitors this year with more than 400 regional and local creative retailers and partners.

Thank you Jasmine for the media pass where we get to have a full view of Artbox from the media viewing deck!

This year's theme is Oasis - representing an annual urban escape from cityscape into a sanctuary of experiential imagination.

There were more than 400 booths of beauty, fashion, food and art from regional vendors and partners including new vendors Thai designers Porky Studio, Moonset and Nokkajib, as well as Singaporean brands such as Cereal Citizen. Also, do check out the many creative art installation across the pop-up market crafted on Artbox's unique shipping containers!

Visitors can either use cash or event tokens as payment method in the market. Moonie, Artbox's official Event Token App enables them to earn free tokens while they navigate around the market and can be use to redeem tasty treats and goodies.

Have fun in the unique foam pit decked with pool floats and psychedelic colours with a minimum spending of $20 using any cashless payment method in Artbox Singapore.

Beautiful fairy lights were installed spanning across 6 km long.

Cute resting area!

Infused with local elements from Bangkok's highly acclaimed art-ivity container marketplace, Artbox Singapore 2018 is organised by Invade (@invade.co http://invade.co) in conjunction with Artbox Thailand (@artbox_th). Visitors of all ages can look forward to a variety of interactive elements and activities, creative art installations and a wide variety of delectable food, in celebration of the local creative retail landscape. DBS Singapore is also proud to be the presenting sponsor for this year's edition once again.

For more details, do visit www.artbox.sg.

DBS cardholder members can relax and chill at the designated DBS lounge area!!

Colourful hand-painted mural for some photo-taking session as keepsake!

Thank you Artbox Singapore for the wonderful experience !!