Author: sweet surrender

A Trip to Kyoto (17-24 Apr) – Part 3

Posted on By sweet surrender 2 Comments on A Trip to Kyoto (17-24 Apr) – Part 3

We ended our first night in Kyoto early and woke up early the next morning. It’s day 2, 19th April.

A Ride on the Sagano Romantic Train

Our first stop was Torokko Kameoka Station to catch the Sagano Romantic Train to Arashiyama. We took a train from Kyoto Station to Torokko Kameoka Station. Sagano Romantic train is a sightseeing train in which you’ll be greeted with different kinds of views every season.

Klook.com
It’s a Hot Day at Arashiyama

After the train ride, we arrived at Arashiyama. We had our meals at Arashiyama. Not a proper sit-down meal as we didn’t have the luxury of time. We just bought whatever seemed interesting for the sake of filling our stomachs.

It’s my second time here. The first time was way back in summer 2018. It’s my first trip to Japan. My friends brought me here. My first cold soba was here too. I didn’t expect the weather to be so warm as if it were summer. It’s in April, it should still be spring, but the sun and heat were comparable to the summer heat in August.

What to See & Do at Randen Arashiyama Station
Strolling Along the Street
Togetsukyo Bridge & Arashiyama Monkey Park

Togetsukyo Bridge is a 155-meter bridge that was built across the Katsura River. I love the views here. We planned to visit Arashiyama Monkey Park (also known as Iwatayama Monkey Park), but we’re too late. It’s closed. We also just found out that an entrance fee was needed.

We overshot our preplanned timing. Hence, it’s a blessing in disguise. Otherwise, we won’t be in time to go back to the city to visit Nishiki Market. This will be in the next post.

Klook.com
Food Porn, Going Places, Land of the Rising Sun - Japan

HUAWEI PURA 80 SERIES LANDS IN MALAYSIA WITH NEXT-GEN CAMERA CAPABILITIES AND ICONIC STYLE

Posted on By sweet surrender No Comments on HUAWEI PURA 80 SERIES LANDS IN MALAYSIA WITH NEXT-GEN CAMERA CAPABILITIES AND ICONIC STYLE

Experience leading-edge low-light photography with industry’s first switchable dual tele-lens and an ultra-large sensor

HUAWEI PURA 80 SERIES

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 JULY 2025 – Following its much-anticipated global debut in Dubai, HUAWEI officially launches the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series in Malaysia today, marking a revolutionary leap in smartphone imaging and high-fashion design. Comprising the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro and HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra, the series introduces a next-generation mobile experience, one that blends cutting-edge photography with refined craftsmanship and intelligent innovation.

Representing the brand’s reimagined design philosophy and imaging leadership, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series continues to push boundaries for what users can expect from a flagship smartphone. Designed for those who demand both form and function, this series brings together industry-first hardware, powerful AI integration, and an aesthetic that effortlessly captures attention.

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Series features the iconic Dazzling Forward Symbol, a hallmark of elegance and innovation that boldly showcases the super brand emblem. The Prestige Gold and Golden Black Pura 80 Ultra, together with the Glazed Red Pura 80 Pro, are enhanced with radiant sunburst patterns, creating a luxurious and dynamic statement. The Pro model is also available in Glazed White and Glazed Black, each with a silky lustre finish that evokes timeless sophistication.

HUAWEI PURA 80 SERIES

With imaging at its core, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series redefines mobile photography. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra is the first in the industry to introduce a Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera system, seamlessly combining a 3.7x medium telephoto and 9.4x super telephoto lens into a single optical structure. These lenses share a massive 1/1.28-inch sensor, enabling seamless transitions between near and far focal lengths, delivering true dual optical zoom in one compact module with unmatched light intake. This breakthrough allows users to shoot crisp portraits and cinematic close-ups from any distance, all with vivid clarity and expressive spatial depth, even under low-light. 

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra also introduces the industry’s strongest dynamic range with its 50MP 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera. Featuring a 15x higher dynamic range than conventional smartphones, it achieves an impressive 16EV, nearly matching the capabilities of professional cinema cameras at 16.5EV. The camera is equipped with an F1.6 to F4.0 variable aperture, allowing for enhanced control over lighting and depth. Leveraging HUAWEI’s self-developed Triple Light Enhancement Technology, it captures cinematic-quality video with unparalleled clarity. Whether you’re shooting backlit portraits or capturing high-contrast scenes such as fire or fireworks, the camera excels at mastering light and shadow, delivering stunning results in every shot.

HUAWEI PURA 80 SERIES

On the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro is a 1-inch Ultra Lighting Camera, designed to master light in any setting, whether it’s capturing the soft glow of city lights or preserving natural skin tones in low-light portraits. Colour fidelity is further elevated by the Ultra Chroma Camera, which ensures pixel-level accuracy even in the most complex lighting conditions.

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro is also equipped with Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera, designed to deliver exceptional clarity and brightness. Equipped with a massive F2.1 aperture, it captures 40% more light compared to traditional cameras, ensuring brighter, sharper images even in low-light conditions. The camera offers an impressive zoom range from 4x optical zoom to 100x digital zoom, bringing you closer than ever to your subject with incredible detail. Additionally, its 5cm close-focus distance allows for stunning macro photography, capturing the finest intricate details with precision, whether it’s a dew drop on a petal or the texture of everyday objects.

More than just a camera phone, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series is built for intelligent performance. The all-new AI Smart Controls Button offers instant access to personalised shortcuts, such as the camera, flashlight, or AI lens, while incorporating fingerprint recognition for enhanced security. AI Noise Cancellation ensures clear calls in any environment by filtering background distractions and sharpening voice clarity, ideal for on-the-go conversations.

The Ultra-clear HUAWEI X-True Display™ delivers peak brightness of 3000 nits, adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, and sharp visibility even under bright sunlight. Beneath its sleek exterior lies a robust 5170mAh battery, powered by 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge and 80W wireless charging, ensuring all-day performance. The 2nd-Gen Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass on the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra provides 16 times greater scratch resistance and 25 times better drop protection than its predecessor, combining durability with elegance, while the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro is equipped with a 2nd-Gen Kunlun Glass that is 20 times tougher than standard glassThe HUAWEI Pura 80 Series also offers seamless compatibility with essential apps via AppGallery, delivering a secure, smooth experience with every download. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Series 2025 Sales Start Campaign will run from 2 August to 31 December 2025. Customers who purchase any model of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series during this period are eligible to claim exclusive prizes worth up to RM2,978*, available on a first-come, first-served basis at all participating stores and HUAWEI official online platforms.

HUAWEI PURA 80 SERIES

Malaysians can experience this new frontier of design and photography as the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series is now available for pre-order through the HUAWEI Experience Stores, the HUAWEI Official Website, HUAWEI Official Store on Shopee, HUAWEI Flagship Store on Lazada, and the HUAWEI Official TikTok Shop with prices starting from RM4,599, and receive free gifts worth up to RM1,428, including the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 and one year of HUAWEI Care+.

For the latest updates and promotions, please visit the HUAWEI Official Website, the HUAWEI Official Facebook page, or Instagram. 

Take A Break, Tech Stuffs

MDEC BRINGS BUSINESS DIGITALISATION INITIATIVE (BDI) TO SARAWAK 

Posted on By sweet surrender No Comments on MDEC BRINGS BUSINESS DIGITALISATION INITIATIVE (BDI) TO SARAWAK 

KUCHING, SARAWAK, 9 July 2025 — The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) today launched its MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) in Sarawak, marking its first rollout in East Malaysia. This strategic effort aims to accelerate inclusive digital growth by equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with innovative tools to boost productivity, streamline operations, and future-proof their businesses.

MDEC BRINGS BUSINESS DIGITALISATION INITIATIVE (BDI) TO SARAWAK

The event was officiated by YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak.

Introduced under the MADANI Government, BDI reflects a ‘whole-of-nation’ digital transformation approach to empower businesses across all states, including Sarawak, with the necessary tools, expertise and support to succeed in the fast growing national digital economy. The initiative is delivered in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development (MINTRED) Sarawak.

Deputy Minister of Digital, YB Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, highlighted the significance of this effort.

“The Ministry of Digital remains committed to supporting every corner of the nation in this digital journey. Sarawak’s MSMEs play a crucial role in driving regional economic growth. By embracing digitalisation and e-Invoicing, they are positioning themselves for greater efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness. This initiative is a testament to our shared vision of building an inclusive and future-ready digital economy,” he said.

“Sarawak’s leadership in renewable energy, combined with its digital ambition, creates a unique platform for innovation,” added Wilson. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the state to realise this vision and as a long-term partner.”

“With Sarawak’s Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 in full motion, the collaboration between the ministry – including its agencies like MDEC – and the state is expected to intensify in the weeks and months ahead for the greater good of the state, its MSME community and the people of Sarawak.”

Meanwhile, MDEC Chief Executive Officer, Anuar Fariz Fadzil emphasised the importance of strong federal-state collaboration in supporting local businesses.

“Sarawak is a vital part of Malaysia’s digital future, and we are committed to the pursuit of state-level transformation, fostering local innovation and create long-term, sustainable economic opportunities,” said Anuar.

MDEC BRINGS BUSINESS DIGITALISATION INITIATIVE (BDI) TO SARAWAK

“Through close collaboration with the visionary state government, the ministry and MDEC will continue our efforts to empower local MSMEs. This initiative is about building a future-ready business ecosystem, ensuring that no MSME is left behind in the digital economy.”

Public Events, Take A Break, Tech Stuffs

A Trip to Kyoto (17-24 Apr) – Part 2

Posted on By sweet surrender 1 Comment on A Trip to Kyoto (17-24 Apr) – Part 2

After a long commute and going around Kyoto, it’s time to check into our hotel first at Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi. However, since we arrived early, we couldn’t go into our rooms yet. We left our luggage at the hotel. Then, we went for lunch and visited some tourist attractions.

Quick Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi Tour
Check Out a List of Hotel Keihan Near Kyoto Station
Klook.com
Lunch at AEON Mall Kyoto

First stop was AEON Mall (1 Nishikujo Toriiguchicho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8417, Japan). We didn’t visit the mall. We just went there to recharge for a bit after a very long commute. Seriously! I was so tired. I felt like the surroundings were having tremors. It was me! -.-” Anyway, we went there for lunch and to use the toilet before heading to Gion (祇園), Kyoto’s most famous geisha district.

Just Walked Around Gion (祇園)

We took a bus to Gion. It’s my first time going on a public bus in Japan hehehe… When we arrived Gion, we’re greeted with so many human beings! HAHAHAHAH! It’s peak hour for the tourists to come out to play. If you don’t want to be in the crowd, do come here early in the morning.

That’s the end of day 1 in Kyoto. Flat from all the commuting…

Going Places, Land of the Rising Sun - Japan, Review It!

A Trip to Kyoto (17-24 Apr) – Part 1

Posted on By sweet surrender 1 Comment on A Trip to Kyoto (17-24 Apr) – Part 1

It’s our first family trip to Japan. We flew to Osaka and spent most of our time in Kyoto. We started our journey early in the morning of 17th April from home to Kuching International Airport and flew to Kuala Lumpur International Airport with Malaysia Airlines for transit. Not for transit to Osaka, but to Ho Chi Minh, then to Osaka with Vietnam Airlines.

If we’re to take Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia, we would arrive on the same day. However, due to the expensive flight fares of our national/local airlines, we opted for a cheaper option with a longer time to reach Osaka. We only arrived in Osaka on the morning of 18th April.

Why Vietnam Airlines?

We bought Vietnam Airlines tickets to Osaka because it’s so much cheaper, as it happened to be on offer. It’s an average of less than RM1500 per pax for a return trip (KUL-SGN-KIX). There were 8 of us, 6 adults and 2 children. The cost would be quite high if we were to fly with our national/local airlines. It was between RM2300-3000 per pax because of peak season. Even Air Asia was more expensive than Malaysia Airlines after adding all the add-ons.

However, we bought Malaysia Airlines return tickets for Kuching-Kuala Lumpur. I redeemed my flight miles and topped up with cash. Aside from that, we had to stay a night in an airport hotel when we returned. Actually, we didn’t have to, but we’re just playing it safe in case there’s any delay with the flight back from Osaka to Kuala Lumpur and we miss our connecting flight to Kuching. Furthermore, there was no codeshare among them and flight tickets were booked separately.

We came in from 3 different locations and gathered at KLIA. Four drove from Ipoh to KLIA; one from Singapore to KLIA; and three from Kuching to KLIA. Even with that, the total average of our flight ticket and accommodation was less than RM2K per pax. Still a lot cheaper than flying with our national/local airlines. The only downside was the long travel time. We only got into our hotel room in Kyoto after 30 hours plus of commuting. Exhausting, but it’s OK.

Experience with Vietnam Airlines
Arrived in Osaka & Kyoto

Stay tuned for part 2.

Anyway, I’ve updated my trip until day 2 on my Instagram, you can check it out there.

Going Places, Land of the Rising Sun - Japan, Review It!