Schlagwort: Video

From Singapore Business to Scuba Diving: Exploring Tioman and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia

Panoramic view of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Panoramic view of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

After a grueling week-long business trip in Singapore, I was ready for some much-needed rest and relaxation. And what better way to unwind than by exploring the underwater world of ABC Bay in Tioman, Malaysia?

I hopped on a bus from Singapore to Tioman Island and was immediately greeted by lush rainforest and crystal clear waters. The island was smaller than I expected, but it was packed with activities to keep me busy. Of course, scuba diving was the main attraction and ABC Bay did not disappoint. The colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life made for an unforgettable experience.

Apart from diving and snorkeling, Tioman Island also offers a range of activities for visitors. You can go trekking in the island’s lush rainforest, explore the cascading waterfalls, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. The island also has several historical sites, including the remains of a Dutch fort and a Chinese temple.

After a few days of diving, I was ready to move on to my next destination: Kuala Lumpur. The capital of Malaysia was a stark contrast to the laid-back island atmosphere of Tioman. I spent my days wandering the bustling streets, taking in the sights and sounds. The Petronas Towers were a definite highlight, as were the Batu Caves and Merdeka Square.

Watch as Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers come alive in this stunning 4K timelapse, capturing the city’s transition from a glowing afternoon to a dazzling night skyline. Watch the video on YouTube.

The Batu Caves are located inside a limestone hill and can be accessed by a long flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs is a temple complex with colorful statues and ornate architecture. The sun is shining brightly in the blue sky, casting a warm glow over the entire scene.

But what really stood out to me during my time in Kuala Lumpur was the food. Malaysian cuisine is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, and it did not disappoint. One of my favorite dishes was nasi lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with spicy sambal, fried anchovies, and peanuts. I also loved trying all the different types of satay, especially the chicken and beef varieties.

Overall, my trip to Tioman and Kuala Lumpur was the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for world-class diving or delicious food, Malaysia has something for everyone. So why not add it to your travel bucket list?

Making the Most of a Business Trip to Singapore: Sightseeing Despite a Busy Schedule

Singapore: Panoramic view of Gardens by the Bay showing Supertrees and the Cloud Forest Dome covered in vegetation and a waterfall
Singapore: Panoramic view of Gardens by the Bay showing Supertrees and the Cloud Forest Dome covered in vegetation and a waterfall

As I was packing my bags for my business trip to Singapore, I was filled with excitement and anticipation. I had the honor to host the Data Night Out event! I knew that my days would be packed with meetings, leaving little time for sightseeing. But, being an avid traveler, I was determined to make the most of my time in Singapore, even if it meant squeezing in a few hours of exploration between work commitments.

Fortunately, I was able to make the most of my limited time in Singapore. I started my day by waking up early and taking a quick stroll around the Marina Bay area, which is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful waterfront promenade. The iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel was my home base for the trip, and its rooftop infinity pool provided a much-needed respite from the stress of business meetings.

During the day, I made sure to take advantage of my lunch breaks and explore the local cuisine. Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse range of culinary delights on offer. One of my favorite dishes was the famous Hainanese chicken rice, which can be found at hawker centers throughout the city.

Experience the best of Singapore, Tioman Island, and Kuala Lumpur in just 90 seconds with this dynamic travel montage! Watch the YouTube video for a quick dose of wanderlust.

In the evenings, I made sure to take in some of the local sights. I visited the Gardens by the Bay, which is home to a stunning array of flora and fauna, and also took a stroll through the colorful streets of Chinatown. The Singapore skyline is also not to be missed, especially at night when the city lights up.

Despite the packed schedule, I was able to make the most of my time in Singapore and experience some of the best that the city has to offer. It was a reminder that even when traveling for business, there is always time for adventure. These are the top spots you should be able to squeeze into your Singapore business trip:

  1. Marina Bay Sands: The iconic hotel with its rooftop infinity pool is a symbol of Singapore’s modernity and luxury – you won’t regret staying in this hotel!
  2. Gardens by the Bay: A nature lover’s paradise, this park is home to an impressive collection of flora and fauna, including the towering Supertrees.
  3. Chinatown: A vibrant neighborhood filled with colorful architecture, traditional shops, and some of the city’s best street food.
  4. Sentosa Island: A popular resort island that offers a range of activities, from relaxing on the beach to thrill-seeking adventures.
  5. Merlion Park: The famous Merlion statue is a must-see landmark in Singapore and offers great views of Marina Bay.

If you find yourself in Singapore for business, don’t miss out on some of the city’s must-see sights, such as Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and Chinatown. And of course, be sure to indulge in the local cuisine. You never know when you might stumble upon your new favorite dish.

In my upcoming blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through Tioman Island and Kuala Lumpur, and share some of the unforgettable experiences and hidden gems that I discovered along the way. From exploring the island’s hidden coves and waterfalls to sampling the local cuisine and diving with colorful fish and sharks, Tioman truly has something for everyone.

Social Media and the Customer-centric Data Strategy #data17 #resources

Social media marketing mix
Do you analyze your social media marketing mix? | Photo Credit: via Richard Goodwin

With over 3 billion active social media users, establishing an active presence on social media networks is becoming increasingly essential in getting your business front of your ideal audience. These days, more and more consumers are looking to engage, connect and communicate with their favorite brands on social media.

Adding social media to your customer-centric data strategy will help boost brand awareness, increase followership, drive traffic to your website and generate leads for your sales funnel. In 2017, no organization should be without a plan that actively places their brand on social media, and analyzes their social media data.

Once you’ve started diving into social media analytics, how do you bring it to the next level? This session covers a customer-centric data strategy for scaling a social media data program.

Here are the links (i.e. additional resources) featured during the session to help you formulate your social media data program in order to build a stronger presence and retrieve powerful insights:

The Data Opportunity

TC17 Social Media Slides: The Data Opportunity

Focus on relevant metrics for your strategy

TC17 Social Media Slides: Sentiment Analysis

How to get Social Media in Tableau?

TC17 Social Media Slides: 3rd Party Platform Talkwalker

Tips to Level Up

TC17 Social Media Slides: Unshorten URLs in Tableau with R

Tutorials and Slide Set

The slides and tutorials presented at Tableau Conference on Tour in Berlin are also available on SlideShare, and on YouTube in English and German.

English Tutorials

German Tutorials

Slide Set

Wangfujing Night Market: Dare to Dine on the Wild Side

Skewers of scorpions and seahorses ready for daring diners at Wangfujing Night Market.
Skewers of scorpions and seahorses ready for daring diners at Wangfujing Night Market.

Beijing is a city of contrasts, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Wangfujing Night Market. Nestled in the heart of Dongcheng, this bustling street market is famous—or infamous—for its daring array of street food. From scorpions wriggling on a stick to starfish and seahorses, this is the place to challenge your culinary boundaries.

A Feast for the Brave

As we wandered through the neon-lit stalls, the air filled with the sizzle of frying oils and the pungent aroma of exotic spices, we found ourselves face to face with some of the most unconventional delicacies Beijing has to offer:

  • Scorpions: These critters, skewered and wriggling, are perhaps the market’s most iconic offering. While you can choose to have them fried, for the truly adventurous, eating them alive is an experience that tests both courage and palate. Surprisingly, they have a crunchy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Seahorses and Starfish: These ocean creatures are also served on skewers. The starfish, with its tough exterior, is more for the experience than the flavor, but it’s definitely Instagram-worthy!
  • Silkworm Pupae: Despite their intimidating appearance, these small, thick bugs have a soft, slightly chewy texture and a flavor reminiscent of earthy mushrooms. They are considered a protein-packed snack.
  • More Delicacies: Don’t stop there—try the centipede, octopus tentacles, duck tongues, and chicken hearts. Each offers a unique taste and texture that’s sure to make your visit to Wangfujing unforgettable.
Watch as we explore the daring eats of Beijing’s Wangfujing Night Market—scorpions and seahorses wriggling on a stick! Dive into one of the city’s most unforgettable food experiences in our YouTube video.

Tips for Navigating the Market

  • Be Adventurous: This market is not just about eating—it’s an experience. Bring an open mind and a strong stomach.
  • Bargain: Most items are affordable, ranging from 10 to 30 CNY per skewer. It’s customary to haggle a bit. This is all part of the fun.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: While it’s a thrill for tourists, remember that many of these foods have cultural significance. Approach with respect and curiosity.

Wangfujing Night Market is not just a place to eat; it’s a sensory adventure that challenges you to push your culinary boundaries. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, this is a must-visit spot in Beijing. And after braving the night market, join us as we explore the Forbidden City in our next post.

Shibuya Nights: A Kaleidoscope of Tokyo’s Urban Life

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan, is a place where chaos and order collide in a fascinating dance of humanity. Here, countless people stream across the famous intersection from different directions, creating a unique urban spectacle.
Shibuya Crossing, where chaos meets order in a mesmerizing dance of humanity.

If you’ve seen photos or videos of Tokyo, chances are you’ve seen Shibuya Crossing—one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections. Before I even set foot in Japan, this iconic scramble was etched in my mind as a must-see. The reality did not disappoint.

Shibuya is the epitome of Tokyo’s vibrant energy. The moment you step out of Shibuya Station, you’re greeted by a sea of neon lights, each advertisement and sign screaming for attention. The intersection itself is a spectacle—at peak times, up to 3,000 people cross from all directions in a chaotic yet oddly organized manner. It’s as if the entire world pauses, converges, and then continues on its way, only to repeat the cycle every few minutes.

Navigating Shibuya: Tips for First-Timers

Shibuya can be overwhelming, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your experience:

  • Best Time to Visit: Visit Shibuya Crossing at night to see it in its full neon glory. The busiest times are typically between 5 pm and 7 pm, just as the city transitions from work to play.
  • Where to Get the Best View: Head to the Starbucks on the second floor of the Tsutaya building, which overlooks the crossing. It’s a prime spot for people-watching, but be prepared—it’s popular, and seats fill up fast.
  • Capture the Moment: If you want to film the crossing, a great spot is from the pedestrian bridge that connects Shibuya Station to the Shibuya Mark City complex. Alternatively, position yourself on one of the street corners and capture the chaos as it unfolds around you.
Dive into the heart of Tokyo’s most famous intersection, Shibuya Crossing, at night. This mesmerizing time-lapse video captures the organized chaos and vibrant energy of one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings. Watch the full video on YouTube.

Shibuya is more than just a crossing—it’s a symbol of Tokyo’s unrelenting pace and its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with the ultra-modern. Whether you’re there to shop, eat, or simply soak in the atmosphere, Shibuya offers an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of Tokyo.

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