Bright prospect for Sabah’s tourism industry

Christina Liew
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 17): Sabah’s booming tourism industry is set to scale new heights with the State government’s continuing emphasis on this lucrative economic sector, said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She said this bright prospect was reflected in the 2025 Sabah Budget as unveiled by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun last Friday.
She was commenting on Masidi’s assertion that the Sabah Government is focusing on three key sectors – agriculture, industrial development and tourism – to drive the State’s economic growth through the Budget.“Undoubtedly, the flourishing tourism sector is the ‘cash cow’ for Sabah with instant monetary returns. I welcome the allocation of RM102.87 million to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment for its operational purposes and the implementation of various programmes and development projects.
“Of the figure, RM10.84 million will be utilised for the development of tourism assets, including RM6.5 million for the Rural Tourism Development Project focusing on eco-tourism and community-based tourism,” Liew said in a statement on Sunday.
She also acknowledged the allocation of RM19.8 million to the Sabah Museum Department for operational expenditure and upgrading of heritage infrastructure for tourism purposes.
“This is in recognition of the fact that efforts to elevate the State’s cultural treasures and ethnic heritage contribute to making these tourism products one of the favourite choices of tourists.”
The Tourism Minister noted that an additional RM13.66 million has been earmarked for the continuity and preservation of the State’s arts and cultural heritage for the present generation.
Liew hailed the impending move to list various cultural programmes, including Museum Festival 2025, Exotic Crafts and Regatta Lepa Festival in the State’s tourism calendar next year.
This step, she said, is to further empower the local tourism sector.
Liew concurred that this proactive approach can raise the competitiveness of community-based tourism, saying this is an effective method to distribute the revenue generated by the industry in a more inclusive and equitable manner.
“Towards this end, I can foresee a flurry of activity involving craft entrepreneurs and handicraft makers as well as boat makers, among other stakeholders,” she added.

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10 Signs You’re Ready To Dive In And Start Your Own Business

Starting your own business is an exciting, life-changing decision, but how do you know if you’re truly ready to take the leap? Many people dream of entrepreneurship, but not everyone feels ready to jump in. Turning your dream into reality requires more than just an idea; it takes preparation, mindset, sometimes a lot of courage, and a readiness to embrace the journey.

Here are the key signs that you’re ready to start your own business:

1. You’re Passionate About Solving a Problem
If you’re deeply passionate about addressing a specific problem or meeting a need, this is a strong indicator that you’re ready for entrepreneurship. Successful businesses are built on solving problems, and your passion will fuel you through the inevitable challenges. Ask yourself: Do I feel excited to work on this idea every day?

2. You Have a Clear Business Idea
You’re ready when your idea has moved beyond a vague concept to a clear, actionable vision. Can you articulate what you’re offering, who your target market is, and why they would choose your solution over others? If so, you’re well on your way to launching.

3. You’re Prepared to Learn and Adapt
Starting a business is a constant learning experience. If you’re open to learning new skills, receiving feedback, and adapting to the market, this is a great sign. Being adaptable means you’re ready to handle the unexpected and pivot if necessary.

4. You Have a Financial Plan
While you don’t need to have millions in the bank, it’s essential to have a financial safety net or a clear plan for funding your business. If you’ve budgeted for startup costs, considered how you’ll manage cash flow, and understand your break-even point, you’re taking a strategic approach to entrepreneurship.

5. You’ve Done Your Research
You’re ready if you’ve done your homework on your industry, competitors, and target audience. Understanding market demand and knowing how your business will fit into the existing landscape is critical for success.

6. You’re Comfortable Taking Risks
Entrepreneurship comes with uncertainty, and no one can guarantee success. If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, take calculated risks, and embrace the possibility of failure as a learning experience, you’re prepared for the entrepreneurial journey.
7. You’re Motivated by More Than Money
While financial success is a key goal, the best entrepreneurs are driven by a desire to make an impact, solve problems, or create something meaningful. If your motivation goes beyond just profit, you’ll have the resilience to push through tough times.
8. You’re Self-Disciplined
Starting your own business requires you to be your own boss. If you can set goals, manage your time effectively, and stay focused without external supervision, you’re equipped for the responsibility of running a business.
9. You’ve Built a Support System
Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but having a network of supportive friends, family, mentors, or a community of fellow entrepreneurs can make a huge difference. If you’ve built relationships that can guide and encourage you, you’re setting yourself up for success.
10. You’re Tired of the 9-to-5 and Ready for Freedom
If the idea of working for someone else no longer excites you, and you crave the freedom to pursue your own vision, this could be a sign you’re ready to start your own business. Remember, the freedom of entrepreneurship also comes with responsibility, but the trade-off is often worth it.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts
The bottom line is that there’s no perfect time to start a business, but if you see yourself in these signs, you’re likely more ready than you think. Trust your instincts, prepare strategically, and take the leap with confidence. The world needs your ideas, and there’s no better time than now to turn them into reality.

Trump’s Election Is Also a Win for Tech’s Right-Wing “Warrior Class”

Donald Trump pitched himself to voters as a supposed anti-interventionist candidate of peace. But when he reenters the White House in January, at his side will be a phalanx of pro-military Silicon Valley investors, inventors, and executives eager to build the most sophisticated weapons the world has ever known.

During his last term, the U.S. tech sector tiptoed skittishly around Trump; longtime right-winger Peter Thiel stood as an outlier in his full-throated support of MAGA politics as other investors and executives largely winced and smiled politely. Back then, Silicon Valley still offered the public peaceful mission statements of improving the human condition, connecting people, and organizing information. Technology was supposed to help, never harm. No more: People like Thiel, Palmer Luckey, Trae Stephens, and Marc Andreessen make up a new vanguard of powerful tech figures who have unapologetically merged right-wing politics with a determination to furnish a MAGA-dominated United States with a constant flow of newer, better arms and surveillance tools.

The Best Horse Movies And How To Watch Them

Throughout the decades, Hollywood has seen several different trends in which many movies involving a certain type of animal are released, from monkeys to pigs to penguins, etc. However, one animal that has managed to stand the test of time better than any other is the horse, which has been the star of several fun race movies, many exciting adventure films, and countless tales of friendship. Check them all out with the following guide to the best horse movie here.(Image credit: United Artists)The Black Stallion (1979)Director: Carroll BallardStarring: Kelly Reno, Mickey Rooney, Teri GarrWhat it’s about: After surviving a shipwreck with the help of a beautiful, dark-haired horse, a young boy helps train it to become a champion racer in the 1940s.Why it is one of the best horse movies: Based on the novel by Walter Farley, The Black Stallion (also one of the best Teri Garr movies) gives you everything you could want from a horse movie, including adventure, racing, and friendship.How to watch The Black Stallion(Image credit: MGM)National Velvet (1944)Director: Clarence BrownYour Daily Blend of Entertainment NewsStarring: Mickey Rooney, Elizabeth TaylorWhat it’s about: After winning a steed named Pie in a lottery, a young girl inspires a former jockey to help train it for an esteemed racing event in England.Why it is one of the best horse movies: Decades before starring in The Black Stallion, Mickey Rooney led National Velvet – a winning horse race movie based on the novel by Enid Bagnold.How to watch National Velvet(Image credit: Universal)Seabiscuit (2003)Director: Gary RossStarring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff BridgesWhat it’s about: A car manufacturer pursuing horse racing takes a chance on a below-average-sized horse with a limp and an above-average-sized jockey during the Great Depression.Why it is one of the best horse movies: One of the most famous real-life horses of all time is Seabiscuit, whose inspiring story is told in this acclaimed biopic and one of the best Tobey Maguire movies.How to watch Seabiscuit(Image credit: Warner Bros.)Black Beauty (1994)Director: Caroline ThompsonStarring: Sean Bean, David ThewlisWhat it’s about: A horse narrates the story of its life and its relationship with its many different owners in 19th Century EnglandWhy it is one of the best horse movies: Anna Sewell’s 1877 novel Black Beauty has been adapted into other media numerous times and one of the more acclaimed is Warner Brothers’ mid-1990s adaptation featuring Alan Cumming as the voice of the eponymous stallion.How to watch Black Beauty(Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)War Horse (2011)Director: Steven SpielbergStarring: Jeremy Irvine, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict CumberbatchWhat it’s about: A young man enlists in the British Army to find his horse after it is sold to the cavalry during World War I.Why it is one of the best horse movies: Inspired by the Tony Award-winning play, which itself is based on Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 novel, War Horse is a moving story of love and courage and one of Steven Spielberg’s best movies from the 2010s.How to watch War Horse(Image credit: Twentieth Century Fox)My Friend Flicka (1943)Director: Harold D. SchusterStarring: Roddy McDowell, Preston Foster, Rita JohnsonWhat it’s about: The owners of a Wyoming ranch try to teach their young son a lesson in responsibility by giving him a filly to raise himself.Why it is one of the best horse movies: The first of several films based on Mary O’Hara’s novel, My Friend Flicka is an inspiring coming-of-age Western.How to watch My Friend Flicka(Image credit: Touchstone)The Horse Whisperer (1998)Director: Robert RedfordStarring: Robert Redford, Kristin Scott Thomas, Scarlett JohanssonWhat it’s about: After an accident leaves her teenage daughter and her horse injured, a woman enlists the help of an unusually gifted trainer.Why it is one of the best horse movies: Based on the 1995 novel by Nicholas Evans, The Horse Whisperer is a moving, romantic drama examining our unique connections with animals that some argue should have earned Scarlett Johansson an Oscar nomination.How to watch The Horse Whisperer(Image credit: DreamWorks)Dreamer (2005)Director: John GatinsStarring: Kurt Russell, Dakota FanningWhat it’s about: A rancher and his daughter rescue an injured mare named Soñador from being slaughtered by its owner and train it to get back into the races.Why it is one of the best horse movies: As CinemaBlend’s review of Dreamer states, this drama based on a true story is more than a movie about a horse but about a family rebuilding itself through their bond with the animal.How to watch Dreamer(Image credit: Dreamworks)Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron (2002)Director: Kelly Asbury, Lorna CookStarring: Matt Damon, James CromwellWhat it’s about: A mustang struggles to reunite his herd in the 19th Century Old West.Why it is one of the best horse movies: One of the best DreamWorks Animated movies is Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, which was nominated for the Best Animated Feature Oscar and later inspired a couple of spin-off TV show and a spin-off feature from 2021 called Spirit Untamed.How to watch Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron(Image credit: Touchstone)Hidalgo (2004)Director: Joe JohnstonStarring: Viggo Mortensen, Omar SharifWhat it’s about: A poor cowboy-turned-circus performer and his horse enter a deadly, 3,000-mile race across the Arabian desert in the late 1800s.Why it is one of the best horse movies: While not based on a true story like the marketing promised, Hidalgo is still one of Viggo Mortensen’s best movies for its exciting elements of Western adventurousness, intense competition, and endurable will.How to watch Hidalgo(Image credit: Warner Bros.)Racing Stripes (2005)Director: Frederik Du ChauStarring: Frankie Muniz, Steve Harvey, David SpadeWhat it’s about: A zebra raised on a farm is given the chance to live out his dream of participate in a horse race.Why it is one of the best horse movies: While the main character of Racing Stripes – which also features some of David Spade’s funniest quotes – is not actually a horse, he sure proves he is worthy of galloping along with horses on the race track in this fun family comedy.How to watch Racing StripesThese horse movies will surely have you galloping with joy.

Forbes Travel Guide’s 25 Most Anticipated Hotel Openings Of 2025

From Montana to Melbourne, here are the hottest new luxury getaways for the coming year.By Forbes Travel Guide

Every year, Forbes Travel Guide rates the finest hotels, spas, cruises and restaurants in the world, but its editors and ratings team are always scouring the globe for the most anticipated luxury hotel openings.

For 2025, the emphasis is on wellness getaways, city-center stays, remote retreats and other hotels that will make guests want to rethink old favorites and be among the first to check into a new property. From a stunning sanctuary rising from the Arizona desert to a snow-capped masterpiece coming to Italy, 2025’s best new hotels include a galaxy of future Four- and Five-Star properties.

Waldorf Astoria San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
A central Mexico city known for its timeless architecture and colonial sensibilities, San Miguel de Allende will get a jolt of modernity when this Waldorf Astoria opens in early 2025. The high-end brand is strengthening its presence in the country with a 120-room, 24-residence property that will include a lavish spa, a meditation area, an on-site art gallery and three restaurants—all in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Faena New York
When Faena debuts in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood in the spring, it will be a red beacon in a sea of greige hotels. The design team that devised the aesthetics for Faena properties in Buenos Aires and Miami will add the same dramatic, whimsical touches to the 120 rooms and suites overlooking the High Line. Faena also will feature the Tierra Santa Healing House spa and sizzling nightlife.

The Lake Como EDITION
Italy’s third-biggest lake has been a draw for European nobles and elite travelers since the 18th century. With Marriott’s Edition taking over for the weathered Britannia Excelsior Hotel, that trend should only continue. This re-envisioned Lake Como stay with sparkling water and mountain vistas will also include 145 rooms, a floating pool and a host of restaurants and bars done with the Edition’s subtle, sophisticated touch.Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort
Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort
For Naples, Florida, to be a city of less than 20,000 people, it carries a hefty share of luxury hotels. To stand out from the competitive crowd, the Four Seasons’ new 216-room Beach Club plans to woo with outdoor lounges, a beachside garden, numerous dining options, stellar waterfront looks and a 58-unit private residence village.Corinthia Rome
Corinthia Rome
The site of the former Central Bank of Italy will be a traveler’s treasure trove when it opens in the summer as Corinthia’s first hotel in the country. The 1914 neoclassical palazzo is minutes from sights like the Pantheon, it will have 60 lavish accommodations and a spa, and it will debut restaurants from noted chef Carlo Cracco encircling a lush courtyard.One&Only Moonlight Basin
One&Only Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, Montana
This majestic Montana hideaway will serve as One&Only’s sole U.S. property, offering premium access to the beauty of Big Sky in the form of hikes, rock climbing and fly fishing. Olson Kundig designed the 73 rooms and 19 cabins with warm woods and floor-to-ceiling windows that stun in every season.Fairmont Golden Prague
Fairmont Golden Prague
This riverside Brutalist landmark will get a new life as a hotel with 320 stylish contemporary rooms and suites (including 44 Fairmont Gold accommodations that come with access to a lounge), striking Czech art and glass pieces throughout the property, six restaurants and bars, and a 15,000-square-foot spa featuring treatment suites that open to private gardens.
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai
This superyacht-like hotel (top) will drop anchor next to the sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and the wave-inspired Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The Dubai brand’s newest architectural marvel will have 386 accommodations, five pools, a three-story spa with 13 treatment suites that come with terraces and, fittingly, an 82-berth superyacht marina. But the property will truly make waves with its 11 restaurants and nine bars.Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol
Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol
Sitting along the Sea of Cortez, the Park Hyatt will give guests a view of the water from all 163 sand-hued accommodations and the three ocean-facing pools. But you will also want to visit to try the top-notch golf course, the beach club and the 59,000-square-foot wellness center with a spa, yoga studio and lap pool.
Mandarin Oriental Cristallo, Cortina
By taking over the historic Hotel Cristallo in mountainous Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, this new Mandarin Oriental becomes the brand’s first alpine getaway. As if that weren’t enticing enough, the opening of the amenity-filled property (83 rooms, extensive dining options, an indoor-outdoor pool) comes in advance of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which will host some events less than 20 miles from the hotel.Capella Kyoto: Kengo Kuma and Associates
Capella Kyoto
Japan’s first Capella hotel will embrace the local culture. In the Miyagawa-chō district, known for its geiko (or geisha) heritage, it will curate cultural experiences with the Miyagawa Maiko Performance School. The 92-room hotel with a bamboo courtyard also will showcase Japanese design. “The interiors weave a tale of intimate harmony between art, culture and composition,” told Forbes Travel Guide in 2022.
Regent Bali Canggu
Taking up a coveted stretch of the surfer-favorite Canggu coastline, the beachfront hideaway sits among 15 acres of gardens. Inside the 150 suites and villas, the design takes cues from contemporary Indonesian fashion and culture. Upgrade to Regent Club accommodations for entry to a private lounge and infinity pool, but all guests can enjoy the five restaurants and bars.Four Seasons Resort Mykonos Greece
Four Seasons Resort Mykonos, Greece
Greece’s famed beach-club-laden island will get a new dose of sophisticated luxury when Four Season moves in. Stretching from the beach to the cliffs, the hotel will adopt Mykonos’ Cycladic architecture with whitewashed courtyards, winding pathways and stunning piazzas for its 94 rooms, villas and suites. It’ll also feature a modern Mykonian kafeneio (café) and an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley The Palmeraie
The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie, Scottsdale
This Scottsdale hotel promises a desert sanctuary of 215 light-filled, casita-inspired guest rooms dotting the lush 18-acre grounds nestled beneath Camelback Mountain. Guests can also expect an oasis-like feel throughout the property, with hydrating treatments at the full-service spa, oxygen-enhanced accommodations and North America’s longest resort pool.
Park Hyatt Johannesburg
Park Hyatt will unveil its first hotel in South Africa in early 2025. Renowned design studio Yabu Pushelberg has overseen the transformation of the former Winston Hotel with 31 individually designed guest rooms, an atmospheric open-air bar, a restaurant serving fire-grilled fare and a sought-after location in the Rosebank district.Four Seasons Resort and Residences Amaala at Triple Bay
Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay, Saudi Arabia
This Red Sea refuge is destined to be the next premier wellness destination, offering a harmonious blend of luxury and landscape. The resort’s 220 rooms and suites center the stunning surroundings along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, where nature’s rejuvenating qualities merge with wellness amenities such as the organic spa garden, outdoor workouts by fitness expert Harley Pasternak and a sleep concierge.
Mandarin Oriental, Vienna
This Vienna newcomer is poised to make a remarkable debut with a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building, designed by Alfred Keller in 1903. The structure served as the city’s commercial law court for the past century, but now it will feature 163 rooms and suites, a winter garden, a pool and a fitness center, all designed to meld Vienna’s rich history with its future.
Six Senses Burnham Beeches, Australia
This former private mansion will revive Australian Art Deco when it opens as an elegant, 43-room haven outside Melbourne in the forested foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. A library bar, a garden rooftop retreat and unique design elements will evoke the building’s genteel, festive heyday. The country’s first Six Senses aims to be regenerative, and guests can join the effort in the onsite Earth Lab.
The Carlton, Milan
Like the city itself, The Carlton, Milan will radiate style, sophistication and good taste. Rocco Forte Hotels’ director of design Olga Polizzi collaborated with interior designers Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen to create 70 rooms and suites, a wellness center and a panoramic rooftop bar befitting the Italian capital of design.1 Hotel Melbourne
1 Hotel Melbourne
This Melbourne addition will mark the eco-friendly hospitality brand’s debut Down Under. Given the shared cultural emphasis on sustainability, wellness and celebrating the natural landscape, the 277-room property is a natural fit. The space will provide an urban oasis on the Yarra River, with Bamford Wellness Spa, waterfront views and locally sourced, reclaimed building materials setting a mood of low-impact lavishness.
Amanvari, Los Cabos
The Aman brand prides itself on offering vacation escapes that seamlessly blend into their surroundings (see: Utah’s Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Amangiri and Hangzhou’s Four-Star Amanfayun). When Amanvari (“peace” and “water” in Sanskrit) opens on an estuary in Baja’s East Cape, it’ll be the latest example of nuanced design (20 hotel pavilions and 24 private residences) and nature (a spa and an infinity pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez) working hand in hand.
The Langham, Tokyo
The Langham brand chose starchitect Kengo Kuma, designer of Japan’s National Stadium for the 2020 Summer Olympics, to create a hotel in Tokyo’s buzzy Roppongi Hills district. Although much is still under wraps for this project, with the brand’s seal of approval and Kuma’s visionary talent, The Langham, Tokyo is sure to dazzle.Collegio alla Querce
Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection, Florence
History and luxury will converge at Collegio, set to open in Florence in March. This former boarding school has been meticulously transformed into an 82-room estate close to Tuscany’s cultural treasures. The famous duomo is just three miles away, but the stunning property’s three restored 16th-century buildings and terraced Baroque gardens could be enticing enough to keep you from leaving.
Rosewood Amsterdam
According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, the Netherlands is the sixth happiest place on Earth. If the Dutch keep building lovely escapes like this new Rosewood—the former Palace of Justice building overlooking the Prince’s Canal will feature 134 rooms and suites, a library-adorned lobby lounge, a spa and an indoor pool—the smile on Amsterdam tourists’ faces will rival the grins on its full-time residents.The St. Regis Cap Cana
The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort, Dominican Republic
While its opening may be delayed until early 2025, this Dominican Republic escape promises to make the wait worthwhile. Through 200 neutral-toned rooms (including some swim-out options), nine culinary entries, the St. Regis Spa and the Punta Espada golf course, the Cap Cana retreat seems destined to handsomely reward travelers’ patience.
BONUS PICK
Romeo Roma
You won’t have to wait until the new year for your next Roman holiday, as this 74-room boutique beauty will open December 17. The historic palazzo, which dates to the 1500s, once served as a residence for a noble family. This converted property represents the final project of the late Zaha Hadid, continuing her architectural legacy with 16th-century frescos, an Alain Ducasse restaurant and the 13,000-square-foot La Spa Sisley Paris.

MORE FROM FORBES

Antalya’s Ormana village wins UN’s ‘Best Tourism Village’ award

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, expressed pride over Ormana village in Antalya’s Ibradı district being named the “Best Tourism Village.” He said the award recognizes the village’s historical fabric and unique natural beauty, highlighting its contribution to sustainable tourism and rural development on an international scale.

In a social media post on Saturday, Ersoy celebrated Ormana’s distinction as the top tourism village in the 2024 United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Best Tourism Villages program. He said: “This recognition is a source of pride for our country. The village’s historical texture, unparalleled natural beauty, and its contributions to sustainable tourism and rural development have now been internationally acknowledged.”

“Additionally, Karabük’s Yörük village was included in the program’s Improvement Track. This success story of Ormana will create new opportunities for global recognition.”

Ersoy concluded by wishing the village continued success, emphasizing that this recognition will further elevate Antalya and Ormana’s global profile.

Ormana is a picturesque village, nestled in the Taurus Mountains. Known for its rich history and stunning natural surroundings, it has long been a hidden gem, attracting travelers seeking an authentic rural experience. The village is renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture, particularly its distinctive “saffron houses” made from local stone, which reflect the region’s cultural heritage.

In recent years, Ormana has gained increasing attention as a model for rural development and sustainable tourism. Local initiatives have focused on preserving the village’s unique architecture and promoting its natural attractions, such as hiking trails, local agriculture, and organic produce. These efforts have contributed to the village’s growing reputation as a top destination for those interested in exploring Türkiye’s rural landscapes and traditional way of life.

The Science Behind Smiling

You smile when you’re happy. You smile when you’re satisfied. Now try a smile when you’re bummed—see if good feelings start to kick in 3…2…1…Turns out, actions affect emotions: you’re not smiling because you’re happy, but rather, you realize you’re happy because of your instinctive reaction to smile. Darwin suggested that that our emotions are influenced by, not the cause of, our facial reactions; only after having a physical reaction can you deduce how you feel about something. With that logic, faking a smile actually increases positive vibes. Studies show that smiling reduces stress-enhancing hormones while boosting mood-enhancing hormones. Scientific American, however, cited studies that showed knowledge of this effect could reverse its results. “At first the brain says ‘I’m smiling; I must be happy!’ But upon learning that smiling can be a proactive strategy, this turns into ‘I’m smiling; I must be trying to make myself happy—I must be sad!’… In the same way you can’t set your alarm clock forward 10 minutes to trick yourself into punctuality, artificially forcing a smile isn’t going to do much for your happiness. Too much knowledge and the jig is up.” (quick! forget you read this!)But it still doesn’t hurt to fake it, as one study from Penn State notes that smiling makes you appear more likable, courteous, and competent. Plus, it’s a global communicator, translatable in all languages: smiling is one of few biologically uniform reactions across the world. Babies smile in the womb. Blind babies smile at the sound of a human voice. And researchers found that members of a tribe in Papa New Guinea, one that’s completely disconnected from Western civilization, also smile when feeling joyous or satisfied.In his TED talk, “The Hidden Power of Smiling,” Ron Gutman said that a third of Americans smile at least 20 times a day, and roughly 14 percent smile less than five times a day. Children, on the other hand, smile around 400 times a day. One British study managed to put a price tag on it: One smile can generate the same level of brain stimulation as receiving up to $25,000 in cash or 2,000 bars of chocolate.Gutman cites an amusing 30-year study that looked at yearbook photos and accurately predicted, based on their smiles, their sense of fulfillment in their marriage, standardized scores of well-being, and how inspiring that person would be to others. Looking at old baseball cards, research also found that the span of the player’s smile directly correlated with his life span: those who didn’t smile lived an average of 73 years, and those with beaming smiles on average lived to be 80.Interested in reading more positive and solution-focused articles? Receive the Utne Uplifter newsletter! This video by BrainCraft explores the origins of studies in smiling:[embedded content]Image by joyuousjoym Blessings, licensed under Creative Commons.

Singapore films Wonderland, A Year Of No Significance win at China’s Golden Rooster Awards

Two Singaporean films have shone at the Golden Rooster Awards in China.
Chai Yee Wei’s Wonderland and Kelvin Tong’s A Year Of No Significance were named “Most Anticipated Chinese-Language Films” at the 37th edition of the event.
The awards were part of the prestigious China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival held in Xiamen, Fujian, from Nov 13 to 16.

The film-makers and local actor Peter Yu, who starred in both films, attended the ceremony on Nov 15.
The other winner in this category was the Malaysian sports film Gold, starring Malaysian actor Jack Tan and directed by Malaysian film-maker Adrian Teh.
Both Wonderland and A Year Of No Significance are period films set in Singapore.

Wonderland, which is set in the 1980s, revolves around a lonely and illiterate man (Mark Lee), who asks his neighbour (Yu) to help him pen letters to his daughter (Xenia Tan) studying in America. Together, the men must come to terms with the secrets they hold about themselves and their families.

A Year Of No Significance follows the story of a Chinese-educated architect (Yu) facing social changes in 1979.
“It was an honour to be among the best in Chinese cinema receiving this award,” Chai said in a press statement. “Totally unexpected and so grateful that the themes in Wonderland resonated with the audience at the festival.”

Singapore Writers Festival 2024: Humour and hard science in Cat Bohannon’s lecture

SINGAPORE – The mating habits of pandas, rhinoceroses and wombats, the relative sizes of hominid baby heads versus birth canals and why women rack up an additional US$15 billion (S$20 billion) in healthcare spending were just some of the topics covered in Cat Bohannon’s wide-ranging keynote lecture at the Singapore Writers Festival on Nov 16. Pacing back and forth across the Victoria Theatre stage, the author of Eve: How The Female Body Drove 200 Million Years Of Human Evolution (2023) held a packed audience rapt as she spoke about the male norm and how badly made models lead to bad medicine. 

Egyptian film ‘El Hawa Sultan’ grosses LE26.5 million in just 11 days

The Egyptian romantic film “El Hawa Sultan,” starring Mena Shalaby and Ahmed Dawoud, topped the box office on Saturday, grossing nearly LE4 million and LE28 thousand.This brings the total earnings of the film to LE26 million and LE587 thousand after 11 days of screening, surpassing 10 other films currently competing in theaters.The movie stars Menna Shalaby, Ahmed Dawood, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Sawsan Badr, and Jihan al-Chamacherry.It is written and directed by Heba Youssef, and produced by Sea Cinema Company for Ahmed Fahmy and Hany Naguib.The film plot centers around the relationships and love between a group of friends.“El Hawa Sultan” marks the second collaboration between Dawoud and Shalaby, following their 2016 film “Al Ma’ wal Khodra wal Wajh El Hassan” (Brooks, Meadows and Lovely Faces).