API security Growth in Singapore

API security Growth in Singapore

Noname Security, the leading API security company, today announced that it has appointed AZ Asia-Pacific as its distribution partner in Singapore and The Philippines as it continues to expand within Asia Pacific. To drive customer acquisition and market share expansion, Noname Security has appointed Lim Pun Kok as Vice President Sales, Asia Pacific, and Eric Chong as Channel Sales Director, Asia Pacific.

Noname Security delivers the most powerful, complete, and easy-to-use API security platform. Noname finds and inventories all APIs; detects attacks, suspicious behavior, and misconfigurations using AI-based behavioral analysis; prevents attacks and integrates with existing remediation and security infrastructure; and actively validates APIs before deployment.

Unlike other solutions that only monitor API traffic, the Noname API Security Platform analyzes API traffic and application and infrastructure configurations to provide better API security posture management, API runtime security, and active API SDLC testing.

As predicted by Gartner, APIs have been the top attack vector for web applications in 2022, thus driving demand for API security. Fresh from securing USD 135 million in Series C funding at USD 1 billion valuation, only Noname Security, through its API Security Platform, can find all shadow APIs and API misconfigurations before impacting the enterprise.

Lim Pun Kok, Vice President Sales Asia Pacific at Noname Security, said, "We are committed to establishing a strong local presence so we can better serve our customers in Asia Pacific, and with AZ Asia-Pacific's technical expertise and proven track record across various industries, we are confident that this partnership will cement our position as the leading API security platform in the region."

Headquartered in Singapore, AZ Asia-Pacific is a distribution services hub that focuses on delivering quality solutions and services in technology, namely within the cloud, network and security space. AZ Asia-Pacific has a stellar range of products and services aimed at responding effectively to the industry's needs, which will now include Noname Security's proprietary products and services.

Seth Ho, Regional Director, Business Development, Asia Pacific at AZ Asia-Pacific, said, "Partnering with Noname Security will put us in a strong position to address our customers' evolving API security requirements and more importantly, their digital transformation goals to future-proof their businesses. We are excited that this partnership enables us to take advantage of the unique value of the Noname API Security Platform and technology, whilst unlocking new revenue opportunities."

Noname Security is the only company taking a complete, proactive approach to API Security. Noname works with 20' of the Fortune 500 and covers the entire API security scope across three pillars — Posture Management, Runtime Security, and Secure API SDLC. Noname Security is privately held, remote first with headquarters in Palo Alto, California, and an office in Tel Aviv and London.

AZ Asia-Pacific is a full-fledged distributor that works with the best breed of industry system integrators and service providers across the APJ region to re-invent solutions and services delivery in order to meet and exceed enterprises' technology challenges and requirements — Cloud, Network and Security. AZ Asia-Pacific is privately held, headquartered in Singapore, with offices and operations in Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, China & South Asia.

Spectrum of the Seas the largest newest and most innovative ship

Spectrum of the Seas the largest newest and most innovative ship

Holidaymakers can now pack their bags from April 11, 2022 for the ultimate adventure on board Royal Caribbean International's Spectrum of the Seas, Asia's largest, newest and most innovative ship, for spectacular 3- to 4-night Ocean Getaways. Six months sooner than anticipated, guests will enjoy world-class dining, showstopping entertainment, a private enclave for suite guests and state-of-the-art amenities exclusively designed for the Asian market. Sailings are now open for bookings.

"We know that vacation time is precious and choosing how to spend it is more important than ever, which is why we are thrilled to welcome Spectrum of the Seas – one of the most advanced ships in the world, to Singapore in April – making Singapore the cruising destination of choice," said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International. "We have seen incredible demand for Royal Caribbean cruise holidays in Singapore. Having hosted more than 178,000 Singapore residents since we restarted cruising, bringing Spectrum six months early is truly exciting. The combination of experiences specially designed for the Asian market, together with signature Royal Caribbean favourites on board, will make Spectrum a huge hit."

Stephen continued, "I would like to thank the Singapore government for their strong partnership and collaboration that have allowed cruising to become one of the safest holiday options in the world. We look forward to continuing to bring the best of the Royal Caribbean experience to holidaymakers."

"The Asia-Pacific region holds tremendous opportunity for the growth of the cruise industry. The last year provided many Singapore residents the opportunity to try cruising for the first time, and from what we can see, they are hooked. As we navigate COVID-19 as an endemic, we are confident that holidaymakers around the region will see cruising as an unbeatable adventure-packed holiday option," said Kenneth Yeo, regional director of sales, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International.

Guests on board Spectrum can savour an array of Asian-inspired cuisine, such as teppanyaki and hot pot-style dining, a showcase of unparalleled entertainment that touches on the cultures, colour, music and dance styles of Asia; high-tech experiences; and more. Highlights include: Sky Pad, Suite Enclave, 270-degree ocean views, SeaPlex – The largest indoor active space at sea, Star Moment – A lively and energetic karaoke venue, Family Friendly Accommodations – From exterior balcony staterooms to interconnected rooms, to the signature two-level Ultimate Family Suite, an expansive, multiroom retreat complete with its own slide and cinema that also doubles as a karaoke stage, there's an array of staterooms designed for the whole family. FlowRider surf simulator, the North Star, an all-glass observation capsule which ascends 300 feet above the ocean to deliver incomparable 360-degree views, 19 dining options!

In line with its Royal Promise and regulations stipulated by the Singapore government, Royal Caribbean continues to implement health and safety measures for the well-being of its guests and crew members, and the destinations it visits. The comprehensive, multilayered set of measures include pre-departure wellness screenings and testing, contactless embarkation and debarkation, enhanced ventilation and sanitization on board, as well as sailing with fully vaccinated crew members and guests. The cruise line will continue to evaluate and update its measures as circumstances evolve with various government and health authorities.

Guests who book their vacation on Spectrum on or before March 31, 2022, can be assured of flexibility in their plans with Royal Caribbean's Cruise with Confidence program, which allows for changes and cancellations up to 48 hours before their cruise sets sail. As long as holidaymakers cancel at least 48 hours before their sail date, they will receive a Future Cruise Credit. The credit is valid for future bookings on or before Sept. 30, 2022, for sailings departing before Dec. 31, 2022, or one year from the original sailing date, whichever is later.

Royal Caribbean International, owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel that features the latest technology and guest experiences for today's adventurous traveller. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean's private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 19 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

Delicious Singaporean Street Foods

Delicious Singaporean Street Foods

Whereas it is a tiny country, Singapore has a plethora of culinary options. You can't go wrong with any of these street food treats. The first delicious meal is known as Frog porridge. It isn't a tourist trap, despite its unappealing moniker. It's one of the cleanest foods you'll ever eat. Soy sauce, spring onions, and wine are traditional marinades for frogs. Spicy chili and mild ginger are other popular additions. When cooked correctly, frog meat is a delectable combination of sweet and delicate. However, there are some similarities between the flavor and texture of this product and the chicken. The accompanying gloopy but light oatmeal is a perfect match. Most hawker stalls offer it with a green onion-based sauce.

A lot is going on in the world of bah kut teh. A popular street meal in Singapore, bah kut teh (meat bone tea), was developed by Chinese Hokkien immigrants. It's one of the most renowned. It's supposed to have been concocted on the spot by a hungry beggar's plight by a poor cook. Some say it's because of its brown tea-like appearance, while others say it's because of the oolong tea served alongside it to dilute the fat. Tender pork ribs simmered in a fragrant herbal broth make up this dish. Is it simple to understand? Essential ingredients such as garlic, star anise, and cinnamon are crucial to get maximum flavor out of the soup. Hokkien's original recipe uses dark soy sauce, which imparts a saltier flavor, whereas Teochew's version is lighter in color. Additionally, youtiao (a type of fried flatbread), tofu, and mushrooms may be used. If you've never had it before, Song Fa is the place to go. They've been doing it since 1969.

The Sambal stingray Ikan Bakar ('barbecued fish' in Malay) is a Singaporean dish that originated in the city-state. Stingray has traditionally been viewed as a cheap, tasteless fish. Someone in the Malay community had the superb notion of dousing it in fiery sambal sauce, which became an instant classic. Breakthrough in street food is the result of this mixture. To preserve the fish's natural flavor, the fish is roasted in a banana leaf. In addition to the belacan (shrimp paste), shallots, and spices, there is spicy sambal on top of it. At the very end, a pot of cincalok (fermented krill) and a few drops of calamansi juice are commonly added (a sour, lime-like fruit). The fish should have flaky skin that splits open to reveal a moist inside at its best. The BBQ Seafood at the Tamam Jurong Market is the perfect combination of freshness and smokiness.

The other street food to enjoy in Singapore is known as mud crab. Is it better to use chili or pepper in this dish? Singaporeans have been puzzled by this issue for years. Cooked in a thick chili and tomato sauce or dry with black pepper, a whole hard-shelled mud crab is stir-fried. There is a distinct difference between the original chili recipe, which dates back to 1956, and a newer pepper version introduced in 1959. We prefer the black pepper version with a rich jackfruit sauce, but both are great. Long Beach Seafood is well known for its pepper crab, whereas Red House Seafood is best known for its chili.

Ooh! Before my mind gets carried away. The Hainanese chicken rice. Extremely finger-licking. China's southernmost island is to blame for this delicious concoction of ingredients. If you've ever been to Singapore, you know that chicken rice is one of the country's most popular dishes. Traditionally in Hainanese cooking, a whole chicken is immersed in an oil-rich broth made from pig and chicken bones until fully cooked. Finally, it is cut and served with rice cooked in its broth. As an accompaniment, a spicy chili dip with ginger and soy sauce is offered. Shaoji ('roasted') or Baiji, which is dipped in ice for refreshing, spongy skin, are other options for the street food lunch, known as luji. The same processes may be used to make duck rice, which is a slightly different dish.

The last one is known as Durian. There is a good reason why Durian is referred to as the "King of Fruits." It's a common denominator among Singaporeans and their Southeast Asian neighbors that they crave spicy food. Even a well-known theater in the Esplanade area was created to resemble one. Forbidden from public places like hotels and trains, Durian is an aromatic fruit. It takes time to get used to it. When Victorian evolutionary theorist Alfred Russell Wallace described it as "a creamy custard richly scented with almonds," it was probably only a show of courtesy on his part. Singaporean pastries and drinks are known for their distinctive sweet flavor if you stick with them long enough.

Visitors in Protocol Breach

Visitors in Protocol Breach

After a year-long trial, a man from Wuhan and his wife were found guilty of withholding information from Covid-19 contact tracers recently. When Hu Jun, a 40-year-old Chinese national, arrived in Singapore from Wuhan to spend Chinese New Year with his family in January of last year, he tested positive for Covid-19 nine days after arriving. It was in this city in China that the coronavirus outbreak was concentrated at the time. After becoming infected, he did not inform a health official that he had visited hotels, restaurants, and the Chinese embassy while sick.

According to the Infectious Diseases Act, he was found guilty of one count of knowingly withholding information on his whereabouts and activities from contact tracers, which he admitted to. In addition to withholding information and providing false information to a health officer, Shi Sha's 36-year-old wife was found guilty of four charges, including failing to respond fully and honestly to a health officer. According to Hu's defense, he did not provide certain information to health officials because he was either unaware that they were seeking it, couldn't recall the names of the places he visited or didn't have enough time to respond when he did. Although he had previously visited Singapore on a few occasions, he had only done so for brief visits to tourist attractions. He admitted he was generally unfamiliar with the city-state.

When Hu and his wife began to feel dizzy and warm on January 29, 2020, they went to Singapore General Hospital for treatment. He, too, began to cough a little. Hu testified that he felt "unusually cold" in the ward and wrapped himself in multiple blankets. Still, on cross-examination, he admitted to the prosecutor that he most likely had influenza. According to him, "I wasn't aware that I was a confirmed case (of Covid-19) until today," claiming that no one informed him of this while he was in the hospital. "I'm not sure if I'm a confirmed case (of Covid-19) until today," he said. During her testimony, Hu's wife, Shi, stated that she had difficulty communicating with the contact tracer. After several minutes of small talk, she was almost certain that Mandarin was not the woman's first language. She likened it to a chicken having a conversation with a duck. People "all over the world" had chastised Shi and her husband after hearing the news, she explained. She explained that she was concerned about medical bills because she didn't realize the Singapore government covered the cost of Covid-19 treatment at the time.

Hu and Shi were found guilty on Tuesday, according to Deputy Public Prosecutor Timotheus Koh, who argued that the contact tracers' evidence should be taken into consideration. His request was to have the court dismiss any defense arguments that the accused were involved in misunderstandings or miscommunications. He did so based on a statement claiming "shreds of evidence collusion between the accused persons." Further, he asserted that the accused had expressly discussed what information should be provided to the Ministry of Health to protect their privacy. Using the cases of Hu and Shi, Mr. Koh asserted that the defendant had demonstrated itself to be inconsistent and dishonest in contrast to the prosecution's case. Initially, Hu claimed that the contact tracer had asked him "too narrow" questions rather than open-ended ones in one instance, but later admitted when pressed that the tracer could ask open-ended questions in other instances. Steven John Lam, the defense attorney, stated that there were "clear doubts in the prosecution's case." Prior to the prosecution being able to cross the threshold, he explained, the prosecution had to demonstrate more than just negligence on the part of his clients, and that "it had to go to a situation where I literally just closed my eyes and took a 'for all I care' attitude." He said that the prosecution failed to address Shi's motivation for withholding information during the trial. In his written submissions, District Judge Ng Peng Hong stated, "I've read through them, and with the greatest respect to Mr. Lam, I don't see any compelling reason why I should not believe the testimony of the prosecution witnesses." After establishing that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, he found Hu and Shi not guilty of all charges against them. It was decided that the case would be rescheduled for November for mitigation and sentencing. Shi and Hu could face up to six months in prison, and a maximum S$10,000 fine for each charge brought against them under the Infectious Diseases Act.