KK City Borneo Half Marathon 5th Edition Where the City Wakes Up Running

YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister & Minister) Group photo with the winner.

Before sunrise painted the sky, Padang Merdeka was already alive with footsteps, anticipation, and the quiet electricity that only race day can bring. The KK City Borneo Half Marathon 5th Edition once again transformed Kota Kinabalu into a living track, as runners took to the streets in a celebration of endurance, community, and city pride.

Organized by Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) in collaboration with the Kinabalu Running Club, this year’s run held special meaning as part of the 26th Anniversary of Kota Kinabalu City. It was not merely a sporting event, but a tribute to the spirit of a city that continues to grow, move, and inspire.

Participants gathered in the cool morning air, lacing up for the 21KM and 11KM categories, each runner chasing a personal victory, whether a podium finish or the simple triumph of crossing the line.

The event was graced by YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Minister Responsible for DBKK, who served as Guest of Honor and flagged off the 11KM category, sending waves of runners into the awakening city streets.

At the finish line, celebrations continued as YBhg. Dato' Sri Dr. Hj. Sabin bin Samitah, JP, Mayor of Kota Kinabalu, officiated the prize-giving and souvenir presentation ceremony. Also present in support of the event was YBhg. Datuk Sr. Lifred Wong, Director General of DBKK, underscoring the city’s commitment to promoting healthy and active lifestyles.

From determined strides to joyful finishes, the morning unfolded like a moving tapestry of perseverance and camaraderie. Every step told a story, every finisher carried a quiet victory.

In true FAVSTYLE spirit, the KK City Borneo Half Marathon was more than a race. It was a reminder that a city is at its most beautiful when its people move forward together.

Congratulations to all participants who embraced the early morning challenge and completed the run, proving once again that the strongest pace is the one powered by heart.

Photography courtesy of YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai 

CALLING ALL TO COME TO NBUC OPEN DAY 2026 - DISCOVERY EDUCATION DAY!!

 

Join us for a full day of interactive experiences, hands-on activities, and real-world insights designed to help you explore your education and career pathway with confidence.

14 February 2026 (Saturday)

Level 3 & 4, North Borneo University College

FREE ENTRY | Open to Public

Many exciting programmes await you:

SPM & STPM leavers education consultation

Pertandingan Inovasi Alat Bantu Mengajar

Pertandingan The Voice Of North Borneo - terbuka orang awam

"Dunia sebenar seorang guru" - Cikgu Juilis

Pameran Fakulti & Open Registration

Dunia Sebenar Seorang Guru (Pengalaman & Realiti – Forum)

Food Truck & Lucky Draw, Citra Borneo NBUC

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More information, reach us at:

 wasap.my/60142055414/NBUCOpenDay

 wasap.my/601130947327/NBUCOpenDay

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Visit our website:

 www.nbuc.edu.my

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 Discover. Experience. Shape your future with NBUC!

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#NBUCOpenDay

#University #Campuslife

#SPMLeavers

#STPMLeavers

A Meaningful Chinese New Year Dialect Singing Contest Celebrating Talent, Wellbeing and Community Life

 

Chinese New Year is often painted in bright reds, the rhythm of drums, and the laughter of reunions. Yet sometimes, its spirit appears in quieter, more heartfelt forms. One such moment unfolded at a recent Chinese dialect singing contest, where music became a bridge between generations and a gentle celebration of active community life.

Organised by Pertubuhan Seni Muzik Sinaran Bintang Bintang Sabah, founded in 2019 by its president Chin Pang Luen (陳封聯), the programme provided a welcoming and well-structured platform for participants to express their passion for song while preserving the beauty of Chinese dialect music. The atmosphere was warm and encouraging, reflecting a shared love for culture and performance.

The event was graced by Datuk (Dr) Tan Kai Teck, a respected community figure frequently invited to support cultural initiatives. Prof Jessie Jong also attended as one of the special guests to witness the auspicious event, adding to the spirit of encouragement and recognition for both performers and organisers. Their presence reflected the importance of community leaders and cultural advocates in supporting initiatives that bring people together.

What made the programme especially meaningful was the strong participation of retirees and senior singers. Many took to the stage not merely to compete, but to reconnect with friends, rediscover confidence, and remain socially engaged. In this setting, music became more than entertainment. It served as a form of healthy recreation, nurturing emotional wellbeing, stimulating the mind, and providing a renewed sense of purpose.

Watching the performers and audience interact revealed something quietly powerful: creative platforms such as this help shape communities where people remain active, valued, and connected at every stage of life.

The professionalism of the organising team and the enthusiastic response from attendees reflected a collective commitment to sustaining meaningful cultural activities. Singing contests like this are reminders that when communities invest in creative expression, they also cultivate healthier lifestyles and stronger social bonds.

As Sabah continues to grow and evolve, initiatives that weave together culture, participation, and wellbeing will play an increasingly important role. They ensure that tradition is not only preserved, but lived, shared, and passed forward with pride.

It was truly a pleasure to witness this inspiring programme and to see how music continues to unite generations in harmony.

Why Many Content Creators Are Forgetting SEO and Why Blogs Still Shine Like Solid Gold

Scroll through any social platform today and you will find a dazzling parade of videos. Reels, Shorts, TikToks, cinematic vlogs, drone shots sweeping across skylines. Video has become the crown jewel of content creation. It moves fast, it entertains instantly, and it rides the algorithm waves like a surfer chasing the perfect swell.

But in the middle of this video-first era, something valuable is quietly being neglected. SEO.

Not flashy. Not viral. Not trendy. Yet incredibly powerful.

Many content creators invest heavily in cameras, lighting, editing software, and storytelling techniques, but overlook how people actually find content beyond the first 48 hours of posting. A video without SEO is like a fireworks show in the rain. Bright for a moment, then gone into the dark.

SEO, on the other hand, works like a lighthouse. It does not shout. It does not dance. It simply stands there, guiding visitors day after day, year after year.

The Short Life of Algorithm Content

Social media platforms reward immediacy. A video may perform well for a few days, sometimes a few weeks, but eventually it sinks into the endless ocean of newer uploads. Even excellent content becomes buried under the avalanche of daily posts.

Creators often find themselves trapped in a cycle of constant production. Shoot, edit, post, repeat. The pressure to stay visible becomes relentless.

Without search optimization, content depends almost entirely on platform algorithms. And algorithms change their moods like tropical weather. Sunny today, storm tomorrow.

Blogs: The Quiet Giants

Blog pages may feel old-fashioned to some creators, but their strength lies in endurance. A well-written, SEO-optimized article can attract readers for years. Not hours. Not days. Years.

People still search on Google every single day for answers, recommendations, guides, and insights. When your blog appears in those results, it becomes a long-term asset rather than a temporary post.

Think of blog content as planting trees instead of lighting candles. Candles burn bright but disappear quickly. Trees grow slowly but provide shade for a lifetime.

SEO Builds Authority, Not Just Traffic

Another overlooked advantage of SEO is credibility. When audiences discover a brand or creator through search, there is a subtle but powerful perception of trust. Search results feel earned, not pushed.

For businesses, magazines, and personal brands, this matters. Authority is not built only through views. It is built through discoverability, consistency, and relevance over time.

A strong blog presence also strengthens brand identity. It allows deeper storytelling, detailed explanations, and thoughtful perspectives that short-form video simply cannot carry in full weight.

Video and SEO Should Be Partners, Not Rivals

The smartest creators are beginning to blend both worlds. A video can attract attention and emotion. A blog can capture search traffic and provide depth.

A single production can be expanded into multiple formats:

A video for engagement

A blog article for SEO

Short clips for social media

Images for visual platforms

One idea, many doorways.

When video and SEO work together, content stops being temporary and starts becoming an ecosystem.

The Gold That Ages Well

Blog pages may not sparkle like trending reels, but they hold a different kind of shine. The kind that does not fade. The kind that compounds over time.

In a world obsessed with speed, the slow, steady craft of SEO remains one of the most reliable engines of growth.

Old does not mean obsolete. Sometimes, old means proven.

And in the digital landscape, a well-built blog is not just content. It is real estate.

Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah Welcomes the Festive Season with a Chinese New Year KOL Media Gathering

 

Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah Welcomes the Festive Season with a Chinese New Year KOL Media Gathering

KOTA KINABALU – The festive spirit arrived in full colour and flavour as Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah hosted its 2026 Chinese New Year KOL Media Gathering on 6 February 2026 at the elegant E-West Restaurant Banquet Hall. The exclusive luncheon brought together members of the media, key opinion leaders, and influencers in a warm celebration of tradition, connection, and culinary excellence.

Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah…

The gathering was officiated by General Manager Mr. Andy Yip alongside the Sabah F&B team and invited guests. The highlight of the afternoon began with the lively Yee Sang toss, a symbolic ritual representing prosperity, unity, and good fortune, setting an auspicious tone for the year ahead.

Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah…

A Celebration Rooted in Tradition

Chinese New Year remains one of the most meaningful celebrations across Asia, centred around reunion, gratitude, and renewal. The reunion dinner, often considered the most important meal of the year, carries deep symbolism in every dish.

Fish signifies abundance, chicken represents family unity, and sweet desserts express hopes for harmony and happiness. At the gathering, guests experienced this rich cultural storytelling through a thoughtfully curated festive menu.

Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah…

Festive Menus Inspired by Prosperity and Harmony

During the event, Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah introduced its Chinese New Year 2026 set menus, created to celebrate the Year of the Horse with themes of prosperity, longevity, and abundance. These special menus are available from 15 January to 3 March 2026, making them ideal for reunion dinners, corporate gatherings, and festive celebrations of all sizes.

Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah…

Participating outlets include:

E-West Restaurant

Cherry Restaurant

5th Avenue Bistro & Café

Tasty Wok at Venition

Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah…

Guests can look forward to highlights such as:

Four Seasons Combination Platter

Nourishing soups including Braised Bamboo Pith with Fish Maw

Signature roasted meats symbolising togetherness

Premium seafood selections including tiger prawns, grouper, and abalone

Refreshing traditional desserts to conclude the meal on a sweet note

Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah…

Each dish is prepared using premium ingredients and time-honoured culinary techniques, blending heritage with refinement on every plate.

Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah…

Festive Activities and Exciting Rewards

Beyond the dining experience, guests were also introduced to festive campaigns designed to bring families and friends together. Diners at participating restaurants may take part in:

A Lucky Draw with prizes including festive set menus

Grand Lucky Draw Winner of RM1000 Cash sponsor by ZUBA

 Lucky Draw Winner 

The Happy Family Photo Contest, offering opportunities to win vouchers and dining experiences

Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah…

These initiatives reflect the group’s commitment to creating not just meals, but memorable celebrations that linger long after the last course is served.

A Meaningful Gathering of Community and Celebration

The 2026 Chinese New Year KOL Media Gathering was more than a festive luncheon. It was a celebration of community, culture, and the joy of coming together, values that remain at the heart of Chinese New Year traditions.

As lanterns glow and the aroma of festive dishes fills the air, Upper Palace Dining Group Sabah continues to craft experiences that bring people closer, one reunion table at a time.

Bah, Jom Sungkai Di RAIA Hotel Kota Kinabalu – A Ramadan Feast Worth Gathering For Ramadan evenings have a certain poetry to them.

 

The sky softens, conversations slow, and the table becomes the heart of everything. This year, Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu invites guests to embrace that spirit with a dining experience that celebrates togetherness, tradition, and the irresistible joy of breaking fast.

From 19 February to 20 March 2026, the hotel presents its special Iftar buffet, warmly titled “Bah, Jom Sungkai Di Raia.” Held daily from 6.00 PM to 9.30 PM, the spread promises a comforting journey through familiar Malaysian and traditional Malay flavors, crafted to satisfy both nostalgia and appetite.

A Table Filled with Tradition

Guests can expect a vibrant selection of dishes that reflect the richness of local cuisine. Fragrant rice dishes, savory grilled selections, hearty kampung-style specialties, and colorful sides come together in a feast designed for sharing. It is the kind of spread where every plate tells a small story, and every refill feels like a celebration.

More than just food, the experience is designed to bring people together. Families, friends, and colleagues can gather in a relaxed setting, enjoying the warm hospitality that Raia Hotel is known for.

Early Bird Privilege

For those who plan ahead, there is a special Early Bird price of RM88 nett, available for bookings made between 1 January and 18 February 2026.

Regular buffet pricing is set at:

RM95 nett for adults

RM67 nett for senior citizens (above 60 years old)

RM48 nett for children aged 5 to 12

All prices are inclusive of service charge and SST, making it easy to plan without surprises.

A Meaningful Ramadan Evening

Adding to the atmosphere, guests may also join Solat Tarawih berjemaah, creating a complete Ramadan evening that nourishes both body and spirit.

Plan Your Gathering

Seats are limited, and early reservations are encouraged to secure preferred dates.

Bookings can be made via:

088-230 777

019-630 0206

Located at Jalan Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu is easily accessible, making it a convenient meeting point for city dwellers and visitors alike.

Ramadan is not only about the meal at sunset. It is about laughter that lingers after dessert, stories shared across the table, and moments that glow long after the night ends.

At Raia Hotel, the invitation is simple: come hungry, come grateful, and come together.