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Asia
Beijing, alternately Romanised as Peking, is the capital of China, is a city where the ancient culture and the modern civilization are well integrated. It is the world's third most populous city proper, and most populous capital city. Beijing is an important world capital and global power city, and one of the world's leading centres for culture, diplomacy, and politics, business and economy, education, language, and science and technology. As one of the six ancient cities in China, Beijing has been the heart and soul of politics throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travellers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development. Now it has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year. It attracts tens of millions of visitors and tourists both at home and abroad each year to enjoy its rich culture and wonderful scenery. Beijing is endowed with rare cultural heritage by its long history. The Great Wall, one of the world wonders and the only piece of man-made architecture that can be seen from the space, meanders through mountains and valleys for hundreds of kilometres in the region of Beijing. The poetic and picturesque Summer Palace is a classic work of the imperial garden. The Forbidden City is the most splendid architectural complex of imperial palaces in the world. The Temple of Heaven is the place of worship for emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties as well as a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architectural art. The above four have all been listed in the World Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Kamchatka Peninsula, also spelled Kamčatka, Russian Poluostrov Kamchatka, peninsula in far eastern Russia, lying between the Sea of Okhotsk on the west and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea on the east. It is about 750 miles (1,200 km) long north-south and about 300 miles (480 km) across at its widest; its area is approximately 140,000 square miles (370,000 square km). Two mountain ranges, the Sredinny (“Central”) and Vostochny (“Eastern”), extend along the peninsula and rise to 15,584 feet (4,750 metres) in Klyuchevskaya Volcano. The trough between these mountain chains is occupied for much of its length by the Kamchatka River. Of the 127 volcanoes, 22 are still active, as are a number of geysers and hot springs. Most of the active volcanoes lie along a fault line on the eastern flank of the Vostochny Range. The western coastlands of the Kamchatka Peninsula form a low plain crossed by many rivers and with extensive swamps, while the eastern coast is an alternation of broad gulfs and cliffed, mountainous peninsulas. A small geothermal-power station uses underground steam and is in operation near the southern end of the peninsula. The climate of the Kamchatka Peninsula is severe, with prolonged, cold, and snowy winters and wet, cool summers. Most of Kamchatka is tundra supporting mosses and lichens, with thickets of Kamchatka alder. Sheltered lowlands—notably the valley of the Kamchatka River, which separates the mountain chains—are in birch or larch forest, with poplar and willow in wetter areas. Watch the Sockeye salmon fish return to Lake Kuril in Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula to spawn while the brown bears wait to prey. The only important economic activity is fishing, especially crabbing, around the coasts. Agriculture is limited; some cattle and reindeer are kept. The main centre is the city and port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which is located on the south-eastern coast of the peninsula. Most of the inhabitants are Russian, with indigenous Koryak, Chukchi, and Kamchadal.
Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is one of the country's ten largest cities with a population of 1.5 million people and a modern face. Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today. Kyoto, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is the country's seventh largest city, with a population of 1.4 million people. Steeped in history, Kyoto is home to roughly one quarter of Japan's national treasures, countless shrines and temples, and seventeen sites recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Travelers to Kyoto can easily spend a week visiting the city's historical attractions such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), and Sanjusangendo. All sections of the city contain more than one locale well worth a thorough visit, Notably, some of Japan's oldest traditions, such as the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and geisha schooling originated in the city. These ancient customs, while still practiced throughout Japan, can only be observed in their original setting in Kyoto. Japan's capital city and the emperor's residence from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is known throughout the world for its stunning beauty. Tourists are drawn year-round by the majestic palaces, statues, and villas, as well as by the carefully tended gardens; each spring, dozens of varieties of cherry trees bloom in Kyoto, and visitors are treated to time-honored hanami (blossom viewing) parties. Kyoto is dedicated to preserving Japan's oldest traditions, yet it is also a dynamic, contemporary city. Modern conveniences are readily available, making Kyoto a perfect destination for visitors looking to explore Japan's past without sacrificing the comforts of today. Known as a national dining mecca, Kyoto proudly offers traditional Japanese cuisines, such as sushi, tofu and obanzi (Kyoto home-style fare). In addition, a variety of restaurants serve everything from Korean barbecue to French cuisine. Shopping is also a unique experience in Kyoto, with merchandise ranging from traditional Japanese crafts made by local artisans to cutting-edge couture. Among Japan's many assets, Kyoto is one of the most prized, comparable only to the world's most dazzling places.
The numerous temples spread across the ancient city of Bagan in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar are impressive and fascinating testament to the Burmese’s religious devotion over the years. The plain of Bagan is one of Asia’s richest archaeological sites, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve Myanmar’s religious edifies and architecture. The ancient city was once home to over 13,000 temples constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries. However, some temples have been vandalized and destroyed, with only about 2,300 temples spread over 104 square kilometers remaining in the Bagan Archaeological Zone. This area also comprises four settlements and is open to the public at a fee, with some entry tickets valid for up to three days. According to the royal chronicles of Myanmar, Bagan was founded around the 2nd century AD and fortified by King Pyinbya around 849 AD. However, some scholars believe that the Bamar founded the ancient city in the 9th century. Nonetheless, Bagan was the Pagan Empire’s capital, cultural, and economic nerve center from the 9th to the 13th century. The Pagan Kingdom was the first to unify the region that constitutes the present-day country of Myanmar. The kingdom also established the Burmese ethnicity and culture, including Theravada Buddhism. As a result, the city grew in stature and influence over the period. During the over 250 years of the Pagan Kingdom's reign, the Bagan rulers and locals constructed over 13,000 religious monuments. The religious monuments included over 10,000 temples and 3,000 monasteries and stupas in an area of about 104 square kilometers. At its peak, Bagan was a cosmopolitan center for secular and religious studies, with most students specializing in a variety of languages, medicine, astrology, and legal studies. Over the years, the temples, pagodas, and monasteries have either been vandalized or destroyed by natural calamities, especially earthquakes. Located on the earthquake zone, Bagan suffered over 400 earthquakes in the 20th century, with a major earthquake occurring on July 8, 1975, which damaged several temples, of which some are irreparable. Today, roughly 2,300 temples and pagodas remain over the 104 square kilometers in the old city of Bagan.
The Taj Mahal, in India, is an enormous mausoleum complex commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his beloved wife. Constructed over a 20-year period on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, the famed complex is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, which combined Indian, Persian and Islamic influences. At its center is the Taj Mahal itself, built of shimmering white marble that seems to change color depending on the daylight. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, it remains one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a stunning symbol of India’s rich history. The plans for the complex have been attributed to various architects of the period, though the chief architect was probably Ustad Aḥmad Lahawrī, an Indian of Persian descent. The five principal elements of the complex—main gateway, garden, mosque, jawāb (literally “answer”; a building mirroring the mosque), and mausoleum (including its four minarets)—were conceived and designed as a unified entity according to the tenets of Mughal building practice, which allowed no subsequent addition or alteration. Building commenced about 1632. More than 20,000 workers were employed from India, Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and Europe to complete the mausoleum itself by about 1638–39; the adjunct buildings were finished by 1643, and decoration work continued until at least 1647. In total, construction of the 42-acre (17-hectare) complex spanned 22 years.
Samarkand is a city in south-eastern Uzbekistan and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. There is evidence of human activity in the area of the city from the late Paleolithic era, though there is no direct evidence of when Samarkand was founded; some theories propose that it was founded between the 8th and 7th centuries B.C. Prospering from its location on the Silk Road between China and the Mediterranean, at times Samarkand was one of the greatest cities of Central Asia. Samarkand is a cross of world cultures for over two and a half millennia, and is one of the most important sites on the Silk Routes traversing Central Asia. If there is a jaw-dropping glitzy blue in Central Asia, a lot of it would be concentrated here, especially on the tiles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its layered history is colored by such personas as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Amir Timur, and others, evoking a sense of grandeur, beauty, culture, and definitely the weight of time. Hence, a visit here is a must.
The history of Tokiwamatsu Gakuen began with the Tokiwamatsu Private Girl School which was established in Shibuya-cho, Toyotama-gun, Tokyo (currently Shibuya-ku) in 1916. The first president was Ms. Suzuko Misumi. She is also known as a lyricist of “The Roots of White Fuji.” Ms. Suzuko Misumi established the Tokiwamatsu Private Girls School with the aim of educating girls to be independent with the expression of “a single violet with steel.” Her spirit of founding the school has been continued for many years and the school was established and transferred in Himonya, Meguro-ku, Tokyo in 1947. Later, Ms. Haya Murotani was appointed to be the chairwoman of Tokiwamatsu Gakuen in 1961, and then established the Tokiwamatsu Gakuen Women’s Junior College, which was a 2-year-college specialized in Art in Kohoku-ku (currently Aoba-ku), Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa in 1966. Since then, the school has evolved and progressed according to the needs of society. The school’s name changed to Yokohama Junior College of Art and Design in 2001 and became coeducational. Yokohama University of Art and Design is proud of the above history and was established with an educational philosophy which is “Art education that cultivates the roots of creative activity is education in its most essential form” in 2010. We aim to foster human resources who can make a contribution to society in a creative way, as well as understanding the requirements of society in the international city of Yokohama. Tokiwamatsu Gakuen celebrated the 100th anniversary of it foundation in 2016. We will keep improving and activating our education and the level of study, as well as linking up with regional communities to increasingly become a creative university which appeals to society.
Founded in 1928 as the first art academy with complete academic programs in China, China Academy of Art, undergoing changes in name and location, continues to yield outstanding achievements known both at home and abroad. CAA has experienced early hardship, ample maturity and leaping expansion as a vanguard in art. With a mission to revitalize Chinese art, it is in active dialogue with the world and has great influence in the development of modern and contemporary art in China. Nowadays, the academy has expanded its departments and academic teams and has garnered tremendous achievements in the school history. The infrastructure of CAA has improved in unprecedented ways. With Nanshan Campus being finished in 2003, and Xiangshan Campus being fully functional in 2007, covering an area of 1000 hectares and total space of 300,000 square meters, the academy now has three beautiful and well-equipped campuses in the cities of Hangzhou and Shanghai.
The historic city of Bukhara has been a hub for traders and travellers since its foundation over 2,000 years ago. Situated on an oasis in the Zerafshan river delta in central Uzbekistan, Bukhara lies on a crossroads of ancient trade routes that stretched across Central Asia, and was a vital stopping point for merchants on the edge of the Kyzyl Kum (Red Sand) and Kara Kum (Black Sand) deserts. It was one of the most prosperous cities in Central Asia throughout the Middle Ages, and became a centre not only for exchange between merchants but also for culture, scholarship and religious studies. Bukhara also contributed many locally produced goods that enriched Silk Road trade, and was particularly renowned for its textile industry. Karakul lambs' fleeces, silk, cotton, leather, carpets and clothing were all traded from Bukhara, as well as gold embroidery and metal work, and many of these crafts are still practised in the city today. Bukhara's ancient history was closely intertwined with the growth of the Silk Roads through Central Asia. Indeed, a settlement on the site of Bukhara has been discovered dating from as early as the 2nd millennium BC, and the city grew up nourished by the merchants that arrived from Persia, India, China, and Russia as well as those travelling east from the Caspian Sea and beyond. Its geographical situation, on the edge of the deserts but also close to Uzbekistan’s most prosperous agricultural region, meant that Bukhara was a popular and important resting point in the development of these routes. Following the Arab conquest of the city in 709 AD, Bukhara also became a major cultural and religious centre, and was chosen by the Emir Ismail ibn Amad to be the capital city for the independent Samanid kingdom in 892. The Emir’s tomb, built in Bukhara in the early 10th century, is one of the most striking and well-preserved examples of the architecture of the Muslim world from this period. The city increasingly attracted intellectuals and religious scholars, gaining a reputation as a centre of Islamic learning, and so earned the title of Bukhoro-i-Sharif, or "Noble Bukhara". The scholars and students from across the Muslim world who gathered in the city to learn and teach were themselves partaking in travel along the Silk Roads, and brought their own cultures and ideas with them. The city continued to expand, both economically and socially, under the rule of the Karakhanids in the 11th century, up until the invasion by Ghengis Khan in 1220, and became part of the Timurid Empire in 1370. However, it was in the 16th century that Bukhara reached the peak of its prosperity and renown as a cultural, trading and religious centre on the Silk Roads. Conquered in the late 15th century by Khan Sheibani, a nomadic Uzbek tribal leader, the city went on to become the capital of the Khanate of Bukhara under the Sheibanid dynasty. As Sheibanid rule expanded and was consolidated over large areas of Central Asia, Bukhara was the first to benefit from this prosperity, and the majority of the most celebrated and striking monuments that distinguish the city today date from this period. Many of these reflect Bukhara's status as a spiritual and cultural as well as economic centre, such as the remarkable Poi-Kalyan complex, which consists of the Kalyan mosque, minaret and the Mir-i Arab madrassah. The Lyabi-Khauz ensemble similarly dates from this period, as well as the Kosh madrassah and the Gaukushon madrassah. The Taki Sarafon (Dome of the Moneychangers) and the Taki-Tilpak-Furushan (Dome of the Headguard Sellers) both hint at the vibrant commercial activity that was taking place in Bukhara in this period. The Magoki Kurns and Abdullaziz-Khan madrassah were added in the mid-17th century. This historic old town is in fact the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia today, and its well-preserved urban structure and striking medieval architecture, as well as the remains of many covered bazaars, all reflect the influence of the Silk Roads throughout the long history of Bukhara.
The idea of a national garden in Singapore started in 1822 when Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore and a keen naturalist, developed the first ‘Botanical and Experimental Garden’ at Fort Canning. It was only in 1859 that the Gardens at its present site was founded and laid out in the English Landscape Movement’s style by an Agri-Horticultural society. The Gardens were soon handed over to the British colonial government (in 1874) and a series of Kew-trained botanists saw the Gardens blossom into an important botanical institute over the following decades. Today, the Gardens is managed by the National Parks Board, a statutory board of the Singapore government. In the early years, the Gardens played an important role in fostering agricultural development in Singapore and the region through collecting, growing, experimenting and distributing potentially useful plants. One of the earliest and most important successes was the introduction, experimentation and promotion of Para Rubber, Hevea brasiliensis. This became a major crop that brought great prosperity to the South East Asian region in the early 20th century. From 1928, the Gardens spearheaded orchid breeding and started its orchid hybridisation programme, facilitated by new in vitro techniques pioneered in its laboratories. In contemporary times, the Gardens also played a key role in Singapore’s Garden City programme through the continual introduction of plants of horticultural and botanical interest. Established in 1859, the 82-hectare Gardens hold a unique and significant place in the history of Singapore and the region. Through the botanical and horticultural work carried out today, it will continue to play an important role as a leading tropical botanical institute, and an endearing place to all Singaporeans. The Gardens have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) on 4 July 2015. The Gardens are the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It is the first in Asia and the third botanic gardens inscribed in the world, following Orto botanico di Padova and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Situated at Badi Choupad, Pink City of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal was built in 1799. It has 953 windows on the outside walls. The honeycomb shaped and beautifully carved windows allow breeze to blow through the palace and makes it a perfect summer palace. It was built as an extension to the City Palace nearby. See below for more information about Hawa Mahal. In 1799, the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler, Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh ordered Lal Chand Usta to construct an extension to the Royal City Palace. The Purdah system at the time was strictly followed. Rajput royal ladies should not be seen by strangers or appear in any public area. The construction of Hawa Mahal allows the royal ladies to enjoy from every day street scenes to royal processions on the street without being seen. The five-stores palace was built in the form of Krishna’s crown because Sarai Pratap Singh was devoted to Krishna, the Hindu god. The mahal has a total of 953 small casements each with small lattice worked pink window, balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices. This allows cool breeze blow through the mahal and keep it cool and airy in summer. Despite the large number of windows, each of them are size of a peephole such that the royal ladies were not to be seen by the public. The top three storeys are a single room thick, namely Vichitra Mandir, Prakash Mandir and Hawa Mandir. The Maharaja worshipped the Krishna at the Vichitra Mandir. While the Prakash Mandir provides an open terrace to both sides. Worth noting is that there are no steps to the upper floors but ramps. They are for the palanquin of the royal ladies. The autumn celebrations took place on the Sharad Mandir on the first floor. Don’t miss out on the colourful glassworks on Ratan Mandir on the second floor. In contrast to the rich decoration of the exterior, the interiors of the mahal is much simpler. But it is also where you will find the best view of the city of Jaipur.
The Great Living Chola Temples were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which stretched over all of south India and the neighbouring islands. The site includes three great 11th- and 12th-century Temples: the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram, built by Rajendra I, was completed in 1035. Its 53-m vimana (sanctum tower) has recessed corners and a graceful upward curving movement, contrasting with the straight and severe tower at Thanjavur. The Airavatesvara temple complex, built by Rajaraja II, at Darasuram features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of Shiva. The temples testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting. The great Cholas established a powerful monarchy in the 9th CE at Thanjavur and in its surroundings. They enjoyed a long, eventful rule lasting for four and a half centuries with great achievements in all fields of royal endeavour such as military conquest, efficient administration, cultural assimilation and promotion of art. All three temples, the Brihadisvara at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara at Gangaikondacholapuram and Airavatesvara at Darasuram, are living temples. The tradition of temple worship and rituals established and practised over a thousand years ago, based on still older Agamic texts, continues daily, weekly and annually, as an inseparable part of life of the people. These three temple complexes therefore form a unique group, demonstrating a progressive development of high Chola architecture and art at its best and at the same time encapsulating a very distinctive period of Chola history and Tamil culture. The Brihadisvara temple at Tanjavur marks the greatest achievement of the Chola architects. Known in the inscriptions as Dakshina Meru, the construction of this temple was inaugurated by the Chola King, Rajaraja I (985-1012 CE) possibly in the 19th regal year (1003-1004 CE) and consecrated by his own hands in the 25th regal year (1009-1010 CE). A massive colonnaded prakara with sub-shrines dedicated to the ashatadikpalas and a main entrance with gopura (known as Rajarajantiruvasal) encompasses the massive temple. The sanctum itself occupies the centre of the rear half of the rectangular court. The vimana soars to a height of 59.82meters over the ground. This grand elevation is punctuated by a high upapitha, adhisthana with bold mouldings; the ground tier (prastara) is divided into two levels, carrying images of Siva. Over this rises the 13 talas and is surmounted by an octagonal sikhara. There is a circumambulatory path all around the sanctum housing a massive linga. The temple walls are embellished with expansive and exquisite mural paintings. Eighty-one of the one hundred and eight karanas, posed in Baharatanatya, are carved on the walls of second bhumi around the garbhagriha. There is a shrine dedicated to Amman dating to c.13th century. Outside the temple enclosure are the fort walls of the Sivaganga Little Fort surrounded by a moat, and the Sivaganga Tank, constructed by the Nayaks of Tanjore of the 16th century who succeeded the imperial Cholas. The fort walls enclose and protect the temple complex within and form part of the protected area by the Archaeological Survey of India. These temples represent the development of Dravida architecture from Chola period to Maratha Period. All three monuments have been in a good state of preservation from the date of the inscription of the property and no major threats affect the World Heritage monuments. These monuments are being maintained and monitored by the Archaeological Survey of India. The tradition of temple worship and rituals established and practiced over a thousand years ago, based on still older Agamic texts, continues daily, weekly and annually, as an inseparable part of life of the people.
The Bukhara Museum was established in November 8, 1922. Since 1945, the museum has been situated in the Ark citadel, the former residence of the Bukharan emirs. And that’s where the main office of the museum is located. In 1985, the museum got the status of the Bukhara State Art-Architectural Museum-Preserve. The museum-preserve consists of six branches, including 18 permanent exhibitions placed in the architectural monuments. In the depositories of the museum-preserve, there are over 100000 objects, representing material and spiritual culture of the region. Bukhara is one of the most famous and picturesque cities in Central Asia. This is an amazing museum city, where a large number of cultural and architectural monuments from different eras are concentrated - in total, there are more than 140 structures and buildings from the Middle Ages alone. The historical center of Bukhara, along with its sights, is included in the list of World Heritage Sites, compiled by UNESCO. For 100 years, within the walls of the museum, wonderful collections of archeological items, numismatics and epigraphy, arts and crafts, books and documents, everyday life and ethnography, a collection of paintings, graphics and sculptures, etc. have been collected and carefully kept. All these items are exhibited in numerous expositions and exhibitions of the museum-reserve and reflect the richest history of Bukhara. The collection of the Bukhara Museum-Reserve is represented by primary sources and material evidence of the history of the Bukhara oasis and covers almost all spheres of public life in the region. The closest analogues of the Bukhara Museum-Reserve are the museums of Novgorod, Vladimir-Suzdal, Venice, Athens, Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum, the State Hermitage.
The Great Wall of China is one of the most notorious structures in the entire world. The Jinshanling section in Hebei Province, China, pictured here, is only a small part of the wall that stretches over 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles). The one thing most people “know” about the Great Wall of China—that it is one of the only man-made structures visible from space—is not actually true. Since the wall looks a lot like the stone and soil that surround it, it is difficult to discern with the human eye even from low Earth orbit, and is difficult to make out in most orbital photos. However, this does not detract from the wonder of this astounding ancient structure. For millennia, Chinese leaders instituted wall-building projects to protect the land from northern, nomadic invaders. One surviving section of such an ancient wall, in the Shandong province, is made of hard-packed soil called “rammed earth” and is estimated to be 2,500 years old. For centuries during the Warring States Period, before China was unified into one nation, such walls defended the borders. Around 220 B.C.E., Qin Shi Huang, also called the First Emperor, united China. He masterminded the process of uniting the existing walls into one. At that time, rammed earth and wood made up most of the wall. Emperor after emperor strengthened and extended the wall, often with the aim of keeping out the northern invaders. In some places, the wall was constructed of brick. Elsewhere, quarried granite or even marble blocks were used. The wall was continuously brought up to date as building techniques advanced. Zhu Yuanzhang, who became the Hongwu Emperor, took power in 1368 C.E. He founded the Ming Dynasty, famous for its achievements in the arts of ceramics and painting. The Ming emperors improved the wall with watchtowers and platforms. Most of the familiar images of the wall show Ming-era construction in the stone. Depending on how the wall is measured, it stretches somewhere between 4,000 and 5,500 kilometers (2,500 and 3,400 miles). In the 17th century, the Manchu emperors extended Chinese rule into Inner Mongolia, making the wall less important as a defense. However, it has retained its importance as a symbol of Chinese identity and culture. Countless visitors view the wall every year. It may not be clearly visible from space, but it is considered “an absolute masterpiece” here on Earth.
Marketing Consultant @ Colombo, Sri Lanka MBA (UK), Certified professional Marketer (Asia), Chartered Marketer, MCIM (UK) ,PGDipM (UK), MSLIM (SL) During my tenure in Audit firm, Financial Industry, Media Organization, Educational Institute, Retail Industry, Petroleum Industry, FMCG Company, Entrepreneur & Marketing Consultant , I gained wealth of knowledge & experience, all spiced with a well-honed instinct for positive marketing. With over twenty Four years of relevant experience I am adept at executing any tasks associated with the job. Marketing Consultant - (01/ 2021 – to date) Designed & implemented marketing strategies according to client’s objectives and budget, execute task and monitoring out comes. Influenced team members to establish most effective tools & methods, liaised with top Mgt & give strategic direction & findings. DGM – Marketing - (09/2019 – 12/ 2020) Lanka Sathosa Ltd (LSL) - Ministry of Trade Awarded & won SLIM - Nielsen People’s Awards for LSL, planned & implemented all marketing & advertising campaigns and increased imaged. Drives traffic to store & improved profitability by creating operational in-store action plans, designed & streamlined business strategies, turning around the company (LSL) by increasing foot fall level & basket value. Alliance with Pickme and Postal Dpt. tested and delivered groceries to customers’ doorstep , managed to design of LSL web site, developed & launched e-commerce platform & simplified website booking forms and also achieved highest sales of Rs.17.5Bn in first half 2020 at LSL history. General Manager - (08/2017 –09/ 2019) Infinity Foods (Pvt) Ltd - Market Trader (Pvt) Ltd Responsibility of the overall imported beverages and snacks foods portfolio and tested viability, including strategy direction and P&L. Leveraged new ideas to improved overall business, maintained of all KPI’s and in charge of the Mkt budget and reinforced the brand image . Brand Manager - (08/2015 –08/2017) Lanka Spice (Pvt) Ltd (LSL) - “Mc Currie” Delivered properly the marketing mix, simplified website of “Mc Currie” to increase the profitability, comprehensive strategic PR programs for the exploitation of LSL, channel marketing strategy, excellence in trade execution & secured top tier events for marketing & developed new slogan. Developed and presented the TV commercial to build image of the “Mc Currie” position as a premium brand in the minds of target market segment, turnaround of brand performance & maximized turnover of the year 2016. Head of Sales & Marketing - (03/2011 - 07/2015) The Golden Lane Shops - Maldives Exceeded Mrf.10.2M sales for month of July 2011 in “GL” history, Coached team members to improve their skills & achieved work quality. Responsible for rebranded “GL Style” into one of the strongest sports & casual ware brands in Maldives, has been able to achieved double digits’ growth, successfully handle commercials in Dhi T/V, MNBC, Raajje Radio and adverts on Haveeru newspapers to increased the awareness. Work as a part time Consultant / Trainer for The Hawks (Pvt) Ltd, (B2B Business) in Male, Maldives - (1/11/2012-11/2//2015) Brand Manager - (02/2008 – 03/2011) Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) Managed & maintained two brands, which were the Buckinghamshire new university MBA (BUCKS) & Certified Professional Marketer (CPM) status at the AMF and led colleagues and delegated teams to monitor sales. I was an active part of the team that launched "BUCKS MBA" program in Sri Lanka and monitor overall performance of the two brands. Published adverts, strategic alliances with advertising & media agencies, coordinate with head office in UK effectively build brand image in SL. Business Development. Executive. - (04/2005 – 02/ 2008) Wijeya Newspapers Ltd (WNL) An accomplished Mgt. executive for the launch of “IT Times” brand in SL. Identified innovative marketing campaigns, negotiated with major super markets to successful distribution of magazine of the in Island wide and delivered to Sri Lankan Airlines as well & increased the penetration level. Senior Marketing Executive. - (09/2003 – 04/ 2005) Leader Investment (Pvt) Ltd (Forex) Presented for real-time Forex trading advisory services to clients, ensuring they gain maximum return on investment & won customer confidence, reduced & resolved complained, ensured that all clients data was safely stored. build network with top line customers. I was an active part of the team in opening new branch office in Kandy City and led trained & motivated team to manage profitability. Chairman / Managing Director - (12/2001 – 09/2003) AMS Holdings (“SAP” Tea) Responsible for the launched “SAP” brand of tea and negotiated the longer payment terms with suppliers, reduced short expired return stock and saved money, ensured the optimal brand visibility of "SAP" tea. Improved overall penetration of “SAP” range of tea southern provincial area, suburbs of Colombo as well as some of identified super market in the country and maximized sales and streamlined the route plan. Established to worked as a Group Internal Audit Assistant at Sumathi Holdings & presented new findings to the Mgt.- (03/2000 -12/ 2001) During my career as an Audit Trainee at B.R.de Silva & Company, I have managed to visit varies types of companies - (04/1997 - 03/2000) Produced Student at St. Aloysius College – Galle, Sri Lanka (1979 – 1993)
The city of Petra, the capital of the Nabataean Arabs, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Petra the world wonder is undoubtedly Jordan's most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction, and it is visited by tourists from all over the world. It is not known precisely when Petra was built, but the city began to prosper as the capital of the Nabataean Empire from the 1st century BC, which grew rich through trade in frankincense, myrrh, and spices. Petra was later annexed to the Roman Empire and continued to thrive until a large earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of the city in the 4th century AD. The earthquake combined with changes in trade routes, eventually led to the downfall of the city which was ultimately abandoned. In 1812 a Swiss explorer named Johannes Burckhardt set out to ‘rediscover’ Petra; he dressed up as an Arab and convinced his Bedouin guide to take him to the lost city, After this, Petra became increasingly known in the West as a fascinating and beautiful ancient city, and it began attracting visitors and continues to do so today. Petra is also known as the rose-red city, a name it gets from the wonderful colour of the rock from which many of the city’s structures were carved.
Dalai Lama is a title given by the Tibetan people for the foremost spiritual leader of the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" school of Tibetan Buddhism, the newest of the classical schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th and current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso, who lives as a refugee in India. Bodhisattvas are realized beings, inspired by the wish to attain complete enlightenment, who have vowed to be reborn in the world to help all living beings.
Moscow, on the Moskva River in western Russia, is the nation’s cosmopolitan capital. In its historic core is the Kremlin, a complex that’s home to the president and tsarist treasures in the Armoury. Outside its walls is Red Square, Russia's symbolic center. It's home to Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum's comprehensive collection, and St. Basil’s Cathedral, known for its colorful, onion-shaped domes. The largest city in the country and Europe, and one of the largest cities in the world. Moscow refers to global cities having a great influence on the world because of its high economic level and population. It is the main transport hub of Russia, its political, economic, cultural, and scientific center.
New Delhi is an urban district of Delhi which serves as the capital of India and seat of all three branches of the Government of India. The foundation stone of the city was laid by Emperor George V during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. It was designed by British architects, Sir Edwin Lutyens, and Sir Herbert Baker. The straight and diagonal pattern of the broad tree-lined avenues in New Delhi, with extensive green spaces and wide vistas, contrasts sharply with the crowded, narrow, and winding streets characteristic of Old Delhi. The main east-west axis of New Delhi is Central Vista Park, which is flanked by government buildings, museums, and research centers in a parklike setting.
Tel Aviv, an amazing city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, is marked by stark 1930s Bauhaus buildings, thousands of which are clustered in the White City architectural area, and became designated a UNESCO world heritage site. The city was founded in 1909 by the Jewish residents as a modern housing estate on the outskirts of the ancient port city of Jaffa, then part of the Jerusalem province of Ottoman Syria. Museums include Beit Hatfutsot, whose multimedia exhibits illustrate the history of Jewish communities worldwide. The Eretz Israel Museum covers the country’s archaeology, folklore, and crafts, and features an on-site excavation of 12th-century-B.C. ruins.
Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial center with a tropical climate and multicultural population. Its colonial core centers on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings such as City Hall, with its 18 Corinthian columns. In Singapore's Chinatown stands the red-and-gold Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, said to house one of Buddha's teeth. Singapore is much more than the sum of its numerous attractions. It’s constantly evolving, reinventing, and reimagining itself, with people who are passionate about creating new possibilities. It’s where foodies, explorers, collectors, action seekers, culture shapers, and socialisers meet―and new experiences are created every day.
Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island north-west of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Bora Bora is located on a dormant volcano island, set on one of the most beautiful and crystal-clear lagoons in the world, coloured in a million shades of blue. Known for gorgeous luxury resorts and numerous adventurous activities, it is one of the northwestern islands that make up The Islands of Tahiti. The vast motu of Bora Bora’s white-sand beaches lined with coconut trees encircle the emerald lagoon that’s populated with myriad fish and multicoloured corals. The tallest point is the breathtaking Mount Otemanu at Bora Bora’s centre. It’s easy to understand why this little 15 square mile island is revered as one of the most intimate and idyllic vacation destinations. Every 50 minutes, flights to Bora Bora from Papeete and Moorea are available through Air Tahiti for those looking to island-hop.
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