Day: January 24, 2025

Bigger is always better for displays, but size isn’t the only reason we like these 98″ TCL TVs

[This article is written in collaboration with TCL.]

When it comes to entertainment, display size matters and it matters a lot. 

So when I heard that our office would be testing out two 98-inch TVs from TCL, I was more than excited. What do the 98C655 QLED TV and 98C855 Premium QD-Mini LED 4K TV have to offer? 

Quite a lot and in different ways, surprisingly.

Despite being of the same dimensions and sporting slim designs, TCL’s 98C655 and 98C855 TVs each boasts an impressive array of features.

First things first, who is TCL?

Hailing from China, TCL is one of the top global tech companies that develops, manufactures, and sells its tech appliances to improve consumer lifestyles. This includes mobile phones, air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines.

But TCL is actually best known for its TVs. Just last year, TCL was recognised by Omdia (a British technology research and advisory group) as the Global Top 2 TV Brands, with a total of 25.26 million units in TV shipments representing a 12.5% market share.

Part of this is thanks to its American consumers, who make up a bulk of the company’s customer base.

Vibrant and strong picture quality on both TVs

Of course, we have to start with the 98C655 and 98C855’s TCL QLED Pro display technology. 

Quantum-dot (or QLED) screens are essentially a more advanced version of LED-backlit LCD screens. It uses tiny crystals called quantum dots which are less than 500 nanometres in size to produce precise and vibrant colours. 

As a result, the colours displayed are more vivid, accurate, and saturated compared to standard LED screens.

Pair that with TCL’s in-house technology called T-Screen Pro (in the 98C655) and T-Screen Ultra (in the 98C855), and the images that show up are stronger and more emphasised. I found this especially useful when the room was brightly lit and the glare was reduced. This is more obvious in the 98C855 as it has a low-reflection film. 

Both the T-Screen Pro and T-Screen Ultra panels are produced at TCL-owned China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) plant. 

The CSOT plant operates using the Generation 11 lineup, making it a major panel producer for premium brands like Sony, Samsung, and even LG. TCL has recently acquired a significant share of the LG plant in China, making them the sole proprietor of the CSOT plant.

But what really makes the 98C655 and 98C855 captivating to watch is another of TCL’s in-house innovations. 

Called the AiPQ Pro Processor, it optimises image quality through features like Ai-Contrast, Ai-Clarity, and Ai-Color. For example, it automatically adapts contrast to highlight bright and dark details, upscales low-resolution content to near-HD quality, and manages colours for natural and vibrant visuals. 

Cinephiles or binge-watchers can also rest easy knowing that the TVs come with Multiple Eye Care. 

This includes flicker-free technology to ease eye strain, low blue light to reduce fatigue, natural light optimisation for energy efficiency, and ambient tone to make movie-watching comfortable regardless of the time of day.

As both devices run on Google TV, it’s easy to navigate as I’m familiar enough with the interface and the available apps. It can also easily screen cast from a variety of devices, including iPhones, Windows laptops, and the like.

But this is where the key similarities between the two TVs end.

TCL 98C855: The premium choice packed with cool features

The 98C855 stands out as a premium choice, featuring TCL’s QD-Mini LED technology. 

Launched just last year, this display combines the best of QLED and OLED technologies to deliver superior picture quality. The 98C855’s current retail price is RM42,999, and during promotional periods, it is around RM33,811.

Sharing with us, TCL explained that its QD-Mini LED delivers contrast and colour gamut that’s similar to OLED while offering higher peak brightness and longer lifespan without screen burn-in. 

Burn-in happens when a static image is left on the screen for too long, leaving a permanent mark that won’t go away no matter what you’re watching or doing. This issue is commonly seen in OLED TVs, but TCL’s technology aims to eliminate that concern.

In our experience, the colours that showed up on the 98C855 were more striking and the dark details had better contrast. The latter is partly thanks to the TV’s 2,304 local dimming zones that cast pixel-level light control. 

This effectively improves luminous efficiency because of high-efficiency lamp beads, refractive lens, and matrix layout. 

In layman terms, this simply means the TV can control the brightness of different parts of the screen independently. So it can dim precise areas for deep, inky blacks while keeping brighter parts vivid and bright. As a result, you get more dynamic visuals that enhance details with incredible accuracy. 

Other neat features of the 98C855 are the AMD FreeSync tech and 144Hz refresh rate which promise seamless gameplay. I tested this out by playing a cosy game called Little Kitty, Big City, and the motions were certainly smooth. 

I also liked that it had other features like Aiming Aid, Shadow Enhancement, and Game Picture Mode to elevate the gaming experience, though these are more suited for First-Player Shooter (FPS) games.

TCL TVs—particularly the C655 and C855 models—come equipped with high-quality Onkyo speakers for an enhanced audio experience, claimed TCL.

Onkyo is a premium home theatre brand from Japan. Onkyo sound systems cater to home audio enthusiasts who prefer separate amplifiers and home theatre systems.

The built-in Onkyo 2.2.2 channel speakers (which support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X) are designed to provide an immersive sound experience mimicking a theatre-like environment. Its six speakers create an enveloping soundstage, making it feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

However, it could’ve packed more punch as it sounded softer than I expected. Perhaps this could have been avoided if we had placed the TV slightly higher above the ground like what we did with the 98C655.

Even then, you don’t need a separate soundbar or home theatre system unless you’re particular about spatial audio. 

TCL 98C655: The budget-friendlier entertainer

When compared to the 98-inch TV we reviewed above, this 98C655 model that’s priced at RM19,999 is a more budget-friendly option. 

The 98C655 retails for RM19,999, but during promotional periods, it is available for around RM12,811. 

It’s equipped with a 120Hz DLG refresh rate, which basically provides smooth motion. So, you won’t miss out on any action when watching live sports matches or more action-packed films. 

I found this paired with the ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) great for gaming as well because there were fewer lags. I don’t play many fast-paced games but the difference is noticeable even when playing cosy games like Stray.

In terms of audio, the 98C655 offered quite standard sound features with the built-in Onkyo 2.1 channel speakers (which support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X). The TV has three speakers in total, with two at the bottom and one behind the TV. The enhanced bass and immersive sound are more than adequate for everyday viewing.

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Depending on what your needs are, both TCL’s 98C655 and 98C855 are promising options if you’re looking to upgrade your home entertainment system.

If you’re more budget-conscious and want a massive screen for general entertainment purposes like casual movie nights and gaming, then you could consider the 98C655. 

But if you’re someone who wants a high-quality home theatre experience, then the visuals offered by the 98C855 model might suit your needs better. 

Regardless of which model you choose, both TVs provide something distinctive to upgrade your viewing experience.

One thing to keep in mind before purchasing these TVs is to prepare a suitable space and TV console beforehand, as they’re large and heavy. Without stands, the 98C655 weighs 54.5 kg, while the 98C855 weighs 65 kg.

So it’s more advisable to get expert help unpacking and assembling them, such as TCL’s installation service which can be booked separately.

• Learn more about TCL here.
• Read about other Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: CARiNG’s CNY video reminds us what “home” really means, and it’s not about a place

Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post

Not just for old folks: How these 5 S’porean businesses are keeping TCM relevant & trendy

The list of Chinese New Year greetings seems endless, but we’d like to say that this is the most important one: 身体健康 (shen ti jian kang)—which means “good health.”

It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, this greeting is one of the most common greetings and with good reason: you need to be healthy to live a happy, long life. And while there are many ways to stay healthy, some turn to Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) to live up to that greeting.

However, there has been a decline in the popularity of TCM, and it has pushed many to find a way to make their business more “palatable” to a new, younger audience.

From incorporating traditional medicinal herbs to create one-of-a-kind drinks to digitalising their business to sustain, we have shortlisted five local businesses attempting to keep TCM alive in a new age.

1. Synthesis

Located just outside Suntec City Mall, Synthesis is a speakeasy bar and restaurant known for its TCM-inspired food and beverages. First opened in March 2023, its F&B offerings follow the Five Elements referenced in traditional Chinese medicine: Fire, Earth, Water, Air, and Metal.

In his previous interview with Vulcan Post, Sebastian Ang, the founder, shared that the inspiration behind Synthesis was born from his childhood memories, specifically from his time spent with his grandmother working at a TCM shop on Kampong Kayu Road.

“My childhood memories of spending time at the TCM hall inspired us to encapsulate the essence of traditional Chinese medicine [in Synthesis], which blends the best qualities of various ingredients to boost overall wellbeing.”

2. Cha Mulan

The only hawker on our list, Cha Mulan specialises in using TCM ingredients for their drinks, which could be described as an in-between of bubble tea and cheng tng.

According to a 2024 article by Hungrygowhere, the business was owned and founded by then-29-year-old Kenneth Teo. The ex-fine dining chef shared that he started Cha Mulan (also known as The Flower Mulan) out of his girlfriend’s love of bubble tea and wanted to create a healthier version of it.

The article also stated that the business uses ingredients including snow fungus and peach gum made from scratch every day for their drinks—instead of using mass-produced ingredients, which is common for other tong suis.

3. Bliss Nest Capsules

Unlike the other businesses in the list, Bliss Nest Capsules focuses on one titular ingredient for their drinks—bird’s nest.

According to a listicle by Eu Yan Sang, bird’s nest is one of the more popular tonics and is traditionally seen as a beauty food. However, in a past interview with Vulcan Post, Wang Jun Han, founder of Bliss Nest Capsules, shared that the tonic has become less popular amongst the young.

This led him to incorporate bird’s nest to provide a healthier version of bubble tea, and it received much fanfare during its final “test” at Takashimaya Food Fair 2023, allowing the brand to set up shop at Vivo City.

4. Specture

While we often do not associate alcohol with “mental wellness,” given its association with vices like addiction, Specture is a bar that attempts to put a positive on that narrative, and it starts with their drinks.

Speaking to The Straits Times, Andrew Pang, co-founder of the bar, shared that he consulted a TCM practitioner to develop his cocktail menu, which included a “snake soup and mezcal” cocktail.

Traditionally, snake soup is believed to boost immunity and warm the body, especially during the colder seasons.

Aside from its drink offerings, Specture prides itself on being a “mental wellness bar,” offering free therapy services and hosting workshops such as art jams.

5. Heng Foh Tong

As medicine continues to evolve along with the modernisation of society, traditional TCM medicinal halls have found their businesses dwindling. That is, except for Heng Foh Tong.

While the business still stuck to its roots with its medicinal hall at Bukit Batok, it has also digitalised its operations following the COVID-19 pandemic and even collaborated with Nanyang Polytechnic in launching TCM vending machines.

Aside from purchasing packaged herbs and goods such as lozenges and herbal sweets, customers can also get a prescription online via their website.

In addition, Heng Foh Tong has launched its line of herbal drinks, HFTea and in a 2022 interview with AsiaOne, Lee Heng Sheng, the fifth-generation owner of the business, shared that they aimed to make herbal tea “a youngster’s drink.”

Different drinks vary in their components and are targeted at different consumers. For example, they created a Ginseng and Himalayan salt drink that is said to be a “natural” version of Pocari, and it targets the Fitspo crowd looking for a recovery drink.

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They say that “health is forever,” and while many “old-school” industries attempt to modernise along with the times, TCM can only live to exist if businesses continue to adapt to the current generation’s needs.

Some might argue that this would dilute the old traditions of TCM, but we’d like to believe that businesses, like our five inductees, are playing their roles in keeping it alive in Singapore.

How long will it continue to last? We’d have to live to see it.

• Read more articles we have written on Singaporean businesses here.

Also Read: This Singaporean PR combined his love for Ragdolls and Chinese tea into a cat teahouse

Featured Image Credit: Synthesis / Hungrygowhere / Bliss Nest Capsules

KL’s new GoldBar at Ascott Star KLCC is everything I want in a sophisticated bar, here’s why

Luxe. 

That’s the first thought I had before even stepping foot into GoldBar, the new dining destination in KL City Centre. 

Its entrance was seamlessly hidden by stone panel walls, and if it wasn’t for the golden name plaque and reception table, I would have missed it. Little did I know, behind the concealed door was everything I was looking for in a sophisticated bar.

How interesting can a wall be?

“Walking into GoldBar feels like entering a modern day goldmine,” is how the brand describes itself.

While not in the literal sense, the space certainly has an air of elegance to it. Part of this is thanks to the brass fixtures that pepper the scene, as well the plush, velvet cushions in muted tones of grey and blue. The warm, golden lighting creates an inviting atmosphere that makes you want to decompress and relax.

But perhaps what really sells the goldmine concept is the pièce de résistance—GoldBar’s bar.

The backdrop of their marble-patterned countertop is a beautiful accent wall, featuring French-styled wainscoting. It’s easy to overlook if you’re not paying closer attention to the details. Once you catch it, though, it’s hard to look away.

Sure, the crystal-like decanters add a refined touch. However, the “mini” square panels are the real star of the bar, where each square has its own distinguishable wainscoting design. 

If you’re here with a new date and conversation runs dry, these probably could make for a great topic to analyse!

“A golden oasis where bold flavours and elegance meet”

To me, there are four factors that differentiate a casual bar and a sophisticated one: classy decor, cosy atmosphere, attentive service, and fine food and drinks.

GoldBar easily checks all of these boxes. 

Despite having a large crowd that night, the bartenders and servers were still watchful and took care of us. Some even went a little above and beyond, but we’ll get to that in a bit.

For starters, our table of four was served a platter of Live Oysters (RM108) and Seafood Bisque with grilled focaccia (RM32).

Plump and springy, the oysters had a lovely and fresh briny taste. The seafood bisque was velvety and had small chunks of carrots and fish, as well as whole mussels and prawns. The chunks added some texture to the dish, which personally made it more delectable to me.

Next came one of my top picks of the night—GoldBar’s Foie Gras Mini Croissant (RM48). Now, I’m not a fan of offal and have a strong aversion to it, but this dish might have changed my mind. Pan seared to perfection, the foie gras was buttery in taste and smooth in texture, with hints of teriyaki-like sauce. 

Following that was the Hanwoo Beef Skewers (RM55). A prized Korean beef, Hanwoo is an alternative to the popular Wagyu and comes with a similarly high price tag. According to the South China Morning Post, this may have roots in Korean culture as cattle has historically been held in higher regard than other livestock.

Taste-wise, it’s fattier than Wagyu beef and has a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture. I appreciated that it came in skewers of two for sharing, as having a set alone would be too rich and leave no space for mains.

You’ll want to leave space for mains because…. 

There is Grilled Boston Lobster (RM190), Pan Seared Atlantic Cod with Ikura (RM118), and Tiger Prawn Arrabiata (RM52). 

The lobster is cooked upon order and split down the middle. Diners were given a pair of plastic gloves and seafood crackers to pry open the claws. This wouldn’t normally be an issue if you love seafood, but some of us weren’t dressed for the occasion. 

Here’s where GoldBar’s attentive service shined. Noticing that most guests were struggling, the front of house staff went to each table and offered to get the chef’s help. 

My table, however, challenged ourselves to do it ourselves. It wasn’t the easiest but the experience itself was one to remember.

The black cod was served with garlic butter sauce with ikura, on a bed of sauteed spinach. It had a slight crisp on the outside and tender white meat on the inside. Paired together with the ikura that pops in your mouth, this dish was a medley of textures.

As for the pasta, the Tiger Prawn Arrabiata was exactly what you’d expect it to be. Not too chewy or soft, and it had the right amount of spiciness.

Dessert was the only way to go after such a heavy meal, and what better treat than a sinfully delicious Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse Cake (RM20). 

Just one bite transported me back to my childhood where I’d munch on Ferrero Rocher every birthday. The dark chocolate used wasn’t bitter, while the whipped cream and raspberries made it less overwhelming.

It’s cocktail o’clock somewhere

The whole dinner was washed down with a glass of GoldBar’s handcrafted cocktail, specifically The Lemon Whisper (RM48). The tasty gin-based beverage was concocted with limoncello, lime, and egg white.

Other house specialties include:

• Golden Ember, a tequila cocktail
• Berry Royale, a bourbon cocktail
• Kyoto Heat, a jalapeno infused gin cocktail

All of these aside, what really makes GoldBar my ideal sophisticated bar is how the space balances openness and privacy. 

The dining area and dimmer lights make it seem like you’re in your own little world. But if you’re looking to meet new people or just vibe with live performances, there’s the bar section.

At the moment, customers can have a taste of GoldBar’s trial menu. Its complete offerings are set to fully launch soon, which I’m excited for if their teasers are anything to go by. We recommend making reservations here, lest all the tables are taken.

• Learn more about GoldBar here.
• Read other lifestyle articles we’ve written here.

Also Read: CARiNG’s CNY video reminds us what “home” really means, and it’s not about a place

This boutique hotel next to TRX earned our mark of approval as a Zen workcation destination

This is a workcation series where we personally visit and review hotels, resorts, and more, to find out how well they cater to digital nomads and hybrid professionals. 

Hotel highlights:

✓ Instagram-worthy architecture and interior design at every corner, featuring an industrial and nature theme

✓ Each room has a cosy and residential vibe, with unique outdoor showers and bathtubs  

✓ The in-house restaurant Opeum Bistro offers a variety of local delights 

✓ There are coworking spaces such as The Social Pod and The Tea Room

✓ The Exchange TRX is just a five-minute walk away, and Jalan Kamuning is home to many trendy cafes and restaurants

Just five minutes away from The Exchange TRX is Lloyd’s Inn Kuala Lumpur, a boutique hotel that opened April 2024. 

With an exposed concrete facade draped in greenery, the hotel has a sort of post-apocalyptic charm that pairs well with the urban escape vibe it’s going for. 

Although Lloyd’s Inn may be relatively new to KL, it actually got its start from Singapore back in 2014. It has since expanded to Bali as well. 

Minimalistic and modern, Lloyd’s Inn has grown to become the quintessential boutique hospitality brand in Singapore, having won multiple Singapore Tourism Board awards, amongst other accolades. 

And its Kuala Lumpur location might just deserve the same recognition. 

Relaxation haven, right in the city 

We recently got to experience the hotel firsthand during a 3D2N workcation. 

Strolling into the elevator that brings us up to the lobby on the fifth floor, we were immediately given a sense of what Lloyd’s Inn is all about. The QR code on the back wall of the lift brings us to the hotel’s Spotify page, where playlists of relaxing soundscapes are featured. 

These relaxing tracks might be the very ones being played in the lobby itself. Although the hotel visually appears chic with its cool and monochromatic aesthetics, there’s a very Zen ambiance that’s achieved through attentive details such as the auditory experience. 

Aside from the lobby, the fifth floor is also home to the dipping pool—which is admittedly small and a little exposed, but still cute—as well Opeum Bistro, the hotel’s gastronomic offering. 

The hotel features open corridors that contribute to not just the sustainable lean of the hotel, but also to a relaxed, resort-like feel. 

There’s something that feels quite residential about the hotel, a quality that is perhaps owed to the fact that the property was originally intended to be an apartment. 

This also aligns with its Singaporean counterpart, which is described by the MICHELIN Guide Hotels as “more luxe-residential than classic luxury hotel.” 

Our Sky Room felt particularly apartment-esque, what with it being a loft-styled accommodation where the bed is situated up on the loft. 

One of the starred features of this room is Lloyd’s signature outdoor showers and bathtubs. This gives a charming Balinese flair that transforms the more industrial vibe of the room into a somewhat rustic and natural one instead. 

If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, though, rest assured that there’s blinds that you can pull down for some semblance of privacy. I kind of wish there was thicker foliage though, to really give that secluded, jungle-y vibe. Maybe in due time?

Many different work environments 

Inside our room, there’s a couch setup downstairs with a coffee table as well as a handy laptop stand to work on. 

Upstairs on the loft, there’s also a table where you can get some work done. With the drawers getting in the way, though, it’s kind of hard to sit comfortably for long here. 

Thankfully, there are other areas in the hotel that’s conducive to work. For one, there’s the Social Pod on the tallest floor (AKA the 15th). 

The Social Pod is essentially a co-working space that can be transformed into an event space. There are also meeting rooms here that guests can book at no cost. This would be perfect for team meetings and discussions. 

This outdoor space is airy and bright. With a water dispenser and plug points available, we found ourselves getting quite productive here. 

For an indoor option, there’s the Tea Room, located in a loft area of Opeum Bistro. This cosy Japandi-esque room is a part of the restaurant, and can also be booked out for events. This room gets quite cold, though, so bring a jacket if you’re sensitive to that. 

Location, location, location 

Beyond the aesthetics of the hotel, my second favourite thing about it is probably its address. Lloyd’s Inn KL gives you the city location without the city stress. 

Of course, you’re still going to catch some of the urban sounds such as construction and honks, but well, if you’re used to the city life, this is no big deal. In fact, some might even find it charming. 

The Exchange TRX aside, the area is also home to a whole host of trendy cafes and eateries such as Grumpy Bagels, OGA Tea & Dining, Dona Bakehouse, DurianBB Park, and more. 

And if you want to travel out of the area, the Tun Razak Exchange MRT station is just a stone’s throw away, connecting you to popular tourist spots such as Bukit Bintang, Pasar Seni, and more. 

Devil’s in the details 

One thing about boutique hotels that I nitpick about is the attention to detail.

While it’s true that they get the vibes right, there’s a level of finesse that well-established hotel chains just manage to achieve. 

Here were some little details about Lloyd’s Inn that might’ve slipped their attention—the slippers in our room were still bound by plastic tag fasteners, and we had nothing to cut them with. We started with teeth, but thankfully remembered we had our own house keys to cut them. 

Secondly, the TV downstairs in our room was not set up, and we couldn’t watch anything on it. 

Another detail is that there’s only a phone upstairs. I think it would’ve been nice if there was a phone downstairs, especially with the outdoor bathroom where slips might unfortunately happen. 

In short, it lacks a bit of the finesse that more luxe hotels offer, but well, perhaps that’s a justifiable compromise to make. 

Conducive or not?

Blending boutique hotel sensibilities, an incredible location, and hospitable service, Lloyd’s Inn Kuala Lumpur has decidedly earned a mark of approval from me as a workcation destination. 

For one, the outdoor tub is certainly not something you’ll easily find elsewhere. It’s a relaxing treat for weary workers who can look forward to a comforting bath at the end of the work day. 

And on the topic of work, we loved working here, especially in the Social Pod area. 

Although it has its cons (such as a creaky floorboard upstairs), I liked that the loft style helped separate the work zone and the rest zone for me. 

All in all, we found our 3D2N stay at Lloyd’s Inn to be a productive little getaway from our usual routines. And while it’s not necessarily away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, it offered a new way to enjoy the city while providing a peaceful escape from it. 

• Learn more about Lloyd’s Inn here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about workcations here.

Also Read: Critical convos with a focus on impact: How MRANTI is bridging local & global markets

We tried the ExpertBook P5, ASUS’ first Copilot+ PC designed for work. Here’s our verdict.

Sleek. Powerful. Lightweight. 

These are things that I thought when I first laid eyes on the ASUS ExpertBook P5. With a stylishly modern chassis, it looked like a laptop that could cater to all my working demands, and then some. 

But did it live up to my first impressions? 

For the working pros 

Marketed as a professional device designed for employees in small or medium-sized enterprises, the ExpertBook P5 is said to offer AI-powered computing technology for entrepreneurs, prosumers, and small businesses. 

Clocking in at just 1.29 kg with a width of 1.49 cm, the laptop utilises a silver aluminum body that’s lightweight and durable, making it excellent for on-the-go performance. 

The ExpertBook P5 is also fitted with the Intel Core Ultra (which sports the pretty cool codename ‘Lunar Lake’) processors, making it powerful for all your work needs.

But perhaps the most important spec in a tech device to me is the battery life. I’m the kind of person who often forgets to bring my charger (or chooses not to bring it because… it’s heavy), so this is integral.

Thankfully, the ExpertBook P5 laptop also features all-day battery life and fast charge support. Specifically, its large-capacity battery is said to support all-day battery life of up to 28 hours, plus fast charging technology that charges the battery from 5% to 60% in under 40 minutes.

With this, I can rest easy when I leave home with this laptop without my charger. Laziness for the win!

Another key factor for work laptops, especially if they’re company-issued, is security. 

The P5 comes fitted with a discrete TPM2.0 chip and advanced BIOS security such as Fused Root of Trust, Downgrade Protection, and ‘Last Known Good’ recovery. The laptop also promises five years of BIOS/firmware security updates and ASUS driver updates. 

Having undergone a comprehensive MIL-STD 810H military-grade testing, the laptop is also described to be “purposefully built for demanding users.” I myself don’t demand much, but I have to admit that I’m a clumsy person, so that’s a huge plus point to me. 

The ExpertBook P5 features a beautiful 14-inch 2.5K IPS display with very high PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) which is then converted to DC-mode.

If none of that means anything to you, this basically means the brightness control is with a high frequency, perfect for those who are sensitive to flickering, lower set displays.  

The 400-nits brightness ensures clear readability even in brighter ambient lighting conditions plus the anti-glare panel with 144Hz refresh rate ensures eye comfort when sitting long sessions in front of the laptop.

If you’re someone who has to work a desk job, you’ll know that ergonomics are not something to joke about. The ExpertBook P5 supposedly takes that into consideration, such as with its huge touchpad.

While I like using a mouse when working, the P5’s 110cm² extra large touchpad is great for those on the go. This extra real estate also allows users to comfortably use touchpad gestures (AKA shortcuts). 

AI this, AI that 

I’ll admit. At this point in time, AI features are already starting to get boring to me. But it’s a key feature in the ASUS ExpertBook P5, so of course, I had to give it a test.

And well, I’m glad I did. The ASUS ExpertMeet AI tools are pretty relevant to most professional employees, offering online meetings with advanced features such as AI translation, automated meeting summaries, and smart prioritisation of discussion points. 

It can even generate  a professional business card as an on-screen watermark. This is useful if you have to join any webinars, or if you’re calling a third party that might not know who you are.

As someone who sits in on a lot of meetings as well as conduct interview calls, its built-in transcription product is amazing as well. No more making new accounts on various online transcription platforms! 

In terms of accuracy, though, I must say that it’s not very good at understanding the Malaysian accent just yet.

And of course, the ExpertBook is also a Copilot+ PC, and will be capable of Copilot+ PC experiences when experiences become available in the future. 

Another AI feature on the laptop is the AI noise-canceling & AI Voiceprint. ASUS’ Two-Way AI Noise-Canceling Audio technology ensures that users can hear and be heard clearly in any scenario, allowing remote conferences to be with efficiency and clear communication.

The verdict 

For single-user businesses, small businesses, and demanding power users alike, the ExpertBook P5 is definitely one to consider. 

However, its price tag of RM6,859 can be quite steep for most workers. 

That said, though, you should keep in mind that compared to your regular consumer-grade laptops, the ExpertBook P5 offers more durability, security, and work-ergonomics. And of course, there’s the AI capabilities that makes it a future-proof device. 

I’ve been using the laptop for about a month, and I have to say, there’s nothing I can complain about it. It’s just really reliable and can power through just about anything I need it to do.

The audio is bright and sonorous, making it great for virtual calls, and the microphone seems to be omnidirectional and can pick up on the whole team’s chatter when we do group calls.

And the battery life really makes me feel at ease, knowing I can head out and work without having to find a plug point immediately.

I believe these productivity tools and features make the laptop a worthwhile investment, especially if it aligns with the kind of work that you do. 

• Learn more about the ASUS ExpertBook P5 here.
• Read other VP Verdicts we’ve written here.

VP Verdict is a series where we personally try and test out products, services, fads, and apps. Want to suggest something else for us to try? Leave a comment here or send the suggestion to our Facebook page!

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Singapore’s highest-growth jobs in 2025: MOE lists 146 roles, 57 pay from S$6,000 to S$15,000

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, opinions expressed below belong to the author.

Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE), through its SkillsFuture Singapore agency, has just released the 2025 Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report, providing insights into the changes and evolving demands of the local job market.

The announcement was made by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State at MOE, during the launch event for the report and the new online Jobs-Skills Portal at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on January 22.

Since its first release in 2021, the goal of the publication has been to evaluate and map in-demand skills and potential career paths, helping businesses plan their hiring strategies and guiding Singaporeans towards the best career outcomes.

You can download the full report here. Meanwhile, our focus will be on its findings regarding the most attractive, highest-growth job roles in Singapore.

Jobs of the future

Out of a total of 1,002 roles, detailed employer demand and salary data were collected for 342 of them, out of which 146 have been highlighted for their growth potential.

Each of them pays a minimum of S$3,300 in gross median salary per month, is in demand by employers and that demand has been growing over time (following the average trend over the past three years).

This means that they are offering a decent starting point from which your career can progress, upgrading to higher roles and better pay later on.

However, thanks to a freely available online dashboard published on the SkillsFuture website, we can filter these jobs further and find those which already pay above the median, which last year was around S$5,500.

As it turns out, more than a third of those growth positions —57 to be exact—offer median monthly salaries of S$6000 or more (up to S$14,900).

They have been divided into four unusual, broad categories, reflecting the current trends:

• Care
• Digital
• Green / Industry 4.0
• and Other

Growth roles with a minimum salary of S$6,000 per month

Some of the highest-paid jobs are found in Singapore’s pride and joy: the maritime sector, with oil and bunker traders, ship charterers and brokers, and marine engineers making between ca. S$10,000 and S$15,000 per month.

Unsurprisingly, general senior roles in strategy, company management, and finance are all close to the top of the list as well.

As usual, there’s no shortage of positions in the tech sector, with network managers and database architects making well over S$8,000 per month—right next to, it has be said, sales managers, actuaries or environmental officers in health institutions.

There is quite some breadth to the list, with well-paying, in-demand jobs found in professions demanding many different skills. So, even if you’re not a techie, an engineer or a doctor, you still have other prosperous career paths open to you.

Plan your career path with the SkillsFuture online tool

An interesting feature of the SkillsFuture portal is the Transition Pathways function, which allows you to plan your career ahead by comparing the necessary skills at your current and future dream jobs, as well as the pay increment you may expect by moving up the ladder.

In addition to showing you the strength of the relationship between them, the application will also inform you of the sort of skills you need in each of these roles, together with titles of relevant courses you may undertake to obtain them before applying for the more desirable position.

This must be the first app allowing for such careful planning, helping all workers to adapt to the changing needs of both their current jobs as well as those they may be hoping to jump to in the future.

You can try it yourself and review the complete list of all 342 job roles under evaluation, together with the interactive tools allowing you to filter through them and lay out your future career transitions on the new Jobs-Skills portal. Good luck.

Also Read: Unprecedented jobs crisis is coming, says President Tharman. Here’s what it means for S’pore.

Featured Image Credit: SkillsFuture SG