Latest news with #ParadeofLights
Borneo Post
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
DBKU to host vibrant 2025 Kuching City Day celebration on Aug 1
Hilmy (sixth from the left) and Abang Johari (fifth eright) singing a song, joined by other distinguished guests at the event. – Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit KUCHING (April 22): The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) will organise and host the 2025 Kuching City Day celebration on Aug 1, said Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman. Hilmy noted that this year's celebration carries special significance as it aligns with many ongoing changes and transformations in the city. 'Kuching is stepping confidently into a brighter future — not just physically, but also by strengthening unity and community spirit among its residents,' he said at the DBKU Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri event held at its compound at Bukit Siol here last night. The event was graced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Hilmy said a key highlight of the celebration would be the street parade themed 'Parade of Lights', which will feature participants from all walks of life, including LED-lit electric vehicles (cars and motorcycles), bicycles, and walking contingents from schools, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations — all forming a vibrant, dazzling procession, with the hope that the brilliance of these lights will illuminate Kuching's future success. Other notable events planned for the celebration include a music festival, the Kuching Lights and Floral Festival, and the popular Kuching International Cat Festival, he added. Hilmy also highlighted the DBKU complex's strategic location, emphasising that, perched atop Bukit Siol, it stands as the highest administrative building—not only in height but symbolically—among all government agencies. 'From its peak on Bukit Siol, we enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view, encompassing Mount Santubong to the north, the Demak industrial area and BCCK (Borneo Convention Centre Kuching) to the east, the residential zones of Metrocity toward Matang in the west, and the twinkling lights and illuminated buildings of the Central Business District to the south—all visible from this very hilltop. 'This demonstrates DBKU complex's strategic position as an administrative centre and a proud symbol of our city.' He encouraged DBKU staff to embrace their 'elevated environment' and to demonstrate their commitment as 'selected civil servants' by always looking ahead, moving forward, and driving excellence for the well-being of people of Kuching and the advancement of Kuching as a City of Unity. Hilmy stated that as part of the city's transformation plan for infrastructure, environment, and aesthetics, several key projects are progressing: the Bintangor Bridge is expected to be completed this April; the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) system under the Greater Kuching Public Transport Master Plan is underway in Kuching North; the Sejingkat-to-Tanjong Bako Bridge is under construction; and the Coastal Road connecting Bako to Buntal is being built. He also highlighted other significant development plans, including those in Santubong by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) featuring hotels, Marina Bay, and a new golf course, as well as the Waterfront development project from the Bintangor bridge to the Satok bridge, which is expected to be the longest waterfront in the country 'With these projects, we will not only beautify Kuching City but also improve the quality of life and attract more tourists to our state,' he affirmed. Hilmy emphasised the importance of organisational restructuring for DBKU to effectively drive the city's transformation. 'Therefore, to ensure the success of DBKU's transformation efforts and the realisation of initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable and competitive city through the Smart City approach under the Sarawak Smart City Master Plan, I sincerely hope to receive support and consideration for the approval of DBKU's Organisational Restructuring Proposal as soon as possible. 'This will enable DBKU to act swiftly in meeting the necessary demands to further drive our transformation journey,' he said.
Chicago Tribune
19-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville News Digest: Rotary club donates $58,000 from Parade of Lights proceeds; Siddiqi selected as next College of DuPage president
Rotary club donates $58,000 from Parade of Lights proceeds Rotary Club of Naperville has awarded $58,000 in grant money to local nonprofit organizations from funds raised through its 2024 Holiday Parade of Lights. Among this year's grant recipients are Special Olympics Illinois and the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, which offer competition and recreational opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities and special needs; 360 Youth Services and the Alive Center, a news release said. Also benefitting are the Naperville Professional Firefighters for a Cause; Naperville Police Foundation; Naperville School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204 educational foundations; Max's Mission, which supports families affected by suicide loss; Special Spaces, which creates dream bedroom makeovers for children with cancer, and Teen Parent Connect, which provides resources for teenage parents and their children. The club was able to distribute a total of $58,000 because it received a matching grant from Naperville Rotary Charities, the release said. Siddiqi selected as next College of DuPage president The College of DuPage Board of Trustees has named Muddassir Siddiqi as the school's eighth president. Siddiqi is currently the vice chancellor of instructional innovation and digital strategy for the Houston Community College System, a COD news release said. Before that, he was president and chief executive officer of Central College, which is part of the Houston Community College System. Siddiqi has a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University, an MBA from the University of Northern Alabama and a master's degree in industrial technology from the Illinois Institute of Technology, the release said. Siddiqi succeeds Brian Caputo, who retired in 2024. The college conducted a nationwide search for its next president while Christine M. Hammond served as interim president. Naperville police to hold scam awareness webinar The Naperville Police Department will hold an online program on the latest scams being employed to defraud residents at noon Wednesday, Feb. 26. Last year, Naperville residents lost nearly $5.5 million to scams, police said in a news release. Victims ranged in age from 15 to 91. Residents are targeted through phone calls, text messages, emails and computer pop-up messages, Police Chief Jason Arres said in a news release. Scammers change tactics so it's important residents keep up with current trends and what might be a scam, he said. Some of the top scams reported in Naperville involve pop-up ads that claim the computer has a virus; online sales in which scammers pose as both fake sellers and fake buyers; and someone pretending they are from a government agency and asking for money to satisfy a warrant or fine, the police website said. To get a link to the free, public webinar, go to A program recording will be posted to the city's website.
