ROYAL GUESTS . . . the King and Queen arriving in a horse-drawn carriage for the 45th National Day at Dataran Merdeka Saturday.



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CROWD PLEASER . . . A woman pointing at a trishaw convoy which caught her interest at the Merdeka Day parade in Kota Baru Saturday. All states nationwide held a parade to mark the 45th anniversary of the country's Independence Day.


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SOURCE OF JOY . . . Fauziah and Mohamad cuddling their newborn baby .


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PYTHON QUEEN . . . Noraini posing with a rock python while standing on the Maju Group's float, which has a model of a snake head in front, in Kuala Lumpur Saturday.


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NO REGRETS . . . (from left) Nancy Chen from China, Thomas Mathew from Brunei, Bruchanan, Armstrong and Magdalena and Jason Morris from Britain are happy to call Malaysia home.



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IN UNISON . . . the Perbadanan Kraftangan contigent marching along in the National Day parade at Dataran Merdeka Saturday.


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Wow.. construction cranes lurking in the background.. wonder what else is sprouting up. Wish there were more trees though, the place looks sun-drenched ;)

Look a lot like Kremlin's parade but without the missiles. ;)

I believe the lack of trees is partly due to the open space requirement to have this mammoth parade.

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/album/20030831/images/previews/preview31.jpg

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http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=55631&perpage=20&highlight=merdeka&pagenumber=13

;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

Yeah I was in Putrayaja and KL during the OIC. Extremely tight security in Hotels. Everytime entering the hotel my bag was x-rayed. Think I've seen the black Mercedes of a Sultan parked outside the JW Marriott. A Brunei Jet was parket at Suban Airport where I departed for Pangkor Laut.
The decorations an the lights in KL at night were just great. :cool:

Ah sze!!! thx for postin these beautiful picx!! one of the best Merdeka Day ever!!:eek: :rock:

Friday February 13, 2004


Kuantan to host National Day parade




KUALA LUMPUR: Kuantan will host the National Day parade this year as part of the Government's plan to alternate the celebrations between Putrajaya and other venues.

This means that the parade will switch back to the federal administrative capital next year.

Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Paduka Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir said the event would move to Kuching in 2006, adding that the Sarawak government would have two-and-a-half years to plan the celebrations in the state capital.

Sarawak has been informed about the decision, he told a press conference here yesterday.

The National Day parade was held for the first time in Putrajaya last year, to mark the nation's 46th birthday.

Abdul Kadir said the theme for celebrations this year would be the history and achievements of the agriculture sector.

The slogan, as in recent years, would be Keranamu Malaysia (For You, Malaysia).

He said the National Day countdown would also be held in Kuantan and that the month-long celebrations would kick off in Ipoh on Aug 17.

Next year's celebrations would be launched in Johor Baru while the countdown night will be held at Dataran Merdeka here.

Extreme sports at Stadium Putra


BY GEOFFREY LIP



KUALA LUMPUR: Competitors and spectators can expect an indoor X Games experience this year at the Asian X Games VI and ESPN Junior X Games V which will be held for the first time at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil here.

“This year, to accommodate the growing number of extreme sports enthusiasts and more events, the Asian X-Games will be held at Stadium Putra,” said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein yesterday.

While the games were held at the KLCC Park the past two years, most of the events this year will be held at the stadium, except the wakeboarding events, set to be staged at the Mines Beach Resort and Spa.

“Being indoors is so much easier and less stressful because of the weather. In the past, we were pushed to the limits because the weather caused so many delays,” said ESPN International X Games director Harvey Davis.

Local athletes who qualified through the Asian X tour will now compete with the best regional talents like Aggressive In Line Vert X Games gold and silver medallists Eito and Takeshi Yasutoko from Japan. The ESPN Junior X Games V will take place from Monday to Wednesday while the Asian X Games VI will be held from Feb 19 to 22.

Too bad it's not in KLCC park again. Constructions punya pasal! :(:D

How come like no news coverage for it? Very clueless :P

Originally posted by baqthier

How come like no news coverage for it? Very clueless :P

Got what.......but not as prominent lah.....only in the Metro section of The Star usually ;)

Team finishes with 10-medal haul at Asian Junior X Games



BY GEOFFREY LIP AND IZUAN SHAH



KUALA LUMPUR: It was a strong showing by Malaysia's bike stunt riders and a surprise from our skateboarders yesterday that helped Malaysia top the overall medal standings on the final day of the three-day ESPN Asian Junior X Games V at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, yesterday.

Malaysia bagged four gold, three silver and three bronze medals to finish above traditional X Games powerhouse Australia – whose team finished with three golds and two silvers.

Other participating countries were Japan, Singapore, China, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates.

It started when the Malaysian team swept all six medals in the bike stunt flatland category on the first day of competition on Tuesday, with 13-year-old Mohd Afiq Saifuddin winning gold, and Mohd Ibrahim Kamarudin and Nor Mohd Nurul Nizam Kapip, both 14, winning silver and bronze respectively.




http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/2/19/nation/p22goldenboy.jpg

GOLDEN BOY; The Malaysian team lifting Shariman in celebration after he won the overall title for the bike stunt events at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil Wednesday.







Ibrahim, Nurul Nizam and another competitor, Qidran Asyraf Ayob, 14, then took home the gold, silver and bronze in the bike stunt flatland best trick competition.

In the bike stunt park category, 14-year-old Shariman Rusdee Morshidi regained the gold medal he lost last year despite suffering a fever, beating Thailand's Leamsa-ard Prachaya and Singaporean Timothy Ong – who took second and third spot respectively – to the gold in the bike stunt park category on Tuesday.

“I have been sick for a week, and I felt nervous before competing because I knew the other competitors, especially the Thais who were good, but I still felt confident of a top three finish,” said Shariman after his victory.

Shariman repeated his gold medal winning feat yesterday by beating Leamsa-ard and Tanompong Kuntong, another Thai, to the gold in the bike stunt park best trick category, earning the overall title for the bike stunt category as well as the right to visit and train at Extreme Action Sports Camp Woodward, Pennsylvania, in the United States.

“I was not allowed to go the last time because of visa problems which left me disappointed but I am happy to get another chance now,” said Shariman.

In the skateboard park high ollie (high jump) competition, Muhd Hazman Muhd Hilmi and Farhad Fahd Othman, both 15, beat the favoured Australians and Singaporeans to bring in a silver and bronze respectively behind Taiwanese Mi Siao-Jyun's gold yesterday.

“Our wins at the Junior X Games yesterday (Tuesday) proved that there is a wealth of talent in sports like inline skating, skateboarding and bike stunts here,” said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Tun Hussein when commenting on the Malaysian team's performance at yesterday's post cabinet meeting in his ministry.

Today, the Asian X Games VI spread over four days begins with the opening ceremony at the same venue by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Singapore out to woo Malaysian students



KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore is hoping to re-establish itself as a favourite academic destination among Malaysians.

Three premier universities – National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the Singapore Institute of Management – will embark on a nationwide roadshow next week to attract more students to the island republic.

Singapore also recently formed an agency, called Singapore Education, aimed at branding Singapore education as being the foremost worldwide.

The agency’s promotion in Malaysia is headed by Singapore Tourism Board business manager Grace Lu.

“We are here in Malaysia for the first time. Based on the political and social history of the two countries, there is a lot we can learn from each other,” Lu said during the Facon Education Fair here yesterday.

Australian causes upset in X Games



KUALA LUMPUR: Unknown Australian Dean Smith caused an upset when he defeated defending champion Bunyalo Jumruang from Thailand in the ESPN Asian X Games VI's wakeboarding event final to take home the gold.

Smith, 19, taking part in his first major competition, was at his best despite the choppy waters and intermittent rain at the event venue at the Mines Beach Resort and Spa in Seri Kembangan.

“I am still dizzy from all this because this is my first international title and I am not even a professional wake boarder,” exclaimed the University of West Sydney business undergraduate.

He beat 22 professional and semi-professional wake boarders from countries like Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and UAE.

Jumruang finished fourth after last year's silver medallist New Zealander Jeff Weatheral, who took the silver, and Australian Brett Eisenhauer the bronze.

In the other final, Spaniard Eduardo Terreros took the gold at the bike stunt vert event held at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil.

Terreros, who beat 11 other competitors, said this was his first X Games medal.

Today, four Malaysians – Ahmad Fadzil Musa, Ilyas Mat, Kar San Thong and Johary Fitry Khairuddin – will compete against six others in the finals of the skateboard park event.

The crowd will also see action by world champions Yasutoko brothers, Eito and Takeshi, in the Aggressive Inline vert final.

Malaysia serve a surprise in X Games



By IZUAN SHAH




MALAYSIA'S action sports athletes pulled off a surprise in the Asian X Games and the Junior X Games yesterday when they won two of the three main categories on the first day of event on Tuesday.

Bicycle stunt park athlete Shahriman Rusdee, competing in the Junior X Games V held at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil, finished first prize in a final that also consisted of top junior riders from Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Shahriman had a final score of 89 points out of 100.




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(From left) Nor Mohd Nurul, Mohd Afiq and Mohd Ibrahim who captured the top three spots in the finals of the bicycle stunt flatland category.





“I feel very happy. I thought my whole routine was very good although I felt nervous before the event as the other competitors including Thai rider (Prachaya Ieamsa-ard, who finished second) were good,” said the 14-year-old from Sibu, who did an impressive trick called “360 X-up”.

In the bicycle stunt flatland competition, the top three spots all went to Malaysian riders as Mohd Afiq Saifuddin, Mohd Ibrahim Kamarudin and Nor Mohd Nurul Nizam Kapip earned first, second and third place respectively.

For second- and third-placed winners Ibrahim and Nurul Nizam, it was their first experience in the Junior X Games.

Mohd Afiq, also 14, said he felt relaxed and confident during both of his runs.

Afiq's fellow Sungai Petani native and third-placed winner Nurul Nizam, 15, added that support provided by fellow Malaysian athletes, coaches and fans at the stadium was instru-mental in helping the young riders to overcome their nervousness in front of the large crowd and to perform well.

Malaysia is not short of supply for talented kids in this sport...way cool man hehe !! All the best to winners qualified for the final round in USA!!

I went to the Edu fair yesterday at Midvalley...yes..NUS is also there along with HK Chinese Uni. Still expensive ler. Else wanna continue my studies haha

Originally posted by baqthier

I went to the Edu fair yesterday at Midvalley...yes..NUS is also there along with HK Chinese Uni. Still expensive ler. Else wanna continue my studies haha

haha....Magician is one of em! :D

The fifth picture on the right and the last picture on the right too. Awesome. :eek: :D

baqthier> woho!! nice photos..alot of Volvo-cars &girls! :)

Hafzanizam scores a first



BY GEOFFREY LIP AND IZUAN SHAH





KUALA LUMPUR: Hafzanizam Bakhori became the first Malaysian to win a medal in the bouldering event at the Asian X Games VI yesterday, taking home the silver medal.

He finished behind Korean Son Sang-won at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil. Japanese Mogaki Keita came in third.

Hafzanizam’s effort on the last day of the Games helped Malaysia earn its highest-ever placing in the Asian X Games’ overall medal standings with one gold, two silver and one bronze – finishing behind Australia (3-2-3)and Japan (3-2-3).

Facing strong competition from former X Games champion Korean Lee Jae-yong, defending Asian X Games champion Japanese Akito Matsushima and competitors from Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong and Australia, Hafzanizam achieved the feat after scaling the first route and finishing more than 50% of the second route.

The bouldering event involves the competitor scaling two separate rock-climbing walls with separate routes, with each competitor given one attempt on each.






http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/2/23/nation/p16Hafzanizam.jpg

PROUD MOMENT: Hafzanizam (right) lifting the Malaysian flag after winning the silver medal in the men’s bouldering final at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil yesterday. Son (centre) won the gold and Keita took home the bronze medal.






“I am unbelievably happy to be the first Malaysian to win a medal in bouldering and am even happier because I felt a 100% improvement in my performance this time,” said Hafzanizam, 22, from Alor Star.

In the other finals, Australian veteran Colin Mackay, 25, took home the gold in the bike stunt park event ahead of fellow countrymen Ryan Guettler and Clint Millar who got silver and bronze respectively.

Mackay earned his sixth ticket to the Summer X Games in Los Angeles.

Brazilian Latin American X Games gold medallist Sandro Dias took home the gold in the Skateboard Vert final ahead of Americans Neil Handrix and Mike Crum.

In the women’s bouldering final, Australian Samantha Berry reclaimed the gold she won two years ago but lost last year, finishing ahead of Korean Kim Ja-in and Japan’s Akiyo Noguchi, who finished with a silver and bronze respectively.

In the day’s last final, Saturday’s aggressive inline Vert champion Takeshi Yasutoko came in third in the aggressive inline park final, behind compatriot Soichiro Kanashima who claimed gold and Australia’s Nicolas Schopfer, who got silver.

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Why do I always been the one who have to belanja you :rant:
Not fair you know :D

Eh your house...after Cheras Leisure Mall or before that...if like that than it must be after Taman Connought kan? My map knowledge about Cheras is not that good la...

My house is before Cheras Leisure Mall......it is actually just right after the old toll.......after the Honda showroom, Butler's Restaurant & Payathin Foodcourt........go down to the roundabout and then turn 9 o'clock ....my house is very near the Pantai heras Hospital ;)

Originally posted by szehoong

My house is before Cheras Leisure Mall......it is actually just right after the old toll.......after the Honda showroom, Butler's Restaurant & Payathin Foodcourt........go down to the roundabout and then turn 9 o'clock ....my house is very near the Pantai heras Hospital ;)

u guys have been meeting so long and he still dunno where is yr house ar?? u dun wan him to go izzit:D

Originally posted by TYW

u guys have been meeting so long and he still dunno where is yr house ar?? u dun wan him to go izzit:D

No lar...It so happen that I seldom see myself pass that boundary of area. That is why I asked him the exact location mah. Don't blame him la...nanti dia marah baru tau :D

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

No lar...It so happen that I seldom see myself pass that boundary of area. That is why I asked him the exact location mah. Don't blame him la...nanti dia marah baru tau :D

angry give milk lah, he'll be OK again:D

Originally posted by TYW

angry give milk lah, he'll be OK again:D

Why milk :?

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Why milk :?

he he.. just following what my tuition teacher always say. " Don't talk, when u talk, u disturb A, when A is angry, there is only 1 thing thant can keep him quiet, milk":D

Originally posted by TYW

he he.. just following what my tuition teacher always say. " Don't talk, when u talk, u disturb A, when A is angry, there is only 1 thing thant can keep him quiet, milk":D

Oh..okay...even confusing than ever. What happen if the person don't drink milk. For example, he is allergic to milk. So..what happen now:D

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Oh..okay...even confusing than ever. What happen if the person don't drink milk. For example, he is allergic to milk. So..what happen now:D

actually he only say that to girls (i think u should know why) and if it is a boy, he'll say " Don't talk, when u talk, u disturb B, when B is angry, there is only 1 thing that can keep her quiet, hot dog"

that teacher is like that one lah hehe....

Originally posted by TYW

actually he only say that to girls (i think u should know why) and if it is a boy, he'll say " Don't talk, when u talk, u disturb B, when B is angry, there is only 1 thing that can keep her quiet, hot dog"

that teacher is like that one lah hehe....

Then say la like that in the first place. Wah...your teacher is a pervert mah :D

Originally posted by TYW

angry give milk lah, he'll be OK again:D

okay....how is exactly is Zahirnya gonna give me milk? :D You think he has any? :lol:

Originally posted by TYW

actually he only say that to girls (i think u should know why) and if it is a boy, he'll say " Don't talk, when u talk, u disturb B, when B is angry, there is only 1 thing that can keep her quiet, hot dog"

that teacher is like that one lah hehe....


I like teachers like that! :D :lol:

Originally posted by szehoong

I like teachers like that! :D :lol:

Oh please lah. :D

Originally posted by szehoong

okay....how is exactly is Zahirnya gonna give me milk? :D You think he has any? :lol:

Ye lah..how come..where to find milk one. ;)

Though I do have cartons of skimmed milk and sugarless soya bean inside my fridge...though I don't think that is the kind of milk that Sze want mah :rofl:

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Ye lah..how come..where to find milk one. ;)

Though I do have cartons of skimmed milk and sugarless soya bean inside my fridge...though I don't think that is the kind of milk that Sze want mah :rofl:

How you know what type of milk I wanted? :lol:

Originally posted by szehoong

How you know what type of milk I wanted? :lol:

That question is for me or for TWY?

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

That question is for me or for TWY?


For you lah! :bash: I quoted you mah :D

Originally posted by szehoong

For you lah! :bash: I quoted you mah :D

Oh..okay. Didn't realised that one just now. :D
What milk do your like? How am I supposed to know. Being me, apart from that, ice lemon tea aje la.

Better for you to ask TWY to provide you with the milk that your like. Think he knows your taste better than mine :colgate:

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Oh..okay. Didn't realised that one just now. :D
What milk do your like? How am I supposed to know. Being me, apart from that, ice lemon tea aje la.

Better for you to ask TWY to provide you with the milk that your like. Think he knows your taste better than mine :colgate:

TYW is already very corrupted so you ask him sure he would crack his head of which type of female 'milk' I might like.....you on the other hand had gone the noble way of saying milk availability in your fridge :lol:

Originally posted by szehoong

TYW is already very corrupted so you ask him sure he would crack his head of which type of female 'milk' I might like.....you on the other hand had gone the noble way of saying milk availability in your fridge :lol:

Wah...noble way. I am touch with you words there Sze. If truth been told, apart from sugarless soya bean and skimmed milk, I don't have any other drink inside my fridge. Well, plain cold water is not included... + yogurt + beancurd + broccoli + cheese + protein bar..that is all I have. So, which one do you prefer then. I don't think anyone listed above is among your favourite to have inside your menu :D

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Wah...noble way. I am touch with you words there Sze. If truth been told, apart from sugarless soya bean and skimmed milk, I don't have any other drink inside my fridge. Well, plain cold water is not included... + yogurt + beancurd + broccoli + cheese + protein bar..that is all I have. So, which one do you prefer then. I don't think anyone listed above is among your favourite to have inside your menu :D

yea.....I dun like healthy food! :puke:

Originally posted by szehoong

yea.....I dun like healthy food! :puke:

That what I thought off :D He..he..now my food is sake for me to eat by myself ;)

Originally posted by szehoong

I like teachers like that! :D :lol:

i think he's oK onli lah. but much better than many other teachers:D

Originally posted by szehoong

TYW is already very corrupted so you ask him sure he would crack his head of which type of female 'milk' I might like.....you on the other hand had gone the noble way of saying milk availability in your fridge :lol:

if u want that type of milk ask from yr gf lah. u can have the pleasure of finding the type u like:lol:

Originally posted by TYW

if u want that type of milk ask from yr gf lah. u can have the pleasure of finding the type u like:lol:

Sze. Think you should answer this question of his in a very professional manners :D

Originally posted by TYW

if u want that type of milk ask from yr gf lah. u can have the pleasure of finding the type u like:lol:

First I would have to have a girl friend. Secondly, a girl (singular - a single person) wouldn't have different types of milk. And I don't know if the milk varies from different person. Maybe you should try and let me know? :D

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Sze. Think you should answer this question of his in a very professional manners :D

I tried my best! ....oh gosh....I can't believe me typing these stuffs in the forum! :dizzy:

Originally posted by szehoong

First I would have to have a girl friend. Secondly, a girl (singular - a single person) wouldn't have different types of milk. And I don't know if the milk varies from different person. Maybe you should try and let me know? :D

err... not interested lah:D

Originally posted by TYW

err... not interested lah:D

Hmmm...your statement kan..can make people have the wrong idea why you are not interested to find a girlfriend ;)

Make sure you ready for a different set of answer after this :D

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Hmmm...your statement kan..can make people have the wrong idea why you are not interested to find a girlfriend ;)

Make sure you ready for a different set of answer after this :D

how about "not interested in testing milk":D

Originally posted by TYW

how about "not interested in testing milk":D

even worse than your previous statement meh :D

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

even worse than your previous statement meh :D

that's the best i can come out with by the moment;)

Tuesday, March 02, 2004

Return of Mega Sale

By SIOW YUEN CHING

COLOURFUL fireworks lit up the night sky over Komtar as the first Mega Sale Carnival for the year kicked off with much gaiety and aplomb.

The national launching of the nationwide shopping carnival was held in Penang for the second time since the Mega Sale inception in 2000.

Thousands of people jammed the pedestrian walk at Komtar on Saturday night for the launching by Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

Joining in the celebrations were Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Paduka Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, state Tourism, Culture, Arts and Women Development Committee chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen as well as the 400 foreign journalists and tour agents invited under the Mega FAM (familiarisation of Malaysia) programme.

Apart from the spectacular fireworks display, which lasted about five minutes, the guests were also treated to fashion shows and performances by popular local artistes.

Three big screens were placed at different sections of the event venue to allow the people to have a better view of the performances on stage.

After the official launching, the VIPs and special guests were ferried in about 70 trishaws from Komtar to the Upper Penang Road (UPR) for the Mega Sale Street Party.

A group chingay flag bearers and a musical band led the trishaw procession.

Over at UPR, the guests were once again treated to some stage performances. They also got a chance to taste some local delicacies on sale at the restaurants, cafe and food outlets there.

Penang Tourism Action Council general manager Sam Chia said shopping malls in Penang were now competing with one another for the Best Decorated Mall title, held in conjunction with the Mega Sale Carnival.

The winner, who will be announced about a week later, will walk away with RM5,000 cash prize and a challenge trophy.

A ‘Come Shop In Penang' trade exhibition and sale is also being held until Friday at the Komtar concourse area at Level Three.

The exhibition features 35 booths selling and exhibiting handicrafts, art works, home decor, clothes and domestic tour packages.

http://penang.thestar.com.my/content/focus/2004/3/2/mega.jpg
Thousands gathering at Komtar's pedestrian walk for the national launching of the Mega Sale Carnival in Penang on Saturday night.

i think that part of KOMTAR should be renovated so that it will be more suitable to hold more events

sigh..money running out now :D

Originally posted by baqthier

sigh..money running out now :D

Ya lah...my money also seem to run out when the time come for Mega Sale :D

If not then probably can buy new sport shoes, new shorts, and couple of new new things that I always want to buy but don't have the energy to buy or too lazy to deal with the salesperson ;)

Originally posted by baqthier

sigh..money running out now :D


Well......at least your's is 'running' out .....mine's gone liao! :cry:

Originally posted by szehoong

Well......at least your's is 'running' out .....mine's gone liao! :cry:

then don't shop la during MEGA SALES....just look at people doing their best in depleting their own banking account. At the end of the month...they will be plenty of people who is going to end up like you. :D

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

then don't shop la during MEGA SALES....just look at people doing their best in depleting their own banking account. At the end of the month...they will be plenty of people who is going to end up like you. :D

The tots of shopping din even came close to my mind. ..........at least they would deplete by end of the month .....me deplete liao on the 3rd...........counting again till salary - 23 days!!! :cry:

Originally posted by szehoong

The tots of shopping din even came close to my mind. ..........at least they would deplete by end of the month .....me deplete liao on the 3rd...........counting again till salary - 23 days!!! :cry:

Your are phatetic your know. :colgate:

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Your are phatetic your know. :colgate:



not me.......my salary is pathetic! :cry:

Now nearly all items for Zen furnishings are discounted by 50% at Metrojaya. If I stay in KL sure bought already :d

Originally posted by szehoong

not me.......my salary is pathetic! :cry:

Oh yeah. That will be much more true that what I actually wanted to say. Sorry Sze. Non intended. :D

I am making this thread to 'educate and inform' many here whom might not know what this 'interesting' festival is all about. ;)

I would post some Qing Ming pictures which my family 'celebrated' and observed 2 weeks ago (with Seed towing along ....hehhe) :D

Keeping with the times even after death



http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/3/27/nation/p2divide.JPG



NO DIGITAL DIVIDE: Prayer paraphernalia retailer Sin Chuan Wah and his four-year-old nephew Law Ah Chin showing off the paper replicas of a laptop and a karaoke set that are sold at his shop at Carnarvon Street in Penang for Qing Ming.

Several such shops in George Town have come up with the latest slim-look computer notebooks and digital camera phones complete with Internet facilities as part of their latest hi-tech Qing Ming offerings.

DVD players, video games and play stations are also available.

Qing Ming, or the Chinese All Souls Day, falls on April 4 but prayers and offerings can be made within 10 days before or after that date.

Items made from paper are burnt as offerings to ancestors for their use in the netherworld.

NS trainees can leave camps for Qing Ming



KUALA LUMPUR: National Service (NS) trainees will be allowed to leave their respective training sites to perform rites for Qing Ming – a Chinese custom to pay respects to the dead – on Saturday and Sunday.

National Service Training Department director-general Kamarulzaman Mohd Nor said the rare “temporary release” of trainees from training camps was granted on the grounds of “religious affairs”.



“We were informed that Qing Ming is a religious activity and we respect the rights of trainees to participate in such an activity. We also believe that the value of respecting one’s ancestors is a good one,” he said.

Qing Ming, which falls on Sunday, is a day for the Chinese community to visit ancestral burial sites to offer prayers, and clean up and maintain the graves.



Kamarulzaman said a circular had been sent out to all camps and public institutions of higher learning on the special arrangements for trainees who wished to perform Qing Ming rites.

He said parents must pick up their children personally and they could do so from Saturday morning.

He, however, stressed that if there were activities scheduled on Saturday, trainees must complete the programme first before leaving.

He advised parents to check on the training schedule.

“The trainees must return to their respective training sites by 6pm on Sunday or face disciplinary action,” he said.

HAHA great site..i'll post some of my pics too.. :)

Utar to emulate top universities



PETALING JAYA: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) will emulate the best universities in the world to establish itself as a premier institution, council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik said.

“There is no one model for us to follow. It could be Harvard, Yale, Tsinghua or Massachusetts Institute of Technology model of education.

“We want to learn from the best,” he said.

However, he said, such lofty aims could only be achieved through continuous academic development.

Commenting on International Advisory Council chairman Prof Wang Gungwu's call on Friday for Utar to concentrate on science and technology courses, Dr Ling said other courses were equally important for nation building.

“But to make an impact in the international scene you need a breakthrough in science and technology.

“We need discoveries that can shake the world,” he said.

In our report on Saturday headlined “Utar intake this year likely to hit 10,000”, it has been pointed out that the figure was inaccurate.

Last year, 3,400 students enrolled for various courses at Utar.

This year's intake for the new semester will start next month.

Dr Ling had previously said Utar was expected to have a student population of 10,000 in its campuses this year, 15,000 in 2005 and 18,000 in 2006.

Foreign governments all set to improve tertiary links



By PAUL GABRIEL


KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign governments are preparing to improve tertiary education links with Malaysia with the setting up of the Higher Education Ministry.

Britain, Australia and India, in welcoming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s move to split the former Education Ministry in two, described it as a key decision that would have wide-ranging impact on higher education possibilities.

Acting High Commissioner Mark Canning said Britain viewed the development with great interest.

“Splitting the Education Ministry to enable a special focus on higher education is definitely a good move. Having a ministry dedicated to higher education will take the special relationship we share with Malaysia in higher education much further,” he added.

There are presently about 10,000 Malaysians pursuing full-time courses in Britain, with another 20,000 locals studying here under twinning programmes.

Australian High Commissioner James Wise said the level of co-operation between the two countries was bound to go up with the creation of the new ministry.

“The decision to create a separate ministry is yet another sign of the priority Malaysia places on education, training and research.

“In the past, Australian education authorities and individual universities have enjoyed strong support from the Malaysian Education Ministry. I am confident that the level of co-operation will be at least as good, if not better, under the new arrangements,” he added.

There are now about 25,000 Malaysian students pursuing Australian courses, with about half based here under twinning programmes.

Indian High Commissioner L.R. Narayan said the creation of the new ministry would streamline matters on higher education co-operation, adding that India viewed the development with much optimism.

“We’ve not had any problems with Malaysia with regard to higher education co-operation, but a separate ministry to take charge of it is certainly welcomed,” he added.

There are about 4,000 Malaysian students in India.

Ng to make UCSI centre of excellence



BY KERRY FONG


IN the late 1990s, it was the “in'' thing to do. A natural step for private colleges that had made their mark in the business at that time was to seek a listing on the KLSE.

Back then, amidst the euphoria over private colleges getting publicly listed, Peter Ng, vice-chancellor (VC) and president of the institution now known as University College Sedaya International (UCSI), was asked if his education outfit was keen to go public.

Ng was then running the smallish Sedaya International College, which he started in 1986 to provide Canadian twinning programmes at tertiary level. But like everyone else, Ng was swept by the wave of optimism, and had been positive towards the idea.

So as the education group grew bigger over the years, so did talk that Sedaya group was poised for an initial public offering.

Ng must have created quite a stir in education circles recently when he announced that a listing was not in UCSI's scheme of things.




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Peter Ng





At a recent briefing, he had emphatically stressed in no uncertain terms that he would “make sure UCSI does not go public as long as I am VC.''

What's in, he said, was an expansion plan that would make UCSI a research and teaching-based institution featuring research and development as one of its core activities, which would account for 30% of its annual operating budget.

He said UCSI wanted to become a centre of excellence and, being able to confer its own degrees since September last year, would focus on developing UCSI as a brand.

And to do this, Ng said, the institution needed to retain its freedom and flexibility “to balance quality and profitability'' so as to maintain its academic sovereignty without worrying about profitability.

He said education institutions that were listed, on the other hand, had to stay focused on profitability, which put them under a lot of pressure to produce positive results, as the prices of their shares were sensitive to negative news.

Non-public listed companies, he said, being less focused on this aspect, could “play around'' with the gestation and development periods of academic programmes that took a long time to yield returns, and thus could afford temporary dips in profitability.

He cited as examples the institution's music degree programme, one of its earliest programmes, which took more than 13 years to break even, and the long gestation period needed to make returns on its medical degree, to be introduced in August.

“As a non-listed entity, we do not have to worry about short-term losses or explaining those losses. Our aim is to provide the best in education and we want to make sure the focus is right,'' said the holder of degrees in computer science and psychology.

Today, UCSI is one of only two private universities in the country offering degree programmes in biotechnology and pharmacy. When its medical degree comes on stream, it will be the second local private institution to offer medical degrees.




Ng plans to bring the UCSI brand overseas via franchise colleges in Indonesia, Singapore, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The institution, he said, was looking to expand its franchise programme to new markets, including China, where it already planned to set up two branch campuses.

UCSI unveils five-year expansion plan




BY KERRY FONG




UNIVERSITY College Sedaya International (UCSI) president and vice-chancellor Peter Ng recently ended years of speculation in education circles when he announced that the private institution is not interested in going public.

Instead, the private institution, which was given university college status by the Education Ministry in September last year, has chosen to expand under its own steam and focus on developing degrees under its brand, Ng said.

In a five-year plan unveiled at a press briefing, UCSI, which is owned and operated by UCSI Education Sdn Bhd, will expand its student enrolment from the current 4,000 to 20,000 by 2010.

And to meet its growing funding needs in line with its expansion, the institution will be revamping its revenue structure over the next five years.

Under the restructuring, student fees are forecast to contribute 47% of revenue compared with the present 96%, research and development activities will account for 30% while the share of income from franchising will increase significantly from the current 1.5% to 15%.



Ng told StarBiz that UCSI, which is one of the few private local institutions that can confer its own degrees, saw good potential in its own degree programmes becoming a significant driver of fee income growth.

In the first intake of its degree programmes in January, it registered 350 students and in the coming intake in May, Ng expects 800 students to sign up.

Under UCSI's degree programmes, which are moderated by the University of East London, students study at UCSI for two years and transfer their credits to complete their final year in more than 100 universities in Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Canada and the United States that recognise their degrees.

Currently, UCSI offers degree programmes in engineering, information technology, business, applied sciences, pharmacy, social science, music and nursing. It is due to introduce a degree in medicine in August.

Another potential big revenue earner is the institution's franchise scheme, which in Ng's words, brings in “high profit margins''. The institution currently has franchise and collaboration colleges in Indonesia, Singapore, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Some 1,500 students are due to transfer to UCSI's main campus in Taman Connaught, Cheras, next year to complete their final year studies.

Ng said that going by the strong numbers coming out of the scheme, franchising could potentially account for 15% of group revenue in as early as one year instead of the five years targeted under the group's revenue revamp plan.

He said plans were afoot to spread UCSI's franchise to new markets, adding that China was a potentially promising market.

Already, UCSI has a presence in that country via a college in Zibo, Shandong province, offering secondary education and one in Fuzhou, Fujian province, offering tertiary, languages and foundation programmes.





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Sekolah Sri Sedaya in Subang Jaya




More alliances were being struck to gain a stronger footing in this market, Ng added.

And as part of its long-term plan to develop UCSI as a strong brand and a centre of excellence, the institution has set its sights on becoming a research and teaching-based institution whose research and development (R&D) activities will contribute about 30% of its funds in five years.

It has appointed a vice-president for research and external relations - Dr Norfadzillah Hitam - who will be given the task of encouraging UCSI faculty members to embark on and make R&D projects an integral component of the institution.

Ng said the potential for income would come from funding for the research projects and the commercialisation of their findings.

Currently, foreign students, who make up 800 of UCSI's total student population of 4,000, are from China, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, India and Pakistan.

By 2010, with the near completion of the RM50mil Taman Connaught main campus, foreign students are forecast to make up 35% of the total student population of about 20,000.

On whether he has completely ruled out listing other companies in his group, Ng - who is chief executive officer of UCSI Education - said the company was committed to keeping its two subsidiaries, Sekolah Sri Sedaya Sdn Bhd and Tadika Sri Sedaya Sdn Bhd, as private entities.

However, the group was considering listing its subsidiary Sedaya Training and Development Centre Sdn Bhd (STDC) in order to rewards its employees, he said.

“The centres are enjoying good profits and will be ready for listing in two to three years,'' he added.

STDC owns five centres - one each in Penang, Johor, Cheras, Klang and Kuching. It is opening one in Sabah soon.

UCSI Education owns and operates UCSI's Taman Segar and Taman Connaught campuses, which provide pre-university and tertiary education programmes.

Its subsidiaries are Sedaya College Sarawak Sdn Bhd, Sekolah Sri Sedaya (which provides private primary and secondary education), Tadika Sri Sedaya (kindergarten), STDC (a provider of adult education and skills upgrading), and Sedaya Eye Care Sdn Bhd.

Ng founded the group, which started as Sedaya International Group, in 1986. Today it has campuses in Sarawak, Auckland in New Zealand, and Dhaka in Bangladesh.

Fulfilling wishes of the dead in afterlife



BEIJING: In ancient times, Chinese emperors took to their tombs their mistresses and the objects they cherished.

Today, Chinese burn replicas in wood or paper of coveted items and even lovers to fulfil the desires of the dead in the afterlife.

The Festival of the Dead, or Qing Ming, will see millions of people across China visit tombstones and burn models of a range of items for the deceased.

Some represent the trappings of power and wealth, like an army of guards, luxury vehicles or villas equipped with a landing strip for helicopters.

Others are symbols of love and sexual desire, like a doll or model of a lover, or even Viagra and condoms.

The most common offerings will be models of mobile phones, computers or televisions.

In one of many shops that produce such items, a model of a Mercedes-Benz destined for sacrifice cost 4,000 yuan (RM1,839).

For seven or eight times more, the shop can make to order a model of a luxury residence measuring more than 10 square metres equipped with the most modern housekeeping devices, the shop owner says.

In China the deceased are cremated and honoured with tombstones erected in cemeteries that dot the outer suburbs of big cities. There are more than 70 in Beijing. – AFP

University college option for Help



KUALA LUMPUR: Help Institute is the latest private college to be invited by the Education Ministry to apply for university college status.

Help’s executive director Dr Paul Chan expressed hope that the proposed University College Help would live up to the Government's expectations.




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PRIDE OF FAMILY: Help Institute top student Christie Loh Wei Yuen getting a hug from her mother and sister yesterday.





“We are making plans to expand our campus facilities and to (increase) our staff strength, particularly (with) those with PhDs.

“We will introduce new programmes and disciplines and will ensure that our degrees are fully recognised and accepted by foreign governments,” he said at a press conference after attending Help’s 16th graduation ceremony yesterday.

On future plans, Dr Chan said that under Phase Two of its development, Help would build a residential campus.

“University College Help will be modelled after other city universities in the world. Our campus in the city will contribute towards the urban development of Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

Dr Chan said he did not expect a decrease in international students following the institute's upgrade.

“We will continue to work with our foreign university partners. Such collaborations would include the awarding of double degrees and in benchmarking,” he said.

Over 1,000 graduates received their scrolls from guest-of-honour Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Gathering of four generations




IPOH: It was a time to remember, honour and respect the dead for many who celebrated Qing Ming Festival yesterday.

But for the Tangs from Jelapang who came to spruce up the gravesites of their ancestors every year, the occasion was also a reunion of four generations.

A total of 85 family members, aged between 75 and two, converged at the graves of Tang Chuan and his wife Kok Mooi at the Ipoh Overseas Chinese Cemetery in Gunung Rapat.

According to their grandson Winson Tang Win Chin, it was a tradition for family members to go back to Ipoh during Qing Ming.






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Members of the extended Tang family paying their respects to their ancestors in Ipoh yesterday. Stoking the fire with relatives in Win Chin (squatting at right).






“It is a must for all, including the younger generation, to be back here for the occasion although they have settled down in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Malacca and Johor Baru.

“Not only is this a time to perform our filial duties and to thank my grandparents for their blessings, it is also for us to catch up with one another.

“Our largest family gatherings are during Qing Ming with the exception of weddings,” said Win Chin, a project manager in Kuala Lumpur.

Win Chin, 42, said they had been practising the tradition since 1962 following the death of his grandmother.

went for qing ming yesterday. no pics though, cam was out of batery:D

yeh~ it waz cool~ i dont even know that Qing mings thingz yo(after livin in Malaysia for like.... 14 years...) :doh: and Sze... dont tell me u take ma pic when i waz there 'k... mozzie every where!!! and i get mozzie bites all over ma legs!!! :mad2: hate mozzies... anyway waz a cool experience~ :)

I really believe there is a need to preserve our old threads since they contain lots of important indo and PICTURES!

I really believe there is a need to preserve our old threads since they contain lots of important indo and PICTURES!

Totally agree with Baq. We have to do something about it ;)

Wesak Day in penang
http://img39.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/DSCN5464.jpg

http://img39.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/DSCN5467.jpg

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that person behind yr mom looks like SEED:D

Thanks for the virtual tour, Pablo! ;)

that person behind yr mom looks like SEED:D

Nolah..SEED not that old :)

Giant flag damaged by weather

Source ~ The Star

Aug 21, KUALA LUMPUR: Strong winds and heavy rain last weekend damaged the Jalur Gemilang put up on Menara Telekom, said Telekom Malaysia Berhad corporate affairs general manager Kairul Annuar Mohamed Zamzam.


Here are the pics!(i found on webshots)

http://img51.photobucket.com/albums/v157/baqthier/mentelkoyak1.jpg
http://img51.photobucket.com/albums/v157/baqthier/mentelkoyak2.jpg
http://img51.photobucket.com/albums/v157/baqthier/mentelkoyak3.jpg

Why is there a swastika logo on the top of this building? :?
http://img39.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/DSCN5484.jpg

Here are the pics!(i found on webshots)

http://img51.photobucket.com/albums/v157/baqthier/mentelkoyak1.jpg
http://img51.photobucket.com/albums/v157/baqthier/mentelkoyak2.jpg
http://img51.photobucket.com/albums/v157/baqthier/mentelkoyak3.jpg

thicker flag this year??:D

thicker flag this year??:D


They already have a thicker and a more durable flag to replaced the torn one last year but not as big :(

I think it is only half the size :cry:

Why is there a swastika logo on the top of this building? :?
http://img39.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/DSCN5484.jpg


The swastika is another symbol of Buddhism and it had been used by buddhism for a very very long time already. The swatika are usually found imprinted in the middle of Buddha's chest in some buddha image. The swastika in many cultures symbolises luck and host of other good things ( forgot already :D ). The Buddhism swastika is different from the Nazi's as the Nazi's Swatika arm are clockwise and it is angled ;)

They already have a thicker and a more durable flag to replaced the torn one last year but not as big :(

I think it is only half the size :cry:

:cry: a building that big needs a big one :bash:

http://img39.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/DSCN5469.jpg
http://img39.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/DSCN5471.jpg

Is this Thai temple ?? in Malaysia? or Thailand?
very interesting :)

Is this Thai temple ?? in Malaysia? or Thailand?
very interesting :)


These are all in Malaysia as cos we do have lots of Thai Buddhist temples around the country. ;)

The highest concentration is perhaps in Kelantan :)

These are all in Malaysia as cos we do have lots of Thai Buddhist temples around the country. ;)

The highest concentration is perhaps in Kelantan :)

And who goes to those Thai temples in Malaysia? Thai? Chinese? I thought Buddhism in Malaysia is Mahayana?

And who goes to those Thai temples in Malaysia? Thai? Chinese? I thought Buddhism in Malaysia is Mahayana?

Mostly Chinese and Indian Buddhist. Yea.........most Malaysian practises Mahayana Buddhism but there is an ecclectic mix of Buddhism here. You get Japanese Buddhism temples, Thai temples, Sri Lankan, Myanmese temples and Tibetan temples here and if you're a buddhist, they do not really care that if you go to any temple. That 's all I know ;)

From The Star , Sunday August 1, 2004

School dropouts rising

MORE students are dropping out now compared to seven years ago, with most of them doing so after completing primary school.

Education director-general Tan Sri Abdul Rafie Mahat said 15.3% of students left school after Year Six last year, compared with 9.7% in 1997.

Between 1997 and 2003, he added, the number of students who dropped out in Form Three increased from 4.2% to 7.7% and in Form Four, from 0.5% to 4.6%.

?When implementing policies and developing programmes, principals must take the issue of school dropouts into consideration,? he said in his keynote address to some 900 principals at the 43rd National Secondary Schools Education Management Conference here yesterday.

Abdul Rafie said there was now a total of 3,044,797 primary and 2,093,645 secondary students nationwide, accounting for 20% of the population and served by 179,622 and 130,372 teachers respectively.

To date, he added, a total of 80,522 teachers had been trained to teach Mathematics and Science in English and on how to deal with the exams in English.

?Vocational subjects will be taught in 607 schools with a capacity for 45,000 students in 2005,? he added.