KL News N' Buzz

[glenj]

The Star 13 February 2004

High-fashion hub plan for KL
BY LAM LI
Launching ceremony of KL Fashion Week 2004

KUALA LUMPUR: A “truly Asian” fashion week which aims to propel Malaysia’s capital into a regional fashion hub was launched here yesterday.

The event – “KL Fashion Week 2004” – to be staged in late April, will bring together fashion designers and talents from the region to showcase cultural diversity under the theme “Stylish Asia.”

At the launching ceremony, Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Paduka Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir said the event would help to shape Kuala Lumpur as a capital for high fashion and promote the country as a world-class shopping destination.

“To be a world-class shopping destination, we need diversity in the fashion scene and this private sector-initiated event will help us to realise that goal in the shortest possible time.

“The event will bring in regional fashion designers, buyers and industry players and help to establish the country as a fashion capital.

“To live up to the name of fashion capital, we must offer something unique and truly symbolic of the country’s fashion. The event is also a perfect occasion to promote Malaysian batik,” he said in his speech, adding that the event would be listed in the tourism calendar.

The fashion week, organised by The Star and presented by a leading cosmetic company, L’Oreal, is in its second year after the inaugural show last year became a huge success.

Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director Datuk Steven Tan said this year’s event was aimed at tapping the rich heritage of Asia – a region where three-fifths of the world’s population live.

“The cultural diversity and historical depth of Asia are a great source of inspiration for creativity. When we cannot compete in size on the world stage, creativity will help us to stand out,” he said.

He added that just as the Paris fashion week was an avenue for European designers, the local fashion week could be a similar platform for Asian designers, adding that designers and models from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China and India would be participating.

Tan said newspapers needed to take the lead in promoting worthwhile projects and industries.

“We believe newspapers need to have fun and colour too. We have annual fairs for education, information and communications technology, the environment and so on.

“In fashion too, we see tremendous potential as Malaysians grow more affluent and sophisticated,” he said.

L’Oreal Malaysia managing director Alvin Michael Hew said the theme of the event, “Stylish Asia,” was in line with the Government’s tagline of “Truly Asia” in promoting tourism.

“The bringing together of talents from different ethnic groups and cultures in the region is reflective of the country’s image.

“We also believe that creativity is needed for a country to develop its future. That is one of the reasons we support this event,” he said.

The fashion week, which would be held from April 24 to May 2, would include a search for young talents under The Star Designer Awards 2004, a series of fashion shows featuring creations by local and regional designers and students of fashion colleges as well as beauty workshops.

The highlights of the event would be the “Secretaries Unplugged 2” luncheon on April 29 and the “Simply Haute” Fashion Gala Dinner on April 30.

In conjunction with the event, a “Fashion Emporio” featuring the sale of fashion and beauty items will also be held, where fashion-conscious visitors could shop for designer labels at special prices.

[szehoong]

Designers see healthy rivalry at fashion fest

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/2/14/nation/kl_fashionweek2004.jpg





http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/2/14/nation/p12kem.jpg

Kem: 'Exposure is crucial and this event will help designers share their experiences'



KUALA LUMPUR: Local designers are looking forward to the second KL Fashion Week, themed Stylish Asia, as a platform for healthy competition.

Rizalman Ibrahim, who participated in last year's inaugural KL Fashion Week, said he believed this year's event would be more successful with its direction spelt out in the theme.




http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/2/14/nation/p12rizalman.jpg

Rizalman: 'By zooming into Asian elements, I believe the event will be more focused'




“By zooming into Asian elements, I believe the event will be more focused and designers will be going back to their roots and culture to inject exclusivity into their creations.

“I am very excited by the prospect of having a healthy rivalry at the event,” he said after the launching ceremony held at Shangri-la Hotel here on Thursday.

Kem Salleh, a designer who owns a boutique, said the event would provide valuable exposure to those in the fashion industry.

“Like all creative-related industries, those involved in the fashion scene need to learn about what the trend is and the latest ideas going on in other parts of the world.

“Exposure is crucial and this event will help designers share their experiences in various techniques, cut and styles, use of fabric and design.

“It will also improve the networking between regional players,” he said.

Eric Choong, who specialises in bridal creations, said the theme of the event was exciting and regional designers could compete with each other for attention, using their unique cultural appeals.




http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/2/14/nation/p12kadir.jpg

FUN TIME: Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir sharing a light moment with local designers at the launch of KL Fashion Week 2004 at Shangri-la Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.





At the launch, five local designers – Michael Ong, Orson Liyu, Tom Abang Saufi, Jonathan Cheng and *Sharifah Kirana – provided a sneak preview of the event by showcasing one creation each.

Indian model Tinu Varghese, who won last year's Best Ramp Model in the World Award (fashion television category), also made a special appearance.

The fashion week is organised by The Star and presented by leading cosmetic company L'Oreal.



* Sharifah Kirana is my secondary school art teacher! :D .....and she still remembers me!!! :colgate:

[baqthier]

Great idea! But fast fast lah implement!!

[szehoong]

Air tickets to fashion capitals up for grabs




SECRETARIES attending the KL Fashion Week Secretaries Unplugged Luncheon this year are in for a special treat.

Malaysia Airlines, the official carrier for KL Fashion Week 2004, has pledged flight tickets to New York, Hong Kong and Denpasar as lucky draw prizes at the event.

MAS promotions and sponsorship manager Jamilah Itam presented a mock flight ticket to Star Publications (M) Bhd deputy group general manager Datin Linda Ngiam at a sponsorship presentation ceremony.

“This is an important event to MAS as secretaries are the ones who make flight arrangements for their bosses, who are our frequent flyers.

“Just as we have programmes to thank our valued customers, we also sponsor prizes for their secretaries to acknowledge their hard work,” she said.




http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2004/4/p4jamilah.JPG

Jamilah (right) presenting a mock MAS ticket to Ngiam at a sponsorship presentation ceremony recently.






“The Fashion Week Unplugged Secretaries Luncheon is our main event for secretaries, so we expect the secretaries of many corporate figures to attend.

“To make the event extra special this year, the flight tickets up for grabs are to three fashion capitals,” she added.

The KL Fashion Week 2004 Unplugged Secretaries Luncheon will be held at noon on April 27 at the grand ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The event will feature a fashion show of smart casual, office and eveningwear by Kapas, Kwan, Melinda Looi and Embun as well as entertainment by Ferhad.

Tickets are priced at RM150, RM200 and RM250 per person. For reservations, call 03-7967 1388 ext 1238/1165/1121.

[szehoong]

Choong finds success with timeless simplicity



By BAVANI M





http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2004/4/p4choong.JPG

Choong showing one of his simple, yet elegant bridal gowns.






MENTION bridal couture, and the name Eric Choong will pop up. The designer is known for his exquisite wedding gowns that seem to exude a timeless quality.

Hence, all his wedding gowns are not just elegant but enduring as well.

Not one for flamboyance, Choong prefers to design simple gowns that emphasise the woman's figure.

“I enjoy designing gowns that emphasise the woman’s curves and the small of her back,” he said, adding that he always ensured that his gowns suited the personality of the bride.

“To me, it is the person who should wear the gown and not the other way around. The personality of the wearer is important in bringing out the beauty of the gown,” he said.

He added that the extra handwork and accessories should also reflect the bride’s taste.

Choong will be showcasing 12 pieces of his latest designs at the upcoming KL Fashion Week 2004 event themed “Stylish Asia” at Suria KLCC on May 2.

Choong, whose collection would be themed “Ladies & Gentleman”, said he gained inspiration from the movie My Fair Lady when designing for this range.






http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2004/4/p4gowns.JPG

Choong's other speciality is designing evening gowns, which he will show at the DHL Corporate Night on April 29.






Fabrics like Thai silk, silk chiffon, organza and duchess satin are used.

Choong will also be participating in the DHL Corporate Night event on April 29 at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.

He will showcase designs from his 2004 Summer Splendour collection featuring evening gowns in bright colours.

“For this range I have used Chinese silk front and reversed imprints, French lace and chiffon silk, with a hint of Malaysian songket and saree as finishing, with colours of lime green, fuchsia and black.

Cheongsam and qi pao will also be featured for its contemporary sophistication, teamed with glamorous Victorian elegance.

The audience will also get to see long embroidered pants that speak of an east-meets-west influence and butterfly headgears that symbolise freedom and liberty.

Eric Choong Couture Sdn Bhd is located at Lot F8, Mezzanine Floor, Sheraton Imperial Hotel Kuala Lumpur. For details, call 03-2031 7112.

[glenj]

Here's an article that appeared in today's S'pore Straits Times:

APRIL 10, 2004
insight
Feeling the heat and the buzz in KL
By Warren Fernandez

THINKING ALOUD


A HUGE white marquee stood beside the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) as my taxi pulled up to my hotel. A laser projected the blue and white BMW logo onto it, trumpeting the joys of the 'ultimate driving machine'.

The German marque was launching its new 5 series. It was just one of a string of events organised to coincide with the Formula One race that weekend.

'Are you going to watch the F1?' I asked my cabby.

No, he replied. 'That one, for foreigners. Mahathir's dream. The foreigners come, go to Petronas hall, listen to orchestra, go to Sepang... Nothing to do with us,' he lamented.

Yet, KL, I found, was abuzz with F1 fever. Hotels, malls, pubs, restaurants had joined in the frenzy.

Tourists were everywhere. The hotel I stayed in was full. People were eating out, buying sporty clothes, caps and sunscreen, hailing cabs and hiring cars to get to the race.

If the F1 was 'Mahathir's dream', it was a heady one that many ordinary Malaysians were sharing in. From taxi drivers to restaurant workers, PR agents, creative directors and hotel managers. Some of these were Malaysians, others were foreign talent, roped in to help pull the event off.

I was in Kuala Lumpur on work, covering the Malaysian General Election. But I could not help but feel the buzz of the city.

Even as I banged away at my laptop, I could hear the beat of music from several parties going on around The Straits Times bureau office.

Just as the election results were coming in, fireworks burst onto the night sky over the KLCC, in celebration of the F1 race, not the Barisan Nasional's big win.

A few days after I returned home to Singapore, my wife and I drove down to Orchard Road. It was a Sunday evening. The place seemed quiet in contrast.

'Where is everybody?' I cried.

'At home, probably. Back to school tomorrow,' she replied, sensibly, as ever.

Even so, it was a downer.

Then, this week, came the figures to confirm my fears.

The Singapore Tourism Board reported that tourism receipts had fallen by 21 per cent between 1993 and 2002. Malaysia's share of the East Asia Pacific's tourism receipts, on the and by whom?

A few years ago, the URA held a public consultation exercise on its plans for the 'new' Orchard Road. Like many others, I went along and offered some views. Since then, I have heard little about this. Endless reports have been published about plans and schemes to link up buildings with underground walkways in Orchard Road. But, alas, they have remained plans and schemes for rather too long.

But let's not kid ourselves. Spending and building more is only half the solution.

Equally important will be training and motivating people here to offer visitors top-notch service, drawing foreign events and performers here, as well as the audiences to sustain them.

After all, if Singapore has the Esplanade, Kuala Lumpur has the Petronas Philharmonic Hall.

Yet, each time a top ensemble like the Vienna Philharmonic or the London Symphony comes to perform here, the Esplanade concert hall is filled to capacity.

What makes this possible? First, the world class hall, designed by the renowned Russell Johnson, helps to draw performers here.

Second, the fact that there are audiences to pay top dollar, made up both of Singaporeans and foreigners living here or passing through, also makes all the difference.

The result: Singaporeans too get to enjoy these performances. But this is music to the ears of not only the well-heeled, but also many taxi drivers, hotel workers, chefs, waiters, PR directors, airline workers and others.

Put simply, jobs, livelihoods and the quality of life here are at stake.

So the next time you hear those recurrent complaints against foreign talent, 'excessive' spending on the arts or the easing of restrictions on performances, do remember these haunting words: 'Singapore is so middle of the road, it is in danger of being bypassed'.

The writer is Foreign Editor of The Straits Times. E-mail: warren@sph.com.sg

[szehoong]

After all, if Singapore has the Esplanade, Kuala Lumpur has the Petronas Philharmonic Hall.



yea.......and for musicals and stage performances.....we've got Istana Budaya ....just a short drive away from The Petronas Phiharmonic Hall ;)

[szehoong]

Yet, KL, I found, was abuzz with F1 fever. Hotels, malls, pubs, restaurants had joined in the frenzy.

Tourists were everywhere. The hotel I stayed in was full. People were eating out, buying sporty clothes, caps and sunscreen, hailing cabs and hiring cars to get to the race.

If the F1 was 'Mahathir's dream', it was a heady one that many ordinary Malaysians were sharing in. From taxi drivers to restaurant workers, PR agents, creative directors and hotel managers. Some of these were Malaysians, others were foreign talent, roped in to help pull the event off.

I was in Kuala Lumpur on work, covering the Malaysian General Election. But I could not help but feel the buzz of the city.

Even as I banged away at my laptop, I could hear the beat of music from several parties going on around The Straits Times bureau office.

Just as the election results were coming in, fireworks burst onto the night sky over the KLCC, in celebration of the F1 race, not the Barisan Nasional's big win.



Not forgetting the street parties at Changkat Bukit Bintang where the entire street are cordoned off for revellers! :)

Actually this year's F1 is 'quieter' than the previous years because of the bad timing of the elections being held the same day. :(

[argory]

yea.......and for musicals and stage performances.....we've got Istana Budaya ....just a short drive away from The Petronas Phiharmonic Hall ;)


Yeah, I think the Istana Budaya makes a better comparison than the Petronas Hall, though the latter does have a magnificent 44 stop Klais pipe organ with 2977 pipes!..whoa! I think it is one of the very few pipe organs in use around the country. Nevertheless, the Istana Budaya is very well equipped, it’s said to be on par with the Royal Albert Hall, London…not bad huh? ;)

[szehoong]

Yeah, I think the Istana Budaya makes a better comparison than the Petronas Hall, though the latter does have a magnificent 44 stop Klais pipe organ with 2977 pipes!..whoa! I think it is one of the very few pipe organs in use around the country. Nevertheless, the Istana Budaya is very well equipped, it’s said to be on par with the Royal Albert Hall, London…not bad huh? ;)

hmmm.....actually the Esplanade is are to be compared with both Petronas Phiharmonic Hall and Istana Budaya because The Esplanade actualy consist of an orchestral concert hall and a stage hall ( I think thats what they describe the halls :D ).

Actually Istana Budaya's stage mechanism is much better than the Royal Albert Hall as it is newer and much more advanced. :okay:

[argory]

Actually Istana Budaya's stage mechanism is much better than the Royal Albert Hall as it is newer and much more advanced. :okay:

not bad for a former colonial backwater or so they say...ei? KL never fails to surprise. :D

[szehoong]

not bad for a former colonial backwater or so they say...ei? KL never fails to surprise. :D

Yup.......we've got the facilities and infrastructures but sadly I think there still not enuf of artsy performances here. :)

Although Singapore's Esplanade opened not too long and we've got Istana Budaya and the Petronas Philharmonic Hall for quite a number of year already.......I still felt that Istana Budaya is under-utilised :(

[szehoong]

Local celebrities to liven up gala dinner



BY LISA GOH




http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/4/11/nation/p8daly.JPG

IN THE LIMELIGHT: Daly and Deanna (below left) will be strutting the catwalk again.





PETALING JAYA: Our very own models and celebrities Deanna Yusoff and Elaine Daly will be walking down the ramp as well at the Simply Haute Fashion Gala Dinner on April 27.

Deanna, of Malay and Swiss parentage, had her first stint in commercial modelling while only nine years old.

Currently the host for the TV3 programme The Brand, which is in its fourth season, the 170cm-tall model is also an actress and singer.

“I have not been modelling much lately. Only when there are requests and when I think it’ll be a fun and special event,” Deanna said on Friday.

Deanna, who bagged a Best Actress Award at the 10th Malaysian Film Festival for her lead role in Selubung in 1991, has acted in eight movies, both locally and internationally. She has two albums under her belt.

She is most noted for her character as Lady Thiang, headwife of King Mongkut of Thailand, in the movie Anna and the King.

Among the fashion houses she has modelled for are Christian Dior, DKNY and Christian Lacroix. She has also done photo shoots for brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Versace, as well as lent her name to a string of products such as Hazeline Snow, Salem, Wella, L’Oreal and, quite recently, SK-II.

Her face has also graced numerous local and foreign magazines including Female, Her World, Style, and she was also featured for her character in Anna and the King in the American Vanity Fair.



http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/4/11/nation/p8deanna.JPG






With an equally impressive track record, Daly started off as a talent in a commercial for Jolie Shandy when she was 14.

At 16, she started catwalk modelling and has since worked with many local designers like Melinda Looi and Bernard Chandran, as well as international names like Fendi, Celine and Christian Dior, among others.

The 27-year-old law graduate is also currently Miss Malaysia and will finish her reign on Thursday.

With her reign drawing to a close, Daly said she would be having a “big week” as her movie Diambang Misteri had also premiered recently.

“I am currently shooting for Astana Idaman 2, as well as hosting a financial TV magazine called Money Tree. I have been quite busy with everything going on,” she added in a recent interview.

The 173cm-tall Daly, who loves to shop, said she had a “fetish for shoes and handbags” and cited Armani as one of her favourite brands for clothes.

But do not make the mistake of thinking this svelte model is little more than a clotheshorse – she also does kickboxing in her free time.

“I enjoy travelling a lot too, and I am thankful that my job allows me the opportunity to do so,” she said.

Deanna and Daly will be among the six Malaysian models donning creations by nine Asian designers, including Malaysia’s own Rizalman Ibrahim, Steven Sin and Bernard Chandran, during the gala dinner.

The event is part of the upcoming KL Fashion Week 2004, organised by The Star and presented by L’Oreal from April 24 to May 2.

[ZaHiRnYa???]

I never been to Istana Budaya till today. :ohno:

[argory]

Yup.......we've got the facilities and infrastructures but sadly I think there still not enuf of artsy performances here. :)

Although Singapore's Esplanade opened not too long and we've got Istana Budaya and the Petronas Philharmonic Hall for quite a number of year already.......I still felt that Istana Budaya is under-utilised :(


The artsy stuff has been around longer in Singapore, naturally giving it an edge over KL. Furthermore, those guys down there have been promoting arts the way we have been promoting, err well.., industrialization! An exaggeration? Maybe. But they’re pretty serious at promoting the country as a regional arts hub. It looks like they’re getting there, although the region they wish to represent is not keeping excessively silent either.

The talent pool we have is in no doubt larger but it deserves better organization and support as well as adequate exposure and recognition. In the same way, too much pushing will ultimately bring about superficial results. We need not get too worried about it but there’s certainly room for improvement. Let the arts grow gradually by firmly embracing the complex multicultural contours of our land. That’s when we’ll need no silly regional arts hub… ;)

[szehoong]

The artsy stuff has been around longer in Singapore, naturally giving it an edge over KL. Furthermore, those guys down there have been promoting arts the way we have been promoting, err well.., industrialization! An exaggeration? Maybe. But they’re pretty serious at promoting the country as a regional arts hub. It looks like they’re getting there, although the region they wish to represent is not keeping excessively silent either.

The talent pool we have is in no doubt larger but it deserves better organization and support as well as adequate exposure and recognition. In the same way, too much pushing will ultimately bring about superficial results. We need not get too worried about it but there’s certainly room for improvement. Let the arts grow gradually by firmly embracing the complex multicultural contours of our land. That’s when we’ll need no silly regional arts hub… ;)


Yea....you're right about "too much pushing will ultimately bring about superficial results".........I would rather it grows naturally ;)

ANyway I would think that education plays a very big role in the promotion of arts. Many parents still thinks that arts are bad for their children and are not supportive in any way should their children pursue any 'artsy' career. :(

I think we need a revamp in our education system to encourage arts. I;ve seen many of my talented friends pursuing engineering courses in favor of their family wishes and their talent wasted! Afterall we can't have an entire society full of engineers, doctors and lawyers could we? :D

[ZaHiRnYa???]

I think we need a revamp in our education system to encourage arts. I;ve seen many of my talented friends pursuing engineering courses in favor of their family wishes and their talent wasted! Afterall we can't have an entire society full of engineers, doctors and lawyers could we? :D

Hmmm...true, true. For Malays on the other hand, it will always be accounting. ;)

[liping_t]

Hmmm...true, true. For Malays on the other hand, it will always be accounting. ;)

why ah? Thats interesting. Indians=Law/engineering/medicine. Chinese=anything but 'art' and other 'non-$-making jobs'.

[ZaHiRnYa???]

I honestly donno. Think it was always like that.....

My eldest brother and sister and me, all took accounting you know. Just I didn't finish it as I hate accounting so much and change my degree during my first year :D

[baqthier]

Malaysia : MKMA/MTMA/MATAC Annual Dinner & Fashion Contest 2004
23rd July 2004


A glittering show will be put up for the textile and garment fraternity once again, as Malaysian Knitwear Manufacturers Associations (MKMA), Malaysian Textile Manufacturers Association (MTMA) and Malaysian Textile And Apparel Centre (MATAC) join hands in solidarity, to celebrate their anniversaries.

According to information available on the official website, function will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2004 at the Istana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

The Honorable Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Dato? Seri Rafidah Aziz will be the guest of honor, informs the website.

The highlight of the dinner will be a fashion contest to be participated by students in fashion designing from local colleges. In the face of a more challenging scenario ahead, MKMA, MTMA and MATAC strongly believes that Malaysian talents must be given the support they so critically need to be successful, according to the website information.

A fashion contest will be organized in conjunction with the annual dinner to encourage, promote and nurture new and emerging local fashion designers. The contest will also provide a platform for greater collaboration and interaction amongst the textile and garment industries, fashion institutions and designers, informs the website.

[baqthier]

Malaysia : Fashion retailer Bonia eyes 15% revenue growth next year
25th December 2004


Bonia Corporation Bhd is targeting to achieve about 10 percent to 15 percent growth in revenue next year, said Albert Chiang, Group Managing Director.

The company, a leader in the retailing, marketing and distribution of branded high-fashion leatherwear, men’s and women’s footwear, men’s apparel and accessories, has recorded a revenue of RM150.50 million for the financial year ended June 30, up from RM119.20 million last year.

At the launch of company’s new corporate logo in Kuala Lumpur, Chiang said that the company is confident of achieving the target because it received good response from Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.

He further added that Bonia also expected to open two outlets in Jeddah next year.

During the year under review, the company saw the property development cum disposal of the land at Taman Connaught, Cheras.

The project was expected to contribute positively in the coming financial years, which would further ease the company’s cash flow and reduce its gearing, he said.

The company’s new corporate logo revealed is in line with its aggressive business and brand strategies currently being implemented to take the company to the international market.

Group Finance Director, Chong Chin Look said in line with the various new strategies to prepare for emerging retail challenges and opportunities, it was timely to implement a new corporate logo that reflected the company’s new corporate vision and business mission.

“The transformation of Bonia’s new corporate logo will spearhead the group’s identity as the trendsetter within the local and Asian fashion industry, responsible for providing innovative designs through our continuous research, product development as well as up-to-date market studies,” Chin concluded.

[nazrey]

Bigger, better KL Fashion Week
Wednesday February 23, 2005
Media Player (http://202.186.86.35/mmedia/video/kl_fashion_week_050222_01.wmv)


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/images/klfw05_logo.gif


BY ELIZABETH LOOI, CECIL FUNG AND RANIELLE KOAY

KUALA LUMPUR:KL Fashion Week is back and is set to be bigger and better than before.

This time, KL Fashion Week 2005, organised by The Star, will have the backing of Tourism Malaysia, which is co-presenting the week-long activities with L’Oreal Malaysia.

Speaking at the launch of the event’s logo yesterday, Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad said the Government was happy to support The Star and L’Oreal in promoting Kuala Lumpur as a “stylish capital” to visit, particularly during KL Fashion Week.



http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/2/23/fashionweek/p1klfashion.jpg

KL Fashion Week 2005 launched: Posing with the models are the managing director of L'Oreal Malaysia Jean-Francois Couve, Star Publications deputy group general manager Datin Linda Ngiam, Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad and Star Publications group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Steven Tan.



“Not only does KL Fashion Week promote Kuala Lumpur as a destination, it will also give exposure to the talents of Malaysian designers, models, make-up artists, hairstylists,” he added.

He described the premier fashion event as “one of the best coordinated efforts by the local media in creating public awareness for Malaysian products” that are also “benchmarked against some of the world’s renowned practitioners”.

Present at the launch at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur were Star Publications (Malaysia) Berhad group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Steven Tan, its regional director Datuk Seri Kamal Hashim, L’Oreal Malaysia’s managing director Jean-Francois Couve, as well as sponsors, designers, celebrities and media partners.

The guests were treated to a short opening performance called “Fashion Thru the Ages” by the Peter Choo Dance Company, whose dancers moved to tunes from the 1900s to the 1990s while dressed in costumes reflecting the fashion of the different eras.

KL Fashion Week 2005 organising chairman Datin Linda Ngiam said this year’s event would showcase local and regional talents and inject new vigour and exuberance into fashion.

“Sophistication, splendour, style – these are what you’ll be seeing at this year’s line-up of events,” said Ngiam, who is Star Publications deputy group general manager.

In his speech, Couve said the cosmetic giant shared a mission to continue educating consumers on beauty and fashion through its association with KL Fashion Week.

“Our dream and ambition is to discover a Malaysian designer who will be featured regularly on the Parisian catwalk,” he said.

Scheduled for May 3 to 8, KL Fashion Week 2005 will kick off with a Fashion Gala Night featuring top local and foreign designers.

Individual Designer Showcases will follow on May 4 and 5, with Corporate Cocktail Nights for three nights from May 4. The Shangri-La will be the venue for these functions.

College Fashion Shows will also be held at Mid Valley Megamall on May 5 and 6 while shoppers at 1 Utama Shopping Centre can look forward to Catwalk @ the mall on May 7 and 8.

Like previous years, the Star Designer Awards 2005 will be the highlight of KL Fashion Week where 10 finalists will vie for the top three prizes.

First and second prize winners will receive RM8,000 and RM5,000 respectively as well as a certificate, trophy and a week-long study tour in Fashion Design at Central St Martins College of Art and Design in London. The third place winner will receive RM3,000 cash, a certificate and trophy.

A new addition to the itinerary is the KL Fashion Week 2005 Editors Awards to honour the best in the industry.

Among the designers and labels participating in this year’s fest are Salikin Sidek, Carven Ong, Beatrice Looi, Orson Liyu, Sonny San, Kapas, Edric Ong, Key Ng, Melor’s Apparel, Nazleen Noor, Richard Tsen, Saiful Othman, Anggun, Thomas Chin, Yamin and Yen.

Since its inception in 2003, KL Fashion Week has set the trend for new ideas and concepts in fashion and has become a must-attend event in the local fashion calendar.

[nazrey]

KL Fashion Week a boost for designers, industry
Wednesday February 23, 2005




KUALA LUMPUR: Local fashion designers have hailed KL Fashion Week 2005 as a platform that can boost individual careers as well as the industry.

Carven Ong, who is participating in the May 3 to 8 event, said it would be a great opportunity for local designers to showcase their designs and creativity.

“This is a good opportunity for us because we always have new collections and new designs to show,” he added.

KL Fashion Week 2005 is organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Malaysia.



http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/2/23/nation/p4gloria.jpg

Miss Malaysia/World 2004/05 Gloria Ting with designer Hideaki Lim.



Ong, who owns a fashion academy and a bridal boutique, also said the local designers would be able to exchange ideas with foreign designers at such an event and learn from each other.

“The Star has been showing a lot of support for designers and through such support, we will be able to improve ourselves,” he said.

Another designer, Hideaki Lim, said the event would be able to create greater awareness for the Malaysian fashion industry and designers.

“There should be more ideas and events such as this to help the upcoming, the well-known and the veteran designers.

“To stay in the industry, designers need access to the market and it is through such events that they can make their work known to the public,” said Lim.

Nazleen Noor, who is known for her ethnic fusion designs, said that by participating in the event she could promote her clothes in the local market.

“This is my second year of participation and every time I’m involved in such an event, I get to further style batik with a modern touch,” she said.

She also said the event would serve as a platform for young and top designers to share ideas.

“Before the young ones become top designers, they have to learn from the latter about techniques and get more exposure,” she said.

Echoing a similar sentiment, fellow designer Melinda Looi felt that there was room for improvement in the industry.

“The event is good and it should continue because it will help local designers and brands in the market to hopefully move up to international standards.

“But we have to learn from others to improve,” she said, adding that fashion show organisers should also learn from their foreign counterparts.

[nazrey]

L’Oreal Paris breaks new ground in Malaysia with its first stand-alone boutique in KLCC.
Sunday February 27, 2005




L’OREAL Paris has moved on to bigger things. It has traded up from a charming corner into an entire boutique at KLCC– a large, spacious outlet that is the flagship store for L’Oreal Paris in Malaysia.

The new premises are befitting of a brand that is the world’s leader in beauty, with a comprehensive range of products sold in more than 150 countries.

L’Oreal started as a hair colourant developed by French chemist Eugene Schueller back in 1907.

The secret of its dynamic success and universal appeal is founded on clever use of beautiful celebrities of all races and colours – from Claudia Schiffer to Gong Li, Beyonce Knowles, Natalie Imbruglia and Michelle Reis – to endorse its extensive range of products.

Research and technological innovation are also very much the cornerstone of the brand. Each year, 3% of annual revenues goes to research and development; 2,700 scientists produce more than 3,000 new formulae and 500 patents annually.

With the opening of the boutique, L’Oreal has challenged itself to go beyond a boutique designed for convenient shopping and attractive display.

The L’Oreal Paris Boutique offers the convenience of a total beauty experience – from hair colour to hair-care, skincare, body-care and makeup.

Open and easy-to-access counters, with tester bars, allow customers the freedom to try products on their own.

On standby are qualified beauty consultants who can advise and answer queries from women who demand more product knowledge before they make a purchase.

Equipped with a private facial cabin and professional makeup services, L’Oreal Paris Boutique aims to be a one-stop shop that fulfils every woman’s beauty needs.

[nazrey]

Haute-y highlights
Sunday February 27, 2005




Missed the gala do for last year's KL Fashion Week? These dazzling moments from the Simply Haute Gala Dinner should get fashionistas primed for 2005's grand opening bash, writes DZIREENA MAHADZIRThe diversity of Asian fashion talent opened a new dimension at KL Fashion Week last year.


Gorgeous golden sari with details from Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
Aptly themed Stylish Asia, the event showcased some of the region's top fashion designers, with their distinctive and original takes on style.

At the Simply Haute Gala Dinner, the designers displayed a gamut of looks, from full-on glamour to quirky cuts.

Singapore designer Daniel Yam, who opened the glamour-packed show, had the audience's attention with his unique engineered cutting and use of bold colours.

Thailand’s young and funky duo Saksit Pisalasupongs and Phisit Jongnarangsin - who front the label Tube - gave a colourful and witty display injected with a youthful spirit. The Tube collection of balloon dresses and full skirts was simply an explosion of colours.

Steven Sin, whose inspiration came from Marilyn Monroe showed an unusual and somewhat eclectic collection that translated his wide imagination into his amusing creations.

Malaysia's Bernard Chandran called his collection Tropical Island, drawing inspiration from the marine life that thrives on Galapagos, off South America. The destination may be distant, but the clothes did not stray far from Chandran's signature style: striking, and glamorous.



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Gorgeous golden sari with details from Sabyasachi Mukherjee.



Rajo Laurel of Philippines sent out slim columns of fluid jersey gowns, their strong, dramatic simplicity relieved by accessories such as long bead necklaces that hung straight down the dress. It was a clever tromphe l'oeil touch that made the accessory look part of the outfit.

Rizalman, meanwhile, put the S word into his kebayas. The classic Malaysian outfit was paired with a range of mini-skirts that unplugged sex appeal with lots of flesh on show.



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Daniel Yam of Singapore's top that seems to be folded around the model and a matching skirt.



Rizalman's designs were glamorous, figure-hugging and not for the faint-hearted. His muse could be the sort of girl who's walked straight off the set of Sex & The City.

Hong Kong designer Barney Cheng's knock-out collection cleared any doubts about the price tags on his high-end creations. The exquisite detailing, exemplary cuts and intricate work are reasons that the ladies-who-lunch crowd simply clamour for his label.

The breathtaking embroidery of Sabayasachi Mukherjee's collection dazzled the audience with the beauty of Indian creativity and craft.

Beautiful saris of gold, heavy beadwork and intricate handiwork offered dazzling, visual proof that India has the skills and infrastructure to conquer the world of high fashion.

Indonesia's Sebastian Gunawan's collection matched European haute couture at its best: beautiful sweeping gowns, wonderfully cut dresses with lavish details, perfectly fitting the theme, “Simply Haute”.

[nazrey]

Fashion centre in the making
Sunday February 27, 2005




Speech by Minister of Tourism
Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad

The Ministry of Tourism Malaysia is happy to support activities undertaken by The Star and L’Oreal Malaysia to promote Kuala Lumpur as a stylish city to visit, particularly during KL Fashion Week.

KLFW not only promotes the capital as a fashion destination, but also the talents of Malaysian designers, models, make-up artists, hairstylists and other professionals in fashion-related fields.



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Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad



From designers to collections, it’s an all-encompassing event that will bring together everyone in the entire supply chain process, highlighting the importance of this industry worth billions globally.

Kuala Lumpur has the facilities to be the undisputed centre for cutting-edge design, which can provide the credence and reputation for the capital to lead the fashion industry regionally and internationally.

Over the past decade, thanks to Malaysian art colleges with well-designed fashion courses and knowledgeable tutors, and established industry events, such as KLFW, the city is fast becoming the launchpad for quirky young designers from around the country.

KL Fashion Week, seen as Malaysia’s premier fashion event, represents one of the best co-ordinated efforts of the local media for creating public awareness of Malaysian products, which can be benchmarked against the works of world-class leaders in their respective fields.

KLFW is a non-profit event. In fact, it is the only fashion event of its kind that raises funds for charities. This fashion week is also a platform to galvanise and upgrade the creative talent in the fashion industry by inviting top designers from other Asian countries, particularly Asean nations.

This provides a window for Malaysians on what others have achieved.

It is also a forum to bring the best in the industry together, and create a fraternity of excellence.

So who will be the stars of tomorrow? Who will be fronting a Paris fashion house or perhaps will design from a base in London , New York or Milan, or have their own million-dollar brand in 10 years’ time?

Here is where that journey starts at KL Fashion Week.

I thank Star Publications and everyone involved – from the sponsors to the choreographers – for the tremendous effort in creating the necessary impetus intended to make Kuala Lumpur the fashion hub of Asia.

[nazrey]

Partners in grooming talents
Friday March 11, 2005




PETALING JAYA: Given the magnitude and scope of the upcoming KL Fashion Week 2005, The Premier Event, it is no surprise that The Star has invited several organisations to join forces to ensure the success of the event.

The newspaper announced the 11 “Partners in Fashion” in a simple but stylish ceremony at Menara Star here yesterday.

Participating Malaysian designers such as Beatrice Looi, Bill Keith, Edmund Ser, Key Ng, Richard Tsen, Rizalman Ibrahim, Michael Ong and Ecesis' Paul Wee and Thomas Chin presented their creations which were showcased by Andrew’s Models.

Lina Teoh, who emceed the event, wore a Kapas Couture creation.

Organising chairman Datin Linda Ngiam said the ceremony was significant as both the organiser and partners shared the same vision of synchronising beauty and fashion to place Kuala Lumpur on par with the world’s fashion capitals.




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Models posing with handbags printed with the logos of KL Fashion Week 2005 sponsors and partners in Petaling Jaya on Thursday.




“KL Fashion Week serves this vision as the platform for discovering, grooming and promoting young and promising Malaysian designers,” she added.

The event’s partners and sponsors are Malaysia Airlines, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Parkson Corporation Sdn Bhd, 1 Utama shopping centre and Mid Valley Megamall while the media sponsors are TV3, Channel [V], Nanyang Siang Pau, China Press, 98.8 and Era Fm.

Parkson Corporation general manager Raymond Teo said his company was happy to be an official partner in order to play a role in nurturing young talents.

“We want Malaysians to be aware of our local designers and I think this is a good way of launching Malaysia to a higher fashion platform.

“We are offering sponsorship for the awards and prizes for the Star Designer Awards. The top two winners will be entitled to a one-year attachment with Parkson as our in-house designers,” he said.

Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur general manager and area manager Richard W. Riley said the hotel was glad to be part of the event and hoped it would get the international recognition it deserved.

“It’s beautifully put together by The Star to highlight local talents. Many people enjoyed the show last year and I’m sure it will be even more successful this time around.”

Double Vision Sdn Bhd's Channel [V] programming and production director Jeffrey Selmutu said that the event was a good opportunity for fashion talents to get together.

“It is such a big event that everyone will have to move up to a certain level. Sponsoring this event shows that we are supporting the fashion industry,” he added.

KL Fashion Week, to be held from May 3 to 8, is organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.

Official site (http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/)

[nazrey]

Mobile fashion show kicks off
Friday March 18, 2005




KUALA LUMPUR: The city will catch a glimpse of the colourful upcoming KL Fashion Week 2005 – The Premier Event – when Malaysian fashion designers showcase their creations on a mobile stage today.

Called Fashion On The Move, the event will feature 10 models sashaying down the stage at the MidValley Megamall (Boulevard) from noon to 1pm and at 1 Utama Shopping Centre (New Wing - Central Park Avenue) from 6pm to 7pm.

The event will showcase the creations of 18 leading designers – Ecesis, Orson Liyu, Bill Keith, Richard Tsen, Michael Ong, Yong Chi Yen, Carven Ong, Winnie Liew, Rizalman Ibrahim, E'tho, Lester Wong, Jonathan Cheng, Saiful Othman, Key Ng, Tom Abang Saufi, Sharifah Kirana, Nazleen Noor and Salikin Sidek.

Kicking off at Sri Damansara, the mobile fashion show will travel along the Federal Highway, Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Parlimen, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Damansara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Bandar Utama.

Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad, who launched the event at Malaysia Tourism Centre here yesterday, said KL Fashion Week had created great excitement although it was only in its third year.

“With international media coverage, and international models, local and foreign designers participating, it will certainly create an impetus for Malaysia to become a fashion hub,'' he said.




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FLAG-OFF: Dr Toyad launching Fashion On The Move yesterday. With him are (from left) Star Publications (M) Sdn Bhd group general manager Koh Beng Huat, Couve and Wong Sulong.




Present were The Star group chief editor Datuk Wong Sulong and L’Oreal Malaysia managing director Jean-Francois Couve.

Apart from a brief fashion show after the launch, some lucky visitors also won tickets to the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix, hampers from L'Oreal and gifts from The Star at the games-and-quiz session.

Normala Ali, 32, who won two tickets to the race, said she was impressed with the mobile fashion show.

“This is a creative way of showcasing the designers' creations, as it is attractive and unique,” said the Bangsar Shopping Centre advertising and promotions aide.

Her manager, Tania Khan, 32, said it was a “fantastic idea” to promote the local fashion industry.

“This is my first time watching it, and I think it is a good way to raise awareness about Malaysian designers.”

Fashion On The Move is held simultaneously with the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix and KL Grand Prix City celebrations.

KL Fashion Week 2005 is organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L'Oreal Paris.

The event’s official partners and sponsors are Malaysia Airlines, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Parkson Corporation Sdn Bhd, 1 Utama Shopping Centre and MidValley Megamall, while the media sponsors are TV3, Channel [V], Nanyang Siang Pau, China Press, 98.8 and Era Fm.

KL Fashion Week 2005 will be held from May 3-8.

[nazrey]

Shoppers enjoy special surprise
Saturday March 19, 2005





KUALA LUMPUR: Shoppers at MidValley Megamall and 1 Utama Shopping Centre were treated yesterday to a display of what the Malaysian fashion world has to offer.

The pleasant surprise came courtesy of The Star, which had presented Fashion On The Move as a sneak preview of what Malaysians can expect from the upcoming KL Fashion Week 2005.

Held simultaneously with the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix and KL Grand Prix City celebrations, the preview was presented at noon in MidValley Megamall and at 6pm in 1 Utama.

Apart from taking the show from one venue to another, Fashion On The Move involved transferring the stage itself from MidValley to 1 Utama.

Shoppers took an hour's break from hunting down good buys to watch lanky models sashaying down the mobile stage in funky and fashionable outfits created by leading Malaysian fashion designers.

Eight models presented creations by Key Ng, Bill Keith, Jonathan Cheng, Yong Chi Yen, Carven Ong, Thomas Chin, E'tho and Lester Wong.




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POP QUIZ: Some members of the audience taking part in the interactive session after watching the fashion show at MidValley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur Friday.




As the models appeared on stage, they were greeted with applause, cheers and even the occasional whistle.

Red 104.9 deejay Shareena Hatta and actor Douglas Lim hosted the shows, which included interactive sessions with the audience.

Several lucky members of the audience who managed to answer simple questions about the event and the Grand Prix, walked away with prizes from The Star and L'Oreal Paris and tickets to watch the race.

Kim Yeak, 34, said it was the first time she had seen a mobile fashion show.

“It is an interesting way to promote local fashion designers. Now that I know about them, I would like to visit their boutiques some day,” said the homemaker.




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CROWD-PULLER: Shoppers watching the models sashaying down the mobile stage outside 1 Utama Shopping Complex.

[nazrey]

Fashion on the Move


A group shot of models on
the stage at One Utama during
the run-up to Fashion Week 2005.

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A fashionable Muslimah-themed outfit from Melor’s collection

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Rizalman successfully updates the look of the baju kebaya

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Saiful Othman uses golden green for a contemporary-styled
Chinese long-sleeved blouse and pants.

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Salikin Sidek’s love for songket shows in this creation.

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A stunning red ensemble from Tom Abang Saufi.

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A bold dress sense is a hallmark of Michael Ong’s collection.

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[nazrey]

Partners In Fashion


A model holds a bag printed with the Mid
Valley Megamall logo at the Partners In
Fashion ceremony

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A model holds a bag printed with the TV3 logo
at the Partners In Fashion ceremony

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A model holds a bag printed with the Nanyang
Siang Pau logo at the Partners In Fashion ceremony

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A model holds a bag printed with the Channel V
logo at the Partners In Fashion ceremony

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A model holds a bag printed with the Parkson
Corporation logo at the Partners In Fashion ceremony

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A model holds a bag printed with the Malaysia
Airlines logo at the Partners In Fashion ceremony

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A model holds a bag printed with the 1 Utama Shopping Centre
logo at the Partners In Fashion ceremony

http://203.115.194.76/fw2005gallery/photos/thumbnails/7/1utama.jpg

[nazrey]

Models posing with the sponsors
and partners of KL Fashion
Week 2005 at the Partners in
Fashion ceremony.

http://203.115.194.76/fw2005gallery/photos/thumbnails/7/partners.jpg

Star Publications (M) Bhd deputy
group general manager and KL
Fashion Week 2005 organising
chairman Datin Linda Ngiam
(sixth from left) with official
sponsors and media, flanked
by models.

http://203.115.194.76/fw2005gallery/photos/thumbnails/7/partners2.jpg

[liping_t]

these 2 are stunning!

Saiful Othman uses golden green for a contemporary-styled
Chinese long-sleeved blouse and pants.

http://203.115.194.76/fw2005gallery/photos/thumbnails/6/fotm_saiful.jpg

Salikin Sidek’s love for songket shows in this creation.

http://203.115.194.76/fw2005gallery/photos/thumbnails/6/fotm_salikin.jpg

[nazrey]

Let post out of KL's transitions news here...
To know Kuala Lumpur
Rented Accommodation, Furnished

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Hotel Rates
Average published room rates in Kuala Lumpur:

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*Inclusive of 10% service charge and 5% government tax.
Source: Malaysian Association of Hotels

Golf Club Membership

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* Exclusive 5% government tax

[nazrey]

International School Fees
There are more than 30 international schools registered with the Ministry of Education, Malaysia. These schools are located in the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, and the states of Johor (Johor Bahru), Kelantan (Kota Bharu), Melaka (Malacca), Negeri Sembilan (Mantin), Pahang (Kuantan), Penang (island), Perak (Ipoh), Sabah (Kota Kinabalu) and Sarawak (Kuching). The fees shown below are from a cross-section of the schools and are calculated for a whole year.

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http://www.msc.com.my/xtras/do_business/img/school03.gif

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[nazrey]

Public Transport

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Source: Malaysian Airlines System Bhd.

[nazrey]

Eating Out in Malaysia

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Shopping in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur was ranked as the best place for the business oriented shopper and the third best for all round shopping among the six Asian cities surveyed by Visa International in an earlier Visa Christmas Shopping Survey. The survey compares prices of 30 selected items in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Taipei.

Non-dutiable Goods

The following are some of the goods available duty-free in Malaysia: fountain pens, books, perfume, cosmetics, portable radios, watches, cameras, video cameras, calculators, computers, fishing equipment, golf clubs, tennis and badminton racquets, leather and non-leather goods, e.g. shoes, handbags, wallets, purses, suitcases, travelling bags, briefcases.



Source: Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA)
For more information, please refer to www.mida.gov.my

[nazrey]

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[nazrey]

Datuk Ruslin Hasan is new KL mayor
Tuesday December 14, 2004
By Maria J. Dass


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The seventh Mayor of Kuala Lumpur


KUALA LUMPUR: Kol (Rtd) Datuk Mohmad Shaid Mohd Taufek ended his tenure as the mayor of Kuala Lumpur on Monday after three years at the helm.

However, the termination of his services was unceremonious as Mohmad Shaid found out about it from the press -- several hours after the Federal Territories Ministry issued a statement announcing City Hall director-general Datuk Ruslin Hasan as his successor.

"This is the first time I am hearing of it. I don't know. I have not been told anything yet," Mohmad Shaid told reporters at a press conference at 4pm to announce City Hall's 2005 Budget.

"So far I have not received any formal notification or letter from the ministry or the government informing me of a contract extension or termination.
"I have been away all day for a meeting with the Housing and Local Government Ministry and only just returned to the office."

Mohmad Shaid's position has been a matter of intense speculation as talks of lobbying and political manouvering were rife.

This was compounded when Mohmad Shaid did not receive his renewal letter, as well as talk of administrative restructuring of City Hall.

The Federal Territories Ministry statement, issued at about noon, said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail had consented to the appointment of Ruslin, who is the first City Hall officer to be elevated to Mayor.

Mohmad Shaid, 57, was appointed mayor on Dec 14, 2001, taking over from Tan Sri Kamaruzzaman Shariff. His annual contract expires on Dec 13. Mohmad Shaid said if news that the contract was not extended was true then "I express my thanks to all the officers and people who had worked with me and the media for their support.

"Over the last three years we have tried our best to develop Kuala Lumpur into a city to be proud of in the future.

"I feel like my achievements are like a graph chart... I just want to say that we have worked hard and achieved a little something compared to the previous years."

Asked what his plans were for the future, Mohmad Shaid said: "Rest... I have been working hard... I'm not prepared..."

Ruslin, meanwhile, is on medical leave following an eye infection.
The 54-year-old was born on July 10, 1950, in Masjid Tanah, Malacca.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Universiti Malaya and a Masters degree in Business Administration from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

He started his career in the public service in 1974 as assistant secretary at the City Hall Secretariat and in various other departments in City Hall.
He was appointed director-general of City Hall on Oct 10, 2001.

Ruslin is vice-president of the Kuala Lumpur Football Federation, president of the Federal Territory Road Safety Council and vice-president of the Association of Statutory Bodies Malaysia.

[nazrey]

New Kuala Lumpur mayor promises quality of service
Wednesday December 15, 2004
BY CHOW HOW BAN



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ORIENTATION: Ruslin (left) meeting heads of department and officers at City Hall Tuesday.



KUALA LUMPUR: The new Kuala Lumpur mayor, Datuk Ruslin Hasan, has pledged to improve City Hall's quality of service and make the capital city a cleaner, friendlier and world-class city.
The former FT director-general said he was determined to help city residents focus on community, cultural and sports development.
He was met after receiving his letter of appointment for a two-year term from Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Isa Samad here in the morning. Ruslin also met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi later.
When he arrived at his office, the new mayor was showered with congratulatory greetings from a group of City Hall officials at the City Hall lobby yesterday despite being on medical leave.
The new mayor who succeeded Datuk Mohmad Shaid Mohd Taufek is said to be taking a two-day medical leave from Monday because of an eye infection. In an earlier interview in Putrajaya, Ruslin said he would strive to ensure that City Hall officers would always carry out their duties in a friendly manner and attend to public needs and complaints effectively and efficiently.
Born on July 10, 1950 in Masjid Tanah, Malacca, he holds a degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Universiti Malaya and a Masters in Business Management from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
He started his career in the civil service as assistant secretary in the City Hall Secretariat on July 24, 1974 and held various posts in several departments and units in City Hall before being appointed its director-general on Oct 10, 2001.
City Hall Workers' Union believes Ruslin is the best person to serve the local authority.
The union thanked Mohamed Isa, in a statement, for showing his trust in Ruslin.
“Ruslin has wide experience in the administration and operations of City Hall. We are confident that he will expedite the Government's effort to make Kuala Lumpur a great city,” it said.
Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun said Ruslin was an experienced public servant who served at various departments in City Hall.
“I hope Ruslin will have a more open policy for the press as it was difficult for the media to reach the officials and department heads,” he said.

[nazrey]

FOR DEMOLITION… Federal Territory Ministry through the Kuala Lumpur City Hall will demolish all seven blocks of 16 storey flat beginning next year to make way for a more planned redevelopment project. The current one-room Pekeliling flats were build 36 years ago. Pix: Samsudin Mohamad


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[nazrey]

A little paradise in the city
Wednesday, April 13, 2005




Before becoming the well-landscaped park it is today, Lembah Kiara Recreational Park in Taman Tun Dr Ismail was a hidden recreational spot popular with nearby residents, with small, shallow streams hidden among the trees and a lake in the middle.

Now, it is visited by scores of recreation seekers during weekends and even on weekdays. Entrance is free and the park seems to be most popular in the mornings and late afternoons.

One of the biggest draws of this medium-sized park is its well-paved running path. With a cushion-like surface, the red-coloured path absorbs the shock of impact from pounding feet and running is a lot more comfortable than the more challenging 5km undulating walk also found in the park.



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Visitors strolling along the suspension bridge
that affords a panoramic view of the park.



The route of the run is divided into two sections – one with higher inclines for the more athletic and a slightly more level one for those who prefer to take a leisurely stroll around the area. Both paths join and separate at different pointsand each offers visitors different sights.

The wider path winds through different types of trees, and at certain vantage points, you can see almost the whole park. Along this path, a popular suspension bridge spanning a large stream can be found.

The smaller walking path circles the large pond and here and there, couples and families settle to enjoy a spot of fresh air or look for fish and turtles swimming near the surface.

The smaller walking path also allows access to a cemented platform, where teenagers often play ball or adults carry out line-dancing and Chinese fan dance sessions.




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Visitors strolling along the cushion-like
surface of the red-coloured path.




The landscape of the Lembah Kiara Recreational Park is also well sculpted, with palms, clumps of flowers like cannas and different types of shrubs found in the park.
The clearing nearest to the car park is the most popular place, where a wooden bridge often sees young children hanging over the side to look into the water.
At the side, specially constructed bars and benches provide exercise options for those who want to have a more complete work-out.
Lembah Kiara Recreational Park is located at Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.




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Families enjoy wading in the small stream
in the late afternoon.

[D_Y2k.2^]

FOR DEMOLITION… Federal Territory Ministry through the Kuala Lumpur City Hall will demolish all seven blocks of 16 storey flat beginning next year to make way for a more planned redevelopment project. The current one-room Pekeliling flats were build 36 years ago. Pix: Samsudin Mohamad


http://foto.bernama.com/foto/Photo/130405_5.jpg


are these flats located near PWTC?

[ZaHiRnYa???]

Close to ;)

[baqthier]

^ Belated congrats to you for your 2000th post!

I wonder what they have in mind after the demolition? Monorail station with some retail?

[nazrey]

Special Unit To Resolve Kg Baru Land Ownership, Says Isa
April 15, 2005 19:42 PM



PUTRAJAYA, April 15 (Bernama) -- A special unit will be set up soon to resolve all issues related to the Kampung Baru land ownership so that plans to redevelop the area, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city, can commence.

Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Mohamed Isa Abdul Samad said Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Federal Territory Land and Mines Department would handle formation of the unit.

Setting up of the unit was agreed to at the Kampung Baru Development Consultative Committee meeting chaired by Mohamed Isa here Friday.

"We hope the unit can solve all the problems related to land ownership, the main obstacle to Kampung Baru's redevelopment plans, in one or one-and-a-half years," he told reporters after the meeting.

He said the problems must be solved before the Kampung Baru masterplan, expected to be completed within the same period, could be implemented.

Present were representatives from the Kampung Baru Malays Association, Kampung Baru Development Association and Kampung Baru Malays Agricultural Settlement.

Mohamed Isa said a consultant firm would be appointed to draw up the Kampung Baru masterplan.

He also said the Attorney-General's Department would be asked to resolve the status of the Malay agricultural land in Kampung Baru which was non-Malay reserve.

Mohamed Isa said the Kampung Baru masterplan must be in line with the Kuala Lumpur structural plan which was gazetted last year.

He said a development plan for Kampung Baru was prepared in 1992 but it had been rendered useless owing to rapid development in surrounding areas.

Kampung Baru Development Association president Datuk Paduka Wan Mahmood Pawan Teh said the association was confident the settlement's land ownership problem could be resolved with the establishment of the unit.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Residents want project at park called off

Tuesday, April 19, 2005
By CHOW HOW BAN and GEOFFREY LIP



A peaceful protest was held at the Batu Metropolitan Park, off the 5th mile of Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, last Sunday.

Organised by park users and residents of Taman Mastiara and Taman Tasik Indah, it was an effort to call on City Hall to stop work on a new car park and road until the confusion over a proposed development project at the park was resolved.

The proposed project involves the construction of 48 semi-detached houses next to the car park.

The residents feel that City Hall should not have approved the project on the 2.74ha plot, which is near the recreational park.



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/m_pg04nadzry.jpg

Nadzry and other residents taking part in last Sunday’s
peaceful protest against a proposed development at the
their neighbourhood park



At present, contractors are building a new road and car park, cutting off access to the old car park where the development is likely to take place.

Taman Mastiara Residents and Houseowners’ Association president Nadzry Abd Rahman said the local authority should have studied carefully any development within a recreational park.

“We urge all the parties, especially Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, to cancel the project immediately,” he said.

He said the project must be stopped to protect the recreational park from being spoiled.

“If they can take it now, they can take more of it later.

“The project also deviates from the Prime Minister’s call to maintain our green areas,” he said, adding that while they hoped the Government would hear their appeal, the residents were also discussing filing an injunction to stop the project.

An action committee was formed recently and about 500 signatures were collected.

DAP National Consumer Affairs Bureau secretary Khong Chee Seng, who is helping the park users resolve the matter, said he and a group of residents found out during a recent visit to City Hall that the project was approved last year.

“We also visited the Federal Territory Land Office and were told that the land had been given to City Hall by the Federal Government for a recreational park. However, the plot for the proposed project was later given to the developer,” he said, adding that the action committee would find out more about how the project was approved.

“The residents’ immediate request is that City Hall reopen the old car park, restore all the facilities and re-turf the recreational park for the safety of the children who play there,” he said.

He added that if it was City Hall’s responsibility to provide residents in the northern region of the city with a place for recreation, it should not have approved any development in the area.

One of the residents at the protest, Leela Devi, 51, said development at the park had ruined her early morning walk.



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/m_pg04batu.jpg

A strip of land that has been cleared to build
a new road for the proposed semi-detached
housing project at the Batu Metropolitan Park.
Residents and park users say the road is too
close to the playground and will endanger children playing
in the area.



“I used to come out in the morning for walks and it was safe, but now I do not dare come out alone, what with the workers here,” she said.

She said the residents had thought that the construction was to upgrade the park, but were surprised to discover a signboard telling them of the housing development.

“I do not understand how the government agencies could approve this,” she added.

Her husband, R. Thirupathy, 53, said the development would be a gated community and a wall would be built separating the area from the recreational park.

“They will be putting up an eight-foot wall and the people who used to enjoy the openness of the park will feel like they are in a jail,” he said.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat deputy president Tian Chua called for balanced development and that there be places for residents to exercise and enjoy healthy activities.

“Our children and families need a ‘green place’, a safe environment that should not be sacrificed for money.

“If our future generations are not given a platform for healthy development there will be no meaning to that money,” he said.

Batu MP Ng Lip Yong said there was little he could do because the developer held the legal title.

“I am unhappy with all that has happened and the Land Commission and City Hall should have checked to see how the land was being used before giving their approval. The onus is on City Hall to clarify the situation,” he said.

[nazrey]

Road upgrades expected to finish early next year

Tuesday, April 19, 2005




UPGRADING works at the Jalan Tun Razak stretch -- one of the main roads in Kuala Lumpur -- near the Titiwangsa Starline and Monorail stations are expected to be completed by early next year.

A senior City Hall official said the project had been proceeding smoothly although the local authority faced an uphill task dealing with the heavy traffic.

“Based on the pace of construction, it is going to be completed soon. The problem is that it is a busy road and we cannot close the road entirely.

“We have not reduced the number of lanes,” he said, adding that the traffic flow was maintained at five lanes at all times.

At present, Lebuhraya Mahameru-bound motorists use three lanes while those who are heading for Jalan Ampang and Jalan Pahang occupy two lanes.

The RM15mil project includes the construction of a new eight-lane 37m-long bridge over the Gombak River, widening of the stretch between the Jalan Ipoh flyover and the Jalan Pahang roundabout and raising the height of the road to 1m.

The project, initially scheduled to be completed in February, had been delayed due to constraints and tight space the contractors.

“We had to do it in three phases in order not to reduce the number of lanes.

“The road is so busy that when we closed the stretch for a few hours about several months ago, motorists made many complaints,” the official said.

It is also learnt that there will be more road upgrading and diversion works in the area when the proposed Tamansari urban renewal project begins on the site where the Pekeliling flats are located.

[nazrey]

MP: Road-widening project will not affect school
Saturday, April 23, 2005
By THOMAS HUONG




THE road-widening project at Jalan Segambut will not affect the land at SJK (C) Khai Chee.

“The school will not be affected by the upgrading of Jalan Segambut,” said Segambut MP Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong after a dialogue between the school parent-teacher association, teachers and Kuala Lumpur City Hall on Wednesday.

The dialogue was held to allay fears that the project would include the possibility of tearing down the present wall facing Jalan Segambut and the loss of half the basketball court.

During the dialogue, Dr Tan said the two-lane stretch of Jalan Segambut facing the school would be widened into a four-lane road.

Meanwhile, the present two-lane underpass at Jalan Segambut, located below Jalan Kuching, will be widened into a six-lane stretch.

Yong Kein Sin, who is a project manager from Azivest Sdn Bhd, the company contracted for the road widening project, said the clearance height for the underpass would be increased from 4.8m to 5.4m.

The road-widening project, covering a 200-metre stretch of Jalan Segambut, is estimated to cost RM13.1mil.

Work is expected to begin by the end of May and take 15 months to complete.

Dr Tan said the road-widening project, once completed, would reduce traffic congestion in Jalan Segambut.

“By then, the road works at Jalan Duta should have been completed. Also, once the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) is completed in the future, road users in Segambut will have more choices of routes,” said Dr Tan.

Yong said the present walkway in front of the school would also be widened from six feet to 12 feet.

Ong Chean Hoe, a member of the school’s board of directors, said he was happy with the project while PTA chairman Tan Hot Chieow said he would write to City Hall to request for a pedestrian bridge in front of the school as well as a covered walkway for the schoolchildren.

“The widened road will have a heavier traffic volume. This will increase the danger to schoolchildren and pedestrians crossing the road,” he said.

[nazrey]

IBF To Set Up World Training Centre In KL
April 23, 2005 17:39 PM




KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur has been identified as one of the five global centres for the International Badminton Federation (IBF) World Training Centre project.

IBF vice-president Datuk Punch Gunalan said the centre in Kuala Lumpur should be up and running by end of the year.

"We are working on the details," Punch told Bernama via a telephone interview from London Saturday.

Setting up an international centre in Kuala Lumpur would boost the sport in the country.

Under the project, the second IBF centre would be set up in Sofia, Bulgaria, in mid-June and Punch represented the IBF during the signing ceremony in Sofia on Tuesday.

The first of the World Training Centre was officially opened on March 7 in Saarbruecken, Germany, and it currently has 19 young players from five continents training under world class coaches.

"The centre is aimed at providing a platform for young shuttlers to gain qualification to the 2008 Beijing Olympics," he said.

The other centres proposed by IBF would be set up in Guangzhou, China, and Houston, Texas, in the United States.

Players selected for two-month training periods at the centres receive customised training and conditioning programmes as well as specialist sports science and medical support.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Redevelopment Of Low-cost Flats In KL This Year - Isa
April 24, 2005 20:55 PM



KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- Redevelopment of low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur from one room to three rooms will start this year, with the allocation provided by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Mohamed Isa Abdul Samad said two models have been identified for the purpose.

The City Hall was preparing the budget estimates for redevelopment of the flats, he said.

Funds to redevelop the flats would be sought under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, he told reporters after closing a family day and leader-with-the-people gathering for the Seputeh parliamentary constituency here Sunday.

Earlier, in his speech, Mohamed Isa said it was important to stress parenting skills on parents to ensure their children grew up in a congenial surrounding.

This would prevent them from being lured into undesirable activities, he added.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

A lake like no other in KL
Monday, April 25, 2005
By CHOW HOW BAN


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/m_01hooked.jpg


To look for Shamsudin Ahmad at night, go to the lake near a mosque in Taman Seri Rampai, Kuala Lumpur. Chances are he will be there fishing.

The 32-year-old rarely misses the night outing, like many other anglers who come from near and far.

“I am at the lake every night. I developed the interest when I was young and have been fishing in the Taman Seri Rampai lake for the last 15 years,'' he said.

“If you ask me to go to elsewhere to fish, I won't.''

Shamsudin said fishing was a good hobby and it beat loitering in the streets with bad company.

He said though the lake was home to fishes like toman, keli, patin, tilapia and haruan as well as prawns, anglers enjoyed the time at the lake more for its soothing feeling and night view of the neighbourhood.



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/m_02pathway.jpg

Upgrading works have begun
at the Taman Seri Rampai lake, like
a footpath for convenience of the people.



“Sometimes we manage to catch only one fish and on other times not even one. This is my passion after my day job as despatch rider,'' said Shamsudin.

Another angler Maarof Abdul Rahman, 43, who lives at the 6th mile of Jalan Gombak, said he developed the interest about a year ago after a fishing trip with friends.

Maarof, like Shamsudin, did not mind not catching any fish at all. It was the act of fishing in itself that he enjoyed more.

“If the fish is small, I will release it back into the waters as you can't do much with a fish of that size,” he said, adding that there were not many places left in the Klang Valley where anglers could fish for free.

The lake, formerly a mining pool filled with rocks and sand, was a favourite place of children from the older Setapak Jaya and Kampung Air Panas neighbourhoods some 30 years ago.

The area was then filled with rainwater and over time formed into the lake. Since then, it has turned into a favourite place for anglers, day or night.

To beautify the area, City Hall is upgrading the lake by building jogging tracks and other recreational facilities. The first phase of the RM500,000 project, which started last month, is expected to be completed in July.

At present, contractors are building retention walls and lookout platforms around the lake. Upon completion, the lake garden will not be fenced, except for safety railings at certain stretches of the lake.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/m_02wall.jpg

A new retention wall has
come up on one side of the lake.


Anglers have lauded the City Hall move to make the lake more attractive and user-friendly, but the project has raised fears that the lake would be closed to fishing activities as was the case at other public recreational parks like Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Lake Gardens and Taman Tasik Permaisuri.

“If they are to restrict people from fishing, social ills and crime rate will go up,'' said Shamsudin.

“People will be angry with the authorities for removing their past time activity.''

Maarof concurred with Shamsudin. He hoped that City Hall would allow anglers to continue to fish in the area.

Another angler Ali Sudin said the lake was a good meeting place for friends after a hard day's work.

“There is no place like the Taman Seri Rampai lake in the other parts of Kuala Lumpur,'' he said. “One can enjoy the beautiful scenery and enjoy facilities like shops and places of entertainment.''

Mat Isa Ali, who grew up in Setapak Jaya, said he hoped City Hall would not impose any limits or fees to fish at the lake.

“Doing so would hurt a lot of people.''


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/m_02cleanup.jpg

Workers carrying out
upgrading works at the lake.

[D_Y2k.2^]

Residents want project at park called off

Tuesday, April 19, 2005
By CHOW HOW BAN and GEOFFREY LIP



A peaceful protest was held at the Batu Metropolitan Park, off the 5th mile of Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, last Sunday.

Organised by park users and residents of Taman Mastiara and Taman Tasik Indah, it was an effort to call on City Hall to stop work on a new car park and road until the confusion over a proposed development project at the park was resolved.

The proposed project involves the construction of 48 semi-detached houses next to the car park.

The residents feel that City Hall should not have approved the project on the 2.74ha plot, which is near the recreational park.



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/m_pg04nadzry.jpg

Nadzry and other residents taking part in last Sunday’s
peaceful protest against a proposed development at the
their neighbourhood park



At present, contractors are building a new road and car park, cutting off access to the old car park where the development is likely to take place.

Taman Mastiara Residents and Houseowners’ Association president Nadzry Abd Rahman said the local authority should have studied carefully any development within a recreational park.

“We urge all the parties, especially Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, to cancel the project immediately,” he said.

He said the project must be stopped to protect the recreational park from being spoiled.

“If they can take it now, they can take more of it later.

“The project also deviates from the Prime Minister’s call to maintain our green areas,” he said, adding that while they hoped the Government would hear their appeal, the residents were also discussing filing an injunction to stop the project.

An action committee was formed recently and about 500 signatures were collected.

DAP National Consumer Affairs Bureau secretary Khong Chee Seng, who is helping the park users resolve the matter, said he and a group of residents found out during a recent visit to City Hall that the project was approved last year.

“We also visited the Federal Territory Land Office and were told that the land had been given to City Hall by the Federal Government for a recreational park. However, the plot for the proposed project was later given to the developer,” he said, adding that the action committee would find out more about how the project was approved.

“The residents’ immediate request is that City Hall reopen the old car park, restore all the facilities and re-turf the recreational park for the safety of the children who play there,” he said.

He added that if it was City Hall’s responsibility to provide residents in the northern region of the city with a place for recreation, it should not have approved any development in the area.

One of the residents at the protest, Leela Devi, 51, said development at the park had ruined her early morning walk.



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/m_pg04batu.jpg

A strip of land that has been cleared to build
a new road for the proposed semi-detached
housing project at the Batu Metropolitan Park.
Residents and park users say the road is too
close to the playground and will endanger children playing
in the area.



“I used to come out in the morning for walks and it was safe, but now I do not dare come out alone, what with the workers here,” she said.

She said the residents had thought that the construction was to upgrade the park, but were surprised to discover a signboard telling them of the housing development.

“I do not understand how the government agencies could approve this,” she added.

Her husband, R. Thirupathy, 53, said the development would be a gated community and a wall would be built separating the area from the recreational park.

“They will be putting up an eight-foot wall and the people who used to enjoy the openness of the park will feel like they are in a jail,” he said.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat deputy president Tian Chua called for balanced development and that there be places for residents to exercise and enjoy healthy activities.

“Our children and families need a ‘green place’, a safe environment that should not be sacrificed for money.

“If our future generations are not given a platform for healthy development there will be no meaning to that money,” he said.

Batu MP Ng Lip Yong said there was little he could do because the developer held the legal title.

“I am unhappy with all that has happened and the Land Commission and City Hall should have checked to see how the land was being used before giving their approval. The onus is on City Hall to clarify the situation,” he said.

I thought this guy's name is Nazrey!:P

[nazrey]

Memamg banyak orang nama (Naz'rey).......

[nazrey]

Ministry To Stage KL Music Fest
April 27, 2005 22:26 PM



KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- The Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry will hold the KL Music Fest 2005 from May 3 to 7 aimed at developing Kuala Lumpur as a world class arts centre.

Its Secretary-General Datuk Siti Azizah Abod said the festival, with the theme Music Crosses Boundaries and open free to the public, would feature creative and contemporary music.

"The festival will take into account the varieties and richness of the Malaysian communities who have different types of culture, arts and heritage through music," she told reporters Wednesday.

Siti Azizah said the festival would have three components -- the Opening Gala Concert at Istana Budaya on the first day, daily concerts at 8.30pm from the second day and the Closing Gala Concert.

The Opening Gala Concert will be opened by Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim while Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ruslin Hashim will perform the closing.

Siti Azizah said the opening concert would feature several professional musical groups such as Aseana Percussion Unit, Steve Thornton Quartet, Kopratasa, Alonso & Jazz Latino, Hands Percussion Team, Prana and Tuku' Kame'.

Several local musical groups such as Kumpulan Ghazal Taman Seni Budaya Johor will stage mobile shows at Sungei Wang Plaza, Berjaya Times Square, Central Market and BB Park during the festival.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Early Warning System Planned For High-Rise Buildings
April 27, 2005 17:24 PM



KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- The Civil Defence Department (JPA3) is studying a proposal to set up an early warning system for disasters in high-rise buildings in the Klang Valley next year.

JPA3 Deputy Director-General Selamat Dahalan said the system aimed to alert the people to prepare for any eventuality such as an earthquake or the tsunami.

"Initially, JPA3 plans to install the system on high-rise buildings within the Klang Valley at the end of next year before extending it to the whole country," he said at a press conference in conjunction with the department's 53rd anniversary celebration on Saturday.

"At the moment the proposal is at the planning stage under the 9th Malaysia Plan. We have submitted the proposal to the government for approval," he said.

Selamat said the installation of the system for the Klang Valley alone was expected to cost about RM7 million.

He said JPA3 was still keeping and using the sirens installed in 1960 to alert the people against air attacks.

Each siren could be heard within a radius of seven kilometres to warn residents of an emergency situation.

"As soon as the proposal and budget for the system is approved, JPA3 will form a special committee to cooperate with companies or building owners to allow us to install the system at their premises," he said.

The JPA3 will celebrate its 53rd anniversary at the Civil Defence Training Academy (ALPHA), Bangi on Saturday, which will be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The JPA3 incorporates three major elements in civil defence namely rescue, first aid and fire fighting.

Civil defence activities started unofficially in 1938 before the Second World War but the JPA3 started officially on March 24, 1952 with the formation of the Local Defence Corps (LDC), which administered the Home Guard, voluntary police, Urban Control Unit and the St. John Ambulance.

The JPA3 had 41,118 members as of last year.

Now, all state capitals in the country have the emergency line 991 including several districts to enable the public to seek emergency assistance just by dialling 991.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Help from riverside communities
Thursday, April 28, 2005
By K.W. MAK



City Hall spent a total of RM88.4 million last year to clean up rivers in Kuala Lumpur.

However, Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad said the amount was inadequate as people continued to pollute the three rivers that traversed the city - namely Sungai Gombak, Sungai Kelang and Sungai Batu.

All three rivers are categorised as polluted.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/p4isa.jpg

Isa (left) commenting on pictures
of water catchment areas in Kuala Lumpur
at an exhibition held in conjunction with
the launch of the Love Your River campaign
at Kampung Puah.


“Apart from river clean-ups, the money was also used for drainage projects that included widening and reinforcing riverbanks with concrete in areas that are prone to flooding,” said Isa.

He added that there was a need to raise the people’s awareness on the importance of keeping the river clean.

“After all, among the benefits of keeping our rivers clean is reducing the risk of flooding,” he said when launching the Love Your River campaign at Kampung Puah, a village located beside the Gombak river.

The campaign, he said, was aimed at educating the public, especially those living near rivers, to help keep the environment clean.

“This is not a new programme as the Drainage and Irrigation Department started it 12 years ago, targeting riverside communities.

“Rivers were clean once because people used it for cooking, bathing and washing, but as we progress we forget how important the river used to be to us.”

Under the campaign, residents were urged to ensure the cleanliness of the river by holding gotong-royong. Residents were also urged to plant trees and other shrubbery to enhance the beauty of the area.

Isa said the private sector would also be roped in to help with the project, adding that initial discussions had been held with a detailed proposal of ideas to be discussed at a later date.

He thanked YTL Corporation Bhd, UH Engineering (KL) Sdn Bhd and Redmax Sdn Bhd who were key partners in the project.

[nazrey]

Some urban poor not keen on business
Friday, April 29, 2005



The Government's move to issue more licences for the urban poor to start their own businesses has hit a snag as some folks who fall into the urban poor category said they would not pursue the opportunity.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/p8sugantha.jpg

Sugantha … 'I don’t have enough
money to start a business'


Jobless V. Sugantha said she was not going to set up her own business even if the government issued more licences to the urban poor.

“Starting a business needs capital, even if it is just a food stall,'' said the 58-year-old who lost her job as a cleaner in a Chinese primary school in Petaling Jaya recently when her contract ended.

“I don’t have enough money to start a business but I hope to get a job soon so that I can share responsibility for the family expenses with my husband,” she said.

She added that her 64-year-old husband, E. Mathuran had been a guard for over 10 years with a monthly salary of RM650.

She is now looking for a house to rent as her wooden house in Kampung Damansara Dalam is going to be demolished soon for a housing project.

Zakariah Mydin, who has been a cobbler for more than 20 years, said he would not apply for a licence for his business.

“I tried to apply for a licence from Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur once in the 1980s, but I couldn't get it. I never tried after that and I don't intend to do so now,'' said Zakariah, 54.

He is now renting a house in Puchong for RM400 monthly and commutes by bus to Bangsar every day.

“Although my earning is not stable, it is enough to cover my expenses,” said Zakariah, who has two children studying in secondary school. He added that on some days he makes no money at all.

However, Siti Norfaezah, a SPM school-leaver, said the move was good.

“It is good to encourage the poor to start their own business rather than work for others.

“At least we can make more money through our hard work,” said the 18-year-old, who lives in the Section 19 squatter area.

She said her father who is a factory worker and her mother, a housewife, worked hard to make ends meet.

“We lead a simple life and with help like this we can improve ourselves,'' she said, adding that her father had plans to open a food stall in the future.

[nazrey]

Developer seeks RM7.4m compensation
Friday, April 29, 2005



The developer of a housing project near Taman Petaling in Kepong Baru is suing a nearby temple over a relocation issue which has dragged on for the past three years.

Megah Kepong Sdn Bhd and Windsor Triumph Sdn Bhd, which named several committee members of the Su Lim Kong temple off Jalan 9/39, Taman Megah Kepong, as defendants, are claiming RM7.4mil from them.

In a writ, the plaintiffs accused the committee members of occupying the land that had been sold to Megah Kepong Sdn Bhd.

The plaintiffs said they had refused to move the temple and that had resulted in the developer delaying the project and incurring losses.

At a press conference held at the temple last Sunday, temple association chairman Tan Hoe Chieow said the compensation claimed by the plaintiffs was ridiculous.

“We had meetings with the developer but there were no solutions on the issue. The temple has been here for about 20 years and we hope that the developer will not relocate us but contribute to the society by providing the neighbourhood with a place of worship,” he said.

[nazrey]

Klang-Port Klang Federal Highway to become six-lane route in 2007
Friday, April 29, 2005
By Elan Perumal



The Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Klang-Port Klang Federal Highway, will be upgraded to six lanes under a RM120mil Federal Government project.

Upgrading work on the four-lane road which started in February is expected to be completed in August 2007.

The project will include the construction of a flyover at the Taman Chi Liung traffic light junction and several pedestrian bridges.

Public Works Department senior chief assistant director Mohd Zahari Mansor said the project covered the whole 6.5km of the highway from the Simpang Tujuh roundabout in Klang to the South Port jetty in Port Klang.

“The project will be undertaken by Dua Medan Sdn Bhd without collecting any advance payment from the Government.

“We will pay half of the construction bill and the full amount of the financing cost upon the completion of the project while the balance will be paid a year later,” Mohd Zahari told the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) full board meeting during a briefing in Klang on Wednesday.

He said the cost of the project also included compensation for land acquired from individuals and companies.

MPK president Abd Bakir Zin said he expected the project to ease congestion along the highway especially during peak hours.

Currently, he said, the traffic flow along the highway was not smooth due to the high volume of traffic on the road.

“It will also provide a smooth ride for those heading to South Port and North Port via the KL-Klang Federal Highway,” he said.

[nazrey]

Plush setting for fine meals
Friday, April 29, 2005
AMBIENCE by CATHERINE LAI



Having married a good cook, it was natural for me to try my hand in the kitchen. And while I can whip up a decent family meal, I am nowhere near being a domestic goddess. I can entertain guests at home but this usually ends up with a chaotic kitchen and me feeling tired out.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/p40Palacio.jpg

Jauze relaxing in one of the
comfortable armchairs found in Palacio.


This is where the wealth of good restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, many of which blend style and taste, comes in handy. One of the newer restaurants in the scene, Palacio in Asian Heritage Row, Jalan Doraisamy, Kuala Lumpur, is an outlet that fits the bill with a combination of great ambience and an attractive Southern Spanish and French cuisine.

Chef Olivier Jauze set up the outlet after cooking up a storm in various Malaysian kitchens. Malaysia captured his heart in more ways than one (Jauze's future wife is Malaysian) and he jumped at the chance to set up shop here.

Palacio, as the name implies,is Jauze's palace, bedecked in a jewelled colour palette of purple amethyst, ruby red and garnet accented by bronze and muted gold. Surprisingly, the interior design neither contains a statement nor is it dictated by any trends. It is, quite simply, an expression of Jauze's own design interpretations.

The interior is decorated to reveal a retro bohemian-inspired feel that lends a touch of romance and exudes an intimate, understated yet luscious ambience.


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Diners can opt for the
alfresco dining or proceed into the
comfortable ambience of Palacio.


Butterfly motifs line the walls and Jauze says these do not represent anything, they just happen to be his future wife's favourite design. Even the chosen colour scheme is her favourite. That it what I liked about the interior. There is no pretence or hype in his design elements, only personal taste.

“It's the passion and romance of Southern Spain and the French Riviera. The interior style is an interpretation of my passion and preferences. Most importantly, guests must be able to relax and be at ease before indulging in good, wholesome cuisine,” said Jauze.

He added that he, being a French expatriate, felt the need for a restaurant, as most French cuisine in the Klang Valley was a bit too upscale and intimidating.

The two floors of the restaurant can seat about 80 people at any one time, and there are no fixed walls or screens, allowing for the outlet to cater to private and corporate events with ease.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/p40Palacio2.jpg

The dark colours and lighting
fixtures all combine to create a plush,
relaxed ambience for Palacio.


There are two bar counters on the ground floor, one for drinks and beverages and the other for fine dining beverages. Adjacent to the bar is a wall lined with high-backed, velvet-upholstered banquet seats leading to a stand-up counter with a decorative mirror that complements the image of the outlet.

Just next to this area is a small nook with deep sofas and coffee tables, which serve as a lounge that can be turned into a private dining room with a quick furniture change.

At Palacio, diners can choose to either eat indoors or savour the selections al fresco in the garden outside the restaurant. Upstairs, the main dining hall overlooks the void space between the first and ground floors. Subdued lighting from decorative pendant lights cast a glow on a wall painted with butterflies.

Already, the outlet has attracted a steady stream of guests and a near-perfect blend of food and ambience will only continue to add to its charms.

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'Township is ideal but could be better'
Friday, April 29, 2005
By ESTHER CHANDRAN



Bandar Sri Damansara may look like the ideal township to live in but its residents association feels a lot more can be done to make it the best township in Petaling Jaya.

Bandar Sri Damansara Residents Association (BSDRA) president Vincent Chin Choong Nam hopes the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ) will designate land for a football field in the area.

“There is a dire need for a decent football field in our township.


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Esther Chandran (receiving the award
from Chin on behalf of The Star.


“The current field is courtesy of the developer which will soon be taken away for development,” he said at the 10th AGM of the BSDRA recently.

The BSDRA has 1, 500 members.

Chin also said a cycling track is required as it was difficult to ride bicycles on the busy streets.

A police station, he said, should be built at the gazetted land so that the police would be more accessible when there is an emergency.

He said there must also be a fire station in the area.

“The Sungai Buloh fire station is too far away from Bandar Sri Damansara.

“We hope the Housing and Local Government Ministry will consider building a fire station to meet the growing number of houses in the area,” said Chin, adding that there is already a piece of land gazetted for the purpose.

He said it took the fire engine 45 minutes to get to a recent fire in the area from Sungai Buloh at 3.45am.

Chin also urged MPPJ to open the community centre to residents as soon as possible.

The community centre, he said, was completed six months ago.

“We also want MPPJ to install street lights for the eight playgrounds especially at the central-spine jogging track to prevent unwanted incidences,” he said.

Chin also encouraged residents to sign up as BSDRA members to contribute to the society.

The BSDRA showed its appreciation to service and utility providers like Alam Flora and TNB for looking into the immediate problems and for services rendered and to the members of the media for highlighting issues concerning the area.

The BSDRA gave out appreciation awards to The Star, The Sun, China Press, Harian Metro, Kosmo! and Malaysia Nanban.

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PTA raises funds for ICT centre
Friday, April 29, 2005



The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of SMK USJ12, Subang Jaya, accomplished more than just raising funds for the school when it organised an “Aerobicthon,” on Sunday.


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Yap hitting the gong to close the event.


The association also got the school as well as the neighbourhood communities together for a good workout.

Parents started arriving at the school as early as 8am to get ready for the aerobics session.

Instructors from the military conducted the one-hour session at the school field.

Later, students and an aerobics team comprising police officers gave demonstrations.

Visitors enjoyed food and drinks sold at the stalls set up for the event while being entertained by the performances from the students.

The lucky ones went home with prizes from the lucky draw.

The event was held to raise funds for the school to upgrade its ICT centre, build a multi-purpose stage and create reading corners for students.

The school has about 1,500 students and 73 teachers.

Subang Jaya Municipal Councillor Yap Yun Fatt who represented Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng closed the event. Yap also announced Lee's RM5,000 pledge to the school.

Also present at the event were SMK USJ12 principal Maizan Mohd Nor and PTA president Shahrul Faiz Mohd Aziz.

[nazrey]

Avoid injury with new straps
Friday, April 29, 2005.



Handbags are more likely carried close to the bosom than hung on the shoulder these days, due to the fear of snatch thefts.

To help protect women during a snatch theft, Miroza Leather has designed a bag with straps that detach easily when the bag is pulled hard.


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The safety handbag strap s
naps when pulled hard.


The company, which has been making leather handbags for 20 years, has patented the design.

“This is more of a safety option for women as there are many cases where the victims end up in a coma or die after falling down during a snatch attempt,” said Miroza advertising, promotions and visual merchandising manager Deric Low.

The design takes into account that most snatch thieves grab hold of the bag strap because the base of the handbag is too wide and unwieldy.

“We cannot promise that your handbag will not be stolen, but with this handbag, you will not be dragged along and risk falling over,” said merchandising and product development manager Andy Phang.

“It took nine months to design the straps that could hold a heavy bag yet easily break away if the bag was snatched,” he said.

Phang added that the company also aimed to come up with a product that was affordable for consumers.

The handbags, priced at RM89.90 each, are available in various colours and designs at leading department stores and Miroza boutiques.

For more details, call 03-6277 0115 or visit www.miroza.com.

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Promoting an interest in koi
Friday, April 29, 2005



The sixth edition of the ZNA Malaysia Koi Fish Show and Exhibition will be held from May 7 to 8 at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur.

Organised by the Malaysia Koi Fish Club of Kuala Lumpur as part of a fund-raising project for the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society, the competition will feature more than 700 entries.

“The event is aimed at promoting interest in rearing koi fish and creating an opportunity for those who rear the fish to interact with one another,” said club president Hong Chee Leong, adding that the koi would be judged on various criteria, including the quality of skin, colour and elegance.

There will also be a charity auction of koi fish and memorabilia.

In addition, a charity koi selection and rearing skills competition will be held. Participants will be able to choose a koi fish from a pond to take home to rear. After six months, their entries will be judged and the owner of the best fish will be the winner of the competition.

Apart from the funds raised from the auction, all proceeds from the sale of tickets and rental of tanks will be donated to the society.

Entrance fee for the event is RM5 per adult and RM2 per child. The hall will be open from noon to 9pm on May 7 and from 10am to 6pm on May 8.

Ti-Ratana Welfare Society adviser Revd Dhammaratana is appealing to koi enthusiasts and supporters to turn out in full force to see these beautiful fish and do their bit for charity.

The society runs five homes that accommodate 117 children, 50 senior citizens and abused women in Taman Desa Petaling. In addition, it operates a mobile medical clinic, provides free counselling and legal aid services and sponsors food aid programmes for victims of natural disasters. The society is completely dependent on public donations for its operations.

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KL suburban.

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Stesen sentral Kuala Lumpur

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Site needed for transfer station
Saturday, April 30, 2005




ESTHER CHANDRAN at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council board meeting

MPAJ will propose to the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ) that a site in Hulu Langat be used as a transfer station for rubbish disposal.

Councillors said garbage lorries could then avoid travelling all the way to Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor.


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Ahmad Shafii has asked
Dr Ramlah to carry out a study
on garbage disposal methods.


Councillor Alias Abd Hamid proposed that garbage from Ampang Jaya be transferred to a site in Hulu Langat if MPKJ was agreeable to the idea.

Urban Services and Health Department director Dr Ramlah Mahmud said MPAJ could use the transfer station at Taman Beringin in Kepong, while Legal Department director Johari Atli reminded the board that legal action had been brought against MPAJ when the site in Hulu Langat was proposed for rubbish disposal.

Councillor Datuk Mad Aris Mad Yusof then proposed that some councillors be sent overseas to study rubbish disposal systems elsewhere.

MPAJ president Ahmad Shafii Saidin also asked Dr Ramlah to carry out a study on the various rubbish disposal methods available worldwide.On a related matter, Ahmad Shafii Saidin also said MPAJ was disputing as exorbitant the amount claimed by Alam Flora for services provided.

He said Alam Flora claimed MPAJ owed RM5mil. He also said the RM124,000 monthly charge from the waste disposal company was too much.

Ahmad Shafii said Alam Flora had not considered that MPAJ had handed over manpower and equipment when the company took over garbage collection and cleaning services several years ago.

He said after a discussion with the company, the amount had been reduced to RM4.2mil, but the board of councillors still said it was too high.

MPAJ took back garbage and cleaning services in 2001.

From then on, Alam Flora has provided services at schools and during gotong-royong events in Ampang Jaya.

“We acknowledge that Alam Flora has provided services. However, we need to identify how they came up with such an amount before we pay them,” Ahmad Shafii said.

Ahmad Shafii said both parties had not entered into an agreement for the company to provide services in the municipality.

“Alam Flora had a contract with MPAJ in 2000 but the agreement was not renewed,” he said.

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Workshops to stay until new site found
Saturday, April 30, 2005



WORKSHOP traders on former DID reserve land near Jalan Nirwana 46 can continue to operate there until a suitable site has been identified for them.

Ahmad Shafii said he had several in mind to relocate the workshops.

A project to build proper workshops at the land had been fiercely objected by the residents in Taman Nirwana Phase II.

Ahmad Shafii said MPAJ proposed to landscape the area and build a jogging track once the illegal workshops were demolished.

In March 2003, the MPAJ had announced plans to develop 30 factory lots at the land.

The project was proposed to accommodate the steel and car repair workshops that had previously operated at an open field in Jalan Nirwana 35.

After being served notices in June 2002 to make way for the building of Kompleks Muhibah, the operators had traded along Jalan Nirwana 46 until they were moved to the former DID reserve land.

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Residents committees at all flats
Saturday, April 30, 2005



THE Council (MDS) will set up residents' consultative committees (JPP) at all low-cost housing schemes involving flats to speed up the issuance of strata titles.

Council president Mohd Arif Abdul Rahman said the committees would comprise residents' representatives, councillors in charge of the area, council officers, the developers and management companies.

“We are getting the committees moving now and we should have all the facts on the problems faced by the flat dwellers and the management companies by mid-June,” he said.

He added that once the data had been compiled, the council would start arranging meetings with the parties concerned and the Selangor Housing and Real Property Board to look into ways to overcome the problems.

Mohd Arif said the council was seeking the assistance of the board as it was experienced in dealing with issuance of strata titles and the issue of flat dwellers taking over the management of the buildings.

At a briefing for council staff and councillors earlier, board executive director Alinah Ahmad said management companies hired by developers were in charge of maintaining the buildings only until the strata titles were issued.

After that, flat owners would have to set up a management corporation and take over all maintenance of the flats.

Mohd Arif said owners in many of the low-cost flats in the district brought their complaints to the council after failing to settle problems with the management company.

“One such area is Taman Permata, where over the years the residents have raised numerous complaints on the condition of the units, including cracks and leaky roofs,” he said.

Mohd Arif said there had also been many claims of cracks appearing in some of the flats after the March 29 earthquake off Sumatra but checks revealed that many of the cracks had been there before the incident.

On the issue of the leaky roof in M. Saraswathy’s top floor unit in Block 5 at the Taman Permata flats, he said, since the developer was a state subsidiary, the council would spend its own money to carry out the repairs.

“Repairs on the roof in any high-rise residential area are supposed to be carried out with money from the sinking fund that the owners of all the units in the building would have contributed to,” he said, adding that in the case of the Taman Permata flats, the fund had not been created.

Councillor M. Muniandy had called on the council to help settle the problem because the family could not use the hall and electrical items had to be switched off whenever it rained.

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Checks on land-clearing on hills
Saturday, April 30, 2005




THE council (MDS) is monitoring land clearing work being carried out in a hilly area in Sungai Merab for fear that it could lead to mudflows in the surrounding areas.

Council president Mohd Arif Abdul Rahman said the council was also keeping tabs to ensure that the developer built and maintained the retention pond and drainage for the development site.

Meanwhile, MDS councillors have been told to propose a gotong-royong every month for residential areas under their assigned zones to reduce the likelihood of dengue outbreaks.

Mohd Arif said the move was also aimed at helping forge closer ties between the council and the people.

The council has also been asked to provide councillors with regular updates on the number of dengue cases and the areas where the outbreaks occurred, according to councillor M. Muniandy.

On another matter, the council will start looking for a suitable site to build a community hall in Taman Dengkil Jaya as a large part of the existing one is being used as the MDS Councillors’ Zone Office.

Councillor Sabari Misran said the office served Taman Dengkil Jaya and the surrounding areas and was much needed because the people found it easier to report problems there than to travel all the way to the council office in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi.

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New labels unveiled on the catwalk
Saturday, April 30, 2005
By YIP YOKE TENG




CARACTERE and Motivi, the two latest Italian fashion labels to be brought in by Berjaya Retail Sdn Bhd, recently launched three boutiques at the 1-Utama shopping centre and Berjaya Times Square.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/p30Motivi.jpg

Motivi also indulges
in ethnic themes as seen in
this combination of outfits.


On Thursday, the two labels were launched through a fashion parade at 1-Utama featuring the Spring Summer 2005 collections.

The labels are produced and marketed by the Miroglio Group and contain distinct styles that make them stand apart from each other.

Caractere international director Giancarlo Fubini said the label was designed for the contemporary cosmopolitan woman.

White serves as the base for Caractere this season, providing a clean backdrop for a riot of colours. White helps intensify the other colours and reminds viewers of sparkling sunlight, something more than welcomed in many a cold office.

Tops are loose fitting while the skirts are flared and bouncy, with light, airy fabrics allowing the breeze to caress the skin.

Interesting details like beads, sequins, pleats and creases are added to provide some diversion and several evening dresses are also included for a special night out.

Motivi, on the other hand, features collections that are changed weekly, providing new and fresh-off-the-runway style for fashion fans, says international director Luigi Ferraro.

“The collections are designed for a woman who pays attention to the latest trends,” he added, saying that there were already 370 Motivi stores worldwide and the company targets 500 stores by 2007.

The label offers a kaleidoscope of creations, echoing its objective of making fashion fun through “moving, mixing, motivating and living.”

Back to top

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Four meet weight loss goals at centre
Saturday, April 30, 2005




BEAUTY may come in different shapes and sizes, but many still strive to keep their bodies in perfect shape. For ladies, the task can be particularly difficult as they try to meet personal weight loss and toning goals.

Beauty studios are often seen as one way of helping to solve these problems and one of the latest to be introduced is the Glow and Glamour Studio.

Its managing director, Norman Chong, said treatment at the centre was customised according to customers' personal needs.

“It is also tailored to activate the customer's body to accept the treatment,” he added.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/4/p23Norman.jpg

Choong (right) with (from left)
Chiah, Lau, Chan and Saw at the slimming
centre in Bukit Bintang Plaza.


Four ladies who went through the process can attest to the treatment as they managed to achieve their desired results after a month spent visiting the studio.

The four are 2000 Miss Chinese International second runner-up Ann Lau, local television drama artiste Brenda Chiah, local artiste Kirby Chan and artiste-cum-singer Yvonne Saw.

Each spent about RM5,000 for their treatment to reduce weight, trim inches, burn fat and reduce cellulite. Most visited the centre three times a week to undergo detoxification, anti-cellulite and reshaping therapies.

Saw got the most significant result with a total weight lost of about 4.99kg.

“I have also managed to reduce my waistline from 32.1cm to 24cm.

“My friends always thought I was in good shape because of my profession and never believed I was chubby.

“Previously, I hid the bulges under my clothes. I am glad that I am now able to wear spaghetti straps now. I can visualise myself looking good in more revealing dresses,” the 34-year-old Saw said.

For Lau, Chiah and Chan, the weight was not the problem and they opted for trimming treatment.

Lau said running a construction business had made her out of shape and given her cellulite on the legs.

On the other hand, Chiah battled with water retention that caused flabbiness on her arms and legs.

“Although I love bread and noodles, I have reduced my carbohydrate intake,” said Chiah, 24, who was trying slimming treatment for the first time.

For Chan, her pear-shaped figure is seen in a heavier lower body and a lighter upper body frame. Chan managed to reduce her hidden fat and cellulite on her lower body.

“The cellulite on my back, front and inner thighs are not that revealing anymore.

“Now, I am not afraid to wear shorter and tighter cut skirts and pants,” said the 31-year-old Chan.

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Diamond auction and seminars
Saturday, April 30, 2005
By ESTHER CHANDRAN
Photos by CHUA KOK HWA




HABIB is making a big deal about diamonds this month; after all, diamond is the birthstone for April.

To celebrate Habib's Diamond Fest 2005, a four day Diamond Extravaganza from April 29 to May 2 sizzles with Habib's ever popular on the spot auction from 10am to 10pm.

Managing director Meer Habib said RM1mil worth of jewellery items would be auctioned off during the period.

“April is a special month as diamond is the birthstone for the month and we want our customers to have fun while they shop,” said Meer.


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Gary with models showing
some of the pieces on auction until May 2.


He said they were doing more than selling diamonds as Habib had organised seminars, talks and shown customers diamond cutting techniques to raise customer awareness on diamond.

He added that some of the company's new designs are also featured during the festival.

General manager Gary Joseph said GIA certified diamonds and the latest square diamond collection from the “Hearts on Fire” to the “Queen's Heart,” and diamonds in fancy colours were some of the interesting items at the festival.

Gary said the diamond price has escalated worldwide and there is tremendous potential for diamonds to appreciate in value over time, making it an ideal alternative investment.

“The auction has become a signature practice for Habib, in an effort to introduce what is normally a closed-door affair to Malaysians from all walks of life.

“For those of you who haven't experienced a Habib auction, let me assure you that it is fun and successful bidders get to walk away with great jewellery at unbelievable prices,” he said.

Gary said the most expensive item on auction is a RM185,000 diamond bracelet with a reserve price of RM33,000.

He said items worth more than RM10, 000 would have a reserve price.

Habib treated the media to a preview of the auction at its headquarters in Ampang Point where participants were given a paddle each and encouraged to outbid each other for some enticing pieces of jewellery.

Among the jewellery pieces up for auction were diamond pendants, bracelets and rings.

[nazrey]

A letdown for Masjid India traders
Monday, May 02, 2005
By CHOW HOW BAN



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The bazaar that opened
in Jalan Masjid India in October last year.


THE beautification and upgrading project in Jalan Masjid India costs Kuala Lumpur about RM10mil, but is it money well spent?

Talk to the traders and shopkeepers there and one will understand why they say the project is a white elephant.

A recent check in the area showed that many shortcomings have yet to be resolved even though about 150 traders had started their business at the bazaar six months ago.

The hawkers have been trading without electricity supply since Hari Raya Puasa last year. If that is not bad enough, the area is prone to flash floods as the drains are on a higher ground than the rest of the area.


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Traditional medicine seller Mahmud Hashim said he was forced to close his stall early every day as the area was not lit at night.

”There was temporary supply of electricity during the fasting month but this stopped after Hari Raya.

“Before we moved here, we paid an annual static licence fee of RM149. But now, we have been told that there will be electricity charges as well. It is not that we do not want to pay, but we haven’t received the bills yet,” he said.

“Without electricity, we have to close our stalls earlier or use a generator but this is not permitted by City Hall because the generators are noisy.

“Without proper lighting, shoppers will be afraid of coming here as it is too dark.”

As for the flash floods, Mahmud said the water did not just come from overflowing drains during downpours but also from the uncovered sides of the structure.

“After every downpour we have to sweep away pools of water that collect on the floor.

“What’s the use of having a modern building like this when it cannot provide us with proper shelter.

“We still have to use umbrellas to keep ourselves and our wares dry but this too is not allowed by City Hall,” he said.

Mahmud added that City Hall should place the safety of traders and shoppers as its priority.

Another hawker Mohd Rodi Tilus said a roof tile fell from the top of the building when he and his cousins were trading in the area recently.

“The tile landed on my stall. Luckily, I managed to catch it and nobody was hurt in the incident,” he said.

Shopkeepers have their share of grouses, too.

In March, the Masjid India Action Committee, comprising business proprietors, shopkeepers and traders, handed a memorandum to City Hall to object against the way the local authority carried out the project.

They complained that the entrances to their shops were now blocked by the bazaar’s traders, thus discouraging customers from patronising their shops.

They said they had been suffering losses since the bazaar opened in October last year.

City Hall also came under fire from the management of the century-old Indian Muslim mosque in the area.

The mosque committee complained that the four-storey structure, which covers the bazaar area, blocked the entrance to the mosque, making it difficult for worshippers to enter the area to perform their prayers.

Following the complaints, City Hall dismantled three of the many pillars and parts of the poly-carbonated roof fronting the mosque.


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The absence of electicity
supply at the bazaar has forced
traders who wish to trade at night
to resort to using power generators
even though this is not permitted by City Hall.


The hoardings are still around the site even though the particular project was supposed to be completed on April 19.

Except for the construction of bases for palm trees and the removal of the three pillars blocking the mosque, City Hall has not done much to spruce up the area since the bazaar opened.

The Jalan Masjid India beautification project involves the construction of a four-storey structure with a transparent roof, flooring tiles, drains and an office block, installation of facilities like fans and lighting and improvement of the staircase and five-foot-ways in front of the shops. The project covers 600m of Jalan Melayu and 200m of Jalan Masjid India.

With the upgrade, City Hall hopes that the famous commercial area will turn into a more attractive tourist destination, along with Petaling Street, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Chow Kit.

Mohd Rodi said he welcomed the City Hall project but pointed out that the bazaar did not cater much to foreign tourists anymore.

“In the past, artisans and artists used to trade in the area and they were the reason why foreign tourists liked to come here. But now, they have moved to other places like Central Market and we have more local customers than foreign tourists,” he said.

“Judging by the current situation, City Hall will not meet its objective of attracting more foreign tourists. If City Hall does not rectify the problems, it is going to be very difficult.”

Senior City Hall officials admitted that the project was a failure as there were ill planning and many unresolved problems.

“The project is supposed to improve the livelihood of the business proprietors and hawkers but now it proves that it has made life more difficult for them,” said an official.

When contacted, City Hall director-general Salleh Yusup said the traders could not receive power supply yet because there was no centralised and permanent electricity connection in the area.

Asked why the project was not completely ready yet after half a year, he said: “We are rectifying the weaknesses. Once it is fully completed, come here and look for yourself.”

During a visit to the area recently, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun said the RM10mil project should not be causing problems to the traders but it should be beneficial to them.

“I hope City Hall will speed up the project. Many tourists from the Middle East will visit Kuala Lumpur between July and September and the uncompleted project will create a bad impression.

“Meanwhile, I hope City Hall will provide temporary generators for the traders. I will meet Datuk Bandar on the matter,” he said.

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Little India

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[nazrey]

School promotes sports to students
Monday, May 02, 2005
By Y.P. SIVAM
Photos by CHUA KOK HWA



IN an effort to encourage more students to take up sports, Sekolah Sri Garden has formed a sports and physical education department.

The school, located at Taman Maluri in Kuala Lumpur, will focus on three sports - badminton, basketball and volleyball.

The department, headed by Azman Ishak, has a panel of qualified physical education teachers, who have attended coaching and technical courses for various sports.


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Students from the
school having a game of basketball.


The panel include Mohamad Jeffry, Joseph Phan, Wong Peng Soon, Quah Hooi Ting, Jessie Wong and Noor Faizun. Phan had represented Malaysia in athletics while Wong was active in swimming and synchronised swimming.

Azman said they had a team of qualified teachers to make the programme a success.

“We started with these three sports because they were popular among our students. These three sports emphasise team spirit and unity. Sri Garden has a strong tradition in badminton as several of the current national players were former students of the school.

“Our aim is to create a healthy environment for the students. We would be happy if every student is involved in a sport.

“Physical education is in line with the national curriculum for health education. All students, including the pupils from pre-school, will be taught basic physical education and sports. The promising ones will be included in the Kuala Lumpur Schools Sports Council (MSSKL) programme.

“Based on their progress, the students will be drafted into the Elite programme to represent KL in the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) programmes. We expect our students to move up the ladder and represent Malaysia in age group competitions as well,'' said Azman.

For badminton, basketball and volleyball, training will be held five days a week. Each session lasts two hours.

Besides taking part in the MSSKL age group competitions, the students also take part in other events including three-on-three basketball.

Azman said their students excelled in tennis, badminton, chess, taekwondo and table tennis in the MSSKL and MSSM championships.

Shereena Gill was the girls' Under-12 singles champion in the MSSM tennis championships. In badminton, Ho Khek Mong won a doubles (boys' Under-15 singles and doubles titles) in the Pudu Zone championships.

Azman said they were proud of their students' achievement in sports.

“Sports have brought the students together. They gather to cheer their teammates during competitions. Sports have also created a family atmosphere in the school,'' said Azman.


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Students from Sekolah
Sri Garden who had won medals in
the MSSKL and other age group competitions.


Besides the three core sports, the department will continue to support other sports like gymnastics, football, athletics, taekwondo, swimming, netball and tennis.

Sri Garden has also organised coaching clinics. With support from SportsUnite, a monthly magazine for students, a badminton clinic was held recently. Prior to that, the school held football and karate clinics.

The school also organises outdoor activities like jungle trekking, camping, kayaking, river trekking and basic survival skills.

In November, a group of students will be leaving for a expedition to Mount Kinabalu in Sabah.

[nazrey]

Eventing clinic for local riders
Monday, May 02, 2005



ABOUT 40 local riders attended an eventing coaching clinic at the Selangor Turf Club in Seri Kembangan recently.

The clinic, conducted by international Husref Malik, was part of the Equestrian Association of Malaysia's (EAM) programme to promote eventing, a combination of dressage, show jumping and cross country, to local riders.

The 32-year-old Husref, who is based in Sydney, Australia, said he was pleased to conduct the clinic,

“We are preparing for next year's Asian Games in Doha.


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Husref Mailk giving instructions
to a rider during the clinic.


“We want to take part in the team and individual events. We need at least five riders to form a team. This clinic was supposed to give local riders an opportunity to learn the basics involved in eventing.

“Eventing requires riders to have good rapport with their horses. The rider must have a perfect combination with the horse to complete eventing. Otherwise, they might not complete the race or accidents could occur,'' said Husref.

The local riders took part in the South East Asia Eventing League at the STF recently.

The three-leg SEA Eventing League is organised by the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) to groom more Malaysians for the event. The Perak Turf Club will host the second leg from July 16-17 while the final leg will be held during the National Horse Show at STF from Sept 15-18.

Husref will be monitoring the riders who had attended the clinic.

“It will be an opportunity to gauge their progress as I have to get them motivated for the Asian Games,'' said Husref, who has a degree in equine science.

Husref, who won a silver medal in the dressage event in the Chiang Mai SEA Games in 1995, said he would be coming to Malaysia regularly to conduct clinics for local riders.

[nazrey]

Golf bargains at Mizuno Expo
Monday, May 02, 2005
By STUART MICHAEL Photos by ABDUL RAHMAN SENIN



GOLFERS, who are looking for the latest equipment and bargains, should check out the Mizuno Expo at the lower ground concourse in 1-Utama,

The five-day expo, ending today, has some of the latest Mizuno golf drivers, irons and woods.


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RSH Malaysia golf division
general manager David Leow showing
a Mizuno JPX driver available at the expo.


The equipment include the Mizuno JPX drivers and irons, Mizuno Intage X3 and the top of the range Mizuno Grand Monarch Royal Cresta golf sets. Big discounts are available for these items.

RSH Malaysia golf division general manager David Leow said last year's expo held at The Weld, drew about 1,000 visitors.

“This year, we adopted a new strategy and distributed 10,000 flyers to houses in Bandar Utama. We hope to get a bigger turnout.

“We have good offers and discounts for golfers. Even some of the golf outlets cannot match our offers,'' Leow added.

The Mizuno JPX steel irons, which comes in a full set of nine irons, is priced at RM4,999. The Mizuno JPX graphite iron set is retailing at RM5,999. The purchase of one of these sets will entitle the customer to buy a Mizuno JPX E300 driver, worth 2,499, for just RM188.

The Mizuno Intage X3 graphite irons set is retailing at RM4,699 while the Mizuno Intage NSPRO steel irons set is selling at 3,999. Both sets were launched earlier this year.

The purchase of one of these sets will entitle the customer to buy the Mizuno Intage X3 Driver, valued at RM1,899, at RM188 and the Mizuno Fairway Wood at RM700.

For top of the range equipment, the Mizuno Grand Monarch Royal Cresta set, which comprise a full set of fairway woods, irons and Grand Monarch Driver, is retailing at RM50,400.

[nazrey]

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School promotes sports to students
Monday, May 02, 2005
By Y.P. SIVAM
Photos by CHUA KOK HWA



IN an effort to encourage more students to take up sports, Sekolah Sri Garden has formed a sports and physical education department.

The school, located at Taman Maluri in Kuala Lumpur, will focus on three sports - badminton, basketball and volleyball.




http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_pg19basket.jpg

Students from the
school having a game of basketball.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_pg19garden.jpg

Students from Sekolah
Sri Garden who had won medals in
the MSSKL and other age group competitions.




My secondary school in the papers again :D

[nazrey]

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Question Time: Ten reasons why KL is not world-class
By P Gunasegaram


Sometimes it helps to establish what is by establishing what is not. If that seems confusing, an example will help.
Kuala Lumpur's Datuk Bandar or mayor Datuk Mohmad Shaid Mohd Taufek seems to be perplexed over what is world-class in terms of cities. Says he in an interview with The Edge last week (Options cover story, Issue 510, Aug 9): "What is the definition of a world-class city? If you ask any staff of DBKL [City Hall], they will say KL bertaraf dunia [world standard]. When I ask them why, they can't answer."
So we are going to make it easy for the Datuk Bandar. We are going to tell him what is not world-class and we will give him 10 reasons — there are more but 10 will do — why KL cannot be considered world-class.
That should give the Datuk Bandar plenty to occupy himself with — for the next 10 years at least. So here goes.


KL is not a world-class city because:

1. It has no discernible plan for its orderly development. A good city is planned to ensure that there are living spaces, commercial areas, industrial areas, shops, recreation areas and playing fields to meet the needs of a growing population. These are not changed at the drop of a hat or a few ringgit and are designed such that they are in harmony with one another.

2. It does not set aside enough area for recreation. There is little emphasis on preserving and expanding places for people to play outdoor games, to go for a picnic or simply to take themselves, their families and friends for a good ramble in the park.

3. It does not maintain its parks properly. Whatever park areas left are improperly maintained and are subject to sudden and severe "renovation" for no rhyme or reason. Case in point is the recent "renovation" of Taman Tasik Perdana, a popular park, which was closed for some time because the repairs were not completed on time. This is a very old park, set up over 100 years ago in the 1880s. What on earth compelled City Hall to make such earth-shattering (literally) repairs?

4. It does not maintain its roads, drains and walkways properly and it does not ensure that commuting needs are taken care of. Despite the mayor's claims, there are not only potholes, but gaping holes in many areas, some of them plied by heavy traffic. Perhaps he should ride his bike to Old Klang Road and then on to Jalan Puchong to see for himself the havoc that prolonged road construction is causing. And we can write not just a chapter, but an entire book on the lack of an adequate public transport system in KL.

5. Its decision-making processes and tenders are not open and transparent. Was there an open tender for the Old Klang Road construction we talked about or the Taman Tasik Perdana repair and renovation? And does anybody know anything about how City Hall makes decisions on whether to allow buildings in certain places? There may be hundreds of examples over the years.

6. Its street peddlers and vendors are not properly regulated and enforcement is lax. This is a problem that takes place all over town. If the Datuk Bandar wants to see for himself, take a ride to any number of major office buildings at lunch hour on any weekday to see the disruption to traffic caused by these vendors and haphazard roadside parking.

7. It has given away substantial revenue generation via unjustified privatisation. We would be very interested to know if the Datuk Bandar has managed to roll back any of the privatised ventures which may have actually deprived City Hall of badly needed revenue. Privatisation of car parks is unnecessary when collection of cash and enforcement is so easy.

8. It has set poor standards for housing development. Many housing developments in the city are bereft of sufficient recreational areas and leave much to be desired in terms of aesthetic development and intensity of development. It is time for City Hall to set adequate standards for housing development, which puts the onus on developers to provide and for City Hall to maintain recreational areas so that the youth of the city do not spend their time in crowded, badly planned shopping complexes.

9. It has poor standards for main tenance of hygiene in restaurants, parks, public places and just about everywhere. Visits to eateries all over town should be ample to demonstrate that while the food may be tasty, the conditions under which they have to be consumed leave much to be desired. And if you have to visit a toilet in one of these places, it would have to be in an utter emergency because conditions can be quite abysmal. Is it so difficult for City Hall to require such eating establishments to maintain decent standards?

10. It has very poor standards of rubbish collection and disposal. Take a drive around town to see the piles of rubbish all over the place, which don't get collected for days at a time. Is that a sign that things have improved?

To quote the Datuk Bandar again: "When I went to Sydney, I saw children playing everywhere, in parks, fields, patches of green. I wanted to recreate that here." By all means, do.
Well, perhaps Sydney is an example of a world-class city, and Melbourne too. Vancouver in Canada is another favourite. But we don't have to go far to find one — there is one just across the Causeway. They have not privatised car parking there — if I am not mistaken, they still use an old-fashioned but effective and efficient coupon system where you remove some tabs and place it under your windscreen.
With changes now in the air, let's get on with the task of making some basic changes in KL — let's not even talk about world-class. Those 10 would be a good place to start. So, how about it, Datuk Bandar?

[nazrey]

KL Structure Plan 2020 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=167496)

[nazrey]

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Would KL be a more successful IOFC?
By Khairul Annuar, 3.01pm
29-06-2001


Will the international offshore financial centre (IOFC) be more successful if it is located in Kuala Lumpur than in Labuan?

Labuan's Association of Offshore Banks chairman Louise Paul seems to think so as he views Kuala Lumpur as a better place to attract brainpower.

Speaking to theedgedaily.com in Labuan, he pointed out that the high staff turnover rate might have been avoided if Kuala Lumpur is used as the IOFC because of its pulling power.

Paul further suggested that it could be a 'twinning' concept for Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, with the former taking care of the frontline operations and the latter handling the backroom works.

Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority (Lofsa) director-general Noorazman Abdul Aziz, however, does not think such a move is practical, given Kuala Lumpur's close proximity to Singapore.

He said the 'gravity pull' of Singapore would overwhelm that in Kuala Lumpur, causing businesses and personnel to gravitate to the former at the end of the day.

On the 'twining' concept proposed by Paul, Noorazman said banks in Labuan are allowed to have a marketing office in Kuala Lumpur, with the rest of its operations in Labuan.

HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd deputy chief executive officer John Coverdale said only the marketing unit has to be close to the market while the backroom works can be handled elsewhere.

Citing Salomon Smith Barney as an example, Coverdale said the international group is still involved in advising the Government on the sovereign bonds issue despite not having a presence in Malaysia.

Observers said 80 per cent of Labuan banks are merely two-man operations with decisions being made in Singapore. By allowing the banks to set up frontline offices in Kuala Lumpur, the decision-making can at least come from Malaysia.

Coverdale, however, said Singapore and Hong Kong would be the place that decision-makers would go to, because they have the highest business activities.

Despite being only three hours away from Asia's business centres, Paul said the accessibility to Labuan is still a problem as MAS is the only airline providing flights there.

Noorazman said Lofsa has submitted a proposal to the Government to allow an open-sky policy in Labuan, where foreign airlines interested in plying the route can do so without having to negotiate rights with MAS.

Compared with other IOFCs that were formed as part of a natural progression, or benefited from the neighbouring countries' strong economies -- such as the US' -- Paul said Labuan still has a long way to catch up, since its neighbours are still in the economic doldrums and the authorities have to do something to turn it around.

[nazrey]

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KL Hilton goes plasma with Hitachi TV
By Michelle Wong
10-08-2004


http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_4913201f-cb73c03a-940b8400-7aefafc7/1/KL%20HILTON%20&%20HITACHI_inside.jpg

Hilton KL general manager Kees Hartzuiker (left)
and Hitachi Sales Malaysia managing director
Shigeharu Annaka seal the deal with a handshake


Hilton Kuala Lumpur, which will open on Sept 22, has formed a partnership with Hitachi Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd to fit all its rooms with Hitachi’s 42-inch plasma screen televisions, making it the first business hotel worldwide to incorporate such a facility.

A total of 580 units of the plasma screen televisions have been supplied for the hotel's 510 luxurious guestrooms and 32 suites, Hilton KL general manager Kees Hartzuiker told reporters on August 10.

“We want to serve the needs of today’s discerning customers, who expect only the best in terms of service coupled with product offerings that have the latest technology facilities,” he said.

The 35-floor Hilton KL is the flagship hotel for Hilton International in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region. It will officially open on Sept 22 and rooms will be available at a special rate of RM265++ each per night.

Hartzuiker declined to reveal the value of the deal. According to Hitachiconsumer.com.my, the recommended consumer price of each television is RM29,000.

He said the plasma televisions would provide guests with broadband access to the home-theatre systems within the comfort of their hotel rooms, and was a unique feature within the hospitality industry.

Hitachi Sales Malaysia managing director Shigeharu Annaka said Hitachi was the world’s number one supplier of plasma televisions and controls 20% of the plasma television market in Malaysia.

He said it was its global strategy to form business partnerships with world-renowned brands and companies.

Hilton KL director of business development Nils-Arne Schroeder said guests at the hotel could choose from three personalised themes -– business, relaxation and entertainment. "We want to provide the guests with all that they need for their visit, so we will go that extra mile to find out why they came,” Schroeder said.

[nazrey]

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Crowne Plaza KL targets 60% occupancy rate
24-2-2005


http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_4515888c-cb73c03a-129e5e90-b360e0b2/1/Tradewinds_inside.jpg

Intercontinental Hotels Group MD of Asia Pacific,
Patrick Imbardelli (right), shaking hands with Amir at the launch


Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur, which was officially launched on Feb 24, has targeted an average occupancy of 60% at an average room rate of RM260 per night, according to its owner, Tradewinds Hotels & Resorts Bhd.

Its chief operating officer Amir Abdul Rahman says the hotel, formerly known as KL Hilton, had undergone a re-branding and the appointment of UK-based InterContinental Hotels Group Plc as its new management.

Two years ago it was managed as Mutiara Kuala Lumpur after a RM93 million refurbishment, but was renamed Crowne Plaza Mutiara KL last December.

Amir told reporters that the new management was necessary due to the low occupancy rate. He added that prior to re-branding and change of management, it was difficult to achieve an occupancy rate of 40%.

“We had no proper distribution system. Average room rate was RM170,” he said.

He said InterContinental, with a strong presence in the Asia Pacific, made it possible for the hotel to grow its occupancy. It received over 150 inquiries, a 20% rise from 2004 for conferences. The hotel expected over 30,000 guests this year, he said.

Tradewinds Hotels & Resorts is a unit of Tradewinds Corporation Bhd (formerly Perrnas International Holdings Bhd). It owns Hilton Petaling Jaya, Hilton Kuching and Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort.

[nazrey]

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KL Convention Centre booked until 2010
By Fintan Ng
23-07-2004


The RM550 million Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has received bookings until 2010, although the centre will not be ready before June 2005.

The convention centre has received bookings for more than 90 events, with the 10th Annual Asian Oil and Gas Convention 2005 (AOGC 2005) being organised by Petroliam Nasional Bhd topping the list, followed by a global gynaecology convention.

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre complex, which comprises halls of various sizes and functions, is located on a 40ha site and forms part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

The project is now 65% completed, said Peter Brokenshire, general manager of Convex Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which will manage the centre. Convex is jointly owned by KLCC Holdings Bhd and Australian firm Ogden International Facilities Corporation Pty Ltd.

He said Convex was working closely with various companies and organisations to turn the centre into an ideal destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE). Convex had already made arrangements with the likes of Malaysian Airlines System Bhd, Tourism Malaysia, and a leading travel exhibitor Frankfurt-based IMEX, he said.

Brokenshire said Convex was also looking at attracting business from the medical and medical-related, oil and gas, palm oil and information and communications technology sectors.

“Once the convention centre has established a name for itself, the international segment will pick up,” he said. That would likely happen within the first five years of operation, he added.

He said the convention centre’s strategic location in the middle of Kuala Lumpur’s business district is one of its main selling points.

The other draw is its state-of-the-art facilities.

The 571-room Shangri-La-owned Traders hotel would be directly accessible from the main convention facilities; while another 10,000 hotel rooms would be wthin a 15-minute walk, he said.

[nazrey]

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KL Convention Centre targets 400 events
07-10-2004


Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is targeting to host up to 400 events per year for the first five years of operations beginning June 2005, says its management company Convex Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s general manager Peter Brokenshire.

He said the centre had locked in 130 events till 2010, but was targeting 400 events per year, including international conferences.

Brokenshire said over 20 events were set to take place at the centre in the one-year period from June next year, which would bring in a total of over RM21 million in revenue.

“We have a substantial number of local, regional and international enquiries still coming in,” he said at a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 7. KLCC Holdings Bhd and Australian firm Ogden International Facilities Corporation Pty Ltd jointly own Convex.

[nazrey]

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http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_f4476a3e-cb73c03a-10980e70-d5a9fa2c
City & Country: Kuala Lumpur in his eyes
07-10-2004


For 22 years, Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad served as the Negri Sembilan menteri besar before leading the Federal Territories Ministry in March this year.
Mohd Isa is not new to the civil service. After graduating from Universiti Malaya in 1972 with a degree in Malay studies and a diploma in education, he became a teacher at Sekolah Datuk Abdul Razak in Seremban the following year. In 1978, he made his debut in the general elections and went on to win the Linggi state seat. Mohd Isa is also the president of the Negri Sembilan Football Assocation — a post he has held since 1982 — and the president of the Malaysian Amateur Boxing Federation since 1993.
What are the issues and challenges confronting his ministry, in particular those in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur? City & Country finds out, when we caught up with the veteran 55-year-old politician and father of three in his office in Putrajaya.

How has it been so far as the minister of Federal Territories?

So far, I'm quite happy. I've got very good support from all the officers in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. Now, we have a very good team to implement all the projects decided by the ministry.

And Kuala Lumpur is always under the microscope?

Yes. It is because Kuala Lumpur is our capital. So, everybody, not only the KL residents but the whole of Malaysia, is sensitive about Kuala Lumpur. They expect to see Kuala Lumpur become a world-class city.

What are the challenges in developing Kuala Lumpur?

Implementation. The most important thing is how to implement what we have decided.

What are the problems with regard to implementation? And why are there problems in the first place?

The first problem is allocation but this really is not much of a problem because I think the federal government will assist us.
The second one is our officers — they must be qualified. Like our prime minister said, the delivery system must be good not only for Kuala Lumpur but the whole country. So, we are going to make sure that DBKL [Kuala Lumpur City Hall], as well as Labuan and Putrajaya municipal councils, will have a good delivery system.

How do you intend to ensure better implementation?

Well, any complaints [filed], we can overcome. We have our own committee, which we call Jawatankuasa Keutuhan, under the Ministry, of which I'm the chairman.
Members of the committee include my chief secretary and the top officials from DBKL and Labuan and Putrajaya municipal councils.
The committee gets reports and feedback from Biro Pengaduan Awam, the ACA [Anti-Corruption Agency] and the public. We compile everything, from proposals to suggestions and complaints, and then we try to upgrade ourselves by addressing the issues raised.

Is the development of high-rise buildings in KL on hold?

This depends on the location and our plans for the area. We will base our approvals on the KL Structure Plan [KLSP]. The plan is very important to us as that is our guideline for the development of KL in the future.
KLSP was drafted with help from consultants — it was published and made available to the public for their views. The public's complaints and proposals are studied and taken into consideration. Some will be rejected [and] some will be accepted before we amend the relevant sections of the KLSP.
The local plans will be drawn up based on the KLSP. These local plans are more important as they are in detail. The KLSP has been approved and we're waiting for it to be gazetted. Once this is done, we'll proceed with the local plans.
We will publish the local plans for comments and suggestions from the public. If these are good, better than that provided by the consultants, we will use them in the local plans. That's why I hope the public will cooperate and give us feedback as this [the local plans] will be our guideline in the future.
In the meantime, we will use the KLSP as a guideline. It is complete as it covers all aspects from recreational to commercial and residential developments, squatters, Malay reserve land, new Malay and Chinese villages, schools and such.

Do you think KL is becoming really congested?

I think if we were to follow the guidelines in the KLSP, we should be okay. We are on track now, in terms of development, but I think this depends on the economy also. For example, office blocks, if the economy is good, then more space will be taken up.
In fact, according to the data contained in the KLSP, the population of KL has decreased slightly. We need people to be in KL, otherwise the city will be dead.

How much land is there left undeveloped in Kuala Lumpur?

Not much. About 6,030 acres.

Any problems with the issuance of certificate of fitness by DBKL?

So far, I've not received any complaints. If developers have any complaints, they are welcome to come in, sit down and chat with me.

Your instructions to DBKL on this?

To follow what the Ministry of Housing and Local Government has specified.

Apart from CF issuance, any other complaint from developers in KL?

They have complained about some areas being designated as low-density areas rather than high-density. We have looked at the complaints and approved several high-density developments in those areas. I've got a good relationship with Rehda [Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia] and its president Datuk Jeffrey Ng. They have not brought up any problems so far.

Which building in KL is your favourite?

KLCC, of course, with the majestic Petronas Twin Towers. The next one is our court building — the heritage building [the Sultan Abdul Samad building] — because of its Islamic, Moorish design.

Your vision for KL?

Similar to what the government has decided — that KL be a world-class city. Once this is achieved, I'd be a very happy Federal Territories minister. I don't want [to have too many] visions, just this one is enough.

How far are we from that goal?

In some areas, such as our buildings and garden, we are actually already a world-class city. But in some areas, we still need to catch up. Some people say we don't have enough gardens in KL but we have a few, such as Tasik Titiwangsa.
Compared with other state capitals such as Seremban, for instance, we are okay. Once we solve problems such as squatters, transportation system and flooding, we should be all right. Our shopping complexes are good. We have all the branded items sold here — KL is truly a shopping paradise.

[nazrey]

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Bandar Raya to launch RM1.5b projects in 2005
By Faizal Zakariah
04-02-2005



Property group Bandar Raya Developments Bhd will launch several new projects in Kuala Lumpur and Johor with gross development value (GDV) worth RM1.5 billion this year, its chief executive officer Datuk Jagan Sabapathy says.

The projects include Phase One of the Capital Square and luxury condominiums at Jalan Binjai in Kuala Lumpur, a luxury condominium project in Taman Duta and a mixed property development in Permas Jaya, Johor.

“We have submitted plans for the Jalan Binjai project (which has a GDV of RM500 million)to the authorities for approval and if all goes well, we plan to launch it by the end of the year,” he told reporters after the company’s EGM on Feb 4.

Besides this, he said the company also targeted to launch a 136ha residential project in Lahore, Pakistan on a 50:40 joint venture basis with Pakistan’s Defence Housing Authority worth another RM1.5 billion by the middle of the year.

Jagan said Bandar Raya would also increase its land bank in the Klang Valley and Johor. Currently it has 320ha pieces of land, of which 272ha has been earmarked for development.

At the EGM yesterday, it received shareholder’s approval to buy two parcels of land measuring 270,335 square feet off Jalan Duta for RM57.8 million cash. The land would be for the Taman Duta property project.

He said the company would strive to maintain profit margins amid the rising cost of building materials, by focusing on property projects with quality designs and at prime locations for better value albeit strong consumer demand.

[nazrey]

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NEWS (http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_24907)
Question Time: Does KL need a RM1 bil tram service?
By P Gunasegaram



Before we blow more than RM1 billion on top of the over RM10 billion spent on expensive transport projects for Kuala Lumpur over the last few years, we should take some time out to ascertain where the problems lie. The latest proposal is for a tram service in the "tourist belt" to "link public transport services", according to mayor Datuk Mohmad Shaid Mohd Taufek.

If this means central KL and most of the Golden Triangle area where hotels, entertainment areas and shopping complexes are located, it is puzzling indeed because the monorail, which went into service on Merdeka Day, was supposed to sort that out.

Why then a RM1 billion-plus tram service for this area so soon after the monorail? If City Hall is keen on spending that RM1 billion on really improving transport services in KL, we have other suggestions. And we are sure many commuters will support us here.

The light rail transit (LRT) system has been a boon to commuters, even if expensive and even if it has been a massive financial failure. The fact is, nowhere in the world is a public transport system viable without government subsidy.

The LRT, KTM commuter system and Express Rail Link (ERL) between the city and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang are real examples of projects which have improved travelling time and comfort. But their success and increased usage depend on one thing - which we shall come to in just a minute.

Let us illustrate. I landed at the Sepang airport recently. I was alone and didn't need a whole cab. I was travelling light. I planned to take the ERL to KL Sentral in Brickfields, hop on the LRT to Taman Jaya, and take the feeder bus home to Petaling Jaya. I would spend RM35 for the ERL ticket plus a couple of ringgit for the LRT and feeder bus. A cab from the airport would cost between RM55 and RM70, very significant cost savings of between RM18 and RM33. Not bad at all.

Time-wise, the ERL takes 28 minutes and leaves every 15 minutes from the airport (average waiting time about 7.5 minutes), five minutes to transfer from the ERL station to the LRT station, perhaps 10 minutes to Taman Jaya and 10 minutes to get home by feeder bus. On average, it should take me about an hour. A cab takes about 45 minutes to PJ, throw in a 10-minute waiting time and you have 55 minutes. If there is jam, it could be a lot longer. For a five-minute difference on an ordinary, no-jam day, I would gain between RM18 and RM33. Not bad, I thought.

This is what happens: I take a lift one floor down from the arrival hall at KLIA to the ERL terminal. The train is waiting and I step on; nice plush seats, good air-conditioning, piped-in music, news updates. I sit and relax. Right on the dot, the train moves, smooth and easy and I am occupied watching the scenery - plantations, rural landscapes, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and then the city.

Before I know it, exactly 28 minutes later I am at KL Sentral. I exit. The signposting could be better, which sets me back a couple of minutes finding the LRT station. There are some problems getting the LRT ticket automatically so I have to resort to the manual option, a setback of a minute.

The LRT train arrives promptly. It is crowded - it is the public holiday after Merdeka Day - but I manage with no great difficulty. I am on time at Taman Jaya, exit and go to the bus stop for the feeder service. I look at my watch - 45 minutes since I left the airport, not bad at all. Why did I not think of this before?

I sit down and wait for the feeder bus. Five minutes pass - no feeder bus. Fifteen minutes, still no feeder bus. I think: If I were on the ERL, I would now be more than halfway to the international airport! Twenty minutes, still no feeder bus.

I throw in the towel. I am defeated. It's the cab for me next time. I call home from my mobile for help. Twenty-five minutes after I get to Taman Jaya - you know, I could almost be back at KLIA by now on the ERL - help arrives from home. But there is no sign of the feeder bus.

There you have it - the weakness in the system is the feeder bus. Find a way to get commuters to the station and back conveniently and cheaply, and you've sorted out much of the problem. You would have enabled people to use the sophisticated transport systems easily.

My unscientific, uninformed estimate is that another three buses at each of the LRT stations will do wonders to improve the feeder bus system. And these buses don't have to be big as traffic is not heavy all the time - they need to be reliable though and the layout can be designed for more standing passengers and bench-style seats.

Give tax exemptions so these vehicles can be sourced from anywhere and cut out the leaching middlemen, and they should not cost more than RM100,000 apiece. How many do we need? There are some 40 LRT stations, give or take a few, and not all of them have feeder services.

Three for each will mean 120 at a total cost of RM12 million. Yes, RM12 million - you didn't think buses were so cheap, did you? Now, that tram system costs RM1 billion or 10,000 feeder buses! Imagine what we could do with that amount.

What about running costs? Three drivers for each bus will mean 360 drivers. Total benefits of a generous RM1,500 a month per driver translates to RM540,000 a month or RM6.5 million a year. Let's say other operating expenses such as maintainance and fuel costs absorb a further RM12 million, a generous 100 per cent of original capital expenditure.

That will put total recurrent expenditure at less than RM20 million a year. Since there is fare collection - and there is no reason why anyone, even those who want to travel around their area but not on the LRT, can't be allowed to use the service - revenue will mitigate, say, half, of the operating expenses, leaving net expenses of just RM10 million a year.

At 4.0 per cent, RM1 billion returns RM40 million a year, enough to buy the buses and run it. So why don't we look for low-tech, plain, ordinary, simple but, above all, effective solutions to our transport problems?
If, as the mayor contends, the tram service is needed to connect the LRT stations to the monorail system (which seems rather questionable), why not use buses instead? That should cost about RM5 million and even less in yearly operating costs.

Total expenditure on these improvements is less than RM20 million, a saving of RM980 million. And just on the interest on the savings, you can run the buses forever and still have plenty of change in the pocket to improve transport elsewhere in the city.

KL City Hall plans RM1 bln tram service (http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_24649) 08-09-2003
KL mayor: RM1 bln tram service from Chow Kit to Petaling St (http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_25016) 22-09-2003

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Spotlight: Shops in the heart of Ampang



Those looking to invest in a shop in the heart of Ampang may want to check out the latest development by Ara Asa Sdn Bhd called the Ara Ampang Commercial Centre. Built on slightly over an acre of freehold land, the 3-storey project comprises 20 shops and 20 offices with 123 parking bays at the sub-basement level.

There are 10 shops on the ground floor of the building, tagged from RM828,880 to RM1,166,880, with built-ups ranging from 1,474 to 3,653 sq ft. There are another 10 shops on the first floor, with built-ups ranging from 1,223 sq ft to 3,784 sq ft and priced from RM368,880 to RM588,880. The shops are 80% sold.

The offices sit on the second floor. These offer built-ups of 752 to 2,155 sq ft and they cost RM112,800 to RM375,640, with maintenance fee set at 10 sen psf. All these are sold.

According to the developer, most of the buyers of the Jalan Ampang-fronting commercial centre are owner-occupiers who are currently operating their businesses in rented premises or those looking at expanding their businesses.
The developer expects to tap into a large catchment of 530,000 residents, out of which 62,000 are within walking distance to the project.

Ara Ampang is located just across the Ampang Star-LRT station. It is, according to the developer, just an eight-minute drive away from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre and is accessible via Jalan Ampang, Middle Ring Road 2, Ampang-KL Elevated Highway and the proposed Pandan Corridor Highway.
This is Ara Asa's first commercial project. In February last year, it launched its maiden project — a housing development comprising 36 units of 21/2-storey semi-detached homes called Ceriana "TwinVilla" in Taman Sri Cheras, Selangor. Before that, the company was a main contractor in several projects.

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Ampang park putra lrt subway station

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Designer to the stars
Sunday May 1, 2005
S.S. YOGA discovers that designer Michael Ong prefers to let his clothes do the talking – and they'll certainly have plenty to say at the KL Fashion Week 2005 Fashion Gala Night.



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Michael Ong after a stunning
show at KL Fashion Week 2004.


YOU see his clothes on celebrities and socialites. (After all, a basic piece starts at RM2,000). His signature style consists of sequins, beads and brocade – no wonder Siti Nurhaliza, Sheila Majid, Ziana Zain, Ning Baizura and Erra Fazira are fans.

Ah, but that’s simplifying the attraction of his evening gowns and wedding dresses. The thing is, Michael Ong knows his stuff and will advise what’s best for his clients. “Certain bodies go with certain materials and cuts, for some they can carry a jersey dress but for others it won't look as good. I will tell them what suits them,” he says.

It’s easier to trust a man who has designed almost exclusively for women since he was 18. Well, what about men?

“It’s not that I haven’t (designed for men) before but I find that I have this desire to dress them (women) up. There’s more challenge, more details involved in designing for women. Menswear is quite limited but with women there’s always more creativity involved,” explains Ong with obvious passion.

Word must have even reached Mariah Carey’s ears when she gave a concert in Kuala Lumpur last year. The diva, who saves money by passing off strips of fabric as dresses, was ordered to perform with a strict dress code. So her assistant sought out Ong who came up with some dresses for free but, unfortunately for him, Ms. Carey opted not to wear them in the end.

So would Carey be someone he sees as his muse?

“No, it’s someone who used to be a model herself. She knows how to carry clothes. It’s Cilla Foong (the doyenne of the modelling industry who has had her own modelling agency for a long time).

Ong incorporates our own mishmash of cultures into his outfits.

“We have so many cultures here and it’s important we highlight our own traditions and bring it to the world. After all people like (fashion designers) John Galliano and Rifat Ozbek have used batik in their designs recently.”

Many of Ong’s designs incorporate Malay, Chinese and Indian influences.


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Erra Fazira and Yusry
wore Michael Ong creations for their
wedding in 2003.


He’s glad that there is a KL Fashion Week as organised by The Star as there will be a lot of focus on Malaysian designers. He is taking part in the Fashion Gala Night on May 3.

At last year’s KLFW, he received good response from people outside Malaysia.

He thinks Kuala Lumpur has what it takes to be a fashion capital. “Fabrics are cheaper here than in Bangkok for instance. That will help attract even more foreign clientele like the Middle-Eastern tourists who have been flocking to our shores.

Besides, Ong says, many of the foreign couture labels bring out clothes with the Western body in mind while local designers look at the Asian physique.

Still, he thinks the future of our fashion industry is in ready-to-wear collections. Ong doesn’t want to be seen as a designer to the stars. He wants more people to wear his creations.

“I want to do something ready-to-wear where you can mix and match the pieces. I won’t start a new label yet but KL Fashion Week 2005 will be the place where I show off this new concept.

“It will all be knit pieces, something different from my usual use of chiffon. Of course, there will be lots of details in the collection. I want to design with our climate in mind and knit is quite comfortable for our weather. There will be lots of bright colours.”

Although Ong designs for people in the limelight, he prefers to keep well out of it.

“No, I don’t feel the need to attend functions. I prefer to let my clothes be in the limelight. I usually hang out with a close group of friends who are involved in other things like interior design and we exchange ideas.“

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‘Staged’ to steal show
Sunday May 1, 2005
BY CECIL FUNG


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Models parading the latest
Spring-Summer collection on the
double-layer catwalk during the
'Fashion on 1' gala night at 1 Utama's
New Wing on Friday.


PETALING JAYA: The sheer size of the elevated catwalk at 1 Utama’s New Wing concourse is certain to grab everyone's attention at the shopping centre.

Constructed for the KL Fashion Week 2005 as well as the mall’s own “Fashion on 1” event, the entire stage measures about 9m high and 24m wide with a combined runway length of 21m.

However, it is the unique design of the stage that truly steals the show.

“We wanted to try something different, so instead of a conventional catwalk, we proposed a double-layered one to the modelling agency, and they said it was possible,” 1 Utama (New Wing) centre manager Kenny Chin said.

Adding further interest is the back portion of the stage which serves as a showcase.

“It’s like a window display but with live models,” Chin said.

According to the mall’s visual merchandising senior executive, Jefreey Jaafar, it took two months to design the stage. A 50-man team needed two weeks just to construct the stage, which is made mostly out of wood.

“The runway is layered with perspex to give it a ‘marble-like’ feel,” Jefreey said.

Various fashion shows featuring local and international labels will be held throughout the “Fashion on 1” 2005 – Spring into Style, which was launched with the mall’s fashion gala night on Friday.

These will lead up to Catwalk @ The Mall on May 7 and 8, one of the events under KL Fashion Week 2005, organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.

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Influencing Hawaii
Monday May 2, 2005
PATSY KAM travels halfway around the globe to see how Malaysians introduce haute couture to Hawaiians.


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Sarawakian designer
Ronney Henry with models after
a fashion show in Hawaii.


IN A lot of ways, Hawaii is like Malaysia. Beautiful beaches (minus the polluted waters) and sunshine almost every day. So why is it when friends found out that I was headed there, they crowed with excitement? I dare say visions of women in hula skirts had something to do with it.

Well, I caught no sight of women sauntering down the streets in straw skirts, but there were plenty in skimpy bikinis on the beaches, and bare-chested men carrying surfboards. But then, it was not exactly Baywatch Hawaii either – let’s just say the body proportions of the general public are way different from what the small screen presents.

The island also teemed with Japanese tourists, and indeed, if one didn’t know any better, it appeared that Japanese was the second language as it was so easily brandished around. Given my Malaysian looks, I fitted right in with Hawaii’s cultural potpourri and often I was mistaken for a Japanese or Filipino, if not a fellow islander.

The assignment was to check out what newcomer Pips Fashion had to offer the couture world. For the first time, its exclusive line Ronney Baji label was unveiled to more than 1,000 invited guests at the Hilton Hawaiian Village last month. The fashion show was part of the Pips Inc Convention where members from around the globe gather annually.

According to Sarawakian designer Ronney Henry, the Ronney Baji by Pips label is “meant for the everyday stage of the modern woman. The key to the collection is its consistent sensuality as it explores the interplay between appearance and essence.”

Henry, a graduate of La Salle International Design School (which has since rebranded itself as Raffles Design Institute), heads the design team and oversees both the Baji (the commercial line) and the Ronney Baji labels. The other designers are South African Melanie George, Datin Norleila Abdul Rahman and Milla Chee.

The theme of the show was Angry Shadow, and highlight accents featured tones of gold and rust with decorative elements of batik and Malaysian motif. Fabrics used included batik, georgette, suede, beaded fabric, and chiffon, as well as delicate faux fur. It seemed odd that a Malaysian designer should include fur in his collection, but then, it was apparently targeted at the autumn/winter season for an international audience hence the “keep warm” look.

The 20 outfits that were shown during the event were a clear marriage of East and West, in which the Malaysian batik pretty much took centre stage. Henry’s inspiration was the traditional wayang kulit (show play), and the batik was featured prominently in the long dresses and kebaya, corsets and bustiers, skirts, jacket lapels, and even the shoes and boots.

The concept was based on traditional styles and themes upon Western silhouettes, and this was achieved through detailing like cut-off embroidery, French lace appliqué and fur trimmings on jacket lapels, hemlines and corsets.

While most of the outfits were sensible, and some even bordered on boring, there were some attempts at the unconventional with gowns ala Arabian Nights.

There was a simple but striking bare back black satin dress held together by beaded strings, and another that showed off a cleavage that would leave you a matrimonial suit if your mother-in-law saw it. There were also straightforward black satin and chiffon dresses, unpractical corsets that left you gasping for air if you have anything more than A-cup breasts, and jackets given a feminine edge.

The exclusive line along with the commercial line Baji, will be revealed to Malaysians for the first time at the Afternoon Showcase at Shangri-la Hotel on May 5 during the KL Fashion Week.

During the show in Hawaii, the fashion label was complemented by designer jewellery sponsored by several members of the International Jewelry Design Guild, Inc. Among them were Hawaii-based designer Robert Wander, known for his matte-finish Etruscan designs, and Sarah Graham.

The Robert Wander for Wine creations jewellery collection featured vibrant stones embellished with delicate etched grid work, highlighted by pave diamonds. Graham’s was runner-up of the 2003 Mort Abelson New Jewellery Designer of the Year Award and her major product lines Mansanita, Pebles, Stepping Stones, Oysters, Confer and her line of bridal rings are sold through her company Sarah Graham Metelsmithing.

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Beautiful people and top brands nominated for awards
Monday May 2, 2005
BY DZIREENA MAHADZIR


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PETALING JAYA: The nominees for the inaugural KL Fashion Week 2005 Editors Awards are a group of beautiful, influential people and top-notch fashion brands.

The awards are part of the glamorous line-up of events for KL Fashion Week 2005, organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.

There are 12 awards, including “Designer of the Year”, “Retailer of the Year”, “Best International Label” and “Fashion Must-Have of the Year”.

For the social set, find out if clothes do make the man or woman in these two categories – “Most Stylish Woman of the Year” and “Most Stylish Man of the Year”.

Judging from the final list of nominees, (see box), this is an event not to be missed.

Finally, see whether you can guess who will receive the “Industry Achievement Award” and “KLFW 2005 Friend of Fashion Award” which will honour two special individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fashion industry.

There are no nominees in these two categories as they are considered to be citation awards.

The winners of the awards will be selected by a panel of editors from leading English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese newspapers and fashion and lifestyle magazines.

So keep the list and see if your choices tally with the editors when the winners are announced at the KLFW 2005 Editors Awards Night on Saturday at the Shangri-La Hotel.

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Model glad to be back
Monday May 2, 2005
BY CECIL FUNG


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Chan: I just love the food in KL,
especially ‘asam laksa’ and ‘bak kut teh’


PETALING JAYA: Hong Kong model Eunis Chan will be part of the KL Fashion Week again this year after taking part in the event last year.

The 175cm (5ft 10in) oriental beauty, who has graced the covers of top-selling magazines like Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and Vogue, will be strutting down the runway during the Fashion Gala Night, to be held tomorrow, in conjunction with KL Fashion Week 2005.

While she is in Malaysia, Chan will seek out the two things she fell in love with during her previous trips here – asam laksa and bah kut teh.

“I’m really happy and excited about coming back to Kuala Lumpur because I just love the food there.

“I’ve been there many times but they were usually very short trips so this time, I hope I can find time to sample some asam laksa and bah kut teh,” she said in a telephone interview from Spain, where she was shooting a shoe commercial.

“But work must come first, so I’ll have to wait for the gala night to be over before I indulge myself.

“I also want to do some shopping while I’m there,” an enthusiastic Chan said.

Recognised as one of Hong Kong’s top 10 models, Chan is currently riding high in her modelling career, which has taken her to Poland, Chile, Singapore and Taiwan, not to mention the fashion capitals of the world – New York, London, Milan, Paris and Tokyo.

“Being there on the runway with the world’s best supermodels was a great achievement for me,” she said of her stint in Paris.

Relishing the travelling that comes with modelling internationally, Chan clearly loves her job as it gives her a chance to see the world and appreciate its cultural diversity.

When not flying to her next assignment, she spends her time practising yoga and studying Mandarin and Japanese.

She also writes for the Hong Kong edition of Harper’s Bazaar and the Sing Tao newspaper, and has written a book, The Legend of Beauty, in which she shares her experiences on the runway and tips on beauty and make-up.

Reflecting on her career so far, she said she is happy to continue modelling and sees herself remaining in the business of fashion and beauty for years to come.

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Hongkong - Eunis Chan

English Name: Eunis Chan
Chinese Name: Chen, Jia rong
Height: 178cm
Measures: 34-25-36 (inch)
Professional Idol: Naomi Campbell

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Filipino-German model already living his dream
Tuesday May 3, 2005
BY ELIZABETH LOOI


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Kiefer: Will be at KL Fashion Week 2005
to model the creations of Nono Palmos during
the Heineken Corporate Cocktail Night on Friday.


PETALING JAYA: Raphael Kiefer is only 20 years old, but the good-looking Filipino is already living his dream of being famous and appearing on stage.

This lad of German-Filipino parentage was spotted by a talent agent and modelled in a fashion show when he was 16.

By 18, modelling had become so much a part of Kiefer's life that he knew what he wanted to do with his life: Be a professional model.

The six-footer went on to win the Best Model of The World Philippines title in 2003 and the right to represent his country at the international level in Turkey.

The eldest of four boys in his family, Kiefer also has a passion for writing and photography.

Having spent half his life in Basel, Switzerland, before calling the Philippines home, Kiefer is no stranger to experiencing different cultures and ways of life.

He hopes modelling will be a platform for him to see even more of the world.

“I hope to travel to different countries and to do what I love to do. If modelling will do that for me, I'll be proud to know that I did not give up on a dream,” he said.

The psychology-degree holder hopes to make good use of his qualification some day.

He also hopes to venture into business later on in life.

“I will save up enough money to open a restaurant or a bar when the time is right and I am ready for it,” he said.

Kiefer will be at the KL Fashion Week 2005 to model the creations of Nono Palmos during the Heineken Corporate Cocktail Night on Friday.

He is looking forward to working with Malaysian designers and to exploring Malaysia.

“I'm looking forward to everything. I keep seeing pictures on television or in print about Malaysia. I think it is beautiful and very appealing.

“I have always been looking forward to the new and unfamiliar. I think it will be great,” he said.

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Tonight’s gala will be different
Tuesday May 3, 2005


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ALL SET: KL Fashion Week 2005 organising chairman
Datin Linda Ngiam and L'Oreal Malaysia corporate communications
manager Muhammad Zain Ibrahim discussing the final touches to
the stage set-up for Fashion Gala Night, which will take centrestage
tonight. The Grand Ballroom at Shangri-La Hotel has a new look,
with a grand catwalk, complete with two big screens at the sides
of the stage. Two more screen hang from the ceiling.'Everything is
in place and the ambience seems to be right,'said Ngiam.


KUALA LUMPUR: Tonight’s Fashion Gala Night, the event kicking off KL Fashion Week 2005, promises to be different from the previous years.

Organising chairman and Star Publications (M) Bhd deputy group general manager Datin Linda Ngiam explained that unlike the past two years, tonight’s gala at the Shangri-La hotel was based on a new concept – one in which the audience would be able to mingle with designers and exchange comments and ideas.

“In previous years, it had always been dinner at round tables with waiters serving while the show went on.

“But we received feedback from the designers, who said that they did not get the audience's 100% attention.

“There was also too much noise from the clatter of chopsticks, spoons, knives and forks,” she said.

Tonight, will be different, she promised.

The audience would be served an extensive range of fine finger food and hors d'oeuvres at a pre-show cocktail reception that will start at 7pm.

“They will then be ushered to their numbered seats in the Grand Ballroom to enjoy the fashion shows. After that, there will be a supper spread.

“The audience will be able to mingle and get to know the designers after the show during supper, unlike before when everyone went home straight after the event,” she said.

A total of 10 Malaysian and Asian designers will display their creations.

The Malaysian designers are Edric Ong, Sharifah Kirana, Orson Liyu, Michael Ong and Razak while the Asian designers are Rohit Bal from India, Nagara Sambandaraksa from Thailand, Walter Ma from Hong Kong, Fumio Akiyama from Japan and Liang Zi from China.

Tickets are priced at RM300, RM500 and RM800 per seat, inclusive of cocktails and supper.

The proceeds from the sale of the RM800 tickets will go to the Penyayang Cancer Support Programme.

The Afternoon Designer Showcases and Corporate Cocktail Nights take place from tomorrow until Friday at the hotel.

Other events are the College Fashion Shows at Mid Valley Megamall on Thursday and Friday, Catwalk @ the Mall at 1Utama on Saturday and Sunday, Star Designer Awards themed “Movie Memories” at Mid Valley Megamall, and KL Fashion Week 2005 Editors Awards at the hotel on Saturday.

KL Fashion Week 2005 is organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.

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'Use public transport during NAM meeting'
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
By PARVEEN GILL



TRAFFIC police have advised Klang Valley folks to make use of public transportation when several roads are closed for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) ministerial meeting on the Advancement of Women this month.

Federal traffic police chief Senior Asst Comm (II) Datuk Gingkoi Seman Pancras said the roads in the city centre, Kajang and Putrajaya would be closed on May 9 and also during the dry run on Thursday.

“The convoy will begin from the delegates' hotels to the Putrajaya Inter-national Convention Centre (PICC) between 7.30am and 8.30am as well as for the minister's dinner at the Palace of the Golden Horses, between 7pm and 7.45pm,'' he said. “The road closure timing is applicable on both dates.

“In addition to that, the roads would be closed for about 45 minutes prior to the dry run and the actual date,” said SAC (II) Gingkoi.

There will be no road closures during the delegates' arrival from KLIA/ Hotel/ PICC between 8.30am and 10.30am on May 4, as well as the Hi-Tea Media function at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel between 4.30pm and 6pm, on May 8.

However, SAC (II) Gingkoi urged the public to not use the roads around the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and KLCC on May 4 and May 8 to avoid traffic congestion.

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Counselling service available at Pertama shopping complex
Tuesday, May 03, 2005




KL CITY Hall’s counselling service has been extended to public areas. The Pertama shopping complex in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is the first.

The branch, which opened on Jan 17, also allows the public to talk to counsellors face to face regarding their problems.

As of March, the branch had conducted 100 counselling sessions. The most common cases were about family problems (21.4%), followed by emotional outbursts (16.1%) and career problems (12.5%). Most sessions were conducted on the telephone.

Tele-Kaunseling Unit head Mohd Khadri Suray said City Hall had plans to extend the counselling service to more youths and families at the centre.

“If this centre at Pertama shopping complex is successful, we will open more centres in other shopping complexes. We would also like to expand the centre here and provide additional services to youths and their families,” he said.

He added that City Hall was planning to carry out outreach programmes, especially for people who had sought assistance from the tele-counselling unit.

The centre at 3.28A, 3rd Floor, Pertama shopping complex, is open from 10am to 6pm daily.

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City Hall to check new flats before relocation
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
By CHOW HOW BAN



CITY Hall officials will visit the newly-built Taman Seri Rampai PPR (public housing scheme) flats this week to determine whether they are fit to be occupied.

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique said City Hall would then plan for the relocation of residents from the Pekeliling flats in Jalan Tun Razak.

“We will see whether the residents can begin to move to the PPR. About 2,700 units has been completed while there are 800 more being built,” he said on Friday.

The 36-year-old Pekeliling flats will be demolished to make way for a commercial and housing development project called Tamansari.

Zulhasnan, who is also Setiawangsa MP, said City Hall should build an alternative road to the Taman Seri Rampai PPR as the main road in Setapak Jaya would not be able to cater to the growing population and traffic.

Zulhasnan was speaking to reporters after presenting offer letters for relocation to residents of Kampung Air Lanjut, Setapak.

He said it was the first time in City Hall's history that an entire village would be relocated to public flats nearby, adding that Kampung Air Lanjut residents should be pleased with the relocation.

The move will involve 286 families being relocated to the Air Jernih I PPR, about 150m from their present homes.

On the villagers' request for help with the move, Zulhasnan said he had spoken to City Hall deputy director-general Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz on providing transport.

“Regarding the request for option to buy the units, the Government has not decided on the policy, said Zulhasnan.

He said the residents would have to settle the rent for the longhouse where they had been staying, before they could be relocated to the PPR.

He added that he had asked City Hall to allow the residents to pay the arrears by instalments, which would lessen their burden.

[Lastresorter]

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Question Time: Ten reasons why KL is not world-class
By P Gunasegaram

7. It has given away substantial revenue generation via unjustified privatisation. We would be very interested to know if the Datuk Bandar has managed to roll back any of the privatised ventures which may have actually deprived City Hall of badly needed revenue. Privatisation of car parks is unnecessary when collection of cash and enforcement is so easy.

9. It has poor standards for main tenance of hygiene in restaurants, parks, public places and just about everywhere. Visits to eateries all over town should be ample to demonstrate that while the food may be tasty, the conditions under which they have to be consumed leave much to be desired. And if you have to visit a toilet in one of these places, it would have to be in an utter emergency because conditions can be quite abysmal. Is it so difficult for City Hall to require such eating establishments to maintain decent standards?

10. It has very poor standards of rubbish collection and disposal. Take a drive around town to see the piles of rubbish all over the place, which don't get collected for days at a time. Is that a sign that things have improved?



Why are car parks privatised in KL??? And with all those car parks being privatised, we are being ripped off by the operators. Not to mention most of the public parking spaces are infested with illegal "night operators" waiting to collect $$ from you. :bash: I wish they do something about that! We have paid enough and we don't want to help feed these parasites.

Why are KL's public toilets gross??? I've seen shits floating in toilet bowls a few times! Don't the owners of the restaurants/ complexes feel ashamed? I'm seriously ashamed that I have to pay to use the toilets and all we get are SHITS. :wtf:

Yes, KL has piles and piles of RUBBISH uncleaned but that's certainly not just the cleaners' fault. Whoever throws that rubbish has to be responsible for it. With so many bins placed all over town, why can't we walk a bit and put the rubbish in? I'm a smoker and I always make sure my ciggy butts are carefully put out before putting it on the bin-trays or throwing it in the bins. I've seen smokers throwing ciggratte butts outside KL Plaza and expecting the aunty to clean them up, while the bin is just right infront near the taxi stand. What happen to our civil conscious? :rant:

Does that explain why many black ugly crows live in KL? :gunz:

[nazrey]

Urban...

http://img20.echo.cx/img20/7234/113537734zf.jpg

http://img150.echo.cx/img150/2812/17150133yfoasironkphr4mp.jpg

http://img150.echo.cx/img150/9945/17150165kewnyvpukwphg0ov.jpg

[ZaHiRnYa???]

I'm a smoker and I always make sure my ciggy butts are carefully put out before putting it on the bin-trays or throwing it in the bins. I've seen smokers throwing ciggratte butts outside KL Plaza and expecting the aunty to clean them up, while the bin is just right infront near the taxi stand. What happen to our civil conscious? :rant:

Not everyone is like you...n if all smoker happen to be civil conscious, it will be a different KL altogether. ;)

[nazrey]

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/images/logo_edgeasia.gif
NEWS (http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/search.jsp?query=SMART+Tunnel&sort=&page=5)
City & Country: Shaping a world-class city
November 23, 2004

In March this year, Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad was appointed Federal Territories Minister. The former Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar is bent on turning Kuala Lumpur into a world-class city. KL, he offers, may already be a world-class city in some aspects — with its share of buildings such as the KLCC and Petronas Twin Towers — but the problems of squatters, the transport system and flooding remain to be solved.

Mohd Isa is confident about overcoming the infamous traffic congestion in the city, pointing to the role of Syarikat Prasarana Negara, which comes under the Prime Minister's Department. And on flooding, Mohd Isa says KL City Hall, or Dewan Bandaraya KL (DBKL), is addressing the problem by methods such as the building of the Smart Tunnel. "My ministry is working closely with the other ministries and government agencies such as the Irrigation Department and I'm quite happy with the progress so far."

Relocation of squatters

One of KL's main problems is its sizeable squatter population. Based on the last registration exercise by the government in 1998/99, there were a total of 129,129 squatters in 23,970 families. These were located in small settlements scattered in each of the 10 parliamentary areas in the city. As at September this year, there were 174 squatter settlements in the city.

Of the 23,970 squatter families, 6,028 have been relocated under the Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR), which is monitored by Jabatan Perumahan Negara (JPN). The PPR, which was initiated by the National Economic Action Council (NEAC) in 1998 to address the squatter problem, plans to achieve the target of building 55,000 units of low-cost houses in the country.

For KL, Mohd Isa says the aim is to build 34,106 homes to be rented out to the squatters by 2006. As at August this year, JPN had completed and delivered 12,082 units to DBKL. By year-end, JPN targets to deliver 18,650 units of PPR homes in KL and the rest by 2006. Besides these PPR homes, the squatters will also be relocated to other homes built by the private sector and DBKL.

Does he expect any hitches in relocating the squatters? Mohd Isa doesn't think so, "The attitude of squatters now is not like before. I think the majority of them are willing to move. They have accepted the fact that they have to move. Only some areas may pose a problem but I think we can handle it." In fact, Isa is confident the target of zero squatters by next year can be achieved.

"The Ministry of Housing and Local Government is very confident it can complete all the housing projects under PPR. Once these are completed, we can ask the squatters to move out from their settlements," he says.
The minister knows only too well that ultimately, the units planned by DBKL under the PPR would not be able to house all the squatters, given that the studies on the squatter population were carried out back in 1998/99. On paper, the units should be more than sufficient but the squatter population could have grown. "Hopefully not, but there's such a possibility and we are prepared for this."

Revival of abandoned projects

Abandoned projects are another area of concern for Mohd Isa, who chairs a committee in his ministry on the problem. "We have already appointed a consultant to give us a proposal on how to solve these abandoned projects. So, the next step for me is to meet the developers involved. I've met with our consultant and officers and I think it's only fair that I meet with all the developers to find out what they think they can do. We will also get officials from Bank Negara Malaysia and DBKL to attend the meeting. We will offer all possible assistance."

The government is also creating a conducive environment to help revive the abandoned projects. Some of the initiatives introduced are: Fast-track approvals for a change in land use and the issuance of development orders, facilitating and assisting foreign investors in getting FIC or Foreign Investment Committee approvals and initiating discussions with the financial institutions involved.

Currently, there are 24 projects that are being monitored in KL. The projects comprise housing (seven projects), commercial (nine), industrial (one) and mixed development projects (seven). These projects do not include those under the purview of Danaharta, which DBKL will not be involved. Some of the 24 projects are located in prominent areas, such as Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang, while others are in areas like Jalan Ipoh and Jalan Klang Lama.

Mohd Isa says besides low demand and financing woes encountered by the respective developers during the Asian financial crisis in 1997/98, weak management, poor market analysis and financial planning as well as ownership disputes were factors that contributed to the problem.

"Most of the projects are the commercial, office type. I have told DBKL to consider the developers' requests, if any, to change the land use or the building plans from commercial to residential. We are very flexible about this because we want to solve the problems by making it easier for developers to revive the projects. Otherwise, the abandoned projects will become eyesores and drug addict areas and such," Mohd Isa says.

While DBKL is currently looking into ways to revive the 24 projects, so far nine others in the city have been revived and these include the Rivercity Condominium in Jalan Ipoh and NAS Pavilion in Jalan Imbi.

[nazrey]

Authentic Kerala cuisine in KL
Thursday, May 05, 2005
By K. Anuradha
Kallianees
16, Lorong Yap Kwan Seng,
Off Jalan Yap Kwan Seng,
Kuala Lumpur
Business Hours: 11am to 12pm


Kerala is a south-western state on the Indian sub-continent famous throughout the region for its spicy and rich culinary delights and also as the hub for ayurvedic treatment in India.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p32buffet.jpg

Kalianees’ introduction buffet.


Its food recipes passed down through generations for thousands of years has become richer but yet not lost its flavour and still remains authentically Keralite.

Sadly, for a long time, such delectable offerings were not easily available in Malaysia.

Well, many Malayalees cook delicious stuff but at home, of course.

We, the dining public, have not sampled a nice Keralan meal at a restaurant.

Now we could.

A house in Lorong Yap Kwan Seng was renovated and turned into a restaurant and bar called Kallianees.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p32KallianeesTree.jpg

This tree offers a soothing
greet touch to the ambience at Kallianees.


The double-storey bungalow has been converted and tastefully decorated with imported teak furniture, wooden carvings and Indian portraits.

The reastaurant has a dining area on the ground floor and three private dining rooms on the first floor for exclusive functions, meetings or gatherings.

The first floor also has a veranda balcony that has a breath-taking view of the KLCC Twin Towers in the evening.

Kannan Nair, one of Kallianees’ managing partners, realised that there was no restaurant in Malaysia that offered authentic Keralite cuisine and those that claimed to, actually offered a rather Malaysianised version.

However, to ensure taste and authenticity, the owners travelled to Kerala to employ a few experienced chefs in Keralite cuisine.

But they did not stop there. To bring the whole experience of Kerala to Malaysia they continued their search for waiters and butlers from Kerala to serve the dishes in true Kerala style.

[nazrey]

Largest paintball field in Malaysia
Thursday, May 05, 2005



THE Malaysia Book of Records has endorsed TT Sports Park as the largest paintball field in Malaysia.

TT Sports Park, situated at the Subang Jaya Lake, has five playing fields spread over 3.5 acres. Malaysia Book of Records founder Datuk Danny Ooi presented the certificate to Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra Sultan Ismail Petra at the soft launching last Saturday.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p34Danny.jpg


Datuk Danny Ooi (left) handing over
the certificate to Tengku Muhammad Fakhry
Petra Ismail Petra (right) witnessed by Datuk
Lee Hwa Beng (second from left) and Datuk Mustapha Abdullah.


Ooi said they were happy to see TT Sports Park making it into the Malaysia Book of Records.

“They should now try to create events like a 24-hour marathon paintball competition and enter it into the Malaysia Book of Records,'' said Ooi.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, who witnessed the ceremony, said paintball had become a popular activity among youths in the Klang Valley.

“Not all youngsters are keen to take up sports like badminton or football. Some of them might want to try other adventurous sports. And paintball has become a popular activity among youngsters.

“We want Subang Jaya to become a centre for healthy activities. We don’t want the youngsters to be involved in unhealthy activities. In Subang Jaya, we have initiated a 10km run and basketball league for residents to interact.

“Now, this paintball centre will provide interesting activities to cater for youngsters in the Klang Valley. I was informed that the response for paintball had been encouraging,'' said Lee.

In conjunction with the soft launch, a paintball competition was held at the TT Sports Park. A total of 19 teams were invited for the championships.

The championships had two divisions – Amateur and Novice. Cash prizes were offered to the top three teams in each division.

[nazrey]

Camping out to foster closer ties
Thursday, May 05, 2005
By LIM CHIA YING



A TOTAL of 33 children, aged between nine and 17, staggered off the bus at the 3K Complex in SS13 exhausted but cheerful as they were welcomed by Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng.

The group, all of whom were wearing white T-shirts with the word “Hommies” scribbled on it, were returning from a two-day trip to The Farm at Lenggeng, Negri Sembilan, organised by Subang Hommies, a networking group for youths in Subang Jaya.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p10pingPong.jpg

The youngsters showing
ping pong balls inscribed with their Hommie names.


The trip was the first of many activities planned for the group, which is targeted at youths in Subang Jaya to help give them a sense of identity and a place to belong to.

Lee said the camp was a great way of nurturing good neighbourliness among youths staying in the same residential area.

He added that the group would be making a trip to a Malay village on the outskirts of Puchong, where they would mingle with rural residents and be involved in community projects like tree-planting and painting a multi-purpose hall.

During the camp at The Farm, the group took part in relay games, craft activities, a drama presentation and pond fishing, where the catch was later barbequed for dinner.

Hommie Debra Tan, 15, from SS19, said she had enjoyed herself and learned a lot during the two-day camp.

“I learned how to clean fish, something which I’ve never done at home,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tan Ai Nee from USJ said she learned about the Hommies group through friends and it was her first time taking part in an outdoor camp.

“It was a fun experience. We ate raw eggs during the ‘Hommies Buffet’ activity and although it wasn’t pleasant, the feeling was great as I felt I have conquered my fear of raw food.

“Through this trip, I’ve developed self-confidence and also interaction skills with the other participants.

“I am also more aware about people living in my neighbourhood,” said the 17-year old.

Later, nine-year old Gavin Gan from Subang Jaya, who was the mascot for the trip, presented Lee with a Hommie T-shirt in acknowledgment of Lee's role as the group's patron.

Lee had earlier pledged RM2,500 to start the programme. After a brief homecoming speech by Lee, the ceremony ended with a group photo session.

[nazrey]

Show goes on despite power failure
Thursday, May 05, 2005



THE show must go on – even during a power failure. This was the case at a charity concert organised by Chung Hwa Confucian High School in Penang.

The blackout occurred at about 10pm on Friday, halfway through the concert at Dewan Sri Pinang. The technical glitch did not, however, affect a drum performance by the school's ex-students association.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p29concert.jpg

The ‘Stomp Out Loud’ performance
with students making music using trash bins and pails.


Without missing a beat, the drummers continued their act and appeared to be drumming up the right mood as the supportive crowd shouted encouraging words like “We support you, Chung Hwa!” and “You can do it!”

Next, several performers sang a Chinese number called Hand in Hand with light from their hand phones to guide the pianist.

The school's military band was all set to play in the dark when power supply was restored.

Other performances were a dragon dance, a hula dance, a martial arts demonstration and a Chinese orchestra.

Among the highlights was the Stomp Out Loud performance with students making music by beating trash bins and pails.

With household items turned into percussion instruments, the students drove the audience wild with their performance.

The concert raised RM96,000 for the school's parent-teacher association.

The money will be used to buy teaching aid and lockers, set up an air- conditioned lecture hall and install security cameras.

“Our target was RM80,000. We are proud of our students who have been preparing for this for the past three months,” said the school’s senior assistant Teh Min Hwa.

“We hope to make this a biennial event to showcase the students' talents and help them build their confidence,” he said.

He said more than 500 students from the school as well as SJK (C) Chung Hwa (A) and SJK (C) Chung Hwa (B) took part in the concert.

[nazrey]

For safety reasons, police help enforcement officers
Thursday, May 05, 2005
By K.W. MAK



OVER at the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ), enforcement officers are not as brazen to carry out their duties in small numbers.

The council’s officers, who are not allowed to carry arms, usually conduct raids with the cooperation of the police for security purposes.

“Our officers can do raids without the police, but for safety reasons, we always organise our raids with the police,” said MPPJ public relations officer Zainon Zakaria.

“Uniforms are not mandatory when the officers carry out their duties while undercover. However, any officer, whether they are undercover or not, must carry their enforcement identification badge when on duty.”

The public can demand to see the officer’s badge, as it is their right. The badge carries the logo of the council with an identification card bearing the officer’s photo, his name and his serial number.

The card has the law enactment empowering him to carry out his duties printed on the reverse side of the card and also bears the signature of the MPPJ president.

If an officer is suspected of abusing his or her power, the public can lodge a report with the council or the police. If a person is suspected to be impersonating an officer, a police report should be filed.

“Our officers are empowered to issue compounds and they are allowed to confiscate goods from those who violate the law, but they must also issue the person an itemised list of everything that has been confiscated as we do not want to be accused of stealing,” said Zainon.

“If the confiscated goods are perishables like foodstuffs, the council normally donates it to an orphanage. For other items like tables and chairs, the owner can collect them after paying the compound fine within a month.”

Zainon said the officers were only empowered to issue the compounds and that offenders should visit the council to resolve the fines.

[nazrey]

Act-ing on the powers they have
Thursday, May 05, 2005
By CHOW HOW BAN


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City Hall officers clamping cars
that are parked at undesignated bays in
Jalan Raja. They are following the rules
before taking action against the errant car owners.


THE powers of City Hall officers who are entrusted to carry out operations or raids are clearly spelt out in City Hall's Acts and bylaws.

But the procedures on how the operations are to be conducted are not written. All the local authority has are verbal or written guidelines for its enforcement officers to follow.

According to Section 75 of the Local Government Act 1976 which deals with public health, the health officer or any officers authorised by the local authority may enter and inspect houses and buildings after giving a six-hour notice to the occupants.

The officer in charge will have the power to direct the occupants to clean up their premises and those who fail to do so are subject to a penalty or imprisonment.

As for general raids, any authorised officers can enter any premises to inspect, enquire or execute their duties.

Section 111 of the Act states that it is an offence if the occupants fail to produce his name, identification card number and particulars of the premises or give inaccurate information to the officer.

A senior City Hall official from the Legal Affairs Department said the system was designed the Datuk Bandar could delegate powers to the various departments.

“The step-by-step procedures on what the officers can do are not mentioned in the Acts and bylaws. There will be standing instructions from the departments that undertake the enforcement.

“I believe that all department heads will have clear instructions for their officers. For instance, the Directorate has sergeant-level officers who give the officers instructions on what they should look out for during a raid,” she said.

She said every department had been empowered under different Acts and bylaws to perform their duties.

“There has been no request for amendment to the Acts or bylaws in regards with the powers given to the departments. As far as we are concerned, enforcement teams from City Hall have taken satisfactory measures during the course of their duties,” she said.

As for raids on entertainment outlets, Section 16 of the Entertainment (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) Act 1992 states that though any authorised officer, police officer or the Commissioner may enter an entertainment outlet to ascertain whether conditions of the licence have been complied with, they shall produce their official authority cards to exercise their powers.

Under the Act, the officer can also demand particulars, arrest and seize any document or things that he or she believes can furnish evidence of the commission of an offence.

Besides the Acts and bylaws within its jurisdiction, City Hall can also use other Acts that come under different ministries. For instance, City Hall applies the Health Ministry’s Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insect Act 1975 in efforts to control the dengue outbreak.

City Hall’s Health Department deputy director Dr Hayati Abdullah said health officers would have to follow the ministry’s dengue control guidelines that are excluded from the Act while carrying out inspections of breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitos.

“The officer has to introduce himself by showing the occupant his authority card before proceeding with the search for breeding grounds. When we discover that there are Aedes mosquitoes, we will show it to the occupant and scoop the water in which the larvae is found into a bottle that will be labelled.

“Finally, we will have to get the occupant’s signature as an acknowledgment of such inspections,” she said.

[nazrey]

Fashion week kicks off in style
Wednesday May 4, 2005


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These young breakdancers featured in
Michael Ong's presentation titled 'Colour
Fusion' stole the show and the hearts of the
audience with their slick moves.
http://www.thestar.com.my/images/mplayer.gif Media Player (http://202.186.86.35/mmedia/video/klfw_050503.wmv)

KUALA LUMPUR: The biggest fashion extravaganza in the country, KL Fashion Week 2005, got off to a dazzling start at the Shangri-La Hotel here yesterday.

The hotel became the place to be as corporate figures, fashion bigwigs, celebrities and artistes turned up in their best attire for the Fashion Gala Night last night to launch KL Fashion Week 2005 organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.

Guests were led up a red carpet to the hotel’s grand ballroom, which was decorated to reflect the pomp and glitter that awaited.

Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad arrived wearing a dark-coloured suit.

Guest-of-honour Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, the Prime Minister’s wife, made her entrance at 8.30pm and was greeted by Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Steven Tan.

Clad in a pink kebaya and a matching shawl, Endon was presented a bouquet upon arrival by Thai model Markus Wiedenmann.

The gala night then began as Malaysian designers Edric Ong, Sharifah Kirana, Orson Liyu, Michael Ong and Razak showcased their creations.

In between the parade of glamorous outfits, a group of breakdancing kids featured in Michael Ong’s segment titled Colour Fusion stole the show.

After a brief intermission, it was the international designers’ turn to shine as Rohit Bal (India), Walter Ma (Hong Kong), Liang Zi (China), Nagara (Thailand) and Fumio Akiyama (Japan) took to the stage with their creations.

The presence of international models like Australian Josephine Wilkins, Eunis Chan (Hong Kong), Metinee Kingpayome and Wiedenmann (Thailand), Hitomi Kondo (Japan), Wang Min (China), and Sheetal Mallar and Aditya Bal (India) added further shine to the gala night.

Hosts for the event were TV personality and radio deejay Asha Gill, and actor Rashid Salleh who is best known for his role as struggling actor Joe in local sitcom Kopitiam.

[nazrey]

Endon impressed by traditional hand-woven cloth
Wednesday May 4, 2005


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/4/fashionweek/n_01greatshow.jpg

The Prime Minister’s wife
Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood together
with (front row from left) Star Publications (M) Bhd group
managing director and CEO Datuk Steven Tan,
Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad and
L'Oreal Malaysia managing director Jean-Francois
Couve congratulating the designers on a job well
done at the Fashion Gala Night at the Shangri-La
Hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Among the
designers at the event were Sharifah Kirana,
Edric Ong, Michael Ong, Rohit Bal, Walter Ma,
Orson Liyu and Razak. The event is part of KL
Fashion Week 2005, organised by The Star
and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.
— STARpic by AZHAR MAHFOF


KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, impressed by the traditional hand-woven textiles used by Kuching-based designer Edric Ong in his creations, ordered half a dozen pieces of them for herself. She selected half of the 12 creations that were paraded at the Fashion Gala Night last night, which is part of KL Fashion Week 2005.

Endon will be going to Europe soon and wants to promote the puakumbu (Iban-made textile) while she is there, Ong said.

He said Endon also ordered about six selendang from him, to be given as gifts to people she would meet during her travels.

She loves natural dyes, hand woven and handmade materials because she appreciates traditional craftsmanship, he said.

He said Endon's patronage for traditional textiles had helped to give a new lease of life to these textiles.

[nazrey]

Bringing creations to life with the right fit
Wednesday May 4, 2005


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/4/fashionweek/n_04seeluon.jpg

See Luon placing pins on
a model's dress with his assistant's
help during a fitting session in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.


KUALA LUMPUR: Matching the right dress to a model can be a tough task but experience and a good eye for fit can bring a designer's creation to life.

The brother of Zang Toi, Toi See Luon, who runs the New York-based designer’s boutique here, said there were times when designers were spoilt for choice.

However, most designers would already have in mind the look of a model to parade their designs, he said.

“Certain cuts fit certain types of girls and we roughly know what we want.

“But sometimes, we get it wrong and have to swap outfits between models,” he said at a fitting session at the Shangri-La Hotel here to get the ideal fit to parade Zang Toi’s “Black & White Movies Revisited” collection.

Other designers, including Radzuan Radziwill, Andy Sulaiman, Tom Abang Saufi and South Korean Han Song, took advantage of the 10pm fitting session on Monday to prepare themselves for the Tourism Malaysia Corporate Cocktail Night at the hotel here tonight.

The event themed Style is part of the KL Fashion Week 2005 held from yesterday to Sunday.

It is organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.

[nazrey]

Organisers seek international listing for event
Wednesday May 4, 2005


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/4/fashionweek/n_28edric.jpg

ONG’S STYLE: Designer Edric Ong takes
his bows, gamely sporting his own work. Ong was
the first of five Malaysian designers featured at the
KL Fashion Week Gala Night.


KUALA LUMPUR: Being listed on the international events calendar – this is the desire of the organisers of the KL Fashion Week 2005.

“Dubbed the premier event this year due to its size, it is on the forefront of the national and regional calendars, and we hope that it will be on the international calendar soon,” said Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and CEO Datuk Steven Tan.

Tan, in his opening address at the fashion week's Fashion Gala Night at the Shangri-La Hotel here yesterday, said the Tourism Ministry's support of the event showed that fashion was one of the key events of tourism.

He said Malaysia had the potential to promote fashion on a worldwide scale.

“We believe we have a huge pool of talent, and we hope this annual event is a platform for the young designers.”

He also thanked the more than 50 foreign media representatives who will be here for the duration of the event, as well as the supporters.

Deputy group general manager and organising chairman Datin Linda Ngiam said it was a privilege that the event was graced by the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood.

“We are also glad that the proceeds from the sale of the RM800 tickets for the gala night are donated to the Penyayang Cancer Support Programme,” she added.

[nazrey]

Fashion Extravaganza
Wednesday May 4, 2005


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/4/fashionweek/n_28captivating.jpg

A model parading local
designer Sharifah Kirana's outfit.


KUALA LUMPUR: KL Fashion Week 2005, which is into its third year, aims to make Kuala Lumpur a fashion hub and Malaysia a shopping destination, Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad said.

He said the event was a good platform to promote the talents of Malaysian designers, models, make-up artists, hairstylists and other professions related to the fashion industry.

He said events such as The Editors’ Awards 2005, College Fashion Shows and Star Designer Awards lined up during the fashion week would create opportunities for young and new designers.

“The ministry is indeed happy and honoured to support, and be part of, this effort undertaken by The Star and L’Oreal Paris to promote Kuala Lumpur as a stylish capital and destination; as well as to create a platform to market Malaysian talents and products,” he said.

He added that this was the first time the ministry was promoting tourism through the fashion industry.

Dr Toyad was speaking to the Malaysian and foreign press before attending Fashion Gala Night at Shangri-La Hotel here last night which kicked off KL Fashion Week 2005.

Present were Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Steven Tan, deputy group general manager and KL Fashion Week 2005 organising chairman Datin Linda Ngiam and L’Oreal Malaysia managing director Jean-Francois Couve.

http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/4/fashionweek/n_29dark.jpg

An example of Michael Ong's
use of black as a canvas on which he
paints fantastic visions. The effect is
enhanced by a juxtaposition of flaming
colour. This particular ensemble whets
the audience's appetite for his six
stunning formal gowns in a similar theme.

[nazrey]

Designer clothes parade enthrals guests
Wednesday May 4, 2005


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/4/fashionweek/n_29dazzling.jpg

Michael Ong puts the show
in fashion show. His flamboyant Colour
Fusion range features arresting colours,
striking lines drawn around hems and
down bodices and skirts -
all accompanied by beautiful sandals,
wedges and be-ribboned heels.


KUALA LUMPUR: The gala event that kicked off the country's premier fashion extravaganza last night allowed guests to give their uninterrupted attention to the designs on parade.

It was a refreshing change from the format of previous years, when dinner was served as the models were taking to the catwalk.

This year, guests at Fashion Gala Night were treated to a cocktail party before the show, giving them an opportunity to talk shop with other followers of fashion.

Those interviewed said it was a grand idea to have the catwalk parade without the distraction of food.

It allowed them to fully absorb and appreciate the creations on show. The gala night has become the ritual curtain raiser for the annual KL Fashion Week.

Melium Group president Farah Khan, who has attended fashion shows all over the world, said it was a fresh idea for Malaysia and expressed the hope that this concept would stay.

It had always been done this way in Europe and America, she said.

“We (Malaysians) are used to the dinner concept because we are so pampered. I think it's time Malaysia adopts this (new) idea.

Yvents Sdn Bhd managing director Yvette Kang-Tang, whose company brought in the famous Sesame Street muppets to Kuala Lumpur last December, said she loved fashion shows and had no qualms about the new idea.

“I feel the cocktail party before the show gives people the opportunity to mingle and to catch up with each other before the show begins,” said a delighted Yvette.

[nazrey]

Showcase of glamour
Wednesday May 4, 2005


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/4/fashionweek/n_30budi.jpg

Yayasan Budi Penyayang chief executive
officer Leela Mohd Ali receiving the cheque form
sales of the RM800 tickets to the Fashion Gala
Night from KL Fashion Week organising chairman
Datin Linda Ngiam (second from right) and L'Oreal
Malaysia Jean-Francois Couve (right). Tourism
Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad was also
present to witness the handing over of the mock cheque.


KUALA LUMPUR: The glitzy parade that launched KL Fashion Week 2005 last night was a showcase of glamour, vogue and inspiration.

This was the consensus among those interviewed.

They gave “two thumbs up” to the designs as well as to the creators and models at Fashion Gala Night.

“The show was very nice. I enjoyed it,” said Sito Network Sdn Bhd executive director T.M. Sidhu, who was among the audience at the glittering event at Shangri-La Hotel here.

Echoing the excitement, actor, model and show presenter Shamser Sidhu said he was impressed by the segment on local designer Michael Ong, which featured a group of bubbly kids break-dancing to hip-hop music.

“Those kids were awesome! There they were doing their handstands and putting on 'that attitude'.

“There was perfect timing and it really got the crowd going,” he added.

Former Senate president Tan Sri Michael Chen and his wife Puan Sri Helen, who were attending their third Fashion Gala Night, said it was the best.

“We enjoyed ourselves very much. It was a refreshing change,” said Chen.

Lawyer P.S. Gill, father of the night's emcee and former Channel V host Asha Gill, said: “The show was ingenious, and it presented the different styles of the various designers.

“It was interesting to see creations from designers of other Asian countries.”

Adrian Coville, one of the judges for the Star Designer Awards on Saturday, said the show was a brilliant blend of Malaysian and other Asian designers.

This, he added, was important, as it enabled the designers to learn from each other's creations.

“Although the KL Fashion Week has just started and only in its third year, it is already getting very strong support.”

[nazrey]

Symphony of gems and couture
Wednesday May 5, 2005


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/5/fashionweek/n_p14ziana.jpg

DAZZLING DISPLAY: Ziana (left) displaying a
necklace and earring set from the Queens Heart
Collection at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
With her is Queens Heart general manager Michelle Yang.


KUALA LUMPUR: What do diamonds and fashion have in common? Plenty, as shown at yesterday’s Afternoon Designer Showcase at the Shangri-La Hotel here.

The second day of KL Fashion Week 2005 proved to be a dazzling showstopper with leading Malaysian jeweller Habib Jewels and fashion designer Rizalman Ibrahim providing a symphony of gems and couture in a feast for the eyes.

While the jeweller showcased some of its latest and most elaborate pieces, it was the latest Queens Heart Collection which made an impressive debut in the form of delicate heart-shaped pendants, dangling earrings and classic tennis bracelets that were the highlight for diamond lovers.

Launching the new Queens Heart Collection was local chanteuse Ziana Zain, who looked resplendent in a green flowing one-piece number designed by none other than Rizalman himself.

The combination of Habib’s sparklers and Rizalman’s latest Spring/ Summer collection was breathtaking and kept the guests glued to their seats.

Models sashayed down the catwalk in some 22 chic, sexy and glamorous creations revealing plunging necklines, backlines and high slits.

Each piece was a combination of vibrant monotones or prints with the subtle, yet elegant, ethnic touch Rizalman is known for.

According to the designer, the Afternoon Designer Showcase was the first time he was flaunting his pret-a-porter range to the Malaysian public.

“Although it has received great reviews in Singapore, I am hoping the locals will like my latest collection.

“Today’s show displays a new collaboration between jewellery and my designs. This is the new way that ‘fashionistas’ will be wearing jewellery. These are combinations that can be worn day or night.

“It’s about wearing what suits you,” Rizalman said.

[nazrey]

December meeting to foster ties among batik enthusiasts
Wednesday May 5, 2005


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/5/fashionweek/n_p15endon.jpg

Endon speaking to foreign journalists
during the ‘An Afternoon with Datin Paduka
Seri Endon Mahmood’ function in Kuala Lumpur
yesterday. They are (from left) ‘China Daily’
culture and fashion senior reporter (features)
Chen Jie, ‘The Advertiser’ assistant editor Karen
Porter, ‘The Daily Star’ editor Raffat Rashid and
‘The Jakarta Post’ deputy Sunday editor Chisato Hara.


KUALA LUMPUR: A convention to develop an international network of batik enthusiasts will be held in the hope of fostering closer ties among batik-producing countries.

Set to take place in December, the three-day convention, which will be known as the Kuala Lumpur International Batik Convention, is part of the Malaysia Batik – Crafted for the World movement.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's wife Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, who mooted the idea for the movement, said the convention would create a forum to discuss the batik craft and for those in the industry to exchange ideas.

“I would like to see batik manufacturers, artists, students, lecturers and academics and also enthusiasts at the convention in December.

“We hope participants will share techniques, innovations, technologies and marketing strategies and focus on the long-term relevance, growth, progress and prominence of the industry internationally.

“So far, we have confirmed speakers from the United States, Britain, India, Indonesia and of course, Malaysia,” Endon said, adding that she was awaiting confirmation from speakers from Japan, China and Sri Lanka.

The convention, with the theme “The Business of Batik,” will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre here from Dec 8 to 10.

The fashion event is organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L'Oreal Paris.

Endon, who met local and foreign reporters at the function yesterday, thanked the press for helping to spread the word about “the work that we do whether it is charity work or work for the batik industry.”

[nazrey]

East meets East
Wednesday May 5, 2005
By RUBIN KHOO


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/5/fashionweek/p15%20WangMin.jpg

Chinese supermodel Wang Min is
elegance personified in designer Liang Zi's creation.


They are among the world’s oldest civilisations. India and China have long been the focus of global fascination, and a source of inspiration for fashion designers.

After playing second fiddle to the West for so long, Asia’s fashion maestros are quickly playing catch up and fast establishing themselves as forces to contend with.

There is perhaps no better example of the change, than India’s Rohit Bal. The designer has made his mark in Paris, London and New York, dressing Cindy Crawford, Uma Thurman and Anna Kournikova along the way.


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/5/fashionweek/p1516_RohitBal.jpg

Rohit Bal draws inspiration for
his collection from the first snowfall in the Himalayas.


With his natural blonde hair and grey eyes, he has also become quite the celebrity, instantly recognisable at social events.

“It’s not just a fad,” he said. “It’s going to stay that way for a while. India offers techniques that can’t be done anywhere else – handwork, embellishment, texturing.”

With its fast expanding economy, China is also the home to many budding designers.

“We have a young fashion industry but it’s becoming a popular career for many,” said China’s Liang Zi, who together with Rohit, presented at KL Fashion Week 2005’s Fashion Gala Night.

Interesting designs, cut and colour, she said, are just some of things that the world can expect from Chinese designers.


Rohit Bal draws inspiration for his collection from the first snowfall in the Himalayas.
That India and China are fast becoming fashion centres was certainly evident during the Fashion Gala Night.

The evening saw a display by two designers who – despite coming from countries so close yet far apart – shared something that was clearly translated into their designs.

One told a tale of opulence and richness, transporting us to a land of princes and beautiful princesses. The other took us through a journey of inner peace. But they both converged in attention to detail, fine fabrics and elegance.

Rohit may be regarded as eccentric by some, but his talent is undoubted.

KL’s most fashionable was mesmerised by his Sheen Mubrak collection that celebrated India with dramatic effect.

“It’s a winter white collection,” he said. “It’s literally translated from a dialect of Kashmiri which means a celebration of the first snow fall. It’s very Indian in its workmanship and craft.”

Known for drawing upon history, fantasy and folklore to create, Rohit combines “the freshness and purity of the first Himalayan snowfall with the elegance and beauty of traditional Indian silhouettes and motifs.”


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/5/fashionweek/p15sarees.jpg

Designer Rohit Bal celebrates
Indian influences in his Sheen Mubarak collection.


The all-cream collection re-told tales of Arabian nights, Cleopatra and Rajasthani princesses, in fine Indian crafting.

With elaborate beading, intricate motifs and fluid layers that emphasised the silhouette, India’s celebrity designer successfully showcased a collection that was a work of art.

There were elements of the sari, lenga and salwar kamiz but tweaked to give universal appeal and a contemporary feel. Rohit also gave the Nehru tunic a feminine twist.

It was sharp contrast to China’s Liang Zi. While not opulent or lavish, Liang’s collection was as stunning but with a different focus. Her Zen collection was inspired by a trip to northwest China.

“It is important to find peace, health and beauty,” she said. “Not beauty on the outside but on the inside.”

Her work thus focuses on the quest for inner spirituality while displaying Chinese elements. Based on this philosophy, Zen had a ‘back to basics’ kind of feel.


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/5/fashionweek/p16LiangZi.jpg

Liang Zi presents a collection
that reflects her journey to spiritual enlightenment.


Liang’s style emphasised simplicity and minimalism with the focal point being the woman. The moment China supermodel Wang Min stepped out, draped in a monk-like cocoon of fabric, it was almost like being transported to the days of Adam and Eve.

Her collection seems best suited for the independent-minded who despise fuss and frills. Liang nonetheless presented an extremely feminine collection with soft and fluid fabrics that celebrated the female form.

Kung-fu inspired jackets were cut to hug the body. Dresses were embellished with kua motifs to give them a Chinese feel.

“I pay attention to colour and detail,” she said.

An interesting element was also the fabric that Liang used. The Zen collection used specially treated Canton silk, buried in earth, treated with plant extract and dried under the sun.

[nazrey]

A fitting start to a 'fashionable' week
Wednesday May 5, 2005
By VIVIENNE PAL


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/5/fashionweek/p20Alshem.jpg

Dressed in their best are (from left) Aishem
Group chief executive officer Vincent Teh King
Them and wife Amy Teh, Fiona Liew and husband
B.L.Ooi who is AKN Technology Bhd Group CEO,
and lawyers Toh Lee Hong and Hoe Kek Pin.


It has happened again! Dignitaries, socialites, celebrities and all of fashion-dom have come together to attend what can be touted as one of the biggest annual shows on the Malaysian fashion calendar - the KL Fashion Week 2005.

Organised by The Star and presented by L'Oreal Paris and Tourism Malaysia, the third KL Fashion Week promises to be bigger and better compared to previous years.

And starting the event with a massive bang was the Fashion Gala Night on Tuesday.

Held at the grand ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the Gala Night was a spectacular event which sported a slight difference this year - instead of a sit-down dinner during the fashion show, guests mingled with designers as well as with each other while enjoying a lavish cocktail spread prior to the show. Supper was served immediately after.

In the midst of it all, models walked among the crowd, showcasing an array of designs by local and Asian designer labels.

Designers who claimed the Gala Night catwalk this year were Malaysians Edric Ong, who also kicked off the show; Sharifah Kirana, Orson Liyu, Michael Ong and Razak.

International designers comprised Rohit Bal (India), Walter Ma (Hong Kong), Liang Zi (China), Nagara (Thailand) and Fumio Akiyama (Japan).

Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, graced the event as the guest-of-honour.


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/5/fashionweek/p20Salamiah.jpg

Looking resplendent are (from left)
Salamiah Hassan, lawyer P.S.Gill who is the
father of local celebrity Asha Gill, and Dr Mai Sargeant.


For many, this year's Gala Night was a huge improvement from before. The cocktail session enabled guests and designers to meet and exchange ideas while filling their stomachs. It also ensured that guests could pay full attention during the catwalk show.

“This is a great set-up,” said SMAS Sdn Bhd managing director Rahmah Mahmood, who also attended the Gala Night last year.

Designer Razak Mohammed described this year's set-up as “simply brilliant.”

“ I love it - I think this is the best set-up ever! I like it that the crowd gets to meet with the designers during cocktail.

“I’m nervous, exhausted, excited all at the same time. Judging from how it looks backstage, I think everyone’s made a great effort this year,” said Razak, whose designs were showcased that night.

William Liew, a fellow local designer, agreed.

“I think the cocktail event is great. After all, aside from the mingling and avoiding the distractions during the fashion show, all these people can show off their clothes too,'' he said.

Tickets for the night were sold at RM800, RM500 and RM300 each. Proceeds went directly to the Penyayang Pesakit Kanser support programme.

[szehoong]

I've merged KL news and buzz as both are virtually the same thing ;)

Keep on posting on KL's latest news and happenings :okay:

[Lastresorter]

I've merged KL news and buzz as both are virtually the same thing ;)

Keep on posting on KL's latest news and happenings :okay:

Hehe Sze you have done alot of merging and editing in the forum lately :D

[szehoong]

Yea...cleaning up the mess :lol: .....have to rename some of the thread to reflect professionalism and to streamlined some redundant threads hehehehe :D

[Lastresorter]

Just a suggestion, why not place some of the threads according to regions... like Northern States (Penang, Kedah, Perlis, Perak), Central (Selangor, KL, Putrajaya, NS), Southern (Melaka & Johor), East Coast, & East Malaysia... then it would be easier to find some threads...

Just a suggestion la... I know it's not easy haha :D

[nazrey]

Fundraiser for new Kepong school
Friday, May 06, 2005


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p14YeePohPing.jpg

Yee (second from right) and
Yong (third from left) discussing the
dinner with Kui Huat restaurant owner K.H. Lai (third from right).


MCA Youth Kepong is organising a fund-raising drive to build a new school, SJK (C) Kepong 3, in Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong, as the two existing ones, SJK (C) Kepong 1 and 2 can no longer accomodate an increase in enrolment.

MCA Youth Kepong chairman Yong Yit Nam said rapid development in the area had caused an increase in population.

“The new school will serve and cater to the needs of the community in the area,” said Yong.

The new housing projects in Kepong are Sunway Suncity, Desa Park City and Bandar Menjalara.

The fundraiser will be held at Kui Huat restaurant at 19, Jalan 3/36, Bukit Sri Bintang, tomorrow from 8am to noon and 30 Youth members have volunteered to serve guests.

”We are hoping the Kepong community will show up and support the event as we intend to raise RM10,000.

“All funds collected will be channelled towards the SJK (C) Kepong 3 Building Fund,” said Yong.

Higher Education Deputy Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow is also expected to be present.

The construction of the school will cost RM5mil. More than RM4mil has been raised so far and, with the assistance of MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, the federal government has also allocated RM500,000 for the school.

Foundation work has started for the four-storey building and it is expected to be complete by next year.

At the same press conference, MCA Kepong Public Service & Government Affairs bureau chairman Yee Poh Ping announced that MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting had agreed to grace the 3rd Parents’ Day Dinner Banquet organised by the MCA Youth Kepong.

The banquet will be held on May 18 at 7.30pm at the Choi Wah restaurant in Jinjang Utara.

“We are playing our role to cultivate the right family values by promoting filial piety.

“We want children to recognise their parents’ sacrifices.

“The banquet is devoted to parents as a symbol of appreciation,” said Yee.

Ninety per cent of the 60 tables, priced at RM500 each, available have been sold out.

[nazrey]

Special bus service for streetballers
Friday, May 06, 2005
By STUART MICHAEL


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p70Entyforms.jpg

Students rushing for entry forms
for the second leg at the World of Sports in Bangsar Village.


To make it easier for youngsters to take part in the second leg of the AND1 Streetball Challenge at Bangsar Village on May 15, the organisers have arranged for a special bus service for them in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

The bus service, stationed in front of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank in Lebuh Ampang, will start at 7am. Arrangements have also been made to send the players back from Bangsar Village to Lebuh Ampang.

Ossia World of Golf executive director Saw Swee Leong, speaking on behalf of the organisers, said the bus service would make it easier for youngsters, who relied on public transport, to go to Bangsar Village and also to return to KL.

“Some of them stay as far away as Ampang, Gombak and Cheras. They have to leave home as early as 6am because the registration for players is scheduled at 7.30am,” saw added.

“If they can get to KL, then this bus service will help them to get to Bangsar Village on time,'' added Saw after distributing entry forms at World of Sports in Bangsar Village on Monday.

The number of buses to be provided for this service will depend on the response from tournament participants towards the streetball challenge organised by Ossia World of Golf.

Star Metro is the official media of the event, Milo is the official beverage and Red 104.9fm is the official radio.

Those who need the bus service must register with tournament director Wong Wing Wai at 012-358 5911.

Saw said the number of buses that they were going to provide for this service would depend on the response from the participants.

“Those who need the bus service must register with us so that we can plan the number of buses to provide,” said Saw.

“So far, more than 100 teams have signed up for the second leg of the AND1 Streetball Challenge in Bangsar Village.

“The event will be held next Sunday and we expect more entries to come in. As we had to turn away many teams for the first leg held at USJ Summit, teams should register early to avoid disappointment.”

Among those who registered for the second leg at Bangsar Village were Henry Loh, 16, from Alice Smith School.

“I love watching the players from the AND1 Mixed Tape performing their tricks, especially 'Hot Sauce'. These players are our heroes,” Loh added.

Charlie Atkinson, 17, who is attending an American Degree Programme at Help Institute, said said he was amazed to see so many basketball followers in Malaysia.

“I took part in the AND1 Streetball Challenge at Berjaya Times Square last year. The local players are also quite good,'' said the 1.82m tall Atkinson, who was born in Ipoh.

Following the leg in Bangsar Village, the other legs will be held in Klang on July 24, Sunway Pyramid on Sept 18 and Berjaya Times Square (grand finals) on Oct 16.

The entry fee for the streetball challenge is RM90 for a team of three players. In return, each team will get three AND1 jerseys and a basketball. Teams can compete in six categories – boys’ Under-21, boys’ Under-18, girls’ Under-18, boys' Under-15, girls’ Under-15 and boys’ Under-13.

[nazrey]

Vehicle thefts jump 33%
Friday, May 06, 2005


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p28Yong.jpg

(From left) Midvalley Megamall excutive
director Daniel Yong, Mustafa, Anuar and PKK
president Richard Chan with the poster of the
anti-car theft campaign at Midvalley Megamall.


A total of 26,566 vehicle thefts were reported to insurers last year, up 33% from the previous year. It was the fourth successive year that such thefts had been on the rise in Malaysia.

The vehicle thefts resulted in the general insurance companies incurring claims of about RM557mil. Of the vehicles reported stolen last year, 66% were motorcycles and 27% cars.

“Vehicle theft is a growing problem. Our statistics show that 73 vehicles, including motorcycles, cars and other vehicles, were stolen every day last year, resulting in losses totalling about RM1.5mil every day,” said Persatuan Insuran Am Malaysia (PIAM) chairman Anuar Mohd Hassan.

The number of cars reported stolen, however, declined to 7,263 last year from 7,303 in 2003, Anuar said, attributing the reduction to the proactive efforts taken by the police to crack down on organised car thieves.

In a bid to check rising car thefts, PIAM recently organised an anti-car theft campaign with the support of the police and Persatuan Pengurusan Kompleks Malaysia (PPK).

The campaign, which was launched by Kuala Lumpur police chief DCP Datuk Mustafa Abdullah at the Mid Valley Megamall last week, is aimed at promoting greater awareness of car theft prevention to the public.

“We believe this can help reduce the number of thefts significantly,” Anuar added.

Meanwhile, the campaign has introduced the “Four-layered Approach” to car theft prevention: Common sense in taking simple but necessary precautions, the use of warning devices, immobilisation devices, and finally, installation of tracking devices.

“Keeping your car completely safe is not easy, but increased vigilance and installing a steering wheel lock together with an alarm, an electronic immobiliser or a tracking device could greatly reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen.

“The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal,” Anuar said.

A recent study by the Vehicle Information Centre of Canada indicated that use of anti-theft devices could reduce car thefts by as much as 70%.

PIAM is also working with PPK to display educational posters and flyers to promote the Four- layered Approach at over 70 shopping complexes in the Klang Valley and Johor.

PIAM will also distribute theft deterrent car stickers to policyholders through its member companies.

[nazrey]

Italian label opens KL flagship store
Friday, May 06, 2005



Replay, one of the most celebrated names in Italian fashion and jeans, today inaugurated its flagship store at Kuala Lumpur’s most premier shopping centre, Suria KLCC.

Located at Lot 127, on Level 1 of the shopping centre, the store is boasts of an interior design concept that is fashioned after the REPLAY Concept Stores in Europe and internationally.

The store concept celebrates the innovative use of materials like luminescent glass, non-conventional “methalide” lightings, rusted metal, compressed broken marbles, and volcanic rocks to create a hyper-realistic yet anti-conventional dimension that is beyond space and time.

The conventional merchandising layouts are reversed, eliminating the traditional clothes hanging sequence.

Instead, it is replaced with “arpa” (harp like) hanging rails.

The extremely chic cash register area is furnished with perforated steel with glass top and the flooring is made of special resin.

In fact the overall theme reflects warm and cosy colours of the earth and its rich mineralogy.

Lighting plays a fundamental role in the overall display, as it is specially designed to enhance the materials, colours and the environment of the store.

Integrating so well with the setting and constituting proper furnishing elements, the lighting effects are perfectly functional in bringing out the merchandise in the store.

According REPLAY Hong Kong and the Far East head Jacques Dongradi, the flagship store shows off a trendy, easy-to-shop interior, with large window display and chic showcases that attracts customers to visit and to peruse the store with ease and comfort.

In conjunction with the launch, REPLAY also showcased its Spring / Summer Men’s, Women’s and Denim Collections 05 in a colourful, hip and funky presentation.

More than 100 guests, customers and celebrities came for the a la mode tea-cum-fashion party.

[nazrey]

Thirst-ing for success
Friday, May 06, 2005
By JASON CHEAH


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p61Sanchez.jpg

Sanchez (second from left)
with his New York Band, Lisa Pure (left), Freak (right) and GTO.


The Heineken Thirst DJ Competition Malaysia 2005 reached its climax last Saturday at the Grandstand of the F1 Circuit in Sepang, Selangor.

For the third edition of the competition, the two qualifying finalists, DJ Learn (aka Clement) and the trio Altered Image, battled it out for the right to represent Malaysia at the Jakarta leg of the Asia-Pacific semi-finals level.

Perhaps it's just the Malaysian clubbers attitudes, or the distance to the circuit from KL, as the gig got off to a slow start.

By the time the first of the finalists - DJ Learn- got onto the stage at 10.30pm, there didn't seem to be more than a couple of hundred people in attendance. Prior to his appearance, guest DJs Blink and Goldfish held the fort and played to about the same number of people.

Nevertheless, the show had to go on, and DJ Learn was well up to the task.

This KL-based DJ has been around the scene at some of the better known Chinese clubs in town, including the likes of Shark and Twister.

Playing pretty much a similar set to what he performed during the semi-final at Zouk Club two weeks previously, Clement produced a technically sound set for his 30-minute shot at fame, flitting back and forth between techno and hardcore and slicing in some break beats in between.

The crowd trickled in throughout his set and by the time the trio Altered Image came on for its 30-minute set, audience numbers had risen by another couple of hundred.

DJ Terence, Didjital of Bass Agents and visual jock Callen went the electro-clash route, serving up some new wave house and Daft Punk tunes with handy video, visuals and digital effects to make an interesting spectacle.

More clubbers began to arrive after they finished their set and by the time the results of the competition were read out by host Daryl B, the ground area began to be filled.

The judging was done by a combination of jury selection and SMS votes, with Rolling Eye Recor-ds/Groove Syndicate producer Syko G and British international DJ/producer Steve Lawler making up the jury.

Altered Image outdid DJ Learn for the night, winning RM5,000 while Clement picked up RM3,000 for his efforts. Both acts also received professional mixing equipment courtesy of Pioneer.

Brit DJ Lawler was on next as he played a 90-minute set of deep, progressive and twisted house before giving way to Grammy Award-winning Sanchez who definitely pushed the boundaries with his New York Band.

Kicking off a 30-minute showcase set with the new single Turn On The Music, it was a side of Sanchez many clubbers this side of the globe have not seen before.

Coming along for the ride with him were GTO on male vocals and a little rapping as he took the lead for the single, former MTV dancer now turned vocalist Lisa Pure with here sleek and sultry voice and Freak on bass and some solo riffs on lead guitar.

Sanchez himself took on the turntables, vocoder and vocals and what resulted looked and sounded like a semi-throwback to the glory days of the club scene of the early and mid 90s and the disco days of the 1970s when there were almost as many live bands as DJs.

After that it was another 90 minutes of Sanchez on his own on the decks churning out funky, tough and deep house beats, layered with oodles of Latino and tribal beats.

Local jock Terence C closed off the night with some progressive house after Sanchez's set.

Looking back, we still lament the lack of support for the local DJs as it was obvious that 80% of the crowd had only come to watch the two guest DJs - Lawler and Sanchez - perform as guests for the night.

By the time Lawler began, the numbers had already risen into the thousands.

All told, the audience peaked at around 4,000, a pretty hefty turn out, no doubt, but with the unfortunate fact that they arrived after the competition.

Callen, Didjital and Terence C now face off against two other semi-finalists (from Australia and Vietnam) in the Asia-Pacific semi-finals Jakarta leg tonight (May 6).

The winner will go on to the Asia-Pacific final in Bangkok on May 28 and face two other finalists for the right to represent the Asia-Pacific region at the Global Thirst competition in Jan 2006.

[nazrey]

MPO to perform Brahms and Dvorak
Friday, May 06, 2005
By JASON CHEAH



The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is set to enthral audiences when it performs Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat (Op.83) at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas on May 21 (8.30pm) and May 22 (3pm). The performances will be conducted by the MPO's principal conductor, Kees Bakels.

Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat (Op.83) stands as a giant among piano concertos conceived along symphonic proportions.

With four movements instead of the customary three, the work has been described as a “symphony with piano accompaniment.” The composer took three years to compose it.

Collaborating with the MPO in performing this work is virtuoso Stephen Hough. This will be his third performance with the MPO, after their collaboration in seasons 98/99 and 01/02. From highly-acclaimed performances of standard repertoire, to recitals with the world's finest orchestras, Hough combines imagination and pianistic colour of the past with the present, illuminating the very essence of the music he plays. So far, he has worked with conductors like Abbado, Ashkenazy, Dohnanyi, Dutoit, Gergiev, Fischer, Jarvi, Rattle and Oramo.

Hough gives recitals regularly in major concert halls and has been a frequent guest at many music festivals, including Aspen, Ravinia, Tanglewood, Blossom, Hollywood Bowl, Mostly Mozart, Edinburgh, Sapporo and the BBC Proms. In addition to this, he is a prolific recording artiste with an extensive catalogue of about 40 recordings, many of which have won international prizes.

Besides Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2, the MPO will also perform Dvorak’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat (Op. 10). The first of his nine symphonies ever to be heard in public, it combines the spirit of Czech dances with the solemnity and grandeur of Beethoven.

[nazrey]

Dewan Filharmonik Petronas - The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra

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Entrance

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Glitter and glam parade
Friday May 6, 2005
By VIVIENNE PAL
Photos by LOW LAY PHON


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Singer Dayang Nurfaizah with
renowned couturier Rizalman Ibrahim.


The second day of KL Fashion Week 2005 might seem quieter compared with the premiere on Tuesday, but it was no less spectacular.

Kicking off the Afternoon Designer Showcase series was a dazzling display of gems and couture by leading homegrown jeweller Habib Jewels and renowned local couturier Rizalman Ibrahim.

The glitter of Habib’s extensive jewellery and spectacular vibrancy of Rizalman’s Spring/Summer collection proved to be a winning combination that kept guests glued to their seats.

Held at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, guests comprising the jeweller’s regular customers, diamond lovers, socialites and fashionistas showed up a little later than expected.

Hosting the event was model-cum-actress Elaine Daly who looked stunning in a skin-toned kebaya-inspired piece designed by Rizalman, and jewellery from Habib Jewels..

The event saw the jeweller showcasing a range of its most elaborate collections, with superbly-cut diamonds interspersed with pearls in the colours of pistachio and aubergine, rubies and stunning sapphires.

Habib’s highlight, however, was its latest Queen’s Heart Collection, featuring princess-cut diamonds placed between half heart-shaped diamonds. The collection debuted in the form of heart-shaped pendants, dangling earrings and classic tennis bracelets.


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Tengku Datin Yusni Yusof and
Datin Seri Maneesah Tunku Iskandar
agree that diamonds are a girl's best friend.


Present to launch the Queen’s Heart Collection was diva Ziana Zain, who also performed to the guests delight.

Rizalman, meanwhile, stole the stage with his spectacular designs that boasted sensuality and glamour. Paired with exquisite jewellery, Rizalman’s creations were sensational with plunging necklines, high slits and bare backs, and subtle hints of ethnicity.

“I’m here more for the jewels, but then I also admire Rizalman’s creativity. I don’t own anything designed by him yet, but maybe today could change that. We’ll see,” said Nani Shukor.

Nora Abu Hassan felt that the show was a success.

“The diamonds are lovely and the clothes were simply beautiful. I love it. Rizalman’s designs have the modern-ethnic element.

“His fabrics fall so nicely. Habib’s diamonds and Rizalman’s designs complemented each other nicely,” she added.

The event ended with high tea and a lucky draw session.

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Dazzling cocktail of designs
Friday May 6, 2005
By OLIVIA LEE
Photos by IBRAHIM MOHTAR


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Malaysian designer Radzuan Radzwill (left)
walking down the runway with his model after the
display of his creations themed 'Experimental Songket'.


Impressive. That is the first word that springs to the minds of guests at the Tourism Malaysia Corporate Cocktail Night which featured the works of Malaysian and foreign fashion designers.

Guests were blown away by the extraordinary and colourful designs of local designers - Zang Toi, Radzuan Radziwill, Bill Keith, Andy Sulaiman and Tom Abang Saufi and foreign couturier Indonesian Oscar Lawalata and South Korean Han Song.

Singer Camelia, who was clad in Tom Abang Saufi's latest design, praised the show and said it showcased the strength of the designers' creations.

Camelia was also amazed by Oscar Lawalata's Red Desert collection.

“Oscar's outfits are going to be a hit. They are fresh and new compared with his other collections,” she said after the show, which was also attended by her mother Datin Lily Abang Johari.


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Bill Keith acknowledging
applause from the audience.


Datuk Jimmy Choo said it was a wonderful show that displayed a blend of local and foreign creations.

“It's an occasion where friendships can be forged and is a good way for designers to exchange ideas and culture,” said the prominent shoe designer based in London's East End.

Equally captivated was Pempena Sdn Bhd chairman Kee Phaik Cheen who was impressed with the standard of the show.

“The creations were dynamic and I love the colours and mix of the designs. I'm confident the Asian designers will make a name for themselves globally. They're just so creative and artistic,” she said at the end of the 90-minute show.

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Night of vibrant, creative designs
Friday May 6, 2005
By OLIVIA LEE
Photos by IBRAHIM MOHTAR


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EXQUISITE CUT: A model showing off
a silhouette-hugging classic black two-piece Ronney Baji ensemble.


KUALA LUMPUR: It was a night of splendour as Malaysian designers and their counterparts from Singapore and China showcased their magnificent creations at the Parkson Corporate Cocktail Night at Shangri-La Hotel here.

Hosted by television presenter and model Hannah Tan, the 450 guests, comprising Parkson's key suppliers and staff, were treated to a night of vibrant creations.

The show kicked off with Malaysian designer Salikin Sidek's works entitled “Sultry Songket” which displayed his versatility in using the fabric for contemporary designs.

Donna Chew's “Spring Summer 2005” collection was next, showcasing the designer's fun and carefree pieces.

Models paraded down the catwalk in swirling one-piece attires and lacy kebaya-inspired outfits during Kapas' “Eastern Splendour” collection created by its designers Kem Salleh and Ashley Wong.

The bold collection of another local designer Richard Tsen, “Hollywood in Tokyo”, drew a lot of attention as it opened with a lip-synching “Japanese diva” garbed in a revealing kimono-inspired outfit.

Next was Singaporean Allan Chai with his intricate designs which featured oriental floral themes and intricate beadwork on the outfits.

Finally, it was Chinese designer Liang Zi's turn to shine with her collection, “Water-Earth”, which featured flowing skirts adorned with flower motifs.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Nguyen Quoc Dzung, who was guest-of-honour, described the show as excellent.

Earlier during the Afternoon Designer Showcase, newcomer Pips Fashion brought the house down with stunning creations from its Baji and Ronney Baji Autumn 2005 lines.

While Baji – Pips’ ready-to-wear line – comprised trendy smart-casual apparel, Ronney Baji was an exclusive showcase of haute couture featuring dressy evening pieces influenced by Hollywood red carpet events with a traditional Malaysian touch.

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Night of splendour for store's suppliers
Saturday, May 07, 2005
By OLIVIA LEE


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Malaysian designer Salikin Sidek walking
down the catwalk with model Tan Su Wei
(former Miss Malaysia) as guests at Parkson
Corporation's Corporate Cocktail Night applaud
his 'Sultry Songket' collection.


An interesting observation made during the Parkson Corporate Cocktail Night on Thursday was that there were more men than women.

However, considering there were only female models strutting down the long white runway of the fashion show, it was perhaps a show made for them after all.

The guests, most of whom were key suppliers to the department store, were treated to a light cocktail of finger food and drinks before they were ushered to the ballroom for the show that awaited.

The second corporate cocktail night held in conjunction with the KL Fashion Week 2005 featured the works of local designers Salikin Sidek with his Sultry Songket collection, Donna Chew's Spring/Summer 2005 collection, Kapas (Eastern Splendour), Richard Tsen (Hollywood in Tokyo) - and foreign designers Allan Chai from Singapore and China's Liang Zi with her Water-Earth collection.


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Singaporean designer Allan Chai
with model Ivy Low, also from Singapore.


Before the show began, Parkson Corporation Sdn Bhd general manager Raymond Teo promised guests a night of splendour and the designers delivered, leaving the guests awe struck.

Tsen had his models don faux lips, earpieces and cherry blossoms as they paraded his screaming pink outfits of his collection to funky house music.

In contrast, Liang Zi's designs created a soothing atmosphere as the models came onto the catwalk to the sounds of trickling water to wrap up the show.

Guests were very pleased with the variety of designs and described them as different from the others they had seen here so far.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Nguyen Quoc Dzung, who was guest of honour at the event, gave the show the thumbs- up.

“It was excellent. The designers are talented and the models are very beautiful,” he said.

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Baji's cultural influences thrill audience
Saturday, May 07, 2005
By VIVIENNE PAL
Photos by JOEL CHAN and LOW LAY PHON


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Guest of honour Raja Puan Muda
of Perlis Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah
giving all her attention to the designs
showcased on the catwalk. Flanking her
are Pips Fashions Sdn Bhd director Sharon
Phang (left) and the company's CEO Bryan Marsden.


The second Afternoon Designer Showcase kicked off in a dazzling display of its Autumn 2005 creations by newcomer label Pips Fashion, at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Graced by the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah, the by-invitation event was attended by industry members, socialites and friends of Pips Fashion designers.

While designer Rizalman Ibrahim looked composed before his show on Wednesday afternoon, Sarawakian Ronney Henry, Pips Fashion head designer, seemed slightly frazzled.

His anxious demeanour was understandable as it was the first time Pips Fashion's exclusive line under the label Ronney Baji and commercial line Baji were unveiled to the Malaysian public since its inception late last year.

Henry, however, had nothing to worry about, as all creations under both labels were a spectacular sight that left guests captivated for more.


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Specially-invited guests (from left)
John Kersey, May Goh, Jenny Kersey and Nihad
Alsaqqa were thrilled to be invited for the
Afternoon Designer Showcase featuring Pips Fashion.


While Baji, in a display of denims, knit, swirling and micro-mini skirts, pants and jackets for men and women, reverberated with spunk, sassiness and chic appeal, Ronney Baji was a spectacular showcase of silhouette-hugging dresses, snug-fitting corset bustiers, trailing trains, backless tops, delicate faux fur and high-slit flowing skirts of Eastern fabrics crafted into Western silhouettes.

Both labels, although targeted at different audiences, have cultural infusions that lend a traditional feel to every garment. With Baji, ethnicity was subtly evident in its detailing, while Ronney Baji featured wayang kulit and batik as main motifs in its intricate embroidery.

Guests who initially arrived not knowing what to expect went away duly impressed by what they saw.

Both the Baji and Ronney Baji lines were unexpectedly good for a newcomer. “I'm quite impressed, especially with the pants,” said Amy Abdul Aziz.


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Pips Fashion head designer Ronney
Henry is proud of the show and hope the
designs will gain acceptance from the Malaysian public.


For Zana Pala, the show was enjoyable and different from the other local fashion designers.

“I think the Ronney Baji designs were more stylish, and very modern. It's an eye-opener for us Malaysians. The Baji collection, although impressive, are more commercialised and common. Overall, I think this is a pretty good effort for newcomers; Ronney Henry and the rest of the designers under him are very capable,” said Metrojaya A&P/PR manager S.K. Chaw.

On his overall opinion of the show, Henry expressed his pride, adding that he hoped Malaysians would be able to embrace Pips Fashion's designs.

The show ended with a high tea reception.

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Exciting and vibrant show
Saturday, May 07, 2005
By VIVIENNE PAL
Photos by JOEL CHAN and LOW LAY PHON


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THANK YOU: Guinness Anchor Marketing Sdn Bhd
brand executive Colin Chung (front row, sixth from left)
taking a bow with local and foreign designers and their
models after the fashion show at the Heineken Corporate
Cocktail Friday night.


KUALA LUMPUR: Guests and employees of Guinness Anchor Bhd were treated to a glamorous and vibrant fashion show at Heineken Corporate Cocktail Night.

The event, part of KL Fashion Week 2005 organised by The Star and supported by L’Oreal Paris and Tourism Malaysia, was held at Shangri-La Hotel last night.

The lively function, hosted by celebrity model Bernie Chan, showcased the creations of Malaysian designers Beatrice Looi, Edmund Ser, Sonny San and Carven Ong, Hong Kong designer Lydia Reeves and Filipino Nono Palmos that comprised collections of casual, evening and office wear.

The show opened with Sonny San's spring and summer collection themed “Exotic Resort” for his label eclipse, in mostly light colours and evening wear.

Beatrice Looi's works, themed “Absolutely Spring”, included elegant dresses fit for ballroom events.


Models walked down the runway in style with Edmund Ser's office wear collection themed “Re-energise”.

Carven Ong's ethnic creations, inspired by Indian culture, were displayed next, on the theme “Himalayin Lebeaut”. This was followed by Reeves' creations which were simple yet elegant.

Renowned Filipino designer Nono Palmos had models Evita Oblea Bunyi and Raphael Kiefer parading in his exotic collection themed “Island Dreams” at the end of the show.

Guinness Anchor Bhd managing director Theo de Rond said the event was in line with the Heineken brand, both filled with excitement and creativity.

Earlier, the final Afternoon Designer Showcase took off with a spectacular array of designs.

The show, presented by Jaeger-Le Coultre, featured the distinct couture identities of two renowned designers – Tom Abang Saufi and Melinda Looi.

The event was graced by the Sultanah of Pahang Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom, who was accompanied by members of the Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Perak royal families.

Preceding the fashion show was a surprise performance by Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor, who was dressed in an elegant number designed by Tom.

Unlike her black-and-white themed showcase at the Corporate Cocktail Night by Tourism Malaysia two nights ago, Tom made sure colours came alive with her designs, themed White Maharanis of Sarawak.

While Tom featured a party of colours, Melinda Looi's Midsummer Nights Dream was an ethereal and whimsical play of white, off-white and gold.

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College students wow shoppers with their designs
Saturday, May 07, 2005


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Models parading some of the creations
by fashion design students at the Mid Valley Megamall on Friday.


KUALA LUMPUR: The College Fashion Show at Mid Valley Megamall here yesterday featured International Fashion Training Centre's dual-category collection.

Entitled Para-mannerismland, it was designed by the college's 39 students who portrayed freedom, delightfulness and happiness through their creations.

Street Couture was the theme for LimKokWing University College of Creative Technology, which showcased chic, sophisticated street wear.

The College Fashion Show continued to attract the attention of shoppers yesterday, who began gathering at the mall's centre court in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the creatively-designed outfits.

The show, which featured the works of student designers, is part of KL Fashion Week 2005, organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L'Oreal Paris.

Malaysian Institute of Art showcased its Memories Countdown collection based on earthy tones enhanced by techniques like tie-dye, patchwork, embroidery and hand stitching.

Finally, RafflesDesign Institute presented their travel and globalisation-inspired Daytripper collection, showcasing designs which mixed cultural and mythical influences.

Canadian Francois Mainguy, 29, said it was an interesting concept to hold a college fashion show at a mall.

“It's done pretty well. I think it's good to hold such shows in public places,” said the engineer who is here on a business trip.

Englishwoman Valerie Dahmane, 52, described the show as brilliant.

“Normally, people don't get to see these shows. They would have to pay for it. By having it here, more people have a chance to appreciate fashion,” said Dahmane, who lives in Malaysia.

Commercial model Irene Tan, 21, felt the show served as a good form of entertainment for shoppers.

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Showcase of creativity
Saturday, May 07, 2005


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Tom (far right) with models wearing her
creations during the final Afternoon Designer
Showcase at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.


KUALA LUMPUR: The final Afternoon Designer Showcase took off with a spectacular array of designs at the Shangri-La Hotel here.

Yesterday's show, presented by Jaeger-Le Coultre, featured the distinct couture identities of two renowned designers – Tom Abang Saufi and Melinda Looi.

The event was graced by the Sultanah of Pahang Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom, who was accompanied by members of the Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Perak royal families.

Also present were socialites, celebrities and society's bigwigs, many of whom sported creations by both designers.

Preceding the fashion show was a surprise performance by Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor, who was dressed in an elegant number designed by Tom.

Unlike her black-and-white themed showcase at the Corporate Cocktail Night by Tourism Malaysia two nights ago, Tom made sure colours came alive with her designs, themed White Maharanis of Sarawak.

Appearing in a burst of colour and signature ethnic influences against a backdrop of pulsating cultural sounds, Tom displayed feminine fun and sensuality in a myriad of brilliant hues, batik motif, flowing sleeves and pants, and layered skirts.

“My designs are a meeting of the East and West, inspired by the white maharanis of Sarawak who embraced local costumes and looked chic wearing them.

“Today's show is a celebration of fashion and a tribute to women who make it a point to look good. I want to show that batik can be worn by young and old alike,” said Tom.

While Tom featured a party of colours, Looi's Midsummer Nights Dream was an ethereal and whimsical play of white, off-white and gold.

Models sashayed down the catwalk in a generous display of tassels, multi-tiered skirts, ruffles, gatherings, petticoats and lace.

Beads, diamantes, bows and pretty embroideries accentuated each piece.

Although so different in style, both designers displayed dazzling creativity that left guests captivated.

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Editors set to pick winners
Saturday, May 07, 2005


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Jit: Will present the Best Female Model Award.


PETALING JAYA: It will be a celebrity-filled event at KL Fashion Week 2005’s inaugural Editors Awards at the Shangri-La hotel here tonight.

The guest-of-honour will be Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood.

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad will also attend the function.

Well-known faces from the fashion world and the entertainment industry will go on stage to present the awards to the winners.

They include model Soraya Dean, TV host Hannah Tan, actresses Umie Aida and Kavita Sidhu.


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Camelia: Was nominated for Most Stylish
Woman of the Year and will name the Best Menswear Designer.


Not to be missed as well are singers Misha Omar, who will name the winner of the Best New Generation Designer Award, and Camelia (nominated for Most Stylish Woman of the Year), who will do the honours for Best Menswear Designer.

The lively hosts of the popular TV programme 3R, Rafidah, Kartini and Celina will present the Best Male Model Award while theatre personality Jit Murad will present the Best Female Model Award.

Malaysia’s most famous shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo will present the coveted Designer of the Year award.

Asha Gill, who elegantly hosted the Fashion Gala Night on Tuesday, will once again emcee the Editors Awards. But this time, expect a lighter and cheekier style from her.

Singer Sean Ghazi will entertain the crowd while Grace Salon will present a hair show.

The evening starts at 7.30pm with cocktails and finger food before the awards presentation, which will be followed by supper.

The Editors Awards are part of KL Fashion Week 2005 organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.

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A tropical feel to Michael Ong's fashion creations
Saturday, May 07, 2005
BY DZIREENA MAHADZIR


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Fuchsia, blue and silver etching relieves
the stark simplicity of the dresses.


An unexpected and delightful surprise kicked off Michael Ong's collection during KL Fashion Week's Gala Night. Seven children, three on skateboards and four dancing away, set the mood for his Colour Fusion collection of colourful outfits.

After the little tykes took their bows, the real models to the catwalk in a kaleidoscope of psychedelic colours, ranging from turquoise and orange to yellow and lime green. Ong's designs had a relaxed tropical feel, with shades of Africa in the short summer dresses with drawstring hems, the off-the-shoulder tunics with lots of sparkle, and the swirling motifs in striking colours.

A yellow tunic had kimono-styled sleeves and turquoise-and-brown, decal-styled embellishments. One striking outfit for the men was an orange top with black and gold appliqués. A highlight was his gorgeous black tunic split in the middle and embroidered with gold and a fusion of colours. Wraps in bright colours, trailing sleeves and gold adornments all added to the appeal of the collection.

The theme in the second half of the show revolved around “night-time island glamour” as Ong sent out a parade of black, clingy long dresses with drop waist backs. The beautiful trimmings in gold, fuchsia, silver and emerald green stood out against the stark simplicity of the dresses.

One black dress had a shredded effect with emerald green mixed with black. Gold chains looping around and down the waist and tiny, coin-shaped gold ornaments gave the outfit a glamorous touch.


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Yellow tunic with turquoise and brown adornments.


Another dress had sparkling fuchsia and gold, while other dresses were infused with bright colours, gold fringes, edges and trimmings. He also presented a long-sleeved cloak with a train opened to reveal a gorgeous black dress with embellishments. The back of this dress had criss-crossings of gold, fuchsia and silver.

According to Ong, his outfits had a little bit of Africa, and he was particular about the use of material. “I have a little bit of African detailing which uses fusion colour. What's special about the collection is that it is based on knit material. I didn't use any zips and buttons. Some people may think knit is an unforgiving material but it can hide certain flaws of the body,” said Ong.

He elaborated that he didn't want a totally ethnic look, as most Malaysian designers were likely to have attempted it.

“Still the collection is recognisably Malaysian from the use of materials such as beadwork and crystals. I also used satin, and the collection basically moved from casual to evening.”

Overall, it was an eclectic, dazzling and colourful display with a perfect blend of tropical island groove for the day and striking and glamorous effect for the night.

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Tribute to Saloma
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Razak's collection at KL Fashion Week’s Gala Night was his interpretation of what the late Malaysian singer Saloma might have worn, says DZIREENA MAHADZIR.


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Razak with Australian model
Josephine Wilkins in a kebaya.


Australia-based designer Razak Mohammad has been a long-time fan of Saloma, who was perhaps the very first Malaysian Diva. Called Tiru Macam Saya, the title of one of the late singer's most popular songs, his latest collection was inspired by her.

With Saloma's songs for backdrop, the collection started off with a glittery short dress harking back to the 60s, the era of Saloma. This was followed by a silver-and-black jacket with long sleeves matched with red satin pants. Next came a beautiful transparent top with a motif of green leaves entwined with black. It was clinched around the waist with a wide red belt and matched with glittery green hot pants.

Songket made its first appearance in Razak's collection with a male model in a very short songket -- and nothing else. A beautiful baby blue-and-gold songket with a wide matching songket cloth tied around the waist came next, followed by a bright yellow bustier songket kebaya worn with a short bolero jacket of the same material and matching pants underneath. The look was finished with three kerongsangs (traditional brooches) pinned down the front of the dress.

Up next, a black, backless top with a plunging neckline was paired off with a silver-and-black skirt with tassels, while a white chiffon strapless dress had a black zigzagging pattern. A beautiful piece came in the form of a turquoise halter-neck, backless dress with a drop waist skirt with pleats. An unusual outfit was a black bustier dress that seemed to end at mid-thigh but actually continued to the ankles with silver lines circling the skirt with transparent black netting in between.


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There was a striking gown of emerald green with ruffles down the split skirt and a peacock feather concoction at the neckline, and a turquoise drop waist halter neck gown with a wide, glittery silver waistband.

The collection ended with a beautiful, transparent green and pink kebaya worn with a traditional batik sarong. This outfit Saloma herself might have worn, and was inspired by Razak's mother's kebaya.

“I've never done kebaya before,” says Razak. “I'm a huge fan of Saloma, and the collection is like a make-believe world of what Saloma might have worn. It's also a hint at what I might be showing for my next collection.

“There's so much you can do with traditional materials. For the kebaya itself, I chose a very traditional one, something you would wear in the 60s.”

The collection showed an interesting use of the songket, and while it had a 60’s feel to it, it also had a modern touch. The traditional kebaya in the finale was a fitting tribute to a woman who certainly had enough style to carry off anything.

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Band wows ’em and raises funds
Saturday, May 07, 2005
By LIM CHIA YING


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The concert is to help raise funds
to buy musical instruments for the band.


The crowd inside the hall, all having taken their seats, were busy chatting away as more people streamed in from the outside.

Comprising mainly family members and friends, they were ushered to their places by students and teachers after registering the guests at the entrance.

As the crowd settled in, two lady emcees emerged to give a brief introduction to the event.

Lights dimmed soon after and 45 girls came up on stage and bowed to the crowd before heading back to the respective stools to pick up their musical instruments.

The students, all dressed smartly in white blouses and black pants, make up the Assunta All Girls Military Band that has participated in shows in Australia in 1997, the Akademi Seni Kebangsaan camps, and ICOM Berkeley camp and won several other competitions like third placings in the Selangor Band Competition and the Merdeka march past last year.

Last Saturday night, the band took the stage at the Sister Enda Hall in their school, SMK Assunta Petaling Jaya to perform the In Tempo II concert.

The In Tempo concert is held once every two years.

Conducted by Cheryl Mah, the band started the event with famous musical compilations and two popular Malay songs to add local flavour before taking a 20-minute break.

Among the musical instruments the students used were the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and French horn.

The band played movie scores based on specially arranged ensembles.

According to the band’s teacher and adviser Shailaja Menon, who has been overseeing the band only about a year ago, the funds raised from the entrance fee - which is at RM20 per person - will be used to buy musical instruments for the band.

Sarah Lee, who has been with the band for five years, said they previously played strictly military music and had ranks among members.

“Now, the band's music is more laid-back and our music genre has become more diverse, although we still play a lot of concert music with marching elements in it,” said the Form Five student who plays the saxophone.

She said any student could join the band and no experience was needed.

This is because they will be taught by seniors to play the instrument.

For parent Rosenaini Mohd Taib, this is her second time attending the Assunta Military Band concert.

One of the reasons why she has been a supporter of the band since late last year is because her Form Two daughter, Nur Diyana Azman, is a trombonist with the group.

Rosenaini said the performance was good considering the students did not have much time to practise and prepare for the concert.

“I'm happy to see my daughter playing for the band because it helps her spend her time wisely and also teaches her discipline in keeping up with the routine,” she said.

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CCTV cameras for Cheras, Brickfields and Sentul
Saturday, May 07, 2005
By GEETHA KRISHNAN



City Hall will soon install 10 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, costing RM2mil, in Cheras, Brickfields and Sentul to monitor and prevent crime.

Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Isa Samad, who made the announcement after chairing a post-Cabinet briefing at his office in Putrajaya on Wednesday, said the police would determine suitable locations for the installation of the cameras.

He said the ministry had begun talks with the city police following their success in reducing the incidence of snatch thefts and motorcycle thefts after nine CCTV cameras were installed in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

“When it is up and running by year-end, the Integrated Transport Information System (ITIS) for Kuala Lumpur will also be linked to the police crime surveillance programme for better crime-fighting efficiency.

“Although ITIS is meant for traffic surveillance, the police could make use of the CCTV cameras connected to the system to monitor crime as the coverage is wide,” Isa added.

Isa also announced that parking charges would be imposed in the commercial centre of Precinct 8, Putrajaya, once the gazetting process was completed.

He said parking would be free for the first 15 minutes, after which 50 sen would be charged for every subsequent hour.

“The move is to prevent motorists from hogging parking bays as had been observed by shop owners operating in the area.

“Others should also be allowed the opportunity to enjoy the many facilities in the centre,” he added.

Parking charges will be imposed in other commercial centres in stages.

[nazrey]

Road to be upgraded
Saturday, May 07, 2005


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Project designer Mohd Affandi Salleh (right) briefing Hoh on the work.


Motorists plying between Taman Seri Taming and Bandar Tun Hussien Onn via Taman Minang Ria will soon enjoy a smooth ride.

Currently, they have to manoeuvre their vehicles carefully along the road that changes abruptly from two-lane carriageway to four-lane, then back to two-lane again in a distance of less than 1km.

Following complaints from residents, the state has granted an allocation of RM802,000 to upgrade the entire stretch to four lanes.

Ufuk Rata Sdn Bhd undertakes the project.

“The new road which will be 717m long, will be named Persiaran Minang.

Works will start in two weeks and complete in 12 weeks,” said Balakong assemblyman Datuk Hoh Hee Lee when visiting the site with project designers and Kajang Municipal Council representatives on Thursday. .

He said the road was opened before the 1999 election, by MPKj and Taman Minang Ria's developer to connect the housing estates.

Prior to that, motorists had to travel on the Cheras-Kajang Highway to access their neighbouring housing estates.

[nazrey]

10-year-old boys for World Fives
Saturday, May 07, 2005
By Y.P. SIVAM


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Edwin Lee (seated left) and Byron Wan (seated right)
are happy to be training with the KL Tigers. Both of them are
also looking forward to taking part In the World Ice Hockey Fives.


Byron Wan and Edwin Lee are expected to be among the youngest players taking part in the World Ice Hockey 5s starting at the Pyramid Ice Rink in Bandar Sunway next week.

Both of them are just 10 years old and they will be playing for Kuala Lumpur Tigers in the Pee Wee division in the World 5s from May 11-14.

The Pee Wee division caters for players aged 11 to 14. Kelab Hoki Ais Saga (KHAS) have included Wan and Lee as a reward for the interest and enthusiasm they have shown in training.

Khas president Steven Tan said both of them had shown tremendous progress in training.

“Not wanting to demoralise them, we included them in the KL Tigers and they did well in the Khas league. We are happy to give them some exposure. The World Ice Hockey 5s will be a good opportunity to expose Byron, Lee and the other young players,” said Tan.

Wan, a Year Four pupil of Seri Cahaya, said he was looking forward to the World 5s.

“I enjoy playing ice hockey. If given the chance, I would love to play the game everyday. I don’t mind joining the seniors in training.

“Some of them have been helpful. If I have become a better player today, it’s all because of the guidance from the seniors. I want to play well in the World 5s,'' said Wan.

Lee, a pupil of SK Seri Selangor, has virtually made the ice rink his second home. If he is not playing ice hockey, the pint-sized Lee can be spotted trying to improve his skating.

“I feel excited about being involved in the World 5s. I want to give a good account of myself. This will be a good opportunity to meet the stars from the other countries,'' said Lee.

This year's World 5s is expected to be a bigger affair with Malaysia Airlines as the title sponsor and The Star as the media sponsor. Milo is the official drink while Red 104.9 is the official radio.

The top ice hockey playing teams from Singapore, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Finland, Japan, Korea, India, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates have confirmed their participation. Several expatriates, based in Malaysia, will also be playing for KL Cobras.

The four-day championships have five divisions - International, Asian, Women, Pee Wee and Squit.

A skills competition will be held on May 13 during the World Fives. The skills competition will allow players to battle for titles such as the fastest skater, hardest shot, best goalkeeper and more.

The organisers plan to fly in match officials from Hong Kong and Canada for the World Fives. A coaching and technical workshop is also being planned for the Malaysian players.

KL Wildcats and KL Inferno Ice will be Malaysia's representatives in the Asian division. KL Cobras, comprising expatriates based in Malaysia, will be fielding two teams in the International division. KL Slayers, led by Maisie Chui, will be involved in the women's division.

[nazrey]

Pyramid Ice in Bandar Sunway

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[nazrey]

Sunway Pyramid

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[D_Y2k.2^]

hey,i just realise i don c the sunway pyramid thread to be updated anymore.Any of u ben there recently?the new hotel has opened right?

[nazrey]

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Khoon Hooi gets the vote as Designer of the Year
Sunday May 8, 2005 http://thestar.com.my/images/mplayer.gif Media player (http://202.186.86.35/mmedia/video/klfw_designeraward_070505.wmv)


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WINNERS CIRCLE: (From third left, front row) Star Publications (M) Bhd
deputy group general manager and KL Fashion Week 2005 organising
chairman Datin Linda Ngiam, Dr Toyad, Endon,
Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and chief executive
officer Datuk Steven Tan and L'Oreal Malaysia managing director Jean-Francois Couve
posing with the winners of the KL Fashion Week 2005 Editors Awards held
for the first time at Shangri-La Hotel.


KUALA LUMPUR: Khoon Hooi was named Designer of the Year at the KL Fashion Week 2005 Editors Awards.

A well-known name among fashion aficionados, the designer took the coveted prize at the prestigious awards night, held for the first time yesterday.

The prize was presented by Datuk Jimmy Choo, Malaysia's most famous shoe designer.

During the 90-minute awards show at the Shangri-La Hotel here, singers Camelia and Anuar Zain were judged the Most Stylish Woman and Most Stylish Man of the Year respectively.

Model Amber Chia was named Best Female Model and Daniel Tan, the Best Male Model.

Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, the show's guest-of-honour, was presented the KL Fashion Week 2005 Friend of Fashion award for her outstanding contributions to the fashion industry

Melium Group president and fashion mogul Farah Khan received the Industry Achievement award. Both are citation awards.

His love of seeing women in beautiful dresses has helped Khoon Hooi go beyond his own expectations in the world of haute couture.

“I'm very excited to have won the award, but I'd have been equally happy just being nominated,” said the ecstatic designer, who beat Bernard Chandran, Melinda Looi, Rizalman Ibrahim and Tom Abang Saufi to walk off with the award.

Camelia, dressed in a brown dress by Maizen, said how one carried oneself was what being stylish was all about.

Tan, who has been modelling for two and a half years, said he loved the work and travelling.

Asked if he had a signature look when modelling, he said: “No. But I think I'm known for my boyish looks.”

As for Chia, the Guess model said she would not have won the award if not for her fans' support.

“I will keep on doing my best,” she said, adding that she might continue modelling for the next five years.

The function was a celebrity-filled event as well-known faces from the fashion world and the entertainment industry went on stage to present the awards to the winners, selected by a panel of 18 editors from leading English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese newspapers as well as fashion and lifestyle magazines.

They included model Soraya Dean, TV host Hannah Tan, actresses Umie Aida and Kavita Sidhu, and singers Misha Omar and Camelia.

Theatre personality Jit Murad, also a presenter, had the crowd in stitches when he discounted the notion that anyone could be a model by spelling out the “genetic miracles” required to be one – a proportionate body, high cheekbones, symmetrical features and straight teeth, among others.

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad also attended the event.

Singer Sean Ghazi kept the crowd entertained, performing the opening act before returning onstage later to deliver a few more songs.

A special hair show featuring creative hairstyles was also presented by Grace Salon.

The Editors Awards are part of KL Fashion Week 2005, organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L'Oreal Paris

[nazrey]

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Young designer owes win to inspiration from old movies
Sunday May 8, 2005

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TOP THREE: (From left) Safar, Lim and Yip posing with
models dressed in their creations during the Star Designer
Awards competition at Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur Saturday.


KUALA LUMPUR: Black-and-white films have always fascinated second-year fashion design student Lim Loh Wei.

So, when the Star Designer Awards competition came along, he thought it was the perfect opportunity to explore his ideas.

“I've always been very fascinated by how black-and-white films could be so interesting.

“So, I designed something that is in black and white,” said the 21-year-old Penang lad, who is the youngest of three sibling.

Lim came up with a five-piece collection called “Silence Screen” to take part in the competition. His creativity won him the first placing in the competition at Mid Valley Megamall yesterday.

Besides winning a one-week study tour to London’s Central Saint Martin's College of Art and Design and a 12-month internship with Parkson Corporation, the Equator Academy of Art student also took home a RM8,000 cash prize and a trophy.

Lim, who used pin-stripe fabric, tweed and Swarovski crystals for his black-and-white collection, said he spent about RM4,000 to buy the imported materials.

“I did not mind the cost as long as the materials are of good quality,” he said.

UiTM graduate Mohd Safar Razwin Mohd Saini, 21, bagged the second prize, walking away with a RM5,000 cash prize and a trophy.

Safar, who also won a trip to London and a 12-month internship with Parkson, said he was so inspired by the movie The English Patient that he used the movie title as the theme of his collection.

The Perak-born designer used shantung silk, gauze, chiffon, organza, fibre, netting, linen and ornaments to create a lively look for his bandaged-style design.

“This is the first time I'm entering a competition and I did not expect to even win the second prize,” he said.

Third-prize winner, Yip Lek Fei, 21, a graduate from LimKokWing University College of Creative Technology, said he forked out about RM2,000 for his collection themed “Sakura”.

“I was inspired by elements of ethnic fusion in the movie Sakura and the culture where East meets West,” said the Petaling Jaya lad, who took home a RM3,000 in cash and a trophy.

Ten finalists from the Star Designer Awards presented their creative works to five judges at the mall yesterday and drew a large crowd.

KL Fashion Week is organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.

[nazrey]

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Public treated to out-of-world fashion ensembles
Sunday May 8, 2005

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FUTURISTIC CLOTHES: Lim (centre) and his models garbed
in his vision of future office wear – micro-mini skirts and hot pants.


KUALA LUMPUR: Fashion came another step closer to the public when KL Fashion Week 2005 made its debut at the Oval atrium of the 1 Utama Shopping Complex in a colourful kaleidoscope of designs.

The creations of some 15 local designers, were staged before a large crowd.

Themed Catwalk @ The Mall, the show featured designs ranging from practical pret-a-porter garments to glamorous gowns.

Opening the event was Iszal Ismail, the director and designer of Citra, a fashion boutique, who whetted the crowd's appetite with an ensemble of flowing organza, chiffon, net, lace and embroidery themed Beauty in Peace.

Amin Jauhary showcased clean, simple lines suitable for the office, the day or a night out.

Bringing batik to the fore with a touch of local culture were Eric Tho and his contemporary ethnic pieces themed Modern Tradition and Nazleen Noor with batik steeped in femininity, themed Sensuous, while Shabri Saad threw caution to the wind by blending all manner of colours with batik and songket, complete with matching headgear.

Habibah Yaacob went traditional with her Ombak Mengalun collection.

Office wear went wild with cyber-fashion godfather Hideaki Lim showcasing Mystery, his vision of future office wear – micro-mini skirts, hot pants and short jackets.

His Power collection, however, communicated subtle female aggression through power pant- and skirt-suits in metallic silver.

Joining Lester Wong's “flirty” office collection was Terrenz Soo's career wear themed Call Me Miss Manners while Winnie Liew's designs oozed sex appeal.

Paul Wee and Thomas Chin of Ecesis, meanwhile, demonstrated that horizontal and vertical stripes, polka dots and checks, with short, chic jackets look sharp for the office, too.

Catwalk @ The Mall continues today at noon.

[nazrey]

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Gala style
Sunday May 8, 2005
REENA GURBAKSH takes a closer look at the collections of three guest designers that were on show at the KLFW 2005 Fashion Gala Night.


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What do you get when you bring together some of the best talent the Asian fashion world has to offer? A mixed bag of ideas and styles, that's what.

The KL Fashion Week 2005 Fashion Gala Night was indeed wild and varied and showcased the bold and the beautiful, the breathtaking and the eye-popping, as well as the experimental and quirky. Although there was some consensus among the designers on the season's newest looks – layering and the colour white seemed to be favourites – each designer painted his or her style picture in a unique way.

Here is what three guest designers put together for the show:


Visions in white


If the fashion paraded at the recently concluded KL Fashion Week 2005 was anything to go by, it sure looks like white is the new black. And among the many showcases of virginal colour, Thailand's royal designer Nagara stood out as a daring white knight.

His beautiful offerings in fashion's most therapeutic hue were show stealers that pulsated down the catwalk with all the necessary glamour and sex-appeal quotient. What the outfits lacked in colour, they made up for with large doses of dramatic opulence – just goes to show that quiet glamour can be equally as showy and breathtaking as creations with lots of pomp.

The Thai designer sent out a dozen new-age princess gowns that played on clever layering of silk and satin. Miss Thailand 1992, Metinee Kingpoyome, was first up with a dazzling fully sequined sweeping gown with a scooped back and every slinky outfit that followed was just as beautifully tailored, soft and easy to wear.


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Thailand's royal designer Nagara.


Silhouettes remained soft and sexy throughout with the silk maestro's clever use of the luxurious fabric. His collection also included a couple of men's outfits – worn by super hunky top Thai model Markus Wiedenmann – that were just as showy in their simplicity.

As is usually the case with such a safe colour palette, emphasis lay on the wonderful details of each of the gowns. There were plenty of flowing hemlines, wedding cake-style tiered pleats, sexy cut out backs, intricate embroidery as well as sensuous fringing and tassles.

It is obvious that Nagara's fairytale vamp charms her prince with a virginal white, then shows off the hidden extras: the luxurious satin bustiers, busts squeezed into satin bra-tops, thigh-skimming skirts and sarongs with super slits that seemed to all have the same formula of adequate coverage and maximum sensuality.


Tropical exposure


While fashion in the West is more about “fitting in’’, the fashion scene in Hong Kong seems to be more about creating individual styles. And that is one thing that Hong Kong designer Walter Ma seems to do exceptionally well: In what appeared to be a style U-turn to his normally bold creations, he chose to showcase floaty, summery styles that proved to be winners on the KLFW runway.

Appropriately themed Summer Breeze, the range invoked visions of blue skies and sandy beaches and did a lot of justice to Ma's uncharacteristic laid-back approach to fashion. Fitting into this holiday picture were versions of Ariel dressed in simple shifts in colours of the ocean as well as a selection of soft, layered skirts and dresses that would be the wardrobe of choice for a getaway at a swanky resort.


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Hong Kong designer Walter Ma.


In Ma's book, holidays are not necessarily devoid of glamour, so to up the tempo on his summer collection and create a stir, he sent out wasabe coloured gowns and cocktail dresses that boasted intricate gold embroidery and stunning beaded straps. There were also beaded tops and cheeky mini dresses with floral patterns and glittery butterfly tops worn over short slips.


Japanese designer Fumio Akiyama design.
Hong Kong supermodel Eunis Chan took the bow in a emerald green and nude coloured layered ensemble which perhaps best summed up Ma's style operandi for the night – sizzling fun in the sun!


Lavish minimalism


n a world where “dressing up’’ has become a such a necessity, it’s nice to sometimes defy convention and dress down a little.

Japanese designer Fumio Akiyama by no means suggests that you should forget about style, but it would appear from his collection that he prefers to dress women up in clothes that are fastidiously un-dressy. His showcase for Fashion Gala Night – simply themed Cool to reflect Tokyo's newest trends – certainly didn't sell any embellishment nor hype but was instead made up of almost ethereal styles that made a statement by ... well, making no statement at all.


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Japanese designer Fumio Akiyama design.


Akiyama designs were all beautifully tailored and deceptively simple, and he managed to infuse a sense of timelessness to into pieces that were perhaps the night's most contemporary. Straight leg hipster pants in muted, classic colours were given an edge with mod-style contrast stitching along leg and pocket seams. Drawing from its contemporary minimalism, the detailing was subtle – a few ribbons, buttons, zips but in general clean and austere with no niggly bits that squeezed, pinched or cinched.

Colours were also subdued: Fitted jackets, shirts, pants and dresses came in basic black and grey and the most brazen offerings he had on show were ensembles in moss green, black and white polka dots – the latter was the design of choice on some very funky tunics and pants. There was a small range of muted psychedelic dresses on which the styling was so simple that they blended in with the rest of the range and didn't shock at all.

[nazrey]

Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2005 >> KL Fashion Week Preview
by MyD70


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[nazrey]

Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2005 >> Fashion Gala Night
May 3, 2005 Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
by MyD70


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[nazrey]

Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2005 >> Fashion Gala Night
May 3, 2005 Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
by MyD70


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[nazrey]

Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2005 >> Fashion Gala Night
May 3, 2005 Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
by MyD70


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[nazrey]

Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2005 >> Fashion Gala Night
May 3, 2005 Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
by MyD70


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[nazrey]

Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2005 >> Fashion Gala Night
May 3, 2005 Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
by MyD70


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[nazrey]

Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2005 >> Fashion Gala Night
May 3, 2005 Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
by MyD70


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[nazrey]

KL Asia Fashion Week 2004 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=103569&page=13&pp=20)
- Avenue K

[nazrey]

Stars of Malaysian couture
Monday May 9, 2005
By LEE TSE LING



Local designers Edric Ong, Sharifah Kirana, and Orson Liyu delivered a commendable performance last Tuesday at the KL Fashion Week’s Gala Night held at the Shangri-la Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

A deep, throbbing tribal beat and the brassy tinkle of bells preceded the entrance of Sarawakian Ong’s Jungle Jingle collection. The collection was complemented by pendulous wooden accessories, artificial foliage, and woven rattan worn both as millinery and back-to-front obi.

The collection’s main features were his signature pua kumbu and hand-printed textiles functioning as shawls, sarongs and seductive tie-tops. and strong, traditional prints on rough-weave cotton tunics and trousers. All were presented in muted colours derived from natural sources – blues, olives, salmon pinks, earthy laterite and black.

Ethnic and adventurous as the designs were, the lush, green and heady jungles of Borneo have never looked more chic.

No less impressive was Sharifah’s effortlessly elegant collection that followed. Sure, the bell and butterfly sleeves might catch a snag on the high-street fashion circuit, but they looked good languidly flowing down the clinically white runway.


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Edric Ong’s model adorned in multi-functional
hand-printed textiles. Note the innovative use of
rattan as millinery and back-to-front obis.


Her collection featured softly watered and boldly tie-dyed silk, crepe and chiffon, draped and layered in delectable colours – lightest lichen-green, baby petal-pinks, fuchsia, purple, chocolate, latté and mocha.

Noteworthy features were keyhole details whose apertures afforded glimpses of décolletage or torsos; vibrant hand-painted silk kimono tops, which Sharifah herself wore that night; highly flattering babydoll-esque cinched bodices; and, adding a touch of urban combat, chocolate calf-length silk cargo pants.

Having been visually saturated with motion and colour, it was up to Liyu to restore calm with his Blue collection.

Intended to convey “raw, sexual magnetism” and exhibit the “power of the modern woman”, his collection seemed more virginal (being completely rendered in white might have had a hand in that) but powerful nonetheless. Goddess-like even, with the models sporting braids of dark hair encircling their crowns. One got the impression that Liyu dressed them in manner of pedestal-dwelling fairytale princesses, having first raided a sequin and Swarovski crystal shop.

Slim and statuesque, they glided down the catwalk, sweeping trains of silk, satin and chiffon trailing below very low cut backs or tantalisingly strapped and laced.


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Celebrity model Kavitha Sidhu parades
a signature Edric Ong Pua Kumbu shawl and dyed
fabrics in natural shades.


Could the Blue theme have come from the marine-like embellishments on the 12 gowns? There was scalloped chiffon aplenty, either dangling in strips, reminiscent of jellyfish tentacles, or in encircling layers like a frill of cuttlefish fins, as well as the sea anemone-like grace of ostrich feather trims.

It was a promising start for KLFW, now in its third incarnation and going from strength to strength. Now it is up to fashion fans to pick up the tempting sartorial gems proffered.

KL Fashion Week 2005 was organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.

[nazrey]

Praises all round for Jaeger show
Monday May 9, 2005
By VIVIENNE PAL



It's easy to tell when a designer has a popular following – just attend a fashion show and see what the crowd wears.

During the final Afternoon Designer Showcase presented by Jaeger-LeCoultre at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on Friday, many of the invited guests turned up sporting designs by Tom Abang Saufi.

Gracing the event was the Sultanah of Pahang Sultanah Kalsom, accompanied by members of the Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Perak royal families. Guests also comprised fashion savvy socialites and celebrities.

The event showcased the distinctly different creations of two prolific Malaysian designers, Tom Abang Saufi and Melinda Looi.

Before the show, guests were thrilled with a surprise performance by Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor, who wore an elegant piece designed by Tom.


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The Sultanah of Pahang Sultanah Kalsom (fourth from right)
giving all her attention to the displays on the catwalk. To her right
are Tengku Puteri Seri Teja Pahang Tengku Muhaini and Cik Puan
Bendahara Pahang Toh Puan Habibah, while to her left are
Jaeger-LeCoultre Southeast-Asia and Australia managing director
Maxime Labey, KLFW 2005 organising chairman and Star
Publications (M) Berhad deputy group general manager Datin
Linda Ngiam and Tunku Nurul Hayati.


Unlike her black-and-white theme during the Corporate Cocktail Night by Tourism Malaysia on Wednesday, Tom dazzled with a display of brilliant colours and signature ethnic infusions in a repertoire of flowing peasant skirts and sleeves, trendy loose pants, batik influences and kaftan swirls.

Themed “White Maharanis of Sarawak”, Tom’s designs were a celebration of fashion, inspired by the white maharanis of Sarawak who epitomised Western women who embraced local cultural designs and looked chic wearing them.

Meanwhile, Looi’s designs, themed “Midsummer Nights Dream” were an ethereal display of white, off-white and gold, with models dressed in whimsical, wispy pieces showcasing many soft layers, generous petticoats, flowing one-pieces, ruffles, gatherings, bows and pretty hemlines accentuated by beads, diamantes, lace and embroidery.

Guests were full of praise for both designers after the show.

“Tom’s designs are full of fun and they are pieces that I could buy. Melinda’s pieces are very romantic; she projected a good image today,” said Datin Joanne Lee.

Zairin Azman, who has been an avid follower of Tom’s designs, described the show as simply divine.

Fara Nafisa Shauli said she found Looi’s designs “eccentric, unique and very different”.

Puan Sri Tessie Lim, who has been a follower of both Tom and Looi’s designs in the last two to three years, said, they were both extraordinary designers in their own right. “I am proud to wear garments designed by Malaysian designers.”

[nazrey]

Editors' pick of the best
Monday May 9, 2005



Laughter, pride and joy and a wonderful sense of camaraderie filled the night of the KL Fashion Week 2005 Editors Awards on Saturday.

The star-studded event at the Shangri-La Hotel was a fitting climax to the inaugural awards, comprising 10 categories and two citation honours. The winners were selected by editors from leading newspapers and magazines in the country.

Among the coveted awards were Designer of the Year which was won by Khoon Hooi, Best New Generation Designer (won by Donna Chew), Best Menswear Designer (Kwan by Daniel Cho), Best Male Model (Daniel Tan) and Best Female Model (Amber Chia).


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/9/fashionweek/m_06endon.jpg

Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, recipient of KL Fashion
Week 2005 Friend of Fashion Award, acknowledging the applause
from the audience and (from left) KLFW 2005 organising chairman
Datin Linda Ngiam, Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad,
Star Publications group managing director/chief executive officer
Datuk Steven Tan and managing director of L'Oreal Malaysia
Jean-Francois Couve.


The Industry Achievement Award went to Farah Khan for her pioneering work in introducing international labels and promoting regional talents. The editors honoured Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood for her work in reviving and revitalising the kebaya, batik and songket by naming her KLFW 2005 Friend of Fashion.

TV personality Asha Gill as the host of the evening, won the hearts of the audience with just the right blend of relaxed formality and slick emceeing, peppered with cheeky ad-libbing and humour.


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The models in Grace Salon's magnificent
hair show that dazzled the audience.


The evening was made all the more memorable by a delightful show by Grace Salon who combined imaginative hair creations with fantastical outfits by some of the country's top designers.

The Editors Awards was part of the KL Fashion Week 2005 calendar of events organised The Star and presented by Tour-ism Malaysia Mal-aysia and L'Oreal Paris.

[nazrey]

Showcase ends with a bang
Monday May 9, 2005
BY ELIZABETH LOOI



PETALING JAYA: Shoppers at 1 Utama were greeted by a lively dance performance by local celebrities and models as Melinda Looi’s designs were paraded on the catwalk.

The Catwalk @ The Mall wrapped up KL Fashion Week 2005 yesterday.

While models strutted out in Looi’s collection that featured fashion from the 1950s, celebrities including model/actress Carmen Soo and fashion stylist Victor Goh, and models danced and sang on stage to the song Summer Nights from the movie Grease.

The event opened with men’s wear creations from Mohd Azizi Hassan, Key Ng and William Liew.

The designers’ ensemble comprised mostly casual wear in light and bright colours to evoke a relaxed “holiday” mood.

While Mohd Azizi’s latest contemporary batik collection was filled with pastel colours, Ng’s creations suggested a cyber era with colours, like silver and white, trimmed in blue lining themed “Flying Freely To The Blue Horizon”.


http://thestar.com.my/fashionweek/archives/2005/5/9/fashionweek/n_16looi.jpg

DANCING QUEENS: Dancers jiving to Summer
Nightsfrom the movie Greaseduring the fashion show
featuring clothes by Looi at 1 Utama in Petaling Jaya Sunday.


William Liew’s bright and colourful shades set the “holiday” mood.

They were followed by Amanda Brown, Adam Sun & Edmund Ser and Nashka Solotareff.

While Brown’s collection was themed “Denim Desire”, Sun & Ser’s were bursting with retro colours.

Solotareff’s beachwear themed “Cool Casuals”, featured mostly bright colours with floral motifs and pareos.

Yen broke away from his signature black chiffon and showcased a collection of elegant office wear, all in white.

Jonathen Cheng featured his spring and summer collection with funky colours while Richard Tsen’s sartorial creations were bright pink and white, incorporating Japanese costume elements.

The colourful and intricate numbers by Melor were followed by Wan Noor Azleena’s mostly lilac collection.

Ridzuan Bohari’s creations, mainly in pink and white, were themed “Pure and Life” to symbolise life and feminism.

Maya Ubrani wrapped up the show with her contemporary Indian designs.

KL Fashion Week 2005 was organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.

[Greg]

eh, so many nice looking woman. :naughty:

[nazrey]

Ending it on a colourful note
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
By OLIVIA LEE
Photos by LOW LAY PHON



The Heineken Corporate Cocktail Night last Friday was a colourful and grand affair, bringing the three-day corporate cocktail night of KL Fashion Week 2005 to a fashionable close.

The womenfolk came dressed in vibrant chic attire, while the men turned up in casual shirt and pants - minus the blazer and tie


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_06sazzy.jpg

Looking good are (from left) Astro Ria's Beat TV host
Sazzy Falak, Josh Lim and Syazline Yazreen.


The guests, comprising mainly of Guiness Anchor Berhad employees, customers and competition winners, arrived as early as 7pm in anticipation of an extravagant show by Malaysian designers Beatrice Looi, Edmund Ser, Sonny San, Carven Ong, and foreign designers Hong Kong's Lydia Reeves of Blanc de Chine and Filipino Nono Palmos.

When the doors opened at 8.30pm, they promptly filled up the seats and were immediately “blown away'' by the extraordinary creations of pure and off-white bridal gowns, smart black office attire, long sweeping dresses with drapes, ethnic-inspired clothing with earthly tones and simple, sophisticated cheongsam.

Soho Spice Restaurant and Bar owner Clifford Forster said the show was exceptional and exciting.

“As a European, I believe that the Asian designers can give their Western counterparts a run for their money in the highly competitive world of fashion,'' he said.

“They've really got it all put together nicely. The designs are feminine and sexy,'' said Forster after the 60-minute fashion show.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_06ngiam.jpg

KL Fashion Week 2005 organising chairman
Datin Linda Ngiam, who is also Star Publications (M) Bhd
deputy group general manager (fifth from left),
has (from left) Nono Palmos, Theo and Gisela de Rond,
Lydia Reeves, Filipino guest models Raphael Kiefer and
Evita Oblea Bunyi for company.


Twenty two-year-old Josh Lim of Josh Lim and Associates enjoyed the Edmund Ser collection most.

“Although the office suits were grand, I can already imagine someone turning up at the office in one,'' he said.

Gisela de Rond, wife of Guiness Anchor Berhad managing director Theo de Rond, liked the colourful designs.

“The colours are great and it's like looking at a huge painting come to life,'' she said. “It is a good show with a good balance of music and creations.''

[nazrey]

Mayor hosts dinner for AFS delegates
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
By CHOW HOW BAN
Photos by T.K. LIM



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_11afs.jpg

A group of exchange students from
various countries presenting a medley of
Malay folk songs during the dinner.


KUALA Lumpur mayor Datuk Ruslin Hasan hosted a dinner for delegates, students and foster families under the American Field Service (AFS) student exchange programme at City Hall building recently.

The 30 delegates from the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia were in town to attend the AFS Asia Initiative Meeting which was held at Hyatt Saujana in Subang from May 6 to 8.

Those present were entertained to performances by students under the programme and City Hall's cultural dance troupe.

The guests were also treated to a spread of hawker fare specially brought in by City Hall so that they could taste some of Malaysia's famous cuisine, such as satay, char kuey teow and yong taufu.

Ruslin, who was made patron of Friends of AFS, said he was pleased to be associated with AFS for its mission was to foster better understanding among people in the various countries so that the world would be a just and peaceful place to live in.

"Amid the turmoil and instability, one very important thing every human being needs to do is spread the word of peace and harmony, and it has to start with each of us.

"AFS has done a good job to start the ball rolling and with the formation of the AFS Asia Initiative, I believe the Asian partners will play a major role in achieving this mission and vision," he said.

He said AFS Malaysia (also known as Antarabudaya Malaysia) would grow and continue to play an important role in nation-building.

"Intercultural understanding between races and countries will dispel cultural conflicts and suspicion and lead to the development of global civilisation," he added.

Also present were AFS Malaysia chairman Kerry Sin, AFS Asia Initiative chairman Bin Sato and AFS International chief operating officer Tachi Cazal.

[nazrey]

A boost for active lifestyle via contest
Tuesday, May 10, 2005




http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_23jody.jpg

John Master Industries Berhad general
manager Jody Ho (left) presenting the
Miss Fitness 2005 trophy to Raja Shahrul Azmi.



THE inaugural Ms Fitness 2005 championship is a platform to create awareness on the need for women to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, IFFM Sdn Bhd business development manager Sheena K. Subra said.

Sheena, whose company is organising the Malaysia Sport, Fitness, Health and Beauty Expo (MYsportex 2005) at Putra World Trade Centre from May 27 to 29, said there had not been enough exposure on the importance of keeping fit and the championship was one way of getting people to realise this.

“Exercise used to be something that you do during leisure time but not anymore. Today, it is becoming a lifestyle,” she said.

The Ms Fitness competition, Sheena said, was to get women to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle the fun way.

“It is not just about winning but having fun, making friends and showing their hidden talents,” she said.

“We have lined up activities for participants, such as “Hair Groovy for the Athletes'' which is a free makeover plus hairdo, before the championship.

“The participants will also get to take part in a fashion show, parading Schwarzenbach's latest collection of gymwear,” added Sheena.

The pre-judging stage of selecting the qualified candidates will begin on May 27, from 11am onwards.

The champion of Ms Fitness 2005 will receive a trophy, a medal and sports and gym attire worth RM2,000. The second and third-prize winners will receive trophies, medals and sports attire worth RM1,500 and RM800 respectively.

There will also be prizes for additional titles, such as Ms Healthy Skin, Ms Body Beautiful and Ms Photogenic.

IFFM managing director Raja Shahrul Azmi Raja Sahar said apart from the competition, the expo would serve as a one-stop-point for visitors to shop for the latest sports and fitness equipment as well as health and beauty products at bargain prices.

“Perks include beauty service promotions, health checks, fitness club memberships at promotional prices and martial arts demonstrations,” he said.

Participation fee for the competition is RM20. Closing date for registration is May 25.

[nazrey]

Teenager drives home a winner
Tuesday, May 10, 2005



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_14cooper.jpg

Muhammad Faris enjoying the Mini
Cooper as Goh (centre) and Wan Ahmad look on.



LITTLE did 14-year-old Muhammad Faris Zakaria know that the can of Coca-Cola he bought while visiting his grandfather at the Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan would land him perhaps his best birthday present ever.

Muhammad Faris, who bought the can the day before his 14th birthday, was thrilled when the Coca-Cola can began singing. He immediately called the hotline number discovered that he was the winner of the grand prize for Coca-Cola's Singing Can-Sation promotion organized by Coca-Cola in collaboration with Cartrade, Sony, and Hotlink.

For his win, Muhammad Faris received a Mini Cooper from Cartrade and was presented with the car during a prize giving ceremony held at Twelve S1 in Kuala Lumpur recently.

The nationwide hunt for the Singing Can began in March this year and lasted for about two months. Coca-Cola franchise group brand manager Gladys Goh said the campaign was to reward loyal Coca-Cola drinkers and to reach out to a wider base of consumers.

“On behalf of Coca-Cola, I would like to congratulate Muhammad Faris for being our lucky winner.

“Besides the grand prize, Coca-Cola has also rewards for our other lucky drinkers. .

“Those who bought a can or bottle of Coca-Cola throughout the two-month period from March to April also received free caller ring tone downloads from Hotlink,” Goh said.

Goh said the carbonated drink was aimed at teenagers and youths, and as the younger generation is very much into music, the management decided to incorporate songs into the cans so that young people could relate better to Coca-Cola.

“It was an interesting venture for us and from the response we gathered from the campaign, it had not only appealed to the youths but also to adults,” Goh added.

She said that although the promotional period had ended, those who still managed to pick up singing cans could drop by at Coca-Cola offices and get a redeem six cans of Coca Cola.

Also present at the prize giving ceremony was Cartrade Sales and Marketing manager Wan Ahmad Wan Abas, who said the strategic partnership with Coca-Cola was in line with Mini Cooper’s youthful, spirited image and target market.

[nazrey]

Italian chases his dreams in Malaysia
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
By CHOW HOW BAN



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_13hakani1.jpg

Hakani tending to the pizza oven at his outlet.



GINO Hakani, from Foggia, Italy, has a dream to retire with his own franchise of Italian cafés and to pass down his culinary skills to other people.

To make that happen, he has turned his stall at the Ukay Food Court in Ukay Perdana, Hulu Kelang, into a culinary training ground for Italian food aficionados who want to learn cooking.

His students would have to do everything from washing utensils, preparing ingredients and cooking dishes to serving the customers.

Hakani would then teach them on how to pick herbs and control the flavours of the dish and eventually pass his secret recipes down to them.

After several days, the students, of which Hakani currently has two, have done pretty well and adapted to Hakani's regime and training methods without any problem.

One of them, Asnah Abidin, who has her own Western food business in the food court, said she joined the course because she always enjoyed cooking.

“I want to learn something. Italian food is nice and there are only a few restaurants serving good Italian food in Malaysia. By taking up the lessons, I get to learn different cultures and food,” she said when met at Hakani's stall recently.

“Gino teaches us different homemade recipes. His cooking is simple, traditional and easy to understand,” she added.

Asnah said with her knowledge of Malay and Western cuisine, she would like to acquire other culinary skills so that she could become a better cook.

Learning, however, comes with a price as Asnah paid about RM4,000 for her month-long course.

“I do not mind paying RM3,000 to RM4,000. Italy is far away from Malaysia and it is good to learn directly from an Italian chef,” she said.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_13hakani2.jpg

Chan (right) and Asnah (left) hard
at work learning from Hakani.


For 28-year-old housewife Naomi Chan, it was love at first “taste” when she and her husband visited Hakani's other outlet in Wisma Cosway in Kuala Lumpur.

“It was the first time we went there for lunch. Gino's way of serving his food is special -- simple but delicious. My husband and I really love his food. I wanted to learn from him and know what makes his food delicious,” she said.

“I found out that he has a secret recipe in the amount of herbs and spice he used as well as the sauce. I must say you cannot get his recipes from cookbooks,” she said.

Chan, who trains under Hakani from 5pm to 10pm daily, said she had even tried to emulate the flavours of Hakani's food after that first visit but could not get it right.

“He cooks with his feelings. There is no pressure and it is easy to learn from him,” said Chan

Chan also doesn't mind the fees, saying “For me, it is fair as he gives me what I want.”

Hakani said on the first day of the course he told his trainees that it was important that they liked to cook and were confident of what they were doing.

“When I was in Foggia, the first thing my mentor asked me was whether I liked to cook and I said yes. They (Chan and Asnah) told me the same and since the course began, they have been doing better day by day.

“I do not conduct this culinary class for my own benefits. I want them (Asnah and Chan) to be successful and foster a good relationship with them. I have promised to help them after the course,” he said.

[nazrey]

A slice of Croatia in the heart of Kuala Lumpur
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
By NG WEI LOON



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_20julius.jpg

Jullius (left) and Cimbur at the launch.



THE Uptown Place, or “Little Croatia” as it is affectionately known, is intended to display the Croatian culture, tradition and hospitality to locals as well as foreign visitors.

The Croatian ambassador Zeljko Cimbur, who launched the club, said the Croatian embassy endorsed and supported the idea of having a Croatian club as a meeting place for all.

“We have left our bitter war memories behind us to move forward. We want to build a good relationship with Malaysia as we see the potential of developing bilateral ties,” Cimbur added.

Although the outlet's co-owner Erwin A. Jullius has assimilated well into Malaysian society, he wanted to introduce the traditional and cultural identity of his roots.

The 33 year-old, who originated from Croatia has been residing here since 1994 working in the food and beverage industry. He has married a Malaysian Chinese from Malacca and even obtained Malaysian citizenship two years ago.

He spent his first six months in the country staying in rural villages to adapt to the Malaysian way of life.

“It helps a lot to understand the local culture. Given the opportunity, I am dedicated to learn.

“I would also like to share my experiences with others,” said Jullius, who converses in Bahasa Malaysia and Hokkien.

“Great ideas come naturally to me. But, my biggest obstacle is to find the funds to realise these dreams,” the father of a five year-old girl and two year-old boy added.

The simple establishment at Changkat Bukit Bintang started its operation in October last year. It was a result of Jullius’ business partnership with an English lady Erika Maitland.

The warmth and friendliness at the drinking joint makes it a melting pot for patrons from different backgrounds and cultures.

It offers Croatian liqueurs like Travariea and Pelinkovac along with the soothing tunes of Croatian romantic and folk songs sung by the legendary Oliver Dragojevic 'u Areni.

Niell Hogg, who is a regular, said the place has the ability to draw people together.

“Just look around, it’s easy to start a conversation and share experience with others,” said Hogg, who works as an IT consultant.

English tourists Michael Parkinson and Paddy Lawler, who arrived in the city as a stopover before Australia, were also seen having a good time there.

Some of the 50 members of the Croatia’s folk dance ensemble Lado led by general manager Ivana Lusic who were in the city to perform as part of its Asia Pacific tour were also present at the launch.

The group established in 1949 presents traditional Croatian regional dances.

Mireal Coko, 29 from Singapore took the opportunity to mingle around with the members of the group.

“I grew up abroad. But, I am a Croatian at heart. The Lado represents Croatian heritage because of its originality in dance choreography, musical instruments and costumes,” she said.

[nazrey]

Motorists on busy road frowning again
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
By CHOW HOW BAN
Photos by SAM THAM



http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_01jam.jpg



OVER the years, Jalan Tun Razak has become a major road that caters to more vehicles than any other roads in Kuala Lumpur.

So crucial is the road that motorists frown on any projects carried out on or around Jalan Tun Razak.

In the last five years alone, the stretch from the Jalan Pahang roundabout to the Titiwangsa Starline station, near the Pekeliling flats, has undergone two major projects.

The first was the construction of the KL Monorail track and its Titiwangsa station between 2000 and 2002 and now motorists are again enduring traffic woes because of a road-upgrading project undertaken by City Hall.


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/m_02traffic.jpg

The problems begin near the Pekeliling flats.


The RM15mil project includes the construction of a new eight-lane, 37m-long bridge over the Gombak River, widening of the stretch between the Jalan Ipoh flyover and the Jalan Pahang roundabout and raising the height of the road to 1m.

The project, initially scheduled for completion in February, has been delayed due to the tight space contractors have to work on.

To ensure constant traffic flow, they have maintained five open lanes at all times. However, space constraints and heavy traffic along the stretch have caused delay to the project.

At present, Lebuhraya Mahameru-bound motorists use three lanes while those heading for Jalan Ampang and Jalan Pahang take up two lanes.

Potholes in the area only make matters worse.

Police sarjan P. Sidamparam, who uses the road to go to Bukit Aman daily, said traffic conditions in the morning and evening would be at its worst, but the drive was smoother between 9.30am and 4pm.

“My wife, who works at Menara Maybank in Jalan Tun Perak, must leave home before 7.30am every day to avoid the traffic jam.

“I think the traffic will remain messy until the road project is over,” he said.

During peak hours, Lebuhraya Mahameru-bound traffic pile up from the Pekeliling flats to the Jalan Yap Kwan Seng interchange while those heading for the city are stuck in the crawl from the Jalan Ipoh flyover to the Jalan Parlimen junction in Lebuhraya Mahameru.

The congestion period ranges from five to 25 minutes.

“There is always a traffic congestion at the stretch,'' said Edward Ng who uses the road to go to his office in Petaling Jaya daily.

"Sometimes you will even be stuck in a jam at 10pm. In the past few days, traffic has slowed further because of the potholes,” he said.

Ng said he had to leave his house much earlier to avoid the congestion.

“I hope that the project will be completed immediately,” he said.

A senior City Hall official admitted that potholes surfaced at times but he felt that their existence did not affect traffic flow much.

“At times, the condition of the road might be bad because of the rain,'' he said.

"But the contractors will usually patch them up soon. The traffic diversion is usually the reason for the pile-up of cars and not the potholes.

“I think the contractor has been maintaining the roads well,” he said.

The project, contracted to Layangan Bina Sdn Bhd, is expected to be completed by early next year.

[nazrey]

Nation-Tech Hyundai Sdn. Bhd. Launches Two M-Life Hyundai Corporation Notebooks That Run on Latest Intel Centrino Mobile Technology Expects to achieve 15% growth of its local market share in 2005
6/5/2005
Source of article: About Communication Sdn Bhd



http://www.msc.com.my/today/html/img/2005-hyundai.jpg



Kuala Lumpur, May 4, 2005 – Nation-Tech Hyundai Sdn Bhd, the distributor for Korea’s M-Life Hyundai Corporation range of business and personal computing products launched two new notebook models the M-Life PS1 and the M400G, that run on the latest Intel Centrino mobile technology platform at senQ Plaza Low Yat, today.

The company expects to see its local market share grow by 15% - 30% in 2005 on the back of these new products and other soon-to-be launched products that will also run on the latest Centrino platform. In 2004, the M-Life series and E-Life series product ranges contributed approximately RM45 million to Nation-Tech Hyundai’s revenues.

The M-Life Hyundai Corporation brand was established in 2002 and is currently available across Asia and Europe. It offers a full series of notebooks, personal computer systems, and LCD & CRT monitors of various dimensions. The E-Life series complements the main range through smaller items and computer accessories such as portable optical drives, external card-readers, universal notebook adapters, speakers system and others.

Nation-Tech Hyundai Corporation assembles, distributes and exports M-Life Hyundai Corporation products to India, Indonesia, Philippines, Iran and Sudan among others. In 2004, it was recognized by Intel as the distributor that shipped the highest number of mobile processors units for the year.

The M-Life PS1 and the M400G come with built in wireless-g mobility for better connectivity on the go, 15 inch screen, as well as a three year local and 1-year international warranty on parts and labour.

“The M-Life PS1 and the M400G are targeted at business users and serious users who require higher performance, reliability and the guarantee of long-term international post-sales service for peace of mind,” said Ms. Sharon Wong, Division Manager for Hyundai Corporation Products, Nation-Tech Hyundai Sdn Bhd.

The company has four offices, three in West Malaysia and one in East Malaysia that provide nation-wide service points for users, with at least one pick-up point in each state.

“The new Intel Centrino mobile platform offers wireless-g capability as standard which is ideal for people who connect to remote networks for work and play. The sound and graphics functionalities on these machines rival those of high-end desktops and make them ideal for entertainment and games on the go,” she explained.

M-Life notebooks currently hold approximately 5% of the notebook market share in Malaysia, with average monthly sales of 1,000 units. The forecasted shipment numbers of mobile notebooks for 2005 in Malaysia is estimated to be approximately 300,000 units whereby 70% will be business users including SoHos – this forecast is from a local agency with overseas affiliations.

“Based on our current market share, and the positive reception to our new products we are confident of achieving a 15% - 30% growth in our share of the market by the close of this year. Early response from business and serious users has been very enthusiastic as our new models offer excellent price to feature ratio and come with the enhanced Intel Centrino mobile technology platform,” Ms. Wong added.

M-Life Hyundai Corporation products and E-life Hyundai Corporation products are available at quality retailers across the nation. Electronic retail industry giant senQ, which has nine outlets across the nation, carries a full range of M-Life series and E-Life series products.

According to Senheng Electric Executive Director Mr. Lim Kim Chieng, the response to M-Life and E-Life Hyundai Corporation products has exceeded the retailer’s expectations.

“M-Life Hyundai Corporation has made an impact on the local market by offering quality and affordability. We find that consumers are attracted to the brand’s three year guarantee – whereas the standard guarantee is just one year. We expect to see brisk sales on the two new models in the coming months,” said Mr. Lim Kim Chieng.

Nation-Tech Hyundai Sdn. Bhd. will be supporting its new range of products with increased advertising and promotions with the aim of achieving sales of 2,000 M-Life notebook units per month in 2005. The company will pump in more than RM1,000,000.00 in support of advertising & promotions to raise its brand awareness and recognition via multi-location billboards, print media advertising in dailies and magazines, road-shows, exhibitions and other ground events.

The M-Life Hyundai Corporation’s PS1 retails at RM4,299 while the M400G retails at RM3,999 and comes preloaded with MS Windows XP Home .

[nazrey]

Bigger thrills and spills in store
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
By Y.P. SIVAM
Photos by KAMARUL ARIFFIN and RAJA SHAMSUL BAHREN


http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/p2brent.jpg

Brent McNeil getting ready for training.


The stage has been set for the biggest ice hockey competition in the World Ice Hockey 5s series.

Unlike in previous years, this time Asiasports has received an overwhelming response for the four-day championships.

Kelab Hoki Ais Saga (Khas) president Steven Tan, one of the game's pioneers in Malaysia, said the World Ice Hockey 5s had garnered tremendous support in the past one year alone.

This year's competition, to be declared open by Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok today at the Pyramid Ice Rink in Bandar Sunway, will not only see an increase in the categories, but also in the number of matches. The categories are International, Asian, Women, Pee Wee and Squit.

Tan, who is also KL Tigers team manager, said 70 games would be played in the championships.

“Previously, we had only about 50 matches,'' he said. “We are also expecting some interesting matches as the teams taking part have some of the best players in the region.''

The focus will be on the International category.

Eight teams – Cathay Pacific, Kuala Lumpur Cobras White, Asian All Stars, Taipei Flames, HK Asia Sports, UAE International, Kuala Lumpur Cobras Black and Taipei International – will battle it out in the category.

HK Asia Sports were the champions last year when the competition was held in Hong Kong. UAE Internationals won the title in 2001 and 2002.

However, Tan said no one team could be discounted for the title in the International category this year.

“The teams are evenly matched,'' he said. “The matches will be of high quality and Malaysians can witness some hard-fought interesting matches.''

The Asian division will also be a keenly contested match. Malaysian representatives Kuala Lumpur Inferno and Kuala Lumpur Wildcats have a good chance at the title.

HK All Stars are the defending champions and they have several talented players on their side. Among them are 19-year-olds Frankie Choi and Wilson Tsang.

Choi is considered one of Hong Kong's better players. He has the right size and matching talent with strong skating skills.

Tsang, who has spent a few years in Toronto, Canada, is one whose shots are the hardest in the team.


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KL Tigers and KL Slayers training
hard for the championships.


KL Wildcats also have several talented players in the likes of 25-year-old Gary Tan (voted as the best forward in the Khas Open Ice Hcokey league), Jeremy Chee and Alex Kam. Together they make up a formidable trio.

Gary said they should be able to match their rivals this year as they had improved tremendously over the past year.

“Playing in the league has made us better players,'' he said. “We are strong in attack and defence. This competition will certainly be a big test to the players.''

Khas will monitor the juniors and women in the competition. For Khas, the future of ice hockey is with the juniors in the Pee Wee category.

Tan said Asiasports was pleased with the enthusiasm shown by the juniors.

“This competition would be a test for the juniors,'' he said. “They can gauge their prowess against their counterparts from other countries.

“Likewise, we want to see the women excel, too. It will be a beginning to establishing a national women's squad in the future.

“We urge Malaysians to come in full force to support the local teams. Their cheers will be an inspiration, especially to the young players.''

The title sponsor for the World Ice Hockey 5s is Malaysia Airlines. The official media is StarMetro.

[nazrey]

Showing the world the ice hockey family
Wednesday, May 11, 2005



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Susan Loh's son Moi Jia Yung (left) will be
playing in the World 5s.


Ice hockey has become a family affair for many of the people who are involved in the World Ice Hockey 5s starting at the Pyramid Ice Rink in Bandar Sunway today.

While the children sweat it out on the ice, parents can be seen running around making sure that the organisation of the Kelab Hoki Ais Saga (Khas) ice hockey league runs like clockwork.

Many of them also double up as managers, coaches, scorers, officials and in other capacities. Even siblings of the players help out.

It is the result of such sacrifice, dedication and passion for the sport by the community of people who play ice hockey that has enabled Malaysia to host this world event again.

Khas president Steven Tan is the assistant coach of the KL Tigers and will be playing in the Pee Wee category of the World Ice Hockey 5s. His son Brandon is a member of the team.

Brandon was introduced to ice hockey by his father. The elder Tan said his son had started to develop a love for the game.

“We have become closer after Brandon got involved in ice hockey. Whether it is training or competition, we spend a lot of time together,” said Tan.

Khas treasurer Susan Loh, who has also given much of her time towards organising the Khas ice hockey league and the preparations for the World 5s, is the team manager for the women's team. Her son Moi Jia Yung plays for KL Wildcats in the Asian Division.

Loh said she got involved in ice hockey because of her son's involvement in the game.

“He was a swimmer during his younger days before he switched to ice hockey. It is a good way to spend some time. Furthermore, I have started to develop a love for the sport as well. Some of the younger boys and girls stay overnight at my house so that they can go for their early morning training sessions.

“Their enthusiasm inspires me to get involved in ice hockey. I don’t mind being with them during training,” said Loh.

Norridah Mohamed Noor, a housewife, was coaxed by her sons, Ian Daniel Tracy and Allen Michael Tracy, to get involved in ice hockey. Both brothers will be playing for KL Inferno Ice in the Asian category. Allen is a goalkeeper while Ian a defender.

Norridah said she was happy to see her sons being involved in ice hockey


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Imran Mohamed Noor (left) will be playing
in the World 5s with his brother Zekri Mohamed Noor (not in picture).


“Instead of spending time on other activities, it's better for them to play this sport. I am prepared to be in the organising committee.

“In fact, I have been following ice hockey development in Malaysia closely and I don’t regret being part of the ice hockey family,'' said Norridah, who is always present at the Pyramid Ice Rink for the Khas league.

Siblings Imran Mohamed Noor and Zekri Mohamed Noor are also playing for KL Inferno Ice. Their father Mohamed Noor Ahmad is the acting president of the Ice Skating Association of Malaysia (ISAM).

Muhammad Amir Amin Mohamad Zaki and his sister Nurul Ain Syuhada, despite being late starters to the sport, will be playing in the World 5s as well.

Muhammad Amir Amin will be leading the KL Tigers' attack in the Pee Wee category, while Nurul Ain will be in action for KL Slayers in the women's category.

Steven Tan said they were very grateful to the parents and other family members of the ice hockey players and their friends for the contribution that they had given to ice hockey.

“Without their support, it would have been difficult for us to come so far or to organise the World 5s.

“The players come from different races and backgrounds, but through ice hockey, we are united together as a family,'' added Tan.

THE LOCAL CHALLENGE

KL Inferno: Calvin Ho Kah Beng, Aizarudin Idrus, Tenglu Mohamed Azlly, Allen Michael Tracy, Aris Samad Yahaya, Elbert Cheah Yong Hua, Ian Daniel Tracy, Imran Mohamed Noor; Abdul Hakim Ismail, Najdi Mustaffa Husin , Sharwwin Ismail Yap Eu Jin, Zekri Mohamed Noor, Johnson Choh Shaw Meng; Clareance Lee Kar Jin.

Coach: Alex Kam.

KL Wildcats: Ahmad Bazli Abu Safian, Gary Tan, Hanif Mahmood, Terry Chung Yoon Thiam, Kazu Fukutani, Alex Kam. Abdul Hakim Ismail, Roslan Abdul Kadir, Azmin Yang Razali, Khoo Seng Chee, Moi Jia Yung, Jeremy Chee Tack Hoong, Reezman Esa, Peter Yip Kwok Weng, Tee Ton Tee.

Coach: Nathan Keller.

KL Slayers: Jacklyn Gan Kar Hui, Nurul Ain Syuhada Mohamed Zaki, Adilah Junid, Erlene Arisa Baharuddin, Tengku Farhana Azuma Tengku, Nur Yasmin Zainul Kamal, Maisie Chui, Nik Eliana Elizzia Nik Mohamad, Emi Ilaniz Abdul Rahman, Aimmie Kellar.

Coach: Wade Oldford.
Team manager: Susan Loh.

KL Tigers: Aedan Mark Pillai, Edwin Lee Joon Wai, Byron Wan Wing Kean, Deric Lee Wei Xian, Brandon Tan Wai Kin, Hii Jing, Muhammad Amir Amin Mohamed Zaki, Sean Ray Anthony, Shairi Jirwan Abdul Shukor, Patrick Oldford.

Coach: Wade Oldford.
Team Manager: Steven Tan.

Related Stories:

Bigger thrills and spills in store

UAE a force to be reckoned with

Keen to get their spot on the ice

[nazrey]

Keen to get their spot on the ice
Wednesday, May 11, 2005



The spotlight may be on them but the Kuala Lumpur Wildcats can't wait to start their campaign in the World Ice Hockey 5s today at the Pyramid Ice Rink in Bandar Sunway.

KL Wildcats, led by Malaysia's top forward Gary Tan, have been given the privilege of playing the opening match of the four-day competition against Manila Predators in the Asian division. Both teams have been grouped in Pool 3 together with HK All Stars.

Tan, who was voted best local forward in the Kelab Hoki Ais Saga (Khas) Open ice hockey league last month, said it was an honour for them to be given the opportunity to play the opening match at 2.30pm.

“It would be good to start our challenge in the World 5s on a winning note. We don’t know much about Manila Predators. They are taking part in this competition for the first time. But, based on the strength of the other teams from the Philippines, Manila Predators should be a strong side,'' said Tan.

KL Wildcats look strong in attack with Tan, Alex Kam, Tee Ton Tee, Jeremy Chee and Kazu Fukutani to choose from. In defence they have the reliable Moi Jia Yung and goalkeeper Abdul Hakim Ismail.

Tan said the exposure gained from playing in the Khas League should help them in the World 5s. The title sponsor of the World 5s is Malaysia Airlines, while the official media is StarMetro.

“Compared to last year, the skills of the players have improved a lot. They have the determination to excel. Their teamwork is superb. They are playing as a unit and we don’t have any doubt about their commitment.

“A win against Manila Predators would boost the players as we have another tough opponent in the HK All Stars,'' said Tan.

The Asian division has three pools. United Arab Emirates are in Pool 1 with HK Typhoons and Singapore Ice Cats, while Pool 2 has Japan NICE, Singapore Winterflames and Kuala Lumpur Inferno.

In the International division, Kuala Lumpur Cobras, comprising expatriates living in Malaysia, will field two teams. Kuala Lumpur Cobras White are in Pool A with Cathay Pacific, Asian All Stars from Singapore and Taipei Flames, while Kuala Lumpur Cobras Black are in Pool B with HK Asiasports, UAE International and Taipei Interna-tional.

Khas president Steven Tan said the International Division should be an interesting affair.

“UAE have been the champions in 2001 and 2002. But they are not going to have it easy this year. The other teams are also well prepared. We can expect exciting matches,'' added Tan.

[nazrey]

Zoo Negara still a popular tourist spot
Wednesday, May 11, 2005



The National Zoo or Zoo Negara in Hulu Klang may be in dire need of a makeover, but it is still attracting a lot of visitors especially during public holidays.

Established on Nov 14, 1963, the zoo started off as a mini-zoo in the 2ha garden of the Bukit Damansara residence of the country’s first Malaysian Zoological Society chairman the late Tan Sri V.M. Hutson.

The man in charge of the zoo now is Hutson’s son, Datuk Ismail Hutson, who is the current chairman of the Malaysian Zoological Society which manages the zoo.


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Children watching giraffes at the mammal’s enclosure.


Although the 42.5ha Zoo Negara is the country’s main zoo, it still relies primarily on donations, sponsorships and gate collections.

It houses some 4,000 species of mammals, birds and reptiles and is a popular attraction especially among animal lovers and photographers.

A visit to the zoo is a great way to study and understand the animal kingdom.

Restaurants and picnic facilities are available for visitors to have a meal and rest their tired feet while touring its vast grounds.


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Crowds that throng the zoo during public
holidays are testament to the zoo’s popularity
despite its rundown conditions due to lack of funding.


Train rides that take visitors on a quick tour around the zoo are also available to members of the public.

Ismail said the zoo received 800,000 visitors in 2004 and was targeting 1.2 million visitors this year.

“We have a master plan to develop the zoo to world-class standards by 2015. We require RM150mil for our plans to materialise.


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The upkeep of the zoo’s tigers is
sponsored by a major local bank.


“In the meantime, we are open to ideas on events and how to make the zoo a more attractive place for visitors, as long as the animals are not disturbed,” said Ismail.

Zoo Negara is open from 9am to 5pm daily. The Multi-Animal Show at its amphitheatre is on at 11am and 3pm or at 3.30pm on Fridays.

Zoo Negara by Night opens every Friday, Saturday and eve of public holidays from 7pm to 11pm. Last admission is 10pm.

Admission rates are RM10 for adults and RM5 for children and senior citizens.

[nazrey]

New collection a tribute to women
Wednesday, May 11, 2005



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Models wearing Rado timepieces posing
with Fei Xiang (centre) and reigining Miss Malaysia-World Gloria Ting.


Rado unveiled their collection of exquisite timepieces called the Jubilee Collection at a high-tea gathering at Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur, recently.

Invited guests had a chance to see and touch some of the prettiest watches, paraded by models including reigning Miss Malaysia-World Gloria Ting.


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A model wearing a timepiece
from the collection's Sintra range.


The collection comprises the Integral, Coupole, Blue Fascination, Cerix, eSenza and Sintra range.

Rado general manager Bernard Yong described the collection as a tribute to women.

“Rado's evolution over the last 43 years is, to a certain extent, a good reflection of the evolution of the women power,'' he said.

“The collection is a range of timepieces with daring feminine spirit, a subtle and provocative elegance, like every woman, unique and unexpected.

Also present at the event was Taiwanese singer Fei Xiang, Rado's new ambassador.

[nazrey]

Exhibition boosts friendship, cultural ties
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
By NG WEI LOON


Twenty contemporary Malaysian and Vietnamese artists have come together to exhibit 66 oil, lacquer and watercolour paintings in a show themed Malaysia-Vietnam Contemporary Exchange of Artistic Sensation.

The exhibition at Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) in Jalan Bukit Binatang, Kuala Lumpur, is the Malaysian debut for eight Vietnamese artists.

The Vietnamese artists' representative, Trinh Tuan, said it took a year of work to make the joint exhibition a reality.

“We have been meeting each other at different exhibitions around the world. So we thought that it would be a good idea to have our own joint exhibition.

“Art has brought us together because we share a common passion. We are hoping to organise a similar exhibition in Hanoi next year,” said the 44-year-old who hails from Hanoi.

Malaysian artists' representative, Ng Bee, echoed the view that the exhibition helped to foster friendship and cultural ties with Vietnamese artists on a personal level.

Vietnam ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dzung who launched the exhibition said it served as a bridge for artists from both countries to exchange knowledge.

“It is not only an opportunity for them to talk about their careers but also about their life experiences. Based on our heritage of formation and development as a nation, we have a lot to offer in terms of culture and art,” he said.

The exhibition features the works of Dinh Quan, Trinh Tuan, Ha Tri Hieu, Nguyen Tuan, Dai Vu, Duong Ngoc Hung, Luong Xuan Doan and Nguyen Xuan Tiep.

Malaysian artists taking part are Awang Damit Ahmad, Ismail Latiff, Juhari Said, Khalil Ibrahim, Chian Shih Wen, Choong Kam Kow, Lim Kim Hai, Long Thien Shih, Ng Bee, Tan Ken Leong, Ting Mui Chii and Pheh It Hao.

Following the launch, lacquer-painting specialists Trinh Tuan and Dinh Quan gave a talk on the artform and Vietnam's contemporary art.

Eleven pieces of lacquer paintings by Trinh Tuan, Dinh Quan and Nguyen Xuan Tiep are the highlight of the exhibition.

The red background in Dinh's artworks – Two Women, Alone, Couple, Virgin and Self-Portrait – was produced using red stones.

Dinh said the lacquer was obtained from tree leaves available only in the Phu Tho province in Vietnam.

He also used gold, silver and eggshell in his works.

The 41-year-old Dinh said although Vietnam was renowned for its lacquered products such as furniture, lacquer paintings are still a new form of artistic expression to many.

“It is a difficult technique and medium to master. A layer takes about two to three days to dry in hot and humid weather. It takes between one and two months to complete a piece of lacquer painting.

“I feel strongly about the images in my paintings. I wanted to be different when I created jutting and jagged contrasts instead of a flat and smooth surface,” said Dinh.

He said he had added a modern element to Vietnamese lacquer art as his artistic trademark.

Malaysian artist Long Thien Shih said contemporary art had liberated the minds and spirits of artists as well as its viewers.

“I am attracted to modern art because it depicts life and our own vision of the world. It has nothing to do with religious and government propaganda,” said Long, 59.

Black Essence and No Way Out are two of Long's paintings on display.

“I am not an environmental activist but I feel the urge and obligation to protect Mother Earth by highlighting environmental issues through my art,” he said.

The exhibition will end on May 15.

[nazrey]

Dogs' day out at the park
Thursday, May 12, 2005
By GEETHA KRISHNAN



Dogs of various breeds, sizes and ages had their day at the Paws in the Park, Paws for a Cause Day at Central Park in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya last Sunday where funds for two animal shelters in the Klang Valley were raised.

Organised by Puppy.com.my, the Internet portal dedicated to dogs, the half-day event also aimed to promote responsible dog ownership in light of recent canine attacks and calls for stricter laws governing ownership. The funds were raised for the SPCA and PAWS.


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A dog taking a breather and getting a drink
of water during the event.


More than 3,500 dog lovers and their pet companions made their way to the park to socialise and pick up valuable tips on canine care and ownership. The event kicked off at 8.30am and drew to an end at 2.30pm.

Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Hawari Hussein, who launched the event at 10am, called on dog owners not to shirk from their duties towards the community.

“Responsible dog ownership is one aspect while being responsible towards the community is another. It would be infuriating for neighbours to discover dog poop outside their homes while the dog owner’s compound is clean,” he said.

“Today’s event is also proof that owners here are happy with their dogs, showing there is no need for dangerous dogs. Rules regarding dog ownership are created for a win-win situation and I think we can find ways to work around the current scenario,” he emphasised.

Also present were SPCA chairman Christine Chin, PAWS president Dr N. Cheng, Puppy.com.my chief executive officer Khoo Boo Gee and Pedigree Food for Dogs representative Ong Chiek Ming.

Highlights of the day were demonstrations by the Police K9 Unit on crowd control, crime control and drug detection while the rest of the dogs without badges had the thrill of participating in eight doggy games with their owners.


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The furry members of the police K9 unit displayed
their skills and thrilled the crowd with their abilities.


Spotted at the park taking a breather with their four-year-old Golden Retriever, Crystal, were sisters Pang Lee Foon and Pang Chen Foon. The Pangs who were from Subang Jaya had signed Crystal up for the Musical Chair and Fastest Recall games.

“Crystal was doing fine but she got distracted half way through the Fastest Recall because she was the only large dog. She’s a great dog and has completed her novice training with the Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA),” said Lee Foon as she ran her fingers through Crystal’s silky fur.

Clowning around nearby with their two Great Danes, Hans and Freya, were Sumitra Seluaray and Sailendra Kanaagasundram.

According to Sailendra, who learnt of Paws in the Park, Paws for a Cause Day through Puppy.com.my, the event proved an interesting experience for the couple as they had the chance to compare notes on their dogs’ food preferences and habits with other Great Dane owners.

“It was nice to meet other large breed dog owners and we met at least 10 at the park. Although our dogs did not participate in any of the games, we grabbed the opportunity to socialise,” he said.

Pedigree Food for Dogs sponsored the event and gave away door gifts to the first 500 visitors. Other programmes for the day were lucky draws and free medical consultation and advice.

More than 10,700 members are registered with the Puppy.com.my website that also offers a forum for dog owners to share information and compare views on dog-related issues.

[nazrey]

Petite lass with varied interests
Thursday, May 12, 2005
By XANDRIA OOI



Casually dressed in a white sleeveless top and an army-patterned skirt that swirls when she walks, Jestine Ong looks like a typical teenager.

Petite in size at five foot two inches, Jestine is amused but not entirely surprised when people are mistaken about her age.

“It is flattering but I am old-lah,” she said with a grin.

Jestine just turned 28 in March. Age, however, is not of concern for this ambitious lady.


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Jestine setting up her audio-visual
equipment for a Data function.


Not only does she work for a multinational telecommunications company but she is also a part-time dance teacher and freelance dance choreographer, runs a creative company with a partner and conducts voluntary audio-visual work for an international organisation.

Growing up in Teluk Intan, Perak, Jestine has always known that good grades alone were not enough to be successful in the real world. With that in mind, she immersed herself in projects and extra curricular activities in school and university.

“I had the support of my parents and they trusted me to manage my time and strike a balance between my studies and activities.”

After graduating from University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) with a degree in Information Technology, Jestine worked in the software industry for five years. Early this year, she decided it was time for a change and joined a multinational telecommunications company as a technical consultant.

Jestine took up dancing at a very young age. However, she did not have the opportunity to take it to a professional level until four years ago.

“I lived in a small town and dance activities were somewhat limited,” she explained.

What started as just a hobby turned out to be something a little more serious. Wanting to learn more about hip hop, Jestine did a little research and enrolled herself into Dance World Academy in Subang, an academy that pioneered hip hop freestyle.

After two years of classes in the academy, Jestine was offered the opportunity to become a teacher herself. It was a proposal that allowed her to indulge in her passion regularly, so she went for dance examinations and certifications from Britain with a major in hip hop freestyle.

“There are many levels to the examination, and I am still undertaking it,” said Jestine.

Unlike traditional learning where the exams are taken at the very end, the National Association of Teachers Dancing (NATD) examination maintains that participants have to learn and teach at the same time.

Besides hip hop, Jestine has been practising salsa and ballroom dancing. According to her, ballroom and salsa is not “just a dance” because it involves a partner and every step has to be synchronised. She also added that it is especially good for couples and friends, as it is a “good tool for relationship bonding.”

Dancing has pushed Jestine to take care of her own health, as she needs to maintain her stamina and endurance.

She has plans to further her dancing skills. She hopes to travel abroad to learn about the different dance cultures and bring them back to Malaysia.

It seems a little odd that Jestine would choose to work in the technical field of software and telecommunications industry, as her dealings after working hours couldn’t be more different.

“At my workplace, I put into practice the skills I learnt at university. At the same time, I don’t constrain myself to doing just one thing.”

Another example of that would be Jes-B Rhythmix Studio, a virtual creative audio-visual company that Jestine and her partner DJ Gyani B set up. With her IT background and audio-visual skills, Jestine and DJ Gyani combined their talents and turned another one of Jestine’s hobbies into a profession.

Jes-B Rhythmix Studio is not a conventional firm. The company helps up-and-coming talents ''brand'' themselves, from knowing the right people to knowing their own strengths and weaknesses.

“At this point of time, my involvement is limited to brainstorming, consulting and setting the direction of each project with my partner. The actual execution of the project is carried out by DJ Gyani,” she explained.

Last but not least, Jestine also volunteers her audio-visual skills in Dream Achievers Training Academy (Data), an organisation that focuses on self-development by conducting trainings and seminars several times a year.

She also gains international exposure as Data works closely together with Quest International Limited, a multinational company based in Hong Kong.

She co-ordinates the flow of events and produces material such as slideshows, animations, music composition and music re-engineering.

“Data provides me the opportunity to gain more experience in doing audio-visual professionally. I would like to be involved in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in the near future and this experience enhances my skills and is the best training ground.”

Trying to envision Jestine’s daily schedule is exhausting enough but she looks anything but tired.

Gesturing animatedly, she said: “If I have too much time on my hands, I procrastinate and achieve less.”

With that, Jestine looked at her watch and dashed off to teach a dance class.

[nazrey]

Tour to promote Malaysia real estate
Thursday, May 12, 2005




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Travel agents and media representatives having a good
time at the welcome dinner organised by MK Land Holdings.


In its efforts to introduce Malaysia's tourism and real estate industries to the Chinese nationals, MK Land Holdings has brought in a group of 10 media and travel agency representatives from Kunming, China for a seven-day familiarisation tour.

The group will be introduced to places like Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Ipoh, Bukit Merah, Taiping, Penang and Langkawi.

MK Land corporate communications general manager Mohd Roslan Ali said it was the company's mission to promote the tourism industry especially the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia to the Chinese nationals.

“We would like to widen the travel packages to the north and we think China is a potential market,” he told reporters after a dinner with the delegates at executive chairman Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu Bakar residence in Damansara Perdana recently.

Roslan said it was time to introduce the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia to the people from China, who usually spend their holidays in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Genting Highlands.

He said the tour is a result of the overwhelming support the company received for its trade mission to Kunming and Chengdu to introduce Malaysia as an information technology hub and travel destination in February.

[nazrey]

Good start for the World 5s
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Video:http://www.thestar.com.my/images/mplayer.gif (http://202.186.86.35/mmedia/video/icehockey_050511.wmv)


Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok declared open the World Ice Hockey 5s at the Pyramid Ice Rink in Bandar Sunway yesterday.

The four-day championships will see participants from 15 countries competing in five categories – International, Asian, Women, Pee Wee and Squit. This is the first time the championships has attracted 32 teams.

The opening match featured Kuala Lumpur Wildcats and Manila Predators. The championships ends on Saturday.

[nazrey]

Celebrities turn salesgirls to help AIDS fund
Thursday, May 12, 2005
By YIP YOKE TENG
Photos by SAM THAM


Several celebrities took two hours off their busy schedules on Saturday to be salesgirls at the M.A.C. outlet in Suria KLCC, selling the brand’s Viva Glam lipsticks.

Arianna Teoh, Bernie Chan, Ida Nerina, Carmen Soo, Wong Sze Zen and Nanu Baharudin did not mind it at all as the more lipsticks they sold, the more they raised for the M.A.C. AIDS Fund.


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Celebrities turned salesgirls for a good cause
– (from left) Wong, Soo and Teoh posing with a male
model demonstrating body art.


The Viva Glam lipstick is sold at RM60 while the lipglass goes for RM55. The entire proceeds from the products’ sales are channelled to the fund, which was founded in 1994 to support organisations providing daily essentials and direct care services to men, women and children affected by AIDS/HIV.

The fund is also committed to furthering AIDS awareness and education while confronting the stigma and discrimination associated with AIDS victims. To date, the fund has raised more than US$44mil.

“I wish I were a salesgirl whom people couldn't recognise; it’s a bit weird standing here pulling in customers, especially when they know who I am, and I’ve never been a salesgirl before! But it’s fun nevertheless, and I don’t mind it at all as it is for a good cause,” said Nanu Baharudin.

“It doesn’t take much time, and only a bit of effort, but it is very meaningful,” said Carmen Soo, who was participating in the activity for the second year.

“Maybe many don’t know why we are standing here - they are making a detour to the other side!” Soo said with a laugh. “We are trying to get some men to buy the products because it’s Mother’s Day tomorrow, but they are very shy.”

Wong Sze Zen said she was moved by the cosmetic brand’s initiative to donate all the proceeds from its Viva Glam lipstick sales to benefit AIDS/ HIV victims.

“This makes us feel that they are sincere, and so we are happy to do our small part in this,” she said.


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A customer having make-up applied by
a professional at the outlet.


M.A.C. marketing manager Chery Wong said the celebrities' participation helped create greater awareness of AIDS/HIV, adding that most of the celebrities had taken part in the same activity last year and would be doing the same thing at M.A.C.'s other outlet in Mid Valley the following day.

The event ended on a high note with two male models demonstrating “body art” at the outlet. Their bare chests and backs were painted with a large white “V” using the brand’s water-based Chroma Cake. The words “M.A.C. Viva Glam” in dazzling red were pasted on top of the large “V”, touched up with the brand’s water-based Paint Eye-shadow and highlighted with Swarovski Crystals.

The body art took two make-up artists five hours to complete.

[nazrey]

More cash for contest winners
Thursday, May 12, 2005



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Ding (left) and Huan launching the event
at The Curve recently.


The MBF Cards Win Around the Clock (WATC) series is back for the fourth time. Themed the “Amazing Dash for Cash” the series offers cardholders rewards amounting to more than RM1mil on an hourly, daily and weekly basis. It will run until Aug 31.

In the past series, MBF Card members had walked away with Volvo S40s, plasma television sets, Toyota Vios, designer watches and gold bars.

This time, cardholders who spend RM30 at any outlet with MBF Card stand a chance to win cash and qualify for two Amazing Dash for Cash events to be held at The Curve shopping complex in Mutiara Damansara. Each offers a grand prize of RM100,000.

At the launch of the Win Around the Clock series held at the shopping complex recently , MBF Cards (M) Sdn Bhd president John Ding Lien Bing and deputy president Huan Woon Han also released 10,000 balloons.

Ten of these balloons contain a cash voucher for RM1,000 each.

“Each time we hold a WATC campaign, the test is in maintaining the excitement and keeping the campaign fresh. Since it kicked off in 2004, we have rewarded our card members with designer watches, gold coins, plasma TV sets and cars.

“We wanted to develop a bigger and better WATC series as a way to reward our members. So this time around, we are giving away cash,” Ding said.

He added that the concept revolved around making each transaction count.

“We are optimistic that the exciting activities lined up will enhance the visibility of the MBF Cards brand while effectively putting across our message of enriching and rewarding our card members' lives,” he said.

With every RM30 spent at any outlet, the person is entitled to an opportunity to win prizes. However, if a cardholder spends RM30 at an MBF Cards merchant's outlet, he or she will be given five times more chances to win.

[nazrey]

Firm ranks ahead of multinationals
Thursday, May 12, 2005



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Brunsfield Group founder and group managing
director Gan Thian Leong (centre) receiving the award
from Najib as Hewitt chief executive officer Alan Parker looks on.


Brunsfield Group received an award at The Best Employers in Malaysia 2005 event recently for being one of the top five companies in Malaysia.

Brunsfield Group was ranked ahead of international and multinational firms in The Best Employers in Asia - Malaysia 2005 Study, which was conducted jointly by Hewitt Associates, the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI), the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), and The Edge.

Thirty-six public-listed and private businesses from various industries were studied.

It examined the links between business performance and people practices, providing insights on how companies inspire commitment and loyalty in their people, and better position themselves to manage change.

Deputy Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak delivered the keynote address and presented the awards to the 10 best employers.

The study, participated by 36 companies in Malaysia - representing both public-listed and private businesses from a wide range of industries.

Founded in 1990, the Brunsfield Group is a strategically diversified and dynamic enterprise with its principal activities in property development and construction, information and communications technology, trading and manufacturing industries and international strategic business.

[nazrey]

Yu Neh Huat to make KL its base
Monday, May 09, 2005
By Angie Ng




SITIAWAN-based Yu Neh Huat Bhd's presence in the Klang Valley property market will be further strengthened when the group makes Kuala Lumpur its corporate headquarters by 2008.

Steering the group's plans is executive chairman Datuk Dr Yu Kuan Chon who sees the Klang Valley as the country’s fastest growing market, and the place to be for a developer.

According to Dr Yu, it has become ''quite necessary'' for developers to have a presence in this robust market, especially Kuala Lumpur, in order to join the league of the reputable and leading property boys.

''It is not enough to be the market leader in your home ground although that is a good start for most companies. Beyond those start-up years, if the ambition is to grow bigger in the property game, then the place to be is Kuala Lumpur,'' he told StarBiz in an interview.

Having projects in the right addresses and within the vicinity of other high profile developments, especially in the Kuala Lumpur inner city, is an advantage being sought by developers these days. Projects situated in these locations have the power to raise the profile and reputation of these companies.

Maintaining a high profile certainly bodes well for the bottomlines of these companies as most of these projects with good addresses can provide very comfortable margins.

Yu Neh Huat's efforts to become KL-focused will pay off handsomely for the group when it sees its revenue and earnings surge in the next six years.

Dr Yu said the group's three projects in Kuala Lumpur - 163 Residence, Wisma YNH and Radiant Kiara - would contribute to 80% of group earnings from financial years ending Dec 31, 2006 to 2012.

Presently, all the group's earnings are contributed by Yu Neh Huat's traditional markets in Sitiawan and Ipoh. The group's bread-and-butter project, Bandar Manjung Point, located on 1,000 acres in the Sitiawan-Sri Manjung-Lumpur corridor, will feature 20,000 affordable homes and commercial properties for a total gross development value (GDV) of RM1.5bil.

About 500 units with sale value of RM100mil are expected to be launched a year. The project, which took off more than 15 years ago, will take another 20 years to complete.

The other ongoing projects are commercial developments in Ipoh - Medan Ipoh and Medan Bercham.

Last year, the three projects in Perak brought in sales of RM110mil and they will continue to register monthly sales of RM300,000 and regular cashflow to the group. Yu Neh Huat's three Kuala Lumpur projects are set to bring in sales.

Marking the group's debut in Kuala Lumpur is 163 Residence in Jalan Perak. With an average price tag of RM800 per sq ft, 163 Residence (comprising 310 serviced residences in a 55-storey block, a retail podium and a 14-storey office block) will yield a total GDV of RM218mil. Since the launch of the serviced residences in February, sales of between 60% and 70% have been achieved. The fully furnished residences with built-up of 450 to 2,500 sq ft are priced from RM800 to RM1,000 per sq ft for a GDV of RM80mil.

Dr Yu said buyers who leased back their units to the company, to be operated as serviced residences by a reputable hospitality group, would be able to reap guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for two years. The office block will be sold en-bloc to a corporate buyer.

Yu said the group's Kuala Lumpur developments would have a mix of 70% commercial and 30% residential components in view of their well-sought after addresses.

Two other projects in the pipeline are a condominium development, Radiant Kiara in Mont'Kiara, and a commercial- cum-serviced residences in Jalan Sultan Ismail, with the proposed name of Wisma YNH for the office block and 168 Residence for the serviced suites

Supported by their Kuala Lumpur inner city addresses, both 163 Residence and Menara YNH have the advantage of high visibility and limited supply, which will drive demand for these properties.

Radiant Mont'Kiara, scheduled for launch at the end of the year, will feature 238 condominiums of 1,800 to 2,100 sq ft. The homes will be priced from RM330 per sq ft. Construction is scheduled to kick off next month for completion in 2008.

[nazrey]

Tronoh in pact to build luxury apartments
Tuesday, May 10, 2005



TRONOH Consolidated Malaysia Bhd has teamed up with the CapitaLand Group of Singapore in a proposed luxury apartment project overlooking the Petronas Twin Towers and the KLCC park.

The two parties would jointly manage and market the project, the Hampshire Residences, which has an estimated gross development value of RM400mil, Tronoh said in a statement.

The partnership was inked on May 5 by Tronoh’s subsidiary, Zelan Development Sdn Bhd, and Hampshire Residence Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of CapitaLand Financial Ltd, the real estate financial services arm of CapitaLand.

The statement said Zelan expected to launch the sales by the third quarter of this year.

Tronoh said the project would be developed by Zelan in a joint venture with the landowner, Impian Kirana Sdn Bhd.

CapitaLand, it added, had undertaken to purchase the unsold units, if any.

It said the proposed development was located on a one hectare on Persiaran Hampshire, off Jalan Ampang, and was one of the very few remaining wooded enclaves overlooking the KLCC park.

Tronoh said a team of designers from Malaysia and Singapore had been appointed to provide consultancy for the proposed serviced apartment project. – Bernama

[nazrey]

A force they can hardly do without
Saturday, May 14, 2005
By K.W. MAK
Photos by KAMAL SALLEHUDDIN



HUNDREDS of Star Wars fans queued up outside Menara Star in Section 16, Petaling Jaya, as early as 6.30am to get free tickets for the movie although the complimentary passes would only be distributed from 9.30am.

The 700 tickets, courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Film and Golden Screen Cinemas, were offered by The Star Online in conjunction with its 10th anniversary.

All fans had to do was visit The Star’s website and print out an application form to redeem two tickets each.

Present to greet the fans were a couple of members from MySciFiFan website who were dressed up as Darth Vader and a Jedi Knight, characters from the popular series.

MySciFiFan is a website that teaches people on how to create their own Jedi costumes.

The duo were instant megastars as many fans took pictures with their mythical heroes.

After redeeming their tickets, the excited fans visited a Sony BMG booth that sold limited edition Star Wars Episode III original soundtracks. The soundtrack came with a special DVD that contained 70 minutes of commentary from musician John Williams and behind-the-scenes footage from all six movies in the saga.

MyStar members enjoyed a 15% discount for buying the soundtrack on the day.


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Though wheelchair-bound, Hoo Kuas Siak, 60,
isn’t waiting to let the chance of getting two free
tickets to her favourite movie go by.


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Three-year-old Izzah Jazmina isn’t really
sure what the fuss is all about but her dad Muhammad
Shahril, 31, is sure she will be hooked on the movie like he is.


Official Star Wars game merchandise, displayed at the Master Genius booth, also caught the attention of the younger fans. The products were a range of Star Wars PlayStation 2 accessories.

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Those who managed to redeem their tickets would be watching the movie at GSC Mid Valley on May 21 at 10.30am.

[nazrey]

Insight into Japan via posters
Saturday, May 14, 2005


POSTERS are an art form in Japan and the National Art Gallery is showcasing 75 of the finest examples from the Land of the Rising Sun from now till May 29.

The exhibits in Discover Japan through Contemporary Posters show poster works of 41 of Japan’s most iconic graphic designers.

Created mostly during the late 1990s, the commercial posters on display feature cutting-edge artistic skills, combining sophisticated computer graphics with timeless Japanese motifs.

Most portray products or deal with corporate houses such as the Japanese bullet train, beauty products, expositions and events, with the designers playing with simple yet dynamic styles, abstract forms, changing colours and a harmony of light and shadow to evoke strong imagery.


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A student looking at the posters
on display at the National Art Gallery.


Each has attempted to present a facet of contemporary Japanese life in their work.

National Art Gallery director-general Rahime Harun said although the language of both countries differed, the artwork was easy to relate to.

“You can gain insight into the Japanese art works which demonstrate the Japanese ability to reduce complicated ideas into simple images,” said Rahime.

Deputy Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Wong Kam Hoong launched the exhibition. Also present was Japan Embassy's Japan Information Service director Masaru Aniya.


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Wong (left) and Rahime looking
at some of the posters.


A public talk on visual communications by Malaysian and Japanese creative professional A.A. Hanan, Tan Kien Eng, Kayo Tagawa, Roberto Vilchis and William Harald-Wong was held as part of the launch.

[nazrey]

29-year-old wins plasma TV
Saturday, May 14, 2005



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ProJET Malaysia Sdn Bhd marketing director
Charlie Lakey (left) congratulating Lim on his win.


ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Herman Lim, 29, won the ProJET Win Every Day Contest bonus prize and took home a 37” Sony plasma television worth RM19,999.

“I couldn’t believe my ears when I was informed that I was the winner of the plasma TV,” said Herman, who is with a leading newspaper.

A loyal ProJET user since ProJET opened its Puchong station in January 2002, Herman is also a Refresh card member, signing up soon after the Refresh card privilege programme was launched in August last year.

[nazrey]

Many changes to promote R&B at club
Saturday, May 14, 2005
By JACOBUS RAJ



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One of the stilt walkers welcoming guests
at the club's entrance.


NOUVO went through a transformation of sorts, with some cosmetic changes at the club recently.

In line with these, several themed nights at the club were also changed, like the Groovalicious Ladies' Night, which took on a new name, Nouvolicious, and a whole new feel.

As with Groovalicious, R&B, hip-hop and soul are the musical offerings of the night, with resident deejays Augie and Biggie serving up a selection of classic cuts, nu skool flavours and old school beats.

Although Nouvolicious has been going on for a couple of weeks already, it was only in late April that the night was officially launched, and what a launch it proved to be.

At the entrance of the club, stilt walkers in fancy costumes welcomed guests.

A Redken styling booth next to the entrance provided free styling sessions for those who wanted to try on a new look.

The doors finally opened at 9pm, but only for invited guests and those with passes. The rest of the clubbers were only allowed in after 11.30pm.

From the start of the evening, waiters and waitresses deftly weaved their way through the crowd with platters of finger food and free flow of drinks, that finally ended at 11.30pm.

Even before the doors opened, the music had already been plugged in and Augie and Biggie were slowly working their way through a set that concentrated mainly on R&B and hip-hop.

Several performances were lined up during the evening, including those by the Nouvolicious Candiez dancers and hip-hop dancers, the B-Boyz crew.

Augie and Biggie proved they weren't just turntable practitioners as they rapped over each other's music, getting the crowd even more pumped up as the evening wore on.

Once the doors opened to the public, there was an influx of clubbers, and the dance floor, already packed, quickly turned congested.

This is proof that R&B and hip-hop have a strong following in KL's clubbing scene.

While the weekends have always been the focus for the clubs, there is a healthy dose of activity happening during the rest of the week, and now, clubbers, especially those who like R&B and hip-hop, have a place to call their own on Thursday nights.

Nouvolicious is on every Thursday night.

NOUVO is at the Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2170 6666.

[nazrey]

Ramlee Walk
BY CHOON


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[nazrey]

Malaysian touch for new watches
Saturday, May 14, 2005
By JACOBUS RAJ



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Phillipe Charriol (left), Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood
and Datin Mariam Yusof (right) at the launch of Charriol Boutique in KLCC.


A COMBINATION of craftsmanship and fine Malaysian art, the new range of Charriol watches is fashionably unique as it is expressed in a true Malaysian style.

Themed Precision by Batik, the Charriol Actor Batik and Songket Design Watch collection embraces traditional Batik on the watchstraps.

The limited edition range of only 100 watches is exclusively marketed in Malaysia.

Philippe Charriol International design director Coralie Charriol designed the collection with the help of Malaysia's House of Woohing and Jendela Batik's chief operating officer Faisol Abdullah.

The watches range from RM6,000 to RM8,000 each.

“The creation of an exquisite Charriol batik and songket collection marks the culture of continual improvement for us,” was Woohing chairman Datin Mariam Yusof's message during the launch of the collection at the Charriol boutique in KLCC recently.

The event was also attended by the Prime Minister's wife Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, Philippe Charriol International chairman Philippe Charriol, Philippe Charriol Far East managing director Peter Ling and Woohing executive director Mah Weng Kee.

The event also marked the official opening of the boutique.

Located on the first floor of Suria KLCC, the Charriol boutique offers timepieces, jewellery collections, handbags, fine leather goods, quality pens and other accessories.

[nazrey]

Sponsorship boost for KL ice hockey teams
Saturday, May 14, 2005



NO RULES, impressed with Kuala Lumpur Wildcats' performances in the World Ice Hockey 5s, have decided to extend their sponsorship.

Retro Development, based in Singapore and master licensee for No Rules sports wear, will continue to support KL Wildcats and KL Inferno Ice for the next two years.

Retro Development managing director Richard Liaw, who flew from Singapore to watch KL Wildcats in action against Manila Predators in the opening match of the World Ice Hockey 5s, said they were happy with the team's progress.

“We are delighted with the development of ice hockey in Malaysia over the past 12 months. We have been informed that the ice hockey playing population has grown. We want to see Malaysia making a name in ice hockey and continue our support to KL Wildcats and KL Inferno Ice,'' said Liaw.

On the rink, KL Wildcats, led by skipper Gary Tan, were on song and defeated Manila Predators 5-1 in a Pool 3 match in the Asian division.

Tan, who was voted best local forward in the Kelab Hoki Ais Saga (Khas) Open ice hockey league, scored twice while Khoo Seng Chee, Kazu Fukutani and Jeremy Chee found the target once each.

Tan said the score failed to reflect the tough battle they had against Manila Predators.

In their subsequent matches, KL Wildcats lost to HK All-Stars 3-1 and Japan NICE 4-3.

[nazrey]

Esprit players show true spirit
Saturday, May 14, 2005
By STUART MICHAEL



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Players from Team Slayers from Malaysia (in white)
and Esprit from Singapore getting together before their women's
division preliminary round match.


A FOUR-YEAR absence from international competition has not caused the skills of the Singaporean women's ice hockey team, who call themselves Esprit, to rust.

Yesterday, Team Slayers from Malaysia found this out when they were thrashed 8-0 by Esprit in a World Ice Hockey 5s preliminary round match at the Pyramid Ice Rink in Bandar Sunway.

The Singaporeans had only four players in Mara McAdams, Audrey Forgeron, Diane Foo and Kristy Yew. Esprit had to recruit five players from Hong Kong – Cheryl Kong, Drake Hicks, Jenny Lawrence, Adrianne Li and Venus Ng - to make up the team.

'There are not many women in Singapore who play ice hockey. As a result, we had to skip quite a number of tournaments,” said Mara.

“The last time we played in the World Ice Hockey 5s was in 2001 when it was held in Malaysia.

“The match against Team Slayers was only our third match of the tournament. We are just starting to finally gel as a team.''

The goal scorers for Esprit were Jenny (2), Mara (2), Audrey (1), Drake (1), Cheryl (1) and Kristy (1).

In their earlier matches, Esprit drew 2-2 with Team WIHO from Hong Kong but lost 4-0 to Red Bullets from Japan.

“We have been playing ice hockey for the past eight years. However, we have only six players training regularly at Fuji Ice Palace in Jurong East, Singapore,” said Mara.

“Back home, we often combine with the men's team to play ice hockey. Due to the shortage of players, we have to team up with the Hong Kong players for this tournament.”

Audrey said women in Singapore preferred inline hockey because it was a less expensive sport compared with ice hockey. The rental for an ice hockey pitch for two hours amounts to RM1,000.

“In Singapore, ice hockey is quite an expensive sport. Despite that, we are trying our best to convince more women to take up the sport, especially juniors,'' said Audrey.

For the Malaysian women ice hockey players, the match against Esprit should serve as a good lesson on how to remain competitive.

Team Slayers team manager Susan Loh said it was good that the Malaysian women players knew where they stood after competing in the World 5s.

“In fact, most of our players are just beginners. It is already a great achievement that Kelab Ais Hoki Saga a can field a women's team for the World Ice Hockey 5s,'' said Loh.

[nazrey]

Additional Anti-Crime Measures At Tourist Spots In KL
May 12, 2005 21:29 PM
by Lena Liew



DOHA (Qatar) May 12 (Bernama) -- In a concerted effort to uphold Malaysia's reputation as a holiday paradise, authorities in Kuala Lumpur are implementing additional anti-crime measures.

"Plainclothes police will be out patrolling crime hotspots (in Kuala Lumpur) while closed-circuit television video cameras will be installed in undisclosed prime locations," said Deputy Minister for Tourism Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"There will also be Arabic-speaking staff stationed at the Police Head Quarters in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur to provide assistance to tourists from the Middle East," he told Bernama at the end of a two-day working visit to Doha, here Thursday.

Ahmad Zahid said the media in Malaysia turned the spotlight on crime when a few local cases touched a nerve across society, hence the perception of rising crime.

He said Malaysia has been a favourite destination among tourists especially from the Middle East.

"Tourists continue to tell friends and relatives about the wonderful time they had in Malaysia, while many return with their families again and again.

"Our record-breaking tourism figures speak for themselves", he said.

Ahmad Zahid said tourists can expect to see more Arabic-speaking Malaysians working alongside the large number of foreign students from Middle Eastern countries to ensure that communication barriers are kept to a minimum.

"Some 700 Arabic-speaking graduates from the language faculties of the International Islamic University and Universiti Putra Malaysia have been engaged in various sectors of the tourism industry," he said.

Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia is targeting 16.6 million tourist arrivals this year after a record-breaking 15.7 million last year.

He said Tourism Malaysia's target for the Middle East and West Asia this year is 200,000 tourist arrivals, or nearly 60 percent higher from a total of 126,000 registered last year.

"Numbers from Qatar are still low - 5,200 in 2004, and 3,300 in 2003.

"But I'm sure we will be doubling our figures from Qatar this summer, especially since the Qatar Airways CEO told us just yesterday that they are going to have two direct flights daily this summer holiday season," he said.

Qatar Airways currently flies eight scheduled flights weekly direct to Kuala Lumpur (one flight daily and two on Thursdays) on a code share arrangement with Malaysia Airlines.

"Also, there is now a Malaysian Embassy in Doha when there was none last year," said Ahmad Zahid.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid told Qatari media about an "Arab Street" in Kuala Lumpur which will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in July, and halal restaurants and shisha (water smoking pipe) outlets with menus in Arabic.

He said, already in place are flight announcements, welcome messages and signage in Arabic at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Arabic-speaking staff at every entry points including the porter's stand, and special Immigration lanes for Arab families.

Ahmad Zahid was in Doha leading a delegation of top officials from his ministry's Tourism Promotion Board, Malaysia Airlines, Malaysia Airports, travel agents, tour operators and hoteliers along with officials from the Ministry of Higher Education on a roadshow of West Asia.

Doha was the last leg of the delegation's four-nation tour of duty from April 22 to May 11, after Saudi Arabia (April 25 to 30), Kuwait (May 7 to 9), and the UAE, where the Arabian Travel Mart was held from May 3 to 6.

In Doha, the Deputy Minister and his delegation met with Qatar's Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Mohamed bin Ahmad, the national flag carrier Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akhbar al-Baker, Qatar Tourism Authority and the president of Regency Travel, the largest travel agency in Qatar.

Qatar does not have a minister for tourism, although there is a Qatar Tourism Authority under the chairmanship of the Qatar Airways Chief Executive.

Earlier, following a seminar and travel mart Wednesday, Ahmad Zahid hosted a gala dinner incorporating a mesmerizing presentation of cultural dances for government officials, the diplomatic corps, local media, travel agents, and airlines operating in Qatar.

Among the members of the Malaysian tourism mission were a national cultural dance troupe, one batik artist, and three chefs from Malaysia's prestigious Palace of the Golden Horses Hotel who are staying on to carry out a week-long "Malaysian Cultural and Food Fest" at the posh Doha Diplomatic Club.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Flair & fun at fashion do
Wednesday May 11, 2005
By REENA GURBAKSH



The right combination of “flam and glam" made spectacular fashion sense at Tourism Malaysia’s Style corporate night last Wednesday night. At this chic cocktail and supper soiree, which was part of KL Fashion Week 2005, guests were treated to movie make-belief and seductive styles as sexy, Hollywood-style glamour took to the catwalk.

First up was New-York based Malaysian designer Zang Toi, who took the catwalk back to the cinema with a showcase called Black and White Movies Revisited. Toi sent out a dozen beautifully crafted ensembles reminiscent of old movies’ style in fashion’s favourite staple hues – black and white. The range included a black gown with a black-and-white polka dotted bustier, a charcoal trench coat dressed with faux-fur collar, a fabulous grey crinkle skirt and black top offset by a glorious pearl necklace and gowns with black and white stripes on billowing skirts. As always, Toi finished off with an inspired bridal gown that nicely rounded up his flamboyant tribute to Hollywood.

Radzuan Radzwill’s Experimental Songket collection was dedicated to “the grace of the modern Malaysian woman’’ and fuelled by a theatrical take on the traditional fabric. Models with flowers in their hair strode down the runway in ensembles that saw a wonderful mix of applique and dazzling sequin-work, and details like frills and tassles did a lot to bring out the glamour in the spiced-up collection. With colours ranging from cornflower blue to romantic rose, Radzuan’s collection was a wonderful mix of old Malay cinema and Egyptian exotica.

Bold and beautiful hues detonated on the catwalk as Bill Keith’s collection took to the stage. The designer brought out his painter’s palette for his range called Passion and showcased clothes that were awash with colour and light. The mainstay of the collection was the kebaya-inspired top, and this was paired with a range of skirts ranging from floral printed short ones to full, flamenco-style ones. His beautiful Lolas also wore neon coloured stockings and carried bags that looked like floral bouquets. The result was sensational, simply because Keith’s clothes offered a fresh look at the versatility of the kebaya blouse and the electric colour lent a certain wit and carefree glamour to the collection.


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Bill Keith’s Passion collection
played with stunning hues.


Tom Abang Saufi and Andy Sulaiman then sent in with their Monochromatic with Byzantine and Arabasque Influences range which saw a lot less colour but just as much glamour. Keeping to Tom’s famous floaty silhouette and graphic prints, the duo sent out a range for men and women that played on unconstructed sophistication. The collection for men consisted of silk tops resembling caftans and kurta tops, while for women, there were more billowing tops, dresses and pants. Their wonderful ruffled gown with an inlay skirt with circular motif was a show stealer, and did a lot to show that subtle glamour goes a long way.


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Oscar Lawalata’s
sexy glamour.

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Zang Toi’s tribute to the Greta
Garbo-like style of Hollywood in its heyday.

The Red Desert showcase by Indonesian Oscar Lawalata was vibrant, young and daring – the latter especially so because models strode out in mile-high gold stilettos. As the theme suggested, the collection brought to life ensembles in earthy tones – there was plenty of red, gold, nude and sandy hues contrasted against black and green.


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From South Korean designer
Han Song’s 2041 Airborne Fighters range.


South Korean designer Han Song’s 2041 Airborne Fighters saw pared-down chic in a range that was perky and practical. There were lots of cropped jackets, fitted pants and shift dresses with fine craftsmanship, while the sombre colours did much to play up the Zen quality of the simple collection that displayed a uniform-like austerity.

[nazrey]

Tribute to style
Friday May 13, 2005
By PATSY KAM



Sensational would be an apt word to describe the Parkson Corporate Cocktail Night held at the Shangri-La Hotel last week during the KL Fashion Week. The theme for the evening was A Symphony of Style, and Malaysian designers and their counterparts from Singapore and China certainly had tons to show for it.

The star of the night had to be designer Richard Tsen who went on a whimsical spree called “Hollywood in Tokyo”, focused on shocking pink.

Tsen’s take on Hollywood was translated as high fashion glamour and this was conveyed through slinky silhouettes and shapes. The funky Japanese element took the form of high-tech influence, and this he interpreted as everything fake which was portrayed in his use of fabrics where satin was replaced with nylon, cotton with spandex and lace with plastic tags.

There was a fabulous body-hugging spaghetti-strapped pink dress that started the collection proper, followed by metallic and pewter grey gowns and barebacked dresses , fuschia and watermelon pink bustiers, strappy halter-necks and handkerchief tops teamed with capri pants and short sassy blouses.


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Kapas designers Kem Salleh and Ashley Wong
showed off flowing kaftans in pastel hues.


The artful play of fabric betrayed cuts and curves that paid homage to the female form and the models, who literally had their lips “sealed”, played their part of the exotic seducer to the max. Generally, it was a fun and “sex-citing” collection that stole the night.

Chinese designer Liang Zi’s “Water-Earth” collection featured outfits that were very soft and fluid in soothing pastel shades. The water element in her theme was captured by the flowing skirts – some layered and some given the asymmetrical treatment that’s still the rage – mostly in white adorned with flower motifs.

The Shenzhen-based designer didn’t stray far from her Oriental signature. Coupled with Chinese supermodel Wang Min's theatrical gestures , it gave an ethereal air to some of the clothes. Incidentally, all the models were barefooted – perhaps, this was Liang’s tribute to earth?

A firm believer in natural fabrics, Liang used design lines from the 1990s and showcased tunic dresses with drapes at the back, plunging tops with split sides paired with floral skirts and pants, and a liberal use of cut-outs and panels. Especially memorable was a daring handkerchief top held together by the imagination.

Singaporean Allan Chai dazzled the crowd with his intricate designs that worked on Oriental floral themes and complicated beadwork. It was an all-black affair to which his black canvas was used to great effect.


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Salikin Sidek collection featured the songket
in his kebaya-like collection with halter-necks.


Labelled the “Cheongsam King” in Singapore, Chai is well known for his attention to detail.

Salikin Sidek’s works, entitled “Sultry Songket”, displayed his versatility in using the ethnic Malaysian fabric in contemporary style. The first line showed off the traditional songket fabric in elegant but safe kebaya-like cuts with gorgeous halter-neck tops, richly embellished with tasteful glittering accessories for that rich feel.

Let no one ever say that the Malay sarong is too informal. For his second range, Salikin skilfully put together a jacket and sarong ensemble that would put any corporate executive to shame. Who would have thought that the predictable checked pattern of the songket could look so good when it is paired up for the occasion?


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Chinese supermodel Wang Min
begins the Liang Zi ‘Water-Earth’ collection.


Models sashayed down the catwalk in loose flowing chiffon shifts and kaftans, and paraded butterfly sleeves in Kapas’ “Eastern Splendour” collection created by its designers Kamarulzaman (Kem) Salleh and Ashley Wong. This somewhat subdued line fielded a pastel palette of purple, maroon, green and brown on white. The next ethnic-inspired collection was a lot more attractive, showing off more skin through lacy kebaya-inspired outfits. Looking traditional but not quite, the range was described as “contemporary traditional modern style”, and these had lacy bustiers, tubes, and corsets that went with short Bolero-style lacy overcoats.


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Richard Tsen’s kimono-influenced creation.


Donna Chew’s “Spring Summer 2005” collection showcased fun and glitzy outfits that were mapped out for the season. The designer chose to go retro with the “baby doll look” given the glitter effect, and zany two-piece outfits intentionally mismatched in contrasting grey and green hues. She experimented with a brazen brazier ensemble ala Carrie Fisher in Return of the Jedi and then went back in time to give us short ruffled and layered skirts, and you can almost picture folks of the 1930s dancing in these togs.

[nazrey]

A night of fashion and passion
Saturday May 14, 2005
By TAN LEE KUEN



It was a night of glamorous dresses and corporate suits as Malaysian designers Sonny Son, Beatrice Looi, Edmund Ser and Carven Ong shared the stage with Hong Kong label Blanc de Chine and Filipino designer Nono Palmos in showing off the best the region has to offer.

Sonny San sent Grecian-like girls down the runway in slinky dresses in pale colours and white.


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Celebrity model Soraya Dean with Carven Ong.


The dresses, made with unforgiving clingy jersey, draped and hugged the curves lovingly. Paired with Bridget Bardot looks – smoky eyes, pale lips and hair pulled back in a ponytail – the clothes scored well for their simple elegance.

Beatrice Looi then upped the ante with long, flowing silk dresses, which gradually took on far more dramatic styles. Inspired by a Sam Hui concert, or specifically a shiny disco ball at the concert, Looi’s dresses in the latter half were differentiated by the use of embellishments, colours and fabric – all dripping with glamour.

Wafting down the runway in slow, ponderous steps, the models wore flower arrangements in their hair and theatrical eye makeup that matched the sparkle of the heavily sequinned and crystal-set dresses.

After all that shimmer and shine, Edmund Ser’s suits were decidedly more quiet, though no less entertaining. Soft suits were the call of the day, as were silk blouses in rich purples and blues. To break the monotony of the black jackets, Ser set large, decorative motifs on them because he, for one, believes that fashion can exist in the office.

But Ser wasn’t going to go down as just the suit guy. He was thinking out-of-office hours, too. What he came up with was a beautiful collection of slinky knit dresses matched with great overcoats. For the dresses, he employed simple geometric cuts and shapes in the colours of aubergine, lilac and blacks.

Against the background of chanting monks, Carven Ong’s models floated down the runway in chiffon and silks in bright yellows, blues and reds. Inspired by Tibet, hence the theme “Himalayan Le beaute”, Ong’s creations showed Tibetan influences in the motifs worked onto the edges of a top or cascading down a dress. The ethereal quality is further emphasised by the use of layers.


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Nono Palmos dress made with Mindanao silk.


When Blanc de Chine took to the stage, the mood took on a different turn yet again. The quietness of Blanc de Chine’s elegant clothes was in stark contrast to the chaotic music playing in the background, making for a kind of, urm, noisy hush.

The theme was “Sophistication” and there were rose print boleros over similarly patterned camisole, voluminous black wrap pants and lace tunics. Their specials came in the form of classic qi paos in white, black and multi-coloured swirls. This last print was inspired by the murals of the Dun Huang grottoes depicting flying deities, and was also used on a sheer jacket.

The final show by Filipino designer Nono Palmos turned out to be a cultural lesson as well.

Acting as ambassador of Filipino culture and artistic heritage, Palmos used the richly coloured and textured fabrics of his homeland, some of which were worked into fantastical art forms. No wonder he’s had an exhibition in Saks Fifth Avenue department store in New York.

Highlights include a sculptured dress cut into stiff layers and resembling corals, and a long white dress with oversized collar, embroidered with sparkling snowflake designs.

Bringing the show to an end, lovely Filipino model Evita Oblea Bunyi modelled a bridal gown made from pina (a stiff pineapple fibre fabric) and embellished with beads, crystals and gold ribbon motifs.

[nazrey]

First foray into the fashion world
Sunday May 15, 2005
By PHILIP AUGUSTINE



It was an eclectic and colourful showcase of creative designs and innovations as talented student designers pushed the boundaries at the College Fashion Shows during KL Fashion Week 2005.

With highly authentic, trendy and elegant clothes in casual, evening and avant-garde designs, the students flaunted almost 250 different pieces which highlighted their individuality, creativity and originality.

Although not a competition, students from eight well established design schools – Carven Academy of Fashion; Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Perak; SML Fashion Academy; Center for Advanced Design (Cenfad); International Fashion Training Centre (IFTC); Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology (Limkokwing); Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA); and RafflesDesign Institute – proved their mettle on the catwalk in successive shows held over two days last week at Mid Valley Megamall in KL, much to the delight of cheering audiences.


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From the chic to the tongue-in-cheek, sheer elegance to out-of-this-world bizarreness, the featured fashions served as striking testimonials to the labour of love students poured into their designs over the last few months.

Though some of the creations were too “loud” or ostentatious to be worn on a casual basis, it made for some fabulous eye-candy for anyone with an artistic eye.

Still, many of the clothes were able to exploit wildly creative designs, which adapted a more practical approach, achieving casual looks and meeting market needs.

In a bid to recapture some of last week's kaleidoscopic fashion extravaganza, StarEducation presents the works of the talented student designers under their individual college themes.


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Capping the half-hour show was Carven Academy of Fashion
student designer Rivon Teh Shuk Phei's dramatic Draco Magnificens
piece – a shiny red, green and black ensemble, which had a very
reptilian quality with the model holding what resembled a lizard's tail.


Fresh Alert


Drawing inspiration from both natural phenomena and the world of fairy tales, Carven Academy of Fashion presented the work of 17 of its fashion design students – each coming up with a two-piece collection.

Kicking off the show was Ang Win See's office and avant-garde designs, which she named Abstraction. Her pieces featured a lot of hand-tied knitted yarn creating a sexy yet sophisticated look.

Taking inspiration from the deep blue sea, Samantha Kong Sin Man's Caribbean Blue collection had blue and white patterns running down the dress complete with ruffles in an attempt to recreate waves.

The academy's founder and top local designer Carven Ong says that the College Fashion Shows provide a good opportunity for today's new generation of young designers to express their own unique creativity and present them to a wider public.


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MIA student designer Yap Swee Yee’s mermaid cut, forest themed
wedding gown in deep red caused quite a stir as the 22-year-old made
use of over 100 traditional Chinese fans to make the bulk of the skirt
while the top was done in red leather.


“These students are given a chance to create their very own fashion show and be that much closer to fulfilling their dreams,” he adds.

While there were several elegant evening gowns inspired by flowers and music, other designs featured tribal influences, Goth and ninja couture.

Capping the half-hour show was Rivon Teh Shuk Phei's dramatic Draco Magnificens piece – a shiny red, green and black ensemble, which had a very reptilian quality with the model holding what resembled a lizard's tail.


Revealed


As the first public university to join the College Fashion Shows, students from UiTM, Perak, were determined to leave their mark – and succeeded with a flourish.

Fourteen designers presented a total of 42 garments divided into casual, street, evening, avant-garde, party, costume and art-to-wear collections.

From Tartan Cowboys to The Navy, Elvis to Death Metal, the collections came one after another backed by up-tempo funky music, which worked brilliantly in emphasising the various themes.

Several noteworthy pieces include Artist's Pressure Life by Norazura Mazaruddin whose art-to-wear designs were inspired by images of beggars as well as Zeri Zamri's avant-garde The Majesty collection, which pays tribute to the Queen of hearts (in a deck of cards).

Accompanied by his ultra supportive mother and sister, Zeri had his models carry actual playing cards, which were then thrown up in the air at the end of the runway, engaging the audience while leaving them mesmerised at the same time.

Other models were featured with big hair and loud make-up for that added shock-appeal. In fact, Nor Shahida Mohamed Shariff's Death Metal street wear collection came complete with bloodstains on denim.


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A model displays Cenfad student designer Ashnita Saidun's
collection. With brilliant red and gold colours, glittering accessories,
dramatic headpiece and a multilayered satin skirt, Ashnita’s creation
breathed the Leo zodiac in its Egyptian form.


“By damaging the jeans, I wanted to show my love for metal music while the bloodstains brings with it the element of death,” says Nor Shahida who did the models' make-up herself.

Working under the theme Revealed, Fashion Department head Faizal Hamid explains that the clothes reflect the many interpretations the students have of their designs.

“Fashion students inject freshness to the fashion industry. They are able to come up with new interpretations based on inspirations which others might have overlooked,” he elaborates.

Faizal also hopes that events such as the College Fashion Shows would make people more aware about fashion and appreciate fashion students more.


Spring and Summer


Taking inspiration from the myriad colours spring and summer bring, SML Fashion Academy showcased mostly evening gowns in the various shades of the season.

Twenty-six beautifully tailored evening and cocktail dresses graced the catwalk looking very feminine and elegant.

For student Marcus Lee, 36, the fashion show was also a family event as his wife and three sons were present to give him full support. Having been involved in the textile business for the past 25 years and having a flair for drawing, it was only recently that Lee started taking a proper fashion design course.

Just like many of the other designs, Lee's creations prominently featured butterflies.

“I wanted my clothes to flow and give the illusion of a butterfly in flight,” explains Lee, adding that he had not gotten a decent night’s sleep in the last three days leading to the main event.

“I feel great about how the clothes turned out on stage and I can’t wait for next year’s show,” he enthuses.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Edmund Liew’s blue and white butterfly cheong sam/kimono was an instant hit as it featured a plunging V-neckline – successfully merging Chinese and Japanese elements in his mini collection.


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IFTC opened their show with quirky clown-like designs
and models traipsing around while doing comedic stunts on stage.


Using mostly silk chiffon, and satin mixed with touches of net and organza, Edmund says that although the fabric looked very Asian, he wanted to give the cocktail dresses a more Western style.


Beautiful Mind


With mostly avant-garde creations, students from Cenfad explored the capabilities of a Beautiful Mind. Exploiting the various signs of the zodiac was also a common theme of Cenfad's 32-piece collection.

“The collection is very experimental and showcases original textures done by the students,” says lecturer Adnan Hassan.

Indeed some of the clothes were so over the top that it managed to silence the mall’s crowded centre court as the audience stood transfixed.

Carey Chong’s creation was the first of many to make heads turn. Inspired by her zodiac – Taurus – the 21-year-old used mainly PVC to create the leather texture and reflect a bull. But the highlight of the garment was the series of “bull tail branches” which doubles up as a skirt as well as the outfit’s brassiere, which resembled horns.

“The dress is more about the characteristics of a Taurus rather than just the look of a bull,” says Carey who also purposely created a heavy skirt to imitate the zodiac.


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This collection from RafflesDesign Institute
by Alexandrea Yeo was inspired by Mozart.


Leo was featured in the collections of both Jye Nah Che and Ashnita Saidun. One used the sun as her main motif while the other traced back the zodiac’s Egyptian roots.

Jye used a lot of golden brown knitted and crocheted yarn to illustrate fire but it was her sun headpiece that caught people’s attention.

Similarly, with brilliant red and gold colours, glittering accessories, dramatic headpiece and a multi-layered satin skirt, Ashnita’s creation breathed the zodiac in its Egyptian form.

Other themes featured were Serene Foo’s Moulin Rouge-looking pieces, Loong Phui Leng’s Slavery of the Harem fashion – complete with metal chains and strategically placed holes as well as Liang Yi Zhou’s From Fantasy to Reality, which was inspired by the movie Lord of the Rings.


Para-mannerismland


With creativity on a high, IFTC decided to do something different and more theatrical in their fashion show. The set opened with quirky clown-like designs and models traipsing around while doing comedic stunts on stage.

From rainbow colours to balloons, lollipop to gum, their Fashion Comedy collection got the crowd going as it made way for the “real thing” – 39 pieces of some very feminine and sexy cocktail and evening dresses.

The Kebaya was re-invented and given a modern twist in some while others had obvious traditional elements in them. The collection also featured a series of very chic and elegant casual fashions that accentuated the female form.

IFTC was also the only college to feature a bridal wear collection in the traditional sense of white and flowing gowns complete with flowers.

“This year we wanted to make the show really fun, happy and colourful as this is where current fashion is heading to,” says principal Annie Wong, adding that IFTC prides itself for specialising in marketable clothes