Sarawak Borneo Malaysia

Transcription

1 ISSN PPK380/03/2009(021227) Sarawak Borneo Malaysia VOL.9 JUL-SEPT 2008 Endorsed by Ministry Of Urban Development & Tourism Sarawak Sarawak Tourism Board Also Olympians from Sarawak UNIMAS Center for Excellence in Education Training Centre for Youths Bintulu Development Authority OneTJ Sarawak 45 th Anniversary Rainforest World Music Festival Sarawak Regatta 2008

2 Minister of Finance (II) and Minister of Urban Development & Tourism, Sarawak Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh Once again, I warmly welcome everyone to Sarawak, the Land of the Hornbills! BorneoTalk is a new, improved and expanded edition of the two-year old quarterly magazine KuchingTalk with changes and additions reflecting the growing fields of interest covered by the magazine. In addition, the print copies have increased and will eventually cover Sarawak, Malaysia as well as our neighbours like Sabah, Brunei and Kalimatan. The extended coverage means that BorneoTalk will appeal to more people and visitors and this in turn will give our advertisers good return for their investments. BorneoTalk will continue to be a dedicated magazine to promote Sarawak to the world while also providing useful information on the happenings and events in the State is a special year for Sarawak; it is the 45 th Anniversary of her independence in Malaysia and a host of interesting and colourful events have been lined up for the occasion. These will be staged in various parts of the State, thereby giving visitors the opportunity to go and sample the diversed range of activities as well as cultural extravaganza of the various ethnic communities. The Rainforest World Music Festival as well as the Sarawak Regatta and other annual events will be further spiced up in lieu of the significance of the occasion. As usual, the sampling of the range of food available here should not be missed either as eating is a great way to get to know Sarawak and its people better. In spite of the changes in the political and economic landscapes of the country, Sarawak continues to be a harmonious State and its people friendly and warm to everyone. The State remains an attractive place for business and education while its status as a second home is certainly gaining recognition among many foreigners who value privacy, value for money and safe environment. Developments in the State are well planned and regulated resulting in even growth of both urban and rural centres which benefit the people and keeping natural areas in their protected state. In fact, Sarawak has one of the most number of nature parks and reserves in the country including the World Heritage Site and the majestic Gunung Mulu National Park in Miri. Whatever your choice, Sarawak is indeed a place that will exceed your expectations as the traditional and cultural heritage is well balanced with the modern lifestyles where styles, fashions and communications are both trendy and fast. Again, I bid you a warm welcome and hope you will have an enjoyable and memorable stay in Sarawak. Thank you and regards. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh 2 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

3 SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED, NAIM CENDERA HOLDINGS BERHAD (Company No M) PLAZA HOTEL BINTULU SARAWAK MALAYSIA UPAK Jabatan Ketua Menteri To Advertise In This Publication Call MAJL IS SUKAN NEGERI SARAWAK JKR Limbang Resident Office Fulltank Sarawak Islamic Centre ICATS Jong s Crocodile Farm & Zoo Sdn Bhd w o r l d w i d e c o s m e t i c n e t w o r k i n g Mukah Youth Camp Inside SportsTalk (04 05) Charting The Way Forward for Sarawak Sports Olympians from Sarawak CultureTalk (06 07) Kebudayaan Land of Ethnic Diversity SocialTalk (08 09) A Noble Act Sarawak s Multi Awards Corporation, Naim Cendera, Ensures Generous Donations Through its Naim Trust Fund EducationTalk (10 17) UNIMAS Center for Excellence in Education Centre for Modern Management (CMM) Training Centre for Youths Ba Kelalan Enters The Cyber Sphere From Traditional Knowledge to Natural Products Discovery DevelopmentTalk (18 22) Bintulu Development Authority Sarawak Islamic Centre Bridging to Prosperity Stidc PropertiesTalk (23 25) OneTJ - ICT Shopping Complex Pelita Medan Pelita LocalityMap (26) What son (27) PropertiesTalk (28) Desa Ilmu Lakeside HealthTalk (29) Rehabilitation a Road to Recovery After Stroke TourismTalk (30 41) 45 th Anniversary: Celebrating 45 Years of Growth and Development Sarawak, The Pride of The Nation Rainforest World Music Festival Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar Folk Art Forum Get Crafty at Promosi Kraf Malaysia Sarawak Regatta 2008 Limbang Fest The Borneo International Kite Festival 2008 Bintulu Splendour of Sarawak Hotel Meligai, Kapit Ramadan Fare, Regency Plaza Hotel Bintulu DiningOutTalk (42 44) Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites Sensational Sahara Café Fulltank The One-stop Food Shop Movies&BooksTalk (45) In.a.DayTalk (46) FashionTalk (48) BeautyTalk (49) PeopleTalk (50) ConferenceTalk (51) BorneoTalk is published by Bumi Serasi. The contents of the magazine may not be reprinted or reproduced without prior written permission. The publisher is not liable for statements made and opinions expressed in the publication. Editor-In-Chief Ivy Pan Editor Melvin Goh Public Relations Christina Mamora Marketing Ivy Pan, Nancy Shukri Administration Rebina Noh, Azariah Umar Contributors Lyn Ong, Yahya M Iskandar, M Goh, Christina Mamora, Roger Duyong, Letitia Samuel Design & Art Direction Steven Yap Photography Derek Tee, Gustino Basuan, Sarawak Information Department, Great Wall Studio Front Cover Image Beijing 2008 Olympic Games representatives from Sarawak (from left Daniel Bego, Pandalela Renong, Brian Nickson & Elizabeth Jimie) Printer Teknik Print Sdn Bhd, Malaysia Write to us at BorneoTalk, 242E, Lorong 3, Jalan Green, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) /238968, Fax: (6) iconnec@pc.jaring.my The next issue of BorneoTalk will be out in October Sukma XII 2008 agi idup agi ngelaban (as long as i live i will fight) Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 3

4 MAJL IS SUKAN NEGERI SARAWAK SportsTalk Sarawak State Sports Council (SSSC) Charting the way forward for Sarawak Sports Blessed with bountiful natural resources and rich ethnic and cultural diversity, Sarawak certainly is fortunate in comparison to other states in the nation. The developments here have made Sarawak a favourite place for many to live, work and visit and it also aims to be the nation s sports powerhouse by 2010, as envisaged by the Sarawak State Sports Council (SSSC). Since its establishment in 1985, the SSSC has set in motion the objectives of achieving success in the sports arena which would bring glory and fame to the state. Hence its motto Forward with glory which aims to produce athletes and administrators of sports who would attain international standards in their respective fields. These achievements would also lead to the social development of the state as well as building a healthy, cultured and disciplined society which is the envy of everyone. Among the activities of SSSC are sports development and research, sports incentives and rewards as well as sports facilities. Under sports development, athletes are trained under the centres of excellence and special sports programme while those managing these sports are provided with management skills through relevant courses and clinics. The research unit manages the research centre which houses the database of athletes and coaches, the sports associations and other information related to the sports. A strength training and health education YB Naroden Majais, Assistant Chef de Mission Sukma XII 2008 (left) admiring the gold medal of Daniel Bego looking on is Francis Ding, Director of Sarawak State Sports Council programme is also conducted by the unit. The incentives and rewards unit looks after the various schemes that reward deserving athletes with awards while also providing other assistance to those sportsmen and women who may need it. Athletes who need counseling or guidance in career development and advancements may also seek the unit s assistance. To provide the best services possible, the sports facilities unit looks into giving advice and consultancy services on matters related to facilities planning and management. All these activities carried out by the various units are to enhance and bring the athletes to higher levels of achievements and excellence in their performances. The close cooperation and commitments of all involved bring about a conducive environment for the development of sports in the state. At present, the SSSC is managed by a board of management under the supervision of a director and his staff who reports to the board s chairman. The chairman implements the direction and policies of the SSSC drawn up by a council which is the top decision making body. With a sound management team and long term development plans, the state s sports achievements are set to improve and to become the sports powerhouse of the nation. For more information, please contact Sarawak State Sports Council at (6) , fax at (6) or at Dewan Suarah Kuching, Jalan Taman Budaya, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. 4 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

5 SportsTalk era meters sprint Watson Nyambek era 2000 swimmer Daniel Bego era meters hurdles Bala Kuda Ditta Olympians from Sarawak For any sportsman or woman, taking part in the Olympic Games is a dream comes true; winning or losing is just secondary. In Sarawak, eight athletes have the distinction of representing Malaysia at five Olympic Games to-date, a record that certainly speaks volume of the talents and dedication of all those involved in the pursuit of excellence in sporting activities. While a medal still eludes the state s athletes at these games, their spirit and determination shown is testimony of the Sarawak State Sports Council (SSSC) drive towards achieving the vision of becoming the Nation s Sports Powerhouse in the various sports arenas and also to gain international accreditation in the administrative aspects of sports development. The first Sarawakian Olympian was Kuda Dita who competed at the 1964 Tokyo Games in the 110 meters hurdles. In the process, he also set the national record for the sport with a best time of 14.6 seconds. A highlander from the Orang Ulu group, Kuda amazed the rest of the nation s hurdlers with his blazing run and also wrote his name in the record books as the first Sarawakian to compete in an Olympic Games! Watson Nyambek and Sapok Biki were among the athletes of the Malaysian contingent at the 1996 Atlanta Games in the United States of America, taking part in the 100 meters sprint and boxing events respectively. Watson, an Iban from Miri, was a naturally gifted sprinter; in 1994 he achieved the unbelievable task of breaking a 29-year-old national record by clocking 10.3 in the century sprint. In doing so, he also created the record of being the first Sarawakian to hold the national record in the event! However, Watson s feat did not end with the Atlanta Games; he also qualified for the 2000 Sydney Games in Australia in the same event. Bidayuh boxer Sapok Biki, made Sarawak proud by fighting bravely in the ring and even managing to win a couple of bouts before bowing out of the games. Also at the 2000 Sydney Games with Watson was another Sarawakian, swimmer Die Ung Mangang. He took part in short course events and despite not winning any medal, he nevertheless put up good times in the heats. Following the success of Die Ung in 2000 Sydney Games, two other swimmers from Sarawak represented Malaysia at the 2004 Athens Games in Greece. Brian Nickson Lomas and Daniel William Henry Bego took part in the diving and swimming events respectively and showed the coming of age of the swimming prowess of the State. This year at the Beijing Games, Sarawak will have four swimmers in the Malaysian team! They are Brian Nickson Lomas, Daniel William Henry Bego, Elizabeth Jimie and Pandalela Renong. The two female athletes will also be competing in the diving events and once again show that Sarawak has the ability to produce quality athletes of international standard and on the right track to achieving the status of Sports Powerhouse in the Nation. era 2000 diving Bryan Nickson Lomas Elizabeth Jimie For more information, please contact Sarawak State Sports Council at (6) , fax at (6) or at Dewan Suarah Kuching, Jalan Taman Budaya, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 5

6 CultureTalk Kebudayaan Cultures Land of ethnic diversity As the biggest state in Malaysia, Sarawak is also home to diverse groups of people of different cultures, traditions and religions. Among the ethnic groups are the Malay, Iban, Melanau, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu while others include Chinese, Indian and Serani. To ensure that these different cultures and traditions will not be lost, the Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation Sarawak has set up a unit, Cultures Division to specifically oversee the task. As the main agency responsible for the conservation and preservation of these unique cultures and traditions of the peoples of the State, the Cultures Division has set its main mission to maintain, conserve, preserve and ensure these cultures in their traditional forms especially in the ethnic dances, music and performances. To achieve its aims, the division endears these cultures and traditions to the general public through various activities like arts and crafts exhibitions, shows and display at special events and functions. Hence the division actively takes part in numerous cultural shows and exhibitions in and outside the State over the years. Another component of the division is that of educating members of the public to appreciate the diverse cultures and traditions of the different groups. It brings these dedicated artists and craftsmen and women as well as dancers to events and shows to display their unique traditions and cultures. In this way, the division also exposes these exhibitors and artists and dancers to a wide audience and gain experience from these events. At the same time, they will improve their performances and become more professional in their jobs. To further promote the unique cultures and traditions of the State, the division also conducts courses, classes and seminars for enthusiasts and those interested in these activities. There are classes on acting, dancing and music for teachers and others and even festivals are organized to encourage more people to participate in these cultural activities. By regularly exposing the public to these arts and crafts of the different ethnic groups it is certain that the diverse cultures and traditions will not be lost in time to come. Furthermore, it will encourage more people to support these efforts by the government to conserve the diverse cultures and traditions. 6 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

7 CultureTalk The different races in Sarawak The Malays Once mainly fishermen who lived near the coastal areas, the Malays are now mostly located in the main towns and a substantial number still reside near river tributaries. They formed the second largest groups in the State, with large numbers in Kuching and Limbang districts. Traditionally, the Malays are very creative in the art of songkok making and keringkam or sewing with gold strings. They are also very talented in the music scene, especially dancing like Burdah, Rodat, Hadrah, Zapin, Inang, Asli, Joget, Gendang and play musical instruments like the large drums, string instruments and violins. The Ibans Ibans formed the largest group of people in Sarawak and were mostly farmers of subsistence agriculture. Their longhouses are unique as these can accommodate more than forty to sixty families in a row, one next to the other and yet separated from each other by walls. These longhouses are mostly found along river tributaries, especially along the mighty Rejang River where they are mostly located. The most notable Iban artistic flair is the dancing of the Ngajat which can take various forms. The women-folk are well known for their cloth weaving prowess like the pua kumbu. They are also equally adapt in musical instruments like gongs and drums as well as other traditional instruments. The Ibans are also famous for their tuak (rice wine) and food delicacies. culture is that of using sago in their diet which today has become a well known product of many different uses beside food. The terindak or multi coloured sun hat made from leaves, is one of the most distinguished aspect of the Melanau culture. They are also good musicians and use a number of instruments like the drums, gongs and others. The Bidayuhs One of the major groups in Sarawak, the Bidayuhs are a mild group of people found mainly in Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Padawan, Penrissen, Bau and Lundu. Traditionally subsistence farmers, a unique aspect of the group is the roundhouse they build called the Baruk. They are also well known for food preservation and are adapt at playing many types of musical instruments. The Orang Ulus Mostly found in the highland areas of Sarawak, these groups of people were mostly located in Miri, Limbang and Kapit. Some like the Penan, move around different parts of the territory while groups like the Kayan and Kenyah are found in the main river tributaries near Kalimatan. Others like the Kelabit and Lun Bawang, are found in the hilly areas of the interior. Traditionally farmers, the Orang Ulus also excel in woodcrafts and beads making. Their unique instrument is the sape, a wooden, guitar-shaped instrument but makes distinctive sounds. The Melanaus Traditionally also fishermen, Melanaus were mainly located along coastal stretches and river tributaries, especially at the mouth of the Rejang to the Baram Rivers. A characteristic of their Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation, Sarawak (KPSU) Rumah Sarawak, Jalan Taman Budaya, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) , Fax: (6) Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 7

8 SocialTalk A noble act Sarawak s multi awards corporation, Naim Cendera, ensures generous donations through its Naim Trust Fund In Sarawak Naim Cendera Holdings Berhad is synonymous with excellence in building industry and its credentials can be seen from the numerous awards it has received over the years. These awards come from Sarawak and Malaysia as well as from overseas in numerous categories as a master builder but one award that the corporation is justifiably proud of, is the Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibilities award received in Since its establishment, Naim had been donating to various social and charitable organizations, lending a helping hand to those in most need as well as trying to do its part in the protection and conservation of the environment. Environmental Responsibility Under its environmental responsibility, the company takes positive steps to ensure that in the course of its work, there is minimal impact on the environment. Contractors for the company must also heed the environmental guidelines set, including the ban on burning of wastes at its construction sites. As in all construction activities, a substantial amount of waste is created and Naim has the policy of using these wastes for landfill wherever feasible in the construction plans. Furthermore, the company also favours conserving the natural environment at its sites so as to have as little an impact on the ecosystem as possible. In some cases where such avoidance is not possible or practical, the company has resorted to the creation of landscaped parks and other green spreads in efforts to make the area beautiful again. At some construction sites, in particular places where residents are located nearby, the company emphasized on maintaining cleanliness during the course of its work so as to minimize the level of dust, waste and water pollution on the surrounding areas which may cause inconvenience and health related illness. Through these integrated and conscious efforts to promote conservation of the environment, the company instills a sense of responsibility on all its staff and contractors to always try and find environmentally sound ways to carry out their activities. The company firmly believes in the protection and conservation of the environment as part of its social responsibilities towards the people and the state as well as the nation. Christmas Party... for children of Salvation Army Home NAIM CENDERA HOLDINGS BERHAD (Company No M) For charity... Tabung Amanah NAIM raised RM200,000 from the Miss Tourism Pageant The proceeds were given to Sekolah Menengah Bantuan Chung Hua Tudan, the Miri Home For Aged and the Sunflower Centre Miri (a centre for handicap children) For Jereme... Tabung Amanah NAIM donated a brand new wheelchair to 8 year old Jereme Sikad who is paralyzed after having suffered Japanese Encephalitis (JE). The former Primary Two bubbly boy is also suffering permanent brain damage and relies on powder milk and Nestum for his daily food. To fund the purchase of these foodstuff, Naim staff members in Kuching and Miri passed the hat around to raise the necessary cash for the strong willed boy who still can manage to smile despite his sufferings. 8 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

9 SocialTalk Social Responsibility Following the group s listing in the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, the management set up the Naim Trust Fund which would principally look into the aspect of social and charity contributions for the whole group. This further adds to the transparency necessary for a listed company in its dealings with other social bodies and agencies in and outside the country. In the initial stage, the trust fund received contributions from the group, its subsidiaries as well as the directors and the amount is topped up periodically. The fund is controlled by a Board of Trustee who determines the amount of funds to be donated to social, charitable, religious, educational and sporting organizations. Among the considerations of the board of trustee is that of providing for the excellence in educational and research work in Malaysia by giving incentives, scholarships and awards to individuals and organizations. Another noble consideration is that of providing for relief in times of distress, especially where tragedies and loss of lives and properties have occurred. One such sad episode was the tsunami which swept across most of Asia and causing considerable loss of lives and properties and Naim was one of those which made generous contributions to the national effort of providing relief to the hundreds of thousands affected. Locally, the fund also assists in programs that promote unity through sports, arts and culture among Malaysians. It regards these activities as wholesome and contributing positively to nation building efforts in line with the company s objectives and principles. Similarly, some allocations have also been made for contributions towards religious worship and advancements of religion in the nation. Moral discipline of respect and tolerance are some of the tenets of the nation where different religious practices are observed by people of different origins and beliefs. Where funds for patriotic and charitable purposes are sought, the board of trustee will also consider such requests as these are excellent activities for the nation and its people. Sales Office: Ground Floor, Wisma Naim, Lot 2679, Rock Road, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: / Fax: H/P: Headquarters: 9 th Floor, Wisma Naim, Jalan Rock, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: Fax: cendera@po.jaring.my Website: 1. Naim s Kuching, Miri, Sibu & Bintulu Staff made a collection to fund the purchase of 10 wheel chairs for the Persatuan Bekas Prajurit Malaysia (Sarawak). 2. Sarawak Heart Foundation... Tabung Amanah NAIM donated RM100,000 to the Foundation. 3. Hari Raya Cheers... students from School for Mentally Retarded Children at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee receiving Hari Raya Hampers and Duit Raya in conjunction with the Ramadhan month. 4. Donating blood. 5. As part of its social responsibility NAIM carried out repairs to a dilapidated kampong house at Kpg. Semengok Batu 12 Jalan Kuching Serian. The occupants of the house are categorized as hardcore poor. 6. Naim sponsors one team from Sarawak taking part in the Malaysian F1 In Schools Tourney As in past years Naim through its Tabung Amanah NAIM donated RM50,000 to the Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Melayu Miri (LAKMM) at its Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri. The money is to fund the activities of the Lembaga for the coming year. 8. For Badminton Development The Sarawak Junior Badminton Development Programme receives a sponsorship from Naim Trust Funds as part of its contribution towards the development of sports and games among the youngsters. The annual development programme organized jointly with Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) has received overwhelming response from school children The Malaysian Construction Malaysia Corporate Industry Excellence Awards & Social Environment Contractor Award : Grade G7 Responsibility Award 2005 Spain 17th International Construction Award New Millennium Award 2004 KPMG Shareholder Value Awards 2004 The Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards Builder of The Year 2004 The Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards Medium Engineering Project 2004 Malaysia Canada Business Council Industry Excellence for Construction Award SCCI Annual Corporate The Malaysian Construction CIDB Contractor Report Awards Industry Excellence Awards Industry Award Best Annual Report Medium Building Project Institutional Award Building Project Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 9

10 EducationTalk UNIMAS Center For Excellence In Education Ultra modern campus, state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities, 54 international partners worldwide, great indoor and outdoor activities, and to top it all, an enclave surrounded by a world of natural wonders and an explosion of cultural diversity. So why not choose UNIMAS? UNIMAS is located at Kota Samarahan, the administrative centre of the Samarahan Division. It is linked to Kuching (the capital city of Sarawak) via a modern highway. The 15km car ride from Kuching city centre to UNIMAS takes between 20 to 30 minutes. UNIMAS is a university committed to being contemporary in character and forward looking in outlook in developing its education system. The university employs innovative approaches to the teaching-learning, and offers academic programmes which cater to the demands of the mainstream market. UNIMAS is an ISO-certified university. It was granted the prestigious MS ISO 9001:2000 certification for excellence in its core management processes -- from the intake of new students to certification of its graduates. Our strong emphasis on technology has awarded us with the prestigious Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Status on 17 th November An award granted for our role and ability in developing manpower for MSC and related needs through our strategic learning and training programmes. UNIMAS commitment to research has already been recognised by the stakeholders and partners in industry by the provision of endowments for the establishment of eight research chairs; these include the Tun Zaidi Chair for Medicinal Chemistry, the Tun Openg Chair for Sago Technology, the Shell Chair for Environmental Studies, and the Sapura Chair for ICT. UNIMAS students are trained to be proficient in their respective disciplines through the offering of core courses. A curriculum based on the concept of total development of individual moulds students to be all-rounded individuals. Our graduates are able to cope not only in the existing workplace of today, but also in the newly emerging work situations in the future. 10 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008 UNIMAS research strength is recognised by peers in at least three niche areas of research: Biotechnological research in epidemiology (dengue, JE, FMHD, malaria), biogeography (phylogenetics) and agriculture (sago); ICT, specifically on rural communication and image analysis; and Biodiversity, natural resource and environmental management.

11 EducationTalk We provide full accommodation to all of our students. UNIMAS student colleges are designed based on the concept of apartment. Each college has several blocks, and each block keeps a number of apartments. And each apartment is designated to accommodate 8 students. The rooms are sufficiently furnished and each apartment is attached to communal facilities such as a common living hall, pantry, computer room, gymnasium, public telephones, washing machine, electric kettle, iron and a privatised laundry service. Our International College is in the centre of the campus and provides a range of sports facilities, on top of those available in campus, which include a 12-lane bowling alley. In addition to the standard facilities, each apartment in the International College is equipped with refrigerator, microwave and washing machine. The college has perimeter fencing and security guard on duty, as well as a cafeteria, indoor games, common lounges, TV rooms and a privatised laundry service. UNIMAS welcome students from its partner universities to study as exchange students. Students could come and study for one or two semesters in relevant courses approved by UNIMAS and the partner institutions. Students under the exchange programme generally do not have to pay for tuition fees. This opportunity will give the student invaluable experience to enrich and broaden their educational learning experiences in a different culture and country. So while you are here, take the time out to explore and be fascinated. Sarawak is endowed with the richest and most diverse ecosystem. Its ancient rainforest is home to countless species of flora and fauna. Get out of your comfort zone and head into Sarawak s interiors and be fascinated with the dances of the multi-ethnic tribes living harmoniously with each other. Or one may choose to explore the various national parks, cascading waterfall, pristine beaches or enjoy the multitude of festivals throughout the year. For further information on UNIMAS, please contact: Corporate Communication Unit, Chancellery Division Kota Samarahan, Sarawak. Tel: (6) Fax: (6) dhajijah@cans.unimas.my Website: Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 11

12 EducationTalk Administration Block CMM Centre for Modern Management In Sarawak, CMM or Centre for Modern Management is synonymous with human resource and organizational development (HROD) of the public sector; in fact, it has been the facilitator in developing the human capital for the State Civil Service to fulfill the aspiration of the State Government to achieve a fully developed State by 2020 in line with the Nation s Vision Since its inception in 1994, CMM has steadfastly marched forward in its quest and Vision to be the Centre of Excellence for human resource and organizational development for the State Civil Services. 40 Seater Coach CMM is today recognized as training provider of human resource and organizational development for the state civil service in key areas of public values, integrity, professionalism and innovation. CMM has acted as the agent of change, advisor, facilitator, consultant and implementor in carrying out its mission which has resulted in one of the most efficient, exemplary, friendly and professionally run state civil services in the Nation. While its core business is to work closely with the State Civil Service, nevertheless, CMM is also providing similar services to the private sector; in fact, it works in smart partnership with numerous local and foreign partners in a win-win effort in carrying out its many conferences, seminars, public courses and Human Resource and Organizational Development (HROD) consultancy services. 12 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

13 Lecture room Human Resource and Organizational Development (HROD) Consultancy services This is one of CMM s most notable services offered to both the public and private sectors. As work demands change as well as business transactions and expectations, continuous training is the way to ensure organizations keep up with the changing environment. Specially designed courses developed with experts in the field of HROD provide any organization the opportunity to further strengthen and improve their quality, productivity, efficiency and effectiveness. necessary for training needs is available at its premises. These include training rooms, auditorium, audio and visual equipment, computer laboratory, recreational/sport facilities, hostel facilities as well as transportation services. When you partner with CMM, there is absolutely nothing that you will have to worry about in terms of training needs for your organization as the experienced and qualified personnel from CMM will ensure that everything is well planned and implemented to the customers satisfaction. Our location For those who come to our premises for their courses, the setting is just captivating as the surroundings are lush greenery and tranquility, providing the perfect ambience for training purposes. Located in the Semongok area, it is home to secondary forest and just about half an hour s ride from the city, with no traffic congestion or crowded buildings. EducationTalk Lecture Hall Syndicate room Classroom In-house training For effective and practical training of personnel in an organization, in-house training is the best and this is where CMM excels. Providing the right consultants for organizations in terms of their specific needs ensures that the training programmes are tailored to the real and highly individualized needs. Organizations that have undertaken these courses like individual, team and organizational developments, show marked improvements in the capabilities and competencies of their personnel. CMM also conduct the courses at the organisation s premise. Auditorium Facilities There is no shortage of facilities at CMM; almost everything that is Library Discussion room Hostel For further enquiries and information on the training and consultancy services, please contact Centre for Modern Management (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. at (6) / , fax at (6) , , to services@cmm.com.my or check out our website at Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 13

14 EducationTalk Mukah Youth Camp Training centre for youths Located just 8 kilometers outside Mukah town is a training camp ideal for a range of activities for both public and private organisations. Strategically and beautifully situated along Sarawak s coast facing the South China Sea, the hectare site youth training camp also has some uniquely shaped roofs among its buildings. Styled based on Minangkabau architecture, these buildings have distinct three-layer roofs which makes them outstanding and quite imposing too. Operational since 1999, the camp has played host to a number of government agencies as well as educational institutions and private organisations. Apart from the majestic views the camp offers, the facilities available are quite extensive too. These include the obstacle course, zip tower, low, middle and high rope courses, wall and beam, jungle tracking, solo or mass camping, kayaking, repelling/ abseiling, spider wave, blasting the boom, acid river crossing, pool and tyres and silence arrangement. All these facilities provide interesting and challenging aspects to those who come for the training and there are also a badminton hall, football field, sepak takraw court as well as a volleyball/basketball court. The main objectives of the training camp are to instill confidence to face life s challenges, heighten spirit of harmony and cooperation among the different races, loyalty to the nation and cultivating highly disciplined individuals for the future of the state and nation. In conducting these trainings, the camp provides all the necessary facilities and equipment and trainers, food and sleeping quarters for up to 100 participants at any one time. The camp has good water and electric supply amid a clean environment. The 5 hostels together can accommodate 92 participants while the two bungalow style houses have 6 bedrooms with single and double beds. There is also a surau, dining hall as well as conference rooms that easily sit 50 people at one time. Mukah Youth Camp comes under the management of the Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation and strives to become the top training centre to bring forth youths of exceptional qualities and positive thinking to become leaders of tomorrow. 14 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

15 EducationTalk activities for both public and private organisations Those interested can get more information from The Principal, Mukah Youth Camp at (6) , Fax at (6) (km 8, Jalan Oya - Mukah, P.O. Box 230, Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia) or Youth Section, Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation at (6) Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 15

16 EducationTalk Ba Kelalan enters the cyber sphere Way up north of Sarawak is the remote village of Ba Kelalan, situated in the highlands region of the Baram. Picturesque and cool throughout the year, this is one of Sarawak s Shangri-La, with fresh mountain air and pristine spring water making it an idyllic place to get away from it all and enjoy the serene surroundings. Once only accessible by air or trekking on foot up the mountain, today the village is connected to the World Wide Web, thanks to the efforts of the Universal Service Provision project. Utilizing solar energy, the village now act as a mini multimedia corridor for the village folks to reach out to the world and the vast fields of knowledge on the virtual highway. With this connectivity, Ba Kelalan now enjoys the benefits of the Outreach Program organised by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak which enables the local community to pick up skills to utilize the internet. Suddenly, a whole new world has opened to them as they now can chat directly with their children, siblings or friends and exchange information with just the click of a mouse. More importantly, the two computers, a scanner, printer and connection to the internet using Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) give students and teachers here access to the endless possibilities the internet can offer in terms of knowledge and information. The latest news from around the world and local happenings can now be viewed as they happen and distances from towns now become less conspicuous and even unnecessary, especially the traffic problems and stress of the city lifestyle! E-Pustaka in Lawas and Sarikei Bridging the digital divide goes mobile Outside of the cities and main towns in Sarawak, another Pustaka project is actively providing some rural communities the necessary links to the internet and also skills to undertake these tasks. e-pustaka comes to these areas in the form of a 25-seater bus equipped with computers, local area network and connections to the internet, a mobile multimedia library as it has a small collection of books and CDs on ICT inside the electronic classroom. Serving schools and nearby communities, Pustaka s well trained staff teach information literacy skills inside e-pustaka encompassing computer 101, information searching, online databases, evaluating information and web publishing. There is no shortage of the fascination and enthusiasm among the rural folks whenever the mobile unit drops by, providing even more spirit for the staff to share their expertise and knowledge with the young and old alike. There are two e-pustaka buses stationed at Lawas Public Library and Sarikei Public Library respectively. The units were financed by The National Library of Malaysia and operated by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak with the cooperation of the local councils. For more information, please contact Pustaka Negeri Sarawak at (6) , fax at (6) or check out our website at 16 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

17 Extraction of useful plants Biotech R&D requires skilled researchers & state of the art equipment Field documentation of useful plants Propagation of useful plants within the communities From Traditional Knowledge to Natural Products Discovery The race is on. The world s most prominent pharmaceutical companies have headed back into the tropical forests of the world in their quest for new novel compounds for natural products development. For modern pharmaceutical research, biodiversity equals chemical diversity. Taking cognizance of this, as well as the fact that Sarawak s rainforest is still abundant with unique flora and fauna, the State of Sarawak has entrusted the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) to facilitate the documentation of Traditional Knowledge of its indigenous communities and carry out bioprospecting (R&D) on its natural heritage namely useful plants. This mandate for SBC is stipulated under the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Ordinance (Amendment) These functions are carried out through SBC Traditional Knowledge Documentation Programme and SBC R&D (Bioprospecting) Programme. Traditional Knowledge Documentation Programme: In SBC s context, Traditional Knowledge or TK as it is popularly known, refers to the centuries of the indigenous communities practices on how they have utilized biological resources around them for medicinal, healthcare, cosmeceutical purposes and food. Such knowledge is often handed down to the next generation via word of mouth, observation and practice and is seldom documented in any written or recorded form. While many of the older generation in these communities still retain their TK, the concern for the loss of such knowledge is growing - as a result of changing lifestyles, priorities, diminishing dependence of indigenous communities on natural resources and the availability of modern amenities. The rush for natural products development and bioprospecting from the world s natural resources based on TK of indigenous communities have made it even more vital that TK is documented. TK documentation is based on the 3Rs concept recognition towards the value of TK as heritage, promotion of respect for traditional knowledge and rewards that cater to the needs of the TK holders who have shared their knowledge, should the TK become basis for product development. To-date, Sarawak is the only State in Malaysia that has put in place, a structured and systematic documentation method. SBC s efforts in facilitating the documentation of TK amongst the indigenous communities are carried out through awareness within the communities, capacity building workshops that provide the communities with necessary documentation skills, and constant follow up through site visits, seminars and dialogue sessions with the communities. Passing on valuable Penan TK to the younger generation The communities are also encouraged to set up their respective gardens of useful plant within their villages as a conservation activity to bring the forest closer to home. SBC has reached out to 12 communities in 28 locations throughout Sarawak in regards to TK Documentation. Natural Products Discovery R&D (Bioprospecting) Programme: The natural world is recognized as a veritable haven for new and novel compounds which chemists have not synthesized. Many top selling drugs in the world such as penicillin and the anti-cancer drug Taxol were derived from nature. The TK of the indigenous people can help point the way for scientists to new drug development. As such, SBC s R&D strategy is to extract plants that have been utilized and documented by the indigenous communities in the State for medicinal and healthcare purposes, under the Traditional Knowledge Documentation Programme. These extracts are stored in the Library of Natural Products and are screened for bioactivity with hopes of identifying novel compounds that can be used for the development of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, and industrial applications. Other than plants that have been used by the indigenous communities, SBC is also carrying out screening of microorganisms from unique environments in the State for medicines and industrial applications. SBC also carries out extraction of essential oils from plants that contain scents and fragrances. These oils are screened for their therapeutic and cosmeceutical properties and could potentially be developed into aromatherapy and personal care products such as lotions and soaps. The field of biotechnology based R&D is new and exciting one that requires time, adequate investment and much patience. There are many challenges that face both the TK and R&D aspects in this long and winding road to natural products discovery, for example, the legal issues of access & benefit sharing for the indigenous communities if a product is commercialised from TK, as well as matters pertaining to intellectual property rights for discoveries of new and novel compounds. Sarawak Biodiversity Centre KM20, Jalan Borneo Heights, Semengoh, Locked Bag No. 3032, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) , Fax: (6) biosar@sbc.org.my Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 17

18 DevelopmentTalk Bintulu Development Authority Leading Bintulu to greater heights In just a matter of 30 years, Bintulu, a once sleepy fishing village, became the world s largest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a single location and site of the first middle distillates synthesis plant, transforming it into Sarawak s premier Gas Town. From a mere 5,000 population of mostly seafaring folks, today it is home to over 200,000 people from all walks of life and also nationalities. The remarkable transformation owes its success to the foresight of those who realized the potential of the area and put in place the blueprint for its growth and development, 18 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008 culminating in the setting up of the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) in With just a staff strength of 30 when it was launched, BDA now has 657 strong force to oversee the rapid growth of the town and its many related developments in industrial, agricultural, and infrastructures. The orderly developments of the mega industries as well as the rapid expansion of the town in business and residential properties will continue for the next 30 years with the launching of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE). Harnessing the hydro-power of the interior of Sarawak as well as the large coal reserve, the entire corridor area stretching from Bintulu to Mukah, will see the rapid rise of energy intensive industries which will boost the revenue of the deepwater port as well as make demands on land for their locations. It is even projected that the town will have more than 350,000 people by 2020! First boom period of growth for Bintulu Major infrastructure projects during the period were the Bintulu Deepwater port and the liquefied natural gas plant which attracted people from all over the state as well as from overseas. It was once remarked that the number of foreigners then outnumbered the locals in the town! To facilitate these developments, BDA was active in building the connecting infrastructural needs like roads and bridges as well as residential needs. The other major employer during the same period was the timber based industries which had already been long established here.

19 Second boom period for Bintulu Sparked mainly by the timber-based industries, the setting up of the first Timber Processing Zone at Kemena Industrial estate saw the huge influx of mainly Indonesian workers to the mills producing plywood and veneers. Initially located along the left side of the main road leading to the new airport, a new site or phase two was soon set up on the opposite side of the road due to the huge demand of industrial property. In fact, the Kemena Industrial Park was overwhelmed by the demand, prompting the BDA to set up another park on the opposite bank of the river which was to be later known as the Jepak Industrial Estate. DevelopmentTalk I witnessed the great transformation of Bintulu from a small fishing village in the 1960 s into a modern city of today. Such a rapid progress is a dream come true for the people of Bintulu. Much more is in the pipeline to make Bintulu a great place to live in. Being Sarawak s sole government development agency, BDA has been highly responsible for this great achievement and success. - Dato Sri Celestine Ujang Ak Jilan, 61, Deputy Chairman of BDA, Former Senior Cabinet Minister and political leader of Bintulu When I first settled in Bintulu, there was a row of 12 timber shophouses. The main economic activities, then, were related to rubber tapping, fishing and swamp logging. Transportation was mainly by river, on foot and by bicycle. Occasionally, people traveled by air through an airfield in town. In the 1950 s, my children could study only up to Standard Six in Bintulu and had to continue their secondary education in Sibu or Miri. Bintulu has experienced unprecedented industrial development under the co-ordination and promotion of Bintulu Development Authority with properly zoned industrial, commercial and residential areas and beautifully landscaped roads. Rapid population growth and increasing affluence of its people has brought in modern malls, supermarkets and hotels. There are also now several primary, secondary and vocational schools in Bintulu. University Putra Malaysia has also set up its branch campus in Bintulu. - Dato Sri Yek Min Ek, 95, Businessman and Philantropist, who resided in Bintulu since 1 st August He lived through the Japanese Occupation, saw Sarawak becoming a British Crown Colony and witnessed its participation in the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September, He also remembered the time when there were only two cars in Bintulu. Being born in Pandan,a village about four hours by motorboat in the old days along Kemena River from Bintulu, I went to school in Pandan, Bintulu and Miri and had my tertiary education in New Zealand under the Colombo Plan Scholarship. Having worked in Bintulu since August 1977, when such projects as LNG and Bintulu Port were being planned, I have seen the progress of development from day one. Nothing is more meaningful than to see Bintulu progress well in the last 30 years. I m confident that with SCORE, the progress will be even greater to take Bintulu into new heights and will continue to be known internationally. - Hj. Mohidin Hj. Ishak, 56, General Manager, BDA Lure of Bintulu Population growth is a real indicator of the attractions of an area and this is clearly seen in the case of Bintulu. By 1983, the number was more than 28,000, double its size from the census done in 1978! As mentioned, this northern Gas Town is poised for further growth in the next 30 years and will continue to be the centre of attraction for many from far and near. The potential for growth and development under the direction of the BDA is huge and though majority of the folks now are residents in transit due to their work commitments here, the trend for people to settle permanently is gaining momentum. With its well-planned and orderly developments, Bintulu is well on its way to become the premier residential location for many as the amenities, infrastructure and natural attractions are testimony to its unique array of wonders! Among my early jobs in BDA was to record the development of Bintulu. In doing so, I needed to look at the past, the present and the future. In pursuit of the true record, I went to the mountains and valleys in Bintulu and in the interior of Bintulu, the sea and on the air -- many times -- to get the best angles of observing Bintulu. I managed to put into print the unprecedented development of Bintulu. I am proud to be part of that change.and the change is recognized by others like the Asian Institute of Management who awarded BDA with the Development Management Award in Hj. Shukarmin Hj. Chasemon, 52, Assistant General Manager/Acting Deputy General Manager, BDA For further information, please contact: Bintulu Development Authority No.1, Jalan Tg. Kidurong, P.O.Box 55, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) (15 lines) Fax: (6) , Hotline: (6) bda@bda.gov.my Website: Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 19

20 DevelopmentTalk Sarawak Islamic Centre When the new Sarawak Islamic Centre in Kuching opens its doors to the public on 17 th August 2008, it will be creating a number of firsts in the history of the State of Sarawak! The unique architecture of the Centre, featuring a combination of the various ethnic identities, will be the first physical confluence of ethnic designs and matrices underlying a bedrock of the true Islamic universality, with no distinction between racial and cultural differences or territorial isolation and parochial sentiments. It will also be the first in opening its doors to other faiths to foster a better understanding and appreciation of each other s belief systems. Foremost though will be that the Centre aims to be an internationally recognised Centre of Excellence in communicating, educating, disseminating, learning, sharing and acquiring information and knowledge on and about Islam. This is to contribute towards K-society and to correct Islamophobia, bringing the Islamic faith to greater civilisational dimensions in line with the changing lifestyle of modern societies around the world where Islam is a global religion. Sited at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee in Kuching City, the Centre will also play a role as a depository for data and information on Islam while at the same time acts as a virtual library for the global community. It is going to be an outward looking centre; it will forge partnerships with other organisations within the state, nation as well as regionally and internationally so as to strengthen its position as a catalyst for knowledge and learning. These key principles of the Centre are pertinent in fostering better understanding among peoples of all religions around the world while providing a better understanding of Islam. 20 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008 In its efforts to engage in current issues and concerns at both national, regional and international arena, the Centre will be an information provider and contribute positively towards achieving greater understanding and resolving of misconceptions and bias statement that brings negativity and ill feelings in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society like Sarawak. To achieve these objectives, the Centre will as much as possible utilise information technology and the new media to reach out to the younger and more IT-savvy audience within and outside the nation. It is expected that these challenges will become more critical in time to come as more and more people seek information through the alternative media and webbased channel. With these innovative and virtual action plans, the Centre expects to become an important avenue to share and explore knowledge and know-hows leading to a better world for everyone regardless of religious beliefs and origins. For further information, please contact Sarawak Islamic Centre at (6) or fax at (6)

21 DevelopmentTalk Bridging to prosperity After checking out from the Kuching International Airport, visitors to the city invariably go past a fly-over in their vehicles and get their first view of the Kenyalang, an impressive metal sculpture standing near the centre of the crisscrossing flyovers. Building of these crisscrossing lanes started in 2006 to ease the traffic flow in the surrounding areas just a short distance from the airport where housing estates and commercial lots dominate the landscape. The Public Works Department commissioned Global Upline Sdn Bhd, a company renowned for its fast, timely and impressive work in mega building projects, to design and build the flyovers in anticipation of the heavy traffic utilizing the roads here. Foremost, these roads not only link the airport to the city but also serve as the main arteries for those driving out of the city towards the outlying districts and towns as well as to the major housing estates and commercial lots surrounding the city s fringes. Prior to the building of these flyovers, the area surrounding these roads were a constant headache to the residents and commuters as traffic jams and delays caused by the heavy utilizing of the roads. The situation got worse whenever it rains or during the morning, afternoon rush hours and was recognized by the department as a priority area for development and rid the city of a major bottle-neck. Careful planning and timely execution of the massive development of the project which cost RM98,000,000 resulted in the now beautifully landscaped and pleasing crisscrossing flyovers which in total contain more than 4666m of roads! These include the approach roads in and out of the area as well as the flyovers. Emerging from the development of the project, a number of prime housing estates have sprung up in the surrounding areas with more commercial premises set to spring up here in the near future. Among these will be a major hotel located adjacent to the flyovers and making it the closest home away from home premise near the airport. Currently, the area is also the main transit point for those commuting between the education hub at Samarahan and the city, making it the ideal shopping centre for those coming from there. Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 21

22 DevelopmentTalk Stidc 35 years of excellence in timber and related industries Tanjung Manis new township Tanjung Manis Halal Park An aerial view of Tanjung Manis Tanjung Manis Deep Water Fishing Complex STIDC building For further information, please contact: Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: Fax: stidc@pusaka.gov.my Website: 22 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008 Since its inception in 1973, the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) has been at the forefront of the timber industry in Sarawak. Celebrating its 35 th anniversary this year, the Corporation can look back at its achievements in various aspects of the timber industry and as a catalyst for growth in the state. Apart from its core activity of regulating the timber trade and ensuring the future growth of the industry here, the Corporation has also ventured successfully in other areas like development of the main deep sea fishing complex at Tanjung Manis and the setting up of the Tanjung Manis township. The aim of the Corporation is to see that this port develops into an Industrial Port City by 2030 and towards this end, every effort has been put into establishing its existing facilities. The building of roads linking the port to the vast hinterland is well underway while the airport has already been completed and housing for the people is gaining pace here. With an estimated 30,000 hectares of land available for utilization, Tanjung Manis Halal Park has all the potential to become the largest Halal Park in Malaysia for Halal products in both the upstream and downstream processing and manufacturing. With a well-planned structure for the growth of the park, the strategic location of the venue further enhanced its potential and complemented by the port facilities available. More importantly, this one-stop Halal Park will grant fast-track approval for Halal certification and endorsement which will save time and cost for investors. The growing market for Halal products worldwide makes this park a timely venture and the hassle free procedures will add to its attractions for foreign and local manufacturers. Due to its favourable location, the Halal Park is well poised for marine based food industries like bio-tech aquaculture prawn and eel farming as well as aquaculture processing industries. Other industries suited to the area include feed-milling and fertilizer, organic chicken and egg production, fruit and vegetable farming, herbal plantation and R & D centre. The vast landscape with ideal marine ecosystem enables the area to support these key industries which will spearhead the growth of the Halal Park here. With the growth of these industries and others, the surrounding areas will likely experience tremendous growth too in time to come and socio economic developments will further add to the influx of population here. Tanjung Manis Coastal Wharf

23 PropertiesTalk Sarawak s premier one-stop ICT hub You have heard of specialty shopping centres in big cities where exclusive range of merchandises are sold; now there is OneTJ, Sarawak s premier one-stop ICT hub located at Heights Drive Commercial Centre along Jalan Stutong in Kuching. Just about all your ICT components and accessories are found here and this unique ICT shopping complex will also feature other electrical and electronic gadgets as well as fashion shops to food court. In short, it is a complete shopping centre by itself and a haven for those heavily into ICT related fields. The building is a four-storey shopping complex with 20 units of shoplots per level. Level 4 is reserved exclusively for an international and local food court affectionately called Samba Zone. In addition, there is also a bloggers station which caters exclusively to those into the art and passion of blogging! You can be sure that this will be one interesting station for those into all sorts of techno stuff and opinions on the state of our world. Also on level 4 are bookstores, lifestyle shops and other fashion houses. Level 3 and Level 2 will be the main ICT product areas, as well as telecommunication and other ICT related outlets. The ground floor will comprise restaurants and eateries and will also feature shops in telecommunication related products. Convenience is the word when visiting OneTJ there are escalators from Level 1 to Level 4, 3 sets of lifts to all levels, clean comfortable walkways and ample parking facilities. The whole building has 24 hours security CCTV while the individual shop units come with toilet facilities and individually controlled air-conditioning. Due to the close proximity to the Kuching International Airport, major housing estates and a host of other commercial developments around the area, OneTJ is bound to be the main shopping centre for the trend setting generations. Watch out for the announcement of the grand opening of OneTJ soon it is nearer than you think! It is certain the opening day will be the talking point of the city and expect a big rush as special promotions and other paraphernalia will also be awaiting the lucky shoppers who get in first! For further information, please call Kenbest Sdn. Bhd. 1st Floor, Lot 10503, Taman Stutong Indah, Jalan Setia Raja, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) , H/P: (6) Fax: (6) Website: kenbest@streamyx.com to BDC Jalan Tabuan Laru to Tabuan Laru Jalan Stutong Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 23 to Kota Samarahan

24 PropertiesTalk Kasuma, Kuching Pelita The ideal locations for businesses The Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) is a state agency set up to oversee the orderly development of urban and rural areas in Sarawak. It is often the catalyst for developments in areas that other public or private sectors have not ventured into as often these developments are quite massive and requires extensive planning and foresight. In addition to its role as planner and developer, LCDA also lease out its properties to interested parties as well. Businesses which do not wish to buy properties or are looking for properties with the right location in towns and cities, can always rent these prime location properties from the agency. For example, the Medan Pelita building in the centre of Kuching city, has targeted an interesting range of tenants like international recognized food outlets to specialized vendors of coffees and even optician to mobile phone sellers. Other prime properties that are for rent by the agency include Kasuma Resort and Riverine in Kuching City. The Kasuma Resort comprise of high rise apartments in a secluded area with private modern amenities and just a short drive from the city centre while the Riverine suites are right in the heart of the city but sheltered from the hustle and bustle due to its riverbank location. Other properties available for immediate rental are listed in the following list. Mukah COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES AVAILABLE KUCHING Tabuan Park Ground Floor, 4-storey Shophouse,11E Ground Floor, 4-storey Shophouse,11F 1 st Floor, 4-storey Shophouse,11E 2 nd Floor, 4-storey Shophouse,11F Desa Ilmu, Kota Samarahan 3 storey shophouses ( SL 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63) Phase 25 2 storey shophouse (SL 4), 1 st & 2 nd Floor Asajaya New Township Phase III (Lot 520 Block 32 Muara Tuang LD Samarahan) Intermediate Unit 2 storey shophouse (Lot 14) KAPIT TOWN Lock-Up Shoplots (SL1-7) 3-Storey Shophouses (SL7, 8, 16, 23, 24, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42) RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AVAILABLE KUCHING Tabuan Park (11E & 11F) 4-storey Shophouse 3 rd Floor, (Apartment) 4-storey Shophouse 3 rd Floor, (Apartment) 4-storey Shophouse 4 th Floor, (Apartment) 4-storey Shophouse 4 th Floor, (Apartment) Tabuan Park 2-Storey Semi-D (SL 59-62) Kasuma Resort BLOCK A - AZALEA Condominium - Parcel 1-5-A, Level 5 Condominium - Parcel 1-6-A, Level 16 Condominium - Parcel 1-15-D1, Level 15 BLOCK B - BEGONIA Condominium - Parcel 2-6-B, Level 6 Condominium - Parcel 2-9-D, Level 9 Condominium - Parcel 2-10-A1, Level 10 Condominium - Parcel 2-15-C1, Level 15 MUKAH 1 st Floor, SL 19, DALAT TOWN DISTRICT, MUKAH 2 storey shophouse (corner) LONG LAPOK 2 storey shophouse (int) - SL6 SUNDAR NEW TOWNSHIP, LAWAS 2 storey shophouse at Sundar Bazaar (cor) - (SL63) 2 storey minishop at Sundar Bazaar (int) - (SL37) 2 storey minishop at Sundar Bazaar (int) - (SL38) Riverine, Kuching BLOCK C - CAMELIA Condominium - Parcel 3-4-F, Level 4 Condominium - Parcel 3-7-A, Level 7 Condominium - Parcel 3-10-E1 BLOCK D - DAHLIA Condominium - Parcel 4-8-D, Level 8 Condominium - Parcel 4-13-D1, Level 13 Condominium - Parcel 4-14-A1, Level 14 Riverine Resort Condominium - Parcel RE 09-07, Type 2B Condominium - Parcel RE 11-07, Type 2B Condominium - Parcel RE 06-12, Type 3F Condominium - Parcel RE 07-13A, Type 3H Kapit Taman Pelita 24 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008 For further information, please contact: Land Custody & Development Authority Pelita Holdings Sdn. Bhd. Level 5, 8 & 12 Wisma Satok, Jalan Satok, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) ext 316

25 Shop lots now open for rent PropertiesTalk The New Look! All you want in a shopping centre & more! A new shopping landmark in the City, Medan Pelita is the place for wide selection of food, fashion and accessories, telecommunication and multi-media providers as well as optical wear to souvenirs, medical and health needs plus the quiet ambience of a bookstore. All these and more will soon be found in this latest addition to the city s shopping spots and most assuring for customers will be the presence of CCTV 24-hour security surveillance and its cleanliness within the shopping centre. What you will find Lower Ground Floor The food haven there s hardly any other centre in the city where you will find the wide choices available here, all in one place! Internationally renowned fast food chains will give visitors and patrons the range of food that will please every member of the family or group with their array of burgers to crispy, finger licking chicken and fries in cool, clean surroundings. The food court serves cuisines from different regions and tastes Korean, Thai, Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, can all be found under one roof. The numerous varieties make eating here a pleasurable experience for those who enjoy different tastes and cooking styles! In addition, an ice cream parlor is just the right place for some cold, refreshing scoops during the hot afternoon plus a side order of wafers and some pop corn for the children. It s the ideal place for children s parties and relaxation for the whole family on weekends to spend time together. Also found on the ground floor are various convenient stores and snack shops which provide even wider range of finger food items. Upper Ground Floor Caffeine getaway International coffee chain outlets are expected to be opening here too, providing the finest choices of cold, hot coffees, teas and snacks, this is the perfect spot for everyone to enjoy the ambient surroundings and soothing music. Whether with friends or business partners, these outlets offer the tranquil setting for a quiet evening together or venue for all important business negotiations; the decision is yours to make. Fashion and accessories A number of shops here caters to ladies fashion and accessories as well as some men s attire too. There are accessories outlets offering wide range of trinkets to browse through, the alternative activity after lunch or dinner here. Drop by the hair and beauty saloons to give your hair that shine and glamour by the professionals touch. It s convenient and certainly relaxing getting the right look for your beautiful hair at these outlets with their experienced and ever smiling stylists. The right frame Glasses or contact lens? Sun glasses or colour lens? Get answers for all your eye-care needs at the optical outlets here. They have just about any glass frame you need, from the fashionable teen and young at heart to shades for the bright sunny afternoon, pick out the right frames from their endless range on display here. Doctors in the house Check with the friendly staff of the pharmacy outlet for your personal health care items and you can be sure to get all you need in this outlet. Look around to stock up on essential items in case of emergency needs while shopping in Malaysia s most favourite pharmacy. Wrap those gifts! Gifts, souvenirs for any occasion; the choices of cards to small cuddly toys and local crafts to imported ones often make choosing a gift a difficult but pleasurable experience! Anytime there is a special occasion or for someone special, this is the place to pick out a memorable and impressive gift that says it all! If books, magazines and the likes are your favourite hunting ground, then check out the books and magazine outlet located here. The extras Medan Pelita is a convenient and pleasurable place for all your needs and with its new contemporary design, it is easily the one-stop commercial shopping center in the city. What s more, it is also an environmentally friendly venue with wi-fi facilities and 24-hour CCTV security surveillance system for safety and peace of mind when inside the building. This is the place to set up your new business and become a member of the Medan Pelita tenants to provide good choices for customers in the city. Come, see for yourself the city s one-stop convenient shopping center and book now to reserve your shoplot in the city s central shopping hub. For more information, please contact Land Custody & Development Authority Pelita Holdings Sdn. Bhd. Level 5, 8 & 12 Wisma Satok, Jalan Satok, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) (ext. 316) Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 25

26 W E JALAN I H T A J V R S E M I S A R A W A K R I V E R Wet Market Dewan Masyarakat MBKS Swimming Pool K U F R O N T R C H I N G T W A PADANG MERDEKA Radio Television Malaysia RESERVOIR PARK Kampung Boya Kampung Gersi Kampung Surabay Kampung Panglima Seman Lama Kampung Semaran JUBILEE RECREATION GROUND R E R I V S K A R A A Bank Negara State & DBKU Library Syariah Court Islamic Garden Telekom Malaysia Heroes Monument Red Crescent Building Khatuistiwa Wet Market & Hawker Centre JALAN ABELL JALAN PADUNGAN JALAN PETANAK H E N G H O J A L A N A N G C JALAN DATUK ABANG ABDUL RAHIM JALAN PADUNGAN JALAN PENDING JALAN CENTRAL TIMUR JALAN ELLIS J A L A N D A T U K J A L A N F O O C H O W W I N T A L L A J A L A N L U M B A K U D A JALAN SEKAMA ABDUL RAHMAN J A L A N P A D U N G A N CHEOK JALAN SONG THIAN BAN HOCK JALAN JALAN DESHON JALAN SIMPANG TIGA S E Astana JALAN GAMBIER JALAN MAIN BAZAAR JALAN BARRACK MARKET Souvenirs Shops JALAN KHOO CHINA STREET ULU CHINA STREET HUN YEANG L E B U H JALAN DATUK AJIBAH ABOL J A L A N TUN LEBUH WAYANG JALAN W AWASAN 2020 JALAN MOSQUE L EBUH TEMPLE OPENG BARRACK JALAN McDOUGALL ABANG HAJI TAHA HAJI M A L A N O R E I R JALAN TUN J A L A N R A M L E E JALAN N J A L A JALAN KULAS Wisma Satok JALAN SATOK JALAN SATOK JA L A N TABUAN SUNDAY MARKET Mirama JALAN TAMAN St. Joseph s School Open Air Market St. Theresa s School Residen Office Yayasan Sarawak CARPENTER STREET Riverbank Suite Wisma Ting Pek King Top Spot Food Court JALAN RUBBER JALAN PARK BUDAYA JALAN NANAS (JALAN CENTRAL BARAT) JALAN JALAN BADRUDDIN JALAN TAN SRI ONG KEE HUI BUDAYA CROOKSHANK JALAN BAMPFYLDE JALAN PALM JALAN JALAN TUN ABANG HAJI OPENG H Pasar Tamu SRB Chung Hua No. 4 Chung Hua School H H Hopoh Shopping Centre Dewan Tun Abdul Razak Muzeum Islamic Museum Electra House Sarawak Club H Sarawak Museum Aquarium Amphitheatre Civic Centre Kuching Plaza Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites Sarawak Tourism Complex General Post Office Planetarium Square Tower St. Thomas s School St. Mary s School H Medan Pelita Aroma Café Chung Hua No. 1 School Fort Margherita Chinese Museum H H H H H Kuching High s School H Crowne Plaza Riverside Kuching H H H H Sri Shan H CAT Statue Sarawak Plaza Malaysia Airlines H H Centrepoint Shopping Centre Tun Jugah Great Wall Cozzi H Crossway Thiam Ming Secret Recipe Choon Hui Cafe CAT Statue Tom s H Sarakraf Pavilion Carus Wood at&a Home Ideas Sdn. Bhd. Mian Ann Buan Kua Hng Sara Fruits Sdn. Bhd. Spring Organic Spring Florist & Gifts CAT Statue itfusion AbSolutely Sayang Pamela Chung Hua No. 3 School H H Hock Lee Centre Crown Square Hockey Stadium Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Little Lebanon Police Contingent HQ Divisional Mosque 1 Police Station 2 3 Police Tourist Booth 4 Police Station Fire Station Police Station to Magenta Land & Survey Divisional Office Intan D A Sikh Temple Poliklinik St. Joseph Church India Mosque INDIA STREET PEDESTRIAN MALL Siang Ti Temple St. Thomas Church Hong San Si Temple Tua Pek Kong Temple Hindu Temple Kua Ning Temple St. Peter s Church B C JALAN PISANG Kuching Area LocalityMap 26 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

27 WhatsOn LEGENDS H Hotel / Motel Shop House / Office Sarawak Transport Co. Station Kuching Matang Transport Chin Lian Long Petra Jaya Transport Taxi Station Bank / Money Changer Shopping Complex Food Outlet / Restaurant / Entertainment Outlet Sarawak Tourism Board Visitors Information Centre Sarawak Tourism Federation Tourism Malaysia Office Sarawak Craft Council Tourism Malaysia-Sarawak / Infoline Sarawak Tourism Board MAS Office / Air Asia KCH International Airport / Immigration Department / Custom hour Public Service Line OTHER ENQUIRIES (KUCHING) Taxi Service / Police Station / 999 / Traffic Police JPJ / DBKU MBKS / Telekom / Post Office / Normah Medical Centre General Hospital / Padawan Council SESCO Kuching Water Board BOMBA (Fire Brigade) / 994 / Rescue JKR th June 5 th July Borneo Cultural Festival 2008 Venue: Sibu Town Square, Sibu 1 st 7 th July Sarawak Handicraft Week 2008 Venue: Sibu 4 th 6 th JULY Borneo Highlands Nature Challenge 2008 Venue: Borneo Highands Resort, Padawan, Kuching 9 th 12 th JULY Folk Arts Forum Our People Our Culture Venue: Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching 9 th 15 th JULY Rainforest World Craft Bazaar Venue: Sarawak Tourism Complex & Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching 11 th 13 th JULY Rainforest World Music Festival 11 th Anniversary Venue: Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong, Kuching 12 th JULY Official Opening of World Martial Arts Gallery Exhibition Venue: Kuching 14 th 17 th JULY World Amateur Inter Team Golf Championship 2008 Venue: Miri Golf Club & Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri 24 th 27 th July Limbang FEST Venue: Limbang Town 26 th 27 th JULY International Nanyang Wushu Kung-Fu, Dragon & Lion Dance Festival Venue: Kuching 26 th 27 th JULY Miri International Beach Volleyball Challenge 2008 Venue: Parkcity Everly, Miri 27 th JULY 5th World Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame Venue: Kuching What son July September th JULY World Martial Arts Seminar Venue: Kuching AUGUST (Whole month) Borneo Highlands Flower Extravaganza 2008 Venue: Borneo Highland Resort, Padawan, Kuching 1 st 31 st AUGUST Miri International Food Festival Venue: Grand Palace Hotel, Miri AUGUST Miri International Motorcycle Sprint Challenge Venue: Lutong Airstrip, Miri 1 st AUGUST Kuching Festival Venue: Kuching 1 st 3 rd AUGUST Sarawak Regatta Venue: Kuching Waterfront, Kuching 1 st 10 th AUGUST Promosi Kraf Malaysia Venue: Kuching Waterfront (Square Tower), Kuching 2 nd AUGUST Kuching Street Parade Venue: Kuching 15 th 17 th AUGUST The Colours of Nature - Borneo Highlands Photography Challenge Venue: Borneo Highlands Resort, Padawan, Kuching 15 th 18 th AUGUST Baram Regatta Venue: Marudi 17 th 25 th AUGUST Pesta Sibu Jaya Venue: Sibu Jaya, Sibu 18 th 24 th AUGUST Borneo International Kites Festival Venue: Old Airport Compound, Bintulu 22 nd AUGUST Culture Show (Persembahan Kebudayaan Kanowit) Venue: Kanowit 23 rd 25 th AUGUST Pakan Festival (Pesta Pakan) Venue: Pakan, Sarikei 23 rd AUGUST Kanowit Power Boat Formula 2 Race & Paddling Boat Race Venue: Kanowit 24 th AUGUST Borneo International Sprint Race Venue: Lutong Old Airstrip 28 th AUGUST 4th World Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame Awards Banquet 2008 Venue: Kuching 30 th 31 st AUGUST Miri International Kart Prix Venue: Miri Go-Kart Stadium, Miri 30 th AUGUST Merdeka Auto Show Venue: Suria Permata Commercial Centre, Sibu SEPTEMBER The Unveiling of the Memorial Malaysia monument for the fallen veterans who fought and died for Malaysia during the Confrontation and Communist Insurgency and memorial service Venue: Kuching 7 th 14 th September Borneo International Yachting Challenge Venue: Miri 10 th September Sarawak Longest Charity Moon-Cake Venue: India Street Pedestrian Mall, Kuching 12 th September Ramadhan Aidilfitri Sale Festival Venue: India Street Pedestrian Mall, Kuching 13 th September Sibu Moon Cake Festival Venue: Sundai Bidut, Sibu 25 th September Borneo Sape Festival Venue: Marudi Town, Baram, Miri 26 th 30 th September Miri International Beads Exhibition Venue: Miri Handicraft Centre, Miri (Note: Event dates are subject to change without prior notice) For further enquiries, please contact: Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Tel: (6) Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Tel: (6) Padawan Municipal Council Tel: (6) Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Tel: (6) Miri City Council (Tel: (6) ) Sibu Municipal Council (Tel: (6) ) Month (Kuching) Temperature Rainfall July C C moderate August C C moderate September C C moderate Weather Forecast (July-September 2008) For Kuching, Miri & Sibu Month (Miri) Temperature Rainfall July C C moderate August C C moderate September C C moderate Weather forecast provided by courtesy of Meteorological Services Department of Malaysia. Month (Sibu) Temperature Rainfall July C C moderate August C C moderate September C C moderate Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 27

28 PropertiesTalk Desa Ilmu Lakeside Luxurious living for Zen like lifestyle A home is the place for family to enjoy and relax within the privacy of their own domain. Naim s Desa Ilmu Lakeside exclusive bungalows are the perfect home for those who want tranquility, serenity and yet within easy reach of the city! Just a mere twenty minutes drive from the city, this lakeside view property has everything that you will want in a home detached, wide area, fully furnished to compliment today s modern lifestyle and surroundings that are environmentally pleasing and refreshing for everyone. At Desa Ilmu, you have a choice of either single-storey or double-storey detached bungalows, all with lakeside view and more importantly, giving residents the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of taking leisurely walks, going for a jog or cycle around the lake. It naturally is the perfect home for those who want to spend quality time with their children or those who want to spend quiet moments during their retirement years. With five options to choose from, there is certainly one home that will fit your needs and give you the opportunity to enjoy privacy. The single-storey bungalows are of four designs and concepts, each specially built to suit the taste of the discerning city folks in a modern concept. Boronia style homes have Oriental design and layout with land-size of points and a built up area of 1,278 sq ft. With Country style interior design, the Cosmos home come with a land area of points and built up area of 1,867 sq ft. For those with inclination towards Modern design interiors, Batavia concept homes is the obvious choice, each with a land area of points and built up size of 1,988 sq ft. Vanilla home of Balinese design and layout with land size of points and built up area of 1,171 sq ft is another type to choose from. The double-storey home comes in an exclusive design; the Tulip Gold concept has Spanish interior layout and deco. All these homes come with their own exclusive contemporary furnishings and it s like moving into a house where everything is already in place! With Naim s reputation as a master builder of modern homes, you can expect only quality finishings for these exclusive bungalows in an area where the top varsities in the state are located nearby. Take a pleasure ride to the lake and see these exclusive homes and experience the relaxing atmosphere there; you will surely agree that this is the place where you want your home to be! Cosmos NAIM CENDERA HOLDINGS BERHAD (Company No M) Tulip Gold Sales Office: Ground Floor, Wisma Naim, Lot 2679, Rock Road, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: / Fax: H/P: cendera@po.jaring.my Website: The Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards Contractor Award : Grade G Malaysia Corporate & Social Environment Responsibility Award 2005 Spain 17th International Construction Award New Millennium Award Developer License No: L0801/KP/HD/9/57 Advertising & Sales Permit No: P0767/KP/HD/9/57 The information, perspective drawing, plans & specifications contains in this leaflet / advertisement are subject to amendment as may be required by the authorities or the project consultants and cannot form part of an offer or contract. Whilst every care has been taken in providing this information, the developer cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. 28 BorneoTalkJul-Sept KPMG Shareholder Value Awards 2004 The Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards Builder of The Year 2004 The Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards Medium Engineering Project 2004 Malaysia Canada Business Council Industry Excellence for Construction Award 2003 SCCI Annual Corporate Report Awards Best Annual Report Award 2003 The Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards Medium Building Project 2002 CIDB Contractor Industry Award Institutional Building Project

29 Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 29

30 TourismTalk 45 th Anniversary Celebrating 45 years of growth and development Sarawak, the pride of the nation 2008 is indeed a special year for Sarawak as it will be the 45 th year of its formation into the federation of Malaysia. On 22 nd July 1963, the then Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan was appointed the first Chief Minister of Sarawak and on the 16 th September, the then Tun Abang Haji Openg bin Abang Sapiee was made the first Governor of Sarawak. The statewide 45 th Anniversary celebration will therefore commence on this coming 22 nd July. This celebration is going to be on for a year ending on 21 st July Various activities and programmes have been drawn up for this year-long celebration and these include activities and programmes from each of the 13 Divisions of the State. One unique aspect of Sarawak is the multi-racial composition of its population, comprising Iban, Malay, Melanau, Chinese, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and others. Within these large groups are again subtle differences between the sub-groups which add further to the number of ethnic composition in the State. The harmonious interactions between these groups of people in the State is the key to the development of the State over the years, sharing and respecting each other s ethnic and racial differences, while working together towards the growth of the State and Nation. From these different groups in the State, cultural heritage is again evident here, especially in the costumes, dances, languages, food and architecture of traditional homes. Nowhere else in Malaysia would you find the tall houses of the Orang Ulus or the Baruk of the Bidayuhs, the longhouses of the Ibans or the simple huts of the Penans. Try a sample of the different range of local ethnic food and also be amazed by the range of international flavours in the cities and towns. If there is something that you will always remember about a visit to Sarawak, it is most likely to be the varieties of food you have tried here! 30 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

31 TourismTalk The main activities of the 45 th Anniversary celebration are also mentioned within the pages of this edition. The Divisional activities and programmes will also be published in a book to be released on the 22 nd July Visitors who plan to participate or go to these various venues should check with the various agencies or organizers on the logistics involved and accommodation facilities available as it takes time to travel in this vast land! The hot and humid conditions here require extra care for those unfamiliar with the tropics. Keeping the body hydrated is important. Modern amenities are mostly available in the towns and banking facilities are usually present too. Naturally, food is not a problem for most but care should be taken when in the rural areas where the facilities and choices may be limited. Enjoy your stay here and be sure to check out the various events lined up for the grand celebration this year in Sarawak. Wherever you go, Sarawakians of all walks of life are always a generous lot and you can be sure that you will always get a smile from them! Happy holidays! Main Activities 21 st July (evening) - Thanksgiving in conjunction with Sarawak s 45 th Anniversary 22 nd July - Launching of Sarawak s 45 th Anniversary July - August - State Development Exhibition July - August - Cultural Symposium in conjunction with 45 th Anniversary Celebration 17 th August - Launching of National Merdeka month celebration and flying of the Jalur Gemilang Flag 30 th August (evening) - Thanksgiving in conjunction with National Merdeka Day - Eve of National Day Celebration (Ambang Merdeka) 31 st August - National Merdeka Day Parade 12 th September (evening) - Thanksgiving prayer in conjunction with the 87 th Birthday of the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak 13 th September - State Celebration in conjunction with the 87 th Birthday of the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak 18 th October - Closing of 50 th National Merdeka Celebration - Launching 51 st National Merdeka Celebration UPAK Jabatan Ketua Menteri Public Relations & Corporate Affairs Unit Chief Minister s Department Jabatan Ketua Menteri Tingkat 8, Wisma Bapa Malaysia Petra Jaya, Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: (6) , Fax: (6) , Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 31

32 TourismTalk th - 13 th July, Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Sarawak Beat of the rainforest It s a phenomenon that just gets bigger and better each year the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) kicks off again for its eleventh edition from 11 th 13 th July 2008 with more than 10 foreign groups and a host of local ones too. Again, the venue for this spectacular event will be the Sarawak Cultural Village and this year s entertainment crowd will include groups from UK, Gambia/Guinea, Philippines, Palestine, Greece, Portugal, Congo, Japan, Columbia, Brazil/USA and India. So just what makes the RWMF so special that it annually attracts thousands of visitors to the picturesque site which is a mere 45-minute drive from the capital city, Kuching? Most repeat fans are attracted by the choice of groups and their repertoire of music in an exotic setting; others point to the afternoon workshop, close-up sessions with the artists followed by the nightly display of sensational music and dance routine on stage. To cap it all, the RWMF was recognized with the Pacific Asia Travel Associations 2006 Gold Award! So get ready to meet Ross Daly Quartet from Greece, Kasai Masai (Congo/UK), Hiroshi Motofuji (Japan), Oikyataan (India), Cholo Valderamma (Colombia), New Rope String Band (UK), Yakande (Gambia/Guinea), Pinikpikan (Philippines), Adel Salameh (Palestine), Beltaine (Poland), Sheldon Blackman & The Love Circle (Trinidad & Tobago) and Fadomorse (Portugal) with performances from local Malaysian/Sarawak bands. A special treat awaits the first 500 guests who purchase two 3-day pass they will be entitled to a free copy of the soft cover, 508-page RWMF anniversary book entitled Music Without Borders - The Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak. Please note that the tickets have been on sale since December 2007 ( In addition to the unique musical extravaganza, there are also two other main events to spice up the visit to Kuching. The Rainforest World Craft Bazaar 2008 (July 9 th to 15 th ) and Folk Art Forum (July 10 th to 13 th ) will feature master craftsmen from various countries at the bazaar while the forum is more on showcasing works of renowned local and international artists. These events are happening in July, the month that you have to be in Sarawak to experience it all! Details and update on RWMF 2008 are available on the website For more information on the Rainforest World Music Festival 2008, those interested can call the Sarawak Tourism Board at (6) , fax at (6) , at stb@sarawaktourism.com or check out its website 32 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

33 TourismTalk Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar This brilliant event will add entertainment, interest and cultural value to the world-renowned Rainforest World Music Festival. Craftworkers of Sarawak, well known for their skills rooted deep in the rainforest tradition, will be joined by fellow-artisans from all over the world. The pick of each continent will be showcased; participants are expected from all parts of Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan, Korea, Japan, Denmark, the Philippines, Indochina, India and Australia. Organised by: Supported by: The main focus of this new event is the use of traditional materials and traditional skills enhanced by competent modern design. Modern materials, in well-designed applications, also have a place; there is particular interest in the novel use of recycled substances such as metals, plastic, textiles etc. The Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar will be held from 9 th to 15 th July at the Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong, near Kuching, which is the site of the Rainforest World Music Festival itself. Targeting students and art enthusiasts, the talk and forum will be conducted by renowned local and foreign artists. Among them is Sylvester Jussem, a famous local artist whose paintings are now decorating the offices of corporate companies and homes of the affluent nationwide. Folk Art Forum The celebration of the people and the rich culture of the world will be showcased at the Folk Art Forum which will be held in conjunction with the Rainforest World Music Festival Organised by Galleria and in collaboration with Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), the Folk Art Forum will be staged from July 10 th to 13 th at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV). The itinerary for the four-day event includes Art Talk and Workshop and Art Exhibition. With the theme Our People Our Culture, the highlight of the Art Exhibition is on the works of various Sarawak s artists showcasing the rich and colourful culture and heritage of the local community. The exhibition will be at the Orang Ulu House at SCV from July 10 th to 13 th. It opens from 10am to 5pm during the four days. The exhibited paintings will also include works of international artists. The Art Talk and Forum will be held on July 10 th at Dewan Lagenda at SCV. For further information, please call the Sarawak Tourism Board at (6) , fax at (6) , at stb@sarawaktourism.com or check out its website Another well-known local artist Tan Wei Kheng will conduct the workshop. Tan is known for his skill in portraying finer details on his work. Those keen to attend the art talk and forum are to fill in the form available at Rainforest World Music Festival website ( com). Seats are limited. Aim at creating a venue for intercultural exchange, the Folk Art Forum is also for economic sustainability of folk art and folk artists. Expect a contemporary experience. The Folk Art Forum is also for sharing the aesthetic values of the virtual folk art that has been deeply rooted in traditions of the community and their cultural identity. All the paintings and other artifacts displayed at the exhibition will be on sale. Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 33

34 TourismTalk The annual Promosi Kraf Malaysia is back and this year s line-up of events promise to showcase the mesmerising handicrafts from various states throughout Malaysia. Organised by Kraftangan Malaysia (Sarawak), one of the leading agencies in Malaysian craft industry, the event will take place from August 1 st to 10 th at Kuching Waterfront and features an exhibition of handicrafts as well as demonstration of ethnic crafts that include the likes of Penan weaving, songket weaving and anyaman begerang, a traditional method of weaving by the local Malay communities here. According to Kraftangan Malaysia (Sarawak) Director, Mohd Latif Dirun, this year marks the seventh year Promosi Kraf Malaysia is being organised with the objective of raising awareness of the traditional handicrafts of Malaysia. Apart from Sarawak, we have managed to rope in craftsmen and operators from various states such as Johor, Malacca, Sabah and Kelantan, said Latif. Get crafty at Promosi Kraf Malaysia 1 st -10 th August am to 10.00pm Kuching Waterfront (Square Tower) and implementing colour schemes on the products. This year, our target is aimed towards raising awareness amongst locals here of the crafts such as batik from Kelantan. The state, which will be represented by Koperasi Batik Kelantan, will be showcasing its highly in demand batik. At the same time, we are also looking forward to promote the uniqueness of the batik generally worn by Malaysians and government officers, he explained. Besides observing the live demonstration, members of the public will also be able to participate in interactive demonstrations whereby they can experience how to make various woven fabrics or even make the local ceramic pottery known as pasu Iban (Iban pottery), he added. Latif also said that in addition to traditional handicrafts, there will also be emphasis on the usage of new materials and transforming them into contemporary crafts using mediums such as ceramic 34 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008 Due to the overwhelming response from visitors last year with the introduction of new products, we are once again bringing back a number of these unique crafts made especially by our incubators at Kraftangan Malaysia, he said, adding that not only does the event emphasises on producing local crafts, the development of new products by locals are high in quality, original and unique. Another highlight of Promosi Kraf Malaysia is the handicraft sale from 70 operators throughout the country. Visitors will be able to purchase various handicrafts ranging from products such as baskets, bags, mats made from rattan to fabrics filled with intricate batik and songket designs, revealed Latif. Other activities which will be held during the nine-day event include cultural performances and traditional games. For further information, please contact: Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, Sarawak Lot 3057, Blok 18, Daerah Salak, Petra Jaya, Jalan Stadium, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) , , Fax: (6)

35 Paddling towards history 2008 As Sarawak celebrates its 45 th Anniversary within Malaysia this year, the annual Sarawak Regatta is poised to add another feather to its cap; as the oldest regatta of its kind in the country, the event scheduled for (1 st - 3 rd August 2008) will mark another milestone in the annals of the State and Nation. The significance of the race will make the teams involved even more determined to win and hence a great spectacle is in store for the thousands of faithful followers of the race here each year. With teams from other divisions participating too, the races will be more keenly fought than before in light of the auspicious occasion. The Kuching Waterfront will be the venue for the regatta and so expect a larger crowd than before as it also coincide with Kuching City Day celebration and many visitors will be here. It is going to be another colourful race as just about every team tries to outdo one another in these races! TourismTalk Uniforms too will be another talking point for some at the end of the races. Prepare also for wild excitement as the paddlers celebrate their wins after the prize presentations. For spectators, the most appropriate dress code is casual to light as the blazing sun and water reflection can be really hot. So for all spectators, a hat is a useful accessory. Try to see the race from the other side of the river if you have been here before. There are other activities like traditional dances and culture shows for visitors and expect huge and generous servings of traditional food when there. Some may even consider trying out the homestay at a traditional Malay home and sample the lifestyle and food of the hosts. Taking the leisurely ride across the river in the sampan or water taxis is something that ought not to be missed when here for the regatta. Be sure also to sample some of the food available when the regatta is on as some are specially made for the occasion will be another historic year for the Sarawak Regatta as many sponsors have signed in to join the fun in making this year s event another success. Among the sponsors confirmed are Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia, Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism, Sarawak, Sarawak Shell Bhd., Petronas, Telekom Malaysia Bhd., Ta Ann and Global Upline Sdn. Bhd. Have fun and enjoy yourself at the regatta as it is going to be a special one this year and for many more years to come! For further information, please contact: Organised by: RESIDENT S OFFICE KUCHING DIVISION Jalan Barrack, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) Fax: (6) Website: Supported by: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Tel: (6) Fax: (6) Website: Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 35

36 TourismTalk The northern extravaganza LIMBANG 08 FEST Come, experience the Limbang Fest 2008 in this, Sarawak s most northern town, from 24 th -27 th July 2008! See, touch, taste and enjoy the hosts of activities during this festival like exhibitions and sale of goods from the town, Sabah, Labuan and Brunei, cultural dance performances, poetry recital, futsal competition, fireworks and the ever thrilling, exciting Limbang Regatta along the Limbang River. As the northern gateway for Sarawak, Limbang is always the favourite destination for visitors from the nearby states of Sabah, Labuan and also Brunei. Together with the multi-ethnic groups of locals, be prepared to meet people from all walks of life when at the festival. Tourism is the main focus of the Limbang Fest as the division has beautiful scenic places, unique diversity of ethnic groups and cultures, and agricultural wealth. As part of Sarawak s 45 th Anniversary celebration within Malaysia this year, the Limbang Fest 2008 holds even more significance as the place for visitors to enjoy the activities and events lined up with the traditional hospitality that the town is well known for. Limbang is also the main industrial centre for Sarawak s northern flank and the anniversary celebration gives the perfect opportunity for the multi-ethnic groups of people to showcase the developments in the area. The rich traditions and cultures of the area will be on display for all to see and many will surely agree that Limbang is indeed the ideal place for a variety of water sports activities due to its close proximity to the river and sea. The Limbang Regatta from 26 th -27 th July is naturally the most exciting event during the festival as there will be lots of participants from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan and Brunei in the various events, which comprise of two main categories, namely the longboats and motor-powered boats. All the events will be along the Limbang river, right in the centre of the town. The longboats from 15 different categories of men and women in either 15, 20, 25 or 30 paddlers, will be aiming for the coveted prizes up for grabs. In the motorized group, there will also be 15 categories comprising different engine capacities ranging from 15, 30, 40, 50, 60 and SST 60 horsepower. The events will start from 8am to 12:30pm for the morning sessions and from 2-5pm for the afternoon sessions. For further information, please contact: Limbang Resident Office, Tingkat 6, Bangunan Limbang Plaza, Limbang, Sarawak. Tel: (6) , Fax: (6) The cultural performances on 26 th July will be at the Limbang Sports Complex featuring artists from neigbouring Brunei, Sabah and Labuan, starting from 8pm. This rich assembly of cultural performances will end with the display of fireworks starting from 11pm onwards. This year s Merdeka celebration will be a special occasion for Limbang and so make this most northern destination in Sarawak your choice from 24 th -27 th July 2008! 36 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

37 TourismTalk The Borneo International Kite Festival 2008 Bintulu A festival of fun, colour and skills Everyone knows that Sarawak will be celebrating its 45 th anniversary within Malaysia this coming 31 st August and a host of interesting events will be held throughout the State to mark the occasion. One interesting annual event held in Bintulu is the Borneo International Kite Festival, to be on from 18 th -24 th August 2008 in this northern Gas Town. Ever since 2005 when it all started, the number of participants as well as spectators have been rising each year as more became aware of the spectacular and beautiful kites from different parts of the world! To be staged at the old Bintulu airport which happens to be right in middle of the town, this is one event that nobody wants to miss. The incredible stunts that some of these strange flying objects are capable of, can really astound you! There are just so many types fluttering all over the sky during the festival; the colourful creations also come in all shapes and sizes, the traditional Malaysian Wau is always present with modern versions side by side. All these flying beauties do need some masterly control and in experienced hands, these kites just respond to every slight twists and pulls from the ground control. A showcase event like this is definitely the place for everyone in the family, young and old and those who are young at heart! The earlier part of the event will be mostly dominated by the experts with their multi-string flying wonders, showing the skills needed to control and at the same time, entertaining spectators. Children s kite flying can be seen during the later part of the day and for the early part, they will be enjoying themselves with the abundant partying goodies available at the venue, including lollipops in their mouths and ice cream cones in their hands! Apart from the kite flying activities, there are also colouring contests, Nescafe tarik competition held in conjunction with the Bintulu Trade and Food Fair at the same venue. There is something for everyone to see and do when visiting the festival site. So make a point of bringing the entire family for an enjoyable and fun day at the Borneo International Kite Festival. It s on from 18 th -24 th August! For further information, please contact Bintulu Development Authority at (6) / or fax to (6) Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 37

38 TourismTalk Splendour of Sarawak as specially prepared dishes that are unique to the country. Just remember that spicy and hot is a common feature of many of these local recipes which prompt you to sleep without the blankets later at night! July-September 25% discounts Roast & Grill will be offered at the Café Satang in the main dining outlet in the Resort. Guests will have the choice of roast or grill of their favorite food and you can be certain that the aroma of these freshly roasted or grilled dishes will fill the air with their distinctive 25% discounts Also during this promotion period, the Treez will have its Malaysian Treasure special whereby the delights available will be at special rates and some of these will only be served during the special promotion. Picture the perfect setting for your holiday beautiful sunshine, wide open beach, excellent hotel accommodation and services plus a dinner menu that is irresistible! Welcome to Damai Beach Resort in Kuching, Sarawak where the complete holiday package comes with a host of extras. For the new visitors, Damai Beach Resort is a 90 acres seafront property located on a natural bay facing the South China Sea with the lush tropical rainforest in the background. What s more, the newly renovated rooms and facilities of this four-star resort is packed with a number of high-value retreats and packages to pamper and rejuvenate you during your entire stay here! Architectural wonder The Resort s fishing-village theme architectural setting is authentic in its outlook and blends harmoniously 38 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008 with the existing landscape. It gives visitors and guests a pleasant look and welcomes them in the graceful way that s typical of such villages in the State. Everything is within easy walking distance and facilities are for guests to enjoy daily while children will naturally flock to the swimming pools and the Kid s Village. Exciting corners The Fishermen s Catch is a beachfront seafood haven where fresh catch of the day are featured in its daily offerings. While here, try out the various cooking styles offered by the chefs and be surprised by their delicious recipes. Deli s Corner is definitely one place that is hard to walk past without stopping for a look and being tempted by the array of mouth-watering cakes and pastries. Better still, try out some of these and then think about going to the gym! Treez is a restaurant that specializes in Malaysian cuisine and you can be sure to find the local favourites as 20% discounts It s All About Seafood will be featured at The Fishermen s Catch during this special promotion period which means delicious array of the sea s bounty will be made available, at affordable prices that you will be surprised. Serenade the night away Every Thursday evening at the Headhunters outlet will feature a cultural themed dinner complete with authentic samples of interesting food. Make your bookings early to avoid the disappointment of not being able to enjoy the cultural shows presented also during these interesting evenings with the family and friends. Check your watches daily from 5:30 8:30pm is the Ecstatic Hour where you will get a 1-1 offer of all house-pouring beverages. There is simply no other place like this at the Damai peninsula!

39 TourismTalk On every Friday and Saturday, the Resort s Santubong Bar will feature beautiful tunes by Trust Illusions, a band headed by renowned artiste Safar Gafar. This is the place for relaxation after a long day in the sun or hiking around the trails. Merdeka 2008 promotion from 1 st August till 15 th September, enjoy the special promotion of rooms at the Resort. Priced as low as RM185 nett per room per night with breakfast for 2 with the added 25% discount on food orders from the premise, this is one offer that is hard to resist! Damai Beach Resort Teluk Bandung Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) Fax: (6) general@damaibeachresort.com Damai Golf and Country Club Why pay a premium for a round of the beautiful game when you can get the extremely picturesque golf Mecca at Damai Golf and Country Club, voted as one of the top 5 Golf Course in East Malaysia. It is a must visit golf course for golf enthusiasts. It provides the finest test for the game of golf. The only 18 hole Championship Course in East Malaysia designed by the golfing legend, Arnold Palmer boasts a majestic view of the vast blue sea on one front while the imposing Mount Santubong becomes the backdrop. Aptly named Ocean nine and Mountain nine for this 18-hole course of par 72, the exhilarating view and serene surroundings makes concentrating on the job just that much more difficult! Visitors take note that on every Mondays to Wednesdays, the Damai Golf and Country Club has its Early Week Golfer s Promotion whereby the green fees of RM80 per pax (including buggy) is applicable on a twin-sharing basis. So, there is no need to join the mad rush on the weekends at the Club as you can spend your leisure time with special friends during the special promotion days. Call for more details and grab this fantastic offer. Damai Golf & Country Club Jalan Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) Fax: (6) website: to the tunes below the stage under the clear night sky. It is truly an experience that should not be missed! Sarawak Cultural Village Welcome to South East Asia s finest Living Museum, the Sarawak Cultural Village, just a stone s throw away from the Damai Beach Resort. Each year on the second week of July, the place is filled to the brim with visitors for the thrilling Rainforest World Music Festival. It is one event that is a must for every music lover, especially those who treasure ethnic and cultural music from around the world. The music extravaganza is noted for the high quality of its foreign and local teams performing to the crowd each evening while fans get to meet these artists in the afternoons. The evening performance is on a stage specially built for the purpose and fans dance Moving around at the Sarawak Cultural Village is itself another exciting experience! The unique architectures of the homes of various ethnic groups of Sarawak are all found here and open to all for a visit. Climb the long staircase of the Orang Ulu High House or admire the Bidayuh s Baruk which is a circular building with a sharp roof. Or you may choose to walk the length of the Iban Longhouse and peep into the various bilik or rooms that stretches along the length of the longhouse. When the visits to the various ethnic homes are done, sit back and relax while watching the dance performances of the various ethnic groups in the air-conditioned auditorium. After the show, try out some of the delicacies prepared at the premise as most are authentic local delicacies of the groups. Sarawak Cultural Village Pantai Damai, Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) , Fax: (6) info@scv.com.my Website: Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 39

40 TourismTalk Kapit is the largest district in Sarawak. It is situated along the longest and most extensive river system in Sarawak, the mighty Rejang River. To travel to Kapit, one has to take an express boat from Sibu for an exhilarating upriver ride which takes about two and a half hours. Along the way, one will pass through scenic small towns of Kanowit and Song before reaching Kapit town. Kapit is a bustling town with a diverse range of people passing through each day for trade, leisure, official visits by government servants, and for those on transit before their journey into the interiors of the virgin rainforests to isolated villages. Hotel Meligai Kapit, a Two Star Business Class hotel, is located within walking distance from the town centre. Facilities Accommodation consists of 37 tastefully decorated rooms & 9 suites Individually controlled air-condition Minibar (Deluxe & Suites rooms) Colour TV IDD telephone Laundry service Conference / Meeting rooms & packages available Group & Corporate rates available upon request 40 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

41 TourismTalk Ramadan Fare Regency Plaza Hotel Bintulu Make this Ramadan extra special by giving you and your family a treat by breaking fast at the Kemena Coffee House of the Regency Plaza Hotel Bintulu. A trusted name over the years for its range and choices of Ramadan specials, the Kemena Coffee House will be serving fresh prepared meals daily for families, friends and visitors from 1 st September to 27 th September starting from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Certainly, the normal specials and selections of food from the menu are still available; the vast majority who frequent here specially like ulam ulam, beef rending, ayam masak merah, ayam masak hitam, kurma, sambal prawns, pangang fish, mee goreng, signature dish bubur pedas, drinks like air bandung, air selasih, all prepared for the occasion and also the varieties that can only be found during this special season of the year! As in previous years, the favourites like desserts, curries and choices of grilled and barbequed meat and seafood will tempt the crowd while the more adventurous ones will be on the lookout for something new being offered. It is expected that each year the chefs will be preparing something to catch everyone s attention and to find out the special, drop by the coffee house during the holy month and treat the family and friends or business partners to the great fare available here. As everything is prepared fresh daily, you can be assured that the meals will be wholesome and nutritious while not adding a bulge to the waist! The friendly kitchen staff know how important these meals are for those fasting and hence every meal is carefully selected to give patrons the necessary nutrients and goodness after a long day of abstinence. services expected of the hotel. With its central location, the hotel is the ideal place to drop by for the early morning meal before starting the day. Visitors who are new to the fasting and breaking of fast during the holy month of Ramadan will certainly find the choices of food a refreshing change from the daily ones. The type of main dishes served would be different everyday. Make your reservations to taste these creations of the chefs this Ramadan at Regency Plaza Hotel Bintulu and be astounded by choices available, especially the buffet offering. Reservations for private dinner of 50 persons and above can be arranged. Remember, the Ramadan fare is only available once a year so make it one to remember for you and your family! For information and reservations, contact the hotel at: PLAZA HOTEL BINTULU SARAWAK MALAYSIA 116, Taman Sri Dagang, Jalan Abang Galau, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) Fax: (6) rihbtu@tm.net.my For hotel guests and also for visitors, the hotel can also prepare meals for them in the early hours of the day before the start of daily fasting. This is to facilitate their stay in the hotel and to provide the Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 41

42 DiningOutTalk 51 st Merdeka Celebration Aurora Court Citrarasa Malaysia/ Flavours of Malaysia Buffet Dinner Friday, 29 th August to Sunday, 31 st August 6.30 pm to pm RM 51++ per adult Ristorante Beccari Citrarasa Italia/ Flavours of Italy Buffet Dinner Sunday, 31 st August 51% discount for children aged 5 to 12 years old 51% discount for senior citizens aged 55 years old and above (Verification required) Victoria Arms Merdeka Countdown Party Saturday, 30 th August For 51 minutes i.e. from pm to midnight, get your favourite draught beers (Carlsberg, Heineken and Tiger) at only RM 51++ per jug Your birthday falls on the 31 st August? Great! Come and celebrate your birthday with us at Aurora Court or Ristorante Beccari and receive... Complimentary birthday cake. Complimentary buffet for birthday celebrant when you dine in with minimum 5 full paying adults consuming the buffet. Advance reservation is required. Beccari s Wine Pairing Set Dinner Available daily except Sunday throughout the month of July and August An exquisite combination of fine wine and spectacular food. Featuring 2 tasting glasses of our new house wines paired with a 3-course meal at only RM 88++ per set. Weekend Buffet Dinner Treats La Habana Cigar Divan Lifestyle Evening every Friday 7.00 pm to pm RM 88++ per person Aurora Court Fresh & Fabulous every Friday & Saturday 6.30 pm to pm RM 59++ per adult RM 25++ per child (5 12 years old) (Fresh & Fabulous buffet dinner will take a month break in September for Berbuka Puasa buffet dinner) Ristorante Beccari La Casetta Etoile Buffet every Sunday 6.30 pm to pm RM 59++ per adult RM 25++ per child (5 12 years old) 42 BorneoTalkJul-Sept at Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites For further information or reservation, please contact: Telephone: (6) Aurora Court ext Ristorante Beccari ext Victoria Arms ext La Habana Cigar Divan ext F&B Office ext Facsimile: (6) info@merdekapalace.com Website:

43 DiningOutTalk Sensational Sahara Café Why do I enter the Sahara? I do not go to seek the oasis. I enter the desert to find my own spring. Antoine de Saint-J Exupery s poem comes to mind on stepping into the Sahara Café. Highlighting that the Sahara is not an empty desert, but a desert spring with endless possibilities where anything can be created. Such is the case with the restaurant that shares its name. It s a wonderful surprise to find this gem to gastronomy nestled amid the housing estates at Tabuan Laru. Nothing beats quality cooking at reasonable prices, and this is what is also synonymous with this Café. It boasts the most popular char siew (or roast pork) in town. The aroma of the honey basted meat is heavenly and the melt in your mouth sensation is what makes this dish legendary. Sahara Café prides itself in serving only the best cuts and the freshest meats. This can be savoured when eating the fish and chips. This is no ordinary fish and chips mind you. The big difference is that no imported fish was used to create this meal. The chef uses only the choicest Garupa or Red Snapper. Those who enjoy seafood will definitely appreciate the difference. Lovers of poultry must experience the Chicken Chop. The portions are just right. Take the lamb shank as an example. By most standards it can be a heavy meal, but at Sahara Café, even the light eaters will be appeased. The food does not over-power the eater. Instead the taste sensations do that. There s space for a multitude of salads to choose from too. Of course the Caesar s Salad comes highly recommended. If salads aren t your thing, there s an equally delicious cream of potato soup. Those who enjoy a cheesy rice meal will find it here. It can be eaten with chicken, fish or pork. Garlic rice with barbequed pork is another to die for delicacy. As steaks go nothing beats a New Zealand Ribeye. There s also Oxtail Stew and Pork Cordon Bleu to tickle the taste buds. Pasta lovers will rejoice while eating spaghetti Cabonara or Olio Olio. For the traditionalist, there are also meatballs. from Stutong Traffic Light The Mix Grill at Sahara Café comes on a huge platter and the diner gets New Zealand Rib eye, pork ribs, pork sausages, lamb cutlets, bacon, and french fries. That s what good eating is all about. The Sahara Café is a wonderful place to have a romantic meal or entertain friends and family. For special occasions, the restaurant seats forty people. Just make sure to call two day s in advance to avoid disappointment. There is a full bar and a fine selection of Chilean and Australian wines. So let it be said that anyone seeking to appease their hunger will find their oasis at Sahara Café. Country-Side Market Eastern Times from Jalan Song to Tabuan Laru Sahara Café We Are Here Sahara Café Lot 9642, Block 11, Ground Floor, MTLD, Tabuan Laru, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) Open 11am to 10:30pm daily (Closed on Tuesday). Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 43

44 DiningOutTalk Fulltank the one-stop food shop When in Sarawak, always be prepared for surprises when it comes to food and choices you ll never know what you will encounter at each corner of the towns and cities here! And surprise is exactly what you will find when you drop by Fulltank Chicken Rice, the latest fast food shop in Sibu located at Jalan Permai, Soon Hup Garden. Here, when you order the chicken rice, you will find yourself facing huge portions of rice, roasted chicken which also comes with cucumber slices and gravy. One thing is for sure; the average person will find the servings fulfilling! If chicken is not your favourite dish, there are other delicacies that you could choose from in this coffee shop which is also operated as a fast food outlet in this riverine town. There are barbeque pork noodle, roasted pork, roasted sweet duck and pork among the obvious choices and each comes in fairly large portions to satisfy most people. The choice of Fulltank as its name is not accidental; it means specifically that you will most likely get your fill when you eat here. Another attraction of the shop is that the prices here are very competitive for the portions they are serving so, it is high time that you drop by when in Sibu to try out the food. Sibu is becoming an attractive destination for tourists now due to the numerous places for adventure and sightseeing in and around the surrounding areas so the town is the obvious point for visitors to drop by, explained Golden Hii, the proprietor of the shop. Due to this, we decided to open our shop to cater to both local and foreign visitors who want to sample local food at reasonable prices and we also try to provide more choices. With more food outlets in town, there will be greater attractions for people to come here and also makes it convenient too for everyone, he added. So remember that Sibu now has another food outlet that will add to the choice of food you can have when in the town. For further information, please contact: FULLTANK CHICKEN RICE Star Garden Coffee Shop 32 Jalan Permai, Taman Soon Hup, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: (6) Fulfilling Chicken Rice With An Unforgettable Distinct Taste That Suits Every Pocket! 44 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

45 f i l m review Tel: Tuesday Ladies Day, Ticket only RM6 (not applicable for male and public holiday) Movies&BooksTalk Wednesday Movie Day, Ticket only RM5 (not applicable for movie marked ( ) and public holiday) *All booked tickets must be collected 45 min before show times. THE DARK KNIGHT Genre: Action Rated: PG-13 Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger On Cineplex: 17 th July 2008 Synopsis: The follow-up to the action hit Batman Begins, The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne. In the new film, Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as the Joker. WALL-E Genre: Family Rated: PG Cast: Jeff Garlin, Benjamin Burtt, Fred Willard On Cineplex: 7 th August 2008 Synopsis: What if mankind had to leave Earth and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off? WALL-E, a robot, spends every day doing what he was made for. But soon, he will discover what he was meant for. From Academy Award-winning writer-director, Andrew Stanton ( Finding Nemo ), Disney-Pixar s WALL-E is the story of one robot s comic adventures as he chases his dream across the galaxy. THE SHINJUKU INCIDENT Genre: Action Rated: PG-13 Cast: Jackie Chan, Daniel Wu, Xu Jinglei, Fan Bing Bing, Naota Takenaka On Cineplex: 25 th September 2008 Synopsis: In the early 1990 s, a tractor mechanic from China nicknamed Steelhead enters illegally into Japan to search for his girlfriend Xiu Xiu. To make ends meet, he joins his friend, Jie, in Shinjuku in doing menial labor. Steelhead finds out that Xiu Xiu has married Eguchi, a Japanese Yakuza leader. Steelhead decides to stay on in Japan and to obtain citizenship, he agrees to work for Eguchi as a killer. Soon, Steelhead gets used to the power and finds himself embroiled so deeply in the ways of the underworld that there is no turning back. VALKYRIE Genre: History, Drama Rated: PG-13 Cast: Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Eddie Izzard, Christian Berkel, Thomas Kretschmann, and Carice van Houten On Cineplex: 2 rd October 2008 Synopsis: The July 20 Plot on Hitler s life is one of the most heroic but least known episodes of World War Two. Severely wounded in combat, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg returns from Africa to join the German Resistance and help create Operation Valkyrie, the complex plan that will allow a shadow government to replace Hitler s once he is dead. RWMF BOOK - music without borders on Sale at The Rainforest World Music Festival Entitled Music Without Borders The Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak, the book is authored by Heidi Munan and published by Marshall Cavendish (M) Sdn Bhd for Sarawak Tourism Board. The publication of the book was to coincide with the 10 th anniversary celebration of the festival. Booking can be made at The book is also available on Amazon. com. Available only in soft-cover the book is priced at RM125 each and its content includes more than 500 pictures taken at the RWMF over the last nine years as well as the chronology of the development of the festival since It also has chapters on comments from volunteers, the media members who had covered the event previously and the festival followers. A chapter is also dedicated to all the performers who had took centre stage at the RWMF from 1998 till last year. Written in a casual style for leisure reading, this full-colour book is an ideal collector s item. Books are on SALE during The Rainforest World Music Festival at Sarawak Cultural Village from 11 th - 13 th July. For further information, please contact Sarawak Tourism Board at (6) , fax at (6) , at stb@sarawaktourism.com or check out its website or Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 45

46 In.a.DayTalk As this is the month of celebration here in Sarawak, we have concentrated on spending the day within Kuching city, the capital. The excursion to the croc-farm just outside the city is to get out for a change of scenery and we are certain that your relaxing stroll through the shopping complex will culminate in a gourmet dinner at Tom s for a satisfying experience! in a day Thank you! iconnec@pc.jaring.my 8.00 am Authentic Rich Aromatic Southern Indian Restaurant Come, Spice up your Palate at Sri Shan Roti Canai (Indian Bread) with Potatoes and Cheese A combination of roti canai with western combo of parmesen & cheddar cheese dipped with fish curry makes an excellent meal or sometime as a dessert. Roti Canai with Banana and Jackfruit Slices of banana and jackfruit lightly fried and wrapped in roti canai gives a fragrance with natural sweetness to the bread. Thosay (Indian Rice Pancake) with Potatoes and Cheese Healthy mixture of rice flour and seed flour lightly pan fried and wrapped with potatoes along with generous helping of cheese to give a sumptuous meal guaranteed to satisfy your palate. Curry Mutton Shank Generous size shank cooked for 4 hours in our very own spices and herbs recipe and cooked to a thick delicious curry known to be the best in Malaysia! Sri Shan No.383, Persiaran Ban Hock Kuching, Sarawak Tel: sri_shan@streamyx.com Website: srishan.webs.com Opening Hours: Tue Sat 7.30am 10.00pm Sun & Mon 7.30am 3.00pm Jong s Crocodile Farm am A mere twenty minutes drive from Kuching City is Jong s Crocodile Farm, an established centre for breeding of crocodiles as well as a mini zoo where many different animals can be found. The large compound, with its well built fencing and walls, provide a good close up look at these reptiles, some of which are so menacingly huge, while the newly hatched ones are so cute. As an animal that outlived the dinosaurs, crocodiles are survivors that can adapt well to the changing environment. The crocodiles found here are also breeders. 46 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

47 In.a.DayTalk At specific hours of the day, the feeding time shows feature crocodiles jumping for their meals, a spectacle that can be awe inspiring. Walking around the farm provides visitors the opportunity to view the other animals kept here. These include monkeys, cats and iguanas. It is a good place for the family to visit and learn about these creatures which are fast disappearing from the face of the earth. A leisurely stroll is recommended, as the idea of the visit is to have fun and learn something, especially for the kids. Light meals are available at the in-house canteen. Jong s Crocodile Farm & Zoo Sdn Bhd Tel: (6) (Off) Farm:(6) H/P: (6) (Johnson Jong) jongscrocfarm@yahoo.com Website: jongscrocodile.com Opening Hours: 9.00am 5.00pm (Daily) 2.30 pm Sarawak Plaza Having spent the morning at the croc-farm, it is nice to spend the afternoon out of the hot sun. Plan for some shopping at the Sarawak Plaza where you can get anything from daily necessities to fashionable clothes or even sporting wear. Located right in the middle of the Golden Triangle of the City, it is a convenient shopping centre for guests of the major hotels in the area. Fully air-conditioned, there are specialty shops as well as fast food outlets like KFC and Harts Chicken while Coffee Bean is also found here. For those driving, there are ample parking bays and all around the plaza are other shopping avenues as well as eateries for a relaxing afternoon in the city pm Back in the city after an enjoyable day and it s time for dinner. So what s a good place to dine with fine food and relaxing atmosphere? Come to Tom s, at Padungan Street where you can be assured of the freshest, delicious food prepared piping hot for you. Start with the soup or salad and be tantalised by their flavours. The main course from the western menu is something that will not only please the eyes but also the palate. Tom s meals are always beautifully served and the reviews have always been excellent! Dessert is not to be missed when at Tom s as all the tempting cakes and pastries are all home made and fresh so you can be assured of quality in this aesthetically decorated restaurant. 82, Jalan Padungan, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) Opening Hours: 11.00am 10.30pm (closed on Sunday) Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 47

48 FashionTalk Affordable clothes all year round Not everyone out there has an unlimited wardrobe budget. Therefore, when the opportunity to purchase affordable yet fashionable clothes comes along, you can be sure that ladies will certainly welcome it with open arms. Pamela boutique offers women just that sentiment. Its collection of fashionable merchandise does not only boast the trendiest cuts and designs but are also tagged with prices that are guaranteed not to burn a hole in your pocket. The boutique s collection of clothing caters to all occasions whether you are looking for a simple pair of pants for work or a casual yet eye-catching blouse to wear while out and about in town. For office attire, Pamela offers the latest selection of formal wear which provides ladies with endless options of versatile pieces such as straight-cut black slimming pants that come adorned with ribboned belts or even vertically striped shirts that give the illusion of a slimmer figure while casual attire at the boutique comprise of various styles of fashion blouses bearing beaded or lace trimmings for that extra pizzazz. On the other hand, what ladies should also look out for while at the boutique is their collection of traditional wear namely the baju kurung and kebaya, two popular cultural attire worn generally by the locals here. The selection of baju kurung and kebaya here can be purchased in sets or separately for a more modern intake of the traditional outfit. For instance, the knee-length top of the baju kurung, which is available in cotton, linen or satin, can be paired with a pair of long, sleek pants for a casual, relaxing look. The kebaya, a traditional attire worn by women not only in Malaysia but also in Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore, comes in various designs which also include hand-embroidered motifs, a signature characteristic of this ethnic wear. Like the baju kurung, the kebaya top can be worn with a mermaid skirt, sarong wrapped around the waist or even a pair of jeans for a chic, feminine touch. Other range of clothings and accessories available here are the jubah, a long, flowing attire which originates from the Arabs as well as kain tudung, otherwise known as headscarf, which is available in a multitude of colours and embroidered designs. The best part about shopping at Pamela, is that sizes for the tailor-made collection also cater to plus sizes and nothing costs more than RM200! Now that s what we call a bargain. The brand is also available at Boulevard Departmental Store. Level 1 (Tower Block), Lot 376, DUBS Commercial Centre, Jalan Petanak, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) Fax: (6) pamelasb18@hotmail.com.my Operating hours: 10am to 7pm (daily) 48 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008

49 BeautyTalk Beauty, as they say, is in the eyes of the beholder but everyone knows that good complexion is the key to timeless beauty. In the harsh environment of the tropics, the natural elements of sun, heat and pollution take a toll on the skin; wrinkles appear much earlier, giving the premature ageing look. Poor diet does play a role too in the process as well as a lifestyle that fails to take proper care of our skin. However, do not despair, the professionals at Lady Jenn has the right solution to bring back the shine to your skin and looks. Using only all natural, noninvasive and gentle ingredients in their products, the natural beauty of your skin can be restored and maintained. The main components include Vitamin C, Alpha hydroxyl and beta hydroxyl acids, a high potency form of vitamin-e. These work together to give your skin the right elements to stay healthy and functioning at top condition but this cosmeceutial programme only works well with the right healthy living habits like eating properly, getting enough sleep, taking essential vitamins like A, C and E, and no excessive smoking and drinking of alcohol. & Superb Skin Care It must be remembered that our skin is a vital organ of our body; it protects us from bacteria, viruses and regulates body temperature, all the more reason to look after it well. Stress, poor diet and over exposure to the natural elements can prematurely age our skin and wrinkles start appearing as a result of the ageing process. Some people may even be using very harsh soaps and other detergent-based moisturizers without knowing about them thereby causing more damage to their skin. Come and have a chat with our professionals to get a better understanding of what makes the skin healthy and strong and also see the range of products available to give you that special look! before Complexion FUNCTIONS OF THE PROGRAMME 1) It works as a desquamator due to its proteolytic enzyme content. It enhances the removal of dead skin cells, thus resulting in an increase in new skin cell formation. It also has a cleansing effect. 2) It has an anti-inflammatory and germicidal property that protects the newly formed skin layer against invasive organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In effect, it can be soothing to the skin. 3) It has an auto-healing function that works through the induction of collagen synthesis by way of artificial traumatisation. It also has a tretinoin-like effect which aims at acne treatment. In addition, it has an anti-aging property by inhabiting the enzyme elastase. 4) It induces a natural hydroquinone protection and inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme, hence producing a corrective measure for pigmentation and blemishes. 5) It provides a sun protection factor, preventing the harmful effects of UV rays from damaging the skin. 6) It reduces sebum production by way of alpha-reductase inhibition. PRODUCT INDICATION These products have been designed for wrinkles, acne, pigmentation, age spots, sagging skin, eye bags, and dark eye circles. It also serves as a skin whitener. PRODUCT DOSAGE AND USAGE As prescribed. after We will provide 500 sets of products for those who are interested in partnership. Please call (6) w o r l d w i d e c o s m e t i c n e t w o r k i n g For further information, please call KUALA LUMPUR Lady Jenn Bioscience (m) Sdn Bhd C-0-7, Block C, Plaza Damas, No.60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: (603) Fax: (603) KUCHING Lady Jenn Face & Figure Centre No. 166, Jalan Chan Chin Ann, Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia. Tel: (6082) Fax: (6082) enquiry@ladyjenn.com.my Website: M A L AY S I A I N D O N E S I A T H A I L A N D V I E T N A M T A I W A N C H I N A Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 49

50 PeopleTalk Alexander Nanta Linggi He was 23 when he first ran for public office in Although it was a dismal performance at his debut election, it was to be the beginning of a political career that saw him returning to win by a huge majority in his home ground, Kapit, 19 years later. Since then, he has been the Member of Parliament for Kapit for three consecutive terms. Alexander Nanta Linggi s political inclination must have been inborn. The grandson of the great Iban paramount Chief Tun Jugah who became a Federal Minister following Sarawak s independence within Malaysia, Alex carries on with the family tradition in politics. His own father Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah was an elected representative himself before retiring from active politics to spend more time on his business. Alex s involvement in politics was not planned. Born in Kapit, he basically grew up in a political environment. When his grandfather died, he was in his early twenties pursuing a degree in Business Studies in London. He had heard much from his grandfather of his political dealings with other leaders. Alex has come a long way since his first election. As he looks back to where he started, he learns how important it is for the people of Sarawak to treasure the peace and harmony that the state has been blessed with. As a state with 26 ethnic groups, I can t imagine how it would be like if we are not together. But look, we never have racial problems, he says with pride. As history has it, his grandfather was a principal contributor to the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. He was described in a biography on him as a bridge between East and West Malaysia. The legacy of the founding fathers of Malaysia lives on in the Land of the Hornbills. As a leader, Alex does well to take on what his grandfather had started particularly in helping to promote the existing peace and harmony not only in Sarawak but also Malaysia at large. 50 BorneoTalkJul-Sept2008 Politics brings him closer to both people and nature. To go to his constituency, one has to take a boat. The longhouses in Kapit are far from each other. Hence, Alex is used to traveling long hours to reach out to the people, and he is not complaining, as he says, I enjoy longhouse visits. The people may make one thousand and one requests, so to speak, but the journey itself is therapeutic. The people I meet along the way, the streams and the so-called jungles make me feel good. At one time, we walked for about five hours, going over two big hills and crossing streams but it was fun. He adds, When we know people, we learn about them, their way of thinking and their needs. At the same time, they may get to know me better. Being in the midst of it all, he saw Kapit as having the potential to be a tourist destination in the near future. One of the latest tourism projects in the division is the Tagang System Project, at Sungai Tisa, Yong. With the help of the Agriculture Department and the longhouse involved, more than 100,000 indigenous fish of different species have been released into the river for tourist activities. Thus far, Alex has learned one important thing life is beautiful if we know how to love simple things. Keeping The Malaysian Spirit Alive

51 Asia Pacific Technical HRD Conference and Career Expo 2008 Corporate Social Responsibilities and Technical Vocational Education & Training (TVET) for Sustainable Development: Promoting Economic Development and Social Equity ConferenceTalk The current trend of economic development around the world is focused on sustainable development as well as the concept of Education For All. These challenges are aimed at creating a better environment for everyone regardless of where they are, and in line with these developments, corporate social responsibility is now a major consideration for all businesses wherever they operate. Hence it is imperative that the workforce of the future be made aware of these changes and to prepare to adapt these values in the places where they work. The International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak (ICATS) will be holding the Asia Pacific Technical HRD Conference and Career Expo 2008 on 6 th -7 th August 2008 in Kuching, Sarawak which will specifically focus on these issues. Regardless of the nature of businesses, the workforce is becoming more international in composition while modern communications technology has made it easy to conduct business anywhere, anytime and with anyone. Now, age and gender as well as experience seem less crucial when seeking employment as corporations are constantly on the lookout for technically capable people with the right mindset. In these aspects, the Technical Vocational Education & Training (TVET) section of the conference will address these aspects of doing business in today s world. The theme for the conference is Promoting Economic Development and Social Equity which centres around the three core concepts of sustainable, economic development and social responsibility. Education is the common factor in all these as it is the main medium to enable us to gain knowledge and also enhances our capabilities and skills. The conference will feature speakers from around the world including Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Germany as well as Malaysia. These presenters come from both the corporate and public sectors and each is experienced and technically skilled in their respective positions. For more information or enquiries on the conference, please contact: Conference Secretary (Registration) Asia Pacific Technical HRD Conference and Career Expo 2008 International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak (ICATS) Jalan Canna, Off Jalan Wan Alwi, Tabuan Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) , , Fax: /364196/ norashikin@ppks.edu.my / nurhaqqq@yahoo.com 6 th -7 th August 2008 Crowne Plaza, Riverside Hotel Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Paper 1 Working Place Learning By: Mr. Wong Hee Jiong (Regional Manager, Learning & Development SHELL, Asia Pacific) Paper 2 Enhancing Graduate Employability By: Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak (Senior Fellow, Havard University s Center for Business and Government, Thailand) Paper 3 Skills and Emerging Technology By: Dr. Saleh Al-Amr (Vice Governor, Technical Vocational Training Corporation - TVTC, Saudi Arabia) Paper 4 Facilitating Change & Innovation: Leadership Challenge By: Dr. Pater Shephard (President, Brain Dynamic Global) Paper 5 Corporate Social Responsibility For Sustainable Development By: Datu Ghafur Shariff (Deputy Sarawak State Secretary, Malaysia) Paper 6 ACADEMIC - Industry Collaboration: Strategies and Opportunities for the Future By: Professor Dr. Sulaiman Yamin (UTHM) Paper 7 The Skill Gap : What is it and how to close it By: Terry O hanlon - Rose (Director /CEO, Australian Technical College, Brisbane) Paper 8 Changing Traditional Roles in the world of work - Gender Equity By: Dr. Wan Azlinda Wan Mohamed & Associate Professor Dr. Maizam Alias (UTHM) Paper 9 Soft Skill: Important in the world and how to train them By: Md. Klaus Sodermann (President International Vocational Education & Training Association - IVETA, Germany) Paper 10 Quality Assurance model for Continuing Technical Education Paper 11 Employability Driven In Technical & Vocational Education - Trends Issues By: Dr. Madeleine Reeve (Pro Vice Chancellor, RMIT University Australia) Jul-Sept2008BorneoTalk 51

52 Promosi Kraf Malaysia 1 st - 10 th August am to 10.00pm Kuching Waterfront (Square Tower) Sales Promotion by 70 entrepreneurs Craft Exhibition Educational Craft: (i) Craft Demonstration (ii) Interactive Craft (iii) Folks Games Cultural Performances Café Berandau Guided Tour For further information, please contact: Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, Sarawak Lot 3057, Blok 18, Daerah Salak, Petra Jaya, Jalan Stadium, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: , , Fax: