Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Co-operatives urged to support NCA (BB-19/5/07)
Co-operatives are urged to support the National Co-operative Alliance (NCA) by becoming a member to the apex body. This suggestion was highighted during a national co-operative meeting chaired by Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Awh Hj Dani Hj Ibrahim in his capacity as the head of the body. The function was held at BINA’s headquarters in Gadong on 18/5/07.
According to Pehin Awg Hj Dani, adopting a ‘wait and see’ attitude would retard the growth of co-operative movement since the objective of NCA formation is to unite all co-operatives in the country. As an apex body which functions as an umbrella representing co-operative bodies, NCA plays a key role among co-operatives and at the same time works collectively with government agencies to encourage the development of co-operative movement.
He said, co-operatives must have a good vision to think globally since this perceptive mind would help to contribute and boost local economic growth among co-operatives community. Strong support from established co-operatives would in a way helps in the development of this entity such as giving out a lending hand in areas of expertise, experience and capability.
He added, promoting local products is a good example to generate incomes among co-operative by means of marketing their products and services since it has a potential to grow if undertaken properly.

Pehin Hj Dani with NCA affiliates
To date, 22 out of 160 registered co-operatives have affiliated to the body since its creation in 1991 and the revival of NCA will draw more co-operatives to join the body. To achieve this, road show, briefing and information dissemination is a prerequisite to attract co-operative to become members.
Among the agendas at yesterday’s meeting was the approval of the previous general meeting papers, General Secretary’s report, financial report, discussing the proposed amendment of NCA’s name and correspondence address as well as the appointment of new administrative officials for 2007-2009.
Also in attendance were the Acting Director of BINA, Pg Sharifuddin Pg Hj Matali, BINA officials and affiliated co-operatives’ leaders.

Entrepreneurs sign leas agreement (BB-18/5/07)
Another new group of entrepreneurs penned down a contract agreement on 17/5/07 at a ceremony held at BINA’s headquarters in Gadong. The lease agreement was for five entrepreneurs who have been awarded facilities to rent out spaces at industrial buildings and plot of lands at several key industrial sites in Brunei Muara and Belait Districts.
The Acting Director of BINA, Pg Hj Sharifuddin Pg Hj Matali was present to sign the agreement on behalf of the government while the entrepreneurs were represented by their owners and shareholders.

Pg Sharifuddin (left) presenting an agreement document to a representative from BIBD At-Tammwil Berhad

Great weekend escapade at KL (BB-20/5/07)
Kuala Lumpur has been one of my favorite cities in the Asean region. Beautiful landscapes, delicacies aplenty, magnificent skyscrapers and clusters of shopping malls dotting KL are the alluring factors which make a visit worthy and memorable. However, my recent outing there is almost derailed as the timing of the journey coincides with a work commitment. I have cautiously planned the trip well in-advanced to avoid disappointment and to my great relief; the event is brought forward to a new date paving the way for another escapade, an opportunity not to be missed in the current flourishing VMY 2007.

iluminated KL

While browsing through an in-flight magazine, I was taken aback when a pilot’s name is announced by a flight attendance. The irony is that, the plane is being piloted by someone I know most and for the first time after so many years of traveling, I was being ‘flown’ by my younger brother. Reminiscence of his school days, he is one of the aspiring students with his childhood dream is to pilot a plane. He had captured his imagination and considered to be one of the finest local pilots ever recruited by RBA and now holds a captaincy insignia.
One of my itineraries brought me to an international book fair which is held for 10 days at Putra World Trade Center (PWTC). Millions of books were put on display for sales and promotion with a simple but significant theme ‘books empower’. This event is expected to attract one million visitors and one of the highlights of VMY 2007 apart from other mega events, shows and parades which will be culminated with a countdown on the stroke of midnight to usher in Malaysia’s 50th years of nationhood at Merdeka Square on Aug, 31st.

Mascot at PWTC

Being the capital city of multi-cultural Malaysia, KL does not fail to offer food and dishes of Malay, Indian and Chinese variety. A number of Western dining spots are aplenty. So if you don’t want to miss out on the true Malaysian brunch, why not drop at restaurants, coffeshops and stalls throughout KL to pamper yourselves with an ever-popular delicacies such as Nasi Lemak, Asam Laksa, Hokkien Mee, Satay and Banana Leaf Curry Rice.
Staying at KL without spending a day off at sprawling and vibrant Jalan Bukit Bintang vicinity is incomplete. This affluent center is packed with shopping arcades; entertainment outlets, food courts and abuzz with tourists adding up a lively atmosphere all day and night. Merchandises from cloths, sport wears, trendy outfits, gadgetries to knick knacks are relatively affordable as most shopping malls offer big discounts to shoppers and bargain hunters in conjunction with tourism year.
On walkabouts, I spotted a striking blue color booth at a street opposite Sungai Wang Plaza. Initially, I mistook it as an information kiosk but upon close scrutiny, it is an ultra-modern public or street toilet equipped with automated motion sensors, user-friendly and resistance to vandalism.

An 'elevator' at a street
The usage is simple; just slot in 20 cent, the toilet door will automatically open and the cubicle is large enough to fit a few people. On the inside, buttons for ‘door open’ and ‘door close’ and ‘emergency’ are at fingertips just like an elevator. A maintenance staff manning a counter next to the toilet said it has been well-received since it hogged the limelight late last year. She added these family-friendly air-conditioned toilets are strategically located at other spots in and around the city center. In fact, it is the first street toilet being introduced by Kuala Lumpur City Hall especially for tourists’ convenience to reduce the practice of popping into fast-food restaurants or petrol stations in the event of nature’s call. To break loose from the hectic life of KL, dropping off for a nature walk at the foot of KL Tower is a soothing remedy. Bukit Nanas or Pineapple Hill is the only pristine tropical forest left in the heart of the city. A wonderful array of flora and fauna could be observed at the forest against the backdrop of the cosmopolitan city that surrounds KL Tower on all sides. Or climb up to tower itself to watch the panoramic view of KL skyline at daytime and dine at the revolving restaurant at night.

A view of KL Tower from the foot of Pineapple Hill

Rounding off a trip, KLCC is my last destination. I lost counts how many times I have been to this wonderful skyscraper but this time around, I made myself available to observe KL landscape from the 41st floor of the observation deck linking both Petronas towers. Tickets are complimentary and obtainable at the counter for a breathtaking bird’s eye view of KL skyline.

A panaromic view of KL skyline from Petronas Tower