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enang has been sharing in the increased tourism traffic to Malaysia and its economic
success. The recognition of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage site has not
only helped to generate more tourist visits, but also brought increased focus on
renovating the older buildings and ensuring that they retain their traditional look.
Reaching the International Community
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Penang’s State Government has issued guidelines on how to restore the building so as not
to lose their original old world charm. Penang now offers a delightful blend of East and
West on top of its claim to be the food capital of Malaysia.
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Marybeth Ramey
Editor
Chad Merchant
Assistant Editor
Sarah Rees
Art Director
Chai Siew Kim
Senior Graphic Designer
Charles Lee
IT Director
Rusli Arshad
IT
A. Saiful Safuan, Mohamed Azman,
Rozalin Mahmood
Online Content Editor
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Media Director
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Commercial Director
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Business Development Director
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Joey Tan, Jessy Lou
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for more information:
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Jalan Kapas, Bangsar,
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03.2093 9539 / 2094 9664
Fax: 03.2094 9690 / 2094 9670
e-mail:
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H I
Publisher
J. Andrew Davison
T H E R E !
www.theexpatgroup.com
There are now a growing number of expat and local entrepreneurs taking advantage of the
changing face of George Town. A few wonderfully renovated boutique hotels have opened
and the rooms are superbly decorated and by all accounts, most offer excellent service. For
anyone wanting to explore the changing face of George Town, these hotels are well-situated
alongside many new restaurants, art galleries, and delightful little restaurants.
Another result of these changes is an increase in the expat population. I was surprised
to discover that the number of Penang subscribers to The Expat has almost doubled in
the last four years. Over 10% of our subscribers now live there. The readership survey
we conducted last year revealed that many Penang-based readers wanted to see more
coverage of their home state. Naturally, with nearly 80% of our readers located in the
Klang Valley, we inevitably have a lot of coverage about KL and its environs.
We were not convinced that the 700 expat households located in Penang were sufficient
to justify another magazine. However, by including the affluent tourists who visit Penang
and placing copies in all the 4- and 5-star hotels and the newer boutique hotels, we
decided it was economically viable. The anticipated growth of the expat market in Penang
lent further validation to our decision.
The result was Penang International, our new, bi-monthly magazine focused solely on the
many attractions of Penang. It aims to give resident expats and tourists alike a better insight
into the state, along with its history, culture, people, and many attractions. The first issue
came out in April and has been enthusiastically received by expats and the local business
community in Penang. Nearly all the top hotels have agreed to put copies in their guest
rooms, so it is reaching just the right audience for businesses seeking affluent foreigners.
Penang International is mailed out free of charge with The Expat to anyone with a Penang
address. If you live elsewhere in Malaysia and would like a copy, you can contact our
Distribution Manager, Suriah ([email protected]), and request a subscription.
Naturally, there will be a small annual fee, but if you want to know more about Penang, it’s
an excellent investment.
We will be hosting events in Penang from time to time, and last month we had an
exclusive event aboard a luxury yacht and showcased some of the latest
Mercedes-Benz models.
For expats living in KL who enjoy such events and would like to check
out a superb residential development just south of KL (towards KLIA
and Cyberjaya), be sure to sign up for our Family Fun Day at Jade Hills.
There will be plenty of things to do on top of the BBQ and free-flow
drinks. You can get more details on page 30. Lots of fun for all the
family and a chance to see the superb clubhouse and get a feel for the
luxury living this development offers.
Finally, thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to our
recent banking survey. It provides some interesting insights
into expats’ financial needs and we will share some high-level
results with readers in next month’s issue.
Have a great month.
J. Andrew Davison
Follow us on Facebook!
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CONTENTS
|
MAY 2012 VOLUME 176
TO GET YOUR FREE COPY OF THE EXPAT DELIVERED EVERY MONTH, VISIT WWW.EXPATKL.COM,
CALL 03.2094 9664, OR FILL IN THE FORM ON PAGE 112.
36
EVENTS
8
9
11
18
23
24
Events
Clubs and Associations
Expat News
Around The Expat Group
Land, Sea, and Flair
Expat Extracts
COLUMNS
13
15
17
20
My View by Marybeth Ramey
Rees’s Pieces by Sarah Rees
Almost Home by Chad Merchant
MAY FOCUS: PROPERTY
27
31
36
40
Where to Invest?
Booming Business
Expat Homes: Life on KLCC Park
FEATURES
39
40
44
47
48
49
50
52
61
69
52
97
In His Own Words: Jimmy Choo
Conservation: Something Worth Saving
An Afternoon with the Belgian Ambassador
Motoring: Baby Steps
TalentCorp News: Many Options for Expat
Workers
Iskandar Malaysia: Dream No More
Artist Profile: Yee Yuen Chin
Art: Islamic Treasures
Books: The Making of Sini Sana
Business Profile: The Man Behind the Music
TRAVEL & TOURISM
54
56
58
The River Ganges: A Journey Like No Other
Singapore: Dawn to Dusk
Expat Airline and Travel News
HEALTH
63
64
Body and Soul: All in the Mind
Health and Beauty: Dr. Mark Reyneker
EDUCATION
70
75
81
83
70
85
Expressions 2012
School Snaps
Educator Essay by Dr. Stuart Martin
Profile: 21st-Century Teaching and Learning at
Australian International School Malaysia
Educator Interview: Adam Patterson
PENANG PROMENADE
87
89
Tea and Love in Penang
What’s On Around Penang?
Plus 30 pages of EXPAT INFORMATION
PP// ()
xpat
The E onthly
M
Card ecials
Sp
YEE YUEN CHIN
(see page 50)
6 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
90
page
93
95
105
118
Dining Promos
Restaurant Reviews and Dining Guide
Shopping and Services
The Expat Directory
The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views
of Borneo Vision Sdn Bhd. The publisher shall not be held liable for
any omission, error, or inaccuracy. No parts of this publication may be
reproduced in any form without the publisher’s permission.
may events ...
30
March – 29 June
Art fans
will be thrilled
to hear that
Kuala Lumpur
has become
the latest port
of call for
the travelling
treasures of
the worldrenowned Aga
Khan Museum.
Treasures of
the Aga Khan Museum: Architecture
in Islamic Arts runs at the Islamic Arts
Museum Malaysia (IAMM) from 30 March
to 29 June. This is a superb chance to see
a variety of Islamic art from all reaches of
the Islamic world and appreciate the sheer
variety of Islamic art styles from across the
generations. The museum is located close
to the Lake Gardens and is open every day
(including public holidays) from 10am6pm. General admission costs RM12
(adults) or RM6 (students and Malaysians
aged 55 and over), while children aged
6 and under enter free of charge. Visit
www.iamm.org.my for more details.
28
April – 6 May
Pan Productions brings the muchloved musical The Wizard of Oz to the
Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
(klpac) for 9 days and promises a colourful,
family show featuring performers based
here in Malaysia. This well-known story
follows the fate of Dorothy, who ends
up in the land of Oz after a tornado and
encounters all sorts of characters on her
journey along the yellow brick road to
meet the Wizard. Tickets cost from RM85RM125 and are available online at www.
klpac.org or by calling 03.4047 9000.
8 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
Peter Lawford (played by Nigel MilesThomas) for an evening of fabulous music
complemented by a five-course dinner,
glasses of champagne, and delicious
cocktails. Performances are at 7.30pm
each day and tickets are priced between
RM350 and RM550 nett. For more
details or to reserve your place, visit
www.discoverlemeridien.com.
5
May
8
May – 8 June
An usual combination of music and
travel comes together for Songs from the
Mekong, an event to be held at Publika,
Solaris Dutamas. Catch this travel/music
documentary at 5pm, 6.30pm, and 8pm
at Black Box and follow the journey of five
diverse musicians as they travel through
the heart of the Cambodian jungle.
The film screening is free of charge. At
9pm (doors open at 8pm) at The Bee,
see the musicians live on stage as they
perform some of the music from Songs
from the Mekong. With tickets for the
live performance priced at just RM10, or
RM30 with an accompanying CD, this
is a great chance to support talented
musicians and embrace a different musical
culture. For more information, visit
www.onesheet.com/onthebeatandpath.
Artemis Art is one of the newest
art galleries in town, and they seek to
showcase contemporary art from upand-coming, regional artists, as well as
offering space for art and cultural events.
During May, visit the gallery in Publika
(Solaris Dutamas) and catch three Penangbased artists’ creations on display. The
collaborative exhibition Our Love, Our
Passion, Our Gratitude features three
female artists paying homage to the
important role of women in the arts. The
three artists featured are Ng Kim Heoh,
Tan See Ling, and Tan Sock Chin, each
of whom brings her own distinctive style
to her work. The gallery is open Tuesday
to Saturday, 11am-7pm, and Sundays
12pm-5pm. Visit www.facebook.com/
ArtemisArt.KL for more details.
11
– 13 May
Le Meridien KL invites you to step
into the fantastic world of Frank Sinatra,
as Richard Shelton brings the timeless
essence of Sinatra to the stage. Shelton
has won acclaim as Frank Sinatra in the
musical smash hit Rat Pack Confidential in
London’s West End, picking up an award
for Best Actor in a Musical. Catch him at
the hotel with fellow Rat Pack performer
19
May
20
May
26
– 27 May
The 10th Ibu Family Bazaar is a
wonderful event for the whole family
organised by the Ibu Family Resource
Group. Running from 10am-6pm at the
1MK Mall in Mont Kiara, the bazaar is a
great place to buy things for the children,
pick up special gifts, or purchase unique
items. The children will enjoy the bouncy
castle, the kids’ area, and the various
activities including a lucky draw, while
parents can catch one of the parenting
talks. Admission is free, and for more
information visit www.ibufamily.org.
Now entering its 4th sizzling year,
the Latin American Festival represents the
coming together of all the South American
embassies and their various compatriots
in a day of food, dancing, costumes, and
South American passion! Running from
11am-6pm at BB Park in Bukit Bintang,
this is a great chance to soak up some
South American culture, try some fantastic
home made food, admire dancers, and
join the Latin community to celebrate their
heritage.
A sextet of French performers will
be featured on stage this month, two in
live form and four in music. French Dreams
features Faure, Debussy, Poulenc, and Ravel
performed by the Malaysian Philaharmonic
Orchestra with two French musical
maestros, conductor Stéphane Denéve and
pianist Eric Le Sage. Showing at 8.30pm on
Saturday and 3pm on Sunday, tickets cost
RM30-RM120. Visit www.mpo.com.my or
call 03.2051 7007.
clubs and associations ...
AAM
Weekly Events: Mondays: Mah-jong at
the AAM Villa, 1pm-3pm
Thursdays: Quilting at the AAM Villa,
10am-1.30pm
Saturdays:
KL Roadrunners at KLCC Park, 7 am
Bingo at Little Sisters of the Poor
Date: 8 May Time: 10am-11am
Venue: St. Francis Xavier Home for the
Elderly RSVP: [email protected]
Every first Tuesday of the month, you can
help spread the joy in this home for the
elderly with a game of bingo!
Tour of Sungai Buloh Nurseries
Date: 8 May Time: 9am-12.30pm Venue:
Sungai Buloh Cost: RM85 Members,
RM100 Non-Members RSVP: aam_kl05@
streamyx.com by 30 April
Join Angie Ng and her husband Kim, a
horticulturist from Perth, for a visit to the
popular Sungai Buloh nurseries.
First Fridays
Date: 11 May Time: 12pm-2pm
Venue: Ben’s, Pavilion Mall, Level 6
Cost: Price of own food and drinks
RSVP: [email protected] by 10 May
This monthly social activity is especially
for newly arrived expats and is a good
opportunity to gather information and to
meet new friends over lunch.
Coffee Morning: Healing with Gemstones
Date: 17 May Time: 10am-12 pm
Venue: AAM Villa RSVP: aam_kl05@
streamyx.com by 16 May
Learn about meditation and healing with
gemstones in a session with Ann Robben
Dott, a meditation teacher and energy
worker.
Chinese Brush Painting Class
with James Phua
Date: 22 and 29 May Time: 10am-12 pm
Venue: AAM Villa Cost: RM240 Members;
RM300 Non-Members, plus RM 50
materials fee RSVP: aam_kl05@streamyx.
com by 14 May
This two-day workshop will cover the
history and techniques of Chinese brush
painting. Participants will also have the
opportunity to complete two pieces.
Spring Fashion Show
Date: 23 May Time: 11.30am-2 pm
Venue: Senses, Hilton Sentral KL Cost:
RM150 Members, RM180 Non-members;
inclusive of 3-course lunch, welcome
drink, and glass of wine RSVP: aam_kl05@
streamyx.com by 16 May
Enjoy modern Australian cuisine by Chef
Michael Elfwing in the stylish Senses
Restaurant as fashionable and elegant
outfits from i.Karrtini are modelled by our
AAM members. A selection of the products
will be available for purchase.
Cooking Class: Malaysian Favorites
with Chef Judy Loh
Date: 25 May Time: 10am-12.30pm
Venue: AAM Villa Cost: RM60 Members,
RM75 Non-members RSVP: aam_kl05@
streamyx.com by 18 May
Impress your friends and family by learning
how to make classic Malaysian dishes like
fried kuey teow, chicken rice, and cendol.
Class includes lunch.
Salsa, Samba, and Rhythm Dance
Workshop with Arte E Vida
Date: 28 May Time: 10am-11.30am
Venue: AAM Villa Cost: RM50 Members,
RM70 Non-members RSVP: aam_kl05@
streamyx.com by 25 May
Get your blood pumping with a dance
workshop from Michelle Toh and Caffy
Khoo of Arte E Vida Dance Studio, who
will cover the basics of salsa, samba, and
rhythm dance.
ABWM
Regular Events:
Bahasa Malaysia Classes:
8.45am-10.45am and 11am-1pm.
Contact Hanipah 019.275 5771
Valencia Coffee Morning: Every 2nd
Tuesday at Dabbs from 10am. Contact
Margaret 012.344 6880
Ampang Coffee Morning: Every Monday
at Chinoz on the Park (KLCC) from
10.30am. Contact Grace 017.693 2512
Photography: Monthly sessions held at
the ABWM House (Bangsar).
Contact Mique 012.619 5033
GSSKL
Family Jungle Trip with Tilman
Schröder
Date: 27 May Time: 9am Venue: Meet at
the parking lot at the German School of
Kuala Lumpur. Cost: RM165 (kids RM100)
Members or RM190 (kids RM120) nonmembers RSVP: [email protected]
The fee includes transportation, visit to an
oil palm plantation, a jungle walk, a swim,
a BBQ lunch, and a visit to an orchid farm.
KLOGS (KUALA LUMPUR’S OTHER
GOLFING SOCIETY)
The KLOGS gentlemen golf group meets
on the third Wednesday of each month,
playing on prestigious golf courses in and
around KL. For details please email ‘El Pres’
at [email protected]
KL COBRAS ICE HOCKEY CLUB
The KL Cobras meet every Monday at
9.30pm at Sunway Pyramid. We have over
50 players and participate in a league. We
play in tournaments around Asia Pacific
and host regular social and charity events.
Contact [email protected] or visit
www.klcobras.com.
SOUTH AFRICANS IN MALAYSIA
South African Coffee Morning!
We meet on the second Thursday of every
month. Contact Dorne Sherwood at
012.916 8506 or [email protected].
SELANGOR ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY
Whiskey Kiss
Date: 26 May Time: 7pm Venue: Hilton
Hotel KL Cost: RM300 members, RM340
(non-members) RSVP: ssaswhiskeykiss@
gmail.com
Catch punk band Whiskey Kiss and
Scottish comedian Craig Hill at this
fantastic evening of food and drinks.
Address Book
American Association of Malaysia
Unit G-3A Villa Seavoy 7, Lorong Titiwangsa
8, Taman Titiwangsa, 53200 KL. Tel: 03.4021
4367 / 4368 Web: www.klamerican.com Email:
[email protected]
Association Francophone de Malaisie (AFM)
34, Jalan Dutamas Raya, 51200 Kuala Lumpur
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.afmkuala.com
Association of British Women In Malaysia
(ABWM) 88, Jalan Terasek 8 Bangsar Baru 59100,
KL. Tel: 03.2284 4407 Web: www.abwm.com.my
Canadian Association of Malaysia
CAM Mailing Address c/o Canadian High
Commission, 17th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan,
207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Web: www.canadians-in-kl.com
German Speaking Society Of Kuala Lumpur
(GSSKL) P.O. Box 707, Jalan Sultan, 46670
Petaling Jaya. E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.gsskl.com.my
Hellenic Society of Malaysia
Villa Putra Putri, 3 Gerbang Ampang Hilir,
55000 KL Tel: Miltos 012 772 0150 Email:
[email protected]
Web: www.facebook.com/GreeksInMalaysia,
http://grecomalaysian.blogspot.com
International Women’s Association –
Kuala Lumpur (IWAKL)
P.O. Box 269 Jalan Sultan 46670 Petaling Jaya .
Web: www.iwakl.org E-mail: [email protected]
Ibu Family Resource Group
78 Sri Hartamas 18, Taman Sri Hartamas, KL.
Tel: 03.6211 0666 Web: www.ibufamily.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Japanese Club
2, Jalan 1/86, off Jalan Taman Seputeh,
Taman Seputeh, 58200 KL. Tel: 03.2274 2274
Fax: 03.2274 3584 Web: www.jckl.org.my
KL Cobras Ice Hockey Club
Email: [email protected] Web: www.klcobras.com
KPC Melati Indonesian Women in Mixed
Marriages Web: www.kpcmelati.org,
Email: [email protected]
Tel: Rika O’Hanlon 017.601 7718
Malaysian Australian New Zealand
Association (MANZA)
38, Jalan Tempinis, Bangsar, KL.
Tel: 03.2284 7145 Fax: 03.2287 7151
Email: manzaoffi[email protected]
Web: www.manza.org
South Africans in Malaysia
Email: [email protected]
Tel: Dorne Sherwood, 012.9168506
Latin American Ladies Association
Web: www.damaslatinas.com.my
Email: [email protected] /
[email protected]
The Royal Society of St George
E-mail: Michael McIver (Hon Sec)
[email protected]
Web: www.stgeorgesmalaysia.com
Scandinavian Society Malaysia (SSM)
Scandinavian Society Malaysia
Suite 303, F139, BSC, 285 Jalan Maarof,
Bangsar 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.scandinaviansocietymalaysia.com
Swedish Women’s Educational Association
Web: www.swea.org/kualalumpur/
E-mail: [email protected]
St. Andrew’s Society PO Box 6210, Pudu Post
Office, 55720 KL. Web: www.ssas-online.com
Turkish Malaysian Friendship Association
Contact: Ms. Nilufer Senyuva 019.396 4086
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 9
Expat News
Editor’s
Note…
Minimum House Price
For Foreigners Could Rise
There is talk of the Government raising
the minimum house price at which
foreigners can buy property to RM1
million, which is double the current
minimum. Apparently, this is meant to
ease inflationary pressure on house prices.
There is no question that house prices are
rising, but that happens in every country
where there is economic growth.
Raising the minimum price would certainly
not be popular with developers, although
they seem to be building more and more
developments where prices start above
RM1 million so they are already pushing
up prices. Of course, prices outside KL are
much lower and a minimum price of RM1
million in some states would effectively
keep foreigners out of those markets.
As minimum purchase prices for foreigners
are a state matter, there is no certainty that
every state would immediately raise the
minimum price if the Federal Government
does make this change. However, history
shows that, over time, the states do tend
to fall in line with federal guidelines.
ELECTION COMING SOON
There is much talk of an election coming
soon. Certainly the Government has
been implementing a lot of polices which
would be popular with voters. Quite a few
grants have been given to lower income
households which should go down well
with that section of the electorate.
It seems there are still many voters who
are sceptical about the Government
Transformation Programme, but as far
as we can see, there are a lot of people
working hard to make it a reality. More
importantly, they seem to be getting
results, as you’ll see in the next news item.
GTP/ETP 2011 ANNUAL REPORT
SHOWS GOOD PROGRESS
There is no question that the Government
is making a huge effort to communicate
its plans under the Government and
Economic Transformation Programmes.
They have also set up Key Performance
Indicators for nearly all the objectives
and submit regular progress reports to
the public.
As regular readers will be aware, the goal
is to transform Malaysia into a highincome nation by 2020. This is defined
as increasing per capita Gross National
Income from around US$7,000 today to
over US$15,000 by 2020.
The transformation programmes consist of
numerous Entry Point Projects (EPPs) which
collectively will help transform Malaysia
into a high-income economy. The recently
released 2011 report states that 72 of the
131 EPPs have commenced and many are
producing impressive results. The Gross
National Income in 2011 was RM830
billion, which was 4% above the target.
Foreign Direct Investment has reached
record levels and several major
multinationals have decided to set up
regional operating centres in Malaysia.
GDP growth in 2011 was 5.1%, which,
while below the targeted 6% per annum
factored into the plan, is impressive
nonetheless given the global economic
problems which slowed demand in
key export markets. The situation was
compounded by natural disasters in
Japan and Thailand which both impacted
Malaysia. The projection is for economic
growth to pick up this year and exceed the
6% target.
Cliché as it may be, the one constant in
life really is change. As you know, The
Expat Group’s editor extraordinaire, Will
Citrin, left us a couple of months ago.
Naturally, the show must go on, and in
that spirit, I have accepted the position
and will be heading up the editorial side
of our group. I am fortunate to work with
such a dedicated and talented team of
designers, writers, and editorial staff, and
indeed, this publication wouldn’t exist
without their efforts.
More to the point, however, is that
our publications are here to serve you,
our faithful readers. You’ll notice a few
changes here and there over the coming
months, but our focus and mission for
The Expat remains the same: Helping you
discover more about your home away
from home.
One way I believe our group really stands
apart is in our desire to personally
interact with our readers on a regular
basis. So when you see us at the Mingles,
Wine Dinners, or any of the events we
organize or host, please feel free to say
hi. And, as ever, your feedback is always
welcomed and encouraged.
Finally, to all our expat mothers who
are, on a daily basis, facing the unique
challenge of raising expat kids here in
Malaysia, a very warm Happy Mother’s
Day wish goes out to you. Be sure to
check all the great Mother’s Day specials
on offer in our dining section.
Enjoy the month!
Chad Merchant
[email protected]
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 11
my view ...
An award winning writer, Marybeth Ramey is The Expat Group’s Consultant Director
and has lived in Malaysia for 13 years. Her adult children grew up in Malaysia and now
reside in the USA along with her grandgirl, Raya-Rosine. She welcomes your feedback
@ [email protected]
Taxi Turnaround
Recently, on an overcast, rainy evening,
I was told in no uncertain terms to remove
my crippled, mat-salleh achingly tired
self from the confines of the smelly, dirty
taxicab I was in somewhere near my
planned destination, the University Malaya
Specialist Centre. As I stood on some slip
road under darkening skies, clutching
my huge MRI envelope, x-rays, and my
voluminous bag, attempting to keep my
three-wheeled walker from rolling into
traffic, I was not at all pleased.
In fact, I was blisteringly angry, yet still
calm enough to realize I wasn’t exactly
holding the upper hand. Here in Malaysia,
the customer is not always king, as my
Western cultural upbringing had imbued
in me.
He had already shown up 20 minutes late,
although this had been a pre-arranged
arrangement with Encik Taximan. Using my
best Bahasa, I made it excruciatingly clear
that my appointment was for 6pm and
that I had waited several weeks to see this
particular Professor Doctor of Orthopedics,
so I was already not in the mood for any of
the plethora of excuses I hear almost daily
when I attempt to phone in for a taxi.
taxi man to contend with driving back to
Bangsar. The one that tourists and new
expats will find the most irritating, though,
is the vast majority of taxi men here have
no idea of where anything is located. If
you don’t know exactly how to reach your
destination, they simply refuse to take you.
You would think that their primary job
is to know where the streets and major
buildings are, wouldn’t you? Yeah, me too.
he pay attention and get me there on
time. Sadly, it was already way past the
appointment time now but during a frantic
call with the nice nurse lady at UMSC, she
soothingly said if I could get there by 7pm
the doctor could still see me. This was the
point he stopped the taxi and ordered me
out. You know that feeling when you find
it very difficult not to strangle someone? I
had that feeling.
Once in my tardy taxi, I immediately
handed over to him a carefully handdrawn map with all major streets identified
in Bahasa as well as several well-known
landmarks noted. Dear old Dad—I mean,
Andy, my dear boss—had painstakingly
spent quite some time on this work of
art and most third graders could have
followed it. But not my taxi man who
informed me he did not know how to
read MY map. I told him through gritted
teeth that maps are a universal language,
yet he would not relent on showcasing his
ignorance.
He definitely recognised the extent of my
disability and apparently, this actually gave
him even more satisfaction to kick me out
into the rainy night. Adding to my anger
was that it wasn’t until I was out of the
taxi, scrambling around to get acclimated
that I was aware I had not gotten his
taxicab number so I could later make a
fruitless complaint to the new hotline set
up just for such occasions.
“You are going to the Bangsar Shopping
Centre? No, cannot, because all the drivers
are having their dinner now,” or the most
common “reason” (and, I might add, the
most frustrating one) is, “No, it is either
going to rain or is raining.” I have often
held my retort and almost bitten off my
tongue in the process by wanting to
comment that the rain is the very reason I
need a taxi!
I decided to tell him what direction to go
as I was one, determined not to miss this
important appointment, and two, that I
could easily follow the map myself and
tell him where to go. Yes, I did want to
tell him where he could REALLY go, but
admirably refrained. Instead, we got on
the correct highway and as I attempted to
tell him to turn off, he pretended not to
hear me and kept going. I insisted he back
up and go down the slip road. By this time
my hands were wet and my clothes were
sticking to me with the stress of the sweat
draining out every pore as I kept glancing
at the clock with increasing anxiety.
And while I am on the subject, the second
and third most common excuses are that
there is most likely a jam where I want to
travel or there will be one for the poor
Finally, I could not contain my Americanness any longer and—admittedly—my
voice rose a few octaves and became a
bit deafening (even to me) as I demanded
As I stood there, trying to keep my head
and not fall prey to the gnawing panic I
knew was just at the surface, I resolved
to write this column and to at least get
to vent to a larger audience than a few
friends. I very fortunately found that my
handphone was indeed sufficiently topped
up and the battery charged enough to call
my dearest friend, Wendy, to come and
get poor, bedraggled me.
When my physical therapist, Peter Seah,
the best in Penang (and formerly the best
in KL), asked me what the doctor said, I
had another audience member to tell. He
was truly aghast, and asked a simple but
critical question that has obviously never
occurred to anyone in the KL taxi world:
Why aren’t all the taxis now equipped with
a GPS?
Yes, why indeed? Maybe all of us expats
should carry our own GPS around,
especially when in a KL taxi.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 13
> Sky Villa (3,750 sq. ft.)
180 KL city view
> Mansionary Villa (7,600 sq. ft.)
360 KL city view
THE EPITOME OF FINE LIVING - IN THE HEART OF KL
Oval is a reflection of the finer things in life. Spacious and luxurious condominiums that
afford you a million dollar view of Kuala Lumpur city centre. Standing grand, overlooking
the metropolitan city. Oval is an iconic landmark befitting those who seek a home that
transcends common luxury condominiums.
Surrounded by 5 star amenities and facilities such as world class hospitals,
art galleries, shopping malls, international schools, 5 star hotels, fine dining
restaurants, Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Royal Selangor Golf Club, LRT and
proposed MRT stations.
Family area with view of KLCC / Column free interiors / Private lift lobies / Advanced
24-hour security with CCTV Surveillance / Smart home system ready / Infinity pools &
wading pools / Lounge decks / Landscaped gardens / Well-equipped gym / Concierge
team / 2 lifts per unit / Low density
Level 19, Block B, HP Towers
12, Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit Damansara,
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03-2726 1000
Available for sale or leasing
For enquiries, please call
rees’s pieces ...
Sarah Rees is something of a boomerang, having found her way back
to KL after an absence of 11 years and discovering that both she and
the city have grown up… although not too much.
Wake Up and Smell the Market
IT IS TOO EASY, AMID THE FRANTIC CYCLE OF WORK AND LIFE AND WORK, TO LOSE
A SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE. SARAH REES URGES EXPATS TO TAKE A BREAK AND
HAVE A SLICE OF LOCAL FLAVOUR NOW AND AGAIN.
My Saturday mornings tend to start the
same way every week. I wake up around
five seconds before my alarm, wait ten
seconds, then begin cursing the useless
broken alarm clock. Gradually, like the
slow tingle of air conditioning on a
roasting day, delicious realisation seeps
over me and I snuggle back under the
sheets with a smile; my wronged alarm
clock redeemed, my week at an end.
No matter how many weeks tick by, my
body still finds it tricky to remember how
many working days there are in a week.
It is the same for my mind. On a Saturday
morning, my brain still swirls with thoughts
of work, emails, meetings, things I need to
do, and things I shouldn’t have done and
hope went unnoticed. The only solution –
and the only chance to enjoy a break from
the office – is to pull on my old shoes and
tramp the 15-minute downhill route to my
local morning market.
Workers the world over who are
fortunate enough to have a weekend
surely experience a similar problem, but
few have the easy solution that living in
Malaysia affords us expats. Alcohol – a
popular method of drowning the week
– may be expensive, stepping out the
door and dipping your toes in a world so
far removed from your own is free and
always surprising.
My Saturday walk to the market begins
the process of detachment from the work
worries; a schoolboy rides a scooter with
his books tucked under his arm, a trio
of young nurses walk delicately towards
the nearby hospital while a man throws
broken coconuts into a huge metal
bucket outside a Hindu temple. Each of
these people oozes a story, hints at a
life so different from mine. Already the
unsent emails seem less urgent, perhaps
even slightly ridiculous.
Upon arrival at the market, work is firmly
elbowed out. The papaya man greets me
with the usual grunt – why is he always so
miserable? – and the vegetable man tries to
persuade me to buy broccoli and demands
to know why I have been buying my carrots
from a competitor. “You no come for two
weeks?” he asks reproachfully.
There is not another white face in the
whole place, probably very few people
who work for magazines, and certainly
no one who is interested in my worries
about whether that story on Singapore
is going to get sent through in time for
the magazine deadline. It is, though, full
to the brim with different lives, different
people carrying different worries on their
shoulders, and different shopping in their
bags. These people will scurry away to
different homes, chattering in different
languages, and spend their lives in a way
that would be largely alien to me and, I
imagine, to the vast majority of us expats.
Living in a foreign country gives us a rare
opportunity to come into contact with
diverse cultures and a truly dissimilar way
of life, and I sometimes feel saddened
that some expats seem to make
extraordinary efforts to keep contact with
the local customs at a safe distance.
“My Indian colleague invited me to his
sister’s wedding the other day,” I heard
one acquaintance snort to another as we
tucked into bacon and eggs one Sunday
morning. “Why on earth would I want
to go?!” The two of them proceeded
to moan endlessly about work and the
unfathomable behaviour of ‘the locals’
until I was tempted to throw down
my cutlery and drag them down to my
beloved market. I imagined forcing them
to attempt a stuttering conversation with
a wrinkled man who doubtlessly lives on
a fraction of their salaries, can remember
the Japanese occupation and, while he
wouldn’t quite know what to do with
bacon and eggs, would be grateful for a
plate chee cheong fun and a cup of tea.
It wasn’t just work that my moaning
acquaintances needed to flush out of
their systems; it was their preoccupation
with their former life and the stubborn
belief that anything different was inferior.
Thankfully, I think many of expats
enjoying the benefits of life in Malaysia
are more open-minded than my baconand-egg-loving friends, but there are
still times when we all need to remind
ourselves of a different world. It is too
easy to fall into the cycle of malls, Italian
restaurants, air conditioning, and work
work work, and forget to come up for air,
and for a little perspective.
It is important to remember that life
unfolds in many varying ways around
us every minute of the day, and the
differences between our expat lives
and the local lives that bump ours are
fascinatingly vast.
So how to ease the pressure of work?
How to break the loop of frustration
at the traffic? How to ease the sheer
mindboggle left after an invite to
someone else’s Indian wedding?
The whiff of fresh oranges and the
sickening thwack! of a cleaver butchering
a raw chicken do it for me every time.
Go on, wake up and smell the market.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 15
almost home ...
Teacher, chef, photographer, businessman… the quintessential “jack of all trades, master of none,”
Chad Merchant celebrated his midlife crisis by moving to Malaysia to experience living in a different
country. Nearly four years on, he’s still learning new things and feels, increasingly, almost home.
You can read more about his adventures and occasional travails at www.chadinkl.blogspot.com.
Feedback is welcomed and may be sent to [email protected].
The Art of Deliberate Living
IN A SOMETIMES ALL-TOO-HECTIC WORLD, MANY THINGS COMPETE
ENDLESSLY FOR OUR ATTENTION. HERE, EDITOR (AND PART-TIME PHILOSOPHER)
CHAD MERCHANT TAKES A CLOSE LOOK AT WHAT CAPTURED HIS, AND
REFLECTS ON THE PATH THAT BROUGHT HIM TO MALAYSIA.
Last month, Andy penned a column about finding balance in life,
and making the most of the time we have now, thus allowing us
to look back with fond memories rather than regret. My guess is
that, for many of us (of a, shall we say, certain age), his column
touched on some very real themes that we ourselves have
confronted. Particularly as expatriates, there may be times when
we look around, stunned and amazed at where life has led us.
Some of us may muse, almost in awe, “What in the world am I
doing here in Malaysia?” and acknowledge that living here, so far
from home, isn’t something most of us would have ever remotely
predicted about ourselves when we were younger. Unlike many
expats, I didn’t come here attached to a job, nor was I required
to move to KL. I made the choice quite independently, and if you
had told me even at the beginning of 2008 that, before the end
of that year, I’d be living in Southeast Asia, I’m not sure I would
have quite believed it.
It’s a fascinating truism about people: We really can’t imagine
ourselves at much different points in our lives than where we
are currently, give or take a few years. Now in my 40s, I can
barely remember what I was like as a 19-year-old. And most
19-year-olds figure they’ll be long dead before reaching the
preposterously old age of 50. Seriously, ask any teenager, “What
do you think you’ll be like when you’re 50 years old?” They can’t
imagine it. Even now, I can’t really picture myself as a 50-yearold, even though it’s coming up a lot faster than I’d prefer. In
our minds, “old” is always at least 15-20 years older than we
ourselves currently are.
I can’t deny, however, that with increasing frequency, particularly
with each passing birthday, it hasn’t escaped my attention
that, in all statistical likelihood – even if I live out a fully normal
lifespan with no unexpectedly early demise – my lifetime has
reached its halfway point. I don’t, however, mourn the fact my
is half over, nor do I find it depressing at all. I’ve been fortunate
in this life—not as much so as some, but infinitely more so than
many, many others—and I must admit that as I’ve gotten older,
in almost all respects, the tapestry of my life has grown richer
and deeper, and my life has largely been better for it. Sure, I was
pretty happy and things were quite good when I was in my mid20s, but in almost every meaningful way, my life is better now.
The inexorable accumulation of ups and downs, experiences and
feelings, and high points and low points all just serve to enrich
the human condition. This gives me reason to believe that the
second half of my life will be even better than the first half!
I suppose it’s only natural that as birthdays, anniversaries,
and holidays pass, that such milestones give us occasion to
reflect on our lives. As I was making the decision to move to
Malaysia, I was repeatedly asked, “Why?” And the reason was
twofold: Primarily, it was the desire to live and experience life
in a different country and culture that prompted the move. But
beyond that, on a deeper level, it was wanting to avoid reaching
the end of my life, only to look back with questions and regret,
wistfully lamenting what may have been. In my experience,
it’s usually the things that we didn’t do that cause us regret,
rather than those things we did. So my choice to forsake a
perfectly enjoyable life in America sprang from a well of desire to
consciously reach out and seize a diverse and varied lifetime of
experiences so that, later in life, I wouldn’t have to live with the
regret of having passed up those opportunities.
To this day, I name as two of the most influential writers in my
life the 19th century American transcendentalists, Ralph Waldo
Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Two of their essays, “Life
Without Principle” (Thoreau) and “Self-Reliance” (Emerson) were
incredibly impactful. However, one of Thoreau’s most-quoted
passage, in abbreviated form, is from his seminal work, Walden, a
book written in 1854 detailing the two years he spent in relative
isolation on Walden Pond in Massachusetts. The passage, in which
Thoreau reveals his motivation for his Walden “experiment,” aptly
and eloquently sums up the underlying reason for why I myself
do many of the things I do, even if I’m not living a Spartan-like
existence alone in the forest.
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to
front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn
what it had to teach… I wanted to live deep and suck out all
the marrow of life, to put to rout all that was not life… and not,
when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
Profound words indeed. Live your life deliberately.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 17
A Golden Age
Stepping into the charming bungalow and into 1919 Restaurant for the March wine
dinner was akin to stepping into the past. This restaurant, a sister of the successful
outlet in Ipoh, gets its name from the era it evokes, and the old photographs on the
walls and the historical music created an ambiance of chilled 20s style.
Diners began their meal with a tangy kerabu mango salad that was enjoyed
with a glass of Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Chardonnay, while the entrée
that followed, deep-fried crispy eggplant, was delightedly nibbled on with a glass of
Nederburg Lyric.
The main course offered diners a variety of flavours and showcased some of
1919’s signature dishes, and the platter included pineapple fried rice, butter prawn
sticks, Siamese-style sliced fish, chicken in king sauce with onion, and a portion
of mixed vegetables with cashew nuts. To complement the amalgam of flavours,
diners enjoyed glasses of Concha y Toro Trio, both the Cabernet
Sauvignon and the Sauvignon Blanc.
A charming Western-Asian dessert rounded off the meal, and
the pancakes with nyonya kuih and ice cream satisfied all those
with a sweet tooth and ensured that no one left the restaurant
with an empty stomach!
The Expat Would Like To Thank:
1919 Restaurant
15A, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng,
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03.2161 9919
18 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
View more pictures of the The Expat Wine Dinner at
www.facebook.com/theexpatmalaysia
Next Time:
Date
: 23 May 2012 (Wednesday)
Time
: 7pm to 10.30pm
The Event : Sit-down dinner
Address : Opus Bistro
67 Jalan Bangkung
Bukit Bandaraya
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Price
: RM120 (Expat Card, MM2H
and Wine Club Members)
RM145 (Non-Members)
Cosy Italian Bistro
Celebrates a Deacde
Bangkung Row in Bangsar is something of a
foodie haven, and one of the gems is a cosy
little bistro where the food is made with
love and the wines just beg to be tasted.
Opus Bistro serves up some of the city’s
best Italian food, and has done so for ten
years, an amazing feat in this city of eating
establishments. Diners keep returning for
the sheer variety of quality dishes on the
impressive menu, and the traditional dishes
of pastas and pizzas are complemented by
more unique creations such as the tasty
Bruschetta Platter and the Wagyu striploin.
A recent refurbishment has given this
neighbourhood eatery a new lease on life,
and this month’s wine dinner is a great
way to get reacquainted with this charming
bistro and discover why it earned its place
in the top of Malaysia’s Best Restaurant
guide. For our verdict, see the review on
page 99.
For reservations contact Anis on
03.2093 9539.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 19
Pyjama Party
Expat minglers flocked to Pavilion KL in March to visit Bedroom, a swanky bar
nestled beside restaurant Market Hall on the 6th floor of the mall. Thankfully, no one
actually arrived in their pyjamas, but they did arrive with an appetite for socialising,
and the venue was soon packed with expats looking to make new friends and catch
up with acquaintances.
The Tiger beer that proved hugely popular was supplied by GAB, while wine
aficionados enjoyed the red and white varieties supplied by Cronier Wines. Many
people, when the ‘free-flow’ hours had drawn to a close, switched to sampling the
Bedroom’s tasty cocktails and stayed on to make a night of it.
Minglers enjoyed some finger food – chicken mousse, potato gratin, and fishcakes
were making the rounds – and the steady hum of the crowd only quietened during the
lucky prize draw when tickets were clutched in a hope of scooping the 3 day/2 night
stay at MesaStilla in Java, the
first prize. Other prizes included
dining vouchers, spa vouchers,
and three bottles of wine.
W I N E S
SINCE 1698
The Expat Would Like To Thank:
Bedroom
Lot 6.01.03-6.01.04, Level 6,
Pavilion KL, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03.2141 9620
20 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
View more pictures of the The Expat Mingle at
www.facebook.com/theexpatmalaysia
@
®
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(UVWWVY[\UP[`[VTLL[
TP_HUKTPUNSL^P[OUL^MYPLUKZ
+H[L! 8 May 2012 (Tuesday)
;PTL!7pm – 9pm
=LU\L!*OPUVa
Ground Floor
Bangsar Shopping Centre
Jalan Maarof
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Regular Entry
Free Flow Beer + Fingerfood
The Expat Card Holders: RM40
Non Card Holders: RM55
Add on Wine Option
Free Flow Beer +
3 Glasses of Wine + Fingerfood
The Expat Card Holders: RM50
Non Cardholders: RM65
Register online at
^^^L_WH[RSJVTTPUNSL
or call Limited space only.
Please book early/register online
to avoid major disappointment!
Another event by
Jointly brought to you by
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 21
events ...
Land, Sea, and lair
On Saturday 17 March, The Expat
Group and Simpson Marine, generously
supported by Mercedes-Benz Lowe
Motors Sdn Bhd and Carlsberg Malaysia,
held a sumptuous event at the E&O
Straits Quay Marina in Penang.
The guests invited to this exclusive
event experienced an afternoon of style
and flair, on both land and sea.
The Expat Group would like to express
its great appreciation to Simpson Marine,
who graciously provided the motor yacht
Blue Dolphin; Lowe Motors Sdn Bhd,
who supplied the elegant Mercedes-Benz
models; and Carlsberg Malaysia, for the
generous provision of the well-received
Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 23
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Toronto, Canada
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Living Food Bistro & Café, www.livingfoodmy.com
USA, Thailand
M
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After attending Living Light nternational C linary Arts nstit te
in California to ecome a aw Food Chef connected with like
minded eo le. had no intentions ehind attending this school
other than my own self interest, only to have it later ring me to
alaysia to hel o t my h m le friend and her family with Living
Food. can t say m ch a o t the f t re and where will e, t
know am here now.
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love everything... why else wo ld e here am ha y to e
s rro nded y diversity and also the c riosity that see coming
from c stomers at the Café. love sharing healthy food and
creating ha iness with eo le.
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walks r ns, t everywhere go seems to in ect second hand
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me that leas re. ve een known to e the rst white girl to
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there with food knowledge. To my dismay,
that seemed retty
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e cl de them from all their dishes... yet on my rst ite, felt a
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cr nch in my mo th. grew
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ale chi s sort of like mis me ... my friend will eat them when she
is on Sky e with me and it s a very ittersweet feeling, knowing
that e osed her to them yet she is en oying them witho t me...
it s as tho gh she is food cheating on me.
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For someone s ending a weekend in L, d take them to LCC
and its twin towers, etaling Street, and B kit Bintang.
.
iking in B kit iara or B kit asing, resting at o r lace with my
family to gh to do as my wife likes hitting the malls , and going to
the driving range tho gh seem to e st ck at that stage
es, we own an a artment in ont iara. After one year living
here, we liked the lace a lot and when the time comes to retire,
alaysia is ro a ly a lace we wo ld e ha y to s end o r
old days.
W
miss eing a le to y good cheese ine ensively es ecially the
creamy ones . The cheese yo can y here is either e ensive and
or of oor ality.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
property ...
Where to Invest?
AS A GREATER NUMBER OF EXPATS CHOOSE TO
SETTLE DOWN IN MALAYSIA, THE QUESTION OF
WHERE MONEY IS BEST SPENT ON PROPERTY LOOMS
LARGE. SARAH REES COMBS THE COUNTRY AND
ASSESSES THE PROPERTY LANDSCAPE.
I
t is easy to see why foreigners are
increasingly choosing to settle down
in Malaysia. As gloomy prospects and
rocketing prices dampen spirits in the West,
foreign eyes and wallets are drawn to
Southeast Asia. Malaysia offers an ideal mix
of bustling cities and island escapes, jungle
adventures and kampungs, as well as the
benefit of being superbly connected to the
rest of the continent and the world.
Renting property can quickly seem like
wasting money as the months turn into
years, and through our various surveys of
subscribers to The Expat, it is clear that
many expats are considering purchasing
property, conscious that it offers a wise
investment in a country that is on the rise.
One of the key decisions in buying property
is deciding where to invest your money,
and while no one can offer the golden tip,
we can provide a rundown of the most
popular areas to aid your decision-making
process.
GREATER KUALA LUMPUR
The capital city is the first port of call for
most people passing through the country,
and many buyers find homes in the various
neighbourhoods that surround the capital
and form part of Greater KL.
The capital balances the combination of
being a modern metropolis and cultural city
fairly well and KL offers all the comforts
you could wish for, so living within close
range of the area is a real plus point. The
city is also convenient for KLIA and the
LCCT – air links to the region and the
world – and has good transport and road
connections to the rest of the country
and the region. Plus, city living does
not necessarily mean living in the manic
heart of KL itself; the various surrounding
neighbourhoods – the hotspots being
Bangsar, Sri Hartamas, and Mont Kiara –
can offer a more community-focused life.
It goes without saying that prices are higher
in Greater KL than in other areas, and as
more and more apartment buildings go up,
some may worry that value will drop. Prices
vary, but a 5-bedroom house in Mont Kiara
starts at RM1.65 million. It is worth being
aware that, as the “hotspot” areas continue
to change rapidly, there is a chance that an
ugly office building that disrupts your view
may be built in years to come.
SELANGOR
Just across the state boundary in Selangor,
life feels a little less crazed. There are parts of
Petaling Jaya – the most prosperous region
in the state for property – where secluded
houses with views of lakes and parks exist,
offering solitude and yet retaining good links
to the highway network.
An increasing number of companies are
making their headquarters in Selangor,
and with a number of international
schools located here, many people are
looking to areas such as Ampang and Seri
Kembangan to invest their money. Prices
can be cheaper here than in places such as
Bangsar, although a 5-bedroom bungalow
in the popular Tropicana area could still set
you back RM3 million.
For those working in the city centre,
living in Selangor adds more time to
the daily commute, although there is an
LRT train line running from Gombak to
Kelana Jaya or the KTM which runs all
the way to Klang.
PENANG
More and more expats are choosing to
make Penang their home, as the state
offers island living in a city rich with
heritage and culture and some of the
best food in the country. There is also a
choice of excellent and well-established
international schools and a thriving expat
scene, while local Penangites are also
becoming increasingly proud of their island.
Penang will be heavily involved in the
Northern Corridor Economic Region
development plan which is aimed at raising
the social and economic standards of the
northern states, and many high-profile
projects have already been planned for
Penang. A second bridge to the mainland is
also under construction to ease congestion
and is scheduled to be unveiled in 2013.
Bearing all this in mind, it comes as little
surprise that Penang house and apartment
prices are on the rise, and the cost of a
5-bedroom bungalow in the Batu Ferringhi
area is comparable to a house in Bangsar in
Greater KL, but with a sea view, of course!
JOHOR
The third-largest state in Peninsular
Malaysia, Johor has always benefited from
its proximity to Singapore and offers a mix
of modern culture and rural, coastal life.
Johor is set to become a serious residential
and commercial hub thanks to the Iskandar
Development, which is already well
underway, with superb residential areas
being built. The Iskandar region also offers
many campuses of various educational
institutions from all over the world.
Prices start at around RM285,000 for a
3-bedroom condominium, but can rise to
around RM2.3 million for a house in one of
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 27
28 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
the stunning new developments that offer
facilities such as golf courses, shops and
restaurants, and 24-hour security.
SABAH
Sabah is known to tourists and expats
alike as a nature lovers’ paradise with its
lush rainforests, fascinating wildlife, and
stunning beaches. While it may not be a
great location for those working – most
jobs will be in Peninsular Malaysia – many
expats are choosing to retire in Sabah, and
property developers have responded by
producing exotic properties to tempt those
looking to invest.
The state is well-connected to KL and the
region via Kota Kinabalu International
Airport, and as the area sees a steady
stream of tourists, many people are
choosing to buy holiday homes. Prices
for a 3-bedroom condominium start from
around RM450,000 but can rise to RM1.7
million for some of the new developments.
Those with an eye for business could snap
up a new apartment or two and then see
steady returns by renting them out to the
constant influx of tourists and expats.
MELAKA
Melaka attracts millions of tourists who
flock there to admire the architecture that
is well preserved, as Melaka became a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Melaka is a small, sleepy place during the
week, but can turn more frenzied as the
visitors descend at the weekends. That said,
it still offers a far more relaxed life less than
two hours from KL. There are a number of
international schools and good hospitals
in the area, so while finding work may be
difficult, the family is easily provided for.
Property prices are cheaper in Melaka than
in the capital: a 3-bedroom condominium
starts from RM400,000 and many new
development projects are in progress.
PERAK
Many people – both foreigners and
locals – visit Perak to enjoy the cultural
and culinary treats on offer in Ipoh, where
colonial buildings and a slower pace of
life give a glimpse of the Malaysia that
used to be.
Ipoh is well-connected to KL by the NorthSouth Highway as well as the ETS (Electric
Train Service, which can drop you in Ipoh
just two hours after leaving KL Sentral).
There are several modern developments
in progress offering a high-end option
for property seekers, and a 3-bedroom
condominium in such a project starts at
RM300,000, still a steal compared with
many other regions of the country.
While some people watch the alarming rate
of construction in the country and worry
that this property bubble will burst, there
can be no doubt that the numbers looking
to invest continue to rise, and Malaysia
seems set to enjoy a boom for a time yet.
Investing in property is a big decision but
one that can be hugely profitable, and by
seeking good advice, taking time to look
around thoroughly, and asking the right
questions of the developers, buyers can
cut their risks and put their money into
something worthwhile.
For more information on the property
market or to look at properties
available to rent and buy, visit
www.propertyinmalaysia.com.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 29
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WWW.EXPATKL.COM
res
THE EXPAT
Reflection Residences @ Mutiara Damansara
By Glomac
A RESILIENT ECONOMY
Malaysia is not overly dependent on
Europe and the United States for
investments in its manufacturing sector,
the leading contributor to its economy.
According to Minister of International
Trade and Industry Datuk Mustapa
Mohamed, Malaysia is expected to
equal or surpass the RM56 billion in
manufacturing investments attained in
2011, of which 70 percent came from
Asian countries such as China, India,
Japan, and Korea, and from ASEAN.
Although the world economic environment
is getting tougher and China has reduced
its growth figures, Mustapa said, China’s
growth forecast of 7.5 percent for 2012
is still high and will cushion Malaysia’s
investment figures.
Also ensuring economic stability is the
government’s Economic Transformation
Programme (ETP), which involves many
new projects designed to enhance the
country’s economy by stimulating private
sector-led growth and private investments.
The government is optimistic on
achieving RM113 billion (after factoring
in the current global scenario) in private
investments in 2012, said Mustapa, noting
the RM94 billion private investments
achieved in 2011 considerably surpassed
the RM83 billion target.
Meanwhile, central Bank Negara Malaysia
(BNM) expects the local economy to
moderate to between four and five
percent growth for 2012 after expanding
5.1 percent in 2011.
STEADY KEY INTEREST RATE
BNM announced in March that it has
maintained the overnight policy rate at
three percent after weighing growth
concerns against inflationary pressures,
noting high global commodity prices
continued to pose risks to inflation.
It said latest indicators point to continued
expansion in private consumption and
business spending.
However, it cautioned that despite global
financial conditions improving, downside
risks to the global economy remain.
Economists expect BNM to have at least
one rate cut this year in view of the
uneven growth in Malaysia’s key export
markets.
BLESS: BUSINESS MADE SIMPLE
As time is of the essence in the business
world, the Business Licensing Electronic
PHOTO BY BRDB
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department
Datuk Seri Idris Jala said Malaysia has
exceeded most first-year targets of the ETP,
including surpassing the target for gross
national income in 2011 of RM797 billion
with a recorded figure of RM841 billion.
PHOTO BY GLOMAC
Malaysia ranked ninth in tourist arrivals,
marked by earnings of RM58.3 billion in
2011. For 2012, the Ministry of Tourism
is looking at 25 million tourist arrivals
generating an estimated RM60 billion in
revenue.
Support System or BLESS (http://www.
bless.gov.my) was developed to streamline
the process of acquiring licences to make
Malaysia a better place for business. It
improves investment and business by
simplifying the entire process of gathering
information, applying for licences, permits,
and approvals, tracking applications,
feedback, and payment for investors and
the business community.
This has resulted in improvement
substantial reduction in the time required
for approval in various agencies and
departments. Moreover, businesses can
use a “one-stop” approach to apply for all
licences, permits, and approvals online.
As a directory, BLESS provides all the
necessary requirements for each licence,
permit or approval. This 24-hour business
licensing and resource portal is a step
forward for Malaysia as a progressively
seamless business nation that constantly
improves to better compete with other
industrialised countries.
SAFEST IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Malaysia’s success in reducing its crime
index (its overall crime index has decreased
11 percent) makes it Southeast Asia’s
safest country. It also gains international
recognition with the Global Peace Index
2011 ranking it 19th out of 153 countries,
up from 26th in 2009.
The increase in the level of security and
peace, thanks to the joint efforts of police
and local authorities, has led to a higher
confidence level among foreign investors
with foreign investments up by RM33
billion in 2011 compared to the RM29
billion achieved before the world economic
crunch in 2007.
BRDB
For more information on property visit
www.propertyinmalaysia.com
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 33
advertorial ...
ase o r
A
s the property market blooms in
alaysia more an more people
are in estin their money in
bri ks an mortar to ser e as a se on ary
home an s pplementary in ome hile
the a anta es o o nin an rentin
o t property are plain to see a lot o
people or et that a lar e amo nt o
mana ement omes alon
ith tryin to
o ersee another property hile balan in a
ob an a home hro in the a t that yo
are tryin to a hie e all this in a orei n
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o ay there is resti e ill an a team
o people rea y an
illin to li t all
that stress a ay an t rn yo r property
in estment into an asset rather than a
b r en resti e ill is a property are
spe ialist ith a i eren e they are the
only ompany in alaysia to o er an
all in one sol tion to in i i al property
in estors o ners nee s an an take all
the problems a ay in one s i t motion
orries
a reat net ork o reliable an honest
ontra tors that ha e been trie an teste
by the ompany resti e ill ens res that
repairs an reno ations are one to a hi h
stan ar to maintain the property al e
ality here ill also be no more
an
last min te phone alls rom tenants ith
broken ashin ma hines resti e ill
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lients an e pe t a monthly s mmary o
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mana ement sho l not take o er yo r
li e or eat into the pre io s time yo ha e
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take p a lot o time
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For more information on
re ti e i
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re ti e i om emai en
re ti e i om or a
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WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
expat homes ...
View from the infinity pool of the penthouse
Life on KLCC Park
SOME OF THE MOST
STUNNING HOMES IN
MALAYSIA ARE OWNED
AND OCCUPIED BY EXPATS
SEEKING TO CREATE AN
OASIS FOR THEMSELVES
IN THEIR NEW COUNTRY.
SARAH REES TAKES
US ON A TOUR OF ONE
OF THESE BEAUTIFUL
HABITATS
F
or any expat setting up a life here
– however temporary – comfort is
always key. “This was the first time
we would be living abroad together,”
explains Lary McKay when I ask about the
move from Scotland to KL, “so the most
important consideration was to make sure
the family was comfortable.” Shelagh, his
wife, smiles appreciatively. “I spend more
time in the apartment than Lary,” she says,
“so I got to pick the place.”
The Binjai on the Park, Shelagh’s
selection, is one of the most prestigious
condominiums in KL and boasts what
is surely the best view in the city. The
McKay’s balcony offers a perfect,
uninterrupted sight of the PETRONAS Twin
Towers sparkling in the sunshine, and it is a
view that the couple never tire of enjoying.
“People fly thousands of miles to see the
towers and we can see them from our
bed!” says Lary delightedly.
Lary McKay and Shelagh
36 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
Not only is the view impressive, but the
location is superb: Lary can walk to his
office, Shelagh can stroll through the
park to shop and, via the new pedestrian
walkway that starts at the nearby KL
Convention Centre, they can nip over to
Pavilion for dinner without stepping foot
on the road. As if this wasn’t convenient
enough, the management of Binjai on
the Park run a free buggy service that
transports residents around the integrated
development of KLCC and back if the sun
gets too intense.
“That was another thing that attracted
us to this condo,” explains Shelagh.
“The facilities are just excellent.” When
the McKay’s two sons or various family
members come and stay, they all make use
of the large pool, the Jacuzzi and saunas.
“We are trying to get fit so have bought
ourselves some tennis rackets,” says Lary,
“but it is always difficult finding the time.”
The tennis court is complemented by a
squash court and a gym.
But more important than location or
swimming pools was the desire for security.
The McKays have been in KL for nearly
two years but were compelled to move
from their previous condominium after a
traumatic experience that saw a floor of
the building catching fire. “Security and
safety were so important for us when we
The balcony is a great spot to watch the
festive fireworks at KLCC
The large TV was purchased for the couple to
enjoy their home movies
There is space for dinner parties with
the whole family
were deciding on a new place,” says Lary,
“and we were very impressed with The
Binjai. There are guards, there’s a 24-hour
concierge desk, and there are always
people around.” An added bonus is that
they enjoy a private lift lobby, as each
apartment is isolated, and the lift slides
open onto the McKay’s own area. “Lary
has to travel a lot but I feel comfortable
being here alone,” says Shelagh.
The couple have furnished the 3-bedroom,
4-bathroom apartment quite simply, opting
to rent furniture rather than ship things
over from their Scottish cottage home.
They did bring a few home comforts over
from Scotland and a picture on the wall,
painted by a friend, is Lary’s favourite piece.
“I look at that and I just see Scotland,”
he says, smiling fondly at it. “Plus, I like
the contrast.” He gestures at the dishes
from Vietnam that sit in front of it, and the
model motorbikes that Shelagh purchased
for him in KL. “Asia and Europe together!”
The master bedroom opens onto the balcony
Lary is passionate about motorbikes,
and one sits proudly in the carpark.
“I love tinkering with the bike,” he says,
“and that made me think that perhaps
we should rent a house rather than an
apartment so I would have the space.”
They changed their mind once they
considered the practicalities. “I didn’t want
to drive so it was important to be centrally
located,” says Shelagh, “and an apartment
just seemed to make more sense.”
The Binjai on the Park has offered the
McKays the chance to finally feel settled in
their temporary home after the upheavals
of the past year, and while it will never
be able to replace their beloved Scottish
cottage, they are clearly very happy.
“Scotland will always be home,” says Lary,
“but we are really comfortable. I walk in
through the door and just feel….” He
smiles around, words unable to convey his
sense of easy satisfaction. “We never take
it for granted,” he says finally.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATT MARZUKI, STUDIO 35MM,
[email protected]
The kitchen is neat and sleek
The pool is well-used by the
McKay’s family vsitors
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 37
in his own words ...
A Life in Shoes
NICK ATKINSON CAUGHT UP WITH
INTERNATIONAL SHOE DESIGNER AND NATIONAL
TREASURE, PROF. DATO’ DR JIMMY CHOO, OBE, WHO
TOOK SOME TIME OUT OF HIS HECTIC SCHEDULE TO
REFLECT ON HIS CAREER AND HIS LIFE SO FAR. HERE,
IN HIS OWN WORDS, HE SAYS...
“A
s a youngster, I would watch
my father and Granddad
creating shoes. My father told
me, ‘If you can learn some skills, you will
never have to fret that you cannot get a
job.’ He instilled in me that you have to
be passionate; nobody is born good at
this or that, but if you are willing to learn,
you can definitely do it.
You’d never think the first Jimmy
Choo shoe was a sandal. After moving
to London at a young age I remember
going to the Elephant & Castle and
Whitechapel markets. They were selling
sandals. When I went back to the factory
and spoke to my father we decided that
this was the way ahead; not just a runof-the-mill sandal, but one that focused
on comfort. Anyone can make a shoe,
but how do you put the pattern in the
right position to hold your foot nicely
and look great? That requires knowledge
and artistic talent. I started selling my
sandals to the market stalls, and the rest
is history.
As a designer, my eyes are always
open. When I am walking around or
visiting, there are always new things to
see. Even what the customer is wearing
will give me ideas, and I can honestly
say that my inspiration comes from
everywhere. Think of Chinese food;
chicken, vegetable, fish and other things
all come together as the ingredients for
what you eat. It is the same with my
designs; everything comes together.
I feel very blessed that so many people
from all walks of life wear my shoes.
Every nation is a good friend and a good
customer because they admire what I
do and want me to design something
for them; I can’t help but appreciate
it. It is very important to me to have
an appreciation of everything that has
helped make me successful. I don’t
believe there is enough appreciation in
the world.
Even the smallest thing is worth
saying thank you for. It is why I have
been working with the British Council
now for over ten years. They asked me
to travel around the world promoting
education and I said yes as it is a
wonderful opportunity to visit new places
and make new friends in areas where
they may know my name but have never
had the chance to see me. I am only too
happy to share myself and my skill. It all
comes back to appreciating what I have
achieved and sharing it with those who
are now in my life.
One of my biggest regrets is that
I didn’t spend enough time with my
children when they were young. I was
always working, working; everything was
about making shoes and although the
money was there to give them whatever
they needed, it was not the same. I
regret that. The young don’t think like
us anymore and even the way they talk
is not how we talked when we were
younger. If you want children to be good
you must spend a certain time with them
and you must understand them.
In London I have been working with a
lot of youngsters who want to develop
their skills in the shoe trade. I am a tough
teacher; I insist on them being good and
working hard. It is my name that they
may one day represent so they must
understand that in this profession it is all
or nothing. It gives me great satisfaction
when my students succeed.
I am still learning. I am still working
and to be honest I still have so much
more to do. People say ‘oh you have all
that money now, you can go shopping
every day’ but I just want to keep creating
shoes. I want to design shoes and I want
to train young people to learn my skills.
That’s who I am. I have to remember
my Chinese heritage: you never say you
are the best as you never know what
tomorrow will bring. I am happy with
where I am now but I know that there are
still places to go and things to do.
2012 is going to be an interesting year
for me and I can’t wait to see what
develops for Jimmy Choo.”
For the full interview, see the MayJune issue of Senses of Malaysia.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 39
conservation ...
Something
Worth Saving
SHARKS, HAVING SURVIVED ON EARTH FOR OVER 400
MILLION YEARS, ARE IN THE 21ST CENTURY BEING
HUNTED IN ALARMING NUMBERS FOR THEIR FINS.
CHAD MERCHANT TALKS WITH JONN LU OF SHARK
SAVERS ABOUT THAT ORGANIZATION’S THREE-PRONGED
APPROACH OF AWARENESS, EDUCATION, AND ACTION.
Jonn Lu
I
n 1975, American moviegoers
settled into their cinema seats
and watched what would
become Hollywood’s first summer
blockbuster. As the movie opened,
a young woman, swimming alone
in the ocean before sunrise, was
violently pulled underwater by an
unseen attacker, heralded by the
ominous, now-iconic two-note
orchestral theme. The movie, of
course, was Jaws, the Steven
Spielberg hit film based on the
best-selling book of the same
name by Peter Benchley. The
book and the movie it inspired
helped seal sharks’ fate at the hands of
humans. Sharks were now crystallized
in the collective psyche of the public as
vicious, man-eating monsters of
the deep.
In reality, of course, nothing could be
further from the truth. Ironically, in
the years after Jaws was published,
Benchley began to feel a degree
of responsibility for the pervasive
negative attitudes towards sharks
that he felt his novel had created.
He became a passionate ocean
conservationist before his death in
2006, writing that, “considering the
knowledge accumulated about sharks
in the last 25 years, I couldn’t possibly
write Jaws today.”
Yet it is today, more than ever in the
history of our planet, that sharks
are facing an unprecedented threat,
with some species being hunted
and slaughtered to the very brink of
extinction. To gain a deeper insight into
this problem, and to understand why it’s
critical that action is taken, I talked at
length with Jonn Lu, the dynamic and
passionate director of Shark Savers in
Southeast Asia.
When asked about the mission of Shark
Savers, and why it has been deemed
so important to tackle this issue, and
indeed what drives the wholesale
slaughter of sharks on such a massive
scale, Jonn was quite direct: “Our
mission is to save the sharks. The single
greatest threat to sharks worldwide is
shark fin soup. No matter how you cut
it, this truth is undeniable: The [shark fin]
industry is worth billions of dollars, and
it is a trade that is largely unregulated,
unreported, and underground.”
Finning, the brutal act of catching
sharks, slicing off their fins with a hot
blade, and throwing the sharks—still
alive—back into the ocean, is the black
market scourge of the fishing industry.
Unable to swim, the bleeding, injured
animal sinks slowly, now an easy target
for other predators, and ultimately either
drowns or is killed. It’s an ignominious
demise for such a graceful and critical
marine animal.
PHOTO BY ZAC WOLF
AN ECOLOGICAL KEYSTONE
“Saving sharks is important,” Jonn
explains, “not because of ethics, nor
because it is trendy or cool to do so.
Sharks must be saved because, without
them, mankind is in serious trouble.
Sharks are recognized as ‘keystone
species,’ meaning they are the pillars
upon which entire marine ecosystems
are dependent.” He goes deeper:
“Sharks play the role of apex predators
in marine food webs; they keep the
ratio of predators and prey in check and
prevent population explosions. The apex
predator—think of not only sharks, but
say, lions on the Serengeti—maintains
the delicate balance in nature, they keep
their respective food webs robust by
hunting and removing unhealthy, weak
animals. They help prevent outbreaks
that could decimate entire ecosystems.”
When pressed on how all this, which
takes place in the oceans, affects us landbased humans, Jonn describes how the
oceans drive all life on Earth. Even landbased animals are ultimately dependent
on the sea, either directly or indirectly.
Even on a commercial level, we are
affected. “A perfect recent example was
a thriving commercial scallop harvesting
industry in the mid-Atlantic,” Jonn says.
“Imagine… a healthy habitat of sharks,
cow-nose rays, and scallops, all co-existing
in that delicate balance that nature
provides. Then, when man comes in and
wipes out the sharks, the population of
the rays explodes, as their predator has
been removed. The rays over-proliferate
and eat all the scallops. Almost overnight,
the entire commercial scallop harvesting
business closed down because there were
no longer any scallops.”
A CONVICTION OF CULTURE
On the topic of shark fin soup, almost
exclusively a Chinese delicacy, I feel a
bit of cultural respect and sensitivity is
warranted when the subject is broached,
but Jonn is not swayed: “Chinese and
Asians are the main demand-drivers for
shark fin soup. This is a Chinese cuisine.
I myself am a Chinese Singaporean, and
coming from a large Hokkien family
with many celebrations and business
entertainment needs, I grew up with this
soup. I understand the need to serve it,
the social function it plays, the notions of
prestige, respect, and honour attached
to it. But I took a personal stand and
pledged six years ago to never eat this
soup again.”
In light of the understanding that shark
fin soup is almost exclusively demanded
by Chinese consumers, I explain to Jonn
that The Expat readers are primarily
foreigners, many of us Westerners. We’re
not driving the demand, I asked, so what
value is there in educating us about this
problem?
“More and more, all of us are more
accurately called ‘citizens of the world,’”
he replies. “Foreigners travel, and do
so frequently... to study, to visit, to
conduct business, and to live in Asia.
And what’s more, anywhere there
is a Chinese community—like New
York, San Francisco, Sydney, and many
others—shark fins will be consumed
there. And with almost one in four
people in the world being of Chinese
descent, non-Chinese people, especially
here, are bound to have Chinese friends,
and thus, will encounter this dish.” A
rational approach, I think, but asked
Jonn to take it a step further.
“Well,” he says, “foreigners should have
an opinion, too. Voice that opinion,
communicate that concern, and share
information and thoughts. Show your
Chinese friends and business partners
that you’re aware of this issue and have
a personal conviction about it. Every little
bit helps the world reduce the overall
consumption of fins.”
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 41
AWN
HEINR
ICHS
BY SH
PHOTO
A C LT E O CO
CT O
When confronted with the facts,
when facin the critica i ortance
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42 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
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an afternoon with the belgian ambassador ...
BY SARAH REES
A People Person
F
or His Excellency
Marc Mullie, the
Belgian Ambassador
to Malaysia, it was always
about the people. “I am
fascinated by people,” he
explains, his face lighting
up as I ask about his various postings.
“Different colours, cultures, religions. I
always want to know who’s who, where
they come from, their background.
Maybe that comes from growing up in
quite a multicultural country myself.”
Belgium, known perhaps more for its
chocolate than its ethnic mix, has a large
number of different ethnic groups within
its borders. Since nearly a quarter of the
population of his home country are nonBelgian, Mullie quickly felt comfortable
here in his new multicultural home
when he arrived with his family in 2011.
“Malaysia has such a combination of
people,” he says, “and I love that!”
Mullie is back in Malaysia after a previous
posting (1997-2000) and was thrilled to
find that, while buildings have rocketed
up and thick jungle transformed into
suburbs, many old acquaintances were
still around. “It seems it is easy to get into
Malaysia, but hard to get out,” he jokes,
“and it has been lovely to find old friends
still here.” Despite his jest, Mullie can well
understand the appeal of Asia, and it is
indeed a place that he has spent most of
his diplomatic career: Shanghai and Seoul
are his other tastes of the East.
But Mullie’s affair with Asia started earlier
than his ambassador role. One of his first
experiences of life abroad was in 1985
when he worked as a regional delegate
for Southeast Asia, importing coal from
Vietnam. “I just wanted to work abroad,”
he shrugs, “so I sought a job that would
enable me to do that.” The experience
met his expectations but only further
fuelled his appetite for international living,
and by 1988 he had passed the requisite
examination and secured himself a
position in the diplomatic sector.
“I think I am the odd one out in my
family,” he says laughing. “My sisters, my
Dad, my Mum’s family; they were all in the
medical industry, and very few of them
had been out of Belgium when I left.”
44 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
He was the only one among
them smiling as he packed up
for his first posting, Syria, in
1990. “What did they say when
I said I was going?” he asks.
“‘Typical!’”
Mullie’s urge to work abroad took root
in his teens when his family took in an
American boy for a year as part of an
exchange programme. The two boys got
on like a house on fire, and when Mullie
accompanied his newfound “brother”
back to the US for a holiday, he was
bitten by the travel bug. From then, via
an undergraduate law degree and an
International and European Law master’s
degree in Belgium, he was looking for a
way out.
Now 23 years into the life of an
Ambassador, Mullie is clearly in his
element, and has a jovial and relaxed
manner than belies a serious work ethic.
“You enter the diplomatic service because
you want to travel,” he explains, “but
you don’t realise the big ‘machinery’
behind it: the paperwork, the meetings.”
The process of administration used to be
even more laborious in his early days as—
before the Internet arrived to transform
communication—Mullie would have to
send his reports via Telex. “Even trying to
make a phone call was tough: you would
try 20-30 times before it would connect.”
Now, he says, he has to make sure he
leaves his laptop in the office when he jets
off for holidays, “otherwise I would never
stop working!”
The desire to see the world remains
strong, and one of the reasons Mullie loves
Malaysia is that it is so well-positioned
in Asia. With his wife and some or all of
his four children in tow, he takes every
opportunity to see the area.
“We travel constantly,” he explains. “The
next trip is to Thailand for the water
festival, but then I also love diving, hiking,
I love history and architecture. I am never
short of something to do!”
One pleasure he has enjoyed continuing
here in Malaysia is his love for hashing,
the practice of running along a pre-laid
trail that was first started by the colonial
HE Marc Mullie, Belgian Ambassador,
with his youngest daughter
rulers here in Malaya and has since
spread throughout the world. Mullie is
passionately supporting his homeland’s bid
to host the biannual international hashing
event InterHash in 2014, and a decision is
due in May. “It would be fantastic for the
country! Please spread the word.”
The very evening of our chat, Mullie was
planning to don his trainers and head
out hashing, but had to shelve his plans
to attend a dinner with the UN Secretary
General Ban Ki-Moon. “My job offers such
a variety of people, of situations,” he says,
“every day is different.” While dinners with
international political figures may be one
aspect of the role, another important aspect
is managing his local team and here, once
again, Mullie’s welcoming, open-minded
patience with people comes into play.
“I think teamwork is one of my skills,” he
admits, “and I try to always go beyond
expectations. I try to give people a little
more than the standard.”
Mullie is a man living the moment, and
working hard to make his time in Malaysia
worthwhile, both professionally and
personally. Despite the high value he places
on the individual – both his colleagues and
the fascinating locals he meets – his goal is
to make himself memorable but ultimately
replaceable. “There is such a high turnover
in this job,” he explains, “that I seek only
to leave behind something that works. If it
works well, they don’t even need you.”
Do You Have an
Extraordinary
Expat Kid?
Has your school-aged child
received an award, won
a competition, or done
something amazing to really
stand out? The Expat is proud
to announce a new monthly
feature, Extraordinary
Expat Kid, in which we’ll
swing the spotlight on
one of these exemplary,
exceptional, extra-special kids,
and showcase their talents,
their accomplishments, or
their contributions to their
communities. Send us your
submissions with some details
of their achievement, throw in
a high-quality photo of your
pride and joy and then, with
any luck, they’ll soon be seeing
themselves in print!
Email to: editor@theexpatgroupcom
Rawa Islands that dreams are made of, secluded white
beaches and palm fringed; images which can be found
here in Malaysia, to add to the dream blazing sunlight and
DFRROJUHHQFOHDUODJRRQZKHUHÀVKGDUWDQGVZLPLQ
never ending circles. Visitors on the beach wallowing in
the sunlight. Ah! The simple pleasures of Rawa Island is
16 km off Mersing Johor, a gem of an island discovered by
the lucky few. Pulau Rawa is truly a paradise island. There
are many caves for exploration and offshore coral reefs rich
with marine life.
Rawa Safaris Island Resort
Tourist Centre, 86800 Mersing,
Johor, West Malaysia.
Tel : +60(7) 7991204/ 7991205
Fax : +60(7) 7993848
Website: www.rawasfr.com
E-mail: [email protected]
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 45
motoring ...
BY CHAD MERCHANT
Baby Steps
MALAYSIA TAKES SMALL, SLOW STRIDES TO ADDRESS ONE OF THE BIGGEST
TARGETS OF SCORN FOR EXPATS AND LOCALS ALIKE: TRAFFIC JAMS.
M
any expats living in and around
Kuala Lumpur are likely to
place driving atop the list of
their least-favorite things about living in
Malaysia. With a lack of urban planning
and traffic management, a still-struggling
public transportation network, and a web
of roadways beset with bottleneck and
traffic-control problems, KL suffers from
the traffic woes of a much larger city. True,
there are other Asian cities with traffic
far worse than ours here, but those are
typically cities with substantially larger
populations, such as Bangkok or Jakarta.
As the relative wealth of Malaysians has
grown in recent years, reliance on personal
vehicles has soared. In the city of KL alone,
over five million vehicles are registered,
more than double the number of residents.
According to the latest JPJ estimates, well
over 21 million vehicles are registered in
Malaysia, and that number is expected to
continue rising. (As an interesting side note,
JPJ figures show only about half a million
licensed drivers in the country to go along
with those 21 million vehicles. You can
do the math and probably come up with
another reason traffic jams and accidents
are so commonplace in Malaysia.)
Another contributing factor is rampant
development without any meaningful
restrictions or requirements imposed on
the developers by city councils. We’ve
all seen this… a new building goes
up, whether commercial or residential,
introducing a new surge of traffic into an
already tenuous system and no impact
studies or traffic flow easements are
required of the developers. A perfect
example of this is near Kota Damansara.
Its lone main arterial road, Persiaran
Surian, is already plagued with frequent
traffic jams due to sheer volume and
poor traffic light timing. Yet despite this,
a massive development comprising three
41-storey condominium blocks has just
been completed with no commensurate
improvement to the surrounding
infrastructure. One can only imagine how
appalling the traffic will be in another year.
Unfortunately, corruption also plays
a part, from the rampant issuance of
drivers’ licenses for a fee to untested and
unqualified individuals to pay-for-approval
development permits. Coupled with the
lack of constraints holding developers
accountable for the impacts of their
projects on adjacent areas, the system has
become something of a free-for-all.
However, despite these seemingly
insurmountable problems, Malaysia has
recognized the critical importance of
addressing them and has undertaken steps
to address and ameliorate the worsening
traffic congestion in its most economically
important city. Throughout the city, traffic
cones are strategically deployed at peak
commuting times to keep drivers in a given
lane or discourage drivers from jumping
queues onto exit/entry ramps.
This actually works rather well, proof
that even a minor traffic management
investment can yield appreciable dividends.
Locally, Subang Jaya, a municipality
infamous for its breathtaking jams,
has finally appointed consultants to
conduct traffic assessments and make
recommendations to the city council.
Meanwhile, up in Penang, whose traffic
jams at times rival those of KL, the city
of George Town cordons off certain
streets every weekend in conjunction
with its “Car-Free Sunday” programme,
and encourages locals and visitors to use
public transportation to get down to the
Central Business District and enjoy the area
without its usual crush of vehicles.
Back in KL, the long-fractured rail system
has been brought together (though not
without difficulties) under the RapidKL
banner, and LRT stations are being
upgraded to increase their efficiency.
New rail lines have been approved for
construction, with possibly the most
anticipated line running through the city
centre and serving densely populated
suburban areas such as Bandar Utama,
TTDI, Kota Damansara, and Sungai Buloh
on one end, and Cheras, Bandar Tun
Hussein Onn, and Kajang on the other.
This railway is expected to run nearly 50
km and comprise 31 stations. A spur line
is also planned from Damansara Utama
(Uptown) to Kelana Jaya. Though these
lines will not be completed until 2016 at
the earliest, they will surely go a long way
towards reducing the mounting traffic
congestion in these areas. Frustration
appears to be growing, however, in light of
continuing announcements and projections
from the government without any real
work being undertaken, despite approval
for the projects initially having been
granted in 2006. The next few months
should see the final contracts being
awarded and the lengthy construction
process getting underway.
In the meantime, the best way to maintain
your sanity when faced with a sea of cars
crawling along is to learn where and when
the usual trouble spots are, then do as the
locals do: tolerate or avoid!
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 47
talentCorp news ...
rilled to
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a Gaspa
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Francesc work despite
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to
dant sp
n
e
be able
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Malaysi
Many Options for
Expat Workers
I
t is easy to see why expats are
attracted to Malaysia. The weather, the
vast variety of food and cultures, the
proximity of beautiful destinations, and a
relatively low cost of living all contribute to
making the decision to move to Malaysia
for work an easy one. More often than
not, however, when a couple or a family
make the move to Asia, it is just one of
the earners who arrives with a job. Their
spouse gains access to the country as a
dependent on their Employment Pass (EP)
and is therefore not permitted to work.
Italian mum-of-two Francesca Gasparini
was one of these dependent spouses and
admits that, initially, she was quite relieved
to give up her work. She had left her
investment banking job with JP Morgan
before the move to Asia but “I had
already decided that I needed a break,”
she explains. “The move to Malaysia gave
me the excuse that I needed. I wanted to
spend some time with my kids and settle
down in our new home before considering
working again.”
Francesca, like many others, eventually
found she missed having a job but was
dissuaded by the perceived difficulties.
“I had this perception of the process
being too complicated to bother.”This
misconception is common among expat
spouses who assume that, as they are listed
as “dependents,” they surrender their ability
to seek employment.
As Francesca has learnt much to her relief,
there are various options for dependent
spouses looking for the opportunity to work.
TalentCorp appreciate the vital role that
expats play in shaping Malaysia and
boosting the economy in these booming
days of development. That said, TalentCorp
also “recognise that expats are not just
here to contribute in an economic sense
to the nation,” explains Johan Mahmood
Merican, CEO of TalentCorp. “Expats also
want a conducive environment in which to
raise a family.”
48 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
TalentCorp are aware
that many in the expat
community don’t realise that
dependant spouses can seek
work and have three visa
options, and so TalentCorp
are striving to promote
these and spread the word.
Dependent spouses are
eligible for an EP or an EP II,
although certain conditions
apply (see table below). The
third option for spouses
to work, and the one that
attracted Francesca, is by the working
partner applying for the Residence PassTalent (RP-T). This pass offers the holder
(in this case, her husband) a 10-year
renewable visa that is not tied to any
one company or contract and that also
allows the spouse to work.
“The whole process took less than a
month,” continues Francesca. Now that
her husband has been approved for the
pass, Francesca is thrilled with the benefits
the RP-T has brought the whole family.
“There are so many advantages!” she
gushes. “Our kids can continue their
schooling, we can stay in Malaysia longterm, my husband is not tied down to one
employer, we can hire a helper for our
home, plus I can work, too.”
Francesca now works as Area Manager
(Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand) for
an Italian company called ViaBizzuno,
and urges other expat spouses with the
desire to work to make it happen for
themselves.
“Malaysia doesn’t always give the
impression that it is easy to work here,
but there are many challenging jobs for
women,” she says. Most importantly,
though, Francesca needed to find
something that was hers in this foreign
land. “For me, the idea of being the wife
of an expat or a mum to expat kids was
not enough for an extended period of
time. I needed an identity beyond that.”
Many frustrated spouses have yet to realise
that the RP-T offers a solution, as it has
only been available for a little over a year.
However, in that short time, more than
560 people have been approved in what is
a surprisingly smooth and easy process. “I
have already recommended the RP-T to all
of my friends,” Francesca concludes with
a smile.
Anyone interested in learning more
about TalentCorp and the RP-T should
visit www.talentcorp.com.my. To apply
for the pass directly, visit
www.expat.com.my/rp.
Visas Available for Expats Seeking Employment
Who can apply?
EP
Foreign expatriates who
have secured a job in
Malaysia
Salary
Contract length
Pass validity
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iskandar malaysia ...
No Longer a Dream
“A
strong and vibrant metropolis
for the future” was the
aspiration during the
conceptualization of Iskandar Malaysia.
Dedicated to the people of Malaysia and
specifically to the residents of the state
of Johor, Iskandar Malaysia is a highly
anticipated national project that will
encompass three times the land size of its
neighbour, Singapore. Envisioned to stand
as a strong and sustainable economic
region with global competitiveness, this
emerging metropolis’s establishment
is constantly benchmarked against the
world’s best in practices and infrastructure.
Iskandar Malaysia has already begun its
path towards becoming the prodigious
development that it is geared to be. With
three international seaports flanking its
eastern and southwestern shorelines,
the Port of Pasir Gudang, the Port of
Tanjung Langsat, and Port of Tanjung
Pelepas, Iskandar Malaysia is at the nexus
of Asia’s busiest shipping routes. The
Senai International Airport in the north
of Iskandar Malaysia adds to its global
connectivity, allowing greater access in and
out of Malaysia. This connectivity continues
to cover land via rail and comprehensive
roadways, making it most favourable
for trade as well as offering mobility for
business people, residents, and visitors.
Complementary to its worldwide
connectivity are the infrastructure
enhancement plans which include a
multi-model public transportation system
supplementing existing public transport
services as well as a comprehensive safety
and security programme. These have all
been put in place to meet the demands of
a world-class city.
As one delves deeper into the region, the
capital city of Johor Bahru can be discovered
at the very heart of this expansive region.
Here, the Central Business District of
Iskandar Malaysia sits beside the Danga Bay
Waterfront development complex, combing
a center for cultural handicrafts and local
delicacies with a captivating recreation
and nightlife hotspot. To the West, you
will find Nusajaya, Southeast Asia’s largest
integrated urban development which spans
24,000 acres and is earmarked as the
growth center within Iskandar. It houses
eight catalyst projects that will lead the
development of this burgeoning metropolis.
Notable among the projects are Puteri
Harbour, an integrated waterfront
development and marina. Also impressive
is the Southern Industrial & Logistics
Clusters, a “clean and green” industrial
park for industries such as advanced
technologies, health, and nutraceuticals.
Afiat Medical Park, a centre for wellness
and medical research, and Educity, a
regional campus for the world’s renowned
universities, are also among the projects.
In addition to this plethora of world-class
developments is the exciting prospect of
Legoland in Nusajaya that is anticipated to
open in September 2012.
Treading along the coastal fringes of Johor,
an encounter with the pristine mangrove
forests hosting unique wildlife habitat
will surely ease the mind. Some of these
mangrove forests have been rightfully
gazetted as RAMSAR sites, earmarking
them as Wetlands of International
Importance and rousing a concerted effort
by the authorities to ensure these sites
remain untouched amid the demands for
development. Tucked away in the recesses
of the secondary forests here are several
quaint fishing and agricultural kampungs
(villages). Local visitors and foreigners are
welcome to stay here under a Homestay
Programme that includes cultural
experiences such as making local delicacies
and learning the traditional zapin dance.
By way of recreation, the region also
features a light heritage jaunt; there are
historical buildings in the city center dating
back to the early 1800s. The Sultan Abu
Bakar Mosque and the Istana Besar (Great
Palace) are notable examples of the various
heritage buildings, delighting visitors with
the colourful history of this southern state.
Heritage buildings steeped in history,
colourful culture, and delicious cuisine
amid a burgeoning world-class
development... the potentials of Iskandar
Malaysia seem limitless. However, no
country is complete without its people. The
impetus of success is in the people driving
an idea towards an impressive future for
the region.
Johor’s illustrious history recounts its
heyday as a flourishing trading port in the
1600s. Winston Churchill once said, “The
farther backward you can look, the farther
forward you are likely to see.” History
cannot give a prediction of the future,
but it can give a fuller understanding of
our heritage and capabilities. Iskandar
Malaysia is setting out to objectify Johor’s
glory days as a booming center of trade
and commerce, and push it onwards to
becoming a strong, sustainable metropolis
of international standing.
TM
Iskandar Regional Development
Authority (IRDA)
G-01, Block 8
Danga Bay, Jalan Skudai
80200 Johor Bahru
Tel: 07.233 3000 Fax: 07.233 3001
Iskandar Service Centre
Tel: 03.2260 6777 Fax: 03.2260 7999
All consultancy and assistance is
given free of charge.
Toll Free: 1-800-88-3010
International: +607-218 3010
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.iskandarmalaysia.com.my
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 49
art ...
BY MARYBETH RAMEY
2.
1.
4.
3.
Artist Profile: Yee Yuen Chin
Painting with Passion and Love
1. Flying Colours
Media | Oil on canvas
Size | 24” x 36”
Price | RM3500
2. Simply
Media |
Size |
Price |
Beautiful
Oil on canvas
24” x 30”
RM3000
3. Willpower
Media | Oil on canvas
Size | 24” x 30”
Price | RM3000
4. My Garden 2
Media | Acrylic on canvas
Size | 24” x 30”
Price | RM2500
50 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
ee Yuen Chin is another wonderfully
talented female Malaysian artist
making real contributions to the
local art scene, and her beautiful painting,
Flying Colours, graces this month’s cover of
The Expat. She recently sat down with me
to discuss her work.
Y
various art schools. In 2006, one of her oil
paintings was recognised by the National
Art Gallery and since then, she has focused
more of her time on improving her skills
and participating in local exhibitions. All
the proceeds of her paintings sold are
donated to various charities for children.
“My childhood was spent around nature.
With a close-knit group of girls, we
would do drawings and portrait sketches
throughout primary school. During my
teens I learned charcoal, pencil sketching,
and watercolour painting from an
architect. Once I finished secondary school,
my parents persuaded me to study for a
business career, but the passion for art has
always remained with me.”
“I have a special love and affinity for
nature and the way its beauty impacts
me. I try to transpose this onto canvas
with my interpretations of nature. Clouds,
plants, flowers, landscapes, gardens, and
leaves are among my favourite subjects.
I have awakened before dawn just to
watch the sun rise and catch a glimpse
of atmospheric effects in the sky. I take
photos of scenery and plants whenever I
travel which I use as subject references.”
Ms Yee had spent over two decades in the
corporate business world, but ten years
ago, she decided to attend an international
book fair being held at the PWTC and
upon looking through the stunning art
books, she determinedly rekindled her
love for painting by taking art courses at
Ms Yee continues, “I paint what I see and
attempt to apply the genuine love and
passion I have for these wondrous sights
onto my paintings. Much thought is given
to the manner and style of a painting’s
composition before translating it to the
5.
canvas. My technique evolves from my love
of the detail which I can achieve through
brush strokes… from close-up vantages to
a landscape scene. Since oil can be heavily
textured, I occasionally use a palette knife.
“For my specialities of clouds and sky, I prefer
to use oil to create the softness effect, and
for leaves. I use both oil and acrylic.”
I asked her why she chose clouds as one of
her signature subjects.
“Clouds appear in different forms and
colours during different times of the day,
as well as changing appearance with the
weather. They are especially beautiful
when reflected on the water. They give
a great feeling of freedom and energy
as they float in the vast expanse of the
sky. The different colours of clouds and
sky inspire different emotions in all of
us. I hope my paintings will bring greater
calmness, serenity, and joy to viewers.”
And leaves, landscapes, plants, and
flowers? “I enjoy gardening and admire
the countless different shapes, colours,
sizes, and texture of leaves,” Ms Yee
explains. “With the tropical sunlight
and daily changes in the weather, their
different shades of leaves intrigue me
and I hope I can capture these vibrant
shades of green in my paintings because
greenery can inspire viewers to preserve
the beauty of nature. I paint different
foliage and flowers, both individually and
as blossoming as part of lush gardens.
6.
Painting gardens has inspired me to
start such a garden of my own and I
hope viewing my paintings will inspire
others, too.”
I asked her to define her goal with her
artwork. “I want my art to be simple and
realistic and to bring joy and happiness
that reflects God’s creations to mankind.
When I am painting a garden, I have
mentally placed myself in it and paint
what I want to see around me. My scenes
are all very personal to me. For example,
when you view a painting of mine with a
pretty house surrounded by lush flora and
sweeping fields of green, that is my own
dream house.”
Yee Yuen Chin is a delightful, sincere,
and warm person who impresses with
her tangible sense of passion and love for
what was formerly merely her hobby. In
the past seven years, she has participated
in several group exhibitions and is quickly
becoming recognised as one of the rising
stars of the Malaysia art scene. I hope
you agree.
5. Home Sweet Home
Media | Acrylic on canvas
Size | 28” x 36”
Price | RM2500
6. Pearls
Media |
Size |
Price |
of Waterdrops
Oil on canvas
24” x 30”
RM2500
If you are also enchanted with her
paintings, the ones on these pages are
available for sale. In addition to owning a
lovely painting which will bring beauty and
uplifting joy to your home or office, you
will also be supporting a children’s charity.
7. Lily Pond 2
Media | Acrylic on canvas
Size | 24” x 30”
Price | RM2500
Please contact me at marybethramey@
theexpatgroup.com for more information
or to arrange a viewing at our office.
8. Dazzling Beauty
Media | Oil on canvas
Size | 28” x 36”
Price | RM5000
7.
8.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 51
art ...
Muqarnas element
- Islamic Spain 14th/15th century
Kilga (Jar Stand) - possibly from 12th century
Candlestick from north-east Iran/
Afghanistan - late 12th/early13th century
Islamic Treasures
AS MALAYSIA BECOMES THE LATEST PORT OF CALL FOR THE TRAVELLING TREASURES OF
THE WORLD-RENOWNED AGA KHAN MUSEUM, PAT FAMA IS HOPING OTHERS WILL
TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY CHANCE TO CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE STUNNING BREADTH
AND VARIETY OF ISLAMIC ART ON DISPLAY.
I
t is not every day that Kuala Lumpur
gets to host a truly world-class
exhibition, and there can be no other
way to describe the current show at the
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM).
With a title of Treasures of the Aga Khan
Museum: Architecture in Islamic Arts, this
show comprises 100 artifacts, of which
many are genuinely priceless.
The exhibition is divided into six sections
including “The Fortress and the City,”
which focuses on forts and fortified
settlements; “The Palace,” which centres
on royal dwellings; “Gardens, Pavilions,
and Tents,” which explores how private
spaces were portrayed; and “Sacred
Typographies,” which looks at how the
sites of Islamic pilgrimage were shown in
visual art.
The exhibits include everything from
ceramics to metalwork, tiling to wood
carvings, which together span several
hundred years, and a massive geographic
area stretching from Islamic Spain to
Central Asia. At the heart of the exhibition
are the miniature paintings, whose
intricate detail is matched only by their
exquisite beauty. It is through studying
52 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
the miniatures that the IAMM's Head of
Curatorial Affairs, Dr Heba Nayel Barakat,
hopes visitors can get a new perspective
on Islamic culture:
"I am sure visitors will be stunned by the
beauty of the miniatures. We want people
to see architecture from a very different
point of view. People should visit this
exhibition with the eye of the miniature
painter of the 15th and 16th century to
see how he used architecture and how he
viewed it.”
Choosing the exhibits was a collaborative
process between the IAMM and the Aga
Plan of an Encampment (c 1800)
Khan Trust for Culture. The trust is just one
strand of the philanthropic work of the
Aga Khan, who is the hereditary spiritual
leader of Ismaili tradition of Shia Islam. The
Trust’s general manager is Luis Monreal:
"This is an exhibition which tries to tell the
public how, during many centuries, Islamic
artists dealt with the built environment: the
cities, the houses, the palaces, the gardens.
For many people this is going to be a great
surprise, because they think that Islamic
Art does not include representations of
landscape or representations of human
figures, that Islamic art is all geometric or
calligraphic."
However impressive this selection of
artwork is, it forms only a small part of
what will eventually be the Aga Khan
Museum in the Canadian city of Toronto.
The permanent museum is due to open at
the end of next year and will hold some
1,000 artifacts in its collection. Many of
these pieces, linked by different themes,
Tile, possibly from Kashan, Iran,
late 13th/early 14th century
have toured some of the most prestigious
museums and galleries in the world.
“This exhibition is not an isolated event,”
explains Monreal, “it is not an isolated
product. It is part of an ambitious
programme which started six years ago to
send artwork around the world to different
countries, starting with Europe, to spread
the notion that Islamic arts and Muslim
societies are not only very old, but they are
diverse and creative, too."
Each travelling exhibition has its own
theme, showcasing different elements of
the future Toronto collection, so although
the KL show is only part of this overall
touring programme, it is a unique event in
its own right. Benoit Junod, the Director of
Museums and Exhibitions at the Aga Khan
Trust, says there has not been an exhibition
on the subject of architecture in Islamic
arts since 1982.
"This is something which is out of the
ordinary,” says Junod, “and an uncommon
approach to Islamic arts. The temporary
exhibitions we have had so far have
attracted an enormous amount of public
interest. We are up to 940,000 visitors,
since announcing the creation of the
museum, and we very much hope we
are going to get to one million thanks to
all the people who will come to see our
exhibition here [in Malaysia].”
The Aga Khan, who officially opened
the exhibition in KL, paid tribute to the
work done by the IAMM in furthering the
knowledge of Islamic art and culture in
Malaysia. He said this kind of work was
important to counter "misconceptions"
about the Islamic world.
Double-page composition showing
Mecca and Medina
“It is our responsibility to correct the
messages being sent around the world
about our history and about our culture,”
he says. “We see more and more museums
coming up in the Islamic world that
illustrate the diversity, the history, and
the great traditions of our world. We
are re-entering the knowledge of global
humanities, from which we have been
absent for too long."
Treasures of the Aga Khan
Museum: Architecture in Islamic
Arts runs at the Islamic Arts
Museum Malaysia (IAMM) from 30
March to 29 June.
The museum is open every day
(including public holidays) from
10am-6pm and tickets are priced
at RM12 (adults), RM6 (students
and Malaysians aged 55 and over),
while children aged 6 and under
enter free of charge.
The IAMM is located close to the
Lake Gardens and the National
Mosque on Jalan Lembah Perdana,
KL. Contact the museum on
03.2274 2020 or by emailing
[email protected].
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 53
travel ...
Ganges river crossing near Rajmahal
A pilgrim in Sultanganj
The Glorious River Ganges:
A Journey Like No Other
A JOURNEY UPSTREAM ON THE RIVER GANGES IS QUITE A MOMENTOUS OCCASION,
SINCE ALMOST NO TOURISTS HAVE TAKEN THIS ROUTE SINCE THE 1940S.
PETRA O’NEILL TAKES US ALONG FOR THE RIDE AS SHE LOSES HERSELF IN THE
BEAUTY OF INDIA.
I
had been travelling upstream for some
days on the river Ganges when the
captain cast anchor by an island. It
was a large sandbank that may well be
subsumed during the monsoon but, being
the dry season, the crew were able to set
up a lavish barbeque on it. I walked along
the edges of the sand bank, looking at
the waves lapping at the shoreline and
beyond, to the boats where fishermen
were casting their nets. When I returned,
we ate, and the dinner was magnificent.
As we sat around a large open fire my
travelling companions urged me to sing a
song: “something Australian” they said.
I couldn’t remember anything; my head
was spinning with that gyrating Bollywood
dance music we heard periodically as we
cruised past small villages and towns.
Martin, our naturalist guide, hadn’t
impressed me greatly until then. He had
slept during most of our train journey from
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) to Farakka,
and he had provided me with only brief
responses to the many questions I’d
asked, but I saw him differently from that
night forward. “I know a song,” he said.
Then, with considerable pathos, he sang a
traditional song full of loss and nostalgia
so beautifully that we all had tears welling
in our eyes. It was one of those travel
moments where you find yourself so totally
immersed in the journey, so overwhelmed,
that you lose yourself within it.
TAKING TO THE WATER
My journey had begun in the decaying,
chaotic city of endless fascination that is
Kolkata. I stayed a night at the splendid
Oberoi Grand Hotel before venturing out
to Howrah Station, where we were met
by the sight of a small girl painted orange,
the endless procession of people boarding
their trains, and a two-hour delay. By the
time our train reached Farakka, it was late
and cold.
Three pilgrims in Sultanganj
54 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
Our river journey began just beyond the
Farakka Lock Gate and we sailed out into
Women in Wajidpur village
a river so wide and vast that the banks
were not visible. We rounded a bend in the
river and beyond it were fields of mustard.
Women wearing brightly coloured sarees
stopped working to gaze at us and,
against such a brilliance of green, it made
for an amazing sight.
For most of its course, the river Ganges,
rising in the Himalayas and emptying into
the Bay of Bengal, is a wide and sluggish
stream. The plain of northern India across
which it flows is one of the most fertile
and densely populated regions on earth.
The Hooghly and Ganges run through the
heartland of West Bengal to Kolkata and
beyond, to the Bay of Bengal. This is a
trade route that once brought ships from
Europe upstream to Patna, then onto Agra,
Delhi, Varanasi, and Lucknow.
The river Ganges has seen successive
civilizations from the Mauryan Dynasty
(c. 321-185 BC) to the Mughal Empire, the
latter founded in the 16th century. While
elephants, buffalo, bison, rhinoceroses,
lions, and tigers once roamed freely
here, wild animals are now few, with the
exception of deer, wolves, and foxes.
STOPPING FOR THE SIGHTS
We arrived at Rajmahal, once known as
Akbarnagar, which was founded by the
Mughal Emperor Akbar as his eastern
capital in 1592. It is the place where Shah
Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal, spent
much of his youth and there are remains of
palaces, forts, and mosques to explore.
Past the confluence with the Kosi – the
river that comes down from Nepal – we
moored at Batuksathan and travelled
by Jeep to the ruins of the 8th-century
Buddhist University of Vikramshila.
We visited the island shrine at Colganj to see
both Buddhist and Hindu cave temples, and
travelled along a stretch of the river where
Gangetic dolphins, otters, turtles, and a large
variety of water birds could be seen.
We sailed on to Sultanganj where
thousands of pilgrims had gathered to
take rest after having walked for several
hundred kilometres. I talked with one
who had a broad smile and a perfect
Oxbridge accent, his head piled high with
dreadlocks.
Monghyr, also spelt Munger, was
yet another stop, and we found it in
possession of a fine Mughal fort, colonial
bungalows, and a British cemetery dating
back to when it was a settlement for the
East India Company.
On the next day, a long bus ride took us
to visit the Jain and Buddhist monuments
at Rajgir, where Buddha lived for many
years. Then we went on to the Buddhist
monasteries at Nalanda: perhaps the oldest
A river crossing near Farakka
seat of learning in India with extraordinary
ruins believed to have been established in
the 5th century by the Gupta Kings. Next
we ventured on to Boddhgaya, the site
of Buddha’s enlightenment, to visit the
Mahabodhi temple and Bodhi tree under
which he sat, one of the most sacred
pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.
TRAVEL TIPS
Assam Bengal Navigation operates
cruises from Kolkata to Farakka
on the Hooghly, and from Farakka
to Patna on the Ganges. The
cruises may be taken separately or
combined.
TIME TO REFLECT
During the cruise up the Ganges, tourists
can also continue onto Varanasi to be
overwhelmed by the din of traffic, funeral
pyres, and crowded Ghats. Alternatively,
one can end the week-long cruise in Patna,
one of the world’s oldest continuously
inhabited places, at a berth close to the old
East India Company opium warehouses.
Visits to the extraordinary 18th-century
Gola Ghar granary, the great Sikh temple,
and the impressive State Museum are great
ways to round up your trip.
The Sukapha is a 40m-long boat
and can accommodate a maximum
of 24 guests in spacious cabins
with a lounge, dining room, and
observation deck.
A leisurely cruise on the river Ganges
offers a chance to experience the rhythm
of daily life and appreciate the rich
cultural heritage to be found during visits
to villages and riverside towns, and the
opportunity to enjoy the passing scenery
from the observation deck. At sunset,
when the sky turns brilliant shades of
pink and orange, you may find yourself
reflecting on the profound religious
significance of the Ganges as the holy river
for Hindus. Witness along its shores the
gatherings for cremation ceremonies, and
watch those who come to be cleansed by
its waters bathing in the evening glow. It is
a journey unlike any other.
Accommodation in Kolkata: The
Oberoi Grand Hotel is a restful
retreat from the busy streets that
lie beyond its iron gates. Email
[email protected] or visit
www.oberoihotels.com.
Email: [email protected] or visit
www.asambengalnavigation.com.
Getting there: AirAsia flies to
Kolkata, while Jet Airways has a
comprehensive network for travel
within India.
The Taj is located in a quieter
neighbourhood, with fine dining
options and a vast lobby. Email
[email protected] or
visit www.tajhotels.com.
For further information, visit
www.incredibleindia.org.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 55
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARKS BOARD
travel ...
The Flower Dome Bay South Garden, Gardens by the Bay
Singapore: Dawn to Dusk
SINGAPORE IS A WELL-TRODDEN TRAVEL DESTINATION, BUT DAVID BOWDEN SHOWS
THAT, WITH A LITTLE DIGGING, TRAVELLERS CAN DISCOVER MUCH MORE ON OFFER
THAN THEY EXPECTED. HERE’S HOW THIS VETERAN TRAVEL WRITER SPENT HIS DAY.
I
have to admit, it wasn’t a normal visit
to Singapore. My purpose was to travel
around the island in a day to secure
as many photographs as possible for a
new book I’m writing called Enchanting
Singapore. This wasn’t my first time
in Singapore by any means, and, like
many frequent visitors, I thought I had
a reasonable handle on what the island
offered. That said, when circumstances
compel you to put a country under
the microscope, you certainly see it in
a different light. So what differences
revealed themselves on this day?
organisms, and specialised plants that are
able to survive in the brackish waters of
the mangrove forest. While I had to head
deep into the park with the assistance of
one of the staff to hunt them down, we
did manage to see two wild crocodiles on
the banks of muddy estuaries. Thankfully,
they seemed docile and were contentedly
focused on sunning themselves while I
watched from a safe distance.
BREAKFAST WITH THE CROCS
I had previously undertaken, and loved,
breakfast with the Orang-utans at
the Singapore Zoo. When my guide
extraordinaire, Garry Koh, suggested that
the Orang-utans were passé and that
crocs were now de rigueur, we were soon
heading north to Sungei Buloh (well,
after I’d had my real breakfast at my hotel
of choice).
This 130-hectare reserve serves various
purposes from recreation to education,
conservation, and research. It’s covered
in mangroves, mudflats, ponds, and
secondary forest, all of which are home
to unique plants and animals, as well as
a wintering ground for migratory birds
(especially from September to March). In
addition to trails, boardwalks, and hides,
facilities include displays, a theatrette,
a cafeteria, and an outdoor classroom.
The reserve is open daily from 7.30am to
7.00pm (Monday to Saturday) and 7.00am
to 7.00pm (Sundays and public holidays).
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, in the
island’s northwest, is home to crocodiles
as well as waterbirds, various marine
MORNING TEA ON SENTOSA ISLAND
Next, we headed back to the city and
across the small causeway to Singapore’s
56 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
Zip-lining at Forest Adventure,
Bedok Reservoir
second island of Sentosa Island. This is
the playground for Singaporeans, and
no doubt expats with families already
know the island thanks to Resorts World
Sentosa and Universal Studios. At 504
hectares, it’s big enough to be home to 11
resorts, a marina, beaches, museum, forest
trails, two golf courses, and, as I quickly
discovered, an exhilarating range of fun
activities. My main interests were some
of the lesser-known recreational activities
that include a MegaZip Adventure Park
(flying fox, high rope course, and zip line),
iFly (world’s largest wind tunnel for indoor
skydiving), and Skyline Luge Sentosa
(part go-cart and part toboggan). At the
latter, thrill-seekers can luge the Jungle
Trail and then take the challenge of the
Dragon Trail, a 1.2-km downhill action and
adventure trail.
LUNCH BY THE BREAKERS
With all that adrenaline still pumping, I
wanted to visit Wave House Sentosa, a
simulated wave-surfing experience. While
Singapore is surrounded by water, it rarely
gets whipped up into a state that would
increase the heartbeat of any surfer worth
his boardwax. In addition to having two
simulated waves on offer, Wave House also
sports a restaurant and a bar, and offers
some cool beachside relaxation, as well.
While I used the excuse that I was only
there to photograph to avoid having to
ride the waves (well… maybe “wipe out”
would be a better term), it certainly looked
the bee’s knees for someone who was
into learning to surf or boogie board. They
also have excellent facilities for lounging
around Siloso Beach, and the Wave House
Bar and Restaurant serves up a most
agreeable duck pizza.
A SPORTING AFTERNOON
My next stop was the parkland forests
around Bedok Reservoir. These are home
to the Forest Adventure: an aerial ropes
course involving ladders, bridges, swings,
nets, trapezes, and a 200-metre zip line
traversing parts of the reservoir. A smaller
Stopping for a drink at Clarke Quay
Night scene of Marina Bay Sands from 1-Altitude
kids’ course enables people of all ages
to enjoy the adventure and is perfect for
those with energetic children.
there be rain, patrons adjourn downstairs
to the totally enclosed Stellar Restaurant or
the very smart 282 Bar and Citygolf.
An activity aimed squarely at more
experienced sporting types is the East
Coast Parkway. This 17-km parkway offers
extensive trails enabling cycling, jogging,
and inline skating, while the area is also
popular for fishing, kite flying, dining,
and recreation. Ski 360° is located here
and offers cable skiing and wakeboarding
on a lake.
There wasn’t time to settle in here, but I
made a mental note to return and take in
the evening ambiance. Clarke Quay was
waiting with its impressive light fountain
and enviable Singapore River location,
where it’s possible to get the island’s
iconic cocktail, the Singapore Sling. Just
opposite, the Malaysian-owned Vintry
offers 1,000 wine labels with 32 served by
the glass via their state-of-the-art Enomatic
Wine Dispenser.
For a completely different experience, I
was lucky enough to get a sneak preview
of Gardens by the Bay at Marina Bay.
Located just east of the downtown area,
this new development is mostly reclaimed
land offering a mix of commercial,
residential, recreation, hotel, and
entertainment activity as well as Marina
Bay Sands. Parts of Marina Bay have been
transformed into a freshwater reservoir
with the completion of the Marina
Barrage, and the lake is surrounded by
parklands and recreational space.
GETTING HIGH OVER SUPPER
Just as I was mopping up the last of my
crab dinner, my guide reminded me of
a few more places to experience before
heading back to bed. While the views
from Swissotel’s New Asia Bar are some of
the best, they are from behind the safety
of floor-to-ceiling glass panes. For the
open-air, 360-degree experience I craved,
I visited 1-Altitude located on the 61st to
63rd floors of One Raffles Place near the
Singapore River. 1-Altitude provides an
interesting new perspective on getting
high over Singapore and while there’s
a first-drink cover charge, it’s better to
pay this than the surcharge to go to the
cantilevered park on top of the three
Marina Bay Sands stacks. The drinks served
at 1-Altitude are excellent and, should
With a nightcap well and truly on
my mind, I put down my camera and
reflected upon my day in Singapore while
sipping a very fine and rewarding glass of
Blaufränkisch Austrian red wine: I had seen
the island in a completely different light
CONTACTS:
Forest Adventure:
www.forestadventure.com.sg
Gardens by the Bay:
www.gardensbythebay.org.sg
Garry Koh (guide):
www.garrykoh.com
Novotel Clarke Quay:
www.novotel.com
1-Altitude: www.1-altitude.com
Singapore Tourism Board:
www.stb.gov.sg
Ski360°: www.ski360degree.com
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve:
www.sbwr.org.sg
Swissotel Stamford Hotel:
www.swissotel.com
Vintry Wine Bar: www.vintry.com.sg
Wave House:
www.wavehousesentosa.com
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 57
Expat
Airline & Travel News
Bungaraya Restaurant in Kota Bahru.
The get-together featured a series of
activities with renowned local singers and
actors including Ezlynn; band members
from Innuendo, Ruffedge, VE, Fabulous
Cat; Siti Zaleha; and Fiffi Natasya were all
on hand to entertain the youngsters.
KOREAN AIR: THE OFFICIAL
SPONSOR OF 2014 INCHEON
ASIAN GAMES
Korean Air has been announced as the
official sponsor of the 17th Asian Games,
which are scheduled to be held in Incheon
in September 2014.
The Korean airline signed the Memorandum
of Understanding to officially sponsor the
2014 Incheon Asian Games at the Olympic
Council of Asia (OCA) advisory board
meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. Present
at the ceremony were the Chairman and
CEO of the Hanjin Group, Yang Ho Cho;
President of OCA, Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad
Al Sabah; and President of the organizing
committee of the 2014 Incheon Asian
Games, Yong-Soo Kim.
The children were from Yayasan Kebajikan
Anak-Anak Yatim Kelantan (YAATIM)
and PEKA YATIM – two non-profit
organisations serving children in need.
Firefly’s Head of Marketing and
Communications, Angelina Fernandez said,
“The highlight of the day was witnessing
a room full of overwhelming joy and
the smiles on the faces of the children
throughout the session. It is wonderful to
see an excited group of young, hopeful
individuals build a strong bond over a
short span of time with the artistes who
volunteered to collaborate and make this
event possible together with Firefly’s team.”
In association with
Citibank
PremierMiles Card
Visit: http: //www.citibank.com.my/premiermiles
more, so it’s well worth a stop on the way
to other destinations.
Etihad Airways crewmembers work hard
to ensure the flight is also something to be
remembered. Choose Diamond First Class
and enjoy scrumptious fine dining by their
top chef, or go for the spacious fully-flat
bed and on-demand food and beverage
service in Pearl Business Class. Picking the
Coral Economy Class gives passengers over
600 hours of on-demand entertainment,
deep reclining seats, and a choice of three
meal options plus a café service.
Get your booking forms at
www.etihad.com/stopovers or find out
more on www.etihadairways.com. The
promotion is available for booking until
1 December 2012.
For more information on the airline, or to
book tickets, visit www.fireflyz.com.my.
Korean Air Chairman Cho’s goal to
improve the standard and awareness
of Asian sports has led him to lend his
personal support, as well as that of his
airline, to the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
For more information on the airline, visit
www.koreanair.com.
AIRASIA STARTS ADDITIONAL
DAILY FLIGHTS TO VIENTIANE
BREAK YOUR JOURNEY IN
ABU DHABI
FIREFLY CELEBRATES
MILESTONE WITH CHILDREN
Etihad has a special new offer to tempt
passengers-to-be to the airline. If
passengers choose to make a stop in Abu
Dhabi on their trip, they receive a free onenight stay at a hotel of their choosing from
the list of superb accommodation options
provided by the airline. Passengers can opt
to stay an extra night to explore the city
further and enjoy a fantastic discount on
their second night’s accommodation.
Community airline Firefly celebrated the
launch of its newest route between Kota
Bharu and Johor Bahru by treating 50
children to a delicious luncheon at Syam
Abu Dhabi is a lively city with international
restaurants, golden beaches, exceptional
leisure facilities, first-class hotels, and much
58 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
From 27 May, AirAsia will introduce
additional daily flights from Kuala Lumpur
to Vientiane. The extra flights are being
introduced to boost connectivity between
Malaysia and Laos, and with these
additional flights, the frequency is now up
to seven flights a week.
“Guests can now enjoy further
convenience and superior choice of flight
times to Vientiane from Kuala Lumpur,”
said Regional Head of Commercial at
AirAsia, Kathleen Tan.
For more information, please visit
www.airasia.com.
AIR MAURITIUS
EXPERIENCING
GOOD GROWTH
about children crying and disturbing the
peace of other passengers.
The first quarter of the
year has recorded a
reasonably good growth for Air Mauritus in
Kuala Lumpur, and it seems that increasing
numbers of travellers are discovering
Mauritius either as a top vacation
destination, or as a pleasing stopover on
their way to Africa and Europe.
The Airbus A380 is set to make its debut
on 1 July on the route between Kuala
Lumpur and London, while the Sydney –
KL route will get the new aircraft on 25
September. Malaysia Airlines previously
enforced a ban on infants in the first-class
sections of its Boeing 747 jumbo jets and
plans to do the same on the A380s.
Air Mauritius, the national carrier of the
Republic of Mauritius, also recently won
the PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC)
Corporate Reporting Awards 2012 in the
category “Other Listed Companies.” These
annual awards seek to encourage listed
companies to enhance the quality of their
published accounts.
For more information, please visit
www.malaysiaairlines.com.
Flying Tips
The airline presently flies to twenty-six
destinations in Europe, Asia, Australia,
Africa, and the Indian Ocean, and flies out
of KLIA to Mauritius four times a week.
For more information on tickets
call 03. 2142 9161 or visit
www.airmauritius.com.my.
FLY TO MIRI FOR THE BORNEO
JAZZ FESTIVAL AND REDEEM
YOUR ENRICH POINTS
The Borneo Jazz Festival, one of the
country’s leading music festivals, returns
again this year with an even bigger and
better line-up than before.
Members of Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich
programme will enjoy 30% discount
on festival tickets, and then get the
opportunity to redeem their Enrich Miles
on the airfare to Miri for the weekend.
32,000 miles allow travellers to travel by
MH Flex, 24,000 by MH Smart, and 16,000
by MH Basic.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES TO
INTRODUCE NO-CHILD ZONE
The national airline Malaysia Airlines has
announced that the upper-deck economy
cabin of their Airbus A380s will be off
limits to children under the age of 12.
This age limit is to ensure that passengers,
especially business travellers, will have
a more relaxing and enjoyable trip. The
decision was made following a series of
complaints from first-class passengers
To buy tickets for the Borneo Jazz
Festival, call Ticket Charge at
03.9222 8811. To redeem Enrich points
on the flight tickets, contact Enrich at
1300 88 3000.
For more information on the airline,
please visit www.malaysiaairlines.com.
Check out our Expat Airline Travel &
News section at www.expatkl.com/
airlinetravelnews
Nobody likes hearing a child screaming
onboard a flight, so when you travel
with your kids, it is considerate to
ensure that your little ones keep their
voices down. Here are a few tips to
help keep everyone’s sanity intact the
next time you fly with your child... or
children!
1. SURPRISE!
Children below the age of four will
most likely forget what toys they have,
especially if they have a large number of
them. Before you fly, wrap up some of
their toys and bring them in your hand
luggage to get out when things get
noisy. Surprising your little ones with a
“new gift” every time they get restless
will keep them occupied and happy!
2. FREEBIES
Most airlines have a small activity pack
for kids containing crayons, a colouring
book, and even a small toy. Ask the
friendly flight attendant to make sure
your child gets one and encourage your
youngster to complete the activities;
this will keep your child occupied for a
little while.
3. COMMUNICATION
Little ones are always curious, and if it
is the first time they have flown they
will certainly be asking lots of questions.
The more you tell them to keep quiet,
the more restless they will get, so try to
answer their questions and give them
a “tour” of the plane. Ask if they will
take you and your little one to meet the
captain; they are often happy to oblige!
4. BE PREPARED
Make sure you pack exactly what you
need. If you have an infant, the airline
will allow you to pack milk, juices, baby
food, and medicine to take on board.
Pack a spare change of clothes in case
of unforeseen emergencies, and don’t
forget nappies!
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 59
S E A F R O N T L U X U R Y A PA R T M E N T S
FROM
RM 440,000
AV
TO RS
TO AV
L 04 953 3108
SE
SEA FACING
RKING
M
TO books ...
BY TOM SYKES
The Making
of Sini Sana:
Reflections of a
Travel Book Editor
T
wo years ago, I had the honour of
co-editing the first-ever anthology
of travel stories about Malaysia. If
we take Derek Neale’s definition of travel
writing as “a form of autobiographical
writing which is ostensibly focused on
place,” then Sini Sana scores highly, even
if I say so myself!
THE BOOK
Reading the book is like watching a
cinematic tracking shot across Malaysia’s
nature and culture. In a hair-raising piece
entitled: “Storming Gunung Tahan,”
Lee Yu Kit treks up Malaysia’s toughest
mountain and into a colossal storm. In
“Ladies of the Longhouse,” Polly Szantor
whisks us off to the remote village of
Pa’Umor for an ethnographic insight
into one of the smallest tribes in Borneo.
Marc White’s “Lessons at the Night
Market” lingers on the gastronomic
pleasures of Taman OUG. I challenge
anyone not to feel hungry reading it,
but be warned: the story ends on a
cautionary note. When Zhang Su Li
encounters an old Chinese woman in
“Postcards from All Over the World,”
readers stop moving through space and
start moving back through time to World
War II and the resistance movement.
Sarah Cheverton (“A Complicated
Paradise”) perfectly balances the ethereal,
stuck-in-time atmosphere of Perhentian
Kecil with her own inner yearning for
love. At the other end of the emotional
spectrum, “A Beginner’s Guide to Magic”
by Subashini Navaratnam depicts a
Langkawi full of scary snake dens and
freaky trees that appear to be alive.
From Eric Newby’s “Short Walk in the
Hindu Kush” and Geoff Dyer’s “Yoga for
People Who Can’t Be Bothered to Do It,”
to Sarah MacDonald’s slapstick tour of
India in “Holy Cow!”, travel writing about
Asia has always been humorous and Sini
Sana is no exception. My vote for the
funniest story goes to “Papa’s Bukit” by
F. D. Zainal, set in rural Kelantan. When
an elephant pays an unwanted visit to the
family house, Zainal tries everything to
get rid of it, including asking it nicely in
Tamil, Siamese, and Hokkien.
THE PROCESS
The genesis of Sini Sana dates back to
a not-so-funny encounter in Brickfields
in October 2009. Tan May Lee and Eric
Forbes of MPH were taking my young
family and me out for lunch after I had
expressed my curryholic’s need for the
finest Indian food in KL.
En route to the restaurant, Eric suddenly
started shaking, as if he’d fallen ill. A
man was kneeling down and gripping
Eric’s leg. A large crowd swiftly gathered
around them. The man then let go
of Eric and the crowd dispersed. May
Lee asked Eric if he still had his wallet.
“No,” was his heavy-headed reply. It
transpired that he had been the victim of
a street robbery for which the leg-gripper
and the crowd had created a wellchoreographed diversion.
This was not quite the introduction to
Malaysia I had planned for my family! Eric
and May Lee couldn’t stop apologising,
but I told them not to worry; these
things happen everywhere in the world.
We proceeded with caution to the
restaurant. On a brighter note, by the
end of our meal, we’d come up with the
idea for Sini Sana.
Soon after, May Lee and I signed on as
co-editors. This wasn’t going to be easy,
what with her based in KL and me in
Manila. But, thanks to the wonders of
modern communications (plus one faceto-face meeting the following Christmas),
we were able to complete the project.
There were a few tricky moments
along the way. I was sometimes unsure
whether expressions and sentence
constructions that jarred in British English
might work in Malaysian English. Also,
my grasp of Bahasa wasn’t good enough
to judge the sprinkling of foreign words
and phrases that is such an important
convention of the travel genre. May Lee
came heroically to the rescue on both
these counts.
Having now edited four travel anthologies
for four different countries, I can say that
the submission phase is my favourite part
of the creative process. As the stories
materialise in my inbox or drop onto my
doormat, I get a tremendous sense of
privilege, not to say anticipation. For Sini
Sana, I was being paid to read dozens of
excellent stories by the best writers from
both in and out of Malaysia. What could
be better than that?
Sini Sana is available in all good
bookshops nationwide and costs
RM35.90. For more information visit
www.mphonline.com.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 61
body and soul ...
BY SARAH REES
All in the Mind
and asthma can be reduced. Even those
without medical conditions can reap the
benefits: Taking the time to slow down
after a long, difficult day can help with
sleeping and ensure that worries never
become overwhelming.
H
ow often does the word
meditation inspire people to
mentally roll their eyes and
imagine bearded middle-aged travellers
sitting cross-legged and humming in an
Indian ashram? While this may be one
aspect of the global phenomenon that
meditation has become, even those
who pride themselves on being scientific
shouldn’t turn their noses up at a practise
that has been helping calm people since
1500 BC.
Meditation is a term that refers to various
processes which lead to a relaxed state
of consciousness and can offer some
benefits, both mental and physical. In a
fast-paced world where we are increasingly
rushing around and accumulating stress
at an alarming rate, meditation can be the
gateway to an oasis of serenity.
Those seeking scientific justification
can be comforted by research findings.
Neuroscientists have found that those who
meditate succeed in shifting their brain
activity to different areas of the cortex,
thus decreasing the negative effects of
stress and anxiety. Scientists also spotted
that meditators had reduced activity in
the amygdala, the area where the brain
processes fear.
By reducing anxiety, those with medical
conditions brought on or exacerbated by
stress may find some relief, and conditions
such as high blood pressure, heart disease,
For many, of course, the notion is that
meditation is a luxury that time simply
does not allow. How to justify spending
two hours sitting on a cushion when the
children need to be collected, dinner needs
to be cooked, and work reports need to be
finished? Not to worry, because meditation
takes many forms, and activities such as
yoga, tai chi, and qi gong all share similar
benefits with the more stereotypical image
of what meditation entails. If you can
find time for traditional exercise, you can
incorporate the benefits of meditation.
Moreover, meditation can be actually
fitted around any activity, and can be as
simple as taking two minutes to slow
down and focus on breathing, or walking
down to the shops and chanting a mental
mantra – it could even be what you need
to buy! – to slow down your mind. Some
people find a sense of calm focus by
reading something meaningful such as
a poem, and then taking a moment to
ponder the meaning of the text. It is easy
to see that any activity can be beneficial,
as long as it involves slowing the mind
down to focus on something for a period
of time. In this way, the brain has a
chance to take stock of the things that
are piled into it, and anxiety is eased.
There are many good websites offering
easy tips on meditation, and numerous
classes to join throughout Malaysia, from
basic meditation right up to advanced
yoga, while many public places such
as parks host tai chi classes in the early
morning or at dusk. If time pressures do
not allow for such lengthy a period of
focus, then make an effort to spend five
minutes a day to simply slow down your
whirling mind, focus on your breathing,
and you’ll reap the benefits of a modest
effort that can greatly enhance your
well-being.
STAYING HYDRATED
When living in a hot climate that is
different from your home environment,
it is vital to make a conscious effort to
keep your body hydrated throughout
the day to avoid getting headaches and
to keep yourself in tip-top condition.
Here are some easy ways to stay
hydrated:
1. Have a drink as soon as you wake
up, as your body won’t have had
any fluids all night.
2. Drink water every 15 minutes as you
exercise.
3. Carry a plastic bottle of water
around with you when you are away
from home.
4. Drink before you get thirsty rather
than waiting until you are parched.
5. Keep a glass of water next to your
bed.
6. Limit your intake of caffeinated tea
and coffee; these are diuretic and
can cause you to lose liquids quickly.
If you drink these to stay warm, try a
mug of hot water with a squeeze of
lemon.
7. Find a cordial that you enjoy to
make it easier to drink more water.
8. Try and drink a glass of water after
each alcoholic drink, as alcohol
dehydrates the body.
9. Eats lots of fruit and vegetables;
they contain lots of water.
10. Air conditioning can make some
people feel thirsty. If you work in an
air-conditioned environment, keep a
bottle of water on your desk.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 63
health and beauty ...
BY CHAD MERCHANT
An Afternoon with
Dr. Mark Reyneker
in Malaysia. Since opening, Dr.
Mark and his team have
treated over 50,000 feet.
T
HE HUMAN FOOT. It is such
an essential part of the human
anatomy, used for balancing,
walking, running, hopping, jumping,
skipping, dancing… you get the idea. But
it is hardly spoken about, except maybe in
how they look aesthetically and not how
they function!
A check with Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.
com) tells us that “the human foot and
ankle is a strong and complex mechanical
structure containing more than 26
bones, 33 joints (20 of which are actively
articulated), and more than a hundred
muscles, tendons, and ligaments.” And
yet, it is more often than not neglected
and taken for granted.
I met Dr. Mark Reyneker recently and
found him to be extremely knowledgeable,
sincere, and completely passionate about
feet! Hailing from South Africa, Dr. Mark
(as he is fondly referred to by his patients)
practiced in South Africa before being
lured to Asia to redevelop a podiatry
department in a centre in Singapore. Two
years later , he came to Malaysia, where
he founded the Family Podiatry Centre
(FPC) in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail seven years
ago. It is the only private podiatry centre
64 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
So what is podiatry exactly?
“Podiatry is that part of the
medical field concerned with
the evaluation, diagnosis and
treatment of conditions of the
lower limb, paying special attention to
the feet,” explains Dr. Mark. “Fully 25% of
all the bones in the human body are found
in the foot, and together with numerous
intricate joints, they carry your body
weight around all day. Added to that, it
has been the evolution of our feet that
have given us the ability to walk upright
and be bipedal – a trait that distinguishes
us from the rest of the animal kingdom
and is very likely responsible for our
survival as a species.”
Podiatrists consider themselves to be very
much part of mainstream healthcare.
They utilize medical diagnostic tests,
have prescription rights, and perform a
variety of surgical procedures. Around the
world, they practice in hospitals and other
medical facilities, private or governmental.
Podiatry has been around for a very
long time: The Journal of the American
Podiatric Medical Association is 107 years
old. However, podiatrists still consider their
field to be rapidly evolving.
The FPC has become well-known for
treating conditions of the lower limbs.
“We have excelled particularly in the
management of musculoskeletal disorders
such as heel pain (plantar fasciitis), knee
pain (runners knee) and lower back pain,”
Dr. Mark informs me. “Other types of
typical problems involve developmental
leg problems in children, and foot
deformities.”
Patients who visit the FPC predominantly
have chronic ailments. The reason for
this is that many doctors are misinformed
about foot pain. Oftentimes, patients
who consult them are sadly told that
foot pain is a normal part of aging, or to
wear arch support, change their shoes,
and wear more cushions. Unfortunately,
some patients get referred to shops that
sell arch supports and shoes staffed by
untrained individuals. So the patient ends
up being “treated” in a shoe shop or kiosk
for a medical condition. By the time they
reach FPC, it is not uncommon for them to
report having suffered for well over a year.
Besides Podiatrists, Dr. Mark has also hired
Chiropractitioners and Physiotherapists
in his centres. “My experience over the
years has shown that a multidisciplinary
approach to certain conditions is often
times the best approach,” he explains.
“There are many cases such as chronic
lower back pain that have causes that
only a podiatrist will know how to
identify. Then there are treatments that
only a chiropractor will know how to
administer effectively.”
He continues, “There is also an important
role for the physiotherapist to play. This
example of teamwork is what makes our
centre so successful. Dr. Barry Kluner,
who is our chiropractor at the Mont Kiara
branch, treats numerous conditions of
the spine and gets his patients to lead
healthier, more fulfilling lifestyles by
addressing nutrition, rest, and fitness.
He is actively involved in
helping people improve
their posture with evidence
based products and gives
numerous international talks
on the topic.”
Dr. Mark has also recently
added Extracorporeal Shock
Wave Therapy (ESWT) to
aid in the treatment of
motion pain, such as Plantar
Fasciitis, shoulder pain, tennis or golfer’s
elbow, Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s
knee), Achilles tendon pain, heel pain,
or chronic neck, shoulder and back pain.
This therapy can also treat muscle tension
caused by painful muscular nodules
(trigger points) and knee osteoarthritis.
I learnt that the therapy is like a deep
tissue massage but more than that, in
how it is focused in sending pressure
waves to the pain site. This therapy
has apparently been used in numerous
sporting events such as the Olympic
Games and by leading sportsmen and
teams to treat sports injuries besides pain.
“ESWT is a fascinating treatment,”
Dr. Mark shares enthusiastically. “It is
evidence-based and FDA-approved. It is a
typical example of physics taking medicine
to new heights.” He explains further,
“The device that gets applied to the skin
generates a low-energy sound wave. The
sound wave penetrates deep into the
area we are targeting and changes the
pathology with almost immediate results.
We have successfully used it on myogelosis
(trigger points), which means that patients
no longer need to get painful trigger point
therapy, where the therapist will use his
elbow or finger to press on the affected
area, often leaving a patient battered and
bruised. The feedback from patients has
all been positive. ESWT has proven to be a
valuable tool in our arsenal of treatments.”
This was the treatment I wanted to have,
as I have suffered from chronic neck and
lower back pain for months now. It’s not
debilitating pain, but it’s ever-present, and I
welcomed the chance to treat it.
And if the addition of ESWT wasn’t
enough, Dr. Mark will also be including
yet another procedure to his practice
– the CoolBreeze laser treatment of
onycomychosis (toe nail fungus) and
Verruca Warts. It seems many people
do not actually realize that there is a
treatment for toe nail fungus and the
warts that grow on the soles of the feet
or toes. These warts can sometimes cause
pain. The CoolBreeze laser treatment will
be the first of its kind in Malaysia.
What a worthwhile afternoon spent with
Dr. Mark Reyneker. Not only did I learn
a great deal about the human foot and
its importance in our everyday activities,
but I left with relief of the neck and back
pain with which I had arrived, and am
so grateful that I learned of this new
treatment!
Dr. Mark’s parting words of advice: “Pain
is not normal if it persists for a few days. It
is a warning signal, a red light, telling you
that something is wrong. Listen to your
body and respond by seeking help from
the right professional.”
The two Family Podiatry Centres are
located in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail and
Solaris Mont Kiara. Please go to
http://www.familypodiatry.com.my for
my information.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 65
YOUR EDUCATION
PREPARED YOU
FOR ONE PATH.
THEIR
EDUCATION
OPEN UP
ANY ROAD .
IB Diploma
The world is changing,
so are classrooms.
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owe er de ending on how long ou ha e been abroad this
re orting ti e li it can be reduced lso whilst the o erall ta
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increase the ta free a ount UK occu ational ension funds can
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Jon Golding ATT TEP is a UK tax reduction specialist with
P td in Kuala u pur ontact
or isit
www goldtaxser ices co
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
business profile ...
BY SARAH REES
The Man Behind
the Music
s the Malaysian Philharmonic
Orchestra (MPO) nears its 15th year
of existence, a new face has arrived
to join the team. While he may have only
been in Kuala Lumpur since January this
year, Timothy Tsukamoto, the new General
Manager of Malaysia’s only professional
orchestra, is getting down to business.
A
Half-Japanese, Timothy started playing
the French horn at a young age and
continued through high school and into
college, while at the same time planning
and organising concerts with his friends.
“I always enjoyed organising concerts as
much as playing in them,” he admits, “so
administration was an obvious choice.”
“We are currently working on next
season,” he explains, “trying to ensure we
have a varied programme and confirming
all the guest conductors and artists.”
This, he says, is made challenging by the
location. Whereas in Europe, performers
can simply “hop” from country to country,
securing an artist in Malaysia involves more
complicated logistics. “It is a different
challenge,” he admits, “but I enjoy that.”
His 11 cumulative years of work at the
BSO gave him a strong foundation in
working with orchestras, but the MPO is a
different experience, not least because it
is a relatively new orchestra: 14 years old
compared to the 131 years behind the BSO.
Timothy has always been one to seek out
challenges. After working for the Boston
Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in his home
country, he has “hopped” around the
world himself, spending time in Japan
at the Hyogo Performing Arts Centre
Orchestra and then in Switzerland with
the UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra, before
accepting the job in Malaysia. “I like to
take advantage of opportunities that come
my way,” he says.
“Working in a relatively young music
scene has been quite different,” agrees
Timothy, “but interest in the MPO is
increasing all the time. In addition to
our core body of subscribers, we have
many new concert-goers each season.
Our recent auditions for the Malaysian
Philharmonic Youth Orchestra attracted
more than 170 young musicians so the
younger generation is already keen.”
While appreciation of classical music may
be in its infancy in Malaysia compared
to the Western world, Timothy is
determined to help spread the word
about the quality of performances on
offer at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS.
“I believe that the MPO is one of the
best orchestras in Asia,” he says. “It
is truly an international orchestra and
Malaysia is very fortunate to have it.”
He is hoping the number of locals
attending the concerts will continue its
steady increase, and hopes the variety
of concerts will pique the interest of
tourists. “Just as a trip to the Twin
Towers Skybridge is a ‘must-do’ for
tourists, so should an MPO concert be.”
Timothy is also involved in sharing the
benefits of classical music with the people
that never get the chance to come
to the concert hall, and the outreach
programme takes MPO ensembles into
such environments as hospitals, retirement
homes, and schools to share music with
the wider community.
“Music of any kind enriches life,” he
explains, “and it is a fundamental part of
the human experience. Classical music is
often dismissed by people who haven’t
had the opportunity to experience it.”
This is something that Timothy hopes to
change during his tenure at the MPO,
and speaks passionately about the
importance of reaching out to as many
Malaysian residents as possible. “One
of the missions of the MPO is to give
people the opportunity to discover the
excitement of classical music,” he says.
“I think that, in time, classical music will
become more a part of the Malaysian
cultural scene.”
Timothy’s enthusiasm and passion for his
new role makes him a real asset for the
MPO, and it is clear that the prestigious
orchestra will flourish under his
leadership. For Timothy, it is a thrill to be
involved with a place that he remembers
being unveiled to the world 14 years ago.
“I remember reading about this fantastic
new concert hall built between the Twin
Towers,” he reminisces. “It caused quite
a stir in the music world at the time, and
now I am here to see it for myself!”
Read more about the MPO’s current
season at Dewan Filharmonik
PETRONAS by visiting www.mpo.com.
my. For ticket bookings please call
03.2051 7007.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 69
expressions 2012 ...
Bright Young
Things
Anyone who was cruising around
Bangsar Shopping Centre on the
weekend of 24-25 March could easily
have thought they had stumbled onto
an episode of X-Factor. Cheering
crowds thronged the concourse and
the stage was filled with an incredible
array of talent from some of the
brightest young stars in the country;
this was Expressions 2012!
Expressions is a talent contest for
international school children in KL, and
is organised by The Expat Group. This
is our way of supporting the schools
with whom we work closely, giving
the youngsters a platform on which to
shine and a chance to share their skills.
The competition was split into two
categories – primary and secondary
schools – and each act had just three
minutes to impress the judging panel.
The judges were a suitably artistic mix,
and the three with the unenviable job
of selecting the best of the best were
Hughes de Courson, a French composer
and musician; Priscilla Lee, the principal
of De Musique Box at Mid Valley; and
expat Paul Tyminski, who trains pilots
for AirAsia.
No fewer than eleven schools
participated this year, and the
youngsters who took to the stage
were utterly extraordinary in their
confidence and talent, and the sheer
variety of performances made it a
wonderful afternoon’s entertainment.
The audience enjoyed frenzied
Indian dances and quiet solo singers;
beautiful music played on a thousandyear-old Chinese instrument (the Erhu);
and even rock anthems strummed
on an electric guitar. From hip hop to
African beats, and from pop songs to
Italian ballads, the children impressed
the enthusiastic crowd, and every
single one of these young performers
was a winner for taking to the stage
with such bravery and putting on a
superb show.
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70 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
Thanks to...
This fantastic event could not have
happened without the support of our
sponsors, who hopefully enjoyed the event
as much as we did!
The Federal Agricultural Marketing
Authority (FAMA) delighted the crowd
with a fun interactive fruit show in which
children had a food-eating competition
and picked up some great freebies.
Gingersnaps provided gorgeous clothes
from its new range for the fashion show,
along with goodie bag treats.
Mothercare and Early Learning Centre
(ELC) provided goodie bag treats, prizes,
and some beautiful clothes for the
fashion show.
Rainforest Herbs, promoters of local
traditional herbs and healing remedies, had
a stall running throughout the weekend to
educate visitors on their products.
BROS supplied special prizes for the
winners, as well as plenty of their reusable
water bottles to give away in goodie bags.
KPJ HealthCare, Malaysia’s leading private
healthcare provider, was represented by a
team of nurses who were on hand to give
free blood pressure checks and answer
questions.
InterMovers provided the boxes for giving
away our winners’ prizes and promoted
their moving services.
Bangsar Shopping Centre offered a superb
venue for what was a fantastic and hugely
popular show.
Nick Atkinson offered his services as an
emcee for the whole event and did a
super job at keeping the weekend running
smoothly.
Sponsors
An Event by
Venue Sponsor
Federal Agriculture
Marketing Authority
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THE EXPAT 71
expressions 2012 winners ...
Andra Tai Li-Ying
Dhol dance by Sri KL
Illaria Manzo
Primary Schools Category
The participants in this category were aged from 7 to 12, with 13 acts taking part in the first round and seven making it to the
final. Each winner picked up a trophy, a special gift from Mothercare, a cash prize for the student, and a sum to be donated to a
charity of the school’s choice.
First Prize: RM3,000 for charity, RM600 for student
Second Prize: RM2,000 for charity, RM300 for student
Third Prize: RM1,000 for charity, RM150 for student
FIRST PLACE: SRI KL DANCE TROUPE
Performance: Dhol dance
If the roar of the crowds was not enough to guarantee this group of 10- to 12-yearolds the top spot, they wholeheartedly earned their prize with their brilliant costumes
and their high-energy dance. This Northern Indian dance was choreographed by their
teacher and this was the first time they had entered Expressions. What a way to start!
The wow factor was elevated when one of the troupe emerged to play the dhol – an
Indian drum – with extraordinary prowess. Congratulations to Ramdhan Elmayuda,
Tan Jia Jun, Noel Yap, Anakin Ali, Serena Merican, Nashreena Kaur Sidhu, Sherry Ng Li,
Lara Alyssa Johan Chua, Rachel Lim Sin Yue, Harneil Singh, and Kieren Singh Gill. The
charity money was donated to Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped.
SECOND PLACE: ANDRA TAI LI-YING (NEXUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL)
Performance: ‘Tale as Old as Time’ (song)
Despite being one of the youngest contestants in the competition, eight-year-old
Andra glided onto the stage with the confidence of a professional. Clutching her
microphone firmly in her hand, wearing a sparkling princess dress to match her shining
shoes, she sang a beautiful rendition of ‘Tale as Old as Time’ from Disney’s Beauty and
the Beast. Andra was a firm favourite with the crowd, and her proud parents sat in the
front row cheering her on. The charity money was donated to Myanmar Refugees.
THIRD PLACE: ILLARIA MANZO (THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL @ PARKCITY)
Performance: ‘Quando due Si Lasciano’ (song)
Ten-year-old Ilaria Manzo brought her Italian roots to the stage with her rendition
of Quando due Si Lasciano, an Italian ballad made famous by Italian singer Anna
Tatangelo. The title translates as, “When Two Separate,” and Illaria delivered her song
with such emotion that the judges’ hearts were won. Supported on the day by her
Mum and teachers from her school, Illaria was thrilled to find herself with a place in
the top three in her first year of entering. The charity money was donated to WaterAid.
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o n s e x p r e s s io n s e x p r e
72 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
Eddy dazzles in the
preliminary round
Eddy with his diabolo in the final
Joanna singing
Federico wows the crowd
Secondary Schools Category
The participants in this category were aged from 13 to 16, with 16 acts taking part in the first round and seven making it to the
final. Each winner picked up a trophy, a special gift from BROS, a cash prize for the student, and a sum to be donated to the
school’s choice of charity.
First Prize: RM3,000 for charity, RM600 for student
Second Prize: RM2,000 for charity, RM300 for student
Third Prize: RM1,000 for charity, RM150 for student
FIRST PLACE: ‘EDDY’ TAN JIA CHENG (REAL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL)
Performance: Diabolo and Juggling
Five years of practise certainly paid off: Eddy wowed everyone with his fast and furious
juggling routine using a diabolo. Throwing the spool over three metres in the air, juggling
two spools at a time, and even wrapping the strings around his legs, this was an act that
bore the mark of serious commitment and was the product of Eddy’s hard work with his
coach, Chan. “I really didn’t expect to win,” said Eddy after receiving his award in front of a
cheering crowd. “I will celebrate with my family tonight,” he added delightedly. The chairty
money was donated to Rumah Keluarga Kami.
SECOND PLACE: ‘JOANNA’ TAN HUI JEAN (KDU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL)
Performance: ‘Rolling in the Deep’ (song)
While there were many talented singers on the stage over the weekend, Joanna earned her
place in second position thanks to her on-stage charisma and sheer vocal ability. Her rendition
of Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’ greatly impressed the judges and her fellow contestants.
Having only joined KDU in September 2011, Joanna has swiftly made her mark there, and
she earned her place in Expressions after winning the school talent contest. “It has been so
good to be involved in Expressions,” she said after collecting her prize, “and there was so
much diverse talent in the contest. I really didn’t expect to win.”
THIRD PLACE: FEDERICO LUNA (LFKL)
Performance: Dance
As the only representative of the Lycée Français de Kuala Lumpur to make it through to the
final, 13-year-old Federico did his supporters proud. The crowd was in awe of the youngster’s
body-popping moves that just seemed to defy belief. His skills seemed even more incredible
when he explained he was self-taught. “I started teaching myself from YouTube videos
just four months ago,” he said. Expressions was Federico’s second talent contest, having
previously won the school talent contest with a similar routine. He was thrilled to win a prize
amid such impressive competition. The charity money was donated to the Special Children
Society of Ampang.
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THE EXPAT 73
The
International School of Kuala Lumpur
Since 1965
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ISKL is a non-profit, parent-owned school and the first US fully accredited international school in Kuala Lumpur. We have
a rich tradition of producing graduates who are accepted into prestigious universities worldwide. As a parent-governed
school, all policies are forged to promote a supportive yet challenging environment for students. Additionally, more than
two-thirds of ISKL’s faculty hold degrees at Master’s and Doctorate levels. ISKL serves students from age three to
19 and our program culminates in a High School Diploma, the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Advanced
Placement courses. ISKL’s success in preparing graduates to be responsive and responsible world citizens continues
to set the benchmark for other premier international schools. ISKL is a member of the Interscholastic Association of
Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS).
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS)
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Admissions Office:
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education ...
School Snaps
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS OF MALAYSIA ARE HIVES OF ACTIVITY, AND WE SHARE
HERE THE NEWS OF THEIR EVENTS, SUCCESSES, AND EXCITING NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS
OVER THE PAST MONTH.
Outdoor Education at Australian International
School Malaysia goes international!
On Saturday the 10th of March, four members of the Australian International School Malaysia participated
in an adventure race in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. The AISM team was made up of students, Mitchell
Booker and Nathan Pearsall combined with the vast experience of parent, Mike Grover and AISM teacher,
Andrew Colbey.
The competition called the River Kwai Trophy Adventure involved four different disciplines of trail
running, mountain biking, swimming and kayaking and started off at the famous ‘Bridge Over The River
Kwai’. AISM participants took up the challenge of a gruelling three to five hours covering a 40 to 50 km
course over challenging terrain in hot and dry conditions.
The Australian International School Malaysia prides itself in educating students in an authentic Australian manner and a key
feature is to be active in outdoor based activities. The school provides an extensive outdoor education program for its students through its
annual camp program and offers activities such as adventure running, mountain climbing, kayaking, the International Awards Program and
many more as part of the Co-curricular Program. Recently, the school has started offering Outdoor Education as a curriculum subject for its
Year 8 students.
Garden International School
Kuantan Celebrates its 20th
Anniversary this year
Garden Internationals School’s campus in Kuantan has been educating children
from different countries and cultures for 20 years this year and held a birthday
party to celebrate!
GIS Kuantan students from age four to 13 gathered together with parents and staff to commence the year-long celebrations by taking
a photo with the anniversary cake which was a four-foot replica of the 20th anniversary logo made up of over 400 colourful cup cakes.
Every child in school took part in baking the cakes before they were stuck together for the final design. The children (and adults) all
enjoyed eating the cakes after the photographs were taken and the remainder were donated to a local orphanage. All families in school
will receive a photo of the occasion as soon as they have been developed. The children also received their 20th anniversary t-shirts to make
this event. Mr. B.K. Gan, President of the Taylor’s Education Group School’s Division, joined staff, parents and children for the official start
of Garden International School Kuantan’s 20th anniversary year.
ISKL Grade 1 Students Learn About
Turtle Conservation in Malaysia
“Turtles Are Living Things,” that was the title of the Grade 1 production held on
March 2, 2012. The show integrated into the Grade 1 science curriculum, learning
objectives for Education for Sustainable Development (Green education). Through the
study of turtle conservation in Malaysia, the students also decided to raise funds for
the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS).
Mr. Lim of TCS was invited to the show that followed a cheque
presentation ceremony.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 75
education ...
Video Conferencing
in Mandarin at Nexus
Year 7 and Year 9 learners at Nexus International School recently organised a video conferencing
session with students from Zhudong Junior High School, Taiwan as part of their Mandarin
programme. The interactive conference allowed students to learn the subject differently from
their everyday class sessions and was the first time that they have participated in an interactive
mandarin conference. The conference was planned so that Nexus students could practice
their Mandarin and the students from Zhudong could practice their English. Nexus students
also recorded their conversation so that they can review the topics that they discussed. These
included self-introduction, school subjects, hobbies and their favourite celebrities, One Direction. All of the
students enjoyed the conference and said that it is a more practical and fun way to practice Mandarin and English. Following the interactive
conference, the Zhudong school has accepted an invitation from Nexus to visit later this year.
So You Think You Can Dance!
Students at The International School @ ParkCity displayed tremendous enthusiasm while performing various
dance and song routines in a one hour performance dubbed, “So You Think You Can Dance.” Many of the
dance routines were choreographed by the students themselves. The event kicked off with all the students
striding into the Multi-Purpose Hall with great zeal and exuberance. Year 6 students then performed a lively
dance to the beat of a Michael Jackson medley of songs. Halfway through the performances, the principal,
teachers, and staff surprised everyone with a flash-mob dance routine. The performances ended with the
Year 7 “Stompers” who used creative “instruments” to produce an amazing symphony of sounds. This
celebration of music, dance and movement was a fun and upbeat end to Term 2. Next Term: “Peter Pan”!
Sharing REAL Ideas and Experiences
at IPSEF Asia
The inaugural IPSEF Asia, held at The InterContinental Kuala Lumpur from the 6th to 7th of March 2012,
attracted most of the major players and stakeholders in the local private education industry, as well as
government officials and strategic business owners from Malaysia and abroad. As one of the platinum
sponsors of the two-day conference, the REAL Education Group made its presence felt by sharing its
extensive 26-year experience and know-how in providing education services - particularly in the private
and international school sectors. The Group’s CEO, Mr. Sim Quan Seng, was one of the speakers at
the event and delivered an insightful session entitled, “International Schools: A R.E.A.L Perspective.”
During his presentation, Mr. Sim enlightened the audience with the current landscape of international school education in Malaysia, its
growth and trends, challenges faced by international schools, proposed solutions, and the exciting opportunities that await the industry,
particularly abroad.
A Fruitful Exchange at Tenby
As part of an ongoing exchange programme between Tenby Schools Ipoh and Stranmillis University
College, Belfast in Northern Ireland, four teachers from the university were in Malaysia recently on a
four-week teaching stint at the school.
This was the third batch of trainees from Stranmillis University College on the programme. The
first batch was here in 2010. The trainees were placed in classes at the pre-school and primary
school, where they were paired with the respective class teachers during the period.
Apart from being able to practise what they have learnt, the trainees also gained an insight into
teaching at an international school. And naturally, the trainees were given a huge dose of Malaysian
culture and hospitality, from the endless eating sessions to various invitations to social events.
At the end of the programme, senior members of staff of the school assessed them and this assessment will form part of their
final results at the university.
This has certainly been a fruitful exchange for them as well as for the school. Tenby Schools Ipoh is already looking forward to hosting
the next batch of trainees.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 77
education ...
Badminton Idol at
Sri KDU International
Four lucky Sri KDU International School students were ecstatic when they were selected to meet
their idol – Dato Lee Chong Wei, the world’s No 1 badminton player recently. The students
presented personally made “good luck” cards and gifts to Dato Lee before he sets off for a series of
tournaments including the much awaited Olympics in July. Students were given the opportunity to
catch Dato Lee at his training session and also witness part of the training. The four Year 9 students
were “all smiles” when they left the stadium as they obtained personalized autographed messages
and also the chance to take some good photos. It’s not everyday that you get to spend so much
time “up close and personal” with your idol.
Dato Lee Chong Wei is the Brand Ambassador for the KDU Education Group and serves as a
source of inspiration to the students as he has proven that dreams can be turned into a reality.
Tenby Sixth Form: The Next
Step to a Successful Future
omething exciting is happening in
Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park! The
highly successful and popular school
has grown strength to strength since it
opened in 2008, so it is a natural decision
for the school to open a Sixth Form come
September 2012.
S
“As it is within a school, the students will
not have the complete freedom of college
life, but will be provided with a nurturing
and safe environment in which to learn.
This is what most parents want for their
children at the pre-university level,”
Parmley added.
“The first IGCSE cohort sat for their
examinations in June 2011 and they
achieved outstanding results: 94% scored
A* to C grades with 61% being A or
A*,” explained Jane Kuok, Principal of
Tenby International School. “The opening
of the Sixth Form is a part of the school’s
growth and it can now cater to the entire
age range from 3-18 years of age,” she
elaborated.
The purpose-built Sixth Form Centre will
be equipped with a spacious common
room, study areas and IT facilities alongside
other specialist rooms. The students will
follow a dress code set by the school,
instead of wearing a uniform. This is a
great opportunity for students from both
within the school and those joining from
other centres of learning to experience life
in a school community.
Students entering the Sixth Form will
study subjects under the Cambridge
International A Level Programme. They
will study four subjects and a compulsory
AS in Global Perspectives. Currently the
subjects offered are:
s 'LOBAL 0ERSPECTIVES
s !CCOUNTING
s !PPLIED )#4
s !RT
s "IOLOGY
s #HEMISTRY
s #HINESE
s %CONOMICS
s %NGLISH
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s
s
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'EOGRAPHY
-ATHEMATICS
-USIC
0HYSICS
Apart from the above, they will also
participate in the Tenby Community
Enrichment Programme, PSHE (Personal,
Social, and Health Education), Physical
Education, and Sixth Form mentoring
sessions to ensure a full holistic curriculum.
These programmes are tailored to provide
students with the opportunity to learn and
achieve within a secure and structured
school environment.
The setting up of the Sixth Form Centre
coincides with the expansion of the
campus to cater to the growing student
population. There will be two additional
classes for each year group and sports
facilities like a new basketball court, a new
football field, and a wading pool; apart
from extensions made to the multi-purpose
hall, cafeteria, and administrative block.
Newly appointed Head of Sixth Form, Gary
0ARMLEY SAID h-ANY OF OUR PARENTS AND
those living in the vicinity of the school have
applauded the decision to set up the Sixth
Form at Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park.”
Registration for the Sixth Form, as
well as for other classes is now open.
For more information, please contact
the school at +603.3342 1535 or email
[email protected].
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 79
education ...
evelo ing tudents
hrough orksho s
and
eriments
W
hat a week! From solving a murder to the building of
ube oldberg ma hines ien e and e hnolog week
at the li e mith hool was something that re uired
both reative thinking and the a li ation of newl a uired skills
to solve s ienti and design roblems ll ear grou s from ears
to the i th Formers were involved in something different
s oger hult e ondar rin i al said
eeing students
e itement and enthusiasm in lanning and ondu ting
hallenging s ien e e eriments and listening to their e lanations
and h otheses regarding their observations and data was both
motivating and ins iring
uring their ien e lessons ear students looked at how glue
was made in oman and g tian times while ear
esign
e hnolog lessons saw the onstru tion of s aghetti towers and
an introdu tion to what kinds of sha es are stru turall stronger
ear students built their ver own ube oldberg ma hines
linking in knowledge of energ transfers as the went along ear
ien e and esign e hnolog lessons were taken over with the
building of a ar from a mouse tra
ear
students on the other hand had to solve a murder
m ster
ver the ourse of four lessons students tried their hand
at bre anal sis blood grou ing and testing and hemi al anal sis
ear
students were not forgotten ome had the han e
to take art in a e tage
ien e hallenge whi h saw minds
from visiting s hools in
stret hed to the limit with various
ra ti al investigations
highlight was the ear
hemistr visit
to the niversit of ottingham s hool of harma
ear students at the rimar am us also had the o ortunit
to visit the ien e e artment to take art in an investigation
designed to highlight the im ortan e of variables
t was fantasti to see the enthusiasm and air of all students
involved utstanding edu ation is more than ust a uali ation
a full edu ation should in lude develo ing a student through a
variet of a tivities su h as these o further im rove rovision
onstru tion work on additional s ien e fa ilities at the e ondar
am us is also well underwa said alerie homas eter ire tor
of hool
80 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
educator essay ...
DR STUART MARTIN – PRINCIPAL, NEXUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PUTRAJAYA
The International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme
N
exus International School,
Putrajaya (NISP) will be offering
the International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme (IBDP) from August
2012 following successful authorisation
by the International Baccalaureate
Organisation (IBO). The IBDP in increasingly
regarded as the most rigorous, modern
and comprehensive university entrance
programme available in international schools
and today there are 983,000 IB students
studying at 3313 schools in 141 countries.
University admissions departments have
high regard for the IBDP so earning the
diploma provides students with access to
most universities around the world. There
were three main catalysts which shaped
the IBDP in the 1970s:
Pragmatic – the need to provide an
international school-leaving diploma that
would facilitate university entrance and be
recognised in different countries.
Idealistic – the desirability of promoting
international perspectives that would
encourage international understanding
and peace.
T
M
The IB
Mission Statement states that:
The International Baccalaureate aims
to develop inquiring, knowledgeable
and caring young people who help to
create a better and more peaceful world
through intercultural understanding and
respect. To this end the organization
works with schools, governments and
international organizations to develop
challenging programmes of international
education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students
across the world to become active,
compassionate and lifelong learners who
understand that other people, with their
differences, can also be right.
T
L
P
The IB Learner
Profile is the IB Mission Statement
translated into a set of learner outcomes;
the qualities that the programme is
seeking to promote in all learners. Schools
and teachers are required to encourage the
implementation of the IB learner profile,
not just through the curriculum, but
through the management, values, culture
and ethos of the school. There are ten IB
learner profile attributes:
T
KE
Learners exercise initiative in applying
thinking skills critically and creatively
to recognize and approach complex
problems, and make reasoned, ethical
decisions.
COMM
CATO
Learners understand and express ideas and
information confidently and creatively in
more than one language and in a variety
of modes of communication. They work
effectively and willingly in collaboration
with others.
P
C PLE
Learners act with integrity and honesty,
with a strong sense of fairness, justice and
respect for the dignity of the individual,
groups and communities. They take
responsibility for their own actions and the
consequences that accompany them.
OPE M
E
Learners understand and appreciate their
own cultures and personal histories,
and are open to the perspectives, values
and traditions of other individuals and
communities. They are accustomed to
seeking and evaluating a range of points
of view, and are willing to grow from the
experience.
K TAKE
Learners approach unfamiliar situations
and uncertainty with courage and
forethought, and have the independence
of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and
strategies. They are brave and articulate in
defending their beliefs.
ALA CE
Learners understand the importance
of intellectual, physical and emotional
balance to achieve personal well-being for
themselves and others.
Subjects and the IB Hexagon: An IB learner
is required to study six subjects from
different subject areas to gain a breadth
of educational experiences. Three subjects
are studied at Standard Level and three at
Higher Level; these Higher Level courses
are more demanding and allow a learner
to specialise. This leads us to the ‘IB
hexagon’, which sets out the six major
subject groups. Each learner studies one
subject from each group, the only exception
being group six, where instead of selecting
an Arts subject, a learner can select an
additional subject from one of the other five
groups. Very often learners will select two
sciences instead of an arts subject.
There are numerous subjects in each of the
groups one to six. At NISP we offer a wide
range of subjects, including:
roup 1: English
roup 2: rench, Spanish, Mandarin,
Bahasa Melayu
roup 3: eography, History, Business
Studies, Economics, IT S, Psychology
roup 4: Physics, hemistry, Biology,
Environmental Systems
roup : Mathematics HL, Mathematics
SL, Mathematical Studies
roup : Visual Arts, Theatre Arts, Music
In addition to these six subjects each
learner is required to follow a course in
Theory of nowledge (TO ), participate
fully in the reativity, Action and Service
( AS) programme and write an extended
essay of approximately 4000 words.
You can find out much more about the
programme at www.ibo.org/diploma
NISP invites applications from students
interested in joining this stimulating
and worthwhile programme. A wide
range of scholarships (including
boarding) are available to high
achieving candidates. Contact
admissions for further information.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
education ...
21st-Century Teaching
and Learning at Australian
International School Malaysia
T
he Australian International School
Malaysia (AISM) has invested heavily
in creating a truly 21st century
student-centred learning environment at
its campus in Seri Kembangan (located
approximately 17 km from Kuala Lumpur
City Centre).
The school, which is in the midst of a major
development project, is integrating the
latest technologies and a range of services
into its new Junior School (Pre-School to
Year Four, ages three to ten) to support
modern, flexible approaches to teaching
and learning.
INTEGRATING “NEXT GENERATION”
LEARNING SPACES
AISM’s Junior School utilises the best of
traditional practices whilst seeking out
proven contemporary approaches to
education. The new Junior School, due
for completion this year, will incorporate
modern, open spaces and infuse
Information Communications Technology
(ICT) into its curriculum and facilities.
The new Junior School will provide
innovative, “next generation” spaces
that accommodate the individual
learning needs of our students. Such
spaces encourage flexible, collaborative
interactions, and facilitate purposeful
educational engagement between teachers
and students. In this new facility, the
power of portable, handheld technologies
will be further enhanced to develop truly
independent and personalised learning.
Further to this, the new building
development project will include an
extensive information resource centre,
a performing arts centre with dance
and music practice rooms, an orchestral
rehearsal room and Black Box Theatre, as
well as additional resources incorporated
into the areas of sports, science, and
technology.
The AISM campus caters for children
from the age of three through to Senior
Secondary School (age 18) and carries
Australia’s world-enowned High School
Certificate. The single-campus approach
ensures that students are supported to
achieve to their fullest potential throughout
their entire schooling education – one
campus, one community, one family.
THE JUNIOR SCHOOL AND THE
AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM
In 2010, 73 countries took part in the
Program for International Student
Assessment (PISA) testing; an internationally
standardised assessment for 15-year-olds
that is conducted by the Organisation for
Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD). Australia was placed in the top
ten of the 73 countries that participated,
outperforming most of the large Englishspeaking countries, and has seven of
its universities ranking in the top 100
worldwide.
The Australian curriculum is based on
best practices and educational research
from around the world. Australians are
recognised as achieving excellence in all
walks of life on the international stage.
It is in the Early Years of Australian
education that these qualities of
excellence and the belief in oneself to
achieve excellence are developed. These
are the Foundation years in the Australian
educational system. AISM’s Junior School
provides children with their first steps into
their formal education and sets them on
the path to educational success.
We live in a world of expanding knowledge,
and students need to develop dispositions
and general capabilities for them to
become lifelong learners. In the Australian
Curriculum, these general capabilities
include high-level skills in Literacy and
Numeracy; Information Communication
Technology Competence; Critical and
Creative Thinking; Ethical Behaviour;
Personal and Social Competence; and
Intercultural Understanding.
AISM’s Junior School teachers are all
Australian educators and student-centred
classrooms encourage students to
explore the world around them. Students
are provided with a broad range of
educational experiences that nurture the
development of the child as a whole. As
well as formal academic lessons, students
participate in music and performing arts
classes, and a sporting program that
provides many opportunities for budding
young athletes. Understanding that
students possess many varied talents, AISM
provides opportunities for all to shine in
a public forum with our Annual Art Prize,
Spelling Bee, and Public Speaking and
Poetry Competitions. Furthermore, with 30
different nationalities in its student body,
cultural diversity is celebrated at AISM and
forms an authentic foundation upon which
our curriculum is based.
The exciting new building developments
project will see AISM’s Junior School at
the forefront of educational facilities in
the region; facilities that, when combined
with the Australian Curriculum and highly
trained Australian teachers, will provide
students with the educational experiences
required of leaders of the future.
Australian International School
Malaysia (AISM); 22 Jalan Anggerik,
43300 Seri Kembangan; www.aism.edu.
my; 03.8943 0622.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 83
T
T
ISP i
S
ENROL NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2012
i
ii
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education: educator interview ...
da Patterson ISP isc sses
Early Years ith The Expat
EXPAT
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AP Early Years at ISP is for children aged
et een and years he de art ent
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is s lit into Pre School for
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EXPAT A
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a teacher rst and fore ost his year as e
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control it is a elco e relief It has
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ad inistrator and that ay e it o ld e a
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sa atical in a classroo e ery fe years s
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EXPAT C
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a i lo a of eaching oth in Infants
Pri ary ed cation I ha e or ed in the
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years of or ing in ritish
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ait Penang
International schools in
St hristo hers efore ret rning to
alaysia as a fo ndation teacher after
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EXPAT C
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each child is hat a es each day an
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ha e ade a conscio s decision to
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schools o they see no colo r or
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EXPAT
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incl des the arts h anities and core
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and no atter hat the re est e g
lease noc this all do n they ha e
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together to a e a tr ly great school is
hat has ena led s to do le in si e
ne t year and attract high ality teachers
to the school he long ter
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contin e to ild a school that I a ha y
sending y o n children to
EXPAT W
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ality Early Years ed cation ill
yo r child for the rest of their li es
set
e loo at the indi id al child
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not r sh any area of de elo ent t
hel the child to de elo all areas to f l l
his or her otential o ta e an e a le
fro the ilding ind stry if yo r sh
the or and do not a e s re yo r
fo ndations are sec re then it ta es a
lot of oney and ti e to
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It is the sa e for
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EXPAT W
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AP et rning to alaysia after li ing in
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hen yo ha e a fa ily and yo
ha e a choice of here yo
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sta le and a asi andar on e ery corner
hat ore co ld a fa ily ant
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
86 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
penang promenade ...
ea a
I
love high tea but it’s a leisurely luxury
hi h is ostly i both ti e a
alories t’s a ex erie e that shoul
be savoure
ith a ti ge o ostalgia t
shoul also be e orable ot o ly or
the eli a ies o su e but also or the
a bia e o the lo atio so the ve ue
ust be hose
isely he uality o
the oo o ourse is hat a es a tea
high a its ui tesse tial hall ar
is ai ti ess u u ber sa
i hes a
i iature s o es resh hi e or lotte
rea a stra berry reserves
o
ourse a es galore o here is best to
go i e a g or this taste o heave
y rst ort o all as the ol la y o
e a g the
otel
here o e a
e oy high tea i the
estaura t
the ate re ers to the year o the hotel’s
ou i g
es ite her great age she
has or tre e ously ell a her
servi e as as gra ious as ever here is
a goo hoi e o teas all looselea teas
ith hi ts o ho lo g to bre ea h
variety he oo o eri gs i lu e sta s
o
ger sa
i hes the roast bee a
the s o e sal o are arti ularly tasty
but the use o hite brea
as a little
u i agi ative he s o es ere goo the
a
ivi e a the a es ele table a i
great variety llo
le ty o ti e this is
a tea to li ger over a
a easily evelo
i to a su o er o the
’s terra e
overloo i g the sea
you li e ho e oo i g but have ’t
the ti e to o it yoursel you ust try
abelle’s i the u a
o i g suburbs
o a o g u ga t’s literally a sto e’s
thro a ay ro the e
x at rou
o ei e a g
bog sta ar o rete
sho house shell has bee o vi i gly
tra s or e i to osy glish tea roo
ith a vie o tro i al hills
abelle
hersel resi es ith the tea ot a o ers
the i sor ea et s ru tious s o es
rea a
a
i i sa
i hes a es
a
ruit o hurs ay ri ay a
atur ay
a ter oo s he tea is serve i retty
hi a u s a it’s so eatrix otter that
you oul ’t be sur rise i
rs iggy
i le o e i or a u a
abelle’s
hiloso hy is very si le
a e the best
oo
a
ith the best i gre ie ts a
ove i
e a g
o or er utti g
orr
llers t has serve her ell
her oo is ho e ba e
ith
love a she is gatheri g uite
a ollo i g i the blogos here
t’s a great la e or i s too ass
there is a ar o osite here
abelle
they a lay a
o te has a tray o reshly
ba e oo ies to soothe the
ost ra tious o to lers
i ere t i o love is i
the air at the Jogett igh ea
at the asa aya g i atu
erri ghi el ort ightly
it’s a lever ta e o a tea
a e
he is reetly
ati g ou les alt e
a o gst the as i istras o
elega t seasi e hotels early
i the last e tury Jogett is
a tra itio al alay a e
hi h origi ate i
ala a
a has stro g overto es
o the ortuguese
o
t’s a ge tle a e o ular
i
alaysia villages a
usually er or e
ith
tra itio al i stru e ts
i lu i g violi
ute a or io a
ha hel ru s he sta o the asa
aya g er or e the a es beauti ully
resse i
o er ul tra itio al ostu es
a they t irle a er u brellas
irtatiously
he oo is rather s e ial here is a hoi e
alaysia sets hi h eature su h
o
yo ya elights as hi e o
ith
a hilli i a assorte s eet
he
ester set has ore tra itio al are ith
o er ul s o es avoure
ith gree
tea a su o er see
rea
resh
a
he sa
i hes
stra berries a
are a e ith a assort e t o i ere t
brea s ba s a
o a ia hile the a es
are orsels o heave
he highlight o the ogett tea as the
er or a e o the asa aya g’s o
so g ha ’t realise that asa aya g
hi h tra slates as a eeli g o love t’s
a great alay ol so g a as bravely
too to the oor to lear the si le ste s
o the oget
e itely got the ar
eeli g o love r the agai
erha s
it as a a terglo ro the s o es a
hi e rea
Farquhar Street, George Town,
Penang. Tel: 04.222 2000
High Tea Set RM52++ per person
Available 2.30pm-5pm daily.
10, Lebuh Lembah Permai 4,
11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang.
Tel: 04.890 1098
Windsor Tea Set RM17 per person
Available Thurs-Sat afternoons.
Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Penang.
Tel: 04.888 8888
Joget High Tea Set RM35++ per
person. Available fornightly.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
Penangites
Rejoice!
As expat readers living in Penang already know, The
Expat Group recently launched a brand-new publication
called Penang International that will further enhance the
selection of titles on offer to expats living in Malaysia.
Penang International (PI) is a bi-monthly magazine that
targets both resident expats and visitors to the island,
and the content covers a range of topics from travel
features to property articles, as well as profiles on local
Penangites and a new version of “Expat Extracts.”
The magazine was launched last month, with the AprilMay inaugural edition. The idea for PI first arose after
a number of our expat readers expressed their feelings
that there was not enough coverage and information on
Penang in The Expat magazine each month. This new,
Penang-focused magazine has enabled us to satisfy the
demands of our Penang-based readers and take a closer
look at all the island has to offer.
PI will be sent to our Penang expats along with
alternating monthly issues of The Expat, and expats
living in the rest of Malaysia will be able to catch a
glimpse of it when they visit Penang, as the magazine
will be appearing in many upmarket hotels and selected
retail and dining outlets on the island.
We hope that our Penang readers enjoy this new
magazine, and we would love to have feedback or
comments on the newest “baby” in The Expat Group
family. Share your thoughts on the new magazine by
emailing us at [email protected].
88 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
penang promenade ...
What’s On Around Penang?
Labour Day
1 May
This Malaysian public holiday honours its diverse workforce and
seeks to celebrate the economic and social achievements of
workers. It is observed nationally.
Open House at New IWA Clubhouse
1 May
Running from 11-3pm, this is a chance to meet some members of
the International Womens Association. The IWA office is located at
28 Lembuh Permai, Tanjung Bungah and for more details contact
04.898 2540 or email [email protected]
The List Operator for Kids do Compooters
1–2 May
Presented by the Gardner & Wife Theatre at The Performing Arts
Centre of Penang, this is a fun and silly show about the world of
computers. For more information, call 04.899 1722 or visit www.
penangpac.org.
French Movie Night
4 May
From 8pm the recent French movie Le Goût des autres (Agnès
Jaoui, 2000) will be screened with English subtitles at the Alliance
Francaise de Penang, 46 Jalan Phuah Hin Leong, Georgetown. Visit
http://pg.alliancefrancaise.org.my or phone 04.227 6008.
Wesak Day
5 May
This Malaysian public
holiday celebrates the
birth, enlightenment,
and passing of the
Buddha. This is
observed nationally
and, as the holiday
falls on a Saturday,
some employers give
the preceding Friday or
following Monday off
in lieu.
IWA Spring Lunch
8 May
This sociable lunch
starts at 11am at the
Equatorial Hotel and
will include a talk about
plastic surgery from Dr
Neil Solomons. Booking is essential, so contact IWA on 04.898
2540 or [email protected].
German Film Night
11 May
The Malaysian-German Society (250B Jalan Air Itam) will be
screening Rock It, a fun family musical released in Germany in
2010, from 8.30pm. For more information, please call 04 229
6853 or visit www.mgs-penang.com.
Auto Show
18–20 May
Car-lovers should make a date with the auto show, held over the
weekend at Straits Court, Straits Quay, Tanjong Tokong.
Sommernachtsball
19 May
This formal ball is organised by the Malaysian-German Society and
will be held from 7pm in the Grand Ballroom of the E&O Hotel.
Expect a multi-course Western dinner with live entertainment,
dancing, and free flow of soft drinks. RSVP on 04.229 6853.
PENANG ASSOCIATIONS
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION PENANG
16 Jalan Tan Jit Seng, Hillside, Tanjung Bungah 11200 Penang
Tel: 04.898 2540
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.iwa-penang.info
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE PENANG
46 Jalan Phuah Hin Leong, 10050 Penang
Tel: 04.227 6008
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.alliancefrancaise.org.my
PENANG IRISH ASSOCIATION
Tel: 012.462 5596 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.penang-irish-association.com
MALAYSIAN GERMAN SOCIETY
250-B Jalan Air Itam, 10460 Penang
Tel: 04.229 6853 Email: offi[email protected]
Website: www.mgs-penang.com
PENANG JAPANESE ASSOCIATION
256 Jalan Air Item, 10460 Penang
Tel: 04.229 3635 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pja.org.my
PENANG PLAYERS MUSIC & DRAMA SOCIETY
Always looking for new talent, acting, singing or backstage.
Website: www.penangplayers.org
PENANG HERITAGE TRUST
26 Church Street, 10200 Penang
Tel: 04.264 2631
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pht.org.my/introduction.htm
BRITISH COUNCIL
Wisma Great Eastern Suite 3A.1 & 3A.2,
25 Light Street,10200 Penang. Tel: 04 263 0330
E-mail: [email protected]
PENANG INTERNATIONAL HASH HOUNDS
Website: www.penang-hounds.com
Email: [email protected]
SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO
ANIMALS PENANG
Jalan Jeti Jelutong, Penang
Tel: 04 281 6559 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.spca-penang.net
YMCA TOASTMASTERS CLUB OF PENANG
Website: http://ymcapenang.freetoasthost.net
Contact information for Penang consulates is available
at www.expatkl.com
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 89
THE E
XPAT
MM2
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MEMB
SINCEER
MEMB
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90 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 91
Dining Promos
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o rs so s n
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mm o o
r in s For urt er enquires or or ta le reservations lease contact us as 03 2717 00 e tn. 33
or e ail us at restaurants.i erial s eraton.co .
o
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P r ro
m r is
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ing os o n on
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som
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Pio o
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For enquiries or reservations call 03.2147 0088
or e ail c at . r ul ar ro al otels.co .
o
in ng
o
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n on oo ing or o
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rnoon r
is mon s o
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on at 7a 7 . o or er ca es contact 03.2711 88 e t 2 3.
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For enquiries or reservations contact 03.2143 8 8 e t 480
enquiries ro ale intan otel.co . .
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WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
ribs .
bacon .
chops .
beer . sausage . brunch .
ribs .
bacon .
chops .
beer . sausage . brunch .
knuckle
.
beer . sausage . brunch
.
knuckles
.
ckles
chops .
knuckles
bacon .
ribs .
94 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
PHOTOS BY KIMMIE CHAI
German
Comfort
Food
THE GERMANS have given the dining scene many marvellous things and one of
them is, undoubtedly, the pork knuckle. If you can’t afford the airfare to Europe
to savour this delicacy, then take a trip to Bavarian Bierhaus. This German eatery,
located in the shadow of Pavilion KL, serves up a mean and hefty pork knuckle
which can be washed down with a glass of chilled German beer.
Bavarian Bierhaus has occupied the large corner lot in Wisma UOA for four years,
but recently underwent a refurbishment to enhance the comfortable, Europeanstyle interior. Bottles of beer line the walls, 13 different types of German beers are
poured behind the long bar, and the stirring German music transports diners far
away from downtown KL.
With large tables available both outside on the terrace area or inside in the airy
dining area, this is a place to come with a large gang of friends and order huge
platters to share. Hungarian sausages, schnitzel, pork steaks, and pork ribs
complement the knuckles in the pork section of the menu, but main course options
of pasta, lamb, fish, chicken, and steaks satisfy those who don’t fancy a porky feast.
Fact File :
Bavarian Bierhaus
Wisma UOA Centre
21 Jalan Pinang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03.2166 7268
Web: www.bavarianbierhaus.com
Price Range:
Set Lunches: RM20++
(soup, main course and ice lemon tea)
Brunch (9am-12pm): RM18++
(including tea or coffee)
Appetizers/Tapas: RM14-36
Main course: RM32-77
Dessert: RM16 for two people
Business Hours:
Daily: 9am-11.30pm
For something lighter, the choice of appetizers and tapas is great; the Hungarian
goulash is a warm, hearty lunch when mopped up with homemade bread, while the
fresh salads balance out the meaty platters. Save a little tummy room for a sweet
finish as the German pancakes come slathered with ice cream while the Bavarian Black
Forest cake is a decedent combination of whipped cream, chocolate, and sour cherries.
Bavarian Bierhaus, with its vast array of drinks, is a choice spot for a long evening,
but during the day there are some good deals to take advantage of. The weekday set
lunches offer a choice of three mains with soup and a drink, a pizza menu comes
sliding out in the afternoon (choices include sausage and green olive), while a
tempting brunch menu is something to get out of bed for.
Rich, filling comfort food aside, patrons scurry back to Bavarian Bierhaus for the
generous servings of gemutlichkeit that ease down the vast food portions. No direct
translation exists for this curious German phrase; it refers to the sensation of having
a good time in a good environment with friends. By Sarah Rees
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 95
Baa i’s
Baaj the new outlet with mouth
ering pastries and delicac
made with the fi
oney
Almonds, Pistachios, Cashe
Wal
pricots, and Da
All natural and healthy, a great source of nutrition. One bite and,
we are confident, you will never desire the substitutes.
100 % Natural
L1-10, 1 Mont Kiara Mall, Mont Kiara, 50480 K
www.baajis.com, Email: [email protected]
03-62110403
Expat’s Happy Hour
Every Monday
Kick-start your week with a delectable
evening at lemidi and enjoy the beverages
below at happy hour prices all day long.
House wines
House Pour Spirits
(Sommelier’s Selection
of the Day)
RM16++
RM18++
Martinis
Bottle Beers
RM18++
RM 20++
Selected Cocktails
Absinthe
RM18++
RM 16++
**Complimentary snacks/canapes from 4pm-6pm
**Present Expat member card/Lemidi card every
Monday to enjoy these privileges
Reservations @ +603. 2094.1318
True Mediterranean Cuisine, French, Italian, Spanish and more @ 3rd Floor Bangsar Shopping Centre
96 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
www.lemidi.com.my
PHOTOS BY KIMMIE CHAI
Awesomely
Italian
Fact File :
JoJo’s Italian Restaurant
Tropicana Golf & Country Resort
Lot 2813, Jalan Kelah Tropicana
47410 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03.7805 3936
Fax: 03.7805 3925
Web: www.JojoItalianRestaurant.com
Price:
RM29–70 (mains)
Business Hours:
Mondays to Saturdays, 11am to 11pm
on weekdays, and 11am to 1am on
weekends.
JOJO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT is located in a lovely, picturesque corner within
the upmarket and exclusive Tropicana Golf Course development in Petaling Jaya and
serves up a wide variety of northern and southern Italian dishes crafted by a line-up of
experienced chefs… and no golf club membership is required!
Manager and native Italian, Luca Gian, tells me, “The restaurant captures the essence
of Italian dining which combines refined cooking with a lavish surrounding. We place
great importance on décor, service, and attention to detail right down to our utensils
and linen used to serve genuine Italian food that’s both wholesome and gourmet. Diners
can enjoy quality Italian cuisine just the way Italians enjoy it.”
Executive Chef Johnny has been with the team since JoJo’s opened to rave reviews
in 2010. He tells me some of the favourite meat dishes are his braised lamb, steaks,
and veal shanks which are complemented by grilled marinated vegetables and assorted
Italian potato dishes. House specialities include various handmade pastas with
traditional sauces, served with meat or fish as well as their authentic Italian pizzas
ranging from a classic Margherita, the southern Italy special, pizza alla diavola and the
ever-popular calzones packed with mozzarella cheese, Italian tomatoes, mushrooms,
turkey ham and delicious fresh basil. Seafood lovers will especially enjoy the salmon
ravioli and lobster spaghetti.
Other highly recommended dishes are risotto di funghi, suplee rice ball, and the
salmon entrées. There are also classic Italian dolci (desserts) on the menu as well as an
impressive wine list.
I started with the Arancini rice balls which my dining partner urged me to try, saying
they were not the same as local fare with a similar name. This dish is based on an old
Sicilian recipe of tomato Bolognese rice balls with a large centre of mozzarella which was
rolled in bread crumbs and deep-fried. Absolutely delicious.
For our mains, we had the cannelloni with spinach and ricotta which was richly
textured and perfectly spiced. We also enjoyed the oven-braised lamb shank which was
extremely tender and cooked with fresh Italian herbs and served in a rich tomato sauce.
The 90-seat restaurant features an elegant and friendly setting that is perfect for
romantic dining, business lunches, or an outing with the family. On the Saturday
night we were there, it had filled to capacity by about 8.30. We both agreed it was the
best Italian food we had eaten in a long time, particularly because of the emphasis on
freshness and the specially imported spices and other ingredients acquired directly from
Italy. By Marybeth Ramey
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 97
@ The Bangkung Row
98 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
RL S L
T SB
Far From
a
ro
67 Jalan Bangkung
Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03.2092 4288
www.opusbistro.my
P
RM20-30++ (most appetizers, soups,
pastas, and salads)
RM40-60++ (most entrées)
H
Mon – Sun 12:00pm to 3:00pm (lunch);
5:00pm – 10:30pm (dinner)
To celebrate 10 wonderful years, Opus
Bistro is currently offering a
“10-10-10” special: Enjoy 10% off your
total bill, a range of selected house
pouring wines for RM10 per glass, and
selected desserts for RM10, as well. This
promotion runs from 10 April to 10 May,
so act quickly! Reservations strongly
recommended.
THE
E HALLMARK OF a o
a
r a ra
o
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o o
oo oo a a oo r
oo
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a
m m ro
a
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o a om
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a ar
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a ar
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or a
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a
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a
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a
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am
a o
a
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a
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a ra o o mor
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From a a
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a
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a
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a a o r a ma a r r a o
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ar
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a a
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or m
a
mo
ra
r r o
oo
r or mor By Chad Merchant
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
“Highly commended in
the Telegraph's
The Best of
British Awards
2011”
"Live music every Thursday,
Friday and Saturday featuring:
Brendan De Cruz,
Min'z and more!"
100 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
This Month’s Special
Wines from Chile and
South Africa
CONCHA Y TORO is Latin America’s
principal wine exporter, with a presence in
more than 135 countries.
A global company that brings together
tradition and innovation, Concha y Toro
supports its commitment to the consumer
by providing them with the best quality
and wine experience. The diversification of
soils and climates has enabled them to have
the widest range of varieties in the Chilean
market. This, plus a deep dedication by the
winery and constant research, provides
internationally praised wines.
CONCHA Y TORO CASILLERO DEL
DIABLO CHARDONNAY
Light, lemon yellow. Fresh and frutal. Notes
of pineapple, citrus, and peach, with soft
notes of vanilla. Complex, good balance and
fresh acidity, a medium-bodied wine with a
long, sweet finish. Great with fish, seafood,
and creamy pasta dishes.
Special Price
RM52 Members’
Price RM48 each
CONCHA Y TORO TRIO CABERNET
SAUVIGNON
The Cabernet Sauvignon element conveys
structure and concentration, while sturdy
tannins provide length to the finish. The
Shiraz element opens up in aromatic
exuberance, vitality, and expression, and
finally, Cabernet Franc’s delicate aroma
imparts superb finesse and balance to
this premium blend. These three varieties
come together to shape a well-structured,
concentrated, and intensely aromatic
blend. The rich and concentrated qualities
of this wine make it a fantastic partner for
pizza, pasta, steak, and hard cheeses… or
just on its own!
CONCHA Y TORO TRIO SAUVIGNON
BLANC
Trio Sauvignon Blanc is a fresh, mineral,
and elegant wine, with an expressive nose
and a crisp acidity and balance. This is the
only Trio blend made from a single grape
variety and it expresses all the complexity
and aromatic intensity achieved by blending
grapes from three different valleys:
Casablanca, Rapel, and Limari. Trio wines
are a true expression of fruit from one of
Chile’s most revered winemakers. Each
Trio wine is a blend of three different grape
varieties, or in the case of the Sauvignon
Blanc, a blend of grapes from three distinct
vineyards, skillfully transformed into fruity,
complex wines.
Special Price
RM64 Members’
Price RM60 each
Nederburg were the official wines for the
'*'" 8PSME $VQ MJNJUFE FEJUJPO
Nederburg’s multi- tiered range has been
structured to appeal to a broad range
of wine lovers. From connoisseurs and
collectors with a taste for premium-priced,
award winning classics to those seeking
affordable, everyday drinking wines, as
well as newcomers to wine. The pedigree of
these wines makes them a worthy choice
for any occasion.
NEDERBURG FOUNDATION LYRIC
A crisp and youthful, off-dry white wine. It
is a light-bodied, exciting blend and ready
for immediate consumption. The tropical
flavours can be attributed to the Sauvignon
Blanc varietal and the citrus notes are proof
of the Chardonnay presence. The wine has a
good mouthfeel and aftertaste. Nederburg
Lyric has well-balanced fruit and acidity that
reflects a crispness and vitality, making for
uncomplicated drinking. Enjoy Nederburg
Lyric on a hot summer day with fresh fruit,
seafood, fish, or chicken.
Special Price
RM52 Members’
Price RM48 each
TO ORDER:
$BMM "OOF BU PS FNBJM BOOF!
theexpatgroup.com. For free delivery in
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in the area of modern-day Iran and Georgia and the earliest known winemaking in Europe
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latitude, north or south of the equator. Warm summers, sufficient rainfall, and cool to cold
winters are ideal conditions for grape vines. Additionally, grape vines can thrive in poor
soil conditions that would not support many other plants.
t "SPVOE PG UIF XPSMET XJOF PVUQVU DPNFT GSPN KVTU DPVOUSJFT *O UIF 64 UIF TUBUF
of California produces more than double the volume of wine as the whole of Australia.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 101
riti h
air
THE WEATHER
R may have been decidedly tropical, but a recent
aturday a ternoon had a rather riti h eel a a elect roup o e pat
athered to ether to bid are ell to a amou ootballer ho i leavin
and movin bac to hi home in abah
K
en hellito, ormer hel ea ootballer mana er and n land player,
ha been livin in alay ia or many year , but a he prepared to
return to hi beloved hel ea ill home near ota inabalu, The
, in a ociation ith uinne
nchor hd, and
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company l urner , the inner o the title o e endary riti h
an er , thre him a anta tic oin a ay party
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thorou hly en oyed ettin a ta te o hat have recently been
cro ned the be t au a e in ritain l urner e t o riti h
e e au a e are available at e eat pert in artama
hoppin entre, o o and indul e
t a uperb a ternoon and a lovely ay to bid a ond are ell to en
and hi i e, enny, a they ma e their ay bac to abah
A
K
For more details on the prize-winning bangers and how you can
get your hands on them isit www aturnerandsons co u
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
6+233,1*
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 105
6+233,1*
A tender way to grow from
1 month to 14 years
Empire, Level 1
The Gardens, Level 2
Pavillion, Level 5
Bangsar Shopping Centre, Level 1
Hartamas Shopping Center, Level 1
1HZ
$UULYDOV
106 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
6+233,1*
Making a House a Home
WHEN FURNISHING A HOME – even
a temporary one in a foreign land – it is
paramount to find furniture that creates an
environment that soothes and comforts.
Many expats also enjoy finding unusual
pieces to give their home character, but
locating furniture that is homely, stylish and
interesting can be something of a challenge.
Throw in the demand of high-quality
products using local craftsmanship and it
would be easy to think the task was nigh
on impossible. That is until you visit Home
Treasures and understand more about the
hard work of the Bains.
Robert and Elizabeth Bain have always been
inspired by high-quality craftsmanship,
and during their travels in Asia they
were impressed by the high standard and
fascinating designs of the locally-produced
furniture that they glimpsed.
Robert and his wife loved the unique pieces
they saw and sought the opportunity to
share them with their fellow expats. “I knew
that individually-crafted pieces would be
sought after by other home owners,” says
Robert, “so we decided to bring them to
An antique
iron
Malaysia.” Robert and Elizabeth pooled
their skills – he handled the management,
she the creative aspects – and opened a
furniture store with a difference, seeking to
ensure that the Indonesian crafts of were
celebrated in neighbouring Malaysia.
Home Treasures – the Bain’s furniture
business – was established in 1998. From
the very beginning Robert and Elizabeth
were determined to sell pieces of furniture
that “celebrate the human spirit of creativity,
invention, individuality and skill. This is
something that gets lost in mass-produced
products,” says Robert, “but it is so important.”
Equally important was ensuring that the
furnishings on sale in Home Treasures came
from sustainable resources, and the Bains
source all the teak used in their furniture
from teak plantations and not from the
rainforest. “By using sustainable materials,
we can ensure beautiful furniture can still be
made by future generations,” says Robert.
Alongside promising sustainability, Home
Treasures is committed to producing
furniture made with the highest-quality
teak and avoiding incorporating anything
unnatural into the wood that could emit
dangerous chemicals into the home.
The sleek stores in Publika Solaris Dutamas
in Mont Kiara and 1Utama Shopping Centre
are impressive modern places to shop,
and while the Bains are based in Malaysia,
their factory is located in Indonesia, where
inspiration first took root 14 years ago.
Thanks to the Bains, some of the poor people
of Java enjoy the chance of employment
as well as the encouragement to keep their
precious skills alive.
Each Malaysian store houses a choice
of furniture, paintings, various pottery
A worker at the factory in Indonesia
pieces, and home accessories, ranging from
rustic wooden styles to brilliantly coloured
paintings. Many pieces are one-of-a-kind
with wonderful stories behind them, such
as a high, 4-seater table made from wood
taken from old boats, or the old irons that
use charcoal. “People my age may remember
their Grandmas using them,” laughs Robert,
speaking of the latter. For shoppers who
are interested in being creative, Home
Treasures has a “made-to-order” service and
can provide consultants to provide advice.
Robert and Elizabeth are thrilled with the
success of Home Treasures, and celebrated
with a recent charity sale at the store
in Publika. Proceeds from the sale were
donated to a local Malaysian society for
underprivileged children.
It is clear that the Bain’s business is one built
on strong principles, and Home Treasures is
a brand that has become known for quality
and sustainability, creative crafts and
supportive strategies; plus the offerings are
stunning too. “There is art in every piece,”
says Robert, “and art will make a home
evolve from a place to stay, to a place to live.”
For more information on Home Treasures
visit www.hometreasures.com.my.
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 107
6+233,1*
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 109
6(59,&(6
Regency Tower
Renovated Units Available for Rent Ideal for Expatriates
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110 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
6(59,&(6
ISH Salon: Your Hair
Salon Away From Home
IF YOU ARE a new expat in the greater
Bangsar area or are frustrated and
dissatisfied with the hairstylists you’ve been
to, let me share with you what many expats
already know: ISH Salon is the place to go for
all your hairstyling needs.
Since being established in 2001, ISH
Salon, owned by Australian Michael
Marriner, quickly became successful courtesy
of glowing recommendations from happy
customers, and rapidly accrued a large expat
clientele. Michael hires only top stylists who
specialise in the hair qualities and textures of
the expat community. ISH’s award-winning
stylists are highly sought after for many
reasons, but for me, I return for the feeling
of being in a hair salon back home.
I always look forward to my bi-monthly
appointment and as soon as I walk into
their spacious studio on the first floor
of a Telawi shoplot, my feelings of being
homesick vanish. There is a good mix of
professional local and expat hair stylists
at ISH, and they all call out a friendly “hi
there” as I enter and are genuinely happy
to see me. The customers are also friendly,
and we all exchange smiles and greetings.
Coffee, tea, or cold drinks are offered and the
conversations are on!
The first time I went, I wanted to walk in
with a bag over my head because my hair was
really that embarrassing. I had worn it down
to my waist until my spine surgery in 2007,
mostly because it was dense and healthy
enough, plus I could easily plait it or tie
it back. After my surgery, I was unable to
properly wash, comb, dry, and style it with
my newly acquired spinal rod, so I had gone
to a local salon that, I might add, charged
me big bucks. They advertised having a
celebrity hair stylist/owner, but the person
who worked on me was a young woman
from a neighbouring country who managed
to cut my lengthy golden locks off with just
several snips of her scissors. I was, to put it
mildly, horrified.
It stuck out in all directions and was totally
unmanageable. I never saw the celebrity
stylist, let alone ever had her actually work
on my hair. I point this out because I want
you to know that each stylist at ISH shows
real integrity towards every customer.
When I eventually arrived at ISH, the stylists
had seen it all before and were real pros at
fixing it, thus earning my eternal, undying
gratitude. The key difference between
ISH and other salons is that their stylists
really care about each of their customers.
They understand the concept of customer
service and realise that each head of hair
that leaves their salon is their business
card. They readily offer effective tips for
how to best take care of your hair, offering
great advice for coping with the widespread
frizzies problem that lots of expats here
seem to have. Ken, voted one of the Top 10
Hairstylists in Malaysia and works at ISH,
tells me he often recommends clients who
swim or who have yellowish blond hair,
treated or untreated, to use Platinum Blonde
Shampoo. This shampoo keeps your colour
the way you originally had it as it counteracts
the harsh elements and chemicals in the air
and pools.
ISH Salon is also the only salon in Malaysia
authorised to use the famous Nanokeratin
System. This award-winning system was
developed in England’s top salons, and
completely and safely straightens hair for
three months or more. Many of my friends
and colleagues have had this done; some to
get rid of those frizzies mentioned above,
and some for the hair repair qualities it has.
“The Nanokeratin System procedure is one of
our most frequently requested procedures as
customers love the look it gives their hair as
well as the safe ingredients that repair even
seriously damaged hair,” senior hairstylist
John explains to me.
Michael and the gang would love to meet
you. Simply call for an appointment, but
please be aware that they are always booked
well in advance before any major expat
events like the Annual Balls and Christmas
functions. I always heartily recommend ISH
to my friends, colleagues and now to you,
dear readers, as I feel confident you will come
out of their salon looking and feeling great!
By Marybeth Ramey
www.facebook.com/IshSalonBangsar
46 Jalan Telawi, First Floor, Bangsar
Tel: 03.2287 0920
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 111
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
TO E X PATS L I V I N G I N
MAL AYSIA
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
PP// ()
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www.expatkl.com |february |
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112 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
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advertorial ...
o tole
y nvestments
WHILST IT IS fair to say some brokers/advisors/institutions deal
it t eir lients fairly t ere is a situation ereby substantial
ar es an be added to lients investments some it out t eir
kno led e e business of nan ial advi e is mostly ommission
based and if markets are rovidin ro t t ese ommissions an be
buried in various ays
et er t e markets are volatile or not erformin
ar es start
eatin a bi ole in our net ort
id
er s reads establis ment
fees administration ar es trail fees mana ement ar es
ortfolio mana ement fees and establis ment fees are a fe t at
an be added to ortfolios but o many of t em are om ulsory
ot many is t e ans er but t e fa t is t e fa ility e ists to add
t ese ar es for introdu ers t at is to et s look at a fe
nne essary id
er s reads are a ay of ar in ty i ally
to buy into a rodu t and are desi ned to ay ommission to
introdu ers ana ement fees are usually a lifetime fee ar in
bet een
of funds under mana ement t is fee an be re la ed
it an establis ment at fee s read over a number of years t at
eventually sto s and is based only on t e initial investment and
not t e investment lus ro t
rail fees ay a re ular er enta e
of t e initial investment e ortfolio mana ement fee ty i ally
is t e one t at really takes t e bis uit is one as ori inally
introdu ed to re la e ommissions and as based on mana in
investments on a re ular basis but no t ey an be added on to of
t e ommissions alon it trail fees and in a lot of ases t e ost is
not usti ed as re ular mana ement is rarely done until you make an
en uiry
ere are t ousands of small fund distributors out t ere t at are
tryin to om ete it t e bi fund ouses most of i don t
ay ommissions
i o er an e tra ommission ty i ally
to
et advisors to ut t eir lients into t ese funds e roblem is
t at be ause of t eir si e t ey sometimes ave li uidity roblems
and t en take lon er to en as maybe
mont s n to of t is
t ey ould very ell et into di ulties and free e any en as ment
for years e best advi e is ask ask ask very time you ommit
ask for full dis losure of all ar es before si nin
lso e k your
statements re ularly to see at is bein dedu ted nd nally insist
on dealin it only lar e fund ouses uoted on loomber and
it daily li uidity
f you are already stu k in any of t ese investments and need
assistan e oin
t e
at rofessional nvestment lub and
edu ate yourself at t e same time as avoidin unne essary osts
Written by John Marks, EPIC
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
6(5 9 ,&(6
BRITISH GLAMOUR IN
THE HEART OF THE KLCC
Renowned hairstylists and multiple nominee for
London Stylist of the Year, Edwin Saw has lent his
inimtitable touch to the tresses of Vanessa Mae,
Natalie Imbruglia, Jean Muir, Letitia Dean, the
Duchess of Kent and Jemima Goldsmith.
Blessed with a natural charisma and the innate
ability to draw out and highlight the best
features of each individual customer, he leads a
highly skilled team of stylists who effortlessly
manipulate colour, texture and line to bring a
touch of British High Glamour to the heart of the
Klang Valley.
Brazillian Keratin Available!
Lot 401K, 4th Floor, Suria KLCC,
50088 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603.2171 1881
114 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
6(59,&(6
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 115
expat tips ...
eep
lothes
resh
Tired of damp clothes in your wardrobes? Seeing signs of mildew
in little used closets and cupboards? i ing in a humid tropical
en ironment such as alaysia s can present its share of challenges
ortunately this is one that s easily remedied
ne solution is to pop a passi e dehumidi er in your closet is is
a small container of moisture absorbing calcium chloride and the
desiccant is sometimes blended with fragrance beads so that your
wardrobe or enclosed space is left with a fresh clean scent Typically
one of these dehumidifying containers will hold nearly half a litre of
water absorbed from the air and can last for a month or so before
needing to be replaced ength of e ecti eness ob iously aries uite
a bit depending on the humidity le els where the unit is placed
any di erent si es and brands of dehumidi ers can be found at your
local supermar et Tesco iant old Storage etc usually in the
laundry or household cleaning supply sections and often starting at
per unit
around
116 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
VALUABLE
PROPERTIES,
INVALUABLE
SERVICE
Wee Zhao Yuan +6012 691 0093
[email protected]
uite 9.01 9th oor
9200
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enara
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a ey City ingkaran ye
utra
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WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT
This directory contains contact details for all restaurants, bars, shops and other services which advertise with us.
RESTAURANTS
ASIAN/WESTERN
Albion 31 Jalan Berangan,
50200 KL.Tel: 03.2141 9282
www.albionkl.com
Alexis Bangsar Baru
29 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
59100 KL. Tel: 03.2284 2880
Alexis Ampang
Lot 10 & 11, Great Eastern Mall
303 Jalan Ampang, 50450 KL.
Tel: 03.4260 2288
Alexis BSC
Lot 15A 1st floor,
Bangsar Shopping Centre,
Bukit Bandaraya 59100 KL.
Tel: 03.2287 1388
Alexis The Gardens
Lot f209 1st Floor, The Gardens
Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed
Putra, 59200 KL. Tel: 03.2287 2281
Aria
No. 44 & 44M, Plaza Damansara
Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit
Damansara. Tel: 03.2095 0016
Bubu Restaurant
No.42A, Tengkat Tong Shin, KL.
Tel: 03.2142 2988
www.bubukl.com.my
Bumbu Desa Indonesia
Restaurant
LOT G-49@ The Curve, Mutiara
Damansara.Tel: 03.7729 1612
Chez Rose
6-5, Jalan Batai,
Damansara Heights, KL.
Tel: 03.2092 1978
El Meson Restaurant &
Tapas Bar No 61-63,
Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru,
Bangsar, KL, Malaysia.
Tel: 03.2282 8290
F Concept Dining By
Buffalo Kitchen
69-1, Jalan Telawi Tiga,
Bangsar Baru, KL.
Tel / Fax: 03.2201 1710
Facebook: ‘F’ by buffalo kitchens
Fitou Gourmet
Lot GF2, The Waterfront @ Park
City, 5, Persiaran Residen,
Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03.6280 8978
For reservation, please log in
www.fitougourmet.com/
reservations.htm or
call 03.6280 8978
Gaucho Grill –
Argentina Steak House
Block B. Lot 5, Chulan Square
92, Jalan Raja Chulan, KL.
Tel: 03.2145 4268
IR 1968 Indochine
Restaurant & Bar
1st Floor, 241-B, Lorong Nibong,
Off Jalan Ampang, KL.
Tel: 03.2141 3550
Jake’s Charbroil Steaks
Starhill Shopping Centre
LG11 Lower Ground Floor,
181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL.
Tel: 03.2148 1398
Medan Damansara
21 Jalan Setiapuspa, Medan
Damansara, KL.
Tel: 03.2094 5677
www.jakes.com.my
Le Midi
Bangsar Shopping Centre
3Rd Floor 285, Jalan Maarof
59000 KL. Tel: 03.2094 1318
Manhattan Steak House
Block B-05, Plaza Kelana Jaya,
Jalan SS7/13A, Petaling Jaya,
PJ Selangor. Tel: 03.7876 2188
RSVP: 03.7874 8088
http://manhattansteakhouse.
com.my
Riblee’s restaurant
Wisma CKL 41-1,
Jalan 23/70A, 50480,
Desa Sri Hartamas, KL.
Tel: 03.6201 0180
Savory Bistro
Basement 3-06,The Fare, 10 Mont
Kiara, Jalan Kiara 1, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03.6211 5100
Social@Bangsar
57-59, Jln Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru,
KL. Tel: 03.2282 2260
Songket Restaurant
No. 29, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
50450 KL. Tel: 03 2161 3331
Social@Changkat
22 Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL.
Tel: 03.2142 8260
Sutra@The Sanctuary
Lot 151 & 151a, 1st Flr @ The
Curve, Mutiara Damansara, PJ.
Tel: 03.7710 5033
The Meat Experts
G15 & 16, Hartamas Shopping
Centre, 60, Jln Sri Hartamas,
Sri Hartamas, Sri Hartamas, KL
Tel: 03.6205 2577 / 019.653 2843
www.themeatexperts.com
Twenty-One
20-1 Changkat Bukit Bintang
50200 KL. Tel: 03.2142 0021
T1 Level 3 bsc, 285 Jalan Maarof,
Bukit bandaraya 59000 KL.
Tel: 03.2287 0021
BRITISH
SIDS Pub
Plaza Damansara 10-G, Jalan Setia
Medan 2, Damansara Heights,
50490, KL. Tel: 03.2094 7437
www.sidspubs.com
Terrace Arms
21G, PJU 5/21, The Strand,
Kota Damansara, PJ.
Tel: 03.6150 5277
The George and Dragon
Lot G130, Ground flr, Bangsar
Shopping Centre, KL.
Tel: 03.2287 8316
CHINESE
Tai Zi Heen Level 2,
Prince Hotel & Residence KL
Jln Conlay, KL. Tel: 03.2170 8888
FRENCH
Mediteranean Restaurant
Le Midi Restaurant Sdn Bhd
Lot T3, 3rd Floor, East Wing,
Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285
Lorong Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, KL.
Tel: 03.2094 1318
The Press Room
Lot G110 Grd Floor, Bangsar
Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof.
Tel: 03.2095 8098
GERMAN
Bavarian Bierhaus
Restaurant & Bar (Non-Halal)
No.G 8, Ground Floor, Wisma Uoa
Ii, No.21, Jalan Pinang, KL.
Tel: 03.2166 7268
House Frankfurt
No. 12, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar
Baru, KL. Tel: 03.2284 1624
www.housefrankfurt.com
Weissbrau German Bistro & Bar
3.05.02 & C3.16.00, Level 3,
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03.2142 0288
ITALIAN
Espressamente illy
Pavilion KL- Lot 3.10.00 Level 3,
Pavilion KL. Tel: 03 2141 0028
Bangsar Village 1
Lot F 12 & 13A First Floor,
Bangsar Village 1, Bangsar Baru
Tel: 03.2287 7078
Web: www.gastrodome.com.my
Garibaldi Restaurant
LG 10 & G22 Bnagsar Village 1
Jalan Telawi Satu Bangsar Baru
59100 KL. Tel: 03.22823456/7
www.garibaldi.com.my
Jojo Restaurant
Lot NW01, Ground Floor,
Tropicana Golf + Country Club, KL.
Tel: 03.6203 5800
www.jojoitalianrestaurant.com
Leonardo’s Dining Room
& Wine Loft - No.61-1, Jalan
118 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya KL.
Tel: 03.2096 2226
Modesto’s
Lot G-02/03/03A, Ground Floor
Cap Square, 50100, KL.
Tel: 03.2697 4020
www.modestos.com.my
Opus Bistro
67, Jalan Bangkung, Bukit
Bandaraya Bangsar 59100 KL.
Tel: 03.2092 4288
Porto Romano
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
28, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun
Dr Ismail, KL. Tel: 03.7710 0509
Mont Kiara
K-1 Mont Kiara Banyan,
28 Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, KL.
Tel: 03.6207 8171
Jalan Ampang
G02-06 Ground Floor,
The Ampwalk, 218 Jalan Ampang,
50400 KL. Tel: 03.2162 6799
www.porto-romano.com
Spasso Milano
347, Nihonkan Club,
Jalan Ampang, KL.
Tel: 03.4252 7088
JAPANESE
EUJU - Level 2, Prince Hotel &
Residence KL, Jln Conlay, KL.
Tel: 03.2170 8888
Gyuchi Japaneses BBQ
Restaurant
No 3, Jalan 19/70A, Plaza Prisma
Ville, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480, KL
Tel: 03.6205 2233
http://www.gyuichi.com.my
Xenri D’Garden Terrace
Lot No. 2–04, Second Floor,
Podium Block of Menara Hap Seng,
Jalan P. Ramlee, KL.
Tel: 03.2078 6688
Xenri D’River View
No. 20, Wisma Elken, Jalan
1/147C, Batu 5, Jalan Kelang
Lama,KL. Tel: 03.77838118
Yoko’s Restaurant
36, Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL.
Tel: 03.2144 3378
SPANISH/LATIN/GREEK
Cava Restaurant
No. 71, Jalan Bangkung,
Bukit Bandaraya, KL.
Tel: 03.2093 6637
La Bodega
14-16, Jln Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru,
KL. Tel: 03.2287 8318
La Bodega @ BSC
G109, Grd floor, Bangsar Shopping
Centre, Jln Maarof, KL.
Tel: 03.2287 2768
La Bodega @ Pavilion
Lot C3.06.00, Level 3,
Pavilion KL, Jln Bukit Bintang, KL.
Tel: 03.2148 8018
www.gastrodome.com.my
BARS & LOUNGE
LOUNGE
T Club No 8 Jalan Telawi 3,
BangsarBaru, KL. Tel: 03.2284 4003
CONFECTIONARY
Baajis - L 1-10, 1 Mont Kiara Mall,
No 1, Jalan Kiara, MOnt Kiara ,
50480 KL. Tel: 03.6211 0403
www.baajis.com
SHOPPING CENTRES
Great Eastern Mall
303 Jln Ampang, KL.
Customer Care: 03.4259 8090
Suria KLCC - Kuala Lumpur City
Centre Tel: 03.2382 2828
Tel: 03.2382 3326 Concierge
www.suriaklcc.com.my
Sunway Pyramid
Concierge Counter
Tel: 03.7492 9998 / 03.7494 3100
/ 03.7494 3101 / 03.7494 3102
JLN PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, PJ
SHOPS
AUTO SALES
City Motors Sdn Bhd
Lot 21 Jln Maarof, Bangsar KL.
Tel: 03.2283 3599
Mobile: 012.2013503 (Peter Fong)
Email: [email protected]
(www.citymotors.com.my)
CARPETS
Razi Gallery Lot 1.01 1st Floor,
The Ampwalk, 218, Jln Ampang,
KL. Tel: 03.2166 3775
Carpet-Inn
G-26, Grd Floor, KL i-Design Centre
237-241, Jalan Ampang
50450 KL. Tel: 03.2145 6786
Nasim Carpets
133 Jalan Maroof Bangsar
59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03.2093 8786 / 012.278 6786
Persian Collection
Desa Sri Hartamas
32-2 & 34-2, Jalan 25/70A
Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 KL.
Tel: 03.2300 6966
B.S.C
Lot S12, 2nd Floor, Bangsar
Shopping Centre, 59000 KL.
Tel: 03.2094 6966
1MK- L1-9,1st Floor, 1 Mont Kiara
Mall, No.1,Jalan Kiara 50480 K.L
Tel: 03.62059033
ARTS & CRAFTS
Art House Gallery - Lot 2.382.43, 2nd Flr, Wisma Cosway, KL.
Tel: 03.2148 2283
Art Valley
B 812 , Level 8, Kelana Square
Jln. SS7/26, Kelana Jaya.
Tel: 03.7880 0991
www.artvillage.com.my
FURNITURE & ANTIQUES
Carpet Inn / Rustic Instincts
G-26, Grd Floor, KL i-Design Centre
237-241, Jalan Ampang
50450 KL. Tel: 03.2145 6786
Courtyard - 1.07, 1st flr, The
Ampwalk, 218, Jln Ampang, KL.
Tel: 03.2163 2868
Eastern Charm
Lot 5, Level 2, Great Eastern Mall,
KL. Tel: 03.4253 4903
East Heritage
40 Jalan Dato Abu Bakar 16/1
46300 PJ. Tel: 03.7960 5820
www.eastheritage.com
Isofu Modern Living Concepts
KL Showroom
A3-UG-03, Solaris Dutamas,
Nio 1, Jalan Dutamas 1,
50480 KL. Tel: 03.6207 9823
Penang Showroom
170-04-72, 4th Floor, Gurney
Plaza, Persiaran Gurney,
10250 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: 04.229 6823
www.isofu.com.my
Jonassen Collection
C-G02 Perdana Condo
Jalan PJU 8/1, Bandar Damansara
Perdana, Petaling Jaya Selangor.
Tel: 03.7726 6001
Web: www.jonassencollection.com
E: [email protected]
Kian Classic
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
Tel: 03.7710 0377
The Curve Tel: 03.7726 3771
Kota Damansara Tel: 03.5140 8771
Sunway Pyramid Tel: 03.5638 8772
Shah Alam (SACC Mall)
Tel: 03.5510 1177
Cheras Tel: 03.9132 1170
Kajang Tel: 03.8737 0117
Klang Tel: 03.3326 2770
Jusco Serdang Tel:03 8941 8771
Lasting Impressions
Petaling Jaya (Premier Gallery)
2 Jalan PJU 3/47, Sunway
Damansara, PJ. Tel: 03.7806 1379
2nd Floor, Bangsar Village II
2 Jln Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, KL.
Tel: 03.2094 6495
Nile Valley Sdn Bhd
M-18, Mezzanine Floor,
Wisma UOA II, No.21 Jalan Pinang,
50450 KL. Tel: 03.2166 2657
Email: [email protected]
www.mynilevalley.com
Scent of the Orient
39, Jln PJU8/5A, Bandar Damansara
Perdana, PJ. Tel: 03.7729 3628
Email: [email protected]
Tian Yi Fine Furnishings
G08A-1 Ground Floor, The
Ampwalk, 218, Jalan Ampang, KL.
Tel: 03.2161 5513
www.tianyi com.my
GROCERIES
Cold Storage
www.coldstorage.com.my
outlets
Klang Valley
Cold Storage, Great Eastern Mall
Cold Storage, Mutiara Damansara
Cold Storage, Mid Valley
Cold Storage, Solaris Mont Kiara
Cold Storage, Subang Parade
Cold Storage, Alamanda Putrajaya
Cold Storage, Bangsar Shopping Centre
Cold Storage, Suria KLCC
Cold Storage, The Mall
Cold Storage, Time Square
Cold Storage, Summit Mall
Cold Storage, One Utama
Cold Storage, Jaya One
Shopping Mall
Penang
Cold Storage, Island Plaza
Cold Storage, Gurney Plaza
Johor
Cold Storage, Plaza Pelangi
Ipoh
Cold Storage, Ipoh Parade
Cold Storage, Melaka Mall
West Malaysia
Cold Storage, Green Heights Kuching
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
Eurochef Malaysia
Unit P-1-21, Block P, Plaza Damas
60, Jln Sri Hartamas 1, KL.
Tel: 03.6201 8863
Email: [email protected]
www.eurochefasia.com
WINE
Cronier Wines (M) Sdn Bhd
5-6 One Avenue, PJU 6A,
Jalan Masjid, Petaling Jaya
Selangor, Malaysia.
Tel: 03.7722 2252 / 4219
www.cronierwines-my.com
Slip Or Slurp
Bonanza Cafe Sdn Bhd
B-0- 7, Plaza Damas 3, 63, Jalan
Sri Hartamas 1, Taman Sri
Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03.6211 4386
SERVICES
AIRLINES
Oman Air Suite 9-03, 9th Floor
Menara Hap Seng Letter Box 55,
Jalan P Ramlee KL. Tel: 012.3239 418
www.omananair.com
ARTS/FRAMES
Aidea Art And Frame
1st Floor, Hock Choon Supermarket
241-1, Jalan Ampang 50450 KL.
Tel: 03.2144 3895
Art Accents / Art Archive Asia
No 2F-10, 2nd Floor, Bangsar
Village II, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar
Baru, KL. Tel: 03.2287 1908
Rustic Instincts - G-26, Ground
Floor, KL-i DC, (next to Hock
Choon Supermarket), 237-241
Jalan Ampang, 50450 KL.
Tel: 03.2145 6786
Talens Fine Art & Frames
34, Jln Tun Mohd Fuad 1, Tmn Tun
Dr Ismail, KL. Tel: 03.7727 9820
Winson Loh
Pinkguy Malaysia Art & Frame
Marc Service Residence A-G-02,
No.3 Jalan Pinang, KL City Centre
Tel: 03.2166 2166 / 019.319 9235
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.winsonloh.com
BEAUTY/FITNESS
Beauty Chemistry Sdn Bhd
Suite 01-05, Level 1, Fraser Place,
Lot 163, No 10, Jalan Perak ,
50450 KL. Tel: 03.2164 1288
www.beautychemistry.co.uk
Chi Fitness
A1/01, Ground Floor, Block Annexe, PJ
Trade Centre, No 8, Jln PJU 8/8A, Bandar
Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya
selangor.(PJ)
Lot 1-01 & 1-02, BRDB Tower, 285,
Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, 59000
Bangsar, K.L, Malaysia (BSC)
Tel: 603-2282 2366 (BSC)
www.chi-fitness.com
Tel: 03.7492 1023/3344 0171
(PJ trade centre)
Marc Optic Gallery
F-238 First Floor, The Gardens Malls
Mid Valley City, Lingakaran Syed Putra
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03.2283 6889
Dental
Teo & Partners Dental Surgery
2F-35, Bangsar Village II, 2, Jalan Telawi
Satu, Bangsar KL
Tel: 03.2283 1898
www.preciousmiledental.com.my
Bangsar Utama Dental
Specialist Center
12-1, Jalan Bangsar Utama 9, KL
Tel: 03.2282 4339
www.bangsardental.com
Bangsar Dental Specialist Centre
43-1, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL.
Tel: 03.2282 6800
www.malaysiadentist.com
Solaris Dental Centre
K-01-12, Soho KL,Solaris Mont Kiara, No
2, Jalan Solaris, 50480 KL
Tel: 03.6201 0111
www.solarisdentalcentre.com
Hair Care
Holistic Hair Care Sdn Bhd
Hartamas
38, Jalan 24/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, KL
Tel: 03.62058199 / 6205 8299
Puchong
53, Jalan Puteri 1/6, Bandar Puteri,
Puchong.
Tel: 03.8063 8899 / 8063 7518
Cheras
15, Jalan Manis 6, Taman Segar. Cheras,
KL. Tel: 03.9130 1899
HEALTHCARE/HOSPITAL
PMCC - International Sdn Bhd
Unit 17-3A, 3rd Mile Square 151,
Jalan Kelang Lama, Batu 3 1/2, 58100
KL. Tel: 012.248 3439
www.monikawyss.com
The Natural Health Practice
For appointments: 03.2094 1335
For inquiries: 012.637 7993
Add: Natural Harmony, 8-5,
Jalan Batai, Damansara Heights 50490
Kuala Lumpur.
Tropicana Medical Centre
11. Jalan Teknologi, Taman Sains
Selangor 1, Pju 5, Kota Damansara
47810 PJ. Tel: 03.6287 1111
www.tropicanamedicalcentre.vom
CAR RENTAL
Avis Rent A Car - Crowne Plaza Mutiara
Kuala Lumpur Main Lobby
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 KL.
Tel: 03.2144 4487 www.avis.com.my
Email: [email protected]
SK Travel & Car Hire (M)
Sdn Bhd 012-2065071 (Mr Sara)
COACHES
Plusliner / Nice – KL
Nice Counter, Mezzanine Floor,
KTMB Building, Jln Sultan Hishamuddin.
Tel: 03.2272 1586 / 2274 0499
SINGAPORE
Copthorne Orchid Hotel,
214, Dunearn Road, 299526
Tel: 02.6256 5755
PENANG
Garden Inn Hotel, 41, Jln Anson, 10400.
Tel: 04.227 7370
KL ODYSSEYDECK
Lot 1E, Shoplex at Mont’ Kiara,
15 Jalan Kiara 50480 KL.
Tel: 1 300 888 121
SINGAPORE ODYSSEYLOUNGE
214, Dunearn Road, Copthorne Orchid
Hotel, #01-09, Singapore 299526.
Tel: 1 800 639 7739
First Coach
No. 48, Jln Kemuja, Bangsar, KL.
Tel: 03.2287 3311
Lot C02B, Concourse Level,
KPMG Tower, 8 First Avenue, Bandar
Utama PJ. Tel: 03.77253311
AEROLINE LUXURY COACHES
B-5-8 Megan Avenue 1,
189 Jalan Tun Razak KL.
www.aeroline.com.my
DRINKING WATER
Sterling Pure Drinking Water
52 Jln 11/62A, Bandar Menjalara, KL.
Tel: 03.6274 7088
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Full list available at www.expatKL.com
FURNITURE RENTAL
Carpet-Inn
G-26, Ground Floor, KL-i DC,
(next to Hock Choon Supermarket),
237-241 Jalan Ampang, KL.
Tel: 03.2145 6786
Expats Furniture Rental
45, Jalan Maarof Bangsar KL
Tel: 03.2283 2088
M.K. Homes
Ampang Showroom:
15, Jln Persiaran Ampang Hilir,
Ampang, KL.Tel: 03.4256 7518
Bangsar Showroom:
126, Jln Maarof, Bangsar, KL.
Tel: 03.2092 1555
Office Tel: 03.6189 3331 / 6189 0801
www.mkhomes.com.my
Penang Showroom:
521D–08–01, The Cove, Jln Tanjung
Bungah, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.
Tel / Fax: 04.8902 987
Mobile: 016.4506 745
FURNITURE / ANTIQUE
Home Treasures
Publika Shopping Gallery
Lot 17,18 & 19, Lvl G3,
Publika Solaris Dutamas, No.1,
Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480, KL.
Tel: 03.6211 6828
1 Utama Shopping Centre
Lot OV 401, Oval Fourth Floor,
Bandar Utama 47800 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03.7725 9340
www.hometreasures.com.my
KINDERGARTEN / CHILDREN
Children’s Discovery House
Mont Kiara - Tel: 03.6204 0088
Bangsar - Tel: 03.2093 9592
Ampang - Tel: 012.205 6756
www.childrensdiscoveryhouse.com
Hils Learning Centre
No. 13-2 Jalan Solaris 4, Mont’Kiara KL.
Tel: 03.6203 0029
www.hilslearning.net
Little Mandarin House
2, Jalan Limau Purut, Bangsar Park,
Bangsar KL. Tel: 03.2093 0069
229, Jalan Ara, Bangsar Baru, KL
Tel: 03.2287 00689
Summerfields Kindergarten
32, Jalan Sri Hartamas 15,
Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 KL
Tel: 03.6201 2388
email: enquiry@summerfields.com.my
LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Applied Language Systems
Tel: 012.3391675 / 03.60383192
MAID EMPLOYMENT
Agensi Pekerjaan
Professional Services
No 62A, Jln SS 22/25, Damansara Jaya,
PJ. Tel: 03.7727 8093
SP-CM Agensi Pekerjaan
Sdn Bhd
No 22, Jalan SS 3/6,Taman Sentosa,
47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 03.7875 2155
MOVERS/RELOCATIONS
Allied Pickfords
Tel: 03.6253 6553 (Kuala Lumpur)
Tel: 04.6464 278 (Penang)
www.alliedtoallied.com
Crown Line Expatriates Services
Lot 37645, Jalan 5/37A,
Taman Bukit Maluri Kepong, KL.
Tel: 03.6275 1830
Felix Relocations
No AR-3A, Megan Ambassy, 225 Jln
Ampang, 50450 KL.
Tel: 1-300-88-5511
Inter Grace Movers (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Lot 116, Jalan Semangat, 46300 Petaling
Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
Tel: 03.7954 4908 (Hunting Line)
Email: [email protected]
Royal Relocations
35, Kompleks Selayang, Batu Caves,
Selangor. Tel: 03.6120 8903
MUSIC SCHOOL
Musikhaus Enrichment Centre
(formerly known as Kidz Talent Lodge @
Ikano Power Centre) No. 80, Jalan PJU
7/12A, Mutiara Damansara,
Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03.7728 0834
www.musikhaus.com.my
Allegro Music & Arts
91B & C, Lorong Mamanda 1, Ampang
Point, Selangor. Tel: 03.4251 5780
www.allegromusic.info
PROPERTY AGENTS
Knight Frank
Suite 9.01, 9th Floor, Menara IGB, Mid
Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200,
KL, Malaysia.
Tel: 03.2289 9688
Email: [email protected]
Pen Properties
163-F-4 Jln Perak, Penang.
Tel: 04.210 6060
H/P: 016.414 8188
www.penang-property.com
White Space International
Add: 1-3, Jalan Solaris 2,
Solaris Mont Kiara KL.
Tel: 03.6209 9988
www.whitespaceinternational.com
Zerin Properties
36th floor, Menara Maxis KLCC, KL.
Tel: 03.6251 8007
Email: [email protected]
PUBLICATION
The Wall Street Journal Asia
by Dow Jones www.wsj-asia.com
SALONS
Ish 46-1, Jln Telawi, Bangsar Baru, KL.
Tel: 03.22870920/1
Saw Hair Salon
Lot 401k, 4th Floor, Suria KLCC, 50088
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 03.2171 1881/1882
www.saw.com.my
SPAS
Danai Spa
103 Tanjung Bungah Park, Tanjung
Bungah, Penang.
Tel: 04.899 0899
Donna Spa
S20–27, Pamper Level, Starhill Gallery,
181, Jln. Bukit Bintang 55100 KL.
Tel: 03.2141 8999
www.donnaspa.net
Hammam
Lot 3F-7 & 3F-8, Bangsar Village II, 2,
Jln Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, KL.
Tel: 03.2282 2180
Email: [email protected]
Jati Spa
Novotel Hydro Majestic KL, Level 4,|
No. 2 Jln Kia Peng, KL.
Tel 03.2147 0888
(ext 7690) or 03.2161 2460
Ozmosis Health & Day Spa
Level 1, 14 –16 Jln Telawi 2,
Bangsar Baru, KL.
Tel: 03.2287 0380
SPORTS
Cue Station
Lot 07-61, 7th Flr, Berjaya Times Square,
1, Jln Imbi, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03.2144 3128
TAILOR
Lord’s Tailor
Lot1.10 & 1.11, 1st Floor,
The Ampwalk (Ampang Walk).
TO DISCOVER THE BEST OF
RESTAURANTS AND BARS IN
MALAYSIA VISIT
WWW.DINEMALAYSIA.COM
RESTAURANTS
SHOPS
BARS
SERVICES
FOR SHOP S AND SE RVICES
T H AT W E L C O M E E X PAT S ,
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COM AND CLICK ON
DIRE CTORIE S
218, Jalan Ampang, 50450,
Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03.2166 0918,
2166 1918F18 & F19, 1st Floor,
Bangsar Shopping Centre,
Jalan Maarof, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03.2094 9776
Summermen Tailor Shops
Pavilion KL - 03.2148 9825
Klang - 03.3324 3462
Ampang Point KL - 03.4252 3668
TRAVEL
Mitra Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Lot G-01, Menara Park, Megan Avenue II No:
12 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 KL. Tours:
03.2161 1311 Reservation & Ticketing:
03.2161 2133 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mitra.travel
Orient Escape Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Bangsar Shopping Center, Travel Outlet,
Lot F114B, West Wing
Tel: 03.2282 8891 www.orientescape.
com.my
Prohighway Travel
141, Jln Maarof, Bangsar Baru, KL.
Tel: 03.2282 7979
Tirtha Bridal
Jalan Raya Uluwatu,
Banjar Dinas Karang Boma,
Desa Pecatu 80364 Bali, Indonesia.
Tel: +62.361 8471151
www.tirthabridal.com
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 119
bulletin board
www.expathomekl.com
www.penangproperties.com
120 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
bulletin board
A Top Realtor
Specializing in the Expat Market
Wendy Lian has spent more than 13 years traveling
the world and living in major global cities as an expat.
She truly understands the stress, frustrations and
hardship one faces in a foreign country. Now back in
her own country, Wendy has built a premier
reputation within the expat community, representing
quality properties in Kuala Lumpur, Damansara
Heights, Bangsar and Mont Kiara.
Whatever you are looking for, whether it is your
dream home or your ideal investment opportunity,
she is here to make your search and experience as
easy, satisfying and stress free as possible.
Suite 8-7-12, (7th Floor) Menara Bangsar, Jalan Liku,
Off Jalan Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +603 2287 3873 Fax: +603 22873872
WWW.EXPATKL.COM
THE EXPAT 121
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH
Learn from
the Locals
I often wonder
why expats…
“go walking around in bare feet. They even do it in the office!
No no!”
“get treated like royalty.”
“love Malaysia so much.”
“choose to work and settle here.”
“say that Malaysians are considerate. They’re not, they’re just
hypocrites!”
“don’t miss their four seasons and just settle for two instead.”
The Malaysia
of my childhood
was…
“exciting, because there were so many things that excited me as
a child.”
“beautiful. When I was a child I didn’t focus on the ugliness.”
“growing up in a convent school in good old Ipoh, speaking
various local languages and having the pressure to excel in
education constantly.”
“peaceful.”
“fun and safe.”
“I was amazed that we could be so different but all live together.”
If I ruled the country
for a day I would…
“have more parks and recreation areas.”
“give myself one year’s paid leave.”
“end world hunger; no more poor people.”
“upgrade the public transportation system to provide more
efficient and comfortable travel for the citizens so no one needs
to drive anymore.”
“enforce a hefty fine on everyone who litters, and anyone who is
inconsiderate on the roads, in malls, in queues; basically anytime
they do something wrong on purpose.”
122 THE EXPAT WWW.EXPATKL.COM
Did You Know….
Bananas are thought to be one of the oldest fruits in
the world and were eaten long before records began.
Banana experts believe that the humble banana
originated in Malaysia and Thailand, before being
transported to China and India via local travellers,
where Alexander the Great first tasted them in 4th
Century BC.
Bananas are one of the world’s most widely traded
agricultural goods and annual export of bananas is
valued at around $5 billion. In Malaysia, bananas are
the second most widely cultivated fruit and are divided
into two categories: sweet bananas and plantain.
There are five different types of banana available in
Malaysia and they are used in cakes and curries, added
to snacks as well as being eaten on their own, either
freshly peeled or deep fried. Banana leaves are used
for cooking as well as serving as plates in some Indian
restaurants. Allegedly the leaves emit a tasty flavour
into the food when they get hot, but banana leaves
also act as a natural parchment paper to seal in the
moisture. Before the arrival of plastic, banana leaves
were used to wrap things, and in some markets you
can still see cakes wrapped in banana leaves.
A popular method of enjoying bananas is pisang
goreng (fried bananas), and we have the Portuguese to
thank for this tasty snack. When the Portuguese came
to Indonesia in the 15th century, they brought flour
with them and cooked themselves banana fritters for
breakfast every day. The Indonesians were impressed,
so the Portuguese shared their flour with the locals to
allow them to batter and deep fry their own bananas,
and thus pisang goreng was born.
“Currencies In
Asia Get New Respect”
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Our Business.
From politics to management, banking to finance, you can count on
The Wall Street Journal Asia to give you the facts and insight you need to
navigate your business and your life. Your competitors read it, shouldn’t you?
©2012 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
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