Communiqué page 3

Communiqué
é-News
September 2014 • Volume 2
page 3
Majlis Mesra
Aidilfitri Wisma
DRB-HICOM 2014
Employee Volunteers
for the PERTIWI Soup
Kitchen Campaign
The Launch of
The New Beetle
1.2L
Konnichiwa
Kyoto!
page 9
page 13
page 19
page 25
E D I TO R ’ S
M E SSAG E
E D I TO R I A L
B OA R D
A dv i s o r
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil
E D I TO R
Shaik Abbas Ibrahim
E D I TO R I A L T E A M
Fariz Zulfa
Nadia Izuddin
Nadirah Haridan
Nur Adlina Izuddin
Suhana Mohammed
Yang Latiffa Ahmad Kamily
Zarina Mohd Nordin
G R A P H I C , M u lt i m e d I A
P h oto g r a p h Y
Hanif Syed Muntazar
Muzamir Nordin
C o n t r i b u to r s
Automotive, Distribution & Manufacturing Sector
Services & Education Sector
Property, Asset & Construction Sector
Divisions in DRB-HICOM
Kelab Sukan DRB-HICOM
Surau Al-Hidayah
W
elcome once again to yet another edition of
Communiqué as we look to bring you
interactive news on your screens. When it comes to
finding out what’s the latest happening within the
Group, there’s nothing like Communiqué. But first of all,
we would like to take this opportunity to express our
gratitude as our first edition of the e-newsletter was
received with positive reviews and deemed insightful by
our readers. With a successful first run, Communiqué,
hopes to bring the same amount of quality news to fulfill
your needs. That said, the second edition of this
e-newsletter will be packed with interesting and
newsworthy information for everybody’s enjoyment and
pleasure.
This edition’s highlights will include the milestone-record
story of the DRB-HICOM Mission 57 Years 57 Hours,
the Majlis Aidilfitri DRB-HICOM 2014, as well as the
recent Merdeka celebrations and among others.
Once again, we thank you for your unstinting support to
make our e-newsletter a success. Our priority is to
display news that caters to everyone’s reading
pleasure. We hope you enjoy this edition of
Communiqué as we look forward to entice your taste
buds every time.
SHAIK ABBAS IBRAHIM. Editor of
Communiqué
Cover
Story
Di Sini Lahirnya
Sebuah Cinta
6
W H AT ’ S N E WS
CONTENT
9
Majlis Mesra Aidilfitri
Wisma DRB-HICOM
2014
Organised by Kelab Sukan
DRB-HICOM
DRB-HICOM shows love for the Nation by
conquering Mount Kinabalu
11
DRB-HICOM spreads
Aidilfitri joy to 68
children from Pusat
Jagaan Lambaian Kasih
13
14
3
Transformasi Khidmat Pelanggan Alam Flora
15
HIKLG is a
proud winner of
HR Asia Best
Companies To
Work 2014
Well deserved school
facilities for
Sekolah Kebangsaan
Kionsom
17
18
The Mitsubishi Red
Peak Challenge
19
Launch of The
New Beetle 1.2L
21
E VO L U T I O N
Majlis Pelancaran Kempen Memberi
Khidmat Dengan C.A.R.E
22
23
OFF DUTY
25
27
7
Employee Volunteers for the PERTIWI Soup
Kitchen Campaign
12
Rombongan
MIDA dan NCI
melawat CTRM
Remembering
MH17
Konnichiwa Kyoto!
Our local coffee scene
33
Perkampungan Sains
Teknologi dan Inovasi
sempena Minggu
Merdeka 2014
Audi quattro ®
driving experience
2014
Freedom
ON DUTY
C OV E R S TO RY
DRB-HICOM shows
love for the Nation
by conquering
Mount Kinabalu
U
ncertain weather and challenging terrain did
not deter the spirits of six Sahabat
DRB-HICOM volunteers and two committee
members from conquering Mount Kinabalu – one
of the tallest mountains in South East Asia for the
‘DRB-HICOM Mission 57 Years 57 Hours’
(57Y57H), held recently.
The team had one objective, to show their love
and support for Malaysia by raising the National
flag atop the tallest mountain in Malaysia in
conjunction with the 57th Merdeka Day
celebrations. With hearts full of determination and
patriotism, the team embarked on a two-day
mission braving the cold weather to reach the top
of Mount Kinabalu.
Communiqué
3 | COVER STORY
The six representatives, Encik Mohd Farhan bin
Fauzi (Group Human Capial), Encik Zulkarnain
bin Zakaria (Group Internal Audit), Encik
Muhammad Iskhandar bin Muharam (Treasury)
and Puan Nor Suriawati binti Abdullah (Group
Human Capital) alongside two students from
International College of Automotive (ICAM) Encik
Syed Amir Akif bin Syed Kamarudin and Encik
Ahmad Amir bin Azri went through intensive
training about a week before the expedition. The
team was also accompanied by two members of
the
organising
committee
from
Group
Communications Division, Encik Noorhardly bin
Muhamad and Encik Mohd Muzamir bin Nordin.
Mission 57Y57H also saw our National Solo
Climber Encik Mohd Noor bin Mat Amin, conquer
Mount Kinabalu not once, but four times
consecutively, which listed him in the Malaysia
Book of Records for ‘Most Number of Climbs up
Mount Kinabalu’. Encik Mohd Noor began his
expedition on 22 August and ended on 24 August
2014.
Congratulations once again to all of our Sahabat
DRB-HICOM and Encik Mohd Noor for their
amazing accomplishment.
“It is not the mountain we
conquer but ourselves.”
- Edmund Hillary
Communiqué
COVER STORY | 4
Di Sini Lahirnya
Sebuah Cinta
Merdeka..
Wujudmu menitiskan air mata gembira
Memadamkan tinta hitam duka
Melenyapkan penat jerih pusaka bangsa
Yang berhempas pulas melawan musuh durjana
Mengikat perut bersengkang mata
Demi maruah nyawa diperaga
Merdeka..
Harapan waris anak-anak Malaya
Berpadu bangsa tak kira agama
Hidup aman diulit perpaduan
Pertahan kesejahteraan dari gangguan
Pelihara kenikmatan dari ketakburan
Menjunjung kedaulatan negara tercinta
Mengangkat martabat ke puncak dunia
Di sini terbitnya satu bangsa Malaysia
Di sini lahirnya sebuah cinta… Merdeka..
Hasil Nukilan: ARYN
W H AT ’ S N E WS
I
n what was a somber morning throughout
Malaysia, members from the Group gathered for a
moment of silence and mourned on the news about
the arrival of MH17 victims back home. The tragedy
that hit the heart of the country had seen the lives of
Malaysian nationals lost during the tragedy that took
place near Donetsk, Ukraine on 17 July. A total of
298 casualties were lost during the tragedy.
The Group commemorated the painful loss by
hanging up white heart-shaped messages on
artificial trees as means to pay tribute to on board
flight MH17. Members of the Group all wrote
messages expressing grief to encouragement mixed
emotions during the observance. The memorial was
followed by a minute’s silence at 10:55am as the
Group paid their last tributes to the downed flight
victims.
The moment when the caskets were taken out of the
Malaysian Airlines planes that arrived on home soil
during that day was the most difficult to bear with
many in awe from the reactions of distraught family
members. Their tears and heartbreak swayed some
members from the Group to feel what the affected
families had felt, sadness and loneliness. A moment
where a nation disaster brought Malaysians together,
united.
The MH17 tragedy had not only affected those who
had lost loved ones on board but also those who did
not know anyone on the aircraft, the disaster touched
them significantly. All our prayers go to those who
have mourned over their family members, friends,
and colleagues who were on board MH17.
Communiqué
7 | W H AT S N E W S
Majlis Mesra
Aidilfitri Wisma
DRB-HICOM 2014
Organised by Kelab Sukan DRB-HICOM
A
nother year has gone by and this year, we again
welcomed Hari Raya Aidilfitri with a celebration.
All Warga DRB-HICOM got together to celebrate with a
sense of goodwill in an open and friendly atmosphere.
The basement at Wisma DRB-HICOM came alive
that evening, and was filled with members from
Senior Management of DRB-HICOM, CEO of Group
Companies, and staff at Wisma DRB-HICOM. The
Raya gathering was hosted by popular Malaysian
actress/TV-host Yasmin Hani.
Food stalls were set up by Kelab Sukan DRB-HICOM and
guest were served with various food and delicacies such
as Kambing Golek, Satay, Ketupat and Rendang, Mee
Goreng Mamak, Dim Sum, Sengkuang Calit and many
more.
Communiqué
W
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V TESR N
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WRSY || 10
4
DRB-HICOM spreads
Aidilfitri joy to 68
children from Pusat
Jagaan Lambaian Kasih
D
electable desserts, scrumptious food and happy
smiles.
The children from Pusat Jagaan
Lambaian Kasih definitely enjoyed the
Aidilfitri feast specially prepared for
them as part of Program Harapan –
DRB-HICOM’s Community Relations
initiative in contributing to the society.
The children were delighted when they
were each given duit raya and special gifts
from our Group Managing Director, YBhg Tan Sri
Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil and wife, YBhg
Puan Sri Datin Sri Hajjah Azian Abdul Talib,
alongside our Chief Operating Officer – Services
Communiqué
11 | W H AT S N E W S
and Properties, YBhg Datuk Mohamed Razeek Md
Hussain.
Located in Kampung Sungai Penchala,
Kuala
Lumpur,
Pusat
Jagaan
Lambaian Kasih houses 68 children
aged between 6 to 13 years old
who are orphans and the less
fortunate.
This is the second activity for Program
Harapan this year, following the shopping
spree with Rumah Kesayangan, Petaling Jaya last
Ramadan. The main objective of this initiative is to
spread joy and share our blessings with the less
fortunate in line with the recent festivities.
Well deserved school facilities for
Sekolah Kebangsaan Kionsom
P
reviously, the students from
SK Kionsom, Sabah had to
endure sitting at a wobbly table
for recess and some other
facilities
such
as
pondok
menunggu and pondok membaca
that are in dire need of
refurbishment.
But not anymore. Now, the
children can dine comfortably
and enjoy other school facilities
such as the waiting area and
reading corner – courtesy of
DRB�HICOM.
Before
This ‘Back to School’ programme
is
part
of
DRB�HICOM’s
Corporate
Responsibility
initiatives to spread cheer to
schoolchildren in Sabah, to
encourage them to continue their
education
in
a
condusive
environment.
After
Reading corner
Before
After
Waiting area
Communiqué
W
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V TESR N
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WRSY || 12
4
Employee Volunteers for
the PERTIWI Soup Kitchen Campaign
Giving Back To The Society
T
hirty employees from The Holiday Inn Kuala
Lumpur Glenmarie joined the volunteers team
from Pertiwi organisation on August 24 to lend a
helping hand in distributing a total of 630 packets of
food, treats and goods to the underpriviledged and
homeless at Tune Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
The Pertiwi programme is held every week in various
locations. As part of the activities, our employees
also collected used clothing and other items over the
week to be given away.
Pertiwi Soup Kitchen is a non profit organisation
managed by volunteers to help the poor,
underprivileged and homeless. Irrespective of race or
religion, they provide healthy meals, basic medical
care four nights a week at various locations.
Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie had also
contributed 500 packets of fried noodles, hot dogs
and mineral water. It was a great experience for our
employees and we are proud to be part of the
campaign.
Communiqué
13 | W H AT S N E W S
Transformasi
Khidmat
Pelanggan
Alam Flora
S
elaras dengan identiti korporat baharu, Pusat
Khidmat Pelanggan Alam Flora Sdn Bhd (Alam
Flora), telah melalui transformasi dari segi mutu kerja
yang lebih efisien, rekabentuk moden dan dinamik
serta penampilan petugas-petugasnya yang menarik
dan ramah mesra. Menurut Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif
Alam Flora, Tuan Haji Mohd Zain bin Hassan,
transformasi ini adalah selaras dengan kehendak
semasa
dan
iltizam
syarikat
untuk
sentiasa
memperbaiki
mutu
khidmat
kepada
pelanggan-pelanggan
terutamanya
dalam
mengendalikan aduan orang awam.
Majlis Perasmian Pusat Khidmat Pelanggan Alam Flora
telah berlangsung pada 22 Ogos 2014 di Ibu Pejabat
Alam Flora di Shah Alam dan telah dirasmikan oleh
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perbadanan Pengurusan Sisa
Pepejal dan Pembersihan Awam (PPSPPA), YBhg Datuk
Abdul Rahim bin Md. Noor. Hadir sama, YBhg Datuk
Mohamed Hazlan bin Mohamed Husain, Pengarah
Kumpulan Bahagian Perkhidmatan dan Pendidikan
DRB-HICOM Berhad, merangkap Ahli Lembaga
Pengarah, Alam Flora.
“Orang ramai yang memiliki telefon Android kini boleh
membuat aduan berkaitan dengan kutipan sisa domestik,
pembersihan awam dan sisa kitar semula melalui aplikasi
tersebut. Aduan yang dihantar melalui aplikasi ini dihantar
terus ke sistem Pusat Khidmat Pelanggan Alam Flora dan
akan disiasat dalam tempoh 24 jam,” jelas Tuan Haji Mohd
Zain.
Orang ramai boleh memuat turun aplikasi Alam Flora 4U
melalui Google Play atau laman sesawang Alam Flora di
www.alamflora.com.my.
Waktu Operasi Pusat Khidmat Pelanggan Alam Flora atau
FloraCare:
08.00 pagi - 08.00 malam
Isnin - Ahad (Termasuk Cuti Am)
Talian Bebas Tol: 1800 88 7472
Sistem Pesanan Ringkas (SMS): Taip ALAM
<jarak><Maklumbalas> hantar ke 33310
Emel: [email protected]
Laman Sesawang: www.alamflora.com.my
Communiqué
W
CO
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V TESR N
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WRSY || 14
4
Mr Brendon Meppem
(General Manager HIKLG) (right)
receiving the Award
from Mr Tan Sai Hup
(Chief Operating
Officer - Business
Media International)
HIKLG is a proud winner of HR Asia Best
Companies To Work 2014
O
n 20 August 2014, Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur
Glenmarie won the HR Asia ‘Best Companies
To Work For 2014’ Award. Over 200 companies
participated this year. Only a total of 40 companies
from Malaysia were selected and announced as the
winners.
The award, organised by HR Asia, identifies and
recognises
high-performing
companies
for
benchmarking workplace and employee engagement
practices. A total of over 6,000 Malaysian
employees were surveyed to analyse employees’
feedback and input on their intention and motivation,
emotional engagement and advocacy of their
respective employers.
Communiqué
15 | W H AT S N E W S
These award winning companies signify that the
organisation has developed good workplace culture
exceeding the conventional workplace, in addition to
healthy employee engagement practices. It has been
proven that every successful business begins with
being people-focused to deliver strong business
performance and results.
E VO L U T I O N
C
omposites Technology Research (M) Sdn Bhd
(CTRM) telah menerima kunjungan hormat
daripada MIDA (Malaysian Investment Development
Authority) dan NCI (National Committee on
Investment) pada 20 Ogos 2014. Lawatan ini telah
dianjurkan oleh pihak MIDA Negeri Melaka
sempena mesyuarat NCI yang berlangsung di
Melaka pada hari berikutnya. CTRM adalah salah
satu daripada tiga buah syarikat di negeri Melaka
yang terpilih untuk agenda lawatan delegasi
tersebut. Objektif lawatan adalah untuk memberi
pendedahan kepada pengurusan MIDA dan ahli-ahli
NCI berkaitan aktiviti-aktiviti yang dijalankan di
CTRM.
Lawatan berprofil tinggi ini telah diketuai oleh YBhg
Tan Sri Amirsham Abdul Aziz, Pengerusi MIDA
merangkap Pengerusi NCI.
Seramai 40 wakil
daripada MoF, MITI, Bank Negara dan EPU turut
hadir pada hari tersebut.
Pengunjung telah diberi penerangan tentang aktiviti
korporat yang dijalankan di CTRM oleh Ketua
Pegawai Operasi Kumpulan CTRM, Encik Che
Akhma Ismail. Selain itu, pengunjung juga dibawa
meninjau ke kawasan kilang bagi memberi
pendedahan secara praktikal dengan lebih dekat
lagi.
Communiqué
17 |
EVOLUTION
Rombongan
MIDA dan
NCI Melawat
CTRM
The Mitsubishi
Red Peak Challenge
I
nspired by Mitsubishi’s victory in the 2014 Pikes
Peak International Hill Climb Challenge,
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia recently embarked on its
latest 4x4 adventure which saw Mitsubishi 4x4
vehicles perform amazing feats on a specially
outfitted obstacle truck – the first-of-its-kind in
Malaysia.
The Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge made its debut on
August 23 in Penang and will roll on to other major
cities including Johor Bharu and Kelantan over the
month of September. The roadshow will make its way
to Stadium Kota Bharu (Outdoor car park), Kelantan
on September 26 to 27 2014 from 10.00 am to
8.00 pm (test ride ends at 7.00 pm).
The Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge showcased the
Triton pick-up, the Pajero Sport SUV and the ASX
Compact SUV being put through their paces on the
purpose-built Mitsubishi truck featuring a wide range
of obstacles including a 45-degree, 25-feet tall “sky”
ramp that points upwards to the sky – an extreme test
for any 4x4 vehicle. The giant ramp no doubt
challenged the capabilities of both man and machine
while offering a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.
Admission is free and visitors who make a booking of
any Mitsubishi vehicles during the Mitsubishi Red
Peak Challenge will receive the special edition
Ralliart car boot organiser, while those who test drive
any Mitsubishi model will receive an exclusive
merchandise (while stock lasts).
Other challenges included the roller ramp test that
will see the 4x4 vehicles “drive through” the Red
Peak Challenge truck as well as the side traverse and
uneven ramp tests.
Communiqué
E V O L U T I O N | 18
Launch of
The New Beetle 1.2L
T
he Beetle, the iconic Volkswagen brand icon is
back with new specifications. On August 15-17,
HICOM Auto Sdn. Bhd. organised the launch of the
New Beetle 1.2L. Combining the classic outline of
everyone's favourite Bug with new entertainment,
comfort and safety features, the refreshed Beetle is
set to bring happiness and excitement to both young
and old.
Communiqué
19 | E V O L U T I O N
DSG 7-speed direct shift
gearbox.
Multi-function leather
steering wheel with
control for MFD, radio
and telephone
Radio ‘RCD 510’ touch
screen 6 CD changer with
CD / MP3 / WMA replay
function and 8 speakers
(1.2L TSI Sport)
Bi-xenon headlights (1.2L
TSI Sport).
‘Whirl’ alloy wheels 6.5J
x 16" 215/60 R16 tyres.
Combined side and
thorax airbags for front
passengers.
Now open for booking at HICOM Auto Sdn. Bhd.
The Beetle 1.2l TSI Design is priced at RM131, 888
and the 1.2l TSI Sport for RM142, 888.
Communiqué
C EOVVOE LRU ST TI O
ON
R Y | | 20
4
Majlis Pelancaran
Kempen Memberi
Khidmat Dengan
C.A.R.E
S
elaras dengan Pelan Transformasi 3 Tahun
Konsortium Logistik Berhad (KLB); P.R.I.M.E
dalam memberikan pengalaman pelanggan yang
positif, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Pelanggan telah
mengambil inisiatif melaksanakan Program Etika
Memberi Khidmat Dengan C.A.R.E.
Program tersebut telah diadakan pada Ogos 22
yang lalu di kafeteria Ibu Pejabat KLB. Ia telah
dilancarkan secara rasmi oleh YBhg Dato’ Mohd
Shukrie Mohd Salleh, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, KLB.
Communiqué
21 | E V O L U T I O N
Objektif program tersebut adalah untuk memberikan
pendedahan kepada warga KLB untuk mengamalkan
sikap Cekap, Amanah, Responsif dan Efisien
(C.A.R.E) di dalam memberikan perkhidmatan yang
terbaik kepada pelanggan. Ini akan memastikan
setiap
pelanggan
berpuas
hati
dengan
perkhidmatan yang diberikan oleh pihak KLB dan
mengekalkan KLB sebagai rakan niaga.
Program seumpama ini akan diteruskan di
cawangan KLB di Southern Haulage dan Northen
Haulage dalam memastikan seluruh warga KLB
bertanggungjawab memainkan peranan yang sama
penting dalam memastikan kesemua pelanggan KLB
mendapat perkhidmatan yang terbaik.
Perkampungan Sains Teknologi
dan Inovasi sempena Minggu Merdeka 2014
P
ada 28 Ogos – 1 September 2014, MODENAS
telah menyertai satu pameran Perkampungan
Sains Teknologi dan Inovasi sempena Minggu
Merdeka 2014. Pameran yang berlangsung selama
lima hari berturut-turut ini telah diadakan di Laman
Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
Terdapat lima lokasi pameran dan jualan diadakan.
Lokasi-lokasi tersebut adalah:
• Perkampungan Belia dan Kerjaya Padang
Merbok
• Perkampungan Sains, Teknologi & Inovasi di
Laman Tuanku Abdul Rahman
• Perkampungan Santai Seni (Perkarangan
Hadapan Pasar Seni)
• Perkampungan Dunia Wanita & Si Comel di
Laman Wakaf Buta
• Jalan Masjid
• Perkampungan Dunia Usahawan Laman KKMM di
KL Sentral
Antara aktiviti yang telah dijalankan adalah
pameran, seminar dan aktiviti jualan disekitar
kawasan yang menjadi nadi Kuala Lumpur itu.
Pada masa yang sama, turut berlangsung adalah
pameran Aset Negara, Autoshow Merdeka, Jualan
Boom Merdeka dan Fiesta Blog Shop.
Communiqué
C EOVVOE LRU ST TI O
ON
R Y | | 22
4
Audi quattro
®
driving experience
2014
T
Welcome to Malaysia.
Land of quattro
In support of AUDI AG’s global call to promote Audi quattro as
a key proposition of the brand, Malaysia launched the Land of
quattro campaign last December.
Following its success worldwide and in Malaysia, AUDI AG
recently launched the second wave of the campaign, entitled
Land of quattro 2.0.
Communiqué
3|
The second instalment of the
campaign further activated Audi
quattro drive events in all markets
and is more aggressive towards
achieving its sales targets for
2014.
In Malaysia, the target is to
promote quattro through
experiential-based activities and
expand to Euromobil’s key
markets – Penang & Johor Bahru.
Event dates:
Southern Region (Johor Premium
Outlet): 9-10 Aug
Northern Region (Juru Autocity):
16-17 Aug
Central Region (Desa Park City):
23-24 Aug
Event activities:
Demonstrated the capabilities of Audi
quattro in a robust, safe and guided
setting, using only SUV models.
Communiqué
E V O L U T I O N | 24
OFF DUTY
Konichiwa
Kyoto!
I
f you want to taste the arts and culture of Japan, Kyoto is the place to be. Being the former
imperial capital of Japan for over 1,200 years, the city had been the center of not only
politics, but also religion, philosophy, art, culture and cuisine. Most of Japan’s refined cultural
arts blossomed from seeds that were planted here, including the tea ceremony, Kabuki and Noh
theatre, Zen and Tantric Buddism. The astonishing number of temples, shrines and places that
adorn the city make Kyoto’s architecture its most famous feature among the tourists. Not to forget
the beauty lies in its nature and people.
The easiest way to explore Kyoto is by using the city bus. The bus stops are easily spotted and
you can get all the info, maps and details either at the bus stop itself or via the internet. Besides
the city bus, you can also opt for the subway, taxi or bicycle.
Perhaps the most look forward thing to see for the foreign visitors is the floating world of geisha
entertainment which was brought into the spotlight by the film adaptation of Arthur Golden’s,
Memoirs of a Geisha. Gion is Kyoto’s geisha district, defined by its old wooden buildings,
teahouses and exclusive Japanese restaurants. Sometimes while wandering in the area you will
catch a glimpse of one or two maiko-san and gecko-san, the modern equivalents of apprentice
and senior geisha, on their way to attend appointments at exclusive teahouses behind the
curtained doorways, wearing their cumbersome zori sandals and exquisite kimono.
Kyoto features a unique mix of shopping spree, where modern, high end fashion shops can be
found alongside stores with centuries of history selling traditional Kyoto crafts or specialty foods
along Shijo-dori crosses to Kawaramachi intersection at the heart of the city. Also found in the
area is Nishiki Market, a colorful narrow food market street known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", runs
about a block off parallel to Shijo-dori. Don’t forget to grab and try out some delicious mochi,
Japanese candy, green tea, Japanese ice cream, fluffy buns and pastries as well as fresh sushi.
Unlike in other metro cities such as Osaka and Tokyo, you can still find some people wearing their
traditional kimono, hakama and haori on their way to various temples around Kyoto during the
day time. All in, Kyoto is a very warm, peaceful and unique city, overflowing with serene beauty
where you can still witness the Japanese heritage weaved in the people’s daily life.
‘A must’
place to xplore in Kyoto
3. Kiyomizudera Temple
1. Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji, famously known as The Golden Pavilion
is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two
floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Each
floor represents a different style of architecture. Be
it capped by snow in winter or set against a lush
green background in summer, nothing is as
symbolic of Kyoto as Kinkaku-ji's golden reflection
shimmering across the rippled surface of the pond
before it. This place is listed as one of UNESCO’s
World Heritage Site.
Kiyomizudera literally known as “Pure Water
Temple” is located in the wooded hills east of
Kyoto. It is best known for its wooden stage that
juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the
hillside below. The stage affords visitors a
spectacular view of the city of Kyoto in the distance
as well as the numerous cherry and maple trees
below. The main hall, together with the stage built
without the use of nails, houses the temple's
primary object of worship, a small statue of the
eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon. The temple
is listed as UNESCO world heritage site.
2. Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion)
This is also the Zen temple along Kyoto’s eastern
mountains (Higashiyama). Despite its name, the
Silver Pavilion was never covered in silver. The
temple is surrounded with a beautiful moss garden
and a unique dry sand garden. It can be enjoyed
by walking along a circular route around its
grounds, from which the gardens and buildings
can be viewed spectacularly in various angles.
4. Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a pleasant, tourist district in the
western outskirts of Kyoto. This place has a very
beautiful natural setting. There are many small
shops, restaurants and other attractions nearby
including Arashiyama Bamboo Grooves, Tenryuji
Temple and available rental boats for the river
cruise. The well-known central landmark is the
Togetsukyo Bridge. The serene beauty of nature
blends really well with the traditional man-made
architecture.
Communiqué
COV
OEFRF SDTUOT RY Y | | 26
4
Our local
coffee scene
T
he moment you whiff a fresh
brewed Joe, and the sensation
you get when the aroma consumes
your entire taste buds, you know
you’re in for a good cup of coffee.
For coffee lovers, the taste of the
soothing flavor that kick-starts their
morning is the best feeling in the
world. For any ordinary individual
who values coffee, the taste that
tingles the taste buds is considered
heavenly. Those who are looking for
a good taste of coffee roast
goodness, coffee shops and servers
are there to serve that need.
K
eeping to its hipster coffee tag, Quar/tet serves hot and cold
brew coffee sourced from Artisan Roast.
They also serve no-fuss, honest and hearty meals such bagel stuffed
with salmon & cream cheese, paired with a a side of crisp salad.
Quar/tet's soft-opening menu remains limited, with a kitchen that
closes by 6 pm, but eventually, a fuller selection will be available for
dinner.
QUAR/TET
21 Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7
TTDI, Kuala Lumpur
P
opular among the agencies and
production houses alike around
the area of Damansara Heights.
Mollydooker's offers a small selection
of sweet & savory snacks. A decent list
of coffee mixtures, tea and chocolate.
They have recently moved next door to
Kita-Kita near Chef & Brew.
MOLLYDOOKER’S
COFFEE BAR
ARTISAN ROAST
Jalan Medan Setia 1,
Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
A
rtisan Roast made its debut
in KL in 2010.
The café blossomed since it started. Artisan sources
the best beans they can get their hands on - from
estates and small cooperatives. Once it reaches the
hands of their baristas, maintaining the quality is
utmost important. The aromatic coffee beans come
from places with exotic names such as Guatemala,
Rwanda and Peru. Their flat white and red latte is
absolutely lovely.
4 Lorong Rahim Kajai 14
TTDI, Kuala Lumpur
T
he recently opened Bureau in Cascades
Kota Damansara has a certain quality to it.
It is distinctive for highlighting coffee and
donuts – which goes really well together and not
to mention the perfect ambiance of the entire
place. Being the first tenant of the new
development, it will take some time for the
crowd to flock the joint. But I assure you they
will. You can grab a hearty grilled beef
sandwich which is delicious or a simple coffee
with donuts. Perfect for a rainy day. Perfect for
any day. A well-lit up café, clean and children
friendly. The only down-side, it is a bit tricky to
locate.
Café Bureau
Cascades, Kota Damansara
CAFE BUREAU
ON DUTY
Communiqué
talks to our
warga to weigh in on a single topic.
This issue:
H
Mohd Adib Musa
Automotive, Distribution
& Manufacturing
Freedom
ave you ever thought about
the meaning of freedom?
Freedom can mean so many
different things to many different
people. To me, freedom means my
voice is heard and my opinion
matters. To be able to express my
thought and opinion is a simple
pleasure in life. That doesn’t mean
that things have to go my way. I just
need my ideas to be considered and
be given the opportunity to work for
my dreams.
The other night, I was having dinner
in a Thai restaurant. A couple sitting
next to my table was having a
conversation on political issues.
T
I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their
conversation while they debated on
which politician is better. After a while,
the conversation grew tense and I could
feel the temperature rising. The lady
stopped eating her food and played
with her phone while the man smiles
triumphantly.
I sympathised with the lady for not
being able to express her thoughts and
let her opinions be heard. This is why;
life is more than what we read.
As George Washington quoted, “If
freedom of speech is taken away, then
dumb and silent we may be led, like
sheep to the slaughter.”
o be able to do something
unimaginable, that is the
true meaning of freedom. I will
leave it to your imagination to
direct its course as people with
different background, status,
age, etc may have different
meaning and expectation on
the topic. During my school
days, being able to run and
play around all day long
definitely fits the definition.
Still fresh in my mind that
during my student days,
enjoying
freedom
with
minimum limit and barrier
during those late night outings
certainly brings joy and
pleasure, not to mention
valuable
lessons
and
experiences. There will be no
public
disclosure
on
the
activities during those late
nights. Hahaha……
And believe me when I say that
it is best enjoyed with your
friends who share the same
interest, passion and money is
not our top priority.
Now, with all the commitments
and time constraint issues, 5
minutes of silence can be
considered as freedom.
Lastly, let us all as Malaysian be
grateful that we can live and
enjoy our freedom and hope it
will last forever.
Mazrul Fadzli Marzuki
Legal Affairs
H
O
ne of the best feelings in
the world! Freedom is
feeling like you have no
boundaries, like you can go
anywhere and do anything,
being carefree and at peace,
with nothing to worry about
and nothing to get you down. I
think freedom is something
almost everyone wishes they
had more of, and nobody
seems to ever have enough of.
It is a feeling that has been
experienced and expounded
differently by different people.
Moreover, I believe that the
idea that anything is potentially
possible means Freedom. It is
also the ability to be able to
speak
frankly
and
be
outspoken, to be free to
question on anything and to be
free to explore boundaries.
In other words, Freedom is to
pursue Individualism. “Live your
life as you see fit, making your
own decisions to the best of
your knowledge and ability”.
We all want freedom to do
things that will benefit us, and
we want freedom from things
that will harm us. As quoted by
Mahatma Gandhi, “Freedom is
not worth having if it does not
include the freedom to make
mistakes”.
Khairul Faiz
Automotive, Distribution
& Manufacturing
Vanitha Nair
Services & Education
ow
is
freedom
explained
in
words? It is not
something you can see, it is not
something you can hear, it is
not something you can taste,
and it is definitely not
something you can touch. The
word “freedom” has been
widely
debated
with
no
conclusive answer on what the
true meaning of the word is. It is
indeed very subjective. People
interpret freedom in their own
unique way.
Freedom can definitely be felt,
not physically by our hands but
by something even more
meaningful, our emotions our
feelings. Just like everyone else,
I am no different and this is how
I define my freedom. Freedom
is being able to do the right
thing without being penalised
for it. Freedom is about not
having to go through all the
trouble to fight for what you
believe in and sticking to your
guns when there are other
parties who would opt for the
easy way out. Freedom is about
speaking my mind, sharing my
thoughts, my opinions and my
voice without being afraid of
being criticised and shot down.
Freedom is being able to do the
things I enjoy most and to
spend my time with the people
that matters most to me.
That is how I see freedom. My
freedom. What about you?
Communiqué
O N D U T Y | 30