Celebrating Our 51st National Day on 31st August!!!

The flag of Malaysia also known as the Jalur Gemilang ("Stripes of Glory"), comprises a field of 14 alternating red and white stripes canton bearing a crescent and a 14-point star known as the Bintang Persekutuan or Federal Star. The 14 stripes, of equal width, represent the equal status in the federation of the States of Malaysia 13 member states and the federal government, while the 14 points of the star represent the unity between these entities. Star and crescent represents Islam, the country's official religion; the yellow of the star and crescent is the royal colour of the Malay rulers. The red of the stripes stands for the bloodshed to earn independence. The white stands for the people and economy of Malaysia.

The first flag of independent Malaya was based on the Stars and Stripes of the United States, combined with Islamic symbolism. It had 11 red and white stripes and a blue canton, like the US flag, with a gold crescent and an eleven-pointed star, traditionally associated with Islam. Both the number of stripes and points on the star denoted the 11 states of the Federation.

In 1963 three new states- Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak- joined the Federation of Malaysia. To reflect this the flag was amended to 14 red and white stripes representing the 14 states. When Singapore seceded in 1965, the flag remained unaltered. The fourteenth stripe is now said to stand for the federal district of Kuala Lumpur. The blue canton represents the unity of the Malaysian people. The crescent is for Islam, the dominant religion. The 14 points of the star are for unity among the states of the country. Yellow is the traditional color of the rulers of the Malay states. Red and white are also traditional colors in Southeast Asia.

Ready for Puasa

Ramadhan will commence on 1st September 2008. So be prepared for the month's rituals....

It's my 2nd visit to MAHA2008!

Calling allold friends, come and visit this expo. Very infomative and this is my second visit there. Seeing is believing can tell you in words. Meet few friends there and maybe another visit before 23rd.

The learning never stops........!

Learning through sharing from many other organizations and the opportunity to gain valuable ideas from a world-class is an opportunity that I wouldn't miss. Overall, for me, I am happy with what have been delivered by Martin. In fact it was almost customized to what I had in mind. Maybe, I did not put high expectations prior coming here beside taking "a break" from the chaotic stress. But, at Day 1, things changed. I was sitting and listening and evaluating what I am actually doing at my workplace, the methodology, the tools, there were all here. I found time past fast and in the afternoon I was still ok and so was the next day.
Really, it was meeting with new friends and telling me "Joe, this is how to can move forward!" Doesn't that look like friends; backing me up, motivating me and assuring me? I think this is the best way for us to reward ourselves by having peace of mind from our normal business as usual tasks, apart from gaining new knowledge.

For the friendships, thanks from me.

More of the story......

There were already few passengers or rather customers, businesses used to refer us as, Arabs, Indians and mostly Malaysians. Boarding time was 15 minutes before departure. I was there earlier, by 45 minutes . Free coffee and tea served at The Corrus's coffee house, Jalan Ampang (used to be The Ming Court), the hotel designated for the KL pick-up and drop points for this coach company.

I took my coffee, black as usual and a dash of sugar to kill the bitterness. You'll have to order for other bites but anyway, I was already filled-up earlier that morning. Me and my wife, Jamilah had our roti canai at the mamak's restaurant near the Salak Tinngi ERL station. The immigration boarding form was handed to be by the coach staff to be filled. Most of time for things like this, Jamilah volunteered to do this for me. She have nice handwritings. My part, I just put my signature down. Saw the coach opened the baggage compartment and it's door. So this is it.

The two-decker have good legs space and wide leather seat. The aisle sandwiched by single seats and double seats on the upper deck. I really don't know the total seats altogether. The lower deck is just like the family room! 3 double seaters making a 'U' facing the coach's pantry. A washroom is available only for 'light' usage. For heavy users you have to inform the stewardess (beautiful girl with eyes like those of a baby camel), and the coach will stop at the next R&R along the highway.

At 10.04 am, the coach rolled out and cruised all the way. It was easily doing 100 km per hour or more but it is comfortable with a very controlled way of driving. A moment after the introductory announcement by baby camel eyes, we were served with sandwich, swiss roll and croissant in transparent packet. A hot drink of few choices like tea, coffee or chocolate followed. Suddenly the front ceiling popped and a LCD played a cartoon movie. There were also children on-board. No jams and weather is fine, no bumps and it makes you feel sleepy. With shades shifted to block the morning shine, I stole the moments to take my nap.

The only stopped made was at Pagoh R&R at 12.22 noon. I strolled to the R&R to get my blood flowing went to the washrooms have my face washed and I am back rejuvenated! 20 minutes gone and we are back on our way. At 3pm all formality for border crossings both at the Malaysian and Singaporean complexes were over. No hassals, with plenty of counters for all and continued the journey into the city to the drop off point at Harbour Front Center and at 3.30pm, I have my feet on Singapore's ground.

Cab was not a problem in city like Singapore. The trip to the M Hotel was only SIN$7.00. With earlier bookings done for the room and peace in mind, I have my rest first before I look for another meal and be fresh at the seminar in the same hotel the next day.
My recommendations; If you are in no hurry, this will be your choice of transportation. Till then, see you all again here.

Packed and Ready to go...

This my second bus journey to Tumasik. It's the ancient name for Singapore. The first one was I remembered with my family just before Christmas of 2007. It was fun I thought. So I am taking the same mode for my seminar trip there. Air travel was the alternative, but I choose this because, I can see more and at ground level!

RM160 for a round trip with no refund policy. Once you confirmed , that is, your tickets will be curved in stones, just like the Flintstones era! That is the only drawback. Pick-up and drop-down point is right in the middle of where everything is available. No problem both KL or SIN.

I am trying out with a different bas now. Just want to see the difference and one thing I want to say now is that this cost less RM10 from the former that I have used. But, let see the other services available.

So be leaving on the 6/8 and coming back 9/8. See you again then.