Borneo Talk vol 44

ISSN 1823-9625 | PPK380/03/2013(031735)

VOL.44 APR-JUN 2017

Highlight education . tourism

Borneo is a unique island where the natural wonders are still abundantly present, whether in Sarawak, Sabah or Brunei and visitors get to experience these every time they are here. No less interesting, they can also get to know our people of various ethnic groups, their lifestyles and food choices, which they love to share with visitors. Throughout these three regions safety is always assured and new facilities, places of interests and outdoor activities are continuously being added to further complement the existing choices.

The Right Honourable Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg Chief Minister of Sarawak

Welcome to Sarawak, Borneo!

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arawakians were all saddened by the passing of my predecessor, the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Adenan Satem, earlier this year but we are resolved to build on his vision for Sarawak in the years ahead.

As the new Chief Minister of Sarawak, I will continue to pursue his vision of a prosperous, harmonious, green and pristine Sarawak for everyone and we welcome people from all over the world to enjoy the boundless beauty of Sarawak. As I am also the Minister for Tourism, I am confident that with the right strategy and efforts in earnest we can turn Sarawak into a prime destination for tourists from the world over to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of our national parks, beaches, food and friendly people.

The Pan Borneo highway is being constructed to provide links in the three regions and offering promise of a smooth ride for motorists from the tip of Sarawak on the west to the coast of Sabah on the east. In addition, we also have educational facilities that are open to foreign students who want to pursue studies from diploma to degree courses and also twining programmes with internationally renowned universities.

These institutions, including our very own university, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), offer students the opportunity to experience and appreciate our local culture during their stay in Sarawak.

We suggest that visitors who have yet to experience the uniqueness of our indigenous harvest festivals make it a point to come to Kuching from April 28 to 30 for the World Harvest Festival 2017. If one intends to savour authentic treat of Dayak hospitality and the warmth of Dayak company, then June 1 and 2 are the dates to take note of when Gawai Dayak, a traditional Dayak harvest festival, gets underway. From April 29 to 30, there will be a frenzy of activities in Mukah as the locals celebrate Pesta Kaul, a Melanau traditional beachside event in honour of the sea and its bountiful harvest.

Film lovers may want to descend upon Kuching from May 4 to 6 to witness another edition of AIFFA (Asean International Film Festival and Awards) while jazz fans may entreat themselves to the sounds of famous jazz acts from around the world in Miri from May 12 to 13 at the annual Borneo Jazz Festival. Expect also one of the biggest gatherings of various world music performers at the annual Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching from July 14 to 16. If those aren’t enough, come to Kuching between May 16 to 18 and be part of the 7th International Hornbill Conference that gathers hornbill experts from around the world. Make a date with Borneo and share in the celebrations as well as its diversity and warmth. We are all different but we all share one planet and together we can make it a better place for future generations.

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Education

25 years of educational excellence

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ver striving towards educational excellence, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is always looking ahead and is committed in producing highly qualified graduates who would go on to become some of the nation’s most promising leaders, managers, scientists and technical specialists. The University also helps to mould them into thoughtful citizens equipped with the necessary know-hows to tackle challenging tasks thrown at them in the future,

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and doing so with confidence, competence and creativity.

UNIMAS was officially incorporated on Dec 24, 1992. Almost a year later, on Aug 8, 1993, UNIMAS received its very first batch of students - 118 students in total. Back then the University only had some 30 academic staff.

The students were registered in two pioneering faculties at the University, namely the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology. UNIMAS also had

two academic support centres established at the time, namely the Centre for Applied Learning and Multimedia, and the Centre for Academic Information Services.

In 1994, four more faculties were opened. With the opening of these new faculties, the University began offering undergraduate courses in the fields of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development, Applied and Creative Arts, Engineering as well as Information Technology. The opening of the new faculties contributed

Education

to an increase in student and staff numbers to as many as four times.

By that time, many of the faculties at the University began offering postgraduate programmes. The establishment of UNIMAS’ Institute of Biodiversity and Environment Conservation, with its focus on the impressive arrays of flora and fauna in Borneo, also paved the way for research activities to be carried out at the University. This then led to the establishment of links between UNIMAS and various universities abroad.

The year 1994 also saw the University’s Centre for Technology Transfer and Consultancy being awarded the contract for EIA study of the Bakun Hydroelectric Project, the biggest project of its kind in Malaysia.

Besides being a historic year in which the University’s pioneering batch of students graduated with a degree, the year 1997 also saw the establishment of its Institute of East Asian Studies.

UNIMAS continued to experience further growth between January 1995 and end of December 1996 in the area of academic and research. It was within this period that the University began receiving the first batch of students for two new faculties namely the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (1995) and the Faculty of Economics and Business (1996).

With the establishment of the two new faculties, the University had eight faculties in total, as originally planned. It was also within the same period that its Centre for Language & Communication Studies began offering the TESL programme (Teaching English as a Second Language), adding to its existing list of standard language courses. The University also added the Institute of Health and Community Medicine as well as the Institute of Software Technology to its existing list of research institutes.

In 2001, UNIMAS witnessed a change in its Vice-Chancellor seat.

Professor Dato’ Zawawi Ismail, UNIMAS’ first Vice-Chancellor was succeeded by Professor Datuk Yusuf Hadi, who went on to become the University’s second Vice-Chancellor on Jan 8, 2001. Then on Feb 1, 2005 the University appointed Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Rashid Abdullah as its third Vice-Chancellor. On Jan 4, 2008 Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid was officially appointed as the University’s fourth Vice-Chancellor. He remained Vice-

Momentous year The year 1997 was a very significant one for UNIMAS. It was in that year that the University held its inaugural convocation ceremony.

Chancellor for the University until March 31 of 2013. Replacing him beginning April 1 of that year was YBhg Prof Dr Morshidi bin Sirat. His tenure as the fifth Vice-Chancellor Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Education was however brief as he was recalled by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia to occupy the position of the Director General. Replacing him was YBhg Prof Dato’ Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, who took over in April 16, 2013 and is the sixth and current Vice-Chancellor of UNIMAS. The current student population in UNIMAS is 16,492. Of this number, 14,274 are undergraduates, 1,479 are postgraduates and 739 are preuniversity students. UNIMAS also has a total of 2,539 staff members to date. Of the number, 1,472 are nonacademic staff, 793 are academics, 195 are top management staff while the rest are international staff.

The following are the courses currently offered at UNIMAS: Faculty of engineering WK01 Civil Engineering WK03 Chemical Engineering WK18 Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering WK19 Electronics Engineering (Telecommunications) WK20 Electronics Engineering (Computer) WK23 Electrical and Electronics Engineering Faculty of resource science and technology WS47 Resource Biotechnology WS48 Resource Chemistry

WS49 Aquatic Resource Science and Management WS50 Plant Resource Science and Management WS51 Animal Resource Science and Management Faculty of computer science and information technology WC00 Computational Science WC03 Information Systems WC09 Multimedia Computing WC10 Software Engineering WC11 Network Computing Faculty of medicine and health sciences WM00 Medicine WM12 Nursing Faculty of economics and business WE01 Service Economics WE02 Accounting WE03 Business Economics WE09 International Economics WE10 Marketing WE13 Corporate Management Faculty of cognitive sciences and human development WP02 Human Resource Development WP04 Counselling WS24 Cognitive Sciences WA19 Psychology

Faculty of social sciences WA02 Communication Studies WA12 Industrial Relations and Labour Studies WA14 Anthropology and Sociology WA15 International Studies WA21 Politics and Government Studies WA22 Development Planning and Management Studies WA23 Social Works Studies Faculty of applied and creative arts WA05 Music WA06 Drama and Theatre WA32 Fine Arts WA57 Design Technology WA58 Cinematography WA59 Art Management Centre for language studies WB03 Linguistics UNIMAS is an ISO-certified university.

It was granted the prestigious MS ISO 9001:2000 certification for excellence in its core management processes - from the intake of new students to certification of its graduates. Its undergraduate programmes have been designed to suit the needs of the society and industry. The University has a strong emphasis on technology and this has won UNIMAS the prestigious Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Status on Nov 17, 2003. The award was granted for its role and ability in developing manpower for MSC and related needs, through its strategic learning and training programmes.

UNIMAS has also won the Premiere Information Technology Award from the Malaysian Government, in the “Bridging the Digital Divide” category of AFACT’s eAsia Award, as well as the Industry Innovators Award for System Development and Application from the US-based Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI). The latter was in recognition of the University’s success in setting up a telecentre in the remote community of Bario, Sarawak, to assist the community in terms of communication, education, e-commerce, health and Government services.

UNIMAS has been successful in the acquisition of research grants,

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Education and has come up with numerous publications as well as useful scientific findings. The University’s Institute of Health and Community Medicine has successfully developed a candidate vaccine for dengue through collaboration with Bavarian Nordic, an international biotechnology company that develops and manufactures novel cancer immunotherapies and vaccines for infectious diseases. In addition to that, the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology has successfully developed a process to convert sago starch to lactic acid for use in the production of environmentallyfriendly plastic.

The knowledge discovery initiatives at UNIMAS are premised partly upon the wealth of natural resources and diverse socio-cultural make up of the State of Sarawak. While UNIMAS is strong in the study of biodiversity, this and most of the other research activities at the University are firmly based on contemporary technologies.

For example, the conservation of the State’s natural resources, through combined strength in computer science and IT, with expertise in molecular biology and biotechnology, has effectively synergised several collaborative researches, both locally and internationally. The cultural diversity and social uniqueness of Sarawak communities offer opportunities for studies in health and medicine, by offering a look at the influence of environmental factors and socio-cultural practices on the interactions of various pathogens as well as other issues related to community health.

UNIMAS’s commitment to research has already been recognised by stakeholders and partners in the industry by the provision of endowments for the establishment of eight research chairs. These include the Tun Zaidi Chair for Medicinal Chemistry, the Tun Openg Chair for Sago Technology, the Shell Chair for Environmental Studies, and the Sapura Chair for ICT. Today, UNIMAS’ strength in research is being acknowledged by peers in at least three niche areas of research: - Biotechnological research in epidemiology (dengue, JE, FMHD, malaria), biogeography

(phylogenetics) and agriculture (sago); - ICT, specifically on rural communication and image analysis; and - Biodiversity, natural resource and environmental management.

indexed. High quality articles on the conference will be recognised through the Best Paper Awards.

Winners for the awards will be selected by a panel of internationally acknowledged experts.

The University management has upgraded, based on its strength in research, the status of some of the research groups at UNIMAS to Centres of Excellence which include: - The Malaria Research Centre - The Centre for Water Research - Rural Informatics - Image Analysis and Spatial Technologies - Semantic Technology and Augmented Reality - Renewable Energy - Sago Research - Disability Studies

UNIMAS Silver Jubilee Conference 2017 Twenty-five years on, the University remains steadfast in its commitment towards educational excellence.

This year UNIMAS marks its 25th anniversary as a university in Malaysia. In celebration of this, the University will be organising the UNIMAS Silver Jubilee Conference 2017 (USJC2017). It is an initiative to provide a platform to foster national and international cross-societal/ organisational research linkages, where the University will reminisce its various milestones and accomplishments over the last two decades.

The conference will include workshops, keynote speakers, invited speakers as well as oral and poster presentations. The conference intends to act as a forum for research groups, academicians, industrialists and venture capitalists, policy makers (ministries), entrepreneurs and students to enhance networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration for the advancement of research and innovation.

Submitted papers will be peerreviewed and registered accepted papers will be published in USJC17 proceedings, which will be distributed to all registered delegates. At present, the organisers are in the process of indexing the proceedings to be a SCOPUS-

Additionally, selected papers will be considered for publication in SCOPUS-indexed journals and refereed journals.

The SCOPUS-indexed journals are: - Tropical Life Sciences Research (TLSR) - KEMANUSIAAN The Asian Journal of Humanities - International Journal of Business and Society (IJBS) - Journal of Telecommunication, Electronic and Computer Engineering (JTEC) The refereed journals are: - UNIMAS E-journal of Civil Engineering (JCEST) - Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology (BJRST) - Issues in Language Studies - Journal of IT in Asia - Journal of Applied Science & Process Engineering (JASPE) UNIMAS Silver Jubilee Conference 2017, a beneficial and conducive platform to enhance networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration for the advancement of research and innovation, will be held from Oct 18 to 20, 2017. For more information, visit http://www.unimas.my/usjc17welcome Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Jalan Datuk Mohd Musa, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.

T: +6082 581 000, 581 388 F: +6082 665 088 www.fmhs.unimas.my Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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IN THIS ISSUE Education (4) 25 years of educational excellence (9) Driving educational excellence (10) Study in Sarawak (12) Building leaders of excellence Leadership Institute (14) NIIT (15) University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) (16) Taking charge of Sarawak’s future (18) YBSTAR helps students pursue higher education (19) UNIMAS Publisher (20) New experiences for students at Curtin Malaysia . Info (21) Sarawak Civil Service wins CAPAM Award (22) Sarawak Timber & SMEs Expo (26) Empowering the community . Sports Tourism (33) Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2017 . Tourism (28) Calendar of events April to June 2017 (31) RC frenzy (35) A froggy affair (37) Spotlight on culture (38) Take a trip to Sibu, Heartland of Borneo (43) Street art attack (45) Of spirits and giant swings (47) Borneo Jazz 2017 . Rainforest World Music Festival 2017 (49) A run in the wild (51) Lun Bawang Festival enters 30th year (53) Water buffaloes in action (54) Spectacular sights at the Borneo International Kite Festival 2017 (60) The Spring Live Active Run 2017 . Map (44) Kuching City . Shopping (57) Festive events at Wisma Sanyan (59) Dine and chill at Alfresco @ Vivacity Megamall (62) The fashion destination . Foods (56) Imperial Hotel Kuching (58) KFC (60) Not your everyday toast (61) Hearty lunch menu at Clans One Cafe (63) Flavours that will wow you (65) Surprises abound at Oishi (66) llaollao (67) Delicious dayak food (68) Authentically Italiano (69) Exotic flavours that pop (72) The food chow . Cakes corner . Cafe cafe .

Story Box . Hungry Dino . Noms on street . Health (64) True Harmony (73) Epilepsy “The Falling Sickness” – KPJ Kuching (75) Cervical cancer prevention is better than cure – KPJ Sibu . BT Lens (74) Focus through BT Lens . Eco Tourism (76) Heart of Borneo - Ulu Sungai Menyang .

Hotel (30) Metro 360 Hotel (32) Dorset Boutique Hotel . Tanahmas The Sibu Hotel (34) The Waterfront Hotel (36) Lot 10 Boutique Hotel (46) Samalaju Resort Hotel (48) Imperial Hotel Miri (50) Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club Miri . Li Hua Hotel . Medan Hotel (52) Meritz Hotel (68) A place like home . ETC (62) Inject more fun into your kids’ playtime - Alam Didik (68) Popular . Property (70) SibuJaya expects another amazing year in 2017

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Editor-In-Chief Ivy Pan Editor Lester Geres Marketing Ivy Pan, Jasmine Wong, Ashley Pan Administration Ribena Noh Contributors S C Goh, Dr Chai Chiun Hian, Dr Li Hie Ing, UNIMAS Design & Art Direction Steven Yap, Photography Lester Geres, David Joseph, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Social Media, STIDC, BDA, Sibu Municipal Council, Peter Lee Pui Weng ARPS, Forest Department Sarawak, Badminton Association Malaysia, UCTS, TEGAS, Swinburne University, Serian International Remote Control, BAM, BWF, Freepik Front Cover Image EDUCATE by UNIMAS Printer Percetakan Zanders Sdn. Bhd. (205766A), No.16, Jalan BK1/11, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

Education

Driving educational excellence

has been, and continues to, actively promoting UNIMAS abroad and enhancing our global brand.

Q&A with UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor, YBhg Professor Dato’ Dr Mohamad Kadim bin Suaidi “From a humble beginning, UNIMAS has now evolved considerably to become established in areas of education, research and innovation. In our pursuit for excellence, UNIMAS is committed to engage fully with local communities and also go beyond in widening our global branding and international reputation. UNIMAS supports and carries out the related initiatives for Sarawak vision and aspiration of becoming a knowledge based Digital Economy.” - YBhg Professor Dato’ Dr Mohamad Kadim bin Suaidi Q: How far has the University gone since it first opened its doors more than two decades ago?

The University has undergone massive changes since its incorporation in 1992 with only two faculties, two academic support centres, and a first batch of a 188 registered students. At present, UNIMAS has a total of nine faculties, eight Centres of Excellence, and eight research chairs.

We also recognise the need to utilise information and communication technology in teaching and learning.

Recently, UNIMAS launched its Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which means that our courses are open to those students from around the world who are interested in subjects or studies related to Sarawak.

A lot has happened since we first opened our doors, and we are looking forward to more exciting times at UNIMAS in the years to come.

Q: What are the main challenges currently facing UNIMAS? Our main challenge is in the area of research. Securing research funding in a highly competitive environment is a challenge, which we at UNIMAS acknowledge, and despite this, our researchers are making efforts to secure funding from various sources at both local and international levels.

The tenacity of their efforts was illustrated by the increase in the number of Principal Investigator (PI), and the number of registered grants in the recent years. There was a 26.58% increase in the budget for research funding for UNIMAS in 2016 compared to its 2015 figure.

Secondly, there is a challenge in translating our research findings into tangible products that bring impacts to the communities. In other words, UNIMAS recognises the significance of translational research and the needs to bridge the gap between the University and the industries. This is where research innovation and technology transfer come into play. Cumulatively, UNIMAS Innovation has processed approximately 173 intellectual properties, and, of that figure, a total of 96 products have been filed while the other 77 has been successfully registered. We believe that more of these will be achieved in the future.

Q: What can we expect to see from UNIMAS 25 years from now?

We can expect to see UNIMAS as an institution that spearheads the educational direction in the State. The University is committed in producing highly skilled graduates and this core business is still as vital today as it was when we first started. Our highly skilled graduates are expected to contribute towards a great proportion of the State’s manpower.

On top of that, UNIMAS will also be a prominent player in terms of industrial engagement. This refers to UNIMAS’ potential role in engaging with industry players especially in relations to product commercialisation and community engagement (CSR projects).

Other than that, UNIMAS aims to increase its global visibility. We can expect to see greater presence of international students and staff in UNIMAS in the future. The University

Q: Will UNIMAS be able to someday be at the forefront of research?

Among the comprehensive universities in Malaysia at present, UNIMAS is already at the forefront of research.

We have shown tremendous leaps in research innovation in the past years as illustrated by our research product commercialisation as well as performance at the international research arena. For example, UNIMAS researchers took home eight of the nine medals on offer at a research expo at Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF 2016). Similar success was replicated in the last Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE 2017), where our researchers brought home 15 (out of 18) medals.

Q: What are your personal views on higher education in the State, being a Sarawakian yourself?

I personally believe that UNIMAS has played, and, will definitely continue to play a huge role in higher education in Sarawak. The University contributes to the development of the State not only by producing skilled manpower, but also through its other initiatives.

The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is one of those initiatives.

As a Sarawakian myself, I understand how unique and diverse our community is here in Sarawak.

Acknowledging these unique characteristics, UNIMAS conducts programmes that focus on giving back to the community. Our Sustainability of Diverse and Dispersed Community Programme is one of our outreach programmes whereby UNIMAS gives back to the communities by extending its expertise. For example, UNIMAS has successfully built micro-hydros in Kampung Pa’Ramapoh in Bario Highlands, and in Kampung Semulong Ulu, Lingga, Sri Aman under this Programme.

We will continue to extend our services and expertise to benefit local communities, and this is made possible by our collaborations with various government agencies, industry players, researchers and the local communities.

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Education

Study in Sarawak Where education meets culture, adventure

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arawak is best known for its offering of culture, nature and adventure.

Interestingly, more people outside of Sarawak have also begun to take note of what the State has to offer in terms of education. For one, it is home to an impressive list of established universities and colleges such as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Swinburne University in Kuching, Curtin University in Miri, and University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) in Sibu. They offer courses that range from diploma to degree and even PhD, which are recognised internationally.

These and others are accredited with established universities internationally and students can even complete their final year studies in their Australia, UK or New Zealand campuses.

Besides the range of varsities and colleges with their courses offered at reasonable fees, students can also

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benefit from low living costs. As for food, the choices are endless. And the best thing is that they are both delicious and cheap. For example a bowl of kolo mee costs no more than RM4.

The smiles on the faces of the warm and friendly people of Sarawak will make students feel welcome here.

The strong unity among its people of so many different ethnicities and religious backgrounds will inspire

students from different countries to form bonds that will transcend racial boundaries.

The cities and towns in Sarawak are generally safe, peaceful and laid back, with hardly any traffic jams.

Add to those surroundings that are clean and healthy, with fresh air and plenty of greenery. Foreign visitors also come here to take advantage of the affordable medical facilities here in the State.

But despite the quaintness there is also fun to be had. The State boasts various attractions and tourist hotspots for a variety of activities such as caving, hiking, diving and adventure. For those who prefer to shop and be entertained, Sarawak offers those too. Kuching for instance is home to some of the biggest shopping malls in

Education

Sarawak, with an impressive range of international brands and global chain restaurants, and even the largest IMAX® screen in Malaysia to date.

Muhammad Umar Ashraf from Pakistan, who studies Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) in Software Engineering at UCTS, feels more comfortable studying in Sarawak compared to his own country.

“This place is quiet, so we can put more focus in our studies,” he told BorneoTalk. “Also I am impressed with the quality of programmes and amenities offered at UCTS. Plus I get to see a 3D printer here, which is rarely available in the universities in my country,” he said.

Indonesia’s Atiqah Baiduri binti Mustajab, who studies Foundation in Science is on her last semester at UCTS. “I feel so lucky and grateful studying in Sarawak. I am impressed with the unity among the people of different races and religions here. Sarawak is really the best model state of unity and peace,” she said with a smile.

“I love Sarawak so much and I can’t think of a better place to go than UCTS!” For Shaikh Tahmid Hassin, studying in Sarawak has been a very unique learning experience.

“Sarawak, especially Miri, to me is the best place to study. It’s a beautiful, growing city. The Piasau Nature Reserve is a 10-minute drive from my home and I go there to be with nature quite often. There’s also a number of national parks within driving distance of Miri and there’s also the Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a short flight away. Where else could I get that?

Moreover, the flight back home is short so I can see my family on a regular basis. On top of all that, I’m getting an affordable, world-ranked Curtin course and will graduate with an Australian degree that will allow me to seek employment anywhere in the world,” said the Bangladeshi student who is on his final year at Curtin Malaysia in Miri.

The Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication) student said that the Curtin Malaysia campus is “…very conducive for study as it is away from the city and is in a neighbourhood that has little distractions and is rather relaxing so I can focus on my studies.

I’m totally in love with the city. I also love the food here.

Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing and Management) student Daphne Koleen Mallon Dado enjoys her time at Curtin Malaysia.

“Though the culture and environment here are different from my native Philippines and home in Brunei Darussalam, it has been an enjoyable experience getting to know people of so many different nationalities and has taught me not

only to adopt a more global outlook but also given me a deep appreciation of the cultural diversity and spirit of inclusiveness that is so prevalent in Curtin, both here and in Australia. It is a truly global university.”

She continued, “I also like the environment in Miri, which gives me peace of mind and allows me to concentrate on my studies and at the same time, offers lots of opportunities to get involved with the community and learn outside of the classroom. I can’t wait to graduate and apply all that I have learned here in the business world.”

Come discover Sarawak and see what makes it an ideal choice for your further studies. There are so many advantageous conditions here that will endear you to the State even years after you have graduated from here. Find out more and visit the institutions for even more details on the courses available. Whatever it is you seek, you are bound to find in one of these institutions!

“UNIMAS is a wonderfully diverse university, with more than 16,000 students from all around Malaysia and more than 500 international students from more than 50 countries.

Here you can explore different cultures, and with more than 50 clubs and organisations registered under UNIMAS, you can surely find a curriculum that suits your interests,” said Yemen’s Ali Ahmed Ali Al-Fakih, who studies Corporate Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business. “The university is abuzz with activity during the week. The splendid view of the lake and the entertainment facilities here are fantastic.”

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Education

Building leaders of excellence Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi bin Abdul Ghani State Secretary of Sarawak Chairman, Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service

The initiative to develop Sarawak as a high-income state requires the full support of civil servants who are the ‘engine’ to the success in achieving the vision. I cannot ‘drive’ (lead) even though I already have a car because I require an engine that is in the best condition to facilitate the journey. In this context, the ‘engine’ is the civil servants.

Although I as the driver have good ideas and initiatives, if the ‘engine’ is not in good condition, the journey will not be smooth. - Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg

T

he Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service, which was launched during the 2016 Civil Service day on Dec 9, 2016, will spearhead the development of Sarawak civil servants to be competent, hardworking and strategic to enable them to realise the mandate entrusted by our Chief Minister.

With its vision of “building leaders to make a difference to our society and country” and its mission of “producing highly competent and talented civil servants, capable of providing world class service”, the Institute’s main activity continues to be the provision of human resource and organisational

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development training services for the Sarawak Civil Service (SCS). The Institute is focused on leadershipbased training intervention. In the words of the Chairman and State Secretary, The Honourable Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi bin Abdul Ghani, “in the past, the horizontal training development refers to the adding of more knowledge, skills and competencies.

If horizontal development is about transferring information to the leader, vertical development is about transformation of the leader.” He further reiterates that the new trend of vertical development refers to the advancement in a person’s thinking capability. Furthermore, the outcome of vertical stage development is the ability to think in more complex, strategic and interdependent ways.

It is about how the SCS community thinks, and this requires enriching officers with the skills of strategic thinking, leading change, managing conflict and leading across boundaries.

In the mind of the State Secretary, the aspiration of vertical leadership is to evolve executives from conformers into achievers and collaborators, becoming independent and long-term thinkers.

He continues, “we develop them, but not in the way we used to. New trends in the training of public service employees focus more on embracing the reality that development, training and work are inseparable. The Leadership Institute strives to make

leadership development a process, not an event.” Premised on this developmental model, the Leadership Institute was created.

The flagship programme of the Institute is the High Performing Leaders (HPL) programme. This was launched during the 2015 Civil Service Day. As emphasised by the State Secretary, “the civil service has always invested in developing leaders. Now the focus is on building world-class leaders.” He said that with the establishment of the Leadership Institute, our dream of developing world-class leaders has now moved on to a greater level of excitement. In this regard, the Institute will collaborate with reputable local and international institutions, as well as leading experts. It will also leverage on the experience within the service, to provide the necessary platform for leaders to learn from each other.

All these are within the framework of the SCS 10-20 Action Plan. The SCS 10-20 Action Plan is a strategic transformation initiative for the SCS, which is a bold 10-year plan to achieve a world-class civil service by the year 2020.

Objectives At the Leadership Institute, we adhere to stringent high-standard expectations and requirements,

– Leadership Institute Sarawak Civil Service city campus –

placing emphasis on participation, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, effectiveness, efficiency, equity and inclusiveness in practicing good corporate governance.

Our vision aims towards “Building leaders to Make a Difference to Our Society and Country” through which the Leadership Institute actively explores, develops, produces and polishes our human resources at all levels, from the management to the implementing groups.

The HPL programme seeks to enable learners to share the responsibility for their own learning and assessment, setting goals that stretch and challenge their competency to its limits. The programme is a long-term investment in the people of Sarawak.

Qualitatively different approaches to management and leadership development have arisen in practice in ensuring that continuous selfimprovement is easily available and accessible in parallel with our embrace of the web and its technology.

Datu Dr. Sabariah Putit, as Executive Director and Deputy State Secretary (Performance and Service Delivery Transformation) stated that the HPL programmes are specially designed to produce competent world-class leaders for the State.

As such the setting up of Leadership Institute and HPL programmes demonstrate that the State

• •

Government is serious in making training a key component for the SCS workforce.

High Performance Leadership (HPL) programme The establishment of the Leadership Institute is a strategic move on the part of the State’s civil service leadership, in line with the State’s transformation agenda. The Institute undertakes the responsibility to develop a highly competent and capable workforce; a workforce that is effectively trained both in operational and strategic skills, capable of transforming, the SCS into a powerhouse of leadership excellence.

Consistent with the Institute’s mission to build leaders who can make a difference in society and the country, the Institute, through strategic collaborations with local and regional higher learning institutions as well as distinctive, reputable international leadership development centres provides continuous exposure to employees of the SCS to the latest development in the area of transformational leadership and management expertise.

As such the State aims to equip all civil servants with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out their jobs effectively and strategically.

L HP SSC

This new learning approach of the HPL programme extends beyond the • Project Based In-Situ Training (application of all leadership traditional classroom, • Leadership Sharing modules and the rest of the • Managing Talents competencies) by focusing more • Intercultural Intelligence • Creativity and Innovation • Communication on a variety of • Problem Solving and Decision Making non-classroom activities such HIGH PERFORMING as on-thejob training Stakeholder PROGRAMS Engagement • Strategic Planning at the Policy Development, – SCS Shared Values – • SCS Scorecard Execution and • Integrity • Kind and Caring workplace.

Enforcement • Professionalism • Team Spirit The • Sense of Urgency & Ownership • Result Oriented developmental programmes are designed • Financial Management • Project & Program Delivery • Legal Competencies based on the Excellence • Development Planning “70:20:10” • Enforcement Pr og developmental ra mm eC lust ers

LEADERS

Education approach that consists of experiential learning (70%), coaching and mentoring (20%) as well as workshops and seminars (10%).

This is to ensure that all in the implementing group are able to access appropriate training that supports their tasks, roles, services and their career progression routes. The Competency for Career Development (CFCD) training ranges from competency-based, technical, administrative and skillbased programmes that ensure their capacity are enhanced to support the transformation initiatives that are carried out by their respective departments.

The Assessment Centre is another feature of the Leadership Institute’s set-up. The Centre is meant to operationalise the SCS Career Progression Framework, which was effective from December 2013. The implementing instrument involves a comprehensive career progression exercise combining multiple methods to identify the best candidates for promotion. The main objective is to ensure that only the most suitable and qualified candidates are identified and developed for the various levels of leadership.

The Centre also coordinates SCS Examinations for the purposes of confirmation in service or as one of the criteria for promotion for certain grades and schemes of service.

The official launching of the Leadership Institute took place on Dec 9, 2016 and was officiated by the Late Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak. It was indeed a significant event and a milestone for the Institute and the SCS in general.

It represents a new era of SCS training in its transformation journey towards becoming a world-class civil service by the year 2020.

For more information, contact the Leadership Institute Sarawak Civil Service KM 20, Jalan Kuching-Serian, Semenggok, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 625 166 / 625 266 +6082 625 766 / 625 966 info@leadinstitute.com.my www.leadinstitute.com.my Leadership Institute Sarawak Civil Service (City Campus) 1st Floor, Bangunan Yayasan Sarawak, Jalan Masjid, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak.

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Education

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ocated in Sibu, the Heartland of Borneo, University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) is the culmination of the State of Sarawak’s vision and commitment in establishing a worldclass institution of higher learning to spearhead the development and production of highly qualified and technically competent human resource for Sarawak and the region.

UCTS will embark on strong industrial and international linkages to complement its teaching, research, entrepreneurial and innovation activities. The next few years will be an exciting period for UCTS as it goes through the process of establishing itself as the preferred university and the Apex for Technical Education in Sarawak.

UCTS will ensure that its graduates are groomed with the right values, knowledgeable, highly skilled and competent, market ready and able to meet the challenges of globalisation.

UCTS faculty members will also undertake applied and industryoriented research to support the development of local industries.

UCTS plans to have its own Science & Technology Park next door to the university to support technoentrepreneur development and provide the high-tech infrastructure needed for industrialbased research, development and innovation activities in collaboration with other institutions and industries in the region.

In addition, UCTS will provide the route and opportunities for students in technical and vocational education pursuing certificate and diploma level studies to pursue applied oriented bachelor programmes and also postgraduate level studies at UCTS.

Insertion by courtesy of Sibu Municipal Council

UCTS offers Foundation, Degree and Postgraduate programmes. For Foundation, UCTS offers Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts. The one-year Foundation programmes prepare school leavers for entry into the degree programmes at UCTS. As for Degree, UCTS currently offers 12 honours degree programmes, namely Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Quantity Surveying, Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical & Electronics, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Food Technology, Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering), Bachelor of Computer Science (Network Computing) and the latest one is Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering which was introduced earlier this year.

For all professionals wanting to enhance their knowledge and skills as well as to bolster their career prospects, UCTS is currently offering PhD in Business Management, Master of Science in Business Management (by Research), Master of Business Administration (by Taught course), Master of Engineering and PhD in (Engineering).

The introduction of postgraduate programmes is expected to strengthen UCTS’ R&D activities.

UCTS has three intakes for Degree Programmes (February, April and September) and two intakes for Foundation Studies (May & September) as well as Postgraduate (Feb & September).

For further information, please visit UCTS website at www.ucts.edu.my or contact UCTS at +6084 367 300 or send us email at enquiry@ucts.edu.my.

You also can find us at uctsofficial

+6084 333411

smc@smc.gov.my

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Education

Taking charge of

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stablished on Feb 28, 2012, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (TEGAS) is a non-profit organisation initiated by the State Government of Sarawak.

It is aimed at promoting Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) among the younger generation of Sarawakians, especially those in the rural areas. This is done in the hopes of guiding the youths towards becoming a skilled workforce with the capability to drive the growth of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

the enrolment of youths and school leavers who are interested in either public or private training institutions; and building strategic partnership with working partners.

Not to be mistaken for an educational institution or a company that enlists students or employees, TEGAS works tirelessly to disseminate reliable information on institutions, courses, educational funds and career opportunities in TVET, while also provides consultation on TVET educational pathways.

Organised jointly by TEGAS and the State Workforce Development Unit (WDU), this year’s edition of the fair was held from March 3 to 5 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), in the vibrant capital of Sarawak. The event attracted youths from all over Sarawak who were eager to see what the event had in store for them.

Reshaping tomorrow One of the most prominent activities organised by TEGAS is its Sarawak Career and Training (SCaT) Fair, which is the perfect platform for Sarawak’s youths, especially school leavers to explore various higher learning and career opportunities.

TEGAS’ vision is to make TVET the vocation of choice among the youths of Sarawak, and its mission is to empower Sarawakian youths in TVET. Some of TEGAS’ activities include disseminating information related to opportunities in terms of education, training and career in TVET; facilitating

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The fair included more than 100 exhibition booths including TEGAS & WDU, RECODA, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Yayasan Sarawak & Centexs, Shell and Petronas just to name a few.

The Education & Training section of the fair were

Education

Sarawak’s future a hit with students who were there to gather as much information as they could from universities, colleges and other educational institutions involved, such as Politeknik Kuching, Swinburne University of Technology, University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS), Curtin University and ICATS. The career exhibition presented visitors with a wide range of career options. KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Energy Berhad, Samling Group of Companies and Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat are just some of the companies involved.

A highlight in this year’s edition of SCaT Fair was the introduction of the STEM Playground, a section of the fair that invited visitors to explore the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Sideline activities included Youth Got Skills and employability talks as well as walk-in-interview sessions. The Sarawak Fashion Awards 2017, held as part of the fair, highlighted some truly inspiring fashion creations by our talented youths in an awards ceremony filled with pomp and grandeur, complete with a special performance

by Malaysian hip hop icon Joe Flizzow.

Focus on TVET TEGAS is bringing back its Youth Forum this year in three different locations throughout Sarawak, starting with Sarikei in May, then on to Miri in July and finally Kuching in September. Jointly organised with WDU, the forum aims to highlight the importance of TVET among youths and empower them to become the future change makers for Sarawak. The forum is also held to gather input from youths, which will be crucial in shaping Government policies and the development of education, economy and social frameworks.

The TEGAS Youth Forum 2017 is expected to draw a good number of

youths not only from Kuching City but Kota Samarahan, Serian as well as other areas throughout the State.

There will be talks, exhibition booths, games, live performances and plenty other activities held as part of this year’s forum. Like and Follow TEGAS on Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/tegastf) for updates on the TEGAS Youth Forum 2017.

For more information, contact the Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (TEGAS), 9th Floor, Wisma Bapa Malaysia, 93502 Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak +6082 446 927 / 446 946 +082 446 623 urussetia@tegas.gov.my tegastf tegas_sarawak www.tegas.gov.my

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Education

YBSTAR helps students pursue S

higher education

tudents who wish to pursue their further studies in universities, colleges or other institutions of higher learning within or outside Malaysia are welcome to apply for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Sarawak Scholarship or Yayasan Biasiswa Sarawak Tunku Abdul Rahman (YBSTAR). The scholarship is open to Malaysian citizens, with preference given to applicants who are domiciled in Sarawak. Applicants who excel in their academics and are active in their extracurricular activities are encouraged to apply.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Sarawak Scholarship was launched in conjunction with the 20th Celebration of Sarawak formation of Malaysia in 1983. It was named the Tunku Abdul Rahman Sarawak

Scholarship in recognition of the late Tunku’s legacy and principles in inspiring young Malaysians.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Sarawak Scholarship will be inviting applicants to apply for the scholarship annually through advertisements. Courses offered by the scholarship are determined by the Board.

Applications can be made by students who have already secured their places in an institution of higher learning of their choice as well as those who have yet to apply for entry into any educational institution. Qualified applicants will be called for interviews. Successful applicants will be awarded tuition fees as well as transportation charges to and from these institutions. Be reminded however that the scholarship will only be

given out to students whose courses and institutions of choice are listed under the YBSTAR programme.

Successful applicants who have received the scholarships will be required to return to Malaysia and serve a minimum of five years upon completion of their studies. Those who fail to honour the stipulated conditions will be compelled to pay back the full scholarship amount provided along with interest charges, including guarantors of these scholarship beneficiaries.

For further inquiries, please contact Yayasan Sarawak Pusat Pembangunan Pendidikan Yayasan Sarawak, Jalan Sultan Tengah Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 441 686 +6082 440 035 ys@yayasansarawak.org.my

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wa asansara y a .y w w w

Education

Visit our Book Gallery & Grab these new releases!

More titles available!

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Meet Our Author of the Month

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The author’s fascination with life and nature is significantly manifested through the research works he carried out over the years. An expert in the field of conservation biology, Mohd Azlan Jayasilan obtained his PhD from Charles Darwin University, Australia. He is currently an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology where he teaches environmental law, park and wildlife management, scientific communication and field ecology. His first edited book, Biodiversity of Tropical Peat Swamp Forest of Sarawak is our best seller

The Kejaman Language

ISBN 978-967-2008-21-7

amongst highly demanded reference. An avid researcher and writer, it is no surprise that his next book is scheduled to be out in a month time and we foresee it will be a hit too.

Dr Azlan firmly believes in starting small and to never give up as this is key in achieving bigger things. All his books can be purchased at our Book Gallery. Look out for his next title!

Do you have a scholarly work you wish to transform into a book?

Come talk to us. Tell us about your manuscript, goals and we will be delighted to give you a free advice on how to kick off. We are ready to help you create a solid academically oriented publication.

Send us an email or call the Editorial Unit at +6082 581 899 / 1159 Email: unipub@unimas.my

unimaspublisherofficial

www.publication.unimas.my

For more information, please contact or visit us at:

UNIMAS Publisher

UNIMAS Book Gallery

5th floor, Bangunan Canselori, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Jalan Datuk Mohd Musa, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6082 581 899

Centre of Academic Information Services, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Jalan Datuk Mohd Musa, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6082 583 840 / 1161

Operating hours: Mon-Thurs (8am – 1pm, 2 – 5pm) • Friday (8am – 12pm, 2:30 – 5pm) Closed on weekend and public holidays

Operating hours: Mon-Thurs (8am – 12:30pm, 2 – 4:30pm) • Friday (8am – 12pm, 2:30 – 4:30pm) Closed on weekend and public holidays Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Education

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uilding on success – this is the foundation on which Curtin Malaysia is looking forward with its re-branding exercise, heralding a new chapter of growth and development for the campus in Miri, Sarawak to become the hub for Curtin in the Asian region. The recent expansion of its campus include a new Faculty of Engineering and Science Building and Biotechnology Centre designed to enhance its capacities in learning and teaching, research and development, and contribute more significantly to Curtin’s global footprint and synergies with sister campuses in Perth and Singapore.

“We are expanding under the mantle of Curtin’s ‘One University’ approach whereby Curtin Malaysia

is an integral part of the university’s Global Positioning Strategy that will see a further expansion in strategic international alliances, partnerships and well integrated campuses.

For students, this will increase the opportunity for them to gain global experiences by studying on as many of our different campuses as they wish. It will also help us build productive research collaboration and provide developmental opportunities for staff and students,” said Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Jim Mienczakowski.

He added that through the use of the latest technologies and creation of innovative learning spaces, students are able to engage in live, online learning with their counterparts at other Curtin campuses. “The capacity to build bi-directional links in both teaching and research are the hallmarks of a genuine global university,” Professor Mienczakowski remarked.

He said students of Curtin could also take advantage of student mobility programmes between campuses as part of the university’s global strategy. Professor Mienczakowski cited the example of some 100 built environment students from Curtin Perth who visited Curtin Malaysia

recently on international study tour programmes to conduct studies on Curtin Malaysia’s intellectual footprint and the impact of eco-tourism on the community at Gunung Mulu National Park. At least two other groups of students on such programmes are expected to come to Sarawak in the coming months.

There are also ongoing research projects being carried out between the two campuses, particularly in marine research and biodiversity, and students will be given the opportunity to join leading researchers in the projects.

To facilitate a growing student population that now exceeds 4,000, campus facilities such as on-campus housing, recreational facilities and more teaching spaces and laboratories, are being developed.

“This is indeed an interesting time for Curtin Malaysia as we embark on this new phase of growth and help Curtin move forward to becoming a truly global university,” Professor Mienczakowski stated.

New experiences for students at Curtin Malaysia

Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Mienczakowski shares views on the ‘One University’ approach 20

| BorneoTalkApr-Jun2017

Info

Sarawak Civil Service wins CAPAM Award

State Secretary Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani (2nd from left) with The Honourable Tan Sri Dr. Ali Hamsa (3rd from left), President of CAPAM, Right Honourable Patricia Scotland (centre), QC, Secretary General of Commonwealth and winners from other categories at the CAPAM Award 2016.

State internationally recognised for its transformation efforts

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hange or be changed - this is true anywhere in the world today as innovations and technological advancements continue to change the way we all live. Similarly, in the context of the Sarawak Civil Service, the need to create and innovate to make a difference has always been a core strategy for their transformation efforts and this has been recognised by winning the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) Award 2016. This is big news not just for the State but also for Malaysia, as this is the first time the country has ever won such a prestigious award.

“Naturally we are thrilled to be the winner of the CAPAM International Innovation Awards (jointly with India) at the biennial conference, where 53 Commonwealth member countries attended,” said Datu Dr Sabariah, Deputy State Secretary Sarawak. “Our two entry projects were selected as the finalists alongside two other Malaysian finalists and it was “Create and Innovate, make a difference: Story of our journey” that won the award,” she added happily. According to her, the project was centred on building internal

capacity for creativity and innovation, embedding open innovation practices within the Government and systematically soliciting input at all levels. It is characterised by an environment where innovation, creativity, space to challenge, and noble failure have become, or are becoming, inherent to the climate, mind-set, attitudes and structures of the organisations and its leadership.

The prestigious CAPAM Award 2016 was held in Putrajaya on Aug 20 last year. On hand to proudly receive the award was The Honourable Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi bin Abdul Ghani, Sarawak’s State Secretary who was instrumental in bringing changes to the State’s transformation. The state civil service had been undergoing innovative changes through various initiatives and systems, which were aimed at bringing service delivery excellence and good governance practices in the public sector in Sarawak. These ultimately would bring about better and innovative ideas for the betterment of citizens, communities and nation.

CAPAM is a platform for Commonwealth countries to exchange knowledge, innovation and practice

in citizen centred service delivery, leadership development and growth and public service management. It has the participation of 56 member countries. There were 90 contestants from the Commonwealth countries for the award, but only 12 were shortlisted as finalists in four categories.

Indeed, Sarawak Civil Service was proud to be listed as a finalist representing Malaysia in two categories - ‘Innovation in Public Service Management’ and ‘Innovation DNA’ through its Sarawak Civil Service Transformation initiatives (SCS 10-20 Action Plan). SCS was proclaimed joint winner in the category of ‘Innovation DNA’ together with India. This is the first Sarawak initiative that has received the highest level of recognition in the CAPAM award. Based on the jury’s observation and summation, SCS’ initiative won for its profound understanding of building a culture of innovation and its success in changing mind-sets.

Meanwhile, SCS10-20 Action Plan has also received recognition from FutureGov – the largest network of government-to-government events in Asia Pacific in the Digital Inclusion Category in 2014.

For more information, please contact

STATE SERVICE MODERNIZATION UNIT

Chief Minister’s Department, Level 12, Wisma Bapa Malaysia, 93502 Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

T: +6082 441957 F: +6082 313650 E: uppq@sarawak.gov.my W: www.jkm.sarawak.gov.my

The State Secretary handing over the prize to the late Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem (2nd from right), witnessed by other heads of department.

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ith some of the industry’s top players already confirmed for the event, the Sarawak Timber & SMEs (Small and Medium Scale Enterprises) Expo will yet again become the point of convergence where manufacturers, traders, suppliers build networks and showcase their products.

Organised by Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) together with the Ministry of Industrial & Entrepreneur

Development, Trade and Investment (MIETI) Sarawak, the expo is expected to lure visitors by the thousands to be part of the timber industry’s landmark event here in Kuching.

Themed ‘Timber & Beyond’, this year’s edition of the Sarawak Timber & Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Expo will focus on more sustainable alternatives to timber, with acacia and bamboo being the main highlights. The two will be showcased at the House of Acacia and Bamboo Gallery respectively at the expo, which is scheduled to take place from May 18 to 21, 2017 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

Like its name suggests, the expo will feature local SMEs displaying a variety of products at more than 100 booths set up inside BCCK. Visitors can find a good range of products spanning among others fashion,

accessories, cosmetics and health products. Unique handicrafts and foodstuffs made from locally sourced materials will be available as well.

House of Acacia

The House of Acacia project is a joint venture between STIDC and Samling

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goes beyond timber 18th – 21st May 2017 | 10.00am – 9.00pm Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, Malaysia Housing Products Sdn Bhd (SHPSB) that focuses on the production and marketing of acacia, leaning more towards the research and development (R&D) of acacia to produce furniture. The R&D will include treatment, drying, design and production techniques for acacia, just naming a few. The joint venture is also part of STIDC’s effort in transforming Sarawak into a hub for acacia.

STIDC has joined numerous national and international expos in which they aggressively promote furniture made from acacia. Last year, tremendous

positive responses were received for the acacia products displayed at the MIFF (Malaysian International Furniture Fair) in Kuala Lumpur.

At an expo in Brunei Darussalam, visitors expressed great interest in their wide range of outdoor acacia furniture as well. Such expos have

been very helpful in making the versatility and durability of acacia known to members of the public.

To date wide varieties of acacia products have been produced. These will be exhibited at the upcoming Sarawak Timber & SMEs Expo 2017 via the House of Acacia display.

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Bright future for bamboo Besides acacia, the 2017 edition of the Sarawak Timber & SMEs Expo will also showcase bamboo, another sustainable and fast-growing plant that makes a great alternative to timber. In fact, after just four years, bamboo is ready to be harvested.

Bojet said bamboo had been used traditionally to produce handicrafts such as baskets and mats, cook traditional dishes like lemang or pansuh or for building huts and traditional houses. In other words, the use of bamboo is currently limited to personal and not so much for commercial.

“STIDC sees the potential in bamboo, whereby it can become an important raw material used to manufacture commercial products for the domestic market or for export,” Hashim said.

He cited Indonesia and China as ideal examples, where bamboo is used in commercial products such as pulp and paper, bamboo wool for textile and activated carbon. It is also used in housing - flooring, decking etc.

“We have initiated our bamboo project in collaboration with FRIM to create awareness on the potentials and values of bamboo,” he went on saying.

Speaking in an interview with BorneoTalk recently, STIDC Deputy General Manager Haji Hashim Haji

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“We will also commence our pilot project to establish a trial planting plot and at the same time identify and establish the collection of local

bamboo species to be planted as part of our R&D initiative.”

In 2015, STIDC engaged the International Network of Bamboo (INBA) from China to carry out a research to find out whether Sarawakian soil is suitable for planting bamboo. Their feedback was positive.

Following this, 50 acres of land within the Sabal Forest Reserve was identified for the trial planting plot.

Info Hashim disclosed that STIDC would establish a Bamboo Industry Masterplan to value add to this natural material with vast potentials, and to develop a sustainable bamboo industry in Sarawak.

What’s next?

“In addition to that, we will also be introducing tissue cultured bamboo seedlings for the plantation,” Hashim added, saying that the main objective of the initiative was to establish supply chains of sustainably produced bamboo to support the bamboo industry in the future.

“Once we have created the supply chains, we will develop the industry to achieve economies of scale either for the local market or the export market.”

STIDC has laid down a strategic plan that is being implemented between now and 2020. Its aim is to transform Sarawak’s timber industry, driving it towards becoming a high value industry in the future.

Ultimately, Sarawak’s furniture industry will flourish, contributing to a large percentage of the State’s export earnings.

Part of that plan involved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with China’s Centre of Anji Bamboo Research and Design (CABRD) on the utilisation of bamboo in the furniture industry. It is aimed at creating capacity building among the local community, teaching them how to treat and utilise bamboo to their fullest potential.

STIDC has also set up Kursi PUSAKA, which is a technical collaborative with UNIMAS’ Faculty of Applied & Creative Arts in terms of research and development. The project is aimed at producing a pool of young designers who will be able to give a boost to the local furniture industry by producing world-class furniture designs. UNIMAS has already

conducted a design competition under Kursi PUSAKA, out of which some impressive designs were produced.

Some of the entries from the contest will be featured in the coming Sarawak Timber & SMEs Expo.

Also as part of its future planning, STIDC will look into new policies and incentives in an effort to help the furniture industry in Sarawak to grow and ultimately transform into a high-income sector. This includes looking at creating a new furniture industry cluster in Sarawak. This will result in different regions in the State producing furniture whose designs are unique to those respective areas.

All these are in tandem with STIDC’s vision to spearhead the advancement of the timber industry and its mission to regulate and facilitate the advancement of an innovative timber industry.

Come visit the Sarawak Timber & SMEs Expo 2017, happening from May 18 to 21 at the BCCK.

For more information, please contact:

Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, P.O. Box 194, 93702 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

+6082 473 000 +6082 441 169 , 442 691 www.sarawaktimber.gov.my

Gold Sponsors:

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Empowering the community DBKU embarks on its campaign to make the city a smoke free zone

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uching North City Hall (DBKU) has been introducing activities for the people in the city since 2012, to engage them in fostering greater understanding between members of the community. Each year DBKU brings its unique blend of agenda in an effort to reach out to citizens and fulfil their needs.

DBKU Agenda began in 2012, with a different area of focus every year: 2012 - Capacity and Capability Building.

2013 - Citizen Engagement through involvement in 3PS (People, Public, and Private).

2014 - DBKU As Driver, Facilitator, and Advocator 2015 - Inculcating Sense of Ownership and Belonging Internally and Externally 2016 - Inclusiveness ... be Connected and Accepted internally and Externally 2017 - DBKU agenda: Empowering Communities (through which DBKU’s commitment is to drive success for the welfare of its citizens)

Community is the most important entity in the social environment of a civilisation. It is the main foundation for the existence of a country. A united community, living in an atmosphere of harmony and with a strong sense of belonging to the country, will lead to loyalty, strength and unity. Hence, this became the theme for the 6th DBKU Agenda 2017.

As an authority mandated to administer the city of Kuching, DBKU always gives its best to meet the expectations of the communities it serves regarding municipal issues.

Towards this relationship, DBKU seeks close cooperation with the community it serves for the agenda to be achieved.

DBKU Agenda 2017 was successfully held from Feb 3 to 5, 2017 at the Office Depot, Depot Road, Kuching.

Its launching ceremony was officiated by the Right Honourable Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Chief Minister of Sarawak on Sunday, Feb 5, 2017. Also present were the Mayor of Kuching City North, Datuk Haji Abang Abdul Wahap bin Haji Abang Julai.

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At the launching ceremony, an announcement was made on the enforcement of a Smoke-Free Zone

by DBKU. This enforcement will come into effect starting this year, with public premises under DBKU that serve food and beverages. These Smoke-Free Zones are aimed at protecting the public from the threat of exposure to cigarette smoke, which can be harmful to non-smokers and lead to complications such as lung cancer and heart disease.

DBKU officers will issue a warning to smokers who are caught violating the law and steps will also be taken to encourage them to stop smoking.

To carry out this campaign, DBKU has put in place a strategy under the acronym EDUCATE to foster a “No Smoking” culture within the community. EDUCATE here means to educate the public on the implementation of the Smoke-Free Zone. Each letter in the acronym has a meaning of its own, namely: E - Engaging with stakeholders and community: • Educate the public about the dangers of smoking through: - Dialogue with operators of food premises;

Info - Presentation of health education materials; - Press conference; and the involvement of schools in promoting this campaign.

D - Designating Smoke-Free Zones: • Allocate places allowed for smoking in areas such as sidewalks or special corner. Food premises operators’ responsibilities play an important role in ensuring their food premises are smokefree. A written policy must be displayed at each of the food premise to ensure conformity of operators and customers.

U - Undertaking to lead and facilitate: • DBKU will implement a health education programme for the public and operators of food premises as well as a collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the private sector in this campaign.

C - Creating awareness on the danger of smoking: • DBKU will maximise the use of existing communication channels such as social media, LED advertising boards, billboards, posters, distribution of leaflets and promotional programmes in schools to convey information about the dangers of smoking and the SmokeFree Zone campaign. In addition to that, DBKU will also work with Government agencies, private sector and communities to curb smoking in public places.

A - Advocating towards a TobaccoFree Generation; • To create awareness among the public about the dangers of smoking and Smoke-Free Zones in food premises through campaigns and health education.

T - Training of TFG (Tobacco-Free Generation) champions; • Promote cooperation between operators of food premises and stakeholders to jointly carry out this campaign in order to achieve the goals and action plans that will be fixed soon.

E - Enforcing the relevant laws; • DBKU will be cooperating with

the State Health Department in matters of enforcement.

Additionally, DBKU will empower operators to ban public smoking in Smoke-Free Zones on their premises. DBKU has included this matter in food premises licence conditions, which took effect on Jan 1, 2017.

In recognising the importance of the environment for the welfare of future generations, DBKU also launched the “Bring Me Along Kiss Plastic Goodbye” campaign. It is aimed at reducing the use of plastic in addition to planting and recycling, and foster a culture of thrift among the townspeople. DBKU targets no use of plastic bags by 2018.

In this campaign, DBKU held a Bag Sale featuring beautiful, unique and specially designed recyclable bags from BorneoTalk. The bag is priced at RM10 only, a fair price for a product that can be used over and over again. This bag is also lightweight and easy to fold and easy to bring everywhere. Featuring the stunning work of art by Sarawak’s own silk artist Narong Daun, the bag also comes with a BorneoTalk Privilege Card that can be used at participating outlets to enjoy discounts. Terms and conditions apply.

The ceremony for Friendly Neighbourhood Awards (KJM) and Contractor Excellence Award were also held during the DBKU Agenda 2017 opening ceremony. DBKU KJM Award is given to KJM in recognition of the involvement of volunteers carrying out activities and initiatives to develop KJM in an effort to create a friendly neighbourhood.

The Clean, Beautiful and Safe (CBS) Kuching 2013 - 2017 Contractor Excellence Award was created to reward contractors who have helped DBKU to provide the best services for its citizens throughout 2016.

KJM Award recipients: • Most Active KJM: Kampung Sungai Bedil • Most Beautiful KJM: Kampung Pulau Salak • Cleanest KJM: Taman Hussein • Safest KJM: Sourabaya Taman Indah

Contractor Excellence Award: • Services: Zaika Enterprise • Supplies: Ismaco Sdn Bhd • Works: Z N Enterprise Meanwhile during DBKU Agenda, many activities were carried out for the public to take part in and enjoy.

They include exhibitions (Government / Private Agencies / NGOs), E-Contest, Commercial Expo, My Kitchen, Sports and Recreation, Futsal, Petanque Competition, Evening Mahabbah Cinta Rasul, DBKU Town Hall Session 2017, Community Fair, Fit DBKU, Berekot (run), Hunt Info & Creative Art Competition, Word Search & Colouring Competition, Blowpipe Competition and Gasing (top) Competition.

The DBKU Town Hall Session allowed members of the community under DBKU’s administration to voice opinions and share constructive ideas for the wellbeing of the residents in Kuching North area. It was also held in pursuant of DBKU’s own mission “To Improve Quality of Life By Creating a Conducive Environment, Citizens Engagement and Best-InClass Service Delivery.”

The DBKU Town Hall Session began with a keynote address entitled ‘Role of DBKU and the Community in Shaping Kuching’, by the Honourable Datuk Haji Abang Abdul Wahap bin Haji Abang Julai, Mayor of Kuching North and then followed by a dialogue session with the members of the community. Some 500 people turned up for the session.

The Kuching City North Hall is looking forward to another year of success like in the previous year, with cooperation and support from the community, in its noble effort to deliver the best service and quality in socio-economic development to the city of Kuching.

For further information, please contact

Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Bukit Siol, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

T: +6082 446688 F: +6082 446414 Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

27

Tourism

28th to 30th

MAY

at Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching

Miri City Day Celebration 2017

World Harvest Festival 2017 Calendar of events April to June 2017

The World Harvest Festival helps to steer and commemorate Gawai or Harvest Festival.

April

Sarawak Cultural Village

03rd to 04th

28th to 29th

+6082 846 108 , +6082 846 078 +6082 846 988

International Conference on the Teaching and Learning of Languages (ICTLL 2017) at Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching

Aims to provide a platform for local and international academics, educators, policy planners, teaching professionals and students to meet, discuss and deliberate issues related to the development and sharing of best practices in teaching and learning of multiple languages ​​in the 21st Century.

The Faculty of Languages and Communication, UPSI & Department of Southeast Asian Studies, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany

+605 450 6030 / 6036 / 6038 / 6056 / 6057 / 6130 +605 458 3603 secretariat.ictll2017@upsi.edu.my ictll2017.wixsite.com/ictll2017

04th to 07th

International Conference on Sustainable Soil Management 2017 (ICSSM 2017) at Parkcity Everly Hotel Bintulu

To provide info and share knowledge on almost all aspects of sustaining soil and related ecosystems and having discussions on advances in responsible soil use and management.

Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

+6016 624 0057 +6086 855 415 icssm2017@upm.edu.my msss.com.my/soils2017/

08th to 10th

Orthopaedic Conference: AO Trauma Combined Basic Principles of Fracture Management for Surgeons and Operating Room Personnel at Kingwood Hotel, Sibu

A conference that looks at AO Trauma and the Combined Basic Principles of Fracture Management for Surgeons and Operating Room Personnel.

The Sixth International Bornean Frog Race 2017 at Gunung Gading National Park, Lundu

16th Borneo Nash Hash 2017 at Kuching City & Borneo Highlands

Held in conjunction with Kota Padawan Hash House Harriers & Harriettes 15th Anniversary, the event attracts local participants as well as those from New Zealand, China, the Netherlands, Korea, Japan and Russia. The trails cover Kuching City (Red Dress Charity Run) on the first day and Borneo Highlands on the second. Red Dress Run, a charity run that covers five to seven kilometres in the city area. It is going to be a fun event as all hashers will be dressed in red.

Donations from the charity run will be distributed to Kidneys Association, Children’s Cancer Care Centre and Hope Place.

Kota Padawan Hash House and Harriettes

+6019 887 6078 chillibert69@gmail.com borneonashhash2017.com kph.kuching

28th to 30th

Borneo International Remote Control Power Boat Tournament at Permai Lake Garden, Sibu

This tournament started in Sibu in 2000. It is the earliest powerboat event in Sarawak to kick-start the powerboat racing season here. Sibu is known for the famous locallymade gasoline engine for powerboats, modified using chainsaw and grass brush cutter among other things.

29th to 30th

Provides a platform to discuss recent technical advancements and innovation in relation to materials technology and energy.

The Institution of Engineering Malaysia (Miri Branch), Institution of Materials Malaysia (Miri Chapter), and Curtin University Sarawak.

+6085 423 718 +6085 424 718 iem.miri@gmail.com www.iem-miri.org.my/p/icmte2017.html

28th to 30th Pesta Selangau at Selangau Bazaar, Sibu

Pesta Selangau involves participation from various Government and NGO, and features activities encompassing sports, culture and education.

Sibu Rural District Council

+6084 336 077 mdlbs@srdc.gov,my

28

+6084 326 964

| BorneoTalkApr-Jun2017

+6085 424 111 +6085 435 602 mirimc@miricouncil.gov.my www.miricouncil.gov

29th to 30th

20th to 21st at Miri

Miri City Council

Sarawak Forestry Corporation and Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)

Remote Control Sports Club

International Conference On Materials Technology And Energy (ICMTE) 2017

Miri acquired its city status on May 20, 2005. Various programmes will be held to commemorate Miri City Day throughout the month of May, many of which have been well received by visitors in previous years’ celebrations.

The International Bornean Frog Race includes talks, workshops, exhibitions and a competition that pitches the general public as well as researchers in a race to find and photograph the rarest and most number of frog species in a single locality in Sarawak. The event coincides with the annual ‘Save the Frogs Day’.

Orthopaedic Association

+6012 887 1218

at various location in Miri

+6016 885 6780

Pesta Kaul Mukah

at Tapak Kaul, Taman Kuala Dana, Mukah Kaul is a traditional festival celebrated by the Melanau living along the coastal areas of Sarawak. Once a Melanau religious ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, land, forest and farm, Kaul is today one of many tourism attractions in Sarawak. Among the festival’s highlights are “Tibow” (Gigantic Swing), a display of Melanau Traditional Dress, Games, Dance, Music and Food (Competitions), and live concert with modern and traditional performances.

Melanau Mukah Association

+6084 872 060 , +6013 577 7074 , +6019 817 1945 +6084 872 060 john_jennifer@hotmail.com , pxineo@gmail.com

Miri May Fest 2017 at various locations in Miri

Various entertainment programmes, promotional sales, sports, cultural, recreational, social activities will be organised by Government agencies, NGOs, social clubs and commercial houses at various locations in Miri throughout the month of May under the banner of Miri May Fest. This annual programme began in 1989.

Miri City Council

+6085 424 111 +6085 435 602 mirimc@miricouncil.gov.my www.miricouncil.gov

1st

Bung Bratak Day

at Bung Bratak Heritage Centre, Bau, Kuching This festival is to earmark the first settlement of Bidayuh tribes - Bung Bratak, which is a heritage of Bau District. The festival features cultural shows, sports, Bidayuh cuisine, handicrafts and prominent Bidayuh Gawea rituals.

Bung Bratak Heritage Association

4th to 6th

ASEAN International Films Festival and Awards (AIFFA) at Kuching City

This gathering of filmmakers and movie stars from the Asean region will add to the charms of the rustic city of Kuching. Sanctioned by ASEAN Secretariat as one of the ASEAN joint activities, the festival is held every two years.

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak

+6082 319 313 +6082 445 311 www.mtac.sarawak.gov.my

5th to 6th

April-May

Conjoint 6th National Cardiac Rehabilitation & 9th Rehabilitation Medicine Scientific Conference 2017

at Miri Indoor Stadium, Miri

Provides a platform to network, discuss, and share information and knowledge on cardiac rehabilitation.

Unveiling The Mysteries Of Tibetan Buddhism The grand exhibition of Buddha & His principle disciples.

Kadhampa Buddhist ASSOCIATION

+603 893 9466 , +6016 227 9125 admin@malaysiakhadhampa.com.my

at Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sarawak General Hospital

+6082 241 393 (Dr. Bee Kim Leong) +6082 241 395 drkimleong@yahoo.com

5 to 7 th

th

Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari at Tanjung Manis New Township, Mukah

Held since 2004, this safari is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and above for either Coastal or Deep Sea Category. The fishing safari is aimed at promoting Sarawak Central Region as an Eco Tourism centre. Cash prizes and trophies await the winners. Other activities include cooking competition, karaoke, trade fair and many others.

Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC)

+6082 473 000 stidc@pusaka.gov.my

19 to 21 th

+6082 442 691 www.sarawaktimber.gov.my

5th to 7th

College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia Annual Scientific Congress/Meeting (CSAMM 2017) at Pullman Hotel, Kuching

Sarawak Yatching Association

+603 4023 4700 , 4025 4700 , 4025 3700 +603 4023 8100 secretariat@csamm.org.my www.csamm.asm.org.my

at Bario, Miri, Sarawak

Borneo Jazz Festival 2017 at Parkcity Everly Hotel Miri

Borneo Jazz is one of the longest running Jazz festivals in the region. There will be two nights of four performances each by regionally and internationally recognised jazz musicians. During the day, visitors can take the opportunity to visit Lambir Hills or the historical Niah National Park not far from the city. The dive sites at the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Parks are a must-experience.

Sarawak Tourism Board

+6082 423 600 (Angelina Bateman) stb@sarawaktourism.com www.jazzborneo.com

12 to 14 th

th

World Da Gong Festival

at Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Peh Kong Temple To commemorate the contribution of the Chinese ancestors for cultivating Sibu, in order to cultivate the gratitude of the younger generation towards the ancestors. To carry forward the splendid Chinese’s culture and religion, to establish the religious status of Da Bo Gong. To propagate regional cultural tourism and create the development of economy for the country.

The Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Peh Kong Temple Charitable Trust

+6019 889 2681 (Lau Kai Huat)

16th to 18th

7th International Hornbill Conference 2017 at Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching

A platform to deliberate and share information on the conservation of hornbills in their range and habitats.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation

+6082 610 088 (Asmah Musa / Tinna Wound) asmahmusa@sarawakforestry.com / tinnaw@ sarawakforestry.com / 7thIHC2017@gmail.com internationalhornbillconference2017.com

18th to 20th

Gawai Harvest Festival at Bau Civic Centre, Bau

The festival aims to showcase Gawai traditions and rituals among youths within the Dayak community. It is also aimed at celebrating unity and harmony among the people of Bau while also introducing and celebrating the various sub-ethnics within the Dayak community in Bau, especially the Bidayuh folks, whose traditional costumes, food, art and handicrafts will be showcased.

Pusat Khidmat N2 Tasik Biru

at Miri – Labuan – Kota Kinabalu

Academy of Medicine of Malaysia

20

12th to 13th

Borneo International Yachting Challenge Borneo International Yatching Challenge is the first yatching event in the waters of Borneo. It is a joint effort between two Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, as well as the Federal Territory of Labuan and neighbouring country Brunei.

Miri Bike Week at Miri

+6010 961 9126 kmjm03@yahoo.com MIRI BIKE WEEK 2017

June

Tourism

The event offers educational opportunities to increase the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes necessary for delivery of the highest quality of surgical care for surgeons at all stages of their careers.

The objective of the event is to promote Miri City through biking activities. Expect participants from Malaysia and other parts of the world turning up for this yearly event, which contributes to the local tourism industry.

Kelab Motosikal Jaguh Miri (KMJM)

st

th

+6085 423 033 (Captain Ariffin) +6085 417 249

6th to 8th

Pesta Babulang & Lumba Kerbau (Buffalo Race Festival)

Runners Wild Bario 2017

at Kampung Datu Danau, Limbang

This 50km trail run event is for the experienced runner or experienced outdoor enthusiast. It takes runners to some of the wildest destinations in Bario.

Specialized Sport Services Sdn Bhd

+603 2082 5829 , +6012 331 1398 (Kuhan Koo) +603 2082 5999 kuhan@specializedsportservices.com www.runnerweild.com

20th to 21st

The highlight of the festival is the buffalo race involving teams from Limbang, Sabah and Brunei, in their bid to outrace each other riding on bare buffalo back.

Activities include cultural performances, cooking contest, beauty pageant, handicrafts exhibition and lucky draws. Another highlight of the festival is “Ratu Babulang” that draws many Bisaya lasses to vie for this coveted title. Pesta Babulang is significant to the Bisaya community in Batu Danu and is a means to promote tourism for Limbang Sarawak Bisaya Association

Reignite Love from Borneo 2017 at MBKS Auditorium, Kuching To share and discuss the themes of dreams, wealth, health, interpersonal, emotional and spiritual to achieve a balanced life, and at the same time create a platform for learning and communication.

How Enterprise Sdn Bhd / Heart of Wealth | Reddabai | Sunflower

+6013 803 1623 , +6019 889 1093 +6082 233 055 wss10w@yahoo.com Reignitelovefromborneo

27th to 28th

Borneo Moto-X (Motorcross) Championship at Serikin An adrenaline-fuelled event held to promote motorcross and at the same time seek new talents in the sport. Some of its objectives include to promote a healthy lifestyle, provide an avenue for an international-level tournament for local and foreign participants, promote Serikin Motorcross Track Circuit as an ideal location for activities of international standards, promote positive societal values via healthy competitions, and finally to boost the local economy.

Pusat Khidmat N2 Tasik Biru

+6085 433 202 +6019 885 2705 (Mr. Antonio Kahti Galis) +6013 841 7457 (Mr. Henry Madai) +6085 432 876 antonikg@sarawak.gov.my sumatnie@yahoo.co.uk

9th to 11th

Artistic Convention

at Sibu Integrated Indoor Stadium, Sibu Visit Sibu Year 2017 features the first Artistic Convention in Sarawak. It is an event organized to celebrate science fictions, art and creativity of the multi-genre entertainment in the comic arena.

Sanyan Recreational Club

+6012 885 2460 (Willie Ling)

9th to 17th

Sibu Street Art Festival / Comic Convention at Sibu Town Square Phase 1, Sibu

The first Street Art Festival will showcase plenty of mural paintings comprising various concepts such as graffiti and realistic, all done in different scales within Sibu’s town area.

27th MAY to 26th JUNE

Sibu Street Art Committee

at Various location (Morsajaya, Indoor Stadium, Taman Kelita, Miri)

30th JUNE to 2nd JULY

Bazaar Ramadhan

The purpose of organising this bazaar Ramadhan is to enhance neighbourliness and mutual understanding among city folks, apart from offering a variety of delicious iftar food.

+6016 861 0887 (Liong) sibustreetart

Gawai Carnival REDEEMS

at REDEEMS Community Hall, Singai, Bau, Kuching An annual Gawai Carnival to showcase the rich authentic Dayak Bidayuh culture, tradition and heritage.

It is aim to promote tourism and to further enhance goodwill among other races.

Miri City Counsil

+6085 433 501 , +6014 684 5278 (Sofya) , +6019 487 4826 (jenifer) +6085 435 602 farrah@miricouncil.gov.my jeni_ribad0302@yahoo.com.my

REDEEMS

+6082 416 757 +6082 460 757 n2tasikbiru@gmail.com

28th to 30th

44th MD308 Leo Forum 2017 at Grand Margherita Hotel, Kuching

Annual meeting of youths from Multiple District 308, across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei for fellowship, knowledge exchange and to breed new leaders!

Lions Club of Kuching Metro

Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Sarawak +6082 319 309 / 313 +6082 441 277 / 5311 mtac.sarawak.gov.my

(Note: Event dates are subject to change without prior notice)

Sarawak Tourism Board +6082 423 600 www.sarawaktourism.com Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Best of both worlds Experience Sarawak hospitality in an urban hotel that marries modern chic with traditional elements from the Land of the Hornbills. On top of its 223 stylish guestrooms, Metro 360 Hotel Kuala Lumpur offers a wealth of amenities to make your stay here ever more pleasant. Add to that affordable room rates and a great location near KL’s prime destination for business, shopping and entertainment.

For bookings and reservations, please contact our Reservation Department at +603 2031 0360 extension 5004 or email to reservation@metro360hotel.com

Facilities:

No. 6, Changkat Raja Chulan, 52000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. +603 2031 0360 +603 2031 3360

• Free Wi-Fi & computer stations at Business Centre • All Day Dining • 24-hour Front Desk • Multilingual Staff • Dry cleaning and laundry • Wake-up calls • Entirely non-smoking property • Complimentary newspapers (for selected room only) • Handicapped accessible • Covered Parking

www.metro360hotel.com

metro360hotelkl

Tourism

RC frenzy

Serian International Remote Control Carnival MARCH 31- APRIL 2, 2017

T

he Serian International Remote Control Carnival has had Danu Lake Park buzzing with the sights and sounds of remote controlled car, boats and planes every year since it was initiated back in 2014. The action-packed event returns for the fourth time, this year scheduled for March 31 to April 2 at Serian’s scenic Danu Lake Park.

The carnival was made an annual event in conjunction with the declaration of Serian as Sarawak’s 12th Administrative Division by the late Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Adenan Satem in 2015.

Organised by the Serian District

Council together with Kuching Remote Control Boat Club, Kuching Remote Control Cars Club and Petra RC Flying Club, the carnival is aimed at promoting the division as the destination of choice for RC enthusiasts and also give a boost to the local economy. The event has managed to pull in a huge crowd over the years, including participants from as far as Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, and not forgetting Brunei Darussalam.

What’s interesting about this event is that there will be not one but three different RC categories, namely remote control cars, boats and planes (expect to see some RC jets and helicopters too). And they come in various shapes, designs and sizes. So there’s really plenty to see at the 2017 edition of the Serian International Remote Control

Insertion by courtesy of SARAWAK TOURISM

+6082 423 600

Carnival. Witness as participants in the competitions put their beloved RC machines to the ultimate test as they go through various obstacles created especially for the event.

Winners in each respective category will walk away with cash prize and a trophy each among other attractive prizes.

Besides competitions for the different RC categories, which will definitely be a joy to watch, visitors to the carnival will also be able to visit different booths that will be set up at the event venue, where they can find a variety of food and beverage options.

For more information, contact the Serian District Council, No. 1, Jalan Bunga Tanjung, 94700 Serian, Sarawak, Malaysia at +6082 874 154, 874 155 +6082 874 799 or email to mdserian@sarawak.gov.my

www.sarawaktourism.com Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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The place to stay, for work and play

120 well-appointed rooms of international standards ensure a sound sleep at day’s end. Comfort features like air-conditioning, private shower, satellite TV and mini bar allow you to enjoy a pleasurable stay, while conveniences like free wi-fi and International Direct Dial (IDD) telephone help you stay connected.

Dining options include local and continental fares at Peppers Café or lip-smacking selections of Halal Chinese fares at Loong Jin Restaurant, while cakes abound at Grains Bakery.

Comprehensive facilities for meetings, conferences and private functions ensure whatever event you organise turns out a success.

All this and more, at Tanahmas Hotel, The Sibu Hotel.

Urban comfort awaits you at Dorset Boutique Hotel.

Sink into a plush mattress and sleep your cares away in the hotel’s well-appointed room. Enjoy modern amenities such as 21 channels of cable TV, individually adjustable air conditioning system and free wi-fi. Indulge in splendid local and continental fares for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Meetings, conferences and corporate functions are a breeze at the hotel too, thanks to its impressive MICE facilities.

No. 175, 175A-C, Jalan Sekama, 93300 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

T: +6082 347 799 F: +6082 346 799 E: reservation@Dorsetboutiquehotel.com

Online booking, log on to www.dorsetboutiquehotel.com

Lot 277, Block 5, Jalan Kampung Nyabor, P.O. Box 240 96007 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6084 333188 Fax: +6084 333288 Email: info@tanahmas.com.my www.tanahmas.com.my

Sports Tourism

Kuching to host Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2017 April 4 – 9, 2017 • Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak

I

t will be a clash of the Badminton titans when the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2017 gets underway from April 4 to 9. The championship, which will be held at the Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak, Petra Jaya, is a World Super Series event that has been listed in the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) 2017 calendar.

It offers prize money totalling US$600,000.

The Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2017 is jointly organised by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and BWF, working closely with Sarawak State Sport Council (MSN) who strives ever on to elevate the standards and quality of sports in the State. With the organising of the championship, MSN moves a step further to realising its vision of becoming a force to be reckoned with in Malaysian sports by 2020.

Also working together with BAM, BWF and MSN are Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA), Kuching Resident Office, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and other local Government agencies.

Title Sponsor:

“This is indeed exciting for us in Sarawak, especially the local folks because this is the second time for us to play host to two prestigious international badminton events in the past two months (Victor Far East Malaysia Masters 2017 being the first one),” Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Sarawak, YB Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said at a press conference to announce the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2017 back in February this year.

For the upcoming Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2017 in April, thousands of fans will descend on Kuching to see who will emerge victorious in the championship.

Over 290 players from 20 countries are expected at the championship.

They will compete in five categories respectively, namely Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

Indonesia is sending a contingent of 56 players in total who will be competing in the championship.

Malaysia has 44, followed by China with 33 players and Chinese Taipei with 27 players. India and Japan Super Series Sponsor:

are sending 24 players each while Denmark, Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong China and England are sending 18,15, 14, 13 and 10 players respectively.

Finally, Singapore is sending 6 players while Germany and Russia are both sending 3 players, Bulgaria has 2 players, and Spain, France and USA are sending 1 player each.

“BAM itself has registered most of Malaysia’s top ranked players for this event, including those who competed in the recent Rio Olympics namely Tan Wee Kiong/Goh V Shem and Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying etc,” Abdul Karim informed.

To add icing to the cake, Datuk Lee Chong Wei who won the All-England Open badminton championship in March, and China’s Lin Dan will also be playing at the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2017 “On behalf of the Sarawak State Government, we record our appreciation to the organisers for making the right decision in giving Kuching City the honour to become the host for this prestigious badminton championship,” he concluded.

Organised by:

Sanctioned by:

– Supported by –

For more information, contact Sarawak SPORTS CORPORATION P.O.Box 2918, Petra Jaya, 93756 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6082 311 693 . +6082 442 668 .

ongkongswee@gmail.com

Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Experience the artrageous The Waterfront Hotel L4-68, Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Located in Kuching’s historic district near some of the city’s top tourist destinations, The Waterfront Hotel puts you right in the heart of the action. With lavishly appointed guestrooms and a wealth of modern amenities, this artrageously dazzling hotel lets you experience luxury for less.

Online booking at www.thewaterfrontkuching.com or contact +6082 227 227

Tourism

A froggy affair

D

espite its name, the International Bornean Frog Race does not include actual running or leaping.

Instead, this race sees participants combing the wilds of Borneo to photograph as many amphibian species as they can find within a two-hour time frame.

The Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) again joins forces with Sarawak Forestry Corporation in organising this year’s edition of the race, whose aim is to raise public awareness on the rich diversity of amphibian species in the region.

Entering its 6th season this year, the race will be held over two days and will take place at Gunung Gading National Park near Lundu, Sarawak. Rich in flora and fauna, and known for its waterfalls and of course the world’s biggest flower - The Rafflesia, Gunung Gading National Park is an ideal habitat for a variety of frog species and therefore perfect for this event.

Day 1 of this year’s International Bornean Frog Race will include a talk on frog conservation, puzzle and drawing competitions, a frog quiz and Junior Frog Watch. Various programmes have been lined up for Day 2, all leading to the main event that is the flag-off for the 6th International Bornean Frog Race 2017 by YBhg Datu Ik Pahon Joyik.

There are two categories, namely ‘most number of amphibian species found’ and ‘best photo taken (with subcategories of DSLR camera, compact digital camera and smartphone camera).’ The panel of judges comprises professional photographers and experts in frog biology, including geologist, natural history writer and wildlife photographer

Insertion by courtesy of SARAWAK TOURISM

The 6th International

Bornean Frog Race

April 28 - 29, 2017 Gunung Gading National Park, Lundu, Sarawak Hans Hazebroek, and biologist and wildlife photographer Chien C. Lee among others. Winners will walk away with cash, certificate and books on amphibians and natural history.

For those who wish to partake in the race, be reminded that headlamp/ flashlight, walking shoes, insect repellent, watch or stopwatch and drinking water are some of the essentials you need to bring with you, along with rainwear just in case.

For more information, e-mail Pang Sing Tyan at 14010019@ siswa.unimas.my, or visit http:// internationalborneanfrograce. weebly.com/ or the Facebook page of the International Bornean Frog Race at https://www.facebook.com/ TheBorneanFrogRace/?ref=hl.

Institute of Biodiversity & Environmental Conservation (IBEC) Faculty of Resource Science & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6082 583 802 +6082 583 505 (Office hours: 8am - 5pm)

+6082 423 600

www.sarawaktourism.com Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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COLOUR OF FLAVOURS The Year of the Rooster kicks off with the completion of refurbishment works on our kitchen in order to better serve our guests and patrons. We have re-launched our All-day A la Carte Menu in March to offer a balanced, fresh and new budget-friendly concept of ‘Fusion meets Local Delights’.

MARCH’S NEW DISH

SUNDAY BUFFET LUNCH

Lasagna (Exclusively on Fridays)

EVERY SUNDAY | 11am to 2pm RM20 nett per adult RM10 nett per child (aged 5-12 years)

HAPPY HOUR DAILY | 5pm to 8pm 20% OFF: - Bottled Beer Bucket of 5s - 4 Half Pint of Draught Beers

APRIL 16th

EASTER SUNDAY BUFFET BRUNCH Easter celebration of East meets West buffet selection

11am to 2pm 20% OFF for Early Bird pre-payment bookings RM30 nett per adult RM15 nett per child (aged 5-12 years)

Lot 10, Jalan Ban Hock / Jalan Central Timur, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

T: +6082 232228 . F: +6082 236668 E: enquiry@lot10hotel.com W: www.lot10hotel.com

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Customisable Catering Services Minimum 10 pax For all occasions

MAY 14th

MAY 27th to JUNE, 26th

MOTHER’S DAY BUFFET BRUNCH Mother’s Day dedication buffet

SELERA MALAYSIA BUFFET DINNER Lamb & Beef Carving, significantly Malaysian favourites - Appetisers, Main Dishes and Desserts

menu with Special Cake-cutting 11am to 2pm 20% OFF for Early Bird pre-payment bookings RM30 nett per adult RM15 nett per child (aged 5-12 years)

6.30pm to 9.00pm Purchase our RM55 nett Early Bird Voucher* available from 26th April 2017 RM68 nett per adult RM30 nett per child (aged 5-12 years) RM30 nett per senior citizen (aged 60 years & above)

DAILY OPERATING HOURS Buffet Breakfast: 6.30am – 10.00am Brunch / Lunch (A la Carte menu): 10.00am – 2.00pm Snack (Light Bites Menu): 2.00pm – 6.00pm Dinner (A la Carte menu): 5.00pm – 9.00pm (*Bar closed at 11pm)

Tourism

Spotlight on culture

‘living museum’, the village is home to traditional houses of the different ethnic groups of Sarawak and allows visitors to experience first-hand their traditional lifestyles. It’s also the perfect venue for the festival, with the area surrounding the lake in the middle of the village making for an ideal setting for the themed play staged in the night during WHF. The play takes on a different theme each year, focusing on the history, myths or legends of a specific ethnic group. A colourful spectacle one cannot afford to miss.

splendours over three nights of song, dance, theatre and many more!

April 28-30, 2017 Sarawak Cultural Village

Listed among Sarawak’s many signature events, WHF is held in leading to the Gawai Dayak celebration in June every year. It attracts not only local visitors but also foreign tourists, especially those who love learning about and discovering new cultures. Besides watching cultural shows and a themed play that promises to be colourful, enlightening and thoroughly entertaining, visitors may also explore the Sarawak Cultural Village. Dubbed

The World Harvest Festival enters its 12th year in 2017. And this time around, it is scheduled to take place from April 28 to 30. Besides spectacular stage performances, the festival will also feature workshops and side events like the annual ‘Ethnic Beauty Pageant’ Miss Cultural Harvest Festival.

For further information, contact Sarawak Cultural Village at +6082 846 108, 846 411 +6082 846 988 or email to scv4you@gmail.com

E

very year around the end of April, revellers in their thousands throng the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong, Kuching for the World Harvest Festival (WHF), an annual celebration that showcases Sarawak’s cultural

Insertion by courtesy of SARAWAK TOURISM

+6082 423 600

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Tourism

Take a trip to

Sibu, Heartland of Borneo

N

icknamed Swan City, Sibu sits on the confluence of the rivers Rajang and Igan, which flow out to the South China Sea some 60 kilometres away. This charming little town, dubbed the Gateway into Sarawak’s Central Region, is largely populated by the Foochow (or Fuzhou) Chinese. Iban, Malay, Melanau and other ethnic groups make up the rest of Sibu’s population.

Take a drive around Sibu town and you’ll notice a good balance between the old and new. Buildings from the olden days still stand to this day and many of them have been converted into shops and cafés. More modern structures can be found especially downtown, the most iconic one being Wisma Sanyan, which is a must visit when you’re in Sibu. The tallest building in Sarawak to date, Wisma Sanyan boasts 27 floors altogether and houses a shopping mall as well as 22 floors of office spaces. Two of Sibu’s biggest annual events, namely Sibu Tower Run and Sibu International BASE Jump are held here, attracting

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participants not only from Sibu but the rest of Malaysia and from other countries as well.

Signs of development can be seen everywhere you go in Sibu these

days. Downtown there is the Sibu Town Square phase 2 development, which includes modern shophouses, an office tower and a budget hotel.

The crown jewel of Sibu Town Square phase 2 will be two blocks

of 25-storey high end condominium towers that overlook both Wisma Sanyan and the Rajang River.

While Sibu is experiencing rapid growth, with this and other on-going projects such as the stunning Sibu Jaya mixed development township, much of its heritage remains intact. In fact, one of its tourist attractions is the Sibu Heritage Trail. The trail takes visitors to some of the must-visit historical sites in Sibu such as the old mosque built in the 1800s by Tuan Haji Abdul Salam Minangkabau from Indonesia, the AnNur Mosque, Warriors Memorial Site where the remains of historical figures Rosli Dhoby, Morshidi Sidek, Bujang

you can’t afford to not visit. It is the oldest and most well-preserved Chinese temple in Sibu.

Built more than 100 years ago, the temple has stood the test of time.

It remained intact even after a fire destroyed the town of Sibu in 1928.

The locals saw this as a miracle. It however sustained severe damages three years after the Japanese occupation began in 1942, but the deity remained unharmed.

Eventually the temple went through a series of repairs and renovation works, and in the late 1980s, a 7-storey Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) pagoda was built next to the temple.

The pagoda is hailed as one of the most perfectly proportioned pagodas outside of China.

Today, the Tua Pek Kong temple attracts domestic visitors as well as

Suntong and Awang Ramli Amit are buried, and a number of other interesting sites.

The Tua Pek Kong Temple on Jalan Temple is one of those places in Sibu

tourists from different corners of the world, and the pagoda is popular not only for those who go there for prayers but also for visitors who want to catch the sunset.

The Sibu Central Market, the biggest of its kind in all of Sarawak, is one of the most prominent landmarks in downtown Sibu. First opened in 1996, the central market is a hotspot for tourists. Locals come here to buy a variety of things. The ground floor is dedicated to stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood and many more. Live chickens wrapped in newspaper are certainly one of the more interesting things to see at the market. Exotic fruits like pulasan and dabai as well as jungle produce including midin and tepus can also be found here.

The first floor is home to more than 100 food stalls, where you can find a plethora of inexpensive local dishes such as kampua mee and Foochow noodles. Halal food stalls are also available, making the place also perfect for Muslim visitors to come for meals.

Venture further in and you’ll arrive at a section where you can find clothing, handicraft and tailoring services among other things. While at the central market, don’t

Tourism forget to look out for some of Sibu’s famous street art on its walls.

Some of these events will be taking place between April and June. One of it is the Borneo International

These are just some of the places you ought to visit when you’re in Sibu.

Other places worth the visit include the Sibu Night Market, Sibu Heritage Museum at the Sibu Heritage Centre, Hoover Memorial Square and the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk.

An eventful year With 2017 being Visit Sibu Year, various events have been lined up between now and December. This presents an opportunity for visitors to not only come to Sibu to be part of the events but also explore Swan City at the same time.

Remote Control Powerboat Tournament, which is set to take place from April 28 to 30. The event will be held at Sibu’s Permai Lake Garden and is expected to attract powerboat enthusiasts from Sibu and beyond.

The Borneo International Remote Control Powerboat Tournament started in Sibu back in 2000. The tournament is the first in a series of powerboat tournaments held throughout Sarawak every year.

The tournament in Sibu became especially well-known after local participants introduced the now famous locally-made gasoline powerboat engines made from chainsaw and a brush cutter.

From May 12 to 14, the World Da Gong Festival will take place.

The festival commemorates the contributions of Chinese ancestors in the cultivation of Sibu. It aims to encourage the younger generation to show gratitude towards their ancestors and carry forward

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Tourism culture and religion of the Chinese community. It is also aimed at establishing the religious status of Da Bo Gong, encourage unity and harmony among people of the same belief throughout the world, as well as to propagate regional cultural tourism besides contributing towards the country’s economic growth.

It’s all about art in June, with the Artistic Convention slated for June 9 to 11. This will be the first time the event is being held and it serves to celebrate science fiction, art and creativity of the multi-genre entertainment in the comic arena.

Also starting on the 9th of June but ending on the 17th of the same month will be the Sibu Street Art Festival and Comic Convention. The Street Art Festival will showcase many mural paintings decorating the back alleys of Sibu’s downtown area while the Comic Convention will attract comic and cosplay fans not only from Sibu but other places as well.

Good eats Since Sibu is also well-known for its food, it is only fitting that we list down some of the famous foods you need to try when you visit Swan City.

Here are six of those must-try foods.

1. Kampua Mee This is one of the most iconic of all Sibu foods and is synonymous to the Foochows. It’s Sibu’s answer to Kuching’s hugely famous Kolo Mee and is a breakfast staple here.

Aesthetically both noodle dishes look almost similar but flavour-wise they are not at all the same.

Kampua Mee is simply dry noodles served in a plate (‘kam’ means dry noodles and ‘pua’ means plate). The noodles are tossed in a concoction of pork lard and soy sauce and is topped with char siew pork as well as sprinklings of deep fried onions and chopped shallots. Sounds simple enough, but the flavours are amazing!

mentions Sibu and yes, although you can find it elsewhere, there’s no denying that Sibu bakers make the best kompia.

Kompia is made from a mixture of flour and water with sesame seeds sprinkled over it before it is baked to perfection. Sheng Kee 63 and Xiu Long are two of many bakeries in Sibu where you can see kompia being made fresh right in front of your eyes.

Kompia is often served with minced meat sandwiched in between. Some serve them with herbal broth.

2. Kompia For some reason this one sounds almost similar to Kampua Mee, except that it is not a noodle dish.

Kompia comes to mind when one

3. Mee Sua Mee Sua, which has its origins in Fujian in China, is a long thin noodle made from wheat flour and salt, and Sibu is particularly famous for it.

Although it can be produced in huge amounts using modern machines, some producers still use traditional methods.

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Road, where stall owner Kiu Chiang Loi sells the delicacy in a small coffee shop called Chop Hing Huong.

Ding Bian Hu is like a cross between kueh chap and rice porridge. It traditionally comprises rice sheets, black fungus and calamari among other ingredients.

Kiu’s version is so famous that a mention of Ding Bian Hu and his stall at Chop Hing Huong quickly comes to mind.

Try Sibu’s famous Red Wine Mee Sua, which has red wine residues added into the broth. A dish of Red Wine Mee Sua also typically comes with chicken and a hard-boiled egg.

until perfectly cooked through.

Soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine and ingredients such as pork, choy sum and prawns are usually added to the dish but some hawkers do add in additional ingredients such as fish cake, meatballs and calamari.

5. Kuih Penyaram This deep-fried delicacy was traditionally made by the Iban folks to offer during the Miring ceremony.

Today it is a popular snack savoured by all Sarawakians.

The ingredients that go into this kuih are very simple – rice flour and

7. Pulut Panggang This traditional Malay delicacy is made with glutinous rice and coconut milk. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaf and barbecued over wood fire, adding a wonderfully enticing aroma to the glutinous rice inside. There are versions of this delicacy that come with sweet and spicy sambal filling as well.

Pulut panggang can be found at various places in Sibu, but some of the best and most popular ones are sold by Noor Bakar at his stall in Kampung Hilir.

4. Foochow Noodle Chao Zhu Mian or Foochow Noodle is a delicious noodle dish made using yellow egg noodle. It’s a double cooked noodle dish whereby the yellow noodle is stir-fried over high heat in a wok and then simmered

gula apong (mangrove palm sugar) among others - but the end result is a sweet, rich and fragrant kuih that is perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea or even as a light snack.

6. Ding Bian Hu This Foochow specialty has got everyone flocking to Sibu’s Blacksmith

For more information, please contact Sibu Municipal Council Level 19 - 24, Wisma Sanyan, No. 1, Jalan Sanyan, P.O. Box 557, 96007 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6084 333411 (Hotline: +6084 310808) +6084 320240 smc@smc.gov.my www.smc.gov.my

Tourism

Street art attack Sibu Street Art Festival • June 9 -17, 2017

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unique festival celebrating art, the Sibu Street Art Festival makes its debut this year and already it is listed in the State calendar of events, alongside other prominent happenings that are set to take place in Sibu in 2017.

The Sibu Street Art Festival showcases the town’s mural paintings whose subjects vary from the famous foods of Sibu to the day-to-day life of the people of Sibu, and pretty much depict Sibu’s unique culture and heritage. These murals come in a variety of concepts including graffiti and realistic, and are done in different scales within Sibu Town.

Take this opportunity to discover beautiful street art such as Wharf Labourer (Coolie) by Lau Sei Kwong and Lilian Tang Siu Hui at Khoo Peng Loong Road. This piece depicts Sibu in the 50s and 60s, a period when coolies were a common sight at the wharf.

Sibu Local Delicacies features some of the most prominent Sibu eats such as Kampua Mee and Kompia and can be viewed at Market Road.

Wrapped Chicken and Duck depicts local hawkers’ method of selling live chicken and duck at the market, while Childhood Memories, which can be found on the second floor inside Sibu Central Market shows a typical Sibu childhood back in the 1980s.

Go around Sibu Central Market and UTC Sibu to discover breath-taking street art entitled Batik. Vibrant and

Insertion by courtesy of SARAWAK TOURISM

+6082 423 600

colourful, the mural represents cultural harmony and is just visually stunning!

Come explore and admire these beautiful works of art and take part in a host of activities organised throughout the length of the event, including a Artistic Convention at Sibu Indoor Stadium, which will see a huge gathering of comic fans and enthusiasts all dressed as their favourite character from the comic books!

For more information, contact Sibu Street Art Committee at +6016 861 0887 (Mr Liong) or log on to sibustreetart

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Tourism Malaysia-Sarawak +6082 246575, 246775 Infoline 1300-88-5050 Sarawak Tourism Board +6082 423600 MAS Office +6082 244144, 246622 Air Asia +6082 283222 KCH International Airport +6082-454255, 454242 Immigration Department +6082 245661, 230280

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Sarawak Tourism Board Visitors’ Information Centre Sarawak Tourism Federation Tourism Malaysia Office

Bank / ATM

Other ENquiries Padawan Council +6082 615566 Telekom +6082 429191, 255994 Post Office +6082 244141, 339937 Sarawak General Hospital +6082 276666 Normah Medical Specialist Centre +6082 311999 Borneo Medical Centre +6082 507333 Kuching Specialist Hospital +6082 365777, 365030 Timberland Medical Centre +6082 234991 Sarawak Energy (SESCO) +6082 333111 Kuching Water Board +6082 240371 BOMBA (Fire Brigade) +6082 241033, 994, 417712 Rescue 991 +6082 256685 JKR +6082 203100

A. B. C. D.

Bus Stop

Custom +6082 333133 24-hour Public Service Line +6082 555999 Taxi Service +6082 480000 (Executive Taxi) +6082 341818 (ABC Taxi) +6082 882466 (Red & Yellow Taxi) Police Station +6082 245522, 241222, 241133 Traffic Police +6082 241133 Police Patrol +6082 244444 JPJ +6082 258811, 628700 DBKU +6082 446688 MBKS +6082 238080, 242311

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Tourism

Pesta Kaul Mukah 2017

April 29-30, 2017 harvests and good fortune.

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traditional ‘cleansing’ ritual practised annually by the Melanau community in Mukah to appease the spirits of the sea, forest and land, Pesta Kaul has grown to become a prominent fixture in Sarawak’s calendar of events.

Back then, kaul is celebrated as a means to give thanks to the spirits, also known locally as ipok, for a fruitful year that has passed. During kaul, the Melanau folks also offer prayers in hope that the coming year will be one blessed with plentiful

The Pesta Kaul that we see today is celebrated as a festival of traditions more than it is a spiritual one. But for those who do not know how the festival was originally celebrated, it typically involved a convoy of boats that guided the spirits out of the village. Offerings of food and betel nut were also made.

These were put into a Seraheng at the river mouth (Seraheng is a decorated basket made out of sago leaves and raised on a bamboo pole). This was followed by purification ceremonies. After three days of rituals and ceremonies, the villagers would return to their respective homes.

Pesta Kaul takes places at Tapak Kaul in Taman Kuala Dana, Mukah.

Visitors to this week-long festival will find plenty activities to be a

Insertion by courtesy of SARAWAK TOURISM

+6082 423 600

part of, including stalls offering traditional Melanau cuisine and local handicrafts, traditional games and several entertainment programmes.

The main highlights include the Seraheng procession, which will be led by the Melanau village elders, and a death-defying traditional Melanau game called tibow that sees young Melanau men taking a leap from a bamboo scaffolding to catch a rope swinging from a 20ft high swing.

For more information on Pesta Kaul Mukah 2017, contact the Persatuan Melanau Mukah at +6084 872 595, +6013 577 7074 (Pengiran Saifudzin) and +6019 817 1945 (Jennifer John) +6084 872 060 or email to john_ jennifer@hotmail.com / pxineo@gmail.com

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Tourism

A run in the wild

I

f running your gardenvariety marathon just doesn’t cut it, Runners Wild Bario is definitely what you need to experience. Like its name suggests, Runners Wild Bario takes participants along a 50-kilometre course that will take your breath away quite literally.

For one, the course runs through the wilds of Bario in the Kelabit Highlands. The hilly race path coupled with the altitude where the run is being held make it very challenging for the runners. Thus only experienced runners are allowed to take part in the race.

But despite the extremely demanding course, runners get the chance to experience nature at its most pristine in the beautiful Kelabit Highlands. Along the trail, participants will also run past vast paddy fields and scenic villages and catch glimpses of the local folks going about with their daily activities. Add to that the longhouses of the Kelabit community that live in Bario, right in the middle of the breathtaking

Kelabit Highlands. A cool climate and crisp mountain air will add to a more enjoyable run.

Getting to the location of the run is a whole nother adventure. A quicker way would be to get on a MASwings flight on a twin otter aircraft from Miri Airport. Travelling by land is possible too, although one would have to have a stomach made of steel, with the incredibly rugged terrain and all.

Accommodation can be arranged prior to arriving in Bario. Plenty of options are available, and at reasonable prices too. Simply check out Runners Wild Bario’s website for more information.

Runners Wild Bario is scheduled to be held from 5am to 5pm on May 20, 2017.

For more information, contact Specialized Sports Services Sdn. Bhd. at +603 20825829 or +6012 3311398 (Kuhan Foo), send a fax to +603 20825999 or email to kuhan@specializedsportservices. com. Rules and regulations, runners requirements, mandatory gear list and registration packages are available at www.runnerswild.com.

7 1 0 2 , 0 2 y a M • o i r a

B d l i W s Runner

Insertion by courtesy of SARAWAK TOURISM

+6082 423 600

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Tee Off at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri

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isted as one of TeeTimes Malaysia’s TOP 10 Golf Courses, Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club in Miri is one of Sarawak’s leading destinations for golfing. The golf resort sits some distance away from the bustling Miri city centre, offering seclusion and privacy for the guests.

Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club offers golf facilities of international standards. Experience the luxury of teeing off amidst a lush, unspoilt natural surrounding, on an 18-hole golf course designed by the USA-based Nickels Golf Group Ltd of San Francisco, California.

With scenic man-made lakes, swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, a fully equipped pro shop, F&B outlets and an option of chalets set amidst a natural setting or well-appointed modern suites with commanding views of the golf course or the equatorial rainforest, Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club offers the ultimate retreat for golf enthusiasts.

Lot 1379, Block 17, Jalan Miri-by-pass, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6085 421 010, +6016 577 6667 . +6085 430 515 . admin@eastwoodvalley.com or info@eastwoodvalley.com (general enquiry), reservation@eastwoodvalley.com (reservation) . www.eastwoodvalley.com

Sibu (No.1) (next to Sibu Express Wharf) +6084 324 000 +6084 326 272

Mukah (No. 5) (at Medan Mall) +6084 874 888 +6084 874 666

Sibu (No.7) (opposite to Sibu Bus Terminal) +6084 218 338 +6084 218 339

Bintulu (No. 2) (near to JKR’s Office) +6086 335 000 +6086 335 222

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Sibu (No. 9) (at UNICITY, Jalan Wawasan ) +6084 255 333 +6084 255 353

Sibu (No.8) (at UNICITY, Jalan Wawasan ) +6084 367 300 +6084 367 301

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Sibu (No. 3) (next to Sibu Bus Terminal) +6084 216 161 +6084 215 151

Sibu (No. 6) (next to Medan Mall) +6084 353 888 +6084 353 555

Betong (No. 4) (next to Medan Supermarket & Bus Terminal) +6083 471 919 +6083 472 727

Tourism

Lun Bawang Festival enters 30th year June 1 - 3, 2017 . Lawas

T

he annual Irau Aco Lun Bawang, or in other words Lun Bawang Festival enters its 30th year in 2017. Since it started the festival has attracted countless visitors to Lawas, where it is held. Just last year it managed to pull more than 20,000 festivalgoers into the town.

For those of you who have yet to experience Irau Aco Lun Bawang, do make your way to Lawas this June. With activities held at Dataran Bandar Lawas and other locations along the Lawas Damit Road, Irau Aco Lun Bawang is the largest gathering of people from the Lun Bawang community ever to be held here in Sarawak.

Irau Aco Lun Bawang is essentially a showcase of Lun Bawang culture and heritage through traditional music and dance as well as handicrafts and traditional Lun Bawang cuisine.

There will also be sporting events,

traditional games, beauty pageant and many others.

Despite it being a festival to celebrate the cultures and traditions

of the Lun Bawang community in Lawas, the organiser, Persatuan Lun Bawang Sarawak welcomes local folks of other ethnicities as well.

Kedayan, Malay, Chinese, Tagal, Iban, all are welcome!

Originally, Irau Aco Lun Bawang was held to celebrate a bountiful rice harvest at the end of the harvesting season. Today, the festivity continues although modern twists have been introduced to make it even more interesting. For you folks out there who are into discovering cultures and traditions and have not been to Irau Aco Lun Bawang, this June is a perfect opportunity for you to do so.

For further information, contact Daneil Punang of Persatuan Lun Bawang Sarawak at

Insertion by courtesy of SARAWAK TOURISM

+6082 423 600

+6019 889 9029

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RM

178 nett /night *Terms & Conditions Apply

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Terms & Conditions: This promotion is applicable for superior room and subject to availability | The management reserves the right to amend/add/delete any terms & conditions at any time without prior notice | All prices are inclusive of 6% goods and services tax |

WITH BUFFET BREAKFAST

ituated in the heart of Miri City, Meritz Hotel housed 290 elegantly appointed guest rooms, 5 uniquely themed F&B outlets and recreational facilities. The hotel is strategically situated next to Bintang Megamall which has more than 200 branded retails shops, promising an overall unforgettable getaway experience.

Bintang Megamall, Jalan Miri-Pujut, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia | +6 085 417 888 | info@meritzhotel.com | www.meritzhotel.com |

Tourism

BabulangFestival2017 . June 9 - 11

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hink Limbang and festivals and Pesta Babulang comes to mind. Considered the most significant of all festivals celebrated by the Bisaya community in Limbang, Pesta Babulang (or Buffalo Race Festival in English) is a colourful carnival aimed at promoting tourism for the administrative Division of Limbang. With a host of activities held as part of the annual event, it brings together members of the Bisaya community and also attracts local visitors as well as folks from fellow East Malaysian state of Sabah and neighbouring country Brunei Darussalam.

The festival organised by the Sarawak Bisaya Association promises thrills and spills in the form of a water buffalo race, which is the main highlight of the festival. Buffalo racing teams from Limbang as well as Sabah and Brunei are pitted against one another in a rather interesting race where contestants ride on the back of water buffaloes and try their best to get their buffaloes to cross the finish line and win the race.

Ratu Babulang, a beauty pageant held as part of the festival, is another highlight of Pesta Babulang. This year will once again see beautiful lasses from the Bisaya community competing to see who can pull off the perfect look as they parade their traditional Bisaya costume with grace and poise. The ultimate prize? The Ratu Babulang title crown of course!

Besides the main events, Pesta Babulang also includes traditional music and dance, cooking contest, lucky draw and decorated floats. Visitors to the festival can also take a close look and admire the intricacy of the Bisaya people’s traditional costumes and handicrafts that are on display throughout the festival, which will take place at Kampung Datu Danau, Limbang.

For more information, contact the Sarawak Bisaya Association at +6085 433 202 or +6085 432 876 or sumatnie@yahoo.co.uk. Alternatively you may also contact organising chairman Peter Sawal at +6082 448 254 ( peters1@nreb.gov.my) or organising secretary Henry Madai at +6013 841 7475

Insertion by courtesy of SARAWAK TOURISM

+6082 423 600

www.sarawaktourism.com Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Tourism

Spectacular sights at the Borneo International Kite Festival 2017 September 27 - October 1, 2017 Bintulu Old Airport, Bintulu

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| BorneoTalkApr-Jun2017

Tourism kite-flying prowess. In fact, many of the attendees at the festival are also local residents who want to spend some quality time with their family or friends or foreign visitors who are simply curious to see what this whole festival is all about. Last year’s crowd was made up of people from Australia, Indonesia, Korea, France and India just to name a few.

T

he latest edition of the Borneo International Kite Festival is set to bring you more thrills and... well, maybe not spills but definitely thrills, as it gets underway from Sept 27 and Oct 1 this year.

Last year’s event was a great success, with thousands of festivalgoers pouring into the plains of the old Bintulu airport. They were there to not only witness the events that took place but also take part in some of the activities opened for the public.

The same can be expected at this year’s festival, which will again see the largest gathering of kite enthusiasts in one place here in Sarawak. Teams of professional kite flyers will be coming in from different parts of the world to showcase their exceptional kiteflying skills. Perhaps this year everyone gets to witness again as the professionals choreograph beautiful group formations as if they were extra-terrestrial crafts dancing around in the sky above them.

The Borneo International Kite Festival is not just an avenue for professional flyers to display their

Besides kite-flying, visitors to the Borneo International Kite Festival can take part in workshops where kite experts share their knowledge on the age-old sporting activity with members of the public. There might also be workshops where participants are taught the step-by-step processes of constructing their very own kites.

Past editions of the festival have brought the majestic Wau Bulan into the limelight, with some lucky visitors having the rare opportunity of seeing one up-close and then seeing the beautiful Malaysian kite in action.

Wau Bulan, or moon kite is the most famous of all Malaysian kites and features a lower section in the shape of a crescent moon, hence its name. Painstakingly decorated with intricate designs in bold colours, the Wau Bulan is a beautiful masterpiece both stationary or flown.

Tents will be set up at the venue of the festival, where local business owners and entrepreneurs offer a variety of products such as handicrafts and colourful trinkets as well as different types of food and beverages to satiate the hunger of the visitors. There will also be nightly entertainment programmes to make your visit to the Borneo International Kite Festival even more worthwhile. Children can take part in activities such as colouring competition, where exciting prizes await.

But at the end of the day it all comes down to watching kites of various

shapes and sizes take to the skies, filling it up with brilliant colours and bringing joy to all who behold such a spectacular sight.

General Manager of Bintulu Development Authority, Rodziah Morshidi described the Borneo International Kite Festival as an event of immense potential that could attract kite flyers from all over the world. She also said it was a one-ofa-kind event in Sarawak that took advantage of Bintulu’s idyllic location, complete with a scenic view.

Kudos to Bintulu Development Authority, along with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Sarawak, Bintulu Resident Office, Public Works Department, Department of Agriculture Sarawak, Department of Civil Aviation, Immigration Department of Malaysia, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, SEDC, Bintulu Port Authority, Petronas and Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd for turning a simple hobby enjoyed by everyone into a successful annual spectacle.

For more information, please contact Bintulu Development Authority at Secretariat, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Wisma Bintulu, No.1, Tanjung Kidurong Road, P.O. Box 55, 97007 Bintulu, Sarawak.

Encik Muammar Quaddafi bin Abdul Razak +6086 332011 (ext 104) +6086 330099 muammarq@gmail.com Encik Masli Eswandy Ramlee +6086 332011 (ext 108) +6086 330099 maes7747@gmail.com

www.borneokite.com Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Imperial Kuching

Shopping

G

ear up for two major events to be held at Wisma Sanyan in Sibu this May and June.

These will be held in conjunction with this year’s Gawai Dayak celebration and the holy month of Ramadhan respectively.

and household items to cakes and tidbits for the coming Gawai Dayak celebration.

For 10 days from May 26 to June 4, head to the Common Area on Level 1 for the Sanyan Gawai Dayak Fair.

There will be 11 booths with vendors selling everything from apparels

Fifteen tents will be set up just outside of Wisma Sanyan, where customers will be able to find huge arrays of food and beverages for iftar or breaking of fast.

Starting May 26, Wisma Sanyan will be hosting its Sanyan Bazaar Ramadhan at:

Outdoor (May 26 to June 24)

No.1, Jalan Sanyan, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. ( opens daily from 10am to 10pm )

+6084 349772, 349773

Indoor (June 9 to June 24) Expect to find good varieties of apparels, accessories, household items, cakes, pastries and tidbits for the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid from 16 booths that will be set up at the common area on Level 1 of Wisma Sanyan.

Located in the heart of Sibu Town, the 126-metre tall Wisma Sanyan is Sarawak’s tallest building. It overlooks the confluence of the Rajang and Igan rivers and adjoins the Sibu Town Square - the largest town square in Borneo. The first five levels of the building are dedicated to shopping, with more than 123 shoplots housing various local and international brands.

+6084 345772

Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Shopping

Dine and chill at Alfresco @ Choose from a variety of restaurants and cafés including Nandos, Tony Roma’s, Elementary Coffee Roaster, Starbucks Coffee, Caffe Bene, Burger King, Quiznos Café, The Library Coffee Bar and Secret Recipe at Alfresco @ Vivacity Megamall, Kuching’s longest outdoor alfresco dining area. myNews. com and 7Eleven are also available, providing convenience for those looking to snatch up something quick. Alfresco is also a perfect venue for events such as The Flea Market, which offers pre-loved clothing, handicrafts and food trucks.

Located between the mall entrance and premium parking, and facing Jalan Wan Alwi, Alfresco @ Vivacity Megamall offers a dining experience unlike any other in Kuching.

For more information, please contact VIVACITY MEGAMALL at +6082 263 888 / 688 / 988, +6082 263 838 info@vivacity.com.my or log on to vivacity.com.my or VivacityMegamall.

Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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T

oasts. They’re not nearly as popular as the other morning staples here in Sarawak such as Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee. But they do have their own fans.

Not your everyday toast

Enter Nyonya Sambal Toast, a toast unlike any other in Kuching. Sandwiched between two pieces of toasted white bread is a generous amount of warm and aromatic Nyonya-style sambal spread.

The sambal is homemade and prepared using a triedand-true family recipe that calls for pork lard, chillies and fermented shrimp paste (belacan) just to name a few. The taste? Rich and savoury with a subtle hint of spiciness.

Look out for Nyonya Sambal Toast at Golden Arch Café, 3rd Mile Kuching. Besides Nyonya Sambal Toast, Camilia Tsai’s Ham & Cheese Toast and homemade Kaya toast are popular with the customers too. Sambal and kaya are for sale at just RM5 and RM3 per container (small) respectively.

For more information, contact Camelia at +6016 888 0904. Her stall opens from 6am to 11am daily except when Golden Arch Café is closed

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Food have something with a little bit of Japanese flavour to it.

Order from the lunch menu and add on RM3.50 for extra lemon juice, watermelon juice or lime juice. If you prefer iced lemon tea or green tea, just add RM1.50 and you’re good to go.

Clans One Café

C

lash of Clans themed restaurant Clans One Café invites you over for a hearty meal, no matter if you’re a fan of the global gaming phenomenon or otherwise.

The restaurant’s cheese baked rice will have you walking out with a smile on your face. Choose from three variations of this dish, namely Cheese Baked Chicken Rice, Cheese Baked Beef Rice or Cheese Baked Fish Rice.

Their lunch menu features quick and delicious Western dishes that are both affordable and satisfying.

The Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Rice is a lighter option and makes the perfect pick if you are looking to

strawberry smoked duck

baked mentai salmon

There are plenty other great dishes that you can choose beside the lunch menu. Savour a winning combination of natural sweetness and smoky flavour in the Strawberry Smoked Duck. The fruity flavour of the strawberry cuts through the richness of the duck meat and adds freshness to the dish.

The Lamb Shank is perfect for serious meat lovers. If you are looking for something lighter though, the Baked Mentai Salmon comes highly recommended.

Cannot decide between Spaghetti Carbonara and Macaroni? How about a combination of both? Clans One Café’s Macaroni Carbonara will surely satisfy, if you’re into pasta dishes.

Opened in July 2016, Clans One Café is themed after the mobile game Clash of Clans and boasts elements from the game in its décor, from wall arts down to the serving platter.

Located at Trinity Hub, on the way to Boulevard Kuching, the restaurant serves Western meals prepared by a chef with more than 7 years of experience in the culinary industry in Singapore. To keep things interesting, the side dishes for some of the items in the menu change from time to time.

Clans One Café • Ground Floor, Sublot 12A-3, Trinity Hub, Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. ( Opening hours: 12noon - 11 pm (Tuesday - Sunday) . Closed on Monday )

+6017 2201 811

Clansonecafe

Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Inject more fun into your kids’ playtime Look to Alam Didik Sdn Bhd for creative outdoor playground equipment that will make playtime even more exciting for the little ones. Our products are constructed using high quality materials that guarantee safety and durability. So your kids can spend more time having loads of fun and you can spend less time worrying about them. Call us at the numbers below or simply visit us at Jalan Sultan Tengah to know more.

ALAM DIDIK SDN BHD ( formerly known as Children’s World Educational Resource Centre ) Sublot 9, Lot 4088, Sukma Commercial Centre, Jalan Sultan Tengah, 93050 Kuching, SARAWAK. T: +6082 445 796 F: +6082 444 928 H/P (Office): +6012 882 9628, +6012 887 9928 E: alamdidik96@gmail.com

Executive Chef Fadill B. Mohd Hanif (left) and Chef De Cuisine Gedang Jetom (right)

Food

Flavours that will wow you

T

ucked away in the corner on the ground floor of the deluxe Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites, Ristorante Beccari has been THE place to go to for some of the best Italian cuisines in Kuching. Now with a new concept offering casual dining, the celebrated Italian restaurant dishes out meals that are more affordable without any compromise on quality starting April.

You can thank Executive Chef Fadill B. Mohd Hanif and Chef De Cuisine Gedang Jetom along with their culinary team for that. Their mastery

of Italian cooking and insistence on using only quality ingredients ensures every dish is perfectly executed to woo even the most discerning taste buds. This time around, they are adding local touches with the use of ingredients from our own backyard, so to speak.

Start with Salad Nicoise, a composition of perfectly seared Maguro tuna, quail egg, tomatoes, edamame beans, pea sprouts and lettuce in herb dressing. The richness of the tuna is complemented by the sweet zingy dressing while the lettuce, sprouts and tomatoes lend a burst of freshness to the dish.

The scallops are juicy sweet and the creamy buttery mashed potato that comes with it is just on point.

For mains, the incredibly succulent charbroiled rack of lamb is highly recommended. Served with buttered garden vegetables and Beccari’s rustic potato then topped with goat cheese and eggplant paste, this dish is a symphony of flavours one simply must savour.

Follow that with Trilogia Di Capesante, which is absolutely divine.

Indulge in the Mazzancolle Reali Alla Griglia, a sure hit with seafood lovers.

Hints of char in the perfectly cooked grilled king sized prawns elevate the entire dish, which also comes with hearty herb butter rice.

To end your meal on a sweet note, you can’t go wrong with tiramisu.

Beccari’s coffee flavoured tiramisu is composed of mascarpone cheese and coffee soaked cake, served with berries compote, butter crumble and vanilla ice cream. A definite must for the sweet toothed.

For further information, please contact: Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak. (P.O. Box A298, 93804 Kuching) +6082 258 000 . +6082 425 400 [General], +6082 250 003 [Reservation] info@merdekapalace.com . www.merdekapalace.com Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Food

Surprises abound at

J

apanese cuisine has gained a firm footing in Kuching, and yes it is here to stay. Restaurants and cafes have mushroomed all over the city of late, offering their very own versions of Japanese staples like sushi, tempura and ramen.

Oishi Japanese Restaurant seems to have gotten their formula just right; good location, aesthetically pleasing restaurant setting and great food to match. The fact that they have just expanded in January to accommodate a bigger crowd proves that Oishi Japanese Restaurant is heading in the right direction.

On top of the usual items in the restaurant’s menu, in which you can find great stuff like their signature dish Dragon Maki, Oishi Japanese Restaurant also serves up surprise dishes every two or three months to keep things interesting for the customers. Hats

off to Max Bong, the restaurant owner and itamae (sushi chef).

One of their specials is Kaisen Kiminabe or seafood soup in a paper pot. In addition to the soup being deliciously rich in umami flavours with a hint of brininess, you might also get a certain satisfaction from watching the soup come to a boil in a pot made of paper.

You might want to order a side of Kushi Yaki (salmon belly skewers) as well. The salmon belly cubes have a wonderful char flavour to them. A squeeze of

lemon juice helps cut through the fattiness of the salmon belly.

Spoil yourself with absolute decadence in the form of Wagyu Beef Sushi.

Tender cuts of Australian Wagyu beef are served sushi style and seared on top with a blowtorch, giving it a wonderful char flavour. Oishi Japanese Restaurant also serves Wagyu Beef Steak upon request. Diners however must order at least three days in advance (for both sushi and steak).

Other specials include Asari Clam Soup, Asari Yaki Udon, Unagi Fried Rice, Century Egg Tofu and healthy salad with tofu & seaweed, just to name some of them. For more information on what the day’s specials are, simply ask the waiter.

Oishi Japanese Restaurant is all about freshness, personalisation and attention to detail. At the end of the day, it all amounts to your satisfaction.

Max Bong

Head to Oishi Japanese Restaurant and experience some of the best Japanese food Kuching has to offer.

OISHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT • Ground Floor, Lot 3081, Block 10, Kuching Central Land District, 93200, Kuching, Sarawak +016 713 2991 . max_bong2912@hotmail.com . oishi.kuching.cc .

Oishi 居酒屋 Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Food

A

t Rumah Asap Dayak Samarahan (RADS), it’s not all about barbecue. You’ll find that many of the stalls at RADS also serve deliciously authentic Dayak food, including the increasingly popular pansuh.

Pansuh is when you cook meats or fish, even prawns in a bamboo cane. The aroma and flavour you get from cooking things in bamboo is second to none. One of the stalls serving this dish is stall no.7, where Sabahan seller Maluni and his Sarawakian wife offer their delicious pansuh babi (pork pansuh). Theirs is a combination of pork, terong asam and local herbs. They also serve pansuh ayam (chicken) and pansuh ikan keli (catfish), as well as barbecue meats and catfish.

Edward, who hails from Betong, sells his famous pansuh ayam at stall no.4. The secret to his pansuh is staying true to the original recipe of the Iban folks, using ingredients like daun bungkang and tapioca leaves.

Another dish that is a hit at RADS is Laksa Sarawak from Laksa Ita stall, owned by Rita. She makes her own laksa paste for the gravy, which continues to be a hit with the diners.

Try her Laksa Sarawak Special, which comes with a giant freshwater prawn (udang galah).

Besides plenty of food to choose from, RADS also features an event space that’s great for a variety of functions and special occasions, even mini concerts and stage performances.

Route 18, also part of RADS, serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to complement the food.

Rumah Asap Dayak Samarahan / Route 18 Lot 21, Block 26, Kampung Merdang Gayam, Jalan Muara Tuang, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak. route18bb@gmail.com or log on to route18sc | Rumah Asap Dayak - Route 18 Opening hours: 3pm - 2am (daily)

Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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Looking for affordable and spacious accommodation?

Then look no further than A Place Like Home! A penthouse close to the heart of Kuching’s main attractions, the perfect venue for a family or a group of friends anticipating a short stay in vibrant Kuching! Accommodates up to 12 people with 5 bedrooms! Close to popular sites such as Viva Shopping Mall, Kenyalang Park and the City Centre, exploring the city’s sights and sounds whilst being close to home is possible! Booking with Borneo Talk provides a 10% discount off the rent, so why wait? Book via abnb.me/EVmg/4zo47o9AXA now to secure a comfortable stay!

Floridale Condominium, Lorong 3, Jalan Wan Alwi, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak.

+6012 809 8809 (Mr Henry Tan)

A place like Home ~ Penthouse

Authentically Italiano No nonsense, fresh and authentic home-cooked Italian cuisine served with a smile. Discover the sumptuous selections, from delightful antipasti to hearty house specialties, at one of Kota Kinabalu’s best restaurants.

Ground Floor, Hotel Capital, Jalan Haji Saman, 88813 Kota Kinabalu.

PO Box 146, 89407/Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

T/F: +6088 232231 E: emiliano.kl@gmail.com (Opens daily from 10.30am to 11.00pm)

www.littleitaly-kk.com

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Food

I

n an age where fast food rules and pizza, burgers or fried chicken have become part of your daily diet, so much so that everything is starting to taste kind of the same, it’s always nice to throw in some indigenous dishes to add some zing to your meal.

That being said, we recently headed downtown to a little eatery called Tribal Stove. Conveniently located next to Tune Hotel and just across from the main entrance of Hilton Kuching, the place is easily identifiable from outside, with native elements in its décor. A refreshing floral scent greets you at the door, sending you instantly into a state

of calm and peace. The restaurant is clean and beautifully decorated, with soothing sape music playing softly in the background. The waitress was quick to serve us and waited ever so patiently for us to take our pick of what to eat.

Our first pick was their must-have pansuh manuk (chicken cooked with tapioca leaves and local herbs in bamboo), which was wonderfully fragrant and not too salty. Perfect for those who are watching their sodium intake. Next was the refreshing ceviche-like dish prawn umai. We also went for the pais - a lovely piece of tenggiri fish covered in a turmeric-based paste and

wrapped in banana leaf, wok-fried bamboo shoot, fried tapioca leaves with torch ginger flower as well as two types of kerabu or local salad kerabu paku and kerabu pegaga.

The dishes were perfect with steamed white rice. And because they’re lean and prepared with little to no oil, they fill you up without leaving you feeling bloated. Best of all, the flavours were refreshing!

To cater to a wider scope of customers, Tribal Stove dishes out the usuals like fish & chips, nasi lemak, chicken chop, fried rice, mee goreng and the famous Laksa Sarawak as well. But why go there at all if you’re not going to try their indigenous food right?

Tribal Stove opens from 9am to 9pm daily except Sunday. For catering or space for private functions, which the restaurant does provide, please contact the Tribal Stove at:

Tribal Stove is located at No 10, 1st Floor Block H, Jalan Borneo, Taman Sri Sarawak, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6082 234 873 Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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30,000 30,000 people people & & Rising Rising

The fastestgrowing growingtownship township in The fastest inCentral centralRegion regionofofSarawak Sarawak The fastest growing township in central region of Sarawak

call us for more info 欲知详情，请联系我们 call us for more info 欲知详情，请联系我们

Tel: 084-235 888 0111-058 0358 Tel: 084-235 888 0111-058 0358

Property

SibuJaya expects another amazing year in 2017

T

he year 2016 proved to be another amazing year for the vibrant SibuJaya Township. It was a year that another 197 units of Pearl Avenue homes were completed and delivered. Of these, a whopping 191 units have been sold since its sales launching more than a year ago.

Openg, the Chief Minister of Sarawak, was a driving force behind the township’s success, resulting in it picking up two prestigious awards along the way.

The people could see that the SibuJaya masterplan, which was initiated, years ago by YAB Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji

With the 197 units under Pearl Avenue all sold out, the township has already kicked off the next range of affordable homes – the Coral Avenue range. Construction works are at over 60% for the first 97 units, all of which have been sold

out as well, with only corner units available.

Work has already begun for another 158 units. In another development, the three-storey mega sized shops are also nearing completion. With more than 30,000 people from SibuJaya and its surrounding, and the rapid pace of growth sweeping through, 2017 looks set to be another exciting year for this booming township.

Pearl Avenue Double Storey Terrace Homes Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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88cakescorner . +6011 1988 6263 .

88cakescorner.com – Cake Delivery in Kuching –

Please check

The Food C how’s TheFoodCh o w for info on curr ent location

+6012 397 8108 (Opening hours: 7:00pm - 11:00pm . closed on Monday)

Every box tells a story

CafeCafeMalaysia #CafeCafeMalaysia

CAFE CAFE @ Original Car Wash Lot 211-214, Section 9 KTLD, Jalan Rubber, Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 256 396 (Opening hours: 11.00am – 11.30pm . closed on monday .

Carwash: 8.30am – 6.30pm) CAFE CAFE @ Song Plaza No.1, Ground Floor, Lot 12168, Song Plaza, Jalan Tun Jugah / Jalan Song, Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 579 396 (Opening hours: 11.00am – 11.30pm . closed on monday)

It’s never just an ordinary lunch with The Story Box. Each lunchbox is filled with deliciousness prepared by their team of young warriors working tirelessly to deliver nothing but goodness for the heart and soul. And each lunchbox delivered to your doorstep comes with an inspiring story of their life’s journey for you to read and be a part of.

Have your Story Box delivered to you now by calling +6014 333 8959.

Check out our Facebook page at thestoryboxkch (every Monday, Wednesday & Sunday)

Please check The Noms on street’s Nomsonstreet for info on current location.

Please check Hung ry Dino’s hungrydinokch fo r info on current locatio n. +6014 684 4520 (Opening hours: 7.30pm - 10.30pm . closed on Sunday)

+6013 868 2138 (Opening hours: 7:00pm - 11:00pm daily)

Health

Epilepsy “The Falling Sickness”

M

ost people envision full body jerking and foaming of the mouth when picturing someone with epilepsy. In reality, epilepsy can be present in many different ways, ranging from just blank stares to the more dramatic jerking movements and loss of consciousness.

Seizure or fit is the abnormal electrical impulses fired off in the brain due to many causes and sometimes, for unknown reasons.

Epilepsy is a term reserved only for those with recurrent seizures.

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic, non-contagious, neurological disorders worldwide. It is more common in developing countries such as Malaysia (1). WHO estimated 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy (2). Forty percent of epilepsy affects people below the age of 16, with about 20% affecting those above 65 year-olds (3).

In Malaysia, there are still a lot of misconceptions about epilepsy. Epileptic patients are stigmatised and shunned from society (4). Disgraceful names are given in different communities. Chinese community in Malaysia called epilepsy “yang-dian-feng” which translates to “goat-craziness or madness”, while Malay called epilepsy “gila babi, mad pig disease” (5). Epileptic patients are assumed to be mentally and/or physically disabled.

Not all people who experience a seizure have epilepsy. When someone has a seizure or fit, doctors would do a series of tests to look for possible causes, such as low sugar (hypoglycemia), electrolyte abnormality, drug-induced or heart problem. Further tests may be

by Dr Chai Chiun Hian

required such as Electroencephalogram (EEG) - a test that records the brain’s electrical activity; and brain scan either Computed Tomography (CT scan) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain. These advanced tests may help to determine what type of epilepsy and sometimes the cause of epilepsy.

There are 2 main types of epilepsy: Generalised epilepsy and Focal epilepsy.

Generalized epilepsy is more common in children or adolescence, typically genetically related with no structural abnormality in the brain. Focal epilepsy is more common in older adults and tend to have abnormality found in the brain, such as tumour or scar from old stroke or infection.

Generalised epilepsy can manifest as sudden blank stare or uprolling of eyeballs, stiffening of the body, or jerking movements on both sides of the body with loss of consciousness.

Focal epilepsy can present with sudden head and eye turning, focal jerking of one side of the body or they can also progress into generalised body jerking movements.

Some patients experience warning signs or aura leading up to the seizure, such as visual signs (eg. flickering light), smell, hearing sounds (eg. ringing), tingling sensations, or déjà vu.

To help a person during seizure, we need to ensure they are in a safe environment by removing dangerous items around them such as glass or sharps, cushion their heads so they won’t hit hard surfaces, turn their bodies to their sides to avoid aspiration. Never restrain them or put objects into their mouths as these might block their breathing.

Epilepsy is a treatable disease.

Around 70% of patients will respond

to medical therapy using anti-epileptic drugs (2, 6). The rest require more advanced therapy including epileptic surgery. Patient’s adherence to the treatment is very important to control the seizure. Sadly, in middle and low income countries, it was reported that around 75% of epilepsy were not optimally treated (2).

Most patients with epilepsy could live near normal lives. However, they need to recognise their limitations and adhere to their treatment. Patients who have just been diagnosed with epilepsy should resist driving until they are seizure free for at least one year.

Patients should not swim or engage in other dangerous sports such as scuba diving or riding motorcycle. Adequate sleep is advocated.

Various efforts have been initiated both locally and internationally to raise public awareness on epilepsy.

The Malaysian Society of Epilepsy is a collaboration of patients, caregivers and medical personnel aim to provide information and supports to improve welfare of patients with epilepsy and to correct misconceptions about epilepsy in Malaysia.

References:

1. Arulsamy A, Bey Hing G, Mohd. Farooq S. Currents status of epilepsy in Malaysia and way ahead. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2015.

2. World Health Organization. Fact SheetEpilepsy 2017.

3. Shorvon S, Diehl B, Duncan J, Koepp M, Rugg-Gunn F, Sander J, Walker M & Wehner T. Epilepsy and related disorders. Pg 221287. Neurology: A Queen Square Textbook, Second Edition 2016.

4. Neni SW, Abdul Latif AZ, Wong SY, Lua PL. Awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy among rural populations in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia: A preliminary exploration. Seizure 2010: 280-290.

5. Lim KS, Li SC, Casanova-Gutierrez J, Tan CT. Name of epilepsy, does it matter? Neurology Asia 2012; 17(2): 87-91.

6. Bromfield EB, Cavazos JE. An introduction to epilepsy. American Epilepsy Society 2006.

KUCHING SPECIALIST HOSPITAL (A Member of KPJ Healthcare Berhad Group)

Suite 16, Lot 10420, Block 11, Tabuan Stutong Commercial Centre, Jalan Setia Raja, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6082 365 777 ext. 174 +6082 364 666 kcsh@kcsh.kpjhealth.com.my

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BT Lens

BT Lens

Focus through

Photos captured between January - March 2017

Honda Malaysia launched its all-new BR-V (Bold Runabout Vehicle) at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on January 5. President & Chief Operating Officer of Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Roslan Abdullah unveiled the vehicle to guests and the media at the launching event.

CMS Property Development hosted a CNY Open House at Rivervale Residences @ Stutong Kuching on February 4. Besides delicious finger foods and a lion dance performance, guests were also invited to view the show house where the event was held.

Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) once again held its Majlis Agenda DBKU, from Feb 3 – 5. The event also witnessed the launching of their ‘Kiss Plastic Goodbye’ campaign, whereby the public can purchase a uniquely designed lightweight recyclable bag with an exclusive Narong Daun painting. The bag comes with a BorneoTalk Privilege Card with the same design.

38 Media hosted their 38 Media Wedding Expo from Feb 16-19 at Vivacity Megamall Kuching. The expo featured wedding dresses, wedding photos, cakes and bridal fashion shows among others.

The Upside Down House Kuching was launched on March 1.

Located adjacent to Tune Hotel, it’s a perfect destination that offers fun for the whole family.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) shows its support for wildlife conservation efforts in Sarawak by contributing a Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 pick-up truck to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation in a handover ceremony on March 13.

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Health

Cervical cancer prevention is better than cure

C

by DR LI HIE ING Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, MBBS (UM), MRCOG (UK), Special interest in minimally invasive surgery (MIS)

ervical Cancer is the second most common type of cancer affecting women worldwide and is the third most common type of cancer among Malaysian women.

Factors leading towards cervical cancer include early onset of sexual activities and multiple sexual partners that lead to HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, low socioeconomic status, cigarette smoking, oral contraceptive pills and when a person is immunocompromised (having an impaired immune system).

HPV infections are very common, especially in the absence of vaccination when the majority of sexually active individuals are susceptible to HPV infection during their lifetime. High risk HPV may later lead to cervical cancer. In fact, it has been identified as a leading cause of cervical cancer (over 95%).

HPV is sexually transmitted in both homosexual or heterosexual relationships and can infect both men and women, putting them at risk of cancer in the vagina, vuiva, anus, penis, throat and particularly cancer of the cervix. The area affected depends on a person’s sexual habits. For instance, anal sex may lead to anal cancer and oral sex may lead to throat cancer.

In Malaysia, the most common types of HPV causing cervical cancer are HPV 16,18,58, 52 and 33, with HPV 16 and 18 accounting for 62.1% of the cases while HPV 58, 52 and 33 accounts for the other 18% cases.

Malaysia has taken precautionary steps, by implementing HPV vaccination in schoolgoers.

How to prevent cervical cancer: 1) HPV vaccination – There are three types of vaccine available, namely; a. Cervarix – to protect against HPV 16, 18 b. Gardasil – to protect against HPV 16, 18, 6, 11 c. Gardasil 9 – to protect against HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, 6, 11

Cervarix and Gardasil (against 16,18) can help to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer by 70%, while Gardasil 9 can potentially offer an overall prevention of cervical cancer up to 90%.

HPV vaccination is most effective in those who have never been sexually active and can be administered to both males and females as early as 9 years

KPJ Sibu Specialist Medical Centre No 52A-G, Brooke Drive 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia.

+6084 329 900 enquiry@kpjsibu.com

+6084 327 700 OfficialKPJSSMC

old. Each person should receive three doses in total (those between the ages of 9 and 14 only need two doses).

2) Regular Cervical Screening Cervical screening (pap smear or LBC – Liquid based cytology) is used to detect precancerous and cancerous processes in the

cervix. Females who are sexually active should start undergoing cervical screening at the age of 25. Cervical screening is done annually. If 3 consecutive results are normal, it is recommended that cervical screening is repeated every two to three years.

Cervical screening is important as it helps to pick up pre-malignant conditions which are much easier to treat as compared to cancer and it is important to remember that the HPV vaccine does not replace routine cervical screening.

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Eco Tourism

T

he Heart Of Borneo (HOB) initiative involving Indonesia, Brunei and Sarawak, Malaysia has gotten another boost for adventure tourism with the inclusion of Ulu Sungai Menyang (approx. 14,000ha). The main attractions here are the Orang Utans found residing within the area in early 2013. The area was also targeted as an eco-tourism site with its natives given an exclusive tourist licence over the area.

“This is to ensure that the ecotourism opportunities would not be taken over by outsiders and that these natives would also continue to retain their Native Customary Rights lands here,” Senior Assistant Director, International Affairs Division, Forest Department Sarawak, Shahbudin b. Sabki commented. To ensure that the people fully understand the plans for the area, five workshops were held in various sites to brief them on the concepts of alternative livelihood development conceptualised under the tourism management plan, community participation, patrolling and sustainable resource utilisation.

Additionally, the Government would be assisting through the upgrading of basic infrastructure and

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transportation while socio-economic studies would be conducted on these residential communities with the aim of improving their livelihoods.

“When the people in the area are aware of the initiatives for the area, they will then be able to ensure sustainable utilisation of natural resources, which will ensure long term protection of the forest and long term survival of the Orang Utans found within the area,” he added. He also pointed out that the Government’s initiatives were a series of ongoing efforts in monitoring the

progress made with trainings on various subjects related to the management plan.

“For example, we have collectively briefed and trained them on the ecotourism “Red Ape Trail” initiative which involves taking tourists to see the Orang Utans in their natural habitats. Subsequently, this particular initiative has attracted more than 2,000 tourists, mainly from Europe, to visit the area and the potential for this activity will continue to grow as more people know about it,” he said confidently. The activity will also generate income for the people and further enhance international recognition for Sarawak in ensuring the protection of forest

Eco Tourism

-U lu Me ny an g, Ba tan gA i@

201 3-

spare parts for them. There are also projects on teaching fish farming and fishing guides to the natives to provide them with better skills and alternative livelihood choices.

Amongst these is the Tagang System whereby particular rivers are

maturing process and is part of the green eco-tourism concept for the area.

habitats. Ulu Sungai Menyang is adjacent to Batang Ai National Park, where a large population of Orang Utans are found.

Another activity that has been promoted for the area is the cultivation of Gaharu agronomy; the Gaharu is a native species of tree known for its aromatic scent when burned and is highly sought after internationally. However, the cultivation of Gaharu here is not exclusively for its wood; the plan includes collecting of its leaves for Gaharu tea, a brand new idea that resonates well with the visitors to the area. It also provides some income for the natives while the trees are in the

“Before the Gaharu project was implemented, a series of workshops were also held for the residents to familiarise them with the proposal of the benefits for their communities.

The first batch of 3,000 Gaharu seedlings were planted at Rumah Manggat in November 2016 with follow-up visits in December 2016 and 2017. Additionally, 8,000 Gaharu seedlings will be planted within the area over the next few years, which will provide the natives with a source of income and potential reward when the trees are matured for harvesting,� he explained.

Other training courses for the residents include repairing mechanical engines like the outboard engines for which 21 participants were taught on maintenance, handling the engines and identifying

designated by the community to be totally free from fishing activities for certain parts of the year(s) to enable the river to be stocked with fish for harvesting on an agreed time frame where the community will all share in the harvest. Naturally other programmes include homestay where particular households open their homes to visitors and live with them throughout their stay in the area. All these activities and programmes are designated to ensure that the residents are well informed and provided with the proper skills and training to benefit from the Ulu Sungai Menyang conservation area development plan.

Contributing agencies for the whole project include Forest Department Sarawak, Resident Office Sri Aman, Land and Survey Sri Aman, Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd, State Attorney General Office, State Planning Unit, Natural Resources Environment Board as well as Ministry of Resource Planning and Environment.

Forest Department Sarawak Jalan Stadium, 93660 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

T: +6082 319 224 F: +6082 319 237 E: mohdnorf@sarawak.gov.my www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my Apr-Jun2017BorneoTalk |

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