Reception Booklet Project
TechCycle Tech4ALL
Global Community Development Programme
From: AIESEC in Malaysia
AIESEC in Malaysia welcome YOU! A very warm “Selamat Datang”, “Welcome”, “Varungal” and “Huan Ying” to Malaysia - Truly Asia! We thank you for dedicating your time participating in Global Community Development Programme (GCDP) with AIESEC in Malaysia! We hope this reception booklet will help you prepare best for your upcoming experience. Indeed, Malaysians can undoubtedly boast of their generous warm hospitality and smiling faces known to the world. We, AIESEC in Malaysia welcome you with our open hands and offer you the best opportunities to gain as much experience as one could imagine here in Malaysia. We hope you will find your stay here worthwhile and pleasant. However, should you encounter any difficulties and problems during your stay in Malaysia, please do contact the project team responsible as we are more than happy to assist you in any way in order to have the difficulties or problems solved in a smooth and friendly way. Once again, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for participating in the program. It’s been a pleasure having your presence here with us and we indeed look forward to working with you more closely from now and in the future to ensure a high quality learning experience for all involved.
Welcome
Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colorful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and socializing. As a people, Malaysians are very laid back, warm and friendly. Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. There are two parts to the country, 11 states in the Peninsula of Malaysia and two states on the northern part of Borneo. Cool hideaways are found in the highlands that roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves. One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sit several meters away from ancient reefs. For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.
About Us
Country The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsula Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
Geographical Location Located between 2ยบ and 7ยบ north of the Equator, Peninsula Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsula Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbor is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are north of Indonesia in Borneo while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei.
Population 26 million
People Malays who make up about 57% of the population are the predominant group with Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups making up the rest.
Facts
Capital Kuala Lumpur
Religion Islam is the official religion but all other religions are freely practiced.
Government Malaysia is governed by a Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of the Government is the Prime Minister.
Climate Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures in the lowlands range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). The highlands are cooler, where temperatures range between 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Time Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.
Facts
Language Although Bahasa Malaysia is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business and commerce. Chinese dialects like Cantonese and Mandarin and Indian dialects like Tamil and Hindi are common among the Chinese and Indian communities.
Flag
Coat of Arms
Facts
National Flower
Dress Code Since Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate which is hot and sunny, lightweight clothing, as well as cotton, is ideal when going for sight seeing or traveling around town. Generally, t-shirts and shorts are acceptable. However, do dress appropriately when dining out in restaurants or going for a night out, particularly in cities. Certain establishments also have a dress code. It is also important to dress decently (no shorts) when visiting villages and also any places of worship. Business formal is usually appropriate for a first meeting. Visits to government offices, public organizations such as schools and universities require visitors to be in T-shirts with collars, pants cover the ankle level, and covered shoes.
Information
Public Transportation in Kuala Lumpur RapidKL is the key public transportation company in KL with LRT, monorial, bus http://www.myrapid.com.my/ Two public transportation methods available: train and bus. Train tickets are to be bought at the station from vending machine or ticket counter; bus tickets from the driver. Always carry with you small notes and coins, because in Rapid KL buses you have to pay exact amount and sometimes train ticket machines only accept coins. Keep your ticket throughout the journey, because you’ll need it to get through the gate when exiting the station. Watch your belongings especially when getting on and off the train. Cabs are usually cheaper when they use the meter, but most often the drivers will insist on a fixed price. Try to negotiate a reasonable price and when you find exceptionally fair drivers, take their numbers so that you can call them again next time.
Information
Information
Expenses The cost of living in Malaysia is moderate. Depending on your appetite, you should budget at least RM 500-RM600 for food per month. In addition, you will have transportation, clothing and personal expenses to figure out into your budget.
Grocery Index Item
Price
1 loaf of bread
RM2.50
1 dozen of eggs
RM3.60
Fresh milk (1 litre)
RM5.60
1 can of 100 plus
RM1.60
1 can of Coke
RM2.00
Mineral Water 1500ml
RM1.60
Information
Electricity Voltage is 220 -240 volts AC at 50Hz. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.
Currency The unit of currency is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) indicated as RM 1 U.S. dollar = RM 3.21 1 Euro = RM 4.41 (as of 10th Dec 13) Foreign currency can be converted at banks and moneychangers at major shopping malls, borders, and airports.
Telecommunications TuneTalk http://www.tunetalk.com/my/ Umobile http://www.u.com.my/ Hotlink www.hotlink.com.my/ DiGi www.digi.com.my/
Information
TechCycle Tech4ALL “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
A program run in partnership by AIESEC Malaysia, and SOLS 24/7, the TechCycle initiative targets electronic waste and the digital divide between the rich and poor rural communities in Malaysia. The program will raise awareness about e-waste and technological illiteracy, provide educational materials and instruction to needy NGOs working with the poor, and will collect, repair, and redistribute technology free of charge! www.solstech.org
Project
TechCycle Tech4ALL Interns will be working in SOLS Tech, the technology arm of SOLS 24/7. The SOLS 24/7 headquarter in Malaysia is located at Sungai Besi town, Kuala Lumpur, 30 minutes drive from the city center.
More information About TechCycle
Project
Living Condition EP will be staying at SOLS 24/7 premise at: 1 Petaling Condominium, Sungai Besi, Selangor. Food and accommodation is provided.
Project
Project Activities, Interaction with Staffs
Project
Immigration Clearance •
Passport valid for 6 months and above from the entry date.
•
Visa (if applicable) Note: All GCDP (Global Citizen Programme) EPs in Malaysia will be using travel visa instead of working visa
•
Return flight ticket Required for nationalities with 30 visa free days, and nationalities of Indian, Chinese, Sri Lankan. Preferred for other nationalities to be able to show proof of exiting the country upon requested by immigration officers.
•
Invitation letter (show when necessary)
•
Credit card to prove enough cash for duration of stay. Else, cash at least USD 500 for 6 weeks internship.
• Note: - DO inform immigration officers that you are coming to country for study tour, social visits with AIESEC in Malaysia. - DO NOT ever mention that you are here for works/ voluntary work/ employment.
Preparation Checklist
Pre-Arrival Checklist • Sufficient clothes (summer style), and business formal. • Personal medication. • Sufficient pocket money in Malaysian currency (MYR) or USD. Credit card/bank card with logo of “MaterCard”, “Visa”, “MEPS” or “CIRRUS” are encouraged. • Passport (valid for 6 months upon entry date) & visa. • For medical needs/emergency/safety purpose, we highly advise all trainees to purchase a travel insurance valid for your duration of stay in Malaysia.
Reception • Confirm your arrival date, time, flight information with the TN manager 5 days prior to arrival. • Understand how to get to SOLS 24/7 premise. Read the following page for info.
Preparation Checklist
Reception KLIA
Take KLIA Transit
Stop at
Station Bandar Tasik Selatan (Approx RM 30)
Head to the Taxi Station Destination: 1 Petaling Condominium (RM 10-RM 12)
Arrival Contacts JAN jan@sols247.org +6014 6463 163
ALIFFIA aliffia.rachman@aiesec.net +6018 6601 682
Preparation Checklist
Any Problems? •
AIESEC is the final responsible for EPs welfare during their internship period. • We take care of EP working experience, living condition needs, immigration, safety etc. • Hence, it is always EP responsibility to update AIESEC on any troubles they have for transparency of TN—AIESEC—EP communications. It applies even though EPs are working in an hosting NGO/company. • Follow the step by step communications flow as below. EP Talk to TN Manager
EP, EP Manager, TN, TN manager discussion
Internal Control Board
Both Sending country MC discussion
GCDP Experience Support
Feedback • We have new an EP experience feedback, Net Promoter Score (NPS) system which helps us understand experiences that we are providing. • We greatly appreciate your participation in providing us suggestions on how we can improve. 3 surveys will be sent to you from AIESEC International, at various stages of your experience
You may provide feedback on: • Overall experience scoring feedback • What aspects we should keep up/improve on • Also, indicate “Need help with your experience” for any complaints, or email to aiesecmalaysia.nps@aiesec.net for immediate attention.
GCDP Experience Support
Tourism Malaysia - http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/ - http://www.malaysiatravel.org.uk/ - http://www.701panduan.com - http://www.geographia.com/malaysia/
Sabah - http://www.sabahtourism.com - http://www.sabahtravelguide.com/welcome.asp
Sarawak - http://www.sarawaktourism.com/ aa content.cfm - http://wikitravel.org/en/Sarawak
Malaysia’s Map http://www.igomalaysia.com/malaysia-map.php
Airline Companies - http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/hq/en/home.aspx - http://www.airasia.com/site/my/en/home.jsp
Emergency Calls
aa http://mymalaysia.wordpress.com/2006/08/14/malaysiageninfoemergency-numbers/
Links