THE FIRST FREE REVERSED CONCEPT MAGAZINE IN MALAYSIA todayschoices.com.my
BERJAYA AIR IN-FLIGHT SUPPLEMENT JAN-FEB 2013 / VOLUME 3 KDN PP 17830/08/2013 (032924)
MAWARNI HASSAN
Reshaping The Environment on the Job and Outside
EMBRACE
THE RICH ATTITUDE
ENGAGE
IN NEGOTIATIONS
ENJOY
YOUR HOLIDAY IN TIBET
Hidden Gem of Batu Rakit
Experience beautiful sunrise at Gem Beach Resort
Newly taken over by a new management, Gem Beach resort has added another 30 units of newly completed sea view rooms to its sprawling land. The newly completed rooms are tastefully furnished with tea n coffee making facilities, a luxurious ensuite power shower n toilet, TV with satellite channels,a balcony overlooking the South China Sea n lots of other facilities available at the resort. The spacious Jade restaurant boasts of a good pool n sea view that serves a good mix of Western, Chinese and local cuisine for your indulgence. Ingredients are freshly selected from local suppliers to ensure its freshness. Our Chefs have put together a good selection of menu for your gastronomic indulgence. With 2 swimming pools for the convenience of guests, The Turquoise cafe by the poolside serves light snacks and drinks where guests relax n chill out
while enjoying the tropical sun and serene envisonmnet. A souvenir shop, aptly named Treasure Chest sells a variety of good quality T shirts, snacks, beach apparels and other knick knacks for guests convenience. The resort have 4 categories of rooms available for the individual need of guests, ranging from standard garden view rooms, deluxe sea view rooms, Super deluxe sea view rooms, and Suites The set up of the environment is suitable for weddings n honeymooners who wish to get away for a private n relaxed holiday. Our well train staff will be pleased to cater to your needs and assist you for a memorable holiday. We also cater for groups who wish to have private outings with themed nights for corporate companies and annual dinners.
You may log onto our website : www.gembeach.com.my or contact us at : Tel : 03 – 6205 5555 / 09 – 669 5910 / 09 – 669 5930 Fax : 03 – 6205 5557 / 09 – 669 5920 Email : ctwee@gembeach.com.my or rsvn@gembeach.com.my
New Management, Refurbished & Revived Come & relax, de-stress in an environment of serenity, good food and amidst a sprawling matured landscaped compound overlooking the South China Sea.
Gem Beach Resort
Tel : 03 – 6205 5555 / 09 – 669 5910 / 09 – 669 5930 Fax : 03 – 6205 5557 / 09 – 669 5920 Website : www.gembeach.com.my Email : ctwee@gembeach.com.my / rsvn@gembeach.com.my
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B EACH R ESORT
B ATU R AKIT
CONTENTS JAN - FEB | VOLUME 3 08
17
06
entrepreneurship
03 THE IMPORTANCE OF MOTIVATING THE EMPLOYEES 04 ATTITUDES OF RICH PEOPLE 06 BE SMART IN NEGOTIATING 06 MUST READ: COSMODERM CEO, MAWARNI HASSAN 08 BEAT YOUR COMPETITION WISELY! 10 I AM A LONELY LEADER
teChnology & gadget
11 THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA 12 MAXIS & IPHONE 5 13 SAMSUNG GALAXY CAMERA 14 THE EVOLUTION OF YOUTUBE
19
Wheels
15 GUIDELINES ON BUYING YOUR FIRST CAR 16 STYLISHLY SPORTY - TOYOTA PRIUS C TRD SPORTIVO 17 LIGHTER & COMPACT - THE ALL NEW SUZUKI SWIFT
fly aWay asia
19 THE MAGNIFICENT OF TIBET 22 GOLF CLUBS IN SELANGOR
ENTREPRENEURSHIP THE IMPORTANCE OF MOTIVATING THE EMPLOYEES Ensuring your staff are motivated and stay that way is an important part of running a business. This guide looks at what skills and tools to use to make sure you keep your staff involved and happy.
Why is motivation important?
Motivation is important because even at the most basic level, it costs more to replace staff than to keep them. Staff liked to feel needed and respected and keeping them happy means they'll stay with you for much longer. Remind yourself that even in tough times; you need to keep motivating your staff high on your list of priorities. Make staff feel respected and check on your staff regularly.
Make people feel valued
Hopefully your staff are performing well and helping drive your business forward. In that case, you should be letting them know how much you value them on a regular basis. Whether you tell them or buy them a slice of cake both work equally well. It shows you've thought of them and if you can afford to splash out on weekly drinks - then do so. If you're staff enjoy socialising with you as much as working with you, then you're doing something right. Incentives your staff by with social events and let your staff know how much you value them
Lead by example
It's important that you lead by example when dealing with staff, if you expect to your team to stay late, then you should stay late too. Likewise, if you don't want staff rolling in at 11 am on a Monday morning, then make sure you're at your desk bright and early. It's not just about working hours though, show you staff respect and you'll (hopefully) get it back. They'll also pick up on the way you speak to people and act in different circumstances, so make sure you're behaving how you'd like them to. Don't expect your staff to do what you won't and have firm leadership qualities.
Training & personal development
Investing in your staff is important, not only will it mean you're getting the best and most up to date in the business but they'll be grateful for being able to develop under your watchful eye. Make sure you fully research courses to send your staff on to get the full potential. It's also important to get feedback from staff on how they feel the courses benefitted them. Set aside money to spend on training courses and fully research courses. JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES � 03
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
attitudes
of riCh people
a
ll of us want to become successful in life, whether we want to become successful in terms of monetary, familial, emotional, romantic and career wise etc. But are they the happiest people? We really don’t know, but to some extent they are already successful because their vision and ambition has been attained. Whatever is it that we want or aspire in our lives, is it best if we have the following qualities:
1
2 3
04 ● TODAY’S CHOICES | JAN - FEB 2013
You should believe in yourself - To have faith in oneself is to have self confidence. Once you have self confidence, it will emanate from the things you do. You are not scared to explore and not afraid to fail too. You should realized that failing is just a part of life and if you fail now, you can become successful later. Try and try until you succeed, and do not take no for an answer. You should think and dream big but be realistic. Ideas may come from small or big ones. You should dream big (dreams are free anyway, so why not dream big.) You should however know how to separate reality from imagination.
4
You should have a vision and plan -plus you have a list of the things needed to be done. You need to focus on your plan too.
5
You set your goal and make it happen. You don’t just sit down and wait for it to happen. You need to work hard for it.
6
You set a time frame and stick to it, if it fails the first time, you may try again.
7
You listen to other peoples advise - You should not be arrogant not to take advice from other people and you should take include their advise in your plan if you think it will help.
8
Have thirst for more knowledge and information You should continue to learn
9
You learn to share wealth - Gates and Oprah set up a foundation to help people.
10
You should believe in “karma“, what goes around comes around. As you go along with your life make sure to make it right with others, not hurting other people along the way and doing good because you acknowledge that if you do something bad to others, it will come back to you.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
be smart
in negotiating negotiating is tough. But if you want to make it to the top, you must learn how to do it effectively…
Open assertively. When it comes to a number, people tend to have low expectations and nothing makes that worse than a tough job market. Come up with a number that is the highest number you can rationally defend. Don't give a range. It's important to elongate the conversation before closing the deal. If you can avoid the conversation completely until they love you, do that. Negotiations are so much easier when you have leverage. Wait until you have a good sense of the job and position, and they have a great sense of you and want you. Avoid putting a number in a cover letter if at all possible. If you have to, include a well-researched but aggressive number. Many people are overly deferential. They say the hardest person to negotiate with is an authority figure, as opposed to someone withholding information. People need to close the gap and really go out of their way to have a conversation with a peer. All it is a conversation that ends in agreement. There are things you can do to draw the conversation out to give you more intelligence. Ask expansive questions like, "Can you tell me about your rationale for that?" or "I'd love to hear more about your thinking. Is there a policy that mandates that?" Many people are willing to elaborate. Insist on criteria and don't accept a flippant "no." All too often, if somebody hears "no," they really take it as a damning conclusion or an endpoint. If there's anything I've learned from executives, it's that they've never been afraid to go back and say, "How about now?" Maybe the timing or the person wasn't right the first time around. Maybe you need to tweak your pitch a little bit. If you never hear no, you're not asking for enough. If we're honest we'll never have the most perfect data set. Women in particular need to have a mind set where they round up. They consistently round down. There's a big difference between the way men and women approach negotiating, and it has an absolutely huge effect on assignments we get and the money we make. Executives have all advocated themselves to the top.
JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 05
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
“We
[women] have the opportunity to be role models and mentor others. Hang in there; we can help reshape the environment on the job and outside”. This was stated by Irene Rosenfeld, the CEO of Kraft Food, a Fortune 500 company. This belief is translated into action by Mawarni Hassan, CEO of Vanity Cosmeceutical Sdn.Bhd. that produces and markets Cosmoderm personal skincare products. In fact Mawarni Hassan does not even think of her business as being just hers. She thinks of it as an opportunity to practice business with integrity while building an environment that develops employees and provide opportunities for women to become financially stable and thrive. Her main credo is “Everyone has a right to beautiful skin” and she ensures that Cosmoderm products are effective, safe for use and halal certified. Cosmoderm products have been in the Malaysian market since 2002 and were one of the first locally produced and formulated brands to be certified halal by JAKIM in 2005. Currently it can be found in 300 Guardian outlets and almost 700 independent and chain pharmacies all over Malaysia. A customer can find Cosmoderm products in most parts of the country; from a bustling pharmacy in Sogo shopping complex in the middle of KL to a neighbourhood pharmacy in the sleepy town of Yan, Kedah. Younger customers have been purchasing the products online since 2011 on their e-commerce site and Facebook page. Mawarni came on-board Vanity Cosmeceutical Sdn. Bhd. in 2011 and since then Cosmoderm’s sales have been increasing steadily across all channels. So what exactly is she been doing that is different?
maWarni hassan
“reshaping the Environment on the Job and outside”
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Mawarni believes in growing the business by providing products and consultation services that helps to solve customers’ problems, allow them to gain confidence in themselves and trust the brand. The business model provides opportunities for outlets, promoters, retail agents, distributors and suppliers to profit when the business booms. Her experience in previous lives as an educator, public relations, HR and training and development in both the public and private sector have led to a unique skillset and an unconventional approach to building brand awareness for Cosmoderm while keeping expenses low. Since 2011, Cosmoderm has been on Selangor FM, sponsored prizes in competitions and has collaborated regularly with Dagang Halal in their events and is on their website promoting halal brands products nationwide and in the global halal market. This collaboration has led to Cosmoderm being exported to Lebanon in 2012.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
mawarni Hassan with the Cosmoderm team. The consistently positive testimonials given by enthusiastic customers on the Cosmoderm Facebook page and blogs in tandem with print advertising in popular women magazines have made a huge difference to sales with increased demand across both retail and online channels. 2012 saw Cosmoderm skincare and body care products selling like hot cakes across the 700 pharmacies as well as 17 retail agents across the country. This incredible growth rate is supported by a small, mainly female team of 25. This growth is further fueled by Mawarni’s belief that successful women end up motivating other women to become entrepreneurs. To translate this belief into reality, she has launched a retail agent channel that allows women to start a business selling Cosmoderm part-time or full-time with a basic investment of RM550. For her, it is vital that women be financially stable for they are the heart and spirit of the family and the conscience of a community and society.
What do you feel are the strengths of your business?
Our strengths are our focus on constantly improving customer service, consultancy and our products’ effectiveness. We teach our customers how to use Cosmoderm products according to their skin type and specific problems via email, SMS and social media. I also maintain a flexible work culture that empower and develop my backroom team comprising mainly Gen X and Gen Y.
hoW did you get started in this business?
Technically entrepreneurship is already in my blood as my grandfather was a successful businessman in Kelantan. However I’ve always chosen to be a salaried employee. The opportunity to
enter the business world was almost by chance. I was looking for a skincare product for my daughter and she had tried many products even expensive ones but they did not work for her until she tried Cosmoderm. The problem was that when I wanted to buy it again, it was so difficult to find which was unusual for a good product. So I did some digging and found out that the company was in transition and the owner was looking to either sell it or get an investor. At that point, I was considering a career transition and here was a company with an established line of products and loyal customers with great potential for growth. After much thought, I invested and came on-board as the CEO in 2011.
What gives you your greatest buZZ as an entrepreneur?
My greatest buzz is the fact that I make the decisions, set the stage and run the show. The buck stops with me. No more safety net!
Why the skin Care business?
I didn’t want to repeat myself and continue in the same field that I’ve been in all my life. The opportunity was in the skincare business and it meant a change in context, new challenges and a chance to make a difference in peoples’ lives. For those who don’t have good skin, they find it challenge to feel good about themselves and be confident about who they are for everybody has a right to good skin and affordable skincare.
What are the three top Cosmoderm produCts in the market?
Our Vitamin E 3000 IU cream that is fantastic for Scar Healing and Anti-aging, Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleanser for oily skin and acne-prone skin and our Manjakani Hygiene Wash that both wives and husbands swear by!
hoW do you handle the Challenge of the business?
My on-going challenge has always been balancing cash flow. As the saying goes “cash is king” as it is the lifeblood of any business operation. I must always check and balance my enthusiasm to reward customers and my team and pitch my brand yet settle my payroll and pay my bills on time! Alhamdulillah, the steady increase in sales this year has helped immensely.
WhiCh three Words Would best about you?
Risk-taker, Flexible, Multi-tasker
What are most important things you expeCt from your team?
I am blessed that I have a great team who are very competent in their respective fields, passionate and committed about growing the business. I expect the Vanity team to be competent, self-motivated, eager to learn and try new ideas, able to think critically, work independently and articulate their ideas and feelings. Integrity in all aspects is critical. As lunch meetings are a norm, they should also enjoy food!
top 3 Wish lists for 2013?
To implement an Integrated Online System for sales and CRM To see our new Gentle range for Dry / Sensitive Skin in major pharmacies To see Cosmoderm step into ASEAN and Mid-East market Log onto www.mycosmoderm.com or write to halalcosmoderm@gmail.com for more interesting information about Cosmoderm.
JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 07
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
BEAT YOUR
COMPETITION
WISELY!
Do you ever feel like there’s a competitor around every corner? Budding entrepreneurs often hesitate to follow their business dreams because they believe their target market is already so saturated that there simply is no more room to absorb any new entrants. However, savvy small business owners can make it in a crowded field, even one filled with a couple of big players. The key to your business’ success doesn’t hinge on finding a completely empty field, but how you define your company and its place in the market. Here are four easy ways to set yourself apart and beat the competition in your industry.
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Talking to customers one-on-one is the best way to truly take the pulse of the market and to understand customer needs and how your company is doing.
Identify a void in your industry–and fill it Many first-time entrepreneurs make the mistake of thinking they need to blaze a new trail to be successful. Of course, the market always needs innovators, but a business doesn’t necessarily have to be revolutionary in order to succeed. Rather than struggling to come up with a brand new idea, take a look at your target industry and see where there’s a void to be filled. Then, figure out the best possible way to service that need and run with it. Starbucks wasn’t the first company to sell coffee, but they did REINVENT the coffee shop by selling an experience along with a caffeine fix. Your product and service may be similar in many aspects to that of the competition except for a few defining factors. Those are the key to everything. You should be great at all the basics, and then put your energy and focus on being exceptional at what makes you different. Create a customercentric culture No matter how big your business gets and how much staff you bring on, always keep the business to stay as close to
customers as possible. Talking to customers one-on-one is the best way to truly take the pulse of the market and to understand customer needs and how your company is doing. Do you market research and evaluate the market from time to time so you can improve the business for betterment. Don’t compete on price Eager to attract customers, many small businesses feel the only way they can compete in their industry is to undercut the competition on price. I have to admit that some people fell into this same trap with our company–they dropped the prices to unsustainable levels. Our business grew, customers were happy, more customers came in, yet they were nearly losing money with every new order. This happens to many small businesses in crowded markets. They find themselves running as fast as they can, yet they are still barely bringing in enough money to keep their operations afloat. Faced with this situation, what did we do? We repositioned from competing on price to competing on service. In a saturated market, someone will always be able (or willing) to absorb a lower cost than you. You’ll need to find a new way to
stand out; for us, this was by offering personal service. We began providing free business consultations to everyone who wanted one. We increased our customer service. We also increased our prices to support the higher service levels, and we saw sales and repeat business rise. The key was defining who we were and what made us different, and then focusing on being as exceptional as possible in those differentiating areas. Remember that saturation can mean strength A competitive and crowded industry indicates that customer demand exists, and that the market is viable. If you carve your own niche, there will be room for your business. If you’re considering starting a business, don’t be disheartened if a lot of other companies are already offering a similar kind of product or service. You should still look before you leap and do your research on how you can stand out, but don’t let the idea of a saturated market stand in your way. You can beat the competition.
JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 09
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Y
es, it can be lonely at the top. We often get feedback from clients that some of the key value we deliver is being a sounding board, a support, a professional companion for their person at the top when they can’t turn anywhere else.Whether you’re the CEO of a multinational corporation or a solooperator running a business from home; if you’re a leader you probably know how lonely you can feel.As a leader, how do you make sure that you can address this feeling of isolation before it negatively affects your performance? The following are five strategies to mitigate the negative effects of loneliness.
Acknowledge it
I AM A LONELY LEADEr
People who are at the top often deny they feel lonely. Either because they feel they don’t have the right to feel alone, or because admitting to loneliness might be seen as a sign of weakness. But ignoring and denying feelings of loneliness only worsens the situation. So, when you start feeling lonely at the top – acknowledge it, name it, and do something about it!
Find and join a group of like-minded leaders
Joining a group of your peers can greatly reduce the isolation you feel. You will meet people you’re on equal footing with, who know what you’re going through. When you are with your peers and you hear of their own experiences, you will realize that you are not alone and you will have the opportunity to share your own experiences.
Seek out personal advisers
These may be trusted colleagues, childhood friends, past bosses, or even some of your company’s board members. The important part is to find people whose professional and personal opinions you trust and with whom you can talk openly. With your personal advisors there should be no need to wear your leadershipmask; you should be able to let your guard down and talk freely about your ideas, worries, and dreams, knowing that you will get honest feedback and that confidentiality will be upheld.
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Get a coach
A professional coach acts as a sounding board, advocate, accountability partner, truth-teller, and professional support – and these services invaluable to people at the top. Coaches are trained to listen and help you hear your own concerns, identify your own goals, and establish your best way forward. A coach can also help you gain insight into yourself that will improve both your personal and professional performance.
Maintain a balance in your life
Finally, remember that you are not just a leader; you also have other roles in your life, whether as a spouse, a parent, or a friend. Take off your leader-mask when you leave the office and learn how to say “no” when business matters intrude on personal time. Learn to delegate so that your personal relationships don’t suffer.
Being a leader is not easy
A lot of people expect so much from you that feeling isolated and lonely sometimes is inevitable and total understandable. But don’t give in. Instead, give these strategies a go. Treat loneliness as you would any other challenge you come up against as a leader: name it, face it, and overcome it.
TECHNOLOGY & GADGET
THE POWER OF
SOCIAL MEDIA
EXPLORE & PROMOTE Previously, there are lots of entrepreneur who saw social media as a joke and perceive it as a useless tool in their business, but nowadays, having a perception like that will obviously making you like a fool. Social media is a very powerful platform, there are various sites that offers you a good platform to find your market or niche.
LISTEN & INTERACT Many business owners they tend to get the idea of collecting the customers as many as you can through social media. That is actually wrong, social media is not a platform to show how many people that LIKES your page. It is actually a platform for you to offer a better idea or solution to them by using your product.
For instance, you may use Facebook to find your future customers by creating a page (it's FREE). From there, you can use various tools to make your page more informative and useful to a lot of Facebook users. Use Twitter to gain more customers (it's FREE) or creating a vlog on YouTube to share information with your customers (again it's FREE).
For instance, you may post a tips on using your product on your page, creating a conversation with your customers. If someone post a question or feedback, make sure you engage with them in a way that make them feel appreciated because you actually listened to what they have in mind about your product. Because at the end of the day, people actually care about you by posting a feedback on your page.
KIND & GENEROUS Not everyone will be posting a good feedback on your page. You must be aware on that issue. There will be a day that haters will post rude comments and said bad things about your product. You must act smart by using the platform (social media) wisely. Answer professionally with a feel that you value their opinion even though it was very negative. Others will understand, whatever happens in the future, they know you won't ignore any bad feedback or comments, and that is a good thing. Other than that, at one point you may value your customers by creating a give away on your social media platform such as Facebook or Twitter. By doing this, you may increase your customers easily.
JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES � 11
TECHNOLOGY & GADGET
MAXIS + IPHONE5
THE MOST AFFORDABLE PLANS & THE BEST NETWORK EXPERIENCE Maxis Berhad (Maxis), Malaysia’s leading integrated communications service provider, is pleased to bring to its customers the muchawaited iPhone 5 at a special launch event held at Cap Square, Kuala Lumpur on 13 December 2012. With the iPhone 5, Maxis customers will be able to connect to its fastest and widest 2G and 3G network as well as the soon-tobe-launched 4G LTE network. The iPhone 5 will be available starting Friday, 14 December 2012, at all Maxis Centres and Maxis Exclusive Partners (MEPs) nationwide. Suren J Amarasekera, Joint Chief Operating Officer of Maxis, said, “Maxis was the first to bring the iPhone to Malaysia three years ago, and we are proud to once again bring the iPhone 5, which clearly underlines our continued leadership in partnering with Apple in bringing the famed device with plans of compelling value to our customers. This particular launch is also different from our previous iPhone launches, as we are integrating Passbook™ into today’s event! This innovative feature has been used for added convenience and to facilitate our pre-booking and event administration.”
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The thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, the iPhone 5 has been completely redesigned to feature a stunning new 4-inch Retina display; an Apple-designed A6 chip for blazing fast performance; with an enhanced battery life. The device comes with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features including: Shared Photo Streams, Facebook integration, all-new Maps app and Passbook organisation. “The latest iPhone 5 seamlessly delivers on all fronts with even more features. Not only are we offering our attractive and revamped iValue plans with compelling value and flexibility for our customers, but also our exclusive Maxis apps such as Maxis Traffic, Loker with 10GB of cloud storage, and for the first time, Visual Voicemail, a new feature which allows our customers to manage their voicemails via an easy-to-use visual interface,” added Suren. For the iPhone 5, Maxis’ iValue plans have been fortified further to include increased data quota as well as more talk time and texts, all with the same monthly fees. Starting from just RM50 per month, the iValue plans give customers the
lowest and most affordable deals in town as well as a 0% interest instalment plan. Existing customers will also be able to easily upgrade to new plans and obtain contract extensions on their current plans, making it convenient for them to own the device without having to sign up for new contracts. In addition, Maxis will also be giving a special offer for its Maxis One Club (MOC) members with an additional discount off their iPhone 5 if they opt for an iValue 2 plan or above. The MOC is an exclusive membership that offers priority customer service, special rewards and affinity programmes. Customers who have been with Maxis (postpaid) for more than a year with a minimum monthly commitment of RM150 and above are automatically upgraded to MOC member status. “Our fastest and widest network in the country enables us to deliver the best experiences to our customers and remain as the preferred choice for iPhone 5 users. Together with this, the device offers cuttingedge technology and features, and we are certain that customers will appreciate all it has to offer,” concluded Suren.
TECHNOLOGY & GADGET
SAMSUNG GALAXY CAMERA THE REBORN OF CAMERA
Gone are the days where we need to find USB cable or even a memory card reader to transfer all of our pictures from the camera to a personal computer or a notebook. Now, you can capture all your favourite moments when you are on your trip, or having a celebration at home or any kind of activities and the share it with anyone you like anywhere and anytime. Samsung Galaxy Camera is the perfect device if you are a person who loves to share your moments in life with others. The GALAXY Camera makes outstanding photography on the go. You can instantly edit and share the photos with anyone you like. The uniqueness of GALAXY Camera is its 21x super long zoom lens and a super-bright 16M BSI CMOS sensor that makes pictures in brilliant quality. The device also features ‘Smart Pro’ technology, a series of modes that make professional-looking photography easy for anyone to achieve. What truly revolutionizes this photography experience is Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean and wireless connectivity, which opens up the device to applications for photoediting, sharing on social media especially Instagram, and much
more. You will be more amazed with the use of HD Super Clear LCD. With stunning clarity, incredible ease-ofuse and unparalleled connectivity, the GALAXY Camera is the next step in imaging innovation. The camera’s convenient ‘Auto Upload’ feature will automatically save precious photos into the cloud via Samsung’s AllShare the instant they are taken. The GALAXY Camera also allows users to share photos at the same time as they shoot them with ‘Share Shot.’ As well as sharing to social networks and cloud services, users can also connect to a range of GALAXY devices including the GALAXY SIII and GALAXY Note II for effortless and automatic sharing of pictures across the GALAXY family. The new device enables connection to 3G or 4G, allowing photo sharing and browsing anywhere. The GALAXY Camera also functions on Wi-Fi with Dual Band and Channel Bonding for extra speed. Connectivity is supported by a quad-core processor that enables fast web-browsing and multi-tasking, as well as highspeed image processing without a significant impact on battery life.
JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 13
TECHNOLOGY & GADGET
the evolution of youtube
Everyone knows that YouTube serves as a platform for us to watch a variety of videos from all over the world. We can watch music vidoes, trailers, news clip, vlogs, viral videos and many more. Not many knows that now YouTube allows us to watch all videos on television making it more entertaining and easier for us to watch it with others perhaps during gathering, meetings and special occasions like wedding. Introducing YouTube TV, where you can pair your mobile devices with television and search your videos and play it instantly on your television. All you have to do is to make sure your TV able to access YouTube or have its application and you may enjoy it instantly by going to the URL - youtube.com/pair and follow the given instruction. It was very easy and simple to follow. 14 � TODAY’S CHOICES | JAN - FEB 2013
searCh & Queue With the advent of technology, most television nowadays have YouTube application or if you have digital media player connected to Internet, you may use this feature. With YouTube Pair, you may search videos that you would like to watch and add the videos to queue and then you may enjoy it by watching all of it on your television. The best part of this feature is that YouTube will play the highest quality available per say that you are watching VEVO music videos, it will play on your television in 1080p quality,. With high speed internet connection, it will become an instant favourite among various YouTube tools.
WatCh & share This YouTube feature is very useful to those who spent hours watching one video to another and it will be an alternative for those who are bored enough with programs on television. Just open the app and pair it with your mobile device, and you can enjoy thousands of videos either alone or with someone else probably with friends or families. propose & prosper There are various propose videos on YouTube and if you are keen to propose someone, perhaps this feature can be an alternative instead of conventional method. Make them gather around in front of the television and you can play the selected video without being there and surprise by proposing after the end of the video. Think it is cool? Why not give it a try!
WHEELS GUIDELINES
ON BUYING YOUR FIRST CAR b
uying your first car is a big financial commitment. It is important to carefully consider how much you can afford to pay for the car. Additionally, you need to look at how the value of your car will change over time. Here are four basic things to consider. Your options may be different if you do not qualify for a car loan.
hoW muCh do you have to spend on a Car? There are so many creative ways to finance a car that you may fool yourself into thinking that you can afford to buy a more expensive car then you should. One basic rule of thumb is that you should finance your car for a three year term. If you cannot afford the payment that accompanies this amount, then you cannot afford the car. Your job situation will change, but should likely remain stable for around three years. Additionally you should avoid trading in your car and rolling the old loan into a new one.
What type of Car do you need? There are some jobs that do require luxury cars, if yours does not steer away from luxury cars until you can pay for them in cash. Additionally, do you need the SUV or will a small compact car suit your needs just as well? If you are a camper or haul stuff around for
presentations, then the SUV would be the right choice for you. The smaller your car the more you will save on gas money and other costs. Your first car does not need to be your dream car.
should i buy neW or used? It may be difficult to choose between a new and used car. When you buy a new car you immediately lose two or three thousand dollars. The car depreciates that much once you drive off of the lot. If you can afford to lose that much money, go ahead and buy new. If you buy a car between three and five years old you will avoid losing much in depreciation of value. If you are worried about buying a used car you can find cars with warranties available or cars that are certified by the dealers or makers of the car. One example of this is a certified pre-owned Lexus.
should i ever lease a Car? No. You should never lease a car. It is simply throwing money out of the window. If you decide to purchase the car at the end of the lease, you will end up spending more money than if you had purchased it originally. Additionally it is difficult to avoid the over mileage fees. If you can not afford the car payments on the car you want, then change your expectations. You may buy an older car to drive while you save up for your dream car.
JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES � 15
WHEELS
STYLISHLY SPORTY TOYOTA PRIUS c TRD SPORTIVO S
ince its launch in Malaysia, the Toyota PRIUS c, a compact hybrid model in the Toyota range, has been extremely well accepted by customer. Making it possible for a new sportier variant of the PRIUS c to join the line-up – the PRIUS c TRD Sportivo. In view of their growing popularity, attention has been given to Toyota’s hybrid models and an exclusive TRD Sportivo variant for the PRIUS c has been developed. In line with the highperformance background of TRD, the variant has been given a Sporty Hybrid image with a TRD Sportivo Aerokit package. Designed and manufactured to the same high standards as Toyota vehicles, the TRD Sportivo Aerokit consists of an exclusive front bumper spoiler with distinctive Daytime Running Lights integrated into each front corner. These bright LEDs are visible from a great distance, creating greater awareness of the presence of the car and thereby enhancing motoring safety. The front bumper nose has also been treated with a black garnish to make the vehicle sportier. The PRIUS c TRD Sportivo has a more aggressive stance due to the addition of side skirts under the door sills. These extensions reduce the height of the car visually, giving it a more low-slung and sporty look. A sports stripe along the lower edge of the doors complements the lines of the side skirts. The rear bumper spoiler and the rear combination lamp garnish make the PRIUS c TRD Sportivo sportier at the rear. 16 ● TODAY’S CHOICES | JAN - FEB 2013
Finally, a TRD Sportivo emblem is added on the rear door to differentiate it from the PRIUS c. Inside the PRIUS c TRD Sportivo, the layout and features are similar to the standard PRIUS c. New TRD Sportivo floor mats with blue stitching, following the Toyota hybrid colour theme are provided. All TRD Sportivo accessories are not available for purchase separately. The mechanical specifications of the PRIUS c TRD Sportivo and PRIUS c are the same, and are also powered by the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive which integrates the operation of a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). In certain driving conditions, it is also possible for the car to run entirely on its Electric Vehicle mode (EV mode), consuming no petrol at all. For all variants of the PRIUS c, UMW Toyota Motor now provides an upgraded audio system which includes a refreshed 2-DIN head unit fascia, and Bluetooth® connectivity. This increases the connectivity options for drivers which includes AUX-Jack and USB ports. Also offered as standard from January 2013 for all variants of the PRIUS c, is a bag hook which is fitted under the passenger headrest. Unlike other bag hooks, this Toyota accessory (also available in many other Toyota models) has spring-loaded hooks which can be retracted when not needed.
In addition to the bag hook, a luggage tray for the rear trunk space is also provided. The tray is made of durable plastic material and besides protecting the rear trunk carpet, it is also waterproof so wet items can be stored on it and it can be easily cleaned. The PRIUS c TRD Sportivo variant is only available in four colour choices: Lime White Pearl CS, Black Mica, Silver Metallic, and Super Red V. The PRIUS c also offers optional accessories for all variants. The Toyota Standard Solar Film reflects harmful UV rays and reduces heat build-up in the vehicle, keeping the cabin cool and comfortable for all passengers. Also available is the new and improved DVDAVN (Audio-Visual Navigation) system and Reverse Camera. This new 2-DIN head unit DVD player now comes with 7" touch screen and is equipped with Tuner, MP3, Aux-Jack, USB, SD Card Slot, Bluetooth®, Smartphone Link, Voice Control, Navigation System and Reverse Camera. The PRIUS c is available in the following 2 variants and priced at (On the Road Individual Private Registration with insurance for Peninsula Malaysia) with TOYOTA PRIUS c at RM 97,300 and TOYOTA PRIUS c TRD Sportivo at RM 103,990. As with all Toyota vehicles, the PRIUS c is covered under Toyota vehicle warranty of 3-Years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.
WHEELS
LIGHTER & COMPACT THE ALL-NEW SWIFT
S
uzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd (SMA), today introduced the fully imported All-New Swift 1.4L VVT, to the Malaysian market. The All-New Swift is the model with which Suzuki launched its world strategy. It is sold in more than 100 countries and regions. The All-New Swift comes with dynamic performance and sport styling that have earned accolades including 63 Car of The Year awards in 19 countries since its launched including Malaysia. Now Suzuki has realized even higher levels of All-New Swift performance and styling and combined them with superior fuel economy and environmental performance to create a sports compact that's an ideal match for today's needs. The result is the All-New Swift: The new leading sports compact. The all new Swift was officially launched by YBhg. Dato' Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Chairman of Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn. Bhd. and Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad in a press launch today. Also present at the ceremony was Mr Shuji Oishi, Chief Regional Officer, ASEAN, Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan, Dato' Abdul Harith Abdullah, Group Director, Automotive and Defence, DRB_HICOM Berhad and Mr. Keiichi Suzuki, Managing Director, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd. In his speech, Y Bhg. Dato' Abdul Harith Abdullah said, “ At the end of the day, what we really want is a car that brings delight to our life while fitting our values. Today, more than ever, that car is the All-New Suzuki Swift. It looks original
and feels sporty. When it's time to make a great escape from ordinary, be Swift. With the agility and performance, environmental compatibility, own urban rhythm and being the new leading sports, the All New Suzuki Swift offers many reason for you to become a fan”. Having made a name for itself as a specialist in compact cars, the All- New Swift's is unmistakably an evolution of its predecessor, and it's even better in the ways that count most: It's more fun to drive thanks to exhilarating and sporty handling. And it's more fun to look at thank to the sporty, modern design with added sophistication. It's an even clearer reflection of Suzuki's desire to offer a sports compact that's perfectly suited to the lifestyle and dimension of the times. The motto for the All-New Swift development was simply “More Swift!”. This motto encapsulated a development programme aimed at evolving the All-New Swift for more sportiness in terms of performance and handling, more dynamism in terms of styling, more excellence in terms of fit and finish and more fun” said Shuji Oishi, Chief Regional Officer, ASEAN, Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan. The All- New Swift's usher the Malaysian consumer in a new year with a new age of driving enjoyment in compact car. It's an inspiration not only to enjoy driving but also enjoy life to the fullest.
JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 17
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FLY AWAY ASIA THE MAGNIFICENT OF
TIBET
potala palace
lost as much can be learned about it from its remains.
Potala named after a holy hill in South India is a Sanskrit word meaning "Abode of the Avalokitesvara (Buddha of Mercy)." Legend has it that in the 7th century, to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty (618B.C. - 907B.C.) of China, the then Tibet King Songtsen Gampo built a 9-storey palace with a thousand rooms up on the Red Hill and named it Potala. Later, with the collapse of the Songtsen Gampo Dynasty, the ancient palace was almost destroyed in wars.
mt. everest - mt. Qomolangma
The highest peak in the world. Its Tibetan meaning of 'Goddess the Third' adds more mysterious color and magic power to the subject. As a result, it has intrigued all kinds of people since it was first discovered. Pilgrims trek long distances to present a pious worship, climbing enthusiasts run great risks to challenge its high altitude and the common visitors also yearn for a reverent look at this holy peak.
heavenly lake namtso
Being the second largest saltwater lake in China only after Qinghai Lake, Namtso is the biggest lake throughout Tibet. Meanwhile, it is the highest altitude saltwater lake in the world. The water here is a storybook crystal-clear blue. Clear skies join its surface in the distance, creating an integrated, scenic vista. Soul of every visitor who has ever been here seems to be cleansed by the pure water. Namtso Lake maintains its levels from rainfall and melted snow flowing from high mountains.
ruins of guge kingdom
Located in the Ngari Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, Ruins of Guge
tashilhunpo monastery
Kingdom are the Old Summer Palace of Tibet. While these ruins were once an imperial estate which fell into disrepair after the civil revolt and the invasion of the allied armies of eight foreign countries, the Guge kingdom also encountered civil strife and foreign attacks which fragmented the once prosperous state. However, the legendary kingdom hasn't been totally
0ne of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet. Also called the Heap of Glory, it is located at the foot of Drolmari (Tara's Mountain), Shigatse. Founded by the First Dailai Lama in 1447, the monastery's structure was expanded by the Fourth and successive Panchen Lamas. Covering an area of nearly 300,000 square meters (3,229,279 sq. ft.), the main structures found here are The Maitreya Chapel, The Panchen Lama's Palace and The Kelsang Temple. Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama since the Fourth Panchen Lama took charge in the monastery, and there are now nearly 800 lamas.
JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 19
FLY AWAY ASIA
UNSOLVED
MYSTERIES OF TIBET yeti mystery
Yeti, the Tibetan name for Abominable Snowman, is an ape-like hairy, biped creature said to inhabit the Himalayan region of Tibet and Nepal. Many expeditions have been organized to track down the elusive Yeti, but none have found more than Yeti footprints and questionable artifacts like scalps and hides.
gterma mystery
Gterma is the re-excavated classics, hidden by Bon and Tibetan Buddhists when their religious beliefs were in catastrophe. Gterma includes possession of books, possession of sacred objects, and possession of knowledge. The most magical part is the possession of knowledge. It refers to Gterma buried deep in people's consciousness. It is said that when a classic cannot be handed down in the event of a disaster, it can be granted by the gods to the depths of a person's consciousness to avoid being lost.
shambhala mystery
Shambhala, also translated as Shangri-La, means "pure land" in Tibetan language. It is the myth of the Buddhist world and the birthplace of Kalachakra teachings. With regard to the existence of Shambhala, there has always been skepticism, and the Shambhala Buddhist scholars think that it is a fictional paradise. Tibetan historical books recorded in great detail the Shambhala. However, if Shambhala, exists or not, is still a mystery.
mystery of rainboW body
Rainbow Body is a mysterious phenomenon of Tibetan Buddhism. A lama who has acquired the highest forms of accomplishment can manifest what is called "the rainbow body" or "body of light". It is said that the physical body of those who studied Buddhism very deeply will turn into a rainbow.
mystery of tibetan shaman
As the host of Tibetan primitive religious worship, Tibetan shamans are said to have the ability to communicate with God and can talk with spirits. Tibetan shaman also enter supernatural realms or dimensions to obtain solutions to problems afflicting the community, to bring guidance to misguided souls and to heal illnesses of the human soul caused by foreign elements. They are intermediaries or messengers between the human world and the spirit worlds.
20 � TODAY’S CHOICES | JAN - FEB 2013
FLY AWAY ASIA
TIBETAN CULTURE Renowned for its vibrant culture and spiritual traditions, a remarkable civilization has flourished for more than a thousand years on the ‘roof of the world.’ With Tibet at its heart, this Buddhist civilization has grown to encompass a vast area stretching from Bhutan, Nepal, and northern India, over the Himalayas and across the high plateaus of Asia to Mongolia, Buryatia and beyond. Enriched by a thousand years of Buddhism brought from India, this civilization emerged from the Tibetan plateau to embrace a sweep of peoples and lands stretching from China to Afghanistan, indelibly marking the character of cultures from one end of Asia to the other, through its religion, its language and its arts. From the 8th century on, this Buddhist culture spread from central Tibet, Amdo and Kham, to Himalayan Nepal and Bhutan in the south, to Mongolia in the north — and into Russia, crossing the steppes from Buryatia and Tuva, to take hold in Kalmykia in the far west. Throughout these lands, great monasteries and renowned teachers rose up — one of whom so impressed the Mongol Altan Khan that he called him Dalai Lama or “Ocean of Wisdom.” By the dawn of the 20th century, millions of people across a swath of Asia rivaling the sizes of India and China looked to Lhasa and the Dalai Lamas for spiritual leadership. This civilization has managed to survive a half century and more of repression in its Tibetan and Mongolian homelands. Indeed, Tibetan Buddhism lives on in the mountains and valleys of Nepal, home to the world-famous Sherpas and a rich array of other Tibetan Buddhist peoples; in remote Himalayan regions ranging from Ladakh and Mustang to Sikkim and Tawang; and in the kingdom of Bhutan, which has entered the 21st century with its millennium-old Buddhist culture vibrant and alive. And in newly-independent Mongolia (formerly Outer Mongolia), Tibetan Buddhism is once again openly practiced without fear after surviving underground for 70 years, with its monasteries being rebuilt with the help of the current Dalai Lama and others — a tribute to the ties which still bind these peoples together. Together, these peoples represent the legacy of a millennium-old civilization and the lasting influence of Tibetan culture.
JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 21
Selangor is a haven for golf lovers, boasting some of the most challenging courses to be found anywhere. Caddies are readily available and affordable, as are green fees. Night golfing is increasing in popularity here and throughout Malaysia's courses.
SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Saujana Resort, Seksyen U2, 40150 Shah Alam www.saujana.com.my
DID YOU KNOW? >Golfplan - The Californiabased golf architectural firm headed by Ronald Fream was entrusted to create two international standard courses from the plantation land. The Palm Course was completed in mid 1985 while the Bunga Raya Course (initially named the Orchid Course) was finished in December 1985. >18 holes. Tree-lined parkland course. > Bunga Raya course open for visitor, Palm Course only open to visitor on weekdays. > Host venue for The Open International Final Qualifying Asia 2010
22 � TODAY’S CHOICES | JAN - FEB 2013
10 ways Sports Psychology can help improve golf performance 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Manage pre-event tension and worry so you arrive at the course fresh and ready. Focus on the elements that are key for your optimum performance, without getting distracted by the minutiae of your play or what others are doing. Develop routines for pre- and post-shot so you exert more control and consistency over your game. Manage the emotions associated with competitive golf. Maintain confidence in your ability to hold your performance or bounce back. Set goals for the year, month and next round or practice to shape what you do, focus your efforts and improve more quickly. Re-visit why you play, what motivates you, and set-up training so you increase motivation. Develop images and visualise your performance this speeds up learning and increases confidence. Process the experiences that hold you back so you can get back to performing well. Manage poor performances so they don't cause your round or year to self-destruct.
KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
No. 1, Jalan 31/100A, Kota Kemuning, Section 31, 40460 Shah Alam www.kotapermai.com.my
Health Benefits Of Golfing: BONE HEALTH
Weight Bearing exercises are great for your bones. Weight bearing exercises two to three times a week can create long, lean muscle mass, which helps support a strong skeleton. This type of exercise can also help prevent bone degeneration, including osteoporosis. To include weight bearing in your golf game, carry your clubs. A great option to release stress on your shoulders is a double strapped golf bag.
STRESS REDUCTION & CHOLESTEROL
Golf also reduces stress and cholesterol, two things that everyone needs to reduce. A single game of golf can burn up to a thousand calories, which is a great way to stay in shape and burn off excess fat. A game of golf gets the blood flowing and increases your heart rate, making golf a wonderful cardio-vascular exercise.
Sleep Better
Study after study has shown that regular exercise increases the positives that sleep brings. You’ll fall asleep faster and remain in a deep sleep for a longer period of time with regular exercise, which includes activities like golf. Sleep is important because it allows time for your muscles to repair themselves. Playing a round of golf by day will likely increase the quality of your restfulness by night.
DID YOU KNOW? > Kota Permai Golf & Country Club is a lifestyle in itself, situated in Kota Kemuning, an up-market suburb of Shah Alam ideally located along the Kesas highway linking the city of Kuala Lumpur to the bustling port of Klang. Kota Permai is only 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur’s CBD and 35 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. > 18 holes. Tree-lined parkland course. > Host venue for MercedesBenz Tour 2010 > Visitor welcome on weekdays, much more restricted on weekend.
JAN - FEB 2013 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 23
kelab golf sultan abdul aZiZ shah No.1, Rumah Kelab, Jalan Kelab Golf 13/6, 40100 Shah Alam www.kgsaas.com.my
did you knoW? > Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (KGSAAS) was designed by 5-time British Open Champion, Peter Thompson, who has crafted a course utilising the terrain's natural undulations and lakes fully, replanted over 3,000 trees and shrubs in the formation of a truly scenic and challenging USGAapproved championship layout. The Course looks promising enough to be among the best in the country and one of the more outstanding ones in South East Asia. > 27 holes. Tree-lined and open parkland > Host venue of Pan-West Malaysian Amateur Open 2005 > Visitor welcome on weekdays, much more restricted on weekend.
24 ● TODAY’S CHOICES | JAN - FEB 2013
golf tournaments in malaysia maybank malaysian open
The Maybank Malaysian Open is Malaysia’s national championship, jointly sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours and the stage for many of the world’s top golfers to experience the best of Malaysia and the golf herein.
Cimb ClassiC
The CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia, renamed CIMB Classic in 2012, is Southeast Asia’s richest golf tournament and the only PGA Tour event to take place outside of the United States of America which was the life-long dream of Prime Minister Najib bin Razak.
sime darby lpga malaysia
The strongest field in world golf comes to the shores of Malaysia with the ladies of the LPGA. The Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia boasts the strongest field in terms of world class golf talent of any tournament in Malaysia.
iskandar johor open
The Iskandar Johor Open brings household names and world class golf to the South of Malaysia every year. Comprising a mix of the world’s finest golfers, The Iskandar Johor Open is one of the fastest growing tournaments on the Asian Tour and continues to attract the biggest names from across the globe.