THE FIRST FREE REVERSED CONCEPT MAGAZINE IN MALAYSIA todayschoices.com.my
FOR
YOU
NOV-DEC 2012 / VOLUME 2 KDN PP 17830/08/2013 (032924)
EXOTIC EXPERIENCE
AT HUA HIN WITH BERJAYA AIR
NOT YOUR ORDINARY SEDAN
AL-NAMEERA AT BEIJING
WHERE IS MY PROPERTY?
THE ALL-NEW NISSAN ALMERA
BIG NO TO INSURANCE
WORKSHOP BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS
ORGANIZER
IN COLLABORATION WITH
MAGAZINE
Date Time Venue
: 1st December 2012 (Saturday) : 2.30pm- 5pm : Skypark Terminal (Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Subang)
Entry Fees : RM 50 per person
Highlights: • Goodie bags worth over RM150 for all registered participants. • Top 20 participants with most creative ‘PINK’ outfit will win prizes worth over RM300. • Registered participants: First 100 who confirm the attendance from 12pm - 1pm on 1st Dec 2012, have a chance to win goodie bag worth RM 350. • Every participant will stand a chance to win a ‘Diamond’and BEIJING holiday package & exclusive prizes! • Grooming class by Inglot, fashion show & discount voucher by Zalora, fun winning games & on-going Christmas and New Year sales!
Event Partner:
Virtus Mediaset Asia
Sponsors:
CONTENTS NOV - DEC | VOLUME 2
06
14
11
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT 03 GUIDELINES ON BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME 04 BEWARE! SCAM OF THE REAL ESTATE AGENTS 06 ARE YOU THE NEXT DONALD TRUMP INVESTMENT 09 HOW TO PROVE THAT YOUR BUSINESS IS THE BEST? 10 WHY I DON'T NEED INSURANCE 11 THE 8 REASONS WHY A STARTUP FAILS 12 SUCCESS BUSINESS WELL ORGANISED FINANCIALLY
06
WHEELS 14 NOT YOUR ORDINARY SEDAN 15 TAKING X TO NEW HEIGHTS SIGHTSEEING 16 FOUR SAFE DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL IN ASIA 19 BEIJING MUSLIM TOUR WITH AL NAMEERA
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES ON Buying your first home
Y
our life is already perfect, you have a great career, financially stable but you still living with your parents? It's time for you to move out and embrace the true adulthood. But nowadays, choosing
and buying a property can be a complicated task and there are plenty of things you need to think about at every stage of the investment process.
You need to decide where you would want
Location
Reputation of developer
Look for a real estate agent:
to live and the kind of neighbourhood that
Most developers of new projects adopt a
● Look for one that works in the area that
suits your needs. Most important things, you
sell-first-then-build approach. Therefore, you
you are searching for a home. While many
should on the basic amenities, availability
may not be able to see the property you
agents can go out of area, someone that
of public transportation, proximity to your
have paid for initially. That is why the track
is more familiar with the area they are
workplace, traffic conditions, security, noise
record of the developer is important. Assess
working will provide valuable information
levels and space within the property.
their previous projects and check:
while you are searching for a home.
● If properties are delivered on time
● Use social media to find a reputable
● The quality of their work
agent, ask for recommendations from
● If they provided all the promised
family and friends to find a realtor.
Landed properties generally cost more
amenities
● Make sure that you will be able to
especially the ones near cities. High-
● If their previous customers were satisfied
interact with the agent on a comfortable
rise condominiums and apartments are
upon receiving their units
level. If you and your agent do not see
normally more affordable.
● If a project was abandoned – you are
eye-to-eye, it will make the entire buying
liable for all disbursements made by the
process a nightmare.
Type of property: landed or high-rise
Type of ownership: freehold or leasehold
bank although the house was not delivered
When you buy a freehold property, you get to own the property for an indefinite period while a leasehold property lets you own the property for only a lease period, which is usually up to a period of 99 years. Upon expiration of the lease period, the property reverts to the state authority unless the lease is renewed.
Availability of title: individual or strata You will be issued an individual title for landed properties, while a strata title will be given for condominiums or apartments.
NOV-DEC 2012 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 3
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
BEWARE: SCAM OF THE REAL ESTATE
1. Meet agents out in their working environment, not in their offices.
6. Look for signs that the agent is busy.
Good agents spend very little time at their
is good. Be careful, sometimes they are
desks.
A hard-working, go-getter of an agent too busy. A real estate agent can only effectively work with about a half-dozen
AGENTS!
2. Make sure the agent has closed many properties and has worked a few years at least.
A large percentage of real estate fraud is perpetrated by trusted individuals whom victims don’t know socially or never done business with in the past. Here are the tips for getting away from one of the scam agents.
The average real estate agent closes only 1 or 2 houses a year. More closings mean more experience.
buyers and a dozen sellers at any given time to properly give the time needed to a buyer. If they pass you to an "assistant", move to another agent that will give their time to you.
7. It is important that your agent is knowledgeable. Ask questions about things you have
3. A great place to meet agents is at open houses. Don't worry that you are not interested in that particular property. The agent knows that open houses rarely produce a buyer
learned through your new-found interest in real estate. If they don't know more than you - after all, this is her livelihood! - go on to seasoned agent. Local knowledge is particularly critical especially in city settings.
for that home and use the open house as a tool to find buyers.
4. Another good method is to contact the agent with whom a friend or relative worked. If this agent produced positive results for a friend, there's a good chance they will do the same for you.
8. Check the references that an agent should be able to provide you. Ask the other real estate agents you interview if they know the other agent and if they respect them as a real estate agent.
9. Ask "Can you recommend service providers who can assist me in obtaining a mortgage, making repairs on my home, and other things I need done?"
5. Make sure your agent is online.
Keep in mind here that a real estate agent
Having a web savvy agent
one provider and shouldn't receive any.
should generally recommend more than
is very important today as over 85% of all buyers initially see their homes online. Great agents have laptops and often have moved to mobile technology to assist. A real estate agent in today's world must email, text, and be available to buyers and sellers alike.
10. Ask your agent where they live. An agent that lives and works locally will have their finger on the pulse of the market and be able to answer important questions about the community. They should at a minimum know the schools where they work. This is especially important in large cities.
4 � TODAY’S CHOICES | NOV-DEC 2012
Captivating scenery of The Residences bungalows and the water body
BUILT FOR TODAY, ENVISIONED FOR TOMORROW. Welcome to The Glades, at Putra Heights, a gated and guarded enclave prestigiously master-planned over 58 acres. Here, homes are innovatively designed for today and tomorrow. These freehold residences are harmoniously poised with nature. And the community enjoys an exclusive residents-only waterfront clubhouse with a host of facilities and The Glades commercial plaza with a selected range of outlets. • The Residences - 3 Storey Bungalows • The Ensemble - 3 & 3 1/2 Storey Superlink Homes • The Mews
- 1 & 2 1/2 Storey Townhouses
Show units open for viewing Address : The Glades Sales Gallery, Off Persiaran Putra Perdana, Section 3, Putra Heights, 47650 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. GPS : 3.008523, 101.577077 Tel : 03-5198 0888 Time : 9.30am - 6.30pm (Open daily including Public Holidays)
Malaysia’s Top Property Developer
1800 88 1118 www.simedarbyproperty.com No. of Units and Type: 56 units 3 & 3 Storey Superlink Homes (The Ensemble) | 78 Units 1 & 2 Storey Townhouses (The Mews) | 80 units 3 Storey Bungalows (The Residences) | Expected Date of Completion: July 2014 | Land: Free from Encumbrances | Tenure of Land: Freehold | Developer’s License No.: 3927-104/07-2013/799 | Validity: 13/07/2010-12/07/2013 | Advertising & Sales Permit No.: 3927-104/1506/2013(07) | Validity: 19/07/2012-12/07/2013 | Appropriate Authority which Approves the Building Plans: Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya | Reference No.: MPSJ/BGN/KW/B-9/30(21) (The Ensemble and The Mews) | MPSJ/BGN/KW/B-9/29(22) (The Residences) | Developed by: Sime Darby USJ Development Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Sime UEP Development Sdn Bhd) (Co. No. 56669-W), Level 10, Block G, No. 2, Jalan PJU 1A/7A, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor | Selling Price: RM2,174,000 (min.) - RM4,595,500 (max.) (The Ensemble) | RM1,425,000 (min.) RM2,685,800 (max.) (The Mews) | RM3,888,000 (min.) - RM9,807,000 (max.) (The Residences) | 7% Bumiputera discount (Quota applies) *The above rendering is an artist’s impression
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
Are you the next Donald Trump? Here are tips for successful property investors 1. A good job will make you wealthy
4. Failure is bad I have had my share of failures and
Many of us were taught to get
mistakes and I used to be ashamed
an education, find a good
of them, until I realised that failure is
job and work hard at it. But
a part of success. Successful people
this rarely leads to wealth.
often have more failure than failures
You become rich when small
do. But they keep going. Failure is not
efforts produce large results.
bad. In fact, one good failure can
Poverty is when large efforts produce
teach you more about success than
small results .You should see a job
years of studying at university. Failing
as a temporary inconvenience, a
can be the best thing that ever
method of generating cashflow
happened to you
for living expenses while you grow
W
eventually become your source of
5. Wealth is measured by material possessions
financial independence.
It took me many years to realise
your property portfolio, which will hy are some property investors able to grow
that wealth is much more than
2. Saving is good
money. Money is just one of the
while others who have the same
How many millionaires do you know
appearances of wealth, which is
information, the same opportunities
who became wealthy by saving
really a state of mind, an attitude.
and the same resources are just
their money? Don't get me wrong –
Wealth is your thoughts, not your
not able to make a success of their
saving is a required discipline when
things. You can become wealthy
investments? The fact is that both
you begin your investment journey
without having lots of money and
poverty and riches are the result of a
because you need to save your
you can be rich yet not wealthy.
state of mind, which means you must
funds to develop a big enough kitty
develop a prosperity consciousness
to invest in growth assets, but you
6. Abundance not scarcity
and become financially successful
can't save your way to wealth.
Successful investors have a feeling of
significant wealth
in your thinking before you can
abundance, while many Malaysians
3. Debt is bad
have a scarcity mindset. They
While there is some truth to this, it
see wealth as a win/lose game.
Most Malaysians's were taught
depends on what kind of debt you
A dirty business in which the rich
to think "poorly" by their parents,
are talking about. Consumer debt is
take advantage of the poor. That's
teachers and the media. And they
bad, so avoid borrowing money to
why they have come up with the
just take for granted what they
buy things that go down in value. But
expressions such as "filthy rich" or
were told in much the same way
borrowing money to invest is another
"dirty money".
as others assumed the world was
story. You can not become wealthy
flat. As a consequence only a small
without some form of investment
percentage of Malaysia's join the
debt. Borrowing to purchase
ranks of the wealthy. Start to stop
investment properties is a wise use of
putting the poor mindset to your
investment debt.
achieve it in reality.
society! 6 ● TODAY’S CHOICES | NOV-DEC 2012
Panoramic view of ISOLA at twilight
You’re at the centre of everything Phase I of ISOLA, a new development at Jalan SS 16/1 in Subang Jaya, was launched in November 2011 and saw an overwhelmingly successful take up rate. Don’t miss this opportunity to acquire a serviced apartment of your own in this development, which is located in the heart of town. It’s close to the amenities that you require for a sophisticated urban lifestyle, such as shopping malls, colleges, banks, a medical centre and golf courses. With easy access via major highways such as the Federal Highway, Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), Damansara - Puchong Highway (LDP), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and New Pantai Expressway (NPE), you’re not far from any part of the city. Come visit us today at ISOLA Sales Gallery Jalan SS 16/1, 47500 Subang Jaya. (GPS Coordinate : 3°4’51.7”N, 101°34’48.6” E) Tel: 03-5632 1599 Open daily from 9.30am - 6.30pm (including Public Holidays)
1800 88 1118 www.simedarbyproperty.com
Malaysia’s Top Property Developer
No. of units: 216 | Type: Serviced Apartments | Expected Date of Completion: November 2014 | Land: Free from Encumbrances | Tenure of Land: Freehold | Developer’s License No.: 10991-1/05-2015/525 | Validity: 11/05/2010 10/05/2015 | Advertising & Sales Permit No.: 10991-1/1464/2013 (08) | Validity: 15.08.2012 - 14.08.2013| Appropriate Authority which Approves the Building Plans: Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya | Reference No.: MPSJ/BGN/KW/A-6/40(65) | Developed by: Sime Darby Property (Subang) Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Sime UEP Centre Sdn Bhd) (Co. No. 324670-W), Level 10, Block G, No. 2, Jalan PJU 1A/7A, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor | Selling Price: RM679,888(min.) – RM3,105,000(max.)| 5% Bumiputera discount (Quota applies) *The above rendering is an artist’s impression
SELLING YOUR HOME AS EASY AS ABC CONTACT US NOW
& GET THE BEST PROMOTION OFFER How to advertise: Call: 03 7728 6622 / 03 7728 2622 Website: www.todayschoices.com.my Email: ads@vma.com.my
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT HOW TO PROVE THAT YOUR BUSINESS IS THE BEST?
H
ave you ever seen marketing from a business that says that they are ‘the best’ in more
words or less?They may be ‘the best’, but how are you to know that?If they were to have someone independent of their business claiming that they are ‘the best’, how much more likely are you to believe them? Independent verification, or third-party endorsement, is essential proof of your business’ value and credibility, particularly if you are a small business that does not yet have an established or recognisable brand.Here are some ways that you can increase the awareness, recognition, authority and trustworthiness of your business through independent verification:
1. Testimonials Include good client testimonials on your website and other marketing collateral. Make sure that you attribute the author of each testimonial to their quote to avoid looking as though it has been fabricated (a common practice). It is best to include a full name, company name and brief description of how they used your products or services.
2. Awards
are also planning media activity that
Entering awards causes your business
you can participate in)
to concentrate on meeting high
● Include a photo of your business
standards and then rewards you
receiving the award in marketing
when you do. It is also one of the
material and communication with
greatest low-cost marketing tools
your followers.
available.Look for industry-specific awards that you can enter as well
3. Media coverage
as national business awards, local
is not just about creating awareness
business awards, and awards relating
of your brand, it is about conveying
to specific business functions such
aspects of your business that you
as employee engagement and
cannot always convey through other
taking care of the environment. If
marketing tools. This includes:
your business is a nominee, finalist or winner of an award, you have many
● Credibility
ways of leveraging the achievement
● Trust
to market your business:
● Personality ● Expertise
● Mention it to clients, or better yet
● Passion
celebrate with your clients and thank
● Confirmation of what you already
them for being part of your success
market to your audience (for
● Include it in your bio, website and
example, media coverage can
promotional items
confirm that you know what you
● Display the award, certificate and/
are talking about, that you have an
or photo in your office or waiting
excellent track record or that you
room
really can translate ‘I.T. speak’ into
● Coordinate media activity around
English).
it (and check if the award organisers NOV-DEC 2012 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 9
INVESTMENT TEXT: JOYCE LIM
WHY I DON'T NEED
INSURANCE What is the purpose of insurance? It is actually a financial protection against the risk of a covered event like premature death, damages to home due to fire, accidents and medical coverage as defined in the policy, happening. Meaning – if a financial disaster that the insurer agree to compensate you occur, you or your beneficiary would received some sum of money to help you or them to get back on your feet, financially. Insurance has been marketed as a necessity in life. Rather than look at why it is necessary, let’s look at when it is not necessary:
Single, employed or have own business with No Dependents If you are single without the financial responsibility of taking care of your parents, grandparents or sibling’s welfare which includes their education, is there is need for insurance? What if you are hospitalized or unable to earn income for prolonged period of time, or worse still, permanently disabled with a need for medical care? What happens then? Alternatives open to you: Use your savings to take care of hospital bills 10 ● TODAY’S CHOICES | NOV-DEC 2012
Should (a) be insufficient, a soft loan
your spouse gets back on their feet.
from parents, on the assumption they
Should the spouse be disabled with
are financially capable to do so and
no earning capacity, and also needs
willing to take up the responsibility
medical care, the amount to provide for would be much more savings
If do not want to impose on parents,
to cover the loans under their own
a collateral free personal loan from
name
the bank. This option is a little iffy because there is a question of ability
Reserves for medical needs. Take
to repay the loan and worse still
note that there is no known formula
the bank would be assessing credit
or amount needed there are two
worthiness, as well.
elements missing – when it happens and how much is required as
Of course, it would be a different
medical treatment and recovery
story should option (b) be not
cost varies from the type of
available due to whatever reason,
treatment to where you are having
you have parents and siblings to
your treatment and not forgetting
take care of or you don’t want to
the inflation factor
burden anyone.
There would be
more RESPONSIBILITY to yourself and
The key word – PROBABILITY. What’s
your siblings. It’s the key to whether
the probability of the financial
insurance is needed should you think
disaster happening? Low, don’t
your savings be insufficient.
bother. If probability is quite high and any of the circumstances above
Married, employed or have own business with no children, yet
is not meet to your satisfaction, then,
A dual income household with
You may not be expert at
goals of starting own little family and
calculating probability but you have
staying in own home. If both have
your own idea how it is. The above
the same circumstances as being
scenario includes even when one
single with no dependents before
spouse has since decided not to
marriage, there appears to be less or
work and the unthinkable happens.
no necessity for insurance. What if,
Why? As capable adults, what’s so
the following scenario applies:
difficult about starting work again?
yes, there is a need for some sort of insurance.
Survival should not be an issue unless You have savings to cover living
there is no savings at all or there are
expenses for 6 months to a year while
debts to pay.
INVESTMENT
Married, employed or have own business with children
The risk of insufficient funds grows day by day as it would include own living expenses as well as medical needs
Family provides a whole new
as you approach non-active income
challenge because of the heavier
phase of your life. As the risk of
responsibility one takes up with
insufficiency grows, so does the need
children in the picture. What would
for insurance. However, if you are
be the financial consideration?
willing to scale down your lifestyle,
When do you NOT need insurance?
let your children experience funding
When your wealth is sufficient to :
their education via education loan or self funding, and also willing to be
● Provide for the welfare of the
dependent on your children for your
family. It may be scaled down
welfare, the need for insurance is
version but taking into account
moderated.
added expenses like a nanny/ babysitter. More than a year’s living expenses seems a good start. ● Provide education for children – either local, private or overseas
You estimate that your wealth today is sufficient taking into account the needs of your family and extended family after doing all the
● Provide for parents welfare
necessary calculation using estimates and assumptions, especially,
especially if they have not
on the inflation factor. You also judge the possibility of some of the
provided well for themselves.
happening remote. This increases your confidence that your wealth is
Medical needs like trips to the
more than adequate and you DON’T need any insurance other than
doctors and medication all
those required by law.
require your support. Should a medical disaster strikes? Imagine
Should one day you find your wealth not sufficient, then, yes, you may
your commitment then!
look for some insurance. Now, you just need to make sure you are still
● Provide for a new furnished
insurable as the insurance companies are choosy and only do business
home or car should fire, burglary
with people who are healthy and of low risk.
or flood happen to your home or car
ABOUT THE WRITER “Being a Certified Financial Planner with more than 10 years experience in accountancy has made me very passionate to educate people on managing their finances. Through talks, workshop as well as personal consultations I provide guidance on the practical approach to better cash flow management which includes keeping track of the expenditure, savings from income and ways to grow the savings. It is my sincere intentions that the guidance I provide would help you get the best out of every cent that you make or own,” Joyce Lim, CFP, Trainer from Simply Empowering Enterprise. Contact details : E-mail : joycelim@joycelim.net Website : www joycelim.net NOV-DEC 2012 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 11
BUSINESS
The 8 Reasons
Why a Startup Fails 1
The Wrong Team
created or partner with companies that
All start by getting the right people on
already exist?
the bus and the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats.
2
The Single Founder finding the right co-founder is critical.
4
Not Talking to Customers
often entrepreneurs do all of their conception and creation within a bubble
To find the right partner you have to be
either because they are afraid someone
able to recognize the skills that you do not
will steal their idea or because they want
posses and be willing to admit that you
it to be perfect before releasing it to the
have shortcomings.
world.. Test
5
Stealth Too Long If you are too slow to draw, you may
miss your opportune time to launch or worse yet, someone else might beat you to the finish line. Take advantage of all of the tools and information out there to help you get your business up and running
6
Stuck on Original Idea Although it is important to have a
clear direction for your company, you must be nimble when it comes to having a successful startup. Opportunities arise, projects fail and situations change.
7
Taking Dumb Money – When you are raising capital and
spending money other than what your company has generated, you get a say in the transaction. Don’t just take a deal because you need the money, be smart about what the money brings with it. Look for investors that are willing to mentor you, introduce you to contacts and take a significant interest in the success of your organization.
8
Founder-itis An organization faces founder’s
syndrome or founder-itis as the scope of activities widen and number of stakeholders increase. Without an effective and inclusive decision making structure and process there is potential for
3
Boiling the Ocean – Is your concept completely new?
Will you have to teach your potentials consumers about your product, will there be a learning curve? Can you borrow techniques that have already been
the product, concept or service to see if
conflict between newcomers who seek
it is viable. It doesn’t have to be perfect
effective involvement with organizational
right out of the gate, get feedback, make
development and the founder(s) who
changes, pivot where necessary. Include
seek to dominate the decision making
your customers in your research and
process. This can be very disruptive both
development.
to the organization and to the individuals concerned and should be carefully and clearly diagnosed and addressed quickly and decisively.
12 ● TODAY’S CHOICES | NOV-DEC 2012
BUSINESS
SUCCESS BUSINESS IS WELL
ORGANISED FINAnCIALly
HERE ARE THE TIPS FOR BEST GUIDANCE:
Get professional help to know your business better
may be able to claim a GST credit and write them off as an expense. Be
Keep your business house in order
Don't wait to get to know your
sure to look into this now.
Your transition to a happier financial
business better. If cash flow, taxation
year will be more seamless if your
Back up your data to ensure compliance with record-keeping requirements
financials are well organised and
Make sure you have a secure data
It also gives you a comprehensive
Compare the current financial year against the previous year
back-up system. If you don’t use
snapshot of your business that’s
accounting software currently,
available at a glance at any time.
consider starting the new year on a
With ordered paperwork, you can
Compare your 2011 tax year against
product that automatically does the
avoid last-minute hiccups and nasty
previous years to pinpoint the
back up for you.
surprises.
perform? Talk to a professional
Get on top of your books and diarise dates to review them
Invest time working on your business, rather than ‘ IN’ your business
who can help identify which ones
From now on, lock in time to update
Take the time to formulate a
deliver the healthiest returns, re-
your data entry and records at
refreshed business strategy.. It should
evaluate your margins and loan
least once a week. Compile as
contain everything from analysis to
terms, help you with managing
much information as you can in
competitor intelligence, a marketing
cash flow, inventory and staying
preparation for updating your
plan and specific, measurable goals.
on top of debtors, and the like.
financial records. This includes
These targets may be financial,
They can even perform business
accounts payable, receivables,
such as increasing lead conversion
benchmarking activities, comparing
payroll and inventory. Identifying
by X per cent, reaching a revenue
your performance against similar
errors is much easier over a short
target at a specific time and halving
businesses.
time period than after 12 months’
operational costs. Or, they may be
time has passed, so perhaps review
operational, such as expanding your
Write off bad debts before June 30
your books every two months rather
product line, moving into another
than every quarter. Mistakes can be
geographic region and upskilling
If any debts have been outstanding
picked up sooner, potentially saving
staff. Consider involving team
for more than 12 months and/or are
you money in the long term.
members in building the strategy to
and forecasting aren’t your areas of expertise, contact an accountant with experience in your industry to help.
compliant. Up to date accounting software acts like a virtual assistant by automating many aspects of this.
positive and negative trends. When were your peak periods? How well did each of your products/services
considered non-recoverable, you
help improve their buy-in. NOV-DEC 2012 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 13
ELIMINATE YOUR COMPETITION SELL YOUR CAR IN TODAY’S CHOICES ADVERTISE WITH US
& GET THE BEST PROMOTION OFFER How to advertise: Call: 03 7728 6622 / 03 7728 2622 Website: www.todayschoices.com.my Email: info@vma.com.my
WHEELS
NOT YOUR ORDINARY SEDAN
Nissan introduces the All-New Almera A
lmera is Nissan’s latest offering
Almera features quality that
in the B-segment sedan and
exceeds the segment with roomy,
is available in 3 different grades,
comfortable cabin space in front
the E, V & VL. Built on an all-new
and back seats in an affordable,
global versatile “V” platform that
fuel-efficient package. The Almera’s
utilizes a lightweight yet rigid body,
rear seat legroom (940mm) and
Almera is powered by Nissan’s latest
outstanding boot space (490 litres
1.5-liter HRD15DE engine, which
boot capacity) set the Almera apart
features a Continuously Variable-
from its sedan competitors in the light
valve Timing Control (CVTC), giving
car segment.
drivers excellent fuel efficiency and drivability.
The easy-to-drive Almera offers peace of mind with safety features
Almera is a light car that is big on
including Vehicle Stability Control,
space, comfort and value. Almera
ABS with Electronic Brakeforce
combines a sophisticated exterior
Distribution and Brake Assist.
design, well-appointed interior and
Almera also includes the full
exceptional room for five adults –
complement of six airbags across
including more rear legroom and
all grades, with dual front, side and
boot space than many mid-size
curtain airbags. The Almera is also
sedans.
sold as the Nissan Sunny in China.
NOV-DEC 2012 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 15
WHEELS
TAKING X to new heights
Introducing the New BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle
B
MW Group Malaysia re-ignites
driver satisfaction and utility and
the Sports Activity Vehicle
continues to offer superior efficiency
(SAV) segment yet again with the
for both the consumer as well as
introduction of the all new BMW X1
the environment.” said Dr. Gerhard
sDrive20i.
Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia.
Designed to meet the needs of the increasingly dynamic modern
The all new BMW X1 sDrive20i will
lifestyle, the BMW X1 is a youthful
be available for purchase at BMW
SAV with a highly contemporary
dealerships throughout Malaysia
sport-centric design, featuring great
from 10th November. Available in
versatility and agility and matching a
exterior colours of Alpine White, Black
premium interior with superior engine
Sapphire, Midnight Blue, Mineral
performance and amazing fuel
Grey, Sparkling Bronze and Valencia
efficiency – characteristics that are
Orange, and a choice of Nevada
typically BMW.
Beige Leather or Nevada Black Leather for the interior, the retail price
“The BMW X1 features all the traits
(on the road, without insurance and
for which we at BMW are known
with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive
for and matches them to current
(BS+RI) for the new BMW X1 sDrive20i
requirements and practicalities.
is RM 238,800.
The vehicle sets the benchmark for 16 ● TODAY’S CHOICES | NOV-DEC 2012
FLY AWAY ASIA 4 Safe Destinations to Travel IN ASIA
1. SINGAPORE Taking into consideration the homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants, tiny Singapore is the safest place in Asia and one of the safest on the globe. The country boasts a rate of 0.38, which is extraordinarily low - by the way of example, the most recent data shows that Honduras and Venezuela have recorded 58 and 52 intentional homicides per 100,000 people a year respectively. Although considered a bit too sterile, Singapore is in fact a fascinating place to visit - a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arabic and Western cultures is everything but chaos, social tension and racial antagonism. Given the huge penalties to offenders (including death penalty for drug trafficking), crime and theft are really rare in the country.
2. JAPAN In terms of the homicide rate, Japan is a runner-up on the list of Asia's safest countries, with 0.44 intentional homicides per 100,000 a year. Theft and crime are also occasional and in comparison to other Asian destinations Japan could be considered an ultra safe destination. Believe it or not, but even the lost-andfound services do work in Japan. Also if you leave something behind, you are most likely to find it right where it was left. Moreover, Japan is a great country to travel with kids - there are children facilities in most of the hotels and public places. The only concern is the traditional Japanese food that your kids will most likely refuse to eat.
3. NEW ZEALAND It’s an obvious choice for another world's safest destination. Stable economy, isolation and lack of social and political unrest make the country an ultra safe
place to visit. Its homicide rate of 2.0 is
the conflict with Turkey that divided the
relatively low and violent crime is minimal.
island into the South and the North in the
Thanks to its isolation, New Zealand has no
1970s, Cyprus is one of the safest places
venomous creatures such as spiders, snakes
in Europe (politically) and the Middle East
and jelly fish that can be found in Australia,
(geographically), with minimal crime rate
and there are no recorded shark attacks
and basically no need to lock the doors at
on humans. Moreover, the chances of
night. At least that's what the locals claim
being involved in a natural disaster are slim
they hardly ever do. The country has one of
as the islands are too far south for tropical
the highest incomes per capita in Europe
cyclones.
and absolutely no records of terrorist attacks. Petty thefts do happen, but
4. CYPRUS
common sense will help you avoid them.
Another destination where personal safety is guaranteed is Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite
SEPTEMBER 2012 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 17
FLY AWAY ASIA TEXT & IMAGES: AL NAMEERA TOUR MANAGEMENT
as from invasions from the north, the wall we see in the present day was left from the Ming dynasty. Having a wonderful Great Wall tour is a must for your Beijing trip. You can discover the charm of the wall with our Beijing Muslim tour with Al Nameera Tour Management. Summer Palace is known as the largest imperial garden in China. It was first built in the Qing emperor Qianlong’s time in 1751 and burned down in1860 by the French and British army. It was restored by the Dowager empress Cixi in 1886 for her own enjoyment The Summer Palace in Beijing is an outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese landscape
BEIJING MUSLIM TOUR
with Al Nameera Tour Management
20 ● TODAY’S CHOICES | NOV-DEC 2012
garden design, incorporating the
Al Nameera Tour Management
works of humankind and nature in a
will take you to explore the various
harmonious whole. Bird Nest Olympic
attractions of the Muslim in Beijing,
Stadium is one of the attractions
China. We will take you to visit
during Olympic 2008. The uniqueness
Mosques, Muslim restaurants,
of the stadium, which makes people
famous shopping places and some
stunned is due to its amazing design.
representative attractions of Beijing.
Muslim in Beijing Attractive places in Beijing
Niujie Street is a famous Muslim
Beijing has a lot of famous historical
street in Beijing, and there are
sites around China. One of the most
many Muslim restaurants near Niujie
famous historical sites in Beijing is
Mosque on Niujie Street. They also
Tiananmen Square which is the
have Niujie Muslim supermarket,
largest city square in the world and
which is the largest Muslim food
around there gathered various
and appliance market in China.
historical sites. There are Beijing
If you were interested in Mosque
National Museum, Chairman Mao
as well as Muslim food, you have
Memorial Hall, Forbidden City and
your meal in the restaurants on this
others. Forbidden City is the symbol
street. It is a better place to have
of Chinese history, thus not visiting
Beijing Muslim Tour with Al Nameera
the Forbidden City would be missing
Tour Management; we make our
much of China’s amazing history.
customer to enjoy their time on this
Great Wall of China is one of the
street. The Niujie Mosque on Niujie
Seven Wonders of the World. First
Street is largest mosque with the
built in the Warring States period
longest history in Beijing. There are
(475-221BC) as a series of earthworks
many famous mosques in Beijing,
erected by individual kingdoms as a
and Qianmen Mosque is one of
defense against each other as well
them.
FLY AWAY ASIA especially the tui na
find treasures to take back home.
massage, is a great way
Interesting & Fun Activities Beijing Opera and Folk Music One of the things you cannot afford to miss out is the Beijing Opera. It is an exciting mix of history, culture, acrobatics and martial arts. The opera actors make extensive use of heavy costumes, masks and folk
to de-stress. The tui na
Sports
massages are known to
Beijing offers many sports to choose
relieve backache, joint
from and many more sport centers.
pain and muscular tension.
Dongdan Sports Center, Ritan
Some of the spas offer
Park, Yuyuantan Park and Julong
Chinese massage therapies along
Garden Fitness Club are some of the
with other modern therapies. Apart
frequented sports centers in Beijing.
from these, you could have your traditional Chinese nail art. Another
Say “Hello” to the Pandas in Beijing Zoo
great way to relax and refresh
The Beijing Zoo is home to pandas,
in Beijing is by making use of the
golden haired monkeys and more
manicure and pedicure done in
native animals to China. It also home
music. They make a great appeal
to a variety of animals from around
to people of all ages and are quite
the world. This is the oldest zoo in
entertaining.
China.
Art & Cultural Activities The Chinese culture is full of vivid colors; larger than life imagery and plentiful symbolization, and Beijing is one place where you get to see all of them. There are many festivals and fairs that take place in Beijing. Unfortunately, they are celebrated only at certain times in a year, usually during the Chinese New Year or spring time. But the art galleries are good places to visit the whole year round.
This is just a small list of the most interesting things to do in Beijing
Acrobatic Stunt Shows
from the many options that are
Chinese acrobatic shows are
available for tourists. Plan out
an amazing visual treat and the fact that there is an acrobatic show almost every evening is like an icing on a cake. These shows have unbelievable stunts, performed without the usual safety nets. At a point where you think there is going to be an accident, you are surprised with a spectacular stunt.
Spas & Bath Houses Traditional Chinese Massages,
your trip and the things you wish famous Beijing bath houses.
to do well in advance. In any case,
Shopping
a visit to Beijing with Al Nameera Tour Management is bound to be
Beijing is famous for its shopping
memorable and interesting in the
centers that range from large
least.
commercial centers to local fleas markets and antique markets. Just make sure you know what you want Though you will have to be on your
YOUR FUN TRAVELLING
FRIEND
guard against low quality material almost everywhere, you are sure to NOV-DEC 2012 | TODAY’S CHOICES ● 21