The Iskandarian Aug 2014 Issue

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Official Newspaper

KDN : PP17797/06/2012(032765) | MICA : MCI(P) 099/06/2013

The Iskandarian, Iskandar Malaysia’s Premier Community Newspaper, is a publicprivate collaborative product by IRDA’s Social Development Division

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The Iskandarian Monthly Drill

We get in touch with organisation CEOs & Chairmen to drill them with question

Clients choose Malaysia for our nation’s many businesses - Rizatuddin Ramli, CEO as well as lifestyle attractions Bio-XCell, Malaysia

email: admin@theiskandarian.com

Tourism Sector Opitmistic despite the uphill pg 2 task faced

pg 9

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Johor Kaki Tony goes Arabic in this month’s pg 23 food hunt

Vehicle Entry Permit & Toll Charges

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Headlines: Effective from

1st August, Singapore increases their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and Malaysia’s new causeway toll rates with a record high of 570% increase will take effect.

More to come with the soonto-be-implemented VEP on the Malaysian side, the rates of which pg 4 have yet to be finalised

INSIDE SOS ResQ pocket-size alarm to alert authorities for assistance pg 4

Legoland Malaysia showcases Mini Kampung at Miniland pg 6

pic by Nicholas Vincent

IRDA says more MICE for Iskandar pg 5 Malaysia

pg 2

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The Iskandarian

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Tourism sector doing good Concern: Despite the tragedies that have plagued our nation recently, the tourism sector is still doing good

By Maisarah & John Lee newsdesk@theiskandarian.com

E

ven with the tragedies of MH370 and MH17, Johor’s toruism sector is still upbeat with tourism arrival numbers and the increase of domestic tourism.

State Consumerism, Domestic Trade and Tourism Exco Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said that 5.7 million tourists came to Johor last year compared with 3.9 million in 2012. That’s an increase of 1.8 million.

Legoland Malaysia is among the examples of garnering the attraction of local tourists.

“It is good that more Malaysians are flocking to tourist destinations in the state. This shows that locals have the money to spend and visit these places and they are not mere spectators of the massive development within the Iskandar Malaysia region,” said Tee. He added that the state government hoped to increase the

Promotions are set to begin tentatively in October to promote Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015 - Nor Yahati Awang

General Manager of Visit Malaysia Year Secretariat

number of tourists to Johor by 25% by 2021.

Next year will kick off another year of tourism campaigning with the launching of Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015.

“Promotions are set to begin tentatively in October this year to promote Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015,” said Nor Yahati

(from left): Director Ministry of Tourism and Culture Mohammad Isa, General Manager of Legoland Mark Germyn & General Manager of Visit Malaysia Year Secretariat Nor Yahati Awang Awang, Director of Visit Malaysia Year Secretariat.

The campaign is going to showcase all the festivals in Malaysia from Colours of Malaysia to our signature Fabulous Food Malaysia. We will also showcase traditional festivals such as Hari Raya, Christmas, Thaipusam and all the other local celebrations. We are a melting pot of races so we’re going to leverage on that strength

to attract more tourists.

“Malaysia did face lot of challenges this year, we can’t deny that, but we are very confident and we remain positive that we can turn it around next year,” added Yahati.

For this year, Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY2014) goes on and promotions will be continued to woe both domestic and international tourists to make Johor as their vacation getaway.

Johor Police HQ 07-221 2999 / 07-225 4499

JB North Police IPD 07-556 3122

Ministry of Tourism (Johor) 07-223 3171

Tourism Malaysia Johor 07-222 3590 / 91

Immigration 07-224 4233

JB South Police IPD 07-2218 999

Nusajaya Police IPD 07-511 4222

Tourism Malaysia Hotline 1300 88 5050

Johor Tourism 07-223 4935 / 224 9960

Senai International Airport 07-599 4500

Hotlines

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) 07-233 3000

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Published by True Soul Entertainment [14, Jln. Selasih 10, Taman Kemas, 81200, Johor Bahru]Printed by Percetakan Gemilang Sinar/Gan Seng Printing(M) Sdn.Bhd. [No.100, Jalan Tampoi, 81200, Johor Bahru] Copyright of articles, contributions and photos which are published by The Iskandarian is the property of True Soul Entertainment. The Iskandarian does its best to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of its contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibilities for errors, mistakes and inaccuracies. The publisher reserves the rights of this product and no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of the publisher.

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Inside Insight The Iskandarian

quick reads

Free Public Bus Service

Free public bus service was recently launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib for commuters in Johor Bahru.

The bus service will be from 6am to 12am for the Larkin-JB Sentral-MBJB-Jalan Wong Ah Fook-Larkin route.

The service frequency will be at every 20 minutes. The full service operation is scheduled to start on 8 Aug, with the service offered to MBJB travel card holders.

MBJB will be offering 3,000 cards for free and an additional card at a discounted price of RM5 while stocks last.

The normal price for the card is RM10. The free travel card can be obtained from the MBJB counters at Larkin and JB Sentral from 22 Aug.

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Benchmark Seri Austin celebrate their 9th pg 28 anniversary

WAVES Lifestyle What to do this month? Check out pg 15 our calendar

Corporate Travel Bazaar to attract business Upcoming: Tourism Malaysia will be organising the fifth edition of the Corporate Travel Bazaar (CTB) on 14th August at Puteri Pacific Hotel, Johor Bahru

By Maisarah & Zarakay newsdesk@theiskandarian.com

C

TB’s aim is to attract businesses from the public and corporate sectors in the southern region as well as from Singapore and Batam Island, Indonesia. It also aspires to increase awareness for business tourism among the corporate and public sectors in the southern region.

Tourism Malaysia DirectorGeneral Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyah said that the event, which would be held in Johor for the first time, could attract and cater to neighbouring regions in the south.

He added that usually a lot of focus is placed on tourism that are centred on sight-seeing, theme parks, food and attractions but corporate tourism was not a

They targeted 70 sellers and 500 buyers with projected sales revenue of RM2.5mil

- Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyah

Tourism Malaysia Director-General

new thing in Malaysia. Corporate tourism usually involved hosting tourists and showing them the industrial side of a place and enabling them to understand more about the area’s developments.

The Iskandarian

Do’s & Don’ts The good, the bad and the ugly of fellow Iskandarians.

Disgusting! A man is seen taking a pee in public with no qualms -Submitted by Kumar (Tmn Bukit Kempas) of passing traffic.

Snap your thoughts and send in pictures to our Do’s & Don’ts segment today: newsdesk@theiskandarian.com

(from left): Exco Datuk Tee Siew Kiong, Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyah & Tourism Malaysia Johor State Director Edzuar Zar “The CTB programme is in line with Tourism Malaysia’s mission to emphasise the importance of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) sector as well as to stimulate the growth of domestic tourism among

the local business community,” said Mirza.

He added that the one-day bazaar would take place on Aug 14 and they targeted 70 sellers and 500 buyers with projected sales revenue of RM2.5mil.

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from cover page

Vehicle Entry Permit & Toll Charges Headlines: Effective from 1st August, Singapore increases their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and Malaysia’s new causeway toll rates with a record high of 570% increase will take effect. More to come with the soon-to-be-implemented VEP on the Malaysian side, the rates of which have yet to be finalised Commuters from both side of the bridge wil be effected by the new toll charges

By Priya Manikam newsdesk@theiskandarian.com

T

he Land Transport Authority (LTA), Singapore announced that foreigners driving into Singapore will have to pay a higher entry permit fees at the border starting 1st August.

Drivers of foreignregistered cars will have to pay $35 (about RM88) for a daily permit, up from $20. Those driving goods vehicles will have to pay $40 for a monthly permit - four times the $10 charged previously.

It is not commented at this stage if this steep hike in fees would help ease the traffic woes at the Singapore Immigration border but the LTA said it periodically reviews foreign vehicle permit fees to ensure that the cost of owning and

using a foreign-registered vehicle in Singapore corresponds with that of owning and using a Singaporeregistered vehicle.

While Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib bin Tun Razak announced that the government has decided to implement the Vehicle Entry Permit fee for all foreign vehicles entering Johor, another announcement was made that new causeway toll rates would see an unprecedented 570% increase.

The anouncement explained that users of the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) would not have to pay toll and the expressway would be toll-free for the residents of Johor Bahru. Hence, the new rates only affects vehicles travelling between Malaysia and Singapore through the CIQ.

Almost 180,000 or more than 80% of EDL users were Johor Bahru residents and they were not affected by the toll rate increase, it said.

The new toll rate for vehicles coming into Malaysia are RM9.70, RM14.70, RM19.70, RM4.80 and RM7.80 for the various range of vehicles, while the toll rates for outbound vehicles are RM6.80, RM10.20, RM13.60, RM3.40 and RM5.50.

The existing rates, implemented in January 2011, are RM2.90, RM4.50, RM6.10, RM1.40 and RM2.30.

Meaning, motorists commuting on the causeway currently pay RM2.90 on the Malaysian side, but from August, they would have to pay a combined toll rate of RM16.50, an increase of

nearly 5.7 times.

The decision comes as a shocker as there is still the soonto-be-implemented Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) on the Malaysian side once rates have been finalised.

“There were some mixed emotions when I heard the news. In some way, I find it unfair because there is no alternative non-toll road to the Customs and Immigration Quarantine Complex (CIQ) so commuters have no alternatives,” said Chuah Lek Ow, a daily commuter to Singapore.

In regards to Malaysia’s VEP, State Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee Chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad said, “The proposal to impose a levy on these cars, which had been forwarded by Johor to the Federal Government,

(pic by Nicholas Vincent)

was reasonable at RM50 (S$20) per vehicle due to Singapore’s favourable exchange rate against the Malaysian Ringgit.”

According to Hasni, the proposal was not new as the previous state administration had made a similar suggestion due to the high volume of Singaporean cars using the country’s roads and infrastructure. Therefore, the money collected could be set aside to help maintain the roads in the state, he pointed out.

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority said if there is a new, or an increase, in toll charges

by Malaysia at the Causeway, Singapore will match them in due course. That is because it has been Singapore’s practice to peg its tolls to match those set by Malaysia at the Causeway and the Second Link.

SOS ResQ pocket-size alarm Interest: Help is a just a button away with ResQ alarm which alerts authorities via data connection or SMS

N

oticing the constrictions of coming up with a smart phone app as a SOS alert system is what motivated Wiseyes Solutions in collaboration with Globay Forway Sdn bhd and Adelanto Marketing Sdn Bhd to come up with ResQ alarm.

The ResQ device comes with three buttons, including the main SOS button. The other two are the home and office buttons.

In the event of an emergency, the user needs to just press a button for two seconds to relay information and the location of the incident via a data connection or SMS. In the event of an emergency, information will be sent to multiple parties including the police,

family members and office managers.

“The user-friendly device would be a vital tool to connect the public with the police during lifethreatening situations,” said State Chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff during the launch of the ResQ alarm button

by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

“It also serves as an

emergency alarm to prevent theft of a vehicle. By activating the ResQ vehicle mode, owners will be alerted on their mobile phones when the vehicle moves more than 100m from its original position,” he said.

SDCP Mohd Mokhtar said ResQ was an extension of the CommAlert (community alert) smartphone application that was launched in May last year.

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More MICE centres for Iskandar Malaysia

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Highlight: Plans for 2 convention centres in Iskandar Malaysia to capture Mice market and to meet the demand

I

skandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said two new international convention centres will be built in Iskandar Malaysia within the next three years to capitalise on the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market.

The multi-billion ringgit projects would be located in Medini, Nusajaya and the SenaiKulai flagship development zones.

“The Mice market is rapidly growing in Iskandar Malaysia in recent years but we lack facilities of international levels to cater to the needs,” said Ismail.

Persada Johor International Convention was not enough to cater to the Mice segment he added.

“I can’t announce any

details of the projects at the moment but these must be implemented within the next three years in order to turn the Iskandar Malaysia development region into a city with world class facilities,” he said.

“It is good to have them in Nusajaya and the Senai-Kulai zones instead of the city centre as we need to spread the Mice business to other zones in the economic region.”

He said there was also a shortage of hotel rooms in Iskandar Malaysia and IRDA is making efforts to attract more hotel industry players to come in order to overcome the shortage of about 5000 hotel rooms in the city.

Most of foreign and domestic tourists visiting Singapore preferred to stay in

Johor Bahru as the hotel rates here were much cheaper than those in the republic.

He said that based on the projection of visitors arrival into the city, some 12,000 hotel rooms are needed as the current status quo will be insufficient.

“Although we are trying to attract more hotel industry players into Iskandar Malaysia, IRDA wants to make sure that the facilities and services they offer are on par with international standards,” he said.

KOMTAR JBCC expects 1million visitors Interest: Komtar Johor Baru City Centre (Komtar JBCC) refurbished mall has targeted one million visitors when it is fully open by year end

W

ith a 1 million target, Jcorp President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim said more retail outlets would be open for business by then while the first Angry Birds Park in Southeast Asia, on level three, would start operations in October.

“Currently, only 23 new retail outlets are open and the number is expected to increase to 130 by year-end,” he said.

Kamaruzzaman said the mall would be fully completed in November and so far 90 per cent of the tenants had given their undertaking to start operations.

“Komtar JBCC has a special place in the history and development

of Johor Bahru. I hope that with the new Komtar JBCC, Johor’s economy will be boosted tremendously and will open up more business opportunities especially in the retail and tourism related sectors,” said Dato’ Mohamed Khaled who visited JBCC to light up

the display of Raya lamps.

He noted that Komtar JBCC complements the development of Iskandar Malaysia towards realising Johor’s vision of ensuring strong and sustainable economic growth, quality commercial services and liveable communities.

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Mini Kampung at Miniland Highlight: Legoland Malaysia launches miniland kampung for park visitors in conjunction with Hari Raya and Visit Malaysia Year 2014

Mini Kampung at Miniland, Legoland Malaysia

L

egoland Malaysia Resort recently revealed a brand new attraction for Park visitors at Miniland for the Hari Raya celebration and Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

The Miniland Kampung features thirteen kampung houses that represent each state in Malaysia. The cluster was built using more than 130,000 LEGO bricks.

Situated between KLIA and Putrajaya clusters in Miniland, it was built by a team of Legoland model builders. Each house took up to 100 hours to build and measures 13mx3m in size. Each house uses approximately 10,000 LEGO bricks. The entire cluster covers an area of 420sq ft.

Want to share your ideas? Email us today: newsdesk@theiskandarian.com

The Miniland Kampung was officiated

by Mark Germyn, General Manager of Legoland Malaysia and Nor Yahati Awang, General Manager of Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Secretariat. The event was also attended

by En. Mohammad Isa Abdul Halim, Director of Ministry of Tourism Malaysia Johor, Dr Badrul Hisham Kassim, Director of Johor Tourism Department and Mr. Aaron Gan, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia Johor State.

The event opened with a special performance by the National Department for Culture and Arts, Johor that danced to the tune of the official song for Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

(pic by John Lee) “We are happy that the launch event was well received and honoured that the State and various government agencies strongly supported our initiative. With the opening of this new attraction, we hope to share the spirit of 1Malaysia with our local and overseas visitors so they could learn more about the unique heritage of Malaysia,� said Mark Germyn, General Manager of Legoland Malaysia Resort.

The event was made more special as it ended with a special buka puasa dinner with 63 children from Rumah Amal Baitul Maghfirah, a local welfare home at Bricks Family Restaurant in Legoland Hotel.

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RAMADAN HIGHLIGHTS

Seri Austin’s dinner & donation for the mentally challenged

Thistle Johor Bahru celebrated with SK Princess Elizabeth

(pic by John Lee)

Hotel Granada doing their bid for charity

(pic by John Lee)

Pulai Springs Resort brings joy to the elderly

IRDA celebrates with 20 underprivileged families

(pic by Zarakay)

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The Iskandarian

quick reads

KL-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) link update According to Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Commission, the rail service is proposed to have stops in Seremban, Ayer Keroh (Malacca), Muar, Batu Pahat and Nusajaya in Johor.

Passengers will take 2 and 1/2 hours to go from KL to Singapore, said the commission.

This includes time for waiting, transfers and immigration clearance, and is shorter than the five hours by car and getting stuck in traffic.

Actual travel time between the two cities is estimated at 90 minutes. Besides an express service, the line will also have transit trains that stop at the cities in between.

Tuas West and Jurong East have been indicated as the possible stops for HSR in Singapore.

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Launch of the MICCI Johor business directory Highlight: MICCI Johor recently launched its inaugural Biz Directory with a dinner and dance at Thistle Johor Bahru

By Maisarah & John Lee newsdesk@theiskandarian.com

O

ver 150 guests were treated to a traditional Zapin Malay dance, a Chinese fan show and an Indian Peacock Dance during the launching of MICCI’s Biz Directory.

It was a night that showcased the rich culture and heritage of Malaysia much to the delight of the foreigners present in the room. The students from Tenby International School also did an Egyptian themed dance called “Cleopatra”.

Also present during the dinner was Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios Chief Executive Officer, Micheal Lake. He was escorted to the stage by costume acts of Spiderman, Darth Vader and Ironman to give a special presentation on the studio to the guests.

MICCI Johor Exco along with Simon Whitelaw, President for MICCI Malaysia went on stage to autograph two of the Biz

Directory. The Biz Directories are made from Batik and were bound at JARO (Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation).

This is MICCI Johor’s way to showcase the exceptional quality

and workmanship of the physically challenged.

The directories contain important economic information on Johor and Malaysia from IRDA, MATRADE and MIDA.

Flowcharts are used to illustrate to prospective investors easy stepby-step guide as to how to set-up a company or operation in Johor.

The directory is available for sale at RM 100 per book.

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The Iskandarian Monthly Drill The Iskandarian aspires to be the voice of the rakyat and with that in mind, our Editor touches base with CEOs and Chairmen of organisations to Drill them with questions to hear their opinions and perspectives.

Rizatuddin Ramli has a total of 15 years experience in business development with exposure in niche areas like having served in unique positions related to the government and innovation bodies as well as in census taking of sectors where active intellectual properties were generated, including biotechnology.

He has served as Programme Director for GLC Engagement, Technical Chairman for PreSeed Programme, Architect for MNC Partnerships and Chairperson of EPU Technical Capability.

Another feather in his cap was, while he was the Special Officer for the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, he was part of the team that had drafted the National Biotechnology Policy and that makes him a pioneer in this field.

Would you be able to illustrate a little bit about Bio-XCell?

Bio-XCell Biotechnology Park is Malaysia’s premier biotechnology park and ecosystem. It is a joint venture company formed between Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (the Government Agency in charge of developing the Biotechnology industry and Bioeconomy in Malaysia) and notable property developer UEM Sunrise Berhad. BioXCell was established in 2009 as a result of a stimulus to accelerate commercialisation of Biotechnology in the National Biotech Policy under the purview of Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Bio-XCell spreads across a 160 acre park offering a conducive environment for the

bio-manufacturing and bioindustrial companies. The park was established to enhance the biotechnology industry in Malaysia, and enable a long term ecosystem with a conscious aim to expedite the growth of the biotechnology industry in the country, namely implementation areas of Healthcare and Industrial Biotechnology as well as to focus on FDI promotion and implementation of industrial projects and large scale bio-based manufacturing in Malaysia.

What are your aspirations for Bio-XCell?

Thus far, Bio-XCell has propelled its way forward in many areas; mainly is the building and commissioning of testing phase of the Central Utilities Facility (CUF) which is one of the main components in the park. The Central Utilities Facility today provides steam, chilled water and waste water management catered to specific utility requirements of our clients. The centralised service will reduce the capital expenditure for bulk utilities needed by the park’s clients.

Once the park officially opens, the focal point of activities is the Bio-XCell Sentral - a multipurpose innovative space featuring a business and service offices, auditorium, shared GLP labs & virtual office space as well as other lifestyle amenities such as F&B and retail outlets. Clients have options to have long term leases, rentals or pay-as-you-use for the business and lab facilities at Bio-XCell Sentral.

I am also pleased to mention that Bio-XCell was also nominated by Biofuel Digest (USA) – for 2014 Transformative Technologies under the “Town or Industrial Symbiosis” category.

This only goes to show that BioXCell is gaining its pace in the international arena and it will continue to do so in the years to come.

Bio-XCell has been working with various partners

to build a synergistic ecosystem for businesses at the park and one of which being an integrated Bio-Pharma integrated logistics hub.

This partnership with WH Distripark is a step closer in enhancing the ecosystem offering and features for a premier biotechnology park.

Who are the major Biotechnology players that are based at Bio-XCell today?

We have 3 major biotechnology players at the park today. First being Biocon - India’s largest biotechnology firm and fully integrated biopharmaceutical company who will be having their largest integrated insulin production plant in Asia at BioXCell.

Second, we have Stelis Biopharma a subsidiary of Strides Arcolab Ltd, one of India’s fastest growing manufacturers and exporters of branded and generic finished pharmaceutical dosage forms and Specialty Pharmaceuticals which will focus end-to-end manufacturing of biosimilars.

Then Glycos Biotechnology is a US-based industrial biotechnology company, pioneering the metabolic engineering of microbial strains. The facility at the park will produce 10KMTA Isoprene Monomer from renewable resource feedstock.

We also have another client who has skewed the business to cater the needs of the industry.

WH Distripark will be setting up an integrated Biopharma Logistics hub at the park. Once the hub is fully operational, clients at the park will have the option to utilise the services of a specialised logistics hub tailored to their needs.

Why do you think your clients choose to establish or grow their presence in Malaysia?

Clients choose Malaysia for a variety of reasons, effectively for our nation’s many business as well

Rizatuddin Ramli CEO of Bio-XCell, Malaysia

as lifestyle attractions. Mainly, the attractive tax incentives and benefits, progressive framework and policies for Biotechnology and Bioeconomy with strong access to people and raw material resources are main reasons the clients chose to start their projects in Malaysia.

The added benefit is the fact that Bio-XCell Biotechnology Park, based in Nusajaya, Iskandar Malaysia is of close proximity to Singapore and that opens up the possibilities to many markets and economic realities around the South Asian region.

What local/regional growth opportunities do you see for Bio-XCell? Please explain why?

Growth opportunities for us, is in seeing good projects evolve in high value bio-ingredients, bio-based as specialty chemical inputs, variety biomaterials, drug discovery and biosimilars be effected innovatively by the clients in our Bio-XCell park as well as by ourselves, namely in the Bio-XCell Utility processes.

Innovation in biorenewables and process are key applications as we navigate the path to sustainability and green future.

What are your plans and strategies for Bio-XCell?

Our immediate plans now is to look at take ups for our some of the available land plots, the ready built manufacturing units and the spaces available at Bio-XCell Sentral Building where there will lab spaces, furnished and unfurnished offices, retail offices and F&B outlets.

We believe that the one important area that will support and value add for the clients at the park will be the creation of the ecosystem. To support this we will continue to enhance the ecosystem to support our clients in the park.

Some areas of immediate focus include: • Service Office and Virtual Office

(SoVo) – a “Plug and Play” Office which includes ready communications and computing power offered on demand and lease-basis to inhabitants of the park – thus creating the cloudlike environment for biotech businesses.

• Just in time Logistics and Custom Warehousing is also a feature in the park – spread across 10acres of state-of-theart logistics warehouse that is able to cater millions of tonnes (BTU) at its peak.

• Nurturing Talent Pool and Industrial Workforce. We aim to be a catalyst in co-creating a talent pool and have forged strategic alliances with industry pioneers, clients and partners for areas of Biotechnology and Industrial engineering.

Would you be able to elaborate further on SoVo (Service Office and Virtual Office)?

The Service Office Suite based at Bio-XCell Sentral is a ready-tomove-in furnished office with added value services such as front office services and 24/7 secured access system. These suites come with five IP (Internet Protocol) telephony services together with access to a private pantry with complimentary refreshments and a directory signage at the reception lobby.

The Bio-XCell Virtual Office is ideal for entrepreneurs, mediumsized start-up companies operating either from home or want a base in Nusajaya, Iskandar Malaysia.

The Virtual Office tenants will benefit from the usage of Bio-XCell Sentral’s premium and prestigious address which maintains the image of professional office. Companies that require off-site project spaces or doing research papers can also benefit from our virtual office services.

We believe that our Service Office and Virtual Offices (SoVo) will complement the thriving and robust business environment in Iskandar region.

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Timeless elegance of Johor’s traditional costumes

J

ohor’s rich Malay culture and heritage is epitomised by Busana Johor or Johor traditional costumes in the Baju Kurung Teluk Belanga which is regarded as the state’s traditional attire since the 19th Century. When Temenggong Abu Bakar Sri Maharaja succeeded the throne, His Royal Highness was residing in Teluk Belanga, Singapore and during his reign, the popularity of this style of dressing flourished. As it was widely worn in Johor during his reign, in 1862 it was recognised as the Baju Kurung Teluk Belanga. In 1866, Temenggong Abu Bakar Sri Maharaja took the title of Sultan Abu Bakar and developed Tanjung Puteri, the land now known as Johor Bahru.

The kain dagang is a versatile accessory that ladies traditionally wear in various ways Generally, baju kurung refers to the lady’s costume while baju melayu refers to the men’s costume. A simple interpretation of kurung means to ‘confine and encase’ the body and with the introduction of Islam, the Malay concept of ‘kurung’ is generally regarded as a looseflowing, long and comfortable garment that modestly covers the entire body. Another special feature of this traditionally handsewn garment is how its bodice and double panels of seams are fastened together with pesak or comfortable gussets in the underarms.

The men and lady’s versions of this traditional costume are distinguished by the number of patch pockets – three

waistband.

This smart ensemble is completed by a Johor-style 4-inch high songkok or velvet hat and leather thong sandals or chapals.

In ancient times, the lady’s kain dagang was a versatile column of fabric with multi uses.

It may be used as a head covering to protect against the elements, a This is how the baju melayu Teluk Belanga ensemble is worn complete receptacle to carry with 4-inch high songkok and chapal sandals in a distinctively Johor firewood or fruits tradition and for special pockets in the men’s costume but only one occasions, it is an accessory to dress-up medium-size breast pocket on the left in the the ensemble. By the 1950’s many ladies lady’s costume. The baju melayu features replaced the kain dagang with other headone small breast patch pocket on the left dresses. In the 1940’s selendang or shawls and two palm-size, right and left pockets on became fashionable and were used as headthe front bottom edge of the shirt. This top coverings and accessories especially for is worn with trousers that are cut in a loose attending weddings and public events.

Chinese design.

The typical feature of the Baju Ladies’ footwear are slip-on sandals Kurung Teluk Belanga is its round collar embroidered with gold threads called kasut that has a slit, the length of the span seret or selipar bertekat, that are teamed between finger and thumb. The edges of with anklets of solid silver or gold. The the collar are hemmed in tulang belut (eel wealthy may further accessorise with a pair bones) stitches and fastened by a single of matching bangles or gelang pintal and stud. This costume characterised the Malay a long necklace but her crowning glory is community in Johor that it soon became usually coiffeured into a knot or sanggul. known as the baju melayu Johor.

In those days, some of the popular Even though changing fashion and hairstyles were the sanggul lintang angin, personal tastes have modified the outfit a chignon shaped in the number “8” that with new features, the modern costumes was so named because it allows good still retains the unique characteristics of ventilation. Another elegant hairdo was the original baju kurung. For instance, the sanggul manja, a knot that rested at the the lady’s long skirt or kain made up of a nape. The “midday knot” or sanggul pukul 2-meter sarong is always fastened on the 12 tengah-hari, made popular by HRH left side, usually with 5 to 6 pleats in the Sultanah Aminah, was also known as siput ombak mengalun or ‘rolling waves’ style.

In a uniquely Johor style baju melayu, a calf-length kain dagang or samping is worn over the trousers but under the shirt. Men may also wear the kain dagang over the outer garment in an alternative ‘baju melayu berkain dagang luar style’ where the sarong is pleated at the front center and Worn in different ways, the traditional baju kurung is still a modest and folded down twice elegant costume with a neat, flat

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The traditional baju melayu Teluk Belanga is hand-stitched with tulang belut hem for its collar and fastened by a single stud Sultanah Aminah. Typical hair accessories to dress-up these neat knots are cocok sanggul and fragrant flowers such as roses and jasmine with a sprig of daun jermin.

Another popular style that evolved from the Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga is the baju melayu Cekak Musang, a style that features a polo neck created by a firm collar that measures approximately 2.5cm high from the nape. This attire, made popular during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Abu Bakar, is still making a bold fashion statement today.

Now with the passing of traditional tailors, the skill for sewing traditional costumes is an art that is gradually disappearing. There was a time when sewing was among the most sought-after wifely qualities but modern women seem to have lost the passion for sewing clothes.

In fact, many wearers of the traditional costume today may not even be aware of the outfit’s interesting features and their significant historical references.

As dressing up in new clothes is part of the Hari Raya tradition, there is often a pre-Raya rush to buy fabrics and have them tailored into several sets of baju kurung or baju melayu. Most tailors are deluged with orders as many families now follow the trend in dressing in matching traditional costumes for Raya. But those who missed the tailoring dates won’t fret because they can shop for ready-made costumes and be spoilt for choice as there are wide varieties to pick from that are even modified with modern features for ease of wear!

The Baju Kurung Teluk Belanga continues to be developed and is now worn in honour of the late sultan. The timeless elegance of Johor’s traditional baju kurung and baju melayu reflects the ethical and traditional values of the cultured and conservative Malay community in Johor and are worn with pride not only at festive seasons but also for weddings and formal events. In spite of changing fashion trends, traditional costumes are certainly here to stay.

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Helping youths to shape their career Highlight: Metropoint TAFE announces Industry Partnerships with hoteliers to assist Malaysian youths seeking to build a career in the hospitality sector but do not having the qualification or financial means to do so

By Maisarah newsdesk@theiskandarian.com

M

etropoint TAFE, the joint venture vehicle for Malaysia’s first Australian Standards TAFE college signed contracts to commence a new education sector in Johor called ‘Industry Partnership’ with DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel and Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour.

Metropoint TAFE Chairman Assoc. Prof. Dato’ Dr Singaraveloo Muthusamy said the partnerships with hoteliers will revolutionise the classic vocational education with no previous qualifications, no prior experience and no fees required.

“Trainees will be trained under the highest standards developed and accredited by the Australian TAFE system through the auspices of Holmesglen TAFE in Melbourne, Victoria, easing those with financial constraints for pursuing further education

study three days per week in the college and three days per week in the hotel.

“They will obtain an internationally recognised qualification and have a guaranteed employment of 2 years with Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel and Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour after graduation,” said Assoc.

Prof. Dato’ Dr Singaraveloo at the signing ceremony.

- Datuk Ismail The press conference signing ceremony for Industry Ibrahim Chief Executive partnership with the hoteliers and commencement of TAFE of IRDA Vocational Training Classes under Metropoint TAFE was officiated by the Chief Executive of Iskandar and getting employed.

“Employment in Malaysia Regional Development Authority is set back by educational and Datuk (IRDA) Datuk Ismail skill mismatches. We believe Ibrahim.

“Such programmes will that these industry partnerships solve the utmost frustration of help in ensuring a ready supply Malaysian youth trying to find of talent to meet the service their future career while giving industry’s needs and this goes them the added confidence with hand in hand with Iskandar 12 months training whereby they Malaysia’s development plan.

Such programmes will help ready supply of talent to meet the service industry’s needs

IRDA Chief Executive Datuk Ismail with Metropoint TAFE and hoteliers Congratulations to Metropoint TAFE and all the hotels involved for starting this partnership together,” said Ismail.

Metropoint TAFE provides practical, hands-on, approach to job training that gives the students real world skills and the start to a professional career.

“Young Johorians who have not had the opportunity to complete their school education,

will develop strong career prospects under this programme.

If they have a positive attitude and are prepared to work hard, then they can change their future, and start on the path to a professional career they can be proud of,” said Metropoint TAFE Sales and Marketing Manager, Jamie Lau. In the first intake, 70 places are available with up to 200 further positions to be considered.

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The Iskandarian

quick reads

TNB to begin phase 2 Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has allocated RM200 million for the second phase of its project to provide electricity in Iskandar Malaysia.

TNB Johor division General Manager Mohd Yusof Ibrahim said the second phase will start this year and end in 2016.

For the first phase from 2010 to 2013, TNB had spent RM300 million to construct 900 new substations and 15 phasor measurement units (PMU).

Works to be carried out include the replacement of cables and adjustment of electrical voltage to cater to the increasingly rapid development in areas like Nusajaya and Danga Bay. For the third phase, which is expected to begin in 2017, the value has yet to be determined.

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Heated debate by youths Highlight: Indian youths from public and private universities engaged in a debate competition to take home the coveted Datuk M Saravanan Trophy

By Maisarah & Zarakay newsdesk@theiskandarian.com

T

he national level Datuk M Saravanan cup debate, organised by Malaysian Indian Youth Council Johor (MIYC) and supported by Johor State Youth and Sports Department and IRDA saw 14 teams coming from Penang, Terengganu, KL, Melaka and Johor with 56 participants and 11 judges.

The esteemed judges were carefully handpicked from local Tamil school teachers to ensure a fair outcome of the debate.

The head judge for the debate was Ravichandran Subramaniam from SMK Taman Universiti, Skudai.

“In a national level debate competition, this is among the only contest with such high prizes. The first prize winners walk away with RM 3000 cash

and the coveted Datuk M Saravanan trophy,” said Isvaran Ramakrishnan, Organising Chairman and Vice Secretary of MIYC Johor.

All participants received a certificate from Johor State Youth and Sports Department

and IRDA. “The objective of the debate is to improve the Tamil language as a whole and to provide a networking platform for students to get together and share ideas. We want to know what the youths are thinking

and this debate is one way of getting their thoughts heard,” said MIYC Johor Chairman Thirunavukkarasu Retnam.

Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Datuk M Saravanan was present to handover the trophy to the winning team.

Record breaking largest ‘bubur lambuk’

Community: Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin joins to dish out the largest bubur lambuk which broke Terengganu’s record of 80 large pots

U

MNO Pasir Gudang, NGOs and private sectors got together to dish out 52,500 portions of bubur lambuk prepared in 350 large pots involving 1500 cooks.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin helped to stir the porridge in the cauldrons before the handing over of a plaque to denote the feat by Malaysia Book of Records executive officer Zulkifli Md Zin at the Pasir Gudang Stadium here on Saturday.

The event’s organising Chairman Norwati Abdul Manap said the packs of spicy porridge were distributed to mosques, hospitals and homes in Pasir Gudang.

By 11am, the record of 270 pots cooked in Terengganu in 2009 was

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (fifth from left) joined the fun (pic by John Lee) broken.

“We are happy to have broken the record.

Above all else, we fostered closer ties between Muslims and non-Muslims,” said Norwati.

M o h a m e d Khaled commended the participants for their effort and encouraged more of such events to be held – Norwati Abdul so that the people could mingle and learn about Manap each other’s culture.

We fostered closer ties between Muslims and non-Muslims

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The Iskandarian Issue 24 | AUG 2014 Advertisement

ENDORSED BY

Calendar of Events >> pg 4

Aug 2014

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scan to visit website

Imma Big Deal Things You Should Know About Fear ptII Travel:

Qatar Music

Ellie Goulding in Singapore >>pg 4

Aug 2014 | Page 2

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

Editor ’s Note

Imma Big Deal revisited

Founded: It all began in a classroom of 2009/10. It was a dream, an ember of doing something epic, and all it needed was something to help the ember burn and that’s when we took it to the streets, bringing ideas into action with nothing but hard-work, faith and consistency with what we do. One of our many mottos is “Chase the dream so you can live It.”, and we go by it and so does our work.

Priya Manikam editor@waveslifestyle.com

I

t’s back to work for most of us post the long Hari Raya holidays. We hope you had a great celebration and did something fruitful with your loved ones and are now back rejuvenated. August is not short of events and activities as the Matta Johor travel fair is back and there are two beauty pageants in store for you, as well as the National Day celebrations.

Local clothing company – Imma Big Deal is once again featured, but this time with their latest casual wear collection.

We’d like to encourage more local entrepreneurs, so do get in touch with us if you wish to be featured.

In our Music News, songstress Ellie Goulding was recently down in Singapore for a press conference and concert.

International superstars Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj have collaborated for the powerhouse anthem “Bang Bang” via Republic Records!

Rose is back with part two of “Things you should know about Fear” topic. Continue reading, as the second part gives you more insight. An interesting “cultural-mix cum food” movie awaits you by Disney – read through the preview and be sure to watch it when it’s out.

In our Travel column, we have come to the finale with sights from Qatar and will be back with another destination in our next issue. And for all you foodies, we bring you two different food reviews to tantalise your taste buds. Do give it a try and tell us what you think.

As always, for those wishing to share their clothing line, travel tales, or like us to review your restaurant/property, or want to appear under the Personality column, drop us an e-mail at editor@waveslifestyle.com today and be featured.

Last but not least, wishing all fellow citizens a very Happy National Day from The Iskandarian team!

Priya

New collection from Imma Big Deal (IBD)

Aim: Teens with an ambition towards bringing fantasy to reality with every chance we get.

What we do: Clothing line. We design different logos and provide cool t-shirts.

Event planners: Plan and prepare different party/gatherings like BBQ parties and open mike sessions.

Purchase: You may purchase our products through our Facebook page (www.facebook. com/teamibd) and leave us a message and we will get back to you or come in person to ECO Park located at the Mines Mall.

Alternatively, do email us at ibd5@ymail.com or call 012-6488423.

(Photographs , Cover Image & Models by Imma Big Deal)

MUSI C UPD AT ES

Source: Universal Music Singapore

Ellie Goulding in Singapore

E

Amos Wong

llie Goulding was back in Singapore for a concert on 13 June 2014 at The Star Theatre. Following a sensational, sold out show at the Esplanade Concert Hall in February 2013, Ellie Goulding has had an incredible year and has risen to become one of the most talked about acts in modern music.

She gave the crowd an amazing and energetic performance of her biggest hits Lights, Burn, Beating Heart and many more.

A Press Conference was also organised before the concert whereby Ellie spoke about her

plans on her next music direction, a bit of Games Of Thrones and shared a laugh or two with the media representatives.

Universal Music Singapore also presented her with a Gold Award plaque, in recognition of over 5000 album units sold for Halcyon and Halcyon Days.

In October 2012 Goulding released ‘Halcyon’, which was positively received by critics. It reached number two on the UK albums chart and number nine on the Billboard 200. She later re-released an expanded version titled ‘Halcyon Days’. The lead single from the reissued album, ‘Burn’ became Goulding’s first number-one single on the UK Singles Chart.

Her latest single, ‘Beating Heart’ is a song recorded for the soundtrack to the film ‘Divergent’. The song reached the top 10 in the UK as well as the top forty in Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand and Europe overall.

ESSIE J + ARIANA GRANDE + NICKI MINAJ - “BANG BANG”

I

n what is sure to be the musical event of the year, international superstars Jessie J + Ariana Grande + Nicki Minaj have collaborated for the powerhouse anthem “Bang Bang” out July 29 via Republic Records.

The track features production from the iconic Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, and Ilya.

The historic song will serve as the first single from Jessie J’s forthcoming LAVA/ Republic Records album due out this fall. It will also be included on the deluxe edition of Grande’s sophomore album, My Everything [Republic Records], available August 25th.

Jessie J’s debut album, Who You Are [LAVA], marked the debut of a global icon when it reached #1 and was certified multiplatinum in over 15 countries.

Ariana Grande first landed at the top with her album, Yours Truly. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200.

GRAMMY nominated artist Nicki Minaj has the highest digital sales for any female hip-hop artist in history. With two number one albums, over 50 million in digital sales as a solo and featured artist, she and Adele are the only two artists to ever sell 1 million copies of five different songs in one year.

Aug 2014 | Page 3

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

Things You Should Know About Fear (pt II) Where does fear stand?

Energetically, fear has the lowest energy together with depression and grief. Whenever one has this fear, one will attract the same kind of energy into his/her life. That’s the rule in Law of Attraction, and fear only rises in the absence of love. Fear that the money you have will be gone is an indirect sign that you have lack of gratitude and love with the money you have right now. Fear that your spouse will be insincere to you is a

By Rose Osman Personal Motivator & Energy Coach www.facebook.com/ yourpersonalmotivator Twitter:@BucketOfRoses

sign of lack of love, not from your spouse to you but within your own self.

How does fear work?

Basically fear is the game played by the uncontrolled mind (specifically appear as unconscious ego mind). It clings on to fears by creating false hope that with fear we will do something to feel safe. Of course that’s untrue because when fear rises and controls us; everything we see, feel, touch or even smell will bring us to

the state of insecure and fear again. The fear is the same, only this time it appears in different dresses.

How do we heal fear?

We face it. Go beyond the fear.

Just look at it with without judgement.

The feeling can be unpleasant and sometimes intense but every fear must

have an outlet to flow or will turn into toxic in our body. Realise that fear is just fear. The goal is to transmute the fear into a higher level of energy and allow love to rise from within.

The practical methods that you can use to face and heal fear is through conscious breathing, Reiki healing and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).

MOVIE PREVIEW THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY Genre: Malaysia Release date: Cast: Director: Producers: Executive Producers: Co-Producer: Screenplay by:

Based on:

Comedy/Drama 28 August 2014 Helen Mirren, Manish Dayal, Om Puri, Charlotte Le Bon Lasse Hallström Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, Juliet Blake Raphael Benoliel Steven Knight The novel “The Hundred-Foot Journey” by Richard C. Morais

Synopsis

H

assan Kadam (Manish Dayal) is a culinary ingénue with the gastronomic equivalent of perfect pitch.

Displaced from their native India, the Kadam family, led by Papa (Om Puri), settles in the quaint village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the south of France. Filled with charm, it is both picturesque and elegant – the ideal place to settle down and open an Indian restaurant, the Maison Mumbai. That is, until the chilly chef proprietress of Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin starred, classical French restaurant run by Madame Mallory (Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren) gets wind of it. Her icy protests against the new Indian restaurant a hundred feet from her own, escalate to an all out war between the two establishments, until Hassan’s passion for French haute cuisine and for Madame Mallory’s enchanting sous chef, Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), combine with his mysteriously delicious talent to weave magic between their two cultures and imbue Saint-Antonin with the flavors of life that even Madame Mallory cannot ignore. At first Madame Mallory’s culinary rival, she eventually recognises Hassan’s gift as a chef and takes him under her wing.

“The Hundred-Foot Journey” abounds with flavours that burst across the tongue. A stimulating triumph over exile, blossoming with passion and heart, with marjoram and madras, it is a portrayal of two worlds colliding and one boy’s drive to find the comfort of home, in every pot, wherever he may be.

Directed by Academy Award-nominee Lasse Hallström and starring Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren, Manish Dayal, Om Puri and Charoltte Le Bon, “The HundredFoot Journey” is produced by Academy Award-winner Steven Spielberg, Academy Award-nominee Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake. The executive producers are Caroline Hewitt and Carla Gardini. The screenplay is written by Academy Awardnominee Steven Knight, based on the novel “The HundredFoot Journey” by Richard C. Morais.

Source: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Malaysia

Aug 2014 | Page 4

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle Calendar of Events

Travel diaries from Qatar (final)

Aug 2014 JB, 1st - 3rd Aug Home & Property Show @ Sutera Mall

Spore, 2nd Aug Onam Night 2014 @ Esplanade,

JB, 9th Aug Miss Care United Pageant & Masquerade Ball @ Persada Johor

JB, 9th Aug Miss Natural Malaysia 2014 @ Berjaya Waterfront Hotel

JB, 15th - 17th Aug Matta Johor Travel Fair @ Danga City Mall Expo

JB, 15th - 17th Aug FIA Malaysia Rally Championship @ JB & Kota Tinggi

Spore, 15th Aug Spun: DJ Party @ Blu Jaz Café,

Spore, 16th - 24th Aug Garden Festival @ Gardens by the Bay,

By Priya Manikam & Mithil Tawde editor@waveslifestyle.com Sheikh Faisal Museum

1

4 miles from Doha, lies a fort like structure with massive wooden doors and man-made lake which is the Sheikh Faisal Museum. This must visit museum is privately owned by one of Qatar’s royal billionaire Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani.

For newcomers or tourists, it may be a little tricky to get here, so we’d suggest using GPS to make your journey hassle-free and do bring along some sandwiches and water which may be enjoyed on the benches outside the museum as there are no restaurants nearby and the museum’s café is under construction. However, before planning a trip here, you need to make an online booking through their website (http:// www.fbqmuseum.org/index.php/visit-us/ book-your-visit.html).

Inside, the museum’s 15 halls hold more than 15,000 artifacts, including ancient Qurans, Yemeni daggers, paintings, carpets, embroidery, antique

Spore, 22nd Aug Supermom Bazaar @ Suntec Centre

Spore, 24th Aug International Cosplay Day @ Orchard Scape

JB, 30th Aug National Day celebrations @JB City

JB, 31st Aug Happy National Day!

If you need more information on the above mentioned events, drop us an email at:

admin@waveslifestyle.com

furniture, Syrian and Qatari house architecture and more. Apart from that, the museum’s pavilion also displays religious objects from other faiths.

There is also a fascinating collection of vintage to modern American cars, ships, airplane and et cetera. Word has that the Sheikh is currently expanding his car collections from America and a separate car museum extension at the same site is the pipelines. So, do look out for that. As the place is vast, it is ideal to

arrange a tour guide to understand more of the history and collections. Do set aside at least half a day to complete the tour thoroughly.

Entry to the museum is free and is

open from 9.00 am – 3.00 pm, and closed on Fridays.

We conclude our three part series on Qatar, and will bring you a new destination in our next issue.

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Kunkwan - We create a relaxing environment for learning Mandarin Ms. Sally Khor Seh Lee Principal of Kunkwan

What do you mean by a “relaxing environment”?

We have a graceful and welcoming environment. We believe that a good learning environment can make learners relax, making the results more effective. In order to ensure a well-rounded and most comfortable facility for you, Kunkwan specially creates a learning heaven with an area of about ten thousand square feet.

In this wide building, there is a Surau, classrooms and changing rooms. We also provide unlimited Wifi service at your convenience and have a mini library and conference rooms. So Kunkwan is an resourceful area for you to learn and work.

What can I do in Kunkwan other than learning Mandarin?

Kunkwan provides a comfortable environment and is fully furnished with various facilities. During your study time, we welcome you to our mini library to choose a good book for your reading pleasure and unwind at our comfortable cafe with coffee and cakes. The most popular scene at Kunkwan Cafe is when learners discuss and communicate with classmates using Mandarin after lessons.

This not only boosts your Mandarin but also expands your social circle.

Furthermore, you are welcome to organise parties, seminars, group discussions or even do business sharing over here without any restrictions. This is a learning platform for you to know more friends, enlarge your social circle and create more possibilities.

What are the differences between Kunkwan and other language training centres?

Kunkwan is not just a Mandarin learning centre, but it also serves as a motivation centre. Our management team possesses practical experiences and theories

in various fields such as leadership, administration, sales and marketing, strategic planning, project and business development. In Kunkwan, we not only solve your problems about learning Chinese, but also assist you to develop and promote your business. It is our mission to help every learner grow.

Can I just drop by at Kunkwan at any time?

Yes. We provide whole day learning with one-to-one consultation service. Other than learning in the class, we also provide an extra one-to-one consultation to solve your problem of learning Chinese, making you learn the language in a relaxed and joyful way.

Our education team and Education Facilitation Officers (EFO) will look after and give assistance to our students in relation to their studies and living.

Kunkwan guarantees an all-rounded interactive communication and care to our students.

We have flexible time and unlimited lessons to attend. Kunkwan

is open the whole year, twelve hours a day. We have no holidays as we want to satisfy the arrangement of every learner.

Regardless of your situation, our courses are tailored to your learning schedule. At Kunkwan, you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of courses and classes.

Even if you repeat attending lessons, you are not required to pay extra fees.

Besides learning Chinese, in order to make learners understand the five-thousand-years of Chinese culture and wonders, we also arrange extra-curricular activities such as calligraphy, Wushu, Chinese chess, dance and etc to enrich your spirit.

We let learners experience the diverse Chinese culture so that the road of learning will not be limited to merely ‘listening, speaking, reading and writing

live Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) FREE COPY

ISSUE 24 | AUG 2014

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Dr. Yaw Chong Hwa Consultant Physician and Nephrologist at Regency Specialist Hospital.

Dr Yaw’s medical specialties lie in general medicine, general nephrology, critical nephrology care, kidney transplantation and dialysis care.

K

idneys play a major role for waste removal from our body. They work 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Therefore, it is important to maintain a good healthy kidney function.

We have 2 kidneys which are located at both sides of our backbone below the rib cage. Each kidney weighs about 150g. It purifies the blood sent to them and produces urine as a waste.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a slow progressing disease which affects kidneys’ function. It is non-reversible.

A patient will need renal replacement therapy e.g. haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation if the function of kidney is insufficient in maintaining the body’s need (End Stage Renal Failure).

Risk factors for CKD are diabetes mellitus, hypertension, urinary stone

disease, abuse of analgesic or drugs, glomerulonephritis diseases, elderly, urinary tract abnormalities or family history of renal failure.

A patient with early stages of CKD may not have any symptoms.

Some patients may experience leg swelling, frothy urine, shortness of breath, blood in urine, back pain, fatigue, poor appetite or anemia. A urine and blood screening will be done for early detection and measurement to prevent progressing to end stage renal failure.

Kindly consult your doctor for an early detection and prevention.

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Health Quotes for the Month

********* “The trouble with always trying to preserve the health of the body is that it is so difficult to do without destroying the health of the mind” ~G.K. Chesterton

********* “Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprin” ~ Mark Twain

********* “Red meat is not bad for you.

Now blue-green meat, that’s bad for you!” ~ Tommy Smothers

*********

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work

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The Importance of Mega Trends for Long-Term Sustained Growth

¬ Mega Trend 2: Cloud Computing

T

here is a growing awareness among enterprises to access their information technology (IT) resources extensively through a “utility” model, a development broadly called “Cloud Computing.” Cloud is the natural evolution of service delivery over a network.

The biggest benefactor of this trend will be enterprises as they look at leveraging the innovation that cloud has brought to the consumer internet ecosystem. Cloud represents the next wave in the computing industry, as it strives to eliminate inherent inefficiencies in the existing IT architecture and deliver “IT as a service” to the endusers.

Cloud computing can be specifically defined as a pool of compute, memory and input/output resources, applications or operating environments with seemingly infinite scalability, delivered as a service over a network, be it private or public.

There are five key characteristics that help define the cloud computing business model.

• On-Demand – it is available as and when the customer needs it and should be available in a self-service model.

• Pay-as-you-go – the customer needs to pay only for the specific usage for the period of time the service is needed. It is a metered consumption model and there is no payment for idle time.

• Rapid Elasticity – It enables customers to achieve scalability in their business.

There are usually specific times of a month or year that there is a tremendous demand/spike in demand.

Organisations no longer need to invest in building this capability if the requirement is for a very short period of the overall requirement.

• Shared Pools – It ensures optimum utilisation of resources by leveraging underutilised capacity.

• It gives customers the illusion of infinite

Manoj Menon Partner & Asia Pacific Managing Director at Frost & Sullivan

resources available at his/her disposal.

It offers a seamless integration of computing, storage and other infrastructure resources to create a Virtual resource pool.

• Ubiquitous Access – Access is available through public or private network through any network enabled device.

The services available can be broadly classified into three distinct areas, Infrastructure as Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).

The final piece of the jigsaw puzzle with regards to the cloud computing business model is how it will be delivered. There are two distinct models at play – private cloud or a public cloud. Many companies may also opt for a hybrid option – some applications on the public cloud and some on the private cloud. The choice of which environment an enterprise chooses depends on various factors including company size, business sector, risk appetite, cost considerations and type of service sought.

In general, small and medium customers are likely to opt for affordable public cloud services while the large enterprises will take a hybrid approach. Users also have the option to choose a fourth delivery model – community cloud. Delivered through a private network, the community cloud serves a community of organisations that have similar infrastructure requirements.

Currently, community clouds are witnessing adoption primarily by the governments, especially in the US. Our research suggests that the market for Cloud Computing in Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) has already exceeded US$1.1 billion in 2010. With a 91 percent share, SaaS is the dominant segment of the Cloud market in the Asia Pacific region.

Almost one in every four enterprise is already using some form of a cloud service.

Majority of customers have started off with SaaS as their first step towards embracing the cloud. Markets like Australia today lead the entire Asia Pacific region in this trend.

Cloud represents an opportunity not just for the IT vendors and system integrators but also the telecom service providers. To succeed they must make the cloud as easy to use as the basic telephony service they provide.

Whilst there is the well defined trend in migration to the cloud, there are also several challenges that are hindering adoption.

The primary restraint is the

security and privacy issues with customers apprehensive about factors such as regulatory compliance, inadequate service level agreements, shared infrastructure (for public clouds), data storage issues, and unclear legal implications. In the absence of clouds.

Cloud Computing is expected to have three key implications on the ICT industry in the long term: • It will accelerate innovation in the ICT industry. It will reduce the entry barriers for new companies who want to offer compelling services.

• It will shake up the ICT industry over a period of time. We will see a greater participation in the enterprise market by large consumer internet companies such as Amazon, Google, Apple, and Facebook.

• The area of collaboration – (convergence of social networking, unified communications, video and mobility) will be the biggest benefactor.

For end-users, Cloud computing offers significant promise for enterprises saddled with inefficient IT infrastructure.

It offers the critical promise of aligning IT with business needs and creating a truly agile business environment. It also will enable small and medium business to have access to applications that were traditionally limited to large enterprises due to the huge investments needed in start up costs. Every large enterprise including governments should adopt a “Cloud First Policy”; they should only consider other alternatives if it is not feasible to have a cloud based service.

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ACCUMULATING WEALTH

¬ Discovering Treasures by Reading the Company Annual Report (pt III)

I

n the last issue, we discussed the Financial Highlights, Profile of Directors and their remuneration.

Today, we’ll be digging deeper into the company’s Financial Statements.

While Financial Highlights give you an overview of the company’s performance in the last few years, Financial Statement determines if the company is financially strong and healthy. It consists of three parts: Profit and Loss Statement, Cash Flow Statement and Balance sheet. Let’s go through one by one: 1) Profit and Loss (P & L) Statement Also known as the Income Statement.

It summarises the company’s revenue, expenses and profits in a year.

By glancing at this statement, you can tell what profit the company makes and the cost incurred. This part is extremely crucial as the company’s profit has direct impact to

its share price. In addition, the following questions help you interpret deeper on the company’s profit aspect: 1. How’s the profit compared to the year before? Is it better or worse?

If the answer is yes, is it because the company generated more revenue, or it’s due to its effective cost control? It’s even better if the profit increase is due to both factors above.

2. What’s the gross and net margin of the company?

If you’re selling Nasi Lemak for two ringgit and the cost of your sales is one ringgit, then your gross margin is 100% (one ringgit makes one ringgit; pretty good). However, if you have other expenses, such as administration, distribution, and tax, your net profit becomes fifty cents after deduction of these, then

Tey Bin Yuen is the founder of BY Enrich Resources and the author of ‘Life beyond the Comfort Zone’. His books are available at major bookstores in Singapore & Malaysia.

He’ll be conducting a one-day course ‘Profit from Technical Analysis’ on 9 Aug 14. Reach him at contact@teybinyuen. com

you net margin is 50%.

The higher the margin, the more advantageous your business is. It means your business would still be profitable if the electricity tariff, labour or material cost rise.

3. Is the profit earned representing the cash generated by the company?

This is tricky. If the company makes ten million, it doesn’t mean the company receives ten million in cash. In most cases it’s not, because the company would have terms agreement with its customers, say, 30 days, 60 days or more. That allows their customers to owe them in specific duration.

To see if the profit earned is close to the cash generated by the company, we need to refer to ‘Operating’ under cash flow statement, which I will discuss in the next issue.

4. What is the earning per share (EPS)?

If the company has 30 million outstanding shares and has made 15 million profits, its EPS would be 50 cents (15/30). But let’s say if the company has 60 million outstanding shares instead of 30, its EPS will become 25 cents. This means the EPS has diluted. Hence, while the profit remains the same, the EPS could be different if the number of shares changes. Generally speaking, less outstanding shares means the company’s shares are more valuable. Besides, EPS is a way that investors use to calculate valuation - the higher the EPS, the higher the valuation.

We’ll look at Cash Flow Statement next time, which would have correlations to the P & L Statement that we discussed today.

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Egyptian and Arabic Food at Wadi Hana Elarabi Restaurant

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azaiwati, the owner of Wadi Hana Elarabi Restaurant invited me to try the Egyptian specialities at her restaurant. As I have never eaten Egyptian food nor been to Egypt before, I was excited to try the food.

The restaurant is a corner unit shop lot, 3 minutes drive from Plaza Angsana along Jalan Pembangunan (off Jalan Tampoi). Inside, there are seats and cushions on the floor which many customers find very comfortable and homely, besides the usual tables and chairs. They also have a small private room set up like a tent which can seat up to 10 people comfortably.

The restaurant is an all-Egyptian crew, and Chef Amr leads the kitchen. He has worked 7 years at Intercontinental Hotel in Cairo before coming to Johor Bahru. Once seated, I was served with Karkade which is a popular Egyptian drink made of hibiscus petals. It resembles a rose tea in looks and

flavour. At the moment, they serve this as their complimentary welcome drink.

I started with Fattoush Salad which is fresh vegetables and greens with lime juice and olive oil served with fried pita bread. I liked the crunchy, chunky cut fresh ingredients and tangy taste. Fattoush salad is refreshing and appetising.

Next, I sampled hummus with bread.

Hummus is mainly made with chickpeas, lime juice and olive oil but the hummus here had a tangy flavour from the lime juice, which is an Egyptian style.

I then tried a few sample of rice dishes on a large serving tray: The popular Chicken Mandy Rice is Basmati rice boiled in chicken broth and served with grilled chicken but the Egyptian version differs from the other Arab versions, whereby the rice is cooked using oil and juice drippings instead of chicken broth.

Orz Bel Khalta is a traditional

Fattoush Salad Egyptian staple rice of chicken or lamb cooked with toasted nuts and soaked raisins.

Then was the Lamb Maklobah Rice served with slices of fried egg plant and finally the Fatta Rice with lamb and fried bread topped with a pulpy, tangy, savoury gravy (similar to spaghetti gravy).

The soup of the day was chicken and vegetable soup with lessan (a form of pasta). The slippery and soft lessan is quite interesting, if you had not tried it before.

The rice dishes are eaten with this pulpy spicy dip. The spicy sting is sharp but fades away quickly and I liked it. This simple looking vegetable soup took me by surprise by it savouriness and I enjoyed it a lot.

Rice samples I noticed savoury and tangy notes in most of the dishes I sampled and asked Faizawati what is the source of these flavours.

That was when I was shown a red-purplish

Umm Ali desert

sumac spice - a grounded preserved shrub used to season and flavour many Egyptian dishes.

After the hefty and rich rice dishes, it was time for dessert and coffee. I had Umm Ali sweet dessert, a national dish of Egypt made with bread pudding and milk topped with crushed peanuts and raisins. I then had Wadi Hana Energy Drink which is a sweet creamy concoction of milk, honey, dates, and cream sprinkled with crushed peanuts.

I think it’s a perfect natural energy drink to start the day.

Hummus with bread As a coffee lover, I couldn’t resist trying their Arabic coffee before hitting the road. I liked this coffee which has good body, robustness, but slightly sweet and fragrant from the spices added.

Wadi Hana Elarabi is definitely the place to go in JB for Egyptian cuisine prepared by Egyptian chefs and served at very reasonable prices.

Restaurant name: Wadi Hana Elarabi Restaurant Address: 1, Jalan Pembangunan (off Jalan Tampoi), Taman Desa Rahmat, Johor Bahru Map: http://goo.gl/maps/VHbF0 GPS: 1.499522,103.707177 Hours: 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight (Closed Tuesday) Halal

Running a successful fitness club requires passion & drive

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irst, you need to pick the right location and understand the demographics of the area. Study the competition and understand their offering. Ensure you have a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) of your preferred site, and ensure it takes account of the competition in the surrounding area.

You must have a business plan, and ultimately a financial forecast so that you understand the funding requirements, sales that need to be made, the break-even point of the business, the profit levels, cash flow and the return on investment. Back-up your financial plan with a narrative summary which explains the ‘how, why, where, who and when’.

Build a strong team around you and ensure that each team member is accountable for a particular element of the business. Set your team’s clear objectives and continually measure, manage and appraise through a robust set of ‘Key Performance Indicators’. Offer your team incentives, rewarding generously for good or great

performance, but also reprimand if need be.

Don’t be afraid to tackle difficult staffing and personnel issues. Recruit people with drive, passion, enthusiasm and the correct skill set.

Build your team around the requirements of the business and not the other way around.

The product must be right and your team must believe in your service offering.

Your members can become your greatest sales people. You want every member to continuously talk about your club positively, thus referring and recruiting for you.

Once in the business, ensure you break down your full plan into bitesized chunks. Work with three-month implementation plans: Where you are now?

Where do you need to be? What does it takes to get there? What are the primary objectives and who is accountable for each task? Furthermore, always ensure you have a monthly sales strategy which highlights your message to the marketplace and the activity required to achieve your monthly targets.

Membership sales drive your

business plan and therefore your profitability.

Always ensure you know what sales revenue is required on a daily basis and never let yourself fall behind your target. You will

see enough of the right people, at the right time, under the right conditions.

On a daily basis always ask yourself “What have I done today to generate new

Stock Image

need to be, or have, a strong sales manager.

We work in a customer service industry which is very much a sales environment.

And successful sales come about when you

business?” And lastly, have fun! Do what you love and love what you do.

Article by REPS Fitness Sdn Bhd, Johor

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Italian and American favourites at Rocktail Café

By Priya Manikam & Mithil Tawde editor@waveslifestyle.com

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tepping inside Rocktail Café may make you feel that you are in New York City.

This eatery was opened about 3 months ago at Taman Adda Heights by an ambitious Singaporean couple – Sulaimah (Emma) and Fahmi Rais with the latter being a well-known Malay celebrity amongst his community.

At the invitation of Emma, we decided to review this new joint for our readers and rest assured that you will not be left disappointed. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff and its friendly owners.

To begin with, Emma brought out their Halal mocktails for us to try and we were blown away by its authentic taste. The top three favourites here are the Pink Guava Mojito, Shirley Temple and the Frozen Lime Margarita which was spot on.

Next were appetisers consisting a plate each of Crispy Squid which comes with a dip of wasabi and ketchup, Spicy Buttermilk Buffalo Wings and Mexican Nachos. The Spicy Wings were a definite winner due to its slightly sweet, spicy blend of flavours, topped with some herbs. You could easily order a plate or two of this.

We were then served with Mushroom soup which was a blend of Shitake, Oyster and Button mushrooms and a bowl of Chicken Corn Chowder. The portions and ingredients were definitely generous and reasonably priced. The soups are served with garlic bread on the side.

No Italian meal is complete without its pizzas and pastas – and you can’t go wrong with their Quarto Cheese Pizza and Creamy Salmon Pasta. The pizza comprises of Mozzarella, aged Cheddar, Blue and Parmesan cheeses and is already cut and

served on a long platter. The dough is thin making it easier to eat. As for the pasta, you could easily slurp the entire plate as it was too delicious! We choose spaghetti and it was cooked al dente in a creamy sauce, topped with salmon pieces. The portion was once again in abundance.

The restaurant is open from 5 to 11 pm and closed on Mondays. You could also make reservations for special occasions via www.facebook.com/rocktailcafe or call 0177101069.

Finally, we decided to try the American mains of Royal Roast Chicken and Lamb Chops. Both dishes were served with homemade gravy, flavoured rice and vegetables to suit the locals’ palate. The meat was cooked to perfection and was tender, and it tasted good even without the gravy.

They also serve Kid’s Specials and desserts but as we did not have room for more, we definitely got to come back.

Overall, their menu is extensive and reasonably priced. It is a good place to bring your family and friends to have a complete meal and parking is ample in this area.

@home PROPERTY

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T HE I SKANDAR I AN RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS

Must Read Iskandar Malaysia:

RM 146.2 Billion in investments >> pg 31

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APARTMENTS

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VILLAS

ISSUE 24 | AUG 2014

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CONDOMINIUMS

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OFFICE/ RETAILSPACE

Cover Story Seri Austin launches Jade 2 >> pg 28

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The Iskandarian

quick reads

Anwar to head UEM Sunrise UEM Sunrise Bhd has named Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib as its new managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), effective September 1.

Anwar was formerly MMC Corp Bhd’s chief financial officer and group head of ports and logistics, a position he assumed in 2008.

UEM Group Bhd managing director and CEO Datuk Izzaddin Idris said Anwar will provide a unique and different perspective to UEM Sunrise’s operations as well as the energy to propel UEM Sunrise and its employees to future success.

“He has the qualities we were looking for in our search and is certainly qualified to lead UEM Sunrise,” Izzaddin said in a statement.

He added that Anwar’s selection came after a comprehensive review and assessment of internal and external candidates led by a special committee set-up by the board of UEM Sunrise.

Sunway Iskandar’s Citrine office suites sold out

Sunway Iskandar’s first phase, Citrine, an integrated mixed development with retail, signature designer offices and serviced apartments, has achieved a successful sell-out for its office suites in conjunction with the opening of its sales gallery.

“We are very encouraged with the strong response to our first launch as our buyers liked our approach in providing a holistic range of products to create a community within The Lakeview precinct to live, learn, work, shop and play,” said Sarena Cheah, Joint Managing Director of the Property Development Division of Sunway Berhad for Malaysia and Singapore “With the overwhelming response for the designer office suites, we decided to immediately open registration for the priority preview of Citrine’s serviced apartments,” she added.

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Developers to contribute for reclaimed land Highlight: Property developers involved in land reclamation activities within Iskandar Malaysia have to contribute 30 sen for each square foot of reclaimed land.

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he Johor State has made it compulsory for developers undertaking reclamation projects along the seafront in Iskandar Malaysia to contribute 30 sen for each square foot of land reclaimed to a special fund.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin recently said, “The contribution would be used to help fishermen whose livelihood had been affected by the reclamation.” He added that the decision which was reached at a state executive council meeting,

The affected fishermen will receive cash assistance from the fund – Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin

Johor Menteri Besar

would immediately take effect.

It has been stated that the payments must be made before the developers start the reclamation projects. The payment system will be retrospective and will include projects already undertaken.

Datuk Khaled emphasised that the decision was made as a result of complaints from fishermen in Iskandar Malaysia that the reclamation projects had affected their livelihood.

Datuk Khaled also said, “The affected fishermen will

receive cash assistance from the fund annually beginning next year.

The amount that they will receive will be announced during the state budget presentation and the fund would be managed by the state financial officer”.

It was quoted that there are 3,237.5ha of reclamation projects approved for Iskandar Malaysia and the state government can collect RM 104 million for the fund.

The Land Office has already been directed by the state government to issue letters to the developers.

Property Corner

¬ Case Study 3: Loan Collateral A.Devadason CA(M), FCCA, MDRT Deva is a partner in the firm of Dason & Dason, Chartered Accountants who specialise in tax advisory and consultancy. He can be reached at deva@dason.com.my

S

ometime ago, an accountant friend called and presented a unique situation where his client, a car park operator in Johor Bahru, was about to give a friendly loan to another party in exchange for a profit. For easy understanding, we will label the car park operator as A and the borrower as B. The loan amount is RM 100,000 but B would have to repay RM 125,000 in total via 10 equal instalments. In order not to break any laws on banking and money lending, the loan agreement lists the amount loaned and repayable as RM 125,000.

To protect his “investment”, A wanted B to purchase a Life Insurance policy for a term of 10 months and name him (A) as the beneficiary. This is done in order to re-coup his financial loss should B pass away before full repayment.

My assistance was sought to tailor-make a policy to meet this specific objective. It was to be a form of MRTA for the loan given

by A to B. The question thus arises, can this be done legally? The answer is yes, but with conditions attached.

The salient points to be considered are:a. The law governing the insurance industry is the Insurance Act 1996. For policies purchased before 1996, a policy owner can name a beneficiary.

nominee.

3. Parents are Non-Trust Nominees if nomination is made after marriage.

4. Parents remain as Trust Nominees if nomination was made prior to marriage.

b. A beneficiary is the end user of any monies that are paid from the policy. It simply means that the beneficiary can both receive and use the money.

Back to the above case, since A and B have a Non-Trust relationship; nomination is not the ideal way to secure A’s loan.

B can always change his nomination anytime. Even if A holds the original policy, B can declare it lost, get a replacement copy and change the nomination.

c. For policies purchased after 1996, nominees are named instead. d. A nominee can either be a Trust Nominee or a Non-Trust Nominee. e. A Non-Trust Nominee is merely a custodian whose duty is to receive monies but should distribute it away to the rightful beneficiaries. The distribution can be done according to :1. The deceased’s Will.

2. Where there is no Will, to follow the Distribution Act 1958.

3. For Muslims, to follow the Sijil Faraid if there is no Wasiat by the deceased.

A Trust Nominee functions just like a beneficiary. The party whose name is listed is the beneficial end user. The following parties are Trust Nominees :1. Spouse and Children.

2. For Singles, only Parents.

Everyone else is a Non-Trust

Securing the loan The only sure-fire way is to assign the policy from B to A, where B remains as the Insured while A now becomes the Policy Owner. This is how banks secure their loan when borrowers take MRTA for housing loans.

By assigning the policy away, B will be giving up all his rights to A. This will ensure that A’s loan is secured and the issue of nomination will never arise.

All this is legal and the insurance company has to be informed that the assignment is done in view of securing the loan.

The grim situation There is however, a dangerous side to this business of policy assignment. For example, if the borrower defaults on his loan repayment, the lender can always “arrange” for the death of the borrower. Therefore, one must be very selective when assigning

policies as it may start as a friendly loan but may lead to an untimely death!

While insurance policies were designed with a noble cause in mind, the ever creative mind of men can use this tool for selfish gains.

Conclusion In the end, I got B insured for RM 125,000 on a Term Life plan and assigned it to A. At the end of the full loan repayment, I reassigned the policy back to B. One may have wondered why banks just don’t get the borrower to nominate them when an MRTA is taken. Instead, the physical policy is taken custody of and the borrower has to sign an Assignment form rather than the usual Nomination form.

Always beware if loans are taken from a non-licenced lender.

The latter may force the borrower to take a policy on his life and if payment is not received, the lender may exercise the ultimate collateral, being the life of the borrower.

You are now clear of the difference in approach when loans are taken from a licenced lender (Bank) and an unlicenced one (Car Park Operator in this case). Both want to recover their capital and one recovers if death/disability occurs and the other “might arrange” for death/disability to occur.

Always be careful where funds are sourced when making investments whether it is for properties, business, etc as a venture that began with positive intention may end with a bad outcome.

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Property Investment ¬ The Case for Nurturing Special Talent in Iskandar Malaysia in Singapore over the last five days and how I believe this too will bring hope to Iskandar Malaysia and beyond.

Londoner, Stephen Wiltshire, MBE, was commissioned by Singapore Press Holdings to complete an epic panorama drawing of the Singapore skyline on a 4m by 1m canvas. He did it in full public view in the iconic shopping center, Paragon at Orchard Road. (refer pic) Now you may ask how does one man

Ed Cheong is the Singapore founder of the Iskandar Malaysia Investors Forum and Rafflesland Group of Companies which provides platform for property investors to gain insights and worldclass investment strategies. He is contactable at iskandar@rafflesland.com

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irst of all, let me extend my deepest condolences to the families of victims in the second MAS tragedy of MH17 which happened on 17 July 2014. The news shocked financial markets globally as it involved a warring state with superpowers’ vested interests.

In a flash, risks escalated to dangerous levels. Again, a black swan event swept away global economic optimism in an improving environment. Before the crash, things were encouraging with positive United States’ jobs data and Malaysia’s robust 6.2 percent quarterly GDP growth.

Now, on a different note, I would like to share how one man has uplifted the spirit

who did a large drawing could have any impact on Iskandar Malaysia and uplift the spirit of the society?

Well, the reason Stephen Wiltshire is a catalyst for hope is that he drew this landscape from memory after taking a one hour helicopter ride to see the city of Singapore. You see, he is the “Savant”, a knighted young man born with autism and could not speak normally until age nine.

Despite all his limiting negatives, he became one of the most celebrated artists in modern times. He could remember the tiniest detail up to the levels of each building, shape and juxtapositions of the entire landscape!

I believe that like Stephen, many children here with special needs are great assets to society.

They need special schools to discover and nurture their unlimited talent.

No artist could draw

like Stephen because only he could produce these incredible images with his unusual gifts. Stephen was educated in Queensmill School, a best in class special place for autistic children with outstanding ratings in Ofsted inspection.

Iskandar Malaysia is a burgeoning metropolis of creative and medical industries. While talents are migrating from all over Malaysia to work here, special needs schools are still centered in the Klang Valley and Singapore. Therefore, many parents in Johor are sending their special needs children to Singapore.

I hope more special resources for these children will be built in Iskandar Malaysia so that the region can self sustain while easing the pressure on parents. Special education is a holistic industry investment that rewards society and stakeholders in the best of ways.

In short, good news is everywhere.

There is no better place to build core excellence in special education than in Iskandar Malaysia with its complementary focus on creativity and medical hubs.

With this, the people of Johor will benefit even more from a vision that is “As we grow, we care and share.”

9th Anniversary Celebration & Exclusive Launch New Launch: Seri Austin launched their of JADE 2 Luxury Double Storey Terrace phase and celebrated their 9th anniversary

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eri Austin turned nine in July 2014 and to celebrate the anniversary Dynasty View Sdn Bhd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of UMLand Berhad), had exclusively launched its JADE 2 Luxury Double Storey Terrace Houses on at Seri Austin Residence. The Guest of Honour for the event was YB Khoo Soo Seang , Johor Bahru Member of Parliament.

“This is the last phase of landed property at Seri Austin for now, we will be focusing on our high rises after this,” said KK Wong, CEO of Dynasty View Sdn Bhd. Buyers have various selection of modern creative design to choose according to their lifestyle and needs. The “Jade 2” Luxury Double Storey Terrace Houses, with a total development area of 8.77 acres, comprising of 115 units Luxury Double Storey Terrace Houses at Seri Austin Hills. There are two types of design and façade for this development, 39 units of Type A (Land Size : 22’ x 75’, Built-up – 2,227 sq. ft) featuring modern contemporary design of 4

bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with a spacious built up of 2,227 sq. ft and 76 units of Type B (Land Size : 24’ x 75’, Built-up – 2,507 sq. ft) with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms plus 1 utility room.

Attractive features include wider staircase with timber handrail and tempered glass railing including quality large floor tiles in living, dining, kitchen and all bedrooms as well as air conditioning refrigerant with piping for living and bedrooms.

This is the last phase of landed property at Seri Austin for now–

KK Wong

CEO of Dynasty View

KK Wong giving his welcoming speech at Seri Austin’s 9th Anniversary The 115 units of luxurious double storey terrace houses are located in a gated and guarded community. In addition to this, buyers will enjoy free 2 Years of High Speed Broad Band.

The evening was

celebrated together with Seri Austin being awarded two awards - Super Brand Award (the Best Innovation Property Township Developer in Iskandar Malaysia) and Super Green Technology (the Most Livable Green Environment

Healthy Residential in Iskandar Malaysia) by the 4th Asia Success International Awards 2014. The prestigious awards include various city halls in China, business associations, financial institutions and media corporation.

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The Iskandarian

quick reads

Malaysian developers eye London Malaysian developers are keen to tap the London property market. Knight Frank Malaysia Sdn Bhd Associate Director, Herbert Leong, said these companies were looking for sites of less than two hectares which offered them the opportunity to regenerate the property.

“The developers are keen on central London and the real estate consultancy had brought a few companies for site inspection,” he said.

“Many Malaysian companies want to divert their focus overseas, and London offers them a lucrative return despite the requirement of a huge capital investment,” he added.

Among the established developers that have had a foothold in London include SP Setia Bhd, Berjaya Group and Eastern & Oriental Bhd.

Mah Sing acquires land in Bandar Meridin East in Pasir Gudang Mah Sing Group Bhd has completed the acquisition of 547.07 hectares in Bandar Meridin East in Pasir Gudang, Johor for RM401.16 million.

In a statement, the property developer said the freehold land has an estimated gross development value of RM5 billion and was acquired at RM6.81 per sq ft.

Mah Sing said it planned to tap into the group’s expertise in township masterplaning.

The proposed components for phase one will include 500 units of landed double-storey link houses with estimated built-up ranging from 1,800 sq ft, 2,400 sq ft and 2,600 sq ft indicatively priced from below RM400,000.

Registration of interest is under way for phase one with preview targeted in November 2014

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Residential : Substantial Gap in terms of prices between old and new schemes observed Review: CBRE’s Iskandar Malaysia MarketView Q1 2014 Report (ptII) Impressive incoming supply of residential properties in the pipeline As at Q1 2014, the total existing supply of residential properties in IM stands at 420,631 units. This existing supply consist of 270,845 units of landed properties (64.4% of the total stock), 118,704 units of low-cost (LC) flats/houses (28.2% of the stock), and 31,082 units of non- landed properties (7.4% of the total stock).

As at Q1 2014, the total incoming supply of properties (referring to units with approved construction permit, whether or not construction works have actually started) stands at 89,084 units and saw an increase of +5.4% on a Q-o-Q basis. Q1 2014’s figures are the highest figures recorded for the 2006-Q1 2014 period.

Prices driven up by increased quality supply Significant price increases have been witnessed in some of the schemes launched by well-known developers in recent years. A few established schemes that can be named are Adda Heights, Eco Botanic, Setia Eco Garden, Uda Heights, Setia Eco Cascadia, East Ledang, Horizon Hills, and Ledang Heights.

Double & Triple Storey terraced houses for these developments were transacted at prices ranging between RM 330,000 to RM 1,900,000 per unit, depending on location, built up areas and other attributes, while Semi- detached houses, Bungalows and Villas were transacted between RM 792,800 to RM 2,700,000 per unit. We have also observed a vast difference

between transaction prices for older properties vs the newer launches. Buyers appear to be willing to pay a sizeable premium for brand new properties.

New highways benefit the residential market Newly developed highways like the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL), Iskandar Coastal Highway, Senai-Desaru Highway, and a few other road expansion developments works in IM have had a major impact on improving the connectivity between the city centre and the different flagships in IM. Traffic flow has greatly improved and this has helped new townships in the newer areas within IM to thrive, encouraging higher traffic activity in the area.

Anecdotal evidence shows rapid sales of residential lots, backed by cash abundant foreign investors, or Malaysian buyers working in Singapore and benefitting from the high currency exchange rate. As a result, townships close to the CIQ seem to be a popular choice among buyers.

This report was prepared by the CBRE Malaysia Research Team which forms part of CBRE Global Research and Consulting – a network of preeminent researchers and consultants who collaborate to provide real estate market research, econometric forecasting and consulting solutions to real estate investors and occupiers around the globe. To read more of CBRE’s Iskandar Malaysia MarketView Q1 2014 Report, contact: Amy Wong at amy.wong@ cbre.com.my

RM16.2 Million Facilitation Fund

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our companies received funds totalling RM 16.2 Million via a facilitation fund (Dana Mudahcara) from TERAJU@Iskandar Malaysia in conjunction with a programme to share information on business opportunities and assistance to small and medium industries (SMEs) in Iskandar Malaysia.

The companies which received this special fund were Jana DCS Sdn Bhd, Jahasrat Farming Sdn Bhd, Cahaya Sdn Bhd Bumimas and Eaglexpress Air Charter Sdn Bhd which are respectively involved in the services sector, agriculture, real estate, and logistics. The total

project is worth RM164.3 million.

The event which is held annually was organised by Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and TERAJU (Dana Mudahcara Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera). It aims to share and explain about programmes that may help the Bumiputera entrepreneurs to develop their businesses.

Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of IRDA said, “With all the developments taking place in Iskandar Malaysia, it is also our agenda to ensure that the entrepreneurs and the local business community should also benefit from these rapid advancements in

Iskandar Malaysia”.

Datuk Ismail said that in order to grow and progress the SMEs’ sector up to international level, two important strategies need to be characterised.

“For example, IRDA together with TERAJU, established TERAJU@Iskandar Malaysia to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Iskandar Malaysia by providing High-Performance status (Syarikat Bumiputera Berprestasi Tinggi (TERAS) and Facilitation Fund (Dana Mudahcara),” he added.

A Facilitation Fund totaling RM2 billion was announced on

August 26, 2011 by YAB Dato Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak for the implementation of private sector projects by qualified Bumiputera companies. This fund was created as a catalyst for strategic investment by Bumiputera companies, especially in high impact sectors of the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA).

During the programme, the participants were also briefed on the various programmes from Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB), TERAJU@ Iskandar Malaysia and Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera (YPPB).

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ISSUE 24 | AUG 2014

31

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ISKANDAR MALAYSIA RECORDS RM146.20 BILLION IN INVESTMENTS AS AT SECOND QUARTER 2014 Review: The second quarter of 2014 saw Iskandar Malaysia securing RM9.72 billion in new investments, bringing the total cumulative committed investment secured to RM146.20 billion from 2006 until 30th June 2014

O

f the total cumulative committed investments, RM69.53 billion or 48% represents investments that have been realised as projects on the ground.

Johor Menteri Besar Dato’ Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin said in 2013, Iskandar Malaysia secured a total of RM25.33 billion worth of investments and closed the year with a total cumulative committed investment of RM131.64 billion.

“The first and second has yielded good investments and we expect this confidence to continue growing throughout the year.

“One of the investors we had managed to attract is The Hershey Company, which is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America with an annual revenue of USD6.6 billion,” said Dato’ Mohamed Khaled, who is also Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) co-chairman.

He added the company had invested RM816 million to build a high-technology candy plant on a 40 hectare site adjacent to Senai Hi Tech Park.

Once completed end 2015, the plant will be Hershey’s second largest factory in the company’s global manufacturing network.

When fully functioning, it will be able to create tens of millions of Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey’s Bars every day.

“I am also pleased to share that the plant will be constructed using local talent, utilising more than 80% of local and regional construction materials.

“While this plant relies

on high technology and lower human labour, it will still create 400 employment opportunities with up to 26% (100 high income positions) at managerial and technical positions,” said Dato’ Mohamed Khaled.

IRDA Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said such investments would be a magnet for other multinational companies to set base or to open up plants in Iskandar Malaysia.

“We welcome all investments in the promoted sectors, but most of all, we welcome investments which open doors for the local community, be it in job creation or businesses in supporting industries.

“One thing we always ensure, here in IRDA, is that the investments which come in are beneficial to the Rakyat so that they too get to enjoy a piece of the pie,” said Datuk Ismail.

He added as with 2013, the creative, healthcare, financial services and logistics sectors would continue to be the magnet for new investments in 2014 and 2015.

“Iskandar Malaysia is projected to receive higher number of domestic and international tourists in 2014, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2014. Since opening its doors in September 2012, Legoland Malaysia theme park has been a strong tourist attraction and this is further boosted by the Legoland Waterpark which was completed in October 2013 and Legoland Hotel which was launched in November 2013.

“Visitors can also look forward to the 120 retail outlets

at Johor Premium Outlets – 40 of which were just added on in the second phase of the outlet’s expansion in November 2013,” he said.

“Coming up, the opening of KOMTAR Johor Bahru City Centre will also be part of the latest tourist attraction in Iskandar Malaysia. The 150-outlet mall would also be home to the first Angry Bird Activity Park in Southeast Asia, slated to open by September this year,” he added.

Of the total cumulative committed investments, 64% (RM94.16 billion) are domestic investments while 36% (RM52.04 billion) came from foreign investors.

Top five countries with highest investments into Iskandar Malaysia from January to June 2014 are from Singapore, United States of America, Spain, Japan and Netherlands.

This is followed closely

by China, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Lebanon and France.

Datuk Ismail added IRDA works very closely with its partners to welcome and identify investments which would not only increase the economic value of the region but also increase the quality of life for the people working and living in Iskandar Malaysia.

“We are also looking into developing a halal park in Iskandar Malaysia, as there is huge potential to be tapped from the halal products industry in the world,” he added.

From the RM146.20 billion, the breakdown of the investments is as follows:

Promoted sectors in Iskandar Malaysia Manufacturing Logistics Healthcare Tourism Education Creative Finance

: RM 50.54 billion (35.0%) : RM 4.81 billion (3.0%) : RM 2.59 billion (2.0%) : RM 2.67 billion (2.0%) : RM 1.56 billion (1.0%) : RM 0.40 billion : RM 1.32 billion

Supporting sectors Residential properties Utilities Retail properties Industrial properties Emerging Technologies Government (Infrastructure)

: RM 33.90 billion (23%) : RM 12.64 billion (9 %) : RM 20.07 billion (14.0%) : RM 6.37 billion (4.0%) : RM 1.03 billion (1.0%) : RM 8.31 billion (6.0%)

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