The Iskandarian E-Paper January 2019 Issue

The Iskandarian

KDN : PP19356/08/2018(034949) Singapore MICA : MCI (P) 094/11/2017

ISSUE 77 | JAN 2019 FREE COPY Official Newspaper

The Iskandarian

The Iskandarian Monthly Drill

Iskandar Malaysia’s Official Newspaper, is a synergistic product by True Soul Media PLT & IRDA’s Social Development Division

We are not driving talent away, we are just not attracting enough

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We interview CEOs & Directors with drilling questions

pg 9

- Haji Mohd Noorazam bin Dato’ Haji Osman CEO, Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd (KPRJ)

email: editor@theiskandarian.com

website/e-paper : www.theiskandarian.com

THE ISKANDARIAN ISKANDAR MALAYSIA’S OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER

Cheaper RON95 Petrol from January 2019 Read on pg 7

Chinese New Year Treats - Check out the auspicious and scrumptious specialties

Read on pg 21 & 22

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MITI Minister Tours Iskandar Malaysia

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he inclusive development agenda in Isk andar Malaysia took the spotlight during the official visit Datuk Darrell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), to Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) office.

In light of this, Datuk Darrell took the opportunity to compliment Iskandar Malaysia for having an inclusive development plan which ensures that the rakyat in the region reap the benefits that have spilled over from the rapid development and investment activities.

“Since 2006 until September 2018, Iskandar Malaysia has recorded a staggering RM273 billion in cumulative investment and this has significantly benefited the people by providing more job and business opportunities, increasing household income and improving the necessary infrastructures,” said

Datuk Darell with Datuk Ismail

Datuk Darrell.

Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of IRDA said Iskandar Malaysia is a high impact development project aimed at transforming the region into a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing, in support of the nation’s development agenda.

One of the key principles that strengthen the success of

Iskandar Malaysia is its focus on the nine promoted sectors that will drive the development and growth of the region. These sectors are Electrical and Electronics; Petroleum and Oil & Gas; Food and Agro Processing; Logistics; Tourism; Healthcare Services; Education; Financial and Business Services; and Creative Industries.

IRDA also took advantage of the rapid economic growth in the region by preparing and assisting the local communities and SMEs to take part in the development.

In addition, IRDA has conducted and organised many capacity building training programmes in the various business components such as Business Branding, Marketing, Packaging, Halal Certification and also in Digital Economy as to promote the national agenda to accelerate e-commerce business activities. These initiatives

Exploring the Millennial Dilemma Gleneagles MEDINI

“In The Arms Of One Who Cares”

Students of the Multimedia University in EduCity shared their thoughts and aspirations with IKLAS during the Johor Millennial Talk: Unspoken Words

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nstitut Integriti Kepimpinan dan Latihan Semangat Dato’ Onn or better known as IKLAS is a government linked agency that is actively directing efforts in getting to know the future leaders of the country who are the millennial generation.

Recently, IKLAS organised a talk in collaboration with the Multimedia University in EduCity and Paperwalls, an event space provider located in SouthKey, Johor Bahru to explore the ‘millennial dilemma’ that is being faced by the majority of youths nowadays.

The purpose of the talk was to encourage youths to open up and not be afraid or anxious about the trials and tribulations of the real world. Youths are sometimes worried and cloud their thoughts with what they are going to do after graduating and if they are to obtain jobs that are related or relevant to their education background or are good enough to even pass a face-to-face interview session.

Two local individuals were invited to share their thoughts and experiences they had to endure and overcome in real life after graduating from high school.

Delaney Rodrigues is born and bred Johorean who left Johor Bahru at the age of 18 to Hong Kong to join Cathay Pacific airlines as a flight attendant. For almost 8 years, all she could think is home and what can she do to contribute back to her community.

“After coming home, I bummed around for a bit until I found JOBA (Johor Birds and Animals Lovers Association). From there I started warming up and made new friends out of the old and expanded my network. I

Dr. Daniel sharing his thoughts on the millennial dilemma

then started an event space business with my business partner who is also my cousin, Jason,” shared Delaney.

The second speaker was Dr. Daniel Wilfred who is a qualified vet who got his degree overseas but returned home to Malaysia to try and make a difference back home.

“I never thought of making a huge change but as us millennials are wired differently, some might say, I still wanted to make a difference no matter how small.

I worked with the government, zoos, and many more animal activists such as Delaney. I just want to say that the millennial dilemma is real and we have to address it,” said Dr. Daniel.

IKLAS collected the aspirations of the students at MMU to then be studied and passed to the relevant government agencies.

These aspirations are also a way to empower the youths to be more open about their needs. - by Harish Mustak TI

have benefited nearly 1000 entrepreneurs in Iskandar Malaysia through over RM12.5 million disbursements.

“Building an international hub that supports a bigger national agenda requires the support of our many strategic partners and stakeholders at the local, national and international level.

In light of this, we look forward for more collaboration with MITI in facilitating and promoting Iskandar Malaysia to international investors,” said Ismail.

“At the end of the day, we want to ensure a balanced development of Iskandar Malaysia and make it the preferred destination to invest, work, live and play and we must ensure that not only the businesses community benefits from the development, but the people will also reap the benefits,” he added. - by The Iskandarian TI

Everything Affordable at Pasarbella Local retailer Maslee Express opens up shop at Iskandar Halal Park

CEO of IHP, Ahmad Lokman Ibrahim and Maslee’s Founder Lee Boon Lye, jointly officiated the opening of Pasarbella

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ocal retailer Maslee Express Supermarket launched their latest outlet under the brand ‘Pasarbella’ at UMLand’s Iskandar Halal Park (IHP) located at Jalan Kong Kong Pasir Gudang.

“All the products offered at the outlet are Halal-certified, safe and fresh so customers can shop their daily needs at a reasonable price with peace in mind,” said Maslee General Manager Gan Hiong Huat.

“The opening of Pasabella has also opened up new job opportunities to the local community,” he added.

Pasarbella plans to be competitive by selling their products at par with the local standard income of the surrounding area. They are also aspiring to be a full blown Halal Supermarket in the coming future.

CEO of Iskandar Halal Park, Ahmad Lokman Ibrahim and Maslee’s Founder Lee Boon Lye, jointly officiated the opening of the outlet.

The opening marks the first commercial activity at IHP. The first phase of IHP was developed on 100 acres land with 89 factory units and 36 office buildings. Pasarbella occupies 9 shoplot units at IHP. - by Edey Suresh TI

Published by True Soul Media PLT [No.51-B, Jalan Impian Emas 5/1, Taman Impian Emas, 81300 Johor Bahru] Printed by Twinstar Synergy Sdn. Bhd. [Lot2A, Jln 13/2, Seksyen 13, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor] Copyright of articles, contributions and photos which are published by The Iskandarian is the property of True Soul Media PLT. 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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More Hotels Blossom in A Playful Weekend at the Heart of Johor Bahru Iskarnival Main-Main 2018 It was a fun filled weekend as Iskarnival welcomed its 6th year with the theme ‘Main-Main’ at Puteri Harbour

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rove Hotel Johor Bahru (Trove Hotel) located at Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir had its grand opening mid last month making it the fourth hotel launched by Care Luxury Hotels & Resorts (CLHR) Management Group after Hotel Granada Johor Bahru, Tunamaya Beach & and Spa Resort Desaru Coast and Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort Tioman Island.

Trove Hotel is strategically surrounded by major business hubs and shopping centres and is just a stone’s throw away from the city centre.

“As Trove Hotel Johor Bahru has fully opened its doors, we believe that this will lift the bar for fellow players and affiliates in the local tourism industry as well as those vying for the top spot for the best hospitality provider in the making,” said Ian Gan, Director Representative of Care Luxury Hotels & Resorts in his speech.

Liow Cai Tung, Johor Executive Committee Chairman for Woman Development and Tourism

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Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (third from left) opens Trove Hotel Johor Bahru

officiated the opening alongside Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi.

“As Johor welcomes more tourists in the coming months, this hotel’s opening is timely welcomed, adding that she will be constantly monitoring the standard of hotels to ensure that they out-serve their service standards,” said Cai Tung.

During the press conference, Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi said he would like to encourage hotels in Malaysia to be more eco-friendly such as putting water dispensers on every floor to encourage guests to

use their own water bottles.

In addition, he also would like to push for the local authorities to ensure neat and clean environment of surroundings.

Trove Hotel Johor Bahru’s 283 themed rooms are spread across 27 floors together with a magnificent view of the Johor Bahru city skyline as guests can also capture the splendour and charms of Johor’s storied past, an excellent starting point to explore the city. With the Second Link Highway, the hotel has become easily accessible from Singapore and it is also a few minutes drive from the Causeway. by Yani Sukaimi TI

hemed ‘Main-Main’, the ISKARNIVAL 2018 ended well with a more playful approach, quoting Albert Einstein “Play is the highest form of research”. The entire carnival had all sorts of activities that indulged the child in us.

Clowns and performers from the Moscow circus dazzled and entertained families and children throughout the day.

Giant sized games such as Chess, Snakes and Ladders, and Jenga to name a few were laid out throughout the carnival grounds.

Full buckets of soap water for kids and adults to make soap bubbles added to the carnival atmosphere. Art installations were also laid out for people to enjoy.

Cultural musical performance

There were also workshops held that ranged from Bamboo art and Basket Weaving to Comics and Graphic Scores for Sound Making.

Members of Alexandria Bookstore teaching the public how to play card games and board games

As with every Iskarnival, the vendors played a big part in adding to the entire carnival, with sections for Crafts, Creatives, Mainan (Toys/Games). With the ‘Main-Main’ theme, it was no wonder that the Mainan section of the carnival got a healthy amount of crowd. One in particular was Alexandria Bookstore, which focused a lot on strategy Board games and Card games for both adults and children.

One of the biggest pulls were of course the musical performances, and again, Iskarnival outdid itself with amazing performers such as Zee Avi, Joe Flizzow, Full Pledge Munkees, Yung Raja, Hujan, and Fariz Jabba just to name a few.

All in all, with so many activities, it was an amazing event for everyone and you can look forward to more in Iskarnival 2019.

- by Moazan Emran TI

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Flop Poppy to Hold a One Night Only Concert in Johor The group announced during an intimate jam session that they plan to get the group back together for a Malaysian tour this year

Band members (From Left: Mijie, Megat, Bakri, Andy, Wandy)

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or those of you that grew up in the early 2000’s, you’re sure to have heard of Flop Poppy, and even if you didn’t, you’ve definitely heard their music on the radio or blasted on MP3 players by your friends. The group became famous in early 2000 with hits such as “Cinta” and “Aku dan Kamu” (both released in 2002).

The group has been playing together since 1989 and this year they will be celebrating their 30th anniversary. After a long hiatus they decided to start playing together again since the unfortunate death

of their drummer Azman Ismail. During an intimate jam session at Straits Villa in Johor Bahru, the group serenaded the audience with some of their old classics in preparation for their concert in Johor Bahru this year, which will be a one night only affair.

“We had wanted to hold the concert in December last year, but it clashed with too many of our band members’ commitments.

We also decided on JB as our first stop to try something different, since most bands start from north to south, we wanted to start from the south and then head up north,” said Andy the vocalist of the group.

“We want to make this as a family concert, as we all have families of our own now. We want the parents that used to listen to us when they were younger to be able to bring their children to the concert and not be worried of them being left at home,” he added.

During the jam session at Straits Villa, you can feel the love and excitement for the group as almost everyone was singing along with their music. You can be sure that their concert in 2019 will bring back old memories and friends ready to reminisce.

The exact date and location of their concert has yet to be announced. - by Moazan Emran TI

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Signature Dining at Desaru Coast Gourmet Series

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echnique, not ingredient, was Michelin Grand Chef Emmanuel Stroobant’s emphasis on what makes a normal dish extraordinary. As a part of an exclusively curated 6-series dining event at Desaru Coast, visitors were treated to a special session of the chef’s techniques in cooking Malaysian food. The First Edition took place from 7th – 9th December 2018 at The Els Club Desaru Coast, Johor.

In partnership with SAVOUR, Singapore’s culinary event organiser, the event invited prestigious chefs from around the world to create a unique dining experience for visitors. At the special session, the Belgium-born Chef demonstrated his discovery of the burning of the skin of chilli to bring out its flavour, and pounding the roots of coriander to bring more “umami” to the dish. Delicious scent of freshly prepared traditional ingredients lingered the room causing stomachs growling for more.

On a mission to fight fast food and bring people together during meals, he presented his take on the Malaysian Journey themed gourmet dinner experience with eight items on the menu. The combination of ‘gourmet’ and ‘traditional Malay food’ was brow-raising, but Chef Emmanuel tastefully married the two into his fusion of familiar yet new flavours. Who would’ve thought the silky-tender 24-hours braised short ribs would complement with jackfruit? Then there was scallop that tasted like Laksa, desserts that might make one ditch his diet and Keropok

IRDA Firms Up Partnership with British High Commission Strengthening Urban and Transportation Agenda in Iskandar Malaysia

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skandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) has recently firmed up its partnership with the British High Commission to strengthen urban and transportation planning in Iskandar Malaysia at the third validation workshop on Global Future Cities Programme at IRDA’s headquarters in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru.

The letter of intent for this strategic partnership was signed between IRDA, represented by Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim and the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, represented by Kabul Azbaha, Counsellor, Head of Prosperity Team (Economic Development). At hand to witness this was Tan Hong Ping, Chairman of Local Government, Science and Technology Committee for Johor.

“When we talk and discuss about transportation, we will take into account the importance and impact of this agenda on a wider scale in terms of connectivity. I hope that this partnership will help to realise everyone’s aspirations for Iskandar Malaysia to become an international metropolis,” said Datuk Ismail.

The Global Future Cities Programme which is part of a wider portfolio called the Prosperity Fund aims to support a range of strategic interventions in 19 cities across 10 countries, including Iskandar Malaysia.

It is built upon three integrated pillars that will address key barriers to prosperity namely Urban Planning, Transportation, and Resilience. From these integrated pillars, two main interventions for Iskandar Malaysia have been identified. There are two interventions which are the implementation strategy for Iskandar Malaysia’s smart integrated mobility management system (SIMMS), and creating enabling conditions for data utilisation

Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of IRDA and Kebur Azhaba, Head of Prosperity Team, UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office British High Commission (BHC) KL

and data management for evidence-based urban and transport planning.

In general, the proposed interventions aim to curb urban sprawl and slum developments, thereby promoting more dense, connected and inclusive cities that in combination contribute to prosperity, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implementing the New Urban Agenda (NUA).

The validation workshop was organised to gauge feedback on the identified interventions to support the sustainable transportation vision of Iskandar Malaysia. The session also contributed to better understanding and building ownership for both process and the interventions. - by The Iskandarian TI

dusted with gold, among other dishes served.

Attention to detail, precision, and creativity also burst and danced on the taster’s tongue.

It was truly a unique delectable experience; Malaysian cuisine rediscovered.

Only an hour’s drive from Senai Airport, Desaru Coast is the gateway location for everybody from culinary explorers to music fans at Hard Rock Hotel, waterpark lovers at Adventure Waterpark to golf players at The Els Club, and beach-goers. Desaru Coast is also easily accessible by land and ferry.

Desaru Coast Gourmet Series was a part of “Desaru Coast Live Series,” a curation of special events focusing on music, gourmet, and lifestyle. For more information on Desaru Coast, visit https://desarucoast.com - by Salamahafifi TI

Chef Emmanuel Stroobant before the special session of sharing techniques to cooking Malaysian food

160 Young Talents Wowed Travelers and Visitors Children took centre stage in Senai International Airport entertaining everyone as part of its CSR agenda.

Chief Executive Officer of Senai International Airport, Md Derick Basir said, “The Senai Airport Music Weekend aimed to encourage children to explore and express themselves Teenagers performing acoustic guitar live through arts and at Senai Airport Music Weekend music. By providing ravelers and visitors the platform, the children were at Senai International able to showcase their talent to Airport were wowed the public while at the same time and entertained with enlivening the airport atmosphere outstanding performance by with their beautiful notes and 160 young talents presenting performances”.

The event was held for the their extraordinary musical skills through playing musical third consecutive year at Aeromall, instruments, singing and dancing Senai International Airport in in a series of performance over the conjunction with the recent school holidays and Christmas weekend last December.

Senai Airport Terminal celebration where passenger Ser vices Sdn Bhd (Senai traffic was higher than any other International Airport), a member months with airlines adding more of MMC Group co-organised the frequencies to destinations such Senai Airport Music Weekend as to Ipoh and Subang. - by The 2018 event with Karen MusikHaus Iskandarian TI

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Pulai Springs Resort Launches First Footgolf Course in Johor

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ulai Springs Resort has officially launched footgolf on 1st December 2018. Partnered with Footgolf Malaysia, Pulai Springs Resort is the first to offer the sport in Johor at its very own golf course. This is the country’s second footgolf course with the first one in Bukit Jelutong Golf Centre in Shah Alam.

Invited guests including members of the media were also given the chance to experience 9 holes of footgolf at the golf course during the official launch.

“We are very excited to have launched the first footgolf course in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The beauty of this sport is that anyone can take part and have a great time,” said Sunny Soo, General Manager of Pulai Springs Resort during his speech at the official launch.

Footgolf is a sport that has been growing over the past decade around the world. Following the rule of golf, players must take turn to kick a size-5 football into a 21-inch hole on the course. The player who completes the game with the fewest kicks is the winner.

Jason Winter, Managing Director of FootGolf Malaysia was delighted with the great initiative and fun alternative for all to get active. “You can’t lose the ball, you don’t need expensive equipment and no lessons required,” said Winter.

The official launch ended with a price giving ceremony to the invited guests.

Michelle Lew from Iskandar Regional Development Authority won for the women category while Azhar Hamzah, a teacher from

SMK Taman Mutiara Rini championed the male category.

Footgolf is often played on golf courses, though it may also be played on specially built grass footgolf courses. The first shot has to be played from the tee box and always bear in mind that trees, bunkers, water and hills must be avoided in order to reach the hole.

Pulai Springs Resort is currently offering the public to enjoy the new game at a very affordable price at just RM20 per person on weekdays and RM30 per person on weekend; you can play for one round of 9 holes footgolf. If you wish to burn more calories, you might want to try 18 holes at only RM30 per person on weekdays and RM45 per person on weekend.

All you need to do is to bring your own size 5 football or you may rent one at RM5 with refundable deposit of RM20 nett.

For bookings, kindly call +6075554909 or for general enquiries, call +60123170117. - by Nurfarahin Zahiridin TI

www.palmresort.com

Partnership to Improve Overall Construction Related Development

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ohor State government through the Johor Centre for Construction Development (JCCD) and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the area of relevant construction related training programmes and project management.

Under the 2 year terms of the MoU, CIDB will provide relevant trainings and develop the skills and knowledge of the contractors registered under JCCD. Through J C C D, the state government will ensure the involvement of local contractors to take part in the many mega projects, including public transportation projects in Johor like Gemas-JB double track project that is set to complete in 2022.

“In 2016, studies had been made to assist local contractors in efforts to improve the quality of the construction industry in line with the mandate given by the state government.

Among the initiatives in the plan were the establishment

Signing of MoU between JCCD and CIDB

of JCCD to fulfil the mission of empowering Johor contractors and the mission of producing a competent, advanced and competitive Johor contractor,” said JCCD’s Chairman Haji Mohd Solihan Badri.

The RM8.9 Billion Gemas-JB double tracking projec t involves the construction of 197km of double tracks, stations, electric trains, depos, land viaduct, bridges, and electrification and signalling systems.

Deputy Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia Mohd Azizi Ali said CIDB always welcomed smart partnerships with industry players to further enhance

product quality, delivery and sustainability of the construction industry.

Mohd Azizi Ali signed the MoU on behalf of CIDB Holdings Sdn Bhd (CIDBH), while JCCD was represented by its Chairman Haji Mohd Solihan Badri and witnessed

by Works, Infrastructure and Transport Committee Chairman, Tuan Haji Mazlan Bujang. Also present at the signing ceremony was JCCD’s Chief Executive Kamaludin Ishak.

The signing ceremony was also held in conjunction with the launch of JCCD’s operations office in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. - by Moazan Emran TI

Raising Awareness Through Early Detection Another CSR activity by TasekMaju Group

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asekMaju Group has to date participated actively as a socially responsible corporate citizen in the community and this time, they organised a free mammogram screening and health awareness through its newly incorporated non-profit organisation, Ang Tiong Loi Tasek Maju Charity Berhad (ATCB) which is responsible in handling the group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

activities.

The event that started from 30th November 2018 until 2nd December 2018 received tremendous support from the public especially with regards to healthy lifestyle and health awareness issues.

Previously, the group’s CSR activities have been encompassing on donation of land for construction of underprivileged children’s home, school funding,

contributing towards operational cost of children’s home in Johor Bahru as well as overseas relief fund raising.

This time, ATCB had worked closely with 2 beneficiaries namely the National Cancer Council or Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA) and Breast Cancer Support Group Johor Bahru (BCSGJB) in providing free mammogram screening to 50 Malaysian citizen females aged 40 - 65 years old.

The initiative is part of the group’s CSR commitment towards healthy living. The group also aims to raise awareness among women through early detection in improving breast cancer survival rates.

Apart from the screening test, donation worth RM30,000 was contributed to MAKNA and RM5000 was given to BCSGJB. On top of that, the group also visited 2 cancer patients and handed

each cash donations and hampers worth RM4,500.

This year marks the 10th year of BCSGJB since its establishment, while MAKNA will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in April. The endless support shown by both organisations has helped the community to understand better about breast cancer and played vital role in assisting the patients to win the battle. - by Nurfarahin Zahiridin TI

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DHL’s Global Centre of Excellence Launched in Iskandar Malaysia – The Second in the World A joint seed investment of over USD2 million from IIB and DHL have made it possible to launch DHL’s GCOE to improve the logistics ecosystem in Iskandar Malaysia

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HL have recently commenced operations of its latest Global Centre of Excellence (GCOE) in Iskandar Malaysia, the first in such public-private partnership in the country.

This is the second GCOE in the world, the first being in Panama.

The GCOE consolidates supply chain consultancy services and logistics design for many of Iskandar Malaysia’s focal industries including Automotive, Energy, Engineering and Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare and Technology.

Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, International Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee Chairman, who officiated the opening on behalf of Menteri Besar Dato’ Osman Sapian, said that the GCOE enhances the logistics eco-system in Iskandar Malaysia where speed, connectivity and logistics solutions are the backbone of today’s business.

“The Johor state government will continue to support and encourage more public and private corporations to amplify this initiative to make Johor and Iskandar Malaysia attractive investment destinations,” he said.

“There is no denying that Iskandar Malaysia has been the engine driving Johor’s economy since its inception in 2006. To date it has garnered over RM250 billion worth of investments and kudos to those who have made Iskandar Malaysia the darling of

Malaysia,” Puah said.

“But we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to take Johor to greater heights.

“Today’s initiative by IIB and DHL, is another chapter, a vital component in achieving this ambition,” he added.

Puah said that GCOE is complementary to the existing logistics ecosystem in Iskandar Malaysia where connectivity and logistics solutions are crucial in doing business.

“I think Johor is made for the logistics industry; where else in Malaysia do you have two coastlines, three ports, excellent road and rail infrastructure and an international airport and construction of the double-tracking railway system will commence next year, further enhancing our reputation as a logistics centre when that is completed,” he added.

Puah further added that the State will do whatever it takes to assist businesses to achieve their goals by providing the right ecosystem for investments in Iskandar Malaysia.

In thanking DHL for locating their GCOE in Iskandar Malaysia; it will motivate more investments into the corridor, said Puah adding, our Menteri Besar has set a target for him to bring in RM8 billion worth of investments into Iskandar Malaysia.

“To put that into perspective, the FDI for Johor in 2017 was RM5.1 billion, the second highest in Malaysia, so if we can

achieve the RM8 billion target, I’ll be a very happy man,” said Puah.

According to a joint IIB and DHL statement, Malaysia’s exports have been consistently hitting new heights throughout 2018, according to MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) statistics, so the opening of this GCOE comes at a pivotal juncture in the country’s economic development as one of Southeast Asia’s industrial powerhouses.

The statement added that the Iskandar Malaysia economic zone occupies more than 2,200 square kilometres, or more than 10% of the Johor State in which it is located, with the goal of generating more than RM120 billion in GDP for Malaysia by 2025.

“With rapid growth in flagship sectors like technology and manufacturing, and alongside heightened interests from major trading partners like China, Korea and Japan, Iskandar Malaysia must be ready with its own in-house, high-quality logistics services that can connect it to the rest of Asia and ultimately, the world,” said Datuk Ir. Khairil Anwar Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB).

GCOE has been established by DHL in partnership with Iskandar Innovations Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IIB with joint seed investment exceeding USD2 million.

Philip Chu, Managing Director, Global

Jimmy Puah Wee Tse International Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee Chairman officiating the launch of GCOE on behalf of Menteri Besar Dato Osman Sapian flanked by Datuk Ir. Khairil Anwar Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer of IIB on the left and Philip Chu, Managing Director, Global Center of Excellence Iskandar Malaysia on the right

Center of Excellence Iskandar Malaysia said, “We envisage Iskandar Malaysia as a gateway between Asia and the rest of the world; one which will rely on resilient and adaptive logistics connectivity to reach its full potential.”

“The GCOE acts as the integrated platform connecting authorities, ecosystem partners and chambers of commerce through a joint value proposition to support potential investors,” he added. - by Shufiyan Shukur TI

The KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series Debuted in Desaru Coast Johor

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esaru Coast Johor had welcomed round 2 of the Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) Asia Pacific Hydrofoil Series from 14th-16th December 2018. The all new series was introduced by KTA after the successful running of the Youth Olympics qualifier earlier last year.

The KTA Asia Pacific Hydrofoil Series Desaru Coast 2018 was the first Asian Hydrofoil Surfing tournament held in Malaysia and the event saw some of the best local and international kiteboarders

competing over 3 days of racing in Desaru, Johor.

Kiteboarding has been the world’s fastest growing water sport since its inclusion in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This trend is set to continue as the sport of Kiteboarding makes its debut in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The sport in its various formats provides a thrilling experience on land, sea, and snow and some of its popular disciplines include free style, wave, slalom, big air, and speed.

Roslina Arbak, CEO of Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd (DH1) said, “We are thrilled that Desaru Coast was part of this increasingly popular international event. The KTA Asia Pacific Hydrofoil Series Desaru Coast 2018 was part of our efforts to bring more lifestyle experiences through our ‘Desaru Coast life series’ programme where we continue to curate events and activities that covers sports, lifestyle, and entertainment”.

Along with the wide variety of water and beach

sports, kiteboarding is growing in popularity along the shores of Desaru. Furthermore, the north east monsoon season is one of the best times for advanced participants to test their skills; pushing them to their limits in challenging speed winds of 20 knots or more.

KTA founder and Event Director Willy Kerr said, “KTA was very excited to set sail in Malaysia by partnering with Desaru Coast to bring the Asia Pacific Hydrofoil Series Desaru Coast 2018, Malaysia’s first ever international kiteboarding

Participants getting ready to head out at the start of the race

event. This not only opened up a brand new location to the kite surfing world but provided Asian riders another platform to perform on the international stage”. - by Moazan Emran TI

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Cheaper RON95 Petrol from Cover From January 2019 Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng revealed that Malaysians can expect cheaper RON95 petrol from January due to falling crude oil prices

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t was announced by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng that the government will be setting the fuel prices on a monthly basis from January 2019 onwards.

Lim Guan Eng said this follows the move by the government to streamline the price of petroleum product prices on a monthly basis, in line with the global market price of crude oil.

He said the move would prove to be more beneficial to consumers.

He said if global oil prices were to increase weekly, the rise in retail oil prices would be controlled and limited to RM2.20 per litre for RON95 and RM2.18 for diesel.

Since 30th May 2018, the price of RON 95 petrol had remained unchanged at RM2.20 per litre, and the same applies to diesel as well – Euro 2M diesel retails at RM2.18 per litre, while Euro 5 diesel goes for RM2.28 per litre.

The price of petrol is determined based on the formula of Automatic Pricing Mechanism which takes into account the average cost of processed petroleum

products, according to reference of Mean of Platts Singapore and foreign exchange rates in the previous month.

Lim also revealed that the government had incurred a subsidy cost of RM7.14 billion until Nov 2018.

This follows subsidies cost incurred between May to Nov 2018 amounting to RM5.82 billion, due to the resumption of RON95 petrol and diesel retail prices at RM2.20 per litre and RM2.18 per litre, despite global market price of petroleum products rising during that period.

In the 2019 Budget, the government had announced its revised fuel subsidy system, offering a cheaper price for RON95 petrol to cars with an engine capacity of below 1,500cc and motorcycles with a capacity below 125cc starting the second quarter of 2019.

Eligible cars can receive the subsidy of up to 100 litres per month, and 40 litres per month for eligible motorcycles. The roll-out of this subsidy system has yet to be finalised. - by Edey Suresh TI

news Tourism Terengganu Convoy Takes a Trip Down South Terengganu and Johor tourism industry players work together to promote Peninsula’s East Coast tourism gateway

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n conjunction with the collaborative efforts to promote tourism in the country holistically, the east coast states, including down south Johor, had joined forces to promote the natural beauty and heritage among the attractions that are scattered throughout the East Coast of the Malaysian Peninsular.

Recently, Tourism Johor in collaboration with Tourism Terengganu organised a “Buyer Meet Seller” programme to attract tourists and Opening ceremony gimmick of the “Buyer Meet adventurers to the great state Seller” programme lead by Tourism Johor Director, of Terengganu by leveraging Abdul Malik Terengganu, namely hoteliers and travel on the close proximity of Johor with neighbouring Singapore and Indonesia, agents, who seek to promote attraction that are unique to the Turtle State. specifically Batam and the Riau Province.

Abdul Malik mentioned that this was a “I am attracted to the tagline “Beautiful Terengganu” and the theme “There’s More To golden opportunity for not only Terengganu Terengganu Than What You Know” which has to promote their state but also the whole been frequently used in promotional efforts Malaysian East Coast to be promoted as a of the East Coast state. I was also informed package for longer stays that will, in turn, fuel that to develop and empower the tourism the tourism industry and economy.

Also in attendance to grace the industry in Terengganu, the state government have prepared the Terengganu 2018-2025 opening ceremony of the programme was Tourism Blueprint,” said Abdul Malik Ismail, Terengganu Tourism Director Tun Ahmad Faisal Tun Abdul Razak and Malaysia Director of Tourism Johor in his speech.

The “Buyer Meet Seller” programme Association of Hotels Johor Chapter Chairman, saw 33 tourism industry players from Ivan Teo. - by Harish Mustak TI

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drill

MO N T H LY DR I L L Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ) Sdn Bhd, appointed Haji Mohd Noorazam bin Dato’ Haji Osman as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as of June 2018 to spearhead the organisation’s future direction. Noorazam brings almost 27 years of experience to the demands of his new post.

Excelling in manning many key state and public sector positions has proved Noorazam’s abilities in holding the said responsibilities. Prior to this, Noorazam was the Deputy State Secretary of Johor cum CEO of the Johor SUKMA 2020 Secretariat. He is also the CEO for Sports Johor Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of KPRJ) which primarily acts as supporting organisers for SUKMA Johor 2020. He also played a key role in the establishment and early developments at Iskandar Malaysia by positioning the region as a destination for investment and he is also responsible in the planning and development of the RAPID project in Pengerang. He was the District Officer for Muar and Kota Tinggi, Johor for 5 years and managed to bring significant changes while in office. His credibility in state administrative management is proven further with his appointment as the President of the Johor Civil Service (JCS) Association.

which will carry more weightage as we approach SUKMA 2020.

Kindly share with us about Jauhar Prihatin and Jauhar Homes

Jauhar Prihatin is a RTO property policy to help facilitate Bangsa Johor to own their home. 50% of the rental collected will be converted as the down payment over tenure of 2 to 5 years. Meanwhile Jauhar Homes is our housing and commercial projects such as Rimbunan Kempas and Taman Bayu Damai.

What’s KPRJ’s involvement in Johor’s Digital Economy?

As a major developer in social and infrastructural projects for the state of Johor, what are among the portfolios under your purview?

I have been serving the state government for almost 27 years. In that tenure, I have served as the private secretary to the 14th Menteri Besar Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman, I served as the Private Secretary to the Johor Menteri Besar from 1995 to 1999 and Deputy Director 1, Johor State Economic Planning Unit (UPENJ) (Macro and Privatisation Portfolio) for 14 years and I have also served as the District Officer for Muar and Kota Tinggi, Johor.

Wearing multiple hats is actually one of my strengths (laughs)! Each portfolio is special in its own way and I have learned a lot about perseverance, hard work, humility and self-confidence from my experiences.

Our core business at KPRJ includes constructing Sekolah Agama Kerajaan Johor SAKJ (religious schools), we also provide affordable homes and Rent to Own (RTO) scheme homes under Jauhar Homes and Jauhar Prihatin homes. We are in charge of a portion of the state’s digital economy via our subsidiary Digital Johor Sdn Bhd, and we play an important role in sports development

KPRJ through the formation of Digital Johor Sdn Bhd (DJSB) is the main driver to champion the digital economy initiatives for the state of Johor. DJSB had established Digital Economy framework to bring Johor towards intelligent Johor status by 2023. The Digital Johor masterplan will be included and adopted by the state.

KPRJ, via Digital Johor will help the State to manage and run the key thrusts and initiatives for the Digital agenda for Johor.

What is in the works for me and the team is to ensure that these initiatives is practical beneficial and expedient for Bangsa Johor as a whole.

There’s a lot of talk about talent being an issue in Iskandar Malaysia and Johor.

What’s your view on it?

Firstly, we need to relook at the fundamentals and ingredients in building a metropolis of an international standing. For example, a dynamic financial hub must be put in place to attract more economic activities. Currently,

w Intervie by the Editor

Director

Haji Mohd Noorazam bin Dato’ Haji Osman CEO Kumpu l an Pr a s ar an a R a kyat Joh or S dn Bh d ( KPR J ) I feel that no real sustainable economic activities are being carried out to attract enough talent to fulfil the demands.

In order to attract talent, incentives and opportunities must be enhanced.

Remuneration schemes must also be revisited.

Johor has a little bit of everything to offer so we must leverage on our strengths. Social economy must be amplified to help the local economy. We are not driving talent away, we are just not attracting enough.

What is your overview of Johor’s economy as a whole and your take on our property market?

Johor is very important to the nation’s economy and we remain economically resilient regardless of what happens. We have modern infrastructure and have the strength to compete against Singapore.

We have abundance of resources available so we must look at building up more core activities like enhancing our logistics sector, our oil and gas industry as well as our tourism sector must be properly planned and coordinated on how to be marketed and promote the local attractions for local economic growth. Each district has its own potential.

As for the property market, there is a need to address the issue of unsold completed units. We need to clear the stock in hand. We could probably come up with initiatives together with the government to help address this issue. For an example, all the respective players can come together to do an “Everyone Can Have A Home” housing campaign to clear the stock. The issue of

affordability and flexible financing must also be addressed accordingly.

What are KPRJ’s plans for the coming years?

Over the years, KPRJ has built a reputation as a major developer in social and infrastructural projects for the state of Johor. We are going to work towards diversifying our businesses through our subsidiaries namely KPRJ Builders Sdn Bhd (KBSB) (construction), KPRJ Development Sdn Bhd (KDSB) (property development), KPRJ Urus Sdn Bhd (asset and building management), Digital Johor Sdn Bhd (digital technology services), Sports Johor Sdn Bhd, and KPRJ Engineering Sdn Bhd (oil & gas).

As a Government-Linked Company (GLC), KPRJ will uphold and support the government’s aspiration in promoting the state’s economic growth and prosperity.

How do you juggle so many portfolios?

Passion. I don’t believe in micro managing.

Instead, I prefer to provide guidance, steer and empower my staff, and respect their forte including their areas of specialty.

Effective leaders are the ones who empower others. Guide, teach, empower and prepare a succession plan for them.

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news

PEGGY LOH

MY JOHOR STORIES

Our resident writer, Peggy Loh, actively writes in her blog www.peggyloh.com about matters that are close to her heart.

She can be reached at write2peggyloh@gmail.com

A Community-Centered Celebration for My Johor Stories 2 to the Wong clan.

As such, I was determined to invite the younger generation of Wong’s to my launch event so that our relatives could meet – some probably for the very first time.

From the start of this book sequel project, Think City’s Programme Director, Dr Neil Khor, encouraged me to share more stories not only from Johor Bahru but also from other Johor

A panoramic view of the audience while they listened to the opening address by Iskandar Regional Development Authority Chief Executive, Datuk Ismail Ibrahim

For obvious reasons, the grand lady RailCoffee who kindly contributed their and her daughter could not attend my event packs of coffee as door-gifts! but I was glad that her son, John Chan, as well It was indeed a special as Ian and his wife, Polina, were present. experience where guests tasted To complete this project, I went on pesticide-free fresh greens grown by road trips from Johor Bahru to various Johor FOLO Farms, fresh fruits from Desaru towns to meet with the subjects/people Fruit Farm, banana cake by Hiap who shared with me their stories and life’s Joo traditional bakers, South Indian experiences. specialties by Kerala Restaurant and Haji Besides JB, these trips took me to Wahid’s famous Mee Rebus.

A queue waiting in line for their books to be towns like Machap, Kluang, Batu Pahat, Muar, This celebration was graced autographed Kulai, Kelapa Sawit, Pontian, Ban Foo near by Iskandar Regional Development Ulu Tiram, and Desaru, as well as Melaka and Authority (IRDA) Chief Executive, Datuk Am glad to witness your successful towns.

After our discussions, I gave serious Singapore, where the families now live.

Ismail Ibrahim and his wife, the Singapore book launch this morning.”

As I wrote their stories and prepared Consul-General for Johor, Rajpal Singh, JB “Very impressed with your thought to the people in towns like Kluang, Machap and my manuscript Tiong Hua Association President, Datuk presentation.” to submit Seri Tey Kim Chai, and other guests like “Thoroughly enjoyed your walk Muar, with whom I to M P H hotels and resorts, NGO, university and through the book!”

P u b l i s h i n g , college representatives, as well as my “The sponsorship of gifts and food have special I saw a school friends and family members. from the subjects in your book connects connections.

A n d co m m o n A guest succinctly summed up us with your book.” thread that their consensus with this encouraging These and other encouraging as I pondered the runs through message: comments came pouring in from my o v e r these true “Was speaking to Dr. Lim and he guests after the book launch for My p o s s i b l e stories of the was much impressed by your passion Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and subjects to go into My struggles and and ability to bring people from different Inspirational People, recently. triumphs of races and backgrounds into your book.

As I read on, I was more than happy Johor Stories real people, This helps to unite the people’s hearts in with the successful community-centered 2, it was quite some o f sharing and caring.” celebration, planned with the focus mainly easy to choose them and they whom arrived His feedback is deeply humbling on the subjects in my book. in Johor as as I share this kind commendation In My Johor Stories: True Tales, neatly fell into The author [Left] presenting My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People to Iskandar i m m i g r a n t s with the inspirational people and their Real People, Rich Heritage, I introduced two categories: Regional Development Authority Chief Executive, and b o n d families who shared their stories with me my family through stories like Going Portraits and Datuk Ismail Ibrahim servants. and gave me the privilege to document back to Masai-chusetts, My mum the Heritage Trades.

A 100-year old lady in Batu Pahat, I made every effort to encourage them as a lasting legacy in my book. midwife, We are OCBC, Where champions My Johor Stories 2: Interesting were born, and The Real Champion – our Johor, who is being cared for by her my book subjects to attend the launch daughter, Chan Sau Pheng, however, is the event because it was their moment too Places and Inspirational People, is grandmother, Mak Cheng Hai. and for many, their untold stories are now available from MPH bookstores So, under Memories in My Johor only subject in my book who “chose me.”

This was because the old lady’s exclusively documented in My Johor Stories nationwide and online via www.

Stories 2, I continued with Our Family Ties which reveals our link to Johor pioneer grandson, Ian Lee, messaged me about 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People mphonline.com TI Wong Ah Fook through his nephew, Wong his grandmother and asked me to include as a legacy for their families.

While preparing the event Kwong Yam, the patriarch of the Wong her in my next book! Ian insisted that the legendary Han Cher Soh (Hokkien dialect), programme, I decided to involve family in Johor Bahru.

In the course of my work, I met a midwife who was so well-known for her some subjects to let my guests at the several people who I later discovered (by selfless attitude that anyone in Batu Pahat launch event to not only read about them but to also have an experience asking my mum), are related through our should know her!

But before accepting Ian’s challenge of them! link to the Wong family here.

This was accomplished My mum is the eldest daughter to write about his grandmother, I did my in her family of 11 siblings and because homework and wisely sought information through a Lucky Draw where subjects contributed items for guests to win she used to accompany grandmother on from my Batu Pahat-born relative.

And when I asked Aunty Joy, she and by tasting the food catered visits with relatives, she had first-hand by some heritage traders at the experience of meeting members of the instantly recognised the nickname!

It was both uncanny and amusing reception.

Wong family.

When I shared my ideas The author (me!) introducing the book with Finally, I understood that my to discover that she was in fact, delivered grandmother’s aunts (her father’s two by Madam Sweet Potato, the midwife with these subjects, they responded selected readings from My Johor Stories 2: sisters) married Wong Kwong Yam to known as Han Cher Soh in the local positively and I was overwhelmed by Interesting Places and Inspirational People their generosity, especially Kluang become Mrs. Wong’s and this was our link community.

“

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Charity Drive by Expat Mingle

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ith the motive of continuing their mingle activities with a charitable cause at heart, a diverse group of expats and Malaysians brainstormed and came together to make a difference by giving back to the community.

“Families in poverty are denied a fair start in life. They experience poor health, struggle to access education, and are much more likely to be involved in crimes.

By fighting against poverty, we can give innocent children a brighter future,” said the organiser, Poonam Singh.

In their December charitable mingle event, the group joined hands with Kechara Soup Kitchen under Merlin Hoo (KSK Head of Johor Bahru) and Johor Women’s League

(JEWEL) under President Liza Alip to work together on various charitable projects for 2019.

The night of glitz and glam saw The Expat Charity Mingle 2018 raise RM21,000 from donations and ticket sales.

“In 2019, we expand our scope and work with Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) and JEWEL to identify people in need. Our aim is to help underprivileged families,” added Poonam.

“As for our immediate family beneficiary, we are proud to announce that with the help of KSK we were able to buy back to school necessities and groceries for December. On top of that, from the support from JEWEL, 4 of the children will start schooling from January 2019. The school bus fee will be paid for as well,” said Poonam.

“We are very happy for the selected family. It is just a scratch on the surface, but a march of a thousand miles begins with a single step. We look forward to the journey

ahead hand in hand with your support,” she added.

The event will not be successful without the help of generous sponsors and key people.

The Expat Charity Mingle 2018 would like to thank DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru and General Manager Daniel Alcaraz for hosting the event, Sharul and team for all the hard work of the venue preparation, their charity committee members, who have worked day and night to put everything in place; Poonam Singh, Dak Patel, Khristine Bonita, Josh de Silva, Natalie Ziegler, Stella Laura Conceiro, Brenda NonisDesker, and Dewi Pritchard.

Also in the list of thanks include, DJ Kevin David Hayes, official photographer Ahmad Jabar Jaffar, Jane Teo and her team of NIA Beauty Academy, Asia Plantation Capital Malaysia; Steven Watts, Sea Gypsy Village Resort Pulau Sibu; Linda Wills, Minang Cove Resort Tioman; Tony Lamond, Fraser Place Puteri Harbour Hotel; Rob Tan (DOSM), Gagan Singh of Renaissance Hotel Johor Bahru, Rayan Komatt of Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut, Urban Escape Day Spa & Beauty Lounge; Claire Hcb, White Frangipani Portraits; Natalie Ziegler Photography, La Bonita Viajera; Khristine Bonita, George & Dragon Café; Patricia Chew, Sirocco Sky Bar & Restaurant; Guy Reavley, The Spice Kitchen; Bala Vignesh, VBurg Boulangerie Café; Tan Chee Yuen and Tan Chee Seng, Hans Durst of Sweetwater Mediterranean Restaurant Bar & Grill and Gianni’s Trattoria Italian Restaurant, 7 Grapes Wine & Tapas Restaurant; Shuren Ulaganathan, JB2020; Carol Tai and The Iskandarian Newspaper.

For more updates, follow their Facebook page, The Expat Mingle – Johor. by Edey Suresh TI

news

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The Iskandarian ISSUE 77 | JAN 2019 Advertisement

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J A N 2 0 19

w e N y p p a H Year !

JAN 2019 | Page 2

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

editor’s H note

appy New Year everyone! I hope your 2018 ended well with lots of good memories and putting bitter ones aside, start 2019 on a positive

note.

It’s no secret that music is a platform that brings people together and Heineken Live Your Music’s journey in Johor Bahru last December brought many music lovers under one roof with DJ Blink and Dyro.

Sony Pictures brings us two must see movies this January. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly of Step Brothers fame, reunites as my favourite characters Sherlock Holmes and

Priya Manikam waves.lifestyle@gmail.com

Dr Watson in its namesakes. Most people probably have heard of Escape Room games; a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and clues, but in this thriller movie, six strangers must survive a series of traps to escape or die!

As Chinese New Year approaches, do check out some options at Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort and Pulai Springs Resort (PSR), with the latter offering pre-CNY fares too. Also, the Magistrate checked out PiZZ@ at Sunway Citrine Hub for an innovative take on pizza and other comfort food.

Get packing as we have revisited PSR

after many moons and we’re in love with its new refurbished rooms at Cinta Ayu and do check out the latest in-thing – Footgolf in the resort to satisfy the inner sportsmanship in you!

As always, for those wishing to share their fashion collection, travel tales, or like us to review your restaurant/hotel for a staycation, drop me an e-mail at waves. lifestyle@gmail.com and be featured. For more news, do access www.theiskandarian. com

MUSIC UPDATES

Priya

2 Back-To-Back Weekends of Electrifying Music Experiences

Porter Robinson, Andrew Rayel, DJ Irwan and Dyro joined Heineken Live Your Music to deliver two weekends of music thrills

By The Iskandarian

2

018 ended on a high note especially when Heineken Live Your Music rolled out a series of seven high energy music experiences for its fans in four cities across Malaysia - Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Penang.

By Najeeha Sadim The two back-to-back weekends comprised a lineup of innovative artist collaborations and performances by global and local music icons, served with a Heineken twist. Fans experienced surprises like an innovative serving ritual and the signature Heineken Green Moment, conceived to create shareable moments and elevate their music experiences during the shows.

“Globally, music is a platform that brings people together. Heineken Live Your Music’s journey across Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Penang has brought thousands of people together. With world class acts and experiences, we hope that our consumers enjoyed the high energy celebrations and created many new shareable memories accompanied by ice cold bottles of Heineken,” said Carmen Chong, Senior Brand Manager of Heineken Malaysia.

Weekend one opened with Dan $hiv and Jhin bringing a taste of trap and hip hop to S I X but the real showstopper of the night was the creative chaos brought to the dancefloor by MayB Wong’s Mayhem Jam crew. A packed house witnessed the driving power and soaring synths of Dutch EDM icon Porter Robinson at a Zouk Club KL mainroom transformed by Heineken saw a double dose of Heineken Live Your Music action in the shape of LAH’LAH’LAND’s kaleidoscopic 10th Anniversary party at Café etc and Holland’s DJ Irwan, who served

up a mixed order of house, hip hop and EDM to an enthusiastic crowd at Mixx, Malacca.

The second weekend of electrifying music then kicked off with Goldsounds Takeover at Arena TTDI, featuring a surprise set by Malaysian music icon DJ Goldfish. Then Dutch trance legend Andrew Rayel teased the crowd at Zouk Club KL with an eclectic radio-themed set of stop-start fun. Penang was treated to an incredible triple header in the shape of up-andcoming EDM star Dyro, along with long-time friends of Heineken, DJ Blink and BATE at Penang’s newest club, Rabbit’s Tale. DJ Blink rounded off the weekend in the company of Dyro when these two weekends of Heineken Live Your Music reached their conclusion at the Flying Pagoni in Johor Bahru.

Stay tuned to Heineken’s social accounts for announcements of future Heineken music events as well as the latest updates and promotions from the world of Heineken. For information on Heineken Live Your Music, go to www.facebook. com/HeinekenMYS and www.heineken.com/ my/LYM. Inspired by its followers, Live Your Music is a global movement that sees music from the fans’ perspective. It uses the collective passion for experiencing music as its foundation to craft shareable and memorable moments. Since it debuted in Malaysia, Live Your Music has engaged fans across multiple events, including DVBBS, Good Vibes Festival, 88 Rising, Tiësto, MaRLo, Zedd and more.

JAN 2019 | Page 3

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

Emotional Communication: How We Do It? – Part 1

H Rose Osman is a Certified Human Design Professional.

She’s a guide for Living Your Design Workshop and coaches others on self healing for anxiety via E-courses and group workshops

yourpersonalmotivator BucketOfRoses www.roselifecoach.com

ave you realised that we are getting more emotional these days? Just look at the social media responses at any given issues. From there, you can see the pattern of emotions where people express themselves so easily online. Stimulation over emotions is getting obvious everywhere, whether we aware of it or not. Take advertisements for example. Advertisements that can stimulate a person’s emotions would have a lasting impact for a long time. And that’s the only way businesses connect with people; through emotions. That’s how important our human emotions are.

Emotions are more than just human expressions. We connect through emotions.

Emotions are a new form of communication. We

manifest and act through emotions too. It also have the potential to manifest wealth, through an inner fire we call passion. Emotions are the doors to our Inner Spirit. And yet, we have not discovered full potential from our emotional intelligence but maybe we will in the future.

Meantime, there are ways to keep our emotions healthy, particularly in relationships.

Are you expressing your emotions or suppressing it?

Emotions are energy in motion. Whenever emotions are stimulated, the ripples of emotions need an outlet to flow in harmony. When we suppress the energy flow, it will likely turn inward.

These often interrupt the energy body and

prolong, and may affect the physical wellbeing too. For example, a grief that is not acknowledged or spoken about may affect the health of the lungs. The other organs that are affected by emotions are kidneys, pancreas and prostate.

Therefore, it is important to have a healthy outlet for your emotions.

Be mindful of our emotions It’s alright to be emotional and moody. It is what we do with the feeling that counts. How do we express moodiness? Are we projecting the pain to others? Or do we talk about it with awareness?

In the next issue, we are going to explore the right way to communicate our emotions to others.

Discover your True Self, Inner Power, Potentials and Purpose with Human Design. Visit Facebook Page : Human Design Malaysia for more info.

HOLMES & WATSON Genre: Comedy Release date: 3rd January 2019 Written and Director by: Rob Marshall

T

he ‘Step Brothers’ are reunited – this time playing the world’s greatest consulting detective and his loyal biographer, as Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly star as Holmes & Watson. The film is a humorous take on brilliant sleuth Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they stop rival James Moriarty from assassinating the Queen.

Producers: Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Jimmy Miller, Clayton Townsend Executive Producer: Callum McDougall Executive Producers: Chris Henchy, Jessica Elbaum, M. Riley Cast: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Rebecca Hall, Rob Brydon, Kelly Macdonald and Ralph Fiennes

ESCAPE ROOM Release date: 24th January 2019 Genre: Thriller Directed by: Adam Robitel Screenplay by: Bragi Schut and Maria Melnik Story by: Bragi Schut

E

scape Room is a psychological thriller about six strangers who find themselves in circumstances beyond their control and must use their wits to find the clues or die.

Produced by: Neal H. Moritz, Ori Marmur Executive Producer: Rebecca Rivo Cast: Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Deborah Ann Woll, Jay Ellis, Tyler Labine Nik Dodani with Yorick van Wageningen

JAN 2019 | Page 4

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

travel 2019 JAN

dar Calen ts n of Eve 1st Jan Happy New Year

5th Jan We Run We Ride 2019 @ Jln Ulu Ayer Molek

5th Jan Wang Lee Hom concert @ S’pore Indoor Stadium

8th Jan Slash @ The Coliseum Hard Rock Hotel S’pore

10th – 13th Jan Singapore Motorshow @ Suntec S’pore

12th Jan • Study in Ireland Exhibition @ Shomefice Kempas • Taeyeon concert @ S’pore Expo Hall 1

14th Jan • Language Course @ Paragon Pvt & Itnl School • Pongal Harvest Festival @ Serangoon Rd S’pore

19th Jan Singapore Art Week

21st Jan Thaipusam

29th Nov The CRIB Ball @ The Ritz Carlton Millenia S’pore

24th Jan • St.Jerome’s Laneway Festival @ The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay S’pore • Singapore International Indian Expo @ Suntec S’pore

26th Jan Sean Kingston @ Bang Bang Pan Pac S’pore

Block your dates for this month!

If you need more information on the above mentioned events, drop us an email at: waves.lifestyle@gmail.com

Enjoy Some Time Away From Home at Pulai Springs Resort – Part 1 Pulai Springs main pavilion

By Moazan Emran waves.lifestyle@gmail.com

A

s I drive in to Pulai Springs Resort, I already feel like I’m on a holiday, as the resort is tucked away nicely in the outskirts of the city away from all the noise and hustle. The resort is located amongst the glorious flora and fauna at the foothills of Mount Pulai. It’s strategically located within 15-30 from Senai Airport, JPO, LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, Puteri Harbour and more.

The award winning resort features 140 well-appointed rooms at Cinta Ayu and another 22 luxurious rooms at the Anugraha Boutique Hotel, located within Pulai Springs Resort. Rooms at Cinta Ayu Resort consist of Studio Suites and one

Pulai Springs Resort Recreation Room

the Elephant & Castle pub which is available for guests to relax and unwind at night (plus open for private events and groups of 20 people minimum).

While waiting to check in, our host Ally suggested that we go and have lunch at our first stop, which was the Qing Palace Chinese Restaurant, a restaurant famed for its authentic Szechuan One Bedroom Suite (Living room area with Kitchen) cuisine. Although Qing bedroom to four-bedroom apartment Palace doesn’t have Halal certification (no suites. The Anugraha Boutique Hotel pork no lard), but the food is prepared with has also been awarded ‘Best luxury Suite Muslim specifications. Not knowing what Hotel – Country Level’ in the World Luxury to order, we allowed our host to take the Hotel Awards 2015 held in Hong Kong. The wheel and order us a few dishes. I have to resort’s dining options include the award say, I was extremely happy with the food. winning Qing Palace Chinese Restaurant, My favourite dish was the Szechuan Hot Cinta Terrace Restaurant, Cinta Deli and and Sour Soup; it was packed with flavours and warmed me up just nice.

After the amazing lunch, I was really looking forward to checking in and dozing off for a couple of hours.

When I got to the room, the first thing I noticed was how big and spacious the room was. The room comes fully equipped with a kitchenette, walk in closet, and a beautiful bathroom.

After my tour around the Resort’s recreation facilities, which include an 18-hole golf course, a footgolf course which is the latest addition there involving a combined game of football and golf, a unisex Day 1: Lunch at Qing Palace (Indonesian spa (The Pulai Spa), a swimming Style Curry Fish) pool at Cinta Ayu building and four

other pools at the Clubhouse comprising a lap pool, horizon pool, a kids pool and a baby pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, gym and Cineplex.

The Sports Centre also offers both indoor and outdoor activities such as Tee-Tee club (children indoor play Centre), bicycles for rent, DVR ride games, Harley bikes, games arcade, tie and dye Batik Painting, team building activities and more.

The DVR ride games utilise VR technology and comes with 3-4 selection of games lasting 3-5 minutes each but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re prone

Day 1: Lunch at Qing Palace (Mongolian Chicken, Hong Kong Kailan with minced Garlic, Wasabi Prawns, Tea Smoked Duck) to motion sickness, but if not, then it’s really good fun. For the Harley bikes, I only managed to get about 10 minutes on them as it was about to rain, but it’s definitely a ton of fun riding around the resort exploring, though I wish the riding course was much bigger.

Want to know what else Pulai Springs offers? Wait for our next issue to find out more! TI

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The Iskandarian ISSUE 77 | JAN 2019 Advertisement

農 曆 新 年 美 食 Chinese New Year Delights

4 February 2018

萬麗賀歲新年精選套餐 WAN LI CHINESE NEW YEAR SET MENU A 每桌十位 RM1688.00 nett per table of 10 persons 每桌六位 RM988.00 nett per table of 6 persons *每十位套餐將附送一支紅酒 (Inclusive of one (1) bottle house red wine for 10 persons)

萬麗招財進寶精選套餐 WAN LI CHINESE NEW YEAR SET MENU B 每桌十位 RM2388.00 nett per table of 10 persons 每桌六 位 RM1388.00 nett per table of 6 persons *每十位或六位套餐將附送一支紅酒 (Inclusive of one (1) bottle house red wine for 10 persons and 6 persons)

萬麗霸皇鮑魚砵滿盆菜

Cantonese Style Fortune Abalone & Dried Seafood Treasure Pot (Poon Choy) 小(五人份) Small (5 persons portion) | RM 480.00 nett 大(十人份) Large (10 persons portion) | RM 850.00 nett *建议预订 Advanced order is recommended

發財三文撈魚生 Prosperity Salmon Yee Sang 小 Small | RM98.00 nett 大 Large | RM128.00 nett

吉祥如意鮑魚撈魚生 Auspicious Abalone Yee Sang 小 Small | RM128.00 nett 大 Large | RM178.00 nett

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Mysterious Fever of Children and Kawasaki Disease

F

ever is a very common illness and it is a symptom that describes a body temperature that’s higher than normal. It can affect both children and adults. More than 90% of the children experience fever in their growing age. Fever itself is usually not harmful – in fact, it helps the body’s immune system to fight off an infection.

What is the body temperature that defines fever?

It is a fever when a child’s body temperature is at or above one of these levels: measured orally (in the mouth): 100°F (37.8°C), measured rectally (in the bottom): 100.4°F (38°C), measured in an axillary position (under the arm): 99°F (37.2°C).

Strawberry tongue

What are the most common diseases that may cause fever in children?

Most of the fevers in children are self-limited. Infectious disease is

Bilateral Red Eye

the leading cause for the common symptoms like fever, diarrhea, fatigue and coughing. There are 3 group of microbes that cause the fever, which includes bacteria, virus and atypical (such as tuberculosis, protozoa, etc). The other causes of fever are blood disease, immunology disease, or other problems such as the Kawasaki Disease.

overlooked disease that happens to children. Fever is the most important symptom that may occur first. Kawasaki disease, which is also known as Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome affects the lymph nodes, skin, the mucous membranes inside the mouth, nose and throat.

The children may have red eye or Bacille Calmette Guerin, (BCG) scar redness in the disease progression.

How do I know if my child has contracted Kawasaki Disease?

Most children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease will have a fever lasting for more than 5 days, plus at least four of these symptoms:

When should my child see a doctor if they have fever?

The most important action is to observe how your child looks and feels. If your child is lethargic, not drinking, acting abnormally, having a persistent fever for more than 2-3 days, or spiking fever with febrile fit, these are indications to seek doctor’s treatment. A doctor will investigate and advise what’s the cause of the respective fever is.

Blood test, imaging or urine sample may be required.

• •

What is Kawasaki disease in children? Is it related to fever?

Kawasaki disease is a commonly

Why is Kawasaki Disease so serious?

Apart from prolonged fever, the

• • •

Redness in both eyes.

Changes around the lips (crack lips), tongue (strawberry tongue), or mouth (peeling).

Swelling in fingers and colour change, or peeling.

Rashes located in the chest, stomach, or genital area.

Swollen lymph nodes around the neck can be one or both side.

The laboratory tests may play a major role for this non-typical presentation of Kawasaki Disease.

disease is very serious because it will cause the inflammation of the coronary artery (heart). One out of every four children’s hearts with Kawasaki disease may be inflamed.

The inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart is also known as pericarditis. In extreme cases, it can cause blood clots leading to a heart attack or stroke, damage to the heart with heart failure, or death.

How do I know if the coronary artery is affected?

Cardiac Echo should be arranged for the patient who is highly suspected or diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease to prevent further complications.

Damage can occur to the blood vessels that supply to the heart muscle (the coronary arteries) and sometimes to the heart muscle itself. Serial imaging during followup may be needed if suspected of complication.

How is Kawasaki Disease treated?

Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease will be the best way to prevent the disease’s complication.

The initial treatment and complete treatment will decide the outcome.

Therefore, your child will likely be treated in hospital, at least for the early part of the treatment. The standard treatment during the

live

Dr Chang Hok Keong Paediatrics Consultant, (MD. Taiwan), Paediatric Cardiology (Taiwan Society of Cardiology) Regency Specialist Hospital Sdn. Bhd.

disease’s acute phase is high-dose of aspirin and immune globulin.

Serial blood test and cardiac echo will play a major role in monitoring the disease progression. Recurrent may happen in 5% of the affected patient.

Do not hesitate to consult your paediatrician when in doubt. TI

Coronary Aneurysm

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work

Unfair Dismissal and Company Winding Up

A

n employee has brought a complaint of unfair dismissal under S.20 IRA 1967 against his/ her former company. The case is awaiting trial and the former company is suddenly facing winding-up and liquidators have taken control.

The questions that may crop up in the minds of both parties - Can the complainant still continue? Can the company halt the action? Does the complainant need permission?

Firstly, the complaint can still proceed. Why? Because it is a fundamental right of the employee to bring an action before the Industrial court for unfair dismissal as long as it is within 60 days of termination.

The dispute now begins when the company being wound-up, argues that S.471(1) Companies Act 2016 (previously S.236(2) Companies Act 1965) applies.

This particular section requires the leave of High Court in order for parties to commence or proceed with any action against a company that is going through winding up/liquidation. The argument in

the beginning went 2 ways: One; that the section in the Companies Act did not apply to an Industrial Court action and the other which did.

The matter was thought to have been settled with the High Court case of Isuta International Sdn Bhd & Ors v Industrial Court Malaysia and Ors [2013] 4 ILR 24. This Penang case stated that leave of the High Court is required when taking a case of unfair dismissal against a company being wound-up because the court could not ignore the provision in the Companies Act. However, in Johor, a 2015 decision in the case of Wong Chen Feng v. Wonderful Compound Sdn. Bhd. [2015] 1 ILR 274 chose not to follow Isuta.

It argued that the decision of Isuta was that of the High Court and that there existed a conflicting case in the Federal Court (then Supreme Court).

Therefore, the decision in the higher court takes precedence.

The Federal Court case that Wong Chen Feng referred to was the case of

Marianna Ghazali & Ors v. Co-Operative Central Bank Ltd (In Receivership) & 2 Others Cases [1989] 2 ILR 497. This case decided that there was no need for leave to be obtained from the High Court for a case of unfair dismissal when a company winds up. The court’s reasoning was that S.20 IRA 1957 claim in the Industrial Court is not an “action” or “proceeding” as envisaged by the then S. 263(2) CA 1965.

Isuta’s reasoning for not following Marianna was that the case was specific to its own facts.

Industrial Court decision on this issue seems to be specific to the state. In Johor, the unreported case Goh Chiu Khek v Yichai Biotech Sdn. Bhd [2017] 2 LNS 0662 followed in the footsteps of Wong Chen Feng and applied the decision in Marianna. In Kuala Lumpur, the unreported case Sunitha Sharmila Rajendra Parshad dan 5 perayu lain v.

Alcim Sdn.Bhd [2018] 2 LNS 0182, applied Isuta. The case of Marianna was not

Cassandra Priyanka Pius Consultant at Meca Employers Consulting Agency Sdn. Bhd. cassandra@meca.com.my

discussed.

So what does this mean? The Industrial Court in Kuala Lumpur and Penang seem to have a differing opinion from that of the Industrial Court in Johor.

The matter can only be solved if it were to go up to the Federal Court again for their decision.

For now, lawyers are left to argue their case and the decision rests with the Chairman of the Industrial Court in each state.

Employers and employees should be aware of where their case is being decided and how the court in that particular state might decide, as there is no definite conclusion. In a situation of winding up, the Liquidator would likely have already taken control of the case from the company. Bringing up both Isuta’s and Marianna’s decisions by either party will allow the Chairman of the Industrial Court to weigh its options. TI

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invest

Accumulating Wealth Tips & Tricks

Is the Crash Really Coming? - Part Two

I

n the previous issue, we discussed the possibilities and causes of the arrival of a bear market. In this issue, let us explore how to deal with it if it comes true.

First, let’s have a look at the current market situation. Just when investors were about to take a breather for the trade truce between US and China, Huawei’s CFO was arrested in Canada (where she is facing extradition to the US), indicating the tussle between US and China is far from over. In apparent retaliation, the Chinese authorities detained two Canadian nationals afterwards.

The subsequent development would have investors believe the trade war has now escalated to a 5G or technology war. In Europe, British Prime Minister Theresa May has delayed a parliamentary vote on her deal with EU, knowing she would lose. With little more than 100 days to go, there is still no certainty as to how, or even if, the UK will leave the European Union. On the global front, the anticipated rate hike and 2019’s worldwide economy slow down, and the prolonged low oil price have continued to weigh on the market sentiment.

Technically, the Dow Jones Industrial (DJI) Index has moved in tandem with all the dramas. The second week of December 2018 had seen the DJI test the critical 24000 psychological level the third time. If it breaks below this level, it could trigger another sell down. Locally, the KLCI Composite Index has tested 1660 again. Win or lose, you can see there were more losers outnumber winners lately. It seems like every one is running desperately and if there is any rebound, people will sell. Retail investors are no longer buying on value.

With all the incidents that happened concurrently, it’s not difficult to guess our portfolio would take a beating. Here is our portfolio performance on 14th December 2018:

Tey Bin Yuen Binyuen is the founder of BY Enrich Resources and the author of ‘Life beyond the Comfort Zone’ and ‘Profit from Share Investment’.

His books are available in major bookstores in Malaysia, Singapore or online http://www.teybinyuen.com/ profitfromshareinvestment

current holdings on hand, you are not alone.

Here are six strategies you may consider executing: 1. Trim down your portfolio and keep more cash, like what we just did. This is even if the companies you have are still fundamentally sound. So long as your entry price is close to the market price, you may feel comfortable to sell. With more cash on hand, you would have bullets to fire if the market corrects further.

2. For the rest of the holding, if you buy to invest, do it as a business owner and have holding power. So long as the company fundamentals and prospects remain bright, keep holding it and add more if it goes lower. On the other hand, if you buy to trade, please set a profit target and loss cutting point. If the price has hit either side, sell it.

3. Do not look at the price too often, as it is merely a record and a reflection of sentiment. In most cases, it has very little to do with the business daily operation.

4. But if the price fluctuation makes you stressful and affects the quality of your life, sell it. It means either you need more cash on hand, or you do not know the company well enough.

5. Consider switching some counters to

Parties Dining & More "George & Dragon Cafe is a great venue for all your Festive Season celebrations like Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.” Book now for your festive party, we have a selection of exciting menus and wines at great prices for you.

"We are open for Chinese New Year”

Disclaimer: The companies or strategies mentioned in this article are meant for study purpose only. It doesn’t constitute any ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ recommendation. Please consult your financial professional if you want to make any decision.

The portfolio has showed a gain of 188% since November 2015, but compared to 219% two months ago, it is 14% lower. In times of uncertainty, we decided to trim down our portfolio to preserve more cash.

Sold Ptrans and KGB We sold 100000 shares of Ptrans at 0.265 and 60000 shares of KGB at 1.11. We also have received dividends from almost all the companies above except Comfort. The total dividends received are RM4740. Adding to the sales’ proceeds from the two companies, the new cash level is now at RM101,485.

What to do in such uncertain times?

If you are wondering what to do with your

dividend players, for it’s another source of income. If a company can pay regular dividend, it means it has good cash flow.

Good cash flow and reserves would help the company weather through any storm.

6. Be prepared. Have a watch list of the companies you intend to invest. List down your target prices and intended allocated amount. So that when the right price comes, you can take action straight.

Conclusion Now you would have some ideas on what to do if the crisis comes. Remember: Crisis is a precious moment to profit tremendously if you are prepared. Lastly, wish you a happy and fruitful 2019! TI

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No. 1 & 3, Jalan Glasiar, Taman Tasek, Suite 204, Johor Premium Outlets, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor Indahpura, 81000 Kulaijaya TEL : (07) 232 3761 TEL : (07) 590 9268 www.georgeanddragoncafe.com George And Dragon Cafe

@georgeanddragoncafe

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Chinese New Year Specialties at Pulai Springs Resort Braised Shark’s Fin Soup with Crabmeat, Fresh Scallops with Greens and Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf. Set Menu B features dishes such as Qing Palace Special “Yee Sang” (Dried Seafood), Camphor and Tea Smoked Duck, Steamed Cod Fish “Hong Kong” Style and more.

Guests m ay book for the 5.30pm, 7.00pm or 8.00pm Toss for prosperity with Qing Palace Special session, respectively.

Yee Sang The Chinese New Year Set Menu A is priced sher in the Lunar New Year with family and at RM818+ per table of 10 persons. friends at Pulai Springs Set Menu B: RM938+ per table of Resort, Johor Bahru with 10 persons and RM588+ per table an assortment of delightful Chinese of 6 persons. Set Menu C: RM New Year cuisine. Masterchef Lim 1,388+ per table of 10 persons and and his team from Qing Palace RM838+ per table of 6 persons. All Chinese Restaurant have come up sets available for lunch and dinner with two special set menus on the and from the first day of Chinese eve of Chinese New Year on 4th New Year on 5th to 19th February February 2019. CNY Eve Reunion 2019.

Qing Palace Chinese Set Menu A is priced at RM880+ per table of 10 persons and RM528+ Restaurant is also offering three per table of 6 persons. Set Menu B special 8-course set menus for is RM1,300 per table of 10 persons lunch and dinner from 5th to 19th and RM780+ per table of 6 persons. February 2019. Featured dishes in Set Menu A feature dishes the Chinese New Year Set Menu such as Qing Palace Special “Yee include Qing Palace Special Yee Sang” (Royal Abalone Slices), Sang, Braised Shark’s Fin Soup with

U

are priced at RM880+ per table for 10 people (Set Menu A) and also RM1,188+ per table for 10 people (Set Menu B). Dishes on the menu include Qing Palace Special Cold Dish, Shark’s Fin Soup with Crabmeat, Boneless Chicken with Sesame Seed and more.

All dishes at Qing Palace are pork-free. All prices are also subject to 6% Service Tax. The all-day dining Cinta Terrace Restaurant (certified Halal) at Pulai Springs Resort will also be offering Lunar New Year buffet and hi-tea. The Chinese New Year Prosperity Reunion BBQ Nite Buffet Enjoy culinary specials from available on 4th February 2019 is Masterchef Lim Ming Chong at Qing Palace priced at RM88+ per adult and RM44+ per child. Guests who book Special Hi-tea (Day 2) offered on before 31st January 6th February is priced at RM48+ per will save RM15 per adult and RM24+ per child. With adult from the original every four paying adults, one child price. Come in a dines for free. The hi-tea is served group of 10 people or from 12.00noon to 2.30pm.

There will be lion and more and save RM18 per adult. The buffet dragon dance performances at the is served from 6.30pm hotel on 7th February 2019 (third day of Chinese New Year) from to 10.00pm.

M e a n w h i l e , 10.30 am.

Reservations are the CNY Day Special Hi-tea (Day 1) offered recommended. For all reservations on 5th February 2019 or enquiries, call 07-521 2121, is priced at RM58+ per email enquiry@pulaisprings.com The grand entrance of Qing Palace at Pulai adult and RM29+ per or visit www.pulaisprings.com. - by Springs Resort child and the CNY Day Priya Manikam TI

Fish Maw and Crabmeat and more.

Masterchef Lim has also prepared four varieties of Yee Sang - Salmon Yee Sang (priced at RM68+ (small) or RM128+ (large), Royal Abalone Slices Yee Sang (priced at RM68+ (small) or RM128+ (large), Dried Seafood Yee Sang (RM78+ (small) or RM138 (large) and Smoked Duck Yee Sang (RM78+ (small) or RM138 (large).

These are available for dine-in or takeaway from 4th January to 19th February 2019.

Qing Palace will also be serving special set menus for guests to treat their clients, guests or family members to a pre Chinese New Year meal from 4th January till 3rd February 2019. The set menus

Lunar New Year Feast in Wan Li Chinese Restaurant at Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel Welcoming the New Year with tasteful dishes roasted chicken, Hong Kong style steamed dragon tiger grouper and Wok fried sea prawns with garlic and pepper. Other dishes include Braised dried oysters with fish maw, mushrooms and vegetables, Steamed Yam Rice with chicken sausage served in lotus leaf and chilled lemongrass jelly with passion fruit.

style with sea prawn, Braised sea cucumber with ten head abalone served with broccoli, Steamed Yam Rice with chicken sausage served in lotus leaf and chilled mango puree and pomelo.

Wan Li Chinese Set Menu A and B come inclusive with a bottle of house red wine per table except for Set Menu A for six

Delicious sea prawns with garlic and pepper

Toss the Yee Sang to usher in prosperity

W

elcoming the Chinese New Year is always about tradition and auspiciousness and Wan Li Restaurant at Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel doesn’t disappoint when it comes to serving up sumptuous traditional Chinese feasts.

In its 2019 Chinese New Year set menu, Wan Li dishes out specially handcrafted Cantonese Style Fortune Abalone and Dried Seafood Treasure Pot (Poon Choy) alongside their Prosperity Salmon Yee Sang and Auspicious Abalone Yee Sang.

Set menu’s come in two variations with Set Menu A offering an eight course menu comprising Prosperity Salmon Yee Sang with organic vegetables, fresh fruits and jelly fish, Double boiled village chicken soup with American ginseng, Cantonese crispy

Juicy roasted chicken

Guests who opt for Set Menu B will be pampered with an eight course meal consisting of Prosperity Abalone and Salmon Yee Sang with organic vegetables, Mini herbs Buddha jumps over the wall, BBQ combination platter of Cantonese crispy roasted chicken and traditional BBQ roasted duck and Hong Kong style steamed indigenous Pontian pomfret fish. The set also includes Hong Kong typhoon shelter

Hong Kong style steamed dragon tiger grouper

persons. Additional wine may be purchased at an exclusive price of RM128.00 nett per bottle.

All dishes at Wan Li Chinese Restaurant are pork and lard free. Early bird purchasers of the Chinese New Year Set Menu, Yee Sang and Poon Choy from 1st to the 15th of January 2019 will enjoy a 10% discount. If you need to make prebookings feel free to call the friendly staff

at +6073813388 or drop them an email at rhi.jhbbr.wanlirestaurant@renaissancehotels. com. Club Marriot members are entitled to 10%discount for Wan Li Chinese New Year Set Menu and 20% discount for Yee Sang and Poon Choy. - by Edey Suresh TI

Double boiled village chicken soup with American ginseng

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Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort Introduces New Chef and Menu prepared with tender loving care and a touch of his secret recipes.

The new additions will feature in

Deep Fried Ginger Chicken flavoured with Fermented Bean Curd

T

he Hop Sing Chinese Restaurant (Hop Sing) at Ponderosa Golf & Country Club (Ponderosa) is offering new menu items with the introduction of its new Head Chef, Lean Poh Leong. Chef Leong rose through the ranks and made his way to become Head Chef after the exit of his predecessor. Chef Lean shared his homey and rustic menu items that are

Fried Rice flavoured with Fried Dace in Black Bean Sauce

their fins. There is greater awareness now and in fact, there are many customers who prefer not to order Shark’s Fin Soup. We have decided to drop it altogether for this year’s Chinese New Year menus,” said Pan Kai Yang, General Manager of Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort.

The Fortune Set Menu at RM998+ serving 8 – 10 persons include Salmon Yee Sang, Braised Superior Dried Scallops & Crabmeat Soup, Roasted Crispy Chicken, Steamed Grouper Hong Kong-style, Braised Broccoli with Dried Oysters, Seafood Balls

Chicken, Pan-fried Prawns with Chicken Floss & Mayonnaise, Special Steamed Rice in Lotus Leaf and for dessert, White Fungus with Glutinous Rice Balls.

Early bird bookings before 16th January 2019 will entitle patrons to a rebate of RM100 off each set menu and a complimentary bottle of red wine.

For further enquiries and bookings, please call Lai Yee at 017-766 2636 or the general line during restaurant operating hours at 607-354 9999 Ext 255, or email neba@ponderosagolf.com. - by Harish Mustak TI

Braised Ginger Duck

the a la carte menu which has already been rolled out. Chef Leong plans to also adapt to time and position of the management in menu item decisions. For instance, Hop Sing at Ponderosa will be doing away with Shark’s Fin for its two Chinese New Year Set Menus this coming Lunar New Year.

The menu valued at RM998++ will feature Braised Superior Dried Scallops & Deep Fried Prawns in Soya Sauce Crab Meat Soup to replace previous year’s Braised Shark’s Fin Soup with Crabmeat, & Vegetables, Deep-fried Prawns in Soya while the menu at RM1388++ will offer Sauce, to finish off with Chef Leong’s special Braised Superior Crabmeat, Scallop and XO Sauce Fried Rice and Chilled Sea Coconut & Longan for dessert.

Snow Fungus Soup.

The Prosperity Set Menu at “ We are discouraging the consumption of the Shark’s Fin soup as RM1388++ per table serves Pacific Clam Yee part of our move to support Malaysian Sang, Braised Superior Crabmeat, Scallop & Nature Society’s call to conserve the shark Snow Fungus Soup, Steamed Fresh Grouper species and its population, which are being in Chef’s Special Sauce, Braised Broccoli with indiscriminately and inhumanely killed for Black Mushrooms & Abalone, Yuan Yang

Chef Leong proud of his specialty, Deep Fried Chicken that goes well with a glass of beer

Find Dining with MAGistrate.my

PiZZ

Restaurateurs coming home with Pizz(azz)!

For us pizza lovers, it's all about the crust. Imagine a thick, airy, chewy crust surrounding a thin center filled with fresh toppings.

Thanks to husband-and-wife restaurateurs Arica and Roel Quimba, we can now enjoy excellent comfort food at wallet-friendly prices, served up with friendly and unobtrusive service. With an The name Pizz is directly derived from and inspired by the restaurant’s signature dish, so it makes impressive 18 years of F&B sense to delve straight into this Italian flatbread. experience behind them, including successful collaborations as part of the If you’ve had your fair share of everyday pizza flavour well-known Emmanuel Stroobant Group in and find that nothing new excites you anymore, be Singapore, their latest F&B venture brings home sure to check out their signature Salmon Wasabi pizza. great food and service quality which forms the Even though some of us are not a fan of the “spicy hallmark and core of their SQUE outlets in Singapore. green paste”. The wasabi was surprisingly more fragrant and less pungent than the typical, faux wasabi used in sushi restaurants. We’re also pretty sure bonito flakes on a pizza isn’t something you’d see on an average day, but actually complimented the salmon, seaweed and mozzarella cheese buried beneath. Be prepared to wait for your pizzas though, as every pizza is made by hand and only prepared upon your order, but it’s definitely worthwhile!

Other notable items on the menu include tomato feta salad and broccoli tempura for a light bite, clam

mariniere, pasta favourite prawn aglio olio, a hearty bone-in lamb shank and their well-loved chocolate lava cake and vanilla crème brulee for dessert. Make room for their drinks menu which features a range of light and refreshing ciders, a selection of bottled and draft beers, wines and non-alcoholic mocktails.

For full review, visit: https://magistrate.my/pizza_pasta_burger_salad/ Lot 1.02, First Floor, Sunway Citrine Hub, Persiaran Medini 3, Sunway Iskandar, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor 11.30am-10.00pm (weekdays); 11.30am-11.00pm (weekends) +607-585 7114 www.facebook.com/pizza.pasta.burger.salad NO PORK NO LARD

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PROPERTY INSIGHT

Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MIM) urban park development won another distinguished award for its Edible Park pg 25 PROPERTY

@ home

RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS

APARTMENTS

VILLAS

CONDOMINIUMS

OFFICE/RETAILSPACE

KPRJ Builders Wins SME 100 Fast Moving Companies Awards SME100 Awards is an annual recognition initiative

pg 27

Read this article on our website

Seri Austin

Mah Sing - Lazada

The Most People-Centric and Sustainable Township Development

Mah Sing Group Bhd offered residential properties for sale during Lazada’s 12.12 sale day

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IIB Operates from Medini, Iskandar Puteri The move to streamline operations and assets management

I

skandar Investment Berhad (IIB), a catalytic developer in Iskandar Malaysia had moved its headquarters, from Danga Bay in Johor Bahru to Medini in Iskandar Puteri. Operations in the new centre officially commenced on 17th December 2018.

“This move will enable us to manage our development projects and landbanks in Iskandar Puteri effectively,” said Datuk Ir. Khairil Anwar Ahmad, President/Chief Executive Officer of IIB”.

“It will also provide us with a strategic location that is just a stone’s throw away from the Johor state’ administration centre, Kota Iskandar. Additionally, we are confident that our presence will benefit businesses and startups in Medini and Iskandar Puteri,” he added.

Iskandar Investment Berhad is now located at A18 & A19, Medini 9, Persiaran Medini Sentral 1, Bandar Medini Iskandar, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Tel: 07-5353000 Incorporated in November 2006, IIB is tasked to ensure Iskandar Malaysia continues its successful trajectory into an attractive investment destination and a vibrant liveable region via catalytic and high impact projects.

IIB’s prominent accomplishments include

the successful joint ventures and investment partnerships in EduCity, LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, Iskandar Puteri, Medini and infrastructure projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan in Iskandar Malaysia. - by The Iskandarian TI

Medini 9 – houses the new headquarters of Iskandar Investment Berhad

@home

Double Win For Amari Johor Bahru

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mari Johor Bahru has recently been awarded the prestigious 2018 Gold Circle Award and the Customers’ Review Award by Agoda. This award honours hotels that embody the best qualities of the online hospitality industry.

In conjunction with Agoda’s 10th year anniversary, the awards were presented to Area General Manager, Dean Rossilli by Murad Hassan, Agoda’s Director of Market Amari Johor Bahru awarded Gold Circle Award Management, Malaysia and and Customer Reviews’ Award Maldives. The hotel had the “The award is a symbol of total highest score rating of 8.8 in Johor by its commitment and passion that the staffs of customers’ reviews.

Agoda is one of the leading hotel the hotel have given to our business. They booking sites and the Gold Circle Award always strive for the best and provide our is based on aggregate customer reviews, hotel guests with excellent service,” said competitiveness of pricing, utilisation of Dean.

“We would like to say a special agoda.com and a deep understanding of thank you to Agoda and all our guests that the online booking industry.

Amari Johor Bahru has shown an have booked through this online service,” outstanding level of commitment and added Dean.

Agoda Company Pte Ltd (agoda. service since its opening in May 2017.

Guests can be rest assured knowing that com) is a leading Asia-based, online when they see the awards displayed in accommodation reservations company the lobby, they are staying at a best rated which specialises in securing the best property at the forefront of the online discount accommodation prices. - by Priya Manikam TI hospitality industry.

Medini’s Urban Park Wins Winner Award from MIP

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edini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MIM) urban park development won another distinguished award for its Edible Park, from the Malaysian Institute of Planners Planning Excellence Awards (MIPPEA) 2018. Dr James Tee, Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of MIM received the Winner Award for Placemaking and Public Space (Private Sector) Category at a gala dinner held in Kuala Lumpur. Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP), the MIPPEA acknowledges projects and initiatives made by planners and property industry players in Malaysia.

The 5-acre Edible Park is one of MIM’s 46 urban park developments in Medini City, the Central Business District of Iskandar Puteri. MIM takes pride in delivering a ‘city in a park’ concept that is aligned with its green and sustainability development plan.

The 46 urban parks total up to a land area of 342 acres where each park is carefully designed and themed, adding vibrancy to the entire Medini City development spanning over an area of 2,200

acres. The Edible Park is an edible landscape designed to build community around conscious and sustainable living. The Edible Park is equipped with a workshop studio, café, designed gardens and organic urban farm, all meticulously planned to allow residents, workers and visitors alike to experience Medini as a city built within a park.

The Edible Park was officially opened in March 2018, where two major festivals related to sustainable living were held in March namely the Edible Festival and Harvest Festival in October 2018. These festivals, touted as the biggest green living event in Iskandar Puteri, have inspired individuals to make sustainable choices resulting positive outcomes on health and the environment. The Edible Park hosts a series of nature related workshops every weekend, and a green market held on every first Saturday of the month selling fresh green and organic produce, plant-based food and products.

“MIM is honoured to be named as the winner in the ‘Placemaking & Public Space’ category. Winning this prestigious award is a testament to the fact

Dr James Tee, MD/CEO of Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (middle) accompanied by senior management and employees involved in the development of the Edible Park

that our Edible Park is recognised as a mark of excellence not only because of its impressive physical design but also because of the weekly nature-related activities held there, which have successfully attracted and connected individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Our Edible Park promotes social inclusivity and encourages park goers to experience and learn through recreation and interactions with

nature. In this way, we inculcate sustainable values that serve as a foundation for shaping a socially responsible community,” said Dr James Tee. Chris Parr y, JOGreen Enterprise Founder and Edible Park curator said, “It’s been a privilege to see Edible Park realised, then enjoy positive response from the public to our programming, and now recognition with this prestigious industry award.”

Iskandar Puteri City Council Mayor, Datuk Haji Adib Azhari Daud applauded MIM for its green living initiative and he said, “MIM showcases a valuable sustainable practice rarely matched by developments elsewhere in the region. They promote a township that is not only smart, modern and vibrant, but also a city that promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle within Iskandar Puteri.” - by Priya Manikam TI

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Seri Austin Township – Offering a Better Lifestyle

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MLand Seri Austin was recognised as The Most Pe o p l e - Ce nt r i c An d Sustainable Township Development at the recent Malaysian Property Press Awards 2018 held at Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur.

The award proved that people-centric approach used in the planning, design and management of the township is able to promote togetherness among residents as well as incorporating aspects such as sustainability and lifestyle elements. The award ceremony was officiated by Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister.

Receiving the award,

UMLand Assistant Director of Finance (Southern Region) Tan Siew Peng said, “This award is for developments that place family as the first priority, equipped with family-friendly facilities and designed to be safe and secure with sufficient space to encourage communal living. We offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere for growing families to enjoy personal comfort.”

Enhanced with facilities such as jogging tracks, bicycle lane, exercise equipment and children playground are among the features assessed in the category. Apart from that, the entire township is under 24-hour surveillance through perimeter cameras and security

patrols running throughout the day.

Connectivity is also a backbone of the township which is accessible through several major highways such as the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) which will help to reduce travelling time for those headed to Johor Bahru city centre and Johor-Singapore Causeway.

Seri Austin Township (developed by Dynasty View Sdn Bhd – a wholly-owned subsidiary of UMLand) comes with neatlyorganised homes with streets and landscape designed to nurture the community in a green and peaceful setting.

In 2017, Seri Austin was

@home

UMLand Assistant Director of Finance (Southern Region), Tan Siew Peng (R) received the Malaysian Property Press Awards 2018 at Hotel Istana KL

awarded the inaugural Noble Excellence Awards 2016 (Southern Best Development of The Year and National Best Development of The Year – Residential Landed – Aster

Luxury Cluster & Semi-D Homes) and TIMA 2016/17 (The Iskandar Malaysia Accolades) on Corporate “Value Champion” and Overall “Value Champion”. - by Edey Suresh TI

Sunway Iskandar: Not Your Average Township Leading master community developer, Sunway Property plant a community seed in Sunway Iskandar to help drive Iskandar Malaysia as ASEAN’S most promising economic growth corridor

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unway Iskandar aims to be a worldclass Ecopolis in Iskandar Malaysia by drawing from their experience in building Sunway City and Sunway City Ipoh, to deliver Malaysia’s first Nature’s Capital City with six beautifully crafted precincts.

The 6 precincts (The Lakeview, Parkview, Seafront, Riverside, Marketplace and The Capital) are designed for residents to enjoy nature’s beauty at their doorstep.

In addition, Sunway Iskandar is the

only development in Medini fronting the 7km Pendas River and Straits of Johor. With a total of RM30bil GDV and 1,800 acres of land, Sunway Iskandar aims to be the next Sunway City.

With the affordable launches come facilities such as the Sunway Citrine Hub, an integrated lifestyle office and retail which is located at the Lakeview Precinct. To-date, the 71,000 sq ft Sunway Citrine Hub has signed up 95% tenants such as the first Jaya Grocer;

Starbucks, VOID (fine dining restaurant), Mr DIY, 7 Eleven, Awesome Brew, first Sunway Pharmacy in Johor, Alley Lab Coffee Roasters, Sushi House, Me Books Nooks, M2L Academy, Morganfield’s, Pizz@, Pasta and Burger, Emerald Cut hair Saloon, Old Town White Coffee, The Story Juice Bar and Teumsae.

The Citrine Residences, which features 328 units of serviced residences, is complete and keys have been handed over to home owners a year ago.

Besides residential, the developer is also building a 500,000 sq ft Sunway Big Box Village, the first large format retail in Malaysia. Sunway will also be introducing a unique leisure component, a 32-acre XPARK, right next to the Sunway Big Box Village. The XPARK will have a variety of activities such as kayaking, Go-kart, paintball, wall climbing, ATV, glamping and more which is expected to open by end of this year. - by Edey Suresh TI

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@home

KPRJ Builders Wins SME 100 Fast Moving Companies Awards The SME100 Awards has served as a symbol, separating the best among the great

KPRJ Builders the proud recipients of The SME 100 Fast Moving Companies Awards

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PRJ Builders Sdn Bhd (KBSB) was coveted with the SME 100 Awards for The Fastest Moving Companies at the prestigious award ceremony held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

SME100 Awards is an annual recognition initiative organised by SME Magazine, naming the fastest moving businesses of the SME sector. To promote recognition of top businesses in a lucrative

and dynamic market, the SME100 Awards has served as a symbol separating the best among the great.

KBSB is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn. Bhd. (KPRJ), a private limited company owned by the State Government of Johor. Over the years, KBSB has established itself as the construction arm for KPRJ and together, playing their role as the sole state government vehicle to develop social and infrastructural projects for the state of Johor.

Since 1996, KBSB has successfully completed numerous commercial and catalytic projects in Johor including townships development, residential, affordable housing, and integrated commercial and mixed development.

Their notable projects include the Johor State Government Building in Iskandar Puteri, The Headquarters for Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Johor, The Chief Minister’s Office, Stadium Mount Austin, LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort - Ninjago Theme Park and also Perling

Mah Sing Setting a New Precedence with Lazada Mah Sing Group’s Senior General Manager Benjamin Ong explains the collaboration

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re Malaysian’s ready to buy houses on Lazada’s e -commerce platform?

According to Benjamin Ong, Mah Sing’s Senior General Manager and Head of Southern Region (Johor), the answer is yes. In constantly trying to innovate the home purchasing experience, Mah Sing Group Bhd offered residential properties for sale during Lazada’s 12.12 sale day. The collaboration is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.

“We always want to try new things and that’s why we sat down with Lazada and decided to launch our homes on their platform during the 12.12 sales. The idea took 6 months to be finalised as Lazada has never worked with any developers before and furthermore, no developers have done this prior to us so the mechanism and the legalities behind pulling off this

collaboration took time to formulate,” said Benjamin Ong. Mah Sing offered an exclusive 5% incentive for Lazada buyers. The projects listed online include M Vertica, Cheras; M Centura, Sentul; Sensa Residence@Southville City, KL South; M Aruna, Rawang; M Vista, Penang; and Meridin East, Johor.

When asked about the first day of sales, Benjamin said, “We sold 6 units to date which is very encouraging and it was quite unexpected. This was a learning process for both parties and with the results, we’ll be studying this strategy further to see how we can leverage this for the future.”

To secure a unit, buyers need to pay a RM3,000 registration fee through Lazada’s platform. The fee is fully refundable if your purchase is unsuccessful or if the buyer does not want to proceed with the purchase.

Benjamin also explained that buyers, upon placing their bookings on Lazada, will be given a grace period to visit the respective show unit to finalise their purchase which will be done offline.

Speaking about the property market as a whole, Benjamin said, “For Johor, 2018 was actually a better year compared to 2017 so

we a quite positive about 2019. At Mah Sing, we strongly believe that we must provide what buyers want and that’s why we have a range of products which are kept affordable and accessible.

There is a lot of speculation that it is difficult to sell high-rise properties in Johor but we managed to sell all our international lots at our recently launched high rise Meridin Bayvue in Sierra Perdana, Pasir Gudang.”

“You have to be sensible and give what the market wants, like any other product. We can’t keep saying we must create the demand but instead, we must understand what the customer wants and give them that. We must keep changing with the times. The millennial buyers have different wants and needs and the Johor market is very different to Klang Valley and Penang so we as the developer must know and understand the demand,” added Benjamin.

The 12.12 sale day is a continuation to the successful 11.11 Singles’ Day Sale. The online shopping holiday is the partial invention of e-commerce powerhouse Alibaba – the owner of popular shopping websites Taobao and Tmall.

Lazada Group is a Southeast Asian e-commerce company founded by Rocket Internet in 2012, and owned by Alibaba Group. As of 2014, Lazada Group operated sites in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. - by Edey Suresh TI

45 Commercial Centre.

One of KBSB’s most significant achievements would be its success in completing 95 Sekolah Agama Kerajaan Johor (SAKJ) ahead of time. This involves the revival and reconstruction of the abandoned SAKJs. In 2017, KBSB was again awarded contract by Johor State Government to build another 30 more SAKJ (Phase 5) in numerous districts in Johor.

Haji Mohd Noorazam bin Dato’ Haji Osman, Chief Executive Officer of Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd said, “KPRJ is honoured to be named as SME 100 Fast Moving Companies as we are one of the most successful state-owned construction company in Johor that has completed a lot of abandoned projects such as the Public Housing in Setia Indah and SAKJ phase 1-4. We have embarked in numerous catalytic projects which has accelerated the development of the surrounding areas, creating job opportunities and wealth creations, benefitting the rakyat.”

- by The Iskandarian TI

75 Students Are All Set for 2019

Rice Ball Making with the community

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eri Alam Properties Sdn Bhd was proud to organise a ‘Back-to-School Programme’ recently in collaboration with Jawatankuasa Penduduk Zon Seri Alam 1 Majlis Perbandaran Pasir Gudang that benefited 75 children from Flat Tasek 64.

Officiated by Liow Chai Tung, Johor Women and Tourism Development Committee Chairman, the event was also attended by Ku Chee Chen, MPPG Councilor Seri Alam 1 and KK Wong, Group Director of UMLand Townships.

All 75 children received RM60 Greenpoint vouchers and also brought home a brand-new school bag. “We aim to lessen the burden of parents in preparing their children for the new school session in 2019,” said Liow during her speech.

Liow added that she was concerned on the wellbeing of the children in the residential area, and has since initiated the upgrading of the playground so that the children can play safely and happily.

The event ended with Liow joining the community in making rice balls to celebrate the Chinese Winter Solstice 2018 before visiting the completed playground upgrading project. - by Nurfarahin Zahiridin TI

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