The Iskandarian E-Paper July 2019

KDN : PP19356/08/2018(034949) | Singapore MICA : MCI (P) 109/12/2018

The Iskandarian Iskandar Malaysia’s Official Newspaper, is an effort by True Soul Media PLT & IRDA’s Social Development Division

NEWS

PROPERTY

CEO DRILL

Improving Connectivity in Iskandar Malaysia

PTP Breaks World Record

Owner of Coppolla & Di Stefano Restaurants

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ISKANDARIAN ISSUE 83 | JULY 2019 | FREE COPY

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State Government to Aid the Less Fortunate

24 Festive Drums Launches its Museum

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6TH ISKANDAR MALAYSIA SOCIAL HERO AWARDS 2019

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news Sungai Plentong Project and Progress Update Appointed contractor faces over RM1Mil in fines for failure of completion

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xco Liow Cai Tung, Tourism and Women, Family and Community Development visited the Sungai Plentong bridge and had a briefing session together with Solihan Badri, Exco of Public Works, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Public Works Department and Contractors to observe the progress of Sungai Plentong river replacement project at Jalan Masai Lama, Johor Bahru.

Since its inception on 10th October 2016 where it was first expected to conclude by 25th February 2018, it got extended until August 2018 and contractor Ikatan Harmoni Sdn Bhd has failed to complete the project to date.

The said contractor was fined for LAD (Liquidated and Ascertained Damages) amounting to RM5,324 per day from the postponed project as it has caused

heavy traffic and discomfort among road users.

Up until 26th May 2019, the project was delayed for 282 days and the total amount of LAD imposed on the contractor is RM1,501,368.00. Final warning was issued to the contractor to complete the project as soon as possible with no further delays.

The contractor also needs to attend to any pothole complaints urgently within one day. Should this not be fulfilled, JKR would elect a third party to do the work and Ikatan Harmoni Sdn Bhd would bear all the costs. They were also told to install temporary road lights for the safety and comfort of road users seeing a lot of complaints from locals has been about how dark the road is in that area.

“I’d like to emphasise and reiterate again, that the contractor

Liow Cai Tung and Solihan Badri observing the Plentong River progress

should execute its responsibility in completing the Sungai Plentong bridge project in the near future and to always prioritise the safety of the road users,” said Liow.

Improving Connectivity in Iskandar Malaysia IMBRT is poised to be the backbone of public transport in Iskandar Malaysia

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skandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) organised a Lead Consultant Industry Briefing for Consultant Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Architects to provide an overview of the IMBRT project.

The briefing also intended to ascertain interest from the relevant industry players, in anticipation of the impending Tender Process, in the first quarter of 2019. In addition, it provides an opportunity for networking as well as a dialogue on issues relevant to the project between IRDA and those attending.

Some 200 people attended the briefing, both local and foreign. There was also a large turn out from Johor consultants eager to learn more of how they would be able to participate in the project.

Numerous questions raised during the briefing also indicated interest and commitment to the project.

The Lead Consultant, who would be elected via an Open Tender Process, will need to select, appoint and direct the work of other associate consultants, as well as serve as the main point of contact between the Consultant Team and IRDA/BRTIM. Although the initial plans for IMBRT were initially mooted in 2010, a refreshed plan was necessary to meet the current scenario of Iskandar Malaysia. As such, the call for potential Lead Consultants to provide a variety of options and alternatives to the present plan was voiced during the briefing.

IMBRT is poised to be the backbone of public transport in Iskandar Malaysia – with connectivity to

the double tracking Project from Gemas to Johor Bharu, the RTS and eventually the HSR project.

Supporting the Smart Mobility aspect of the Smart City Iskandar Malaysia Masterplan, the IMBRT project aims to increase public transport coverage from 39% to 90% by 2025.

This bodes well to serve the more than 350,000 daily border crossings and commuters to Singapore.

Unique to Johor, it has 4 peak hours daily: 2 in the morning, 5:00am – 7:00am for commuters into Singapore, and 7:00 am onwards for local traffic; and likewise 2 in the evening.

An efficient Public Transport system could aid in ensuring a smooth and fuss free commute, especially one that focuses on the first and last mile connectivity.

With 39 stations and 3 hubs on the Trunk routes, further supported by 26 Direct Services routes and 42 Feeder Services routes, the total coverage in km of the IMBRT project is 1214km.

For more information on the project please visit www.ibrt.com.my. by Harish Mustak TI

Presentation on IMBRT by Rudyanto Azhar, Head of IMBRT

Liow is looking at putting the said contractor in blacklist from getting any government projects in the future to avoid similar problems to repeat again. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

Proficiency in Languages is an Advantage in Finding Jobs

The batch of students at their mini graduation ceremony

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here has been widespread debate on the possible reasons for graduate unemployment in Malaysia.

Two main reasons often cited have been the low proficiency in the English language and a lack of exposure to real-world situations.

To tackle this issue, Dato’ Haji Mohd Rashid Hasnon, Member of Parliament for Batu Pahat as well as the current Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, initiated an Employability Enhancement English Programme (EEEP) in his constituency offered by UTHM Holdings and facilitated

by Elnet Talent Solutions.

UTHM Holdings Director Prof Dr. Wan Fauziah who is also the Asst VC (Financial Sustainability) UTHM said the programme aimed at preparing graduates to face the competitive working world and build their confidence and strengths.

“It goes a long way in supporting the development

of talented and skilled work force.”

Rashid who launched the programme, encourage school leavers, unemployed individuals, and graduates from IKBN and TVET to enrol for the programme.

“They should master more than one language to have better chances of landing a job, especially in Iskandar Malaysia and Johor as a whole,” said Rashid who also spent time to conduct a knowledge sharing session with the participants.

Dr Elilen Chandra who facilitated the programme elaborated that the modules and activities in EEEP such as Setting Expectations, Public Speaking and Preparation of Business Plans are designed to develop the participants’ oral and written skills.

The programme is one of the ten programmes outlined under the Parliament Bahat Pa h a t Human Empowerment Blueprint. - 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 Percetakan Osacar Sdn Bhd [No. 16, Jalan IDA 1a, Industrial Desa Aman, Taman Desa Aman, Kepong, 52200 Kuala Lumpur] 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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PTP, Terberg Tractors Malaysia and UTM Collaborates Towards Automation

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Well Wishes for Children of Cahaya Surya Bakti Rohingya refugee children in Johor treated to a fun-filled day in conjunction with World Refugee Day

A Loke Siew Fook being briefed on how the driverless tractor works by Boo Wei Ching

is driven by technology that will also act as a catalyst for national development,” Loke said in his speech.

Due to the high turnover of local prime mover drivers who then join external hauliers or source for work in neighbouring Singapore, PTP’s Chairman, Dato’ Sri Che Khalib in his speech remarked that, “PTP in its quest to remain competitive and in search of higher efficiency and productivity has been undertaking some progressive development work. The development covers operations’ facilities, support facilities and

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elabuhan Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd (PTP) had successfully signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Terberg Trac tors Malaysia (TTM) to develop a comprehensive study on the viability of deploying autonomous driving terminal tractors to transfer containers within the terminal.

The agreement was inked between Marco Neelsen, PTP Chief Executive Officer and Boo Wei Ching, a member of the Board of Directors of TTM and witnessed by Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport (MOT) together with Dato’ Sri Che Khalib Bin Mohamad Noh, PTP Chairman and George Terberg, Chairman of The Royal Terberg Group.

“I am very pleased that PTP, in collaboration with Terberg Tractors Malaysia and also Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have taken the bold initiative towards automation. I believe today’s MOU signing will contribute greatly to MOT’s mission to strengthen the transportation system that

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infrastructure as well as system upgrade. All this is in line with our aspiration to become an advanced preferred port in the region.

A port which operates and offers smart solutions that will help optimise operations, promote efficiency and reduce logistics costs in a safe environment.”

George Terberg, Chairman of The Royal Terberg Group in his statement said the company is taking a long-term view in everything and have committed innumerable man-hours and investments into the autonomous project.

- by Norfy Shafeq TI

n UNHCR Malaysia report states that there are over 170,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in Malaysia including some 14,000 in the state of Johor.

Refugees are persons fleeing conflict or persecution. They are defined and protected under international law, and must not be expelled or returned to situation where their life and freedom are at risk.

In conjunction with World Refugee Day, Cahaya Surya Bakti (CSB), a registered Malaysia Society founded in 2013 with the vision of providing community-based support and assistance to the expanding refugee population in Johor brought joy and well wishes to over 165 refugee children in Johor who also happen to be students at their education centre.

The majority of children are Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.

However, the doors of CSB are open to all refugee children regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.

CSB has three education centres in Johor that are located in Kempas, Kluang, and Pekan Nenas.

The aim of these centres is to provide basic education to these children such as English, Mathematics and Science, which are taught by dedicated teachers and volunteers.

In Malaysia, refugees have no legal status, as there are no laws that define what their rights are. Because of this, refugee families in Malaysia live in fear of being arrested for immigration offences.

There are also no refugee camps in Malaysia.

Refugees live in towns and cities throughout the country, in low-cost housing; invisible and highly vulnerable. - by Harish Mustak TI

Soraya Alkaff, Founder & Executive Director of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Cahaya Surya Bakti (middle) along with the teachers and volunteers

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Glimmer of Hope for the Homeless in Johor Bahru State government to fully support by aiding the less fortunate and homeless people residing in JB town at the Anjung Kasih Homeless Shelter

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uined and abused by the people they love or the people they trust, the homeless in Johor Bahru did not end up in their current situation by choice or not all of them in fact.

Some were seeking refuge from domestic abuse or bad debts with money lenders. Others were conned by sly and slick employment agents who left their clients high and dry while they ran off with the monies they have collected from charging a fee for their service.

For most of the homeless, a series of unfortunate events have uncovered a whole new life setting for them – nothing that they had ever imagined, for sure. Even for the drug addicts or alcoholics, their habits may have stemmed from a past trauma or just a coping mechanism to keep themselves hovering slightly above rock bottom. “ The best thing about hitting rock bottom is that there is only one way to go, which is up,” a popular quote frequently used by motivational speakers to uplift the spirit of the people who have taken a swan dive into an unfortunate happenstance.

The homeless dilemma has been one that’s quite impossible to overcome around the world where just randomly unique people seem to force themselves to adapt and be comfortable with sleeping under the stars and next to a dumpster – great view and an endless supply of food,

albeit the situation. Currently in Malaysia, the Federal government has taken baby steps into tackling the noticeable rise in the population of vagrants.

For instance, the National Welfare Foundation (YKN) under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministr y have established 5 (centres) Homeless Shelters called Anjung Singgah throughout the country located in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Pulau Pinang, Perak, and Johor Bahru. The one in Johor Bahru can accommodate up to 94 beds, 64 males and 18 females at one time.

The shelter in Johor Bahru is unique to the other centres as it also caters to the unfortunate scam victims who were looking for life changing opportunities across the causeway.

Star ting with a maximum of 14 days first stay after registration, the homeless person should try his/her best to get a job on their own or with assistance from the centre itself. The centre is in contact with around 40 to 50 employers who are willing to give these homeless people a second chance.

Besides providing the basic necessity of shelter to the homeless, Anjung Singgah centres also serves food and sustenance to the temporary residents, sponsored by local NGOs or corporate contributors.

Iskandar Malaysia Social Hero Award (IMSHA) winners such as The Red Crescent Association, Kechara Soup

Persatuan DoktorDoktor Johor Receives Digital ECG Machine

A Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Sahrudin handing over some goodies to the shelter residents

Kitchen, Wakaf An-Nur, and Ihsan Johor are among the NGOs whom have contributed to this cause.

The shelter, despite having a sombre ambience of gloom and doom still has its bright days coming when ex-residents who have found a new calling to life comes back to contribute and pay back the good faith that they have been bestowed upon before.

The thing is with kindness is that it doesn’t take much to pay it forward.

Recently, the Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal paid a visit to Anjung Kasih YKN Johor Bahru to handover some happy bags to uplift the spirit of the residents while enjoying supper with them.

“The state government is in full support to aid and assist the unfortunate homeless people who want to make a change for themselves.

We will also discuss the

possibility of the government subsidising a new premise for Anjung as we know that their lease will end in Jan 2020,” said Dr Sahruddin.

In conjunction with the Hari Raya festive season, the coordinators of the shelter had arranged haircuts and collected Raya clothes to be handed to the residents.

Anjung Singgah YKN Homeless Shelters will only accept clean and sober people, or the ones who are seeking for a direction of change. As for the vagrants who are addicted to controlled substances or alcohol, other agencies such as the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) will assist to clean up the act before proceeding to the next temporary step at Anjung Singgah.

For more information or for contribution details, please visit http://www.yknm. org/ or the Anjung Kasih YKN Homeless Shelter at JB town.

- by Harish Mustak TI

iming to support and enhance Persatuan Doktor­Doktor Johor (PDDJ)’s service to the community, Datuk Teo Shiok Fu JP, Director of Keat Siong Developments Sdn Bhd had donated a Digital Electrocardiograph (ECG) machine to Dr. Ng Kim Fong, President of PDDJ. The portable ECG machine will help the doctors to check patients’ heart condition, and it was already well utilised at PDDJ’s recent Medical Camp in Felda Tenggaroh 05, Mersing, Johor. The Mersing Medical Camp was PDDJ’s 5th public medical camp to help the community. The previous medical camps were held the last two years at different areas in Johor namely at Sedili, Kota Tinggi, Pasir Gudang, Felda Medoi, Segamat and Kukup.

More than 145 doctors, nurses and medical students participated in the Mersing Medical Camp and they attended to 210 patients there.

From the year 2018-2019, Datuk Teo and Dr. Ng had organised mini medical camps to help the elderly residents at Persatuan Kebajikan Prihatin Kuan Yin in Taman Bukit Kempas, Johor Bahru.

PDDJ’s free medical screening and consultation at its Medical Camps have been both beneficial and meaningful to the community and it would be exemplary if other individuals and corporations can also do their part to help the community. - by Priya Manikam TI

Datuk Teo Shiok Fu JP (left) donates an ECG machine to Dr. Ng Kim Fong

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Tunku Laksamana Jalil Cancer Foundation Came Together For 125 Patients

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IMSHA Gets UN Malaysia Recognition Exchange of Document between Iskandar Malaysia Social Hero Awards (IMSHA) and United Nations in Malaysia as a Good Practice Award Provider under the TOGETHERforSDGs Hub From cover

The foundation is also eyeing to move into creating more awareness about cancer

Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, Menteri Besar of Johor with IMSHA Leadership council

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Her Majesty the Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah with TLJCF family at the Raya event

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unku Laksamana Johor Ca n ce r Fo u n d at i o n (TLJCF) hosted a Hari Raya celebration for 125 cancer patients and their family with the foundation’s staff, board of director members, partners and volunteers at Holiday Villa Johor Bahru hotel.

42 child patients and 83 adult patients received gifts and ‘duit Raya’ from Her Majesty the Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah who is also the Chairwoman of TLJCF. When addressing the media, TLJCF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohd Shahrin gave an update on the foundation’s progress and vision in the near future.

“Since August 2016 to April 2019, the foundation has aided 1,368 cancer patients with a fund of RM6.35million”, said Mohd Shahrin.

The breakdown of the funds were split into three; aid of equipment, medication aid and treatment aid that are served under 5 hospitals in Johor namely Hospital Sultan Ismail, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Hospital Muar, Hospital Batu Pahat

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and Hospital Mersing.

Donation came from individuals and few corporations that have helped inject a part of the finance for TLJCF. TLJCF is looking into helping more cancer patients that are categorised under the B40 group and they are expanding the purpose of the foundation to help create even more awareness on cancer with a programme called “The Sooner The Better”.

The programme with involvement of volunteers from UTHM and the community would focus on helping people to detect early stage cancer as it has a better chance in recovering, and this process could save even more lives.

Priority would be given to B40 individuals with a family history of cancer and around 5,000 financially challenged Johoreans would be aided on the screening session itself.

“The Sooner The Better” programme is scheduled to kickstart within the end quarter of this year or by next year (2020). - by Norfy Shafeq TI

he United Nations (UN) and Iskandar Malaysia Social Hero Awards (IMSHA) pledged to work together towards benchmarking IMSHA against global standards and at the same time promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), at a document exchange ceremony on 25th of June 2019.

Witnessed by Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, Menteri Besar of Johor, the document exchange was fulfilled by Thanam VisvanathanSuresh, Chairman of IMSHA, and Juanita Joseph, Head of the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (RCO) in Malaysia.

“IMSHA is an annual event to ‘Spot, Recognise and Empower’ individuals (NGIs), organisations (NGOs) and corporate organisations who are making a difference in our communities through social service. The partnership is a testament that IMSHA is a programme that deserves regional recognition with its existing best practice model that will be vastly enhanced by incorporating the SDGs,” said Thanam VisvanathanSuresh, Chairman of IMSHA. Entering its sixth year since its inception in 2014, the aim of the partnership is to benchmark the awards against global standards whilst promoting the United Nations Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs) under the United Nations (UN) in Malaysia TOGETHERforSDGs Hub. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 for the year 2030.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goal’s each have a list of targets that are measured with indicators.

“IMSHA truly reflects the spirit of social inclusiveness and volunteerism that the region cherishes. Being acknowledged by the United Nations and chosen as one of their partners will definitely help to put Iskandar Malaysia on the global map and achieve its vision as a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing,” said Datuk Ismail, Chief Executive of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA).

With the partnership in place, the IMSHA Winners who are trained under the IMSHA 2.0 Training Series will be given SDGs training to align themselves with the 17 Goals. They will also be given coaching sessions to input data to the SDGs portal to enhance sharing resources via data management “From 2014 till 2018, IMSHA has received over 800 nominations.

Currently there are over 50 NGOs and 50 NGIs who are IMSHA Award winners. It is they who will benefit

the most from our partnership with the United Nations,” added Thanam.

The TOGETHERforSDGs Hub, developed by UN Country Team, and supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, is a digital crowdsourcing solution identifying and connecting Private Sector contributors, that share a collective goal of strengthening local SDGs by providing financial, non-financial and technological resources with Government, Civil Societies and Academia.

Nominations for IMSHA 2019 are open till the end of July. For more information, visit: h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / socialheroawards/ Awards will be presented in 11 categories, from which 22 winners will be drawn – 10 for individuals and 12 for organisations.

The increase in awards presented for the organisation category is due to the increase in CSR award which will be given to two outstanding organisations instead of just one.

The key players behind IMSHA are The Iskandarian-Iskandar Malaysia’s Official Newspaper and Iskandar Regional Development Authority. The Chairman of IMSHA is Thanam Visvanathan-Suresh and Edey Suresh from The Iskandarian as the Founding Chairman. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

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Permodalan Darul Ta’zim Increases its Contribution for CSR Efforts Over RM6.675m in total was allocated for various Corporate Social Responsibility programmes since 2015

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ermodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT ) has announced their increased CSR effort over the years since it first initiated in 2015. It started with RM100K in 2015 followed by RM800K in 2016 before it reached to over a million with RM1.225M in 2017 and RM2.55M in 2018.

Meanwhile, RM2million was allocated for CSR programmes in 2019 and a total of RM6.675million since its inception has been injected for CSR aid.

All of the CSR programmes were organised and hosted

by several departments and organisations namely the Johor State Secretary Office (Human Resource Management Department), the Zarith Sofiah Foundation, Johor Education Foundation (YPJ), Johor State Islamic Affairs Department (JAINJ), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia and the National Welfare Foundation (YKN).

Menteri Besar Johor Datuk Dr Sahruddin bin Jamal who is also the Chairman of PDT together with Johor State Secretary, Azmi Rohani and Tuan Haji Lukman Bin Abu

Bakar, CEO of Permodalan Darul’ Ta’zim (PDT), handed out several mock cheques for 2019 to selected departments and organisations.

Among the effort that PDT is aiding includes Insentif Harapan Siswa, Short Course for Johor State’s State Administrative Officer & Publication of Buku Pena Jauhar the 3rd Series, PDT Master’s Education Fund & Johor State Government Employees Group of Executives Education Fund, 2019 KAFA Teachers Short Course and Expansion of Johor YKN Homeless Shelter (Anjung Singgah).

MB Johor Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal and State Secretary of Johor, Azmi Rohani and CEO of Permodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT), Tuan Haji Lukman Bin Abu Bakar with representatives of organisations that received PDT’s CSR aid

PDT is also funding the operational cost for several organisations like Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation (YKTLJ),

Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB) and Perbadanan Setiausaha Kerajaan Johor (SSI). - by Norfy Shafeq TI

Upbeat Heritage as 24 Festive Things to Know About Drums Launches its Museum the New Cancer Centre Locals can now learn better about the Johor-born percussion heritage

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fter its establishment in 1988 and its widespread influence both nationwide and overseas, the 3 year-old Chinese percussion concept, the 24 Festive Drums has launched its 24 Festive Drums Museum at Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Johor Bahru mid-June with Liow Cai Tung, Johor’s Exco of Tourism and Women, Family and Community Development officiating the launch.

Founder of the 24 Festive Drums, Tan Chai Puan cited that there are now around 30,000 drummers worldwide under its umbrella since their humble beginnings at Foon Yew High School in Johor Bahru which was founded together with the late Tan Hooi Soon.

The origin of the 24 Festive Drums is based on the cumulative 24 festivals in the Chinese agricultural community’s lunar calendar.

Each drum represents one festival and the seasons are painted in two bold Chinese

calligraphy on the respective enhance tourists’ experience in drums. It is listed by United this area and complement the Nations Educational, Scientific heritage of Johor Bahru which and Cultural Organisation is rich in tradition.

Public could look out for (UNESCO) as national’s intangible Cultural Heritage the museum to open by end of in 2009, the second Chinese August this year. Tan Chai Puan community-initiated culture hopes to attract many tourists that has received the honour whereby they could have after Muar, Johor’s, high pole added options to enjoy the city lion dance while the third one and expose the culture to more is Johor Bahru’s Chingay Parade. non-Chinese visitors. - by Norfy Liow said the 24 Festive Shafeq TI Drums Museum would definitely add flavour, charm and character to Johor Bahru city.

The existing 24 Drums Cafe is being refurbished into an interactive museum and her portfolio is looking at it as a way to boost the domestic and international tourism in Johor Bahru. The museum will enable visitors to Demonstration of the 24 Festive Drums drumming experience on the cafe’s top experience drumming floor for themselves to help

by Gleneagles

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new state -ofthe -ar t Cancer Centre to provide comprehensive cancer treatment services to cancer patients across the region was launched by Gleneagles Medini Hospital.

The RM25 million Cancer Centre is a welcome boost to the RM400 million already invested in the Menteri Besar Johor, Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal hospital since it began signing the plaque as looked on by Johor State Chairman for Health, Culture and Heritage Mohamad operations in 2015. “ Th e a d v a n ce d Khuzzan Abu Bakar, and the senior management oncology services offered team of Gleneagles

by Gleneagles Medini Hospital Johor would boost the state’s the latest Elekta Synergy Radiotherapy economy,” said Menteri Besar of Johor, with C-RAD system which offers Dato’ Dr Sahruddin Jamal, who officiated 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DRT), Intensity Modulated the event.

The Cancer Centre offers end- Radiotherapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Arc to-end cancer treatment services Therapy (VMAT) or Rapid Arc. The cuttingand support including radiotherapy, edge technology enables more precise, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, accurate and quicker treatment using a immunotherapy and biological targeted lower dose of radiation so that patients therapy, delivered by a highly experienced can quickly resume their normal routine and skilled multi-disciplinary team of while enhancing overall quality of life.

Gleneagles Medini Hospital Johor medical specialist consultants, nurses, counsellors and other paramedical is currently operating with almost 150 beds and will add another 30 beds by end professionals.

The hospital is also equipped with of 2019. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

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MO N T H LY DR I L L Director

Originally from Tuscany, Italy and with over 35 years of experience in the Hotel and F&B industry, Stefan Mintchef moved to Horizon Hills, Iskandar Puteri in Johor, Malaysia 5 years years ago to open up his first food business, Coppola Family Pizzeria & Wine Bar. Over the years, his business grew and Stefan decided to open more doors to bring in the flavours of the world to this region. Now, with four restaurants up and running (Coppola, Sofia, Havana, Mexico and Istanbul on the way), he envisions to develop the area to be a destination for ethnic cuisines from around the world and captivate people through his love for authentic food.

Tell us more about Coppola and what are its unique selling points?

Coppola is a restaurant that has been inspired by my Italian roots and my love for authentic Italian food. We have a trained and experienced team that prepares fresh handmade dishes and a huge assortment of house wines (over 40 of them in fact).

Besides that, the uniqueness of Coppola and my other restaurants here is that a patron can order from the four (4) different menus of my other restaurants while dining in one outlet.

What are among the menu items served?

Here at Coppola, being an Italian restaurant, we mainly serve authentic Italian cuisine such as pastas and platters, steaks and wines, as well as the Italian favourite, pizza!

Speaking about pizzas and wine, we have imported a huge wood-fire pizza oven all the way from Italy specially built by the Ambrogi Brothers who have built these amazing

w Intervie by the Editor

Stefan Mintchef

O w n er C opp ol a & Di Stef an o Re staur ant s

ovens since the Middle Ages, whereas a wine grocer, which I also run, also backs the business.

What is the most important element in running a restaurant?

To me, the most important element in running a restaurant is to believe in what you are doing and that nothing can stop you.

Make sure that your concept makes sense and you have a proper plan. One must also prepare a strong financial plan to make sure that the business can be sustained because we all know that when you’re running a food business; one will always start at a loss first.

Why did you decide to open all your businesses in the same area?

I realised that I needed to create some excitement in this area. After being such a quiet place for some time, people started coming in here more to experience Horizon Hills and what it has to offer as a destination. The Italians have a saying, “One bird cannot bring the spring”, in which relates back to why I have decided to open up more than one restaurant, with each having its own unique concept, to bring “spring” to this area.

How do you manage expectations from patrons while maintaining standards of the premise?

Firstly, I feel that it is important for me to maintain a personal touch with my patrons.

I make an effort to greet and host every guest that comes through the doors of my restaurants, even if it means to take their orders or to serve them. That is also the reason why my restaurants are all in the same vicinity.

How do you stay above the competition?

There is competition everywhere, if not within the same area, probably in the next destination.

However, the way I keep up the game is to offer things that others cannot.

For example, a more personalised service, or the unique crossrestaurant dining experience.

M o re ove r, o u r wine selec tion itself is much more diverse compared to other dining options. To tell you the truth, I do not mind competition.

In fact, I welcome and celebrate them as they will in turn bring in customers to the area and as a destination, benefit as a whole.

What is your take on fusion food?

I call it “confusion food” (laughs)! I believe in pure and authentic food like the one our mothers use to make, passed from generation to generation. I feel that fusion food is a trend whereas original recipes are forever. The ethnic food of each region in the world has a story to tell. Therefore, why do

we want to try to experiment and alter an age-old recipe when it has been perfected for centuries prior?

Tell us more about your future plans

Now, besides focusing on the current outlets, I am also planning to develop some of the land that I have back in Tuscany, Italy into a vineyard. This will be my long distance business though my focus will still be back here in Johor. The vineyard could potentially be a producer of wine for Asia. As for local plans, I feel that Johor is the future. There are plenty of opportunities here and I feel that businesses in Johor have only one direction, which is up.

What do you do in your free time?

I like to experience something new every day like travelling around to try new food and see new places. I also play badminton and enjoy eating out. Besides that, a good book and a good movie never seem to let me down. TI

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PEGGY LOH

news

This affable artist told me that it all started while she was in Chong Hwa High School, her alma mater in Kluang which was associated Our resident writer, Peggy Loh, actively writes in her blog www.peggyloh.com with S i n g a p o r e’s about matters that are close to her heart.

Nanyang Academy of She can be reached at write2peggyloh@gmail.com Fine Arts (NAFA) for its Art & Design course.

But when she won a full scholarship with NAFA to major in Fine Arts, her father n a weekend afternoon, I her on a journey to work with prestigious did not speak to her for joined potential homeowners brands like Chanel, Christian Louboutin, three months.

Like many Asian Fashion Artist, Clayrene Chan, [Right] creating a customised to view the show units for Louis Vuitton, Bally, Carolina Herrera, Tudor, Phase B properties at the Avira Chopard, Moet Hennessy and Harper’s parents, her father illustration for young visitors at the Avira Medini Sales Gallery felt that art was not a Medini Iskandar, a charming development Bazaar, just to name a few.

These were mainly live illustration sustainable career.

by Eastern & Oriental (E & O) Berhad in medium, to using nail-polish-colours-onshows where her art was featured at In spite of his strong opposition, water as an avenue to express her creativity.

Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

Meanwhile she maintained an It was easy to find my way to the product launches, new store openings and Chan, the eldest of three siblings, decided to Avira Medini Sales Gallery, located directly private VIP events held in Singapore, Kuala pursue her passion in art in Singapore. Over exciting online gallery of her Princess Lumpur, Hong Kong, Melbourne, London the years, her father has become her biggest Dreams’ designs to share her art and added opposite Citrine Hub. her latest Water Nail Art design series to her I saw from the masterplan that and even a solo exhibition at Le Clef Louvre fan.

Looking back on her childhood, Chan gallery. this 207-acre development comprises Paris for Paris Fashion Week 2018 in France.

As I considered acknowledged that She was thrilled when her designs landed residences, service apartments, her illustrious career in she and her siblings were spotted and featured by Design Taxi, condominiums and commercial units. lacked nothing an international design website.

From the conversations and fashion art, I thought it because their This was a huge motivation so Chan languages overheard among the visitors, was brilliant for Chan to father was a good decided to focus on couture and went on to I could tell that they were a mix of locals be associated with E & provider. design grand gowns with a magical touch – and expatriates, some accompanied by O, an established brand In fact, she using sparkling nail-polish – and established children and senior members of the family. in property, hospitality, grew up on a diet her signature style in fashion illustration.

To add interest to the event, the retail and lifestyle of Disney cartoons When her work was featured by organisers had arranged fun activities like products here.

At the Sales and the dreamy designer Zuhair Murad, Chan was invited to brewed coffee appreciation, hands-on princesses’ gowns their Fall Winter 2017/2018 Collection show handicrafts and a guest appearance by Gallery, I saw visitors – especially that of in Paris. fashion artist, Clayrene Chan, who would filling up their names on Cinderella – was With her profile raised through create customised illustrations for visitors. a form, who would then the inspiration international exposure, there was no She would also demonstrate her take their turn to talk for her ‘Princess turning back for Chan who went on to work Water Nail Art, using nail polish colours to to Chan and have their own glamorous gown, Dreams’ theme. on projects with brands like Ralph & Russo, create an illustration on water.

C h a n Charles & Keith and Mikoto, a renowned I was rather impressed by this custom-designed by her.

Using brisk confessed that she jewelry brand in Mongolia. young artist whose unique art had used to struggle Blessed with natural entrepreneurial established a strong reputation on social strokes, this left-handed media and was featured on print and artist used the visitors’ Clayrene Chan in a live demonstration of with an identity skills, this fashion artist from Johor is crisis s i m p l y certainly going places and someone to news media like Channel News Asia and choice of colours from a Water Nail Art, using nail polish colours palette of water-colours to create an illustration on water because she was watch as her career blossoms.

Mediacorp’s Channel 8.

Chinese but was Visit Instagram@artclaytion and In fact, her Princess Dreams series to paint gorgeous of illustrations caught the attention of gowns and added the final touch of glitz obsessed with Disney princesses’ gowns, www.artclaytion.com TI international couture houses and started using frosted nail polish colours, dusted which had Western origins. with sparkling bling.

“Where do I belong?” “Can I make a When we were introduced, I living with art?” was pleasantly surprised that Chan These were questions that bothered remembered meeting me back in 2012 her as she pondered over the concept for her at a fund-raising event for an animal Final Year Project. shelter, held at the premises of the former During a semester break, she was EightLido in Johor Bahru. home in Kluang where she spotted a lady From the confident strokes of her selling traditional cotton candy. paintbrush, I could see that this Kluang, This inspired her to stick to her Johor-born, Singapore-based artist, had Princess Dreams theme and for her project; indeed come a long way since we last me. she used cotton candy as the medium to Her talent and skills struck me design a gown. as rather unique because she has an After her graduation, she worked established niche as a fashion artist in a as an art instructor with a small studio in career with international couture brands.

Singapore for two years.

During the event, the queue of As she helped students wash and visitors seeking a customised illustration clean their palettes, the attractive blend of from Chan was long but my patience paid colours caught her eyes and she wanted to Clayrene Chan [Left] with a visitor It was fascinating to watch Clayrene Chan off when there was a break and she could preserve its beauty.

[Right] and her customised illustration complete her Water Nail Art demo, seen of an evening gown in a classic ‘Princess chat with me to share about her journey This sparked the challenge for her to for the very first time in Johor Bahru Dreams’ theme that took her from Kluang to the world. move on from water-colours-on-paper as a

MY JOHOR STORIES Fashion Artist from Kluang to the World

O

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news Ponderosa Golf & Country Club Let’s Bond Weekend 2.0

P

onderosa Golf & Country Club is organising a family b o n d i n g p ro gra m m e namely ‘Let’s Bond Weekend 2.0’, with the theme of ‘Back to Basic’ that will run from 12 - 13th July 2019 with a fee of RM70 for family of 3 persons to join on both days. The package includes free entrance for their Night Run that takes place at their golf course happening on Saturday, 13th July 2019.

“The fee charged is already heavily-subsidised by Ponderosa

as we want to play a part to bring the family unit together. We realised that due to the presence of electronic gadgets, and busy separate schedules of parents and their kids, families are having scarcer time to bond together,” said Tan Kai Yang, Ponderosa’s General Manager.

The theme ‘Back to Basic’ refers to bringing the family to play games synonymous to kampung days’ playtime such as Top Spinning or Gasing, Congkak, Tarik Upih and

Coconut Bowling as well as Snakes & Ladders and many more.

At the same time, the Young Engineers Workshop programme on the side, will give an opportunity for both parents and children to build every day and usable items together where it requires the need to strategise and work as a team.

The Let’s Bond Weekend is open to the public and designed as a series of 2 and 3 days’ programme held during weekend or school holidays, using natural environment

with ready resources and facilities of Ponderosa as a resort.

It also includes their oneof-a-kind Night Run which would be held on Ponderosa’s golf course where finisher medals will be awarded to all participants.

Take some time off and join in the fun with your family and give a call to Ponderosa’s Sports Centre at 016-7027 852 or Jamie at 017-7775 777; or email at enquiry@ ponderosagolf.com - by Norfy Shafeq TI

Young Engineers Workshop

Celebrating Founder’s Day at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast

Yellow Roses at KOMTAR JBCC Brightening Visitors’ Day

ard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast (HRHDC) held a celebration of Hard Rock Cafe’s annual Founder’s Day on 16th June 2019 to commemorate the beginning of Hard Rock Cafe in London by two Americans, Peter Morton and Isaac Tigrett in 1971. Bringing back the raw beginning’s spirit, 70s music filled the air for the day and staffs were dressed up like it Danny Lee (left) handing over his personal collection as was in the 70s to notch up memorabilia to Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast General Manager, Clinton Lovell (right) the fun.

Danny Lee, the only known Malaysian who was just salads, burgers and Coast General Manager, actually there, working milkshakes becoming its hot Clinton Lovell. Moving on at Hard Rock Cafe from selling items, and waitresses to the Sessions Restaurant, 1977 to 1980 was invited had to be women of at the Legendary Burger and over to donate some of least 30 years of age. Cafe original milkshakes were the memorabilia that he staffs were also encouraged put out as special menu for personally owns to HRHDC. to sit down and talk to the day. Visitors were able to Some of it includes menu the customers, bringing enjoy what it was like back in book mixtapes and CDs of American experience to the day to have the simplest playlist of music that played London because the two of food being the bestseller in Hard Rock Cafe at that time American men (i.e. the at that time, which catered and first sweatshirt produced founders) just missed the to teenagers and even as merchandise to sell among taste of a good burger and rockstars.

Hard Rock Cafe’s were unable to find it at others.

Founders Day is celebrated Danny also shared where they were.

Danny then handed at all 185 cafes, 25 hotels, some interesting stories where the menu was over the memorabilia to and 12 casinos worldwide. incredibly simple with Hard Rock Hotel Desaru by Norfy Shafeq TI

Iskandar Malaysia Social Hero Awards (IMSHA) connects with the community

H

K

indness is a word that is easily said, stated, and then actually doing it.

In this urban and modern world, a lot of things obstruct us to do one simple genuine act of kindness even such as a smile towards someone where our eyes meet or when paths cross, let alone other acts of kindness like lending a helping hand.

Iskandar Malaysia Social Hero Awards (IMSHA) squad went out with baskets full of yellow roses recently at KOMTAR, JBCC with one aim - to start a kind gesture and make them extend the kindness to the next person they have in mind.

According to Sheila Grewal, Development and Partnership of IMSHA, “Yellow roses were chosen for this cause for its universal interpretation of joy, happiness and friendship”. Historically, yellow rose is also associated with the sun, making it an excellent choice to cheer people up while also sending a message of appreciation and love.

Recipient of the roses were subsequently asked to make someone’s day either by handing out the same rose or with other similar kind gestures so that kindness continue to organically spread that day.

Two of the rose recipients whom are auxiliary police of KOMTAR JBCC, were caught off guard when presented with the

roses but were grateful as it brightened their day while on duty.

IMSHA is looking into doing more similar gestures and events in the near future to rejuvenate and energise the urban environment.

Iskandar Malaysia Social Hero Awards (IMSHA) is an annual event that’s into its sixth (6) year to spot, recognise and empower individuals and organisations who are making a difference in our communities.

Nominations for IMSHA 2019 are still open, so don’t waste a second and nominate your hero by clicking this link: https://goo. gl/forms/GzWMFijJGFSUdYEu2 - by Norfy Shafeq TI

KOMTAR JBCC Auxiliary Police with their yellow roses

Malaysia’s Latest Telco Yoodo is Pushing to Make Their Mark with Gamers Customising a plan has never been this easy

H

ave you ever wanted to look for a new mobile plan only to find that every plan you looked

Head of Yoodo Chow Tuck Mun explaining what Yoodo is all about to members of the media

at regardless of carrier always had something wrong with it? Either too much data with not enough call time, or too little data with too much call time, or a mix of data for social services such as Youtube being too little and having a cap or some sort of throttling speed at certain times. Well, Malaysia’s newest addition to the mobile telco line up Yoodo is here to change all that. With one of their tag lines being ‘You do it better’, their belief is that the customer knows exactly what they want, and it’s their job to give that to them. Being the only truly customisable package in the market, you literally pay for what

you want.

As a new telco, they were looking for a way to make their mark with users, and found a perfect way to do that through mobile gamers. Boasting to have the widest coverage and fastest speeds, it was only natural to tap into hard core mobile gamers, specifically the PUBG-M players.

Yoodo has shown tremendous support to the scene by sponsoring tournaments such as the PUBG Mobile National Championship and it has partnered with Tencent games to bring the event to Malaysia for a second year running.

Yoodo also has their own

Chow Tuck Mun with members of the media

sponsored team called Yoodo Gank, as a way to support the players in the pursuit of the professional dream. For those who are just interested in playing casually, Yoodo is currently giving free access to their PUBG-M data

add on, with plans to also bring MLBB (Mobile Legends) into the fold.

To find out more about Yoodo or to sign up, you can visit www.yoodo.com.my for more info.

- by Moazan Emran TI

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The Iskandarian ISSUE 83 | JULY 2019 Advertisement

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J U L Y 2 0 19

INSIDE Spiderman: Far From Home BTS, AVICII and More!

JULY 2019 | Page 2

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

editor’s W note

elcome to the second half of the year!

I’d like to talk a bit about Iskandar Malaysia Social Hero Awards (IMSHA), an annual event well into its sixth (6) year to spot, recognise and empower individuals and organisations who are making a difference in our communities.

Last week, IMSHA passed a huge milestone in an exchange of document ceremony with the United Nations making IMSHA a globally recognised effort.

Nominations are still open, and if you have someone in mind that deserves to be recognised as a hero, please spare a

Priya Manikam waves.lifestyle@gmail.com

minute to fill out the form via https://goo.gl/ forms/GzWMFijJGFSUdYEu2.

Disney’s “The Lion King”, features pioneering filmmaking techniques, welcoming back to the big screen iconic characters that audiences have long treasured, but in a whole new way. From Sony Pictures, Spiderman is back in action and is really a long way from home fighting off some creatures in Europe!

Although the long public and school holidays are over, it doesn’t mean you can’t relax as a couple or family over the weekend. Having that in mind indulge in a staycation at M Suites Hotel for a relaxing

stay and have fun in their mini waterpark too!

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

Priya

Music Updates

BTS: ‘Lights/Boy With Luv’ & ‘TIM’ Avicii’s Posthumous Album

By Universal Music Singapore

BTS’s Brand new Japanese single (Digital) available on 3rd July 2019

T

he first Korean artist to send three albums to the top position on the Billboard 200 chart, and the first Korean artist to top the UK album chart, global superstars BTS will be releasing their latest Japanese single ‘Lights/Boy With Luv’ on 3rd July 2019.

The latest Japanese single features a new original song, “Lights,” and the Japanese version of their recent mega hits “Boy With Luv” and “IDOL.” “Lights” conveys the message of hope that one can connect with the others through sounds and see each other’s lights whenever they close their eyes. The song will also be the first Japan-original song in four years that will be accompanied by a music video.

MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA reached No. 1 in 86 regions immediately after the album’s digital release, topping both the Billboard 200 (dated 27th April) and U.K.’s Official Albums Chart 100 (dated 19th April). The group gave their

first performance on Saturday Night Live on 13th April. From the album, “Boy With Luv feat. Halsey” ranked at No. 8 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart (dated 27th April), the highest record ever by a Korean group, and earned three Guinness certifications as the most viewed YouTube video in 24 hours, most viewed YouTube music video in 24 hours, and most viewed YouTube music video in 24 hours by a K-Pop group.

‘TIM’ Avicii’s Posthumous Album

AVICII: TIM, an album of new music from the deceased acclaimed producer/musician/ songwriter and performer Avicii (Tim Bergling), was released on 6th June 2019. It marks one year since the sudden death of this Swedish superstar DJ and producer.

In a statement, Avicii’s family noted how TIM came to fruition, explaining that the producer was “close” to completing a new record just prior to his death. “He left behind a collection of nearly finished songs, along with notes, email conversations and text messages about the music,” his family said.

A V I C I I created groundb r e a k i n g per formances that became the gold standard fo r timeless electronic music and defined

the sound and structure of the global EDM movement.

When announcing his retirement from touring, he wrote, “I will however never let go of music. I will continue to speak to my fans through it.”

And most assuredly, that is what he is doing on TIM. Before his untimely passing last year, Bergling had completed several of the 12 tracks on TIM, including “Heaven”.

Tim and Chris Martin wrote and recorded “Heaven” in 2014, with Tim producing the final version in 2016 – it hasn’t been touched since. With the exception of the last verse which was added after B e r g l i n g’s death, “Hear t Upon M y

Sleeve (feat.

Imagine Dragons)” was also finished.

Other tracks were 90% complete and final work on them was performed by a trio of production teams who had collaborated with Bergling through his career, co-wrote many of the new songs with him, and closely followed the detailed instructions he had left behind. “SOS (Feat Aloe Blacc)”, has amassed 250 million streams globally since release last month, peaked at #3 on the Spotify Global Top 200 chart and tops the BBC Radio1 A-List chart and Billboard’s Dance/ Electronic songs chart, as well as reaching #1 airplay in Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden.

Avicii’s net proceeds from the album will go to the non-profit Tim Bergling Foundation which benefits organisations that support mental health issues, suicide prevention and education, wildlife conservation and other issues that Bergling had an interest in and passion for.

LISTEN TO TIM: https://lnk. to/TIMAlbum TI

JULY 2019 | Page 3

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

Taming Anxiety and Depression through Food – Part 1

D 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

o you know food is not just a medley of nutrients but also a bundle of information we feed our body and brain? In relation to anxiety and depression, food has a big influence in shaping how we experience anxiety and depression.

In the human state of consciousness, anxiety and depression sits in the low level of consciousness. That means we are living with weaker muscle and body. Most people with anxiety or depression are struggling to survive because a weaker body can lose a

lot of energy when experiencing anxiety and depression. Fatigue (on the emotional side), physical and mental level is common in anxiety and depression.

Proper nutrition can help strengthen the body. Imagine this; food is a complex information source synthesized by the body. What we eat, is what we experience in terms of biochemical and information.

When we feed our body the right nutrition that promotes biochemical harmony and balance, the end information we give the brain is balance and harmony.

Based on the human state of consciousness, how we view the world and our muscle strength (in terms of kinesiology) are related to each other. Think about this; our brain is a muscle. A stronger brain can process information better than a weaker brain. People who are living in a higher state of consciousness see things differently.

Whereas, anxiety and depression represent a weaker brain and repress our perspective in many ways.

Promoting Mental Health through

Food Food can help us alter our state of consciousness to a higher level.

When we eat food that has its natural essence intact, we gain its natural information. For example, a bowl of salad contains richer information from the nature, than a pack of fast food. A bowl of salad connects us to nature, whereas the fast food pulls us away from nature.

Imagine how this affects our gut and the brain on the energy level.

Meanwhile, ponder how these two foods affect the state of anxiety and depression. TI

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

Genre: Action

Genre: Action Adventure

Release date: 4th July 2019

Release date: 18th July 2019

Directed by: Jon Watts

Directors: Jon Favreau

Screenplay by: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers

Producers: Jon Favreau, Jeffrey Silver, Karen Gilchrist

Based on the MARVEL Comic Book by: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

Screenplay by: Jeff Nathanson

Produced by: Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal

Cast: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Florence Kasumba, Eric André, Keegan-Michael Key, JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph, with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and James Earl Jones

Executive Producers: Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Thomas M. Hammel, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Stan Lee, Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach Cast: Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, JB Smoove, Jacob Batalon, Martin Starr with Marisa Tomei and Jake Gyllenhaal

S

imba idolises his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother — and former heir to the throne, has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. TI

Source:

The Walt Disney Company Malaysia

P

eter Parker returns in Spider-Man: Far From Home, the next chapter of the Spider-Man: Homecoming series! Our friendly neighbourhood Super Hero decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plans to leave his super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent! TI

Source:

Sony Pictures Malaysia

JULY 2019 | Page 4

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

travel

CALENDER OF EVENTS

JULY 2019

1st – 28th July GSS: Experience Singapore Sales

5th July Champion Clinic Milo 2019 @ Yh Sports & kc Futsal Larkin

M Suites Hotel JB - A Resort-Style Escapade for Urbanites

Experience resort-living staycation in the middle of JB city

5th – 7th July • • •

Homefair 2019 @ Persada Johor Home & Property Fair Malaysia 2019 @ Paradigm Mall Johor Classical Music Fest Cello Edition @ 86, Jln Wijaya

6th July • •

MBJB Colour Run @ MBJB Karnival E Sukan @ Capital City Mall

8th July EIS Summer Camp @ Excelsior International School

The swimming pool, is set to delight family with young kids with its mini waterpark slides and sprinklers

By SMay Tan waves.lifestyle@gmail.com

S

tepping into M Suites Hotel gave me the impression that the hotel truly values Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity and heritage. What caught my attention was the brightly painted mural art of Malaysians’ traditional clothes, buildings and dishes, close to the ceiling of its upgraded and renovated lobby area.

One of the bedrooms in the premier suites, dimly lit with a cozy ambience which serves local favourites, Asian, Western and fusion dishes, is vibrantly designed with a bright red interior.

My usual practice would be to ask for the hotel’s friendly F&B team for some recommendation and they had decided that the crispy seaweed popiah would

10th July Rogue Film Business for Rebel Filmmaker @ Faculty of Cinematic Arts MMU

10th – 11th June Blockchain Day Singapore @ The RitzCarlton Singapore

12th July 2nd Leg Ponderosa Golf Junior Open 2019 @ Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort

13th July • •

Night Run on the Golf Course @ Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort Johor Fun Cat Show @ Capital City Mall

13th – 14th July Floral Basket/Gift Box Hobby Class @ Willow & Wind

17th – 19th July Speciality & Fine Food Asia @ Suntec Singapore

20th July We Run 2019 @ EcoWorld Gallery

28th July King Lear Screening @ Esplanade Theatre Singapore 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

Crispy Seaweed Popiah, a light and healthy snack, delivering delightful and crunchy bites Situated strategically along the Straits of Johor highway, M Suites Hotel is one of the most accessible hotels for tourists and business travelers. One of the most convenient aspects of staying in the hotel would be its accessibility to two major shopping malls which are the Johor Bahru City Square and Komtar Johor Bahru City Centre (JBCC).

Upon arriving at the hotel, I was given the chance to explore the facilities of the hotel and was pleasantly surprised to see a mini waterpark with two slides linked to the pool. Children will enjoy a splashing good time here especially during a hot day under the two umbrella sprinklers, although I would suggest bringing some insect repellant to ward off mosquitoes since the pool has been set in a natural environment amidst lush and shady trees.

After a swimming session, it was time to try out the hotel’s restaurant. The Myra bistro, an all-day dining restaurant

Each suite in M Suites Hotel is designed with a living room and a kitchenette fulfill my tea-time indulgence and sure enough, it did! The popiah, filled with thinly-sliced turnip, cucumbers and vegetables, wrapped with seaweed and popiah skin with mayonnaise and crunchy tempura filling was indeed delightful and satisfying to bite into!

Then, it was time for me to explore the variety of Suites which the hotel offers.

Priced from RM260 per night for a Studio Suite, M Suites Hotel also offers Junior Suites, 2 Bedroom Suites, 3 Bedroom Suites and Executive Suite, which is the Premier Studio Suite. The most luxurious suite in the hotel would be the Presidential

Suite. I was lucky enough to be shown the Presidential Suite because I have never seen a hotel suite with a complete set of gym equipment in it. Designed intricately with class and elegance, the suite has 2 main bedrooms, a dining hall and a meeting room for guests to have discussions and gatherings.

All in all, the staycation in M Suites Hotel made me realise that I don’t have to go far for a mini escapade within JB city. With the hotel’s strategic location, which is about 10 minutes’ drive to the main cultural attractions like the Tiong Hua Chinese Heritage Museum, Sri Raja Mariamman Temple and The Red House JB, I am thankful I managed to have the opportunity to explore JB town even further during this trip!

For more information and reservation, check out M Suites Hotel Johor Bahru’s official website at www.m-suites. com or contact +607-221 1000. TI

Facilities in the hotel include a gymnasium with a view of the swimming pool

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Sudden Cardiac Death the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. This condition is rare in children, affecting only 1 to 2 per 100,000 children each year.

Q3: Who is at risk of sudden cardiac death?

People who have a history of previous cardiac arrest, poor heart function, family history of sudden cardiac death and certain types of an inherited heart abnormality.

Q

1: What is sudden cardiac death?

Sudden cardiac death is a condition where a person dies because of the abrupt and unexpected cardiac arrest, and is devastating for the family and the community as a whole.

Q2: How common is sudden cardiac death?

Sudden cardiac death occurs most frequently in adults in their mid-30s

to mid-40s, and affects men twice as often as it does women. Men tend to suffer from heart diseases at a younger age probably because of their lifestyle and hormones.

Tobacco use and also unhealthy diet which is high in saturated fats, trans-fat, and cholesterol will increase the risk of heart diseases.

Women on the other hand, have natural hormone protection towards cardiovascular diseases before menopause which reduces

Q4: How does sudden cardiac death occur?

Most sudden cardiac deaths are caused by abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. The most dangerous life-threatening a r r hy t h m i a i s ve nt r i c u l a r fibrillation, which is an erratic, disorganised firing of impulses from the heart’s lower chambers.

When this occurs, the heart is unable to pump blood, and death will occur within minutes, if left untreated.

Q5: What are the causes of sudden cardiac death?

Most cases of sudden cardiac death are related to undetected cardiovascular diseases. In the younger population, sudden cardiac death is often due to congenital heart defects, while in older population (35 years and older), the cause is more often related to coronary artery disease.

Q6: What are the red flags for sudden cardiac death?

• Any surgery/procedure done to the heart when young • Chest pain • S e v e r e giddiness or unexplained dizziness during exercise • Fainting spells • A congenital heart abnormality • A strong family history of heart problems or sudden unexplained death • Drug habits or smoking Heart murmur Q7: What are the sports commonly associated with sudden cardiac death?

• Football • Basketball • Badminton • Marathon Q8: How to prevent sudden cardiac death?

Health screenings such as ECG and p hy s i c a l examination may not necessarily be enough to detect health conditions which may lead to sudden cardiac death.

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Therefore, those who are at high risk of sudden cardiac death should avoid competitive sports and seek immediate medical help if there are red flags of sudden cardiac death. Depending on the underlying condition, medical or surgical treatments might be appropriate to reduce your risk of sudden death.

Another option for some people is a battery-powered implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This device implanted in the chest will continuously monitor the heartbeat. If a life threatening abnormal heart rhythm occurs, the ICD will deliver electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm. For people who suffered sudden cardiac arrest without ICD, an Automated External Defibrillators (AED) machine which are now available in most public areas such as large shopping malls, airports or healthcare institutions may be lifesaving.

Patients and the public should be self-aware of their heart’s condition and know when to seek for medical assistance.

- by Regency Specialist Hospital

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Whip Snake Spotting Eyed Green Whip Snake. 4 to 10 live baby snakes are born in every litter (it is pregnant for 6 months), but their colouration is brown with yellow and black flecks.

and under trees, leaves, branches and rocks as if they are sliding on ice. When a snake feels threatened, it will expand its neck and stick out its tongue in an attempt to make

Serina Rahman Serina Rahman is the co-founder of Kelab Alami and a Visiting Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore

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he Oriental whip snake (Ahaetulla prasina) is often seen sunning itself on the edges of tree canopies in both urban and kampung areas.

Quite a common snake, it can grow up to 2m long, but it is very slender and the neck narrows even more before its sharp spearshaped head. As it slithers through the trees, it hunts lizards and small birds in their nests, but it can also hunt frogs in the bush. While it is mildly venomous, it is harmless to humans and should not be killed.

Its colour can range from light brown to greenish-yellow to an almost luminescent bright green. There is often a thin yellow line along the lower half of the snake. Its eyes are smaller than another similar species; the Big-

These beautiful snakes are sometimes caught to be kept as pets but they cannot survive in captivity and will die within days. They glide smoothly over

itself look bigger. These reptiles are great to observe as they wander through the trees or hunt their dinner, but then they should be left alone, wild and free. TI

Find Amazing Alternatives at Medini Edible Parks

Children Racing for a Better Planet

Bringing the serenity of kampung and lush greenery right to your doorstep

Cycling race event for children under 7 gathered interests from all over Johor

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ambiance at ‘Green U Wednesday Evening Market’ where you can find fresh local produce and a lot of sustainable products to go with for your everyday life from toiletries, handicrafts, toys for the children and a lot of delightful food! Scoot over at the long table and have a chat with the local global community in Johor, from the ones that came from the other parts of the world to the shores of Johor.

Get in touch with nature and rejuvenate at Johor G re e n’s E ve n i n g Market every third Wednesdays, and first Saturdays for their morning market.

Johor Green also hosts harvest and farm tours as well as nature class for kids.

Be in touch with them at their Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/ johorgreen/ for more Visitors looking at sustainable and alternative sanitary information. - by female products Norfy Shafeq TI

he concrete jungle that confines us every day and the air-conditioning has probably frozen our hearts, minds and souls. Most of us are crying out for some serenity and fresh air and that’s the aim of Johor Green wanting urbanites to find better if not healthier options by enjoying the farm and greenery, just right here at Iskandar Puteri’s Medini Edible Parks.

Every third Wednesdays, join a crowd with calming and friendly

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n conjunction with World Environment Day, Sunway Iskandar had organised a campaign to promote healthy lifestyle amongst the community.

Race for a Better Planet, the annual recurring cycling theme

by Sunway Iskandar, held its first cycling event for children this year. The event, Push Bike Fun Race, was co-organised by Happy Riders Connect, a cycling club based in Johor Bahru. CEO of Sunway Iskandar, Gerard Soosay, officiated the event and gave his support to the participants.

Push bikes, or balance bike, are small-body bicycles without attached pedals. The rider sits on the bicycle seat and uses his legs to pedal.

Children on the race track skillfully maneuvered the race course bends; like professional cyclists do, except without the pedals and they were adorable to watch. The friendly race was held for children aged 2 - 7 years old, each raced in their own age

category, with a total of 166 race participants.

Founder of Happy Riders Connect, Stephen Ngu, believes that push bikes help children gain balancing skills and motivates children to par ticipate in Three-year-old racing category! - What did you sports.

S a f e do when you were three? cycling is their top priority. All children must be learning how to cycle, and had equipped with a helmet, knee received feedback from school pads, elbow pads, and shoes in that her son was able to focus better in class. Through cycling, order to join the race.

Nina Zainudin, a mother she teaches her children to be supporting her three children in mentally strong and not cry their race, found a way to shift when they fall. This further their attention from gadgets improves the confidence level through cycling. Weekends that of her children.

“When it comes to sport, used to be spent at home idling is now spent cycling and more everyone comes out and comes bonding time with her children. together to support each other.

She claimed her children It’s just like family,” Stephen Ngu are now more sociable since said. - by Salamahafifi TI

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Proposed Amendments to Industrial Relations Act 1967 – Part Two

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executive, confidential or managerial capacit y. The amendments also propose that complaints to the DGIR with reference to recognition will no longer leave the decision up to the Minister but the DGIR takes full responsibilities to make a decision.

It seems that the amendments p u t m o re b u r d e n on the DGIR, and although the idea is to allow the person most competent in the matter to make decisions, nevertheless, it seems to provide the DGIR with a rather large amount of power. The only power the Minister keeps is the power to refer trade disputes to the Industrial Court under S.26(2).

But this too has the proviso of requiring both the employer and union to give written consent for the referral.

The proposed

n this issue, I’d like to discuss further on the proposed amendments to the Industrial Relations Act 1967 (IRA) and its impact on the relationship between employers and trade unions.

Beyond just the reduction of the Minister of Human Resource’s role in unfair dismissal cases, the proposed amendments also set out to concentrate certain duties on the Director General of Industrial Relations (DGIR). One of these duties is with regards to the referral of complaints based on Section 4, 5 and 7 of the IRA to go straight from the DGIR to the Industrial Court without having to go through the Minister.

In addition, the Minister no longer has to make determinations on the capacity of workmen in the recognition with reference to their security,

amendments have also made it easier for trade unions to receive recognition. The timeline of 21 days for an employer to make a decision upon receipt of the claim of recognition under S.9(3) has been reduced to 14 days. This requires the employer to make a much quicker decision.

There is also the introduction of a new section on the application for bargaining rights. If an employer has granted recognition to more than one Union, the workmen have the right to choose their prefer red union.

The choice will be made by way of secret ballot and the Union with the highest number of votes shall have sole bargaining rights to represent the workmen.

One of the most controversial amendments is the removal of the restriction on bargaining. Previously, under S.13(3) Unions were not

allowed to bargain in what were considered managerial prerogatives. Managerial prerogatives involved matters of transfers, promotions, employment, redundancy, dismissal and assignment or allocations of duties. Now the floodgates have been opened and Unions may bargain for any and all terms it deems fit.

In addition, the proposed amendments have removed the 6-month limit on the retrospective application of collective b a r g a i n i n g agreements.

This increases liability on the employers’ side when t h e re a re requirements to back pay any additional benefits.

The penalty of imprisonment for illegal strikes, picketing, instigation and the giving of financial aid to illegal strikes have also been removed. The penalty is

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

now only a fine where the amount will possibly be increased.

There is also no longer a requirement of certain services like banking, port, harbour, airport services, postal services, oil refineries, broadcasting services, transport services other than those within the Federal Territory of Wilayah, Putrajaya and Labuan or any of the capital cities of the states within Malaysia to provide advance notice for carrying out strikes against employers as they have been removed from the Schedule of essential services.

The Minister though, may make a determination that a service is essential based on the duration of the strike. TI

Office Tips 101: How to save on monthly expenses

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tarting a new business is always exciting, especially w h e n yo u g e t t h e opportunity to be your own boss and do something that you are passionate about. That being said, one should never forget that it’s not always a bed of roses with some new aspects which can be highly challenging. One that comes to mind would definitely involve financial issues.

If you’re planning to start your own small business soon or if you already have your own business, you might want to consider the following tips to minimise some expenses in the office.

• Say no to printing Let’s face it - almost everything is online and in digital copy these days for a matter of convenience as well as an environmentally friendly approach. Cut down on having to print almost every document for a business meeting or presentation and opt to make use of digital assistance like your iPad, tab or PowerPoint to present your stunning ideas. Also, instead of saving hard copies of important documents around the office, limit the excessive ink and printing paper costs by switching to the digital

option of storing all your office’s necessary documents through cloud-based storage providers.

•

Discount hunting and early bird benefits One can never emphasise enough

how thrifty you have to be when you first start out. But being thrifty doesn’t mean you have to cancel out on staff welfare - one in particular is coffee and snacks.

How else will you be able to fuel productivity? However, have you ever considered the cost of

purchasing snacks and coffee at whim? Identify your team’s needs such as coffee and a few popular snacks to avoid wastage and choose the right delivery service such as Hook Coffee Malaysia and other reliable ones in the market.

Some platforms offer discounts for first time subscribers and you can keep stretching the dollar by using discount codes after you subscribe.

• Ditch the Phone If you’re running a business which relies heavily on communication

especially follow up calls with clients and sales, then you might want to evaluate how much your phone bill is costing you every month. With a steady internet line, opt for a cost effective communication alternatives such as

Zoom or Skype video calls instead of the usual mobile provider. What about WhatsApp calls you might think. Well, think about the last time you had a reliable WhatsApp call that didn’t end abruptly!

•

Price comparison sites

Before purchasing office supplies, know for a fact that different suppliers offer different price range for different products. Doing a bit of research before committing to a shopping trip will help save more than just pennies and it is always important to have an inventory or check list to avoid impulse purchases and choose to go through a price comparison site for office supplies such as folders, boxes, stationery, and more.

• Work from Home Days This is probably one of the easily caught on trends when it comes to the workforce these days. Starting a small business also involves employing some help from time to time. We’re not perfect and we all need a little help here and there. If the nature of your company doesn’t require much face time and can be completed online, consider remote work days for your staff. It cuts cost on office rent, electricity bills and commuting while still encouraging employee engagement and approval. However, before jumping on the remote work wagon, build some ground rules to ensure all work is completed promptly and to be reachable during work hours. by Atiqah Khamurudin TI

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Accumulating Wealth Tips & Tricks

A few Thoughts on Trade War

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ince the beginning of May, the market sentiment has turned bearish, owing to the intensified trade dispute.

The situation was perceived as the worst when Trump launched a full attack on Huawei. Obviously, the so-called trade war is no longer what it sounds like, but a technology war and the battle to be the World Number One. The funny thing is, despite all the dramas, the US stock market fell less than 5% since the US Commercial Department banned Huawei and 70 of its affiliates to buy parts and components from US companies.

This was even so after a series of events developed subsequently, within the duration of two weeks.

This is called divergent. It means when the worst has happened and people expected the market would react very badly afterwards, but it did not. It implies that the market has factored in the worst scenario.

As a result, the smart money buys into the weakness on negative news. At the time of writing, the Dow Jones Industrial (DJI) Average stood at above 26000, which is higher than 25863, the day US announced sanction against Huawei on 16th May 2019. Am I saying the worst is over with the trade war? Of course not! When everyone expects the market to collapse, it normally won’t. From here, there are a few interesting observations we can make from this trade issue: 1. The so-called trade war started almost a year ago, and even though the progress has been dramatic, the stock market has gradually adapted and adjusted to it, despite no one could predict how and when it would end.

2. The so-called trade war started almost a year ago, and even though the progress has been dramatic, the stock market has gradually adapted and adjusted to it, despite no one could predict how and when it would end.

3. As a result, more opportunities are coming to South East Asia. Regardless of how the trade issue progresses, international companies would reassess their risks before making any investment to China. I am not saying this is good, as the global economy will feel the pain if trade dispute continues. But over the long term, the world would tend not to over rely on the US and China for consuming and manufacturing activities.

What to do amid uncertainty?

Before we discuss it, let us have a look at our portfolio on 14th June 2019.

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 .

The portfolio below has showed a gain of 213% since November 2015. We stayed put ahead of the G20 meeting, as there is little optimism that Xi and Trump would reach a positive outcome then.

With such uncertain scenario, it depends on whether you are doing trading or investing. If you are a trader, make sure you have a trading plan, such as your entry price, loss cutting point and profit target.

You’d need to have all these parameters preset in mind before making any trade, because your capital will only be in the market for a short term. Whereas for investing, you may consider investing in companies: • Where their products have an on-going global demand. Despite a short term pull back due to market volatility; their orders will still come back because the world requires their products in the long run.

• Which are not affected much by the trade war, such as business with local monopoly advantage, like Takaful and Ptrans and more.

• Which are the beneficiaries of the trade war, such as KGB, VS, PIE, Wegmans, to name a few.

Alternatively, you may hold more cash, especially if you are uncertain. With the trade dispute prolonging, it is likely you would have opportunity to buy on dip. Anyway, whether you are doing trading or investing, it is important to hold some cash, so that you can grab the opportunity when it comes.

Conclusion Last but not least, volatility is part of the game. Whether you are doing trading or investing, it is important to have a plan, such as your desired price and profit target. Most importantly, knowing your risk appetite and manage it accordingly. With that, you would increase the chance of winning.

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.

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Basic Maintenance You Need To Know Before You Hit the Road

soduku

C Why don’t we try to take

a bite at a time and take what we CAN finish

every month The Iskandarian shares what you should and should not be doing in your communities.

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ars are our i m p o r t a n t companion as it brings us around to run errands, and over the years, it has come close to be one’s basic necessities in life. When it hits certain mileage, we bring it to the service centre but at times we may miss our scheduled maintenance and this could lead to unwanted road emergencies.

The Isk andarian sought advice on car maintenance with Mohd Zainudin Bonari, the Service Manager at Perodua Taman Universiti’s authorised dealer, service and spare parts. He suggested five basic things to always keep in check: Engine oil Cleaning engine’s oil is

important. If the oil is left unfiltered for some time, it could be saturated with tiny, hard particles that wear off surfaces in your engine. Dirty oil can wear the oil pump’s components and damage the bearing surfaces, causing problems to your car’s engine.

Radiator Flush Radiator Flush should be done every five years or when your car has reached 160,000km. Do check if there are any potential signs and symptoms that your car might need such as a coolant flush, like visible rust, debris, or corrosion.

Wiper Oil Facing a problem with your windshield wiper can be nasty and irritating. Your wiper blade needs oil too!

Or else it turns charred and can damage your windshield. So always check the blades and oil it regularly.

Mohd Zainudin Bonari, Service Manager at Perodua Taman Universiti

ATF Oil for Auto One of the main reasons for transmission

failures is overheating. If you drive a lot in a mountainous area, change the fluid more often. It needs to be changed between 60,000 and 120,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Brakes work because of brake fluid. Over time it can go bad.

It absorbs water from the air, and then causes scrapes like rust to build up. So check on it.

Lighting System A poor state of the lighting system generates poor visibility of the road in the dark, increasing visual fatigue of the driver and the difficulty of other drivers to see your vehicle. Change the lamps every 50,000km or every two years, even if all the lights work correctly.

Conclusion The location of all these parts and how to do some basic maintenance are available in the manual book that comes with the car.

If you are unsure on what to do, schedule an inspection at the service centre, preferably the car dealer of your car’s model at least a few days before your long drive. by Norfy Shafeq TI

Try Out Fun Vegetarian Options at VBurg Boulangerie Cafe Their plant-based menu is tastier and probably better!

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alaysians are familiar with vegetarianism, what with vegetarian practice made common by the Buddhist and Hindu population that makes up to almost 30% of the country. The demand for plantbased option food has always been there and it gets even higher with the rise of sustainability awareness that has hit the shores in recent time.

VBurg Cafe in Skudai serves a variety of vegetarian food and that includes the lacto-vegetarian (a person who abstains from eating meat and eggs) and ovo-vegetarian or commonly referred to as ‘eggetarians’. Ian

Tan who manages the cafe with his brother, Sean Tan as the founder and chef, are both committed vegetarians. They have put in a lot of research and effort to create a menu that everyone can savour.

‘VBurg’ is a combination name of two words, ‘v’ for vegetable or vegetarian while ‘burg’ derived from the word burger.

Combined, they are creating this idea that the vegetarian foods they offer are fun, tasty and healthy for everyone.

There is also “Fried Noodle Pan aka Bun” inspired by Japanese street bun with noodles as its filling. For a local twist, check out the “Mee Goreng Mamak bun” which is recommended by Ian as it’s a great, local

Experiment your taste buds away with their delicious non-alcoholic mocktails and various vegetarian cakes!

VBurg Cafe at Taman Tunku Aminah, with their Vburg Bakery next to it

All Day Breakfast set with baby potatoes, black pepper duo-pulled mushroom, boiled broccoli and salads

Rejoice brunch fans, as they serve breakfast all day and choose sides of 4 to 7 items that includes potatoes, salads, macaroni and etc.

fusion initiative.

Their signature; the Purple Sweet Potato burger, nicknamed as the PSP Burger is served with their homemade beetroot ketchup and pickled red cabbage. Take sweet potato fries on the side with their many options of dipping sauces. If soups and salads are your thing, they have it and it has plenty of options too.

Ian Tan holding their craft Purple Sweet Potato Burger or better known at the PSP Burger

Finally, end you meal with a choice from the various vegetarian cakes on offer that are freshly baked.

Price range is affordable from ala carte to a set of meal variation and it could go from RM5.90 to RM29.90.

VBurg is located at 74, Jalan Laksamana 2, Jalan Ungku Tun Aminah and is open at 9am to 8pm from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 8pm from Friday to Sunday. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

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PROPERTY INSIGHT

Toppen Shopping Centre to bring business,career opportunities and vibrancy to the economy pg 26

PROPERTY

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RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS

APARTMENTS

VILLAS

CONDOMINIUMS

OFFICE/RETAILSPACE

Award Winning i-Park@Indahpura Leading the way in being a successfully managed pg 27 industrial park

Read this article on our website

Seri Austin

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Camellia Residence Sold Out - Including Bumi Units

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Port Of Tanjung Pelepas Breaks World Record for Highest Utilisation of a Container Vessel Efficient planning and good optimisation of resources were the backbones of achieving this feat

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elabuhan Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd (PTP), a member of MMC Group has set a new world record to depart a vessel with a final load over 19,000 TEUs. The milestone was accomplished recently when Monaco Maersk, one of Maersk’s 2nd Generation Triple-E vessels left the port with the record load of 19,284 TEUs, surpassing record load of 19,190 TEUs achieved by MOL Tribune vessel in February this year.

Efficient planning and execution of container operations and good optimisation of resources were identified as the reasons behind the feat.

PTP Chairman and MMC Group Managing Director, Dato’ Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh in his statement remarked that the latest achievement is a testament to PTP’s commitment in providing best in class service for its customers.

“A s M a l a y s i a ’s leading ports and logistics operators, we take pride in our ability to anticipate and understand the needs of our customers as well as our agility to adapt to the changes of the industries that we operate in, in order for us to stay ahead.”

“This year, we will further strengthen our foundation and continue to

optimise our cost for greater operational efficiency. We remain focused on our deliverables and committed to returning more value for our stakeholders,” he added.

PTP Chief Executive Officer, Marco Neelsen commented that to break the world record and achieve such feat is only made possible by the passion and commitment of PTP employees and all parties involved.

“Various continuous investment and improvement activities have been successfully executed and are currently taking place to ensure that we are able to achieve our target set forth for this

financial year, and more importantly to safeguard PTP’s position amongst the top transhipment hubs in the world,” said Neelsen.

James Wroe, Maersk Asia Pacific Head of Liner Operations, explained that the record load is the result of outstanding dedication and full focus from everyone to set up the right operational conditions.

The record load for Maersk and PTP marks a sign of strategic progress.

This record on most loaded containers during a port stay is one of many illustrations which show APM Terminals is continuing to move forward in becoming a company of passionate operators who

PTP has successfully broken the last reported world record to depart Monaco Maersk vessel with a final load over 19,000 TEUs on 1st June 2019

deliver world-class services to their clients. Our hubs are part of journey and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas is one of those terminals where productivity is currently high and, more importantly, reliable over the long term,”

said James.

PTP recorded a total throughput volume of 9 Million TEUs in 2018 and is projected to handle a total throughput target of 9.5 Million TEUs this year. - by The Iskandarian TI

50 Years of Sesame Street Celebrated at R&F Mall

‘Market Slowdown Spells Good Opportunity for Buyers’

or most of us, growing up over the years, we were treated to a favourite jovial educational TV show called Sesame Street.

With such memorable characters that stood the test of time and have been immortalised by their simple colourful fur coats and wondering where are their feet the whole time, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie are among the favourites on the show.

R&F Mall Johor Bahru brought these real life characters down to JB in conjunction with Sesame Street’s 50th birthday. Themed “Celebrating Sesame Street 50 Years and Counting”, the exhibition featured a wide variety of entertaining and interactive activities.

Fans were not only given a chance to get up close and personal with Elmo and Cookie Monster, but also snap selfies with the largest inflatable Elmo in Southeast Asia!

From 14th June to 14th July 2019, the main concourse at R&F Mall JB is transformed into a giant Sesame

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Special meet and greet and photo session with Elmo and Cookie Monster for the media

Street play land featuring the popular characters from the show. One of the most exciting part of the exhibition is the giant inflatable bouncy house which is like heaven for children between 5 to 12 years old.

“We are delighted to partner with Sesame Street Workshop in celebrating the TV show’s 50th anniversary. Sesame Street has been on air for half a century and we believe this evergreen TV show is not only appealing to kids but also to the adults who are young at heart,” said Daphne Tan, Marketing Director of R&F Mall. - by Harish Mustak TI

Seri Austin’s Camellia Residence – all sold out including Bumiputera units eri Austin organised a Bumiputera Sales Campaign cum mass signing event to mark the successfully sold out Camellia Residence.

The Bumiputra sales campaign was held in response to the National House Ownership Campaign (HOC) launched by the government earlier this year to boost the number of property ownership in the country.

The mass signing for Camellia Residence which was launched in February 2019 and was declared sold out within 2-months, witnessed the signing of the Sales and Purchase Agreement of the residences which is expected to be completed in 2022.

“This is our effort to make owning a home more

affordable especially for young couples. With the good response received for Camellia Residence, it is proven that the demand for houses is still there, but the issue is in terms of affordability,” said KK Wong, Group Director of UMLand Townships cum CEO of Seri Austin.

Wong added that the current slowdown faced in the market is a good opportunity for buyers to own a property, either to stay or for investment purposes.

“This is the best time to pick up the best bargains as property is a long-term investment and the market will eventually recover,” said KK Wong.

Special incentives will be given to Bumiputera buyers during the campaign period.

The event had a

KK Wong, Group Director of UMLand Townships cum CEO of Seri Austin addressing the crowd at the Bumiputera Sales Campaign cum mass signing event

host of activities from free health screening, cultural performances, talks by banks and Johor Housing Secretariat.

- by Edey Suresh TI

Bumiputera Sales Campaign at Bandar Seri Alam

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n conjunction with the Raya festivity, UMLand Seri Alam organised a Hari Raya celebration as well as a Bumiputera Sales Campaign.

The campaign is mainly aimed to encourage the purchase of unsold Bumiputera units. The developer, Seri Alam Properties has offered special incentives in the hope to reduce the number of overhang Bumiputera units.

“UMLand Seri Alam would like to take this opportunity to bring some “Raya” joy to everyone.

Through this Bumiputera Sales Campaign we would like to present a gift to make the occasion more joyful and to show our gratitude for the continuous support that we have received thus far,” said KK Wong, Group Director of Townships, UMLand during the opening of the event.

Plenty of attractive packages and prizes were offered by the developer throughout the campaign and 100% loan for qualified buyers.

Cash prizes and a luxury apar tment are also available for grabs.

Pa r t of the celebrations also included a sharing session by a panel of experts such as solicitors, bankers as well as representatives from the state housing

department to share their knowledge and key information in various field for future buyers.

Under the Bumiputera Sales Campaign, two developments are available for purchase.

Firstly, the Imperial Jade Residenz - a three-storey terrace (20 x 65 with built-up space of 1,645 sqf ) which is ready for occupancy with a selling price from RM493,900

and Citrine Residenz, a two-storey terrace (20 x 65 with built-up space of 1,726 sqf ) is also up for purchase which is expected to be ready in September 2019 with a selling price from RM460,800.

Two other prestigious developments being developed by UMLand Seri Alam are the Topaz Residenz and Jasper Residenz. - by KK Wong with the panel of speakers Harish Mustak TI

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Toppen Taking Tebrau to the Top in November 2019

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Toppen Shopping Centre to bring business and career opportunities as well as adding vibrancy to the economy in the region

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rojected to attract around 15 million visitors in the year 2020, To p p e n Shopping Centre aims to bring business and career opportunities as well as adding vibrancy to the economy, as part of the investments of IKEA Southeast Asia in the region.

Toppen direc tly translated means the peak or the top. In this case, a great place to be – on top on the world. The shopping centre will present the local community with new experiences and environment to share with their families and friends whenever they step foot inside the centre.

Together with IKEA Tebrau, Toppen, with its rooftop community hub, The Topp, is also set to attract patrons to enjoy a myriad of fresh retail, dining, e-sports and entertainment – a complete “retailtainment” offer for the people in the South.

The Topp is a unique rooftop concept that is the first-pf-its-kind in Malaysia.

It feature four distinct zone tailored for shoppers from all walks of life. These interactive outdoor spaces will be complemented by over 30 F&B specialties and alfresco outlets, a rooftop garen, multipurpose coursts, skate parks, a spacious event piazza, kids’ playground, a

cinema, e-sports arena and even a water play area.

Christian Olofsson, Shopping Centre & Mixed Use of IKEA Southeast Asia said, “With the community at the very heart of our strategy, we are confident that Toppen together with IKEA Tebrau will be a new retail landmark in downsouth Malaysia, a true meeting place where customers and businesses alike can flourish and grow.”

Among the new-toJohor brands that will be icing on top of the Toppen cake are Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G), The Pantheon, who will be setting up their second eSports arena in Malaysia, 9 to 9, a first-inMalaysia flagship online-

Green Hub for the Community of Tanjung Adang Forest City

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he villagers and the community in the surrounding areas of the Forest City township can now take a recreational relaxing stroll at the Tanjung Adang Forest City Park located near the community surau.

This 0.81 hectare park was beautifully landscaped to cater to the residents of the nearby villages, as well as tourists who may want to stop for a rest after a long drive in heading to the

Group photo of the VIPs

popular seafood restaurant located in Kampung Pendas here.

Witnessed by Johor Housing, Communication and Multimedia Committee Chairman, Sr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, who is also the assemblyman for Kota Iskandar, the plaque signing marked the hand over of the recreational park to the community.

“The handing over of the park bears testimony to CGPV’s commitment in creating values for Johoreans and supporting the needs of the community. This is also in line with the National Community Policy initiative under the Housing and Local Government Ministry,” said Country Garden

to-offline (O2O) by Hush Puppies, and Concept Haus, a streetwear and athleisure retailer.

W e l l - k n o w n favourites such as TGV Cinemas, Harvey Norman, Sports Direct, Burger King, Seven Oaks and Marrybrown will be joining the roster as well to fill up the 1.1 million square feet, four-level shopping and lifestyle centre.

“We’re committed to creating market relevant shopping experiences that fit our consumers’ lifestyles,” said Arnoud Bakker, Head of Leasing, Southeast Asia of Ikano Centres, part of IKEA Southeast Asia.

IKEA Southeast Asia has over 15 years of

Christian Olofsson, Shopping Centre & Mixed Use of IKEA Southeast Asia answering questions from the media

experience in developing, owning, and running successful IKEA stores and shopping centres in the region such as IPC Shopping Centre and MyTOWN Shopping Centre in Malaysia and Megabangna in Bangkok, Thailand. The success of these three projects has attracted

a strong roster of new retail brands and long-term partnerships. With a strong record of accomplishments and global experience, IKEA Southeast Asia is confident that Toppen Shopping Centre will be the meeting place and hub of the community. - by Harish Mustak TI

WCT and Hyatt to Welcome Johoreans at A Different Place

Malaysia and Forest City Director of Strategy, Ng Zhu Hann who also represented Country Garden Pacific View (CGPV) Sdn Bhd. Dzulkefly had repor tedly called on developers to take on more community driven projects as this would have a positive impact on the locals.

A total of RM200,000 was invested in the construction and beautification of the area which resulted in a lush green park. Work began in April this year and included the renovation of the existing surau.

CGPV planted trees and installed benches, two gazebos and a jogging track to complement the existing community hub and surau. by Harish Mustak TI

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yatt Hotels Corporation has announced on their affiliation’s entering a management agreement with WCT Holdings Berhad (WCT) to develop Hyatt hotel namely Hyatt Place in Johor Bahru.

The Hyatt Place brand is founded on extensive consumer insights as guests seek stylish, comfortable and seamless experiences that accommodate their lifestyles and routines. The brand offers casual hospitality and purposeful service in a contemporary environment.

“We are delighted to work with Hyatt as well as to embrace and integrate the Hyatt Place brand’s unique approach to hospitality with our retail mall and residential components. We are confident given the prospects and business vibrancy of Johor Bahru that this new hotel will be well received by the local Johoreans, as well as business and leisure travellers from various parts of Malaysia and Singapore,” said Dato’ Lee Tuck Fook, Group Managing Director of WCT Holdings Berhad.

“We are thrilled to see the growing interest in this versatile select-service brand

among owners and developers in Malaysia as we continue to grow our distribution in the region and provide more diverse experiences for our guests,” said Patrick Finn, Hyatt’s Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Development, Asia Pacific.

Hyatt Place Johor Bahru, will feature 200 guestrooms, a cafe, swimming pool, fitness centre, as well as more than 2,400 square feet of meeting space. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

Signing ceremony between Hyatt Hotels and Resort’s Patrick Finn, and WCT’s Dato’ Lee Tuck Fook witnessed by Dato’ Willi Martin and Goh Chin Liong

“Balik Kampung” to Your Dream Home with Tropicana Danga Cove

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Interested visitors looking through the Ayera Residences 2-Storey Park Homes Phase II B

r o p i c a n a Danga Cove had organised a double celebratory event with the official launch of the Final Phase of Ayera Residences and Raya celebrations at its Tropicana Danga Cove Property Gallery in Kota Puteri.

Ayera Residences’ 2-Storey Park Homes Phase II B was already 60% sold at the launch. Russel Lim, Deputy General

Manager of Sales and Marketing of Tropicana Danga Cove said, “We are foreseeing the units of the phase to be sold out soon as our 99% local customers are mostly interested in a guarded neighbourhood with plenty of greenery and most importantly, located near the border”.

Sitting in between Flagships A and D of Iskandar Malaysia, Ayera Residences is well-linked

to everywhere in Johor.

10 minutes’ drive away and you get to Johor Bahru city centre using the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) and JB East Coast Highway, while you could get to the other parts of Johor Bahru through the nearby Pasir Gudang highway.

The special launch price for Phase II B starts from RM602,000 onwards, with further rebates available in limited time

only.

Ayera Residences first phase was launched in July 2018 and the second phase II A was launched earlier this year in February, for non-Bumi.

Both were already sold out with the first phase taken up during its first week of launch.

Tropicana also organised a special Raya package for their remaining limited units and made it available

only on that day. It had attracted a sizable crowd to check on the promotions, while their family could join in the fun with a lot of activities and instagrammable props erected at their sales gallery hall.

For further queries, contact Tropicana Danga Cove Property Gallery hotline at +07 382 3355 or visit their website at www. tropicanadangacove.com. my . - by Norfy Shafeq TI

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@home World Class Award-Winning MBJB Topping Off Ceremony Industrial Park at One Bukit Senyum

Director of AME Development receiving the award from Assen Makedonov FIABCI World President 2018-19

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-Park@Indahpura by AME Development Sdn Bhd had recently won the prestigious FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Award 2019-World Silver under the Industrial Category. The FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence is an international property award that recognises projects that best embodies excellence in all aspects of the real estate disciplines. Organised by the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), it illustrates concretely the FIABCI ideal of “providing the society with optional solution to its property needs”.

“Winning this prestigious award is definitely a great form of recognition on the contributions and efforts put in by our AME & i-Park team members as well as the support from our customers,” said Simon Lee, Director of AME Development Sdn Bhd. Touted as a holistically managed industrial park in Iskandar Malaysia, i-Park stands out with its 24-hour security within a fenced compound, world-class infrastructure, industry-leading facilities and lush landscaping that surrounds the compound for the convenience and security of investors, without compromising the health and leisure activities of the workforce living within the development.

“At the core of i-Park@Indahpura is a strong belief that industrialisation can be ecofriendly without sacrificing the environmental sustainability,” said AME Development Managing Director Kelvin Lee.

Since the launch of i-Park, i-Park has been the talk-of-the-town for being an industrial park that has managed to change the perception of industrial developments, being a green industrial park like no other.

The development of i-Park also speeds up the development of Iskandar Malaysia where phase 1 & 2 has been fully sold or leased out. Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) make up over 86% of the occupants at i-Park@Indahpura, making it the most soughtafter, sustainable and conducive workplace for locals as well as foreign expertise and international workers.

AME Development doesn’t just stop there as it makes its mark under Flagship E of Iskandar Malaysia region with i-Park@Senai Airport City.

Built on an idea that fuses a resortlike concept with an industrial park, AME Development’s latest i-Park’s development is the i-Park@Senai Airport City located at Flagship E of Iskandar Malaysia. This world class industrial development spans over approximately 189 acres of freehold land. It is uniquely orchestrated with the benefits of a clean and green atmosphere complemented with facilities such as the clubhouse, gymnasium, swimming pool, health studio, outdoor sport courts, jogging track, cycling lanes and versatile offices. - by Priya Manikam TI

State of the art building will be the new home of MBJB

Clean and green i-Park@Indahpura with 24-hour security and world-class infrastructure

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ohor Bahru Cit y Council (MBJB) held a topping off ceremony to signify the end of the building process of its new building. The event was officiated by Menteri Besar Johor Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal and Johor Bahru Mayor Haji Amran A Rahman.

The building, located at One Bukit Senyum, will be MBJB’s main headquarters replacing the current main office at Jalan Dato’ Onn. However, the current office will continue to operate as usual for certain departments. Handover of the building will be done

by January 2020 and the gradual move will begin by February 2020.

At fifteen-storey high with 7 level basements,

MB Johor and JB Mayor officiating the topping off ceremony

the state-of-the-art new building hopes to address patrons’ concerns on parking and respond to staffs’ conducive working environment requests. An auditorium and a ballroom that can host 1000 people also occupy a spot at

Exterior of the state-of-the-art building, currently at 71% completion

the new office. For the convenience of staff with children, a childcare facility is also built at the basement of the building.

The building design was inspired by the same architect firm that designed the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It has received the Green Building Index recognition as an environmentally-friendly building, designed with electric-saving features.

In a press conference, Mayor Hj Amran recognises that it is the older generation who frequents physical counters/booths to pay. He acknowledged the younger generation prefers to pay over the internet, and are looking into improving their online services. - by Salamahafifi TI

Wise Usage of Credit - Part 1

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sing your credit card wisely may be one of the most important steps you can take towards keeping your financial health in check. A credit card is like a kitchen knife. It has many benefits, but if used wrongly, you can cut yourself!

issuer. When you use the card, the credit card issuer will first pay the merchant on your behalf and bill you later. Generally, you are given between 20 to 50 days interest free period from the date of your purchases to settle the outstanding amount.

What is a credit card?

A credit card is an electronic payment tool which allows you to purchase products and services without the exchange of cash.

How does it work?

The credit card issued to you will come with a line of credit called a credit limit, which is predetermined by the card

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Benefits of a credit card A credit card can be useful payment if you know how to use it wisely. Some of the benefits of a credit are as follows: • It is a convenient mode of

cashless payment Enables purchase of products and services online including airlines ticket The statements will assists you to track you spending for budgeting purpose Some credit cards provide free personal accident and travel insurance coverage Attractive schemes, such as zero-interest instalment plan, flexi-payment scheme and balance transfer Earn loyalty points to enable you to redeem goods and or services

What to look out for in a credit card Before using your credit card, you should understand some of the terms and conditions outlined below.

Credit limit This is the maximum amount

of credit that you can charge to your credit card. Once you hit the limit, you will not be able to use your credit card unless you pay off some of the outstanding balance.

Generally, the credit card limit given is 2 to 3 times of your monthly income. If you use your credit card up to this limit, you are effectively spending at least 2 to 3 months of your income in advance.

Interest free period You will enjoy an interest free period on the purchase made through your credit card if you do not have unpaid payments due from the previous billing cycle.

This interest free period is usually 20 to 50 days from the posting date of the transaction.

If you make partial or minimum payment of the amount due, you will be charged interest for all purchases made from the day the transactions are posted

Gunasegaran Munusamy Head AKPK Johor Bahru Bangunan Bank Negara Malaysia Jalan Bukit Timbalan, Johor Bahru Johor

to your account.

This means that if you do not make the full payment on your credit card bill for a particular month and carry forward the balance to the following month, the interest free period would not be applicable. Interest charges would be imposed on your next transactions and compounded on a daily basis until you settle your outstanding balance in full. TI

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