Opening door to a historic past
THOSE interested in Dr Sun Yat Sen’s legacy should not miss the chance to visit an exhibition at the ground floor of Kongsoon House on Beach Street in Penang.
Titled ‘Sun Yat Sen’s Penang Conference: A Centennial Celebration’, the exhibition is being held on weekdays from 8.30am to 7pm until May 30. Admission is free.
Organised by the Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) and supported by Penang Min Sin Seah and Sun Yat Sen Penang Base, the exhibition is sponsored by OCBC Bank Malaysia Berhad which owns the premises.
When it opened in 1914, the three-storey Kongsoon House was said to be the “best fitted and most imposing” business premises in Penang.
PHT president Khoo Salma Nasution said it was the premises of Goh Taik Chee & Co which was reputedly the first Chinese company to import goods directly from England and Europe. The company was a wholesale store, a ship chandler, and supplier of mining, engineering and industrial machinery.
Khoo said Goh, who was a business and community leader of his time, was a follower of Dr Sun. Goh was also a public official and a Justice of Peace. He died in 1919 at the age of 57.
“A philanthropist, he was the first Chinese in Penang to be awarded the Order of the British Empire for donating and distributing rice in response to the food shortage during the First World War.
“He was also a founder of two Chinese schools and president of the Penang Chinese Anti-Opium Society,” Khoo said in her speech during the opening of the exhibition yesterday.
The exhibition is a continuation of the International Centennial Celebrations of Sun Yat Sen’s 1910 Penang Conference which began in July last year with the premier of Road to Dawn at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei and the 22nd Joint Conference of the Sun Yat Sen and Soong Ching Ling Memorials.
“This exhibition is part of a larger exhibition titled ‘Sun Yat Sen and Soong Ching Ling: Their Life and Legacy’ which was organised by Min Sin Seah and PHT under the auspices of the Penang State Museum from November 2010 to February this year.
“It is also held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Huanghuagang Uprising (April 27, 1911) which was planned during the ‘Penang Conference of 1910’,” Khoo said.
The exhibition was launched by OCBC director Tan Siok Choo.
“The Kongsoon House building is an OCBC Bank property and we are delighted to offer its use to the PHT in support of this commendable effort.
“We hope the public will find the venue an experience in itself while they attend the exhibition to learn more about his significant historical journey in Malaysia,” Tan said.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Friday, 6 May 2011
Tiered system for Penang Hill railway fares
Tiered system for Penang Hill railway fares questioned
THE Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) came under friendly fire again at the state assembly as a backbencher urged a restructuring of the new funicular railway fares.
R.S.N. Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) said the dual rate system, in which foreigners are charged RM30 and locals RM8 for a return trip, could leave a negative impression on foreign tourists.
“When we get on the London Bus Tour, everyone pays the same rates. As a Pakatan Rakyat assemblyman, I am worried that this issue will be politicised,” Rayer said.
State Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said the rates were decided by PHC.
He said other countries also charged different rates for citizens and foreigners at tourist attractions.
“If there is a lot of opposition to the different charges, we can re-study the rates but as of now, there are not many complaints,” he said.
On Wednesday, Ng Wei Aik (DAP-Komtar) had taken PHC to task for not living up its objective of improving Penang Hill.
He had chided the corporation for appointing unqualified personnel to managerial positions, not reallocating trading lots to the hill’s long-time traders and failing to cope with the large crowd who flocked to try out the upgraded train service on Sunday.
The new funicular train service reopened on April 25 following a 14-month halt in the service for a RM73mil Tourism Ministry upgrading project.
～News courtesy of The Star～
THE Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) came under friendly fire again at the state assembly as a backbencher urged a restructuring of the new funicular railway fares.
R.S.N. Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) said the dual rate system, in which foreigners are charged RM30 and locals RM8 for a return trip, could leave a negative impression on foreign tourists.
“When we get on the London Bus Tour, everyone pays the same rates. As a Pakatan Rakyat assemblyman, I am worried that this issue will be politicised,” Rayer said.
State Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said the rates were decided by PHC.
He said other countries also charged different rates for citizens and foreigners at tourist attractions.
“If there is a lot of opposition to the different charges, we can re-study the rates but as of now, there are not many complaints,” he said.
On Wednesday, Ng Wei Aik (DAP-Komtar) had taken PHC to task for not living up its objective of improving Penang Hill.
He had chided the corporation for appointing unqualified personnel to managerial positions, not reallocating trading lots to the hill’s long-time traders and failing to cope with the large crowd who flocked to try out the upgraded train service on Sunday.
The new funicular train service reopened on April 25 following a 14-month halt in the service for a RM73mil Tourism Ministry upgrading project.
～News courtesy of The Star～
A buffet where everything is nice
A buffet where everything is nice
FEASTING takes on a whole new meaning at the Spice Market Cafe’s Sunday Brunch, where the food is so delicious and plentiful, one is inclined to eat like there’s no tomorrow.
A veritable glutton’s paradise, the popular buffet at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa’s signature ‘theatre kitchen’ restaurant boasts a cosmopolitan spread of cuisines from all corners of the world.
Fresh from the sea: Spice Market Cafe cook Heng Eng Seong preparing the Seafood on Ice station
Playing backdrop is the Spice Market Cafe’s modern, air-conditioned dining area, whose hardwood finishes exude a classy ambience in tune with the resort’s stature.
For a feel of the tropics, opt for the alfresco area, surrounded by centuries old rain trees and lush green shrubs, with the calming sounds of flowing water echoing in the background.
The appetiser station, abound with many varieties of cold cuts, smoked meats, cheese and salads, is a great place to start off. Those with a tinge of craftiness could also toss up their own bowl of greens.
But the Seafood on Ice section is where the crowds normally gravitate. Here, there are mussels, oysters, yabbies and prawns — all so fresh you could almost smell the ocean — ready to be devoured.
At the buffet, chefs also take centre stage, preparing dishes ala minute before the diners’ very eyes.
From freshly rolled sushi to aromatic meats fresh out of the Tandoor oven and hand-pulled la mian (noodles) in varying flavours, it’s quite a delight to watch the culinary artisans handcrafting your meals.
Over at the carvery, expect to find items like Beef Wellington or Roast Chicken, sliced up to your request.
If that’s not enough, there are a host of equally delicious offerings awaiting inside chafing dishes. From Oysters Bienville to Chicken Souvlaki Skewers and Deep Fried Chicken Wings with Local Spices, it’s an all-encompassing line up.
With so much on offer, one could indulge to the point of not having any room for dinner. But pace yourselves, as the indulgent treats found at the Dessert Island should not be missed.
There’s a sinfully amazing selection of western and local sweets, cakes, puddings, pastries, candy floss and ice cream, that melts your resolve. If that doesn’t tempt you, then the ever-popular chocolate fountain probably would.
The buffet spread, changed weekly, also includes free flow of freshly squeezed fruit juices. Do keep a look out for the resident clown as well, who’ll conjure up cute balloon animals and objects for you to take home as souvenirs.
Kids are given special consideration too, with a Children’s Corner dishing up treats the youngsters love — burgers, hot dogs, nuggets and chips, just to name a few.
What’s more, there’s currently a lucky draw where one lucky winner would walk away with the weekly prize of another Sunday Brunch for two.
All weekly winners would also be in the running for the monthly grand prize — a two-nights’ stay in a Premier Room at the resort’s exclusive Rasa Wing, with daily breakfast, afternoon tea, canapes and sparkling wines.
The buffet, priced at RM80++ for adults and RM40++ for kids, is available every Sunday from 11.45am to 3pm. For reservations, call 04-8888888.
~News courtesy of The Star~
FEASTING takes on a whole new meaning at the Spice Market Cafe’s Sunday Brunch, where the food is so delicious and plentiful, one is inclined to eat like there’s no tomorrow.
A veritable glutton’s paradise, the popular buffet at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa’s signature ‘theatre kitchen’ restaurant boasts a cosmopolitan spread of cuisines from all corners of the world.
Fresh from the sea: Spice Market Cafe cook Heng Eng Seong preparing the Seafood on Ice station
Playing backdrop is the Spice Market Cafe’s modern, air-conditioned dining area, whose hardwood finishes exude a classy ambience in tune with the resort’s stature.
For a feel of the tropics, opt for the alfresco area, surrounded by centuries old rain trees and lush green shrubs, with the calming sounds of flowing water echoing in the background.
The appetiser station, abound with many varieties of cold cuts, smoked meats, cheese and salads, is a great place to start off. Those with a tinge of craftiness could also toss up their own bowl of greens.
But the Seafood on Ice section is where the crowds normally gravitate. Here, there are mussels, oysters, yabbies and prawns — all so fresh you could almost smell the ocean — ready to be devoured.
At the buffet, chefs also take centre stage, preparing dishes ala minute before the diners’ very eyes.
From freshly rolled sushi to aromatic meats fresh out of the Tandoor oven and hand-pulled la mian (noodles) in varying flavours, it’s quite a delight to watch the culinary artisans handcrafting your meals.
Over at the carvery, expect to find items like Beef Wellington or Roast Chicken, sliced up to your request.
If that’s not enough, there are a host of equally delicious offerings awaiting inside chafing dishes. From Oysters Bienville to Chicken Souvlaki Skewers and Deep Fried Chicken Wings with Local Spices, it’s an all-encompassing line up.
With so much on offer, one could indulge to the point of not having any room for dinner. But pace yourselves, as the indulgent treats found at the Dessert Island should not be missed.
There’s a sinfully amazing selection of western and local sweets, cakes, puddings, pastries, candy floss and ice cream, that melts your resolve. If that doesn’t tempt you, then the ever-popular chocolate fountain probably would.
The buffet spread, changed weekly, also includes free flow of freshly squeezed fruit juices. Do keep a look out for the resident clown as well, who’ll conjure up cute balloon animals and objects for you to take home as souvenirs.
Kids are given special consideration too, with a Children’s Corner dishing up treats the youngsters love — burgers, hot dogs, nuggets and chips, just to name a few.
What’s more, there’s currently a lucky draw where one lucky winner would walk away with the weekly prize of another Sunday Brunch for two.
All weekly winners would also be in the running for the monthly grand prize — a two-nights’ stay in a Premier Room at the resort’s exclusive Rasa Wing, with daily breakfast, afternoon tea, canapes and sparkling wines.
The buffet, priced at RM80++ for adults and RM40++ for kids, is available every Sunday from 11.45am to 3pm. For reservations, call 04-8888888.
~News courtesy of The Star~
New pagoda attraction
New pagoda attraction
OVER a thousand devotees and monks from around the world are expected to gather at the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple in Penang on May 15 to celebrate the grand opening of the RM3mil Golden Pagoda Bell Tower.
Completed last month, the 33m-high four-storey tower occupies a built-up area of 697sq m in the grounds of the temple — one of the state’s tourism landmarks — on Burma Lane.
Organising chairman Datuk Tan Gim Soon said the bell tower was the brainchild of temple chief monk, U Pannya Vamsa.
Fine workmanship: (from left) Tan, U Pannya Vamsa and temple trustee Yeap Theam Kwee looking at a marble mural in the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower
He said the chief monk had a vision three years ago to bring in replicas of Buddhist shrines from other countries and feature them all under one roof.
“It would encourage people to come and view the marble murals, which are sculptured and the authentic replicas of ancient Buddha shrines from 22 countries including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tibet, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mongolia and Malaysia,” he told a press conference on Wednesday.
Temple management committee president K.B. Teoh said the first three floors of the building housed Buddhist artifacts, relics, ornaments and Buddha images.
“The top floor will house the dome, pagoda and temple bell.
“The structure of the building was done by a group of craftsmen from Myanmar while the statues in it were also brought in from Myanmar,” he added.
The opening ceremony, which begins at 9am, will include a procession around the temple, guided tours and a multi-cultural stage show.
~News courtesy of The Star~
OVER a thousand devotees and monks from around the world are expected to gather at the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple in Penang on May 15 to celebrate the grand opening of the RM3mil Golden Pagoda Bell Tower.
Completed last month, the 33m-high four-storey tower occupies a built-up area of 697sq m in the grounds of the temple — one of the state’s tourism landmarks — on Burma Lane.
Organising chairman Datuk Tan Gim Soon said the bell tower was the brainchild of temple chief monk, U Pannya Vamsa.
Fine workmanship: (from left) Tan, U Pannya Vamsa and temple trustee Yeap Theam Kwee looking at a marble mural in the Golden Pagoda Bell TowerHe said the chief monk had a vision three years ago to bring in replicas of Buddhist shrines from other countries and feature them all under one roof.
“It would encourage people to come and view the marble murals, which are sculptured and the authentic replicas of ancient Buddha shrines from 22 countries including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tibet, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mongolia and Malaysia,” he told a press conference on Wednesday.
Temple management committee president K.B. Teoh said the first three floors of the building housed Buddhist artifacts, relics, ornaments and Buddha images.
“The top floor will house the dome, pagoda and temple bell.
“The structure of the building was done by a group of craftsmen from Myanmar while the statues in it were also brought in from Myanmar,” he added.
The opening ceremony, which begins at 9am, will include a procession around the temple, guided tours and a multi-cultural stage show.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Security tightens after Osama's death
Malaysia tightens security after Osama's death
KUALA LUMPUR: One day after the US announced that the death of its most wanted man, several governments around the world tightened security against possible retaliation from terror networks linked to Al Qaeda. Malaysia has also heightened security in key areas.
Speaking after meeting the visiting Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, Malaysia's Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said a special counter terrorism taskforce is working closely with regional and international intelligence agencies to stay on top of the situation.
Mr Hishamuddin said: "Right now we have not seen any movement that will concern us...I can give assurance as of today there's no concern. Malaysia was never a target at the moment. I believe they have no plan making Malaysia a target."
Malaysia recently set up a joint working committee with India to combat terrorism, arms smuggling, as well as human and drug trafficking. It is also actively sharing information with the US, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia and China on cross border terror links.
The minister denied that Malaysia is seen as a breeding ground for regional terror networks.
He said: "It was never been seen as breeding ground. There's no room for them to breed, to train terrorism. But the world is porous now. Anywhere they exist, they move, they are mobile, they do end up on our shores and some stayed on."
Still the Malaysian authorities are not taking chances. The police have stepped up security measures at strategic locations in and around the capital, in particular the embassy enclave in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is also putting in place a better mechanism to screen foreigners at entry checkpoints. This after reports that terror suspects were infiltrating Malaysian schools and institutions of higher learning to recruit students.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
KUALA LUMPUR: One day after the US announced that the death of its most wanted man, several governments around the world tightened security against possible retaliation from terror networks linked to Al Qaeda. Malaysia has also heightened security in key areas.
Speaking after meeting the visiting Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, Malaysia's Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said a special counter terrorism taskforce is working closely with regional and international intelligence agencies to stay on top of the situation.
Mr Hishamuddin said: "Right now we have not seen any movement that will concern us...I can give assurance as of today there's no concern. Malaysia was never a target at the moment. I believe they have no plan making Malaysia a target."
Malaysia recently set up a joint working committee with India to combat terrorism, arms smuggling, as well as human and drug trafficking. It is also actively sharing information with the US, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia and China on cross border terror links.
The minister denied that Malaysia is seen as a breeding ground for regional terror networks.
He said: "It was never been seen as breeding ground. There's no room for them to breed, to train terrorism. But the world is porous now. Anywhere they exist, they move, they are mobile, they do end up on our shores and some stayed on."
Still the Malaysian authorities are not taking chances. The police have stepped up security measures at strategic locations in and around the capital, in particular the embassy enclave in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is also putting in place a better mechanism to screen foreigners at entry checkpoints. This after reports that terror suspects were infiltrating Malaysian schools and institutions of higher learning to recruit students.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Monday, 2 May 2011
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