Dr Sun honoured
THREE-DIMENSIONAL snapshots of Dr Sun Yat Sen’s life have come alive on the walls of the newly completed Penang Sun Yat Sen Centre ahead of its launch this Sunday.
The centre, a project by the Penang Philomathic Union, contains 29 intricate miniature exhibits of the political figure’s fight against China’s imperialist system.
From events dating back to 1840 to Dr Sun’s rise as the Republic of China’s provisional president in December 1911, the centre’s three halls chronicle the struggle and success of the revolutionary movement that brought about the downfall of the Chinese dynasty system.
Union chairman Datuk Chuang Keng Kung said the memorial exhibition centre, located within the Penang Philomathic Union’s building on 65, Macalister Road, was the result of seven years of work.
“We wanted our exhibition hall to be different from others, so we came up with the idea of miniatures to tell Dr Sun’s story.
“We felt this cartoon-like method was not too ‘serious’ and would appeal to all people, especially youngsters, who we hope will get interested in this part of history,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Chuang said the exhibition hall was divided into three parts — Halls A, B and C.
Hall A depicts scenes from the Qing Dynasty (the last dynasty before the fall of imperialism in China) and its weaknesses. It also chronicles the 11 uprisings organised by Dr Sun and his supporters.
Hall B, which also serves as the entrance hall to the centre, displays the 100-year history of the Penang Philomathic Union Society, which was founded by Dr Sun on 19 Dec, 1908 at 94, Datuk Keramat Road as the political wing of Dr Sun’s revolutionary work in South East Asia.
Gesturing to a massive wall panel depicting 16 historical sites in Penang that Dr Sun either visited or stayed in, Chuang said Hall B also displayed the histories of Chung Ling High School, Chinese Girls’ High School (now known as Penang Chinese Girls High School) and Chinese vernacular newspaper Kwong Wah Jit Poh, institutions of which the Penang Philomathic Union played pivotal roles in establishing.
“Hall C has miniatures and photos of Dr Sun’s journeys to Singapore, Malacca, Ipoh, Hong Kong, Japan and London, where he was kidnapped by Chinese officials in 1896,” Chuang said.
He said the Penang Philomathic Union had spent a total of RM300,000 on the miniatures and renovation works.
“All the money came from well-wishers and the union’s members and committee.
“This launching comes very near the centennial celebrations of the historic Penang Conference (in 1910 when Dr Sun planted the seeds of the Guangzhou Uprising).
“We understand that many celebrations are ongoing in Penang to celebrate the anniversary of this historic event, so we are happy to add to this atmosphere with the launch of our memorial exhibition,” he added.
The exhibition, which is set to be a permanent feature, will be launched at 9am by former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
After the launching ceremony, the exhibition will be open to the public from Monday to Saturday and between 9am and 6pm.
Entry fees are RM5 while children will enjoy a discounted rate. For details on the exhibition, call the Penang Philomathic Union at 04-2285119.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Untouched paradise famed for seafood
Untouched paradise famed for seafood
PRISTINE blue waters dotted with old rickety fishing boats welcome city slickers to Teluk Kumbar - a small fishing village on the southern part of Penang island.
Teluk Kumbar is just one of the many fishing villages stretching from Batu Maung to Gertak Sanggul but there's a unique charm about the place that sets it apart from its rustic neighbours.
Deriving its name from the palmetto "Kumbar Tree" (which used to grow in abundance in the virgin jungles surrounding the bay), Teluk Kumbar's reputation as the island's seafood treasure trove remains strong till today.
Fresh supply: The prawns are sourced from the local fishing community of Teluk Kumbar.
In the 1970s, rice fields lined the fertile bay area soil but since then, it's the seafood eateries that have gained prominence though the slow-paced rural life there remains unchanged.
One of Penang's best-kept secrets is however leaking out. These days, Teluk Kumbar attracts visitors from as far as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore with the lure of its fresh and relatively cheap seafood.
Hauled in by the local fisherfolk, the prized catch is snapped up by local seaside eateries early in the morning – only what's left is then sold to the middlemen.
Laughing kids running around barefoot as the fishermen unload their catch at various times of the day are a common sight.
While the place is famed for its Mee Udang, Teluk Kumbar is also home to some top- notch Chinese seafood outlets, the more popular being Good Friend Seafood and Hai Boey.
At the outlets facing the sea, the view of setting sun is unrivalled anywhere on the island.
In the evenings, when the sky turns a brilliant shade of crimson orange, these family-run businesses are usually packed with locals from all over the state.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
PRISTINE blue waters dotted with old rickety fishing boats welcome city slickers to Teluk Kumbar - a small fishing village on the southern part of Penang island.
Teluk Kumbar is just one of the many fishing villages stretching from Batu Maung to Gertak Sanggul but there's a unique charm about the place that sets it apart from its rustic neighbours.
Deriving its name from the palmetto "Kumbar Tree" (which used to grow in abundance in the virgin jungles surrounding the bay), Teluk Kumbar's reputation as the island's seafood treasure trove remains strong till today.
Fresh supply: The prawns are sourced from the local fishing community of Teluk Kumbar.
In the 1970s, rice fields lined the fertile bay area soil but since then, it's the seafood eateries that have gained prominence though the slow-paced rural life there remains unchanged.
One of Penang's best-kept secrets is however leaking out. These days, Teluk Kumbar attracts visitors from as far as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore with the lure of its fresh and relatively cheap seafood.
Hauled in by the local fisherfolk, the prized catch is snapped up by local seaside eateries early in the morning – only what's left is then sold to the middlemen.
Laughing kids running around barefoot as the fishermen unload their catch at various times of the day are a common sight.
While the place is famed for its Mee Udang, Teluk Kumbar is also home to some top- notch Chinese seafood outlets, the more popular being Good Friend Seafood and Hai Boey.
At the outlets facing the sea, the view of setting sun is unrivalled anywhere on the island.
In the evenings, when the sky turns a brilliant shade of crimson orange, these family-run businesses are usually packed with locals from all over the state.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Divine duck soup
Divine duck soup
The lure of 7th Street's Koay Teow Soup is simply too strong to resist.
AT Cecil Street, aka Chit Tiao Lor (7th Street) in old George Town, there is an old wet market which buzzes with customers all day long.
Situated alongside it is a hawker complex serving up Penang favourites like Char Kuey Teow, Mee Goreng, Eu Char Kueh, all kinds of other kueh and other delights. Among the most well-known stalls here is the one which serves Duck Kuey Teow Soup.
Leong Wai Chun and her husband, Lau toil away from 7.30am to 7pm, taking turns to dispense bowl after bowl of their version of this popular noodle soup. Their stall is often surrounded by patient customers awaiting their turn for a delicious slurp.
Hard at work: Lau Wei Loon helping out at his parents' stall in the Cecil Street hawker complex.
The secret, according to their son Wei Loon, 21, who has been helping there for the past few years, is in the duck soup – made from a recipe created by his grandfather who started the stall over 20 years ago.
"We don't stint on our ingredients," he insists, "and we can sometimes use up to 15 ducks a day."
The whole duck is boiled in the soup for its sweetness and later chopped into pieces which can be ordered as extras,
The drumstick, he adds, is the most popular part and can sell for RM3.50 each. The wings, feet and even the head are available, too, for those who wish to place extra orders.
Popular haunt: The small but busy hawker centre beside the Chit Tiao Lor Market in George Town.
Any remaining meat is shredded and served on top of the noodles, which can be yellow mee, bee tai bak or bee hoon, although it is generally eaten with their smooth, silky kuey teow, which Wei Loon claims, is specially made-to-order.
"We stipulate that no preservatives are used in our kuey teow."
Another traditional ingredient they offer is sliced coagulated duck's blood – a delicacy which is becoming less de rigueur nowadays, although it is still popular with the older generation.
"Ours is different, because it is softer and less tough," he says.
Served with some sliced fish cake, springy fish balls and a good handful of chopped green spring onions, the Duck Kuey Teow T'ng is an excellent way of dousing any hunger pangs, whether it is for breakfast, lunch or tea. Sliced chilli padi adds a certain zing to it.
For details, contact Wei Loon on 012-433 6680. They are closed on alternate Wednesdays.
-Info courtesy of the Star-
The lure of 7th Street's Koay Teow Soup is simply too strong to resist.
AT Cecil Street, aka Chit Tiao Lor (7th Street) in old George Town, there is an old wet market which buzzes with customers all day long.
Situated alongside it is a hawker complex serving up Penang favourites like Char Kuey Teow, Mee Goreng, Eu Char Kueh, all kinds of other kueh and other delights. Among the most well-known stalls here is the one which serves Duck Kuey Teow Soup.
Leong Wai Chun and her husband, Lau toil away from 7.30am to 7pm, taking turns to dispense bowl after bowl of their version of this popular noodle soup. Their stall is often surrounded by patient customers awaiting their turn for a delicious slurp.
Hard at work: Lau Wei Loon helping out at his parents' stall in the Cecil Street hawker complex.
The secret, according to their son Wei Loon, 21, who has been helping there for the past few years, is in the duck soup – made from a recipe created by his grandfather who started the stall over 20 years ago.
"We don't stint on our ingredients," he insists, "and we can sometimes use up to 15 ducks a day."
The whole duck is boiled in the soup for its sweetness and later chopped into pieces which can be ordered as extras,
The drumstick, he adds, is the most popular part and can sell for RM3.50 each. The wings, feet and even the head are available, too, for those who wish to place extra orders.
Popular haunt: The small but busy hawker centre beside the Chit Tiao Lor Market in George Town.
Any remaining meat is shredded and served on top of the noodles, which can be yellow mee, bee tai bak or bee hoon, although it is generally eaten with their smooth, silky kuey teow, which Wei Loon claims, is specially made-to-order.
"We stipulate that no preservatives are used in our kuey teow."
Another traditional ingredient they offer is sliced coagulated duck's blood – a delicacy which is becoming less de rigueur nowadays, although it is still popular with the older generation.
"Ours is different, because it is softer and less tough," he says.
Served with some sliced fish cake, springy fish balls and a good handful of chopped green spring onions, the Duck Kuey Teow T'ng is an excellent way of dousing any hunger pangs, whether it is for breakfast, lunch or tea. Sliced chilli padi adds a certain zing to it.
For details, contact Wei Loon on 012-433 6680. They are closed on alternate Wednesdays.
-Info courtesy of the Star-
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Malacca overtakes Penang as tourist destination
Malacca overtakes Penang as tourist destination
Malacca has overtaken Penang as tourism destination attracting some 8.9mil tourists throughout last year.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said in the same period Penang had only managed to draw 5.96mil tourists.
“The statistics speaks for itself. Tourists arrival in Penang has dropped from 6.3mil in 2008 according to the statistics from our research division.
“Penang has good accessibility and a lot of products. The state government must play important role in this,” she said after a soft launching of Penang Hill funicular train upgrading project at Penang Hill lower station in Air Itam Saturday.
She said with a total of 191 flights from 12 international airlines flying into the city weekly Penang has a good potential of becoming the country’s leading tourist destination.
The state, she said, should put more initiative to have more well-trained tourist guides, especially those who were well-informed about Penang heritage and history.
“These guides and restaurant employees should be able to tell the stories behind the heritage buildings. This way, we can give the tourists an added value to the services provided,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Malacca has overtaken Penang as tourism destination attracting some 8.9mil tourists throughout last year.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said in the same period Penang had only managed to draw 5.96mil tourists.
“The statistics speaks for itself. Tourists arrival in Penang has dropped from 6.3mil in 2008 according to the statistics from our research division.
“Penang has good accessibility and a lot of products. The state government must play important role in this,” she said after a soft launching of Penang Hill funicular train upgrading project at Penang Hill lower station in Air Itam Saturday.
She said with a total of 191 flights from 12 international airlines flying into the city weekly Penang has a good potential of becoming the country’s leading tourist destination.
The state, she said, should put more initiative to have more well-trained tourist guides, especially those who were well-informed about Penang heritage and history.
“These guides and restaurant employees should be able to tell the stories behind the heritage buildings. This way, we can give the tourists an added value to the services provided,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Rapid Penang king of the road
Rapid Penang king of the road
Three years after starting its service, Rapid Penang has knocked out its competition on Penang Island.
Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) traffic management senior engineer A. Rajendran said an observation made by the council showed that no other buses from other firms like Milan, Transit Link and KGN Link were seen picking up passengers at Weld Quay, the Komtar bus interchange and the Bukit Jambul bus stop.
He said although these bus companies were still operating, their buses were not seen plying the streets here.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow claimed the lease scheme and the attitude of drivers were the main reasons the other bus companies lost out.
“Under the lease scheme, bus companies rent out the buses to the drivers, allowing them to decide when to work, which route to ply and waiting until buses are full before they leave the bus stops,” he said.
He told a press conference yesterday that the scheme caused inefficiency and created a bad reputation for Penang’s public transportation.
“We want the best for the public in terms of safety, efficiency, affordability and cleanliness,” he said.
Plans are also in the pipeline to upgrade the infrastructure at the Komtar bus interchange.
Rajendran said heavy duty tiles would be used to pave all the lanes as they are more durable.
He said the waiting platforms would be closed up with air-conditioning.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Three years after starting its service, Rapid Penang has knocked out its competition on Penang Island.
Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) traffic management senior engineer A. Rajendran said an observation made by the council showed that no other buses from other firms like Milan, Transit Link and KGN Link were seen picking up passengers at Weld Quay, the Komtar bus interchange and the Bukit Jambul bus stop.
He said although these bus companies were still operating, their buses were not seen plying the streets here.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow claimed the lease scheme and the attitude of drivers were the main reasons the other bus companies lost out.
“Under the lease scheme, bus companies rent out the buses to the drivers, allowing them to decide when to work, which route to ply and waiting until buses are full before they leave the bus stops,” he said.
He told a press conference yesterday that the scheme caused inefficiency and created a bad reputation for Penang’s public transportation.
“We want the best for the public in terms of safety, efficiency, affordability and cleanliness,” he said.
Plans are also in the pipeline to upgrade the infrastructure at the Komtar bus interchange.
Rajendran said heavy duty tiles would be used to pave all the lanes as they are more durable.
He said the waiting platforms would be closed up with air-conditioning.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Escape Waterpark set to be done in two years
Escape Waterpark set to be done in two years
PENANGITES can have splashing fun near their ‘doorstep’ when the first phase of the RM120mil ‘world-class’ theme park in Teluk Bahang is completed in about two years.
The entire ‘Escape Theme Park Resort’ involving three phases would be completed in six years, said Sim Choo Kheng (pic), the managing director of Sim Leisure Consultants Sdn Bhd.
“The work on the first phase — Escape Waterpark – is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year and it is expected to be completed in 18 months,” he told reporters.
Earlier, the company signed the 60-year agreement to lease the 12.5ha land located downstream of the Teluk Bahang Dam with the Penang Water Supply Corpo-ration (PBA) Sdn Bhd.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who was present said the company would pay RM40mil to the PBA.
“This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the state’s tourism industry.
“The project will benefit the Penang Municipal Council which will receive assessment revenue,” he said.
Lim said it took nearly 18 months for the tender process to be completed in a transparent manner.
“The company was awarded the contract by the tender committee based on merit.
“Among others, it was picked because of its offer of superior lease rental payments, inno- vation design concept and its international track record in delivering similar projects throughout the world,” he said in his speech before the signing ceremony at a hotel in George Town yesterday.
Sim signed the agreement on behalf of the company while PBA was represented by its general manager Jaseni Maidinsa.
Sim Leisure was involved in the design and construction of the Universal Studios Theme Park in Singapore. It has also set up theme parks such as the Wahoo Waterpark in Bahrain, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and Desa Idaman and Hotspring Resort in Malay-sia.
Sim told reporters that the pro-ject would be undertaken in line with the state government’s ‘Cleaner, Greener Penang’ ini-tiate.
“Our company has designed over 50 parks around the world and we hope this will be a new beginning for Penang and the tourism industry,” he added.
Lim added that the theme park resort would set the benchmark for the industry.
“It will provide 500 jobs. Each visitor will also spend money on food, lodging, transportation services or gift purchases.
“It is estimated that the theme park will add RM1.5bil into the state economy through visitors’ spending,” he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
PENANGITES can have splashing fun near their ‘doorstep’ when the first phase of the RM120mil ‘world-class’ theme park in Teluk Bahang is completed in about two years.
The entire ‘Escape Theme Park Resort’ involving three phases would be completed in six years, said Sim Choo Kheng (pic), the managing director of Sim Leisure Consultants Sdn Bhd.
“The work on the first phase — Escape Waterpark – is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year and it is expected to be completed in 18 months,” he told reporters.
Earlier, the company signed the 60-year agreement to lease the 12.5ha land located downstream of the Teluk Bahang Dam with the Penang Water Supply Corpo-ration (PBA) Sdn Bhd.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who was present said the company would pay RM40mil to the PBA.
“This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the state’s tourism industry.
“The project will benefit the Penang Municipal Council which will receive assessment revenue,” he said.
Lim said it took nearly 18 months for the tender process to be completed in a transparent manner.
“The company was awarded the contract by the tender committee based on merit.
“Among others, it was picked because of its offer of superior lease rental payments, inno- vation design concept and its international track record in delivering similar projects throughout the world,” he said in his speech before the signing ceremony at a hotel in George Town yesterday.
Sim signed the agreement on behalf of the company while PBA was represented by its general manager Jaseni Maidinsa.
Sim Leisure was involved in the design and construction of the Universal Studios Theme Park in Singapore. It has also set up theme parks such as the Wahoo Waterpark in Bahrain, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and Desa Idaman and Hotspring Resort in Malay-sia.
Sim told reporters that the pro-ject would be undertaken in line with the state government’s ‘Cleaner, Greener Penang’ ini-tiate.
“Our company has designed over 50 parks around the world and we hope this will be a new beginning for Penang and the tourism industry,” he added.
Lim added that the theme park resort would set the benchmark for the industry.
“It will provide 500 jobs. Each visitor will also spend money on food, lodging, transportation services or gift purchases.
“It is estimated that the theme park will add RM1.5bil into the state economy through visitors’ spending,” he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Devilishly fun
Devilishly fun
IT will be a night of ‘wizards and witches’ as Queensbay Mall, Penang, lets loose a sack of spooky surprises in its Helluva Halloween celebration on Oct 30 and Oct 31.
Its advertising and promotions manager Wendy Wong said a host of chilly events would be held for shoppers including a ‘Helluva Movie Marathon’ from 8am to 6pm on Oct 30 at the mall’s north zone (ground floor).
“Participants are required to endure 10 hours of horror movies without shrieking, turning the face away from the screen or yawning in order to walk away with a brand new iPhone (3GS),” she said in a statement.
The first 50 participants who register by paying a RM20 fee will receive a scary bag while stocks last.
Wong said there would also be a Halloween Costume Competition where shoppers could rub shoulders with ‘creepy, monstrous and unearthly creatures’ in the Halloween Costume Competition at 8pm the same night.
Under the adult category (18 years and above), the three main prize winners for the ‘Most Unique’, ‘Most Creative’ and ‘The Scariest Award’ will walk away with RM500 each while three consolation prizes of RM100 each, all sponsored by SenQ, would also be given out.
Wong said if the ‘scary ghosts and monsters’ were way too scary, shoppers could see cute pumpkin heads, little witches and baby monsters in the Halloween Costume Competition for children aged below 12 at 2pm on Oct 31.
All contest forms are available at the mall’s ground floor (central zone) customer service counter from 10.30am to 10.30pm. For details, call 04-6468888.
-News courtesy of The Star-
IT will be a night of ‘wizards and witches’ as Queensbay Mall, Penang, lets loose a sack of spooky surprises in its Helluva Halloween celebration on Oct 30 and Oct 31.
Its advertising and promotions manager Wendy Wong said a host of chilly events would be held for shoppers including a ‘Helluva Movie Marathon’ from 8am to 6pm on Oct 30 at the mall’s north zone (ground floor).
“Participants are required to endure 10 hours of horror movies without shrieking, turning the face away from the screen or yawning in order to walk away with a brand new iPhone (3GS),” she said in a statement.
The first 50 participants who register by paying a RM20 fee will receive a scary bag while stocks last.
Wong said there would also be a Halloween Costume Competition where shoppers could rub shoulders with ‘creepy, monstrous and unearthly creatures’ in the Halloween Costume Competition at 8pm the same night.
Under the adult category (18 years and above), the three main prize winners for the ‘Most Unique’, ‘Most Creative’ and ‘The Scariest Award’ will walk away with RM500 each while three consolation prizes of RM100 each, all sponsored by SenQ, would also be given out.
Wong said if the ‘scary ghosts and monsters’ were way too scary, shoppers could see cute pumpkin heads, little witches and baby monsters in the Halloween Costume Competition for children aged below 12 at 2pm on Oct 31.
All contest forms are available at the mall’s ground floor (central zone) customer service counter from 10.30am to 10.30pm. For details, call 04-6468888.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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