Travel agent excited to discover Penang
FOR Taiwanese travel agent Yan Yu-Ping, she simply cannot wait to discover Penang.
“I was told that Penang has a vibrant culture and I just want to see it for myself,” she said, adding that this was her first visit to Malaysia as well.
The 24-year-old is part of a group of 13 Taiwanese travel agents and media members who arrived at the Penang International Airport on Monday for a four-day trip to discover Penang’s tourism attractions.
Upon landing, they were taken to the Hai Nan Town Restaurant at Tanjung City Marina in Weld Quay where they were served Nyonya and Hainanese delicacies such as assam prawn, curry fish head, claypot mutton and deep fried spring rolls,
State Youth, Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Lydia Ong said while many Malaysians visited Taiwan, the number of Taiwanese tourists coming to Malaysia was still low.
“Hopefully, when they return to Taiwan, their experience here will help the travel agents and the media members, whom are from travel magazines, to promote Penang.
“Every year we go to Taiwan for holiday, but very few of the Taiwanese come here, so we need to sell Penang,” she said in her speech.
The group’s itinerary includes a trishaw ride along George Town Heritage City to the Streets of Harmony where they will get to experience the fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian culture.
They will also be taken to visit other famous tourist spots including Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Botanic Gardens, Tropical Spice Garden and Penang Butterfly Farm.
A lunch at Penang’s famous local hawker food at New World Park awaits them tomorrow before they depart for Taipei later the same day.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Skateboarders to show off at Galaxie contest
Skateboarders to show off at Galaxie contest
CALLING skateboarders seeking a platform to pit their skills against some of the best.
Registration for the X-Games (Go-Skate) competition is open to avid skateboarders to gauge their standard among peers at the upcoming Galaxie & Youth Carnival 2011 next month.
Skateboarding will make its debut at the festival, which will be held at Penang Times Square on April 9 and April 10.
Extreme Sports Association Malaysia (ESAM) committee member Ahmad Fuaad Mokhtar urged skateboarders to grab the opportunity and take part in the competition as such contests were hard to come by.
He said budding skateboarders who craved for action should not miss the event.
“They can have a chance to rub shoulders with some of the best,” he said, adding that 36 participants had confirmed their participation so far.
“Besides Penang, we also have contestants coming from neighbouring states such as Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.”
Ahmad Fuaad said ESAM would provide judges and technical experts for the competition on April 9 while more than 150 skateboarders were scheduled to give a demonstration the following day.
The top three winners will take home RM1,500, RM600 and RM400 respectively.
Ahmad Fuaad, who will be one of the judges, has offered some pointers for those who wish to excel in the sport.
“Check out video clips and see what’s the latest tricks available online.
“Master the tricks through long hours of practice. There is no short cut,” he added.
Other exciting activities at the carnival are Talent Search, The George Town Amazing Race, Street Dance Competition, Shoe Painting, Paintball Target Shooting and Cosplay.
Entry forms are available at The Star offices in Bayan Lepas, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling and Bandar Sunway, Seberang Jaya.
For details, call Timothy Lim (012-4100418), Ema (012-4107303), Soon (016-4105521) or Voon (012-5851612).
-News courtesy of The Star-
CALLING skateboarders seeking a platform to pit their skills against some of the best.
Registration for the X-Games (Go-Skate) competition is open to avid skateboarders to gauge their standard among peers at the upcoming Galaxie & Youth Carnival 2011 next month.
Skateboarding will make its debut at the festival, which will be held at Penang Times Square on April 9 and April 10.
Extreme Sports Association Malaysia (ESAM) committee member Ahmad Fuaad Mokhtar urged skateboarders to grab the opportunity and take part in the competition as such contests were hard to come by.
He said budding skateboarders who craved for action should not miss the event.
“They can have a chance to rub shoulders with some of the best,” he said, adding that 36 participants had confirmed their participation so far.
“Besides Penang, we also have contestants coming from neighbouring states such as Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.”
Ahmad Fuaad said ESAM would provide judges and technical experts for the competition on April 9 while more than 150 skateboarders were scheduled to give a demonstration the following day.
The top three winners will take home RM1,500, RM600 and RM400 respectively.
Ahmad Fuaad, who will be one of the judges, has offered some pointers for those who wish to excel in the sport.
“Check out video clips and see what’s the latest tricks available online.
“Master the tricks through long hours of practice. There is no short cut,” he added.
Other exciting activities at the carnival are Talent Search, The George Town Amazing Race, Street Dance Competition, Shoe Painting, Paintball Target Shooting and Cosplay.
Entry forms are available at The Star offices in Bayan Lepas, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling and Bandar Sunway, Seberang Jaya.
For details, call Timothy Lim (012-4100418), Ema (012-4107303), Soon (016-4105521) or Voon (012-5851612).
-News courtesy of The Star-
George Town anew
George Town anew
THE Penang government will adopt the Business Improvement District Scheme (BIDs) to rejuvenate the inner city.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the scheme was popular in many countries but would be the first for the state.
“BIDs will turn Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) and its surrounding area into a premier shopping destination and a bustling cultural, business and social centre.
“We are looking into enhancing connectivity between the commercial enterprises there by eventually linking Komtar to shops along Macalister Road, Campbell Street and Kimberly Street with underpasses and walkways.
“The first phase will be to connect Komtar to Gama and Berjaya Times Square,” he said, adding that BIDs was about creating a safer, more comfortable environment while improving commercial activities to make the place more vibrant.
Chow said a BIDs committee chaired by Penang Development Corporation (PDC) general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar was set up last September and the project is spearheaded by Think City Sdn Bhd and Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
He said everything was still in the conceptual stage.
Chow was speaking to reporters after opening two link bridges connecting 1st Avenue to Prangin Mall and Komtar yesterday.
On Komtar’s final phase, Rosli said the immediate plan was to clear the area of dilapidated buildings before work could start.
“We have received proposals for boutique hotels and arts and craft trades.
“We want commercial development that’s compatible with the heritage value of the place,” he said, adding that there would also be an urban park for the public.
Comprising five phases, the Komtar project undertaken by the PDC, was launched in 1974.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE Penang government will adopt the Business Improvement District Scheme (BIDs) to rejuvenate the inner city.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the scheme was popular in many countries but would be the first for the state.
“BIDs will turn Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) and its surrounding area into a premier shopping destination and a bustling cultural, business and social centre.
“We are looking into enhancing connectivity between the commercial enterprises there by eventually linking Komtar to shops along Macalister Road, Campbell Street and Kimberly Street with underpasses and walkways.
“The first phase will be to connect Komtar to Gama and Berjaya Times Square,” he said, adding that BIDs was about creating a safer, more comfortable environment while improving commercial activities to make the place more vibrant.
Chow said a BIDs committee chaired by Penang Development Corporation (PDC) general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar was set up last September and the project is spearheaded by Think City Sdn Bhd and Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
He said everything was still in the conceptual stage.
Chow was speaking to reporters after opening two link bridges connecting 1st Avenue to Prangin Mall and Komtar yesterday.
On Komtar’s final phase, Rosli said the immediate plan was to clear the area of dilapidated buildings before work could start.
“We have received proposals for boutique hotels and arts and craft trades.
“We want commercial development that’s compatible with the heritage value of the place,” he said, adding that there would also be an urban park for the public.
Comprising five phases, the Komtar project undertaken by the PDC, was launched in 1974.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Wooing Taiwan tourists
Wooing Taiwan tourists
THOUGH Taiwan is among the most popular travel destinations for Penangites, its holidaymakers have yet to put Penang on their radar when seeking a vacation destination. But all that is about to change.
A dozen travel industry and media personnel from Taiwan arrived in Penang on Monday for a four-day visit, and were given an exclusive tour of Penang’s unique attractions to allow them to better promote the island back home.
The event was organised by the Penang Municipal Council, which is a member of the Tourism Promotion Organisation for Asia-Pacific Cities, and supported by the state government.
Local travel advisor Chin Poh-Chin took the group to places like the Kuan Yin Temple, St George’s Church, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Kapitan Keling Mosque along Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling — better known as the Street of Harmony — in the George Town Heritage City Tour on trishaws yesterday.
“They remarked that not many in Taiwan know of Penang’s attractions. Thus, we want to show them as much as possible, from culture and heritage to shopping malls, as we need to appeal to young travellers too.
“Kuala Lumpur is quite popular, so now it’s time to push Penang instead,” she said, adding that the move would benefit the local tourism industry.
Chin felt there would be no language bar-riers in Penang as the Taiwanese were conversant in Mandarin and Hokkien.
In addition, with the scheduled signing of a friendly-city memorandum of understanding between George Town and Taipei on March 28, this augurs well for travel and tourism.
Alvin Wen, a China Airlines representative from its Taipei office who was among the group, said he had learnt a lot from the visit and once back home, would discuss how to package and promote Penang’s offerings.
“It’s unique with a blend of so many cultures together. We’re quite confident there would be a market for it,” he said.
Travel agent Elaine Liu loved the experience and described Penang as “amazing”.
“Coming here, I can see a lot of things that you can’t find in Taiwan. The multi-cultural aspect is very unique,” she added.
The group is scheduled to visit various places of interest before leaving for home tomorrow.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THOUGH Taiwan is among the most popular travel destinations for Penangites, its holidaymakers have yet to put Penang on their radar when seeking a vacation destination. But all that is about to change.
A dozen travel industry and media personnel from Taiwan arrived in Penang on Monday for a four-day visit, and were given an exclusive tour of Penang’s unique attractions to allow them to better promote the island back home.
The event was organised by the Penang Municipal Council, which is a member of the Tourism Promotion Organisation for Asia-Pacific Cities, and supported by the state government.
Local travel advisor Chin Poh-Chin took the group to places like the Kuan Yin Temple, St George’s Church, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Kapitan Keling Mosque along Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling — better known as the Street of Harmony — in the George Town Heritage City Tour on trishaws yesterday.
“They remarked that not many in Taiwan know of Penang’s attractions. Thus, we want to show them as much as possible, from culture and heritage to shopping malls, as we need to appeal to young travellers too.
“Kuala Lumpur is quite popular, so now it’s time to push Penang instead,” she said, adding that the move would benefit the local tourism industry.
Chin felt there would be no language bar-riers in Penang as the Taiwanese were conversant in Mandarin and Hokkien.
In addition, with the scheduled signing of a friendly-city memorandum of understanding between George Town and Taipei on March 28, this augurs well for travel and tourism.
Alvin Wen, a China Airlines representative from its Taipei office who was among the group, said he had learnt a lot from the visit and once back home, would discuss how to package and promote Penang’s offerings.
“It’s unique with a blend of so many cultures together. We’re quite confident there would be a market for it,” he said.
Travel agent Elaine Liu loved the experience and described Penang as “amazing”.
“Coming here, I can see a lot of things that you can’t find in Taiwan. The multi-cultural aspect is very unique,” she added.
The group is scheduled to visit various places of interest before leaving for home tomorrow.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Call to relocate airport Build one on man-made island
Call to relocate airport Build one on man-made island in Penang, says developer
THE Federal Government should look into the possibility of relocating the Penang Interna-tional Airport in Bayan Lepas to a man-made island on the coast of Penang.
Penang Real Estate and Housing Developers Association chairman Datuk Jerry Chan said the on-going RM250mil expansion of the airport, when completed next year, would not be able to cater for growth for a very long period.
“When the expanded airport can no longer cater for more growth, another expansion work will be carried out.
“Instead of spending money for further expansion on a piecemeal basis, why not look for a longer term solution such as relocating the airport to a man-made island on the coast of Penang,” he said in an interview.
Chan said the airport would be able to accommodate a new cargo terminal and also a low-cost carrier terminal.
“It will also have runways that can accommodate the new generation of wide-bodied aircraft.
“A key problem of the airport now is that its runway is too close to factories and residential areas,” he said.
Chan said the present site of the airport, which encompasses 900 acres, could be used for industrial expansion.
“The current market value of the airport land is around RM2bil,” he said.
The Penang International Airport, however, must remain within Penang, Chan added.
“This is because Penang is the economic hub for the north. Major multinational corporations, me-dical, education, and tourism businesses are located here,” he said.
Penang Master Builders and Building Material Dealers Association immediate past president Finn Choong said the idea to relocate the airport within Penang should be explored.
“We should not reject the idea outright. As we are moving towards a more modern society, we should look at innovative technologies to build a new airport for the next generation.
“The present airport expansion tackles only ‘cosmetic’ problems of limited car park bays and constraints in passenger space,” he said.
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers northern branch chairman Datuk O.K. Lee however said the relocation of the airport was not a viable idea.
“What is being proposed is an Osaka type of airport, which is very costly to build.
“Who is going to pay for it?
“If this idea is accepted, then someone may even propose that the airport be relocated in Seberang Prai or even in Kedah,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE Federal Government should look into the possibility of relocating the Penang Interna-tional Airport in Bayan Lepas to a man-made island on the coast of Penang.
Penang Real Estate and Housing Developers Association chairman Datuk Jerry Chan said the on-going RM250mil expansion of the airport, when completed next year, would not be able to cater for growth for a very long period.
“When the expanded airport can no longer cater for more growth, another expansion work will be carried out.
“Instead of spending money for further expansion on a piecemeal basis, why not look for a longer term solution such as relocating the airport to a man-made island on the coast of Penang,” he said in an interview.
Chan said the airport would be able to accommodate a new cargo terminal and also a low-cost carrier terminal.
“It will also have runways that can accommodate the new generation of wide-bodied aircraft.
“A key problem of the airport now is that its runway is too close to factories and residential areas,” he said.
Chan said the present site of the airport, which encompasses 900 acres, could be used for industrial expansion.
“The current market value of the airport land is around RM2bil,” he said.
The Penang International Airport, however, must remain within Penang, Chan added.
“This is because Penang is the economic hub for the north. Major multinational corporations, me-dical, education, and tourism businesses are located here,” he said.
Penang Master Builders and Building Material Dealers Association immediate past president Finn Choong said the idea to relocate the airport within Penang should be explored.
“We should not reject the idea outright. As we are moving towards a more modern society, we should look at innovative technologies to build a new airport for the next generation.
“The present airport expansion tackles only ‘cosmetic’ problems of limited car park bays and constraints in passenger space,” he said.
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers northern branch chairman Datuk O.K. Lee however said the relocation of the airport was not a viable idea.
“What is being proposed is an Osaka type of airport, which is very costly to build.
“Who is going to pay for it?
“If this idea is accepted, then someone may even propose that the airport be relocated in Seberang Prai or even in Kedah,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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