Wednesday, April 30, 2008

American Universities Alumni Malaysia 31st AGM

AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES ALUMNI MALAYSIA
Notice Of Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the 31st Annual General Meeting of the American Universities Alumni Malaysia will be held on Saturday, 17th May 2008 at 4.00 p.m. at Kelab Golf PDRM Titiwangsa, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur.

Members wishing to bring up any other matter for consideration in the agenda must do so in writing giving not less than seven days of notice. All correspondence should be addressed to the Honorary Secretary (Article 14 : b, iv) at the secretariat.


AGENDA

Correspondence

Minutes of the 30th Annual General Meeting
Matters arising from the minutes
To receive the report from the President
To receive and approve the audited accounts for the year ended December 31, 2007
To elect Auditors for the ensuing year
To transact any other business for which due notice shall have been given

__________________

Yeoh Chen Chow
Honorary Secretary

Dated: 24 th April 2008

Note : Refreshment will be served after the AGM

AUAM Secretariat c/o B1-1 Jalan Selaman 1, Dataran Palma, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Tel: 03-42706677 Fax: 03-42706655

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New Entrepreneur Forum

Found this interesting event at Facebook . This could be a good learning for those who can't afford to go for WCIT!

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Netbash is a technopreneur forum event that is hosted by New Entrepreneur Forum (NEF) and supported by 5 Malaysia's Entrepreneur communities.

It serves as a knowledge sharing and networking platform for technoprenuers by bringing in relevant speakers to discuss current issues that affect technopreneurs. NEF believes that via knowledge sharing platforms such as this, the ICT industry can flourish better with new ideas and innovations.

This May 2008, in conjunction with MSC Malaysia WCIT, NEF is taking the opportunity to organize Netbash @ WCIT with the theme – "How To Change The World.

For the first time in Malaysia, Netbash is proud to present Mr Guy Kawasaki, Technology Evangelist, MD of Garage Ventures and author of The Art of the Start, as guest speaker for Netbash @ WCIT.

Joining him also will be speakers such as Terry Thorren, Shinichiro Ishikawa, Mahmoud Bouneb and Collin Wong to share their experiences in Web 2.0 and Creative Content.


Program
1.45pm - 2.00pm Registration
2.00pm - 2.10pm Opening Remarks by NEF President
2.10pm - 4.45pm How To Change the World with Creative Content & Web 2.0
4.45pm - 5.30pm Tea Break
5.30pm - 6.30pm How To Change the World - An evening with Guy Kawasaki
6.30pm - 7.30pm Networking Session


For Registration:
Log on to http://www.ticket2u.biz or call 03-41498600

For more information:
Log on to http://www.nef.org.my

Register before 12th of May only pays RM200. After 12th of May, registration fees will be RM350

Supported by:

Ideapreneur.net - http://www.ideapreneur.net
MCA ICT Resource Centre - http://www.mirc.org.my
Technopreneur Association Malaysia - http://www.team.net.my
Youth Malaysia - http://www.youthmalaysia.com
PIKOM - http://www.pikom.org.my

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HPAIR 2008 Academic Conference

The HPAIR Academic Conference is now open for signing-up!

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Call for Applications- 2008 HPAIR Academic Conference!



The Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) is
pleased to present its 2008 Academic Conference, and is now accepting
applications from university students around the world.



The HPAIR academic conference is an annual international conference that
brings together top students from elite universities across the world to
engage in high-level discourse on economic, political, humanistic,
cultural, and social issues affecting Asia and the world. It is
Harvard's largest annual event in Asia.



The conference approaches its goal holistically, and features rigorous
academic workshops and lectures led by renowned professors, scholars,
government officials, and private sector practitioners from all over the
world. Additionally, the conference features opportunities for student
paper presentations, interactive activities, field trips, and social &
networking events (including the famous annual "International Night"
cultural extravaganza as well as the elaborate gala dinner closing
ceremony).



Notable past speakers at HPAIR conferences include: Kim Dae-jung (Former
President, Republic of South Korea), S. R. Nathan (President,
Singapore), Kim Young-Sam (President, Republic of South Korea), Norodom
Ranariddh (Prime Minister, Cambodia), Bai Ki-moon (Former Foreign
Minister, Republic of Korea), Fred Hu (Managing Director, Goldman Sachs
Asia), Tu Wei-Ming (Professor of Confucian Philosophy, Harvard
University), Richard Cooper (Professor of Economics, Harvard
University), and Jeffrey Sachs (Professor of Economics, Columbia
University). http://www.hpair.org/about/history/speakers.aspx



This year, the 2008 HPAIR Academic Conference will be held from Aug
21-24, 2008 at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur Hotel in Malaysia.



The application system is currently open. Applications from students
will be accepted at http://www.hpair.org/conferences/aconf/  until May
15th. For more information on HPAIR, please visit www.hpair.org.
Questions may be directed to help@hpair.org.

--
In addition, limited space is still available for HPAIR 2008 Business
Conference:

Details about the HPAIR 2008 Business Conference are as follows:
Theme: Emerging into Focus: Asia Incorporated
Venue: JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Date: August 14 – 17, 2008

Plenary Sessions:
  **Ties that Bind: How Corporate Governance Affects the Business
Climate
  in Asia
  **East Meets West: Global Integration of the Business World

Panel Topics:
  *Financial Services
  *Family-owned Conglomerates
  *Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Hedge Funds
  *Energy and Natural Resources
  *Foreign Direct Investment
  *Media and Entertainment
  *Luxury Goods
  *Real Estate

Workshop Topics
  *Enhancing Board leadership and Value
  *Consumer Branding and Marketing
  *Law and Regulations
  *Managing and Recruiting Talent

To learn more about the HPAIR Business Conference, please visit
http://www.hpair.org/conferences/bconf/ or join our facebook group:
http://harvard.facebook.com/event.php?eid=6656141237

**Due to high demand, application will still be accepted based on
discretion, please visit www.hpair.org **




Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Calling for Golfers among American Alumni

American Universities Alumni Malaysia (AUAM), British Graduate Association of Malaysia (BGAM) and Persatuan Alumni Universiti Malaya (PAUM) are joinly organizing a golf challenge at the details below:-

Venue : Saujana Impian ( Kejang)
Date : 25th May, 2008
Time : 1200 -1230 Registration 1330 shut gun start.
Price : RM 150/pax inclusive souvenirs and dinner. and Many Prizes.
Dateline of submission : 12th May, 2008
Contact Person: Scott Yow 016 205 4843 Email: draview138@yahoo.com.sg

Am looking for American Universities graduate who would like to have some fun in playing golf!


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Picking your brain on recruitment issue

With me going to move to my new career at JobStreet.com, which I posted here .

I would like to pick the brain of those who visit my blog for ideas. Hope to hear more ideas on the issue below, so as to help me jump start my career with a bunch of fresh ideas into it!

While JobStreet.com operates in a number of countries, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Phillipines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Japan, Vietnam and Hong Kong, I would like to focus on my understanding within Malaysia first.

a) Do you think that there is a mismatch between recruiters and job seekers?
b) If yes, what kind of mismatch exists?
c) If you are a college/university student, what are the challenges that you face in getting jobs? Be it full time or internship. What kind of resources and help that you feel that you need?
d) If you are a fresh graduate who are still looking for jobs, what are the common difficulties that you face? How long have you been in the search? Where does it get stuck? How can this problem get rectified?
e) If you are someone who is currently working, do you keep on looking for better options? Is it because of you wanting better jobs or you are not happy with your current employer? Do you get offers from time to time? What are the reasons you accept or reject them?
f) If you are recruiters, what are the issues you are facing? Why are there many ads in various medium, while jobseekers still look around for jobs? Is it because of skill mismatch? What kind of skills?

Above are some of the questions that I can think of. It is more to trigger your thoughts, and not expecting a a), b), c), d), e) ,f) sort of answer. Just feel free to write freely.

Those are my questions, to help me to jump start into this industry. It is not questions on behalf of my future employer. :)

Thanks in advance!

I am hoping to indirectly help to reduce a little unemployment rate in Malaysia, and any interesting/good idea that you have would be great!


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Monday, April 28, 2008

Moving to JobStreet.com

After almost 32 months in Accenture , under the Customer Relationship Management Service Line within Management Consulting & Integrated Market, I decide to move on to my next career at JobStreet.com .

I would look at this new career move, as an opportunity for me to sample different kinds of work nature. It would be a much smaller size company. Won't exactly call it a start-up, since it is no longer one. But JobStreet.com is a very fast growing company. It is a way for me to help reducing the unemployment rate in Malaysia and perhaps this region. As you guys know, there are a lot of job seekers out there, as well as a lot of companies looking for the right people. So, the question is how we can match them together.

Currently, it should be the no.1 recruiting firm in Malaysia and top 3 in many countries that it operates on. Currently it is at Malaysia, Singapore, Phillipines, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Japan and Vietnam. Would definitely know much more about this statistic after I join JobStreet.com .

Over the years, I have been seeing how JobStreet.com grows from a startup, to a MESDAQ listed firm, to finally last December, make it to join the big boys at Main Board of Bursa Malaysia.

As an added tips for those who want some tips on career, JobStreet.com definitely provides a bunch of tips there. Do go and browse it here sometimes and not forget to submit your resume there too. No one would know when an opportunity would knock on your door.

There are 4 career enhancers for job seekers too! You can find it here .

a) JobStreet SMS Apply - Apply Jobs by SMS
b) JobStreet Career Profile - Discovering your job fit
c) JobStreet Priority Application - Stand out from the crowd
d) JobStreet SMS Alert - Job Information on the move

For companies looking to post for jobs, do post it here .

To all those who are interested to join Accenture, don't feel despair because I am leaving. The firm is a pretty good firm. To be frank, it has produced quite good growth rate every quarter. In fact, the headcount has grown so much. Globally, it has grown from below 100,000 to nearly 180,000, and in Malaysia it has grown from about 400 when I joined to nearly 1,000. So, if you are interested in the firm, do definitely let me know. I would be able to link you to the right people there too!


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University of Malaya Fellowship Scheme Session 2008/2009

This is quoted from The Star 27th April Page 8.

University of Malaya Fellowship Scheme Session 2008/2009

This is open to Malaysians and non-Malaysians

Eligibility:-
a) Registered candidates of UM Master's (research mode or mixed mode with research component not less than 70%) or PhD program

b) Offered admission for item listed at a)

c) Submitted applications for the program listed above or had discussions iwth the Director/Dean/Head of Department/Supervisor of the Academy/Faculty/Institute/Centre concerning the postgrad program to be applied for.

Applicants who are working (except as Research Assistant in UM) or are receiving any type of financial assistance are not eligible to apply.

Value is up to maximum of RM100,000 inclusive of monthly stipends, registration fees, tuition fees, research fees, exam fees and service fees.

Monthly stipend:-
RM1,500 per month for Master's candidate
RM1,800 per month for PhD candidate

Application forms can be obtained from the Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur or downloaded from the IPS website of http://www.ips.um.edu.my

Completed form to be submitted by 16th May 2008 to
Student Affairs Section
Institute of Postgraduate Studies
University of Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur







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Writing Workshop - Telling Our Stories

Thanks to my blog reader for highlighting this.

This is quoted from NST

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EVERYBODY has a story to tell. It is not just the rich and famous who ought to be able to tell their stories.

Everybody should be able to do it.

Salt Shakers Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Salt Media Sdn Bhd, is organising a biography writing workshop to teach you how.

"Anyone can tell a story - we're just here to show you how to do it in the most effective, interesting and marketable way," says course coordinator Sharon Nelson.

The three-day course, aimed at non-writers, will look at the biography as a literary form and the elements that make up a good book.

Participants will also learn the art of unlocking memories and the practicalities of publishing a biography in Malaysia.

"This course will go over the writing process - how to organise content, issues that writers may encounter, how to prepare a proper manuscript and a little on how to self-publish," adds Nelson.

Additionally, Salt Shaker will help participants who want to print just a few copies of their work to give to family and friends.

"I think Malaysians are reticent about telling their stories," says Nelson, giving the example of the Second World War.

While America and the United Kingdom's experiences of the war are well documented in poetry and novels, Malaysians do not even talk about it.

The Writing Memoirs and Biographies course will be held from May 22-24 from 9am to 5.30pm at 177, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

Facilitators are former managing director and publishing director of Oxford University Press, Malaysia, Edda de Silva, and former Associate Professor in the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya, Dr Nesamalar Chitravelu.

Places are limited to 20 people. Closing date is May 9. Call Rozita at 03-7726-9078 or e-mail rozita@saltmedia.com.my .

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Sunday, April 27, 2008

MCA Lifelong Learning Reading Club

MCA Lifelong Learning Reading Club would be organizing a few others public lecture for general Malaysian public. It would be free talks for fellow Malaysians. Definitely hope to see more Malaysians making full use of such lectures.

Title:- Our Iceberg is Melting: Changing & Succeeding Under Any Conditions
Book Author:- John Kotter
Speaker/Mentor:- Y. Bhg. Tan Sri Lau Ban Tin
Date:- 24th May 2008
Time:- 9:45am to Noon
Venue:- Center for Extension Education (CEE), University Tunku Abdul Rahman, 11 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

Title:- Into The Ice
Book Author:- Y. Bhg Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina
Speaker/Mentor:- Y. Bhg Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina
Date:- 14th June 2008
Time:- 9:45am to Noon
Venue:- Center for Extension Education (CEE), University Tunku Abdul Rahman, 11 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

Title:- New Guide to Medicine & Drugs
Book Author:- John A. Henry
Speaker/Mentor:- Dr. Milton Lum
Date:- 26th July 2008
Time:- 9:45am to Noon
Venue:- Center for Extension Education (CEE), University Tunku Abdul Rahman, 11 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

Title:- Emotional Excellence in the Workplace
Book Author:- Dr. Leonard Yong
Speaker/Mentor:- Y. Bhg Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina
Date:- 9th May 2008
Time:- 7pm to 9pm
Venue:- Center for Extension Education (CEE), University Tunku Abdul Rahman, 11 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

Title:- Exporting & International Trade
Book Author:- AB Teoh
Speaker/Mentor:- AB Teoh
Date:- 9th August 2008
Time:- 9:45am to Noon
Venue:- Center for Extension Education (CEE), University Tunku Abdul Rahman, 11 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

For registration and enquiries, please contact:-
Ms Eileen/Mr. Ooi at 03-79572818/79555181 ext 8663/8611 or Fax 79573818 or email cee@mail.utar.edu.my

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Perdana Leadership Foundation Essay Competition 2008

Thanks to email sharing by gabrielle

This would be a great opportunity for high school or even foundation or early college students to take part and the prize is fabulous.

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This year, the Perdana Leadership Foundation once again invites students aged between 13 and 21 from secondary schools, colleges and universities to sharpen their writing skills and provide their thoughts on the future of Malaysia as well as youth leadership. The theme for the essay contest is "Nurturing the Minds of Future Leaders"and students can choose to write on any of the following:

(i) What is your vision for Malaysia in 2057 when the country celebrates its centennial Independence celebrations?


(ii)Describe what leadership means to you and the role that youth leaders play in shaping Malaysia's future?

(iii) Describe the relationship among culture, education and leadership, and the factors that you believe are important in moulding the future leaders of Malaysand the factors that you believe are important in moulding the future leaders of Malaysia.

Your essay can be in either English or Malay; however, English is the preferred language. All essays must include references. The essays shall be of the following length (excluding footnotes and bibliography: 1,500 to 2,000 words for all categories of participants.
Grand prize is a Chevrolet Aveo along with cash, book vouchers and a two-week work stint, so start writing!
Competition ends 30th June 2008. Fort more information, please visit Perdana Leadership Foundation's Website


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USA For Students

I blogged on USA For Students before.

As of now, we have had 32 US Universities signed up, and would really hope to see a lot more universities signing up. We had 65 US Universities participating last year. So, would hope to see about the same number of representations this year.

Below are list of universities which have signed up!

Bates College
Bowdoin College
Carnegie Mellon University
Colby College
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Drake University
Duke University
Kenyon College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michigan State University
Mount Holyoke College
New York University
Penn State University
Princeton University
Purdue University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Smith College
Stanford University
Swarthmore College
The University of Chicago
The University of Pennsylvania
Western Kentucky University
Western Michigan University
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of the Ozarks
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Hope to see more universities signed up!

It would be on:-

14th June 2008
Saturday
10am to 4pm
Dewan San Choon, Wisma MCA, Jalan Ampang.

For more info, go to here . Do register at the website!


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Click here to read more of Chen Chow's posts

Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Talk: Developing & Managing Innovation & Creativit

Those who are interested in the talk, do RSVP with Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement. It is a great free public lecture!


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Dear Sir / Madam,

 

We would like to invite you to a talk by Mr Bugs Tan on "Developing & Managing Innovation & Creativity". The details are as below.

 

Date: 10 May 2008 (Saturday)

Time: 9:45am - 12:00 noon

Venue: Auditorium (PB Block), UTAR

           11, Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Admission: Free (prior registration required)

 

Enclose herewith the talk outline and map to UTAR.

 

For enquiry or registration, kindly contact Ms Suraya / Ms Carol at

(03) 7625 0328 or mmlmmalaysia@yahoo.com



Saturday, April 26, 2008

Pop!Tech Social Innovation Fellows Program

Thanks to my blog reader for highlighting on this.

Any of you going to try and nominate yourself?

For more info, go to here

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Pop!Tech Social Innovation Fellows Program
Providing world-class support to the next great generation of world-changing innovators.

This year, Pop!Tech will select up to twenty visionary change agents – chosen from around the world and from many different social-innovation fields – to participate in a unique, cutting-edge Fellows program designed to accelerate their impact.
Fellows will participate (all-expenses paid) in the 2008 Pop!Tech conference, the visionary annual gathering of thought leaders and change agents that will convene October 22-25, 2008 in Camden, Maine.

Fellows will also take part in a unique, in-depth leadership and skills development program that will cover areas that are critical to success in creating "big bet" social programs, such as strategy, technology, communications, fundraising, media relations, digital storytelling, and how to take initiatives to scale, led by some of the world's most successful social entrepreneurs and renowned specialists.

Fellows will also have year-round access to Pop!Tech mentors and a network of support to aid in the advancement of their ideas, projects and collaborations.
Fellows will be selected based on their proven track record, as well as their interest in and high potential for generating significant cutting-edge, multidisciplinary, and socially beneficial innovations in fields such as education, energy, technology, global healthcare, development, environment, human rights advocacy, media, journalism and related fields.

To ensure diversity, both from a cultural and experiential perspective, at least one-third of the class will consist of participants from outside the US and at least one-third will be 35 years of age or younger.

Nomination forms for Fellows are available here . Self-nominations are also accepted. The selection of Fellows will be made on rolling basis throughout 2008.

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Toyota Eco Youth

Thanks to my blog reader for highlighting this.

This is a great environmental friendly activity to go through.
For more info of Toyota Eco Youth, go to here

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In brief, Toyota Eco Youth is a competition built around unconventional views and approaches to an age-old problem.

240 students aim to make 15 schools nationwide more eco-friendly. They compete by developing projects from very different, ingenious angles, resulting in functional, practical solutions, very much applicable in the real world.

Check out their cool ideas and follow their painstaking progress, from conception through to completion. You'll be pledging your support for your youth and celebrating their unique perspectives.

Because the right perspective can change the world,
Toyota Eco Youth


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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Scholarships to Study Master & PhD in Korea

Thanks to my blog reader for highlighting this.

This is on an opportunity to have scholarships to study in Korea. Go to here or here for more info.

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The Government of the Republic of Korea provides international students(including 30 Malaysian students) with scholarship to support their graduate course(master degree and doctor degree) in Korea.

The program is designed to further enhance the friendly relationship with other countries as well as to help them keep pursuing their higher education.

For more details about the program, please refer to the attached files on this article.

All the applicants should submit required documents to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea by the 18th of June, and the submitted documents will not be returned.


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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience 2008

Thanks to my blog reader for highlighting this.

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Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience2008 – The Amanzi World of South Africa

Would you like to learn about the environment in Africa? Would you like to get to know the outdoors with South African and other Asian students?

Cathay Pacific is sponsoring over 40 students aged 16-18 from South Africa and Asia Pacific Rim Countries to attend the Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience. The programme will be held in South Africa from 22 to 28 July 2008.


What is the Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience?
Cathay Pacific is committed to the communities we serve. We accept our responsibility towards the environment and are very aware that its future depends on the young people who are going to be the decision-makers of the future.

It is in this spirit that Cathay Pacific has sponsored several hundred specially selected young people to participate in the Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience since 1994.

This year could be your turn!

Should you be selected, Cathay Pacific will take you to Johannesburg, South Africa, where you will join your South African counterparts for an experience of a lifetime.

There you will have the unique opportunity to make friends with delegates from other countries with cultures very different from your own. You will be exposed to the natural, unspoiled environment and will begin to understand the impact that man has made on the delicate ecological balance of the earth. Through this experience it is hoped that you will take home the messages learnt and apply them in your own life and home country.

The Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience widens the horizons and expands the world view of the young people who have taken part. If you would like to join us on this voyage of discovery, if you are keen to raise your self-awareness and self-confidence, if you would like to act as an "Ambassador" for your country/region, then we invite you to apply right away.


Exploring the Amanzi World of South Africa...
The programme will involve lots of water activities this year. It will take place on the Indian Ocean and within the boundaries of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which still features the rich cultures of both the Tsonga and Zulu-speaking people. Amanzi means water in Zulu.
Delegates will be snorkeling in the Indian Ocean to discover and explore the Reef Eco-system and the importance of its conservation.

You will spend time in the Fishkraals Channels with the Tonga people to learn how to fish and prepare it the Tsonga way. Visiting a Zulu homestead will enable you to discover how Zulu people live, get to know their traditions and the meaning in the clothes they wear.


Take part in Tsonga boat building and race...
Delegates will discover the wonderful systems of the 4 lakes and why this area has been named as a Natural World Heritage Site. Till today, The Tsonga and Zulu-speaking people still maintain the traditional ways in their daily lives, including building their own means of transport to get across the river.

The Tsonga people will demonstrate and teach delegates how to build a Tsonga boat. You will work with your team to make one and have a race down the river in your newly built boat.

Prepare a meal, song and dance...
During the trip, delegates must come prepared to make a meal. You will also be divided into groups to stage a performance that is unique to your own country and culture.

Mapping the world...
Delegates will be given a chance to show the others where they live, the capital city, provinces (if any), hometowns of team members, major nature reserves (if any), major industrial, business, residential and holiday/tourism areas.

Existing environmental problems and opportunities in your own country or region will be discussed in an open debate with other delegates from around the world.

Should your application be successful, minimal preparation is required for the trip but you will benefit a whole load out of it.


Application
Application for the Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience 2008 - The Amanzi World of South Africa opens now! Young people between 16 and 18 years old from the following countries/regions are invited to join. For more information, please click on the following link:
here

Application Deadline:
30 May 2008

Screening Procedures:

Applications received by the due date will be screened based on the information contained within the application documentation.
30 best set of answers/application forms will be short-listed. Short-listed applicants will get a chance to attend a one-day local workshop followed by an interview session on 12 June (Kuala Lumpur) 13 June (Penang).
Two outstanding individuals will be selected to represent Malaysia based on their performance, leadership skills, teamwork and interaction during the workshop.
Should applicants fail to attend specific interviews when requested to do so, their applications will be deemed withdrawn.
All successful applicants will be informed of the result with written notification.

Cathay Pacific will:
Fully sponsor successful applicants in terms of air tickets, meals, accommodation, course fees and ground transport in South Africa while delegates are required to pay a nominal fee of HK$500 which covers travel insurance and pre-departure preparations.


Delegates' Responsibilities:

Selected delegates must attend all the events and activities arranged by Cathay Pacific or the local organisers prior to the trip, including training sessions, press conferences and media interviews. Failing to do so will prejudice their taking part in the trip.
Selected delegates must attend and take part in all the activities during the trip.
Selected delegates must submit post-trip reports, assist in organising Report Back Seminars, and promote environmental protection at schools.
Selected delegates must disclose any pre-existing medical condition that may or may not require medication during the trip e.g. Asthma, allergies etc.
Selected delegates must get parental consent for the trip. A parental consent form must be completed and returned to Cathay Pacific prior to the trip. Failing to do so will disqualify you from joining the trip.
Selected delegates must ensure that their travel documents are valid for the trip.
Enquiries:

For further enquiries, please call us at 03-2035 2632 (Kuala Lumpur), 04-2182 225 (Penang) or e-mail us.


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Project Gutenberg & Encyclopedia of Life

Thanks to Su Yuen for highlighting this.

Another good resources for everyone would be Project Gutenberg . A large number of open source books are available there for free!

Thanks to hhhcce for highlighting this.

This is a great encyclopedia, named Encyclopedia of Life .

Thanks for the updates! Hope it would benefit some of my blog readers!


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Click here to read more of Chen Chow's posts

Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Raja Petra Kamarudin to go on TV1

Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) who maintained the famous blog of Malaysia Today has been invited by RTM to be on TV1 on 27th April, Sunday at 8:30pm to 9pm on a show called "Live In Blog".

It is interesting that RTM started the series of this blog show every Sunday 8:30pm with RPK. Am not sure whether this is the first talk, but definitely one of the first few.


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Friday, April 25, 2008

Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

Thanks again to my blog reader for highlighting this. Would really like to credit my blog readers for sharing with me often on interesting happenings that might benefit my other blog readers.

This is about Charles Darwin's Work Online , which currently is the most complete publishing of his work, and all are available for everyone free of charge. Do go there and learn from him.

This is done by Cambridge University - his alma mater. There are about 30,000 items and 90,000 images available.

This is one of the articles posted on this Wired.com


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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Aid To Children - Supporting World Vision

Thanks to my blog reader for highlighting this.

Besides Free Rice , which tries to build up world's population vocabulary, besides trying to solve world hunger, by donating rice through advertisements in those page. So, for all of us, it is just answering those vocabulary questions and the rest is provided by the sponsors. A large number of world's population has helped in that aspect.

This one is in support for World Vision , where it is called Aid To Children . It is giving 0.25 cent per vocabulary question that one answers correctly. You can try answer and see that the dollar amount is going up. Do help spread the words around!




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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Scholarships to Study in Italy

Thanks to one of my loyal blog readers for sharing this with me!

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IF you have been toying with the idea of studying in Italy, this may be just the chance you are looking for.

The Italian Government has officially opened its scholarship programme for Malaysian citizens for the academic year 2008-2009.

The scholarships, which aim to promote cooperation between the two countries, are available for courses of various duration – from short courses lasting a minimum of three months to long-term courses of up to 12 months.

Those interested can apply for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, specialisation or research programmes as well as courses in the Italian language, culture, arts, music, cinema and restoration.

All applicants must have some knowledge of the Italian language, except those applying for language courses. The scholarships are valid from Oct 1 to Sept 30 next year.

Candidates will be selected by an Italian-Malaysian joint committee.

The deadline for submission of applications is 1pm on May 9.

Application forms can be collected from the Italian Embassy at 99, Jalan U Thant, Kuala Lumpur, from Mondays to Fridays, between 9.30am and 1pm.

Forms can also be downloaded from the website, www.ambkualalumpur.esteri.it.

For details, call 03-4256 5122, or fax 03-4257 3199, or e-mail: culturale.kualalumpur@esteri.it or culturale1.kualalumpur@esteri.it.

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Lifelong Learning - Reading Club

Calling all fellow Malaysians who are interested to learn from public lecture, as part of Lifelong Learning initaitives.

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In conjunction with the World Book Day, MCA Lifelong Learning Reading Club will organise Blue Ocean Strategy (Malaysian version) - Success Stories of Malaysian Business on April 26 at 2pm at Wisma MCA (12th Floor), Jalan Ampang.

Quek Ngee Meng, the Director of MCA Lifelong Learning stresses that the objective of organising this talk is to encourage public to acquire knowledge through reading and experience sharing. Therefore, this talk will focus on experience sharing of real business world where the founder cum Managing Director of Stemlife, Sharon Low and Senior Marketing Manager of Spritzer Group, Kenny Lim will share their experience and the Blue Ocean Strategy of the companies.

Both companies, Stemlife and Spritzer have achieved remarkable performance in the past few years in which they have successfully marketed their products outside Malaysia and innovated new products. Stemlife has won the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific Award 2005 and ranks number one in the South East Asian region for cord blood stem cell storage and transplantation. Spritzer Group is the winner of Reader's Digest TrustedBrand (Platinum Winner) for 1999-2007.

In addition, Dr Dominic Lau, Associate Professor of BATC of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia will analyse on the case study and how these business applicable to the concept of Blue Ocean Strategy. Dr Lau is also the author of the book entitled Blue Ocean Strategy (Malaysian version) - 15 Success Stories of Malaysian Enterprises. He will also introduce the analytical tools and framework of Blue Ocean Strategy which will help the participants to understand the essence of Blue Ocean Strategy.

This talk is open for public and free admission. For registration and enquiries, please contact MCA Lifelong Learning Secretariat at 03-21618044 ext 420/424, or visit www.lll.net.my


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Facebook Application - Get Help

Su Yuen has just launched her facebook application of Get Help .

It is an interesting application where we can post things that we need help, and others can browse on who needs help on what, and it would be fulfilled, if there is response!

Do check it out!

Su Yuen, if you happen to read this, Congrats on your achievements! It is great to see more and more fantastic achievements that you have managed to get done! Congrats!


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Tuesday, April 22, 2008

ASN3 and ASG

To all fellow Malaysians, Amanah Saham Nasional 3 and Amanah Saham Gemilang are currently giving 2 free units for every 100 units that one purchase. It is a good way for us to invest with ASN3 or ASG, as they have been able to give consistently very good returns (between 6-8% for the past few years).

For ASG, there is 3 component, Amanah Saham Kesihatan, Amanah Saham Pendidikan or Amanah Saham Persaraan.

You can purchase it at any Maybank, CIMB, RHB or Post Office.

If I am not wrong, this offer is open until 20th May 2008.

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Y! Points by Youth Malaysia

Youth Malaysia , a local start-up, which organized Youth '08 in January at PWTC, is embarking on its Y! Points initiative. You could visit its website at here , where there are a bunch of local websites that it is trying to highlight.

ReCom.org - The Worldwide Malaysian Students Network , the largest Malaysian-based students discussion forum is one of its affliates.

Do go and check it out!

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Operators of Buses to LCC-T --> A Nuisance

Have been thinking about blogging on this issue for quite some time.... As many of you know, I lived quite near KL Sentral, so have been using KL Sentral very frequently.

Guess all of you who passed by KL Sentral would always caught a sight of a bunch of people (perhaps I should say 2 bunch of people) who keep on shouting to get attention of those who carry bags. One bunch in Red and one bunch in yellow, and try to yell to get people to take their bus. Really can't understand, why can't they do it a little more civilized manner. After all, it is one of our main terminal in Malaysia.

This practice has gone on for so long, and I don't see any authority taking action on that. It is just tarnishing the image of Malaysia. Seeing how foreign tourist being hackled to take their bus. It is just not logical.

The two bunch of people, I am going to name it out right - Sky Bus and Aero Bus which operate to LCC-T. True that you guys are serving the market to bring passengers to LCC-T, and charge a pretty competitive rate. However, the behavior to the public is just simply unacceptable. It is not the right way to promote Malaysia.

Hope that those who read about this, and have seen/experienced it, please please highlight it out and hopefully this problem can get solved.



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Got Selected for HPAIR Business Conference 2008

I blogged about Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations here and here .

I applied for HPAIR 2008 Business Conference and just found out that I was successfully selected to attend the conference! Yay! Really miss those days where I get to attend tons of conferences! Would definitely want to make full use of it!

The application for HPAIR 2008 Business Conference in Kuala Lumpur is still open, so definitely hope to see many of my blog readers would try your luck to apply for it here



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Olympics Torch Run KL Leg

21st April 2008, with 109 days before 8th August 2008, Kuala Lumpur played host to the 29th Summer Olympic Torch Run. It is a great occasion and priviledge for Kuala Lumpur, to be selected as one of the cities where the torch is brought around.

Today, 80 torch bearers, including Sultan Azlan Shah (who jogged under a heavy rain), brought the torch around various parts of KL, from Dataran Merdeka to Stadium Merdeka to KL Tower and then to Petronas Twin Tower.

I was thinking of running, but then in the end, I didn't run. I just went to KLCC to see the closing ceremony. It was very packed, but sadly the bulk of those who bothered to attend are those students from China. Easily, 80-90% of those attending (except for police, officers etc) are from China. They showed their patriotism, with flags pasted/painted on their face, and also some carried huge China's flag. They were shouting "Jia You, Beijing" and "Jia You, China" too in Mandarin!

I am just wondering where are all the KLites. It is at a very convenient place at Petronas Twin Tower, but somehow fellow Malaysians just don't care and don't bother to show up. Maybe the rain could be a reason, but why aren't we be patriotic and come forward to cheer for our country.

When the VIP from China Olympic Committee shouted Malaysia Boleh, there was no reaction from the crowd and that happened at Petronas Twin Tower and it is a huge shame.

Also, the organizing committee seemed quite unprepared. The souvenirs to be presented was not ready when the name was read. Some of the recipients somehow didn't go up stage or seemed blurred. And our KL Mayor gave prizes at the stage one level lower than where China's Ambassador is. I'm not sure whether that's the protocol or it is a misplan. It just looked wierd.

And after it was over, Putra LRT definitely is not ready to take care of the crowd. It was huge bottleneck. Just wish we had done better in this.



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Sunday, April 20, 2008

Earth Day

With Earth Day coming up on 22nd April, it is my little social responsibility here to remind everyone to treasure what we get to enjoy in this Earth.

Would like to also highlight a few initiatives on Environment that I think is worthwhile. One of it is WeCanSolveIt.org led by Al Gore, Nobel Prize Winner 2007.

Another one closer to home, it is by YTL, which has been doing a lot of advertisements to promote its own YTL Climate Change Week. For more info, go to YTL Community Climate Change Week's Website

Lets all think to reduce wastage for our environment.

Some of the steps quoted from YTL's website
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Want to do something to help stop global warming? Here are 10 simple things you can do and how much carbon dioxide you'll save by doing them.

Change a light.
Replacing six regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs will save 400kg of carbon dioxide a year.


Drive less.
Walk, bike, carpool or take public transport more often. You'll save 1.5kg of carbon dioxide for every 5km you don't drive!


Recycle more.
You can save 1,000kg of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just half of your household waste.


Check your tyres.
Keeping your tyres inflated properly can improve your car's fuel efficiency. Every litre of petrol saved keeps 2.5kg of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere!


Use less hot water.
It takes a lot of energy to heat water - use less hot water by installing an energy efficient triple A rated showerhead (3 tonnes of carbon dioxide saved per year) and washing your clothes in cold or warm water (225kg saved per year).


Avoid products with a lot of packaging.
You can save 545kg of carbon dioxide if you cut down your garbage by 10%.


Move your thermostat down 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer.
You could save about 900kg of carbon dioxide a year with this simple adjustment.


Plant a tree.
A single tree will absorb one tonne of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.


Turn off electronic devices.
Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you're not using them will save you thousands of kilograms of carbon dioxide a year.


Be a part of the solution.
Learn more and get active at www.ytlcommunity.com/climatechange


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Al-Azhar 1st Overseas Branch in Malaysia

Al-Azhar University, one of the world's oldest university will set its foot in Malaysia. It would have a branch campus in Negeri Sembilan, marking the presence of another prestigious university in the world.

For more info, go to The Star

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Al-Azhar boost for Malaysia
BY SARBAN SINGH
THE prestigious Al-Azhar University, one of the world's oldest, will open its first branch campus outside Egypt in Kota, near Rembau, Negri Sembilan.

The foundation stone for the branch campus, to be built by Yayasan Sofa, was laid by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on April 12.

“This is an honour not only for us, but for the entire country. The university, which has been in existence for 1,000 years has finally agreed to set up a branch and it is right here in Rembau,” he said adding that Yayasan Sofa received the approval from Al-Azhar on March 10.

Also present were a representative from Al-Azhar University, Dr Umar Abdullah Kamil and Yayasan Sofa chairman, Mohd Shukor Sabudin.

Mohamad said the university, which was expected to admit its first batch of students next year, would first offer Usuluddin and Syariah courses.

“It will later expand to offer medical and science and technology-related programmes.”

He said the decision to open a branch campus in Malaysia would allow more students to pursue tertiary education at an affordable cost at the reputable institution.

It now costs each student between RM10,000 and RM15,000 a year to study in Egypt.

Mohamad said under the agreement, Al- Azhar would also have its own pool of lecturers to teach at its branch campus.

“There may be some changes done to the courses to suit local requirements here, otherwise, the basics would be similar to what we have been practising at Al-Azhar in Egypt,” he said.

Mohamad said when he visited students sponsored by the state government at Al- Azhar in 2005, he had asked the university authorities to explore the possibility of opening a branch campus outside Egypt.

“We are happy that they finally agreed, and have chosen us amongst the many others who had also made similar requests,” said Mohamad. He said the Thai and Indonesian governments were among many parties which had approached Al-Azhar to allow them to open up branch campuses in their respective countries.

Mohamad said the construction of the university bode well for Negri Sembilan, which hoped to become an education hub. He said the Sedaya International University College was the latest to agree to set up operations there.

“They will operate in Bandar Springhill. Another university which can help train graduate nurses will also be built in the state at Sendayan,” he said.

On the construction cost for the Al-Azhar branch campus, Mohamad said this would come from the private sector.

Yayasan Sofa advisor Datuk Kamarudin Meranum, who was also present, said it was too early to tell how much it would cost to build the university.

“We have a plan, but it is premature to divulge details,” he said.

Kamarudin said the university would first open its doors to local students and only then enrol students from the region.

Asked if Yayasan Sofa would pay a royalty to Al-Azhar, Kamarudin said it would not.

Dr Umar, when asked why the university authorities picked Malaysia for its branch campus, said it was because they were happy with the proposal submitted by Yayasan Sofa.

“Malaysia is also strategically located ... it can be the regional centre for students from this part of the world,” he said.

Of Al-Azhar’s 28,000 students, 7,000 are from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Dr Umar was also impressed by the Muslims here, whom he described as deeply religious.

“When I was growing up in Mecca, Malaysians bound for Al-Azhar would first come to the holy city and only then proceed to Egypt.”

He said the university may allow Thailand to open a branch campus as well, but, it would certainly be smaller than the one that is to be built here.



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AFS 2008 Applications for Malaysia

Thanks to evening_go_jogging for highlighting it over at ReCom.org , The Worldwide Malaysian Students Network here

For those of age 15 to 17 years old, there is a great opportunity for you to take part in AFS Exchange Program (AFS AntaraBudaya Malaysia). The deadline would be on 30th April 2008. For more details, go to AFS's Website .

Call 03 77224866 or 7725 4966 for more information.

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Why Settle Just for Traveling? Respecting Differences
See the world through AFS!

Following are the High School Program AFS Malaysia is offering:

Year Program Intensive Program Semester Program

AFS is an inter cultural exchange program and not a study program. You would be able to gain knowledge such as inter-cultural skills, communication skills and learn to be more independent from going on this program. Education beyond classroom!

Year Program
One year exchange school program where students will be placed with a local family and go to a local school.

Intensive Program
4 weeks – 2 months exchange school program where students will be placed with a local family and go to a local school.

Semester Program
The Semester ( YES Program) provides full scholarships for a semester of living and studying in the U.S.
Students live with host families, attend high school, engage in school and community activities, and volunteer with local organizations. They learn about American society and values while helping to educate Americans about the customs and culture of their homelands. The YES program focuses on leadership and works with these students during the school year to develop their leadership skills.

YES students are selected in an open, merit-based selection process. The three-tiered selection process includes a written application and in-person interview. A final screening takes place in front of a national selection committee.

What students MUST consider when considering country options:

1. Students applying should be between Form 3 and Form 5 in Malaysian high school.

2. Students applying for the Year Program must currently be in Form 5

3. Most countries insist that we send students who consume meat. This is because most families that students will be place with are meat eaters. Students who apply for these countries must be prepared to eat meat for the duration of the program unless for medical reasons certified by a doctor. Muslims students are advised that meat is non-halal and they may abstain from pork

4. Students cannot expect their families to specially prepare separate meals from what is already prepared unless for medical reasons certified by a doctor.

5. Most families have pets, usually dogs or cats. Should a student have pet restrictions, it will be difficult to find placement, unless for medical reasons certified by a doctor. Muslim students are advised that even if they keep their pet restrictions to indoor pets only placements will still be difficult.

6. Japan and Spain request that we send students with basic knowledge of the language.

7. France in particular, expects students to speak basic French. This means that the student must have at least studied French for two years.

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AFS Statement of Purpose
AFS is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

The Core Values and Attributes of AFS
AFS enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world. It acknowledges that peace is a dynamic concept threatened by injustice, inequity and intolerance.

AFS seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations and cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or social status.

AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance.


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Young Leaders Summer School, Trinity College

Thanks to evening+go_jogging who highlighted about this opportunity at Trinity College, Australia for Young Leaders Summer School at ReCom.org - The Worldwide Malaysian Students Network .

He quoted it from The Star Education Pullout

Full details are at Trinity College's website

Full quotes of the news in The Star is as follow:-

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"Trinity College, Australia, will be holding its Young Leader Summer School from July 6 to 18, and Dec 1 to 14.

The Young Leaders Summer School attracts students from around Australia and the world. Participants get to experience personal and academic development as well as the chance to enjoy college life.

The academic programme is specially designed to allow students approach learning from a critical and contextual perspective as they participate in activities led by experienced teachers, both in and out of the classroom.

These activities include forums, workshops and projects to hone leadership and communication skills.

Students can opt for either the science or creative thinking stream, both of which offer a variety of engaging educational activities.

Other highlights include a rock climbing challenge, city scavenger hunts, and a weekend camp where students get to enjoy an Aussie bush dance.

Those interested can find more about the programme from the Director of Summer Schools, Vincent Ramos, during this visit to Malaysia next week.

For details, call JM Education Counselling Centre at 03-56334732."


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2008 JPA Scholarships Topics

Thanks to fellow ReCom.org - The Worldwide Malaysian Students Network members' sharing on 2008 JPA Scholarships Interview Experience and also the topics of discussion and interview. The discussion thread is at here

Please share this topic for those SPM 2008 students who might have to go through 2009 JPA Scholarships Interview.

Good Luck to all ReComers who attended various scholarships interview! Hope that again the lion share of JPA Scholarships and other scholarships would be obtained by fellow ReComers!

Hope that you guys would have the ambition to come back to serve the nation too! The country needs you!

The topics are:-
1.What is Vision 2020 to you? What are the challenges in reaching Vision 2020?
2.Which movie do you like the most and why?
3.why education is important
4.Steven Hawking's "The Brief History of Time"
5.How Malaysians students can do better abroad
6.Malaysia's younger generation prefer to watch entertainment program than to watch serious programs such as news and current affairs
7.Belajar di luar negara memberi kelebihan berbanding belajar di dalam negara.
8.Healthy Lifestyle. Way of promoting healthy lifestyle while studying abroad
9.Rising oil prices is a threat to our country's economy
10.Major achievements and developments of Malaysia from the past 50 over years since
independence
11.What is the best sports achievement in Malaysia
12.PhD Scholars: do they serve purpose for the development of community and country or it is for namesake?
13.Ko-kurikulum sedikit-sebanyak menjejaskan pelajaran. Setuju atau tidak?
14.China and India are rising stars of economy in Asia. Do u agree with that? will this growth help Malaysian economy or pose a threat to the economy? In your opinion, what should be done to improve malaysia's economy to compete with them?
15.Reality TV programme
16.why local graduates can't find job?
17.One thing you wish to change about your school life; what would it be and why
18.Patriotism / How and what should you do to show patriotism
19.Telefon mudah alih-keperluan atau kemewahan / Is mobile phones a necessity or luxury
20.Do you agree that there's been a decline in reading among the young?
21.banyak palajar yang telah dihantar overseas tidak mahu balik ke malaysia untuk kerja selepas graduate. apa langkah yang boleh JPA ambil untuk tarik mereka balik ke msia.
22.How can Malaysian students studying abroad promote Malaysia
23.Do u agree that our education system is too exam-orientated
24.Housewife as the first line in the development of human capital resources.
25.The recent cases of child abduction have increased public awareness on the lack of security in the country.
26.visit malaysia year 2007
27.sekolah kluster / cluster school
28.NAM/ PBB /OIC / ASEAN
29.how to be a good leader
30.Who aspires &inspires you
31.Why government still send students abroad when we Malaysia intend to be an education hub in our region?
32.The secret of success
33.What are your proudest achievements in life to this date
34.Do you think those who got 10 a1 and above should automatically granted a scholarship
35.RMK9 - 9th Malaysia Plan
36.Dewan Rakyat
37.Constitution/Perlembagaan
34. Is money everything?
35. Disadvantage of internet
37. should we have limitation on freedom of expression
38. Suruhanjaya REID
39. How do you describe a developed country? What should be used as an indicator to a developed nation?
40. Proton is our locally produced cars. However, efforts by the government to promote Proton have been deemed a burden to the people. In your opinion, should or should not Proton be manufactured?
41. Children nowadays are spoiled, unruly and indiscipline. Is it true.
42. Palestine-Israel Issue
43. GE 2008
44. Pelan Integriti Nasional
45. Pirated cds affect entertainment industry
46. Benifits of participation of cocuriculum-based activities?
47. Technology is a Double-edged Sword
48. AFTA
49. IMF
50. What type of person do you think JPA is looking for?
51. pada pendapat anda, apakah bidang yang memberi impak terbesar kepada negara?
52. Rules are mend to be broken, Give your opinion
53. Unemployment among graduates

Other question:
1.Yang Dipertuan Agong's name
2.What is JPA
3.prime minister name
4.Prime minister’s father’s name
5.Minister's/Menteri Besar/Chief Minister's/JPA DG Name
6.What do you see yourself doing in 10 years time. What would you contribute to the country
7.Which country would you choose to study oversea? Why?
8.Why do you think you deserve the scholarship?
9.What strength do you have to go study overseas
10.What income do you expect when you graduated
11.what would you do if JPA does not offer you a scholarship
12.name two lines from Rukun Negara
13.Talk about a mistake you made and what you learnt from it
14.Singing of patriotic song (Keranamu Malaysia, Khidmat Negara)




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Amherst College Extend Need Blind to International Students

Thanks a lot to Aaron Lo for highlighting this to me.
 
It is great to hear that Amherst College, would join Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, Williams, Middlebury, Dartmouth and Penn to offer need blind to international students!
 
 
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Amherst College to Extend Need-Blind Admission Policy to International Students

Submitted by Emanuel Costache. Last edited on Wed, 2008-04-09 12:35.

April 9, 2008
Contact: Caroline Jenkins Hanna
Director of Media Relations

413/542-8417

AMHERST, Mass.—Amherst College's board of trustees has voted to extend the school's need-blind admission policy to international students. The change, which will take effect during the 2008-09 admissions cycle, makes the school one of just eight colleges and universities in the United States to offer such a consideration to applicants from other countries.

"From the earliest days of Amherst's existence, the college has recognized the value of attracting the most talented students from all over the world to our community," said President Anthony W. Marx. "By making the admission process need-blind for all applicants—including those from other countries—we hope that we are only reinforcing the message that we welcome all students to apply, regardless of financial standing. It is in everyone's best interest that we are doing what we can to educate the best mix of future leaders."

 "Need-blind" means that a school makes admission decisions without holding financial need against that applicant. Amherst also agrees to meet the full financial need of every student who is admitted. Under previous guidelines, the college was need-blind only for American citizens and permanent residents.

Tom Parker, Amherst's dean of admission and financial aid, said that when he meets guidance counselors from outside the United States, they always ask whether Amherst is need-blind for international students. "If it's not the first question they ask you, it's the second question they ask, because it's so critical." Parker added that he expects—and welcomes—a jump in applications from outside of the United States this fall. "Now, everyone will be compared with everyone else. It's a level playing field."

The policy change builds on Amherst's long leadership in the areas of accessibility and affordability. The college was one of the first in the country to adopt a need-blind admission policy, and, in 1999, the first to eliminate loans for low-income students. Then, this past July, Amherst became one of the first in the nation to eliminate loans for every undergraduate, beginning in the 2008-09 academic year.

In recent years, international students have made up about 8 percent of the college's student body. Many of them receive financial aid in the form of college grants and work-study jobs, like their American classmates. Students from Africa and Latin America are also eligible for two need-based scholarships, the Koenig Scholarship for talented low-income students and the Nelson Mandela Scholarship for students from South Africa or Mozambique. Unlike their American classmates, however, those from other countries are ineligible for federal grants.

Amherst records show that the earliest international student to attend the college was Nicholas Petrocokino, a member of the Class of 1829 and a native of Chios, Greece. Other notable international alumni include Joseph Hardy Neesima of Japan, Class of 1870, founder of the school that would become Doshisha University; Albert II, Class of 1982, Prince of Monaco; and Kimmie Weeks of Liberia, Class of 2005, global activist and humanitarian who founded Youth Action International.   

Founded in 1821 for "the education of indigent young men of piety and talents," Amherst College is now widely regarded as one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the nation, enrolling a diverse group of approximately 1,600 young men and women. Well known for its academic excellence, Amherst is also considered among the very best schools in the country in terms of accessibility: The college's financial aid packages are consistently among the most generous in the U.S., and, among its peer universities and colleges, Amherst has the greatest economic diversity.

Diversity, in its broadest sense, is fundamental to Amherst's mission. The college enrolls students from every state and more than 40 countries, and, for the past several years, nearly 40 percent of Amherst's students have been students of color. Amherst offers the B.A. degree in 34 fields of study.

Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR)

I blogged about Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) Here

The deadline for Business Conference was originally on 15th April, but has now been extended to 15th May. Would definitely hope to see more Malaysians applying for it, as well as for others who want to come over and have the conference over in Kuala Lumpur.

It is definitely a great conference with a large number of distinguished speakers. I blogged about it in my earlier post. So, click on it above to read about it. Among them, Kevin Ruud (Australia Prime Minister) Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah, Datuk Tony Fernandes etc.

To sign up, go to HPAIR's Website .

You can apply for the HPAIR Academic Conference too in KL (21st to 24th August). The HPAIR Business Conference would be on 14th to 17th August.

Do spread the words around!


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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

2nd Malaysian Student Leaders Summit

I blogged about 2nd Malaysian Student Leaders Summit earlier.

Do go to here

Sessions & Itinerary (Further updates to check UKEC website here


1) Keynote Address: Governance
“Transparency and Accountability in Governance – Primary Concerns of Modern Malaysia?”

• YAB Dato' Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia

2) Judiciary and Legal Forum:
“The Rule of Law: A Question of Restoring Faith in the System?”

• YB Senator Dato’ Zaid Ibrahim, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Judicial Reform)
• Professor Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi, Professor of Law and Legal Advisor, Mara University of Technology (UiTM)
• Ms.Ambiga Sreenevasan, President of the Malaysian BAR Council

3) Race Relations Forum:
“2008 General Elections: Managing the Changing Dynamics of Race Relations in Malaysia”

• Karim Raslan, author, columnist, lawyer and founder of Karim Raslan Associates
• Khoo Kay Peng, journalist, political analyst, Executive Director of SEDAR Institute
• Dr. Denison Jayasooria, Executive Director of the Social Strategic Foundation

4) Ministerial Address: Education
“The National Education Blueprint: Addressing Racial Polarization and Sustainable Economic Development”

• YB Dato’ Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein, Minister of Education

5) Opening Address: Malaysian Economy
“State of the Economy in the wake of Global Uncertainties”

• Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Governor, Central Bank of Malaysia

6) Industry and Economic Forum:
“Looking Out of the Window: The presence of Malaysian Corporate Giants on the global economic stage”

• Dato’ Azman Mokhtar, MD of Khazanah Nasional
• Dato’ Nazir Razak, CEO of CIMB Group
• Dato’ Johan Raslan, Executive Chairman of PWC


7) Religious Diversity Forum
“Coping with Religious Diversity: The Challenge of Being Just to All Within the Context of Islam as the Official Religion”

• Dr. Mohd Asri bin Zainul Abidin, Perlis Mufti
• Datuk A. Vaithilingam, President of Malaysia Hindu Sangam
• Dr. Farish Ahmad-Noor, former Senior Fellow at the Institute for Islamic Studies, Freie University of Berlin
• Zainah Anwar, Executive Director of Sisters in Islam (SIS)


8) Royal Address
“Evolution of Malaysian Minds: Issues and Challenges towards a First World Mentality”

• HRH Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah Ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibuddin Shah, The Regent of Perak


9) Student forum:
“Student Activism: The Way Forward”

• Khairizul Rizzuan, Chairman, UKEC
• Shahril Hamdan, Director, Second MSLS
• Nithiyananthan Muthusamy, Director, Northeast (USA) Malaysia Forum

The event will also incorporate group discussions amongst participants with a view of yielding a Conference Resolution on the various topics discussed. The organisers will then work towards publicising the Resolution in our efforts to ensure that student voices are heard.

Note:The completed itinerary will be released once all details are finalised



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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Cornell Club of Singapore - World of Wines 2008

This is an event by Cornell Club of Singapore

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Event Information :

World of Wines 2008
To take a breather from our gourmet expeditions, we're having a little outing to the park to spend
a leisurely afternoon sampling 50 premium wines (Bolinger, Cloudy Bay, Coppola, Parker etc) from across the world.
Organised by Hermitage Wine and 3rdOpPR (a Cornellian-owned public relations and events firm),
at $50, it's a great deal! There'll also be a free flow of canapes with every ticket purchased.
Bring friends and choose between mingling with fellow alum or wandering off on your own.
Date: 3 May 2008
Venue: Botanic Gardens Function Room
Event Time: 12pm-8pm
Group Meeting Time: 5pm
Price: $50.
Please RSVP Sonia at sonia.ong@gmail.com
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The Cornell Club of Singapore aims to help the Cornell community in Singapore keep in touch with each other and with Cornell. Support the club by becoming a sponsoring member!

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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Wine Appreciation Workshop on 26th April 2008

For those who are interested to learn more about Wine Appreciation. I really miss my Wine Tasting class in Cornell. :)

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Dear Sir/ Madam
 
We are having Wine Appreciation Workshop on 26th April 2008 (Sat).Attached is the leaflet of this workshop.
Any enquiry, please feel free to call us.
THANK YOU
 
Wine Appreciation Workshop
Date: 26th April 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 3pm- 5pm
Speaker: Mr. Lionel Lau
Medium: English
Fee: RM50 per person
Venue: South City Lifelong Learning Centre
           3rd, South City Plaza
           Persiaran Serdang Perdana, Seksyen 1,
           Seri Kembangan, Serdang
 
 
rgds
South City Lifelong Learning Centre
Tel: 03-89438186
 


Hwei Lin won 2nd Prize in International Manga Competition

Hwei Lin Lim weaves words and images to win second prize in international "manga" contest
Achivement by an Accenture Kuala Lumpur office employee. Congrats!
 
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When Hwei Lin Lim received an e-mail informing her that her manga—Japanese for "comics"—had placed second in an international competition, she thought it was a prank.

"It was a huge surprise," said Hwei Lin, a Systems Integration & Technology consultant in Accenture's Kuala Lumpur office. "I didn't really believe it until I logged onto the website of the publisher and saw my manga translated into Japanese."

Normally Hwei Lin wouldn't have had time to enter the first annual Morning International Manga Competition, which she learned about from friends. But she found herself between projects with some time on her hands, so she turned the focus she usually applies to SAP implementation to drawing and writing.

Hwei Lin worked around the clock for a month on her entry—"I didn't go out, didn't do anything"—and produced a 29-page manga called Vefurrin. Three months after submitting it, she received an e-mail from the organizers telling her she'd placed second out of more than 200 entries from 30 countries.



Inspired by sound
Vefurrin's title comes from an Icelandic word meaning "weaver," Hwei Lin explained. "The manga is about a character who tells stories and I was listening to an Icelandic band while I was working on it. When I hear music, I start seeing pictures."

Besides music, Hwei Lin also relied on her Accenture training to help her complete Vefurrin by the deadline. "Entering this contest was like taking on a project with a very tight timeline," she explained. "It's hard to explain exactly how, but I sort of did a SQERT analysis (scope, quality, effort, risk and time) of how much time I had, what I wanted to achieve and what I could sacrifice. So the entry I sent in was not very well drawn, because I decided it was more important to spend time on coming up with a story for it."

Hwei Lin didn't tell most of her colleagues about her victory—"I have the impression not many people are interested in comics"—and felt embarrassed when an article about her appeared in The Star, Malaysia's leading English-language newspaper. Nonetheless, she finds herself touched by the positive reactions of her colleagues.

"After the article appeared, so many Accenture people texted and e-mailed me their congratulations," she said. "I feel really humbled by their excitement. I hope this encourages more people to read manga in their spare time."

As for what she plans to do with the $2,000 prize money, "I haven't really thought about it," she admitted. "Although I do owe my parents a really, really posh dinner and possibly a big TV for rushing my entry to the post office to meet the deadline."

Will she enter the contest again? Hwei Lin says she's not sure—but it doesn't matter, as competition isn't what inspires her creativity.

"I'll keep drawing as long as I can think of stories, which is probably forever."

More information
Hwei Lin's website

Malaysia Sudoku Society April Gathering

A post by Secretary of Malaysia Sudoku Society

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Dear Members,

+++++ Sudoku Gathering this Saturday 19th April 4~5pm +++++

In this month of April with its erratic weather - you get hot blazing sunshine one minute, and a heavy downpour the next - I trust that you are keeping well.

Once again, the third Saturday of the month is round the corner, and it is time for us to meet again to enjoy some Sudoku fun! By now, you should know that the Society meets every third Saturday of the month from 4pm to 5pm. Last month we had a good turnout compared to February, and I hope to see even more members attending this Saturday.

At the last gathering I presented Shendoku, an interesting 2-person Sudoku game, and I hope you found it enjoyable. This Saturday it is our great honour to have Philip Khew who will speak on 'How do You Create a Sudoku Puzzle'. We are all avid solvers of Sudoku puzzles, but if you turn the table around, how is a good Sudoku puzzle composed? Is it just a matter of taking a completed Sudoku grid, removing most of the digits, and leave, say, about 24 clues? I don't think it is so simple!
Philip will enlighten us on this subject.

For those of you who have not joined us before, the venue is as follows. Call me at 012-234 1492
if you need some directions. Traffic can sometimes be unpredictable in the Sunway area, so please start your journey early:
Suite 635 Block A2,
Leisure Commerce Square,
Bandar Sunway.

Do bring along a friend or two, who are Sudoku enthusiasts.

Looking forward to meeting you guys again.

Yours Sudokuly,
Lee Yee Dian
Secretary


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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

World Vision Child4Child and Youth4Youth

Thanks to my blog reader for submitting this too.

For more details, go to World Vision's Website

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World Vision Child4Child and Youth4Youth Initiative

Have you ever wondered what life is like for other children around the world?

The Child4Child/Youth4Youth Campaign encourages Malaysian children/youth to reach out to their counterparts from another country.

By sponsoring a child as an individual or a team, they will chart their experience of sharing their lives with a child in Singkawang, Indonesia. Through this process, they will learn about the issues faced by the children in less privileged situations and how help can be rendered.

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Child4Child

Ready…

Any child aged between 3 – 12 years old (with parental or educational institution supervision).

Set…

1) Sponsor a child from Singkawang, Indonesia*
2) Receive C4C material and your sponsored child’s profile.
3) Use the material to organise activities or lessons about your sponsored child and the life he/she leads.

* The C4C Campaign only applies to sponsored children from Singkawang, Indonesia.

Go!

Win Disney prizes through the “Vision Book Competition”! **

Every child involved in the C4C campaign is eligible for the competition.
Instructions are provided in the C4C material.

** Disney prizes are proudly sponsored by Evergreen Publications.

Keep updated about the Child4Child Campaign through the Disney Magazine where you may look out for comics, activities and stories about World Vision sponsored children!

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Youth4Youth

Win the chance to visit and witness World Vision’s work in Singkawang, Indonesia!

Ready…

Any youth aged between 13 – 17 years old can take part.

Youth will require written parental consent to participate in the Vision Trip if they are selected.

Set…

1) Sponsor a child from Singkawang, Indonesia* as an individual or as a team (maximum 6 persons)
2) Receive the Y4Y worksheets and your sponsored child’s profile.
3) Create and submit a scrapbook using the worksheets provided by 4th June 2008.

Individuals/teams with the best-researched and most creative scrapbooks will be shortlisted to prepare a 5-minute multimedia presentation on ‘How Malaysian youth can be peace advocates and cultural ambassadors to their counterparts around the world’ by 10th July 2008.

The team/individual with the winning multimedia presentation will be sent on a Vision Trip to Singkawang, Indonesia in August 2008.

* The C4C Campaign only applies to sponsored children from Singkawang, Indonesia.



-----
Click here to read more of Chen Chow's posts

Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!