A homestay experience

Student exchange programmes are regarded as the most common form of intercultural exercise. In this respect, Malacca’s St. Francis Institution (SFI) hosted a group of 22 Japanese and Indonesian pupils between the ages of 13 and 18 years with a five-day home stay experience.

Participants included 10 pupils from Palembang’s Xaverius Secondary School and 12 personally selected by Mayors Shuji Maeda and Hiroyuki Mori of Kirishima City Hall and the Prefecture of Kagoshima respectively.

Looking smart: The pupils from Japan and Indonesia, posing for a group photo at St. Francis Institution (SFI).

SFI programme coordinator Yong Kheng Kwang said the school’s student exchange and home stay affairs have been ongoing since 1989.“However, the exchange and homestay with students from Palembang was initiated in 2010. “After a year’s break, the programme is back on the scene with Japanese students lately joining in a three-way tie-up with SFI.”

The student exchange programme is also aimed at cultivating understanding, co-operation and networking among students coupled with ample opportunities to gain first hand information about the country’s various communities. SFI Form Four pupil Ruben Amirthalingam who hosted William Lim from Palembang said the experience had enriched his life.

Colourful: The female pupils from Palembang performing a traditional dance.

“We are sure that such exchange programmes will have a profound influence on our lifestyle and our perspective.” Sachiko Nagai, the Kirishima City Hall office who accompanied the Japanese students said she did not know much about Malaysia prior to her visit. “Now we want to know much more about this beautiful country even after we return to Japan.”

Teacher Jeddy Suparman of Palembang’s Xaverius Secondary School said both countries were similar in certain ways. “I learned a lot about the various cultures and customs of the Malacca people. I have found them to be very friendly and helpful.

“Although our stay in Malacca was for only five days, it forced us to get out of comfort zone, into new uncharted routines and ways of life which allows one to grow and expand as a person.” At the end of the exchange programme, a farewell dinner was organised for the visitors.

Showing their moves: Japanese pupils from Kagoshima Prefecture.

-thestar online.

Firefly to replace current fleet within eight years

GEORGE TOWN: FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd will buy a new range of aircraft to replace its existing range as part of its business expansion plan over the next five to eight years.
Chief executive officer Ignatius Ong said the company planned to replace the current fleet of 12 ATR 72-500 planes with new generation of fuel-fficient and low carbon footprint aircraft. “These could be new generation of ATR 72-500 aircraft or some other models,” Ong said at the launch of the three-times-per-week flight from Penang to Koh Samui by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on Saturday. Also present was Malaysia Airports senior general manager (operations) Datuk Azmi Murad.

Ong said the company planned to add a couple more ATR 72-500 aircraft in two to five years.
“We are now talking to the French manufacturer of ATR 72-500,” he said. The present price of an ATR 72-500 aircraft is around US$20mil.
Ong also said the company was now monitoring the rise in fuel price. “If it continues to go up, we will have to increase fuel surcharges, which will have an impact on the price of air tickets,” he said. The current jet fuel price is around US$125 per barrel, compared with about US$105 per barrel two months ago.

Ong said the commencement of the weekly flights to Koh Samui from Penang was due to the economic growth in Penang in the past two years. “The Penang-Koh Samui flights started in 2007 but was discontinued a year later due to plan to rationalise the company’s aircraft network. “Our target is to achieve a 85% flight load factor on this route,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lim said the resumption of this route would open the gates to international travellers, business and industrial-related tourists from the local community and expatriates of southern Thailand to Penang.
-thestar online.

Malaysians hot for South Indian destinations

A significant depreciation of the Indian rupee against the Malaysian ringgit has resulted in stronger outbound demand to South India, with some agencies reporting longer stays and higher budgets for clients during the ongoing Hari Raya festivities till end August.

Travel consultants interviewed by TTG Asia e-Daily said demand for the South Indian cities of Chennai, Kochi and Tiruchirappalli was especially buoyant, catalysed by low fares and direct connections provided by low-cost carriers.

Nantha Travel & Tours managing director, M Nantha Gopal, has seen a 15 per cent increase in business to Chennai, Kochi and Tiruchirapalli from mid-July till end-August. He explained that low airfares offered by budget carriers coupled with ongoing retail sales in South India were driving the growth in demand.

Topaz Travels travel consultant, Sharitha Rajendran, has seen a 20 per cent year-on-year increase in business to South India this Hari Raya season, with the average length of stay rising from four days to six days. “There is also increased demand for four-star properties, whereas previously the trend was budget accommodation,” he added.

On the flipside, travel consultants reported slower business to Mumbai and New Delhi due to hikes – by some 15 to 20 per cent – in Malaysia Airlines airfares. The flag carrier became the sole operator on the route following AirAsia X's exit earlier this year.

-TTG Asia.

MAS expects 15pc growth from India

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is expecting a 15 per cent growth in passenger load from India this year as compared to 2011, its Senior Vice-President (Global Sales and Distribution), Duncan Bureau, said. 

"Despite the economic slowdown worldwide, India is a growth-centric market for MAS. Hence, MAS is increasing the number of current flight frequencies from Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to Kuala Lumpur by another 10 day-time flights to ease the seat crunch for Indian passengers, he said in a statement to announce increased flight frequencies.

The increase, effective Sept 1, will provide better travel options for travellers who can enjoy improved connectivity to destinations in MAS' flight network. 
MAS is well connected with five India's metro cities -- New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad -- fromy Kuala Lumpur.

It currently operates 40 weekly flights to India from Kuala Lumpur, with 12 weekly flights from New Delhi to Kuala Lumpur and seven weekly flights each to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru from Kuala Lumpur.  In an effort to make MAS more attractive to the Indian market, the Malaysia flag bearer has regularly introduced various tour and travel packages and value-for-money schemes for travellers.

The latest is the "Showcase Malaysia Dream Deal 2012" which offers travellers a two-night complimentary stay in Malaysia on purchase of any international air ticket to Malaysia or beyond from MAS.  Passengers travelling on MAS on a Business Class ticket will get a complimentary stay in a five-star hotel in Malaysia, while passengers on Economy Class can avail a complimentary stay in a four-star hotel in Malaysia.

Bureau said MAS has also enhanced its in-flight menu of Indian cuisines for its passengers travelling from India and other parts of the world. He said these choices of in-flight vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available for passengers flying both in business and economy classes.

He also said MAS was on track to join the oneworld®alliance membership around the turn of the year. “It is progressively developing bilateral links on code-share with oneworld® partners, the latest being Cathay Pacific and Royal Jordanian Airlines. It has also added its network to the Global Explorer; the round-the-world fare offered by all members of the alliance and selected other airlines,” he said.

When MAS becomes part of oneworld®, its customers will gain access to the alliance’s truly global network. Its membership will expand oneworld’s global coverage to around 820 destinations in 150 countries served by a combined fleet of more than 2,600 aircraft operating some 10,000 flights a day and carrying 358 million passengers a year.

-Bernama.

PLUS Travel Time Advisory

PLUS urges the public to plan their balik kampung travel for Hari Raya based on its’ Travel Time Advisory (TTA) which is proven to have contributed to smoother traffic flow during peak periods in the past.

“The TTA plays a crucial role in helping the public to plan their journey whereby PLUS expects the traffic on the North-South Expressway will increase by 30 percent to 1.4 million vehicles per day during the Hari Raya holidays compared to 1.1 million vehicles on normal days,” said PLUS Chief Operating Officer, Mohammad Fuad Khusairi. 

The TTA consists of recommended staggered travel times for various destinations from the Klang Valley to major states and cities in Kedah, Perlis, Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Singapore. It is aimed at distributing traffic and reducing congestion on the mainline, major toll plazas, rest areas and lay-bys during peak periods. 

“We expect those in the Klang Valley to start leaving for their kampongs on 17 and 18 August (Friday and Saturday). As such, based on the TTA, we advise those heading towards Kedah, Perlis, Penang and Johor to enter the North-South Expressway before 12 noon. Whereas, those heading towards other destinations such as Kuala Kangsar, Changkat Jering, Taiping and Malacca can enter the highway between 12 noon and 3:00 pm,” Fuad elaborated.  On the other hand, those heading towards destinations that are nearer to the Klang Valley are advised to enter the highway at later hours. 

The TTA also includes a travel schedule for the Merdeka holiday and for those returning to the Klang Valley after the holidays.  Fuad was quoted at a media briefing to highlight the TTA and other preparations that will be taken by PLUS in coping with the traffic increase at Persada PLUS today. According to Fuad, more that 50 percent of the total highway users during last Aidilfitri holidays followed the TTA and it has helped to reduce traffic congestion on the North-South Expressway.

“The high adoption rate of the TTA during the previous festive seasons helped to promote smoother and safer travel on the highways. As such, we hope that the public will continue to give their co-operation in following the TTA for their balik kampong as well as during their journey back to the Klang Valley,” Fuad ended.

- www.plus.com.my

Worlds built together

With the Legoland Malaysia theme park set to open next month, Aneeta Sundararaj is reminded of the joys that Lego blocks bring to both young and old.

“I Never thought that I would work in a theme park,” says Siegfried Boerst, 49, general manager of Legoland Malaysia. The theme park in Nusajaya Johor Baru is set to open its doors on Sept 15, but Boerst gives Life & Times a peek into what visitors can expect, the rationale behind the building of the theme park and why playing with Lego, as opposed to the latest electronic gadget, matters to a child of the new millennium.

“I still have my first Lego set,” he tells us. “It’s in my mum’s house and my kids play with them.” It gave him much joy watching the garage door open and close automatically. Boerst smiles at the thought, it’s obvious the memory still evokes in him a child-like fascination with Lego.

He adds: “Lego stimulates creativity and the imagination.  Children can follow instructions or have an image of what they want to achieve. Many children will usually ask, ‘What else can I build with these blocks?’ or ‘Can I make something different?’ There’s no limit to what they can create.

“My daughter will build houses using Lego. Then, she’ll mix it with other toys and create something else. For example, “There is a set that has imaginary heroes. Some children merged several parts of these characters and created a new hero altogether.”

Clearly, he feels that Legoland bricks are a great tool to help students become more dynamic and improve their problem-solving skills, including out of the box thinking. Boerst adds that children play together when they play with Lego. “They interact and learn social skills. Not just sit in front of a computer and play games.”

He has also observed that playing with Lego has helped autistic children. “One of their problems is that they cannot express themselves verbally. So, these bricks help them to create things, which assist in the creative and communication processes. There’s no wrong or right in what they create. They have that freedom.”

A word that Boerst utters often in conversation is “freedom”. In a candid moment, it is clear why. He says: “I grew up in a time when Germany was divided into two. I lived close to the German border. And I was free in the West. I recognised that just a few kilometres away, where we had some family, it was not so. I have always wanted to travel but we couldn’t afford to. Today, I am aware that many people take freedom to move for granted.”
That sense of freedom underlies his enthusiasm about living in a country so far from his native Germany.

“We chose Malaysia to build the Legoland park because the people are becoming affluent and family values are still very important. Legoland park is something for the whole family to experience. Our target group is children between the ages of 2 and 12. The idea is to get the parents and children to work together. We always have the child in mind.”

Explaining some of the attractions in the theme park, Boerst says the one that will certainly appeal to parents who are determined to raise a generation of better drivers is the Traffic School. The school allows children to learn traffic rules and drive in a car made from Lego bricks. “We even give them a driving licence at the end.”

Feeling as though you’re listening to someone narrate a scene from Aldous Huxley’s seminal work, Brave New World, Boerst describes the 4D Cinema as where, “you not only watch the movie and hear the sound but, when it snows, you’ll also feel the snow falling down.” With the largest store in Asia, Legoland Malaysia will be the place to visit if you need to buy loose Lego bricks and pay for them by weight.

Finally, to adapt to the culture of the local region, Boerst says that there is a section dedicated to Asia. “There are miniature versions of iconic buildings from around Asia like Singapore’s Merlion, Laos’ Angkor Wat, Brunei’s Royal Palace and China’s Forbidden City.” The model of Petronas Twin Towers built entirely from Lego bricks took some 5,500 hours to design and build.

Boerst is looking forward to the theme park opening next month. With an almost bashful smile, he wonders if others will be as fascinated with his favourite — a miniature version of India’s Taj Mahal.

Lego building contest

“CREATIVITY, imagination, fun, learning, care and quality are pillars of the Legoland brand. We believe in play as an effective way of teaching children and the brand encourages creative learning. Besides that, we also want to inspire children to develop love for their country from a young age and this is a great start,” says Siegfried Boerst, general manager of Legoland Malaysia as he introduces the Lego Building Craze Contest.

“This is the first Legoland building contest of its kind in Asia and it is set to take Malaysia by storm. The contest aims to inspire creative learning, foster students interaction, teamwork and develop national education values among pupils.

Each school can register five teams and each team can consist of up to a maximum of 10 students. The competition is open to all schoolchildren aged between 4 and 14. Every member of each winning team will receive five-day passes to Legoland Malaysia. For details, visit www.legoland.com.my

-www.nst.com.my

Second Airbus A380 delivered

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) second Airbus A380 aircraft has arrived in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as the national carrier begins daily A380 flights between Kuala Lumpur and London.

Effective today, MAS' A380 flights between KLIA and London Heathrow operates on a daily basis, said MAS group chief executive officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya. “Our first of six A380s has been operating this route thrice weekly since July 1.

“With the second aircraft joining our fleet, we will offer daily A380 flights on this route,” he said in a media statement yesterday. “We are also on track to provide the A380 service on the main kangaroo' route, between London and Sydney, when the third A380 begins daily operations on the Sydney-Kuala Lumpur route by end November this year,” he added.

The A380 flight MH2 departs KLIA at 11.40pm and arrives in London Heathrow at 5.50am the next day. The return flight, MH3, departs London Heathrow at 12pm and arrives in KLIA at 7.25am the following day.

MAS' older B747 aircraft departs KLIA daily at 10.05am via flight MH4 and arrives in London Heathrow at 4.15pm. Return flight MH1 leaves London Heathrow at 10pm and arrives at KLIA the following day.

-thestar online.

http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/myA380

Shop & Win in Berjaya Times Square

- www.timesquarekl.com

Malaysia Ani-Com Cosplay Competition 2012 @ Sungei Wang Plaza

4th, 11th, 18th August & 2nd September 2012

The very first match in the year of 2012! Cosplay Competition is here for you again! The invitation is widely distributed, just for the sake of having everyone to join the fun! And, MANY GREAT REWARDS comes with great excitement in every match. It is a “must not miss” for Malaysia coser in the year of 2012!

Competition Details: First Match     : 4th  AUG 2012 (SAT), 3PM ~ 5PM 
Second Match :11th AUG 2012 (SAT), 3PM ~ 5PM
Third Match :18th AUG 2012 (SAT), 3PM ~ 5PM
GRAND FINAL: 2ND SEPT 2012 (SUNDAY), 3PM ~ 4PM

Contest Venue 
Match 1 ~ 3: HK Station, 6th Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza
Grand Final: Sungei Wang Plaza Concourse
- www.sungeiwang.com

Malaysia Takes Centre Stage With More Bid Wins

Kuala Lumpur, 9 August 2012 – Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) today announced that Malaysia would be hosting three upcoming international conferences this year and in the year 2015, further establishing the country as Asia’s premiere business events destination. With Kuala Lumpur chosen as the host city, the conferences will range from education, training and development to medical industries.

Held annually since 1969, the East Asia Regional Council of Schools Leadership Conference (ELC) 2012 will take place from 1^st - 4^th November 2012. Organised by East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), ELC facilitates communication and cooperative initiatives between and among all Member Schools involved in the Council. The conference attendees will include school board of trustee, headmasters, principals, curriculum coordinators, activities directors and admission directors.

Regarded as a significant event for Member Schools, the conference plays an important role in advancing the professional growth and development of individuals belonging to the school’s educational staff. Further, it helps broaden the education dimensions of all Member Schools in the interest of a total education programme and promotes intercultural understanding and international friendship through activities amongst Member Schools.

To date, the conference has confirmed the attendance of 850 delegates which will generate an estimated RM9.1 million (USD2.9 million / EUR2.4 million) in economic impact to the country.

In an important endorsement of Malaysia as the role model for emerging economies, the country will also be witnessing two more conferences in the year 2015, namely the 44th International Federation of Training and Development Organizations World Conference 2015 (IFTDO) and  Asia Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons 2015 (APACRS).

Organised by the Malaysian Association of Learning and Development (MyLEAD), the IFTDO represents more than 500,000 professionals in over 30 countries. It is committed to identify, develop and transfer knowledge, technology and skills to enhance growth, performance, productivity and sustainable development. The conference is fixed to take place from 25^th – 28^th August 2015.

The event is expected to bring approximately 1,500 delegates to Kuala Lumpur comprising of professionals from diverse network of human resource management and development organisations globally, and generate an estimated RM10.5 million (USD3.4 million , EUR2.7 million) in economic impact.

Due to be conducted from the 6^th - 9^th August 2015, the APACRS 2015 will witness the arrival of approximately 1,500 of the world’s leading ophthalmologists to Malaysia. With aims to raise the standard of ophthalmic practice in Asia Pacific through an educational scientific programme, the meeting provides a forum for regional interaction equivalent to its American and European counterparts.

In an effort to support and promote initiatives to advance knowledge, share new developments in cataract and refractive surgery as well as other related field of anterior segment ophthalmic surgery, the opportunity to host the conference would help boost Malaysia’s reputation as a major healthcare player in the Asia Pacific region. The conference is expected to bring in RM15.7 million (USD5 million / EUR4 million) of economic impact to the country.

Commenting on Malaysia’s success in securing the events, Mr Zulkefli Hj. Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB said, “Hosting these conferences in Malaysia will give invaluable exposure and offer opportunities for knowledge sharing, engagement and collaboration between local professionals and their international counterparts. At MyCEB, we firmly believe that these events would be able to contribute to the country’s competitive edge and position Malaysia as Asia’s business events hub”.

EARCOS would be held in the Shangri- La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur while IFTDO and APACRS would be conducted in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). All three conferences are supported by MyCEB.

- www.myceb.com.my

8th Borneo International Kite Festival 2012

Venue: Bintulu Old Airport Runway

Start Date: 26 September 2012

End Date: 30 September 2012

Keep 26th - 30th September 2012 in your diary as the time when you must be in Bintulu, Sarawak to see some of the most colourful, intriguing and strange looking kites from around the world. This annual event that started in 2005 has ranked as the most spectacular event of its kind in the state and together with the cultural and artiste performances, it showcases the rich combination of local and international flavours for all to experience and enjoy.

Come and see the national kite competition as well as the traditional kite-making event while children will get the chance to colour their way to prizes in the colouring contest. Stunt kites performances will be conducted by international participants as well as many distinct and creative kites will be on display. The “Rokaku” challenge will also be held amidst the Bintulu Trade and Food fair at the same venue which is right in the middle of the town! This is one event where age knows no bound as yound and old alike will be mesmerized by the shows on display.

Taking advantage of the blowing winds, watch local and international kite flyers displaying their skills and their kite creations. See the skies with multitude of kites in various forms, colours and shapes roaming Bintulu's air space. Enjoy the night with spectacular cultural and artiste performances lined up to spice up your stay in Bintulu.

- www.borneokite.com

Tourism Malaysia 40 Years & PelanconganKini 75K Pageviews

Today Tourism Malaysia celebrates the 40 years anniversary since their establishment on 10 August 1972. PelanconganKini wishes that Tourism Malaysia will bring tourism industry in Malaysia to a greater height.

Today also PelanconganKini received 75,000 pageviews since it was launched 2 and a half years ago. PelanconganKini would like to thank everyone for their contributions and assistances.

-PelanconganKini.

Wet attraction at i-City

Water World will be the next attraction at i-City in Shah Alam, adding another fun element to the area.

I-Bhd chief executive officer and executive director Datuk Eu Hong Chew said the attraction would be opened in November. “A tornado ride, which is the first in Southeast Asia, will be part of the Water World,” he said.

Interesting display: Lim (second from right) and executive director Puan Sri Tey Siew Thuan (right) admiring the photos exhibited at The Star’s photo department during their visit to Menara Star yesterday. Star Publications executive director and group chief editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (left) was explaining the photos to them.

Eu said this during i-Bhd’s visit to Menara Star in Petaling Jaya recently, when he gave a briefing on i-City’s future plans. The 29.14ha i-City is made up of MSC offices, residential development and leisure components. “Our approved built-up area was five million sq ft when we started, and now the figure has been increased to 13 million sq ft,” Eu said.

Snowalk and the digital lights are the main attractions which draw visitors to i-City. “The two are recurring investments as we continue to refresh the themes every year.

“In December last year, seven theme park rides were introduced, and Kid Zone, a 10,000 sq ft gym area for children, was opened this year,” he said. Moving on, Clarke Quay @ i-City and i-City South Data Centre complex are in the pipeline. The team of i-Bhd representatives was led by i-Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong.

-thestar online.

Sarawak Regatta 2012

Venue: Kuching Waterfront 

Start Date: 14 September 2012

End Date: 16 September 2012

Sarawak Regatta has been a premier event with a distinct historical and cultural significant. It was held as early as before 1872 and was organized as an annual event taking place during the New Year. Sarawak Gazette had recorded in 1872, that the annual Regatta that year was held, on 29th February 1872 at the Sarawak River infront of the Astana. The European community in Sarawak and in the neighboring countries were invited to the Astana - for breakfast - before the race. Keen competition were also recorded for the Rajah Cup. The boat 'Sri Matu' built and manned by the Melanaus, was reported as the winning boat.

The Gazette records provided the indication that Regatta had been an important social event organized annually for social integration and goodwill for the people of Sarawak. Prominent political figure, the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Ong Kee Hui, recorded that Rajah Charles Brooke used to send his yacht Maimunah1 to outstation to bring in the various Tuan Residents to join in the social event.

The tradition of holding the annual Regatta in the Sarawak River continued through the Colonial period and into the post-Malaysia period. During these periods the Regatta was organized by Resident and District Office with funds from the Government while the rest of the fund was raised through public donations.

The day programme include races for traditional longboats, dragon boats and other activities, like the running of totolizers, climbing greasing poles, catching ducks and pillow fights. Racing boats from outstations made it a grand affair and also a great occasion for families from outside the State Capital to visit Kuching town.

-www.sarawaktourism.com

www.sarawakregatta.com

AirAsia X in aircraft lease deal worth US$500m

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 9, 2012): Long-haul low-cost carrier (LCC) AirAsia X Sdn Bhd will lease six Airbus A330-300s from International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) for 10 years for a combined US$500 million (RM1.55 billion) as it looks to double its fleet size and expand its network over the next two years, said its CEO Azran Osman-Rani.

Speaking to reporters after the signing of a letter of intent with ILFC here today, Azran said the six planes will increase its seating capacity by 66%. "(The new aircraft will enable AirAsia X to) add frequencies to our core routes such as Tokyo, Taipei, Sydney and Melbourne, which we want to increase to a double daily offering. Secondly, we want to extend our flights to new cities in countries that we are already flying to, such as China, South Korea, Japan and Australia," he said.

The six aircraft are powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines and will be reconfigured to AirAsia X's existing A330 configuration of 12 premium flatbeds and 365 economy seats. The airline has an existing order for 20 A330s from Airbus. Next year, it will take delivery of four planes from ILFC and three from Airbus, and in 2014 it will receive the remaining two from ILFC and five more from Airbus.

Azran said upon delivery of the 14 new planes, it targets to carry seven million passengers. It carried 2.5 million passengers last year. AirAsia X currently operates a fleet of nine A330s and two A340s. Combined with the order of 20 A330s from Airbus, the six A330s from ILFC and plans to drop two A340s, it will have a fleet size of 35 aircraft by 2017.

"These six (leased) aircraft, together with our delivery orders from Airbus, will see AirAsia X being the dominant market leader in the low-cost long-haul segment," he said. Asked why the move to lease the planes, Azran said: "We want to make sure we are completely ahead of the game. The years 2013 and 2014 will be critical for the LCC space and we want to make sure that we will be the market leader well ahead of everyone else." He added that its load factor has grown over the years with 84% load factor in the first half of this year from 80% last year. He said the airline will still be able to maintain the load factor even with the additional capacity.

On jet fuel prices, Azran said it is not worried as the A330s are able to deliver a cost advantage to AirAsia X at the cost of 2.8 litres per seat per 100km consumption compared with the industry's cost of up to five litres per seat per 100km.

Meanwhile, AirAsia X co-founder and director Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said AirAsia X's listing is in progress and that it will be on Bursa Malaysia. "An announcement will be made in due course. It is certainly on the cards. (The timing) is for the board to decide. You can never say when because there are lots of factors to consider in terms of the markets.

"Internally, AirAsia X is ready to list. When we press the button will depend on external factors, but it (IPO) is imminent," he said. Fernandes also said that AirAsia does not intend to acquire any more airlines after Indonesia's Batavia Air, and will focus on organic growth.

-www.thesundaily.my

Malaysia Major Foreign Earning 2011

Manufacture Goods - RM 503.4 Billion

Palm Oil - RM 60.44 Billion

Tourist Receipts - RM 58.3 Billion

LNG - RM 49.96 Billion

Crude Oil - RM 31.98 Billion

Rubber - RM 13.27 Billion

-Bank Negara Malaysia Annual Report 2011

The Datai Langkawi adds 14 beach villas

Pristine exterior of a beach villa.

LANGKAWI: The Datai Langkawi will set a new benchmark for accommodation on the island with 14 new beach villas opening by November.

Directly located on Datai beach and softly surrounded by native trees and exotic flowers, the new villas blend seamlessly into the pristine landscape while allowing unprecedented privacy, direct access to the beach and spectacular views of the Andaman Sea.

There are 13 spacious one bedroom villas offering 218 square metres of living space with intimate sea, beach and pool views from most rooms. One two-bedroom villa boasts a size of 475 square metres and is ideal for a family, two couples or a larger group.

The villas feature a large luxurious master bedroom overlooking a private 12-metre pool, a spacious master ensuite with double vanities and a choice of indoor or garden shower, a relaxing and softly-furnished open-plan living/dining area that opens out to the pool terrace, a private timber poolside sun deck and lounge area that flows to a private grassy lawn leading to the beach.
While the villas provide a resort experience within their own private setting, they are easily accessible to the many offerings at The Datai Langkawi. The Datai boasts two large pools comprising the main pool and the beach club pool, plus a fabulous spa and numerous dining options.

The softly-furnished open-plan living/dining area.

There is the opportunity to enjoy bespoke meals prepared by Datai chefs within the privacy of the beach villas. Guests can also choose to go to The Dining Room just off the main lobby, The Pavilion restaurant, The Beach Club restaurant or the ever-popular The Gulai House, just a short stroll from the villas along a romantically-lit path through the rainforest. Alternatively, a private dinner in an open-sided marque right on the beach has always been a popular option for The Datai Langkawi's guests, particularly for romantic occasions.

Likewise, spa treatments may be taken at The Datai's award-winning Spa that is serenely positioned over naturally-running water in a lush tropical setting, while massages and some beauty treatments may also be enjoyed within the beach villa confines.
Anthony A. Sebastian, general manager for The Datai Langkawi, said: "These 14 new beach villas are being added to the many and varied accommodation offerings available to our guests at The Datai Langkawi. We look forward to continue indulging and exciting our guests with the unique style of genuine hospitality that the Datai name is synonymous with."
-nst online.
http://www.dataihotels.com/

Art tourism latest attraction in Langkawi

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and VIPs showing their skills in abstract painting at the Langkawi 1MCAT launch.

LANGKAWI: Langkawi, known for its natural heritage and duty-free shopping, has set its sights on art tourism as its latest tourist attraction.

The island’s art scene has certainly picked up since the introduction of the Langkawi edition of the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Festival (1MCAT). The festival, which is aimed at putting Malaysia on the map as a new art tourism destination, provides a platform for local artists to display their works to tourists and buyers.

Giving the thumbs up to the festival is veteran artist Md Salleh Dawam, 61, who said local artists on the island would be more motivated to produce their best pieces. He said the annual festival, which would run until September, was the right catalyst to push the island’s art tourism onto the next level.

Md Salleh said there were not many full-time artists on the island. “They paint once in a while before showing their works to people who might be interested in buying them. Hence, very few have collections which can be exhibited,” said the Johor-born artist who started painting in 1967. Having stayed on the island for many years, Md Salleh felt much more was needed to elevate the art scene in Langkawi.

“Many artists also rely too much on the government. They must change their attitude, play a bigger role and adopt a more progressive approach to boost Langkawi’s art scene.” Young artist Chekri Mansor, 35, from Kuala Lumpur, is no stranger to the event in Langkawi, having participated in last year’s festival.

He said the event provided young artists a good avenue to get exposure and experience. “I think it should be held longer. Three months is too short,” said Chekri who has participated in international exhibitions in cities such as Manila and Tokyo.

The 1MCAT Langkawi edition was launched by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. She said visual art was a good tourism product and tourists to Langkawi were known to have taken time to visit art galleries. Although good sales had been made during the previous festivals, no target has been set for the Langkawi edition.

Its main focus, she said, was developing the art scene further and creating awareness among the locals, hoteliers, artists and local tourism players. “It would be good if we can convince all hotels here to exhibit the works of local artists. Guests can enjoy their coffee or meals and at the same time feast their eyes on paintings. “To many, a hotel is just another hotel unless it has something special to offer, like paintings and artworks.” Dr Ng believed the spin-off from booming art tourism would benefit many people.

“New business opportunities will be created. For example, when tourists buy art to take home, there must be someone to provide packaging services and so on.” The 1MCAT festival is also running at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the National Visual Arts Gallery, the Tourism Ministry in Putrajaya and other locations in the federal capital.

In the states, the venues are Johor Premium Outlet in Kulaijaya, Malacca Art Gallery, Kota Kinabalu City Council, Kedah Art Festival in Kulim, Tuanku Fauziah Museum and Gallery in Penang and Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre. For more details, visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.
-nst online.
Note: 1MCAT Langkawi with Four Points By Sheraton Langkawi Resort at the lobby and lounge area of Four Points By Sheraton Langkawi Resort from July to September 2012-pelancongankini.