Car-sharing Application SOCAR Partners with Leading Fast Food Chain KFC Malaysia

by Cleffairy // December 5, 2018 // No Comments

Car-sharing application SOCAR, partners with one of Malaysia’s leading and iconic fast food chains, KFC Malaysia. Together, they introduce 12 more SOCAR Zones alongside bonus rewards for all to enjoy from December 5th 2018 to February 28th 2019.

Launched earlier this year, car-sharing application SOCAR has been leading the charge in introducing the multiflex* lifestyle to Malaysians in Kuala Lumpur and most recently, Johor Bahru.

SOCAR seeks to grow the multiflex and car-sharing community through continuous rewards and exciting partnerships. With the support of KFC’s 12 new strategic SOCAR zones, multiflexers from different neighbourhoods can now connect and enjoy added convenience and increased accessibility.

“With convenience, sustainability and modern living in mind, SOCAR together with KFC are looking to expand the multiflex and car-sharing community even more. We hope to see more families embracing technology and adopting the car-sharing lifestyle as they enjoy their next KFC meal together,” says Leon Foong, Chief Executive Officer of SOCAR Malaysia.

Recently expanding to Johor Bahru, with a northern and eastern release to follow very soon, SOCAR looks to provide all Malaysians with convenient mobility options when travelling not only within Kuala Lumpur but across the nation.

“With SOCAR being at over 470 locations, car ownership is no longer a necessity for consumers. Our partnership with KFC demonstrates how easy it is for multiflexers to get their favourite KFC bucket and share it with friends and family all without having to rely on their personal car. Technology and car-sharing, when combined, can really help bring retail to the doorsteps of many more.” continues Foong.

Managing Director of QSR Brands, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azahari Mohamed Kamil stated, “KFC aspires to be at the forefront of providing innovative solutions that can be meaningful to our customers. In order for us to stay ahead of the curve, we strive to be early adopters of change. Car-sharing is the most recent addition to contemporary urban life and it has been progressively transforming the lives of our community. Through this partnership, we are encouraging the smart mobility movement that we optimistically believe is the future.”

Alongside their usual purchases, both KFC and SOCAR customers will be able to enjoy SOCAR discounts, complimentary SOCAR hours and KFC Delivery E-vouchers.

“Unique partnership opportunities like this allow us to get creative with our marketing activities and provide our customers with added value, beyond our traditional services. At the heart of it, we are making use of the technologies available to continuously enhance the convenience of our customers.” Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azahari added.

With KFC’s expertise in selling food in a fast and friendly environment and bringing people together, car-sharing is now more accessible than ever to Malaysians.

SOCAR Zones at KFC Outlets
Unveiling an additional 12 SOCAR Zones in selected KFC outlets in both Kuala Lumpur (7) and Johor Bahru (5), the total number of SOCAR zones is now at a whopping 475.

Users will be able to identify all participating KFC outlets equipped with SOCAR Zones with in-app markers and will also enjoy a 20% discount off all bookings made from these outlets.

A KFC Delivery Bonanza
Not forgetting their online channels, KFC Delivery customers will also be able to enjoy SOCAR discounts for the duration of the campaign.

With a minimum spend of at least RM 40 (including delivery fee and 6% service tax) in one transaction, customers will be able to enjoy RM 40 off their next SOCAR Booking (excl. BMW and Mini Cooper).

In-Store Treats
Customers in both KL and JB will be able to enjoy in-store promotions on both SOCAR and KFC platforms. Customers will need to visit a participating KFC outlet and scan a QR code found within the store. They will then be directed to a landing page for verification before receiving their vouchers.

Vouchers Include:
SOCAR: 3 Complimentary hours off any car (excl. BMW and Mini Cooper).
KFC: RM5 KFC Delivery E-delivery voucher, redeemable on the KFC Delivery Website, App and Chatbot.

30 Participating KFC Outlets

Klang Valley: KFC Outlets
(With Discounted SOCAR Zones)
Klang Valley: KFC Outlets
(Without SOCAR Zones)

Tasik Prima, Puchong
Semenyih
Bukit Kemuning
Nilai Square
Subang 2
Setia Alam
Wangsa Maju Drive Thru
Bukit Bintang
Desa Sri Hartamas
Jalan Universiti DT
Pertama Complex
Petronas Taman Tun
Petronas Federal Highway
Sea Park
Sunway Metro
USJ Taipan
Extreme Park – Shah Alam
Kepong
VSQ PJ
Kuchai Lama

Johor Bahru: KFC Outlets
(With Discounted SOCAR Zones)
Johor Bahru: KFC Outlets
(Without SOCAR Zones)

Mutiara Rini
Sri Gelam
Damansara Aliff
Senai Impian
Puteri Wangsa
KSL City Mall
Legoland JB (Medini Mall)
Paradigm Mall JB
JB Sentral
AEON Big Bukit Indah

Gotta Catch ‘Em All in Pokemon Festival at Resorts World Genting

by Cleffairy // December 3, 2018 // No Comments

I’m not sure how it is with most of you, but I’m known for many things, and many names by people from different circles in all walks of life. If you’re talking on a professional point of view, I’m actually a media practitioner, and a retired novelist, but most will note me as a blogger, anime enthusiast and an MMORPG gamer instead. Funny how I’m known and aknowledged more for my hobbies instead of what I really do for a living. I’m also known by many names. People commonly call me Elizabeth, Liz, Lizzy and Ellie but many does not know that I answer to the name Cleffairy as well. Yes, Pokémon fans. You’re right. I answer to the name Cleffairy as well, the Clefairy, as in the cute, well-loved chubby pink character in Pokemon. Notice my blog url? It’s cleffairy.com. Although I rebranded my blog to Over A Cuppa Tea in honour of the times I spent drinking tea with my paternal grandfather during my childhood years, the url remains so.

Here’s yours truly and her namesake, Clefairy.

A closer look at Clefairy the Pokémon. For those who are not familar with Pokémons, Clefairy is a fairy type of Pokémon that sings and uses slap as an attack. I’m known as Cleffairy during my younger years because of my passion for Pokémon Gameboy game. My game mate calls me that because I like to sing and dance just like Clefairy the Pokémon and they thought nobody else deserves that name more than I do. Anyway, I spotted my namesake recently when I was up in Resorts World Genting for work.

Little did I know that Pokémon fever hits Resorts World Genting and they are hosting Malaysia’s First Ever Pokémon Festival. The Pokémon fever will be ongoing from 1 December 2018 to 28 February 2019, at Resorts World Genting.

The festival will bring the colourful creatures from Nintendo’s best-selling videogame series 6,000 feet above sea level to frolic, play and captivate guests with their amazing powers and adorable nature. Continuing the long tradition of live Pokémon events worldwide – including the annual Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama– the Pokémon Festival at Resorts World Genting will be a collection of events big and small taking place under the roof of the resort for three months. Loveable pocket monsters that have become pop culture icons like Pikachu, Eevee, Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander will be displayed in the malls of Resorts World Genting, along with dozens of other Pokémon species to celebrate Christmas and usher in 2019 Chinese New Year.

My son and his favourite Pokémon character; the iconic Pikachu.

For those who are not familar with Pokémon, the anime and videogame is all about to become a master of Pokémon trainer. The Pokémon story follows human trainers going around catching Pokémons and be the best of trainers during gym and championship battles. Pokémon Festival at Resorts World Genting will allows you to role play abit of that. With the Pokémon Trainer programme, young Pokémon trainers in Resorts World Genting will receive a trainer book from four specific Pokémon Trainer Stops set up across the mall.

With this precious book in hand, the Pokémon Trainers can tackle various missions and quests spread across the resort, from snapping photos with rare Pokémon to solving challenging puzzles; once the training is complete, trainers can present their finished trainer book to receive a set of 8 limited edition Pokémon stickers from Resort World Genting’s special Pokémon Pop-Up store. Different missions will be available for Christmas and Chinese New Year, allowing Pokémon Trainers to catch ‘em all, twice. Isn’t that fun? If you happened to be in Resorts World Genting and signed up to be a Pokèmon trainer, live up to the Pokémon motto – gotta catch ‘em all! and track down all 32 of the creatures.

Pokèmon characters will be unveiled in 4 stages at Level 3, SkyAvenue (1st Dec 2018 onwards), Level 2, First World Plaza (15th Dec 2018 onwards) and Symphony Stage, Level 1, SkyAvenue (10th Jan 2018 onwards).

There is also a Pokémon Pop-Up storeat Level 3 of SkyAvenue Mall. The store will feature a huge array of premium merchandise and memorabilia imported directly from the Pokémon Centre in Tokyo, Japan. It’s definitely the perfect place to pick up Christmas present for little children and Pokémon lovers.

Also spotted at Resorts World Genting; the world’s tallest Pokémon Christmas tree.Over the duration of the Pokémon Festival at Resorts World Genting, there will also be Pikachu Parade taking place at various times daily on Level 1 of SkyAvenue mall, featuring 8 life-sized dancing Pikachus. For Christmas, the parade will be a winter-themed extravaganza, with Santarina, Giant Xmas Balls, and elves on two mini-floats. For Chinese New Year, the parade switches to a raucous red-and-gold celebration. Featuring 8 adorable dancing Pikachu led by a vibrant host, the show at SkyAvenue’s Times Square stage will be a dream come true for all Pokémon fans. Apart from that, you can also get up close and personal with the most famous Pokémon of all at Pikachu Land. A giant inflatable 6-metre-high Pikachu, surrounded by 50 smaller Pikachu plushies, will make the Skytropolis Funland its temporary home.

For more information, call +603 2718 1118 or visit www.rwgenting.com

Enter The World of Star Wars at The VOID in Resorts World Genting

by Cleffairy // December 2, 2018 // No Comments

Luke Skywalker. Han Solo. Princess Leia. Padme Amidala. Anakin Skywalker. Master Yoda. Darth Vader. Does these names means anything to you? They are famous characters from the sci-fi franchise; the Star Wars. I grew up watching these characters on silverscreen and revered them like gods. I have soft spot for antagonists and I remember having a huge crush on Anakin Skywalker a.k.a Darth Vader and spent quite a portion of my my growing up years fantasizing fighting side by side with Anakin Skywalker using lightsabers and blasters and rule by his side as the Empress of The Galaxy. Funny how other Star Wars fans picked the bright side of the Force and be Jedis but all I fantasized about is to be at the Dark Side and be a Darth.

I wanted to be the most feared female Darth ever. I guess I’m really a bad girl deep inside. It’s all but whimsical fantasy, but little did I know that imaginations takes us everywhere. It’s especially true where Star Wars is concerned at least, as fans from all over the world can now play Star Wars’ characters through a virtual reality experience at The VOID, Resorts World Genting.

Opening on 6th December 2018 at the Skytropolis Funland, Resorts World Genting and The VOID is bringing the first-of-its-kind hyper-reality experience, Star WarsTM: Secrets of the Empire created in collaboration with ILMxLAB.

I won’t be able to really show you how it’s like playing Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire as during my visit, no forms of photography or videography is allowed in The VOID facility and players are required to store all of their belongings in the locker provided, but I can tell you that the experience is definitely out of this world. Players are required to suit up with a special kind of backpack and helmet that will enable us to enter the virtual world.

The virtual reality game; Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire brings virtual reality players directly into the Star Wars universe on the lava planet Mustafar. Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire game at The VOID requires you to take on the game mission in team for best experience. A team of 3 or 4 is considered ideal. Under the orders of the budding rebellion, your team will travel to the molten planet of Mustafar. The mission is to recover Imperial intelligence that’s vital to the rebellion’s survival. Basically, you’re going to be on the bright side of the Force. You’ll be playing a Rebel. Alongside the Droid K-2S0, your team must navigate through an enemy facility disguised as stormtroopers.

Once you put on the virtual reality helmet, you and your will be ‘transformed’ into a Stormtrooper. The helmet functions as a communication device with your team as well. Once inside the enemy’s facility, you’ll need to grab a blaster, solve puzzles, and fight giant lava monsters in an effort to accomplish the mission.

Using cutting-edge technology, players will be able to hear, feel, touch and even smell throughout the enture game. The game is actually a perfect blend of virtual and physical world. It feels so vividly real, if you ask me. I actually felt heat of my enemy’s blaster heat when it hit me. It’s shockingly real.

Ticket sales for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire are now available for pre-order starting from November 30th 2018 at RM130 each.

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire game by The VOID is definitely something you would like to try if you are an avid gamer or a virtual reality player. Great for family but I will advice against allowing children below 10 years old to participate in the game as the equipments are quite heavy and it requires swift hand-eye-body coordination and quite a lot of physical movements that young children might not be able to follow.

The VOID at Resorts World Genting will be its first location in Asia. It is set to be one of the must-visit attractions at the resort.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thevoid.com and follow @voidvr on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter visit www.rwgenting.com

Enter The Realm of Elemental Fantasy with Cré Art Circus Performance at KLPAC, Malaysia

by Cleffairy // December 1, 2018 // No Comments

When I was just a little girl, I was quite a naughty and a troubled little one. And whenever I get into trouble with my parents or my teachers for my mischiefs, my mind would run amok and I would fantasize about alot of things. My fantasy mainly revolves around escaping my life and among the common theme I usually fantasize about is running away from home to join the circus. I used to think that circus are really cool; with clowns and clever animals alongside mind-boggling stunts artists performing their extreme acts to impress the audience. I used to dream of joining the circus and travel the world to perform until one fine day, I happened to watch a documentary on the happenings behind the scene in a circus. Most of the stunts involved animals, and how they are broke-in and trained to perform circus acts are simply downright cruel and since then, I not only stopped fantasizing about joining the circus, but I vowed to never even watch a circus performance as well. I did not want to have anything to do with animal cruelties at all. It’s simply inhumane to lock up animals and make them do what you want them to do for your entertainment.

Then came along a friend who insist that I follow her and watch a circus performance by Cré Art Asia troupe.Cré Arts Asia is Southeast Asia’s largest modern contemporary circus troupe. This Malaysian production returns for the second time to take over center stage at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre( KLPAC). My first thought was to flatly reject the invitation but I was told that Cré Art does not condone cruelty towards animals. In the Cré Arts Asia show restage, there are strictly no animals involved. Performers consists of nothing but passionate artistes performing the show using pyrotechnics and skillful gravity-defying acts. Hearing that, I was pleased to accept her invitation, of course.

Gone are the days where animals, clowns are used as casts in a circus show.

Combining aerial and flow dance, visual arts and gravity-defying stunts, the show takes us on a journey to encounter creatures and beings of a planet far, far away, where imagination brings to life a fantasy world thriving on four elements; Earth, Water, Air, Fire.

Audiences are transported into the world some 173 light years away to Planet V where Polynesian myths came alive.

The show is very straight forward and action packed.

Audiences are brought into one realm of elemental fantasy to another.

Creative storytelling with vivid setting

Heart stopping acts that will render you speechless

Beautifully choreographed scene

Riveting performances that’s so hypnotic that it almost induce you into a trance.

If you need a little action and abit of escapism, I daresay that there’s nothing better than indulging in this Cré Art circus troupe’s performance. It’s worth every seconds of your time.

In conjunction with the year-end school holidays, ‘Cré will be staged from 30 November (Friday) – 2 Dec 2018 (Sunday) at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) Sentul West where both daytime and evening shows will be available.

Tickets are priced from RM118, RM158 and RM198 at different seating areas. Children and senior citizens enjoys a reduced ticket price as well as those booking in groups. Hong Leong Bank (HLB) Debit and Credit Cardholders are entitled to a 10% discount on regular tickets prices. Claim a 15% discount when you use your GSC HLB Credit Card.

For more information on tickets and shows, please visit Cré Facebook Page or visit https://proticket.com.my/klpac-cre

The Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys Debutes in Resorts World Genting

by Cleffairy // November 30, 2018 // No Comments

Dear parents, school is finally out for the year and I bet you’re looking for fun and educational things to do with your kids. Well, I have fantastic news for you. Dora the Explorer is coming to our shore this school holidays.

The adventurous girl will be in Malaysia for the first time at Resorts World Genting to focus on solving a very vexing problem; to look for her lost teddy bear Osito.

Sweeping through elaborate sets and rousing musical numbers, Dora must venture through a jungle of obstacles with nothing more than a map, boots, backpack, Diego and her other courageous friends to retrieve Osito.

It will not be easy, however, as the sneaky fox Swiper plans to foil her quest at all turns. Engaging the audience through song, dance and problem solving, there is no doubt that this will be a very engaging show for you and your young children. Familiar songs from the television series will be intermingled with original songs written specifically for the live stage show.

Having personally watched this during my most recent trip to Resorts World Genting, I assure you that Dora the Explorer LIVE: Search for the City of Lost Toys provides learning and entertainment in a fun way through crowd engagement. You can expect to see kids being coaxed into interacting with the characters throughout the entire show.

The Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys will run from on Nov 24 until Jan 1 next year over 44 shows at the Genting International Showroom. The show has already been seen by 2 million fans globally.

Showtimes are 7.30pm Monday to Friday, 4pm and 7.30pm on Saturdays and 4pm on Sundays.

Tickets are priced at RM186 (VIP), RM143 (PS1) and RM101 (PS2). An additional processing fee of RM4 applies. GRC (Genting Rewards Card) members enjoy a standard 10% discount via cash, credit card or Genting Points redemption.

Resorts World Genting is also offering special Dora the Explorer room packages, including tickets to the show.

For First World Hotel, the package for a standard room is priced at RM330 per room on weekdays and RM359 on weekends, including 2xPS1 tickets for the show.

For Theme Park hotel, the package is priced at RM529 for a king room (including 2xPS1 tickets), RM847 for a Quad room (including 4xPS1 tickets) and RM1,105 for a Sixers room (including 6xPS1 tickets).

Note: There will be no shows on Nov 26 and Dec 3, 17 and 24.

For more info, visit www.rwgenting.com
or call 03-2718 1118.

How to Be A KPop Oppa with Althea Milk Peel Mask

by Cleffairy // November 29, 2018 // No Comments

Some cruel people on the social media are telling me that I’m turning my son into a homosexual boy as I’ve been encouraging him to dress well and been messaging me and telling me to stop letting him use skincare items and such as it’s ‘the women thing’, but I will not have any of those trash-talk. As far as I’m concerned, skincare items are not just for women. It’s for men too, and it will do our boys good if we can teach them on how to groom themselves well. It does wonder not only on their appearance but confidence as well.I believe that making efforts to look good, neat and presentable is a form of respect not only to people around us, but to ourselves as well. Our bodies are a gift from God, and therefore we should treat it as such.

Anyway, speaking of skincare items, here’s sharing with all of you our most recent favourite skincare item; Althea Milk Peel Mask.

Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask is the first AHA + BHA based peeling cream mask.

Pretty simple to use with only a quick 30-60 seconds of application needed. Definitely great for those who are busy and can’t really be bothered with an elaborated skincare routine.

Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask is really fun to use with all the bubbles that forms. Some may find the entire experience abit ticklish as the bubbles started to grow. But that’s where the fun is. It makes you smile a little and perhaps, elicit a little giggle.

Closer look at the foamy milky bubbles. The texture of the bubbles are really soft and creamy. My son says that it’s similar to whip cream in texture.

Rinsing it off leaves you with a softer and a more moisturized skin with soothingly fresh sensation. While it says that it’s suitable for all skin types, I personally feel that those with oily and sensitive skin benefit from Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask the most as it helps to reduce greasiness and is really gentle on the skin.

Here’s Adrian Oppa, all dressed up after using Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask, ready to win some hearts. What do you think? A yay or nay?

Wanna give this a try and look like a Kpop Oppa or a Hallyu star? Check https://my.althea.kr/. Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask is exclusively available there on Althea.

Wall Décor Ideas Suitable For Any Small Space

by Cleffairy // November 29, 2018 // No Comments

Decorating smaller spaces is often more difficult that decorating large spaces. When you have less square footage (such as one of those apartments in sengkang), you have less liberty with your décor choices. What you put into your space has to be carefully curated, and this can often make it feel like your options are limited. While there is not much you can do to add more space to your home, there are plenty of ways to make your apartment more put-together. The key is, of course, to take advantage of the largest open spaces you have in your home – your walls.

Take a few tips from these ideas to imbibe your empty walls with life, moving them from cold and sterile to warm and personal.

Opt for large scale art

Just because you have a small space does not mean that things have to be proportionately small as well. An oversize painting or photograph that takes up an entire wall to itself is sure to command attention and also set the tone and mood in your small space. The options are endless: if your space is more minimal try a black-and-white piece, or add more color to it with a vibrant and abstract piece. A very large piece of artwork on your walls is sure to make a bold statement. It also helps focus the eye and pinpoints it on one spot in your space, taking the focus off the size of your space and onto the artwork.

Curate gallery walls

A gallery wall is your home solution to an art gallery. Nothing adds personality to your space quite like a gallery wall. You can use it to incorporate more color, add more cohesiveness, or just jazz up the quirkiness of your space. If you have a collection of artwork and photographs, consider hanging them up altogether on one large expansive wall (or in this case, one small expansive wall). You can also add in some other wall hangings and ephemera. Cohesive frames can tie in different pieces of art. However, if you’d rather have a more mix-and-match style, you can bring in an array of ornate variations in frames to really spice things up.

Showcase fabrics

If traditional artwork is not your thing, you can also consider hanging up a beautiful and expansive tapestry or even an antique rug. Not only does this add color and pattern to your space, it lends a sense of softness to your space as well. The option of hanging fabrics is more flexible than framed paintings. You can just select from fabrics that you already have. Got some great vintage scarves or exotic looking textiles? No problem. Just frame them and let them take center stage on your walls. Here’s a bonus as well: they’re much easier to maneuver than framed paintings, which can come in handy when the time comes for you to move to your next home.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Mirrors are your best friend if you live in small spaces. They make your small space feel larger and brighter by reflecting light around. They also open up your space by deceiving your eye into thinking that there is more space than there actually is. A large ornate mirror can work equally as well as displaying several smaller pieces a-la salon style. They can easily be made the focal point of any room: place them above mantels for a grand effect, or lean them against an empty wall opposite a window to reflect natural light around.

Paint a mural

A wall-expansive mural can help transport you from your small apartment to a more exciting place. If you don’t have a view from your windows, you can just incorporate a breathtaking view on your walls in substitution! If you have a creative hand, hand-paint it yourself to add a more personal touch to your space. Otherwise, you could go the more convenient route and choose a ready-made wall covering. Both options will be sure to make an everlasting impact.

Hang plates

Again, the key idea is to source from what is already in your collection. If you have a collection of fine china, why keep it in the cabinet when you can show it off? Invest in some wire plate hangers in order to display your favorite plates and serving platters. This can be a great choice for dining room décor. Although, do remember that you need to secure them safely or risk them falling off of your walls (and breaking).

Have a wall garden

Plants don’t have to always be siting on surfaces or on the windowsill. If you love the look of greenery, then why not incorporate it into your space in the form of a wall garden? Consider hanging (or even wall-mounting) plants and planters to bring in a bit of nature to your space. This surely helps bring in an organic touch as well as breathe in some life (literally) to your home and your walls.

Add sculptural sconces

In a smaller space, multi-tasking furniture and décor is always a plus. Sculptural sconces no only add an extra source of ambient lighting without taking up valuable surface space, they can easily double as a wall sculpture. An eye-catching sconce design is sure to do double-duty to bring in not only light but also style.

Resorts World Genting Joined Hands with Tengku Puan Pahang to Empower Inmates in Bentong Prison Through ‘Beauty Behind the Wall’ Programme

by Cleffairy // November 26, 2018 // No Comments

I’ve been to plenty of places in Malaysia. And often, I took the less traveled road to broaden my horizon on life’s perspective. But if there’s one place in Malaysia that I thought that I will never step into is the prison. Prison is a place where criminals are locked up. It’s the place for sinners, full of convicts. Who would want to be there? At least, I wouldn’t and I wouldn’t want to have anything to do with anything related to prison at all. It’s indeed a scary place.

But by fate, or chance, I was invited to Penjara Bentong by Resorts World Genting for their CSR programme “Beauty Behind the Wall” and I thought, perhaps, it’s time to get a glimpse on how things are really like in prison.

I said yes to the invitation and I have to say, I was a little intimidated upon arrival in Penjara Bentong.

Everything seems to be scary with all the security checks, but in all honesty once I stepped inside and was surrounded by the high walls, I couldn’t help but marveled at the surroundings.

The place is clean and tranquil. The prison is nothing like what the Hollywood blockbuster movies and novels had me believes. It is not filled with angry and viscious prisoners who will jump on you and attack you. It’s nothing like that at all, but instead, it feels more like a school, or rather a place fo empowerment and rehab. The only difference that prison makes from other educational institution is that they practised maximum security and is heavily guarded. The interactions between the men and women in uniforms with the inmates were polite and civil and can be likened to interactions between teachers and students.

Now, back to the programme, “Beauty Behind the Wall”, saw Resorts World Genting culinary maestros joined hands with Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah to train the inmates in upgrading their culinary skills. For those who are not familar with Her Highness Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, you might want to know that Her Highess is well noted for her passion in culinary endeavour and is an excellent chef in her own rights. Also present during the programme was Prison Department Pahang State Director Datuk Ab Basir Mohamad and Vice President of Resorts Communication&Public Relations of Resorts World Genting, Ms. Katherine Chew.

Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and Resorts World Genting Executive Chef Alex Vitalise at the prison facility, cooking up a storm and doing live demo for the female inmates. Focusing on educating female inmates and female staff of Bentong Prison, the programme covered issues such as food hygiene, kitchen management, culinary technology, dietary nutrition, recipe commercialisation and food industry opportunities, all in the name of ensuring that the inmates have opportunities to support themselves once released. The Bentong Prison prides itself on its Pastry Workshop that supplies the products produced by the inmates to external parties such as donuts, ‘muruku’ and cookies that channels the income back to them.

Female inmates at Bentong Prison are learning to cook special fusion dishes under the royal patronage of Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. The main ingredients that are used as the base for all the dishes during the lesson are assam pedas and rendang paste. The pastes are specially made from Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah’s personal recipe that’s published in Her Highness’ cookbook, “Air Tangan Tengku Puan Pahang”.

The assam pedas paste was used as a base for dishes such as Assam Pedas Pasta, Cod Fish Asam Pedas, while the rendang paste was used as sauces and condiment for burgers and canapes. And here’s sharing with you some of the dishes that were featured during the demo.

Assorted appetizers topped with rendang and sambal hitam petai pastes.

Assam Pedas Shrimp Pasta

Assam Pedas Cod fish

Assam Pedas Nasi Briyani with Lamb Rendang

Rendang Burger

Breakfast wrap

Rendang Daging

A special curry-type of dish cooked by Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah during the demo. The dish was made from the sambal hitam paste, coconut milk and paired with meat, petai, ladies fingers and white button mushrooms.

Her Highness had had also taught the female inmates how to make cookies earlier prior to the programme.

These cookies are being sold by the prison.

Addressing those who were present during the meaningful event, Her Highness said the inmates were taught to cook as cooking is a life skill that they can use to create immediate income and support themselves when they are released and Her Highness is happy that Resorts World Genting is taking the lead in helping to empower these women.

” Everyone can make mistakes. But what is important is that we learned from our mistakes, and that society gives us an opportunity to prove that. I do not believe that we should assign blame. My role is to help these women re-enter society with the right kind of attitude that will allow them to live a healthy, productive life beyond these walls. Food has always brought Malaysians together. It seems appropriate to have a channel for these women to learn to cook so that they can have a productive life when they leave. I want to help these women get a second chance,” she said.

Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and the Penjara Bentong inmates after the programme.

My visit to Penjara Bentong for the
“Beauty Behind the Wall” programme was not only inspiring and empowering, but humbling as well. I can now look at prisons and the convicts in a completely different light. I used to think that prisons merely functioned to execute punishments for convicts, but in most cases, prisons are not just a place to execute punishment but an educational institution that is emphasized on rehabilitiation; in which the prisons actually helped people to start anew after making mistakes. Indeed, who doesn’t make mistakes? To err is human. Nobody escapes from making mistakes every now and then, and just because some are caught making mistakes to the point they have to be punished by law, does not mean that they should be shunned by the society when they are making effort to change and start a new life, and I’m glad that I’m given a chance to change my mindset and perception on both prison and the prisoners.

Art in The City to Mesmerize Art Lovers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

by Cleffairy // November 23, 2018 // No Comments

Do you have eyes for all things artsy? Well, I’m not much of an artist, but being a writer and a novelist, I consider myself as a creative person, and I do appreciate all things arts, especially beautiful paintings and cultural performances as they can really inspire my writings to a much more creative level. And so, when I heard that Kuala Lumpur City Hall and 12 other partners unite to bring Malaysian arts to the people through the “Art in The City” campaign, showcasing local artists’ masterpiece all over the buildings in Kuala Lumpur, I was absolutely estatic.

In a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Federal Territories and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, CENDANA (Cultural Economy Development Agency) officially launched Art In The City, a stunning outdoor visual display of local arts across Kuala Lumpur that serves as a strategic effort to promote the local arts community in expressing and showcasing their talents, while making art more accessible to the public The Art In The City campaign will feature 14 artworks from legendary and grassroots artists, with their works being showcased prominently at strategic locations with high visibility across the city.

Officiating the launch of Art In The City was Yang Berhormat Tuan Haj i Khalid bin Abd Samad, Minister of Federal Territories, who showed strong support for the development of the local arts and acknowledged that Malaysia is a nation brimming with talent but may currently lack supported avenues and right policies that can contribute in showcasing their potentials.

Art In The City is a 6-month long campaign that showcases 14 artworks from 13 legendary and grassroots artists with the aim to position and recognise Kuala Lumpur as a cultural and creative city. The strategic campaign will be laced with mural paintings, monthly traditional performances roundtable discussions with local artists, art workshops at corporate offices, and a pop-up visual fair as a strategic effort to increase greater awareness of the local arts and culture scene.

Designed to raise greater awareness of the local arts and cultural scene, and to encourage Malaysians to visit art galleries and museums around Kuala Lumpur, Art In The City strives to further propagate the notion of Kuala Lumpur as an upcoming cultural and creative hub. Besides publicly displayed art pieces, Art in the City features a myriad of activities which Malaysians can enjoy including mural paintings, monthly performances in collaboration with PUSAKA, regional mentorship programme with OUR ArtProjects, mejabulat with RogueArt art workshops at corporate offices, and a pop-up visual fair called SHIFT.

The campaign started in January 2018 with a call to local artists to submit works of art that represents Malaysia. Over 1,000 pieces were submitted and they were narrowed down to 30 by a panel of academics as well as arts and culture experts, after which the shortlist was opened for public voting After highly competitive rounds of voting process, Art In The City will feature 10 artworks from Suzi Chua, Brindha Kumar, Samantha Cheah (YueYue), Syamsul Addenno, Nor Aziela binti Ahmad, ART TECH, Natasha Iman, Ahmad Sanuri Zulkefli, Sivabalan Arumugam and Jing Chung. Additionally, the outdoor display will feature 4 artworks from legendary artists such as Dato Mohd Hoessein Enas, Datuk Ibrahim Hussein and Kok Yew Puah, made possible by the National Art Gallery.

For maximum exposure of artwork to reach city dwellers, CENDANA worked together with Kuala Lumpur City Hall in strategising locations of artwork display. This is also made possible with synergised efforts with public and private involved in the effort, namely Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) National Art Gallery Foundation, NSTP, Wariscan, and KL Hop-On Hop-Off.

Amidst the historic Kuala Lumpur iconic buildings, Art In the City brings together the cultural backdrop and stories in our thriving city transforming our landscape into a colourful visual experience as a must-see destination for art lovers. So, should you be visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia soon, keep your eyes peeled and have your camera ready for artworks being showcased on buildings.

For more information of Art in the City, log on to www.cendana.com.my, with official hashtags #CENDANAMalaysia and #ArtInTheCityKL .

Synergy Marine Sdn Bhd Unveiled Collaborations to Build The First LNG-Powered Ship in Malaysia

by Cleffairy // November 14, 2018 // No Comments

Malaysia is bound to set a key milestone in the maritime industry as leading integrated ship management brand, Synergy Marine (M) Sdn Bhd with Malaysian companies, today unveiled its collaboration with Malaysian company MTCMS Design Sdn Bhd and Shin Yang Shipping Corporation Berhad (through their subsidiary Shin Yang Shipyards Sdn Bhd) to design, build and deliver Malaysia’s first LNG-Powered Vessel Shipbuilding- set to revolutionise the Malaysian maritime sector.

Not only the vessel is the first in Malaysia and across Asia, she will also be the first to be built on Malaysian shores. Synergy Marine has taken on the challenge to invest in doing research and development for the evolution in ship design to the most advanced and high technology in 3D, which include Digital Twin Technology for the new vessel, complete with virtual reality technology for maintenance, safety drills, and training purpose.

With this vessel, Synergy Marine intends to service various global Oil & Gas companies who will reap the benefits of this illustrious vessel that not only complies to IMO regulation, but with the adoption of Green and High Technology vessel in their Oil & Gas operations, this vessel will save the fuel consumption in any Oil & Gas operations.

Dato’ Roslan Ahmad, Managing Director of Synergy Marine said that using liquefied natural gas or LNG fuel engine system will greatly reduce the emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and particulate matter which will make the environment greener and, at the same time, still complies with international maritime organisation.

” With our vast experience in marine and offshore business and operations coupled with extensive knowledge, wide working network and strong capability, caring for the environment is one of our core values, and we are taking the proactive step to lead and pioneer the Green Technology in offshore support vessels sector,” said Dato Roslan.

After a long economic recession and global oil price slump since 2016, currently we can see Oil & Gas companies restart their explorations and productions campaigns globally. This is a good sign as it shows that the maritime and shipping industries will grow again. Thus following this observation, we take the next step in this journey to be the most preferred Offshore Support Vessels provider supporting the Oil & Gas exploration and production with high business ethics to meet our customer’s satksfaction.

With this new vessel measured at a length of 76.8 meters, breadth 19 meters, a deck capacities of 600, equipped with dual fuel engine system that is LNG and diesel fuel, this collaboration has proved to be a significant milestone between Synerey Marine, MTCMS Shipping Corporation Berhad, and Shin Yang Shipping Corporation Berhad, with developments in both High Technology and Green Technology.

The three highly reputable companies had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combine their expertise in the development of Green Technology Vessel, witnessed by Tuan Haji Ahmad Khairuddin Bin Ismail, Deputy Director General 2 (Operations) of Marine Department Malaysia.

“We are very proud to collaborate with both MTCMS Design and Shin Yang Shipping for our first LNG- powered vessel. For our new ship, the vessel propulsion system is designed using energy-saving engine, machinery and equipment for energy efficiency. Therefore, based on their expertise in ship design and using Digital Twin Technology, we decided to engage MTCMS Designs to be our ship designer and to work with Shin Yang Shipping to build Vessels based on their expertise in shipbuilding of many Offshore Support Vessels (OSV) and their high capabilities and capacities in this area

“With these track records strong in their profile combined with our robust historical activity in the shipping maritime sector, this pioneer agreement offers a major contribution to the development of a revolutionary LNG-powered vessel,” said Dato Roslan.

The schedule of keel laying will be in January 2019 and expecting to be completed by the fourth quarter of year 2020. After completion, this vessel would be available for contract charter from any Oil & Gas contractors and she will be used in particular for operations in the global market.

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