Firefly to blink from budget to full-service under tie-up

News for today... no more tambang murah hehehhe..

Firefly to blink from budget to full-service under tie-up
By Lee Wei Lian
August 09, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 — Travellers hoping for continued fare wars between Firefly and AirAsia will likely be disappointed after today’s announcement that the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) subsidiary will be redesigned as a full service regional carrier.
This was one of the outcomes of the strategic collaboration inked today between the government’s investment holding company Khazanah which controls MAS and unlisted Tune Air which controls AirAsia.

“Firefly’s resources would be refocused to launch a new regional full service airline operation,” said MAS chairman Tan Sri Mohd Nor Yusof.

The move renders AirAsia as Malaysia’s only major airline operating in the budget or value segment.

MAS had since last year used Firefly to compete against AirAsia, launching competitively priced flights from KL to East Malaysia and adopting the same low cost model such as charging for meals on board.

Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus

Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus

Curtin University Sarawak Campus is an off-shore campus of Curtin University, a university based in Perth, Western Australia. It provides local and international students with the opportunity to receive higher education in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Curtin's Sarawak campus is located in Miri, Sarawak. It is the first offshore campus of Curtin University of Technology and the first offshore campus set up in East Malaysia

The Sarawak State Government's invited Curtin to establish an international university in Sarawak. Curtin Sarawak's operations in Miri commenced in February 1999. In 2002, the new campus was built.
In November 1999, Curtin Sarawak was awarded the Multimedia Super Corridor status and was renewed in 2006.
The schools and divisions are:
Pre-University
School of Business
Department of Media, Culture & Communication
School of Engineering
Pre-University
Pre-university programs at Curtin's Sarawak campus have been designed to prepare students for university study. It can be divided into two parts which is the commerce and engineering courses.
School of Business
The School offers internationally recognized qualifications, accredited by international as well as national professional associations and governmental agencies.
Department of Media, Culture & Communication
The Department of Media, Culture & Communication was set up in 2009 and took over all teaching and research that was previously under the Department of Mass Communication. Mass Communication was originally set up in 2003, as part of the School of Business, and officially became a Department in 2006.
School of Engineering
The School of Engineering and Science at Curtin Sarawak was established in 2000. It offers a wide range of Engineering and Science courses. These include the four-year courses leading to a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Chemical Engineering, Civil and Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering and Electronics and Communication Engineering. The School also conducts three-year Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Life Sciences, Applied Geology and Geophysics, and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems and Networking. The school now offers doctoral and masters programs.
The School draws upon the experience and the knowledge of many local and foreign engineers and professionals to teach its students, so that the courses offered remain practice-oriented and relevant. Academics from the School are active in many areas of research and in consultancy activities through Curtin Consultancy Services.

Australian affiliation

Curtin Sarawak offers identical degrees to those at the Curtin University main campus in Western Australia. Examinations for the degree programmes are set and moderated at Curtin's main campus in Perth to ensure that they meet and fulfill the academic standards. Academics from Perth visit the Curtin Sarawak campus on a regular basis for quality audit and for consultations on various issues ranging from assignments, projects, tasks and other assessments.

Long house of Sarawak

One of the most memorable experiences Sarawak has to offer is a visit to a longhouse, where you can observe a unique way of life and enjoy legendary Dayak hospitality. These thriving communities, whole villages under one roof, are not relics from the days of tribal warfare - they are the preferred way of life for a large percentage of Sarawak's rural people, particularly the Iban, the Bidayuh and the Orang Ulu.
Nowadays most longhouse dwellers are hard working farmers, and wear practical modern clothing for work and leisure. However, if you visit as part of an organized tour
group, they will take great pride in wearing their traditional costumes and regalia and performing elaborate dances and welcoming rituals for their visitors.
The long covered gallery that runs the length of an Iban longhouse is called the ruai, and this is where you will be greeted. A miring ceremony is frequently conducted to welcome visitors, where offerings of food and drink are presented to the local deities to ensure their good will. After the miring, guests will be invited to sample a glass of tuak, a potent local rice wine, and drink to everybody's good health.

Visitors are then entertained with traditional music, dances and games. After the locals have had their turn, the guests are expected to join in the fun. Anyone who refuses will soon find themselves dragged to their feet by the young ladies of the longhouse and forced to take part in the dancing.

After the entertainment is finished there are a number of options, depending on how adventurous you are. Some tour operators arrange for visitors to eat a traditional longhouse dinner with their host family and sleep on mattresses in the ruai, according to Iban tradition. Others may put their guests up in a simple guesthouse nearby, with more familiar cuisine prepared by the tour guide, who is always an accomplished cook. For lovers of luxury, a few 'longhouse resorts' are now operating, managed by professional hoteliers and serving international cuisine in resort style comfort.

Visitors who stay more than one night can get to see Iban culture at first hand, visiting the rice fields and pepper gardens, and learning how the Iban make use of the rainforest for all of their everyday needs. Some tours can last a week or more, with visits to a number of longhouses and a fair amount of jungle trekking. Second and subsequent evenings are more low-key, with visitors sitting in the ruai, drinking tuak or coffee and chatting with their hosts. The Iban are very sociable people, and many can speak English, so some fascinating conversations are guaranteed.
The journey to and from the longhouse is a very interesting and enjoyable experience. After a ride in an air-conditioned bus, a short trip in a traditional longboat introduces you to the pleasures of upriver travel. These narrow wooden craft are safe and very sturdy, and the Iban are expert boatman.

There are four main areas for visiting Iban longhouses - the Skrang River, the Lemanak River, Batang Ai, and the middle Rejang River. Most tour groups will generally visit the first three, which are half a day away from Kuching, whilst independent travellers usually opt for the Rejang area around the town of Kapit, a half day's travel from Sibu.

A few specialist operators also visit Orang Ulu longhouses deep in Sarawak's interior, where visitors are seldom seen, although these trips require quite a lot of time.

Another interesting possibility is a trek through the beautiful Bario Highlands, staying overnight in remote Kelabit longhouses. Visitors with little time to spare can visit a Bidayuh longhouse on a day trip from Kuching, or an Iban longhouse from Sibu or Miri. However, overnight stays are strongly recommended, to get the most from your visit.

Vanessa Hudgens new hair

Vanessa Hudgens new hair.. You Like it?? :)

Video Malaysia student robbed at London

Malaysian student, Asyraf Haziq attacked and robbed randomly in Barking,London. He was on his way to get some food for Iftar. He is now in Royal London Hospital with broken jaw, and broken tooth. He is undergoing operation soon. UMNO London on the way to visit him now. He lost his mobile phone, wallet. He is first year student from KAPLAN College - KU London

1967 Chevy Impala - Supernatural Car

Chevrolet is known for its products which always look tough, strong, and masculine, yet classy and timeless. It’s really a ride for those of you who are in love with rough and manly car. When Chevrolet released the Chevy Impala in full size design in
1958, it directly became the best selling car ever. The only competitors for the full size design were from Ford Galaxie 500 and Plymouth Fury. Although considered as one of the most expensive passenger cars ever made, the sales were still sky high. The Impala, whose name was originally taken from an antelope from southern Africa, has its characteristics of its triple taillights that are symmetrical. Impala’s fame and reputation as the most popular car from Chevrolet continued to go on to the middle of eighties.

In 1994, the Chevrolet Impala SS was reproduced by using basic design from Caprice Classic look. Today Impala’s design is using a front wheel drive system with midsize platform. The look has been sustained since 2000. Now 1967 Chevy Impala is becoming known again since the movie series “Supernatural” aired in 2005. In the movie, the characters always drive around by using the only car they have, the Impala, which is such a beauty with its shiny black color and its strong look.

Shell Malaysia Exploration (SM-EP) Scholarship (For Degree students only)

Shell Malaysia Exploration (SM-EP) Scholarship (For Degree students only)

Ms. Henretta Anita Jinggut

Eligibility Criteria

* Sarawakians and Sabahans who are enrolled in Curtin First Year Engineering Degree programme
* Below 23 years old
* Excel in extra-curricular activities
* Combined parents' Basic Salary/Income of not more than RM3, 000 per month
* Full-time Degree students enrolled at Curtin Sarawak Malaysia (CSM)
* Not presently holding other scholarships/loans (including PTPTN)
* No other sibling currently holding Shell Scholarship
* STPM/A'Levels - At least 2B's in any of the core subjects inclusive of General Paper (Pengajian Am)
* Matriculation/Diploma/Foundation Year/Year 1 - Obtain CGPA - 3 and above
* Applicants to liaise directly with Shell for details

Amount Of Award & Duration

Course fees and other expenses as per Shell agreement

Forms Availability / Address

* Students need to send the form by themselves to the address below:

Scholarship Coordinator
Sarawak Shell Berhad
Locked Bag No1
98009 Miri, Sarawak

Website: http://www.shell.com.my

Tel: 085-454477/454027
Fax: 085-454273

E-mail: siti-rahanah.ad@shell.com
E-mail: henrietta.jinggut@shell.com

Offer / Closing Date / Other Remarks

* Please send the application form within 7 days after the release of the STPM / 'A' Level results
* Will be advertised through newspaper early in the year

Scholarship Yayasan Sarawak Tunku Abdul Rahman

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship (Yayasan Biasiswa Sarawak Tunku Abdul Rahman)

U.P: Encik Mohamad Adzlie Ibrahim
Encik Ismallia Bohari
Puan Alina Vincent

Eligibility Criteria

* Sarawakian
* Only eligible to students who are enrolled in the following programme: Ref Attachment
* Full-time enrolled students undertaking degree, masters or doctorate programme
* Excellent academic, actively involved in co-curriculum activities, socio-economics * Grade B in each subjects in STPM or CGPA/PNGK 3 (70%) and above for Certificate/Diploma or Matriculation

Amount Of Award & Duration

Short-listed candidates will be called for interview

Forms Availability / Address

* Forms are available at the Loans & Scholarships Counter or download it from www.yayasan.org.my/download2.html
* Students need to send the form by themselves to the address below:

Yayasan Sarawak.

Skim Pinjaman Pelajaran Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Sarawak (HiED)

D/A Pusat Pembangunan Pendidikan Yayasan Sarawak

Lot 4784 Blok 14 salak Land District

Jalan sultan Tengah Semariang

93050 Kuching.

Offer / Closing Date / Other Remarks

* Usually offered in March and closes in July
* The due dates will be informed through local newspaper. E.g. Borneo Post
* Application opens each year until 31st July
* The forms must reach Yayasan by 31st July

Proton Aims For Greater Fuel Efficiency With New Saga FLX 1.3

Proton Holdings Bhd today launched the new Saga FLX 1.3L, which is expected to be priced between RM38,598 and RM44,998.
In a statement Tuesday, Group Managing Director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the car will deliver a fuel consumption drop of four per cent in
urban driving environment and 10 per cent on highways with the use of its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) technology.
“With this new technology, the new enhanced model is expected to provide consumers with greater savings on fuel consumption and smoother drive,” added Syed Zainal.
The launch followed the company’s announcement earlier in June declaring the successful development and integration of CVT technology with its CamPro engine.
– BERNAMA

Captain America’ Crushes ‘Harry Potter’ At Box Office

Captain America has beaten back the Red Skull, HYRDA, Nazis and various nefarious forces before, and now the shield-slinging star-spangled hero has conquered the box office, as well.
“Captain America: The First Avenger” debuted with an estimated $65.8 million over the weekend to become the #1 movie in North America, according to studio estimates. With Chris Evans in the title role and Hugo Weaving as his arch-nemesis, the Red Skull,
the Marvel movie was the latest chapter in a series of films that began with “Iron Man” and will lead up to next year’s “The Avengers.”
Cap’s debut bested that of his fellow Avenger “Thor” (which opened with $65.7 million) as well as the debuts of previous 2011 superhero movies “Green Lantern” and “X-Men: First Class.” Only 40 percent of the Cap audience chose to see it in 3-D versus the 60 percent who saw “Thor” that way back in May.
Meanwhile the latest “Harry Potter” — which broke several records on its opening weekend — suffered a huge decline during its second weekend of release. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2″ took in $48 million (for a $274.1 million total), which was a 72 percent second-weekend fall, much steeper than that of “The Dark Knight,” “Spider-Man 3″ and the third “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
“Friends With Benefits” was the #3 movie in North America with an $18.5 million opening. Starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, the movie’s plot is similar to the Ashton Kutcher/ Natalie Portman romantic comedy “No Strings Attached,” which opened with $19.7 million back in January.
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” was #4 with $12 million for a $325.7 million total while dark comedy “Horrible Bosses” was #5 with $11.7 million for an $82.4 million total.

Kuching to take a cue from Paris

Research to be conducted soon to ensure city has human touch as it continues to grow
KUCHING: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday pledged to allocate funds for research on how to turn Kuching into a ‘city with a soul’.
Speaking at the 23rd Commemoration of Kuching City yesterday, he posed the challenge to the two mayors of Kuching to find the ‘soul’ of Kuching so that it would not become failures like other big cities which lacked a human touch. He said Kuching
should have a ‘soul’ to complement its status as state capital, administrative centre and hub of economic activities.
“Hopefully, we meet again on the 25th anniversary (of Kuching).
Tell me, the two Datuk Bandar (mayors), what is the soul of Kuching. If you need to study on it, I can give you the money,” he said.
Also present were newlyminted DBKU Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai and MBKS mayor James Chan.
Taib said he had been to Paris before and he described it as a city with a soul because the people there made the place very liveable.
“When I went to Paris the first time, I was so impressed with the spirit of manhood. People were greeting each other, making the place feel like a place to live and not only to stay … Paris has got soul.
That is why the song ‘I Love Paris’ is so popular with the French because they can feel Paris has got something special.
“I feel that Kuching too has the potential to be another Paris,” he said.
While he was astonished with population growth of the city from 200,000 to 630,000 at present, Taib said he was concerned with the lack of healthy interaction.
“We have a situation where the people do not even know their neighbours!”
As such, he suggested to developers of new housing projects to organise activities such as combined house-warming parties where the residents could get to know their neighbours and forge friendships.
“In our multi racial community, some people are shy to know each other.
If there is durian season, organise a combined party also, where the people can get together.
“That way there will be greater unity, friendship and eagerness to help one another.” Yesterday’s event saw the launching of the Kuching Festival to coincide with City Day which is celebrated every Aug 1.
Before that, the swearing in of Abang Wahap as the sixth commissioner of DBKU was held. The invited guests included Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing, Urban Development and Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and Public Health and Environment Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.
Also there were State Secretary Datuk Amar Morshidi Ghani, State Legislative Assembly speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, assistant ministers and senior government officers.

Unisel V-C quits over sackings

Unisel V-C quits over sackings

By A. RUBAN
ruban_22@thestar.com.my

SHAH ALAM: Universiti Industri Selangor (Unisel) president and vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Rosti Saruwono has resigned following the sacking of three senior officers by the university's management.

The resignation was said to be a protest against the sacking of Prof Dr Khalifah Othman (Business Faculty Dean), Rokmah Mat (Registrar) and Halid Hasbullah (Marketing director).

Dr Rosti's shocking decision was made known during a staff meeting, which was hurriedly called at 3pm yesterday, forcing lecturers to cancel their classes.

“Yes, it is true. I have tendered my resignation effective today (yesterday).

“The reason is, I am not willing to implement a decision which I deem inappropriate and against the concept of fairness and justice, namely to remove three officers of Unisel without giving reasons and not following due process,” he said in an SMS reply, shortly after his resignation was announced.

According to a source, three deputy vice-chancellors and a vice-president had submitted a memorandum to the state government on May 16, saying that four senior officers, including Dr Rosti, had been involved in corrupt practices.

Following the memorandum, Dr Rosti was called up by the Selangor government to explain the allegations made against him.

At that time, the source said, the state government was also conducting its own internal probe into the matter, which resulted in Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim ordering the sacking of Dr Khalifah, Rokmah and Halid while Dr Rosti was given the green light to stay on.

“Dr Rosti called it unfair and full of malice because the three officers were not given a chance to defend themselves,” the source said.

When asked to comment on allegations that he was probed for corrupt practices, Dr Rosti said via SMS:

“Corrupt practices? Ha! Ha! Ha!”