A Match Made in Malaysia

The traditional wedding attire of the many ethnic groups in Malaysia. - Pictures by Ghazali Bujang

KUAlA LUMPUR: Malaysians are encouraged to use Malaysian crafts for their wedding gear, decorations and props.

To introduce the idea, the Ministry of Information, Communications Arts and Culture and Kraftangan Malaysia have launched the Wedding Works Promotion.

In line with the 1Malaysia concept to bond all races and cultures together, Wedding Works Promotion is aimed at getting all communities to use Malaysian-made products and services for their weddings.

The programme features discussions on Malaysian weddings, competitions, cultural wedding performances, the sale of Malaysian crafts, and display of traditional Malaysian wedding items.


Wedding planning services, photography services and items like textiles, costume jewellery, dais, decorations, sweets and candy are available on the lower ground floor of Kraftangan Malaysia.

Visitors can witness the making of traditional wedding head gear like the "lipatan tengkolok", which is made of songket. There are also demonstrations on Nyonya shoe beading, Indian pottery making and Indian wedding garland making.

They can also participate in contests like kolam designing, Chinese wedding car decorating, napkin folding and centrepiece food carving, and discussions on topics like wedding cultures and spending trends.

The fair is on at Kraftangan Malaysia daily until Monday, from 10am till 8pm.

The Malaysian wedding head gear display will run until Oct 31.

For details, call 03-2162 7459 or visit http://www.kraftangan.gov.my













Wedding decorative items made of copper.








One of the wedding dais on display at the Wedding Works Promotion at Kraftangan Malaysia.













A Malay wedding dais incorporating modern and traditional elements in its design.

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Dear members and friends,

Please be informed that in conjunction with Malaysian Wedding Works Promotion 2009, The Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia is organising a multi community wedding exhibition and performances from Monday 6th July 2009 to Sunday 12th July, 2009 in the Malaysia Craft Complex, Section 63, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur.
Website : http://www.kraftangan.gov.my

The Peranakan community has been given a booth to showcase various wedding materials and also a slot for the mock wedding. Exhibition is open from 10 am to 8 pm daily.

The Peranakan mock wedding show will be held on Friday, 10th July, 2009 starting from 3 pm to 6 pm featuring merisek, lapchai, cheo thau, sohjah tiga hari and tea ceremony. There will be songs and joget session as well.

Please inform your family members and friends and come and join us to 'lau jiat' this event. Do dress to the occasion by donning your sarong kebayas and bateks too.

The Peranakan wedding is helmed by Baba Nyonya Culture Promotions.

Yours sincerely,
Cedric Tan
Asst. Hon. Secretary
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Wedding Works Promotion 2009
Date : July 6 - Jul 12, 2009
Time : 10.00 am 8.00 pm
Venue : Craft Complex Kuala Lumpur
Seksyen 63, Jalan Conlay Kuala Lumpur
Organiser : Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia
Phone : +603 2162 7459
Fax : +603 2161 2622
Website : http://www.kraftangan.gov.my
Admission Fee : Free Entrance
Category : Arts, Culture and Entertainment

This year's Wedding Works Promotion is presented in conjunction with the first Ministry of Integration, Culture, Arts and Heritage endorsed National Artiste Day. Themed "Crafts of Weddings", Wedding Works Promotion 2009 provides a spacious floor showcasing products and services from 156 entrepreneurs (145 Malay, 6 Chinese and 5 Indian).

It varies from make-up services, video and photography, wedding gifts, decorated throne (pelamin), wedding dress, wedding furniture, invitation cards, decorated flowers, catering and more. Pos Malaysia is also offering special 'wedding stamps' and JAKIM opens counter for consultation to the bride and groom to be.

Wedding Craft Product Exhibition showcases modern and contemporary crafts varying from batik, songket and weaves. Exhibitors are coming from all over the Peninsular as well as Sabah and Sarawak. Another segment, Wedding Art Showcase highlights ten different weddings of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sabahan Ethnic, Orang Asli, Baba Nyonya, Sikh Punjabi, Siam and Portuguese.

Besides that, a lot of other activities await visitors such as craft demo, cooking demo, wedding competition and a chance to get your hands dirty while creating your own crafts.

This is a special event for the industry players as well as the enthusiasts. For the bride and groom to be, this event should not be missed. You can have thousands of choices for wedding preparation, all depending on your budget. Wedding Works Promotion 2009 showcases choices from highly scaled weddings to the affordable one, crafted to the finest.
Schedule of Wedding Art Showcase

4 July 2009 Wedding Works Exhibition, Craft/Food & Competition 2009
5 July 2009 Wedding Works Exhibition, Craft/Food & Competition 2009
6 July 2009 10am-1pm Malay & 3-6pm Indian Wedding
7 July 2009 1 Malaysia Wedding
Launching of Wedding Works Promotion 2009
8 July 2009 10am-1pm Iban & 3-6pm Chinese Wedding
9 July 2009 10am-1pm Punjabi & 3-6pm Kadazan Wedding
10 July 2009 10am-1pm Orang Asli & 3-6pm Baba Nyonya Wedding
11 July 2009 2-5 pm Kadazan (Sabah) Wedding
12 July 2009 2-5 pm Orang Asli Wedding

Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya KL/Selangor

Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (2008)


Next Event: Peranakan Baba Nyonya Convention in Singapore
Date: Friday-Sunday, November 27-29, 2009
Host: Singapore Peranakan Association

Dear PPBNKLS members and friends of PPBNKLS

Every year the Peranakan community gather and celebrate in a grand bash at an Annual Baba Nyonya Convention which traditionally is hosted by the Peranakan associations of Singapore, Penang and Malacca. Phuket hosted the Convention in 2006.

It is a wonderful and enjoyable event, where there is much merriment, feasting, singing, dancing and stimulating academic discussions. Trips are also planned to heritage sites. In the evenings, there are usually dinners where the babas and nyonyas come out in all their finery and joget and dondang sayang.the night away.

This year's Convention is on 27-29 November. I have just received an invitation from the Singapore Peranakan Association to the PPBNKLS. So those of you interested, do pencil the dates into your diaries.

The cost for each participant is being finalised as the organisers are trying to come out with the most competitive package for overseas participants. More details and the full programme will be provided later by the Singapore association.

I do hope many of you will be able to attend, and that the KL association will have a strong presence in Singapore this year. See you there!

Best wishes,

Dr LEE SU KIM
President, PPBNKLS


Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (Established in 2008)
City: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Email: peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my

Description: In conjunction with the official launch of the Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (2008), all are invited to join as members or associates. For those who have not registered with and would like to join in our future events, kindly fill the form with your particular details and append your payment to PPBNKLS Secretariat as soonest possible. Please revert to us, if you have any questions.

Thanks.
Cedric Tan
Email: peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my

Past Events:-

Host: Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (2008)
Type: Meetings - Conference
Network: Global
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009
Time: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Location: Auditorium Muzium Negara
City/Town: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Email: peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my

Description: In conjunction with the official launch of the Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (2008), the Organising Committee will be holding a day long conference featuring 6 invited speakers and then followed by the official launch of the Association. There will be a Peranakan exhibition and bazaar as part of the launch and climaxed with a cultural performance featuring the traditional Peranakan 12th Day Wedding Ceremony, songs and dances. Event is jointly organised by PPBNKLS, Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), UKM and Malaysian Museum Department, Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture.
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Hi friends, for those who are coming for the conference, can you please fill the flyer with your particular details and append your payment to KITA Secretariat (address listed in the flyer) soonest possible. Do revert if you have any questions.

For those who have sent their forms, appreciate your prompt response.
Thanks.

Cedric Tan
Asst Secretary, PPBNKLS
Email: peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my

Peranakan Wedding | Adrian + Linda from Doodle Studio on Vimeo.

Imparting The Dhamma - The Abbot & the Orphan

Imparting the Dhamma By MAJORIE CHIEW of THE STAR

The Abbot & The Orphan is a new cartoon series with a mission.
IN this age of the Internet, printed literature may not be as effective as multimedia in reaching out to the young.
That is why Ng Lid Sine, 47, has come up with a cartoon series, The Abbot & The Orphan, to capture the interest of children and teach them moral lessons along the way.
Ng has come up with a cartoon series, The Abbot & The Orphan, to capture the interest of the young and teach them moral lessons along the way.
“Children today are so privileged. They have everything, so they may find it difficult to grasp the dhamma (Buddhist teachings). I want to share with them the story of a child who has nothing, not even parents,” says Ng, who wrote the script for the series, inspired by his observations around the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.

The Abbot & The Orphan revolves around an orphan named Butterfly (featuring the voice of Ng Zen Ian) who has nothing. He is cared for by a blind and old abbot (voiced by Vijaya Samaravickrama).
“The characters of the abbot and the orphan are a reflection of the unsatisfactory nature of life. The whole drama becomes a stage to display and unfold Buddha’s teachings,” explains Ng, who is animation director of Cartoon Workshop, a Selangor-based local production house for animated and educational series.
The Abbot & The Orphan – The Shrine, Episode 1 in English and Mandarin was recently released on DVD in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School (BISDS) housed in the Buddhist Maha Vihara.
The school was set up in 1929 by the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society. The oldest Buddhist Sunday School in the country, it has over 1,300 students (aged six to 20) and 200 volunteer teachers and staff.
Vandana, a collection of Buddhist recitals in Pali during the puja (offering) ceremony, was also launched. This DVD includes Karaniya Metta Sutta, the discourse on loving-kindness recited by Buddhist monks to bless devotees. Both DVDs are produced by Cartoon Workshop and BISDS.
Cartoon Workshop executive producer Catherine Heng says: “The Abbot & The Orphan series consists of eight episodes. A team of animators took four months to produce the first 20-minute episode of the 3D animated series. Voice talents come from students and staff members of BISDS.”
Heng, a volunteer teacher at BISDS, says: “Some 4,000 copies of Vandana and The Abbot & The Orphan have been produced with donations from sponsors. The second DVD, The Abbot & The Orphan – Belief, Episode 2, is in the post-production stage and scheduled for release by middle of the year.

Butterfly is tricked by a fortune teller who gives him two ‘magic’ stones in exchange for the boy’s goats in The Abbot & The Orphan – Belief, Episode 2

“In this episode, Butterfly is tricked by a fortune-teller who gave him two magic stones in exchange for goats. The storyline is aimed at instilling awareness that one should not believe blindly but investigate the truth.”
heng adds that there are plans to host the animation series on the BISDS website (www.bisds.org) to make it easily available to the Buddhist community.
The animation project also nurtures the creative talents of the Sunday school attendees, especially the children.
Vineeta Serisena, deputy principal of BISDS and animation series consultant, says: “The animation series is appealing, yet simple enough for children to understand. It has a deeper meaning within.”
To coincide with the BISDS anniversary and to commemorate the 90th birthday anniversary of the late Ven K. Sri Dhammananda on March 18, CDs containing dhamma talks by Dhammanand were launched.
Dhammananda had given 5,600 dhamma talks locally and abroad. Those interested in sponsoring The Abbot & The Orphan series can contact 03-2274 1141.

100PLUS campaign shows the spirit to outperform

Saturday July 12, 2008

By M. HAFIDZ MAHPAR

CHRIS Ng talks about the human spirit and the inspiring story of Eric Weihenmayer, the first blind man to conquer Mount Everest.

No, Ng is not a motivational speaker but the country marketing head of Fraser & Neave (Singapore) Pte Ltd regional office. And the interview with BizWeek is actually to talk on the latest 100PLUS campaign, which Ng somehow manages to link to Weihenmayer!

“Weihenmayer’s blindness didn’t deter him,” Ng says.
Ng: We welcome competition because a product category cannot grow without it.

“He mapped out for himself a plan to climb seven summits in seven continents in seven years. By 2001, he was already climbing Mount Everest. By 2002 he conquered the last summit on his list.

“In spite of the odds, he laid for himself a plan and believed that his spirit was stronger than his circumstances. And he has achieved it.

“It speaks a lot about the human spirit.”

Ng says 100PLUS, with its tagline Outdo Yourself, summarises all this.

“After an exercise or a sports game, a person is dehydrated. When he drinks 100PLUS, immediately he is rehydrated and his energy comes back.

“He can then go back to the field for another game. Isn’t it what the human spirit is all about? We have finished one (feat); let’s re-energise and go for the next one.”

100PLUS was introduced 25 years ago when Fraser & Neave (F&N) was celebrating its 100th anniversary (hence the name), and the Outdo Yourself

slogan was launched in 2001-2002.

“What we had done with 100PLUS in the past was very much in the field of sports, whether it was futsal, soccer, badminton, marathon, triathlon, or Tour de Langkawi.

“Malaysians in general are more spectators than participants. So if we really want Malaysians to be healthy, active, and outdo themselves, we have to bring it to the public,” he says.

According to Ng, having an active and fit body helps one to live up to the human spirit of outdoing oneself.

Hence F&N is currently running the 100PLUS Live Active campaign, which includes a roadshow covering 20 shopping centres nationwide (from May 23 to July 27).

“We have little set-ups at the malls where you can dribble a basketball or run around obstacles. We give tips in pamphlets on how to stay active anytime, anywhere, such as stretching our arms, legs or backs. We have 30-minute workshops four times a day,” Ng says.

“We also go to selected bus stops. While you stand and wait, you can stretch. We’d encourage people to do it.

“We have also selected LRT stations in the Klang Valley. Don’t be surprised if you are stopped by someone with a signboard who says, ‘Why don’t you take the stairs instead of the escalators?’ We will reward you with a free 100PLUS.”

He says that instead of just advertising on TV or in print, F&N wants to become an “enabler”, which explains why it conducts on-ground activities.

After July 27, F&N will continue with the next phase of its campaign called “Unite for Glory.” “Again, the topic is ‘Don’t just be a spectator, be a participant’,” Ng explains.

100PLUS cans have five designs featuring Malaysian badminton players in conjunction with the team’s participation in the Beijing Olympics and the Super Series tournaments.

Among the messages on the can is, “To relieve the badminton fever, go down to the courts yourself.”

Ng says that 100PLUS, which already has a 90% share of the isotonic drink market in Malaysia, is expected to grow by double digits in sales volume this year.

It has quite a few competitors, including international brands like Gatorade and Lucozade.

“We welcome competition because a product category cannot grow without competition,” Ng says. “I think that is true in any category in any country. As more competition comes in, more Malaysians will learn about isotonic drinks and it will expand the consumption.”

He says that there’s always a danger of a market leader being complacent.

“But our (F&N) culture from day one was never to be complacent.

“Outdo yourself’ is actually built into our own spirit, because complacency will only lead to failure. I welcome competition. It will only make me outdo myself more!”

KMBS Building Fund Dinner on 12 July 2008 in the news

Reaching out: David Tan explaining details of the Dinner: Hee Lai Ton Restaurant, 12 Jalan Muhibbah, Taman Muhibbah, Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
The Star Metro, Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Buddhist Group organises dinner to raise funds

The Puchong, Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society (KMBS) is raising funds to build its own centre as the temporary premises is inadequate to cater to the overwhelming demand for its Sunday Dhamma School and other youth and community-based activities.

The KMBS, a young and dynamic Buddhist organisation provides Dhamma teaching to the Buddhist community in Puchong, Kinrara and surrounding areas.

KMBS president David Tan said since its formation, the demand had been increasing and the centre could no longer cope.

Tan said they had now turned towards raising funds for a centre of their own as KMBS’ principle was to accept all those who were interested in attending its Sunday Dhamma School.

David Tan said there were also many occasions where activities were organised with a limited number of participants due to space constraints.

“It is our intention to dedicate this new premises as a place of spiritual nourishment and peace for future generations,” David Tan said.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, who was the special guest at the dinner, said the KMBS was moving in the right direction in wanting their own premises as Buddhism, like any other religion, was geared towards the strengthening of moral values in individuals and instil awareness in parents and children.

“We should take advantage and participate in this unique opportunity to serve by helping the KMBS on its way towards achieving its dreams,” said Gobind.

He said a new centre would become a long-term platform for bringing Dhamma closer to the Puchong community through well-organised outreach activities and fellowship.

The fund-raising dinner, serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, will be held at the Hee Lai Ton restaurant in Seri Kembangan on July 12 at 6pm.

For details call 013-399 7725 (Tom Hen), 012-287 8105 (Paru), 012-315 9527 (David Tan), 016-270 2120 ( Julie Tan).

Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society [KMBS] Building Fund Dinner 2008

Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society [KMBS] Building Fund Dinner 2008

Spiritual Advisor: Ven. B. Saranankara Maha Thera

Building the future
Fund a noble cause

KMBS Building Fund Dinner 2008
Date & Place: 6pm of 12th July 2008 in Hee Lai Ton Restaurant, Sri Kembangan, Selangor.


Dear Sir or Madam,

Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society (KMBS) is a young and dynamic Buddhist organization that brings the dhamma to the Buddhist community of Puchong, Kinrara and its surrounding areas. KMBS has laid the foundation for creating a community of wholesome individuals and family institution that promotes good noble values in accordance with the Teachings of our Master, the Lord BUDDHA.

We organise both spiritual and communal activities. The spiritual activities include weekly sermons/dhamma talks, meditation, chanting and annual retreats. Communal based spiritual activities include Sunday Dhamma School, Youth Development activities, Fellowships, Children and Youth Camps and Parenting Courses to name a few. All activities are geared toward the strengthening of moral values in individual and to instill awareness in parents and children of their responsibilities to family, country and the world at large.

As our current premises, which is on temporary loan basis is critically inadequate to cater for the overwhelming demand for Sunday Dhamma School, Youth activities and other community based activities, the Building Fund Committee is working to raise funds for the purchase of a new building. To realize this dream of “a home of our own”, Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society (KMBS), Building Fund Committee is organizing a Building Fund Dinner, at Hee Lai Ton Restaurant, in Sri Kembangan. The Dinner is scheduled to be held on Saturday 12th July, 2008 at 6pm sharp, serving both vegetarian and non vegetarian food.

KMBS humbly appeals to your generous heart to support this noble and worthy cause. We invite you/your company to take advantage and participate in this unique opportunity in the following ways:-

1 Corporate Table Sponsorship
2 Advertisement in our Souvenir Program
3 Building/Room Sponsorship

For further information and submission of your completed forms together with your payment (cheque should be crossed and made payable to “Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society – Puchong, Selangor”), please contact any of the following committee members:
Bro Tom Hen @013-3997725, Bro Gan @ 012-2871800, Sis Paru @ 012-2878105.

You can also contribute by direct payment (bank-in) to KMBS account at Public Bank,
Acc No 3133842320. Completed forms can be faxed to 03-20931160.

With folded palms and loving heart we thank you for your kind support and generosity.

With Warm Regards,
Sis Rasika Paru
Organizing Chairperson
KMBS Building Fund Dinner 2008
Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society Building Fund Dinner 2008


KMBS Building Fund Dinner 2008

SPONSORSHIP / ADVERTISEMENT FORM

Thank you for your generous support. Please complete the relevant sections of the form.

1. Sponsorship of Dinner Tables/Donation
We would like to sponsor ______table(s) at RM 5,000/table (1 complimentary table)
We would like to sponsor ______table(s) at RM 3,000/table (1 complimentary table)
We would like to make a donation of RM __________

Company Name:____________________________________________________________
Contact Person:______________________________Tel Contact: ____________________
Address:__________________________________________________________________
Enclosed is a ____________ cheque no. __________________ for RM _______________
being sponsorship of dinner tables/donation.

Company Stamp:



____________________________
Authorized Signature
Date:

THE GIFT OF TRUTH
The gift of food is useful only till hunger returns.
The gift of clothes is useful only till they are worn.
The gift of a house is useful only till it is dilapidated.
The gift of medicine only delays sickness and death.
But the gift of the DHAMMA protects a person throughout his rebirths-----
It even helps him break free from rebirth altogether.

http://www.kmbs-building-fund-dinner.blogspot.com