|  |  |  | | | | | MyCen PR | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Users Can Easily View Their Entire Photo Collection Stored on Their My Book World Edition or WD ShareSpace Network Drives
Kuala Lumpur – 26th April 2010 – WD® (NYSE: WDC), the world's leader in external storage solutions, today introduced WD Photos photo viewer, an iPhone®/iPod Touch® app for use with its My Book® World Edition™[1] and WD ShareSpace network drives, that lets users access up to 250,000 of their favorite photos from anywhere in the world. The WD Photos photo viewer app allows users to easily log in to their drive from anywhere so they can view their entire photo library
Users' photos remain private, safe and secure in full high resolution format, on their network drive, eliminating the need for painstaking uploads to costly online photo services and the need to choose which pictures to sync to their iPhone – with WD Photos photo viewer, they're all instantly and easily accessible. The app's powerful search tools, thumbnail previews and viewing options make it easy to find that special picture to show a friend at a coffee shop or remember a special moment.
With more than 50 million iPhones sold as of Apr. 2010 (Apple®), the iPhone has become one of the fastest growing smart phones in the market and is used every day by consumers to access and share their photos.
According to research firm Parks Associates (Mar. 2010), the number of network storage drives worldwide is projected to increase from 2.6 million units sold in 2009 to more than 18 million units by year-end 2014 as consumers realize the value of having one central place to store and share all their media. In 2009, 56 percent of households rated remote access of their network storage an important feature. Combining the centralized storage and remote access benefits of the My Book World Edition network drive with the iPhone is a natural fit with this rapidly growing consumer behavior.
Users can view up to 250,000 pictures on their iPhone or iPod touch by simply copying their pictures into the "Shared Pictures" folder on their My Book World Edition network drive. A unique application that runs directly on these WD network drives automatically creates optimized versions of users' photos ahead of time, enabling fast viewing on an iPhone or iPod touch without having to wait for the photos to load.
Available now at the Apple iTunes App Store, the WD Photos photo viewer app is free. Registration with MioNet®, WD's secure remote access service (included with My Book World Edition), is also free and required to use this app. WD Photos photo viewer also works with WD ShareSpace network storage systems.
"Home networks are becoming prevalent in many parts of the world, and WD's My Book World Edition network drives are the easiest way to create one place for all your photos that is accessible to everyone from within the home, and securely from outside the home," said Craig Davis, Director, Sales & Marketing, Branded Product Group, Western Digital Asia Pacific Region. "With the WD Photos photo viewer app and a WD My Book World Edition network drive, users can access all of the photos from their collection via their iPhone without syncing, without extra organizing and without paying a fee. Photos are available instantly making it easy to relive those great memories or share them with friends."
WD Photos Photo Features & Compatibility
Features of the WD Photos photo viewer app for iPhone and iPod touch devices include:
- Access to all the photos in the "Shared Pictures" folder of users' My Book World Edition network drives and WD ShareSpace network storage systems;
- Photos are automatically resized for perfect viewing on iPhone or iPod touch, leaving originals in full resolution;
- Smart filtering to find the photos you want -- view photos by album, folder or all images and search by date, folder name or file name;
- Access previously viewed photos offline;
- E-mail a photo to a friend;
- Assign a photo to a contact;
- Add a photo to the Camera Roll;
- View a slideshow; and,
- Set slideshow duration.
-MORE-
WD® Launches Newest Wd Velociraptor® – The World's Fastest Sata Hard Drive Now Has Twice The Capacity
WD Photos photo viewer app is compatible with iPhone and iPod touch OS 3.1 or later and works with WD's My Book World Edition network drives and WD ShareSpace network storage systems. Users must register with WD's free MioNet remote access service to use the app.
About WD
WD, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users' data accessible and secure from loss. Its advanced technologies are configured into applications for client and enterprise computing, embedded systems, and consumer electronics, as well as its own consumer storage and media products.
WD was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital® and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company's Web site (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.
This press release contains forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations, and actual results may differ materially as a result of several factors, including: challenges faced in new product development and manufacturing ramp, supply and demand conditions and business conditions generally; and other risks and uncertainties listed in WD's recent SEC filings, including its form 10-Q for the third fiscal quarter of 2010. WD undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or for any other reason.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Joint Venture with Yalamanchili to Provide Payments Processing for Clients in Asia Pacific, Latin America and CEMEA regions; Visa to Benefit from Rapid Entry into New Geographies
KUALA LUMPUR, December 3, 2008 – Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) and Yalamanchili Software Exports (P) Limited, a leading payments processor and software products and solutions company with operations in India and Singapore, today announced that they have formed a joint venture that will allow Visa to extend its industry-leading processing capabilities in some of the fastest-growing payments regions in the world.
Visa will have a controlling interest in the joint venture, named Visa Processing Service Pte. Ltd. (VPS). It begins operations this week and will serve existing processing clients. This will provide the venture with an immediate revenue stream and Visa with a quick, efficient and economical way to extend its processing leadership.
VPS will serve clients in select markets and address opportunities outside the U.S. and Europe. It complements Visa's Debit Processing Service. Initially, the joint venture will focus on providing financial institutions, processors and other payment companies with prepaid and debit processing solutions. Like Visa, VPS will also have capabilities to provide credit, ATM, money transfer and private label processing, as well as a range of payments services, including risk and fraud management, mobile applications, loyalty and cardholder support.
"Payments processing is critically important to Visa's long-term success as we seek to deliver increased value to our clients, accelerate our growth and diversify our sources of revenue," said Joseph W. Saunders, chairman and CEO of Visa Inc. "Visa Processing Service will allow us to immediately and cost-effectively enter new geographies with a scalable and high-quality processing offering. Based on our success in the United States, we know that issuer processing is a critical component of an integrated debit strategy. Processing capabilities enhance Visa's ability to see and analyze each transaction, providing greater opportunities to add value for financial institutions, cardholders and merchants."
As part of the joint venture agreement, Visa will incorporate Yalamanchili's technology with Visa's payments expertise and existing processing infrastructure. Yalamanchili will provide its suite of NARADA™ Software Products – a multi-currency, multi-language platform for debit, prepaid and credit payment transactions; gateway services for international and domestic networks; and acquiring applications, including ATM terminal driving.
"We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Visa for quite some time and look forward to partnering with them on the formation of Visa Processing Service," said Y. Ramakrishna, founder and managing director of Yalamanchili. "Together, we will complement each other's strengths and be able to provide financial institutions with a first-class international processing offering that includes unparalleled customer service and expanded product offerings."
VPS will be headquartered in Singapore and governed by a board of directors. The board will include Visa executives John Partridge, chief operating officer; Rupert Keeley, global head of strategy and corporate development; and David Lee, regional president of Asia Pacific; as well as Yalamanchili executives Ramakrishna and P. Srinivasan, chief technology officer. Russ Piparo, a 15-year Visa veteran, will manage the day-to-day operations of the new venture.
About Visa Inc.:
Visa Inc. operates the world's largest retail electronic payments network providing processing services and payment product platforms. This includes consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments, which are offered under the Visa, Visa Electron, Interlink and PLUS brands.
Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world, and Visa/PLUS is one of the world's largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in more than 170 countries.
For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com or www.visaprocessingservice.com.
About Yalamanchili Software Exports Limited:
Yalamanchili is an IT solutions provider offering a range of software products and providing total business solutions, in the areas of middleware technologies, transaction rocessing, customer delivery channels, e-commerce, EAI applications, card solutions and banking systems.
For more information, visit www.yalamanchili.co.in | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | MALAYSIA – 4 December 2008 – United Information Technology (UIT), a leading next generation storage solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Isolectra (M) Sdn Bhd to strengthen its presence in Malaysia for its entire range of small and medium business and enterprise storage solutions.
Isolectra Malaysia will stock the full range of UIT products, including the recently launched BX1600, a unified IP SAN/NAS Storage Array System and the BM2900, a full-featured Fibre Channel Storage System. The agreement will see Isolectra Malaysia distribute and market UIT's products, leveraging on its extensive list of resellers and its strengths in marketing and technical support.
"UIT have been exploring powerful channel partners to enhance its presence and raise its profile in Malaysia and we believe the partnership with Isolectra Malaysia will be one of our most important to date. They have a proven track record and we are confident they will be able to replicate the same amount of success here," said Vincent Low, regional director, UIT.
As a first step, Isolectra Malaysia will be implementing UIT's Partner Development Programme for resellers and combine it with strategic sales initiatives. The programme is aimed at growing UIT's business presence in Malaysia and driving the company's plans for market share expansion.
UIT will also support Isolectra Malaysia in developing programmes based on the practical requirements of resellers. Bonus incentives, joint marketing events and technical training for pre-sales and post-sales services have all been designed to increase UIT resellers' profitability and growth.
"We are pleased to join hands with an IT leader in storage solutions and look forward to a successful partnership with them. We are a very customer-focused company and will extend this guiding principle to UIT's resellers and end users," said Abdul Malek Abu Bakar, senior manager of the Telecom Division for Isolectra Malaysia.
"UIT boasts a rich portfolio of leading storage products and solutions that are widely used in organisations both small and large across the world. Isolectra Malaysia will look to leverage its regional strengths to push these products in the fast growing market and maximise UIT's market share," he added.
Currently, UIT has a suite of approximately 200 products grouped under IP-SAN, FC-SAN and application software for storage that are affordable, easy-to-install and reliable performers for a diversity of environments.
For more information on UIT, please visit www.uitstor.com. For more information on Isolectra Malaysia in Malaysia, please visit www.isolectra.com.my.
About Isolectra (M) Sdn Bhd
Established in 1981, Isolectra (M) Sdn Bhd has grown from a trading company to a solutions provider for the building, industrial and telecom sectors. Isolectra Malaysia offers services such as design, project management, systems engineering, installation, integration and maintenance services. Our versatility is proven with our success in handling turnkey projects as well as our co-operation with local and international partners to provide innovative solutions for market segments such as telecommunication, transportation, education, banking, hotel, oil & gas, commercial and retail. All our products are approved and endorsed by local authorities such as SIRIM, Public Works Department, Energy Commission of Malaysia and Telekom Malaysia Berhad. As a measure of our dedication towards quality and excellence, we have been awarded with ISO 9001 certification. Our head office is located in Shah Alam, Selangor and our branch offices are located in Kuching, Penang and Johor. Isolectra (M) Sdn Bhd is a member of the TKH Group (a public listed company in the Stock Exchange of Amsterdam, The Netherlands). For further information, please log into www.isolectra.com.my.
About United Information Technology (UIT)
Founded in 2001, United Information Technology (UIT) Co. Ltd. is a leading storage solutions provider to a cross-section of industries in Asia Pacific. The company has successfully established a proven track record of empowering businesses with application software, enterprise class storage products and industry solutions that enable organisations to manage their most vital data assets. Through its different product lines, organisations have benefited from a range of sophisticated storage products and solutions that have been deployed by many key corporate customers spanning the education, energy, financial services, government, media and telecommunications sectors. The company has technology research centers in Silicon Valley, USA and in Shenzhen, China. UIT business activities cover the territories of Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. For further information about UIT, please visit www.uitstor.com | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 20 April 2010, Kuala Lumpur – After its successful debut in 2009, the world acclaimed XTERRA Triathlon is set to rock the trails in Kuantan again this year. The XTERRA Malaysia Kuantan Off-Road Triathlon 2010 is officially open for registration.
Following last year's successful debut of the race in Malaysia, organizers are hopeful that this year's XTERRA Malaysia will be BIGGER, BETTER and more EXCITING. Enthused Chairman of XTERRA Malaysia, Tengku Zafrul Aziz said, "The coming race is set to be more exhilarating. Last year's race was a great success attracting participants from over 20 different countiries and it is a benchmark for us to organize a greater event come race day in June this year. Aside from that, it was also an official debut for most of our local triathletes, as they too have made their significant marks in achieving some of their personal bests in the race."
He added, "We anticipate that this year's competition will be tough and full of surprises. However, with the current dry spells and very hot weather of 2010, we foresee that the toughest challenge for the triathletes will not come from the course/trail itself but our ever changing extreme tropical weather.
"We anticipate that XTERRA Malaysia 2010 will play host to some 500 athletes from all over the world. Registration is now officially open and since the soft launch, we now have 150 registered participants to date."
Set in the plains of Teluk Chempedak, Kuantan, Pahang, XTERRA Malaysia Kuantan Off-Road Triathlon 2010 is a significant event in Malaysia's sporting calendar. A test of brawn and stamina, triathletes will have to brave the South China Sea as they swim to shore to complete the second phase of the race; mountain biking at the scenic off-road trail before running through the natural terrains of the hilly forest by the beach to the finish line.
Last year, XTERRA USA 2008 Champion Mike Vine reigned, beating Scott Thorne by less than a minute. Favourite, Sam Gardner who took the lead in the early stages came in third when he was out-run in the last 3 kilometers by second place Thorne. The women's front saw Renata Bucher, the "Swiss Miss" of XTERRA, continue her world domination with her 17th championship title in the inaugural XTERRA Malaysia 2009. Renata Bucher is a seasoned pro who has reigned supreme in the XTERRA Women category. She has to her name 21 career championship race victories, with her most recent win in XTERRA Portugal Championship 2010.Malaysian triathletes Shahrom Bin Abdullah who came in 6th and Mohd Hafiz Wong Abdullah also marked their presence in the race coming in individual record times.
The XTERRA Malaysia Kuantan Off-Road Triathlon 2010 will be held in Teluk Chempedak, Kuantan on 13 June 2010. Registration is now open for avid triathletes until the 31st of May or once the targeted number of participants is reached.
"To register, participants only need to complete a simple form on www.xterramalaysia.com. Payment can be made via bank transfers to World Action Sports Sdn. Bhd. at Maybank Account number 5143 5672 9774 or Swiftcode MBBEMYKL. We are also in the midst of organising payment through PayPal," Tengku Zafrul Aziz said.
Participants who sign up for the race and make payment before 1st June 2010 will get to enjoy the XTERRA Malaysia 2010 'early bird promotion' of RM30 rebate for the Individual category and RM20 rebate for the Relay.
To find out more and to keep abreast with the latest news on Xterra Malaysia 2010, log on to www.xterramalaysia.com. Follow XTERRA Malaysia on Twitter http://twitter.com/XTERRA_Malaysia or become a member of its Facebook group, Xterra Malaysia. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The First ASEAN Federation of Haematology Scientific Meeting Here in Malaysia
From 22 to 24 April 2010, doctors, scientists and medical practitioners from all over ASEAN will be meeting in Malaysia for the inaugural ASEAN Federation of Haematology Scientific Meeting, to exchange professional experience and views on the delivery of haematology, sciences and patient care in their respective countries.
Organised by the Malaysian Society of Haematology (MSH) and ASEAN Federation of Haematology (AFH), ASEAN Federation of Haematology Scientific Meeting is the FIRST international and large scale congress uniting the foreign and local haematology professionals and practitioners in the ASEAN region.
The details of the meeting as follow:-
Date : Thursday to Saturday, 22 – 24 April 2010
Venue : Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
Time :* As advise in the attached agenda
Haematology is a vibrant discipline involving the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of blood diseases. Practitioners and delegates of the related field are encouraged to participate in this meeting. For further information, please visit http://haematology.org.my/afh2010/
For registration, kindly contact:
Ms Jamie
c/o ICEM Sdn Bhd
Tel: +603 2026 0818
Fax: +603 2026 0128
Email: afh2010@icem.com.my | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 28 April 2010
SkillSoft, a leading provider of e-learning and performance support solutions, has received top honours in the LearnX E-Learning and Training Awards, which is regarded as the most prestigious e-learning and training accolade that can be achieved in the Asia Pacific region.
SkillSoft was awarded the prestigious Platinum Award for Best Services and Best Training Provider by LearnX Asia Pacific.
SkillSoft submitted a 15-minute 'news segment' called 'SkillSoft Today' which featured key elements and highlights on SkillSoft in short news broadcast bites, topped with interviews and music.
According to Rob Clarke, founder of LearnX Asia Pacific, SkillSoft showcased a unique, informative and entertaining submission that intrigued and connected with the judging panel.
"For the first time in the awards history, we received a submission that emulated a news broadcast. It was instructive, educational and answered all the submission questions in a clear and engaging format." he said.
"With SkillSoft's winning entry, the judges were also very complementary on SkillSoft's ingenuity and uniqueness.
"SkillSoft outperforms by linking best of breed technologies and knowledge base to workforce performance that consistently maximizes the impact of training".
According to Glenn Nott, SkillSoft Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, earning such a prestigious accolade is a testament to SkillSoft's commitment in delivering premium products and services to its customers.
"SkillSoft's multi-faceted approach to e-learning will continue to evolve and this award acknowledges that dedication to our customers." he said.
To view SkillSoft's winning submission, click to: http://www.youtube.com/user/SkillsoftAPAC?feature=mhw5
SkillSoft will be presenting at the LearnX Asia Pacific Conference and Expo at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9th to 10th June 2010. (www.learnx.net)
About SkillSoft
SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL) is a leading Software as a Service (SaaS) provider of on-demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small- to medium-sized businesses.
With its Asia Pacific headquarters in Melbourne, SkillSoft enables business organisations to maximise business performance through a combination of comprehensive e-learning content, online information resources, flexible learning technologies and support services.
www.skillsoft.com.au
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The Future of the Penang Botanic Gardens
The Friends of the Penang Botanic Gardens Society, in collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society (Penang),and Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute (SERI) is invites you to attend the Penang Botanic Gardens Forum.
With the recent expansion of the Penang Botanic Gardens area from 72 acres to 590 acres, various development plans were designed to increase the potential of the gardens.
This forum allows all concerned parties to obtain insights of current and future development of the Gardens.
Date: 13 December 2008
Time: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Venue: Lecture Hall, Wawasan Open University, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang
For more details and registration, please contact:
Mr Ben Wismen
Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute (SERI)
Tel: 04- 228 3306 Fax: 04- 226 7042
E mail: enquiry@seri.com.my
Programme
8.30am – 9.00am: Arrival and Registration
9.00am – 9.15am: Welcoming Address By Friends of Penang Botanic Gardens Society (FOPBGS)
9.15am – 9.30am: Opening Address by Guest of Honour
9.30am – 10.00am: 'Issues of Botanic Gardens Development' By SERI
10.00am – 10.30am: Tea Break
10.30am – 11.00am: 'Roles and Functions of a Modern Day Botanic Gardens' By University of Malaya
11.00am – 11.30am: 'Public/ Community Participation in Penang Botanic Gardens' By FOPBGS
11.30am – 12.30pm: 'Current and Future Plans for Penang Botanic Gardens' By Penang Botanic Gardens Department
12.30pm – 1.00pm: Panel Discussion
1.00 pm: Forum Adjourns | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Media Release
Just One Number To Do Business with Government
PEMUDAH – the country's special task force dedicated to facilitate all aspects of doing business in Malaysia – has initiated a single number reference, called MyCoID as of 1 July 2009 for 5 Agencies; therein in stages for all remaining Agencies there from.
MyCoID is a standard identification number of a business entity for use in its interaction with Government agencies. It is the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) business registration number for companies, sole proprietors and partnerships.
New businesses registering with CCM from 1 July 2009, can use the MyCoID when registering with the following five (5) agencies:
+ Inland Revenue Board (IRB);
+ Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF);
+ Employees' Provident Fund (EPF);
+ Royal Malaysian Customs (RMC); and
+ The Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).
Existing companies (those registered before 1 July 2009) will be able to use their registration numbers as their MyCoID when dealing when dealing with IRB, EPF, and HRDF from 1 September 2009. However, for RMC and SOCSO, these companies can only use their CCM registration numbers as their MyCoID from 1 January 2010.
Full implementation of MyCoID by all 5 agencies is expected on 1 January 2010.
MyCoID will replace all other identification numbers required for businesses when dealing with the different Government agencies. With the exception of payment, in the initial phase the MyCoID can be used by new businesses for all other services from the five (5) agencies. These services, however, are only confined to over the counter and telephone services.
PEMUDAH Secretariat
Office of Chief Secretary | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Chief Secretary Media Statement
Pelantikan KSU Pelajaran
Saya ingin memaklumkan pelantikan Y.Bhg. Dato' Dr. Rosli bin Mohamed, Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha (Pengurusan), Kementerian Pelajaran, P.T.D. Gred Utama A sebagai Ketua Setiausaha, Kementerian Pelajaran, P.T.D. Gred Utama Turus III mulai 29 Oktober 2010 bagi menggantikan Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Dr. Zulkurnain bin Haji Awang yang dilantik sebagai Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Pelajaran (SPP) mulai tarikh yang sama.
2.Y.Bhg. Dato' Dr. Rosli, 52 tahun, berkelulusan Ijazah Doktor Falsafah dalam bidang Pemasaran Strategik dari University of Hull; Ijazah Sarjana Pentadbiran Perniagaan dari University of Leeds, United Kingdom; dan Ijazah Sarjana Muda dalam bidang Perhutanan dari Universiti Putra Malaysia. Beliau menyertai Perkhidmatan Awam sebagai Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik pada 3 Januari 1983 dan berpengalaman dalam bidang pengurusan ekonomi dan perancangan pembangunan menerusi karier perkhidmatannya sebagai:
Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha (Pengurusan), Kementerian Pelajaran mulai 24 Mei 2010;
Pengarah, Seksyen Infrastruktur dan Kemudahan Awam, Unit Perancang Ekonomi, Jabatan Perdana Menteri (2010);
Pengarah, Seksyen Tenaga, Unit Perancang Ekonomi, Jabatan Perdana Menteri (2007-2010);
Pengarah, Seksyen Penilaian, Unit Perancang Ekonomi, Jabatan Perdana Menteri (2006-2007);
Ketua Penolong Pengarah Kanan, Seksyen Tenaga, Unit Perancang Ekonomi, Jabatan Perdana Menteri (1998-2006);
Penolong Setiausaha, Bahagian Kemajuan Perindustrian Perhutanan dan Kayu Kayan, Kementerian Perusahaan Utama (1993-1995);
Penolong Pengarah, Bahagian Perjawatan, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (1992-1993);
Pegawai Projek Kanan, Institut Tadbiran Awam Negara, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (1991-1992);
Penolong Setiausaha, Bahagian Perhubungan Antarabangsa dan Logam, Kementerian Perusahaan Utama (1988-1991); dan
Penolong Pengarah, Bahagian Perindustrian, Kementerian Perdagangan dan Perindustrian (1983-1988).
3.Saya percaya pengalaman, pengetahuan serta kompetensi yang dimiliki oleh Y.Bhg. Dato' Dr. Rosli akan membolehkan beliau mengetuai dan mengembelingkan semua penjawat awam di Kementerian Pelajaran khususnya para pendidik dalam menyediakan keperluan sistem pendidikan yang terbaik serta memenuhi matlamat pendidikan negara.
TAN SRI SIDEK HASSAN
Ketua Setiausaha Negara
Oktober 2010 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Press Statement
No Comment On Alcoholic Drink Sales Pending Solution
5th August, Shah Alam: No state executive councilors or government officials are allowed to speak or comment on the sale of alcoholic drinks in Selangor pending a solution to be announced Friday.
This decision was made at the state executive councilor meeting today after several Exco members raised concern over the issue related to the sale of alcoholic drinks in Muslim populated areas.
This action is essential to avoid further confusion on the issue which may cause unnecessary discomfort among Selangor multiracial community.
The state has been engaging in public dialogues with various NGOs, resident associations and business community on this issue. We are confident in coming out with an appropriate solution can accommodate the multiracial population in Selangor.
TAN SRI ABDUL KHALID IBRAHIM
DATO' MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | KUALA LUMPUR, 20th February 2009 – MYNIC Berhad (MYNIC), the sole administrator for web addresses that end with .my in Malaysia has this evening launched its new brand name, logo and tagline - results of a rebranding effort to bring domain name technologies closer to the people with a formal gala dinner event.
The event was officiated by Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and witnessed by Encik Mohamed Sharil Mohamed Tarmizi, Chief Operating Officer of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The new brand name would be .my DOMAIN REGISTRY whilst its legal name will remain MYNIC Berhad. With a new and more contemporary logo, .my DOMAIN REGISTRY wishes to bring the domain name technologies closer to their target market- the people of Malaysia.
Datuk Dr Maximus in his speech stressed, "Change is the one constant element of life. We change out of habits, jobs, perceptions, interests, brands and even needs on a frequent basis. For organisations like ours who have the public's interest at heart, it is highly important that all our missions are able to touch, impact and influence the public at large. We must be willing to change and improve ourselves first before we can be the agent of change to the public."
MOSTI had its own image revamp last month in conjunction with its Innovation Day 2009.
"The desire to reach out to everyone regardless of background, education or technical competency compelled us to take the leap. The result, a re-branding exercise which brought to the table a lot of ideas and key elements to define MYNIC as Malaysia's domain name registry with research capacity for domain name technology," said Puan Shariya Haniz Zulkifli, Director of MYNIC Berhad.
Logo Definition The logo reads and is pronounced as "dot my domain registry". The my abbreviation is to offer immediate recognition to the Malaysian identity and its representation amongst world domain name registries. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 28th September 2010
SM Nasarudin, Kamarudin Meranun and Tony Fernandes, the three shareholders of Lotus Racing, announced on Friday 24th September that Team Lotus is back in Formula One™ from 2011. Lotus Racing has competed in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship under licence from Group Lotus parent company Proton, and today Lotus Racing Chief Executive Officer Riad Asmat shed more light on why Team Lotus is coming back for the first time since 1994 in the 2011 Championship.
Riad Asmat: "This has been an incredible year for everyone associated with Lotus Racing. Last week we brought Team Lotus back to the Formula One grid when we announced that we had bought Team Lotus Ventures from David Hunt, and would be racing as the successor to one of the most iconic names in world motorsport. This year, we have established ourselves as the leading new team in Formula One™ as a licensee of Group Lotus, and, although we all dreamt of bringing Team Lotus back to where it belongs, we could not do so in 2010 because those rights were owned by Team Lotus Ventures. As Tune Group has now bought Team Lotus Ventures it means we can now use the Team Lotus name for 2011 and beyond. We are all delighted we can go into 2011 with total confidence in what we own, and what we can take to the track.
"However, given that this is contested by Group Lotus we think now is the time to clear this matter up so there can be no further arguments. We have therefore today issued proceedings in the English High Court for a declaration that Team Lotus Ventures has the rights to use the Team Lotus name and everything associated with that brand in relation to Formula One™.
"Racing under the Team Lotus name from 2011 means our licence with Group Lotus has now come to an end. In reality, this has nothing to do with how we will go racing in 2011, as the ownership of Team Lotus has been clearly defined for many years. David was approached a number of times about selling the rights of Team Lotus Ventures, including one official offer of from Proton / Group Lotus themselves. That must have been tempting for David, as the rightful owner of the Team Lotus brand and its rights. Oddly enough, Group Lotus also recently tried to revoke the Team Lotus trade marks at a hearing at the Trade Mark Registry, but they were unsuccessful. I suspect David's misgivings about their previous offer to buy were justified by that action.
"The licence debate really is a non-issue. It was a simple licence, attached to a one year sponsorship deal with Proton for 2010 alone, and in fact for a tiny proportion of the amount invested by the shareholders into the team – approximately 1.5% of the total budget. Unfortunately we never reached the point where we discussed extending that one year deal. When we signed our licence to compete as Lotus Racing with Group Lotus, they were very clear that we could not make any reference to Team Lotus as they had no rights at all to the Team Lotus name or its rights. In fact, in the licence agreement between 1Malaysia Racing and Group Lotus the use of the Team Lotus name is expressly prohibited as they had agreed contractually, as long ago as 1985, that they had not rights to use that name. That was obviously something we had enormous respect for, and made no attempt to change until we could do so rightfully, and with a very clear understanding of what we had acquired in Team Lotus Ventures.
"So now the licence we ran under this year has been withdrawn by Group Lotus, and while we accept that this obviously means we have reached the end of that chapter, it opens up a new and very exciting one for everyone in our team. There will have to be some discussions with Proton and Group Lotus about the entitlement to terminate the licence. Frankly, they are trying to say that some very trivial points, including t-shirt design approvals of all things, gave them the right to terminate, but we thoroughly reject this.
"Now we look to the future. The details of what has been going on behind the scenes are now coming to light, and that's good because it means the shareholders of Proton, the government, will now know the truth of what has been going on. However the important thing is to look at what we are doing to guarantee future success. We have already invested heavily in ensuring the Malaysian / ASEAN motorsports platform grows, something that cannot be said for our colleagues at Group Lotus. We created a world first when we ran Nabil Jeffri in our aero test earlier this year - the youngest ever F1 test driver. Fairuz has been gaining invaluable experience at the highest level by driving for us, and, through Tony and Din's AirAsia Driver Development programme, we are giving young Malaysian / ASEAN talent the chance to reach the top. We are so proud to have laid the foundations for future success, and our fans acknowledge this every day. Personally I think it's odd that our colleagues at Group Lotus have not embraced what we are giving them – a global platform for creating huge awareness and great value for their operations, all at no cost to them. In one year we have made huge strides in the growth of Lotus Racing, and now it's all about Team Lotus."
Press Release by Lotus Racing
http://www.lotusracing.my/ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Shanghai, China 18th April 2010
Lotus Racing's first four races came to an end in China with another solid performance as the head of the new teams and for the first time coming out in front of one of their established rivals. Heikki Kovalainen dealt with the tricky conditions superbly, making a bold call early on to stay out on dry tyres when most of the pack opted for wets, and finished the race in 14th place after a tight battle with Nico Hulkenberg's Williams. Jarno Trulli's race came to a premature end on lap 34 after his run of bad luck continued in Shanghai in a race dominated by the damp conditions.
Heikki Kovalainen (T127-01, car no. 19, fastest lap 1.47.141): "This was a great way to round off our first four races. I think we had the correct strategy today in what were pretty tricky conditions. The pace was good – we were again ahead of the other new teams, and this time had a good battle with Williams. The decision to stay out early on dry tyres was made by me and the team together – it wasn't wet enough to come in and as soon as the race started I could see the rain had calmed down so we agreed it was the right call to stick with the plan. The other cars on wet tyres were obviously struggling so that worked out very well. It might not always work out like this for us, but today it showed we're a good team who make the right decisions, so I'm really pleased, for everyone in Lotus Racing, and all our fans.
Jarno Trulli (T127-03, car no.19, fastest lap 1.49.675): "It was a tough day out there from the start, which is a shame because we'd had a trouble free weekend and I was able to push for quite a few laps. The conditions weren't too bad and I was enjoying myself , but I had more hydraulics issues which brought me in on lap 18. The team did a good job to get me back out again but unfortunately the problems struck again and I had to retire. We've got a bit of time now before Spain to work on the new upgrades, so let's see what happens when we reach Barcelona."
Mike Gascoyne, Chief Technical Officer: "Whilst I'm obviously pleased I want to say first how disappointed I am for Jarno. He's had a lot of bad luck so far - it seems all our bad luck has been on his car, so apologies to him, but it was a fantastic race from Heikki. We judged all the calls correctly and were on the right tyres all the way through, so congratulations to the whole team for that. I'm also very pleased to see our race pace was very good, especially at the end on the wet conditions. These first four races were always going to be tough, but we've achieved what we set out to and now we're looking ahead to Barcelona and seeing how the updates we've been working on help us move forward."
Tony Fernandes, Team Principal: "I'm really happy today as we've accomplished what we said we'd do. We wanted to see at least one car cross the line for the first four races, and we've done that, but it's kind of bitter sweet today. It's obviously a great result for Heikki but a real shame for Jarno as he seems to take the brunt of the issues – it's a bit odd as it does seem to be just his car. The conditions today made it very tense out there and it's very satisfying, and shows how we're progressing, that today we were racing Williams, who we beat on track."
"Another great thing for me was to see how the Lotus Racing dream is spreading, in China, Asia and across the world. We saw a load of Lotus Racing flags in the stands, and this time next year let's hope we see even more fans out there cheering for us – we'll do our best to give them something to be very proud of!"
www.lotusracing.my | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) invites Malaysians to sign up for their inaugural walkathon to raise funds for disadvantaged youth in Malaysia. All funds raised will be donated to Shelter Home, a local NGO. The walkathon will take place at 9am on 22 May 2010, at the Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana).
The "Walk for Children: 1 Malaysia', organized by ISKL's International Club is sponsored by Dell Global Business Center Sdn Bhd, HSBC Bank (M) Berhad and Citibank, supported by Nestle Malaysia Berhad, Allied Pickfords (M) Sdn Bhd, Expatriate Lifestyle magazine and GetActive Sdn Bhd and will benefit a registered, voluntary welfare organization for children and teenagers who have been abandoned, neglected, orphaned or abused – SHELTER HOME.
ISKL is actively seeking sponsors for the walkathon and interested parties are encouraged to contact Director of Marketing Ms Hilda Alposilva on tel 03 4259 5623. Pre-registration for the event is via a donation of RM15 while on-site registration is RM20. All participants will receive a goodie bag and an exclusive collector's item event T-shirt.
The walkathon proper starts at 9:00 AM, while on-site registration begins at 7:30am. There will be a carnival with booths selling items as well as entertainment during and after the walkathon to entertain the crowd until 1pm.
There will be three routes available: a 1km for the physically challenged, a 3km normal route and an extended 5km route for seasoned walkers. It will be a non-competitive fun walk with a variety of prizes to be given away from the most leisurely walker to the youngest and oldest participants.
"This walkathon is our inaugural event to raise funds for charity and to unite Malaysian youth of all ages and cultures behind the 1Malaysia banner to support a very worthy cause," said Michael George, President of ISKL's International Club. "With the help of generous Malaysians and sponsors, we hope to raise RM100,000 to aid SHELTER in their noble cause."
Following the event, participants will be entertained by live bands, Rapper T' extrano with a special appearance by celebrity Hip Hop Rapper Caprice. For more information or to register or donate online, please visit http://www.walkforchildrenkl.com or join their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108228099215492
About ISKL
Established in 1965, the International School of Kuala Lumpur was the first school with an American curriculum in Malaysia. It was also the first fully accredited international school in Malaysia. Over the years, ISKL has built its outstanding international reputation by balancing sound tradition for academic excellence with innovative approaches to teaching, learning and expanding technology. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The Actors Studio @ Lot 10
18 August 2009, Kuala Lumpur – After months of speculation, The Actors Studio's Founders Joe Hasham OAM and Dato' Faridah Merican finally revealed its new home base today. The team will be moving into its spanking new theatre on the rooftop of Lot 10 Shopping Centre.
Joe Hasham OAM, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of The Actors Studio, explained "When Tan Sri Dato' (Dr) Francis Yeoh of YTL Corporation found out that the Bangsar theatre had to be closed down, he immediately offered us this wonderful space which is part of Lot 10's exciting revamp. He is the epitome of a true patron of the arts. You have to take your hat off to this man for building yet another theatre from scratch during such challenging economic times. Faridah and I are happy that The Actors Studio has a home again and the arts community can also breathe a sigh of relief that they have yet another accessible space right smack in the heart of town. One can't ask for more really."
The design of the 8,000 sq. ft. theatre was conceptualised by The Actors Studio team. Its Theatre Consultant, Teoh Ming Jin, said, "As end users, we were very clear on our needs and vision for the space. We worked hand in hand with Japanese designer Yuhkichi Kawai of Design Spirits, who was responsible for Starhill's Feast Village, as well as the rest of the YTL team led by its Project Manager Mr. Lau Eng Shinn. Visitors will be greeted by a striking pop art façade that will make way for a more Zen-like, minimalist interior. It is warm and inviting, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the streets below but it will also be a functional space."
The highlight of this new 250-seater theatre has to be its dramatic Hanamichi-thrust stage – the first of its kind in the country. Those familiar with Kabuki will recognise its T-shape formation although the thrust section is much wider than the traditional Hanamichi. Its unique stage layout and three-sided seating will be a challenge for directors and will definitely open up new staging possibilities. Audiences can look forward to see some groundbreaking work unfolding on this very stage.
The Actors Studio @ Lot 10 will be opening some time in October, just seven months after it closed down its popular venue in Bangsar.
Co-Founder and Executive Producer of The Actors Studio, Dato' Faridah Merican, remarked, "If there was any doubt as to the importance of such a space and the role of the arts in the community, the crowd at the final show in Bangsar made it clear - the standing ovation, the loud cheers and of course the tears warmed our hearts. To those who turned up to show their support and everyone else that have walked through our doors since the old Plaza Putra days, we thank you for being a part of this journey and we hope you will be there when we open The Actors Studio @ Lot 10."
She added, "Starting a new theatre is always a bit of a challenge. 20 years on and it hasn't gotten easier. Funding for the arts this year in particular has taken a really hard hit. The Actors Studio needs all the help it can get. We hope that individuals and corporations alike will come forward and lend a hand in whatever small way they can."
The Actors Studio @ Lot 10 is now taking bookings for 2009 / 2010 period. For more information about the theatre space, rental rates and availability please e-mail ian@theactorsstudio.com.my and ain@theactorsstudio.com.my. If you are interested in making a donation or exploring sponsorship or partnerships, please e-mail yuemay@theactorsstudio.com.my.
More information about The Actors Studio @ Lot 10 along with details of its Gala Opening performances will be announced soon. Please visit www.theactorsstudio.com.my for the latest information.
Official Address
The Actors Studio @ Lot 10
Roof Top, Level 8A, Lot 10 Shopping Centre
50, Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Contacts:
Media Enquiries
Shalu | shalu@theactorsstudio.com.my
Theatre Booking
Ian | ian@theactorsstudio.com.my
Ain | ain@theactorsstudio.com.my
Sponsorship, Donations & Commercial Partnerships
Yue May | yuemay@theactorsstudio.com.my
Full Team
Joe Hasham OAM Artistic Director & Co-Founder
Dato' Faridah Merican Executive Producer & Co-Founder
Teoh Ming Jin Theatre Management Consultant
Ian Chow Theatre Manager
Nurul Ain Jamlus Theatre Supervisor
Ang Yue May Marketing Manager
Shalini Kalimuthu Publicist
Muhammad Afzal Zikri Box Officer Supervisor
Zaw Min Oo Technical Supervisor
Ooi Yit Boon Sound Engineer
Michael Oon Accountant
The Journey
1989 Joe and Faridah set up The Actors Studio in April 1989
1995 On 9 August 1995, the husband-and-wife team created history by establishing the first privately-owned and operated theatre space in Malaysia – The Actors Studio @ Plaza Putra below Dataran Merdeka
2000 Bandar Raya Developments Berhad offered Faridah and Joe the Cineplex space on the third level of Bangsar Shopping Centre
2001 The Actors Studio @ BSC officially opened on 20 January
2002 An old advertising friend who was heading the Zhong Zheng School Memorial Centre offered Faridah and Joe a small space at Lebuh Light in Penang
On August 9, 2002, exactly 7 years after opening their first venue, The Actors Studio @ Greenhall opened its doors
2003 While Faridah and Joe were handling an important corporate event at The Actors Studio @ BSC on 10 June, floods inundated Kuala Lumpur and the whole of Plaza Putra was destroyed
2004 The media launch for The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) was held on 21 May 2004
2005 In May 9, The Actors Studio joined hands with YTL Corporation and Yayasan Budi Penyayang to open the first fully-integrated performing arts centre in the country – The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
2008 In October, they were told that the Bangsar theatre had to be closed down
2009 After two weeks of Gala Farewell performances, The Actors Studio @ BSC closed its doors on 28 February | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | No Black Tie and Fakulti Muzik ASWARA would like to invite you to our Jazz Workshop "To Know & Feel Better About Jazz Improvisation" this Saturday at Dewan Orkestra, ASWARA 464 Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 KL.
The Idang Rasjidi Funk Project invites students, music aficionados and the curious to jam alongside. This session will also educate students to know and feel better about taking the stage and going with the flow. Remember to bring your own instruments and don't miss this opportunity to take the stage with world-class musicians.
For reservations call +603 2142 3737 after 5 pm or visit www.aswara.edu.my. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | News Release
April 17, 2010
Earth Day Carnival @ IKANO 2010: "Be Part of the Solution!"
Earth Day Carnival @ IKANO will be celebrated from April 15th to April 25th, from 10am – 10pm at the concourse area of IKANO Power Centre. Organizer of the event, led by the OUCH Media will be presenting a day of education, celebration and action for the world in which we live. In the spirit of Earth Day, and through the generosity of its sponsors, this event is free for the whole family!
Earth Day Carnival @ IKANO aims to set a clear example for people and businesses how simple lifestyle changes can make a difference. For example, Earth Day Carnival @ IKANO will feature wide-ranging on-site recycling demonstrations, sales of green products and services and food vendors providing organic and meatless delicious food that require few wasteful utensils. Additional highlights of the day will include environment displays and demonstrations, interactive and educational booths by many local environmental non-profit and small business groups, performances by local and regional musicians, arts and crafts, and a Kids' Zone for youngsters. More than 15 additional organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Malaysia), EcoKnights, Tiny Tapir, Eco-Nic, Sayang Alam, ehomemaker, Recycle & Reward, Eco-Home, Green Apple Organics, Green Bamboo, Beyond Empire, Fabulous Mom, Yuen Soap, Body Bar, CJ Nova, Mell Basics, Seers International, Gerai Orang Asli, Mark Red, Country Farms, Keruilai, Loving Hut, Citibank, Lollietots, Dive Lable, Melsom, Tanamera, Bio-Home, Whiz Wits, Gaia Soap, FOKD, Segway Malaysia and many more will be participating this year.
"Earth Day Carnival @ IKANO is an amazing demonstration of how the everyday decisions we make in life affect our environment," explains Earth Day Carnival @ IKANO organizer and event chair Kenny Phang from OUCH Media. It is a chance to better understand the issues affecting our region while taking direct action to be part of the solution. The entertainment line-up is pretty incredible with the Eco-Drum Circle from YAWA (Yayasan Anak Warisan Alam) coming to play. And, this year's carnival will showcase a remote control robot in life size and a young talent – 12 year old Xky (Lee Xin Kai) who will entertain the audience with this environment-themed songs. It's the most fun you can have saving the planet!"
This week long celebration of all things green will be launched on 17th April 2010 by YB Edward Lee Poh Lin, Assistant EXCO Tourism, Environment and Consumer Affairs.
For more information, please contact Kenny Phang, OUCH Media, +6019.511.4893.
Earth Day Carnival @ IKANO 2010
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About Earth Day Carnival @ IKANO 2010
Event Fact Sheet
Date: April 15-25th, 2010
Time: 10 AM - 10 PM
Place: IKANO Power Centre
Cost: Free to the public
What is Earth Day Carnival?
Earth Day Carnival was created to be a day of education, celebration, and action for the natural world in which we live. Earth Day Carnival sets a clear example for people and businesses how simple lifestyle changes can make a difference. For example, the festival will feature wide-ranging onsite recycling demonstrations, renewable energy usage to power the event and food vendors providing goodies that require few wasteful utensils. Additional highlights of the day will include environment displays and demonstrations, interactive and educational booths by many local environmental non-profit and small business groups, performances by local and regional musicians, dancers and comedians, arts and crafts, and a Kids' Zone for youngsters.
What activities will there be?
Because this is Earth Day Carnival, the festival is free of charge. Whatever your interest, Earth Day Carnival will have something for you. Our stage will present family friendly entertainment from local and regional acts, demonstrations on eco enzymes, robot making from recycled materials and more. Lots of children's activities will teach kids about the environment while they have fun. For the adults, there will be exhibits such as Eco Film Fest, Hypnobirthing, Biozyme, Natural earth friendly organic shirts, hybrid hot water system, biodegradable tableware, recycle and reward, Segway. And, of course, the will be a healthy delicious eco food fair ready for you and your family and dozens of environmental organizations and green businesses will be on hand to help you take action to protect the world you live in.
Who are the organizers?
The Main Organizer of the event is OUCH Media. EcoKinghts and Ozsome Media are in partnership to the event. Media Partners are 988 and Red FM.
Where do I find out more?
For more information and to volunteer, please contact Kenny Phang at 019.511.4893.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | This May,Kuala Lumpur will resonate with the magical vocals of a multiple-award winning and acclaimed international Broadway and West End star, Lea Salonga.
Upon completing her sell-out New York cabaret debut, 'The Journey So Far' at The Carlyle, Lea will be gracing the Plenary Hall at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on the 22nd and 23rd May 2010 for her first ever appearance in Malaysia – 'An Evening with Lea Salonga'.
Lea Salonga is a Filipina singer and actress who is best known for her debut musical role in Miss Saigon. She was the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and in 2002, Salonga played the role of a Chinese immigrant in a reinterpretation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song opposite Jose Llana. The Salonga-led Broadway revival cast album was also a top contender at the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Musical Show Album.
Throughout her illustrious musical theatre career, she is internationally recognized for having won the Olivier Award, Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Award, Theatre Los Angeles Ovation Awards and the Theatre World Awards. Salonga is also renowned as the singing voice of two Disney Princesses - Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for two Mulan movies.
'An Evening with Lea Salonga' is presented by Malaysia Airlines Enrich in partnership with CIMB Bank. Malaysia Airlines Enrich and CIMB credit card members enjoy up to 35% discount off
For more information on Lea, visit www.aneveningwithleasalonga.my. Tickets are priced at RM153, RM253, RM353, RM553 (VIP) and RM853 (VVIP), available for purchase with Ticket Axcess at www.axcess.com.my
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 25 November 2008
A1 Team Malaysia has been investigating the circumstances that led to Fairuz Fauzy making an extra pit stop in the Feature race at the A1GP Sepang event last weekend and this report outlines the findings. In addition, A1GP and its radio systems supplier are making a full investigation and the team is awaiting the outcome of this.
As the Feature race headed towards half distance A1 Team Malaysia was comfortably in third place, just four seconds behind the Portuguese car lying second and around 11 seconds ahead of A1 Team USA. It was on lap 17 that a series of radio communications resulted in an unnecessary pit stop for Malaysia, which left Fairuz rejoining the race in 14th place and making it impossible for the podium finish that the team had expected to celebrate.
Following the race, investigations were carried out to ascertain the sequence of events which led to this unfortunate situation and the following has been confirmed:
1. The team started to have radio transmission interference from around the start of the Sprint race at 11.05 am. During the time the cars were repositioned for the Sprint race restart after the accident between Teams USA, India and Brazil, nearly all transmission from and to the team's Technical Director and one other team member, on the one hand, and the rest of the team, on the other, failed. Action was immediately taken with these two team members' headsets being changed. When communications were resumed, as the team moved their locations beside the track, for the restart there were no further problems. However, it is believed that it was the change of location and not the replacement equipment that brought restored communication. There were no further communication problems during the Sprint race.
2. During the Feature race all communications between the driver and team, to and from the car, were poor. Transmissions between the team members were reported to be 'satisfactory – normal'.
3. After the first pit stop Fauzy was experiencing too much over steer and attempted to communicate this to the team so that tyre pressures could be adjusted at the next pit stop. Transmissions to and from the car by the Chief Engineer and Fauzy were poor, with several attempts made to clarify the driver's request.
4. During this exchange, without any warning to the team, the Malaysian car drove into the pit lane, stopping in front of the garage momentarily. The team immediately signalled to Fauzy to continue through the pits and return to the race, resulting in a loss of around 40 seconds.
5. No further communications with the driver were required except for instructions to carry out a final pit stop, which was completed without problem. Fairuz completed the race in 10th position, scoring one World Cup of Motorsport point.
After the race the team debriefed with Fauzy, who reported that he had received a communication to make a pit stop. He followed the Team GBR car into the pit lane. The evidence that the team has gathered so far points to a "bleeding" of a radio transmission issued by Team GBR to their car in the previous lap. This was clearly heard by Fairuz, who followed what he thought was an instruction from the Malaysian team's Chief Engineer. Such communications are given in wide-spread racing terminology. We now know that Team GBR uses identical terms. Further enquiries are now taking place by the Series and the radio communications system provider.
Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive, said "As you can imagine, the team are hugely disappointed by this, knowing that our sponsors and fans had hoped for the kind of result that was clearly within our grasp. We had tremendous support at the track and can only imagine how confused the fans must be, but I hope we have now clarified the events of the Feature race and that they can now understand this now. In essence, we feel we have been robbed of a third place as we could have expected to have completed the second pit stop under normal conditions without incident and run at pace to the end of the race.
"We will be assisting the service providers with their investigation into this, as we believe will the Circuit, Team GBR and the Series. I think it is fair to consider that a podium place was taken from us." | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | New York State and City of New York Joins Nation in 75th Anniversary of the End of Prohibition with at Famous Speakeasy
Hon. Alfred E. Smith IV, great grandson of New York State Governor Alfred Smith (who served during Prohibition) will join with State and City Government Officials, as well as members of the NYC Hospitality Industry, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the End of Prohibition. (New York State Assembymen Richard N. Gottfried, Andrew Raia, and Micah Kellner, members of the New York City Council and Mayors office will be making a special presentation.)
They will also be holding a news conference on December 5, 2008 at 11a.m. at Frankie and Johnnies located at 269 West 45th Street in Manhattan. Frankie and Johnnies is one of three remaining original Speakeasies in New York City and one of the city's oldest continual dining establishments.
Prohibition ended in the United States on December 5, 1933, when Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, repealing the 18th Amendment. Imagine the celebrations that went on across the nation that day.
At the news conference, members of the hospitality industry will be celebrating this historic date, as well as announcing an upcoming "End of Prohibition" gala for over 500 people. The party will duplicate the nation's largest modern speakeasy to benefit local charities. The event will be free for any staff that works in restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, pubs, taverns in the City of New York.
Prohibition from 1920-1933 banned the use of all alcohol in the United States. Those who wanted a cocktail during those dry years did so in establishments called "speakeasies." The term "speakeasy" comes from a patron's manner of ordering alcohol without raising suspicion -- a bartender would tell a patron to be quiet and "speakeasy."
Frankie & Johnnies Steakhouse has been a celebrated New York fixture since 1926, having opened as a speakeasy at the height of Prohibition. To gain access, patrons knocked on an unmarked door and used the password "FRANKIE" when a small peephole was opened. With admittance, a confirmation reply of "JOHNNIE" was heard. The business began operation as a steakhouse when Prohibition was lifted 75 years ago.
NYC Hospitality Association
www.nychospitalityassociation.com | | | | | | | | | |  | |  | |  |
