Cleffairy's Blog, page 98

Innovate with New Zealand From Land to The Sea

Did you know? New Zealand is one of only two countries to export more than half of it’d total food production and Malaysia is its 9th largest export market, with trade volumes growing at pace from year to year, and this year, I’ve given the opportunity to witness the showcasing of the best food produce from New Zealand in New Zealand Food Connection Malaysia in InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Sharing on New Zealand’s trade and all things food is HE Dr. John Subritzky, New Zealand Ambassador/High Commissioner to Malaysia.

Shortly after the sharing session with HE Dr. John Subritzky, New Zealand Ambassador/High Commissioner to Malaysia, Chef Sam Kung, Executive Chef of international luxury hotel InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur was on to show how innovate cookings with various products from New Zealand during the New Zealand Food Connection showcasing at the hotel.

The showcase at Food Connection Malaysia is a demonstration of New Zealand understanding of the complex international food market and the rapidly nerd to produce safe and quality food in a sustainable way.

Spotted new players at the showcasing of Food Connection Malaysia is; Spring Sheep Milk Co, Pic’s Peanut Butter, Southern Fresh, Sealord, Mud House Wine and Emerald Foods.

Pic’s Peanut Butter

Arahi sparkling drinks

A selection of gluten free and organic food.

Also featured were the best in meat, seafood, beverage and grocery items from the likes of Dunningham, Eco Healthy Foods, Emerald Foods Ltd, Fronterra Brands, Griesen Wines, Kapiti Ice Cream, Mudhouse, New Zealand Unlimited, Pure South, Shott Beverages and many more.

Pure South meat selection

Tatua creams

Talley’s greenshell mussels

Couldn’t make it for New Zealand Food Connection Malaysia? Fret not, you’ll be able to relish the best of New Zealand’s produce without having to travel to New Zealand. Just hop over to your nearest supermarket and get your hands on New Zealand’s fresh produce. For more information on all things New Zealand, visit www.newzealand.com.

Celebrate a Musical Mother’s Day at The Armada Petaling Jaya

In honour of mothers everywhere, the Armada Petaling Jaya is giving mom a culinary and musical treat on Sunday, 8th May 2016 that sees a decadent hi-tea spread and a powerful vocalist to set the tone for this special day.

Mothers will be spoilt for choices with their special Mothers Day Hi-Tea promotion. The whole family can feast on all-time local favorites such as Gado-Gado, Roti Durian, Tossed Wantan Noodle With Bbq Chicken, Loh Bah, Beancurd Chicken Roll, Teo Chew Braised Duck, Fish Head Curry, Sotong Kangkung, and an assortment of Malaysian Traditional Kuih. For those with a more international taste bud, do try the Seafood Pie, Pan-seared Pollo with Garlic Sauce, the incredibly creamy and delicious Cream of Spanish Chicken Soup and many more.

Adding to the excitement and back by popular demand, entertaining mothers for the day is Alfred Ho, dubbed the Stevie Wonder of Malaysia who could do almost perfect imitations of a range of singers, including Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Engelbert Humperdink, and Pat Boone. Moms are bound to appreciate and reminisce as they are transported back in time on a nostalgic journey throughout the years.

Book your seats early and have a food and music filled family gathering through our splendid Mothers Day promotion and rejoice to the fullest.

MOTHERS DAY HIGH-TEA BUFFET

Sunday, 8th May 2016, 12noon  4.00pm

Live Performance by Alfred Ho

RM 75+ per adult | RM 55+ senior citizen | RM 38+ per child

For reservations and inquiries, please call (03) 7954 6888 ext. 4557.

The End of Chinese Miracles

What do you know about China? In the distant past, China was pretty much a mysterious world. There’s kingdoms within kingdoms where dynasties and emperors rules, great warriors skilled with martial arts, palace with forbidden harems and such. Ancient China was fascinating and intriguing. But that’s all in the past. If you ask me today what I knew and understand about China, I would define China as a communist country in East Asia and it is the most populated country in the world and is basically the ‘World’s Factory’ that produces quality goods.

Being a Malaysian, I’m no stranger to Chinese goods and products. Malaysia have a pretty good diplomatic and business relationship with China and our country imported almost everything from China, from textile to food to electronic appliances and automobiles, you name it. Visit a mall in Malaysia and you will see almost everything has a ‘Made in China’ label attached on it. Things that’s made in China is everywhere in Malaysia and I daresay that every household in Malaysia would at least have a couple of items that’s made in China in their home.

Frankly speaking, China is like a ‘God of Everything’ for us Malaysians. It is indeed a miraculous country that can produce everything we could ask for.

I never gave much thoughts on how the goods from China was produced and what it took to accomplish that until I stumbled upon this video by Financial Times.

The End of the Chinese Miracle by Financial Times.

The video is an in depth documentary that takes a looks at China’s economy and labour force and investigates how one of the world’s most powerful and populous country’s has reached a critical new chapter in its history that might put an end to all to all the miracles that they have been doing so far.

Why did I say that? Well, take a look at the video.According to the video, since the 1980s, millions of Chinese moved to the cities to find better paid jobs in the factories. From what I understand, this was the biggest migration recorded in the history of the world. These migrant workers would work in the cities for several years, sending money to their families, and saving as much as they can before going back when they get older. These people lived in stuffed communal dormitories, ate in the crowded factory’s canteen and worked 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. But as time goes by and China developed, the people becomes more educated and well informed than their forefathers, lesser people are opting moving to the cities just to work with minimal wages. The first generations of the migrant workers are already in their golden age and not quite fit for factories employment anymore and the younger generations are saying absolute no to cheap labour. This can only translate to one thing, and one thing only; productivity with slows down and the Chinese economy will go into reverse.

Many factories in China resorted to either closing down their factories and relocating to other places in South East Asia like Vietnam, where they are still.in the initial stage of development and minimum wages job opportunities are more welcomed. A sensible option in terms of business, I must say, but there are others who opt to import workers from poorer countries to cater to their needs, which can be very dangerous as it is done illegally. The video offers insights on the lives of the migrant workers and their hardship and is really an eye opener.

Being a business owner myself, I am pretty much worried how this trend will affect Malaysian and global economy in general as China has always been a reliable source of goods, but at the same time I couldn’t help but ponder on the humanitarian side of things.

Financial Times definitely hits the nail this time by documenting this. Is this really the end of the Chinese miracle? Watch the video and let me know what you think and if you are interested for a more in depth reading on the issue, you might want to head over HERE

and read up.

KFC Boneless Crispy Tenders

KFC Malaysia has introduced its all new Crispy Tenders range that comes in a variety of combos offering fans its succulent KFC chicken without the bones.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the chicken tenders is made from 100% whole boneless chicken fillet fried to perfection. The sets is available for a limited time only and comes with premium sour cream and onion sauce dip especially created to complement the Crispy Tenders.

6 Pieces Crispy Tenders with Crispy Fries Combo: RM13.90

Crispy Tenders Combo Sensasi: RM11.90

KFC Bucket Sensasi includes KFC’s new Crispy Tenders with sour cream and onion sauce dip, KFC’s signature fried chicken, coleslaw, mashed potato and Pepsi at a value deal of only RM39.90.

The KFC Crispy Tenders and Bucket Sensation are available nationwide at all KFC restaurants from 12 April 2016 onwards while stock last. For more information, visit www.kfc.com.my.

Vietjet Air Announces First Inaugural Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur

Vietjet, the first new-age airline in Vietnam with low-cost and diversified services to meet customers’ requirements, has just launch its latest international route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur on 1 June 2016.

The airline currently boasts a fleet of 35 aircraft including A320s and A321s and operates 250 flights daily. It has already opened 47 routes in Vietnam and across the region to international destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, China and Myanmar.

Ms Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh, Vice President of Vietjet Air, briefing the media on the airline’s expansion plans, including the inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur, as well as future flights to Asia destinations.

Ms Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh, Vice President of Vietjet Air, giving away Vietjet Air aeroplane models and 2 pairs of return ticket to Ho Chi Min City to lucky draw winners during the press conference.

To welcome the new route, Vietjet will give away 50,000 promotional tickets from just MYR0.00 in its “It’s time to Vietjet Campaign from 12-18th April 2016 daily on 1pm-3pm daily during promotional period. Travel period is from 1st June-30th October 2016(excluding public holidays)

Tickets can be booked at www.vietjetair.com. For latest promotional updates, visit www.facebook.com/vietjetvietnam

Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2016 Soft Launching at Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is being increasingly recognized for being a leader in the ASEAN region with its high fashion footwear and exporter of international fashion wares and aiming to continuously recognized as such, Malaysia has once again kicked off its 7th edition of Malaysia International Shoe Festival. The Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2016 is supported by Ministry of Tourism and Culture  and organized by The Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association.

Datuk Rashidi Bin Hasbullah, Deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) addressing the media and the members of the public during Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2016 at the entrance of Sungei Wang Plaza, one of the reputable tourists friendly shopping destination in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Fashion show during the launch, showcasing the latest shoe collection from this year’s participating exhibitors.

MISF2016 Soft Launch Showcasing

Showcasing video

The flagging off of the giant stiletto car which will be roaming Kuala Lumpur with exciting quizzes and giveaways to promote the festival.

In keeping with MISF 2016 theme “Sole of the Nation: A Colourful World of Shoes”, this year’s festival will see local and international brand including Fiorucci, Nike, Adidas, Puma, Larrie, Lanbaharin, Christy Ng, Fipper, Asadi and many more. Other highlights of the festival are; Shoe Vintage Gallery,  Showcase of  trendy shoes designed by college students and ‘A Walking Success’ forum by the famous Prof Datuk Dr. Jimmy Choo, Bon Zainal and Christy Ng.

There will also be activities for children of all ages and an early bird offer mega deal by Asadi where you’ll get to buy a pair of Asadi shoes worth RM15.90 pee pair for just RM3 by liking and sharing the updates on MISF official Facebook Page.

Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2016 promises an excitingly unique fashion experience for visitors young and old, so be sure to bring the whole family to have a fun day out together and shop til you drop.

Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2016 will take place at Hall 4, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur on 29th April 2016 for traders and public and is open to public on 30th April 2016 to 1st May 2016 from 10.30am to 8.30pm.

For more information on Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2016, click HERE.

Seven Seas to Provide Free Meals for Underprivileged School Kids

Studies have found that undernutrition and unhealthy dietary practices are still prevalent among children in Malaysia. A study published in 2013 – Nutritional status of Malaysian children – studied the nutritional status and dietary intake of children aged between six months and 12 years, found that 4.4% of the 3,542 sample population had a deficiency of iron and Vitamin A.

Low income pre-schoolers (4-7 years old) and school aged children (7-10 years old) were found to have the lowest intakes for most nutrients and the highest percentages that did not meet energy and nutrient recommendations.

Seven Seas to Provide Free Meals for Approximately 6,000 kids from selected schools nationwide will benefit from the #FreeCanteen programme, a first-time collaboration between Seven Seas, a brand under Merck Consumer Health Division in Malaysia and social cause advocate, Syed Azmi Alhabshi.

Through the #FreeCanteen programme, underprivileged kids from selected schools will be provided with one free meal during recess, while also being educated on the value of a nutritious meal and the benefits it can bring to their general health and well-being.

Seven Seas, one of the health supplement brands under Merck – the oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company in the world since 1668 – has pledged to contribute RM1 for every unit of Seven Seas Kids products sold between 1 April to 30 June 2016, in support of the #FreeCanteen programme.

With more than 80 years’ experience, Seven Seas understands the nutritional needs of families at different stages of life. Backed by scientific expertise and high standard of excellence, an extensive selection of nutritional supplements has been developed to meet the needs of children and provide them with nutrients for healthy growth. Each product is uniquely formulated to support child development from the inside out.

Seven Seas #DontWorryMom | The constant struggles of motherhood never ends

Check out Seven Seas’ first-ever short web film, in line with the brand’s objectives to alleviate the worries of mothers in raising their children. The video tells the heart-warming story of Sara and her mother, the journey and worries of raising a child, and the power of unconditional love, and also introduces the brand’s hashtag #DontWorryMom.

For more information on Seven Seas Malaysia and its products, visit https://www.facebook.com/SevenSeasMalaysia/

Detoxify, Relax and Rejuvenate at Unique Wellness Centre sweatspa™

Unique Wellness Centre sweatspa™ Reveals Ning Baizura As Spokesperson and Ambassador Kuala Lumpur, 6 April 2016:  Following the success of their outlets; sweatspa™, an up-and-rising wellness brand in Malaysia, introduced Malaysian pop and R&B singer, Ning Baizura binti Sheikh Hamzah or better known as Ning Baizura, as its brand ambassador.  Ning has won various awards including AIM Awards, Voice of Asia, and Best Artiste Development Award and is known for her roles in movies such as Malaikat di Jendela and Muallaf. As the brand ambassador and spokesperson for sweatspa™, Ning will advocate the importance of sweating for health, keeping a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

At sweatspa™, it is all about sweating for better health.  Different from the traditional saunas, each cabin utilises medical grade Sunlighten™ Full Spectrum Infrared Therapy with emphasis on safety and comfort, to detoxify, relax and rejuvenate the body.  Infrared therapy has been around but the Full Spectrum Infrared sauna is a league ahead with its Near, Mid, and Far infrared rays. This means really specific and targeted improvements can be programmed into the treatment.  

Near Infrared Rays are best for wound healing and increased immune functions, Mid Infrared levels are best for increasing circulation and promoting muscle relaxation, and FIR levels are used primarily for detoxification purposes. Customers may enjoy the therapy at the outlets or in the comforts of their home. 

For those who prefer to enjoy the spa in the comforts of their home, the Sunlighten™ cabins are available for sale, with two lines available – the Signature series and the mPulse Series. People today don’t sweat enough.  Sweating is a natural function of the human body, and is very important to the body health. The first function is to cool the body down when it is heating up. The second function is to provide a secondary system that removes toxins through the skin.  Therefore, sweating could provide greater detoxification benefits to achieve optimal health, beauty and vitality.

sweatspa™ sweatspa™ was founded in 2014 with the purpose of helping people gain vibrant health and beauty. sweatspa™ is a wellness brand that advocates sweating for better health, utilizing the medical grade Sunlighten™ Full Spectrum Infrared therapy.

Attractions in Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Wish to learn about Kuala Lumpur in an innovative way?

Here’s one place you can visit, the KL City gallery, located in a historical building from 1899 at Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)

Basically the place is a free information centre on Kuala Lumpur. The exhibits in the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery shows the history of Kuala Lumpur, the present Kuala Lumpur and the plans for Kuala Lumpur in the future.

Informative exhibit

Information on the heritage of Malaysia

Delicately crafted miniature Masjid Jamek

Interactive video exhibit

If you’d like to see more, go for the spectacular Kuala Lumpur model show. Tickets costs only RM3 (Normal price RM5).

Here’s the entire Kuala Lumpur in miniature.

Occasionally, there will be cultural and art exhibition being held at the gallery, so keep your eyes peeled for it.

Batik exhibition in Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is operated by ARCH Collection Sdn. Bhd, a Malaysian brand that makes collectables and gifts made of wood veneer (using laser technology).Their work shop is located at the ground floor of the City Gallery and they have a huge souvenir shop for you to splurge on.

The entry to Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is free of charge unless you opt to go for some special exhibition of the month, so the place is highly recommended to backpackers as it costs you nothing but there will be loads of infos on Kuala Lumpur over here.

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is located at the southern end of Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka), between the History Museum and the City Library. The closest LRT stations are Masjid Jamek and Pasar Seni.

Entrance fee: Free

Guided Tour: RM45 per person (min. 8 person – max. 12 person)

Opening Hours

8am – 6pm daily

Address

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

No. 27, Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka,, 50050 Dataran Merdeka, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Attractions in Kuala Lumpur: KL Bird Park

Love bird-watching but it’s too much a hassle to travel to their natural habitat deep in the rainforest for bird watching activities? Well, fret not, there is one place nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur where you can literally get up close and personal with more than 200 species of birds; The KL Bird Park.

The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is definitely an attraction in Kuala Lumpur that is not to be missed as it is the world’s largest free flight aviary; which means most birds in the Bird Park flies freely as if they are in natural habitat.

Some of the main attractions of the park are the hornbill park, the flamingo pond, the world of parrots, the egg incubation area, the bird gallery and education center just to name a few.

Getting up close and personal with birds

Peacocks aplenty in the birdpark and if you wait long enough, they will proudly flare their tails to you.

Parrot. This little guy can’t talk, but he is certainly a friendly fella, as whenever visitors goes near, he will offer you whatever he’s been eating by picking them up with his beak and walks towards you while nodding his head up and down, insisting that you take the food. Talk about hospitality at it’s best.

Why play Angry Birds when you can play with a real ‘angry bird’?

This bird actually came to me and held his pose until I finished taking my photos.

The saying, ‘Birds of a feather, flocks together is indeed true’

The birds are mostly used to visitors approaching them, so they are tame and would actually go to you if you are patient enough. Visitors can take long strolls along the walkway of the park while enjoying the view of birds of various colours and sizes.

Entrance fees

ADULT                               

MyKad holder: RM 27

Non MyKad holder: RM 50

CHILD (3 – 12 years old)                    : MyKid holder: RM13

Non MyKid holder: RM41

Other than the Bird Park, there are some interesting tourists attractions in the area that you can visit too. They are the Islamic Arts Museum, The National Mosque and the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery.

Visitors can take get to the bird park via bus or train. Below are the available options to get to the park.

By Bus:

*Take the Intrakota Bus 21C, 48C (From Kota Raya).

*Take the Intrakota Bus 18, 21A (From Chow Kit).

*Take the RapidKL Bus 115 (From KL Sentral).

By Train:

KTM Komuter – disembark at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, then walk to the Park or take simply hail a metered taxi.

Address:

KL Bird Park

No. 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Taman Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Office Number:+603 2272 1010

Opening Hours:09:00am – 06:00pm (Daily)