Worldwide Accent Project | Kuching, Malaysia

Malaysia saves endangered pygmy elephant on Borneo

Malaysian wildlife authorities said they had rescued a pygmy elephant calf on Borneo island and expressed hope a planned sanctuary would provide protection for the endangered animals.

The male calf, which is less than a month old, was pulled out of a deep moat surrounding a palm oil plantation in remote Sabah state on Friday, said Sen Nathan, a senior official with the Sabah Wildlife Department.

It is the fifth calf rescued by wildlife officials since 2009. Three of those previously saved have died but a female has recovered and is now at a wildlife park.

There are fewer than 2,000 Borneo pygmy elephants left in the wild, according to authorities. A sub-species of the Asian elephant, the creatures have a rounded appearance and are smaller than mainland elephants.

Wildlife activists warn that pygmy elephants are fast losing their natural habitat to deforestation and human encroachment on Borneo, a vast island shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.


[source]

WHY WE ARE THE BEST MOTO DRIVERS

BISEAN will feature a series of moto stunts done by cool riders accross Southeast Asia... this one's from Malaysia (I think). ***Erratum: This one is from Indonesia. Thanks!

The Uber-Spectacular Langkawi Skybridge

The Langkawi Sky Bridge on Gunung Mat Cincang is endorsed by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the world's most spectacular bridge designs. It is 700 metres above sea level making it one of the world's highest single support bridges.

Atop this bridge, you can get a 360 degree views of the Langkawi Archipelago, the Amdaman Sea, and Southern Thailand.






A perfect example of why Malaysia is the region's frontrunner in environmental preservation.

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THE GREAT HORNBILL: Our Heritage Icon

Here’s one heritage icon instantly associated to our beloved region – the Great Hornbill of the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines. *other species found in Vietnam*

They are called แก้ไข นกกก in Thai, Kalaw in the Philippines and Burung Enggang in Malaysia and Indonesia and Kenyalang in Kalimantan. *what is it called in your language?*

I visited Jurong Bird Park in Singapore a few weeks back and this birdie does it all the time. When I walk in the aviary, they always land to get in the way. So, either I go back where I come from or I just make a run for it. What do they want from me?

Obviously, these great birds are fearless. That’s why they are the symbol of numerous tribes like the Iban people of Borneo, the Dayaks of Kalimantan, the Igorots of Ifugao -- Brave, fearless warriors of the land. Sarawak is known as the "Land of the Hornbills".

They can grow up to 4ft in height with a wingspan of 5ft! That’s why they are sovereigns of the rainforest. The Hornbill’s most distinct feature is that ginormous thingy on top of its’ already ginornous bill – it’s called a “casque” by those who want to have names for anything & everything. A casque – don’t forget.

It is said that Hornbills use their casques (only males has it) for aerial battle. Like what those deers and goats do – butt fight! Although nobody has actually seen Hornbills in actual aerial butt fight.. It’s just a legend perhaps.

The Great Hornbill is in the list of Threatened Species. We can’t afford to lose another one of our endemic icons.

Save the forest, protect the Great Hornbills –

heritage icons of Southeast Asia.


Buceros bicornis


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*Thanks to Mr Bauer for the photos

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PULL THAT TEA! I SAID PULL THAT TEA!

It doesn’t make sense, huh?

How can tea be pulled, you ask? Then shut up and I’ll tell you…

Teh Tarik is a creamy, sweet with a pleasant bitter aftertaste beverage served just about in every corner of Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei.

"Teh” means tea in Bahasa and “Tarik” means pulled. Get it?

This beverage is all about showmanship. It is prepared by mixing tea and condensed milk together and poured from a container held high to a container held low. That’s where the “pulling” comes in.

A properly made Teh Tarik must have thick foam on top like a cappuccino -- If it doesn’t…*whishk!* poor you. *LOL*

How is it iconic? Well, it is de facto the national drink of Malaysia. They even hold a national competition in preparing this drink…

Competitors showcase their “talents” (like cart-wheeling, leg-splits, can-can) while dragging a long stream of tea over their heads. Simply spectacular, baby. Ok, get off me.

Oh! Did I mention Teh Tarik is best served hot? -- Which means best for a cold rainy day. And to be more accurate; “served in just the right temperature” for immediate consumption *unlike coffees from McDonalds & 7-Eleven which you have to wait 600 years to cool down!* Although some prefer it over ice.

Go and try this heavenly brew on your next visit to Malaysia, Singapore or Brunei. You’re not gonna like it…you’re gonna LOVE it!

Teh Tarik – beverage icon of Southeast Asia.



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PUTRAJAYA: Grand-Scale Landscape Architecture Masterpiece

Everything is brand new, everything is in its’ proper places… clean, crisp, well-planned, well-manicured, well-kept and everything “well-“. Yeah, that’s Putrajaya -- Malaysia’s Administrative Capital.

Oi! Don’t get me wrong! Not that there’s anything wrong with it but we gotta understand this city was built almost overnight *that’s figure of speech for those who are planning to appeal, ok?* and the city is just barely 13 years old!

I had the chance to stay longer than most tourist in this uhmm…”beautiful” is an understatement really, so let’s use the adjective “ostentatious”. There, take that! Majestic, extravagant, grandiose, ritzy and why not?!!! -- They can afford it!

I met a couple of new friends who lives here (Airry, Fitri, Aidil, Moris…terima kasih n***!) and I really did get to closely observe what’s around. Putrajaya is the nook of well-heeled yuppies working for the government and their fabulous friends.

Though some may think it’s just another “showcase city”, Putrajaya is the heart of Malaysia – a brand new heart for a country in a hurry. Impressive government buildings, 9 art-deco bridges over artificial lakes, pricey residential blocks, 5-star hotels and don’t forget the centrepiece – the Office of the Prime Minister.

The city has a mall (yes, in singular form) called Alamanda. Do some shopping here if you haven't yet in KL. Or visit the city's 5 Squares; Dataran Gemilang, Dataran Putra, Dataran Putrajaya, Dataran Rakyat and Dataran Wawasan.

What's in a name? Putrajaya was named after the country's first Prime Minister Abdul Rahman Putra (nope, not related to Paula). "Putra" means son/prince and "Jaya" means success.

Tourists come here on day-trips -- Highly recommended destination for those who love Islamic arts & architecture. But let me warn you if you will come on a budget; public transpo here is inadequate. Get a rental car if you don't fancy walking for miles.

How to get here. The fastest and most convenient way is by KLIA Transit (rail) from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station. Single journey ticket costs 9.50 Ringgit. A cab trip from KL would cost around 40-50 Ringgit, that is if you can "hypnotize" the cab driver to use the meter. The best way is to ask around for organized tours.

BISEAN would feature Putrajaya's most interesting buildings on our coming posts. Here's the city's official website and community portal if you wanna find out more.

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PERFECT SPECIMEN: Ashraf Sinclair

Pretty boy.


Ashraf is a well-known telly personality in Malaysia. He is more famous for his role in a hit series Gol & Gincu. Ashraf was born in 1979 to a British father and a Malay mother.






Eurasians are the hottest people on Earth.

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FORBES' 10 NEXT GREAT CITIES OF THE WORLD

Here's something for global investors and Real Estate moonies like me...


Forbes Magazine compiled a list of the World's 10 Next Great Cities a few days ago. And guess who made it?

Pffft! Not a clue? --

This list won't make it to BISEAN if at least one of our SEA Cities aren't mentioned!

Ok, ok, let's spill it...

Kuala Lumpur is at No.4 and Bangkok is at No. 9.

There. Take that!

While traditional World cities are suffering from economic slowdown, these 10 cities are blossoming and fast becoming to be the World's most important cities.

Read the full story here or view Forbes' slideshow here.

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***Thanks to TAO for pointing this out =)

OUR CULINARY GEMS: Chicken Kurma

This dish is the Malaysian-ized recipe of the famous North Indian dish “Korma”. It actually means “cooked vewy slooooowly”. So if you’re planning to have this dish at dinner tonight, have a sandwich ready.

In Malaysia it is called “Kurma Ayam” (Ayam means chicken) and mostly available everywhere; mamak stalls, food courts and just about any restaurant in Malaysia.

Chicken Kurma is a very mild, creamy dish with a heavy sauce but you can make it as hot as you please.

Try something new at the table tonight and invite your friends – try this wonderful dish from Malaysia.

Here’s the recipe…

Preparation Time 15 mins
Cooking Time 30 mins
Serves 4

Ingredients

Group 1
3 tbsps cooking oil
1 medium sized onion, finely sliced
1 thumb fresh ginger, finely chopped
2 inch cinnamon
4 cloves garlic
2 cardamon

Group 2
1/2 kg chicken, cut into serving pieces
1 large potato, peeled and cut into wedges
2 cups water

1 cup evaporated milk
Juice from one lime
¼ cup roasted cashew nuts
Salt to taste

Group 3
2 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp anis seed
1 tbsp cummin seeds
1 tsp white peppercorn
6 white poppy seeds

Directions

1. Blend Group 3 together in an blender with a little water to make a paste. Set Aside.

2. Sautee Group 1 together cooking the onion first and add the rest when it’s translucent.

3. Add the Group 3 paste and keep stirring until it is fragrant and aromatic. Add salt to taste.

4. Add the chicken, water and potato from Group 2 and cook till meat is tender.

5. Pour in the evaporated milk and allow it to simmer over low heat until the gravy is thick. Add lime juice and salt to taste.

Garnish with roasted cashew nuts on top and mint leaves on the side.

Bon appetite!

WHAT GOES ON DURING HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI?

The Hari Raya is one of my most awaited events in Southeast Asia. I would go to my Muslim friends’ house and eat and eat as much as I can – uhm, did I just sound like a free-riding cheapskate there? LOL. Nah, kidding aside…the Hari Raya is a special day when Muslims celebrate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan with their families.

Greeting me, greeting you. Hari Raya literally means... “Day of Celebration”. Aidilfitri is the Malay term of the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. Muslims in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei use the greeting “Selamat Hari Raya” while Muslims in Indonesia use “Salam Aidilfitri”. This is also a time for reconciliations and the words...“Maaf zahir dan batin” are added which means “I seek forgiveness with all my being”. “Happy Eid” is acceptable to English speaking greeters.

New stuffs for the kids! Just like Christmas or Songkran, Hari Raya is also most awaited by children. This is the day they get new clothes, new shoes, new PlayStation *that’s for me!* and all sorts of presents. The adults are extra generous by giving small amounts of money they call “Duit raya”. *Ch-k-ching!*

Everybody is in a festive mood! People would be extra happy, extra friendly and seem like they are switched on to shopping mode as well! Big cities and towns would have sale, big promotions, discounts and the malls are playing Hari Raya songs non-stop! TV show extravaganzas and concerts rule the airwaves for the succeeding days.

1 light bulb, 2 light bulbs, 3 light bulbs…City streets transform into a Disney-like feel with all the thousands of light bulbs on just about anywhere they can stick in onto -- like stars descended from the heavens. More traditional families in towns use lamps to decorate their houses at night time.




Traditional costumes galore! It is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay costumes on Hari Raya. Men would wear “baju” and women would wear “kurung” or “kebaya” – they will take pictures of themselves and post it on MySpace for the entire world to see! I really love it when they flaunt and proud of wearing their traditional costumes! Simply admirable.

Honk! Honk! Most people would hold traditions the best they can. There is “Balik Kampung” which means going back to one’s home town and celebrate Hari Raya with their relatives and childhood friends. You wouldn’t believe the nationwide traffic caused by this mass exodus! Traffic enforcers are on a 24-hour alert!



Come in! Come in! On the eve of the celebrations; mothers, grandmas and aunts are busy preparing food, cakes, sweets and the best dishes – Ketupat and Rendang are on top of the menu. Supermarkets would sell instant-versions of it for the city people. And the most beautiful of it all is the “open house” – where you can just show up to other people’s house and eat to your hearts’ desire.

Behind all this modern celebration of the Hari Raya is an earnest tradition of keeping close to their religion. Muslims would start the day with a prayer at the mosque, visit people who are close to their hearts and be compassionate with all sincerity.

The Hari Raya is truly a Southeast Asian tradition to behold.


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* Note: The Eid-ul-Fitr is also a national holiday in the Philippines.
THIS IS A REPOST.

PERFECT SPECIMEN: Deborah Priya Henry

More than just a pretty face.


Deborah Priya Henry is a famous model/product endorser in Malaysia. She was born in Dublin, Ireland on 07 July 1985 to a Malaysian-Indian mother and an Irish father.

She grew up in Kuala Lumpur and started modeling when she was 15 in London. After completing 2 degrees from the University of Queensland in Australia, she became Miss Malaysia-World 2007 and went on to become a semi-finalist in the Miss World 2007 contest. She was the first representative of Malaysia after a 9-year absence in the said contest.

Deborah is now active in modeling and founded “Open Doors” – a charity org helping people with sustainable development programs and assistance.


More of Deborah here...




(Click photo for larger view)



Eurasians are the most beautiful people on Earth.

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