Saturday, March 29, 2008

A Long Day... A Tired Day...

A very long day for me today.... Woke up before 6am and now still staying up to post my story. I don't think i will share my party time in Celcom Media Nite just now. May be next time lah!

Just found out that 2moro (Saturday) 1:30pm, there will be an official launch of Dell's 2nd retail partnership in Malaysia at D'Mobile Computer Sdn BHd at 2nd Flr of Digital Mall, Section 14, PJ. I don't think i will be there cuz i have some plans scheduled earlier.

Friday, March 28, 2008

What's Up on 28th March?

There are several events on business segment which i didn't post (AGM, EGM, etc). I only post those are not-so-business related events. Just to highlight, these events are purely for press members only.

1. Microsoft Malaysia to launch its Unlimited Potential website and also continues to empower NGOs with third Unlimited Potential Day at Bangsar Seafood Garden Restaurant, One Bangsar, KL at 8.45am.

2. USANA Health Sciences launches Nutrimeal at Level 2, Park View 3, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, KL at 12noon.

3. LCCT - KLIA 2nd anniversary celebration at Public Concourse Area, LCCT, Sepang at 3pm.

4. Academic Excellence Award ceremony for Taylor's high achievers at Taylor's University College, 1, Jln SS15/8, Subang Jaya, Selangor at 3.15pm.

5. Celcom media nite at Borneo Baruk Club, Jln Kia Peng, KL at 7.30pm. (Dress code: Traditional Borneo Garb).





Canon Offers Income to Customers

Canon Digital Camera owners will be able to look to an exclusive opportunity to generate income via their photography session with the launch of Buypix.ximplify.com portal today. It is a new portal that allows Canon photography enthusiasts to trade their royalty-free images at very 'attractive' prices at no extra costs. This revolutionary income generating option will be offered with selected Canon Digital Camera products beginning April 2008.

Buypix.ximplify.com is an extended feature of the existing Ximplify online tool developed by Emerge Systems Sdn Bhd available currently in the market. Available only to Canon customers, Buypix.Ximplify.com is a royalty-free stock photography portal that allows its members to purchase royalty-free stock photos.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

What to expect on March 27, 2008?

I will be attending one or two events tomorrow morning. And meeting clients in the afternoon. Hope still got time to post my story. Otherwise, will only share my story after Friday. Here you go, the happening for 27th March:

1. International Islamic Capital Market Forum 2008 at conference hall, ground flr, Securities Commission, KL at 9am.

2. International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin launches Malaysia-Vietnam Economic Conference 2008 at Grand ballroom, Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel, PJ, Selangor at 9am.

3. SRII Bhd AGM and EGM at Conference Room, No 8 Jln Subang 7, Taman Perindustrian Subang, Subang Jaya, Selangor at 9am.

4. Faber Group Bhd 4th quarter 2007 analysts and media briefing at Sime Darby Convention Centre, KL at 10am.

5. Swee Joo Bhd AGM at Merdeka Palace Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak at 10am.

6. CAB Cakaran Corporation Bhd AGM at Semangkok Room, Sunway Hotel, Penang at 10am.

7. Concrete Engineering Products Bhd EGM at Dewan Murni, Ground Flr, Menara Integriti, Institut Integriti Malaysia, Persiaran Duta, Off Jln Duta, KL at 10am.

8. The Store Corporation Bhd AGM at Holiday Villa Subang, Subang Jaya, Selangor at 10am.

9. UMS Holdings Bhd AGM at Pangkor Room, Level 1, Vistana Hotel, KL at 10am.

10. KNM Group Bhd EGM at Stateroom, Lower Ground Level, Palace of the Golden Horses, Seri Kembangan, Selangor at 10am.

11. Launch of HwangDBS Asia Aspire Capital Protected Fund at Millennium IV, V, Vi, Level 3, Grand Millennium, KL at 10am.

12. UN launches and press conference on the release of economic and social survey of Asia and The Pacific 2008 at Wisma UN, Block C, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Jln Dungun, Damansara Heights, KL at 10am.

13. Canon Marketing Malaysia media briefing on tie-up with Emerge System Sdn Bhd on a royalty-free stock photography portal at Canon Lounge @ Canon office at Block D, Peremba Square, Saujana Resort, Section U2, Shah Alam at 10am

14. Launch of JF Technology Bhd prospectus at Westin 1, Level 2, Westin Hotel, KL at 10.30am.

15. Lenovo media briefing to provide an in-depth look at Idea brand, its significance and Lenovo's plans for the brand at Lenovo Office, Level 3, Tower B, Uptown 5, Damansara Uptown, PJ at 10.45am.

16. Pegasystems Inc to set up first-ever centre of excellence in Malaysia at Satyam's Global Delivery Campus in Cyberjaya at Block 3517, Jln Teknorat 5, Cyberjaya, Selangor at 10.45am.

17. Yikon Corporation Bhd AGM at Equatorial Hotel, Penang at 11am.

18. Permodalan Nasional Bhd announces Amanah Saham Gemilang and Amanah Saham Malaysia income distribution at Nikko Hotel, KL at 11am

19. Gula Perak Bhd RCSN meeting at Level 4, Dynasty Hotel, KL at 11am.

20. SKDKM Fibres Wires & Cables Bhd AGM and EGM at Pearl View Hotel, Penang at 11am.

21. SMPC Corporation Bhd EGM at Nyatoh Room, Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya, Penang at 11.30am.

22. Signing ceremony between AirAsia X and Airbus for the additional aircraft orders of A330 at Ballroom 3, Nikko Hotel, KL at 1.15pm.

23. Golden Frontier Bhd AGM at 6th Flr, No. 11 Lorong Kinta, Penang at 2.30pm.


Wednesday, March 26, 2008

What, Where & When on March 26, 2008?

Tomorrow i think i will not be attending any functions, as it's too business oriented affair. Check it out my blog after this Friday. I may have something interesting to share with you. Meanwhile, you can go through what is happening tomorrow as below:

1. WWE Holdings Bhd AGM at Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, Selangor at 9.30am.

2. Malaysia Career & Training Fair 2008 press conference at Bintang Ballroom, Cititel Mid Valley, KL at 9.45am.

3. Modular Techcorp Holdings Bhd EGM at Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Resort, KL at 10am.

4. Media briefing by TippingPoint on top cyber attacks affecting Malaysian industries and businesses, etc at Cobalt 9, Level 1, The Ritz-Carlton, KL at 10am.

5. Intelligent Edge Technologies Bhd EGM at Meranti 4, Pacific Regency Hotel Suites, Level 22, Menara PanGlobal, Jln Puncak, off Jln P Ramlee, KL at 10.30am.

6. Signing ceremony between MASKargo and DHL Global Forwarding at Anukis (1) Room, Level 11 (CP4), Sunway Lagoon Convention, PJ, Selangor at 11.30am.

7. SAS 9.2 launch media briefing and luncheon at Fukuya, One Bangsar, KL at 12 noon.

8. Time Quantum Technology Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Time Engineering Bhd announces ISO 27001:2005 Certification for Fortress at Starhill 1, JW Marriott Hotel, KL at 2pm.

9. Launch of AmStructured Deposit - Global Bourses at Banquet Hall, 26th Flr, Bangunan AmBank Group, Jln Raja Chulan, KL at 2pm.

10. Bank Negara Malaysia annual report and financial stability and payment systems report 2007 pc at Conference Room, 16th Flr, Block A, Bank Negara Malaysia, KL at 3.30pm.

11. Opening of CIMB Bank branch in Bandar Puteri Puchong at No.2 Jln Puteri 1/1, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Puchong, Selangor at 3.30pm.

MYNIC Offers .my Internet Address to Malaysian Public


KUALA LUMPUR, 25th March 2008 – MYNIC Berhad (MYNIC), one of the most innovative providers of Internet Registry and Addressing Services in Asia Pacific today announced that the shorter Internet address which ends with the .my suffix converging name categories like .com.my; .net.my; .org.my; and .name.my to a more catchy address like companyname.my, is now open to the Malaysian public.



MYNIC’s Director, Shariya Haniz Zulkifli (above) said, “MYNIC’s move to offer the shorter addresses to the public is in line with changing trends in the web world and the influx of businesses on the Internet that demands a unique identity to be noticed. Even more so, with companies diversifying and opening up to multiple operations, a generic identity would be more appropriate.”


I'm showing my blogspot account to Shariya, while she guides me on the registration process of .my internet address.


In line with the changing trends, MYNIC has opened up the shorter addressing option to the general public and joined countries like Japan , Hong Kong and Singapore in this proactive effort.


“The shorter address will allow easy recall and will offer businesses a more impactful branding capability. The short and catchy Internet address can grab attention and play its role as an effective branding tool,” added Shariya.


The registration framework for the shorter addressing started last year in November under Phase I where existing owners of 3rd level domain names (e.g. companyname.com.my; companyname.net.my; companyname.org.my and companyname.name.my) were given a priority entry period opportunity to convert their to the shorter address option of (e.g. companyname.my).


Today’s soft launch for the public (Phase II) will allow individuals and companies who are first time registrants as well as those who missed the priority entry period last year to register their preferred names and addresses.


Details of Phase II are as follows:


Phase II: Open to Public

Registration period : 25th March 2008 onwards

Processes:

i) On “first come first served” basis

ii) Registration will not be restricted to one identity per person

iii) Companies will have to provide MYNIC’s resellers with relevant supporting documents when registering.

iv) Individuals who wish to register must provide copy of Identification Card.

Suggested Retail Price : Maximum of RM 120.00

Charges imposed by resellers may vary. Members of the public are advised to shop for the best deals.


All applications can be submitted through MYNIC Resellers or through online form available at MYNIC’s website, which will then be processed through MYNIC’s authorized resellers. The list of MYNIC resellers is available online. Each applicant will be given a maximum of 14 days to complete the registration process upon submission of application.


See! I got my name registered in .my domain just in few seconds.

MYNIC noted that the shorter .my identity will serve as an alternative choice for individuals, organisations and businesses. The third level domain names will continue to be available for registration.


“A unique identity once created acts as a long term investment in opening up new markets as well as keeping in contact with existing ones in a faster and more efficient manner,” emphasized Shariya.

All registrations received by MYNIC will be processed in line with our terms and conditions and applicants must enter into an agreement with MYNIC based on those conditions. For more information on 2LD registrations, please visit www.mynic.net.my or email MYNIC at domreg@mynic.net.my or call 03 8991 7272 or fax 03 8991 7277.


To enable the Malaysian public an insight into the security enhancements available, MYNIC is also inviting the public to attend MYNIC Seminar on Internet and DNS Security. This seminar will be held in conjunction with the World Cyber Security Summit 2008 (WCSS) and World Congress on Information Technology 2008 (WCIT) from 20th -21st May 2008 at Ritz Carlton Hotel.


This one and a half day seminar will see renowned international and local speakers converge, bringing forth knowledge transfer and eliciting eye-opening discussions on trendsetting technologies.


The summit will be home to visitors worldwide and members of the Asia Pacific Top Level Domain Name Association who will be here for their members meeting hosted by MYNIC as well.


For more information on the Seminar, click here.


For more information on MYNIC, please click here.

Monday, March 24, 2008

What to expect on March 25, 2008?

What to expect for tomorrow events? I'm only can afford to attend only one or two of the events in the morning. What event(s) will i be attending...? Check it out tomorrow!

1. Kurnia Insurans (Malaysia) Bhd launches new CRM strategy with Microsoft at Banyan & Casuarina Room, Sime Darby Convention Centre, KL at 8.30am.

2. Invest Malaysia 2008 at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, KL. (till March 26)

3. Golden Plus Holdings Bhd EGM at Ballroom 1, Level 1, Main Wing Area, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, PJ, Selangor at 9am.

4. MYNIC holds a soft launch for shorter internet addresses of .my to Malaysian public at Sentral Link A, Level 6, Hilton KL at 9.30am.

5. AmAssurance Nationwide Marketing Initiative 2008 at Commercial Business Dvision, Sunway Convention Centre, PJ, Selangor at 9.30am.

6. Launch of CIMB-Principal Asia Infrastructure Equity Fund at CIMB Auditorium, Gound Flr, Bangunan CIMB, Jln Semantan, Damansara Heights, KL at 10am.

7. Launch of strategic partnership between Cellebrum.Com Limited of India and MNC Wireless Bhd of Malaysia at The Sultan's Ballroom 1, Level 6, Le Meridien Hotel, KL at 10am.

8. Hong Leong Tokio Marine Takaful Bhd together with Hong Leong Bank and Citibank Bhd to launch the HLTMT Gulf Opportunities Plan at Theatrette, Level 1, Wisma Hong Leong, Jln Perak, KL at 10am.

9. Media briefing on launching on UN Global Compact Malaysia at Granada Room, M2 Level, Melia Hotel, KL at 10am.

10. F&N unveils new F&B corporate brand at Conference Hall 1 & 2, Level 3, KL Convention Centre at 10.30am.

11. Pikom Software and Services Showcase 2008 press conference at Meeting Room 302, Level 3, KL Convention Centre at 10.30am.

12. Time DotCom Bhd EGM at Grand Ballroom, Flamingo Hotel, KL at 11am.

13. BiotechCorp and Malaysian Genomics exports on cancer solutions at Room 310, Level 3, KL Convention Centre at 11am.

14. Signing of sales partnership agreement between SmartPools Sdn Bhd and Fella Trend Sdn Bhd at Fella Trend Showroom, Lot PT 13843, Jln SS21/2, Damansara Utama, PJ, Selangor at 11am.

15. The signing of the strategic partnership agreement between AmanahRaya Legacy Services Sdn Bhd and Institute of Professional Writers (IPW), UK at Manhatttan II Ballroom, Berjaya Times & Square Hotel, KL at 11am.

16. 5th Asia Maritime & Logistics Conference and Exhibition 2008 at Istana Hotel, KL at 11am.

17. Paramount Corporation signs S&P agreement with UEM Land for 10 acres of land in Nusajaya to construct and operate a private school at UEM Academy, Laman Ilmu, 5A Jln 51/217, Off Jln Templer, PJ, Selangor at 2.30pm.

18. Wawasan TKH Holdings Bhd EGM at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, PJ, Selangor at 2.30pm.

19. Launch of American Express Platinum Credit Card at Selangor Room, Level B2, Shangri-La Hotel, KL at 2.45pm.

20. MIDF and MMU join forces to create job opportunities for young Malaysians at CCU Seminar Room, Ground Flr, President Building, Multimedia University, Persiaran Multimedia, Cyberjaya at 3pm.

21. Bank Negara Malaysia holds briefing at Bunga Tanjung Room, Level 18, Bank Negara Malaysia, KL at 4pm.

22. Media Prima to announce new initiative at Parkview 1, Level 12, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, KL at 5pm.

Notebook for Kids by FTEC

24 Mac 2008 marks another milestone for FTEC and Intel Malaysia as it launches affordable extra lightweight notebook FTEC Smart Book at TecAsia Sdn Bhd, Lot 4.28 & 4.20A, 4th Flr, Plaza Low Yat, No. 7 Jln Bukit Bintang, KL at 11.45am.


(News abstracted from Mobile88.com)

Kuala Lumpur, March 24 – FTEC today launched their first netbook PC- the FTEC Smart Book which is targeted at children in pre-schools as an educational tool.

The FTEC Smart Book is highly portable and includes a set of unique features that specifically caters to the needs of young children who will be entering kindergarten and the primary grades. The netbook is equipped with a water-resistant keyboard and an advanced theft-control feature using a network-issued digital ID certificate, and is capable of running many applications including educational software.

The FTEC Smart Book will come in two models offerings either a 7-inch or 9-inch colour LCD TFT display. Both models will also have the Intel Celeron M processor Ultra Low Voltage, Wi-fi connectivity and the Linux OS pre-installed. There is also an optional choice to add Windows XP starter edition for RM99.

“We believe that early access to computers help children learn and we hope to see a positive impact of using computers in the building of the child’s critical thinking skills, communication and digital literacy. Through exploring computer experiences, these children build memory skills and learn how to seek out information,” said Tang Boon Koon (third from left), Managing Director of FTEC.

According the Navin Shenoy (second from left), General Manager of Intel Asia Pacific, netbooks are highly portable PC devices that are optimised for Internet-centric uses. Shevoy added that the Smartbook is ideal for web consumption such as Web-browsing, email, instant messaging, social networking, online video viewing, photo viewing, VoIP, and playing basic online games.

Tang added that FTEC expect to sell up to 2,000 units by June and with the Intel Atom approaching Malaysian shores, FTEC are hoping to see enhancements to the Smartbook within two quarters of the financial year.

Meanwhile, the children from Sunbeam Home (kids in t-shirt) were also on hand to give reporters a demonstration of the Smartbook.

Both the 7-inch and 9-inch FTEC Smartbook are retailed at RM1,199 and RM1,299 respectively and is available now at all TecAsia concept stores, major IT centres and retail IT chain stores.




Ferrari Ganti Eternity

Bau harum wangian CK Eternity sesungguhnya membuatkan diriku lebih berkeyakinan bila berada antara khalayak ramai. Botol besar yang selalu aku guna dah habis berbulan-bulan lamanya. La ni aku dok guna dan bawa ke mana-mana dalam botol comel CK yang aku dapat sebagai hadiah masa beli musim promosi CK kat Parkson, Sunway Pyramid. Entah bila… tahun lepas kot?!

“Bilalah agaknya nak beli Eternity yang baru ni?” Persoalan yang sentiasa bermain-main dalam mindaku.

“Bajet dahlah asyik lari je…. Lagipun dah lama CK tak buat promosi bagi hadiah wangian Eternity miniature tu. Kalau ada hadiah dan dapat offer baik punya (dengan nada ala-Dafi), gerenti aku rembat punya…” Begitulah yang sentiasa aku idamkan. Barang mahal tak apa, asal harganya murah dan ada hadiah (ceeehh!).

Tetiba pada Jumaat lepas, aku dapat sebotol wangian Ferrari cenderahati masa hadiri acara PC Naza Group.

“Ini dah kira bagai pucuk dicita ulam mendatang,” bisik hatiku meronta-ronta kegembiraan. Apa tidaknya, orang mengantuk disorongkan bantal.


Mulai esok, aku nak guna wangian Ferrari Black Eau De Toilette ni. Kepada kekawan yang dah biasa dengan haruman CK aku tu (CK dah sebati dengan aku kerana guna sejak tahun 1990 lagi), harap maaf ya. Tukar ‘perisa’ sikit… bukannya apa, dah dapat free Ferrari (bukan Ferrero Rocher tau), tak kan nak simpan aja kot. Lainlah kalau ada yang sudi nak kasi CK Eternity kat aku. Maka kecil tapak tangan nyiru aku tadahkan!


Kalau ada yang sudi nak hadiahkan tu, sila jangan segan-segan beli yang botol besar ya?! Botol kecil tak main. Kekeke....

F1 Grand Prix Malaysia 2008

Kehangatan acara perlumbaan Formula Satu (F1) Grand Prix (GP) Malaysia di Litar Sepang yang berlangsung pada 21 hingga 23 Mac 2008, amat terasa di mana-mana, terutamanya kepada yang gemarkan sukan tesebut. Bagi aku, bukannya pandai sangat pun! Tapi pada minggu lepas, banyak acara yang membabitkan sukan ini diadakan oleh para penaja F1. Antara yang aku hadiri ialah acara parti anjuran Honda (19 Mac 2008, The Curve, 5:30ptg) dan ORIS, jenama jam tangan mewah (21 Mac 2008, Pavilion KL, 3:30ptg)


Berikut adalah berita ringkas Grand Prix Formula Satu Malaysia Petronas 2008 yang aku petik dari Bernama:

KEHADIRAN TERBESAR PERLUMBAAN F1

Perlumbaan Formula Satu 2008 mencatatkan sejarah bagi Litar Sepang apabila 126,690 penonton hadir menyaksikan perlumbaan hari ini.


Pengurus Besar Litar Antarabangsa Sepang (SIC) Datuk Azmi Murad berkata jumlah keseluruhan penonton sepanjang tiga hari perlumbaan, bermula Jumaat lepas, adalah 172,382 orang.


"Ia satu rekod sejak litar ini pertama kali menganjurkan perlumbaan F1 Malaysia pada 1999," katanya.


Semasa sesi latihan pada Jumaat, sejumlah 12,748 penonton dicatatkan, pada Sabtu (32,944) dan Ahad (126,690).


Litar itu mempunyai 130,000 tempat duduk.



Setakat bawa kereta lumba F1 kat 'litar pegun' anjuran ORIS di Pavilion tu bolehlah.

ORIS menawarkan jam tangan mewah kepada pemenang terpantas dari media pada hari itu. Aku bawa selaju 2 minit dan ia melayakkan aku terkeluar daripada senarai top 10. Padan muka aku!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

"Test-Drive" Kamera Panasonic di Pulau Langkawi

Pada 6 hingga 7 Mac yang lalu, aku bersama-sama satu team rakan media daripada pelbagai penerbitan telah diundang oleh Panasonic Malaysia ke Pulau Langkawi. Kami dilayan umpama tetamu kehormat, walaupun hakikatnya matlamat ke pulau legenda itu bukan untuk bercuti tapi bekerja - iaitu 'test-drive' rangkaian camcorder dan kamera digital Panasonic. Antara produk keluaran yang sempat aku 'try-acu-cuba-test-drive' ialah camcorder SDR-SW20 dan kamera digital DMC-FX36 & DMC-Fs5.

Sudut pandangan luar The Andaman Langkawi. (janganlah jelous!)

Kami berkampung di The Andaman Langkawi, sebuah hotel yang sesungguhnya cantik yang tak terhingga. Tak caya, layari gerbang sesawang hotel ni.

Saja aku posing maut depan papan tanda The Andaman, sebagai bukti aku dah ke sana dan nak show-off kat member sekampung.
(
Foto dirakamkan mengguna kamera digital terbaru Panasonic Lumix FS5).


Bukan setakat tempat tinggalnya yang cun-melecun, malah hidangan siang dan malam - lazat hingga teringin jilat bukan setakat jari, tapi kalau boleh jilat sekali pinggan mangkuknya. Nak kontrol macho punya pasal, setakat jilat sudu garpu je lah akhirnya.

Seluar yang aku pakai tetiba menjadi ketat selepas menikmati hidangan ini.


Tapi sayang seribu kali sayang... penganjur yang mampu merancang, cuaca yang menentukan! Ini adalah kerana program yang sepatutnya berjalan lancar telah tercalar oleh keadaan cuaca yang tak menentu. Apa tidaknya... pada hari pertama, kami dijadualkan untuk snorkeling kat persisiran pantai berhampiran pulau di Datai Bay, tapi gerimis punya pasal, aku terpaksa pulang tanpa berpeluang mencuba camcorder SDR-SW20 yang mempunyai keunikan tersediri, iaitu berupaya untuk berfungsi walau terjatuh pada ketinggian 1.2 meter dan mampu merakam video dan foto pegun di dasar air sedalam 1.5 meter (tengoklah sendiri video di YouTube ini kalau tak caya).

Sengaja aku rendam lama-lama camcorder SDR-SW20 ni dalam air laut, namun ia tetap berfungsi macam biasa bila aku cuba buat rakaman selepas itu.

Walau bagaimana pun, mujurlah pada hari kedua aku sempat merakamkan aktiviti di kolam renang yang digayakan oleh model-model yang didatangkan khas untuk sesi fotografi itu (entah ada tak member Muslim yang tertinggal solat Jumaat akibat khusyuk merakamkan aksi yang agak sukar disiarkan dalam media perdana?!).

Camcorder SDR-SW20 tanpa aksesori sokongan berupaya beroperasi dalam air sehingga 1.5 meter.

Manakala pada hari kedua, kami dijadualkan untuk menaiki kereta kabel bagi menikmati panorama Pulau Langkawi dari sudut pandangan udara. Setiap orang dibekalkan seunit kamera digital model DMC-FX36 untuk merakamkan detik indah di cecelah awan. Model tersebut merupakan satu-satunya kamera digital yang didatangkan dengan keupayaan lensa ultra-wide-angle 25mm. Selain daripada mempunyai fungsi berteknologi iA (Intelligent Auto), ia juga dilengkapi dengan sokongan 4X zoom optikal, skrin LCD 2.5 inci dan 10.1 megapisel. Bukan main syok lagi jika berjaya rakam gambar ala-profesional dengan kamera digital amatur ini. Namun demikian, impian tinggal impian sahaja! Sekali lagi acara terpaksa dibatalkan ekoran angin kencang dan hujan yang sukar diramalkan. Maka, kami dilabuhkan di Telaga Harbour di Pantai Kok Langkawi. Bersama-sama dalam team media, rakan media aku dari Utusan Malaysia, Wan Shahara Ahmad Ghazali yang turut serta mencatatkan pengalaman beliau seperti yang di bawah ini.

(Petikan artikel dari sisipan SIGAP - Utusan Malaysia, 22 Mac 2008, "Suasana Mediterranean di marina Telaga Harbour" Oleh WAN SHAHARA AHMAD GHAZALI)

PENGUNJUNG Telaga Harbour boleh menikmati sarapan pagi dengan aman di The Loft sambil menikmati pemandangan indah marina Langkawi. (Foto dirakamkan mengguna kamera digital terbaru Panasonic Lumix FX36.)


MASIH ingat lagi kepada Datuk Azhar Mansor? Pelayar solo negara yang telah mencipta rekod dunia dan kini bertanggungjawab membangun dan mengurus marina Telaga Harbour di Pantai Kok Langkawi.

Pada 1999, beliau telah mengambil masa 104 hari untuk mengelilingi dunia secara solo tanpa henti sejauh 21,600 batu nautika menaiki kapal layar Jalur Gemilang.

Kejayaan itu membolehkan Azhar diiktiraf oleh Majlis Rekod Pelayaran Pecut Dunia (WSSRC) secara rasminya sebagai pencipta rekod dunia. Ini kerana beliau menggunakan laluan Eastabout yang masih belum pernah dilayari secara solo sebelum itu.

Sebagai satu-satunya pelayar dari Asia (kecuali Jepun) yang berjaya menempuh cabaran itu tanpa bergantung kepada orang lain, beliau telah meletakkan Malaysia di atas peta maritim sekaligus menjadi seseorang yang dihormati di kalangan khalayak maritim.

Kejayaan itu juga telah mengangkat namanya sebagai warganegara tersohor yang telah merealisasikan semangat 'Malaysia Boleh', slogan yang dipopularkan sejak pertengahan tahun 1990-an.

Seorang pemandu pelancong pernah berkata, di sebalik kejayaan besar penjelajahan Azhar, masih ada pihak yang memperlekehkan beliau dengan menganggapnya hanya bersantai menaiki kapal layar pelancongan mewah.

Tapi sebenarnya, Jalur Gemilang hanyalah sebuah kapal layar yang agak kecil dan mudah dilambung ribut. Kini kapal itu berlabuh di tapak khas marina untuk tontonan orang ramai.

Menurut pemandu pelancong itu lagi, kapal kebanggaan Malaysia itu kini hanya digunakan semasa Azhar mengajar kelas pelayar muda atau untuk perjalanan jarak dekat sekitar Langkawi sahaja.

Marina Telaga Harbour terbahagi kepada dua bahagian iaitu Perdana Quay (sebutan kee) dan Petronas Quay. Perdana Quay adalah salah satu pintu masuk ke Malaysia yang menempatkan pejabat kastam dan imigresen.

Pelancong asing yang singgah ke Malaysia melalui jalan laut kini boleh terus masuk atau meninggalkan Malaysia dengan mudah tanpa perlu ke jeti utama.

Di Petronas Quay pula, terdapat bangunan dua tingkat yang berseni bina menarik yang menempatkan kemudahan penting seperti stesen minyak Petronas dan bank. Di sini, pengunjung juga boleh menjamu selera di restoran makanan segera sambil menghirup udara segar sambil menikmati pemandangan marina yang indah dari tingkat dua.

Walaupun masih baru, pangkalan kapal layar tersebut kini telah popular sebagai salah satu marina persinggahan utama kapal-kapal layar peribadi dari seluruh dunia selain diuar-uarkan oleh beberapa majalah gaya hidup antarabangsa sebagai marina terbaik Malaysia.

Kedudukannya di timur pulau utama Langkawi juga menjadikannya lokasi romantik popular bagi pemilik kapal layar menikmati matahari terbenam sambil berlayar.

Selain faktor kepelbagaian tarikan dan keindahan kepulauan Langkawi, faktor keselamatan juga menyebabkan teluk buatan ini popular di kalangan pemilik kapal.

Ia telah direka sedemikian rupa supaya kedudukannya terlindung daripada ombak besar yang telah sedikit sebanyak membantu mengurangkan kerosakan semasa bencana tsunami 2004 yang lalu.

Gunung Mat Chincang, lokasi ereta kabel paling mencabar Asia Tenggara pula melindungi marina itu dari angin kencang dari arah utara.


NOTA:

Model: DMC-FX36 Harga: RM1,299.

Model: DMC-FS5 Harga: RM1,099.

Model: SDR-SW20 Harga: RM1,599.

Maklumat ringkas pasal kesemua model camcorder dan kamera digital keluaran Panasonic juga ditulis oleh rakan media dari NST, Aimie Pardas, yang juga turut serta dalam rombangan ke Pulau Langkawi.

Lumix Baru Berteknologi iA

Petikan dari Megabait-Mingguan Malayisa 9 Mac 2008
OLEH MOHD. HAZLI HASSAN


JIKA Panasonic sebelum ini hanya hebat sebagai pengeluar peralatan elektrik konsumer, namun kini mereka lebih berani bersaing dengan pengeluar kamera utama global.


Dengan pelancaran jaringan kamera digital prosumer (DSC) Lumix, Panasonic dilihat ingin dan mampu bersaing secara global menandingi pembuat kamera utama dunia.

Lebih menarik, Panasonic bukan hanya mahu berada bersama-sama namun pengenalan sembilan model baru untuk tahun ini mampu menyebabkan pesaing terdekat berfikir panjang sebelum melancarkan kamera mereka secara global.

Pada Pertunjukan Perdagangan Persatuan Pemasaran Foto 2008 (PMA08) di Las Vegas, Amerika Syarikat bulan lepas, Panasonic berjaya membuat prapelancaran sembilan kamera DSC melalui model FX, FS, TZ, LZ dan FZ.

Yang uniknya kali ini, Panasonic berjaya bersaing dengan pengenalan beberapa ciri-ciri baru termasuk penggunaan pengesan gegaran MEGA O.I.S, pengesan pergerakan, pengesan muka, pengesan keadaan, pengesan cahaya, selain pengenalan lensa lebar bersaiz 25 milimeter, 28mm dan 30mm.

Mendahului pesaing dengan ciri-ciri terbaik ini, Panasonic mempertaruhkan FX35, FS20, FS5, FS3, TZ5, TZ4, LZ10, LZ8 dan FZ18 (semua nama model baru berlainan mengikut pasaran global) yang kini sudah berada di pasaran untuk menyaingi kamera prosumer lain yang sudah berada di pasaran.

Lebih menarik, kali ini, antara ciri-ciri yang paling utama dan belum berjaya ‘dicuri’ oleh pesaing terdekat ialah Auto Bijak (iA) yang bukan semata-mata penggunaan program auto sahaja.

Panasonic ketika memperkenalkan sistem itu kepada wartawan pada prapelancaran sebelum PMA08 berkata, program iA yang merangkumi kelima-lima ciri-ciri baru pengesan tadi mampu memberikan kebebasan kepada pengguna tanpa perlu berfikir panjang untuk merakamkan gambar.

Dan yang paling menarik, pengguna boleh menutup mata untuk merakamkan gambar menggunakan program iA dan jangan terkejut dengan hasil jaringan kamera Lumix yang turut dibantu dengan penggunaan lensa Leica – jenama lensa terkemuka dunia pada semua model.

Penggunaan Venus Engine IV juga meningkatkan sehingga 50 peratus kelebihan resolusi berbanding penggunaan Venus Engine III pada model terdahulu selain pengurangan sehingga 0.0005 saat sela masa pengatup.

Antara ciri-ciri menarik terbaru yang berjaya dibangunkan oleh Panasonic ialah pengesan cahaya di mana penggunaan ciri-ciri ini dijamin tidak lagi memberi kesan terlebih cahaya pada setiap rakaman.

Ini berikutan, pengesan cahaya dengan pendedahan bijak ini akan mengira jumlah cahaya kawasan yang gelap dan terang untuk memberi purata pendedahan sesuai.

Sistem

Malah, sistem ini juga akan mengawal dedahan jika cahaya belakang terlalu tinggi untuk tidak menghitamkan imej yang hendak dirakam.

Pengenalan lensa lebar pada sesetengah model juga memberi kelebihan kepada jaringan Lumix untuk berada sama paras dengan kamera lensa refleks tunggal digital (DSLR) tanpa batasan keluasan darjah memfokus.

Penulis yang diberi peluang menggunakan Lumix TZ5 (TZ15 untuk pasaran Asia) agak terpegun dengan kemampuan kamera selebar 103mm dengan berat 240 gram yang mempunyai zum optikal 10 kali.

Kemampuan dan prestasinya nyaris mengatasi kemampuan DSLR dengan penggunaan iA ketika dibawa mengelilingi kawasan Taman Negara Grand Canyon menggunakan helikopter.

Ternyata, tanpa memfokus dan secara bersahaja, program IA berjaya merakamkan keindahan salah satu lokasi tujuh keajaiban dunia itu.

Dapatkan maklumat lanjut mengenai model terbaru Lumix di www.panasonic.com.my/lumix.

Ruang Terbatas

Sudah berapa lama agaknya aku tak berceloteh kat dalam blog ni? Kalau nak diikutkan pada tarikh terakhir, dah hampir 100 hari.

Sebenarnya bukannya tak ada cerita yang nak dikongsikan, tapi tak berkesempatan atas desakan rutin tugasan dan batasan masa serta kengkangan memori laptop akibat terlampau banyak 'sampah' yang aku simpan dalam hard disk yang tak seberapa ini.

Oh ya... cerita pasal hard disk ni... baru-baru ini aku baru je beli satu external hand disk jenama Samsung dengan ruang memori sebesar 160 GB + casing Smart.Drive buatan Taiwan dengan harga RM270 kat Plaza Low Yatt. 'Sampah sarap' dalam hard disk telah aku abadikan dalam 2.5" external hard disk comel sebesar 141 x 80 x 15 (Panjang x Lebar x Tinggi).

Sementara RAM yang la ni berkapasiti 256MB ni akan kuminta company upgradekan kepada 1GB. Aku dah usha kat Plaza Low Yatt, harga pasang dan upgrade RAM 1 GB sekitar RM62 hingga RM68 saja. Bukannya mahal sangat pun....

Bila berkesempatan nanti, akan kuabadikan cerita2 menarik untuk tatapan kalian.