13 Nov 2010

U- EDGE: You are the star!

The year 2010 has been outstanding for UCTI with a host of achievements and awards, both for the university and the accomplished students we have in the university. Many of UCTI’s students had shown their traits and talents in different areas of extra-curricular activities. To continuously support the outstanding achievements and development of the students, the university introduced a recognition program called U-EDGE.

When U-EDGE was first launched in late 2009, the program encouraged many students to stand out, show their talents and be recognized in the university community. U- EDGE itself is a personal development program which acknowledges the contribution of UCTI students in non-academic activities that could directly or indirectly enhance their learning experience.

The program was first initiated by Anita Premila Paul, a senior lecturer of UCTI’s School of Business. It is aimed not only to motivate students to engage in many various activities as a student, but also as a career development program which testify to potential employers what personal attributes you have gained and experienced throughout your university education.

“Research has shown that job seekers and potential employers want graduates to stand out from the rest of the pool of job applicants. The U-EDGE cert is proof of that distinction, that ‘something extra’, to complement your degree and is a great way to impress,” says Ms Anita. “It builds character and brands personality. Besides, when a student looks back with pride at what they have achieved, they can be inspired to accomplish much more in the future!”

The program allows student to self-asses their learning experience as they engage in activities, projects, clubs involvement which falls under the following attributes; Leadership, Teamwork, Social awareness and community services ,Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Communication and Public Relations, Education and Career, Technology and Multimedia, Diversity and Cultural Awareness, Sports and Music appreciation. Evidently, some of these attributes are what employers look for in the job market.

Students need to simply document what they have done by filling and submitting a Self Assessment form available on webspace. This will go through the U-EDGE Committee to determine if the student has met the criteria for the U-EDGE Cert of Outstanding Achievement.

In order to receive the cert, students need to have the vital attributes of leadership, teamwork and social awareness as well to maintain a healthy grade point average of 2.5 and above. Additionally, the U-EDGE certified students are eligible to receive the PRISM AWARDS which will be shortlisted by the committee. The PRISM award is to reward final year students in specific categories and will be given once a year at the graduation.

For future developments, the committee plans to introduce the Special Achievement Award for exceptional and extra-ordinary accomplishment. This will be for students and staff to nominate any individual or team even if they are not attached to the U-EDGE program. This way, more UCTI students can have the opportunity to be stars in our campus. Are you the next star? Join the U-EDGE program to prove it.
Written by DANIAL HAMZAH for UCTI Newsletter.

4 Nov 2010

Speak With Conviction - UCTI Debating Society

Speak with conviction. This is the formula that the UCTI debating society promoted in UCTI over the year. The society which was founded in 2009 is aimed at developing the communication and public speaking skills of UCTI students through a fun mind game called debating.

Through debating, students not only learn how to overcome their fear and speak confidently in public, but at the same time learn about everyday issues such as social, economic, and political issues around the world. This encourages students to be critical and open-minded to controversial issues by analyzing both sides of the picture (positive and negative).

Managed by Mark Darren Savuriar (President), Teh Tian Yan (Vice President), Danial Hamzah (Secretary General) and Timothy Gerard Andrew (Treasurer), this year the society has developed rapidly with many achievements.

In 2009, the society represented UCTI in the quarter-finals of national tournaments such as the UiTM Novice and IMU Inter-Varsities. At the regional platform, UCTI reached the octo-finals of the Asian BP Championship in Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok – Thailand as well as quarter-finals of the Great Serdang Debate in University Putra Malaysia.

In 2010, the society participated in many regional and international tournaments such as the Malaysia Debate Open, Singapore Debate Open, United Asian Debating Championship in Assumption University, Bangkok, International Humanitarian Law Debate and many more in the list.

Outstanding achievements this year were contributed by Mark Darren and Choo Jiun Yan who emerged as runner up in a national debate competition held in Politeknik Merlimau Melaka. Timothy Andrew emerged as finalists in MMU IV and maintained that title at KDU Pro-Am together with his team mate, Choo Jiun Yean. Furthermore, Timothy Andrew, Phodiso Mptokwane and Danial Hamzah made it through the quarter-finals of UiTM Novice and Iskandar Debate Open in UTM, Johor Bahru. Mark Darren and Teh Tian Yan made it through to the semi-finals of SMU BP IV, Singapore. Last but not least, Lesego Barona Otlhabanye was top 10 adjudicator for Ramadhan IV and Singapore Debate Open.

In giving back to the UCTI society, the debate club had successfully organized public speaking and presentation workshops in which our members shared tips and tricks to overcome the fear of speaking in public and built the foundations for UCTI students to be great speakers and presenters.

In spreading the debating culture, the society organized a public debate session where students participated and voiced out their opinions. Another successful event this year was the 1st UCTI Debate Open which attracted debaters from all over Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. UCTI’s very own tournament was held in conjunction with a debating seminar by Andy Hume, a 1997 Worlds University Debating Champion.

Currently, the debating society is representing UCTI among other universities around the globe in the Worlds University Debating Championship in University of Botswana. The society intends to gradually spread the debating culture in UCTI and continuously promote UCTI as a globally recognized award-winning university.

For more information about the UCTI Debating Society Visit www.UCTIDebates.com

65th Indonesian Independence Celebration – Merdeka!

17 August 2010. Each year the Indonesian students’ society of UCTI celebrates their Independence Day among more than 70 different nationals studying in UCTI. This year’s celebration takes place in the foyer with an opening remark from Datuk. Prof. Mohamad Yusof bin Kasim as vice chancellor of UCTI who showed his appreciation to the Indonesian society of UCTI which consistently preserve their nationalism and show their cultures among the multicultural society in UCTI.

Present at the ceremony Datuk. Prof. Mohamad Yusof bin Kasim as vice chancellor of UCTI, managers of UCTI, lecturers, student representatives and more than 200 Indonesian students studying in UCTI.


The event started with a flag raising ceremony, commemoration of the fallen heroes and singing national songs which is part of the annual ceremony for all Indonesians around the world in celebrating the Independence Day.

Veronica Joy Sulaiman as the adviser of the Indonesian Students Society of UCTI in her mandate for this Independence day celebration urge all Indonesian students to study hard, be creative and innovative in the globalization era and shine as a global citizen contributing to make the world a better place.

Miss Veronica which is also a lecturer in the school of business also shares an Indonesian philosophy “Bhineka Tunggal Ika” which means unity in diversity. As a heterogenic campus consisting of students from many countries around the world, UCTI must always unite to achieve our common goal which is becoming an award winning university. No matter where you come from, your race, religion or social status we are all under the umbrella of UCTI.

This event coincide with the Ramadan month for the Muslims, hence a fast breaking together was held to celebrate the both the fasting month and our unity in UCTI.

Written by Danial for UCTI Newsletter 2010

26 Oct 2010

Merantaulah

Orang berilmu dan beradab tidak akan diam di kampung halaman
Tinggalkan negerimu dan merantaulah ke negeri orang
Merantaulah, kau akan dapatkan pengganti dari kerabat dan kawan
Berlelah - lelahlah, manisnya hidup terasa setelah berjuang

Aku melihat air menjadi rusak karena diam tertahan
Jika mengalir menjadi jernih, jika tidak, kan keruh menggenang


Singa jika tak tinggalkan sarang tak akan dapat mangsa
Anak panah jika tidak tinggalkan busur tak akan kena sasaran

Jika matahari di orbitnya tidak bergerak dan terus diam
Tentu manusia bosan padanya dan enggan memandang

Bijih emas bagaikan tanah biasa sebelum digali dari tambang
Kayu gaharu tak ubahnya seperti kayu biasa
jika di dalam hutan

Merantaulah...

BERBANGGALAH BAGI KALIAN YANG TELAH MERANTAU


Bait puisi ini diterjemahkan dari karya Imam Syafi'i.
Muhammad bin Idris asy-Syafi`i atau Imam Syafi' Lahir di Gaza, Palestina, 150 H / 767M dan meninggal di Fusthat, Mesir 204H / 819M. Beliau merantau ke Madinah dan Iraq pada umur 20 tahun demi mencari ilmu. Kini Mahzab beliau telah menjadi pedoman jutaan umat Islam di dunia. Yaitu Mahzab Syafi'i

18 Oct 2010

Perpisahan, Biarlah Terjadi

Tak lagi ada suara
tak ada canda yang membahana
yang ada hanyalah isyarat
detakan hampa di dada…

sekian lama terbina asa
harus kikis dalam album kenangan
entah apa maknanya
buat kita sadar bahwa hidup
memang fana…



Inilah detik-detik terakhir
saat kita harus berpisah…
Sahabat,
tataplah mataku
mungkin akan engkau temui
ungkapan hati kecilku,

Genggamlah tanganku,
mungkin kau akan merasakan hangatnya
kebersamaan kita dahulu…

Tak usah dicela,
biarlah semua terjadi atas Qodrat-Nya
biarlah kebisuan ini tetap terjaga
mungkin kelak akan kita rindukan,

Jikalau ada sebait asa di jiwa
biarlah terangkai menjadi lirik-lirik lagu cinta
Jikalau ada sebiji noda di qalbu
Singkapkanlah jauh dari pikirmu

Biarlah angin berhembus seperti biasa
Biarlah matahari terus berotasi…
Biarlah!

Karena kini,
Kita berhenti mengerti
arti sebuah kebersamaan
dan di persimpangan jalan ini,
kita melangkah sendiri-sendiri…

Mass Customization - The New Paradigm in Production

Mass Customization is the new paradigm that replaces mass production, which is no longer suitable for today’s turbulent markets, growing product variety, and opportunities for e-commerce. Mass customization proactively manages product variety in the environment of rapidly evolving markets and products, many niche markets, and individually customized products sold through stores or over the internet e-commerce system.

Mass customizes can customize products quickly for individual customers or for niche markets at better than mass production efficiency and speed. Using the same principles, mass customizes can build to order both customized products and standard products without forecasts, inventory, or purchasing delays.


Mass customization is the new paradigm in manufacturing whereby companies personalize or customize products or services for individuals at a mass production price. (Davis, 1987) (Cited in Pines, 1993). It is a flexible process and structure of the organization to mass produce variety of products designed specifically to meet customers’ requirements.

Today, advance technology in production enables a firm to produce products customized based on the demand of the customers in bulk. The advance of technology changed customer standards of living by the increase demand of personalized products that that suits their own preference, taste and style. Hence, customers can only be satisfied when the products are customized to meet their requirements. The living standards of the customers will only improve when their requirements are met. (Zhan, 2009)

In recent years, enterprises gained tremendous competition advantages by implementing large-scale customization. Some experts predicted that large-scale customization would gradually replace traditional mass production and become the manufacturing mainstream mode. (Zhan, 2009) Thus, making companies not only having a cost reduction avenue and achieve economic of scale. With that, companies can also increase wages of their staffs which will eventually increase the standard of living of the staffs and put a lid on inflation.

Interactive technologies such as internet, allows customers to interact with the producers and specify the unique requirements which are then manufactured by the automated system. (Bapna et all, 2000) Companies such as Dell utilize e-commerce system from which their website enables customers to customize their own laptops to their preferences then order and make payment online. The system will then list down the specific requirements of the customer and assemble the laptop, then deliver to the respective customer (Kepczyk, 2008)

E-commerce system will benefit both the customer and Dell as the manufacturer. Customers will advantage from buying a products that meets their requirement efficiently, while Dell achieve not only economic of scale through mass customization, but also operational cost reduction in distribution system. Therefore, e-commerce plays a big role in distributing customized products to the end customers directly.

Moreover, mass customization can also become a competitive edge in manufacturing technique. Mass customization allows producers to reduce waste and cost of production that does not meet the customers demand. One would argue that market forecasting can reduce the risk. But as the society demand and preferences changes, mass customization is the solution to produce in large volume at the same time meeting the customers demand. (Blecker and Friedrich, 2006) This manufacturing technique is proven the most efficient approach for manufacturers such as Toyota and Dell.

Mass customization is the new paradigm in manufacturing whereby companies personalize or customize products or services for individuals at a mass production price. (Davis, 1987) (Cited in Pines, 1993). It is a flexible process and structure of the organization to mass produce variety of products designed specifically to meet customers’ requirements.

Today, advance technology in production enables a firm to produce products customized based on the demand of the customers in bulk. The advance of technology changed customer standards of living by the increase demand of personalized products that that suits their own preference, taste and style. Hence, customers can only be satisfied when the products are customized to meet their requirements. The living standards of the customers will only improve when their requirements are met. (Zhan, 2009)

In recent years, enterprises gained tremendous competition advantages by implementing large-scale customization. Some experts predicted that large-scale customization would gradually replace traditional mass production and become the manufacturing mainstream mode. (Zhan, 2009) Thus, making companies not only having a cost reduction avenue and achieve economic of scale. With that, companies can also increase wages of their staffs which will eventually increase the standard of living of the staffs and put a lid on inflation.

Interactive technologies such as internet, allows customers to interact with the producers and specify the unique requirements which are then manufactured by the automated system. (Bapna et all, 2000) Companies such as Dell utilize e-commerce system from which their website enables customers to customize their own laptops to their preferences then order and make payment online. The system will then list down the specific requirements of the customer and assemble the laptop, then deliver to the respective customer (Kepczyk, 2008)

E-commerce system will benefit both the customer and Dell as the manufacturer. Customers will advantage from buying a products that meets their requirement efficiently, while Dell achieve not only economic of scale through mass customization, but also operational cost reduction in distribution system. Therefore, e-commerce plays a big role in distributing customized products to the end customers directly.

Moreover, mass customization can also become a competitive edge in manufacturing technique. Mass customization allows producers to reduce waste and cost of production that does not meet the customers demand. One would argue that market forecasting can reduce the risk. But as the society demand and preferences changes, mass customization is the solution to produce in large volume at the same time meeting the customers demand. (Blecker and Friedrich, 2006) This manufacturing technique is proven the most efficient approach for manufacturers such as Toyota and Dell.

In aircraft manufacturing industry, mass customization is also practiced. Aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing manifest different types of variety and customization in producing their finish goods. Hence, these manufacturers encounter challenges in producing customized products.

Gilmore and Pine (1997) identify four product perspective customization strategies; collaborative, cosmetic, adaptive and transparent. (Appendix 2) Hence, aircraft manufacturing falls under the collaborative customization category. In collaborative customization, the firm conducts a dialogue with individual customers to help them articulate their needs, to identify the precise offering that fulfills those needs, and to make customized products for them. (Gilmore and Pine, 1997) A customer defines the needs, wants, requirements and specification of the aircraft, only then the manufacturer assembles the products.

For instant, when Malaysia Airlines orders a new Airbus A380, the Airbus Company will ask the specifications, advance features, additional needs and preferences as well as the painting of the aircraft exterior. Thus, making the production of the aircraft is collaborative between the customer’s specific request and the company.
Some challenges of the product perspective are the miscommunication and misdirection from the respective customer, making the producer to mistakenly customize the product. Hence, a challenge for the manufacturer is to match the product customized exactly with the specification required.

While the product perspective oversees the manifestations of variety and customized product, the process perspective looks at where in the production value chain the company implements the customization (Comstock et al, 2004).
Generally, the process perspective is either to make to stock or (push system) or make to order (pull system). Make to stock (MTS) is when manufacture products for stock based on demand forecasts, which can be regarded as push-type production. MTS has been required to prevent opportunity loss due to stock out. While Make to order (MTO) is when manufactures starts production once the customer places the order (Anderson, 2004).

Aircraft industry as mentioned above only manufactures the aircrafts once an order of a specific aircraft is accepted from the customers. Thus, making the aircraft manufacturers practice MTO or make to order.
A big challenge in make to order or pull manufacturing system is the time gap between the order and the actual delivery of the finished good. It is a huge challenge for aircraft manufacturers to meet the promised time of delivery to the airline industry.

Lastly, mass customization must also follow the system perspective whereby it select enablers that makes customized product variety and customization possible are the focus. Zipkin (2001) outlined three main elements of mass customization that are connected by powerful communication links. They are; customer elicitation, process flexibility and logistics.

These communication links are the system perspective that aids makes mass customization possible. Some to mention are systems such as computer aided design (CAD), supply chain management system (SCM) and even customer relationship management system (CRM). These systems, including the e-commerce system acts as intermediary that links the customers to producers are those that enable mass customization to work at a specific point.

Yet, system perspective also having the challenge of system failures that might occur to the automated system they used in providing the customized product. Thus, making companies to always enhance and upgrade their system in order to avoid system failures.

Anderson (2004) argued that there are three ways to customize products: modular, adjustable, and dimensional customization. Modular customization usually modules are literally building blocks that can customize a product by assembling various combinations of modules. Examples of modules would include many components in automobiles such as engines, transmissions, audio equipment and tire.
Adjustable customization on the other hand is a reversible way to customize products. Adjustments could be infinitely variable. Discrete adjustments, or configurations, would represent few choices, such as those provided by electronic switches, jumpers, cables, or discrete software.

While dimensional customization, involves a permanent cutting-to-fit, mixing, or tailoring. Dimensional customization could be infinite or have a selection of discrete choices. Examples of infinite dimensional customization would include the tailoring of clothing and grinding eyeglasses.

Overseeing that there are many methods of product customization, this shows that mass customization has the potential to create or develop new products to be offered to the market. Hence, through mass customization, more varieties and featured product evolves and are created by manufacturers.

A good example is the giant A380 Airbus aircraft that was designed after customization of aircrafts to accommodate more passengers. Airbus A380 is right now the largest passenger plane ever made in the world to accommodate long haul flights that enables airlines to save on petroleum cost. The invention of the new airbus is a process of customization both modular and adjustable.Therefore, it can be concluded that mass customization has drive new product development and product creation to exist and enhance the creation of new products that will accommodate the changing needs and preferences of the customers.

In conclusion, mass customization has become a new paradigm in the manufacturing industry which will shift mass production as it is proven more efficient and effective in both reducing cost and ensuring profitability of certain product.

Hence, with the aid of e-commerce and advance technology, a complex and specified customization can easily be done by producers by enhancing the information flow in the supply chain management. Through disintermediation, producers not only saves cost of product distribution, but also able to meet the exact demand and interact with their respective customers.

Furthermore, mass customization not only beneficial to the producers extends, but also to the customers as they achieve a higher degree of satisfaction through the products that are customized to meet their personal requirements. Thus, it will also drive the creation of new products as the demand of customers’ changes.

Kiprah Mahasiswa Indonesia sebagai Duta Bangsa

Kongres Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia di Malaysia (PPIM) dengan sukses dilaksanakan di University College of Technology and Innovations (UCTI) Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia mulai 12 - 13 Juni 2010. Acara tahunan ini tidak hanya menyatukan mahasiswa – mahasiswi Indonesia yang sedang belajar di Malaysia namun menjadi sebuah wadah pembelajaran demokrasi dengan memilih presiden PPIM periode 2010 -2011.

Kongres tahun ini menangkat tema Peran Mahasiswa Indonesia dalam Persaingan Global. Diharapkan muncul pemimpin – pemimpin yang tidak hanya memiliki intelektualitas tinggi, namun dapat pula berperan aktif di persaingan global jelas Danial Hamzah Abdat, ketua pelaksana acara ini.

Dalam sambutannya, Widyarka Ryananta – menteri konselor penerangan Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia (KBRI) Kuala Lumpur mengingatkan bahwa seluruh delegasi yang hadir dalam kongres ini mewakili 10.000 mahasiswa Indonesia di Malaysia. Tugas utama mahasiswa adalah belajar dengan giat, namun Mahasiswa Indonesia di Malaysia juga dapat menjadi duta bangsa yang menjadi agen - agen peredam konflik bilateral yang kerap terjadi antara Indonesia dan Malaysia.

Hal yang sama juga diutarakan oleh Gurpardeep Singh, wakil presiden bagian operasional UCTI yang memaparkan di UCTI terdapat lebih dari 400 mahasiswa Indonesia. Mahasiswa Indonesia tidak hanya cerdas secara akademis, namun selalu menonjol diantara berbagai mahasiswa UCTI yang berasal dari 62 negara yang berbeda. Hal ini membuat UCTI sangat bangga menjadi tuan rumah kongres PPIM 2010 ke-12.
Kongres PPIM ini di ikuti oleh lebih dari 120 perwakilan mahasiswa Indonesia dari 25 institusi pendidikan di Malaysia. Dalam acara ini, terpilih saudara Mohammad Hamidi dari University Malaya (UM) sebagai presiden PPIM periode 2010 – 2011 secara aklamasi.

Selain dari pada itu, kongres ke-12 ini juga meresmikan 4 cabang PPIM baru, yaitu; Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMap), University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia (UTEM) dan University College Sedaya International (UCSI) serta 1 cabang persiapan dari Selangor International Islamic University College (SIIUC).

Acara peresmian serta serah terima jabatan disaksikan oleh Drs. Muhammad Imran Hanafi, atase pendidikan KBRI Kuala Lumpur yang memberikan pengarahan serta menutup resmi kongres yang akan kembali digelar di Kolej Univeristi Insaniyah, Alor Setar tahun depan.

UCTI, Kuala Lumpur : 13 Juni 2010

Analyzing the Malaysian Business Environment

Prior to setting up a business or expanding a business to a new environment, it is essential that businesses take note of the environment factors effecting the business operations. Living and studying in Malaysia made me to analyze the environment factors as below.

Political-Legal Environment

Political stability is an important consideration in making investment decisions. Jürgen (2000) in Smith (2005) outlined factors leading to political instability, namely corruption, collusion and nepotism, non-democratic systems of government, inadequate electoral systems, lack of separation of powers and dependency of the judiciary.

Moreover, political risk can be measured in terms of internal strive to conflict between neighboring countries, and other unforeseen dangers such as conflicts, war and terrorism. Thus all generates compiling effects to the businesses invested in the country.

Malaysia as a federal constitution monarchy state which also adopts parliamentary democracy can be considered to have a very stable government. Malaysian government known as National Front consists of UMNO (United Malays National Organization) and parties from other communities such as MCA (Malaysian Chinese Association) and MIC (Malaysian Indian Congress) can work towards common benefits peacefully resulting in democratic elections in the country (Trade Chakra, 2009).

However, internal conflicts due to ethno-religious differences often occur in a complex society like Malaysia, resulting to political unrest in the country. For instant, controversy over use of the word ‘Allah’ resulting in tensions between different beliefs in the society and even the parliament (Mydans, 2010). Hence, a number of high – profile corruption cases involving bribes has made doing business in Malaysia inconvenience (BACP, 2010).

In addition, Malaysian government has numerous legislations in favor of the indigenous people and the Malaysian citizens in form of trade law and investment policies intended to protect the local economy. (Trade Charaka, 2009) Despite having these tensions, Malaysia is still considered politically stabile remained intact for foreign investors to expand their businesses.

Economic Environment

A stable political environment, effective bureaucracy, flexible economic policies, export-oriented industrialization and inflow of foreign direct investments (FDIs) has benefit Malaysia’s economy over the past decade. (Davies, 2009) This brought prosperity and a high level of confidence to the majority of the population in form of their purchasing power.

Malaysia has a healthy rapidly growing economy with a low inflation rate and currency exchange tightly regulated and pegged to the US dollar (Mohamed, 2001). Regardless the government has been criticized for state intervention over economic development and the imposition of capital and currency exchange controls in 1998, (Mohamed, 2001) the government is now reconsidering to liberalize the economy.

In 2008, Malaysia also suffers from the global economic crisis. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth significantly drops to 0.1%, compared with an average of 6.3% in the first 9 months of the year (Abdul Razak, 2009).The decline mainly due to contraction in export value of 13.4%. The fall in exports has adversely affected economic growth of the country (Abdul Razak, 2009). Hence, the government promises higher economic development, through stimulus packages offered to aid the local economy in 2010.

Despite the global economical crisis and the increase of taxes and tariffs, Malaysia still remains among top 10 competitive economies in the region benefiting from strong demand in Asia and efficient economical policies the businesses in to invest (Mohamed, 2010). Thus investors are encouraged to devote in businesses to the Malaysian market.

Social Environment

Malaysia is indeed complex having a high level of heterogeneity of cultures, races, religions and beliefs domestically. Islam being the majority constitutes many teachings that affect the socio-cultural perspective of the people (Davies, 2009). For instants, norms and ethical issues in the society are aligned to the Islamic law such as having Halal certifications for all public consumed products in the society. Thus businesses are obliged to follow these norms as well as being socially responsible to the community.
Moreover, with the constantly changing demographics, Malaysia’s socio-cultural factors implies on the trends and buying behaviour of the people, thus purchasing power are also affected due to the nations’ unstable income rate (Davies, 2009). Trends such as technology procurement, healthier lifestyle and more women in the workforce derive Malaysia’s economy to grow rapidly. Therefore, being socially cautious and responsible with aid of the media is the best approach in entering the Malaysian business market.

Technological Environment


Malaysia has the every opportunity to advance the technological development of the country. Technologies for production, transportation and communication have been established as the nation infrastructure after the rise of Petronas and Malaysia’s economy in 2001. (Lai and Yap, 2004) Thus innovations and advancement of technologies are encouraged over research and development as well as through higher education all over the country.

Innovations on green technologies have shown the excellence and the capabilities of Malaysia in producing better methods to answer the global climate change (Matrade, 2010). While advancement in nuclear technology secures Malaysia from shortage of electricity in the long run (Associated Press, 2010) Hence, the nations’ quality of internet connection services has been upgraded to cater the growing population demand for internet (Bernama, 2010)

Although advancement of technologies in Malaysia has rapidly been endorse by the government to cater to the needs of the people as well as the businesses, intellectual property rights and patents would need strengthening to avoid misuse of technologies available. Yet, businesses to operate in Malaysia shall have nothing to worry about the technological development of the country both as infrastructure and procurement.

15 Jan 2010

BALI : a heaven to visit

Bali is an island in Indonesia, and became one of the provinces of Indonesia. Bali lies between Java and Lombok Island. The provincial capital is Denpasar, located on the southern island. Bali is a majority of the population embraces Hinduism. Famous as a tourism destination with a unique variety of art-culture, wonderful beaches and awsome holiday activities destination. Bali is also called the Island of Gods and Goddesses.
Some major great places you should visit is Ubud, Bedugul, Pasar Sukawati, Tanah Lot, Tanjung Benoa and Nusa Dua,Uluwatu, Dreamland beach, Kuta, Lovina, Sanur, Batubulan, Jimbaran & Seminyak and of course Denpasar the main city.
Whether you want to throw yourself from high altitudes, hurtle down frothing rapids, explore the wonders of the deep or just lie back and take it easy, Bali is the place. The beach is a major factor in any island holiday and Bali has a coastline which offers every possible water activity, including surfing some of the best waves in the world, swimming with dolphins, cruises, snorkeling, diving, sailing, and parasailing.

Although not everybody knows it, Bali is also the perfect spot to do, safely, a lot of outdoor activities such as rafting, mountain cycling, hiking, and many others, including some extreme activities like bungee jumping and paragliding. Being an island is natural that most of the outdoor activities are related to the sea and indeed Bali is one of the best known place all over the pacific rim to do surfing.
Bali offers travelers of all ages numerous and various leisure activities to enjoy in this paradise island. Do not worry about your interests and budget, you can always find activities to satisfy your needs and pocket.