<b>Kuching</b> – Gateway to Sarawak :: Routesonline |
- <b>Kuching</b> – Gateway to Sarawak :: Routesonline
- <b>KUCHING</b> PEEPS: Have you met… Lovely Gwendolly? | The <b>...</b>
- <b>KUCHING</b> PEEPS: Have you met… Kiyoshi? | The Borneo Post <b>...</b>
| <b>Kuching</b> – Gateway to Sarawak :: Routesonline Posted: 13 Feb 2014 08:02 AM PST  Kuching is only a short flight away from Malaysia's capital city of Kuala Lumpur and forms the central hub and gateway to Sarawak, the largest of the Malaysian states. Sarawak, known as the Land of the Hornbills, is situated on the island of Borneo. Home to the world's oldest tropical rainforest it offers an abundance of wildlife, which includes rare and endangered species such as the orang-utan and the hornbill. The historic capital city, Kuching, has a population of around 600,000 people and dates back hundreds of years when traders from China and the West would travel there to trade the exotic treasures of the rainforest. In addition to the core business elements of Routes Asia our Hosts, the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, have kindly arranged a complimentary city tour along with a programme of paid tours and we recommend all delegates make time to explore the city and surrounding area. The Tour programme includes: Complimentary City TourThis tour presents delegates with an opportunity to discover the quaint and beautiful city of Kuching. Tour highlights include visiting historical buildings throughout the city including the Square and Round Towers and the colonial Courthouse. The tour also includes a visit to the Cat Monument, City Hall, Tua Pek Kong – the oldest Chinese Temple in the city and the famed Sarawak Museum, reputed to house the best ethnographies collections in Southeast Asia. The drive through picturesque Malay kampungs (villages) allows for exploration of the centre of the city, passing through the colourful India Street and traditional shop houses. Paid for Delegate ToursThese tours, available for a fee, offer attendees the opportunity to choose from a selection of exclusive excursions kindly supported by our Hosts. Each tour offers a different flavour of Sarawak, and last for 3 days and 2 nights. Available tours include: Borneo Highland & Annah Rais Borneo Highland Resort Rainforest Nature Retreat The Great Iban Longhouse Experience Mulu National Park More information can be found by visiting Routesonlineand downloading the relevant documents for further detailed information. Spouse and Partner ToursFor delegates who will be accompanied by their partner to Routes Asia there are is also a programme of tours available to keep them occupied whilst the meetings are taking place: Bako National Park TourVisit the oldest and one of the most popular national parks in Sarawak. This tour offers the perfect introduction to Sarawak's forest and wildlife. Visitors will see wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, Borneo bearded pigs, monitor lizards and more. Semenggoh Meet the Wild Man (Orang-utan) of The JungleThe Semenggoh Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre is an entire facility occupying an area of 740 acres. This is the only remaining green belt near to the city of Kuching offering a sanctuary for Orang-utans. The Centre is a temporary home for displaced Orang-utans also known as "men of the jungle". On returning to the city, stop for a visit to a pottery for a close up look at nimble hands fashioning works of art. Watch the potter at his wheel and see what happens when pieces of clay is baked and then painted. This is also a good place to pick up souvenirs as a keepsake of your trip. Sarawak Cultural Village"See Sarawak in half a day" is the claim made by the Sarawak Culture Village, a unique award winning museum offering an excellent introduction to local cultures and lifestyles. Located at the foothill of the legendary Mount Santubong, fronting the South China Sea, the village also called the "Living Museum" due to people living in the houses & creating their handicraft and traditional snacks. Places on these tours are limited and bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis. Click herefor more information and to book your place on any of the tours available. Register today to ensure you don't miss out! Email Print About The Author... Victoria Jones, PR Executive, UBM Live - RoutesVictoria is PR Executive for Routes, providing media support for Routes events. If you're a member of the media and wish to attend one of our events or have a quick question send a tweet or leave her a comment! CommentsRelated Media Powered by Routes TVWorld Routes 2013 Highlights 960 viewsWorld Routes 2013 Highlights  |
| <b>KUCHING</b> PEEPS: Have you met… Lovely Gwendolly? | The <b>...</b> Posted: 15 Feb 2014 06:06 PM PST Sunday, 16 Feb 2014 Focus 1111 By Karen E Chin @karenevachinGWENDALYN IS THE GIRL behind the successful Kuching-based online fashion boutique Lovely Gwendolly. She is an inspiring and hardworking entrepreneur, and has the kind of attitude that motivates others to be productive and successful (trust me, I've been around her and I can't help but feel motivated by her!) Beautiful, young and intelligent; Gwen shares with us her about her passions, her thoughts and some tips on successful entrepreneurship. I would describe her as sugar and spice because she balances her sweet, feminine nature with her go-getter, strong attitude perfectly.  Everyone, meet Gwendalyn Hazel, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Kuching of mixed Bidayuh, Chinese and Iban ancestry. *** How did your interest in business start?Business has always been my passion but I was stuck in the Science stream during my school years. Physics, Chemistry and Biology was never my forte and ringgit signs often loom above my head. In 2009, I rediscovered the skeletons in my closet. My obsession of being the 'toh kay neo' (lady boss) during my childhood play-time took place. I rummaged through my closet and found dresses that I hadn't even worn (some with the price tags still on) and sold them online. And Lovely Gwendolly was born! Tell us a little bit about how Lovely Gwendolly started.It started from scratch on the internet in a humble blog. There were no rentals, bills or start-up costs. As a student, I tried to cut down cost in every way – with only 20 new stocks in hand, a 2.0 megapixel camera and a cheap plastic RM8 mannequin. I took photos of the dresses and posted it online. Then, I added thousands of people on Facebook (the more friends in your list, the more publicity you will get for your business). All the tools and equipment for running my business were second-hand or stuff I found at home. Gradually, my business fell into place. I started selling brand new apparel hauled from trips overseas because I truly enjoyed the process; and little by little, my customers' demands increased. Finally, I decided to take the plunge in the real commerce world by starting a small business with minimal risk but with endless possibilities. What is the concept behind your business?Lovely Gwendolly Enterprise is a Kuching-based and owned online retailer which specialises in fashion – clothing, shoes, and accessories for young women. 'She' is the girl-next-door who's had too much vodka and is always fashionably late. The enterprise gained its popularity on the internet for providing fashionable apparel and funky accessories that appealed to both the male and female consumers.  Gwendalyn is the founder and owner of Lovely Gwendolly. Are you naturally business-minded or did you have to practice and develop skills for it?I was born with these traits; I prefer to save and invest. I can be very calculative and I am always maximising profits as much as I can. However, the skills that I applied in my boutique business are the theories that I learnt from the Accounting, Marketing and Entrepreneurship subjects during my university days. Give the public an insider's view, what's a typical work day like for you.I am my own manager, marketer, photographer, and designer on my desk at home. A typical day would be checking for emails and messages from customers. After that, I would take photos of my items, upload them on my Facebook page and Instagram, and then arrange meet-ups for customers who want to collect their purchases. I love my job!  GOING 'OFFLINE': Bazaars are handy for small online businesses to give them a physical presence and to meet customers face-to-face. What are your best and worst experiences on the job?The best would be travelling and shopping at the same time. One of the worst experiences I've been through is with a customer who didn't show up. After arranging the meet-up, I got to the pre-decided place early and waited for her. She ignored my calls and finally, after an hour, she sent a text saying she had to cancel. I remember crying on the way home. What are the weirdest things customers have done?If you sit in a shopping mall from 10am-10pm, I bet you will come across many people from every walk of life. The weirdest customer I've had was a lady from China. She was trying to tell me something in Mandarin with a strong accent. I didn't understand so she lifted up her top and exposed her chest. She was trying to ask me if she could try on the dress she was interested in. I remember being stunned as I stared at her C-cup boobs and the girl next to my booth intervened and spoke to her in Mandarin for me. We were both 'weird-ed' out the whole day and had a good laugh. 10 years ago, what did you think you would be working as now?As a typical Malaysian, I followed the rules of life; studying for exams, getting good grades, graduating in a university, getting a job in an office and finally settling down with a ring on my fourth finger. But 10 years later, I can put a check sign on everything except an office job and marriage. Describe yourself 10 years from now.10 years from now, I will be traveling around the world to get new inspirations, ideas and fashion concepts to contribute to my business. Hopefully by then, I will be running my own retail outlet; a career I never thought was possible but was a dream I envisioned since I was a little girl.  Gwendalyn (third from left) with models wearing her collection at the grand opening of Party Box, Kuching in November 2013. What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?I love reading books and fashion magazines. During my free time, I volunteer at the Children Cancer Ward, watch movies at the cinema and have late night yumcha (drink and chat) sessions with close friends. What is your motto in life?I'm just going to make the rest of my life, the best of my life! We all have our ups and downs but being positive will make us better people. If you could have lunch with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?I would love to share a bowl of kolo mee over conversation with my grandparents whom I lost. How long does it take for you to get ready to go out?I take 10 minutes in the shower, 15 minutes for makeup and 30-45 minutes to choose the right outfit. Typical girl problems, we all "don't have anything" to wear! Describe your fashion style. Where do you usually shop?I love bandage-style dresses! I love 6-inch high heels and a clutch for a night out; a comfy worn-out pair of denim shorts, t-shirts and flip flops on Sundays. I know it sounds odd, but even though I work at home, I still dress up in dresses and wear make-up around the house. I would feel pale and under-dressed if I were to work in pajamas. I mean, other women dress up every day for work, I want to have that feeling too! Then I can just chill out with t-shirts and shorts with no make-up at night I can shop anywhere! From posh designer boutiques in Singapore to the dusty night markets in Bangkok. I love great bargains especially a RM10 dress which can make you look like a million dollars! I have this weird rule about shopping: when I'm on a mission, I will disallow anyone to talk to me and I won't pick up phone calls. I don't like distractions. It's all about 100% concentration on the right cutting, colour, quality and structure of the clothing on the rack. What is your favourite makeup item in your bag?Mascara! I love face-contouring, thick eyelashes and nude lips. Favourite website?These are the websites I visit: www.kryzuy.com for fashion inspiration, www.grandmotherskitchen.org because I am learning how to cook (LOL) and www.apairandasparediy.com for D.I.Y. ideas. If you could live the life of anyone, who would it be?I would love to live a jet-setter life like Paris Hilton! (I stalk her on Instagram) One day she would be in Dubai and the next in Vegas for a vacation, shopping and partying. Who wouldn't want to live like that? How would you like people to be inspired by you? Any advice to people who wants to do what you do?For those who are interested to be an entrepreneur, they must have pure determination, commitment and constant perseverance. Running a business is never easy and could take years for success. Most importantly, they must not be a quitter even after facing 'road-blocks'. What's the best piece of advice someone has given you?Someone once told me that no matter what people say about me I should never listen because when I quit my banking job to continue with my business, some people were critical of me and told me that I wouldn't be able to sustain my business in today's economy. Despite the discouragement, customers still knock on my door at 8am and my email inbox is still filled with orders. What are your future plans?Due to the high demand from local customers to self-collect and also they prefer to view the items up-close and personally, Lovely Gwendolly is urgently finding a solution to serve customers daily by operating both online and at a physical boutique. What do you think of social media and do you publicize or privatize yours?Social media is the greatest tool for businesses nowadays. It is the fastest way to get your items posted and shared; and also excellent for getting an instant response from the customers.  You can receive updates on Lovely Gwendolly by following @lovelygwendolly on Instagram. *** Thank you Gwendalyn for sharing your experiences and tips with us. May it inspire other budding entrepreneurs to do the same! We would like to wish you the best of luck in your business! You might also like: |
| <b>KUCHING</b> PEEPS: Have you met… Kiyoshi? | The Borneo Post <b>...</b> Posted: 10 Feb 2014 07:29 PM PST Tuesday, 11 Feb 2014 Focus, Highlights 1151 By Karen Chin @karenevachinWHEN KIYOSHI first appeared on the airwaves, his name was an attention-grabber for me. I thought, "Who is this Japanese dude hitzFM hired? Did they create a fictional character to spice up their shows? What sorcery is this?!"  Who is Kiyoshi? Turns out, Kiyoshi is an actual, real live person (he's dating singer-songwriter Ezriana Razali who gigs with me every once in a while). He gives off a skater-boy vibe – cool and chill – and is extremely humble and nice (this adjective makes it sound like I have no better word to describe him, but 'nice' is really the most accurate word). Well, that is just my opinion. Read on for the online interview with hitzFM Kuching radio announcer Kiyoshi, and I dare you not to love him! *** Please state your full name, age, place of birth.Name: Kiyoshi Aihara. You have an exotic name there, I am sure many have asked you before, tell me about your roots."Exotic" is definitely one way to describe it among other things. I just call it messed-up (in a good way). I really hope you have time because this is going to be LONG and COMPLICATED. I remember it just like it was yesterday; when bellbottoms, scrunchies and disco music reigned supreme. At that time, my dad Steven Satoru Aihara (of Japanese/American descent) was working right here in Sarawak and so was my mom, Molly Johar, who is of Malay/Chinese descent (who also happens to be my favourite!) Some might call me a "mummy's boy", but hey, if I can't love my mum who can I love? She carried me for 9 months in her belly, and that's some amazing stuff right there!! (A big shout out to my parents for taking time out of their busy schedules to "make" me! Love you loads!)  "Mummy's boy" – Kiyoshi and his cool mum! So here is my long and "complicated" (but most definitely interesting life story). I was born in Singapore but I'm a Malaysian citizen. My family moved around a lot for a couple of years due to work until they finally made Kuching our home. Given my racial background, growing up back then wasn't really a walk in the park, but because of that and the diversity in Sarawak, I became the person that I am today and I'm really grateful for that. (Shout out to all the schools that molded me even though I was a handful at times; Ong Tiang Swee Primary School, Batu Lintang School, Maktab Rendah Sains Mara and Tunku Putra International School!) Since I was the only child, things can get pretty boring at times, so whenever I had the chance to make or meet new friends I'm there like white on rice. I guess you could say that contributed to this MOUTH of mine. I'm pretty sure you're dozing off, if not already asleep reading this so, I'm going to do you a favour and stop right here. If you feel like I've missed out anything that you would REALLY want to know, the next time you bump into me, fire those questions away! Do you like your own name?I wasn't given much of a choice, was I? If you google the meaning "kiyoshi", you'd be surprised! LOL What about work? What do you do and where?In a nutshell, I talk into a microphone (hitzFM radio announcer) for a living; sometimes by myself (which is not weird at all) but most of the time I will have my partner-in-crime Meng and we host the hitzFM Drive-Thru show, every weekday from 4pm to 8pm. It's pretty much a party with only the both of us and it gets pretty out of hand at times considering we're two boys locked inside a room for 4 hours. You can expect a lot of celebrity gossip, music to suit your mood or even get you in the mood, and a whole bunch of randomness! When did you start and how did you get the job?I started working at hitzFM in mid-2012 and I got the job just like any other job out there; I went for an interview ;p How was your first day as a radio announcer?The feeling was like going to school for the very first time but multiply the excitement level by 100!  Fun times at work at the hitzFM studio! Give the public an insider's view, what's a typical work day like?I'll sum it up in a song, "Ylvis – What Does The Fox Say". That's a typical day at the office. Are you naturally a conversationalist (made for the job) or did you have to practice and develop skills for it?Well, you definitely NEED to have the kind of 'social-butterfly' personality where when you're put in a roomful of strangers, you're able to connect and make conversations. Once you've got that in the bag, that's only half the job done because just like everything else in life, with proper guidance and practice it all falls in place! Best and worst experience on the job?Best experience would have to be the time I freaked Greyson Chance out in 2012 when he was here in Kuching for the HitzFM Birthday Invasion. The worst would have to be when I ran head-first into a door and it was captured on video. The door and I haven't spoken since then. You can check out the video on the Hitz Sarawak instagram page! What are the weirdest things fans have done?I do not consider myself having fans unless, you're talking about "kipas" which in that case there this one time, I turned the switch on but the fan wasn't there. That was really weird. *joke fail* But seriously though, I do not consider myself having fans. They're more like friends that I haven't met yet and for that I appreciate the support, because if not for them I wouldn't be doing what I love.  Kiyoshi at the hitzFM Kuching Birthday Invasion 2012, where he emceed the event and shared the stage with Greyson Chance. How have things changed for you with your family and friends, since you became a public figure?The most obvious thing off the top of my head right now would probably be the fact that I have a job as opposed to not having one? LOL When the news finally got out, my friends and family were really supportive and proud, and of course, there's the occasional tease but its all in good fun. As to being a "public figure", I'm still the same guy as I was before I joined hitz.FM. I feel that everyone including YOU reading this right now is a "public figure". The biggest public figures in my books are the parents. If you could interview one person for your show, dead or alive, who would it be and why?Akira Toriyama the creator of Doraemon. I mean, what was he on? A cat with no ears pulling out unimaginable things from his pouch? 'Nuff said! Tell your most embarrassing moment in your work.To most people it would be embarrassing but I loved every second of it. Also, it was all for charity! It all began with Meng and I trying to see who is fitter so we had a public showdown at The Spring shopping mall. We each had our own team and the team with the least registrations had to run in their boxers in the mall. Guess who the lucky loser was 5 years ago, what did you think you would be working as now?To be honest, this is going to sound bonkers, I thought I was going to be some top DJ travelling and playing at the biggest festivals around the world, no joke. But instead of that, I got something MUCH better. So if things do not go as plan, don't panic, it just means life has got something better in store for you! What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?Skateboarding and just chillaxing at home watching movies Describe yourself 10 years from now.Hopefully still alive, living it up in a huge mansion somewhere in the Caribbean! If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?Teleportation! Is there anything about the opposite sex that you just can't comprehend?How about everything, like how many outfit changes does one have to go through before deciding on one or why do you need all those pair of shoes that you don't even use? What was the best live concert you have ever been to?I wouldn't consider it the best concert but it was definitely the most memorable one. It was the time Hoobastank came down to Kuala Lumpur and my mom really wanted to go so she dragged me along. Just remembering my mom head-banging with me in the mosh-pit still cracks me up until today! What's the best piece of advice someone has given you?Treat others how you would like to be treated! You are walking to work. There is a dog drowning in the drain on the side of the street. Your boss told you if you are late one more time, you are fired. Do you save the dog?I'll save the dog with my "teleportation" powers, killing 2 birds with one stone! What do you think of social media and do you publicize or privatize yours?Social media is like a weapon, when in the wrong hands it could do damage beyond repair but it also could be used for the greater good of humanity. To answer your question, its public! How can we stalk you then? Instagram – keeyushee ***  Just chillin'. Thanks so much to Kiyoshi for being such a sport and answering these questions! Kuching is proud of you and wishes you lots of awesome blessings in your life and lots, lots more adventures to come! Thank you for inspiring us! Photo credits: Kiyoshi AiharaYou might also like: |
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