I attended 4 National Day Celebration activities over last weekend. These include the tree planting at SS2B, Independent Day Run at Section 22, Independent Day Fun Fair at PJS 2 and LRT Treasure Hunt at Section 8 neighbourhood area. I noticed that attendance by different walks of people is encouraging and inter-generational groups interaction is great. I was surprised but excited to see the presence of Dato' CK Lim, the prime mover for National Day celebration with LA 21 PJ for the past 5 years in the latter 2 occasions. His presence signalised that both political divide can work hand in hand for the benefit of the community of PJ. I saw the light of creating a united, harmonious and peaceful society of PJ comprising people with multi-ethnic, religions, social status and cultural background. It is truly "Unity: the fundamental of Success", the theme for this year National Day celebration.
Having said this, it is time for us to enhance the understanding between each others, to attend together more community functions, to look after the neighbouring house while they are away, to send our children to school together, to bring the children to the playing fields, to have a morning walk together, to share information about happenings in the neighbourhood, to patronise our local shops, to assist the community organisations in organising activities, to visit community underprivileged homes, to care for environment and cleanliness, to support recycling initiatives, to reduce consumption and generation of waste, to remain friendly, to be cautious about strangers, to conserve energy and water, to chit chat with friends and neighbours more often etc during this Festive Season. The list is endless.
With Ramadan around the corner, it is time to refresh and enhance our community spirit. While Community spirit can only be enhanced with the involvement and commitment of the community members, the facilitation by various agencies and leaders is equally important. The role of MBPJ in creating conducive environment and platforms to facilitate greater interaction is critical. MBPJ can provide logistic and financial support for making events happened, to delegate staff to attend the functions for creating better rapport, to response to suggestions and complaints immediately during the functions are of great help. LA21 PJ initiated the National Day Celebration Programmes partnering all community organisations since 5 year ago is gearing toward that objectives.
I am glad to note that we have delivered but the same cannot be said about other departments or agencies. The attendance and participation of others are not encouraging, and at time disappointing. While A Caring Society is not built over night, a small step at a time is necessary. Agencies and departments aspire to look at instant results need to refresh and reshape their strategies and approaches. Until then, the notion of creating a caring and united society with great community spirit is unattainable.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Leadership in Practice (10)
Getting a past chairman to serve under the present committee is always a difficult task for the community-based organisations in Petaling Jaya. Thereby, getting 2 past chairmen to serve in a way is complimentary to Mr Ngiam Chong Choy, Chairman for the Rukun Tetangga SS2B. His effort in getting Mr Willie Tan and Mr Yong Yung Choy, both past chairman to serve as committee members and significantly to take up important portfolio, to me is a success. More than often the past chairman will take up the advisory role if even he agreed to serve another term.
Apart from that, it is amazing to note that the chairs for various sub-committees in RT SS2B were assigned according to the professionalism and expertise of that particular member. During last Sunday's visit, the judges was briefed by Ms Sia Siew Chin, a person with disability for the accessibility programmes, Mr Willie, an agriculturist on the landscaping programme, Lt Kol (Rtd) John on security activities, Mr HK Tan, a known male dancer on the social programmes and Mr Yong, a mediator on the special community dispute resolution strategies and of course Mr Ngiam himself, formerly the head of marketing for a multinational company on newsletter and communication. Assigning portfolio according to expertise is encouraging as tapping expertise and resources at the community level is always a challenge, but urgently required. Community is getting complex now and pooling in resources will help in making community actions more efficient.
Apart from that, it is amazing to note that the chairs for various sub-committees in RT SS2B were assigned according to the professionalism and expertise of that particular member. During last Sunday's visit, the judges was briefed by Ms Sia Siew Chin, a person with disability for the accessibility programmes, Mr Willie, an agriculturist on the landscaping programme, Lt Kol (Rtd) John on security activities, Mr HK Tan, a known male dancer on the social programmes and Mr Yong, a mediator on the special community dispute resolution strategies and of course Mr Ngiam himself, formerly the head of marketing for a multinational company on newsletter and communication. Assigning portfolio according to expertise is encouraging as tapping expertise and resources at the community level is always a challenge, but urgently required. Community is getting complex now and pooling in resources will help in making community actions more efficient.
Leadership in Practice (9)
What will you do as a leader to encourage proactive participation if most of the members are apathy? Some might say forget about them and we start with the minority first or some might say it is better for me to go since many of them do not want to come forward and i do not command support. Many excuses and of course many options too can be explored to rectify the problem.
Mr Mannar Mannan, Chairman for the Rukun Tetangga Section 8, PJ come out with a different tactic. Without knowing much about the PJ Best Neighbourhood Contest and knowing that the RT is not a winning prospect as a new community organisation with hardly many activities, he submitted participation form for the 2006/07 Contest. When asked about his intention for participation by the judges during yesterday's visit, he mentioned that "I put in the form so that my committee members have a chance to learn about sustainable development and Local Agenda 21 during the meeting and interaction with the learned judges. Furthermore, the presence of the judges and MBPJ is a form of recognition which should motivate the committee members and residents to change their apathy mind set and to spur them to organise more community activities."
Recognition and acknowledgement is an important elements for an effective implementation of Local Agenda 21 and community development. Community members need to be recognised for their involvement and contribution. Recognitions do not mean cash reward. It can be anything in the form of kind or love. Presence of VVIP there together with them, presentation of small token and certificate, provision of logistic support, warm greeting during functions etc are amongst the small gesture that asked for by the community members.
The strategy applied by Mr Mannar is equivalent to a stone killing two birds. It is an opportunity for both the community and MBPJ. While community is being recognised, MBPJ is given the chance to be with the people. A chance that we have to go out and seek for it rather than waiting in the office. It is truly management by walking about.
Mr Mannar Mannan, Chairman for the Rukun Tetangga Section 8, PJ come out with a different tactic. Without knowing much about the PJ Best Neighbourhood Contest and knowing that the RT is not a winning prospect as a new community organisation with hardly many activities, he submitted participation form for the 2006/07 Contest. When asked about his intention for participation by the judges during yesterday's visit, he mentioned that "I put in the form so that my committee members have a chance to learn about sustainable development and Local Agenda 21 during the meeting and interaction with the learned judges. Furthermore, the presence of the judges and MBPJ is a form of recognition which should motivate the committee members and residents to change their apathy mind set and to spur them to organise more community activities."
Recognition and acknowledgement is an important elements for an effective implementation of Local Agenda 21 and community development. Community members need to be recognised for their involvement and contribution. Recognitions do not mean cash reward. It can be anything in the form of kind or love. Presence of VVIP there together with them, presentation of small token and certificate, provision of logistic support, warm greeting during functions etc are amongst the small gesture that asked for by the community members.
The strategy applied by Mr Mannar is equivalent to a stone killing two birds. It is an opportunity for both the community and MBPJ. While community is being recognised, MBPJ is given the chance to be with the people. A chance that we have to go out and seek for it rather than waiting in the office. It is truly management by walking about.
Leadership in Practice (8)
Can you believe that an urban orchard can be found in a flat area within the urban setting? Various type of herbs and flora species are planted in the tiny low cost flat compound of Taman Dato' Harun, PJS 2, Petaling Jaya. This is not possible without the able leadership and vision of the Rukun Tetangga Chairman for Flat PKNS Taman Dato' Harun, PJS 2, Mr Ismail Latif. A teacher by profession, "Cikgu" Ismail as he commonly known has worked tirelessly with his committee members in transforming the once dilapidated area into a garden with "kampung" ambiance. This is leadership by example. He showcases to others especially the high rise residential units dwellers and people with low income level, that if you have the will, you could do it and you too have opportunity to enjoy a quality lifestyle.
Starting from a humble beginning with social activities, the organisation moved into recycling, trees planting, tilapia fish rearing, tents for renting, handicraft and souvenir making from the recyclable items, waste composting, patrolling, social gathering etc. Plenty of activities have been carried out daily in the activity centre.
Amazingly the activity centre is built over years. It started with a small pagoda, later extension with open covered terrace and now equipped with the reading corner and a small office. It will not possible without continue persistence from Cikgu Ismail.
The judges were equally impressed during the visit yesterday. Me too.
Starting from a humble beginning with social activities, the organisation moved into recycling, trees planting, tilapia fish rearing, tents for renting, handicraft and souvenir making from the recyclable items, waste composting, patrolling, social gathering etc. Plenty of activities have been carried out daily in the activity centre.
Amazingly the activity centre is built over years. It started with a small pagoda, later extension with open covered terrace and now equipped with the reading corner and a small office. It will not possible without continue persistence from Cikgu Ismail.
The judges were equally impressed during the visit yesterday. Me too.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Public Transport
It is pleased to know that our Prime Minister took the KTM Commuter and LRT yesterday morning to find out the services of our rail system. It was reported that PM is not too happy with the services and pledged that he would give attention to improve the rail service.
It is nothing new as the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affair and the former Minister of Housing and Local Government tried the services early of the year and commented that the rail service needs urgent improvement. Even the Minister of Transport talked about KTM service a day earlier.
Again, all these have been known to the layman, the man with only public transport to rely on for daily commuting. Of course, the newcomers whom shifted to public transport after the recent fuel hike felt the same.
Problems like train delay, infrequent service, coaches are packed like sardine, unfriendly and safety in doubt walkway leading to the station, unreliable of feeder service, of time over charge of taxi service etc. People have voiced out their grievances again and again, but no major improvement have been done for an efficient public transport.
Perhaps things can only change for better if our VVIP are taking public transport to work, to shop, to live and to leisure regularly and quietly. Once it is noticed by those related to the industry, an efficient service might be there for us to enjoy.
An integrated public transport system focusing on the quality and quantity is critical. Making trip generation starting from door step as efficient and pleasant as possible will encourage the shift of mode of transport from private to public. I believe people including the blue collar and office workers do not might to take public transport to work if the service is reliable, efficient and affordable.
Also imposing heavy cost through taxation system for the private motorised trip generation should be considered. Lesser cars on the road is also meant reduction of CO2 and thus our environment. However, this option is possible if only the public transport system is there and efficient.
I believe that the presence of PM in the station signalises that improvement for an efficient public transport system is in the pipeline. I hope the time will come the soonest possible for us to have a good choice of commuting.
For the time being, life comes back to the normal and as usual for the commuters.
It is nothing new as the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affair and the former Minister of Housing and Local Government tried the services early of the year and commented that the rail service needs urgent improvement. Even the Minister of Transport talked about KTM service a day earlier.
Again, all these have been known to the layman, the man with only public transport to rely on for daily commuting. Of course, the newcomers whom shifted to public transport after the recent fuel hike felt the same.
Problems like train delay, infrequent service, coaches are packed like sardine, unfriendly and safety in doubt walkway leading to the station, unreliable of feeder service, of time over charge of taxi service etc. People have voiced out their grievances again and again, but no major improvement have been done for an efficient public transport.
Perhaps things can only change for better if our VVIP are taking public transport to work, to shop, to live and to leisure regularly and quietly. Once it is noticed by those related to the industry, an efficient service might be there for us to enjoy.
An integrated public transport system focusing on the quality and quantity is critical. Making trip generation starting from door step as efficient and pleasant as possible will encourage the shift of mode of transport from private to public. I believe people including the blue collar and office workers do not might to take public transport to work if the service is reliable, efficient and affordable.
Also imposing heavy cost through taxation system for the private motorised trip generation should be considered. Lesser cars on the road is also meant reduction of CO2 and thus our environment. However, this option is possible if only the public transport system is there and efficient.
I believe that the presence of PM in the station signalises that improvement for an efficient public transport system is in the pipeline. I hope the time will come the soonest possible for us to have a good choice of commuting.
For the time being, life comes back to the normal and as usual for the commuters.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Media Coverage
3 in 1 means to mix 3 ingredients together so that standardization can be ensured within a shorter time frame. It is efficient especially when it comes to making a choice considering that time is limited and you need to pick and select an item immediately. However, it might not be cost effectiveness as multiple events tend to the focus dilution. An event might be marginalised due to the significant of another event. I learned this lesson from our last LA21 activity.
MBPJ launched The National 51st Independent Day Celebration and Community Bus Service as well as presenting prizes to the winners for the Tourism Slogan and Photos Contest on last Friday. The event with the presence of community representatives, councillors and staff of MBPJ went smoothly. The event started with the singing of National Anthem, presentation of national flag, flower and publicity material to the 24 organising partners, flagging off ceremony for the mini car convoy to Kuala Trengganu on the 23th August, the launching and distribution of the flyer for community bus service and later the official launching speech by Mayor and the prize presentation. The launching of programmes for Independent Day celebration is significant as this is the the 5th year that such programmes are organised by MBPJ partnering the community organisations throughout PJ, a feet that none of other local authorities in Malaysia have done so. Similarly to the Tourism Slogan and Photos Contest, a first for MBPJ whom is eager to promote PJ as a premium tourism destination for Shopping, Health care and Educational services.
Both events were not highlighted in the news and to me, the media coverage is rather disappointing. Although 24 celebration programmes within a month is fewer than last year in which a total of 74 programmes were organised, this is sufficient and newsworthy as for the past one week media highlighted the lack of celebration activities by various agencies and corporates. I was wrong.
Media chose to highlight the service route for the community bus and the other two programmes were not reported. Media has the right to select newsworthy happenings and perhaps in this case they are having different thinking as what I have.
Perhaps for the future event, it is worthwhile to organise an event at a time so that media coverage is guaranteed.
MBPJ launched The National 51st Independent Day Celebration and Community Bus Service as well as presenting prizes to the winners for the Tourism Slogan and Photos Contest on last Friday. The event with the presence of community representatives, councillors and staff of MBPJ went smoothly. The event started with the singing of National Anthem, presentation of national flag, flower and publicity material to the 24 organising partners, flagging off ceremony for the mini car convoy to Kuala Trengganu on the 23th August, the launching and distribution of the flyer for community bus service and later the official launching speech by Mayor and the prize presentation. The launching of programmes for Independent Day celebration is significant as this is the the 5th year that such programmes are organised by MBPJ partnering the community organisations throughout PJ, a feet that none of other local authorities in Malaysia have done so. Similarly to the Tourism Slogan and Photos Contest, a first for MBPJ whom is eager to promote PJ as a premium tourism destination for Shopping, Health care and Educational services.
Both events were not highlighted in the news and to me, the media coverage is rather disappointing. Although 24 celebration programmes within a month is fewer than last year in which a total of 74 programmes were organised, this is sufficient and newsworthy as for the past one week media highlighted the lack of celebration activities by various agencies and corporates. I was wrong.
Media chose to highlight the service route for the community bus and the other two programmes were not reported. Media has the right to select newsworthy happenings and perhaps in this case they are having different thinking as what I have.
Perhaps for the future event, it is worthwhile to organise an event at a time so that media coverage is guaranteed.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Social Responsibility (1) - Justlife
The First Time I have the chance to witness a private entity taking the initiative to raise public awareness for environmental protection. Justlife, on her own carries out the tree planting initiative, share a movie entitled 11th Hours, Reforestation our desert land, Demonstration on Garbage Enzyme etc. Some might call it hypocrite as Justlife is a company marketing and selling organic products. Some people might have branded it a marketing gimmick...
I saw it differently. I can sense the sincerity of the management and staff. From the way they do and say, Ms Carrie Tai, the CEO and Connie, the communication executive of Justlife have demonstrated to me that they are concern and wanted to do something good for our mother earth. I was told that they have even producing garbage enzyme in their office by using food waste from their eatery outlets and banning the use of plastic bag in their premises. This is CSR in practice, to influence others by setting good example first rather than getting others to do good on your behalf. Once again, Being Green Can Be Profitable.
I attended the two-days 0Change Climate Carnival organised by Justlife last Saturday at the Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil. The Carnival featured talks, demonstrations, exhibition and meals become a wonderful experience for me and my family. We enjoyed the organic lunch, for a change.
Justlife has suggested to pour the garbage enzyme into our drain or lake for cleaning and purification. The Enzyme developed by Dr Rosukon of Thailand is believed the solution to recover our ozone layer and lower the global temperature. It is made with the mixture of water, garbage and sugar by the ratio of 10:3:1. It was supported by numbers of positive testimonial such as soil fertility, better skin care, waste oil disolution, prevent drainpipe blockage etc. For a start, I am thinking to try it at the back lane drains of the commercial area. Perhaps it is a recipe for clogged and dirty drains that we are looking for. So, hold our breath for the next 3 months when the enzyme is ready.
I am doing it in my office as well. Coming end of this November, I will have 50 litres enzyme to share with others who are interested.
I saw it differently. I can sense the sincerity of the management and staff. From the way they do and say, Ms Carrie Tai, the CEO and Connie, the communication executive of Justlife have demonstrated to me that they are concern and wanted to do something good for our mother earth. I was told that they have even producing garbage enzyme in their office by using food waste from their eatery outlets and banning the use of plastic bag in their premises. This is CSR in practice, to influence others by setting good example first rather than getting others to do good on your behalf. Once again, Being Green Can Be Profitable.
I attended the two-days 0Change Climate Carnival organised by Justlife last Saturday at the Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil. The Carnival featured talks, demonstrations, exhibition and meals become a wonderful experience for me and my family. We enjoyed the organic lunch, for a change.
Justlife has suggested to pour the garbage enzyme into our drain or lake for cleaning and purification. The Enzyme developed by Dr Rosukon of Thailand is believed the solution to recover our ozone layer and lower the global temperature. It is made with the mixture of water, garbage and sugar by the ratio of 10:3:1. It was supported by numbers of positive testimonial such as soil fertility, better skin care, waste oil disolution, prevent drainpipe blockage etc. For a start, I am thinking to try it at the back lane drains of the commercial area. Perhaps it is a recipe for clogged and dirty drains that we are looking for. So, hold our breath for the next 3 months when the enzyme is ready.
I am doing it in my office as well. Coming end of this November, I will have 50 litres enzyme to share with others who are interested.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
National Day Celebration for 2008 (2)
Well, what can I say? After fourth year of celebrating Independent Day with the community groups, NOT many have incorporated environmental education and awareness programmes, leave alone the actual sustainable development initiatives into their activities. The community groups are keen to have fun-filled style of celebration rather than finding real solutions to the environmental degradation problems. These desires are good on enhancing social integration, but worrying.
LA 21 PJ has taken the lead to organise and coordinate celebrating activities with the motive of providing logistic support and a platform to community groups to organise activities during the festive month. It is hope that by doing so, some form of environmental education can be disseminated along the process and NGOs are invited to partner them on those programmes. We have suggested and implemented for the past 4 years activities like tree planting, Envirohunt challenge, area beautification contest, health check, cleanliness campaign, alien fish competition, demonstration on composting etc.
This year i don't see any such initiative except the planting of hibiscus trees, the national flower in SS2B area and recycling activity at the SS2 South Neighbourhood. Perhaps it is time now to change the model for implementation.
LA 21 PJ has taken the lead to organise and coordinate celebrating activities with the motive of providing logistic support and a platform to community groups to organise activities during the festive month. It is hope that by doing so, some form of environmental education can be disseminated along the process and NGOs are invited to partner them on those programmes. We have suggested and implemented for the past 4 years activities like tree planting, Envirohunt challenge, area beautification contest, health check, cleanliness campaign, alien fish competition, demonstration on composting etc.
This year i don't see any such initiative except the planting of hibiscus trees, the national flower in SS2B area and recycling activity at the SS2 South Neighbourhood. Perhaps it is time now to change the model for implementation.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Community Initiative (1) - Waste Composting
The First Project Steering Committee Meeting for the Household Waste Composting Community Initiative jointly organised by MBPJ and CETDEM and funded by DANIDA-SWMC was conveyed on the 1st August 2008. The meeting was chaired by Mr Mak Khuin Weng, MBPJ's Councillor. This marked the new beginning of LA 21 PJ with first meeting been chaired by a new councillor. As past experiences shown, political will and commitment from the top management and councillors are important, the presence of councillor is hopefully provided further strength to the project.
The Committee is also comprised of representatives from residents groups in which their participation can provide valuable input from the residents perspective. The house owners group will tell us the pro and con of implementing household waste composting considering that the size of urban dwelling unit is limited and people are so busy attending to their works, leaving little time for environment...
The meeting was informed of project progress and it was told that we are well ahead of time. At the moment, screening of participants is in the process and by middle of this month, the final list can be ready and briefings/demonstration can be started.
The project is on as I believe on community capacity building programme. To have an efficient solid waste management system focusing on 3R, human factor plays an important role. We have to change the attitude of people, to change their wasteful lifestyle, to get them to reduce waste generation at source, to compost at home or the least is to bring the recyclable items to the recycling centres. It is no use of applying technology and equipments without compelling the people to do and practice on their own as old habit never dies.
The Committee is also comprised of representatives from residents groups in which their participation can provide valuable input from the residents perspective. The house owners group will tell us the pro and con of implementing household waste composting considering that the size of urban dwelling unit is limited and people are so busy attending to their works, leaving little time for environment...
The meeting was informed of project progress and it was told that we are well ahead of time. At the moment, screening of participants is in the process and by middle of this month, the final list can be ready and briefings/demonstration can be started.
The project is on as I believe on community capacity building programme. To have an efficient solid waste management system focusing on 3R, human factor plays an important role. We have to change the attitude of people, to change their wasteful lifestyle, to get them to reduce waste generation at source, to compost at home or the least is to bring the recyclable items to the recycling centres. It is no use of applying technology and equipments without compelling the people to do and practice on their own as old habit never dies.
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