The Judges concluded their assessment for the 2007 PJ Best Neighbourhood Competition last Saturday. The judges deliberated all entries based on the set criteria. They have also brainstormed on the format for this year contest and ways for future improvement.
One of the main concern is the performance of the past winners. While judges have high expectation for the past winners to showcase their ability to innovate the initiatives with more in deep on sustainability principles, the changes were not significant enough and they felt that much more can be done. The question, then raised was whether the Competition has helped CBOs to improve further and to inbuilt the principles of sustainable development into their activities. The argument is some CBOs cannot hold on to their initiatives due to the leadership problem. The moment the leader changes, the initiative might not be prioritised or continue as every leader might have their own priority. This raises the issue of leadership transition and the need to enterprising the CBOs so that programmes can be continue and grew with set structure and mechanism even though new person is to take over. Another set back was the priority and objectives of the CBOs. Many CBOs in PJ were established with specific purpose, namely security concern and the need to unite to against some unwanted development in their neighbourhood. With that in mind, any new programmes that do not contribute directly and significantly towards the purpose might be difficult to get their endorsement, or even welcome. So, the question now, is how to get as many as CBOs possible to support the Competition.
Perhaps after 5 years of organising the Competition, it is time for MBPJ to re-evaluate the impacts and to re-plan the approaches and format.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Beauty and Environment
I was invited to lecture the participants of a Beauty Contest on environmental challenges last Friday. The invitation was extended to me three days prior to the lecture day. Although in a short time, I accepted the invitation so that I have the chance to share my thoughts with the beauties. However, the bottom line is, I must confess to find out how do the beauties related to environmental education, a feet that I have never thought of.
To my surprise, more than half of them are quite expose to the global environmental issues and the causes and effects. Many, however did not realise that their little proactive and small gestures in the daily life can help to minimise the negative impact on environment. For example, thrifty in buying, M-way of life and etc. Having said this, at the end of the session, I was highly impressed with their attitude towards environmental education, hopefully it is the starting point for more practices to come. I am wondering if environmental education and awareness shall become a mandatory subject for all walk of life in any contest/syllabus ever since the participants of beauty contest are also required to learn.
One of the response that impressed me most during the engagement is their willingness to involve themselves directly in raising public environmental awareness campaign. I believe beauties' involvement will play an important role as their stardom and image as a public figure might be able to influence the followers/supporters especially the youth to practice environmental-friendly way to life.
Perhaps for a successful Local Agenda 21 PJ, appointing a beauty as the LA 21 PJ Ambassador is not a bad idea.
To my surprise, more than half of them are quite expose to the global environmental issues and the causes and effects. Many, however did not realise that their little proactive and small gestures in the daily life can help to minimise the negative impact on environment. For example, thrifty in buying, M-way of life and etc. Having said this, at the end of the session, I was highly impressed with their attitude towards environmental education, hopefully it is the starting point for more practices to come. I am wondering if environmental education and awareness shall become a mandatory subject for all walk of life in any contest/syllabus ever since the participants of beauty contest are also required to learn.
One of the response that impressed me most during the engagement is their willingness to involve themselves directly in raising public environmental awareness campaign. I believe beauties' involvement will play an important role as their stardom and image as a public figure might be able to influence the followers/supporters especially the youth to practice environmental-friendly way to life.
Perhaps for a successful Local Agenda 21 PJ, appointing a beauty as the LA 21 PJ Ambassador is not a bad idea.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Planning and Execution
I attended a committee meeting for organising a conference on world class cities last Monday. While everybody was so excited about getting eminent speakers from Vancouver, Sydney, Glasgow, Singapore and Belfast to speak on their experiences and lessons learned in turning these cities into a world class cities, one of the question raised was, can Malaysian cities achieve the same feet?
It is easy to get outsiders here to share their success story. It is also easy to sell the ideas of having high density development yet manageable and livable to the players in the building and property sector. It is also a dream for those in the regulatory bodies to see a just, equal and livable city for all. It is however, NOT that easy to convince the community members that HOW and WHEN to execute WHAT are in a plan. The overwhelming public critic ms on Draft KL Local Plan for the past few months vindicated the dilemma of Planning and Execution.
While developers quote examples of well developed high density projects in Hong Kong and Singapore, people are simply not convinced that similar thing can be done in Malaysia due to the negative perception of people on poor maintenance culture. While more than often planning portraits a well planned and comprehensive transportation system to overcome the traffic congestion problems, it is hard for people to believe it with the current chaos they have to encounter daily.
So, what went wrong and how to address the negative perception on local planning? It is a challenge for planners and city builders to deliver services up to the expectation of stakeholders. It is also a challenge to local authorities and other government agencies to show their commitment and dedication of delivering the services with quality and within the time frame. It is also a challenge to the community leaders to show that they too care and committed for their living environment betterment. It is a responsibility of everyone, and the most critical one is the Local Authority. Local Authority has to lead by example and pledge loudly to the stakeholders on a workable implementation plan.
Until then, the objections on local planning will continue. The question on the competency of professional will remain.
It is easy to get outsiders here to share their success story. It is also easy to sell the ideas of having high density development yet manageable and livable to the players in the building and property sector. It is also a dream for those in the regulatory bodies to see a just, equal and livable city for all. It is however, NOT that easy to convince the community members that HOW and WHEN to execute WHAT are in a plan. The overwhelming public critic ms on Draft KL Local Plan for the past few months vindicated the dilemma of Planning and Execution.
While developers quote examples of well developed high density projects in Hong Kong and Singapore, people are simply not convinced that similar thing can be done in Malaysia due to the negative perception of people on poor maintenance culture. While more than often planning portraits a well planned and comprehensive transportation system to overcome the traffic congestion problems, it is hard for people to believe it with the current chaos they have to encounter daily.
So, what went wrong and how to address the negative perception on local planning? It is a challenge for planners and city builders to deliver services up to the expectation of stakeholders. It is also a challenge to local authorities and other government agencies to show their commitment and dedication of delivering the services with quality and within the time frame. It is also a challenge to the community leaders to show that they too care and committed for their living environment betterment. It is a responsibility of everyone, and the most critical one is the Local Authority. Local Authority has to lead by example and pledge loudly to the stakeholders on a workable implementation plan.
Until then, the objections on local planning will continue. The question on the competency of professional will remain.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
International Day of Peace
MBPJ partnering various NGOs groups and like-minded individual for a peaceful and harmonious World to launch the International Day of Peace Celebration on 20/9/2008 for the first time. The Day was marked with the prayer citation by various religious groups, speech by the Mayor of MBPJ, UN Peace Proclamation and the flagging of peace convoy to Taiping. International Day of Peace was proclaimed by United Nations in year 1981 in which all mankind celebrate the Day on 21st September each year with various activities.
For MBPJ, this is the first time saw the gathering of inter-generational groups with different religions, ethnic and cultural background coming together to pray for a peaceful world. In his speech, the Mayor made a commitment on behalf of MBPJ and the people of PJ for a peaceful and harmonious society. He called for greater understanding and tolerance amongst the community members in resolving disputes and petty issues, if any. For a multi-ethnic, cultural, religious and social background society of PJ, to know each other well and to interact with each other in forming an inclusive society is a prerequisite for peace building.
Local Agenda 21 PJ has certainly make a right move by conducting the Alternative Dispute Resolution Lecture for the community leaders. By teaching them the techniques and approaches, it is hope that the leaders can mediate any disputes at the neighbourhood level, the potential source for serious conflict.
It is my sincere hope that celebration of such will be promoted widely and engaged all walk of life to share the need for a peaceful society of PJ, Malaysia and the World. Certainly, we need to do so or else the divide between society with different social status, knowledge and education background, ethnic and religions will be wider and deeper. In this regard, everyone has a role to play. May I wish everyone is the Goodwill Ambassador in his own field or area of influence. Happy International Day of Peace.
For MBPJ, this is the first time saw the gathering of inter-generational groups with different religions, ethnic and cultural background coming together to pray for a peaceful world. In his speech, the Mayor made a commitment on behalf of MBPJ and the people of PJ for a peaceful and harmonious society. He called for greater understanding and tolerance amongst the community members in resolving disputes and petty issues, if any. For a multi-ethnic, cultural, religious and social background society of PJ, to know each other well and to interact with each other in forming an inclusive society is a prerequisite for peace building.
Local Agenda 21 PJ has certainly make a right move by conducting the Alternative Dispute Resolution Lecture for the community leaders. By teaching them the techniques and approaches, it is hope that the leaders can mediate any disputes at the neighbourhood level, the potential source for serious conflict.
It is my sincere hope that celebration of such will be promoted widely and engaged all walk of life to share the need for a peaceful society of PJ, Malaysia and the World. Certainly, we need to do so or else the divide between society with different social status, knowledge and education background, ethnic and religions will be wider and deeper. In this regard, everyone has a role to play. May I wish everyone is the Goodwill Ambassador in his own field or area of influence. Happy International Day of Peace.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Customer Relationship Management
I attended a 2-day course for Customer Relationship Management last weekend. It is about meeting the demands as demanded by the customers for maximum profits. As customer is the one who pay for our services, his continue support and purchase is critical in sustaining the businesses. In order to sustain the profitability, fulfilling customers satisfaction and retention is critical. If a customer does not satisfy with the services rendered, then the possibility of losing this particular customer and the risk of losing other prospects as well. He may influence and bad mouth to his circle of friends about the lousy services as he perceived. Hence, a customer lifetime value is important as it will determine the sustainability of the businesses and how well and how far the businesses can go.
Having said this, loyalty of customers is demising now as more competition for new products and services are in offer. Customers have plenty of choices as some might prioritised prices over the product or may be attracted by the promotion package rather than the place. So, retaining customers' loyalty is getting more complex now. A competitive strategic encompassing the 4P is essential.
For local authorities, while fulfilling the aspiration of their stakeholders for a livable environment is important, having an effective customer relationship management system is equally critical. Most of the time, local authorities are criticised for not being able to act quickly and comprehensively on public complaints due to capacity constraints, worst still do not acknowledge and response at all to the complainant. This is a CRM disaster. By having an effective complaints management system plus ever ready communication channel with the public and media will ensure that local authority will always on the news, with right reasons.
CRM is about human relationship. How to create and maintain a cordial relationship amongst mankind for greater benefit, that is peaceful and harmony society in the case of community and profit in the case of businesses. It is about respecting and appreciating your customer, suggesting a solution on their shoe and doing the best for them.
The class was held on 21st September, coincidentally with the International Day of Peace. The objective of the Day is attainable if everyone practices CRM truly and comprehensively.
Having said this, loyalty of customers is demising now as more competition for new products and services are in offer. Customers have plenty of choices as some might prioritised prices over the product or may be attracted by the promotion package rather than the place. So, retaining customers' loyalty is getting more complex now. A competitive strategic encompassing the 4P is essential.
For local authorities, while fulfilling the aspiration of their stakeholders for a livable environment is important, having an effective customer relationship management system is equally critical. Most of the time, local authorities are criticised for not being able to act quickly and comprehensively on public complaints due to capacity constraints, worst still do not acknowledge and response at all to the complainant. This is a CRM disaster. By having an effective complaints management system plus ever ready communication channel with the public and media will ensure that local authority will always on the news, with right reasons.
CRM is about human relationship. How to create and maintain a cordial relationship amongst mankind for greater benefit, that is peaceful and harmony society in the case of community and profit in the case of businesses. It is about respecting and appreciating your customer, suggesting a solution on their shoe and doing the best for them.
The class was held on 21st September, coincidentally with the International Day of Peace. The objective of the Day is attainable if everyone practices CRM truly and comprehensively.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Contrast@PJ
I noticed interesting stuffs and happenings in around PJ. While many of us intend to do right things, many have not done things rightly. For example, reserving car park for people with disabilities was often found too small for them as many have forgotten to provide sufficient space for wheel chair turn around. There are cases of barring motorcycle from entering the park with barricade have also effected people with disabilities to access to the park, gotong royong clean up the area ended up with more rubbish generated from the refreshment after the exercises and many more. More than often the good gesture become an eye sore or having negative impacts on others. While many people intends to do good, many have done it wrongly due to the capacity problem or rather ignorance or carelessness. Many people have started well but fumble later due to the ability to adjust and adapt to new circumstances. Walk the talk and leading by examples are becoming obsolete quotes as many have not practiced their thoughts or reflected in their actions.
Contrast@PJ is my efforts in highlighting the above with pictorial information. In no way the publication intends to be little anyone or to expose the shortcomings but rather to share what I thought can be improved further by doing the other way. If anyone be distracted by the pictorial information, please pardon me.
You might want to share what do you think or the things that you have captured. Let's identify the other side of PJ. Collectively, we can build a sustainable and liveable PJ. Contrast yet in harmony.
Contrast@PJ is my efforts in highlighting the above with pictorial information. In no way the publication intends to be little anyone or to expose the shortcomings but rather to share what I thought can be improved further by doing the other way. If anyone be distracted by the pictorial information, please pardon me.
You might want to share what do you think or the things that you have captured. Let's identify the other side of PJ. Collectively, we can build a sustainable and liveable PJ. Contrast yet in harmony.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Budget Dialogue for 2009
As usual, representatives for CBOs and NGOs in PJ were invited to the MBPJ's Budget Dialogue for 2009 last Monday. The practice of getting residents involved in the budgetary planning has been carried out since Year 2001 as part of the Local Agenda 21 PJ Process. Participation of the residents is important to ensure that resources allocation is done properly to cater to the need of the stakeholders. It is also a forum for MBPJ to meet with residents to create mutual understanding on project planning and development. While the gathering of residents from different neighbourhoods in PJ is provided opportunity to discuss issues of common interest, it is also a chance for residents to negotiate for equal resources distribution.
Having said this, the objectives are far from achieving. I noticed that more than often the dialogue becomes a complaint avenue in which many complaints, even the petty issues were brought out instead of the fundamental and structural suggestions on budget. Many do not touch on the budget proposal and provide suggestions for refinement or even seek clarification on some proposals. For example, while pot hole issue is pertinent to bring to the attention of MBPJ, the proposed mechanism for eradicating the pot hole issue from recurring is much more critical to be highlighted. Some quarters questioned the proposed expenditure for cleanliness and solid waste management is too high rather than questioning the effectiveness of doing the 3R Campaign and residents' responsibilities. I can only think of 2 possibilities for this to be happened, the capability of residents in constructive engagement for budgetary planning or the effectiveness of participation process.
While many representatives of CBOs come with credential professional qualifications, many of them treat the job as voluntary and thus seriousness and detailing is not a top priority. Many prefer to leave to MBPJ to translate in figures and policies of what they have said it in general term. Perhaps, then the machinery of budgetary planning in MBPJ should be aligned to share with what the residents said. For an effective participation, the process, content and context of participation is important. The process has to be systemic with step by step action, the content is clear and the context must be proper. Some residents complained about short notice for meeting, the availability of proposal paper with amble time for reading and comment, difficult for some to attend during the office hour, too many people to say their piece in a short time frame etc. Perhaps these are aspects that can be looked into and improved further. For this to realise, mutual understanding and cooperation from both side, the CBOs and MBPJ is critical.
While MBPJ is pioneering the initiative of participatory budgetary planning process amongst local authorities in Malaysia, observing the true spirit of participation will further reinforce MBPJ's model.
Having said this, the objectives are far from achieving. I noticed that more than often the dialogue becomes a complaint avenue in which many complaints, even the petty issues were brought out instead of the fundamental and structural suggestions on budget. Many do not touch on the budget proposal and provide suggestions for refinement or even seek clarification on some proposals. For example, while pot hole issue is pertinent to bring to the attention of MBPJ, the proposed mechanism for eradicating the pot hole issue from recurring is much more critical to be highlighted. Some quarters questioned the proposed expenditure for cleanliness and solid waste management is too high rather than questioning the effectiveness of doing the 3R Campaign and residents' responsibilities. I can only think of 2 possibilities for this to be happened, the capability of residents in constructive engagement for budgetary planning or the effectiveness of participation process.
While many representatives of CBOs come with credential professional qualifications, many of them treat the job as voluntary and thus seriousness and detailing is not a top priority. Many prefer to leave to MBPJ to translate in figures and policies of what they have said it in general term. Perhaps, then the machinery of budgetary planning in MBPJ should be aligned to share with what the residents said. For an effective participation, the process, content and context of participation is important. The process has to be systemic with step by step action, the content is clear and the context must be proper. Some residents complained about short notice for meeting, the availability of proposal paper with amble time for reading and comment, difficult for some to attend during the office hour, too many people to say their piece in a short time frame etc. Perhaps these are aspects that can be looked into and improved further. For this to realise, mutual understanding and cooperation from both side, the CBOs and MBPJ is critical.
While MBPJ is pioneering the initiative of participatory budgetary planning process amongst local authorities in Malaysia, observing the true spirit of participation will further reinforce MBPJ's model.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Mid Autumn Festival
Mid Autumn Festival or commonly known as Moon cake Festival because moon cake is served or some calls it Lantern Festival as lanterns are made and displayed. Whatever the name is, the festival is getting popular now with many CBOs and NGOs in PJ are having celebration. Celebration held in conjunction with festive season is a good practice of getting community members to gather and chit-chat with each others. It is more meaningful if the gathering can demonstrate to participants on good environmental, cultural or societal practices.
For the past 2 weeks, I attended not less than 6 celebrations organised by the CBOs in PJ. I saw various activities were being organised such as the lantern making contest, best dress contest, lantern parade, cultural shows, drawing contest, moon cake eating contest and etc. The things that caught my attention are the warm atmosphere, active participation and creativity of the residents. I presume while the evolving of feel good spirit because many residents shared the same passion about social gathering and the need for Mid Autumn Festival celebration, active participation was due to the many programmes that interested the people. Not only the children but the adults enjoyed the lantern making contest and the parade.
If we can capitalise on the many Festive seasons we have in Malaysia, perhaps more programmes can be organised, and thus opportunities to enhance greater social cohesion and tolerance. For a multi-ethnic and cultural society of PJ, to get people to come, to understand and to share together is only easy with creativity and openness, and i think Mid Autumn Festival is one of the functions that provides the opportunity. So do the Ramadan, Deepavali etc
More
For the past 2 weeks, I attended not less than 6 celebrations organised by the CBOs in PJ. I saw various activities were being organised such as the lantern making contest, best dress contest, lantern parade, cultural shows, drawing contest, moon cake eating contest and etc. The things that caught my attention are the warm atmosphere, active participation and creativity of the residents. I presume while the evolving of feel good spirit because many residents shared the same passion about social gathering and the need for Mid Autumn Festival celebration, active participation was due to the many programmes that interested the people. Not only the children but the adults enjoyed the lantern making contest and the parade.
If we can capitalise on the many Festive seasons we have in Malaysia, perhaps more programmes can be organised, and thus opportunities to enhance greater social cohesion and tolerance. For a multi-ethnic and cultural society of PJ, to get people to come, to understand and to share together is only easy with creativity and openness, and i think Mid Autumn Festival is one of the functions that provides the opportunity. So do the Ramadan, Deepavali etc
More
Monday, September 8, 2008
Ramadan Bazaar
The collection for beverage cartons at SS6/1 started on the 2nd of September and Section 14 on 8th September. For the next 2 weeks, the recycling booth will be set up at Taman Medan, PJS 2 and Section 6, Kota Damansara. Until now, i am satisfied with the public response and cooperation from our partners. I must salute our partners, namely Mr HP Kok, Lan Yuen, Melisa and Teresa's continual support and commitment in making this happens. It is not an easy task for a non-profit operation to be carried out daily, either rain or shine or weekday or weekend.
I noticed that a group of people do not mind to bring in the beverage cartons even though have to travel to Section 14 from SS6. While their enthusiasm is commendable, the incentive in offer must be a pulling factor for greater attraction.
I was also informed about the sad yet motivated story of a gentlemen with the surname of Raja. Raja become laughing topic amongst his friends and pals when he first started to collect beverage cartons by visiting the coffee shops and asking neighbours to do so. People are sceptical about his motive and some have even branded him mad dirty fellow. He, however continue with his collection and brush aside any criticism against him. The Contest organised for the schools, the Contest for RA/RT and the Campaign in Ramadan Bazaar change Raja's image. People realise the wonder he has done and of course goodies that he brought home. I realise that for an effective recycling campaign, a champion such as Raja is needed. A reward for such personnel to encourage and to motivate them to continue their efforts is critical or else 3R through voluntary instrument will remain a dream. The target of 22% recycling rate by 2020 is unattainable.
I noticed that a group of people do not mind to bring in the beverage cartons even though have to travel to Section 14 from SS6. While their enthusiasm is commendable, the incentive in offer must be a pulling factor for greater attraction.
I was also informed about the sad yet motivated story of a gentlemen with the surname of Raja. Raja become laughing topic amongst his friends and pals when he first started to collect beverage cartons by visiting the coffee shops and asking neighbours to do so. People are sceptical about his motive and some have even branded him mad dirty fellow. He, however continue with his collection and brush aside any criticism against him. The Contest organised for the schools, the Contest for RA/RT and the Campaign in Ramadan Bazaar change Raja's image. People realise the wonder he has done and of course goodies that he brought home. I realise that for an effective recycling campaign, a champion such as Raja is needed. A reward for such personnel to encourage and to motivate them to continue their efforts is critical or else 3R through voluntary instrument will remain a dream. The target of 22% recycling rate by 2020 is unattainable.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Community Initiative (2) - Community Clinic
I have a meaningful discussion with 3 right minded person on 2nd September to discuss the proposal to establish a community clinic. Dr Muthu, as usual is supportive with the idea of getting voluntary doctor to serve and pharmacy to contribute the medicine and Madam Sham of RT Section 4A is willing to get community members to help out in administration and registration works. Dr Citra, MBPJ's doctor offered herself to be part of the team. If we can get thing moving as planned, the clinic shall be able to start latest by end of 2008.
The initial plan is to provide out-patient treatment to the elderly, the disabled group, the poor, the underprivileged and the children on alternate evening at the MBPJ Clinic in Section 8, PJ. Priority will be given to those who cannot afford. The service is to be extended to other areas provided that response is good and volunteers are forthcoming.
I believe it will be the first community clinic operated by a local authority in partnership with the community, if took off.
The initial plan is to provide out-patient treatment to the elderly, the disabled group, the poor, the underprivileged and the children on alternate evening at the MBPJ Clinic in Section 8, PJ. Priority will be given to those who cannot afford. The service is to be extended to other areas provided that response is good and volunteers are forthcoming.
I believe it will be the first community clinic operated by a local authority in partnership with the community, if took off.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
World Peace Day
World Peace Day is celebrated worldwide on 21st September every year. Since early 2000, Taiping which means peaceful in Chinese has started the ball rolling in Malaysia by organising various activities and establishing a Peace Pole at the Lake Garden of Taiping.
MBPJ is fortunate to have personalities like Mr Sanggat Singh and Dr John Gurusamy who have promoted this Day tirelessly to the society of Malaysia to come to us. They suggested that a peace convoy carrying the Petaling Tree will be flagged off from Petaling Jaya to Taiping this coming 20th. Apart from that, plan for the long term is to have MBPJ to host the Peace Pole for Klang Valley. The Peace Pole, if successfully be erected will become a symbol of peace and harmony as well as tourist attraction. This is very much in line with the multi ethnic and cultural facet of PJ.
MBPJ is fortunate to have personalities like Mr Sanggat Singh and Dr John Gurusamy who have promoted this Day tirelessly to the society of Malaysia to come to us. They suggested that a peace convoy carrying the Petaling Tree will be flagged off from Petaling Jaya to Taiping this coming 20th. Apart from that, plan for the long term is to have MBPJ to host the Peace Pole for Klang Valley. The Peace Pole, if successfully be erected will become a symbol of peace and harmony as well as tourist attraction. This is very much in line with the multi ethnic and cultural facet of PJ.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Leadership in Practice (11)
It is never easy to command support and respect amongst residents especially so if all of them come from different culture and social background. Medan Jaya Flat, congregation of former development pioneers from various part of settlements in PJS is such an area that nobody has dare to give hope for a harmonious and united community. It was proven wrong during the visit of judges to this area last Saturday. The presence of people in supporting the Merdeka Gathering vindicated the above.
I believe Mr Md Bidin, the Chairman for the RA Medan Jaya Flat is the person behind it and make things happen. Ustaz as he is fondly known to the residents is a man never fail to ask for anything if it is for the good of the local community. Although lack of resources, he is one of the very few local leaders envisioned to bring changes to the community in big way and systematically. Perhaps in the near future, we will see a 2-storey community centre be constructed.
I believe Mr Md Bidin, the Chairman for the RA Medan Jaya Flat is the person behind it and make things happen. Ustaz as he is fondly known to the residents is a man never fail to ask for anything if it is for the good of the local community. Although lack of resources, he is one of the very few local leaders envisioned to bring changes to the community in big way and systematically. Perhaps in the near future, we will see a 2-storey community centre be constructed.
Monday, September 1, 2008
National Day Celebration for 2008 (4)
For the first time in my life, I attended 8 functions held in conjunction with the 2008 National Day celebration in various part of PJ over the last two days of August. Although tiring, it was a wonderful and worthy experiences having the opportunity to mingle around with the community members. My presence is to provide morale support and to greet them with a BIG thanks from MBPJ for organising such neighbourhood activities. Their pro activeness in initiating neighbourhood social activities shall be encouraged in order to enhance neighbourliness and foster better relationship and understandings.
I saw creativity and innovation and importantly sustainability in carrying out the activities. Activities such as poem citation, cycling convoy, motorcade parade, patriotic songs singing, flag raising, hibiscus trees planting are commendable. The activities reminded us struggle of our forefather in fighting for independent, patriotic spirit in loving the country and more importantly the need to live in harmony with mutual respect, a feet that is critically required from every citizen regardless their ethnic, culture, religious and social status background. I am glad to see the participation of community members from different background.
And, I pray for our next generation...
I saw creativity and innovation and importantly sustainability in carrying out the activities. Activities such as poem citation, cycling convoy, motorcade parade, patriotic songs singing, flag raising, hibiscus trees planting are commendable. The activities reminded us struggle of our forefather in fighting for independent, patriotic spirit in loving the country and more importantly the need to live in harmony with mutual respect, a feet that is critically required from every citizen regardless their ethnic, culture, religious and social status background. I am glad to see the participation of community members from different background.
And, I pray for our next generation...
Social Responsibility (2) - TetraPak
Recycling Campaign is moving into the Ramadan Bazaar. For the first time, LA21PJ is capitalising on the huge crowd of Ramadan Bazaar for recycling promotion. It is hope that the message on 3R can be disseminated to wider spectrum of society. This initiative is made possible with the cooperation and support from TetraPak.
Unbelievable goodies are offered for this beverage cartons recycling campaign. For every 3 empty cartons, a packet of drink will be given and on top of that a lucky draw coupon is given to those send in 30 empty cartons. Apart from that, ONE YEAR FREE supply of soy beans is offered to a winner with correct answer for a guessing game. This roadshow type campaign will be there for a month.
The campaign is part of the on-going contest organised by MBPJ and TetraPak for CBO and NGO in PJ. A total of RM34,000 as prize money is offered. This is part of the initiative of LA21PJ to instill awareness on recycling and 3R. The Initiative is not possible without full support and involvement of TetraPak. While TetraPak has committed the program as part of the CSR initiative, the success and effective implementation is not achievable without the dedication of Terrynz and Teresa, both the staffs of TetraPak. They have showcased to other recycling players a good example on initiating and following through a successful campaign.
Unbelievable goodies are offered for this beverage cartons recycling campaign. For every 3 empty cartons, a packet of drink will be given and on top of that a lucky draw coupon is given to those send in 30 empty cartons. Apart from that, ONE YEAR FREE supply of soy beans is offered to a winner with correct answer for a guessing game. This roadshow type campaign will be there for a month.
The campaign is part of the on-going contest organised by MBPJ and TetraPak for CBO and NGO in PJ. A total of RM34,000 as prize money is offered. This is part of the initiative of LA21PJ to instill awareness on recycling and 3R. The Initiative is not possible without full support and involvement of TetraPak. While TetraPak has committed the program as part of the CSR initiative, the success and effective implementation is not achievable without the dedication of Terrynz and Teresa, both the staffs of TetraPak. They have showcased to other recycling players a good example on initiating and following through a successful campaign.
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