Flag Raising Ceremony

 The Acting High Commissioner giving a speech

This morning, a flag raising ceremony was performed at the Malaysian High Commission's grounds to celebrate 56th National Day of Malaysia. Malaysians from all walks of life converged at the High Commission as early as 7.30am to witness and showed their patriotism and loyalty to our beloved country, Malaysia. After the flag raising ceremony, the Acting High Commissioner gave a speech followed by the presentation of trophies to winners of the recently concluded Muhibah table tennis and basketball tournaments. Light refreshments were served after the ceremony. 

Hari Raya Open House for Pusat Ehsan 2013

Last night we hosted 40 special kids and their minders at Traders Coffee Lounge. This is the fourth year that we are hosting this meaningful event to remind our special friends that they are not forgotten. We were a little worried at first as our Cook was on emergency leave but we managed to pull it off with whatever resources available. This year, more than 40 turned up and our Coffee Lounge was packed unlike last year when less people attended. We were also honoured by Pg. Anak Ruzaini's presence together with other Directors and family members. The Senior Trustee of Pusat Ehsan, Dato' Paduka Alimin Abd Wahab also took time to attend despite his busy schedule. Thank you all for your attendance!

Malaysian High Commission Open House

 Azmi from Malaysia Tourism

 Spotted: PWM Advisor, Joyce

 Che Haznah with Kok Keong

Right after visiting the Istana, we visited a few other houses before eventually heading to the Malaysian High Commission at Jalan Kebangsaan where the Acting High Commissioner, Che Haznah Md Hashim was hosting an Aidilfitri open house from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. This is the time to renew acquaintances and forge friendships with fellow Malaysians and officials from the Malaysian High Commission. Incidentally, the Malaysian High Commissioner is also PWM's patron. Selamat Hari Raya to all our fellow Malaysians!

Hari Raya Open Houses 2013

At Pg. Dr. Yakub's residence on 10 August 2013

 At Azlan Ahmad's residence

 At Pehin Hj Hapitz's residence

 At Pg. Mansur's residence

 At Dato Alimin's residence

 At Pehin Harbi's residence

 At Dato Alaihuddin's residence

Above are some of the photos taken at the various open houses we attended this Hari Raya. Except for Pg. Dr. Hj. Yakub's residence which I attended with some of my colleagues on 10 August 2013, the rest were taken on 11 August 2013 with PWM members after our visit to Istana Nurul Iman. Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends!

Istana Hari Raya Open House 2013

This morning, 11 PWM members (including myself) lead by our President, Mr. James Lee and our advisor, Mr. Simon Gelan assembled at Traders Inn at 8.30am and took the hotel van to Istana Nurul Iman for the annual Hari Raya open house. Today is the second day the Istana is opened to the public (Istana open house is open for three days starting from the second day of Hari Raya) and we finally left the Istana at around 11.30am after shaking hands with the Royal family. These three days of celebration at Istana Nurul Iman has become somewhat of a tourist attraction as many tourists can be seen visiting Brunei during the Hari Raya holidays and one of their itineraries was a visit to the Istana for that rare opportunity to greet the Royal family!

Pullman Hotels & Resorts @ Jakarta

Taken at the entrance to the pool

 Olive Tree Restaurant where I had my breakfast

Pullman Hotels & Resorts has three hotels in Indonesia, two in Jakarta and one in Bali. I was supposed to book the Pullman Central Park as it is nearer to where I'm having my appointments (I didn't know) but booked the one in Thamrin CBD instead as I was there during my last trip in May 2013. During that trip, I stayed at the Grand Hyatt and Pullman is just across the road from the Grand Hyatt. Level 2 is where the main lobby is situated along with the Spa, swimming pool, gymnasium, restaurants and bar. The room costs B$170-00, much cheaper than the Grand Hyatt which was B$330-00! The room I'm staying in is very clean and new (everything works!). There's a great choice of TV programmes and I managed to catch the live telecast of Low Wee Wern and Natalie Grinham's semi final match at the World Games in Cali, Colombia. As this is the first time I'd stay at a Pullman Hotel (and it won't be the last), I wondered why I haven't book a Pullman Hotel before as it is definitely one of the hotel brands which I highly recommend! More photos here.