Appeal for lighting up a Ranau village

by Vincent Hoo | May 29, 2017 | Featured, Lifestyle

Appeal for lighting up a Ranau village

Public Appeal

To raise fund for a hydro project that can bring light to a remote village in the interior of Sabah, Kg Pakolen, Ranau-some 5 hours drive from the state capital Kota Kinabalu. The hydro project is aimed at generating 7.5kw to cater for 20 houses in the marginalised village. Since most urbanites will complain loudly even if we suffer black out for a few minutes we hope that you can feel for the deprivation of these villagers who have to live with it for decades!

Villagers’ Effort

Some of the villagers had tried to design and install their own hydro -but failed to go beyond providing for a few houses and for limited time of the day. They therefore request outside help-which we responded. up to 1/3 of Borneo’s villagers live without lighting from main grid electric supply.

Progress of Project

We have conducted 2 recce trips to collect data on the water source and the villagers so far. We have come out with a design, a budget-and now it is time to raise the fund so we can purchase the material needed, fabricate the hydro machine, and pay for logistics to send material to the village. We call upon all caring Malaysians to help us bring light to these dark villages around the country-so, in the long term, all citizens are able to access this very basic amenity!

How you can help:

1. Donation

The budget for the project is RM45k. It will only take 500 donors to chip in Rm90.00 each to reach the target! Let’s start from today! To donate please bank into our official account:

Lightup Borneo PLT; Public Bank, Account number: 3182753709

We will update readers of the collection daily to keep you updated on our progress!

2. Volunteer

You are welcome to volunteer for the full 4 day installation or part of it to join villagers in:

Providing labor(installing pipes, wiring), villagers will not be enough to handle the job by themselves;

Provide logistic support. eg transport, cooking etc;

Do documentation etc.

We can pick up volunteers who fly in at KKIA airport. We will transport volunteers from KK or Ranau to go to the village and return.
Accommodation will be at a small community hall, a couple of villagers’ house and camping.
Meals will be provided to volunteers – but volunteers need to take turn to cook or form a cooking team.
What to bring for volunteers: sleeping bag, raincoat, warm cloth, tracking shoes, insect repellent, torch light, power banks/batteries.

3. Promotion

Feel free to repost/share/forward this appeal to all your friends/social media so that we can beat the deadline to raise the fund needed to purchase the material/pay logistics for the project!We hope that Malaysians can come together to further our campaign to bring light to dark communities around the country.

Light for all! All for light!

Enq. [email protected]

Blueair unveils revamped product range

by FG Media | May 12, 2017 | Branded Content, Featured, Lifestyle, Tech

Blueair unveils revamped new classic product range, better performing, sleeker and with clean air intelligence inside.

First unveiled during the IFA Berlin2015 tech show the much anticipated revamped Classic range is now available in Malaysia since April 2017.

Complete with a new built-in intelligent air monitoring system called ‘Aware’, a more convenient user interface, improved clean air delivery rates, and new design features enabling improved airflow and quieter operation to ensure that your home is safe from pollutants.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Europe’s air pollution cost in 2010 alone is a staggering 1.6 trillion US dollars, as a result of the approximately 600,000 deaths and diseases it caused.

“Blueair’s new technology puts people in control of the air they breathe and makes healthy living and improved well being as effortless as having a robot vacuum cleaner. The Blueair Classic minimizes triggers for people who suffer from allergies and asthma by cleaning indoor air from 99.97 percent of all pollutants, which is great news for our customers and those they care for,”

said Karin Kruse, Global Product Marketing Manager

In a report, the WHO estimated that about 7 million people worldwide died as a result of air pollution exposure in 2012 alone. South-East Asia and the Western Pacific areas are the regions in which health is most affected by air pollution, with approximately 3.3 million deaths linked to indoor air pollution and 2.6 million to outdoor air pollution.

Concentrations of many samples of air contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are also consistently higher indoors than outdoors. An EPA study covering six communities in various parts of the US found indoor VOC levels up to 10 times higher than outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources, such as petrochemical plants.

The Blueair Classic air purifier has been designed to protect you and your family from deadly pollutants inside your home.

The enhanced features of the new Classic also includes a more energy-efficient motor as well as a user-friendly interface under a top lid that flips open to reveal the electronic display indicating when a filter needs changing, a WiFi indicator, operating speed indicator and indicators showing levels of PM2.5 dust and VOCs (volatile organic chemicals) in the indoor air.

“The new edition of the Blueair Classic reflects our commitment in leveraging connected home opportunities to make it easier for homeowners and businesses alike to benefit from cleaner, healthier air as they move through their day,”

said Karin Kruse.

She said the enhancements and benefits offered by Blueair’s latest iteration of its Classic product line reflects customer insight that air purifiers should be mobile, non-intrusive and capable of working while a person sleeps, jogs, eats, works, prepares food or reads a magazine while commuting.

In a nutshell, Blueair’s Classic air purifiers are easy to configure, easy to maintain, and perform excellently. It is a no-brainer choice for air purifiers currently offered in the market. Blueair offers a literal plug and play solution that is essential for all homes and indoor spaces. The New Classic product line now comes with 6 different models to match all space requirements and easily available throughout nation via 43 different locations.

Visit Blueair to learn more how to breath better

Learn More

Will Uber and Airbnb be given a free hand in Malaysia?

by CY Ming | Mar 10, 2017 | Lifestyle

Will Uber and Airbnb be given a free hand in Malaysia?

written by CY Ming

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While the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) had drawn up plans to regulate ride-hailing services such as Uber by proposing amendments to relevant laws for tabling in Parliament next month, there had been no announcement on private shelters used for renting out for a fee.

Local authorities must wake up from their slumber as other countries in the region are much more proactive in dealing with the sharing economy.

For example, the Singapore government was among the first to embrace it and Temasek had invested into Grab, similar to Khazanah investing in Uber. The city state is also hosting the Asian headquarters for Uber and Airbnb.

But Singapore authorities could see that such services are disruptive and could deteriorate if given a free hand, and has taken measures to keep them in line.

All Singaporean Uber and Grab drivers are required to obtain a vocational licence. Those without may be fined or jailed.

The ride-hailing company can be suspended for up to a month after three of its drivers are caught without proper licence or insurance, and enforcement is strict on the island.

In Malaysia, all ride-hailing drivers would also be required to obtain a vocational licence, which may be called public driver licence (PDL) or public service driver (PSD) licence, after they are regulated from next month.

These PDL or PSD licences will replace the current public service vehicle (PSV) licences issued by the Road Transport Department for taxi and bus drivers.

In South Korea and Japan, authorities have limited Uber’s operations, while its service in Taiwan was suspended.

In Singapore, officials have the right to force their way into homes to check whether residents are renting them out illegally, as local laws do not allow private properties to be rented out for less than six months.

In Malaysia, no enforcement agency has stepped forward to take the lead in addressing a potential time bomb. Needless to say, there will be plenty of finger pointing should many guests perish in a fire at one of the shelters booked through Airbnb.

Uber and Airbnb are facing increasing scrutiny by regulators globally and these new economy businesses are throwing up unprecedented growth challenges.

The sharing economy business is headed for explosive growth from around US$15 billion last year to an estimated US$335 billion by 2025.

Our regulators should not be caught flat-footed as many of them appear to be in suspended animation while licensed hotel operators are pulling their hairs out over Airbnb.

Don’t suffer in silence

by Praise Maukazuva | Feb 20, 2017 | Lifestyle, people, society

Don't suffer in silence

Praise Maukazuva, 21 February 2017

1 in 4 women experience Domestic Violence during her lifetime and more than half of these women have children that watch them helplessly as they are abused.

Repercussions of Domestic Violence vary from woman to woman depending on the type abuse they would have experienced. It can be from their partners, members of the family or total strangers.

The different types of abuse are:

Physical	This includes Slapping, hitting, kicking, choking, restraining or any other torture that involves human contact.
Emotional	In this type of abuse comes intimidation, degradation, being yelled at or being given a silent treatment. This will also lower their self esteem.
Sexual	Sexual activity without her consent and without any contraceptives.
Verbal	When you are being called names, being accused of doing things that you haven’t done, when for example your spouse lies to you.
Social	Yes! This is actually a form of abuse, that includes a lot of things like a controlling husband, being ill treated in the public or stalking you wherever and whatever you do.
Financial	Financial abuse varies from not being able to support the family making them starve, Or it’s the woman who is working but her money is being used by her husband for things that do not benefit the family.
Human Trafficking	Although this stands as another different and serious issue, it still remains a type of abuse, as women are forced work in terrible conditions as prostitutes, servants or in farming areas. They are often beaten up, drugged and starved. If she refuses, her children will be at risk.

According to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital Emergency and Trauma Department, 4000 cases have been reported from January 2016 to January 2017 in Malaysia. With the highest of 498 in Selangor and most cases reported from Malays compared to Indians and Chinese.

Apparently reports have increased rapidly compared to other years. This is because more people have become aware of Domestic Violence as a crime, and are now reporting.

Examples of Malaysians who suffered recent domestic violence are Ana and Shona Roy.

Ana experienced domestic violence for 13 years. Her husband forced her to stop working and he treated her like a slave. She faced physical abuse and the only thing that made her endure all this was for her two sons. Read more

Shona Roy was married to a Saudi-Arabian man, and endure domestic violence for 8 years. The husband was cheating, violent to the extent that he chased her around with a knife, refused her custody of her children and then tried to kidnap them from the hands of their mother.

Shona Sinha Roy // image via says.com

Imagine the pain that these two women have endured. Would you want to suffer the same fate? Take not, it can happen to anyone. That brings us to the next issue, how can we stop Domestic Violence. In Order for us to prevent this trivial issue we need to be aware of the causes.

Remember, the abused is not the cause of the problem. It is the abuser who is in total control and who takes full responsibility for us.

Abusive relationships, early marriages and violence make women susceptible in marriage. They will not have the courage to say no to an abusive husband. In cases where there are financial problems and employment is scarce, they are scared they will not be able to take care of their children so they’d rather be abused and have their children safe.

Those that stay in an abusive relationship for the sake of their children are making the biggest mistakes of their lives, and also their children’s lives because they are greater chances that your children will also resort to Domestic Violence thinking it’s a normal way of living.

But is it fair for women to be caught in such a dilemma, and in this day in age? No matter how many times women beg for help, society turns a blind eye to them, families put pressure on them, and people around trampled on them, make them realized that they don’t have a voice in this world. But after all, they’re still living and fighting for themselves until now. Their perseverance is admirable though they were treated badly. Without women, can the world be advanced like this? And why must these unfortunate people suffer severe consequences and unjust though they have devoted a lot for humanity?

In conclusion, violence against women is a difficult problem to solve. This is not always under control to be able to fix at all. But people will always have the most reasonable resolutions. I hope that this issue will soon be resolved smoothly so that all of the women will no longer have to suffer from those pains.

WOMEN’S AID ORGANISATION (WAO) HELPLINE

WAO Hotline: 03 7956 3488

WhatsApp/SMS TINA: 018 988 8058

WAO Hotline: 03 7956 3488

WhatsApp/SMS TINA: 018 988 8058

Understand the common causes that lead to domestic violence and ways to prevent it.

Common causes of domestic violence

How to get better at small talk

by Praise Maukazuva | Feb 16, 2017 | Lifestyle

How to get better at small talk

Praise Maukazuva, 15 February 2017

Most people find it difficult to socialize or simply engage in a small conversation. Which is normal, because it is not an easy task. You probably have absolutely nothing in common, or they are too sophisticated that you might feel like you are insulting them accidentally. I have been in such situations and they normally end with an awkward pause, or silence.

So how can we get better at this? You might find the tips below useful:

1. Show interest in the conversation

You can show interest by asking more about themselves. Let them talk about themselves. That way you are also able to pick up some areas of interesting that you can discuss on. Show that you care about what they are talking about and be a good listener.

2. Ask open-ended question

Avoid questions that will end up with a “yes” or “no” answer. That will end the kill the conversation.

3. Try to practice with anyone

It can be your house cleaner, or the security guard. This will help you maintain interesting conversations. It will also make you comfortable with starting up conversations.

4. Pass out positive comments

Or to flatter them. People like to be praised and they always want to be associated with people who make them feel better.

5. Learn from reality show hosts or comedians

Master how they ask questions and how they handle different expressions or answers, positive and negative both. The order of questions they ask also. It is very important. Questions that are too mumbled will kill the conversation.

Source: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

6. Be Honest

Honesty is an important aspect when it comes to communication. Especially when you want to start a relationship, as it promotes relationships of trust.

7. F.O.R.M.

In case you forget or run out on what to ask. F is for family. You can talk about about family. O is for occupation, where they work or if they are still a student, what they are studying. R is for Recreation, what they do for fun or places they have visited so far. And lastly M for Money. Now this doesn’t mean you have to ask them what they earn or how much money they have but simply economy issues or current affairs.

And most of all. Body language is very important. I will leave you with the last acronym SOFTEN.

S	Smile often, this shows that you are interested in the conversation
O	Open posture
F	Forward lean
T	Touch by shaking hands
E	Eye contact should be kept always
N	Nod your head, to show that you are listening and you can actually relate with what they are talking about

Forever Alone… CNY Aftermaths

by Zameen Datta | Feb 6, 2017 | Lifestyle

Forever Alone... CNY Aftermaths

Zameen Datta, 6 February 2017

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What it’s like being single on Chinese New Year

Millions of 20 somethings look towards the Chinese New Year with dread each year. While many of them enjoy the chance to meet up with their families, it also means having to sit through all the questions from various older relatives, including the inevitable…

“Why aren’t you married yet?”

Social commentator Yolanda Wang believes that a lot of this pressure to get married is due to cultural reasons. “In Chinese culture people really care about how others look at you, how they judge you. If you are good enough, why are you still single?” Wang said. For some people, the problem comes from relatives who may be a little too old fashioned.

Image: Carbonate.TV

In an interview with Asia One, 44-year-old Singaporean Miss Ng spoke about her relationship with her own parents.

“It’s natural for parents to worry over their children’s marital status, and my parents happen to belong to the traditional type who think that a woman’s job is to marry and have kids. So being successful in your career and being self-sufficient mean nothing to them, unfortunately.”

So why aren’t people getting married?

The answers can be boiled down to two main reasons: money and power. Specifically, the fact that young people have less money and more power than their parents did.

At a time when so many young people are struggling to own a house and car, most 20 somethings are more focused on their careers than their love lives.

“I can always find someone later,” they think.

Apart from that, young men and women are no longer content to remain stuck in a bad relationship. According to Professor Dr Low Wah Yun, a chartered psychologist with University Malaya’s Faculty of Medicine, views have altered dramatically over the years.

“Before, you had to stick to being married whether you liked it or not. But these days, people look at it differently because so many more people are getting divorced. Parents are slowly changing to accept divorce, especially if that’s what makes their children happy.”

Dr. Low pointed out that modern young women are much more willing to be picky about their choice of husbands. “Women are becoming more liberated and educated,” she said. “So they are braver about speaking up and saying, ‘hey, I’m not gonna put up with this anymore!’”

As a result, people are taking longer and longer to get married. In the 19740s, the average age of marriage in Malaysia was 18. In the 1970s, this had risen to 22. By the time we reached 2013, the average median age of marriage among Malaysians is 26.9 years old, one year younger than the United States (27.9), and a few years younger than most European countries like the Netherlands (32.7) and the United Kingdom (32.5).

1940s

1970s

2013

Average marrying age over time

Being a “leftover”

In China, they’re known as “sheng nu” (剩女：leftover women). In Japan, the term “Christmas Cake” is often used (because they’ve “gone bad” after the 25th birthday). Whatever you call them, Asian culture tends to frown upon women who have reached a certain age without getting married.

On the flip side, men are also under a lot of pressure to get hitched, with older unmarried men being given labels like “guang gun” (光棍：bare branch) – branches that don’t add to the family tree.

Tired of the questions and prodding, some young singles have gone to extreme lengths in order to satisfy their families.

Boyfriend for rent

In 2015, a man called ‘Liu’ from China’s northeastern Liaoning province was arrested for kidnapping a woman he intended to take home as his wife for CNY. For those who aren’t quite as desperate, websites like rent-a-girlfriend.com allow you to choose between thousands of profiles to find the right (fake) partner for you this Chinese New Year.

The idea of hiring someone to pretend to be your boyfriend may seem like the plot of a bad comedy, but the emergence of international online agencies like Rent-a-Gent is a sign of just how big this business can be.

A spokesman from Rent-a-Gent explained why people use their services, mentioning that while some people hired escorts to spend the holidays with, others “specifically use our service to get their families to stop asking them about their boyfriend and marriage plans”.

Before you get too excited, you should be aware that most of these agencies have a strict “no touching” policy. Hand holding and hugs may be acceptable, but kissing is a bit iffy and anything further is considered a big no-no.

Rental lovers don’t have it easy either – not only do they have to act like they’re in love with someone they barely know, they also need to keep up with all their client’s requirements, some of which can be rather unusual. One of the job descriptions from a woman looking for a fake boyfriend includes a request for someone who “can play mahjong and drink a lot”.

On the bright side, the job pays pretty well.

Prices for a rental boyfriend or girlfriend starts from at least USD200 (RM625) an hour or USD3,000 (roughly RM 9,378) a day!

Would you ever consider renting a lover? Tell us!

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