KL American - June/July 2015

1KL American June/July 2015A Publication of the American Association of Malaysia

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June/July 2015 americanKL

2 KL American June/July 2015

Being there, or being ‘there’Crown’s people are always with you. Preparing you before you go, and helping you settle-in when you arrive.

Crown service offerings include:

+60 3 5636 9166

Go knowing

3KL American June/July 2015

4 President’s Message

5 Editorial

6 Membership

7 Community Service

8 Weekly Activities / Monthly Activities

9 What’s On At The AAM / June

10 What’s On At The AAM / July

13 Annual Ball

18 Perspectives

21 Memories

27 AAM Messages

28 AAM Community Bulletin Board

29 AAM Calendar / June

30 AAM Calendar / July

Contents

AAM June/July 2015Advertisers IndexAdvertisers (A-Z) Page

Asian Tigers Transpo

City Motors

Crown Relocations

Eastern Carpets

EvaAir

Malacca Woodwork

The Expat

RSDHC

TEASPEC

Tropicana Medical Centre

UCSI International School

Verticas Residensi

Back Cover

p.06

Inside Front Cover

Inside Back Cover

p.26

p.12

p.27

p.19, 29 and 30

p.12

p.20

p.12

p.19

21

13

7


As you may have noticed from our last publication, Donna Sawyer was the President Elect. Since that time, due to personal reasons, Donna has chosen to stay as Treasurer for the AAM, and I was asked by our current President, Stephanie Emilo, to put my name on the ballot as President. Having already been the Second Vice President for the past year, I have grown to understand the level of commitment Stephanie has had as well as the hard work she has done in her role as President, and I would like to thank her for it. I am dedicated to continuing the direction and focus of expanding the AAM, with respect to both our members and to the community services that we provide. By the time you read this, our AGM will have already taken place, and I would ask for our members’ continued support of the new Board of Directors.

Now that all the formalities are out of the way, it’s time to look forward to some of our events coming up over the summer

President’s Message

Board of DirectorsPresident Peggy Uptigrove [email protected]

First Vice President Ann Blacklock [email protected]

Second Vice President [email protected]

Secretary Cindy Gros [email protected]

Treasurer Donna Sawyer [email protected]

Publications Director VACANT [email protected]

Major Events Director Leslie Sjurseth [email protected]

Membership Director VACANT [email protected]

Community Service Director VACANT [email protected]

Corporate Relations Director Morgan Mehta [email protected]

Bazaar Directors Lovie Alptunaer and Mary Mantei [email protected]

Liaison DirectorsAmerican Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Stephanie Chua

ISKL Hilda Alposilva

US Embassy Jessica SchneppleSamantha Elfmont

General Manager Ann Tan

Publications VolunteerDaniel James

Corporate Partners For 2015

Liberty

Presidential

months, with our biggest event being the 4th of July Member Appreciation BBQ at The Troika poolside. This is a family event, so plan to come and bring the kids to help us celebrate the 239th anniversary of America’s Independence! Your AAM will provide the BBQ, wine, and beer, while we would ask that members provide the side dishes. With AAM sponsoring this event, we ask that attending members and their families make a charitable donation for their attendance. More details about this event can be found on page 10 of the magazine, along with the RSVP date.

I look forward to working with the Board of Directors throughout the coming year, and I would like to invite members to email me personally with any ideas, suggestions, and/or input they may have on how to improve the AAM and on how to better serve you. As we are all volunteers, we also solicit members to get involved and fill some of our open positions on the Board, as shown to the right. If interested, please contact me at [email protected]. Being involved with the AAM is a great way to meet people and help others feel comfortable in our home away from home.

Peggy UptigrovePresident


Editorial

KLAmericanMagazine Team

American Association of MalaysiaUnit 19-1, 19th Floor, Tower BThe Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC50450 Kuala Lumpur

Mon, Wed, & Thur. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Tue & Fri 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.Closed from 1– 2 p.m. every work day for lunchClosed Sat, Sun and public holidays

Tel: (03) 2161-9008 / 9009Fax: (03) 2181-7005E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.klamerican.com

GPS Coordinates:N3° 9’ 28.899” E101° 42’ 58.217”

Editor Peggy Uptigrove

Photo Editors Judy Pescio

Randee Duncan

Contributors Debz Rafferty

Proofreaders Randee DuncanStephanie Emilo

Daniel James Ann Tan

Peggy Uptigrove

Editorial Support Ann Tan

Designer Yap Wai Kuan

Advertising Sales Ann Tan

Tel: (03) 2161-9008 / 9009

Printer Seng Hoe Printing Process

33, Jalan Hang Tuah 2 Taman Salak Selatan 57100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel/Fax: (03) 8941-7603

Publisher American Association of Malaysia

The KLAmerican is published 10 times per year. The deadline for inclusion is at least six weeks prior to publication, which is the 1st of the month.

Advertising for non-profit organizations is free-of-charge on a space-available basis. The magazine staff reserves the right to edit copy for clarity, brevity, and accuracy. Information on AAM members is not to be used commercially.

Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited.

The AAM is currently looking for a new Publications Director to take on the exciting task of working closely with our Graphic Designer in doing the magazine layout. Kim Starr, our previous Editor, has done a fantastic job of building the relationship between the AAM and our Graphic Designer, and we are looking for someone to fill her shoes and continue this great work.

If you are interested in knowing more about what is required, or if you just want to jump in with both feet, please do not hesitate to contact our President, Peggy Uptigrove at [email protected]

Help Wanted…

GST HAS ARRIVED!The American Association of Malaysia has incorporated the Government imposed GST Tax of 6% on all of our activities, tours, classes and events. We have re-priced our activities to include the GST in the listed price in the magazine. When paying for an activity, a receipt will be issued showing the GST you have paid. If you have any questions, please contact the AAM office at (03) 2161-9008/9009.


The AAM is currently looking for a new Membership Director to be the ‘Face of the American Association’ in the capacity of meeting and greeting new people when they arrive in Kuala Lumpur and making them feel welcome in their new city. By hosting our First Fridays’, you get to meet new people, make new friends, and introduce those new friends to other new friends. Making people feel welcomed and connected to our Association is what we are all about. Moving to a new city across the globe from what one was and familiar with “back home” can be a scary prospect – especially for first-time expats. You have the opportunity to connect them to others that have been there before and can help ease them into this new way of life.

Our Membership Director also takes charge of organizing our monthly

Membership

“Selamat Datang ke AAM!” to our new members for May:

July Coffee Morning

June Coffee Morning

Now on sale at the AAMTel: (03) 2161-9008 / 2161-9009

12th edition price per set (2 volumes):

RM53

DatangSelamat

Coffee Mornings, sponsored by Asian Tigers. Here, you can bring in interesting speakers, offer topics of current issues to our members, schedule a fun workshop, or take us on the road and host a coffee morning at another venue. The city is the limit for how creative you can be in this capacity.

As an Association, our goal is to not only increase our membership but to make those that are members feel valued and connected to a group that provides support, encouragement, and some fun along the way.

If you are interested or want more information about this position, please contact Peggy Uptigrove at [email protected].

Jinan Jabagi & Mohamed IbrahimDewi Ramelan & Steve Jacobs

Mona & David ReavesMarini & Timothy Takala

Brian Woo

Your junk...is someone else’s treasure!!!

Please drop off your once-loved items and

put a smile on someone’s face. Take your

pre-loved items to the AAM office any time

between now and 20 October to join our

“White Elephant” table. All proceeds go to

charity.

Used Books

Dust off those bookshelves! Clean out those closets! Donate your old books to the AAM. All proceeds go to charity.

Christmas is Coming!The Christmas Bazaar is slowly approaching! Our thoughts of securing vendors, white elephant items and baked goods are here. We would like to make this 2015 Bazaar bigger and better for all, especially for the charities we support.

We need your support and time to make this year’s Bazaar a success. For more information on ways you can help, please

email: [email protected]. Thank you for wanting to help!

Lovie Alptunaer &Mary ManteiBazaar Directors

Our July Coffee Morning steps out of The Troika to visit Ambiance in Ampang! Join your old and new friends for a morning of browsing Ambiance’s unique treasurers and enjoy light refreshments. See page 10 for details.

If you have ever considered adoption, or just want to hear a story full of love and blessings come along to our June Coffee Morning. It’s a story that will touch you as well as inspire you. More details on Page 9.


Community Service

Once again this year, our very own American Expats fielded a team for the Annual Inter-Society Charity Golf Tournament. The tournament was held at The Templer Park Golf & Country Club on Saturday, 18 April. We had 18 golfers who turned up to play on behalf of the “Ameri-can” team, and a fantastic time was had by all those that participated. After a quick lunch, the starting horn sound-ed at 1:30 p.m., and the golfers left the clubhouse to be positioned on their designated holes for the shotgun start. It was a hot afternoon, and after they had played 13 holes, there was an afternoon rain delay for about an hour. Once the rain let up, the teams were back out on the course to finish up the last 5 holes – some didn’t come in until after dark! Eighteen holes of golf were followed by a fabulous dinner, a silent auction, and raffle draws.

In total, 65+ players represented 7 Societies here in Malaysia with a good mix of teammates being paired into foursomes.

While the American team did NOT win the overall tour-nament, we did advance in the standings one position higher than the previous year. Keep practicing ladies and gentlemen – who knows where we will finish next year. Below is how the individual Societies finished:

1. St. Andrews2. St. Patricks3. MANZA4. St. George5. AAM6. CAM7. St. Davids

A huge “THANK YOU” goes out to Ann Blacklock for organizing our American team. Ann and Peggy Uptigrove also drove one of the beer carts on the front nine, delivering smiles and “happiness in a can” to all the thirsty golfers.


All activities are at the AAM Villa @ The Troika unless noted.

MONDAYMahjong1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Members FREE / Non-Members are welcome for a nominal fee. (The first two visits are complimentary.)

Get rid of those Monday blues by playing a lively game of mahjong. We’ll shuffle the tiles, make ‘pungs’ and ‘kongs’, and enjoy the afternoon. Beginners are welcome. Please email mahjong Coordinator, Randee at [email protected] to confirm.

WEDNESDAYStitching Friends10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Members FREE / Non-Members are welcome for a nominal fee. (The first two visits are complimentary.)

New and seasoned sewing enthusiasts work together to share their love of the stitching arts. We meet at the AAM Villa @ The Troika. Please contact Coordinator, Diane Tenney at [email protected] for details. Please be sure to put “Stitching Friends” in the subject line.

Tuesday, 2 June 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.St. Francis Xavier Home for the ElderlyTaman Sri Bahtera, Batu Lima CherasTel: (03) 9131-1464

Bingo with Little Sisters of the PoorJoin our monthly bingo game to help spread the joy at this home for the elderly! We will bring prizes for the winners. The bingo morning is one of the highlights of the month for the residents.

Please email [email protected] if you can join us or would like more information.

Still Alice is a compelling debut novel about a 50-year-old woman’s sudden descent into early onset Alzheimer’s disease, written by first time author Lisa Genova, who holds a Ph. D in neuroscience from Harvard University.

Alice Howland, happily married with three grown children and a house on the Cape, is a celebrated Harvard professor at the height of her career, when she notices a forgetfulness creeping into her life. As confusion starts to cloud her thinking and her memory begins to fail her, she receives a devastating diagnosis: early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Fiercely independent, Alice struggles to maintain her lifestyle and live in the moment, even as her sense of self is being stripped away. “Heartbreaking, inspiring, and terrifying, Still Alice captures in remarkable detail what it’s like to literally lose your mind...”

Reads like a gripping memoir of a woman in her prime watching the life she once knew fade away....A poignant portrait of Alzheimer’s, Still Alice is not a book you will forget.

RSVP: [email protected] - appreciated, but not necessary.

AAM Book Club

Weekly Activities

Monthly Activities

Friday, 5 June AND Friday, 3 July9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Level 3A @ The Troika/Tower BCost: Individual; all proceeds go to charity.Parking is available at The Troika or nearby shopping malls, or take the LRT to Ampang Park station.

First FridaysArriving in Kuala Lumpur can be overwhelming in the beginning, but the AAM is here to help! First Fridays is a social gathering designed especially for expats newly arrived in KL. We want to be the friendly face of the AAM and provide people the opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and take a second to relax with new friends. All members are encouraged to drop by level 3A @ The Troika and help us welcome newcomers. Coffee, tea, and a light breakfast will be available for a small donation. Please join us and pass on the invitation to new neighbors and friends.

RSVP: Appreciated, but not necessary. Email: [email protected].

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Tuesday, 16 June11:00 a.m.In Colonial RestaurantG13 The Intermark348 Jalan Tun RazakCost: Individual


What’s On in . . . June

Tuesday, 30 June10:00 a.m. - 12:00p.m.AAM Villa @ The TroikaCost: Members RM96 / Non-Members RM112 Min: 10 participants

BOYS’ NIGHT OUT

The People and Traders of Chow Kit – Walking Tour

Nyonya Curry Cooking DemonstrationCome along with us as we explore the hidden, secret alleys of the market that produces beautiful curry paste for Rendang or Curry Laksa.

Famous amongst the locals, Bazaar Baru Chow Kit is the largest wet market in town and supplies a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, cured and salted fish, meats, and other dry products as well as bulk items. Explore the world of Malaysian bananas such as Berangan, Mas, and Raja (king of all bananas) as well as other local fruits.

Highlights of the trip include: tasting the unique, handmade cookies of an authentic Chinese bakery shop; discovering the science behind the traditional gold plating process; enjoying delicious Malay Kuih Peneram (Malay pastry) and seeing how it is prepared; and learning about the spices used in the Malay kitchen.

Do bring about for the tour: Drinking water, your own bags for your purchases, umbrella, notepad and a pen to write down information along the tour. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

RSVP: Email [email protected] by Thursday, 11 June

PLEASE INDICATE ANY FOOD ALLEGIES YOU MAY HAVE so we can alert our tour guide for the day.

‘Nyonya’ ‘or ‘Peranakan’ combines Chinese, Malay and Indonesian cuisines in a unique and flavorsome blend. Peranakans are descendants of Chinese migrants that have settled in Penang and Malacca (Malaysia), Indonesia, and Singapore. The word ‘Nyonya’ or ‘Noyna’ is a Malay word that refers to a socially prominent woman. It has a combined meaning of “Madame” and “Auntie”. The unique flavor of this curry is determined by the ‘rempah’, or spice-paste, that should be pounded with a mortar and pestle for best results.

Now that you know the origins of ‘Nyonya’ style curry cuisine, join Chef Judy as she cooks up some favorites in the AAM Kitchen. The menu will consist of tomato rice, dried curry beef (Rendang), Nyonya curry chicken, Kurma lamb, and something sweet for dessert. Once Chef Judy has completed her demonstration, it’s time for lunch!

RSVP: Email [email protected] by Tuesday, 23 June.

“My kids are away at college so you could say I have an empty nest, but my work with vulnerable women brought about a chance meeting that changed my world, and brought new joy, new hope, new understanding and a new baby into my life. It is spring in my house again and my nest is once again full”.

If you have ever considered adoption, or just want to hear a story full of love and blessings come along and hear this story of tragedy that turned in to a miracle.

RSVP: [email protected] by Thursday, 4 June.

Sponsored by:

Thursday, June 1110:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.AAM Office at TheTroika Level 19Cost: None

Where: Taps Beer Bar, One Residency, 1 Jalan Nagasari

When: 6:00 p.m. onwards, First Wednesday of each month

Registration: None required. Just show up bringing cash and conviviality.

Thursday, 18 June9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Meet at Chow Kit Monorail Station Cost: Members RM106 / Non-Members RM138Min: 10 / Max: 15 participants

Gentlemen!

For many of us getting out and socializing with to men-folk can be difficult, with working all week and weekends typically reserved for family. Well, no more! Starting on the 3rd of June, there will be a Boys’ Night Out’ every first Wednesday of the month near the city center. It’s an entirely informal evening with the chance to sample some craft beers and great grub or even just chat on manly matters! There’s plenty of scope to move on to play some pool, darts, etc. in the nearby Changat Bukit Bintang area later in the evening.

RSVP: Useful, but not needed - Stan at [email protected].


What’s On in . . . July

Saturday, 4 July4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Level 3A / Poolside at The TroikaCost: a charitable donation of RM20 for individuals and

RM40 for familiesMin: 20 / Max: 50

Tuesday, 28 July9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (approx.time)Pick Up/Drop off at Starbucks/Avenue KCost: Members RM207 / Non – Members RM234Price includes local lunch, entrance fee to Malacca Museum, van with English Speaking tour guide, and mineral water.Min: 10 participants

AAM 4th of July BBQ

Rice is Nice!

Malacca All Day Tour

This is a members only Appreciation BBQ hosted at the AAM so that all of us can come together to share one of the most iconic American holidays. The AAM will

provide the BBQ, beer, and wine. We ask that attending members sign up at time of registration to bring side dishes and desserts.

If you are interested in volunteering to be on this event’s planning committee, please contact Stephanie Emilo at [email protected] so we can set up a meeting for the middle of June. For the meeting, please bring your ideas about

menu, decorations, and maybe even an eating contest!

RSVP: [email protected] by 15 June, and please indicate which dish you will be bringing to the BBQ.

Rice is the staple food for Malaysians as well as most other cultures in South East Asia. It would seem that rice is rice is rice, but while that may be partially true, not all rice is created equal. Join Chef Judy as she shows us how to take a basic staple and prepare it many different ways, turning it into a culinary experience. She will also discuss various rice cookers as well as what else you can cook in a rice cooker besides RICE! This is a class not to be missed.

RSVP: [email protected] by 16 July.

Take a step back in time and discover over 600 years of history in the port city known as Malacca. Before the arrival of the first Sultan, Malacca was a fishing village inhabited by local Malays known as Orang Laut. Strategically located on the narrowest point of the Malacca Straits, it was soon discovered to be a good port that was easily accessible in all seasons. Join this tour to learn more about the history of this now vibrant city located just a short 1 ½ hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Upon arrival in Malacca City, there will be a stop to visit the historic St. Peter’s Church, the oldest Christian Church still in use in Malaysia. We will drive past the largest 17th Century Chinese cemetery outside of China, past the “Sultan’s Well”, and continue through the Portuguese Settlement to see the pink Dutch administrative buildings, the ruins of St. Paul’s Church, and so much more. After a lunch stop in a local restaurant, the tour continues highlighting key historical sites and concludes with a stroll along Antique Street, which ends by the banks of the Malacca River.

Be sure to wear appropriate, comfortable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and bring your camera.

RSVP: Email [email protected] before Tuesday, 21 July (Please inform the office at time of registration if you have any food allergies so our tour guide can be notified.)

Sponsored by:

Monday, 13 July10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Ambiance Showroom/Ampang LocationCost: None

The AAM office may be closed, BUT that doesn’t mean we can’t still get together for our monthly coffee morning. This month we are taking it “on the road” and will be meeting at the Ambiance Showroom on

Jalan Ampang. If you’ve never been to this shop, it’s a wonderful place to catch up with friends, sip a delicious Café Au Lait, and shop, all at the same location.

Ambiance will generously provide us with some “quick bites” and light refreshments – we just have to bring ourselves. Please consider joining us at Ambiance; you might just discover another hidden gem waiting for you.

RSVP: [email protected] by Monday, 6 July.

Thursday, 23 July10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.AAM Villa @ The TroikaCost: Members RM96 /Non-Members RM112 Min: 10 participants


What’s On in . . . August And Beyond

Looking Ahead…Be sure to mark your calendar for these activities in August and beyond:

04 August – Bingo

07 August – First Friday

20 August – Asian Tiger Coffee Morning

08 September – Gemology Workshop

17 September – Welcome Back Sip ‘n’ Shop Coffee Morning

26 September – Annual Shrimp Boil

AAM Limited EditionWine Glasses

SAVE THE DATE!!Celebrate the end of summer with the

AAM Annual “Welcome Back” CRAWFISH / SHRIMP BOIL

Date: Saturday, September 26thTime: 7:00 p.m. – Midnight

(More information to follow!)

Get your very own set of AAM Limited Edition Wine Glasses. Beautifully etched, long stem wine glasses are perfect for entertaining as well as showing your support for your American Association of Malaysia. The etched line across the glass is a “pour” indicator when serving your guests. Glasses can be purchased individually for RM25 or in a set of four for RM85 (includes GST). Get yours today directly from the AAM Office @ The Troika.

Email: [email protected] for more information.


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MALACCA WOODWORK

Manufacturer of Quality Antique Style Furniture312-C, Klebang Besar, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia.Tel. No: 02-06-315 4468 (Call from Singapore)

Tel. No: +( 6 ) 06-315 4468 Fax. No: +( 6 ) 06-315 2989Email: [email protected]

Website: www.malaccawoodwork.com

AAM2015 Annual Ball

”A Great Gatsby Ball”


We would like to start out by giving a huge THANK YOU to our Corporate Sponsors, whom greatly assist us in the business of helping our fellow Americans abroad as well as the people of our adopted home. With their continued support, we are able to keep the lights on and the doors open for all of you.

To all of the members, guests, US Embassy staff, and friends who attended this year’s Great Gatsby Ball, we thank you for your support and commitment to making not just a great night but a great year as well. We put a new spin on our silent auction, and we partnered with FR Events, who did an outstanding job in helping us to secure many fun, new items. Without the support of those who purchased silent auction items and raffle tickets, we would not have been able to raise as much money as we did, so thank you for taking a chance on a new system: your continued support is, and has been, greatly appreciated.

Hopefully, you all enjoyed a night of fantastic food, a rocking band, and amazing dancers. So much work went into making the night all that it was, so please accept another huge THANK YOU to all those that worked behind the scenes to make the night what it was.

Planning for next year’s Ball is already underway, so we hope you join us again, looking out for ways to get involved in the committee or to help select the new theme. We hope to make this upcoming year even bigger and better than last year and to top our largest charitable donation of over RM 102,000. Thank you all for helping us to give so much.

Kind Regards,

Stephanie Emilo Sherlyn Bourne Outgoing President Ball Chair 2015/ Outgoing Major Events Director


Stephanie, Sherlyn and the American Ambassador Joseph Yun

AAM2015 Annual Ball


14 KL American June/July 201514 KL American June/July 201514 KL American June/July 2015

AAM Ball Sponsors 2015

Corporate Partners For 2015Presidential

Liberty

AAM2015 Annual Ball


15KL American June/July 2015 15KL American June/July 2015 15KL American June/July 2015

Auction/Raffle Partners 2015Abee Rugs

Acme Bar & CoffeeAidea Art & Frame

Allison’s PlaceAmbiance

Bailey TravelDigiphoto Entertainment Imaging

D’Keith Eastern Carpets

Fion Poon ExclusiveGandhara

JantiJW Marriott

Kuen, StephanieLa Boca

La Mexicana

LaZat Malaysian Cooking SchoolLifestyle Juicery

Luretta Malacca Woodwork

MonikoMy Batik

OshhScuba Mike’sSime Darby

SvagoTatto

The Apartment DowntownThe Entertainer

Toni & GuyWine Talk Malaysia

Yap Kim Boon

AAM2015 Annual Ball


16 KL American June/July 201516 KL American June/July 2015

AAM2015 Annual Ball


17KL American June/July 2015 17KL American June/July 2015

18 KL American March 2015

Perspectives

Safety Tips 2015Story by Debz RaffertyWhether you have just arrived in KL or you are at the home-from-home level, you need to be SAFE, STRONG, and SAVVY, with a good dose of HAPPY thrown into the mix. In order to enjoy and make the most of the many opportunities that living in “The Gateway to ASIA” has to offer, here are a few tips:

1. Don’t listen to idle gossip. If Mary’s neighbor’s maid’s brother says a child was snatched at school, then check before you react. Go into the school and have an informal conversation with the principal. If the information is correct, then find out what the action plan is to stop this happening again; if it is just a malicious rumor, then QUASH IT NOW. Stamp it out.

2. If someone you are mixing with on a regular basis is scaring you with “stories” of doom and gloom, then maybe you need to reassess the time you are spending with them. Being scared of something does not make it go away and will only make you miserable.

3. Listen to your partner and encourage them to widen his or her network if they are finding the adjustment to KL living difficult.

4. Malaysia is rich with Martial Arts, so get some training in them. Start with your local gym, or ask your embassy if they can recommend an in-structor or organization. That way you know you are going to get a quali-fied instructor. Also, don’t be shy about trying more than one style. Some are good for fitness while others are good for self-confidence and street awareness. There is also a good chance that you will meet like-minded people when you train. But before you go, always check the gym’s qualifi-cations – no “McDOJOs” please.

5. A continuation from point 4 is that the more confident you are about your personal safety, the more naturally you will avoid possible conflict situations. You will walk taller and your body language will be that of a strong individual, meaning you are less likely to be targeted in the first place!

6. “Threat Gossip”? Some people just seem to get their kicks from instilling fear and drama, they almost drool at the mouth when they “just thought you should know” about attempted kidnaps and machete wielding bag snatchers . . . and don’t get them started on home invasions. The fact is we live in a world today that is not as safe as it was 20 years ago. It is not just in Malaysia. My sister, for example, lives in New Zealand, in the beautiful and remote Bay of Plenty area, and she has been burglarized twice that I know of. My mother-in-law in Glasgow, Scotland has also experienced break-ins and bag snatching. So why is it so much scarier when we are far from our motherland? If you hear of a crime, then go to the source. Be responsibly informed before you pass on the information to another. Your “news” could be the last straw for someone and the reason that they throw in the cards and ship out.

7. Take precautions and make yourself a harder target. Yes, I know I keep harping on about this, but THE ONLY FORM OF SELF DEFENSE THAT AL-WAYS WORKS IS NOT TO BE THERE! It really is that simple.

8. Make informed and researched choices. Landed properties, for exam-ple, are the most vulnerable. If you already have a contract to a landed property, it is not the end of the world. Follow the lead of the residents in Sri Hartamas. There is an area that was previously targeted at least once a week, until the residents united and took steps to improve their secu-rity by fencing off some areas and employing security check points at the main entrance and exit roads. The sentry boxes are being built and the barriers are in place. This is a savvy community who is taking positive ac-tion to improve its safety.

9. Be assertive. If you do not feel safe going to work, doing the school run, or even being in your own home, don’t wait for it to become too much for you. Do something about it. Ask yourself, “Why do I not feel safe?” and take steps to change the “NOT” part. Talk to your embassy or AAM and see if they can recommend someone to do a risk assessment and help you to arm yourself with the appropriate tools for happy, safe Expat living.

10. Believe it or “not”, would-be robbers are lazy. If you make them work for their spoils, they are more likely to go somewhere else. BE A HARD TARGET.

11. Put yourself first! This goes for personal safety, but also for Expat rela-tionships and friendships.

12. Don’t bite off more than you can chew! Give yourself a p.j. day now and again.

13. Tell yourself “Today, I am Happy” now and again. As humans, we are quick to say when we “are having a bad day”, but very slow when it comes to acknowledge “today is a good day”.

14. Never be afraid to use words like “Why, when, what, and if?”

15. If everything does get to be too much, and if you want a 100% safe place to go, then the AAM at The Troika is the place for you. You can also pick up the phone to me, as I always enjoy good coffee and good com-pany, thrown in with a healthy serving of “Let’s go and learn to punch and kick things”.

Finally, my advice would be to build a reliable network of friends who bring a feel-good factor with them. I think of my social and professional net-work as a big garden. There are trees, strong and solid with deep roots, that are there whenever support is needed. There are the seedlings that get washed away at the first hint of rain. This is a scattering of beautiful but fragile flowers that need frequent TLC, but in return they enrich my life with color and beauty. The thing I have to watch out for are the WEEDS. They spring up now and then, their lush green stalks fooling me into thinking they add beauty to my garden. But they very quickly turn into dull blooms that, if left untended, will throw everything into shade and suck the life out of the soil. We all have our off days and need friends to rant with. But if someone I know is always negative and makes me feel constantly drained, you can bet I am going to pull out the biggest set of shears and prune the rosebush to get rid of some of the thorns – even if it means I won’t see flowers for a year.

Have a wonderful and safe summer break. If you are returning to your homeland or flitting through the delights of Malaysia Truly Asia, stay SAFE, stay STRONG, and stay SAVVY.


Dr. Mohammed Fauzi Abdul RaniMBCHB (Sheffield), AMM (Mal), MRCP (UK), FRCP (Glasgow), FCCPConsultant Chest PhysicianTropicana Medical Centre

TROPICANA MEDICAL CENTRE11, Jalan Teknologi,

PJU 5, Kota Damansara,47810 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor Darul Ehsan.T: +603-6287 1111

W: www.tropicanamedicalcentre.comFB: www.facebook.com/TropicanaMedicalCentre

E: [email protected]

Taking control of your asthma is important be-cause when your asthma is well managed, you can live your life to the full and do all the activi-ties that you want. The aim of asthma manage-ment is therefore to achieve the best control.

This includes someone with severe asthma, where with right medications, lifestyle and support you can achieve best control such that someone with severe asthma can live as well as someone with mild asthma.

How do you know if your asthma is well con-trolled? A yes to any of these questions indi-cates your asthma is not well controlled. They are:

Have you been waking at night because of your asthma symptoms?

Do you need you reliever medication more than thrice a week?

Do you get wheezy or breathless, or have dif-ficulty breathing during the day?

Does your asthma interfere with your usual activities?

The way to take control of your asthma is by knowing what medication you need to take, how much, and when and how you should take it. This is achieved during consultation with your doctor. You should also know about asthma and how the various types of medica-tion work to control the disease. This usually involves a combination of inhalers and some-times includes oral medication. If appropriate you may just need to use a single inhaler but your doctor should be able to guide you.

In general, the following steps ensure that you can take control of you asthma:

1. See your doctor regularly to have your asth-ma reviewed – they can make sure you are getting the right amount of the right type of medication2. Make sure you know how to use your inhal-er properly. There is no benefit in having the right medication if it is not taken correctly as it will be ineffective. Studies have shown that the majority of people may not be using their inhalers correctly so the medication does not get to where it is needed. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can show you the right inhaler technique. It’s important to check your tech-nique regularly, at least every 6 months.

3. Get a personal asthma action plan. This may come from your doctor or nurse and is a set of instructions on how to tell when your asthma

is getting worse, and what to do about it. An Asthma Action Plan is therefore a written set of instructions prepared with your doctor or nurse that helps you to stay in control of your asthma. A written Asthma Action Plan should have the followings:- What medication to take every day (even when you are feeling well)- How to tell if your asthma is getting worse- What you should do if your symptoms are getting worse- What to do if you have an attack of asthma We know from many studies that a written asthma action plan can help reduce your chance of going to the hospital or GP because of acute asthma. It can also improve your lung function and reduce the number of days off work or school due to asthma.

Some plans are based on your symptoms, and others are based on your peak flow score. This should be decided between you and your doc-tor depending on what will work best for you.

Asthma Action Plans should be updated regularly by your doctor during an asthma review, at least once a year for adults and for children approximately every six months. For those people with more severe asthma, more frequent reviews might be needed

4. Get informed as the more you know about your asthma, the better equipped you are to take control. You do this by talking your doctor or nurse, or read leaflets or visit any websites about asthma.

5. Finally, make sure you know how to mon-itor your asthma and there are a few ways this can be done: knowing your symptoms, monitoring your peak flow or keeping a symptom diary.

A peak flow test measures how fast you can breathe out. This is also called your PEF: peak expiratory flow and can be used to help diag-nose asthma, to check your response to treat-ment, or to help you recognize when your asthma is getting worse. Your peak flow needs to be measured regularly to be useful, and it’s important to use the same device so that you are able to compare the scores. You can buy a peak flow meter from your local pharmacy

For some people, keeping a diary of their asthma symptoms is useful. This is particu-larly helpful when you are trying to identify your triggers, or want to keep a record of your symptoms over a longer period to check how well your asthma is controlled, or monitor how your asthma changes over the seasons.

Taking Control of Your

Asthma


Memories

First Fridayphotos by Morgan Mehta

April’s First Friday on 06, April greeted a couple of newcomers as well as some members that came from outlying areas. It was great to see them all at The Troika for coffee and breakfast.

Little India Tourphotos by Alyssa Ortega

On 26 March, a group of ladies enjoyed the Brickfields Walking Tour. They were treated to a traditional Indian lunch before their tour continued around the streets of Little India.


Memories

Rug Auctionphotos by Heather Quattlebaum


Ching Ming – All Souls’ Dayphotos by Peggy Uptigrove

All Souls’ Day is a Chinese Festival that is celebrated for 20 days in April. Our AAM members joined up with some MANZA ladies to enjoy this tour and learn all about the Chinese customs and traditions surrounding this festival.

Memories


Memories

Hop on Night Tour photos by Stan Uptigrove

Everybody on the bus! What a great way to see Kuala Lumpur and be toured around to different sights and key locations in the City. Despite the huge thunder, lightning and rain storm we endured, a great time was had by everyone that came out for the Night Tour.


Memories



Do you have any ideas or suggestions for new activities, events or workshops that may be of interest to our members? Can you think of ways we can improve our current line-up? Any concerns about the AAM’s building facilities? Your feedback, whether positive or negative, is always welcome. Kindly drop us a note in the Suggestion Box located in the villa or email [email protected].

Your $0.02

Solicitation PolicySolicitation of business by any member or guest is not allowed at any AAM function without prior board approval. Members are requested to respectfully observe the policy that membership information is to be used solely for AAM business and is not to be used for personal or business solicitation purposes. If you are interested in sharing your talents/services with the AAM, please contact the AAM office.

Membership Renewal To avoid missing any issues of the magazine and to continue receiving discounted prices for AAM events, please make sure your membership is up to date. Renewal notices will be emailed to you one month before expiration. Dues can be paid by cash or check in person at the AAM Villa @ The Troika by or cash deposit to the AAM’s bank account directly.

Reservation & Payment PolicyEvent and Activity reservations can be made via email to [email protected], in person or via fax.

If the reservation is made via email or fax, the AAM office will send you an acknowledgment receipt and advise whether or not the activity is still available.

Fees MUST be paid within 48 hours of signing up for an event or activity. You will not be “confirmed” for the event/activity until payment in full has been received by the office.

You may pay by cash or check in person at the AAM Villa @ The Troika or cash deposit to the AAM’s bank account directly. If you wish to deposit cash payments to the AAM’s bank account, please contact the AAM office for account information and instructions (your bank may charge you a minimal fee for this service).

We cannot accept credit card payments at the office. We are currently working on details to secure an on-line payment system for your convenience. Further information to come.

Cancellation PolicyReservations MUST be cancelled FIVE BUSINESS DAYS prior to the activity in order to received a refund. If you do not cancel your reservation within this time period or you are a no-show the day of the Event/Activity, a refund will not be issued.

For Events/Activities that have a required minimum attendance, AAM reserves the right to cancel or reschedule when circumstances warrant.

Each Event/Activity will have a sign up deadline date and we must adhere to those dates. This allows instructors of classes to gather all required materials or tour companies to arrange the proper transportation for our group.

If you still have not made payment by the reservation deadline for an Event/Activity, your name will be automatically removed from the sign-up sheet and there will be no further correspondence from the AAM office. To avoid disappointment, please make your payment within 48 hours of making your reservation.

AAM Online Communities

The AAM is on Facebook! “Like” the AAM Facebook fan page by logging on, typing ‘American Association of Malaysia’ in the Search bar at the top of the page and clicking ‘Like.’ You’ll get the latest information on all of AAM’s exciting events and activities!

Introducing the AAM Google Group - a forum for members to consult with other members on queries and recommendations for anything from best family hotels to dentists to household help. Members can join in two ways. First, you can send an email to [email protected] with the email addresses you would like to add to the Google Group. Please put “Need AAM Google Group Invite” in the header of the email. The second way to join is you can go to Google Groups, search for American Association of Malaysia and then ask to be invited and the Administrator can add you. When you receive the invite via email, you must respond to complete the registration process. For more information, go to http://www.klamerican.com/online-communities.

Holidays in JuneThere are no public holidays in June that affect the closure of the AAM office. Hours of operation are listed on page 5.

Holidays in JulyPlease note, the AAM Office will be closed on the following dates:13 – 20 July for Summer Vacation and Hari Raya Puasa

EXPATTH

EAAM Messages


Avoid long queues KLIA and KLIA2 - Use the Foreigner E-gate for fast immigration clearance!

Foreigner e-gate is a self clearance system that allows frequent visitors to Malaysia to use the automated fast-track lane without having to go through the manual immigration clearance process.

Sign up on your next return trip to KLIA. The registration booth is located after the immigration counters/before the baggage claim.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERSEMERGENCYPOLICE......................................................................999FIRE & RESCUE.........................................................999CIVIL DEFENSE.........................................................999ANY EMERGENCIES FROM MOBILE PHONE............112UTILITIES...ELECTRICITY/POWER FAILURE............................ 15454WATER DISRUPTION................................1800 88 5252SEWAGE SYSTEM.....................................03 2780 1100OPERATORDIRECTORY ENQUIRIES............................................100ANIMALSMISSING PETS..........................................03 4021 1682SNAKES & PESTS......................................03 4042 6742ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER. (24 HRS.).....03 4041 6742

Dignity for Children FoundationOne of the charities the AAM supports, Dignity for Children Foundation, has asked for our help in supplying some of their needs they have every day to support their mission. Your donation of any of the items listed below would be greatly appreciated. Please drop off any donations at the AAM office @ The Troika next time you are in the neighborhood or email: [email protected] for more information.

Housekeeping Supplies:Dishwashing LiquidSpongesHand Washing SoapGarbage Bags (all sizes)Toilet Paper packs Window CleanerToilet CleanerClorox BleachCloths to wipe tablesCloths to wipe plates

Groceries:Peanut ButterJamCooking OilRice (10kilo)Condensed MilkMilk (UHT)Soya SauceDrinking WaterSardinesMilo (3 in one pkts)


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KLJune 2015

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american association of malaysia

1:00 p.m. -

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Mahjong

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Mahjong

NO MAHJONGTHIS WEEK

NO MAHJONGTHIS WEEK

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Nyonya Curry

Cooking

Demonstration

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Stitching Friends

10:00 a.m. -

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Coffee Morning

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Chow Kit Market Tour

1:00 p.m. -

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Mahjong

10:00 a.m. -

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Stitching Friends

10:00 a.m. -

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Stitching Friends

BOYS NIGHT OUT TAPS BEER BAR 6:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Bingo @ Little Sisters of the Poor

11:00 a.m.Book Club InColonial Resturant Intermark

10:00 a.m. -

1:30 p.m.

Stitching Friends

9:30 a.m. -

11:30 a.m.

First Friday

Level 3A @

The Troika

$$0�2I¿FHTel: (03) 2161-9008 / 9009

email:

[email protected]

VENUE KEY

AAM Villa @ The Troika

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KLJuly 2015

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat

american association of malaysia

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Coffee Morning at Ambiance ShowroomAmpang

OFFICE CLOSEDSummer Vacation

OFFICE CLOSEDHari Raya Puasa





1:00 p.m. -

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9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Malacca DayTour

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BOYS NIGHT OUT TAPS BEER BAR 6:00 p.m.

9:30 a.m. -

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First Friday

Level 3A @ The

Troika

4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

4th of July Celebration

Level 3A Poolside

The Troika

NO MAHJONGTHIS WEEK

10:00 a.m. -

1:30 p.m.

Stitching Friends

10:00 a.m. -

12:00 p.m.

Rice is Nice

cooking class

$$0�2I¿FHTel: (03) 2161-9008 / 9009

email:

[email protected]

1 2VENUE KEY

AAM Villa @ The Troika


32 KL American June/July 2015(60-3) 5565 2200

Documents

KL American - June/July 2015