Competitive Uniqueness of Malaysians

I came across this video about the speech from former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, and I have some thoughts to share.

Malaysia roots in multiculturalism and it is formed by three major races, Malay, Chinese and Indians, plus some ethnic minorities. We have learned to how to respect and live in multiculturalism for decades since our independence from the British Empire in 1957 and formally formed Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak in 1963. Although the majority of Malaysian are Muslim, still all races are living harmoniously for decades. Malaysia has its all to become the most liberal and democratic Islamic country in the world.

We have an interesting education system. Whenever I share how the education during my time with my friends here in the UK, they are always amazed how this works. Look, when I was in primary school, I learned everything in Chinese apart from the Malay and English language studies because I went to a Chinese public school. Then when I was in the secondary school, I learned everything in Malay. And later when I was in University, I learned everything in dual language, English and Malay. My education experiences literally shock my friends here as they wonder how this could work. Simple, this is our culture. We have the same syllabus but different delivery. Ha! And because of this, I am proficient in three languages, Chinese, Malay, and English. I have no problem picking up a new language, given the sufficient time to learn as I am used to this environment. I have been trained since my early years to be flexible and adaptable to different languages. After living abroad for years, I would say this is the most competitive uniqueness of Malaysians. I can still recalled the time when I was doing my PhD in a UK University where some of my friends are from the middle east, and I felt welcomed in their community because as a Malaysian, I understand the Islamic norms. Same with my Chinese speaking friends from mainland China and Taiwan, just because I speak the language and understand some Chinese literature to a certain extent.

All and all, I feel that for a new Malaysia to progress (after the historic election on 09 May 2018 where we changed the government for the very first time) to be a great nation in the world, we somehow have to be a Malaysian. By that saying, the Malaysian values are being respectful to each other, being selfless and not keep playing the race card (unfortunately some of the political parties still do in Malaysia), and really appreciate the uniqueness being a Malaysian.

West End Musical - The King and I 2018

Ken Watanabe is the main reason I watch the West End musical, The King and I. I first got to know him from The Last Samurai movie. It's quite interesting to see that he is now playing the King in such epic musical.

I love the humorous lines in the musical, such as et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, everything has to be scientific, and Anna is a puzzlement for the King. Also, the costumes are beautiful. The set is amazing. The singing and dancing are excellent. I love the way Kelli O'Hara played Anna. She is American, but her portrayal as an English lady is brilliant. This West End production is a replica of The King and I musical film in 1956.

I have enjoyed the first half of the musical compared to the second half. The dancing where Tuptim was coordinating a theatre for the palace party is nice. However, I found that the whole section is a bit too long. I wish that section is shortened so that they could fit in more interactions between the King and Anna, e.g., longer dancing time, or put on a scene where a grand ballroom dancing. Also, I wish that the actors and actresses who play the Thai characters can speak more in Thai accent (as long as it is understandable by the English speaking audience) rather than westerners accent. Thai language is a beautiful language and has its unique tone. It would be more beautiful if this element is embedded in the play.

Regarding the London Palladium theatre, the stall center seats are the best seats to see the stage. It is a musical worth seeing and one of the better ones I have seen in London.

PS: I can't help visualising Chow Yun-Fatt who played the King in Anna and The King film (1999). Ken Watanabe is great, and it could be quite nice to see Chow Yun-Fatt trying out this role on stage ;)

Guide for Chinese L-Visa (Tourist Visa) Application from the UK

I will soon to travel to China for over a week holiday. I have sorted out my Chinese Visa (the tourist visa - L visa) from the visa center in London. I thought it would be helpful to share you my experience. The process should be straightforward if you have everything ready. Hopefully, the following Q&A is useful for you ;)

1. What should I do prior the visa application?

Book all the flights (international and domestic flights) and accommodation. If you plan to stay with your friends and family in China, it is best to get them to write you an invitation letter

2. When to apply?

I would suggest a month before the date of departing to China. Depending what type of visa that you are applying for, for example, the visitor L visa, it is only valid for 3 months from the date you received the visa.

3. What are the required documents?

I prepared the following documents for the Lvisa application. You may want to check for the latest required documents on the website. Please find the step by step guidance here.

• Passport
• UK Visa - the Biometric Residence Permit (if you are not a British passport holder)
• Passport photo
• Itinerary 
• Flight and hotel reservation printouts (if you are not flying straight from UK to China, you will have to provide the flight itinerary for the flight you take to fly out from UK and fly in back to UK. For example, I will first fly to Malaysia from UK , then fly to China from Malaysia, hence I was asked to provide the itinerary for the return flight from UK to Malaysia)
• Application form (make sure you fill the form electronically, print it out and sign it. No handwritten form is accepted)
• Terms and condition form

Please also prepare photocopies of the above documents or you will be asked to make a photocopy. The photocopy service is available in the visa center. It costs 50p per page for printing or photocopy. It is advised to have some changes or coins with you, just in case you are required to provide more documents. The photocopier in the visa center only takes coins.  

4. Where is the visa center in London?

12 Old Jewry, London, EC2R 8DU. Click here for more information.

Nearest Tube station: Bank station (once you arrive at Bank station, take the exit 8 or 9 to Poultry, cross the road once you come out and you shall wee Old Jewry street on the right)

 

The other visa centers in the UK are located in Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast.

5. How much does the visa cost?

Here is the fees for various visas depending on your nationality. If you plan to pay by card, make sure you have the Debit Card with you. If I am not mistaken, they only take Debit Card

6. How long do I have to wait?

I opted in for normal service, which took 4 working days.

7. What is the visa application process like in the visa center?

For application

• Prior to going to the visa center, it is mandatory for you to book an appointment beforehand. You can book the appointment here. 
• Arrive at the visa center 15 minutes earlier, have your documents and the appointment confirmation email ready, then proceed to the receptionist desk
• The receptionist will then do the pre-check of your documents to ensure you have everything ready, then he/she will issue you a ticket number
• Wait until your ticket number is called
• Proceed to the desk number assigned and an officer will then process all your documents. The officer may ask you a few questions pertaining to the visa application. If everything goes smoothly, he/she will take all your documents (including passport) and issue you another ticket number for the payment. If you are holding a UK visa, only a photocopy of the visa is required. They will return your UK visa. Go downstairs for the payment
• Go down stair and wait until your ticket number is called. A receipt will be issued after you have paid. The payment officer will advise when the visa will be ready for collection. 

For collection

• You can normally come in at anytime on the collection day. No appointment is required.
• Go to the receptionist once you arrive. Take the ticket number and go to down stairs.
• Wait until your ticket number is called and collect the visa. I went in a weekday afternoon, it took less than 5 minutes for collection.
• The visa is normally stick in your passport. Check the passport and make sure it is your passport, and check if all details in the visa is correct. 

8. What are the other facilities available in the visa center?

Photocopier, printer, water dispenser, and toilet. Not sure about Wifi.

Should you have additional questions, please feel free to drop them in the comment box below.

Good luck and have fun :)