Bumi Kenyalang (Land Of The Hornbills)

A step forward toward nature, the beauty of the planet. Sarawak is known as the land of the most complex and diverse ecosystems on earth which is formed with a combination of rainforest, highland plateux and river communities. Six hundred kilometres across the South China Sea from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak stretches 750km in length on the north-west side of Borneo Island (an area larger than North Korea but smaller than Greece). Sarawak is the largest of 13 states in Malaysia making up some 37.5 per cent of the country’s total area.

Being known as a multi-cultural country, there are over 28 ethnic groups in Sarawak, each with their own language, culture, lifestyle and tradition. Sarawak is home to one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests – a rainforest that has over 185 species of wildlife; 500 species of birds and an almost uncountable species of insect. The colour of Sarawak’s different cultures are woven from the fabric of the rainforest and its history. Traditional ways of life remain attuned to the forest, mountains, rivers and land with rivers streaming down the jungle-covered mountains to become wide, muddy arteries nearer to the sea.

However, Sarawak as we know it is adapting into the modern world. They have transformed some of their old structures into ones which are better suited for the modern world without losing their touch with nature and tradition. Home to various historical buildings which date back from as late as the early 19th century, Sarawak holds a variety of architectural styles. Tourism in Sarawak plays a major part in the state’s economy, attracting tourists from all around the globe to “come to where adventure lives”.

Text by Tony Ward
Photos courtesy of Sarawak Tourism Board

Teh C Ping Special (Must Try)

Teh C Ping Special is a three layer ice tea drink which is commonly found in this country. The only difference is the taste. The best taste Teh C Ping Special can be found in Kuching, and some other cities in Sarawak, as I’ve been told. You may ask, why is it so special in those cities. Frankly, I don’t know. Maybe it’s the tea leaves, maybe the water, maybe the milk but according to one source, it’s the gula. My source told me that most of the Teh C Ping Special sold in Subang, PJ, or KL are using gula melaka, whereas the ones sold in Kuching uses gula attap. If you ever go to Sarawak, Teh C Ping Special is a must-try in your ‘things to-do in Sarawak’ list.

A poster promoting Teh C Ping Special in a coffee shop (above).

Teh C Ping Special from a shop in KL (above). Taste is not as good as the ones in Sarawak. Yet, they all look similar. Hard to differentiate with the eyes.

Teh C Ping Special from Kuching (above).

Some of the places to get this drink in Kuching are Chong Choon cafe, 7th Mile fresh food court and Jalan Song.

Text by pooi
Photos courtesy of Greg Wee and Pooi

Icograda Design Week

Optimism: Icograda Design Week Brisbane 2010 (above). Photo courtesy of Icograda

Creativity is what sets companies apart from competitors, whether it be industrial, graphic, communication or among the many other design disciplines Optimisim allows those with like minds to come together to learn, network and discuss design. Brisbane has a host of design talent which is being exposed worldwide, Optimisim brings internationally recognized designers and speakers to our shores so we can gain a better understanding of how to position ourselves to take advantage of our design skills both locally and internationally.

If I was a student I would I’d try and find the time to go to many of the events. It is hard to pinpoint one talk that would be more important to attend than others, it would come down to particular interests or ambitions they may hold within design. If undecided about future direction or focus, attending all of the talks may highlight particular points of interest.
– Shaun Crossman

Text from optimismbne.tumblr.com/post/1208568849/does-this-turn-you-on

Optimism: Icograda Design Week Brisbane 2010 (above). Photo courtesy of Icograda

XIN: Icograda World Design Congress 2009 in Beijing. Video for the opening ceremony (above)

XIN: Icograda World Design Congress 2009 in Beijing. ‘Chinese Graphic Design in the 20th Century- A Documentary’ exhibition (above). Photo courtesy of Icograda

XIN: Icograda World Design Congress 2009 in Beijing. Ric Grefe, Max Bruinsma and Victor Margolin (above). Photo courtesy of Icograda

That’s all for now. Want to know more about Icograda Design Week in Sarawak, 15 – 21 October, 2012,
visit sarawak.icograda.org

Report by pooi

MAKMAL© Series: The Direction of Design Education

Read more at transforming-the-education-system-by-design

Batik Boutique

classy, chic, cosy. We are Perfectly Personal!

Batik Boutique is one of the newest chic lifestyle hotels in town and has shot to great popularity because of its classic nonya-batik theme, friendly service and fantastic Japanese eatery. Located in the centre of town, close to the Kuching Hilton and Pullman Interhill shopping centre, Batik offers 15 individually designed rooms, unconventional hotel facilities with the ingredients of luxury lodging and a family atmosphere.

Text by Tony Ward
source:
batikboutiquehotel.com
Photos courtesy of Batik Boutique

The Junk

IDW2012 organising committee having a chat after dinner at The Junk (above)

The Junk is situated in Kuching’s oldest street, Wayang Street. The beautifully restored interior houses a paraphernalia of antique items collected over the years and includes old grandfather clocks, bird cages and rattan chicken coops – all personal collections of owner cum chef George Ling who runs the restaurant with his wife Roselyn. The menu is well put together and although changed periodically, offers the favourites. The fusion cuisine has a sprinkling of French, Italian, Western and fusion In addition, George will whip out something from his kitchen for those who require something unique or different. The Special Menu for the Day gives diners the option of trying a new recipe and it seldom fails to please.

source:
Text from my.88db.com/Food/Malaysian-Delights/ad-77915/
Photos courtesy of Archee Moong

Square Tower

Square Tower is a heritage structure on the Kuching Waterfront. As you walk along the Sarawak River, you will come upon the Square Tower, a white cube-like structure in the shape of a fortress. The Square Tower in Kuching is one of those odd looking buildings that is hard to miss. It was built in 1879, the same year Fort Margherita on the opposite bank of the river was erected. Originally, it was used as a prison, and it even had dungeons. Then, it was turned into a fortress, and even into a dance hall. Today the Square Tower is one of the heritage buildings in Kuching that serve mainly for tourism. It is now fitted with a multimedia information centre, complete with a theatre for video presentations.

source:
Text from asiaexplorers.com/malaysia/square_tower.htm
Photos courtesy of Sarawak Tourism Board

Icograda Design Week

Design Currency: Icograda Design Week 2010 In Vancouver (above). Creative group brainstorm at Dinner with a Side of Design (Photo courtesy of Icograda)

Rod Roodenburg, GDC President, said “we donʼt have the answers but we have ideas, and so do you. Lets create the value of design together”. That one statement alone inspires me to want to attend this conference. Going to a conference to truly participate and contribute on a global level sounds refreshing. One of the conference events that I am most keen to attend is the ʻDinner With a Side of Design, April 25, 26 & 28. A long table series at Irish Heather (great beer and food) combining local leaders and designers in collaborative conversations focused around the complex themes of sustainability, culture and economics. i have never heard of such an opportunity where my thoughts and ideas would have an actual impact on our city.

Text by Matt SamyciaWood
http://industrialbrand.com/blog/icogradas-design-week-vancouver-2010

Mousharaka: Icograda Design Week 2009 in Qatar (above). Speakers involved in the interactive session (Photo courtesy of Icograda)

Straight to Business: Icograda Design Week 2010 in Madrid (above). Opening of Todo es Diseño, curated by Oscar Mariné (Photo by Pablo Orcajo, courtesy of Icograda)

That’s all for now. Want to know more about Icograda Design Week in Sarawak, 15 – 21 October, 2012, visit sarawak.icograda.org

report by pooi

Rediscover this Island in the World.

Home to a culture, rooted in primordial forest and enriched by time, where universal questions continue to be asked and answered for us all.

Where have we come from?
Where are we now?
Where are we going?

Rediscover an empire for all the senses where nature’s design shapes life and lives.
Rediscover a cultural bazaar where design past, present and future meet.

Borneo Jazz 2011. Photos courtesy of Sarawak Tourism Board (above)

A Small World Of Design

Rediscovery brings a benign lens onto an indigenous and local Design microcosm, making available to world design scrutiny and reflection a uniquely formed and vital human imprint. An island in the world. A world story belonging to no one – if not everyone – awaiting rediscovery in its retelling.

The magnificent five (above)

A Past Present and Future Context For Design

Rediscovery offers a revelation and celebration of the first truths of indigenous knowledge by academics, design and craft practitioners. It is an opportunity to experience the uniquely energetic dynamic of a local world Design incubator and to encourage, learn from and contribute to an undertaking towards a sustainable future culture shaped by design, education and responsibility. One that while partly a response to a history of exploitation of human and natural resources it embraces the innovative hybridisation of cross-cultural fertilisation with universal first truths originally revealed in flickering light beneath the canopy of ancient rainforests.

The tree of life (above)

Design Week Education Round Table at the Design Currency: Icograda Design Week 2010 In Vancouver. Photos courtesy of Icograda (above)

Optimism: Icograda Design Week Brisbane 2010. Photo by Seesaw Photography, courtesy of Icograda

For more information on Icograda Design Week in Sarawak, 15 – 21 October, 2012,
visit sarawak.icograda.org

Text by Tony Ward
Photos courtesy of Sarawak Tourism Board, Icograda, Archee Moong
Report by pooi

Media briefing and interview

Icograda Design Week 2012 in Sarawak (15 – 21 October)

wREGA held a media briefing and interview with Leimei Julia Chiu, President of Icograda, at the Grand Seasons Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Journalists from local media, The Sun, The Star, Malay Mail and CUTOUT were present.

Members of the organising committee of the Icograda Design Week in Sarawak in October 2012, setting up the room.

Arrival of media representatives.

Julia arriving at the media briefing.

Members of the organising committee, taking a break to grab a quick late lunch.

For more information on Icograda Design Week in Sarawak, 15 – 21 October, 2012, visit sarawak.icograda.org

photos and report by pooi
using Nikon D50, 18 – 55mm Nikon DX

Anak Sarawak Appreciation Award

Members of the organising committee for the Icograda Design Week in Sarawak in October this year, with the Anak Sarawak Appreciation Award by the Sarawak Conventional Bureau.

For more information on Icograda Design Week in Sarawak, 15 – 21 October, 2012, visit sarawak.icograda.org

photos by Michael and KDC
report by pooi

Sorry folks.

Today no report. Jay told me today is a holiday… so cameraman cuti.
See you again tomorrow.

For more information on Icograda Design Week in Sarawak, 15 – 21 October, 2012, visit sarawak.icograda.org

An evening with the creative leaders

The organising committee of the Icograda Design Week in Sarawak (later this year) and wREGA, hosted a dinner at Madam Kwan’s in Bangsar.

Representatives of the local creative associations were invited. According to Zac, the intention of the dinner was to get to know ourselves and actually tackling the issues, challenges and hurdles we face in Malaysia in the design and creative sector with the background of Japan’s successful creative industry model that has been copied by many Asian countries including South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore.

“Yea, that’s my favourite, Tan Sri”

For more information on Icograda Design Week in Sarawak, 15 – 21 October, 2012, visit sarawak.icograda.org

photos and report by pooi
using Nikon D50, 18 – 55mm Nikon DX

Meeting of the bosses

“Bos, roti canai satu. Garing punya. Teh tarik satu. Kurang manis”

“Baik bos”

The preparation discussion continued at our most loved…

“Bos, teh tarik kurang manis, satu lagi”

This short meeting took place at Restaurant Darussalam, SS15, Subang Jaya.

For more information on Icograda Design Week in Sarawak, 15 – 21 October, 2012, visit sarawak.icograda.org

photos and report by pooi
using Nikon D50, 18 – 55mm Nikon DX

Look beyond and make your ideas matter

A design and business workshop was conducted at Sunway University. Attended by creative professionals, creative educators and design students from various art and design institutions in town.

Julia shared with the audiences the current global design trends where designers are looking beyond and making their ideas matter. Design ideas that can change the world.

(Check out a similar post on this topic, http://wrega.org/v2/blog/?p=156).

When it comes to a Mac problem, Michael and Asri are our heroes.

Students were then, divided into groups, to share their views and ideas on the current design issues in Malaysia, with a creative professional or educator each.

When the time was up (for group discussion), each group were to present their ideas to all, in the front. They were not allowed to present ideas which have been presented by an earlier group.

Some last word of advise before their turn.

No one (group) in the room were left out in presenting their ideas.

Later, Julia shared with the audiences works done around the world. Design works which were awarded for changing lives.

Before ending the session, there is always time for Q&A.

Former wREGA president, Koh Lee Meng also shared with the students what the industry are expecting from design graduates.

Some members of the organising committee of Icograda Design Week in Sarawak in October this year.

wREGA committee with a participants.

Some private sessions

Thank you to all participants who attended this workshop. Thank you to everyone in the organising committee and thank you to Sunway University for hosting this event.

For more information on Icograda Design Week in Sarawak, 15 – 21 October, 2012, visit sarawak.icograda.org

photos and report by pooi
using Nikon D50, 18 – 55mm Nikon DX