Xmas in Malaysia

These days all around the worls peoaple are happy, smilly, spending time to buy gift and celebrating Xmas,

although, 2008 ended with global financial crisis, pockets shrank, but in malaysia, the world in different

the truly Asia is hosting a remarkable amount of people from Arab countries, gulf countries, middle-east countries, EU, America and the rest of world

why?

apart from this fact that, malaysai is a safe and peacedful copuntry with hospitable poeple

this should be noted that, malaysia has fascinating shopping centers that giving unbelivable discounts almost for any prouct and brand at the end of the year and new year eve.

lets have a look at " the star" column about malaysia and Xmas

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/12/23/focus/19828002&sec=focus

Have a blessed Xmas, Malaysia

I AM pleased to read about the many Christmas activities in Malaysia. The National Xmas Open House in Kota Kinabalu and Xmas Parade in Kuching will be interesting. The universal message of peace and goodwill to all mankind can only bring people together, regardless of their differences.

While Malaysia is not perfect, and no country is, it is encouraging to see government ministers attending some of the festivities. It is this openness and willingness to reach out to one another and respect one another’s different beliefs and customs that mark Malaysia out as a unique and peaceful place.

Christmas is a time for people to reflect on the past and to look forward to the future. The turning of the page into a new year always brings excitement and expectation.

It should be our fervent prayer for the country that it will continue to progress towards becoming an enlightened nation that serves as a beacon not only of material progress but also spiritual light for all.

While many countries may boast of many things, few can boast of that distinct feature that is uniquely Malaysian – the maturity of its political leaders of all persuasions to work things out amicably. It is this enviable quality that makes Malaysia a tall nation.

It would be fantastic if Christians could be even more forthcoming in providing food for the poor and share other material goods with those in need. While we often look to the Government to take the lead in being benevolent, yet the readiness to share is an individual and communal responsibility, and something spontaneous. And Malaysians are a sharing people.

I celebrated Christmas last year in Kuala Lumpur with friends and we had so much to eat and to be thankful for. But as I read of the world’s troubles and the influx of refugees and others into the country, I hope Christians will make an effort to remember those less fortunate and share with them.

My aged father never fails to open his house and his heart to neighbours of all backgrounds during Christmas and if we can make every day like Christmas that would be even greater. In our joy let us not forget those who need our prayers and compassion, especially the victims of floods who have lost loved ones.

May God continue to bless Malaysia, guide and protect all its leaders, and keep all Malaysians from all harm. Malaysia will be better place if we can make it Christmas every day.

Malaysia 2008 and Chinese New Year (CNY)......

Chinese new year one of the most historical and traditional ceremonies throughout the world each year is hosted and celebrated by majority of people in Malaysia

everywhere is painted in Red and fire cracks and lion dancing performed every where

all products discounted all malls and shopping centers launch new products with lower prices
the majority of companies offer huge promotions.

one week holiday provides the best opportunity for traveling and getting rest.

some beliefs and traditions of chinese:
(http://www.best-of-langkawi.com/CULTURE-festivals-celebrations-chinese.php)

The celebration of CNY is not all freewheeling fun though, as there are taboos and beliefs, some of which are spiritual in nature, that need to be observed. For example, though the feasting generally goes on for the whole 15-day period, a break, of sorts, is taken on the third day. Businesses remain closed, and visiting is discouraged on that day, as it is believed that, otherwise, misfortune may befall the family.

Also, no one is allowed to sweep the floor on the first day of the New Year as it is considered unlucky; that one would accidently sweep away one\'s good luck and fortune if they do so.

As a contrast, what is believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil is the lion which, according to legend, was the only animal that managed to wound the Nian. This gave rise to the lion dance, as the villagers of the story tried to mimic the lion in their attempt to frighten the beast away.

Here in Malaysia, troupes of lion dancers travel in trucks during the 15-day period to perform at individual homes and businesses, even hotels and shopping complexes. It is one of the most spectacular sights during this period, where performers regularly shimmy up poles to pick up ang pows, while moving to the beat of the drums.

DIFFERENT CELEBRATIONS

On the seventh day of CNY, which is considered as the birthday of all human beings, the Cantonese community partakes in a dish called yee sang, a simple mixture of thin slices of raw fish, shredded vegetables, herbs and sauces.

All the ingredients for the dish are served separately on the same plate, and would then be tossed and mixed, carried with chopsticks high in the air by all at the table, while saying out loud the word loh hei, which means liveliness, prosperity and longevity. This practice is said to herald prosperity for the coming year.

The eighth day is a time of prayer. The Hokkien community performs a ritual where offerings are made to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven. This often extends into the ninth day.

The 15th and last day, Chap Goh Meh, is observed in several ways. In Penang, the Hokkien community commemorates this day with a parade (Chingay parade) where stilt walkers, lion and dragon dancers, and acrobats move along the busy streets of Georgetown, to the beat of gongs, drums and cymbals.

However, the highlight of Chap Goh Meh, which is often regarded as the Chinese Valentine\'s day, has got to be the throwing of oranges into the river. It is believed that maidens would attract good husbands if they adhere to this practice.

Malaysia and space exhibition....WAWOOOOO...!

Malaysia is moving fast toward becoming a well-known country not only in ASEAN region but also globally.

in pursuit of achieving this goal Malaysia's government holds many exhibition annually ,among all of those this exhibition is distinct

MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL SPACE ADVENTURE(MISA)

http://www.misa.com.my/

this exhibition is being held in PUTRAJAYA beside the famous lake which has given spacial perspective to this interesting event. from social analysis view i can argue that by this kind of activites mamalysia's governement pursue two fold objectives

1. promoting tourist industry and attracting more tourist
2. promoting overall national knowledge and the degree of general scientific literacy

by addressing these two,Malaysia's government is getting more involved in globalization and global competitiveness.

Malaysia has Singapore as copycat because Singapore has a long prosperous history in global involvement and interaction despite its small size Singapore has been playing a significant role in ASEAN economy.

in this post i would refer to some lines from MISA website:


"The Malaysian International Space Adventure (MISA) is a Visit Malaysia Year 2007 Showcase event which is also a striking lead in to Visit Malaysia Year 2008. MISA will run from the 16th of December 2007 to 16th March 2007 which showcases Space exhibits from Europe and the U.S.A for the first time ever in Asia" as i wrote in aforementioned lines ,it is vivid that this event is aimed at drawing global attention toward Malaysia at the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008

About MISA :from "http://www.all-about-malaysia-info.blogspot.com/2007/12/asias-biggest-space-adventure.html"

• The theme for MISA is “Experience Space on Earth”

• MISA will be opened for 3 months from 15 December 2007 to 16 March 2008.

• This is the first NASA exhibit in Asia and will cover over 300,000 sq ft of exposition area.

• There will be 87 exhibits from NASA including the Apollo programme, the Gemini programme and exhibits from German Space Museum.

• There will be 8 zone exhibits including Galactic Concourse, History of Space Exploration, Magic Planet, Mars Rover, Space Station Interactive, Space Shuttle Flight Deck, Blast Zone and the first 4D Theatre experience in Malaysia.

EXHIBIT FROM NASA

Galactic Concourse
• A full immersion projection experience allowing visitors to gaze upon stars, be surrounded by interstellar clouds and walk through faraway galaxies.

History of Space Exploration
• A full educational experience allowing visitors to retrace the history of space exploration including the questions, the curiosity and the technological breakthroughs that introduced new terms like astronauts, rockets and quantum leap.

Magic Planet
• View spectacular digital video globes suspended from the ceiling while the Storyteller explains about the Sun, Moon and other planets through stories.

Mars Rover
• Join NASA’s trailblazing mobile robotic pioneers in exploring the many sides of the Martian landscape.

Space Station Interactive
• A free trial at the only inhabitable facility in space.
• There are 6 module racks available for visitors to control and participate in everything from choreographing a spacewalk to a repair of a solar array.

Space Shuttle Flight Deck
• A full-to-partial replica of the Discovery on which visitors can engage in a simulated space mission and discover how a space expedition is organized.

Blast Zone
• The Space Shuttle Theatre will take visitors through the final seconds before a spacecraft launch.

4D Theatre
• The first ever 4D theatre experience in Malaysia using the world’s latest and most spectacular 4D display.