Hi Folks,

Last week, our MD, Tengku Dato' Azmil was interviewed on the Breakfast Grille, on BFM89.9.

From now until August, Living MH Blog will be featuring our staff's travelogues on BFM89.9.

In these travelogues, our colleagues share their real travel experiences with BFM listeners on what they find is unique and interesting about the countries they have visited i.e. the best places to eat, stay, things to do, shopping & bargain hunting, architecture, nature and more.

Our first colleague on BFM89.9 is Kusoom Dahlan who is attached to MAS Bangkok office. As a local, Kusoom shares her insights and travel tips on places to check out in Bangkok.

For those based in KUL, do tune to BFM89.9 to listen to our colleagues' travel insights. These travelogues will be aired anytime as follows:

• Weekdays - 6 am to 10 am and 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm
• Saturday and Sunday - 5 pm to 10 pm.

Note: Subject to BFM’s programming, the schedule may change.

By: Kusoom Dahlan (Malaysia Airlines, Bangkok)

On MH Day, 24th February 2010, BKKTO team spent our break time and after-office hours to distribute the flyers for the Thai Travel Fair during 25th and 28th February 2010 which coincides with the MATF fair at HQ.

Staff wearing MH t-shirts locally designed for Thailand team and went to main public/commercial areas and main Skytrain stations to distribute those flyers. The flyers are quite attractive both by its colours and the fares offered. We have gained quite an attention from public.

The activity held from 24th to 26th February 2010 gathered a joint effort from all departments, Sales, Reservations/Ticketing and Accounts in distributing the flyers and creating public awareness of MAS in Thailand.
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We have some photos here to share with you.

By: Kusoom Dahlan (Malaysia Airlines, Bangkok)

Group picture with children

Juara team with students

It’s a charity cause before year’s end. In Thai culture, we believe that if we start a new year with good deeds, good things will come our way and we will be blessed whole year through.

It started when K. Amnat, our Juara rep, found this poor family with their disabled nine-year old daughter, Boonyuen Nhampolkrang or “Nong Yuen” as she is known to her family and friends at school. She was born with weak leg muscles so she cannot walk like other children at her age. She has had 2 operations for her legs by the Government Hospital and may need another one in future. Her mother has to carry her around, to toilet, to her bed, to school etc. She also could not hold or grab things in her hands. Her father, Mr. Prayoon is the single earner of the family since her mother; Mrs. Nak has to spend her full time taking care of their only child. Nong Yuen is supposed to be in 4th grade but due to her physical deficiency, no schools in the village or nearby area are willing to accept her since it would be quite a burden for them as they do not have the facility for the “special child care”. Nong Yuen also has a problem with her brain. She is a slow learner and with a short memory. So she needs a special attention which most ordinary schools cannot provide.

Group picture with the special child

Handing over contribution from BKK team to parent

Handing over wheel chair to parent

Until last year, Ms. Krittiya, a teacher in kindergarten class at Wat Ladsai Primary School in Ayudhaya province, volunteered to take Nong Yuen under her care. That’s when the girl was offered a chance to start school as other children although she is the oldest among her class mates!  Ms. Krittiya started with training her to control her hands to hold things first otherwise she would not be able even to hold a pencil to write. She gave her a pack of craft clay for her to clench everyday while at home. It has been a year of training and now she can hold a pencil, a spoon and other stuff in her hands although loosely but at least she can move and control her fingers now!

Distributing lunch packs to children

Everyday, her mother has to carry her and put her at the back of her bicycle and ride her to school. At school, her mother has to carry her to the class, to toilet and everywhere. She has to stay around at her daughter’s school everyday until class is over. Then she has to carry Nong Yuen back in the bicycle and ride back home. It’s quite a burden for the mother as Nong Yuen is getting bigger everyday and has become too heavy for her mother to carry.

K. Amnat has seen this poor family and raised the matter to the colleagues to help fund the family and try to find other kind of support to help the girl to move around on her own in order to lessen her mother’s burden. All staff willingly answered to his call of charity and contributed a fund for the girl’s education. Thanks to the good relationship that K. Amnat has with TG, they have donated one wheelchair for the girl to use at home and at school so her mother won’t have to carry her around anymore.

Handing over goodie bags to children

On 30th December 09, last working day of the year, our MH team comprising airport and town representatives, led by Mr. Selva, our Area Manager and Mr. Yoga, our Station Manager together with Mr. Thanapat, Sales Manager started off for Ayudhaya province, an hour-and-a-half drive from BKK town to visit the school where Nong Yuen and her class mates were waiting with joy and excitement. It was the last school day before long holidays also. When we arrived, the students were having their New Year’s party and lunch in each class. It was a fun atmosphere. The students from other classes were as enthusiastic as we arrived at the school compound with bags full of goodies for the kids. K. Amnat and our Sales Manager together with Sales officer were waiting there and already treated the whole class with chicken rice and cold soft drinks. The children looked so happy. That’s the first time we saw Nong Yuen, who was smiling all the time. She looked healthy and happy and could get along well with her friends. Her friends seemed to love her too.

After lunch, Ms. Krittiya, asked her small students to line up and receive the goodies from Mr. Selva. Then, Mr. Selva handed over the cash fund (total THB 5,500) contributed by MAS BKK town and airport offices including Cargo to Nong Yuen’s mother who was appreciative of our donation. Then we presented a gift which we hope would be very useful to Nong Yuen, the wheelchair with MAS logo!

We finished our cause with a group picture with the Nong Yuen and her teacher and friends. It was a happy day to all. Thanks to K. Amnat for his thoughtfulness and caring for the child’s welfare so that we could have a chance to do some good things together, to make one small life better.

Cheers!

By: Kusoom Dahlan (Malaysia Airlines, Bangkok)

Delicious food

It’s been quite sometime that we have not done any activities together at our station due most of us (especially myself) have been busy with the new Sita Res system.

Staff listening to Mr. Selva

Before 2009 passed by, we had arranged a small get-together lunch at our town office on 24th December. As usual, each department had brought some food to share. It’s nice to see all staff together in a relaxed mood after having gone through tough time together the whole year through. This was also an intimate welcome to our new boss, Mr. Selvadurai Sinniah who had just taken up the position of Area Manager Thailand and Indochina on 24th Nov 09. He also brought along his wife and 2 lovely kids to join us. The function started with a New Year wish from Mr. Selva and after lunch, we exchanged gifts by drawing the numbers from the small tags in a bowl. The owner of the gift would be the one who presented the gift to the drawer and he/she would be the next one to draw the next no. and so on. This way made you feel like you had received the gift from your friend and not just a lucky draw.

Register Chart

Before we parted to resume our work, one of the Reservations staff had called for a contribution from those who were interested in raising fund for strayed dogs and cats at a “Pet Care House” in Kanchanaburi , a province at the west border of Thailand. Two of our staff would be going there during New Year’s holiday to visit those pets and donate our fund to that caring house.

I have some nice pictures here of our function to share with you.

Happy 2010!!

By: Kusoom Dahlan (Malaysia Airlines, Bangkok)

If you had just ONE day to spend in Bangkok, what can you do?

Shop Shop! 

Bangkok is heaven for you. Famous areas like Silom , Surawong , Ploenchit , Sukhumvit , to name a few , are big shopping centres where you will enjoy spending the dollars in your pockets on shoes , bags , clothes etc. , either brand names or no-name brands and even second hand stuff. High-end stores at Gaysorn Plaza or Peninsular Plaza stand nearby the teens’fashion hub and hang-out place - Siam Square. If you are looking for something trendy and reasonably priced , Platinum Shopping complex may be an answer to your budget.

Weekend market - Chatuchak is another option for those who like to practice their bargaining skills. There are thousands of booths and stalls selling anything under the sun , from small hairpins to antiques.  Plants , pets , clothes , home decoration stuff , handicrafts , old books , new books – you name it! It’s quite an experience if you don’t mind the heat and the crowd!

Go for a day tour to the oldest area of Bangkok , Sanam Luang and Rattanakosin island where most of the beautiful temples and the magnificent Grand Palace are located will take you away from the bustling and busy happening of the modernized world. You may take a walking tour or a bicycle ride from Wat Po , the oldest and biggest temple to Wat Pra Kaew or temple of the Emerald Buddha or take a boat to Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn on the opposite side of the river. The glittering and glamorous Grand Palace will make you feel like living in paradise or a dreamland.

To avoid the renown traffic of Bangkok , a cruise along the Chao Praya River is a “cool” way to explore the city. You may take a boat ride from Tha Chang pier near the Grand Palace or Si Phaya pier near River City Shopping complex in the city centre.

For IT savvies , Pantip Plaza must be a familiar name to you. This IT shopping mall offers a variety of computer software and hardware and accessories including repair and networking. Latest models of laptop , ipod , handphones , DVD , VCD and other electronic devices can be found here.

Thai massage and Spa is a choice for those who want to relax. It helps you to release your tension and stress. The Thai  traditional massage at Wat Po is original and well-known among tourists. You may try it out after a long , exhausting day.

If you want to see a different life style in Bangkok  , you may visit the old-town China town where most of the Chinese inhabitants still maintain their way of life as their ancestors. You can savour a variety of Chinese food and take home some food stuff and other nice things from Sampheng market. China town or Yaowaraj is the place for gold lovers as well. It is famous for its fine craftsmanship and high quality gold.

Bangkok is also a big market for jewellery and gems. You may spend your one day here just for some nice and fine cut stones.

One of the great enjoyment of being in Bangkok is that you can eat 24 hours a day! Hundreds of thousands of restaurants and sidewalk stalls scattered all around the city can cater to your choice and demand.

A lot more you can do in this city of angels – Krung Thep – the Thai name for Bangkok. Despite the local political conflict and the occasional street chaos , Bangkok is still a nice place worth your visit. Come and explore it and you will agree with me that “one day is never enough” for Bangkok.

A day in Bangkok is never enough. There are many things to do but you should never miss going on the "Tut-tut" taxi.

This article by Dale Tan (Friends of MH) extracted from http://frostier.net

Actual title of Dale Tan's story is First immigration clearance.

At the age of 27, being the first time travelling overseas is really something I am not sure whether I should be proud of or not. In fact, I would not have the opportunity until the other day when Ah Beng decided that we should go to Bangkok. I thought they were just joking when suddenly I was being informed that the flight and hotel arrangement was done.

Web Check-in

I was taken aback and due to the earlier commitment, I eventually had to go to get my passport up in order to travel to Thailand. Thomas told me that all of us will be travelling via Malaysia Airlines. Being excited with the travel, I was over packed for the trip. Thus, it actually was clogging the luggage bag from getting more stuff back from Bangkok. On top of that, I also regret bringing small luggage which I should be able to fit 20kg check-in luggage. Otherwise I could bring the entire Bangkok back.

On departure

On the final round before we meet up for the departure, we were instant messaging each other while I was trying to confirm the stuff need to bring. What to do, it was my first time traveling this far. Anyway, been an eager beaver I checked in earlier than Wingz and Thomas. I tried out the web-based check-in. It was easy piece of cake to get myself check-in. Apparently I need to check in between 24 to 1 hours before the check-in time. If there is less than 1 hour before check-in time, one is required to use the counter check-in. The rojaks ended up queuing up.

Entrance Gate G6

Our flight to Bangkok was on the 737 at G6. It was an enjoyable ride as we mess around with the stewardesses for items such as blankets and pillows. As we take off, the cabin crew runs a demo on how to put on safety belt and stuff like that. I did not paying attention as I was busy taking photos.

MAS Free Meal

Not to forget the constant smile from the sweet Agnes Soh, she became the subject of my camera till touchdown. Along the path, the next thing that caught my attention was the food. I had a full meal from the serving and kept the Ferrero Rocher for later savoring.

Agnes Soh

Once we landed, I was like totally disbelief this is happening to me. I have finally touched my feet on the other ground. The other land. Felt like it was a huge step for me. Especially to be in Bangkok. We walked toward the immigration area to get the clearance and my devil mind started its actions. What if I could not get through? What if I were being suspected to be part of Thaksin group that on my way to Bangkok and causing riots? And the list goes on…

Immigration

Eventually I manage to get through the clearance and finally, I could see the smile. The land of smile. Spa, massage, shopping and tom yam here I come. *ps: I got my first stamp on the passport

Bangkok

Next stop, the wonderful courtyard…

*note: this traveling took place on 10th April to 12th April 2009

By: Yap Thomas (Friends of MH)

Article captured from http://www.yapthomas.com/index.php/2009/04/22/flying-with-malaysia-airlines-to-bangkok

See, the whole reason why I need a ‘blog secretary‘ is to remind me that I haven’t finish posting about my Perth Adventure. Now, I am stuck! Should I continue blogging about Perth or should I start with Bangkok?

Oh no! It’s like some love hate relationship with my own blog. What the heck right? I know!

Anyway… I’ve got a plan… nyek nyek nyek…

Okay, so I went to Bangkok two weeks ago. It was such a random plan. Wingz was one of my travel companions to Bangkok. I told him I want to plan a trip because I got ‘jalan’ for cheap fare and cheap accommodation at Courtyard Marriott. See! The benefit of a travel agent!  Wingz got his buddy Frostier to join in, since he needs to break his flight virginity. That fellow so lucky you know! ‘Cause he broke his flight virginity with Malaysia Airlines! So many people out there now break their flight virginity with Air Asia. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Since I got my contact in MAS to give me this flight to Bangkok free of charge, I promised to blog about them like how I blog about Air Asia. FOC is only for me, not for Wingz and Frostier. Muahahahha *bragging time*

My flight was…
MH  784 Y  10APR KULBKK HS1  0910   1015
MH  783 Y  12APR BKKKUL HS1  1710   2015

I was so busy before I flew and I barely even have time to pack. But what pack? Three pair of cloths and I’m set to go!

Reached the airport very early in the morning and since I’m still early, I decided to give the self check-in kiosk a try. I’ve tried the self check-in kiosk for Air Asia at LCCT long time ago but never used MAS’ kiosk.

Such a hassle free and not like Wingz he has to line up because the window for self check in is one hour before flight departure. So he was unlucky. Muahahaha!! Take picture some more lah!

Traveling with Malaysia Airlines, I was expecting the MH is Malaysian Hospitality that was much talked and advertised all over.

The plane was a small one (Boeing 737, I think) when I was going to Bangkok but I was only complaining for the first 15 minutes upon entering the plane. This one particular stewardess was so sweet that it took my complaints away! Her name is Agnes Soh. *blue*

See! So sweet right? Her smile just threw all my complaints out of the window. She was just like the Cool & Cold Korean Lady I met when I was at Arirang, Perth. She was kind of frustrating at one point when her mate at the back of the plane was slow in responding to her request but that frustration she had diminish when she turns to the passenger. *melts*

Anyways, that aside. I have babbled enough. *hik* Let the pictures do all the talking from now on…

I got this pillow from the flight going to Bangkok…

Was served Nasi Lemak with Sambal Prawn…

Liked the deserts very much…

Liked even more the smile of Agnes Soh…

Didn’t like the seat given to me.  Should have asked for emergency seat which I always do. My leg so long I can’t have enough seat pitch!! *boo*

The flight coming back was a lot better. They are using a bigger aircraft. YAY! That time I was smarter also, I asked for emergency aisle seat! Clever right? I know!!

That flight MH783 from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur got screen also!!!

The seats were a lot nicer and more comfy also!

Was served pizza. I was jealous because Frostier got rice. Was so hungry that I wanted rice, but they said finish. See! You want nice seats but couldn’t have nice food because when the trolley cart reaches you, everyone else had the nice food. But I got good seats!! *Humph!*

Oh… I was hoping to see that sweet stewardess Ms. Agnes Soh again on my way back from Bangkok.

NO! she was not on that flight. :( “Hi Agnes, If you are reading this…” Ha! Ha! Ha!

Anyways… it was a nice experience flying with Malaysia Airlines after so long!!!
I think with the increasing sales volume I have with MAS, I shall ask for a flight to UK?

Coming up next… the hotel I stayed in Bangkok!!…

By: Kusoom Dahlan (Malaysia Airlines, Bangkok)

When I first joined the MH Juara workshop in 2007, I was wondering what role a Juara was supposed to play. How was I going to make my colleagues back home to understand MH concept? Would it work? Actually, could “I” make it work? I didn’t even know what to start with even though we had a tool kit as guideline.

When I came back, I just started with something simple and cozy like lunch together among staff (that’s the only activity I could think of in order to get staff together and make them listen to me!).  Every department brought food to share. It was after lunch that “the show” began. I started with what were MH values, the NSDW and tried to explain how we could link it to our work. It was quite abstract. Staff was attentive but had a “lost” looks in their faces like I was during the workshop!  We had trigger stickers and posters all around the office but I was not so sure if they would have any effect on staff’s way of thinking.

Then, the second activity: Go Green. This time it was an outdoor activity.

We went to grow young plants at a mangrove swamp in a Navy base nearby Bangkok. This was in line with the global campaign of “Global warming”. Imagine us wading through knee-height muddy water, chased by a snake, burnt by the sun but it turned out fun! Even the youngest member of our team, one of staff daughter who was only 8 years old, enjoyed it and said she would come back again if we had to do this again. Everybody was tired and thirsty and sweating but I could see smiles on their faces. Apart from those smiles and laughter, I also saw “teamwork” and “determination.” No one ever gave up and continued their tasks until we could meet our target of 200 trees!! I was thinking perhaps the MH values worked here. At least, when in need, it did show up, naturally and spontaneously. 

There came some other activities and every time staff would lend a hand. Ideas and suggestions came for next MH days. Actually, MH is in everyone. Only that YOU have to find ways to bring it out. With Asian culture, we are taught to be polite and respect elders and be kind to children. Thai culture and Malaysian culture have so many things in common, so it’s quite easy now for me to refer to MH Hospitality because we can apply Thai Hospitality here as well.

When I looked back, I realized that the first and foremost thing to start the Juara role is to “break the ice” among staff first. Start with something very natural and cozy like lunch together or maybe a picnic in the park. You may bring along your family. Children can play and have fun together while each staff have a chance to get to know each other in a more “intimate” atmosphere. Of course you cannot expect a 100% result but at least you may find that in such a relaxed moment, you will see each other more and that will lead to a better relationship at work. That’s my personal point of view.

I have one Juara friend whom I met during the 2nd workshop. She was quite desperate since most of her colleagues did not bother about this “Juara matters”. When we met again sometime later and I asked her about the Juara at her station, she smiled and said after she almost gave up.  She invited her colleagues to her birthday and they came and it started from there. This year I am so glad with her because she’s one of the Juaras who received the Anugerah award.

This year, at the workshop, there are quite a lot of new members who must have felt “lost” and not sure of what they are supposed to do when they go back, but with the guidelines and tools they received during the workshop, I’m quite positive that they will be able to deliver the MH message and make it come alive at their stations. They only need to have “faith” in MH. That’s the most important tool of all.