By: Azman Ismail (Malaysia Airlines, MASenidaya)

Pada 8 Ogos 2010 yang lalu, sekali lagi MASenidaya membuat kejutan besar pada tahun ini  di mana, kumpulan kebudayaan anak-anak MAS MAStari dan MASgamelan bersama MASCombo Jazz Band menyerikan majlis persandingan Dato Nur Mohammad Backer dan Datin Huda, di mana jemputan khas DYTM Raja Muda Perlis Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail  yang juga bekas kakitangan MAS sedikit masa dahulu. MAStari yang terdiri dari anak-anak kakitangan MAS yang berumur dari tujuh sehingga 12 tahun dan MASgamelan dari umur 9 hingga 16 tahun, berjaya menghiburkan dihadapan para tetamu khas diraja pada malam tersebut.

Dengan latihan intensif selama empat minggu sahaja, mereka berjaya membuat persembahan dua tarian tradisional gamelan dengan diiringi muzik gamelan secara live di hadapan baginda. Tarian Gamelan yang telah dikontemkan dari lagu gamelan ‘Lambang Sari' dan tarian kontem rakyat dengan lagu ‘Lenggang Kangkong’ telah membuatkan tetamu diraja terpegun dan terus mengambil gambar anak-anak MAStari dengan talifon bimbit baginda. Menurut sumber dari pembantu peribadi baginda DYTM Raja Muda Perlis amat berpuas hati dan suka akan persembahan yang dilakukan oleh anak-anak MAStari pada malam tersebut. Syabas pada semua anak-anak MAStari dan MASgamelan atas daya usaha anda semua menjayakan majlis perkahwinan yang dihadiri oleh kerabat di raja yang juga bekas kakitangan MAS.

Terima kasih diucapkan pada ibubapa yang tidak jemu menghantar anak-anak MAStari untuk menjalani latihan setiap hari Sabtu dan Ahad dari jam 10.00-1200 tengahari dan petang dari jam 3.00-6.00 petang di studio sudut seni SZB. Sekurang-kurangnya mereka mempunyai aktiviti yang dapat dimanafaatkan untuk diri sendiri selain dari belajar tarian tradisional Melayu yang diajar oleh jurutari yang didatangkan khas dari Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Selangor Cik gu Acik.

Saya sebagai Pengerusi MASenidaya 2010 amat berpuas hati dan rasa bangga dengan pencapaian yang dilakukan oleh anak-anak buah saya yang berjaya mengharumkan nama MASenidaya sekaligus nama Penerbangan Malaysia serta tidak ketinggalan Kelab Sukan MAS yang banyak menyokong aktiviti kami pada tahun 2010 ini.

Pada pembantu saya sekalu exco KSM Encik Nadzri dan isteri saya Puan Noor Intan Shafinar banyak membantu menjayakan setiap latihan di hujung minggu dan pembantu saya yang terdiri dari ahli MASenidaya sendiri serta Cik gu Acik dari JKKN Selangor dan Cik gu YM Raja Nor Sheela dari ASWARA, anda semua adalah pengerak seni yang tidak pernah jemu dan mengaku kalah dalam menjalankan tugas dengan penuh iklas dan setia dengan kerenah anak-anak MAS ini. Tanpa anda semua maka tidak akan kita kecapi kejayaan ini.

Pada anak-anak MAStari dan MASgamelan, cikgu mengucapkan selamat berpuasa dan belajar mengejar ilmu dunia dan akhirat dengan iklas dan jujur dan jangan terlalu  mengharapkan balasan dengan apa sahaja kerja yang kita lakukan kerana segala usaha yang ikhlas akan dibalas dengan ikhlas.

MASgamelan membuat latihan akhir…

MAStari latihan terakhir…..

Diharap persembahan ini bukanlah persembahan yang terakhir buat MAStari dan MASgamelan, tingkatkan latihan selepas ini dan segala undangan akan cuba kita tunaikan dengan sedaya upaya yang kita mampu.

Perancangan pada tahun 2011, MASenidaya, MAStari dan MASgamelan akan mendapatkan undangan keluar negara untuk terus mempromosikan tarian tradional Malaysia di mata dunia.

Saya juga akan cuba sedaya upaya saya selagi khidmat saya diperlukan untuk terus menyemarakkan seni dikalangan generasi muda mahupun yang berumur dikalangan anak-anak dan kakitangan MAS.

Pada uncle-uncle MASCombo, persembahan tetap matap seperti dahulu dengan lagu-lagu jazz dan moden melayu pada malam tersebut. Diharap masa akan datang terus akan berkoblirasi dengan MASenidaya.

Dengan kejayaan persembahan dihadapan DYMM Raja Muda Perlis ini adalah kejayaan kita bersama dan juga kejayaan Penerbangan Malaysia dan Kelab Sukan MAS yang berjaya mempunyai kakitangan yang berbakat seperti anda semua. Jadi jangan persia-siakan bakat yang ada dan diharap dipergunakan sepenuhnya untuk diri sendiri dan seni.

Pada pembantu saya yang banyak manabur jasa tanpa penat lelah, anda juga adalah tangga kejayaan persembahan yang saya rasa amat bemakna untuk tahun 2010 ini. Tanpa anda semua segalanya tidak akan berjalan dengan lancar dan jayanya.

Akhir kata, segala penat lelah kita bersama telah membuahkan hasil yang amat bermakna dan terkesan sehingga bila-bila.

Majulah seni untuk MASenidaya, MAStari dan MASgamelan untuk terus mengegarkan dunia bahawa kita bukan sahaja pekerja Syarikat Penerbangan Malaysia, malah kita juga adalah duta untuk Malaysia di mata dunia.

Selamat menyambut bulan Ramadhan Al Mubaraq dan Selamat Menyambut Hari Raya Aidil Fitri 1431 Hijrah dari kami wargakerja seni MASenidaya 2010.

By: Azman Ismail (Malaysia Airlines, MASenidaya)

Buat pertama kalinya Koperasi Serbaguna Kakitangan MAS selaku penaja Kumpulan MASenidaya ke Festival Tong Tong di The Hague pada bulan May yang lalu, telah menjemput kumpulan kebudayaan anak-anak kakitangan MAS yang terlibat membuat persembahan di Majlis Makan Malam Dan Perasmian Mesyuarat Agong Tahunan Perwakilan kali ke-13 yang telah dirasmikan oleh Y.B.Dato Hajjah Rohani Bt Abdul Karim Timbalan Menteri Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri Koperasi & Kepenggunaan pada 25 Jun 2010 bertempat di Grand Dorsett Subang Hotel Subang Jaya.

Seramai 8 penari genit berumur dari 7 - 10 tahun telah berjaya membuat persembahan semasa makan malam bermula jam 8.30 malam dan diiringi oleh kumpulan gamelan anak-anak MAS seramai 7 orang dan juga dari umur 8 -16 tahun.

Tarian berunsurkan TariGamelan yang telah dikontemkan oleg Jurutari jemputan dari JKKN ( Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara) Cikgu Acik dengan iringan lagu Gamelan Lambang Sari, telah berjaya memukau mata hadirin seketika dan penari ini juga mengiringi masuk tetamu kehormat masuk ke dalam dewan dengan disulami pembukaan silat dari kalangan ahli gamelan.

Dengan hanya 4 kali latihan bermula sejak 4 minggu yang lalu, setiap hari Ahad dari jam 3-6  petang, mereka berjaya membuat persembahan yang amat boleh dibanggakan. Insallah, selepas ini banyak undangan bakal diterima oleh mereka dengan tersebarnya gambar-gambar persembahan mereka ini dalam laman Facebook dan Youtube (masenidaya).

Semuga dengan komitmen dan sokongan dari ibubapa dari kalangan kakitangan MAS yang tidak jemu menghantar anak-anak dalam kelas MAStari dan MASgamelan ini, maka semangat anak-anak ini tidak akan pudar dalam menjiwai seni kebudayaan bangsa dari terus dilupakan.

Kelas MAStari dan MASgamelan akan terus diadakan setiap hari Ahad dari jam 2-6pm dan pada ibubapa kakitangan lain  yang berminat untuk menghantar ank-anak melihat sendiri latihan diadakan, bolehlah datang sendiri melihat latihan yang kami adakan untuk terus mencungkil bakat seni anak-anak di Studio MASenidaya Basement Admin 1 SZB atau boleh hubungi Pengerusi MASenidaya.

Sokongan dari pihak pengurusan amat kami hargai untuk kami terus menghidupkan seni pada generasi muda anak-anak MAS.

Majulah Seni Untuk 1MH dan 1Malaysia

By: The Living MH Blog Team

Malaysia Airlines has teamed up with the creators of the book Kulit Manis: A Taste of Terengganu’s Heritage to bring authentic Terengganu culinary flavours to its passengers.

Chefs from Malaysia Airlines and the catering partner LSGB have been in consultation with To’ Puan Rosita and Tengku Zainal Abidin from recipe and ingredients selection to perfecting the quality and taste of each dish in the new menu.  Amongst the dishes recreated by Malaysia Airlines for the inflight menu are kerabu laksa, daging masak gulai kampong, kerutup ayam with nasi telur, ikan masak pudding lada, gulai ikan tongkol with nasi dagang, lompat tikam and khasidah.

We interviewed Tengku Zainal Abidin to ask him about what he thinks of the authenticity of these dishes and what our passengers will expect after tasting Terengganu dishes onboard.  To find out more, click to view this video clip.

Our passengers will be served with special delicacies from the State on selected flights out of Kuala Lumpur to London, Amsterdam, Jeddah, Australia and ASEAN routes as well as Sabah and Sarawak.  The menu will be available until 31 July 2010.

While detailing the culture and heritage of Terengganu, the book Kulit Manis also has a compilation of recipes by its creator, To’ Puan Rosita Abdullah.

By: Azman Ismail (Malaysia Airlines, MASenidaya)

MASenidaya has been invited by Tourism Malaysia, The Netherlands to participate at the 52nd Tong-tong Festival, The Hague from 18th May – 25th May 2010.

Tong-tong Festival is the biggest Eurasian festival in the world where last year alone attracted some 133,000 visitors to the fair. The event is a sensory stimulating blend of cultural performances, exhibitions and food fair rolled into one. Workshops in music, dance, art, cooking will also be held. Lecturers, master chefs, cook from Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and USA were invited in recent years.

MASenidaya team of 24 staff from various departments in MAS will showcase 10 various traditional folklore dances of Malaysia famed for its warmth and friendliness.

En, Azman Ismail, Chairman of MASenidaya says that: “We realized the expectations from the audiences, the organizer and Tourism Malaysia are indeed very high, but MASenidaya spirit of MH is just as high. To be involved in the prestigious festival, it is also MASenidaya small contributions toward the Company. God willing, with the involvement of MASenidaya, hopefully will generate interest to the Benelux’s. The  arrival of tourist form Holland amounting 122,000 visitors  last year, an increase of 10%  plus the fact that Malaysia Airlines daily flight on KUL/AMS/KUL sector, it will indeed be the catalyst of an increase visitors to Malaysia and passengers on Malaysia Airlines.”

By: Hepni Rosli (Malaysia Airlines, Bintulu)

The Gawai Dayak festival is celebrated yearly on 01 June in Sarawak, is both a religious and social festival. Gawai means ritual or festival and Dayak is a collective name of the tribes of Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah and Kelabit. The Gawai Dayak celebration is to mark the end of the harvesting season.

Preparation for the festival begin early with brewing of ‘Tuak‘ (rice wine) and traditional delicacies like ‘penganan (cakes from rice flour, sugar and coconut milk), kuih jala and kuih sepit. On Gawai eve, glutinous rice is roasted in bamboo known as ‘ngelulun pulut‘ and ‘pansuh’ (meat cooked in the bamboo). The celebration now gets merrier with dancing and traditional music being played.

Modern Dayak nowadays, celebrated Gawai mostly like other festival in Malaysia, they also have open house known as ‘Ngabang’ in their local language. Guest will be served with ‘Tuak' by the host before they can enter the house.

This year Sarawak will have few big events, such as;

• Kite Festival.

An annual event held in Bintulu. Spectators can witness the skills where hand labored over bamboo and paper to create a winning kite traditional design and also swirling performances from local and international kite flyers displaying their skills.

• Miri International Jazz festival.

Held in Miri - Assembling regionally and internationally recognized and jazz musician.

• Rainforest World Music Festival.

This annual event was held in Kuching to bring together world musicians from all continents and indigenous musician from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo.

By: Azman Ismail (Malaysia Airlines, MASenidaya)

Sekali lagi kami menjemput anak-anak dari kalangan kakitangan MAS, Firefly dan MASWings untuk turut bersama menjayakan product baru MASenidaya 2010 untuk terus mencungkil bakat yang terpendam dalam anak-anak anda untuk bersama menyerikan kumpulan tarian kebudayaan dan gamelan MAS untuk mereke terus menjadi insan seni yang memahami erti sebenar seni budaya bangsa sendiri.

Seperti yang telah kita war-warkan, tahun 2010 ini MASenidaya sekali lagi membuat kejutan dengan menubuhkan sebuah kumpulan Gamelan Wanita yang terdiri dari kakitangan MAS dari kalangan wanita sahaja telah mendapat sambutan amat mengalakkan.

Seramai 10 orang wanita yang berani mencuba bakat untuk mengerakan sebuah kumpulan Gamelan Wanita telah berjaya menjalani sessi percubaan memperkenalkan muzik gamelan dikalangan kakitangan wanita MAS.

Pada hari pertama hari ini 19 Januari 2010 dari jam 1300-1400 waktu rehat telah dimanafaatkan sepenuhnya untuk mereka mula-mula mengenali apa itu muzik Gamelan.

Dengan tunjuk ajar dari Pengerusi MASenidaya sendiri secara sukarela telah berjaya membawa perubahan besar dalam tahun 2010 ini. Semuga kehadiran mereka ini akan kekal untuk terus mendalami muzik gamelan sebagai hobi dan mengisi masa lapang atau sebagai kokurikulum selain dari kerja pejabat sebagai menghilangkan rasa stress.

Diharap terapi muzik waktu rehat ini akan meningkatkan mutu kerja mereka dan dapat menenangkan jiwa yang memahaminya. Pada mereka yang berminat boleh lah menyertai mereka ini setiap hari Selasa dan Khamis dari jam 1300-1400hr dengan kadar bayaran yang paling mininum di dunia yang penting biar belajar secara iklas.

Insallah akhir tahun ini kita bakal menonjolkan bakat seni dikalangan kakitangan wanita MAS di persembahan Syarikat, awam mahupun keluar negara siapa tahu!

Mereka dari kalangan bukan melayu digalakkan menyertainya bersama. Segala pertanyaan boleh hubungi: azmanis@malaysiaairlines,com atau call 019-2273466.

Kekalkan kehadiran anda dan ingat terapi muzik dapat menghilangkan stress.

'Bersama semarakkan 1SENI,1MH dan 1MALAYSIA'

By: Azman Ismail (Malaysia Airlines, MASenidaya)

Penubuhan kelas asas tari tradisional anjuran MASenidaya dikalangan anak-anak kakitangan MAS bagi memupuk kecintaan dan minat terhadap seni tari tradisional mendapat galakkan yang amat membanggakan.

Bermula pada awal bulan May 2009, seramai 21 orang anak-anak comel dari umur 4-12 tahun giat berlatih setiap hari Sabtu dari jam 2.30 - 4.30 petang dibawah jurulatih yang di bawa khas dari luar Encik Huzaini Bin Mohd Hussein, Encik Zainuddin Bin Abdullah dan  Encik Zairulazmi  Bin Othman dan di bantu oleh sukarelawan MASenidaya sendiri Encik Mohd Nadzri Ismail dan Puan Noor Intan Shafinar Yahaya, dan jurulatih gamelan anak-anak MAS YM Puan Raja Nor Sheela Bt Raja Aziddin dari ASWARA, telah berjaya membuat persembahan pertama di majlis meraikan pelawat anak-anak PINTAR 2009 di Auditorium Akademi MAS pada jam 0800 malam 9 Dec 2009.

Majlis lawatan anak-anak PINTAR seramai 160 orang telah sama-sama menonton persembahan pertama MAStari. Manakala, persembahan Gamelan anak-anak MAS menghiburkan mereka sambil mereka menjamu selera di cafetria MAA.

Majlis ini telah disempurnakan bersama YB Dato Haji Yusof Ahmad Muhaiyuddin (GMHR) dan YB Dato Kapten Nawawi Haji Awang (SGMER). Diakhir majlis tersebut, Dato Kapten Nawawi dan iringi Dato Haji Yusof telah sudi menyampaikan sijil penghargaan pada anak-anak MAStari dan Gamelan sempena majlis graduasi mereka bagi tahun 2009 dengan jayanya.

Untuk projek tahun 2010, bakat seni anak-anak MAStari dan Gamelan ini akan terus kami gilap untuk persembahan di dalam dan di luar negara. Terima kasih pada semua yang terlibat menjayakan projek MASenidaya bagi tahun 2009 ini dan saya berbangga dengan komitmen yang ditunjukan oleh ibubapa dikalangan kakitangan MAS yang banyak berkorbankan masa dan tenaga bagi menjayakan majlis graduasi tahun 2009 ini. Terima kasih tidak terhingga juga pada IFS Encik Salleh Ismail yang banyak membantu menyerikan lagi costume anak-anak pada malam tersebut.

Sokongan dari pihak MAS, MASwings dan Firefly amat kami hargai dan sanjungi bagi terus memartabatkan seni anak-anak MAS ini dimasa akan datang.

Syabas pada anak-anak comel MAStari dan MAS Gamelan 2009.

"Bersama Menyemarakkan Seni Kepersada Antarabangsa"

By: Saravanan Subbaraman (Engineering & Maintenance)

BHARATHA NATYAM? A south Indian art form of dance so ancient and beautiful it’s been said that even the Gods fall spell bound when a dancer performs with their fullest Heart and Soul. Bharatha literally is the acronym of BHA – BHAVAM (expression), RA – RAAGAM (tune), THA – THALAM (rhythm) and Natyam means Dance. Therefore, the combination of expressions, being in sync with the tune and rhythm of the music or song played added with “Mudhras” (hand gestures), intricate steps, leaps and turns is what this dance form is all about.

It all began when I was around 7 years old, my mum who had danced for MAS in here younger days wanted to see her sons dance as well and enrolled me and my brother under her dance coach, Mrs. Vatsala Sivadas (Malaysia’s famous Peacock dance duo) at the Temple of Fine Arts.

Honestly, I was not an avid fan of this art form at first. I only went because like most children do, to please their parents and I merely took it as an exercise. But after the age of 15, I realized that when I danced, people stopped and looked in awe. Hence, I must be doing something right without my realization. After attending many dance performances and learning the scriptures of each dance before performing is when a whole new world of understanding was bestowed upon me. I now know that the dancer is able to invoke many sorts of feelings upon the audience merely with his dance.

I, Saravanan Subbaraman, am now a trainee engineer with MAS and a blessed Indian who is mastering this art form. Nobody would believe when they see that one moment I’m covered in grease, dust and grit looking shabby and worn out at work and the next adorned in jewellery, draped in silk and groomed to perfection before a performance.

It is a daunting task to juggle my passion of dancing with a career that requires lots of time studying, on job trainings and exams. As the saying goes and has never been wrong, WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY. I would call my dance teacher to inform of any cancellations and reschedule to the next possible date and time.

At present, I’m in a dilemma of having the burden and pressure to excel in both fields. At work, preparations are on going to becoming a Licensed Engineer and at dance the expectations are mounting for me to complete the “Arangetram” (graduation). Therefore, I have made a conscious decision of giving priority to career 1st and then with my head held up high to complete the Arangetram as a dignified Engineer.

Unlike other dances, Bharatham is inseparable with Hinduism as verses, scriptures, folklore and stories of Gods are sung and danced with fullest devotion. This helped me comprehend my religion much better as all of it is visual and physical.

Hence, when it’s the time of the year where all Hindus celebrate Deepavali - The Festival of Lights, it’s a gentle reminder of the virtue of prayer and devotion all darkness is shunned by brightness, triumph of good over evil and enlightenment is all within one’s self. On this day of Deepavali, first salutation is given to god by visiting his abode after taking a morning bath and adorning new clothing then it is time for visiting family and friends, the day goes by with just spending time with family and at the end of it, a simple family prayer as a sign of gratefulness for all that we have been blessed and together we light oil lamps around the house as a symbol of acceptance of enlightenment into our lives from then on, followed by a dinner feast.

By: Shamsul Khan (Communications Division)

Last week, we came together for the distribution of ‘bubur lambuk’ at KLIA. Also this year, in the spirit of oneMH, we were delighted to host children from the Rumah Anak Yatim & Miskin Al-Munirah, Klang (orphanage home). Chairman, Tan Sri Munir Majid together with several management team members distributed the ‘bubur lambuk’ to staff and Raya gifts to the children who also went on a short tour of Hangar 6 and listened to a career talk. Each children received ‘duit raya’ using funds from the proceeds of the 2nd MH Charity Jumble Sale which was held on 29 & 30 June 2009 at Subang.
 
Organised by the Communications Division, the event saw teams from PMIM, E&M, Property and Security Departments helping out in the spirit of oneMH.
 
Staff in SZB will be receiving their share of ‘bubur lambuk’ on 16 September 2009 at MHub courtesy of LSG Skychefs.

By: Su Wong (Media Relations, Communications Division)

The atmosphere at Tun Rahah's residence

Tun Rahah in a cheery mood

Tun Rahah with Toh Puan Norella Talib

Ever wondered what families of famous people do when they have dinner? Well, at Tun Rahah’s Wednesday Dinners, they eat, laugh and have good fun as they enjoy each other’s company.

Just like a regular family really.

Chef Zuddin & Chef Tom

This was the scenario which greeted the team comprising mainly of MAS chefs and LSGB Skychefs at Tun Rahah’s residence at Jalan Eaton last Wednesday. We found out that the late Tun Razak started the concept of dinners on Wednesday to ensure the family met to have a meal together at least once a week.

Nazif Najib

Nizar Najib with Nabeel

Putri Norliza

Nur Sharmila, wife of Nizar with elder son Nadeem

Zeila Junid, wife of Johari

To this day, the family of Tun Razak has continued with this heart-warming tradition.

So why exactly were we there? In conjunction with the Tun Razak menu introduction, we had sought the advice and guidance of Tun Rahah. This was to ensure the authenticity of the meals. On this night, we were at Tun’s residence for what the chefs term a “food sensory” session, more commonly known in laymen language as food “tasting”.

By: Radhiyah Omar (Customer Response Unit)

The Merchants of Bollywood

25 July - I went to watch a spectacular event, “THE MERCHANTS OF BOLLYWOOD” at Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur. A musical theatre featuring an array of songs from Bollywood hit movies. The Merchants of Bollywood tells the tale of Ayesha Merchant, who is trained by her grandfather in Indian Classical dance, but is determined to make a name for herself in Bollywood, much to her grandfather’s disapproval.

It was a superb show with lots of energy, colors and upbeat rhythms. The dancers, a world class lot, were beautifully dressed in the most vibrant colors that command an immediate attention. The dances were well choreographed, with such delicate movements and poised. There was never a dull moment!!

What is interesting to see was, the audience comprised of people from all walks of life, who had continuously applauded and dance to the rhythm of the music, which at some point was hypnotizing.

I was glad to be there!!! By the way, did you know that Bollywood produces 800 movies a year with 15 million tickets sold each month?? So I’ve been told…

By: Azman Ismail (Malaysia Airlines, MASenidaya)

Mulanya rasa macam tak ramai yang nak join MAStari ni, tapi pada 9 May 2009 Sabtu jam 2 petang dah mula ramai family yang datang untuk register anak-anak untuk kelas yang buat julungkali dianjurkan oleh MASenidaya.

Thank God, hari pertama seramai 15 orang anak-anak staff yang berumur dari 5 - 13 tahun datang mendaftar untuk kelas MAStari dan minggu kedua Sabtu lepas on 16 May 2009 bertambah menjadi 18 orang mula berminat untuk mempelajari tarian tradisional ini.

Pendaftaran cuma RM20.00 dan monthly RM30.00 rasanya cukup murah untuk kelas selama 2 jam setiap hari Sabtu dari jam 0230-0430 petang. Dengan minuman ringan disediakan selepas 1 jam berlatih dan tenaga pengajar dari Kebudayaan Selangor dan dibantu oleh bekas penari MASenidaya Encik Nazri selaku Exco KSM dapat meringankan beban tenaga pengajar jemputan.

Tujuan dan matlamat kelas MAStari ini, bukan sahaja mencungkil bakat tari yang ada dalam jiwa anak-anak staff MAS malah kita cuba nak tekankan agar sikap jatidiri, berani, berdisplin, saling menghormati dan yakin pada diri adalah tujuan utama kelas ini diadakan. Alhamdulillah pada minggu kedua ramai anak-anak comel ini dah mula tunjukkan minat yang mendalam dalam asas senitari Inang yang diajarkan dan sudah mula mempunyai kenalan yang baru antara anak-anak staff yang lain.

Bulan pertama ini, asas tarian Inang diajar pada mereka dan pada bulan seterusnya tarian Joget dan Zapin akan diajarkan pada mereka ini sebelum jemputan khas membuat persembahan dikhalayak ramai diadakan nanti.

Target kita sebelum bulan Ramadan akan habiskan kelas MAStari ini dan pihak MASenidaya akan memberikan sijil penyertaan pada mereka yang terlibat dalam majlis graduasi nanti.

Pada mereka yang mempunyai anak yang comel dari umur 4-13 tahun maseh boleh menghantar anak-anak anda setiap hari Sabtu dari jam 0230-0430 petang untuk menimba ilmu tari ini agar mereka lebeh berani dalam menghadapi cabaran hidup disekolah mahupun diluar sana.

Sama-sama lah kita memartabatkan Senitari Melayu agar tidak dilupakan oleh generasi zaman serba moden ini yang lebeh kearah tarian kebaratan. Majulah seni untuk MAStari dan MASenidaya.

By: Farzleen Fadzil Khan (Communications Division)

As the World celebrates Honesty Day today (30 April 2009), I’m thickened by this sense of truthfulness that almost everything you see, hear and speak is all but fort right.

A friend I know (I’m quite sure he will NOT be reading this as he’s so ‘true’ to himself that he doesn’t see the necessity of reading opinions via a blog) is the perfect epitome of the point which I’m trying to make.

“Honestly speaking, I will kill her if I knew she was two-timing me.” (Reality: He wouldn’t have had the nerve to strike her, not even with his tiny little finger…and, to kill her? Pleasssseeee)

“Honestly speaking, I don’t see the need for him to go make something out of himself by starting another business, when he’s already doing well.” (In actual fact, he hates and is envious of anyone who stays positive and goes for a career change throughout the course of their lives – jealouusssss!!)

These are some, amongst, the many other examples (I lost count) of my good friend trying to be ‘a good friend’.

Why use the phrase honestly speaking when you’re being untruthful about a situation that you’re not able to apprehend, let alone, accept?

It absolutely disgusts me as my very inference of `honesty is the best policy’ is to either speak your mind or exercise silence (silence IS the perfect expression of scorn).

However, in this day and age, being honest is almost never perceived positively. If you speak the truth, and nothing but the truth, you’re either up for a horrid squabble amongst the people you love, wither in the glory of gossipers who worship you for your arrogance, discontinued patience and lack of trust in others.

As we go through our days behind our desk-bound jobs and our usual routines, and especially today when we celebrate Honesty Day, let’s take everything we see or hear at face value, exercise trust in the content or information that people put out there.

The Swine flu pandemic, the political & economic scenarios, no fuel surcharge and MH Stimulus Packages are all just too real for one to read between the lines and make something up when it’s not there. Honest-to-goodness, these are a far cry from a means to sabotage let alone create unnecessary panic when we know there’s no room left for such act of dishonesty.

So, fellow friends around the globe, any time is a good time to stay true to yourselves. Start by making today an HONEST day!

By: Azman Ismail (Malaysia Airlines MASenidaya)

Pada Sabtu, 11 April 2009 yang lalu, MASenidaya dan Kumpulan Bangra MAS telah diberi penghormatan bersiaran secara lansung dalam rancangan "Nasi Lemak Kopi O" terbitan TV9.

- Peserta-peserta dari MASenidaya dan Kumpulan Bangra di Studio TV9 -

Dengan adanya aktiviti ini, MASsenidaya dan Kumpulan Bangra telah mengharumkan nama KSM secara tidak lansung dan MAS dalam mempromosikan produk yang dihasilkan oleh kakitangan MAS sendiri. Walaupun tiada sebarang bayaran di peruntukkan, namun kita telah berjaya menjual nama MASenidaya di mata penonton Malaysia yang menonton TV9 pada hari tersebut. Semua kakitangan yang terlibat juga telah menunjukan bahawa konsep oneMH  dalam slot rancangan tersebut. Diharap dimasa akan datang kumpulan-kumpulan lain dibawah KSM akan diperkenalkan melalui slot seperti ini di masa akan datang.

Terima kasih juga pada Jabatan Komunikasi MAS yang telah banyak memberi sokongan selain dari pihak KSM untuk menjayakan program ini. Kami sebagai kakitangan MAS amat berbangga membawa nama MAS dan KSM dalam slot yang singkat ini. Inilah dia oneMH yang boleh kami banggakan.

By: Charles Cabrini Armstrong (Inflight Services - Cabin Crew Line Operations)

We won "Best Cabin Staff 2009" by Skytrax International for the 6th time

Dear family and friends,
 
It’s been a very difficult year for all airlines around the world and especially for Malaysia Airlines as we have our main rival on the south (Singapore Airlines). However, I'm so glad and proud (and emotional) that we managed to regain this award again ‘cos trust me a lot of hard work had been put in by my colleagues and myself. It’s a team effort that has brought us this success. There were times when I just nearly gave up due to stress, passengers bad remarks, our own products that were not up to standards, the ups and downs but I truly realized that there is something that Malaysia Airlines has that others don't... our simplicity and our parents’  teachings that we have extended and made it out very own Malaysia Airlines' Warm Hospitality right from our hearts...

It has nothing to do with good seats, good food, good in-flight entertainment (although I know it’s an element) but what I truly know is to be genuine, honest, frank and sincere to our customers on board. They have seen the real us and they have spoken via the surveys...

It’s being sincere to what we do and believing in it, that we were able to win the award again for the 6th time since 2001. I thank all of you for being there as my guide, my support when times were really stressful and demanding...

I also pray that all Malaysians will be honored with this Award given to us, as I for one am sharing it with all of you.

Together We Made It – I Thank God and Praise God...

6 Responses to “Together We Made It – I Thank God and Praise God…”
 

• Rajat Khawas says:

Hi Friends,
Congrats !
I first had the MH expeience in June 2008 during my visit to KLM and from there to Singapore and back. Initially i had an expectation that it will be an international experience ( two separte countries and will have good foos and drinks!!) But i found that its a short trip ( likeour intercity travel in India ( delhi-Mumbai ). What was really appreciating was the complete expeience i had .It was relly good and soon i got over my ( food and drink!!) perceived expectation.

All the best and you deserve it.
BTW: How long is the training for inflight crews ? do you have online training options?

regards
Rajat k

April 6th, 2009 at 10:38 am

• Van says:

GRATZ ” MH ” for the “Best Cabin Staff 2009? by Skytrax International !!! i real hope that i can join as a cabin crew soon XD ….

April 6th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

• Aaron Bradley says:

You guys totally deserve it.
My very first time traveling by plane was the most memorable one. The cabin crew treated me like a friend rather than a passenger.
I wonder, if that was economic class, imagine how first class would be.

I can foresee you guys gonna get the best cabin crew for longer years to come.

God Bless Malaysian Cabin Crews
“The Angels Of The Skies”

April 7th, 2009 at 1:58 pm

• azman says:

Guys,
Never under estimated our own talent. Even with all sorts of weakness ( sorry !! ) but you guys managed to secure this place.

Passengers don’t talk about how good the plane and food but the person who taking care of them when they fly with you.

SYABAS Guys,

You really make MH is truly Malaysian Hospitality

April 8th, 2009 at 3:19 am

• Khairul Sufi says:

As I was doing the usual surfing on the Skytrax website, my eyes suddenly caught hold of the \”world Airlines Award 2008\” results that was announced in Germany on the 1st April 2009. Quickly, I clicked on the link and hastily searched for the one category I\’m most interested in … The World\’s Best Cabin Staff. My heart skipped a beat when the result page successfully loaded and I immediately looked for the category I was most interested in. I clicked on the result page and out came the results … in anticipation, I read with much surprise … World\’s Best Cabin Staff 2008 - Asiana Airlines.

Huh … I said to myself … my national airline came second place. But then again, it was Malaysia Airlines that consecutively won this award over and over again. Well, I guess 2008 wasn\’t that bad at all as my national airline got 2nd place. Thumbs up MAS crew. I\’ve never stopped voting MAS crew as the best cabin crew everytime I fill out the Skytrax questionnaire. MAS will always be my personal favorite crew. Their warmth and charm always makes me feel at home.

I remembered when I used to be employed in Europe and fly Malaysia Airlines to visit my parents back home, upon stepping on board, the Malaysian warmth and charm, immediately filled the air. I felt like I was finally heading home.

Or the time I travelled during the fasting month, the crew would come and tell that the Imsak time was 2 hours after leaving London and serve us meals ahead of other passengers on board.

The best experience was the time I had to head back to Europe and the crew saw me looking sad upon boarding. Asked why and told I had to head back to Europe for work. They identified me and made me forget I was heading back for work as they came around chatting and spent time with me. Upon disembarkation, even the IFS bid me adieu and told me that I\’ll be back home in no time!

Thanks MAS for the great memories and thanks MAS staff for the warmth yo have given us passengers. I pray that 2009 will be a winning year (champion!!) for MAS staff and keep my fingers crossed that you\’ll be the World\’s Best Cabin Staff, once again.

Khairul Sufi

April 8th, 2009 at 4:40 am

• Hayati Dato' Ali says:

Dear Khairul,

Thank you for the kind words and taking the time to actually write to us. It is comforting and at the same time encouraging to read your email.

We are glad to have passengers like you who support and vote for us on surveys like Skytrax. To make your heart skip another beat, am pleased to update you that we have won this year’s Skytrax World’s Best Cabin Staff Award as well. This was announced in Hamburg, Germany on 01 April 2009. For more information, we have attached a link to the news report featured in the Star newspaper on 3 April 2009. To read the Star report, please click this link:-http://archives.thestar.com.my/last365days/default.aspx?query=World%27s+Best+Cabin+Staff

As one of our cabin crew bloggers Charles Cabrini (link to blog article: http://www.malaysiaairlinesblog.com/2009/04/together-we-made-it-%e2%80%93-i-thank-god-and-praise-god/)said, our crew’s sincerity and dedication is their hallmark.

We also could not have done this without our dedicated colleagues in the training department who have nurtured and trained our cabin crew. I will inform our friends in the cabin crew department about your message as this will inspire them to continue their work.

Thank you again for this inspiring email.

Do visit again for more insights from our staff and crew.

Best Regards,

Hayati Dato’ Ali
General Manager, Inflight Services
Malaysia Airlines

April 8th, 2009 at 5:20 am

By: James Vijeypala (Malaysia Airlines Golden Lion Dance Troupe)

Malaysia Airlines Golden Lion Dance Troop started in 1983. When we first started, we had 20 members from various races. To date, our troupe consists of 40-odd members.

Going for the fortune

I can state it personally because as an instructor, I am a non-Chinese myself and I would say that we are indeed the first multi-racial lion dance troupe in Malaysia.

Dato' Rashid officiate an event

It is important for us in a team to scout for talents and I have always encouraged people from other races and genders in Malaysia Airlines to join us.

The Lion Dance is a very symbolic performance as signifies prosperity, harmony, success, wealth, health and especially happiness. Just like what it brings to one home or business, we the Malaysia Airlines troupe feels the same the way being in a team! We have built a strong relationship amongst us. One of the requirements is to have a passion and discipline in being in this team. It is not an easy task for each member in the team as everyone involved whether they are on the drums or performing, each drum beat and movement has to synchronize in tandem. The end result is quite amazing to see my team keeping up with one another and you can see the relationship that we built over the years have strengthen our abilities to do the best.

Receiving a visit from Sultan of Perak

We’ve have performed in so many formal events, house-warming and weddings throughout the years. We’ve had so many experiences both spiritual and cultural. I will leave the spiritual part behind but most importantly I am proud to say that the Malaysia Airlines Golden Lion Dance troupe has come a long way.

By: Md Salleh Ismail (Inflight Services - Cabin Crew Line Operations)

MASenidaya was formed in August 1986 as one of the 22 sports, social, culture and leisure sub-committees.  Prior to that the Company took the initiative to form its own cultural dance group for its corporate promotional events held in Malaysia and Overseas.  The word MASenidaya means "MAS" for Malaysia Airlines, "Seni" means arts and "Daya" means creative and voluntary effort.

MASenidaya now has about 60 members, consisting of staff from various divisions and ranks, mostly based in Kuala Lumpur.  As they are full-time employees, trainings are held on voluntary basis after office hours and during weekends.  Within MASenidaya, there are various music and performing arts groups such as "Musik Asli" (Traditional Music Ensemble), "Kompang" (Hand-drum Ensemble), "Gamelan" Ensemble, Traditional Dance group and "Dikir Barat" group.  Apart from MAS employees, trainings are conducted for children of staff with the assistance from staff of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Malaysia.

Since 1987, MASenidaya has participated in various MAS corporate events and CIOFF festivals which is eld internationally.

MASenidaya once again performed well at the recently concluded 44th Billingham International Folklore Festival 2008 in the United Kingdom.

The group performance captivated the audience, participating countries and festival organizer.  Even the Council of Stockton-on-Tess, Borough Council, Mayor and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. John Fletcher were awed with the costumes and performances of the group.

The Street Parade and Opening Ceremony was covered by local TV stations and newspapers.  MASenidaya, was introduced as Malaysia Airlines’ Dance Group - they are cultural and music enthusiasts who are also full-time employees. Evening Gazette’s reporter, Mike Blackburn wrote a full page article of MASenidaya and Malaysia Airlines. (Read all about it via the blog site, http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2008/07/29/dance-special-is-taking-wing-at-the-billingham-international-folklore-festival-84229-21423078/). The festival gave us the opportunity to fly the Malaysia Airlines and Jalur Gemilang flags high.

Group liaison officer Susan Taylor wrote this to our team:

“MASenidaya, I like to thank you for a great week and for introducing me to a group of people who know what time keeping is. You’ve allowed me to see what the festival is like when people do what they are asked to do, with a smile on their face – whatever the weather!  It has been nothing but pleasure working with you and I think most of the volunteers agree with that.  Have a safe journey home.”

• Maris says:

Congratulations for this!
It’s really a nice thing to show and share culture and traditions to others. We really have a small world after all, don’t we?

January 13th, 2009 at 7:34 am

By: Azman Ismail (MASenidaya) 

Ditubuhkan seawal tahun 2004 hasil dari Bengkel Gamelan selama dua hari untuk mencungkil bakat anak-anak kakitangan MAS dalam memberikan pendedahan dalam seni muzik Gamelan dan memupuk bakat seni yang terpendam dalam jiwa anak-anak kakitangan dari umur seawal 6 tahun sehingga 15 tahun. 

Sambutan amat mengalakan pada awalnya, tapi mula berkurangan selepas enam bulan dijalankan. Namun tetap kekal sehingga kini keahlian seramai 13 orang anak kakitangan MAS terdiri dari empat ahli keluarga kakitangan MAS dan tiga dari keluarga bukan kakitangan MAS yang cukup berminat untuk bersama menjayakan projek dari MASenidaya ini.

Tenaga pengajar dari kalangan kakitangan sendiri secara sukarela dan dibantu tenaga pengajar dari Akedemi Seni Kebangsaan yang juga bekas kakitangan MAS YM Raja Norshila Raja Azzidin banyak memberikan galakkan dan semangat dikalangan anak-anak ini agar terus bersama memperjuangkan seni Gamelan yang kian dilupakan ini.

Latihan Gamelan anak-anak MAS ini dijalankan setiap Hari Ahad dari jam 9.00 pagi hingga 12.00 tengahari dengan kadar bayaran yang paling minima seorang RM5.00 saja untuk menampung kos tenaga pengajar jemputan.

Sejak kumpulan ini ditubuhkan, banyak jemputan dari luar dan dalam syarikat telah dipersembahkan. Kumpulan ini juga pernah membuat persembahan dihadapan Yang Dipertuan Agong dan Pembesar Negara selain dari persembahan untuk Malam Gala MAS pada tahun 2006.

Segala kos pakaian dan aksesori kumpulan ini datang dari sumber dan hasil setiap persembahan yang mereka terima selain dari sumbangan dan tenaga dari kakitangan MAS yang terlibat. Sehingga kini mereka hanya mempunyai dua jenis pakaian sendiri untuk membuat setiap persembahan.

Dari segi umur, anak-anak kakitangan MAS yang terlibat maseh lagi dari peringkat umur 6 tahun sehingga 14 tahun. Mereka juga berkebolehan menhafal setiap lagu-lagu Gamelan yang diajar.

Persembahan-persembahan yang pernah dihadiri seperti:

• Makan Malam Persatuan Peniaga-Peniaga Melayu Kuala Lumpur di Grand Seasond Hotel 2005.
• Anugerah Cermerlang Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Rimau 2005.
• Majlis Anugerah Persatuan Peniaga Melayu Malaysia di Sunday Hotel 2006.
• Persembahan Jualan Raya di SOGO Kuala Lumpur pada tahun 2007 dan 2008.
• Makan Malam MBSA Shah Alam pada 2006.
• Majlis Perkahwinan di Klang 2006.
• Malam Gala MAS di Putra Jaya Comvention Centre 2006.

Kesimpulannya dengan adanya Kumpulan Gemalan Anak-anak Kakitangan MAS ini, maka dapatlah kita melahirkan bakat-bakat seni yang terpendam dikalangan anak-anak kakitangan sendiri selain dari aktiviti yang mereka hadiri di sekolah dan dapat meluangkan masa di hujung minggu.

Sebagai tenaga pegajar secara sukarela, saya amat berbangga dengan tahap dan mutu yang mereka tunjukkan dari segi displin dan komitmen ibubapa dan mereka sendiri untuk terus mendalami seni Gamelan yang kian dilupakan. Saya juga berterima kaseh pada pihak MASenidaya kerana telah memberi sepenuh kepercayaan pada saya untuk melatih anak-anak kakitangan MAS ini untuk terus bersama menghidupkan kembali seni Gamelan ini.

Pada pihak syarikat, kami berharap dapat berikan sedikit perhatian untuk terus memperkenalkan kumpulan ini agar terus kekal dalam mempromosikan Syarikat didalam mahupun diluar negara yang kita mempunyai bakat yang bukan saja dikalangan kakitangan MAS, malah sehingga ke anak-anak dan kalangan keluarga MAS sendiri.

Perancangan seterusnya, MASenidaya sedang berusaha untuk mengujudkan Kumpulan SENITARI anak-anak MAS di masa akan datang. Diharap dengan adanya dua kumpulan ini digabungkan akan lahirlah satu kumpulan yang terdiri dari anak-anak MAS yang comel untuk membuat persembahan di majlis-majlis anjuran syarikat dan luar. Maka sekali gus mempromosi MAS untuk terus dikenali ramai dalam erti kata oneMH.

Nama anak-anak yang terlibat seperti berikut:

 1.         Ahmad Qusyairi Bin Azman - 14 tahun MAS

 2.         Nur Halimaton Saadiah Bt Razali - 12 tahun MAS

 3.         Batrisya Reiyahin Bt Zulkepley - 12 tahun MAS

 4.         Nurulbahiyah Bt Zulkepley - 9  tahun MAS

 5.         Bussaiyana Nur Eiman Bt Zulkepley - 8  tahun MAS

 6.         Putra Azrul Syazwan Bin Azman - 11 tahun MAS

 7.         Putra Aziz Qayyim Bin Azman - 10 tahun MAS

 8.      Muhammad Amiq Amirul Adi Iskandar - 11 tahun  Non MAS

 9.        Nurul Aini Athirah Bt Adi Iskanda - 9 tahun  Non MAS

10.     Aniq Syazwan Shah Bin Jazlan - 13 tahun Non MAS

11.     Aniq Syazrin Shah Bin Jaslan - 12 tahun Non MAS

12.     Afiq Junaidi Bin Jaslan - 11 tahun Non MAS

13.     Aniq Jafni Bin Jaslan - 8  tahun Non MAS

14.     Denial Akmar Doran - 11 tahun Non MAS

15.     Damiah Akmar Doran - 9 tahun Non MAS

Sekian.

3 Responses to “Kumpulan Gamelan Anak-Anak MAS 2008”

• zana says:

salam,

saya berminat ingin tahu berapakah caj yg dikenakan utk kumpulan gamelan kanak2 ini untuk kenduri kahwin saya di ayer keroh melaka 31/5/2009.respon melalui email saya di atas ye.tk

February 15th, 2009 at 1:43 am

• elyna hasshim says:

asekum. i nak tau brapa charge 4 this group utk malis kawen saya on 2nd may 2009.. thanx

February 16th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

• Azman Ismail says:

Hi Zana,

Thank you for your interest in our “Kumpulan Gamelan Anak-Anak MAS”. If you want to know more about our group, please email me at azmanis@malaysiaairlines.com.

February 18th, 2009 at 5:57 am

By: Sumathi T S Singham (Communications Division)

A group of ladies' from Communications Division in Subang, got together during their lunch hours for two consecutive days to lay a “Kolam” in conjunction with Deepavali, also known as, the festival of lights.

For a beginner like me, who celebrates Deepavali and above all, I have never done a “Kolam” before.  Quite ironic, isn’t it!  I realised that laying out this colourful artwork gave me a therapeutic experience.  Whilst working on a tight dateline, I felt the experience working on this artwork relieved me from work pressure.  Apart from that, I also enjoyed working together with my colleagues.

From now on, I will encourage my family to start thinking of a creative artwork, our very own “Kolam” for the coming festival of lights.

By: Azmi Ali (Communications Division) 

This is the best time during Ramadan month for us at Communications team. Every year we look forward to work together with LSG to distribute our very own brewed and cooked MAS Bubur Lambuk to our staff. We always organize our distribution at two venues. One session at our KLIA office was held on 19 Sept and the other at Subang on 26 Sept.

This year, we had our Chairman Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Munir Majid and a few of our senior management team members to distribute the Bubur Lambuk to our staff. It is always a joyous occasion for me and the team as we get to reunite with our former colleagues from all various departments.

It may not be as yummy as the Kampung Baru Bubur Lambuk but every year whenever this time comes around, it never fail to conjure wonderful memories about the Ramadan month in MAS.

By: Azman Ismail (MASenidaya)

Sempena menyambut bulan yang mulia, kami telah mengadakan persembahan Gamelan Anak-anak MAS pada 7 September 2008 di pusat membeli-belah Sogo di aras 6 food court mulai jam 4 petang hingga 6 petang.

 Seramai 11 orang kanak-kanak berumur antara 6 hingga 14 tahun terdiri dari anak-anak kakitangan MAS  telah mengambil bahagian untuk meraikan jualan sempena Hari Raya pusat membeli-belah SOGO.

Latihan bermula sejak 2 minggu sebelum persembahan telah dimulakan sebelum itu.  Satu latihan diadakan setiap hari Ahad dari pukul 9 pagi hingga 12 tengahari. Tujuan untuk mengadakan persembahan ini ialah untuk membuat kanak-kanak ini lebih berani untuk tampil di atas pentas dan khalayak ramai.

Saya sangat teruja dapat mengumpul kumpulan anak-anak kakitangan MAS bersama walaupun di dalam bulan puasa yang mulia ini.

Saya akan menulis lebih lagi tentang latar belakang kumpulan Gamelan anak-anak MAS di masa yang akan terdekat. Sila kunjungi laman web ini untuk cerita saya yang kemudiannya.

Wasalam dan Selamat Menyambut Hari Raya!

One Response to “Menyambut Ramadan bersama Gamelan Anak-Anak MAS 2008”
 

• Fairus Abdullah says:

En Azman,tahniah diatas kumpulan gamelan ini,agak teruja juga dengan kewujudan kumpulan ini apatah lagi ianya terdiri dari mereka2 yang masih muda…dulu ada juga teringin nak menyertai aktiviti sebegini,tapi dah tua2 ni, susah nak terima pelajaran..walau bagaimana pun saya tetap peminat setia muzik tradisional. Sekiranya terdpt aktiviti/persembahan kumpulan ini dimana2, silalah wawarkan sb saya amat berminat utk menyaksikannya..

December 7th, 2008 at 9:32 am

By: Mohd Fairus Abdullah (Inflight Services – Cabin Crew Line Operations)

It was such an interesting moment to have the opportunity to wear the colorful Everday Low Fares (ELF) t-shirt during Merdeka parade recently. The ELF colorful t-shirt wore by the participants of Merdeka parade walking contingent reflect some of the low fares offered by Malaysia Airlines with catchy phrase written right behind the t-shirt. With bright colors, the t-shirt that we wore really attracts peoples around us to get near to us to read the phrase written behind our t-shirt. As we walked along Merdeka Square after finishing the parade, we were just like a walking advertisement helping to promote our ELF campaign. Good job everyone…

By: Mohd Fairus Abdullah (Inflight Services – Cabin Crew Line Operations)

Tahun ini sekali lagi pasukan perbarisan hari kemerdekaan Penerbangan Malaysia mencuri tumpuan umum apabila tampil dengan penuh warna warni ketika sambutan hari kemerdekaan Malaysia yang ke-51 di Dataran Merdeka baru-baru ini.

Walaupun berada dibarisan tengah Kontingen Gabungan Sektor Swasta (TNB ,Island & Peninsular, POS Malaysia, KTMB) namun kepelbagaian warna yang terdapat pada pasukan Penerbangan Malaysia begitu teserlah sehingga senantiasa menarik perhatian umum setiap kali melintas dihadapan penonton ketika pebarisan tersebut.

Tampil dengan imej ringkas dari segi berpakaian berbanding dengan rakan-rakan sepasukan dari syarikat syarikat yang lain yang muncul dengan imej korporat, pasukan Penerbangan Malaysia melakukan sedikit kelainan apabila tampil berkemeja t yang berwarna warni serta ceria menghiasi Dataran Merdeka pada hari tersebut. Kelainan yang dilakukan oleh pasukan Penerbangan Malaysia untuk perbarisan kali ini telah berjaya mencuri perhatian umum .Imej segar dan ceria melalui warna warna cerah yang dipamerkan pada kemeja t setiap peserta sangat bersesuaian dengan misi syarikat untuk mewujudkan suasana yang serupa dikalangan pekerja agar dapat memberi perkhidmatan yang penuh keceriaan pada pelanggan. Empat warna cerah yang dipakai oleh setiap peserta ialah merah jambu, oren, kuning dan biru bersama tulisan slogan ‘Everyday Low Fare’(ELF) yang jelas terpamer . Setiap warna mewakili satu harga rendah yang ditawarkan oleh Penerbangan Malaysia sejajar dengan kempen ELF yang rancak dijalankan. Menariknya pada hari perbarisan tersebut, banyak mata tertumpu bukan sahaja pada kepelbagaian warna kemeja t yang terdapat pada setiap peserta namun turut mengamati slogan menarik yang terdapat  pada bahagian depan dan belakang kemeja t berserta harga-harga murah yang ditawarkan.

Seramai lebih 60 orang peserta sukarela menyertai pembarisan hari kemerdekaan pada tahun ini. Latihan kawad yang telah dijalankan selama 2 bulan akhirnya membuahkan hasil apabila pasukan Penerbangan Malaysia bersama Kontingen Gabungan Sektor Swasta, senantiasa menerima pujian daripada pihak penganjur dan penonton. Dengan semangat bersatu dalam sebuah pasukan, kontingen besar ini telah mempamerkan persembahan cermerlang pada hari perbarisan tersebut bukan sahaja dari segi keseragaman dan kekemasan kawad tetapi juga dari segi formasi menarik yang telah dilakukan. 

Bertemakan Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan, sambutan hari kemerdekaan tahun ini disambut secara sederhana tetapi penuh gilang gemilang. Semangat kemerdekaan yang ditunjukkan oleh rakyat Malaysia serta warga Penerbangan Malaysia yang menyertai kawad perbarisan sesungguhnya amat jelas terpancar ketika hari perbarisan apabila melangkah penuh bersemangat dihadapan pemimpin-pemimpin negara  serta rakyat Malaysia dalam suasana  penuh warna warni. Syabas diucapkan kepada semua peserta serta tenaga kerja pasukan kawad Penerbangan Malaysia yang telah bertungkus lumus bagi  menjayakan kawad perbarisan sempena hari kemerdekaan tahun 2008. Sebagai salah seorang perserta, pengalaman yang saya perolehi sepanjang aktiviti kawad merdeka adalah sesuatu yang sangat menarik untuk dikenang sepanjang masa.

By: Wan Tipah Wan Yaacob (Communications Division)

Sebagai Ahli-Jawatankuasa Kontinjen MAS Hari Kemerdekaan  2008 saya berasa gembira kerana dapat bersama dengan ahli kontinjen dari mula latihan sehingga hari menyambut Kemerdekaan. Dedikasi dan semangat-juang ahli-ahli sungguh membanggakan demi negara dan menjulang nama syarikat. Sessi latihan bersama dengan TNB, Island & Peninsular, KTMB dan Pos Malaysia sangat meriah dan akan menjadi  sejarah dan kenangan yang tidak akan dilupakan.

By: Ikhwan Bakhtiar (Airport Operations)

It is 0721 hrs, 30th August 2008. As I’m writing this article, it’s 16hrs, 35 mins and 30 second before the stroke of midnight for the 51st Merdeka celebration or independence celebration for Malaysia. We Malaysians would celebrate Merdeka by going out to the city centre for a night out or gather at the Dataran Merdeka to see some fireworks or even maybe out with friends and celebrate Merdeka with the company of locals and foreigners at almost every nuke and cranny in town. And when the clock struck 12, we would be united and celebrated as we usher in the 51st Merdeka day into our lives and continue to party, feeling happy and all the above. Also for most Malaysian is the perfect opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life with a trip back to their hometown to enjoy the tranquility that their hometown could offer. Then, when all is said and done we would go home, sleep until we are fully regenerated from a hard night of celebration, and go about our lives as if nothing happens the night before and start thinking of next year celebration of Merdeka, and start planning what to wear, where to go, what to do, even crazy enough to go for a vacation during next years Merdeka. This is what usually happen from a layman’s point of view of how, we, as Malaysian celebrate our independence day.

Let us take 1 step back, and wonder how our fathers and their fathers before them would view Merdeka. Would it be in a relief, that we Malaysians are no more colonized? Or united and celebrated that Malaysian has freedom in their hands? If it’s freedom then, what is freedom? Would it be freedom of speech, freedom of practices, freedom of mind, body and soul? Free from oppression? How do you measure it? One must ponder deeply in order to understand the true meaning of Merdeka.

I’ve often put myself in a in the past, to see, feel and understand what is Merdeka to those who were there that very glorious day of 31st of August 1957 when our dearly departed 1st Prime Minister, Al marhum Y.M. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj raised his right hands, in plain view of the whole nation and with firm, confident, adamant he said “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” His sheer voice seems to rumble the whole stadium followed by an uproar of thousands upon thousand of Malaysians louded the word “Merdeka”. What was going through their minds when the word “Merdeka” louded the air? As tears are shed, smile glimmer like the sun and finally realizing the innocence of a newborn nation in world of turmoil and uncertainty at the time. Could we make it?

I’m pretty sure all of Malaysians at the time would look up to our Prime Minister for guidance and indeed, he did, by nothing more than giving assurance to the people that in a world full of uncertainty that we will make it. A bold and brave thing to say especially after just receiving our independence and surprisingly enough, not only Malaysia but also the world, we, Malaysia actually did it. We’ve managed to put our country in the same map as those who are far ahead of us. No one at the time, in my opinion could ever dream that we would be one of the leading countries in technology, development, agricultural and etc in this region. If only they could be here to see how their sacrifice have made Malaysia what it is today and if only we are able to be there, at the time of our 1st independence day to feel what they felt, the hope, the dreams, the commitment, the sacrifice and the glory of our nation. I think that is what Merdeka is all about.

The sacrifices you make for the life you choose.

To be free is not without responsibility.

To advance is not without sacrifice.

To sacrifice is not without the understanding of what you are fighting for.

These days we tend to take it for granted of the sacrifices our fathers and their fathers before them made to this country. One must ask yourself, where will you be if it wasn’t for those people who sacrifice everything for the word “FREEDOM”. That’s exactly it. A word in which carries an entire nations pride as well as to the very basic of meaning, which is free to live.

This is what Merdeka is, and why it is celebrated. So, the very next time if we planned to go out and celebrate Merdeka, lets do it with a sense of gratitude that we are able to do what we do because of those who sacrifice their lives defending that freedom for us. Therefore, here and now I shall loud the word “MERDEKA!, MERDEKA!, MERDEKA! And Happy 51st Medeka Malaysia for you have been the very epitome of what FREEDOM means.

Coretan: Putra Permata, Fairuz Mokti (Inflight Services)

cincin suasa bernilam pusaka

bercorak sarat cempaka setaman

berbilang bangsa mencorak merdeka

empayar berdaulat zaman berzaman 

padi sedulang bertampi di tanjung

mengemping si dara berdendang rebana

budaya MH dijulang berjunjung

masyhurlah Malaysia serata buana

One Response to “Merdeka”
 

• Saiful says:

last year we are proud served the favourite tunkus dish on selected route..during merdeka day
celebration…

December 29th, 2008 at 10:22 am

By: Maureen Tey Siew Har (Flight Operations)

23 yrs ago seems like a long time but I still remember, I was one of the participants in the 1985 Merdeka parade for our MAS contingent. During those days, when the circular for the Merdeka parade was out, everyone will rush to register. It was not an easy feat to get a full contingent of cabin crew, which was why the management had to turn to ground staff to gather a pool of participants.

The cabin crew uniform looks elegant and pretty to me.  I told my friends I really wanted to see how I look like in this uniform, but do you think they will select me?

Rozi and I (standing on the left) - Do I still look the same?

Of course!  Rozi said…I will come with you.  So five of us decided to send in our names and sure enough the next day we were called up.  Wow! This is going to be fun especially when we have our groups of friends.

Throughout the whole Merdeka preparation, our team had only two or three practices in Subang but each session lasted for 3 hours under the supervision and training by one of the Security Personnel.  He is ‘fierce’ and you will get the cane if you do not lift up your legs and swing your hands.  This is no fun!  Why lah get into all this?   

But we were all willing and determine to carry the MAS Flag.  This was followed by two practices in town and a final full-dress rehearsal in Merdeka Square.

We had no transport and my friend’s father was kind enough to pick all five of us at 6.00am in the morning. I was delighted to have the chance to don the official MAS kebaya uniform. It was a proud moment to represent MAS in the nationwide celebration.

The MAS contingent was one of the most popular contingents.  Flags in our hands, we waved them and smiled to the onlooking crowd. Everyone was cheering for us, little children shouting ‘kapal terbang!’ every time we march by.  I guessed they only know us by that term.

Never mind if I had to go for practices at 6.00am in the morning.  Never mind if I had to stand for hours under the blazing sun. It was an experience I will never forget.

By: Melissa Veronica Crocker (Malaysia Airlines Kuching)

Project Pintar is nothing new to citizens of Malaysia Airlines. On 14 April in Kuching at SK Satria Jaya and 16 April 2008 in Miri at SK Lambir, these two events are the most inspiring events I have ever organised throughout my entire journey in Malaysia Airlines.

Pictures taken with 50 needy students from SK Satria Jaya Kuching, in which some of them aspires to become a pilot.

Students from SK Lambir receive gifts from MAS Chaiman Dato Dr Munir Abdul Majid.

I am fortunate to be a part of the Project PINTAR (Promoting Intelligence, Nurturing Talent and Advocating Responsibility) under our Business Transformation Plan. Being a Government-Linked Companies (GLCs), Malaysia Airlines helps to improve the academic standards on underprivileged children in terms of their tuition packages, provision of library books, study materials for needy student as well as motivational/career talks. 

During the initial stage of the project, I got the opportunity to visit the schools and meet with the students. What touches me most is the curiosity of the students at SK Lambir while they greeted us with a poignant smile on their faces.  Seeing them dressed in their wrinkly and faded uniforms, I was filled with rush of mixed emotions trying to gauge where I was at that time. Little did I knew that there are children between the ages of 7, which are being left at a boarding school, running their own chores while coping with their studies, I then realise how lucky I was during my adolescent days. Knowing that after school, I have home cook meal readily served and clean uniforms to wear for the next day. Looking back, I count my blessings and learnt to respect the things my parents provided me and grateful with the things given to me. 

During the day of the PINTAR launch in Miri, the rain was pouring down heavily but it manage to calm itself down in the nick of time, just before the arrival of the guest of honour.  There was a sense of relief on our faces!  The event went about smoothly and we were glad that ‘Mr Sun’ came out to play.

Anchoring on the values of Malaysian Hospitality, our staffs are ever WILLING to commit themselves and DETERMINED to lend a helping hand.  They SPONTANEOUSLY took up the calling to assist those in need and it comes NATURALLY for them as they have inculcated these values while serving with the airline.

I am proud to be amongst the MH group, having organised something, which is noble and sincere. Staff from various departments, such as Cabin Crew, Technical Crew, Engineering, Public Relations and Accounts came with different expertise for a motivational talk to encourage the students to achieve greater heights in their level of education.  During the talk, I watch the students solemnly while they listened tentatively and participating actively with the staff.  After hearing the talk, some of them were inspired to become pilots and engineers and they were curiously excited to learn more on the possible ways to achieve their newly aspired goals.  It was a heartfelt experience to see how driven the students were by our presence in sharing words of encouragement for them in their studies. 

The event ended too soon. Just as we were about to bond with the students, we had to bid our goodbyes and left with a heavy heart. We were glad to be able to bring cheers to the students and to share what we are well renowned for - which is Malaysian Hospitality to everyone in the school.

One Response to “Project Pintar in Kuching and Miri”
 

• DENISE says:

i like this MAS sponsoring my school.i am one of SK Lambir

February 5th, 2009 at 2:28 am

By: Sharmini Ratnasingam (Commercial)

I have been asked to be an advocate for the MH Blog. Of course my initial reaction is “What am I going to write?” 

Being part of the CVP team and knee deep in MH CVP activities, I guess would give me an advantage in putting my personal thoughts down in writing. But I am also in a predicament on whether I should write only positive thoughts so to motivate my readers or should I write about my experience in my course of ensuring service quality is met across the touchpoints? Certain topics could be ‘sensitive’, so I am going to just let my thoughts flow and let my blogs to takes it’s own shape. 

I had actually just written an article for Berita MH (August edition) about what makes up my heart & soul.  I believe that there is a strong correlation between my work in MAS and my music journey especially through my contemporary gamelan group, Rhythm in Bronze (RiB). (Did I mention, we recently swept off 4 awards at the recent BOH Cameronian Awards, and yes I am smugly proud about our achievement)

My article mentions passion as one of the main driving force. However on hindsight, there are actually more components of this correlation. When on stage, we the performers need to have the drive to reach a certain goal, trying out new things and taking that fearful step of the unknown, taking time to enjoy the whole process despite hiccups, expecting the unexpected, ensuring whatever I do I am giving my very best, ultimately working together as a team to achieve that sense of satisfaction of a giving an outstanding performance for our audience to enjoy and remember, etc.

Of course when playing with RiB and performing on stage, these components come naturally to me, in fact it is a habit.  A habit I was able to translate to my work environment. Most times, it works. Some times it doesn’t, which is fine. As long as I ensure I don’t get too jaded, intense and cynical especially when I am constantly facing with problems, breakages and resistance on a frequent basis.

It is a perpetual challenge, but it forces me to constantly evaluate myself, my integrity and what my beliefs are. And I find this constant evaluation a wonderful journey for me. There is so much to learn, so much to try out and so much to discover. And right in the middle of this discovery, is being aware and being grateful to be part of a great team and having supportive friends/colleagues.

Yes! I am grateful!