Free lecture on Chinese imperial ceramics

If you are in Malaysia and is a collector of antique ceramics or simply just interested to learn more about imperial porcelain from China, the Bank Negara Museum in Kuala Lumpur is where you would want to head to tonight.

There will be a free public lecture on National Ceramic Treasures of the Beijing Palace Museum organised by the South-East Asian Ceramic Society, peninsular Malaysia Chapter, in collaboration with the Bank Negara Museum & Art Gallery.

The ground-breaking lecture will be given by guest speaker Wang Liying, secretary-general of the Beijing Palace Museum in China, a leading expert and scholar on ancient Chinese ceramics. She is a central figure on policy matters pertaining to Government museums in her country.

Wang examining a celadon shard from the Southern Song Dynasty during a visit to an ancient imperial kiln site near Longquan city in China.

Wang's presentation will be based on the most important ceramic artifacts on display at the Beijing Palace Museum, where they are originally found.

Given the nature of the museum’s collection, the ceramics to be highlighted will be extraordinary ceramics of imperial quality.

Explained Wang: “I will explain the course of development of ancient ceramic and pottery production in China. I will also include the appraisal system and appreciation of ancient Chinese ceramics. If time permits, there will be a brief analysis of the ancient Chinese ceramic arts in the auction market today.”

Bank Negara Museum & Art Gallery is located at 2 Jalan Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 603-91792784 / 91794077. The lecture is from 7.30pm-9.30pm, tonight.


Source: The Star..Spotlight on imperial ceramics

Air Asia X flights from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing

There is no denying that with Air Asia coming into the picture, Malaysians and Asean folk alike travel a lot more. Holiday travel has escalated to a whole new level with the advent of cheap tickets and increased flight frequencies.

For instance, flying to Beijing is now so convenient, Asia Asia X flies to Beijing four times a week from Kuala Lumpur and soon there will be daily flights as announced by Air Asia X CEO, Azran Osman Rani.

AirAsia Group CEO, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, announced recently the setting up of the airlines’s regional operations in Jakarta to help solidify the low-cost carrier’s position as an Asean airline in its future dealings with China, according to Azran.

Indonesia and China are two very huge markets with a 600 million and 1.3 billion population, respectively.


Source: The Star..CEO: AirAsia X made right move in stopping KL-Tianjin route

Malaysia allows qualifications of 820 institutes from China

Certainly a step in the right direction as currently, Malaysia does not recognise academic qualifications from institutions of higher learning in China..

The Star reported that:

The Government has agreed to recognise the academic qualifications of 820 institutions of higher learning in China.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung said the decision was based on the Malaysia-China Mutual Agreement inked last April 28.

He said under the agreement, Malaysia has submitted a list of 64 institutions for recognition by the Chinese government.

New Attraction in Malaysia - Pandas from China

Very soon, Malaysians will get to see pandas in real life following an agreement to be signed between Malaysia and China Wildlife Conservation Association, in commemoration of the countries' 40th anniversary of diplomatic relationship. The agreement will be signed on June 15.

The pandas will be placed in a special exhibit in Taman Wetland, Putrajaya. Malaysians will also get the chance to name the pandas in a nationwide contest.

China news reports in April reported that Malaysia would spend a whopping RM20mil for the upkeep of the pandas.

The budget is expected to cover the construction of an air-conditioned sanctuary for the pandas, importing bamboos from China for their meals as well to train local handlers for the animals.


Source: The Star..Giant Pandas for Malaysia

Essential Tips for the first-time visitor to China

Wikipedia says there are 23.7% ethnic Chinese in Malaysia. It used to be over 30% - many have emigrated.

Some Chinese families here still have ties or family in China so China is still a country most Chinese people here would want to visit and see the land where their ancestors come from.

There is so much going on in and around the world and in China especially after she opened her doors to the world. NY Times offers tips on easy ways to visit China for the first-time visitor.

FOR the first-time visitor to China, planning a trip to the most populous country on earth can be an exercise in trying to tame the infinite. Where to begin? Since most people will be flying into Beijing, Hong Kong or Shanghai, we suggest basing yourself in one of these three cities, each in its own state of frenzied transformation. As two Times correspondents, David Barboza in Shanghai and Keith Bradsher in Hong Kong, and Dan Levin, a regular contributor from Beijing point out, each city is a study in contrasts. Dazzling, ultramodern skylines conceal hidden corners of traditional China: historic neighborhoods crisscrossed by alleyways in Beijing; teahouses in Shanghai; and centuries-old temples in Hong Kong. Which isn’t to say that these metropolises, with their up-to-the-minute shops, galleries, restaurants and bars don’t possess their own magic. They do. Over to NY Times to for the essential tips on what to see and do for a week in China’s gateway cities.

Source: NY Times..Easy China, 3 Ways

Travel Machu Picchu with Collette Vacations

Many Malaysians still have family in China so when China opened her doors to outsiders and Malaysia approved for travel to China, Malaysians started going to China either for tours or to visit relatives. China may now be the most popular destination when it comes to asia tours. In fact, China is such a huge country that a few trips would have to be made to truly experience the beauty of China.

With the current E.coli outbreak, countries that are not experiencing the outbreak have become the destinations of choice for a holiday. Countries such United States and Canada are now preferred instead of European countries. If Canada is on your travel itinerary, there are many choices of canada tours to choose from. Collette Vacations is the site to check out for well-organized and cheaper tour packages. Collette Vacations organize guided tours to countries around the globe. They have tours to North America, South America and Antartica, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Thinking about travel machu picchu? They have that tour package too.

Collette Vacations is a family-run travel company and has been in the business for 91 years. Why guided tours? Because they take care of all the hassles of travel letting you have the fun. Also, Collette provides better rates not compromising on the quality of the tours. Check out their special offers and discounts.

New regulation for China travel

If you are travelling to China or if you are a frequent traveller to China, this information is for you.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has released a new regulation which takes effect immediately. This is to ensure flight security.

1. No lithium battery products in passenger's check-in luggage.

2. Passengers allowed to carry onboard consumer electronics and appliance installed with lithium battery for personal usage, including watch, calculator, camera, video camera, laptop, mobile phone, etc. Each passenger can bring no more than two pieces backup battery with proper packing and short-cut protection.