The woman in your life...very well expressed...

The woman in your life...very well expressed...
 

Tomorrow you may get a working woman, but you should marry her with these facts as well.

Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are;
Who is earning almost as much as you do;

One, who has dreams and aspirations just as
you have because she is as human as you are;

One, who has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your
Sister haven't, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system
that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements

One, who has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters, almost as
much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;

One, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family ,name

One, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen

One, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook
food at the end of the day, even if she is as tired as you are, maybe more,
and yet never ever expected to complain; to be a servant, a cook, a mother,
a wife, even if she doesn't want to; and is learning just like you are as
to what you want from her; and is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you;

One, who has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too, those, who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities;

Yes, she can drink and dance just as well as you can, but won't, simply
Because you won't like it, even though you say otherwise

One, who can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours, are to be met;

One, who is doing her level best and wants to make this most important,
relationship in her entire life a grand success, if you just help her some
and trust her;

One, who just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house - your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly - your understanding, or love, if you may call it.

But not many guys understand this......

Please appreciate "HER"


I hope you will do....
 

 

 

Technical Resource and Internship Network (TRAIN)

About TRAIN

Technical Resource and Internship Network (TRAIN) is managed by Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia (YBNM). The foundation has Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat as its patron.

TRAIN was established to promote and coordinate vocational skills training for drop-outs and school leavers who are not academically inclined, to eventually assist them to secure a job.

All qualified Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, are eligible for assistance by TRAIN .

Introduction

Technical Resource and Internship Network (TRAIN) is managed by Yayasan Pendidikan Bistari. The foundation has Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat as its patron.

TRAIN was established to promote and coordinate vocational skills training for drop-outs and school leavers who are not academically inclined, to eventually assist them to secure a job.

All qualified Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, are eligible for assistance by TRAIN. 

Patron

YB Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat

Everyone involved in the development of the concept of TRAIN should be commended for the contribution as training is not only useful in itself but rather as an essential ingredient to a decent life and constructive contribution to the development of society.

One of the key factors in the future development of our economy and labour market is human capital. The world is witnessing the fall of artificial boundaries as we liberalise our economies. This has created a pressing need for human workforce that is skilled and recognized. The opportunities are thrown wider with the combination between commercial, industrial and technical occupations and service occupations.

TRAIN is established to open up opportunities for our youths, particularly those who are not academically inclined, to get an equally good start in the world. They should be empowered with skills that are recognised by trade occupations worldwide.

I welcome the initiative of TRAIN partners to value add the programme by conducting the programme in multiple language. I also applaud the move to provide an international dimension to TRAIN in terms of accreditation and internship opportunities.

With scholarships, subsidized fees, private and government loans available via. TRAIN, youths of today will have no more excuses not to empower themselves with skills that set them up for a lifetime. 

Scholarships & Financing

One of the attractions of approaching TRAIN for vocational training is access to scholarships and financing. These are some of the schemes available in which the Foundation can assist in:

Scholarships

Qualified trainees are able to apply for scholarships available such as:

    * Ministry of Youth training programme
    * Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia scholarships

The successful trainees enjoy full or partial scholarships off tuition fees. Certain scholarship schemes may also cover cost of living expenses such as accommodation, food and transportation.

Candidates are advised to approach the Foundation officers for more information.
 

Subsidised Fees

Fee paying trainees are able to enjoy subsidized training rates which as substantially lower than fees charged in the open market. The subsidized fees come in the form of pledges of their excess places by participating training centres to the Foundation.

Candidates are advised to refer to the table on subsidized fees in this website or approach Foundation officers for detailed information.
 

Loans

The Foundation is able to assist in arranging for loans from the Government and private banks for training in cooperation with the participating training centres. Among the loans available are:

    * Skills Development Fund Corporation or Perbadanan Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (PTPK)

Perbadanan Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (PTPK)

Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (TPK) mula beroperasi pada 2001 sebagai satu kumpulan wang amanah untuk membiayai pelatih-pelatih kursus Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) dari pusat-pusat latihan  awam dan swasta yang programnya ditauliahkan oleh Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK). Tujuan penubuhan TPK ialah untuk menyediakan pinjaman bagi latihan kemahiran agar memenuhi keperluan tenaga kerja mahir negara.
Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (TPK) mula beroperasi pada 2001 sebagai satu kumpulan wang amanah untuk membiayai pelatih-pelatih kursus Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) dari pusat-pusat latihan  awam dan swasta yang programnya ditauliahkan oleh Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK). Tujuan penubuhan TPK ialah untuk menyediakan pinjaman bagi latihan kemahiran agar memenuhi keperluan tenaga kerja mahir negara.
link:www. ptpk.gov.my

    * Kojadi
    * Private banks

How it Works

One of the advantages of TRAIN is the opportunity for TRAIN assisted trainees or graduates to undergo internship with leading companies in Malaysia as well as overseas.

TRAIN collaborates with partners and leading companies to provide internship opportunities. The trainees enjoy the following unique features of internship packaged by TRAIN:

    * Availability of hundreds of internship positions in Malaysia and worldwide;
    * Online matching of internship opportunities with qualification;
    * Internship that is moderated and accredited;
    * Certification upon successful completion of internship;
    * Value-added courses are built-in such as interview skills, resume writing and professionalism.

List of Internship Partners:

    * Jobstreet.com
    * Media Prima
    * SEG International
    * Agensi Pekerjaan People Source

Advantages

The TRAIN programme offers the following advantages to young trainees:

Value-Added International Recognition:

Qualifications are accreditated, certified and/ or recognized by Malaysian Government. In addition, students have the option of value-adding their qualifications after completing and passing internationally recognized assessments. Trainees who possess qualifications that are recognized both in Malaysia and Internationally will have an edge in obtaining work overseas.
Relevant Courses Conducted in Mandarin:

Selected courses under TRAIN are conducted in Chinese for the benefit of those who are not proficient in English. Additional classes in English and Chinese may also be arranged.
Wide Network of Participating Training Providers

TRAIN works with a network of more than 30 approved training providers. The facilities and delivery of vocational training from these providers have been approved and recognized by the Government of Malaysia and various accreditation bodies.
Availability of Scholarships & Subsidised Fees

TRAIN has received pledge of scholarships for vocational training. The scholarships cover tuition fees, either in full or in part.
For selected programmes, trainees are provided allowances for food, transport and accommodation.
Fee paying trainees enjoy subsidized fees pledged by participating training providers.
Availability of Loans

TRAIN will assist qualified students to obtain loans from the Government such as PTPK. The loans may cover allowances and other cost of living. Additionally, the Foundation will also help students obtain loans from private institutions such as KOJADI and banks.
Certified Internship Prospects with local and foreign companies

Trainees and graduates of TRAIN have the option of undergoing internship with leading local and foreign companies. TRAIN have also partnered with job search companies to facilitate internship that is moderated, accredited and certified.

More Info here  http://www.train.org.my/index.php

Malaysia must have qualified, hands-on people to stay competitive

Germany’s Envoy says Malaysia must have qualified, hands-on people to stay competitive

Several factors are deterrents to a larger number of German investors putting their money into Malaysia, and top of the list is the lack of a qualified workforce.

“Malaysia doesn’t need Nobel laureates or a man who can go to the moon but qualified, hands-on people to raise their level of competence,” said German Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Guenter Georg Gruber. He said Malaysians appear to have the notion that an engineer’s work is to get suited up and sit in the office all day.

“Nobody in Germany does that. A qualified engineer goes down to the pits and repair the machines himself, if need be, and he is respected for the willingness to get his hands dirty. Here, the engineers are … different.”

He said this boils down to the lack of emphasis and importance placed in vocational training. Possibly, it stems from the lack of social acceptance of a person who works with his hands here, Gruber told Business Times in an interview in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the reunification of East and West Germany tomorrow.

Social acceptance is equally high in Germany whether you are a painter, an electrician or an engineer – as long as you are a master of your craft. “In fact, if you are a good electrician, you will be highly respected and earn good money.”

This appreciation of applied knowledge is probably what propelled Germany to become a world leader in innovation, science and technology today. As a case in point, he cited his two brothers: one who is a painter and the other, an electrician. Both earn more than he does.

Malaysians are too engrossed in the paper chase that they forget about skill acquisition. Parents’ role in this obsession cannot be downplayed, Gruber said.

“You should always ask what the industry needs. But here, parents only want to send their children abroad, (probably) to some third-class university to get a foreign degree.”

Another factor which he feels is holding back German investors is the Bumiputera equity policy. Germany’s “hidden champions” – the powerful, often family-owned small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) – are keen to invest here, but are wary of having to give up a substantial share of their business to a “complete foreigner”.

“These are often businesses which have been kept in the family for possibly hundreds of years. They would not want to share their company with someone they don’t know.”

Although they have heard of many positive news from the government on reducing the equity quota, Gruber said that many were still hesitant and adopting a “wait and see” attitude to assess how the new policies would be implemented.

One major German SME which is already here, B-Braun Medical Supplies Sdn Bhd, is currently suffering from market access problems due to the Bumiputera issue, he disclosed. B-Braun is a company with worldwide presence and an established history of supplying medical solutions in the surgical, pharmaceutical and health care management fields.

It does not have a Bumiputera partner, which prevents the company from bidding for government contracts. “B-Braun has been investing since 1972 because they have had good experience here and want to continue.

But they are being excluded in public tendering because of the Bumiputera issue,” said Gruber.

Although this was initially regarded as a “small issue”, it is now becoming a sore point for the company as a new Asean rule states that any company excluded from public tender in an ASEAN member’s market “would be excluded from all ASEAN markets”.

“This is not a very positive image for Malaysia if you want to attract more foreign investments,” Gruber said. Germany has long been recognized for its “highly specialized small and medium enterprises” segment. They are often called “hidden champions” because most produce inconspicuous products but are global market leaders in their own segments.

“We don’t want to impose any ideas on the Malaysian government. They have to choose for themselves whether they want to evolve to remain competitive. Malaysia is doing a lot of reforms as we speak and many initiatives are laudable and fantastic. But implementation, as always, has been a bit of an issue here.”

Germany is one of the top four investors in Malaysia in terms of cumulative investment value, currently at more than RM16 billion. Even during times of economic crisis, such as last year, when overall foreign direct investments into Malaysia dwindled considerably, fresh money was still coming in from Germany of about RM200 million.

Gruber said that although German investments have remained quite constant, Malaysia has to work harder to stay competitive.

“We have to be frank. A lot of investment goes to China now and to be and remain a world-class leader, Malaysia has to find its niche.”

He suggested that the country look at expending its efforts in developing the renewable energy and pharmaceutical sectors.

“Malaysia is uniquely blessed with many renewable energy sources – palm oil, biomass, sun, water – but it has not fully capitalized on them,” Gruber said.

“The 8 Qualities Of A Heartful Man”

By Chris Cade

Humble: A Heartful Man sets his ego aside for the higher good. His heart lights up with joy and wonder when he witnesses (and especially helps) other people experience success. A Heartful Man admits when he is wrong and does whatever knows is right to make amends. He is also capable of remaining quiet when he is right, knowing that sometimes the right thing to do is let others be themselves without trying to change anything. A Heartful Man’s image is not his priority; his heart is.
 

Engaging: He looks out upon the world and asks, “How can I give myself fully to this moment?” Each opportunity to engage, for a Heartful Man, is an opportunity to express and experience his innately positive disposition.
 

Authentic: The Heartful Man does not have to ask if what he is doing is right or True; he lives in integrity with his values. Other people may not always agree with what a heartful man does or says, yet they will all agree that he is who he says he is. Others can take a Heartful Man at face value, and he has peace in his heart knowing that his inner world is congruent with the way he lives his life.
 

Respectful: A Heartful Man is always conscious about honouring people for who they really are... including himself.
 

Truthful: He inquires heartfully into his experiences and has an internal drive to understand the True Nature of all things, himself included. The Heartful Man is on a neverending pursuit to illuminate his inner world, to know himself fully, and to let go of all aspects of himself that are not his True Nature.
 

Faithful: To a heartful man, faith is not about belief; it's about embracing wonder and mystery. The Heartful Man has faith that all happens for a reason. Even when he doesn’t know what the immediate reason is, the Heartful Man knows that the True reason is that everything happens for the highest good.
 

Understanding: Understanding is the integration that arises from a Heartful Man’s direct experience. He does not preach what is or should be, but rather, only shares what he has discovered to be True in his own experience. His intention in sharing is not to change the other, only to offer them himself and his insights in ways that enable others to come to their own understandings about themselves.
 

Loving: This is the foundation of a Heartful Man’s experience: he is an expression of love, as manifested through the physical body. Regardless of the external circumstances of his life, he loves his life and he lives his love. When faced with a challenge, the Heartful Man’s actions are guided by a single principle:
 

“What would love do?”

Tee Keat finds unusual support from Umno warlord

Malaysiakini
Kuek Ser Kuang Keng
Feb 17, 11 12:56pm

Although losing support from his own party division, former MCA president Ong Tee Keat has found unusual allies in the suspended Pandan Umno division chief and the Gerakan division chief, in his struggle to defend the Pandan parliamentary seat in the next general election.

Ong's candidacy was questioned by Pandan Umno division deputy chief Iszeham A Hamid, who is acting division chief, but the suspended division chief Abdul Ghani Ismail lent his support to Ong.

“He does go to the ground. It would be a loss to BN if he was not nominated as a candidate,” said Abdul Ghani when contacted yesterday.

Abdul Ghani was suspended as division chief after he was charged with corruption. The case is still pending in court.

However, he remains as BN coordinator of Chempaka, one of the two state seats under Pandan.

“I don't care whether it is Umno, MCA or Gerakan (to contest the seat), as long as the candidate can win. There are still many who can accept Ong (as their MP). He still enjoys the support.”

He defended Ong against his critics, saying “if you don't work and don't go to the ground, keep your mouth shut”.

Iszeham's 'self-indulgence'

Asked on Iszeham's proposal to Prime Minister and BN chairperson Najib Abdul Razak last Saturday, offering a 'solution' to the Pandan candidacy issue, Abdul Ghani said the retired army officer does not understand the ground.

“What does he know? He is a veteran. It is very simple. If Umno can do better than Ong, go ahead (to fight for the seat).”

He said the so-called 'solution' was just Iszeham's personal view out of his 'self-indulgence' (syok sendiri).

He hinted that Iszeham was bidding for his own chance to replace Ong, “now many are lobbying to become a candidate”.

Iszeham could not be reached for comment.

Abdul Ghani also pointed his finger at MCA president Chua Soi Lek who has yet to respond to this issue.

“The MCA president does not know the area. He is good at talking but does he know the ground?”

Create more problems if dropped

Abdul Ghani's stance was echoed by Pandan Gerakan division chief Lim Choong Meng.

“It is better to let Ong contest because he has the people's support. The people trust him,” he told Malaysiakini yesterday.

“He survived the 'political tsunami'. I believe he can sail through the next general election.”

Lim also worried about how would it affect BN's chance in Pandan should Ong be dropped.

“If BN changes the candidate, can they win the seat? This is a major problem.

“Should Ong contests as an independent, it would create more problems.”

Ong had insisted that he would continue to contest in Pandan “as long as I'm still a Malaysian citizen”.

Pandan MCA expresses reservations

However, Ong did not get the endorsement from his own party division.

Pandan MCA division chief Eric Ong Chen Huing appeared non-committal when asked about the issue.

“As division chairperson, I will give my full cooperation to all parliamentarians and state assemblypersons.

“At the same time I also respect the decision of the top leadership of MCA and Umno.”

The controversy surrounding Ong's candidacy intensified after Iszeham last Saturday proposed a 'solution' regarding the Pandan candidacy when meeting Najib.

While details of the 'solution' have not been revealed, it is no secret that Ong does not see eye-to-eye with Umno division leaders in his constituency. Hence the speculation that he may be on his way out.

Ong was first elected as Ampang Jaya MP in a by-election in 1989. He held the seat until 2004 when it was delineated into Ampang and Pandan, and Ong continued his term in Pandan.

In the 'political tsunami' that defeated many BN incumbents in 2008, Ong retained Pandan with a 2,692 majority and become the only MCA parliamentarian in Selangor.

He later failed to defend the MCA presidency in bitter polls last year, losing to Dr Chua Soi Lek. He eventually lost his post as transport minister as well.

Tee Keat: MCA politics not on my radar

Malaysiakini
Regina Lee
Feb 16, 11 10:39am

Fresh from vowing to defend his Pandan parliamentary seat even if BN drops him as candidate, former MCA president Ong Tee Keat is edging away from the nitty-gritty of party politics.

Appearing to show no signs of eagerness for the MCA election, Ong said he would rather focus attention on his constituency these days.

Asked to comment on the MCA central committee's recommendation for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to postpone the party polls, Ong said this was not on his 'radar'.

Many have said that MCA head Dr Chua Soi Lek has checkmated dissidents into submitting to an EGM, especially when rumours abound that Ong is planning to challenge the presidency.

“At this juncture, what's important and the pressing need is the Pandan agenda, the people's livelihoods and the macro issues,” Ong told reporters after his Chinese New Year open house in his constituency in Selangor last night.

“We need to look at the big issues impacting the nation, rather than to just focus on this so-called partisan exercise.”

Pressed further, he said he would rather “focus on the people” who gave him the mandate.

“I have no role to play in the EGM. So I want to keep clear of all this. My hands are full so I don't have time for politicking. If there is any politicking, count me out,” he later said.

If there are indications as to whether Pandan voters want Ong to defend the seat in the next general election, there was no need to look far.

At the open house held in SJKC On Pong 2, the predominantly Chinese visitors were greeted with several banners in support of Ong, with even one lambasting the MCA leadership.

In a recurring theme, speeches by 'representatives' of Pandan residents also pledged support for Ong to defend the seat.

“We still want Ong Tee Keat to be our MP for the next term,” said Pandan Residents Association representative Tong Man Yin.

Signature drive

A signature drive, claimed to be organised by 58 NGOs based in Pandan, has also been initiated with about 120 signatures already collected.

Pandan MCA Wanita chief Cindy Leong said the signatures, to be attached to a memorandum supporting Ong, will be handed to the prime minister next week.

The public backing for Ong has come after Pandan Umno division deputy chief Izeham A Hamid last Saturday proposed a 'solution' regarding the Pandan candidacy when meeting Prime Minister and BN chairperson Najib Abdul Razak.

While details of the 'solution' have not been revealed, it is no secret that Ong does not see eye to eye with Umno division leaders in his constituency. Hence the speculation that he may be on his way out.

Ong was first elected as Ampang Jaya MP in a by-election in 1989. He held the seat until 2004 when it was delineated into Ampang and Pandan, and Ong continued his term in Pandan.

In the 'political tsunami' that defeated many BN incumbents in 2008, Ong retained Pandan with 2,692 majority and become the only MCA parliamentarian in Selangor.

He later failed to defend the MCA presidency in bitter polls last year, losing to Chua. He eventually lost his post as transport minister as well.

Tee Keat vows to defend Pandan seat if dropped

Malaysiakini
Kuek Ser Kuang Keng
Feb 14, 11 6:09pm

Former MCA president Ong Tee Keat's supporters will mobilise support for him to defend the Pandan parliamentary seat, after the local Umno division implied they want him dropped as candidate for the next general election.

Qng tee keat pandan mp supporters dinner Over 1,200 supporters, including leaders of NGOs and community groups, have declared their support at a Chinese New Year dinner tonight in Pandan Indah, Selangor.

The 113-table buffet dinner is organised by the NGOs, which have invited Ong (right) as their guest of honour.

The momentum will grow tomorrow night when supporters are expected to unfurl banners of support at another 100-table Chinese New Year dinner hosted by Ong's service centre at SJK(C) On Pong 2.

ong tee keat pandan mp supporters dinner 3A signature campaign will also be launched during the dinner.

The supporters want BN to retain Ong as Pandan candidate in the next general election, for which the date has yet to be set.

Pandan Umno division deputy chief Izeham A Hamid had last Saturday proposed a solution regarding the Pandan candidacy when meeting Prime Minister and BN chairperson Najib Abdul Razak.

Izeham claimed that Najib (left) had agreed to the proposal, but the premier had refused to comment when asked about this later.

It is no secret that Ong does not see eye to eye with Umno division leaders in his constituency.

Keeping all options open

Yesterday Ong had said that Izeham has a right to express his views, but that he too has a right to contest the seat as a citizen.

ong tee keat pandan mp supporters dinner 5In the dinner tonight, Ong told the multi-racial crowd that he would defend his Pandan parliamentary seat if BN drops him from the line-up.

"I will contest as long as I'm still a Malaysian citizen."

However, when asked later by reporters whether he would contest as an independent, Ong dismissed the question. He said it was "far-fetched" to answer a hypothetical question at this point.

Other local NGO leaders who took the podium also expressed their support to Ong, saying that no matter what decision made by Umno or MCA regarding the candidacy of Pandan, they would only support Ong.

ong tee keat pandan mp supporters dinner 2Ong was first elected as Ampang Jaya MP in a by-election in 1989. He held the seat until 2004 when it was delineated into Ampang and Pandan, and Ong continued his term in Pandan.

In the 'political tsunami' that defeated many BN incumbents in 2008, Ong retained Pandan with 2,692 majority and become the only MCA parliamentarian in Selangor.

He later failed to defend his MCA presidency in last year party polls and eventually lost his ministerial post

An island for my wife

THIS business mogul has been married at least five times. The first two marriages -- one to a well-known socialite -- didn't quite work out well. However, he is still married to the other three.

His third "lady of leisure" used to appear on a TV magazine while his fourth is believed to be an Indonesian. The latest, his fifth, used to grace the entertainment scene, but not anymore.

Because of his monumental wealth, none of his exes or current wives were deprived of the luxuries of life.

Each has a home, either in Malaysia, Singapore or somewhere in Europe.

However, things got a little "bumpy" for the wives when they kept running into each other in Bali. Two of them have a sprawling home there each.

So, what did the billion-dollar-man do for his fifth beloved wife to ensure she doesn't bump into the others?

Well, nothing much really... he just bought her an island!

Hopes for health and happiness on CNY eve

Malay Mail
Nurfadhilah Jalaludin
Friday, February 4th, 2011 06:21:00

DEVOTION: Ong (second from right) leading the prayers at the temple

JENJAROM: The 1Malaysia spirit was evident at the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen (FGS Dong Zen) temple here with three lanterns in the form of rabbits hoisted to represent the three major racial groups within the country.

Apart from celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, the temple reminded all of the need to preserve the earth with the theme "The Garden of Environmental and Spiritual Preservation" amid the backdrop of a giant lantern of the world.

Launched by former Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat at the stroke of midnight, thousands of devotees then joined him and his family for prayers.

Chief of the Shrine, Venerable Jue Cheng, 51, of Johor Baru, said the temple adopts a recreational approach to encourage the younger generation to visit the temple.

Yiaw Yeong Huei, 20, of Klang, said he visits the temple every Chinese New Year.

"I came to make my wish in front of the Da Xiong Bao Dian deity and hope I will get good grades in my exams."

Another devotee, Soo Mei Yan, 24, prayed the floods down south will subside as many of her relatives live there. "I wish for my family's health and safety this Rabbit year."

Dorris Ng, 26, said: "I came here to make my wish for my family's health."

Every year, more than 20,000 people come to the temple on Chinese New Year eve. Activities include holding a lantern and a flora festival till Feb 20 as well as many programmes highlighting Chinese culture, arts, religious and education. Among them are Dharma talks, cultural shows, a photography contest and a costume parade.

Lanterns, courtesy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, the Taoyuan province in Taiwan and the Buddha Memorial Hall, are also on display.

Admission is free and open from 10.30am to midnight. For more information, contact 03-31911533.