Amir, a Malaysian who love to travel and love to tell the world about Malaysia. Feel free to visit his unofficial blog for more info about Malaysia Vacation.
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Archive for the ‘Culture’ category
Exeter Korean Film Week and Asia Culture Centre – Interview with Ercic Bransden
December 27th, 2009
Explains how the Korean Film Week started with a conversation at the Asia Cultural Centre. Promise of another event next year.
?? Moveable type
December 25th, 2009
Image taken on 2009-07-04 14:43:10 by bigarnex.
Colored Bo-Sang paper umbrellas
December 23rd, 2009
Image taken on 2008-07-20 09:16:06 by Alaskan Dude.
Southeast Asia Culture Night – Brandeis University
December 21st, 2009
Mua Sap
From Central Asia to Kashmir
December 19th, 2009Kashmir, situated on the old Silk Road in spite of being nestled by high mountains, has been exposed to cultural influences from various lands. The famous Silk Route which began to be used from about the first century BC not only carried traders, raiders and armies but also immigrants, philosophers, thinkers and men of artistic talent acquainted with religious philosophies. This route also carried cultural influences and ideas across the borders. Kashmir that occupied an important place on the cultural map of Central Asia is up to this day famous for its richness of culture and beauty of its arts and crafts. She maintained close relations with different parts of Central Asia since ancient times. The Buddhist missionaries from Kashmir were the first to spread the Buddhist philosophy in Central Asian territories across the Hindukush in Afghanistan, in China and Tibet as a result of which a new religion took roots in these lands. Many Buddhist scholars from these lands traveled across the deserts and mountains for their schooling in Kashmir. As a result the ancient arts of Kashmir, be it sculpture or architecture, show many similarities in designs, in iconography or in skills of production with the centers of excellence that existed outside Kashmir at that time. The exchange of ideas placed Kashmir at a very high pedestal in such productions and was known all over the region for such artistic creations. These connections were further advanced by political relations, matrimonial alliances and employment of Central Asians in Kashmir establishments.
With the foundation of Sultanate in AD 1339, Kashmir became the magnetic attraction for the Muslim missionaries, sufis, saints and ulemas (Muslim theologians) from Central Asia, who propagated the message of Islam in the region. Most of the time they comprised men from all walks of life to introduce Central Asian skills and technologies as well. Tradition says that Syed Ali Hamdani, the learned saint from Central Asia visited Kashmir in the late 14th century for the purpose of propagation of Islam in Kashmir and brought with him over seven hundred disciples, some of whom were said to be skilled craftsmen. These missionaries also brought with them their own life style, language, dress pattern, food habits etc that subsequently got disseminated among the local people. The influx was such that it was feared then that all these new cultural waves shall engulf the inhabitants, which subsequently did happen.
The Sultan was himself a symbol of these introductions and put on such dresses that were regarded excellent, beautiful and colourful. These were in silk as new technology was introduced when the use of weavers brush and loom for the weaving of silk in Kashmir was attempted. It can be deduced with a fair degree of accuracy from Pundit Srivaras account that Zain-ul-Abdin introduced multi-heddle looms from Central Asia or Khurasan in which circular plant designs were weaved besides animated figures. In the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abdin art, culture, fine arts and literature flourished in Kashmir, particularly that of Bukhara and Samarkand. Besides the multi heddle looms for silk weaving, wood carving, enameling, stone cutting, stone polishing, bottle making, window cutting (tabadan-turash), calligraphy and book binding, carpet making and a number of other arts and crafts, which sooth the eye with their intricacies flowered under the impact of Central Asia. The local people started working on the original models from Iran and Central Asia, and in many cases they experimented with new models that led to the evolution of new forms and movements. The fresh introductions must have taken roots deep even after the death of the Zain-ul-Abdin, as seventy years latter Mirza Haidar Dughlat records the glory of these crafts in these words: in Kashmir one meets with all those arts and crafts which are in most cities uncommon. In the whole of Mavara-u-Nahr except Samarkand and Bukhara these are now here to be met with while in Kashmir they are abundant. This is all due to Sultan Zain-ul-Abdin. A further boost to the crafts of Kashmir may have taken place when the Central Asian noble Mirza Haidar invaded Kashmir and his subsequent ten year political domination of the country contributed significantly to the technological and cultural transfusion from Central Asia to Kashmir. His personal and perspective patronage gave a renewed boost to these industries and commerce, the benefits of which were later enjoyed by the Chak rulers who followed him. The valley henceforth experienced its second cultural resurgence whose impact lasted long enough for Mirzas illustrious nephew (Jehangir) to appreciate as he introduced various types of musical instruments, new types of windows and doors, and also made innovations in dress and diet. As a result of such close relations, the arts and crafts of Kashmir show exuberant influences of Central Asia.
ADIL MOHEEN HAKIM
STUDENT BBA ISTYEAR
ZADI MASJID SAFA KADAL SRINAGAR KASHMIR INDIA
PH 9858474161
STUDENT BBA ISTYEAR
ZADI MASJID SAFA KADAL SRINAGAR KASHMIR INDIA
PH 9858474161
Tour of Asia 2007 : Modern Fan Dance
December 15th, 2009
UCF Asian Students performed at the the UCF, ASA – “Tour of Asia” Culture Show 2007 … Fan Dance UCF ASA Tour of Asia Culture Show trend magazine
Asian People, Their Traditions and Cultures
December 13th, 2009Asian refers to all the people who are residing in Asia.
There are many countries that form a part of the continent of Asia like the Islamic nations and the Southeastern countries of Nepal, India and Bangladesh. Asia has the largest land mass in the whole world and is a home to a majority of human population that is residing in the world. Most of the densely populated countries of the world are situated in Asia. There are a large number of countries that constitute this continent and as a result it is home to a wide variety of cultures and traditions. People of Asia are very strongly attached to their homelands and find it very painful to separate from their native countries.
Asian people are progenies of an umpteen number of ethnic races. It contains countries like India, Pakistan, Myanmar, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the developed countries of Japan and Russia. This continent is abounding with a variety of climates, lands and amazing landscapes. From Himalayas to the arid lands of Mongolia and Afghanistan, the continent of Asia is bestowed with amazing landscapes. Asia has a huge area of land and the western part of Asia comprises Muslim countries like UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Iran and Dubai and contains features of Arab and Iranian cultures. Asia has people following all the religions from Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. The continent of Asia is blessed with fertile lands in China and India and excels in agricultural production of food grains and rice.
Asian people are known all over the world for their strong cultural values and intelligent minds. This continent has given birth to many famous scientists, celebrities and politicians. Although this continent does not boast of many developed countries, many developing countries within this continent are on the threshold of becoming developed. Asia as a continent was initially under the colonial rule for a very long time except for the countries of Japan or Russia. Many nations like India, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan have suffered the brunt of oppressive colonial rule by Europeans and Americans for a very long period of time.
Times have changed now and the countries of this continent are embarking on the era of economic development like never before. Southeastern countries like India, Sri Lanka and China are experiencing amazingly high rates of per capita GDP growth. These countries have also made an effort to preserve communal harmony and unity by following a policy of inter-regional cooperation and forming associations for the above purpose like SAARC.They have also forged important trade alliances with each other to mutual boost economic growth.
Asia is well known for celebrations and festivals. It is a land where festivals of different cultures and religions are being celebrated. Among the major Hindu festivals are Diwali, Holi, Baisakhi, and Eid ul-Fitr, Dusshera, Onam and Christmas and are celebrated with great fervor all over India.
http://www. asiancity. org
Asia Travel Information Guide For Planning Your Next Holidays. Asia is the paradise of traveler.
Asia Travel Information Guide For Planning Your Next Holidays. Asia is the paradise of traveler.
Visit Penang – The gateway to Asia’s Greatest Travel Destination
December 11th, 2009Penang is a perfect place for all vacationers, young and old alike. And with the scores of Penang Tourists Attractions that showcase the culture, the beauty & the charm on this lovely island – It is a trip worth visiting and remembering. The island of Penang in Malaysia is dubbed as the “Pearl of the Orient” and considered as one of Asia’s most famous travel destination to date. This is not quite hard to imagine since Penang has grown into a beautiful city with modern architecture and yet still manages to preserve its historical value overtime, offering the best of worlds in one small area.
Captain Francis Light christened the island Penang or Pulau Pinang which means the “island of the Betelnut”. This name is most likely derived from the fact that betel nut palms are commonly found within the island. Penang’s population greatly reflects its diversity. You can find different races in this island coexisting quite peacefully with each other such as the Chinese, Malays, Indians and others.
Penang Tourist Attractions also consists of beautiful landscape parks such as botanical garden at Jalan Air Terjun – A great place to take picture. The flora and
fauna of this parks are simply awesome. You’ll get to see various species of birds, flowers, trees & butterflies that welcome your every visit.
Religion in this side of world is freely expressed and respected. The official religion in Penang is Islam but you can find temples and other religious grounds from different faiths such as Buddhist and Hindu temples. That is why you will get to see in Penang, an abundance of worship places that cater for nearly every faith. Some of the popular ones which are the Penang Tourist Attractions will be Kek Lok Si Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Mahamariamman Temple, St. Anne Church, Khoo Kongsi and others. If you plan to visit these places, just make sure that you wear a decent attire and try not to bring any food or alcohol into the place of worship.
Penang is a fairly busy island, always bustling with annual festivities of different cultures. If you are visiting the island of Penang, it is not uncommon to chance upon at least one festival taking place during your stay. Some of the highlights are Chinese New Year held every late January or early February which signifies the beginning of Chinese Lunar year and Christmas Day celebrated by Christians every month of December.
Penang travel can never be completed without sampling its fine delicacy and cuisine greatly influenced by Malays, Chinese and Indians. There is definitely no room for picky eaters here since there is always something for everybody and food is really great, tourists usually come back for more. The most famous dish is the Penang Laksa, a tamarind-based fish soup filled with noodles. Penang Laksa is a very delicious and filling treat. Tourist can either choose to buy their food from “hawkers” of roadside stalls or get them at regular sit-in restaurants which nicely dotted the area. Gurney Drive is the famous food street where you will find hawker’s stalls lined up and selling best of Penang Food.
Some of Penang’s local favorites are:
- Satay or Malaysian style kebab.
- Apom, an Indian paper-thin pancake.
- Apong, Nyonya’s folded pancake.
- Beef ball noodles
- Char Koay Teow, stir-fried rice noodles.
- Chicken rice, a complete meal of Hainanese rice cooked in chicken stock served with roasted or steamed chicken.
- Fried oysters for seafood lovers!
- Mee Goreng, an Indian fried noodle.
- Mee Suah Tau or vermicelli soup with flaked crab meat.
Georgetown is the capital of Penang Island and was declared by UNESCO in 2008 as a world heritage site. Georgetown has extensive list of sights to see, some of its famous tourist attractions are Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Leith Street, built in 1890. Fort Cornwallis in Light Street was built in 1793 and visit Penang Islamic Museum by Armenian Street. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion can be found around Church Street and also check out Queen Victoria Clock Tower which commemorates Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Penang is also the home of the largest bridge in Malaysia and one of the largest in the world, the Penang Bridge. Don’t forget to experience Penang Hill as well, a favorite spot among tourists which can be accessed through railway or by foot.
Your visit will not allow you to go home empty-handed considering best shopping outlets for electronics, clothing and other products made from South-East Asia. Cultural diversity is also reflected with food choices available in this side of town. Penang truly feeds the mind and soul. With both modern and historical worth, it is safe to say that there’s always something for everybody here in Penang.
Lessons Learned From Global Sap Implementation in Asia
December 9th, 2009With my current role of managing global virtual project teams, I have been asked repeatedly by my peers on what are the key success factors of implementing SAP for plant start-up in Asia, especially since the users have no previous SAP experience and business process knowledge ,and English is not their first language.
As you can see, global project teams have several unique characters and challenges, such as multi-functional, constantly evolving to meet business and resource constraints, matrix structured, culturally diverse and geographically distributed. These challenges resulted in that corporate culture is not very conductive for effective communication and cross-team learning. Many learning opportunities are missed and corporate have been paying high price for repeating similar mistakes. Thus, capturing and sharing lessons learned as must-to-have project management processes will reduce global project costs and increase customers and users satisfaction.
If you are responsible for global SAP rollout, here are some lessons learned that can benefit your team and your company.
Lessons Learned – Local Leadership Buy-in event
More often, global project team encounters issues like roles and responsibilities of extended team* are not well defined, local support team resources are not committed after project started, there is no go-to person on site to coordinate issues between site, business team and project team, etc. In order to get full support from the local leadership team, a project buy-in event needs to carry out by change management team 3-6 months prior to the project kick-off to help local leaders to understand that SAP implementation project is not only an IT implementation, but a business project as well; to help local leaders to understand the importance of aligning business to SAP; to communicate with local leaders clearly about organizational structure, business processes and business units that will be impacted by implementation, resource requirements, etc.
Lessons Learned Decoding Email Messages
As many companies are moving their business to Asia, communicating effectively in a cross-cultural work environment can ensure companies international business success. Due to the language barriers and different vocabulary systems, core team and local users are having difficulty understanding and decoding email messages. As a result, misunderstanding often arises and issues do not get resolved on time, which affects activities schedule and eventually, affects the rollout schedule.
The recommendation is to conduct a Cross-Cultural Communication session during the Kick-off period to the local users and project team to recognize specific cultural differences, to aware of communication differences and to overcome or minimize the cultural communication barriers to high quality communication.
Lessons Learned – Local Site Coordinator
Global SAP ERP project team normally is referred to as virtual team. Team members are working on remote and scattered all over the world. For example, my team has about sixty members and they are located in Germany, Budapest, Mexico, US, Canada, Singapore, China. A lot of times, core team members do not know who to go to address local business-related activities and issues; users do not know who to go to bring up project and business-related issues; and local site management does not get the latest project status therefore unable to provide just-in-time support.
The recommendation is to nominate an experienced site coordinator onsite to act as a local go-to person for all SAP-related issues. The role is responsible for communicating to all appropriate parties on overall project status, issues, successes, and barriers to keep the members engaged in the project.
Lessons Learned ERP concept and Global Business Process
For most international companies, global SAP implementation is to provide an ERP solution in support of constructing new production start-up in Asia. Most of users are new hires and they do not understand the ERP concept or the Global Template; they do not understand their roles and the associated business processes.
Recommendation is to conduct a Global Template Familiarization session to introduce the Global End-to-End Processes to the users. Afterwards, change management team should work with the local business to determine which processes are applicable to the site, and which ones need localization due to legal and language requirements. A process mapping exercise is highly recommended as well, where the to-be processes (Visio diagram with swim-lanes) are finalized and presented to the local management team. Upon their agreement, SAP roles are able locked, training courses for different SAP roles can be assigned.
Lessons Learned To-be Process
Like I mentioned above, users are new and they do not have much of SAP and business process knowledge. It is unrealistic to expect users to grasp the to-be process fully.
Recommendation is to conduct a User Acceptance Test/Process Testing prior to go-live after end user Basic SAP and business process training. By now, the design has been tested by the Core Team, actual data has been loaded to the test environment, and Super Users have been trained in SAP and business concepts. The Super Users run through the integration test script. This milestone ensures the design works, the data load is accurate and complete, and the super users are trained properly. This key success step should be included in the project plan in order to give core team, business team and extended team good visibility.
Lessons Learned Master Data & Data Validation
Another issue global SAP implementation team faces is that requesting for data validation took much longer than expected. Three steps that involved in master data. There are data collecting, data loading and data validation. Because not all colleagues from business have been told the data collection process, how to validate and the importance of validation, master data always came last minute and past the deadline.
The recommendation is that change management team to conduct workshops locally to explain the data collection and data validation process to business users; to help users understand the meaning of the fields to be validated; and to communicate roles and responsibilities surrounding master data collection and validation by specify who will do what by when. Further, requests for validation should be to a single individual, not a group. Project manager should segregate data load and data validation activities in work plan and ties back to articulating due dates for specific activities and responsibilities distribution list.
Lessons Learned – End User Training
According to normal SAP implementation methodology, change management team plans the training activities one month before system go-live. The training focuses on to-be processes.
Due to the cultural differences, people in Asia intent to nod a lot when instructor talking. It does mean they understand what instructor talking about, it only means that I hear you. They may not tell instructors if they really understand the process/SAP transactions or not. Core team members, for example, weren’t aware that some users didn’t take the basic SAP training until they started the delta training. This resulted in that user’s SAP and business process knowledge level may not attain the level expected and some users are unable to perform transactions in SAP, e.g. create STO to move raw materials from the US to Asia, near go-live.
The recommendation is to set up process to on board new staff. The process includes obtain the SAP ID, go through the SAP navigation training, the SAP functional module training, obtain the knowledge from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and go through the after-training test. The process should ensure the new users fully understand the process and can create the transactions in SAP independently. The standard training goes first, and in the support period, have a 2-3 week refresher training. People are more familiar with the process and know how SAP supports the process. They then start asking questions and we know their learning situation.
Sounded communication between core team and local extended team is very important factor for global SAP rollout. Including all team members in the email loop and plan the regular team update meetings can keep all parties on the same page on each project stage.
In summary, many leading companies use SAP ERP system as an essential infrastructure to provide integrated and standardized real time data to support their global operations. As they move their productions to Asia, they are facing very complicated issues and unique challenges due to national cultural differences and local requirements. Researches of the impact of different cultures on SAP ERP systems implementation in Asian region have not been taken widely yet. Any mistakes of implementation can cost company millions and millions of dollars. Therefore, these lessons we learned from real-time SAP rollouts will provide some guidance on global SAP ERP implementation in Asia.
Qiuyan (Joanna) Wang is the PMO Lead for Asia Pacific at a Premier International Chemical Company. For more than 10 years she has worked with project management in the United States and abroad. She has extensive SAP Global ERP implementation experience and Project Management Office implementation experience.
Nose piercing
December 7th, 2009
Image taken on 2009-06-21 15:10:06 by Carolincik.
