Thursday 15 March 2012 – Travel & Accomodations
Journey to Malacca – 31 librarians from various organisations in Singapore had registered for the conference (Editor’s note: Mr. Choy FC who went on his own from KL was our 32nd participant from LAS). As the coach crossed the causeway, we were freed of the tentacles of Singapore traffic and treated to sights of the peaceful rural Johor countryside. The friendly tour guide fed us titbits of information on the passing landmarks.
Hotel Seri Costa – The majority of us stayed at the Seri Costa Hotel which was just 5 to 10 minutes’ walk from the conference venue. Crossing the narrow streets filled with a continuous stream of cars took some skill and daring.
Friday 16 March 2012 (first day of conference)
Conference Venue – The conference was held at the Mahkota Hotel.
Presentations – Two former presidents of the PPM and LAS, Mdm Rashidah Begum Fazal Mohamed and Mr. Choy Fatt Cheong respectively, shared their reminiscences of the highs and lows in the relationships between the two organisations. Their talks inspired us to rekindle old bilateral ties and encouraged the current leadership to create more opportunities for forging stronger bonds in the future. The programme continued with presentations from Mr. Nurhazman bin Abdul Aziz (LAS), Dr. Noor Harun Abdul Karim (PPM), Mr. Choy Fatt Cheong (LAS) and YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Zaiton Osman (PPM).
Networking -The conference and associated activities presented us with the chance to network with both local and Malaysian delegates. Some vendors also exhibited at the conference.
Cultural performance – As we partook of the sumptuous dinner on the evening of the first day of the conference, we were regaled with Malay cultural dances and songs. The ethnic costumes were colourful and elegant. When the dancers invited delegates to join them in the dance, the braver souls among us gamely took up the challenge to the amusement of all.
Cultural Dance by a local performing arts group.
Mr. Gene Tan (LAS President) matches his partner move for move
River cruise – After dinner, we were brought to the Melaka River for a cruise. In the gently bobbing boat with night breezes blowing through our hair, we soaked in the sights of historic kampong buildings and godowns on either side of the river.
Neon sign seen on the way to the cruise boats
Sat 17 March 2012 (second day of conference)
Multimedia University Library Tour – We were impressed by the wide expanse of the campus. After an informative presentation on the university and its programmes, we visited the Siti Hasmah Digital Library. Resources were displayed in highly attractive showcases. Armchairs and sofas were nestled amongst the shelves to add a touch of warmth and informality to the library.
Eye-catching AV Display at MMU Library
Bowling Friendly Tournament – From the Multimedia University, we took a short coach ride to the Melaka International Bowling Centre for a friendly tournament. Diplomacy was cast to the winds when an LAS team won (Editor’s note: the team comprising of Patrick, Jonathan and Peck Suan from NUS Libraries won) the tournament, leaving the runners-up position to our gracious host. It was a fun event with its moments of epiphany when some first-time players discovered a hidden talent for bowling.
The supporters anxiously watching…
Networking did not stop during our lunch break
City Tour – Freshly recovering from a delicious lunch hosted by the PPM, we were taken on a whirlwind tour of the Kompleks Sejarah Bandar Hilir, Kampung Morten, Kampung Portugis and Jonker Street. It was like taking a step back in time when we saw buildings with pre-war architecture, smelled the aroma of childhood snacks and heard the honks of trishaws plying the streets. It is no wonder that Malacca was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.
Bandar Hilir
Christ Church, the oldest Protestant church in operation in Malaysia
Probably Melaka’s most famous landmark
Homeward Bound – Loaded with shopping, food, snapshots and memories, we reluctantly boarded the coach that would take us back to Singapore. We treasure the bonds renewed and friendships formed, and look forward eagerly to future occasions when such meaningful professional exchanges may be fostered. We thank the PPM for being attentive and solicitous hosts beyond compare, and hope to return the favour in the near future when the LAS organises the next joint conference. Terima kasih!
Reported by Hilary Ho.