TRIPS TO OVERSEAS 4: UK

TRIPS TO UNITED KINGDOM

First Trip To UK

First time my foot step onto the land of our colony (Britain) was in 2000. That year, I was working in Treasury looking after the aviation contracts and procurement. So, I was representing the Treasury for the Project Review Meeting (PRM) for RMN Superlynx helicopter with Westland Helicopter Ltd at Yeovill, Somerset, UK. The team was led by Datuk Hj Ahmad Pharmy (Deputy S-G (Development) of MINDEF- he brought her wife), the other team members were Laksma Dato Radzi (RMN Chief of Engineer), and Kept Ayop (RMN Dir of Project Management).

In UK we were met by the Project Team members led by Cdr Khairudin Khalid (Head of PT - he is now Laksma Dato), Cdr Adib Samad (navy pilot - now Capt), LtCdr Aziz (Armament Engineering Officer) and LtCdr Fadzil (Supply Officer).

In Yeovil we were staying in one old heritage bungalow belong to Westland. It is located quite far from the town (in farm areas), very quiet and throughout the night I could not sleep well. Other than very cold, my mind was remembering the haunted house in the movie i watched in tv.

Two days only to settle down the official duty, the rest of the week we stayed at Chamberlain Hotel in London. One of the most prestige hotel in London. Walking round London city with Capt Ayop, especially along Oxford Road. Excited!. Grandmother's (Q Elizabeth) land.

Second trip 2002 - on the way back from Milan (PDI Agusta 109)

Third trip 2003 - on the way back from Toronto, Canada (PRM Global Express)

Fourth trip to London - 2007 - visit Rolls-Royce facilities at Ansty and Bristol. Visit RAF Marham.

with Sonna (R.Royce, Ansty) and Mej Lua

In the factory (Rolls-Royce, Ansty)

Taking a pose with Princess 'D' at Museum of Madame Tussauds, London

Infront of Buckingham Palace (Dec 2008)

In the Eye of London




Fifth trip to London - Dec 2008 - PDI Viper Engine with Lt Col Thien and Mej Lua

Sixth trip to London - March 2009 - PRM Adour Rolls-Royce Ltd, Bristol with Dato Ackbal, Rafdzi, Gopalan and Izani.

7th trip to London June 2009- JPRM for BAe Ltd, Lytham with Col Zaki, Rafdzi and Ghazali. Opportunity to visit Kearsley Airways Ltd (Stansted), Vector Aerospace (Croydon) and Martin Bakers Ltd (Higher Denham, Uxbridge Middlesex).

Sailing at Thames River (with Col Dr Zaki)

before watching Theatre 'Wicked' at London (June 2009)

'LIMA' EXPERIENCE

Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Malay: Langkawi Permata Kedah is an archipelago of 99 islands (an extra 5 temporary islands are revealed at low tide) in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. On July 15, 2008, Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah had consented to the change of name to Langkawi Permata Kedah in conjunction with his Golden Jubilee Celebration. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 45,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Langkawi is also an administrative district with the town of Kuah as the capital and largest town. Langkawi is a duty-free island.

On June 1, 2007, Langkawi Island has been given a World Geopark status by UNESCO. Three of its main conservation area in Langkawi Geopark;Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest park.(Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake). These three parks are the most popular tourism area within Langkawi Geopark.

Langkawi is particularly known for its beaches which are among the best in Malaysia. Some of the most popular are Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Burau Bay, Pantai Kok, and Datai Bay. Pantai Cenang is a picturesque beach with seemingly unending stretches of fine white sand. The beach is contoured by tall coconuts and casuarinas. Pantai Tengah is separated from Cenang by a small cape. Burau Bay, fringed by rocky outcrops, is the favorite place of migratory birds in Langkawi. Pantai Kok is a peaceful beach with the backdrop of limestone hills. Datai Bay has wonderful combination of forests and sea.The milky beach is backed by lush forest.

Sea around Langkawi is perfect to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Marine life in Langkawi waters is prolific, thanks to strict enforcement of environmental laws. Fish like black tip sharks, barracudas and giant groupers are regularly sighted. Coral life is rich, consisting both soft and hard corals. Pulau Payar Marine Park, located near Langkawi, is tailormade for scuba diving and snorkeling. Apart from these two sports; angling, fishing, and swimming can also be enjoyed in Langkawi.

The Langkawi Cable Car takes visitors up to the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang (now pronounce as Macincang), where the Langkawi Sky Bridge is located.

mmmm

1991 - Not going - MPPU
1993 - I couldnt remember - MTU SISMAT (Personnel)
1995 - Not going - study in ITM Shah Alam
1997 - MTU SISMAT
1999 - Trip under MTAT
2001 - Trip under Treasury
2003 - Trip under Treasury
2005 - AO for ROK Air Force Chief
2007 - AO for Qatarian Air Force Chief (watch 'Cover')
2009 - MLU