Talk on Organic Value & Quality Assurance

In conjunction with the Organic ASIA 2008 conference,SDI will be organising a talk on Organic Value & Quality Assurance on 3rd September 2008,9.30am at the AZAM Conference Room.

This talk will be presented by Mr.Ong Kung Wai,IFOAM World Board member and President of Organic Alliance Malaysia.Highlights will include topics on common concern related to organic products,challenges faced by Malaysian farmers in production,product processing and marketing as well as the current global and regional organic market potential.

For registration information,please visit the following link -
http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/Invitation_Letter.pdf

or contact Rosalind Wong/Marcella Gider at 082-415484/416484.

Seats are limited.Please register by 29th August 2008.

Information on Sarawak

Map of Malaysia

Photo Source: http://www.malaysiamap.org/

Map of Kuching, Sarawak

Photo Source: http://ecycle.com.my/images/Map-Sarawak.jpg

How to get to Kuching, Sarawak
Kuching is connected to the international air transport network via Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Brunei and Singapore. Airlines operating in Sarawak include Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Silk Air, Batavia Air, Royal Brunei Airlines and MAS Wings.

Immigration & Visa Requirements
All international visitors and non-Sarawakians are required to fill in an immigration form upon arrival. For more information on visa requirements, please visit the website for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia at www.kln.gov.my

How to get to Sarawak Cultural Village from Kuching International Airport (KIA)
A taxi coupon can be bought at the Taxi Coupon Counter located on the ground floor of the airport. The fare from KIA to the Village is estimated at RM50 one way and RM18 one way from KIA to the city centre. Car rental companies, AMI Car Rental and Hertz, operate from the airport for those who are interested in renting.

Information Source:
Sarawak Convention Bureau brochure and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuching_International_Airport

Conference Programme & Input Participation

Please visit the following link for the updated and latest Conference Programme and Input Participation:

Conference Programme:
http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/SarawakConf_ProgOutline.pdf

Input Participation: http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/OrgAsia_ConfProg.pdf

Be a part of this exciting event and register now! This will be an excellent opportunity for all to come together and exchange information on all things organic.

Damai Beach Resort Room Rates

The following rates are only applicable for delegates of the Organic ASIA 2008 conference:

Single:

Seaview Deluxe at RM148.00 nett

Superior Poolside at RM166.75 nett
Chalet at RM195.50 nett
Executive Suite at RM517.50 nett

Double:
Seaview Deluxe at RM168.00 nett
Superior Poolside at RM189.75 nett
Chalet at RM218.50 nett
Executive Suite at RM517.50 nett

The above rates are inclusive of breakfast, 5% government tax and 10% service charge.

Interested delegates are strongly advised to make reservation directly to the hotel by or before 20th September 2008. After which all bookings are subject to room and rate availability.

Alternatively,reservation can be made by downloading the hotel reservation form at -
http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/RESERVATION%20FORM%20(Seminar%20participants%20on%20POA).pdf

Optional Pre & Post-Conference Tour

The followings are pre & post conference tours recommended by the Secretariat which are easily accessible from the Kuching city center. Other tours outside Kuching are also available to suit the delegate & their guest’s preferences. Kindly contact the listed travel agencies or others to make the necessary arrangements.

Bako National Park

Article Source: http://www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my/forweb/np/np/bako.htm

An introduction to the rainforest of Borneo begins here. As one of the most popular parks in Sarawak, Bako has so much to offer, from abundant wildlife to jungle streams, waterfalls to interesting plant life, as well as secluded beaches and trekking trails. You will get excellent opportunities to observe and photograph various types of wildlife in the likes of Proboscis monkey, oriental small-clawed otter, long-tailed macaques, squirrel, mouse deer and others. Definitely a great place to be for nature lovers!

Photo Source: http://www6.worldisround.com/photos/15/284/308_o.jpg

Photo Source: http://www.wunderground.com/data/wximagenew/a/AnneAbrams/794.jpg

Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Article Source: http://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp-nr-semenggoh.asp

A wide range of wildlife is housed at this Centre. This includes rescued gibbons, porcupines, crocodiles and river terrapins. Brightly coloured lizards and various species of squirrel are also frequently encountered. Visitors will not only have a chance to see semi-wild orang utan, ranging from tiny infants and adolescents to mature adults, they can also join in the feeding sessions that takes place in the morning and afternoon.

Photo Source: http://www.tropicalisland.de/KCH%20Semenggoh%20Wildlife%20Rehabilitation 20Centre%20-%20Orang-utans2_b.jpg

Sarawak Museum

Article Source: http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Sarawak/guide_srkmuz.htm

It is claimed that this Kuching landmark is the finest museum in Southeast Asia. This museum exhibits an extensive range of Bornean history, art and ethnography anywhere in the world. Among the notable exhibits include the history of Sarawak, tribal art, Malay and Chinese artifacts as well as native longhouses.

Photo Source: http://www.monash.edu.my/images/KL%20pics/sarawak%20museum.jpg

Kuching Waterfront

Article Source: http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Sarawak/guide_kucwater.htm

No visit to Kuching would be complete without a stroll at the Waterfront. It is home to modern sculpture, an open-air theatre, musical fountain as well as cafes and restaurants. Sit and relax over a cup of hot coffee and experience sunset in the heart of Kuching city.

Photo Source: http://www.mymalaysiaparadise.com/images/DSC01590.JPG

Cat Museum
Article Source: http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/articles/museum_of_meows.html

The museum is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world and is a celebration of Kuching, otherwise known as 'Cat City' (Kucing means cat in Malay). It is far more than just a collection of artifacts. Material has been collected from, and donated by, countries from all over the globe. It entertains cat lovers but also acts as a useful research centre outlining the history, legends and various beliefs about cats.


Travel Agencies Contact Details

1. Cat City Holidays Sdn. Bhd.
Suite 29.0, Grd Flr. Kueh Hock Kui Commercial Centre
Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce
93150 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: + 6 082 412500 Fax: +6 082 413500
E-mail: sales@catcityholidays.com
Website: http://catcityholidays.com/

2. Borneo Exploration Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
76, Wayang Street
93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: +6 082 252137/251136 Fax: +6 082 252526
Email: inquiry@borneoexplorer.com.my
Website: http://www.borneoexplorer.com.my/newwebpage/frontpage.asp

3. Insar Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd
2nd Floor Lot 2508
Wisma Sandhu, Green Road
Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: +6 082 248112 Fax: +6 082 245112
Email: info@insar.com / mailto:sales@insar.com
Website: http://www.insar.com:8034/

4. Pin Sing Travel & Tours (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd.
Grd.floor, Lot 209
Section 51, Ban Hock Road
93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: +6 082 429999 Fax: +6 082 250319
Email: inbound@pinsingtravel.com
Website: http://www.pinsingtravel.com/

Also visit the link below for other options:
http://www.sarawaktourism.com/content.cfm/ID/A42CCF40-6567-44CE-A8ED428D288275CC

Organic ASIA 2008 Brochure

To download our brochure,please visit the following link:
http://www.sdi.com.my/conference/orgasia_brochure.pdf

Interested participants are to submit their completed registration form before or by 30th September 2008.

Conference Registration

Register now or download the registration form using the link below:
http://www.sdi.com.my/organic_asia_2008/registration_form.asp