Slide
Final Update
July 19, 2012
Dear Friends,
This is the LAST "This Is It" Reunion update that I will be issuing to everyone.
15th Sept is less than 2 months away and we need to focus on the detailed planning of the events. The task in front of us is massive. From now on, we will only be communicating directly with those who have registered to attend the reunion. I do not see the point in continuing to provide updates to those who cannot attend the reunion. It achieves nothing other than clogging up their 'in-boxes'. There is nothing more I can add to what I have already said of this reunion. If you change your mind and decide to attend, you are most welcome to contact us and we will definitely accommodate you, if we can.
Note also that effective immediately, please direct ALL queries to Mr. Teoh Lay Hock, teohfam@gmail.com
In this LAST update, I do wish to focus on the following...
1) Register/Confirm your attendance/Payments
The majority of you who have registered your interest in the Reunion have paid for the events. To those who have not paid, may I request that you make the necessary payment(s) as soon as possible. We need to make advanced payment to the venue operator to confirm the seating for you. Let us know if you have problems with remitting your payments.
If you did register your interest but have since decided not to attend, kindly let us know as we do not wish to bore you with any future communications. It also helps us with the planning to know the confirmed number of attendees.
Registration to the Reunion continues to flow in as more people become aware of it. If you are interested, please let us know. We will keep the registration opened for as long as possible.
2) Payment Details/Instructions for Sabah & KL Events
The costs of the events are posted on our blog, http://wellingtonalumni.
3) Registration to the 'Welcome Party' on 13th Sept. and 'Malaysia by Night' on 14th Sept. Events
Please note that these TWO events are hosted by Mr. David Chin and Dato Che Mokhtar respectively. They have been extremely generous to organise these events to welcome us to KL. To assist them in the planning of these events, can you please confirm your attendance, if you have not already done so. This is the least we can do to help them with the planning. You are most welcome to attend BOTH events!
4) Golf Sessions
There will be a golf session in KL on Friday, 14th Sept at the Tropicana Golf and Country Club which is 10 mins from the One World Hotel. Tee off time is at 12.30pm. The cost is RM$ 280. This includes green fees, twin sharing buggy, caddy and golfer insurance. Lunch and after-game drinks are hosted by Mr. Benny Tan. Please register your interest. Similar golf sessions will also be organised in Sabah for those interested.
5) The Sabah Trip Details.
For those who are going to Sabah, please pay special attention to the following...
i) Provide us your flight details; Arrival & Departure (i.e. flight numbers, Date and Time). A 'host' will be assigned to each arriving party to ensure that you are well-looked after and made to feel at 'home'. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to the hotel and to dinner by your 'host'. These 'hosts' are trusted friends of Chong Kah Kiat who are more than happy to show you around Kota Kinabalu and provide local knowledge/advice as required.
ii) Please make sure you have book your flights to Sabah and secure your hotel accommodation. As mentioned previously, Saturday, 15th Sept is a long weekend in Malaysia. We expect an increase in the number of tourists to Sabah. Hotel bookings do not require upfront payment. You pay the hotel on check-out.
iii) The 'Lest We Forget' dinner on the evening of 17th Sept. hosted by Kah Kiat and Ivy Chong, will be held in the Nexus Ballroom at the famous Nexus Karambunai Resort. The Dress code for the evening is Smart Casual/Semi-Formal and transport is provided. The evening begins with Cocktails @ 7pm followed by Dinner @ 7.30pm. The party program ends at 12 midnight.
iv) On the morning of the 17th Sept. there is a recommended City Tour which includes a 'native' lunch at the Mari Mari Cultural Centre and a visit to the Open Concept Wildlife Zoo. An opportunity to meet the Borneo Orang Utan and the Probocis monkeys. The cost of this tour is RM$ 170 per person. We need to have a minimum of 25 participants.
v) The recommended tour on the morning of 18th Sept is the Islands Cruise which includes a BBQ lunch at the Manukan Island. Snorkelling and Parasailing are available on this cruise but the cost is not included the Cruise @ RM$ 140 person.
NOTE: These tours are organised at discounted rates. The details are attached to this update. We strongly recommend that you take advantage of these tours. Please register your interest. Note also that these tours are in addition to the Kundasang Trip, which is an overnight stay on the 19th Sept. This was announced in previous updates. There will also be various informal gatherings in the evenings that we are in Kota Kinabalu.
vi) For those of you who stay in Kota Kinabalu long enough. you are invited to a BBQ dinner on the night of the 23rd Sept. @ 8pm to celebrate the 'Return of the Climbers' from Mt KK. This again, is hosted by Kah Kiat & Ivy Chong at their family home. Transport will be provided.
vii) Lastly, it is not too late to register your interest to join us in Sabah. So, if you are interested, please let us know now.
There is no doubt that we will all have a fabulous time at this last Reunion of ours.
In closing, as this is my LAST update, let me wish everyone the very BEST in your future. If I don't get to meet you at this reunion, I certainly hope to bump into you in the not too distant future. Take good care of yourselves, won't you?
CIAO!
Yours Truly,
Henry Cheong
Committee Members:
Michael Lim - mikelimhk@gmail.com
Teoh Lay Hock - teohfam@gmail.com
Zuraidah Omar - zuraidahomar@hotmail.com
Benny Tan - bennytan@gbaglobal.com
David Chin - delidavid@yahoo.com
Chong Kah Kiat - dckk52@gmail.com
Victor Fong - whykayfong@gmail.com
Ann-Mean Leo - leoannmean@hotmail.com
Freddie Seow - fred.seow@gmail.com
Henry Cheong - hhcheon@hotmail.com
Henry Cheong - hhcheon@hotmail.com
Reunion Update #7
June 6, 2012
Hi Friends,
We have been advised by the Hotels that vacancies are beginning to fill up. Unbeknown to me, Sunday, 16th Sept is Malaysia Day. In lieu of this, the following Monday, 17th. is now a gazetted public holiday. This long weekend has increased the number of visitors to KL and Sabah. Invariably, the hotel rates in these two cities will increase due to demand as the date approaches. The hotels have advised us to submit our bookings now to secure the discounted rates offered before the rooms are filled up. Hence, those who need hotel accomodation in Sabah and/or KL will need to advise us ASAP. You do not need to make any payments for hotel bookings. Just give us your details including check-in/check-out dates and we will book on your behalf.
Please plan your trip carefully. There have been cases where attendees have to re-book their flights in order to take full advantage of the events. Details of these events are posted on our Wellington Alumni Blog, http://wellingtonalumni.
Payment for the Events
Entertainment for the Evenings
The entertainment programs for the evenings are being finalised too. It will be a more audience participation type of entertainment. So, strengthen your vocal cords and/or polish your steps. We believe it will be a fun night with opportunity given to anyone who wishes to entertain us. Let us know if you wish to paricipate and we will slot you in the program.
With Regards, Henry Cheong
Hi Friends,
It is exactly 100 days to our "THIS IS IT" Reunion.
Honestly, there is nothing more I can add to what we have already said of this reunion. The events announced in previous updates have been finalised and we are now working on the details.
The main purpose of this update is to draw your attention to the following...
Honestly, there is nothing more I can add to what we have already said of this reunion. The events announced in previous updates have been finalised and we are now working on the details.
The main purpose of this update is to draw your attention to the following...
Hotel Booking
We have been advised by the Hotels that vacancies are beginning to fill up. Unbeknown to me, Sunday, 16th Sept is Malaysia Day. In lieu of this, the following Monday, 17th. is now a gazetted public holiday. This long weekend has increased the number of visitors to KL and Sabah. Invariably, the hotel rates in these two cities will increase due to demand as the date approaches. The hotels have advised us to submit our bookings now to secure the discounted rates offered before the rooms are filled up. Hence, those who need hotel accomodation in Sabah and/or KL will need to advise us ASAP. You do not need to make any payments for hotel bookings. Just give us your details including check-in/check-out dates and we will book on your behalf.
We are also glad to announce that the venue of our
reunion, the One World Hotel in KL, has just been voted 'The Best Hotel
Convention Centre' in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region (see
attachment)! We are pleased to be associated such esteemed venue.
At last count, we have more than 60 confirmed people
going to Sabah. To confirm your trip to Sabah, you must formally
register with us. Do not leave your Sabah trip planning to the last
minute. You have your flights, hotel, and local tours bookings to make
and the influx of other visitors to contend with.
Plan Your Trip
Please plan your trip carefully. There have been cases where attendees have to re-book their flights in order to take full advantage of the events. Details of these events are posted on our Wellington Alumni Blog, http://wellingtonalumni.
The other important date to note is the 'Lest We Forget'
dinner hosted by Kah Kiat and Ivy Chong in Sabah on the evening of
Monday 17th Sept., where appropriate, free transportaton shall be
provided.
Note that the dress code for the 15th and 17th Sept
events is SMART CASUAL....bordering on 'semi-formal'. We do encourage
everyone to dress up for these events as these are our LAST reunion
dinners together. There will be professional photographer and Videoman
capturing every moment of the events!
Attendee List
Some of you have expressed concerns in regard to the
publication of the Attendee List due to privacy matters. We thank you
for bringing it to our attention. We will no longer publish this list.
If any of you have any queries on attendance please refer to us and we
will gladly answer them for you.
Payment for the Events
More than two-thirds of you have fully paid for the
events. Thank-you. Note that anyone who has made a payment will receive a
confirmation from us. If you don't, it could mean that your payment is
lost 'in-transit'. Contact us immediately. Do follow the payment
instruction closely. Let us know if you have lost the payment
instructions issued separately with previous updates.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could remit your
payments to us ASAP. Let us know if you have a change of mind or
priority and we will update your status accordingly.
Entertainment for the Evenings
The entertainment programs for the evenings are being finalised too. It will be a more audience participation type of entertainment. So, strengthen your vocal cords and/or polish your steps. We believe it will be a fun night with opportunity given to anyone who wishes to entertain us. Let us know if you wish to paricipate and we will slot you in the program.
Instruction for Mt. KK Climb
Once the list of climbers is finalised by the Sabah National Park, which should be this week, I will issue directly to the climbers
the instructions and checklist of the trek. I am glad to say the
numbers have increased and I am certainly in very good company for the
climb.
Please feel free to direct any queries to us. Infomal updates are posted on our Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/#!/
Take care everyone.
With Regards, Henry Cheong
Reunion Update #6
May 15, 2012
Dear Friends,
I am not 'beating' things up when I say that our "THIS IS IT" reunion gets better by the day. Everyone who can, is contributing towards making our Reunion a great success. The committee is indeed grateful for that.
For past updates on "THIS IS IT" Reunion, visit our blog, http://wellingtonalumni.
With Regards, Henry Cheong
Dear Friends,
I am not 'beating' things up when I say that our "THIS IS IT" reunion gets better by the day. Everyone who can, is contributing towards making our Reunion a great success. The committee is indeed grateful for that.
The latest addition to the KL reunion event is the hosting of a Dinner on Friday, 14th Sept evening at the exquisite residence of Dato Che Mokhtar Ali located in the suburb of Ara Damansara. We will be feasted in true Malaysian style
at his home and pool courtyard, complete with a waterfall cascading
from the upper floor! Imagine 'Paradise' at your feet. To help our
gracious host in organising the catering, please inform us if you would
be attending this pre-event gathering.Those confirming will be advised
of the address and directions on how to get there in due course.
In short, for the cost of the KL Reunion, there will now be THREE functions for you to attend in KL and you will not be disappointed. They are,
1) 13th Thursday September - The Welcome Party at Dave's Bistro Bar & Grill in One Utama Shopping Complex
2) 14th Friday September - A Relaxing Evening at the Residence of Dato Che Mohktar Ali.
3) 15th Saturday September - The Main Event @ One World Hotel
In addition, there will be a golf tournament in KL on the
morning of Friday, 14th Sept for those interested. It will be held at a
reputable Golf Club and you will be advised of the details as the date
draws nearer.
As you can see, your stay in KL is in good hands.
The Sabah program, under the watchful eyes of Kah Kiat
Chong, too is shaping up very well. At a recent lunch in Melbourne, he
briefed me of his plan for those who are going to Sabah. I was amazed
and very impressed at the level of detail he has undertaken to
ensure everyone is well-looked after and pampered. I am absolutely
convinced we will thoroughly enjoy our visit to Sabah.
There is now a growing healthy number of
participants taking on the challenge to climb Mt. Kinabalu and yours
truly is one of them! Some have also enrolled for diving at Sipadan. I
will be issuing special instructions separately to those who are
climbing Mt. Kinabalu. For the climbers who are going to Kundasang on
the 19th, you will be staying back at Kundasang on the 20th for the
climb on the 21st at no extra charge !!!
If you are interested in participating in any of these
two activities, do let us know ASAP. We may still be able to secure a
place for you.
At last count, we now have about 50 confirmed hotel
bookings for people going on the Sabah Trip and we expect this figure to
increase. If you are interested in joining us, please let us know ASAP.
Planning is absolutely essential to ensure that you do not miss out on
the local tour packages. For those of you who haven't been to Sabah,
this is a golden opportunity and I really mean it. Do remember
that your family members are welcome to join the trip. They will be
treated as one of us and given the same privileges.
Attached to this update, is the latest list of attendees
with payment status for your interest. Some have committed to attend
but reside in countries that do not have easy facility to remit
payments. We are happy for them to pay 'at the door'. I suggest that you
review the list and if your status has changed, please let me know.
Some names have dropped off, some added and others remained.
We do like to thank those who have paid as it does help
us tremendously in the planning of the events. To those who are coming
to the reunion but have yet to pay, it would be appreciated if you can
remit your payment ASAP as per instructions issued separately. Your
commitments do facilitate the planning of the events.
If you are still undecided, I can only say that there
will never be another Wellington Alumni Reunion of this magnitude. Let's
face it, we will be hard-pressed to find a committee this dedicated and friends
so willing and generous to contribute their time and resource to
organise a reunion this elaborate. I can honestly say that the
activities planned are beyond my imagination. I didn't expect this
program 18 months ago.
So, if you wish to 'spice' up your life in 2012 and have something to look forward to, do join "THIS IS IT" reunion. 
If you have any queries, please forward them to any committee member.
123 days,...not long to go and counting!!!
Take care everyone!
PS: Do join or visit our facebook http://www.
With Regards, Henry Cheong
Reunion Update #5
March 27, 2012
With Regards,
Dear Friends,
Remember September? It is fast approaching…
There is less than SIX months, to our great reunion in Kuala Lumpur/Sabah and you do need to seriously plan your trip now.
Confirmation of your attendance:
I am certain by now most of you would have a fairly good idea whether or not you will be attending the reunion. For those who are still undecided, may I say that this is definitely the last reunion we will ever organize as a team and it will be our best. So, if you do wish to meet up with your buddies for the last time in one big gathering, do attend.
For those who are definitely attending the event, it would help us immensely if you could kindly make your payment to the respective committee member stated in our ‘Reunion Update # 4’. As mentioned previously, we do need your payments to run the ‘show’.
For those who have registered but have since decided not to attend, please let me know and I will remove your names from the list. Do not feel bad about doing it. You are actually helping us by letting us know your decision now. After all, the initial registration is merely a show of interest not a commitment. As the big day approaches, we need to work with real numbers to effectively organize the events.
Sabah Program
There has been a flurry of correspondence between those attending the Sabah program and Kah Kiat. From what I have seen, he has definitely made every effort to accommodate everyone’s wishes to make the Sabah trip a lifetime dream. Without being biased, we will be hard-pressed to find a tourist agent anywhere who can match what Kah Kiat is doing for our Sabah trip. Yes, I do mean it. Unfortunately, time is running out. Enrollment for the climb to Mt Kinabalu will definitely close on 31st March. Registration for diving at Sipadan will close on 30th April. Do not delay your flight booking to Sabah any longer than it is necessary. Aim to arrive no later than evening of 17th September to attend the “Lest We Forget” dinner hosted by Kah Kiat and Ivy Chong.
So, to those who are going to Sabah, please forward your plans to Kah Kiat now as there is definitely a lot of planning involved.
Kuala Lumpur Program
The committee (2 from overseas) met recently in KL to discuss the planning of the Main Event. I am happy to say that it is well on track. We are aware that the date is fast approaching and details need to be finalized. There will be at least TWO events in KL. The Main Event at the 5-Star One World Hotel on 15th September and the Welcome Party @ Dave’s Bristo & Grill on 13th September. As Dave has very kindly offered to provide free ‘live’ music and food (not drinks) for the evening, it would help him greatly if you could indicate your interest in attending this party to assist him in the food catering.
Entertainment
As usual, it will be a lively night. For entertainment, in addition to having a ‘live’ local band playing 60’s/70’s funky & nostalgic music, we are also staging an episode of “Alumni Got Talent”. We are calling upon everyone to show off their talents, born with or acquired over the years. You are welcome to display your vocal prowess with the backing of our resident band or simply to perform your own compositions or cover songs. We are now drafting the entertainment program for the night. Do let us know if you wish to participate.
Below are examples of talents you may have to entertain us!
Caution: .
Yes, a couple of us did try the above routine but our spouses couldn’t find balloons small enough.
Payments
Payment details were given in the previous Reunion Update # 4 and are available on our Wellington Alumni Blog
If payment instructions are not given for your country of residence, you may hold payment for the time-being until advised.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to direct them to any of the committee members.
All that is left is to let the GOOD TIMES ROLL!!! I will leave it to the President of the United States to introduce…
As usual, do take care.
With Regards,
Henry Cheong
Reunion Update # 4
February 23, 2012
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Saturday, 15th September 2012 is fast approaching and I believe an update is warranted to help you plan your trips. Please do take note of the details given here.
THE SABAH EVENT
The Sabah end of the program keeps getting better each time we receive updates from Kah Kiat. He has very carefully put forward a suggested itinerary to maximize your Sabah experience. Please refer to the attachment, “Sabah Program”, for more details.
NOTE:- You are allowed to bring anyone (family members or not) with you to enrich your stay in Sabah. Your guests are also invited to the “Lest We Forget” dinner and the same discount rates will apply to them. They will be treated as one of us and share in everything we do. In short, it is “all in a family” affair. We do really want everyone to have a great time!
Briefly, you should take note of the following:-
1) Your Sabah Bookings:-
We have simplified the booking procedure. With the exception for your flight booking, please forward all other Sabah bookings and queries direct to Chong Kah Kiat (dckk52@gmail.com)). Be specific when making your bookings (e.g. date of arrival/departure, number of people, Full name as in passport..etc). If there is any tour of interest to you, please indicate that to Kah Kiat. If the number can justify it, we will undertake to organize the tour for the group.
2) Flight to Sabah:-
You are responsible to make your own flight bookings. Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia are currently offering cheap flights to Sabah. The fares get more expensive as the date gets nearer. Therefore, I suggest that you make your online flight booking ASAP. You should aim to arrive in Kota Kinabalu no later than the evening of the 17th September to attend the “Lest we Forget” dinner hosted by Kah Kiat and Ivy Chong. Carefully determine your length of stay in Sabah before making your flight booking. Do seek advice from Kah Kiat if you are note sure of the number of days needed to complete your activities in Sabah.
3) Hotel Accommodation:-
For RM$170, you have a choice of,
- A Superior King (1 King bed) / Superior Twin (2 Single beds)
OR
- Family Deluxe (2 Queen Size)
Do specify your date of arrival/departure and the room type when placing your booking with Kah Kiat. Room type will be allotted on a “first come first serve basis”.
4) Planned Programs in Sabah:-
At this stage, there are two planned programs in Sabah. The “Lest we Forget” dinner, as mentioned previously, will be held on the evening of the 17th (Monday) September 2012 hosted by Kah Kiat and Ivy Chong. Dress code shall be Smart Casual as a minimum standard.
On the 19th (Wednesday) September, there is an organized trip to Kundasang where the famed Mt Kinabalu National Park is situated. We planned to include in this trip activities such as golf, visit to Ranau Poring Hot Spring, War Memorial, Fresh Vegetable planting at Tamu Place…an opportunity to interact with the local populace. There will be a ‘get together’ on the evening of the 19th at the National Park for another ‘party’. We aimed to return to Kota Kinabalu in the afternoon of the 20th September around 2pm.
5) Scuba Diving @ Sipadan and Climb to Top of Mt. Kinabalu:-
Owing to the huge public demand for these permits there are early Cut-Off dates (see attachment) for registration to join these activities. As mentioned previously, these two activities are truly an experience of a lifetime and we do encourage you to take advantage of the special offer. Please see details in the attachment.
6) Free Time:-
Apart from the above planned activities, your free time in Sabah is yours to decide what you do like to do to enrich your stay. Suggest very strongly that you visit the Sabah Tourism site to see what other activities may tickle your fancy.
REMEMBER!!!
Inform Kah Kiat of the specific events you wish to participate (e.g. Trip to Kundasang, Island cruise, Climb Mt Kinabalu,…etc.) and he will register your names and advise you of the discounted rate applicable.
Inform Kah Kiat of the specific events you wish to participate (e.g. Trip to Kundasang, Island cruise, Climb Mt Kinabalu,…etc.) and he will register your names and advise you of the discounted rate applicable.
THE KUALA LUMPUR EVENT
There are TWO planned events. A welcome party to be held at Dave’s Bristo Bar and Grill on the 13th September and of course the Main Event on Saturday, 15th September at the One World (5-Star) hotel. Dress code on both occasions is Smart Casual. Golf sessions will definitely be arranged for those interested.
I am also very proud to announce here that David’s son, Darren, was recently awarded the overall winner of “The Sandwich World Cup” organized by the World renown group, Delifrance, (see link below)! This is indeed an outstanding achievement and shows the standard you can expect when eating at any of Dave’s restaurants…need I say more! So, don’t miss the Welcome Party.
For those of you who wish to stay at the One World 5-Star Hotel where the main event is organized the current discount rate is about RM$280++ (ie. Plus 10% Service charge and 6% Govt Tax). Please let us know if you are interested to book your rooms at this hotel.
Depending on your length of stay in KL, a trip to the Old Historical Town of Malacca (a Portuguese settlement) is highly recommended. In addition, there are many places of interest (e.g. Twin Towers) you can visit and shopping you can do in KL.
YOUR ATTENDANCE
At this point, we should be fairly certain of our commitment to attend the “THIS IS IT” Reunion. May I seek your cooperation to help us in the organizing of the event by confirming your registration?
Please review the attached list of attendees. If your name is on the list and you are definitely (100%) no longer able to attend due to unforeseen circumstance, please let us know and we will remove your name from the list. If your name is not on the list and there is a chance that you may want to attend, I urge you to register. This would help us tremendously in the detail planning of the events.
PAYMENTS
When the organizing committee embarked on this venture, we do not have a working capital. Therefore, we do need to start collecting payments now for the booking of venue and band. For those of you who have a good chance to attending the reunion we would appreciate if you can help by remitting your payments to us. Let me assure you that should your circumstance change in future and you can no longer attend, we will reimburse you the payment.
The prices for the Reunion are shown below.
Australia/US/Canada - AUD$85/USD$85/CND$85
New Zealand/Singapore – NZD$110/SGD$110
Others - RM$230
The difference in prices, as mentioned previously, is to cover any exchange rate fluctuations and bank charges. Any gains in exchange rate will be plough back into the Reunion. This is definitely NOT a profit making Reunion.
At this point, payments can be only collected in the follow locations.
Malaysia – by Teoh Lay Hock
Australia – by David Chin
New Zealand – by Francis Chang
We will soon forward payment collection details to you. For those coming from the other countries, we will advise in due course how payment should be made.
Before I forget, I do like to say a special ‘thank you’ to those close friends of mine who answered my call for help by making early payments to help us through the initial stage of planning. I will throw a ‘shrimp in the Bar-B-Que’ for you. Please check your payment status on the attached attendance sheet.
At this stage, “Money”, to us, is definitely not a crime or the root of all evils. We do need it to plan the events. So, may I gently remind you with this video clip.
We hope we have given you enough information to confidently plan your trip and start making your flight and hotel bookings. For more details please refer to our blog below for previous updates
Do join our Facebook for informal updates.
Finally, the committee is here to help anyone who is keen to join this reunion. Read this update carefully including the attachments. If you need any help, or have any queries, please don’t hesitate to forward them to us. We will take great care to smooth out your worries. Do start your bookings now before it is too late.
We promise this will be a warm, exciting, welcoming reunion for all to enjoy before we say our final ‘Goodbye’.
Take real good care of yourself and we hope to see you there (KL & Sabah).
Ciao!
With Regards,
Henry Cheong
Sabah Update
February 8, 2012
Update from K.K. Chong.
(A) ON FLIGHTS INTO KOTA KINABALU, SABAH
Intending Visitors are again urged to go online into Malaysia Airlines OR Air Asia website to grap your cheap cheap Air-tickets from Kuala Lumpur direct into Kota Kinabalu advisedly getting into Kota Kinabalu on the 16 September or 17 September if you guys are interested to join the special "Lest We Forget" Dinner Party to be hosted by me on the evening of the 17 September 2012.
There are many direct flights from Kuala Lumpur into Kota Kinabalu mounted by MAS or Air Asia daily. There are also daily flights flying direct from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching, Brunei, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei or Seoul if any one after visiting Kota Kinabalu do not plan to fly back to KL.
Air-Tickets into Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur, if booked anytime NOW are still very very cheap . Will not be that cheap come July , August or September.
(B) ON HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN KOTA KINABALU, SABAH
Intending Visitors are at full liberty to access and book any hotels in Kota Kinabalu by obtaining full information from the SabahTourism Website or even from websites of hotels direct . I have however recommended a NO STAR RATED Hotel which I personally recommended to anyone interested and I plan to place all members of the Organising Committee ( who are coming ) into this recommended hotel called HotelSixty3. PLEASE access the website of this hotel to check it out : www.hotelsixty3.com and am sure many of you will love it.
I have met the Boss of this HotelSixty3 few days back and am pleased to inform that I have not only locked in a fixed daily rate of Ringgit Malaysia One Hundred and Seventy (RM170.00) Nett for any of our participants ( including family members ) who have attended the "THIS IS IT" Reunion in Kuala Lumpur and coming to Sabah for the month of September. This DAILY RATE of RM 170.00 nett is for the SUPERIOR KING OR TWIN ROOM ( 1 King bed OR 2 Single Bed ) as well as for the FAMILY DELUXE ROOM ( 2 Queen Bed ) . Intending guests to this HotelSixty3 must however quote my name please when making direct bookings unless preferring to pay a different rate !. Best is to email me or email any members of our Organising Committee detailing the number of days required , your date of arrival and date of departure .
(C) CONFIRMED GROUP PROGRAMMES IN KOTA KINABALU
(1) All of you arriving before 7pm on the 17 September 2012 are cordially invited for the Dinner Party ( venue to be informed in due course ) at Kota Kinabalu to be hosted by me. Attire will be smart casual or as dressy as you like . Full liberty is given to Ladies to dress to kill ( if not too late ! ).
(2) An overnight visit to Kundasang by air-conditioned coach or coaches, where the famed Mount Kinabalu National Park is situated is scheduled for the 19 September and returning the next day the 20 September. Depart Kota Kinabalu on the 19 September say around 9am for the National Park. Next day return to Kota Kinabalu say around 2pm. There will be a get together on the evening of the 19 September at the National Park for all who are joining this overnight trip. Golf can be arranged for "addicted" Golfers on the same afternoon of the 19 September if request if made to me. Otherwise we may visit some interesting places of attraction on our way to the Kundasang/National Park on the 19 September, such as the Ranau Poring Hotspring and/or the Kundasang War Memorial. The next morning being the 20 September, there will be an early round of golf tee, off 7am at the Mount Kinabalu Golf Club. Non Golfers will have the opportunity to visit the Fresh Vegetables Tamu Place in Kundasang and to feel the pulse of the local populace. After Lunch, depart for Kota Kinabalu around 2pm on the 20 September.
(3) Apart from the above TWO GROUP PROGRAMMES, visitors will have to plan their stay in Sabah as they wish by making own arrangements or plan through their own preferred local travel agents. Our recommended Inbound Travel Agent is Ms. Candy Chung of Popular Express Travel website www.popularexpress.com where interested visitors can decide on a good selections of local tours at very reasonable prices.
( D ) CONQUERING MOUNT KINABALU
(1) I have, through the kind assistance of the Director of Sabah Parks, been reserved 20 special Permits for 20 interested Climbers to scale Mount Kinabalu on a 3 days 2 nights Package ( 21 to 23 September ) for our intending Climbers at a cost of RM 630.00 Nett per person for 2 nights accommodation plus meals but excluding Mountain Climbing Fees payable as follows :
(a) Entrance Fee per person RM 15.00
(b) Climbing Permit per person RM 100.00
(c) Insurance per person RM 7.00
(d) CERTIFICATE per person RM 10.00
(e) Return Transfer TimpohonGate RM 8.00
(f) Compulsory GUIDES
1 to 3 Climbers in a group RM 128.00
4 to 6 Climbers in a group RM 150.00
( E ) DIVING AT WORLD TOP DIVING SITE - THE SIPADAN ISLAND ( + Mabul Island )
Special permits , very limited, will be procured for any of our interested guests interested to dive at the Sipadan Island but must be Padi Certified . For more information please go into www.borneodivers.com
NOTE : (1) Interested Climbers for Mount Kinabalu must let me have their confirmation with names and Passport details on or before the end of March 2012 please as these 20 special permits extended to us will have to be released to the public after the 31 March 2012. To date, I have 2 confirmed taking up the Climb.
(2) Interested Divers for Sipadan must let me have their confirmation with names and Passport details on or before the end of April 2012 to enable me to secure the required Permits to enter and dive in Sipadan from the relevant authority.
Cheers to all,
KK
Update from K.K. Chong.
(A) ON FLIGHTS INTO KOTA KINABALU, SABAH
Intending Visitors are again urged to go online into Malaysia Airlines OR Air Asia website to grap your cheap cheap Air-tickets from Kuala Lumpur direct into Kota Kinabalu advisedly getting into Kota Kinabalu on the 16 September or 17 September if you guys are interested to join the special "Lest We Forget" Dinner Party to be hosted by me on the evening of the 17 September 2012.
There are many direct flights from Kuala Lumpur into Kota Kinabalu mounted by MAS or Air Asia daily. There are also daily flights flying direct from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching, Brunei, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei or Seoul if any one after visiting Kota Kinabalu do not plan to fly back to KL.
Air-Tickets into Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur, if booked anytime NOW are still very very cheap . Will not be that cheap come July , August or September.
(B) ON HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN KOTA KINABALU, SABAH
Intending Visitors are at full liberty to access and book any hotels in Kota Kinabalu by obtaining full information from the SabahTourism Website or even from websites of hotels direct . I have however recommended a NO STAR RATED Hotel which I personally recommended to anyone interested and I plan to place all members of the Organising Committee ( who are coming ) into this recommended hotel called HotelSixty3. PLEASE access the website of this hotel to check it out : www.hotelsixty3.com and am sure many of you will love it.
I have met the Boss of this HotelSixty3 few days back and am pleased to inform that I have not only locked in a fixed daily rate of Ringgit Malaysia One Hundred and Seventy (RM170.00) Nett for any of our participants ( including family members ) who have attended the "THIS IS IT" Reunion in Kuala Lumpur and coming to Sabah for the month of September. This DAILY RATE of RM 170.00 nett is for the SUPERIOR KING OR TWIN ROOM ( 1 King bed OR 2 Single Bed ) as well as for the FAMILY DELUXE ROOM ( 2 Queen Bed ) . Intending guests to this HotelSixty3 must however quote my name please when making direct bookings unless preferring to pay a different rate !. Best is to email me or email any members of our Organising Committee detailing the number of days required , your date of arrival and date of departure .
(C) CONFIRMED GROUP PROGRAMMES IN KOTA KINABALU
(1) All of you arriving before 7pm on the 17 September 2012 are cordially invited for the Dinner Party ( venue to be informed in due course ) at Kota Kinabalu to be hosted by me. Attire will be smart casual or as dressy as you like . Full liberty is given to Ladies to dress to kill ( if not too late ! ).
(2) An overnight visit to Kundasang by air-conditioned coach or coaches, where the famed Mount Kinabalu National Park is situated is scheduled for the 19 September and returning the next day the 20 September. Depart Kota Kinabalu on the 19 September say around 9am for the National Park. Next day return to Kota Kinabalu say around 2pm. There will be a get together on the evening of the 19 September at the National Park for all who are joining this overnight trip. Golf can be arranged for "addicted" Golfers on the same afternoon of the 19 September if request if made to me. Otherwise we may visit some interesting places of attraction on our way to the Kundasang/National Park on the 19 September, such as the Ranau Poring Hotspring and/or the Kundasang War Memorial. The next morning being the 20 September, there will be an early round of golf tee, off 7am at the Mount Kinabalu Golf Club. Non Golfers will have the opportunity to visit the Fresh Vegetables Tamu Place in Kundasang and to feel the pulse of the local populace. After Lunch, depart for Kota Kinabalu around 2pm on the 20 September.
(3) Apart from the above TWO GROUP PROGRAMMES, visitors will have to plan their stay in Sabah as they wish by making own arrangements or plan through their own preferred local travel agents. Our recommended Inbound Travel Agent is Ms. Candy Chung of Popular Express Travel website www.popularexpress.com where interested visitors can decide on a good selections of local tours at very reasonable prices.
( D ) CONQUERING MOUNT KINABALU
(1) I have, through the kind assistance of the Director of Sabah Parks, been reserved 20 special Permits for 20 interested Climbers to scale Mount Kinabalu on a 3 days 2 nights Package ( 21 to 23 September ) for our intending Climbers at a cost of RM 630.00 Nett per person for 2 nights accommodation plus meals but excluding Mountain Climbing Fees payable as follows :
(a) Entrance Fee per person RM 15.00
(b) Climbing Permit per person RM 100.00
(c) Insurance per person RM 7.00
(d) CERTIFICATE per person RM 10.00
(e) Return Transfer TimpohonGate RM 8.00
(f) Compulsory GUIDES
1 to 3 Climbers in a group RM 128.00
4 to 6 Climbers in a group RM 150.00
( E ) DIVING AT WORLD TOP DIVING SITE - THE SIPADAN ISLAND ( + Mabul Island )
Special permits , very limited, will be procured for any of our interested guests interested to dive at the Sipadan Island but must be Padi Certified . For more information please go into www.borneodivers.com
NOTE : (1) Interested Climbers for Mount Kinabalu must let me have their confirmation with names and Passport details on or before the end of March 2012 please as these 20 special permits extended to us will have to be released to the public after the 31 March 2012. To date, I have 2 confirmed taking up the Climb.
(2) Interested Divers for Sipadan must let me have their confirmation with names and Passport details on or before the end of April 2012 to enable me to secure the required Permits to enter and dive in Sipadan from the relevant authority.
Cheers to all,
KK
Reunion Update #3
January 3, 2012
And so this is Christmas,… and what have you done? Have you registered for our Reunion???
A (belated) Merry Christmas (on the 10th day) and Happy New Year to everyone…and we know it is going to be a good one!
Hi Friends,
After many sessions of exciting discussions and negotiations, we now have for you the details of our “THIS IS IT!” Reunion. We have taken great care in the planning as we aim to give it our BEST shot.
The cost of the Main Event in Kuala Lumpur (KL) is RM230 per head.
However, for overseas attendees from countries specified below, the cost is as follows,
Australia/US/Canada - AUD85 / USD85 / CND85
New Zealand/Singapore - NZD110 / SGD110
The difference in price is in line with our 2008 reunion. It is mainly to cover the fluctuations in exchange rates and bank charges. Whatever ‘extra’ we pay as a result of exchange rates gain, will go towards the event to make it a better one.
We will advise you of the payment method is due course. Careful consideration was given in arriving at the price for our last reunion. As you will see, this reunion is unlike any other reunion.
Each of you will have to make your own arrangements in regards to travel and accommodation. Where possible, the committee will provide guidance, recommendations and discounted rates to assist you in arriving at the destination with minimum disruption/stress.
The Main Event in KL is on Saturday, 15th of September 2012. It will be held at the One World (a 5-star rated) hotel located next to the popular ‘One Utama’, the biggest shopping complex in Malaysia. There will be ‘live’ band and performances throughout the evening. Special room rate (which we will announce later) is available to those who choose to stay at this 5 star hotel. Check the website.
In addition to this, there will be a Welcome Party sponsored by David Chin. It will be held at his restaurant, Dave’s Bristo Bar & Grill, in the One Utama shopping complex, on Thursday the 13th of September 2012. Those who attended the 2008 reunion, should remember the great time we had at this venue. There will be ‘live’ music with local food delicacies.
Golfers will get the opportunity to display their skills. A Golf Tournament will be organized in KL for those interested on Friday, 14th Sept. The details will be posted as we get nearer to the date.
Other informal gatherings will also be organized to make your stay in KL a pleasant and memorable one.
As if this is not enough, our dear friend, Chong Kah Kiat, has organized the trip of a lifetime to Sabah after the K.L. reunion, as promised.
The Sabah program is very flexible and it covers the period 16th to 30th September 2012. The actual length of stay is entirely up to you.
If you wish to join the ‘extended’ reunion party (highly recommended) in Sabah, you will have to make your own flight arrangements from KL to Sabah. Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia are the only two airlines that fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah.
When booking your flight to Sabah, please aim to arrive no later than the evening of the 17th September.
Before you make any decisions, please visit the website below, to get an idea of the activities/places of interest in Sabah. Carefully choose your activities to fit in with your length of stay in Sabah.
Sabah has a lot to offer. We recognize that each of you will be pursuing your own program whilst in Sabah. To this end, Kah Kiat, has set up the ‘infrastructure’ which allows each of us to do just that.
He has engaged Ms. Candy Chung (candy@popularexpress.com) of Popular Express (popularexpress.com) to handle your bookings for local tours and activities.
The recommended hotel in Kota Kinabalu is ‘Hotel Sixty3’. This is a BOUTIQUE hotel (not one of those common ‘star-rated’ hotels) located right in the center of city.
The person to contact when making your hotel booking is Mr. Nicholas Tan, Nicholas@hotelsixty3.com . However, you are free to choose other hotels in Kota Kinabalu if you wish and Ms. Candy Chung of Popular Express can help you to secure good rates.
When engaging Candy or Nicholas for bookings, please mention Chong Kah Kiat’s name to get your discounted rates. For the record, neither Kah Kiat nor the committee receives any ‘kickbacks’ or commission from them!
And, there is more….!
Kah Kiat has managed to secure 20 permits for the 22nd and 23rd September with the Director of the National Park for those who are keen to scale to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu.
The estimated cost of this adventure is between RM700 to RM800. This includes food, various climbing fees and one night accommodation at 12,000 feet!
Special arrangements have also been made to secure 20 Scuba Diving permits. The diving will take place at the Sipadan and Mabul islands for any time after 18th September.
The Sipadan Island is one of the top diving spots in the world. The fee for this is approx. RM800 per diver or RM500 for twin share per diver.
This cost, ex-Tawau, includes diving at both Sipadan & Mabul Islands, food and accommodation in Mabul Island per day. Divers must be certified to scuba dive at Sipadan but there is no restriction for diving at Mabul.
The above TWO permits are very difficult to obtain as there is always a long waiting list. It is through exceptional effort that Kah Kiat is able to secure them for us. I hope you will take advantage of his effort.
For those interested in either or both of the permits, please register your name with any committee member ASAP. The permits will be issued on ‘first come, first serve’ basis and only to those who have attended the Reunion in KL.
We will provide further details to those interested.
Now, if you wish a less challenging activity whilst in Sabah and be close to your long lost ‘cousins’, you can opt to spend a few nights with the Orang Utans in the Rainforests of Borneo (in the Sukau and/or the Danum Valley Rainforests). The rates for this activity will be available in due course.
Surely, this must be it! Nooooo…..
The ‘bonding’ continues… Golf sessions will be organized for those interested. There will be informal gatherings every night around respectable ‘watering-holes’ and/or restaurants to sample the local amber fluids, seafood and to exchange our daily pleasantries / experiences / adventures…..’sing along’,..etc. Just sheer unadulterated fun for the “young at hearts” and we all are.
To pack the FINAL ‘punch’, Kah Kiat will be sponsoring a ‘Lest We Forget’ Dinner Party to welcome everyone to Sabah on the 17th September, Monday night. So, the party continues in Sabah!
Phew, at last, ‘THIS IS IT’ !!! and it has to be a GREAT Reunion!
Now that the venue for the Main Event in KL is selected, there are limited places left for those who wish to join this reunion. The number is restricted by the size of the venue not by the committee. We don’t want you to miss out.
So, please register ASAP, your name and the actual number attending with any committee member if you wish to attend this Reunion.
Please, be clear with your registration and make no assumptions. Remind your friends. You are only registered if you specifically asked to be. Do not leave it to the last minute. There is no obligation attached when you register. Commitment only comes when you pay for the event.
I have attached to this update, a list of currently registered alumni for the Reunion. When reviewing this list, please check,
1) Are you registered? If yes, has your status changed due to unforeseen circumstance?
2) Did you include your spouse/partner?
3) Did you specify your option (i.e. ‘KL ‘or ‘KL & Sabah’).
4) Confirm your location of residency? This is to assist in payment collection in due course.
Due to the limited number of places remaining, it is important that you check and confirm the above to secure your place for the reunion.
Refer any changes to the committee members immediately.
Do forward this update to anyone who may be interested.
Oh yes, don’t forget to join our Facebook for informal updates throughout the year.
Do also visit our blog,
What more can I say…. If this reunion doesn’t get you to join in the fun with your ole’ pals, we understand and wish you well.
This will be the last Wellington Alumni Reunion by the original committee and we do like to see everyone there!
More specific details will soon follow.
256 days left and counting…Let us have something great to look forward to in 2012!
Take care and stay safe.
PS: If you have any queries please forward them to any committee member.
With Regards, Henry Cheong
And so this is Christmas,… and what have you done? Have you registered for our Reunion???
A (belated) Merry Christmas (on the 10th day) and Happy New Year to everyone…and we know it is going to be a good one!
Hi Friends,
After many sessions of exciting discussions and negotiations, we now have for you the details of our “THIS IS IT!” Reunion. We have taken great care in the planning as we aim to give it our BEST shot.
The cost of the Main Event in Kuala Lumpur (KL) is RM230 per head.
However, for overseas attendees from countries specified below, the cost is as follows,
Australia/US/Canada - AUD85 / USD85 / CND85
New Zealand/Singapore - NZD110 / SGD110
The difference in price is in line with our 2008 reunion. It is mainly to cover the fluctuations in exchange rates and bank charges. Whatever ‘extra’ we pay as a result of exchange rates gain, will go towards the event to make it a better one.
We will advise you of the payment method is due course. Careful consideration was given in arriving at the price for our last reunion. As you will see, this reunion is unlike any other reunion.
Each of you will have to make your own arrangements in regards to travel and accommodation. Where possible, the committee will provide guidance, recommendations and discounted rates to assist you in arriving at the destination with minimum disruption/stress.
The Main Event in KL is on Saturday, 15th of September 2012. It will be held at the One World (a 5-star rated) hotel located next to the popular ‘One Utama’, the biggest shopping complex in Malaysia. There will be ‘live’ band and performances throughout the evening. Special room rate (which we will announce later) is available to those who choose to stay at this 5 star hotel. Check the website.
In addition to this, there will be a Welcome Party sponsored by David Chin. It will be held at his restaurant, Dave’s Bristo Bar & Grill, in the One Utama shopping complex, on Thursday the 13th of September 2012. Those who attended the 2008 reunion, should remember the great time we had at this venue. There will be ‘live’ music with local food delicacies.
Golfers will get the opportunity to display their skills. A Golf Tournament will be organized in KL for those interested on Friday, 14th Sept. The details will be posted as we get nearer to the date.
Other informal gatherings will also be organized to make your stay in KL a pleasant and memorable one.
As if this is not enough, our dear friend, Chong Kah Kiat, has organized the trip of a lifetime to Sabah after the K.L. reunion, as promised.
The Sabah program is very flexible and it covers the period 16th to 30th September 2012. The actual length of stay is entirely up to you.
If you wish to join the ‘extended’ reunion party (highly recommended) in Sabah, you will have to make your own flight arrangements from KL to Sabah. Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia are the only two airlines that fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah.
When booking your flight to Sabah, please aim to arrive no later than the evening of the 17th September.
Before you make any decisions, please visit the website below, to get an idea of the activities/places of interest in Sabah. Carefully choose your activities to fit in with your length of stay in Sabah.
Sabah has a lot to offer. We recognize that each of you will be pursuing your own program whilst in Sabah. To this end, Kah Kiat, has set up the ‘infrastructure’ which allows each of us to do just that.
He has engaged Ms. Candy Chung (candy@popularexpress.com) of Popular Express (popularexpress.com) to handle your bookings for local tours and activities.
The recommended hotel in Kota Kinabalu is ‘Hotel Sixty3’. This is a BOUTIQUE hotel (not one of those common ‘star-rated’ hotels) located right in the center of city.
The person to contact when making your hotel booking is Mr. Nicholas Tan, Nicholas@hotelsixty3.com . However, you are free to choose other hotels in Kota Kinabalu if you wish and Ms. Candy Chung of Popular Express can help you to secure good rates.
When engaging Candy or Nicholas for bookings, please mention Chong Kah Kiat’s name to get your discounted rates. For the record, neither Kah Kiat nor the committee receives any ‘kickbacks’ or commission from them!
And, there is more….!
Kah Kiat has managed to secure 20 permits for the 22nd and 23rd September with the Director of the National Park for those who are keen to scale to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu.
The estimated cost of this adventure is between RM700 to RM800. This includes food, various climbing fees and one night accommodation at 12,000 feet!
Special arrangements have also been made to secure 20 Scuba Diving permits. The diving will take place at the Sipadan and Mabul islands for any time after 18th September.
The Sipadan Island is one of the top diving spots in the world. The fee for this is approx. RM800 per diver or RM500 for twin share per diver.
This cost, ex-Tawau, includes diving at both Sipadan & Mabul Islands, food and accommodation in Mabul Island per day. Divers must be certified to scuba dive at Sipadan but there is no restriction for diving at Mabul.
The above TWO permits are very difficult to obtain as there is always a long waiting list. It is through exceptional effort that Kah Kiat is able to secure them for us. I hope you will take advantage of his effort.
For those interested in either or both of the permits, please register your name with any committee member ASAP. The permits will be issued on ‘first come, first serve’ basis and only to those who have attended the Reunion in KL.
We will provide further details to those interested.
Now, if you wish a less challenging activity whilst in Sabah and be close to your long lost ‘cousins’, you can opt to spend a few nights with the Orang Utans in the Rainforests of Borneo (in the Sukau and/or the Danum Valley Rainforests). The rates for this activity will be available in due course.
Surely, this must be it! Nooooo…..
The ‘bonding’ continues… Golf sessions will be organized for those interested. There will be informal gatherings every night around respectable ‘watering-holes’ and/or restaurants to sample the local amber fluids, seafood and to exchange our daily pleasantries / experiences / adventures…..’sing along’,..etc. Just sheer unadulterated fun for the “young at hearts” and we all are.
To pack the FINAL ‘punch’, Kah Kiat will be sponsoring a ‘Lest We Forget’ Dinner Party to welcome everyone to Sabah on the 17th September, Monday night. So, the party continues in Sabah!
Phew, at last, ‘THIS IS IT’ !!! and it has to be a GREAT Reunion!
Now that the venue for the Main Event in KL is selected, there are limited places left for those who wish to join this reunion. The number is restricted by the size of the venue not by the committee. We don’t want you to miss out.
So, please register ASAP, your name and the actual number attending with any committee member if you wish to attend this Reunion.
Please, be clear with your registration and make no assumptions. Remind your friends. You are only registered if you specifically asked to be. Do not leave it to the last minute. There is no obligation attached when you register. Commitment only comes when you pay for the event.
I have attached to this update, a list of currently registered alumni for the Reunion. When reviewing this list, please check,
1) Are you registered? If yes, has your status changed due to unforeseen circumstance?
2) Did you include your spouse/partner?
3) Did you specify your option (i.e. ‘KL ‘or ‘KL & Sabah’).
4) Confirm your location of residency? This is to assist in payment collection in due course.
Due to the limited number of places remaining, it is important that you check and confirm the above to secure your place for the reunion.
Refer any changes to the committee members immediately.
Do forward this update to anyone who may be interested.
Oh yes, don’t forget to join our Facebook for informal updates throughout the year.
Do also visit our blog,
What more can I say…. If this reunion doesn’t get you to join in the fun with your ole’ pals, we understand and wish you well.
This will be the last Wellington Alumni Reunion by the original committee and we do like to see everyone there!
More specific details will soon follow.
256 days left and counting…Let us have something great to look forward to in 2012!
Take care and stay safe.
PS: If you have any queries please forward them to any committee member.
With Regards, Henry Cheong