The Star Online: Metro: South & East

Theology college welcomes students from other denominations
A touch of Chinese design in new Deepavali lanterns
Micci Johor Chapter confident of pulling in more investors

Theology college welcomes students from other denominations

Posted: 15 Nov 2012 05:20 PM PST

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Theology College has been urged to open up its doors to students from other denominations as an effort of creating quality graduates.

Sabah Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB) president, Rev Datuk Jerry Dusing said it was important for the college to spread its wings and open up doors to others so that more quality among students could be unearthed.

"Sabah SIB is hoping to invest more on creating quality, skilled and educated human capital in all aspects.

"We also want to focus on achieving high quality theology and leadership skills," he explained after officiating at the college's 16th convocation at Likas near here.

Meanwhile, a total of 97 students from the Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Ministry, Diploma of Theology and Church Leadership certificate among others received their scrolls during the convocation.

Jerry said the college's syllabus was recognised in Asia as well as England.

"We hope to provide the best theology studies here by 2020," he said, adding that about 10% SIB members in Sabah were equipped with theological education.

A touch of Chinese design in new Deepavali lanterns

Posted: 15 Nov 2012 05:19 PM PST

JOHOR BARU: Colourful, sparkling Chinese lantern shaped Deepavali hangings are the latest decorative items which have made a debut for the Festival of Lights this year.

Shop assistant S.Krishnadevi said the lanterns were different from the usual hangings that were available every year.

"The shape of the lanterns are similar to those sold during Chinese New Year," she said when interviewed at her stall along Jalan Yahya Awal here.

She added that the lanterns came in a myriad of colours and some had even two oval shaped tiers, which made them look quite grand.

"Many shoppers including those from the Chinese and Malay communities have been snapping up the pretty decorations which they said would be used to decorate their homes and offices.

"The lanterns come with embossed designs of peacocks, lamps and parakeets, synonymous with the Festival of Lights," she said.

She added that there were other lanterns which featured colourful kolam designs and outlined with multi-coloured glitter.

Krishnadevi said the lanterns cost between RM15 and RM20 apiece.

She said it was nice to see some of the traditional Chinese decorations being adapted for Deepavali and said that a new addition were jumbo sized joss sticks which were also selling like hot cakes.

"It is heart-warming to see the influences from various local cultures being inculcated in the Deepavali celebrations and hopefully this will help bring the community closer together," she said.

Micci Johor Chapter confident of pulling in more investors

Posted: 15 Nov 2012 05:18 PM PST

JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (Micci) Johor Chapter is close to exceeding its 175-year-old Penang counterpart in terms of growth two decades since it was set up.

Micci executive director Steve J. Forbes said that beyond the Klang Valley boundary, Johor and Penang are the next largest contributor to the chamber's success in Malaysia.

"In only 23 years, Johor's performance is now comparable to Penang.

"This shows the growth potential in the state especially with so many ongoing Iskandar Malaysia related developments," he said during Micci's 175th anniversary gala dinner at a hotel here recently.

Forbes added that the chamber was confident of attracting more foreign investors into the state.

"I believe our members, 50% of which are Malaysian companies, have the adequate expertise as well as good relations with our Singapore counterpart to boost the economy in Johor and Iskandar Malaysia," he said.

He explained that Micci's role was to work with foreign investors and help them overcome hurdles to break into the local market.

"Other than approaching government agencies for guidance, we can also aim to help them understand the local business culture, provide networking and logistics assistance," he added.

Forbes added that there were a rising number of members in the Johor chapter with 80 companies as its members and links with some 30 countries worldwide.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Jumaat, 16 November 2012