ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Trip to Malaysia & Singapore was an extremely rewarding and learning experience for me in terms of learning and enjoyment. I would like to extend my deep gratitude towards our MD Mr. Manish Kothari who organized such a wonderful trip for us. Six days of fun and frolic at an unknown land was like a home away from home experience for me.

I would also like to thank Mr. Imtiaz of Akbar Travels, Mr. Bharat (Director ISBR Chennai Batch) for having accompanied us on the tour. I have covered almost each and every point in the report which I felt was important. I would also like to thank my friends Shadab for having designed the cover page of the report and Kushal for giving me the relevant data.

Hope you enjoy reading the report

Abhishe k Sahu

PHYSIOGRAPHY Malaysia covers an area of about 329,758 km2 occupying the Malay Peninsula, which lies on the southern shores of the Asian land mass, and the States of Sabah and Sarawak in the northwestern coastal of Borneo Island. The two regions are separated by about 531 km of the South China Sea.

Peninsular Malaysia, covering 131,598 km2, has its land frontier with Thailand to the north, and is connected to Singapore by a causeway in the south. The State of Sabah covering 73,856 km2 and the State of Sarawak covering 124,989 km2 border the territory of Indonesias Kalimantan and has land frontiers with the two enclaves which make up Brunei.

Peninsular Malaysia consists of steep hills and mountain ranges, rolling to undulating land the coastal and riverine flood plains. The hill and mountain ranges cover about one-third of the plain surface of the Peninsula and run more or less parallel to the long axis of the country. The rolling to undulating land is found generally in the seaward flanks and the intervening areas between the mountain ranges. Although not very extensive coastal

plains and alluvial terraces are found from 15 to 65 km inland from the coast with levels rising to 75 m above mean sea level. The riverine flood plains are found as narrow belts of alluvium gently sloping away from the major rivers. Towards the coast they merge with the marine alluvium of the coastal plains.

Sabah is surrounded on three sides by seas. The physical pattern consists of narrow alluvial coastal plains backed by hilly, forested areas. The mountain of the interior has acted as barriers to inland penetration. The coastal plains and river valleys consist of marine and fluvial alluvium. Although the coastal plains form a small proportion of the total area they

are the most important parts of the State in terms of settlement and agricultural and economic development. Sarawak consists of a flat and swampy coastal area and steepy undulating hills in the interior. The coastal plains comprise deep peat and muck soils,

and at various points along the coast raised beaches occur some distance inland from the coastline. CLIMATE AND RAINFALL

Malaysia lies near the Equator between latitude 1 and 7 North and between longitude 100 and 119 East. The country is subject to maritime influence and the interplay of wind systems, which originate in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea. The year is commonly divided into the southwest and north-east monsoon seasons. The climate of Malaysia is hot wet equatorial. The important features of the climate are the continuous warm

temperatures and the seasonal distribution of rainfall. Mean daily temperatures range from 21C to 32C in the lowlands throughout the year. Cooler temperatures prevail at the higher altitudes. Variation in rainfall distribution is the most significant environmental variable. Generally, most if not all parts of Malaysia experience moisture deficits during one or more periods of the year. Conversely, excessive rainfall could occur, and this

may physically restrict agricultural activities. There is considerable variation in the averages of annual and monthly distribution of rainfall by location. The average annual rainfall ranges from 1,500 mm to 4,000 mm with the states of Sabah and Sarawak about 20 % to 40 % more rainfall than Peninsular Malaysia.

POPULATION AND SIZE OF HOLDINGS

The total population of Malaysia was 23,266,000 in 2000. Of this, 18,537,800 people were in Peninsular Malaysia, 2,656,400 in Sabah and 2,071,800 in Sarawak. At present rates of growth the population is estimated to be 28,142,000 in the year 2010. The manufacturing sector holds an important position in the Malaysian economy. It provides employment for nearly 46.9 % of the working population, generates

approximately 8.5 % of the gross domestic product. The population actually engaged in agriculture in 2000 was about 1,060,676. The size of land holdings in Malaysia is small. LAND RESOURCES

Tropical Rain Forest occupies less than 60 % of Malaysias land area and these are found mainly in the hills and mountains. The potential areas suitable for crop development based on schematic reconnaissance soil surveys total 4,010,933 ha are under cultivation. The major soils of Malaysia include acrisols, ferralsols, fluvisols, gleysols, luvisols, nitosols, lithosols, regosols, combisols and histosols. The most extensive are

lithosols, regosols and combisols which occupy 58 % of the land area. These include the shallow soils of the highlands, most of which are not utilised for agriculture, and the regosols of the alluvial plains. The acrisols and the ferralsols make up the major agricultural soils of the country. The fluvisols and gleysols are important in that they are being extensively cultivated with rice.

Most of the sedentary soils with topography up to 20 slopes are cultivated with perennial crops such as rubber, oil palm, cocoa, spices and fruit tree. Peat and organic soils cover approximately 2,700,000 ha. Only a small proportion has been developed for agriculture due to several serious

physical and chemical limitations of the soils. Presently, pineapple is the only crop which is recommended for extensive cultivation on peat, although rubber, oil palm, coconut and coffee have also been planted on peat soils but yields of these crops are often poor. Peat with depth greater than 1.5 m is considered unsuitable for tree crops. Part of the country is covered by bris soils. These soils are derived from marine sands and have extremely

low inherent soil fertility. Coconut, cashew and fruits are grown on the soils, and with some supplementary irrigation tobacco, groundnut, vegetables and watermelon are also cultivated. When economical methods to ameliorate the soils are available they could become potential areas for future agricultural development.

IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE METHODS USED Paddy is the only crop for which extensive irrigation facilities are provided. The method of irrigation is basically basin irrigation where small ridges surround individual lots in which paddy is grown in a depth of standing water. The total area covered by irrigation is currently 660,000 ha out of

which 609,000 ha are double cropped. A number of small farms use furrow and sprinkler irrigation vegetables and tobacco, but these areas are too small. Figure 1 shows a water wheel used for irrigating small paddy fields.

Figure 1. Showing a water wheel An indigenous method of raising water from streams for irrigation of small paddy areas.

Early drainage works involved the construction of coastal embankments to prevent saline water intrusion and the provision of facilities to allow removal of excess rainfall and runoff. Later, works in addition to

reclamation were directed towards drainage improvement to permit intercropping. Presently, about 600,000 ha are provided with drainage facilities, based generally on a composite system. The major crops cultivated in these areas are coconut, rubber, oil palm, spices, pineapple and other cash crop.

Figure 2. Showing major drainage and irrigation areas (1999)

Malaysia encompasses rugged mountain ranges and tropical rainforests, busy cities and peaceful villages, cool hill stations and over two hundred islands, tumbling rivers and jungles rich with wildlife. It is blessed with fair and balmy weather all-year round. Its idyllic beaches offer a respite from

the hustle and bustle of city living. The coast is lined by clear waters, soft sand and secluded bays shaded by palms and casuarinas. Sunny skies and golden sandy beaches make a perfect getaway. Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. This is a land of cultural fusion the indigenous Malays, absorbed Chinese, Indian and European influences, blending them together to create Rasa Sayang a feeling of love. Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other

ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia for generations. They have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture. Multi-culturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of colourful festivals.

Genting Highlands (City of entertainment)

Genting, located 1,800-metre above sea level is the countrys premier integrated holiday destination. The resorts elevation means that temperatures are consistently a good 5C lower than in Kuala Lumpur. The most exciting way to travel to Genting is aboard the Genting Skyway, South-East Asias longest, cable car system, from which passengers have a

birds-eye view over the surrounding forests and hills. Genting has the distinction of being the only place where you can gamble legally in Malaysia and the world-class casinos provide memorable gaming experiences. There is a wealth of other activities and entertainment for all the family, including cinemas and theme parks with more than 50 thrilling rides and

shows. The resort also has over 80 retail outlets and more than 90 restaurants and bars. Getting between them is easy, thanks to the system of well-signed linkways, underground tunnels and escalators. The young and the young-at-heart will no doubt get an adrenaline rush out of the indoor and outdoor Theme Parks, which including the 4-D Motion Master, Malaysias first 4-D cinema experience; Genting Sky Venture, Asias only

skydiving simulation; and the zero-degree winter wonders of Snow World.

An overview of the evolution of the bread industry in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION The bread industry in Malaysia has seen many changes in the last decade. It has emerged as a small-scale processing industry, and then grown to medium-scale and now, the

birth of a new trend called the boutique bakery. The bread industry in Malaysia is flourishing very quickly and bread products are gaining much popularity. In fact, bread has been labeled as the most popular substitute of rice, the staple diet of Malaysians. The bakery products industry in Malaysia where baked goods dominates a large share of

62%, recorded a value of almost RM 2 billion per annum in 2003 with a strong growth of 65 million over the previous year (Anon., 2003). The bread and the bakery products market is forecast to experience a steady growth of about 4% per annum in the coming years reaching RM 2.9 billion

by 2006 (Anon., 2002). Theres more to it than just a loaf of bread! GROWING FACTORS

Generally, the rise of bakery products consumption in Malaysia is in line with the populations growing affluence. However, the increased demand for bread is due to several other factors. The main factor is that bread makes quite a similar diet with rice; both are high in carbohydrate and protein contents, 83 % and 90 % carbohydrates and 13 %

and 8 % protein, respectively (Anon., 2004b). This suited the eating patterns of people from a hot and humid region where high caloric food is needed for energy spared as perspiration. Rice is the traditional meal for every family but it is a meal that needs to go with dishes prepared separately. Dish preparation is time consuming and could

be a hassle for some modern families. Thus, bread, which provides equivalent balanced diet, comes quite handy whence a quick meal is favored. It is not surprising that bread has become the most popular food for breakfast in families. Bread is also beginning to be enjoyed during lunch among the working groups when the hot sun in mid

afternoon discourages taking rice or noodle lunch. Breads, spread with butter or jam for breakfast and sandwich lunches are beginning to take over the traditional meals prepared with rice or noodles. The roads in Malaysia have improved tremendously in the late 10 years with new expressways being built, opening of major roads to villages

and widening of existing trunk roads. This has enabled a wider distribution of bakery products within the whole country, from cities to rural areas. In the past, bakery product supplies are quite localized as in consumers are confined to products from the local bakeshops in the areas that they live. With a better road system, bread products

from bakery factory located in the cities are transported efficiently to convenience stores, standard grocers, supermarkets, mini-markets and petrol station stores. For example, a bread factory in Malaysia, the Stanson Bakeries, has 250 trucks plying the peninsulas North-South expressway 24 hours a day, to reach their outlets overnight, on a daily basis. Their strong distribution network has enabled

the company to supply more than 8000 retail outlets throughout the country (Dhesi, 2004). The North-South expressway, spanning 890 km connecting the Thai and Singapore borders, opened in 1994, has help to shorten the travelling time by half. The bread industry in Malaysia is vibrant in meeting customers demand of various types of products. Gardenia Bakeries, for example,

produces a variety of tasty bread products such as the Toastems (sliced bread filled with fibrous fruit and grains) and convenient savory snacks such as Gardenia Twiggies, Gardenia Muffins, Squiggles, Fun-in-a-Bun and Fluffy Bun besides its most popular sandwich loaves. A wide range of choices makes bread a popular food and affordable for people of all ages and incomes. The capability of the bread industry to catch up and cope with

the consumers ever changing demands has helped the bread industry to expand. The emphasis now is on health bread. Gardenia Bakeries recently introduced their health bread, the Gardenia Break thru, which has low glycaemic index, more protein and fibre and less calories and carbohydrates shortly after their rival Stanson Bakeries (High 5

range of products) announced their official acquisition of licensee for the manufacture and distribution of Roman Meal breads from The Roman Meal Company in the US (best known globally for their nutritional and health bread over the century) in October 2004. Despite the competitiveness in bread products, observations showed that customers are more inclined to choose products according to their affordability. Some may choose to buy a

standard loaf while others might buy the high priced health bread from the same outlets. Media influence, both externally and internally plays a small role in the increasing bread consumption in Malaysia. The western culture has been regarded worthy to adopt by some in Asian countries, and therefore tend to

pick up western living styles. This includes eating and serving bread. Local bread companies in Malaysia also spend a large amount of money in advertising their brands and products.

A bread bakery plant

A wide range of bread products available in a petrol station store

CURRENT PLAYERS At present, the Malaysian bread industry is dominated by two national local bakeries, which cater to various regions namely, the Gardenia and

Stanson Bakeries, each with their own popular brands of Gardenia and High 5 respectively. These two companies hold approximately 76% of the retail market (Rydings, 2002). However, they compete between themselves through offering attractive bread products. Gardenia bakeries began operations in Malaysia in 1986 and produce American-style sandwich bread, using the traditional sponge and dough method. Within four short

years, it became the bread market leader with an astounding 99% brand recall rate and 80% top-of-mind recall (Anon, 2004a). Today, Gardenias overall production capacity hit 32,000 loaves per hour (the highest in the region) and produces over 20 varieties of loaf bread, buns, rolls and snack cakes in five different factories. Stanson Bakeries and its marketing unit are subsidiary companies of the Stanson Group under the Silver Bird Group

Bhd. The Stanson Bakeries manufactures the European variety of breads. The group, which started in 1999, is currently contributing about RM 46 million, close to 90% of Silver Birds turnover (Dhesi, 2004). These two companies, the Gardenia and Stanson Bakeries are competing to lead the bread market. This has resulted in frequent prices and volumes of bread fluctuation. Whilst one company charges 20 cents

cheaper, the other company offers an extra 20% of bread. Hence, we can say that the bread industrialists are alert all the time. Their current move in conquering more of the market share is to strive towards promoting health breads. Their business competitions and strategies for a larger market are norms in the business entity but have certainly offered Malaysians a healthy choice of food variety. The Silver Bird Group built a bread museum called

the High 5 Bread Town in their RM 100 million new plant premises. It presents the history of bread making that spans more than 5000 years ago, from Ancient Egypt, through the Iron Age, the Roman and Viking periods, right through the industrial revolution of the present day. It uses colourful murals and interactive displays with sounds to give lively hands-on experience to visitors. It is claimed to be is the first of its kind in the world.

It even portrays bread in futuristic years, in the form of pallets and pills to be taken during a spaceship expedition! It is fascinating with ideas being so well transformed for educational purposes. Gardenia Bakeries, in their move to develop health bread, has teamed up with a group of a researchers attached to a medical faculty from a local university, to formulate bread using special functional ingredients.

Between these two big giant bakery companies, the smaller bakeries still managed to find their ways to survive the onslaught. These small bakeries are family owned and structured and are usually started as a single shop before extending to more outlets. These family bakeries however, do not only emphasize on the bread products, but also produce higher margin delicacies such as cakes and cookies. These bakeries operate in the city

where the flow of people is high and most importantly, where the more affordable working group are. Among the few local confectionary retail chain shops are the Kings Confectionary, which started in 1973 in Kuala Lumpur and now with 49 retail outlets, the Seasons Confectionary and Bakery, the Angel Cake House etc.

CURRENT TRENDS Bread boutique is the newest trend of bakeshops in Malaysia that has evolved through the rigorous application of innovative marketing. These boutiques are available in shopping malls and are well known for their designer breads where customers find a sense of contemporary ease and an exciting shopping experience. This concept was first introduced in

Singapore in July 2000 with the brand name, Breadtalk. In Malaysia, the first shop, Breadstory started in September 2002. These boutiques have developed very quickly. Over a span of three year, Breadtalk has opened as many as 23 chain outlets in Singapore while Breadstory has 15 in Malaysia.

The unique thing about these boutiques is their store-design, which allows customer to see products being prepared in the kitchen through large glass panels in stringent hygienic manners. Their concept of baking and crafting each bread carefully and giving themes reflecting current social and popular trends such as novels, movies, heroes and cartoon characters have delighted their customers. For example, bread products are interestingly named as

Tina Tuna, Killing Fills, Spiderman, Nutty Professor, PacMan, Humpty Dumpty etc.. These boutique proprietors are working very actively to bring their concept overseas through their franchising programmes. Adwans (2003) comment on the unknown future of this boutique concept, as a passing fad or an enduring trend notwithstanding,

Breadtalk has signed master franchise agreements in countries like Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Philippines and Taiwan by April 2004.

In-store open-kitchen design concept of a boutique bakery Insets: A baker at work, seen through the glass panels and attractively crafted breads

AWARENESS

The exposure on bread products and its sources and uses has come to a high level in the society. People learn to appreciate bread products and some will not hesitate to spend to get the bread of their choice. Baking used to be a skill learned through apprenticeship but today, there are specialized baking schools that provide short courses, certificates and even diplomas in Malaysia. The Malaysian Institute of Baking (MIB) was approved in

January 2003 by the Ministry of Education of Malaysia to conduct courses in baking. Private college, such as the Flamingo Institute also provides professional baking courses. These courses are learning opportunities for people from differing backgrounds including people thinking of bread business; job seekers and also health conscious housewives who wish to prepare fresh bread for their families.

CONCLUSION Having studied the current trend of bread eating and industry in Malaysia, there is none indicating which mode of bread production operation will gain favoritism. The giant, family and the boutique bakeries, each portrays their

uniqueness, which proves their sustenance. The giant bread factories are able to deliver bread at lower prices with good quality controls and production systems that wins the confidence of consumers. The family bakeries are making large margins with high-end products while the bread boutiques with their new and innovative concepts of bread

products capture customers interest. The bread boutiques have also given the bread industry in Malaysia a shot in the arm. Whilst the current bread-eating pattern in Malaysian families is still not far from choosing bread by its price and their palates, nevertheless, the awareness of

healthy food is increasing. Most families are beginning to differentiate whole grain bread, mixed grains and white bread, at least! The rising living standard and awareness of the consumers in addition to the benefits arising from the competition among the bread industrialists are bound to

bring a higher level of appreciation of bakery products in the time. Theres more to it than just a loaf of bread! About High5 Bread Town

High 5 Bread Town, the first of its kind in the world was officially opened by The Honourable Minister Of International Trade & Industry on 25th May 2005. The brainchild of Silver Bird Group Managing Director Dato Jackson Tan, High 5 Bread Town is a truly unique attraction of its class. High 5 Bread Town is the architectural masterpiece showcase of the RM100 mil state-of-the-art plant of Silver Bird Group factory located on

6.07ha plant in Shah Alam. High 5 Bread Town was certified in the Malaysia Book of Records as the First Bread Museum in Malaysia. With an enormous floor size, High 5 Bread Town is an attraction which caters to visitors of all ages, promising a time of fun, excitement and learning for the whole family. Being one of the latest tourist attraction in Malaysia which

embrace and incorporate only the best museum state of the art technology system, High 5 Bread Town offer our guest a touted as the "a walkthrough on the history of bread" with emphasis on bread development timeline, it is definitely a "must see" to experience it!

The Story Behind A Loaf Of Bread Bread, in one form or another, has been one of the principal forms of food for man from earliest times. When ancient man discovered a food which would keep through the winter months, and could be multiplied in the summer, it could be said that civilization began. He might have a reasonably safe store of food to

carry him over, which would give him time to develop other useful skills besides hunting, fishing and cattle-herding.

Egyptian The trade of the baker, then, is one of the oldest crafts in the world. Loaves and rolls have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs by archeologists. Wheat has been found in pits where human settlements flourished 8,000 years ago. At High 5 Bread Town Egyptian galleries you can see replica loaves which were made and baked over

5,000 years ago. Also on display are grains of wheat ripened in those ancient summers under the Pharaohs.Ancient Egyptian word-pictures, concerning bread are also on display. or hieroglyphs,

Iron Age Further back, in the Stone Age, people made solid cakes from stone-crushed barley and wheat. Millstones called querns are user for grinding corn has been found in archeological findings that are thought to be 3,000 years old. The ability to sow and reap cereals may be one of the chief causes which led man to dwell in communities, rather than to live a wandering life hunting and herding cattle.

Ancient RomanThe ancient Greeks and Romans knew bread for a staple food, even in those days people argued whether white or brown bread was best. The Romans enjoyed several kinds of bread, with interesting names. There was oyster bread (to be eaten with oysters); 'artolaganus' or cakecread; 'speusticus' or 'hurry bread'. There was over bread, tin bread, Parthian bread. There were rich breads made with milk, eggs and butter, but these of course, were only for

the wealthy and privileged people.

Vikings The Vikings, or the Scandinavians, are among the first to use rye make bread!! But the viking's bread are hard and unleavened because they don't use yeast. For ease of storage, the Vikings made a hole in the centre of the bread, so they can be threaded through tent poles.

Georgian & Victorian Times Visitors would also be greeted by the "Earl of Sandwich". Millers everywhere continued to use the ancient method of wind and watermills, except for a few progressive men. In the middle of the nineteenth century, a Swiss engineer

invented a new type of mill; abandoning the use of the stone mill-wheels, he designed rollers made of steel which operated one above the other. It was called the reduction roller-milling system, and these machines soon became accepted all over Europe and in Britain.

Industrial Revolution The Industrial Revolution reduced farm acreage. This, together with the invention of the roller-milling system, meant that for the first time in history, whiter flour (and therefore bread) could be produced at a price which brought it within the reach of everyone - not just the rich.

Time Tunnel Amaze by the future of bread design at the Time Tunnel attraction. Where people will have a glimpse of bread of the future, still a concept at this point of time, but development as already underway. The time tunnel willespecially appeal to young children with its attractive lightings.

Skywalk Leisurely stroll through our 880 feet Skywalk where you'll be exposed to the finer point of bread making production from the beginning of the process right till the end before your very own eyes!! The largest stand-alone bakery plant in SEA, the state-of-the-art High 5 bread plant is capable of churning out thousands of bread in minutes.

Machinery MuseumAdmire with awe the wonderful bakery machine of the past which are displayed at our Machine Museum and many more. All the machines in the museum have served their time well, and now are reting permanently in the museum, lookout for the founder machine, as it is a

machine very much ahead of it's time with it's 3-gear pulley system.

Shopping at High 5 Bread Town Retail Outlet! Your experience with High 5 Bread Town would not be complete without visiting our retails outlet. Here, you will find fresh baked High 5 quality products such High Bread, cream roll and Roman Meal bread. Try our famous Silver Bird delicious, scrumptious & tantalizing mouth watering cake product and enjoy and pamper yourselves to your likings. All products at a discounted price!!! Better still.

Bring some home as souvenirs for your friends and families.

The Legacy of Bread The first of its kind in the world, the High 5 Bread Town takes you into a fascinating world of bread-making that spans more than 5,000 years. The

history of bread is told in colourful murals and interactive displays to give you a lively, hands-on experience. The delicious aroma of oven-fresh bread adds an authentic touch that makes your visit to High 5 Bread Town an unforgettable experience.

Bread-making In Yesteryear Watch how bread making evolved through history. From the ancient Egypt through to the Iron Age, the Roman and Viking periods, right through the Industrial Revolution to the present day. Every era offers its own improvements in terms of grain quality, the milling

and baking process, and the shape and texture of bread. You'll discover it all here.

Meet The Earl of Sanwich A prominent member of Georgian society, he was THE MAN credited with introducing the sanwich as we know it today! All because he never had time to sit down to a proper meal!

Leisurely Elevated 880 Feet Skywalk Factory Tour What's more, your High 5 Bread Town visit also includes a fascinating factory tour. Enjoy an expansive overview of the largest stand-alone bakery plant in Southeast Asia in the present day. Stroll leisurely on an elevated walkway measuring 880 feet while you're shown the

finer points of bread-making using stateof-the-art technology. Olden Day Bread Shop Browse around an olden day bread shop and take note of the different types of bread from around the world. Compare that to the bread you are familiar with now. Can you spot any differences?

Larger-Than-Life Bread Making Equipment You'll be mesmerized by larger-than-life bread making equipments like mixer and oven, among others. Imagine how much bread was made and consumes in history!

Thrilling Time Tunnel

An exhilarating and electrifying experience that transport you to modern times in what seems like an instant. Don't blink!

Bread-Making Antiques You'll have a rare opportunity to see valuable antique bread-making equipment that has never been exhibited before. The first of these is the Founder Machine, designed by our company's founder, the

late Mr. Tan Chin Suan in the 60's.

ROYAL SELANGOR

About Us Founded in Malaysia in 1885 by Yong Koon, the Royal Selangor pewter factory is based in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur with a workforce of more than 300 skilled craftspeople. During Yong Koonas time, items made were

mainly for ceremonial use such as joss sticks holders, incense burners and candle stands for the altars of Chinese homes and temples. With the British colonials in Malaya, the offering expanded to tankards, ashtrays and tea services. The brand was then known as Selangor Pewter. In the 1970s, the company starting exporting; firstly to Singapore, Hong

Kong and then Australia. Towards the 1980s, the market expanded into Europe and later to Japan. In the late 70s, the company diversified extending its business to the design, manufacture and marketing of precious jewellery and also hallmarked sterling silver. Under the names of Selberan Jewellery and Comyns, each individual company strives to create things of beauty, maintaining the tradition of excellence and innovation synonymous

with the company. Selangor Pewter then changed its name to Royal Selangor in 1992 to reflect the royal endorsement from HRH The Sultan of Selangor Darul Ehsan and its diverse product offerings which had extended beyond pewter. A reputation for uncompromising quality, Selberan Jewellery has a team of qualified gemologists, designers and craftspeople trained by European master jewellers. Renowned for its beautiful designs,

Selberan has won more than twenty design award. One of the oldest and most prestigious manufacturing silversmiths in the world, Comyns was acquired by Royal Selangor in 1993, together with its magnificent archive of over 35,000 drawings, patterns and moulds. From the miniature to the monumental, Comyns continues to make objects of the finest quality for discerning individuals around the world.

Renowned for its innovative pewter designs, Royal Selangor has taken pewter to a new level. Its designs have attracted the attention of an appreciative global audience. Among the many awards received, include the Red Dot Award for Product Design from Germanys Design Zentrum and the Japan G-mark for good design from the Japan Industrial Design

Promotion Organization. Always staying ahead of the curve, the company has a strong design team that creates new collections yearly. In delivering a wider selection to its customers, Royal Selangor also collaborates with international talents such as Erik Magnussen and Nick Munro, who have designed new collections

infused with their creative hallmarks. In addition to the wide selection sold at retail, Royal Selangor custommakes exclusive pieces for corporations and individuals. Its trophies have graced the winners podium for world class events such as the World Cup Golf 1999, 16th Commonwealth Games; Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 and

the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Malaysia, Singapore and China. The company was also appointed licensee for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Millennium Collection and the 2006 Germany FIFA World Cup, creating exclusive merchandise to commemorate these spectacular events. Distributed worldwide from its home base in Malaysia, Royal Selangor exports to more than 20 countries, with its own retail shops in Singapore, Japan, Hong

Kong, China and Australia. Royal Selangor is also found in fine stores such as Wako and Mitsukoshi in Japan as well as Harrods and John Lewis in the United Kingdom.

Located at its factory premises, the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre is an educational and fun destination that attracts thousands of visitors yearly.

Guided tours are available and multi-sensory interactive exhibits enlighten visitors on the properties of tin and pewter as well as the history of Royal Selangor. This must-see destination in Malaysia won the 2005 Best ASEAN New Tourist Attraction Award from the ASEAN Tourism Association and Best

Tourist Attraction Award 2004 (national identity/ heritage category) from Tourism Malaysia.

Visitor Centre

Malaysia is home to the worlds finest pewter and Royal Selangor is its most well known name. Visitors to the country often include the Royal Selangor factory in their travel plans and with the completion of its new ultra modern Visitor Centre, a visit will be even more fascinating.

The tour begins at the Gallery. Learn about the companys pioneering past and its transformation to a world-class company. Its fascinating Pewter Museum and astonishing two-storey high replica of the PETRONAS Twin Towers created out of 7,062 pewter tankards will delight you. To further excite your senses, there are interactive exhibits at the Chamber of Chimes,

Hall of Finishes and Giant Weighing Scale. Computer buffs may want to check out the Game Port that has specially designed games. The Factory Tour shows you live the different pewter production processes - casting, filing, polishing, soldering, hammering and engraving, as well as the intricacies of making Selberans fine jewellery. The tour ends

at the Retail Store where a wide selection of Royal Selangor pewter, sterling silver by Comyns and precious jewellery by Selberans can be purchased.

The Royal Selangor School of Hard Knocks, is an entertaining hour-long pewtersmithing workshop where for a small fee participants are taught to create their own pewter dish using traditional tools and methods.

Experience Pewter making Despite production lines and the use of modern technology, much handwork still goes into each Royal Selangor pewter piece. The Factory Tour shows visitors the elaborate pewter-making processes required of the

artisans including the detailed handcrafting that goes into each piece. Visitors also get to view the intricate handwork that goes into the making of Selberans fine jewellery.

The Pewter Workshop Royal Selangor pewter is composed of tin, with a small proportion of copper and antimony added to strengthen it. This alloy contains mainly tin

of the highest international standard for pewter.Today, pewter produced by Royal Selangor is completely lead-free. Its low melting point and relative softness make pewter an ideal material for craftsmen and designers to work with. The material lends itself to different manufacturing techniques, some of which have been handed down through many generations.

The majority of Royal Selangor pewter products are hand-cast. Using this method, the craftsman ladles molten pewter into steel moulds quickly and efficiently. The moulds are prepared from a designers sculpture or technical drawing. After cooling, the item is removed from the mould. Rough edges are carefully filed and then polished. Each individual Royal

Selangor pewter product is polished by hand. Polishing is done using a finegrade sandpaper or against a buffing wheel. Once the polishing process is completed, appendages such as handles, spouts and hinges are soldered on. Skillfully made joints are virtually invisible and remarkably strong. After soldering, the finished product is

polished once again with soft flannel or, in some cases, with the `stone leaf (Tetracera scandens), a wild tropical leaf of a fine, abrasive nature. Royal Selangor maintains stringent standards of quality control such that any item that does not meet these standards are rejected. It is certainly assuring to know that no Royal Selangor tea or coffee pot will ever drip because each spout has been flawlessly designed and crafted.

SINGAPORE

OVERVIEW OF SINGAPORE For centuries before Sir Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company acquired it from the Sultan of Johor in 1819, Singapore had been virtually abandoned. However, within decades of the change of ownership, in a historical echo of its role today, Singapore is tiny and has no natural

resources apart from a good harbor. Even so, Singapore became the main commercial and strategic center for the region. In 1867, it became a British Crown Colony and housed one of the UKs most important naval bases. This status remained unchanged until 1942 when the Japanese army swept down through Malaya and occupied the colony. More than three years later, the Japanese surrendered in Singapore and the colony assumed its previous

status. With the dissolution of the British Empire, Singapore was granted internal self-government in 1959. Singapore City: Singapore City was also founded in 1819 by Sir Raffles of the British East India Company, who recommended that different areas of the town be set

aside for the various ethnic groups. There are still fascinating pockets where more traditionally exclusive enclaves exist, principally in Chinatown, Arab Street, Serangoon Road (focus of the Indian community) and Padang Square with its very strong colonial associations. The best way to experience the remarkable diversity of the city is on foot. Traditional architecture, customs and cuisine of the various ethnic areas are in

fascinating contrast to the lavish luxury shopping arcades of Orchard Road and Raffles City. Orchard Road is the Fifth Avenue or Oxford Street of Singapore, and just as bustling, with its vast luxury malls, shops ranging from mega stores to vendors of souvenir , as well as cafes and restaurants. The corner bar of the Singapore Marriott Hotel, itself a landmark, is the prime spot to watch the world go by. Arab Street is the center of the

Arabian quarter of Singapore, and a great place for shopping. Other streets with excellent shopping opportunities are Baghdad Street and Bussorah Street, while Sultan Plaza is a centre for cloth traders. The golden domes of the Sultan Mosque, Singapores chief Muslim place of worship, dominate the area; nearby are two historic Muslim burial grounds. Chinatown, though somewhat overwhelmed by the growth of the Financial District, is a

bustling and colorful area with shops, teahouses and restaurants, and also several temples such as the Fuk Tak Chi in Telok Ayer Street and the Temple of the Calm Sea. Ancient crafts of calligraphy, papermaking and fortune-telling are practiced, and traditional goods and foodstuffs can be bought. The characteristic domestic architecture of Singapore the shophouse with a molded front, shuttered upper floor and an arcaded street front

is much in evidence. Serangoon Road is the center of Little India, the Indian quarter stretching from Rochar Canal to Lavender Street. The Zhu Jiao Centre, at the southern end of Serangoon Road, is a particularly vibrant example of Little India. Other attractions in the area include the Sri Veeramakalimman Temple, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hall in Race Course Lane and Farrer Park.

No trip to Singapore would be complete without a visit to the Raffles Hotel, one of the most famous hotels in the world. A Singapore Sling in the Long Bar is almost de rigueur; alternatively, drop into the Writers Bar which provided inspiration for, amongst others, Noel Coward, Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad. The CHIJMES complex near the Raffles Hotel was developed out of the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus,

whose Gothic shell is the basis for a series of plazas housing chic shops, restaurants and bars. A statue of Sir Stamford Raffles has been erected on the banks of the Singapore River on the spot where he is believed to have first set foot in Singapore. Nearby is Parliament House, the oldest government building in the country, the core of which dates back to the 1820s. Boat Quay and North Boat Quay, flanking the river on both banks

near the Raffles statue, has now become one of Singapores most popular bar and recreation areas, with traditional shop-houses converted into restaurants and clubs. Clarke Quay forms a triangle defined by a bend in the Singapore River. It is a complex of colonial godowns (eastern term for warehouses) converted into a maze of bars, outdoor eating places, clubs, souvenir shops and mobile stalls that present the Old Singapore tourist

experience at its most concentrated, if occasionally tacky. Riverside Walk, on the opposite riverbank, extends the zone further, and the whole area is a must-see for visitors. Jurong:

Jurong Town is the economic and industrial hub of Singapore, but offers visitors some unusual yet fascinating attractions. The Singapore Science Centre, open Tues-Sun 1000-1800, is a remarkable complex which includes hundreds of interactive exhibits, the Aviation Gallery which traces the history of flight, and the Omnitheatre, a cinema with a planetarium-like screen. Haw Par Villa (formerly The Tiger Balm Gardens) in Pasir Panjang

Road is a surreal Disneyesque statue park of Chinese mythological and historical figures, created by the Tiger Balm ointment dynasty. The Gardens are open daily 0800-1800. The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are west of the centre by Jurong Lake. The two are linked by a 65m (200ft) ornamental bridge, and are fine examples of the skills of oriental landscape gardeners. The gardens are open daily 0900-1800. An admission fee is

charged. The Jurong Bird Park on Jurong Hill (near the Chinese and Japanese Gardens) covers more than 49.4 acres (20 hectares) and is home to Southeast Asias largest collection of birds. There is also the worlds largest walk-in aviary, a nocturnal house and several spectacular bird shows. The park is open Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat-Sun 0800-1800. An admission fee is charged.

THE ISLANDS Sentosa: The largest and best known of Singapores offshore islands is also one of the closest to the mainland. Sentosa is a multi-million dollar pleasure resort girdled by a monorail and offering a wide range of activities and attractions.

These include the Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, Images of Singapore, the recently upgraded Musical Fountain Show, The Merlion, the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom Museum, Sijori WonderGolf and the Carlsberg Sky Tower. Lovely gardens, beautiful beaches and a plethora of restaurants and eating places all contribute to the islands popularity with tourists and locals alike. Many prefer to skip the theme park attractions and

head straight for Sentosas beaches Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong where a wide range of watersports is available. These were built with imported white sand and are often crowded, especially at weekends. There are bus, monorail and tram services linking Sentosa to the city center, and the causeway bridge is open to foot traffic. An admission fee for entry to the island is charged and composite tickets can also be bought which give

admission to some of the attractions; enquires locally for details. Resort hotels, camping and other accommodation are available on the island.

Other Islands:

St Johns Island is large, hilly and tree-shaded with several excellent beaches. There are also several walking trails. There is a regular ferry service from the Harbour Front Centree that takes about 40 minutes. Kusu Island is noted for two landmarks: the Keramat (a Muslim shrine) and the Chinese Tua Pekong Temple. There is a regular ferry service from the World Trade Centre that takes about 30 minutes. Pulau Hantu, Lazarus

Island and the Sisters Islands (the latter being part of the group of Southern Islands) are ideal for fishing, snorkeling and swimming enthusiasts. There are no regular ferry services but boats can be chartered; enquire locally for information. At the SENTOSA Islands you would find :

Songs of the Sea Songs of the Sea is a musical fountain located at the beaches of Sentosa Island, Singapore. Designed by Yves Pepin, the Songs of the Sea show started on 26 March 2007. It replaced the 25-year-old Magical Sentosa show. The musical fountain is a $30 million investment by Sentosa to enhance its entertainment product offerings and to attract more tourists. It is

the world's only permanent show set in the sea boasting spectacular pyrotechnics displays, water jets, laser show and flame bursts a live cast and an open-air viewing gallery which can comfortably accommodate 2,500 visitors.

Setting The new musical fountain show uses giant water projection screens. Images are projected on these water screens to create 3-Dimensional animations, that will be shown during the show. The show had a new storyline and Kiki (Sentosa's Mascot) was replaced by Oscar the Fish. The Merlion no longer play part of the musical fountain show anymore, since the old musical

fountain was demolished to make way for the new integrated resort. What now stands at the musical fountains spot is the Lake of dreams. The equipment used for the original fountain is recycled to be used as the equipment for the Lake of Dreams show.

The beach and the sea are stage for the show. A stretch of wooden houses was built across the shoreline to create a Malay Kampung, or more commonly known as a Kelong. It is a work of art that is 120 meteres long while the rest of the equipment (water jets, water screens, lasers and projectors) are being hidden at the back of the kelong. There are a total of 69 water jets capable of reaching a height of 40 metres and flames leaping

up to a height of 20 metres. The show runs twice a night at 7.40pm and 8.40pm and lasts 25 minutes.

Story Li, a young man gifted with a charming voice, is singing by the sea with his friends when he is stunned by the sudden vision of a beautiful sleeping girl. Guided by a group of mischievous sea creatures, Li learns that she is Princess Ami, and she is under the spell of an enchanted village. He is

determined to save Princess Ami. Along the journey, he meets the Lord of Fire, Spirit of Light and Lady of the Sea, who seek his help in restoring their powers. In the end Li manages to wake up Princess Ami from her enchantment. There are various songs being played throughout the entire show:

She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain Chan Mali Chan Munnaeru Vaalibaa Chinese Folk Song Singapura, Sunny Island It's me

We did It!

Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom The Butterfly Park is a landscape garden with over 15,000 live butterflies, representing more than fifty species. Housed in a cool outdoor conservatory, these butterflies range from the 25 millimetre (1 in) Eurema

sari to the 150 mm (6 in) Papilio iswara. The Insect Kingdom houses some 3,000 species of rare insects from around the world, including a 160 mm Dynastes Hercules beetle.

Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon Underwater World is an oceanarium located on the western part of Sentosa. Opened in 1991, the living museum has more than 2,500 marine and freshwater animals of 250 species from different regions of the world. The

oceanarium is underground and has an 83 metre long travelator that moves visitors along a submerged glass-windowed tunnel from which they can look at an array of marine life including a coral reef, stingrays, moray eels, turtles, sharks, and other fishes. In the 'Dive-with-the-Sharks' program visitors can scuba dive in the large oceanarium, even if they are not scuba qualified. Qualified scuba divers can also 'Dive-with-the-Dugong".

The Underwater World also includes a Dolphin Lagoon which is home to some Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, also known as the pink dolphins. Several "Meet-the-Dolphins" sessions are held daily to allow visitors to enter the waist-deep pool and interact with the dolphins at close proximity. A more involved "Swim-with-the-Dolphins' program, where visitors can interact extensively with the dolphins, is also available.

Sentosa 4D Magix The Sentosa 4D Magix is Singapore's first and Southeast Asia's original 4dimensional theatre. Opened in January 2006 at the cost of S$3.5 million, the theatre is equipped with state-of-the-art Digital Projection and DTS 6.1 sound system. Guests will be seated on a motion based chair in a typical

movie theatre watching a 3D show with visual effects popping out of the screen coupled with environmental effects providing a life-like feel. The current show is the 'Pirates!' in 4D comedy, as offered in other theme parks around the world.

NEWater (Singapore)

Background Since the 1970s, Singapore has been testing new water technologies to produce water of drinking standards from secondary treated wastewater effluent The NEWater Study was initiated in 1998

Primary objective of the study was the suitability of using NeWater as a source of raw water to supplement Singapore's water supply. The Singapore Water Reclamation Study (NEWater Study) was initiated in 1998 as a joint initiative between the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR). The primary

objective of the joint initiative was to determine the suitability of using NEWater as a source of raw water to supplement Singapore's water supply. NEWater is treated used water that has undergone stringent purification and treatment process using advanced dual-membrane (microfiltration and reverse osmosis) and ultraviolet technologies. NEWater could be mixed and blended with reservoir water and then undergo conventional water

treatment to produce drinking water (a procedure known as Planned Indirect Potable Use or Planned IPU).Planned IPU as a source of water supply is not new. It has been practiced in several parts of the United States for more than 20 years. At Water Factory 21, Orange County Water District, Southern California, high quality water reclaimed from treated used water has been injected into ground water since 1976. Similarly, at

Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority (UOSA), North Virginia, high quality reclaimed water is discharged into Occoquan Reservoir since 1978. Occoquan Reservoir is a source of water for more than a million people living in the vicinity of Washington DC. Water reclamation is a growing trend in the U.S. and around the world. In the U.S., there are several other water reclamation projects that are now being planned or under

construction. Two of them are at Gwinnett near Atlanta, Georgia and at Scottsdale near Phoenix, Arizona. In 2001, PUB embarked on a new initiative to increase water supply from unconventional sources for non-potable use. The use of NEWater for wafer fabrication processes, non-potable applications in manufacturing processes as well as air-con cooling towers in commercial buildings would

free large amount of potable water for other potable purposes. The NEWater Factories at Bedok and Kranji Water Reclamation Plants was commissioned at the end of 2002. Following that since Feb 2003, NEWater has been supplied to wafer fabrication plants at Woodlands and Tampines/Pasir Ris and other industries for non-potable use. In Jan 2004, another milestone in the NEWater initiative was accomplished with the

commissioning of the third NEWater Factory at Seletar Water Reclamation Plant which began supplying NEWater to the wafer fabrication plants at Ang Mo Kio. The total capacity of the 3 NEWater factories is 92,000 m3/day or 20 mgd.

The sources of water supply for NEWater is as follows :

The scientific technique behind the Filtration Process:

Awards and Accolades PUB has been presented with an Award of Excellence from the National Water Research Institute (NWRI), USA, for the NEWater Demonstration Plant project and in recognition of PUB's outstanding contributions to microfiltration technology. The award was presented to PUB on 4

Background:

The Land Transport Authority LTA; of Singapore is a statutory board of the Ministry of Transport. It was founded in 1 September 1995, by merging four agencies, namely, Registry of Vehicles, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Roads & Transportation Division of the Public Works Department of Singapore and Land Transport Division of the then-Ministry

of Communications. LTA spearheads land transport development in Singapore. The mission of LTA is to provide an efficient, cost-effective and peoplecentered land transport system for different needs and its vision is a peoplecentered land transport system. The three objectives of LTA are:

To deliver a land transport network that is integrated, efficient, costeffective and sustainable to meet the nation's needs.

To plan, develop and manage Singapore's land transport system to support a quality environment while making optimal use of our

transport measures and safeguarding the well-being of the travelling public.

To develop and implement policies to encourage commuters to choose the most appropriate transportation mode.

Times when things were done manually

Traffic Policemen noting down the numbers of the vehicles which violated the rules

After ERP is being installed

Blueprint for the Future In March 2008, LTA released its Land Transport Master plan report, which outlines the strategic thrusts to make the land transport system work for both the people and the city. The three strategic thrusts are to:

Make Public Transport a Choice Mode

Manage Road Use Meet the Diverse Needs of Our People

The Land Transport Master plan report is a comprehensive and forwardlooking document describing the vision, strategy and plans for a peoplecentered land transport system. The Master plan report is developed from

the perspective of commuters and their travel needs, following extensive consultations with the public and stakeholders.

Making Public Transport a Choice Mode

Providing the people with a safe, efficient and comfortable public transportation network has been the cornerstone of LTA's land transport strategy. It is the Government's vision to make the rail network the backbone of Singapore's public transport system Rail

LTA is responsible for the development of the rapid transit system and the expansion of the rail network. It aims to double the rail network by 2020.

DTL

The Downtown Line (DTL) will be built in three stages, with Stage 1 to be completed in 2013, Stage 2 to be completed in 2015 and Stage 3 in 2017. When fully completed, the DTL will enhance the connectivity of the Rapid Transit System network and facilitates direct travel from the northwestern and eastern areas of the island to the Central Business District and the

Marina Bay. The DTL is projected to see a daily ridership of more than half a million passengers when in full operation. When completed in 2013, DTL1 will provide a strategic transport link to serve workers, residents and visitors in the Marina Bay area and upcoming developments such as the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resorts and the

Marina Bay Financial Centre. DTL1 will run through some of the busiest and most vibrant corridors in the city such as Bugis and Chinatown and ease congestion at major interchanges like Dhoby Ghaut, City Hall and Raffles Place Interchange. CCL

The Circle Line (CCL) which is set to fully complete from 2010 onwards, will cut travelling time and allow commuters to bypass busy interchanges like City Hall and Raffles Place. Costing $6.7 billion, the CCL will be a fully underground orbital line linking all radial lines leading to the city. The line will interchange with the North-South Line, East-West Line and North East Line. The CCL will be 33.3 km long with 29 stations. Starting from

the Dhoby Ghaut station, it will run through some of the busiest corridors in the city and end at Harbour Front station on the North East Line.

To enhance the accessibility of the Marina Bay area to the rest of the island, LTA will also build and open the Marina Bay station as part of the CCL extension beyond Bayfront station in 2012. Bus

LTA will take on the role of central bus network planner by 2009 in order to shift the focus to place the commuter at the centre and take a holistic approach in planning the bus network, taking into consideration development in the Rapid Transit System (RTS) network and other transport infrastructure.

In addition, to further improve the reliability and speed of bus services, buses will be given greater priority on our roads over other vehicles. This will help to shorten bus journey time and make them a more viable competitor to cars.

About URA The Urban Redevelopment Authority is the national urban planning authority of Singapore, and a statutory board under the Ministry of National Development of the Singapore Government. The authority was established

on 1 April 1974, and is of especially critical importance to the city-state, because Singapore is an extremely dense country where land usage is required to be efficient and maximised in order to reduce land wastage in the face of land shortage. The URA is also responsible for assisting to facilitate racial harmony, such as to have their urban planning avoid segregation, as well as seeking ways to improve aesthetics and to reduce

congestion. It is also responsible for the conservation of historic and cultural buildings and national heritage sites. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is Singapore's national land use planning authority. URA prepares long term strategic plans, as well as detailed local area plans, for physical development, and then co-

ordinates and guides efforts to bring these plans to reality. Prudent land use planning has enabled Singapore to enjoy strong economic growth and social cohesion, and ensures that sufficient land is safeguarded to support continued economic progress and future development. Introduction

Given Singapore's small size, judicious land use planning is critical for the nation's future. URA has to take into consideration not just the needs of the city but all the needs of an independent nation and provide sufficient land for economic growth and future development.

Our mission is to make Singapore a great city to live, work and play in. We carry out our mission by planning and facilitating the physical development of Singapore, in partnership with the community, to create a vibrant, sustainable and cosmopolitan city of distinction. Concept Plan

The Concept Plan is a broad, strategic, long term land use and transportation plan updated once every 10 years to guide Singapore's physical development. The first Concept Plan was developed in 1971 and it guided the development of one of the world's best airports - the Singapore Changi International Airport, as well as the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT).

The vision set out in the Concept Plan 2001 is to develop Singapore into a thriving world-class city in the 21st century. The key proposals are: - Providing more new homes in familiar places - Introducing more high-rise city living - Offering more choices for recreation

- Allowing greater flexibility for businesses - Establishing a global business centre - Building an extensive rail network - Focusing on identity

One of the other big highlights of the trip for me was having the opportunity to see the Singapore Formula-1 racing circuit. While most of the others were busy taking a ride in the giant wheel ,I along with a few other friends went to visit the racing circuit which was located close to the giant wheel. Initially we could not realize as to wether it was really the F-1circuit but when we went a bit closer and went near the starting grid we realized that it was indeed the Formula-1 circuit. It was really exciting for us to see the paddock of all the famous F-1 driver including the legend himself Micheal Schumacher.

We took a lot of pictures in front of his paddock .We also took pictures of the paddock of the current stars like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. We also got to feel the ambience of the circuit and also took pictures sitting on the starting grid of the track. It really was a memorable experience for me and some of my friends to get the feel of something which we only watched on TV prior to the trip. This will most definitely be one of the biggest memories that we will take away from this trip.