(Sea)Food of Sabah, Malaysia

a view from my hotel

I had a chance of visiting Sabah, from 17-20 May 2008. Sabah is known for its Kinabalu Mountain, its flora and fauna, seafood and foods... so plenty, the fact that this place is actually a major exporter of seafood mainly to Hong Kong... or in-short, a seafood heaven.

Nevertheless, hope you will enjoy the pictures (updated 28th May)
My first night was having 'ikan bakar' / grill seafood as dinner

Are you had enough of udang/prawn XL, bro. Zali? you should join me then :), btw I am going there again soon....

2 round of seafood eat-as-much-as-you-can and it cost RM120 for 5 adult

red hot chilli pepper, this is definately not californication

The 'buah anggur' is actually seaweed, and vegetable of the day

Seafood of the day, wonder what it is? anyone wanted to guess?

plenty of fish including a famous - poisonous puff fish or ikan buntal

price of fish is cheap enough, making me crazy of which to bring home...

The dried segment, I bought enough anchovies ... colorful sago, which one of staple food of Sabah

the kueh and nasi lemak berlauk

my in-flight lunch after 3 days of seafood is indeed simple enough - nasi goreng

Food of Saudi Arabia 2

the finale part

Food of Saudi Arabia 1

Here some of the food pictures taken while I am on my umrah journey 16-23 april 09 (to be continue... as I uploading the pictures first)

Food of Sri Lanka

I had an opportunity to samples Sri Lanka Food while transit ting en-route to Jeddah on the 16th April 2008.

While I do feel uneasy with presence of many government armed-men as the country is on a civil war on the northern part, the feeling was soon diminished as the airport and the city are located on the southern part of the Island.

Of all, I must admit, this country is beautiful and it was like turning back 30 years ago, where people enjoying their simple life

Bandarneike International Airport

As we arrived around 7pm, me and my other colleague was taken to Goldis Sands Hotel, a 3-star resorts, near city while waiting for our next flight 3pm next day.There we first taste the Sri Lanka hospitality, and we did enjoy our stay and the food there.

Registering our names

Soon after we get our room, we headed for buffet dinner, it was splendid, as we enjoyed the seafood with different flavour of curry based dishes. Food do becoming our concerns :( as this country are Buddhist majority followed Christianity and Muslims. We don't dare to touch the beef and chicken as we are not sure its worthiness in muslim perspectives. Nevertheless throughout the dinner was accompanied with trio-musician playing some oldies and classics; lovely

The chef and their culinary expression, some of the food and the trio-musicians

we wake-up early as pre-dawn prayer around 430am, and its already like 9am here in Malaysia, where I immediately headed to the beaches.

Top; the view from my room at 5am, middle; the Indian Ocean, Bottom; making friendships with Mr. Wilson

I saw many trawler-like-boat, where I was informed, by a local known as Mr. Wilson, it was prawn catching seasons now, with lobster is only cost around RM40 a kilogram. Hmm, great for my gout... Soon we headed for the breakfast, it was great with breads and again..fish curry, and sampling the local pineapples was the sweetest moment we ever had :) I meant the fruit

Our Lunch consists of basmathi rice, chicken curry, fish, dhall, salads and pounded chilli and the best of all, the flavorful papadam; you can't get it anywhere... so good

We had 'hidang-style' lunch instead of buffet, most probably due we are the only foreigner left, and then we were told that all chicken in hotel in Sri Lanka are Halal as a respect to Muslim community. As halal chicken, these birds are coming from specialize farm instead of normal market. Hmm, too late then as we already ordered special dishes, the Lobster Masala and again, Pineapple Juices and a plate of freshly cut pineapples...so nice and sweet










the main dishes - Lobster; we really should asked the chef to roasted it instead of Masala, nevertheless it was gone within few minutes

Of all we spent around RM120 for this lobster, a far cry cheaper as around RM400 if we wanted to have similar one, back in Malaysia.

As we headed to the airport, the security was tight and everything has to be checked, except my money in my pocket :)

we had to take this bus to enter to the airport, as no other public vehicle is allowed as safety measures

at the airport, we bought some tea... anyway Sri Lanka is known for their finest tea, stones and crafts with elephant figure is indeed popular

maybe I should be back for more lobster, perhaps one day....

Next 48 hours

Insya'allah, in the next 48 hours, I will be in-flight to Jeddah, with 6 hours stop-over in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

I am excited and ready as I prepare myself through reading - the theoretical aspects and with YB Yaakob Sapari (Exco Selangor) as the practical teacher - the way he taught me are impressive enough and was made easier which makes me understand in-depth, the procedure and steps once you are there. Thanks YB

Other than my feet, which still yet to fully recovered, I have made my mind clear and focus.

This is chance to redeem to HIM and his prophet, Insya'allah

winds of change

In normal or even harsh environment, people need to constantly change, learning the technique to survived whilst improving their life at same time. It just like when you were swimming you need to move around just to stay afloat, otherwise you will be sinking

This morning I received many positive news which may affect me, my career and positions in this university. I was overwhelmed indeed. Nevertheless, power comes with responsibility quote by spiderman :)


I need to re-shuffle my planning for this year, without affecting my PhD

The best of today, was my feet as it improved tremendously :)

Time are not with me

I am worried as eventhough my feet are improving, but yet to indicate as fully covered from the acute gout. I am still wallking slowy.

With mum visiting with aisyah yesterday, I am bit relief as it does fulfilling my wish to see her before leaving Malaysia (thanks for coming)

With less than 7 days before the flight, I really not sure how to improve myself.

Mecca and Madinah

I had quite few write-up on my projects, which supposed to be the biggest ever, only if I were granted such businesses

Nevertheless, I did mentioned that 2009, is for my PhD and nothing else, as I do frustrated on many projects which never materialised, albeit it was part and parcel as in business it have only succeed or failure.50-50 chance, as I involved in consultancy work.

As per April 2009, I had 2 project secured, first was the just launched project entitled Knowledge Management, which involving as many as 10 consultant working together ( I love the networking) while the other is teaching at UPM in July which I took one subject despite being offered two.

While lying down at home (due to acute sickness), a call was recieved, and it was another project secured - albeit in small scale - for Haj pilgrims -

I am going there on 16th April and during Haj seasons this coming October, Insya'allah
(may Allah forgives me)

Down.... and while being positive

I was down with acute gout which lasted 14 days and until today still very much in recovery period... and today, I am able of walking slowly to the office, after quite painful driving a 'manual' car.

being positive person, there are many good things does happen during my 'rest' day..among other supervise my house renovations, had some quality time with my wife and of course, the best news was another project was secured.

Life goes as usual

Feeling Dizzy

Feeling under-pressure now, my thesis now entitled Culinary Competencies from Malaysia's Educators and Practitioners Perspective. The easier part was to change a phrase, the difficult part is to analyse certain publications. The motivational level is still high, as I need to complete this paper if I want to succeed...

This year, 2009 I vowed to focusing on my thesis, whilst avoiding any project... I guess I need to be in control and manage my time. Yet, I have secured 2 project... arguably, this is good for my financial (generating more income as compare to last year) and likely to get the super bikes that I wanted.

Life goes on......

My Publication List 2007-2008

List of my Research, Publication and Consultancy 2007-2009


Author1:Micheal Cheng, Culinology and Hospitality Department, Southwest Minnesota State University
Author2: Rasiyuddin Hariri, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: Should Leadership Competencies Be Included in the Culinology Curriculum? (CHRIE United States)
Abstract: The manuscript examine whether leaderships skills should be included as core competency in Culinology program. The findings will provide the basis for curriculum evaluation, development and instruction improvement the area of Culinology Curriculum
Published: CHRIE Symposium July 09, United States
Date: 22nd January 2009

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri
Research Title: PhD Thesis Entitled: Culinary Curriculum Conceptual Model From Perspective of Malaysia’s Culinary Stakeholders
Abstract: This research paper intends to rectify the issue in culinary curriculum development and therefore aims to solve the problem by offering culinary stakeholders as space to opinion and discussion. The will results in producing a more effective culinary educational framework and model
Published: NIL / PhD Thesis
Date: Expected Full Completion in 4th Quarter 2009

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: An Evaluation of the Content, Appropriateness and Academic Rigour of Diploma in Culinary Arts of Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Abstract: This paper Analyze the academic rigors of Culinary Arts program utilizing comparative techniques
Published: NIL
Date: Complete Oct 2008

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: The Curriculum Development of Malay Classical Culinary Program
Abstract: This paper offers the insight of curriculum development in stages. It also analyze the academic philosophical of such program and its strategy and model followed as to enhance and strengthen the content of the program
Published: NIL / Progressing
Date: Progressing – Oct09


Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri , FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Author2: Abdullah Mamat, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: Consultancy on Centralized Kitchen for Haj in Mecca, Jeddah and Madinah (UNITAR)
Abstract: Details the strategy and actions in overcoming the foodservice issue for Haj pilgrims. This paper also provide the total solutions in development of foodservice operations as well the understanding of cultural factor and system in Saudi Arabia
Published: NIL / Consultations PaperDate: Complete end 2008

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri, , FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: Consultancy on The Development of Kitchen Facilities at University Tun Abdul Razak Kelana Jaya (UNITAR)
Abstract: The development of new kitchen facilities for Faculty of Hospitality, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Kelana Jaya. The paper offer the most effective kitchen design, structural framework and other related issue on industrial kitchen development as the training laboratory.
Published: NIL / Consultation Paper
Date: Complete end 2007

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: Consultancy on The Development of Kitchen Facilities at University Tun Abdul Razak, Kedah Branch Alor Setar (UNITAR)
Abstract: The development of new kitchen facilities for, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak Kedah Branch, Alor Setar. The paper offer 3 different kitchen design, structural framework, costing and cost-effective solutions as well as building limitations for such development.
Published: NIL / Consultation Paper
Date: Complete Oct 2007

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: Consultancy on the Program Structure Development and Kitchen Facilities for Faculty of Hospitality, SEGI University College
Abstract: The paper discuss in details the curriculum development of Diploma Program which include Philosophical perspective, academic and career oriented syllabus and the possible outcome of SEGI hospitality graduates The paper also includes the blue print in development of new kitchen facilities for SEGI University College, Damansara. The paper offer 2 different kitchen design, structural framework, costing and cost-effective solutions as well as building limitations for such development. Published: NIL / Consultation Paper
Date: Complete June 2007

Should I get this sooner?

credit to ghazali the owner of this bikes

I just got a job offer 200km down south, while thinking of accepting such offer, I have already planned myself very well as I gradually finishing my studies. I always prefer to have one car (instead of two now), and perhaps dreaming riding a bike...until my brother, ghazali bought himself an aprilla...hmm, frankly I am not that young anymore, perhaps only at heart obviously not at the age :)

by the way is just a plan...the issue is how soon is going to be materialized is another matter

Culinary Educational Trends

Culinary is an area where personnel involved known as chef. The trade and skill based profession are highly demand in European Countries as well as in Australia and Japan as many other hospitality graduate. In many countries, you need at least a Diploma in stipulated area of hospitality before being granted a job permit especially in Europe, whereas ASEAN have started the discussion on implementing the same.

From in trade and skills, where most personnel are trained through on-the-job training, culinary nowadays require certain level of academic training. The market also has becoming a niche in terms of job specification from just Executive Chef and Sous Chef which refined to hotel to Corporate Chef, Personal Chef, Celebrity Chef as well as Consultant chef as in wider perspective

As the culinary grow into an academic discipline, as it gain popularity as chosen career, many university nowadays started offering Bsc. in Culinary as other program in Diploma, Certificates and short courses. There are other discpline and area which known among other as Culinary Science, Gastronomy, Molecule Gastronomy and Culinology.

Culinary Science in an area where the chef have wider knowledge on Food Science and chemistry, where as molecular science is involved in creative way on ingredients and cooking methodology. Culinology is a term trademark by Research Chef Association (RCA). It is an area where chefs involved in many aspect of food and management research, as well as research in food science and technology .

it is great indeed to see this expansion, though there are serious issue on developing a trully passionate chef educators as to support the overwhelming popularity of culinary program.

In Malaysia perspective, there are many private institutions offering Diploma in Culinary Arts, whereas the Degree is Offered by UiTM, UPM and soon by USIM. As for graduate program there are in the way, with UiTM leading the way with Masters in Gastronomy. In international level there are many Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and BSc Culinary arts offered namely United States and certain European Countries. There are very few good Master program for culinary namely Cordon-Blu of France and MBA-Culinology of SMSU - which offering a true meaning of culinary.

As it maturely grow, it is now an appropriate time for those who invloved in this area to have around table on developing graduate program / higher degree on culinary which include Master and PhD.

In short this culinary area offer many opportunity for those who wanted to venture something that unique, travelling while earning and vast career as it offer in many industry, namely Hotel, Catering, R&D , Academics, writer, food critics, photographer or even owning a restaurant.

Sugar Sugar Baby

As being informed by the Minister of Consumer Affairs (should we change to Minister of businessmen affair), the sugar price is likely to be increase by RM.0.20 per kilo after Chinese New Year. This was due to the new tariff (price) on new agreement of importers and therefore Malaysia Government cannot afford to provide subsidies to Rakyat again and again.. :)


well, in different perspective we have 2 monopoly importers of sugar in Malaysia, both of them are billionnaires, that the only reasons Government try to protect their business rather helping poor rakyat in reducing the cost of living by reducing the price of ingredients. why don't break the monopoly and let the free-market indicate the price

in another perspective, its good to have higher price, perhaps this will reduce the consumption of sugar in Malaysian food, therefore reduce the obese and related diseases such as Diabetics.

the set back will, another excuse for food business to increase their food price again as obviously many of drinks are added with condensed milk (creamer?) which using a lot of sugar, not to mention other processed food as well.

what I am tired is the way Government explain each time there is price changes, it always reflected to the subsidies... as if the subsidies are coming from government own pocket money. Bear is mind, most of income coming from petroluem, which federal government "force" to take from rakyat through Petronas Act. while other income, bulk of it, is through "income tax" which coming from you and me..all reflected the income generated are coming from rakyat, not for minister to " misuse" or mismanage"it they way they like.

back to the sugar issue, it always suggested to take brown sugar instead white sugar and we have have plenty choice including palm-sugar, obviously honey is the best as stated in Quran.

in the meantime, while waiting for the new price of sugar to be announce... I have to compiled my 2008 tax return :(

My Heart and Soul with The Palestinian

I am guilty as my body is here ... in luxury.......Forgive me God, for my inability to help my brothers and sisters there

taken from rockybru

visit http://www.electronicintifada.net/

updated news http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/en/

donate http://www.irm.org.my/

or here http://www.mercy.org.my/main/index.php

MAYBANK

Account Name: MERCY Humanitarian FundAccount No: 5621 - 7950 - 4126

ABA Swift Code: MBB EMY KLAAddress: MAYBANK BERHAD, 20G-28G, Jalan Wawasan 4/5, Bandar Baru Ampang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

(fyi- I dont believe in donating through newspaper (except harakah), in which they will conveyed through our corrupted government to another corrupted Mahmoud Abbas Government, donate straight to establisment that have direct connection to the Palestinian People)

taken from rockybru

or you can start boycott products that link to zionist, the key is to start small as you could as simple as not buying cokes or starbuck .. is it so difficult? Then moves to bigger as most product have alternatives... the issue is to do it your best level.... the killing will stop if we stop buying.