KL 2002 Hockey World Cup (2nd Jan 2002)

For the first time in the history of international hockey, Kuala Lumpur is the only city chosen as the World Cup more than once. The 10th Men’s Hockey World Cup will be held for more than 2 weeks starting from the 24th February till 9th March 2002. Countries participating to vie for this prestigious title includes from Europe, the defending champion Netherlands, European Champions Germany, 1998 World Cup runner-up Spain, England, Poland and Belgium.

Asia has 5 nations participating for the first time – host nation Malaysia, Olympic silver medalist South Korea, four times World Cup titleholder Pakistan, past champion India and Japan. Argentina and World Cup debutantes Cuba are the representatives from the American continent while Olympic bronze medalist Australia and New Zealand bear the hopes of the Asia Pacific, South Africa, in the meantime is the sole entry from Africa.

As the main venue for the tournament, the National Hockey Stadium Bukit Jalil, located 20 km from the city will see 72 matches being played by 16 countries taking part.

Tumbuhan Akuatik : Aquatic Plants (11th May 2002)

In Malaysia most of these aquatic flowering plants are found in ponds, ditches, lakes, dams, rivers, irrigation canals and wet paddy fields. Due to their rapid growth, ability to constantly regenerate and their tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions, some are considered weeds. 

More than 15 species of these plants are edible. Some species are harvested and used as animal fodder. Paddy farmers increase their crop by using plants as green manure in their fields. 

Some have medicinal value, while certain species are used as ornaments and source if oxygen in fish tanks and aquariums. Some are cultivated as ornaments in ponds while others are used to make handicrafts.

Recently, efforts have been made to rediscover the usefulness of these plants. In the past, there plants were also depicted as motifs in ancient architecture, art, woodwork as well as on fabrics and tapestries. 

These days most of the species, which require clean water to flourish are being rediscovered for other beneficial uses. They are being preserved and utilized as food for other aquatic life, grown as ornamental and aquarium plants for the horticulture and landscaping business as well as raw materials foe the cottage industry.

Persidangan Anggerik Sedunia Ke-17 : 17th World Orchid Conference Malaysia 2002 ( 24th Apr 2002)



Orchid enthusiasts worldwide will converge in Malaysia for the 17th World Orchid Conference, scheduled for April 24 - May 2, 2002 at the Malaysian International Exhibition & Convention Center, Shah Alam.

Established experts, scientists and well-known orchid growers will be invited to share their knowledge and expertise. Renowned orchid scientists will delve with specific areas, giving orchid enthusiasts an exclusive insight into the science of orchids as well as giving them the opportunity to interact with these prominent orchid experts.

The conference is also an opportune time for orchid scientists worldwide to meet and discuss their specific research and some of these researchers will be called upon to present their latest findings.

The conference will satisfy the needs of every type of orchid enthusiasts.

Bunga Nadir : Rare Flowers (5th Feb 2002)

Schima Brevifolia
This beautiful, small (5m.) tree is a common on Kinabalu from 2,500 to 3,000 m. above sea level. The rather similar S. wallichii (Madang Changkoh) grows on hills in the Peninsula, especially Penang Hills, and us distinguished by its smaller flowers and larger leaves. It is a moderate-sized tree.

Couroupita Guianensis Aubl.The genus name Couroupita comes from the South American name for this plant couroupitoutoumou. The species name guianensis comes from the Guianas, refering to place of origin of the botanical specimen used as reference to name this plant.

Camellia Nitidissima
Large shrub requiring a warm, humid site in partial shade. The foliage had deeply indented veins which is quite different to most Camellias. The new growth is an attractive purple colour. Best suited to woodland conditions. The soil must be well-drained soil and remain constantly damp. It producec the only yellow flowers known in the genus. In time, hybridisers are hoping to develop a new range of colours to include yellow, orange, apricot and peach.

Express Rail Link :Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur (13th April 2002)

The Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal or KL CAT, officially recognized as a city destination by International Air Travel Association (IATA) with its XKL code for transfers and baggage is well supported by an integrated express rail transit system, KLIA Express and KLIA Transit.

The KLIA Express is a non-stop high-speed rail service between KL Sentral and KLIA, departing every 15 minutes from both terminals with the journey taking 28 minutes. The KLIA Transit is a rapid transit service that makes three stops aling key townships and integrates with the KTM Komuter, STAR LRT and the Monorail systems. It departs every half-an-hour from both terminals with a total journey of 36 minutes.

Travellers with a valid KLIA express ticket will be issued with a flight boarding pass and luggage claim tag upon checking-in atwo hours before flight departure. KLIA Express air-conditioned carriages are equipped with all the required amenities including ample luggage storage areas. Special allocation is also made for the physically challenged travellers.

Indeed, backed by highly sophiscated technology, the Express Rail Link promises to be fast, reliable and comfortable.