A.P.E.S. For Malaysian Elephants

Booth - the Malaysia Nature Society

2005-12-08T17:30:00.000+08:00

The Malaysian Nature Society will have a Charity Booth at the Trumpeting for Elephants Charity Fair on Wed 14/12/05 from 5pm to 8pm at the Legend Hotel.

Entrance to the fair is free and all proceeds raised by MNS will be kept by them to sustain their operations.

What is the Malaysian Nature Society ?

MNS has been working hard to protect Malaysia's natural heritage since 1940. MNS has been the pivotal organization in protecting many key habitats and national and stte parks in Malaysia.

MNS is a non-profit organization, as such financial assistance and volunteering assistance is crucial. Many projects require funding to start or to continue.

MNS works very closely with grassroots communities, local government as well as private organizations. In this new millennium MNS’ work has become very vital for the continued conservation of our natural habitats.

MNS is always looking for organizations and individuals to come forward to become members of MNS, fund projects and volunteer.

MNS hopes to ensure the fragile beauty of Malaysia’s natural wonders are protected for a very long time.

The Malaysian Nature Society's Booth

If you think you might be interested in volunteering, funding or having MNS help you here is your chance to speak to them in person.

MNS will play a video on the Temengor Forest Reserve project - the focus of an emerging campaign.

Not Elephants, but they need some loving too!

Come along and feel the christmas spirit of giving - while still having a whale of a time!

Booth - Bethany Home for the Disabled

2005-12-08T17:09:00.000+08:00

Bethany Home will have a Charity Booth at the Trumpeting for Elephants Charity Fair on Wed 14/12/05 from 5pm to 8pm at the Legend Hotel.

Entrance to the fair is free and all proceeds raised by the Home will be kept by them to sustain their operations.

What is Bethany Home ?

Bethany Home is located in near Teluk Intan in Perak and its objective is to provide a comprehensive service for children and adults with disabilities. They welcome all - from young children to the elderly, from all socio-economic backgrounds, both sexes and of all races.

Bethany Home's clients' range of disabilities includes intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, Down Syndrome, hearing and visual impairment.

Currently 180 clients are catered for by 56 staff.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malaysia and Singapore established Bethany Home in 1966. The Home is a Christian organization that practices Christian values while at the same time respecting other religions - all people from all religions and backgrounds are served lovingly.

The Bethany Home Booth

If you think you might be interested in volunteering at the Bethany Home (especially in helping children with learning disabilities or helping in physiotherapy) or in helping them with fundraising or administration, here is your chance to speak to them in person.

Bethany Home will also be selling calenders, greeting cards and ceramic wall plaques handmade by their skilled residents, such as the following:

Come along and feel the christmas spirit of giving - while still having a whale of a time!

Booth - Beautiful Gate Foundation

2005-12-02T00:17:00.000+08:00

The Beautiful Gate Foundation will have a Charity Booth at the Trumpeting for Elephants Charity Fair on Wed 14/12/05 from 5pm to 8pm at the Legend Hotel.

Entrance to the fair is free and all proceeds raised by The Foundation will be kept by them to sustain their operations.

What is The Beautiful Gate Foundation ?

The Chinese Methodist Church In Malaysia started this caring ministry for the disabled in 1993. In 1995, the first Beautiful Gate Disabled People Caring Centre was founded in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, subsequent homes being set up in Kepong, Kampar (Perak), and Seremban. There are also two Group Home established in Belakong in which ex-trainees live independent lives. The Foundation was registered in December 2003.

The objective of the Foundation is to enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities and assist in their total integration into mainstream Malaysian society. This is achieved through mutual support, advocacy, personal skill development and campaigns to raise public awareness.

Beautiful Gate has provided accomodation, training and advancement of education fees for a total of 150 resident members, successfully assisting 64 disabled persons in acquiring skills to ensure their independence. Activities, employment assistance, information services, counselling and skill training has been provided for more than 1,000 non resident members and their families.

A total of M$ 60,000 is needed every month to operate the 4 centres where food, lodging and education fee advancement is provided for 70 disabled residents, as well as providing support services for more than 1,000 non resident disabled members and their families.

The Beautiful Gate Foundation's Booth

If you think you might be interested in volunteering at The Beautiful Gate Foundation (especially in passing on life or employment skills to disabled persons), or in helping them with fundraising or administration, here is your chance to speak to them in person.

The Beautiful Gate Foundation will also be selling products handmade by their skilled residents, such as the following:

Wire and other Crafts

Gorgeous Hand Made cards

Come along and feel the christmas spirit of giving - while still having a whale of a time!

Booth - Natural Living

2005-11-30T14:13:00.000+08:00

Organic living and living responsibly to reduce waste are good both for the environment and for our own bodies.

At the Natural Living booth you will be able to try and buy organic and Proudly Malaysian Made Skin care products from Paul Penders (based in Langkawi).

Paul Penders products are the best kept secret in Skin and Hair care - organic, natural, animal cruelty free and affordable (because they don't spend on expensive advertising campaigns and fancy packaging) widely used in the States, Japan and Europe.

These reuseable essentials from Fem Choices will also be available at the booth:

A Wide Variety of Cloth Menstrual / Postpartum Pads

Diva girl Tampon Holders

Eco Yarm Organic Australian Tampons and Pantyliners

Booth - Tasputra Perkim

2005-11-28T14:25:00.000+08:00

Tasputra Perkim will have a Charity Booth at the Trumpeting for Elephants Charity Fair on Wed 14/12/05 from 5pm to 8pm at the Legend Hotel.

Entrance to the fair is free and all proceeds raised by The Pure Life Society will be kept by them to sustain their operations.

What is Tasputra Perkim ?

Tasputra was established in 1987 and is run from a government owned house in central Kuala Lumpur. Tasputra is dedicated and committed to the love and care of children who are physically, visually and mentally disabled. It provides quality care to about 50 children from the ages of 2 to 18 years. The majority of Tasputra's children come from lower income groups.

Tasputra is Malaysia's first Muslim day care centre for special needs children, welcoming pupils and staff from all of the country's races and religions.

Currently there are around 50 children who attend classes there.

Tasputra runs almost entirely on donations and fundraising, receiving a government grant of only M$ 19,000 a year. Their monthly expenses are M$ 32,000 including staff salaries, maintenance of the house and vans, utility bills and food for the children.

Tasputra Perkim's Booth

If you think you might be interested in volunteering at Tasputra Perkim, or in helping them with fundraising or administration, here is your chance to speak to them in person.

Tasputra Perkim will also be selling Books, Clothes and Ornaments - perfect gifts for Christmas, or stocking stuffers for the little ones in your life.

Booth - Pure Life Society

2005-11-28T14:03:00.000+08:00

The Pure Life Society will have a Charity Booth at the Trumpeting for Elephants Charity Fair on Wed 14/12/05 from 5pm to 8pm at the Legend Hotel.

Entrance to the fair is free and all proceeds raised by The Pure Life Society will be kept by them to sustain their operations.

What is The Pure Life Society ?

The Pure Life Society is a Home for Orphaned and Underpriviledged Children headed by the formidable Mother Mangalam, established in 1949. Its aims include establishing and maintaining spiritual and educational institutions, orphanages, workshops, dispensaries and homes for the infirm and the invalid.

Mother Mangalam has hopes that in the future, the center will be key in providing support services for Underpriviledged families so that the need for "boarding" of underpriviledged children will not be so prevalent.

Currently the Home houses over 100 children.

The Pure Life Society's Booth

If you think you might be interested in volunteering at The Pure Life Society (eg tutoring the kids, coaching / teaching them in sports, cooking or sewing, helping run the library etc) here is the place to talk to those you'd be working with.

The Pure Life Society will also be selling hand made items (some, but not all pictured above) and some lovely as christmas ornaments.

Come and join in the special festive cheer and joy!

Charity Fair

2005-11-24T13:30:00.000+08:00

From 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday 14/12/05, a Charity Fair will be held at the Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

These are the booths that will be participating (please click on links)

------------------------------------

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled
Enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities and assisting their integration into mainstream Malaysian Society
Selling items made by clients - Wire Handicrafts and Christmas Items

------------------------------------

Bethany Home
School and Training Center for Disabled Children and Adults
Sale of Calenders, greeting cards, ceramic wall plaques made by students

------------------------------------

Beverly Collection
Business in support of NGOs - a percentage of proceeds will be donated to charity
Sale of Rag dolls, soft toys, smocked dresses and knitted wear

------------------------------------

Caucus
Network of Single Work at Home Mothers from Lower Income Families
Sale of Beaded Tudongs, Jippa, Indian delicacies etc

------------------------------------

CETDEM

Environmental NGO dealing with local Malaysian issues
Selling items made of recycled materials and T-shirts

------------------------------------

Elephant Aid
For the Fund for Awareness and Preservation of Elephant Survival
Elephant related jewelry, Concert Programs etc

------------------------------------

French Jewelry
Business in support of NGOs - a percentage of proceeds will be donated to charity
Sale of hand made French jewelry

------------------------------------

www.Hati.org.my

A portal to the Malaysian NGO community - for charities and volunteers
Soft launch of their new interactive website!

------------------------------------

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
Rescuing and rehabilitating Endangered Malaysian Elephants
Promotional Items and Information on the work of the Elephant Sanctuary

------------------------------------

Malaysian Nature Society
Protecting Malaysia's Natural Heritage
Promotional Items and Edu-drive on the Temengor Forest Reserve

------------------------------------

MANZA
Malaysian Australian New Zealand Association
Sale of Calenders, Pashmina Shawl, Magazines

------------------------------------

Natural Living

Encouraging Natural Organic Living
Paul Penders products, reuseable alternatives

------------------------------------

Nen's Belle
Business in support of NGOs - a percentage of proceeds will be donated to charity
Sale of Lacquer ware, bag charms, book thongs, accessories and handbags

------------------------------------

Operafest
Performers on the night
CDs of fantastic Operafest choir performances - Get some delightful Christmas Carols!

------------------------------------

Orang Asli Craft
Teaching Orang Asli women to create small businesses
Sale of orang asli handicrafts - basketweaving, headbands etc.

------------------------------------

PAWS
Animal Shelter in Subang
Sale of T-shirts, caps - Membership drive

------------------------------------

Persatuan Daybreak

Welfare of the Disabled

Sale of products made by Clients - christmas items

------------------------------------

Persatuan Kanak Kanak Istimewa Kajang Selangor
Helping children / people with learning disabilities to establish independent and meaningful lives
Sale of products made by Clients - tie dye cushions, scarves, t-shirts, cards, business card holders, Handwoven purses, christmas decorations etc

------------------------------------

Pure Life Society
Home for Orphans and Underpriviledged Children
Sale of Christmas Ornaments

------------------------------------

Pusat Redeem
Orang Asli assistance in Pahang
Sale of Wine bags, Christmas items and books

------------------------------------

Raleigh International
Expeditions for youths to participate in community and conservation projects

------------------------------------

Rose Citron
Business in support of NGOs - a percentage of proceeds will be donated to charity
Sale of home elements - bed sheets, porcelain. Made by two French ladies

------------------------------------

SPCA
Animal Shelter in Ampang
Sale of T-shirts and other various items - Membership drive

------------------------------------

Tasputra Perkim
Love and Care for Special Children from lower income families (physical, visual and mental disabilities) - Muslim day care center
Sale of Books, clothes and ornaments

------------------------------------

Woman's Aid Organization
Working towards a society free of violence against women
Sale of T-shirts, CDs, Cookbooks, Badges, Postcards

------------------------------------

We will also have Craft Areas for Kids!

Clay Expression

Clay Expression will be performing Clay throwing Demonstrations using a Potter's Wheel.

Stampz and Ink - from 6pm onwards
Stampz and Ink will teach kids to make their own christmas cards using pre-prepared blank paper, rubber stamps and die cuts. They will also sell pre-cut decorations and draw hand tatoos on fair goers.

Sand Art
Kids can make their own Sand Art - whether it be to decorate their rooms or give as christmas cards and gifts.

Booth - Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Kajang Selangor

2005-11-24T11:46:00.000+08:00

Persatuan Kanak Kanak Istimewa Kajang Selangor will have a Charity Booth at the Trumpeting for Elephants Charity Fair on Wed 14/12/05 from 5pm to 8pm at the Legend Hotel.

Entrance to the fair is free and all proceeds raised by PKIK will be kept by them to sustain their operations.

What is PKIK ?

PKK was founded in June 1995 to help children / people with learning disabilities to establish independent and meaningful lives.

PKIK runs training programs and support services to those who are disabled. A sample are:

Early Intervention Program for children below 7 years - provides stimulation in all developmental areas - gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, language/ communication, pre-academic, social, self-help.

Tuition Program (STP) for school aged children unable to attend government special government classes

Day Training for persons above 14 years - independent living / life skills

Employment Training Program - prepares young adults for successful job placement in the community / work in a sheltered workshop

Physiotherapy clinic and outreach to immobile children

Parents and families Support

Social Club and Sports Activities (e.g. Special Olympics)

More details can be found here

PKIK's Booth

Come to the Booth and talk to PKIK! If you think you might be interested in volunteering at PKIK (eg helping in workshops, assisting in Special Olympic programs etc) here is the place to talk to those you'd be working with.

PKIK will also be selling items hand made by its 108 clients (photos and additional items coming soon):
- Tie-dye Cushions, Scarves, T-shirts
- Handmade Cards
- Business Card Holders
- Handwoven Purses
- Christmas decorations
- Stick on Embroidered Items

Please come and support this very worthwhile cause!

Booth - CETDEM

2005-11-23T14:16:00.000+08:00

CETDEM or "the Centre for Environment, Technology and Development, Malaysia" will have a Charity Booth at the Trumpeting for Elephants Charity Fair on Wed 14/12/05 from 5pm to 8pm at the Legend Hotel.

Entrance to the fair is free and all proceeds raised by CETDEM will be kept by them for their community service projects.

What is CETDEM?

CETDEM is an Independent, Non Profit organization that carries out Training, Research, Consultancy, Referral and Development activities.

It's objective is to improve environmental quality through the appropriate use of technology and sustainable development.

To date, CETDEM is the only independent Malaysian NGO (non governmental organization) that actively addresses such diverse environmental issues as:

- Impacts of Long term climate change on Malaysian Society
- Sustainable Energy
- Sustainable Transport
- Organic farming - i.e. sustainable agriculture
- Sustainable Development

CETDEM's Booth

Come to the Booth and talk to CETDEM members! If you are interested in or concerned about the Haze, pesticides in food, traffic jam pollution or rising temperatures you definitely want to be there!

CETDEM will also be selling (photos and additional items coming soon):
- T-shirts
- Innovative Baskets made from recycled materials

Performer - Zainal Abidin

2005-11-23T13:46:00.000+08:00

Zainal Abidin is generously performing at the Trumpeting for Elephants Concert on Wed 14/12/05 at the Legend Hotel Grand Ballroom, in aid of Malaysian Elephants.

Don't miss this opportunity to do your bit for Malaysia's other citizens, while being rewarded by three fantastic musical powerhouses !

Here is a little about this Exceptional Malaysian Performer.

Biography

Zainalabidin developed his musical roots in the multi cultural villages of Malaysia. He started tapping away on tabletops and beating on card box boxes in the home at the early age of seven. He went on to playing the trombone at the age of twelve to earn a few dollars now and again, mainly with Chinese Choirs at funerals.

A few years down the road he went on to form the ‘Headwind’, a rock group which was extremely sought after locally, doing club stints and concerts. Headwind lasted for 12 years, 5 of which was spent at Club Med.

During this time, Zainalabidin began developing a style of his own, absorbing the diverse cultural and racial influences around him. Zainalabidin left the group in 1990 to join Roslan Aziz Productions.

Whilst percussion sounds remain an integral part of his style, Zainalabidin’s greatest talent lies in his ability to break down cultural barriers and stereotypes for the greater cause of music. Elements of his childhood together with colours of Classical Malaysian Music are carefully blended with International influences to create the distinct sounds of Zainalabidin. This is clearly evident in the overwhelming response to his debut album's unique and new flavour.

In 1992, Zainalabidin’s tour of Japan was supported by internationally reknowned musicians from the U.S. and the U.K. as well as those from Malaysia and the Asian region. This tour was so successful that he has maintained the combination of musicians from the East and West for his recordings and albums.

In 1994, he met up with Paul Simon who introduced his bassist, Armand Sabal-Lecco (reputed to be the best in the world). This meeting led Armand to be bassist featured in ‘Gamal’, where Zainal is featured as songwriter, lyricist, percussionist and vocalist. This album has been released in Australia, Brazil, Brunei, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Sweden and the United States. ‘Gamal’ was awarded Malaysia’a best album in 1995.

‘Terang…..Sang’, is Zainal’s first effort with Warner Music. It was recorded in Kuala Lumpur and mastered at Studio 301 in Sydney in the middle of 1995.

Zainalabidin has had a hectic schedule for most of 2005. There has been several minor shows in some of the major towns and several more are in queue. Besides giving performances, he has been giving talks and offering his contributions to several of the higher schools of learning including the performance arts faculty at MARA. Amongs the topics covered are: elements of business in the entertainment industry, showmanship and delivery, discipline and the artiste and the encouragement of creativity for the talented. He has even taken a MARA musical student to perform with him in Japan, in order to expose the student to international performances.

The dedication to our ethnic music and interest in our budding talents is an inspiring characteristic of Zainalabidin. Perhaps more of our famous artistes will dedicate some time to nurture those who may represent us in future international events.

His sterling live performances has led to overwhelming responses from audiences, and brought on many accolades from the media. Zainalabidin is undisputedly the best concert artiste this country has to offer.

The entertainment industry in Malaysia has progressed at a tremendous rate in the past few years, and is still growing. The standard of our artistes has improved both in recording and performing, where some of our artistes have achieved international standards, making impact felt beyond Malaysian shores. In step with this growth, the audience is now more diverse and demanding, expecting higher standards in sound quality, effects and performances.

Zainalabidin leads the pack in terms of quality sounds, techno skills and high energy performances. His dynamic vocals and powerful style has made him a household name and the “Afro-Asian” sounds of Zainalabidin puts him foremost in the Malaysian music industry. With all the goings on the focus remain in the arena of making music and giving performances par excellence.

Discography

1992 - Ikhlas Live
1993 - Hijau
Orak Arek
1994 - Gamal
1995 - Terang...sang
Walt Disney's Tarzan
1999 - Refleksi (Best of)
2004 - Puteri

Praise

"His sound is powerful and smooth. His lyrics are full of messages" ~ Mainachi

"Zainal has a sharp voice. His music is a mix of Latin, Western, Reggae and Malaysian and full of originality. I imagined southern summer when I heard his album. The Gamal album is a masterpiece with Malaysian lyrics, western sound and African base lines" ~ Asahi

"He is the Asian Sting. His Voice is smooth and powerful. His music is International" ~ Yomiuri

"His unique voice and mutli race conscious concept - he knows how to attract the audience. His concert carries a "Must Go" rating" ~ SPA

"Before the concert, my picture of Zainal was a 'Peter Gabriel Wannabe'. But after hearing him, my impression changed. I saw influences from Africa, the Caribbean and Brazil. I was stunned by the quality of his sound" ~ Music Magazine

Hati.org.my - Soft Launch of New Website!

2005-11-17T13:48:00.000+08:00

Hati will be soft-launching a new and improved website during the A.P.E.S. Charity Fair!

About Hati

Hati was created in 2001 by a group of dedicated and alturistic young professionals.

Its objective is to provide a central directory for all Malaysian charities and NGOs. Hati hopes to help most those smaller charitable endeavours which struggle daily to raise sufficient funds and support from the general public.

The Hati directory also provides an efficient way for the public to search for and help those causes which they feel most strongly about.

Hati's service is provided completely free to both charities and the general public.

Hati hopes that providing this platform will help the public be better informed about local Malaysian community issues, encourage transparent and more meaningful giving and, of course, help to improve the community we all live in.

Hati does not receive any government funding and is not affiliated to any religious or governmental body.

Hati's New Website

After 4 years, Hati is now ready to go through some exhilirating changes!

The first of these is the re-design of the website and introduction of new interactive features (the existing Hati website is purely a directory with no interactive features).

Come visit us at the Charity Bazaar on the 14/12 to be one of the first to experience Hati's exciting re-vamp.

Hati will have live computers where you can try out the new site, sign up and give feedback to Hati members!

Calling all NGOs and Giving Companies

2005-11-15T14:53:00.000+08:00

Are you an NGO struggling to make your voice heard or trying to raise funds? Or are you a struggling single mother working at home with something to sell?

Are you a For Profit Company wanting to give back to the Community?

Contact us at malaysian.elephants@gmail.com to host a table at our Charity Bazaar on Wed 14/12/05 ! We will email you with further details.

A free table will be provided for you to give out brochures, talk to the public and sell your wares for charity.

If you are a Giving Company, we can help you choose an NGO to support - or you can choose your own.

Hurry and contact us early before all the booths are gone.

Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra

2005-11-14T16:48:00.000+08:00

The Melbourne Grammar School has existed for almost 150 years and is one of the most prestigious schools in Australia. The School has many famous alumni – numerous Australian Prime Ministers and Premiers, successful authors, film producers, musicians, artists and social workers.

The Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1955 and is one of the examples of Melbourne Grammar’s long history of musical excellence – continued with the appointment of Conductor Mr. Martin Rutherford as Director of Music in 1982. Its members, aged between 12 to 18 rehearse for 3 hours a week at lunchtimes and after school (not including the many, many hours of diligent practice at home!).

The success of the MGSSO and its high standards can be attributed to Mr. Martin Rutherford’s enthusiasm and skill in nurturing, in his young charges, a genuine love for musical expression.

The MGSSO gives regular annual concerts in Melbourne, both in and outside the school and has been invited to perform at major public events such as the Opening of the Victorian Parliament, Open Day at government House and played for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Government House (2000).

Overseas tours have been carried out in New Zealand, Italy (Rome, Venice, Florence, Sorrento), New Caledonia, the United Kingdom (Endinburgh and London) and China (MGSSO’s final concert in China was conducted to a full house in the Forbidden City Concert Hall).

Over the years, many words of high praise have been applied to the MGSSO. The secretary of the Havergal Brian Society wrote that the orchestra was “of astonishingly high general quality. Outside the specialist music schools it is hard to imagine many, if any, home grown schools that could put out even an ensemble of this standard”.

Robert Matthew-Walker, a leading London music critic had this to say about the 2004 performance in the UK, “The idea of a British Anglican Grammar School of about 1,600 pupils forming, training and sending around the world an orchestra of 90 players to give five concerts appears almost absurd, but these young Australians managed it and in doing so constituted a genuine triumph.” He called it a “mightily impressive occasion” and left “suitably astonished”.

Famous Alumni of the MGSSO:

·Liwei Qin, principal cellist (silver medallist in the 1998 11^th Tchaikovsky International Competition and Winner of the 2001 Naumberg International Cello Competition)

·David Tong (winner of the National Keyboard Final of the ABC’s 1995 Young Performer of the Year Award, and the John Allison City of Sydney Piano 2001 Scholarship)

·Leslie Howard (a leading authority on the piano music of Liszt)

·Neville Taweel (former leader of the London Symphony Orchestra)

This 2005 Malaysia/Singapore Tour will see a total of 81 musicians performing in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Beijing, China 2000

Listen to a short excerpt of their playing here.

Operafest Children's Choir

2005-11-12T11:18:00.000+08:00

The Operafest Children's Choir has generously agreed to a 1/2 hour performance at our Trumpeting for Elephants Concert

About Operafest

Operafest was formed in 1986 to promote the arts and provide treasured lifelong memories to Malaysian children through music and performance.

The musical director and founder, Mrs. Kam Sun-Yoke drew inspiration from both the late, internationally famous opera conductor Dr. Jan Popper of UCLA, USA and the then director of the Vienna Boys' Choir Dr. Tautschnig. She has faithfully and enthusiastically continued their legacy of running the choir with patience, love and dedication.

All children are carefully trained by Mrs. Kam and are highly dedicated. Through the Choir many children throughout the years have learned discipline, acquired the ability to work hard and experienced the satisfaction that comes from a job very well done.

Awards and International Recognition

In 1991, through hard work, unstinting persistence, grit and grind, The Operafest Children's Choir became the first Malaysian Choir to win 2nd place in their presentation of Purcell's SOUND THE TRUMPET in the famous Llangollen, International Eisteddfod, Wales, and 3rd place in the Koorfestival of Arnheim, Holland, a choir olympics held once in every 4 years.

Since then, The Operafest Children's Choir has been propelled into the international circuit with many invitations from abroad to perform in glorious choral festivals which are important arenas of cultural exchanges and key to establishing friendship among nations.

Operafest has performed in Holland, Wales, Spain, Argentina, India, Greece, Macedonia, Australia, Singapore, Indiana, New York and Montana (USA) and have been welcomed by Presidents, Governors and Mayors. In New York, Operafest received citations from the Governor of New York and the United Nations. Cornell University hosted concerts for Operafest throughout New York State. In Spain, Operafest was given the key to all the cities in which they performed. In Macedonia, Operafest was honored to sign the President's very own composition.

In Montana, Operafest was among the top 20 selected stringently, out of some 150 participating choirs all over the world. It was a thrilling experience to be rated on par with the Russians and the Austrians.

The Operafest Children's Choir was also granted the unprecedented honour of singing alongside the VIENNA BOYS' CHOIR, twice.

The Operafest Children's Choir has indeed been blessed to be welcomed and treated with ambassodorial grace in all countries that we have visited.

It is Operafest's Hope that someday, The Operafest Children's Choir will make Malaysia proud just as The Vienna Boy's Choir has done for Austria.

Operafest will also be selling CDs of their award winning christmas carols at the Trumpeting for Elephants Concert Bazaar on 14/12/05. Please come along to speak to parents of current Operafest members and the Founder Mrs. Kam.

Operafest is also currently open for new member auditions - sign up will be available at the Bazaar. Don't miss this opportunity for your child to experience the magic of being part of this outstanding choir !

Trumpeting For Elephants - Concert and Charity Fair

2005-11-11T18:10:00.000+08:00

A.P.E.S. is proud to announce that there will be a Concert in aid of our Fund and a Charity Fair held at the same time to raise awareness of various charities in Malaysia.

The Concert and Fair will be held at The Legend Hotel Lounge and Ballroom on Wed 14th December 2005

--------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 14/12/05 Program

5pm to 8pm - Charity Fair (will be halted during the Concert)

8pm to 10.30pm - Concert (with 15 minute intermission) performed by

the Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra
and
Operafest
and
Charitable Performance by Zainal Abidin

Please come along with your kids to support these fabulous causes

We will be featuring all of our performers and charity bazaar participants in the days leading up to the event, so keep an eye on this blog!

* Operafest will also be having a 1 1/2 hour concert on the 15th and 16th of December at the Securities Comission (tickets $30).

Special Offer - Buy tickets to Both Events (Trumpeting for Elephants and Operafest's Life is Great Accross Borders) for only $40 !! Hurry, a maximum of 300 of this deal is available!!

--------------------------------------------------------
Tickets

Admission to the Fair is Free

Admission to the Concert will be $30 * - Free Seating

Tickets will be available from Thurs 24/11/05 From these locations:

1. The Legend Hotel Reception Desk, 9/F, 100 Jalan Putra - 24 hours

2. Grand Seasons Hotel Reception Desk, 72 Jalan Pahang - 24 hours

3. The Mall Information Desk, G/F 100 Jalan Putra - Mall Hours

4. Rayma Sdn Bhd, 2B Jalan SS24/13, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Street, PJ
Mondays to Fridays, 8am - 5pm

5. Subang Pharmacy 21 Jalan SS19/6, Subang Jaya Tel: 5634 7398
Mondays to Saturdays 11am - 7.30pm

For Group Purchases of more than 10 tickets, we will be glad to send them to you directly (payment on receipt of tickets).

--------------------------------------------------------

Sponsors:

The Legend Group of Resorts and Hotels

Resorts World Berhad

Media Sponsor : The Star Newspaper

About A.P.E.S.

2005-11-11T17:57:00.000+08:00

We are a group of Young Malaysians who are concerned about the Environment in Malaysia and passionately want to help preserve Malaysia's wonderful habitat and ecosystem before it is too late. Our main concern at this moment is the state of Asian Elephants in Peninsula Malaysia and how little the public knows about the real issues that are endangering these creatures.

The idea to set up this Fund came about from the BRATS Green Pow Wow Conference run by the Star Metro in early 2005. The plan is to extend on the idea of "Don't Ask Why, Ask Why Not" Campaign that will be broadcast in many media forms - print, radio and eventually television. The question "Don't Ask Why, Ask Why Not" plans to confront people and make them think about why they are questioning doing something good and to ask themselves why they are not doing something for the betterment of a species. It can be applied to any environmental issue but we chose to apply it to the conservation of Asian Elephants.

During the conference, we visited the Lanchang Sancturary where we were given the opportunity to interact with these gentle beasts as well as hear stories from their handlers. Many of us were instantly attached to the stories behind elephants and how they, through time, have contributed to the betterment of mankind. We were also affected by the fact that we ourselves did not know that there is such a large threat to the survival of the species in our own backyard!

Our short term goal is to broadcast a refined media campaign that will help spread awareness and muster support from members of the public to put pressure on the relevant authorities so that more can be done to prevent extinction.

Our long term goal is to start another sanctuary in the South (i.e. Johore) where more Elephants can be saved from Indonesian and Thai poachers.

About Malaysian Elephants

When thinking of "Asian Elephants" Malaysians and tourists alike tend to think of Indian and Thai Elephants. However, the survival of Malaysian Elephants are just as important, if not more so as their preservation so far has been given so little attention. Currently there are less than 2,000 Elephants remaining in Malaysia.

We aim to spread awareness of the issues surrounding elephant conservation. Hopefully this will lead to a turnaround from the current trend of culling these beautiful creatures to one of preservation and nurture.

There has been a recent surge in culling due to humans increasingly encroaching into Elephant Territory. Plantations and increasing numbers in villges means that more and more rainforest land is disappearing. From time to time, Elephants feed on crops and negatively impact plantations as their food sources are slowly decreasing. Both villgers and plantation employees have contributed to the sad deaths of numerous elephants - for nothing more than doing what it is they have done for hundreds of years.

Another danger is the lack in policing of poachers who kill the elephants for their parts.

Hopefully, by increasing public awareness of these very real issues and proposing solutions, more pressure can be placed to carry out necessary drastic action on preventing the extinction of our Elephants.

APES Logo - Comments?

2005-11-09T00:44:00.000+08:00

These aren't cleaned up yet - but preliminary thoughts?

1. Deco - version 1

2. Deco - version 2

3. Circle

4. Portrait

5. Oval

What do you think?