Penang Time Tunnel

The Penang Time Tunnel is a history museum.  Entrance fee for adult RM 12.00.  It is located at 39, Jalan Green Hall a short distance from the Dewan Sri Pinang.  

At the bottom is an abbreviated history written for kids.  An audio tour is available on request.

Lots of life sized models on display.

A labyrinth of display walls with photos, paintings and artifacts.

A history of Penang over the last 400 years.

An elevated footpath to walk on to create the excitement.

A small AV room.

3 D murals for us to take photos with.

In the fluorescent room.  Ignore me who is not a good actor.

At the entrance.

All the history in Penang told in only one shoplot.  I am excited for my upcoming project.

Suffolk House ID Meeting

We had an infectious disease meeting at Suffolk House, Penang on 23rd August 2014.  Had the opportunity to drive on the new Penang Bridge for the first time.  Splendid views from the bridge because I could drive very slowly.  There were very few cars on the bridge.  

Suffolk House was built on a vast pepper estate owned by Captain Francis Light (1740-1794), the founder of the Prince of Wales Island (Penang).  He lived there with the woman he loved, Martina Rozells of mixed Portuguese and Siamese descent.  

Suffolk House was restored in 2007 and is the winner of an Award of Distinction in the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation.  It is one of the finest Anglo-Indian mansion outside India.  

Food was good at the restaurant.

I could imagine Captain Francis Light enjoying the view from the balcony.

The reception hall.

Our meeting room.

A world heritage building restored in 2007.

Concept of Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH)

The medical home is best described as a model or philosophy of primary care that is patient-centered, comprehensive, team-based, coordinated, accessible, and focused on quality and safety.

Features of the Medical Home

• Patient-centered: A partnership among practitioners, patients, and their families ensures that decisions respect patients’ wants, needs, and preferences, and that patients have the education and support they need to make decisions and participate in their own care.
   
• Comprehensive: A team of care providers is wholly accountable for a patient’s physical and mental health care needs, including prevention and wellness, acute care, and chronic care.
   
• Coordinated: Care is organized across all elements of the broader health care system, including specialty care, hospitals, home health care, community services and supports.
   
• Accessible: Patients are able to access services with shorter waiting times, "after hours" care, 24/7 electronic or telephone access, and strong communication through health IT innovations.
   
• Committed to quality and safety: Clinicians and staff enhance quality improvement to ensure that patients and families make informed decisions about their health.

Link to a short video:   Patient Centred Medical Home

Bank of Malaya, Ltd

"I must say that the Bank of Malaya initially formed by about 11 or 12 Chinese Gentlemen who were well known in the community in the State of Ipoh, Perak looked very impressive. Given the fact the the original capital to secure a certificate was 2 million dollars. This is indeed a massive amount given the year was 1920. We have got to ask our actuarial son to compute it to 2010 figures, I am sure it would be an awesome and massive figure now.

On referring to one of the attachments, ( I am forwarding you two mails) I think I can actually see a one Mr. Leong Sin Nam as one of the Directors. I presume he was one of the Directors and founders of the Bank of Malaya formed in Perak.

This Bank of Malaya in Perak was originally founded in 1920 and went into voluntary liquidation on 6 May 1932." ~ Mr Anton Nicholas (UK).

The Bank of Malaya building was later purchased by the Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd. 

Mr. Lim of Lim Kopi (red building to the right) currently owns the building.  It is now a boutique hotel known as the Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall.

References:

1. Discovering Ipoh Old Town's historical attractions.

Healing the Troubled Mind

Talk organised by Raphah Ministries Malaysia on 9/8/14 at Intan Business Centre, Ipoh.  For more information on these monthly talks please call 05-5470860.

An afternoon in the garden.

A grasshopper which I have not seen for a long time.

No more hiding places for the mosquitoes.

Where to throw all these palm leaves?

In Memory of MH17 and MH370 Passengers and Crew Members

ACS Ipoh Alumni Dinner 2014

Asthma Workshop 2014 Flyer

Lunch with a former Matron

Lunch with Mdm. Lui How Kwan @ Kao Lee Dim Sum today.  She has so many intriguing stories to tell that the 2 hours with her seemed minutes.

Mdm. Lui is now 97 years old and is still very agile.  She speaks fluent English and her memory and speech are very much intact.  She is very thankful to God for all the blessings.

She was the former Matron of the Perak Chinese Maternity Hospital (now known as the Perak Community Specialist Hospital in Ipoh) and had worked there for 54 years.  She recalled her first job interview with Mr. Leong Sin Nam and Mr. Lau Pak Kuan which she described it as rather "scary".  "I didn't get the Matron job but was offered a nurse job instead".


Mdm. Lui delivered my younger sister when the doctor was not able to come on time.  She remains a close family friend.

Perak Community Specialist Hospital

YMCA Board of Governance Meeting 2014

Arrived in KL by train on Friday 14th night. KL was very hazy and had no rain for several weeks. 

YMCA KL was just a stone throw away from KL Sentral. However, I had to ask around for directions as the maps from the hand phone weren't good enough to guide me from the station. Stayed 2 nights in the YMCA and it brought back the nostalgic feelings.  I had stayed in this YMCA many times when I was a young doctor travelling to KL for conference.

The meeting was very useful for us who serve in non-profit boards.  The presentations by Ms Melissa were excellent.  She had a lot of experience in US.  The meetings went on for 2 days and l left KL on Sunday at 6 pm.

The honors roll, donors of KL YMCA

Ms Sheryl is the Gen. Secretary of the National Council YMCA, Malaysia.

Mr. Leo Leslie Armstrong, President of YMCA KL with Pastor Philip

Ms Melissa from YMCA USA conducting the meeting 

After a prayer meeting for flight MH370.  We penned our hopes and prayers for the people on board.

Prayer request box at YMCA KL

Ms Tan Boon Chin, the Gen Secretary for Y USA

Delegates from Sungai Petani, Penang, Ipoh, Lahat Road, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Sibu

Dinner hosted by YMCA KL.  Mr Geh the former President of NCY.

Talk on "Managing Severe COPD".

Talk held at Akamomiji Japanese Restaurant. Doctors wanted 78 slides instead of 20 slides. Very keen learners.

Farewell Bro Raymond Seow

Raymond Seow is now at home with our Lord.  His sudden demise has indeed shocked us because he had always led a very active life - cycling, climbing hills etc.  He apparently had a stroke and later suffered a fatal heart attack.  His wake service yesterday night was attended by many close friends.

I first met Raymond in 2011 on Mr Liew WK's recommendation.  Raymond was looking for a job after returning from the USA.  We met at "Little Genting" in Ipoh.  He looked sporty and was dressed up in his cycling gear with gloves and all.  His firm handshake confirmed his tough nature. After our initial discussion he told me he would consult God to decide whether he would take on the job as a sleep technician.

Raymond took on the job and was given training to become a sleep technician cum salesman for CPAP machines.  Unfortunately sleep diagnosis and treatment wasn't his forte. However one thing is for sure.  He always wanted to be with people and help people. 

Recently Raymond called me several times regarding a job vacancy in the Lahat Road YMCA.  He was indeed very keen to become the programme director which I believed he was well suited.  He had a heart to meet and talk with people even though he had problems of his own.  His strength was his staunch belief in Christ and his willingness to help people.  Many of us will remember and are going miss his warm greetings in church.  

Farewell Raymond and may His blessing be with you always.  

Resolution 2014: Making a difference in Lung Health.

Lung diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia.  Below is a table showing the large number of deaths caused by influenza, pneumonia, tuberculosis and lung cancers in Malaysia.  Combined it was the second biggest killer after coronary heart disease in year 2010.

Join the Perak Chest Society to fight lung diseases.  Be a volunteer or participant.

Together we can make a difference in Lung Health.