KL American August 2016 Publication

PP 4353/05/2013 (033269)

August 2016

KL

american

A Publication of the American Association of Malaysia KL American August 2016

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How to pack everything in The more you know about your destination, the sooner you can enjoy all it has to offer

Go knowing

www.crownrelo.com.my 2

KL American August 2016

Crown’s service offerings include: • • • • • •

International & Domestic Shipments Transit Protection Immigration & Legalization School Search Settling-in Services Intercultural Support

Tel: +60 3 5636 9166 kualalumpur@crownrelo.com

Contents

AAM August 2016 Advertisers Index Advertisers

(A-Z)

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President’s Message

Page

Asian Tigers Transpo

Back Cover

Brolly

p.15

Crown Relocations

Inside Front Cover

Eastern Carpets

p.13

Tan & Tan

Inside Back Cover

EVA Air

p.20

Hop On / Hop Off

p.19

The Expat

p.18

RSDHC

p.26

Tropicana Medical Centre

p.14

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Weekly/Monthly Activities

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August Activities

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Featured Article

22 24 25

Memories

AAM Messages

AAM Community Bulletin Board

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Summer

Membership

AAM Calendar / August

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President’s Message

Board of Directors President Peggy Uptigrove President.aam@gmail.com Vice President Ann Blacklock FirstVP.aam@gmail.com Welcome back Everyone! I truly hope you have had an enjoyable summer wherever you may have been and happy to be back in Kuala Lumpur. I’m sure you missed the heat and humidity!

Things were quiet at the office over the summer but we are back and planning several great events for the fall. The next few months are going to busy with Shrimp Boil, Pink October and our 30th Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar. I hope you make plans to join us at each one of these events with the Pink October and Bazaar being major fundraisers for our local charities. There are lots of opportunities for people to get involved to help with these events as well so if you have some time and talent that you’d like to spend with the AAM, please do let us know. We are also looking for people with a specific skill or knowledge that could come and do a demo or talk at the AAM villa. We are open to your suggestions.

Our goal is to have our members become more involved with the Association and the things we do – hope to see you out at our many upcoming events or stop by the villa for a cup of coffee and a chat.

Over the summer, Jamie Abbott (our major events director) left Kuala Lumpur for a more permanent relocation back to the states. If you, or anyone you know would be interested in filling this position for the remainder of our BOD term, please let me know. It’s a fun job and gets you really involve with the Board as well as the association. Think Party Planning and Fun! The Board spent time over the summer looking at various locations for the AAM to move our offices to this coming December. In the event we can’t find a suitable place (with more reasonable rent), we will continue to explore the option of closing the office and then deciding what that looks like. We would appreciate input from our members on this subject and as always, I invite you to email me with any suggestions, questions or comments.

Peggy Uptigrove President

Corporate Partners For 2016

Event Sponsors for 2016

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Secretary Brenda Miller Secretary1.aam@gmail.com Treasurer Lesia Puri Treasurer.aam@gmail.com Publications Director VACANT Editor.KLAmerican@gmail.com Major Events Director VACANT Majoreventsdir.aam@gmail.com Membership Director Wendy Frazer Membershipdirector.aam@gmail.com

Liaison Directors American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Stephanie Chua ISKL Hilda Alposilva US Embassy Alyssa Calabrese Kelli Baker

Membership

KL

American Magazine Team

Editor VACANT Photo Editors Judy Pescio Randee Duncan Contributors Peggy Uptigrove

Helo! Helo! The Year of the Monkey is half over and we’re already halfway to 2017 (Really!!) I hope everyone had a very enjoyable summer wherever your travels may have taken you. We have many fun activities coming up as well as monthly lunches and coffee. Please plan to join us in meeting new members and connecting with friends you may not have seen for a while. We are always looking for members & friends to participate in any of our worthwhile charity activities. Smiles and time are quite often the best gifts we can give our neighbors here in Malaysia. As a reminder, we will be implementing our annual membership renewal starting 1 January 2017 (see below). Thank you to everyone for your continued support of AAM.

AAM is making changes to the Membership Renewal Process:

In an effort to keep a more accurate record of our current membership and provide better support to our members, the AAM Board has made the decision to switch to an annual renewal effective January 1st, 2017. The changes to our current membership will be implemented this year so that we have a smooth transition starting in 2017.

Proof Reader Samantha Urlwin Editorial Support Peggy Uptigrove

For our current members:

Designer Yap Wai Kuan

Your membership renewal will be pro-rated for the remainder of this year according to quarters.

Advertising Sales Tel: (03) 2161-9008 / 9009 Printer Seng Hoe Printing Process 33, Jalan Hang Tuah 2 Taman Salak Selatan 57100 Kuala Lumpur Tel/Fax: (03) 8941-7603 Publisher American Association of Malaysia

If your membership expires between July 1 – September 30th you will pay RM106 inclusive of GST. If your membership expires between October 1 – December 31st you will pay RM53 inclusive of GST.

For our new members:

Joining between 1 July – 31 December you will pay RM106 (inclusive of GST).

Every one will be reminded in December to renew your membership and it will be effective for the entire calendar year of 2017 and every subsequent year thereafter.

The KLAmerican is published 10 times per year. The deadline for inclusion is at least six weeks prior to publication, which is the 1st of the month.

We thank you for your continued support.

Advertising for non-profit organizations is free-of-charge on a space-available basis.

The magazine staff reserves the right to edit copy for clarity, brevity, and accuracy.

Information on AAM members is not to be used commercially.

Membership Director

Wendy Frazer

“Selamat Datang ke AAM!” to our new members for May and June:

Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited.

American Association of Malaysia Unit 19-1, 19th Floor, Tower B The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC 50450 Kuala Lumpur GPS Coordinates: N3° 9’ 28.899” E101° 42’ 58.217”

Gillis, Annie & Derik Bey, Carla & Michael Reed, Jayne & Kit Tel: (03) 2161-9008 / 9009 Fax: (03) 2181-7005 E-mail: klamerican.info@gmail.com Website: www.klamerican.com

OFFICE HOURS Monday – Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Closed Thursday - Sunday and public holidays

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Weekly Activities All activities are at the AAM Villa @ The Troika unless noted.

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

Get rid of those Monday blues by playing a lively game of mahjong.

We’ll shuffle the tiles, make ‘pungs’ and ‘kongs’, and enjoy the afternoon. Beginners are welcome. For more information, please email klamerican.info@gmail.com and include “Mahjong” in the subject line.

New and seasoned sewing enthusiasts work together to share their love of the stitching arts. We meet at the AAM Villa @ The Troika. Please contact Coordinator, Jeanie Kennedy at aamsewing@gmail.com for details. Please be sure to put “Stitching Friends” in the subject line.

Mahjong 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Members Free / Non-Members are welcome for a nominal fee.

(The first two visits are complimentary)

Stitching Friends 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Members FREE / Non-Members RM10 donation (The first two visits are complimentary.)

Monthly Activities Wednesday, 3 August 6:00 p.m. onwards MANGOS on Changket (Bukit Bintang)

Gentlemen’s Night Out

Calling all Gentlemen!

For many of us getting out and socializing with other men folk can be difficult, with working all week and weekends reserved for family. Well, no more! There will be a ‘Gentlemen’s Night Out’ every first Wednesday of the month in the popular Changkat Bukit Bintang area. The format is entirely informal with the chance to sample some craft beers and great grub - and plenty of scope to move onto play some pool, darts or even just talk on manly matters!

See you there! Stan RSVP: Useful but not needed. Email: drstanbrook@hotmail.com

Friday, 5 August 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Harrods Cafe / KLCC Ground Floor, SuriaKLCC (Across from Melur& Thyme) Cost: Individual

First Friday

While most of us may be aware that there is a Harrods shop in KLCC, located strategically by the busy and most accessed escalator in Suria KLCC, how many of us know that there is a Harrods Cafe on the Ground Floor, near the entrance to KLCC from the Isetan side?

For our first Friday in August we will meet at Harrods Café. They serve a lovely selection of breakfast items, including pastries, omelets and much more. Excellent cup of coffee too!

Newcomers are welcome to join us here to connect to others that are new in the area and hopefully connect you to our Association and all the great things we do here at the AAM. Everybody welcome.

RSVP: klamerican.info@gmail.com (not required but would be nice to know how many to expect).

Tuesday, 9 August 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

St. Francis Xavier Home for the Elderly Taman Sri Bahtera, Batu Lima Cheras Tel: (03) 9131-1464

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Bingo with Little Sisters of the Poor Join our monthly bingo game to help spread the joy at this home for the elderly! We will bring prizes for the winners. The bingo morning is one of the highlights of the month for the residents.

Please email klamerican.info@gmail.com if you can join us or would like more information.

August Activities

Putrajaya Bus Tour

Wednesday, 10 August 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

KGB Burger 23 JalanTelawi 2, BangsarBaru Cost: Individual This month our lunch bunch is heading out of KLCC to enjoy the best burger around. KGB stands for Killer Gourmet Burgers and that is exactly what they serve! Closed on Tuesday’s we will have to make our monthly Lunch Bunch on a Wednesday so we can experience what is claimed to be the “best burgers ever”. With a variety of beef and chicken burgers on their menu, there should be something for everyone. Please make plans to join us.

RSVP: klamerican.info@gmail.com by Monday, 8 August

Tuesday, 30 August 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Pick up/Drop Off in front of Troika Building Cost: Members: RM112 / Non-Members RM140 Join us for this very enjoyable and informative bus trip to Putrajaya City. A quick drive out of Kuala Lumpur will take us to this “planned city” and the federal administrative center of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur still remains Malaysia’s national capital, but Putrajaya is the home of the country’s commercial and financial centre. Some of the highlights of this trip include the Putra Mosque, Putrajaya Lake, International Convention Center, official residence of the Prime Minister and many more sights – be sure to bring your camera. Mid-day through our tour, we will stop and take a break for lunch. Lunch is included in the sign up price and will be a boxed lunch from Subway. Lunch will include a 6” sub (limited selection), bag of chips, one cookie and ice cold water. More information about lunch will be provided once you confirm your spot on the bus!

What to bring for the day: extra water, camera, hat (if desired), wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

RSVP: klamerican.info@gmail.com by Wednesday, 24 August

Looking Ahead…

Be sure to mark these dates for activities in September: 02 September – First Friday 02 September – Fall Rug Auction 06 September - BINGO 07 September – Gentlemen’s Night Out 20 September - Lunch Bunch @ A.B.C./Troika 24 September – Annual Shrimp Boil KL American August 2016

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Community Service

Your junk…is someone else’s treasure!!! Please drop off your once loved items and put a smile on someone’s face as they shop our huge White Elephant Sale. Take your gently used items to the AAM office (The Troika, Tower B, 19th Floor) any time during business hours between now and 19 October. All proceeds raised will go to our charities.

Christmas is Coming!

Used Books Dust off those bookshelves and bring your used books, games and puzzles to the AAM. All proceeds raised will go to our charities.

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The AAM Christmas Charity Bazaar is approaching and 2016 will be the 30th Anniversary of hosting this highly anticipated Bazaar.

We have already starting to think about securing vendors, white elephant items and baked goods, which all come together for charity. We would like to make this years’ Bazaar the BIGGEST and BEST ever as we raise funds for the charities the AAM supports.

If you are interested in getting involved or want more information, please email: Leslie Sjurseth at leslie.sjurseth@gmail.com.

Community Service

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Ladies Trip to Bali, Indonesia!

Calling all you ladies that are up for a whole lot of fun and adventure. This year we are putting together a ‘fun-filled’ trip to Bali!

What could be better than Bali, beaches, and best girlfriends getting togther for a few days to sharea lot of laughs and making some really great memories along the way.

Here are all the details: Trip Dates: Sunday 13 November – Thursday 17 November (Airfare is NOT included in the price listed below and you are responsible to make your own flight arrangements. Flights are currently running about $80USD return).

Staying at our own private villa located on the southeast coast of Indonesia (near Ubud, Indonesia). Ubud offers Balinese massages galore, the Art Market, gorgeous white sand beaches, outdoor activities (rafting, tubing, treks through rice fields) just to name a few.

The Villa is located in the exclusive neighborhood of Anapuri Villas which is on Pabean Beach. Our villa has 6 bedrooms which allows for 12 guests, 6 bathrooms, a private plunge pool, media room, fully equipped gym, indoor and outdoor dining areas, turn down and make up services, on-site security, manager, housekeeper, satellite T.V. in each room as well as Wifi throughout.

We will also have our own private chef that will shop for and prepare our meals for us – the chef is included with the rental. Groceries will be an additional charge once we work out menus for each meal. We will also have our own driver and vehicle for our stay who can pick us up from the airport, shuttle us around to town for shopping and dining out and then take us back to the airport at the end of our trip.

Price: $400.00 U.S. per person and includes everything mentioned above except for your flights and groceries and wine!

If you are interested in going on this trip you must act fast – 8 of the 12 spots have already been sold so we only have room for 4 more. Get ready Ladies – Bali will never be the same. Please email Mona Reaves at monareaves@gmail.com to get more information and to sign up. Don’t wait – if you hesitate someone else may take your spot!

To view more details about our villa, go to: www.vrbo.com/3952344ha# or simply type in Bayu Gita Beach Front 12

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When Your Liver is Inflamed - Types of Hepatitis Basic liver anatomy Liver is the second largest organ in the human body weighing about 1.5kg. It lies under the diaphragm in the right upper abdomen. The liver has the general shape of a prism with 8 smaller segments. It is pinkish brown in colour with a firm consistency. Liver is a complex organ that is involved in detoxification, nutrient metabolism and production of enzymes, proteins, sugar as well as clotting factors.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Paramasivam MD, MRCP (Glasgow), Fellowship Gastroenterology (MAL, AUS), Fellowship Interventional Endoscopy (Bangkok, Mumbai) Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Physician Tropicana Medical Centre

Inflammation of liver Blood tests commonly obtained to evaluate the health of the liver include liver enzyme levels, tests for hepatic synthetic functionand the excretory function. Elevations of liver enzymes often reflect damage to the liver or biliary obstruction, whereas an abnormal serum albumin or clotting time may be seen in the setting of impaired hepatic synthetic function. The serum bilirubin in part measures the liver’s ability to detoxify metabolites. The main enzymes that indicate liver inflammation are alanine aminotransferase (ALT, formerly called SGPT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, formerly called SGOT). They are sometimes collectively known as serum aminotransferases. Gammaglutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are other enzymes that can be used for similar purpose.

Causes of inflammation Liver inflammation evidenced by raised serum aminotransferases can be caused by various insults to the liver that can be broadly categorized as infective causes, drugs, autoimmune causes and metabolic causes.

TROPICANA MEDICAL CENTRE

11, Jalan Teknologi, PJU 5, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

T: +603-6287 1111 W: www.tropicanamedicalcentre.com FB: www.facebook.com/TropicanaMedicalCentre E: enquiries@tropicanamedicalcentre.com

Infective causes leading to hepatitis is commonly due to hepatitis B and C virus. In Asia hepatitis B is more prevalent than Hepatitis C. Both these viruses are transmitted via bodily fluids i.e. unprotected sexual intercourse and blood transfusion. They can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B and C infection can be diagnosed by performing blood results looking for the presence of these viruses. Other uncommon viruses include hepatitis A, cytomegalovirus (CMV), epstein bar virus (EBV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV). Bacterial causes of liver inflammation are less common but nevertheless can cause liver abscess like staphylococcus sp. and klebsiella sp.

The commonest drug implicated in liver toxicity is paracetamol. The US Acute Liver Failure Study Group showed, of 1147 acute liver failure cases from 1998 to 2007; the most common cause of acute liver failure was acetaminophen (active ingredient of paracetamol) overdose.

Most cases occur after ingestion of large doses in an attempt to commit suicide.

The most important metabolic cause of this decade is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

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(NAFLD). NAFLD is seen worldwide and is the most common liver disorder in Western industrialized countries, where the major risk factors for NAFLD, central obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic syndrome are common. Worldwide, NAFLD has a reported prevalence of 6 to 35 percent. Most patients are diagnosed with NAFLD in their 40s or 50s. Ultrasound of the liver is often sufficient to make the diagnosis if other causes of hepatic steatosis have been excluded. While not indicated for the majority of patients, a liver biopsy may be indicated if the diagnosis is not clear or to assess the degree of hepatic injury.

Other uncommon metabolic causes leading to liver inflammation would be iron (Hemochromatosis) and copper (Wilsons) storage disease.

An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake and it can involve almost any organ in the body. Autoimmune disease of the liver was first described in the 1950s and it is divided into type 1 and type 2 disease. Type 1 has anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-smooth muscle(ASMA) positive whereas type 2 has anti-liver/kidney mirosomes (LKM) positive. It is often diagnosed in patients in their 40s or 50s and more common in women than in men (female to male ratio of 3.6 to 1).

Outcome In general, the outcome of liver inflammation depends of the aetiology behind the inflammation, the severity of inflammation and the extent of damage of the liver. In an acute setting with mild to moderate degree of inflammation and minimal damage; the outcome will be good. On the contrary, in a damaged liver with profound inflammation and delayed intervention; the prognosis will be poor. In the advent of antivirals, antidotes, early detection and good liver transplant services; liver inflammation has seen a better outcome in the last decade.

If you require an ambulance service, dial our 24hr Emergency Hotline at +603-6287 1999. Our dedicated ambulance service is well-equipped with experienced paramedics and well-trained emergency medical staff to deliver a wide range of medical services in times of emergencies. For more info, kindly contact our Expatriate Liaison, Sarah at 018-2111 259.

When should you call an Ambulance?

Experience heart attack/severe chest pain, experience breathing difficulty, paediatric & neonatal cases, experience severe abdominal pain, experience severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, strokes, fainting, convulsions/fits/seizure, trauma (injury)/ road or motor vehicle accident, fractures / dislocation / serious sprain, require emergency

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Magical Melaka

By Peggy Uptigrove

Recently I took a day trip to Melaka (Malacca). I have passed through this city on a couple of previous occasions but never actually spent time in the city. I didn’t know what I was missing! First an overview on the history of Malacca.

The city sits on the narrowest part of the Malacca Straights and because of its location, it became a very important port for many travelers and traders back in the early days. Before the arrival of the first Sultan, Malacca was a fishing village inhabited by local Malays, known as Orang Laut. In 1511, the Portuguese landed on the site and took the land over from the locals. In 1641, the Dutch defeated the Portuguese in an effort to capture Malacca, with the help of the Sultan of Johore. The Dutch ruled Malacca from 1641 to 1798. Malacca was ceded to the British in 1826 as part of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 in exchange for Bencoolen on Sumatra. From 1826 to 1946 Malacca was under the rule of the British. Malacca went briefly under the rule of Empire of Japan in 1942-1945 during WWII. After the dissolution of

this crown colony, Malacca and Penang became part of the Malayan Union in 1946, which later became the Federation of Malaya in 1948.

The declaration of independence was made by the first Prime Minister of Malaya, on 20 February 1956, which eventually led to the independence of Malaya on 31 August 1957. On 15 April 1989, Malacca was declared a historical city. It was then also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 7 July 2008.

I think because of this vast history and different reigns of the days gone by, this gives the city a very unique look and certainly holds many historical sites to be seen today.

My first stop was St. Paul’s Church built in 1521, making it the oldest church in Malaysia. It sits atop St. Paul’s hill and was built by a Portuguese noble who dedicated the chapel to the Virgin Mary as gratitude for surviving a storm in the South China Sea. A burial vault was built in 1592 and many people of distinction were buried there.

From the top of St. Paul’s hill, you can see the city of Malacca as well as the water front of the Straits.

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Next stop on the tour of the city was Christ Church. This church certainly has its own unique history, starting with its construction in 1741 and completion taking 12 years in 1753. The Dutch conquest of Malacca saw the proscription of Roman Catholicism and the conversion of existing churches to Dutch reformed use. Originally painted white, the church and neighboring buildings were painted red in 1911 and has remained the hallmark of Malacca’s Dutch-era buildings ever since.

After reading the history on the Galleon, I walked down to the river and bought a ticket for the river boat cruise. What a lovely surprise this was and worth the time on the river to see all the unique buildings and the wall art that is being done as the city makes a really good effort to rejuvenate the area.

From here I took a “cycle rickshaw” and just took in some of the streets and sights and was finally dropped off at a life-sized replica of the Portuguese Galleon Flor De La Mar wooden ship. This replica was built in the early 1990 and makes up one of three buildings that house the Maritime Museum. While authentic looking on the outside, the inside has been modified to show the history of the Portuguese period showing Malacca as a center of trade.

I thoroughly enjoyed the river trip which lasted about 40 minutes (20 minutes each way).

You can see where a lot of effort is being made to make this area trendier and friendlier with restaurants and shops all along the river. New Hotels are being built and there is a lovely walkway path along both sides where one could stroll in the evening and enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant part of the city. Bright colored wall art covers the river fronts of many buildings and much of the art depicts the history of the city.

There are new buildings mixed in with old “ruin” walls and you can even find an authentic Malay village along here with houses on stilts and wooden roofs and buildings.

My overall impression of the city has changed after spending a day there and I certainly didn’t discover all the hidden gems that are to be found. The city is clean, friendly and here’s another surprise – virtually smoke free! There are NO smoking signs posted all over the city center and you can find discreetly hidden “smoking areas” if you look for them. I found this very refreshing because as we all know living in SE Asia, smoking in public is just as acceptable as breathing! A progressive effort and kudos to the city decision makers that are definitely leaving their mark on Malacca.

I recommend an overnight visit if you are interested in seeing this city and really taking in all it has to offer. I have been dazzled by the Magic of Malacca.

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Absentee Voting Information for U.S. Citizens Abroad Make your vote count! Every overseas U.S. citizen is eligible to vote by absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt deadline. Unfortunately, late ballots are one of the top reasons that absentee ballots are rejected by election officials. To make the most out of your vote, please follow a few simple steps to make sure that you can vote in the 2016 U.S. elections: 1. Request Your Ballot: Complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). You must complete a new FPCA after January 1, 2016 to ensure you receive your ballot for the 2016 elections - even if you have completed one before. All overseas citizens must complete a new Federal Post Card Application each year to ensure they are not dropped from the voter register. The completion of the FPCA allows you to request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices (President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives) including primaries and special elections during the calendar year in which it is submitted.

The FPCA is accepted by all local election officials in all U.S. states and territories. You can complete the FPCA online at FVAP. gov. The online voting assistant will ask you questions specific to your state. We encourage you to ask your local election officials to deliver your blank ballots to you electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state). Include your email address on your FPCA to take advantage of the electronic ballot delivery option. Return the FPCA per the instructions on the website. FVAP.gov will tell you if your state allows the FPCA to be returned electronically or if you must submit a paper copy with original signature. If you must return a paper version, please see below for mailing options.

2. Receive and Complete Your Ballot: States are required to send out ballots 45 days before a regular election for federal office and states generally send out ballots at least 30 days before primary elections. For most states, you can confirm your registration and ballot delivery online.

Check out the FVAP links page for helpful resources that will aid your research of candidates and issues. Non-partisan information about candidates, their voting records, and their positions on issues are widely available and easy to obtain on-line.

You can also read national and hometown newspapers on-line, or search the internet to locate articles and information. For information about election dates and deadlines, subscribe to FVAP’s Voting Alerts (vote@fvap.gov). FVAP also shares Voting Alerts via Facebook and Twitter.

3. Return Your Completed Ballot: Please remember U.S. Embassies are not polling places. Same-day in-person voting is not available outside the United States. Some states allow you to return your completed ballot electronically and others do not. If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials, you can do so free of charge at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

- Fax, Email, or Internet Some states allow ballots to be submitted electronically. Check the specific requirements of your state since some require you to still mail in the signed paper ballot.

- Election Materials Drop-Off at the Embassy U.S. citizens may drop off voting materials to be returned to the U.S. any business day between 9am and 3pm, at the front gate of the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur at 376 Jalan Tun Razak. Place your registration materials or ballots in the postage paid return envelope (provided by your election officials, or use the online templates for registration or ballots) and address your voting materials to the relevant local election officials. Processing time is generally one to two weeks for materials to reach the U.S. postal system.

- Use the Malaysian Postal System or Private Courier Service If it’s more convenient for you, you can also return your FPCA or ballot to your local election officials via international mail or professional courier service at your own expense. Affix the appropriate postage to your envelope when sending materials through the Malaysian Postal System. Do not forget to write USA on the address.

Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov.

You may also get information via FVAP’s toll-free telephone number: 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or by contacting the ACS Unit at KLACS@ state.gov. Remember, make your vote count!

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Memories Beat the Heat – Kick Off Summer Party - 14 May Photos by Peggy Uptigrove & Kay McNaught

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Lots of people turned out and had a great time as we “kicked off summer” with a party. We had a bit of rain late in the evening but that didn’t put a damper on the laughs and the great food.

Awesome fun!

Memories

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AAM Messages AAM Online Communities The AAM is on Facebook! “Like” the AAM Facebook fan page by logging on, typing ‘American Association of Malaysia’ in the Search bar at the top of the page and clicking ‘Like.’ You’ll get the latest information on all of AAM’s exciting events and activities!

Introducing the AAM Google Group - a forum for members to consult with other members on queries and recommendations for anything from best family hotels to dentists to household help. Members can join in two ways. First, you can send an email to secondvp.aam@gmail.com with the email addresses you would like to add to the Google Group. Please put “Need AAM Google Group Invite” in the header of the email. The second way to join is you can go to Google Groups, search for American Association of Malaysia and then ask to be invited and the Administrator can add you. When you receive the invite via email, you must respond to complete the registration process. For more information, go to http:// www.klamerican.com/online-communities.

Membership Renewal

To avoid missing any issues of the magazine and to continue receiving discounted prices for AAM events, please make sure your membership is up to date. Renewal notices will be emailed to you one month before expiration. Dues can be paid by cash or check in person at the AAM Villa @ The Troika by or cash deposit to the AAM’s bank account directly.

Your $0.02 Do you have any ideas or suggestions for new activities, events or workshops that may be of interest to our members? Can you think of ways we can improve our current line-up? Any concerns about the AAM’s building facilities? Your feedback, whether positive or negative, is always welcome. Kindly drop us a note in the Suggestion Box located in the villa or email klamerican.info@gmail.com.

Solicitation Policy Solicitation of business by any member or guest is not allowed at any AAM function without prior board approval. Members are requested to respectfully observe the policy that membership information is to be used solely for AAM business and is not to be used for personal or business solicitation purposes. If you are interested in sharing your talents/services with the AAM, please contact the AAM office.

Holidays in August 31 August –National Day

Reservation & Payment Policy

Event and Activity reservations can be made via email to klamerican. info@gmail.com, in person or via fax.

• If the reservation is made via email or fax, the AAM office will send you an acknowledgment receipt and advise whether or not the activity is still available.

• Fees MUST be paid within 48 hours of signing up for an event or activity. You will not be “confirmed” for the event/activity until payment in full has been received by the office.

• You may pay by cash or check in person at the AAM Villa @ The Troika or cash deposit to the AAM’s bank account directly. If you wish to deposit cash payments to the AAM’s bank account, please contact the AAM office for account information and instructions (your bank may charge you a minimal fee for this service).

• We cannot accept credit card payments at the office. We are currently working on details to secure an on-line payment system for your convenience. Further information to come.

Cancellation Policy

• Reservations MUST be cancelled FIVE BUSINESS DAYS prior to the activity in order to received a refund. If you do not cancel your reservation within this time period or you are a no-show the day of the Event/Activity, a refund will not be issued.

• For Events/Activities that have a required minimum attendance, AAM reserves the right to cancel or reschedule when circumstances warrant.

• Each Event/Activity will have a sign up deadline date and we must adhere to those dates. This allows instructors of classes to gather all required materials or tour companies to arrange the proper transportation for our group.

• If you still have not made payment by the reservation deadline for an Event/Activity, your name will be automatically removed from the sign-up sheet and there will be no further correspondence from the AAM office. To avoid disappointment, please make your payment within 48 hours of making your reservation.

24

KL American August 2016

A Letter from the President…..

If you were at the AGM back in February, you would have heard me briefly speak to the current financial situation of the American Association and how this relates to us maintaining an office space for our members in the future.

With membership numbers dropping as people are being transferred ‘home’ and the overall economic climate in Malaysia, plus the decline in our Corporate Partnership dollars, the AAM finds itself in the unique and unfamiliar position of having to take a serious look at no longer maintaining office space and getting ‘back to basics’ if you will. If I understand the history of the AAM correctly, there has never been a time since its inception, when we have not had a ‘club-house’, ‘villa’ or ‘office’ to call home.

Our lease at The Troika is up for renewal on 1 October, 2016 and on this date we will need to notify our landlord if we intend to renew for another year or terminate the lease. If we make the decision to move out, that will be effective 1 December, 2016.

I want to assure everyone that the Board has not made any firm decision as yet.

This is something we want to take time to seriously consider, weigh in on an, ultimately, vote on. It is, after all, our duty to be good stewards of the money the AAM has raised over the years, and leave that money untouched for the Board in the future.

When we look at the cost of maintaining the AAM office for our membership, it makes the most sense, at this stage, to close the office. This is not, by any means, the end of the AAM. Rather, it means we have to look at new and different ways of running the association without the high overhead costs.

We still have six months in which to make a decision and we will take our time in doing so. This is not a decision to be made hastily or without looking at all the options available to us - and is certainly not one to be made lightly.

I will continue to keep you, our membership, informed as this issue comes up in front of the board and again once we have voted on which direction the AAM will head during this economic downturn. Please be patient with us as we move through these growing pains.

I also invite any and all members to email me any questions they may have, comments or concerns, not only on this subject but any matter concerning the AAM. Sincerely,

Peggy Uptigrove President

US EMBASSY We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Malaysia enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://www. travel.state.gov/. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the embassy or nearest consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is located at 376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur and is open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If you are a U.S. citizen and have any questions or concerns, please call the U.S. Embassy at (03) 2168-5000 or visit the U.S. Citizens Service website at http:// malaysia.usembassy.gov/. We will post the most updated information on the website.

USEFUL LINKS: CountyOffice.org is the most accurate internet database of county government offices in the United States. Use our site to locate your county assessor, board of elections, chamber of commerce, child support offices, colleges, coroner, courts, and much more, with all relevant details.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS EMERGENCY POLICE......................................................................999 FIRE & RESCUE.........................................................999 CIVIL DEFENSE.........................................................999 ANY EMERGENCIES FROM MOBILE PHONE............112 UTILITIES...

ELECTRICITY/POWER FAILURE............................ 15454 WATER DISRUPTION................................1800 88 5252 SEWAGE SYSTEM.....................................03 2780 1100 OPERATOR DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES............................................100 ANIMALS MISSING PETS..........................................03 4021 1682 SNAKES & PESTS......................................03 4042 6742 ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER. (24 HRS.).....03 4041 6742

KL American August 2016

25

american association of malaysia KL

August 2016

Sun

Mon 1

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Mahjohng

Tues 2

Wed

Thu

8

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Mahjohng

9

10 - 11 a.m.

Bingo @ Little Sisters of the Poor

14

15

16

21

22

23

28

29

30

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Mahjohng

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Mahjohng

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Mahjohng

9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

Putrajaya Bus Trip

Subang Jaya Medical Centre

6

11

12

13

17

18

19

20

24

25

26

27

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Stitching Friends

4

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

First Friday @ Harrods Cafe @ KLCC

For enquireies, please call -

+603 5639 1212

10

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Stitching Friends 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch Bunch at KGB Bangsar

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Stitching Friends

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Stitching Friends

31 Public Holiday Malaysia National Day

Ara Damansara Medical Centre

VENUE KEY

AAM Office Tel: (03) 2161-9008 / 9009

AAM Villa @ The Troika

email: klamerican.info@gmail.com

ParkCity Medical Centre

1, Jalan SS12/1A, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor

Lot 2, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang, Seksyen U2, 40150, Shah Alam, Selangor

No.2, Jalan Intisari Perdana, Desa ParkCity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur

Your One-Stop Medical Centre with Centres of Excellence in

Your One-Stop Medical Centre with Centres of Excellence in

Your Family-friendly Hospital aiming to be a regional leader in the specialties of

• Cancer • Blood Diseases • Digestive & Liver Health

Sat

5

3

6:00 p.m.

Gentlemen’s Night Out MANGOS/ Changket

7

Fri

• Brain • Heart • Spine & Joints

• Women • Children • Elderly Health

or email -

mcu@ramsaysimedarbyhealth.com

26

KL American August 2016

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27

(60-3) 5565 KL American August2200 2016

28