ICGB 2010

Pre Conference

2010-07-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Pre-Conference Snap-shots

The Northern Ireland folks are in Kuala Lumpur, adjusting to the climate in Malaysia before going to Kuching.

Briefing in Kuching to the helpers by co-ordinator, Ms Lau Mee Ting. All are “raring” to go waiting for the first batch of delegates to arrive on Friday, 23^rd.

Kuching, Wednesday, 21^st July. The helpers are busy packing the souvenir bags with goodies in anticipation of the arrival of ICGB delegates and touring party.

The Kuching ICGB helpers trying out the Tshirts they have to wear to be in “uniform” for easy

identification. Lots of exciting souvenirs ...

Welcome from GB Malaysia President

2010-07-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

From the National President

GIRLS’ BRIGADE MALAYSIA

Capt. Tnay Yong Hua

It is my great pleasure to extend my warmest welcome to all of you to Kuching, Malaysia for the 10^th Conference of The Girls’ Brigade International Council.

GB Malaysia is privileged to host this Conference for key leaders from 26 countries with 250 delegates of different nationalities and cultures. GB first came to Asia in 1927 with the founding of the 1^st Singapore Company and her wings spread to the shore of Penang, Malaysia with the formation of the 1^st Penang Company in 1938.

It spread to East Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah) with its first company, that is 1^st Kuching in Sarawak in 1967. GB has been in existence in Malaysia for 72 years. Currently, we have a membership of 5475 girls and officers in 65 companies.

The purpose of this Conference is to review the work done in different countries, to map the future direction for the growth of the organization in the world. It will discuss and address the common challenges faced by girls around the world and consider how to develop them with Christian values and leadership skills so that they can become responsible and useful women contributing to the community, nation and the world.

May God bless our time together and may we uphold one another in prayer. Let us look to Jesus Christ as our Captain, to know Him and make Him known to others.

Social Visit Pass

2010-04-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

http://imi2.imi.gov.my/

Immigration Department of Malaysia

Social Visit Pass

Introduction

Pass is an endorsement that is endorsed in a passport or travel document of a foreigner allowing the individual to enter and remain on a temporary basis in Malaysia.

Who Require a Pass

Every foreigner entering Malaysia for the purpose of Social Visit must obtain a Social Visit Pass. Social visit Pass is issued at all point of entry on arrival.


All foreign visitors entering Malaysia through the gazette entry points will be given social visit pass for social visits including the following purposes: Visiting Relatives Tourism Journalist / Reporter Attending Meeting Attending Business Discussion Inspection of factory Auditing Company's Account Signing Agreement Doing survey on investment opportunities/setting up factory Attending Seminars On goodwill mission for students or sitting for examinations in University Taking part in sports competitions Other activities not mentioned above but approved by the Director General of Immigration.

Travel Tips in Malaysia

2010-03-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

Population
Malaysia's population is a fusion of many ethnic and indigenous groups. The Malays, Chinese, and Indians form the main ethnic group in Malaysia although in Sarawak the populace is made up of mainly the Malays, Chinese, Iban and Dayaks as well as other indigenous tribes.

Religion
Islam is the official religion. However, there is freedom of worship, one that is enshrined in the country's constitution.

Government
Malaysia enjoys a parliamentary democracy. The supreme head is Yang Di Pertuan Agung (The King). The head of government is the Prime Minister who is the leader of the party that commands the majority seats in parliament.
In Sarawak, the Head of State is His Excellency the Tuan Yang Terutama whilst the head of government is the Chief Minister.

Weather
Tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 22c° to 32c° (72f° to 90f°). Humidity is high all year round. The coastal parts of Sarawak experience wet season during the months of December to March with the driest months being June and July.

Language
Expect to find Malay and a variety of native tongues spoken in the marketplace. However, English is widely understood and used in the commercial world. You will also Chinese and Indian dialects.

Travel Documents
A visitor must present his/her PASSPORT together with the duly completed ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE CARD to the Immigration officer on duty and he/she must ensure that the passport or travel document is endorsed with the appropriate pass before leaving the immigration counter. With the Abolishment of Visa, the Social Visit Pass is required. Every foreign visitor entering Malaysia must obtain a social visit pass for social visits including purposes of tourism, attending meetings, seminars, etc. This is issued at points of entry on arrival.

Visa
Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at the Malaysian Representative Office before entering the country. A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognised travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted. Visa that has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.

Vaccination Requirements in Malaysia
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate shall be required from all Malaysians and visitors coming from/through Yellow Fever endemic areas/countries. The period of validity of an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever is 10 years, beginning 10 days after vaccination.
Travellers without a valid certificate shall be quarantined upon arrival in Malaysia. Among the African countries are Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Return Travel Ticket and Sufficient Funds
A visitor is also required to present proof of his financial ability to finance his/her stay in Malaysia together with a confirmed return ticket to another destination.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend tourist to travel with insurance cover.

Time
Malaysia has a single time zone and is 8 hours ahead of GMT . This means it is 8 hours ahead of London (GMT) and 7 hours ahead during daylight saving time in the spring and summer. It is 13 hours ahead of New York (Eastern Standard time) and 12 hours during daylight saving time in the summer.

Sarawak Immigration Requirements
All international visitors are required to fill in an immigration form upon arrival. Malaysia has strict anti-drug trafficking laws and those caught smuggling illegal drugs will be given mandatory death penalty.

Communications
Mobile telecommunications cover many parts of Sarawak except for the most remote area. Public phones are available sporadically in many places.
Medical: Government hospitals, clinics and dispensaries are located in all towns and larger villages. Private medical practitioners and pharmacies are listed in the local phone directory. However, those who need specific medication are advised to bring along adequate supplies.

Medicine and toiletries
Apart from personal toiletries, it is recommended to include insect repellent and basic first-aid kit that contains band-aids, mild antiseptic cream, bandages, cotton swabs, tissues and painkillers. Sun block and lotion is also recommended.

Electricity
The electricity supply is 220/240 volts at 50 hertz . The electrical plugs and sockets used are similar to those used in Britain. North Americans will have to use adaptors which are readily available from the major hotels.
Disabled friendly facilities: Facilities are limited. Please check with your accommodation of choice.

Clothing
Shoes must be removed before entering homes, longhouses or mosques. Long sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts are appropriate for visiting places of worship. Nude sunbathing or swimming is unacceptable. Do bring your swimsuit. Light, casual and a good pair of walking or trekking shoes would suffice for day activities. Mosquito repellent is advisable; you may also purchase them from pharmacies here.

Working Hours
Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Offices usually operate from 9am-5pm, Mondays to Fridays, while shopping centres are open from 10am-10pm every day.

Banking and Currency
The Malaysian currency, the Ringgit (RM) is presently to the US dollar at RM3.30 to 1 USD (please check current rate). The Malaysian Ringgit notes are available in denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100 , and coins from 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen.

Most outlets take the major credit cards and ATM machines are readily available. However, do note that most but not all of these machines have a 24 hour operation. And most convenient stores and coffee shops only accept notes.

Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping
Service charges are included in billings for food, beverages and accommodation. Tipping is not customary.

Souvenirs for home
Sarawak is the region's most famous pepper producer - be sure to bring some back for your friends. Many visitors from other parts of Malaysia take with them frozen seafood and caviar of a local fish. Local food such as shrimp paste, fruit preserves and pickles allow you to share a taste of Sarawak with your friends. Kain songket, batik, beaded jewellery, weaved mats and rattan baskets are reminders of the native's ingenious use of natural products. The musically inclined may wish to bring a sape back to share its haunting melody with others.

Leave behind
Your footprints and everything you see in the Natural Parks and wilderness. Sarawak has a tough wildlife law. All animals and plants are protected under such law. Enjoy the beauty of this paradise and allow others after you to enjoy it too.

Vaccination Requirements for Malaysia

2010-02-25T06:35:00.000-08:00

I obtained some information about Vaccination Requirements for Malaysia. Apparently in one (Christian) International Conference some people from Africa were detained for quarantine purposes for 3 days. I asked someone from Tourism and he pointed me to the Health Ministry website where a booklet was produced (http://www.infosihat.gov.my/media/BukuKecil/BK_Yellow%20Fever_BI/BK_YellowFever_BI.pdf). The person I called at Immigration was not very helpful where this was concerned.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from all Malaysians going to/through Yellow Fever endemic areas/countries and VISITORS coming from/through Yellow Fever endemic areas/countries. The vaccination certificate is only valid if the vaccine is approved by WHO and administered at an approved Yellow Fever Vaccinating Centre. The period of validity of an international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is 10 years, beginning 10 days after vaccination. Thus a person intending to travel must get their vaccination 10 days before departure.

Countries include those from the African continent and South American continent

like Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda, etc

2. AH1N1 pandemic. Health precautions must be taken.

3. Rise of Dengue Fever and Chikungkunya. There are incidences of these. Precautions must be taken.

Mosquito repellents are advised. I would advise you to bring your own medications. Malaysia has an equatorial climate and mosquitoes are prevalent and a vector for diseases.

Malaysian Immigration : Visa Requirement by Countries

2010-02-08T18:40:00.001-08:00

Visa Requirement by Countries

Last Updated (Friday, 28 August 2009 22:16)

Countries That Require Visa

Afghanistan (Visa With Reference)
Angola
Bhutan
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Central African Republic
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo Democratic Republic
Congo Republic
Cote D'Ivoire
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea

Ethiopia
Guinea-Bissau
Hong Kong (C/I or D/I)
India
Liberia
Mali
Myanmar (normal passport)
Nepal
Niger
Rwanda
Serbia & Montenegro
Taiwan
United Nations (Laissez Passer)
Western Sahara

Commonwealth Countries That Require Visa

Bangladesh
Cameroon
Ghana
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Sri Lanka

Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 3 Months

Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria (Vienna)
Bahrain
Belgium
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Brazil
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kirgystan
Kuwait
Kyrgyz Republic

Lebanon
Lienchestien
Luxembourg
Morocco
Netherland
Norway
Oman
Peru
Poland
Qatar
Romania
St Marino
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Yemen

Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 1 Month

Armenia
Azerbaijan
Barbados
Belarus
Benin
Bolivia
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cape Verde
Chad
Chile
Costa Rica
Equador
El Savador
Estonia
Gabon
Georgia
Greece
Guatemala
Guinea Republic
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong SAR
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Macao SAR
Macedonia

Madagascar
Maldova
Mauritania
Mexico
Monaco
Mongalia
Nicaragua
North Korea
North Yemen
Panama
Paraguay
Portugal
Russia
Sao Tome & Principe
Senegal
Slovenia
Sudan
Surinam
Tajikistan
Togo
Ukraine
Upper Volta
Uzbekistan
Vatican City
Venezuela
Zaire
Zimbabwe

Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 14 Days

Iran (90 days)
Iraq (30 days)
Libya
Macao (Travel Permit/Portugal CI)
Palestine (30 days)
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Yemen
Syria (30 days)

No visa is required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social, business or academic purposes (except for employment).

No visa is required for a stay of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries except Myanmar. For a stay exceeding one month a visa will be required, except for nationals Brunei and Singapore.

For national of Israel, visas are required and permission must be granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.

For national of Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro, visas are required without permission granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.

Nationals of countries other than those stated above (with the exception of Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.

Taken from the Malaysian Immigration website: www.imi.gov.my

Entry Requirements into Malaysia

2010-02-08T18:38:00.001-08:00

This is taken from the Malaysian Immigration website: http://www.imi.gov.my

To enter Malaysia, a visitor should fulfill the following conditions:

i.		Passport or Travel Document
		Every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid national Passport or internationally recognized Travel Document valid for travelling to Malaysia. Any person not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document which is recognized by the Malaysian Government must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport. Application for the Document in lieu of Passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad. Holders of Travel Documents such as Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage, Permanent Residence Certificate must ensure that their return ability to the country of origin is assured. The documents shall be valid, for more than six (6) months from the date of entry.
ii.		Fulfill visa requirement
		A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted. Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country. Visa which has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.
iii.		Valid return travel ticket and sufficient funds
		A visitor is also required to proof his financial ability to stay in Malaysia and a confirm ticket to a third country.
iv.		Not a prohibited person
		Any person classified under Section 8 of Immigration Act 1959/63 will not be allowed to enter Malaysia even though he/she is in possession of a valid Passport or Travel Document, Visa, travel ticket and sufficient funds.
v.		Complete in the arrival/departure card
		A visitor is required to complete the Arrival/Departure Card (Imm.26) upon arrival at the gazette entry points. This card is obtainable at any entry point, Malaysian Representative office abroad or travel agencies. A visitor must present his/her passport together with the duly completed arrival / departure card to the Immigration officer on duty and he/she must ensure that the passport or travel document is endorsed with the appropriate pass before leaving the immigration counter.

About Pass

Other than application for entry for the purpose of tourist social or business visits, all applications for other types of passes mentioned must be made before arrival in the country.

All applications must have sponsorship in Malaysia. The sponsors must agree to be responsible for the maintenance and repatriation of the visitors from Malaysia if it should become necessary.

Requirements of Passes

Foreign nationals who wish to visit Malaysia have to obtain a pass at the point of entry besides a visa (where required) which allows them to stay temporarily.

A pass is an endorsement in the passport constituting permission to stay for the approved duration.

Offences Frequently Commited by Foreigners

1.		Illegal Entry
		Section 6(3) Immigration Act 1959/63
		A foreign visitor whose presence in Malaysia can be interpreted as illegal entry if : Fails to produced a genuine passport/travel document upon request. Passport/travel document does not have a valid entry endorsement/visit pass The penalty for an offence on illegal entry : A fine not exceeding RM10,000.00 or to imprisonment for a exceeding 5 years or both A compound of RM3,000.00 As such foreign visitors are reminded :- To take precaution on the safety of their passport/travel document and must carry with them during their stay in Malaysia. Must ascertain that they produced their passport/travel document to an Immigration officer at the point of entry and has been issued with the relevant pass. To report immediately to the Immigration Department for the lost of their passport/travel document.
2.		Overstaying
		Section 15(4) Immigration Act 1959/63 Stay exceeding the expiry date/cancellation of visit pass. The penalty for an offence RM 10,000.00 on overstaying :- A fine not exceeding RM10,000.00 or to imprisonment for a exceeding 5 years or both A compound of RM3,000.00
3.		Passport / Travel Document Issued on Which Consist Any Forged Visa/Unlawfully Altered Visit Pass
		Section 56 Immigration Act 1959/63 The penalty for an offence RM 10,000.00 on overstaying :- A fine not exceeding RM10,000.00 or to imprisonment for a exceeding 5 years or both. As such all foreign visitors are reminded not to use the assistance of middleman when dealing with the Immigration Department.
4.		Prohibited Immigrant

Happy New Year!

2010-01-07T23:48:00.001-08:00

It is the year 2010 when GB Malaysia will host the ICGB or International Conference of the Girls' Brigade
Venue: River Majestic Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak, MALAYSIA
Date: 24-31 July 2010

Up to the last organizing committee meeting on 22 Nov 2009, registrations stood at
141 delegates and 90 touring party
who have secured a place with paid deposits.

More have inquired about registering even though the closing date is long past. We are still able to accept, provided registration is done through your National Brigade Secretary and with FULL payment. For all who have registered, please be reminded to send in the complete payment by the end of January.

International Competition 2010

2009-10-30T06:56:00.000-07:00

The Girls’ Brigade International Council

Entries for the International Competition in 2010 are to take the form of an advert promoting Girls’ Brigade. Any medium may be used, but if your submission is in digital format it must not exceed 60 seconds.

Each country may submit a maximum of two entries. and these should meet the following guidelines.

1. Size	55cm by 80cm (22” by 32”)
2. Material	Any material made into the correct size
3. Media	Examples of the media that could be used are: · Drawing · Painting · Embroidery · Collage · Applique · Digital format (time-bound – maximum duration 60 seconds.
4. Accompanying Information	Girls from all age groups should take part in the work and a written commentary should accompany each entry explaining how this was achieved.
5. Quarantine Issues	Entries must not contain any vegetable matter to ensure that no Customs regulations are broken.
6. Closing Date	Entries are to be taken to ICGB 2010 (24-32 July 2010) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. If you are not attending ICGB, entries must be sent to IHQ prior to ICGB and not later than 12 June 2010.
7. Judging	All countries present at ICGB will be entitled to vote and the international trophy will be presented at ICGB. All entries will be recorded on camera for distribution to members.

Remembering ICGB 2006

2009-06-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

There were 6 of us from GB Malaysia who set out for London from Kuala Lumpur en route to Belfast for ICGB. First time there for all of us ... we were so excited.

There's nothing like the International Brigade Family. It's so wonderful to be One in Christ, forgetting our differences and just bonding because we all love the Girls' Brigade.

Welcome to the ICGB 2010 Blog

2009-06-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Girls' Brigade International,

Rosalind from Girl Brigade Malaysia here. Welcome to my blog.

Being the Communications Chairman of the OrganizingCommittee for the ICGB 2010, I'm pleased to welcome all delegates and touring parties to Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia on 24-31 July 2010 for the International Conference of the Girls' Brigade.

My experience as an officer in GBM is about 30 years and they have been Fantastic years! I have been able to attend several ICGBs over the years : Singapore, Cook Islands, Dublin, Bangkok, Belfast - they've been awesome times! being part of the international GB family.

I hope that through this blog I can share some thoughts with you, also to get you excited about coming to Malaysia next year. Would love to hear from you too.