Category: Diary from Penang

Diary from Penang, Travel

JAL Announces Purchase of 21 Boeing 737 MAX 8 Aircraft

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Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced the purchase of 21 Boeing 737 MAX 8 (737-8) aircraft, which will begin operation in 2026. This will replace the current fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, of which JAL owns 47 and leases 17, with the new model. The Boeing 737-8 aircraft has improved aerodynamic performance and new engines, which is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately 15% compared to the current Boeing 737-800 aircraft. HiroshiHiroshi is a project manager specialising in international manufacturing operations, based in Tokyo. Originally from Hokkaido, he has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, the United States, Sweden, and the Philippines — a breadth of experience that shapes both his professional methodology and the perspective he brings to this blog. His academic foundation is in international relations, and his career has centred on cross-border project management, organisational development, and operations management across multiple industries and geographies. In addition to his professional work, he has led large-scale international projects engaging participants from more than 150 countries, completed a cross-continental cycling expedition through North America, and contributed to disaster relief efforts following major natural disasters in Japan. This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and the realities of living and working across cultures. Content is grounded in firsthand experience and independent research. hiroshi.today

Diary from Penang

Review of Rasa Sayang Hotel Penang – Spice Market’s Weekend Dinner Buffet, and comparison vs E&O buffet

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After long wondering, which buffet is the best in Penang: E&O or Rasa Sayan? I finally tried the Spice Market Cafe of the Shangri-La Rasa Sayan. If you’re looking for a good buffet experience in Penang, Spice Market’s dinner buffet at Rasa Sayang Hotel is definitely worth checking out. Located in the Batu Ferringhi so combine with beach visit! This five-star hotel offers a weekend buffet that’s perfect for those who want to indulge in a variety of delicious dishes. HiroshiHiroshi is a project manager specialising in international manufacturing operations, based in Tokyo. Originally from Hokkaido, he has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, the United States, Sweden, and the Philippines — a breadth of experience that shapes both his professional methodology and the perspective he brings to this blog. His academic foundation is in international relations, and his career has centred on cross-border project management, organisational development, and operations management across multiple industries and geographies. In addition to his professional work, he has led large-scale international projects engaging participants from more than 150 countries, completed a cross-continental cycling expedition through North America, and contributed to disaster relief efforts following major natural disasters in Japan. This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and the realities of living and working across cultures. Content is grounded in firsthand experience and independent research. hiroshi.today

Diary from Penang, Penang Cycling Guide

Tun Sardon Climb (Back) – my best recommend

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Tun Sardon is the most challenging hill road in Penang Island. If you are not satisfied with the results of your first round the island of Penang, you should definitely try Tun Sardon. Personally, I only climb the hill from Balik Pulau on the west side of Penang Island, which is called the “back side” of the island. Tun Sardon [Back]（Balik Pulau – Sungai Ara / Air Hitam) The route starts from Balik Pulau, the west side of the island, up the hill which runs middle of the island. After the peak, descending from the summit to the east, it is possible to descend in the direction of Air Hitam and Air Itam or Penang Golf CLub and Sungai Ara. If incorporated into a round-the-island route, it is easy to write a route that circles the island in a figure of eight and gains more than 1,000 meters in elevation. Profile Distance: 4.3km Average gradient: 6.1 Maximum gradient: 12.1 Elevation gained: 264m (no descent) Toughness: ★★★★ Recommendation: ★★★★ Recommendations Points to note Climb starts with gradient climb around 5-6% When you turn steep left turn looking a temple on he right, you will face the steepest part In the evening time it is also stunning When you start seeing nice view of Balik Pulau, only 1/3 of the way left! Feels like almost the peak but you are not! Take a break and move on. When you reach the top, you will see the rest area with some shops, go to the end of the parking lot to look down beautiful country side of Balik Pulau The rest shop may not be open, so be sure to carry enough supply. Enjoy if it is open 😉 HiroshiHiroshi is a project manager specialising in international manufacturing operations, based in Tokyo. Originally from Hokkaido, he has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, the United States, Sweden, and the Philippines — a breadth of experience that shapes both his professional methodology and the perspective he brings to this blog. His academic foundation is in international relations, and his career has centred on cross-border project management, organisational development, and operations management across multiple industries and geographies. In addition to his professional work, he has led large-scale international projects engaging participants from more than 150 countries, completed a cross-continental cycling expedition through North America, and contributed to disaster relief efforts following major natural disasters …

Airport Lounge, Diary from Penang, News, Travel

KLIA Aerotrain (terminal transfer train) has been suspended, passengers need to take bus

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The KLIA Aerotrain, an automated train that operates between the main terminal building and satellite buildings at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, has been out of service since March 1. The Aerotrain got stuck in the middle of its run on March 1. The airport authority says the resume of the servce timing has not been determined. The bus services will be catered for the passengers need to travel between terminals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the aero train service was also suspended and buses were used for alternative transportation. It is expected that it will take longer than usual to move from one terminal to another and transfer between terminals, so please be sure to move as early as possible, especially if you are using international flights. Dear passengers at KLIA, this is a friendly reminder that our aerotrain service is currently suspended. Please proceed straight to the bus lounge to transfer between Main Terminal Building and Satellite Building. pic.twitter.com/AeWzDSAxiG — Malaysia Airports (@MY_Airports) March 6, 2023 HiroshiHiroshi is a project manager specialising in international manufacturing operations, based in Tokyo. Originally from Hokkaido, he has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, the United States, Sweden, and the Philippines — a breadth of experience that shapes both his professional methodology and the perspective he brings to this blog. His academic foundation is in international relations, and his career has centred on cross-border project management, organisational development, and operations management across multiple industries and geographies. In addition to his professional work, he has led large-scale international projects engaging participants from more than 150 countries, completed a cross-continental cycling expedition through North America, and contributed to disaster relief efforts following major natural disasters in Japan. This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and the realities of living and working across cultures. Content is grounded in firsthand experience and independent research. hiroshi.today

Diary from Penang

マレーシアの確定申告（2023年春版：2022年所得分）

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今年も確定申告の季節がやってきました。 会社で申請してくれるという方も多いかと思いますが、自分でやるという方もいらっしゃると思います。来年の自分用のメモも兼ねて、申請方法をメモしておきます。 HiroshiHiroshi is a project manager specialising in international manufacturing operations, based in Tokyo. Originally from Hokkaido, he has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, the United States, Sweden, and the Philippines — a breadth of experience that shapes both his professional methodology and the perspective he brings to this blog. His academic foundation is in international relations, and his career has centred on cross-border project management, organisational development, and operations management across multiple industries and geographies. In addition to his professional work, he has led large-scale international projects engaging participants from more than 150 countries, completed a cross-continental cycling expedition through North America, and contributed to disaster relief efforts following major natural disasters in Japan. This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and the realities of living and working across cultures. Content is grounded in firsthand experience and independent research. hiroshi.today

Diary from Penang

Phishing calls pretending HSBC bank

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Recently, I am receiving a phone calls pretending HSBC Bank. It is not a precise wording but the call with machine generated voice saying ““This is a call from HSBC””and “Your credit card has been charged XXXX Ringgit. To approve the transaction, press 1. To talk with the operator, press 3””, something like this. The amount they claim is relatively large (about MYR 4000-6000 so far) so you may be panicked in the begging of the call. The voice is very similar to the actual HSBC phone banking, and if you pick up the call without checking caller ID (so far they all come from mobile numbers for me) you may be selecting to talk to the operator. Some of my friends don’’t own the HSBC account receives this call so I believe they are randomly calling the people but be careful everyone! If you receive a suspicious call, just hang up! And call back on the phone number written in the back of your card if you want to further make sure the safety of your bank or credit card!! HiroshiHiroshi is a project manager specialising in international manufacturing operations, based in Tokyo. Originally from Hokkaido, he has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, the United States, Sweden, and the Philippines — a breadth of experience that shapes both his professional methodology and the perspective he brings to this blog. His academic foundation is in international relations, and his career has centred on cross-border project management, organisational development, and operations management across multiple industries and geographies. In addition to his professional work, he has led large-scale international projects engaging participants from more than 150 countries, completed a cross-continental cycling expedition through North America, and contributed to disaster relief efforts following major natural disasters in Japan. This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and the realities of living and working across cultures. Content is grounded in firsthand experience and independent research. hiroshi.today

Diary from Penang

Anti inflammatory spray in Malaysia

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Just a few days after I was talking with my colleague that we never see “Shippu” anti-inflamation patch in Malaysia, I was prescribed with the Anti-inflammatory patch from my doctor. Later I even received anti-inflammatory spray so here is the note. HiroshiHiroshi is a project manager specialising in international manufacturing operations, based in Tokyo. Originally from Hokkaido, he has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, the United States, Sweden, and the Philippines — a breadth of experience that shapes both his professional methodology and the perspective he brings to this blog. His academic foundation is in international relations, and his career has centred on cross-border project management, organisational development, and operations management across multiple industries and geographies. In addition to his professional work, he has led large-scale international projects engaging participants from more than 150 countries, completed a cross-continental cycling expedition through North America, and contributed to disaster relief efforts following major natural disasters in Japan. This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and the realities of living and working across cultures. Content is grounded in firsthand experience and independent research. hiroshi.today

Diary from Penang, Travel

Luggage Allowance on JAL Global Club (JGC) / One World Sapphire on code share flight operated by Malaysian Airlines

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When I flew from Tokyo/Narita to Penang, via Kuala Lumpur using Japan Airlines (JL) and a code share flight operated by Malaysian Airlines for the leg to Penang, there was some interesting experience on my luggage allowance with my One World Sapphire status. Here is some quick notes. HiroshiHiroshi is a project manager specialising in international manufacturing operations, based in Tokyo. Originally from Hokkaido, he has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, the United States, Sweden, and the Philippines — a breadth of experience that shapes both his professional methodology and the perspective he brings to this blog. His academic foundation is in international relations, and his career has centred on cross-border project management, organisational development, and operations management across multiple industries and geographies. In addition to his professional work, he has led large-scale international projects engaging participants from more than 150 countries, completed a cross-continental cycling expedition through North America, and contributed to disaster relief efforts following major natural disasters in Japan. This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and the realities of living and working across cultures. Content is grounded in firsthand experience and independent research. hiroshi.today

Diary from Penang, Penang Cafe Pottering

2F+ Coffee Roastery

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It has been a long pending cafe on my list to visit, the 2F+ Coffee Roastery. This shop is located in Relau, closer to Free Industrial Zone. The shop is located in front of Golden Triangle, but a little bit difficult to find for a first-timer, as there are no big signboards or parking areas, and the road is rather high-traffic. The cafe has a vast space, divided into a few different areas. Unfortunately, I could not see the entire area, but I think they have over 50+ seating, probably more.  Ambience I came into the shop in lunch time of the weekday, so shop was not crowded, but still had several groups, and a few were in pretty much working mode as I was. Quiet with soft music is very good; if you are alone, you probably notice the road noise from the street right infront of the shop. This may be different at the weekend, where I expect more customers chattering if it is in the evening or the weekend. Taste of the day I rarely take food, but I ordered Thai Basil Pork Rice (RM 19.90) with Ice Lemongrass Lemon Tea (RM18.00) today. There was a set discount of RM3.00 on the receipt, assuming it was for a lunch discount. Pork rice looks a little different from the picture on the menu but in a good way! The amount and flavour of the Thai Basil were just right, and the portion was also just right for me! (Some youngsters may find a little small in volume in Penang standard) Yet, red pepper was just a little too much for my childish Japanese tongue, and I needed my lemon ice tea after the meal. After all, I had a great lunch! If I may, I wanted to add a tiny bit of salad even with an extra cost. The meal was served with some greens, as seen in the picture, but I felt I needed more, may be because my mouth was a little hot with chilli. After the meal, I also ordered Filtered Coffee with Colombia. More precisely, Colombia Cauca Finca El Paraiso Double Anaerobic Flor Lichi!  There are not many cafe in penang showing the process of the beans, and this is always a good sign that their coffee is good! Light roasted, very aromatic coffee. I think this is one coffee you should try. Correct …

Diary from Penang

Microsoft Office Word 2016 for MacでF7に文章校正が割り当てられている件

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最新版のWord for Mac  (2016)では、なぜかF7キーが全角カナ（カタカナ）への変換ではなく、スペルチェックと文章構成に割り当てられているという謎な対応。 そもそもショートカットキーはできるだけWinと共通にして欲しいが、どうやって変えるの！？と何度か聞かれたため、以下、変更方法をメモしておきます。 同様の作業で、他のショートカット設定を変えることができます。 編集記録 2015/10/22作成 2015/11/6更新 2023/04/09 サーバー初期化事故から記事復旧 https://web.archive.org/web/20170503025549/Hiroshi.today/2015/10/22/f7-for-office2016-mac HiroshiHiroshi is a project manager specialising in international manufacturing operations, based in Tokyo. Originally from Hokkaido, he has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, the United States, Sweden, and the Philippines — a breadth of experience that shapes both his professional methodology and the perspective he brings to this blog. His academic foundation is in international relations, and his career has centred on cross-border project management, organisational development, and operations management across multiple industries and geographies. In addition to his professional work, he has led large-scale international projects engaging participants from more than 150 countries, completed a cross-continental cycling expedition through North America, and contributed to disaster relief efforts following major natural disasters in Japan. This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and the realities of living and working across cultures. Content is grounded in firsthand experience and independent research. hiroshi.today