I get many phone calls asking – “When will the Passports officers visit Adelaide next”.  My answer – “I don’t know.  I haven’t been notified”.  When and if they plan a visit to Adelaide they will post it on their web site at, www.malaysia.org.au.  So, visit this site from time to time.  I will also post a notice on my consular web site at www.malaysia-sa.org.

If your passport needs renewal before their visit, then you will have to go to Canberra to have it done.  phone them first for an appointment.  It is the same day service.

I get many calls from people asking – “When will the Passports Officers come to Adelaide next”.  My usual answer is, “I will know when I am notified”.

I am sure they will post a notice on the Malaysian High Commission web site at www.malaysia.org.au.  So, visit this site from time to time for the announcement.  I will also post the notice on my own consular web site at www.malaysia-sa.org.  If your passport is due for renewal before their visit, then, you will have to travel to Canberra to do the renewal.  Telephone them for an appointment.  It is a one day service.  Their web site also has instructions on the documentary requirements.

Last weekend Tom & Amanda celebrated their engagement with family and friends.

Tom's Mum, Chris and his Nana, Peg Roesler

Tom & Amanda with Chris & Hassan

Tom's father, Hassan, giving his speech

Last week we attended Tom’s graduation in Masters in Accounting.  It was held in Bonython Building in the Adelaide University.

Tom & Parents, Chris and Hassan

Tom & Amanda

A welcome BBQ was held at Bradford Lodge on 14 April 2012 for its international students residents.  Guests for the day were members of the local Burnside Rotary Club.  In all about 100 residents and visitors  attended.

MCSA has now published details on their web site of their second anniversary celebration.  The function will be held on 12 May 2012.  Visit their web site for full details, at  www.myclubsa.com.au   Remember, their functions are very popular and to ensure you can get a ticket, make your booking soon – very soon.

Kelab UMNO SA (UMNO Club of SA) will be holding its annual Running Man 2012 event on Saturday 21 April 2012.  It kicks off at the Barr Smith lawn at 8.30 am for registration and the race begins at 9.30 am culminating in a prize goving session at 3pm followed by a BBQ.  Everyone welcome to observe or participate.  Visit their web site for more details at  www./kelabumnosa.com

I haven’t been following the Masterchef TV show, either in Australia or in Malaysia.  The only person’s name which sticks firmly in my mind is runner up, Chef Poh Ling Yeow in Australia’s Masterchef.  That’s because her family is well known to me, especially her mother Christina who is Vice President of Malaysia Club of SA.  Even though Chef Poh was a runner up, she has become famous through her TV show, Poh’s Kitchen.  I never miss it.

Another name has now sprung up, one Ezani Farhana Md. Monoto, sorry, Dr Ezani, Dentist.  She was Masterchef Malaysia’s first winner recently.  I never knew this until very recently when, at a meeting with students, her name popped up – they said, she used to study in Adelaide.  She had qualified as a dentist.  Then, I started to remember her name – not Ezani because there have been many Ezanis studying in Adelaide, but the unusual name Monoto.  I then started remembering that I had a student living in one of my  hostels in Adelaide, Bradford Lodge for International students and I had always thought it was an unusual name – Monoto.  I then looked up my database of past residents, and voila, her name popped up.  She did live in Bradford Lodge in 2005.

There – I can now claim that I knew this now famous person.  I tried to email her on one of the addresses I found on the internet and guess what – it bounced back.  So, can’t get to reach her to say, “I know you, you used to live in my hostel in Adelaide”.  So, if any reader is communicating with her, please pass my email address to her, aiv@aiv.com.au

So, now I know two famous Masterchef participants – Chef Poh (Australia) who has become a good friend but she never has any free time, and now Chef Ezani (Malaysia) even though she was only my hostel resident.  Anyway, best wishes to both of you in your future endeavours.      Hassan

Malaysia Club of South Australia (MCSA) will be celebrating its second anniversary at a function, details as follows:

Date: Saturday 12 May 2012

Venue: Kensington Gardens Bowling Club, Cnr Parade and East Terrace, Kensington Gardens.

Time: 6pm to 10 pm

Dress code: Neat Casual

Check out their web site at www.myclubsa.com.au  for an announcement soon.  Contact details on that web site.