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FACTBOX-Gold milestones on the road to record high 25 Jul 2011 10:22

2011-07-25T11:16:00.001+08:00

SINGAPORE, July 25 (Reuters) - Gold prices hit record highs above $1,620 an ounce on Monday, as stalled U.S. budget talks fueled fear of a default and drove investors to seek haven in bullion.

For a story on gold XAU= rising to record highs, see

GOL/ .

Here are key dates in gold's trading history since the early 1970s:

* August 1971 - U.S. President Richard Nixon takes the dollar off the gold standard, which had been in place with minor modifications since the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944 fixed the conversion rate for one troy ounce of gold at $35.

* August 1972 - The United States devalues the dollar to $38 per ounce of gold.

* March 1973 - Most major countries adopt the floating exchange rate system.

* May 1973 - U.S. devalues dollar to $42.22 per ounce.

* January 1980 - Gold hits record high at $850 per ounce. High inflation because of strong oil prices, Soviet intervention in Afghanistan and the impact of the Iranian revolution prompt investors to move into the metal.

* August 1999 - Gold falls to a low at $251.70 on worries about central banks reducing reserves of gold bullion and mining companies selling gold in forward markets to protect against falling prices.

* October 1999 - Gold reaches a two-year high at $338 after agreement to limit gold sales by 15 European central banks. Market sentiment towards gold begins to turn more positive.

* February 2003 - Gold reaches a 4-1/2 year high on safe-haven buying in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq.

* December 2003-January 2004 - Gold breaks above $400, reaching levels last traded in 1988. Investors increasingly buy gold as risk insurance for portfolios.

* November 2005 - Spot gold breaches $500 for the first time since December 1987, when spot hit $502.97.

* April 11, 2006 - Gold prices surpass $600, the highest point since December 1980, with funds and investors pouring money into commodities on a weak dollar, firm oil prices and geopolitical worries.

* May 12, 2006 - Gold prices peak at $730 an ounce with funds and investors pouring money into commodities on a weak dollar, firm oil prices and political tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

* June 14, 2006 - Gold falls 26 percent to $543 from its 26-year peak after investors and speculators sell out of commodity positions.

* Nov. 7, 2007 - Spot gold hits a 28-year high of $845.40 an ounce.

* Jan. 2, 2008 - Spot gold breaks above $850.

* March 13, 2008 - Benchmark gold contract trades over $1,000 for the first time in U.S. futures market.

* March 17, 2008 - Spot gold hits an all-time high of $1,030.80 an ounce. U.S. gold futures touch record peak of $1,033.90.

* Sept. 17, 2008 - Spot gold rises by nearly $90 an ounce, a record one-day gain, as investors seek safety amid turmoil on the equity markets.

* Jan-March 2009 - Gold-backed exchange-traded funds report record inflows in the first quarter as financial sector insecurity spurs safe-haven buying. Holdings of the largest, the SPDR Gold Trust GLD , rise 45 percent to 1,127.44 tonnes.

* Feb. 20, 2009 - Gold rises back above $1,000 an ounce to a peak of $1,005.40 as investors buy bullion as a safe store of value as major economies face recession and equity markets tumble.

* April 24, 2009 - China announces it has raised its gold reserves by three-quarters since 2003 and now holds 1,054 tonnes of the precious metal, boosting expectations it may add further to its reserves.

* Aug. 7, 2009 - European central banks opt to renew their earlier agreement to limit gold sales over a five-year period, setting the sales cap at 400 tonnes a year.

* Sept. 8, 2009 - Gold breaks back through $1,000 an ounce for the first time since February 2009 on dollar weakness and concerns over the sustainability of the economic recovery.

* Dec. 1, 2009 - Gold climbs above $1,200 an ounce for the first time as the dollar drops.

* Dec. 3, 2009 - Gold hits record high at $1,226.10 an ounce, with dollar weakness and expectations for central banks to diversify reserves into gold driving prices higher.

* May 11, 2010 - Gold reaches fresh record high above $1,230 an ounce as fears over the contagion of debt issues in the euro zone fuel safe-haven buying.

* June 21, 2010 - Gold jumps to a new high at $1,264.90 an ounce as underlying fears over financial market stability and sovereign risk combine with dollar weakness to push the metal through resistance at its previous high.

* Sept 14, 2010 - Gold climbs back to record highs, this time at $1,274.75, as global markets reflect renewed uncertainty on the economic outlook.

* Sept 16-22, 2010 - Gold hits record highs for five successive sessions, peaking at $1,296.10, as investors flock to bullion after the Fed signals it may consider further quantitative easing, weakening the dollar and raising fears over future inflation.

* Sept 27 - Spot gold prices touch the $1,300 an ounce mark for the first time.

* Oct 7 - Gold rallies to a record high above $1,360 an ounce as the dollar comes under pressure from building expectations for the U.S. Federal Reserve to take extra measures to keep interest rates low and prop up the economy.

* Oct 13 - Gold jumped to record highs near $1,375 an ounce as the dollar continued to languish, with the U.S. unit coming under pressure after minutes from the Fed's September meeting signalled the U.S. economy may need further stimulus.

* Nov 8 - Gold prices break through the $1,400 an ounce mark for the first time as haven buying prompted by renewed budget problems in Ireland more than offset a sharp dollar bounce.

* Dec 7 - Gold reaches a fresh record high above $1,425 an ounce, driven by fund buying ahead of year-end, jitters over the euro zone debt crisis and speculation for further U.S. monetary easing.

* January 2011 - Gold prices fall more than 6 percent in their worst monthly performance in over a year as a revival in risk appetite diverts investment to higher-yielding assets.

* March 1 - Gold recovers to hit a record high at $1,434.65 an ounce as unrest in Tunisia and Egypt spreads across the Middle East and North Africa, boosting oil prices.

* March 7 - Gold extends record highs to $1,444.40 an ounce as oil prices hit their highest in 2-1/2 years after protests are quashed in Saudi Arabia and as violence in Libya rages.

* March 24 - The resignation of Portuguese prime minister Jose Socrates pushes the euro zone debt crisis back to centre stage, lifting gold prices to a record above $1,447 an ounce.

* April 7 - Gold prices extended their record highs towards $1,465 an ounce after the European Central Bank cast doubts over expectations for interest rate rises, while unrest in the Middle East encouraged safe-haven buying.

* July 18 - Gold broke above $1,600 for the first time on its eleventh straight day of gains, on persistent worries about a euro zone debt crisis spreading and a growing threat of a U.S. government default.

* July 25 - Gold resumed a record-setting rally and hit an alltime high of $1,622.49 an ounce, as investors piled into bullion on fears of a U.S. debt default.

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Malaysia's dilemma: Can it reform and discriminate?

2011-07-08T12:18:00.001+08:00

(Repeats from Thursday with no changes)

* Vote on Malaysia's prospects sees "brain drain"

* Malaysia sets very ambitious investment targets

* Affirmative action policy prompts talent exodus

* Policy reform needed, but will be political risk

By Bill Tarrant

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, July 7 (Reuters) - Dr. Mahathir Mohamad sits at a vast desk cluttered with work, hands clasped before him and looking at his visitors with a slight smile.

Dr. M, as he is popularly known, was prime minister of Malaysia from 1981 to 2003, the first commoner to ever hold the post in a land with nine sultans. His demeanor suggests the country physician he once was, ready with a frank diagnosis -- and in his first interview with the foreign media in five years, he doles out prescriptions for what ails his nation.

The man who made Malaysia part of the "East Asia Miracle" with a massive inflow of foreign direct investment doesn't think much of it today. The former miracle economy, now a muddle, needs a new policy direction, he says in his office in Putrajaya, the administrative capital he built on old plantation land in the 1990s.

"We should not be too dependent on FDI anymore," says Mahathir. "We've come to the stage when locals can invest. They have now the capital. They have the technology. They know the market. And I think they can manage big industries."

His thinking is at odds with government policy. But it gets to the heart of a debate over the future of Malaysia, a former emerging market star now in danger of becoming an also-ran, stuck in the dreaded "middle income trap."

Foreign investment has been dwindling since the onset of the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis. Capital outflows have even exceeded inflows in four of the past five years. This has been accompanied by an alarming "brain drain" of emigres voting with their feet against Malaysia's prospects.

Malaysia is counting on foreign investment to provide a quarter of the investments needed to fund projects under its "Economic Transformation Programme," which aims to turn the country of 28 million into a fully developed nation by 2020.

That comes to an average of more than $11 billion a year, compared with an average of $3.1 billion since 1997 -- by any measure an ambitious target.

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Read story in multimedia PDF:http://r.reuters.com/cyn52s

Malaysia at a glance: http://link.reuters.com/hyv79r

Malaysia's FDI: http://link.reuters.com/zyp59r

Malaysia's brain drain http://link.reuters.com/kan79

INTERVIEW with Mahathir Mohamad ID:nL3E7HN0DQ

Malaysia builds a new metropolis ID:nL3E7G918J

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^>

The challenge is vastly more complicated by the exodus of talent that hits directly at Malaysia's aspiration to become a high-income nation focused on knowledge-based industries.

"For Malaysia to stand success in its journey to high income, it will need to develop, attract and retain talent," the World Bank said in a March report. "Brain drain does not appear to square with this objective: Malaysia needs talent, but talent seems to be leaving."

The rise of China and India in the region has overshadowed the export-dependent "Tiger Cub" economies of Southeast Asia, all struggling with their own reforms. Thailand has been at a dangerous political impasse for six years. Indonesia is consistently ranked as among the world's most corrupt countries. The Philippines is battling long-running insurgencies.

Yet Malaysia does not compare well with its peers in the eyes of investors. A March report by Bank of America Merrill Lynch ranked Malaysia the second least popular market after Colombia among global emerging market fund managers and tied with India for least favourite among Asia-Pacific managers.

A chief difficulty is the nation's balky affirmative action programme.

Ethnic Chinese account for most of the brain drain. The reason 60 percent of them gave for why they moved out of the motherland was "social injustice", a World Bank survey says.

They are referring to the "Bumiputra" (sons of the soil) policy that discriminates against Chinese and Indians, who account for a third of the population, in favour of majority Malays for all kinds of things -- places in universities, jobs, shares in companies, home mortgages, government contracts.

The government acknowledges the policy has been widely abused, with Malay front men offering their names to Chinese businesses to obtain government contracts, an arrangement known as "Ali Baba", after the character in Arabian Nights who gains entrance to the treasure cave of the 40 thieves with the magic words "Open Sesame".

Prime Minister Najib Razak has launched a new edition of the policy called the New Economic Model that is meant to correct the inequities, mainly by making preferences need-based and not race-based. But as the World Bank report noted, "limited headway has been made on this front."

It is certainly not popular with the rank and file Malays in Najib's UMNO party.

Making significant reforms to the system is crucial to Malaysia's aspirations, but any rollback of privileges for the majority is a big political risk for any government that tries it.

It is the Malaysian dilemma.

THE IMPOSSIBLE GAME

Idris Jala, the minister in charge of greatly boosting investment and wooing back emigres under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), calls it the impossible game.

He is an unlikely character in the Malaysian Cabinet, a Christian from the Kelabit tribe in Sarawak on Malaysian Borneo who spent most of his career running companies, including the Malaysian unit of Royal Dutch Shell RSDs.L and Malaysia Airlines MASM.KL .

"I am a true believer that real transformation goes hand in hand with the game of the impossible," Idris says in an e-mail interview. He sets impossible targets, is "very directive" and pushes his team constantly "to do the right things, but differently" until they are finally "one step ahead of you".

"When you do transformation, you cannot achieve big results by democracy," he notes.

The ETP aims to attract 1.4 trillion ringgit ($466 billion) by 2020 in a dozen broad industries. Only 8 percent of that will come from the government, which has long dominated the economy, either directly or through government-linked firms. Idris disclosed to Reuters that foreign investment will account for 27 percent of the total.

He wants to climb the value ladder in the targeted industries.

Take birds' nests, for example. Nests made with the saliva of swifts have been collected for centuries from huge limestone caves in Idris' home state of Sarawak to make the most expensive soup on earth. Processing them would give Malaysia a bigger chunk of a global market worth $3.3 billion, he said.

Foreign investment will also provide many of the 3.3 million jobs that will be created under the ETP, whose over-arching goal is to raise per capita income to $15,000 from $6,700 in 2009.

A challenge will be to upgrade skills in a labour force long geared to basic manufacturing and plantations, attract foreign talent, and try to reverse some of the "brain drain." About 700,000 Malaysians work abroad.

A new agency called "Talent Corporation" has been given this task, offering tax breaks for Malaysians to return home and easing visa restrictions for foreigners.

But the shift from low-cost manufacturing and plantations to more knowledge intensive work needs to take place in an environment where creativity and freedom of inquiry can flourish to draw talent and investment. The Malaysian model of ethnic preferences has not been conducive to that.

MEGA-PROJECTS

Mahathir remains a towering figure. In public forums and in his blog, he is a scourge to the government of the day, influential, for instance, in forcing the early retirement of his anointed successor, Abdullah Badawi. But while he's a critic of his successors, he is a strong defender of the Malaysian system he built.

Mahathir came to office as the foremost champion of Malay privileges. Under his administration, the "Bumiputra rules" led to a mingling of politics and business that largely benefited a coterie of Malay and Chinese businessmen.

Huge government building projects kept the contracts flowing and the political machine running. Mahathir says as much in the interview, citing the slowdown in big projects as the reason for the steady attrition of Chinese support for his successors in office.

"What is happening is the Chinese feel that in the economic area, the business area, they are not receiving the kind of benefits they got during previous times," he said. "The moment I stepped down, all the projects were stopped ... When you stop big government projects, a lot of people -- well, their businesses will go down."

In March, Mahathir published an 809-page autobiography, "A Doctor in the House." His main motivation in writing it was "to make corrections of the opinions and the accusations that were leveled at me" -- especially that he systematically undermined the judiciary.

It is the biggest stain on his record. He authorised the arrest of his deputy and heir apparent, Anwar Ibrahim, on sodomy and corruption charges after the two men fell out over how to handle the Asian financial crisis. The trial was denounced in and out of Malaysia as a farce that called into question the rule of law.

The financial crisis and Anwar's conviction marked a watershed. Foreign investors became wary about Malaysia, and a country once a haven for foreign investment was shunned.

"Ten-twenty years ago, Malaysia was it," said a regional president of a European-based distribution company. "But then came 1997 and the rule of law was exposed for what it was. We once looked at Malaysia for a regional headquarters but rule of law and the bumi policy made us choose Singapore instead."

Mahathir retired in 2003, but Malaysia has yet to inspire confidence again. Economic growth has fallen along with investment, averaging 4.6 percent in the decade that ended in 2010 from an average 7.2 percent in the 1990s.

FIELD OF CYBER DREAMS

Putrajaya is a monument to Muslim Malay culture. Graceful minarets and gleaming blue domes dominate the skyline and a bridge across an artificial lake was inspired by the famous one in Isfahan, Iran. More than 90 percent of the residents are Bumiputras.

Across Putrajaya lake from Mahathir's office is a curious community of knowledge workers called Cyberjaya. The town is a place where the contentious "bum rules" do not apply.

Cyberjaya (cyber success) is home to about 500 IT companies and two universities. It has a daytime population of 41,000 but only 14,000 fulltime residents sleep there overnight. This town is filled with futuristic-looking buildings but has few residential neighbourhoods and little in the way of amenities, not yet anyway.

Cyberjaya was one of Mahathir's last big projects. It was to be Malaysia's answer to California's Silicon Valley, the key difference being this one would be a ready-made town, built on old plantation land, in hopes technology innovators would come.

Cyberjaya offers foreign investors a waiver of the "Bumiputra" rules that require equity stakes and employment for ethnic Malays. It also guaranteed the Internet would not be censored, in a country that kept the media on a tight leash.

Cyberjaya was part of a grand plan to avoid the emerging market middle income trap Malaysia was falling into because it could no longer compete for manufacturing jobs, especially with China.

Then the financial crisis hit and Mahathir's response spooked potential investors. Blaming Jewish conspirators for the crisis, he imposed capital controls to stop short-selling of the ringgit. Anwar was arrested the day after that.

Some $30 billion in portfolio investment fled Malaysia in 1997; most of it has yet to return. Key foreign investors scrapped plans for Cyberjaya and for years Malaysia struggled to woo them back. The effort now appears to be bearing fruit.

Last October, Hewlett Packard HPQ.N launched a multi-purpose client servicing center in Cyberjaya, the single biggest investment by a technology multinational in Malaysia. HP said it would provide 4,000 jobs. It joins Dell, DHL, IBM, Fujitsu, Nokia and DoCoMo among others in the 29-square-kilometre town.

Since 2009, Cyberjaya has attracted 7.12 billion ringgit ($2.37 billion) in investment, compared with a total of 4.62 billion ringgit in the previous 11 years.

Success has given Hafidz Hashim, managing director of Cyberview Sdn Bhd, the town's developer, a new problem.

"Entertainment," Hafiz said when asked what his "citizens" want the most. He is known as "the mayor of Cyberjaya because his company acts as both builder and city manager.

More than half the projected investment over the next three years will be for residential property, Hafidz said in an interview. Cyberview has already built a community center and clubhouse and plans to build a huge entertainment complex, along with more shops and restaurants.

It is far from Malaysia's answer to Silicon Valley, though. Cyberjaya is home to server farms, data storage facilities and client service centers, the low end of the Internet economy. There is little in the way of R&D underway.

Arvin Singh, 22, has just quit his job at the HP plant because he was "constantly doing the same thing over and over again" and not growing on the job. Most of his co-workers were content to remain in this "comfort zone," he said.

"But one must constantly work to expand one's knowledge," Singh says, adding he plans to study overseas to get further qualified.

Hafidz said one of his biggest challenges is meeting the skills companies in Cyberjaya need, and which Malaysia's education system is not providing. He has set up a "Knowledge Workers Development Institute" where companies can send workers for training, and on-the-job training programmes.

Cyberjaya's success after a sputtering start has inspired similar projects in the country.

The most ambitious is one emerging just north of Singapore called Iskandar Malaysia. It will eventually be a metropolis three times the size of Singapore with theme parks, international schools and colleges, hotels and hospitals, a movie studio, a financial centre and luxury homes. It has attracted $23 billion in promised investments, nearly half from overseas.

Iskandar is one of five "economic growth corridors" Malaysia is developing with incentives to foreign investors. They are, in effect, investment zones ring-fenced from the mainstream economy where business and politics have long entwined.

FEAR FOR FUTURE

Months after Mahathir took power in 1981, a Malaysian Chinese banker packed up his family in the southern city of Johor Bahru and moved to Singapore. He had grown uneasy about the future as Mahathir took an increasingly interventionist approach to the economy and ramped up the affirmative action policy.

Those uncertainties have only increased for a Chinese community that abandoned the ruling National Front coalition in the 2008 general election and are now deserting the country in ever mounting numbers. The World Bank said the Malaysian diaspora has quadrupled over the past three decades.

"People are unhappy about the way the (policy) has been exploited, the way it has degenerated into some kind of apartheid policy," said the banker, who requested only his surname, Lee, be used.

"They say come back, we'll give you tax breaks. But when you move back, you're not talking just about your career, but your children's future. And it's this perception of uncertainty that holds them back. They feel the society they have moved to is more assuring that the one they came from."

Lee's son, a medical doctor, said the overseas Malaysian Chinese community has now become anxious about the growing force of political Islam. Last year, 10 churches and two mosques were desecrated after a Malaysian high court ruled Christians could use the word Allah for God in their literature.

"A lot of people are now worried about a hyper-religious government taking power, and then all that they worked so hard for goes up in smoke."

Kalimullah Hassan, former Group Editor of Malaysia's pro-government New Straits Times publications, understands their anxiety.

A Bumiputra himself, Kalimullah worries about the emergence of right-wing politicians trying to win back Malays, nearly half of whom voted for a multi-ethnic opposition coalition headed by Anwar Ibrahim in 2008.

"To unite the Malays, they raise the bogeyman - other races, specifically the Chinese and foreigners who are supposedly out to displace the Malays in their own homeland - and in doing so, they've upped the ante in race relations," Kalimullah says.

The politics of patronage is no longer working because there isn't enough largesse to spread around in a country whose population has nearly tripled since 1970 and with capital inflows and growth slowing, Kalimullah says. What Malaysia needs now more than ever is the meritocracy Prime Minister Najib has proposed in his New Economic Model. Otherwise its human capital will be stunted, he says.

"In the mid-to-long term, Malaysia is going to be left further behind by a world which has already realised that human capital is its greatest asset."

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DEALTALK-AIA investors eye handsome profit as lock-up expiry looms 28 Apr 2011 12:15

2011-04-28T15:17:00.003+08:00

AIA is world's No.2 performing insurance stock in past 6 month

* Asian insurance investments have delivered strong returns

* Post sell-down, AIG will still own about 30 pct of AIA

(For more Reuters DEALTALKs, click [DEALTALK/])

By Denny Thomas and Vikram Subhedar

HONG KONG, April 28 (Reuters) - The investors who came to AIA Group's <1299.HK> IPO party early are faced with a tough choice: sell out soon for a nice profit or hang on and hope for a steeper climb.

Next week, the six-month lock-up period for AIA's so-called cornerstone investors expires. That list includes Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), Hong Kong business group Chow Tai Fook, Guoco Management Co and Malaysian pension fund manager Kumpulan Wang Persaraan.

Cornerstone investors commit to investing in an initial public offering before its price determined but they get firm allotment and in exchange they agree to a lockup - usually six to 12 months. The dominance of mutual funds in the U.S. and European IPO markets precludes the need for cornerstones there, so this kind of early investor is unique to Asia.

While the long-term story for AIA appears strong, as Asia's No. 3 insurer, the case for investors to take money off the table come April 30 seems to be compelling.

The stock has already surged by a third in the past six months, making it the world's second-best performing insurance behind Hong Kong-listed shares of Canada's Manulife Financial Corp <MFC.TO> <0945.HK> over that period, according to Thomson Reuters data.

"We deem people got a bit ahead of themselves in the short-term," Arjan van Veen, an insurance analyst with Credit Suisse said. Credit Suisse has a HK$25 per share 12 month valuation on the stock, which last traded up 3.1 percent at HK$26.35. Van Veen does make the case that the stock is a good longer term story.

AIA's heavy reliance on mature markets, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Korea, makes its high valuations more difficult to justify compared to the Chinese insurers, which are operating in a market that is forecast to grow at about 20-25 percent annum for the next decade, van Veen added.

AIA now trades at about 17.4 times forward earnings, compared with a 17.8 times valuation at China Life Insurance Co Ltd <2628.HK>, the world's largest insurer by market capitalisation.

Investors have rushed in to load up on AIA shares each time there was evidence that AIA's business in Asia was growing, supporting the case for above-average valuations relative to its global peers. For instance, Manulife trades at 11.8 times while British insurer Prudential plc <PRU.L> trades at 13 times.

AIA is making strides as an independent listed company, emerging out of the shadows of parent American International Group Inc (AIG) <AIG.N>. Investors are betting that AIA could improve market share and lift margins under the new CEO Mark Tucker.

Life insurance bets in Asia have delivered handsome returns to patient investors, as buyout funds, including Carlyle Group [CYL.UL] and TPG [TPG.UL], have experienced.

For AIA, cornerstone investors and parent AIG together, have the right to sell around $4 billion worth of shares, or about 10 percent of its outstanding equity. Investment bankers are busy lining up potential sellers, though some analysts believe any selldown will occur in the second half.

Seven cornerstone investors committed about $1.9 billion into AIA's initial public offering (IPO) in October 2010.

If AIG decides to sell its permitted near 3 percent stake, it will continue to be AIA's single biggest shareholder, with about 30 percent stake. Half of AIG's remaining stake will come out of lock-up in October 2011 and the rest in April 2012.

"It's going to be a short-term overhang, but I don't expect there to be any drastic affect on the shares"," Kenenth Yue, an analyst at CCB International. "If these cornerstone investors believe that AIA will achieve what they promised before its IPO, then they should only consider selling after the company releases its first half results," he added.

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DEALTALK-AIA investors eye handsome profit as lock-up expiry looms 28 Apr 2011 12:15

2011-04-28T15:17:00.001+08:00

AIA is world's No.2 performing insurance stock in past 6 month

* Asian insurance investments have delivered strong returns

* Post sell-down, AIG will still own about 30 pct of AIA

(For more Reuters DEALTALKs, click [DEALTALK/])

By Denny Thomas and Vikram Subhedar

HONG KONG, April 28 (Reuters) - The investors who came to AIA Group's <1299.HK> IPO party early are faced with a tough choice: sell out soon for a nice profit or hang on and hope for a steeper climb.

While the long-term story for AIA appears strong, as Asia's No. 3 insurer, the case for investors to take money off the table come April 30 seems to be compelling.

AIA now trades at about 17.4 times forward earnings, compared with a 17.8 times valuation at China Life Insurance Co Ltd <2628.HK>, the world's largest insurer by market capitalisation.

Life insurance bets in Asia have delivered handsome returns to patient investors, as buyout funds, including Carlyle Group [CYL.UL] and TPG [TPG.UL], have experienced.

Seven cornerstone investors committed about $1.9 billion into AIA's initial public offering (IPO) in October 2010.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

DEALTALK-AIA investors eye handsome profit as lock-up expiry looms 28 Apr 2011 12:15

2011-04-28T15:09:00.003+08:00

AIA is world's No.2 performing insurance stock in past 6 month

* Asian insurance investments have delivered strong returns

* Post sell-down, AIG will still own about 30 pct of AIA

(For more Reuters DEALTALKs, click [DEALTALK/])

By Denny Thomas and Vikram Subhedar

HONG KONG, April 28 (Reuters) - The investors who came to AIA Group's <1299.HK> IPO party early are faced with a tough choice: sell out soon for a nice profit or hang on and hope for a steeper climb.

While the long-term story for AIA appears strong, as Asia's No. 3 insurer, the case for investors to take money off the table come April 30 seems to be compelling.

AIA now trades at about 17.4 times forward earnings, compared with a 17.8 times valuation at China Life Insurance Co Ltd <2628.HK>, the world's largest insurer by market capitalisation.

Life insurance bets in Asia have delivered handsome returns to patient investors, as buyout funds, including Carlyle Group [CYL.UL] and TPG [TPG.UL], have experienced.

Seven cornerstone investors committed about $1.9 billion into AIA's initial public offering (IPO) in October 2010.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

DEALTALK-AIA investors eye handsome profit as lock-up expiry looms 28 Apr 2011 12:15

2011-04-28T15:09:00.001+08:00

AIA is world's No.2 performing insurance stock in past 6 month

* Asian insurance investments have delivered strong returns

* Post sell-down, AIG will still own about 30 pct of AIA

(For more Reuters DEALTALKs, click [DEALTALK/])

By Denny Thomas and Vikram Subhedar

HONG KONG, April 28 (Reuters) - The investors who came to AIA Group's <1299.HK> IPO party early are faced with a tough choice: sell out soon for a nice profit or hang on and hope for a steeper climb.

While the long-term story for AIA appears strong, as Asia's No. 3 insurer, the case for investors to take money off the table come April 30 seems to be compelling.

AIA now trades at about 17.4 times forward earnings, compared with a 17.8 times valuation at China Life Insurance Co Ltd <2628.HK>, the world's largest insurer by market capitalisation.

Life insurance bets in Asia have delivered handsome returns to patient investors, as buyout funds, including Carlyle Group [CYL.UL] and TPG [TPG.UL], have experienced.

Seven cornerstone investors committed about $1.9 billion into AIA's initial public offering (IPO) in October 2010.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

FACTBOX-How geothermal energy works 24 Mar 2011 13:28

2011-04-22T09:41:00.001+08:00

March 24 (Reuters) - The crisis at Japan's quake-battered Fukushima nuclear power complex raises questions about the costs and risks associated with nuclear power, and has rekindled interest in safer and cleaner renewable energy sources such as geothermal. [ID:nL3E7EL1DP]

Countries from the United States and the Philippines to Iceland and Indonesia use geothermal energy to generate electricity, helping reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

Geothermal can be a viable alternative to nuclear power, industry experts say.

Following are some key facts about geothermal energy:

* The amount of heat within 10,000 meters (about 33,000 feet) below the earth's surface contains 50,000 times more energy than all the oil and natural gas resources in the world.

* Naturally occurring geothermal resources are found in regions with active or geologically young volcanoes. One study puts the world's geothermal potential at 2,841 gigawatts (GW), more than half the world's current power demand.

* However, many geothermal-rich sites are in national parks and forests where development is prohibited, limiting the use of the resource to bathing in hot springs and heating homes and buildings.

* The most common way to capture the energy from geothermal sources is to tap into naturally occurring hydrothermal convection systems -- where cooler water seeps into the earth's crust, is heated up and then rises to the surface.

* When this heated water is forced to the surface, it is relatively simple to capture that steam and use it to drive electric generators. Geothermal power plants drill holes into the rock to more effectively capture the steam.

* The leading companies in this sector are in North America, led by Ormat Technologies <ORA.N> and Magma Energy Corp <MXY.TO>. Both have invested in projects in Asia and will benefit from growth in the region. Ormat is involved in all aspects of the geothermal business.

* In Asia, companies with investments in geothermal include Philippines' Energy Development Corp <EDC.PS>, Panax Geothermal <PAX.AX>, Origin Energy <ORG.AX>, Tata Power <TTPW.BO> and Idemitsu Kosan <5019.T>.

* Japan's Mitsubishi Corp <8058.T>, Toshiba <6502.T> and Fuji Electric <6504.T> supply 70 percent of the steam turbines and equipment used at geothermal stations worldwide.

* Geothermal heat occurs everywhere under the earth's surface, but the conditions that make water circulate to the surface are found only in less than 10 percent of the earth's land area.

* To tap the earth's full potential, companies such as Google <GOOG.O> are investing in a technology that will capture heat in dry areas, known as enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) or "hot dry rock."

* The hot rock reservoirs, typically much deeper below the earth's surface, are first broken up by pumping in high-pressure water. More water is then pumped through the broken hot rocks, where it heats up, returns to the surface as steam and powers turbines to generate electricity.

* Australia's Geodynamics <GDY.AX> is a leader in this market in Asia.

Source: Companies, Union of Concerned Scientists

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Analysis: Western solar firms feel heat of rising China threat

2011-04-22T09:40:00.001+08:00

(Reuters) - Chinese companies are attacking the last stronghold of Western dominance in solar power, undercutting bigger rivals and winning orders in the booming $12 billion photovoltaic power equipment industry.

Rapid solar-power expansion in energy-hungry Asia and the ability to provide equipment at much lower rates to an industry looking to cut costs and stay competitive are helping Chinese companies find a firm foothold after elbowing out Western rivals in photovoltaic modules and cells.

Expectations of strong demand for alternative energy are boosting orders for furnaces and slicing equipment used to make the solar cells of panels that convert sunlight into electricity.

HSBC expects a 20 percent growth in global solar-power demand this year to 20 gigawatts, thanks to solid demand from Europe and rising orders from markets such as Canada and India.

Renewed interest in clean energy since the nuclear crisis in Japan would also boost demand.

Germany's Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG and U.S. firms Applied Materials and GT Solar Inc were the biggest equipment suppliers in 2010, according to California-based research firm VLSI, but Chinese firms are catching up fast.

State-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corp (CETC), through its unit 48th Research Institute (CETC-48), was the industry's No.9 in VLSI's ranking, marking the first Chinese company to make it to the league of big equipment makers.

Analysts expect more Chinese names to populate the top tier in the next three years as an increasing number of equipment makers are boosting production capacity and winning orders.

Earlier this month, Zhejiang Jinggong Science & Technology said it won a 649 million yuan ($99 million) contract to supply solar equipment to the country's largest polysilicon company GCL-Poly Energy Holdings.

The company has an order backlog of up to 1.8 billion yuan as of March, according to KGI Research.

HOME ADVANTAGE

Chinese equipment makers' biggest advantage yet could be their captive home market, providing an entry point into the industry that is expected to grow 19 percent to $12.4 billion globally in 2011.

China is the world's biggest buyer of PV equipment, representing 51 percent of the market in 2010, up from 35 percent in 2006.

China will remain the biggest buyer of PV equipment this year and next with the country's plan to build 2,000 new solar cell manufacturing lines over the period, according to Nomura Securities.

"The year 2011 should see China's PV equipment sector grow in leaps and bounds," said Stephen Wang, an analyst at KGI Research, who predicts most PV equipment in China will be locally sourced in the next few years.

Home to the world's largest solar cell producers such as Suntech Power Holdings and Yingli Green Energy Holding, China had been the biggest buyer of PV equipment from mostly European suppliers such as Centrotherm, Meyer Burger Technology and Manz Automation.

But as local manufacturers like CETC, Jiangsu Huasheng Tianlong Photoelectric and Beijing Sevenstar Electronics Co improved product technology and boosted capacity, an increasing number of Chinese cell and panel makers are turning to locally produced machines.

"No point buying a Ferrari if a Kia can be just as good to bring you to your destination," said Jason Chow, chief financial officer at Chinese wafer maker Solargiga Energy Holdings, which taps local suppliers for more than 50 percent of the machines used for its production.

"The point is it gets the job done," Chow said.

PRICING POWER

Local firms are using their pricing prowess to win orders, with some undercutting rivals' prices by as much as 30 percent.

Price tags on these machines are a powerful lure for Chinese cell and panel makers trying to bring down costs.

In 2010, Chinese makers of equipment such as ingot-casting furnaces, screen printers and cutting blades held about 17 percent of the global PV equipment market, up from 10 percent in 2006, said VLSI.

That compares with European manufacturers, whose market share declined to 42 percent last year from 57 percent five years ago.

More than half the number of machines in China last year were from local suppliers, a market which less than a decade ago was dominated by global brands.

For the production of solar cells alone, CETC holds the single biggest share of 17.6 percent of the Chinese equipment market, according to solar-focused research firm ENF Ltd.

KGI's Wang favors local makers of ingot casting furnaces such as Zhejiang Jinggong and Jiangsu Tianlong, which he expects could snatch business from top furnace makers like GT Solar.

Wang forecasts Jinggong's earnings per share to jump nearly five-fold this year and Henan Hengxing's EPS to triple.

Analysts also favor Chinese makers of cutting wires like Henan Hengxing Science & Technology, whose wafer-cutting steel wires are winning over local solar wafer firms.

Chinese makers are also eyeing Taiwan, South Korea, India and Japan where the market for solar equipment is growing fast.

The China threat is felt among global equipment makers such as Applied Materials' Baccini and Centrotherm, many of them keen on reducing costs.

"With joint activities in research and development ...we play a crucial role in further reducing the costs along the value chain in photovoltaics," said Meyer Burger Chief Executive Peter Pauli, announcing its acquisition of Germany's solar cell equipment maker Roth and Rau on April 11.

"This is just another step to sustainably reduce the costs of solar power."

(Editing by Vinu Pilakkott)

Blogged with the Flock Browser

ANALYSIS-Western solar-equipment firms feel heat of rising China threat 18 Apr 2011 10:05

2011-04-18T11:04:00.001+08:00

Chinese equipment suppliers' share set to rise

* Strong domestic market, low costs, pricing power help

* Chinese firms' share grew, Europe's declined since 2006

* China is world's biggest market for PV equipment

By Leonora Walet and Christoph Steitz

HONG KONG/FRANKFURT, April 18 (Reuters) - Chinese companies are attacking the last stronghold of Western dominance in solar power, undercutting bigger rivals and winning orders in the booming $12 billion photovoltaic power equipment industry.

Expectations of strong demand for alternative energy are boosting orders for furnaces and slicing equipment used to make the solar cells of panels that convert sunlight into electricity.

HSBC expects a 20 percent growth in global solar-power demand this year to 20 gigawatts, thanks to solid demand from Europe and rising orders from markets such as Canada and India.

Renewed interest in clean energy since the nuclear crisis in Japan would also boost demand.

Germany's Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG <CTNG.DE> and U.S. firms Applied Materials <AMAT.O> and GT Solar Inc <SOLR.O> were the biggest equipment suppliers in 2010, according to California-based research firm VLSI, but Chinese firms are catching up fast.

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Graphic on global equipment market share:

http://r.reuters.com/qyt88r

Graphic on equipment market share in China:

http://link.reuters.com/nuf98r

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^>

Analysts expect more Chinese names to populate the top tier in the next three years as an increasing number of equipment makers are boosting production capacity and winning orders.

Earlier this month, Zhejiang Jinggong Science & Technology <002006.SZ> said it won a 649 million yuan ($99 million) contract to supply solar equipment to the country's largest polysilicon company GCL-Poly Energy Holdings <3800.HK>.

The company has an order backlog of up to 1.8 billion yuan as of March, according to KGI Research.

HOME ADVANTAGE

Chinese equipment makers' biggest advantage yet could be their captive home market, providing an entry point into the industry that is expected to grow 19 percent to $12.4 billion globally in 2011.

China is the world's biggest buyer of PV equipment, representing 51 percent of the market in 2010, up from 35 percent in 2006.

China will remain the biggest buyer of PV equipment this year and next with the country's plan to build 2,000 new solar cell manufacturing lines over the period, according to Nomura Securities.

Home to the world's largest solar cell producers such as Suntech Power Holdings <STP.N> and Yingli Green Energy Holding <YGE.N>, China had been the biggest buyer of PV equipment from mostly European suppliers such as Centrotherm, Meyer Burger Technology <MBTN.S> and Manz Automation <M5ZG.DE>.

But as local manufacturers like CETC, Jiangsu Huasheng Tianlong Photoelectric <300029.SZ> and Beijing Sevenstar Electronics Co <002371.SZ> improved product technology and boosted capacity, an increasing number of Chinese cell and panel makers are turning to locally produced machines.

"No point buying a Ferrari if a Kia can be just as good to bring you to your destination," said Jason Chow, chief financial officer at Chinese wafer maker Solargiga Energy Holdings <0757.HK>, which taps local suppliers for more than 50 percent of the machines used for its production.

"The point is it gets the job done," Chow said.

PRICING POWER

Local firms are using their pricing prowess to win orders, with some undercutting rivals' prices by as much as 30 percent.

Price tags on these machines are a powerful lure for Chinese cell and panel makers trying to bring down costs.

In 2010, Chinese makers of equipment such as ingot-casting furnaces, screen printers and cutting blades held about 17 percent of the global PV equipment market, up from 10 percent in 2006, said VLSI.

That compares with European manufacturers, whose market share declined to 42 percent last year from 57 percent five years ago.

More than half the number of machines in China last year were from local suppliers, a market which less than a decade ago was dominated by global brands.

For the production of solar cells alone, CETC holds the single biggest share of 17.6 percent of the Chinese equipment market, according to solar-focused research firm ENF Ltd.

KGI's Wang favours local makers of ingot casting furnaces such as Zhejiang Jinggong and Jiangsu Tianlong, which he expects could snatch business from top furnace makers like GT Solar.

Wang forecasts Jinggong's earnings per share to jump nearly five-fold this year and Henan Hengxing's <002132.SZ> EPS to triple.

Analysts also favour Chinese makers of cutting wires like Henan Hengxing Science & Technology, whose wafer-cutting steel wires are winning over local solar wafer firms.

Chinese makers are also eyeing Taiwan, South Korea, India and Japan where the market for solar equipment is growing fast.

The China threat is felt among global equipment makers such as Applied Materials' Baccini and Centrotherm, many of them keen on reducing costs.

"With joint activities in research and development ... we play a crucial role in further reducing the costs along the value chain in photovoltaics," said Meyer Burger Chief Executive Peter Pauli, announcing its acquisition of Germany's solar cell equipment maker Roth and Rau <R8RG.DE> on April 11. [ID:nLDE73A05Y]

"This is just another step to sustainably reduce the costs of solar power."

Blogged with the Flock Browser

FACTBOX-Potential targets for Buffett's elephant gun 31 Mar 2011 02:32

2011-03-31T10:25:00.001+08:00

   NEW YORK, March 30 (Reuters) - Warren Buffett's not done hunting. 
    Buffett still has $25 billion or more at hand, even after bagging a $9 
billion trophy for the Berkshire Hathaway Inc <BRKa.N><BRKb.N> trophy room in 
Omaha -- Lubrizol Inc <LZ.N>. 
    Reuters Insider analysts took what is known about the kind of companies 
Buffett likes -- plain vanilla and cheap with promising growth rates and the 
ability to move the needle inside a $200 billion-plus market cap Berkshire -- 
and went shopping for him. 
    The result? More than 80 public companies around the world that could find 
themselves sharing company with the likes of Burlington Northern Santa Fe, 
GEICO, Benjamin Moore and NetJets in the Berkshire portfolio. 
    Following are their findings with some of the key attributes they used to 
screen for possible Buffett-take-out candidates. (Note: "EV multiple" refers to 
the ratio of the company's enterprise value to its earnings before interest, 
taxes, depreciation and amortization.) 
 
Company                                   Market Cap   EV Multiple   '12 Sales 
                                            ($Bln)                     Growth 
                                                                        Est. 
Adecco Sa B                                  12.43       11.84          8.6% 
Akzo Nobel Nv                                15.36        6.30          4.7% 
Archer Daniels Midland Co                    22.53       10.25          3.0% 
Asahi Glass Company Ltd                      15.09        5.14          3.5% 
Associated British Foods Plc                 12.61        7.47          5.9% 
Bombardier Inc                               11.31        9.96          9.9% 
Bouygues                                     17.39        5.12          2.7% 
Brambles Limited                             10.33       10.35         10.8% 
Bridgestone Corp                             17.79        5.45          6.7% 
Bunge Limited                                10.42        9.95          5.0% 
Campbell Soup Company                        10.71        8.70          2.4% 
Carlsberg As                                 16.60        9.03          5.4% 
Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras S             20.65        8.42         11.4% 
Cia Siderurgica Nacional Sa                  23.68       10.74         11.5% 
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc                 12.82        8.88          4.0% 
ConAgra Food Inc                             10.34        8.75          2.6% 
CSX Corporation                              29.41        9.08          7.0% 
Denso Corporation                            28.45        5.63          4.8% 
Dover Corporation                            12.07        9.60          7.1% 
Eaton Corp                                   18.39       11.76          7.7% 
Empresa Nacional De Electricidad             15.06        7.79          0.7% 
Enersis                                      13.59        5.76          2.3% 
Eurasian Natural Resources Corp              19.23        8.55          5.9% 
Experian Plc                                 12.42       11.28          8.4% 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd                   10.59        8.31         19.4% 
Fortum Oyj                                   29.43       11.80          5.2% 
Gail India Ltd                               12.78        9.30         18.3% 
General Dynamics Corp                        28.35        6.41          4.6% 
General Mills Inc                            23.35        9.47          3.8% 
Goodrich Corporation                         10.61        9.50          8.6% 
Hindustan Zinc                               12.93        9.67         10.3% 
HJ Heinz Co                                  15.67       10.25          3.3% 
Illinois Tool Wks Inc                        27.06        9.88         10.1% 
Ingersoll Rand Plc                           15.79       10.75          7.1% 
Itt Corp                                     10.67        6.80          3.6% 
J Sainsbury Plc                              10.24        6.86          5.6% 
Jardine Strategic Hldgs Ltd                  29.79       10.32         11.5% 
Jindal Steel & Power Ltd                     13.95       11.51         32.4% 
K & S Aktiengesellschaft                     14.22       10.21          4.1% 
Kazakhmys Plc                                12.23        8.42          1.8% 
Kellogg Co                                   19.71       10.31          3.5% 
Keppel Corporation Ltd                       15.16       11.57         18.2% 
Koc Holding                                  11.08       10.57          6.7% 
Koninklijke Ahold Nv                         15.81        5.64          3.5% 
Legrand Sa                                   10.70       11.20          5.6% 
Lg Chemical Ltd(P)                           26.03        8.47          7.2% 
Linde Ag                                     26.19        8.63          7.0% 
Loblaw Companies Limited                     10.84        7.11          2.8% 
Lockheed Martin Corporation                  28.05        6.14          2.0% 
Magna International 'A'                      11.71        5.27          7.5% 
Man Se                                       17.31       10.46          8.3% 
Metro Ag                                     22.78        5.22          5.6% 
Michelin                                     15.02        4.64          7.6% 
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation              25.24        5.94          3.0% 
Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets                   11.46        6.85          5.8% 
Nidec Corp                                   12.57        7.44          9.9% 
Nmdc Ltd                                     24.59       11.74         11.5% 
Norfolk Southern Corp                        25.77        9.07          7.2% 
Parker Hannifin Corp                         15.11       10.13          6.2% 
Perusahaan Gas Negara                        10.57        9.43         15.4% 
Pge Polska Grupa Energetyczna Sa             14.86        6.14          6.6% 
PPG Inds Inc                                 14.39        8.48          4.0% 
Raytheon Co                                  18.24        5.82          1.5% 
Rolls-Royce Group Plc                        18.21        7.14          6.8% 
Safran Sa                                    14.56        8.62          9.9% 
Secom Co Ltd                                 10.96        5.79          2.6% 
Seven & I Holdings                           22.30        5.42          1.4% 
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co Ltd                    21.36        7.16          5.4% 
Singapore Airlines Ltd                       12.71        3.64          8.0% 
Skf Ab                                       12.95        9.28          7.0% 
Steel Authority Of India (Sail)              15.61        5.24         10.5% 
Sterlite Industries India Ld                 12.55        7.44         15.2% 
Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd                    10.76        7.66          2.1% 
Sumitomo Metal Miningco Ltd                  10.31        9.59          1.2% 
Sysco Corporation                            16.25        8.30          4.0% 
Tata Motors Ltd                              16.14        6.49         15.1% 
Tenaga Nasional                              10.80       10.64          4.4% 
Thyssenkrupp Ag                              20.68        9.21          6.2% 
Tractebel Energia                            10.46        7.98          8.0% 
Transocean Ltd                               24.95        7.77          5.0% 
Tyco International Limited                   21.06        7.69          4.8% 
Wacker Chemie Ag                             11.82        6.82          9.6% 
 
 (Reporting by John Kozey; Writing by Dan Burns; Editing by Richard Chang) 
 ((Daniel.Burns@thomsonreuters.com; +1 646 223 6025; Reuters Messaging: 
daniel.burns.reuters.com@reuters.net))

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S&P: Fufeng Group, proposed notes rated BB, outlook stable 29 Mar 2011 09:48

2011-03-29T10:50:00.001+08:00

March 29, 2011--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said today that it had assigned its 'BB' long-term corporate credit rating to Fufeng Group Ltd., a China-based manufacturer of corn-based biochemical products. The outlook is stable. At the same time, Standard & Poor's assigned its 'BB' issue rating to the proposed issue of senior unsecured notes due 2016. The rating on the notes is subject to our review of the final documentation for the notes issuance. The company intends to use the issue proceeds to primarily fund expansion in northeast China and for general corporate purposes.

"The rating on Fufeng reflects the company's proposed debt-funded expansion, its limited geographic and product diversity, and a potential decline in margins. Fufeng's strong domestic market position in monosodium glutamate (MSG), its good operating efficiency, and established network temper these weaknesses. The company's track record of prudent operating and financial management is an additional strength," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Joe Poon.

In our view, Fufeng has a fair business risk profile. We expect the company's debt-funded expansion to increase leverage and execution risk. Fufeng plans to invest Chinese renminbi (RMB) 2.40 billion to expand production capacity in northeast China. We believe its track record in developing and operating its production base in Inner Mongolia partly offsets the risk. The company's diversified customer base in China and an established sales and distribution network offer additional support.

We expect Fufeng's geographic coverage and product diversity to be limited over the next few years. The company derives most of its sales in China, and MSG accounted for about 60% of total sales in 2010.

We believe Fufeng's margins could fluctuate due to volatile raw material costs. The company has limited pricing power over its key inputs--corn and coal--and is exposed to agricultural risk. In the first half of 2010, corn and coal accounted for 72% of the cost of MSG and 69% of xanthan gum.

"In our opinion, Fufeng's good operating efficiency stems from its vertically integrated business model. The company's margins are above average compared with domestic peers' because its production bases are in lower-cost areas," said Mr. Poon. "We expect capacity expansion in northeast China to strengthen the company's market position in China, drive growth, and sustain its cost advantage over competitors."

Fufeng has a significant financial risk profile, in our view. Its liquidity is adequate and, despite a material increase in debt-funded capital spending, its financial performance is in line with a 'BB' rating. We expect Fufeng's cash generation to remain satisfactory. The growing demand for MSG in China's food, beverage and food service industry support its cash flow.

In our opinion, the company management has been disciplined toward expansion. It has a good track record of controlling leverage while expanding capacity. Despite nearly tripling revenue from 2007-2010, the company maintained moderate leverage. Its adjusted ratio of total debt to EBITDA was between 0.5x and 4.2x and the adjusted total debt-to-total-capital ratio was between 20.0% and 35.1% over the same period.

Fufeng has adequate liquidity, in our view. As of Dec. 31, 2010, it had cash and cash equivalents of about RMB915.2 million, compared with short-term debt of about RMB555 million. The company has RMB2.56 billion in available undrawn onshore banking facilities.

The company has substantial capital expenditure and is likely to generate negative free operating cash flow over the next two years. Nevertheless, with the proposed notes issue, we expect cash on hand and cash flow from operations to be sufficient to service debt and meet capital expenditure and working capital needs. We have not factored any major acquisitions into the ratings.

The stable outlook reflects our expectation that Fufeng is likely to strengthen its position in the MSG segment with new capacity and diversify its product mix. We also expect the company to have sufficient liquidity and cash flow to cope with capacity expansion. We expect Fufeng's ratio of adjusted total debt to EBITDA to increase to more than 2.5x following the proposed notes issuance, but gradually decline.

We could lower the rating if:

-- Fufeng's profitability deteriorates materially such that its EBITDA margin consistently stays below 15% or ratio of adjusted total debt to EBITDA stays above 3.5x;

-- The company increases its capital expenditure substantially beyond its current plan or makes major acquisitions;

-- The company poorly executes capacity expansion or demand for its products is significantly lower than our expectation; or

-- Shifts in supply or demand significantly reduce sales volume or change achievable profit margins.

The inherent lack of diversity in Fufeng's business limits the rating upside in the next few years. Beyond that, we could raise the rating if Fufeng executes its expansion, increases geographic coverage, and improves product mixes, while maintaining a robust financial performance.

Keywords: MARKETS RATINGS FUFENGGROUP

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Rare Earths - The New York Times

2010-10-31T21:09:00.000+08:00

Rare Earths - The New York Times

Malakoff 26km Penang 2010 May 30 - Results

2010-06-04T08:41:00.008+08:00

Finishing times of some friends:

2010......................................2009..........2008
1:44:17 - Ow Yong Jin Kuang......... 1:45:54.... 1:53:50
1:50:11 - Chuah Soon Haw............ 1:56:24
1:54:03 - Richard Tan Seang Siew
1:57:27 - Liew Chien Sioen............. 2:10:39
1:59:07 - Sam Chee Wang.............. 2:18:20
1:59:54 - Tan Ah Chin (Ah Soon)..... 2:07:24

2:03:04 - Kang Tian Seng ............... 2:07:20
2:03:13 - Tan Cheng Jin..................................... 2:06
2:11:50 - Wong Jing Ji
2:14:49 - Leong Siew Kee
2:18:11 - Lin Tai San....................... 2:16:02..... 2:09:23
2:18:33 - Soon Boon Beng
2:19:49 - Chung Hong Chiat
2:20:00 - Tan Eng Hooi
2:22:08 - Tan Yang Nam.................. 2:27:48
2:25:05 - Wong Lai Huat
2:25:59 - Ong Leng Hin
2:30:26 - Peter Chong Jian Li............ 1:57:25
2:33:40 - Ng Chun How
2:35:08 - Andrew Loh Lean Hock.......... 2:29:19
2:35:18 - Loh Soo Hock
2:36:05 - Lee Swee Peng
2:36:08 - Adrian Ho Seng Yee
2:38:22 - Loh Ewe Chin

2:40:05 - Bok Chek We..................... 2:43:25......2:46:43
2:46:04 - Francis Khor Hock Thye
2:47:16 - Boon Kazuolim
2:47:33 - Oh Lee Wah....................... 2:57:32...... 2:51
2:47:36 - John Simpson
2:50:21 - Ngiam Kah Huan................. 2:50:03...... 2:48:32
2:53:24 - Chee Wee Man................... 3:05:08
2:54:56 - Kong Fui Loong
2:59:09 - Nicol Ch'ng Yu Wei
2:59:56 - Alvin Yeoh Keat Leong

3:00:51 - Saw Ewe Jin
3:01:42 - Chiang Chee Seng
3:02:15 - Mok Keng Yee.................... 2:49:34
3:10:07 - Choo Cheng Liang.............. 2:40:36....... 2:30:07
3:12:07 - Vincent Teoh Soon Lee
3:16:47 - Jason Lim Weng Cheong..... 3:32:21
3:29:32 - Kelvin Tharm Wai Weng
3:33:04 - Gilbert Goh Hong Soon........ 2:14:30*

Women:
2:14:01 - Ch'ng Lay Khim.................... 2:27:59....... 2:23:17
2:21:15 - Ng Sun Nee.......................... 2:25:39
2:21:50 - Deborah Chinn...................... 2:35:58....... 2:38:13
2:32:14 - Tan Chin Chin........................ 2:55:07
2:45:11 - Peh Bee Leng
2:46:11 - Gan Hoay Jen
2:46:12 - Teng Hooi Kean...................... 2:56:24
2:48:54 - Shirley Teoh Beng Hong

3:01:20 - Chung Mei Ling
3:10:03 - Doreen Tan Lay Khim
3:10:59 - Gan Hoay Woon..................... 3:22:00

Latest Update - Malakoff 26km Penang 2010 - Sunday 30 May

2010-03-25T22:17:00.003+08:00

What: Malakoff 26km Penang 2010
Organised by : Pacesetters Athletic Club, Malaysia (PACM)
When : Sunday 30 May
Start/Finish : Youth Park
Distance : 26km starts at 5:30am
------------- : 6km starts at 6:30 am

Categories:
26km --------------------------------- Age ------ Qualifying Time
A) -- Men Open ------------------- 16+ ------- 3 hours
B) -- Men Veteran --------------- 40 - 50 --- 3 hours n 10 min
C) -- Men Senior Veteran ----- 51 + ------ 3 hours n 20 min

D) -- Women Open -------------- 16+ ------- 3 hours n 20 min
E) -- Women Veteran ---------- 35 - 45 --- 3 hours n 30 min
F) -- Women Senior Veteran- 46 + ------- 3 hours n 40 min

6km
G) Men Open ---------------------- 16+ -------- 45 min
H) Women Open ----------------- 16+ -------- 55 min
J) Men Junior ---------------------- 13 - 15 ---- 55 min
K) Women Junior ---------------- 13 - 15 ---- 55 min

Entry Fees:
26km -- RM50 for public
----------- RM40 for PACM members with membership valid later than Dec 2010

Men's and Women's 6km -- RM 25 for public and PACM members
Junior's 6km --------------------- RM 20 for public and PACM members

Closing Date : 21 May or 1000 entries whichever comes first

click here for more info

Annual Round The House Relay 2010 - Sunday 18 April Penang

2010-03-16T08:40:00.003+08:00

What: Round The House Relay 2010 --- Organised by PAAA
When: Sunday 18 April at 8:00am
Where : Start/Finish at Jalan Sepoy Lines, (Polo Ground), Penang

Distance : 8 x 2.6km for Men with 2 reserves
................ : 6 x 2.6km for Women with 2 reserves

Categories:
A - Men Junior : 13-17 yrs
B - Men Senior : 18 yrs & above
C - Men Junior Veteran : 35 -44 yrs
D - Men Senior Veteran : 45 yrs & above

E - Women Junior : 13-17 yrs
F - Women Senior : 18 yrs & above
G - Women Junior Veteran : 35 -44 yrs
H - Women Senior Veteran : 45 yrs & above

Entry Fees : RM 40 per team for affiliates
................... : RM 50 per team for non-affiliates

Closing date : 2 April

SCKLM 2010 - Sunday Jun 27 - On Line Registration Open Now

2010-03-15T14:30:00.006+08:00

click here to register

click here for the official website

Rankings of some Marathon Course Records of the world as at Feb 2010

2010-03-07T12:42:00.000+08:00

Rankings of some Marathon Course Records of the world as at Feb 2010

List of Top 10 Women's Marathon Results of All Time as at Feb 2010

2010-03-07T01:32:00.000+08:00

List of Top 10 Women's Marathon Results of All Time as at Feb 2010

List of Top 10 Men's Marathon Results of All Time as at Feb 2010

2010-03-07T01:28:00.000+08:00

List of Top 10 Men's Marathon Results of All Time as at Feb 2010

2010 Event Calender

2010-03-05T00:29:00.001+08:00

02 January - Xiamen International Marathon 2010 -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
24 January - Khon Kaen International Marathon Thailand
28 February - Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2010
28 February - 2010 Tokyo Marathon -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
28 February - Koh Samui International Marathon, Thailand
21 March - Los Angeles Marathon
21 March - Seoul International Marathon -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
11 April - Marathon International de Paris -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
11 April - Fortis Marathon Rotterdam -- (IAAF Silver Label Road Race)
19 April - BAA Boston Marathon -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
25 April - Virgin London Marathon -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
25 Apr -Dalian International Marathon
Mar/Apr - Zhengzhou-Kaifeng International Marathon , Henan, China
29 May - Adidas Sundown Marathon Singapore
30 May - Hatyai Marathon, Thailand
13 June -Laguna Phuket International Marathon, Thailand
04 July - Gold Coast Marathon, Brisbane, Australia
18 July - Pattaya Marathon, Thailand
26 September - real,-Berlin Marathon -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
10 October - Bank of America Chicago Marathon -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
10 October - Melbourne Marathon
17 October - Amsterdam Marathon -- (IAAF Silver Label Road Race)
24 October - Beijing International Marathon -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
31 October - Athens Classic Marathon -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
07November - ING New York City Marathon -- (IAAF Gold Label Road Race)
28 November - Shanghai Marathon
?? November - Hangzhou International Marathon
21 November - Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon
05 December - Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon -- (IAAF Silver Label Road Race)
05 December - Fukuoka International Open Marathon -- (IAAF Silver Road Race)

Local Events :
06 February - Putrajaya Night Marathon
28 Feb - Penang Cross Country , Teluk Kumbar
27 March - Energizer Night Marathon, Putrajaya
18 Apr - Round the House Relay, Penang
25 Apr - Bidor Half Marathon
25 Apr - Larian 10km Subang Jaya
02 May - Borneo International Marathon, Kota Kinabalu
16 May - New Balance Pacesetters 15km, Tasik Perdana
30 May - Malakoff 26km Penang 2010
27 Jun - Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon
04 Jul - KWYP Penang Hill Climb
01 Aug - Tanjung 10km Run, Penang
08 Aug - Merdeka Run, Esplanade, Penang
17 Oct - KWYP City Run, Komtar, Penang
21 November - Penang Bridge International Marathon -- (IAAF Label Road Race)
19 Dec - Round The Island Relay, Penang
19 Dec - Malakoff 12km KL

PBIM 2010 - Registration fees

2010-03-01T23:37:00.007+08:00

click to enlarge

The registration fees are shown as above : (in RM)

source: PBIM Facebook

click for registration: http://pbimsystem.penangmarathon.gov.my/registration/
(surprisingly it is not open yet as at today 1 of Mar as announced by PBIM ?)

Finally the on-line registration kicked off at 11:00 this morning 2 March

280210 - Penang Cross Country - Teluk Kumbar

2010-02-28T21:15:00.012+08:00

Pix courtesy of Chung Mei Ling

This 6.2 km route was covered by all participants except those from the Men Open who ran about 8km. This event which took off at 7:30am this morning saw an overwhelming response of about 1200 participants mostly from school children.It was an interesting route including a 1.0km stretch along the beach after 1.2km. The sand was soft n loose which greatly hampered the pace of the runners who had to practically walk besides avoiding the many ropes tied to the many anchoring fishing boats.
The other interesting half of the route consisted of 1-vehicle width (1-way street I suppose) of tar road meandering through a Malay kampung with isolated houses n small fruit/vegetable gardens, runners even passed by a cow-shed with about half a dozen of cows mooing at them!
There was a half km of untarred path.
Well that was an extraordinary experience!! especially for fun explorers......

Our group had 42 entries n had quite an outstanding harvest of top finishers' medals n prizes besides having an outstanding display of happy hours and noise after the finish in the compound, we enjoyed the occasion thanks to William Loh, Andrew Loh, Mei Ling and ALL the participants especially the photographers who help to make this event so memorable, last but not least thanks to PAAA for successfully organising this annual event.

Medal Winners :
Men Open: (8km)
16th - Adrian Ho Seng Yee - 38:09
17th - Wong Jin Ji ------------38:23

Men Junior Veteran : (6km)
3rd - Tan Ah Chin (Ah Soon) - 27:11
6th - Wong Lai Huat ----------- 28:49
11th - Tan Cheng Jin ----------- 29:03

Men Senior Veteran : (6km)
10th - Giam Chong Seng ------- 29:51
11th - Lin Tai San --------------- 29:58
13th - Soon Boon Beng -------- 30:02

Women Open : (6km)
4th - Loy Kin -------------------- 38:48
9th - Tan Chai Har ------------- 41:00
11th - Peh Bee Leng ------------ 41:05
13th - Gan Hoay Woon --------- 41:30

Women Veteran : (6km)
1st - Stephanie Chong --------- 31:55
3rd - Tan Lee Hooi -------------- 34:23
12th - Chung Mei Ling ----------- 40:30

Gong Xi Fa Chai

2010-02-13T01:17:00.004+08:00

Wishing All A Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year

Tanjung 10km Run 2010 Penang - 01 Aug

2010-02-08T15:30:00.004+08:00

click to enlarge

What: Tanjung 10km 2010 - Organised by PAAA
When : Sunday 01 August
Time: TBN

Distance: 10.2km

More details to follow

Source: PAAA

PAAA Round The House Relay - 18 Apr 2010

2010-02-08T13:59:00.003+08:00

click to enlarge

What: PAAA Round The House Relay
When: Sunday 18 April 2010
Where: Jalan Sepoy Lines (Polo Ground) Penang
Time: TBN

Distance : 8 x 2.6km

Source: PAAA

Further details to follow

Hatyai Marathon 2010

2010-01-28T12:06:00.003+08:00

What : Hatyai Marathon 2010
When : Sunday 30 May
Where : Jiranakorn Stadium, Hatyai, Thailand

Distances : 42.195km, 13km

Click here for more info

1st USM Open Relay 2010 - 23 Jan

2010-01-24T01:02:00.011+08:00

Woow... what a great day our runners and supports had at the USM Open Relay today covering morning, afternoon n at night. Brought back sweet old memories of those sports days in schools/univ n expericing rare chances of competing in synthetic track in Penang. Events catered for Under 12, 19, universities, Open and Veteran.

Though we finished last, due to age , track running experience etc, we enjoyed every minute of our running on the track and the electrifying cheering atmosphere . I even had the surprised pleasure of running together in the same track with elite runners like Vadivellan, the current national record holder of 1500m n Muniandy in the 4x1600m Open, surely unforgettable experience.
My sincere thanks and appreciations to all the runners and reserves for their dedications, especially to Andrew n Mei Ling and to all the helpers, supporters particularly William Loh n photographers Alvin Low, Nicol, Miss Gan, Adrain and others.

This event was very well organised, thank you USM organising team and PAAA
We look forward to this event next year

Haile failed to break his WR at SC Dubai Marathon 2010 This Morning

2010-01-22T14:30:00.005+08:00

CLICK HERE FOR A RELATED VIDEO

Results:

Men

1. Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopia, 2 hours, 6 minutes, 9 seconds.

2. Chala Dechase Beyene, Kenya, 2.06.33.

3. Eshetu Wendimu Tsige, Ethiopia, 2.06.46.

Women

1. Mamitu Daska Molisa, Ethiopia, 2.24.18.

2. Aberu Kebede Shewave, Ethiopia, 2.24.26.

3. Helena Loshanyang Kirop, Kenya, 2.24.54.

Tomorrow - Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2010 - Haile Gebreselassie Aims to Break His Own WR n Collect USD1m Bonus On Top of USD250K Prize

2010-01-21T01:46:00.003+08:00

Dubai, UAE - Haile Gebrselassie pronounced his preparation “perfect” for Friday’s Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon (22), but reminded everyone at today’s press conference that all the other elements had to be perfect too, even for an attempt on his World record of 2:03:59, set in Berlin 18 months ago.

“I’ve made sure I’m in perfect shape,” said the 36 year old Ethiopian, who will be running in Dubai for the third year in succession. “But everything has to be perfect, the weather, the pacemakers. If everything is perfect, I can run 2:03:30. I don’t promise, if I promise and fail, we’ll all be disappointed. Two years ago, it was a little bit warm at the end (he ran 2:04:53, then second fastest in history), last year, it was raining (he ‘only’ ran 2:05:29, eighth fastest)”.

Excerpt : iaaf

Other contenders are: Sammy Korir (KEN) (PB 2:04:56), Tesfaya Tola (PB 2:06:57), S. Kiplagat (KEN) (PB 2:07:53) n Daniel Yego (KEN) (PB 2:08:16)

Haile will be delivered to the 35km mark by the same pacemakers from last year : F. Joseph (TAZ), John Kales (KEN) n Sammy Kosgei (KEN)

Dubai Holding is offering USD1 million as New World Record Bonus and the Winner's prize is USD250,000 for both Men n Women

The Dubai course is considered by many experts to be the flattest marathon course in the world

This event coincides with the opening of the World's Tallest Building Burj Khalifa

Programme for 1st USM Open Relay 2010 - Saturday 23 Jan

2010-01-18T21:51:00.003+08:00

Click to enlarge

Our teams' schedule:

09:00am....Men Open - Medley - Semi Final
10:45am....Men Open - 4 x 800m - Final
04:40pm....Men Open - 4 x 1600m - Final
08:50pm..Women Open - Medley - Final
09:05pm....Men Open - Medley - Final

PBIM 2010 - Online registration starting 1 March 2010

2010-01-13T22:19:00.001+08:00

Koh Samui International Marathon

2010-01-13T20:44:00.004+08:00

What : Koh Samui International Marathon (Inaugural)
Where : Choeng Mon Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand
When : Sunday 28 February 2010

Events: 42km, 21km and 5km Fun Run

Age Groupings for Men and Women Full and Half Marathons :
Years..Years
..18 to 29
..30 to 39
..40 to 49
..50 to 59
60+

click here for more info

Energizer Night Race 2010

2010-01-12T15:37:00.010+08:00

What: Energizer Night Race 2010
Where: Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa, Cyberjaya
When : Saturday 27 March
Time : From 5:00pm

...Events , Starting Times and maximum
1) 42km --- 5:00pm ---1000 runners
2) 21km --- 8:00pm ---2000 runners
3) 10km --- 9:00pm ---2000 runners
4) 4x10km - 5:00pm --150 teams

Categories, Age range, and Qualifying times

1) 42km
A) - Men Open : 16 years & above - 6hr 30min
B) - Men Jr. Vet. : 40 - 49 years - 6:45
C) - Men Sr. Vet. : 50 years & above - 7:00
D) - Women Open : 16 years & above - 7:00
E) - Women Jr. Vet. : 35 - 44 years - 7:30
F) - Women Sr. Vet. : 45 years & above - 7:45

2) 21km
H) Men Open : 16 years & above - 3 hrs
J) Men Vet. : 40 years & above - 3 hrs
K) Women Open : 16 years & above - 3 hrs
L) Women Vet. : 35 years & above - 3 hrs

3) 10km
M) Men Open : 16 years & above - 1 hr 30 min
N) Men Vet. : 40 years & above - 1 hr 30 min
P) Women Open : 16 years & above - 1 hr 30 min
R) Women Vet. : 35 years & above - 1 hr 30 min

4) 4x10km (mixed combination of Men & Women. 4x10.5km)
G) - Team Relay : 16 & above - 5:30

Age Qualification as at 31 Dec 2010

Registration on line commences as from 18 Jan

Entry Fees
A-F, H-L : Public RM60 : PACM members RM50
M-R .....: Public RM60 ; PACM members RM40
G (per team) : Public RM240 ; PACM RM200

Closing date : 6 March

click here for ENR website

Those members interested in joining this event can contact Andrew Loh

Our Entries in USM Open Relay 2010 Jan 23

2010-01-08T21:50:00.009+08:00

Pix of Time Trial at USM 9 Mar, courtesies of Ong Leng Hin and Christine Lim

1) Women Open - 4 x 800m at 10:10am

2) Men Open - 4 x 800m at 10:30am

3) Men Open - 4 x 1600m at 6:00pm

4) Men Open - Medley 200m > 200m > 400m > 800m at 4:40pm Heats and 8:20pm Final

Total 4 Teams

Penang Cross Country 2010

2010-01-08T10:00:00.007+08:00

click to enlarge

What: Merentas Desa Pulau Pinang 2010
.....(Penang Cross Country 2010)
Where: Teluk Kumbar
When: Sunday 28 Feb 2010
Time: 7:30am

Distance: 8km for the Men Open and 6km for other categories
Organised by: PAAA

Those members interested can contact our Mr William Loh 017-4168883 before 12 Feb who will be kind enough to assist you with the registration

Malakoff 26km Penang 2010 - April 11

2010-01-05T20:55:00.002+08:00

The 3rd Malakoff 26km Penang 2010 will be back on

Sunday 11 April

MALAKOFF 26km, Penang
Find more Runs in Penang, Malaysia

Some 2010 Running Events At A Glance

2010-01-04T23:37:00.013+08:00

January
17 Sunday - Paceseters 30km 2010 Putrajaya
23 Saturday - USM Open Relay 2010 - USM Campus Penang
31 Sunday - Paceseters 9th Track Meet 2010, Selayang, Selangor

February
6 Saturday - Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010
......................8:00pm Putrajaya Palace of Justice
28 Sunday - Penang Cross Country 2010, Teluk Kumbar 7:30am 6km n 8km

28 Sunday - Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon
28 Sunday - Tokyo Marathon
28 Sunday - Koh Samui International Marathon, Thailand

March
27 Saturday - Energizer Night Marathon 2010, Putrajaya

April
18 Sunday - Round the House Relay
25 Sunday - Bidor Half Marahon
25 Sunday - Dalian International Marathon, China

May
02 SUNDAY - Borneo International Marathon, Kota Kinabalu
16 Sunday - New Balance Pacesetters 15km, Tasik Perdana
29 Saturday - Adidas Sundown Marathon, Singapore
..............(registration for the 42km is FULL as at 6 Jan)
30 Sunday - Malakoff 26km Penang
30 Sunday - Hatyai Marathon

June
13 Sunday - Laguna Phuket International Marathon
27 Sunday - SCKLM 2010

July
04 Sunday - KWYP Penang Hill Climb
04 Sunday - Gold Coast Marathon, Brisbane, Australia
18 Sunday - Pattaya Marathon

August
01 Sunday - Tanjung 10km Run, Polo Ground
08 Sunday - Merdeka Run, Esplanade

October
10 Sunday - Melbourne Marathon
17 Sunday - KWYP City Run, Komtar

November
21 Sunday - PBIM 2010
28 Sunday - Shanghai Marathon
?? Sunday - Hangzhou International Marathon
?? Sunday - Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon

December
05 Sunday - Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
19 Sunday - Round The Island Relay
19 Sunday - Malakoff 12km Kuala Lumpur 2010

Tomorrow - Xiamen International Marathon - Top Contenders

2010-01-01T21:21:00.003+08:00

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Men
S.M. Mugo (KEN) - PB 2:08:20, set course record here last year in 2:08:51
Bazu Worku (ETH) Age 19 - PB 2:0615
David K Kiyeng (KEN) - PB 2:06:26
N.G. Terfa (ETH) - PB 2:07:41
Aleksey Sokolov (RUS) - PB 2:09:07
Simon Munyutu (FRA) - PB 2:09:24

Women
Bai Xue (CHN)
21, reigning World Champion, winner of Beijing Marathon Aug 2009, PB 2:23:27 (Xiamen 2008)

Zhou Chunxiu (CHN)
3-time winner here (2003/4/5), London Marathon 2007 winner , reigning Beijing Olympics Bronze medalist, holder of all time fastest of 2:19:51

Bazu Worku (ETH)
Atsede Bayisa (ETH) - PB 2:24:42
Zhu Xiaolin (CHN) - PB 2:23:57
Sun Weiwei (CHN) - PB 2:25:15

The Xiamen International Marathon is the first IAAF Gold Label Road Race for 2010.
The winners will each receive USD 30,000 with a $15,000 bonus on offer for a new course record. There is a $1 million incentive for a World record in the men’s race.

About 50,000 runners, the most since the first edition, from 32 countries are participating in the 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, and marathon are expected to compete in the rainy conditions forecast for this Chinese coastal city of 2.3 million.

Wishing You All A Happy Running New Year

2009-12-31T10:22:00.002+08:00

Video - Round the Island Relay 2009 Dec20 Penang

2009-12-30T13:39:00.004+08:00

Please click here for a video display of the above

Courtesies of Mr Tan Cheng Jin for the shooting and Mr Nicol Chng Yu Wei for editing

Recall of our Running Events in 2009

2009-12-27T21:23:00.007+08:00

As 2009 is closing its final chapter, lets recall a summary of events in which we have ran along with it before we sing Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010:

1) 04 Apr - Earth Day Run 9km - Bayan Baru, Penang

2) 07 Jun - Malakoff 26km Penang 2009

3) 28 Jun - Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon

4) 02 Aug - Adidas King of the Road Shah Alam 2009

5) 23 Aug - Penang Chinese Road Race 2009 - 8km (Chung Ling)

6) 15 Nov - Tanjung 10km Run Penang

7) 22 Nov - Penang Bridge International Marathon 2009

8) 06 Dec - Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009

9) 20 Dec - Round the Island Relay 2009 Penang

Wishing all members a Happy and Prosperous 2010
May 2010 continue to bring you happiness and safety in your running
HAPPY RUNNIIINNNNNNNNNN.........

2009 - End of Year Reviews - Marathon

2009-12-27T16:37:00.003+08:00

Men

The standards in marathon running have risen remarkably in recent years and this process continued – and even picked up its pace - making 2009 the greatest year of all-time quality-wise clearly surpassing the previous top-year 2008 on all levels but one: Haile Gebrselassie's World record 2:03:59 from Berlin last year remained intact.

But even that was only just as the Kenyan duo of Duncan Kibet and James Kwambai moved up to joint 2nd place all-time with their 2:04:27's in Rotterdam. But the really impressive numbers are still the more general ones like:

* 2009 was the first year ever when over 100 different runners dipped under the once so formidable barrier of 2:10.

* 2009 saw no less than 25 new performances sub-2:07 which meant that the historical total number of such performances grew by 33%.

* In 2009 there were brilliant new course records set in Rotterdam (2:04:27), London (Samuel Wanjiru 2:05:10), Fukuoka (Tsegaye Kebede 2:05:15), Chicago (Wanjiru 2:05:41), Paris (Vincent Kipruto 2:05:47), Frankfurt (Gilbert Kirwa 2:06:14) and Amsterdam (Gilbert Koech 2:06:18)!

Of the most prestigious and internationally recognised marathons thus only Berlin (Haile Gebrselassie 2:06:08 vs his own 2:03:59 last year), New York (Meb Keflezighi 2:09:15 vs Tesfaye Jifar 2:07:43 in 2001) and Boston (Deribe Merga 2:08:42 vs Robert Cheruiyot 2:07:14 in 2006) missed getting new records this year.

Quantitative facts as these would normally have been interpreted as indisputable evidence of a strong positive trend sweeping around the whole marathon world. But if one makes a more thorough analysis the picture quickly becomes almost the opposite, i.e. marathon standards are slipping dramatically all over the world with just two significant exceptions: Kenya and Ethiopia.

Because out of the record number of 103 sub-2:10 runners this year (as of 8 December) 64 are from Kenya and 27 from Ethiopia leaving the combined grand total of ... 12 for the remaining 200+ nations in the world of athletics!! Several nations that just five or 10 years ago were quite strong in the event have now more or less vanished from the elite scene: No sub-2:10 runner at all from Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, Brazil, Mexico or Tanzania, just one each from Japan, Italy, South Africa and Korea, two from the USA and three from Morocco.

The effects can now also be clearly seen in the championship races. Just compare the top-8 in the 2003 Worlds in Paris with the outcome this year in Berlin:
2003: MAR, ESP, ITA, POR, JPN, ITA, RSA, KEN
2009: KEN, KEN, ETH, ETH, KEN, JPN, MAR, ESP

The strange thing is that all this has happened at the same time as big city marathons have become more popular than ever, especially in Europe. But despite this convenient access to attractive competitive opportunities it seems as if runners in Europe and the rest of the world have become content with marathon "jogging". They have more or less surrendered the competitive aspect of the event to the East African powerhouses Kenya and Ethiopia.

What consequences that will bring in the future is still a question without answer. Will race organisers continue to invite and attract (by good prize money) foreign elite runners? Or will a feeling of over-saturation of foreign elite runners get the organisers to instead focus 100% on the local mass aspect of their races and not bothering at all with the elite?

Women

In the women’s marathon, the talk of the season was the usual one once again: whether or not Briton Paula Radcliffe would make it to the start line at the World Championships. The usual injuries were there as well and although the 35-year-old ran a good test run winning a half marathon in New York with a 1:09:45 season’s best in mid-August, her injuries were not well enough healed and she did not compete in Berlin.

The two fastest marathon times this season came from the same race with Irina Mikitenko of Germany winning the London Marathon with a world leading 2:22:11 followed by Briton Mara Yamauchi clocking the second fastest time in the world this season, a 2:23:12 personal best. In the same race 5000m European record holder Russian Liliya Shobukhova debuted nicely with a 2:24:24 for the third place and countrywoman Svetlana Zakharova, 39, followed in 2:25:06.

The Berlin World Championships race was pretty much open with many of top names opting not to run for one reason or another. 30-year-old Japanese Yoko Shibui was the third fastest in 2009 clocking 2:23:42 in Osaka in January, but she too withdrew from the Berlin team because of an injury. New Ethiopian marathon names Bezunesh Bekele (2:24:02), Teyiba Erkesso (2:24:18) and Atsede Bayisa (2:24:42) had all recorded early year times under 2:25, but they weren’t fighting for the Berlin gold medal. Bekele did run in Berlin, but finished well behind the top names clocking 2:30:03 in 16th place.

In Berlin Asians ruled with three Chinese runners making it to the top five. The early pace was not exactly fast, but when the acceleration started many top names were dropped from the leading group surprisingly fast. In the end five runners, three of them Chinese, were fighting for the win. Just 20-year-old Bai Xue, already running her 11th marathon despite the young age, did everything right and in the end passed Japanese Yoshimi Ozaki quite easily in the late parts of the race to win with a 2:25:15 season’s best. Ozaki also set an SB 2:25:25 for the bronze with Mergia Aselefech of Ethiopia fighting a fierce comeback from Chinese Zhou Chunxiu, 2007 World Champs silver medalist and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, to take the bronze in 2:25:32 before Zhou’s 2:25:39 season’s best. Another Chinese Zhu Xiaolin was fifth with a 2:26:08 season’s best finishing just outside the medals for the third time in a row. In 2007 she was fourth in Osaka and also fourth at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Ethiopia has 25 athletes in the world top 100. Japan has 19 and Kenya and Russia are tied for third with 13 apiece.

Excerpt: iaaf

Report - Round the Island Relay 2009 Dec 20 Penang

2009-12-22T01:15:00.016+08:00

Click pix to enlarge
Pix courtesies of Ander Tan and Andrew Loh

It started in the year 1977, yes the PAAA Annual Round the Island Relay 2009 was 32 years old when it was held on Sunday 20 Dec. Despite lack of publicity this year’s event attracted a total of 14 teams of which 7 teams each were from the Men Open (16 years and above) and Men Veteran Open (35 years and above). This event is open to men only, perhaps the organizers, PAAA can consider the possibility of opening its doors to women as well as from next year as there might be positive response from the ladies.

Each team of this relay event consists of 12 runners (with 3 reserves) covering the outer-ring roads of Penang island in a clockwise direction with Start/Finish at Green Hall, near the Esplanade for a total distance of 72.1km with qualifying times of 5 hours and 6 hours for Men Open and Men Veteran respectively.

Route details are as follows:
(1) Green Hall - 6.9km > (2) Gelugor - 7.3km > (3) Bayan Lepas - 6.3km > (4) Sungai Batu - 3.9km > (5) Balik Pulau - 5.0km > (6) Genting - 6.4km > (7) Sungai Rusa - 5.7km > (8) Sungai Pinang - 7.5km > (9) Teluk Bahang - 5.3km > (10) Batu Ferringhi - 6.3km > (11) Tanjung Bungah - 6.4km > (12) Tanjung Tokong - 5.1km > Green Hall

The Start/Finish was originally planned at City Hall at the Esplanade which is obviously an ideal site (a heritage building by the seaside with plenty of road surface and overlooking the padang) but unfortunately it had to be shifted to Green Hall, about half a km away, to make way for the Petronas Cub Prix (a small engine capacity motorbike racing final) which fell on the same date and used the Esplanade as part of their circuit.

Our group entered 2 teams, one in each category with the kind sponsorship from one of our group’s runners, Lin Tai San’s TA-I Group of companies, ranked second in the world’s manufacturing of resistors. We named Run With Love in our Men Open team and TA-I Group in the Men Veteran. We were enthusiastic in this event and had some serious planning and preparations after our participation in the just concluded PBIM 09 a month earlier including time trial selections, route survey especially the terrain and km markings at some of the exchange points, trial runs at certain safe routes, etc.

Sunday 6 Dec – Route Survey
Thanks to our Captain Cheng Jin and Ewe Chin for providing their MPV’s and as drivers, 9 of us including William Loh, Hock Beng, Boon Beng, Poh Khim, Andrew Loh, Leng Hin, Eng Hooi, Nick and myself assembled at the City Hall at the Esplanade at 7:00am, and proceeded with our expedition according to the race route
The main objectives of our trip were to spray white markings on the road surface at 1km before the baton interchange points, to have an idea and to record the terrain of the route as most portions of the road at the south-western part of the island are uphill-trend and those in the north-eastern part are downhill trend with lots of tricky turns.

We drove pass the first 3 sectors of the route without stopping as we are familiar with them and made our first stop before Sg. Batu where Andrew Loh and Leng Hin who were assigned the duty of km marking, made their first execution, both of them were also our cameramen of the day.

When we made our second stopover before Balik Pulau , there was a fairly safe stretch of flat road ahead, according to William. Nick and myself could not resist the temptation of jumping out of the car, changed into running gear and started to run forward in spite of a
light drizzle. After a while the rain stopped and we ran in joy in fresh air, passed the out- skirt of Balik Pulau in the midst of Malay kampungs and joined our ‘convey’ who were waiting for us after our 37 min of enjoyable light-n-easy run.

After passing Genting, Sg. Rusa and Sg.Pinang, it was nearly noon when we stopped over at Teluk Bahang for some hawker food at a coffee store and continued our journey. When we were at Tanjung Bungah after Batu Ferringgi, Poh Khim started his trial run and Nick followed suit and I joined them about 10 minutes later. Poh Khim stopped at Tanjung Tokong interchange but Nick continued the last finishing sector where he was assigned to and finished at the City Hall. I also continued my slow running under mid-day sun and finished at about 1:00pm. We took a memorable group photo in front of City Hall and called it a day.

Our remarks on this route survey were:
Routes (1) to (3) – Flat
Routes (4) and (5) – Up and Down terrain
Route (6) – Flat
Route (7) – Tough Uphill
Route (8) – Tough Downhill
Routes (9) and (10) – Flat and Downhill
Route (11) and (12) – Flat but subject to midday sun

Besides the above route survey, Andrew Loh also arranged another route tour by car on the eve of the event with some young runners from the Open category and 2 ladies, Miss Gan and Hooi Kean who were very keen helpers towards this event.

Sunday 20 Dec – Race Day
By 5:30am our 2 teams of runners and the helpers started to assemble at Green Hall to gets things organized for the start. It was quite a big gathering with 14 participating teams, viz:
Men Open: A) Old Two Hiking Team, B) Ah Choon Runners, C) BM Leopard,
D) Forward Sports Club, E) Run With Love, F) PDRM, G) MSN
Men Veteran: H) Old & Young, J) Forward Sports Club, K) TA-I Group,
L) OXA Veteran 92 A, M) OXA Veteran 92 B, N) Seagate Penang, P)Taiping

Before the flag off, the 2nd to 6th runners from all the teams and some PAAA officilas boarded 2 buses which drop them at their respective interchange points while another 2 buses did the same to the remaining runners (except the 1st runners) in the other direction. After making sure that the 2nd runners were at first interchange point, the 1st runners with a baton each in their hands were flagged off by a PAAA official at about 6:40am and that marked the start of the dawn-to-midday 32nd Round the Island Relay.

We supporters and helpers including myself followed suit in the direction of the runners in motobikes and a MPV, courtesy of Cheng Jin, loaded with food and drink in packages while we had another MPV, courtesy of Wee Man, went the other direction to look after the long awaiting runners in the second half of the route. Miss Gan and Hooi Kean also joined the cheering squad by driving their 2 cars with our dedicated cameramen, HH Foong and Chun How. We also had other dedicated cameramen Cheng Jin (with video), Ander, Chee Seng and Adrian on motobikes. Our hardworking cheering squad on motobikes were Ah Soon, Hock Beng, Lam Seng, Mok, Eng Hooi, and many more.

Our Results:
KM Men Veteran TIME(PACE) Men Open TIME(PACE)
1) 7.5 Flat Tan Cheng Jin 28:34 (4:08) Adrian Ho Seng Yee 28:28 (4:07)
2) 7.3 Flat Tan Ah Chin 32:16 (4:25) Ying Chee Wei 34:34 (4:44)
3) 6.3 Flat Sam Chee Wang 26:07 (4:09) Tan Eng Hooi 29:12 (4:38)
4) 3.9 UDT Khoo Hock Beng 19:38 (5:02) Tim Lee Chun How 18:00 (4:37)
5) 5.0 UDT Andrew Loh L H 19:44 (3:57) Francis Khor H Thye 21:22 (4:16)
6) 6.4 Flat Loh Ewe Chin 30:00 (4:41) Chung Hong Chiat 32:11 (5:02)
7) 5.9 TUH Lin Tai San 27:46 (4:42) Ong Leng Hin 30:49 (5:13)
8) 7.5 TDH Heng Chong Lim 32:35 (4:21) Justin Cheng H Sou 37:42 (5:02)
9) 5.3 FDH Chee Wee Man 28:55 (5:27) Anselm Gan B Heng 29:00 (5:28)
10) 6.3 FDH Soon Boon Beng 30:41 (4:52) Ong Leng Chin 36:10 (5:44)
11) 6.4 Flat Loh Poh Khim 31:44 (4:58) Nicol Chng Yu Wei 39:22 (6:09)
12) 5.1 Flat Nicholas Accardi 23.11 (4:33) Gilbert Goh H Soon 29:55 (5:52)
3rd position 5:31:11 (4:38) 6th position 6:06:45 (5:03)

UDT = Up and Down Terrain
TUH = Tough Up Hill
TDH = Tough Down Hill
FDH = Flat Down Hill

Results of the Relay

Men Open: Total Time Men Veteran Total Time
1st Ah Choon Runners 4:24:40 Taiping Road Runners 5:07:01
2nd BM Leopard 4:47:06 Forward Sports Club 5:10:56
3rd O2 Hiking Club 4:51:39 TA-I Group 5:31:11
4th MSN 4:52:45 Old & Young 5:32:55
5th Forward Sports Club 5:02:32 OXA Veteran 92 B 5:51:27
6th Run With Love 6:06:45 Seagate Penang 6:51:28
7th SM Phor Tay Private 6:07:47 OXA Veteran 92 A 6:53:37

As can be seen from the above results, Ah Choon Runners dominated the Men Open and the 5th placing in this category finished earlier than the winner of Men Veteran.
In the Men Veteran, it was a 2- horse race for the 1st position, the winner, Team Taiping was on ‘tug-of-war’ with Team Forward until the 10th runners when the 11th runner of the former turned +2min to -3min which gave them the edge to finish first.

In the race for the 3rd placing, it was another exciting 2-horse struggle right from the start to finish between our Team TA-I Group and Old and Young. These 2 teams were almost neck to neck all the way till the 8th check point when we were trailing behind by just more than 1 min. but at the 9th check point our trailing gap widened to 4 min. and this was where and when dramatic and exciting moments began. Our next 10th runner Boon Beng had the responsibility to at least close this 4 min gap as we had confidence in our subsequent last 2 runners to do the job of getting the 3rd position. Meanwhile all our supporters in cars and motobikes came in full force and high spirit gave cheers by repetitions of overtaking, stopped-parked-n cheered all the way. The game was to our favour and we were overjoyed to see we had a turned the plus 4 min gap to a almost 2 min advantage at check point 10.

Our 11th runner Poh Khim continued to lead but the gap narrowed and under heavy pressure. He safely handed the baton to our last runner and anchor man Nick when the opponent was only 18 seconds behind!

Drama and suspense continued…….Nick zoomed off confidently and we were equally confident that he will deliver the 3rd placing medals on our behalf. Thrill and excitement were high and our cheering squad continued to march forward when one ‘messenger’ sent the signal to us that Nick had a muscle cramped and had stopped twice, what an anticlimax episode was that, we could not believe! We were in front then and standing by the road side hoping to see the early appearance of or last runner. Few minutes later we heaved a sigh of relief when we saw Nick struggling by, with facial expression of pain. We cheered him up and he looked determined and manageable to continue and heard him whispering ‘how many km more’. Good news was he was still leading by a narrow gap and we followed him all the way and hey presto he managed to cross the finishing line and sat on the road for treatment. 1min and 44 sec later the 4th placed last runner came in.
Looking at Nick;s time of 23:11 or 4:33 pace, it was not bad.

The 3rd placing in Men Veteran is the best result we have ever achieved, credits must be given to our team work and congratulations to all the runners and thanks to team Captain Cheng Jin for the organization of the team line up. Special thanks to Sam and Nick for their kind participations and support in our team, both of them ran very well and we look forward to welcoming them to our team next year.

Although our Open team finished 6th position the runners should not feel discouraged, they deserved the praises for their high team spirit when having handicap of being a team formed in the last minute and facing stiff competitions from other stronger teams. Considering their young ages as their main assets they have great potential to improve further and will surely do better next year, a round of applause to all of them!

And although our Junior Team did not do so well in running, lucky stars were shinning on them during the lucky draws, 4 of them came out winners in the lucky draw of which Chung Hong Chiat snatched the 1st prize and Adrian Ho, Francis Khor and Yin Chee Wei won the 4th, 15th and 18th prizes respectively. Congratulations to 4 of them.

Take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and appreciations to the following:

Lin Tai San's TA-I Group of companies for sponsoring RM2000 to the 2 teams
Brooks for sponsoring part of our running apparel
Leigh Oh for sponsoring 3 table lunch at Jade Palace after the run
William Loh Lek Swee for masterminding this event
Mr Chow Lam Seng for your kind assistance and guidance provided to the Men Open Team and your help during race day
Tan Cheng Jin, our captain for the organization of the runners and training
Ewe Chin, Chee Man, Cheng Jin for providing the usage of your vehicles
HH Foong, Ander Tan, Chun How, Chee Seng, Adrian, Cheng Jin for being so kind to be our cameramen
Jason Lim, Ah Teng for your help as drivers
Andrew Loh Lean Hock (especially), Ander Tan Yeong How, Ong Leng Hin, Mok Keng Yee,Tan Beng Leong, Leow Khek Piow, Bok Chek We, Miss Gan, Hooi Kean, all the runners and all those I have unintentional omitted, for your kind contributions and efforts for the success of our participation in this event
Last but not least, PAAA for this event which was well organized

Another Night-Marathon in the pipeline........

2009-12-15T09:25:00.003+08:00

`Battery-powered' marathon to light up the night

14-12-2009
KUALA LUMPUR: Battery maker Energizer is organising Night Marathon 2010 which will take place in the Klang Valley on March 27.

Energizer which is partnering with Adidas and Schick for the event said, in a statement, that the venue would be announced soon.

The venue will be a conducive location for runners who will be given special headlights for running safely in the dark.

Energizer said the unusual race had already made a mark globally with night races being held in South Korea, Argentina and South Africa since 2007.

The company's brand manager for Malaysia, Joshua Leong, said the race would excite and inspire Malaysians, especially avid runners, to take up the challenge.

"Running in the dark is something not many people including experienced runners, have done.

"Most runs in Malaysia are held in the early mornings, so we are looking forward to an exciting and impactful event," said Leon

Excerpt: Central Streets

Meeting on Tues 15 Dec 8:30pm - All Round the Island Runners

2009-12-14T00:00:00.004+08:00

There will be a meeting of all the Runners of the two Round the Island teams at Mr Lin Tai San's house at Lengkok Permancar, Gelugor (behind Maybank) on coming Tuesday 15 Dec at 8:30pm

Thank you

061209 - Round Island Route Survey - We started and ended here

2009-12-12T23:47:00.003+08:00

Pix courtesy of Ong Leng Hin

091206 - Round Island Relay Route Survey

2009-12-12T00:49:00.000+08:00

091206 - Round Island Relay Route Survey

Change of START/FINISH - Round the Island Relay 2009 Dec 20 at 6:30am

2009-12-10T12:56:00.006+08:00

click map to enlarge
Due to the clash of venue with Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship at the Esplanade
the START/FINISH of the PAAA 32nd Annual Round The Island Relay 2009 have been shifted about 0.5km to
GREEN HALL , a nearby road between the new High Court Building and Convent Light Street.(like in 2007)
Other items remain unchanged.

Pictures!! Round Island Relay - Route Survey on 6 Dec 2009 - Photographer: Andrew Loh

2009-12-10T00:02:00.003+08:00

RUN WITH LOVE: SCSM 2009 - Results

2009-12-08T10:31:00.000+08:00

RUN WITH LOVE: SCSM 2009 - Results: "Comment"

SCSM 2009 - Results

2009-12-08T10:04:00.008+08:00

Half Marathon 21.1km

Lee Chun How......1:59:33
Chee Wee Man......2:08:10
Oh Lee Wah.........2:10:11
Tan Yeong How.....2:13:18
Mok Keng Yee.......2:14:57
Lim Weng Cheong...2:31:50

Full Marathon 42.195km
David Sim Ban Chuan.......5:01:24

Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010 - Update 1

2009-12-07T19:12:00.009+08:00

When: Saturday 6 February
Where: Putrajaya Palace of Justice
Time: 8:00pm

Events:
42km - Open to ALL
21km and 7.7km - Open to South East Asian Nationalities and Malaysian Expartriates ONLY
5km Fun Run

There will be Cash Prizes for locals in 21km and 7.7km

Source: Putrajaya Night Marathon Facebook

2:05:18 course record and personal best for Kebede in Fukuoka

2009-12-07T11:35:00.003+08:00

Tsegaye Kebede, the defending Fukuoka Marathon champion, won the 63rd edition of the race in 2:05:18. It was a personal best for the Ethiopian by two seconds as well as a Japanese all-comers record.

The Fukuoka Marathon is an IAAF Silver Label Road Race.

Injured Kibet shatters Singapore record

2009-12-06T18:28:00.000+08:00

Injured Kibet shatters Singapore record

SCSM 2009 Results - 2:11:24 Luke Kibet Broke His Own Course Record

2009-12-06T18:04:00.002+08:00

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009 Race Results

Full Marathon Results – Men (Individual)
1 Luke Kibet, Kenya. 2:11:24 (New Course Record)
2 Johnstone Chepkwony, Kenya, 2:11:32
3 Vincent Krop, Kenya, 2:11:49

Full Marathon Results – Women (Individual)
1 Albina Mayorova, Russia, 2:32:47
2 Lyubov Morgunova, Russia, 2:34:47
3 Mary Akor Beasley, USA, 2:36:41

Full Marathon Veteran Category – Men
1 Sim Jae Duk, Korea, 2:40:11
2 Benedict Tan, Singapore, 3:04:28
3 Simon Andrew, Singapore, 3:05:12

Full Marathon Veteran Category – Women
1 Eliza Mayger, Australia, 3:08:00
2 Itsuko Lenwes, Japan, 3:16:19
3 Yong Lai Chee, Singapore, 3:40:09

Full Marathon Singapore – Men
1 Mok Ying Ren, Singapore, 2:43:42
2 Ashley Liew, Singapore, 2:51:22
3 Benny Goh , Singapore, 2:56:44

Full Marathon Singapore – Women
1 Qi Hui, Singapore, 3:15:25
2 Elaine Lim , Singapore, 3:23:00
3 Tan Lin Wan Aileen, Singapore, 3:39:16

Half-Marathon Results – Men (Individual)
1 Richard Mutua, Kenya, 1:11:22
2 Muniandy Ramadass, Singapore , 1:14:31
3 Sefli Ahar, Brunei, 1:15:06

Half-Marathon Results – Women (Individual)
1 Anna Thompson, Australia ,1:17:09
2 Anne-Mari Kyrylainen, Finland, 1:24:11
3 Hayley Barber, Australia, 1:29:29

Excerpt from SCSM Facebook

Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010

2009-12-05T00:33:00.003+08:00

Excerpt from preview of Facebook - Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010

The first Night Marathon in Malaysia is here!

Held in conjunction with the month long FT Day Celebration in the Federal Territories, we would like to present to you the inaugural Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010.

Supported by the Federal Territories and Urban Well Being Ministry, this marathon promises to be one of the most, if not the most exciting running event to be held in the country.

Being the first night marathon in the country, participants will be treated to a running environment like no other. We also have a few things in store for you en route.

Putrajaya Night Marathon Details

Date: Saturday 6th Feb 2010
Venue: Putrajaya Palace of Justice
Time: 8:00 pm

To make the event even more festive there will also be an onsite carnival with games, performances by local acts and also food stalls.

We will be launching the event really soon, so look out for that!

Organised by World Action Sports Sdn. Bhd. together with 21st Century Sports Sdn. Bhd.

A Specimen of A PBIM 09 Finisher's Certificate

2009-12-04T16:27:00.001+08:00

Some Upcoming Running Events At A Glance

2009-12-04T15:41:00.008+08:00

December 2009
20 Sunday - Round The Island Relay - Penang
20 Sunday - Valdor 11km Run - Seberang Perai, Penang
20 Sunday - Malakoff 12km Kuala Lumpur

January 2010
17 Sunday - Paceseters 30km 2010 Putrajaya
23 Saturday - USM Open Relay 2010 - USM Campus Penang
31 Sunday - Paceseters 9th Track Meet 2010, Selayang, Selangor

February
6 Saturday - Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010
...............8:00pm Putrajaya Palace of Justice

April
25 Sunday - Bidor Half Marathon

May
29 Saturday - Sundown Marathon 2010 Singapore

June
27 Sunday - Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2010

Sundown Marathon 2010 Singapore - 29 May

2009-12-03T17:28:00.009+08:00

Events..................Start At
Ultra-marathon...... 7.00pm
Team/Corporate...... 8.00pm
Womens' 10KM........ 8.30pm
Half Marathon......... 9.00pm
Full Marathon........ 11.59pm

Venue
Start Point & End Point: Changi Exhibition Centre (Aviation Park Road)

For details click here

Wanjiru, Mikitenko to defend titles in London

2009-12-03T00:45:00.011+08:00

Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya and Irina Mikitenko of Germany announced on Wednesday that they will defend their titles at the Flora London Marathon this coming April. Wanjiru will contend with Abel Kirui, Martin Lel and Duncan Kibet in his bid to lower his own course record. Mikitenko will look to become only the second woman to win three straight London titles.

By Associated Press | Posted: Dec 2, 5:30a ET | Updated: Dec 2, 5:30a ET

Wanjiru, the Kenyan Olympic champion who set the course record last April, will compete alongside world champion Abel Kirui and three-time London winner Martin Lel.

Duncan Kibet, the second-fastest marathon runner in history, will be making his London debut on April 25.

The 2010 London Marathon is called Virgin London Marathon 2010

2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon approaches - Athens Classic Marathon 2010

2009-12-02T11:08:00.007+08:00

Every time someone runs a marathon, they metaphorically retrace steps taken during one of the most momentous events in world history, the Battle of Marathon in 490BC. A few thousand Athenian and Parthian soldiers, led by the warrior Miltiades destroyed a huge force of invading Persians on the plain of Marathon, a victory widely acknowledged to have ensured the democratic legacy of Western culture.

The tale that most people know about events in 490BC is that a messenger named Phillipides or Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory, then collapsed and died. Out of that legend, the marathon race was born.

But the original legend, whose first report was 600 years after the battle (thus highly questionable) was that the messenger first went to Sparta to ask for help, was rebuffed, and ran back to Marathon, before going to Athens to announce victory.

2010 is the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon. And the organisers of the Athens Classic Marathon are preparing for another invasion.

Excerpt: iaaf

1st USM Open Relay 2010 - 40th Anniversary USM

2009-11-27T13:13:00.002+08:00

What: USM Open Relay Relay 2010 - 40th Anniversary USM
When: Saturday 23 Jan 2010
Time: 7:30am - 9:00am
Where: USM Athletics Stadium, Penang

EVENTS:

A. Children....4x50m,,,2x100m....Boys/Girls 12 years and below
B. Junior.......4x200m,,,4x800m,,, Medley 200m-200m-400-800m.....Boys/Girls 12-19 years
C. IPT...........4x200m,,,4x800m....Medley 200m-200m-400m-800m....Men/Women

D. Open........4x200m,,,4x800m,,,Medley 200m-200m-400m-800m....Men/Women
......................4x1600m..................Men only

E. Veteran....4x800m,,,Medley 200m-200m-400m-800m....Men above 35 ; Women above 30 years

Open to Malaysian citizens only
Closing date: 8 Jan 2010
Entry Fees: A - RM20, B-RM30, C-RM40, D-RM60, E-RM50
For more info: email to usmopenrelay2010@gmail.com

IPT = Institutions of Higher Learning

Courtesy of Sam Chee Wang

PBIM Photos - Courtesies of Kho Kwang Leng and Wong Jin Ji

2009-11-27T11:55:00.008+08:00

PBIM 09 Photos - Courtesies of Mr Chuah Seih Seng of Run2Chuah.multiply and Mr Chuah Jia Wei

2009-11-25T01:35:00.011+08:00

PBIM - Our Full Marathon Results

2009-11-23T00:34:00.019+08:00

(Chip time based)

Men Full Marathon Open
33rd..Chuah Soon Haw.......3:30:43
85th..Tan Eng Hooi.........4:31:30
138th..Ong Leng Hin.........4:57:21
170th..Chee Wee Man.........5:14:24

Men Full Marathon Veteran

27th...Tan Ah Chin (Soon)..3:53:05
29th...Tan Cheng Jin........3:56:07
107th..Khoo Hock Beng......4:46:13
146th..Mok Keng Yee........5:03:30
224th..Oh Lee Wah..........5:23:28
246th..Lim Weng Cheong...5:46:01
Choo Cheng Liang....DNF

Men Half Marathon Open
135th.. Andrew Loh Lean Hock...1:53:08
225th.. Ander Tan Yeong How....2:04:18
283rd.. Lee Chun How...........2:08:05

Men Half Marathon Junior Veteran
53th...Soon Boon Beng.....1:55:56
57th...Loh Ewe Chin.......1:57:45
80th...Loh Poh Khim.......2:01:37
218th..Oo Kok Siew........2:22:53

Men Half Marathon Senior Veteran
19th...Lin Tai San.......1:41:15
21st...Giam Chong Seng...1:41:53
38th...Leow Khek Piow....1:49:06
59th...Ng Kok Yak........1:58:24
65th...Bok Chek We.......2:03:19
114th..Ngiam Kah Huan....2:18:27
154th..Loh Lek Swee......2:25:42
227th..Tan Beng Leong....2:42:00
371st..Ma Ah Teng........3:55:37

Women Half Marathon Veteran
15th...Stephanie Chong Ah Tin...1:54:49
19th...Carmen Tan Lee Hiang.....1:56:54
22nd...Tan Lee Hooi.............1:59:27
84th...Tan Phaik Hoon...........2:35:27

PBIM 09 - Full Marathon Veteran - Top 3 Placings

2009-11-23T00:23:00.004+08:00

Men Veteran Open
1. Jean-Pierre (FRA).........2:35:26
2. J.Boonma (THA)...........2:51:42
3. P. Khansamol (THA).....2:54:30

Men Veteran Malaysian
1. Chua King Keong..................3:28:55 (16th in Men Veteran)
2. Liew Chien Sioen.................3:30:50 (17th in Men Veteran)
3. Alam Shah bin Ismail Ahmad...3:34:17 (18th in Men Veteran )

Source: PBIM Facebook

PBIM 09 - Full Marathon Open - Top 3 Placings

2009-11-23T00:20:00.004+08:00

Men Open
1. K. Lilan (KEN) .......2:23:55 (PBIM 08 Fastest 2:24:50)
2. M. Muema (KEN)...2:25:57
3. B. Meto (KEN).......2:28:46
Men Open Malaysian
1. Shaharudin bin Hashim......2:35:36 (10th in Men Open)
2. Subrmaniam A/L Rangar...2:46:23 (13th in Men Open)
3. Muniandy A/L Ramadass...2:47:55 (15th in Men Open)
Women Open
1. D. Todopus (KEN).....3:...08:37 (PBIM 08 Fastest 3:14:04)
2. L. Muganbi (KEN)......3:09:44
3. S. Chepkwon-I (KEN).....3:27:52
Women Open Malaysian
1. Tan Lee Chin..................3:37:48 (7th in Women Open)
2. Michele Tan Bee Kiang.... 3:40:38 (8th in Women Open)
3. Chow Ley Ching.............. 4:04:47 (11th in Women Open)

Source: PBIM Facebook

Results of Tanjung 10km 2009 Penang 15 Nov

2009-11-19T23:19:00.005+08:00

Distance : 10.22km

Men Open
Ong Leng Hin........53:23
Lee Chun How........57:30

Men Junior Veteran
Tan Ah Chin (Ah Soon)..43:43 -- 4th Position
Tan Cheng Jin..........44:12 -- 5th
Heng Chong Lim.........xx:xx --11th

Men Senior Veteran
Giam Chong Seng.......46:30 -- 5th
Lin Tai San...........47:32 -- 7th
Soon Boon Beng........xx;xx -- 9th
Loh Ewe Chin..........xx:xx --15th
Mok Keng Yee..........58;57
Choo Cheng Liang......60:00

Women Veteran
Tan Lee Hooi Polly....54:55 -- 3th

How to Eat and Drink After a Marathon for Best Recovery

2009-11-18T11:44:00.001+08:00

1

Continue to eat plenty of post-marathon recovery carbohydrates to refuel your muscles. This includes whole grains - bread, rice and pasta - and fruits and vegetables.

2

Take in adequate protein - meat, dairy and fish - to help in healing damaged muscles. (If you prefer not to eat animal products, get plenty of protein from beans, legumes and soy.)

3

Consume potassium-rich fruits and juices, such as bananas and orange juice, and salty foods to replace electrolyte losses.

4

Get something to eat right after running. Consuming at least a small amount of carbohydrates within the first 20 minutes after running has been shown to optimize replacement of muscle fuel.

5

Continue taking in fluids. The need to urinate frequently is a sign you are well-hydrated.

How to Eat Before a Marathon

2009-11-18T11:09:00.004+08:00

1. Stick with a high-carbohydrate diet. This includes breads, pasta, cereals, and fruits and vegetables.

2. Watch fat consumption. Excessively fatty foods fill the stomach and the fat cells, but leave the muscles less fueled.

3. Don't stuff yourself. You will be training less and eating the same. This way, the calories you would normally expend during training can be used to fuel your muscles.

4. Eat a familiar breakfast one to three hours before the start of the race.

5. Drink plenty of fluids on marathon morning. Drink several glasses up to two hours before the marathon, then tank up again 5 to 15 minutes before the starting gun.

6. Have a cup of coffee if that is your habit, but watch caffeine consumption. Keep in mind that caffeine contributes to water loss.

#
Expect a little weight gain the week before the race. Three or four pounds should not cause panic. This weight gain reflects water weight, and is a sign your muscles are well-saturated with carbohydrates.
#
Abstain from wine, beer and alcoholic beverages the night before the race, because they have a dehydrating effect

Here are a few examples of food that could be eaten before the marathon:
- Banana or apple,
- Dry biscuits,
- Muesli bar,
- Sandwich

The Marathon Distance

2009-11-17T23:43:00.007+08:00

YEAR..KM........MILES
1896...40........24.85
1900...40.26.....25.02
1904...40........24.85
1906...41.86.....26.01
1908...42.195....26.22
1912...40.2......24.98
1920...42.75.....26.56
1924...42.195....26.22
Onward

The length of a marathon was not fixed at first, since the only important factor was that all athletes competed on the same course. The marathon races in the first few Olympic Games were not of a set length, but were approximately 40 km, roughly the distance from Marathon to Athens by the longer, flatter route. The exact length of the Olympic marathon varied depending on the route established for each venue.

Japan Marathon Queen to turn Vegetable Farmer

2009-11-17T15:58:00.003+08:00

TOKYO, Nov 17 — Japan’s former Olympic marathon gold medallist Naoko Takahashi has decided to become a vegetable farmer.

The 37-year-old, who won gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, will start her own farm on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Japanese media reported today.

“It’s a new challenge for me,” Takahashi said, dressed in an orange farming suit and rubber boots and posing for pictures holding an onion and a giant radish.

“We are currently discussing what we want to grow. We are studying hard — we want our produce to be really delicious.”

Takahashi shot to fame with her gold medal run at the 2000 Olympics, and also her choice of supplement drink, derived from the stomach acid of killer hornets. — Reuters

PBIM - Race Pack Collection 16 - 21 Nov Queensbay- Day 1

2009-11-16T16:04:00.006+08:00

Source: Facebok PBIM

Tanjung 10km 2009 Penang

2009-11-15T12:17:00.003+08:00

click map to enlarge

The race this morning, actual distance 10.22km (according to my Garmin watch)

Finalists for the 2009 World Athletes of the Year Awards

2009-11-11T10:26:00.005+08:00

Monte-Carlo – The world-wide Athletics family will gather for yet another prestigious celebration when the 2009 World Athletics Gala is held at the Salle des Etoiles of the Sporting Club d’Eté this Sunday 22 November.

Hosted by International Athletic Foundation (IAF) Honorary President HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and IAF & IAAF President Lamine Diack, the World Athletics Gala will be highlighted by the announcements of the Male and the Female World Athlete of the Year 2009, with the awards presented live on stage.

Following a fantastic year for track and field and a superb edition of the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Berlin five men and five women are still in contention for the prestigious award.

The shortlisted Finalists are:

Male (in alphabetical order):
---Kenenisa Bekele (ETH)
---Usain Bolt (JAM)
---Tyson Gay (USA)
---Steven Hooker (AUS)
---Andreas Thorkidsen (NOR)

Female (in alphabetical order):
---Yelena Isinbayeva (RUS)
---Sanya Richard (USA)
---Valerie Vili (NZD)
---Blanka Vlasic (Croatia)
---Anita Wlodarczyk (POL)

Winners of the 2009 World Athlete of the Year Awards will be announced on 22 Nov in Monaco

Source:iaaf

32nd Round the Island Relay 2009 - Penang

2009-11-10T15:00:00.010+08:00

click map to enlarge

What: Round the Island Relay 2009 - Organised by PAAA
When : Sunday 20 Dec 2009
Time: 6:30am

Each Team to consist of 12 runners (with 3 reserves)

Route: Esplanade >7.5km > Gelugor > 7.3km > Bayan Lepas > 6.3km > Sungai Batu >
3.9km > Balik Pulau > 5.0km > Genting > 6.4km > Sungai Rusa > 5.7km > Sungai Pinang >
7.5km > Telok Bahang > 5.3km > Batu Ferringhi > 6.3km > Tanjung Bungah > 6.4km >
Tanjung Tokong > 5.1km > Esplanade

Total Distance : 72.7km

Categories : Men Open (16 years and above)- Qualifying Time 5 hours
...........: Men Veteran Open (35 years and above)- Qualifying Time 6 hours

Entry Fees : RM40 per team (Affiliates) and RM60 (Non-Affiliates)

Closing date: 30 November

Our Participation in PBIM 09

2009-11-10T13:17:00.011+08:00

Our Line-up in Queensbay on the other side of midnight 21 Nov

Full-Marathon :

1) Chee Wee Man
2) Choo Cheng Liang
3) Chuah Soon Haw
4) Khoo Hock Beng
5) Lim Weng Cheong
6) Mok Keng Yee
7) Oh Lee Wah
8) Ong Leng Hin
9) Tan Ah Chin (Ah Soon)
10) Tan Cheng Jin
11) Tan Eng Hooi

Half-Marathon :

1) Bok Chek We
2) Stephanie Chong Ah Tin (Madam)
3) Giam Chong Seng
4) Heng Chong Lim
5) Lee Chee Hoy
6) Lee Chun How
7) Lin Tai San
8) Loh Lek Swee
9) Leow Khek Piow
10) Loh Pow Khim
11) Loh Ewe Chin
12)Andrew Loh Lean Hock
13) Ma Ah Teng
14) Ngiam Kah Huan
15) Oo Kok Siew
16) Soon Boon Beng
17) Tan Beng Leong
18) Tan Lee Hooi
19) Tan Phaik Hoon (Madam)
20) Ander Tan Yeong How

PBIM Marathon Clinic - Run With Mr Chris Steward 8 Nov

2009-11-09T23:20:00.007+08:00

Pix courtesy of Miss Peggy Tan, PBIM

Nov 1st (SUN) Running Route Map [36km]

2009-10-30T22:42:00.002+08:00

ASICS GEL-KINSEI 3

2009-10-30T12:07:00.000+08:00

ASICS GEL-KINSEI 3

World Top 10 Times - Marathon (Women)

2009-10-28T15:55:00.006+08:00

Marathon 42.195km : World All-Time Top 10 list - Women

1) 2:15:25 Paula Radcliffe (GBR) 13 Apr 2003 London
2) 2:18:47 Catherine Ndereba (KEN) 7 ct 2001 Chicago
3) 2:19:12 Mizuki Noguchi (JPN) 25 Sept 2005 Berlin
4) 2:19:19 Irina Mikitenko (GER) 28 Sept 2008 Berlin
5) 2:19:36 Deena Kastor (USA) 23 Apr 2006 London
6) 2:19:39 Sun Yingjie (CHN) 10 Mar 2003 Beijing
7) 2:19:41 Yoko Shibui (JPN) 26 Sept 2004 Berlin
8) 2:19:46 Naoko Takahashi (JPN) 30 Sept 2001 Berlin
9) 2:19:51 Zhou Chunxiu (CHN) 12 Mar 2006 Seoul
10) 2:20:42 Berhane Adere (ETH) 22 Oct 2006 Chicago

(Malaysian Record: 2:49:28 Yuan Yu Fang (KUL) 30 Apr 2002 Kuala Lumpur)

World Top 10 Times - Marathon (Men)

2009-10-28T10:59:00.008+08:00

Marathon 42.195km - World All-Time Top 10 list (Men)
1) 2:03:59 Haile Gebreselassie (Eth) 28 Sept 2008 Berlin
2) 2:04:27 Duncan Kibet (Ken).... 5 Apr 2009 Rotterdam
2) 2:04:27 James Kwambai (Ken)... 5 Apr 2009 Rotterdam
4) 2:04:55 Paul Tergat (Ken). 28 Sept 2003 Berlin
5) 2:04:56 Sam Korir (Ken) ...28 Sept 2003 Berlin
6) 2:05:04 Abel Kirui (Ken) 5 Apr 2009 Rotterdam
7) 2:05:10 Sammy Wanjiru *(Ken) 26 Apr 2009 London
8) 2:05:15 Martin Lel (Ken) 13 Apr 2008 London
9) 2:05:20 Tsegaye Kebede (Eth).... 26 Apr 2009 London
10) 2:05:27 Jaouad Gharib (Morocco) 26 Apr 2009 London

Conclusion: Berlin, London and Rotterdam are FAST courses and April and September are BEST months there.
Kenya produces Quality and Quantity marathoners
(*Watch out for young Sammy Waniru,potential WR breaker in the making)

(Malaysian Record: 2:29:27 K. Baskaran (PEN) 2 Dec 2001 Singapore)

Mr Chris Steward to conduct a 'Runners' Clinic'

2009-10-26T01:37:00.002+08:00

What: "Runners' Clinic" Conducted by Mr Chris Steward
Organised by: PBIM
When: Sunday 8 Nov
Time: 8:30am - 9:30am
Where: Botanical Garden

Mr Chris Steward has won the 1974 World Marathon Fukuoka and 3rd placings in New York City Marathon in 1976 and 1977 and is he now in retirement in Penang

Source : PBIM Facebook

PBIM Runners' Forum - Photo Album 3

2009-10-26T01:15:00.004+08:00

Pix courteay of Mr Wong Jin Ji

PBIM Runners' Forum - Photo Album 2

2009-10-25T19:37:00.008+08:00

Pix courtesy Mr Ong Leng Hin

Photos from the PBIM Runners' Forum Today

2009-10-25T19:07:00.008+08:00

Pictures courtesy of Miss Peggy Tan
Personal Secretary to YB Danny Law Heng Kiang

Valdor Run 2009

2009-10-20T23:40:00.004+08:00

What: Valdor Run 2009
Where: Sekolah RJK (C) Valdor, Seberang Perai Selatan,(between Simpang Empat and Sungai Bakap)
When : Sunday 20 December (same day as Round The Island Relay, Penang)
Time: 7:00am
Distance :11km

Closing Date: 10 December
Registration Fee: RM10 (Students RM5.00)
Registration Forms available in Georgetown, Tel 04-2621132

PBIM - Runners' Forum -"The Marathon and Road Running

2009-10-19T13:51:00.006+08:00

What: PBIM Runners' Forum
Title: The Marathon and Road Running
When: Sunday 25 Oct
Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Cititel, Penang Road, Georgetown

10:00am :- Speech by YB Danny Law Heng Kiang, Chairman PBIM 2009

10:30 - 11:30am :- "The Marathon and Road Running - The Runners' Perspective"
By Mr Chris Steward, British Marathon Runner now in retirement in Penang, won the World Marathon Fukuoka 1974 and 3rd placing in New York City Marathon 1976

12;00noon - 1:00pm :- "The Marathon and Road Running - The Sports and Medical Perspectives"
By Yg Bhg Dato' Dr Yee Thiam Sun, Sports Physician, PBIM Medical Director

Limited to 100 seats only exclusively for registered participants with payments made, on first come first served basis.
Those interested can book by email to: info@penangmarathon.gov.my

Free gift: An Exclusive DIGI shoe bag worth RM50 to every participant

Source: penangmarathon.gov.my

PBIM 08 - Full Marathon Men's Open & Women's Open - Top 10 Malaysian Finishing Times

2009-10-18T18:49:00.006+08:00

According to PBIM 09, the top 10 Malaysian Finishers in the following 2 categories:
...Full Marathon Men's Open &
...Full Marathon Women's Open
will be awarded with cash prizes and top finishers will represent PBIM to various marathon races in the region

To access your chances, please read below an extract of the results of PBIM 08 of Malaysians in those categories:

Full Marathon Men's Open
1) -- 3:12:41
2) -- 3:18:55
3) -- 3:29:57
4) -- 3:30:44
5) -- 3:40:14
6) -- 3:44:16
7) -- 3:44:38
8) -- 3:44:59
9) -- 3:46:56
10) - 3:52:40

Full Marathon Women's Open
1) -- 3:50:32
2) -- 4:04:52
3) -- 4:09:44
4) -- 4:23:06
5) -- 4:45:08
6) -- 5:04:37
7) -- 5:08:05
8) -- 5:19:51
9) -- 5:18:44
10) - 5:29:46

Source: PBIM website

LSD in Ayer Itam Dam 17 Nov

2009-10-18T12:45:00.002+08:00

Pix courtesy of Ong Leng Hin

PBIM - Design of Finishing Medals Out

2009-10-15T23:04:00.007+08:00

For Full, Half and 10km

Source: PBIM facebook

PBIM : T-shirts for 10km - From Brooks

2009-10-15T17:37:00.004+08:00

Collection of Race Kits: 16-21 Nov at the car park of Queensbay Mall

Source: PBIM facebook

PBIM - Vest for Full and Half-Marathon - From Brooks

2009-10-15T17:34:00.004+08:00

click to enlarge
Collection of Race Kits: 16 - 21 Nov at the car park of Queensbay Mall

Source:PBIM facebook

Tanjung 10km 2009 Penang

2009-10-13T22:20:00.007+08:00

Courtesy of Mr Ronnie See and Mr Kho Kwang Leng

What: Tanjung 10km 2009 - Organised by PAAA
When: Sunday 15 Nov 7:30am
Venue: Jalan Sepoy (Polo Ground)
Distance: 10km
Route: J.Sepoy-J.Residensi-J.Macalister-J.Anson-J.Burma-J.Pangkor-J.Kelawei-
J.Gottlieb-J.Utama-J.Macalister-J.Residensi-J.Sepoy

Categories:
Men - Open, Junior Veteran (35yrs-44yrs), Senior Veteran ( 45yrs & above)
Women - Open, Veteran (35yrs & above)
Boys & Girls - 13-17 yrs old

Registrantion Fees: Men & Women RM10.00 ; Boys & Girls RM7.00
Closing date: 2 Nov

For more info:
Tel: 016-4628260 (after office hours)
Email: govind0101@hotmail.com

Lucky Draw grand Prize: a Motobike (for finishers within qualifying time of 90min)

YouTube - Immortality by Celine Dion feat. The Bee Gees

2009-10-08T21:47:00.000+08:00

YouTube - Immortality by Celine Dion feat. The Bee Gees

Picasa Web Albums - loh lek swee - Kwong Wah City Run 2009

2009-10-06T22:24:00.000+08:00

Picasa Web Albums - loh lek swee - Kwong Wah City Run 2009

City Run (Penang) 4 Oct - Organised by Kwong Wah Yit Poh Press - Additional 3km

2009-09-30T23:44:00.010+08:00

Just read the night daily, this year's route of 10km is longer than those of previous years and will include a de tour to some heritage sites as follows:

Komtar--Jln Dr Lim Chwee Leong--Lbh Carnarvon--Lbh Archeen--Lbh Cannon--Lbh Armenian--Lbh Pantai-- Esplanade--Lbh Farquhar--Jln Larut--Jln Burma--Jln Pangkor-- Jln Perak--Jln Macallister--Jln Penang--Jln Dr Lim Chwee Leong--Komtar

Lucky Draw Grand Prize: A Honda EX5 Motobike

The Chief Minister will flag off at 7:30am

4 Oct 2009
The run is over BUT the actual distance is 8.6km and not 10km as published by the organisers (they have been publishing 10km over the last 6 years for a actual route of only 7km) Another blander!!!

Trophy Winners:
Stephanie Chong - 1st in Women Veteran in 40:01
Tan Ah Chin - 9th in Men Junior Veteran in 35:09
Tan Cheng Jin - 10th in Men Junior Veteran in 35:21

PBIM 09 - Lucky Draw Grand Prizes

2009-09-26T16:38:00.004+08:00

Grand Prize: A Proton Saga 1.3 worth RM36,000 sponsored by Ewein Sdn Bhd

Second Prize: A Honda motobike worth RM3,000 sponsored by Extreme Design

Countdown : 56 Days

Source: PBIM

MALAKOFF 26km Penang 2009 June 7 - Certificate of Completion

2009-09-23T12:54:00.006+08:00

I have received the above

Thank you very much PACM

PBIM 09 - Having 2x10km Events at Different times and Venues - Why?

2009-09-22T14:22:00.004+08:00

Apart from Full and Half Marathons, PBIM is also putting up following 2 events:

A) Quarter Marathon = 10km which is open for boys and girls aged between 13 -15 years old ONLY. Starts at 6:15am at Queensbay and ends at Queensbay. Regitration Fee; RM20

B) Fun Run = 10km which is open for ALL above 13 years old. Starts at 7:15am at
Eastin Hotel nereby and also ends at Queensbay. Registration Fee: RM10

The difference lies in the reward of Certificates of Completion to A)
and none for B), hence the RM10 difference I think

By looking at the above programs one will probably ask the following questins:

1) Why limit the entries of A) to 15 years old and how many entries can PBIM receive
by restricting those of 13,14 and 15 years old only? Understand this is to encourage school children to participate but are those 16,17,18.. too old to join in?
Do you think it is practical to hold a race comprising of only a small group of children?

2) To save time, effort and cost, Why doesn’t PBIM merge the two and start these two events together and having different finishing lanes for A) and B) with A) wearing striking colour bibs and I presume no bibs for B)