Globalization

1. The concept of globalisation; of a world without borders; of unrestricted movements of capital, goods and investments across borders was promoted during the late 80's and early 90's when the world economy seemed set to grow forever.

2. The growth would be even greater if the poor but resource-rich countries would abolish the restriction on the movement of foreign capital to exploit opportunities presented by them. In addition to the opportunities there was cheap labour to help reduce cost.

3. The poor countries would also gain from globalisation as foreign capital invested in the extraction of raw material and simple components manufacturing would create jobs and increase the income of the people and the revenues collected by Government. Globalisation would seem to benefit everyone, the rich foreign investors and traders and people in poor countries.
4. Despite the seemingly win-win promise of globalisation, negotiation in Doha, Qatar and other places have not yielded agreements. The poor countries seem to be suspicious or unconvinced of the benefit of globalisation to them.

5. Unable to make progress the rich countries proposed bilateral free trade agreements between selected countries. The first agreement on bilateral free trade was between a highly developed country and a country which had already been practicing free trade. This agreement was lauded as a successful example of the benefits of free trade for both countries. Every country should therefore adopt free trade through bilateral agreements.

6. On closer examination it was discovered that the junior partner was not going to lose anything since it has always been a free-port and was not going to lose import duties which it did not have. Nevertheless many developing countries were persuaded that bilateral free trade agreements were good for them.

7. These agreements could possibly be less likely to result in exploitation of the poor by the rich partner. But it is still very likely that the absence of import duty would leave local products of newly industrialising countries incapable of competing against imports from the more powerful trading partner. And the Governments would lose revenue from import tax.

8. If most countries have these free-trade agreements with each other then effectively the globalisation of the world in terms of free-trade would have been achieved.

9. The G-7 (later G-8) was set up by the rich countries to enable them, among other things to manage the world economic practices so as not be detrimental to their own growth. But in 2008 the whole of their banking system collapsed. This was followed by the onset of the most severe financial crisis in the history of the world. Such is the crisis that the G-8 felt it was necessary to include other countries in the management of the world's economy. Thus was the G-20 created. The powerful but troubled economic powers merely invited countries of their own choice to be members of the G-20.

10. One of the first things agreed to by the G-20 was not to protect their economies. But everyone of them reneged on their undertakings. Yet they keep on preaching free market and globalisation to the world.

11. Malaysia seems to be unaware of what is happening. It is still pushing on religiously with dismantling its trade related taxes inspite of the failures of the Qatar rounds of negotiations on globalisation. Malaysia has entered into several bilateral free trade agreements and is proposing to go into more of such.

12. Perhaps the officials have done a thorough study of the benefits of tree trade in terms of revenue, exports and the effect on Malaysian companies competing against imports.

13. Many Malaysians support easy access of foreign goods into the Malaysian market. They can buy more foreign made cars for example. But they must know that Malaysian cars find entering foreign markets extremely difficult. It is not just the price that is unattractive but in many instances condition and regulations effectively become trade barriers.

14. Yet we are planning on removing or reducing taxes on imported cars. Obviously Government revenue from imports would be greatly reduced if we do this. Additionally there will be a great deal of money flowing out of the country to pay for the imports and much less flowing in.

15. Importing cars into the country must erode sales of locally produced cars. The profitability of local automotive companies will also be affected. Not only will the producers of cars lose their sales volume and profits but the vendors, the dealers and the agencies will also lose their sources of income. There will losses of jobs in the automotive industry including among the vendors, dealers and agents.

16. It is important to study thoroughly the benefits and the losses to the national economy which will result from tax-free agreements and globalisation. Figures such as the GDP and per capita income will be very misleading. It is far better to rely on the value of exports and imports, the reduction or increase in Government revenue, the profitability or losses by local companies and industries resulting from loss of competitiveness in the local market against possible gains from exports, jobs created and other figures which are more indicative of the true results of changes of economic policies such as globalisation and free trade agreements.

17. Only if the figures are positive should we enter into negotiations for free-trade or for globalisation. It is important to remember that when Malaysia agreed to AFTA (Asean Free Trade Agreement) in which 40% local content would qualify as national product and should be tax exempt into ASEAN countries, non-Asean car makers from Japan, Korea and Europe shifted their production to ASEAN countries so as to gain national status after including 40% local contents.

18. Malaysian national cars have 90% local contents which increase production cost. They don't have economies of scale. As a result our exports cannot compete with those foreign brands produced in ASEAN countries with 40% local content.

19. We have made many mistakes in negotiating agreements with other countries and in drawing up foreign contracts. The costs have been very high. I hope our negotiators will bear this in mind and not allow anxiety to be compliant to the so-called universal practices promoted by globalisation and free trade to affect our better judgement.

Rewarding Moments At LOBELA

15 February 2011

Meeting organisers, corporate trainers or seminar planners who are looking for a rewarding experience and great value to their hotel stays are welcome to enjoy the LOBELA's 'Rewarding Moments' deal at LOBELA Hotels and Resorts.

'Rewarding Moments' offers a FREE meeting package when they stay at selected LOBELA hotels on corporate rates

The participating hotels are LOBELA Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi, LOBELA Beach Resort & Spa Cherating, LOBELA Hotel & Suites Alor Star Kedah, LOBELA Hotel & Suites Subang and LOBELA Hotel & Residence Doha, Qatar.

This innovative meeting package includes 2 tea breaks and snacks as well as free usage of a meeting room with standard facilities. This comprises writing pads and pencils, one unit each of flip chart, whiteboard and writing materials, ice water and mint sweets. The validity period of 'Rewarding Moments' is until 31 December 2011.

With hotels and resorts well diversified in Malaysia and abroad, LOBELA is also the ideal choice for both family and company outings, team buildings to high profile corporate events. The conference and ballroom facilities as well as business centres are designed to satisfy all corporate client's requirements.

Other innovative meeting package is also available for corporate business travellers. Called, 'Strictly Business' it features attractive perks and the package is available for booking until 31 December 2011.

The LOBELA group is currently running an exciting competition to reward all room guests for a chance to win hotel stays at participating hotels and resorts. Titled, “Treat For Two” the contest is open from now until June 30, 2011. The grand winner can look forward to enjoy a 7days/6 nights holiday package of his/her choice to fascinating Europe or a mystical Asia inclusive of 2 return airlines on Malaysia Airlines. Contest entry forms are available now at www.lobelahotelsandresorts.com.

For further enquiries, please contact the Kuala Lumpur Corporate Sales office at Tel:03-2162 2922; 03-2162 2922, Fax:03-2162 2937 Email: corpmktg@lobela.com.my

LOBELA Hotel & Suites Alor Star, Kedah

18 March 2011

LOBELA Hotel and Suites Alor Star was opened in May 1997 with 155 guest rooms and suites. It is strategically located in the heart of the bustling city of Alor Star and it adjoins the premier City Plaza shopping complex with the hotel rooms from the 13th to the 18th floor.

The hotel is about 20 minutes drive from Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Kuala Batas. It combines a host of modern conveniences from spacious accommodation to dining and entertainment outlets, convention facilities and recreational activities.

All the guest rooms and suites are teatsefully furnished with modern amenities, fully carpeted and comes complete with central air-conditioning, attached bathroom, in-room safe deposit box, IDD telephone, in-house video movies, television with satellite programs, refrigerator and mini bar, internet facilities and tea/coffee making facilities (deluxe rooms and suites).

The Royal Suite located on the 19th floor of the hotel building is a 3-room suite and commands a good view of the Alor Star Tower and Gunung Keriang as well as green padi fields surrounding it. The suite is tastefully furnished with contemporary flavours and refreshing touches. It features luxury comforts such as a spacious living room, a bedroom with an oversized bathroom, a 32" LCD television with remote control and other modern amenities of an international class standard like electronic bedside control panel.

The Prima Floor located on the 18th floor of the hotel building was re-designed to cater to the needs and desire of discerning business and corporate travellers. The interior is tastefully decorated with modern touches and features LCD television and internet connectivity for the convenience of guests. Complementing the Prima Floor is an exclusive Executive Prima Lounge It serves continental breakfast, tea reception and refreshments daily.

Other facilities include a 24-hour Lagenda Restaurant, Szechuan Garden Chinese Restaurant, Kafe Ole, Spa Lounge, banquet/convention facilities for 400 persons, a business centre, swimming pool,Amoaras Relaxation Spa, sauna, fitness centre, shopping arcade and prayer room (surau).Due to its strategic location, shopping is made attractive as there are varieties of modern shopping and entertainment outlets around and within the hotel building.

The Holiday Villa group operates hotels and resorts in 10 countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, United Kingdom, France, Sudan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Vietnam and P R China.

For enquiries and reservations please contact Holiday Villa Hotel and Suites Alor Star ,Kedah at tel:(604)734 9999; (604)734 9999, Fax:(604) 734 1199 Email:resvn@lobelaalorstar.com.my or Kuala Lumpur Corporate Sales Office at tel:(603)2162 2922 fax : (603) 2162 2937 Email:centralresv@lobelahotelsandresotrs.com.my or visit our website at www.lobelahotelsandresorts.com

LOBELA Beach Resort & Spa Cherating

18 March 2011

LOBELA Beach Resort & Spa is situated along one of the finest beaches off the east coast of Pahang, Malaysia. Green turtles used to return annually to lay eggs between the month of May to September. The resort is 45 minutes drive from Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport Kuantan and 3.5 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur

The 122-room resort offers 3 types of accommodation lifestyles. One may sample modern accommodation, relive the glamour of Malay royalty at the ‘Istana’(palace) or indulge in complete privacy at the Eastern Pavilion

The Capital Wing provides luxurious accommodation with modern amenities one would expect from an international hotel. It houses 34 double rooms, 20 three room family apartments and a swimming pool. The Palace Wing features a replica of the Istana Lama Sri Menanti, a state Minangkabau architecture in Negeri Sembilan. It comprises 14 Malay houses (chalets) and 2 Istana (Palace) giving a total of 75 guest rooms built within walking distance from each other. Within the Palace Wing, another new half-Olympic sized swimming pool, an open jacuzzi and conference rooms are available

All guest rooms are furnished with modern amenities and equipped with air-conditioning, in-room safe deposit box, television with in-house movie channels and satellite television programs, internet facilities, mini bar and refrigerator and International Direct Dialling telephones and complimentary coffee/tea making facilities.

The resort features two international class restaurants, a beach restaurant, a Fun Pub with karaoke facilities, meeting and banquet facilities for up to 400 persons. For recreation, there are 2 swimming pools, an open air jacuzzi, children’s wading pool, Amoaras Relaxation Spa, a sauna, 2 tennis courts, a volleyball court, a basketball court, a fitness room, a prayer room (surau) and an open games room within the premises.

Another idyllic lifestyle presented by LOBELA Cherating is the Eastern Pavilion. Fronting the South China Sea, it offers intimate escapades at 12 exclusive Malaysian styled villas, each with a living room, one or two bedrooms and a verandah which extends out to a private swimming pool and jacuzzi. Beach activities can also be arranged at the resort like beach volleyball and beach soccer.

The LOBELA group operates 10 hotels and resorts in 10 countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, United Kingdom, France, Sudan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Vietnam and P R China.

For reservations and enquiries, please contact LOBELA Beach Resort and Spa Cherating at tel: (609)581 9500; (609)581 9500 or fax (609) 581 9178 or e-mail : saleschv@lobelahotelsandresorts.com.my or the Kuala Lumpur corporate sales office at tel : (603)2162 2922 or fax: (603)2162 2937 or e-mail: centralresv@lobelahotelsandresotrs.com.my or visit our corporate website at www.lobelahotelsandresotrs.com

LOBELA To Open 7th Hotel In PR China In June 2011

18 March 2011

LOBELA Hotels & Resorts, a leading Malaysian hotel chain signed a hotel management services agreement with a property developer in Guangzhou, Zhong Fu Fei He Property Investment Company Ltd to operate and manage a brand new hotel property in Baiyun, Guangzhou .

The 680-room hotel and apartments is located in Ren He Town, within the Baiyun Airport District of Guangzhou. Guangzhou,in the province of Guangdong is the third largest city in P R China and South China's largest city . It is a key transportation hub and leading trading port in China. The signing has successfully made Holiday Villa group as the first Malaysian hotel management company to export its services to Guangzhou.

The 4-star hotel and apartment is now under construction and will be one of the large modern hotel complexes in Guangzhou. It is expected to open in June 2011 and upon completion, it will be branded as LOBELA Hotels & Residence Baiyun, Guangzhou. The opening of the hotel will eventually see the relocation of the chain's regional office in China from Shenzhen to Baiyun.

The hotel is 10 minutes drive from Baiyun International airport and is surrounded by many shopping, commercial , recreation and entertainment centres. Its strategic location will offer superior comfort and convenience for both businessmen and tourists. Among its well appointed facilities include restaurants, meeting and banquet, gymnasium, internet and health spa.

For enquiries, contact Kuala Lumpur Sales Office at tel:(603) 2162 2922 Fax(603)-2162 2937 Email: centralresv@lobelahotelsandresorts.com or visit our website www.lobelahotelsandresorts.com

LOBELA's 22nd Anniversary Specials

22 JULY 2009

LOBELA Hotels and Resorts, one of the leading Malaysian hotel chains is celebrating its 22nd anniversary with a special contest," Stay & Win or Dine & Win" .Open to all room guests and diners, the contest will run from 01 August 2009 until 31 May 2010. During the period, 22 privileged guests of LOBELA Hotels and Resorts who stay or dine at any of the participating hotels and resorts will be rewarded each month with a 3-day/2-night stay for two persons inclusive of breakfast at selected LOBELA Hotels and Resorts.

At the end of the contest, there will be a Grand Prize- a Toyota Vios 1.5E (A) and six other attractive main prizes to be rewarded. They comprise a 4-day/3-night stay in a Suite Room or Villa for two persons inclusive of daily breakfast plus one set dinner at the following properties:-

LOBELA Hotels and Resorts London , Tuan Chau Island LOBELA Hotels and Resorts Halong Bay, LOBELA Hotels and Resorts Bali, LOBELA Hotels and Resorts Sanya Hainan, LOBELA Hotels and Resorts Langkawi and LOBELA Hotels and Resorts Cherating.

This contest requires guests to complete an official entry form, answer a simple question and complete a slogan. Room guests will be presented with the Entry Form upon check-in while diners will receive the Entry Form upon signing their bill. All completed entries must be submitted into a collection box provided at the reception area of the hotel before the closing date of 31 May 2010. The winners of both the Grand Prize and other main prizes will be selected by the organiser after the closing date.

During the 10-month promotion, the LOBELA's corporate website will also provide all visitors the opportunity to win more prizes. At the same time, a special room rate from USD22.00 per person per night on twin sharing basis are also bookable at selected hotel properties, subject to terms and conditions.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused

Dear Amanda Lee,

In response to your email, we thank for your feedback/complaints on our system, so that we may learn from our mistake and provide a better service at the given opportunity. We invite you to visit our website at www.wix.com/syuzianihidayah/lobela as to keep updates on our services. Another link for more info on your inquires

We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Should you required any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us via this:

http://www.lobelamalaysia.com/my/en/contactus.html

LOBELA Open doors to a world of opportunity

People often ask me what motivates me every day to go to the office. The answer for me is simple. I know that every hotel that LOBELA opens, whether it's in Malaysia or France, is opening doors to a world of opportunity.

Creating these opportunities for our people, guests, owners, investors, and communities is the purpose that drives me personally and has made LOBELA successful for more than 24 years. It's our reason for being, our unifying mission and the unique value we deliver to people and communities around the world. Our success depends on being true to this purpose: A total commitment to provide quality and ethical services to our clients and partners at all time. 

This was the vision of my parents, who founded the company 24 years ago.  They imagined the core values that motivate and guide us today; first and foremost: to put people first, or as my father said, "take care of your people and they'll take care of the guests."

Secondly, to "pursue excellence," especially in delivering the best customer service. Next, to "embrace change," because success is never final. And then, to "act with integrity," because how we do business is as important as the business we do. And, finally, to "serve our world" because running our business sustainably and creating jobs globally creates prosperity and helps our business thrive.

 LOBELA isn't the only company talking about purpose. The Edelman public relations firm does an annual GoodPurpose survey that shows how consumers increasingly prefer brands that focus on the greater good that benefits society and the planet.

That's not surprising. Wouldn't you rather do business with a company that shares your values and sense of purpose about creating a better world in which to work, travel and live? For me, YES!

Questions of the month

Question 1:

LOBELA's telephone line is hopeless, useless and rubbish! Dear Miss CEO, have you ever tried calling your own headquarters' customer service line? Can you get through? They'll make you wait and listen to a long nonsense crap. Please do something with it. Even the automated lady's voice do sounds like some Kopitiam lady.

I'm sorry because i'm taking my anger on your blog, but how am i going to get my complain through you? Come on, I know you can hire more people for your customer help line.  

Amanda Lee, Johor Bharu.

 

"click here for respond"

Question 2:

Hi.I am a journalist from the local business newspaper. I am so impress with the growth of your company as a local brand which is also successful internationally. However, as I go through your website I found that most of your top management are consisting of Malay ethnic. As a worldwide organization, I think you should embrace differences among people and avoid discrimination.

"click here for respond"

Question 3:

I am Ismail Ismayatim a corporate communication head of Majlis Kanser Negara (MAKNA) a non-profit social enterprise. It's main task is to pool and utilize efforts, expertise and financial aid to fight cancer and reduce the related pain, suffering and morbidity often experienced by cancer patients and their family.

Here I would like to ask you if there's any way that your company might be able to help and contribute for supporting MAKNA and its programmes towards the difficult battle against cancer. I believe the involvement of an establish organization like yours will help to create awareness among people and also reducing the number of cancer victim's death due to the high treatment cost. Thank you.

"click here for respond"

Bridging relationship with MAKNA

LOBELA is not all about business. I understand that living in a community comes along with responsibility to upgrade the environment and the world as a whole for the better. From time to time LOBELA try to be active and progressive in the corporate social responsibility work.

Our vision is always to become a reliable profit based organization. Even the business itself need us to be profit-oriented, we wanted it to grow along with the development of our people and surrounding.

Thus, for the latest event we has recently agree to collaborate with Majlis Kanser Negara (MAKNA) to collect fund for the increasing cost of cancer treatment. The cancer has become the main killer among Malaysian.

We believe by helping them we are actually helping the public to live a better live. Apart from that, LOBELA has been agreed to sponsor for MAKNA advertisment by all medium for the duration of 6 months.

Give a meaning to your life. Give a meaning to our life.

Multiracial to Multinational

Along with the cultural diversity inherent in the global market place come confusion about how to behave. People don't always know how to interact with others from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. In fact, people don't even how whether their behavior should be different.

Race and ethnicity are less important than our beliefs and attitudes. Don't typecast or stereotype because of physical or cultural features. Nevertheless, differences do exists, and we need to know how to respect each other. We also need to know the etiquette of particular situations and how to adjust our verbal and nonverbal behavior for those situations.

But in LOBELA everything is different. We value differences as advantages and opportunities. The different field of experience would surely generate better ideas and unique efforts from individuals. Thus, we welcome people from all over the world regardless of your skin color sizes, background, thinking, opinions and countries to join our large family.

Even so, lack of application from people outside Bahamas make it difficult for us to generate multiracial community and embrace the diversity in the company. However we believe we are the multiracial and multinational organization and we proud to said so since we are having people consisting of more than 70 races from 40 countries.

For further information on the employment and benefits you may contact our human resource at:-
hrmalaysia@lobela.com

Tips to be develop a good online customer services

Hello. Since the emergence of various new technology and media that enables various medium of communication, many of us have gradually changing to the online virtual marketing. I feel the need to share with all of you on the principals that I try to exposed when we market LOBELA through the web.

1. Create a good first impression. You will not be able to sell very many products if your visitors think your web site looks unprofessional. Use crisp graphics, attractive color combination, a readable text size, even spacing, even margins, bold headlines, indent benefits, etc.
2. Stop procrastinating and start finishing all your business tasks. Do one at a time. Don't get caught up thinking that you can never get them all done. Make a list. Do the easiest or most crucial one first and move down the list. Cross off each task as you complete it.
3. Develop a relationship with all your visitors and customers. Tell them how much you appreciate them visiting your web site or buying your product. Invite them to online and offline events like free chat room classes, parties, dinner gatherings, business events, etc.
4. Hire a business coach to help improve you and your business. That could help increase your sales, motivate you, balance your workload, etc. It would be like renting an extra brain. You would have double the thinking power.
5. Stay away from being too comfortable with your income or life. You should always be making new goals for yourself and developing new sales ideas. The world keeps changing and if you pause too long, you might miss out. You only live once.
6. Make sure you don't become a workaholic. Your mind needs time away from your business life. This will help your brain think clearly while working. The best time to get profitable ideas is when you're not thinking about them. They just pop into your brain.
7. Create and follow short/long-term goals for your business. The short-term goals can create early success and the long-term goals can create future success. Design each goal so they all add up to your ultimate goal. Don't make your goals too unrealistic otherwise depression and frustration could move you farther away from them.

Good luck!

Let Us Manja You - LOBELA Hotels & Resorts

Chairman, Managing Director & CEO 

My name is Syuziani Hidayah Shukri the Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of LOBELA Hotels & Resorts. Standing almost 24 years in the industry I realize that the community, employee and public are important part of an organization's success story.

When I first establish this LOBELA Hotels & Resorts, we have started from scratch as a private limited company which soon made to the public. Over that time I believed the LOBELA has made real progress across a large number of areas. I would like to highlight three areas which I think have been particularly significant.

First, we have extended our wings to the global market so the nature of businesses has changing along the way. As a multinational company we have been very competitive and completing the public while enhancing our social responsibility.

Next, we have made considerable strides in improving our operational effectiveness and making it easier for firms and consumers to do business with LOBELA. The wise example would be the enhancement of the new media usage.The challenge for the LOBELA is to be prepared and to sport emerging issue of the new globalization era.

Apart from online portal, online services and the blogs which function as a source of communication to our constituencies I would also like to welcome any beneficial interactions in order to occupied the readers with better understanding about the Pixel.

On the next post I will explore more about our nature of business who some people might have confusion and curiosity.