Shanghai, China; April 28 - May 5, 2010

Malaysia Boleh...?


I have never used this blog to post any grouses or anything that is politically linked.  But hey, this is my blog and I can write what I want!


I was recently at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China and felt something amiss with the Malaysia pavilion and the organisation of Malaysia's participation in the Expo.   

Malaysia Pavlion at the World Expo 2010; Shanghai, China

1. The contractor of the booth is very questionable.  Other pavilions were designed and constructed by well known architects.  The interior of the Malaysia pavilion was designed by City Neon but the construction was carried out by Venturepharm Asia Sdn Bhd - a pharmaceutical company!
2. The Tropical Rainforest of Malaysia area was filled with fake plastic garden plants. Nothing real, unlike Singapore or New Zealand pavilions.
3. The elevator got stuck on the 1st day the expo opens.
4. The toilet on the ground floor has piping problem on he 1st day of the expo.
5. The tile of the stairs was chipped, 3 days into the expo.
6. The walls were peeling, 3 days into the expo.
7. Things promised and shown on the drawing were not there at the MPOC area - now rectified after day of endless pestering and emails with CC copies to many people.
8. The pavilion manager is the former SUSK (Setiausaha Sulit Kanan - Principal Private Secretary) of the current Tourism Minister and a part time staff of Tourism Malaysia Shanghai who is a fresh graduate Malaysian student is the the deputy pavilion manager.

Oh, and I didn't get my pass for the expo despite having sent the application more than 1 month before my departure to Shanghai.  I had to use Emergency pass to enter the expo.  I do not know where the incompetency lies - the expo bureau, that imposed an application period of 5 days for temporary pass and 20 days for 6-month pass; or Tourism Malaysia Shanghai that employ temporary staff who are Malaysian students to handle this matter.

I googled Venturepharm Asia Sdn Bhd and found this. So, go figure!  I do not support any political parties, but these are facts.

http://weechookeong.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/the-minister-of-tourism-why-venturepharm-asia-sdn-bhd-so-special/

Having said that, after visiting other pavilions, none others include commercial organisations.  They plainly showcased their countries along the expo theme - Better City, Better Life.

Another must read link on Malaysia pavilion:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_2010

I can't help but wonder, is this they call Malaysia Boleh?