|
Feeling at home
17/06/2006 The Star
If you’re Japanese, new to Malaysia and can only speak your native tongue,
you’ll be glad to join the Coconut Lounge.
Based in Penang, the club introduces Malaysia to its members through social
outings and activities.
Set up in April 2005, Coconut was initiated by SMI Holidays, a local inbound
travel agent who has been handling the Japanese tourist market for 14 years.
SMI has offices in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Langkawi.
“Social events aside, the club’s objective is to support Japanese long-term
residents and help them deal with everyday problems like transportation,
shopping and language,” said Ong Khong Seong of SMI who speaks fluent
Japanese and helps organise the club activities.
Twice a week, members take part in a mishmash of activities – from tai chi
classes to fishing or sightseeing.
“Sometimes we invite makciks from the village to teach our members how to
cook local delicacies. We tag along with them to the market, watch and learn
about the different vegetables,” explains Ong, who studied and worked in
Japan for many years.
“Or we take members to stalls where they can sample the best Penang laksa or
kueh teow (rice noodle) soup.”
At the club, members can flip through Japanese magazines and books, take
English or Hokkien dialect classes, or have karaoke sessions.
At times, local bank representatives or insurance agents are invited to
brief members on Malaysia’s banking system or insurance coverage. During
festive seasons, members attend Chinese New Year or Hari Raya open houses
and learn about local traditions.
Most activities are free to members and include transportation on local
outings. Members pay a sign-up fee of RM50/person and an annual fee of
RM240/couple. Out-of-town excursions cost anything from RM80 or more.
“Other than getting the service of an interpreter, members learn to adapt to
the Malaysian lifestyle, and at the same time, Coconut promotes Penang as a
long-stay destination for the Japanese,” says Ong. – By LEONG SIOK HUI
|
