" Gunung Ledang "

SPECIFIC PURPOSE
To promote local people and also foreigners from outside countries about the natural beauty of Gunung Ledang which is rich with various types of flora and natural sources that cannot be found in other mountain in the world.

CENTRAL IDEA
By exposing the natural beauty of Gunung Ledang it will encourage foreigners come to Malaysia and also implement the government encouragement towards Visit Malaysia 2007.

INTRODUCTION

History
Gunung Ledang or Mt Ophir, is one of the most popular treks in Peninsular Malaysia. Hundreds of people flock to the mountain and its lower river during weekends. The most popular trek is via Sagil. There is also a legend of a fairy princess who is guarding the mountain. In fact, there are rumours of people sighting the princess while they are trekking in the mountain.
Situated in the state of Johor and at the height of 1276m, it is both near enough to Singapore and high enough to give one a reasonable sense of achievement. The obstacles found along the way to the summit also make the trek more interesting. With the development of a resort and the accessibility of the mountain via Sagil, there are adequate support in the form of guides and emergency arrangements to make this mountain one of the safest in Peninsula Malaysia.
The wildlife there can be quite menacing. On Botak hill, rats would terrorize any campers who are having dinner on that hill. They can be quite bold and run through your feet when you are cooking. At the campsite 2 beside Sungei Segi Tua, we had seen mammals that look like porcupines (same size and armed with spikes), which are drawn to our dinner in the late evening. Pots and pans had to be thoroughly washed or else, had to be hung out of their reach or they may drag it away into the forest to enjoy the leftovers.
Mt Ophir is still a recommended trek for beginners to Malaysia’s mountains. The cost of the trek is relatively cheap compared to other mountains in Peninsula Malaysia and it is also very close to help if it is needed. The summit of the mountain also offers 360 degrees view of the surrounding although sometimes, mists and clouds can cover any scenery from the top. With proper care and attention, this can still be a nice trek if you do not really mind the litters (it was worse) and the crowd during weekends and public holiday


GETTING THERE

DRIVING FROM JOHOR/SINGAPORE TO SEGAMAT
Drive to Segamat from Tebrau Higway and proceed your journey to Segamat. It will takes about 2hours. The town is approximately km. Well you will never miss it as you can see the signboard to the town. It's easy when you use the highway!. From Segamat, you have to continue your journey to Sagil, a small town where Gunung Ledang is located. It will take about 45minutes from Segamat. From here to Gunung Ledang it's only 1km from the main road.

DRIVING FROM KUALA LUMPUR TO TANGKAK
One of the common road to Gunung Ledang is by PLUS highway to the south and exit through Tangkak Toll. From Tangkak, just continue your journey to Sagil and finally, you will reach Gunung Ledang.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM JOHOR BAHRU TO SEGAMAT
Taxi fare from Johor Bahru to Segamat is RM30/person. If you want to chartered it, the rate is around RM120- RM150/cab per way.
Bus fare is about RM12/way from Larkin Bus Station, Johor Bahru. Don't worry because there is 4 express bus company that have service from Johor Bahru to Segamat. The journey will take about 3hours to reach Segamat.
Express bus company

Transnasional
Merdu Express
Damai Express
Cepat Express
* the bus will depart from Larkin Bus Station every half an hour. Start at 0800am.

From Segamat, you have to take a public bus(South West Bus) to Sagil. The rate is RM2.50/way per person. It takes 50minutes to 1hours to reach Sagil. Don't worry if you miss the bus because it will depart from Segamat bus station every half an hour. From here to Gunung Ledang is 1km.
* they can arrange van transfer for you from Singapore/ Johor Bahu to Segamat



BY TRAIN


FACILITIES
The Gunung Ledang Resort has a comprehensive outdoor activity centre which comprises rockface climbing, mountain biking, archery, blowpipe, night trekking and team building programmes.
As a popular holiday destination among schoolchildren, Gunung Ledang meets the needs of every adventurous child. Its numerous outdoor activities allow children to appreciate nature while building their nature.
The only resort at the foothills, the Gunung Ledang Resort has :
40 Standard Rooms
10 Deluxe Rooms
10 Family Deluxe Rooms
30 Jungle Cabins (basic but offer shelter from rain and animals!)

Gunung Ledang is a popular venue for campers, and allows one to commune with nature at its best.
Gunung Ledang Resort is the only resort that available here. The resort offers ideal gateway for those dreaming of enjoying nature at its rugged best in the safe comfort at home.

Other Facilities :
3 Seminar Rooms
Games Rooms
Gymnasium
Karaoke Lounge
Restaurant
Parking Space
Bicycle for rent - RM5/hour
Vendy Machine
Swimming pool
Public Telephone
Daily newspaper
Table Tennis

PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES
Programmes
Feel the adrenaline coursing through your body when you participate in Mountain Climbing, Ropes Course, Flying Fox, 4 x 4 drive, night trekking and campfire in the rugged wilds.

Gunung Ledang (Mt. Ophir) Mountain Expedition
Group Size : 10 persons (min.)
Cost of S$198 per pax includes :-
Ø 2-way air-con combi-van transfer (SG-GLR-SG)
Ø 2 N resort stay, meals
Ø 4 X 4 vehicle / van transfer from Summit
Ø Service of mountain Rangers
Ø Insurance

Student Adventure Camp
Group Size : 30 persons (min.)
Cost of S$228 per pax includes :-
Ø 1 N resort accomodation & 1 N camping
Ø Meals for 3 D 2 N
Ø Jungle Obstacle Course
Ø Flying Fox
Ø Rockwall Dynamic Games
Ø Trekking
Ø 2-way air-con coach transfer (SG-GLR-SG)
Ø Insurance
Ø Programme facilitation by qualified Trainers

Leisure & Soft Adventure
Group Size : 30 persons (min.)
Cost of S$158 per pax includes :-
Ø 1 N resort stay, breakfast, lunch, dinner
Ø 4 X 4 / Van drive
Ø Rangers service for trekking to Summit
Ø Fun & splashing at Puteri Falls
Ø 2-way coach transfer (SG-GLR-SG)
Ø Insurance

Adventure Learning Programmed -
In this programmed, mountain climbing is used as a metaphor to articulate and create a new paradigm that enables individuals and organizations to embrace change with optimism, to be comfortable with uncertainty, and to become visionary and adventurous in dealing with new social, political and economic environment.

Astronomy Camps -
This enrichment programmed at Gunung Ledang Resort (Mt. Ophir) is designed to suit all schools, institutions, youth groups and retirees in their quest for knowledge in Astronomy.

Eco-Discovery –
A collection of activities from an environmental curriculum that integrates lesson about nature, ecology and to propagated the preservation of wildlife and their natural habitat.

Activities
Activities on Gunung Ledang are adventure and nature-based. Depending on one's level of fitness, there are several option :

At the Foothill
For nature lovers and picnickers, activities revolve around the foothills where the Gunung Ledang Resort and a waterfall is situated.
All visitors need to pass through the grounds of the resort which sprawls on 30 hectares of the mountain site. A nominal fee of RM1.00 per person is payable to the resort which goes towards maintenance of the public facilities, such as changing cubicles, picnic grounds and toilets. Concrete steps with hand railings lead upwards from the Ranger's office at the first stage of the waterfall. This is the most popular area where pools of water are enclosed by huge boulders, forming a natural spot for bathing. On this level, too, are basic cabins for overnight stays.

Upper Levels
Another 10 minutes walk uphill along the steps will reveal the spectacular sight of the Puteri Falls (Princess Falls). Beyond this, right up to the summit are rapids, rock cliffs, caves, interesting flora and fauna. Birds are plentiful and one should bring along a pair of binoculars. The path uphill can be treacherous, especially during rains, when loose stones and slippery tracks make trekking dangerous. Shoes with good grips soles are essential.
For campers, there are several choices of campsites along the trail. Avoid camping too close to the rapid during the rains. Sudden deluges can occur. The summit can also be uncomfortably chilly, especially in the late evening and at night. Bring a jacket. Heavy mists, too, tend to rush and envelop the summit but clear off almost as suddenly. Be alert and do not stray from marked paths.

Strictly for the Fit
It is possible to trek up the mountain from Asahan on the Melaka side and make your descent towards Johor and vice versa. An average person needs about 3 to 5 hours for entire trek. The route is well-marked. It is the path taken by participants of the Gunung Ledang International Challenge. Do inform the rangers before mountain trekking.

Campsite area :
1st campsite : Puteri Waterfall
From Ranger office you have to walk through the staircase about 20 minutes to reach here.

2nd campsite : Kolam Puteri (900ft)
It takes 25minutes to reach here from Puteri Waterfall.

3rd campsite : Kolam Gajah (2050ft)
It takes 50 minutes to 1hour to reach here from Kolam Gajah. Before you reach here you will cross a place name Kolam anak gajah. From Kloam anak gajah you have to use either twin fall trail or bukit semput trail to reach Kolam Gajah.

4th campsite : Sungai segitiga (2200ft)
From Klam Gajah to Sungai segitiga you will go through 2 hills and it will take about 1hour 30minutes to reach sungai segitiga. It’s easy to find the suitable place to build your tent here because the campsite area here is flat.

5th campsite : Botak hill
Botak hill is the last campsite before you reach at the summit. It’s the last area where you can find water point here. There is no water at the summit!. From here you will go through a place name `KFC’. The journey from Sungai segitiga is challenging where you have to go through a cave name gua kambing then steep cliff/ropes area and a stream. You can see bonsai trees on the way to botak hill.

CONCLUSION

Gunung Ledang Resort has been established almost 11 years and it’s quite famous among local people and also outside country because of their natural beauty. The mountain with the height of 1 276 meters above the sea levels which is one of the highest peak in Malaysia are rich with various types of flora and natural sources that cannot be found in other mountain in the world.

In conclusion, we have seen that the Gunung Ledang have potential to be one of the tourist attraction to visit Malaysia. All the enjoyable activities provided at Gunung Ledang enable tourist to taste the natural and loveliness of the surroundings.

**group members: Azlinda, Suhardi Norhanim, Mohd Hafizan, & Faizul**

***in partial fulfillment of BEL492 - group presentation***

Six Steps to Mastering the Art of Great Conversation

SPECIFIC PURPOSE
To build up a great conversationalist should make a proper planning and hard work and also to encourage proper planning to prevent poor performance.

CENTRAL IDEA
In most cases it's not because a person can't hold a conversation, it's because they haven't prepared for conversation.

INTRODUCTION
People seldom realized the importance of proper planning for effective conversation. Mastering the art of conversation is worth it. Outstanding conversation gets noticed and so does the person behind it.
They may be too shy or just have nothing to say. Either way, it's not pretty. In most cases it's not because a person can't hold a conversation, it's because they haven't prepared for conversation. As with everything in life, great conversationalists understand this simple but importance tenet: proper planning prevents poor performance.

SIX STEPS TO MASTERING THE ART OF GREAT CONVERSATION.

1. Say something.
Readers are leaders and good conversationalists. Keep up to speed with the latest events happening in your world through newspapers, television and radio. There is always something topical happening. Make sure you know about it and that you have an opinion on it.

2. Ooze with confidence.
Confidence is a massively attractive trait. People like talking to confident, authoritative and powerful people because it makes them feel safe. You will attract more people to you than bees to a honey pot if you can appear confident.

3. Eye contact.
Make sure that you establish good eye contact when speaking to someone. Not the Charles Manson "thousand yard stare" kind of eye contact ... that's just scary. Never break eye contact when you're busy making an important point. If you start looking like a sneaky, edgy Coyote, it puts doubt on your integrity and on the validity of your words. So does touching your face, nose and ears whilst speaking. This just makes you look like a fibber. This normally happens when you're not sure of yourself or your subject. Sigmund Freud once said that the body oozes deceit.

4. Compliments.
We all love compliments don't we? Make the compliment sincere, brief and specific. Most important of all, the compliment must be based on fact otherwise, it just becomes empty flattery. For instance, if you saw someone helping an old lady carry her groceries to her car, your compliment would go something like this: "When I saw you helping that old lady with her groceries the other day, I realized that you're a kind and thoughtful person." That compliment is based on evidence. However, if you say, "That's a beautiful red tie you're wearing ... wow, you're a real go-getter and confident person." Well, that is just plain old flattery, isn't it? Wearing a red tie is certainly not evidence of any kind of personality trait, is it? Of course, if someone compliments you, you should react in an appropriate way. When you receive a compliment, simply smile and say "thank you". By doing this, you do wonders for your confidence and you acknowledge the thoughtfulness (and courage) of the person who complimented you.

5. Become a great listener.
Any conversation should follow the 80/20 rule. You do 20 percent of the talking and the rest of the time you're listening. People like to talk, so let them talk. It makes them feel important and it turns you into a friend. In addition, the bonus is that they think you are a great conversationalist. Sometimes it is hard to get someone to open up. You can get them talking by...

6. Asking great questions.
Ask elaborating questions that force a person to open up. Here are some examples: “Really?” “How did that make you feel?” “That must have been exciting. Tell me more.”

CONCLUSION

Becoming a great conversationalist takes proper planning and hard work. However, mastering the art of conversation is worth it. Outstanding conversation gets noticed and so does the person behind it. Sometimes people cannot string two words together. They may be too shy or just have nothing to say. Either way, it is not pretty. In most cases it is not because a person cannot hold a conversation, it is because they have not prepared for conversation. As with everything in life, great conversationalists understand this simple but important tenet: proper planning prevents poor performance.

So, try some of these tips next time you are at a cocktail party or conference and become the person people want to listen to.

** partners name: Suhardi Norhanim bt Sahar **

*** in partial fulfillment of BEL492 - dual presentation***

Challenges of being IB students

SPECIFIC PURPOSE
While this work examines some of those challenges, the primary goal of this research is to provide a methodology for individuals to maintain their personal values, while at the same time respecting local customs, society and the business environment in which they are operating.

CENTRAL IDEA
The expanding global environment continues to raise new ethical challenges in international business. Businesses are confronted with dilemmas overseas that challenge their employees own values. While these challenges may seem unethical to the visiting employee, in fact they may be considered ethical within the values of the host environment. This paper examines a variety of these situations and provides a tutorial on how employees maintain their personal values while working in a challenging global environment. Instructor teaching notes are provided as a supplement to the case exercises.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

International Business is the study and practice of doing business in other countries around the world. Understanding other cultures, learning how to work with other cultures, and learning about different ways of doing things are emphasized. Students learn how to identify opportunities and solve problems in foreign markets, communicate effectively, and manage across national borders. Students learn about how companies from different parts of the world are manufacturing, developing strategies, financing international projects, accounting, and developing unique marketing approaches adjusted to changes in the increasingly dynamic, competitive global marketplace. Students also learn about politics and how governments affect business strategy and business environments.
Personal challenges to one’s own ethical values are similar regardless of the country. For examples; Bribery in Russia raises the same challenge to one’s ethical values as bribery in South Africa. Working conditions in China raise similar challenges to one’s ethical values as working conditions in Guatemala. Corruption in government raises similar ethical challenges to one’s personal values regardless of the country. How can a business person then operate in a global environment and not violate their own personal values?
First, we need to examine how personal values are developed.

2.0 CHALLENGES OF BEING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDENTS.

2.1 PRESENT CHALLENGES.

1. Lack of Technical Facilities.
In modern era, each class should be equipped with the latest utilities for easy and faster learning.
Facilities such as computer systems provided by UiTM Melaka are not sufficient for International Business students to adapt with what they learnt on their syllabus. For example, they are not being exposed to the usage of computer (internet) during the Geography subject. Students supposedly exposed to the real world map or globe in order to them familiarized with the places around the world.
Beside, transportation is also one of the factors that contribute in the challenges that must be faced by the International Business students in UiTM Melaka.

2. Lack of lecturers who are major in International Business.
Lecturers play an important role for their students. They will disclose all the consequences of being International Business students. With them, students will share everything regarding the international environment.

2.2 FUTURE CHALLENGES.

1. Development of Personal Values.
In the global environment a business person must recognize that different positions may be morally justified by two individuals based on the cultures which have shaped their values. In order to understand and ethically work within conflicting cultures both parties need to understand the influences which have shaped those differing values. When a business person fully understands those influences they are able to make decisions which do not violate their own values. Finally, all business people must recognize that there are certain actions which are morally wrong regardless of the society or culture. These actions would violate the personal values of any individual and should never be engaged in anywhere.

Influences on Personal Values:
a) Family/Parents/Siblings.
b) Individual/Education/Spirituality/Responsibilities.
c) Society/Ethics/Religion.
d) Government/Laws/Business Regulations.
e) Economics.

Business Conflicts to Personal Values:
a) Corruption in government.
b) Bribery/facilitating payments.
c) Trust/local relationships.
d) Working Conditions/Role of Unions/Working Hours/Workers Safety/Workers Rights/Child Labor/Discrimination.
e) Treatment of Women/Sexual Harassment.
f) Socializing/Expectations to Build Personal Relationships/Social Drinking/Gifts.
g) Cheating.
h) Consumer Protection/Consumer Rights.

2. A Look at the Trends
Business schools face more competition and more criticism of the quality of their work than they have ever done before. In time, that may lead to fundamental changes in the structure of the business-school market, and perhaps in what schools teach and how they teach it.

They are concerned that the current lack of environmental, social and governance concepts into the curriculum of business schools is a major contributor to the lack of integration of these concepts and tools within companies. To a certain degree, the two mirror one another. Failure to teach our business leaders more about the necessity and advantages that sustainable business approaches hold puts business itself at risk. In a world where tough operating environments are the rule and expectations of the private sector are ever more demanding, current and future managers must be well equipped to understand and excel. In our experience, companies are struggling to find job candidates who fit this description.
In today’s global economy, business leaders are responsible for many of the most influential decisions made throughout the world. Such decisions impact the livelihoods, economic wellbeing, political decisions and environmental health of millions. Increasingly, the MBA is becoming the rite of passage for business leaders to taken on the roles where such decisions are made.

3. Job Opportunity.
Many international students want to work abroad after they graduate. After their practical training, international students must be sponsored by an employer in order to continue working abroad especially in United States. International students have difficulty securing postgraduate employment. Reasons include:

a) Hiring Complexities
After international students complete practical training, employers must sponsor them to obtain an H1-B visa, which allows them to work in the U.S. for one to six additional years.
Hiring an international student is not as common, is more complicated, and less familiar than hiring an American. The process involves:
· petitioning the government for an H1-B,
· obtaining approval from the Labor Department,
· hiring a lawyer, and
· absorbing some fees.
For these reasons, some employers will not even interview, let alone hire, international graduates.

b) Perceived Lack of Commitment to the Job
Some employers are reluctant to hire international students because they fear international students will eventually want to return to their home countries. Employers do not want to invest time and money in training international students only to have them leave in a year's time.

c) Communication
Strong communication skills are critical for prospective employees. Employers are often concerned with international students' ability to communicate effectively with their clients and/or internal personnel.

d) Animosity
Some Americans, and probably some employers, feel that by living and working in the U.S., international students are taking jobs away from Americans.

3.0 CONCLUSION

Conducting international business requires individuals to manage business policy/ actions which challenge their personal values. Managing these business policies/actions requires an understanding of the values and culture within the host county. The ability to correctly evaluate these influences within the host country will allow the individual to undertake international business policy/actions which do not violate their own personal values.

Company managers would like to see the graduates have the experience in managing the tradeoffs among different business disciplines and among their differing social and environmental impacts, skills in communicating difficult messages and decisions, internally and externally, practice in crafting integrated strategies for corporate planning, exposure to the ways in which public policy and engagement with governments can benefit companies, confidence in making decisions when the available data is sparse, and also have basic training in the concepts of ethics.

In addition, International Business students are advised to:
· Market Yourself Positively.
It is very important for international students to turn employers' objections into positives. International students should be prepared to tell employers how hiring them offers more advantages than disadvantages.

· Choose a Major/Specialization in Demand.
The demand for employees in technical fields, such as information technology and accounting, far outweighs the supply; therefore, international students who study these subjects may have more opportunities than those select majors in low-demand areas.

· Be Flexible.
International students may need to expand their job search by considering jobs outside their desired career.
For example, an Information Technology major who would like to do web development may want to search for jobs in web development AND other areas of information technology.

· Patience and Persistence.

Although finding employment as an international student can be challenging, it is not impossible. Each year the U.S. grants almost 200,000 H1-B visas.

*** in partial fulfillment of BEL492 - individual presentation ***