Monday 5 October 2009

Taipei : Day 2 (5 Oct 2009)

Wake up a little bit late today after the Subuh Prayer at about 4.45 a.m. I switched off the air cond the whole night since it was too cold.
It has been raining since last night and still continuing and so far no bad news on the typhoon yet.
The weather does not look so good for me to take a nice walk today but still hoping it would be better by the end of the day.
Prepared my breakfast with some bread and chicken curry that I brought here from home. What a nice meal from home! he he he...!



Called housekeeping to get an iron and I am impressed when the sent it in less than 5 minutes.

Now I am about to go for the workshop with some materials that I prepared from office. I really look forward for the discussion part of it since there are a lot I need to learn from other experts that can be used in the same program in Malaysia.
At present energy efficiency labeling and rating still a voluntary program in Malaysia and the proposal to make it as mandatory by using laws and regulations is still being considered.

Honestly , Malaysia is still lagging behind those countries attended this workshop but I need to gain as much information and input as possible for me to keep pushing this matter to the government. Hope to share more experiences and approaches that have been proven effective in other countries which may be suitable to be considered to be introduced to Malaysia with some improvements to meet Malaysian environment.

The sessions ended a little bit late since there were so many questions to speakers. Just as I expected, there were so much for me to learn from all the presentations. Basically on how other countries have successfully implemented their programs and later improve it.

Managed to chat and exchange information with quite a number of key people in MEPS and Energy Efficiency Labeling from various countries such as Chinese Taipei, China, Australia, USA, Japan, Korea, Russia, New Zealand and Indonesia. All of them are keen to assist should I need their input in the future on the same subject.

Joined the welcoming dinner with everyone in a nice restaurant nearby the hotel. It was suppose to be just a walking distance but the rain did not allow us. A shuttle van was arranged for us. Tonight I become a vegetarian since there are many foods that I was very doubtful to try. I think everyone had a nice dinner and the best of it we were getting to know more about each other in more informal ways. Some of them just did not understand why I did not eat chicken and drink red wine which is nothing to do with pork. Together with my new Indonesian friend, we explain to them the meaning of halal and non-halal meals for Muslim.







Reached the hotel room at about 8.45 p.m and I just need to clean myself and later to send some news to my family at home. Missing them so much as always. Hoping my wife will open the Facebook tonite and to see some photos that I took here.

Tomorrow will be just another half day session and I planned to go for a walk until night. There are few places suggested by some of new Taiwanese friends here and I just hoping there will be no or not so heavy rain tomorrow. One of the must go place as they said is Taipei 101 tower which is a main land mark here. Many ideas and suggestions on how can I spend my time tomorrow but I just hope the weather will be better at least. So far, I have heard any bad news about the expected typhoon Parma...let it be that way until I leave this place.

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