Autism affects more boys than girls and the answer, according to a study just released, lies in their genes.

Scientists at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA),
have discovered a variant of a gene called CACNA1G that may increase children's risk of developing autism, particularly boys.

A variant is a gene that has undergone subtle changes from the normal DNA yet is shared by a significant portion of the population.

Classic autism strikes four times as many boys as girls. When the entire spectrum of autism disorders is reviewed, such as the milder Asperger syndrome, boys are 10 times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

"This is a strong finding," said Dr. Stanley Nelson, professor of human genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the study's principal investigator. "No one has scrutinized the role that CACNA1G plays in autism.

"We found that a common form of the gene occurs more frequently in the DNA of families that have two or more sons affected by autism but no affected daughters," he said. "Our study may explain why boys are more susceptible to the disorder than girls."

Nelson and his colleagues zeroed in on a region of chromosome 17 that previous studies have tied to autism. The research team scoured the DNA of 1,046 members of families with at least two sons affected by autism for common gene variants.

The findings were published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry in its May 19 advance online edition.

The researchers used tools of the Human Genome Project to scan thousands of variants across all genes in the suspicious region of the chromosome and to pluck out the most common forms.

"We wanted to identify what was happening in this region of chromosome 17 that boosts autism risk," Nelson said. "When the same genetic markers kept cropping up in a single region of the DNA, we knew we had uncovered a big clue."

The researchers traced the genetic markers to CACNA1G, which helps move calcium between cells. They discovered that the gene has a common variant that appears in the DNA of nearly 40 percent of the population.

"This alternate form of CACNA1G consistently increased the correlation to autism spectrum disorders, suggesting that inheriting the gene may heighten a child's risk of developing autism," Nelson said.

How the gene contributes to higher autism risk remains unclear, but Nelson emphasized that it cannot be considered a risk factor on its own.

"This variant is a single piece of the puzzle," he said. "We need a larger sample size to identify all of the genes involved in autism and to solve the whole puzzle of this disease."

The UCLA team's next step will be to sequence the gene in people who possess the altered variant in order to identify the exact change that increases autism risk. These subtle variations offer potential markers for the real mutation causing greater susceptibility to the disease.

Nelson's co-authors included Samuel Strom, Jennifer Stone, John ten Bosch, Barry Merriman, Rita Cantor and Daniel Geschwind, all of UCLA. The study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and Cure Autism Now, which merged with Autism Speaks in 2007.

The DNA samples and clinical data were provided by families who donated blood to the Los Angeles-based Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE), a program created and funded by Cure Autism Now.

"When parents like me first formed AGRE, this was our dream, that talented scientists would use our gene bank to collaborate and bring us closer to understanding autism," said Jon Shestack, co-founder of Cure Autism Now and a board member of Autism Speaks. "AGRE has played an important role in almost every major autism genetics paper in the past five years."

Autism is a complex brain disorder that strikes in early childhood. The condition disrupts a child's ability to communicate and develop social relationships and is often accompanied by acute behavioral challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in 150 American children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The diagnosis of autism has expanded tenfold in the last decade.

For more news, visit the UCLA Newsroom
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/article/21199

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Mak Yong TITIS SAKTI (3 - 7 June 2009)

What happens when you use an age-old Malaysian art form to tell a series of love stories by one of the greatest English playwrights ever? You'll have the chance to witness this intriguing fusion soon...

The Actors Studio Teater Rakyat with the support of National Arts & Culture Department & klpac presents

MAK YONG "TITIS SAKTI"

adapted by Norzizi Zulkifli & Nan Megat

director Norzizi Zulkifli

music director Kamrulbahri Hussin

choreographer Zamzuriah Zahari

set designer Bayu Utomo Radjikin

costume designer Nur Afifi Mohamed Taib

lighting designer Sandee Chew

executive producer Dato' Faridah Merican

artistic director Joe Hasham

featuring Rosdeen Suboh, Tisha Zarina Zainal, Asrulfaizal, Ashafiqah Abd Aziz, Zamzuriah Zahari, Nur Ameera Ramli, Elza Irdalynna, Kamaruzaman, Zalika Nadia Zulkifli, Siti Farah Abdullah, Safia Hanifah, Lorna Hoong, Nur Shafinaz Hamidon, Siti Ainnur bt. Kamarudin & Nurul Syawal Mohamed Zain

preview night 3 June @ 8.30pm - RM 10 flat!

show 4 - 6 June @ 8.30pm; 7 June @ 3pm - RM35 (adults) & RM18 (students, sr. citizens & disabled)

venue Pentas 2, klpac (location map)

We'll be bringing to you a traditional Mak Yong performance inspired by Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Those familiar with the text will see glimpses of certain characters from the classic but the staging itself stays true to the style of Mak Yong which features a lovely fusion of music, dance, drama, romance & comedy. Visually, it will be a real treat full of rich costumes and intricate accessories, courtesy of master craftsmen Hj. Tharuwat.

This light-hearted comedy follows three couples in pursuit of love & their lifelong partner. Each is faced with different predicaments and this is when the magical Bunga Sakti comes into play. Allow yourself to be transported to a different world where fairytales and magical powers exist alongside human emotions.

The established cast, starring Rosdeen Suboh, Asrulfaizal, Zamzuriah Zahari & Tisha Zarina Zainal, will be backed by a music ensemble led by Kamrulbahri Hussin and an equally impressive production team.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience an age-old art form that was once largely performed as court entertainment in palaces...

To purchase tickets, call 03-4047 9000

For group bookings, call Shalu 03-4047 9017

www.theactorsstudio.com.my | are you a klpac virgin? www.klpac.org

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Mak Yong Titis Sakti will be performed in Bahasa Melayu. Scene-by-scene descriptions in English will be made available. There will also be an educational exhibition on Mak Yong at klpac's foyer (no admittance fee for th exhibition).

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UNESCO proclaimed Mak Yong to be a “Masterpiece of The Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

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Venusbuzz.com is organising a Mummy and Child Weekend.

Where:
Event Hall, 3rd Floor, Bangsar Village II.

When:
Saturday 30 May, 2009 & Sunday 31 May, 2009

Time: 10am - 5pm

Fee: RM10 presale or RM12/kid at the door for the whole day,

With fun activities for mum and kid from mini pedi & manicures, clay moulding, mini spa, face painting, balloon sculpting, colouring contests and so many more. Mums get in for free and still get to enter a lucky draw to win prizes over RM3,000.

Bring the nephews and nieces too for those suddenly finding themselves babysitting this weekend.

For more info, please see attached programME flyer or visit our website www.venusbuzz.com/mommy&me

Hope to see you all there!

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Topic         : Chronic Cough

          Common Conditions To Consider

By         : Dr P. Shyamala
             Consultant Respiratory Physician
Date         : 28 June 2009 (Sunday)

Time         : 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Venue : Conference Rooms, Ground Floor North Tower
           Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya

Registration is open on first come first serve basis and limited to 150 persons. To book a seat, call 03-5639 1556 between 10.00am – 5.00pm during office hours.

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Susan Boyle makes it to ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ finals next Saturday, with her rousing rendition of the song "Memory" from the musical "Cats" during the semifinals yesterday.

Wearing a plum colored sparkling beaded dress, Susan’s performance has brought her one step closer to her dream to become a professional singer.

Susan Boyle, 48, from Blackburn, West Lothian, UK, took the cyber world by storm when her stunning audition at reality tv show, Britain’s Got Talent went online.

When Boyle first walked onto the stage of the talent-spotting progra

mme, her dowdy appearance did not make her a favourite with the audience and judges.

When Simon Cowell asked her, ‘What’s your dream?, snd she answered “I want to be a professional singer. she was dismissed as a unsuccessful wannabe with a nerve of wanting to emulate celebrity Elaine Paige.

Then she started to sing and the rest, as they say, is history.

Her powerful performance of "I Dreamed a Dream", stunned the judges, the audience as well as entranced 60 million online viewers.

The youngest in her family, with four brothers and six sisters, Boyle was briefly deprived of oxygen during birth and was diagnosed with learning disabilities. As a child she was bullied and was nicknamed “Susie Simple”

Since her first performance went online, many local and international newspapers carried articles on Boyle's Britain's Got Talent appearances, life and family.

Boyle has also been interviewed on STV's The Five Thirty Show, CBS's Early Show, ABC's Good Morning America, NBC's Today and FOX's America's Newsroom, CNN's Larry King Live, as well as The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Her idol, Elaine Paige has also expressed interest in singing a duet with her.

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Event No1: Cooking Class
                  How to Make Vegetarian Pau
                  Venue: CETDEM Organic Farming Community Centre (OFCC)
                  Date:  30 May 2009 (Saturday)
                  Time:  10am ~ 12pm
                   Fee:   Rm 20.00 (Non member)
                             RM 15.00  (Member)

Event No 2:   Bin Composting Class
                    How To Recycle Kitchen Wastes Into Compost
                     Venue: CETDEM Organic Farming Community Centre (OFCC)
                     Date:  31 May 2009 (Sunday)
                     Time:  10am ~ 12pm
                      Fee:   RM 25.00  (Non member)
                                RM 20.00  (Member)

                  
vent No 3 :    Cooking Class
                       Basic Steps of  Making Bread & Spiced bread Sticks
                       Date:  6 June 2009 (Saturday)
                       Time:  10am ~ 12pm
                        Fee:   RM 25.00  (Non member)
                                RM 20.00  (Member)

Event No 4:      Observation Trip to an Organic Farm
                        Farm site  to be confirmed
                        Date:  21 June 2009 (Sunday)
                        Time:  
                         Fee:            tbc      (Non member)
                                             tbc      (Member) 

Event No 5:       Hari Organic
                         Venue:  Section 19 - Jalan 19/15 Padang
                         Date:  30  June 2009 (Every last Saturday of the month)
                        Time:  9 am ~ 4pm
                          Details will be available once the flyer is ready

For details call  03-78757767 or email to of@cetdem.org.my

Tan Siew Luang
Coordinator, CETDEM Organic Farming Project
Tel: 03-7875 7767
Fax: 03-7875 4039
email: of@cetdem.org.my
http://www.cetdem.org.my

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IASSID 2nd Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Creating Possibilities for an Inclusive Society

Furama Riverfront Singapore

June 24 to 27, 2009

Over 400 professionals from Singapore and around the world are expected to attend this congress organized by the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID.

The 4-day programme will address issues of concern for people with intellectual disability and their service providers. This congress is a platform to address issues of poverty, poor health and social exclusion that contribute to the incidence of Intellectual Disability. It will also highlight the latest research to inform thedevelopment of evidence-based health and social services across the Asia Pacific

region, to promote the exchange of ideas between researchers and practitioners, and to promote evidence-based best practices among service providers and in turn promote a supportive and an inclusive society for people with disability.

IASSID has been hosting a World Congress approximately every 4 years since 1964. More recently, in addition to world congresses, it has been hosting regional conferences in Europe, South America, and Asia. This will be IASSID's second Asia Pacific Conference, the first was held at Taipei in 2005. Plans are already in place for the 3rd IASSID Asia Pacific Conference, to be held at Tokyo.

For this 2nd Asia Pacific congress IASSID has partnered major Singapore educational and medical institutions, government organizations and VWOs. Representation from NIE (National Institute of Education), DSA (Down Syndrome Association (Singapore)), MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled), APSN (Association for Persons with Special Needs), SSTI (Singapore Social Service Training Institute), are few among others from the many organizations involved.

Other partners and events held in conjunction with the congress are:

IASSID has sought the collaboration and involvement from the Australian Association of Developmental Disability Medicine (AADDM), whereby a meeting will conducted with the view to supporting the development of a network among medical practitioners in Singapore and the region who are involved with patients with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. AADDM will also be presenting a stream of papers that will highlight recent developments in medical research and practice, with particular interest to all involved in the development of health policy and the delivery of medical services.

So too, the International Society for Augmentative & Alternative Communication (ISAAC) will be hosting a stream of specialist papers during the conference. ISAAC will also be conducting its inaugural meeting in Asia and working with the Singaporean Society for the Physically Disabled to host several pre-conferenceworkshops.

The following is a list of some of the highlights/events that will take place during the IASSID 2nd Asia Pacific Congress: -

1. IASSID Executive Board Meeting

2. IASSID Academy Meeting

3. Australian Association of Developmental Disability Medicine Annual Conference

& Annual General Meeting

4. International Society for Augmentative & Alternative Communication Symposia

5. IASSID Asia Pacific Research to Practice Roundtable

6. Special Interest Research Groups [SIRG] & Affinity Group

Symposia & Meetings will focus on the following topics:

• Quality of Life

• Ageing

• Mental Health & Behaviour

• Health / developmental Disability medicine

• Parenting / Support Groups

• Down syndrome

7. Asia Pacific Down Syndrome Federation meeting with Executive members of Down Syndrome International

8. Pre & Post Congress Workshops

9. We plan on having performances by people with intellectual disability at the various social events during the congress

Guest of Honour is Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) for the Opening Ceremony, Wednesday 24 June 2009, 6pm

About IASSID

IASSID is an international and inter-disciplinary scientific non-governmental organisation. The association founded in 1964, promotes worldwide research and exchange of information on intellectual disabilities. It is a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Intellectuality Disability represents the single largest disability group and has its highest incidence in developing countries. Research indicates that the occurrence of Intellectual Disability is closely linked to the effects of poverty and, more recently, to the spread of HIV Aids in developing countries.

Role of the various organisations that partnered IASSID for the congress.

VWOs, such as APSN, MINDS, DSA, St. Andrew’s Hospital:

there is representation from the various local VWOs on the local organising committee assisting with the organisation of the congress. All these VWOs have common objectives to provide services and look after the needs of children and adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Learning Disabilities, therefore having united together to support this scientifically oriented conference is a joint effort to pull together resources as well as to share expertise and knowledge in the field of intellectual disability and learning disabilities. Also an opportunity for further training/gaining extended knowledge for the local professionals and teachers.

National Institute of Education (NIE) is partner in the Scientific/Programme committee including review of the overseas and local paper submissions. The Scientific and Review committee includes professionals from all over the world.

Ministry of Education (MOE) supports and has given their endorsement.

Social Service Training Institute (SSTI) is one of the main bodies providing training in the field of social service also related to disability.

They have also representation in the local organising committee.

International Society for Augmentative & Alternative Communication (ISAAC) is not a local organisation. They are however planning symposia in collaboration with SPD (Society for the Physically Disabled)

Prof Robert Davis, Secretary of Australian Association of Developmental Disability Medicine (AADDM) - is in touch with senior specialists in KK Hospital and NUH with regards to the developmental disability medicine stream and meeting in the congress. This augurs well for the disability sector in

Singapore.

Please visit http://www.iassid.org for more information and news about IASSID

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MSC MALAYSIA OSCONF 2009

MSC MALAYSIA OPEN SOURCE CONFERENCE 2009

Date: 31 May - 3 June, 2009

Venue: Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Center, Kuala Lumpur.

MSC Malaysia's inaugural and full-fledged Open Source Conference to incorporate a 'Quadruple play' of 4 crucial stakeholders consisting of government, businesses, developers and community in envisioning open source's contribution to the IT industry and socio-economy.

Positioned as International forum for sharing and exchanging ideas on technical advancements, applications, development and business cases on open source, and its positive impact in meeting challenges of the current economic climate.

Organised by MSC Malaysia & MAMPU and jointly supported by the Malaysian Open Source Community and MOSTI, the Conference invites developers, designers, systems administrators, community leaders, innovators, CTOs and CIOs, evangelists and activists, researchers, strategists, and entrepreneurs to lead and contribute during all conference sessions, tutorials and discussions.

With 3 DAYS, 3 TRACKS, 1 HACKATHON are in store for everyone who attend this conference and renowned speakers from prime Open Source Enterprises which are Mozilla, Google and Red Hat to name a few and also not forgeting from the developer community - Ubuntu, BSD, Fedora, PHPs, etc

Come join us at the MSC Malaysia Open Source Conference 2009! You'll be pleasantly surprised..

Who should attend?

- Business executives from MSC Malaysia and Non MSC Malaysia Status companies

- Open Source developers, communities, inventors, evangelist, researchers, strategist

- Government officers

- Students, general public

Why you should attend?

- Provide exposure and knowledge on the importance of Open Source in enhancing competitiveness by giving freedom of choice in software usage with lower total cost of ownership, hence benefiting businesses and society at large. Over 30 session tracks are made available.

- Share amongst the open source community on new directions and latest innovations by the subject matter experts, thought leaders and industry gurus.

- Provide a platform for conference participants to actively interact, share and exchange views, ideas, and tools on the latest trends and issues of Open Source.

- Networking, learning and having great fun

Register Now! : http://www.mscmalaysia.my/osconf

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YMCA PERFORMANCE ARTS TEAM

 

 

YMCA Performing Arts Team is now training for its performance at KLPac. There will be 5 shows: Gala Night on Aug 27 followed by nightly and afternoon shows from Aug 28 to  30, 2009.

For details and booking please call Morley/Woon at 03-22741439 or email morleyng@ymcakl.com

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International Seminar on Sign Language Research

Theme: “Towards Deaf Empowerment through Sign Language Research”

New and relevant ideas to empower the Deaf community and meet the needs

In education and employment.

 

The seminar is for academics, researchers, and leaders of the Deaf community to discuss issues in SL research with international speakers and researchers reporting on sign language research in each of their respective countries.

Participation fee : RM 100

Deaf/ Students (Local) : RM 50

 

In addition, the seminar will be followed by a three day SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING WORKSHOP to be held from 1–3 June 2009 at the same venue.

 

The Interpreting workshop will focus on three main areas:

A: The Professional Sign Language Interpreter

• Language, Linguistics and Interpreting

• The Sign Language Interpreter; Code of Ethics and the Deaf Community

B: Skills Development & Practicum

• Use of Classifiers in Sign Language Interpreting

• Self & Peer Evaluation & Networking

• Practical: Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting

• Legal Interpreting & Documentation

• Activities to enhance self learning

C: Research and Technology

• Innovative and new technology in Sign language research and interpreting

 

Fee: RM 200 (Local) ; Sign Language students: RM 150 (Local)

RM 250 (Overseas)

 

For more information & registration on both programmes, please contact:

Assoc. Professor Dr Zubaidah Ibrahim-Bell (Seminar Director)

c/o Secretariat Mdm Noor Haifa Mohd Yunus

Tel No: +603-79673065

Fax No: +603-79579707

Email: nhaifa@um.edu.my

 

Organised by : MySL Research Team, Faculty of Languages and

Linguistics, University of Malaya

Date : 30th and 31st May 2009 (Sat & Sun)

Venue : Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya

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KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 - Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) launches "Return to Work" programme

Human Resources Minister, Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam launched Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) "Return to Work" programme today followed by a seminar attended by 700 participants.

Speaking at the launching of the programme he said the "Return to Work" programme was introduced two years ago to enable injured workers to be rehabilitated and gainfully re-employed.

So far 566 workers were trained and rehabilitated under the programme which was carried out at various training centres. To provide better support to the programme, Subramaniam said SOCSO was now in the process of building its own rehabilitation centre in Malacca.

The RM80 million state-of-the-art centre would be able to train more such workers when it is fully operational within the next two years.

Currently, SOCSO had 5.2 million members and catered for about 50,000 injured workers and 91,000 pensioners.

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AT THE ANNEXE GALLERY: 13 TO 31 MAY 2009

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NATURAL

New works by Munkao & Saharil Hasrin Sanin

 

 

Visual Art Exhibition

 

 

Thu 14 to Sun 31 May

The Annexe Gallery’s new opening hours:

Sun to Thu, 11am to 8pm

Fri & Sat, 11am to 9.30pm

Presented by The Annexe Gallery & Central Market

Admission Free

Can anything be truly natural? In life and in art? Two young Malaysian artists Munkao and Saharil Hasrin Sanin present a tongue-in-cheek exhibition that challenges the eye and psyche with their (un)naturalness. Images of the body are revealed, covered, grafted onto other species, and shown in various settings with symbolic vegetation and other tantalising visual puns. All works are acrylic on canvas and paper. Naturally, this exhibition is presented by The Annexe Gallery and Central Market.

You are cordially invited to

NATURAL Exhibition Opening

 

Thu 14 May, 8pm

Admission Free

Featuring a performance entitled BODYBUILDING by Weijun

Refreshments served

NATURAL Artist Talk

Sun 17 May, 3pm

Admission Free

Interested collectors please call Jerome (016 8027347) for a preview.

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ASIA-EUROPE EMERGING

PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FORUM 2009

 

 

 

 

Photography Exhibitions and Forums

 

 

12 to 16 May, check schedule below

Presented by Asia-Europe Foundation and partners

Admission free

How can creative photography impact the perception of shifting economies in the globalised world? And in what ways can social cooperation and creativity meet in the space of indeterminate economic capacity? Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and partners present the Asia-Europe Emerging Photographers’ Forum 2009, which gathers 23 photographers and 8 facilitators from both continents to foster an exchange of works, thoughts and ideas that deal with the theme of “Creative Economies”.

Participating photographers include:

Peter Bialobrzeski (Germany), photographer and professor of photography, University of the Arts, Bremen (Germany);

Shahidul Alam (Bangladesh), director of “Chobi Mela” – International Festival of Photography;

Alex Moh (Malaysia), founder of the Kuala Lumpur International Photography Biennale;

Yee I-Lann (Malaysia) multimedia artist;

Hiromi Nakamura (Japan), curator of the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography;

Nathalie Belanchye (France), curator;

Masaaki Nishimiya (Japan), dean of the Photography Department of Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences;

and Martin Fuchs (Austria), Magnum Photo Editor.

PUBLIC EVENTS SCHEDULE

Tue 12 May @ Balai Seni Lukis Negara

9.30am to 11am

The World According to Peter Bialobrzeski

Speaker: Peter Bialobrzeski (Germany)

11.30am to 1pm

Sweet & Bitter – The Intimate Mirror of Contemporary Japanese ‘Girl’ Photography

Speaker: Hiromi Nakamura (Japan)

2pm to 3pm

“Creative Economies” And Photography

Speakers: Thomas Hundt, Director of Germany Trade and Invest GmbH; Alexander Stedtfeld, Director of Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Stephen Ng, General Manager of Nikon Malaysia; and Muid Latif, Board Member of Creative Commons Malaysia

3.30pm

Opening of Asia-Europe Emerging Photographers’ Forum 2009, Kuala Lumpur & Exhibition “Secured Area”

 

Wed 13 May @ The Annexe Gallery

 

 

7.45pm to 9.15pm

The Future of Photography

Speaker: Peter Bialobrzeski (Germany)

THU 14 MAY @ BALAI SENI LUKIS NEGARA

9.30am to 11am

Tools For Photographers – Magnum Photo Blog Presentation

Speaker: Martin Fuchs (Austria)

11:30am - 1pm

In And Out of Tokyo – Tokyo As Seen by Magnum Photographers From 1950s To Present

Speaker: Hiromi Nakamura (Japan)

2pm to 3.30pm

Chobi Mela – The International Festival of Photography Asia

Speaker: Dr. Shahidul Alam (Bangladesh)

FRI 15 MAY @ BALAI SENI LUKIS NEGARA

9.30am to 11am

Katakana Genngo: Best Imaging Language Is Photography

Speaker: Masaaki Nishimiya (Japan)

 

SAT 16 MAY @ THE ANNEXE GALLERY

 

 

8pm onwards

“Creative Economies” Photography Exhibition Opening

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OUR THOUGHTS ARE FREE

Poems and Prose on Imprisonment and Exile

 

 

Book Launch

Sat 16 May, 3pm

Presented by SIRD Publishing and Ethos Books (Singapore)

Admission Free

“OUR THOUGHTS ARE FREE: Poems and Prose on Imprisonment and Exile” is a newly published anthology edited by Tan Jing Quee, Teo Soh Lung & Koh Kay Yew. It features poems and prose written by six former Internal Security Act political prisoners and exiles, mainly from Singapore. These include Said Zahari, Ho Piao, Tan Jing Quee, Teo Soh Lung, Wong Souk Yee and Francis Khoo. The poems and prose give a different perspective to a little known part of Singapore’s political climate and state of un-freedom. The book is also a record of survival; of those who used words to open doors and windows to connect with a world denied them. The book will be available for sale at the launch.

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KL PHOTO AWARDS 2009
Photography Exhibition

 

 

Thu 7 to Sun 24 May

 

The Annexe Gallery’s new opening hours:

Sun to Thu, 11am to 8pm

Fri & Sat, 11am to 9.30pm

 

Presented by Explorenation.net, Time Out Kuala Lumpur, Amarin Sdn Bhd & The Annexe Gallery

 

Admission Free, except where indicated
From family snaps to fashion spreads, and photojournalism to studio photography, the face remains the most photographed subject in the history of photography. Taking a portrait that retains its subject’s humanity while conveying a powerful commentary at the same time is truly the Holy Grail of photography.
The first KL Photoawards 2009 competition attracted some 500 entries from overseas and Malaysia. Of the entries, 23 portraits in each category, professional and non-professional, have been shortlisted for considerations for the top prizes. These 46 portraits in total will be showcased in an exhibition of shortlisted works at The Annexe Gallery.

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Influenza A(H1N1) virus update

May 17, 2009 -Ministry of Health, Malaysia has advised all passengers and crew on board AirAsia AK 5358  ( from LCCT, Sepang to Penang on May 13, 2009 at 11am aand Malaysian Airlines MH091(Newark, USA arriving in KLIA on May 13, 2009 at 7.15am to contact health officials at 03-88810200 / 03-88810300 for implementation of crisis control and prevention procedures, including home quarantine.
Flight AK5358 was the one taken by the second confirmed influenza A (H1N1) case.

39 countries have officially reported 8480 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 2895 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 66 deaths. The United States has reported 4714 laboratory confirmed human cases, including four deaths. Canada has reported 496 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported nine laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Belgium (4), Brazil (8), China (5), Colombia (11), Cuba (3), Denmark (1), Ecuador (1), El Salvador (4), Finland (2), France (14), Germany (14), Guatemala (3), India (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (7), Malaysia (2), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (9), Norway (2), Panama (54), Peru (1), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (103), Sweden (3), Switzerland (1), Thailand (2), Turkey (1), and the United Kingdom (82).

WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus.

Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.

Further information on the situation will be available on

the Malaysian Health Mininstry website:
http://www.moh.gov.my

and the WHO web site:
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_17/en/index.html

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Malaysia on influenza A(H1N1) virus alert.

Two passengers who boarded flight MH 091 from Newark, USA and arrived at KL International Airport on May 13 at 7.15am have been confirmed wih the influenza A(H1N1).

An alert has now been sent out to all passengers who boarded the same flight to contact 03-88810200 / 03-88810300 and submit themselves for tests. This is important to contain the spread of the virus should they be infected.

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Braille Without Borders International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs Now Accepting Applications  for their scholarships at their institute.

 

The International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs (IISE) is a not-for-profit educational training centrre for blind and partially sighted adults who have a desire to foster social change in their communities throughout the world.
Located in Kerala, India, this training course founded by Braille Without Borders offers full scholarships and transport to qualified, motivated candidates.

Candidates from all over the world who are at least 18 and older and who can read and write in English are invited to apply for this one-year programme before June 30, 2009

Computer literacy training, public speaking, fund raising, and management are some of the courses offered here.
For more information please visit our website at
www.bwb-iise.org or

http://www.braillewithoutborders.org/ENGLISH/faq.html

You can also write to BrailleWB@gmx.net or per regular post to:

Braille Without Borders
International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs
c/o P. Kronenberg
Vivekanenda Nagar, Vellayani, Ookode, Nemom PO, TRV 695020
KERALA, INDIA

or fax your questions to: Fax 0031848307904

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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DEAF STUDENTS

BA (Hons) Applied Sign Language Studies

An initiative by:

International Centre for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies, Preston, UK
Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India
Deaf Empowerment Foundation, The Netherlands

Programme information

1. THECOURSE

Applied Sign Language Studies brings together the study of sign language and deaf communities with areas of study in applied linguistics, such as first and second language acquisition, bilingualism, language planning and policy, and language pedagogy. Graduates will work as sign language teachers, professionals in the field of language support for deaf people, teaching assistants in deaf education, and interpreter trainers.

The course is designed specifically to be accessible for deaf students and is taught through sign language. “Learning by doing” is included in work placements, lab work, and experiential modules. Deaf students without standard secondary school qualifications can take a one-year preparatory course (“Foundation Entry”) and continue with the BA course afterwards.

The BA in Applied Sign Language Studies is a joint international initiative. The course was developed at the International Centre for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies in the UK and will be taught at the Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, India. The beginning of the programme in 2009 is subject to validation.

2. THE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Deaf Empowerment Foundation is providing scholarships for deaf students in the preparatory Foundation Entry course in the 2009/2010 academic year.

Scholarships for Indian students
These cover one year of tuition fees at Rs. 10,000 and are available to Indian nationals. Students from other developing countries may also be eligible and should confirm their status when applying.

Scholarships for international students
These cover one year of tuition fees at ₤1,500 and are available to non-Indian students. This includes all students from industrialised countries and certain categories of students from developing countries other than India. The latter should confirm their status when applying.

Scholarships are for tuition fees only and do not cover travel, accommodation or living expenses.

CONTACT: (scholarship@def-intl.org)

 

About DEF

The Deaf Empowerment Foundation (DEF) was established in December 2004 by a group of deaf and hearing academics in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Our aim is to provide university-level education to the many talented deaf people in developing countries. In partnership with other institutions and organisations, we are establishing educational networks in order to run pre-university preparatory classes, distance education programmess, literacy improvement courses, and ultimately full-fledged tertiary education streams for deaf students. All courses are taught in the sign language medium, and academics associated with DEF conduct research into novel educational approaches based on the use of sign languages in developing countries. DEF also runs an academic publishing press (Ishara Press) specializing in worldwide sign language research and deaf studies.

DEF has been supporting activities in Pakistan, India, Ghana, and Turkey, and we are continuously expanding our international network of activities.

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Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Malaysia (CLAPAM)
CHARITY MOVIE SCREENING

 

Not many know that one in every 700 babies born in Malaysia is affected by cleft lip and/ or palate.

However, this congenital condition is non life threatening and repairable. Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Malaysia (CLAPAM) has been helping parents with cleft children along with individuals with cleft since 1993. In its sixth year, CLAPAM is continuing its charity movie screening as part of its Charity Drive.

This year’s screening is:

Title: Night at the Museum 2

Date: 24th May 2008 (Sunday)

Time: 1:20 pm

(exact time to be announced later)

Venue: TGV, Suria KLCC

Every RM 100 donation will be awarded with a movie pass for the above show. Proceeds from the Charity Drive will be used by CLAPAM to help cleft individuals in Malaysia. Let’s come together in helping them so they can smile again. Please note that CLAPAM was recently granted a "tax waiver" status by Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) therefore all donations are entitled to tax exemption.

Thank you in advance for your kind support and generous contribution.

Fax to: 03-21621445 or mail to above address or e-mail to clapam@streamyx.com

About CLAPAM

Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Malaysia (CLAPAM) is a non-profit, non-government organisation support group consisting of volunteers from parents with children born with cleft lip and/ or palate, adults with cleft lip and / or palate and healthcare professionals who manage such individuals. CLAPAM provides various support services including counselling, information on feeding and care of cleft babies, and hospital/house visits. CLAPAM also functions as a link between members and health care providers. CLAPAM is a registered organisation with the Registrar of Societies (R.O.S-5371/93).

CLAPAM INFORMATION CENTRE (R.O.S. no. 5371/93)

Box #611, Lot 4.46A, 4th Floor, Wisma Central,

Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Tel/Fax: 03-21621445 E-mail: clapam@streamyx.com

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Beyond Limitation Premier Show of Manila Performance Tour by Beautiful Gate Disabled Performing Arts Troupe sponsored by Lions Club May 16, 7.30pm Summit Shopping Compleks Subang USJ Free Admission Program include Wheelchair Ballroom Dance, Wheelchair Cultural Dance, Solo, etc. For Registration please email bgcentre@yahoo. com

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OutRageously PiNk Nite (OPN 2009)
    digital video & slogan writing  contests

 

 

 

 

OutRageously PiNk Nite (OPN) is back in Bangsar!

This fun breast health event will be held on November 7, 2009 (within Bangsar Village 2). Get spotted in your most outrageous pink outfit, participate in the “Topless Contest with a Twist” and a variety of other attractions.
Don’t know what you missed previously in 2004? Then, check out the reports at
www.radiologymalaysia.org/breasthealth 

In conjunction with OPN2009, Radiology Malaysia and its partners in breast health, Kidz Magazine & Challenges Magazine is inviting entries to its Digital Video and Slogan Contests. 
The digital video must be less than 3 minutes and themed or centred on “Living life to the fullest even with breast cancer” whilst the 3-word slogan is the tagline to describe OutRageously PiNk Nite.

Please check out
www.radiologymalaysia.org/opn2009
for details and entry forms.

Exciting prizes await the winners and prizes will be awarded at the very fun, and highly invigorating OPN2009 at Bangsar Village 2, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur; on Nov 7, 2009.
Circle this date now in PiNk!

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Event : Health Forum

 

 

Sunway Medical Centre, Petaling Jaya will hold a public forum on Customised Artificial Eyes by a consultant Ocularist.
Time: 1.30pm to 3.50pm
Venue:Swan Convention Centre, Sunway Medical Centre, Petaling Jaya
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Call: Guna at 03-7491-1115, Edmund at 03-7491-1113

 

#

An ocularist is a specialist who makes and fits artificial eyes for people who have lost an eye or eyes due to trauma or illness.

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Zainal Abidin and crew working with Ahmad Akmal Ghani for the video clip

 

Zainal Abidin enjoying a man-to-man moment with Ahmad Akmal Ghani

I was priviledged to join Zainal Abidin, his wife Angelina Asmawi and production crew working with the children from Malaysian Down Syndrome Association on a video clip for their charity dinner gala.

Watching Zainal’s patience and ever-ready smile when working with the children and teens to get the shoots required was a revelation. This cheerful, often times playful and spontaneous side of him endeared him to parents and children alike.

The teens were especially taken by him, perhaps because it was not often that one got that upclose with someone usually seen on the TV screen; but more importantly because he treated them as his friends.

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Influenza A (H1N1) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. What is Influenza A(H1N1) ?

Influenza A(H1N1), is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by influenza A viruses that regularly causes diseases and outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Influenza A(H1N1) viruses causes high level of illness (high morbidity) and low death rates (low mortality) at about 1-4 % in pigs. The mode of spreads of this virus among pigs is by aerosols and direct and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs exist. In temperate countries, outbreaks in pigs occur throughout the year with an increased incidence in the fall and winter similar to outbreaks in humans.

 

2. How many Influenza A(H1N1) viruses are there?

Influenza A(H1N1) viruses change constantly as other influenza viruses. There are four main influenza A virus subtypes been isolated in pigs. Those viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Pigs can also be infected with avian influenza viruses and human seasonal influenza viruses as well as Influenza A(H1N1) viruses. The H3N2 swine virus was thought to have been originally introduced into pigs by humans. Sometimes pigs can be infected with more than one virus type at a time, which can allow the genes from these viruses to mix resulting in an influenza virus containing genes from a number of sources, called a "reassortant" virus. Although Influenza A(H1N1) viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans.

Most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

3. Where have human cases occurred?

Since the implementation of IHR (2005) in 2007, WHO has been notified of Influenza A(H1N1) cases from the United States and Spain.

4. What are the signs and symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1) in people?

The symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1) in people are similar to the symptoms of regular Human Flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with Influenza A(H1N1) . In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with Influenza A(H1N1) infection in people. Like Seasonal Flu, Influenza A(H1N1) may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

5. Is it safe to eat pork and pork products?

Yes. There is no evidence that Influenza A(H1N1) can be transmitted through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. However, it is essential to cook pig meat properly. The Influenza A(H1N1) virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.

6. How do people become infected?

Influenza A(H1N1) does not normally infect humans, although sporadic cases do occur. People usually get Influenza A(H1N1) through contact with infected pigs, or environments contaminated with Influenza A(H1N1) viruses. However, some human cases lack contact history with pigs or environments where pigs have been located. Human-to-human transmission has been documented in some instances but was limited to close contacts and closed groups of people.

7. Is there a human vaccine to protect from Influenza A(H1N1) ?

No. Current seasonal influenza vaccine produced based on WHO recommendation does not contain Influenza A(H1N1) virus. It is unknown whether the seasonal vaccines can provide any cross protection to ongoing Influenza A(H1N1) virus infection in the United States and Mexico.

8. What drugs are available for treatment?

Most of the previously reported Influenza A(H1N1) cases recovered fully from the disease without requiring medical attention and without antiviral medicines.

9. How long can an infected person spread Influenza A(H1N1) to others?

People with Influenza A(H1N1) virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

10. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against Influenza A(H1N1) . There are certain actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza such as:

Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Consult your nearest health care facilities

For more information please call Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC),

Ministry of Health Malaysia at 03–88810200/88810300 or email cprc@moh.gov.my

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World Health Organisation (WHO) Update on Influenza A(H1N1)

 

  Geneva, May 1, 2009 -- As of today, 11 countries have officially reported 331 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

The United States Government has reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).

In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health has confirmed that no case of “influenza-like” illness with symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1) infection has been found locally.

Yesterday , the World Health Organisation (WHO) has increased the global warning from Phase 4 to the second highest Phase 5, a signal to all countries to immediately activate pandemic contingency plans; to be prepared for immediate action, if necessary.

No Rationale for Travel Restrictions

At the moment, WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.

Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.

Influenza A (H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The focus now is on minimising the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally.

Furthermore, although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms.

Travellers can protect themselves and others by following simple recommendations related to travel aimed at preventing the spread of infection. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

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TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR MALAYSIAN VISITING MEXICO, USA, CANADA AND OTHER COUNTRIES AFFECTED BY INFLUENZA A(H1N1)

 

On April 25, 2009, the World Health Organisation (WHO), declared that the Influenza A(H1N1) event in Mexico constituted a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Influenza A(H1N1) cases also emerged in USA, Canada, New Zealand, Spain Austria, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

For current update of influenza A(H1N1) affected countries/areas please refer to www.moh.gov.my

 

TRAVEL TO INFLUENZA A(H1N1) AFFECTED COUNTRIES

Malaysians are NOT encouraged to visit the affected countries during this time. They should exercise caution if travel to those countries cannot be avoided. Please observe the following measures:

• Be aware of the areas with outbreaks or high incidence of swine flu.

• Avoid direct contact with Influenza A(H1N1) cases. If you need to be in close contact with them, you are advised to practice good personal hygiene and use an appropriate protective mask.

• Observe good personal hygiene at all times. Wash your hands with soap and water.

Cover your mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• If you fall ill, please seek immediate treatment.

If you have recently returned from a Influenza A(H1N1) affected area, you should avoid close contact with other people for 7 days. If within this period you have developed high fever (above 38oC) or other symptoms like cough, fatigue, lack of appetite or shortness of breath, you should immediately seek treatment at designated hospitals or other government or private hospitals.

Inform the doctor that you have visited the Influenza A(H1N1) affected country/area.

 

 

Disease Control Division

Ministry of Health Malaysia

Level 3, Block E10, Complex E

Federal Government Administrative Centre

62590 Putrajaya

Tel: 603-8881 0200/0300

www.moh.gov.my

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