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  • Jan Shim 1:23 pm on February 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Beryno Wong, Reiko Shiota, YONEX BRUNEI OPEN IKE SHIO CUP, Yonex Tournament shuttlecocks   

    YONEX BRUNEI OPEN IKE SHIO CUP 


    It’s only January 2010 and I’ve broken two indoor stadium attendance records. The first being the ABL Barracudas vs Slingers match on Jan 20th and second being the very recent Yonex Brunei Open on Jan 29th. The motivation was the same, I wanted to capture the moments from these fast action sports and see how much of ambience and adrenalin I could freeze given the EOS 5DII isn’t exactly bred for this type of assignments. But I enjoy a good challenge like that to find out the limits of my skills and hardware for a given shoot.

    Other than my long term love for badminton and Yonex, I don’t follow much of the world tournaments on TV, my only claim to fame was meeting renowned legendary players: Yang Yang, Zhao Jian Hua (China Men’s Singles), Tian Bingyi, Li Yongbo (China Men’s Doubles) Foo Kok Keong, Razif, Jalani Sidek (Malaysia) at the Australian Bicentennial Open in 1988. During my four years stay in Perth, WA where I competed with a HK partner in the University of Western Australian’s badminton tournament.

    yonex-brunei-open-002

    Highlights from the 2010 Yonex Brunei Open included a 430 km/hr smash demo by one of the Japanese shuttler and it’s speed was recorded Japanese Embassy First Secretary Mr OKOUCHI Hiroshi whose portrait I photographed for two Japanese business magazines. The top speed attained that evening using the Yonex ArcSaber Z Flash racket was 420 km/hr. My favourite weapon of choice is the Yonex Ti 7. I have tried the ArcSaber 10 which I found very energy sapping after just 10 minutes of use.

    yonex-brunei-open-001

    Following that was what I believe is the Yonex Power Cushion shock absorbing demo which reverses the impact energy for smooth transition. Compared with urethane, the Yonex Power Cushion construction provides 3 times more shock absorbing power. Nothing is more evident than dropping an uncooked egg at some 12-13 feet up and then seeing that egg bounced off intact (with Mr Okouchi narrowly missing the egg on rebound). Impressive stuff and I now wonder if I’ve been wearing shoes with genuine Yonex insoles!

    yonex-brunei-open-006

    Why did the chicken cross the road? To get away from these guys who kept breaking eggs for fun :)

    yonex-brunei-open-008

    There were as many as 100 lucky draws to walk home with Yonex goodies and judging from the ticket numbers announced, attendance may have exceeded 1,500 so each ticket holder has a reasonably good chance to win something. The odds of me walking away with good pictures are way higher than winning a lucky draw :)

    yonex-brunei-open-013

    As with any situation where luck prevails, there are winners and there are the not-so-lucky ones. Lucky prizes aside, we were very fortunate to have been given an opportunity to watch the finals and also get to see the pretty Reiko Shiota at just a stone’s throw away (I don’t recommend throwing stones if you want her to visit us again sometime). So yeah, in many ways, we’re all winners that night.

    yonex-brunei-open-014

    Former Malaysia national backup player Beryno Wong won the Open Singles category against his opponent in two straight sets. I love watching players who jump smash a lot and understandably so, it’s the most dramatic prelude to a killer smash. When I play I jump smash quite a fair bit and this is about the only high energy cardio exercise I do on weekends (not enough but better than none at all). So you can imagine how excited I was when I saw Beryno play.

    yonex-brunei-open-018 yonex-brunei-open-024

    Later came more jumpers from the Japanese team in the friendly match a.k.a. entertainment category between Brunei and Japan. Those who went know exactly what I’m talking about here. But this was clearly another McDonald’s moment for me and I’m Loving It all (and of course some Kodak moments to share here).

    yonex-brunei-open-039 yonex-brunei-open-041yonex-brunei-open-045yonex-brunei-open-038 yonex-brunei-open-048

    yonex-brunei-open-053

    When I wrote earlier that everyone who watched the game was a winner, there was just one exception. One of the Japanese players threw his racket and judging from the second photo below, Mr black “Las Vegas” tee shirt was the proud recipient of an ArcSaber Z Flash worth over B$300. Apparently, I had been wrong about money not falling from the sky—it does, in fact—but not very often :)

    yonex-brunei-open-054

    What struck me as something interesting about the Z Flash racket is its colour scheme which resembles the colours of our national flag. His mate in red seems to be a soccer player judging from the logo on his striped jersey but I could be wrong. Sometimes.

    yonex-brunei-open-065

    Now, I know some of you were out of the country and missed a chance to meet one of a number of most talked-about attractive female professional sportsperson—here’s Reiko Shiota making her graceful entrance to the delight of cheerful and whistling crowd.

    yonex-brunei-open-028 yonex-brunei-open-029 yonex-brunei-open-031 yonex-brunei-open-033 yonex-brunei-open-034 yonex-brunei-open-035 yonex-brunei-open-036 yonex-brunei-open-050

    Some lucky audience received Yonex TOURNAMENT grade shuttlecocks courtesy of Reiko. It was revealed to me by a source at the tournament that a tube of Yonex Tournament shuttlecocks cost B$80. That works out to be B$6.66 each—looks like someone is trying to upgrade the status of this sport to that of golf. The good thing though, unlike golf, you don’t need a car with a large trunk to accommodate your golf investment.

    yonex-brunei-open-056 yonex-brunei-open-058 yonex-brunei-open-059 yonex-brunei-open-063 yonex-brunei-open-064

     
    • Jan Shim 2:07 pm on February 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Equipment used
      Camera | Canon EOS 5D Mark II
      Lenses | Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS L and Canon EF 100-400 4.5-5.6 IS L

      Almost all of the photos were shot at ISO6400. The jump shots were captured with the EF100-400 on the far end of the court while I used the 70-200 and 100-400 alternately for shots of players nearest to me. Yes, the 5DII’s ISO 6400 continues to impress me and most of us allow me to shoot in demanding situations like this. Again, I make the same remark as I did with the basketball shoot where I think I would be better off with the faster 70-200mm lens on a more capable body that’s designed with fast action AF in mind, ie the EOS 7D.

    • Nicholas Leong 4:50 pm on February 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Fuah look at that cool dj uncle in the 2nd shot :P I find watching recent badminton tournaments way better with the new scoring system. It is now faster and more exciting.

      • Jan Shim 10:52 pm on February 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        I don’t know if badminton is your game but if it is (although judging from your reply regarding “watching tournaments” it’s safe to assume you don’t) the scoring system for singles matches is very effective, I find. I could rip through 3-4 games in an hour and that will have met my minimum quota of playing at least 3 matches. The old system was a drag and I have watched matches where two equal calibre players wore each other out while service turns went back and forth without either side scoring a point for a while. So yeah, the new system rocks!

  • Jan Shim 2:58 pm on January 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Brunei, , IS 300, , , , ,   

    LETTING IT RIP! 


    Here’s a second instalment of my Lexus shoot for NBT TOYOTA following the publication of the RX350 in 2009. Once again, I missed the actual ad that appeared in the Borneo Bulletin newspaper so the kind folks at ZenderFang emailed me a copy of the artwork (a complete one which I delicately ripped to fit in this space). Although on the day of the shoot, an actual IS300C was in the process of clearing customs we were unable to get it ready for the shoot other than that it had been pre-booked by a client, it wasn’t right to do so either. So the red convertible was from a different source while we had the silver IS300 to play with. You’ll find my personal rendition below which wasn’t part of the deliverable but that didn’t stop me from dabbling with the image.

    lexus-shoot-2009

    LEX_RX350_2009

    image

    A second in a long day of shoot in the scorching heat. Just 2 images shy of a thousand RAW files were shot in one day from three Lexus models. I don’t know about other photographers but this is surely a personal record. The photo below was taken by Gavin whom I invited to assist me and creative director James from ZenderFang.

    lexus-shoot-2-2009

    A hardcopy print out of the RX350 artwork pinned on the cork board a reminder of the long hours in the sun. The colours from the Canon PIXMA IP6700D is as vibrant as it was the day it was printed.

    lexus-shoot-3-2009

     
    • Santi 3:44 pm on January 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I like the 2nd last picture :)

      • Jan Shim 5:39 pm on January 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Funny, I just realised after comparing that photo and the other one Gavin took half a day later at sunset just before we wrapped up the shoot, it seemed as though the towel never moved. At least now you have an idea where the assignment took place where previously I kept it as a mystery. http://shimworld.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/on-a-hiatus/

    • kantalensa 5:07 pm on January 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      lucky Gavin G.

    • mobil bekas 11:21 pm on January 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Toyota/Lexus generally makes good cars. When I drive a Toyota, it’s obvious that people who enjoy driving were involved in the development, Toyota is the best

      • Azri HMS 11:02 am on January 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        aaah, good location to do big shoot out :) i sometimes stop by the said place next to it to pray. I know already from the image refering to your Gap Tee.. maybe i’m wrong? :D

    • Azri HMS 11:08 am on January 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      think got it wrong, fences the same as in Qlap

    • Nicholas Leong 7:16 pm on January 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      This was taken in Brunei! :P The first two seems like its out of a computer game (silver and red). Doesn’t feel real to me. And last thing I would do is buy cars based on “artist impression”-like pictures :P

      • Jan Shim 7:45 pm on January 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        The same way I feel about buying computer games based on an often exaggerated artist impression on the box cover. I mean how many times have you been duped into believing that the “Need for Speed” or similar car simulation game actually had such realism as depicted on the cover photo? That was the reason I played Gran Turismo for the first and last time—utter disappointment—even GT on PS 3 is far from being real enough.

        But DI work as surreal as they may be does work effectively in communicating lifestyle elements about them. That’s why such time consuming work still fetch premiums and are in demand from discerning clientele.

  • Jan Shim 10:47 am on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , indoor stadium,   

    BRUNEI BARRACUDAS VS SINGAPORE SLINGERS 


    Last night was the first time I saw the two teams  again since the official launch of the ASEAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE in Makati, Philippines on Aug 30th 2009. There had been numerous home games which for one reason or another got in the way of attending. So when I asked around and managed to secure a couple of friends one of whom offered to drive, it was an opportunity for some lens work and also a “reunion” with the guys I shared a bus and a journey with, not too long ago.

    btsports-abl-barracudas-thumb↑ Click on image to read article (~1MB)
    Read this article on BT Online | Barracudas looking for players
    ASEAN Basketball League Facebook Fan Page | Asean Basketball League Official Site

    The [Singapore] Slingers went on a shooting spree in the second half and extended their lead to 20 points before the Barracudas rallied to cut the deficit to 72-83 going into the final four minutes of the game. “We [Barracudas] never recovered from going down 10-0 at the start of the game. I know that the players have tried their best but we played badly in the beginning and gave them a cushion too big that they controlled till the end,” said Ramos | Barracudas — The Brunei Times

    I enjoyed tense atmosphere, the drums, the noise, the vantage point and most of all the consistency of the lights that lit the indoor stadium compared to other lesser basketball tournament venues I had previously shot in. All images shot on EOS 5D mkII and EF70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens in alternating One Shot | AI Servo modes between ISO 3200 and 5000. Better vantage points and opportunities can be had with a media pass and freedom to move closer to the basket.

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    barraccudas-slingers-003 barraccudas-slingers-007 barraccudas-slingers-008 barraccudas-slingers-009

    THE SINGAPORE SLINGERS—A FAN’S PERSPECTIVE

    “How do we match up? Coach Goh from the Dragons has already given us many helpful tips. He obviously wants to help us to help themselves. The Slingers do not have a deep bench, but the Barracudas are one of the only teams I can think off with an even shorter bench with six to seven players being used during key minutes.” —Kelvin Poh

    barraccudas-slingers-010 barraccudas-slingers-011 barraccudas-slingers-012 barraccudas-slingers-013 barraccudas-slingers-014 barraccudas-slingers-015 barraccudas-slingers-018 barraccudas-slingers-020 barraccudas-slingers-021 barraccudas-slingers-022 barraccudas-slingers-023 barraccudas-slingers-024 barraccudas-slingers-025 barraccudas-slingers-026 barraccudas-slingers-027 barraccudas-slingers-028 barraccudas-slingers-029 barraccudas-slingers-030

     
    • nick 2:33 pm on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      amazing~

    • eugene 2:47 pm on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      juz simply incredible!!

    • vincenthong 3:02 pm on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      拍的不錯喔。

    • Jan Shim 3:11 pm on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Maybe it’s beginner’s luck but so far none of the photographs had a player’s eyes closed or even half closed. I am not this lucky when it comes to corporate events or weddings :)

    • Andy 3:26 pm on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Thumb up x 2

    • Ravenslark 3:58 pm on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Excellent Photos! Lots of ‘Air-time’ =)

    • Zirah Aldani 5:06 pm on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      nice shots :)

    • kantalensa 6:16 pm on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      excellent shots despite the distance

      • Jan Shim 8:12 pm on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        If only I had a 7D I think last night’s game would have allowed me the opportunity to test the accuracy of the new AF system and dual processor to see for myself if Canon delivers on its promise. I’m not keen to find out how fast the 7D can gun it at 8 fps (I used to own a 1D Mark II) but more specifically how fast and accurate it locks focus.

        • kantalensa 7:47 am on January 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply

          just give me a tinkle & u can test click it Jan. I’ve not tried it out as well. Had the opportunity last night at BSRC football match but so tired to go.

  • Jan Shim 12:50 pm on January 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , debbie too, green cars, , Hybrid Synergy Drive, , Ninan Chacko, outstanding quietness, Rachel Thien, , , toyota prius   

    ROAD TO A GREENER BRUNEI 


    Is blue the new green? That’s the first thing I noticed when I reached Jerudong Park Polo & Riding Club for the official launching of Brunei’s first ‘green car’ the TOYOTA PRIUS. With a green theme shrouding the event, I wondered why Toyota had chosen the colour blue for its green vehicles and it appears not once but three places I looked (logo rim, gear knob and next to HYBRID label).

    Apparently, Prius is a Latin word meaning “to go before” and Toyota chose this name because the Prius vehicle is positioned to be “the predecessor of cars to come”. Rapid population growth and economic development in recent decades have resulted in a sharp increase in fossil fuel consumption on a global scale. Faced with the challenge to create an earth-friendly vehicle, Toyota has produced the world’s first mass produced hybrid automobile and NBT TOYOTA introduced the first brand of hybrid (in its third generation) vehicle to Brunei Darussalam.

    toyota-prius-660

    Other than questions regarding  its rather hefty price tag of B$58,400*, I’m pretty sure you have some burning questions regarding how the “the most advanced hybrid powertrain” system works on the road. The Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) provides dual power sources by combining the advantages of a nickel-metal hydride battery, an electric motor and a petrol engine. From starting off to low/mid speed, only electricity from the battery drives the motor to reach “full power instantly.” Driving conditions are monitored and an intelligent ECU controls engine and motor for optimum fuel efficiency. During hard acceleration however, power from the battery supplements power produced by the petrol engine to enhance overall driving power. During decelerating and braking, the motor is activated as a generator to convert kinetic energy into electricity that recharges the battery. When the car is at a complete stop, the petro engine shuts down and is on powered by electricity energy from the battery, thereby reducing fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Sounds like a blueprint for the future vehicles for the environmental conscious public. *correct at time of this post.

    toyota-prius-648
    [R]educe [N]ow [B]runei [D]arussalam

    Because the Prius starts off in full electricity mode, the car is incredibly silent and you could literally have one brush right past you and you wouldn’t realise it—talk about an automobile for covert operations—imagine if this also came with stealth features you could effectively speed and is naked to the current generation of radar guns! Food for thought!

    toyota-prius-652

    And just in case you’re wondering if the Prius has a radiator, it does. I was unable to locate the usual overflow coolant container but the pink liquid you see below is the coolant for the inverter unit which I imagine should be fairly costly to replace in the event of failure.

    toyota-prius-656

    At the launch, Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Hirose Noriki said Brunei could lead the way in the Asean region in promoting the “green” initiative. “I think Brunei is a good country to set an example to Asean countries in ‘greening’ the country (with the introduction of the green car),” he said. The ambassador added that if Bruneians opted to switch to green cars, it would be able to reduce the domestic consumption of petrol. “When that happens, the extra petrol can be exported to increase the country’s revenue. It can even help the government in reducing subsidy to petroleum,” he said, adding Brunei could “double benefit” from using “green cars”. — Brunei Times

    toyota-prius-153
    NBT Brunei Sdn Bhd’s Managing Director Ninan Chacko said, “This (launching of the hybrid car) is a small, but significant step to ensure that the Green Heart of Borneo will continue to be enjoyed in the future. We must adopt a long term view, even though there is currently no official compulsion to do so. We believe that as a responsible 21st century green motor company which is ISO 14001 (Environment Management System) certified, we have a moral obligation to contribute to a greener, cleaner and brighter Brunei Darussalam.”

    toyota-prius-343

    Ninan Chacko (L), NBT Managing Director presents the mock key to the Toyota Prius fleet to Tareq Mahmood, HSBC CEO (R) as Pg Hj Ahmad Pg Jaya Negara Pg Hj Abdul Rahman (C), Director, Jasra Car Rental Sdn Bhd looks on.

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    A representative of NBT gesturing to Guest of Honour the digital dashboard while Japanese Ambassador Hirose Noriki  and Japanese Embassy First Secretary, Hiroshi Okouchi (right) look on.

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    HSBC (B) Sdn Bhd yesterday purchased 13 units of Toyota Prius in a bid to reaffirm its commitment to environment protection. Tareq Muhmood, chief executive officer of HSBC, said, “The cars will be used by the managers, or if we have visitors, then the cars will be used.” The bank normally has 13 to 15 vehicles which are now old and will be replaced by the Prius. “It is time to put our actions to where our words are, so we would like to encourage our customers to do the same,” he said, adding that the bank has introduced the lowest ever rates for car financing for anyone who wants to buy the Prius. — Brunei Times

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    toyota-prius-203

    Minister of Energy Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohd Hj Daud was present as guest of honour to officiate the launching of Toyota’s hybrid car, Toyota Prius, held at the Jerudong Polo and Riding Club.

    toyota-prius-437

    Pehin Hj Mohd told The Brunei Times cars in the Sultanate were the biggest emitter of carbon into the atmosphere contributing 53 per cent of carbon gas emission. However, the launch of the Brunei’s first “green” car could be the light at the end of the tunnel. Pehin Dato Hj Mohd said: “I hope that the green car(s) would help reduce carbon emissions and also help (fight) climate change.” — Brunei Times

    toyota-prius-610

    “Let me emphasise here, we are doing this, not for ourselves, but for our future generations”

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    One of many reasons to smile about, the team at NBT TOYOTA Brunei Darussalam are on the road to a greener Brunei Darussalam.

    toyota-prius-057

    About NBT Toyota Sdn Bhd
    NBT, the sole distributor of Toyota vehicles in Brunei, led the market with 3,717 passenger and commercial vehicles sold. It dominated the automobile market with a 30 per cent market share. In December, the Toyota distributor sold 142 units of top seller Toyota Vios, outselling all other car distributors.

     
    • Jan Shim 2:34 pm on January 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      The weather leading up to the day of the launch had been absolutely awful with many parts of the country hard hit by floods. I got up at 5.45 am to drizzling darkness, grabbed a bite and coffee and left the house by 6.28 am a lot earlier than I would have normally done so. I’m grateful for the better-than-yesterday weather although I ended up battling heavy condensation as a consequence of the 6 water fountains that humidified the venue. I brought everything which I needed for work except for a much towel—I was sweating bucket loads (a usual phenomenon for me) which guests might have thought I had just walked in from the rain.

    • Rongen 2:48 pm on January 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Nice photography, as always. I notice a silhouette bird on the hybrid photo.

    • Lin Ji 8:16 pm on January 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      What a good initiative towards a greener environment. Let’s just hope this ride can successfully act as a stepping stone for the many other greener cars to come! One of the many ways to combat climate change~! I really like it =D! Nicely taken Jan!!

      • Jan Shim 10:50 am on January 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Let’s just hope this ride can successfully act as a stepping stone for the many other greener cars to come!

        A quick Google and you’ll see the number of Asian auto manufacturers have a hybrid alternative in their line up including Honda and Hyundai.

    • Jin Yang 7:58 am on January 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Very nice pics, very cool technology, and very expensive price tag.

      My geeky response following our msn discussion ;-)
      http://freeeze.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-wacky-response-to-new-prius.html

      • Jan Shim 11:24 am on January 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        The cost of the car is $58 400. A normal car would cost about $20 000. Taking simple ‘return of investment’ approach, dividing the difference of cost with the savings per year, what we end up is a 44 year ‘return of investment’ period … It means to get your money’s worth of savings, you need to drive that car for 44 years up and down the coast of Brunei nearly everyday. I’d say it’ll be a pretty good car if it lasts 44 years running up and down.

        What we have here is the beginning of more green initiatives to come. I expected that at the beginning of a steep learning or acceptance curve, costs of R&D, manufacturing, marketing, political campaigning, post sales support for low volume consumption (in spite of the Prius being its third generation) are going to be very high. The SEGWAY is a good example where costs are prohibitive to own for personal use and practicality of its use in our environment is even more limited to whatever good pavements available.

        Staggering price tag aside, the Hybrid approach makes more practical sense compared to automobiles that run entirely on electricity. Such concepts require significant infrastructure investments to set up “charge points” throughout the country to accommodate ownership of such green cars.

        The Prius on the other hand negates such cumbersome investments and blend in socially without being alienated as “greenies” (the combination of “alienating” and green is purely coincidental). I too hope HSBC’s initiative is going to pave the way for more Prius (and manufacturers of other similar automobiles) ownerships in Brunei—without mass consumption, the acceptance curve will remain steep and a greener future remains distant. It’s also true that government subsidies will help incentivize acceptance thus ownerships.

        • Azri HMS 3:27 pm on January 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply

          Jan, my dad thinking to let go the only nissan in the toyota family down the garage and get a 4 wheeler. I could use this to persuade him to get a prius instead. Who knows?! :D a combined action.

          • Jan Shim 3:35 pm on January 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply

            Sounds like hybrid decision there—green and wise—best of both worlds. Let me know how you get on with your dad :)

        • Jin Yang 4:49 pm on January 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply

          Yup, I agree that it’s an initiative. However, what i was illustrating is that there is a lot more to do about the ‘environmental scenario’ on top of bringing in an expensive hybrid car that is affordable largely by banks that are trying to show corporate responsibility.

          And on second thought, subsidies by government for vehicles is going to be tricky. It doesn’t solve the problem, it makes people buy more cars. I would rather have less fuel subsidies, then people drive less. Of course lots of more issues to be debated..

          But there must be some way of restructuring how the economy works such that helping the environment isn’t something that is troublesome, expensive and off limits.

    • Jan Shim 9:46 am on January 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      It doesn’t solve the problem, it makes people buy more cars. I would rather have less fuel subsidies, then people drive less. Of course lots of more issues to be debated..

      Less subsidies just turns people to bank loans though the latter is much debated recently—which is the lesser of two evils? People aren’t going to drive less, if anything people will continue to maintain their innate spending habits and drive themselves to the ground. It’s human nature. Isn’t it ironic that the world’s problems that are created by humans have grown to such epic proportions that humans can no longer manage them? It scares me.

      FWIW, people who know me well know how much the commute between Belait and Bandar Seri Begawan stresses me out. As a result of the commutes that have haunted me since I joined the rat race in 1991 and more so in the last 5 years as a photographer, I find every reason to not drive and sometimes although rarely so, I turn down jobs for that simple reason. The public transport infrastructure we have today does not adequately support any “green” movement or campaign we may have going on—the purple bus service does not take me from my house to where my work takes me to in parts of BSB. I think 2010 calls for a Plan B !

      Why not relocate, I hear you asking? No, that’s not a subject open to debate either.

      • Jin Yang 6:50 pm on January 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Having subsidies will just be a short term solution, isn’t it? The landscape isn’t going to change.

        On the other hand, they don’t necessarily have to turn to bank loans. The subsidies can be used to build the public transport needed – and make them cheap. When public transport is cheaper than driving around in your own car, then things will start changing. Only thenwill people start car-pooling, using bikes, walking to nearby supermarkets, etc.

        • Jan Shim 2:02 pm on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

          Regardless of short or long term, dependency on subsidiaries is never a viable solution and the one thing I’ve learnt concerning dependency is that it breeds further dependency making the much needed independence that much more difficult to realize. It is every parent’s hope and wish to see their child independent and the same applies to any government. However, I cannot help but think of our rice subsidy when you mentioned subsidies. All these years of consuming subsidized “fragrant” rice bulk imported from Thailand, many of us probably do not appreciate what His Majesty’s government has done for us and it is the realization of the this dependency on another country to supply our staple food that led to the birth of “Laila” in 2009.

          You do know the concept of car-pooling, using bikes and wow, WALKING, to nearby supermarkets have been ineffective? But regardless, I like the idea of good public transport infrastructure. After driving for a couple of decades, I want out … but want doesn’t translate to get unfortunately. I walk as much as I can when I head to town and park at whatever parking spot is available to me—in most cases it’s post-paid parking at METRO for practical reasons.

    • Jamie 3:43 pm on January 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I would give anything to own one of these.

    • billy 12:43 pm on January 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      beautiful car… i like it

    • jagurlavender 5:48 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Prius is the best seller in 2009, Prius is one of icon sedan type from hybrid technologi. now hybrid tech will be come popular.

      A view type of hybrid vehicle is Hybrid Electric Vehicle Types, Hybrid diesel-electric motorcycles have been created having a top speed of around 800 mph with a very affordable retail price of $500. Several known automobile manufacturers have also joined the bandwagon like Honda, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota. These big names are currently innovating to continuously provide well-performing hybrid electric with all the advantages.

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