Malaysia- an upbeat, opulent and jovial nation that offers an interesting ensemble of various customs and cultures from Chinese to Indian and Malay is a compact and flourishing economy. As per the 2005 census, Malaysia is the 34th largest economy in the whole world as per the purchasing power index. This erstwhile British colony has evolved to become one of the formidable economic forces in Asia. The mainstay of this industrialized nation is exports and tourism.   

The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) was set up in 1976 as a limited company that took over the operations and assets of The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Berhad (KLSEB) in the same year. Securities business in Malaysia traces its roots to 1930 when Singapore Stockbrokers’ Association was founded. After a few years in 1937 it was re-registered in the name of Malayan Stockbrokers’ Association. Later in 1960 the Malayan Stock Exchange took shape to cater to the public trading of shares. At that time there was only a single market for both the shares of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, which were listed as a single entity  The Stock Exchange of Malaysia was founded in 1964; however when Singapore ceased to be a part of Malaysia it was renamed as Stock Exchange of Malaysia and Singapore. Later on when the currency interchangeability stopped between
Malaysia and Singapore, it was bifurcated into The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Berhad and Singapore Stock Exchange. The former was converted into a public limited company by demutualization in 2004, which took the name Bursa Malaysia. It is comprised of a main and secondary board with a total market capitalization is around US$189 billion. 

The KLSE plays an important role in driving the economy of Malaysia and harnessing funds through public shares. Malaysia has recorded a strong industrial growth and its exports to United States made huge strides, which resulted in faster economic growth. The currency of Ringgit registered appreciation and the surplus foreign reserves shoved the KLSE to over 1200 points. Going by the indications it could be said that the day is not far way when Malaysia regains its past opulence and economic buoyancy. In 2007 Ringgit hit an all time high at 3.39 against the American dollar and Malaysia has managed to sustain its tempo of all round development.

Malaysia is an upbeat and cheerful nation in Southeast Asia, which is a melting pot of diverse cultures of Malay, indigenous cultures, Chinese and Indian culture. It is a bustling cosmopolitan country making huge strides in industrialization and is hoping to make it big in the next few years. The world’s second tallest free standing towers of Petronas Twin Towers standing elegantly at  a staggering height of 452 meters is undeniably the celebrity icon of Malaysia.  

Malaysia Exchange was formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange that was set up way back in 1930; after seven years it became the Malayan Stockbrokers’ Association; however no trading of public shares was handled till 1960 when the Malayan Stock Exchange was founded. With one trading room each in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur they functioned as a single market with the same sharing listing at both the boards. 

It was only in 1964 that the Stock Exchange of Malaysia was officially founded. With the separation of Singapore from Malaysia and the currency interchangeability between
Malaysia and Singapore ceased, Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange was demutualised and converted into a public limited company by shares in 2007 to form Bursa Malaysia. It has a main and a secondary board and its gross market capitalization was MYR700 billion (US$189 billion).  

In 2005 Malaysia Exchange or Bursa Malaysia became an independent exchange. Though its main index is Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) other index series are also used in trading. Bigger companies are typically listed on the Bursa Malaysia Securities Main Board, while medium companies on the Second Board, and the growing companies on the MESDAQ market. The latest figures put the index at the 1000 figure mark that is expected to surge further this year. As on June 2007, the market capitalization stands at US$307 billion. Its market operations fall under the main sections of Securities Exchange, Derivatives Exchange, and Offshore Exchange. 

Stock market Malaysia deals in equities to promote investment opportunities in as many as 15 various sectors; futures and options contracts in international trading; listing of various financial instruments in American dollars by Labuan International Financial Exchange;  and Islamic Capital Market to ensure interest free ‘halal’ investment options to the populace. In addition it also offers an array of informative products and market analysis reports for the benefit of the public.

Dhaka stock exchange commonly called as DSE is located at Motijheel at Dhaka in Bangladesh. Dhaka became the capital of Bangladesh in 1971 after the war with Pakistan. Its main stay includes trades in rice, tea, oilseed and sugar. It has many industries like tanning, jute processing, glass and chemical products.

DSE is the first and the main stock exchange of this Asian country of Bangladesh. It was founded in 1954 as East Pakistan Stock Exchange Association Ltd however the formal trading started only two years later. It got its new name Dhaka stock exchange only in 1964.  The Dhaka Stock Exchange was at first a physical stock exchange where a public outcry method was used to trade shares. DSE has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception. Many innovative and progressive features ere brought in such as the automated trading and Central Depository System for a smooth and effective functioning.

A idea of a new exchange in Bangladesh was mooted by the Bangladesh Government when Calcutta Stock Exchanges had stopped the trading of Pakistani shares and it coincided with the founding of the Provincial Industrial Advisory Council. DSE is a public limited company and is managed as per the rules and regulations of Security and Exchange Commission Act 1993 among other regulations. The capital of DSE is Tk500,000 with unit pricing of Tk2000. Only a maximum of one share can be purchased by organizations or individuals.

There are 230 members in DSE and they alone can participate in the trading and purchase shares for his clients or self. The latest figures put the market capitalization of the Dhaka Stock Exchange at $9 billion. The management of DSE is Board of 25 members including elected members and selected persons from trade bodies and other organizations such as Bangladesh Bank, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and so on and so forth. There are five trading sessions of pre-opening, opening, regular trading, closing, and post-closing session. Some of its functions include listing of Companies, administering and controlling of markets, forming Investors’ Protection Fund etc.

DSE has played a larger than life in uplifting the living standards of the people besides fuelling the economy of Bangladesh.

I earnestly feel that earthquake is one of the most fearsome natural phenomena that cause death and destruction. Every year millions of people lose their home and hearth due to earthquakes and its equally dreadful repercussions. Earth is made up of huge plates that slowly slide over and past each other. Mostly these movements are too gradual to get noticed. However when tectonic plates get interlocked, the energy gets accrued. When the energy becomes too strong, the plates break away, which result in earthquakes.  

It is astonishing to note that there has been a surge in recent earthquakes worldwide. Earthquakes above 7.0 in the Richter scale is considered dreadful and Auckland islands in
New Zealand was hit by a massive earthquake on 30th September this year. The other quake hit regions include Solomon Islands, Fiji, Taiwan, Alaska Peninsula, Canada,
California and Chile among others. No accurate prediction mechanism exists to forewarn the impending threat of earthquakes.  

When a mild quake hit the pacific island of Fiji recently, we were holidaying there. Though the quake was mild to cause any serious damage, it was a nightmarish experience and I could see the window panes and flower vases trembling. But, what baffled me the most was that the dogs in the neighborhood had started incessant howling several days before this quake. Unusual animal behavior is widely reported in scientific journals also, though a satisfactory explanation behind this strange incident remains elusive even today! 

An earthquake kit would come to your aid as aftershocks are felt for many more days after the quake. If the house is quake proof you are comparatively safer; still water and electricity connection would be snapped and there won’t be any food supply. The earthquake kit should contain drinking water, dry food, flash light with additional batteries, first aid box, goggles, dust mask and adequate cash. Family photos would be of help in finding missing people. Ensure a steady supply of powdered milk and Cheddar cheese, which will meet your protein needs easily. Even if you do not normally prefer canned food, in periods of crisis like this, it becomes inevitable. Heating options may not be at hand so select those items that can be eaten directly. 

Last but not least keep a cool head as being panicky would only aggravate the trauma. 
 

Gardening has always been my favorite pastime and when we moved into our own flat in a high rise building, I had the apprehension that I would be forced to nip my passion at its bud itself. It was my husband who told me about hydroponics where plants are grown without soil. At first I could not believe my ears but soon I understood that hydroponics is an amazing technology that is here to stay forever!  

I grow all types of seasonal vegetables in my hydroponics kitchen garden. It’s simple and hassle- free as I need not wear those gloves and apron as I used to do earlier! I love to watch my plants grow and bloom; I take time to change the nutrients, pollinate and shade them from sunlight. I simply love to be in the midst of my small patch of green canopy in my balcony. 

A hydroponic nutrient solution provides all the essential nutrients to a plant that it would have absorbed from soil. Nutrients are available in solutions or powder form. I personally prefer liquids as they dissolve easily and have a pH buffer, though they are comparatively costlier than the powder forms.  You can use chemical or organic nutrients in this system. If you are using organic supplements make sure that they do not form lumps and clog the pumps.  There are active and passive hydroponic systems; the former type uses a pump to maintain a regular flow of the nutrient solution, while the latter types distribute the solution employs either a wick or the capillary action of the nutrient. Active type is ideal as it ensures the right moisture and oxygen supply to the pants where as passive systems have the risk of water logging, which hampers the growth of the plants or might even cause root decay. I use a recovery type system which reuses the growing medium as it saves a pretty penny besides ensuring optimum growth of the plants. 

 Hydroponics is definitely more advantageous than soil gardening. The growth rate and yield of the plants are far more superior than plants that grow on soil. These plants do not have any diseases or pest infestations and are much healthier. I get garden fresh, organic tomatoes, carrots and lettuce for my kitchen all round the year. Above all my vegetable garden earns me a few envious glances from my guests as well! Hydroponics is for everyone and it is more fun than just an engaging hobby.
 

I still remember those days when we shifted to a new apartment in a bustling downtown street, soon after my wedding. Many a time we lived off Ramen noodles as it was a snappy dish in the busy morning hours and make good savings too. They come cheap and in many mouth watering varieties that you could live on this forever! Jokes apart, Ramen is indeed a complete meal that can be served with piping hot soups and varied toppings like meat, ham, bamboo shoots, boiled eggs, green onions or in fact anything available in your kitchen pantry. This mouth watering Japanese dish is for people who want to make their life a never- ending celebration. As the catchphrase of almost all noodles go ’this 2 minute wonder’ is so simple to make that my school going daughter manages to whip up a serving in no time! The raw Chinese noodles form the basic ingredient of ramen and today there is an array of exciting variants like Souper Meal or Chow Mein in the market to satiate the eclectic palates of you and me! 

I think that the tang and flavor of ramen could be enhanced by making a lip smacking soup to go with it. You can use anything from chicken born or dried sardines to make a flavorsome soup. However, my all time favorite has been Chicken noodle soup. It’s really yummy! Try it out for your week end party or surprise your kids with a steaming pot of this ultimate delicacy.     

Ramen noodle chicken soup Cook 1/2 lbs of chicken pieces, sliced carrots, celery stalks and chicken bouillon cubes in 1 qt of water, add 1/4 tsp. pepper along with salt and sugar (1 tsp each). Let is boil for about 45 minutes. Cook ramen noodles; add the cooked chicken pieces after removing the bones and the ramen noodles into the original mixture and simmer it for 5 minutes and voila! The ramen recipe is ready. Bring out your choicest soup bowls and spring up a surprise! 

The saga of Dominos Pizza traces its way back to 1960 when two brothers, Tom Monaghan and James purchased “Dominick’s Pizza”, a nondescript pizzeria at
Michigan. Before long, James traded his business share to his brother and Tom became the lone owner of the company. The rest is history. Today it has a sound presence in more than 54 countries all over the world with more than 8000 stores dealing in these lip smacking products. Domino’s Pizza is widely recognized as the pioneer in this industry. Dominos has walked into millions oh hearts and homes by virtue of its fresh and sizzling hot pizzas from its oven. I think that the accolades it won from its committed customers outweigh any other awards and rewards! 

Domino has brewed success by bringing out various innovations in packing, logistics and pizza toppings, which succeeded in retaining its impressive customer base. Though tomato and cheese continues to be the most popular type of pizza, Dominos has come up with many novel concepts in toppings including Pepperoni, meatballs, herb spiced chicken, onions, fresh garlic, black olives and many more…  

Domino’s stores are just delivery units where there are no dining facilities. You can dial the number of your nearest store or grab their equally popular take homes to pamper all your guests who drop in unexpectedly. I often do that and am sure millions of others might be doing the same!  The Dominos coupons offer eye popping discounts on selected varieties and pizza lovers never let go any chance to avail these benefits by using the printable coupons online! I use these printable coupons as wonderful birthday gifts for kids or friends. 

Dominos springs up a surprise at every turn of its sojourn by introducing a brilliant array of mouthwatering toppings well complemented by dollops of superior cheese and the goodness of fillings. It’s not just a gourmet’s delight but a healthy and filling meal that snugly fits into any time of the day. If you feel the pangs of hunger just dial the nearest dominos store instead of popping open a junk food pack.  

Dominos has indeed come along way from its modest beginning with just 3 stores, denoted by the three dots on its wrapper to become a synonym of healthy food. 

Having diabetes or insulin shots need not translate into complete abstinence from candies and desserts, even by the strictest yard sticks or the wildest of your dreams! There are countless low sugar desserts for the sweet toothed ones amongst you that help you to satiate your palates without playing havoc with your health. Sounds interesting?  Then try out these easy- to -make diabetic desserts that are low in carbohydrates and sugar. Try swapping the rich milk cream or flour in your favorite desserts with Soya flour and feel the difference it makes in your overall health. With these diabetic desserts, you can have the cake and eat it too!   I am sure that many a time you might have desperately wanted to bite into a crunchy cookie without upsetting your apple cart of diabetic diet. If you select the right dessert you do not run the risk of adding up extra calories. The diabetic desserts are not just easy and healthy snacks at hand whenever you feel hungry but these also make your festivities and celebrations sweet and meaningful.  Making desserts that satisfy the strict requirements of diabetes is definitely difficult but not impossible. All you have to do is to compile a few simple recipes that come handy for all your occasions. You can even make up something of your own by applying your sense of logic and a few hard guesses! I would like to share with you a recipe to make low sugar cookies in split seconds. These are excellent munchies to pamper your guests or to munch along as you watch your favorite TV show or flip through your favorite story book.  Preheat oven to 350° F. Beat cream butter and fructose until light and fluffy using an electric mixer; add vanilla. Whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and baking soda separately and add into the mixture. Mix nuts, raisins and oats (as per your taste) and the dough could be made in any shape of your choice. Bake till golden brown and store in a dry container after cooling. (Original recipe by Jean C. Wade).   Being a diabetic does not mean anymore that you have to give up the goodness of sweets to sign off your main menu!

My neighboring shop is an antique furniture store. He has the antique furniture pieces dating many centuries old. The gentlemen shopkeeper is ever ready to dole out advice on how to take care of your furniture. The furniture care advice he has offered me has worked wonders whenever I set out to clean my furniture. Let me share those with you.

For the waist height chest of wooden drawers, low-lying coffee table and any other wooden furniture, good old-fashioned dusting is the best way to keep it shining. And if there are any dirt spots, clean it with few drops of water or any gentle liquid solution on clean washable lint free cotton cloth. He advised me to rub gently in the direction of the wood grain and let it air dry. Wet glass marks can be wiped off by cleaning the table with modest amount of brasso on a soft cloth. For polished surfaces, clean using a small amount of beeswax, oil or turpentine.

His cleaning advice for the beautiful upholstered sofa and chairs I own – vacuum as often as possible, avoid contact with dark colored sheets as they can stain or alter the color. To remove my cat’s hair, he said I should put a sticky tape on it to remove. Spillage should be attended to immediately. Use paper towel or absorbent cloth to absorb liquid spills. For dry spills, scrap it off with butter knife, vacuum it and when the stain lightens considerably, clean it with a drop of washing liquid on a soft cloth. Wipe it again with a soft cloth dipped in water only. Also be sure to check the manufacturer’s label for any cleaning instructions and/or fabric cleaning.

No direct sunlight or any source of heat will keep your leather lounge chair or any leather items looking new as before. Regular dusting or wiping with a soft dry cloth is the best way to keep it shiny. To remove the stain, rub that area with a mixture of water and baking soda, clean with a soft cloth soaked in water and absorb the excess with a dry cloth or sponge and let it air dry. I try to call in professionals to clean my leather upholstery on a yearly basis.

He says that wrought iron coffee table and chairs just need a wipe of damp cloth and dry cloth. And rusty stains can be rub with kerosene and polished with fine grade steel wool. The brass flowerpot can be washed in lukewarm water with gentle liquid solution.

The cleaning advice given by him keeps my furniture completely neat and clean.