A NEW chess DESTINATION...JB!

UPDATE 1:
Add UAE@ to the Overseas Destination. CP played at the WYCC 2013 in Al Ain.
Hope to add more destinations in 2014.
>>>>>>>
Just realised that due to chess, the family have travelled a bit. As per the Malay saying "Sambil Menyelam, Minum Air" I.e. getting a few things done aka "Killing a few birds with one stone!

Among the places we've been to for competitions are:-

OVERSEAS
(1) Sri Lanka
(2) ...............

LOCAL
(1) FT - KL (Hartamas, Kepong, MidValley, Kiara, Dataran Merdeka etc )
(2) Selangor (Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, PJ Old Town, UM etc )
(3) Terengganu - KT #
(4) Penang - Georgetown
(5) Perak - Tronoh
(6) N.S. - Seremban & Rembau *
(7) KEDAH - Sg.Petani
And of course, at No.8...the latest addition (8) JOHOR - JB

Note:
# ONLY hAnA Played.
* Eldest ONLY
@ ONLY The CP Played

MALAYSIA WON. Malaysia(78.5) v. Singapore(65.5)

Went to Cititel to see some MCF officials to sort out some administrative and sponsorship matters vis-a-vis CP's participation in WYCC 2013 and Managed to briefly glimpse the Malaysia v. Singapore chess "friendly" held from yesterday till today at Cititel, MidValley - KL.

Apart from the following I.e. REPORT 1,  REPORT 2 and REPORT 3 there's hardly any news on the event. MCF should have an official website by now.....Unfortunately, initial blog efforts i.e. BLOG 1 and BLOG 2 seemed to have died a natural death after the change of MCF officials with the last post from blog 1 dated 8th February and for blog 2 dated 5th May 2013. Hopefully, an official MCF website can be up and running....SOON!

Anyway, MALAYSIA WON the friendly event and was informed that the event will be held in Singapore next year.

FIDE Seminar for International Organiser (IO), Al-Ain UAE

Seminar INFO
Date:  December 2013
Fees: 50 Euros


In conjunction with the WYCC 2013, a Seminar for IO will be held at Al-Ain around the same time.
Assuming we're(CP & I) going to WYCC 2013 and Having attended the Arbiter's Seminar during NAG 2013 (Read HERE) am considering signing up for the course. After all, while CP is playing I won't be doing much apart from perhaps walking about or writing something in the chess blog.

There's also another Seminar conducted around the same time for Arbiters but having attended the Arbiter's seminar during NAG 2013 in February - the IO seminar seemed to be "less taxing" and more importantly offers better networking opportunities.

Who knows, one of these days in the not too distant future...I might be able to organise a Regional event with the help of contacts made during A-Levels & AEI days.

fm S.C.A.R.S to IMU Debate Open (IMUDO 2013), BP Style.

UPDATE 2@23/11:
It seemed, only those who won 4 rounds, broke through to debate tomorrow.
4th Debate: 4th
3rd Debate: 1st
2nd Debate: 1st

Unfortunately due to the sudden death of Debate Manager's cousin as a result of a heart attack at 39 years, was unable to watch eldest debate. Al-Fatihah.

UPDATE 1@22/11:
1st Debate: 4th
>>>>>>>
Having "broke" at  around 29th for S.C.A.R.S, eldest immediately signed-up for the IMU BP Debate held at the International Med. University Campus, Bukit Jalil (Fees: RM90 + 45?@Adjudicator).

IMU BP Debate is a 3-day event ending on Sunday, 24/12. Main difference between SCARS and IMU BP is that IMU is opened for university students. Around 100 debaters are taking part (SCARS had more than 200 debaters).

Looking forward to seeing her debate BP style.

CALLING on SPONSORS & FINAL APPEAL for WYCC 2013

Event INFO.

I would like to make a final appeal for sponsor(s) to finance or part-finance his trip or, those who can give me leads to potential sponsor(s) to either:-
(1) EMAIL me at amfa177@gmail.com OR,
(2) CALL me at 012 - 2708 177.


For the record, 6-Year Old Amir Faiz's results in 2013:-
( Note: IF he does go, Amir Faiz will be:
6 Years, 9 Months & 14 Days on the 1st Day of WYCC 2013 Competition )

ASIA
-------
9th ASIAN SCHOOLS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2013.
Colombo - SRI LANKA. 30th August - 6th September.

8th - 4.5pts/7. (4.5pointers placed 8th to 10th). BLITZ
17th - 4.0pts/7. (4pointers placed from 12th to 18th). RAPID
31st - 3.5pts/9. (3.5pointers placed from 29th to 36th). CLASSICAL


NATIONAL
------------
NATIONAL AGE GROUP CHES CHAMPIONSHIP  (NAG 2013).
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Tronoh - PERAK. February.
4th, U-8 Open.

Note: As per MCF Circular, Top 4 - Qualifies for Malaysian Team.



>>>>>>>
Pledges received thus far from FISSAD (M) Sdn Bhd, a VVVIP who prefers to be anonymous and a NGO Persatuan. Syukran for all the Pledges.

( FISSAD (M) Sdn Bhd )

( Anonymous VVVIP)

( NGO Persatuan )

The whole day was spent following-up on sponsors' pledges and calling on them personally.

Thanks to a friend (Read HERE) who'd agreed to drive (who's also the rep of FISSAD Sdn. Bhd. i.e. the FIRST Sponsor for CP) the journey started around lunch time and took us from Kelana Jaya - KL - TTDI - Saujana Resort - Bukit Jelutong - Taman Bahagia SS2 and finally back home around 10.30PM.

To the majority of parents who I assume are like me i.e. limited funds and would like to see their kids given the opportunity to just shine and given the exposure, here are some tips/suggestions based on my personal experience in trying to get sponsors for 2 events ( Just the Main Points. Will elaborate later).

(1) Start EARLY
Official Letter from MCF.

(2) Promote the "APPEAL"
Social Media - fb & Blogs and e-list.

(3) Sent OFFICIAL Email/Letters
Dual languages - Malay & English.
Executive Summary with Brief/Elaborate Details
Mention Costs and Deadlines.

(4) Follow-Up
 Do follow-up

(5) DOA
 Having done the above, doa/recite your prayers.

(6) Offer "Value Proposition"
 Suggests to possible sponsors, what's "in it" for them.

(7) TQ / Appreciation
Never forget to thank your sponsors at any opportunity UNLESS they prefer to remain anonymous/"under the radar".

Faiz attending KAFA AZZAHRAWAN Prize-Giving @Hotel Singgahsana.

UPDATE:
Prizes received for:
(1) 3rd in Class
(2) Best in "Akhlak" Subject
(3) Naik Al-Quran.
.......the 4th prize is a prize which everybody gets for convocation.

Including Sports (Read HERE ) its been a good year for Faiz at KAFA Azzahrawan.

>>>>>>>
Today, Faiz is attending KAFA's prize-giving ceremony at Hotel Singgahsana, PJ.
He's receiving 3 or 4 awards. Among the few occasions that he's ready early without being asked to do so....WaQAQA! Despite receiving fewer prizes than his eternal rival he still has some parting shots for hAnA. That's Faiz for you!

Actually, he was rather upset a few days back when attending his "eternal rival" prize-giving ceremony (Read HERE ) because he was not getting any prize...so much so that he decided to go back early and left us wondering and looking for him in the school hall.

Well Done Faiz. Hopefully, you're on track to achieve the I.S. KPI set by next year.

Pledges from Sponsors.

Refer Sponsorship APPEAL
Sponsors Post.

Friends know that I've been actively going around looking for sponsors to fund CP's trip to the WYCC 2013. They were bemused and amazed that a player representing Malaysia would have to pay using their own funds for the trip to a world event. I wonder myself but who am I  to question. 

Alhamdullilah, this week I'd received pledges for partial sponsorships from 2 sponsors which would enable us to make the trip to Al-Ain, UAE in December. 1 pledge came from an NGO and another 1 from a VVVIP who prefers to remain anonymous but stated "....sumbangan Ikhlas VVVIP. Didoakan Adik Amir dapat memajukan prestasi ke peringkat yang lebih tinggi dan mengharumkan Nama Negara". The NGO suggested that Faiz be one of their adopted child or "Anak Angkat" and in return Faiz will need to "carry" or promote their brand. Hopefully, pledges can materialise next week.

If the pledges materialise, one area that needs to be strengthened is the hiring/appointment of a Trainer for him. After asking around, the going rate to hire a Coach/Trainer seemed to be in the vicinity of RM50-150 per hour depending on the Coach's credibility.
The 9th ASCC in Sri Lanka was an eye-opener for us as "serious" players tend to have 3-4persons in their entourage I.e. Player, Parent, Manager & Coach/Trainer....even for the U-5 category. Hence, it's no wonder that Malaysian players do not perform as well compared to the "well-supported player". I believe other players would have a "structured" training programme in the run-up to WYCC 2013 with a designated trainer/coach. Not the CP though - his prep consists of him participating in chess competitions like PeBT MPSJ Blitz, Catur Alam Sekitar, 6th NJCC and 5th Penang Heritage Open. PCA also allows him to hang around during weekends to have a game or pick up some pointers.


Had intended this WYCC 2013 to be an "exposure" trip for him and me but with sponsors coming in, circumstances have changed slightly.

Faiz, "Possible" Anak Angkat for NGO !?

UPDATE 2:

UPDATE 1:
20/11, Went to the Association located nearby the Subang Airport and met the GM. Submitted CP's Chess Record Booklet and copy of Appeal Letter to the Chairman of a Corporation. Y took the measurements and GM informed that CP will be given 3 Shirts(Corporate & T-Shirt), 1 Cap and 1 Bag. Was also informed that the Association EXCO will meet on Friday to finalize matters.

>>>>>>>
Today, I received an unexpected call(s) from the representative of an NGO and another member from the same NGO. Was informed that CP might be "adopted" by the Association for the WYCC 2013 and that a decision will be made during the NGO's EXCO Meeting next week. In the meantime, I'm supposed to bring CP to see the GM of the Association so that shirt measurements carrying the NGO logo....amongst others can be made.

Last week, I'd received a call from an officer of another NGO.

InsyALLAH Am hopeful, matters will move forward soon. Let's see what transpires next week.

6th NATIONAL JUNIORS Chess Championship 2013 (FIDE-rated) @Johor Bahru, JOHOR

UPDATE 5 @04/12:
Going into the 9th and Final Round of the 6th NJCC in JB:-
(1) hAnA has 3.5pts & ranked 18th out of 25 players.
(2) The cHEss pIRATE has 3pts & ranked 51st out of 68 players.


UPDATE 4 @03/12:
During the afternoon round, Players' Handphones was collected by the organisers for "safe-keeping".

Was also informed to bring Birth Cert or IC for the organisers tomorrow.


UPDATE 3 @02/12:
There'll be a fire drill at 10AM tomorrow. Many possibilities are being considered.
For example, 3 games today (scheduled & 1 in the evening) & 1 game tomorrow or, just reduced event to 8 games or, delayed start time for both rounds tomorrow.

BTW, heard from parents about possible attempts at cxxxxing mainly via prolonged restroom breaks or, in collaboration with a second party or, signals being sent. However, on my side have not witnessed any....just the view of Singapore from the 35th Level which is also on the same floor with Singapore's CG office. Perhaps, the office is sending signals back home!!!??? WaQAQA!.

Good day for CP with 1 1/2 points and "mixed/bad" day in the office for hAnA on her birthday.



UPDATE 2 @30/11:
Pairings & Results, BOYS
Pairings & Results, GIRLS

UPDATE 1 @29/11:
Boys Unofficial Starting Rank, HERE
The CP is ranked 57th out of 70 participants, 13th from bottom...a 11 place improvement from last year where he was second last from bottom and that too was because the last player was unrated. So theoretically, there's a glimmer of hope he won't finish last...WaQAQA!

Girls Unofficial Starting Rank, HERE
hAnA is ranked 13th out of 25 players. Hence, she's a strong chance to finish within the Top 10 IF she ups her game. In last year's NJCC her starting rank was 16th from 19 wood-pushers.

KPIs have been set and incentives announced in Nusajaya.

>>>>>>>
Players' LIST

5th PENANG Heritage City International Chess Open 2013, Registered!

Event INFO
Players' LIST

* Note: Payment DUE Date - 1st DECEMBER *



UPDATE 4 - 08/12:

Alhamdullilah, Smooth & Safe Journey - Back in Pulau Pinang for the 2nd Year running to take part in the @5th Penang Heritage City International Chess Open 2013 - Challenger Section. We even got the same room as per last year's. Hope improvements can be achieved. 

The main difference this year...emmm.....we shall see whether the challenge laid down will be taken up!

UPDATE 3 - 01/12:

Entrance Fees cheque deposited at UOB Bank City Square, JB branch.

UPDATE 2:
Rcvd reply that account number had been changed due to system upgrade.

UPDATE 1:
At night, under very heavy rain "Tried" to deposit Cheque into PCA's UOB account(as per advertised online) via Chq Deposit Machine at DU branch but was unable to do so due to "invalid account number" indicated. Sent an email to PCA for clarification.

>>>>>>>
Just came back from Moderating a Forum (refer HERE) at Putrajaya held in conjunction with the Putrajaya International Islamic Art and Culture Festival 2013 aka PIIACuF . Some time later the kids came back...excited because they've earned 2 prizes each (1 in competition@Cash Prize and another 1 Lucky Draw Prize) after taking part in Catur FRIM/Alam Sekitar organised by Cerdik Catur. Good thing that I'd remembered to register for the 5th Penang Open as the 250players deadline seemed to be achieved earlier.Well actually, I wanted to become a PCA member earlier and save costs ( ) but as compared to last year's efficiency my email went unanswered.

It'll be the second participation in this event after last year's 4th Penang Heritage Open. hAnA earned a Bronze last year in the Girls U-10 category and am hoping that she can repeat the achievement in the U-12 category. As for the CP, this event serves as a final warm-up before WYCC 2013.

Last Year's 4th Penang Heritage Reports:-
REPORT 1 - Under Consideration,  REPORT 1,  REPORT 2,  REPORT 3-Final

6th NATIONAL JUNIORS C.C. 2013 (6th NJCC) @Johor Bahru, Registered & Paid!

Event INFO

UPDATE:
200 - Entrance Fees
Toll (43 + ?? +.  )
Petrol
Parking (7 + 10 )
Hotel (130  x ? Days)
Food & Misc
--------
200.00
=====

>>>>>>>

Just Registered hAnA & the cHEss pIRATE for the 6th National Juniors C.C.(NJCC) which will be held in Johor Bahru. Was supposed to register some time back but the CP was hospitalised (Read HERE).

It'll be the second time they'll be participating in the NJCC. Last year was the first (Read HERE). Hopefully, both can improve on their performance last year - Though CP who was then 5 Years 9 Months was the YOUNGEST Player last year, he placed last from a field of 56 players with 1 point whilst hAnA finished 18th with 3 points.

More importantly, the 6th NJCC is one of 2 "Warm-Up" Tournaments I'd identified for the CP prior to WYCC 2013 (The other being the 5th Penang Open-Challenger Section, 4 days after NJCC).
For hAnA the objectives are:-
(1) Mid-range finish or better compared to last year; and,
(2) Prelude for her participation in the Penang Open-Challenger when she'd won the Bronze in the U-10 category last year.

Good for us that the venue is in Johor as I'd promised them a Legoland trip since early this year. Hopefully, a visit to Singapore can be organised as well. However, I might have to skip an event in Melaka where HIKMAH is the content provider ...let's see how things can be sorted out.

ANUGERAH KO-KURIKULAR SKTTDI 1, 2013.

UPDATE 3:
January 2014 - Finally, after 2days short of 2 months RM50  received on the second week of schooling. Alhamdullilah..


UPDATE 2:
Friday, 22/11 - hAnA went to school to claim but was told that it'll probably be next year.
After the silence on the 9th ASCC financial assistance despite being asked to submit a request, am NOT holding my breath at all. SBT.......emmmm! All that I can say is DON'T promise something you CANNOT deliver...BAD for student's morale.

UPDATE 1:
Monday, 11/11 - Cert received but no cash.
>>>>>>>
hAnA came back today and informed that the school will be organising a "Anugerah Ko-Kurikular" next Monday during School Assembly. The award will be given to those who'd represented Malaysia / KL / Bangsar Zone.

According to her, the incentive given will be as follows:-
RM50 - Wakil MALAYSIA
RM40 - Wakil NEGERI (KL)
RM30 - Wakil ZON (Bangsar)

.......emmmmmmm!

Catur FRIM: Registered, Paid & Withdrawn!

Event INFO

UPDATE 1:
Official RESULTS

CP finished in 11th Place whilst hAnA ONLY got a consolation "Terbaik Wanita" prize...a misnomer considering there were others ahead of her. They were also both lucky winners of the lucky prize draws. As per "normal", either one or both tend to win prizes in events organised by Stonemaster.

The "fireworks" though happened when they met each other in the 4th Round. I've yet to figure out what had happened because both are giving different versions.

Siblings Score in Competitions:
CP v. hAnA @ Played 4 Times:
 Wins-2(Alam Sekitar & Insofar) / Draw-1(DCC Golden Special) / Lost-1(SK Sri Hartamas).

>>>>>>>
Was looking forward to having a picnic outing at FRIM with the family and playing outdoor chess at the same time. Had even paid for the entrance fees when participating in the PeBT MBSJ Chess Blitz (Report HERE). However, I'd received an invitation from Perbadanan Putrajaya to be a Forum Moderator for an Economics & Monetary Forum (Details HERE) held in conjunction with the Putrajaya International Islamic Art & Culture Festival 2013(PIIACuF).

Hence kiddos, The Debate & Badminton Manager will stand in as Chess Manager for Catur FRIM.
All the Best Kiddos - Enjoy Nature's Flora and hopefully some Fauna as well whilst playing chess...and driving the Manager Insane, WaQAQA!.

hAnA extends Invitation to Mummy.....

hAnA's Mum have been harping / repeatedly telling hAnA - "....my friends have been asking where were you during prize-giving last year? Well Hana - what do you have to say? I miss my friends."
Hana being Hana....put on her game face and was non-chalant about being asked the question repeatedly...so much similar to eldest who's so unassuming even when doing ghostbusting duties.

We...or rather the Mum and Tok Mama was quite worried to see her bumming around....watching TV....and missing classses for 2-3/4 weeks cumulatively due to a myriad of reasons like chess, choral-speaking, sports, courses/seminars etc that they'd "given up" hope on her doing well in her academic pursuit. Tok Bah would offer incentives and state - "...you want it, you work for it!". As for me ....Ayah would be Happy as long as hAnA is Healthy and Happy....after all growing up in Kampung Kemengkang...river swimming, paddy-field fishing, durian hunting, watching TV at Kedai Simpang & being "hantus" to girls walking back after watching Friday night movies at Kedai Simpang .....who cares about academic matters.....emmm...save for Ustaz Long Jaafar who'd no hesitation to cane me when I don't behave myself during Muqadam classes.


Anyway, back to hAnA...Yesterday, after taking part in the Hari Keusahawanan she told Mummy in the car whilst on the way back home- "....Mummy, here's YOUR Invitation "


The results....in the form of a Formal Invitation from the school, as follows:-

 ( Invitation Given to Mummy )

Did chess have anything to do with this invitation...emmm....one can only speculate.
Well Done hAnA Bunz. I'm sure you had a big smirk when giving the invite to Mummy...as if I don't know U laaaaah!

Looking forward to attending the Prize-Giving Ceremony on Tuesday next week.

PIALA TUN RAZAK 2013 - Amira Fathina, TOP DEBATER!

I did not stay for the prize-giving ceremony for the Piala Tun Razak ( Refer Earlier Post HERE ) as Amira's team had lost in the Semis. Moreover, she told me that I can go back early as she was not feeling well coupled with the fact that I'd travelled with my Indonesian friend from Jakarta's DPR.

Little did I realise that eldest had won a Prize for being one of the Top Debaters despite her team losing in the Semi-Finals. Only when the family visited her on Maal Hijrah did she tell us that she'd won a prize for being one of the Top Debaters in the competition......Well that's Amira, ALWAYS Unassuming in her own way even when she had to become a "Ghostbuster" earlier in the year - she has her own way of thinking, I suppose.! I guess that's why she'd turned down being a Prefect at her College...much to the chagrin, dismay and amazement of her Seniors, Batchmates and Juniors who were rooting for her.

WRT the Top Debater Award, it seemed that there were prizes for the Top 3 debaters and the margin between her and No.1 was just .25 (1/4) of a point. 1st got RM50 cash prize and trophy.

Well Done Amira - Hopefully, enough "fuel" to spur you for the upcoming SCARS Debate in 2 weeks time.

Have a Blessed & Happy New Year 1435H

Wishing EVERYBODY a Blessed & Happy New Year 1435H. 

May Allah SWT Give Us The Strength & Determination to Hijrah to Better Endeavours,  Undertakings  and Way of Life.

SYUKRAN & WASALAM.