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The World of Respect WinnersBY CARMEN WETZEL
Next we traveled to the state of Johor in a town called Kluang. Jaime and I road with Chong, who we met at Guthrie. Chong is a salesman who handles some DuPont products in Malaysia.
It was about a two and a half hour drive to the Lims'. We stopped at a rest stop on the way and had lunch at an A&W. We had a great conversation with Chong - not only agriculture, but lifestyles in general. He was recently married and resides in Singapore. He told us more about the Malaysian ag products than anyone else we talked to, and Jaime explained to him about soybeans. Chong has never seen a soybean plant or the bean itself. Another neat comparison is that we make $30,000 to $40,000 per year in our area and can buy a new car for $25,000. Chong says he makes the same (in Ringgits - there are about three ringgits to a dollar), but while he makes 30,000 ringgits per year, a new car for him would be about 150,000 ringgits. I think that ratio is a good example of of why the Malaysian economy is the way it is.
We arrived at the Lims' around 4:00 or 5:00. What a greeting! Because of the Chinese New Year, they were still celebrating, and they greeted us with a lion dance. There was a band of six or seven people and two lions (two people were inside each lion costume). It was very cute - the lions acted with the same curiosity as a house cat. One of the lions even had to scratch himself!
It had to be at least 95 degrees and very humid, and the lion dance went on for probably a half-hour. The lions released a banner with some Chinese language on it, and then collected various types of fruit and made a statue of a rooster from the fruit - the new year is the Year of the Rooster for the Chinese.
After this extraordinary presentation, we had a nice conversation with Henry Lim (Albert's father - we met Albert in Washington D.C. in July for the Environmental Respect Awards presentation) and Albert. We all enjoyed fresh mandarin oranges and heard about the business and the Lim family. Henry and his wife have two sons and two daughters, all of whom went to school in Canada. Albert is the only one still residing in Malaysia.
We toured the Lims' facility and it reminded me very much of the storage facility we had in Green Valley. The Lims also provide some hardware for their customers, such as backpack sprayers, wheelbarrows, and other smaller items. They also have the knives on long poles used to cut the palm fruits from the trees, and they have a guard at the entrance to their facility.
We all went to a local restaurant to enjoy dinner with the Lims. Again, I think we were served the finest Chinese meal complete with the red envelope and the good luck message. Henry brought a bottle of Australian wine which he received from his daughter. He was very generous to reserve the bottle and share it with us. But there were several more bottles to follow! We had the most entertaining meal with the Lims. We even got to have dragon fruit! I think it was around 11:00 p.m. when we decided to go to the hotel in Melacca.
I rode with Ray and Sabudin, and Jaime road with Scott and Matt Amin. Ray drove back himself, and that was quite entertaining. Everyone here drives on the left side of the road, and the driver is seated on the right side of the vehicle. Everytime we turned a corner, the windshield wipers started going - Ray couldn't get used to the turn signals and wipers being on the opposite sides of the steering wheel. But Ray and I had a very good conversation on the hour-long trip. We discussed some safety issues, spill response, and ag issues in general, as well as other stuff. We arrived at the hotel around 12:30 a.m.
Scott Lucas, Feb 24, 14:51The PlantationBY CARMEN WETZEL
It is Friday morning here, and we had an early start at 5:30 to leave the hotel by 6:30 a.m. with Scott and Ray. A taxi van took us to the DuPont offices again to meet with Sabudin and Matt Amin. On the way there it was a little hazy. Our driver was a little confused as to the location, but after a phone call for directions we arrived at the offices - ahead of schedule! We waited for around 45 minutes for Sabudin to arrive.
A short time later, we met Sabudin. We managed to get all six of us and the luggage into two cars. From there we traveled to an oil palm plantation called Guthrie, and had breakfast there. It wasn't planned for us to go to this meeting with Ray, but we mentioned to him that we would really like to see an actual plantation (or estate, as the locals call them) to see how they operate and what is involved with the processing of palm oil.
After a breakfast of coffee, tea, fish, a type of burrito with vegetables, and eggs, we had a short presentation on Guthrie. They have 400 employees and about 11,000 acres - we understand it is one of the largest estates in Malaysia. It is also unique in being the first platation to be EUROPEGAP certified.
The managers gave us an overview of how their business is regulated in terms of safety and training of employees, many of which are immigrants from Indonesia or other nearby countries. He also mentioned how the company is classed according to their operating practices, management, and quality of product. After the presentation, Hiro (the mill manager) took us up to the mill office - on the way there we saw a large iguana crossing the road - and he explained the operation of the mill.
Every part of the palm harvest is utilized in some way. We were given a flow chart explaining all the processes and end products (oil, fertilizers, and excess energy among them). An assistant manager was there to help do the presentation. They brought a sample of palm oil from the mill that was still very warm, and red-orange in color because of the kerotene. Other facts that they told us was that palm oil actually improved artheriosclerosis (cholesterol buildup in the arteries), and that there were projects to create diesel fuel from palm oil.
We weren't able to tour the mill for two reasons - the main reason was because it wasn't running. This is not the peak season for oil palm, so they didn't have enough fruits to process. The other reason is that they did not know we were coming, or they could have arranged something.
While we were at the mill, Ray was giving a presentation to several other estate managers that were there. When we came back, he was just finishing. Guthrie presented Ray, Scott, Jaime, and I with very nice journal books. I found this very generous of them, considering the economy they are working in and the fact that we weren't scheduled to be there.
Hiro then offered to take us to the chemical facility. He showed us all of the safety and PPE procedures, which included employees leaving work clothes on-site to be laundered there. Guthrie has an area reserved for employees to change clothes and do laundry to prevent taking any contaminated clothing home.
All of the chemical inventory is kept under lock and key, with records kept for each container. Hiro explained that they have a procedures board with photos to overcome any language barriers and understanding of the S.O.P.s. The board showed how to don and doff PPE and how to maintain the hand sprayers. Each employee is assigned their own sprayer to maintain and use.
We walked to another building from there which housed their medical facility. There is a doctor on-site at all times. Many of the employees are housed on-site and the medical service is available to the family members as well as the employees. All medical records for all the employees are kept on-site, and every employee has a record filled with regular examinations. I asked about fire protection and their emergency plan, and Hiro explained that they have certain employees who are trained for the fire brigade and basically have designed in-house procedures for emergencies.
Our next visit was to see the Environmental Respect Award Winners, the Lims at Lim Hong Ngee.
Scott Lucas, Feb 24, 14:51A Word of ThanksBY SCOTT LUCAS
Ah, Singapore. Finally a chance to sit back and reflect a bit on the whirlwind of the last few days' travel throughtout Southeast Asia. Singapore is among the region's most modern cities - a beautiful blend of contemporary architecture and well maintained cultural history. Along the Singapore River are colorful remnants of days past, the city's history as a shipping point for the British East India Company is alive and well in the old buildings on the boardwalk, freshened up through the years by careful refurbishment and coated in pastel colors to create the look of an impressionist painting. Behind them loom the tall hotels and skyscrapers of an ultra-modern city that has become SE Asia's techno-hub. Even as you step off of one of the traditional wooden boats on to one of the old docks, you can see a leap of 200 years or more in the buildings. The tightly-packed two-tiered shops, restaurants, and Bistros of Chinatown or the trendy bars of the quays stand in front of gleaming buildings and modern architectural excess, all smooth lines and dramatic shapes. But it doesn't clash, somehow - the old wooden buildings add a tasteful bit of color to reflect off of the mirrored office buildings and hotels, and the city is able to balance the two styles in a homogeneous, harmonious whole, like the entire landscape was developed by a master of feng shui.
But enough rambling about the beautiful surroundings - now, after days touring Malaysia and touching down in Singapore, I have a few moments to describe some of the more memorable parts of this incredible journey.
First off, I could not have been blessed with better travel partners. Jaime and Carmen, when you read this sometime back home, it has been a pleasure taking this trip and sharing this experience with you. Thanks for being such perfect companions, and excellent ambassadors on the maiden voyage of the Environmental Respect Awards World Tour - Malaysia. Dr. Raymond Forney, who unfortunately could not make the trip to Singapore with us because of an engagement in Taiwan, you created a lot of memories for us. It was wonderful having you around, even stinking of durian. A note to readers: if a Chinaman, or anyone else for that matter, suggests that you try a fruit called durian, I strongly recommend getting as far away from that person as possible as fast as your little legs will take you. They call durian "The King of Fruits" - let me tell you, he is a cruel, cruel king. Or, based on the taste, one that has been dead as long as King Tut. But I digress.
All the folks we met along the way - the DuPonters, Sabudin, Eric Tan, S.K., Amin, and everyone else that joined us - thank you. It was a wonderful trip. Look me up if you ever need a break from the heat and humidity and don't mind wading through a bit of pure Ohio snow.
The good people of CropLife Malaysia, particularly Lidya, thank you for showing us the ropes and for doing your best to improve the ag industry in your country. Your efforts are doing a world of good.
All the folks at the plantation, thank you for you hospitality, and for teaching us a bit about real life in Malaysian agriculture. Seeing the trees, the sprayers, the clinic, the plant, and your entire operation was a learning experience. And knowing that you are doing your best to keep your workers safe and our world clean is a comforting feeling.
And the Lims, the visit to your location was one of the most memorable moments in my life. When we arrived to the percussion band and the Lion Dance, it felt like a scene from a movie. It was very thoughtful of you to arrange it, and it was an honor being your guest. You are shining examples of how to succeed in this business the right way, doing everything you can to be responsible stewards and bring value to your customers. Where it could be tempting to just do as much as the law makes you, you have gone above and beyond that call because you know it is right. Keep it up - I hope people that see you follow the great example you set.
And Henry - please forgive my spelling and understandably hampered memory - YOM SING!
Scott Lucas, Feb 24, 14:51The KL ExperienceThursday, Feb 17
BY CARMEN WETZEL
We got up at around 6:00 a.m. and went to a huge continental breakfast. We met Ray and Scott in the lobby at 7:30 and took a taxi to the DuPont offices in Malaysia. Eric greeted us there and gave us a tour of the whole office area.
We then went to meet with the CropLife Malaysia people. A lady named Lidya gave us an excellent presentation on what the Malaysian ag industry is trying to implement. They have excellent ideas, most of which they have learned from visiting the U.S. She and Eric and Sabudin, another man from DuPont, gave us a thorough explanation of problems they are facing with the government of Malaysia, who won’t even listen to the ideas that CropLife Malaysia presents, but sometimes takes credit for their accomplishments.
We went to a butterfly farm, which was very unique, although it was very warm and very humid. After the butterflies, we went for lunch at a Chinese place, but didn’t have to use chopsticks.
We then went to the Ministry of Ag and met with two members of the Pesticides Board. They gave us their perspective of the ag industry and the problems they are encountering. While we were there, a storm came through and the power went out briefly.
Then we traveled to the twin towers, Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark, and until recently the tallest buildings in the world. We discovered that the power was out there too, but after 15 or 20 minutes of sightseeing around the outside, the power came back on.
We shopped and walked around with Eric for about an hour, then met with Ray, Scott, and Sabudin again. We traveled to the city’s KL Tower next, which is a tall building like the Space Needle in Seattle. We had dinner in a restaurant in the tower with a revolving floor. There were two different buffets to choose from and a dessert buffet. The meal was very good.
After the meal, Ray, Sabudin, and Eric presented us with a pewter plate, which showed all the well-known attractions of Malaysia. We then traveled to the Hard Rock Café and had a drink there. Afterwards, we planned to go to a karaoke bar, but since everyone was so tired, we decided to call it a day and head back to the hotel.
Scott Lucas, Feb 24, 14:51First ImpressionsMonday, Feb 14-Wednesday, Feb. 16
BY CARMEN WETZEL
We woke up to about two inches of wet heavy snow in Wisconsin. We left home around 9:15 a.m. to leave on a 12:15 flight from Green Bay to Minneapolis and arrived at the airport around 10:00.
When we departed at 12:15 it was still snowing - snowplows were clearing the runways and tarmac, and our plane was de-iced prior to take-off. The flight was about 45 minutes long and we landed at Minneapolis on time.
From there we flew to Los Angeles through clear blue skies that gave us a good view of the landscape.
In L.A. we met Scott Lucas from Farm Chemicals International magazine and boarded a huge airplane for Taiwan. The service on the flight is excellent! Before and after each meal, we were offered steaming hot washcloths - it seemed like a strange concept the first time, but it felt really good towards the end of the 14-hour flight and a long day of traveling. And it seems like we never stop eating! It was like a mobile buffet.
After flying for around 14 and a half hours, we landed in a dark and foggy Taiwan. We had about an hour in Taipei to chat with Scott while we waited for the plane to be cleaned and re-stocked.
By the time we took off again for Kuala Lumpur, the sun was shining and the fog had cleared somewhat. We landed at 12:15 p.m. local time to hot and humid weather - about 92 degrees and 70% humidity. We took a crowded aerotrain to the arrivals building and picked up our luggage. The airport seemed very quiet; there was no music playing and no electronic things beeping.
We walked to where taxis were waiting. Scott had e-mailed ahead to get us a ride to the hotel, and a very courteous gentleman asked where we needed to go and took care of finding a taxi for us.
Everyone in Malaysia was very courteous, especially towards women. The gentleman took all of the luggage I was carrying out to the car, and the taxi driver and the airport gentleman insisted that I have the front seat.
It is very hot and humid. It was about an hour to the hotel, and the landscape is mostly palm trees (for producing palm oil). The vegetation is all green and some flowers dotted the sides of the road. The land is pretty hilly and gravelly - not like the soils we have in Wisconsin. There were a lot of billboards on the highway freeway for electronics - Acer, Panasonic, Nokia, and even one for WD-40. It is certainly a learning experience staying here.
When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by every one of the employees. Again, women are treated with the utmost respect and really aren’t expected to do any "physical labor." The butler came to our room to explain the hotel’s amenities, and Ray Forney called and Eric Tan from DuPont called our room right after the butler left and arranged to meet us at 7:30 p.m. in the lobby to go for supper.
We got ready and walked around the hotel for a while to see what is here. We had a tour of the spa and massage area, found the outdoor pool, and walked to the Starhill Plaza shopping mall which is on the area’s Bintang Walk, a famous district in Kuala Lumpur for shopping. After walking around the modern mall, we went back to the lobby to meet with Ray.
Raymond Forney, Eric Tan, Tan Soo Keong (who we call "S.K."), Scott Lucas, Jaime and I met and went to a Chinese restaurant. We tried a lot of different Chinese food as part of a traditional meal celebrating the Chinese New Year, which had started a week before our arrival and will last all the way until our departure. The most interesting food was the "fried butter", made with butter, flour, and egg yolk, and there was a lot of pork and fish. I think we were given plates probably five times. We had a very nice conversation over dinner with Eric and S.K. explaining their culture and the various industries of Malaysia.
After eating (or trying to eat with chopsticks!) Eric took us on a tour of the city to see Chinatown. S.K. wasn’t able to stay with us. We went to a street corner fruit stand and tried durian, but the only one enjoying it was Eric. Then we tried a fruit called mangosteen, which was sweet and had a mild flavor.
We continued touring more of the city with Ray still trying to figure out what the durian tasted like. It had a custard texture with a mix of wild onion and garlic, but had a kind of sweetness to it. The flavor seemed to last forever.
At 11:30 we decided to go back to the hotel. The room is very nice - the bathroom is almost as big as our bedroom back home!
Scott Lucas, Feb 20, 23:23A Flying Apartment...That‘s how I would best describe flying Business First Class on a 747. Big Seats. Big Meals. Big Entertainment. An occasional "air bump" in the road reminded me, Carmen, and Jaime that we were 33,000 feet in the air "somewhere over the Pacific." What a way to begin our 12-day journey to Malaysia and Singapore. "Some more truffles, and please pass the pate."
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur after some 25+ hours of travel (ok, luxurious travel) and crossing over the international dateline, you‘d think we‘d be sapped. We‘re 12 hours off schedule (when it‘s 10:00 AM Madison, WI, it‘s 10:00 PM here, same day), and this can wreak havoc on your internal clock.
But Kuala Lumpur, one of the world‘s most dynamic metropolis‘, certainly had an energizing effect - especially with the Chinese New Year celebration driving the pulse of this beautiful city‘s 1.8 million inhabitants. The Petronas Towers reach skyward some 1400 feet, and lit up at night, literally look like stairways to heaven. They are two of the world‘s tallest buildings - on a clear night, I wonder if you can see them from the flatlands of the Midwest?
We had a busy evening planned, dining with Dr. Raymond Forney, DuPont Global Stewardship Director, and Eric Tan, DuPont Malaysia. A large fireworks display over the city and dinner atop KL Tower (similar to Seattle‘s Space Needle) capped the evening.
A report on our visits to the Malaysia Ministry of Ag and a large Palm Oil plantation are soon to follow, plus please come back for some "behind the scenes" news and pics this weekend February 19 and 20.
Scott Lucas, Feb 18, 13:11
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