Saturday, June 15, 2019

Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0 makes a comeback with free Hungarian movies in 2019


                                Dr. Titanilla Toth (Deputy Head of Mission from Hungarian Embassy)

                                            Mr Mugen Rao (Special Guest of Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0) 


Kuala Lumpur, June 11 2019:After a successful Hungarian Film Fiesta last year, The Embassy of Hungary in Kuala Lumpur, together with partners Golden Screen Cinemas and Cinema Online is pleased to present to the Malaysian audience the 2019 Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0. Growing from a local to a national-wide event, this year’s Fiesta will bring all films to Penang and Sarawak, besides the screenings taking place in Kuala Lumpur. The 2019 edition is one of the highlights of the year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Hungary and Malaysia.

This year, we are honoured to have among us a famous Malaysian friend in the person of singer, actor and entertainer Mugen Rao. We believe this marks the beginning of a longer cooperation with him. Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0 presents a selection of 4 award-winning titles with a total of 16 free screenings for film festival fans to enjoy and learn more about Hungarian films, culture and the country itself.

Through the Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0, we aim to promote the Hungarian culture and wish that the Malaysian audience would embrace the wide variety of Hungarian movies being screened this year. We hope that Malaysians will enjoy the movies, learn a little more about our country and be inspired by the rich cinematic tradition introduced to them. We believe this will definitely enhance and strengthen the relations and understanding between both countries.

                        His Excellency Attila Kali (Ambassador of Hungary to Malaysia
From left : Miss Naseem Randhawa (Cinema Online, 2019 Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0 official partner ), His Excellency Attila Kali (Ambassador from Hungary to Malaysia), Mr Mugen Rao (Special Guest , 2019 Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0), Miss Tan Gaik Lian (Manager – Film Festival, GSC  and official venue partner for 2019 Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0)


Anyone interested to get their hands on the free Hungarian movie tickets need only present a printout of any articles about the 2019 Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0 or snapshots of the film festival social media articles or logo in the participating GSC cinemas.

Each article publication or snapshot photo will entitle them to redeem two free tickets for the same movie, up to 4 tickets per person, on a first-come, first served basis from 11.00 a.m. onwards on Monday June 17, 2019 in GSC Pavilion KL, GSC Gurney Plaza, Penang and GSC CityOne Megamall, Kuching

The free screenings have been scheduled in GSC Pavilion KL (June 21 – 23, 2019), GSC Gurney Plaza (June 29 & 30) and GSC CityOne Megamall, Kuching (July 6 & 7).

The Official Launching Ceremony of the Hungarian Film Fiesta will be held on the 20th June 2019 (Thursday) in GSC Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. This year, we are privileged to have YB Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia as our Guest of Honour during the launch. We are also delighted to welcome Dr Balázs Orbán, Deputy Minister from the Prime Minister’s Office of Hungary, who will be visiting Malaysia for the first time in his official capacity and will be one of our main guests for this occasion.

The Embassy will also be holding regional launches in GSC Gurney Plaza Penang on June 17 and in GSC CityOne Megamall, Kuching on July 4, 2019 as part of the efforts to enable more Malaysians to be exposed to the Hungarian movies.

In conjunction with the Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0, there will be a total of 4 movies being played at GSC Pavilion, 3 fiction films and 1 musical.

Liza, the Fox-Fairy which tells the story of Liza, who is a nurse and she is seeking love. Her only company is a long-dead Japanese pop star, who turns her into a fox fairy out of jealousy. Every men who desires Liza shall die horribly. Can she overcome the curse? That is the question. This film won seven awards including the Best Film 2019 César Awards, 23 nominations – including Silver Lion International Film Festival of Venice, the Best Director.

The Troupe which speaks of a handful of travelling actors and a young soldier forced to flee. A young soldier sides with them in the scuffle. After he is forced to flee, the troupe takes him in and together, they rattle in a cart from village to village, on their way to Budapest. It seems like a lucky escape, but little does he know what awaits him. A hanging, seduction, a duel, and love, on and maybe off stage. If he knew, perhaps, just possibly, he would join them anyway.

In addition, Think of Me will also be playing. It tells the bizarre tale of a surgeon whose life seems perfect until he learns that he only has a couple of months left to live. Driven by the best intentions, he decides the only way to reduce the suffering of others when he dies is to drive everyone away.

Last but not least, Pappa Pia. The latest Hungarian musical romance which unites the old and young people of a community together they temporarily transform the boathouse into a ruin pub to collect the cash they need to survive. Their hopes are large but their chances are little – but in a romantic comedy such as this, where everyone is a musician and/or in love, then anything at all can happen. And at least that gives us the chance to hear a whole stack of oldies but goodies.

The Hungarian Film Fiesta 2019 cordially invites you to our Press Conference with the screening of an award-winning comedy and action film The Troupe.

Please click on the following link for the 2019 Hungarian Film Fiesta 2.0 movie info, movie stills & keyart, movie trailers and showtimes.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_Ug3P9i32mO9DSS-H2EI8C48K38i5STi

The Embassy of Hungary provides the opportunity to interview H.E. Attila Kali, Ambassador of Hungary to Malaysia. If you or your representatives would like to have an interview, kindly notify us by e-mail (embassyofhungaryinkl@mfa.gov.hu and mission.kul@mfa.gov.hu) by 13th June 2019 so that we could arrange a convenient appointment or you could also send us the questions.  

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

POTATOES USA CREATES “RASA MERIAH” SHOWCASING U.S POTATO RECIPES FROM CHEF ILI SULAIMAN & MALAYSIAN SOCIAL INFLUENCERS.





Kuala Lumpur, June 2019 -- Potatoes USA presented its “U.S. Potatoes Rasa Meriah” 2019 campaign featuring a wide repertoire of tantalizing U.S. Potatoes recipes using U.S. fresh and U.S frozen potato varieties.  

Potatoes USA invited the public to vote (by “like”) for their favorite U.S. Potato Raya recipe created by 10 Malaysian lifestyle social influencers. Each influencer demonstrated the versatility and goodness of U.S potato dish by using a variety of U.S. fresh Russets and U.S. frozen potato cuts including straight cuts, wedges & hash browns.

To further their efforts to provide education on the goodness and versatility of potatoes, Potatoes USA has enlisted the culinary prowess of celebrity chef Ili Sulaiman.

“I always love to cook with potatoes as they are so easy to incorporate as an ingredient to enhance any dish.  Most importantly, the potatoes need to be of high quality and high in nutrition which I find in US potatoes,” enthused Chef Ili. 

Chef Ili has developed and contributed four recipes demonstrating the use of U.S. fresh and US frozen potatoes:
- Stewed U.S. Potatoes in Sweet Soy Sauce and Garlic
- Cold Asian Style U.S. Potato Salad
- U.S. Potato Curry Noodle
- Sweet Coconut U.S Potato Dumpling with fresh mango

Potatoes USA’s country rep Eddie Saw said the company is excited to work with Chef Ili and the social influencers to create and consume more potatoes.

“The great thing about potatoes is it is not only a versatile ingredient that complements many dishes, but it’s highly nutritious. U.S potatoes are a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be prepared practically for any kind of dish – be it Western or Eastern, via baked, mashed, boiled, sautéed, grilled etc. The array of dishes that can be created are countless - ranging from appetisers, soups, main dishes to desserts etc.




“Potatoes are great for home-cooking for any ages, walks of life and for any occasion.  We are happy to see so many innovative and tasty dishes being created by the influencers,” said Eddie.  

The U.S. potato creations by the 10 social influences were:
❖ Kentang U.S Sambal Goreng Jawa Fusion by Mahadi Mohd Arifin
❖ Rendang Kentang U.S Potatoes Bersama Daging Cincang by Cik Lily Putih
❖ Chicken Salad Raya with U.S. Potatoes by Syafiqah Hashim
❖ Hotpot U.S Potatoes Beef Rendang By Jueliza Jamani
❖ Ragam Kentang U.S by Syafiera Yamin
❖ Stew Kambing Dengan Kentang U.S Kasih Sayang by Amiruddin Nawawi
❖ Rendang Kentang U.S. Mak Esah by Rafzan Tomomi
❖ U.S. Russets Sup Tulang With Sambalicious U.S Waffle Cuts by Khairul Anuar
❖ Kari Ayam Kentang U.S Lebaran by Mawardi Yunus
❖ Kentang U.S Rojak Riang Raya by Dik Bee

After 2 weeks’ of public voting, the top three winning dishes were:
❖ Grand Prize of RM1,000 - Hotpot U.S Potatoes Beef Rendang By Jueliza Jamani.
❖ 1st Prize of RM800 - U.S. Russets Sup Tulang With Sambalicious U.S Waffle Cuts by Khairul Anuar
❖ 2nd Prize of RM500 - Kentang U.S Sambal Goreng Jawa Fusion by Mahadi Mohd Arifin




In the United States, ideal conditions for top quality potato production included fertile soil, ideal growing seasons and temperatures, plentiful water, and a committed industry backed by the latest in research and technology.  There are over 100 varieties of potatoes sold throughout the United States.

A medium-sized potato (approximately 148 grams), provides up to 45% of a person's daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. Other notable healthy benefits of potatoes include:
• Only 110 calories (= half bowl of rice!)
• Contains 26g of carbohydrate plus 3g of complete protein.
• Contains no fat, sodium and cholesterol
• Contains more potassium than a banana (15% of daily value).

It’s a misconception that the potato is a fattening food. People often think potato means carb, and carb means fattening. On the contrary, potatoes work great as part of the weight management regime.  Potatoes fill you up, not out. Some research suggests that potatoes are one of the most filling foods available and staves off hunger as well or better than other common sides.  

Hence, many include potatoes as part of a weight loss program as it’s calories that count, not eliminating a certain food. Whether you lead an active lifestyle or not, there’s a U.S. potato option to fuel your body and brain throughout the day.

The Potassium in the potatoes is good for cell fluid balance and to neutralize the effects of high sodium to help with blood pressure control.

Potatoes are also gluten free, which makes them a suitable choice for people who have celiac disease where they cannot consume gluten from wheat and other grains.

For more information, please visit MY Potatoes USA FB.

Saturday, June 1, 2019

PETRONAS’ COMMENDABLE 1Q2019 RESULTS BUOYED BY OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE, FISCAL DISCIPLINE.



Kuala Lumpur, 31 May 2019 – PETRONAS today announced a robust 2019 first quarter financial performance, as it pursued its three-pronged strategy to maximise cash generation, extend its value chain and step out into new ventures. The results were further supported by the Group’s continuous pursuit of operational excellence and fiscal discipline.

The Group recorded a revenue of RM62.0 billion for the first quarter of 2019, an increase of 7 per cent from RM57.9 billion in the corresponding quarter last year. The revenue was driven by higher sales volume for petroleum products and LNG, coupled with the effect of the weakening Ringgit against the US Dollar exchange rate. These were partially offset by lower average realised prices, mainly for petroleum products, crude oil and condensates.

First quarter Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at RM14.2 billion, up by 9 per cent on the back of higher revenue, but partially offset by increased net product and production costs, lower net write-back of assets impairment and higher contribution to the National Trust Fund.

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) registered a growth of 11 per cent to RM27.8 billion compared to RM25.0 billion in the corresponding quarter last year, in line with higher Profit Before Tax (PBT).
Cash flows from operations rose to RM23.2 billion, an increase of 6 per cent from RM21.9 billion in the same quarter last year.

Total assets decreased marginally to RM636.2 billion as at 31 March 2019 from RM636.3 billion as at 31 December 2018. Shareholders’ equity increased to RM389.1 billion compared to RM380.5 billion in the same period last year, primarily driven by profit generated during the period. However, this was partially offset by movements in the foreign currency translation reserve.

Gearing ratio increased to 20.8 per cent as at 31 March 2019 compared to 19.7 per cent as at 31 December 2018, as additional lease liabilities were recognised following the adoption of a new accounting standard, MFRS 16 Leases. Meanwhile, Return on Average Capital Employed (ROACE) increased slightly to 12.1 per cent from 12.0 per cent in the previous quarter, in line with the higher profit recorded.

The Group’s capital investment during the first quarter of 2019, was RM8.3 billion, mainly attributable to Upstream projects.

Outlook
The oil and gas industry will continue to operate in a challenging environment arising from market uncertainties and geopolitical risks. The Group will maintain its efforts in instilling strong cost discipline and driving operational excellence in pursuit of its growth strategies. The Board expects the overall year end performance of PETRONAS Group to be affected by the rising volatility of oil price and foreign exchange movement.

Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, President and Group CEO PETRONAS
PETRONAS’ improved performance in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period last year demonstrates the strength of our three-pronged strategy and resolute execution focused on continuous overall business improvement as well as commercial and operational excellence. Looking ahead, while facing market uncertainties, we will continue to invest for the future and have recently expanded our Upstream portfolio through our equity acquisition of the Tartaruga Verde field in Brazil. Our strategic intent to venture beyond oil and gas has also made significant progress with our recent investments in renewables and specialty chemicals. Please click on the following to view the:


 1. PETRONAS Group Financial Report for First Quarter Ended 31 March 2019

 2. PETRONAS Group Financial Operational Report for First Quarter Ended 31 March 2019



Issued by
Media Relations
Group Strategic Communications PETRONAS
 Downstream


For media enquiries, please contact:

Operational Highlights Upstream
  •   For the first quarter of 2019, the Upstream business’ PAT was RM9.2 billion, lower than the RM10.2 billion in the same quarter last year, mainly due to the higher product cost and lower net write- back of impairment on assets, partially offset by the higher revenue recorded.

  •   Upstream achieved RM0.5 billion cost compression for the quarter, mainly due to resource optimisation and standardisation of processes across production sharing contracts (PSCs) in Malaysia as well as in International operations.

  •   Total production volume for the quarter was 2,430 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day, slightly lower than the 2,461 thousand boe per day in the same quarter last year, mainly due to lower crude production from Iraq, partially offset by higher gas production from Turkmenistan.

  •   Total LNG sales volume for the quarter was at 8.45 million tonnes, above the 7.92 million tonnes in the corresponding quarter last year, mainly attributable to a higher volume from the PETRONAS LNG Complex (PLC) in Bintulu, Sarawak, and higher trading activities.

  •   Malaysia average sales gas volume was 2,962 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), above the 2,806 mmscfd in the same quarter last year, mainly contributed by higher demand from the power sector in addressing low reliability of coal power plants. There was also a significant demand increase in the non-power sector as Gas Malaysia Berhad had started on its gas business expansion.
  •   PICL (Egypt) Corporation Limited (PICLE), a subsidiary of PETRONAS, jointly with BG Delta Limited, a subsidiary of Shell, through a 50:50 partnership, successfully acquired two offshore blocks, namely Mediterranean Block 4 of North Sidi Gaber and Block 6 of North El Fanar in Egypt, reinforcing PETRONAS’ Upstream portfolio in the Middle East.

  •   PETRONAS via its wholly-owned subsidiary PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB), successfully signed three new PSCs, namely for blocks PM407, PM415 offshore Peninsular Malaysia, and SB Block 3K offshore Sabah, as well as one operatorship transferred for deepwater Block R offshore Labuan.

  •   Seven projects achieved first hydrocarbon adding 48 thousand boe per day of new production, comprising six Brownfields in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Iraq, as well as one Greenfield (Unconventional) in the La Amarga Chica (LAC) area at Neuquén Province, Argentina.

  •   PETRONAS also made four exploration discoveries -- two in Malaysia and two internationally (Mexico and Indonesia).

  • PETRONAS’ Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility, PFLNG Satu, successfully relocated from the Kanowit field, offshore Sarawak, to the Kebabangan field, offshore Sabah. PFLNG Satu’s technology, featuring the capability to move from one location to another strengthens the reliability of PETRONAS’ LNG supply system to meet growing LNG demand.

  •   For the first quarter of 2019, Downstream business recorded PAT of RM1.9 billion, against RM2.0 billion in the same quarter in 2018.

  •   Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) remains stable at 93.6 per cent across all business segments.

  •   Midstream business recorded strong operational performance, high plant reliability and healthy market demand.

  •  Petrochemical business sustained its Plant Utilisation above best-in-class, recording 94.5 per cent, backed by strong operational excellence. Despite operational maintenance at selected plants, production volume stood at 2.6 million metric tonnes.

  • The overall Marketing sales volume recorded a commendable performance at 6.3 billion litres. PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad recorded a three per cent overall sales volume increase compared to Q1 2018. Mogas volume alone increased by six per cent, primarily attributed to the launch of its new PETRONAS Primax 95 with Pro-Drive, which has attracted many positive testimonials from motorists with regards to the fuel’s smoothness, responsiveness and efficiency.

  •   As at 31 March 2019, the Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) recorded overall progress of 98.9 per cent.

  •  Work will be continued towards achieving planned commercial operation date (COD) in Q4 2019, although not at full capacity given the impact of the incident involving Train 2 of the Atmospheric Residue Desulphurisation (ARDS) unit of the refinery complex on 12 April. Investigations on the incident are still ongoing.