Malaysia Airlines - New Business Class Seats on A330 Aircrafts

For the past 12 months, I've been travelling a fair bit and was fortunate (very in fact) to experience flying on Business Class (BC) for flight more than 4-hours (in total) due to company policies. Happy to report that I am a big fan of Malaysia Airlines (MH), choosing to fly on the National Airline as first choice. Only when the route is not supported by MH, I will opt for the One World alliance airlines so I could continue to enjoy the benefit as an Enrich member. 

My first Business Class experience - MH16 March 2015 onboard B777-200

Most recent Business Class experience - MH002 March 2016 onboard A380-800

My regional travel are mostly less than 4 hours (Manila, Hong Kong, Chennai is a 3:50, 10mins short of 4hours to experience BC ;-)) and I will not likely to experience the new A330-300 Business Class. However, the good PR people in MH has shared with me a short write up so I could share this with you readers in return. My thoughts on the new seats, based on my limited flying experience will be included as TS - [Comments] in the write up below. 

Hopefully, that will help you understand the differences. For comparison, I will pull the two planes I've flew BC with MH, the A380 and the B777.

Please also bear in mind that the other two planes services longer haul aka >10hours. The business strategy for MH has now focused more towards regional travel, hence, the introduction of A330.

Malaysia Airlines - New Business Class Seats on A330 Aircrafts

On Tuesday, 22^nd March 2016, Malaysia Airlines unveiled its first A330-300 aircraft fitted with the new Business Class seats at its Engineering Complex in Sepang. The new seats has taken off on its first flight, MH141, from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney on 23 March 2016.

The launch event was officiated by Malaysia Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Simmons, who was joined by the airline’s staff, invited guests as well as members of the media. All guests were given the opportunity to experience the fully revamped Business Class cabin.

Here are some cool facts on those seats;

· Measures at 44 inches, with a width of 20 inches, and a length of 76 inches when it’s laid out flat. 
TS - A380 is 72inches (pitch), 22inches (width) and 74inches (flat). B777 is 62(P), 18.5(W) and angled seat (meaning not real lie flat, but the seat comes with an attachment to raise the leg rest up, appearing to be laying flatter. 

· One of the best received business class seats in the industry. 
TS - A few frequent traveler says it reflect the Aer Lingus BC ;-)

· Come with increased working space, with 90% of all seats having direct aisle access. 
TS - from the PR photos, it appear to have more space compared to both A380 and B777, Hopefully with more privacy too. The forward facing seating doesn't allow much privacy, and it's evident if you are seated at the Aisle. Even with the  privacy screen in-between the seats up, your work are still visible by the person across the aisle.

· 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 seat layout. 
TS - A380 is 2-2-2 and B777 is 2-3-2. All are forward facing. A reverse herring bone would be nice for privacy and space. This will reduce the numbers of seat by at least 10 and potentially raise the price of BC significantly.

· Extra stowage space for personal items. 
TS - hopefully, as both the A380 and B777 is not as generous if you sit on the aisle side. Window seats has ample, in fact too much storage on the A380.

· Each seat is equipped with a 16 inch touch screen inflight entertainment system. 
TS - A380 is 17, B777 is 10.4

  

The new Business Class seats are available on Malaysia Airlines’ A330 flights between Kuala Lumpur and Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, China and India from March 2016 onwards.

Some photos taken from the MH page, specific to the A330 new BC configuration of 1-2-2 seating. 

MH has uploaded a video of the BC as well. Enjoy.

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Skechers GoRunRide5 Review

GoRunRide5 - January 2016

Apologies for the long silence as I've been busy with work and travel. Currently trying to recover from a recent +2GMT trip, returned back to +8GMT and now at GMT. Lost many weekends of solid training and many more races that I've wanted to sign up and race. 

I now consider myself to be in semi-sabbatical when it comes to racing - BUT, training continues; because it's an active lifestyle I've committed and very much ingrained with the family. The lapse of blog entry also meant my writing skills are getting bad. Pardon the lesser than usual details. 

This time, a long overdue review of the Skechers GoRunRide5 (GRR5) which was given to me around Christmas last year and never seen the light until mid-January. Since then, this pair which precedes GRR4 (duh!) has been my mainstay running shoe as I work the miles (or KM if you are SI-inclined). No less than 150miles on these babies since January and here is the report.

GoRunRide5 Profile

The GRR5 was a total change from GRR4 both outsole and upper. To start with the upper, the new diamond mesh provide both medial and lateral support. Coupled with a 3D printed overlay it provides support to toe box. here is a closer look of the overlay and the diamond mesh. Note the silver thingy is the reflector and the blue crash pad has been made bigger/higher when compared to GRR4. 

The 3D synthetic overlay runs around the shoe providing support to critical part. This include the heel and the mid portion where it provides very good and secured fit.

As mentioned, the outsole has been revamped. Evidence of the differences between GRR4 and GRR5 is seen in the photo below. You can see that the GoImpulse pods has been moved to be more centric around the forefoot and the mid-sole received larger area to counter wear and tear for mid-foot strikers. The GoImpulse pods at the back of GRR5 has been moved slightly further downwards nearer to the heel-strike area. This may (when I received the GRR5) help manage premature wear of the GoSeries and it was convincing (now, after 150miles) that Skechers does some change to ensure wear and tear is lesser of a worry for runners. (Scroll to the bottom to see condition of the GoImpulse pods after approx 150miles)

Outsole differences between GRR5 (left) and GRR4

From the photo above you may noticed that the pods has been re-designed as well to resemble a 5-petal shaped instead of the chevron(<<) style in GRR4.

No changes to the midsole as it is made with the same lightweight flexible proprietary Resaltyte® injection molded compound for impact protection and response. However, you may noticed that the thickness has been increased as shown in the photo below. Despite this, GRR5 is very much a 4mm drop shoe (without the removable insole). Stack height is 16-20 Fore-Rear configuration.

Obviously taller, by a fraction

Increase to the Resalyte® compound made the outsole look a lot bulkier than its predecessor. What surprises me was that the GRR5 is a much firmer feel shoe compared to GRR4, and surprisingly more responsive as well. Those of you running on the GRR (original) to GRR3 will know the shoe to be less than responsive. The previous GoRunRide series main purpose was to offer better cushioning compared to the GoRun series. 

Thicker Resalyte. A 16 mm front and 20mm rear gives a 4mm drop 

I may not be the only one that say this, the GRR5 gave me the feel of the GoRun series (in this case, GR4). The firmness and responsiveness was very GR4 feel. Makes me wonder if it was the same shoe sometimes.

Continuing on the review is the presence of the Quick Fit loop at the back that functions to allow you to wear the shoe a bit faster without unlacing. I find it to be useful after doubting the function in the GRR4. While it caused the rear part to be higher than usual, some user does complain (of the GRR4) to cause some chaffing when they run at the Achilles area. Lucky for me, it's not an issue.

One nice touch I noticed on the GRR5 is that this same area where the Quick Fit loop were has a new material treatment that potentially may reduce your chances of chaffing at the heel area. It was microfiber like when compared to GRR4. As you all may know,l I run sockless and has no issues with Skechers running sockless. 

If you noticed from the photo above, the GRR5 has a very breathable upper. Those of you worry about hot shoe when running in mid-afternoon will be happy to note I've not had that feeling when running. But when wearing socks (in-flight, during travel transit) does heat up a little. When compared to GRR4, the tongue of the GRR5 is slightly thinner (not noticeable in photo, but it's obvious when you feel the material in real life)

GRR4 on left vs GRR5 tongue thickness

No changes were the lace type that is flat (not-round). A second pair (white) was included with the GRR5 with the blue-black as standard to match this pair of GRR5. Weight wise, the GRR5 comes in not anymore heavier than the GRR4 despite the additional cushioning material. 240grams or roughly 8.5oz for US11. No issues as it is still light compared to many traditional trainers.

On the run, the shoe did not disappoint as it provide quick response and good grip in various weather. I've so far ran the GRR5 in typical Asia weather (rain or shine, and hot), cooler Johannesburg with loose sand/gravel conditions and colder London where it can get wet and slippery when you least expected it. it has been holding well and my mainstay for this quarter. 

Skechers for Work and Leisure

After 150miles, the condition of the outsole/pods is per what you can see below. Pretty impressive I would say with even wear all around. Skechers could had gotten the formula right this time around with good balance of everything a runner would want - support, weight, durable and nice color ;-)

Noticable more wear on the heel portion - a reality check that I am not mid-fore striking as much as I should be. 

Note: This pair of Skechers GoRunRide5 is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! The Skechers GOrun Ride 5 retails at RM439 for the men's and RM399 for the women's. It is available in store (Malaysia) now. Last checked, not launched in Manila until May 2016.

Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Skechers Malaysia or 2ndSkin program.

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Skechers GoRun Ultra Road Review

#GoFastGoPlush

The mighty cushioned shoe from Skechers Performance (Malaysia) has just gotten better in the form of GoRun Ultra Road (GRUR). An iteration of the proven GoRun Ultra, which is very much a shoe made for the trail and occasional road; I  called it hybrid and indeed it has served me very well until today (my 3rd pair of GRU now). 

The cat approved it too

Those of you that has been using GRU would know that this shoe range (the Ultra) is bulky by Skechers' standard. However, despite the outlook, it's light and super flexible. Those of you using them would also know that the sole doesn't hold up too well "on the road". 

Throughout the 3-years I've been on Skechers, I have also learnt that while the wear could look excessive, it doesn't effect the performance of the shoe (grip and cushioning). My 3rd Pair of GRU has clocked no less than 400km and still clocking in the mileage. The new GRUR now come with a completely new outsole said to help it last the road pounding.

The Fitting
Now to the usual way of me doing a shoe review. First off is the fitting of the shoe. GRUR carry on the fitment of the GRU. Wide toebox and i took US11 as my feet seemed to had grown over the past two years (hopefully not because I gained weight and the feet spreading out more to hold my weight). I have intention to use this shoe without socks (as usual) and the liner that comes with it should provide sufficient space if I choose to use socks. Over the years I've collected different liner from different Skechers shoes as well. 

Same wide toe box between GRUR (left) and GRU (right)

The GRUR is a 4mm drop shoe. Stack height of 30mm on the heel (tall!) and 26mm on the front. Removing the liner doesn't make the show decreases in drop. In comparison, one of the more famous cushioned shoe has a stack height of 33mm-29mm (Heel-Front) and still has a 4mm drop. (if you guessed Hoka One One, you are a shoe-aware person). 

Similar persona between GRUR and GRU when it comes to Cushioning. 

Being a bulk of a shoe meant the GRUR too will be heavier than it's other cousins. Coming in at 10.4oz (295grams) for US9, my US11 clocked in at close to 330grams (approx 11.5oz). As heavy as it may appear, the cushioning and the ride more than make up for it. 

330grams approx

If you are a heavier person (I would say more than 85kg), you will find this shoe very forgivingly light with the cushioning. (Shoe-aware runner - do you know which make and model comes in at approx 390grams to suit heavier runners? It's named "The Beast" by Brooks). 

Does the weight bother my average weight (73kg)? Hardly. In fact, for the bulk (read:size) and weight, the shoe felt snappy and and doesn't seems to give you the sinking feeling. On some occasions, the cushioning gives the perception that it feel sloppy...but you aren't once you realised you are still running at your normal training pace. Deceiving.

Rocker-like stance. Midsole dominates to encourage mid-foot and forefoot landing

Completely New Outsole

The newly designed sole of the GRUR is made up of Resalyte material. The midsole material is plush and provides a nice soft landing . The Outsole layer is a much firmer and resilient material. The design of the outsole works around the existing GOrun series and is much firmer (when I compare to the GoRun4 and GoBionic2, but not as firm when compared to GoMeb). The more resilient GOimpulse sensors were placed strategically around the outsole for added durability. Testing it, the Pods provide good traction and feel as well.

Significantly different outsole from layout to material. GRUR (right) promises better resilient to wear and tear when compared to GRU

The GRUR is a complete revamp of the original GOrun Ultra. The upper of the Skechers GOrun Ultra Road is designed with the Skechers Performance FITKNIT® technology providing a breathable and comfortable fit. It is completely knitted upper without any overlays and seams, save for the bonded logo on the side. It's completely runnable sock-less, which is what I usually do. 

Drainage hole

Apart from the different material upper, there are two drain holes noticeable on both the sides. I supposed it is to help with draining of water should you get your feet into puddle of water or if you happen to take a shower at the water station. My thoughts on this is that it may help dispersing water out of the shoe. However, it will also encourage water from going in... so you may want to avoid running into puddles of water if you don't like your shoe (or socks) wet.

The drainage hole looked crude from this photo due to the glue that was used to stick the mesh. 

Completely New Upper

The GRUR comes with FITKNIT® upper. You may had read about it in my review of GRR Bolt where I even ran a water-holding (or lack off, which was a good proof that the knit doesn't hold water) experiment. 

Significant differences in density of FitKnit upper lend superb breathability

Interestingly, the GRUR has two knit "density" as opposed to GRR Bolt. The knit was a lot more "closer" in the support area to provide structure and it is "spaced out" in areas where breath-ability is required like top and side. The dual-knitted density itself lend the GRUR a very distinctive look. 

So breathable that even the liner has holes to promote water drainage while allowing hot air to be pushed out

The tongue was thick and is not sewn down. There was initial worry it may bunch up but that was an unproven concern after using it for a few runs. Maybe there is opportunity to reduce the thickness of the tongue to shave off some grams and lend even better (as if not airy enough) breath-ability?

Safety wise, the GRUR comes with reflective marking on the front and back of the shoe, and on the tongue where it allow shoelaces to tread through. Sufficient enough, but I would encourage you to run with lights front and back if you are the nite-runner or early morning type. Better be safe than sorry.

Blings

Verdict

The GRUR is a familiar stranger. Familiar in the sense of the plush cushioning and a stranger with the new material and two different approach to the FITKNIT®. In many ways the cushioning is expected and despite the size and bulk, doesn't hamper your movement or how fast you can run. If you are looking for a pair of cushioned shoe, this may be one of your three choices that I know in the market. By the way, if you have experience with the GRU being flexible...

Roll it all up

The GRUR doesn't dissapoint either... convincing enough despite the new material upper and sole!

Cushioned and flexible

Note: This pair of Skechers GoRun Ultra Road is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is launched this week (today!). Retailing at RM499 for men and RM469 for women (Semenanjung). RM10-20 more for East Malaysia.

Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Skechers Malaysia or 2ndSkin program.

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Purpose - Technical Cycling and Triathlon wear for Asian Climate

Singapore-based Cycling and Multisports Wear Brand Purpose Launches

Creating fine technical wear for cycling and triathlons; built for the Asian climate

Singapore, SG: There’s a new name in cycling and triathlon wear. Purpose, a

Singapore-based brand launches last week, November 26th with an online presence http://withpurpose.io . Mid-2016 will see Purpose venture into retail distribution as a strategy to grow both locally and internationally.

With an aim to cater to the growing participation in cycling and multisports in Asia, Purpose’s mission is to create products that are specific to the needs of these athletes in Asia. “Heat and high humidity affect a large part of cycling and triathlon in Asia. Most of the current range of cycling and triathlon wears available in the market were not designed and built with this in mind,” said Noor Aziz, founder of Purpose.

Noor is an avid runner and cyclist, having completed several full marathons and long distance cycling events himself. “One of the challenges I found in long distance running and cycling in this weather is that we sweat at least 3 times as much as in cooler climate. The choice of fabric and what we wear for these rides or runs affect our sweat patterns as well. Sadly, there aren’t many cycling clothes made of a good enough material to be able to keep us in comfort beyond a certain distance due to excessive sweat and heat. Purpose want to change that”.

The launch series of Purpose, focused on cycling for now (with triathlon running

clothes to be added in January of 2016) is made primarily of two types of technical materials - lightweight 4-way stretch nylons/polyester in most part of the body, together with ultra-permeable mesh fabric in areas where faster dissipation of heat is required; namely arms, shoulders and upper back.

Purpose Flow

“These technical materials aren’t new,” says Noor. “They’ve been around and are used by elite athletes in professional races or tours. Pro-teams don these special kits during races where hot weather and humidity are major factors. What they wear during Tour of Dubai is different from the Tour de France, for example. Yet even so, these hot-weather fabrics are very rarely available to the general masses, and only in expensive limited edition ranges.”

Purpose Victory

With the goal to fuel the sports of competitive cycling and multisports in Asia,

Purpose’s every intention is to make these highly technical fabrics available to the general masses.

Purpose Ambition

“Purpose is making top quality, technical performance wear accessible to everyday champions” added Noor.

Purpose wears are available for test and reviews. To request one, or for an interview with Noor Aziz, founder of Purpose, please send an email to

withpurpose.io+comms@gmail.com .

--

About Purpose: Founded in Oct 2015, Purpose aims to be the voice of Asia that contributes to the growth of the sports of competitive cycling and multisports. Purpose was founded on the believe that the right clothing can and will create improvements in the self, as well as in the sports we are passionate about. Purpose is here to help people with their purpose.

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Jabra Celebrates 9th Anniversary - Contest and Discounts

Enjoy special storewide discounts nationwide and promos – 9 lucky winners win 9 smartphones in 9 weeks

KUALA LUMPUR 30^th November 2015 – Jabra, the leading manufacturer of innovative audio solutions, marks its 9^th year in Malaysia and it looks to celebrate with you – the consumers who have helped make it the premium audio Bluetooth brand it is today.

In commemorating its 9th “birthday” to reward customers, from November 15, 2015 – January 15, 2016, Jabra is offering special discounts on all products nationwide throughout all stores.

In addition, to the discount, 9 lucky buyers will have the unique chance to win 9 smartphones in 9 weeks under its Jabra Rewards programme. This includes an iPhone 6S 16GB, a Huawei Honor 7 and many others. Check out Jabra Malaysia Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JabraMalaysia/) for more details. 

There is also the #Jabra9 photo contest. Just take a cool / unique or exciting photo related to music or sports. Upload it to your Instagram or Facebook account and hashtag #Jabra9. Now, you’re in the running to win a Jabra Sport Pace.

There are nine to be given away so don’t delay, get your photos up today! Just check out Jabra Malaysia’s Facebook page weekly to see if you’ve the lucky winner.

“The 9th Anniversary End-User Rewards Program is just our way to say thank you to all of you who have been with us on this incredible journey. Since our beginnings in Malaysia since 2006, we have grown from strength to strength and progressively have become a household name here thank to you.

We’d like to celebrate this success and reward all who have given their vote of confidence and approval to Jabra. Here’s to many more milestones ahead,” said Ann Goh, GN Netcom’s Sales Director, Central Asia, Consumer Solutions.

About Jabra

Jabra is the brand of GN Netcom, a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S (GN) - listed on NASDAQ OMX.

A world leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of a broad range of communications and audio solutions, Jabra has a reputation for innovation, reliability, and ease of use that goes back more than two decades. Jabra’s consumer and business divisions produce corded and wireless headsets, plus mobile and in-office speakerphones that empower individuals and businesses through increased freedom of movement, comfort, and functionality. Jabra employs close to 1000 people worldwide and in 2014 produced annual revenue which amounted to DKK 2,871 million. www.jabra.com

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Hi-5 Dreamy Adventure with Enrich Junior Malaysia Airlines Berhad

1-2-3-4 - Hi-5! If you have heard of this chime before you are either parent with kids or have nieces, nephews, cousins that most probably have heard and sang with the team of 5 very energetic host on TV Program or via live show in Malaysia.

Today, I would like to share a good news brought to you by Malaysia Airline Berhad (MAB) Enrich Junior Programme partnership with one of the world most anticipated children musical tour - The Hi-5 House of Dreams Live in Concert tour.

This provide a good opportunity for us to look back and cherish the precious moments spent together with our loved one. I was told that Hi-5 performers will be bringing you through a journey through jungles, fairy gardens, underwater, even outerspace and of course into the world of dreams come true. Imagination, as they say, are endless power. 

Hi-5 and Enrich Junior Programme, will bring our the inner child in you and journey into the most exciting "slumber party" of the year. The zestful and lively showcase by the Hi-5 team of dynamic interactive casts is sure to captivate the hearts of many, adults included!

Did you know that the #EnrichJunior Programme was introduced to reward young Enrich members since 2014? It was conceptualized to ensure that not only will you experience a #EnrichUrLife experience; your little ones will also be treated to a fun-filled yet knowledgeable experience! Find out more about #EnrichJunior here.

Win Tickets to the Hi-5 Concert!

Now, how would you feel if I tell you that you can win 4-VIP tickets worth RM1,216 for you and your family to meet the Hi-5 crew... and I’ve got you covered with these step-by-step guides:

In order to win the contest, You WILL NEED TO (and please follow the instructions below):

Step 1: Post a video of your child singing a Hi-5 song OR Name your child’s favorite Hi-5 song and character (extra brownie points if it is a video!). Please provide the link to the video either on Facebook or Youtube or any media sharing sites, I will view this and will rank it!

Step 2: Caption it with a simple sentence, “I deserve to win these tickets because...” (in 20 words or less)

Step 3: Post it in the comment section below in my blog and your Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), please use the hashtag #todayishere, #malaysiaairlines, #EnrichUrLife, #EnrichJunior when posting in social media. Please provide link to the sharing in the comment box below

Now, if you by any chance do not want to go through the trouble of trying to win the tickets, all you need to do to enjoy a 10% discount is to be an Enrich members with promo code - enrich10, for any Hi-5 House of Dreams Tour in Malaysia 2015 tickets purchased.

Winner announcement for the contest will be made on my social media Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TriStupeSBR

Terms & Conditions
1. Contest period lasts from 11- 23 November 2015.
2. The final selection of winners is subject to the approval from Malaysia Airlines.
3. Winners are chosen based on the most creative submission. The contestants’ stand a higher chance of winning should they post a video of their child dancing or singing to Hi-5 songs.
4. Winners will be announced on my Facebook Page no earlier than 28 November 2015.
5. The winners will require collecting the prize tickets from RallyBuzz at the IPG Mediabrands office from 30 November - 9 December 2015.

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