In history, I believe this is only the second time that a year has three '0' digits in it, 1000 and 2000. This is therefore a unique time to be in and we must make this year 2000 as memorable as possible for our personal lives, our business life and our communities.

We are now one month into the New Year and I ask everyone to review your own resolution for this year. What do you want to achieve this year in every aspect, in personal and business aspects? Tokyu Corporation had set the theme of "Towards a Beautiful Age" and similarly, we should consider whether our own life right now is beautiful or not.

The year 2000 is a time to review and recap. Regardless of whether you are 30 years old or 60 years old, there are countless opportunities out there. Take a look at Dr. Juran who started the Juran Institute when he was 65 years old. He is now 95 years old and is still active in his business and community. You are never too old for new beginnings.

Fortunately, there was no significant damage for Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts and all our properties around the world. However, Y2K showed us that we are living in an international community and our preparation for a smooth transition resulted in a positive result.

Some people mentioned that the whole Y2K was a gimmick created by an IT giant, whatever it was, it ensured that we were prepared for any eventuality and is a good part of risk management. We can be more confident in capitalising on this experience for future situations that may arise.

I am pleased to know that the programme initiated by our hotel in Bangkok has been growing with each year and has received much support from the hotel industry in Bangkok and also the Thai government. This year, another 6 new hotels (including The Regent, Sukhotai, Peninsula, Le Meridien and Royal Orchid Sheraton) will join the current 6 hotels.

This means that a total of 65 girls will have the opportunity to be trained for a year and may then have an opportunity to receive further training in other industries as the committee are in discussions with Rotary International to provide contacts from other industries.

Besides this, the Thai government has also enabled the participating hotels to claim expenses incurred in this training programme back as a tax rebate. I applaud Douglas Louden and other members of the team for their continuous hardwork and commitment to this programme and the fate and future of these young girls. Well done and keep up the good work.

Recently, I had a discussion with someone regarding how to drive more reservations and bookings to our hotels. We agreed that it was a three step process which unfortunately we do not fully practise all the time. We complete steps one and two but have not paid enough attention to step three.

Step One: We provide information to our current and potential customers via various means, through advertising, direct mail, on the internet, fax blast etc. This information is fairly generic as it promotes our hotels services, facilities or special promotional packages.

Step Two: We wait for the customer to absorb the information and then follow up via telephone or personal contact to verify if the customer found the information to be useful and should they require more specific information to enable them to make the decision to buy the product.

This step personalises and customises the information as each person has different needs and requirements.

Step Three. A reservation is made and confirmed after the customer has all relevant information and is satisfied. The key is to create a two-way communication between guests and us during the process from step one to three.

The normal way of just sending out a direct mail piece and then sitting back and waiting for the phone to ring for example is not enough. We need to initiate personal contact with our guests to increase reservations.

It was very encouraging to see our lodge in Whistler being recognised as the best ski resort in the whole of North America, as voted by the readers of the Conde Nast Traveler magazine. It confirms that our associates were the ones who made the point of difference. The multi-functional style of work by the team there was certainly mentioned as one of the deciding factors. I urge all other hotels to take note of this and learn from it.

During the last month, several people mentioned and congratulated me on Whistler's achievement. I estimate the free advertising and publicity gained from this award has been enormous.

I am pleased to see positive improvements in many hotels in the month of January compared to the same time last year. It is exciting and encouraging news and I must stress to everyone that we must focus on the fundamentals. We must be prepared to roll up our sleeves and get down to business.

It is very important that we try to achieve all budgets within the first quarter and I ask everyone to pitch in and work towards this goal.

Pangkor Island - There is a new sense of excitement at the island as a second airline Berjaya Air will start flights to the island from Kuala Lumpur. There will be four flights per week and this will allow more people to fly to the island and avoid the 3-4 hour land journey by coach. This will be an advantage especially for travellers from Europe and North America who have to endure long flights to get to Malaysia.

Johor Bahru -- I am pleased to see the team spirit in high spirits and with a very positive attitude of doing business in a difficult environment like Johor Bahru. They have also managed to improve their performance as can be seen on the results of the guest satisfaction surveys for 1999.

Glenmarie -- Following the success of the Command Centre in KL, the team at Glenmarie has set up Station 125 which is a venue for department heads, planning committee and outlet managers to meet to review the hotels performance, share information and brainstorm ideas to improve business and increase revenue, guest and associate satisfaction. A new system has also been set up where each planning committee member will lead a team of associates that will be responsible for 29 guest rooms per team. All team members will undergo training in crucial areas like housekeeping and engineering as they will be responsible for their rooms and also be involved to interacting with the guests from those room, to meet and exceed their expectations. This will encourage associates to take more ownership of their jobs and responsibilities.

In January, we said goodbye to two corporate team members, Craig Harada and Marylou Garcia who leave Pan Pacific to pursue new challenges. We also said good bye to Susan Gomez, General Manager of The Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver who retires to join her husband in Mexico. Nejat Sarp, General Manager at The Pan Pacific Hotel Yokohama will also be leaving our company in March. I would like to thank all four for their past contribution and support to Pan Pacific and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Welcome to Deanna McGonigal who joins us as General Manager of The Puteri Pan Pacific Johor Bahru on February 1. Deanna has many years' experience in the hospitality industry. She has been one person whom we tried to bring into Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts for the last three years. She has a marketing and sales background with also management experience in a food company, which will make her a successful general manager.

Congratulations also to Ken Ide who will be promoted to position of General Manager, The Pan Pacific Hotel Yokohama, with the departure of Nejat. Ken has supported Nejat for the last year and a half, especially the last part of 1999 when he contributed to the upward trend of business by making the Yokohama team into one exciting unit.

Thank you.

San Francisco -- The Associates Annual Holiday Party saw 250 people in attendance. A five-course, sit-down dinner was served. One of the highlights was the entertainment provided by a Polynesian dance troupe that involved a number of associates in their routines. One associate was discovered to have been part of a dance troupe in Hawaii before joining the hotel as a security officer! Another highlight was the announcement of Rowena Salinas (PACIFIC kitchen pantry cook for past 10 years) as Associate of the Year. As part of her prize, Rowena won airfare, three nights at the Mauna Lani Bay, and $500 in spending money. . . People Innovation conducted a new supervisor training class to focus on the Pan Pacific Way and the administration of hotel policies. This was found to be valuable training by newly promoted managers, team leaders and supervisors. . . The orientation program for new hires was revised to include "refresher" training for associates not so new to the hotel. Instead of holding two back-to-back day sessions, each Monday a different training class will be offered, with new hires required to attend all four in order to pass their 60 day probationary periods. A list of classes was distributed to all managers to allow them to recommend training for associates already on board.

Glenmarie -- On January 3, 2000, all associates listened to the GM's New Year's Message that associates will enjoy 2 days public holidays each for Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year. Associates will also have the opportunity of earning one day off in a month through the accumulation of 8 hours of work, (after/before normal work hours) in another department within the same month. This opportunity was initiated to expose associates to the mindset of multi skilling and cross-functional duties.

Dhaka -- Training sessions included Fire Fighting and Safety Procedure, Medicare for F&B associates, English Center of Career Development Institute (CDI) Internal School, Fourth Semester of CDI Internal School-Front Office syllabus, English classes for orphans and English Core Program.

Johor Bahru -- To celebrate the recent festive season, all associates were given 50 pieces of 'kuih bahulu' each. 'Kuih bahulu' is a popular local cake. With Christmas, New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri being celebrated within a week of each other, the gift was very appropriate and much appreciated by the associates. . . All associates of the Paolo Mediterranean restaurant went on a study tour of The Tuscany Restaurant at The Pan Pacific Singapore. The two-day study tour was to familiarise themselves with the restaurant's concept as well as operations, in anticipation of twinning with Tuscany in the near future.

Mauna Lani -- Sheri DeCosta (Asst. Housekeeper ) and the Absolute Care team participated in the annual Christmas parade with a float depicting a guestroom, complete with a spectacular view, Christmas tree and waving children. . . The hotel sponsored an Open House and Craft Fair for associates and other crafters from the island. Members of the public were invited to tour the renowned bungalows, back-of-the house facilities and historic grounds. This was co-ordinated by Ray Honjo (Reservations Manager) and the Absolute Care team. . . The Christmas holiday season was celebrated by a grand party for associates with two dance bands, great food and door prizes. Shirley Hirakami (pantry associate) won a trip for two to mainland in the lucky draw.

KL -- New associates attended Orientation - Day 1 & 2 (Malaysia Host). This served to welcome them to the Pan Pacific family and familiarise them with the facilities, services and knowledge in the hospitality industry. . . Associates and Managers participated in Japanese Classes to enhance and further develop their communications skills. . . Associates and Team Leaders attended basic Lotus Training. . .New associates were briefed by Heads of Departments on the responsibilities of respective sections. . . To celebrate Christmas, Hari Raya and Chinese New Year, all associates were invited to a special lunch and entertainment. Committee members entertained associates with a medley of Christmas, Hari Raya and Chinese New Year songs and associates in turn participated in the karaoke Competition. . . An Open Forum was held to obtain feedback from the associates on the Associates Satisfaction Survey and to explain results as well as answer queries.

Yokohama -- The hotel has recently recruited more than 30 new part-timers. The over 380 full-time associates were involved in teaching the new comers who were nervous initially, but soon started feeling comfortable with each other and the Pan Pacific Way. . . 140 associates and their family members participated in the Kid's Christmas Party (a belated Christmas Party). This was the first time the hotel organised such a party for family members and children. On behalf of entire team, Mr. Sarp extended our appreciation for their support. A delicious buffet lunch was provided, and activities included a juggler's show, face painting and animal balloon. All 61 children (aged from 2 months to 16 years old) received a Christmas present from Nejat Santa.

Singapore -- 70 associates were treated to a Chinese junk cruise along the Singapore River. They enjoyed a buffet dinner served under the starlit sky. Highlights included games, dancing and mystery lucky draws. . . The Sports Club invited its members to attend the Star Trek World Tour. Held at Singapore’s Suntec City, the programme treated its audience to live entertainment and interactive sci-fi shows. More than 200 Star Trek artefacts and memorabilia were displayed in museum settings. Attendees were also taken on a guided tour of "U.S.S. Enterprise", which ended with a simulated space shuttle ride. . . Monthly birthday parties for associates have been revived with the first party held in January 2000. The revival is a response to our Associate Satisfaction Survey conducted in June 1999, which indicated that our associates enjoyed the monthly event as it provided an opportunity to mingle and socialise with their colleagues and senior management. The parties will be held at a different F&B outlet each time as this will allow associates to experience the cuisine and ambience of these outlets.

KLIA -- The Workplace Assessment Course was conducted for Managers who learnt how to assess competencies which will then enable them to assess their associates based on competency profile. . . Two lessons were conducted - Moving Up Your Career Ladder and How To Solve Problems for Managers and Associates alike. . . A Leadership Development Programme for all Managers was held covering topics like Understanding Organisation and Organisational Behaviour, Leadership & Management Motivation, Managing Change and Conflict, Communication, Team Work, Quality Service. . . Twenty new associates attended a one-week Orientation. . . A Buka Puasa celebration was held at the Tower Cafe during the fasting month to foster better relationship among associates. . . The Christmas & Hari Raya celebration was held in conjunction with the birthday bash for the December & January birthdays. The Look/Shades campaign was also launched on the same day. . . The Steering Committee and the One Care Committee conducted a `Gotong-Royong' activity to clean the staff locker area.

Bangkok -- Training sessions included telephone manner for all guest contact associates, a 5-day orientation programme for new associates.

Dhaka -- Mrs. Zulfia Asaf was appointed as Director Marketing Communications. She was previously the Director of Education & Development. . . Chief Engineer Mr. A.K. Morshed promoted to Director Technical Services.

Singapore -- Donna Webster is the new Director of Education. She was in the pre-opening team for Pan Pacific Sutera Hotel in Kota Kinabalu as Director of Operations – People Innovation from 1997 to 1999. Her major role will be to bring associates satisfaction levels from 60% to 85%, to inject more Disney-style excitement into our hallways and to ensure that our associates understand and deliver "Absolute Care". . . Mark Wesson has been appointed as Director of Revenue Management. He has worked with Sheraton Hotels in Beijing, Fiji, Wuxi and Sydney in the areas of sales & marketing, revenue manager consultant, rooms division manager and marketing services manager. . . Benny Lim is Assistant Director of Sales, Conference & Exhibitions. He has 13 years’ sales experience in the hotel industry. . . Alex Ting, as Banquet Operations Manager will be responsible for the smooth running of the banquet operations team to ensure high standards of service as well as training. He has 12 years experience. . . Gerald Hendrick is the Director of Sales, Conference & Exhibitions and is responsible for driving conference and exhibitions business into the hotel. Prior to his appointment, he was Director of Operations – Hotel/Conference & Events Services at the Pan Pacific Sutera, Kota Kinabalu.

KLIA -- Chef Zainuddin from Kitchen has been promoted to Acting Project Chef. . . David Thomas of Banquet has been promoted to Banquet Service Manager; Ismadi Bin Md Idris from IBU - Pacific Market Restaurant has moved to Glenmarie as Restaurant Manager.

Yokohama -- Mr. Tomoyuki Yagi, will undergo cross training in Manila.

KLIA -- Three Service associates and five Kitchen associates assisted in Pangkor during the busy month of December.

San Francisco -- The upsell program at Reception saw $21,040 added to the bottom line in December with Christine Woo taking the honours with $4560 in upsells and Myra Howay coming in at $3780. This program generated an amazing $221,466 in additional revenue for 1999. Myra, who has been among the leaders since the program’s inception, has accepted a transfer to the Sales Department where she will work as a co-ordinator for several of the sales managers. . . Celebrity visitors included: The Pretenders (a musical group); actor Wayne Knight; professional basketball teams the Seattle Supersonics and the Timberwolves; Herbie Hancock; actress and model Isabella Rossellini; director Scott Hicks with the biggest stars being the Three Tenors--Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo—who stayed for three nights, along with their entourage, in town for their holiday concert in San Jose.

KLIA -- His Excellency Aminzadeh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran and His Excellency Abdullah Zirfan, Ambassador to the Embassy in Indonesia were on stopover at the hotel.

Singapore -- Junior Steward Supervisor, Madam Lim Bee Lan, who is one of our 24 recipients for the Gold Excellent Service Award (EXSA), was featured in the leading English newspaper, The Straits Times. She is a model worker, who is hardworking, responsible, punctual, helpful and pleasant. Bee Lan and her husband are hearing and speech impaired who have raised three children and put them through British and local universities. She has been with the hotel for 10 years! . . Talented Italian pianist, Giovanni Bellucci was a guest when he performed in Singapore. Although his pianistic gifts were discovered at the late age of 14, his musical accomplishments have seen him win numerous national and international competitions in the eighties and early nineties. . . The hotel was filled with leading cardiologists from Asia during the 9th Live Demo Course Cardiovascular Intervention held at Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre. . . Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) 2000 Symposium, held once in four years, was organised by The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore and the International association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. Mr. Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, was the guest-of-honour for the opening ceremony at the Pacific Ballroom.

Mauna Lani -- The hotel was rated in Conde Nast's 2000 Gold List (the highest rated resort on the Big Island of Hawaii). . The Golf Magazine also awarded the resort the Gold Medal Award whilst readers of the Honolulu magazine rated the Canoehouse Restaurant as one of Hawaii's top restaurants. . . The Senior Skins Game will see Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Gary Player participating in a game that will be broadcast live from Mauna Lani.

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Dhaka -- Eid-ul-Fitr, the greatest religious festival of the Muslims, was celebrated across the country. Clad in traditional Pajama, Punjabi, Saree, Salwar Kameej men, women and children assembled at Eidgahs and mosques and said Eid prayers in the morning after 30 days fasting in the month of Ramadan. On the Eid Day Management & Associates and Officials from the owning company Hotels International Ltd. (HIL) exchanged Eid Greetings and participated in Eid Embracing. A big cake was cut at Staff Cafeteria "Shapla" to celebrate Eid Festival.

KL -- The Command Centre serves to share and provide information to all managers as well as associates on the plans for Year 2000 that were discussed during the PODs session held at Kota Kinabalu. GM Christo Diamandopoulos officially opened the centre in a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony, accompanied by the in-house Kompang troupe.

San Francisco -- Prime rib or salmon were the choices on the menu offered to associates for the holiday meal dished up and served in Café 500 by our managers. The Café took on a gala appearance with white tablecloths, linen napkins, Christmas music, decorated tree, and dimmed lights. It was a thank you to associates for the extra efforts they put forth in keeping our hotel among the top in the city.

Johor Bahru -- All department heads volunteered their services during the recent Y2K rollover. Department heads and Y2K committee members were on duty throughout December 31st and January 1st, to ensure that the operations ran smoothly during that period.

Yokohama -- 19 leaders from most of the areas, as well as guardian were carefully selected to carry out the "Absolute Care Plan". While many of the corporate team members were in Yokohama during the Annual General Manager's Meeting, the team had a chance to learn more about the concept, and its strategy.

San Francisco -- Fully 16% of our guests enjoyed curbside check-in during 1999. This highly popular program was begun several years ago to allow our frequent guests to go straight to their rooms without stopping at Reception to pick up room keys. The program, which requires quite a bit of organisational skill and deft recognition on the parts of both Reception and Entry Court, is one of the ways we make our guests feel special, and is much sought after by those who have not yet been accorded the privilege.

Singapore -- The Wednesday GM Cocktail has been revived in January to enhance rapport with business associates and houseguests. It also offers a venue for interactions well as for receiving feedback and leads for potential business.

Mauna Lani -- The hotel's live web ran live images as the fireworks show celebrated the arrival of the year 2000. Featured on earthcam.com, the Mauna Lani bay was seen worldwide at the stroke of midnight.

Yokohama -- Two seminars on Wine and Cocktails were held in the banquet rooms for staying guests. The Wine seminar was given by Mr. Takahashi from Queen Alice, and Cocktail seminar by Mr. Tanaka of Jack's. Attendants enjoyed tasting of 2 different champagnes followed by white wine and two different kinds of red wine. Guests also learned more about cocktails and cigars. . . Chef Odette Fada and her two cooks, Beneditto Bartolotta and Alessandro Scotta from San Domenico NY were in town for the "New Italian Cuisine from the Big Apple" fair held at Cafe Tosca. Chef Fada and San Domenico New York ranked as 4-star and 4-diamond by Mobil Travel Guide and American Automobile Association respectively for four consecutive years in a row from 1996. The restaurant is currently rated 16/20 in Gault Millau's New York City Guide, 24/23/23 in the Zagat Restaurant Survey from 1997 to 1999, and has been selected as one of the top 25 restaurants in the United States. The secrets of Chef Fada's dishes are "Innovation within Tradition" and "Quality Ingredients". The restaurant's success proves not only the popularity but also from clientele and celebrities like Michael Douglas and NY Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Glenmarie -- The Traveller's Palm fun pub host a colourful party to usher in the new millennium. Themed "Colours", party goers were dazzled by the array of entertainment including door gifts, lucky draws, party packs, pool and darts competition, most colourful dressed male and female, and live music.

San Francisco -- PACIFIC did a landslide business in its celebration of the new millennium on New Years Eve. The menu for the second seating, which included the gala midnight celebration and dancing to a five-piece orchestra around the atrium fountain, consisted of seven outstanding courses and champagne at midnight. 188 were served that night with an average check of $115! . . This January not only was Otto Eckstein, Executive Pasty Chef, again invited to participate in the Chefs’ Holidays Package at the famous Awhanee Inn in Yosemite Park, but Sean Canavan, PACIFIC Chef de Cuisine was asked as well. This very popular package is always a sold-out event and the list of chefs invited to take part is distinguished and select.

Singapore -- Sous Chef Rex Leow, (Third Floor dining room), had flown to India to whip up Singapore dishes for ASEAN Heads of Diplomatic Missions. Chef Rex has acquired experience when he was selected to prepare a feast for a Singapore Food Promotion organised by Singapore Tourism Board in Laos. Nine chefs from ASEAN countries, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, were flown in to participate in this festival.

KL -- January 1, 2000 saw the launching of the Kids’ Menu at the Selera Restaurant. Promotion for the month of January – For every one full paying adult meal, his/her child gets to order from the Kids’ Menu for free.

Jakarta -- TO celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, a Cultural and Food festival "Golden Dragon 2000" will feature a unique exhibition of antique Indonesian Chinese and local handicraft with Chinese influences at the lobby. This was officiated by the ambassador of the People's Republic of China with a special performance by Dragon Dance Troupe, Cultural Parade and traditional Chinese music.

KLIA -- To attract more customer to the Pacific Market Restaurant, the restaurant is offering a 3 course set dinner for an additional RM20.00 for guest holding STPC dinner meal vouchers. Previously STPC dinner meal vouchers are only entertained at Pasta & Mee Restaurant for dinner buffets.

Glenmarie -- Due to the stiff competition within the market place, an aggressive Sales Blitz lead by Mr. M Manimaran will cover areas including Hicom Glenmarie Industrial Area, Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Area, Section 15,16, 26, 27 & 28, entire Shah Alam and Kelana Jaya areas. They will promote Explorer Club, Pacific Plus Packages, Meeting Packages, Volume Contracts, Outlets promotions.

San Francisco -- The Sales/Catering/Conference Services managers participated in a two-day retreat off property for the purpose of team-building and developing marketing strategies for the coming year. Ways to restructure the three different functions to make them a more cohesive whole and to enhance food and beverage sales to in-house groups were also explored.

Johor Bahru -- The hotel hosted a cocktail attended by 60 guests from the hotel's long-stay and corporate clientele. The function was held at the Rooftop Terrace where the mini golf putting green used to be. Guests were very impressed with the venue and the sumptuous spread.

Dhaka -- The Commander-in-Chief of the US Pacific Command Admiral Denis C. Blair arrived in Dhaka for a two day visit discuss the issues relating to existing excellent relations between Bangladesh and USA. . . The Director of the Harvard Institute for International Development (HIID) and an Economist Prof. Jeffrey Sachs stayed at the hotel during his recent visit to Dhaka. . . Hotel Agrabad of Chittagong hosted a Grand Iftar Party at the hotel, attended by 600 guests from Dhaka and Chittagong. . . The Rhone Poulenc Grand Millennium Dinner & Dance Program was held at the Grand Ballroom for 400 guests. . . Rotary Club International District 3280 organised a two day "Millennium District Conference 2000" recently at the Grand Ballroom. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the Chief Guest. . . During the National Day of Bhutan recently, the Bhutan Embassy in Dhaka organised a Cocktail Reception at the Grand Ballroom for 250 dignitaries, including Ambassadors, High Government Officials, Business Executives and Senior Journalists.

KL -- A site Inspection were held for Robert Applegate and Mr Ross Moonie of Schneider Integrated Communications. . . Christo Diamandopoulos and Christopher Lee attended the General Managers & Worldwide Sales Conference in Yokohama. They took the opportunity to do sales calls in Tokyo as well. . . A Fax blitz to corporate companies promoted the School Holiday and Ramadhan Packages to all government agencies. . . Cakes were delivered to top supporting clients with birthdays in December whilst Millennium Hampers were sent to 24 top supporting clients including British Airways and Iran Air. A "Thank You" Party for Explorer Club members was also held at the Pacific Ballroom for about 300 members. . . Christopher Lee conducted the 2000 Kick Off Meeting with the Business Development team. . . The team hosted a Christmas Cocktail for long stay guests as well as all British Airways crew and staff and a "Berbuka Puasa" with top MTPB officials and other government agencies.

Singapore -- The new Millennium was welcomed with a spectacular display of fireworks in the 35-storey atrium, live entertainment, mime performances, a 20-strong Singapore Boys’ Brigade Pipes & Drums, our Kitchen Band and the release of 10,000 Balloons. To add to the merriment, every guest that spent S$100 got a chance to win a two-night weekend stay on his/her birthday for the next 10 years at the hotel. The grand winner would get to drive the latest Audi car during the first year stay. The Audi car Model A6 was displayed at the entrance of the hotel till 29 January 2000 when the lucky draw promotion ended.

Mauna Lani -- With the close of 1999, the sales team, Charlene Goo (Director of Operations) and several members of the choir flew to Oahu to spread the holiday cheer to clients. A hula dancer and historian Danny Akaka with his ukelele joined the whole team to serenade everyone with Hawaiian holiday music.

KLIA -- The Millennium Promotion offers each customer of MAS Golden Boutique or Modestos who spends RM300-RM499 or RM500 above a voucher for a 10% discount on F & B at any of the hotel's outlets.

KL -- The School Holiday Package is available until February 29, 2000. Priced at RM 188 nett, guests get to stay in a Deluxe Room with up to two children under 12 years old sharing parents’ accommodation. Breakfast for children is inclusive when accompanied by a parent buying breakfast and free children’s story books are given away. . . The "Raya Special" Package is still being offered to all civil servants until February 29, 2000. Rates: RM 145 (Single) and RM 175 (Double) inclusive of breakfast.

Yokohama -- From January 4 till April 8, the Neighbourhood Plan is available for residents of Tokyo, Chiba, and Saitama Prefectures and Kanagawa Prefecture where Yokohama is located in. Executive Twin Rooms are at 9,800 JPY per person including breakfasts on weekdays. On Fridays, the rates are 12,800 JPY and Saturdays 14,800 JPY.

Singapore -- For Chinese New Year, three packages based on double occupancy per night for Singaporeans, Malaysian, Indonesians and permanent residents only are available. Lunar Package, (4 to 13 Feb), is priced at S$68+++ (Deluxe Room) and S$88+++ (Panoramic Room). Peach Blossom Package, (5 & 6 Feb), offers a Deluxe Room at S$88+++ per person, inclusive of High Tea. The Hong Bao Package, which includes a Steamboat & Korean BBQ, is priced at S$98 per person (Deluxe Room). . . The two Valentine’s Day room packages, based on double occupancy, are designed for Singaporeans, Malaysian, Indonesians and permanent residents. Cupid Package (13 & 14 Feb) priced at S$98 per person includes dinner at Summer House. Romance Package (14 Feb. only) offers Deluxe Room at S$108+++ per person and Panoramic Room at S$128+++ per person and including an international buffet dinner.

Malaysia -- The Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry will embark on an intensive promotional campaign starting this year to sell festivals as a tourist product. Its Minister Datuk Kadir Sheikh Fadzir mentioned that this campaign is more focused on foreign. He also mentioned that he wants tourist to come to Malaysia and be part of the celebrations. (Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, New Year... etc) The campaign will be part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to promote the country as a tourist destination. He also added that one way to promote local festivals was for his ministry to hold open house for tourist during the celebrations. (New Straits Times - dated January 10, 2000)

Thailand -- The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2000 was recently held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre.

Jakarta -- A "buka-puasa" or breaking of the fast was held together with the orphans of Al-Hawi at the Ballroom. The Community Care team joined the 95 orphans on this occasion. . . In co-operation with UNICEF, the hotel organised a one-year training programme for Jakartan orphans. Six of the students have just graduated and to improve their skills further, they are now in charge as seasonal workers in various departments.

Johor Bahru -- Eighty children from the Darul Hanan Welfare Home had their Hari Raya wishes fulfilled when the hotel led by Steven Chua (Guest Services Manager) brought them on a shopping spree for new festive clothes. The younger children and the girls preferred the traditional 'baju Melayu' and 'baju kurung', while the teenage boys chose jeans and T-shirts. They not only had a great time selecting and trying on clothes, they also won the hearts of the people at the departmental store who dug into their own pockets to buy gifts for the children.

Singapore -- The Sports Club went to the Singapore Children Society Convalescent Home to bring Christmas cheer to 31 children aged between 2 years and 11 years. Beside a present for each child, they were treated to a tea party. A cash donation and educational software were also given to the home to assist the children to be more computer literate.

KL -- A Charity Dinner was held for Needy Student Orphanages/Old Folks Home. Organised by a local Orthopaedic Clinic & Surgery in Kuala Lumpur, the dinner was held to raise funds for the orphans and old folks. Assisted by contributing vouchers worth approximately RM200 for their lucky draw session.

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Happy New Year

Below is the summary of this year’s objectives.

The business environment is rapidly changing. Standing still in this kind of environment means being left behind. We must maintain the good working traditions and change systems that are outdated in order for us to be competitive. We must have the commitment to destroy old traditions and systems to create new and effective systems. For our company and our group to survive it is important for us to create a solid management base. That is the reason why we asked all our group companies to create a three years financial plan, starting year 2000. This year we must put the plan into action. A new management structure must be built during this three years and we must execute the plan with strong will.

Looking at our business results as a group and considering the trend of globalisation, "the age of consolidated management" made it important for our company as the core company of the group to govern the others. Last December we established the "Strategy and Investors Relations Committee" to deal with this assignment. The market expects Tokyu Corporation to take leadership and create the vision for the future. We would like the "Strategy and Investors Relations Committee" as the core to build the management strategy and management rules for the group companies. And for those people in the management position, I would like you to not only think about Tokyu Corporation but also engage in your work so as to increase our group company value.

Our business result has not been very good but it is not due to the economic environment surrounding us rather it is because we cannot adapt to the situation by the way we do business. In order for us to do that we must always have our antennas high to collect latest information to identify the needs of our customers and utilise it to provide better products. It is important to listen to our customer's voice and understand the trends. Most of our business deal with customers everyday and information from the fields should be utilised. Words of praise or complaints are messages from our customers that reflect they want us to be. We should share these voices amongst our people and stand in our customers’ shoes to create new business chances.

In recent years, growth of information technology has been very remarkable. Computers are used everywhere in our work and new business using the network has emerged. Because most of our businesses deal with many part of people's daily life, if we can connect these information real time and direct, we can not measure the advantage we have for our business. Although our company uses the Internet for hotel online reservation to strengthen our marketing ability, we should also determine in which other fields we could benefit. I would like not only the Media Development department but also all other departments to study the possibility. In our office we have installed the groupware and a lot of our work has become electronic. We should improve the system further to make our work more efficient.

One of our management policies is to "Manage in harmony with the natural environment". Company is a part of the society that is why we should not only think about our profit and forget about the natural environment. We have established the "Environment Activity Promotion Committee" and positioned it as one of our important business strategy. Until now we have created the Eco-policy, started the Eco up program for all our work areas, Nagatsuta Train Factory acquired the ISO14001 and other activities have been launched. These actions made our people conscious about the natural environment. We will enhance this by our Head Office applying for ISO, creating environment reports, and promoting our activities to the public. This will improve our brand image. We would also like to spread this environment activity through out our group. Individuals should think what he or she could do around them as well.

This year being the wrap up year before the 21^st century, everybody should work with confidence and pride and create a strong platform for our future. In order for us to be the winner in the next millennium, we have to live our Management Policy, which is to "Value individuality and make the most of each person" and never spare the effort to raise good talent. Also creating a working environment where everybody becomes energetic is a must.

Our company is one of the largest business asset owners, we also have a very strong brand image, which we have created over the years and employ very talented people. If everybody share their ideas and move forward as one strong team, we will be able to overcome this difficult situation.

Let us make this last year of the 20^th century a productive year.

Tokyu Corporation Overseas Division

Please contact us at kazuyoshi.shimojima@tkk.tokyu.co.jp if you have any questions.