Welcome
Welcome to my homepage! If you share a keen interest in photography, travel, adventure and living life, I hope through this website and blog, I can share my life journeys with you. Being a keen outdoor adventurer, I love photography, the great outdoor, classic cars, mountain biking, camping, trekking and offroad expeditions. JOHN KONG
Alfred Dent
North Borneo (now known as the State of Sabah) was a British protectorate located in the northern part of the island of Borneo. The territory of North Borneo was originally established by concessions of the Sultanates of Brunei and Sulu in 1877 and 1878 to a German-born representative of Austria-Hungary, a businessman and diplomat, von Overbeck.
Overbeck had purchased a small tract land in the western coast of Borneo in 1876 from an American merchant Joseph William Torrey, had promoted the territory in Hong Kong since 1866. Overbeck then transferred all his rights to Alfred Dent before withdrawing in 1879.
In 1881, Dent established the North Borneo Provisional Association Ltd to manage the territory, which was granted a royal charter in the same year. The following year, the Provisional Association was replaced by the North Borneo Chartered Company. The granting of royal charter worried both the neighbouring Spanish and Dutch authorities and as a result the Spanish began to stake their claim to northern Borneo. A protocol known as the Madrid Protocol was signed in 1885 to recognise Spanish presence in the Philippine archipelago, in return establishing the definite border of Spanish influence beyond northern Borneo. To avoid further claims from other European powers, North Borneo was made a British protectorate in 1888.
North Borneo produced timber for export; along with agriculture this industry remained the main economic resource for the British in Borneo. As the population was too small to effectively serve the economy, the British sponsored various migration schemes for Chinese workers from Hong Kong and China to work in the European plantations, and for Japanese immigrants to participate in the economic activities of North Borneo.
Based on an agreement between the British Government and the British North Borneo Company for the establishment of a British Protectorate signed at London, 12 May 1888. The State of North Borneo comprises the territories specified in the said Royal Charter, and such other territories as the Company have acquired, or may hereafter acquire, ‘under the provisions of Article XV of the said Charter.
I. The State of North Borneo is divided into nine Provinces, namely:
• Province Alcock;
• Province Cunliffe;
• Province Dent;
• Province Dewhurst;
• Province Elphinstone;
• Province Keppel;
• Province Martin;
• Province Mayne; and
• Province Myburgh. Read More
36 months ago, I took a 3 months break in January 2015 in Sydney, Australia. I wanted to learn journalism and video production so I signed up for photojournalism course at the Australian School of Journalism, creative writing, videography and design training courses at the University of Sydney. The courses I took have given me the foundation I needed to expand my knowledge in video and filming production.
My photography career has reached a point where I burned out and I am looking for more challenges to expand my knowledge and skills. Capturing a moment in time with a static image can tell a million words is one thing. But to be able to write and tell a wonderful story is something else. I think when we reached a certain stage in your life, we just need to start writing and documenting not only about ourselves but interesting stories that surrounds us. Whether it’s something we believe in, something we support or something that will benefit the society.
The 3 months break I took has really gave me the ability to rethink, revalue, refocus and recharge myself to continue my career. Catching up with old friends over dinner on Chapel Street in Melbourne, breakfast and coffee in Frankston beach in Melbourne, meeting new friends on mountain bike rides at the Blue Mountains, spending quality time with my brother in Sydney and going back to college to study is really fun!
IF WE ARE PATIENCE AND WILLING TO WORK FOR IT, WE CAN ACHIEVE IT
Upon return to Malaysia, I went on to develop my career in videography and mainly focusing on the role as a producer and director. Having the passion to produce interesting documentaries and videos will not work unless I have a dedicated videography team. Glad to have met these 2 fellas, Asbury Bendy and Engelbert Chong who has the patience to tolerate and believing in my judgement in the field and hence the successful formation of the Borneo 360 ALIVE Productions team. We have gone the miles in the last 2 years and have developed a reputable portfolio of clients, produced commercials for Sabah Tourism Board and a TV Series which we hope to get it aired this year. A big thanks to Canon Marketing Malaysia also for supporting us with the cool equipment which has helped us to excel in our fields.
SO THANK YOU FOR A GREAT YEAR, IT HAS NOT BEEN EASY!
To failures, success, happiness, health, adventures, joy, celebrations, sadness, those who left us, those who believe in us, those who trust us, those who support us, its all part of the journey of life and I wish you all another great journey ahead in 2018 and let’s hope we can share your story.
We present here our 2017 Showreel of some of the work we have done. GOD BLESS!
SMILE – Is a story of a few single travellers that met and became friends in the beautiful city of Kota Kinabalu , Sabah. Had the pleasure to produce and direct this Sabah Tourism Board’s promotion video. This video is a collaboration between Borneo 360 ALIVE Productions and Sabah Tourism Board.
This is a 100% Sabahan production with the SMILE song composed by Appy Tots. Talents include Cindy Foo’s, Miss Sabah Tourism 2017, Gwendelyn Eunice Joseph Gumpil, Carlton O’bren and Theodore Cleophas.
Wish to also thanks our sponsors for making this project a success. There are Canon Marketing Malaysia for using Canon equipment, Riverbug, Sutera Harbour Resort, Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort, IMAGO, Camaca Chocolates, Lucy’s Kitchen, North Borneo Railway, Borneo Reef World, KUTA Bistro, 999 Bar, A Studio, WB Images, Cede Prudente, Borneo 360 Adventure Klias, Amazing Borneo, North Borneo Cruises, Mari Mari Cultural Village, Coral Flyer, Sea Quest and Hap Seng Star.
TANJUNG ARU ECO DEVELOPMENT – A Mega Urban Sustainable Tourism Development For The City Of Kota Kinabalu.
In the development of a feature story for The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) – Sabah Branch on Smart Technology for Sustainability, Borneo 360 ALIVE had an exclusive interview with Datuk Seri Panglima Victor S. Paul, Executive Director of Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn. Bhd. (TAED) to find out more about what the TAED project is all about and here is an excerpt of the interview:
Tanjung Aru is of sentimental value to all Sabahans, especially seniors like me. However, today Tanjung Aru has lost much of its glory. To restore it to its former glory, the State Government has taken on a monumental task. In this aspect, Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn. Bhd. was formed as a 100% government owned company registered under the Chief Minister Incorporated (Ordinance). The company’s mission is firstly to address the present environmental issues, to rejuvenate Prince Phillip Park and Tanjung Aru Beach to create a holistic sustainable development to boost up the economy of the state which will major contributor whom we are create job opportunities for the people.
The rejuvenated public Tanjung Aru Beach and Prince Phillip Park will see the park twice its current size with free walkways, cycle ways and more.
This development is expected to bring in an initial investment of approximately RM30 Billion to energize the economy and to create jobs. This eco development has a rainforest theme which will focus on creating green public spaces to provide a healthy environment for the people.
The driving force behind this vision is the Chief Minister of Sabah, who with the top civil servants as board members have been entrusted to ensure the success of the project. I act as the executive director on a pro-bono basis to manage the project because of my experience in building Perdana Park.
Financing for this project is a major issue. A minimum amount of the land approximately around 30% – has to be sold to raise the required funding. A major contributor whom we are grateful to is the Prime Minister and the Federal Government. The Federal Government has given us a RM500 Million facilitation grant for they realised the benefits that the project will bring to the people and revenue to the state.
The State Government has not forgotten the younger generation. It has earmarked 5.78 hectares of land to be developed into affordable apartments for young Sabahans. The cost of the land is to be absorbed by TAED.
With this in mind, I hope, together with your support, we can achieve this vision and make Sabah an example to the rest of Malaysia.
As Abraham Lincoln once said “The best way to predict your future is to create it” and this is exactly what the State Government is doing.
Located in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre is within walking distance from banks, shopping malls, restaurants, tourist attractions and the historical Jesselton Point Waterfront. It also has easy access to the new convention centre. In addition, the hotel is only 15 minutes by car from Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Kota Kinabalu is known for its exotic history, beautiful beaches, islands, coral reefs and strategic location with an excellent range of adventure activities and world class facilities.
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