Dear Alumni,

I am sure that you have all heard about the tragedy that happened on Tuesday 22nd February 2011, and the devastation brought by the strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake that has struck the city of Christchurch, with death toll increasing to 113 (as of 25 Feb) and probably more, with serious injuries, and significant damage on buildings, infrastructure, throughout the city.

As the New Zealand Prime Minister has mentioned, they are considering the Christchurch earthquake as the most serious disaster in the history of New Zealand.

Subsequently, today, I have received calls from MANZA, New Zealand Alumni, etc.

新年快樂! Wishing all our alumni members a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year of the Rabbit!

It is that time of the silly season. The northern hemisphere is frozen with early snowfalls and freezing winter. We would like to wish all the alumni members a Very Merry Christmas.

Now that Air Asia X is starting service between Kuala Lumpur and Christchurch, there should not be any excuse not to travel there. With airfare as low as RM199 from KL to Christchurch and NZ$99 from Christchurch to KL, the South Island is very accessible now. The flights are due to commence in March 2011 but booking for the promotional cheap flights starts on the 3rd December and ends of the 5th December 2010.

Another airline has announced plans for budget flights between KL and Auckland and they intent to commence service in about March 2011 as well. Travel between KL and Auckland or Christchurch will be very accessible with these new budget airlines!!

Most of us know that there had been many earthquakes and aftershocks in the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch was affected badly. Perhaps, this is another opportunity to visit friends and family that are still living in Christchurch and visit the university after that many decades away.

Wishing all our Alumni members a Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

For those interested to follow the recovery progress following the earthquake in Canterbury, you can go to this Facebook site below.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/UC-Earthquake-Recovery/149784338378481?v=wall#!/pages/UC-Earthquake-Recovery/149784338378481