It's that time of the year again. My favourite time, Christmas season. No doubt the celebration has been commercialised for many years but one shouldn't ignore the generousity of people during this time of the year. Charity work by individual normally increase during this time. All the wishes from unfortunate children hanging on the christmas trees make passer by and shoppers stop to read. Some even buy a gift for the kids. Yes, even though buying teddy bears doesn't solve the children's problem but it bring simple joy to them.
In the corporate world, normally at this time, there will be a exchange gift among the staff. Drawing names out of a box and a amount is set. It's normally minimum $20. Some may choose the easy way out by buying a few toileties at the convenince store. Some may take the time and heart to buy a proper gift to their co-worker.
For me, this is the time for giving and I'm now thinking what to buy for all my friends. Normally this time of the year I'll end up burning a hole in my pocket but it's a great feeling seeing their happy face when opening their presents.
To be continue... :-)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Surviving In The Jungle
Today I received a 'spam' feedback from a commentor of RantingsbyMM. He has his say but to say that "The richest men are chinese, the richest man is indian.....While the malays are left behind economically in their own country..we didnt put him there to belittle the malays.. to grand stand.. to hob nob with pavarotti.. we want him to work for the malays.. at least he had the sense to leave when people are tired after 22 years.." is just too much.
I'm not rich. My Malay, Chinese and Indian friends are not rich either. In fact we are doing our best to survive in view the rising prices of essential goods, tolls, soon maybe the petrol (again) and electricity. Unfortunately, in general everyone's salary scale stays the same over the years. If you're in a multi-national company, maybe you will get a increament of minimum $300 or above. However, if you're in local company of company that practise grade system, the increment can be RM50-200 only. Even though we have increment yearly, but the price increase is much more in relative to our salaries. It is very difficult for everyone regardless of race and religion. All my friends are struggling to make end meets. Entertainment are reduce to minimal and we seldom hang out at restaurants anymore. It's more at mamak stalls. Hardly go to karaoke anymore. When we eat, we try to look for the cheapest place with good food.
Since the last 4 years, everything has gone up too fast and our standard of living is still about the same as 4 years ago. That's why everyone is strugging to survive in this jungle. When the civil servants get a small increment, the essential goods will follow. A combined salaries of husband and wife of $3500 - $4000 is still difficult when they have to pay montgage, loan, children, school, food. New clothes and holiday is the least importance. Some may be rich, but not everyone is rich without working hard. Businessmen are just good at what they doing. If anyone of us dare to persue own business, we have the SME financial aids. If anyone has the brain for business, no one is stopping.
Don't envy others. Don't blame others for your failure and shortcoming. If one don't lift one's hand, money don't falls from the sky. You should ask yourself, have you work hard? Have to try all resources? Is there a proper planning and execution? Do you have the sound knowledge or the skills? If you expect minimal work with good pay, you're lazy. If you expect government to help because you feel entitle, then you're lazy. If you see your neighbour has nice cars or new car, you get jealous, then see yourself in the mirror.
Before pointing fingers, check ourselves.
I'm not rich. My Malay, Chinese and Indian friends are not rich either. In fact we are doing our best to survive in view the rising prices of essential goods, tolls, soon maybe the petrol (again) and electricity. Unfortunately, in general everyone's salary scale stays the same over the years. If you're in a multi-national company, maybe you will get a increament of minimum $300 or above. However, if you're in local company of company that practise grade system, the increment can be RM50-200 only. Even though we have increment yearly, but the price increase is much more in relative to our salaries. It is very difficult for everyone regardless of race and religion. All my friends are struggling to make end meets. Entertainment are reduce to minimal and we seldom hang out at restaurants anymore. It's more at mamak stalls. Hardly go to karaoke anymore. When we eat, we try to look for the cheapest place with good food.
Since the last 4 years, everything has gone up too fast and our standard of living is still about the same as 4 years ago. That's why everyone is strugging to survive in this jungle. When the civil servants get a small increment, the essential goods will follow. A combined salaries of husband and wife of $3500 - $4000 is still difficult when they have to pay montgage, loan, children, school, food. New clothes and holiday is the least importance. Some may be rich, but not everyone is rich without working hard. Businessmen are just good at what they doing. If anyone of us dare to persue own business, we have the SME financial aids. If anyone has the brain for business, no one is stopping.
Don't envy others. Don't blame others for your failure and shortcoming. If one don't lift one's hand, money don't falls from the sky. You should ask yourself, have you work hard? Have to try all resources? Is there a proper planning and execution? Do you have the sound knowledge or the skills? If you expect minimal work with good pay, you're lazy. If you expect government to help because you feel entitle, then you're lazy. If you see your neighbour has nice cars or new car, you get jealous, then see yourself in the mirror.
Before pointing fingers, check ourselves.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Sleepy Day
Last Saturday I went to PD for a presentation to our client. I was shocking how the senior managers comdemn their current marketing agency. I don't think it was fair to put all the blame to the agency. One should ask, "what have I done and contribute". This is such a typical scenario I've seen in a local company so far. I've yet to see a local company that operates like a multi-national company. I'm still searching and it's like searching a needle in the haysack.
After lunch, it was our turn to present. I prepare everything and my boss did the presentation. As usual, the Q&A was heated up in momentum. The audience asked why the background colours was dark when our theme was vibrant and fresh. Well, good comment. I'll look into it. Then, there is this stupid question about asking us to do all the campaign and show results to them. If we achieved, then they pay us. WHAT! Nothing is free in this world. If they already had experiences with big agencies and the project fell, I don't believe it is a one side fault. Their internal operations should be look at too.
The feeling of in denial is a biggest issues here. Their competitor is all out trying to kill them. What have they done to prevent it? NOTHING. Paying an agency to plan, strategise and execute everything is not a solution if the company didn't work together. You can't expect that you pay money and you jsut sit there and waiting for good result. If this can happen, I don't think the competitor will work so hard and setting monthly sales target of 1.8 million.
Whether I get this project or not, I don't loose anything. There is going to be a lot of obstacles and challenges if we win this project. I'm not looking forward to it anymore.
With a hectic weekend, I am feeling drowsy and tired the whole day. I think I will get off work early today.
After lunch, it was our turn to present. I prepare everything and my boss did the presentation. As usual, the Q&A was heated up in momentum. The audience asked why the background colours was dark when our theme was vibrant and fresh. Well, good comment. I'll look into it. Then, there is this stupid question about asking us to do all the campaign and show results to them. If we achieved, then they pay us. WHAT! Nothing is free in this world. If they already had experiences with big agencies and the project fell, I don't believe it is a one side fault. Their internal operations should be look at too.
The feeling of in denial is a biggest issues here. Their competitor is all out trying to kill them. What have they done to prevent it? NOTHING. Paying an agency to plan, strategise and execute everything is not a solution if the company didn't work together. You can't expect that you pay money and you jsut sit there and waiting for good result. If this can happen, I don't think the competitor will work so hard and setting monthly sales target of 1.8 million.
Whether I get this project or not, I don't loose anything. There is going to be a lot of obstacles and challenges if we win this project. I'm not looking forward to it anymore.
With a hectic weekend, I am feeling drowsy and tired the whole day. I think I will get off work early today.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Take A Break
STORY 1
The Titanic was sinking, and there weren't enough lifeboats.
So the captain had to persuade male passengers to jump into the icy waters to make room for women and children.
To the British he said. "You must act like gentlemen." They jumped.
To the Americans he said, "You can be heroes." They complied.
To the Germans he said, "It's the rule." They obeyed.
To the Japanese he said," It's the consensus." They obliged.
Then came the Singaporean and they just weren't budging until he came up with the appeal: "Free life jackets for those who jumped."
STORY 2
3 recruits - Chinese, Malay & Indian are at the army supply base to collect underwear. The sergeant was there to aid the supplies.
Sergeant: Hei Ah Beng! How many underwear you need ah?
Ah Beng: (thinks a while) 7 sasen(sergeant)!
Sergeant: (puzzled) How come so many?
Ah! Beng: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun. One day one.
Sergeant: (Malay recruit) Eh Mat! How many underwear?
Mat: (without hesitation) 6 sargen!
Sergeant: (curious) How come six?
Mat: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun. Friday I wear sarong.
Sergeant: (Indian recruit) Dei Tambi. How many underwears dah dei?
Tambi: (very confidently) 12 Sarjen !!!!
Sergeant: (shocked & fell to the ground) Why you need so many for?
Tambi: January, February, March.....One month one.
STORY 3
One day, two Ah Lians got into a lift from the 20th storey and want to get down to the ground floor. As they looked at the dial, they could see the number 20 down to number 2. It was then followed by a G. As they not English-educated, they were puzzled and had no idea what does the letter G mean. Suddenly one of them exclaimed excitedly and hit G. When they finally reached the ground floor, the other Ah Lian was so impressed and asked the first Ah Lian, "Wah low!!!, how you know one?" The first Ah Lian reply smugly, "Easy lah.. G for Gero mah..."
STORY 4
Santa Singh (remember him?) just graduated from Law school and decided to apply for a job in the most prestigious "Lee & Lee Law Firm"
During the interview, Mr. Lee KY looked at Santa Singh's resume, thinks for a while and said, "Well, I would need to discuss your application with my wife."
And went off to discuss Santa's application with his wife. Lee KY's wife said, "C'mon, don't you know that we only hire lawyers with surnames beginning with 'Lee' only? Of course, we can't hire Santa Singh!"
So Lee KY told the bad news to Santa Singh about his rejection.
Few days later, Santa Singh came back to the same company and request for another interview and Lee KY said, 'Look Santa, I have already told you that we only hire.......'
when Santa Singh interrupted him and said, 'I know, I know. I have just changed my name.
Lee K Y looked at Santa Singh in surprise and asked, "What is your new name then?"
On this, Santa Singh replied, 'Surname Lee, Last name, Manga!' (Manga-Lee)
The Titanic was sinking, and there weren't enough lifeboats.
So the captain had to persuade male passengers to jump into the icy waters to make room for women and children.
To the British he said. "You must act like gentlemen." They jumped.
To the Americans he said, "You can be heroes." They complied.
To the Germans he said, "It's the rule." They obeyed.
To the Japanese he said," It's the consensus." They obliged.
Then came the Singaporean and they just weren't budging until he came up with the appeal: "Free life jackets for those who jumped."
STORY 2
3 recruits - Chinese, Malay & Indian are at the army supply base to collect underwear. The sergeant was there to aid the supplies.
Sergeant: Hei Ah Beng! How many underwear you need ah?
Ah Beng: (thinks a while) 7 sasen(sergeant)!
Sergeant: (puzzled) How come so many?
Ah! Beng: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun. One day one.
Sergeant: (Malay recruit) Eh Mat! How many underwear?
Mat: (without hesitation) 6 sargen!
Sergeant: (curious) How come six?
Mat: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun. Friday I wear sarong.
Sergeant: (Indian recruit) Dei Tambi. How many underwears dah dei?
Tambi: (very confidently) 12 Sarjen !!!!
Sergeant: (shocked & fell to the ground) Why you need so many for?
Tambi: January, February, March.....One month one.
STORY 3
One day, two Ah Lians got into a lift from the 20th storey and want to get down to the ground floor. As they looked at the dial, they could see the number 20 down to number 2. It was then followed by a G. As they not English-educated, they were puzzled and had no idea what does the letter G mean. Suddenly one of them exclaimed excitedly and hit G. When they finally reached the ground floor, the other Ah Lian was so impressed and asked the first Ah Lian, "Wah low!!!, how you know one?" The first Ah Lian reply smugly, "Easy lah.. G for Gero mah..."
STORY 4
Santa Singh (remember him?) just graduated from Law school and decided to apply for a job in the most prestigious "Lee & Lee Law Firm"
During the interview, Mr. Lee KY looked at Santa Singh's resume, thinks for a while and said, "Well, I would need to discuss your application with my wife."
And went off to discuss Santa's application with his wife. Lee KY's wife said, "C'mon, don't you know that we only hire lawyers with surnames beginning with 'Lee' only? Of course, we can't hire Santa Singh!"
So Lee KY told the bad news to Santa Singh about his rejection.
Few days later, Santa Singh came back to the same company and request for another interview and Lee KY said, 'Look Santa, I have already told you that we only hire.......'
when Santa Singh interrupted him and said, 'I know, I know. I have just changed my name.
Lee K Y looked at Santa Singh in surprise and asked, "What is your new name then?"
On this, Santa Singh replied, 'Surname Lee, Last name, Manga!' (Manga-Lee)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The "Noice"
Working in this company really opens my eyes to a whole new breed of female and male that I normally don't encounter or meet in my circle of friends. Things that I would never see a female do in public, I see it here.
FEMALE:
Before they open their mouth, they look like any other female you see on the streets, your next door neighbour etc. But when they open their mouth, all hell broke. One, poor communications skill. When trying to explain something in their broken English, they goes round and round the world and I still can't understand what they are trying to say or want to do. I tried to speak to them in Mandarin but funny thing is they still answer me in broken English. I fully understand that they try to cope with me speaking English, but I think I much prefer them to speak English so I can understand better.
Two, the "BURB" sound. Have you ever seen a female burb loudly in the open???? It disgust me to hear it and my imagination run wild. Whether it's after food with full stomach or in the meeting, they just go Burrrbb... no 'excuse me' no apologise...
Three, the sneezing or "AHHCHOOO". Sneezing openly is the favourite. It's understandable if someone sneeze aloud due to emergency like not enough time to over their mouth. Unfortunately, the Ahh..Ahchooo.. is continously a few times without covering one mouth. Imagine the spread of the gems to the people around you. YUIKS! Have some decency to cover ones nose or mouth when you cough or sneeze.
MALE:
Men in general won't speak Engligh if they are not fluent. I guess is the ego thing. However, for item Two and Three are the same.
FOUR, a smelly feet or shoes that could kill a cow miles away. Male has thing about taking off their shoes when they work. Not all, just a few in my company. Once the feet is out, the smell can even kill a fly. It's worse than the liquids that dripped on the street when a rubbish truck pass by. People around has to endure the foul smell all day long.
FIVE, wearing a torn slippers in the office. This is the worse. We are suppose to be professionals working in a GLC company, unfortunately the people inside doesn't reflect such way. Yes, I dress casually but I dress presentable, be it in jeans and T-shirt.
That's the environment I'm in now. This is just my view. Well, that's all folks.
FEMALE:
Before they open their mouth, they look like any other female you see on the streets, your next door neighbour etc. But when they open their mouth, all hell broke. One, poor communications skill. When trying to explain something in their broken English, they goes round and round the world and I still can't understand what they are trying to say or want to do. I tried to speak to them in Mandarin but funny thing is they still answer me in broken English. I fully understand that they try to cope with me speaking English, but I think I much prefer them to speak English so I can understand better.
Two, the "BURB" sound. Have you ever seen a female burb loudly in the open???? It disgust me to hear it and my imagination run wild. Whether it's after food with full stomach or in the meeting, they just go Burrrbb... no 'excuse me' no apologise...
Three, the sneezing or "AHHCHOOO". Sneezing openly is the favourite. It's understandable if someone sneeze aloud due to emergency like not enough time to over their mouth. Unfortunately, the Ahh..Ahchooo.. is continously a few times without covering one mouth. Imagine the spread of the gems to the people around you. YUIKS! Have some decency to cover ones nose or mouth when you cough or sneeze.
MALE:
Men in general won't speak Engligh if they are not fluent. I guess is the ego thing. However, for item Two and Three are the same.
FOUR, a smelly feet or shoes that could kill a cow miles away. Male has thing about taking off their shoes when they work. Not all, just a few in my company. Once the feet is out, the smell can even kill a fly. It's worse than the liquids that dripped on the street when a rubbish truck pass by. People around has to endure the foul smell all day long.
FIVE, wearing a torn slippers in the office. This is the worse. We are suppose to be professionals working in a GLC company, unfortunately the people inside doesn't reflect such way. Yes, I dress casually but I dress presentable, be it in jeans and T-shirt.
That's the environment I'm in now. This is just my view. Well, that's all folks.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Funny Singh
I received this from my friend this morning. Boost my day.
The Story of "Ah Singh"
A Singh who is a sailor?
Karpal singh
A Singh who attends a Chinese wedding party?
Yam Singh
A Singh who is digging a hole?
Menggali Singh
A Singh who likes to slap people?
Tau Ba Singh
A Singh who is a gangster?
SamSingh
A Singh who is lost?
MisSingh
A Singh who is noisy?
BisSingh
A Singh who likes herbs?
Gin Singh
A Singh who kills people?
AssasSingh
A Singh with one ball?
BalwantSingh (Ball One Singh)
A Singh with two balls?
BalanSingh ( as in balance)
A Singh with three balls?
AMASHIGH!! (Amazing)
A Singh who is swimming in an iced pool?
KuldipSingh (Cold Deep Sink)
A Singh who likes to drink soyabean milk?
YeoHupSingh
A Singh who owns a ship that sink?
No lah, not Titanic Singh, He's KaramSingh
A Singh who was sacked from the national hockey team?
Relax Singh
A Singh who likes roundsbout?
PuSingh
A Singh who is flyinh around on a broom?
Sau Pah Singh
A Singh who is a three-star general?
Sam Lap Singh (Cantonese)
If the Sikhs were to succeed in forming their own country, what will they call their country?
Mata Wang Ah Singh
Then, what do you call a Singh who likes to scold people?
TiewNiaSingh
The Story of "Ah Singh"
A Singh who is a sailor?
Karpal singh
A Singh who attends a Chinese wedding party?
Yam Singh
A Singh who is digging a hole?
Menggali Singh
A Singh who likes to slap people?
Tau Ba Singh
A Singh who is a gangster?
SamSingh
A Singh who is lost?
MisSingh
A Singh who is noisy?
BisSingh
A Singh who likes herbs?
Gin Singh
A Singh who kills people?
AssasSingh
A Singh with one ball?
BalwantSingh (Ball One Singh)
A Singh with two balls?
BalanSingh ( as in balance)
A Singh with three balls?
AMASHIGH!! (Amazing)
A Singh who is swimming in an iced pool?
KuldipSingh (Cold Deep Sink)
A Singh who likes to drink soyabean milk?
YeoHupSingh
A Singh who owns a ship that sink?
No lah, not Titanic Singh, He's KaramSingh
A Singh who was sacked from the national hockey team?
Relax Singh
A Singh who likes roundsbout?
PuSingh
A Singh who is flyinh around on a broom?
Sau Pah Singh
A Singh who is a three-star general?
Sam Lap Singh (Cantonese)
If the Sikhs were to succeed in forming their own country, what will they call their country?
Mata Wang Ah Singh
Then, what do you call a Singh who likes to scold people?
TiewNiaSingh
24 Carrot Manager
I am half way reading this book and it already reminded me of the methods and gestures I almost forgot to practise. Before joining my current employment, I was a different type of manager. I was more concern towards my staff and rewarding them for all the achievements. I would always say thank-you for a job well done but won't hesitate to comment them for improvement if work were sloppy. Whenever I noticed my staff feeling demotivated, I will have a chat with them as a friend. To me everyone is on the same level. I believe this would break the communications barrier between manager and bottom line staff. It would also improve their productivity and loyalty if they feel important and appreciated. I would want to keep my good people but I won't keep those with the wrong mindset long. Whenever someone has family problem and personal problem, he will gets times off from achieving the 'standard' for a few days. This way, it won't hurt their career and they can concentrate to resolve their problem faster.
When I was reading this book last night, I realised that I haven't been as involved as I was previously. I think the main part of the reasons is that majority of the staff are already demotivated beyond help. Most of them also not qualify and with the wrong mindset for the job. I still believe I can change them but it will take 2-3years. Unlike my previous employment where I can change someone attitude and mindset in 2-3 months.
When I started working in my current company, I finally understand why my country has a third world mentality and is still a developing country after so many many years. There are just so many negative points in them. Work the least but want the best benefits and salary. Reluctant to change and don't want to take ownership. Never understand sense of urgency and go home sharp on the dot! Most of them are not academically qualified and even though company provide them the fund for advance their studies and executive courses, 99.99% never take it. Even the yearly fund for workshop and training wasn't used. They just not interested to take it unless one make it compulsary. I keep telling myself can't blame them, they only have high school certificate. Never goes to college or university. With all those fund and budget for workshop, it like haven to me because very very few companies nowadays will have such benefits.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Down Memory Lane - Banff
This morning I was searching for some photos for my projects and stumble across images of Banff. As I browse through the images, it reminded me of a holiday a few years back in Banff and its national park. Despite the slow Edmonton town, my friend and I took a trip to Banff over the weekend. It was autumn and everything is snowy up there. Banff is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. It was clean, scenic and fresh. We were cold and the heater was always on in the car and the journey we past by farming ranges to get to Banff. Banff has various souvenir shops. From there you can see Rocky Mountain clearly and it was so beautiful. Those who live are so lucky! Living so close to nature and its wonders. We also saw a beautiful hotel that looks like a fairy-tale castle too. The trip was my best memory and it was the happiest day of my life.
These are some photos that remind me of the place.
These are some photos that remind me of the place.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Marley And Me - A Touchy Story
I finally finished reading this book at 6am this morning. I bought this book six months ago but never had the chance to read it due to my busy schedule. I finally had 2 days off last week during my Birthday week. After spending some time at a spa, I was at home reading Marley and Me. It was about how Marley sees the world and his affects on John (author) and readers (namely me). I strongly suggest anyone who thinks he/she has a worse day, feeling sorrow, feeling sorry or all those negative feelings should grab this book.
It was about a 97 pound Lab with a biggest heart I've ever seen and the way he view everyday as the best day of his life. His philosophy in life is simple and beautiful. He was loyal and loving yet disobedient. He was kicked out of obedient school because he sees everything as fun and game. His love for the Grogan family was uncondition and despite his worse behaviour he was very protective of his family.
When you read the things he did for his family during his elderly days was heartwarming. Expect some tears if you're the easy-to-tear type. The book is not just for animal lovers but for all of us.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Presentation Day
I just came back from my presentation of a campaign project. Since the client was busy and had to rush off for a meeting, I did a quite presentation just to find out his comment and feedback. The 35 minutes presentation was shorten to 15 minutes.
After the presentation, he was clearly happy and I was relieved. That means I don't have to do changes on my presentation and my team doesn't need to work till 5.30am again. After that, he told me to do the presentation at their AGM on Nov 30, in PD. Tentatively at 4.30pm follow by Q & A session. After the presentation, the 1 day AGM will adjourn. Then, we will have dinner with the client. Hopefully we get a free room sponsor by the client.
After the presentation, he was clearly happy and I was relieved. That means I don't have to do changes on my presentation and my team doesn't need to work till 5.30am again. After that, he told me to do the presentation at their AGM on Nov 30, in PD. Tentatively at 4.30pm follow by Q & A session. After the presentation, the 1 day AGM will adjourn. Then, we will have dinner with the client. Hopefully we get a free room sponsor by the client.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Hong Kong - Day 3
Today we woke up around 7am again. All the long meetings and late nights make it harder to wake up. The room was freezing. We rush to shower and get ready for breakfast. It was the same menu again. We ate what we can because lunch is not provided by our vendor today because we are leaving their office around 11.45am. So we have to eat enough to cover for lunch.
After we packed up our belongings and rush to their office on foot. As the meeting started, we break into few groups to cover all the areas possible. Everyone was rushing through the slides and demo. Even till the very last dot, we were still in the serious discussion mode. We then managed to take some photos and rush back to our hotel to check out. We were already late so we called a taxi to send us all the way to the airport. It took us 40 minutes and along the way we show Hong Kong view for the first time. The harbour was beautiful despite the pollution. The underground tunnel was amazing. By the time we reached the airport's check-in counter, it was already closed. 'Luckily' we were at the wrong counter and the airport assistant then excort us to the right counter. We were supposed to take Cathy Pacific instead of MAS during to couch sharing. After passing the security check, we went to the dty free shops. One of my favourite is the Disney Hong Kong shop. All the disney items there were so nice. If I had more money, I would have spend more there. I bought a Winny the pooh t-shirt, 4 Mickey Mouse and friends key chains, a Mini Mouse mug and a Mickey and friends fridge magnet. After that, we stopped at another gift shop and I bought a Hong Kong places of interest fridge magnet. Lastly, I spent my last few coins (dollars) to buy a bottle green tea drink at Watson.
On the plane, we were all seperated. The flight was full because it flew till Penang. So we were all seated in the middle row in the middle seat. I was seated between a Hongkie and a Australian. The weather was cloudy and raining that day. So the flight was shaky during most of the journey back home. Despite the weather, the in-flight movies weren't bad. There were Hair-spray, Scooby-doo animation, Brothers and few more. The food was much better than MAS. I had curry chicken, ice cream, wine, coffee and more wine. The flight was cold and the wine works wonders.
We touched down to KL International airport around 6.45pm. The weather was nice. We stopped by the duty free shop to buy some chocolates. After check out custom, I took a taxi back to my office. My friend was waiting for me there. I have to do some work in the office because we are doing to do a pitching for communications company next week. I really hope we will get this project. It will really have a big impact in our performance and portfolio. not to mention our CV.
After we packed up our belongings and rush to their office on foot. As the meeting started, we break into few groups to cover all the areas possible. Everyone was rushing through the slides and demo. Even till the very last dot, we were still in the serious discussion mode. We then managed to take some photos and rush back to our hotel to check out. We were already late so we called a taxi to send us all the way to the airport. It took us 40 minutes and along the way we show Hong Kong view for the first time. The harbour was beautiful despite the pollution. The underground tunnel was amazing. By the time we reached the airport's check-in counter, it was already closed. 'Luckily' we were at the wrong counter and the airport assistant then excort us to the right counter. We were supposed to take Cathy Pacific instead of MAS during to couch sharing. After passing the security check, we went to the dty free shops. One of my favourite is the Disney Hong Kong shop. All the disney items there were so nice. If I had more money, I would have spend more there. I bought a Winny the pooh t-shirt, 4 Mickey Mouse and friends key chains, a Mini Mouse mug and a Mickey and friends fridge magnet. After that, we stopped at another gift shop and I bought a Hong Kong places of interest fridge magnet. Lastly, I spent my last few coins (dollars) to buy a bottle green tea drink at Watson.
On the plane, we were all seperated. The flight was full because it flew till Penang. So we were all seated in the middle row in the middle seat. I was seated between a Hongkie and a Australian. The weather was cloudy and raining that day. So the flight was shaky during most of the journey back home. Despite the weather, the in-flight movies weren't bad. There were Hair-spray, Scooby-doo animation, Brothers and few more. The food was much better than MAS. I had curry chicken, ice cream, wine, coffee and more wine. The flight was cold and the wine works wonders.
We touched down to KL International airport around 6.45pm. The weather was nice. We stopped by the duty free shop to buy some chocolates. After check out custom, I took a taxi back to my office. My friend was waiting for me there. I have to do some work in the office because we are doing to do a pitching for communications company next week. I really hope we will get this project. It will really have a big impact in our performance and portfolio. not to mention our CV.
Hong Kong - Day 2
I woke up a bit late, just after 7am. My roomy already shower and was reading the Mandarin newspaper when I finally drag myself off the pillows. I showered, clothed and watched a bit of the morning news. We headed for breakfast around 7.45am. Since today we planned to eat non-halal stuff so we decided to sit on different table.
The breakfast is the same menu everyday. There are:
Breads - toast, danish and all the likes
Fruits - honeydrew, watermelon, apples and orange
Cold-cut - ham, salad, yoggart
Main course - tim-sum, 2 pau per tray, fried noodles, waffle, deep-fried samosa, baked beans, baked tomatoes, fried bacon, french toast, sausage, omelette and potatoe wedges, porridge, boiled egg
Drink - orange juice, guava juice, plain water, milk, coffee, tea and cuppucino.
This is the second day I ate the same breakfast. Luckily some of the food was not bad. The fried bacon was too hard for me. Nontheless, I noticed that some of the visitors were having big servings of it. I stick to tim-sum, fried noodles, french toast, sausage, potatoe wedges, watermelon, orange juice and milk. I'm not much of the porridge person.
We headed to the office around 8.50am. Along the way, we took photos in front of a dragon stature. I noticed that Hong Kong has a number of dragon icons. I guess it a symbol of prosperity. We reached the office a quarter past nine. We were brought to an office tour and our first stop was the sales department. Overall, their sales are very motivated and eager. Some groups were seen having a meeting among the team and some team members were on the phone making appointment. Some team members share success stories. We were brought to other departments to view their daily work. After the short tour, we were back in the meeting room for another long day.
We finished meeting around 7.30pm. That night, we decided to explore a bit and shopping for gifts to bring home. We walked to Jaronine crescent. It took us about 15 minutes. The place was around the MTR station and I couldn't believe the crowd at that hours. It's like the super peak hours or the new year eve situation in my place. We managed to find Jaronine and walked the narrow street. Not much to see but there are some bargain hunting stuff. Unfortunately, only one of us speak Cantonise so the rest of the gang has to depend on her for bargaining. I ended up buying the typical Hong Kong T-shirts. One of my colleagues sarcasticly asked, "Is it because the t-shirt is too cheap for you?" I just swallowed it. No point argue with her. We are from different background. I was reluctant to buy the t-shirt because it a too common gifts.
We walked around further and did some window shopping. My colleagues bought some mini perfume in Sasa and some bundle clothes nearby. We managed to walked our way back to the hotel. Luckily, one of my colleagues is good at remember landmarks. If it were me, I would be lost. After putting our stuff in the room, my roomy and I went for dinner at a noodle house across the street from the hotel. It cost HK$23 per bowl but it was worth it. The noodles was nice and the spicy chillies add the flavour to it. Word of notes, their chillies or spicy noodles are not spicy at all. It's more like sweet and sour. As the time was closed to 11pm, we were the last customers. We hurry finished up our food and go back.
when packed all our stuff when we reached the room because we have to check out tomorrow and our flight back was 3.45pm. That's all for second day.
The breakfast is the same menu everyday. There are:
Breads - toast, danish and all the likes
Fruits - honeydrew, watermelon, apples and orange
Cold-cut - ham, salad, yoggart
Main course - tim-sum, 2 pau per tray, fried noodles, waffle, deep-fried samosa, baked beans, baked tomatoes, fried bacon, french toast, sausage, omelette and potatoe wedges, porridge, boiled egg
Drink - orange juice, guava juice, plain water, milk, coffee, tea and cuppucino.
This is the second day I ate the same breakfast. Luckily some of the food was not bad. The fried bacon was too hard for me. Nontheless, I noticed that some of the visitors were having big servings of it. I stick to tim-sum, fried noodles, french toast, sausage, potatoe wedges, watermelon, orange juice and milk. I'm not much of the porridge person.
We headed to the office around 8.50am. Along the way, we took photos in front of a dragon stature. I noticed that Hong Kong has a number of dragon icons. I guess it a symbol of prosperity. We reached the office a quarter past nine. We were brought to an office tour and our first stop was the sales department. Overall, their sales are very motivated and eager. Some groups were seen having a meeting among the team and some team members were on the phone making appointment. Some team members share success stories. We were brought to other departments to view their daily work. After the short tour, we were back in the meeting room for another long day.
We finished meeting around 7.30pm. That night, we decided to explore a bit and shopping for gifts to bring home. We walked to Jaronine crescent. It took us about 15 minutes. The place was around the MTR station and I couldn't believe the crowd at that hours. It's like the super peak hours or the new year eve situation in my place. We managed to find Jaronine and walked the narrow street. Not much to see but there are some bargain hunting stuff. Unfortunately, only one of us speak Cantonise so the rest of the gang has to depend on her for bargaining. I ended up buying the typical Hong Kong T-shirts. One of my colleagues sarcasticly asked, "Is it because the t-shirt is too cheap for you?" I just swallowed it. No point argue with her. We are from different background. I was reluctant to buy the t-shirt because it a too common gifts.
We walked around further and did some window shopping. My colleagues bought some mini perfume in Sasa and some bundle clothes nearby. We managed to walked our way back to the hotel. Luckily, one of my colleagues is good at remember landmarks. If it were me, I would be lost. After putting our stuff in the room, my roomy and I went for dinner at a noodle house across the street from the hotel. It cost HK$23 per bowl but it was worth it. The noodles was nice and the spicy chillies add the flavour to it. Word of notes, their chillies or spicy noodles are not spicy at all. It's more like sweet and sour. As the time was closed to 11pm, we were the last customers. We hurry finished up our food and go back.
when packed all our stuff when we reached the room because we have to check out tomorrow and our flight back was 3.45pm. That's all for second day.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Hong Kong - Day 1 - Part 2
After breakfast, the team lead of our service provider came to fetch us to their office. I noticed people in Hong Kong do a lot of walking and they walk very fast. When we were at the traffic lights, everyone was waiting obediently for the light to turn green. Then we walked accross. Waited for another traffic light and cross. Waited for another traffic light and cross. We waited for 3 traffic light, U shape, just to get across the opporsite side of the street! Back home, pedestrians seldom cross corner by corner to the opporsite side of the street. We would just cross straight ahead! To see this side of Hong Kong people, I was pleasantly surprise.
It took us 15 minutes to reached their office. From there on, it was a long, long day with meetings. We had breaks in between and coffee was nice. There was a type of cookies made by Jenny's Bakery that taste delicious. We all help ourselves with second and third servings. Lunch was pizza hut. I had to informed and explained to my service provider the meaning of Halal. In the beginning, they thought it was just pork or anything related to pork. So They bought chicken pizza and seafood pizza. I had to explained again that chicken and beef that weren't slaugthered Muslim's way is consider non-halal. They were all confuse and don't really understand the reason.
That evening, our service provider brought us to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. I was in a delima and so as my colleagues. Our host really trying to understand the meaning of Halal and at the same time trying to be a good host. They order everything that didn't have chicken, beef, anything of meat and pork. They order seafood, vegetables and eggs. Well, what they don't know was that the utensils for the food is non-halal. I really pity my colleagues. It was a very unpleasant evening for them. My advice to Muslim who have counterparts in a foreign countries, it is wise to spend a day explain the meaning of Halal or provide them with some short reading materials about Halal. Your counterparts may try their best to be a good host during your stay in their country but it would turn out unpleasant if misinterpretation happens.
After dinner around 11pm, we walked back to our hotel. I took a hot shower and ready to bed. It was an interesting day.
It took us 15 minutes to reached their office. From there on, it was a long, long day with meetings. We had breaks in between and coffee was nice. There was a type of cookies made by Jenny's Bakery that taste delicious. We all help ourselves with second and third servings. Lunch was pizza hut. I had to informed and explained to my service provider the meaning of Halal. In the beginning, they thought it was just pork or anything related to pork. So They bought chicken pizza and seafood pizza. I had to explained again that chicken and beef that weren't slaugthered Muslim's way is consider non-halal. They were all confuse and don't really understand the reason.
That evening, our service provider brought us to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. I was in a delima and so as my colleagues. Our host really trying to understand the meaning of Halal and at the same time trying to be a good host. They order everything that didn't have chicken, beef, anything of meat and pork. They order seafood, vegetables and eggs. Well, what they don't know was that the utensils for the food is non-halal. I really pity my colleagues. It was a very unpleasant evening for them. My advice to Muslim who have counterparts in a foreign countries, it is wise to spend a day explain the meaning of Halal or provide them with some short reading materials about Halal. Your counterparts may try their best to be a good host during your stay in their country but it would turn out unpleasant if misinterpretation happens.
After dinner around 11pm, we walked back to our hotel. I took a hot shower and ready to bed. It was an interesting day.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Hong Kong - Day 1
I woke up around 7am feeling like I was being stored in a fridge. My colleague has already shower and prepare to get dress. I opt for a hot shower and 15 minutes to warm my body. My collegue was ironing her clothes when I got out. You can say that I'm not the type who's particular with wrinkle on my clothes. I don't iron unless it is serious wrinkles. So I end up ready earlier than her. I switch on the TV and watch the news. They have multi-language channels including German, Italy, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, SBS, TVB and others.
We went to the restaurant for our breakfast. Luckily our room came with breakfast. what else, we eat generously until we are full. This is one way to save your per diem - skip lunch and fill up your stomach with breakfast.
First Night - KungFu Fighting
In the middle of the night, the room was freezing. I drag myself up to change the aircon volumn to low. Luckily the bathroom light was on and I was able to find my way to the switch. I have to admit that the bed is more comfortable than it looks. Not too hard or too soft. Just nice and cozy.
Around 5am in the morning, there was a fight outside our hotel. It was just outside our side of the room. Unfortunately for me, I'm as dead as a dodo. My colleages all got up to see what happened. A few men where fighting each other. It was just like the one we see in Hong Kong movies. Wow! talk about close encounter... 2 vans of police arrived at the scene and arrested the men. Are they from an under ground gang? I'm not sure but it was interesting that it happened where they can see from our windows. They said can't see the men but it was like watching movie from afar.
It was the talk of the day during breakfast. I noticed that some of the visitors were talking about it too. I don't see them afraid. I guess most of us are used to watch fighting scenes in Hong Kong movies. I got to know that there will be a filming of the new Batman movie in our area early November. Just right at Wan Chai Road. What a blust! Wish I could watch the movie in progress. A letter has been issued to all residence living in Wan Chai alerting them about the noice from night till the wee hours during fliming. It seems that they are going to use a heli to shoot the movie.
First night in Hong Kong and so many interesting happened. This goes to show that Hong Kong is indeed a colourful place to visit if you want excitement.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Arrival - First Night
When I step out of the lift and our bedroom door seem to be smaller than the standard doors I've seen in other hotels during my vacations and my place. It's about 1/3 smaller. I opened the door and second surprise was how small the room was. The small fridge and TV occupied a small corner space and the table was inches away from my bed. We barely have space to put our bags and the walk way was just enough for 1 person. The bed was mini single size...
Even though the room was small, it was relatively clean and cozy. No funny smell or dirty carpet. The bathroom was clean too. I put my bag on the table and my colleague put hers on the floor (walkway to be exact). The aircon work and it was cold within minutes. We took turn showed and ready for bed. It was already 2am and we supposed to start our meeting at 9am.
I opened the curtain to see what's outside. Alas, we are a few meters away from the next buildings and we can see the apartments opposite us clearly. All the buildings were no less than 20 floor high and very congested. After a short view, we went to bed. I was so tired that I must have doze off within minutes.
The Door
The bathroom
The bed
The TV cabinet and fridge (hidden at the bottom)
Even though the room was small, it was relatively clean and cozy. No funny smell or dirty carpet. The bathroom was clean too. I put my bag on the table and my colleague put hers on the floor (walkway to be exact). The aircon work and it was cold within minutes. We took turn showed and ready for bed. It was already 2am and we supposed to start our meeting at 9am.
I opened the curtain to see what's outside. Alas, we are a few meters away from the next buildings and we can see the apartments opposite us clearly. All the buildings were no less than 20 floor high and very congested. After a short view, we went to bed. I was so tired that I must have doze off within minutes.
The Door
The bathroom
The bed
The TV cabinet and fridge (hidden at the bottom)
Trip to Hong Kong - Departure
I went to HK with a team of colleagues for business purposes. It was Tuesday, 30th October. due to our flight was at 6.45pm we planed to depart to airport from the office to save cost. I was on vacation but due to work I ended up coming to office in the morning to finished up important work. We changed the currency to HK dollar at noon because we just received our advanced per diem. Not as much as my previous company but this will do. On Tuesday, the currency rate was RM0.44 to HK$1. After we settled with currency changes we departed from the office. My Muslim colleagues brought along some instant noodles and cookies. They were concern about the Halal food in HK.
When we arrived the airport, I was feeling hungry because I was so busy clearing my work and didn't have time to eat lunch. The 3 of us sitting at the business class couch waiting for the 4th team member. She arrived an hour later due to some family matters. When 4 of us together, we checked in our bags and headed for some food. Food in the airport is relatively more expensive. I guess airport employee should have some kind of discount on food or they are being paid well. After filling up my stomach we cross the security check and waited for our turn to board the plane.
When the gate was opened, we had to go through another security check. When I was my turn, I was stopped for security check. Only then I realised that I forgot to finished up my packet drink I brought from the office. I had to drink and my colleagues waited for me. Once inside the waiting hall, I found out a few hongkies had their items confiscated by airport security as we had to adheld to the liquid procedure and wet food. The visitors from Hongkies were talking laudly about their unhappiness towards their confiscated item. I thought I only see Hong Kong people talk laudly in movies but clearly I was wrong. However, majority Hongkies don't behave like that.
When we are on board the airplane, it was unfortunately that the same group of visitors were ocupying 2 rows in front of us. You can imagine the casual conversation all the way to Hong Kong. I was on head phone watching the movies and at the same time fending off some of the noise. I can't remember what movie I watched. Food suck! I can't drink because I was seated in between 2 of my Muslim colleagues.
We arriveved at Hong Kong at 11.55pm. After taking 10 minutes walk to the immigration, we were officially entered Hong Kong. It was 12.30am by the time we reached the arrival hall. My team lead went to asked about a taxi to take us to our hotel. We found out that we had to wait for 45 minutes. He then asked the second counter and was told we have to wait about 15 minutes to half hours. We agreed to take this one. Feeling tired, the counter assistant offerred us mineral water. About 15 minutes late, the counter assistant told us that they are going to use 2 taxis instead of a van for 5. We were glad to hear the arrangement and it turned out to be 2 limos.
My colleagues feeling tired...
Airport surrounding...
The journey to the hotel was pleasent. The weather was misty and cool. The streets were quiet and the underground tunnel was amazing. The traffic system were very impressive. It took us about 45 minutes to reached our hotel in Wan Chai Road. We stayed at Chatterhouse Hotel due to peak season. It took us a few minutes to settle our check-in and we were on our way up to our rooms.
First impression I saw was the lift was a bit small. When the lift reached my floor, first shock is how narrow the walkway and our room was less than a meter away in front of the lift.
To be continue...
When we arrived the airport, I was feeling hungry because I was so busy clearing my work and didn't have time to eat lunch. The 3 of us sitting at the business class couch waiting for the 4th team member. She arrived an hour later due to some family matters. When 4 of us together, we checked in our bags and headed for some food. Food in the airport is relatively more expensive. I guess airport employee should have some kind of discount on food or they are being paid well. After filling up my stomach we cross the security check and waited for our turn to board the plane.
When the gate was opened, we had to go through another security check. When I was my turn, I was stopped for security check. Only then I realised that I forgot to finished up my packet drink I brought from the office. I had to drink and my colleagues waited for me. Once inside the waiting hall, I found out a few hongkies had their items confiscated by airport security as we had to adheld to the liquid procedure and wet food. The visitors from Hongkies were talking laudly about their unhappiness towards their confiscated item. I thought I only see Hong Kong people talk laudly in movies but clearly I was wrong. However, majority Hongkies don't behave like that.
When we are on board the airplane, it was unfortunately that the same group of visitors were ocupying 2 rows in front of us. You can imagine the casual conversation all the way to Hong Kong. I was on head phone watching the movies and at the same time fending off some of the noise. I can't remember what movie I watched. Food suck! I can't drink because I was seated in between 2 of my Muslim colleagues.
We arriveved at Hong Kong at 11.55pm. After taking 10 minutes walk to the immigration, we were officially entered Hong Kong. It was 12.30am by the time we reached the arrival hall. My team lead went to asked about a taxi to take us to our hotel. We found out that we had to wait for 45 minutes. He then asked the second counter and was told we have to wait about 15 minutes to half hours. We agreed to take this one. Feeling tired, the counter assistant offerred us mineral water. About 15 minutes late, the counter assistant told us that they are going to use 2 taxis instead of a van for 5. We were glad to hear the arrangement and it turned out to be 2 limos.
My colleagues feeling tired...
Airport surrounding...
The journey to the hotel was pleasent. The weather was misty and cool. The streets were quiet and the underground tunnel was amazing. The traffic system were very impressive. It took us about 45 minutes to reached our hotel in Wan Chai Road. We stayed at Chatterhouse Hotel due to peak season. It took us a few minutes to settle our check-in and we were on our way up to our rooms.
First impression I saw was the lift was a bit small. When the lift reached my floor, first shock is how narrow the walkway and our room was less than a meter away in front of the lift.
To be continue...
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
To Work Or To Play, That's The Question.
Today I'm in a bit of delima because on one hand I have a huge rebranding campaign that needs to be completed by Saturday. The presentation is on Monday Morning. Till now, not much work has been done and it worries me. The campaign is huge and we went in at the right time. The annual budget allocation time. To win this campaign pitch will be very important achievement for us. 2 people whom others feel are not capable able to achieve something big single handed without help. Besides our brilliant copywriter.
Today is also the day I have to leave for Hong Kong on a business trip. Never been to Hong Kong before and my friend asked me to bring my camera so I can take some photos, places of interest and show it to him when I return on Friday. It sound exciting and I am tempting to extend my stay till Saturday. Unfortunately, I have work waiting for me when I get home on Friday. The pitching is more important than the holiday. Sigh...
I'm leaving for KLIA around 2pm and our flight is estimated at 6pm. We should be reaching Hong Kong International Airport around 9pm. Taking a cab to the hotel will be a pitch because it cost HK$300-400. That's $150+... Anyway, Hong Kong, here I come.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Exploration
Few days ago, my friend and I went out to take some photos for one of our ad projects. I was taking photos of a building where we will propose our artwork costing later. When I downloaded the photos into my laptop, I realised that my friend was in a some of the photos, inspecting. This artwork is showing him exploring opportunity.
Credit talent: My Friend :-)
Exploration
Few days ago, my friend and I went out to take some photos for one of our ad projects. I was taking photos of a building where we will propose our artwork costing later. When I downloaded the photos into my laptop, I realised that my friend was in a some of the photos, inspecting. This artwork is showing him exploring opportunity.
Credit talent: My Friend :-)
In the Mist of Trees
Lately, there seems to be too many beckering going round the office. I'm not the type to be influenced by someone's story. I made my own judgement on every issue. But, I have to be a listener. All the stories I heard, different versions, respecting the informer's privacy, trying to understand their feelings and frustration. It's a jungle in my head. Everyone's stories has a point. The stories are information. Information that will has some input in my work here. Input that alerts me to be on guard. Guarding myself from being naive at my surroundings. Not to be naive that I will end up frustrating, loosing my interest and respect but too late to help myself. Learning from past experiences, I must be selfish and help myself. My needs, family, health, career comes first. Above all things. I'm only an employee of a company.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Mirror Image
Mirror image. Truth or illusion? Faith or fantasy?
She has many faces. Divide and conquer that is the strategy for a continuous safety from judgement. Power is the tool to wipe around the herds and control them with fear. Diplomatic and sharing of ideas are alien to her. First impression is the game. Creating a false environment to accompany it was the cream. Once she lure you into her cave, there is no turning back. She started off providing you dream and inspirations. Motivate and encourage. Standing besides you at all time, like a mother protecting and nurture a child. You feel warmth under her wings. You feel safe. You feel that you can conquer anything and everything with her besides you. You adore her and eager to learn from her. Her trade secrets. Her brain. Her fighting spirit against hostile responses from the likes of her in the battle field.
She was your superior. She was your authority that you killed off your own life for a glimpse of her techniques. A taste of her brain juice. A piece of her success. The illusion was created just for you. You think you are standing on top of the majectic mountain over-looking a clear valley with purple evening sky. Divide and conquer, that is the plan.
You dismember yourself from your herds. You are trap by the spider web. Your movement are restricted, moving further away from your own life, your herds. The deeper you are in her trap, the harder for you to release yourself and run away before she eats you. You realised all the first impressions were just illusion. In your sadness, you preview back the movies created specially for you. Drown with regrets for your stupidity. Or was she too good of an actor? Trapping on the web, you see one by one the captives are swallowed up. You feel sorry for those who sacrifice their life for the long hours. Sorry for those whose health deteriorating just to make her proud. In the end, it is all for nothing. You gain nothing but loose everything. Trap by the web, you wait for your turn to be slaughtered. Tragedy of a mirror image.
She has many faces. Divide and conquer that is the strategy for a continuous safety from judgement. Power is the tool to wipe around the herds and control them with fear. Diplomatic and sharing of ideas are alien to her. First impression is the game. Creating a false environment to accompany it was the cream. Once she lure you into her cave, there is no turning back. She started off providing you dream and inspirations. Motivate and encourage. Standing besides you at all time, like a mother protecting and nurture a child. You feel warmth under her wings. You feel safe. You feel that you can conquer anything and everything with her besides you. You adore her and eager to learn from her. Her trade secrets. Her brain. Her fighting spirit against hostile responses from the likes of her in the battle field.
She was your superior. She was your authority that you killed off your own life for a glimpse of her techniques. A taste of her brain juice. A piece of her success. The illusion was created just for you. You think you are standing on top of the majectic mountain over-looking a clear valley with purple evening sky. Divide and conquer, that is the plan.
You dismember yourself from your herds. You are trap by the spider web. Your movement are restricted, moving further away from your own life, your herds. The deeper you are in her trap, the harder for you to release yourself and run away before she eats you. You realised all the first impressions were just illusion. In your sadness, you preview back the movies created specially for you. Drown with regrets for your stupidity. Or was she too good of an actor? Trapping on the web, you see one by one the captives are swallowed up. You feel sorry for those who sacrifice their life for the long hours. Sorry for those whose health deteriorating just to make her proud. In the end, it is all for nothing. You gain nothing but loose everything. Trap by the web, you wait for your turn to be slaughtered. Tragedy of a mirror image.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
How Time Flies
Today my colleague showed me his cute son via a montage. It’s amazing how time flies so quickly that his baby is already a month old. It was just like yesterday when I hired my colleague in the previous company but that was 3 years ago. 3 years! My, I am getting no younger. In fact one of my friends is getting married next September. By then, I will be officially the only one left single. Well, happy holiday Teddy.
Petronas TVC Raya
My colleague told me yesterday that he saw a very creative and touching TVC from petronas. The TVC was so effective that even his newphew was repeating "burung apa tu? burung Murai" again and again. We always look forward to Petronas TVC on every occassion. They never fell to come up with some useful moral story in a creative way. Kudos! to the ad agency involved in the making of petronas Raya TVC. Is it LB or McCann huh?
Braveness
It has been a while since I last update my blog. This morning I read an article from The Star which Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye said government shouldn't view citizen journalist aka "bloggers like you and me with spicy and laser mouth" as a threat to government. Then, later this morning I had a meeting with one of my clients and I like meeting him as conversations always gets very exciting when he touch the daily life of Malaysian and our culture. I tend to agreed with him that the more we move forward in terms of technology and the super-cyber-corridor-high-tech mombo jumbo, our mentality and way of life is moving backward!
Yes! we are moving backward. I still remember my favourite P.Ramlee movies that ladies are wearing figure hugging kenaya and no tudong. But I never heard my grandma nag or give negative criticsm about it. During my uni days, if you don't wear tudong, someone will slip in flyers under your dorm door. That time it was 'encourge' quietly. Nowadays, everything is so open. The Chinese send their kids to Chinese school, Malays go to Sekolah Agama, Indian goes to Tamil school. What happen to Muhhibah? There are so much lack of racial and cultural interaction. Few years back I was always proud to tell my aussie friends that in Malaysia you can see all race talking and laughing together on the street. Everyone has a friend from different race and religion. Unlike in Sydney when I saw mostly Asian with Asian, Indian in their community and the mat salleh with their own friends. Now, it seems I have to eat my own words because I fear my country is showing sign of racial grouping. Luckily, till today I still have my best friend who is a Malay. In fact, most of my friends are Malay. However, this make me the target of my own race, some times. I'm being label as banana or pemberontak cina. Yup, this word was used to refer me. It happened when I promote my Malay team lead to assistant production manager over another Chinese team lead. Well, I learned something... and overcome my challenge.
Today, my colleague showed me an interesting webblog call siigosip.wordpress.com. My oh my. My preious staff have matured and started to stand out and voice out their frustration. I am very proud of them who stand up and fight for their rights against the bunch of mat salleh who has been paying them late, more work, doesn't contribute their EPF, forcing them to sign an letter that can't stand in the court of Malaysia. If you understand Malay, you should go to that site. Of course, there are still quite a large number who are tak-nak-ambik-tau, tak-nak-masuk-campur-tapi-nak-equal-habuan, lalang and of course the brown-noser lah. But for the few who voice out their frustration under anom, I am still proud of them. I fully understand why they have to hide behind anom. Working with this bunch of mat salleh shouldn't be taking likely. They are very good in expoiting Malaysian workers for their own benefits and money in their pockets. I will surely be a regular visitor to their blog. Kudos!
Yes! we are moving backward. I still remember my favourite P.Ramlee movies that ladies are wearing figure hugging kenaya and no tudong. But I never heard my grandma nag or give negative criticsm about it. During my uni days, if you don't wear tudong, someone will slip in flyers under your dorm door. That time it was 'encourge' quietly. Nowadays, everything is so open. The Chinese send their kids to Chinese school, Malays go to Sekolah Agama, Indian goes to Tamil school. What happen to Muhhibah? There are so much lack of racial and cultural interaction. Few years back I was always proud to tell my aussie friends that in Malaysia you can see all race talking and laughing together on the street. Everyone has a friend from different race and religion. Unlike in Sydney when I saw mostly Asian with Asian, Indian in their community and the mat salleh with their own friends. Now, it seems I have to eat my own words because I fear my country is showing sign of racial grouping. Luckily, till today I still have my best friend who is a Malay. In fact, most of my friends are Malay. However, this make me the target of my own race, some times. I'm being label as banana or pemberontak cina. Yup, this word was used to refer me. It happened when I promote my Malay team lead to assistant production manager over another Chinese team lead. Well, I learned something... and overcome my challenge.
Today, my colleague showed me an interesting webblog call siigosip.wordpress.com. My oh my. My preious staff have matured and started to stand out and voice out their frustration. I am very proud of them who stand up and fight for their rights against the bunch of mat salleh who has been paying them late, more work, doesn't contribute their EPF, forcing them to sign an letter that can't stand in the court of Malaysia. If you understand Malay, you should go to that site. Of course, there are still quite a large number who are tak-nak-ambik-tau, tak-nak-masuk-campur-tapi-nak-equal-habuan, lalang and of course the brown-noser lah. But for the few who voice out their frustration under anom, I am still proud of them. I fully understand why they have to hide behind anom. Working with this bunch of mat salleh shouldn't be taking likely. They are very good in expoiting Malaysian workers for their own benefits and money in their pockets. I will surely be a regular visitor to their blog. Kudos!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Purpose of Working, Earning a Living?
Why do we work? Why must we earn a living? Why must we find money? Why must all things on earth has a price tag? Why is it so damm hard to earn a decent living? Why do we have to struggle to earn a penny? Why does schooling doesn't guarantee a good earning for a decent livinghood? Why do we have to stuck up others to maintain our rice bowl? Why can't we live on air and grass?
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
6 Sigma
What is 6 Sigma? Well, after searching from various url and reading some books, I found that it's quite an interesting subject to learn and gain knowledge to improve our performance in work and personal life.
Quote from isixsigma.com
Six Sigma at many organizations simply means a measure of quality that strives for near perfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects (driving towards six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit) in any process -- from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service.
The statistical representation of Six Sigma describes quantitatively how a process is performing. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. A Six Sigma defect is defined as anything outside of customer specifications. A Six Sigma opportunity is then the total quantity of chances for a defect. Process sigma can easily be calculated using a Six Sigma calculator.
The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects. This is accomplished through the use of two Six Sigma sub-methodologies: DMAIC and DMADV. The Six Sigma DMAIC process (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) is an improvement system for existing processes falling below specification and looking for incremental improvement. The Six Sigma DMADV process (define, measure, analyze, design, verify) is an improvement system used to develop new processes or products at Six Sigma quality levels. It can also be employed if a current process requires more than just incremental improvement. Both Six Sigma processes are executed by Six Sigma Green Belts and Six Sigma Black Belts, and are overseen by Six Sigma Master Black Belts.
According to the Six Sigma Academy, Black Belts save companies approximately $230,000 per project and can complete four to 6 projects per year. General Electric, one of the most successful companies implementing Six Sigma, has estimated benefits on the order of $10 billion during the first five years of implementation. GE first began Six Sigma in 1995 after Motorola and Allied Signal blazed the Six Sigma trail. Since then, thousands of companies around the world have discovered the far reaching benefits of Six Sigma.
I also find other sites such as forum, online training and the ever famous 6 sigma pioneer.
After reading and searching for 6 Sigma information, I regret not knowing in depth about this method, at the very least the overview about 6 Sigma. In my previous work place, my colleagues will talk about 6 Sigma and I just listened, not bothering to ask and research for myself. After knowing some details about 6 Sigma, I came to understand its importance in our work place.
With this, I know my current company in needs of 6 Sigma in its daily work from top to bottomliners. Even with the implementation of Balanced Scorecard and 360 degree, it won't achieve anything without a successful implementation of 6 Sigma in the company.
Tomorrow is a public holiday or the 50th Independent Day of my country. I look forward to spend my time continue my personal work and reading. I bought a numbers of interesting books but I don't have the time to read it. Excuses...I know.
Quote from isixsigma.com
Six Sigma at many organizations simply means a measure of quality that strives for near perfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects (driving towards six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit) in any process -- from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service.
The statistical representation of Six Sigma describes quantitatively how a process is performing. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. A Six Sigma defect is defined as anything outside of customer specifications. A Six Sigma opportunity is then the total quantity of chances for a defect. Process sigma can easily be calculated using a Six Sigma calculator.
The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects. This is accomplished through the use of two Six Sigma sub-methodologies: DMAIC and DMADV. The Six Sigma DMAIC process (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) is an improvement system for existing processes falling below specification and looking for incremental improvement. The Six Sigma DMADV process (define, measure, analyze, design, verify) is an improvement system used to develop new processes or products at Six Sigma quality levels. It can also be employed if a current process requires more than just incremental improvement. Both Six Sigma processes are executed by Six Sigma Green Belts and Six Sigma Black Belts, and are overseen by Six Sigma Master Black Belts.
According to the Six Sigma Academy, Black Belts save companies approximately $230,000 per project and can complete four to 6 projects per year. General Electric, one of the most successful companies implementing Six Sigma, has estimated benefits on the order of $10 billion during the first five years of implementation. GE first began Six Sigma in 1995 after Motorola and Allied Signal blazed the Six Sigma trail. Since then, thousands of companies around the world have discovered the far reaching benefits of Six Sigma.
I also find other sites such as forum, online training and the ever famous 6 sigma pioneer.
After reading and searching for 6 Sigma information, I regret not knowing in depth about this method, at the very least the overview about 6 Sigma. In my previous work place, my colleagues will talk about 6 Sigma and I just listened, not bothering to ask and research for myself. After knowing some details about 6 Sigma, I came to understand its importance in our work place.
With this, I know my current company in needs of 6 Sigma in its daily work from top to bottomliners. Even with the implementation of Balanced Scorecard and 360 degree, it won't achieve anything without a successful implementation of 6 Sigma in the company.
Tomorrow is a public holiday or the 50th Independent Day of my country. I look forward to spend my time continue my personal work and reading. I bought a numbers of interesting books but I don't have the time to read it. Excuses...I know.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Shopping spree
Last week my CD was on leave and it was at the wrong timing. I don't blame him coz he was going to be a daddy. It was because of the last minute changes from my management on a project. My team has already completed 90% of the project when my boss told me that the budget was based on my earlier recommendation of the pages.
When I made that recommendation, it was based on the exact concept of another book. However, along the way, marketing and management decided to change it to B2C book. Therefore my prediction and recommendation can't be use anymore.
When my CD, who is also my right hand man was on leave for a week, I have to took over his work because there was no one else who can stand in when he's away. Having to do his and my work at the same time really stress me. I'm overdue for my back massage. i have accumulate a lot of stress 'buds' in me that I need a traditional massager to 'get' it out. Hopefully I can do it this week.
Besides that, I went to a shopping spree last weekend. There was a sales at Bruan Buffel store and i just went there and start shopping. I normally don't buy expensive stuff and that day the feeling was good. Being the end of the month with no cash, I just swipe my card. I know I'm going to suffer paying for it later and the hand bag and long wallet was nice and simple. I'm not into those big logo type of design. Simple is nice.
Oh, my CD is the proud daddy of a 3.2kg baby boy who looks like him and apparently active like him at night. Congratulations!!
When I made that recommendation, it was based on the exact concept of another book. However, along the way, marketing and management decided to change it to B2C book. Therefore my prediction and recommendation can't be use anymore.
When my CD, who is also my right hand man was on leave for a week, I have to took over his work because there was no one else who can stand in when he's away. Having to do his and my work at the same time really stress me. I'm overdue for my back massage. i have accumulate a lot of stress 'buds' in me that I need a traditional massager to 'get' it out. Hopefully I can do it this week.
Besides that, I went to a shopping spree last weekend. There was a sales at Bruan Buffel store and i just went there and start shopping. I normally don't buy expensive stuff and that day the feeling was good. Being the end of the month with no cash, I just swipe my card. I know I'm going to suffer paying for it later and the hand bag and long wallet was nice and simple. I'm not into those big logo type of design. Simple is nice.
Oh, my CD is the proud daddy of a 3.2kg baby boy who looks like him and apparently active like him at night. Congratulations!!
Tasty Weekend
For the past few weekends it has been productive. Thanks to my sis who has been driving me around surveying for furniture and household items, not forgetting the renovation. I guess having a sis working in the property industry has its plus points. She has the contacts for very reasonable price for renovations, know the owners of household items to further discuss the best price for items such as curtains, decorative, bedroom set etc.
I get to see few interior design aspirations and ideas and this will help me to set up my own home later. After working for so many years, I finally decided to have my own place. Of course budget is super tight because living in a city doesn't allow me to save much. In the early years, I only manage to scrap by every month without anything left for rainy days. Saving $200 is like a big achievement when living in the city. No wonder it took so many years to commit to a home. I prefer the term home because a house has no soul. Home is where the heart and love stay.
Sis has a lot of ID reference magazine that her company subscribe monthly. That save me money and time standing at the shop browsing through the magazine. I can take my time reading the magazines from her home and sink the ID ideas into my head. Now I understand why some people suddenly proclaim themselves ID savvy and announced their 'consulting service' to friends and others. I believe it derive from 'looking' at many ID related magazines. Maybe there are few creative ones but ID consultant needs to have proper background and understanding of structure, colours, space etc. Not forgetting contact of many suppliers. Besides that, your home is your best portfolio. Therefore, if the ID in your home is only average, don't offer your service as it will be a laughing joke for others.
I'm not a good ID person even though I am in the creative industry. I know my field well but not my sis's field. We are learning from each others to improve ourselves. Maybe I'm being humble unlike some who will boost about their capabilities and talents. Living in the city I learned many have to resort the 'hard selling' themselves with the minimum capabilities and skills they have. Many manage to move up the corporate ladder with hard selling but many didn't last long. I know quite a few people in this category. I normally 'agreed' to their so-call superb capabilities as long as they are happy. You might think that I'm not helping them by telling the truth. Well, they can't take the truth.
Back to my weekends, besides going around surveying for renovation and interior design items, sis also bring me to various place that serve good Chinese food. These shops are not located in the posh commercial complex or area. The food was excellent and very cheap. There was one restaurant in Serdang that serve a kind of fish and other dishes that I love so much. In the restaurant, they don't have waiter waiting to serve you. Instead, I see a lot family reunion and gathering in front of a good tasty food. Husband and wife, son and daughter, grand pa and grand ma all sitting together enjoying their dinner.
This week is our 50th independent day. I hope I can finish my work on time so I can rest during this celebration on Friday.
I get to see few interior design aspirations and ideas and this will help me to set up my own home later. After working for so many years, I finally decided to have my own place. Of course budget is super tight because living in a city doesn't allow me to save much. In the early years, I only manage to scrap by every month without anything left for rainy days. Saving $200 is like a big achievement when living in the city. No wonder it took so many years to commit to a home. I prefer the term home because a house has no soul. Home is where the heart and love stay.
Sis has a lot of ID reference magazine that her company subscribe monthly. That save me money and time standing at the shop browsing through the magazine. I can take my time reading the magazines from her home and sink the ID ideas into my head. Now I understand why some people suddenly proclaim themselves ID savvy and announced their 'consulting service' to friends and others. I believe it derive from 'looking' at many ID related magazines. Maybe there are few creative ones but ID consultant needs to have proper background and understanding of structure, colours, space etc. Not forgetting contact of many suppliers. Besides that, your home is your best portfolio. Therefore, if the ID in your home is only average, don't offer your service as it will be a laughing joke for others.
I'm not a good ID person even though I am in the creative industry. I know my field well but not my sis's field. We are learning from each others to improve ourselves. Maybe I'm being humble unlike some who will boost about their capabilities and talents. Living in the city I learned many have to resort the 'hard selling' themselves with the minimum capabilities and skills they have. Many manage to move up the corporate ladder with hard selling but many didn't last long. I know quite a few people in this category. I normally 'agreed' to their so-call superb capabilities as long as they are happy. You might think that I'm not helping them by telling the truth. Well, they can't take the truth.
Back to my weekends, besides going around surveying for renovation and interior design items, sis also bring me to various place that serve good Chinese food. These shops are not located in the posh commercial complex or area. The food was excellent and very cheap. There was one restaurant in Serdang that serve a kind of fish and other dishes that I love so much. In the restaurant, they don't have waiter waiting to serve you. Instead, I see a lot family reunion and gathering in front of a good tasty food. Husband and wife, son and daughter, grand pa and grand ma all sitting together enjoying their dinner.
This week is our 50th independent day. I hope I can finish my work on time so I can rest during this celebration on Friday.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sheer Sadness
It's cloudy today outside the office. From the window view, it looks like rain is visiting me again. Rain has been visiting me for the past 3 days. Pouring its tears, softly. Its just cried quietly in the corner. No gushing sound acompany by the strong mood swing from the wind. Its just left everyone alone and remains solitude.
Seems like rain is preparing me for today. Today I was looking forward to call and talk to someone close to me. I have been so busy lately that I forgot to call sometimes. The short call turn into sadness. The happiness was shortlived. I was told to stop calling and sms until further notice...
What am I to say? No? Not possible. I promise myself long time ago not to cry over spoilt milk. This is one of those events that I have to face it and be tough and strong. I guess I will focus my heart and energy to the preparation for my new place. There are a lot to check out and decide. Then the budgeting. The lightings, furniture, renovation and the list goes on. Hopefully, this will keeps my heart from feeling sorry for myself. Hopefully, this will keeps me from self-destruct myself.
Happy Ending by Mika was singing to me from my laptop. Somehow the words suddenly was meant for me. A temporary comforting pal.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Reading Culture
Yesterday there was an article on the local newspaper regarding the reading habit in the country. Our DPM mentioned that even though the number of libraries in the country increase, it wouldn't be able to cultivate a better reading habit among the nation if Malaysian don't read enough. Teachers, who are product of Malay medium are unable to teach in English literature. Government has to wait for the next generation of teachers who could speak fluent English and teach in English. The new breed are the students in primary or Secondary schools now.
I agreed with our DPM's view. Malaysian don't read enough. We do read more now compare to a few years ago but we are still very far behind compare to countries like Australia and China. I've heard comment from my friends from both countries that Malaysian is lazy to read. They only see Malaysian read or flip though lifesyle magazines. They also comment that maybe the reason why books are so expensive here is because there is no market for it. In china, people, will bring trolley to put books and read in a corner before they purchase the books. In Australia, there are always books on sales and everyone, young or old, will go to bookstore to purchase a book at least once a month. I noticed that even the lower working class would buy books for themselves or their children. Being a Malaysian, I am ashame of their view towards my fellow countryman. However, I have to admit that the senario is true.
When I was in Australia, I would read 2 books a week because good books are always on sales. In fact, after the currency conversion, I find that books are still cheaper compare to here. Every time I visited any book store, there are always a lot of people in the shop. People will be standing, carrying a few books or browsing a book. Most book stores has a cafe near by or in-store. Customers will sit there and read their newly purchased books or browse the books while sipping their latte. Most of the time, they will purchase the books they read. Books they read ranging from fiction to non-fiction. In fact, I started reading non-fiction books while I was in Australia. Now I read both fiction and non-fiction books.
Why do Malaysian don't read? I believe it's the culture and background. I've witness so many of my colleagues and friends who gave me the same similar excuses. Some said books is expensive. Book is a waste of money because after you read, you throw it. Some said no time to read, but they have a lot of time to shop. Some would said when they read, they fell asleep because it's boring. Some find it very difficult to have to finish a thick book. Almost all the time, their parents don't read. So the culture of not reading passes down to my fiends and colleagues and their children. I strongly believe it is the parents' fault that young people are not reading or don't have the reading habit. They feel that reading school books are enough for them to pass the examination. Working adults feel that what they learnt in college or university is enough for them to work through out their life. There is no need for a continonous learning and gaining knowledge.
Every time I try to encourage my friends and colleagues to read, there are tones of excuses why they can't read. In order to cultivate the reading habit in Malaysia, parents play an important role. Even though they dislike reading, they should buy books for their children every month. Even though books are expensive but think of what the children will gain in the long term. If they don't want to spend money buying books, they should bring their children to the libraries every weekend. If parents don't encourage their children to read at young age, it is very difficult to ask our future generation to read when they are in their teens or working adults.
My dad reads a lot but we were poor when I was very young. So my mom never bought me any story books as we can't afford it. It was my 3rd grade teacher who brought me to a library and pay for my membership card. She instructed me to read 2 books every week and I can only read English books. Since that day, I would walk to the library every weekend to borrow 2 story books. Ever since I started reading English story books, I excel in my English. I started to read all kind of books till today. I would like to salute my 3rd grade English teacher, Ms Lim for cultivate the reading habit in me. Thank you.
I agreed with our DPM's view. Malaysian don't read enough. We do read more now compare to a few years ago but we are still very far behind compare to countries like Australia and China. I've heard comment from my friends from both countries that Malaysian is lazy to read. They only see Malaysian read or flip though lifesyle magazines. They also comment that maybe the reason why books are so expensive here is because there is no market for it. In china, people, will bring trolley to put books and read in a corner before they purchase the books. In Australia, there are always books on sales and everyone, young or old, will go to bookstore to purchase a book at least once a month. I noticed that even the lower working class would buy books for themselves or their children. Being a Malaysian, I am ashame of their view towards my fellow countryman. However, I have to admit that the senario is true.
When I was in Australia, I would read 2 books a week because good books are always on sales. In fact, after the currency conversion, I find that books are still cheaper compare to here. Every time I visited any book store, there are always a lot of people in the shop. People will be standing, carrying a few books or browsing a book. Most book stores has a cafe near by or in-store. Customers will sit there and read their newly purchased books or browse the books while sipping their latte. Most of the time, they will purchase the books they read. Books they read ranging from fiction to non-fiction. In fact, I started reading non-fiction books while I was in Australia. Now I read both fiction and non-fiction books.
Why do Malaysian don't read? I believe it's the culture and background. I've witness so many of my colleagues and friends who gave me the same similar excuses. Some said books is expensive. Book is a waste of money because after you read, you throw it. Some said no time to read, but they have a lot of time to shop. Some would said when they read, they fell asleep because it's boring. Some find it very difficult to have to finish a thick book. Almost all the time, their parents don't read. So the culture of not reading passes down to my fiends and colleagues and their children. I strongly believe it is the parents' fault that young people are not reading or don't have the reading habit. They feel that reading school books are enough for them to pass the examination. Working adults feel that what they learnt in college or university is enough for them to work through out their life. There is no need for a continonous learning and gaining knowledge.
Every time I try to encourage my friends and colleagues to read, there are tones of excuses why they can't read. In order to cultivate the reading habit in Malaysia, parents play an important role. Even though they dislike reading, they should buy books for their children every month. Even though books are expensive but think of what the children will gain in the long term. If they don't want to spend money buying books, they should bring their children to the libraries every weekend. If parents don't encourage their children to read at young age, it is very difficult to ask our future generation to read when they are in their teens or working adults.
My dad reads a lot but we were poor when I was very young. So my mom never bought me any story books as we can't afford it. It was my 3rd grade teacher who brought me to a library and pay for my membership card. She instructed me to read 2 books every week and I can only read English books. Since that day, I would walk to the library every weekend to borrow 2 story books. Ever since I started reading English story books, I excel in my English. I started to read all kind of books till today. I would like to salute my 3rd grade English teacher, Ms Lim for cultivate the reading habit in me. Thank you.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
The After Storm
After 2 weeks of clashing and argument with Sham, this week things are cooling down. It was a fair bit too. I believe it maybe due to additional creative people in the office this week. We are pitching for a creative campaign to a bank. Being short-handed, I hire 2 freelancers - one designer and one copywriter. The freelancers are from my previous company. These two freelancers give motivation and revive drive to Sham. As he needs energy, critical mind that challenges his, someone whom he can relate, throw out his frustration and ideas, same wave-lane and share the same jokes. People who can make him click.
I must say it has been a good week so far. I am beginning to understand what he need. He needs creative juice to get him running and go through the day here in the company. Critical thinking to pump his heart beat and heats up his creative mind. He seems to have more passion and creative ideas with the freelancers around. This prompt me something. Do I want to headhunt more stuff from mt previous company? Do I want to give the freelance designer another chance? Can I tolerate with his attendance problem and BS? Can I accept his all talk and no result? I have to think carefully. I don't want to end up questioning Sham about his friend. I don't want to end up with another frustration and dissapointment.
I know Sham is not going to be long here. This is a fact. I know he is helping me to set up the creative department and making arrangement to smoothen the operations. Once things are running on it own, he will bid goodbye and ove on to agency life. A decision that I am slowing accepting with a extremely heavy heart. As I mentioned in my previous entries that I have problem working with people, and it is very hard for me to find someone whom I can work with and as a team. So far, I only found 6 after my 9 years in the work force.
The first one is my Sales Manager when I work in a hotel. The next three was during my previous company. A Human Resource Manager, Marketing Manager and a software developer. Next is my bf. The Sales Manager is now a full time mom living in US. The Human Resource Manager is in the consumer industry. My Marketing Manager is now a full time mom helping her hubby in the creative agency. My developer friend is now the Head of Operations with a country's top communications company. My bf is with the finance industry. I found out that I can work well with Sham during my previous company. We argue a lot and sometime have different ideas but I work well with him and able to tolerate with him. I pull him over because I strongly believe that if we work as a team, we both can achieve very far in this company and build a strong resume.
However, all this dream is going to just dream. As he has lost his motivation and his view of life has changed, I have no choice but re-think and re-plan my next steps. I still don't know what I want to do after this but with GOD on my side, I hope to find and solution.
I must say it has been a good week so far. I am beginning to understand what he need. He needs creative juice to get him running and go through the day here in the company. Critical thinking to pump his heart beat and heats up his creative mind. He seems to have more passion and creative ideas with the freelancers around. This prompt me something. Do I want to headhunt more stuff from mt previous company? Do I want to give the freelance designer another chance? Can I tolerate with his attendance problem and BS? Can I accept his all talk and no result? I have to think carefully. I don't want to end up questioning Sham about his friend. I don't want to end up with another frustration and dissapointment.
I know Sham is not going to be long here. This is a fact. I know he is helping me to set up the creative department and making arrangement to smoothen the operations. Once things are running on it own, he will bid goodbye and ove on to agency life. A decision that I am slowing accepting with a extremely heavy heart. As I mentioned in my previous entries that I have problem working with people, and it is very hard for me to find someone whom I can work with and as a team. So far, I only found 6 after my 9 years in the work force.
The first one is my Sales Manager when I work in a hotel. The next three was during my previous company. A Human Resource Manager, Marketing Manager and a software developer. Next is my bf. The Sales Manager is now a full time mom living in US. The Human Resource Manager is in the consumer industry. My Marketing Manager is now a full time mom helping her hubby in the creative agency. My developer friend is now the Head of Operations with a country's top communications company. My bf is with the finance industry. I found out that I can work well with Sham during my previous company. We argue a lot and sometime have different ideas but I work well with him and able to tolerate with him. I pull him over because I strongly believe that if we work as a team, we both can achieve very far in this company and build a strong resume.
However, all this dream is going to just dream. As he has lost his motivation and his view of life has changed, I have no choice but re-think and re-plan my next steps. I still don't know what I want to do after this but with GOD on my side, I hope to find and solution.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Learn to Change
After a dreadful morning, I finally said to Sham that I'm giving myself one month to think a few issues. At this point of time, I believe I need to re-think what I really want in life. I have to re-learn and sharpen up my design skills because I know at the moment, I've lost it and even Sham has no confidence in me. I do know that I want to work on my own, be my own boss and be a freelance designer and project manager for companies campaign. What I don't know is how to achieve it.
My boss want me to be an outstanding creative director. Maybe that's what I really want to achieve but I never realised it until he mentioned it. I want to have freedom of time and space. I want to work alone and be alone. Somehow, I don't understand why I think this way. Even with Teddy, I feel that I need some time to be alone whenever I am feeling down or over-stress from work. Working here has caused me to become like the people inside this company. I started to complaint about people in the company. I started to whin on petty stuff. Maybe my ex-staff was right, working in this company has made me become like them.
My boss want me to be an outstanding creative director. Maybe that's what I really want to achieve but I never realised it until he mentioned it. I want to have freedom of time and space. I want to work alone and be alone. Somehow, I don't understand why I think this way. Even with Teddy, I feel that I need some time to be alone whenever I am feeling down or over-stress from work. Working here has caused me to become like the people inside this company. I started to complaint about people in the company. I started to whin on petty stuff. Maybe my ex-staff was right, working in this company has made me become like them.
Bow Out
Since the last few days, I am feeling really down and depress. Emotionally unstable. At last I finally sms Tinah and Alex and informed them bit and pieces of what's happening to me and seek for their advice. I feel sorry to Alex because she was the one who introduce me to my current company. I feel that I let her down because she took the time and effort to recommend me to my current boss, I didn't perform up to everyone's standard. I feel that I've let everyone who believe in me down terribly. In her message, she mentioned that, "A true winner is to know when to bow out from a team of loser". I really wanted to bow out but at the same time, I never like to be defected. I know there are so much I could learn from here and take it with me when I leave here one day, but to leave now mean I gain nothing and learn nothing. It shows to the people in this company that they won and I lost.
Moreover, Sham has lost his interest here and all the motivation he had. This has definitely put a stumbling block on our friendship. Well, maybe not friendship but work mate. He has put it clear that he doesn't see me as a friend. I think that hurt me the most. I'm a very private person and never share my personal life. I somehow felt betrayed by his statement and his view. Somehow I forgot that each time I open up to people, I ended up the one getting hurt and outcast. I ended up the one that lose a friend or finding out I didn't have a friend in the first place.
Frankly speaking, I don't know what to do anymore. My system are all shutting down. My energy, drive, emotion, motivation, spirit, excitement are all shut down. I lost the ability to think, to continue working, to explore new frontiers. Now, I have to think where can I go from here. Where can I go and do after I resigned from here.
I think my previous boss is right. I DO have problem working with other company. Sham is right too, I DO have problem working with people. Maybe that is why my dream is to work from home by myself.
Moreover, Sham has lost his interest here and all the motivation he had. This has definitely put a stumbling block on our friendship. Well, maybe not friendship but work mate. He has put it clear that he doesn't see me as a friend. I think that hurt me the most. I'm a very private person and never share my personal life. I somehow felt betrayed by his statement and his view. Somehow I forgot that each time I open up to people, I ended up the one getting hurt and outcast. I ended up the one that lose a friend or finding out I didn't have a friend in the first place.
Frankly speaking, I don't know what to do anymore. My system are all shutting down. My energy, drive, emotion, motivation, spirit, excitement are all shut down. I lost the ability to think, to continue working, to explore new frontiers. Now, I have to think where can I go from here. Where can I go and do after I resigned from here.
I think my previous boss is right. I DO have problem working with other company. Sham is right too, I DO have problem working with people. Maybe that is why my dream is to work from home by myself.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Management Retreat and Reality
It was 9.00am, Friday and I received a call from my boss. During the brief conversation he remind me to be well prepared for this Sunday. I was asked to go for a 2-day management retreat in a highland resort near KL. When he mentioned if I would like Sham to joined, I was reluctant to update him about our fight on Wednesday night. I was in luck as he let me decide if Sham should be going. However, he did hint that Sham should go. Looking at Sham's current situation, I don't think he will ever want to go. I don't think he sees it as an added value to his career advancement and learning processes.
I had a hard time trying to focus on my preparation and homework given by my boss to be present during the meeting at 10am, Sunday. I was feeling really down and I wish I could call teddy to chit chat and get me off my worries. I was down with fever by Saturday so I stayed in bed the whole day. In the afternoon, I drag myself out of bed to go to a bookstore to get a few leadership books. I realised that I need a lot of improvement on leadership and management. As my boss said, nothing is stopping me from learning. I bought 4 books. It was quite a bargain for one book because I get 2 books for the price of one. When I reached home, I started reading some of the points.
It was not until early Sunday that I started to prepare my presentation and finished my assignment. By 7.45am, I was in a taxi on the way to office, the meeting point for my boss to pick me. He was there 10 mins early. Luckily, it was early morning Sunday so no traffic on the road. After that, we have to pick up my CFO. by the time we reached the resort, it was on time to start the meeting. It was a brainstorming session. There were a lot of points put forward by each department and their obsticles. I learnt to understand them. I tried my best to gel into the group and talk to everybody. Even though I might not have the same perceptive or view point with everyone, I tried to learn and work as a team. I noticed that one of the head wasn't mixing well with the rest and a pair still prefer to be together. I don't blame them, you tend to stick to the one you're in tune with.
Unfortunately for me, my partner-in-crime has given up on me and the company and opportunity that might happen. I reached office straight from the resort and I was thrown back to reality. Again he mentioned to my face that his line and career objective is not here. Immediately all that motivate me puff out of the window. All the new business development I am dependent on him. As he clearly spelled out to me that I am too dependent on him. I guess I really am. In order for me to achieve my KPI, I needed him. Now that I lost his support, I know I will fail.
Today I decided to give up. My plan for my career advancement and portfolio in this company I have to let go. Now, I have to put my emotion together and give myself some time to think things over. I am giving myself one month to think on a few issues and decide where I should go from here.
I had a hard time trying to focus on my preparation and homework given by my boss to be present during the meeting at 10am, Sunday. I was feeling really down and I wish I could call teddy to chit chat and get me off my worries. I was down with fever by Saturday so I stayed in bed the whole day. In the afternoon, I drag myself out of bed to go to a bookstore to get a few leadership books. I realised that I need a lot of improvement on leadership and management. As my boss said, nothing is stopping me from learning. I bought 4 books. It was quite a bargain for one book because I get 2 books for the price of one. When I reached home, I started reading some of the points.
It was not until early Sunday that I started to prepare my presentation and finished my assignment. By 7.45am, I was in a taxi on the way to office, the meeting point for my boss to pick me. He was there 10 mins early. Luckily, it was early morning Sunday so no traffic on the road. After that, we have to pick up my CFO. by the time we reached the resort, it was on time to start the meeting. It was a brainstorming session. There were a lot of points put forward by each department and their obsticles. I learnt to understand them. I tried my best to gel into the group and talk to everybody. Even though I might not have the same perceptive or view point with everyone, I tried to learn and work as a team. I noticed that one of the head wasn't mixing well with the rest and a pair still prefer to be together. I don't blame them, you tend to stick to the one you're in tune with.
Unfortunately for me, my partner-in-crime has given up on me and the company and opportunity that might happen. I reached office straight from the resort and I was thrown back to reality. Again he mentioned to my face that his line and career objective is not here. Immediately all that motivate me puff out of the window. All the new business development I am dependent on him. As he clearly spelled out to me that I am too dependent on him. I guess I really am. In order for me to achieve my KPI, I needed him. Now that I lost his support, I know I will fail.
Today I decided to give up. My plan for my career advancement and portfolio in this company I have to let go. Now, I have to put my emotion together and give myself some time to think things over. I am giving myself one month to think on a few issues and decide where I should go from here.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Independent
For the past couple of months I was increasingly dependent on Sham when it comes to daily operations of my department. While I am trying my very best to restructure my department, I depend on Sham where creative work and design project are concern. I keep telling myself, it's ok, Sham will be able to help me. He will be ther for me. My dependence on him has become too much and it leads to dissapointment and overbearing.
It lead to dissapointment on my side because each time during critical moment, he was not there when I needed someone to resolve design issues. No doubt the deadlines are ridiculous and crazy but he wasn't there when I needed him the most. He feel overbearing and suffocate that I was too dependent on him that he feel trap, anger, lost of freedom and flexibility. Lost of family time.
My mistake. My mistake because I let myself depend on him. My mistake because I believe I can depend on him when he mentioned and advice me that I should open up my problems and share it with him. My mistake that I fell into the trap thinking that I have someone I can share my problems in my most challenging company to date. My mistake thinking that he will help me and stand by me all the time to go though a horrible day. My mistake thinking that he is the same type of person as my previous colleague in netlinx. My mistake thinking that I can fully depend on him to get things done 110% as my previous colleague in netlinx. My mistake that I asked too much of him when he can't give. My mistake for pushing him too far when he's not ready. My mistake for trusting him to make my objective in the operations department realised. My mistake in trusting him that I can turn a directory design oriented into a full blown advertising agency. My mistake for opening up myself to him. My mistake I let my guard down and ended up getting hurt.
All of those are my mistakes. Everytime I try to help someone, I end up complicated things and lose the friendship and team work. Helping, generous and kind only leads to tears. i learnt that since I was a child. Yet, I still make the same mistakes years after that.
You must depend on youself. You must not trust anyone no matter how sweet or how truthful it sound. No one can help you but yourself. Better be alone than open up your heart to be crashed. I must keep remember all that for I am alone.
It lead to dissapointment on my side because each time during critical moment, he was not there when I needed someone to resolve design issues. No doubt the deadlines are ridiculous and crazy but he wasn't there when I needed him the most. He feel overbearing and suffocate that I was too dependent on him that he feel trap, anger, lost of freedom and flexibility. Lost of family time.
My mistake. My mistake because I let myself depend on him. My mistake because I believe I can depend on him when he mentioned and advice me that I should open up my problems and share it with him. My mistake that I fell into the trap thinking that I have someone I can share my problems in my most challenging company to date. My mistake thinking that he will help me and stand by me all the time to go though a horrible day. My mistake thinking that he is the same type of person as my previous colleague in netlinx. My mistake thinking that I can fully depend on him to get things done 110% as my previous colleague in netlinx. My mistake that I asked too much of him when he can't give. My mistake for pushing him too far when he's not ready. My mistake for trusting him to make my objective in the operations department realised. My mistake in trusting him that I can turn a directory design oriented into a full blown advertising agency. My mistake for opening up myself to him. My mistake I let my guard down and ended up getting hurt.
All of those are my mistakes. Everytime I try to help someone, I end up complicated things and lose the friendship and team work. Helping, generous and kind only leads to tears. i learnt that since I was a child. Yet, I still make the same mistakes years after that.
You must depend on youself. You must not trust anyone no matter how sweet or how truthful it sound. No one can help you but yourself. Better be alone than open up your heart to be crashed. I must keep remember all that for I am alone.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Trust
Trust. A word I have heard ever since I was a child. However, yesterday, the word rang true and deep inside. Never have I put so much weigh in this word but yesterday was the day.
Trust appeared twice. First time, I was betray by trust. Someone I put my full trust and hope had betrayed me. I don't think he realised it but being the person who has extremely hugh problem with trust, it felt like a Hiroshima boom hitting me. In the place I'm working now, I need someone I can rely on and trust. You see, I have a weakness. When faced with hugh challenges and obsticles, I'm not as strong as I may seem. I will worry that I can't achieve what others want of me. I worry that I might fail and fail miserably. I worry that I can't live up to others standard and expectation. Therefore, I have to find a rock that I could 'lean on' and feel protected invisibly. A rock that I could hide my fear and anxiety. A rock that I can share my thoughts and seeking for advices. A rock that will support me even though no one less would believe in me. A rock that will pin-point my mistakes and encourage me. A rock that will comfort me when I'm being bullied. A rock whom I can call a friend. That's my rock.
However, I was still as gullible and naive as ever that I put too much hope and trust on my rock. In the end, I am the one who get burnt. History repeated and I just never learnt my mistake. I keep repeating my mistake. I let my guard down. I trust someone and I forget that others don't share the same value as I do. Yesterday, trust was broken and I have to swallow my stupidity.
Next time I hear trust was during a meeting. Trust was being mentioned as THE most improtant ingredient for the success of the tycoon. When asked how he can become so rich? He reply, "Trust". Without trust, all business will fail.
Trust appeared twice. First time, I was betray by trust. Someone I put my full trust and hope had betrayed me. I don't think he realised it but being the person who has extremely hugh problem with trust, it felt like a Hiroshima boom hitting me. In the place I'm working now, I need someone I can rely on and trust. You see, I have a weakness. When faced with hugh challenges and obsticles, I'm not as strong as I may seem. I will worry that I can't achieve what others want of me. I worry that I might fail and fail miserably. I worry that I can't live up to others standard and expectation. Therefore, I have to find a rock that I could 'lean on' and feel protected invisibly. A rock that I could hide my fear and anxiety. A rock that I can share my thoughts and seeking for advices. A rock that will support me even though no one less would believe in me. A rock that will pin-point my mistakes and encourage me. A rock that will comfort me when I'm being bullied. A rock whom I can call a friend. That's my rock.
However, I was still as gullible and naive as ever that I put too much hope and trust on my rock. In the end, I am the one who get burnt. History repeated and I just never learnt my mistake. I keep repeating my mistake. I let my guard down. I trust someone and I forget that others don't share the same value as I do. Yesterday, trust was broken and I have to swallow my stupidity.
Next time I hear trust was during a meeting. Trust was being mentioned as THE most improtant ingredient for the success of the tycoon. When asked how he can become so rich? He reply, "Trust". Without trust, all business will fail.
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