Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!
More photos from the K800 from my office window...
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Sony Ericsson K800!
The Sony Ericsson K800 has been with me for almost a month - this is indeed a camera lover's phone. The Cybershot 3MP camera is outstanding!!!
Below are some shots without a flash taken with the phone... the quality is outstanding. I am now trigger happy on the run... it has also a short cut to send to blogger, but it is uploaded to a common site and have to login to edit or something....
Pic 1 - KLCC from the park
Pic 2 - My office at night
Pic 3 - KL Convention Center
Friday, December 15, 2006
What is this?
Believe it or not, we got this as a question in our very ambitious attempt to participate in the Mensa Treasure hunt last sunday.
This was one of the "treasure" question.
So, guess what this is?
Sunday, December 10, 2006
End of Year Blues
Its almost the end of 2006. The hiatus from blogging this time is due to blogger's block. It has been almost 3 weeks since my last blog.
I feel an empty feeling to blog, and every night I wanted to take a night off to write when I sit down on my notebook, I find I am laden with work related issues which never end. The feeling of "a lot more to do" has never been so obvious, and it is reflecting in the outcomes of my actions. I was taken down with my once a year sickness last Tuesday, when I was really tired from fighting the bug and took a day off, only to be laden with more concalls at home.
The end of this year has been very difficult for me, to focus, achieve both personal and work goals.
I feel an empty feeling to blog, and every night I wanted to take a night off to write when I sit down on my notebook, I find I am laden with work related issues which never end. The feeling of "a lot more to do" has never been so obvious, and it is reflecting in the outcomes of my actions. I was taken down with my once a year sickness last Tuesday, when I was really tired from fighting the bug and took a day off, only to be laden with more concalls at home.
The end of this year has been very difficult for me, to focus, achieve both personal and work goals.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Tech Savvy Females
I recently invested in a new cell phone after my old cell phone kept hanging on me. The Sony Ericsson K800i to be precise. In the process of choosing, I was asked by the various salesmen at the phone shops what I needed, and it came down to - latest gadget, 3G, good camera. So I traded the useability of the Nokia for the stability of the Sony Ericsson. So far, a week has passed and I am pretty ok with the phone still.
Today, I stumbled upon this in yahoo's front page - tech toys which women would like for this holiday's shopping gifts... http://tech.yahoo.com/hw/gift-ideas-for-girls-gone-wired/198120
The list is terrible! It seems to imply that anything in red and simple technology is good enough for girls!!! How discriminating!!!
So, remember to please not assume if you are buying gifts for holidays, the modern woman is more savvy than you think!
Today, I stumbled upon this in yahoo's front page - tech toys which women would like for this holiday's shopping gifts... http://tech.yahoo.com/hw/gift-ideas-for-girls-gone-wired/198120
The list is terrible! It seems to imply that anything in red and simple technology is good enough for girls!!! How discriminating!!!
So, remember to please not assume if you are buying gifts for holidays, the modern woman is more savvy than you think!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Lance Armstrong sub-3 marathon debut
Lance Armstrong, marathon debut of sub-3. So motivating!!!! Can you imagine the last 1 km how he must've pushed to finish sub-3 with 24 seconds to spare? And imagine the pace - I am once again motivated to push for my debut next year.
See attached reproduced from Yahoo.
By ROB GLOSTER, AP Sports Writer Sun Nov 5, 9:29 PM ET
NEW YORK - About an hour after the men's and women's champions had crossed the finish line, the crowd really started to buzz at the New York City Marathon.
Lance Armstrong was coming.
The seven-time Tour de France champion made an impressive marathon debut Sunday, accomplishing his goal of finishing in less than 3 hours and thrilling fans who seemed much more enthused at seeing Armstrong than watching a Brazilian man and a Latvian woman win titles earlier on a crisp autumn afternoon.
Armstrong's time was 2 hours, 59 minutes and 36 seconds. His shirt soaked in sweat, he virtually walked the last couple of steps to the finish line. He shuffled into a post-race news conference, his right shin heavily taped.
"I think I bit off more than I could chew, I thought the marathon would be easier," he said. "(My shins) started to hurt in the second half, especially the right one. I could barely walk up here, because the calves are completely knotted up."
He called the race "the hardest physical thing I have ever done" — even more grueling than his worst days on the Tour.
"I never felt a point where I hit the wall, it was really a gradual progression of fatigue and soreness."
The 35-year-old Armstrong appeared relaxed for the first half of the race, smiling at fans and talking with the small group of runners that surrounded him for much of the marathon. His muscular legs and chest were in stark contrast to the ultra-thin elite runners far ahead of him.
He was paced for most of the race by former marathon champions Alberto Salazar and
Joan Benoit Samuelson and middle-distance running great Hicham El Guerrouj, and said he got a lot of support from fans packed along the course.
But his body seemed to tighten and showed signs of pain and fatigue in the final few miles. He started to fall off the pace required to break 3 hours before a final push allowed him to meet his personal goal.
"Before the race that was my goal, I wanted to break 3 hours. But if you told me with 3 miles to go, `You're going to do 3:05,' I wouldn't have cared," he said. "Honestly, at the end I was so tired, I couldn't care. Now I'm glad I did."
Will he be back?
"Now's not the time to ask that question. The answer now is no, I'll never be back. But I reserve the right to change my mind," he said. "I don't know how these guys do it."
See attached reproduced from Yahoo.
By ROB GLOSTER, AP Sports Writer Sun Nov 5, 9:29 PM ET
NEW YORK - About an hour after the men's and women's champions had crossed the finish line, the crowd really started to buzz at the New York City Marathon.
Lance Armstrong was coming.
The seven-time Tour de France champion made an impressive marathon debut Sunday, accomplishing his goal of finishing in less than 3 hours and thrilling fans who seemed much more enthused at seeing Armstrong than watching a Brazilian man and a Latvian woman win titles earlier on a crisp autumn afternoon.
Armstrong's time was 2 hours, 59 minutes and 36 seconds. His shirt soaked in sweat, he virtually walked the last couple of steps to the finish line. He shuffled into a post-race news conference, his right shin heavily taped.
"I think I bit off more than I could chew, I thought the marathon would be easier," he said. "(My shins) started to hurt in the second half, especially the right one. I could barely walk up here, because the calves are completely knotted up."
He called the race "the hardest physical thing I have ever done" — even more grueling than his worst days on the Tour.
"I never felt a point where I hit the wall, it was really a gradual progression of fatigue and soreness."
The 35-year-old Armstrong appeared relaxed for the first half of the race, smiling at fans and talking with the small group of runners that surrounded him for much of the marathon. His muscular legs and chest were in stark contrast to the ultra-thin elite runners far ahead of him.
He was paced for most of the race by former marathon champions Alberto Salazar and
Joan Benoit Samuelson and middle-distance running great Hicham El Guerrouj, and said he got a lot of support from fans packed along the course.
But his body seemed to tighten and showed signs of pain and fatigue in the final few miles. He started to fall off the pace required to break 3 hours before a final push allowed him to meet his personal goal.
"Before the race that was my goal, I wanted to break 3 hours. But if you told me with 3 miles to go, `You're going to do 3:05,' I wouldn't have cared," he said. "Honestly, at the end I was so tired, I couldn't care. Now I'm glad I did."
Will he be back?
"Now's not the time to ask that question. The answer now is no, I'll never be back. But I reserve the right to change my mind," he said. "I don't know how these guys do it."
Subang Jaya 10km Run
Photos lifted from KC - most dedicated photographer (taking photos even when he's sick - I know he is when he drives 500m to the stadium :-) and comes just before the start of the race!!)
It was very amusing to read KC's caption to the photo (look closely!)... I wanted to laugh so hard when I saw it as I am a very imaginative person, I could imagine the next photo I am either doing a somersault slipping on the dry twig, the dry twig jumps up and snaps my face, I fall over backwards, it flies backward and hits the oncoming crowd... well so many possible scenarios similar to the animation joke flying around the internet on the head-butt from Zidane in the world-cup finals. Excellent photography and light humor!
I was pretty impressed with the Subang Jaya 10km run. It was well organised, had a proper "atmosphere", got the sponsors and the media all hyped up. The morning started well as I found a reasonable parking nearby by following the BMW in front of me who parked next to me and was participating in the run too. Well, nowadays runners are all rich people...
The stadium also proved to enable the runners a proper ground for warm-ups. Well, my co-runners decided to save energy (as first time runners), so they were looking at me as though I was lunatic when I jogged once around the field, in two separate intervals to keep the warm-up going.
At the flag off everyone was whispering about the handsome MB whose youthful looks had gotten the media attention a few weeks back. We all praised how "leng-chai" he had become! At the shot of the gun, for the first time, I actually chatted with Azlan for about 100m - he was actually asking me a serious question! Then I decided it was his strategy to distract me as we bet on who could finish first (him being disadvantaged from the fasting), so I ran off without fully answering haha...
The water stations or lack of any at all totally distracted me from the 4km+ onwards. Normally I pace for water stations as a motivator, but to discover the motivator was gone really required me to do some internal meditating haha (in my heart, I amused myself with the thought of the girl who started off pacing with me who was clutching a gel pack and how she would encounter the difficulty to swallow like me during KLIM half marathon! well after being shamefully refocussed on people's misery, I managed to refocus on the butt in front of me again).
The finishing was so deceiving, but I have been deceived before (KLIM!). The u-turn was at the end of the road!!! So you would be seeing the MPSJ building, running past it, way past it, going downhill, way way past, then turn back...! What a teaser..
I loved stadium finishes. It is motivating to be running the ring around the track as though you were coming in for a real competition. Although this one was a bit messy (yeah, the silly A/B finishing was on the grass, I heard someone got injured rushing for the finishing), the atmostphere and track was still motivating for me. At about 50 m from the entrance to the half of the track before the finish, I actually sped up when I saw KC taking photos, this also turned out to be a good time to push the momentum for the finishing. For such a lazy attempt, position 62 is not too bad lah.
Definitely an easy and good run. See you next year!
Photo - running pals and met a guy with the same number as TKM.
Positive Karma
There has been a series of unfortunate events recently which led me to listen so attentively to a friend's passionate recount of how positive karma works.
According to her, karma is generated from each person and every time there is an accident it is because there is a collision or explosion of negative karma effects.
Recently I have been getting a lot of migraines, I am not sure if it is something I am harboring or a passing thing. I hope it is the latter. Also, there has been a series of unfortunate compounding events both at work and for those around me. So, for tonight, I will make a wish before I go to sleep, that we will all wake up, and generate positive karma and should we get together we will conquer what we need to together with our positive energy.
Wouldn't that be nice.
According to her, karma is generated from each person and every time there is an accident it is because there is a collision or explosion of negative karma effects.
Recently I have been getting a lot of migraines, I am not sure if it is something I am harboring or a passing thing. I hope it is the latter. Also, there has been a series of unfortunate compounding events both at work and for those around me. So, for tonight, I will make a wish before I go to sleep, that we will all wake up, and generate positive karma and should we get together we will conquer what we need to together with our positive energy.
Wouldn't that be nice.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Happy Belated Birthday
Happy Belated Birthday! Yup I shutdown more often this year, but not as bad as last year (when I got deepavali as birthday company, it was total system downtime)
My birthday this year passed in a haze.
... a few early sms (not sure if you forgot the date, but thank you)
... a phone call at 12 midnite (I had to remind you but your timing is better than many other occasions)
... a few sms which I forgot to say, thank you (my phone is buggy and sometimes cannot respond sms smoothly)
... a lunch which was hard to eat (one of those occasions I thought I was losing my job)
... a walk to the wrong carpark in a daze (because I got off earlier? at 615pm)
... a chance meeting and a missed meeting somewhere lost in the other carpark
... not having enough money to pay for carpark
... dazed but drove to Vintry
... could only managed to call a handful of ol pals
... beautiful fresh flowers and a lovely small piece of cake from lovely girlfrens (you know we all hate to eat fattening cake)
... a smile, a few glass clinks and some photos
... lots of porky food
... intoxicating red wine
... thanks for a bottle on the house
... hangover when i got home
... can't remember a few phone calls I returned half asleep
... slept before 12 midnite !!!!
01.11... happy birthday, many firsts always.
My birthday this year passed in a haze.
... a few early sms (not sure if you forgot the date, but thank you)
... a phone call at 12 midnite (I had to remind you but your timing is better than many other occasions)
... a few sms which I forgot to say, thank you (my phone is buggy and sometimes cannot respond sms smoothly)
... a lunch which was hard to eat (one of those occasions I thought I was losing my job)
... a walk to the wrong carpark in a daze (because I got off earlier? at 615pm)
... a chance meeting and a missed meeting somewhere lost in the other carpark
... not having enough money to pay for carpark
... dazed but drove to Vintry
... could only managed to call a handful of ol pals
... beautiful fresh flowers and a lovely small piece of cake from lovely girlfrens (you know we all hate to eat fattening cake)
... a smile, a few glass clinks and some photos
... lots of porky food
... intoxicating red wine
... thanks for a bottle on the house
... hangover when i got home
... can't remember a few phone calls I returned half asleep
... slept before 12 midnite !!!!
01.11... happy birthday, many firsts always.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Postcards from China I - Shanghai
To see my photos pls click here.To summarise my trip, I will post three postcard series from my China trip, with some observations :
1. China is vibrant - I always find great photo opportunities in cities, people and life in general.
2. China is still developing - this third trip has taught me one more thing, sometimes the sheer lack of exposure of the interactions with the local can be overwhelming. One has to learn how to differentiate between expectations, insistence and how to get what you want. But in the Chinese people, there is always hope and you know they can improve and we know the Beijing Olympics will be perfect. Just how, we won't know. Change is imminent.
3. China culturalism can be stifling - I know a few people who has been stifled by the system, country and environment. The sheer daily barrage of Chinese culturalism and way of things can be overpowering and impact you, if you let it to.
Two years ago, I wanted to spend some time to working in China and eventually gave that up to pursue my ambitions locally here in Malaysia. Before I went to Shanghai, I was still not sure whether I would ever reconsider that ever again with my current comfortable position in Malaysia. After this trip, I learnt more realities of the work and life in China, and surprisingly I am more motivated to learn more and experience more. The interest has been rekindled.
One day I will be back, and I will spend more time to explore this enchanting beast called China.
Pic - Imagine the Shanghai Bund - colonial buildings with a flavor of old London, 6 lane highways characterising Asia's ambitious buildings, the beautiful seafront of the HuangPu river with a lighted chinese yacht - the contrast is as mysterious as it is exciting. This is really one shot which I feel the new band of China has some hope.
Temporary Hiatus
I closed my eyes and 3 weeks whizzed past. Blogging is definitely a discipline... I am finding it hard to get back to the blog mood after the LONG break.
Its funny why it is considered a long break - this was what I did - went to Shanghai for a week of vacation, and Beijing for a week of training/kickoff meeting (work). Came back for the long long Raya weekend, and just got back to work a couple of days in the quiet post Raya break.
My neck still hurts for funny reasons. I am suspecting it is serious, when I turn my head left, I hear a scraping sound of the neck nerves against the based of my skull. This is getting me worried as all the rest did not seem to have cured me and this new problem arised.... hmmm.
Planned resolution - go do a few gym exercise and rest the weekend, if it still prevails I would need to see a docter.
Its funny why it is considered a long break - this was what I did - went to Shanghai for a week of vacation, and Beijing for a week of training/kickoff meeting (work). Came back for the long long Raya weekend, and just got back to work a couple of days in the quiet post Raya break.
My neck still hurts for funny reasons. I am suspecting it is serious, when I turn my head left, I hear a scraping sound of the neck nerves against the based of my skull. This is getting me worried as all the rest did not seem to have cured me and this new problem arised.... hmmm.
Planned resolution - go do a few gym exercise and rest the weekend, if it still prevails I would need to see a docter.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
It was a dark night ....
Mystery surrounds the dark spot.No this is not a red light area. Individuals are not meant to be hidden.
Guess where we were?
Hint : Its red.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Recharging my batteries
My dad just messaged me this today - Your car battery is recharged. It is time to charge your own life battery.
It has been 7 days since my last blog. I do not know what happened in between, but time flies so quickly that I forget sometimes who what where I am. Before I know it, it is October of the year, and another birthday coming up in a months time, and another fasting month has started, and 3 more months to end of the year. It is indeed frightening the speed of time.
I really need to recharge my own battery.
It has been 7 days since my last blog. I do not know what happened in between, but time flies so quickly that I forget sometimes who what where I am. Before I know it, it is October of the year, and another birthday coming up in a months time, and another fasting month has started, and 3 more months to end of the year. It is indeed frightening the speed of time.
I really need to recharge my own battery.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Fantastic Coverage of Terry Fox Run in Pictures
Outstanding shots from Jeff Ooi and Lensa Malaysia team at Terry Fox run and very interesting write-up on Jeff Ooi's report on the summons....! It would've been impossible to fit 4500 cars in KL near Lake Gardens area (assuming two a car on average), as it turned out the number of people were 9000! Furthermore, the earlier Mizuno race meant that majority of the "good" parking space at Bukit Aman were all taken up!
Luckily we escaped the summons, despite being parked right outside the door on yellow line of the police station near Bukit Aman for the earlier Mizuno race.
Screenshots
Lensa Malaysia (many pages of photos-click back and forth)
Good to see the "photographers" were actively clicking on that day, I noticed everyone pulled out their "big guns"...
Luckily we escaped the summons, despite being parked right outside the door on yellow line of the police station near Bukit Aman for the earlier Mizuno race.
Screenshots
Lensa Malaysia (many pages of photos-click back and forth)
Good to see the "photographers" were actively clicking on that day, I noticed everyone pulled out their "big guns"...
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Mizuno Wave Run and Terry Fox Run - Aftermath
Mizuno Wave Run 10km 7:30am
I saw the big shoe again, and it reminded me I have only been competitively running for about 1 year+. Last year, after the Mt KK trip (Aug 31st!), followed by the KL Rat Race 2005, I was motivated to running races, and did a spate of races after that, starting from 10km and finally to the 21km at KLIM.
This year, the Mizuno Wave Run 10km was the same route as last year, and I had put on a little weight since last year, and also not as fit as before, though the passion was still there! I arrived at the drinks (nearly halfway mark) quite pumped up and with good speed, only to be fallen by the "double hill" track following the drinks station. To be honest, I suck so badly at uphill because of stamina, and also the motivation "mind over matter"...! So I walked up the uphills part. The only consolation I had was that I finished the last 2km fairly strongly because of the flat and downhill parts and I was also motivated by the need to do it in 1hr 15min to run over for the Terry Fox run nearby!
On arrival at the finishing line (around 1:12-bad time, position 152 of ladies), to my surprise, my buddies were gone!!! I hung around, looked at the long drinks queue and finally settled for the bottled water in the goodies bag - and still no sight of my fellow running buddies whom I came with! Slightly cursing my slowness, I started moving to the Lake Garden area at around 8:55am, thinking that 5 mins would be sufficient.
Terry Fox Run 2006
The crowd here was shocking - there were too many people !!! It was good for the cancer research foundation, but not good for the race - people generally took off before the flag off, and most people took the wrong route because of following the others - and the beginning one has to walk because there were just too many people. I think there must have been about 3000 people there, because they sold 3000+ shirts.
Nevertheless, I am glad I took the family route with a friend, as my feet were really sore/blister was slightly bothering me after the Mizuno race, and the late start time of this Terry Fox race ensured that the sun was full blast out.
Aftermath : Arrived home and slept for 4 hrs. Feet and body recovered after that!!!
Am thinking - how to consider (yes, I am just considering) to run the Singapore Half Marathon with fitness like that? I've got to lose a few kgs and do about 40-50km a week within the next two months to even consider this.
I saw the big shoe again, and it reminded me I have only been competitively running for about 1 year+. Last year, after the Mt KK trip (Aug 31st!), followed by the KL Rat Race 2005, I was motivated to running races, and did a spate of races after that, starting from 10km and finally to the 21km at KLIM.
This year, the Mizuno Wave Run 10km was the same route as last year, and I had put on a little weight since last year, and also not as fit as before, though the passion was still there! I arrived at the drinks (nearly halfway mark) quite pumped up and with good speed, only to be fallen by the "double hill" track following the drinks station. To be honest, I suck so badly at uphill because of stamina, and also the motivation "mind over matter"...! So I walked up the uphills part. The only consolation I had was that I finished the last 2km fairly strongly because of the flat and downhill parts and I was also motivated by the need to do it in 1hr 15min to run over for the Terry Fox run nearby!
On arrival at the finishing line (around 1:12-bad time, position 152 of ladies), to my surprise, my buddies were gone!!! I hung around, looked at the long drinks queue and finally settled for the bottled water in the goodies bag - and still no sight of my fellow running buddies whom I came with! Slightly cursing my slowness, I started moving to the Lake Garden area at around 8:55am, thinking that 5 mins would be sufficient.
Terry Fox Run 2006
The crowd here was shocking - there were too many people !!! It was good for the cancer research foundation, but not good for the race - people generally took off before the flag off, and most people took the wrong route because of following the others - and the beginning one has to walk because there were just too many people. I think there must have been about 3000 people there, because they sold 3000+ shirts.
Nevertheless, I am glad I took the family route with a friend, as my feet were really sore/blister was slightly bothering me after the Mizuno race, and the late start time of this Terry Fox race ensured that the sun was full blast out.
Aftermath : Arrived home and slept for 4 hrs. Feet and body recovered after that!!!
Am thinking - how to consider (yes, I am just considering) to run the Singapore Half Marathon with fitness like that? I've got to lose a few kgs and do about 40-50km a week within the next two months to even consider this.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
My Father Graduates!
It was a very meaningful day for my dad today. He obtained a Certifate for the Certified Business Coach course with the Universiti Malaya Center for Continuous Education (UMCCed). This was the inaugural year for this course and it coincided with my own company's efforts to teach us to be "coaches" rather than managers, so it was a parallel track for my dad, who at the grand age of 60 something, was able to "graduate" for the first time in his life. What a feeling it must be for him! As a daughter, I am proud of my own father's efforts for lifelong learning, especially on his interest in human development, and also coaching to help others.
On a separate thought, it was my first visit, and a rather switch of roles (as the "ibubapa" instead of the "graduan", to the Dewan Tengku Chancelor as it was in this legendary hall, I have heard all of our local UM graduates has emerged.
My observations were rather strange of this occasion - that the diploma and certificate holders (post graduate and for working people to continue their education) were heavily skewed in race. A great 90% of the majority were Malays, whilst other races made up the rest of the graduates, strangely not reflecting our national race distribution profile. It is perhaps food for thought on why this is the case.
Continuous education should be on everyone's mind, and is indeed a reflection of the person's commitment to education, and a great example for our next generation.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Youngest World Golf Champion - My debut as a photographer?
A few weeks ago, I was asked by my friend to participate in an interview of a magazine with the youngest world golf champion from Malaysia. She requested for me to take photos for the cover of the magazine!
Whilst I was ecstatic about the "opportunity", I really had no idea how to take portrait shots. So, lugging my Nikon D70s to the golf course practice green at a local course in Shah Alam early one Saturday morning, I met a small young boy.
His determination amazes me. He is but 6 years old, but each shot was measured and all the pitch shots hit the green within a foot of the pin.
But when asking him more detail questions, his shyness really showed his youth.
Would you train your kid to be a professional golfer? I think this is a very mental sport - you are playing against yourself and is indeed a great character building for a young child.
Postscript - I took really poor shots with my Nikon using the kit lens. In my haste and short notice of this "free" photographer work, I did not have time to analyse how other covers looked like. If I had known, I would have taken the zoom lens or the 50mm for a more larger focus shot, or even (if it was possible), asked the kid to pose. All the adults shown in magazine shots posed!!! So, this was a great lesson learnt. However, I was later told by my friend that she will feature my shot in her cover, so I am waiting and holding my breath. You will know when it is out, as it is indeed my debut amateur work.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Hostage at The Table
Today my MD passed us a book each. It was called Hostage at The Table. In the Leadership Development Program training I underwent last year, the author actually spoke about his experiences and did say he was going to write a book about it.I recalled clearly a few key themes of this book. The key message was that we were sometimes taken hostage by our "clients" and also people we deal with. In a hostage situation we tend to react emotionally. And the idea was to come clean with the issues instead of being taken hostage.
In a way, nobody has all the answers to everything. And as leaders we will have to overcome odds to bring our best to the table.
I will read this book and pass it on. I consider this an exception to my non-receipt of books as gifts - the gift of a book is a very non-Chinese thing. But there are always exception. I will put a post-mortem here on the outcome of this book.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Nearly Famous II
The momentary fame from the rat race has not receded. The key learnings I had from there is that marketing is a great art form - to make yourself stand out and be featured is itself an art, especially if you know you cannot run faster than others!!!
The Edge featured a 16 page spread of the Rat Race 2006 in last weekends edition. It was great publicity for us as it featured our photo with a caption "Accenture in the driver's seat!" and a short commentary from Joan Hoi for being the only female rep in the CEO race.
Furthermore, Pacesetters had kindly featured my longer race report in their homepage - this is indeed the first time I had written a "serious" race report!!! Pls click here for report on Pacesetters homepage.
Meanwhile, this weekend I hope to see you at the Mizuno Wave Run, followed by the Terry Fox Run!
The Edge featured a 16 page spread of the Rat Race 2006 in last weekends edition. It was great publicity for us as it featured our photo with a caption "Accenture in the driver's seat!" and a short commentary from Joan Hoi for being the only female rep in the CEO race.
Furthermore, Pacesetters had kindly featured my longer race report in their homepage - this is indeed the first time I had written a "serious" race report!!! Pls click here for report on Pacesetters homepage.
Meanwhile, this weekend I hope to see you at the Mizuno Wave Run, followed by the Terry Fox Run!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
The Power of the Nikon Zoom Lens at A Ballet Recital
A respite from serious stuff, running and a bit of non-conventional fare ...
I attended my niece's ballet recital a few weeks back, on the 26th August. This was a charity event held at the PJ Civic Center, organised by the various branches of the Lee Lee Lan school of ballet (a very famous dance school which I've heard of even when I was young).
The instructions on the leaflet mentioned to not have cameras with flash and video recorders - so I brought along my Nikon D70s, and comfortably (and lazily) sitting in a good position in the middle about 10 rows from the stage, I had a good position to use my 200mm zoom - without flash - it captured an outstanding set of pictures - the ones pasted here are already sized down to 100k from the full 6MP I set it on.
Most of all - it was a spectacular evening of dances, and I managed to capture my little niece on stage!
Pict 1- Lee Lee Lan on the stage after the concert
Pict 2- A more teenage pair doing a duet
Pict 3- The flexible young ballerina
Pict 4- The girl in the center is my niece! (doing a broadway piece)
Pict 5- What is a ballet without a piroutte (is that how it is spelled?)
I attended my niece's ballet recital a few weeks back, on the 26th August. This was a charity event held at the PJ Civic Center, organised by the various branches of the Lee Lee Lan school of ballet (a very famous dance school which I've heard of even when I was young).
The instructions on the leaflet mentioned to not have cameras with flash and video recorders - so I brought along my Nikon D70s, and comfortably (and lazily) sitting in a good position in the middle about 10 rows from the stage, I had a good position to use my 200mm zoom - without flash - it captured an outstanding set of pictures - the ones pasted here are already sized down to 100k from the full 6MP I set it on.
Most of all - it was a spectacular evening of dances, and I managed to capture my little niece on stage!
Pict 1- Lee Lee Lan on the stage after the concert
Pict 2- A more teenage pair doing a duet
Pict 3- The flexible young ballerina
Pict 4- The girl in the center is my niece! (doing a broadway piece)
Pict 5- What is a ballet without a piroutte (is that how it is spelled?)
Thursday, September 07, 2006
The Edge-Bursa Rat Race
What a RACE!!!
Click here for photos
I had a blast of a time, we ran together, non-stop, in ridiculous looking props and gadgets dreamt up to signify our "solution" specialist (which none of the bystanders understood, but they all cheered us anyway)!!!
We heckled other teams, chatted whilst waiting for the CEO race, took promo pictures, and best of all, ran together as a team - single file, slowed down to take picture with our supporters in KLCC and acknowledged all the people on the road side. And ran the 4.5 km and arrived in a single file!!! Excellent teamwork!
Photo - This was taken just moments before it rained!!! We spent a good one hour last minute to pull together our "props" for this event.
Accenture imagination at work (we had 3 placards - one before race, one during race, and one after race - this was before race):
Boss (looking like going shopping!)
(Marcus) Driver - Relax lah, 1hr before submission
(Me) Sales Rep - How does my make up look? Pretty Right?
(Shahariz) Financial Rep - Should I add another zero
(Kell Jay) Tech Guru - This is the best solution I've done
(Azlan) Intern - So Tired! Spent all night printing proposal
The full set is reproduced below here... copyright protected!!!
See you next year!!!!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Black Friday
I have had a horrible weekend starting from Friday. Everything has not turned out well.
I had a car accident on Friday morning going to work at the LDP. The car in front of me took an emergency break because a taxi in front of him stopped and turned left suddenly. I also took an emergency brake, but I could not stop in time.
I was lucky to escape unhurt. I was calm, but really scared for a good five minutes. They say, this is the 7th month of the chinese calendar, it is the month of the hungry ghost.
I remember a split second that I could see the car's behind coming up and knew I was going to hit it. That split second was quite terrifying because you can see it coming, but cannot do anything.
After a police report in the morning, and back home, I went back to work in the afternoon. I am now grounded without a car, but one nice friend loaned me his car just now, and I am back with transport.
But the episode really scared me. There are many what if's that could have surfaced, and from picture it looks badly smashed, but really, am I appreciating the what if of life? And how precious each moment is? Why I can only think of work?
I am chilled by my own coldness towards my own most priceless asset - my life.
Yesterday I woke up with a severe whip lash on my neck and back, and was reminded of the what-ifs again. What I really need is a break.
Luckily I am recovered from my whip lash, and should still be able to run tomorrow's rat race.
Scold me if you see me. I need a wake up call seriously. For not appreciating life enough.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Featured in the Edge
I am nearly famous! My company's Rat Race team appeared in the Edge this week (published on 19 August), with a nice little writeup by the "team captain" - myself, heheh, at last some of my beautiful writing I am half capable of appears in print... !
Sometimes it is these cheap thrills that makes the race so interesting... Next week I will start to round up supporters... (oh what tough jobs team captains got to do, besides running in a team of macho men)... :-)
KC and his RHB buddies also appears on the same page ... (but of course due to my incapability to scan, am unable to display the entire page - go buy the edge now!).
See you at the race.
Mizuno Wave Run and Terry Fox Run - 17 Sept
Today, I rounded up two more persons who will do the following with me - Run the Mizuno Wave Run and then the Terry Fox Run, on the 17th September, back to back.
Mizuno Wave Run - starts at Padang Merbuk at 730am
Terry Fox Run - starts at Lake Gardens at 9am
Assuming at most I would take about 1hr-1hr 15 mins for Mizuno, I can probably get to finishing line, then run over to the Lake Gardens, and start the Terry Fox Run.
Total KM mileage to do this would be 10km + 6.5km. This is do-able lah. For the beautiful Mizuno t-shirt, it is worth it.
And two young runners to accompany me :-)
Now to get back to training.
Mizuno Wave Run - starts at Padang Merbuk at 730am
Terry Fox Run - starts at Lake Gardens at 9am
Assuming at most I would take about 1hr-1hr 15 mins for Mizuno, I can probably get to finishing line, then run over to the Lake Gardens, and start the Terry Fox Run.
Total KM mileage to do this would be 10km + 6.5km. This is do-able lah. For the beautiful Mizuno t-shirt, it is worth it.
And two young runners to accompany me :-)
Now to get back to training.
The Ultramarathon Man runs 50 races in 50 days
Dean Karnazes, the Ultramarathonman is going to run 50 marathon races in 50 days.This fall, the 43-year-old long distance runner will tackle one marathon a day for 50 consecutive days, running a total 1,310 miles in 50 days. And for each 26.2-mile race, Karnazes and his family of four will travel to a different U.S. state.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060816/od_nm/life_running_dc_4
Dean Karnazes was featured by KC's blog based on KC's review of Dean's book The Ultramarathon Man. Although I do not own the book, I was once tempted to race the San Francisco Marathon, which was hosted by Dean, in an interest to meet this crazy ultra marathon man.
Whilst I have yet to do even one marathon, imagine, this guy is 43 years old, so fit, and about to tackle the endurance test which has never been attempted before - in reality the body is able to tolerate the "abuse" but this has never been recommended before by most marathon training guides, which fousses on recovery after every marathon.
When is my turn?
Well, I am concious that with the current lifestyle I lead, I will not be able to attempt a marathon until I change the way work and live. Until then, I will settle for the half marathon again at least until next year.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Preparing for the Rat Race
I am so proud of my team! We are so ON! This photo was taken during last week's "practice session" - it actually took us longer to take the photos than to run the course. This is indeed a great achievement itself - that our Rat Race team is actually practising!!! We had a good time taking the photos, and really had a good laugh. Amazingly this was my second weekend "off", and now I am almost raring to go for races and races. Back to racing, yahoo!Rat Race Team - Fear them - ok, give you a hint, three are members of Pacesetters (member only lah, does not mean they really run), two ran the KL International Marathon, two ran the PJ Half Marathon, two ran the Pacesetters 20km and one ran the 30km. Fear us !!!
Heh, heh, just for fun, scare the competition...
Monday, August 07, 2006
Back on track
It is good to be back on track! This is literally double meaning - back on track to blogging and also really back on track to running.
Yesterday was a first for me, I went all the way to KLCC park for a morning run - we were practising for Rat Race. Yes, this is indeed a rare occasion itself - my team is practising!!! The team this year has good spirit and is quite gung-ho about the occasion, and thanks also to my marketing manager cum old-school-mate friend, we round up a lot of enthusiasm in this event.
So, yesteday I got up earlier than all the workdays, was at KLCC at 730am which is already late for normal Sunday runners, but early for me :-o (as always).
We had a good simple easy run around 4 rounds (1.3km each) = 5.2 kms (Rat Race = 4.5km). This was a good bonding and easy start for us as running together meant we could chit chat, and this was the first time I had done so with my colleagues whilst running. Moreover I rarely see these guys, so it was good to just get a different group to run together. I also discovered more people who were picking up running competitively - this motivates me further.
We spent the cool down having breakfast at Lotus nearby, and hatched our plan to surprise the competition for the Rat Race :-). So watch out for Team Accenture... led by yours truly.
So this is my "back on track" plan :
1) Putrajaya Marathon - Half Marathon- hoping to be able to do this as my second half-m! We shall see, based on fitness levels...
2) Rat Race (4.5 km) - The event of the year. Watch out for Team Accenture, we will surprise you! Just hope it does not rain...
3) Terry Fox Run (5 km) - I am abandoning Mizuno Wave Run year 2 for Terry Fox - TF always has the atmosphere and enthusiasm which I always enjoy - a carnival like atmostphere not forgetting it is charity and lots of family goes for this, you can see dad's carrying kids and running too! Moreover this year it is sponsored by SF Coffee and my company's recreation club is specially urging us to go, so it will be a family day for my fellow workers as well.
See you there!
Yesterday was a first for me, I went all the way to KLCC park for a morning run - we were practising for Rat Race. Yes, this is indeed a rare occasion itself - my team is practising!!! The team this year has good spirit and is quite gung-ho about the occasion, and thanks also to my marketing manager cum old-school-mate friend, we round up a lot of enthusiasm in this event.
So, yesteday I got up earlier than all the workdays, was at KLCC at 730am which is already late for normal Sunday runners, but early for me :-o (as always).
We had a good simple easy run around 4 rounds (1.3km each) = 5.2 kms (Rat Race = 4.5km). This was a good bonding and easy start for us as running together meant we could chit chat, and this was the first time I had done so with my colleagues whilst running. Moreover I rarely see these guys, so it was good to just get a different group to run together. I also discovered more people who were picking up running competitively - this motivates me further.
We spent the cool down having breakfast at Lotus nearby, and hatched our plan to surprise the competition for the Rat Race :-). So watch out for Team Accenture... led by yours truly.
So this is my "back on track" plan :
1) Putrajaya Marathon - Half Marathon- hoping to be able to do this as my second half-m! We shall see, based on fitness levels...
2) Rat Race (4.5 km) - The event of the year. Watch out for Team Accenture, we will surprise you! Just hope it does not rain...
3) Terry Fox Run (5 km) - I am abandoning Mizuno Wave Run year 2 for Terry Fox - TF always has the atmosphere and enthusiasm which I always enjoy - a carnival like atmostphere not forgetting it is charity and lots of family goes for this, you can see dad's carrying kids and running too! Moreover this year it is sponsored by SF Coffee and my company's recreation club is specially urging us to go, so it will be a family day for my fellow workers as well.
See you there!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
LDP
Leadership Development Program, Chantilly, Virginia 17-21 July 2006
Click here for photos link.
This was graduation class of the LDP, my last one crazy week with a crazy bunch of colleagues globally gathered together in Chantilly, Virginia (about 40 miles from Washington DC).
This session was a global session, all the various industry groups were present at this session.
Would you believe the kick-off dinner was at a airspace hangar? It was actually a hangar converted to a Air and Space Museum, and it was called... Hazy Center. They converted part of the area shown here in this picture to a bar area, where participants mingled, whereas the inside area surrounding the "space shuttle" prototype was where we had dinner! There we go, I really had dinner in a aircraft hangar...
And I had some wine too :-) .... hic hic... oh, and get used to these sort of pictures, it is so weird, we actually go for dinner in work clothes ... (everyday of the training)
Take Down
I have been very tired recently. Been on a trip to US and back within a week in a nightmarish 30+ hr trip to and fro, meaning I have flown for almost 3 days in a 9 day period (inclusive of both weekends).
My favorite word recently has been "take down". This is not taken to mean "take down" the photo from the wall, but of similar meaning. I use it for work in almost the same fashion as a CIA ops instructing snipers to shoot at a target. I refer to "targets", ie. the trouble ticket queue and instruct my team to "take down" the queue. This means to eliminate, shoot on target and get it out of existence.
I think I am REALLY tired, and my brain is definitely not functioning well.
Of course, I would like it to mean more of "would you like to take down my phone number"... "take down your garments..." Wait a minute, I am really tired, I am getting porno into my own blog...
My favorite word recently has been "take down". This is not taken to mean "take down" the photo from the wall, but of similar meaning. I use it for work in almost the same fashion as a CIA ops instructing snipers to shoot at a target. I refer to "targets", ie. the trouble ticket queue and instruct my team to "take down" the queue. This means to eliminate, shoot on target and get it out of existence.
I think I am REALLY tired, and my brain is definitely not functioning well.
Of course, I would like it to mean more of "would you like to take down my phone number"... "take down your garments..." Wait a minute, I am really tired, I am getting porno into my own blog...
Monday, July 03, 2006
A thing of beauty
I saw this photo in my yahoo front page and a link to a site on how to photograph fireworks, coming up to the 4th July celebration of Independence Day for USA.
The small thumbnail of the fireworks caught my eye and if you traverse to the link here, you would find good useful tips and magnificent artistry in photography.
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-photograph-fireworks/
I have always found photography to be very fascinating. The art of capturing a good photo is very satisfactory, and I continue to find that there are so many people who are so good at it that I am ashamed of my own limitations.
They say, a thing of beauty is a joy forever. It is a good photographers dream to be always chasing beauty.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Its a Rat Race again!
Footnote addition : The rate race has been postphoned to Sept 5th 2006. See you there! I promise you my team will bring to the race a surprise package!
In the midst of a very busy week, I received in my mail a couple of days ago, a request from my marketing manager to participate in the Edge Rat Race again this year.
The Edge, a leading business & investment weekly, hosts The Kuala Lumpur Rat Race on a yearly basis.
This year, the seventh year of the rat race will take place on Tuesday, 8 August 2006, after office hours. The race will cover 4.5 kilometers through the commercial heart of Kuala Lumpur. The CEO’s 1 km race will also be held simultaneosly.
I have the honor of becoming the team lead this year (due to my enthusiasm and early registration of interest to the new marketing manager :-)). In my "leadership" mission, I would greatly like to get the team to take pre-race publicity photos, dress up, and have more fun!!!
See you there, join if you have never participated before. This is the most fun race I look forward to every year, and last year, this was the catalyst for my interest back to running.
In the midst of a very busy week, I received in my mail a couple of days ago, a request from my marketing manager to participate in the Edge Rat Race again this year.
The Edge, a leading business & investment weekly, hosts The Kuala Lumpur Rat Race on a yearly basis.
This year, the seventh year of the rat race will take place on Tuesday, 8 August 2006, after office hours. The race will cover 4.5 kilometers through the commercial heart of Kuala Lumpur. The CEO’s 1 km race will also be held simultaneosly.
I have the honor of becoming the team lead this year (due to my enthusiasm and early registration of interest to the new marketing manager :-)). In my "leadership" mission, I would greatly like to get the team to take pre-race publicity photos, dress up, and have more fun!!!
See you there, join if you have never participated before. This is the most fun race I look forward to every year, and last year, this was the catalyst for my interest back to running.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
World Cup Fever
In midst of recuperating from Groundhog Day, the World Cup fever has taken over and I am relegated to being a couch potato.
David Beckham - incredible skills at free-kicks. However, I am not an England fan, and as proven, a league of superstars usually does not perform well. Nevertheless I have to admit, they got a very well rounded team and this is just their first match - got away with the 3 points.
Didier Drogba - this guy has style. Ivory Coast did well against Argentina, unfortunately losing the match hence having a slimmer chance of qualifying in the Group of Death. Definitely man of the tournament thus far for me, up to Day 3 currently of the World Cup.
Groundhog Day
Yes, I had disappeared from blogging for two weeks. There was a problem at work which required my full attention. We were almost 24x7 for a whole week of endless days, nights, SMS notifications three times a night on progress, weekends, and many levels of escalations. On the 3rd or 4th day (even I no longer recall), I would get in to work in the morning or at 9pm at night, glance at my fellow colleague in the same boat with me, and we knew it was another groundhog day. The same problem persisted and haunted us for almost 2 weeks. Luckily this was resolved last Wednesday and Groundhog Day ended.
What is Groundhog Day? It was a movie in the 90s starring Bill Murray. I saw it when I was much younger, but remembered the scenario - Bill Murray would wake up everyday and it was the same day again (he was a journalist covering a boring event called Groundhog Day). He would go through the same scenario, except that in some cases, he knew what would happen next. Eventually, he would woo the same lady again and again in different ways, until finally... Groundhog Day ends.
So, in the midst of our problems, I asked my colleague, how did Groundhog Day end in the movie? My colleague said - it ended when he (Bill Murray's role) found love. I moaned in disbelief when I heard that, but, well, improvisation was my speciality.
So, what I did was instead of finding love overnight, I proceeded to "spread the love". We shared the problem to our younger colleagues, got them involved even though it could not help much, but to just cut down on the burden on a few.
Eventually the problem did get resolved through our hard work in finding a solution. Though the love spreading did not directly solve the problem, it did in some magical way, help.
Loving is sharing, sharing is loving!
What is Groundhog Day? It was a movie in the 90s starring Bill Murray. I saw it when I was much younger, but remembered the scenario - Bill Murray would wake up everyday and it was the same day again (he was a journalist covering a boring event called Groundhog Day). He would go through the same scenario, except that in some cases, he knew what would happen next. Eventually, he would woo the same lady again and again in different ways, until finally... Groundhog Day ends.
So, in the midst of our problems, I asked my colleague, how did Groundhog Day end in the movie? My colleague said - it ended when he (Bill Murray's role) found love. I moaned in disbelief when I heard that, but, well, improvisation was my speciality.
So, what I did was instead of finding love overnight, I proceeded to "spread the love". We shared the problem to our younger colleagues, got them involved even though it could not help much, but to just cut down on the burden on a few.
Eventually the problem did get resolved through our hard work in finding a solution. Though the love spreading did not directly solve the problem, it did in some magical way, help.
Loving is sharing, sharing is loving!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sunset
Good photographers make good pictures or good pictures make good photographers?
I rarely have a chance to enjoy a good sunset, with so many late nights, so you can imagine my excitement when on my way back from an evening jog around my housing area, I saw the radiant sky awashed with a brilliant orange hue.
I quickened my step but had already missed the beautiful part of the sunset, and left the last 5 minutes. Nevertheless, what a beautiful sunset it is.
At times like this, I wish I could enjoy more sunsets, imagine, in our busy lives, if we see only one sunset one weekend, it is only 52 times a year. And that too, sometimes we miss the sunsets even on the weekends.
Moral of the story : Never let the moment pass by.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
The Emotion Bank
Imagine a world without borders, a world where emotions can be saved and delivered. Can the internet deliver emotions?
I just had a brilliant idea.
I will create a virtual emotional bank account online. I will create an online site called emotion bank - EMO Bank.
Emo-bank will take only well wishes, deliver these to the target persons, offer subsciptions and gifts in form of wishes and physical gifts and maintain virtual balances on persons and friends.
Emo-bank is about good wishes and vibes and strives to keep everyones emotion deposits and withdrawals in check.
When you are angry, take a withdrawal of good vibes. When you are sad, emobank allows others to reach out to you. When you are happy and want to share your love, emobank allows you to express it to others.
Will you subscribe?
Would you join me in this venture?
Sunday, May 21, 2006
New Balance Pacesetters 15KM Race
Picture : Alas, all this running can do my figure better... picture courtesy of KC.My 6th race for the year is a 15KM run today. I was doubtful I would reach the end because of usual out of practice, but somehow again I did. The pattern of my races are in and out interleaving, meaning, in form and out of form. Today I took it pretty easy and was ran a relatively easy and relaxed race, although yesterday I was pretty spooked when I did the usual recon trip to check the race route - so many surprise "little" uphills - I think it took me 30 minutes itself to survey the route, so I was a bit apprehensive about running it!
Instead of race reporting, I thought I would point out the top ten interesting notes about the race.
1. Very good reception - the race was "crowded" - more so because there was only one category - 15km. Kudos to the Pacesetters for generating great expectations for the annual 15km race. From speaking to a few people, they look forward to these signature events.
2. Strong support from the participations in wearing the event vest - this was one of those very rare occasions I saw great support from the participants in wearing the event vest. C'mon, what are you keeping the vests and t-shirts for? I think showing the support is very important, reflective of a strong interest group. Of course, because of this, my friend KC the avid photographer did not have a good chance to take more pretty gals in skimpy and cool running wear shots.
3. Good field of volunteers - for the first time, I saw volunteers taking placards saying encouraging words when you're panting by - this is really cool... it brought a smile to my face and a skip in my stride whenever I saw that.
4. KM indicators well placed - this is the most motivating indicator to runners - knowing there how much is completed and how much to go, especially for those like me who are not running the route for the 100th time.
5. Interesting finishing - liked the finishing in that runners had to traverse the carpark zig-zag with spectators - it was almost like running into a stadium finish (like PJ Half Marathon) - gives you a great sense of achievement.
6. Water stations adequate - though would have done better to have more "endurance" drink. However, PACM is the only organisers who offer endurance drink, most don't even provide any.
7. Pretty serious looking officials - I was wondering if they were from New Balance or FTAAA? Because they were so serious in marking and handing out ribbons. C'mon guys, smile a bit lah... after all I got to get excited to run towards you to grab the ribbon :-)
8. Good mix of participants - Once again, despite that running appeals to the older audience, there was a strong mix of participants at all ages.
9. Green volunteers aplenty - This was a nice gesture of the organisers to provide the volunteers with t-shirts - it was a good clear indication of the number of people who were selfless in organising or assisting to make a good race.
10. Good wheather - can you believe it looked like it was to rain but it did not? The sun did not come out and coupled with the good route of the hills (okay, in exchange for the shady trees!) proved to be a pretty nice running day.
I enjoyed the race, see you next year.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Beijing Postcards-3 - Living in the Streets
I was told by my Beijing office counterpart, the average household income in Beijing is USD2900 for a whole year. The streets of Beijing seen from a tourist eyes is definitely not the common sight. On alleys, you will see the occasional beggar, which contributes to the high unemployment rate.
I was told by my chinese teacher, that the graduate getting a job in the service sector is a big deal. She came from a university degree to be a language teacher. Some came all the way to malaysia to be foot masseurs and are very contented with the salary.
My colleagues were given USD100 for a meal allowance one night. I told them, that this was a third of a whole month household income. They should be thankful. We should all be thankful.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Beijing Postcards-2 - Beijing Olympics 2008
Click here for the link to the photos I took on my whirlwind tour of Beijing.
Beijing is transforming itself to accomodate the millions of tourists for the 2008 Olympics. Pictures of the mascot - a hybrid of some form of panda bear (there are I think 5 of them) are plastered all over subways newly built to accomodate the traffic inflow. An expected 10 new lines for the subway is planned for up to 2008. Typical to China, mass development is anchored on opportunities such as the Olympics to showcase the mass, talent, capabilities and industrilisation of China.
I am sure the tourists and visitors will be overwhelmed and welcomed into the world's largest growing economy. I would love to be there for the opening ceremony of the games. See you there.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Beijing Postcards-1 - Introduction / Nike Lookalike
I had a whirlwind tour of Beijing last week, in a training assignment which I went earlier to do some sight-seeing. It was my 2nd trip to Beijing. China continues to mesmerise me in its vibrance, diversity and pure mass. Interestingly anything on blogger was censored in China, so I could not update my blog there. I would like to put in a few random thoughts, I call it "postcards" of fascinating instances in China.
-----------------------------
I spotted this in the busy tourist area of Wangfujing. The logo was a close copy of Nike, the slogan a close copy of Adidas - Impossible is Nothing. The merchandise sold closely resembles Nike's product lines of sports goods, clothes, shoes, etc. On closer look, the shoes were made of very thin material, but the clothes were a bargain.
Is this the new China? Where copies of things closely resembles the market, and prices are much lower than the "real thing" (there was a real Nike store down the road...). I was nevertheless both amused anad fascinated, and I have to say also, I bought a running vest from here, at a dirt cheap price. And the design was better than Nike's.
-----------------------------
I spotted this in the busy tourist area of Wangfujing. The logo was a close copy of Nike, the slogan a close copy of Adidas - Impossible is Nothing. The merchandise sold closely resembles Nike's product lines of sports goods, clothes, shoes, etc. On closer look, the shoes were made of very thin material, but the clothes were a bargain. Is this the new China? Where copies of things closely resembles the market, and prices are much lower than the "real thing" (there was a real Nike store down the road...). I was nevertheless both amused anad fascinated, and I have to say also, I bought a running vest from here, at a dirt cheap price. And the design was better than Nike's.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
123456 Revisited
I posted an earlier post mistaking the date / time of 1:23 4/5/6 as 5th of April, when it should be 4th of May.
So what will you be doing on 01:02:03 04-05-06?
Here is what I propose :
1 SMS to send
2 the ones close to you
3 words to say
4 the things you care about
5 x 6 days in a month, a whole year round
3 words :
Thanks a lot
I love you
Wish you're here
Good luck always
Close to you
Please take care
Wishing you success
You are unique
Best amongst best
My best buddy
... Just Do It!!!
So what will you be doing on 01:02:03 04-05-06?
Here is what I propose :
1 SMS to send
2 the ones close to you
3 words to say
4 the things you care about
5 x 6 days in a month, a whole year round
3 words :
Thanks a lot
I love you
Wish you're here
Good luck always
Close to you
Please take care
Wishing you success
You are unique
Best amongst best
My best buddy
... Just Do It!!!
Monday, May 01, 2006
A wholesome workout
A little bit of light fare for once... to share with all my short break on a long weekend...
I love Malaysia's public holidays... today is Labor's Day holiday. Whilst I thought this was a international public holiday, apparently this is not recognised in some countries, and in fact according to a friend in Australia, some states in Australia recognises it whilst others do not.
I had a good weekend, which I would call the lull before the storm. The storm is blowing for this coming few days and onto the next 1-2 months, when work pace at my project will pick up to a full blast till the project goes live.
Saturday - We won the badminton challenge
Saturday started off a little disappointing. I was not able to watch or support my team members in the inter-department badminton challenge. I was tied up at work all morning, despite moving the morning meeting to start earlier (yes, unfortunately it has gotten to this - scheduled meetings on Saturdays?!). Thus, despite well armed with my Nikon D70s in my car, I was not able to make the trip to cheer my team members, who hoisted the trophy as anticipated. I have to give my thumbs up to these folks, what can I say when about 8 people in my project participated in the finals, in two separate teams, against each other? It can only be said that I greatly admire those who can put in their 10-11pms nights and still take some evenings off to practice, whilst others who bear the Nike's "Just Do It" style can also succeed. Diversity is my admiration for my co-workers.
Nevertheless, I managed to take a long lunch far-away in Jalan Loke Yew in town for a good sumptious unhealthy roast pork lunch and registered myself nearby in FTAAA office for the Jelita's Women's Run the next day. Yeah, somehow I justified myself for a sumptious lunch ...
Sunday - A unique all womens race
It was a rather unique all womens race I participated in. Firstly I really liked the pink free shirts. I decided to be pink for the day, unlike some regular runners who only run in their own apparel because of comfort. As I recalled in Pacesetter's magazine, women form hardly a small percentage of runners, being a more male dominated event, although it has begun to pick up a little more on the more veteran women runners.
At the starting line, I was surprised to see not as many participants as I expected, when I asked the FTAAA guy when I signed up, he said "banyak orang" (many people). The other really unparalleled instance was the usual FTAAA lady announcer did not turn up and a man replaced her instead. Then because he was trying to stall for time for the official flag-off at 730 am, he turned on the music and a Fitness First instructor jumped to the front and took the group standing in the starting pen for a 5 mins ad-hoc warm-up. It was so cool to be spontaneous! I could not imagine the guys doing this :-)
Also at the race, the other surprising thing was that there was a lot of Malay ladies participating. Probably because Jelita is a malay magazine, but it was encouraging that there were more Malay runners than I usually see in other regular public 10km races. Also, because I was on my own this time, and treating it as a warmup for the New Balance Pacesetter's 15km race, I took time to chit-chat with some of the ladies and also surveyed the "competition". The categories was also slightly unusual, as I was in a Women's Senior category for 30-40 years old. Together with the Open category, this was for 7km, whilst the Women's Junior and Veteran's category only had a short 5km. Surveying around was fun waiting for the start of the race, as it allowed me time to check out how old or young one can look within a specific age group :-)
The race itself was a bit sluggish for me as well. After weeks of non-practice, non-activity and many many late hours and weekends, the stress has taken its toll on my body, and it did not help that I had barely enough time for only once a week at the gym. The last race I did was almost 1.5 months back. I managed to make it in good time, but enroute back around the corner through the Jalan Parlimen/Dataran Merdeka traffic light, I made a mistake and stopped to a stroll. The abrupt stop made me very light headed and drained of energy, and I barely managed to walk the next 150 m to the corner of the Dataran Merdeka. Afraid that I would not be able to stand up straight much longer, I actually walked down to the carpark intending to give-up the finishing line and wash my face and go home. One lady behind me called me, telling me I was going the wrong way, but I told her to go ahead. So, there I was, sitting in my car for 3 mins, went to wash my face and returned to my car to sit down for another few minutes, very disappointed with myself. Then I did something almost absurd. I closed the car door, ran back up the steps and completed the remaining 200m of the race to the finishing line. And then I went home to sleep for almost 5 hours straight.
As a post mortem, I realised that it was not the race which nearly knocked me out, because I had the capability of running 7km with not much effort. It was my unrested state, and a very tired body that was screaming for attention. The run was a flick of a switch, a flick that told me my bulb was pretty closed to being fused and needed replacement.
Monday - Golf at Nilai Springs
My return to golf was a little less eventful as compared to my run the day before. I had not seen my golf buddy for almost a couple of months as well, and Beng, who is a member at Nilai Springs I had not seen for almost nine months.
After a good night's rest, I was amused and also impressed with myself for getting up at 545am for a 630am ride to Nilai for our game at Nilai Springs. I shot a decent game but what I was really impressed with myself was that I was so relaxed and throughout the game, I repeatedly told my buggy-mate that 5+ hours of golf, and add another 2hours of travel for the game was nothing compared to 45 mins of running 7km. How amazing the comparison is.
So, all in, I had a good wholesome workout, first the brains for working on Saturday, then the legs on Sunday, and the upper body for Monday. My body still aches, but it was a good laborer's day out!
I love Malaysia's public holidays... today is Labor's Day holiday. Whilst I thought this was a international public holiday, apparently this is not recognised in some countries, and in fact according to a friend in Australia, some states in Australia recognises it whilst others do not.
I had a good weekend, which I would call the lull before the storm. The storm is blowing for this coming few days and onto the next 1-2 months, when work pace at my project will pick up to a full blast till the project goes live.
Saturday - We won the badminton challenge
Saturday started off a little disappointing. I was not able to watch or support my team members in the inter-department badminton challenge. I was tied up at work all morning, despite moving the morning meeting to start earlier (yes, unfortunately it has gotten to this - scheduled meetings on Saturdays?!). Thus, despite well armed with my Nikon D70s in my car, I was not able to make the trip to cheer my team members, who hoisted the trophy as anticipated. I have to give my thumbs up to these folks, what can I say when about 8 people in my project participated in the finals, in two separate teams, against each other? It can only be said that I greatly admire those who can put in their 10-11pms nights and still take some evenings off to practice, whilst others who bear the Nike's "Just Do It" style can also succeed. Diversity is my admiration for my co-workers.
Nevertheless, I managed to take a long lunch far-away in Jalan Loke Yew in town for a good sumptious unhealthy roast pork lunch and registered myself nearby in FTAAA office for the Jelita's Women's Run the next day. Yeah, somehow I justified myself for a sumptious lunch ...
Sunday - A unique all womens race
It was a rather unique all womens race I participated in. Firstly I really liked the pink free shirts. I decided to be pink for the day, unlike some regular runners who only run in their own apparel because of comfort. As I recalled in Pacesetter's magazine, women form hardly a small percentage of runners, being a more male dominated event, although it has begun to pick up a little more on the more veteran women runners.
At the starting line, I was surprised to see not as many participants as I expected, when I asked the FTAAA guy when I signed up, he said "banyak orang" (many people). The other really unparalleled instance was the usual FTAAA lady announcer did not turn up and a man replaced her instead. Then because he was trying to stall for time for the official flag-off at 730 am, he turned on the music and a Fitness First instructor jumped to the front and took the group standing in the starting pen for a 5 mins ad-hoc warm-up. It was so cool to be spontaneous! I could not imagine the guys doing this :-)
Also at the race, the other surprising thing was that there was a lot of Malay ladies participating. Probably because Jelita is a malay magazine, but it was encouraging that there were more Malay runners than I usually see in other regular public 10km races. Also, because I was on my own this time, and treating it as a warmup for the New Balance Pacesetter's 15km race, I took time to chit-chat with some of the ladies and also surveyed the "competition". The categories was also slightly unusual, as I was in a Women's Senior category for 30-40 years old. Together with the Open category, this was for 7km, whilst the Women's Junior and Veteran's category only had a short 5km. Surveying around was fun waiting for the start of the race, as it allowed me time to check out how old or young one can look within a specific age group :-)
The race itself was a bit sluggish for me as well. After weeks of non-practice, non-activity and many many late hours and weekends, the stress has taken its toll on my body, and it did not help that I had barely enough time for only once a week at the gym. The last race I did was almost 1.5 months back. I managed to make it in good time, but enroute back around the corner through the Jalan Parlimen/Dataran Merdeka traffic light, I made a mistake and stopped to a stroll. The abrupt stop made me very light headed and drained of energy, and I barely managed to walk the next 150 m to the corner of the Dataran Merdeka. Afraid that I would not be able to stand up straight much longer, I actually walked down to the carpark intending to give-up the finishing line and wash my face and go home. One lady behind me called me, telling me I was going the wrong way, but I told her to go ahead. So, there I was, sitting in my car for 3 mins, went to wash my face and returned to my car to sit down for another few minutes, very disappointed with myself. Then I did something almost absurd. I closed the car door, ran back up the steps and completed the remaining 200m of the race to the finishing line. And then I went home to sleep for almost 5 hours straight.
As a post mortem, I realised that it was not the race which nearly knocked me out, because I had the capability of running 7km with not much effort. It was my unrested state, and a very tired body that was screaming for attention. The run was a flick of a switch, a flick that told me my bulb was pretty closed to being fused and needed replacement.
Monday - Golf at Nilai Springs
My return to golf was a little less eventful as compared to my run the day before. I had not seen my golf buddy for almost a couple of months as well, and Beng, who is a member at Nilai Springs I had not seen for almost nine months.
After a good night's rest, I was amused and also impressed with myself for getting up at 545am for a 630am ride to Nilai for our game at Nilai Springs. I shot a decent game but what I was really impressed with myself was that I was so relaxed and throughout the game, I repeatedly told my buggy-mate that 5+ hours of golf, and add another 2hours of travel for the game was nothing compared to 45 mins of running 7km. How amazing the comparison is.
So, all in, I had a good wholesome workout, first the brains for working on Saturday, then the legs on Sunday, and the upper body for Monday. My body still aches, but it was a good laborer's day out!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Time Flies
Time waits for no man.
Time is of the essence.
Time will tell.
How fast time flies. Almost 4 months have passed of this year. It seemed like just yesterday the new year began. History extends itself and coming events beckons.
Yesterday whilst sorting my taxes, a few photos dropped out from one of my folders, of myself maybe 4 years ago, when I celebrated New Year's at KLCC. I looked in the mirror and found a stranger staring back, a stranger to the photo I found. What have I done to myself? I knew immediately that age is one instance where it waits for no one.
There is a friend I have known for almost half my life. The % of how long increases by year, so it is a good statistic of time. And I have a close colleague who is so different, from another country and whom I have known for less than two years. 2 years and almost 20 years. And yet, each to his own, I thank you both for being my friend.
Perhaps for the love of taking off the stress or challenging myself, I have taken to running races occasionally but more regularly over the last 8 months. Time seems to have not passed, as I felt as if I have ran for 5 years! I look forward to each race with passion, even when I know not many close friends who run. And here, I learn I enjoy new things everyday.
Time brings about new things, new friends, new discovery, and passing by we age, gracefully, and cherish more, those around us.
Time is priceless, treasure it.
Time is of the essence.
Time will tell.
How fast time flies. Almost 4 months have passed of this year. It seemed like just yesterday the new year began. History extends itself and coming events beckons.
Yesterday whilst sorting my taxes, a few photos dropped out from one of my folders, of myself maybe 4 years ago, when I celebrated New Year's at KLCC. I looked in the mirror and found a stranger staring back, a stranger to the photo I found. What have I done to myself? I knew immediately that age is one instance where it waits for no one.
There is a friend I have known for almost half my life. The % of how long increases by year, so it is a good statistic of time. And I have a close colleague who is so different, from another country and whom I have known for less than two years. 2 years and almost 20 years. And yet, each to his own, I thank you both for being my friend.
Perhaps for the love of taking off the stress or challenging myself, I have taken to running races occasionally but more regularly over the last 8 months. Time seems to have not passed, as I felt as if I have ran for 5 years! I look forward to each race with passion, even when I know not many close friends who run. And here, I learn I enjoy new things everyday.
Time brings about new things, new friends, new discovery, and passing by we age, gracefully, and cherish more, those around us.
Time is priceless, treasure it.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Fly
Fly
Oh to be in the ocean above
The blue skies of a birds love
To be able to fly high in the sky
To take flight and bid worries goodbye
Oh to soar above free
How I wish I could be
Unbounded unbridled untouched
Unconcerned unhurried unrushed
Oh behold the sky which holds no limits
I can fly as far as my wings permits
And one day should my wings tire
I know I have seen the world I desire
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Marathon of the Sands
Approximately one and a half years ago, I diverted from a company business trip to go to Morocco to visit a friend who was working as a contractor there. We went for a overnight camp trip at the Sahara, after travelling down south of Morocco. The organiser of the overnight trip told us about the Marathon of the Sands, which is the biggest annual event to them, besides Hilary Clinton visit to Morocco and Sahara many years ago. The trip to Sahara was one of my lifetime moments, under the vast desert, empty sky filled with stars, the cold night under a berber tent, and learning how to use the toilet where there was none.
Recently on CNN, I saw that the Marathon of the Sands was in progress, in fact, the 2006 session is scheduled to end today. It brings back memories of Sahara, and more so, this continues to fascinate me- running across the desert, under such harsh conditions and in an ultra marathon format.
The article below is from one of the organiser's websites, it is very fascinating, and very under published event. The epitome of ultra-marathons.
____
The Toughest Footrace on Earth
Welcome to the world of lunatics and masochists - don't take offence, I have great admiration for all those who even think about doing this event.
Why this IS the toughest footrace on Earth
It covers 243km/151 miles (made up of legs of 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That's a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors aged between 16 and 78). In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.
You will have to prepare all your own food throughout the race and I warn you that there is not a chain of Tesco stores or corner grocery shops dotted around the Sahara. You will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F, of running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes.
The heat, distance and rubbing will trash your feet and may cause severe trauma if incorrect shoes and equipment are used. Mental stamina probably constitutes at least 50% of whether you will complete the distance or not. Physical fitness is important but don't underestimate the mental stress that you will need to endure. Even if you have run dozens of 26 mile marathons, this does not mean that you will automatically find the MdS easy.
On the 4th day, you will set off across the barren wilderness to complete a 45 - 50 mile stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some will not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage!! Its tough, so don't say that nobody warned you in the strongest terms.
Cost of Registration
Not only will you be tormenting your mind and body for a week but you will have to find over £2,000 for the pleasure (it almost sounds like one of those SM parlours). At least you will know that you are in the company of about 700 others who share your penchant for self destruction.
You should be thinking of raising about that sum in addition to the costs of food, equipment and training. The majority of competitors raise the money through sponsorship and if you need to do this, it is essential that you start without delay. You can do it, but it requires a lot of work and determination to succeed. Potential sponsors will admire you determination in entering the 'toughest footrace on Earth', especially if you are doing it for a good cause.
Charity - I would urge you to select a suitable charity who will benefit from your participation in the MdS as this will enhance your request for sponsorship. Your efforts will benefit a good cause and it will help motivate you while during the race. Futhermore, some charities will subsidise your entry fee - e.g. Facing Africa 50% subsidy offer.
One last word - almost anyone can do this event - you don't need to be superman or an Olympic athlete. The fact that you have asked for more details suggests that you are probably reasonably fit right now and run a few miles a week. If you do want to register but have limited financial resources, NOW is the time to start fund raising - the physical training does not really need to start till around mid-October when you should start training with about 30 miles a week, building up to 50 miles and gradually training with a pack on your back.
It needs a great amount of self-discipline, determination and a will to reach the finishing line. There will be many times during the race when you will feel like shit and you will think of throwing in the towel, but with self-motivation, the help of other competitors, those depending on you at home and the charity will all help you get to the end.
Don't think that just because it is a lot of money that you cannot raise it. Harass and bully your friends into helping you raise the money. Not only will they have a friend to be proud of and perhaps even envy a little (even if they think you are absolutely nuts), but a sick child, an AIDS sufferer, a cancer or MS patient, a suffering animal, an endangered species will get some benefit from your supreme efforts through the charity that you are competing for. We all have someone we know and love who has suffered some terrible illness and wondered what we can do to help - well, this is your chance to make up for lost time.
Go out and raise money and train for the craziest thing you are ever likely to undertake. As the French say, 'Bon Courage mon ami'. I will do all I can to help you with advice and guidance.
Chris Lawrence - Promoter of the Marathon Des Sables
Recently on CNN, I saw that the Marathon of the Sands was in progress, in fact, the 2006 session is scheduled to end today. It brings back memories of Sahara, and more so, this continues to fascinate me- running across the desert, under such harsh conditions and in an ultra marathon format.
The article below is from one of the organiser's websites, it is very fascinating, and very under published event. The epitome of ultra-marathons.
____
The Toughest Footrace on Earth
Welcome to the world of lunatics and masochists - don't take offence, I have great admiration for all those who even think about doing this event.
Why this IS the toughest footrace on Earth
It covers 243km/151 miles (made up of legs of 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That's a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors aged between 16 and 78). In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.
You will have to prepare all your own food throughout the race and I warn you that there is not a chain of Tesco stores or corner grocery shops dotted around the Sahara. You will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F, of running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes.
The heat, distance and rubbing will trash your feet and may cause severe trauma if incorrect shoes and equipment are used. Mental stamina probably constitutes at least 50% of whether you will complete the distance or not. Physical fitness is important but don't underestimate the mental stress that you will need to endure. Even if you have run dozens of 26 mile marathons, this does not mean that you will automatically find the MdS easy.
On the 4th day, you will set off across the barren wilderness to complete a 45 - 50 mile stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some will not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage!! Its tough, so don't say that nobody warned you in the strongest terms.
Cost of Registration
Not only will you be tormenting your mind and body for a week but you will have to find over £2,000 for the pleasure (it almost sounds like one of those SM parlours). At least you will know that you are in the company of about 700 others who share your penchant for self destruction.
You should be thinking of raising about that sum in addition to the costs of food, equipment and training. The majority of competitors raise the money through sponsorship and if you need to do this, it is essential that you start without delay. You can do it, but it requires a lot of work and determination to succeed. Potential sponsors will admire you determination in entering the 'toughest footrace on Earth', especially if you are doing it for a good cause.
Charity - I would urge you to select a suitable charity who will benefit from your participation in the MdS as this will enhance your request for sponsorship. Your efforts will benefit a good cause and it will help motivate you while during the race. Futhermore, some charities will subsidise your entry fee - e.g. Facing Africa 50% subsidy offer.
One last word - almost anyone can do this event - you don't need to be superman or an Olympic athlete. The fact that you have asked for more details suggests that you are probably reasonably fit right now and run a few miles a week. If you do want to register but have limited financial resources, NOW is the time to start fund raising - the physical training does not really need to start till around mid-October when you should start training with about 30 miles a week, building up to 50 miles and gradually training with a pack on your back.
It needs a great amount of self-discipline, determination and a will to reach the finishing line. There will be many times during the race when you will feel like shit and you will think of throwing in the towel, but with self-motivation, the help of other competitors, those depending on you at home and the charity will all help you get to the end.
Don't think that just because it is a lot of money that you cannot raise it. Harass and bully your friends into helping you raise the money. Not only will they have a friend to be proud of and perhaps even envy a little (even if they think you are absolutely nuts), but a sick child, an AIDS sufferer, a cancer or MS patient, a suffering animal, an endangered species will get some benefit from your supreme efforts through the charity that you are competing for. We all have someone we know and love who has suffered some terrible illness and wondered what we can do to help - well, this is your chance to make up for lost time.
Go out and raise money and train for the craziest thing you are ever likely to undertake. As the French say, 'Bon Courage mon ami'. I will do all I can to help you with advice and guidance.
Chris Lawrence - Promoter of the Marathon Des Sables
Thursday, April 13, 2006
You're Beautiful
I am back!
I have been having really heavy weeks recently, and coupled with the ethernet port on my home router malfunctioned over the whole of last week meant that I was literally 'connectionless' at home for almost a week, hence no blogging. As for the definition of heavy, lets just say emotions were adrift last week at work and slight breather before the next storm next week. Maybe today, a little light fare.... //mc
________________________
Some of you who have called me on my mobile must have heard one of my three caller ringtones - those the caller hears while waiting for me to answer. I have one ringtone in English, one in Chinese and one in Malay! It is supposed to be random but somehow some people hear one all the time, some people hear random all the time. The Chinese one is the theme song from the award winning chinese show, Perhaps Love, sung by Jackie Cheung, whilst the English one is one which I fell in love with before it got hot, You're Beautiful by James Blunt.
James Blunt has a hauntingly beautiful voice, and the term "You're Beautiful" is itself such a wonderful statement to hear from someone else. The ending of the song is sad, if you really hear what he says in the song (lyrics below). Nevertheless, we are human to see the beginning, enjoy the voice, and look at everything in a beautiful manner, including the ending of the song.
For my beautiful friends, acquaintances and readers, you are all beautiful, and thanks for your encouragements, and next time you call, I will let it go to voice message so that you can hear me say, You're Beautiful.
"You're Beautiful" by James Blunt
My life is brilliant.
My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
Yeah, she caught my eye,
As we walked on by.
She could see from my face that I was,
Flying high,
And I don't think that I'll see her again,
But we shared a moment that will last till the end.
You're beautiful.
You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
You're beautiful.
You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.
I have been having really heavy weeks recently, and coupled with the ethernet port on my home router malfunctioned over the whole of last week meant that I was literally 'connectionless' at home for almost a week, hence no blogging. As for the definition of heavy, lets just say emotions were adrift last week at work and slight breather before the next storm next week. Maybe today, a little light fare.... //mc
________________________
Some of you who have called me on my mobile must have heard one of my three caller ringtones - those the caller hears while waiting for me to answer. I have one ringtone in English, one in Chinese and one in Malay! It is supposed to be random but somehow some people hear one all the time, some people hear random all the time. The Chinese one is the theme song from the award winning chinese show, Perhaps Love, sung by Jackie Cheung, whilst the English one is one which I fell in love with before it got hot, You're Beautiful by James Blunt.
James Blunt has a hauntingly beautiful voice, and the term "You're Beautiful" is itself such a wonderful statement to hear from someone else. The ending of the song is sad, if you really hear what he says in the song (lyrics below). Nevertheless, we are human to see the beginning, enjoy the voice, and look at everything in a beautiful manner, including the ending of the song.
For my beautiful friends, acquaintances and readers, you are all beautiful, and thanks for your encouragements, and next time you call, I will let it go to voice message so that you can hear me say, You're Beautiful.
"You're Beautiful" by James Blunt
My life is brilliant.
My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
Yeah, she caught my eye,
As we walked on by.
She could see from my face that I was,
Flying high,
And I don't think that I'll see her again,
But we shared a moment that will last till the end.
You're beautiful.
You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
You're beautiful.
You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Teachable Point of View (TPOV)
As part of leadership development training module I am doing, I have been asked to outline my teachable point of view (TPOV). A TPOV is something you believe in and a core principle which impacts the way you deal with people and situations. I would like to share here, as practice for the coming training session where I have to share this within a video-taped session (!).
My TPOV is "intent from the heart". When I am committed to a piece of work or executing a responsibility or dealing with people, I am committed to intent from the heart. Intent must be clear, because in everything we do, there is always consequences. If I am not clear on my intent, the mind will always never be one with the heart.
I am by no means a leader, but my teaching if any, to myself, is to be clear with good intent in the heart, then it no longer matters what others think or do because I am guided with my own internal light.
My TPOV is "intent from the heart". When I am committed to a piece of work or executing a responsibility or dealing with people, I am committed to intent from the heart. Intent must be clear, because in everything we do, there is always consequences. If I am not clear on my intent, the mind will always never be one with the heart.
I am by no means a leader, but my teaching if any, to myself, is to be clear with good intent in the heart, then it no longer matters what others think or do because I am guided with my own internal light.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Ugly Duckling
I love my profile photo. It signifies two things which is core principle to me - one is that I always feel like an ugly duckling. Second is that when a good photograph captures the ugly duckling and makes it beautiful, it feels complete. Very profound, huh?
123456
Is it possible, that I am up at 1:23 4/5/6 ... WOW what a piece of numerology. Waiting to ensure this posts exactly.
Blogging to Keep Awake
I am blogging to keep awake tonite. Can't do this sort of overnighter anymore, I am no longer young. But nite shifts gives me a lot of peace. It is quiet, there are no meetings and rushing around, and I am basically tired that I want to avoid real thinking! It is trial migration 2, two of four affairs.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Processor Overdrive
Of late, my processor has been in overdrive.
Today I just drove from home to project site in 100km/h speed and back to collect a document I left behind. Loud music was blasting in my car and I was at peace, but on after thought, I am worried I am really not myself, as such behavior is dangerous but I found it good to be not thinking and totally focussed on driving.
Need a break. Desperately.
Today I just drove from home to project site in 100km/h speed and back to collect a document I left behind. Loud music was blasting in my car and I was at peace, but on after thought, I am worried I am really not myself, as such behavior is dangerous but I found it good to be not thinking and totally focussed on driving.
Need a break. Desperately.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Running at 60
My uncle is 60 years old this year. The last time I saw him must have been a few years ago when I went for my cousin's wedding. He lives in Seremban, my father's hometown.
Today, mum told me excitedly I have a new running kaki. It was my uncle. Apparently they found out that he does a lot of hash runs and also occasional road runs, and HAS A PERSONAL BEST OF 1:48 for a half marathon and tons of medals.
I am now looking forward to the Seremban Half Marathon, apparently sometime in July so that I can run together with him (or in this case behind him!).
60 years old. A lot of respect. Running is SO ADDICTIVE.
Today, mum told me excitedly I have a new running kaki. It was my uncle. Apparently they found out that he does a lot of hash runs and also occasional road runs, and HAS A PERSONAL BEST OF 1:48 for a half marathon and tons of medals.
I am now looking forward to the Seremban Half Marathon, apparently sometime in July so that I can run together with him (or in this case behind him!).
60 years old. A lot of respect. Running is SO ADDICTIVE.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
30 Best Companies to Work in Malaysia
This was forwarded to me today ....
30 Best Companies to Work in Malaysia
A compilation of 30 top and best companies to work in Malaysia
1. Shell
Website: www.shell.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Address: Human Resources Dept, Bangunan Shell Malaysia
Damansara Heights, Changkat Semantan, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2095 9144
An excellent company to work for, Shell provides you with a platform for trainings and knowledge, while at the same time providing you with opportunity for growth while climbing the technical and corporate ladder.
2. Intel
Website: www.intel.com, www.intel.com/jobs/Malaysia
Industry: Manufacturing
Intel is the world's largest chip maker, also a leading manufacturing of computer, networking and communications products. Intel currently has the largest plant of all manufacturing companies in Penang & Kulim industrial area.
3. DHL
Website: www.dhl.com.my
Industry: Logistics & Freight Forwarding
Add: Human Resources Department, DHL Express (M) Sdn Bhd
Levels 26, 27 & 28 Menara TM, Off Jln Pantai Baharu
50672 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Phone: 1 800 88 8388
DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Around 285,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations in 120,000 destinations in all continents.
4. Petronas
Website: www.petronas.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Add: HR Planning & Recruitment PETRONAS, Level 63, Tower 1PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaEmail: hrm@petronas.com.my
PETRONAS is an integrated international oil and gas company with business interests in 31 countries. As at end of October 2005, the PETRONAS Group comprised 101wholly-owned subsidiaries, 19 partly-owned outfits and 57 associated companies.
5. McKinsey & Co
Website: www.mckinsey.com
Industry: Consulting
Add: McKinsey & Company, Level 57, Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur City Center, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 60 (3) 2382 5500
As one of the world's biggest consulting firms with offices all across the globe, McKinsey helps many of the world's leading organizations think about and improve their strategies, organizations and operations.
6. Maxis
Website: www.maxis.com.my
Industry: Communications
Add: Staffing & HR Planning, Maxis Communications Berhad, Aras 17, Menara Maxis, Off Jln Ampang, 50088 KL. Tel: 03-7492 2123
As one of the largest communications giants in this country, Maxis will be a preferred platform for aspiring executives to be part of in the quest to reach their career heights. There are so many opportunities available as Maxis is expected to continue growing in terms of size and profits.
7.IBM
Website: www.ibm.com/my
Industry: System/Hardware
Add: IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd, 15th Floor, Plaza IBM, Jln Tun Mohd Fuad
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel (Gen): 03-7727 7788
To date, IBM has played a major role in delivering solutions to the customers to help solve business problems. IBM's key strengths are in people, skills and experience in IT and complex projects, and worldwide infrastructure of international offices and laboratories from which they can quickly assemble the best expertise required by the customers in Malaysia and worldwide.
8. Motorola
Website: www.motorola.com/my/
Industry: Manufacturing
Add: Human Resources Department, Motorola Technology Sdn Bhd
Bayan Lepas Technoplex Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tel: 04-6432511 (General)
First established in Malaysia in Penang (1974), Motorola today is a total solutions provider for wireless telecommunications and energy products. It is the first Motorola Asia-Pacific Regional Integrated Manufacturing, R&D and Distribution Center. Capabilities include design & development of two-way radio products, world-class manufacturing and distribution to global customers.
9. ExxonMobil
Website: www.exxonmobil.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Add: Human Resources Department, Esso Production Malaysia Inc.
Level 17, Menara ExxonMobil, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Fax: 603-3803494
A merge between Esso and Mobil produced ExxonMobil which is now the biggest oil and gas company globally, covering upstream, downstream, technology and chemical activities.
10. Hewlett Packard
Industry: Hardware/multimedia
Website: www.hp.com.my
Add: Human Resource Department, HP Towers,
Hewlett Packard (M) Sdn Bhd., 12 Jalan Genggang, Bukit Damansara,
50409 KUALA LUMPUR
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing for consumers, enterprises and small and medium businesses.
11. CIMB
Industry: Investment
Website: www.cimb.com.my
CIMB is the largest, award winning investment bank in Southeast Asia. They offer a full range of integrated capital markets and advisory solutions tailored to a diverse client base, including large corporations, financial institutions, private individuals and institutional investors. Requires talented and hardworking people, but you'll be well compensated. Min yearly bonus average more than 6 months, depending on your performance. In 2004 claim a record bonus payout of 13 months!
12. Ernst & Young
Website: http://www.ey.com/global/content.nsf/Malaysia/Malaysia_Home_Page
Industry: Financial & tax services
Add: 4th Floor, Kompleks Antarabangsa, Jalan Sultan Ismail50250 Kuala Lumpur. Tel (6)03.2144 2333 Fax (6)03.2141 0676
In Malaysia, Ernst & Young is one of the largest professional services firms with more than 2,400 employees in 17 offices in West and East Malaysia. It was established in early 1900s and was one of the first internationally linked public accounting firms in the country.
13. Citibank
Website: www.citibank.com.my
Industry: Banking
Add: Human Resources Department, Menara Citibank
165 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03- 2380 0000
Citibank is part of Citigroup, the world's largest banking entity, with operation in more than 100 countries and having more than 200 million customers worldwide. Citibank also offers one of the most comprehensive trainings to their sales force.
14. Dell Asia Pacific
Website: www.dell.com.my
Industry: PC/Hardware
Dell is one-stop PC and notebook supplier with state of the art assembly operation in Penang, supported by a world-class standard of customer service operation. At the heart of Dell's Asia Pacific operations is the Asia Pacific Customer Center (APCC) in Penang, Malaysia. The 238,000-square-foot manufacturing facility opened in October 1995 and in February 2001, Dell's second Asia Pacific Customer Centre (APCC2) of 370,000-square-feet began operations. Desktops, workstations, notebooks, servers and storage products are manufactured to order for customers throughout Asia Pacific.
15. Accenture
Website: http://www.accenture.com/Countries/Malaysia
Industry: Consultancy
Add: Level 66 Tower 2 Petronas Twin Towers, Jalan Ampang
50088 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03 2731 4000 Fax: 03 205 72537
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with operation in 110 offices worldwide. Accenture collaborate with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. Accenture mobilizes excellent qualified people having the right skills and technologies to help clients improve their performance.
16. PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC)
Website: www.pwc.com/my
Industry: Financial & Tax services
Address: PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia, 11th Floor
Wisma Sime Darby, Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Telephone +60 (3) 26931077 Fax: +60(3) 26930997
Email: my.careers@my.pwc.com.
PWC provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. Their Malaysia operation is supported by a strong 1700 workforce in 9 locations.
17. Toyota
Website: www.toyota.com.my
Industry: Automotive
Add: Manager, Human Resources, UMW Toyota Malaysia
No. 2, Persiaran Raja Muda, Seksyen 15, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor
Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the world's leading automakers, offering full range of models. As of March 2004, Toyota employs 264,000 people worldwide, and market vehicles in more than 140 countries. Their diversified operations include telecommunications, prefabricated housing and leisure boats.
18. Nokia
Website: www.nokia.com.my
Industry: Mobile communications
Add: Nokia Networks Malaysia, Suite T01 3rd Floor
Block 2320 Century Square, Jalan Usahawan
63000 CYBERJAYA
Tel: +60 3 8313 6888 Fax: +60 3 8318 9188
A leading player in mobile communications in the Asia Pacific, Nokia first started operations in the region in the early 1980s. It has since established a leading brand presence in many local markets, and business has expanded considerably in all areas to support customer needs and the growth of the telecommunications industry in the region.
19. Bank Negara Malaysia
Website: www.bnm.gov.my
Industry: Banking
Add: Recruitment & Scholarship Section , Human Resource Management Department , 11C, Bank Negara Malaysia , Jalan Dato' Onn
50480 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03 2692 5373, 03 2690 7246, 03 2690 7242
Fax: 03 2698 7929
E-mail: recruit@bnm.gov.my
Bank Negara Malaysia is the central bank for Malaysia, established on 26 January 1959. The functions of the Bank are carried out within the context of the broader goals of promoting economic growth, a high level of employment, maintaining price stability and a reasonable balance in the country's international payments position, eradicating poverty and restructuring society.
20. Western Digital
Website: www.wdc.com
Industry: Manufacturing
Add: The Human Resource Department
Western Digital (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Lot 3, Jalan SS8/6, Sungei Way Free Industrial Zone
47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7870 5123
Winner of Best Employers in Asia awards, Western Digital is really an excellent organization to be in. You'll get a chance to get a closer look on the manufacturing operation of enterprise drives, desktop, external and mobile drives.
21. Air Asia
Website: www.airasia.com.my
Industry: Aviation
Air Asia has a record history of being a debt-ridden company turned into a multibillion organization within a span of merely 3 years. Headed by one of Malaysia's most successful businesspersons, Datuk Tony Fernandez, there's a limitless chance for your career to reach this sky, as of their planes, once you're part of this ever growing company.
22. LogicaCMG
Website: www.logicacmg.com/my
Industry: IT outsourcing
Add: 601, Level 6, Uptown 1, No. 1, Jalan SS21/58
Damansara Uptown, 47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: +603 7725 6890 Fax: +603 7726 6346
Currently the biggest IT outsourcing provider in Europe, LogicaCMG is continuing to make impact in Asia Pacific. It provides management and IT consultancy, systems integration and outsourcing services to clients across diverse markets including telecoms, financial services, energy and utilities, industry, distribution and transport and the public sector. Formed in December 2002, through the merger of Logica and CMG, the company employs around 20,000 staff in offices across 34 countries and has nearly 40 years of experience in IT services.
23. KPMG International
Website: http://www.kpmg.com
Industry: Financial Services
Add: KPMG/Desa Megat & Co., Wisma KPMG, Jalan Dungun
Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 10047
50702 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 011-60-3-2095-3388
Fax: 011-60-3-2095-0971
KPMG International is the global network of professional services firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services with industry focus. Its aim is to turn knowledge into value for the benefit of its clients, people, and the capital markets. With nearly 94,000 people worldwide, KPMG member firms provide audit, tax, and advisory services from 717 cities in 148 countries.
24. Oracle Corporation
Website: www.oracle.com
Industry: Software/system
Malaysia office: Oracle Corporation Malaysia Sdn BhdLevel 38 Menara Citibank, 165 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala LumpurTel: 60-3-2161 8822 Fax: 60-3-2164 3755
For nearly three decades, Oracle, the world's largest enterprise software company, has provided the software and services that let organizations get the most up-to-date and accurate information from their business systems.
25. Federal Express (FedEx)
Website: www.fedex.com/my
Industry: Logistic & freight forwarding
Selangor service centre in Malaysia:
Federal Express Services (M) Sdn Bhd
17 Jalan TSB 8, Taman Industri Sungai Buloh
47000 Kota Damansara, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Email: MALrecruit@fedex.com
Federal Express, part of transportation powerhouse FedEx Corporation, connects areas that generate 90 per cent of the world's gross domestic product in 24 to 48 hours with door-to-door, customs-cleared service and a money-back guarantee. The company's unmatched air route authorities and infrastructure make it the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast, reliable and time-definite transportation of more than 3.2 million items in 220 countries each working day. FedEx has more than 138,000 employees, 50,000 drop-off locations, 671 aircraft and 41,000 vehicles in its integrated global network.
26. Deloitte Malaysia
Website: www.deloitte.com
Industry: Financial & tax services
Add: Head Office, Level 19, SS21/58Damansara Uptown, 47400 Petaling JayaP O Box 10093, 50704 Kuala LumpurTel: +60(3) 7723 6500, +60(3) 7726 1833Fax: +60(3) 7726 3986, +60(3) 7726 8986e-mail: myaaa@deloitte.com
Deloitte Malaysia is among the nation's leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through nearly 1,100 people in 8 offices throughout the nation. Having built a strong presence with a portfolio of clients spanning a variety of industries, Deloitte Malaysia has a proven record in providing services to some of the world's largest multi-nationals as well as local enterprises, financial institutions, government bodies, public and newly privatised organisations.
27. Ericsson
Website: www.ericsson.com/my
Industry: Mobile communications
Malaysia address: Ericsson (M) Sdn Bhd
3420 Persiaran Sepang
63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-8314 6000 Fax: 03-8314 6009
Ericsson is the leading telecom supplier in the world. In the Asia Pacific region, Ericsson has over 30 percent market share in mobile communications infrastructure. Ericsson's net sales in the region for Q3 2005 accounts for 22% of Ericsson's global sales.
Ericsson has a strong presence in Asia Pacific, with 16 operating entities grouped into five market units: Australia & New Zealand, China, India & Sri Lanka, North East Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan), and South East Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei).
28. Samsung
Website: www.samsung.com
Industry: Electronics
Malaysia contact: Suite 3B-9-3A, Level 9, Block 3B
Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5
Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2263 6600 Fax: 03-2263 6666
In this region, Malaysia plays a key role in SAMSUNG's strategy as both a manufacturing export base as well as a market for high-value technology products. They currently employ a total of 2200 employees in Malaysia. SAMSUNG Electronics offices in Malaysia consist of 1 subsidiary office and 2 manufacturing facilities. In recent years, SAMSUNG has evolved as a major consumer technology brand. We consistently clinch top 3 positions across South-East Asia for televisions, monitors/LCD monitors, side-by-side refrigerators, washing machines and DVD players.
29. Sony Malaysia
Website: www.sony.com.my
Industry: Manufacturing/electronic
Malaysia contact:
The Human Resources Department
Sony (M) Sdn Bhd, No.7, Tanjung Bandar Utama
Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya 47800, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Email: recruits@sony.com.my
Sony has helped developed discerning Malaysians who have come to expect quality, integrity and reliability in audio/visual equipment. Sony's cutting-edge technology brings sights and sounds, expectations and experiences into the home as well as the office.
30. Berjaya Corporation
Website: www.berjaya.com.my
Industry: Various
Add: BERJAYA LAND BERHAD
Group Human Resource & Administration Division
11th Floor Menara Berjaya, K L Plaza
179 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Email: hr@berjaya.com.my
Berjaya Corporation is a major Malaysian conglomerate with annual revenue in excess of RM2.93 billion. Through a series of acquisitions, organic growth and the entrepreneurial leadership of Tan Sri Dato' Seri Vincent Tan, Berjaya Corporation today has a total employee strength of over 17,000, and is engaged in the various core activities including property development, vacation & resorts, education, food & beverages, investment holdings and others.
30 Best Companies to Work in Malaysia
A compilation of 30 top and best companies to work in Malaysia
1. Shell
Website: www.shell.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Address: Human Resources Dept, Bangunan Shell Malaysia
Damansara Heights, Changkat Semantan, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2095 9144
An excellent company to work for, Shell provides you with a platform for trainings and knowledge, while at the same time providing you with opportunity for growth while climbing the technical and corporate ladder.
2. Intel
Website: www.intel.com, www.intel.com/jobs/Malaysia
Industry: Manufacturing
Intel is the world's largest chip maker, also a leading manufacturing of computer, networking and communications products. Intel currently has the largest plant of all manufacturing companies in Penang & Kulim industrial area.
3. DHL
Website: www.dhl.com.my
Industry: Logistics & Freight Forwarding
Add: Human Resources Department, DHL Express (M) Sdn Bhd
Levels 26, 27 & 28 Menara TM, Off Jln Pantai Baharu
50672 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Phone: 1 800 88 8388
DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Around 285,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations in 120,000 destinations in all continents.
4. Petronas
Website: www.petronas.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Add: HR Planning & Recruitment PETRONAS, Level 63, Tower 1PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaEmail: hrm@petronas.com.my
PETRONAS is an integrated international oil and gas company with business interests in 31 countries. As at end of October 2005, the PETRONAS Group comprised 101wholly-owned subsidiaries, 19 partly-owned outfits and 57 associated companies.
5. McKinsey & Co
Website: www.mckinsey.com
Industry: Consulting
Add: McKinsey & Company, Level 57, Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur City Center, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 60 (3) 2382 5500
As one of the world's biggest consulting firms with offices all across the globe, McKinsey helps many of the world's leading organizations think about and improve their strategies, organizations and operations.
6. Maxis
Website: www.maxis.com.my
Industry: Communications
Add: Staffing & HR Planning, Maxis Communications Berhad, Aras 17, Menara Maxis, Off Jln Ampang, 50088 KL. Tel: 03-7492 2123
As one of the largest communications giants in this country, Maxis will be a preferred platform for aspiring executives to be part of in the quest to reach their career heights. There are so many opportunities available as Maxis is expected to continue growing in terms of size and profits.
7.IBM
Website: www.ibm.com/my
Industry: System/Hardware
Add: IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd, 15th Floor, Plaza IBM, Jln Tun Mohd Fuad
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel (Gen): 03-7727 7788
To date, IBM has played a major role in delivering solutions to the customers to help solve business problems. IBM's key strengths are in people, skills and experience in IT and complex projects, and worldwide infrastructure of international offices and laboratories from which they can quickly assemble the best expertise required by the customers in Malaysia and worldwide.
8. Motorola
Website: www.motorola.com/my/
Industry: Manufacturing
Add: Human Resources Department, Motorola Technology Sdn Bhd
Bayan Lepas Technoplex Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tel: 04-6432511 (General)
First established in Malaysia in Penang (1974), Motorola today is a total solutions provider for wireless telecommunications and energy products. It is the first Motorola Asia-Pacific Regional Integrated Manufacturing, R&D and Distribution Center. Capabilities include design & development of two-way radio products, world-class manufacturing and distribution to global customers.
9. ExxonMobil
Website: www.exxonmobil.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Add: Human Resources Department, Esso Production Malaysia Inc.
Level 17, Menara ExxonMobil, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Fax: 603-3803494
A merge between Esso and Mobil produced ExxonMobil which is now the biggest oil and gas company globally, covering upstream, downstream, technology and chemical activities.
10. Hewlett Packard
Industry: Hardware/multimedia
Website: www.hp.com.my
Add: Human Resource Department, HP Towers,
Hewlett Packard (M) Sdn Bhd., 12 Jalan Genggang, Bukit Damansara,
50409 KUALA LUMPUR
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing for consumers, enterprises and small and medium businesses.
11. CIMB
Industry: Investment
Website: www.cimb.com.my
CIMB is the largest, award winning investment bank in Southeast Asia. They offer a full range of integrated capital markets and advisory solutions tailored to a diverse client base, including large corporations, financial institutions, private individuals and institutional investors. Requires talented and hardworking people, but you'll be well compensated. Min yearly bonus average more than 6 months, depending on your performance. In 2004 claim a record bonus payout of 13 months!
12. Ernst & Young
Website: http://www.ey.com/global/content.nsf/Malaysia/Malaysia_Home_Page
Industry: Financial & tax services
Add: 4th Floor, Kompleks Antarabangsa, Jalan Sultan Ismail50250 Kuala Lumpur. Tel (6)03.2144 2333 Fax (6)03.2141 0676
In Malaysia, Ernst & Young is one of the largest professional services firms with more than 2,400 employees in 17 offices in West and East Malaysia. It was established in early 1900s and was one of the first internationally linked public accounting firms in the country.
13. Citibank
Website: www.citibank.com.my
Industry: Banking
Add: Human Resources Department, Menara Citibank
165 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03- 2380 0000
Citibank is part of Citigroup, the world's largest banking entity, with operation in more than 100 countries and having more than 200 million customers worldwide. Citibank also offers one of the most comprehensive trainings to their sales force.
14. Dell Asia Pacific
Website: www.dell.com.my
Industry: PC/Hardware
Dell is one-stop PC and notebook supplier with state of the art assembly operation in Penang, supported by a world-class standard of customer service operation. At the heart of Dell's Asia Pacific operations is the Asia Pacific Customer Center (APCC) in Penang, Malaysia. The 238,000-square-foot manufacturing facility opened in October 1995 and in February 2001, Dell's second Asia Pacific Customer Centre (APCC2) of 370,000-square-feet began operations. Desktops, workstations, notebooks, servers and storage products are manufactured to order for customers throughout Asia Pacific.
15. Accenture
Website: http://www.accenture.com/Countries/Malaysia
Industry: Consultancy
Add: Level 66 Tower 2 Petronas Twin Towers, Jalan Ampang
50088 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03 2731 4000 Fax: 03 205 72537
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with operation in 110 offices worldwide. Accenture collaborate with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. Accenture mobilizes excellent qualified people having the right skills and technologies to help clients improve their performance.
16. PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC)
Website: www.pwc.com/my
Industry: Financial & Tax services
Address: PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia, 11th Floor
Wisma Sime Darby, Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Telephone +60 (3) 26931077 Fax: +60(3) 26930997
Email: my.careers@my.pwc.com.
PWC provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. Their Malaysia operation is supported by a strong 1700 workforce in 9 locations.
17. Toyota
Website: www.toyota.com.my
Industry: Automotive
Add: Manager, Human Resources, UMW Toyota Malaysia
No. 2, Persiaran Raja Muda, Seksyen 15, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor
Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the world's leading automakers, offering full range of models. As of March 2004, Toyota employs 264,000 people worldwide, and market vehicles in more than 140 countries. Their diversified operations include telecommunications, prefabricated housing and leisure boats.
18. Nokia
Website: www.nokia.com.my
Industry: Mobile communications
Add: Nokia Networks Malaysia, Suite T01 3rd Floor
Block 2320 Century Square, Jalan Usahawan
63000 CYBERJAYA
Tel: +60 3 8313 6888 Fax: +60 3 8318 9188
A leading player in mobile communications in the Asia Pacific, Nokia first started operations in the region in the early 1980s. It has since established a leading brand presence in many local markets, and business has expanded considerably in all areas to support customer needs and the growth of the telecommunications industry in the region.
19. Bank Negara Malaysia
Website: www.bnm.gov.my
Industry: Banking
Add: Recruitment & Scholarship Section , Human Resource Management Department , 11C, Bank Negara Malaysia , Jalan Dato' Onn
50480 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03 2692 5373, 03 2690 7246, 03 2690 7242
Fax: 03 2698 7929
E-mail: recruit@bnm.gov.my
Bank Negara Malaysia is the central bank for Malaysia, established on 26 January 1959. The functions of the Bank are carried out within the context of the broader goals of promoting economic growth, a high level of employment, maintaining price stability and a reasonable balance in the country's international payments position, eradicating poverty and restructuring society.
20. Western Digital
Website: www.wdc.com
Industry: Manufacturing
Add: The Human Resource Department
Western Digital (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Lot 3, Jalan SS8/6, Sungei Way Free Industrial Zone
47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7870 5123
Winner of Best Employers in Asia awards, Western Digital is really an excellent organization to be in. You'll get a chance to get a closer look on the manufacturing operation of enterprise drives, desktop, external and mobile drives.
21. Air Asia
Website: www.airasia.com.my
Industry: Aviation
Air Asia has a record history of being a debt-ridden company turned into a multibillion organization within a span of merely 3 years. Headed by one of Malaysia's most successful businesspersons, Datuk Tony Fernandez, there's a limitless chance for your career to reach this sky, as of their planes, once you're part of this ever growing company.
22. LogicaCMG
Website: www.logicacmg.com/my
Industry: IT outsourcing
Add: 601, Level 6, Uptown 1, No. 1, Jalan SS21/58
Damansara Uptown, 47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: +603 7725 6890 Fax: +603 7726 6346
Currently the biggest IT outsourcing provider in Europe, LogicaCMG is continuing to make impact in Asia Pacific. It provides management and IT consultancy, systems integration and outsourcing services to clients across diverse markets including telecoms, financial services, energy and utilities, industry, distribution and transport and the public sector. Formed in December 2002, through the merger of Logica and CMG, the company employs around 20,000 staff in offices across 34 countries and has nearly 40 years of experience in IT services.
23. KPMG International
Website: http://www.kpmg.com
Industry: Financial Services
Add: KPMG/Desa Megat & Co., Wisma KPMG, Jalan Dungun
Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 10047
50702 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 011-60-3-2095-3388
Fax: 011-60-3-2095-0971
KPMG International is the global network of professional services firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services with industry focus. Its aim is to turn knowledge into value for the benefit of its clients, people, and the capital markets. With nearly 94,000 people worldwide, KPMG member firms provide audit, tax, and advisory services from 717 cities in 148 countries.
24. Oracle Corporation
Website: www.oracle.com
Industry: Software/system
Malaysia office: Oracle Corporation Malaysia Sdn BhdLevel 38 Menara Citibank, 165 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala LumpurTel: 60-3-2161 8822 Fax: 60-3-2164 3755
For nearly three decades, Oracle, the world's largest enterprise software company, has provided the software and services that let organizations get the most up-to-date and accurate information from their business systems.
25. Federal Express (FedEx)
Website: www.fedex.com/my
Industry: Logistic & freight forwarding
Selangor service centre in Malaysia:
Federal Express Services (M) Sdn Bhd
17 Jalan TSB 8, Taman Industri Sungai Buloh
47000 Kota Damansara, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Email: MALrecruit@fedex.com
Federal Express, part of transportation powerhouse FedEx Corporation, connects areas that generate 90 per cent of the world's gross domestic product in 24 to 48 hours with door-to-door, customs-cleared service and a money-back guarantee. The company's unmatched air route authorities and infrastructure make it the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast, reliable and time-definite transportation of more than 3.2 million items in 220 countries each working day. FedEx has more than 138,000 employees, 50,000 drop-off locations, 671 aircraft and 41,000 vehicles in its integrated global network.
26. Deloitte Malaysia
Website: www.deloitte.com
Industry: Financial & tax services
Add: Head Office, Level 19, SS21/58Damansara Uptown, 47400 Petaling JayaP O Box 10093, 50704 Kuala LumpurTel: +60(3) 7723 6500, +60(3) 7726 1833Fax: +60(3) 7726 3986, +60(3) 7726 8986e-mail: myaaa@deloitte.com
Deloitte Malaysia is among the nation's leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through nearly 1,100 people in 8 offices throughout the nation. Having built a strong presence with a portfolio of clients spanning a variety of industries, Deloitte Malaysia has a proven record in providing services to some of the world's largest multi-nationals as well as local enterprises, financial institutions, government bodies, public and newly privatised organisations.
27. Ericsson
Website: www.ericsson.com/my
Industry: Mobile communications
Malaysia address: Ericsson (M) Sdn Bhd
3420 Persiaran Sepang
63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-8314 6000 Fax: 03-8314 6009
Ericsson is the leading telecom supplier in the world. In the Asia Pacific region, Ericsson has over 30 percent market share in mobile communications infrastructure. Ericsson's net sales in the region for Q3 2005 accounts for 22% of Ericsson's global sales.
Ericsson has a strong presence in Asia Pacific, with 16 operating entities grouped into five market units: Australia & New Zealand, China, India & Sri Lanka, North East Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan), and South East Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei).
28. Samsung
Website: www.samsung.com
Industry: Electronics
Malaysia contact: Suite 3B-9-3A, Level 9, Block 3B
Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5
Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2263 6600 Fax: 03-2263 6666
In this region, Malaysia plays a key role in SAMSUNG's strategy as both a manufacturing export base as well as a market for high-value technology products. They currently employ a total of 2200 employees in Malaysia. SAMSUNG Electronics offices in Malaysia consist of 1 subsidiary office and 2 manufacturing facilities. In recent years, SAMSUNG has evolved as a major consumer technology brand. We consistently clinch top 3 positions across South-East Asia for televisions, monitors/LCD monitors, side-by-side refrigerators, washing machines and DVD players.
29. Sony Malaysia
Website: www.sony.com.my
Industry: Manufacturing/electronic
Malaysia contact:
The Human Resources Department
Sony (M) Sdn Bhd, No.7, Tanjung Bandar Utama
Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya 47800, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Email: recruits@sony.com.my
Sony has helped developed discerning Malaysians who have come to expect quality, integrity and reliability in audio/visual equipment. Sony's cutting-edge technology brings sights and sounds, expectations and experiences into the home as well as the office.
30. Berjaya Corporation
Website: www.berjaya.com.my
Industry: Various
Add: BERJAYA LAND BERHAD
Group Human Resource & Administration Division
11th Floor Menara Berjaya, K L Plaza
179 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Email: hr@berjaya.com.my
Berjaya Corporation is a major Malaysian conglomerate with annual revenue in excess of RM2.93 billion. Through a series of acquisitions, organic growth and the entrepreneurial leadership of Tan Sri Dato' Seri Vincent Tan, Berjaya Corporation today has a total employee strength of over 17,000, and is engaged in the various core activities including property development, vacation & resorts, education, food & beverages, investment holdings and others.
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