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.

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.

Low on Chi

I am low on Chi today.

Sometimes, one of those days, when the energy is low and we are not as strong willed as we want to be, it is good to have a person who is strong in chi to help stabilise these low points. Through time, through life, through our experiences, family, people we deal with, we are exposed to a lot of pain, happiness, joy, frustrations, and these build up our energy to deal with the next day.

My principle in life is as in work, to dream as if I'd live forever and live as though I'd die tomorrow. But, today my chi is low.

Running has taught me about pace. Pace sets my approach to life - I am able to tolerate large variations in environmental influence on most days. But, today my chi is low.

Friends, I need you to give me some of your chi. I've been sapped up and reserves are low.

Send me some lurve.

Drinking Two Litres+ of Water Daily

According to best practice, docter's advice is to drink two litres of water daily, equivalent to approximately 8 glasses of water. Last weekend, whilst rummaging in between my things, I found a 1 litre bright red water bottle given as a souvenir (bribe) for us to participate in the Rat Race last year. It has a glossy label on it "Chicago Triathlon". I decided to bring it to the office today to see if I can drink 2 litres of water daily, intentionally. My approach was to be able to drink 2 litres off the bottle, and everything else in between like lunch, coffee, at night or in the morning can be taken as healthy extra.

It is now 7pm. I had just refilled the bottle about 30 minutes ago! I've got to really train myself to drink more water. It is a great effect on the skin, prevents kidney problems and also cleans the system. At least this is a first step to a healthier lifestyle, in addition to try to eat on time and sleeping earlier.

Well, I have still got a few more hours to go ...

Amidala Rules!

I knew the costume had my name written on it when I saw the hair-piece. Ever since young, I've always had big hair, but having big hair, at a proper dinner function, eating a 9 course chinese dinner and taking photos with a DSLR with white make-up is something else!

Photo : Left, Queen Amidala of Naboo from Star Wars, right, me at my office's movie-themed dinner and dance I went to last Friday! (In the photo of me, the alien eye bits at the bottom of the dress and the white makeup is not evident, but it is there :-) ... )

Evidently Queen Amidala rules, and I won myself a prize for the effort ... evidently the lunch-time impromptu trip to a costume rental in town with some of my team-mates was worth it - and I continue to marvel at how fun the people I work with can be despite the age, diversity, background and characteristics - I'm proud to say all the ones I worked with closely took the effort to dress up to theme for the dinner!

Other than the big hair and fun dressing up, my photography effort turned out with 25% discarded shots, over-flashed, under-flashed, out of focus, too dark, etc. It was all the more difficult with the make-up, hair and difficulty to move around and the fact that I was "mobbed" by "paparazzi" all the time, resulting in people wanting to take photos with me, and me handing my beloved Nikon to those who can't focus and click, worse was that I could not even handle the SB-600 flash I borrowed for the occasion.

Next time - can only be either photographer or be photographed. Cannot be too greedy :-)

Impossible is Nothing? Nothing is Impossible?

Today whilst I was running in the 10km Power Run race, I was behind a guy who wore this Adidas t-shirt with the trademark Adidas slogan, "Impossible is Nothing". Adidas cleverly took the nothing is impossible phrase and twisted it around to become its campaign slogan which became popular amongst the runners. I also know this is a favorite shirt of a few runners I know.

It is not impossible to run a marathon. Hardly 6 months ago when I started competing in races again, my goal was to run a marathon in two years. My target is 2007. However, impossible is not nothing. It is not without effort. And I thank my friend, a runner who reminded me this. To train requires sacrifices to both personal life, work life, to instill some good habits and to get rid of some bad ones. Otherwise, like PCK says, "don't play play", it is not a case of "Just Do It" or "Impossible is Nothing". Being unprepared is worst than not competing. I cannot just go about the same way to prepare for a half marathon as compared to a marathon.


On a different note, today has been an absolute running day for me. Not only did I manage to induct another virgin 10km friend, I also was very inspired by the Commonwealth Games marathon on TV, a repeat telecast I saw later in the evening. In particular, the female gold-medalist, an Australian, did a fantastic time of 2hr 35min and she was 38 years old, and she outran a Kenyan runner on the stadium 400m convincingly to win the gold!

That was inspiring.

See the world differently

I have developed a strong love for photography recently. The passion for this art form had always been long dormant, but recently awaken.

I was never a professional photographer. My first strong contact with cameras came about from the manual Minolta my dad had for many years, which I used to carry to special events in secondary school to take pictures (and looking like a pro). That used to be quite tedious as you really need to turn and twist to focus, but the rewards was always good.

Then came the automatic camera. I had a nikon pass me down from my brother in university. Again, it was one of the things I brought to every event or function, and all my uni days were captured in the nikon.

That was later superceded by the first generation digital camera. I bought a Kodak 1 Megapixel camera in my assignment in Taiwan, about 6 years ago because I was bored, and I wanted to capture some moments out of town. The Kodak was superceded so quickly, in the blink of an eye, within two years, 4 megapixel cameras were the new things and I felt the camera did not have enough resolution.

I bought the Minolta dimage XD 3 Megapixel in 2002, thinking it was sufficient and would last me long. Then came the final itch, when I saw photos taken with digital SLRs and I fell in love with the sharpness, the contrasts and depth of field impressions of a dSLR. I succumbed to the Nikon in January 2006, a few months ago.

Thinking back now, it seem a full circle - Minolta, Nikon, Kodak, Minolta, Nikon. And mum's grew up in early years in a photo studio until the family sold it off. Back then, she told me women never take photos. Customers would always ask for the male photographer. Back then, the color of the photos were black and white, and they painted the colors to key areas like the face, lips, etc.

Now, we have online preview, load to PC and enhance, and the chance to take many shots before agreeing to one.

Photography has allowed me to see the world differently. Now, everytime I look at things, when I see new environment, I look for angles, I see details which escaped me before, I see people in action as I've never seen before.

As I indicated in a earlier post, a friend humbled me and called me a amateur photographer. If it means I have a lot to learn about photography, I am really excited. Because photography opens up a whole new world and I cannot wait to see and learn more.

Malaysia's 1st Blood Type Restaurant

According to Malaysia's first bloodtype restaurant, I can only eat salad.

Spotted, and taken using my mobile phone at a restaurant which opened up near my home.

Close to Tiger

I was 5 feet away from him. I debated his good shot and how he had taken the "Tiger Line" with some stranger next to me (I sounded like a pro.. :-))

I said "in the hole" (what a absolutely man's phrase!) along with the other people surrounding the green.

I saw him take his driver out on the 7th hole on Day 2, and hit a driver on the fairway to the green on a par 5. One lady said "he's taking out his big stick"... I was tempted to say "what big stick!?" ... luckily I saw the driver before I made that remark...



Tiger Woods is the epitome of pure sportsman. My friend, the Frenchman, a non-golfer, was hooked by his intensity on the course. He was so captivated on watching Tiger that he followed him on the course until he almost forgot to take his ride back to catch his flight. In Tiger, we saw his history as a young golfer, and the dedication to training. Most importantly he represented a winner - someone who is so mentally strong that opponents crumble.

Golf is an amazing individual sport - it is a challenge to oneself to master the sport, to conquer the course, and of course, to conquer oneself and rise to the challenge. I mentioned it to a friend, this is similar to running races - how you want to finish is up to you. Do not blame others if you did not practice or train enough. It is all in preparation and mental challenge.


Although Tiger did not win the matchplay, it was an experience watching him. I was 5 feet away from a champion.






Footnotes :

Photo Note 1: Tiger at the Accenture dinner after Round1 - he looks not too happy at having to entertain us bunch of consultants ...

Photo Note 2: Past champions of the matchplay.

Photo note 3: Aspiring champion at Carlsbad, California, for Accenture Matchplay (2nd round) in full golf gear, looking like a japanese golfer!

Have a Break, Have a Cookie

The day never ended for me today. As I am writing this, I am so flat out tired from work. What I need now, is a nice massage, one week of good 8 hr sleep and my phone and computer out of order.

International Women's Day 8 March

Today is International Women's Day. I have a colleague in China who told me that in China, women are on half day's leave today. I celebrate today by working longer (!), and blogging three times today!!!!

You will never run alone... (A short report on KLIM)

KL roads will never look the same again to me :-)

Today I was driving to KLCC from Technology Park Malaysia, using Sg Besi route. I passed by TUDM and this flash of deja-vu struck me - it was about the 10km mark and the detector.

Last Sunday, March 5th was my first KLIM event (Participant number G1123! wearing the stupid organiser t-shirt because I followed instructions in the info sheet!).

In fact, to put simply, I have mixed 'feelings'. I am glad I finished my half marathon, but at the same time, I felt I did extremely poorly. It is a great lesson learnt for me, because I was courting disaster, did not have time to train, did not even had time to do short training sessions. It was the first time I had competed in an event I did not have time to train for, and worse was that it was not just the distance I did not have time to train for, it was even basic time spent in the gym was not in existence. This is the story of a virgin "half-marathoner" and how I saw my "first" experience.

In the Beginning
After a sudden interest in running starting from the Rat Race last year (2005), I ran 3 other races in the closing months of 2005, and in 2006, started off with the Pacesetters 20km run (held together with the trademark 30km run), in January. My plan was to do this 20km run as a preparation to see if I could take the KLIM half-marathon. I intended to do 3 half marathons and at least 3 10km or sub-10km events for 2006, and then aim for marathon in KLIM 2007. A pretty simple plan.

The prep race and prep before the race
I did a good time and effort for the pacesetter 20km in Jan. It was the first time I almost ran continuously for 20km, and therefore I was quite euphoric about KLIM. Then came CNY, went to London, came back, and went to San Diego, and came back with a continuous jet lag feeling, plus no time even to run in sunny San Diego. In US I had little sleep and even on Friday/sat I had only 3-4 hrs sleep as we were doing a trial system migration.

Race Day
Although I slept early for the race, when I got up I did not have enough to eat. , and when during the race, from KM5 to KM15+ they ran out of drinks so was pretty dehydrated. So I did a good time for 10km split, but after 12+km, I lost focus, my mind was on water!!!! Last km lap around Jln Raja Laut I even felt dizzy because of lack of energy...! I just wanted to finish, and I did that, but definitely next time can put in a much better time, with lesson learnt on preparation and enough sleep/nutrients before race!

Gadgets and Nutritions
The most interesting thing was the Championship Chip. The half-marathoners and marathoners were given a championship chip on loan. When we were let out of the "bull-pen" for runners, the beeping sound of the RFID CChip was quite interesting - it beeped continuously like a chirping alarm (because so many runners were running on the mat!).

I was first exposed to Powergel on the Pacesetters 20km race. I ate one pack as a reward for reaching 10km without stopping, but along the way, the race organisers gave many power-drink supplements at drinks stations. For KLIM, the reverse happened. I brought along one powergel to repeat my strategy, but when we reached 10km, they handed out Chocalate flavored ones, hence I took it and ate it, only to find out 10 paces later that there was no water in the water station. So, I was dehydrated and had "ate" a powergel stuck in my throat for a good 5km!!! Lesson learnt - do not be too greedy :-)

After the race
People I worked with when they heard about the race thought I was mad as they saw the hours I put in during the week. Even the client bosses thought I was joking when I told them I was running on Sunday. Sigh... Good lesson learnt, body is not made of steel...!!!! For those who think their mind can overtake, when the body is weak/tired, don’t push yourself....

Nevertheless, I am still quite satisfied I had achieved what I wanted to do - to complete the race. Next time, do it well!

Thinking whilst running

The next few post must be dedicated to the euphoria I had on completing in my first half marathon and the first KL International Marathon event (KLIM).

What do you think whilst running? I admit the amount of time really thinking is proportionate to focus. For this 21km race the last weekend, I could only really focus for half the race, the first half which I ran well.

When running, it is definitely a very interesting reflecting time. People wonder - how can you think when you are running? Surprisingly, a few runners agreed with me - you do a LOT of thinking whilst you are running to occupy and focus yourself.

One of the questions in my mind last week Sunday whilst doing my first half marathon was one which a close friend asked me - "Why do you do it?" in referring to my newfound interest in running.

And my response was "Because it is very motivating".

"Do you need that motivation?"
"No, but I really enjoy it - it is something I can do and look forward to doing"

Just like golf.

One has to have passions. My passion lists grew and only came about in the last few years - I love to run for the sport itself, just as much as golf, and as much as capturing a beautiful shot.

I never realised I think when I am running. I have also argued with myself sometimes, examined my actions, played scenarios in my head, even imagine conversations with the next 10 people running closest to me. Ask a runner... you'd be surprise what is in his head whilst running. Tell me your thoughts!

Triple Highs At Carlsbad

It has got to be a triple high week.

High #1 : Me and Diego & Team
I was one of the two in my team to present to the Accenture CHT Operating Committee, the top 15 people running CHT global in Accenture, including the CEO of the CHT group. We were the first team to present, and I opened the session. Although I presented only 30% of the presentation, it was a high. Even my bosses have never gotten this opportunity. It opened a world of higher level issues within Accenture I would never had the chance to encounter if I did not have a chance to participate in this leadership development program (LDP). It also gave us a chance to mingle on first names to our leadership and identify with them, and enabled me the passionate old-timer to give them my two cents worth from the little kampung of malaysia.

High #2 : Saw Tiger, Go on, Be with Tiger.
I watched one day of the Accenture World Matchplay championship! It was a once in a life-time opportunity to be standing in a golf course, about 5 feet from Tiger Woods, when he is teeing off in a matchplay. Even better was that it was an Accenture sponsored matchplay, and that in a dinner function, I had the chance to attend, we had an opportunity to hear him talk about his success.

High #3 : Met Bill. Bill Green, Accenture CEO
Introduced ourselves - Hiro (Accenture Japan), Peter (Accenture Sydney) and Allen (Accenture Shanghai) to Bill Green during the dinner function. Only those of us will appreciate this. We took initiative, us who has little interaction opportunity, the minority. What is wrong with saying hello to your CEO, after all we travelled over many thousand miles to be with the LDP group....

The three highs are both career and a sense of personal standing.

San Diego and Tiger Woods has been eventful.

Sub-High #4 : Stayed at Four Seasons
A feeling of how it is at the jet-setting league. I wished the week never ended, even though the presentations were very tiring!

San Diego and Tiger Woods

Got to travel this weekend on Saturday to San Diego for the development program "training". All the way across the Pacific Ocean to Carlsbad California, for 3 days of workshop, then 1 day of golf championship attendance. The golf championship is world top 64 golfers, the tournament is match play format (one against one knockout), and sponsored by Accenture.

http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/tournaments.

I'd get to see the first day of matchplay as well as attend a dinner function on Weds nite, which hopefully our Tiger Woods will attend!!! I hope my new Nikon D70s camera can capture him, without flash.

Although its tiring to travel and got to prepare stuff for the workshops, it is a different week.

Life is exciting.

Thaipusam

I was at the Thaipusam festival celebrations on 10 Feb. We went there started from Sentral Station at 9:45 pm, and finally reached Batu Caves at around 11 pm. Took two trains - the Komuter which changed in Sentul - the Komuter was packed!!! I have never been squeezed in a train before in trying to get through the door.

The celebration at the Batu Caves was quite grand - there were so many people there especially to look at the newest status of Lord Muruga which was the largest in the world. We actually trekked up the steps and reached the top temple and then trekked down in the crowd. Watching people performing their vows and some in a trance was quite an experience, one that we will never forget.


We finally left at around 2am and arrived home at 4am!



To view all the photos click here






About Thaipusam - excerpts from a local site
THAIPUSAM is an annual Hindu festival which draws the largest gathering in multi-racial Malaysia - nearly a million people in 2000.

Several hundred devotees spear their cheeks with long, shiny steel rods - often a metre long - and pierce their chests and backs with small, hook-like needles in penance. Tourists watch in awe as metal pierces the skin with hardly any bleeding and, apparently, no pain as the devotee stands in a trance in the dawn light after weeks of rigorous abstinence.

Over the years, curious British, American and Australian medical experts have come to observe and speculate. Some think the white ash smeared on the body, the juice squeezed from the yellow lime fruit or the milk poured on the pierced areas may help to numb the skin. But most admit they have no answer.

The devotees say it is faith.

There are plenty stories about what Thaipusam is about. Among the most popular is that it commemorates the day Lord Siva's consort, the powerful goddess Parvathi, gives her son, Murugan, the vel (lance) to vanquish three demons and their large army which were plaguing the world.

Thaipusam falls on a full moon day in the auspicious 10th Tamil month of Thai when the constellation of Pusam, the star of well-being, rises over the eastern horizon.

In Kuala Lumpur, the festival is celebrated on a mammoth scale at the Batu Caves temple on the outskirts of the city. It began in 1892, started by early Tamils who migrated to colonial Malaya.

Love is in the Air...

Happy Valentine's Day!

I thought the beautiful occasion deserves a revisit to the blog, one of my love of live is driven by passion - passion for writing, running, and now currently photography!

May this Valentine's Day be celebrated with appreciation of love, both given and received, and for us to cherish the loved ones by our side.

About Me

I have been called a pre-amateur photographer.

I admit, pre-amateur years are most agonising but at the same time, most inspiring, as every shot is taken with enthusiasm and excitement. For the one who named me a pre-amateur, I forgive you, you give me more energy to pursue my interest!




I felt it a necessity to introduce myself in photos.

This is me - the most natural shot of me, the first shot of me using my newfound love - my nikon D70s. I was at Foto Shangri-la - this photo was taken by Jeffrey the supervisor of the store. I did not pose, and the photo when enlarged showed all my facial defects!! But I loved this photo, because it was natural, cropped, and also my newfound love's first sight of me!!




The second photo here, in a very condensed mode as I downloaded it from a site, is one where I am in my next greatest passion - running. My dream is to run the marathon next year, and subsequently I'd be a travel runner - to be honest, I felt the urge in London from Greenwich to Westminster - the London Marathon, to be precise. It was one of those love at first sight things when I saw the route.



The third - my newest love - photography - at the rate I am going, I'd likely be king of nite photography! Just can't find any time to do any day photography. This was one of the first few shots someone took of me in front of PB building.






The fourth here, also related to running, is also a downloaded shot, where I was almost famous! I am pictured here carrying one of my retired partner's photo in the token award ceremony for the KL Rat Race. The KL Rat Race is my most enjoyable racing outing for the last two years!!





The fifth photo, indeed is my hidden talent - I love to pose for photos in addition to taking photos!! This one is one of me being conned into lying on a foot of snow just for the sake of taking a photo.






Last photo - added post-edits - taken by Mum!!! Cool!!! Mum can take photos, I look very natural here!









Last-last photo - added post-edits - my bird photography "skill"!

Last Christmas

Free and Easy Trip to Denmark and Sweden - 24-Dec 2005 - 1 Jan 2006 - PhotoBlog
For full view of all the photos - please click here



A Quiet Christmas Eve in Copenhagen - This was the scene on Stroget, one of the busiest fashion street on Christmas Eve, the day I got there. I thought I was halucinating from jetlag, but true enough, NOBODY works on Christmas Eve...! There was not a soul on the street except for my two colorful companions... It makes me wonder how these Danish people do business!





Chistmas brings in a sunny day - On the second day, the sun welcomed us! This was Christmas day in Denmark, and Wai Fun just came in. We were greeted with great sunshine, but the skating rink was not open on Christmas. We later went to Peter and his wife (Ah San's boss) house for dinner. We had I think one or two sunny day of all the days I was in Denmark and Sweden. To some extend when the sun did come out, we were so awed. Photos look better, people just looked more cheerful and even the day looks brighter. I frankly cannot imagine how the locals spend winter - it must be so boring!


I love my body! - This picture of the fat naked lady is a theme of a famous artist in Denmark, I could not recall his name. They have multiple sculptures of this 'fat lady' theme. I also saw a drawing in Peter's house. Scandinavians are great at designer stuff and interior design. I wonder where the gift comes from? Vikings?






The little mermaid - This famous statue in real life is pretty small - it was a symbol of a danish folk lore on the mermaid who gave up her fins and waited for a man. Apparently this statue had been replaced before multiple times from regular mutilations and damage. This was the first touristy place I saw in Denmark - Ah San drove me here for a nite picture at 7am when I first got in to Copenhagen.




Stroget at night - Beautiful heart shape lights lined up the street to welcome in Christmas, unfortunately not many were around. A case again of, where is everybody? Can you imagine, even McDonalds was closed!!!





Opera House (Copenhagen) - This would've been a wonderful shot if not for the white patch in front. We were here as a first touristy sight for Wai Fun, who came in one day later than me. The opera house was resplendant in lights at night.






The old church - I loved this shot because of the beautiful scenery and the reflective shot on the lake - it gives the old church a mystic look and feel and is probably one of the 10% of the shots which shows good weather!









A park near the Carlsberg Brewery - We stumbled upon this beautiful park covered with snow and filled with hundreds of happy kids (and adults) toboganning - it was too good an opportunity for a photo shoot. Ah San stole a toboggan and rode once down herself! Babies from 2 year olds to 50 year old men were having a go at it!




Stockholm, Sweden (Gamlastan) - This old city of Stockholm where most of the admin used to be, and four freezing girls standing in front of the church tower. It was -4C.







An Elk, Moose or Reindeer - I had this argument with Derick (he could not prove me right or wrong) through the entire trip whether these creatures were elks, moose or reindeer. I was adamant that reindeer was this mystic creature which was associated with Santa :-) BTW, it is an elk. Confirmed after the trip.


Enroute to Sweden
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, and the very next day, you gave it away, This year, to save me from tears, I gave it to someone special.... George Michael for the very 5th time was playing on the radio as we were driving to Sweden. It is a sad song, but also my favorite as it is a very catchy tune. We drove for about 500 km from Copenhagen to Stockholm, Sweden on 26th December for at least about 8 hours, and the only CDs we had was a Christmas CD and Il Divo, and Italian opera group. Il Divo puts people to sleep so George Michael for 5 times is probably more entertaining and no other option. This was the scenery when we were driving there.


Pee Stop - I was navigator for leg one of the journey. San was driving. I think we left around 7am, when it was still dark We had gotten lost getting out of the city, and when we crossed Malmo bridge from Copenhagen to Sweden grounds, it was still dark, and we did not get a chance to see the magnificent 20km bridge spanning across the two countries. I remarked to San that it would be interesting to do a marathon on the bridge, 20km and back = 40km. As we got onto Sweden, it was pretty much barren land all the way. Everyone was sleeping in the car.

Season's Greetings

Its the end of the year, and I have not written for 2-3 weeks. I was in Singapore on Tuesday and Wednesday and when I alighted the train between airline concourses - it was so packed - and my colleague and I were almost squeezed like a LRT ride on peak hours! She remarked that we were the only two persons in the whole train who was in work clothes...! How true... and how extremely sad...

The holiday seasons is indeed here. Many people are taking the time off to spend with children and loved ones, shopping complexes have a very christmas and holiday mood, there are many people doing year end shopping and dressing up for christmas and new year parties and everyone's really winding down for the year.

December is a good month to reminisce about the year that has passed. Last week I read an announcement in email that one of my respected leaders in my company Kah Soon is moving on and pseudo retirement. Not sure about the politics behind this move, but I have a high respect for Kah Soon. He was the one who interviewed me for this job in Accenture, who decided to hire me with one screening interview, instead of 3 long full interviews. He has an uncanny ability to remember people and names, and most importantly he was truly one of the few persons I looked up to in the firm. He helped saved my soul in my lowest career times in Taiwan project, and at the same time gave me a second chance, and extended his hospitality to me many times to his family's home during my one long year working in Taiwan. He taught me how to be a good servant to others, and service beyond self is the motto which has let me learn a lot more about enjoying my work over the last few years.

December is also a month where I remind myself to stay healthy for the next whole year. I did a medical checkup for insurance a week back. Aside from the routine stuff, the docter remarked that my blood pressure was remarkably good, and I attributed that to my increased physical exercise and activity this year. I vividly recall the last insurance check up I did some years back, and to my greatest shock to find a lump in my breast. At that time, I was very naive and did not understand how scary that can be. Luckily it turned out benign. However one of my family was not so lucky. Fortunately this also turned lucky for us and my family member is now in remission. I remind myself to do a proper scan yearly (I have been slack) and also do the proper full medical checkup. Good health can be managed.

December is the month which reminded me of the need to take a good break sometimes in order for us to come back refreshed. This year has been good to me, I set forth with a few places I wanted to go to, and came away with a few more. I went to visit the Great Wall of China on one of my Beijing training trips, I conquered Mt Kinabalu, and most inspiring of all for me, I started to run seriously again.

2005 closing - it reminds me of why I am myself and thank you all who put up with me!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all... may you be blessed with good health for the coming years, lots of laughter, good friends and be surrounded with lots of love.