The Land of the Rising Star

This post might be a little boring or somewhat similar to some of my previous posts. But the intention of this post is just to highlight while keeping abreast of the latest development in South East Asia's economy. While it is undoubted that Singapore is the fastest growing economy the region, another country which has kept investors worldwide scrutinizing its economic pace is Vietnam. With its current GDP moving at around 7%, that means this once agricultural economy which relies heavily on rice cultivation, would be one of the most developed in SEA in the next 10 to 15 years. It is already one of the fastest developing economy in the world, and with its current economic leberalisation, Vietnam's economy could reach up to 70% of UK's economy by 2025, given the potential GDP growing at a rate of about 10% per annum.

So here are some info that amazed me on how the country is transforming to a modern asian city in full gear of moving into the globalised world; the population is growing by a million each year, the country's middle class is growing fast and those living below the poverty line is rapidly declining - overtaking The Philippines and India, the literacy rate is about 93% up till 2008, small cities are expanding rapidly, new international airport is being constructed, multinationals beginning to invest - bringing in manufacturing, IT and high-tech industries on the rise and stock market chart just goes up and up (ok that's just a little exaggeration). Nontheless, doesnt that sound impressive enough for a country who suffered from the famous Vietnam War and French collonialisation? You be the judge.

So what's the big deal for Malaysia? The question is now can Malaysia get the slice of pie in the challenging global economy, given this kind of emerging countries are closing their gap with developed nations. Malaysia's GDPs have been quite daunting for the past few years, at 5% growth, we are no where near to become a fully developed nation by 2020. However, step up measures are already in place to drive the nation forward and join the ranks of developed nations. But most Malaysian are very well educated now, a blueprint is just an empty promise until real works are being executed and well drawn policies are adhered to. But then again, its the results that the rakyat of Malaysia would like to see, in which how we could benefit from the planning.

Undeniably, globalisation is something which the whole world must embrace, like it or not. Europe and America are matured and well developed economies, the rising stars now lie in Asia, where the new land of opportunities reside. It is a pleasure to see how each region in Asia, given its enormous size with different cultures and religions, are synchronising and competing uniquely to be on par with developed nations, if not better.

Confession

I've tried to confess to someone through unspoken words. Of course, there was the adrenaline rush.

Rejuvenating in a long weekend is exciting. Being on the bed most of the time is trully relaxing. People say that we should never think about work during holiday, but does anyone never ever think about work when they're on holiday? As much fun as I have during holiday, but work keeps coming into my mind occassionally, but its easy to forget about it in just few minutes. I personally feel that watching too much tv would ruin the long weekend, instead, snoozing around under a blanket is a wonderful way of making yourself comfortable at home. Well, we dont get to take nap after lunch at the office, dont we, though we tend to doze off for a second or two due to the mamak curry we just ate during lunch.
There's also another reason why most of the time during long weekend should be spent at home, not at shopping malls or movie places, coz u get to go to the kitchen and make ureself a deliciously delicious sandwich or a cup of hot milo and then bring it back to ure room , if not in front of the tv enjoying shows u never knew existed until its already at their last episode. While if you're at the mall, the best part is u gotta meet ure frens and chatting the whole day as if there's no tomorrow, but you tend to be very tired once u reach home and might also have spent more than expected.
A lovely escapade to the refreshing hills would be great too!

Life is so ironic. Does Law of Attraction really implies to all humankind? Well if its a law, no one could challenge it. I believe its true, never ever have the thoughts that you would never want to see a particular thing/subject/item/whatever thing lah. It got me backfired.
Back in school, up to the very last day of university, or perhaps right after my graduation, I told myself I would never ever work with numbers again, I mean financial/accounting numbers. Numbers are okay as long as they are related to science or maths, but financial modeling stuff, a BIG no no...so I want to put it as far as eye can see.

So, nak dijadikan cerita, here I am working as a Business Development Executive, whose work is to do market and trend analysis and number crunching. In layman terms, I'm dealing with financial modeling, balance sheet, income statement and even perhaps forecasting the profitability of a project through financial modeling. Its completely contradictory from what I've told myself before. To make things more interesting, I find financial stuff to be really interesting, you could question and defend every single thing based on facts and figures. Of course, there is always a twist. Since I'm working in a R&D company, sometimes there is a need to compromise on the technology wise to fit the budget and achieve the bottom-line. Given that I have a background in science, I would understand the predicament faced by scientists when trying to explain to the top management on the viability of having a particular technology to spearhead the research. So, sometimes there is a need to understand and accept scientists argument as they know best. On the other hand, what the management think about are only profit, yet they need things to be done fast. The complexity of my work makes every day interesting as we discover many new things and how are we moving in the fast paced world.

carving the future

I have been reading about how today's successful people became successful. It was nothing less than inspiring. These people have most things in common; they started with a hard life. So hard that if any of us hear or read their stories would think that they would never have a bright future.
JK Rowling, any Harry Potter fan would know her as a creative writer who magically spellbound the whole world with her enchanted story of witchcraft and wizardry series. But she didnt get where she is now through easy way. She survived under welfare and almost penniless, divorced and had to raise her child. But her determination paid so well that she is now among the richest woman in the world.
Indeed, stories like this make us think, how successful are we now and did we achieve it the right way? Should we go through those painful period to be successful? But what about those who were born with silver spoon fed in their mouth, could they be successful, too? I personally agree that no matter how depressing or embarrassing the time that we have to endure, there must be a reason. Maybe some of us would look back at our school/college/university days, we were embarrassed by the cool kids, speak with grammatical error all over the place, or even extremely under dressed when we see our friends with their gorgeous outfit and cutting edge mobile phone(s). And when we look now how much have we progressed throughout the years, we know that it is never easy to get where we are now. Let others say we could only afford to dream sky high, but if we put all our efforts in it, determination and most importantly our relationship to God, the sky is the limit, and let them see in the future how much we can prove to them and whose looking up to who.

i dont know if you know

This is a completely wrong emotional battle. Confusion and living in a situation where there are no asnwers lying in front of us is extremely disturbing.

I do realize I may look and sound the same treating you like i'm treating everyone else. But to me, you're different. Though I've tried something different, it hasnt been that obvious yet. But will it be? Because if its very obvious, the reactions might be unpredictable. So lets just see how things are going, because the real truth is impossible.

A Different Perspective

So this is what working life is all about. Interesting indeed, that is undeniable. This job I have now is far more interesting than what I expected. Who would have thought a chemist to perform an engine overhaul (which is a complete dismantling of engine). This is a completely different area which I myself never dreamed of doing, even if it means for general exposure as we go for divisional rotation in a multinational company.
Those projects I am handling now (at the point of writing this) is exciting, one that requires high level of thinking, business minded preferably. Its the bottom line that matters in the end. Of course, it requires me to know almost "everything under the sun". Deadlines are really tight, though we may seem to have the luxury of time.
A very good exposure I would say. Never crossed my mind that I would be learning varieties of knowledge of different industries in a short period of time, knowingly these are the industries that shape the country's economy. So there's the feeling of small contribution towards the country's progress.

Priceless experiences, friendly people - a sustainable working environment

Becoming a Leader

Indeed it is debatable to believe leaders are made, not born.

Leadership may sound like a common word to others. Put someone as the CEO of a company or a President of a country, he/she is then perceived as the leader. The reality of our life today, or perhaps since the dawn of human being, a leader is someone who sits at the top, planning and directing orders to lower ranks officials to execute them. But what makes a leader, a leader?

Everyday in our life is a matter of endless learning. Thus, leader is not shaped in a day. Great leaders are made by their strong determination of learning new knowledge everyday, even if it means re-learning it. What we read yesterday may need today's learning to guide us to execute it, and what we execute today may need constant follow ups in the long run. Follow ups then requires skills, and what for skills are inadequate without a good stream of knowledge who knows how to handle issues in a synchronize orchestra. Hence, its a process of development.

Having all these in place may shape an influential leader. Someone may be the no. 1, but being the no. 1 for the sake of being looked upon to is pretty useless. As a leader, he/she requires the ability to influence others. Great leaders influence others to shape great leaders.

Perhaps this article needs a continuation

Power

To most citizens of the world who live in the comfort of their home with an added luxury of air conditioning, it is just a matter of pressing the right button to cool the room. The fact that sources of energy to generate electricity is becoming more scarce now is not a common thought to most men. With the price of electricity we pay now, we should all be thankful.

With our country blessed with an all year round summer, what could be the main obstacle of making solar energy highly commercialized. A country in Europe utilizes solar energy more than we do. In fact, they are at the forefront of solar technology. Being a four-season country themselves is already the main challenge for solar source. The answer lies in us. Does it ever cross our mind, as a noble citizen, to ponder for a while on the rate that we are paying for electricity in our country, as compared to other countries. Are we paying paying more than them or less? Should we be going into renewable energy, are we willing to pay more for each kw/h used? The depleting source of energy everywhere is worrying for those who are concern. Power plants are mainly running on coals and gases. The high demand and scarcity of coal itself has brought the market price to shoot up. In worst cases, coal-producing countries are not willing to sell to their importers just because the demand of coal in their own country could not be catered.

pelikness

up to this day I still wonder on the fact that I am actively blogging. Expressing myself while others read my piece if mind is never my cup of tea. I never kept diaries because they're just a piece of junk, so i dont wanna write my thoughts in junk item. Play war games instead if you're angry, eat chocolates when depressed and sleep when stress strikes.

ironically i've been posting lots of stuff since i learned abt this site.


mamak, teh tarik satu!

Part 1: Philosophy of Science

Observation is one of the common method used by scientists to come up with a theory. Further studies may strengthen or produce a new theory. When that theory is no longer arguable by any studies, a law confirms it.

Thoughts......redefined

I have seen many contrary images flashing in front of my eyes. Many of these images are an eye opener for me. Little did I knew human behaves in many unique way and up till today, human behavior is a curiosity to me. I once took for granted what people believe and understand, assuming that I know the same attitude I see every single day applies everywhere. Let me narrow down my scope on Malaysia, as I had my most observations in my beloved homeland, and still observing. Malaysia is a country with diverse culture and heritage, which makes it an even more unique country than anywhere else in the world. I was lucky enough to be in a different environment at the age where teenagers are almost legal to do banned things while they were underage. While many of them learned to party and start clubbing, I learned how to appreciate a different world, understanding in depth of our cultures. I believe staying put where one begins his first step will not take him to the 1000th step. This is due to the fact that they are secluded in their own beds and pillows, and never push themselves beyond the the doors of their house. So what they'll see is whatever is on their lawn. Never to be bothered on what is happening on the other side of the green. I have been on the other side of the fence, and undeniably some of the grasses are greener, though some are experiencing drought.

The drought was a heat wave that shocked me. That is of course the law of nature, to which we must obey. I now understand how religious values are incorporated in our formal and informal daily issues, not that I've never had any knowledge of it before, but the beauty of knowledge is that it keeps expanding. I have never regretted walking through the greener grass nor the drying field, because both have bear me fruits and experiences, for which they will never rot in my mind but beautifully engraved in my soul.

So what are these subjects that have taught me lessons from the new book of life? Who still preserve the opulence of our cultures? Indeed, the people and the surrounding. The former taught me to see life in different perspectives, brought new light and uncover my truest potential. The latter carved a pathway and adequate ornaments that beautify the route. Thus, my journey was enlighten by the light of the former to help me move forward in the darkened pathway. The light, which signifies my family and friends, gave all the courage to me and them to grow stronger on every step we take.

I have made many friends throughout my journey, and you are one of my priceless friend. But words seem inadequate to describe how meaningful you are to have such a presence in my life. Flowers will not blossom and the world would never been a better place without guidance from the past, present and future.

an ode to my love

my love for family is eternal,
my love for relatives are infinity,
and my love for friends are forever

we do not live alone.....

....because we share this beautiful planet with everyone.There are times in our life that we can't afford to satisfy everyone's feelings. As all normal human would do is to try their best to bring happiness to everyone he knows. However, there are times we may slip...not on purpose. That would send an immediate rush on one's feeling of guilt and unhappiness.

This is life unfold.

have a look at these wonderful videos

ahlan ya Ramadhan Kareem

The day i wrote this is on the first day of Ramadhan. The holy month of Islam came early this year and I'm very blessed that I could perform the fasting this year again in my 22 years as His servant.
Throughout this holy month, the doors of hell are closed as tightly as possible, grave questioning are ceased, living the souls of the dead in temporary peace and devils are locked up in the deepest ocean.

It is at this very month too, that the Holy Quran was sent down to earth as guidance for the people of Muhammad. May all of us be blessed in this beautiful month of Islam.

the power of chili padi

I had a burning sensation on both of my hands. I thought it was due to the splash of hot oil while I was cooking, but it lasted for hours, from noon till night. I figured out it was the extra hot chili padi seeds which accidentally landed on my hand. The feeling is as if a high concentrated acid spilled on your skin and slowly burning and ripping off your skin and exposing the flesh and eventually the bones. The pain was excruciating due to the long hours it lasted.

Tale of the Golden Gate

The tranquility of Vanda Lawn is undeniable, with baby blue sky and cotton white clouds strolling elegantly mesmerizing the very thankful human of God's great creation. The lush greenery view of undisturbed virgin forest which forms the blanket of a nearby hill would easily take one's breath away. Nature is always at its best here, and one will always feel at home though in far land.

At sunset, a pigeon appeared on a vast golden gate facing the well-crafted mountain. It stood there for about an hour, oblivious to the others for it's purpose of landing its wing on a familiar gate. Another hour passed by, and the sunset is beginning to take form of a picturesque view. By nature's law, birds would have been chirping making their way to their nests as dusk arrives, marking the end of another episode of life. The pigeon, staring at the blank sky around it searching for the other pigeons as it accidentally separated from the group due to a small tornado. Alas, chirps of pigeon shall only remain as a mere beautiful imaginary sound.

A flock of dove was flying harmoniously in the dark purple sky, making their way to the pigeon, like sending a delightful message from Hedwig the owl. A crescent shape dominant illuminated the dark sky, enlightened by sparkles of stars glittering the breezy evening space. The pigeon spread its wing, as though understanding the different language spoken by the doves and ready to take off at any time when the doves fly over it. And so the pigeon joined the doves.

Though they are of different species, but due to the same origin they shared together as Columbiformes, they learn to accept each other's behavior and that was not a problem at all for the pigeon to fit among the doves.

this is life

sometimes in life we have to go through a moment that make us feel guilty for not doing it. Even if it means people do not ever expect me to fulfill that obligation.

the task is simple, yet everybody depends on us to do the job.
that maybe because we have devoted ourselves for doing it.
and people have gained trust on us.
but pity us, who's human by nature cannot run from fatigue and other responsibilities.

I could give a thousand and one reasons why we should take a rest for now and let others have mercy on us.

this is a slice of life we must endure for being born into this world. But God works in miraculous ways, that is one reason why human is His most extraordinary exceptional creation.