Define Me

New Site ahead!

2011-05-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Yeap, i thought of having a more proper place to pen down my thoughts.

Personal blog at http://blog.japhethlim.com/.

AND

Photography Portfolio at http://photography.japhethlim.com/

Give it sometime, really need more time to develop more =) And somehow how much i hope i can just copy import all the 400+ posts from this blog =) Memories indeed.

Have fun reading!

And thanks to all of you, faithful followers =) Comment la!

[8/5/2011] Invest in Reading, that's why i love Nerds! =P

2011-05-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

Yeap, I love Nerds. That's why when someone asked me, so what's after 2nd year, i just said " i wanna be a Nerd". Yes i wanna be a Nerd, Then everyone was like, "you sure you can even be for a day?" ok perhaps the definition went wrong teehee! I meant, really spend more time on reading. At most point of conversation (yes i love to talk about on going issues stuffs) i realize often i lack of precedence studies to refer to, or the fact is really limited. back to the basic, we call it general Knowledge.

I went Borders, picked up the book i always wanted to buy, LKY's latest, " Hard Truths to keep Singapore Going" , fyi three years ago i read his "From third world to first world". Talking about a rising point of Singapore, i am curious to know the saturation point now though we have assumptions judged on observations.

But well apparently Hammie Lim doesn't love to read. And i lazy to throw him one raisin at a time, so i just throw him into the whole container itself.

So yeap, it was on the front shelf of the bookstore. Elections today, midnight already and no official result being announced yet.

Another one i would want to read too. I just realized how much i don't know about LimKokWing after flipping through in a blink. I always thought LKW is being embed in the branding of its university, but apparently LKW has done much more works and the best thing is that he could be a good local icon. Which rarely i find youths really interested into local examples instead of celebrities in God knows where..

And well, i don't know much about this, but the title strikes.

Sounds pretty much like Google actually with the Caption.

So yea actually i said i have many things to bring back KL, one of the many boxes is all the books i have read. Please not about my academic books, i never really invest into those notes, waste of time. But yea this whole container.

Never really have time to read them, yes they are all part of the TO READ list, OR, i just pick up the interesting sub chapters after viewing the content, well that's the casual way i would do to buy a book.

So yea 4 months. Time to read more? By this time if i could have really all these books read and store in my mind, i can really go and deliver any talk about Green CSR, Human Evolution History, Company branding, Architecture, Penang and Singapore Economics, Leadership.. and well basically that's what i read!

So what do you read =)

[6/5/2011] Defining Your Life by being out of the System.

2011-05-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

I posted this in Facebook.

"The World is a system today, you go kindergarden, primary, highschool, university. More parents today wants the best education for their children. But little did we know that kids who are brought up differently, for instance, jungle, can have better definition of life compared to us. I thought all of us are just concern of being happy, or really just getting a uni cert so we can get jobs to make us happy? Paradox"

[4/5/2011] The Great Green Race of Penang & How USM can learn from it.

2011-05-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

I found that TheStar Newspaper today 3/5/2011 is really an interesting pick. Having around 3 green news in the Metro session and the Star Two featuring a green issue with all the nice little articles on how we can go green etc. This kinda struck me, Penang is really having all these green things coming in just too fast, which is good, and the best thing is the response is positive so far from the residents. There was no holding back to see other countries already have all the movements we have today as a norm in their routine.

Penang Spring Cleaning Day last year, this was part of the program Cleaner Greener Penang.

I personally have a chat with YB Phee Boon Poh few weeks ago in his Office, went there for YES project purpose with my teammate, personally we really hear fascinating things (far beyond thoughts i will say) the state government exco will be pusing on later. Some of us might question that the Cleaner Greener Penang website is no longer active, but clearly because we are on the next stage already, the awareness platform is left there. The actions and news today with the headlines explains it all.

Here shows.

ICI places 500 Recycling Bins along Gurney Drive

GEORGE TOWN, April 30 (Bernama) -- ICI Dulux (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd will place 500 recycling bins along Gurney Drive here. The bins will be placed at every 100 steps with the first 50 bins launched today.Of the 50 bins, 40 are meant for papers, aluminium and plastic, and the rest for solid waste such as paint cans.He said the bins were environmentally friendly and could save electricityfor they were solar powered contributed from LED lights.

(This is the intention i heard from Spring Cleaning Day before, YB Lim Guan Eng announced it, and yes, it really happened in the end. Every 100 steps. Economically this sounds sustainable because Dulux will use this bins as their ads as well. Have not really seen the prototype but can't wait to see them appear)

Recycle Organic Waste

Penang Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said a composting plant was recently set up at the market’s car park for the purpose.He said the project, believed to be the first in Penang, was an initiative by the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) and S.I. Green Management Sdn Bhd.“The company has invested about RM1mil into the technology and plant which has the capacity of processing up to four metric tonnes of wastes per day.

“Presently, the company processes about a tonne of wastes daily and is in need of more wastes to optimise operations,” he said after visiting the plant on Sunday.Waste not: S.I. Green Management Sdn Bhd workers T. Kanageswaran, 30, (right) and S. Anand, 40, placing vegetable and fruit wastes onto a conveyor belt linked to a crushing machine at the plantPhee said effective microorganisms were used as a catalytic agent to help turn the wastes into fertilisers within a short period of time.He said all types of organic kitchen wastes, both oily and dry, such as food discards as well as garden wastes such as leaves and twigs were turned into fertilisers that were later sold to the public.

(This is highly possible to be done in USM, that intention just really struck me, imagine all the cafes and waste we have from events in USM itself, if we can have a decompose site in USM itself and really leave this process to bio school students to explore the possibility, i don't see any harm it can be, just really need to show good figures and saving to the admin that we can do this)

Green Event Draws 2000 people in Balik Pulau

SOME 2,000 people did their bit for the environment when they took part in a Cleaner Greener Penang community programme at Kampung Titi Teras in Balik Pulau, Penang.They participated in various fun activities and competitions such as quizzes. Free health checks were available as well.A colouring contest was also held for children.Helping out Mother Nature:

Twenty tecoma trees being planted during the community programme held at Kampung Titi Teras in Balik PulauReuseable bags were distributed and an exhibition by government agencies drove home their messages on environmental issues, drugs and reckless driving.

(And it's essential to have these kinds of awareness events carried out by local councils around the state too to align with the transformation of the state government wanting to do. Really, both awareness and action comes together)

These news area really just from what happened this week. If you could ask me what i know is going to happen in Penang based on what i heard from YB, there is really many more to come. Among a few i have heard is that every one or two sundays of each month will be a recycling day where residence could bring their waste to the recycling center set up by local councils. Also would be vegetable planting with reusable materials at the balconies of your condos, also he even shared about how penangnites could respond to any disaster such as Earthquake, the food distribution and stockpiles in tragedies as such. I couldn't list them all, i bet he has many ideas based on the experience he had. And the best thing i know is, NGOs are all doing their part to support this.

I just suddenly thought, what could i really do for my final year effort in doing something for USM. To be honest, at this root, i find that myself has nothing much contributed yet. Y.E.S might sound something long focus during my third and fourth semester but there are much more to be done besides having a pioneer student project focusing on RE and EE in Penang, or the whole Malaysia. USM is really far from sustainable campus, infact i really doubt if generally USM students can define sustainable off the textbook.

I have said about trying to do Carbon Footprint studies of USM and making it the first university to ensure all students are aware of this calculator. Never seem easy, believe me that i have been ups and downs asking certain NGOs and also downloading various Carbon Footprint Calculator especially from Harvard. I would definitely need some professionals in the datas. Nevertheless, there are really many simple things that still can be done.

As much as i respect VC's vision that students taking up projects , i hope that there can be a direct regulation and orders sometimes from HEP to enforce the rules, we already had Green Events Protocols and such. I really just hope this thing can take off the hands of MPP, really i can't see any hope in them focusing on certain cause besides the reason of just supporting their politics means. Many simple means can be done. Chin Hong was talking about Post Events Zero Waste Management, get the recyclable things sorted after Convex event. There are much to be done for Zero Waste in USM itself. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

REDUCE. Just have everyone bringing their tupperware in USM? No take away is allowed? Sounds insane but it's just a matter of getting used to it. Sounds nice to have USM students to have the branding of bringing reusable tupperware and bags everywhere they go.

Charge Students Electricity and Water Bills but being subsidized with a decent amount. The moment a person starts to use over it, pay. This is common in China itself when Shanghai students go to Shower they would record the amount of water they use.

REUSE. There are plenty of wastage from HBP school and other as well. Let it be anything, but really majority will be paper. We said before that whatever waste you produce may be the treasure to others. Art School often have the struggle of finding these cheap materials but instead need to buy them.

Food Waste will decompose in lands where they will be the soil's food so we can harvest vegetable from them as well.

RECYCLE. This should always been seen as the last option. But yea recycling bins around the campus, and really ensured they are sorted out, clean before sending to the companies to recycle. and nevertheless, the foundation of knowledge in this items, because some items will be downcycled instead of recycle. Economic sense that whatever profits we get from this recyclings can go breakeven the facilities price so why not?

But these ideas would be taught by USM Students even 10 years ago, but why didn't it happen or continue? White Coffin remains a flagship to this, but really it's just the beginning of everything and soon enough i think it's going to sink if there's no follow up after it.

[1/5/2011] Recipe for the Success Cake

2011-04-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

So it was the high pitch ending for TEDxGurneyDrive.

More than 100 participants turned out. Expectations wise, some met and some not. Networking expectation is there, but not the standard perhaps, simply because i have been always watching TED videos and i shouldn't be comparing them in the first place. This post is not about TEDx. It's something i realize.

I see all these 9 speakers coming from different background and skills, having their very own stand on their expertise. And i see the university life today, only few has, nothing wrong, definitely. Just that it takes time until when people starts their career then they really know what they want and then they start to work on their branding.

The point is that, a participant came to exchange namecard with me today, and asked if there is any more similar events like this, tell her, i was curious and she said she is from a NGO who specifically on spreading news about all these networking event so that more people could be helped to link the dots. That's the situation always, we have many dots in Malaysia but everyone just needs more linkage.

Realizing how it all came about, i realize TEDx really harvested my networks. All the 4 speakers i invited just came from a way i hardly remember too. But the best part is that everyone just got to know and more will be coming soon. I call this a recipe for the success cake because i felt TEDxgurneydrive has interconnect different issues from different areas but all made relevance on being innovative and going for the future. That's the common link we could create for the dots.

Sadly for now, i never really want to run for events anymore. God knows what thoughts i am in right now, I have known this this and that that certain people, why would i want to know even more people? That's the question i have been asking myself lately. Just because i really love to hear people stories and inspired by them? I felt like it was a very fun game actually. I don't know. =)

Recipe for the Success Cake? Just link the dots. Let the ingredients mix.

[29/4/2011] IF I can Change the Education System in Malaysia!

2011-04-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Yes its again another late night post, still in the middle of the exam week and can't believe i am actually in the exam mood because i don't. And all i could see on FB is people mentioning about books, final push, die and God knows anything that can relate to our examinations. I was googling Exam, then it came out Stress Management for Dummies. Hhahah so cute.

In the typical context of Education System in Malaysia, it's really about books. Nothing wrong, but just books, then it does not sound right. We have a lot of books, nothing wrong too, but if everything is about books, then yeap. I still remember from my Childhood to Secondary it was all about books. But until my college life which i have found something else, i realize how my education perspective have changed rather than books.

Yes, you see, it's really about books. and also, Examinations, die day they call it. Then after that everyone is as free as birds and everything is back to square one.

This is rather a random post trust me (yes because i am in the middle of exam week also!) , i just have a thought or two to spill here and i am not the education minister or whatever it takes to study education background of other countries so just take this from an easy perspective =) My 2 sens on how i would change this education system.

Stop Lecturers from Giving Notes but just guidelines.

It SUCKS but it's the way it suppose to be. The rule is simple, internet is there today, yes a lot of content is available online now and also a lot of craps in there, and it's student task to search and ask relevant info in respond to the lecturer's topic and refer back to him the relevance of their researched info. There are many things we can learn when lecturers don't give notes. Really, firstly very obvious, updated information, compared to lecturers notes which is 10 years old.

The truth is Students are not lecturers' priority most of the time, papers and their own research will come first. Lesser focus will come into really planting the seed of knowledge into students. As much as i am the student who want notes where i can know black and white what's coming out from examination and score well, i must admit this system is very bias. Simply that there is no constant evaluation by the examination system (it's just a checkpoint) Our learning curve is not proportional to our education phase in a way.

Knowing the Ingredients of their Cakes

Again what i notice again most students turn out to be studying what they don't even know they are studying about. Or rather said, they don't like it. Having a right people entering a right course is hard, so cut that out. but how the syllabus is going to be matter to the student depends on how much they see it relevance to their future career. I realize there are much electives or core courses being thrown at students but little really can define what cake do they get in the end. There are so many ingredients here and there from different subjects but as a student ourself we should know our end product and how we could stand out compared to other uni students, which actually since beginning, we don't, or we are unaware to know the relevance of each subjects and its importance.

Find the Relevance, find the Passion, Find the Reason.

I would say cut the examinations, do community work. I am saying this because i realize how much one's desire to make the world a better place can really make him to see things in a different perspective. Most youths today in general are still in the free living world, we claim that studies is stress but yet we still don't understand the reality of the world and troubles we face today. Till only when they hear true stories from true people, then they shall start saying "let's do something". When there's a passion to fight for, there's a greater awareness of the person himself. I am not a education background person, but i believe how much community work (again really need to emphasize good ones) can change youths today a lot. We say Education is the core to change youths, but i say that Education today is not realistic because they are words to youths and not actions for them to experience. Remembering the first thing that changed me entirely is when i talk to HIV positive people face to face. That's how it started 3 years ago.

Encouraging Undergrads to write Papers.

This is what i observed in the recent ASEAN Conference where Indonesia presenters presenting their papers, or i would say very simple conceptual of theirs in front of us the delegates. It was not as serious as a PHD research paper but rather this reflects how much education system can be adjusted to a mean to send an urge to youths today to imagine what can happen, and how? This is very little seen in Malaysia's Education system. The basic driving question such as "What do you see yourself as after 10 years" has rarely gone through every youth's thought too. I'm not expecting everyone to raise up for that concern, but my idea is that we need a better mechanism to encourage more thinkers to raise up. Leaders is another matter. Different.

That's pretty much the sum of it. All i am saying this is out of the really boredom typical examination i have been facing for the past 13 years. I admit i learnt a lot. I learnt a lot when i pick up the books and read, and i learn how much actually exams can demotivate students.

There shall be a way to encourage students to even read up all this knowledge without having Exams. We could have a better reason. Reason that lies within themselves.

I never waited for it to happen though. I just realized most of the things i learnt was from magazines and non fiction books such as from Jared Diamond and James Martin. Powerpoint slides are really just off the chart in this context.

What do you think?

[27/4/2011] Excitement ahead! Drive Slowly!

2011-04-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Yea that's my current thought. It's again in the weez hours. 5 in the morning, again thinking of the excitements coming up next few months. Gonna spend a good morning later collecting my Bayer postage at the Town and some bank ins and also Starbucks 50% off =) Not forgetting study, (Owh man did i ever look like i am in the study week mood?) I've got the feeling most HBP students this semester examination is just like floating around... So let me go to the details =)

1. Apparently Justin Bieber came to Penang and open his own Bah Kut Teh shop. HAHAHAH naa pulling your leg =P Just some random picture here.

2. A random shopping indeed. Many times i ask myself it's a need or want. But considering i really need a good shades because i bike frequent. Well for a 95 bucks i think this paid off well enough. Polygon Brand. Cool Stuffs. 3 pairs of filters to play around with.

3. Happy 2 months to the GirlFriend =)

Ahh it's been a long journey it seems, to others it's like waa so fast! but for us i think we really went through a lot, and now seems exam is finishing and we are heading for semester break and looks like we are gonna be far apart =/ But well i'm sure things will get well too =) Can't wait to see what God has to store for us =) You know sometimes i wonder how i can date, study, do projects, and do this do that. I don't think it's because i'm good in time management, i think i'm a sleepless dude -___-

3. Apparently my schedule is full up to next semester start =)

Man yea i just can't ever stop. Even when i called up my mom and said i am going backpacking and she's like "why can't you just stay at home!" Basically what's going to happen after my exam which ends at 5th i would be.attending EPCC Conference on the 6th, then 7th will do some extreme cycling, 8th will go to the RiverSpy Facilitator program organized by WaterWatchPenang, then 9-11 some school program, then off to SINGAPORE! then head up to Johor for BYEE finals on the 16th then Internship starts... on the 23rd..

And all the way till mid August with some important dates there, then i am left with few more weeks and i am currently drafting out possibilities of backpacking Thailand Cambodia and Vietnam. Sem reopens at the 2nd week of September, i have 3 weeks in 3 countries, that's quite a good timing i would say. but concern is no one wants to follow so far, i'm TOTALLY ok going alone actually, but mom still worries and it makes sense... see how then.

4. I am also excited to rebrand my new "blog". Actually i have bought the domain Japhethlim.com and see how stuff is gonna work out soon. I have never really played around with serious domain stuff so i am giving it a try. I am officially bored of blogger interface. ( realized i put all the tabs on my blog head?) because i am lack of customization (though i know you can do it too) but i love the sense of ownership. though it's 90bucks a year. Not forgetting too i have another project to catch up with which i will reveal later =)

5. TEDxGurneyDrive is gonna be a blast =)

Yes you got it, even Hannah Tan supports us. teehee! There was a mini meeting just now though, nice recaps of everything, though i really have pressure on my PR task and i am quite sucky in it. but the response is an encouragement. Look at the 9 speakers already, just with RM20 where can you get such opportunity of ideas and networking (yes i'm looking through a lot of names which give me impression this is a networking event). Will see how it's going on later then =)

Goodness i am just never ending with events =S

Perhaps i am just looking too down on Academics.

Owh wait i never said that! I'm just saying Academics is boring. Quotes the old saying " you only apply less than 10% of what you learnt in Uni in working life" But blaa, i never really think academic is a waste if you know how to remodify the whole system, lecturers would respect you for that, and that's what i'm gonna do for my final year, through my new website too =)

p/s I thought of writing about a post on Supporting the 1Malaysia Email thing actually. it would really braindrain me and spending the whole night and crazy thing to blog about it during study week. Don't get me wrong, i just love to give a hit at other perspectives knowing it makes people think more and be smarter and not really simply go to facebook and support this and that because it just feels cool to go with the "Against Government" Fashion.

Yes Excitement Ahead! Drive Slowly!

Perhaps all along i see everything as Excitement!

TEEHEE! That's LIFE =)

[23/4/2011] WHY 2nd Quarter 2011 - Quarter of Trust.

2011-04-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yes it's going to be middle of April and finally i have just done my little 'postmortem' of my first quarter in 2011 which is based on the theme of FAITH. Don't ask me why if i am being weird like a company to have different quarter themes, you could find my early post in the tab "Monthly Resolutions". To be short, it's actually an idea i had ever since MyLDS 2009 in UUM, i was sharing this to a group as well, about delivering your annual resolution and breaking it down to see the growth process of yourself, and i never regretted that. Just a flashback, these are my past themes or resolutions.

Yes it might be very simple, just a word. I don't want a thousand words or phrase of what i aim to achieve, i just need to wander around one word and learn how to appreciate it, that's how i personally learn. And each time the quarter finishes, i think of it whether i have realized what i learnt and also the accumulative past few quarter themes. So first Quarter was over, Quarter of FAITH.

Yes i learnt much, i think i would really be out of words to describe how much i felt i have grown this quarter. It's just exactly like feeling God is just right beside. It's reflect by the verse Hebrews 11:1 " Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" There are many things i went through in this quarter, i followed his whispers, a good example would be student elections. At some point of view, it's the last thought i thought i would be doing, but end up, i was in the general election instead, i did not win, and Everyone asked me why am i not sad about it? Wasn't i hoping? I realize the true learning point when i lost, and God guided me throughts the point when i really could not see what's going to happen, anything in the election was a mess to my own understanding. But God showed me the great lessons behind these experiences.

Many more happened, well but all i would say is, have Faith. and now in this next quarter, i suddenly lead up to this theme.

Yes, Quarter of Trust. Faith and Trust, what's the difference? Here this time it's about social trust. Well one thing i have learnt so far is that it is time to evaluate trust. It's not the saying being picky choosing friends but it's time to be serious of putting networking aside and really know who your friends are. It sounds simple, but much more to that because personally i find it very hard to clear the line between networking and friends. If you understand my network only limit to AIESEC working networks, then it's much bigger than you thought and i am not proud to say that because most of them have been wasting my time. So it's time to really see what can work out and trust those who trust you =) As simple as that =)

So that's my new Resolution for the Quarter! Owh ya just wanted to share this! I was quite surprise though, few months ago, a random AIESECer from HongKong suddenly FB-ed me and asked me for a write up about my views on AIESEC conferences. So there you go.

Yea and was it seen? In the PDF file for the promotion of Ecolity Conference, well we know that LC HKU and HKUST are active in doing international scale conference and yes they are having good reputation of that, from the past conference such as Greeneration and Ripples. But yea so there goes my words, but again i remind myself it's time to stop going for conferences, i have learnt much and time to write.

But if it is facilitating conference, of course i would if i have the chance, it's always the happiest moment to share to others what you have learnt and to see them grow. and yes i realize how much i have changed over the 2 years of Experience.

p/s In middle of exam weeek and i always think more (non academics) during exam week God knows why -__- And i don't find stress, or maybe i am being ignorance? hehehe.

TEDxGurneyDrive REGISTER NOW!!!

2011-04-20T05:56:00.000-07:00

A news feed from Wilson Beh Blog

An Inspiring 18-min Experience You Must Not Miss in Penang - TEDxGurneyDrive

To make our life better and change this world, it's all started with a Thought, then Talk andActions.

"Ideals Worth Sharing" was all where TED first held in California, 1990. To date, more than 700 talks across the continents are available online and speakers like Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Google founders Larry Page, Jamie Oliver and many Noble Prize Winners speak for an inspiring 18-min in TED and TEDx Talks.

And for the 1st time in history, TED is happening in Penang, Malaysia.

It's named TEDxGurneyDrive.

Instead of writing formally what are the objectives and missions (which you can read in our official website and facebook page), I want to write why are we bringing TED to Penang.

Penang itself has a lot of stories to tell. From a British colonial to a vibrant melting pot it is today, Penang passed through a lot of ups and downs. And it's the People who embrace positive change even in turbulence times and make Penang what it is today.

Penang might not be the bustling metropolitan like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. However, Penang itself is unique in terms of its lifestyle, roadside hawker foods, "~~kiamsiap"~~ attitude of some and rich history.

It is a blessed place with beautiful but now polluted beaches, located so near to the modern yet heritage-feel city with much greeneries like the Penang Hill, Youth Park and Botanical Garden.

There're a lot of proud stories here, which can inspire us to move forward. From a 65-year-old Aunty selling Char Kuey Teow along Macalister Road, middle age working adult in Bayan Lepas MNC to a 22-year-old USM undergraduate who fight for the future; all of these converge together to become a beautiful story.

This is why we are bringing TED to Penang. We want to let everyone who live, work or study in Penang to feel the prides and with the spirit, all can achieve greater heights in life.

So, TEDxGurneyDrive is not another talk. No, you don't come to listen to a talk.

You come here for beautiful stories. And get inspired.

Venue of TEDxGurneyDrive

9 speakers, each speak for exactly 18-min, will ensure you a different and fruitful Saturday morning.

They are:- (For more details please visit our official website)

1. Professor Dato' Anwar Fazal

The Winner of the "Alternative Noble Prize" and "UNEP Global 500"

A founder and one of the prime movers of several local and global citizens movements, among them the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) founded in 1969, International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) formed in 1979, Health Action International (HAI) in 1981 and Pesticide Action Network (PAN) formed in 1982.

2. Matthias Gelber

World Greenest Man in 2008

A global environmental speaker and entrepreneur. He is a board member of the International Network of Environmental Management, a non-profit organisation working with businesses internationally to inspire them to make their operations more environmentally friendly. Matthias has given environmental talks in 38 countries all over the world.

3. YB Phee Boon Poh

The Penang State Exco of Health and Welfare, Caring Society, Environment

His determination on bringing out his passion on social and environmental issues gains a lot of people’s support including the new initiative “Cleaner Greener Penang” and “Say No to Plastic Bags” Campaign.

4. Dato' Boonler Somchit

CEO & Founder of PSDC

Together with Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu, he founded PSDC (Penang Skills Development Centre), the first skills industry-led training centre to be set up in Malaysia. For more than two decades, they have trained over 150,000 participants in more than 7,000 courses. Today, they have a Membership of 155 companies.

5. Professor Dato' Ho Sinn Chye

Former Dean in Universiti Sains Malaysia. Now a Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Wawasan Open University, Penang who brings e-learning initiatives to the education industry.

6. Neil Walter

An entrepreneur for consulting business in the online games niche. He also wants to document his journey as an entrepreneur and share his success and failure with the world. Neil currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – and aims to visit 25 countries before he is 25 years old.

7. Tan Lay Seong

Most Outstanding Young Malaysia Award Winner

The founder of Great Ideals, Mr. Tan Lay Seong is the first life insurance manager to receive The Outstanding Young Malaysian Award (merit)(Personal Improvement And Accomplishment); Also, the youngest biography writer (Chinese & Englis version) in life insurance industry and released his own motivational and training CD/VCD; Mr.Tan is an international speaker and a regconised member in Persatuan Pemidato Malaysia. 5 consecutive years of winning Great Eastern Life Group Sales Manager National Champion of the year, breaking the 100-year record in the company.

8. Dato' Dr Goh Ban Lee

A senior fellow of Socio-Economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI), Penang. He is also a columnist for TheSun newspapers in Malaysia, focusing on issues related to urban governance, housing and urban planning.

Once being Associate Professor in the School of Social Science in USM and a Vice principal of TARC, Dr Goh served as a member in several government bodies. He was also involved in projects conducted by international and regional organisations, including United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), Urban Management Programme (UMP) of the United Nations Asia Pacific Region, and Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

9. Jazz Tan Yee Mei

Founded Jazzada Solution a.k.a. Penang Youths at the age of 17. Host of the largest annual youth event in Penang - Youth Jam

WOU - Venue of TEDxGurneyDrive (c) Mau Horng Photography

DATE: 30 APRIL 2011 (Saturday)

TIME: 830am - 200pm

VENUE: WAWASAN OPEN UNIVERSITY, PENANG

FEE: RM 20 only

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[19/4/2011] Fly your everyday because you are the Pilot, and God is your JetEngine.

2011-04-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

Yes you are the pilot of your life. It's 3.55am and i have some random ramblings again as usual. It's exam week, opened the book, stuck in a few chapters.. And looking at the newsfeed from Twitter and Facebook. Can't help but sometimes i see people ramblings of the little things in life (ok yes sorry) and the thing sometimes i can't understand is how people can breakdown by the little things in life but not even things that we should be really worry about.

Few days ago i posted some shoutouts that i thought could account into this.

I heard this from SNL. That's how powerful one person can be. The first conversation you have everyday is the best person in the world, it's yourself. It's so powerful that you can actually choose to make it a total positive or negative one. In other simple way of defining it will be your own attitude? Or perhaps a long term of how you see yourself and recognize on the things you would be thinking as a norm.

That's too. Some of us would still be thinking the very stereotype of approach when we say Be the Change! Make a difference today! But most often questions that came out in the mind of youth is, "Who am i to make a change? I am No body" Once i always said, i respect people for their attitude and ethnic but not by their posit

ions or fame. Same here, as long you are taking a breath, you know you are existed to influence to make a change. People can turn from zero to something within a night. All it takes is a good cause and good heart.

All these suddenly came upon my mind just tonight, well perhaps not, but everytime i think about life, i just find it inspiring itself to know how myself have changed, reading from my old blog www.wonderfulprocrastinator.blogspot.com I felt myself in these few years of university have really struggled, but it's a tough and good paid race. I felt i changed so much. Particularly on how i moved myself from time to time despite ups or downs. Some people say i am their inspiration by just some little actions, on the other hand some could say i'm a big mistake and not knowing what i want to do. I could just easily say, i don't care. Because i am happy of what i am today and i know i have been playing my part.

I am happy because i am flying my plane everyday, holding the steering in my hand, but knowing God is my Jet engine.

To any Christians outside there. This is definitely one of the few chapters i remember. Be know that you are not to worry of your life, yes aware can, but worrying doesn't help much when it's going to make you panic. Matthew Chapter 6:25-34

Do Not Worry

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[e]?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I heard before the saying "You've gotta learn how to love yourself before loving others" And hey, i think i do.

And yes continue study =) But that's not the reasons because i love myself so i study -.-"

[16/4/2011] Experience for Pre-Final Round BYEE

2011-04-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

One of the happiest news for the university life =)

So yes, i got into Bayer Finals. Some were confident that i will get into finals for sure especially my sister and cousin, but of course again it always test your curiosity whether you really could make it. So i did it? But it seems a lot of people " Like" the status thinking i will be going to Germany already which is not -.-"

What's next?

I would still have to implement a project and the KPI has to be measurable by the end of July. And the end result will compete with the other 9 candidates and the best 2 will go to a 2 weeks all expense paid Germany Green education Trip. Thus, having 20% chance. However but, considering i am doing Internship during that time and also semester break which Y.E.S project is not going to function with the team all in one place.

So what is my project?

naaa i won't reveal it here. Soon enough it will be obvious. But imagine a person having internship throughout the project implementation date, having all manpower segregated due to semester break. For me, it's an opportunity, anyone who knows me for my focus in project will briefly get my idea =P But well, it's again a bet on whether it can carry out successfully.

So it was the interview that made the difference i think. I think a few points that contributed to my impression, firstly my CV. Having quite a strong impression of green projects person with international exposure such as going to Shanghai and India is quite an impression i guess. And also i think thanks to my sister i manage to do a nice CV with nice numbers to give them a picture of the impact done.

Next, i think would be my project idea. I won't say it out but i think it's one of its kind. Because i was highlighting the issue of sustainability in sustainability themed projects itself. And my project could benefit all the other 9 contestants project themselves indirectly, or to say any green project in Malaysia by a minimum means.

There was a total of 20+ candidates, 7 were interview that same day as mine, some flew in from the East and far away, i guess i was the only guy. But i think what benefits me is i was the first candidate. Meaning, no time restriction in a way because the judges have not gone through any before. I took a total of 40 minutes instead 20 minutes. Not my choice but they were asking so much about my project especially the end result, and i thought awhile and i manage to find a solution on the spot.

FYI, i rewrite the whole project idea the night before. Knowing that my previous idea could not be used anymore after knowing where will i be during the project implementation.

These are the judges. Nice distribution of experience, and yes they do know about AIESEC and also UNU so glad that they could picture the things i was involved. I came in doubting whether to sell myself or sell the project honestly. I was trying to view their expectations.

Another point is that i think, having the first presentation, i came in taking the advantage to talk something extra when i was asked to self intro. Thus i came in talking about the 5 big problems of sustainability of students running projects. I listed them one by one and talked with my experience. and i think i manage to shift their impression on students project after my presentation.

Generally the 5 problems are, Amount of Green Projects in Malaysia, Teamwork and Synergy ownership in Projects, Causes and lost of focus, Awareness and Action synchronization, Reality and Relevance of issues. Which i won't elaborate here.

The whole presentation was straight. I didn't have any powerpoints like some others do, just some random ramblings the night before and just got the new idea. and there you go selected to go to the finals. So i will be looking forward for the 5D4N ecocamp and expecting to learn a lot of things =) and also.. implementing the project. =D

Germany or not? That doesn't matter. But i would really love to see and share and help all the other 9 finalists with their project as well =) I think that's the greater reason why i came in to this competition.

[14/4/2011] The 5 mistakes in Networking.

2011-04-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

So yeap, i just thought of writing about this after speaking to someone. *yesh i always write when there is thought asap before it's gone & i would read again and i will go "owh i didn't know i blog about that"* I know i ain't a networker or whatsoever you could assume my position fair enough to talk about this. But after being to student and even corporate affairs and looking at how and why and when people exchange their namecards. It got me thinking.

I have been doing networking, well anyone who knows me would say too, but i would say i have been doing a lot of wrong networking also, and i am glad that i have learnt it early. These are what i observed and after some input from people from different ages and background too. Here i would describe it the very simple illustrative, Networking = Working on your net to go Fishing. *Please consider this content is from an undergraduate and not from the working world*

So here goes.

5 Mistakes People do in Networking

1. You don't even know what type of Fish you are fishing for.

Yes, you don't even know what you are looking for. Or i would say most of the time, event doesn't cater specific needs to your expectation of networking, and yes you mix up with everyone, considering in a 300 Company representative who come to a buffet dinner style to listen about CSR talks and you are finding sponsor for your green event. So you went to network everyone you could in the event, get a person, stay with a few minutes, exchange namecards and hoop to a second person and so on. But trut

h again is that you are suppose to look for CER companies. If you do know well in the first place then you wouldn't waste time going to a fresh water lake and hoping to fish for a saltwater fish. A typical similar is people going popular just for fame, that explains it why they don't last long with most people sometimes even the closest one.

2. Working on a too big net.

That's pretty common. In any students activities and especially with the current social media. Somehow, for some people, there is this common saying " Add me on facebook, keep in touch" well considering that applies to everyone he/she met in the event, and there goes the thousands of friends and what's next? You hope to catch a lot of fish, work on a very big net, waste so much time pulling them out and sorting processing them, in the end they are not what you need.

The mistake i learnt is distributing too many namecards. Well, that's ok, but to the wrong people and hence many opportunities came in! Good! but a lot of bad opportunities came in too.

3. Your net is not tight enough to catch the fish..

So yea after catching up with the so many new friends and then you taught of still pulling them up to the shore but your net is not tight enough to pull it all up. You are lack of capacity to follow up. Or in short, you were not even sure of following up that person or not, with just the sentence rephrasing itself "see you next time, keep in touch" There were some people today i see, which i thought last time i should grab hold of them, then i could have imagined how much better things could work out now. Simply because i think i have my net too big.

4. You caught the wrong fish..

Networking the right person who needs you. There are thousands people outside there which can meet your networking but the real result of seeing the connection is one when can hit you and say let's get connected. You might see a lot of people who can benefit you but truth is only when you can offer something to them, then there goes the spark.

5. The fish ate you instead.

Yea, sometimes the people that you caught on board stole your time and contacts instead. Some fish can be so cute and they tell you they can help this and that but in the end just left you there while hijacking your efforts. Or in some situation, expectations are not right, the person might be so good that his expectation on you has gone wrong, perhaps you are being sweet tooth to catch him on board, in the end, he is the player of the game. There you go, he ate you. So just be sure that you are capable of handling that fish.

So there goes the few mistakes i learnt in networking. I wasted time here and there. I learnt from others about their experience too. I know i am just an undergraduate and have yet to really see the real world. But as you deal with projects locally or nationally, university or outside, these things do come into apply so goes the same in the working world. True enough in University we not need to worry about this, we are all still enjoying and defining friendship and university is one of the few platforms to find True Friends. Not highschool, highschool we are just not really at the age of understanding how to value each other. So to all of my friends =) Sit back and enjoy the last few years =D

p/s ok wait, i think this is a lousy post -.-" but i shall improve more later on!

9/4/2011 It's about PKA, It's about Christian Fellowship.

2011-04-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

I thought of posting this few days before already but just too busy. Remembering few days ago Farewell Night, when the floor is opened for any sharing? I wanted to always share but i thought it's time to let the final years to share. And now i thought at least i could share here. It's basically about my story with PKA aka CF or something i wish i can share with you all.

I started thinking about it after a few events, when some people ask me who are my true friends. True enough some of you might know me as someone mixing with people everywhere or vice versa, and people ask, so who is your best friend? what i could say again is still most of them are from PKA. Truth is that i am not really close to anyone of you, i don't know about definitions of best friends as everyone has different one, but if it's defined by someone that i can go to when there is a problem, then that person gotta be from PKA. There's always this trust feeling that you could just go with it and find anyone out from PKA and talk about it. (I hope that applies to everyone else)

I never see PKA as an activity or a club or whatever. And the first time i thought about this was when Daniel Chong talked to me in his room, remembering it during my 2nd Semester. Think he was worried about my activities that time and afraid i will be out of the touch from PKA or something like that, and i remember telling him not to worry, (yes skipping church is worrying though) but i just said that i felt God placed me in a different area. I thank him personally for that approach by the way, thanks bro.

And then around one year after that, now, i see how God has used me in other areas. I just want to share about how significant PKA, i admit i skip BEs, not really been the expected good ACGL.. or anything with that. But Christian Fellowships are deeply rooted in the word of God. Do you know, everytime when there's like a CG, there's an undefined feeling of Joy for us? I don't know about you but that's what i felt. It's not really only by the studying of the word of God, but many can just share out their problems in the group naturally and i am glad many in the CG did.

Everytime when it's PKA it's the time of happiness. Here i think i emphasized the Gather part out of the 3Gs. Because personally think Gather is the first out of the 3Gs to bring all together. True enough we cannot put churches and compare with churches involvements cause both serve differently and priority is still church. But in here i learnt that Gather, or fellowship has been the essence of PKA keeping each other strong and i believe all the other CFs too.

And i would say, flashing back to few years ago, 2004. Fellowship is something i treasure.

This Album is my Form 2 CF Camp.

CrossRoad camp 2004. CF has been a life changing one for me since highschool, anyone who knows CFs movement in the klang valley with SCF backing up with annual meet in MBS KL will experience how is it like already with some huge churches in KL having active christian youth movements. I had my experience of fellowship started then, every friday, carry the guitars and chairs to the place, set it up, after finish, have a good friday lunch, miss it so much, unlike currently in BEs, need to rush to english class after that.

All i am saying is, treasure much this friendship. This Fellowship. One of the seniors spoke in farewell night about the friends you gain in CF are friends that last. True enough, i had been joining this and that and i could tell you when a connection comes because of work or assignments, nothing really last because the core of it is work itself, that's why you hear the quote "work is work, personal is personal" but here, in PKA, where vision and values are being shared, we know we can get really far.

How Far? even after 10 years of not meeting each other, but you would still feel That Close when you meet each other at that instant. That's PKA. I know it would happen, because the same happened in CFSMKDJ, you can get lost in touch because of university life, but you just boommm and sit down talk to each other out of the randomness.

Ahh i miss my childish look* compares with the picture previously haha.

To all the Seniors, outgoing Dinos.. I shall copy the oh so many liverpool fans saying "You tak akan jalan sendiri!"

May God bless all of you =) Stay Strong =)

You know, if anyone of you know how i came into PKA, it's not by random but really all plan by Him. Thanks to Lesley =P It's because of this blog that i blog about finding a church in Penang after getting in USM and because of a message by her then i got into all these now =) God has wonderful plans eh? and remembering how God put me in PPSL and doing the same thing too.

and thanks to the wonderful girlfriend too who came =)

ahhh my cacated spiky hair ><""

She's so gorgeous that night ain't she =P

Just some short Personal Updates here.

So it's study week again.. i told my mom that i am back to KL just to rest, cause i know i never really study in this comfy home (fyi my condo is super cooling for reason perhaps my room hardly get sunlights). I am in dilemma whether to go back straight after BYEE interview tomorrow, catch the bus at Bukit Jalil and on the way to drop by Pasar Seni to apply my RapidFlexi pass. I am having a trouble thinking of my logistics of my books, tools and shirts etc. Not sure even if i am moving out next semester. And not sure if i need to use this and that during the semester break so would need mom's kind help to just fetch everything down to KL.

And i am happy because i have just sent to my friend a draft template of the domain i want to have! This blog currently has close to 450 post by the way, and it's the 5th personal blog i have. Ah memories.. ahh so i thought rather of having a proper website now. www.limgeneharn.com? or ww.japhethlim.com LOL perasan*

Ahh.. I dream too much sometimes. That kept me moving all the time.

[6/4/2011] TEDxGurneyDrive : TED the new defined passion.

2011-04-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

Yeap, first picture of the post.

Yes again it's another event! And yes you! we don't want you to miss out this awesome event so stay back and wait up soon when we open our ticketing! Most of you probably have heard of TED. But what's with the TEDx? Easy to define as when more people around the world are sharing the same concept or vision as TED to organize a local based TED event so x means independent.

Just if you are curious, No, TEDx is not far away, as much as you seen in Youtubes or anywhere, It's very near to you, now TEDxGurneyDrive is happening on the 30th April! Proud to say that we had TEDxNTU over just few weeks ago in Singapore, and TEDxIpoh and TEDxJohorBahru coming up son too!

I won't go detail promoting this event but yes always can follow us at Facebook. In Short i would say TEDxGurneyDrive this time theme on Shining Penang, we will showcast penangnites on the speakers list and we believe each one of them is able to deliver like what you watch online.

Meeting with Wawasan Open University Chancellors to discuss the event details to secure partnership for venue. WOU itself is already great story to tell for their distant education method and ideology behind the university's vision. Did you know that WOU Chancellors were once Deans of Bio school of USM?

The Venue, The second largest Auditorium.

Yes, just looking out to the seas. That's why, Gurney. Penang!

Proud to be partner with!

Ok stop, so yea some people already starting to ask me -.-" Yes i said i wanna be a nerd for third year and study a lot, but when i find one platform that can really share my vision together. That is inspiration. Then i don't see why not? As in the Organizing Committee itself, i see how i can use my network for some use finally. And best of all, as you are searching for speakers, you really just read through great NGOs presence on various issues and you go " Owh i didn't know this existed" So many inspiring stories by inspiring people deserve to be shared, that's why in TED, we call it "Ideas Worth Spreading".

No, it's not a lecture, no, it's not a conference, no it's not a networking event. The concept is pretty down and straight, inspiring, provoke thoughts among the audience, and audience who know TED itself should set expectation on this already i feel. So yea i am currently the Public Relations for TEDxGurneyDrive. Truth to be told, i am a newbie, but i see how TED idea could go along with who i know and what i learn so far.

I am thinking next already, TEDxUSM. I found what Neil said is very true, the moment i thought of TEDxNTU, my first question came was, " I thought TEDx is local name based or something like this" So far we had TEDxKL, TEDxyouthKL and many name of places. But i thought, hey, Universities as USM itself there are a whole lot bunch of professors doing little wonders behind the scene and we should all know. And the marketing itself is already easy that the target audience is the USM students itself but public of course again yes. It's almost the same as just having a lecture talk BUT to have TED's concept involve the whole thing would sound pretty interesting. The first one i am thinking already is our dear Vice Chancellor. I have had personal chats with him, and i think he is already one who knows how to pull your legs as good as in TED videos.

There are Rules and Regulation to follow, of course, as respect to any organization using their name, but TEDx is free license, glad they lessen the burden for people who wants to do good work with TED's name.Well, so here comes another platform, thanks to TengYew and Wilson the Directors, i just randomly filled up an application form to the team and didn't know will land in such idea. I love how it works. Simple event, no huge scaling and planning like any conference in AIESEC would do. and the impact is very direct. So what's really next? really with TEDx? I find it fun because IF i am really going to focus on TEDx and having involve in organizing a lot of them, i think it's quite worth to join the OC team to recognize a lot of inspiring people almost everyday =)

Phew* Yes again another random post from Studio and i have not been sleeping for 2 nights. God knows how i am going to score this semester =)

[4/4/2011] Hear Me.

2011-04-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

Yea it's 5:19am right now and am stucking at the assignment =) Well many things happen lately, imma not gonna blog it but as much as how people define twitter as micro blogging, i thought facebook could as well =) so imma just gonna snip and pinch all the status into this post =) Have fun reading through! It's all in a day!

Emotional? Stress? Happy? I don't know. All i know right now is i am thinking about my assignment =) And many other things in which i hope conclusions will approach soon =)

I miss so many things lately! Everything is gone! Dramasss and Guns. Ahhh~

[1/4/2011] In Creation of another Turning Point. *Boring Post pls...

2011-04-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

Yes it's again another about GeneHarn post, i suddenly thought of this, so now it has settled 3 months in KL for internship with a super well reputed international Architecture firm, no more Sabah plan or whatsoever. I know my third year is going to be different, simply because i plan so that whatever i do in my third year shall be considering into adding real working values into my resume.

If you were following up my past few posts, i came up to a conclusion that i should stop what i have been doing, it's not about joining wrong activities or whatsoever, all was planned before i enter university but seems that i did not follow it. Having the thought of leaving everything during second year and moving into something seriously such as joining Architecture Competitions or really read up stuffs, i don't think i made it =P As much i would want to focus fully into AIESEC, but well time's up for me as an Architecture Student to know that i have serious field to deal with. Besides, i realize most AIESECers don't turn out in their field when they graduate, but goodness not for me. That's just my side track. looking at manager application opened* sigh*

Owh well, so here i am, in second year again and it's going to be over. And there was a coursemate who chat with me "Actually i envy your university life, you are very confident to just throw everything and live like how you want it to be, not like us just assignments everyday" As personally i would say, yes i am glad and as any of the students of HBP school i would say i am one of the few to really go crazy for activities and running for events everywhere including travelling. Well and it has to end now. No one would really understand the assignment stress in HBP until they are in it, we don't take mid term exam, but yea we always die by assignments alone, somehow, i manage to balance.

So i have to create another turning point. I agree my university life for the past few years have been great. I found my passion. That's it. and now, it's about how to continue living on this passion and fitting into my course, which is Architecture. So easy, Environmental Sustainability + Architecture = Green Building. As easy as ABC? Not really, most people really perceive Green Building as just like going green, i want to be professional, i want to surpass lecturers knowledge, i want to present papers, i want to tell a story of a building not by design and green but also marketing and branding sense. *Partially that's also how AIESEC made me realize about this.

That's the turning point i want to make. I had a full 2 years finding my passion and living it by actions and projects. Now it's time to sit down and read and write for the better of the rest. And these 4 months will be the turning point, in a way, be a new person, be introvert? be a nerd? i don't know, but i think i am a little sucky at the moment partially because my networking has gone a mess, i'm not holding to my own principles anyways, which is only network people who needs you. That's the working world.

So, 4 months? 3 months gone for internship?

I think time for some break =) A month of travelling again perhaps.

Yea, this place was in Beijing. Old Summer palace =) Magnificent lake. I simply miss the moment of travelling, every step and every shot of pictures are just like different stories to the static sight you see everyday. Hmmm... so finishing internship on the 29 of July, starting class on the 12 of September. That makes it 6 weeks of Travelling.

Plans? I was actually hoping to go for CEEDER, cause i always believe in travelling the best way of experience is by mixing the locals and AIESEC has proven no boundaries to that. I don't love travelling for the sake of having pictures here and there and then rush to the next destination.. There was a lot of other plans, going back to Shanghai to intern with Greennovate which i used to for a month (but it's summer super hot!), or even going back IKEA work. But well it's time to free my mind.

This 6 weeks i could have a well use of Singapore? Medan? or East Malaysia? I don't know. But 6 weeks really sound a decent duration of backpacking, considering the salary i earn 3 months before can cover up quite a good package.

If i am going to Sabah, then yea would love to backpack different towns and enjoy landscape photography. If Singapore, then a lot of Architecture Photography to input on, and their town planning again is not to be missed. If i would go Medan.. then that's really a one new experience with Lake Toba!

I think.. I would just go for all. Well, the best thing about planning things alone, backpacking alone, worry lesser things perhaps, and travel faster =) Not that i prefer, but no one wants to follow T.T but i love the life you observe, you pen down, you read your own books, take your own photographs all yourself. .. for me that's awesome for 6 weeks =)

~~Medan~~, Singapore, Sabah?

I'm Excited. Full Stop.

Besides, i think i am going to take the 4 months to focus on building my own domain. I am really done with blogspots, don't judge it by the traffic, i just think there are things which i can't do with blogs, which i always trial and error and wasted my time. so time to invest =) and also focusing and reading up more Archi stuffs and write them in. owh yea. serious tone* =P

And now i think i need a day or two to reorganize my Facebook friends by listing them and also my gmail tabbings are all mess up =S i think the best is, just reformat my laptop. haha.

And on a random note, i am thinking of getting a new lens, most probably UWA lens which depends on my salary later on ><

p/s A lot ask me to extend internship to 4 months, owh my goodness no way, where do i have time to travel when i start travelling again anyways? =S

p/p/s sorry la i just love random ramblings in my blog =)

[30/3/2011] The Everyday Easter. HOPE

2011-03-30T01:18:00.000-07:00

This is the submission i submitted to PKA newsletter about Easter on behalf of Easter Sunday! =) It was really a free style writing and actually i didn't have any initial thoughts till i found out what to write what pretty much happens everyday. Have fun reading if you want =)

Just when i thought everything was about to scratch to an end, shesmiled. She said, It is all right, God has a plan for me, there shall be hopeas long as i trust in Him. Everyone in the prayer meeting was delighted indeed.Abigail did not make it into her top 5 choices for Local University options,and two year after that, she is actively helping many hopeless ones to findhope, in a community centre. For me, that is Easter. A story of Hope. or i callit Hearing Other People Experiences.

A very common understanding of the meaning of Easter, for millionsof christians, is that of honoring and recognizing Jesus Christ's resurrectionfrom the dead, and His glorious promises of eternal life for all who believe inHim. Easter is a deep drive for me, it's an everlasting joy of waking up to thecall of Hope, Believe and Faith. I can honestly tell anyone that i don'treally know the exact details about the origin of Easter, but the simplepicture i got was Jesus Christ's victory over death, where there is hope whenyou have faith.

As for me, the Story of Easter isn't a few days experience, it'san everyday thing. Ups and Downs, rollercoaster rides, well, we have this everysingle day in our universities lives. I have learnt much for Hearing aboutOther People’s Experiences. As for me it’s always inspiring to hear them, heartheir stories, then, you know God is moving so strongly. Hope is shown, Easterhappens everyday in a way because victory just seems to be everywhere. Abigail’sstory today remain an inspiration to all her friends on her determination thatit would be fine with having faith in God.

My ultimate inspiration everydayis again about HOPE, hearing anyone’s stories, be it the lecturer, friends, oreven the auntie who does cendol by the road side, everyone has a story to tell.You just don’t know when God will reveal to you his mightiness and magnificentvictorious is taking place in many people’s lives. People, is one of the manymediums God use to tell you something. So let everyday be an Easter day, hearpeople’s experience, know that God’s Victorious over death could be defined inmany types of implications in many people’s lives today as well, know that allyou need is Faith and His good news to bring you forward every single day."But now, Lord, what do I lookfor? My hope is in you."Psalm 39:7.

That’s Hope.

[29/3/2011] How Fast Exactly? 1 month?

2011-03-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yea, most of us ponder upon the time, how fast exactly is time travelling. I said before i don't really blog about personal stuff that much, but well let's say i have changed lor! =D

So here it is, Happy 1 Month =)

Since 25/2/2011 actually, but just right now i felt like blogging it.

Ahh my tak ada leaf punya coconut hair -.-"

1 Month was fast to many of us, for me, having a month with her has been significantly long, we have been through a lot i believe =) ups and downs or whatever you could define in a relationship. Many things happened indeed =) I may not be a guy who is good with his words, many things just spill out of my mouth without twice thoughts, but thanks to the considerable girlfriend who always trust in us. Always remember the sweetest message "you may be the suckiest and dummest guy i have ever met, but i still love you" Yes people, anyone in a relationship can be very different from the person you meet in any other social perspective =)

I know you have always been more rational and understanding compared to me, i know you have voiced out when you are suppose to, i know you care and cherish of the way i am . In this 1 month, i learnt a lot, truly a long month =) and we will keep on learning.We said about never wanted to lose each other, its not by a words of feelings but because we know better about ourselves ever since then i believe.

So this is to you =) I love you Catherine Chin!

And people always ask how to define Love ar? I think this is what i share a lot x) and everytime i fail, i think i didn't follow these rules.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Yea it never fails.

and presenting the model of the day, TeaTacToe HoneyDew -.-"

thanks to Lesley i have super a lot of pearls today!

So yea, that's how fast is 1 month! =)

26/3/2011 Green Profits Conference, Greening The World by Greening Your Business First!

2011-03-26T01:36:00.000-07:00

So yes, i skip my studio for this conference, though even know that studio was teaching OTTV thermal transfer but i think i learnt much more here because i think at times studio assignments which are currently so green branded by the university vision as well as lecturers just need to know how to fit into the reality with money sense instead of just putting some solar panels. The speakers alone in this conference itself made me determine to go for it, though as much as i promote this to my friends, i regret that you couldn't join because Architects students can really gain a lot from this few hours talk conference.

Somehow talk might be boring for students already, but when you have one from the real world with statistics to show you rather than lecturers with research and a lot of imagination conceptual going on, then it proves something more. But yea for me, hopefully i can get their slides, so informative, statistics i love =)

So i won't go further into what i learn for every speakers like what i blog about TGOGM conference. It's gonna drain your eyes reading it, i have to say it's another good planning of conference, well selected speakers, agenda, simple venue, awesome food, nice event flow. It's a well mix 6 speakers on 6 different aspects to balance the topic "Green The World by Greening your Business first" though i must say the focus was a little like Energy and Building design, no doubt for the factors that contribute more than 70% on our Carbon Footprint.

Mr Ahmad from Malaysia Green Technology Corporation spoke on Promoting Green Technology Commercialization via Green Technology Financing Scheme.
Ar Von, as President for Malaysia Green Building Confederation, or also a member from the World Green Building Council, speaks on GBI Green Building Index is not just about Energy.
Prof Dr Chan Ngai Weng, president from Water Watch Penang, also a lecturer from USM speaks about Water Efficiency Management for Business Sectors from Green Aspects.
Mr Anthony Wong, Group managing Director for the Frangipani langkawi Resort & Spa Hotel speaks on a case study on Frangipani Resort in Langkawi which cleans polluted river using water plants, Low Technology, Innovated Ideas.
Dr Jagadeesh Pasupuleti from UNITEN talks on Green Tech options for low carbon future.
Lastly, Matthias spoke on Ideas and Experiences on where to find the money in Green, well his experience indeed.

The bottom line of what i learn is that in reality, you really need to link back everything to money sense, well can't deny as it is one of the 3Ps in sustainable development, and certainly the most tangible factor people always refer to. If you remember watching "The Day after Tomorrow" the movie simulates this case as the States Vice President ask about the fragile Economy on having the North Region people evacuate down to the South, while also knowing that the Earth is fragile, well they both come together. Many other things i learnt particularly about all the tax reduction in Green Tech.

Most importantly is about rising the awareness of the bottombillion on Green Properties and Houses if we really want to make the change. Houses are the starting point. We can talk about Campaigns here and tehre with awareness but on the other hand we are focusing on implementation and law especially. Can't forget what Dr Anthony spoke about using grey water to reuse in Frangipani, simply because of Indah Water law that stated it something like that. If we really want to transform the mentality then lets start from the houses.

Another interesting major topic is about Water Rates. High Water Tariff that encourages people on wasting water so much, clearly reflects on how much people will not appreciate something cheap, and even if we want to make it expensive and stop subsidizing these rates, then politic reasons come in that the government may lost fame for making troubles for the people. There will be a turning point, i just don't know how and when.

Yea we have Panel Discussion too as a wrap up. All guys huh? =) It was a 7 hours conference Short and really could learnt a lot if you come with expectations and ready to open up and learn things. Yeap i think i learnt. How?

Yea, i found that true. There are great difference in going a conference filled with students or NGOs and Corporations. I learnt that my innocence for not being in the working world allowed me to dare to ask silly questions but not really during students ones. Felt appreciated. Well, that's for a replacement of my typical university class. Though as much as i hope other students could join, i got to remind me about academics reality too.

More pictures here!

Till then =) Happy 1 month Anniversary to the Girlfriend =)

[24/3/2011] A say about Internships #2 Confirmed DP Architects

2011-03-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

So it's the final say, i have gotten confirmation on going for DP Architects =) Back to KL just for 24 hours to attend the interview. I have this mix feeling right now, it's not because i am doubt whether i choose the right one, but the interview clearly threw at me a lot of questions.

As i mentioned in previous post why i love interviews. It's not for the benefit of the company only but also to us to get the expectations and so on. And in this case, i think i just got hit with the nightmare i have thought a while ago. It's good to have my resume with all the 'stuffs' there, but none of them can prove my interest is really in architecture even though i mention before the green passion is the side track. What surprises me is that i didn't really prepare for the interview, though i know i always have the thoughts in my mind already and i blog so much about how i define Architecture etc, i just blank. And he said "never mind, you are still fresh"

For me, it's totally ok. As for now i have entered this international firm, i know that the 3months will be one exciting one filled with challenges, each day with its own benchmark. I saw the Progress Tracking Sheet, all the details there, that's exactly what i expected from what i want to see, how much they emphasize on interns learning environment, site visits, seminars, model building, this that programme, everything detail laid out. They are going to take in 7-8 interns by the way. Personally i am surprise with the amount of allowance, considering the norm quotes stating taking in Interns is for social concern, for the future talents, but a company will never really use an intern to the core function anyways.

I said i screwed the interview. Yes i did. And i think the HR person actually did a good job, actually i got an impression before interview, that i will confirm get a place already, based on verbal communication. But then i see that the interv

iew is really just aim to screw you out till they can see how you handle the stress. "Now that's what going to happen everyday" Yea with working hour 8.30 - 6 everyday and on the train 2 hours daily. I'm 12 hours off. And i did presentation on my portfolio very badly.

The whole idea of interview in their point of view is wanting you to sell your product, as seeing them as your clients. At this point, my documentation on my portfolio is not sufficient to do that. That is really my fault, and yes they can just throw me all the criticism and i can just agree and say it's really my fault, but i am being accepted then.

"How do you define Architecture" "Which architects you admire the most" these questions are the very fundamental ones which i can even tell a story i remember, but just not that afternoon, blank* I know this 3 months is going to be awesome, a great turning point and super condense digestion of knowledge. Talking about an international firm with 90+ staffs and 8 interns, and being just BESIDE Berjaya Timesquare and LOWYAT! this 3 months i will have back the KL hectic lifestyle once again.

Yea, International. I like. Want to pay attention to their management too. Wonder why actually other countries no website besides Singapore, doubt the reason just because Singapore is their HeadQuarters.

So what's to prepare me for the 3 months?

1. Rapidpass Pelajar! yes me love that! 100 bucks for unlimited travel one month! Be it bus, LRT, KTM, anything. then i still have 900 bucks to spare. yes their baseline for interns are RM1000.

2. Actively blogging what i learnt? Not here. but www.thegreatgreenrace.blogspot.com

3. Need to really redefine my understanding and directions in Architecture.

4. Formal Attires =S

The deepest i can remember from the conversation " Don't talk to me, just show me" There are a few others from UKM coming in as well. All i can say is that anyone can really see the clear line between USM and UKM undergraduate because USM studio is always very practical and non conceptual, and we take up a lot of studies and syllabus from other courses too especially during first years. We were only exposed to AUTOCAD in 2nd year. While as for Taylors, we understand that conceptual is very strong in their studio, but i guess if i was to ask them how they are going to build it, then i don't know. In USM, we are equip with these knowledge, Economics, Project management, quantity surveying, etc. I shall see then.

All i can say right now is, yes i am very excited to be grilled, fried, bomb in the 3 months. It's not short actually. Though being said 3 months can't learn much from them =P I hope this 3 months can really be the turning point in my studio performance. I know things, i present little or incorrectly i would say =S

And yes, this at OneUtama =) cheer me up =)

[24/3/2011] Please Participate, Don't "Celebrate" Earth Hour.

2011-03-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Yes, you heard that, again i am writing post whenever i can't agree more, naa i just spend a few minutes on this post. I have always wanted to say this. I can be very greenish. "In fact, true-blue greenies don’t even bother celebrating Earth Hour. For them, curbing electricity use is already an every day affair and they see no necessity to do something to mark the event." I guess i have been doing the Earth Everyday thing. Everytime i see Earth Hour, it just reminds me of helpless advertisement everywhere with all marketing brands doing their best to take it as an event.

In the end of the event, people leave more carbon footprints by the amount of energy given out in all the preparations. And companies who are branding themselves as going green to be in the spotlights will go really wild, those are really true for it will know what to do. It's sad, to sometimes, know that people are actually against Earth Hour by all means, just because if you think it helps or not help, keep it to yourself.

Just a switch for the hour, why so hard?

Remembering during matrics where i run throughout the campus switching off all the main switch. That was wrong, but well, satisfied =) This time in USM? who knows? hehe.

Read How Earth Hour came about here.

Read this article, from TheStar =)

Earth Hour started off with a noble aim. Just turn off lights for an hour one Saturday evening in March, to show your support to curb climate change. It was meant to remind people to rethink their energy usage.

But things soon got out of hand, especially here in Malaysia.

People organised various activities to mark the event. So we see concerts, events at malls, candlelight dinners and even candle-lighting events – activities which, instead of reducing our carbon footprint, inflates it.

When events are held, it involves transportation. People have to get to the venue. Even if they carpool, it would still involve driving, hence burning of more petrol and release of more carbon dioxide. And no matter how low-key the event (for instance, a dance in the dark), a certain amount of energy is still needed.

One of the most wasteful acts that one can do for Earth Hour is lighting candles – especially when done in masses. You would be burning candles unnecessarily, and emitting more carbon dioxide and air pollutants such as soot.

Last year, some people marked Earth Hour by going out for a family dinner. It is ironical – and totally against the Earth Hour spirit – to see diners wolfing down slabs of steak and basically, over-eating.

People do not realise that farming and livestock rearing are big greenhouse gas emitters.

In fact, true-blue greenies don’t even bother celebrating Earth Hour. For them, curbing electricity use is already an every day affair and they see no necessity to do something to mark the event.

They view the powering down for an hour as mere green tokenism – it is a convenient act which is quickly forgotten when people return to their normal, energy-intensive lifestyle.

Faced with such censure, the organisers of Earth Hour have, this year, wisely urged people “to go beyond the hour” by pledging to do a kind act for the planet.

It is time to revert to the original intention of Earth Hour. The collective turning off of lights is a symbolic act to remind us that we must do more. Otherwise, we’d be frying our planet.

So, if you must mark Earth Hour, do it simply, for instance, by staying in. Turn off unnecessary lights. Cook a light vegetarian dinner (of locally grown greens, of course) and hold a family discussion on what you all intend to do for the rest of the year to save electricity.

To support Earth Hour, you certainly need not do anything elaborate.

Whatever you do, don’t go somewhere just to celebrate.

The other thing to remember is that no electricity is actually “saved” with the one-hour blackout.

The power would have already been generated by power plants. So, the best way to mark Earth Hour is to do it every hour, every day.

[22/3/2011] ICGGS 2011 - The ASEAN vision ahead.

2011-03-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

So yeap, It was the 1st ever ICGGS, International Conference on Globalisation, Governance and Sustainability for ASEAN youths 2011. A big congratz to Political Science Club and Social Science School for making this a huge success i say. For me, it's really something unique bringing more than half of the mass 250+ delegates from other ASEAN Countries, majorly Indonesia and Thailand.

At this point i don't know how to describe what i have learnt. Clearly enough i went in with an expectation of exposing to new things, not the word sustainability, the word "sustainability" in this context is much more huge compared to the environmental part which i know, well true again, if you have green power knowledge, you would need economy knowledge much more.

ASEAN? Association of SouthEast Asian Nations.

It's an ASEAN calling i call it. I realize many points of this conference isn't really all about the GGS concept but ASEAN concept. How do we see ASEAN 2020 is going to happen? where ASEAN countries having the same situation as EU having no borders concept including financing and other aspects beyond my knowledge. Above picture is representative from Indonesia, Thailand and USM ourself. It's one of the many series of paper presentation i was at. Btw, ASEAN comprises of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myammar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. a total of 10 Countries.

Undergraduate with Papers?

Yes, it's presenting papers, ideas, solutions, not the workshop style conference. Many of them relate to ASEAN issues and solutions over it, and most interesting of all, they are all Undergraduates. Papers are mostly a common term in masters onwards i guess, but here, you are having presenters as young as 18 years old with their concepts and suggestion to improve over ASEAN situation.

I was told to present as well, as USM was lacking of some presenters, but i thought it was that hard, and apparently, it was not that hard. You can't compared with PHDs obviously, they have the statistics and everything in a complete layout, but what really inspires me of all of this presenters, is IDEAS. It shows how much they are being exposed at their age in their countries.Well most of them are studying courses like Science Politics and International Relations though, but it all ties down to the root of ASEAN.

That is Gracia, met her personally officially that day onwards =) Very inspiring indeed for meeting Obama before and signing contract with Siti Nurhaliza for ads shots purpose. Having at the same age as me, while being a trainer in British Council, not that i compare with, but well, a drive indeed.

Dr Mahathir was suppose to turn out in Equotorial Hostel Luncheon talk, but didn't in the end, though having pretty many VIPs such as VC himself, Deputy minister of higher education, Dato Saifuddin, and our new pro chancellor was there as well, even Dr Ismail our Dean of Social Science school was there. And owh yea, VC did launched his book as well "Voicing Concerns".

Besides, there was the 72 hours non stop Pendeklamasian Puisi beside the venue to enter The Books of Records. It's a good side event having our VIPs and other international delegates to take part to share the culture of Puisi i guess, just did not see any chinese before though =S

So there was a thought stirring in me, most of them in the conference are talking about ASEAN, 1 ASEAN. ASEAN Youth Funds, ASEAN TV, many ASEAN things coming out, and by 2020 to achieve like how EU is today. For me this is unexpecting the expected. One of the books i read before state that by year 2500 the world will become one unit. Where all walls will break down and you might be thinking what's going on with religions, cultures, language during that time. Dr Chandra did answer back a lot of challenging questions "It's just really the matter of Globalization and how do we cope on clinging on our own values while knowing others".

The first question pops out in my mind, does Malaysian youth today even know our values? I observe from Indonesia, they are really passionate about their values, political revival, young generation rising up with their voting rights at 18, i'm not argueing at that point but yes you can see the difference.

Well Good Job to Justin, the Emcee for the event =) Thanks for inviting me for the interview with Astro Awani, yeap i was asked to an open forum live broadcast with Astro Awani along with representative from Indonesia and Thailand, The title was about Sustainability, again, it's just too wide. In terms of Economy sustainability with Governance, i hardly know anything actually. And because of the delay of the interview, so i called it off =/

Well it's a nice event, honestly did not really learn that much as expected, most probably because it was a totally new thing for me, as most of them ask "Architecture? What are you doing here?" LOL. No harm to always know new things =)

Everything on this world is interconnected right? =)

[18/3/2011] A little History about GeneHarn #3

2011-03-18T03:07:00.000-07:00

Yea, it was a fun night of bowling =D Gary with his Kaki Layang. Never seen that funny post of him before though =P So yea it's 4pm now, after PKA Prayer Meeting and in the english class now listening some listening test. hmm well so a few minutes of blogging =)

It's another so called "History about GeneHarn" post.. well.. let's just make it His Story.. i ain't going to say something very nostalgic or mesmerizing anyway. Just recently thought of this. Well, if we are talking about Personality. Fyi, i have a MBTI result of ENTJ. well that doesn't really mean anything. This post is going to be something really just about the author and himself.

My mom once said before i would be a Lone Ranger. Well, i know she was just cracking a joke, it wasn't totally a serious thing. But hey, remembering the familiar saying that no personality is the best or worst but really depends on situation. There's nothing wrong being lone ranger i guess. Well about whether i am one of them, i don't know, but i think i am close to the impression of being one.

I'm just like you, 24hours a day.

Some would wonder how i really manage my time or the people i know. Well, it's nothing like so mysterious like you think. I'm still a normal person with 24hours. I don't mean to say myself as someone good at time management but to anyone who has over rated me, i am really just

a normal human being and i can be sucky in many things. And well, many people know that as well. Like many can say my resume looks nice, but really i think it can be just a piece of craps comparing to the things i should learn.

Some who have seen me often in campus would recognize me by someone "popular" (seriously it's not something i want) and in the meantime, most of the time walking around alone. I still believe in what John C Maxwell says "To go Fast, go Alone ; To go Far, go with a Team".

The Solo Go-er

I think one obvious reason is that ever since i have bicycle, i save a lot of time, well, in other words, sacrifice a lot of time able to meet up with random people on the bus and start up conversations. It takes only 10 minutes to go class by bicycle, while 30 minutes+ to wait for the bus. Meaning i lost the potential of talking to someone inspiring everyday with the 20 minutes gone in a trip. I don't share car nor bus most of the time, meaning i miss out the chance to have meals with my friends, even roommate.

Making Every Meal a Deal

But, this leads to another form, meaning ajak-ing people out for a meal everytime to really keep in touch. Or i can just simply crash a meal within minutes without waiting your friend to eat finish. Everyone has to eat though, so it's always a good catch up for a lunch/dinner with your friends in campus. Once i was so crazy with catching up with everyone till the need of splitting which day is for which group of friends. well, that almost killed me. So every meal is a deal, a deep conversation is truly impactful for each day, a good talk is good to make you ponder upon things and move you for that day.

So, lone ranger? Doesn't mean lonely. Nor Alone. most people also still ask who are your best friend indeed. I will be very direct there are two groups. and i believe they will agree so. One is my Christian Fellowship Friends, no matter how far i am from them, i know i can trust them, it's just like your own sister brother indeed. No matter how random and sudden the topic will be, it's totally ok with them.

And secondly, is my group of similar personality friends i guess ( and yes they shall be nodding their head while reading this) it's like we can be very far apart and not catching up everyday but everything will be so instant and understood when we meet up. It's like they understand you because of the similar values or point of understanding and they don't need you to go through the whole story to convince them on an issue. The same applies in the opposite. We don't talk about daily things, Glee or whatever that happens in our lecture or what ever, but the very essence which is understanding what is life about and straight to the point, "Are you Ok?" and talking about facts rather than rumors. Any small, seem to be insignificant thing can be exchanged over facebook, not a physical meet up to talk about in this context.

Well, that's a little about my life friendship and relationship. Indeed i must admit, a lot of people come and go. Same here, i come and go in a lot of people life as well. I once tell my friend "perhaps, it's intended. or fated. Stories of people is always my inspiration perhaps that's the reason" But i don't purposely come into someone life just to know their stories, the simple rule is that,

i stick to someone who i can appreciate, and how do i know if i do appreciate? by knowing the reason why God place them in my life and what i have learnt from them.

That's my story sikit la =) I'm a Lone ranger?

well, i have my ways for own defined wonderful life =) hehe.

[17/3/2011] Resume - A Strategy

2011-03-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

4am post in the morning, just again because of some thoughts to pen down.

And yeap, Monopoly Deal, a nice picture to reflect resume. It's nothing hidden long, it's a sudden feeling that, i think i have under achieve. You can really judge how much you have learnt over your resume. Well i know all of us in university have been familiarized with CVs or Resume.

But one can really tell the big difference of a resume full with participation or achievement. I just saw one sample CV that really impressed me, just a simple page, cut down the craps, professional, stated all solid achievements. Don't talk about positions or even participation in events. I could be throwing my

2 or 3 pages latest resume then.

Many can say about how to design a good CV and all the detail aspects of it, but the fact is straight, if you don't have anything to show, you are as good as empty. Not to even say, you need not to show what you join, they don't mean anything actually much if you have another competitor with a resume full of achievement.

Then what's next?

Yea, this drove me into thoughts. Some can really know i have been crapping all the while with my passions, some could think that i have been doing impressive things. But i think i need a revolution now. I know i am sorry for the few events recently including whether thinking of letting go AIESEC, which logically speaking, i should. but well i'm gonna think twice again if i'm selfish enough to do that.

Someone told me this "We know that you are good going fast alone, so why hold back? no one is trying to say you are not good in group working, but have you ever tried of doing something totally yourself, what about fast and far?" Not that i am too free to think of what else to busy with. But i am just left one year to finish my undergraduate. I have spent 2 years in university creating my university experience, i need to sharpen up this final year to really build something reputable in my resume.

How? Architecture Competition? That's just one of the many ways i think. I am talking about specifically professional in Architecture. I don't judge the success by CGPA or studio, to be frank that's just the very stereotype or definition. There's a power of writing and research that can really put yourself way above the benchmark. More skills come into play? Even the firm who saw my resume said their HR see things as anything above pass is pass, what's next is the personality on dealing things and experience, achievements.

yes this can be just another crap. but well, i see things now. I need to leave the platforms, i need a revolution. I need to set benchmark, well i need to really run this time. I waste too much time. I have yet to experience the full integration of my green passion with the course i am studying. Green Building Design? Too underrated in HBP school i think. Only if someone is really going to stand out and prove how far it could go.

Got to rethink on how to build up my resume. Done with events. What about recognition and achievements in parallel to my course? None.

[15/3/2011] Counting the weeks within Days.

2011-03-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yea it was a random title, it was a random week. Again thoughts come and go, events just hike up and roll down. 4 days without blogging, not to the point that i thought blogging is a everyday thing, but well there are thoughts, i pen them. A lot happened i guess =) I just hope everything i thought (with my 2nd thought again) can automatically post on my blog? LOL.

1. I "service" my bike! =D

20 bucks for a brand new tire. I can assure that after two months it will be completely flat like before again. Well simply i love "drifting" and breaking fast and considering the slope i go up and down everyday. Soon enough when my disc brake has to change then $$$ pocket burnt =/

Yea i bought it from Uncle Lim bicycle shop, near Super Tanker, often i go there for adjustments etc. And yea i'm a high user as i use it everyday.( can i claim back my 60 bucks of bus fees =P ) i have yet to sit bus for a semester!

Yea she is so sexy! =D though i haven't wash her before. yea i know i'm sick.

2.0 A flashback in School

This is the CF Board. Christian Fellowship. back in my highschool.

Flashing back 2006/2007 then i was the publicity person. This board was my everything. I stare at it everyday. thinking how to decorate it to attract more people, which list here and there, what memory bible verse today. Glad things have changed a lot now with Facebook so active.

There're a lot of things about CF, it's a place many things in me started. and even why i started CF itself underground in my College year and also finding one in my uni to join before i even step in because there is a strong reason behind a fellowship. Though we can call ourselves christians, but without the word fellowship or cellgroup, it's hard.

3.0 Our First Lady comment on Nuke Energy in Japan.

There was a recording above about what our Malaysia first Lady, Rosmah Mansor was commenting on the disaster of Japan.

"Ini.. eh.. pandang(an) diri saya adalah satu pengajaran kepada negara-negara lain untuk apa-apa pun mereka nak buat, ataupun sebarang pembangunan mereka ingin lakukan seharusnya mengaji dulu keadaan sekeliling and mengaitkan dengan climate change and green technology, termasuk juga negra kita."

"In my opinion, this (causality) serves as a warning to other countries, before doing anything, or any form of development, they should study the environment and relate to climate change and green technology, including our own country.

So yea, quite obvious it's a shame. What does she really have to judge about Japan, the first world country which has one of the most sophisticated technology in the world while Malaysia ourselves are still trap in the 5R system. Japan did study on the environment and climate change so actively, remembering EM mudball technology was discovered there too. How Japan handle earthquake was already impressive a lot. If it wasn't their past experience, it could been said their causalities will be ten times more. Their Nuclear plants are built to withstand the disaster and it already did.

4.0 About People Making Sense

I would be glad if you can read what was written there. Sometimes the person's words who might not make sense to you is something worth finding out because it might be beyond your understanding. It's a process.

There is a lecturer i respect for his exposure on the art of thinking, simple details are meant to be significant i call it. If one could really read the thoughts between the lines and before going to the surface on things, then that's him. just sadly some of the students are really just bored with the class and i am sorry that they could not catch up with the lecturer's concept. For me, what he has been teaching reminds me of ESD Education for Sustainable Development, Education by the way of thinking.

5.0 Haox and just fake pathetic news.

Yea most of us know again it's fake. Who knows which individuals companies who does this which well i did the telco companies have their way of earning more by creating something that sparks communications. Some said that radiation have been brought by rain to Malaysia. so the answer is here.

http://www.bloggedphilippines.com/2011/03/not-true-bbc-news-flash-report-japan.html

I just want to state here that i didn't point my fingers to anyone who shared that news, it was good effort. and we are all just playing our part. what i said is that there are 2 parties. ONE who is eager to see their information is being spread out so fast and many to gain attention due to psychological fulfillment means. SECOND is users who are eager to get information towards this disaster who are doing the good job to help people in terms of communication.

And so after that i came out with this, which again, what i realize ever since i started my FB account then.

Yea, it's pretty common. in everywhere, rumours and opinions, pass on a few or 2 layers then it becomes a fact somehow. it really takes a person personality to understand and filter these before it spreads.

6.0 The Real Busy Facebook User.

Yea, the one who is active in Facebook is not the one posting too many things, but the one stalking here and there and making assumptions and stories of everything, and gossip, and well, it never ends. what more? it never earn you anything in the end. It's very famous to hear the saying "there are 3 types of people, one is to make something happen, another is to follow what has happened, and lastly, another that wondered what has happened" it fits into the context i think.

7.0 What's next?

I have sent in my BYEE entry! Fingers Cross*
DPA is arranging an interview and kinda gave me the impression they would really accept me but i would still bug others for interview too.
Meeting up MC for Pledge Card project.
Need to prepare PR kit for TEDx Penang that is happening soon!
Y.E.S Conference coming soon! Comm plan need to unroll soon after securing a more detail from the OCP!
ICGGS Conference this Weekend!
Green Profits Conference next Weekend!
and with some borings update on assignments which i never list out on my blog before.
and well, more time with her =)

I never said i have a busy life, well to a personal note, i think that was what that kept me forward, as much as i could give an impression i am all book up with stuff, but i never do give myself that impression, i'm just learning.

And well if you always want a yamcha? i will always try my best still, despite who you are, because i love stories from anyone =)

[11/3/2011] A say about Internships.

2011-03-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

So well, it's my first internship interview. It's one of the many chapters of university life, no doubt. I just know right now i need to redo my resume, as i just realize (pathetically), i didn't include my working experience (from IKEA and TT corporation) into my resume. and i have learnt that putting less is better than more in this case. sigh* so here comes my first interview! *mind you what is written here is very personal*so no offense*

A. H TEE architect. Frankly speaking...

It's at Damansara Uptown, just 10 minutes from my house. Expected allowance is 800 bucks but well that's not priority. But i think i will list down a 2 or 3 reasons why i would not accept it.

I just felt it's not what i want to learn. (What i want to learn is how really a design complete its cycle. from tendering itself to the final product.)
It's a small firm. (It's a firm with 20+ people. now this is what most people say obviously. Go for small firm wan la, can learn more things. True but pros and cons. As personally for me, i would want to work in a developer soon, so i want to see how things really run in the first place in a big corporation.)
It's a focus project (most of the time small firm will only work on certain project, with a 20+ people and assuming only 10+ really focusing on the design field, it's understood why so. While in big ones, you can monitor a few projects at once)
Intern focus (This firm told me that they take in interns on and off, one or two, as for me, nothing wrong but i prefer an environment where interns really have a concrete Job Description. Most of the time an undergraduate 2nd year architecture intern can't do much, but there ARE things we can do, only depends on the HR how they want to develop us. As of the other big firms i know, interns come in a group and they have set modules for them)
Intern Groups (so there comes to this point, having more interns in a big company is what i love. You have peer to peer support and knowing there is no age gap and best of all you have someone to backup each other and perhaps planting even more sense of belonging to the experience.

So well, it wasn't two or three but 5 reasons. LOL. i have not confirmed my decision yet, though of course the firm itself they haven't replied me, and i still have other 3 on pendings. I guess i will need another weekend t

o come back KL again for another round of interview. Namely, Ken Holdings, DPA, GDP.

Someone also ask me why take this fuzz to go interview, just secure and one will do la.. seriously, i don't know how many sees internship is as important as CGPA, there can be a very wide difference in internship experience. even some companies who hire you later ask which firm you go to rather than results. And i love interview, because there shall be an expectation setting then. And when's there is expectation setting and you met what you love, you know you are gonna enjoy the 3 months =D

Well, i just hope it's worth while really taking the time to do all the callings and rejecting a couple of firms =S just for the searching of what type i really want.

Well i want it as big, as this mega mac i had it yesterday =P

But that come with a ten bucks payment =/ ouch!

Don't get me wrong.

I just want each internship experience counts.

[11/3/2011] Once again, a Flash.

2011-03-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

It's already March. Another month plus to study week and soon exam and soon the long 4 months break with 3 months internship. I am back KL right now, nice to have the same old familiar mix feeling when i step into the house, first thing i saw is my hammie jumping here and there =P

Thanks to my sister, i am going to remodify my BYEE entry as well as resume as a whole. Good to have an elder sister who is in PR field, well always good to be youngest at home to experience the most =) Phew* I need a break. well not a break to do crazy things like cycle to balik palau. but i miss this!

By the hillside, thinking of things, talking to God, strumming the guitar, and let the feelings become words.

It shall be soon =)

[8/3/2011] UP! Nope, but real building is going UP! with 300

2011-03-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

Most of us have watched UP! the story of the little boy with his house drifting through the skies. And we imagine if it ever will happen...? well.. IT DID.

Not from Movie! But in reality, yes we achieve it. The house was launched from an air field east of LA by the National Geographic Channel to break the world record for the largest flight of balloons in a cluster. It's actually a feed i got from this site. Credits to them!

Quite inspiring ya? it's not the normal size balloon you see!

Talking about Architecture and Civil Engineering.. Makes you just go... hmm... i shall do this for my next one? teehee!

[7/3/2011] The Gift of Giving - Giving in Silence.

2011-03-07T03:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks to TheStar 6/3/2011 Sunday Edition, found the article in The Star Focus, thought it would be good to write a thought or two =) It's always good to see "The Giving Pledge" which is initiated by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet have been getting some billionaires across the Globe. And recently Tan Sri Vincent Tan also join the Pledge to give back at least half of his wealth back to the Charity means, which fortune estimated at US1.25 bill.

But i think i am admiring people who give so much ever since the moment they started earning. and best of all, really low profile. As stated by Mark Zuckerberg himself "People wait until late in their career to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done?" I agree. Is it because reaching certain of age and then we feel we just have too much cash and don't know how to use it and just throwing at one spot and feel good about it? I don't feel that's the Gift of Giving. We give because we know others need it. We give because it's not about earning other people respect but to respect other people.

A few good example is Tan Sri Robert Kuok, Unknown to many, The Kuok Foundation has set up in 1970 and has disbursed RM157mil in study loans, grants and scholarships then. As at end of 2009, more than 7500 awardees have completed their studies. Look at the impact. Education.

Telecommunications magnate Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan, helped the 1985 Live Aid rock concert project that raise US$240mil around the world for African Famine Relief. He has donated millions through education, arts, sports and humanitarian causes in Malaysia through his own privated owned holding company, Usaha Tegas and it's three main listed subsidiaries, Maxis, Astri and Tanjong.

Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua, the widow of Casino magnate Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong at the number 3 spots. IN 1978, Lim set up Yayasan Lim, a family foundation that donates regularly to educational and medical institutions, old folk's homes and others. The group REALLY contributed to many other groups in 2009.

Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, who ranks no 8 in the rich list and estimated worth RM7.6 bil set up the AilBukhary Foundation which funds the AlBukhary International University in Kedah. The foundation did beyond Malaysian Borders as well.

So these are just few of the examples which are worth mentioning and i believe many others more. You actually wonder most people actually help more in Education field, future generation i guess? much worth to invest in? That's the power of Education, changing the mind instead of just throwing a bunch of Money to who knows, some greedy people?

So the whole message here is simple. The Gift of Giving is not about how much you give, but how sincerely you give, and you FEEL them who need it. Put yourself into their shoes, know what they really want, definitely not money actually. because you give, because you care and love for them. It's not hard to give. All it takes is to open up and be honest and think as this World as a much bigger place and you are not here permanently =)

I want to give too =) I've been giving i guess =) Not Money, but it can be something better. True, money can be important, but when people see you give, it's your heart that is more important =)

BELOW IS THE NEWSFEED.

Some of Malaysia’s richest individuals have been quietly supporting philanthrophic causes.

HOW much are our super-rich worth? And are they giving back to society?

According to Forbes Asia, which released its 2011 rich list on Thursday, Malaysia’s top 40 richest individuals increased their wealth by 22% over the 2010 list. Their total fortune? A staggering US$62.1bil or RM188,320,000,000!

The number of digits alone is enough to make us ordinary folks sit up and take note. While many Malaysians still dream of making that first million or are still struggling for our bread and butter, our super-rich have zoomed far ahead.

Generous gesture: The Giving Pledge campaign initiated by Bill and Melinda Gates (above) and Warren Buffet has so far signed up 59 billionaires in the United States. – AP

Last week, Berjaya Corporation Bhd founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan pledged to donate at least half his wealth to charity through the “The Giving Pledge” campaign that was initiated by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, his wife Melinda and investor Warren Buffett.

Tan, a self-made entrepreneur who made it to the ninth spot on Malaysia’s rich list with a fortune estimated at US1.25bil (RM3.8bil), may well be the first billionaire outside America to openly make the pledge. (see story on Page 20)

So far, 59 billionaires in the United States have officially signed the pledge, an effort to invite the wealthiest individuals and families to commit to giving the bulk of their wealth to philanthropic causes and charitable organisations of their choice either during their lifetime or after their death.

The world’s youngest billionaire and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who is said to be worth US$6.9bil, signed the pledge last year. The 26-year-old entrepreneur believes it is a mistake to wait “when there is so much to be done.”

Others who have made pledges include New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, Star Wars director George Lucas and CNN media mogul Ted Turner.

While not all our billionaires have openly pledged to give away their fortunes, a number of them have been quietly involved in philanthropic causes, some for decades.

Philanthropy is generally seen as a private matter in the Asian context, says Dr Yeah Kim Leng, chief economist of Rating Agency of Malaysia (RAM).

He believes that in Malaysia, some wealthy individuals have contributed substantially to philanthropic causes but kept a low profile.

A simple Google search shows that most of those on the Forbes list have channelled substantial sums to charity organisations or set up foundations for the poor or needy students.

“They are publicity shy because in Asian culture, contributions must be seen to come from the heart. I think it’s a personal choice we should respect,” says Yeah.

And with all philanthropists, it’s always the case of “giving back” to society. While each country has different needs, Malaysian philanthropists tend to focus on education and related causes of improving oneself. Tan himself set up The Better Foundation Malaysia in 1997.

Vincent Chin, the partner and managing director of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Malaysia says that in America, the tradition of giving back to society goes back to the days of oil magnate John Rockefeller.

“There is great understanding that society has given you a lot and you have the responsibility to give it back,” says Chin who is also BCG’s regional leader of philanthropy work in the Asia-Pacific region.

Datuk Ruby Khong, President of Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK), however believes there is a tendency for many wealthy people to keep their fortunes within their families because of traditional and cultural beliefs.

“Our forefathers left their homeland to earn a living and they believed that every single cent is important. Tan’s gesture sets a precedent which hopefully, others will follow. People need someone they can relate to and emulate,” she points out.

Khong also hopes that people will look at Tan’s pledge in a positive light instead of questioning his motive.

Whatever the case, there is definitely a need for funds, says Josie Fernandez, director of Philanthropy Asia.

She points out that there are many overcrowded orphanages and homes which have to rely on the services of volunteers instead of full-time staff.

“The need for philanthropy will be greater in future with escalating prices,” she notes.

In other parts of the world, philanthropic activities centre on the greatest needs of that society as well as the passion of the giver, says Chin.

For instance in poorer countries, philanthropic contributions are often directed towards providing shelter, food and clothing whereas in richer economies, causes like the welfare of animals, the arts and culture gain attention. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how the money is utilised as long as it is channelled to the needy.

Chinese businessman Chen Guangbiao, 42, for instance has pledged to donate his entire fortune to charity when he passes on and leave nothing for his descendants. Worth RM2.35bil, the father of two has donated RM635mil so far.

For Chen, wealth is like water.

“If you have a glass of water, you drink it yourself. If you have a bucket of water, you keep it in your house, but when you have a river, you have to learn to share it,” he said in an interview with StarBiz last year.

Billionaire Quotes
Passing down fortunes from generation to generation can do irreparable harm. In addition, there is no way to spend a fortune. How many residences, automobiles, airplanes and other luxury items can one acquire and use?
Herb and Marion Sandler, former Co-CEOs of Golden West Financial Corporation and World Savings Bank
“People wait until late in their career to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done?”
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg
Ridiculous yachts and private planes and big limousines won’t make people enjoy life more, and it sends out terrible messages to the people who work for them. It would be so much better if that money was spent in Africa – and it’s about getting a balance.
British entreprenuer Richard Branson
Is the rich world aware of how four billion of the six billion live? If we were aware, we would want to help out, we’d want to get involved.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates
“If you’re in the luckiest 1% of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99%.”
American industrialist Warren Buffet
My father used to say, ‘You can spend a lot of time making money. The tough time comes when you have to give it away properly.’ How to give something back, that’s the tough part in life.
Lee Iacocca, former president and CEO of Chrysler Corporation

[5/3/2011] The Starbucks Experience - Joseph A Michelli

2011-03-04T14:25:00.000-08:00

It's 6 in the morning now, waiting for the girlfriend soon and heading to Ipoh for the weekend. Have been spending a couple of hours reading on this 200pages short story. They call it

THE STARBUCKS EXPERIENCE.

But yea seriously, one short and entertaining piece. Am really done with anymore leadership principle books but this one thin book is one good example of how leadership portrays through a true story of a true brand. It's always best to study stories of anything rather than theories, eh?

Imagine how Starbucks turn a cup of Coffee (which is super ordinary for any americans or anyone around the world every morning) into an extraordinary one.

How did they manage to convince people to pay for something 8 times more expensive?

How a non franchise business spread its wings from the states to Singapore?

Why this and that?

I got so driven away while reading the story, or the Experience. Yes indeed it's true, it's an extraordinary experience. Joseph A Michelli listed the 5 principles that are part of this company's culture that enables starbucks to stood up by itself. The 5 key principles leaderships are Make it your own, Everything Matters, Surprise and Delight, Embrace Resistance, and Leave your Mark.

I am not going to highlight the lessons here. But after reading halfway, i

would want to summarize in a very simple form of what i notice. I bet most of us notice, the huge distinct while stepping into Starbucks, or comparing MCD. There are a lot of differences, the most will be the People. Starbucks is truly focusing on Training and Human Resource Development, instead of hanging huge burgers up on advertisement boards like MCD do, seriously. Starbucks spend so much more relatively compared to other similar field brands on HR training. That's their secret weapon, they don't need to talk so much on Branding and Positioning about their brand by putting these huge ads up on the boards. How many of us in Malaysia really see any of their advertisement before? Infact, the best branding tool is the PEOPLE itself.

The staff in starbucks aren't just any one day trained workers. It's designed such a way that they really do love the culture and embrace the values of this company culture has to offer. Most importantly, they love COFFEE, they are given training to study about COFFEE, literally.. Back in the states, starbucks is merely a business but a community thing. People refer starbucks as landmarks, or even knowing that it's a daily gathering places. In starbucks, you have a corner of random pictures of the staff in anything, instead of advertisement. It just spells, it's like home. Unlike MCD and most others where you just feel like it's any other standardized buy and take and eat away scene. Starbucks offer more than that.

Infact, the truth is i should not be comparing both as both brands are developed from different stories, though MCD is trying so hard on staff recognition but it seems that you just can't find any values in MCD that enable the staff to share the same joy as how any staffs in Starbucks do. In a sum, their Talent Management or Human Resource is the key factor actually.

Have you ever wonder how a company with just ordinary Coffee terms can be the world's top 20 most expensive brands and also in Forbes Top best place to work in?

People Power. Sense of Belonging.

Now that makes me feel like working in Starbucks.

I have had work in IKEA btw, it's a little the same feeling. Happy Environment!

[4/3/2011] Creative Cities - Lesson For Penang

2011-03-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

I guess i am always looking forward for SERI's Talks. Got it quite sudden though, just yesterday, actually to be honest it's one of the talks i will really skip my class just to go for it, it's really off the textbook. Besides what i feel some of the things i am learning now in the syllabus is little outdated (can you imagine notes which is the same as 10 years ago?) I tried my best to extend this invitation to many people as possible =) as i know SERI really loves the younger generation to come to know more about this, infact which is really crucial because youths are the one suppose to be concern as Penang Renaissance is really depending on the youth movement too.

What is it about?

This time talk is partnered by Think City Sdn Bhd, which is a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad in collaboration with the Socio Economic & Environmental Research Institute SERI, which i really respect =P As you can see the slide, Penang, A closer Look at the Potential, yea i always believe Penang has much more potential than KL. The Speaker was Charles Landry, Google him up! He has worked in over 45 Countries and written a couple of books and also founded his very own company on Cities planning if i am not mistaken.

The Turn out was great. Some familiar faces from SERI and met a few new friends and Mr Teoh from Malaysia Nature Society. Good to have him offer me a ride back to USM though.

So there goes the Presentation, he gave us a preview about cities in general.. How

at this century more people are referring to the Cities compared to the Nations? We mention Bangkok, but not Thailand, and so and so in most scenarios.So it seems Cities are the flagships of different Nations at this time.

Now this is what catches me the most.

At this rate i am convince, personally that we in Penang are moving towards the City as a project. While still many third parties or NGOs are looking Penang as a City of Projects, thus implementing much projects that still don't align with the vision of the state government itself.

Now this is also very true. Cities are the thing that determine now. Because True enough that cities influence how the job will be too! And who cares so much about the job anyways when you know the opportunities lie mostly in the cities in the first place.

Yea, paradigm shifts we call it. I have a few says about Penang, but i believe again because i am just an observer and by instincts, (and not like any of these researches to have a concrete statistics to propose the evidence of change) But i am just curious where is the branding and positioning of the Penang will lie as. Singapore done well already in Technology and Liberal Arts. I will be more than Happy to see Penang continue with the Heritage and Tourism Line. Thus we need the International City mindset because we are bringing the world into Penang anyways.

But as i have had a few conversations, the silicon valley in Penang is relatively still not as expected, we are still doing the low entry machineries and assemblies point which is that's why in a way Human Resource is easily gotten, unlike the high ends silicon valley where they really do inventions. In short, the EandE sector in Penang is still largely derive and influence by Markets in Taiwan or Japan.

Now, this is quite a happy thing. Anyone who has live in both KL and Penang will know why this creativity index, apparently most of them penang score higher. Charles has his own way of KPI to measure these, well he has been into this for more than 20 years, i really agree with the scores above. Penang is not like any other states in Malaysia, it has its very own identity.

In fact, i always imagine if Penang is a city by its own. It will definitely be much more better than Singapore. You can't compare the current Singapore and Penang very obvious, but if you want to compare multi cultural and Diversity, i think penang is way much more cultural and will be appreciated that way. In a way, Penang is much more live-able compared to Singapore in my view =)

Penang Boleh!

Sorry la i feel like this post a little lack of tink tank =P

[3/3/2011] The 10 things i will do before Graduating from USM.

2011-03-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

It's 4am right now, blogging. Just knowing that i don't really have assignment to work upon tonight and the sleepiness in me is asking me to get to the bed but i feel like i have to think this through. Even, i don't really know what Title for this blog. This is me during the very first day of stepping into USM. (Looking at the 'thinkgreen' shirt makes me realize perhaps that's what that determine what i'm doing that now)

I still remember that is also the very first week i had my D5000, and ever since, started shooting pictures here and there, and i didn't know how a DSLR in university life can change my life in a way through events networking via photographer.

In here you just see familiar faces one year plus ago, Hafiz, Hanif and Kar Fai and the pharmacy gang behind.. All Tekun guys... And the fresh new room at E5-51.

It just looks so completely new. Now that's not the point, i ain't looking back at what's happening in 2009 hoping it could reverse. I remember the very first day of University Life, i remember on what i want to achieve in University, i knew this is really once a lifetime experience, let it be 3, 4 or 5 years of experience, University is the period where you really determine where you are at many definitions. Besides, i call my Matriculation College life the period of turning point, which i did realize things about LIFE in general.

I Blog, because i realize i learnt so many things in University. I remember when i did resolutions for 2011, i browse through all the posts i blog in 2010. I flashed back the memory and see the people coming and go, and events too that really left chapters in my university experience.

So the point is, i still have one and a half year of Undergraduate Experience. And most probably another 2 years of Masters so i can complete my Architecture Studies. This is what i have set to accomplish before i really step out of University.

The 10 things i will accomplish before Graduating from USM.

1. Write and publish a book on StoryOfStuffs(Malaysian Version)

2. Cycle Finish the whole Penang Island every Road.

3. Travel finish SEA Countries & ~~INDIA & CHINA~~ & Indonesia.

4. Come out with an Album production ( Fyi i have written 6 songs but never recorded them)

5. ~~Fall in Love =) Get a GirlFriend~~

6. Work Parttime along Studies.

7. Free Lancing Graphic and Photography in my Masters years

8. Climb Mount Kinabalu, Sabah.

9. Leading USM to be the first University to study Carbon Footprints Studies and other significant actions in relation to it.

and lastly,

10. Try my best to be an Inspiration towards everyone in anything i do.

Because like i said again, I live this life hoping to see others are inspired to be inspirations in other peoples live too to make this world a better place to live in.

It's University Life. I came in with an many Expectations. Because i know i will never be the same again once i step out into the working life. So i am working hard on polishing this Chapter of Life. And i know by any seconds of this experience i am living in passes by, i wouldn't regret in my decisions because they are all part of my Experience. I'm just trying to make my University Life diverse, balanced, give everything a shot, and feel the experience but knowing i have a focus too, it's the Green Focus =) Personal Branding of mine.

I define Life as a Game, you play the game, you won't die, you will survive again and again, you won't lose, all you really need is to find the direction to win the game. No trophy or recognition, but purely for your own fantastic chapter of University Life.

This, i call it, the University Experience.

[1/3/2011] Inspired to Inspire

2011-02-28T11:38:00.000-08:00

So it's another 2 am post. Many things happened this week. Many Chapters going off soon and starting. I really need more than words to describe how God is being such a blessing today and before this, and i know in future too.

So some of the past post in my blog has been talking about inspirations and blablabla the same thing. I had another meaningful one this Morning, thought of writing down, it's actually an exchange of opinions between a lecturer and student. So apparently one of the lecturers i know shared his thoughts on life and how he could help with Inspirations. It was a class then, all first years was inside, as usual no one really pay attention to the class, then, to cut long story short, he gave handphones and watches to the front row students and he thinks deserve the most. Infact, first come to your thought is, what handphone, how much is it etc..?

But what matters here is what he wrote. He wrote to the average student "You are the best student in the World" and other encouraging, short messages along the gifts to every other recipients. The gift was the extra (ok handphone is really not something extra), but what signifies behind these messages is to really remind people you will be rewarded. And that's an inspiration to hear when he say " I just want to live my life happily, and when i imagine how a gift like handphone can make someone happy, so why not?" Let's don't put money into a factor here, but being happy, that's it. Though he is dong Rewards and Recognition but i know that this has been an inspiration amid of students.

There are many inspirations i get in lives, just depends on how i see them, i see this lecturer as one, money can buy happiness, it's true. While for me, inspirations comes naturally the way you are and how you touch people at a whole. There was once in College, i made the effort, everyday, sent out mass sms, whether it is bible verses. or quotes, to around like 40 people a day. (that's why i had maxis and digi both numbers). you don't need to try so hard to inspire people with anything, or you need is some correct words and a care for them.

And i feel like i am going to do it again. Last time even in College, i have this random giving day. It's the GIFT of Blessing. Trust me, when you give, ONLY without hoping something in return, that's the best feeling ever because you have made someone's life happier. So now i am thinking again, the fact that i dislike actually, is many people know me, and i don't really know that many people by names. Some people know me as someone respected, some don't. It doesn't matter, but it just tells you that which group of people you can start to focus to inspire them first. Show that they still do matter amid of your business and they think you are just too busy for them.It's just telling them simply that you step into their lives to show that they are so much worthy to be love.

INSPIRED to INSPIRE.

Again like what i mention before, I live this life hoping to be an Inspiration to inspire more people to inspire even more people to make this world a better place to live in.

And i know the best thing is, God is with me for this =)

Was in DK A with PKA just now, we had Movie Night, last time watched Meet the Robinsons, now comes, TheUltimateGift. It blew me off. One of the most impactful and inspiring movie seen, many lessons to observe and the "series of GIFT" to learn in the movie. And LOVE is so diversified define here!

Let me tell you again, My greatest Inspiration?

GROWTH, of my hamster -.-"

Well there is nothing more inspiring than your own Growth.

Random pics of the day =)

This cost 1000ringgit! Diana full set with frames lenses etc.

Talking about Lomo hardcore.. owh well.. hugs my D5000*

Yea, Reuse and Recycle. Finally the initiative with the box in my room.

And it seems there is a new thing going on beside RST =) Finally completed!

[24/2/2011] The 2 things i remember.

2011-02-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

There's a twist tonight. Amid of all the ups and downs pass few weeks. I constantly remind myself on 2 things.

1) Live a balanced life rather than successful one. You can have focus in certain things, but never forget that a balanced life requires focus on life as a whole itself.

2) Always know that God is by your side and there's nothing to fear and you can just whisper to Him anytime.

And i flashed back, like what i said, the greatest turning point of my life is

My college life experience. The time where i started to really ponder about life, and ever changed then. I miss the memories, i miss how different the 10months experience is, most importantly, i miss all of the important people in my life then =) I hope all of them are doing great things in university now then =)

[23/2/2011] It's the Election Process #3 The END.

2011-02-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's 4.40 in the morning right now, yea i have been lagging behind in terms of assignment and other commitments ever since the one week university election. Well but easy said, never regretted once at all. I really have a lot to share but i'm just going to keep brief here as this experience is really personal =) and i don't wanna drown you into a full lengthy post. Just for anyone who doesn't know this, i was involved in the campus election fever =) over past few days, universities across Malaysia were having their students elections campaign and most results are revealed yesterday. This is the result.

so yea, i was at number 7 out of 11. USM main campus only needed top 6 to be short listed as the top 6 positions in USM Student Council. Meaning, i didn't get. And i was just 37 votes behind. What surprises me (ok perhaps not) is that non of the Non Malays made it to the top 6. There's a lot of sayings and strategy discussion going on right now, fingers pointing here and there. But allow this post to give you an insight from my perspective and please respect this as my personal view and should not be seen as a whole.

I would want to repeat this again. I LEARNT A LOT. I am really happy, not just because i know i have more than 2000 students supporting me in a way, but i have finished another great chapter of university life. and i know i will hunt for another one soon. True enough, not many students will have such experience as a candidate. Really different from AIESEC Election as chalk and cheese. Glad to have the experience to know more things and how they run.

Campaigns

Some may question me as if i don't really seem putting effort in Campaign. I admit, I didn't choose to emphasize on campaign. I personally view back again, it's really all about your network and how many people know what you have done. There is no total use going here and there mentioning your manifesto because in the end

most people just really vote you IF they have heard of you or even your physical appearence. You only have a minority of people really know what you have been doing. The whole thing is really i think, you need to let people to know you are running that's all, and anything further than that is pointless, because they will vote when they believe, you can't force someone to believe.

Yea i was staying in my room, i didn't follow the group going around to do public speaking. It's not that i'm not good at, it's just simply not my way and the way i am. Neither going door to door introducing yourself. I agree on physical publicity is essential too, banners and flyers flying around, but they all just work as one thing, making people recognize that you are in this. Either, they will just give people question marks who is this. I don't have statistics, neither voting trend to study how these works, but it's just putting myself into their shoes.

The MLM strategy, not Salesperson.

Yea, i don't sell product. I influence other people to sell my product or brand. If you see how Multi level marketing people plan their strategy, it's not like salesperson going around and promoting their product. It's influencing their group of people to go around and multiply the effort. But one must really have good track record to inspire people to really spark off the MLM system. And i think i did. One reason would be my Manifesto and Focus i guess, all along i was into Environmental things, and in my manifesto i propose that i will lead USM to be the first university in Malaysia to conduct Carbon Footprint studies.

Being out of the common.

And yea i think everyone is really talking about Kebajikan, or students welfare. My stand is very simple on this, no one can satisfy everyone needs in a 20thousands population university, but only trying the best to accomodate everyone's needs. If one is really going to argue over small points here and there then i choose not to mention about welfare, it's really too subjective to prove yourself into it or not. And yes i was surprised because i didn't really see candidates initiating interesting challenge to allign with the vision for the university. I thought the final 6 will be the cream of the cream of the students, would be really sparking off some nice stuff with the power in their hands.

The Final Speech.

I am not a politician. Screw my public speakings, but all i know is, i really made my speech stood up. Even the former Student Council President admits that my speech is the most different among all candidate. It's not because it's good or whatever, i said that i had 10 minutes. I'm going to throw my script and speak from my passion. And i started from connecting emotions before stepping into experience sharing then into my manifesto. There's really no use just showing your achievements and manifesto while you can't have your audience really focusing listening on you and shouting at you. I did it, i said, "Sorry for yesterday's speech, i didn't feel the way who i am, and tonight i'm going to tear this script and deliver you the best speech ever". I think it went well because of a humble starting. It's like i really felt there is an eye to eye connection when you connect to a person's heart.

So there you go, All the candidates. And i think i was the only one who included in congratulating all the candidates to take up this bold step for this challenge. All i just wanted to emphasize is, this whole thing is really nothing have to do with me me me, but really for everyone.

So it came to the voting day and a lot of statistics and strategies laid out.

And observing the counting of votes where i am really impressed that how HEP and staffs would involve together to count. and many deans turned out too and had a great time sharing with them.

If there's one lesson i learnt throughout the process, really, being yourself can be the best inspiration to many people around you. I did it, i am who i am throughout the whole thing, i had my stand and firms. I know what i wanted, and also i challenge the candidates "Know why are you standing here in front of everyone tonight, it's not by popularity seek neither for other people, but really what you can do after you got it"

So yeap, i didn't get it in the end. But it's all right, i have gained what i wanted, and i know with 2000 over supporters. I challenge all the selected ones to really carry out their manifesto. Because i know Passion Needs No Positions. And i challenge anyone to see me even though i'm not elected, i will carry out my manifesto to lead USM to be the first uni to study carbon footprint to come into actions.

It's not about which parties, it's not about fame, it's not about positions, but really, it's because i wanted it so badly because i just want to serve more and even more to help everyone to achieve their USM experience, because i had so much of it =)

More pictures HERE.

p/s THANK YOU to all the supporters and jenteras and seniors who made this possible with all the guidance. I really think i'm one of the most blessed student for now. haha.

p/p/s I will be searching for another exciting chapter of University experience, it's called BYEE. If i really got, then i will be representing malaysia to Germany. Wohooo! Ask me more!

[20/2/2011] It's the Election Process #2

2011-02-19T23:26:00.000-08:00

So it's the compact week once again. Guess i didn't regret for taking this step to really learn new things and whole different setting, yea it's expected to meet the unexpected. It's expected to be really different from AIESEC Elections anyways. So it was Rapat Umum yesterday night, expected not that many people afterall.

and yea a few minutes speech introducing yourself and what you want to do this and that for the university or schools. I think i screwed up a little, but it's ok because all i want is to deliver my manifesto over. I am really ignoring introducing my achievements and all these, cause really, what matters is how these achievements form your values in the end.

I think i really love the sentence i highlighted in the end, "I may not be the best candidate , but i may be one of the top 6 to form the best team you could ever find" and i have a strong reasons and observations to say that after studying the backgrounds of all other candidates.

I think part of it lies in my manifesto and why actually i choose to focus these 2 manifesto in the first place, simply because all these years i am dealing with it i believe. Thanks to Wilson , i think what he said is right. if someone is to vote for intellectual, will vote for me, if to vote for practical, will vote for boon. In conclusion, vote for both, because no one is really the best and only a team can make someone at its best.

I think overall Pro A and the previous MPP team has been doing an awesome job, if ProM is really coming out with issues then i believe they will be having hard time to find correct facts to put us into hot water. MPP was doing many new initiatives and right things, having the first ever student parliament, sending teams to flood scenes to show concern for community aids.

But hereby as big leaders we think of how to even add more upon the term, of course i am more than willing to continue to good wills, but there are 2 focus i want to bring. and these focus came out not because out of desperation but after a long term of focus in dealing with such issues.

Manifesto in brief - (1) To create the most possibly sophisticate communication system in USM that will integrate course works & Notes etc, & Events information & Instant Feedback system all into one virtual platform, that will utilize our email @students.usm.my too. Save students time and separates works from FB! It's basically like the localized improved Facebook interface and operation system.

Manifesto in brief- (2) To lead USM to be the first university to conduct Carbon Footprint studies as it's stated "Kami memimpin" we dare to take new things in. It's realistic because we are branding USM as an APEX to do things with statistics, this studies will have the first green statistic revealed ever. And enforcing "Green events management policy" which was designed previously by HEP.

I think these 2 points are really hard to get bomb by oppositions because i have GCP Good case pracitse examples of other unis at it and find it align with USM vision and also Student Comfortability anyways =P And yea i love what En Eruwan said yesterday, Small leaders talk about themselves, Big leaders talk about big plans. Guess i am glad that i didn't touch about my achievements yesterday.