Happy Birthday to Me!

Today, I turn 26. Finally, I am officially MORE than a quarter of a century old. So there is enough compelling reason to celebrate on a grander scale. I hadn’t had a birthday celebration for quite some time.

Too bad Leonard is not around this time. But he’s probably having the time of his life in Penang.

The last time people actually took my birthday seriously was, well, nearly 20 years ago. Donkey years ago eh?

For dinner, we had..

Home-made pizza. Best in the world!

Fried chicken…

…lots of it

And of course, no celebration is ever complete without…

Time to resume my oat breakfast diet again…

Switch is switching!

Pardon the rather uninspiring title. I was given the privilege to cover the event for the day, and what might be that big happening for that day you might ask?

Switch in Kuching is now an Apple Premium Reseller. Yay!

Switch, an Apple Premium Reseller (no, they don’t sell fruits) traces its humble origins to Gelugor, Penang, West Malaysia. Following Apple Inc’s phenomenal comeback, Switch has expanded its presence through the entire country and has recently made inroads into our beloved Hornbill state of Sarawak.

Switch was, until very recently, only an ‘authorised reseller’, meaning they were limited to selling only certain Apple products, but now being a premium reseller, you now have access to Apple’s full range of premium products. Not bad for a first in East Malaysia.

Compared to their old corner lot, the new lot they currently occupy is HUGE, at least as far as floor space is concerned. The store does seem a bit sparse, but then, every measurement is made to Apple’s standard, so it could be a requirement for the store layout and design.

iPad2..wheee..

The new store is adorned with Apple’s trademark colours of white and black. iPads, iPods and iPhones lined up neatly on white display stands.

Participant participating in a Fruit Ninja competition. Winners walked away with a goodie bag!

It was a very busy day for the Switchers (Switch’s staff are called ‘Switchers’, at least that is what their T-shirts tell us). The day was packed with activities ranging from a Fruit Ninja competition during which winners walked away with a goodie bag each. Prize allocation was based on who is able to score the highest. I could barely make it past the 170 mark!

It was unfortunate that I had to leave early, but all things being equal, we now know where to get the latest Apple gadgetry. Long live Switch!

=== END ===

WPPM Kuching 2011

On the 7th of May which was just yesterday, WPPM (Wedding and Portraits Photographers Malaysia) organized a 2-day workshop, for the very first time in Kuching, thanks to Alvin Leong and Patrick Low, two distinguished photographers renowned for their work in the field.
It was organized at the Islamic Information Center near Swinburne; an odd but nonetheless beautiful building that melds the designs and motifs of the various peoples of Malaysia. 1Malaysia? Quite possible.

Nice venue as you can see above. The above is a photo of the center’s activity halls, a modern rendition of the traditional Bidayuh ‘round house’. Very thoughtful of them.

It was an honour to have highly-distinguished photographer Jim Liaw of Jim Liaw Photography present to us his experiences in the field of wedding and portraiture photography. Learning from the pros was one thing, but it was certainly educational to hear them explain the dos and don’ts of the trade.
Launched in October 2010, WPPM’s mission is to educate and inspire photographers to move on to the next level. A mentorship program is high on the agenda and expected to begin shortly. Many thanks to Alvin Leong and Patrick Low for bringing WPPM to Kuching.

=== END ===

Life is Like a Cup of Coffee

As I am sitting in my chair and typing away furiously at my laptop, I am still reeling from the shocking news of a good friend’s passing. Nancy had led a good life, and she has touched the lives of many.

On the 16th of June this year, I posted my status on the Facebook wall as follows; “I need a mentor..”. Nancy was quick to come to my rescue, knowing full well I was feeling depressed and in need of direction. We do need a bit of cheering up once in a while, and there was Nancy when I needed her. She posted a video link that truly touched my heart.

 

I wish to thank her, for even in her passing, she has touched hearts, and will continue to do so. God must truly love her.

 

===END===

Welcoming the year of the Tiger

The time now is exactly 12:02 am, 1st January 2010. As I am sitting here writing this article, I am overwhelmed by the very thought that time has passed so quickly. Only less than five minutes ago, my computer’s clock read ‘11.57pm, 31st December 2009’. That was the last time I would ever see the ‘2009’ in the date column of the date-time display.

Last year was the most eventful year in my life, as it marked an important milestone in my life as I emerge from academia, and enter into the world as a working adult. 2009 was perhaps a year of many oddities; a year than began with a rough ride, from the moment I was ‘struggling’ with my thesis, till the joyful and unforgettable family moments during the Christmas season of 2009.

As I gaze with bleary eyes at my computer screen, working tirelessly to complete this brief article, amidst the thunderous claps of fireworks seen illuminating the sky, I am consumed by one stark reality; the year of the tiger has come. My year, so it spells a certain significance to a tiger like me, but not so much as an excuse to excel only once every twelve years!

The year of the tiger holds many mysteries, uncertainties and to those who are willing to work hard for a better future, the year does hold many promises. My resolutions, my life, my future. Perhaps, in another 12 years, when the next tiger comes by, I will have a word to say about the tiger of today.

 

===END===

Twas the Night before Christmas

It is a quiet night, tonight, on Christmas eve, that I have decided to write a little something on my blog. Tomorrow is Christmas day, the day I had long been looking forward to, with eagerness and joy, yet I am somewhat overwhelmed with a feeling that something  is not quite as it used to be. Maybe, just maybe, I’m getting a bit sentimental.

When I was a kid, some 15 years ago, Christmas was the happiest day of the year (besides Chinese New Year), and Santa Claus was real. As Christmas day got nearer, I was the one who usually dragged the Christmas tree out of the store room, and before you know it, a fully-decorated tree complete with those blinky lights would be standing tall and proud in that one corner of my living room.

As a kid, I didn’t really care that Christmas had always been about the celebration of Christ’s coming into this world, for at that time, all that mattered the most was who got the biggest, or most expensive present under the tree.

Today got me thinking, and thinking hard about the true meaning of Christmas.

Have the times changed.

Now much older and wiser, I have come to realize that Christmas day, as special as it is, is not about Christmas trees, Santa Claus and his merry elves, presents and all that we were led to believe in. Christmas is about renewal. The renewal of vows and promises, and commitments that we make to ourselves and to those whom we love and care for, for the betterment of the year to come.

As we embrace ourselves to meet the challenges of the year ahead, let us all, in the spirit of this joyous occasion, wish each other a blessed and merry Christmas.

 

===END===

Afterlife

It had been a very sad day, for today was the day my friend was laid to rest, marking the closing of the final chapter of his short yet colorful life. His passing was unexpected, and we all thought what a bright future this young man had ahead of him. Alas, that was not to be, for God loved him so much he was called to the House of the Lord last Thursday evening, Singapore time.

I knew Jonathan personally, though not as well as some of my other schoolmates. He and I used to discuss at length some of the latest computer games and strategies.

He had touched my life, and the lives of many others.

Life is so fragile.

When I learned of his passing, a day after he drew his last breath, it was a  stark reality I could not accept. I had barely gotten the chance to tell him how much I appreciate his friendship, and now Jon is gone.

His passing was a real awakening for me, and probably even to those who were close to him. I realized that life is too short to squander, complaining about trivialities, whining, and procrastinating. That life is meant to be enjoyed, and cherished. That the difficulties we often encounter in life, as reminders that we still have many things to accomplish, for ourselves, and for others. That the reason why our hearts still beat in us, as the Lord’s way of reminding us, that the days we have left to roam this earth, to make a lasting impact on the lives of others, are numbered.

It is through Jon’s passing, though tragic, that I humbly believe, many people will be inspired and touched, in ways that could have not been possible if he had still been with us.

Thank you Jon for the times we had spent together. The Lord loves you.

Rest in peace my friend.

 

===END===

Happy Birthday to Me!

I never thought so many people would remember my birthday!

After all, the last time I had a cake was nearly 8 years ago. I can’t even remember what it looked liked. How sad…

No cake? No problem. At least that was what some of my best pals thought.

Here’s how the cake looked like.

Yummy, certainly knows my taste huh? (Thanks to Hsyiang Lung and Rachel for the lovely gift).

And here’s a bit of something more local….

 

The ‘curry puff guy’ came calling and the rest became history.

Dang, now the whole world would know that I have a weakness for curry puffs.

Lovely birthday. Thanks to all for the lovely wishes. All the best to you all too!

 

=== END ===

Youth Malaysia 2009 – NYEC

“You don’t have to be born an entrepreneur to be one.”

“Become part of an entrepreneur-based network, then only you will eventually become one.”

“I dropped out of university.”

I was privileged enough to attend the 2nd National Youth Entrepreneur Convention, held at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on 10th January 2009 (thanks to HSBC for the complimentary passes), and these were the words uttered my some of Malaysia’s best youth entrepreneurs.

It was an experience well worth attending, my only regret having wished I had been more vocal during the convention. I wished I had asked more questions during the Q&A session. I nevertheless had the chance to ask Ganesh Kumar, Henry Goh, Jeffrey Ong as well as the rest some questions such as:

1. Is becoming an entrepreneur something you have to be ‘born-into’, or is it a skill that can be nurtured?

2. If anyone can become an entrepreneur, why is that so many business people still fail?

These and many other questions were thrown at the speakers during the 9-hour long convention. While most questions were rather specific in nature, depending on the lens from which you are viewing this scenario, most questions were more general in nature, questions concerning the qualms and headaches of entrepreneurship.

They certainly made things look so easy.

Easy right?

Wrong.

I won’t be covering these topics in my blog as these would be way out of scope, for now, but I’ll be covering a little on the series of events that unfolded on that day. Read on to find out.

The stage area.

The minister delivering his speech.

At about 9.30am, the Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob delivered the opening speech followed by the opening ceremony, which comprised of 3 beats to the gong and a presentation of a souvenir to the minister by Joel Neoh, founder of Youth Malaysia. Time was quite pressing, so unfortunately, Joel was not able to deliver his opening speech during the first half of the opening ceremony.

For the first half of the day, the convention was moderated by chief moderator Chris Tan, who skilfully, with his amazing sense of humour, kept us constantly roaring with laughter. Never a dull moment with him at the helm.

 

Perhaps the most impressive part concerning the speakers was that none of them are actually older than 30 years of age, with some exceptions (I think Chris Tan and Ganesh just turned 30).

The convention was composed of three sessions:

1. Technopreneurship Session
2. Media Entrepreneurship Session
3. Lifestyle Entrepreneurship Session

Technopreneurship Session

The technopreneurship, or technology entrepreneurship session gave us an insight into what tech-savvy entrepreneurs such as Henry Goh, Dato’ Ricky Wong, Ganesh Kumar and the rest did for a living.  🙂

Complete list of entrepreneurs in this category:

1. Dato’ Ricky Wong Shee Kai – Founder & CEO of Asia Media Sdn. Bhd.
2. Mr. Henry Goh Chee Heng – Co-founder and COO of Makro Kiosk Bhd.
3. Mr. Ganesh Kumar Bangah – CEO of MOL Access Bhd.
4. Mr. Aidan Aquinas Chew – Director of Traffixed.
5. Mr. Ng Khai Lee – Co-founder of YouthSays.com.
6. Mr. Jeffrey Ong – Director of Markentsia.

Media Entrepreneurship Session

Entrepreneurs in this category:

1. Mr. Aimann  Faiz – Co-Founder of Don’t Panic.
2. Ms Joyce Wong – Blogger, KinkyBlueFairy.net, also founder of TongueInChic.com.
3. Mr. Joel Neoh – Founder of YouthMalaysia.com.

Lifestyle Entrepreneurship Session

Entrepreneurs in this category:

1. Ms. Ninie Ahmad – Founder of Be Yoga Sanctuary.
2. Ms. Fiona Jane Gomez – Founder of Talent Hub.
3. Ms. Anna Rina Rahim – Photography Entrepreneur.
4. Ms. Shan Tan – Founder of Rockin’ Reptiles Sdn. Bhd.
5. Mr. Joe Flizzow – Founder of Kartel Records.

In a nutshell…

Overall the convention was quite good, apart from some minor hiccups. It ended a little behind schedule, ending approximately 6.45pm. It was an event well worth the trouble of travelling all the way to Kuala Lumpur from Johor.