Now & Here

Bravo, Life!

2011-07-09T10:57:00.001+08:00

Life is a continuous process of searching of that something.

When you reached somewhere, then you realize you still lack something. For feeling to be so short-lived, we always sense the have-nots, but not the haves. Only if everything is balanced to a point where feeling is all satisfied, or everything is empty where no feeling is evoked - these are then the equilibrium that we live on.

From my single-minded focus over career advancement to now the important time with my wife, I appreciate what I have gone through. Being a rather logical person, feeling stays low in my personality. However, not for this assignment, I would not realize how important feeling comes into play. It makes human. And, that holds someone against all odds.

Going through this, I now appreciate the condition life imposes on us. It teaches us how to live life.

Bravo, Life!

never so sure

2011-03-01T23:14:00.001+08:00

sometimes, in life, u just never be too sure of decision u made. never too sure, especially when it comes to deciding for life.

we would then try to turn things better. however, there r things that never want to change? how to deal with that?

and, there are always 2 sides to a coin. are we going to accept another side of it? if not, what can we do?

never so sure about it...

Facebook Users by Country, 2010

2011-02-13T00:04:00.002+08:00

US topped the users ranking, with almost 50% population using FB. Being the 4th most populated country, Indonesia comes in second, but with 4x users less than US. In a way, we could see how close Indonesia resembling US in using technology.

However, the two most populated countries - China & India are both out of picture. While facebook is blocked in China, India is way behind in the usage, where it sees only 1.5% of population using it. 1.5%!? It does reflect the lack of infrastructure in connecting the people to WWW. On other hand, it is a political barrier in distance the Chinese to WWW.

While there is so much talk about how flat the world is, it is still a long way before it comes to reality.

Malaysia Economy in 2011

2011-02-09T23:16:00.002+08:00

In 1998 - interest rate was 11% before GDP contracted by 7%
In 2001 - interest rate was 5% when GDP near to 0% before rebounding to 5%
In 2010 - interest rate was 2.75% when GDP rebound from -ve to 6.5%

Clearly, 1998 seen a overheating economy. 2001 was a correction. 2010 faced external stress. What would be 2011?

The key is on external factors.

The interest rate has been relatively lower compared to 2001 even when it is fundamentally good. The inflation is only being suppressed by the fear of external environment. Once eased off, we would see inflation taking place at incredible speed. There were much talks about property bubbles in Malaysia. Indeed, the chances are high.

In 2011, I reckon inflation picking its speed up in H2 while bubbles forming by year end.

Live Chat

2011-01-25T23:37:00.001+08:00

Laziness

2011-01-15T19:32:00.003+08:00

For a good long time, I know I am a lazy person. It is so inside me that no single effort is sufficient to get rid of it. People talk about having the will to fight. But, can we actually fight a trait out? Probably, it is not about getting rid of it. But, be aware and therefore more controlling of that trait.

So, it will be my new year resolution: to reduce laziness, and expand my horizon.

What Type of Learner You Are?

2010-10-02T18:20:00.002+08:00

Some learn right at the moment.

Some learn after making mistakes.

Some learn in the circumtances.

Some learn from readings.

I am a learner of circumtances. Only then, learner from readings. I have to be in the circumtances, to benchmark my weakness against others, before I thrust myself to read on to improve on it.

Improvement is always a big challenge. Character is much more difficult to be improved comparing to knowledge & skill.

Courage, determination & focus are all important.

Let's strive for the best!

情，很实在，也很缥缈

2010-08-22T19:27:00.002+08:00

远离时，很渴望；拥有时，很容易忽略。可以感觉到，却留不住。它就在那有与无之间，牵住人的心。

Pursuance of Your Lifestyle

2010-06-19T13:23:00.003+08:00

The 10 years of rental lifestyle has come to halt. What happens next is a little different & seemingly interesting. Two different paths ahead: to relocate my personal effects to other countries & to settle into our new home.

The relocation carries personal items and some ornaments. The settling-in focuses more on household items. While the ornaments carries along past fond memories, the household items establish a core home feel at our new home.

At this juncture, I see our new home as base of belongings, the ornaments & photos as memories, and my new venture to fulfill my earnings to new experiences.

Throughout the moving, we find ourselves in constant decision making, to decide what items to stay and what to leave behind, through familiarity in memories. There, I find fittings with the right items. My next natural sense is to perfect myself with the items. Eventually, be LEAN on the them while allowing the ventures to more new experiences. This stronger sense of self leads me to pursue my quality of life. It is more to individual, and less about the materialistic side.

That sense of self is the pursuance of lifestyle.

Managing people, starts from managing yourself.

2010-05-13T16:23:00.003+08:00

If you could manage your emo wisely, you would always have wisdom to know the rights from wrong. Clear emotion, clear wisdom.

If you could always hold on to few fundamentals, you are always ready to guide. Fundamentals guide.

If you could always learn from the past, discipline the learning, you master. Mastery makes management easier.

Things should be Simpler

2010-04-22T00:12:00.003+08:00

I just hope things can be simpler, with not so much unnecessary conditions to think of.

People always resist change. Normal people do. To that, effort always brought up to resist the changes. To sail smoothly through, it takes much consideration. However, limited capability could handle the only simple ones. If unnecessary conditions always build on it, the changes would strain people more. Very uncomfortable.

I just hope it wont strain the relationship too much.

Continuing challenges in day & night are testing me. I need luck.

Indonesia

2010-04-10T21:25:00.003+08:00

This is Pekan Baru. An A4 sheet could capture the map of it. Simple.

This city surprised me in its cleaniness, not on par to singapore but well maintained. However, taking a closer look, the main streets are clean, but not in areas beyond that.

Referencing to their official website, cleaniness goes top in the list. Much effort & resources would have been poured in. But, the impact is probably limited.

Going beyond, the traffic is chaotic as it could be. Motorcycles are everywhere. Riders are without helmet. There is almost no traffic rules.

Due to oil discovery, the city has seen good development throughout the years. It claims to be the highest income/capita city. But, apparent lack of planning, still not bringing the best out of its resources. The greatest asset - people, are not well equipped with english, to bridge themselves to the world.

The planning, not just on traffic/roads, but also on education - could only add more weight to the already smart & hardworking people.

The contrast to Singapore could only tell how much has Singapore government done for its nation.

ONe theory, One WorLd

2010-03-06T09:43:00.003+08:00

Sometimes, I believe - ONe TheoRy, just oNe - and it ruLes the World.

Let's see..

In business, you start a small one; you cultivate it through hardwork; it grows; you reinvest; its capacity grows; you reinvest to a point; you sell a very high profit.

In career, you start fresh; you cultivate through hardwork; your experience grows; you furthered learning; your experience broadens; you re-learn to a point; you jump to another ship with much higher compensation.

THere is a lot you can interfere.
1. You need to work hard; that results must value-add to your portfolio; and the market values it.
2. You will reach a point - to realign your value & market value (not too early not too late)
3. To be BIG, you need to know what the market wants. Throw your vision far!
4. None the less, think like businessman even though you are employed; because your employer is in the business world.

Life is to appreciate the beauty of one universe. Journey of knowing it, is itself a joy too.

Move - on

2010-02-12T06:47:00.003+08:00

culture is so dynamic that.. people only look forward and seldom look back. sometimes, in life, what we gain is not bout the big bright future, but what we had in the past - friends, family & loved ones.

everyday, i work out best of myself - just to welcome a brighter tomorrow. however, busyness occupied me - till i seldom have time to treasure the people around me until they are leaving. now, i realize - mere future is not everything. but, it is the past that counts, that shapes me into who i am today.

shall we allow ourselves a moment of silent everyday - just to treasure what we ARE having? so that we care for ourselves and people around us MORE.

2010...

2010-02-06T15:57:00.003+08:00

china redistributing development focal. broader economic benefit, from coastal to inland. cool-off escalation. continue strong aggregate GDP growth. clear blue-print. private investors follow suit rhythmatically.

america balance trade. not just a spending nation. highly productive (quality) manufacturing main driver. welcome china companies to pump in investment. create jobs.

international banks should share clearer info on currency flow. allow developed & developing countries to manage currency together.

2010 sees uphill task, however, already identify obstacles. it needs concentrated political wills in sailing world economy through turbulence.

optimum outcome is more balanced economy growth between US & china.
risk is both countries go into economy turmoil - China property buble burst; US economy could not pick up with no external demand

Year 2009...

2010-01-16T11:06:00.002+08:00

To the year of 2009... it is year of happenings of major life events.

first its the proposal, then house hunting, meet-ups with a new family member, and ROM.. and an exciting yet unforgettable australia trip.

My proposal & our ROM went great. I simply enjoy this change in life. And, the meet-ups with my sister hubby was very interesting too. All these enrich my life greatly.

However, house hunting has not been smooth. The decision to slow down the speed of getting a house, cost me around anywhere from $50-$70k. It is a pain in the butt. Till now, we are yet to settle on anything, while the end of lease is looming.

Pray hard, that situation would turn favour, to the hardworking middle-class who works hard to earn a simple living.

NTU Alumni Night

2009-10-25T14:45:00.002+08:00

After a long time, going back to NTU attending NTU alumni night gave different experience.

One most notable is - there are more PRCs students around now. Being late to the event, I only have myself punished for not knowing the "buffet culture". since uni years, queueing for free stuff has been part of uni culture. ever since when, it turned sour, where people being selfish, by loading their plate with tons of food, and cutting queue shamelessly. To picture it vividly, we had only one last dish - cauly-flower (the less attractive dish to our PRCs friends) to fill up stomach, by using a bowl - there wasn't a plate left! And, this was just 15mins after the event started. Hungry ghost festival har?

With the unpleased stomach, we then went for the main highlight - Alumni Night. I was happy to find comfortable seats in the auditorium (as majority of the hungry ghosts left after ravaging the buffet). Our dear NTU pres, Dr Su, gave a opening speech, with a standard template that you can google it from the internet. The stage backdrop painted 3 big words - bond, share, unity. However, I felt that his speech did not vibrate these messages out - rather focusing so much on the statistic over NTU achievement. Has ranking becoming the only focus for tertiary education?

Except for the founding history in 1960s, the existing NTU has changed so much - and I do not see the linkage back with its cultural roots. The identity now is so weak, and further weakened by huge imports of different background students, though academically excellent. While forcefully holding on to long-lost roots, it sets main focus on improving ranking - which help little in setting clear sense of identity. The conflicting goals would lead the university to no-where.

NTU should make bolder move - in improving university quality and not just on academic ranking.

Planning

2009-10-19T08:58:00.002+08:00

the essentials of planning

1. logical sequence of things being done
2. most common-sense way of doing things
3. considerations over needs of others
4. and.. taking care of the mother earth.

Buffeteology

2009-10-17T10:25:00.002+08:00

The very fundamental of it - buy stock like making your own business.

And, how business usually succeed?

1. you do business in the blue-sea, where you find constant favourable market space
2. you do business with a competitive edge, where your product always sells
3. you do business with sound fiscal, strengthening foundation through storm and wind

Blood Diamond

2009-10-16T12:46:00.003+08:00

A very long movie - 140mins, yet capturing the attention for every moment. To that, I recognize that screenplay is no less important than director. Bravo for the great storyline.

Quote of the Day..

2009-10-13T11:29:00.001+08:00

Think Big and Not Missing Small. Big picture + Small details = Best Art-work.

Para 4

2009-08-12T21:22:00.003+08:00

The mind just dont work near to reality steps. It likes to venture far, as far as it can, to see the light on the other end. When looked back, these thoughts may seem forming, but never connecting to a single line. Perhaps, thoughts arent never in a line. This is always perplexing, and... disturbing.

Every since of knowing, every cell is keen to strike into the - ONE law of nature - where it can hold firmly. Partly, my brain - as simple as our ancestor primate - could not handle complex theory. As such, it is always in a quest to simplify things, rather, to simplify the world around it.

At least, one simple thing known, things happen in sequential manner. It just take some simple effort of the brain to put the sequence right. However, people - PEOPLE, don't go that way. It makes the world much more complecate. And, the little brain doesnt like it. Perhaps, brain doesnt handle HUMAN portion. It is something else (EQ, X-factor, watever u call it) - that does the job? That would free up brain work for the right task. Come to think about it, there is some sense here. Some people are good with others, while some would need to put in more effort.

Those are derailed. I was with something else. It is about having every aspects (singing, sports, speaking, metal-working, etc) to boil down to fundamental principle. I deeply believe - there exist such principle - that holds for everything under the sun. To shallow knowledge, I only recognize by its effect (not knowing what it is). It is to enliven some THING. A good singer, will bring the song to life. Good sportsmen run, jump, swim.. beautifully. President captivates audiences heart through speeches. A real machinist machines to the best (form, function, ergonomics, etc). It is ... to present something in a form that it should be.

Forming a raw idea seconds ago - i.e. to be as closed to the THING as possible. Close - by having your wholeself with it. My reason is - we are the utmost genuine thing in the world. Genuinity brings things to fundamentally perfect form.

Perfectionism through genuine effort to show things in its form.

Going through Pain

2009-06-25T22:17:00.003+08:00

How much Pain can do?

It can teach a person a lot of things.
It can make the person learned by heart.
It can grow a person into matured.

Bear the pain. Bear the fruit.

The Pain

2009-05-28T08:30:00.004+08:00

Pain arises when you feel you are not in the right position.
Pain arises when you feel you are not utilizing your strength.
Pain arises when you feel you are unable to act on your environment.

Revolutionary Road

2009-04-26T17:18:00.001+08:00

Know what you've got,
Know what you need,
Know what you can do without,
- there is inventory control.

World Port Ranking 2007

2009-04-26T16:54:00.002+08:00

All way back to history, the economic development of a place is very much linked to how busy its port is. Needless to say, the top 5 (by TEO throughput) is always buzzed with trade activities. And, all these top 5 ports fall within Asia. If trade activity says about globalization, Asia would be more connected to the world. Due to geographical location, Singapore & HongKong could still lead the tables as trade between US & China only see an uptrend in future.

World Gold Holdings

2009-04-25T11:13:00.005+08:00

As per recent increase in gold holdings by China, this snap-shot shows 2008 Sep gold distribution. At ancient time, gold represents power in most of the kingdoms. In this modern world, gold still carries a lot of weight against forex. A study shows that, while currency depreciates across time, gold has gone against that tide. Therefore, it is a critical necessity for country that needs stable growth, to be sheltered from financial crisis due to currency depreciation.

One interesting thing here is - the US & European countries have tremendously higher gold % in reserves, compared to Asian countries. Yet, their total financial reserves is far much lesser than Asia counterparts. That says three things: (1)huge gold % contributes to economy stability (2)huge financial reserves is not a necessary requirement for developed economy (3)Asian countries are funding the economy of West.

Turn spending into investing

2009-04-25T09:51:00.003+08:00

Just to pen down thoughts, before memory can hold..

Under chapter of Economic Productivity of Households, it emphasizes on few important points:-

invest for a good location home
forget about fast depreciating auto-mobile, clothing, etc
health conscious & exercise
invest for long term (medical stock)..

The bottom of it, spend a penny only on those value-appreciating stuff.

At this moment of life, when small wealth accumulates from mundane working life-style, I am like many others, concerning over the longer term financial wealth. It involves decision over buying of home, the choice of lifestyle, investment path going forward and so on. The insights of the article could indeed give us a good direction for the next 10 years or so. =)

Knowledge

2009-04-21T22:16:00.002+08:00

Ever since I started working, I always had the thought that course taught in school is of little uses. This perception has also been widely "shared" with fellow colleagues.

Today, I had a chance to talk to R&D VP from another company. To his background, it is his inclination to share theoretical reasoning - so far off from the practical stuff that we did day-to-day. We were, in great desperation of practical methods, and this innovative idea comes as THE ANSWER to everything that we face. I reached my natural-high when I learnt the power of theory in face of complexity.

Practical has its limitation, without theory governing THE WAY. Not knowing the theory, we are trying to clear out path in jungle, without using a compass. Also, I am damn wrong about schooling. Knowledge, is as good as dead, if we do not pull it off the books.

I think, we need to learn how to use the knowledge, more than learning knowledge.

Ultimatum WorkLife

2009-04-01T21:08:00.004+08:00

Today, I enjoyed moment of relaxation in workplace. I would see it as a great achievement: finding the right working style, the right natural pace. I am very satisfied. =)

The most relaxing moment, is also the most productive moment for the brain, I would say so. That moment, my brain is exploring new era, scanning through new knowledge, and retaining most of them. It is time, when I think I am in a DIRECTION, in a way that I want to be.

This rare moment is the motivating factor, that would drive me to constantly looking for somewhere right for me. I hope the journey will not take long.

Time

2009-03-29T13:28:00.006+08:00

through passage of time, i always wonder the most meaningful way to spend one's time.

a socialite always hang out with group of people, spending time talking, etc, etc. a sports person spend his/her time on training and competition. a hobbyist finds his/her joy through the persue of hobby. a scholar involves himself/herself in the readings, analyzing, and thinking. a workaholic spends most of time working. etc.

what am i belong to?

i find myself switching from activities to activities, due to a very short span of focus that i have.

i would go for something new, trying to see the picture that it conveys, then integrating it to my logical understanding, then will give it up quickly once boredom strikes me. if the material is extensive and detail, i will quit sooner, for its requirement of extensive focus.

knowing habit of my mind, i know i cant just stop right there. i have to always keep moving, in finding the right philosophy/ concepts that could satisfy the thirst of new understanding. Only that, i could have the mind in equilibrium state.

Oil Companies - Capex Vs Market Cap

2009-01-31T14:01:00.003+08:00

Net-Name

2009-01-03T12:38:00.002+08:00

Do you ever wonder if your daily lives, encounters, own particulars can easily be tracked by another party?

the reason, for my own creepy feeling, is the powerness of google. one search in google, is able to expose quite handful info over myself. this perturbs me very much. though i am still the nobody in the neighbourhood, it still means that i am naked in the eye of total strangers.

but, having said that, i am again exposing bit more information in the web, and also in the blog that setup by google.

Google, has established a platform, where line between public & private has gone so thin. Publicity is no longer the priviliges of celebrities. Even the no-body like me here, could accidentally stepped on the publicity ground, and get published without my knowledge.

I guess, except getting a nickname, we should have a net-name in days.

Year 2007/08/09...

2009-01-03T11:25:00.005+08:00

Remembering the crossing of year 2007/08, I have been little uncouscious over the turn-over 2007/08.

2007 had been speedy & furious.
Oil prices shooting up, economy booming, earning & expenditure were hihg-up like it never be. Things moving so quickly, no-one is taking any break, not to say, a look backward.

The crossing of year 2008/09 has been very much different. Immediate impact of economic downturn on SG has got me felt closely.

2008 continued the 'Ohm'. But, busted in Q4.
Oil prices more than halved, as forseen, but, falling at extent out of expectactions. Home prices start to drop, economy hugely affected, retrenchment kicking in, etc. Things move slower, people starts to re-count, reflect and even re-connect.

The very 1st day of 2009 have us re-pace ourselves, to set-forth a better way to deal with the changing environment.

Oil prices is down. But, it also says, it is more volatile than ever. Relying on such commodity will put human-kind in risk that never been before. Diversifying energy, (hybrid energy), shall be first important task that every political body looking at.

Home prices, with messing of complicated financial systems, has gone through some painful experiences. Home commodity has always been the mainstay of economy, it sneezes, the whole economy tumbles. Many parts of the world is sheltered from this real-estate bubble. But, if U.S. lesson not well learnt, China is the next to be impacted. By then, it takes extra effort for central government to re-build.

2009 should be a year, people thrift on resources, to re-think the efficiency of economy, to re-examine the robustness of financial system.

Thank You

2008-11-24T21:37:00.004+08:00

My tea's gone cold, I'm wondering why,
I got out of bed at all,
The morning rain clouds up my window,
And I can't see at all,
And even if I could it'd all be grey,
But your picture on my wall,
It reminds me that it's not so bad,
It's not so bad.

I drank too much last night, got bills to pay,
My head just feels in pain
I missed the bus and there'll be hell today,
I'm late for work again,
And even if I'm there, they'll all imply,
That I might not last the day,
And then you call me and it's not so bad,
It's not so bad.

And I want to thank you,
For giving me the best day of my life,
And oh, just to be with you,
Is giving me the best day of my life.

Pushed the door, I'm home at last,
And I'm soaking through and through,
Then you handed me a towel,
And all I see is you,
And even if my house falls down now,
I wouldn't have a clue,
Because you're near me.

And I want to thank you,
For giving me the best day of my life,
And oh, just to be with you,
Is giving me the best day of my life.

And I want to thank you,
For giving me the best day of my life,
And oh, just to be with you,
Is giving me the best day of my life.

One-Night in Nagoya Marroit

2008-08-01T22:12:00.002+08:00

At this moment, I am tasting Sakae at a nicely lit hotel room filled with soft music. This moment, is like heaven, which next moment, I don't mind to be in hell. It is too satisfying for just a moment like this. (The next better moment I can visualize is to plus a beautiful, cultured lady to chat with.)

It has been a week to be in a polite city, where every one allows a comfortable respect to each other. The people here are very polite and friendly. I find myself hard to link them to someone who made attack during WWII. It might take me more time to know them well enough. However, I do enjoy my stay here for this short week.

Along with me are a colleague and a sales person. They are of great personality. One is a good manager who really plans things ahead. The sales person really has an awesome character to cheer up any occassion. Another funny situation, when 2 sales person met, they will talk NON-stop. It is difficult to expect a silent moment. Anyway, I do love the company of these great people.

The job itself has nothing to talk about. Job is job. It could be anything and also be nothing. What I love more is still the sakae and the good environemnt which I can indulge myself with the drink that give a cool yet warm breeze to every cell that it passes through. Bravo SakAe!

Connecting of DOTs of efforts

2008-06-22T14:25:00.002+08:00

The evolve of Apple portraits a superb picture on how it connects the wide ranges of its products: iPods, iMacs, iPhones, and the important interface iTunes. Each single product builds on others, and establish the network of users along the years, that contributes to the hugeness of its business.

To be great, we need to connect each small little steps of effort, not losing any of them, and compile them into one great thing.

Apple has been a great corportate. It builds on simple philosohpy. As individual, we can do the same. A small little step at one time, build on what we already have, not wasting any effort, then slowly proceed to the greatness.

Connect, then move on! Someday, you will see your greatness!

Random Thoughts

2008-06-22T13:21:00.003+08:00

China + India + America = huge demand. Controlling demand? controlling population. controlling usage. divert demand into alternative resources.

Middle-east, other countries on oil supply. Stability. No war. Technology. Better productivity. OPEC. Better co-ordination over supply.

Speculation. Transparent. No stocking. Efficiency in supply chain. Fair pricing. Less subsidies.

Open the market. Balance supply-demand. Optimize distribution efficiency.

Save the energy. Save the world.

黑暗與光明 - 張韻琪

2008-05-26T21:30:00.001+08:00

這個夏天，出現了兩位「神童」旋風式入讀大學，社會上下樂此不疲地討論，傳媒出盡法寶為他們寫故事。而吸引我的，卻是一位天生眼角膜不健全的女學生，她用放大鏡讀書與學習，會考取得優異成績。手術幫不了她挽回視力，而是她對光明的信念，為她衝出黑暗的恐懼。

這位女學生對傳媒說：「沒理由在看得見的時候不努力。」只要能看得見，看得遠，看得闊，看得深，多大的條件限制或現實的不足，也會被你衝破，你也會是「神」。

或許，可以先從跳出自己手上的遊戲機與手提電話開始。走在路上或坐在車上，不妨周圍望望，望之餘再動動腦筋與感情，找一些令自己有所觸動的東西。

我最喜歡的就是「擔天望地」。每天一早出門口，先會望望天空，無論是萬里無雲，或是烏雲密佈，深呼吸一下，就能大步向前。在路上，最喜歡看招牌廣告、路牌、街角的動靜、迎面而來的面孔。為什麼香港的外牆廣告都喜歡把超大的明星面孔放於最顯眼的位置呢？為什麼維多利亞港兩旁築起愈來愈多懾人的高樓商廈呢？為什麼街頭巷尾掛起愈來愈多「有機」什麼的招牌呢？為什麼大小馬路的欄杆旁邊，纏著愈來愈多「手推車」呢？為什麼愈來愈多人拿著差不多式樣的「名牌」手袋呢？為什麼愈來愈多年青人緊緊盯著手上的電子遊戲機呢？為什麼路上愈來愈多風馳電制的司機，或不把紅綠燈放在眼內的行人呢？…還有更多的問題。

偶爾心情納悶，就會抬起頭，凝望穹蒼的變化，困惑與憂慮也會隨風消失。世界真的比你想像中要大得多。即使在狹小的香港，天與地也是屬於你的，讓你開懷馳騁。

黑暗中，才發現漫天星星，等著你。假若你只懂低下頭，或緊閉雙眼，生怕黑夜的來臨，那你就錯過了最美的星宿與寧靜。

是否看得見，全在乎你。

connecting dots of information

2007-11-11T23:31:00.000+08:00

the hardest thing i can do ... is to connect the dots of information... then present it with a organized flow. i do not know where to put the emphasis, do not know which words to use, do not know how to start or where to end, do not know how to para everything, only thing i know is i am nervous of the things i want to tell... something important... something that i see... which could be right or wrong... cause i seldom manage to bring the points well across...

SIA in the SKY

2007-06-15T23:19:00.000+08:00

................................ Dream Job........................

Picture-less Life

2007-06-15T22:46:00.000+08:00

Coming back from AbuDhabi... my life changes... and i gotta change myself according to it...

1st... i started to have a working mindset. fine. i will have to go work EVERYDAY and Laugh Out Loud at the ONLY one day of every month.

I was literally dragging my body there everyday. then, literally flying back everyday also. Till, I found myself adapted to IT.

2nd... my colleagues told me I should have a 24-7 mindset in order to have overseas opportunities / to get faster promotion. DAMN!!!! i just changed from freelance student to 9-5 mindset. Now i am asked to have 24-7 mindset. -______________-

Adaptable is human nature. Okayyyy. I am changing towards IT again.

Now, i wake up 640am... take a 7mins bath, then go start working at 730am (with eyes closed yet)... then quick lunch ... and off at 6pm (why so late????) ... [do a while loop for N times. ]

and happy hours is from 7-10pm. kekeke.

But seeing it, i hope i am not someone got to work for sake of working ... i want to have more freedom over my time, .. my space.. and my life. i want to bath in that unbound blue sky EVERYDAY.. i want to just being in the quiet nature without external limitation. i want to shoot more photos and post it up here. =)

Burj al-Arab

2007-05-28T22:32:00.001+08:00

First-sight - finally I see it - a beautiful building, and... beautiful beaches.

then, not to miss out those cute...

babes...

recap... Changi Airport ...

2007-05-21T20:40:00.000+08:00

Fish pond, garden, ... shops, pubs, internet cafe, ...

and i-squeeze... sQuueeeche till i-syok . That's Changi Airport.

Abu Dhabi Airport

2007-05-20T17:43:00.000+08:00

That's the first time a small kid from Singapore is travelling to middle-east. Travelling by Singapore Airlines and its free. =D

Yea. This is the EXACT plane that I was going to take. As beautiful as it is, I always have unfounded affection towards SIA planes, and young SIA girls. =P

The flight journey is very much of pleasure. First, there comes an appetizer, then there is a main course. In between, we have drinks served. While, a magnolia ice-cream also added to the surprise. As quoted, "if boarding a SIA flight, I wish the flight would have been longer." I really really enjoyed myself in my maiden flight.

After 7 hours of natural high, we reached the desert. Yea, a sea of sand. Feeling excited and nervous to step into a foreign land. We were welcomed by the so-called best airport in middle-east - AbuDhabi Airport. But, I am so not not convinced and no pictures were taken with it.

Then, there was a huge delay in the pick-up arrangement. Seeing foreign people in their foreign outfit, while being foreigner myself, I felt so much like TomHank in Terminal - Foreign and Isolated.

Finally, a well-dressed guy came to me and arranged a merce-benz bringing me to assigned apartment.

Missing Memories of Kota Kinabalu

2007-04-22T10:25:00.000+08:00

When Junnie talked to me about her sis successful climb over the HIGHEST mountain in South East Asia, I listen with "Awww... what a great experience..." especially when she showed me this picture -

This is the LabanRata Lodge where travellers stop over the - evening - , then continue their expedition to the PEAK at 2am in the morning. Can you see the PEAK? Apparently, the higher two rocks. We were there in last July, the PEAK was also there, but the WEATHER was not like the one in pic. Argghhh... ! So, instead of leaving for the PEAK, we went back to our bed and went down the route next morning. *Cry*

Looking at the pic, I can only imagine... great PEAK... great pic... great lodge, at least, I farted there.

A Moment of Joy

2007-04-14T21:31:00.000+08:00

at orchard,
someone is playing guitar beautifully.
an old man,
losing one arm,
yet having more courage to live on,
enliven the world.
admiration & appreciation arise,
some tokens given,
a great moment of joy gained.

Just plain down.

2007-04-02T02:07:00.000+08:00

Sleep for the whole morning. Eat the entire noon. Swim out the evening. Watch friends playing DOTA over the night. the-DAY has been goooood to me.

Greeted by housemate on whether I got a job. Yea, I am single, available and desperate for a JOB. I should do some prep to improve my chances of getting a JOB. I am not good to the-DAY.

Jo_OB. Tough. tough.

2006-11-18T16:35:00.000+08:00

Merry X'mas.. LOL

2006-11-18T16:32:00.001+08:00

Waahh... spectacular

2006-11-18T16:32:00.000+08:00

OosH, how the hell she did that?

2006-11-18T16:30:00.000+08:00

The Three "pea" Cocks

2006-11-18T16:29:00.000+08:00

only Flamingo"es" in SG. This little pond is their boundary.

2006-11-18T16:20:00.000+08:00

Front Door of my House... Haha..

2006-11-18T16:19:00.000+08:00

Energetic

2006-11-18T16:18:00.000+08:00

Fruitful picture.

2006-11-18T16:16:00.000+08:00

Hmm, can I have the key???

2006-11-18T16:14:00.000+08:00

Oosh, ordinary yet beautiful. Go Analkshimi to enjoy it. =D

2006-11-18T16:07:00.000+08:00

Fireworks at Marina Bay on SG 2006 B-Dayy..

Now & Here

2006-09-14T11:02:00.000+08:00

Car0lyn

Donald Trump fired Carolyn. Fired!? A beutiful looking lady, a capable executive, ... and after working for 11 years, she still got fired.

For whatever reasons Trump said to others, we can only accept it, so does Carolyn. It is a hard reality that when somebody like Carolyn has done sooo well, yet got fired. The truth is: only when you make your boss happy, you have done "right" things. The rights and wrongs are all the time subjected to the emotion or feeling of people, even to a so-called true professionals like Donald Trump.

Emotion swings. So, the decision of everybody also fluctuates. That's why the world is constantly "changing". Master your emotion and be-prepared for the changing world. =P

Speaking is an Art?

2006-07-25T12:00:00.000+08:00

Till now, I do not really understand the above statement. I only can see the effect. When same content comes out in different ways from different persons, the effect to the audiences would be different. So, what is bout Speaking?

I am certainly not qualified to give an insightful answer to the question. I could only tell what I know while hopefully you can feedback upon my opinions.

> Clear and Fluent

When we are speaking, we must structure and present our points well. People are lazy and don’t like to think much while listening. Also, speak fluently. Too much pause will drift the most patient listener away.

> Humour

The most efficient way to attract audiences is by creating laughter. A sincere laugh livens up the atmosphere and makes the chatting more interesting. Humour is an important spice that adds taste to a chat. Without it, a chat is no more than a typical lecture in NTU.

and others…

So, what is the art about speaking? …..

Sports & Interaction between People

2006-07-25T11:59:00.000+08:00

Sports is inter-action between people. Sports must involve people and people are an important element in sports. Fun people will make the sports more interesting and livelier. One of the factors that makes football the most welcoming sports through out the globe is the number of men involved in the game. People enjoy watching individual talents, people applause for good passes, people LOVE great team. The WOW factor always arises when the team plays like an individual, when the interaction between players is so subtle that it seems like no interaction has been made.

A good sportsman is always a person who can connect well with others, though some of them do not prefer verbal communication. With the love towards the sports, he shares the passion towards people as well. A sportsman never fails to be a good friend. He may not be the most popular person amongst his friends, yet he is can be a life-long friend.

I may have given too high credits to sports-person. Yet, this is the observation and feeling that captured me through my new attempts to play sports.

2am

2006-04-04T02:43:00.000+08:00

What could happen in guys hostel at 2am!?

On my way to toilet, I just saw a guy, disguised in facial mask, rushing towards toilet. I was like -O-M-G- , here's a new generation guy who did facial by himself! Well... I must admit I am so OUTdated by NOT doing facial...

Then, without disturbing his face-off process, I went on with my own night-shower. When done, I just walked back to room as normal. Suddenly, I heard a human voice imitating gun firing "Zh Zhe, Zh Zhe, Boooom!". Reflectively, I turned back to check out. Here's another huge guy, holding an invisble gun and reload it - "Zh Zhe, Zh Zhe..." Luckily, he was engrossed with his "short gun" and not aiming at me. Hai... I must admit I am so OLD now by NOT having the fun of playing invisible gun.

OLD and OUTdated fella at 2am - me.

P/S: The type of gun (short-gun) is deduced from the sound and his action.

Body over Mind

2006-03-26T02:54:00.000+08:00

For times, I could stay awake till very late, just to play game. Yet, for this very time, I hardly focus on my FYP persistently. Indeed, without much excitement enjoyed, I am not able to focus on a particular work. I am so much controlled by the outer factors, rather than my own mind. I am so weak in my determination to stay focus and to get things done. I am just not a good master of my own body.

Sense of sleepiness is crawling all over me whilst I have not achieved what I would have done. This is so much a difficult time for me as I really wish that I could stay on and finish it. Yeah! Find the motivation, the passion, and the excitement. I am supposed to finish it. I am going to finish it!

If I am not going to control my body, I am going to deceive my body. Hehe... (grinning)

Belief

2006-03-10T03:03:00.000+08:00

"For some years I have been afflicted with the belief that flight is possible to man."
- Wilbur Wright, May 13, 1900

Fate Vs Life (2)

2006-03-10T02:58:00.000+08:00

KaiZao Shi Fu slightly touched upon this topic in last week's talk. Being human, our heart tend to look outward. We tend to believe more upon what others say . However, for what we perceived, it all arises from how our heart perceives. In order not to worry over some "untruthful" perception, we should observe our heart well. To observe, how we perceive. To observe, how we think. To observe, how we breathe. To observe, how we live.

Erosion

2006-03-10T02:43:00.000+08:00

Laziness has eroded me, wholly. I came across a phone dialogue where my friend spoke in such a speed that I hardly catch up what he saying. I sensed that inner stress built-up so immensely that I hardly control myself. Now, I have to admit that I have been slacking for too long till the mind and soul are not at form at all. The brain is doing its work so slowly. Also, it hardly focuses to get things done. The soul has been weakin sustaining any pressure. Laziness has caught me up in the comfort zone that is shrinking from days to days. In past few years, the brain has not been challenged in any thinking process. It wanes, in its ability and its strength. So does my soul. A self-established comfort zone has allowed the soul to get softer.

What shall I do?

2006-03-07T21:17:00.000+08:00

Speed

2006-03-07T21:14:00.000+08:00

A380!

2006-03-07T21:10:00.000+08:00

LakeSide

2006-03-07T21:08:00.000+08:00

The ONLY "Untidy"

2006-03-07T21:07:00.000+08:00

Masuk Baris!!

AirBus A380

2006-02-24T16:48:00.000+08:00

It is in the sky. So gracious.
A huge building is in the sky. So powerful.
Dreams of mankind is in front of eyes. So warm.

The moment touches every man's hearts.

Protectivism, Anxiety, Tiredness

2006-02-24T16:34:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, I realize that I encounter these symptoms: anxiety and tiredness, after trying to getting along with others. When I am into a conversation, I feel the high focus that I need, in order to get myself involved. One of the causes is my poor hearing, which I always miss out what others were talking, hence slow in responding or even lost in that conversation. I am also over-cautious of what I need to say for I do not wish to say the "wrong" thing and being perceived as someone not cliqued to the frequency of the dialogue. Besides, I am very cautious of the words that I use in order not to "hurt" the person. Yet, conversation is a mutual way which also eventually protects myself from being hurt by others. And, this is possibly the motive for me to be cautious.

For times, I am too tired. I want to liberate myself from bad experience with conversations. I wish to converse freely and responsively in my own manner. Yet, the response of others always take large weight in my thoughts, which eventually shapes my ways of conversing. Compelling myself to clique to certain dialogues provides nil enjoyment in conversing. Thus, I slowly distant myself away from possible conversations.

I have certainly mixed up between flexibility of conversing in different contents with following the frequency of dialogue. To further improve myself, I always look for greater flexibility with environment. Yet, I am afraid I am in the wrong path as I am suffering from what I did. My mind has jumbled up. I need advice from the wise. 神啊，救救我吧！

Fate Vs Life

2006-01-16T02:36:00.000+08:00

I am not quite sure whether I have had enough wits or experience to write about this topic. Yet, it is a quick impulse that makes me start writing. It may be a sudden realization about the topic, Amitabha... :P

It began in last holiday when I was encountered with a book which contained the fate of every single person in this world. You may call it superstitious to believe that a person has a destined life, and it is recorded in a BOOK!? I would not want to argue about its trueness in terms of today's perceptions. However, I do know that it describes me quite well, in terms of my character, to certain extent. Then, I am trapped in the believe of "fate". If my fate, or rather my character is already been fixed, what could I still do to make a change in my life? If I am born to be a sweeper, could I still succeed as an investor? As days go by, I am doomed about this fate of life. I am also drifted away from my own aspirations.

The more I am occupied by the fate of life, the more I want to find a way to confront it. Then, I went online to search about it. (Googling proves to be a very convenient and quick way in providing certain answers.) I came across the content of 易经. Yes, life is fated. But, there are much changes that happen along. This is a conventional way of seeing it. I am not so convinced yet. After that, I also came across a forum. It talks about fate. It has 100% belief in fate. However, it keeps repeating a point, that enlightens me. If we know our fate is fixed, we would therefore let go all the fear, and fully experience life. We come to this world in a naked way, we can also stay in this world nakedly. I hope these sentences could remain in my spirit in days to come.

Up to this point of life (also this point in the essay), I realize I do not posses enough experiences and wits in talking about life. Yet, I am ready, and always set myself ready, to embrace it!

First Day back HoME!

2005-12-09T16:27:00.000+08:00

Yea, kinda cool to come back home n have great food of hometown AGAIN! A bowl of Hokkien Mee is already enough to make me feel great at home.

Family is always as nice as it is.

The house that I have been living for 23 years, is still as familiar as it is. Every furniture, every switches, every appliances remain so familiar to me. Perhaps, that's the feeling of HOME.

Another best thing is I can online using this computer. WOW!

Ok. Let's enjoy the pics below once more time. Do click it to enlarge so that you can see the handsome pic clearer. HaHA!

2005-12-05T03:27:00.000+08:00

A very fine and high quality building - Robinson Centre.

2005-12-05T03:23:00.000+08:00

Building? It is actually a "gate" for entrance/exit. I like this unique "building" for its function as much as its style.

2005-12-05T03:17:00.000+08:00

I dun know exactly wat building is tat. It looked like an UMNO building, but this is SG...

2005-12-05T03:14:00.000+08:00

Capital Tower

2005-12-05T03:12:00.000+08:00

Anybody missed this handsome? :D

2005-12-05T03:03:00.000+08:00

Big, Medium, Small?

2005-12-05T02:56:00.000+08:00

Nice? the pillar or the lady? :P

2005-12-05T02:50:00.000+08:00

Haha.. there are loves in the picture.

Yaaawwwnnn

2005-11-15T20:49:00.000+08:00

Ha... I am back to yehuai.blogspot.com AGAIN. I was about to start reading notes on Singapore Architecture : History,Culture & Socio-Economic Perspective. Then, I'm distractted (attracted) by MSN message. Ok. He offline very soon after some short chat. So, I was ABOUT to start reading notes again. My mouth started to exercise its muscle before my eyes could focus on the notes. Yaaaawwwnnnn.... Ha, I think I should seriously start reading. When I was ABOUT to.... (OK, I know you'll think: AGAIN!? wat's this fella gonna write about? ) Ha... and I am here writing this short paragraph. To my amaze, I don't YAWN when I typing. Hmm... architecture, why the subject becomes so boring!? Is it because it is restricted to Singapore alone (not much architecture forms can be observed)? OR, is it because of those heavy words : History,Culture & Socio-Economic Perspective? Well, I think I seriously need to start reading now. FOCUS! :)

Second Day of School Reopening

2005-07-26T15:23:00.000+08:00

After resting for about a month at home, I am back here to NTU again. The one month holiday has given me sufficient rest after going through a very hectic semester half a year ago. During the holidays, I was able to do so much of other activities which I find myself enjoyable. Undoubtly, I do manage to explore them, which through out the process, am able to acquire a different experience!

However, I am worried of this coming semester as I would be back to the normal routine of rushing for deadlines after deadlines. I would be back to the engineering world where the professors speak specific technical language that most of us do not understand, yet need to memorize. I would be back to the hectic uni life where there're piles of stuff for me to do. Though I may over-state the situation, nevertheless, I am really nervous about it. Striking a balance, I am still trying my best. And, that is and will be my way of life as I re-state it over here. (Hmm, Writing blog is a way of talking to inner-self)

2005-04-27T03:19:00.000+08:00

Shy shy...

2005-04-27T03:17:00.000+08:00

View outside my room. I like the angle of viewing.

Devastated in Exam!

2005-04-26T15:12:00.000+08:00

Completely devastated! I could not believe myself of going through exam in such a horrific way. From the start, I was not sure of the solutions I did. The fear of uncertainty continued to loom large upon me. It increased to an extent which I could feel my heart beat pounding so loudly. It pushed me to a very high level of stress. My mind was not with me anymore. It either wandered off or intimidated by the fear of uncertainty.

The concept supposed to be right. But the solutions seemed ‘weird’. Hence, confident level went down. This was when the disaster happened.

After experience through it, I knew something was wrong with my thinking method. I am so used to seeing a typical style of question that sound solution is more prioritized than concept. Though I understand stuff through concept, I placed more emphasis on neat, presentable solution while attending exam questions. This made me devastated! I relied too much on REPRODUCTION of solution. Intuition and common sense were downplayed to a dangerous extent that was too costly for me to ignore.

In fact, I am so weak in facing the unknowns, the uncertainties. The thinking process is heading towards dead ends. Oh, wake up, mind!

Bicycle Ride

2005-04-19T14:45:00.000+08:00

I was about to write some of my thoughts in past few days. However, I was occupied with exam preparation till I did not spare myself time to write them down.

In past few days, the most precious experience would be riding bicycle. It was to be an escape from the studious exam preparation. At first, I routinely rode bike down the slope of my hall. At that moment, I realized how routine I was. So, I abandoned the routine path, abandoned the feeling of "feelingless" in taking the routine path. I let the heart to decide where I want to go. Then, it led me to places where I never go. It led me to places where I had nicer experience. There were high slopes and hills which I hesitated to ride up. However, the depressed energy within me signaled me to go by its ways, to release it. The down slope sliding experience was great. Yet, I guessed I did not fully savour it. My bike’s break wasn’t functioning very well. Thus, I was cautious about it. It took away my guts to enjoy the sliding experience to the fullest. Besides, I went to places which made me felt eerie. I heard sound of… wind blowing? However, it mixed with voice produced by throats. Was that illusion of the frightened self? I did not know. But, I didn’t stay at that place for long. Next time, I should try to stay over that place and experience through it by meditating.

After enjoying this ride, I realized the happiness of going anywhere without purpose. Then, every scene becomes enjoyable. Without destination, every path becomes destination. Further more, we could see more than what we wanted to see. After that, I made a little wish to myself: I want to travel with a bike when I visit other places.

2005-04-13T21:29:00.000+08:00

Departing for a higher sky!

Birthday!?

2005-04-08T01:24:00.000+08:00

Ha~ it is a coincident that I started blogging a day before my birthday. I am not someone who is so anxious towards birthday. I thought I could lead my birthday peacefully, even without any celebration.

Just few hours before 12am (wonder why birthday greetings and celebration must be done at that time), my girlfriend was with me. We were preparing for exam… what a date har? I was just doing my stuff like any other days. When it was almost 12am, my girlfriend wondered why the greetings didn’t come yet. It kept me wondering too. Hmm, I felt the little surge of desire from the bottom of my heart, that I do hope to receive some greetings? weird… as I thought I am not anxious about it. After having this little sense, I again telling myself not to anticipate anything. You know… the more you anticipate, the more you will be despaired.

“Happy Birthday to You… Happy Birthday to You… “ the somehow familiar song came from outside. At first, I could not believe it. Then, I wonder who were behind the door. Finally, my friends, Nam, Jen, GeokTeng appeared! Ha~ it was quite unexpected. I loved the feeling of being surprised. With the birthday song, the simple meaning of friendship touched my heart. I am indeed grateful for this simple act. It is simply sweet in the heart. It is a kind of sweetness that would not exhaust your feeling, and will always last for longer time. Again, a grateful thank to these people who spend their time at the most “kan cheong” hours. People said: a true friend is easily found amongst drunkard, gambler, more precisely those from lower class of society. But, I still could see the simple meaning of friendship being reflected amongst educated people.

Not the least, hihi~~ a name must be mentioned – Junnie, thanks for her peanut as birthday “cake” =P

Wow... I'm Blogging.

2005-04-07T11:27:00.000+08:00

Hmm... don't know what to write. =P