Perspectives of Life (Blogger)

Good Plan?

2011-12-06T02:12:00.001+08:00

The Star reported this morning that the government is making about RM16mil everyday and purportedly making more than RM500mil for RON97 alone from the fuel windfall i.e. we are short changed AGAIN! Accordingly, at current rate, our petrol price should be somewhere around RM1.30. No shame Shahrir quoted, "The government collects taxes. It is government revenue. When the price is high, the government gives subsidy." Where are these extraordinary "taxes" spend? Zero transparency!

Coincidentally, the Star reported that many close associates of political heavy weights enjoy good fortune during the latter tenure. The rise and fall of such business conglomerates are in parallel with these ministries political fortunes. Connections pay! Follow the leaders theory is definitely much, much better than any fundamental or technical analysis!!!

Migrated to Wordpress...

2009-06-15T22:34:00.006+08:00

Find me @ jensonlim.wordpress.com > all archives

Madagasar 3 (in Making?)

2009-01-02T11:21:00.002+08:00

Apparently, the Malaysian Zoo has been working for the past two years silently: negotiating a deal to import two pandas, some white tigers and friends from China, with an estimated whopping sum of RM30mil. Accordingly (some smart ass), it's going to be a fair exchange that work on mutual surplus list. BTW, a zoo loyalty card programme?
For the pandas, the plan was getting one male and one female for duration of 2 years, including Chinese imported bamboo and building a special enclosure next to our Orang Utan. Cultural exchange program eh? More of cultural shock to me!!
Have you visited our 'beloved' national zoo of late, you'll feel really sorry for these visiting pandas. Let's get real! If the zoo management team is having trouble manning the existing inhabitants, the mere idea of getting more tenants is upright absurd. In fact, long the zoo monkeys have gone shopping nearby housing estates for food.
For these jokers, getting pandas would bring more attention and hopefully visitors. Simple. For the Chinese, however, pandas are not mere endangered species but highly valued national treasure that often symbolizes exchange of international goodwill.
I would not be surprised if these pandas were accidentally poisoned to death in near future, if the exchange did realize. What then? An international outcry?
Remember some time ago that a child was bitten by a leopard (some cat) due to poor perimeter enforcement? Reportedly, the zoo authorities have put up the perimeter only after the event and have shamefully blamed it on the parents' inattention. Scary!!
The intention perhaps notable, but the zoo's management records are highly questionable. For me, I would NOT risk a chance. Let's see how it goes and start praying for the pandas and friends!
PS: there was ongoing painting sessions on the outer walls of the zoo, but apparently the paintings were all erased due to unsatisfactory work. Really, the paintings sucks!

Greetings 09

2008-12-31T10:19:00.001+08:00

A NEW YEAR marks another chapter in life, offering generous opportunities for love, perfection and progress.The focal tag is upward mobility: to pick up where we left off and embark on decisive intensification from inner, self-discoveries and wisdom to communal synchronization to wide systems-recoveries. Some fine-tuning will be necessary, transitory pain perhaps but definitely worth in due course. Happy 2009 and all dreams come true! Cheers!

Q Buster?

2008-12-29T15:02:00.000+08:00

Recently some smart-alec thought of putting up this signage at Tesco's check-out counters, purportedly aim to reduce customers' waiting time: ambitiously claiming that "if more than 2 trolleys in front of you, we'll open more counters till the last one." Good intention but poor implementation. Apparently, Tesco needs to work harder. Below expectations campaigns only pull Tesco brand equity down - hard!

A New Master Epic

2008-12-28T10:01:00.001+08:00

SIMPLY remarkable! Long since Jet-Li’s Once Upon a Time in China succession, any HK kung-fu movies have captivated me – so intensely.This is perhaps Donnie Yen’s most successful performance to date – IP Man.Master to legendary Bruce Lee, IP Man would demand equal respect and attention.The school of Wing-Chun is gracefully simple yet deathly, striking at lighting speed and maximum accuracy – less is more sort of philosophy and superfluous movements are minimal.

The plots are predictably straightforward:blend of superb fighting actions, just nice sarcastic humors and some fine lessons/examples on emotional quotient (EQ) management, families’ values and friendships.The backdrops of the scenes look almost too familiar but convincing enough.Supporting performances are good.Surprisingly though, the stories pick up quickly and the pace is rather smooth especially for any movie set during WWII.Expect some stirring moments, particularly on nationalism, but these are only secondary themes from the movie.Once in actions, your adrenaline pumps and you just crave for more.The ending comes in rather too hastily but since another sequel is in making…no much complaint here.Good that HK has produced another first-class movie; there are some notable ones but this is a MUST WATCH.For 2008, this is the BEST you could get!Can’t wait to get a copy of DVD…

The World Without Us

2008-12-27T15:20:00.001+08:00

The Day the Earth Stood Still: mind-blowing and terrifying but unquestionably forthcoming based on the current consumption rate by us, earthlings.Hard-core environmentalists have long spread and warned the dangerous of polluting the earth: prolonged wars, massive and uncontrolled lands and minerals extractions, air and water contaminations and poor waste management, in all are non sustainable and only lead us a DEAD END.The case has becoming stronger now, raising heating debates in World Summits and prompted more supporters around the globe.In fact, if we were to open our eyes, the world climate and temperature have considerably changed.Summer is no longer hot and winter no longer freeze.The frequencies and volumes of rain are perturbing and alarming – causing landslides and floods everywhere and claiming lives and properties.SAD and SCARY!

The full effect might not be realized at least for another 50 years, I reckon, i.e. we most would safely bypass it, leaving our sins to next generations.Yet, after years of comfort lifestyles, changes are hard and time-consuming (but not impossible). I must admit, I love cities and concrete jungles. But I too, hate climate change and disasters. A balance is necessary...

Realistically, though, complete halting our lifestyles is rather idealistic.Conversions are possible, though.If we cannot change the course of the outcome, at least we can extend it rite?So the next time you use your air-con or use a plastic bag, think again! “We don’t own the Earth; we borrow it from our children (and other life forces).”- Act now!

Jokers at Play

2008-12-26T07:03:00.001+08:00

he recent EPF automated reduction of 3% contributions (from 11% to 8%) is a national SCAM.The only sensible explanation, I reckon, is to divert more people’s money to tax revenue.The twisted feeds where you get to spend more and save less is pure nonsense.And if you’re earning more than RM2k per annum, most likely you’re taken for a ride AGAIN!

And that’s the prelude, expect more to come.Apparently, jokers at IRB have another fascinating idea: pleading all (apparently it was mandatory at first reported but the stance was reversed after public anger) to fill in tax revenue on intervals purportedly for better management and avoid over-tax deductions (more of under than over, the way I see it).As if the economy is not bad enough, perhaps monthly filling of tax revenue could guarantee full-employment everywhere by employing more tax-filling agents/HR and substantiate the IRB noble existence?

With countless “U” turns taken by public institutions and figure-heads, news reading/browsing is getting VERY frustrating, in the sense that, what you read would be pure nonsense tomorrow.See it another way, reading newspaper is as if watching jokers at play!

Isolated - Pro-crastinating Fellow

2008-12-23T16:05:00.001+08:00

The notion of opportunity cost, economics 101. Supposedly, we have to choose the best option we think we could have and forgo the rest. And that's the notion propagated by most academics gurus and intellectuals minds. Well, I do agree to some extent but another important aspect that I reckon that most would have overlooked or understood but carefully manipulate to ones' advantages. Sometimes good things are not shared. Otherwise, Warren Buffett would not be the richest man on earth.
Specifically, I'm looking at TIME management i.e. choices we made are imperatively influenced by the right timing, where decisions made in hasty or procrastinating manner would, evidently, gives different outcomes.
Let's apply this. The world economic is in trouble. Most governments have noted and swift actions are taken - embarking on combination of fiscal and monetary policies. Of course, these are reactive correction measures but on the timing, better now than never. The so-called experts should have known this coming. Yet, as I mentioned, most would have rather overlooked or kept it to themselves for one reason or another.
Here, our government as it seems have announced that a "strategic" plan would be implemented to counter the current economic depressions. Comically, after the announcement nothing concrete has taken place. So far, the only action taking place is taking RM5bil from our EPF and drown it somewhere (which was implemented before the "strategic" announcement being made). Apparently, the government continue to adopt a wait-and-see attitude, an often, widely used stance - from the controversial petrol prices to the most current IJN "fun" fair.
For good sake, what's the counter measure? Stop focusing on KT and act like a leader to the nation. Another point to be corrected. MNCs are leaving the nation e.g. Western Digital. Stop feeding twisted information to us. As I reckon, choices must be made with good time management. Procrastinating would kill us!
BTW, swift but hard actions get us out from 97s financial crisis...This round, I'm not sure. By the time the economic crisis ends, we would still be lingering...what it's over?????

End of Prison Break

2008-12-21T09:36:00.002+08:00

Absurdity. The US prisoners are opting to stay longer in cells by all means. Reportedly, cells inmates are getting "too worried" to leave cells and "put off" the idea of rejoining the society. No nonsense. All thanks to the recent collapsed-then-bailed-out-disgraced auto giants' city in Detroit. Apparently, financial uncertainties and fear of basic survivals capabilities are greater than all. Leaving cells now is the worst possible option: jobless and living on the streets are the poison pills in exchange for freedom and fresh air.
Ironically, could a normal person survive a day inside? The scenes from Prison Break and HK version alike played by Mr. Chow Yun Fatt have made things worst: dark, scary, infamous "belakang mari" are pure suicidal.
Well, not if you're serving your terms in Austria - Leoben Justice Centre (pictures)...argubly the best? Then why leave now? Go back, enjoy and burn the taxpayers money is perhaps the best viable option. Good luck Americans!
PS: Blame it on Bush, Alan and all unscrupulous bankers and evil Fed!

Hello 09 Goodbye 08

2008-12-20T19:00:00.001+08:00

en more days and welcome year 2009, the year of Ox. Save the best for the last: December is happy festive season. Holidays is priority and work is secondary. After a year of ups and downs, the last month of the year is THE MONTH to celebrate. For those having a fulfilling year, holidays are year-end bonus. For otherwise, holidays give you opportunity to revive, recharge and shout out! So what're you waiting for? Start planning and enjoy your holidays.
Welcome only GOOD blesses and good bye and push stop all BAD stuffs.
Happy 2009!
May all (MY) wishes come true!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Charm of Googzilla

2008-12-20T14:37:00.000+08:00

This is not new, many advocates and cycnics have gone through it, but feel like blogging it anyway. Here it goes...

Windows and Office are arguably, the long standing and most common work and productivity enhancers. Missing them, we just don't feel right: the PC would worth nothing. Well, that's historical. With the rise of open source, free extensions and widgets swarming the realms of software and WWW, once dominated by Microsoft, there's a change for sure. Good news!
Lately, I've been intrigued by Googzila: notably Reader, Blogger and Firefox extensions (o.k. plus Facebook) Addictive! Once you turn on the ignition, you're on the super highway. It opens a whole new perspective. Herein, a classic example of domino effect where one leads to another and another and another...Suddenly, the world turns much faster than before. Information overloaded is often. Fun but sometimes scary!
I must admit, I love and hate Microsoft. Love for easing my work, especially during the early rise of Microsoft and hate for limiting (and unjustly monetizing us) the choices we could have after Microsoft dominates the OS and Office application. Thanks to Google and Mozilla, we regain freedom from the net. With the amount of freewares being updated, everyday is a new day to explore, download, try, use, mesmerise, enjoy and if otherwise simply uninstall - all free and easy.
In retrospect, I reckon, all would not be permissible if not largely due to the notion of freeware, which initiated from a large pool of untapped and unsatisfied consumers, of which most hate Microsoft. Ironically, I'm still using Office for this. But not for long before I start downloading Open Office. Google Docs still need some polish though. On OS, I'm converting to Linux. At least that's a plan.
Then again, will Firefox and Google turn EVIL like Microsoft? Hopefully, not before more players join in and disrupt the market once again.
*Google and Mozilla partnership.

Absurdity.

2008-12-19T18:27:00.001+08:00

For once, the cabinet, supposedly being the last resort for protecting the interests of people has done something right - at least for now. The recent proposal by Sime Darby (apparently, personally endorsed by some high profile individuals) to take over National Heart Institute or IJN turn out to be dead in the water. The step was dubbed a win-win situation by some smart alec. And the cause was supposedly noble. FYI, IJN was making RM20mil last year while SD's medical arm SJMC with RM25mil. SD claimed that with SJMC vast resources, it can help to improve IJN over time while continue giving "affordable" services to low and middle income people after the take over.
From the tip berg, everything looks fine, rite? I do not concur. Funny, since IJN is having deep pocket, is merging necessary? Furthermore, SD a profit seeking organization (including SJMC) has opted to do social duties now? Do the government (i.e. the PEOPLE) get anything in return for privatizing IJN. Many recalls, most privatizing done were not beneficial to the people but otherwise. E.g. all toll operators are enjoying huge profits at the expense of the people. Easy money!
Despite facing economic uncertainties, such absurd matter can still occur in this land. While many conglomerates are de-merging, some opted otherwise. Dinosaurs have extincted, how about us? With such "fantastic" idea? Soon...

Imagination is Everything

2008-12-18T18:41:00.001+08:00

Einstein said "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Very true, human imagination is above all. And how we go about explaining it? Perhaps, the Law of Attraction could offers us some answer: we attract what that persistently, either on will or subconscious, stays in our mind; the stronger the will, the sooner it realizes. IOW, whatever you have or going to have is what your mind have been concentrating and processed. Good attracts good and bad attracts bad. You practically control it. And that's the notion most published. The focus is on us, controlling our mind to achieve something (out of nothing?). The push factor, as I named it. Yet, few authors have, I reckon, see the other side of attraction i.e. the pull factor. As the pull factor is everything that absorbs you to it i.e. you now assuming a passive rather than active role. It comes from outside. And that's the function of marketing and branding efforts. As I've mentioned in my previous post "Energy of Branding", good marketing mix give energy to the brand that pull YOU to it. Of course, the pulling effect can be manipulated for various market segmentation i.e. different people with similar attributes or thoughts! As which parties who initiated the process is insignificant as compared to the later, where the critical mass (momentum) generated by those that shared similar thoughts (e.g. a strong will or superb marketing) can literally start a new, successful engagement. IOW, with enough thoughts "power", any project should become a run away success. And the momentum lasts with strong thoughts. After all, imagination is everything!

Waiting to Move On...

2008-12-17T15:22:00.001+08:00

Something so alien once is now frequently engaging me. The feeling has becoming stronger since I've engrossed into the political and economical scenes. After the political disruptions in March, transparency has upgraded - but largely restricted to oppositions' bold acts of uncovering facets of (many) shocking, dim-witted and dubious undertakings. Judiciary theaters are no less entertaining. (Aforesaid are published in local newspapers; I don't want to be caught red handed here!)

Other push factors aside, the pull factors are increasingly more attractive. On one, better standard of living is appealing. While improved spending powers, better infrastructure and services, revival of consumers' rights and choices, less manipulation and genuine egalitarianism that are fundamentally agreed rather than "fixed" are even more tempting. Every penny spent is worth every penny earned! Why content with increasing monetary depreciation. Enough of subsidizing. The field is definitely greener on the other side.
The world financial systems are in disarray. True, but that'll only delay my plan for a while. And during these turmoils, a nation weaknesses rather than its capabilities are much apparent. Self denials and abuses work only during good times. At bad times, everything just does not fit or can no longer made fit. Once and for all, I'm getting impatient of consistently being short-changed.
After all, life is about living to the fullest. Given the opportunity to choose, why content with the current state if you're qualified for a better one? Start planning and move on...I deserve it!

Faster Food, Slower Drink

2008-12-17T14:00:00.001+08:00

I was browsing the sea of books in MPH recently and came across an interesting one: particularly, a chapter on “Faster Food, Slower Drink that immediately awakens my roaming attention.Whoa, how true!In retrospect, the proportionate time we CHOOSE to spend on food and drinks have, invariably, changes drastically over the years.We now gobble rather than chew and consume food in seconds (unless of course we’re out for special occasions).After all, food is mere supplements to keep our bodies to function properly, rite?Otherwise, we blame it on leading, super-fast pace lifestyles, always-on diet regime, food abundance (due to better living standard), multiplying effects from fast food operators and spin-offs that revolutionize our notion of food, and notably, Web 2.0 i.e. the increasing interactive interfaces between us and the Internet.

On the other, contrary to aforesaid, the time we CHOOSE to spend on drink has increased considerably.The coffee culture: good latte, comforting ambience and free WIFI have made a profound impact on us, changing the landscapes of our social and business outings FOREVER.In fact, simply monetizing us for otherwise FREE ACCESS to the web is a net crime!And Starbucks and new-comer Old Town have certainly done good jobs by continuing to seduce us for more!We could literally spend hours at these outlets enjoying the best latte while multitasking: chatting, blogging, you tube and networking (also waiting!).

Anyhow, I reckon, food and drink should be enjoyed slowly and not mere consumed.So, if I could suggest:less for more i.e. have fewer rounds of food and drink but spend better quality time.And yes, faster net is a must!

Going East Malaysia

2008-12-16T07:29:00.011+08:00

First day: 11/12/08 - City Tour - Touch down and on time! Well, that's the feeling of contentment we had. Short-lived, quickly we're dejected by the super slow, as always immigration pain (despite most lanes being manned, it burned 30 minutes of our time). Also, for those first visiting EM, don't be surprised West Malaysians were given mere 3 months staying permit after which, we need to renew the visa given. A big joke?...but apparently for the sake of protecting the locals' interests (really?). Luckily, the KK Tour Car Rental provided prompt service, at reasonable price and a comfortable car. After 25 minutes drive, we checked in the new Mercure Hotel: just operated a few months and located at the one-stop-shopping-dining-staying location 1 Borneo. After a quick tour, we've our lunch at one HK care: nice food and reasonable price. Must try the fish-cheese-based rice! Next stop in city: Bukit Bendera observatory hill: nothing spectacular though. Nearby was the Atkinson Clock Tower: a pure phallic symbol or perhaps an old landmark? Next, the Waterfront: various pubs with lovely view of the ocean, a good pick for after work hang-out, reasonable pricing, expansions underway...just opposite was the Warisan Square: a recent, 3 interlinked shopping-dinning spot. Later we've dinner at Gaya Seafood Restaurant: o.k. food but pricy and definitely lack of varieties (apparently most OOS). The oily rice was tasty though. Next, revisit Waterfront: for some beers and (mine) Irish Eyes. A good start!

Second day: 12/12/08 - Sea Adventure Drive to Jesselton and drop-off our car. Islands hopping begin. The speed boat took about 10 minutes. Two islands hopping at RM27 plus RM12 for life-jacket and snorkeling mask. We opted for Manutik and Manukan Islands, but were quite disappointed as the water was murky and badly polluted. I reckoned 1.5 stars for Manutik compared to Redang 4.5 stars. Also, the service lady at Manutik was extremely bad! And there are no lockers, so have to take care of belongings. Manukan was better at 3.0 stars. The food here? Not sure...but looks crap! A taxi ride from here to Warisan Square (about 4km?) costs you RM10 flat, no meter reading. 1 Borneo provides free shutter buses every hour. We've dinner at 1 Borneo (Oldtown) before watching Keanu Reeves new Matrix alike, "The Day the Earth Stood Still": less fighting scenes but equally breathtaking. Must watch!
Overall, a tiring day! Snorkeling could be better tough! Very hot and got minor sunburned. Almost forgot, be careful when fist-bread-feeding...the fish here could be really rough!
Third day:13/12/08 - Hilly Sightseeing Here we comes Mount KK! About 30 minutes from Mercure, we stopped at Lok Kyun Restaurant for local Tuaran mee: another must try! Another 40 minutes drive took us to Gerai Pekan Nabalu: handicrafts (Bali-like), tees, souvenirs, etc and photo taking. Another 40 minutes drive took us to Ligawa Restaurant: a small restaurant/museum. Old Ma's secret is kept here!!! What's inside???$$$$$$$$ Nearby is the KK Park Walk: nothing special, just walk around to admire the surroundings. After 30 minutes we're at the WW2 Memorial Park: more photo taking. The highlight of today: Poring Canopy Walk and Hot Spring - Fear Factor!
After walking about 500m, the longest canopy walks in Asia? Scary! At hot spring: relaxing but the man-made buts were rather small. Overall, not for phobias of height (canopy walk) and space (tub)...errmmm and I'm both. But just can't miss them. Also, the tub needs 30 minutes to "refill" after flushing the used ones. Even more tiring day! But certainly more enjoyable. Didn't go to the waterfall: too tiring and not enough time!
Fourth day: 14/12/08 - Market Walk Last day at KK, straight to Daya Street Market: Morning Tamu (Pasar), a smaller alike version of Cheras pasar malam: last stop for souvenirs. We've breakfast at Restaurant New Man Tai: Beaufort mee, good food but Tuaran Mee much better. Next, checked out and went to Yayasan KK: a pure for your eyes only government building, wastage of public funds! Have another quick lunch at Lintas "Ka Hiong" mee. The soup is tasty but the mee is standard. Have short rests at friends' house before Lok Kawi Wildlife: mini Zoo Negara...and first time feeding elephants! BTW, they can do snorkeling.
Catch 9.15pm flights to KL. The infamous late prone Airasia has not changed a bit (esp. for evening and late night flights!): 45 minutes delay! Reach home around 2am. Next stop? To catch 7.30am flight to Singapore!!!
Life could be exciting...but certainly tiring! Future trip? The world we're coming!

Mitsubishi in Trouble?

2008-12-09T11:25:00.001+08:00

The Star quoted today, "Win-win for Proton-Mitsubishi?" Apparently, both players are embarking a joint venture on product-collaboration. The agreement spells out:

(1) Proton to rebadge a Mitsubishi for Waja replacement
(2) Mitsubishi to rebadge a Proton and capitalize Proton's untapped markets
(3) Both jointly build a new Proton model
Certainly Proton is again thinking in the myopic zone. And the the heck is Mitsubishi thinking? Well, let's start with the objectives of both car makers. For Proton, the notion was straight forward i.e. to borrow Mitsubishi brand equity and learn from them. For Mitsubishi, (crazy?) to tap into Proton's SEA market. How Mitsubishi is talked to enter into such venture? I'm shocked!
For years, Mitsubishi after-sale services (from Proton) are poor, so poor that I for one, would be discouraged to buy a Lancer despite having an urged feel for it. My gut feel advise me otherwise.

Most of all, I am skeptical that there's much technology transfer here as Mitsubishi, I reckon, will protect its proprietor technologies and therefore most parts will be ready made for Proton to be install. Why Mitsubishi would share the know-how when Proton remains 100% (company) equity? Moreover, both players are slow to innovate new models. Therefore, will Mitsubishi offers the best for Proton when themselves cannot churn new models (technologies) fast enough?
Instead of Mitsubishi reviving Proton's, the latter will most likely to drag its partner hard built brand equity. And how much can Proton helps Mitsubishi in penetrating the SEA market when Proton having trouble to reach a comfortable economies of scale?

Perhaps both players are too desperate at time. For Mitsubishi, the global economic slowdown may press its panic button - find a "reasonable" solution to expand/penetrate new markets for higher turnover before it's too late. While for Proton, the notion of national pride stills prevail. Such deal offers best exit: maintain equity and get an easy-to-deal with partnership.

The fact that Proton's manufacturing quality is low and Mitsubishi expecting to capitalize on the former manufacturing base is pure nonsense. Lancer, perhaps current Mitsubishi best-selling model has been selling at a bargain comparable to Honda and Toyota, yet there's still a long way for Mitsubishi to get into a comfortable position. Ample capacity and cheaper CKD cars do not automatically translate to long-term success! Mitsubishi products' quality perception will suffer, I could bet that.

Will such deal succeed? I seriously doubt ...

Grace of Animatronics...

2008-12-08T19:46:00.001+08:00

The yellow guy from Digi, funny, adorable and instant recall. That's the power of animation branding. Unsurprisingly, deep-pocket telcos including Digi and Maxis have capitalize on the good of animatronics. The whole idea was less with more i.e. spending less on production costs (comparable to human intensive outputs use by Celcom) with maximun exposures. And so far it has been working, and fine it is! Well, the notion of animation was first used as complementary effects to the human based dominated ads. In fact, most ads of today is. However, as animations are increasingly being accepted as norm rather than exceptions, thanks to Steve's Pixar and alike, consumers' acceptance and expectations from animations are, I would say, generally favorable.

To owners, animations are cheaper, ease to manage and control, free of negative influences (unless were put into bad use), highly adaptive and repetitive, creative and 100% owned. Also, it's more environmental friendly!
Yet, if put into bad use, the results could be cheap, bad taste and annoying. It kills your brand. Moreover, good animatronics branding still takes time to build (in contrast to well-known spokepersons) and may project less human touch and difficult to engage consumers. A fad or long trend? Animations are here to stay! Wanna bet?

Bailout Party

2008-12-07T13:51:00.000+08:00

The recent financial turmoil has hit the US Big Three: GM, Ford and Chrysler hard, REAL hard and that's the common propagated notion by the overpaid executives managers from the Big Three. Of course, if these three auto giants were to collapsed, thousands of employees with be out of jobs overnight. Many complementary businesses will suffer. The world economy will take another big blow! The consequences could be unimaginable and hysterical.

Scary! Yet, the episodes since the Big Three lobbying for government supports have been somewhat comical and not so convincing. The latest headline: a massive USD15 billion funds will only be good for a mere 3 months temporary relief i.e. giving up to March 09 for these once darlings of auto industry to find a long-term solution. A long-term solution, in other words, I reckon,buying more time for these blood suckers' executives to launch a final, take-it-or-leave-it massive lobby campaign.
And the time is certainly running out - for Big Three to capitalize on the financial turmoil for personal gains. Don't agree?
Well, even before the brink of collapses, which incidentally exaggerated by the current financial tsunami, the US auto industries were already showing plenty of bad management decisions and poor productions capabilities. Inefficiency and ineffective were breed within. Long the US auto industry has been tailing behind the Japanese manufacturing power. Yet, the US counterparts have not innovated (enough) or initiated any steps to strengthen core competencies or build strategic capabilities, but instead relying on short term exits such as zero interest rate, marketing gimmicks, restructuring and etc.
Bigger is better philosophy for example, caused GM to embark on massive merger and acquisition. The decision was a disaster at the first place, as there was no strategic fit nor provide any competitive edge to GM. Good for eyes only, short term top-lines (sales) were deemed more "strategic" to the management team than long-term profits.
In retrospects, many companies notably Big Three have longed to sign up the bailout party. Anything better than free-to-use public injections? Perhaps, more conspiracy tacticians in making?

The Fury of Nature

2008-12-06T01:46:00.000+08:00

Episodes of landslides have occurred over the past few days. The most recent at Bukit Antarabangsa had, the worst to date, claimed several lives and injured many. Hopefully the matter will be sorted out immediately and our deep condolence to all families.

Life Contract

2008-12-06T00:13:00.000+08:00

Most of my close friends have already signed up for the life contract (mostly volunteer while some err hum.. otherwise). Apart from having a new legal relationship, which I reckon would not have much changes to your everyday life, (except of course when you run into THE unnecessary trouble), the inherent social contract plays a more significant role. Having a life time friend and partner is no easy matter. Everything, well most things, in your life now are as if being shared. Your private spaces are not longer private - bedroom, study desk, bathroom, living room etc are now equally divided between your spouse and yourself. Your families, relatives, friends (+exs) and colleagues are another. Your pets, belongings, activities, interests, incomes, time etc etc are now SHARED!
Privacy is a privilege rather than a right. And if those mentioned are not enough, your long kept-to-yourself bad habits and dark secrets will be gradually but surely exposed to your partner. Scary? For non member yet, you still have the right to choose. Think!
Enough complaints! I'm not suggesting you not to get married. Otherwise, I will be doomed! Having a life partner does have many pluses to your life. You will want to share your thoughts, friendly secrets and interests with her/him. You would want to grow and make a happily ever after family. But I do advise all not to get more than one life contract (at one time), otherwise you may be playing with fire! Remember, fire is your friend only when it is at manageable level. BTW, congratulates Nicholas and Pei Pei! Happily ever after and welcome aboard.

Taken for a Ride!

2008-12-05T03:01:00.001+08:00

There have been 6 "carefully" managed petrol price revisions since the 5th of June this year. Good news but definitely not enough. World petrol prices have remained low and somewhat hit rock bottom over the past few weeks, hovering below US50, yet we STILL do not enjoy our full "rights". We should be paying something around RM1.50 instead of RM1.90 for RON97 NOW. For a NET petrol exporter with unreasonable high cars' duties, such "delaying" tactics employed by the government is unacceptable. In fact, the government has openly announced without slight remorse that our hard earned money is being monetized to improve the nation budget deficit. Really? Spending RM1.5b for some heli craps or purchasing sub-standard public equipments or simply bailing out non-performing GLCs? So what's next? More creative solutions soon purportedly for the good of nation: a dual, flexible and managed mechanism that operates a price floor system when the price is low and a market-based system when the price is high!!! A win-win situation for the government. Monetize us whenever possible!

BTW, reducing your EPF contributions will be converted into more income tax!!! Think again...beware and good luck Malaysians! Fair? Fun-Fair more likes it!

The Rise of Giants

2008-12-05T00:49:00.000+08:00

Proximity, have-it-all-one-stop grocery and shopping experience, good pricing and promotion are similar packages that most, ubiquitous chain hypermarkets would provide today.
In fact, similar chain outlets would share a typical layout and ambient, repetitive tenants and standard products and services. Everything seems too familiar? Yup, we are trained to map every corners, every shops!
The mechanism work so well that we are somewhat addictive to these cues provided, eventually developing a behavioral habit and long-term relationships akin to smokers and cigarettes. Exaggerated? Really? Could we not go to them at least once of week or every fortnight, just to grab something or enjoy our Starbucks or simply take a stroll for window shopping? And once such hard habit established, it would be difficult to knock it off. Admittedly, our addictiveness grow in parallel to the numbers of new outlets opening.
However, as the these "Giants" continue to occupy more of our life, all believing that they would provide only the best services and products to us, are we not gradually limiting the available choices i.e. unconsciously making less decisions on our purchases or where/how we choose to spend our precious times with families and friends?
The point here is, we are now being treated like dogs (remember Pavlov's Dog?), just do it! No questions ask!

Oppss...almost forgotten, I need to go to MY Jusco now! There's something I need to buy... Hahaaaaaaaaaaaa...that's life! And we still believe we make the choices?

Autobots Tranform

2008-12-04T00:03:00.002+08:00

Reincarnation the faith in after-life marvel where we supposedly live many episodes of life, unconsciously, via different bodies or container that keep our souls intact, still have not been scientifically proved. In layman terms, reincarnation is backing up one's hard drive data and simply transferring them to a new casing. The configurations and appearances may differ but internal data (souls) remains intact. And how would that be possible? Think deeper...
Souls is a form of energy! In physics, the law of conversation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but merely
change form. In many instances, there are true accounts of people having vivid past memories or could regress past life under hypnosis or having the mirror resemblance of someone from the past. The Dalai Lama being nicknamed the "Living Buddha" for having such supernatural capabilities, could specifically foretell his reincarnated life before his present life ends.
Reincarnation would then explain karma, where good/bad things being affixed to individuals i.e. for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction (Newton's 3rd Law of Motion). And these "reactions" may or may not come immediately but bad people will get screwed eventually...just wait! So, we just wait and and stay inaction as the accumulated deeds from our past life(s) have already "arranged" A-Z for us?
The good thing is, we have the "power" to change our course of life. Newton's 1st Law of Motion states that every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain unchanged unless an external force is applied to it. IOW, we can change the given state (inertia) by simply acting now. The amount of actions (force) required to change for better or worse would depending on the state of inertia (accumulated deeds). And if we could measure deeds or our actions mathematically, Newton's 2nd Law of Motion would come in handy i.e. Force = Mass x Acceleration. Again, changes may not be immediate but with good actions, do expect good returns...And that virtually explains most things in life! The notion can be further applied to branding as a whole (refer to previous post: Energy of Brands). For a brand to grow i.e. from inaction state, one must apply the necessary force i.e. Force (marketing efforts) = Mass (consumers+employees) x Accelerators (money+time+etc). And to sustain growth, appropriate force needs to be applied over time, otherwise once inertia kicks in, the whole process dies out. Remember the famous quote from Optimus Prime (Transformer)...autobots transform!

Accidental Heroes...Part 2

2008-12-03T11:12:00.002+08:00

Following up my previous post, accidental zeroes are (obviously) characters that symbolize nations in rather negative way. In negative way I perceived the current states of these nations as "messy" in one way of another.
Starting with, anyone, Mr. Bean to your rescue? Haha...more troubles await. Well, Bean character can be summed up as, "a child in grown man's body" (Wikipedia). His episodes are about trivial everyday-problem-solving, laughable acts but mostly disruptive and annoying. Created by himself, Atkinson was born in "Great" Britain (UK). A great nation before, however, after post colonial era, the nation is quickly falling behind US, both politically and economically. Still, UK pride itself as member of G8 (world powerhouse membership), always making boastful but uncalled-for comments, acting and thinking bossy and living isolated from the rest of the world like resisting to fully integrate with EU... haha...another nation living in self-denial zone! Sometime when QE visited US, Bush being himself (a arrogant bastard) has put on the "BOSSINI" shirt, clearly telling the world and pet dog UK that who's in control now. James Bond is fake dude - however, I must admit that I like that part in Quantum of Solace where Bond's lady boss, "M" admitted of not knowing some "NGO" terrorist organizations existed...besides your "guardian-boss-USA". Still, I reckon two supporting life lines are the only reason why the nation still "stand upright" i.e. education and soccer. UK education service provider role is certainly being challenged by US and Australia. On soccer, only the games (EPL) are played at UK but most players are foreign/imported. Once these landscape changes, UK is gone. Anyhow, UK will not regain its past glories unless the nation "grown to become a man" . Will that happen...I can't predict the future but I remembered one episode where apparently lonely Bean is not a earthling, his mirror-alike aliens friends have accidentally left him on earth!
Last but not least, the much waited - M'sia. A country inconsistently pride itself as "Truly Asia" and multi-racial harmonious. So, which character to be honored? Who else but Lat's Kampung Boy. Hilirious, naive (in real world can pretend ler...) and always non-verbal. That's rite a nation with lots of comical political, social and economic events and of no freedom of speech! Haha...Great cartoons...but that's not very tasteful for a nation. For years, before the KLCC, Singaporeans and Honkies have the preconception Malaysian lives on the tree. Sad, but not without valid reason. In the past, it was because the nation poor economic and financial developments but for now, it was the peoples' mentality. The infamous quote "first class infrastructure and third class mentality" still haunts us. Many, despite highly qualified (maybe they buy the credentials hahaaha), still think and opted to think within the box. With many recent, laughable headlines in our newspapers, I couldn't agree more. And the fact that most of these newspapers' articles are managed/approved by the "invisible" hands behind the scene. Once a kampung boy, always a kampung boy? Town boy...not yet, just not yet!

And that conclude my thoughts on accidental heroes and zeroes...Maybe these characters were created with something in mind…perhaps a hidden agenda, a wake up call or simply a well disguised technique (conspiracy theory) to brainwash us when we are young and vulnerable? Well, I certainly agree. How about you?

Accidental Heroes...Part 1

2008-12-01T00:55:00.002+08:00

Cartoons and animations are must-see for every fortunate child but, unsurprisingly also to large pool of die-hard teens and young adults' fans. Hey, me too! During (that) times, where we would virtually live "within" it, mimicking every moves and speeches and daydreaming of becoming THE protagonist(s) and having all the super abilities and gadgets alike.
But unknown for many, I contemplated that there is a significant bond between these characters with nations around the world, rather revealing a funny yet stirring instant for us to ponder. These characters can be reflective to nations' images and attitudes towards each and many times, projecting the nations' current affairs. Crazy me? Read on...
Starting with my best character, the all time can-do-it-problem-solving futuristic cat. Drumming.....the most adoring Mr. Doraemon. And which nation he represents? Yup, you guess correct. Japan: a nation famous of inventions and new gadgets, most notably electronics and consumers' products and the irrefutable trendsetter in many. Incidentally, or maybe it was Mr. Fujiko, who created him in 1969, premonition (drawing the future) or simply his grand vision for Japan to excel in robotics intelligent and rule the world. Yet, today Doraemon has another important task, to which Japan foreign minister said, "Doraemon, I hope you will travel around the world as an anime ambassador to deepen people's understanding of Japan so they will become friends with Japan." Well, definitely another creative mean for good political and economical milestone.
However, despite Doraemon being the master of all gadgets, he is easily intimidated by Mr. Mickey Mouse. Again, Mr. Fujiko may try to tell us something here...Mickey Mouse a product originated from Disney in 1928 and revived in 50s, always projects a happy-go-lucky and friendly image with an instinct of leadership and mediator. Yes, Japan maybe economically strong, but deep down US still command leadership and respect from his counterpart. The irony is, as Mickey becoming less famed so does US. Interlinked fate?
How about China? The nearest choice would be the group of fuwas created for 2008 Beijing Olympics. Not one but five fuwas i.e. five agendas for China. For example, Mr. Jing Jing, the supposedly friendly, charming and blessed panda was special in the sense that despite being navie in appearance, he propagates strength and ambition to achieve economic/politic powerhouse status via harmonious mean plus Chinese optimism and hope for future. Post Olympics, however, has not been as gracious to China as the nation is plagued by natural and man-made disasters like the now uncovered melamine crisis. Perhaps China being endangered likes Panda? Hopefully not...save the the panda (cheerleader) and save the China (world) destiny?
Aforesaid, are accidental heroes...more on accidental zeroes (clowns) next.

A Whole New World Awaits

2008-11-30T07:44:00.000+08:00

So many things too little time...often we would find ourselves unconsciously stranded in work, relationships, education or some combination of said. Being ignorant (as usual, BTW a SOP for BN), we let ourselves being cornered, huh?
The irony is, the opposite holds true when we have so much time, yet nothing (much) to do. Prolonged stresses/depressions would significantly mess up ones' lives - blood pressure, insomnia, lack of appetite, exhaustion, reckless, slothful are just some samples of symptoms that would keep our body and mind overloaded. The after effect? Blaming, cursing, lying, reprimanding and etc - gradually and frantically united against you and trigger a snowball effect (no not Warrent Buffett), so strong that we start realizing something amiss in our lives.
What's wrong with us? Are we wasting our lives doing things that we don't want and don't need? It's too late for change now? In all, lead to "What if only..."
GET REAL! There's no what if as we can't turn back the clock. Johnny Hates Jazz has made that song too well known (unless you are born after 90s, WE getting wiser?) That's it: we can only look forward and forward we go...time spent cannot be retrieved. It's no hard disk but more of flash memory.
But the good news is we can gain something out of nothing i.e. learning a valuable lesson in life - to start appreciating for everthing we had and still having...If we paused further and ponder for a while, try thinking the happier times or reminiscing your fond memories...you will begin smiling and burst into laughter.
After all, we still have ourselves, families, friends, colleagues, pets, belongings and even foes.
The truth is: if we could (yup, we have the liberty to use IF here) just let go - be it reputation, money, power, grades, etc...everything will find it course and certainly looks greener. Remember, we are the ONE like Neo in Matrix. Perceptions are self generated. We make the choice and hold the key to our future. Just pick the route you want most (sacred law of opportunity cost) and bang!
That's doesn't mean we need to sacrifice everything. Just find the delicate balance between all. Easy said than done rite? But I am pretty sure with enough courage and experience we can. The course may be painful and not easy, but that's life. And life goes on no matter what.
So what's for New Year resolution?
Al rite! Just let go and a whole new world awaits us...LIFE SHOULD BE SWEET!!!
True, but I'm still learning...haha....after all I'm only human.

Energy of Branding

2008-11-27T10:47:00.001+08:00

Brand is the deepest yet the most apparent connection that bonds everyone, from everything to almost everything imaginable. Intangible yet compellingly tangible, "it" translates value beyond functional ease and financial security to obscure emotional fulfillment via expressive freedom of individuality, or fuels collection affiliations with alien dissimilarity to becoming single proximity.
We can see and touch its conspicuous presence through exhibition of logo and trademark, sense its enveloping aura of brand affection and exclusivity, listen to its reassuring informative message and smell it users' satisfaction and appreciation.
Brand goodness awards owner with momentous opportunities for growth and profitability. Established brand potency seizes and lock-in prospects, and its inherent flexibility allows visionary owner to prolong and reinforce brand life cycle, indefinitely, sweeping across generations and time. Great brand elevates owner to almost divine status (after all, it is in the beholder's state of mind), which creates and sustains lifetime relations - from fanatical customers to engaged employees to dedicated suppliers. Brand power offers isolate itself from the rest, distancing from the red ocean and making competitions irrelevant (Blue Ocean). There are no boundaries and impossible is nothing but your inhibited state of mind.
Of course, branding goes beyond individuals to organizations to the country as a whole. Good branding efforts would need consistent and years to effect. Branding a nation is, I strongly advocate, the ultimate dreams come true for marketers. Could it be done? Concerted and large amount of resources would first come to mind for this noble and gratifying yet far-reached notion. Of all, I reckon Japan (Korea is catching up fast) is the best branded nation. Be it electronics, cars, food, language, choice of vacation, entertainment, cosmetics, girls (and yup, sex) - Japan has it all. And we keep ponder, how would a nation devastated from war recover and globally position itself? Relentless pursuits by innovative firms/individuals are one, but the right direction, support and incentive given the government are equally, if not more imperative. The government, must leverage the nation resources and shape, layout and manage the national blue print i.e. crafting the grand strategic architecture with a strategic intent (Competing for the future). Next, finding and establishing the right core competencies/capabilities....etc.
But, resources endowment, skills and technologies are often short-lived and non renewable. And how do we overcome that?
Answer to that question, to which Japan (had long being doing) and nation like Korea and Singapore is embarking. Arguably, the cheapest yet fastest route to sustain a grand nation branding effort is ENTERTAINMENT business - notably, the music and movies (M&M) power offers. As the M&M industry is THE workstation for energy to accumulate, prosper and disseminate. People, being a form of energy (bet the producers of Matrix already know...hehe), when reach a number can energize a network effect, so strong that keep the whole value chain rushing and merging into a single brand identity i.e. the spillover effect comes into play. Moreover, the power offers of M&M, aforesaid, have virtually no boundaries, quick to bond and in all highly rewarding.

For the Horde...Self Destruction in Progress

2008-11-26T08:59:00.000+08:00

Once again the pigheaded, self-denial hordes continue to isolate themselves coercing the moderate and progressive group to follow suit or risk to face the action.
On one hand, the (the sleepy) head and (the eradicator) right-hand-"orc" continue to propagate progress and so-called the good-solve-it-all war-chest, there the army of hordes continue to poison every possible windows of opportunities for pure selfish gain. For example, prior to 100% self-denial stage, countless no of "doors" we pinpointed to assure everyone that "ALL MY LOYAL ORCS" were feed properly and no orcs would be left out - all in name of good will and publicity.Then slowly, after much stirring done, the "game" got out of hands and anxiety comes. What now? Internal crisis kicks-in and the orcs started in-fighting. The "elder" now, capitalizing on the advantageous timing comes out from the cave and join the fight. Other allies i.e. non-orcs were left out, where they have their own respective must-do agendas.
How about the spectators? Many being fed-up and start visiting other game outlet...still there are some remain status co either in disbelief, or out-of-my-hands attitude or simply don't care or the best yet already have other future plans, perhaps to give-up membership all together and start a new game?
Don't get me wrong...aforesaid I was merely referring my perspective on warcraft. That's all! YOU maybe thinking too much...
more to come...

Global Tsunami...yet again! (Part 2)

2008-11-26T00:55:00.000+08:00

The recurring pattern of economic distress are much obvious! But then, how many of us are reasonable wise enough to guard against such financial myopia?
The average economic downturn spans around 8 months and recur about every 10 years, according to management Guru Bryant Tracy...despite being a fact that all goes up must eventually comes down, we keep believing that somehow we could beat the market and enjoy prolong financial rewards based on market intelligence - alone.
Of course, luck does play a crucial role - this is 100% fact. I bet most economic giants could not have done this without being somewhat lucky at time. Google was lucky enough to survive and prosper under relatively favorable market conditions (Google Planet).
Perhaps, human are easily tired animals that will stop chasing the cheese once they have reached a comfortable state (of mind)... or we are just bunch of pure ignorance defender? For me, this is my first real encounter of economic tsunami as I was lucky enough to bypass the '97 Asian financial crisis - thanks to Soros and friends! This round, the so called "creative" financial gurus found themselves catching the wild fire (and being burn badly) they once playfully ignited.
Our beloved government is, however, still not or choose not to recognize the impact of worldwide economic pressure. Instead, continue to spend lavishly and "creatively" and fire-fight only when it is already too late and certainly no evident of forward planning...
The present political and economical landscapes are both, mesmerizing and perilous. The domino effect of US financial distress have almost crippled most economies and push panic button as countries are preparing for the worst, pumping large funds into local economies and cutting interest rate to spur growth or at least to mitigate possible recessions. But then again, relatively, our neighboring country is facing even harsher economic cum political setbacks - series of peaceful and violent protests have put the nation in fear and standstills.
Yet, at home we are still being stranded by minor issues from multi-lingual road signage to yoga cum alcohol (why not cigarettes?) ban to petrol price floor to inter/inner parties brawl to inconsistent policies. At large, we are still haunt by concern on people's safety, sound economic correction strategies, employment cum foreigners deployment, racial ties, future political certainty, judiciary reform and so forth. The non-convincing (good money chasing bad money?) RM5billion loan from EPF, government linked companies performance, covert highways/IPPs contracdts remained unresolved and non tranparent.
In all, mounting pressures from all facets can virtually "EAT YOU UP" and chew you into pieces. Therefore, how are we goind to fare this round? God knows...may luck be with us - again.

Paradox of Life?

2008-11-25T17:49:00.001+08:00

The purpose of life?
I was having a leisure-mamak-talk with my childhood buddy a moment ago about working hard to earn and secure a better living vis-a-vis enjoying materialistic satisfaction, both of which most working adults would have found tempted to do while we are STILL young and physically capable.
How about buying a nicer car or long extravagant holidays in Japan or Europe? Or OTOH, save for now for our twilight moments or children education etc?
Or could we have find a fine balance between both?
If life are about making choices, which we decide the seemingly best opportunity cost that fitted us...then the only problem would be knowing the outcome of such decision made. Of course, being human emotion is the only reason that stop us from thinking straight.
But then again, being a marketing/management advocate, I was brainwashed to strategically plan and plan and plan...again a paradox?
Well...after a lengthy 30mins conversation between us, we find no morally or rational solutions.
In the end, perhaps out of desperation, both of us bet on the grand lottery! Buy a hope with minimal investment?
Yes, this may seem to be an act of desperation but really, it is just a act of pacification.
Why think years ahead when we can't even predict tomorrow?

Global Tsunami...yet again! (Part 1)

2008-11-25T08:29:00.003+08:00

How many times do we need to encounter such devastating economic turmoil in our life?
As we becoming more matured (I am still mentally young though)...I am sure we all have different expectations and feelings to this man-made episodes that continue to haunt us about every decade.
Yet do we ever learn that economic life cycles are akin to the natural law of reincarnation.
Remember the aspirational part from "Little Buddha" where the monk demonstrated that water (a form of energy) flows from one substance to another i.e. energy cannot be created but merely being transfer from once to another?
Well...it seems to me that economic conditions have shown somewhat similar attributes...
There are no indefinite success in business as success (being gauged by monetary gains, reputations etc) do not have a finite form i.e. merely transferring stages of energy, which you could manipulate to some certain extent but surely not storing them - forever. It just transfers when the time fits! That's when disruptive changes come in and transfer these success factors to another body (organization) that absorbs such energy. Energy, in all, will be determined by customers i.e the ultimate feeder to energy of life!