A Short Visit to Labuan Island

 I just back from a 2 days’ vacation trip from Labuan island, Malaysia.

The last time I was there for a business trip about 6 years ago. 6 years has past and I noticed nothing much changed in terms of infrastructure and development, perhaps it is just a small island and land size is very limited.

The economy there seems like not as great as 6 years ago. The town is flooded with foreigners and I don’t see much locals there in the town even tomorrow is the National Day. The foreigners I’m talking about are not tourists but foreign workers from neighbor countries especially Philippines. This island town center is flooded with Philippinos, especially when you visiting their local pubs and get non-license taxi, including the waiters, waitresses and PRs. 

Due to inflation and the drop of MYR currency, the so called duty free alcohol is also not as cheap as I thought anymore. But it is still comparatively cheaper compare to the other places in Malaysia. In terms of tourists, I only can see most of them are Bruneians. They are here like me to kill their weekends. I no longer seeing a lot of tourists from western countries and Asians. I don’t know why perhaps not the right timing.

I don’t think I will revisit Labuan again in the near future as I don't find myself enjoying there. However, it’s great to catch up with some friends together with this trip to kill the weekend.

A Real Story about Lee Kuan Yew's Leadership

My friend shared with me about a story of his friend's father 2 weeks ago regarding Singapore first Prime Minister, belated Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's strong leadership.

Back in early 1980s, Brunei is still dominance by United Kingdom. Mr. Lee visited Brunei to discuss about Brunei independence matter with the British. At that time, his friend's father, Lim was working in a Chinese restaurant.

One night, Mr. Lee was having dinner and discussion with the British in that particular restaurant. The British were used to address Lim as 'boy'. When they call boy, it means they want to order something in the restaurant.

Mr. Lee keeps quiet in the first place. When he wants to order something, instead of follow the British, he address Lim as Mr. Lim, and then proceed with the order. The British heard what Mr. Lee conversation, and all went silent for a moment.

No doubt, Lim remembered what Mr. Lee did and the amount of respect He paid to Lim. Lim waited till the children grew up and shared with them about this story as well. And then his son shared with his friends, then to us, and from me to here.

From this story, we learned one of the important leader's traits, show respect first before you deal. I remembered it is being taught in Dale Carnegie's book, address people's name first. :)

I turned 35 Today!

Folks, I have just turned 35 today.

I checked on my last post and I noted that I've about 15 months did not update my blog! My apology for this as somehow I did not take this as my weekly habit anymore.

It is supposed to be a happy event for me. But when I tried to recall what I have done over the past 1 year, my tear is almost drop. A lot of upset things had happened around me.

But it's okay. Let's move on and I'm sure there are a better days to come and we just have to make it through.

Few hours left, I need to treat myself better before it ends. :)