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.

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. :)

Happy New Year 2014

Gosh, time flies and it has been more than a year I didn't update this blog!

New year new resolution? Fuck that. Please don't waste our time by having new year resolution, indeed we just need to do what we want to do!

Happy New Year 2014, folks!

Enterprise Award

I was represented my company to go for our principal Channel Summit in Kuala Lumpur city and received the South East Asia top sales award from the principal last 2 weeks ago. This is my first time to attend such an event and receive such an award. It's a definitely good exposure and experience to me.

The summit was held at a grant hotel in the middle of the city, which the hotel room is impressive. Of course, it is not cheap as well. No doubt, the overall event and workshops were boring to me, as all the sales directors were trying to give marketing talks and statistics to motivate their partners (customer) to sell more. But there are something to learn as well on the other hand, like what are the key point to sell, what is the market direction, etc.

Anyway, my company was awarded with the top sales based on last year revenue performance. It is proud to represent my company to receive this most valuable award, and follow by a media release in the local newspaper. 

IT industry is very competitive, especially for the hardware manufacturer giant like Dell, HP and IBM. They keep acquiring other smaller companies to make them stronger in terms of solution and revenue. For system integrator like us, it may be a good news, as we can sell more under one single solution provider. 

The stiff competition also reminded me that I cannot just stay as where I am today, even though I'm still a lot behind the schedule. I must continuously create value for myself, my company and also the society. It sounds like a never ending tough life. But if you think it has a lot of fun, then it will be. Cheers.

Father's Day

It's Father's Day today. Are you celebrating with your father today?

Father, he is a very special person to me, not only because he is my father, but what he has sacrificed for my brother and me. 

I remembered when I was very young, around 5-6 years old, my family is very poor. My dad worked as a car sales man where my mum is a housewife. 

We used to gather at my grandma's house during weekend. In one of the weekends, my cousin's parents bought a new robot toy to him. The robot is just the latest cartoon shown on the TV that time. I did not know how much it costs during that time. He was very happy and play with it the entire day. My brother and I were so envy about it by watching him to play it. 

After we are looking at the robot for a couple of hours, my cousin invited us to play along. But we did not know the cousin's parents dislike what we are doing. They complained to our parents. My dad did not say anything, but immediately bring us to the supermarket to buy the new robot to us to play. So eventually we are playing the 2 robots in the same shelter. My brother and I were so happy because this is the first robot we owned. 

After that, I got to know from my mum that the robot is quite expensive. Since we know we are poor, my brother and I never requested our parents to buy any toy for us. Perhaps that's why I remembered this case the most in my mind. Of course, I also remembered he sacrificing a lot to my family and myself.

My dad is 65 year old this year. Due to a serious business failure in his early 50's, he still need to work 7 days a week for a living of my family although his remaining debts are cleared. I felt very sorry that I'm helpless, yet to success in career/wealth and unable to bring him any comfortable life right now. 

As I'm working in the neighbor country and I unable to celebrate father's day with him today, I've transmitted some money to my brother to arrange a celebration program for him. I hope he enjoys his day.

Happy father's day, dad.

Stress Release With Pillow Fight?

Are you feeling stress from your work? I'm very stress this entire week. I released my stress via listening to music and share my stress with my close friends.

Is there a better way? Well, if you are in one of the happening cities, may be you can participate Pillow Fights.

Pillow Fights is held every 2nd April in certain countries.

In this day, you can hit the person you don't like, hit the opponent you like, hit the stranger as crazy as you want. It seems to have a lot of fun. The smile from the everybody's mouth is so real.

It's too bad that it is only held once a year. If you missed it, perhaps you need to wait till 2nd April next year, or organize your own stress release day with your friends and colleagues. 

Ah ha, I pity the cleaners who will need to clean tonnes of furs and pillow after the event.

Have a nice weekend, folks!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Okay, tomorrow is Chinese New Year (CNY) for 2011, which is the time to say good bye to Tiger and welcome Rabbit.

CNY, also called Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. Perhaps you know that I'm a Chinese, a Malaysian Chinese. 

It's a cheerful festival and positive for the local economy. This is because people will pour out their money to buy presents, decoration, material, food, and clothing. It is also the tradition that every family thoroughly cleans the house to sweep away any ill-fortune in hopes to make way for good incoming luck.

On the Eve of CNY, supper is a feast with families. Almost the best food will be served and normally people enjoy it at home. I've back to my hometown on yesterday and I had my great dinner with my family just now, despite I'm not in the mood of celebrating CNY due to an crucial career issue that bothering me too much. My mum was not with us for dinner today, as she went back to her hometown on yesterday evening to attend my grandma's sudden funeral today. I would like to accompany her but the flight is full due to CNY festival.

There are too many bad news surrounding me and I've no choice but to bring them to 'celebrate' 2011's CNY. This should be the worst CNY to me so far, as of 31 years old. Well, sometimes, it's depend on how we see and think about the bad things happen around us. If we see them as an opportunities and lessons for us, we can move forward and grow better easily. Yes, I would like to do so.

The Chinese New Year tradition is a great way to reconcile, forgetting all grudges, and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone. So I think I'll be doing good and overcome all the grudges. 

I also want to borrow this opportunity to wish all Chinese readers a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year. May you and your loved one enjoy good health and happiness always.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Wow, again, time flew like a rocket, it's Christmas, and New Year is around the corner! I believe some of you are already enjoying your Christmas celebration or on vacation now. Most importantly, we utilize these precious time to be with our families, relatives and friends. 

If you are still working in the city, perhaps you should give a call to your parents and close friends to wish them and you will be blessed definitely.

For those who don't have programme but chose to stay at home, no worry, I'm with you. Enjoy yourself with Facebook, YouTube, online movie, and of course, reading blogs. Whatever you want to do. Remember, you are not along.

Finally, may joy and happiness snow on you, may the bells jingle for you and may Santa be extra good to you. Once again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, folks!

Octoberfest Beer Celebration In The House

It's Octoberfest beer celebration in the country! The event is organized by Guiness Anchor Ltd. Yes, as usual, I missed it. But it's consider lucky that many local bloggers are sharing their photos in the event. I just picked one of the best bloggers photos for our pleasure view.

Perhaps I should put my own photos celebrating with my friends next year. Let's see.

iPhone 4 Finally On Sale In Malaysia

Why everybody is talking about iPhone 4? The other phones can just put aside huh? It seems like becomes the fact in Malaysia. A continue success for Apple and Steve Jobs!

To grab this business opportunity, DiGi and Maxis have finally come out plans to attract subscribers today. I am expecting good sales for them, as everyone love iPhone 4 so much. I hope it won't be crazy like the crowd queuing in UK or US! 

Soon or later, everyone will be holding iPhone 4 in Malaysia.

Based on the DiGi iPhone 4 and Maxis iPhone 4 plans comparison, picking either DiGi iPhone or Maxis iPhone plan  is almost no-brainer. DiGi iPhone plans offer more Internet data usage, double free SMS and MMS at a lower monthly subscription fee, although free voice calls is less than Maxis. What gives DiGi as a winner is the “Free Internet usage after monthly quota is exceeded”. Meaning, you can unlimited Internet usage! For existing iPhone user, DiGi offers unlimited Internet usage at only RM58 per month if you switch to DiGi Postpaid.

As for Maxis, if you do not want to tied with 24 months contract, then your only choice is Maxis iPhone plans. All DiGi iPhone plans are 24 months contract.

So Digi or Maxis? Or iPhone from China? Your choice. But I hope we won't become the idiot in the video clip below. Have a nice weekend, folks!

Guinness Arthur's Day Special

Do you know that Guinness will be having a world celebration for Guinness Arthur's Day starting at 5.59pm on 23rd September, 2010 (Thu)? They are once again celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Arthur Guinness. May be you want to join!

Prior to the celebration, perhaps we can sit back and enjoy a banned advertisement below. We also can try it on the celebration day. Let me see, yes, most probably you will need 1 female, 1 to 2 male friends, and of course as many bottles of Guinness as you like!



Like others say, For Arthur!

Selamat Hari Raya!

Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends and readers! Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

Wow, I feel so relax since yesterday! I'm going to have 4 consecutive days public holidays to do my own things. I remembered I was spending my Raya holidays at my hometown last year. It was fun. I will see what can I do to spend my 4 days holidays. How about you?

Once again, happy holiday!

World Cup 2010 Betting - Part II

Apparently, the traffics after 7.15pm are greatly reduced since last weekend. I feel great when I went out to buy things, because it really save me a lot of time without queuing in the jam!

It looks like not much surprise in the first round, most of the matches were predictable. Perhaps a lot of people winning? Of course, there were some glitches occurred, like Brazil only managed to take down North Korea with 2-1, which sounds like playing cheat, where Swiss took down Spain by 1-0. What a surprise!

Apart from some little surprises, there were also some fools messed up their team's future in the World Cup, like Robert Green, the Nigerian flying kick to Greece player and made him has the chance to display his world-class acting quality, as well as South Korean and Denmark creative own goals.

Whatever it is, 2nd round matches are ongoing since yesterday. It will be more excited as the team needs to be work harder to get qualify. Argentina managed to insult South Korea with 4-1 on last night, which put them back to the position where they were. Tonight matches are very though, will England stunt Algeria? Let's see, it is very interesting.

How's my online competition betting result and ranking so far? It's sad to say my result was not that satisfying. This is because of the tumbling of South Korea and France on last night, my ranking was dropped quite badly. Perhaps I will work harder today to push myself into 100. 

My updated ranking as of 19th June, 2010.

Happy World Cup month, folks!

World Cup 2010 Betting

After a long waiting for 4 years, it's time for World Cup this month, folks. I'm too excited about it, even though my country is not part of the participants. Anyway, I just worry and wonder about the physical security of the matches held in South Africa. Hope everything will be fine.

When we talk about World Cup, a lot of people, especially men are betting money on it. I don't know why, some of them said that they can make money while enjoying the match, some of them are just betting to increase the excitement of the match watching. To me, I refrain from betting World Cup. This is because I'm too lazy to do homework and I just have no luck. I suffered huge loss from the previous World Cup games. I guess I need to put a stop on it this time.

I believe it is boring if I just watch it for nothing. Okay, if you are the same like me, perhaps we can do something about it. We can try to join some online competition, and we still can bet the matches to win some prizes for ourselves. AsianBookie.com, as usual, is offering it's World Cup competition through it's web site, by allowing us to bet all the matches, with handicap and over/under bet. The winner will gets USD300 from Ladbrokes, following by the other 24 winners with some consolation USDs. You may check out the prize yourself. 

If you really want to bet online, perhaps you can try bet365.com, it is giving away bonus up to USD200 for new customer who deposit USD25 and above. Please take note that Bet365.com did not pay me to advertise this, but I was bet365.com customer before and I'm very satisfied with their services.

I have joined and playing this game since 2002, but as I said, I've no luck to be the winner yet. Let's see what's my luck this year. I've placed my bet for today's 2 matches, as follows:

So what you waiting for? Have fun betting and good luck!

Free Trip to Adelaide, Australia

Thousands apology that I'm skipping my blog post for more than a week. I've my reasons to do so, so please forgive me.

Back to my topic, are you interested to visit Adelaide, Australia with your love one for FREE? 

I'm not kidding, Adelaide Tourism and Malaysia Airline are work in hand to give out free trip to Adelaide with 3 nights accommodation. Before that, you just have to be the winner of the self-drive challenge. I believe it won't be too hard, if you use a touch screen to play, of course with the answer ready.

The best record so far is 49.xx seconds. I did in a manual way with the answers ready, the fastest I can go is about 51.xx seconds only. To surpass it, you really need a touch screen.

What are you waiting for, go play it now!

Good luck!

Happy Tiger Year!

Gee, I've been too busy to prepare what is necessary for the coming Chinese New Year in my hometown these few days. My sincere apology that there were no blog post in the past few days. So, how about you? Are you busy too? 

I don’t know why, I’ve been suffering quite many bad things since the beginning of year 2010. Perhaps Tiger year is a challenge year for me? How about you? Are you running any good luck so far? Well, whatever it is, I just want to borrow this opportunity to wish you, Happy Chinese Yew Year! 

Farewell to the 'Bull' year, and welcome for the 'Tiger' year.

For those who gambling, I wish you win a lot of money. For those who visit friends and relatives house, I wish you get a lot of 'Ang Pow' with big value inside. For those who back to hometown, gather and celebrate CNY with their family, wish you have an enjoyable and memorable holiday. For those who want a rest after some hard works, here's the opportunity for you.

And finally, happy reading, folks!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Hey guys, Valentine's day is coming in less than 3 weeks, have you think of what to present to your partner? Sometimes, you will get bored if you keep doing the same time. Well, if you yet to come across any idea, perhaps some simple ideas below can help you out, at least for the coming Valentine day.

Anyway, you should aware that gift is just an object, your sincerity is the message you want to deliver to her, isn't it? Perhaps we don't really need to spend much about it, and we can do something different this year. Let's see.

1. Flowers

Are flowers the indispensable gift for Valentine day? If yes, perhaps you don't really have to buy. How about DIY? Perhaps you just need to buy color papers and ribbons and you MAKE IT YOURSELF. No time to do it? In fact, you just need 15 mins to show your sincerity. Try this.

If it is too simple, just think of how to improve it. Good luck.

2. Cloth

As you know Valentine's day will be crashed with Chinese New Year, we can do some combos here. How about buying a Cheong Sam for her? It cost less than RM50 per piece here. Perhaps she can wear your Valentine's day gift to celebrate Chinese New Year. So every Chinese New Year will be her Valentine day by wearing your Valentine's day gift.

3. Video

Well, we don't need a talent to make a video. It's pretty simple. All you just need is some preparation and practice. Perhaps you can just borrow a digital camera from your friend, sing a love song with guitar, or say something you want to tell her from your heart, and send the video to her on Valentine day. Something like this, but I'm sure you will be better than him. ;)

If you dare enough, just upload to Facebook and let her proud of your daring.

4. Fine Meal

You don't have to really go to up-market restaurant every year. How about cook a simple lunch or dinner for her for this year?

No idea what to cook? Perhaps you can refer some delicious Valentine's day recipes here.

5. Blog

How about create a blog for her, and write down all the history you both went through from the first day, or post about her favorite in the blog. It's totally free. All you need it's recall you thinking and time to write it.

Okay, these are the simple ideas that I want to share with you. I hope they are not too lousy. Perhaps you will have a better one by now. No matter what gift is it, the most important thing is you do it sincerely. Good luck!

Wait, how about Valentine's day gift for guys? I would say any idea will do, as long as not the ideas above. ;)

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The Charm of Women's Cup

Yes, we all are aware that business owners should be creative when it comes to business idea and generate more profits for the retails, especially on marketing. I used to respect those who are creative in business idea.

This morning, I was kind of surprised when I heard one of the night clubs in Singapore came out with an idea to attract customers and in hope of boost up the revenue. They night club organized an event themed "Fill My Cups". So, what is it about?

The rule is easy. Women will be offered with free drinks according to the cup size of their bra. Woman with A cup would get 1 free drink, while with B cup would obtain 2 drinks and C cup with 3 glasses. Woman with D cup would be given a bottle of alcoholic drink worth SGD168.

What the heck is this idea? How do they measure women's cup size? Take off their bra and let the bartender to measure? Okay sorry, perhaps I concerned too much how it works. With this idea, I would agreed that it may attract a lot of male customers. However, will it be embarrassed for those women only taking 1 cup of drink in their hands?

So, please tell me how many cups this lady can get?

On the other hand, I'm interested to know. If you are a D-cup female, will you support this event and get your SGD168 free drink?

New Year New Resolution

Happy new year 2010, folks! How was your new year eve celebration? Did you notice any uncivilized reveler again? I hope not. Well, my 2010 new year eve celebration is pretty simple, compare to the previous one. But I did enjoy it very much.

People always say, new year with new resolutions. Yes, indeed these new resolutions are very important for us to make ourselves better and more success as a person. When I review my last year resolutions, I was surprised that I able to achieve 4 out of 7 resolutions. I felt so great to be honest, for the first time I achieved such a high percentage. Anyway, it doesn't mean I was a loser before this, I think I was just being lazy.

So, have you set your new resolutions? As usual, I've placed 7 new resolutions for myself this year. Some of them are very hard to achieve, and some of them just need some patient and time to achieve. I won't share them with you, because I'm just too shy to do so. ;) If you have no idea what to set yet, perhaps the ideas below will help you out and you may add them into your list.

10. Workout something for your house

Just to learn some basic DIY to increase your advantages.

9. Read a big book

To increase your knowledge without going out there, one of the ways is to read a book. There are so many great books around, perhaps you can just try at least one as a start?

8. Make an appointment with old friends

Lost touch with many old friends? Time to reconnect them. Try using Facebook at least.

7. Attend a seminar

Don't like to attend any seminar? If you want to expand your network, it is the best event to get to know people. Just try once for this year and see how it goes.

6. Devote more time to your hobbies

Too busy for your work/wife/girl friend/family/friends? Do you still remember you have a hobby? it is more fulfilling way to spend your time than doing nothing, yeah.

5. Body workout

Are you getting fatter? or busy working with no exercise for ages? For your healthy life and live inexpensively, you really need to set a workout routine to follow.

4. Open an savings or investment account

Over spending all the while or don't know what to invest your money? Time to do some savings and investment. You just need to plan and start it. Get a financial planner for an advice if necessary. If you interested to invest in local share market, do read my financial blog. :)

3. Conquer a fear

Cannot get a girl friend or a happier life because of fear? Everyone has fear of one kind and another, overcoming them can be a great challenge. So are you ready for a battle?

2. Help someone else

There are always many people around who need help, so don't be selfish. We are trying to make the world better for everyone else. I guess not many people put this resolution in their list. Perhaps you would like to volunteer this year.

1. Travel to a new destination

Travel is a good activity to broaden your horizons, explore new place with better travel experience. In the advent of Air Asia low air fares, we can really fly to many places and countries we want. Love it.

Are these resolutions sound excited to you? What do you have to suggest? Well, I hope you like it. Placing a resolution is good start, but it is more important to implement it!

Again, happy new year 2010, and wishing you the best of everything, folks!

Last Christmas

Merry Christmas to you, folks! What a wonderful Christmas Eve I have. I went to dental clinic and suffered for more than an hour in the noon, in terms of physical and wallet. How about yours?

So, have you heard a Christmas song, named Last Christmas? In fact, I have heard many versions about this song, but the best version I ever heard is .......The Beatles version. It's really relax and cheer me up when I hear it.

Ah ha, I'm sharing it with you below. ;)

I really hope you can enjoy it. May joy and happiness snow on you, may the bells jingle for you and may Santa be extra good to you! Merry Christmas, folks!