23 December 2008

R.AGE March Forward Aftermath

23rd of November. It’s an ordinary Sunday, but at the same time, unlike the others.

I have taken part in a workshop organized by the R.AGE The Star, entitled ‘The March Forward’. At first, what goes in my mind was, ‘hmm, will this workshop be some boring, long-winded lectures? No..It’s Sunday..this is the only day which I can sleep without listening to the stupid alarm clock!”. However, with the continuous encouragement and persuasion from my parents, finally I decided to give it a chance, by sacrificing my lovely Sunday.

You know, sometimes life just gives you a twist, and a surprise will just leaps out right from the corner. For instance, this workshop is the most vivid example I could possibly give. I went there with an exhausting body, as I had to take a taxi from Cheras, all the way to Menara Star. As my trial exam is approaching soon, I actually didn’t have enough of sleep when I had to wake up as early as 7am. Nevertheless, I would say that this is one of the best workshops I have ever attended.

The workshop kicked off with the very first session, “Leadership is YOU”, conducted by an awesome and eloquent speaker, Mr. Roshan. There was something special which I would like to note down. Usually, discussion about leadership-building will begin with the jaw-dropping achievements of the speaker; whilst for this, Mr. Roshan started with his failures. Yes, you got it right. FAILURES. He said something significant about failures, “Why do we fall? So that we could pick ourselves up. Only through failures, we will be able to learn the lessons and morals, and grow up by knowing what are the mistakes which we have made, and avoiding them in the future”.

Then, he continued with the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which is a characteristics-testing module. He explained that we as human will make preferences in our attitudes and thinking. He gave us a simple test, by asking us to write our names with the hand we are most comfortable in. After that, write with the other hand (If you started with your right hand, then now use left hand, and vice-versa). Then he asked, “Could you read both handwritings?” “Yes, sure” answered us in unanimous. “If you guys start to practice with your most uncomfortable hand, in 5 or 10 years time, can you write as good as your comfortable hand? Yes, you can. Same goes with characters. You might prefer to be an introvert, but when there is time requires you to speak up, you have to be bold and confident enough. This is an extrovert characteristic. There is no right and wrong here. But, you got to learn to balance to be successful in life as both characteristics have the positive sides.”

First session was so encouraging and exciting. My heart began to feel happy as the willingness to come began to triumph over the laziness of waking up in a Sunday morning.

Second session was conducted by a humourous image consultant, Ms. Wendy Lee. She began by calling up some of the participants to the small stage and asked us to give them the role they could play based on their outer appearances. Surprisingly, we actually judged a person within seconds and co-related a person’s outer image with his/her profession, or even characteristics. She shared about tips and tricks on grooming ourselves well when we are about to attempt for job opportunities. She even told us, “When you don’t pay attention on your image, no matter how good you are, the employer-to-be will eventually leave a bad first impression and sub-consciously find faults on you”.

For me, this session had given me a great impact and somehow cleared up my doubts and ignorance in image-building. I was shocked when I heard that our first impression could actually be a determining factor in job interviews, promotion, and even salary increments.

Thirdly, it was a session about acing an interview and polishing up resume-writing skill. I had been wondering for a long time on the recipes to write an eye-catching resume and the dos and don’ts during an interview. Therefore, I anticipated this session when I came to the workshop. There was a mock interview between Hui Ming, an ex-employee of General Electric’s and a participant. After the brief interview, she told us what we should avoid when we are in the process, such as raising the issue of salary during an interview and nervous whenever a question is asked. Talking about resume, there are no rigid rules which we should really abide by. We ought to put up our strengths before our weaknesses, so that we could leave a good impression.

Last but not least, we did have a game. We were divided into six groups, each with 9 people. I was elected to become the group leader and led them to play the game. We were instructed to build a strong and tall building. However, at the middle of the game, some additional tasks were given. Although in the end our structure collapsed, we actually learnt a lot from this game itself. For instance, the ‘additional tasks’, as explained by the game coordinator, Hui Ming, were some attractions appeared in the middle of your efforts towards realizing your main goals. Many fresh graduates had actually sidelined their main goals due to those ‘extra tasks’ and eventually couldn’t meet the employer’s expectation.

In conclusion, this Sunday would not be meaningful had I not come to this workshop. For me, it was pretty worthwhile to sacrifice a Sunday, but be better-prepared for tomorrow.

19 November 2008

专才与30%的感想

专才与30%的感想
阅读了明意的《30%的迷思》,和鹏程的《以诚意留住专才》,心中突感纳闷。其实,不用明说,大家也心知肚明,若要留住专才,那所需的诚意,首先就是摒弃30%的迷思。
文中提到,前首相敦马哈迪所发表的“有脑、无脑论”,笔者这里发表下个人之浅见。前阵子读到了快乐星期天的专题-“回流”,看到杨丕亮医生在爱尔兰闯出了一番事业,并且还获得激光名医的赏识。可是,当他回国后,却遭受到不怎么令人满意和愉快的制度与工作环境。专才遭到国内种种的限制,又怎能把责任统统推给肯回国服务的人才?
此外,明意也提到,许多的外国公司,也因为我国存在着某些“特殊国情根基”,而必须保护某方的利益,而宁愿到领国去。在全球化的冲击下,每个国家皆注重外资的注入,并且致力引进外国专才,以带动国内各领域的发展。令人啼笑皆非的的是,我国竟为了保护国人,而坚持不引进外国专家来大马,反之,则引进熟练与半熟练的外劳。犹记得《家好月圆》里,荷妈说过,“棒下出孝子”。这句话,若放在仍然摆脱不了“拐杖文化”的国度里,依然管用。
上一回,笔者还在网上,(boston.com)里阅读了篇关于美国顶级大学如,哈佛、耶鲁、和史丹福皆为了竞相获得优秀学生,派代表到中国大陆,举办数学和物理、生物、化学等比赛。哈佛入学遴选官员,威廉还说,“这是让我们的学生知道,现在的教育,是要和全世界的学生竞争”。所以,当我们还在质疑英国泰晤士的世界大学排名时,我们还需要想,为何我国专才会宁愿出国发展吗?
当我们看见玛拉工艺大学连10%的学额都不要开放给非土著,我们还奢望我国的教育水平可以到达什么程度?
当我们看见一个个专才离开大马,到国外发展,我们可曾想过,是他们不爱国,自私自利,抑或是国家先是抛弃了他们,而伤心离别?
当我们看见邻国在进步,外资不断涌入,我们又有想过,为什么我们拥有那么多天然资源,那么多土地,为何依然落人后?
当我们正懊恼如何提升国内金融体系,为什么没想过我们曾拱手让出了许多精英给外国?
但愿,在最近UPSR高中状元的学弟、妹们,不会是将来在报章上控诉公共服务局的优秀生。

刊登于2008年11月20日星洲日报《言论》版

19 October 2008

Global Peace Festival 2008

"One family under God"-Aju!

This is the phrase which I will remember for the rest of my life. I took part in the Global Peace Festival 2008, which begins on 17th of Oct-19th of Oct. For the past 19 years, I will say that this is one of the events which have really touched my soul deeply.

On the 17th, I went to University Malaya to participate the International University Students Assembly(IUSA). It was a really great opportunity to be able to meet up with student representatives from Thailand,Cambodia,Hong Kong, Germany, Japan, and of course some local public universities students.

There is one Thai girl whom, I think is the best acquaintance I have ever made in this grand event. Her name is Chanintorn Pensute, in short, I will call her Chen. She has completed her undergrads in Political Studies, and now going to continue on her Master programme in London School of Economics(LSE). She is nice and polite, and also knowledgeable as well.(pretty, 4gt to mention. ^^)

Not to forget also, Aom, Proke, Natda, Kao(Thailand),Ken(Germany), Michi(Japan), Jimmy(Hong Kong) and Alvin(Brunei). For sure I will remember u guys forever.

On the 18th, I went to Taman Bukit Angkasa, Kg. Kerinchi to do a voluntary community service project, under the name of "Services for Peace and Unity". This is my very first experience in doing voluntary work, and it made me feel so contented and rewarded. Due to insufficient manpower, I was called up to be the team leader of Group 38(there are 62 groups, each carries around 20-30 members). I have to distribute the t-shirts, then write down my members' name and bring them to our assigned location, Block 15.

I gave instructions and helped in getting the equipments ready for my members. I had to listen to the Tok, which is the Head of Block 15. We had to scrap of the rust, clean the corridors, and paint the poles. Although it was exhausting, I was pretty enjoying it. I brought my members some drinks to quench their thirst when they were working. In fact, I felt touched as each one of us, worked together, regardless of races and religions. Guess this is the main message conveyed by this project.

Towards the end, I met the Co-Chairman of Universal Peace Federation(UPF) and the founder of this Global Peace Festival, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon. He completed his undergrads in University of Columbia, and a MBA from Harvard Business School. He then completed his Ph.D in a Korea university. He is an inspiring and aspiring leader, in having the 'biggest dream of all'-to create a family under God.

On the 19th, which is towards the end of this meaningful event, I went to Bkt.Jalil to join the celebration. I personally think that this event is just to raise fund in providing monetary aid for this GPF 2008. It's not as fun as the previous days, mainly because i believe that the people present there today couldnt really understand the key themes and the core values proposed by Dr.Hyun. They are just shouting, waving and enjoying the celebration, due to the fact that there are some celebrities coming over to perform.

I was really heavy-hearted when I had to say good-bye to my international friends. Though it was just a 3-days event, for me, it had given me the chance to know more people and gain the valuable experience of doing voluntary service.

The question is, when the GPF 2008 ends, does the passionate slogan, "One Family Under God" remains as a slogan? How do we promote the culture of service and peace as a student? Guess these are the two main questions we'll have to reflect and think about it.

[See you guys in GPF 2009 Thailand!!]

Appreciated by CAP Director of Malaysia, Mr. Nicholas Lee Chee Kuan, and was posted on the official blog of GPF Malaysia.

13 October 2008

秋叶,
潇潇落下;
柳枝,
轻轻点水;

湾桥上的浪者,
俯视倒影的;
一个,
熟悉的面孔,
陌生的感觉。

天涯深处,
乍见的群雁,
海中央,
鱼群的飘游,

一时之间,
竟仿佛,
听见了内在的呐喊,
一缕害怕孤寂的心灵。

继续,
寻觅一个,

芳草绽放,
春意盈满的一刻。

11 October 2008

THE-QS Top 200 University Ranking 2008

Based on this recent university ranking table, once again, Malaysia universities are nowhere to be seen.

While our neighbour, who left us in 1965, managed to enlist two universities into the ranking table. Although we could say that ranking is not everything, at least, it is a good guiding tool for the students to evaluate.

However, i will still sincerely hope that any of our public universities, be it UM, USM(The Apex), or UKM, to squeeze into top 200 in the future.

And, for my friends, check this out. Hope it will provide as a useful guidance to choose the institution which u find it best suits u. ^^

01 October 2008

A Forgiving Festival

Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir Batin..

Today, the Muslims will celebrate Hari Raya. the Chinese and the Indians will be having a two-day public holidays.

With the current unstable political and economical scenario, this festive season seems to provide a temporary shelter for the nation to rest and relax. Today, nobody shall call other races penumpang, nobody shall question the privileges of the "aborigines".

Today, is a day where we just go and have fun. Eat all you can in all sorts of kenduri. Pay a visit to your Malay friends.

Forget about the 916 power transition plan. It's lost its charisma. It is now no more than a joke we discuss in kopitiam. Anyway, perhaps Anwar is playing with his grandson right now.

Whether Abdullah will step down and hand over the PM post to Najib, to fulfill the prophecy of RAHMAN, this is not supposed to be discussed today. Both of them maybe still joke around in the PM's public kenduri.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

29 September 2008

Top 10 Forbes Billionaires of the Year 2008

No.1
Warren Buffett
Origins: USA
Age: 77
Wealth: USD620 billion

No.2
Carlos Slim Helu
Origins: Mexico
Age: 68
Wealth: USD600 billion

No.3
Bill Gates
Origins: USA
Age: 52
Wealth: USD580 billion

No.4
Lakshmi Mittal
Origins: India
Age: 57
Wealth: USD450 billion

No.5
Mukesh Ambani
Origins: India
Age: 50
Wealth: USD430 billion

No.6
Anil Ambani
Origins: India
Age: 48
Wealth: USD420 billion

No.7
Ingvar Kamprad
Origins: Sweden
Age: 81
Wealth: USD310 billion

No.8
KP Singh
Origins: India
Age: 76
Wealth: USD360 billion

No.9
Oleg Deripaska
Origins: Russia
Age: 40
Wealth: USD280 billion

No.10
Karl Albrecht
Origins: Germany
Age: 88
Wealth: USD270 billion

07 September 2008

It's Too Late to Apologise

It's too late to apologise. Really, it's too late.

I was listening to the song composed by One Republic, whilst reading a piece of article on The Stars, about the recent racist remark by Ahmad Ismail. (Don't know who is him? Yea, he shouldn't be that well-known after all..^^)

Never mind, as a responsible and rational blogger, I think I should talk about him a little. Well, he is nothing more than a typical inconsiderate and brainless politician. An UMNO leader(is he one?)-Bukit bendera UMNO chief.

He made a statement on Aug 23, (I am not putting words into his mouth), that the Chinese are squatters or immigrant or pendatang . Then, he disappeared in thin air. When he came back, he tried to deny his words, by giving an unreasonable excuse-that the statement is made merely because he is pointing out the status of the Chinese during pre-merdeka period.

However, maybe he has forgotten about this. Let me do the job of reminding him. Our country has just celebrated the 51st National Day on Aug 31. All the races have walked through hard and happy times for half a century. Wonder why would he mentioned something long time ago? (Weird, huh?)

And now, after stating a such controversial remark, he doesn't even plan to say sorry, but instead,he points his fingers towards the media. From here, we could see, he is hardly a leader, or even a responsible normal being.

While all the politicians are trying their best to overcome the racial problems, inequalities of sharing in economy and education, and public resentment, this man is ruining up everything by just using his words.

How could UMNO still accept his apology, oh no, i forgot, his "well-prepared" and "nicely-phrased" explanation, I should say. This is totally ridiculous. Frankly speaking, from pre-merdeka period until now, the Chinese is the pillar of our nation economy. Without the Chinese, Malaysia economy might still stagnate, and at the most deal with the lembu and kerbau, or the bayam and ubi.

I really couldn't figure out why he would make such a nonsensical and meaningless statement. To gain support from the radical Malays? To be well-known for the coming General Assembly of UMNO?

This is just a person's remark. It has raised up the dissatisfaction and anger of the Chinese. And how about, BTN(Biro Tatanegara)? Have you heard before?

Well, BTN is an organization or more precisely a governmental department. It's role is to brainwash our young brilliant brains(I mean the JPA scholars) before they leave for overseas.

For your information, i received an email of a resentful mother sharing about what's her daughter undergoing while attending the JPA briefing.

The bumi-s and the non-bumis are separated during the briefing session. They will tell the scholars that the non-bumis are merely immigrants (they seem to have forgotten that the Malays are actually from Yunan province as well). The non-bumis should be thankful and be contented of having the rights to earn a living on this land-Malaysia. A land where we now begin to doubt its maturity level of thinking and the advancement level it can reach by 2020.

They were even being told that they shouldn't complain about the ratio of 90:10 for the JPA Overseas Scholarship. They shouldn't agree with the proposal of opening 10% of the seats for non-bumis in UiTM.

Every year there are thousands over students being brainwashed in such a ridiculous way. And, there are thousands more to come next years. The government should realise about this and the consequences of getting this going on. But, any action has been taken?

As usual, none at all.

How are we going to expect our nation to become the economy and education hub of Asian regions when many out there are still living in the lullaby entitled "Ketuanan Melayu"?

What can we foresee in the next 10 years? A developed nation as promised? or a nation devastated by some wrong perceptions or ideologies uphold by the radical ones?

01 September 2008

十字路口-崎岖梦想路

2007年,SPM成绩放榜。 成绩满意之际,梦想放大了。申请的奖学金,个个石沉大海,音讯全无。对JPA的期望,也是那个时候开始失望。

2008年,仍然考着A水平。 参与了大马学生领袖峰会,认识了一些朋友。 突然之间,埋藏在心底的梦想,再次被唤醒。 原来,人生并不是那么悲观的。 原来,要实现梦想,是要经过一些磨炼的。 没有人的梦想,能够在弹指之间,实现的。有的话,也是异常幸运,命运超好的。

可是,十字路口,总是阶段性的出现,事隔1年,一切的犹豫、彷徨,再次浮现眼前。人家告诉我去申请英国大学,但必须通过UCAS。UCAS是什么东西? 如何申请? 到底什么时候是截止日期?如何撰写Personal Statement?这一切,必须一人包办。 去找Uni Ed 或者MABECS,原来还有很多手续。 有位朋友找了我,建议我去放胆搏一搏去申请Cambridge 或者Oxford。看了看手续费,大概需要RM400多左右。我又彷徨了。

上网去找了很多关于奖学金的资讯。 我也感到欣慰,原来有许多肯协助学弟妹的学长。我也电邮了Tony Pua,他也介绍了我去看他的网站。他分享了一些申请的方式,在Oxford几年的生活点滴,及一些鼓励的忠告。

这一次,回到家,看见父母俩的白发,似乎多了很多。不知是我眼花,抑或是时间的催促。突然,感觉得到,他们为了我的教育经费,折腾了那么多年。 当年选择报读A水平,已经花了一笔钱。我想,若成绩真的不达到我的目标,真的白费了他们的心机。 回想一年前,就因为以为SPM的成绩算不错了,以为能够申请奖学金,一圆出国留学的美梦,并且可以减轻他们的负担。怎知,事与愿违。但愿,今次,不再会历史重演。

不过,我再也不会像上一次那样怨天尤人。 因为,现在的我深信,只要肯努力,只要肯低头,只要肯开口,只要脸皮厚一些,崎岖的梦想路,应该可以被开辟的!

~~不要理会成功前的辛苦,却要知道成功后的果实~~

30 August 2008

从峇东埔看国家政治局势

安华以狂风扫落叶之势,高姿态在峇东埔补选中胜出。15671的多数票,很显然的,华语能力,并不是选民所要看的选项之一。
国阵以为打出华语牌,能够拉拢华裔选民的选票。国阵更以为,打出赛夫牌,能够让选民唾弃安华。但,成绩显示,国阵的算盘,不仅打错,而且还同时让安华得利。
这一次的挫折,有一点儿理所当然,或者更贴切地说,是预料中事。纵然如此,这一次,或多或少也会使阿都拉和纳吉的声望下跌。长远来看,这一次的败选对国阵来说,存在着一定的危机。
从这样的战绩来看,可以说的是,峇东埔的选民的政治智慧已经超越了语言能力和种族利益不同的鸿沟,从而遴选出一位,以目前来看,具备富国强民、创造国家美好将来的代议士。
虽说如此,安华916的计划,能否如愿达成,也还是个未知数。毕竟,现在的他,只是跨过了自己的区域的考验。回想当年安华当教育部长时的所作所为,全国的华裔选民对他或许还有所保留。
还有,身为公正党的领袖,凭着在308大选里获得最多国会议席的反对党,理应是顺利成章成为反对党的大哥。但,能否说服人民行动党和回教党,也是个必须顾虑到的问题。这将是反对阵线的一项重要指标。一个迈向成熟政治的里程碑。
此外,现在也应该是时候国阵成员党,认真思考未来的方向及定位。而身为国阵龙头的巫统,也要检讨目前的政治议程和政党理念是否还与时并进。从选票的流向,又可以看出什么?这是国阵败选后,必须立即给予解决方案的问题。
国家独立了51年,表面上的独立,又是否标示着政经文教各领域的独立呢?从奖学金的分配、玛拉工艺大学的名额、国立大学的遴选制度、经济蛋糕的份额、到政治的参与,我们可看出,原来一切仍然还有很大的进步空间。
2003年,当阿都拉受委任为首相,承诺了打击贪污与罪案,结果2004年的大选,国阵大胜。来到2008年的大选,却演变成308政治海啸。这一切,国阵成员党必须好好坐下来,谈一谈如何重获民心。
想一想,或许这次的政治变天,未必是件坏事。这不但能够促使真真的民主政治的诞生,而且也让我国的人民思维,有了成长的机会。

23 August 2008

The Holidays

How I wish to have a nice and enjoyable holidays. Almost every time when holidays come, i make that statement, however, until the day when school reopens, i will say the same thing again-what a boring holiday!

This one-week holidays, I spent the first few days by going back to my hometown in Ipoh. Nothing special, but to visit my grandparents, and to satisfy my ever-hungry stomach. The place is like before, no significant changes. Only my grandparents are getting older and weaker. Time flies. Time waits for no man. "Wooh!!"-I exclaimed and sighed-and began to picture how are my parents and myself going to be in the next decades.

Plus, I went to MABECS. A Malaysia-British Educational Agent. Only now I got to know about UCAS. Only now I got to know that studying in UK is no more a dream. There was once I got very dejected and extremely down. Nevertheless, with luck and efforts, once again, I dare to say that my dream of setting my feet on the land of Europe might well become true. After one year of studies and knowing more friends, I have grown up and changed my mindset. I am a totally different person by now.

Besides, I have got my computer problem settled. And, u guys, whoever is reading this piece of article, trust me, get a DELL computer if u ever want to get a new laptop. First, the quality is proven to be state-of-the-art. Second, the design is sophisicated. Thirdly, and this is the most important point has to be remembered-the technical support and service provided by DELL is just good-thumbs up!

The remaining days, I spent it in the usual way-sleep, eat and play. Nothing much to be discussed. I supposed, most of my classmates did the three things in a row as well. XD

09 August 2008

2008 年北京奥运会

看了昨晚第二十九届奥运会的开幕礼,突然,内心抽了一抽,眼睛也酸了一酸。中华民族百年奥运梦终于在走过风风雨雨后,在绚彩夺目的烟花下,实现了。

心情久久无法平复。并不是因为北京奥运会开幕典礼搞得如此成功,而是当我回看,看着中国如何在七年内完成如此浩大的“鸟巢”,看着中国如何顶着世界,尤其是西方国家的鄙视和压力,看着中国如何因藏独事件,惹来抵制北京奥运会的危机,而慢慢,一步步走向昨晚的开幕典礼。油然间,感觉得到中华民族那不屈不饶的精神,并没有因困难而低头,反而还因此,向世界证明了北京申办奥运的实力。

中华民族五千年的文化精粹、人文修养、琴棋书画,都在张艺谋的巧妙安排之下,浓缩成一场艺术盛会,来呈现给老外。唐宋元明清的礼乐之邦,统统以最完美的方式,以最创意的形式,让世界了解到中国文化最美好的地方。

最为人津津乐道的是,当体操金牌得主-李宁手上拿着一把火炬,被钢线吊着,然后绕着体育场绕跑一圈,而后就点燃起大火炬的奥运圣火。这,象征着中国,一路走来,跌跌撞撞,终于能够点燃心中那股澎湃。

[同一个世界,同一个梦想]

Malaysian Student Leaders Summit 2008

It has been a week since i came back from this event. Although it was tiring, but it was really enjoyable and fun.

I have never expected that such grand event could really be held in such a successful way. Over 700 Malaysian students, either studying in overseas or in local, gathered together to discuss about the key problems which we are facing right now.

This is really a rewarding experience, by getting to know that there are actually so many scholars out there, regardless of races, age, and languages, are willing to bring up the "unspeakable" issues in Malaysia, such as Social Contract, Civil Service, Education and Judiciary System.

Plus, I got the chance to know so many scholars, be it JPA, Telekom, Bank Negara, Yayasan UEM, Petronas or even self-funded(FAMA)-'father mother' scholarship, from diversifying fields, namely, Economics, Political Studies, Dentistry, Engineering, Law, Social Science, Doctor and so on. I personally feel honoured and interesting to talk to them, as most of them are older than me, and have been to overseas for years. It's really different if u can go to study abroad. The perspectives u have will surely be different and varied from countries to countries.

After meeting them in this summit, I felt that nothing is impossible. I mean, I have actually met a guy who has failed to secured a JPA scholarship, and he worked hard for his STPM, and finally he made it! He has been offered a scholarship to study in University of Manchester, UK for accounting and finance. And some of them who didnt get any scholarship, still they managed to make a name for themselves by working hard. (UK, wait for me, i will be there!!)


To sign off, i hope that the annual MSLS will be held again!! See u guys in a year time. May all of u good luck in your future undertakings!

27 July 2008

Lessons from the Future

It has been some times ago when i posted up an English article on my blog..haha..so today, i will bring u(my blog readers), a special review on a new non-fiction book, written by a futurist, Wolfgang Grulke.

As we can see, with the fuel price hiking up to RM2.70 per litre, and the Consumer Price Index(CPI) has rose to 7.7%, way higher than the predicted 6.6% to 7.0%, one day u might see that there will be tens of thousands unsold goods in hypermarkets. If this continues, the national economy structure will collapse.

So, this futurist gives us some professional insights, on how to survive in the next century.

1st lesson:
Skills vs Knowledge
The world is marching into a knowledge-based economic model. The people are paying more attention on knowledge in book, but neglect the importance of having the proper skills to practice the theory.

2nd lesson:
Bye-Bye IT, Welcome Bio-technology
At the brink of 21st century, we witnessed the IT revolution has sweeped the whole world into the "world of chips and binary". But, in the next 20-50 years, we could see the bio-technology as the second revolution. Our era has a paradigm shift into genetic engineering, and GM food. Plus, from the Human Genome Project developed by the States, we can see the future belongs to Biotechnology.

3rd lesson:
Self-controlled Economic Model
Everyday, most of the people are facing multiple choices to be made. So, the personal financial planning based economy will be a huge transform from the past centred-controlled economic model. This occurs mainly due to the easy access into the Internet and wide range of communication method that we can see today. That's explain why the new friends network website, Facebook creator is just a 23-year-old young adults, and he is one of the richest man in the world.

4rd lesson:
Leadership quality in demands
With the increasingly complicated enterprising structure, leadership quality is no more an advantage for a worker. It is a MUST. This is because the CEO of the company is not going to become the one and only decision-maker.

5rd lesson:
The Butterfly Effect

The physicist defined this as "the unpredictable, the unthinkable, the unexplainable situation". The unknown is where the chances or opportunities lie. We cannot rely on our past experience totally to predict what will happen in the future. This is because in the past 10 years and the coming 10 years are actually changing faster than we could have ever imagined. Think out of the box is going to be the motto of success, rather than "experience is the mirror for today."

6th lesson:
Humility is the best policy
Keep yourself humble. Figure out the worst situation that could have happened in every decision u made. Learn new and practical things fast. Try to "see the future".

7th lesson:
The Blue Ocean Strategy
Imagine this, you are a fish, in a blue ocean, there is a place where u can have many food. So, as time goes by, more fish come over. And, when the supply is not enough, competition will begin. They kill each other. This is the analogy for the Red Ocean Phenomena.
The solution, try to look for another place for food. This will in turn brings out a higher surviving probability.


[Adapted and modified from Sinchew Business]

20 July 2008

这是一个文明的时代?这是一个野蛮的时代?

昨日,观赏了直播的第二届世界华语大专辩论赛。正反两方,各具论点、论证。唇枪舌剑,气势高昂,在可观程度上,的确比当天安华与沙比尔的油价之辩,好看多了。

辩题是:这是一个文明时代?这是一个野蛮时代?

在这里,纯粹以个人之浅见,献一献丑。

时代,就是一个至少有十年光景的一段时日。任何一种的时代,都将会留下自己的影响力,继而让下一个时代的人,在思想、行动、以至价值观都会有所牵连。进入审题的阶段,我们来看看,何谓文明?而何谓野蛮?

我们一直都认为,我们活在一个文明的时代。我们朝着现代民主制度、采用更开放的施政方案、甚至在司法、教育等领域都以自己认为最文明的方式,改进、改良。可是,在眼前所展现的一切,我们不得不承认,当我们正以为我们正活在文明当中,实际上却走向后头,回去蛮荒时期、石器时代的野蛮。

911的世贸恐怖袭击、03年的伊拉克战争、韩国人质被杀害、韩国学生于06年在california tech. 射杀一位学生,然后自尽。这是几宗较为人知的国际事件。若看最近,由于高油价时代以及粮食荒时代的降临,各国也接二连三出现政局不稳定,经济架构脆弱的危机。

纵然有法律与宪法的限制与约束,但,走法律漏洞的人,也不计其数。甚至是受过高等教育的精英分子,也不例外。攫夺案、强奸案、打劫案,也与日俱增。这难否是个文明的时代?

但是,若我们直截了当否定了文明的存在,也谓不智。因为就是文明的存在,我们才得以看到自由民主的伸张,我们也才能领悟到司法独立的重要性,我们方能以本身的能力,来省思、反思、斟酌现今的局势,来创建一个美好的乌托邦。

可是,这些的一切,就如身为反方的中国苏州大学的二辩所说,“一个时代,我们必须拥有第三者来判断,可是这是人类自己主宰的时代,并没有所谓的第三只眼。”所以,我能说的是,这并不是一个文明,抑或是野蛮的时代。这是一个混浊的时代。

其实,这辩题,只能从现实层面,或是价值观层面来辩下去。但,我在这里是讨论。因此也没有必要去选一个立场。

说实在,我们所处的这个时代,不外是如《双城记》里所说,“这是一个最好的时代,也是一个最坏的时代”我们这个年代,可说是一个尴尬的时代。我们自己也活在文明与野蛮的矛盾里面。当我们越以为摒弃了野蛮的兽性,我们看见的是,我们其实越把那压抑的野蛮,展现出来。否则,为何野蛮的言论能够在文明的国会里出现?当我们看见台湾立法委员扔椅子时,我们又看见了什么?

这辩题,也实实在在地解释了我国的趋势。我们正以为我们朝着2020宏愿,但是,当我们抽身出来一看,我们看见的是,种族狭隘观、朋党主义、拜金主义、狂妄自大、利益瓜葛、权力斗争、黑金政治。。。。。。

13 July 2008

心·印

彷徨,
一时之间,仿佛,
不再理智的书写。
迷茫于雾,
看不见的隐约。

不累的继续徒步,
纵然,脚步渐渐沉重,
依旧,
向前方的未知,
投下那颗久违的感觉。

梦中,
片片画面,
似乎暗示着,
月老的劳心,和
丘比特的捣蛋。

蓦然,
不需回首,彼此,
也感应了,疑惑了许久的端望。
印在心中的半段情,
也莫名的寻觅着。

那暗藏着的明朗,
也许,
像月夜许下的山盟,
却不知,
何时才能实行的海誓。

刻在三生石的约定,
尘封的心,
那似曾相识的情,
好比陌生路人,
一见如故,
对望,
微了一笑。

12 July 2008

人生如戏,戏如人生

其实在我还没有进入正题之前,我想说说一两句。 从我那篇《大马政治前景》的留言人数来看,我真想说,“大马政治已经演变成中华京剧了!”同辈们原来不再如此热衷于政治的发展与影响。还有一位在我部落格路过的友人,还笑着和我说,“一看你的标题,我就没兴趣再看下去。” 我除了感叹岁月不留人,再也没什么可以说了。

但是,我不得不提的是,大马的政治,自从308的海啸后,从此永无安宁之日。更为好笑的是,我国政治,也慢慢成为了一场高潮迭起的电影了。 若说2007是大马观光年,我说2008是大马电影年。

《水浒传》-南宋末年,政治腐败,官逼民反。3月8日,从此在“今日历史”中,除了是三八妇女节外,也是国阵有史以来最差的胜战。

《公子多情》-尊贵的副首相,纳吉,成了家,立了室,却惊传与Altantuya有染。难道,英雄真的自古难过美人关?

《断背山〉-前副首相,安华又再次被人起诉鸡奸。98年的鸡奸罪,已经几乎击垮他的政治生涯,莫非他这次又来?相信他为了重夺中央,也应该不太会有时间搞断背。

〈不能说的秘密〉-私家侦探的法定宣誓书,于23小时内突然改口。而且还改的南轩北辙。而后,一家五口突然失踪,自己去报案。然后,连自己也不见了。(有点儿穿插〈人间蒸发〉的情节。最近流行电影合并吧)

一连串的电影情节,一时之间,可真是目不暇给。依据这样的情节发展下去,很可能〈廉政ICAC〉、〈法政先锋〉等连续剧也会展现眼前。

人生如戏,戏如人生啊!

29 June 2008

大马政治前景

纵观整个局势,大马政治格局,正酝酿着前所未有的震荡。

华人中的大哥,马华总会长黄家定,突然宣布不再蝉联,与副手,前交通部长陈广才双双光荣引退。
而当中被受看好的接棒人,非现任交通部长翁诗杰莫属。引领全马华人的总舵手龙头宝座,势必令党内副总会长虎视眈眈。在不久的党选,必定掀起一股滔天大浪。

身为国阵三大成员党之一的国大党,其青年团也突然有四位领袖宣布退出政党。

而国阵大哥,巫统更是有“山雨欲来风满楼”的险峻景象。公正党青年团主席依占重投巫统怀抱。还有,众多巫统区域领袖也多番恳求我国首相阿都拉卸下巫统党主席一职。前任首相,马哈迪医生更孤注一掷,以退党为筹码,逼使阿都拉退位。拨开云雾,似乎副首相纳吉要成为第六任首相的梦想,应该在不久后就能实现了。

公正党幕后主席,安华自被解放出来后,一直对当年被马哈迪以莫须有的罪名,而身陷牢狱之灾耿耿于怀。这一次,经过308的政治海啸后,民联在历史上首次一夺五州政权,让他看见了翻身的希望。他更放出豪言,于本年9月16日一定能重夺中央政权。

(但是,亲爱的华裔同胞,可别忘了1987年的茅草行动,以及当年身为教育部长的安华,企图灭掉华教的阴谋。)

沙巴进步党党主席杨德利,也突然放话,即将退出国阵。而至于是否加入民联,或者成立独立政党,则是有待商讨。此话一出,沙巴政局又出现了新面貌。又传,数位进步党议员将要跳槽过去民联。

(实情是,在这308大选中,沙巴与砂拉越不仅为国阵暂时稳住中央政权,甚至同时粉碎民联欲在如此好时机一夺中央的美梦。因此,有了本钱,说话的声量也大了些。)

在这时候,首相似乎顿时成了杯中的惊弓之鸟。一点风吹草动,就起鸡皮疙瘩。敌我不分,谁是知己,谁是异己,一时间也分不清楚。这不但对我国政治发展造成不良发育,还会引起骨牌效应。从朝夕令改的政策,可见一斑。

22 June 2008

Political Turmoil

It has been 3 months after the 308 election.

However, what could we see now is nothing more than a unconvincing political arena. And, with the recent fuel price hike, our politics seem to be more complicated than ever before.

Let's see what is going on in Malaysia.

1. Former deputy prime minister, and the de facto leader of PKR(Parti Keadilan Rakyat), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is openly gathering his own supporters, and vowing that he might be able to become the next Prime Minister in September.

2. Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, has criticised Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in public and media, and the critics are getting hotter as the coalition party lost its 2/3 majority in the 308 general elections. Recently, he even threatened Pak Lah to resign from the PM post by leaving UMNO.

3. The sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh is lost when the International Judiciary Court announced that Pulau Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore. This brings down the credibility of PM as public begins to question what has the government done to take care strategic islands.

4. Due to recent increase in international oil price, the government has no choice but to increase our petrol price from RM 1.92 per litre to RM 2.70 per litre. Obviously, this has arouse the dissatisfaction amongst the public. The central government led by Pak Lah is once again in crisis.

5. SAPP president, Datuk Yong Teck Lee, a son of former timber tycoon, with a total of 29 members of council have agreed to raise a no-confidence motion against PM. Undoubtedly, this will split up the unity amongst the component parties under Barisan National.


After 308, 5 states have lost to Barisan Rakyat for the first time in Malaysia history, and frankly speaking, without the support given by the people in East Malaysia, Barisan National might not even be the governing party.

And, all of us know that most of the political leaders, are more interested in own political interests than national or party agendas. Therefore, it's not surprising when there are rumours that some of BN members become "political frogs"- leaping from BN to BR(Barisan Rakyat).

Now, our beloved PM, cannot do anything but to "receive orders from the majority". He is in a situation where he couldn't even figure out who is his enemy and who is his alliance. This is sad. This is pathetic.

But, this is politics. Welcome to Malaysia politics.

15 June 2008

薰衣草

那天,
我遇见了薰衣草。

优柔的浅紫色,
对映着蔚蓝的天空,
诉说着微微细语,
一个不言而喻的和谐。

那难忘的芬芳,
促使我嗅觉顿失,
只知道,
徜徉在道路旁,
任由香粉麻醉自己。

时间与空间,
似乎同时心灵感应,
停住了,

我继续活在那香醇的记忆。

字,
不再清楚,
语,
不再清晰,
思,
不再逻辑。

此刻,
惟有那颤抖的心,
理智地指引,
该走的路线。

06 June 2008

Great time for Sports!!


This year, two great world sports events will be held in two different continents.

Let us welcome the approaching sports event-Euro 2008. This event will surely stimulate the adrenaline and boost the passion within those soccer fans. The Euro 2008 will be held in two countries, namely Austria and Switzerland, from 7th of June to 29th of June. There are 16 teams which took part in this event.

Personally, i support Spain. Rock'em all...(Don't ever ask me why)


For the other one, it's the Olympics Game which is held every 4 year. This year, the dragon of the Asia will be the host, welcoming every athletes from all around the world, to compete internationally. For once, Beijing was thought impossible to hold such a grand event. But, now with the "bird nest" and the "water cube" being built magnificently, i suppose, there should not be any objection, questioning the ability of China government.

[No sport, No life!!]

~~luminodreamer89~~

04 June 2008

Today's Travel: Prague, Czech Republic- Where history and culture meet

Dobrý den( "Good day" or "hello" in Czech)

Welcome back to Today's Travel, my friends. Today, I will bring you guys to Prague.

A historical city which was under the "iron curtain" of Soviet Union for the past decades, now has transformed herself to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. A terminal for the history and the culture to meet. Have some cool pics to share over here...enjoy..^^


Vltava river


Charles Bridge


Prague Castle at night


St.Vitus Cathedral


The Astronomical Clock


Milunić and Gehry's Dancing House


Wenceslas Square and National Museum at night.

01 June 2008

Wish You Were Here

How I wish,
you were here,
to enjoy the scene,
of a sun sets right beyond the horizon,
together.

How I wish,
you were here,
to embrace the air,
of the breathe of love,
together.

How I wish,
you were here,
to gaze the sky,
of a night full of twinkling stars,
together.

How I wish,
you were here,
to chase after the water flows,
of the fond memories we had,
together.

How I wish,
you were here,
to touch the lips,
of our both,
together.

How I wish,
you were here.

26 May 2008

Today's Travel: Ireland-Haven of Peace and Tranquility

Haileo('Hi' in Irish),
Let's enjoy some of the beautiful and majestic scenic views in Ireland.
As it is said that,
once visited Ireland, is never forgotten.


Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's most impressive archaeological sites


Spectacular Tory Island, Dun Balair


Ashford Castle in County Mayo - built in 1715, now a 5 star hotel


Fascinating Beaghmore Stone Circles date from the Bronze Age


Bowl of heartening Irish Stew

[Images adapted from www.lonelyplanet.com]

25 May 2008

Of A Single Moment

I remembered,
the moment
when the sea is calm,
when the land is strong
when the wind is soft.

I remembered,
the moment,
when tsunami hits Acheh,
when earthquake shakes Sichuan,
when Nargis strikes Myanmar.

The second before,
we are there.
The second after,
we aren't there.

Reminisce the good days,
Cherish the sweet moments.
Embrace the future.

P/s: with these several lines, hope that the everyone out there would appreciate the beauty of life
and send my deepest condolences to the victims of the natural disasters mentioned above.

梦的哲学故事

有位秀才第三次进京赶考,住在一个经常住的店里。考试前两天他做了三个梦,第一个
梦是梦到自己在墙上种白菜,第二个梦是下雨天,他戴了斗笠
还打伞,第三个梦是梦到跟心爱的表妹脱光了衣服躺在一起,但是背靠着背。
这三个梦似乎有些深意,秀才第二天就赶紧去找算命的解梦。算命的一听,连拍大腿说:"
你还是回家吧。你想想,高墙上种菜不是白费劲吗?戴斗笠打
雨伞不是多此一举吗?跟表妹都脱光了躺在一张床上了,却背靠背,不是没戏吗?"
秀才一听,心灰意冷,回店收拾包袱准备回家。店老板非常奇怪,问:"不是明天才考试吗
,今天你怎么就回乡了?"秀才如此这般说了一番,店老板乐了
:"哟,我也会解梦的。我倒觉得,你这次一定要留下来。你想想,墙上种菜不是高种吗?
戴斗笠打伞不是说明你这次有备无患吗?跟你表妹脱光了背靠
靠躺在床上,不是说明你翻身的时候就要到了吗?"
秀才一听,更有道理,于是精神振奋地参加考试,居然中了个探花。

[Adapted from chinese.cari.com.my]

24 May 2008

優秀生何去何從?

優秀生不被重視的新聞,每一年都在重演。真正促使筆者撰下此文的原因,是筆者當年亦是在公共服務局的雙重標準下的受害者。因此,看到這兩位優異生的報導,他們的無奈與失望,筆者在感同身受之餘,也深表同情。

當年,筆者也考獲10科1A、1科2A的成績。原以為經過一番寒窗苦讀,能一圓出國留學的美夢,無奈,事與 願違。經過了一輪面試之後,獲知不被錄取的消息,當時的心情簡直是直跌谷底。當然,筆者當然也沒放棄過上訴的機會。猶記得,當時筆者還與父親一起乘搭輕快 鐵到安邦路的馬華大廈,就為了親手呈交那一份上訴表格。最後,還是一樣沒被錄取。自問什麼管道都已嘗試,結局依然,筆者唯有無語問蒼天,接受了。

公共服務局每年都增加海外獎學金的名額,考試局也同時每年提升考獲佳績的人數,讓大眾感到疑惑的是,這到底是我國學生越來越聰明,抑或是現在的政府考試水準愈來愈低呢?

在此膽敢請問教育部官員一句話,相信這也是許多優異生與家長們的疑問:到底公共服務局海外獎學金那70%學業、30%家庭背景、10%課外活動及10%面試的錄取標準,有多少巴仙的錄取是真正依照標準行事的?

某位優秀生的父親曾說過這麼一段話:“根據申請表格的要求,誠實地呈報家長的收入,卻因此失去競爭力,很多人未據實呈報收入,反而佔優勢”。可想而知,當那位家長說出這一番話時,他的心是那麼的痛。若是如此,所謂30%的家庭背景,還管用嗎?

未來,人力資源乃會成為國家發展的基石與資產。許多諸如澳洲、美歐、新加坡、台灣等先進國家和地區,皆競相吸納各國精英,反而我國還在繼續忽視優秀生的控訴。但願我國政府能夠善用人才,免得人才流失後才來懊悔。

刊登于5月24日星洲日报《言路》

22 May 2008

UEFA Champions League 2008 Finals

Bravo!! Manchester United has defeated Chelsea in an All-England UEFA Champions League Finals in a breathtaking penalty shootout. The final scores resulted in a so-near-yet-so-far 6-5 after both teams tied at 1-1.

This "clash of the giants" has been highly anticipated even before the match kicks-off. According to a poll which was announced earlier before the match on Sports Center ESPN, Man.U has a slightly high percentage(55.6%) of winning this match, compared to Chelsea, with(44.4%). And, The results proved that.

The song of victory was composed by Man.U Cristiano Ronaldo at the 26' minutes. A nice, perfectly-timed cross by Paul Scholes from the right, into the penalty box, and the unmarked C.Ronaldo leaped high and did a well-practiced and skillful header. This left the stunned Petr Cech, doing nothing and just barely staring at the ball to roll into the net.

And, there are severals nice teamworks from Man.U, where they created numerous scoring opportunity. There was one when Rooney made a long-cross almost from the mid-field to C.Ronaldo, which was just outside the opponent's penalty box. This was extraordinarily superb.

Then, at the 45' minutes, Chelsea finally saw a glint of hope, when Frank Lampard scored the equalising goal. The ball shot by Didier Drogba(if i m not mistaken), hit Brown and Ferdinand, and bounced to an unmarked Lampard, and he made it.

The scores went on to a 1-1 tie.

Avram Grant commiserates with his skipper.

After the 90-minutes game, with an extra time given, here comes the exciting penalty shootout. Ironically, the person who scored the opening goal of the match, missed the penalty. While for Chelsea, this was really not their day. John Terry was able to tricked Van de Sar to the right, while he shot to the left, but the ball didn't go into the net, but instead hit the post. For N.Anelka, Van de Sar once again proved his goalkeeping skill and managed to catch the ball. The match has a result. It's 6-5.

Congratulations, Red Devils!

[The Devils Roar!]

~~luminodreamer89~~

19 May 2008

Thomas Cup 2008 Finals Results & Analysis

Although Korea stepped into the Thomas Cup finals by defeating the host, Indonesia with a surprising victory(3-0), it still fails to claim the Cup. China, with her powerful and skillful squad, claims to be the champion of the game once again, by defeating the Korean 3-1.

At the beginning of the game, Korea has been widely criticized for its strategy by losing game after game in the preliminary round to avoid an early meeting with China. However, this is a team match. There is no rule that said such strategy cannot be used. The strategy spells its effectiveness by sending Denmark and Indonesia, each at quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively back home.

Let us talk about the finals.

1st Singles: Lin Dan(China) vs Park Sung Hwan(Korea)
Scores:
10-21, 21-18, 21-8

Due to a delayed telecast on RTM 1, i have almost missed the first game. So, it's not appropriate for me to comment on the first game. When it comes to second game, we can actually see that Lin Dan regained his "usual" form, which he used psychological strategy and his fierce and incredible smashes. But, Park put on a good fight, and unfortunately, he lost by 3 points and lighted up some hopes for the Chinese by bringing the first match into the rubber game. In the 3rd game, it is quite obvious that Park has lost his tricky net-plays and his placings. He could have reached his tiredness. And that gives China to cling the first point.

1st Doubles: Cai Yun-Fu Hai Feng(China) vs Lee Yong Dae-Jung Jae Sung(Korea)
Scores:
23-25, 16-21

Honestly, this is the best game i have ever watched in this Thomas Cup(as long as there is a live telecast on RTM 1). Both pairs ranked the 2nd and the 3rd best men doubles in the world. And, their performances proved that. Both pairs demonstrate the legendary speed and power in the first game. Fu Hai Feng is really great at his killer-jumping smash. However, the Korean, Jung is exceptionally outstanding in defense and placings. These two men with their counterparts bring the game to a breath-taking 23-25 scores. For the second game, the shuttle swirled at an average speed of 200km/h. The Korean pair is good in net-plays and smashes. Whenever there is a chance to smash, the chance will be grabbed in hands immediately. This rekindles the hope of the Korean to win the cup by snatching the first point from the Chinese.


2nd Singles: Bao Chun Lai(China) vs Lee Hyun-Il(Korea)
Scores:
28-26, 21-11

After gaining victory in their first doubles, the point now ties at 1-1. Therefore, the Korean and the Chinese want to gain the second point from this singles. The first game was indeed interesting. Bao, with his towering heights, can easily change the direction of the shuttle and thus bring him some winning points, nevertheless, Lee, with his marvelous net-plays and lobs, often tricked Bao. But, when they come to the second game, Lee is obviously too exhausted to run for the shuttle and this gives an advantage to Bao. The result? China gains the second point, and makes it to 2-1.

2nd Doubles: Xie Zhong Bo-Guo Zhen Dong(China) vs Lee Jae Jin-Hwang Ji Man(Korea)
Scores:
21-12, 19-21, 21-12

I still remember how this Chinese pair lost to our Malaysian pair, Zakry-Abdul Latiff. However, when this Chinese doubles plays on court with the Korean, they are still at the same level, but the Korean pair's speed and power are comparatively less effective. The Korean pair's placings are considered okay, but their smashes are indeed less powerful. Although they managed to drag the Chinese to the 3rd game, that doesn't stop China from taking the Thomas Cup back home once again.

If possible, I will write a post commenting our Malaysian badminton team's performance. Till we meet.

~~luminodreamer89~~


18 May 2008

September Morning

The sun,
lines of magnificent lights,
rise from the horizon,
break the silent dawn.

Leaves fall,
slow but calm,
on the solemn path,
of a lonely traveler.

September breeze,
blowing a tinge of remorse,
a momentary sadness,
in the right chamber of his heart.

He traced,
nothing more than a piece of indistinct memory
he observed,
nothing more than a scene of hazy vision.

Touching Moment

A touching ad about concerning cancer patient...


When lizards are in love...

17 May 2008

Quote of the Day

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.

Source:[A Tale of Two Cities] by Charles Dickens

16 May 2008

710

These are some pictures i took around my house...at 7.10pm(that's how the title comes!!)^~^right-hand-corner...UFO or Bird?
Layers of amazing and soul-calming clouds....
Moonlight river? Or moon amidst the clouds?
When clouds turn into phoenix..

soaring clouds...

Album of the Week



Album title

Before the confirmation of the official title, the album was planned to be named That Chick, a reference to one of the album tracks. The album name means "(E) Emancipation (=) equals (MC) Mariah Carey (²) to the second power". It is a play on Einstein's famous mass–energy equivalence formula and is the sequel to her 2005 album, The Emancipation of Mimi.


Track listing

  1. "Migrate"(featuring T-Pain) (Carey, Hills, Belawa Muhammad, Faheem "T-Pain" Najm) - 4:18
  2. "Touch My Body" (Carey, Crystal "Cri$tyle" Johnson, Nash, Stewart) - 3:25
  3. "Cruise Control" (featuring Damian Marley) (Carey, Dupri, Johnson, Damian Marley, Seal) - 3:33
  4. "I Stay In Love" (Carey, Cox, Kasseem Dean, Adonis Shropshire) - 3:32
  5. "Side Effects" (featuring Young Jeezy) (Carey, J. Jenkins, Johnson, Storch) - 4:22
  6. "I'm That Chick" (Johnta Austin, Carey, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Rodney Temperton) - 3:31
  7. "Love Story" (Austin, Carey, Dupri, Seal) - 3:56
  8. "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" (Carey, Davis, Mark DeBarge, Johnson, Etterlene Jordan) - 3:01
  9. "Last Kiss" (Austin, Carey, Dupri, Seal) - 3:36
  10. "Thanx 4 Nothin'" (Carey, Dupri, Seal) - 3:05
  11. "O.O.C." (Carey, Dean, Sheldon Harris) - 3:26
  12. "For the Record" (Carey, Cox, Shropshire) - 3:26
  13. "Bye Bye" (Carey, Eriksen, Hermansen, Austin) - 4:27
  14. "I Wish You Well" (Carey, Poyser, Mary Ann Tatum) - 4:35

[Adapted from Wikipedia]

Currently listening to:
2. Touch My Body
13. Bye Bye

Recommended Hit(s):
2. Touch My Body
13. Bye Bye


Rating: A

15 May 2008

傀儡

傀儡

有一段时间,突然想呐喊。在无际的海洋前,呐喊出心中的憋气。憋久了,毕竟不太好,应找个适当的管道发泄。憋气,憋在心中的气,零零散散,没有一个是有着完美的胴体,好像是被肢解的灵魂,漂浮着,没有落脚的归属。盘旋在心底处,似乎还抱着希望,寻找失去的部分,拼成一幅陌生的回忆,勾勒出欲望的思绪,寻回不见了的情感。

翻看了躺在书房抽屉里许久的笔记本。也不知道它在那儿度过了多少的春夏秋冬,睡了又醒,醒了又睡,迷迷糊糊地被我放进去,然后又恍恍惚惚地被我拿回出来。人家说,笔记本的内容是一种生活,活着的思绪。看着,看着,好象在时空的交错处,与自己在对话。感觉得到,就好比是科幻片里的主角,坐着时空机,回到从前,然后看见自己的模样,不知如何开口的尴尬。彼此,微笑,点头,继而让寂静从新填满两人之间的隙缝。纵然,心头有千言万语,却在口角边,驻留了一阵子,又溜回心里了。

内心的不定,让自己在街道上,一时之间不知何去何从了。原以为,在规划图里,已经让自己摸索好要走的路。可是,时过境迁下,这路,也变得陌生起来。陌生的令人恐惧,恐惧的让人担心。突然,脑袋一片混乱,就好像数不清的幻灯片在一瞬间闪过一样,让人目不暇给。眼皮的垂下,似乎无法再承受突如其来的视觉感。无可选择下,我选择了逃避。

走回房间,就好像走进了自己的小小世界里,似乎躲开了尘世间的种种不确定,避开了路上那有色的眼光,一切一切都恢复了盘古开天辟地时的那番宁静。至少,四角的墙壁,能够给予我些许的自由。我不知道如何面对着窗外的世界了。望着窗外,窗外有蓝天,蓝天下却布满了乌云,阴森的灰色,似乎在远处,拉着手上的绳子,牵着我的躯体,逼使我向前,不准我往后退。

公园里的长椅,没人坐在那儿了。剩下的只有往日的背影,和在云霄外飘着的欢笑声。记忆里那熟悉的声音和举动,都一一消失了,就好像无缘无故的蒸发掉,无迹可寻。倚在长椅的小男生,与两三个友人,一起有说有笑,分享着内心的小秘密。回望成长的相片里,追忆着那不变的永恒,却始终敌不过岁月的不饶人,阳关道与独木桥,整齐地排列着,各走各的,好比在某隐秘处,有人为我们锁上身后的发条,像木偶般,步上了看似注定的路程。

收音机,缓缓的,播放着六七十年代的爵士乐曲,让正梦游在思潮里的我,更为陶醉。醉在梦境里,醒在现实里,多么可悲啊!双眸,痴痴的,不知道在望着什么,只知道迷糊的看着在天花板旋转着的风扇,会让自己灵魂出窍,暂时躲避着繁华世界的喧嚣。看起来,自己像个懦弱的武士,多过像个奉行着享乐主义的凡人,当人人在为生命的使命拼搏时,自己则抽身离开。

望着镜前的自己,其实也不太确定,是不是那曾立志要为国为民的血气方刚的少年,还是早已愿为生活里被绳索和发条牵引着的傀儡呢?

刊登于4月1日星洲日报 副刊《后浪》

Dream-Thoughts

Vaguely,
I opened my eyes,
seeing nothing, but darkness,
yet the mind and soul is in one.

A strange feeling in my heart,
A curious feeling in my thoughts,
why has I come here?
what is the purpose?

River flows calmly,
Birds fly freely,
Flowers blossom
and the sound of nature is all in rhythm

And
now I knew,
why has I come here.
what is the purpose.

Simplicity, greatness of all.
Observe with the eyes in your soul,
Feel them with your pure senses
Cherish the beauty of the Eden Garden in your heart.

12 May 2008

512

12th of May. One day before the darkest day in Malaysia history. The infamous May 13th incident.

It has become a "taboo" or a so-called forbidden topic to be spoken out in public since the year of 1969. Although we have marched into the new millennium, it still acts like a nylon rope which holds us back from going forward to advancement.

No doubt, the incident is more to a sad memory we force ourselves to forget about it totally, and if there is a remedy or medicine that we could use to erase this memory, i think those who have undergone the painful incident would really like to do it.

However, due to this incident, the government has implemented the useless(sorry to say so, the truth is always pain) NEP. The main aims of this policy are to eradicate poverty and re-structuring the society. Those was aims back to 1970.

Now, it has turned out to be a "privileged card" for the aborigines ( bumiputras). When they ever buy a property, 10% discount is given "unanimously". By the way, they also enjoyed some benefits in the field of education, job-opportunity, political and economical etc..

On and off, they have their own leaders from their own parties raising the keris, and shouted some meaningless slogan, which would only destroys the ethnic union and nothing else. And, don't know since when, the Malay's Right has become the most important issue, tripping across our national policies and many other rules.

We are now in the year of 2008 (in case some of our honorable leaders forgot). The old communist country has awaken and held the world oldest and prestigious sports event, the Olympic Games. The States, in the first time of history, having a lady and a Blackman to run for presidential election. Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea all have stepped forward, but the cute, little Malaysia who is still proud of the independence we gained in 1957, continues to go round and round in the same circle and stroll in the memory lane.

Please...wake up my dear Malaysia!!!

Reminiscence

Here I sat beside the window,
listening to the gentle wind,
calmness i feel though,
the heart is still longing.

Oh, what a lovely sky!
pure white clouds surf across,
reminding me who m I,
the seeker of my own dream.

19 years of self-expedition,
seeing nothing but an image on the pond,
a wish to realize the Personal Legend,
so near, yet so far.

Day and night,
gazing up the sparkling night veil,
searching for some guide
to drive forward my motivation.

~~luminodreamer89~~

10 May 2008

佛光山-东禅寺

man-made netherland garden...am i having hallucination?
Mary has a little lamb...but which one belongs to her??
the garden..
rocks on the pond...
flowers beside the bridge...
man-made japanese garden...
what a sculpture...


Location:
佛光山-东禅寺, Jenjarom, Klang

Date taken:
February 2006

Descriptions:
a pic tells thousand words..there's a heaven existing in malaysia...

09 May 2008

Exam!!!

Omg...it's exam season again...

Haiz~~

Once, i was so confident in my preparation, but now, though still confident, but not as before. Just that now i m more concerned and conscious of my study...if this time i m not going to make it...i will have to put extra lots of efforts...

Tension is crawling up my spines right now...the mind is getting clear and blur at the same time...the hands has lost its coordination with the eyes( no more sports..T.T)

anyway, it's time to sign off...till we meet...

[may the luck be with me]

~~luminodreamer89~~

08 May 2008

Enchanted



I have just watched this movie, erm...right after 10 minutes i finished watching it, i come to my own blog.hahaah!!

Anyway, this is really a nice movie. I mean, really nice.

The most important or main issue brought up by this movie, according to my own consideration,
it is the director or the screen-play writer wants us to "re-believe" again on the fairy-tales we heard when we were young, due to the cruelty of the real world.

Everyday, we meet crimes, family tragedies, work pressures, or even studies pressure, we have limited our very own thoughts n feelings. We don't feel good for the food we have, we don't feel the serenity when we sit with our family in the living room, and we don't ever believe that hopes are always there.

We have succumbed to the reality that everything is tough, everything is cruel. Nothing in this world is worth to be cherished besides the social status, financial status etc.. We have forgotten that there are more for us to cherish and appreciate.

Namely, the friends, the family, and not to forget also the beauty of nature. For an example, when the sun dips into the horizon, the intense orange that shone across the ocean has been taken as a normal scenic view that happens everyday. We have forgotten the feels of appreciating the majestic sunsetting view.

Anyhow, this movie is about the main actress in the movie, Gisele who is the princess would-be of the Andalasia. She was pushed down into a well when she was about marrying Prince Edward.

However, she was still being so cheerful and joyful when she was in the hustle and bustle of the New York City. And she met the local attorney, Robert and his daughter, Morgan. After some complications, she finally found her true prince, whom will give her the true love kiss.
And they live happily ever after. A sound ending, just like the title of the movie.

Rating: A-

06 May 2008















Location:
Sky View from Air Asia

Date taken:
December 2007

Description:
Overlooking the earth through the cumulonimbus
clouds, and enjoying the blue, endless silence in mid-air..what an enjoy!












The calmness on the delta wraps up the lonely boat, which is sailing on the sea aimlessly, appreciating the beauty of the sunset.














Location:
France Village, Bukit Tinggi, Malaysia

Date taken:
December 2006

Description:
A very nice place where you can fully indulge yourself in the 16th and 17th century of France. Feels the historical infrastructure with your senses!

05 May 2008

Billboard of May

1. Cry on My Shoulder-Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar

2. Chasing Cars-Snow Patrol

3. Bleeding Love-Leona Lewis

4. Shower Me With Your Love-Surface

5. Tonight I Celebrate My Love-Peabo Bryson; Roberta Flack

6. Apologize-Timbaland Feat. One Republic

7. 亲爱的那不是爱情-张韶涵

8. Kiss Me Goodbye -Nobuo Uematsu

9. 我愛的人-星光幫

10. Jenny- The Click Five

Reflection of the beauty~~




White clouds reflected on a green paddy field. The serenity and tranquility of the nature flows naturally into the earth.