blog

Of Cars and Pillars

2009-09-27T17:10:00.001+08:00

Clearing pictures from my mobile - I found this series.

These pillars are lifesavers.

Recently, a friend of mine spent 45 mins in the basement looking for her car - distressed, she filed a report for car theft to the security guards - only to find it parked safely untouched at the outdoor carpark 2 hours later.

Surely, the guards weren't too pleased.

One shocking snapshot while driving around my neighbourhood earlier this year.

That's got to be one heck of a powerful engine.

Of Weddings and Marriages

2009-09-25T19:26:00.009+08:00

1. My closest friend in primary school, who also happens to be the shortest boy then, ended his bachelor days and tied the knot last weekend. (none of us would have thought he'd be one of the firsts)

2. Every week i noticed a few Facebook friend status updates changing from 'In a Relationship' to 'Married'. (which doesn't shock me as much as from 'Single' to 'Married' immediately)

3. Two girls i dated back in high school/college got hitched earlier this year. (no, i wasn't invited - and no, i wasn't offended)

4. This year , I've received more than 20 wedding invitations. (that's a LOT since all these invites were personally addressed to me and not to my parents with courteous invitation to the entire family.)

5. I wish weddings were more surprising, rather than the cookie-cutter agenda: bride + groom entrance, 4-piece jazz music, best man speech, photo slideshow, standard 10-course chinese dinner (no, chinese tea should not be considered as 1 course), 'yam seng' session, group photo taking etc.

6. No, I don't hate marriages - i'm just not giving much thought to it. (yet)

7. If you're a wedding-holic, a friend of mine started this site which you can check out: http://theweddingguide.com.my

YOUTH’09!

2009-01-06T23:09:00.005+08:00

This weekend... Malaysia's Largest Youth Lifestyle Festival is back!

Kickstart 2009 with shopping, competitions, performances, showcases, gatherings and over 100 activities organised for youths by youths.

Free entry! Just bring your friends

Date: 9-11 January 2009
Time 10:30am - 9:30pm
Venue: PWTC ~ Putra World Trade Centre, KL
Entrance: FREE

Who's going to be there?
Almost 20,000 youths have already claimed a PRIORITY pass to skip the long queue. I’m sure some of your friends are going, do check with them.

Who else is going?
Bands, online communities, celebrities, facebook groups, entrepreneurs, bloggers, dancers, photographers, fashionistas, student organisations, and thousands of youths!

What? 100 activities? Like what?

Here are some exciting activity highlights:
CREATIVE MAFIA – Shopping + Arts + Fashion + 3 Publishing Houses, 2 Caricaturists, 10 Designer Foods, 30 Fashion Accessories, 40 crafters, hair salons, make up artists, DJ school, 5 college arts/fashion departments... 100+ creative youths with a fashion show
Details:http://youthmalaysia.com/youth09/designer.php

Career Attack – A career fair of alternative careers for this generation!

The 2nd National Youth Entrepreneur Convention – 15 different lifestyle, media, and technology entrepreneurs under the age of 30 share their journey. Register your seat now.

Battle of the Bands "Beat the Buzzer" – Up and coming bands get 3 minutes to show their stuff and the crowd decides if they're IN or OUT! Intense and fast paced!

Youth Community Meetups – Various online communities, Facebook groups, and community movements meet face to face and mingle!

So much more! Eg. Foosball tournament, Photography 1 on 1 Shootout, Caged Futsal, Cosplay Competition, Celebrity Sessions…

It’s not too late to compete and participate.
See the full schedule of activities!

Wow! Anything else I should know about?
Every 1000th person who comes with a PRIORITY pass will get a RM400 G-SHOCK watch! (We’ve got 17 pieces to give away).

YOUTH'09 relies on the power of YOUTHS to make it happen... so what mysterious stuff do young volunteers do? Everything is revealed on http://youthsays.com/youth09/volunteers

Remember to check with your friends if they are going….

YOUTH'09 is built on the success of last year’s YOUTH'08, where 20,000 Malaysian youths gathered over 100 different activities, and RM300,000 worth of cash and prizes… this year the hall is TWICE the size! And the event will have TWICE the impact!

More information on http://www.youth09.com/

It begins this Friday, all the way to Sunday… See you there!

UCSI

2008-11-20T23:10:00.005+08:00

Last month, I received a phone call from Moses, a friend of my dad.

I remembered our initial contact, being introduced to him when I was just a 17-year old in high school. He’s definitely in my list for one of the friendliest person I know.

He suggested a casual meet up at his office premises in UCSI, and I thought – what better way than to catch up after uhm...8 years.

I arrived 10 minutes early, and headed to the cafeteria to have a drink.

I looked around and noticed a few young people running around, aggressively approaching the students who were walking in from the main entrance.

I approached them and found that they were part of an entrepreneurship programme – selling products to earn extra income. Interestingly, I was told that the programme offered credit points which are tied to a class subject.

Meeting new people, trying to sell them something, earning money and getting higher marks for a subject – sure sounds like a good start for some practical entrepreneurship.

Half hour later, I was in a spacious office room, discussing with Moses about everything under the sun – students, work experiences, entrepreneurship, MBA programs and food!

A simple phone call led to introduction of the few core leaders behind the UCSI organization.

Including the chairman of UCSI.

Dato’ Peter Ng. E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year 2007.

We spent almost half an hour talking and sharing, mostly about the journey on entrepreneurship. His current project is the establishment of the BOS Regional Research Centre right here in KL.

Brilliant.

Synergized effort with a successful global brand will surge UCSI into the eyes of the world.

Just last week, UCSI received their University status and I’m extremely excited for them. This organization is definitely one to be watched closely.

Anyway, the 2nd National Youth Entrepreneur Convention 2009 is now open for participants to sign up. Hop on to www.youthmalaysia.com/nyec.

This is the avenue to unleash the fundamental passion in the young – that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Yes We Can!

25!

2008-10-12T05:02:00.006+08:00

12 Email Messages...

46 SMS Text Messages...

81 FaceBook Wall Messages...

...and counting.

Feeling very appreciative of each and every wish and I too, hope the best for all of you in your future undertakings.

Turning 1 year older this time seemed slightly different as compared to the usual parties, celebrations, gatherings from the previous years.

11 October 2007.

11 October 2008.

I know.

The office isn't the best place to spend the night, my night...but I'm really excited with the progress of work projects especially with YOUTH'09 and YouthSays.com. Addictive! :)

Well, it's 5.30 am. I'll be heading home now.

Thanks again for all the birthday wishes! (Thanks Khailee for my birthday pic)

The Asia Business Forum

2008-09-24T03:57:00.003+08:00

I'll be presenting a case at The Asia Business Forum tomorrow. Its surely exciting to be presenting amongst the likes of the MD of Leo Burnett and MD of Omnicom Media Group.

These guys are experts in the field of advertising and marketing.

It took me half a day to carefully piece up my case. Being the only presenter that is still in Gen-Y, my plan is to belt out insights that will blow the minds off some of the participants.

Mind you, these participants pay over RM2000 to attend the session.

I'm sure it'll be fun. :)

Anyway, its 4.13 am now. I've got to scoot.

Wish me all the best.

Meanwhile - here's a pic I just received from Jiana, the OCP of the talk at Sunway.

Pancakes, Anyone?

2008-09-12T00:14:00.009+08:00

Cats.

Clearly, not on my list of favourites.

Two weekends back, 4am – Khai Lee and I were hanging out at our favourite food place in Kota Damansara.

A tiny Cat started following us around harmlessly - listening to all our juicy conversation about work, work and more work.

I noticed the disappointed look on Cat's face as she occasionally doze off, wishing she had been watching Desperate Housewives instead.

As we were leaving, Cat tailed us. And hid under my car tyre.

No, Khai Lee was not trying to do a break dance headstand.

He was searching and whistling at Cat to move away so I could drive out without making cat pancakes.

Failed attempt. Cat refused to budge.

Cracking our heads for a decent solution - we were quite sure Cat would not be able to resist from the temptation of a late night snack. What more, crispy fried chicken...bones. Yum. :)

It worked like a miracle.

In a split second, Cat pounced on the cardboard box and starting chomping on those tasty KFC bones.

Glancing up to the sky - i whispered a short thank you to Colonel Sanders.

(Attempting to quote like a 'popular blogger')

No, this is not an advertorial for KFC.

Ex-Monash Sunway Campus: Walking Down the Memory Lane

2008-09-10T19:33:00.009+08:00

Strutting back into the old Monash campus (now inhabited by Sunway College) brought back lingering memories of life back in University.

More so, Lecture Theatre 1.

That's where it all started - for me.

My first lecture.

Nine in the morning, I reported in - sitting on the third row from the front, attentively absorbing every word that was delivered by the facilitator, nodding in excitement every 15 seconds.

On that very first day of University, I remembered being introduced to, now, one of my favourite lecturers of all time - Dr. Lan and my very first friend in Monash - Jeffery.

Six years later, I'm back in that same hall, but this time round - standing with a mic and speaking in front of over a hundred students.

Overwhelming.

I had never imagine being back in that fashion. Defintely, not as a speaker.

As I walked in the room, I was greeted to a deafening applause - for some reason that I'm not particularly sure of.

But what I'm sure of, was the feeling of humility that hit me.

The humility through the warm reception that these young audience have extended, to welcome my presence.

I particularly don't remember, ever, clapping in a lecture hall. The sound of even a single clap would have been foreign to me. What so, many.

Thank you, students of Victoria University Sunway. You have my fullest appreciation.

For twenty minutes I shared about the journey of my life - emphasizing on the past couple of years spent on entrepreneurship.

Summing up the enduring years of hardwork in minutes made me realize how far I've come since those days when I was sitting on the opposite side of the hall.

I've been very blessed.

After the talk - I received questions aplenty, maybe 20? Maybe 30.

But there was one particular question which took me aback.

"What is that one characteristic that you have that have made you come this far?"

I thought for quite a while. 40 seconds maybe.

I bluntly replied "Er...I don't know."

I just couldn't identify that ONE characteristic. Perhaps, there were one too many, that along the way I've realized were of high equal importance.

Joanne, butted in - saving me the blushes by answering on my behalf. :)

Her answer was: Flexibility of Adapting to Various Circumstances.

Thanks, Jo.

Back in the office, I sat comfortably on my office chair, tilting my head back and started to reflect on all the tormenting experiences that I've been through. Those which even pushed me to the brink of quitting.

Then, a single word came clearly to mind.

Passion.

Passion for the business, passion for the people behind the business and passion for the success of the people behind the business.

If not for passion, I may be sluggishly working with an establish organization and waiting for that fat paycheck to come in every month.

If not for passion, I may not be able to work with these great people around me today.

And if not for passion, I would definitely not have this story to tell.

The Resuscitation of a Blog

2008-08-18T16:46:00.006+08:00

*Knock knock*

Yes, I'm still here. :)

Life hasn't been much of a rollercoaster over the past 2 months. Nothing spectacularly new - aside from my new Ray-Ban Aviators.

Personally, I've been involved in creating new ways to push for work consistency and deliverability of the Youth Malaysia organization. With the recent launch of our Youth Research Panel and plans for our annual event YOUTH'09 in January - the next few months will be crucial.

Btw, we're looking for good people to be part of our organization. If you're outgoing, trendy, energetic, passionate, dynamic and driven - drop me an email at joel@youthmalaysia.com.

YouthSays is also looking for a community manager. Click here.

I'll be in Penang next Tuesday to speak at the Penang ICT Week. Let me know if you happen to be there. :)

Updates!

2008-07-08T01:27:00.005+08:00

Ok.

I'm at one of the busiest moments of my life.

And I started Twitting. :)

What has the fuss been about?
1. Esther is back from Melbourne.
2. Khailee is now full steam into being action oriented in our ventures.
3. Joanne has just launched her pet project at http://www.youthecho.com/. Its fun! (I admit to being addicted)
4. TYI Sessions with Deric being in-charge is coming up.
5. Jialing is thinking of some cool video projects.

Met up with a couple of cool people over the past weeks:
1. Jeff Roberto from Friendster.com, San. Fran (and yes, we brought him to Friendster Cafe in Damansara Perdana - a lawsuit to follow? hehe)
2. Sandy the ex-president of AIESEC Malaysia (she's mind-blowing!)
3. Poh Si from TheCicak.com fame is settling down in KL
4. Janne from Finland who's speaking abilities make people cry
5. Regine an ollldddd friend who's moving to the next phase in life
6. Kris Khaira a rockstar in CSS and fellow activist moving to KL
7. Jon Lee a future superstar musician
8. Datuk Ong TK our favourite Minister of Transport - who is just an amazing person to talk to.

Random Pic:

Me and the First Lady + Youth and Sports Minister.

Malaysian Today Article

2008-06-15T23:23:00.001+08:00

Full article below:

Tyson Beckford stands at approximately 6’ 2”. He has the perfect appeal a male supermodel has, and is arguably the most well-known name in the industry. With his career at its peak, he reaps hundreds of thousands of dollars per annum, gets exclusive invites to the most elite events and has thousands of girls drool at the sight of his body. I guess it would be rather swell to be Tyson – while it lasts.

Mark Zuckerberg has the perfect persona to fit the role of Harry Potter. That is, if Daniel Radcliffe had decided to bail out on the production of the movie (whom, by the way, isn’t doing too bad considering how he’s one of the richest young people in UK). Zuckerberg is the founder of Facebook, one of the most recognizable websites in the world, with a standing of over 70 million active users worldwide. At the mere age of 24, Forbes has named him “the world’s youngest self-made billionaire”. Now, how’s that for long lasting fun?

On a modest note, I founded YouthMalaysia.com and a couple of other decent ventures both online and on ground – reaching out to at more than half a million young Malaysians.

There were many instances where I was asked on how I started being an entrepreneur. Contrary to popular belief, I did not learn business from books. My entrepreneurial journey started when I was merely a college student (just like many of you) during my summer break – a startup which, surprisingly, made RM1 Million in revenue during its first year of operations.

Now if you were to ask me if I have been an entrepreneur for very long, I haven’t. During my earlier years, I found myself striding runways of fashion shows for global fashion brands such as Guess, Esprit, Adidas, Nike, Quicksilver and Levi's – an experience earned entirely by complete luck. Which wasn’t too bad – I'd like to believe that the confidence I have today is credited mainly to that.

While my parents have yet to come to terms with my career choice – still insisting that I’m an engineer by profession due to the nature of my degree – I see myself as a young individual with an entrepreneurial passion. I took up Mechanical Engineering by choice as I loved every bit of what I've studied. I’m sure most of us face similar expectations from our parents that there are only four viable professional occupations in the world – doctor, lawyer, engineer and accountant.

Now if you’re an entrepreneur, your key personality characteristic is the desire to strive for something better all the time. Coupled with my interest in Donald Trump's "The Apprentice" series, I signed up for Malaysia’s first corporate reality TV show, The Firm early last year. As the youngest contestant at age 23, I remembered the amount of hard work sown – which proved to be fruitful as it brought me the winning prize (along with a substantial amount of grey hair, of course.)

Since then, I receive emails from young people all over Malaysia – aspiring to be an entrepreneur. However, many do not understand what an entrepreneur actually is. I searched the term on Wikipedia (an Internet tool which you should not use as references for your assignments, mind you), and found that – an entrepreneur is someone who attempts to organize resources in new and more valuable ways and accepts full responsibility for the outcome.

The keywords to take note of are attempts, valuable and responsibility.

Now if you really think about it, to attempt is to try – again, and again until one gets it right. Not every entrepreneur is successful at first try – in fact, nine out of ten business startups fail within two years. Even Steve Jobs had his fair share of attempts at hand before finally reaping Apple’s gigantic success today. Valuable, on the other hand, is associated with the importance of creating value out of your idea to benefit others and responsibility would refer to entrepreneur being accountable for all the decisions made in the business, whether good or poor. Rather than viewing ‘entrepreneurship’ as a simple job term – it is more accurate to relate ‘entrepreneurship’ to individual capabilities in implementing valuable ideas for the society.

Last month, I received a business proposal to create diapers for grown men locally. Responding to him on my reflex thought process, I replied:
“Thank you for sharing with me your idea. Unless men in Malaysia are virally infected with a mysterious disorder of the bladder – I personally don’t think the idea will be very successful. I wish you all the best!”

So, what makes an idea successful?

A good idea must have innovative and intrinsic value to benefit the world in some way. I’ve always believed in sharing and brainstorming my ideas with friends from various industries as this will help shape and mould a fairly good idea into a great one.

Recently, a friend of mine was interviewing the founder of a Sri Lankan company which prints paper from elephant dung. The birth of the idea emerged from the local scenario where the villagers were attacking the elephants simply because they interfered with their agriculture lands – stealing food and stomping all over their farms, leaving them in ruins. As the villagers cleared more land for their use in the rural areas, the wild elephants reacted with increasing violence in return - by attacking the villagers.

Identifying the opportunity to bring both parties on peaceful terms, Thusita Ranasinghe ingeniously introduced a technique to enable the print of recycled products from elephant dung. Currently, the business model of the venture depends on the villagers’ act of protecting and providing food for these wild elephants just to gain their dung.

Now that’s the embodiment of a first class idea.

Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve never once looked back and regret moving away from the modeling scene. Sure, Tyson Beckford may have his looks, glamorous red carpet invites and plethora of girls ogling him from all over the globe – but I chose the path that Zuckerberg has stepped upon, because if one is passionate about an idea, the end result of the painful and gruesome implementation process is truly a satisfying one.

For some ladies, well – you may relate that process to childbirth.

Am I a Blogger?

2008-06-08T04:38:00.013+08:00

Last month , a friend of mine - Jessie Soon from Malaysian Today rang me up to find out if I'd be keen to a contribute to the papers.

After agreeing - two weeks later, the contributors were introduced in the article above. The question I asked myself was - "Really? Am I a 'Blogger' now?"

'Bloggers' in Malaysia has always been known for their rebellious nature of flaming the government and just being a total nuisance - leading to law suits and court cases.

Certain leaders in our country has at some point even referred to bloggers as monkeys.

Maybe, its a sign for us to revisit the Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution where it is believed that human evolved from apes.

In comparison, lets take a peek at some friendly well known bloggers in Malaysia.

Kenny Sia

Ringo

Timothy Tiah

Do I know them personally? Yes.

Are they very much like monkeys? No.

Recently, my dad has been discussing intently with his friends (yes they are more than half a century old) about blogging and they seem to have their own WRONG perception about blogs and how it functions.

So I tried explaining to him that blogs are just merely another publishing platform to communicate information to the public. Just like how the newspapers function. Its not rocket science!

But, dad still couldn't picture it - or maybe he didn't want to accept the simplicity of the explanation. Being in the education and research field - he believes that there must always be a complicated explanation to everything.

Disgruntled, I showed dad this video last week.

Now, he is eternally grateful to me - having obtained bragging rights to explain this new media concept to all his friends over teh tarik.

Anyway, coming back to the earlier question - "Am I a Blogger?"

In the past I'd cautiously state that I do blog occasionally - but no one really reads it.

Now, since its published, I guess I don't have a choice but to admit - "Yes, I'm one of them - bloggers. But I'm in no way related to Raja Petra."

Looking on the bright side, at least if I go to jail today, I'll bring Daphne Iking with me.

Anyone keen to join us? :)

Photoshop 101

2008-05-30T21:18:00.005+08:00

Here's the story.

The trip to the barber last weekend turned out EXACTLY the way I wanted it to be - a real good trim.

So I got bored and wondered - what if I had a more exciting haircut...virtually.

After two minutes of photoshopping I uploaded the picture onto my msn avatar.

Within a couple of minutes - I received unintentional responses that virally multiplied into one of the most fascinating pranks i've ever pulled on my friends - and yourselves alike.

Here are some of the 'encouraging' responses received on MSN.

Victim #1
estherlauderlyn says:
hahaha noooooo im laughing at... my friend =D
estherlauderlyn says:
ehhhh dont have to be that drastic lahhhh
estherlauderlyn says:
i didnt say it was THAT bad!
estherlauderlyn says:
now i know why you were so moody just now.

Victim #2
joanne says:
ARE YOU KIDDING ME
joanne says:
whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
joanne says:
that's like major change
joanne says:
you look bald from here la
joanne says:
got other angles?

Victim #3
biscuit says:
eeeeksss
biscuit says:
that's your NEW HAIRCUT?
biscuit says:
you look balddd

Victim #4
Yap says:
wahh liao ehhhh
Yap says:
so damn short
Yap says:
suddenly your face become sooooooooo big.

Victim #5
Timothy Tiah says:
WOIII
Timothy Tiah says:
WHAT HAPPENED?!?!
Timothy Tiah says:
noooo
Timothy Tiah says:
grow it back
Timothy Tiah says:
grow it back!!!

Victim #6
Carmen says:
what have you done to your hair?
Carmen says:
hahahhaaa
Carmen says:
omg
Carmen says:
you must be out of your mind
Carmen says:
you just look weird

And other responses on this blog.

Anyway here is the enlarged version of the 'haircut'.

This is what I started work with.

Through the two minute editing process - I've found some passion in life to photoshop hairstyles. Designer for hire, anyone? :)

A Trip to the Barber

2008-05-25T02:18:00.009+08:00

I was speaking to Khailee on the mobile earlier today and one part of the conversation entailed..

Joel: What you doing later?

Khailee: I'm going to the hair saloon and spend 3 hours there to do up my hair.

Joel: Eh, you sound just like my mom - every weekend.

Joel and Khailee: (Laughters)

So feeling a little heavy in the head - I decided to do the same.

I guess its about time I pay a visit to the hair saloon - to get rid of the mane on my head.

Pre Hair-cut: A snapshot of rememberance - of what is left.

After one long hour of - snippings, shavings, a real good head massage and hairdryer action, I'm done.

Let me know your thoughts. :)

p/s: This is probably my most adventurous trip to the barber over the past 10 years.

Random Snapshots

2008-05-10T01:11:00.009+08:00

Roger Federer did not make it into the Rome Tennis Masters Semi-finals.

Crap.

I've always regarded him as some sort of superhero with demi-god composure. If you've watched Federer play - you'll surely notice how calm he is, whether he is losing or winning a match.

Viewing the battlematch live on ASTRO, I started scrolling through pictures that were previously snapped and stored in my Razr V8 - while waiting for the ball pickers to uh, pick up the balls.

Based on my observation - there is certainly a high level of criteria set (maybe even higher than Ms Universe) to qualify as a ball picker since most of them can hit the runway as fashion models.

Back to my picture findings in my mobile:

10% were random shots which I'm about to share with you.

90% represented a certain someone which I'm clearly not sharing.=)

These are the 10%:

Favourite Black Hokkien Mee at Jalan Maharajalela. If you don't know where it is - bring me along and I'll direct you there.

My engineering degree finally made to good use with a super creation model using the theory of trusses.

Me painting, or at least trying to - during the Smart Kids exhibition.

Yes, thats a cloud if you couldn't tell.

FYI, I stopped painting when a little 5 year old girl came up to me and asked "Kor-kor, what is that?"

Brand new coffee brand in town - Tarbucks.

No, I did not Photoshop the 'S' off.

Carpark pillars! It always upsets me when I can't find my vehicle. I wonder if its just me.

Anyway, the green pillar shot reminded me of a meetup with Yvonne Foong at Subang Parade couple weeks back.

I'm sure most of you have heard of her or even know her personally.

For myself, its ironic how we've crossed paths many times but have never met face to face - attending the same school (yes, SMSJ rocks), SIFE fashion show and the AYA Dream Malaysia Awards.

Our introductory session started with comfortable small talk - leading to dinner, a truckload of drinks and yummy cakes.

Sharing stories of mutual high school struggles with Mr. Sim (who is a pain in the ass) to raising more than RM200,000 through Heart4Hope - we talked for hours about everything under the sun.

Her entrepreneurship aspirations are phenomenal.

Meeting Summary: Yvonne was extremely inspirational.

I was mind blowned.

The Future of Interactive Communication pt II

2008-04-27T13:52:00.006+08:00

Face book invasion!!

Remember Denise and her strange remarks on Windows Live...

She's back.

Now, being Michelle - she has perused other forms of interactive communication tools.

click on image to enlarge

Talk about being persistant - i think she would be quite befitting as an entrepreneur.

The Firm Season III, maybe?

Entrepreneurship in Tertiary Education Centres

2008-04-17T03:50:00.004+08:00

Later today, I'll be launching Taylor's first Student Company - ProPassion Communications.

Being an excellent initiative - I'm extremely excited for the students and believe they will do exceptionally well.

When I was back in University, with the mindset of changing the world - I had to start my company externally.

The process encompassed: Searching for a company name with the ROC, registering a bank account, back and forth with the company secretary, working initially from home and even McDonalds, finding an office space, recruitment of part time helpers, buying tons of files,receipts,books and plenty of random stuff, etc.

With the current initiative of tertiary institutions taking a more proactive approach in promoting entrepreneurship - i'm sure it'll prove beneficial to the students.

In fact, just last week I was invited by Sunway University College to dine with the winners of the Sunway Apprentice Challenge.

Myself; Ms Lee Siok Ping, Director of Student Services Dept; Elisa Dass, Student Services Dept.; Winners of the Sunway Apprentice Challenge

Its extremely inspirational meeting other passionate driven youths with so much energy within.

Not to mention, Avanti served us well.

Speaking of energy with relations to lack of food, its 3.30am right now and I'm planning to hit the sack real soon.

And yes, its really late but I'm currently trying to complete the speech for later.

Reason: This week = swamped.

Handicapped? Mentally.

2008-04-15T17:35:00.006+08:00

I got this photo from Li Choong.

Li Choong: If you know the owner of WPK 6393, kindly let him know that he is taking up 2 parking spaces for the handicapped....and I don't think he is handicapped.

The owner of this car should be thankful that it was Li Choong who snapped this photo, and not me. At times - I think Li Choong is just too polite.

Btw, Li Choong was our school's Head Scout and Class Monitor.

My thoughts on the driver: "He surely is handicapped. Mentally."

A Guitar Prodigy

2008-04-12T16:25:00.011+08:00

I started playing guitar when I was 12.

I was pretty good at it when I first started - till my best bud, Chee Teong started going for guitar classes.

Thats me and him like 2 years back in my first car - a red satria. (The pink tail that you see above my right shoulder belongs to a pink panther i used to hang on my side window)

At 14, Chee Teong was considered one of best guitar players - in Subang that is.

We created a band, we started performing for events (prom, parties, LEO/Interact installations, etc), we impressed some girls, we had a following in school - oh and we even got booed off stage once when we were playing Metallica's Enter Sandman as the closing song during a ball event for SMDJ. Yes, that was us.

While couples were trying to slow dance - we were blasting with heavy metal music. Now, why on earth did we choose that song!

All in all, we rocked the Klang Valley music scene as young musicians - with Sony Music contacting us, showing intesrest to sign us up.

What happened then, you ask? Why didn't I turn out to be a rockstar?

Their first viewing of us was at the SMDJ ball. Yep, how coincidental.

If you were wondering what the name of our band is - its Acillatem.

I'm sure you're like Acilla-what?

Here's a tip - think Metallica. If you don't get it - you need a check. =)

Anyway after all the ramblings - this is what the post is all about.

Last night while I was jamming with my acoustic @ home - I searched YouTube for an acoustic version of With or Without You to make a comparison.

This is what I found.

Sungha Jung.

I'm speechless.

Do check this one out too - Canon in D. (Esther's Request).

Now, speaking of guitar prodigies - he's definitely world class.

Makes you wonder - what you were doing at that age...=)

The Tale of a Random Text Message

2008-04-09T01:38:00.005+08:00

How many of you have had random text messages beeping into your phone every now and then?

I'm not refering to those promotional ones coming from the telcos - rather text messages coming from random unidentified phone numbers.

Think Chinese New Year, Christmas and New Year's Day.

All those forwarded text messages from numbers your phone book doesn't recognize.

Usually - I don't reply. But today - I oddly did. (about 9 hours later though)

Here's the story:

(received message)
hey i'm here edi saw your car hehe
From: +6012xxxxxxx
Sent: 08:19AM
08/04/2008

As I opened and read this message - rolling under my quilt, I thought to myself "You got to be kidding!! Who in the right mind is outside my house at this ungodly hour..." Mind you I slept at 5 am the night before finishing up some work.

Anyway, 9 hours later...

(sent message)
Hi. Who is this? Got a text from you earlier.
Sent: 05:02PM
08/04/2008

(received message)
This is xxxxx la haha you think i'm some stalker?
From: +6012xxxxxxx
Sent: 05:04PM
08/04/2008

"Well, yes I DO think you are a stalker." Who wouldn't? But being nice and friendly I replied...

(sent message)
Er. xxxxx? I think you're texting the wrong person.
Sent: 05:02PM
08/04/2008

(received message)
oh gosh i'm so silly la. i wanted to text to my friend joel low haha sorry sorry sorry!malu malunye =P
From: +6012xxxxxxx
Sent: 05:06PM
08/04/2008

Hmph. First of all who in the world is xxxxx? And now who is this joel low?

Then I thought to myself. Okayy. Maybe there is a possibility of me knowing this xxxxx person - because my name is in her phone book as 'Joel'.

Also, that name 'xxxxx' sounded quite familiar. So i tembak her surname in the next text message.

(sent message)
Well. The text was quite freaky la. xxxxx xx?
Sent: 05:02PM
08/04/2008

(received)
haha yes yes i was meeting up my uni friend at a cafe i arrived and saw his car but he wasn't around so i text him and asked.malu.ya xxxxx xx aka jelly xx
From: +6012xxxxxxx
Sent: 05:11PM
08/04/2008

Anyway, after recollecting my thoughts - I used to date xxxxx back in high school. Like, form 2? Didn't remember her as jelly xx though.

Wow. How time flies...

Anyway, just some snapshots from the talk I gave at the IACT Open Day.

I was trying to describe how Web 2.0 applications function and how sexy it was. Thus the hand movements representing the curves of a woman. Nah..just kidding!

Me with a bunch of future rockstar advertising graduates after the super looooooong talk.

I had a great time. This bunch were just awesome! ;)

That's me!

2008-04-04T01:39:00.018+08:00

Another one of those facebook photo tag moments.

But this time, I'm silenced by the shot.

Back to a grumpy old school teacher moment, "Shouldn't you guys be paying that 110% attention while we were trying to impart out little knowledge, hopefully impressing you during our 10 minute utter."

(For those of you who are not aware - the shot was taken by one of the participants, Jade, during the 1st National Youth Entrepreneur Convention 2008.)

Anyway, don't intend to be narcissistic in this post - but i'll be attending the Joseph Abboud launch at Pavilion next Tuesday.

Being invited by their PR Agency through facebook (for those of you who don't have one, go get one).....

The role: Sit down and watch the fashion show. (Er. Boring...coz its a menswear label. Pft.)

Additional roles: Lepak and socialize with the media. (Sounds fun! Media people are just awesome people to talk to. Sometimes leading to small talk and nonsense also la.)

And this is what I'll be dressed up in. Handpicked by myself. Head to toe.

Best part - I'm taking it home.

Thanks Joseph.

(This pic was snapped using my trusty Rzr2 V8 during the fitting session yesterday.)

Facebook Photo Tag

2008-03-27T00:48:00.009+08:00

When I first got myself a Facebook account (mainly due to peer pressure) I discovered a whole-lotta amazing Web 2.0 applications - one of which was "Photo Tags".

I remembered thinking to myself, "This is an incredible application."

What it does is that it enables users to identify and connect with others through a mere photograph.

I'm pretty sure to some - it also serves as an effective way to scout for good looking people who happens to be a friend of a friend of yours, leading to...

"Hey bro! Remember me from kindergarten? I know I haven't spoken to you in 15 years but who is that friend of yours in the picture? Do you know her? Can introduce?"

Anyway, back to me - since I'm not really an avid user of facebook, I don't spend much time exploring every nook and cranny of each applications. So when I looked into 'Photos Added by Others' in the gallery for the first time in months, here's what I saw (some of which I don't even recall being involved in).

Trying super hard to pull off a Zoolander look but failing miserably with Dawn (Miss Msia World 07 Runner Up).

What I see: a plug on top of my head.

What I don't see: the person holding the plug.

"Lucky him. Or her."

Signature double thumbs up before my talk at the 1st NYEC 2008.

Noticed that mini Rakan Muda badge on my left pocket? I was politely compelled to put it on.

Chilling out with Aida the Turtle and sticking my tongue out shamelessly.

BTW, I was told by the student group in charge that the costume was hand made - leading to admiration and me physically molesting the turtle.

Only to later find out that Aida was not a fictional name for the turtle, but the name of the girl inside the costume.

But hey! She didn't complaint. (rolls eyes)

Wah. This pic is super old - and yes, you can tell by the colour and the length of my hair.

F4 was at their peak at that time.

Posted up by Gloria Ting. In contrary to Dawn, she went all the way by bagging home the MMW 04.

One of the Boogie Night Out moments with Tim and newly met friends.

For those who read comments in my blog - the one far right is Immi.

Malaysian Youth Entrepreneurs trying to combine intellectual super powers.

The hand position reminds me of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

Seeming like a usual Friday night at Liquid/Frangi.

We couldn't have looked more gay.

Mindvalley party - grinning like an 18-year old excited over Sangria.

OK. I don't know what Khai Lee was trying to do - but do try to read the comments at the bottom of this picture.

Time to squint those eyes.

And again, I'm lost for words.

The Future of Interactive Communication

2008-03-16T16:37:00.003+08:00

Reflecting on my speech few months back regarding the changes technology has brought to the future of our interactive communication:

You know, those technological whiz kids hiding behind screen names like dark_knight2000 or puteriampang87? I think it’s high time someone identify and attribute faces and names to them. Real faces and real names - and I'm not talking about Facebook.

Full post here.

Now, check out this random conversation I had over Windows Live Messenger yesterday.

***

19th March 2008, 2:35pm

Denise says:
=)

j o e l says:
hi. you are?

Denise says:
cute gal...

j o e l says:
ok.

Denise says:
;)

j o e l says:
have i met u b4?

Denise says:
do u know some1 call sze wai

j o e l says:
not too sure.

j o e l says:
from whre?

Denise says:
study in university of melbourne 1

Denise says:
..........

j o e l says:
erm

Denise says:
i dont meet u before..

j o e l says:
cant recall.

Denise says:
............

j o e l says:
ok.

Denise just sent you a nudge.

Denise says:
can i be ur frend?

Denise says:
=( its ok if u dont wan

Denise says:
sorry, r u angry because i suddenly ask u being my frend....but u look like some 1

***

20th March 2008, 6:01pm

Denise says:
=)

Denise says:
=(

Denise says:
is ok if u dowan be my fren......i understand...take care n byebye~

***

I don't mean to be rude by not replying, but being flabbergasted, I really had no idea how to respond.

I don't think I'm quite cut out for the future of interactive communication. Maybe, that's the reason why my Dad doesn't hang out on Windows Live.

Meet the Professionals

2008-03-14T00:51:00.008+08:00

My mum has always grinded me to be a professional since I was young. And that professionals are either: doctors, lawyers, engineers or accountants.

So when I first looked at the poster, I thought to myself 'Hey! They got that wrong. I'm no Professional'.

But if thats what they are calling me, I'm not going to complain.

IACT.

I've always had a good impression of this education institution. One of the reasons is because I've known quite a few outstanding indivuals who were graduates from there.

Secondly, would be the name itself. During my first encounter with the brand of the institution, I somehow read it as I ACT - and it sounds like a very strong action statement. I'm just personally against organizations/people who keeps talking without any action taken (also known as NATO: No Action Talk Only).

Anyway, back to the industry. The youth industry is considerably one of the most lucrative ones -alongside the female targeted industry.

Why, you ask?

High disposable income with low commitments (Boys: Unless you've got a girlfriend - still, you'll be disposing it).

Check out http://www.asiaparttime.com/ and look at the number of part time jobs available for youths daily.

A regular 20 year old youth with side income from weekend odd jobs such as sales promoter, roadshow crew and store assistant can cash in anything from RM500 - RM2000 per month.

As for the girls who involve themselves into 'higher' end jobs such as cigarette/alcohol sales promoters and car show models - I've known a few who rakes in a 5 figure pay cheque monthly.

For those who don't work, they're supplemented by allowance money from parents.

Of course some may argue that these are just short term gains - but as the saying goes 'easy come, easy go' still has some truth beneath it all.

Relating back on the relationship of Advertising and Youths.

Getting a message across to youths is never an easy task.

Here's why:

1. They are not homogeneous. (For those who don't know the meaning, go wiki it. And NO, its got no relations to being homophobic.)

2. They are age sensitive. (Age groups: 18-21 years and 22-25 years have extreme differences. I'm sure many would agree hands down to that.)

3. They are critical. (I'd like to see them as choosy instead)

4. By the time you think you understand them, they've moved on to something else. (Yes, BN. Now you know. For those aspiring MPs - surf on to http://www.youthsays.com/ to check out the voices of our future leaders)

5. They don't pick up print media. Even if they do, they hardly read.

6. They rarely watch TV. Even if they do, they channel-hop during advertisements.

Bearing all the above in mind - I'll be giving more of my two cents at the Open Day, 2 weeks from now, hopefully revealing some industry magic. =)

As for now, I'll just drop one glaring tip for youth advertisers: you can never get it wrong with the all-time less-likely-to-fail relevant youth campaign revolving around the element of MUSIC.

Media War: Newspapers VS The Internet

2008-03-06T02:05:00.024+08:00

Recently, The Star declared a somewhat direct attack on local Internet content which extended from the front page of the papers to a full page write up inside.

View the press article here.

With regards to the 2930 surveyed, there were 2 main summary points which caught my attention immediately:

1. Only 42% of Malaysian surf the Internet, of which only 6% surf on a daily basis

2. 53% of Malaysians watch TV daily

I belong to the 6% daily net surfers, and the 47% who do not watch the TV daily. Now I thought my habits are pretty usual, but I find ironic that I belong to the minority of the results. How do you fare? =)

I find it unnecessary that the papers (especially Malaysia's No.1 local English paper) had to take actions in justifying its position as the principal choice of media for Malaysians being a source of news and information.

Clearly, it has to be part and parcel of receiving much heat from the local Internet content - blasting and exposing local political figures in manners beyond their control.

Right now, the war waging in line with the General Elections: Barison Nasional VS The Opposition (Barisan Rakyat) has led to an inclusion of the apparent war between the media types:

Newspapers and Television Channels (mostly government controlled) VS The Internet (mainly referring to Bloggers - yes, that could be you.)

From the papers, a quote from the article: "IIUM's Prof Datuk Dr Syed Arabi Idid said the poll results were highly revealing of the Malaysians’ distrust of the Internet, and agreed that the newspaper and television were still the main information staple of the public."

Meanwhile from the Internet, read also a post from a net citizen to Datuk Wong Chun Wai, Group Chief Editor of The Star on political statements made in the papers.

Many opposition supporters have also encouraged others to boycott the main stream media until election is over.

My question is: what's your take?

P.S: for more Internet news, do check out the following sites and make your own decision on your preferred trusted source of staple information.

As for the papers, just head to your nearest newstand.