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09 MAY 2006 (TUESDAY)

This month seems to have a lot of holiday. Labour Day has just arrived, followed by the Wesak Day on this Friday. I would say, better enjoy yourself because there won’t be any holiday anymore after the last one in June (The King’s Birthday).

Well, nothing much special in my life recently; apart from working late, I would just spend time to sweat myself in gym, and relaxing in sauna. Not forgetting- my wifey; she has finally decided to shift in with me. It would really convenient to stay over my place since it is just five minutes drive to her office.

I met a Dane in Sauna today; he was complaining about the condo management. The spotlight in tennis court was spoiled; while, the pool wasn’t clean as schedule. He was quite furious about it. He made a few complaints to the management but the management didn’t take it seriously. They started to regard him as being snobbish. What can I say…the disappointed ‘T3M’ again - ‘Typical Malaysian Management Manner’…

Meanwhile, I plan to throw a pool-side party early June. Since I have got the facilities readily available; I would rather make use of it. There is a barbecue corner beside the pool; it allows party-goers to swim and barbecue at the same time.

I am preparing the invitation card; and really hope that everyone present with swim-wear. Well, why do I say so then?

Of course, we have our Malaysia way of living and I do not deny it but sometimes it may be a bit frustrating; As a Chinese - myself, for example, I understand that Chinese (not all, of course!) always arrive late for function; even though the invitation card may state arrival at 8pm but they usually arrive only after that. Sometime they do not really like to follow rules as well. You may mention the line ‘Strictly Formal Attire’, but you will still encounter those arrive with slippers! Ha! I may put it as swim-wear, but I believe some may arrive with something else. I really don’t know what’s in their mind!

Anyway, talking about my work; I have found myself learning more by working in a MNC, rather than a local company. Still, I have to adapt to Japanese way of working. You would know how Japanese work If you work in a Japanese company before. They emphasize a lot on disciplinary- which is good! On the other hand, they are too conservative! They prefer to stick to their traditional management manner; they do not like change; they do not like risk-taking too. Worse still, they usually promote through ‘seniority’. They have a fix salary scale; and a detailed HR employee’s policy. I can’t comment much on the system; but those who work long enough can earn pretty good (even if they are not capable enough! – this is the shortcoming of the system). However, they are able to provide you the job security. It is really depend on what you are looking for though.

08 MAY 2006 (Monday)

I love my new condo, especially the facilities; I went for Gym, followed with swimming, Jacuzzi and Sauna- almost everyday- after work. It helps to keep my outlook fresh and healthy. This is for good, but unfortunately, nothing is perfect. I have been spending less time with my friends recently. It is quite a distant between Kelana Jaya and Cheras though; so it is hard to meet-up that often now. Anyway, I hope everyone is still fine.

My company emphasizes a lot on staff disciplinary. We are not allowed to chat-online or dealing with anything related to personal favour. Thus, it may be hard for me to upload my blog too; but I do write everyday because I want to keep it as a habit. =) Meanwhile, I read other’s blog whenever I am free because I like reading and sharing; and I wish to keep it as a habit too…=)…till then…

07 MAY 2006 (SUNDAY)

I have learned that consumer-demand is a powerful weapon. If you want to exert your power over retailers or suppliers; consumer is the winning point.

They dictate your market position. For example, Milo is able to secure consumer preference; thus, retailers will have to avoid ‘Milo’ running out-of-stock. Once customer can not find this product, they will not switch ‘brand’ but they will switch to different outlet.

For some products such as; Coffee and Vico have to look-up to retailer. Retailers can live without these few products thus retailers can exert their power over the distributor or manufacturer. If consumer can not find Vico or Coffeemate; they can easily switch to Milo and any other coffee products. That is the major differences.

In conclusion, as long as you are able to create consumer demand; you will be the king in the retail market. Those big retailers such as Giants, Jaya Jusco, The Store or other will have to look-up to you.

05 MAY 2006 (FRIDAY)

We had a meeting with JWT; an international advertising company. They were presenting their new research result. The presentation was private and confidential, but what I like to mention is the dinner in ‘One-Bangsar’- Asam & Garam’.

The restaurant looks fantastic and filled with Asian ambience. The interior design is similar to Phuket Hotel. They had an alfresco area for couple, and foreigners.

(In fact, it was a personal invitation for our new marketing manager but we just tag along for the luxurious dinner – lah ! Our managing director (Morita sa) joined us too!)

Morita sa told us about Kobe; One kind of beef produced locally in Japan; 100 kilogram will cost you around RM 80. In the farm, they serve beer to the cows, and they make sure the cows listen to smooth music. The meat tastes differently and better. He also told us that Horse meat is delicious too; it tastes like Tuna. He encouraged us to try.

Talking about Durian, he said ‘Durian’ is very expensive in Japan; it costs RM 300 for one Durian! Meanwhile, our marketing manager told us about his experience working in three different countries before. It is such a good sharing, and they are really down-to-earth.

04 MAY 2006 (Thursday)

I emailed UM again. Dr. Sharifah Latimah replied my email, and recommended three different lecturers who specialised in consumer behaviour; Prof. Ong. Prof. Mohd. Nor, and Prof. Sharifah Faridah.

I manage to get hold of Prof.Ong; but he will be outstation for 10 days. Prof. Ong does not want me to place all eggs in a basket; hence, he suggested that I should email Prof. Mohd. Nor & Prof. Sharifah Faridah as well.

I am currently still waiting for their reply! Let’s see how long will it take.

‘Phd Long-Live!’

‘Phd Long-Live!’

‘Phd Long-Live!’

OOopss…………=)


03 MAY 2006 (Wednesday)

I may have many achievements in PR and marketing field, but I still have to learn everything from scratch in my new company. I have to do many frivolous things; However, I do not mind though because of my belief that ‘Life is a learning curve, and learning is a lifelong process’.

Meanwhile, I went for outlet visit today; I visited a total of 10 outlets in Kepong & Sungai Buloh. It was a great experience to walk from store to stores; it allows me to learn about consumer purchasing behaviour; and outlet displays.

After that, I have lunch with my senior sales representative. He seeks my advice regarding MBA; he is at his age of late thirties; and planned to buy a house next year after married. Somehow, he thinks of taking MBA but afraid he may not be able to do it.

I encouraged him to go for it, and I will send him all my past assignments as reference. I offered myself to help him in his study. I do not know why; but I am very impressed with those who like to study; and I will always offer to help. Probably, it is the ‘similarity’ I can see.

He came from a non-educated family. He believes in ‘generation-influences’; where culture and belief are carried down from the previous generation to the next generation. For example, if this generation is not keen in pursuing study; there is a high possibility that the next generation will dislike study too. He wants to change the family belief. He believes that he needs to study for his future; and open his mind. Well, that is a good thought but needs lot of hard-work.

He bought me lunch and dinner because we seem to clique, but I am a bit ‘pai-seh’ (uneasy!) since he paid for it.