Saturday, May 13, 2006

Prince: ...MeLAkA...!





We were heading to Mahkota Parade; we passed through the 'Melaka River' while on the other side is the strait of Melaka (I believe so...)

Prince: ...MeLaKa...!




There was a 'Lady Arm Wrestling Competition' going on in Jonker's Street; it was organised by the Arms Wrestling Association Melaka. Meanwhile, the red colour building was built in year 1911, I was told that people are willing to pay as much as RM 15 million for it.

Prince: ...MElaKa...!





I find these two stalls quite interesting; the one with a man- he was selling something he named it as 'Magic-Stick'. I suppose it is some kind of ice-cream. How it was done- he slot the stick into the big round pail; and then shake it! While, the other stall is selling chocolate ball; it is so delicious, do you notice the brown colour fountain is actually chocolate?...

Prince: ...MELAKA...!






Melaka is best-known for its Coffee; there is a hawker stall somewhere around the Jonker's Corner managed by two middle-aged ladies. They sell the best coffee around the areas, and used to appear in papers. I tried the coffee, and the so called- 'baked-bread'. It tasted well. I found a lot of craftworks along the street; solely made in Melaka with the sense of baba-Nyonya culture inherited. I was told that you can find anything here with a reasonable price or even cheaper - previously. Yeap, but now, those people price their products double in comparison to previous price range due to the overwhelming tourists visits to Melaka; most of them are Singaporean.

Prince: I am In MElaka....!!!






My wifey's Myvi just arrived in Melaka; so I have to accompany her back there to pick up the car, while stay-over a few days to enjoy my holiday. She brought me to Jonker's street; they called it cultural street. It is the most well-known street in Melaka as per-say. I found the city is more or less the same compare to Penang, but with lesser population.

Prince: The Latest...

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.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Prince: See what's gona happen...

I got a few thoughts after talking with one of my friends who has just broken-up with his girlfriend. We have a heated argument, and he practically get-away from it by shouting, ‘I find it disgusting when you quote about psychology, I do not care and you can put it up in your blog if you want!’

I find it a tough statement for a person not being receptive. I hope he would eventually understand then.

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He called himself ‘psychotic’…

A person who calls himself ‘Psychotic’ is not a psychotic at all; have you ever see madman tells you his madness?

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He claimed his ‘conscious’ know what he is talking about; he also claims that ‘subconsciously’ he does not know what he wants.

A person who is at a clear stage of mind, and knowing what he wants; but called himself a ‘psychotic’, I would say he has something in minds and he is not ‘lost’. I call that as his intentions. What will be his intentions then?

To get her back?
To commit suicide?
To seek sympathy and pity?
To cover up his embarrassment?
To boost-up his ego and self-esteem?

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He pinned the mistake of his own relationship on his friends; he claimed that his friend know more than he does about his relationship and never have told him.

Firstly, if you do not know about your own relationship problem, since problems had occurred so many times previously; then you are not eligible to be in a relationship.

Secondly, it is even absurd to claim ignorance since his girlfriend has the tendency to communicate over any problems, and seek solution. It is his ‘less-thoughtfulness’ and ‘less-sensitivity’ that leads to an end.

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‘You can play your role by advising me, and use your influence to change me, and make me think, but it is up to me if I want to change; you just play your role, and if you give-up then that is, but I believe in what I believe’

A person, who does not have the heart for correction, will never be corrected; similarly, a person who does not have self-consciousness will ever know where he has done wrong.

A selfish person always relies on others effort and takes advantage of his friendship; an egoistic person always claims to be ‘number-one’.

Eventually, a person who is selfish and egoistic will make use of others but claims to be not, it is a good combination of two!

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‘I was not in the loop of any updates; you guys keep me out of the loop, and did not call me. I am having a positive thought that you all are busy and engage with something’

No one is working 24 hours a day and 7 days a week consecutively for a few months; it is more than enough as long as you have the heart to spend an hour or two for your friend.

But, where is your initiative? Even if we did not call, but where is your initiative to call us? You have done that previously, but why not now? We can do our part to understand your condition; but it does not mean you can take for granted.

An initiative to live-on is important; initiative can help to solve many problems in life instead of avoiding them.

It is good to have a positive thought. Positive thought is important but it does not mean having positive thought allows you to take thing for granted; for not believing in what you did is wrong.


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A kid accidentally spills-his milk on the table.

His mother reprimanded him, but he said, ‘mum, a cat jump-up the table, and run over my glass of water.’

‘Then it spilled’, he added.

*the kid put the blame on the cat; psychologically, I believe it makes the kid feel better, and thought he may have escaped from punishment.

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A man who works to support a family of four; his father is a retiree; his mother is a housewife. He got a brother who is a freshman and a sister who is currently doing her Pre-University.

He claimed that his parent needs him to support the family for 8 years. That is mean he has to support his sibling education until they are able to stand on their feet. He continuously claims this particular issue among his friends, and he also claimed that he was born to serve in this life; and he will have to take-up the burden. Previously, he also stated that his parent does not allow him to have a girlfriend because he was not able to sustain at the moment. However, he always concluded that he is willing to do it and happy for it.

Nevertheless, his younger brother knows exactly the matter; and told that his parent has neither pushed him nor pressure him over the family issue. His parent has never asked for his support; and his parent his in fact wants him to settle down on himself.

Judging from the two different statements from him and his brother; it leads us into three different assumptions. It is they have sibling rivalry in the family, thus the hatred drives his younger to present an opposed-statement, or the man is lying to seek sympathy, and is seeking for an ego-boost among his friends. Last but not least, if it is his ‘self-initiative’ to take up the family burden; then he should have related it in a proper way.

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REMARK:-

I have lived through a quarter of my life, and have met many friends. However, I have never seen such an egoistic and stubborn person before. I wonder if our ‘face’ is that important, and that, urges you to create lies; make-up story to cover your embarrassment?

As friend, we have never treated each other as a laughing-stone. We adopt an ‘open-policy’, and ‘penetration’. Open-policy is when we talk about almost everything from the bottom of our heart. ‘Penetration’ is when information flows spontaneously either from the direct individual or other parties but related to the person.

We believe that when we are close enough and much information will then flow spontaneously; that is when ‘penetration’ occurs, and we got to know our friends better. That information is not necessarily from the related individuals but from others parties.

Since friendship can be so closed, then it is no point lying to your friends because the lies may be broken by your wife, family members or any accident that related.

For example, If I make-up a story about my family; and if you know my brother well enough, a denial from my brother will profess a whole different story.

Prince:...Sluggish Service...

I had a telephone conversation with the Dean of Postgraduate Study in University Malaya regarding my thesis proposal, and was told to send my proposal for their perusal before I actually attach the thesis proposal together with my application form. This is to avoid any mistake that may suspend my application.

Hence, I sent my Thesis Proposal to the dean of postgraduate study 2 weeks back then, but I received no response. To end my anxiety, I sent a reminder email to the Dean again, and was later being referred to another lecturer.

The dean was polite and professional, but the later email I received from the lecturer was a bit disappointing. I was expecting some good comments for my thesis proposal, as if I should proceed with the application. Nevertheless, the email was written as such:-

“Dear Steven, you have two options 1) if you are serious about doing Phd in UM, please apply officially. 2) You can search for your potential supervisors ie in the area of consumer behavior in UM and make an appointment to see them.

Best of luck.

Thank You.”

This is ‘NOT’ what I expected! I thought they would at least help to provide some constructive comment on my thesis proposal, and give me the name of a lecturer whom I should be seeking for help in the later stage. I wasn’t happy because; firstly, they make me wait for so long, secondly, ‘she’ doubt on my seriousness. Thirdly, she was leading me around the bush.

I have prepared my thesis proposal according to the said format. All that I need is someone to look through my work and give me some constructive comment. If she can not help me in my thesis proposal, at least give me the name of the lecturer who specialised in consumer behaviour. I believe it is not that hard unless they abstain from each others in the campus.

Fourthly, I realise that local university provides sluggish services, and they usually serve with scowl! They do not emphasize on services, and they are not willing to go further in serving customers. Perhaps, that is why the program was priced cheaper (RM 13k), as compare to private University (RM 65k)!

(Hey, I am still paying the price okay; it doesn’t matter whether it is cheap or expensive, but I still have to pay. I do not expect them to serve beyond-expectation; but I have the right to expect at least a ‘satisfied-service’ from them. Last but not least, I AM A TAX-PAYER TOO! Am I paying to feed the inefficiency? WTH!)

Prince: I have moved..My New Place!






I love my new place; I find it a very pleasant environment.

Sometimes, I can enjoy over a cup of tea / coffee after the tiring day by admiring the scene of KL through my balcony.

The night view and day view give me a totally different feel; night view gives me the soothing feel while day view gives me the bright and busy feel.

Sometimes, I sit by the kitchen bar, sipping my cup of tea. Guess what, the condo is just beside the income tax department; and a stadium.

Yesterday was my big day, because I collected my appointment letter! I went shopping at Giant later-on, to throw a steamboat session to celebrate my new start in a new company.

Prince: Elements in life...

Life is full of challenges, life is adventurous and passion. Yet, all these coexist with the elements in life. One of our elements in life is our circle of relationship. Our circle represents our surrounding, inclusive of those physical sculptures around us. It allows us to learn and grow; it teaches us that ‘learning is a life-long process’ because you will never see darkness around you except in your own mind.

One day when you walk into an empty house, and when you think you see nothing, but you see a house. It is interesting to say that we always see thing around us, and we learn with our eyes. Those who are blind will then have to learn through touches.

Nevertheless, let us not forget the abstract elements in life, which is our emotion and intelligence. They help to shape our thought. The abstract element is what we can not see or feel, but we can build a better world to live in with a right thinking. It also helps to build your personality, and leads you to your dream. Sometimes, when you are unable to build a better outer world, you can help to build a better inner world first, because inner world can eventually help to shape a better outer world. For example, kind people make the world a better place to live in. Benevolence gives you happiness in the society. Unscrupulous people give you headache!

Today, one of my friends from ‘Lamp Burger’ asked, ‘what do you want to do in future?’ The same question was posted when I met another friend of mine in ‘Bell-Air’. It seems to be an ‘opening dialogue’ for a direct salesperson; Pardon me, let me correct it; they do not consider themselves as direct salesperson, but a consultant or solution provider who promote the benefit of network marketing that can help to fulfil your dream. I neither despise nor want to criticise or deny, but I am just not interested anyway.

All that I know, I was given a ‘life’ with two choices; I either live the normal way, or I live the different way. I have chosen the latter. The main reason I keep learning and pursuing my study because I want to live differently. I want to learn as much as I can, and prepared myself for my dream. I understand that I want to do something different, and big! And I am sure that I am not looking for fast-money.

In another incident, I learn that human-being is not homogeneous in their abstract elements. They do not think alike, and act accordingly. They do not necessarily posses a rational thought, and do not necessarily ‘think’ correctly. To certain degree, these elements are affected by a few side-characters, such as ego, arrogance, and temper-some. It is a reflection of immaturity. It depends much on self-control which falls back on emotional quotient (EQ) of each independent being.

For instance, breaking-off a relationship could be heart-breaking. Irrationality kick-in. to tell you to insist on status quo ante, but the fact is cruel enough to go against your will. Irrationality will tell you not to accept the fact, and irrationality will tell you to do whatever you could to get it back; eventually, you start to live in your own world which leads you apart from the reality. Sometimes, you may come across cases of commit suicides, murdering, housebreaker, extortion, and vandalism; as a result of their weakening abstract elements.

Prince: The CHinaman Housemate...

There are six tenants in a condominium of 3 rooms. My friend and I occupied two room respectively, and 2 Chinaman occupied the master room; while, another two prefers to sleep at the living room.

The first day of my stay; I have tried to get to know everyone of them, and in fact, among 3 of them; one is my brother, and the others two was my college mate.

My friends are having problem with the Chinaman, saying that the China chap is stingy and untidy. I have given the Chinaman the benefit of doubt; of course, I neither want to judge a person by their look, nor words of ill from others.

I was trying to make myself a bowl noodle, but I was told that the kitchen was out of cooking gas. My brother claimed that the Chinaman cook everyday, and used-up the cooking gas. He also told me that they take turn to pay for the cooking gas, and it was his turn.

My brother doesn’t mind paying for the gas tank even though he does not use it at all, but the Chinaman has to pay for it now since it is his turn; furthermore they have never even fork-out a single cent for the cooking utensils.

I do not simply believe in others statement, unless I see it with my own eyes. I have already stayed here for 3 days, plus every visit here previously, I saw the Chinaman cook. That have proven that the Chinaman does cook, and he cook very often.

The cooking gas was ‘out’ quite sometimes; and no one is willing to order a new tank. They are waiting for the Chinaman to place the order; but the Chinaman does not even care, and he has stopped cooking from the day when the cooking gas was used-up.

Frankly speaking, I hate this type of personality. I always call it the ‘parasite’ character. Those who posses a ‘parasite characters’ - enjoy taking advantage on others, and drains other resources before they set a new target.

Have you ever encountered this type of human-being?