TEDxKL

I was quite excited about TEDxKL. It was an opportunity for me to reconnect with the ideas, positive energy and passionate people in Malaysia. There are 11 speakers from different part of the society.

Amongst all the speaker, there are two speakers, Peter Nicoll and Aloha Lavina, really got me thinking. Peter from Scotland is running a Community Action Group based in KL to "get people off the street" (address the symptoms of both urban and rural poverty through street food programmes, etc). I was shock that we have 770,000 population in KL are hard poor, living on the street and with hunger. It is HUGE but how many of us in KL actually aware of it and trying to do something to help them. I really appreciate a foreigner, has no responsible to this city/country, but doing such an amazing things for us.

Aloha Lavina, who is a photographer based in Bangkok. First, I love her accent and the words she were using during her presentation. It just sounds so beautiful. It is very interesting to see the world through a photographer philosophy. Three messages she was trying to delivery in the 18minutes - trust process instead of the end result, have fun and pure awareness (Attention shapes reality). She mentioned that you will stop having fun when you are losing your attention. I totally agree with it. At the end, she wrapped up with a phase "The World Is Your Idea". Believing in and focusing on our idea we can shape the world we want.

Pramesh Chandran, who is a technopreneur and was appointed as CEO of TIME dotCom in 2008, is another good speaker. He has given lots of very useful information to the audience why the broadband speed in Malaysia is way behind developed countries and countries in Asia which has high speed broadband with affordable price. It was way out of my imagine how many other parties, government are responsible to this. Except his overtime speech, it was a very informative and interesting presentation.

This event has inspired me to be more proactive and actually make a change in Malaysia society. There are so much I can do and need to be done but what I have I done to make a change in the past eight months? I always want to be an entrepreneur and owning a business. However, I do not want to be someone who only care about how much profit in their business. Impact that I could create always my motivation. I am very excited when I know there are people actually have the same dream as me out there and I am not alone.

p.s. Congratz to a very successful event with great speakers and audiences. One part I was very impressive was the organiser tried very hard to make sure everything on time. It is very rare amongst Malaysia's events. Although it is not perfect, I do see the effort and it is what Malaysian should learn to be.

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More than a cup of coffee

From searching the best Hot Choc in Auckland, the best Mocha in Wellington, now I found the best Cappuccino in Malaysia at Cafe Departure Lounge. 

I am very used the life which could easily access a cup of good Mocha in NZ (Ahhh.. I miss Cubita). It become slightly hard in Malaysia. Yes, Malaysia has lots of coffee franchises/cafe. Sadly, 99% I will receive a cup of coffee with over frothed milk (burn your tongue), coffee is watering (bad coffee bean and milk), which are the perfect combination to ruin my day.

Luckily I can at least have a good cup of coffee once a week at Cafe Departure Lounge. Thanks for the owners who have the passion in making a good cup of coffee and serving good food. Now my perfect weekend (if I am in KL) is spending my afternoon there, having a cup of GOOD coffee/mocha, reading my book, eating a slide of cheese cake and teasing their staffs. What a luxury!

When will they open another branch just next to my office?

p.s Congratz their barista, Yee, for winning the "best cappucino" and 2nd Runner-up awards at Malaysia Barista Championship 2010. It was a very good weekend to experience the passion of coffee. 

It is more than a cup of coffee.

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No more house hunting!

One of my main tasks after back to Malaysia is looking for a house for my family. Mum has been wanting a landed house for years. However, my sister and I were not within the country so it has been delayed. 

I was hunting the house through few property agents. It was a nightmare when dealing with them. They are on and off depending on their mood! I know that I don't have a million dollar budget but at least still above average! What kind of shit service I have been receiving. Personally I can't deal with bad service so I decide to buy a house without going through property agents and start searching the developer website. 

At the end, I found this place - Sutera Damansara Ria II. It is pretty much a perfect house for us (except we have to wait for 2 years but it is not like we don't have a place to stay now). It is within our budget, a very nice neighbourhood (with mountains, reserve forest around, human make lake), convenience location (easily to access all the main highways), perfect size and modern design (with high ceiling and well used of space). Everyone is happy with the house and everything so we make our final decision within 24 hours.

Just need to settle down all the financial part then I am done! I'm actually very proud of myself that able to get this done perfectly. 

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2010 2nd Trip - Revisiting India

After three years, I finally have the chance to visit India, which I consider the third home, again. It was very relaxing and good. I didn't do much during the trip,  just spending time on the beach and resort. Eat, Sleep and Drink! It gives me lots of positive energy after this trip. 

Goa is still Goa and Bangalore is still Bangalore. Nothing much has changed but it reminds me lots of good times there and the reason I love my stay so much. This place has taught me how to be patient, flexible, open-minded and positive. Now with the cheap flight, I think I will visit more often.

Some achievements during this trip: 

• I finish a book "retired young and retired rich" by Robert Kiyosaki
• Good reflection in term of my changes these years and future plan 
• Relax and love my life again

Even though most people in Malaysia does not have positive perception toward India. Secretly, I think life in India is more interesting than Malaysia. If there any chance, I wish to stay there more than home.

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KL Night Life

You can have so much fun with the right company. I finally experience the complete the KL night life in a week. It is a bit crazy but I'm really happy.

Luna Bar 

It is a must-go bar when friend comes from overseas. Price of drink is a bit ridiculous but I guess it is still better than go up to KL Tower. 

Pavilion 

At the center of KL. You can easily find all kind of food (good to bad, east to west) at one place. Also a good idea to get a drink before and after dinner. We got a free shot because the bar tender didn't know how to count. :P The parking is surprisingly cheap during weekday. 

Changkat Bukit Bintang

It is so far my favourite place in KL. I like the bar on the street instead of inside the mall. You can do a bar tour here easily. Get all kind of music and variety price of drink. Lady definitely should go on Wed (Ladies night), you can have all night free drink. 

Pinchos @ Changkat

I love everything about Spain so Tapas is one of my favourite. This dish is amazing with some wine. 

Good Food + Wine = Good Time 

Social @ Changkat

I love the music and they have quite bit of wine choice. Pool table available if you could play well. We stay until they "locked" us inside. Definitely go back again. 

Bangkok Jazz

We were the only customer on Tue. They are not really playing Jazz (but I do show my friend the Malaysia truly Asia coz they were playing some random Asian songs) and the drink is not good. I won't recommend but may be the weekend is better. Thai restaurant upstair is pretty good but a bit too quit. 

Asian Heritage

Went twice so far but have not had a good experience. So may be not my place. 

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Challenge your fear

I love to spend my holiday at the beach. Because of my fear of animal (including fish) and deep water, It is a bit boring sometimes. It is my dream to swim in the sea and master all the water activities, i.e. scuba diving, surfing, etc.

To make my Malaysian life more excited, I decide to challenge my fear. I have checked out the course at 1U, the price is reasonable and it does not seem to be that hard. I have no fear when come to sky diving or bungy jump, I'm sure I have the confidence to do it.

Before Aug, I have to get my PADI certificate.

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iPad

A new creation from Apple was launched two days ago - iPad. There are a lot of review, good and bad, has published in the last 48 hours. Even though a lot of people quite disappointed of the iPad, such as the name is lame, it is just an oversized iPhone, what is the point to have it; I still very excited about this new creation. Yes, I'm an Apple fan. 

I think iPad could really change our way of reading, the way the publisher function in the next five years. It just like how iPod has change our way of listening and buy music, pretty much the entire music industry. We are reluctant to buy CDs or even burn CD. Since I have the iPhone, my car does not have to mess up with lots of CD or I could not find the CD I want when I am driving. 

I believe iPad will have the same impact to our life in the future. I have to admit that I love to act of going to book shop and buy book, put at my bookshelf and start reading it. This is how I feel now. I used to love to go to CD shop, look for CD and buy CD but now I can't be bother. I always find myself could not find the CD I want in the CD shop. 

I can just imagine my life with the iPad, reading the newspaper and TIME magazine while I am having breakfast. My house doesn't have to mess up with lots of newspaper and magazine, and mum won't get annoyed and start yelling at everyone. I can read the book on my bed or everywhere I go. I won't feel guilty when spending money on buying lots of book but no time to read it, it is going to be cheap at ibook shop. I carry my newspaper/book/mp3/photo album everywhere in my home. Another good feeling is I save more trees. 

I love the iPad idea and I want to have it. 

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Obedience to the parent

As Asian/Chinese children, we seem to be obedience to our parent's order  or wish. Even though we're not happy or disagree with their opinion, order or decision, we most likely will obey. Remember during high school (even now), I get very frustrated when friend make their decision based on their parent wish. The most common is  their degree and at the end they don't even know why they are getting that degree.

I was trying very hard to live and do thing in my own way, however, I could not completely escape from this tradition or "responsibility". May be this is what they society has brain-wash us since young.

I am glad that my parent always give me lots of freedom in making decision.  may be i'm not listening However, when they are getting older, they intend to persuade you to stay and live with them. You will feel bad/shit if you're not doing what they wish although deep down you prefer to go for your own path and way. I completely understand how they feel but I think parent should also take initiative when managing their elderly, like making new friends, join activities, etc. It can't just be their child's responsible of making sure they are happy. Pls putting so much hope on your children, it could reduced the indirect pressure to their child and both parties will be happier.

It is such a conflict feeling for me when deciding between parent's life and my life. Hopefully I'll remember how I feel now; so when I am getting old, I'll be a cool and happy old lady/mum without worrying my family.

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Last Day of 2009

It was not an impressive situation to start my last day of 2009 when you saw a body was lying on the floor (cause of car accidence obviously) on the way to work. I'm wondering what if I die on the last day of 20XX? Please drive carefully.

2009 is a transition year from one chapter to another chapter in my life journey. Changing environment, country, friends, culture, work, I could not say it was tough but it's definitely emotional. I'm thankful that I just have right amount of time in 2009, not too long or too short. And now, it is time to move on.

The very first time I'm not too sure what I really want for a new year. Traveling will definitely be the big part of 2010. I guess it will be the right time when I have not put myself to a situation with too much responsible yet. South East Asia and Europe will be the destination.

Other than travel, my career and retirement plan are always be my focus. I have been procrastinate in the second half of 2009. After receiving sugar cube from Chin, it does inspired me again. Sometimes a small action could make a huge impact, thanks Chin!

No matter what, I will ROCK 2010 in 1fan style!

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My iphone

Since the first i-phone launch in 2005, when I was in India, it became my dream phone. Every year I told myself to save up and buy it. Finally, I got it last month. It is worth for waiting. I feel like caring my MacBook everywhere, I can do whatever, wherever and whenever with my phone. It is only RM1500 to get a powerful and 'handsome' phone.

I guess there is nothing can stop me be a loyalty customer of Apple. Next goal: MacBook Pro

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A video for myself - don't give up

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Happy Birthday to ME x 3

I've celebrate my b'day in Malaysia for 5 years. I was not planning to celebrate my bday this year but thanks for friends who gave me 3 celebration. Of course, it was not as creazy as the party in NZ. However, it was warm and sweet.

1. Kiwi style with Annie Loo
Thanks for bring me to such an awesome place for dinner. Following by NZ Pinor Noir at best Jazz Bar in Malaysia. Especially for Annie and Yohei, I love the present - photo book - it brought back a lot of good memories and can't wait for Taiwan with a crazy night.

2. A group of friends without name
Thanks for spending a good night with two Tiger towers and the present.

3. An unexpected surprise from KK
Thank you so much for the two little cakes.

Thank you for all the wishes from friends all around the world!

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Challenge myself

We all know that you need to challenge yourself and put a lot of efforts to be successful. I'm very enjoyed my time in September because I am putting myself into a very challenging situation. These challenge is very different compare to what had occurred in the pass. Everyday, I am expecting some difficulty that out of my control. It is not easy, it is frustrated and reduce my confidence. However, I know that this is the path to the success. I'm lucky enough to face these with a group of good people with a lot of supports and encouragements.

I am walking toward my goal and dream.

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Are you ready for the change?

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Loving my life

Loving your life. It sounds very simple but not many people find the way.

I've been struggling for years in how to have a successful life by doing what I love to do. I'm very excited and happy now because I find my way. I have such a strong feeling that I am going to enjoy every single moment in the next five years, I can foresee myself being happy and successful before 2015. I know it won't be easy but I am not afraid of any challenge that I am going to face. I just remember what it will lead me to and I want it with 100%.

Congratz if you have this feeling; if not, I hope you FIND THE WAY.

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Let's complain less and smile more :)

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成就李嘉诚一生的八种能力

I'm very glad that I read this book at the right time. It helped me to make the most important decision in 2009. I also have a better understanding about the stock and property market. How does it work at a large scale. It also give me a very clear picture what ability does a successful businessman needs. Sometimes, it is so hard to believe what he, Li Jia Cheng, has done in his life.

Of course, there are so much to learn, I'm just a beginner. I hope one day I'll be good at these eight abilities. I believe it won't be too far :)

Current reading:
Outliers - the story of success by Malcom Gladwell
Waiting list:
The snowball by Warren Buffett

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Getting toward the right direction

Lucky (LOA)

I made a goal before I start working. I've to start working on my main responsible - business development in Aug. Because of the delay of setting up (catalog and website), I didn't have much hope to achieve my goal.

However, everything seems to be arranged. After attending the primary school gathering last weekend, I got a new contact and information about a opening-soon hotel. I got a meeting set up after calling. At the same time, I met a supplier who has new products in hotel amenities industry, which fulfill the Eco-and-green trend. It also align with the concept of the hotel. It is a bit stress and frustrated after the meeting. There are a lot I need to do, change and worry; whereas, it gives me more responsibles and satisfaction in the company.

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Being Green!

When I was in New Zealand, I read a lot of books about green, eco or bio-degradable issues and products. I've a huge interest and passion at this area and aware of these products in New Zealand. I didn't expect it will related with my business in the futur but it is happening. I'm getting excited and happy as I'm working with my passion now.

Hotel industry is one of the most polutted industry. Everyday, a lot of plastic products , paper, water & power are wasted. If all the amenities products can be replaced, the world can be a little bit better. However, it is something very challenging since it is a industry which has a high-sensitive in price. At least, it gives me excitement and a very clear vision and goal :)

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Finally arrived..

After 5 weeks, my shipment from NZ finally arrive today. Everything is under good condition. Unfortunately, I don't have any space in my room for the 22kg of stuff yet. The only thing can get out from the box now is "Patrick" - b'day gift from Jordan.

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My ideal working place

CENTRIO at Pantai Hill Park in Bukit Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur

What an idea working environment - SoHo (small office/home office)

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