A Few Personal Regrets

I read a Malay Mail editorial (January 13, 2009, p 2) that interestingly implied that Malaysians are still in self-denial about the economic crisis that is plaguing the world. It seemed that Klang Valley retailers had reported that local spending habits are unaffected and some are even thinking of expanding their businesses – so one can only assume that Malaysians are immune to this crisis for some strange reason that I cannot yet fathom. Yet, in the same editorial, it is noted that the Consumer Research and Resource Center (CRRC) had already sounded a warning bell that we must change our spending habits quickly if we are to emerge intact from this financial and economic quandary – and I use the word “quandary” – perhaps inappropriately – only because there are many who still don’t believe we are in a crisis mode or even heading into one! Of course, the government pump-priming the economy, and encouraging everyone to spend, spend, spend is providing the illusion that all is well – but it alarms me that we are not taking this crisis seriously. Let’s hope the majority of Malaysians wake up to the fact that we are already wading in deep shit, and it can get real nasty, in a stinking sort of way. Just consider the layoffs in Penang, and the “proliferation of illegal posters offering questionable loans for those with bad credit ratings” as the Malay Mail put it, is, after all, “a sign not of troubles to come but of troubles already here”. From an HICT-perspective, we should see more student numbers this year, for the simple reason that Klang parents should be expected to send their children to HICT for their tertiary education because it is closer to home (savings on travel and living expenses for a start?) and that our fees are affordable, vis-a-vis the other well-established and reputable colleges elsewhere.

It’s too late now but I think I have missed the boat. Why, you may ask? I was planning to do 3 speeches this month. My busy and engrossing schedule in January has made me forget my speech-making plans, and yes, I am filled with regret and misgiving and even sadness. But being a person who does not dwell on the past for too long – I will have to find a Band-Aid to this non-activity by creating an opportunity for me to make my 3 speeches – somehow. Damn! Now, I am cross with myself for letting this escape from my memory; I am displeased with myself for failing to remember. To rub salt in the wound, I had also forgotten to attend this month’s meeting (i.e. January 08) of the D’Utama Advanced Toastmasters Club. Sheesh! Am I so forgetful now? If I am a woman over 35, I can always blame it on hormonal…OMG! Are you thinking what I am thinking? No, no, it cannot be! Of course not! Positively, I am not! Surely, I am not! What am I thinking of? Err…

This morning, I was at SMJK Kwang Hua and I was giving this talk on “10 Keys to 10 A’s” but there were a couple of students who attended one of my previous talks (on another subject) who were disappointed that I didn’t turn on my trademark humor. Am I losing my touch? Am I becoming an unfunny person? Questions a-plenty I am raising in today’s posting... Time to take a KitKat break and look at myself in the mirror…

Fading Star?

Is the Star Education Fair 2009 losing its luster? Last weekend (January 10 & 11), I was on duty at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, and it seemed to me that the crowds have thinned significantly. Last year, it was reported that 70,000 visitors came to this Education Fair at the same venue, but I don’t think this year, the number will even touch 50,000. Still, HICT have its small legion of fans, and we counseled and marketed our programs with a big dosage of passionate fervor. By the looks of it, I believe there will be at least 6-8 students who will enroll into the ADP this April 2009 – not bad for 2 days’ work, methinks. I must also salute the 6 ADP students who volunteered to help out – that’s right, they all freely volunteered. Wei Wei, Ivan, Brandon, Wai How, Jacklyn, and Chern Yang – I believe their presence helped because when they shared their own ADP experiences with prospective students and their parents, they made the program seem very personal and authentic. In fact, there was this Kuantan family who remarked that my students who are all only first year students (i.e. freshmen) seemed confident and self-assured. Now that’s a legitimate compliment, and speaks well of the SNHU program, the college, and of course, these students themselves. Verily, I am proud of them. Now, with a bit of luck, we might see this Kuantan family send their daughter and son (SPTM) to enroll into the same 4+0 SNHU degree program. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Owais and/or Rymond can do the necessary follow-ups. Still, it was a difficult 2 days for me because I was suffering from severe throat inflammation that was equally discomforting and distressing. Poor me - many a time, I squeaked, whimpered, and squealed.

There was football action too. Arsenal at least managed to win its game (by beating Bolton 1-0; the solitary goal coming from Bendtner in the 84th minute), while Liverpool produced a colorless display by being held to a scoreless draw by Stoke. And Man U did everyone a favor by demolishing Chelsea 3-0 because this means that the latter’s title race may just peter out. More importantly, it provides some breathing space for table-toppers, Liverpool since Chelsea was too close for comfort. But then again, so is Man U now, especially with 2 games in hand. Liverpool, better watch out!

A-List Managers

Since becoming a Head of Department, I am constantly surprised by the antics exhibited by my colleagues and fellow HODs – these people who are supposedly matured and all grown-up – after all, they are the leaders in an organization, an educational institution at that. We are normally engaged in about 6 or 7 meetings on average per week, and these managers happily put on display their shenanigans for all to see. 

I cannot wait for the boss to effect the change that we are all waiting for… Let’s hope for my sanity’s sake that this takes place quickly. In the meantime, I can only sit back and take it all in my stride as best as I can ...

Of Trains and Hearts and Music

In one of my recent postings, I talked about taking a train ride from Glasgow to London's Euston Station. Even back then, British Rail was famously notorious for always being late – so those of you who incessantly complain about KTM – it may be comforting to know that this is not a new phenomenon. Today, Virgin Trains, which operates the London-Scotland line, says seven in every 10 journeys on the line have been late. According to BBC News (January 07, 2009), it was reported that passengers have experienced lengthy delays in the biting cold, been shuffled onto replacement buses or forced to abandon journeys altogether – so much so, that it has become a serious contender for the title of Misery Line. It just goes to show that sometimes, there are things that never change!

.

Yesterday also featured a New Straits Times news report that Malaysian conglomerate, Sime Darby has dropped plans to buy Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) because of vociferous objections from the public. Now this is good news indeed – companies like Sime Darby are getting too greedy. 

But what is also baffling is that the Cabinet had initially approved this sale in principle – gee whiz, they sure considered the interests of the rakyat, don’t they? How could they? 

Our Andy McDonough's CDs saw a good push this week, and todate, we have now sold 621 CDs. Mathew, let's push on... HICT students and their friends are supportive!

Avanti

It was really nice to have met Kelvin, Edwin, Mas, and the others again over a delectable dinner, and as they say, good food and good company do mix very well! And of course, Avanti was a superb place to be on a Saturday evening, and thank you all for making it happen!

Yesterday was the first day of a new semester at HICT. We had only 9 ADP students reporting, although this is not the full complement. There is obviously a failure in communication between Registry and the new students since there are at least another nine students who failed to turn up. It is something that I need to look into. Still, this looks like a good group of students who can work well with the other ADP students. Many of us are already interacting with them, and this is a healthy sign, methinks.

Football news. On Saturday, Celtic squandered a 2-goal lead against Dundee United to share the points in a 2-2 draw. (Both of Celtic’s goals came from Samaras in the 12th and 58th minutes). Sigh. In any case, Celtic boss, Gordon Strachan himself said he wouldn’t lose any sleep after his side drew. Oh well… In the FA Cup, Liverpool had the upper hand, and defeated Preston 2-0; and Arsenal overcame Plymouth 3-1.

On the First Day

Today is the first day of the new year – and surprise, surprise – I am a goody two-shoes because I stayed home all day. But I am productive - and I am still working hard to finish my powerpoints before classes start next week. Well, at least, I am now in the midst of Lesson 7 (Strategic Management), but I am keeping a plodding pace, and my progress is tortoiselike!

.

Before I forget, Brandon surprised me yesterday with a great book, “London: A Thousand and One Intriguing Facts” – I say ‘great’ because he knows that London always holds a special place in my heart. For those who don’t know me – well, I studied in the UK for 4 years, and during much of that time, I made regular trips to London (I still remember how I endured a 5-hour train journey from Glasgow’s Central Station as well as the frequent ponteng-ing of my ‘Industrial Relations’ class on Friday afternoons, just so that I can spend my weekends in London). What to do lah – the lure of London is so great, I made sacrifices! Anyway coming back to the book – it contains very riveting facts that are just so entrancing, such as: (1) At Madame Tussaud’s: Madam Tussaud started her collection of wax models in the 1790s when, after the French Revolution, she was forced to model victims of the guillotine (p 279); and, (2) In 1861, trams were introduced into London by a Mr. Train (p 359); and so on and so forth. Thanks, Brandon.

.
And this cheesy guy (yes, I am still referring to Brandon) mustered every ounce of courage to announce his cheesy 2009 resolutions! Mind you, “cheesy” is his word – not mine! And yes, Brandon, I am also up to it, and here’s my resolutions for 2009!

2009 Resolution List

1. Start writing my Marketing textbook
2. Start my second Masters
3. Write a short story and get it published
4. Complete 20 Toastmasters speeches
5. Complete 700 teaching hours at HICT
6. Bring up the ADP student population at HICT to 500
7. Yield 5,000 visits to my blog
8. Complete 2 music CD projects

But that is not all. I have actually done a Resolution List that spans 3 years, but I will not reveal… This year’s resolutions should suffice for now… And like a good manager, I will provide a report card at the end of every quarter to establish my level of resoluteness in fulfilling my resolutions, to ascertain how I fare, to celebrate or regret. "Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right" proclaims Oprah Winfrey, but I disagree - this is not another chance, this is my one and only chance, and I will get it right!!!

Bidding Farewell to 2008

I came across this interesting piece of news in The New Straits Times yesterday (December 30, 2008, p 33) of how some enterprising organizers in New York hit upon a novel idea of bidding ‘good riddance’ to bad 2008 memories. New Yorkers were invited to bring their bad memories to Times Square on Sunday and feed them to an industrial-strength shredder. And so this article went on to talk about a Yankees fan Kate Anello of New York City who shredded a poster of the Boston Red Sox, the New York baseball team’s archrival. Another New Yorker, Kathryn Bonn shredded a printout of her boyfriend’s “Dear John” email. Others wanted to destroy bad grades, bad health, and bad financial news. Some wrote “the stock market” or “cancer” on a piece of paper and shredded it, while others shredded bags of actual bank statements and check stubs. It is said that “this is the perfect way to move on from a bad year, from a bad experience”. A fascinating concept that the organizers themselves are hoping it will become a New Year’s tradition. Maybe we should start something like this at HICT too? Well, any takers anybody?

.
Liverpool is still making the news because they continue to bask in glory after the Merseysiders ended 2008 as Premier League leaders! I loved this quote from Liverpool assistant manager, Sammy Lee: “This is a very strong, determined and focused bunch of players and they have a real belief. It’s not arrogance but we’re prepared to succeed and not prepared to fail”. Go for it, Liverpool!

.

And so, this is my last entry for 2008 - I am blogging. I am making speeches. I am enjoying work. I am alive! There's a sense of deja vu because it has been a good year for me, and here's to knowing 2009 will be another bountiful year. So, A Happy New Year everybody and may you work towards making all your resolutions become a reality... Hopefully, it shall not be those New Year resolutions that go in one year and out the other!

NTV7 Breakfast Show

I was searching YouTube for a video clip of the Toastmasters interview on the NTV7 Breakfast Show that was shown on November 10, 2008 – the two Toastmasters being featured were world-class speaker, K Loghandran (a.k.a. Logi) and Joseph Gomez, District 51 Governor (i.e. the territories of Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei). Anyway, I found it and I wish to share it with everyone, especially those who are HICT Toastmasters, who had missed Loghandran’s talk at HICT in October…

I am also remembering another talented Toastmaster, Stephen Fernando, whom I have had the privilege to have met. I am intending to invite Stephen Fernando to HICT to give a humor workshop sometime next year. Wei Wei in her capacity as Vice President Public Relations (of our HICT Toastmasters Club) shall have to work harder to bring in the crowd.

With one week to go before the start of the new 2009 academic year, I have been busier than usual, preparing for my classes. I cannot quite recall now but I think I am slotted for either 5 or 6 subjects in January – and one of the subjects that I am hard-pressed to get ready the powerpoint slides is for Strategic Management. As of this morning, I am still doing Lesson 5. It is slow-going but when you insist on doing your own slides, it’s like that lah. But I believe it’s worth it because my students will benefit. Why? Because when I do these slides, I draw upon more than one source – for this subject alone, I am relying on 4 textbooks to put the slides together. OMG, it sure is hard work!

Back to football, and Arsenal managed to carve a narrow 1-0 win over Portsmouth, the solitary goal courtesy of Gallas in the 81st minute. Still, a precious 3 points in the bag for the Gunners – this win allowed them to overtake Aston Villa, and settled in fourth place. I don’t believe Arsenal is a contender for the topmost placing in the EPL but if they can stay within the top 4 places, they should be happy nonetheless. Nice to see The Star’s sports page carrying the headline today (December 29) that desribes Liverpool's feat: “Five-star show”! Tired of always seeing Man U or Chelsea grabbing the headlines – a nice change, indeed!

Logi and Monti

Remember Logi and Monti? To most people, they are comedians. To most of us Toastmasters, Logi or K Loghandran is a world-class public speaking champion who came to HICT awhile back, to talk about well, the World Championship of Public Speaking competition where he emerged as first runner-up. An achievement that all Toastmasters from this part of the world should be proud of. Well, coming back to my story… I was reading the Sunday People section in the New Sunday Times today (December 28), and I came across a photo of these 2 “funny” guys, on page R3. In fact, there’s a double-spread page of Malaysian personalities being featured here, and all of them were asked for their Wish List for the New Year. I wasn’t the least interested in what Tony Fernandes, Maya Karin, and so on have to say – but Logi and Monti, well, they made me sit up. Monti wanted to walk in the nude somewhere in Europe – I am not intending to even try to picture this – but Logi’s wish was something else… He wanted “to make a comedy film and to raise funds for it by collecting RM1 from one million Malaysians”. And he also hoped “more Malaysians will join the Toastmasters Club to improve their English”. Okay, I cannot argue with his second wish – after all, I am in the thick of the Toastmasters action already. But his first wish intrigued me. Malaysian cinema is still very unsure of itself – and except for the few critical successes from Yasmin Ahmad (e.g. Sepet; Gubra; Mukhsin) and the indie film-makers, we are really not, well… known. And when Logi talks about comedy films, the most successful comedies closest to home, that I can relate to, are from Singapore (e.g. Money No Enough; That One No Enough; I Not Stupid; Just Follow Law; Ah Long Pte Ltd – all Jack Neo vehicles). So, maybe it is about time we look at producing our very own English-language comedy films, and I believe, Logi can pull this off.

What I am suggesting is that perhaps we can take up this challenge to help Logi raise this RM1 million – and in the process, we promote ourselves and HICT. God knows, we need the publicity, and this is one sure way to get publicity on a nationwide scale. I am not suggesting that we raise all of the RM1 million, but if we can get the ball rolling and we can raise the first installment of say, RM250k – this will be a great beginning and in the process, we could ask for a role in the film (I can think of a few really funny people in HICT), credits (see our names immortalized on the silver screen), and maybe even, a share of the profits (why not?), etcetera, etcetera. For a start, we can mobilize all Toastmasters Clubs in the country to organize fundraising campaigns. Can you imagine? A few hundred clubs raising say, RM500, and we are on our way. I look at this strictly as a business proposition with some social marketing overtones perhaps. And I can think of no better person to lead this other than Brandon? Are you up to the challenge, Brandon? Shall we call it Project KL Movie?

In the SPL, Celtic bested Rangers 1-0, thanks to McDonald in the 58th minute – although to be fair to the latter, they dominated possession but unfortunately, couldn’t find the breakthrough. And in the EPL, Liverpool gave Newcastle a 5-1 walloping; the Liverpool scorers were Gerrard (31st minute); Hyypia (36th minute); Babel (50th minute); Gerrard (66th minute); and Alonso (77th minute penalty). This was Liverpool’s last match of the year and what a match to end the year! Liverpool is sitting pretty atop the table with 45 points! Liverpool haven’t been crowned champions of England since way back in 1990, and this season represents their best chance to pull this off! We all believe victory is possible, and nothing is impossible.