Kim Chow

The Malacca Club New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance

2012-01-04T21:08:00.000+08:00

The Malacca Club is one of Malaysia's oldest clubs, if not the oldest. This vintage club held its New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance on 31 Dec 2011 in Renaissance Melaka Hotel with the theme "Music Festival".

It ushered in the New Year with special entertainment by a string of outstanding and celebrity entertainers.

Stage backdrop

Kim Chow with the President of The Malacca Club,
Mr Clement Fernandez, and his lovely wife.

Mr Edward Kennedy (right) from Wacko Jacko Entertainment

Midpoint from the Philippines, resident band of The Malacca Club in Melaka Raya.

Dino, a popular saxophonist who performs at the Bamboo Hut Bistro in Aldy Hotel, Melaka

Ms Christina D'Almeida aka Tina has performed in Malaysia and abroad.
She is accompanied by Joe Fingers on the piano.
Joe Fingers is a jazz musician from New Zealand
who owns the Honky Tonk Haven Cafe in Lorong Hang Jebat, Melaka.

Keeboon, an accomplished pianist, is the Artistic Director of Heritage Performing Arts
which has brought in international shows such as the Beijing Opera.

Dr Joanne Yeoh (left) is a violinist extraordinaire who holds a PhD in music.
She has performed in concerts around the world.
She was awarded The Outstanding Young Malaysian in 2004.
She performs here with her String Quartet.

Revellers dancing merrily and enjoying themselves thoroughly while waiting for the countdown.

Look at these two young dancers on the stage.
Looking sharp in their suits, they sway and rock to the hypnotic beat of the music.

At 2am the revellers are still on the dance floor.

The lucky draw prizes. The first prize is a Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Prizes galore. Table draw and lucky draw prizes.

The Malacca Club is housed in this new building in Melaka Raya.

The shops opposite the Malacca Club in Melaka Raya.

The Malacca Club owns another complex called the Rotunda which ffer sports facilities.
Night view of the Rotunda which has a round hall with a thatched roof.

The Malacca Club owns another complex called the Rotunda which offer sports facilities.
Night view of the entrance to the Rotunda which has a round hall with a thatched roof.

Night view inside the Rotunda, the Malacca Club.
Note the thatched roof.

Night view of the sea water swimming pool in the Rotunda, the Malacca Club.

MM2H AA International Gala Nite 2011

2012-01-04T20:22:00.001+08:00

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Agents Association held its Gala Night on 29 October 2011 in Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur.

The guest of honour was Dato' Dr Ong Hong Peng, Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia.

The chairman of Tourism Malaysia, Datuk Dr Victor Wee also graced the occasion.

The stage backdrop

Souvenir programme

Appreciation gifts for event sponsors.
Each gift is a bunga raya made from quality pewter,
plated with 24 carat gold and set with Swarovski crystals.

Famous Amos sponsors the door gifts

The Grand Ballroom of Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur.

Guest of honour escorted into the ballroom by the pair of gold and silver lions.

Lion dance performed by Sunway Zhong Sheng Dragon and Lion Art.

The gold and silver lions presenting a tray of good fortune to the hosts.

President of MM2HAA, Mr Jeremy Yeong (right)
and Organizing Chair, Mr Glenn Lim (left)
accepting the tray of good fortune from the gold and silver lions.

Silat performance by RG Production

1 Malaysia dance by RG Production

Welcome speech by President of MM2HAA, Mr Jeremy Yeong

Guest of honour, Dato' Dr Ong Hong Peng,
Sec-Gen Ministry of Tourism, giving his address.

Datuk Dr Victor Wee, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia,
entertains the audience with his amazing talents.

Datin Yu Hong from Shanghai, China, thrills the audience with her suprano voice.

Belly dance by Ms Catherine of Sole to Soul Dance Studio.

Japanese traditional dance called "Koi Botaru" performed by Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur.

Traditional instrumental performance by Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur.

Aerobic dance by Philip Wain

Joget Kipas dance from the state of Selangor performed by artistes from RG Production.

Ethnic dance from Sabah and Sarawak called "Najat Tampi"
performed by artistes from RG Production.

Malay Toastmasters Club

2012-01-03T22:46:00.002+08:00

Kelab Pidato Kuala Lumpur or KPKL is a Malay public speaking club registered with Toastmasters International which is headquartered in the United States.

On 08 Sep 2011, KPKL held an open house (Malaysian custom) to celebrate Eid or known in Malaysia as Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Eid is a Muslim festival to celebrate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid is the first day of the month of Syawal.

The function is held in the exhibition hall of Extol Corporation.

Mr Hadzrin Shah (left) from UEM Group Treasury is the Best Dressed Gentleman.
He is dressed in complete Malay traditional attire right down to his footwear.
He receives a prize sponsored by Universiti Putra Malaysia
from club president Dato' Prof Dr Wan Zin

Ms Siti Salmiah (left) is the Best Dressed Lady.
She is dressed in Malay traditional attire complete with head scarf.
She receives a prize sponsored by Universiti Putra Malaysia
from club president Dato' Prof Dr Wan Zin.

Ms Azizah Hassan (left) from Melaka Toastmasters Club is the winner from the ladies' team
in the off-the-cuff speaking contest called "Pertandingan Ucapan Spontan Raya".
She receives a certificate from KPKL and a prize sponsored by Universiti Putra Malaysia
from club president Dato' Prof Dr Wan Zin.

Mr Ahmad Fakhri (right) from MIM Kuala Lumpur Toastmasters Club is the winner from the men's team
in the off-the-cuff speaking contest called "Pertandingan Ucapan Spontan Raya".
He receives a certificate from KPKL and a prize sponsored by Universiti Putra Malaysia
from club president Dato' Prof Dr Wan Zin.

Dinner is served in the exhibition hall of Extol Corporation

Dinner consists of chicken rendang (spicy chicken),
nasi himpit (pressed rice), lemang (rice cooked in bamboo),
satay (Malaysian kebab), assorted biscuits and fruits.

Kim Chow with guests from the English clubs.

Dinner is served in the exhibition hall of Extol Corporation

Club president Dato' Prof Dr Wan Zin looks resplendent
in his colourful baju melayu (traditional attire).

Members and guests introduce themselves.

Mr Hadzrin Shah is the Master of Ceremonies.
He mesmerizes the audience with his dynamic performance
and mastery of Malay poetry and idioms.

Immediate past president Dato' Dr Kaisan is the humour master.
He has the audience rolling in the aisles with his hilarious jokes and anecdotes.

Area Governor Mr Gan Teong Hock makes his official visit to the club.

Mr Abu Bakar Ngah, a manager with IBM Malaysia, is the organizer cum emcee
of the off-the-cuff speaking contest called "Pertandingan Ucapan Spontan Raya".
He is an eloquent speaker and excellent organizer with brilliant ideas.

The three members of the men's team (background).

The three members of the ladies' team.

Ms Siew Fun DTM gives a speech based on the basic Malay speech manual
Project 2 "Menyusun Ucapan Anda".

Kim Chow gives a speech based on the basic Malay speech manual
Project 6 "Kepelbagaian Suara".

Mr Taufik Salleh is the General Evaluator and he emcees the evaluation session.

Mr Hakim Hamzah, a Chief Financial Controller, is the speech evaluator
for the speakers in the off-the-cuff speaking contest.
He gives a polished performance which includes singing jingles and reciting poems.
The audience is thrilled to bits by his eloquence and versatility.

Mr Andy aka superman evaluates Ms Siew Fun's speech.
He is a lawyer with KC Lim & Co

Ms Leong Oi Wah DTM, a Chartered Secretary, evaluates Kim Chow's speech.

Mr Ahmad Salahuddin from MIM Kuala Lumpur Toastmasters Club
delivers the time report in an entertaining fashion.

Aboard an Aircraft Carrier

2012-01-03T21:09:00.003+08:00

On 05 September, I was honoured and privileged to be invited to a reception on board the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.

This warship is powered by two nuclear reactors and has the ability to launch and recover aircraft rapidly.

USS John C. Stennis is the flagship of Strike Group 3 which consists of four to six other warships.

I pass these two warships before reaching the aircraft carrier.
Both warships 108 and 105 are called Destroyers.

Passing another warship on the other side of the pier.
This warship 53 is called a Cruiser.

Hello, sailor!

The cargo deck of the aircraft carrier converted into a function hall.

Guests crossing the bridge into the aircraft carrier.

Fighter jets on the flight deck.

The aircraft carrier hull number is CVN-74.

Military helicopter used for rescue operations.

This military helicopter is used to trace submarines.

Supt Ivan Jeremiah is pictured here with a sailor and the missiles.

This military helicopter is used to trace submarines.
Supt Ivan Jeremiah with 2 marines and the machine gun sticking out of the copter.

Ms Ocampo, the event photographer

I'm supposed to be intimidated by these two camera-wielding marines.

A huge cake to celebrate the occasion.

His Excellency Paul Jones, US Ambassador to Malaysia

The Commanding Officer of USS John C. Stennis, Capt. Ronald Reis.

The Commander of Strike Group 3, Rear Admiral Craig Faller

Panglima Angkatan Bersama, Tentera Laut DiRaja Malaysia,
Laksamana Madya Datuk Ahmad Kamarulzaman bin Ahmad Badaruddin.

Fighter set is brought down from flight deck by this giant elevator.

Climbing these narrow steps to the upper decks - flight deck and the bridge.

Going through narrow passageways and numerous hatch doors.

Finally, we reach the flight deck.

Fighter jets looking serene in the night.

View from the flight deck of solitary fighter jet sitting on the aircrat elevator.

Rows of fighter jets

Cables reduce the speed of the fighter jets when they touch down.

This jet has a radar on its top and giant propellers on its wings.
It's called an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW & C) aircraft.

The Commander's seat in the control room called the bridge.

The seal of the USS John C. Stennis.

The circular shape signifies the ability of the aircraft carrier to circle the world without refuelling.

The late Senator John C. Stennis was known as a 'soaring eagle'.

Goodbye, sailor

FSTEP Appreciation Ceremony

2011-09-01T00:39:00.001+08:00

On 19 August 2011, FSTEP Batch 6 graduates participated in an appreciation ceremony that was held in the auditorium. The objective is to learn an essential element in soft skills training - appreciation and gift-giving.

President of FSTEP Batch 6, Mr Nik Hardian, presenting a plaque to Mr Lee Khee Joo, Head of FSTEP

Plaque from FSTEP Batch 6 to Mr Lee Khee Joo

Vice President of FSTEP Batch 6, Mr Yap Yuan Feng, presenting a plaque to Puan Haznan Ali,
Specialist Corporate & Student Services

Plaque from FSTEP Batch 6 to Puan Haznan Ali

Mr Lee Khee Joo, Puan Haznan Ali and the soft skills facilitators

FSTEP Batch 6 presents a birthday cake to Mr Lee Khee Joo

The five group presidents roll in the birthday cake.
From left: Mr Luke Rayan, Mr Melvin Wong, Mr Roy Ooi,
Miss Saffazura and Miss Siti Aminah

Kim Chow, chief soft skills facilitator, emcees the ceremony

Happy birthday, Mr Lee Khee Joo

Group photo with AQUILA Group

Group photo with DRACO Group

Group photo with ORION Group

Group photo with PAVO Group

Group photo with VELA Group

FSTEP's GOT TALENT

2011-08-31T23:56:00.002+08:00

AQUILA GROUP

FSTEP Batch 6 graduates in the AQUILA GROUP participated in the FSTEP's Got Talent show on 26 July 2011. They developed the concept, wrote the script, selected the actors/actresses, picked the songs and learned the group dance from the internet.

Aziemah aka Lady G is fast asleep in Kampung Aquila

Aliff (front) sings Bruno Mars' "The Lazy Song" with backup dancers.

Lady G's parents, Mama Shida and Papa Ting

Mama Shida asks, "What do you want for lunch?"
Papa Ting replies, "How about bak kut teh?"
Mama Shida reels in horror, "No! That's not syariah compliant!"

Lady G's good friends, Kelly and Wan Ling

The friends bring good news.
They are offered places in Bankstep and are thrilled about going to KL.

On the way to Bankstep, Lady G accidentally knocks into Lengchai Stanly.

Lady G is smitten by Lengchai Stanly

Aliff and Jaz (right) sing a Bollywood song to signal that romance is in the air.

Unfortunately, Lengchai Stanly is a bad influence.

Lady G is led astray by Lengchai and his buddies.

Lady G's friends are horrified by her behaviour and try in vain to counsel her.

The CEO of Bankstep, Puan Hazwani (Nik) reprimands Lady G for her unacceptable behaviour.

Lady G insults her mother on the phone.

Lady G has a nightmare that jolts her to her senses.
Holy men (Nik & Aliff) appear in her dream asking her to repent.

Mama Shida is heartbroken.
Papa Ting regrets sending their daughter to KL.

Papa Ting is very upset and develops chest pains.

Lady G asks for forgiveness from her father.

Lady G begs her mother to forgive her.

Papa Ting says, "Aziemah, oh, Aziemah, you're my daughter.
I love you and I forgive you."

Learn from Lady G's mistake. Never get involved in a bad romance.
Group dance based on pop star Lady Gaga's song "Bad Romance".

Group dance based on pop star Lady Gaga's song "Bad Romance".

FSTEP MoU Signing Ceremony

2011-02-27T02:57:00.007+08:00

FSTEP created history in Malaysia when it successfully arranged an MoU Ceremony between IBBM and universities in Malaysia. The ceremony was held in Lanai Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, and witnessed by

1. Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Minister of Higher Education

2. Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia
3. Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman, IBBM

The MoUs were signed between IBBM and the following universities:
A) Public universities represented by MOHE
B) 12 private universities

1. Curtin University of Sarawak Malaysia
2. HELP University College
3. INTI Laureate International Universities
4. Management & Science University (MSU)
5. Monash University Malaysia
6. Multimedia University
7. Sunway University College
8. Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
9. Taylor's University
10. The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
11. Universiti Teknologi Petronas
12. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Click to view photo album "FSTEP MoU Signing Ceremony"

Wait for page to download YouTube video.

Congratulations to the FSTEP achievers

2011-02-11T23:56:00.012+08:00

From L: Mr Daniel Viets, CEO of Asian Institute of Finance, Mr Tay Kay Luan, CEO of IBBM, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman of IBBM, Mr Lee Khee Joo, Head of FSTEP and Dato' Dr Adnan Alias, CEO of Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia.

FSTEP held its 3rd graduation ceremony in Lanai Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, on 03 November 2010.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman of IBBM, presented the awards and certificates to the graduates.

Award winners from left: Mr Wong Chin Cheong (Batch 3), Ms Nurulzihan Abd Manan (Batch 3) Mr Yong Soon Keong (Batch 3), Mr Chan Kian Ho (Batch 4) and Mr Chong Foo Weng (Batch 4)

Award winner: Ms Foo Yoke Fuang (Batch 3)

Click to view photo album "FSTEP Graduation Ceremony

FSTEP Batch 3 graduate, Mr Wong Chin Cheong from Public Bank, giving his acceptance speech. Mr Wong wins the Best Overall Achiever award as well as the Best Performance in Investment Banking Stream award. He receives the awards at the graduation ceremony in Lanai Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia on 03 Nov 2010.

FSTEP Batch 4 graduate, Mr Chan Kian Ho from Maybank, giving his acceptance speech. Mr Chan wins the Best Overall Achiever award as well as the Best Performance In Investment Banking Stream award and Best Performance in Islamic Banking Stream award. He receives the awards at the graduation ceremony in Lanai Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia on 03 Nov 2010.

Customer Service Video Project

2011-02-11T23:14:00.005+08:00

I wish to commend the FSTEP participants in the Hazel class for their participation in the customer service video project. They created their own role-plays and wrote the scripts. These videos are created for training in the financial industry.

Hussain is the bank officer and Sairi is the customer in this Unit Trust video.

Nicole is the bank officer and Xiang Ling is the customer in this Safe Deposit Box video.

Ain is the bank officer and Azizi is the customer in this Business Loan video.

Firdaus is the bank officer and Timothy is the customer in this Large Cash Withdrawal video.

Sakinah is the bank officer and Ee Yiing is the customer in this Trade Finance video.

Sindhuja is the bank officer and Melissa is the customer in this Credit Card video.

Lela is the bank officer and Izyan is the customer in this Home Loan video.

Suhaila is the bank officer and Fairuz is the customer in this Hybrid Account video.

Arue is the bank officer and Effa is the customer in this Unit Trust video.

From HAZEL with love

2010-09-11T02:51:00.013+08:00

Click to view album "From HAZEL to Kim Chow"

FSTEP Batch 5 participants in the Hazel Class secretly organized a show to surprise me. I did not suspect anything at all until the HAZELians "evicted" me from the lecture room at noon. That was when I sensed they were up to something.

Click to view album "HAZEL Hands of Love"

It was the Muslim fasting month so the HAZELians used the lunch break to get their act together. They busied themselves with cutting and pasting art papers and writing their messages of appreciation on images of their hands. I guess they also practised the song "You Raise Me Up" and planned their routine on the stage.

*
I wonder how they managed to sneak in the long stem roses!!!

When the class started in the morning, I caught the CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) dozing off in his chair. Later, I found out that he stayed awake the whole night producing a movie for the show. Such incredible sacrifices!

I'm deeply touched by the HAZELians' moving show of appreciation. But, what I find most rewarding is the fact that they apply their soft skills expertly and produce a show with a touch of class!

Their leadership, teamwork, collaboration, creativity and generosity is awesome.

Thank you, HAZELians. May God bless you with outstanding success in the financial industry. Love you all!

The video footage of the HAZELian show. Please wait for page to download YouTube video.

TO SIR WITH LOVE

2010-08-29T23:17:00.006+08:00

Click to enlarge image

FSTEP Batch 5 participants are about to embark on their internship in financial institutions.

Batch 5 Hazel Class discussed plans to express their appreciation to the gentleman whom they adore - Mr Lee Khee Joo, Head of FSTEP.

They decided to present a plaque to Mr Lee on the occasion of his birthday to say TO SIR WITH LOVE.

I will always remember how excited they were when the plaque arrived and how proud they felt to present it to Mr Lee.

Mr Lee Khee Joo with the HAZELians

Click to view the album "To Mr Lee Khee Joo With Love"

Thank you, my fellow Toastmasters

2010-08-29T22:51:00.005+08:00

Click to enlarge image

I facilitated a Toastmasters meeting on 27 July 2010 and was presented with a thank-you card. It was signed by the attendees of the meeting.

It was only when I reached home that I had time to look at the card. And, I was stunned! The messages of thanks and appreciation overwhelmed me. I feel so blessed to be among friends who are so kind and generous with their compliments.

Thank you so much, my dear fellow Toastmasters!

HAZEL MORNING CREW - The Show

2010-08-07T18:47:00.017+08:00

The emcee, Ruzaini aka Arue, conducts the salutations and welcomes the guests.

The emcee, Xiang Ling, introduces Mr Lee Khee Joo, guest of honour and Head of FSTEP.

The emcee, Nicole, announces the Opening Gambit of the entertainment segment.

Timothy performs a solo "Stand By Me".

Azizi and Melissa perform a duet "My All" (by Mariah Carey)

The HAZELians perform a group song "Lucky" (by Jason Mraz)

Mr Lee Khee Joo, guest of honour and Head of FSTEP, is invited to present prizes to lucky draw GSC movie voucher winners, the Standard Chartered Bank marathon winners and the FSTEP poster competition winner.

The HAZELians perform Michael Jackson dance "Beat It"

The emcee, Lela, thanks the guests and invites them to the social room for breakfast.

*
*

HAZEL MORNING CREW - The Project

2010-07-13T18:37:00.016+08:00

FSTEP participants in Batch 5 Hazel class put their soft skills and event management skills to the test. They organize HAZEL MORNING CREW.

In this project, the participants learn the following skills:

Conducting a meeting
Putting proposals to the vote
Working in cooperation and collaboration
Performing as Master of Ceremonies

The organizers of Hazel Morning Crew

HAZEL MORNING CREW - The Crew Members (Click to view photo album)

HAZEL MORNING CREW - The Show (Click to view photo album)

HAZEL MORNING CREW opening gambit: The secret agents

HAZEL MORNING CREW dance: "Beat It"

Stand By Me

2010-06-06T20:20:00.009+08:00

The lady participants in the Hazel class at FSTEP.

The gentlemen in the Hazel class. Two participants are not in the photo.

FSTEP is now training its 5th batch of participants.

On the first day I said to the Batch 5 Hazel participants, "Destiny has brought us together. We have to stick together and stand by each other so that we can achieve success in the soft skills programme.”

Yes, my message is: “You stand by me. I stand by you. That’s solidarity.”

Of course, it’s easier said than done. Participants from different backgrounds, cultures and religions suddenly find themselves in a new environment.

Due to the fact that the soft skills programme comprises experiential learning activities, their team spirit must be evident from the word go.

Furthermore, the participants are divided randomly into groups for the various soft skills projects. So, they must be able to put aside their personal differences and preferences. Teamwork is an essential requisite for success.

I’m grateful that I am blessed with outstanding participants. They show remarkable teamwork and produce exceptional results right from the start.

Yes, if we stand by each other, if we have solidarity, we can accomplish great things together.

The Hazel class in their power suits

The Hazel Class striking a dramatic pose

The following Soft Skills movie from Hazel shows 5 projects undertaken by different teams. Please wait for page to download Youtube video.

Socializing Skills @ FSTEP

2010-05-22T22:13:00.012+08:00

FSTEP participants in Batch 5 Hazel Class practising their socializing skills in one of the soft skills modules.

PROJECT 1

Project Leader: Azizi

Team Members: Hussain, Izyan, Suhaila

PROJECT 2

Project Leader: Hao

Team Members: Billy, Fairuz, Lela

PROJECT 3

Project Leader: Xiang Ling

Team Members: Ee Yiing, Sairi, Sakinah

PROJECT 4

Project Leader: Farah

Team Members: Nicole, Nurain, Ruzaini

PROJECT 5

Project Leader: Melissa

Team Members: Firdaus, Sindhuja, Timothy

Young Entrepreneurs

2010-05-09T21:13:00.012+08:00

*Fom right: Ivan Ooi & Lim Boon Seong, winners of the Silver award in the HSBC Young Entrepreneur Awards Malaysian final 2010

I marvel at the awesome duo from UTAR (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman) - Ivan Ooi and Lim Boon Seong. They won the Silver Award in the HSBC Young Entrepreneur Awards (HSBC YEA) Malaysian final on 06 May 2010. And, they won it against all the odds!

Both are final year undergraduates at UTAR. Both are sitting for their final exam in their Bachelor's degree course.

Of all things, the HSBC YEA Malaysian final is held during the exam period. On top of that, they have less than a month to put their presentation together.

Amazingly, these two young men have crystal clear objectives and directions. They give top priority to their studies, and use the competition as a form of relaxation.

It is their destiny to participate in the HSBC YEA. The Malaysian final is held on a non-exam day. The day before the final is also a non-exam day. So, they strategically use the free day to polish up their presentation.

What strikes me is their passion, intelligence and eloquence. I admire them for their abilities to

1. package their innovative ideas intelligently and systematically.

2. enhance their presentation with interesting images and animation.

3. use their public speaking skills to dramatize, inform and persuade.

I'm sure Ivan and Boon Seong are an inspiration to their generation. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

The awesome duo

10 Past Presidents Present

2010-05-09T20:17:00.008+08:00

* *

From Left: President Ben Fong pose with the 10 past presidents - PP Tan Lay Theng, PP Freddie Yap, PP Lim Kien Chai @ KC Lim, PP James Arokiasamy, PP Katherine Mah, PP Khoo Nee Wern, PP Tony Lim, PP Teresa Choong, PP Kim Chow and PP TL Wuan.

On 20 April 2010, Friendship Toastmasters Club of Kuala Lumpur held its regular meeting. But, it's no ordinary meeting.

Past President Katherine Mah of DHL Regional Office in Singapore was in Kuala Lumpur and decided to visit the club after a long absence.

Past President James Arokiasamy, CEO of a pathology company, took the initiative to ring up the other past presidents and urge them to turn up at the meeting.

Past President Freddie Yap of P&O Insurance followed up by ringing the past presidents to reconfirm their attendance.

Personally, I wasn't sure if many past presidents could present themselves at the meeting. There were too many obstacles for a whole bunch of past presidents to meet at the same place at the same time. Some have to travel, some have to burn the corporate midnight oil, some have moved to faraway offices, etc, etc, etc.

On 20 April 2010, we counted the past presidents in the club. Incredibly, 10 out of 11 past presidents were there! They have decided to put their work aside and meet for old times' sake.

It was a glorious night! Heartwarming occasions do happen unexpectedly.

Master of Ceremonies

2010-03-14T16:21:00.019+08:00

FSTEP participants in the Bristol class participate in an English project called "Master of Ceremonies".

Please click on the participant's name to view the respective performances.

AINI : Introducing YAB Dato' Sri Najib Tun Abdul Razak

BENG TACK : Introducing Mr Arsene Wenger

BIBIEY : Introducing YABhg Tun Abdullah Ahmad Bahawi

CHIN VS : Introducing Mr Warren Buffett

DIANA : Introducing Pn Jamilah Jamaluddin RHB Islamic Bank

ELENA : Introducing Dato' Sri Nazir Razak

GK TAN : Introducing Ms Ivanka Trump

ILLA : Introducing Ms Irene Dorner HSBC Bank

JERRY : Introducing Mr Chay Wai Leong RHB Investment Bank

JOYIN : Introducing Tan Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow

JURIANA : Introducing Mr Zafer Hashim Bank Pembangunan

KL NG : Introducing Datuk Johan Raslan PWC

LAVA : Introducing Ms Oprah Winfrey

LEE LIAN : Introducing Datuk Bridget Lai

LYDIA : Introducing Dato' Sri Tony Fernandes

NINA : Introducing Ms Angelina Jolie

PUTERI MUNA : Introducing Mr Donald Trump

SHIMA : Introducing Dato' Hajah Noor Rezan Bapoo Hashim

THENG THENG : Introducing Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin, Maybank

Thank you, Mr Blue Waves

2010-03-10T20:22:00.009+08:00

En Hanafi from Blue Waves at Jusco Seremban

I went to the Jusco store in Seremban to do some Chinese New Year shopping. The place was crowded and the trolleys disappeared like hot cakes. I managed to grab one. Unfortunately, it was moving sideways instead of going straight.

The security guard at the entrance watched my drama with the trolley. I said to him, "Troli ini cacat." That's Malay for "This trolley is crippled."

I was in a hurry. I picked up the things I wanted, put them in the trolley and struggled over to the cashier's. Only after paying did I begin to wonder how I would get to the carpark.

I was wrestling with the trolley all the way towards the entrance when, lo and behold, I saw the same security guard standing there with a smile on his face. Beside him was a trolley. He said he had found a good trolley for me.

It's incredible! This gentleman knows exactly how to win more customers for Jusco!

His name is En. Hanafi (hope I got his name correct). He hails from the security department of Jusco known as the Blue Waves.

Thank you, sir! See you soon at ... Jusco Seremban!

Mr Blue Waves keeping a sharp lookout for customers in distress!

To Sir With Love

2010-01-30T11:54:00.012+08:00

Chin VS, President of Bristol, presenting the appreciation gift to Mr Lee Khee Joo

It's the final day of the English Communication course. The FSTEP participants in the Bristol class did not spend the day on games or amusement.

Instead, they worked together to complete a meaningful task - writing messages of appreciation and gratitude to Mr Lee Khee Joo, the Head of FSTEP. In their messages they also expressed their appreciation to the specialists and staff, the facilitators and trainers in their own special ways.

Bristol's book of appreciation to Mr Lee Khee Joo

Please click here to download the book

The Bristol participants with Mr Lee Khee Joo and Miss Kim Chow

The Bristol participants with Mr Lee Khee Joo and Miss Kim Chow

Puteri Muna who is not in the group photos

Thanks, Lt Col Karim & Kombo SeniUdara

2010-01-29T19:07:00.020+08:00

Thank you, Lt Col Karim Noor! This gentleman is the founder of the TUDM band called Kombo SeniUdara.

On 04 Dec 2009, I emceed the Insurance Industry Idol which was the highlight of the Insurance Industry Annual Dinner 2009. I'm grateful to Lt Col Karim for his guidance on how to be an effective entertainment emcee. He's a powerful performance coach. Very dynamic. Very disciplined. Very strict. No fooling around!

Kombo SeniUdara in action at the Insurance Industry Annual Dinner 2009. The band comprises young talented personnel from the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Although some of the members have musical experience when they joined the band, many started to play music from scratch. Incredible!

This young and handsome saxophonist mesmerised the audience including the guest of honour, Dato' Zamani Abdul Ghani, Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia).

Thanks to Lt Col Karim, I could rise to the occasion and perform on the stage without a script. I had to auto-download everything from my brain - each contestant's name, their companies, their song titles, their interview questions, etc.

Ms Ridzwa from Prudential Assurance.

Mr Badrul Hisham from Malaysian Insurance Institute.

Mr Shahrizal from Allianz Life Assurance.

Mr Muzaffar from Pacific Insurance.

Ms Suhana from Uni Asia General Insurance.

Which of these two lovely ladies will emerge the winner? They hold hands and the audience hold their breath.

Yes, the winner is Ridzwa who sings "One Moment In Time". She receives a glittering trophy from Dato' Zamani, Deputy Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia).
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Looking on and beaming with pleasure is the joint organizing chairman, Mr Choong Hon Mun, from AMLA (Association of Malaysian Loss Adjusters).

I'm honoured to be your teacher

2010-01-28T19:25:00.014+08:00

The FSTEP participants in the Bristol Class give me the sweetest gift I could imagine. A special cake decorated in my favourite colour for 2010 - Purple.

The sugar icing is shaped into purple ribbons with flower patterns. A neat row of purple flowers decorate the rim. A beautiful bunch of flowers adorn the crown.

To me, the cake represents the sweet memories of Bristol. The ribbons represent the lifelong bonds of friendship. The flowers represent the future that is bright and promising.

I'm touched by this Thank You card. My dearest Bristolians, I treasure your messages of love, kindness and appreciation.

I'm blessed to know you in FSTEP. I am honoured to be your teacher.

Seremban Cendol - A trip down memory lane

2010-01-28T18:26:00.013+08:00

Click to enlarge

The famous Seremban Cendol has evolved from a pushcart to a big shop. It now serves several cendol recipes such as cendol pulut, cendol kacang, cendol jagung, cendol campur and cendol bandung. My favourite is cendol pulut.

The cendol station inside the shop. The people who work at this station are always in the thick of action. Besides serving the shop patrons, they also have to handle an avalanche of takeaway orders.

Once upon a time, the cendol pushcart was parked at this spot in the serene Seremban Lake Gardens opposite the bustling A&W outlet. Some people said that the delicious cendol could give the popular A&W root beer a run for its money.

At first I couldn't recognize this spot. It looked different with the Telecoms building on the left. You see, the building wasn't there before.

Haji Shariff's Cendol & Catering Sdn Bhd now operates from a big and airy shop painted in green - the colour of the cendol. It's crowded during lunch hour because it offers its patrons something that goes with the cendol - delicious rojak.

The extended area on the left increases the seating capacity. The rojak station is found here.
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Haji Shariff's Cendol & Catering Sdn Bhd
No. 44 Jalan Yam Tuan
Seremban
Negri Sembilan

Kampar Chicken Biscuits - A trip down memory lane

2010-01-28T17:22:00.014+08:00

CB Red Label Sdn Bhd

The famous Kampar Chicken Biscuits has a long history. The biscuits even have a catchphrase "A taste of its own". After the PLUS highway was built, Kampar became a town off the beaten track. However, the Kampar chicken biscuits remain as famous as ever.

After so many years, I couldn't find the shop. A friend had to be my navigator and we didn't leave the shop until we have shopped. The company, CB Red Label, has an advertising slogan "A Confectioner's Collection". So, we almost bought the whole collection.

The CB brand

The CB Brand has been awarded halal status. Its chicken biscuits come in 3 varieties:

Crunchy Chicken Biscuits
Light & Crispy Chicken Biscuits
Soft Chicken Biscuits

The shop also sells other delicacies such as Kaya Puff and Dragon Ball Biscuits.

CB Red Label Sdn Bhd

72 Jalan Gopeng, Kampar, Perak

Tel: 05-4651748

English Communication Skills in PRODUCT PRESENTATION

2010-01-03T12:42:00.010+08:00

FSTEP participants in the Bristol class carry out an English Communication project called "Product Presentation".

Please click on the TEAMs to view their respective performances.

KL Ng & GK Tan (New products from toy manufacturer)

Jerry Lee & Chin VS (New movie distribution channel)

Theng Theng & Illa (New product from watch manufacturer)

Elena & Diana (Promoting new health food)

Bibiey & Aini (Innovation in new washing machine)

Beng Tack & Joyin Lee (Promoting mooncakes to the public)

Maya & Lydia (Talent search for new DJ)

Lava & Shima (Promoting latest Twilight movie)

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*

Foodscapes from Carl Warner

2009-12-27T19:22:00.012+08:00

FOODSCAPES - LANDSCAPES MADE OF FOOD!

These FOODSCAPES photos are taken by Carl Warner, a London-based photographer.

Extract from Telegraph.co.uk

The images can take up to two or three days to build and photograph and then a couple of days retouching and fine-tuning them to blend together all the elements, such as parmesan cliffs with sweet potato boulders and cress and savoy cabbage foliage under a red cabbage sky.

Picture: CARL WARNER

Carl Warner is a London-based photographer who makes foodscapes: landscapes made of food. In the picture above, a pea pod boat sails away from a land made of bread and potatoes, over a sea of salmon

Picture: CARL WARNER

He spends a lot of time staring at vegetables in supermarkets, which can make him seem a little odd. However, finding the right shaped broccoli to use for a tree is an all-important task.

Picture: CARL WARNER

The scenes are photographed in layers from foreground to background, as the process is very time-consuming and the food quickly wilts under the lights. Here, hot air balloons made of a variety of fruit and veg soar over fields of asparagus, courgettes, beans and corn.

Picture: CARL WARNER

Our favourite here at the Telegraph is this underwater cave scene, complete with carrot stalactites, a pea pod boat, and sealife made of exotic fruits, cauliflower and broccoli. Carl hopes to produce a book in the future, reasoning that it would appeal to lovers of both food and art.

Picture: CARL WARNER

Thank you, God, for making me a teacher

2009-12-26T14:14:00.003+08:00

This video shows the performance of Taylor Mali, a modern poet who is an active advocate of teachers and the nobility of the teaching profession.

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

A poem by: Taylor Mali

The dinner guests were sitting around the table
discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain
the problem with education. He argued:
"What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided
his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests that it's true
what they say about teachers: "Those who can...do.
Those who can't ... teach."

To corroborate, he said to another guest: "You're a
teacher, Susan," he said. "Be honest. What do you
make?"

Susan, who had a reputation of honesty and frankness,
replied, "You want to know what I make?"

I make kids work harder than they ever thought they
could. I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional Medal
of Honor and an A- feel like a slap in the face if the
student did not do his or her very best."

"I can make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall
in absolute silence."

"I can make parents tremble in fear when I call home"

"You want to know what I make?"

"I make kids wonder."

"I make them question."

"I make them criticize."

"I make them apologize and mean it."

"I make them write."

"I make them read, read, read."

"I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely
beautiful, and definitely beautiful over and over and
over again, until they will never misspell either one
of those words again."

"I make them show all their work in math and hide it
all on their final drafts in English."

"I make them understand that if you have the brains,
then follow your heart...and if someone ever tries to
judge you by what you make, you pay them no
attention!"

"You want to know what I make?"

"I make a difference."

"And you? What do you make?"

FRANC Reunion

2009-12-14T12:48:00.012+08:00

The participants in the FRANC class at FSTEP embarked on their internship in the various financial institutions in August 2009.

After bidding farewell more than 4 months ago, we had a reunion on 11 Dec 2009. Excitement filled the air. After weeks of telephone calls, sms, email and facebook messages, we finally got to meet at the reunion.

A taste of the real world has enlightened this bunch of young professionals. I was agog, listening to them as they relate their internship experiences. They spoke with excitement, enthusiasm and optimism. I'm glad they're coping well and learning fast.

As usual, I bombarded them with questions. That's me - the terror teacher! But, all of them were terrific. They rose to the challenge and answered all my questions confidently, articulately and expressively. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

I wish to thank Norliza for taking the trouble to gather everybody together. Hip, hip, hooray!

From front to back: Wong Chin Cheong (Public Bank), Norliza Sakraraman (Kenanga Investment Bank), Rashidah Abdul Rashid (Public Bank)

Front row L to R: Mohd Azizi Alif Mohd Nizam Yap (Maybank), Siti Noor Zalila Paradi (Deutsche Bank), Norbaizura Sharom (EON Bank)

Back row L to R: Norliza Sakraraman (Kenanga Investment Bank), Rashidah Abdul Rashid (Public Bank)

L to R: Noormirazaida Sarbi (AIG General Insurance), Suarddy Parman (Maybank), Nur Dalila Zainudin (RHB Bank)

L to R: Sarmila Muniandy (TM Asia Life), Lavania Ramakrishnan (Tokio Marine Insurans), Bavaani Balakrishnan (EON Bank)

L to R: Syarah Ain Mohd Salleh (Kenanga Investment Bank), Tasha Aishah Ismail (Bank Islam), Sharifah Nawar Nabila @ Muhirah Syed Mohsin (Maybank)

L to R: Nur Hidayah Yahya (UOB), Suriati Yazid (OUB), Siti Sarah Lukman (RHB Bank)

Jalan Pasar - A trip down memory lane

2009-11-29T17:35:00.014+08:00

It's the Aidiladha holidays.

I decided to visit a part of Kuala Lumpur that I haven't been for donkey's years - Jalan Pasar. It's a predominantly Chinese area with a Chinese temple, a bustling wet market and a myriad of Chinese eateries.

I wanted to visit an old shop that sells haberdashery - things used for making clothes. It's situated in a cluster of very old shops. I lost my way and had to circle the area a few times. Eventually, I found it on foot.

When I spotted it, a wondrous and incredulous feeling stirred in me. The shop looks the same despite the passage of time. The same old furniture. The same old cabinets. The same old layout.

The wall cabinets contain endless rows of haberdashery - buttons, lace, ribbons, threads, wool etc of every conceivable colour, shape and size. You're spoilt for choice. Amazingly, the prices are as low as ever. And, the customer service is as impeccable as ever.

I was attended to with great traditional courtesy. I was surprised to hear the owners speaking English to their customers. Years ago, they spoke only Chinese, their mother tongue. Now, they also speak Malay to their workers. So, I ended up speaking Chinese, English and Malay.

It's a worthy trip down memory lane.

If you want to buy haberdashery at great low prices and get treated like a VIP, you may want to give it a shot at this shop:

HUP LEE

No. 45 Jalan Pasar Bahru

Pudu

55100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 603-9221 9221

Moon Raya Diwali

2009-10-21T13:19:00.018+08:00

The participants in the Bristol class at FSTEP undertake an English project called "Organizing an Event". They call the function "Moon Raya Diwali" to celebrate the three festivals, namely Chinese Mid-Autumn festival, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Deepavali.

In this project, the participants enhance their English communication skills in these areas:

Holding a business meeting
Putting proposals to the vote
Electing committee members
Working in cooperation and collaboration
Performing as the Master of Ceremonies or emcee

The proceedings of the Moon Raya Diwali function are captured in these videos. Please wait for videos to download from YouTube.

Video shows the emcee, Shima, starting the function with the salutations. Then, she introduces her co-emcee, Chin VS, who is the President of Bristol.

Video shows the Organizing Chairperson, Puteri Muna, giving the welcome speech.

Video shows Kim Chow, English facilitator of the Bristol class, giving her speech.

Video shows the Guest of Honour, Mr Lee Khee Joo, Head of FSTEP, addressing the audience.

Video shows the emcees, Shima and Chin VS, giving an introduction to the Bristol Movie before it is shown on the screen.

Video shows the participants in Manchester, Southampton and Milton Keynes displaying their showbiz skills.

Video shows Bristol displaying their showbiz skills.

Video shows Southampton displaying their showbiz skills.

Video shows Milton Keynes displaying their showbiz skills.

Video shows Manchester displaying their showbiz skills.

Video shows the emcees, Shima and Chin VS, thanking the guests and inviting them to lunch.

Click to view photo album "Bristol in Power Suits"

Click to view photo album "Moon Raya Diwali"

English Communication in Socializing Skills

2009-09-27T21:36:00.014+08:00

FSTEP participants in the Bristol class carry out an English communication project called "Socializing Skills".

Click on the participant's name to watch the selected video.

Aini

BRISTOL Hari Raya video

2009-09-27T04:39:00.009+08:00

The FSTEP participants in the BRISTOL class give a surprise Hari Raya performance on 18 Sep 2009. What a delight!

The dancers are Lavanya, Lydia, Maya, Joyin and KL Ng (the only guy among the babes!).

The impromptu backup dancers are Chin "Handsome", GK Tan and Jerry Lee.

And, a special appearance by Puteri Muna.

Sound production by Nashima.

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri" from BRISTOL

Pink Party

2009-08-31T08:28:00.017+08:00

Chin Cheong, organizing chairman (2nd from left) and committee members

Click to enlarge pictures

The modern art of teaching brings the real world into the classroom.

One of my English simulation projects is “Organizing an Event”. In this simulation, the participants learn how to use English communication in holding meetings, proposing new ideas, putting proposals to the vote, forming committees and conducting the proceedings in a dignified manner.

In their project, the FSTEP participants in the Franc class proposed a colour theme. They were split on the choice of colour so a vote was taken. I voted for blue but the majority was in favour of PINK.

PINK? I had my doubts initially. I thought that PINK was unsuitable for the guys. My misgivings were finally laid to rest. When the entire Franc class appeared in PINK, they created a sensation!

I soon realized that PINK was more than just a colour theme. It was the colour of unity & solidarity for Franc. The reason? The participants were placed in different classes after a recent reshuffle but were reunited for the English class. So, on the day of the event, PINK represented a special bond of friendship.

May PINK keep the Franc friendship alive no matter where they are or who they become. May God bless them in their internship and also in their career prospects.

Click here to view the Pink Party photos

In this video, the participants ask Kim Chow to give an impromptu performance.

The following video shows the Pink Party warming-up.

To 'Poh Poh' with love

2009-08-23T02:22:00.015+08:00

The 'golden girls' of the old folks' home

The Selangor King George V Silver Jubilee Home looks after 27 elderly women whom we call 'Poh Poh' in Chinese. It is run by a vibrant supervisor called Mdm Linda.

On 24 June 2009, the old folks at the home were showered with the gift of love. About 60 young men and women descended on the home, bearing gifts and carrying buckets of paint and an assortment of paint brushes. They were the participants from FSTEP who selected the home as their CSR project.

The home needed a new coat of paint but it was costly to hire a painter. When the FSTEP participants knew about this, they decided to paint the building for free.

Well, you need manpower to move furniture around before you can even start painting. 60 people are a formidable force. They pushed all the beds and other furniture to the middle of the building. Then, they picked up the paint brushes and painted every wall, every beam and every plank. When the job was done, the participants had also painted their faces, hands and clothes. Then, huffing and puffing, they moved all the furniture back to their original positions.

The army of participants did more than just painting the building. They also cleaned and scrubbed the building, the bathrooms, the kitchen and the drains around the home.

One of the elderly ladies said to me, “These young people sang to us, entertained us, fed us and painted our home. Where else can you get this kind of treatment?”

When it was time to leave, many of the elderly ladies reached out to grasp the participants’ hands and said, “Thanks! Please come and see us again.”

Mdm Linda walked the participants to the gate. Tears welled up in her eyes and trickled down her cheeks. She never thought that these white-collar graduates would dirty their hands, drag heavy furniture around and speak kindly to the old folks. She said the old folks would treasure this unforgettable day.

Well done, FSTEP participants! Every drop of paint has etched happiness on the faces and in the hearts of the ‘Poh Poh’ of the Selangor King Geoge V Silver Jubilee Home.

Kim Chow presenting a gift on behalf of FSTEP. Mdm Linda, home supervisor, received the gift

Click to view the FSTEP CSR photo album

Thanks so much, SONY Malaysia!

2009-08-16T17:21:00.005+08:00

Mr Allan Law, videocam trainer from Sony Malaysia

I thank Sony Malaysia and their videocam trainer, Mr Allan Law, for their invaluable help.

When Sony Malaysia invited me to their headquarters in Mid Valley City, I thought it was for a brief Q&A session on video recording. Little did I realize that they had arranged for me to meet their videocam trainer, Mr Allan Law.

I take my hat off to Allan. He’s knowledgeable and articulate. You ask him any questions on video recording and he answers with flair and clarity. He knows the videocam like the back of his hand. He demonstrates the art of video recording with admirable ease.

Allan answers all my questions to my great satisfaction. He readily shares his knowledge drawn from his personal experience. In particular, I appreciate his tricks of the trade.

Thanks again, Allan! Thanks, Sony Malaysia!

Allan Law surrounded by Sony equipment in the training room

Red Franc

2009-08-07T23:09:00.017+08:00

Frankly speaking, I love the Red Franc surprise package! Who wouldn't? The surprise package comes with lunch, plaque, roses and card.

The meaningful plaque that has a touching message (click to enlarge)

Red roses from Red Franc (click to enlarge)

Franc in Red Attire (click to enlarge)

The participants in the Franc class at FSTEP wore red on this special day to signify the successful completion of their English communication course. They dipped into their pockets generously to pay for a well-organized farewell celebration which ended with a special ceremony in the auditorium.

The celebration started with lunch in the cafeteria. An emcee started the proceedings and invited me to speak. Then, we savoured the various dishes and devoured the red hot chilli pepper chicken!

Mr Lee Khee Joo (right) , Head of FSTEP

During the tea break, we had a birthday party. We were honoured to have Mr Lee Khee Joo, the head of FSTEP, joining us in the merriment. Mr Lee spoke to the participants and advised them on their forthcoming internship in local financial institutions. The emcee surprised the birthday boys and girls by asking them to speak. Although they were taken by surprise, they rose to the occasion and spoke articulately. They thanked Mr Lee and FSTEP for giving them the opportunity to enhance themselves.

After the tea break, we adjourned to the auditorium for the farewell ceremony. The emcee started the proceedings and invited me to present mementos to each and every participant. Then, the lights were switched off and I was asked to close my eyes. The moment the lights came on, the flowers and plaque popped out. I gasped in sheer surprise and then screamed with delight. Some of the participants broke into tears. Oh ... it was emotional!

I thank the Franc participants in FSTEP for their kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, hugs and tears. I love you all!

View Red Franc photo album (click here)

Dear Yasmin

2009-07-28T20:00:00.007+08:00

IN MEMORY OF YASMIN AHMAD

Dear Yasmin

Some humans are inhuman. That’s why God took you home to keep you safe.

You are GOD’s GIFT to humanity. You’ve done so much through your storytelling and film-making to inspire social conscience.

I don’t care what the others say about you. They seem so eager and so impatient to speak on your behalf. If I were them, I'd ask myself, “Am I qualified to tell Yasmin Ahmad’s story?” I’d also search my conscience, “Why do I want to tell her story? Is it to enrich humanity? Or, is it to enrich my pocket?”

I read this in The Star and I’m touched by Adibah Noor’s words:

Actress/singer Adibah Noor, who had worked with Yasmin in her commercials as well as movies shared: “It is not too extreme to say that Yasmin was a medium through whom the Creator sought to inspire us immortals. Perhaps Allah is relieving her of the task since some of us have continuously failed to understand what He was trying to tell us through her.”

Dear Yasmin, nobody can obliterate your legacy. Because your influence is invincible!

English in Action (6)

2009-07-27T01:28:00.009+08:00

The FSTEP graduate participants in the Franc class will soon start their internship in local financial institutions. They are polishing up their English communication skills at the workplace.

PUBLIC SPEAKING is one of their English Communication projects. The young graduates have the opportunity to stand on a platform and speak into a microphone. This simulation project helps the participants to speak with poise and confidence. They learn to introduce VIPs, start a function and make announcements.

Please click the participant’s name to download the selected video.

Alif (Mohd Azizi Alif bin Mohd Nizam Yap)

Bavaani (Bavaani Balakrishnan)

Chin Cheong (Wong Chin Cheong)

Dalila (Nur Dalila Binti Zainudin)

Hidayah (Nur Hidayah Bt Yahya)

Lavania (Lavania Ramakrishnan)

Mira (Noormirazaida Binti Sarbi)

Nawar (Sharifah Nawar Nabila @ Muhirah Syed Mohsin)

Norbaizura (Norbaizura Binti Sharom)

Norliza (Norliza Binti Sakraraman)

Rashidah (Rashidah Binti Abdul Rashid)

Sarah (Siti Sarah Binti Lukman)

Sarmila (Sarmila Muniandy)

Suarrdy (Suarrdy Bin Parman)

Suriati (Suriati Bt Yazid)

Syarah (Syarah Ain Binti Mohd Salleh)

Tasha (Tasha Aishah Binti Ismail)

Xiao Jun (Chang Xiao Jun)

Yin Yin (Foo Yin Yin)

Zalila (Siti Noor Zalila Bt Paradi)

English in Action (5)

2009-07-20T16:45:00.005+08:00

The FSTEP graduate participants in the Franc class will soon start their internship in local financial institutions. They are polishing up their English communication skills at the workplace.

The young graduates are given an opportunity to review their English Communication videos. They laugh hysterically at each other’s mistakes or bloopers. This exercise aims to boost their confidence and raise awareness that it is okay to make mistakes. In fact, when they make mistakes they can make people roar, scream and howl with laughter.

Yes, bloopers have entertainment value!

English in Action (4)

2009-07-20T15:56:00.007+08:00

The FSTEP graduate participants in the Franc class will soon start their internship in local financial institutions. They are polishing up their English communication skills at the workplace.

Practice makes perfect is what the young graduates believe in. They practise repeatedly until they get the sounds rights, the format right and the rhythm right. I salute their passion and drive.

This video proves that the Triple P Rule can deliver commendable results. Triple P stands for patience, persistence & perseverance. It also simply means practice, practice, practice.

Young People, Great Example (3)

2009-07-15T19:28:00.006+08:00

Noel at the customer service counter, MPH Subang Parade

I've been tearing my hair out trying to order some books from MPH. I visited MPH Mid Valley but they couldn't confirm if the books were available. They assured me they'd ring me the next day.

The ‘next day’ stretched into a week. I rang MPH Mid Valley again. A gentleman assured me that somebody would ring me later that day. I waited in vain for more than 24 hours.

I decided to drop in at MPH Subang Parade to unravel the mystery. At first, I couldn't get anybody to help me. Either they were busy or they couldn't follow my drift. I was about to breathe fire.

Then, a petite young lady came over to see me. She introduced herself as Noel. She listened to my problem patiently and then assured me that she'd look into the matter immediately. She rang MPH Mid Valley and was on the line for a long while. The result was no better.

Finally, Noel decided to order the books for me. I was very grateful to her and asked, “You’re very professional. How long have you worked here?”

She replied, “Oh, just a few months.”

“Where did you work before you came here?”

“This is my first job. I’m a fresh graduate.” My jaws dropped.

Many thanks, Noel, for getting me the books against all the odds. I’m very impressed with your customer service skills. May God bless you with a fulfilling future.

English in Action (3)

2009-07-12T21:20:00.021+08:00

The FSTEP graduate participants in the Franc class will soon start their internship in local financial institutions. They are polishing up their English communication skills at the workplace.

SELECTING THE RIGHT CANDIDATE is one of their English Communication projects. The trainees are divided into 3 teams with each team creating their own scripts and bringing their scripts to life.

This methodology helps the trainees to think in English, speak in English and write in English. They improve their pronunciation by installing correct English sound files. They enhance their communication skills by reformatting their sentence construction. They bring their lines to life by following the rhythm of the English language.

*
The energetic graduates' passion for learning English is shown in these videos.

TEAM 1

(In order of appearance): Tasha, Hidayah, Syarah, Chin Cheong, Xiao Jun, Alif

TEAM 2

(In order of appearance): Dalila, Syarah, Bavaani, Zalila, Suriati, Lavania, Rashidah

TEAM 3

(In order of appearance): Suarrdy, Norliza, Mira, Norbaizura, Yin Yin, Nawar, Sarmila

Young People, Great Example (2)

2009-07-08T23:05:00.009+08:00

The super duo, Nick & Jerry

When my mobile phone conked out, I was wondering if I should buy a new phone through my credit card company. It offered a good discount but zero customer service. Finally, I decided against the risk.

I went to a shop in Giant Mall, Kelana Jaya. I got to know two young sales executives, Nick & Jerry.

Jerry sold me a new Nokia phone. He patiently taught me how to use the phone and its multimedia functions. I was very pleased with the crash course. Next, I wanted to transfer all the data from my old Samsung phone to the new phone. After a few attempts, Jerry said that the two phones were incompatible so he could not transfer the data. When I heard that, I was upset and made a lot of noise.

Jerry responded swiftly to pacify me. He said something positive, “Let me check with the computer guy. Let me see what I can do.” He got me what I wanted, by hook or by crook. He deserves praise for his ability to handle an irate customer.

Nick sold me a Bluetooth hands-free gadget. One day, the gadget stopped working at around 8pm. Feeling frustrated, I rang Nick for help. Nick answered the phone and spoke in a low voice. I could hear sounds in the background – like he was in a cinema. He told me it was his day off. Oh dear, I felt so bad for disturbing him. But I was impressed that he still takes calls from customers on his day off. Others would have switched off their phones and left their customers in the lurch. Nick deserves praise for his dedication.

Well done, Nick and Jerry! You are excellent role models for top quality, high standard, world-class customer service! I met your boss and commended both of you. I hope he awards you with a pay rise (chuckle!).

That's the lucky boss who is blessed with two super sales execs

English in Action (2)

2009-07-06T01:58:00.014+08:00

The FSTEP graduate participants in the Franc class will soon start their internship in local financial institutions. They are polishing up their English communication skills at the workplace.

RESOLVING CONFLICT is one of their English Communication projects. The trainees are divided into 3 teams with each team creating their own scripts and bringing their scripts to life.

Here are their actions captured on camera.

Team members (in order of appearance): Lavania, Xiao Jun, Tasha, Chin Cheong, Hidayah, Norbaizura

Conflict: Revised version of English lesson in which Olivier (Sales Executive) cannot work with Todd (Manager)

Team members (in order of appearance): Alif, Dalila, Suriati, Syarah, Bavaani, Zalila, Nawar

Conflict: Staff are protesting against the management for restricting their telephone facilities

Team members (in order of appearance): Norliza, Suarddy, Sarmila, Mira, Yin Yin, Sarah, Rashidah

Conflict: The Workers Union is confronting the Management about unfair company policies

English in Action (1)

2009-06-29T15:53:00.021+08:00

The FSTEP graduate participants in the Franc class will soon start their internship in local financial institutions. They are polishing up their English communication skills at the workplace.

SOCIALISING SKILLS is one of their English Communication projects. The trainees are divided into 3 teams with each team creating their own scripts and bringing their scripts to life.

Here are their actions captured on camera.

Team members: Nawar, Xiao Jun, Syarah, Hidayah, Mira, Tasha, Zalila

Team members: Chin Cheong, Yin Yin, Lavania, Norbaizura, Sarmila, Suriati, Alif

Team members: Suarrdy, Bavaani, Sarah, Dalila, Rashidah, Norliza

Michael Jackson, Timeless Thriller

2009-06-27T16:00:00.004+08:00

Michael Jackson's influence reaches far and wide.

In 2007, a prison consultant in The Philippines, Byron Garcia, introduced a morning exercise routine in the Cebu provincial jail. He taught the prisoners the dance movements shown in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video. The "Prison Thriller" video became an internet sensation with over 23 million hits.

According to AFP, tourists flocked to the Cebu jail to watch 1,500 inmates perform a special dance tribute to Michael Jackson who died yesterday at age 50.

To these prisoners and countless people around the world, Michael Jackson is a music legend, a pop sensation and a global icon. He is a timeless thriller.

Thanks, Fara. You made my day!

2009-06-23T13:56:00.007+08:00

With some tricks of the trade, Fara got both of us on this billboard.

Can somebody tell me the location?

One of my former FSTEP graduate students, Fara Izwa, sent me an email and some glamorous attachments.

Dear Miss Kim

How are you doing, Miss Kim? I drop you an email because I miss you so much. You are my best English teacher ever.

Attached here are our pics taken during our last day at INTEC. I've edited these pics especially for you. Hope you like them.

Regards,
Fara

(Fara Izwa)

Fara & Kim Chow showing off their traditional apparel.

Hand in Hand

2009-06-15T02:29:00.007+08:00

This dance called “Hand in Hand” is performed by two physically-challenged dancers, Ma Li and Zhai Xiaowei. Both lost their limbs in car accidents. Ma Li lost her right arm and Zhai Xiaowei his left leg.

Watch their spectacular dance and splendid choreography - a breathtaking interpretation of how people overcome life’s frustrations and reap the joy of love.

Watch it on full screen to enjoy the full impact of the dance. It's okay if your eyes are misty. We cry not for broken bones but cry in celebration of the unbroken human spirit.

Young People, Great Example (1)

2009-06-13T14:19:00.014+08:00

Zahrin at the Thunder Match Technology outlet in Carrefour Subang Parade

This young man surprised me as an excellent example in customer service. His name is Zahrin and he works as a technician for Thunder Match Technology at the outlet in Carrefour Subang Parade.

I bought a certain brand of antivirus software that ran into installation problems. At 6.15pm I rang the service centre and spoke to Zahrin. He told me he finished work at 7pm that night and advised me to see him the next day. However, I was desperate to get the antivirus installed so that I could use my laptop without any virus wiping off my data.

Zahrin told me to reach his office by 6.30pm but there was no way the traffic could allow me to perform this feat. I demanded to speak to another technician. Unfortunately, Zahrin was the only technician on duty that day, and of all days he had to leave early that day. I raised my voice indignantly. Zahrin did not react to my outburst. He remained calm, cool and composed. He told me to drive over to his office immediately. I grabbed two laptops and raced to Subang Parade.

I reached at 7pm. Zahrin began to install the software on my personal laptop. Then, I quietly pulled out another laptop and asked him if he could remove an old antivirus program. Although I had uninstalled the program, the antivirus was still lurking around in the computer, and prevented me from installing a new program. Zahrin was very knowledgeable. He knew exactly what the problem was and had the perfect solution.

In the end, Zahrin could only go home at 8pm - an hour late. His dedication as a customer service provider has made me a very satisfied and thrilled customer. The service centre charged me RM10 for each laptop. For all the trouble I have caused them, I would be pleased to pay more.

Dear Zahrin, you are the best! You have shown excellent performance in customer service! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

Zahrin with a colleague at the customer service centre

"Don't Tell My Mother"

2009-05-19T20:59:00.010+08:00

This is Diego Buñuel standing at the wall built by Israel to keep out Gaza Strip. He is the host and director of the NAT GEO series "Don't Tell My Mother".

Last night, I watched the episode "Don't Tell My Mother I'm In the Balkans." I found it most enlightening. I appreciate how the story was told, how the scenes were filmed, and how the interviews were done. I am heartened that certain people were introduced in recognition of their selfless contributions to the people around them. The show has helped me to gain new insights into the tragedies and atrocities of the Balkan War.

I hope more people will watch the episodes of "Don't Tell My Mother" and reflect on the ongoing and never-ending human strifes and conflicts.

Diego Buñuel's Profile

(from NAT GEO website)

My name is Diego Buñuel, host and director of the series, "Don’t Tell My Mother", on the National Geographic Channel. I am a French foreign news correspondent, and the grandson of the renowned Spanish film director, Luis Buñuel. I was born in Paris, and have bachelor degrees in journalism and political science from Northwestern University in Chicago, USA. After graduating, I did an internship at the Chicago Tribune before moving to Florida to handle the police beat for the Sun-Sentinel in Miami. The French military drafted me to serve in Sarajevo. I worked for NATO’s weekly armed forces newspaper and travelled all over the war-torn Balkans. My 10-month experience in the service inspired me to become a war correspondent. In 2001, I joined the Capa Television Agency where I produced and reported for French television. My assignments focused on international affairs from Afghanistan, Congo, Iraq, Indonesia, Israel, China and North Korea.

Sacrificing money for love

2009-05-10T20:49:00.015+08:00

A young Indian lady who cleans my home office told me this incredible story. A married couple who are her relatives adopted an orphan girl when she was a toddler. Since the time of adoption, the couple knows that the girl is entitled to an inheritance when she reaches the age of 21.

Five years ago, the girl’s adopted parents persuaded my Indian friend to introduce a boy to the girl. My friend duly introduced a respectable young man and sparks of romance began. The young couple became inseparable. Last year, the girl was 20. The adopted parents encouraged them to tie the knot. They wanted the wedding to be held before the girl’s 21st birthday.

After all the wedding plans have been made, the adopted parents dropped a bombshell – they wanted the girl to transfer her inheritance to them. The girl was angry. The boy was furious. My Indian friend was outraged. The adopted parents were adamant. If the girl refused to accede to their demands, they would cancel the wedding and marry her off to another man.

After months of bitter wrangle, the girl and her future husband became enlightened. They became aware that the inheritance was the cause of their pain and suffering. It was the cause of the evil that tortured them. The desire to get hold of the money has driven everybody insane.

The young couple made a startling decision. They decided to sacrifice the inheritance for their happiness. The girl is convinced that she loves her man more than her money. The young man is convinced that he has the ability to support his wife and raise a family without any inheritance. My friend is convinced that the young couple has chosen wisely.

I rang my friend, “Have they signed the papers?”

“Yes. It’s all done. The girl has transferred her inheritance to the people who brought her up. It’s okay. She doesn’t have to worry about the future. God will always be there.”

Greed can turn us into zombies. Perhaps, God has to destroy all our material possessions so that we learn to treat each other with love, kindness and compassion.

Susan Boyle - from charity to celebrity

2009-04-18T12:46:00.015+08:00

Susan Boyle appeared on the TV reality show Britain’s Got Talent on 11 April 2009 and sang ‘I Dreamed A Dream’. She is a 47 year-old heavy-set woman with thick eyebrows and unkempt hair. She walked up to the stage wearing a frumpy dress and looking more like a comedian than a singer. Everybody in the audience was certain that she would massacre the song and turned herself into a laughing stock.

When Susan Boyle began to sing, the sceptical and sniggering audience was stunned. Her mesmerising voice resonated through the theatre. The audience started to applaud thunderously. Finally, they rose to their feet, cheering wildly.

Susan is unemployed, unmarried, and lives alone with her cat in a small town which she described as a collection of villages.

Within the first 24 hours, her YouTube video has been viewed over 5 million times. As of 18 April 2009, it has been viewed nearly 30 million times. Within the span of a week, she has been interviewed by Good Morning America and Larry King Live show. She has also been invited to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Susan sang ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, and her dream to sing like Elaine Paige shows that nothing is impossible.

Watch her stunning performance by clicking this link (Susan Boyle's YouTube video)

Culture Unplugged Video

2009-04-13T14:17:00.006+08:00

Chicken a la Carte

Director: Ferdinand Dimadura / Genre: Drama / Produced In: 2005

Synopsis: This film is about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. There are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition. This short film shows a forgotten portion of the society. The people who live on the refuse of men to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left this people.

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

FRANC-ly speaking, they love to sing

2009-04-12T22:44:00.015+08:00

Singing on stage gets the adrenalin flowing and gives our self-esteem a welcome boost.

Two graduate trainees from the Franc class in FSTEP brushed up on their diction, overcame their stage fright and added a feather in their cap.

This video shows Suarddy Parman aka AWESOME ADY in action. He sings “Hero” and works the girls up into a frenzy.

This video shows the vibrant emcee, Liza, introducing the singer, Nur Dalila Zainudin aka SIZZLING DALILA who sings “My heart will go on”. Dalila practised hard on her diction, voice control and body language. A commendable effort!

The FRANC drama

2009-04-12T21:09:00.019+08:00

I salute the graduate trainees of Franc class in FSTEP who plucked up the courage to perform an English drama on stage. They could have opted for a mime performance, but they decided to do something more challenging. They put their heads together and came up with the script. Then, all the performers had to practise their lines frantically. Finally, they stepped up to the stage and put their communication skills to the test. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

PART 1 - THE ABSENT-MINDED PARENTS

PART 2 - AT THE CLINIC

PART 3 - IN THE TAXI

PART 4 - SAY NO TO OLD FOLKS HOME

The cast:

Father: ALIF

Mother: NAWAR

Daughter: SHIDAH

Doctor: TASHA

Nurse: SYARAH

Taxi Driver: SARAH

Almost 100 years old - still working and teaching!

2009-03-26T12:00:00.009+08:00

I read an inspiring article from The Japan Times Online written by Judit Kawaguchi.

The story is about Dr Shigeaki Hinohara who is over 97 years old. He is one of the world's longest-serving physicians and educators. He is still healing patients at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo and teaching at St. Luke's College of Nursing.

He is the founder of the New Elderly Movement, and encourages others to live a long and happy life. It is a quest in which he himself is the best model.

Picture shows Dr Shigeaki Hinohara and Judit Kawaguchi

Here are some WORDS OF WISDOM from the good doctor.

Energy comes from feeling good, not from eating well or sleeping a lot. We all remember how as children, when we were having fun, we often forgot to eat or sleep. I believe that we can keep that attitude as adults, too. It's best not to tire the body with too many rules such as lunchtime and bedtime.

Always plan ahead. My schedule book is already full until 2014, with lectures and my usual hospital work. In 2016 I'll have some fun, though: I plan to attend the Tokyo Olympics!

There is no need to ever retire, but if one must, it should be a lot later than 65. The current retirement age was set at 65 half a century ago, when the average life-expectancy in Japan was 68 years and only 125 Japanese were over 100 years old. Today, Japanese women live to be around 86 and men 80, and we have 36,000 centenarians in our country. In 20 years we will have about 50,000 people over the age of 100.

Share what you know. I give 150 lectures a year, some for 100 elementary-school children, others for 4,500 business people. I usually speak for 60 to 90 minutes, standing, to stay strong.

To stay healthy, always take the stairs and carry your own stuff. I take two stairs at a time, to get my muscles moving.

Pain is mysterious, and having fun is the best way to forget it. If a child has a toothache, and you start playing a game together, he or she immediately forgets the pain. Hospitals must cater to the basic need of patients: We all want to have fun. At St. Luke's we have music and animal therapies, and art classes.

Don't be crazy about amassing material things. Remember: You don't know when your number is up, and you can't take it with you to the next place.

Science alone can't cure or help people. Science lumps us all together, but illness is individual. Each person is unique, and diseases are connected to their hearts. To know the illness and help people, we need liberal and visual arts, not just medical ones.

It's wonderful to live long. Until one is 60 years old, it is easy to work for one's family and to achieve one's goals. But in our later years, we should strive to contribute to society. Since the age of 65, I have worked as a volunteer. I still put in 18 hours seven days a week and love every minute of it.

They beat me flat

2009-02-24T23:26:00.006+08:00

I am their English teacher but when we play a game of Charades, they become my teacher. In fact, they are so good that I have to raise the white flag in defeat. They simply beat me flat!

Goodness gracious, these graduate trainees at FSTEP who underwent the INTEC programme (Intensive English Course) amaze me. Their reservoir of English song titles and movie titles is stupendous. I guess they must have listened to every song and watched every movie.

They call me their English sifu. After the Charades, I humbly relinquish my sifuship!

Watch the funny Charades videos on YouTube (click this link).

God's great love will keep us together

2009-02-22T10:33:00.015+08:00

As the graduate trainees of Tulip class at FSTEP are approaching the end of the INTEC programme (Intensive English Course), they are asked to do the final team project – organizing the farewell brunch.

It is a project that encourages English communication in planning, holding meetings, putting various proposals to the vote, forming working committees (logistics, food, entertainment, invitations, etc), reinforcing teamwork and stimulating creativity.

I am absolutely amazed by the results. Every part of the programme is organized with a touch of class. Every task is executed with a high standard of excellence. Every member fulfils his / her duties with enthusiasm.

I am confident that this group will bring value to the financial sector and serve their organizations with pride and passion.

In my farewell speech, I dedicate this song to them:

Smile an everlasting smile
A smile will bring my tulips to me
And we’ll never say goodbye
We’re near though we are far apart

You think that I don’t even mean a single word I say
It’s only words and God’s great love that keeps us together

To all my beloved members of the Tulip class, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. I love you all.

Campaign: Let's read the Quran

2009-01-17T01:06:00.005+08:00

It has never crossed my mind to read the Quran.
Now, I ask, "Why not?"

From the blog RantingsbyMM

Peace!

We need your participation!

Campaign name: Let’s Read The Quran

On January 1st 2009, four friends Syed, Walski, Marina and Anas got together at Coffee-Bean Bangsar Village and decided to launch a campaign to encourage people to read and understand the Quran better.

This campaign is not only for Muslims, but also for our brothers and sisters who are Christians, Buddhists Hindus, Sikhs and those who believe in a God-Head but not so gung-ho about being in any brand of religion, too – come join us and share your ideas! You can join this campaign even if you are an atheist!

The goal of this campaign is to encourage people to read the Quran in the language they understand most and find in it areas of common values in our day-to-day living.

Can you kill them all?

2009-01-04T16:21:00.016+08:00

I watched the BBC World News at 7pm. It is the first time I heard a BBC World News presenter (I can't get his name) speaking harshly to an Israeli government spokesman. He said things like:

"Your aim is not to get rid of the rocket attacks. Your aim is to get rid of Hamas." "You say there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. My goodness, people are dying there."

In the studio, the presenter spoke to Zaki Chehab, political editor of the London-based Al-Hayat newspaper who is also an author. His latest book is entitled "Inside Hamas: The Untold Story of the Militant Islamic Movement."

On 22 May 2007, Zaki Chehab was interviewed by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!

This is part of the transcript:

AMY GOODMAN: Zaki Chehab, let’s go back to the beginning of Hamas, as you do in this book. How was it created?

ZAKI CHEHAB: Hamas, practically, is a branch of the international Islamic Brotherhood movement worldwide. As I was told by Sheikh Yassin, himself, the founder of Hamas, ’til ’77, 1977, himself, he was not a member of the Islamic Brotherhood movement. He visited Egypt for the first time, and he like met some of their leaders at that time as someone who admired them. But practically, he was not a member.

So, Hamas, as an organization, was practically or officially launched in the first week of the Intifada in 1987. But they were active like as a group, and you would be surprised if I tell you that the Israeli government at that time have helped Hamas to expand. They have given them the permission to set up social centers and the what’s so called the nerve center for the Hamas movement today, the Islamic University, is something have been given by the Israelis to Hamas to weaken Fatah, who was fighting the Israelis at that time. So in terms of military struggle against Israel, Hamas ’til 1987 never been involved with a military struggle with Israel, unlike Fatah, who have started this in the ’60s.

AMY GOODMAN: So you’re saying that the Israeli government helped set up Hamas.

ZAKI CHEHAB: It’s not only that. Even the first cache of weapons Hamas managed to accumulate, it was given to them by the Shin Beit, which is like the Homeland Security or the Israeli internal intelligence, to the extent that when Hamas leader, Hamas founder, Ahmed Yassin, and his fellow were arrested, they were convicted as a result of the cache of weapons given to them by the Israelis, and to be specific, by someone who have like carried the name of Abu Sabri.

AMY GOODMAN: Yassin and Rantisi have both been assassinated.

ZAKI CHEHAB: Both of them has been assassinated.

AMY GOODMAN: By the Israelis.

ZAKI CHEHAB: By the Israelis, yes. It was very clear from day one. And I think, you know, whatever measures Israel takes against Hamas leader, the experience have showed us that there will always someone who will take place and replace, and nothing would really change the situation. The only thing which can weaken Hamas is by giving the Palestinians hope that there will be an independent state at a specific time.

Kindness is reciprocated with kindness

2009-01-04T13:17:00.011+08:00

After shopping at a supermarket, I walked towards the open car park where I parked my car. I noticed a Chinese couple having a row with two Malay youths on a motorbike. As I approached, the youths rode off angrily.

I talked to the Chinese couple. They told me that they spotted a vacant parking space when a motorbike ridden by the two Malay youths overtook them and occupied the space. They got off their car and scolded the youths. The Malay youths got angry and they traded insults.

After telling me what happened, the couple ended by saying, “Useless Mat Rempit. Their race behaves like that.”

Very politely, I asked them these questions:

Did the boys know that you wanted the parking space?
Did you talk to the boys like the way you talk to your own children?
Why did you not park at another place instead of quarreling with the boys and risking high blood pressure?
If the boys were Chinese, would you be as hostile to them?

I left the couple and walked towards my car. 4 or 5 motorbikes have gathered at a spot near my car. The young Malay riders seemed to be in a discussion. Upon seeing me, they stopped talking and eyed me warily. Without any hesitation, I flashed them a sincere smile. They looked awkward at first, but soon they smiled back. I told them politely that I wanted to drive my car out. They nodded politely and moved their bikes away from my car.

Before I drove off, I waved to them and said in English, “Happy New Year!” They waved back. Some of them found their voices to say “Happy New Year!”

Talk? What Talk?

2008-12-31T11:42:00.005+08:00

A young reader wrote to me in response to my previous post “No Talk, No Peace”. What he says goes something like this:

“Whenever my father talks to me, he does not talk to me with affection. He talks down to me. This makes me angry and rebellious. When I become defiant, he threatens me with his money. He cuts my allowance. That makes me resentful. I feel I want to fight back. I feel like stopping my studies. I feel like leaving home. I don’t care if the family breaks up.”

I can’t keep my thoughts off the Gaza conflict. Since day one of the military bombardment, I have been watching the horrific news.

Somebody told me something scary – that this Gaza conflict is destroying not just the Palestinians, but sanity around the globe. Now, there are more faceless people who are prepared to die and ready to blow themselves up in the name of revenge.

No Talk, No Peace

2008-12-30T19:27:00.006+08:00

I watch the the BBC HARDtalk programme featuring Ingrid Betancourt. It was first aired in July 2008.

HARDtalk anchor Stephen Sackur interviewed Ingrid Betancourt after she was miraculously rescued from the Colombian jungles after 6 years of captivity by the guerrilla group known as the FARC.

Sackur asked Betancourt if she would still believe in peace talks with the FARC. I am intrigued by her answer which went something like this:

We have to talk to achieve peace
How we talk to achieve peace in a family is what we should do in a nation
When we talk, we have to choose the rights words, say them at the right time and speak in the right tone

I am thinking about the Israel-Palestinian conflict. What has happened to all the peace talks? Did the negotiating parties choose the right words, say them at the right time and speak in the right tone?

Things happen for a good reason

2008-12-29T15:40:00.008+08:00

There is a small glass table in my home. Right from the beginning, my mind was fixed that this table was meant for flowers and nothing but flowers. For years, a lovely floral arrangement sat prettily on this table.

A year ago, someone broke the vase that held the flowers. I was really upset. I wanted to run to the shop immediately to get a new vase, but work held me back. Yet, I did not want to leave the table undecorated. I looked around the house and saw a crystal salt lamp sitting on top of a cabinet. I decided to relocate the lamp to the glass table as a temporary measure.

When it was time for bed, I switched off all the lights. Suddenly, the whole house was caressed by a golden glow. It never happened before. I gasped in surprise. I quickly turned around to locate the source of the glow. It came from crystal salt lamp! My goodness, this lamp has been my companion for years, but I have never given it so much attention until that night.

I sat down on a chair to admire the lamp and its light. I realized that when it was sitting on top of the cabinet, its glow was restricted by its position. Now that it sits on the glass table, its glow reaches out in every direction.

I believe things happen for a good reason. The vase is broken for a good reason. I am glad I did not berate the person who broke it. If not for the broken vase, I would never have known that the crystal salt lamp and the glass table are meant for each other. Together, they fill my home with a golden glow, most distinctly at night.

A Caring Christmas

2008-12-26T13:10:00.003+08:00

It is one of my best Christmas lunch.

My former classmate invited me to her house for lunch on Christmas day. She also invited a Hindu friend and a Muslim friend too. It is truly a Christmas goodwill lunch.

My friend’s mum has spent some time in hospital not so long ago. This Christmas, my friend wanted to uplift her mum with some Christmas cheer. So, she embarked on a rare culinary experience in the kitchen and whipped up a surprisingly delicious meal.

Something that happened at the dining table lit me up with Christmas joy. During lunch, my friend’s mum had a spasm of coughing. Everybody at the table stopped eating. Everybody turned their attention to the lady. Everybody wanted to help her.

It is their caring attitude that touches me. I realise that the guests at the dining table have gone through the experience of caring for their parents in their hour of need. This has made them more caring towards the sick and the elderly.

Many thanks to my good friend for a lovely, caring Chistmas!

A father who sacrifices for his family

2008-12-08T12:47:00.004+08:00

I talk to the gardener who mows my lawn every month. He is a freelance gardener who makes house visits. I have always thought that he is an Indian national. I am mistaken. He is actually a Bangladeshi and he is a Muslim. It is timely that I speak to him.

Today is Aidil Adha or Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice which is celebrated by Muslims worldwide.

The gardener’s name is Jorhad. He tells me that he has been in Malaysia for 19 years to earn money to support his wife and children back home in Bangladesh. He has two sons aged 23 and 20 who are in universities in Bangladesh. He plans to go home for good when his sons have graduated and found jobs. He hopes one of them will be a banker.

For the last 19 years, he goes home to see his family every 2 years and every reunion lasts for 3 months. He speaks lovingly of his wife and gives her full credit for bringing up their children so well.

In Bangladesh, his family celebrates the Eid al-Adha by offering the joint sacrifice of a cow with three other families. Here in Malaysia, he and his friends will pray at the mosque.

For Jorhad, Malaysia is a land of milk and honey. I am glad I talked to him. Speaking to him reminds me to be thankful for God’s blessings.

Wanna be an emcee?

2008-09-01T12:11:00.018+08:00

Learning the skills of an emcee (Master of Ceremonies) is one of the fastest ways to give our personality a boost.

It is an amazing day at UTAR (University Tunku Abdul Rahman). The students arrive with a strong desire to learn.

When the students realize that they have to go up to the stage to perform like a real emcee, they are all fired up to do their best. Although they have little or no experience in emceeing, they have the single-minded purpose to rise to the challenge and put themselves to the test. So great is their grit that they almost forget to eat.

At the end of the day, their personality shines on stage. They use their voice to power up their act and use their body language to charm and entertain. They learn one of the ground rules – how to enjoy themselves and have a good time on stage.

This bunch of young emcee wannabes are a joy to work with. The session stirs my spirit and soothes my soul.

Well done, UTAR !!!

A STEP in the right direction

2008-09-01T11:40:00.018+08:00

I enjoy meeting new faces, working with new people and putting myself to the test in new environments.

I step into F.S.T.E.P. (Financial Sector Talent Enrichment Programme) on 09 August 2008.

The graduates who are undergoing this one-year intensive course are given a great opportunity by the Malaysian financial sector (comprising banking, insurance and Takaful organizations) to learn the ropes and to put their best foot forward in their new careers.

The students whom I meet on 09 August 2008 are articulate, intelligent and enthusiastic. By joining F.S.T.E.P. they have taken a step in the right direction. Bravo!

I can't believe it!

2008-07-07T20:04:00.017+08:00

I talk to my friends and it’s always about the depressing politics, declining economy and deteriorating crime scene.

To make things worse, my car develops a strange electrical problem which my trusted mechanic can't fix. I call the EON service centre and they tell me to leave my car there overnight. Oh no, I can’t do that. I would be crippled without my car.

Sometimes, unpleasant situations are a blessing in disguise. Thinking hard to solve my problem, my brain goes into memory retrieval mode and downloads an old file – the archived information of a man who helped me when my car broke down over ten years ago.

In that incident, I was in Kuala Lumpur and my car wouldn't start. A friend gave me a number to call. I got through to a man who said he would send his men over. I did not have to wait long. Two men turned up, jump-started my car and I followed them to a shop near the busy and bustling Jalan Pasar. The shop belongs to a Mr Wong who repairs automobile electrical system.

I was advised to replace the alternator. It was dusk when the job was done. When it was time to pay the bill, I found I did not have enough cash. Mr Wong said without hesitation, “Don’t worry. Take the car now. You can pay me tomorrow.” My jaws dropped. How could he trust me, a total stranger? He said that was how he conducted his business – trust. I did not betray his trust. I went back to the shop the next day and paid him.

One day, a friend from Seremban came to Kuala Lumpur. His car stalled on a street. I told him to call Mr Wong who promptly sent his men. Later, my friend called me, “Mr Wong charged me for the new battery only. He didn't charge me anything for sending his men over to jump-start my car. I can’t believe it!”

Suddenly, I know why my car is misbehaving now – so that I can see Mr Wong again. This incredible businessman is now in his seventies. He is still the same affable man I know. When I tell him the problem, he gives his trademark response, “No problem. We’ll look at it right away.”

While waiting for the car to be diagnosed and treated, I chat with Mr Wong. I ask him, “Last time you didn’t charge for house service. Do you charge now?” He replies with a laugh, “No! I still don’t charge. No need. You pay the repair bill, that’s enough.”

A worker approaches and says, “It’s done.” I ask Mr Wong for the bill and he says, “RM15 only.” RM15 only? For a problem that my mechanic can't fix and EON Service has to keep my car overnight? I can’t believe it!

If your car needs an electrical doctor in Kuala Lumpur, you may want to give Mr Wong a call.

Mr Wong Yoon Sui
Yoon Sui Electric Service Sdn Bhd
5 Jalan Beruang
Off Jalan Pasar
55100 Kuala Lumpur
03-9221 8368

(I'll post some photos later)