tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083139318789384972024-03-14T14:13:28.234+08:00Story of Andrew KoayLittle bit of here and there which compiled a storybook called, "Story of Andrew Koay"Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-60757387697584814942024-02-27T15:04:00.000+08:002024-02-27T15:04:04.508+08:00Reflecting on Layoff: Fake it but Didn't Make it<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aj8HJzXLtBt2WHQf0PmAQ03vyEUjphyphenhyphenf3w-wuq5T126KHKEeF7ojTWrBdl7Y_Z-946Fz2AsiHT9G7WsrTPqO8thzr4KhEeVMWMjZy7KLDpWi4bAR_iZTRSvqRbVY9EGqzaAmgARsTnkXSN65-8cev32NolaO2lDEtJWyEpnVscTJ9iuUVDngnPZzIxo/s3560/IMG_7039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3560" data-original-width="2864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aj8HJzXLtBt2WHQf0PmAQ03vyEUjphyphenhyphenf3w-wuq5T126KHKEeF7ojTWrBdl7Y_Z-946Fz2AsiHT9G7WsrTPqO8thzr4KhEeVMWMjZy7KLDpWi4bAR_iZTRSvqRbVY9EGqzaAmgARsTnkXSN65-8cev32NolaO2lDEtJWyEpnVscTJ9iuUVDngnPZzIxo/w321-h400/IMG_7039.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW260990806 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab91bb79-42e9-4636-a713-e4a6df151537}{18}" paraid="1124465294" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-contrast="none" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: times; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Getting </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">terminated</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> from a job is never an easy experience. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">It's</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a situation filled with emotions, uncertainties, and often, a sense of failure. However, this time round (after 15+ of job changes), I felt calm, I would explain why later.</span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW260990806 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab91bb79-42e9-4636-a713-e4a6df151537}{25}" paraid="74362494" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="TextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-contrast="none" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I started this Data Analyst job, filled with enthusiasm and a hunger to prove myself in the professional world. The title seemed like a good fit, and I poured my heart and soul into it. However, despite my dedication, things </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">didn't</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> go as planned, and eventually, I found myself facing the dreaded termination letter.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":0,"335551620":0}" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW260990806 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab91bb79-42e9-4636-a713-e4a6df151537}{32}" paraid="1971511466" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="TextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-contrast="none" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">It didn't come surprising when I kept receiving CEO's email about operation streamlining, hiring freezes and bonus retention. Not to mention that my KPI wasn't able to keep up to requirement in spite of various attempt to fix it. Applying for other available vacancy within group was futile, too. It was a challenging time, filled with self-doubt and uncertainty about the future, again.</span></span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW260990806 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab91bb79-42e9-4636-a713-e4a6df151537}{39}" paraid="1464234242" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="TextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-contrast="none" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">After the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">initial</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> shock wore off, I made a conscious decision to view this setback as an opportunity for growth rather than a failure. I took the time to reflect on my performance, seeking constructive feedback from former colleagues and supervisors. Despite of their friendly tones or generic comments, it wasn't much helpful as they were not speaking empathetically. However, through introspection, I </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">identified</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> areas where I could have improved and mistakes I had made along the way.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":0,"335551620":0}" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW260990806 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab91bb79-42e9-4636-a713-e4a6df151537}{46}" paraid="1800543336" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="TextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-contrast="none" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">One of the most valuable lessons I learned from this experience was the importance of communication. Looking back, I realized that I had failed to effectively communicate with God about challenges I was facing. Instead, I had tried to tackle everything on my own, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ultimately leading</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> to burnout, bodily ache and subpar performance.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"335551550":0,"335551620":0}" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> I admit, the last drawn fat pay check and various lucrative well-being claims were pulling me away from spiritual endeavour and tempted for worldly matters, repeated my sinful habits etc.</span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW260990806 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab91bb79-42e9-4636-a713-e4a6df151537}{53}" paraid="1294400798" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="TextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-contrast="none" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Another crucial lesson was the significance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity. While getting terminated was undoubtedly a blow to my ego, I refused to let it define me. Instead, I embraced the opportunity to reassess my career goals, refine my skill set, and explore new opportunities, particularly focus on the path of developing as real data analyst (gonna say former employer lied or didn't know how to frame their job description and title, they were actually looking for a "data annotator/collector" instead of "analyst" because the job was about scrapping raw data from webpage and filled into in-house databases). </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW260990806 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab91bb79-42e9-4636-a713-e4a6df151537}{60}" paraid="1751011536" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-contrast="none" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: times; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">In the aftermath of my termination, I embarked on a journey of self-</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">improvement (again). I enrolled in some free online courses and do more portfolio projects to enhance my data skills. Man, when was the last time I code in Python (2 years ago)? Also, I start to flip particular book in Bibles about suffering (you guess it, it's Book of Job) so that I can grab this "holistic" experience to face suffering without blaming God.</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW260990806 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab91bb79-42e9-4636-a713-e4a6df151537}{60}" paraid="1751011536" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-contrast="none" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: times; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span class="TextRun SCXW187322192 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW187322192 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Getting </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW187322192 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">terminated</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW187322192 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> from my second job was undoubtedly a challenging experience, but it was also another pivotal moment in my professional journey. It forced me to confront my weaknesses, learn from my mistakes, and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW187322192 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">emerge</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW187322192 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> stronger and more resilient than ever before. Today, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the growth that has resulted from overcoming this obstacle. As I continue to pursue my career aspirations, I carry with me the invaluable wisdom gained from this experience, knowing that setbacks are merely </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW187322192 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url('data:image/svg+xml;base64,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')); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">stepping stones</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW187322192 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> on the path to success, both professional and spiritually.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW260990806 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab91bb79-42e9-4636-a713-e4a6df151537}{60}" paraid="1751011536" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" data-contrast="none" face=""system-ui", system-ui_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW260990806 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: times; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span class="TextRun SCXW187322192 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW187322192 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><i>"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." ~ Job 1:21</i></span></span></span></span></p></div>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-80276255122346677082023-12-30T22:05:00.004+08:002023-12-30T22:05:49.903+08:00Yay, it was a fantastic year! Thank you.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiq4uSB1Ss1CFgcFgytBDseoeQCUidFxUDtJOTrES68OTsu8FzjReq-wARFUDC0Hb9RMEVST-u44wtlYKAq5AociDv1X8dAhFSBwEw1x1E0mPGNczR4xzDGOCKBiPFGb83xgBJUyLRl33zN9Nqgg22JnbrVYXLGxAKqI_V4U9dHBvTht_5uz0HKEj3cXQ/s600/23-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="600" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiq4uSB1Ss1CFgcFgytBDseoeQCUidFxUDtJOTrES68OTsu8FzjReq-wARFUDC0Hb9RMEVST-u44wtlYKAq5AociDv1X8dAhFSBwEw1x1E0mPGNczR4xzDGOCKBiPFGb83xgBJUyLRl33zN9Nqgg22JnbrVYXLGxAKqI_V4U9dHBvTht_5uz0HKEj3cXQ/w640-h386/23-24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Haven't being through such a year with many enjoyable experience. Of course, towards the end of 2023, there is a bumpy roads (my job) but I would say this is a happy year as a whole.<p></p><p>I ge to practice my faith, photography and workout more, reconnect with some primary school mates while losing some due to their departure from this world and continue my uncharted career path.</p><p>I consider my career paths are now messy because I don't really know what to learn to become a data analyst that the job market is looking for. I signed up a Introduction to Data Analytics last year with <a href="https://www.forward.edu.my/" target="_blank">Forward School</a> where they taught me about basic Python, MySQL and predictive analysis (regression, using Python libraries). Initially, my decision to pay RM 5800+ for that 2 months certification course because I prefer instructor led courses over those free, unstructured online resources. Some of the instructors were helpful in technical instruction while some may need more training in training because I had a hard time catching his thought processes and sometimes, we had to rush through the courses due to improper time management. Fast forward a year, I still yet to get relevant job because I think I don't have a data analysis portfolio to showcase to potential employer and I found that the landscape of data analysis has changed a lot due to rapid advancement of AI this year. 2023 is definitely a year of AI, not so much about its hype (or financially it may sound because of how crazy Nvidia stock price has grown within this year, 239%!), but I get to incorporate some free generative AI tools into my workflow (nope, this blog is not written by chatGPT or any genAI chatbot).</p><p>That is why I know that it isa time to activate my plan B that I laid during my pre-university years - should my path in psychology/humanity science fail, go to computer science! Here am I now, studying after work so that I have sellable skillsets to secure a proper data analyst or engineer job.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBSOQ23EH6eCCqxk1UrKgCJN8VYJ6fAAPtN19TtesOZw6kM2No8zvLoaTzYD89qU6PSLeJ2rp0w_e5stVBzySU-DcZ6P_5OFHQ5lOI23ow2yFCKPTBe_Trs1flQGYsAaY8q1hm4w-q7XVysfg8RioSAxqRFPAX5JyBA-k2AiNJcuCwtOiw7bYT5zDGjY/s1191/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="950" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBSOQ23EH6eCCqxk1UrKgCJN8VYJ6fAAPtN19TtesOZw6kM2No8zvLoaTzYD89qU6PSLeJ2rp0w_e5stVBzySU-DcZ6P_5OFHQ5lOI23ow2yFCKPTBe_Trs1flQGYsAaY8q1hm4w-q7XVysfg8RioSAxqRFPAX5JyBA-k2AiNJcuCwtOiw7bYT5zDGjY/w510-h640/IMG_0152.JPG" width="510" /></a></div><p><br /></p>To be fair, some of the foundation has already been covered in Forward School's syllables but I think I need to learn more about cloud computing, data mining, some commercially used tools, such as PowerBI, Azure, AWS, advanced machine learning, computer languages (which are the core of these tools)... so much to learn! Thankfully, S&P Global pays for my learning in LinkedIn Learning and other online learning resource. However, this comes with a cost, I am currently struggle to pass my probation as a data analyst.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFsyvd-90u8wPlOUYE95vKnHjcoUWanoaXQM9F4TVxTseXh7Y1ESNtUNgJxR_EUp25LCO7k4FTytkio8AWVQMWxqqSRc-dPFx5dZbnHfjpvkf3S-Xn_s-dmBt5gX_Rrqm07gN41NGpRH3voY4KcgjHBWhO43knPA4IOhSUVaZzkVNg0l6LBQADvAntXk/s2048/366173589_10231527360668034_2462481397524400029_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFsyvd-90u8wPlOUYE95vKnHjcoUWanoaXQM9F4TVxTseXh7Y1ESNtUNgJxR_EUp25LCO7k4FTytkio8AWVQMWxqqSRc-dPFx5dZbnHfjpvkf3S-Xn_s-dmBt5gX_Rrqm07gN41NGpRH3voY4KcgjHBWhO43knPA4IOhSUVaZzkVNg0l6LBQADvAntXk/w360-h640/366173589_10231527360668034_2462481397524400029_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>I left Teleperformance and started my job as Data Analyst in S&P Global in August. I was very thankful because I am able to left a toxic job (yes, content moderation is not healthy and now you know why those advanced countries are outsourcing this job for poorer countries). Initially I thought there must be reasons why so many of the employees here stay for this company over decade, but after looking at how my coworkers are handling out software bugs and accesses, I am afraid I may have a hard time here. The training was slightly hindered due to this and currently, with training under my team senior who may not be trained to train, I am having my hard time in producing work that is fulfilling KPI. The task that I am handling is not what I was hired in for (analysis, quantitatively or qualitatively; translation, merely, just the minimal of it needed when working with existing workflow with non-English/Chinese media), it is about memorising a lot of rules on data collection and input in buggy internal apps. Afraid that I may be wasting time on jobs that is going to be automated (and ironically, I volunteer for this automation project), I feel insecure and frustrated. On one hand, I need to pass the quality assurance score so that I can pass my probation and sustain my pay check which funds my study and hobby. On the other hand, I have only 2 months left to accomplish this. Senior team mates are not friendly and critical, so ya, hard nut to crack for me. As usual, I don't sit there waiting for the worst to happen but to start preparing for next job hunt, hopefully it is within this company for its benefits (who pays RM 2200 for well-being claim? And additional RM 1200 claim for other stuff?)!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXICYNuU9w0C9Ocvrasn_mxtVR5SIbyTzt9st39TLfsSZO94JzIvYUq6-9FauT7BlOOjXxDXSfCVThF-lgQV4Elsut1v0OA-vrXmDHzYFRzFhgrNCqp9Afc_4Oycc7ZX-VacdvpL1LuwN33IE15cuJdfYyJUD1s8HS2rtK5FlF8E7sV-BJ8SXpBw6-_hk/s1280/368239693_10231631271345736_4125758400288102938_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXICYNuU9w0C9Ocvrasn_mxtVR5SIbyTzt9st39TLfsSZO94JzIvYUq6-9FauT7BlOOjXxDXSfCVThF-lgQV4Elsut1v0OA-vrXmDHzYFRzFhgrNCqp9Afc_4Oycc7ZX-VacdvpL1LuwN33IE15cuJdfYyJUD1s8HS2rtK5FlF8E7sV-BJ8SXpBw6-_hk/w640-h480/368239693_10231631271345736_4125758400288102938_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>In order to divert my anxiety, perhaps I should be reminding myself to rely on and have faith with God since He is the one who arranged this for me. So ya, where is my prayer on what to do next? Perhaps through my services at church? I know those involvement in sermon interpreting, photography, young adults fellowship, choir etc are not equal to path for salvation but I do enjoy the connection with my church mates whom I left few years back since my baptism in the same church (<a href="https://g.co/kgs/msFG857" target="_blank">St Andrew Presbyterian Church Penang</a>). I was hoping that they could support my spiritually and emotionally (which I think church mate should) but to no avail. Thankfully, I got it from the other brother in Christ and his family member (<i>thanks bro Chua</i>!) and my mindset was kind of tweaked. How much did I contribute to my church? God love me so that I can love others so ya, here I am, back to the same church and serve.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUKCFuD5YbBQrKy3ZScNO97naLLndREOM0zpBKWuqvbBmusJCvZzsjZzhRuUHYf-E7bfmSW8W4AD3EGkCNhgYjEuBJ6uF1VolEq0XIkiLsMN2Zybqlvp_2QLMo2CI06W7p4oNsDSwwCOVxeQjmrjZASOR7zuY72In_q7pAYKoEuo1-K2EWn77t4WGp6Q/s2048/395530461_10232193899051077_4864452066022359142_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUKCFuD5YbBQrKy3ZScNO97naLLndREOM0zpBKWuqvbBmusJCvZzsjZzhRuUHYf-E7bfmSW8W4AD3EGkCNhgYjEuBJ6uF1VolEq0XIkiLsMN2Zybqlvp_2QLMo2CI06W7p4oNsDSwwCOVxeQjmrjZASOR7zuY72In_q7pAYKoEuo1-K2EWn77t4WGp6Q/w640-h480/395530461_10232193899051077_4864452066022359142_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I don't like my job but it funds my camera and lens... It is good to reignite my passion in photography since young where I do article clipping, trained by the press in taking photojournalistic shots... I stopped after high school years because camera and gears are still expensive to have. Despite the fact that cellphone cameras are so good nowadays but it takes a photographer to have his/her ACTUAL camera to produce pieces through skilful handling of trinity of photography - ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Cellphone cameras are equipped with wide angle, tiny lens for practical usage for most people but photographer knows that different lens with various focal lengths are manufactured for purposes!</p><p>To be fair, I still shooting with my iPhone and Nikon FM2 (film, mechanical, analog), but digital camera is still the best option when it comes to commercial or cost-effective ratio purposes. Plus, I can learn post production with digital output. Thank you for all my friends or event organisers who allowed me to photoshoot during your event as secondary photographer. It helps to hone my skill sets as event photographer which I am very familiar with my experience as journalist (which is why I do street and event photography most of the time). Given that someone is looking forward for me to participate in portraiture next year, perhaps I need to learn to shoot such genre more before the actual shooting days come! Event/street photography is passive shooting whereby the photographer hardly participate in the event personally so that s/he can record the event/scene objectively while in portraiture, the photographer has to lead or prompt the subject for composition, thus they are pretty much different way to craft. I am posting all my production at my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/andrew777/photos_albums" target="_blank">Facebook</a> so do drop by if you're interested.</p><p>Life, is about connection. Nobody regrets that s/he doesn't spend all his/her money on dying bed but it is not enough time to say, "Thank you, I am sorry and I love you" to relevant persons.</p><p>It is grateful that I am able to see some long-time-no-see faces at 95th anniversary of my primary school</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigPW1P6AlmeXZn5t8gKwk2rvb2vy-NMB_tc8Ht-StrL0vyJFwGEiJy-jHTdeVJEG2yTRhyphenhyphenTfzEZCrFz36FvWaYrlpwOyidFutwDZgfLAGb5akfT1ZQxZZNllqlT5KJigbwfjY44M8_svzfqFnDGgvn2wzdc4GayxKawCDwuUyocPRFwIQ6klr9o6V-Vo/s2048/382398993_10231943314146611_3155921111321822074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="2048" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigPW1P6AlmeXZn5t8gKwk2rvb2vy-NMB_tc8Ht-StrL0vyJFwGEiJy-jHTdeVJEG2yTRhyphenhyphenTfzEZCrFz36FvWaYrlpwOyidFutwDZgfLAGb5akfT1ZQxZZNllqlT5KJigbwfjY44M8_svzfqFnDGgvn2wzdc4GayxKawCDwuUyocPRFwIQ6klr9o6V-Vo/w640-h330/382398993_10231943314146611_3155921111321822074_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>You can roughly tell who is married and who is single from this shot, I hope.... no offence...</p><p>Lose some connection whom I did have a chat with...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NoXwuI4bkIdGQVjAeuLgdO-bekcepRLBs4MXvNVLO75uLx-8U4P1GoH9NIRgSTjMt3TxbFSlqMLRWmR2fehCRdSYuFte0lpgcnowjsBU7ydJPh-nkA_lt41CZF9Z9PZoMEdAVWJ2eNUN78UyGJK-vRvvIKvi6rlTIz4Xlwv8qQukd7BM3F6psqM4gck/s899/2281204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="899" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NoXwuI4bkIdGQVjAeuLgdO-bekcepRLBs4MXvNVLO75uLx-8U4P1GoH9NIRgSTjMt3TxbFSlqMLRWmR2fehCRdSYuFte0lpgcnowjsBU7ydJPh-nkA_lt41CZF9Z9PZoMEdAVWJ2eNUN78UyGJK-vRvvIKvi6rlTIz4Xlwv8qQukd7BM3F6psqM4gck/w640-h640/2281204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I didn't know his identity as muslim all this while, ever since I listen to how he could articulate English so professionally to his last moment of sharing on how to talk confidently in Clubhouse app (Kudos, if you are still using it after MCO/CB/lockdown!).</p><p>...and this person whom I would love to talk with him but only managed to listen to his music, read his articles...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSjRicjSE8UV-zWsNxmxUqEE3biK7jRS_QNhs99hi0f_uCJS4s4JDRV-owoMztkY1iTySovuKsQdmcZFgadiiDUu7k7QwOPEjBYe_Ay25Ie5V2oI682ezvlDhMvSh2-6w4O1qo4Kd34Zwf78BQraG5qabqC41D-theWd8jR0m_8WF8w9iIvrNk6W4KPQ/s1998/3rdlbaxt6hra1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSjRicjSE8UV-zWsNxmxUqEE3biK7jRS_QNhs99hi0f_uCJS4s4JDRV-owoMztkY1iTySovuKsQdmcZFgadiiDUu7k7QwOPEjBYe_Ay25Ie5V2oI682ezvlDhMvSh2-6w4O1qo4Kd34Zwf78BQraG5qabqC41D-theWd8jR0m_8WF8w9iIvrNk6W4KPQ/w480-h640/3rdlbaxt6hra1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I guess the time has come that I would start to receive news about people I know are departing from this world...</p><p>Even so, don't stop workout (even it is at home)! See, I managed to log this distance in 2023!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYIYq2luAGlq9wMA2cJr95PSDj1seALyRvRyGGpy8tIrp2HYESxhbel4AlHg9_xi766da5Bqxxd9MbDUjbjLxHKHRvNNzLMaYRAQ9Ny19pwrHKuDK1P0k-pMeJFpC70z-oJcsBz4uohm4ihWqEU4EoqmBv12RpMq2utMXHLuZ9GAXtT2h7qIvDmJAXRA/s2160/veloviewer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYIYq2luAGlq9wMA2cJr95PSDj1seALyRvRyGGpy8tIrp2HYESxhbel4AlHg9_xi766da5Bqxxd9MbDUjbjLxHKHRvNNzLMaYRAQ9Ny19pwrHKuDK1P0k-pMeJFpC70z-oJcsBz4uohm4ihWqEU4EoqmBv12RpMq2utMXHLuZ9GAXtT2h7qIvDmJAXRA/w640-h640/veloviewer.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><i>p/s: Do you know that Tun Dr Mahathir tributes his longevity to cycling, too? ;-)</i></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. ~ Colossians 3:17</b></p>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-63940028633396857602023-08-28T20:56:00.003+08:002023-08-30T23:17:13.938+08:00That man whom I call him, father<p>Decided to draft a follow up of <a href="https://xxx7a0608.blogspot.com/2009/07/father.html" target="_blank">this post</a> that I wrote in length about how "father" is for me and what happened to him that shaped part of my development.</p><p>By the way, my friend did write <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid01SQ49voWoy59PP933B6KTg78eHSFcudW77e1Xcbag8pwMkE2bmQaBxUcgvFzcQaVl&id=100044442189393" target="_blank">a nice article</a> about a role of father in a family, which you could read it if you can understand Chinese.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rOgakHPrjV3B-JTAvgdxYMuN3yJGqw8x8_TY7WNGU7L-e3DUabCGyKqLp39Ylb_zj_7NR2iva-u6ttHJUjc6O6WrTEdbB5wC252fSK59URiVcRADrHz0-VaNn4LLhvRoEFFTsps3c1J8_3c68yveBQMYcO52BZt40ogOl8d1BsiwhO5G0_Chi6k-YLA/s1080/parents.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="809" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rOgakHPrjV3B-JTAvgdxYMuN3yJGqw8x8_TY7WNGU7L-e3DUabCGyKqLp39Ylb_zj_7NR2iva-u6ttHJUjc6O6WrTEdbB5wC252fSK59URiVcRADrHz0-VaNn4LLhvRoEFFTsps3c1J8_3c68yveBQMYcO52BZt40ogOl8d1BsiwhO5G0_Chi6k-YLA/w300-h400/parents.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Now you know where that flowers loving genes came from, well, to be more precise, the mother</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Gonna be honest, the largest motivator of writing this post was due to one of the points in that article, where it mentioned that for those who grown up from dysfunctional family where father lost his function, we tend to fixate our view on our father from certain (negative) perspective. My last post about him was pretty much from that perspective, and after 14 years, went through several forms of therapies, counselings, prayers and reading, I think I developed new perspective of looking at him.</p><p>I guess you would agree with me that there is no practice/class/trial to be a father, not to mention during 80s where information was not yet widely distributed through easily accessed means like Internet. My father is not exception. He failed in financial planning despite the fact that he was working as an insurance agent back then (where assumably financial advising was part of his job). He invested in stock without study and over-spent on home renovation (by signing up overdraft!). As the consequences of ignorance and poor discipline in financial management, he started the loan shark journey and you know the rest of the story from previous post about him. His siblings were blaming him on his failure in managing home finances (because they bailed him out from loan sharks, and they lost a shared property along the way of that bail out), but I think they missed out the fact that he was actually preparing a comfortable home for his own family. Nope, I am not agreeing on how he spent and the shit he had done on us (e.g. stealing my and sister's piggy banks saving during our sleeps), but it is fair to say that he was not an evil person after all. Should someone disciplined or advised him before he made those bad financial decisions, he would have saved all those agony and trouble he brought to our family and building something from his lucrative job. Well, we either emulate or compensate our parents in a family, such is the dynamics of a family unit. As such, my ability to stay zero liability at this age and building wealth is partially thankful for his existence, hehehe....</p><p>We are thankful that he is willing to fix all home utilities, too. Pipes, wires, racks, you name it! We share some handiworks sometimes, like wood work or furnitures repairing. Nevertheless, I hate the fact that he loves to hoard and I can testify the fact that hoarding is actually a form of inferiority, whereby an individual thinks that they are going to spend extra money on or unable to purchase spares parts (such as fan blades from broken fan) if s/he choose to discard the item. It is called loss aversion in behavioural economics and you can read more about it, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loss_aversion" target="_blank">here</a>. Well, again, I know his intention, to save money, but hoarding unnecessary items is increasing fire risk and lowering quality of living at home, too....</p><p>In some ways, we share quite some similarities. One of it, is that we are religious (in our separated ways). When I was young, I was often brought to several different Chinese temples to undergo some rituals. I guess for most children who come from such family who subscribed to animistic believes (mind you, they are not Taoism or Buddhism if you study such religion carefully), did not have the choice to not participate in such ritual when they were under their parents control. From certain perspective, such religion is a mix of Confucianism, Shamanism, Buddhism and anything else, so children are expected to just follow what their parents believe in, to continue their tradition (Confucianism), otherwise it is a curse to their family (Shamanism) or an disobedient act (Confucianism again...). Well, perhaps their parents did not have bad intention when it comes to bringing their children to participate in such rituals because who hates blessings? The problem is, some rituals were quite horrible, like this one that scared the shit out of me when my dad asked be to bow in front of idols and had the medium to wave his whip with force around me...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrL4GA-y8dgzwaueFfesluRxsCQN_5JRedekKltx8rG4RbiRo8f74tA1dOI37NqOT32lDH1_TA7xwmP-RzZ_Af1d3n0qMLXtUewPxBSRpgQ_0f-0bCJuZv3A7RyoAVOAqrZ19RmWOAa4heq_Amz9uQtXVMQIUwT3j2i-Pz5vr6sI2SuW43TsQwQxq0dlI/s686/hq720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="686" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrL4GA-y8dgzwaueFfesluRxsCQN_5JRedekKltx8rG4RbiRo8f74tA1dOI37NqOT32lDH1_TA7xwmP-RzZ_Af1d3n0qMLXtUewPxBSRpgQ_0f-0bCJuZv3A7RyoAVOAqrZ19RmWOAa4heq_Amz9uQtXVMQIUwT3j2i-Pz5vr6sI2SuW43TsQwQxq0dlI/w400-h225/hq720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Of course, this is just a sample photo I grabbed online, but I guess you get the picture, especially if you are also coming from such family. I could imagine how deep the wound would be if the medium whack that (assuming dirty and patogen contaminated) thing on me accidentally, who is going to responsible to that wound? Of course, I was not hit but I still don't know why those temple folks, including my dad who were the temple EXCO, forcefully put me in that situation. During those days, I was forced to participate on various rituals that were conducted at home, too though I never even believe in such bullshit (pardon me, it was really the best word for me. It is not about political correctness here, please!). I was encouraged to pick up books and read at the very young age and perhaps it is unlucky for him that my favourite since then is science, philosophy and history. This is where we are different up until today, too. I am (as much as I can) rational, analytical while my dad is pretty much an obedient and sentimental man. OK fine, sometimes we switch sides (e.g. when he has to fix all those appliances and while I am acting as listener for others) but most of the time, we are who we are, different camps. In order to stop him from pulling me into any other non-sensical rituals again, I spent most of my time in gaming, books and part time jobs. Man, I still remember how pissed off he was when my first tuition tutor was sharing me Bible stories after class, brought me to church youth camps, telling him that I was baptised.... but those were the only ways for him to stop his behaviours back then! Thanks God, we are able to live harmoniously under one roof and I accumulated enough wisdom to cope with various religious discrepancies occur during family gathering (most of them are non-Christian). I guess with him worshipping 6 idols at home, participating in temples ceremonies and various traditional Chinese animistic rituals while I am involved in various services in church diligently, we are not that different eh?</p><p>It is not easy to change perspectives on someone who hurts you in the past, especially the person who you cannot cut tie with, like father. In fact, it would shape how you if you are focusing too much on those hurts, dissent, grudge or negativity because "...those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure..." (<i>Titus 1:15</i>). We may develop some strong coping mechanism from such challenges but I'd encourage you to focus on positive characteristics instead, for long term goals because again, "if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you" (Nietzsche).</p><p>Perhaps this is also why I am easily tears when there is touching scenes between father and son, physically or mentally, fiction or non-fiction... I don't have a good father figures so I seek for it in books, religions, games, songs, interaction between father and son (among my friends or acquittances). Yes, I have grown up and not intend to become a father myself (well, first, I need to have a wife), but it helps when there is such figure/person exists to help me out sometimes. </p><p>As for my dad, I wish him well as he is entering his 60s and let's not forget that, he is also the husband, sibling, committee member, business owner, citizen, team member etc for others. I always tell myself that, it is important to look at a person from various perspectives (roles the person carries), so that I am lock on certain emotion or behaviour toward that person. When you develop new feeling towards that person, congratulation, you grow!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqb18-wxX9Xk7pkQjYCCvF-n1CWNvnRUicIbUr7_W7vL3ntZtuqNBi75dEh3AeYjGybfhHdyQBZC_m_oowAw5Tv9CrgmJdIH08hqADDqDVw5kKD6InJZTrekCU60TA3vpKy-OCkURXw1KoSqr92XNPxbrkeX8Jyds9VIllXmsY2AdCU1otTnfDGKuLXk/s1407/IMG_6383.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1407" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqb18-wxX9Xk7pkQjYCCvF-n1CWNvnRUicIbUr7_W7vL3ntZtuqNBi75dEh3AeYjGybfhHdyQBZC_m_oowAw5Tv9CrgmJdIH08hqADDqDVw5kKD6InJZTrekCU60TA3vpKy-OCkURXw1KoSqr92XNPxbrkeX8Jyds9VIllXmsY2AdCU1otTnfDGKuLXk/w353-h400/IMG_6383.jpeg" width="353" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPoMKQjLF516O0j-CNZ7w-fO4rtbMmfsf7XBPJ6xTZiuxCSutoXSZT3evFlKt5hkXKQtU50fgeHQ6cX3cOhfxbuD42vI9T3A3Pc1TavbqjGZQ06wWjjWksEXblrzR6HarDeqyvslM3MAxfAj5EDEblx6KnoucnllpzQwJ1RzKrnRxduWBf1tlkkuLHo0/s2164/IMG_6384.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2164" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPoMKQjLF516O0j-CNZ7w-fO4rtbMmfsf7XBPJ6xTZiuxCSutoXSZT3evFlKt5hkXKQtU50fgeHQ6cX3cOhfxbuD42vI9T3A3Pc1TavbqjGZQ06wWjjWksEXblrzR6HarDeqyvslM3MAxfAj5EDEblx6KnoucnllpzQwJ1RzKrnRxduWBf1tlkkuLHo0/w230-h400/IMG_6384.jpeg" width="230" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">photos by Backdoor Bodega</span></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>"Listen to your father, who fathered you, And do not despise your mother when she is old." ~ Proverbs 23:22</i></p>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-12636366109430649262023-08-12T16:16:00.002+08:002023-08-12T16:16:26.305+08:00In love with swimming<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKchX7OLf-FYA9sTXxAojfL89YT5Ao8WjhBhRQZliubx3a0r9WFJWZGKkYT-YuJCjWoa8MW3dgzueVegiXQWPl8sNgi5EaXVa9XfZj4qi4dqyhgVe6BWl2AZxfsGD9Z0HLhbf6tA-E9kXftk2JfN0kERKz3BBJXWxpuLgnig-tcVJYyz1sKvIyRGgVKMo/s4032/IMG_6251.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKchX7OLf-FYA9sTXxAojfL89YT5Ao8WjhBhRQZliubx3a0r9WFJWZGKkYT-YuJCjWoa8MW3dgzueVegiXQWPl8sNgi5EaXVa9XfZj4qi4dqyhgVe6BWl2AZxfsGD9Z0HLhbf6tA-E9kXftk2JfN0kERKz3BBJXWxpuLgnig-tcVJYyz1sKvIyRGgVKMo/w400-h300/IMG_6251.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>But I can't swim well... thus I signed up a beginner course!<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ActiveSwimHQ" target="_blank">Active Swim</a> marketed it as 🐋🌊The Survivor Swim Programme this weekend for total beginners.. It’s a 4 session for 4 weeks programme that costs RM150 at Relau Sports Complex. What I paid for, included</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie78TFlo_0_027N27asYyZ0n4yRRJ-_2MttXltUxLMRAlrhX8SyDjTlnfmzYJQuH8NoCNw2TEAs2OeKAVHtUVp0HyN9--yTSMVllimOgRjU0gcWJl_QRshWQajDXD3Japa5JyQ48aoeLBlBXzWQYkrLF94mgPy-5mHhSc83N8ImS5UnGV9bVi8FmVcjmc/s3769/IMG_6311.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2991" data-original-width="3769" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie78TFlo_0_027N27asYyZ0n4yRRJ-_2MttXltUxLMRAlrhX8SyDjTlnfmzYJQuH8NoCNw2TEAs2OeKAVHtUVp0HyN9--yTSMVllimOgRjU0gcWJl_QRshWQajDXD3Japa5JyQ48aoeLBlBXzWQYkrLF94mgPy-5mHhSc83N8ImS5UnGV9bVi8FmVcjmc/w400-h318/IMG_6311.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>🔹 Starter Pack (Finis swim cap, goggles, and their logo printed, polymer tee)</p><p>🔹 Cert of participation </p><p>🔹 A good knowledge on water safety and basic swimming (with cute hand illustrations)</p><p>🔹 A special designed programme for age 7 onwards (yep, my class contained 2 children of 7 & 9)</p><p>🔹 Equipment provided (floater), Theory Session included (on how to deal with water current and how to survive in water)</p><p>Details about programme:</p><p>🔹Each session is 90 minutes 🏊</p><p>🔹Choose a slot (Saturday or Sunday) (8am or 9.30am)</p><p>🔹4 Lesson Survival Swim Skills</p><p>🔹Location : Relau Sport Complex</p><p>I was coached by Luis, an undergraduate who is finishing his Bachelor degree in mechanical engineering and doing swim coaching part time (handsome young man).</p><p>Within that 4 lessons, since I was able to float and swim with incorrect strokes, the coach spent most of his time correcting my strokes and swim patterns.</p><p>With completion of this course, I am able to swim breast stroke, adding another favourite workout in my routine!</p><p>Currently, the entrance fees for MBPP Relau Sports Complex are as follows:</p><p><i>Adult </i></p><p>RM8/person per entry.</p><p><i>Junior</i> (12 years old & below)</p><p>RM6/person per entry.</p><p>There is also special entrance pass option for the sports complex.</p><p><i>Monthly Pass</i></p><p>RM80/person, unlimited entry. </p><p><i>Yearly Pass</i></p><p>RM720/person, unlimited entry.</p><p>By paying course fees of <b>RM100 + RM50 </b>(payable to their account number 👇), I received a swim starter pack (which I showed), </p><p>Maybank (ActiveSwim Relau PLT):</p><p>557045615930</p><p>Can't imagine a guy who fell into monsoon drain in the age of 3, didn't develop hydrophobia but in love with this fantastic workout!</p><p>If you're interested, you could WhatsApp them for more info: +6043761383</p>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-21786913469766731342023-06-04T23:07:00.002+08:002023-06-04T23:07:22.969+08:00My mother<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc-UKGByYDb7GO-AK6COSiSiPV2XaI89noiY-Qqz9SYlxBQswwHqW8tzxWVjzEYktJqKHOgQg07vGtdEduO6RzKHdLW20FilnwCs7cdL_ImnLxgQAsClaVzIGlEVu28TzvYvv6TnetbpjR9-dP8LlvOM1Smv86seZQ-7gJILm8OWshDXr3-U01PhB/s1476/mum1988.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="1039" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc-UKGByYDb7GO-AK6COSiSiPV2XaI89noiY-Qqz9SYlxBQswwHqW8tzxWVjzEYktJqKHOgQg07vGtdEduO6RzKHdLW20FilnwCs7cdL_ImnLxgQAsClaVzIGlEVu28TzvYvv6TnetbpjR9-dP8LlvOM1Smv86seZQ-7gJILm8OWshDXr3-U01PhB/w451-h640/mum1988.jpeg" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just like any other woman who is in her 60s, she nags, concerns, shouts (because her family of origin talks in high volume), I guess this is what you call a mother, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I am grateful that she chose to remain with her husband and not going to the path of divorce when her husband was playing his role as husband and father, rather disappointingly, I would say. If you can understand Chinese, I did blog about it in my Chinese blog, <a href="https://andrew608.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/%e5%a4%ab%e5%a6%bb/" target="_blank">here</a>. Divorce does create impact on child development and by maintaining a challenging marriage, this would help a child to understand the possibility of relationship reconciliation despite the marriage is at the brink of destruction. She worked hard (by having 2, 3 jobs when that financially inefficient father was not contributing much to the family besides clearing his debts) to sustain the family when they had to argue over financial management every night before sleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank God, all of these were over and I guess this is why I am looking for woman who can tolerate hardship and not easily thinking of "break up" when our relationship turns challenging which I believe it is going to happen when intimate relationship is developing to certain depth. A child look at his parents to learn about intimacy best after all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, this reminded me about another dream that involved her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the dream, I rushed back to ground floor when I saw there was a coffin and a funeral was at place. The person within the casket was my mum and I asked my sister how did she die. My sister was so sad in her cry and she was unable to answer me. I don't recall how the dream started by that was the most vivid moment in that dream. I was shock and woke up after that scene.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, to be honest, sometimes I wished that our difference in worldview, the content trigger of our argument (in real life) could be easily dissolved by the demise of either one of us, but hey, that is escapism and not learning opportunity! Think about what triggered my own anger, empathy on her perspective etc...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My bad, this would serve as good reminder to be in good term with her, when I can still taste her cooking. Yes, she still cut the recipes on newspaper and paste it on her sketch/note book (so that we are not bored with repeated dishes). We are fortunate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>"Whoever curses father or mother shall be put to death." ~ Exodus 21:17</i></div><br /><p></p>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-54370518276298990952023-03-14T21:28:00.002+08:002023-03-14T21:28:32.003+08:00Butterfly<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BCQOl5zN_jaFHPC8zLkntViV_3UDtfX4CNMq13HhTedp7MCpHw2B9FeNsFcK80tWLMRgNxSdDsYyTCJ9KynbINy-m33Aj6iflnmy1J1UzhiUX6GCMZcwI_-MRmLD8EHVxqR4y8uzoCAwwU9Gi7mQjvf0EtUVuW9aiAgubUhwilQeecps4N-sm2ML/s1200/mt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="803" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BCQOl5zN_jaFHPC8zLkntViV_3UDtfX4CNMq13HhTedp7MCpHw2B9FeNsFcK80tWLMRgNxSdDsYyTCJ9KynbINy-m33Aj6iflnmy1J1UzhiUX6GCMZcwI_-MRmLD8EHVxqR4y8uzoCAwwU9Gi7mQjvf0EtUVuW9aiAgubUhwilQeecps4N-sm2ML/w268-h400/mt.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />In case you don't understand Malay, it is literal translation of Butter-fly. I guess the title was intentionally named such a fashion to sound irony on some of the messages that movie director or producer conveyed.<div><br /></div><div>It was a story about how a curious female high schooler who was searching for the meaning of life by pondering on death. This was due to the fact that her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Luckily, she had a closed relationship with her parents and the family is open towards discussion about different belief systems. In fact, they actually talked about Bible, Hinduist scriptures during their dinner time. Her father even encouraged her to explore different worldviews or belief system, as a person who gone through the journey before and part of development.</div><div><br /></div><div>I guess this is the part where it gets a lot of uproar, <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/885762/mcmc-mentega-terbang-taken-down-viu" target="_blank">media attention</a> and political tension. It was taken from its only platform, an online streaming platform.</div><div><br /></div><div>Disclaimer: I am a Protestant Christian, so I can't really comment on those points about Islam in the movie. In fact, there were some confusion about Catholics and Protestant in the movie but I guess those were not the main messages that the production team wanted to focus on. Nevertheless, I am continuing this post from a humanistic perspective.</div><div><br /></div><div>First of all, I remember that in <a href="https://www.jac.gov.my/spk/images/stories/10_akta/perlembagaan_persekutuan/federal_constitution.pdf" target="_blank">Malaysian Constitution</a>, there is a clause that says,<br /><p></p><p><i>11. (1) Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion and, subject
to Clause (4), to propagate it (Clause (4) State law and in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan
and Putrajaya, federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious
doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam).</i></p><p>.... and....</p><p><i>12. (3) No person shall be required to receive instruction in or to take part in any
ceremony or act of worship of a religion other than his own.</i></p><p>As such, I don't think the main message of the movie, which is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_religion_in_Malaysia" target="_blank">every person has his/her own right to decide his/her religion/belief system</a> (as long as s/he is an adult), is pointing towards <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostasy_in_Islam_by_country" target="_blank">Islam apostasy</a>. Again, I cannot comment much since I am not a muslim (I don't wanna get jailed...).</p><p>Towards the end of the movie, there was a dialogue by the father that says,</p><p><i>"Hey honey, go on and explore your religion as what I did during my younger days. You need to decide this on your own. I believe in Islam because that is my choice, so did your mum."</i></p><p>Ah, that sentences made me cried...</p><p>Anyway, putting this aside, this movie contained a lot of Malaysian elements, such as the myriad of languages used by Malaysian in day to day life, discussion on different religions...</p><p>I particularly like the part where each time protagonist interacted with her neighbour who was a hardcore fundamentalist, she and her family tended to finish their conversation as soon as possible because of his attitudes towards non-Muslim.</p><p>Indeed, the director made it clear: Narrow minded religion fundamentalist has no place in this lovely country where people are working towards unity!</p><p>The movie is still available at Bibili and in order to protect the movie, I guess it is better for you to Google it if you want to watch this lovely movie.</p><p>Let me know what's your thought after watching it?</p></div>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-10681041474965968572023-02-14T22:26:00.001+08:002023-02-14T22:26:27.447+08:00I don't think we can love ourselves<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYevDZdq6k4m3LBwEZyB2GtNb0j84p4GhDBjFG9PmhJkovKYmeZUHjX02C5ywoCFp3rDu0JPuO9ws1pYudRSl4_mRv9qHZIO8HJeWiuT4aeaL8PWA0W9gJsyH6j6w730-AkqJnU3n6MsW6wX0ZrEkN4qURjDDYZCthUy8K_QJncDo2k1OaoM0bi1E/s1920/pokelove.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYevDZdq6k4m3LBwEZyB2GtNb0j84p4GhDBjFG9PmhJkovKYmeZUHjX02C5ywoCFp3rDu0JPuO9ws1pYudRSl4_mRv9qHZIO8HJeWiuT4aeaL8PWA0W9gJsyH6j6w730-AkqJnU3n6MsW6wX0ZrEkN4qURjDDYZCthUy8K_QJncDo2k1OaoM0bi1E/w400-h225/pokelove.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Because of ⬇️</p><p><b>1 Corinthians 13:5</b> ~ <i>It does not dishonour others, <b>it is not self-seeking</b>, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.</i></p><p><b>Romans 12:10</b> ~<i> Be devoted to one another in love. <b>Honour one another above yourselves</b>.</i></p><p><b>2 Timothy 3:1-5</b> ~<i> But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be <b>l</b></i><b style="font-style: italic;">overs of themselves</b><i>, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.</i></p><p>So yep, at least I am disclosing my presupposition and bias (as a Christian) before you decide to continue reading this post or not.</p><p>Being a non-Christian once, by putting myself in such shoes, let me ask you, "What is your definition of love or presupposition of argument when you talk about 'Love myself'?"</p><p>I share with you mine,</p><p>"<b><span style="color: red;">Love, is the commitment to seek the highest good or welfare for the other person.</span></b>"</p><p>This is why it is illogical or invalid to say that it is possible to love ourselves. You may disagree but let me hear your thought in comment box. =)</p><p>Following paragraphs are meant for Christians, but if you enjoy reading and open for discussion, press on.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz1d9IOgbmCbPHoQ4WtQuX1_3z87mZNkdLCVNKdKWb3ITvDsXF4lX50p5aEGpTC3aTsDN52V5q9cK24gOakbwSJe5zCQ3jxHIUtOiicXN18bYq-VUma727cF2pXBv3FV22vOwF8jOZ7T2x78-TSEW9JPLr_5tm-p6SgVz1XA9I9MnnBYM6Ed73P9p/s2880/pexels-pixabay-267559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz1d9IOgbmCbPHoQ4WtQuX1_3z87mZNkdLCVNKdKWb3ITvDsXF4lX50p5aEGpTC3aTsDN52V5q9cK24gOakbwSJe5zCQ3jxHIUtOiicXN18bYq-VUma727cF2pXBv3FV22vOwF8jOZ7T2x78-TSEW9JPLr_5tm-p6SgVz1XA9I9MnnBYM6Ed73P9p/w266-h400/pexels-pixabay-267559.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I belong to Presbyterian church, thus I may be subscribing to Calvinistic systematic theology, which is why I came to conclusion that it is impossible and wrong to say that we "love ourselves".<p></p><p>First and foremost, in case some of us may forget, our purpose in life should be prioritised for honouring God (<i>Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 73:24-28; John 17:21-23; Isaiah 43:7</i>), because God love us first (<i>1 John 4:19</i>). It is this element or love that God gave us, we are able to emulate His love to the people around us, bring them closer to Lord as one of the way to honour Him.</p><p>The problem happens now, is that positive psychology movement which started around 1998 (and is a form of pseudoscience by itself), sneaks into church by slowing inducing the element of "Love myself". Not to mention theological discussion is kind of rare nowadays, thus we rarely examine our believe system from time to time.</p><p>We love to quote from <i>1 Corinthians 13:4 - 13</i> (especially wedding, you know...) but if we examine those sentences carefully, it actually said that "<b>love...is not self-seeking...</b>". This gives a good summary of what Love is not while we continue to search for the True Love.</p><p>Having that "Love is not self-seeking" as our presupposition of argument or first premise, then it is wrong or invalid to say that "We can love ourselves". On top of that, we have to remember that we need to honour God in whatever we do (including loving someone), so if we love ourselves, aren't we putting ourselves before God? Bible even warned us about those who are loving themselves (<i>2 Timothy 3:1-5</i>). Besides that Romans (<i>12:10</i>) also reminded us that in love, we need to honour one another above ourselves,</p><p>So, again, how is "love myself" valid?</p><p>Yep, you may argue that Jesus told us to "love your neighbour as yourself", but let me remind you to check the context of <b>Mark chapter 12</b> and first part of the Great Commandment again (<i>Mark 12:29-30</i>)?</p><p>Not to mention Paul demanded us to not conform to the world (by subscribing to pseudoscience or postmodernism) but renew our mind and discover the richness of God's words!</p><p>I know it is hard to churn, especially theological discussion is intimidating for you but fear not (<i>because there is no fear in love ~ 1 John 4:18 ❤️</i>), let's study the Word together! (you know how to reach me 😊)</p>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-46866388176466341832023-02-06T20:05:00.004+08:002023-02-06T20:05:45.151+08:00This time, it is a bit wet...<p>As a fertile and single man, I guess wet dream is just another part of my boring life. Oh, in case you're new here, welcome to my blog, and I have the tendency to blog about my dream which I could remember slightly after waking up...</p><p>This time, it is a bit spicy...</p><p>I got on a Toyota Alphard and met with familiar people in the car.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6wjujRpYHBLfM2CZKtdLInKx0OXA_AMqxzWlZEg6pEsHHVlOwvsRIFiKcmsmPgOcmSOY5IUzsly7PCeacL8-O2dSrEdiE6zwYfA1D1Z3oqzazyQ0Qn_F7BgL3bXZQn14SAmLFRWvifRZ0aYTB6Bk6wL5snknc_FzgqS_9lP5YJwxSZqLOBKEJiAH/s1000/92448697cdeb4fd1bbb6c6eb5b6a0c17_1125x630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6wjujRpYHBLfM2CZKtdLInKx0OXA_AMqxzWlZEg6pEsHHVlOwvsRIFiKcmsmPgOcmSOY5IUzsly7PCeacL8-O2dSrEdiE6zwYfA1D1Z3oqzazyQ0Qn_F7BgL3bXZQn14SAmLFRWvifRZ0aYTB6Bk6wL5snknc_FzgqS_9lP5YJwxSZqLOBKEJiAH/w400-h225/92448697cdeb4fd1bbb6c6eb5b6a0c17_1125x630.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Out of my expectation, I met my cousin who was an unexpected guest. It was an arranged secret meeting where the people in the car would undergone crazy orgy among heterosexual individuals (HELLO, IT WAS A WET DREAM!).<div><br /></div><div>"Do you think you would hook on/addicted once you do it this round?", I asked my cousin.</div><div><br /></div><div>He didn't answer and keep his coolness (as always).</div><div><br /></div><div>Without much hesitation, we just did our business in the car and I shall skip further elaboration to prevent platform ban (guess I was still aware that I work in content moderation field).</div><div><br /></div><div>Ya, the body did what it is suppose to do once the "tank" is full.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hmm, why did I associate this MPV with illegal activities? Probably that experience of dealing with people who earned dirty money in used car industry still hang on me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ya....</div><div><br /></div><div><i>p/s: no offence to those who bought this car, my cousin was driving this car at the moment and it is a comfortable car as passenger.</i><br /><p><br /></p></div>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-63752546122340320772022-12-31T23:47:00.000+08:002022-12-31T23:47:04.200+08:00Thank you 2022, it was a wonderful year<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpqhebI9wAl0t74ImK2eRsvr7QtzHty1IJc0rznWAI5VVQO2wlTY3d27OtpKH_1fj06twl3raZj-9Mc1fJNhXiwEgh72UL056Be_5uSWXq_fKXl5w_-0U_w5JkAebozo8iQ6h_yoeifbNKtUpda9OvOfU9MPfWFBronG9Kac77Ctgrs-zPObhKfyM/s600/ny.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpqhebI9wAl0t74ImK2eRsvr7QtzHty1IJc0rznWAI5VVQO2wlTY3d27OtpKH_1fj06twl3raZj-9Mc1fJNhXiwEgh72UL056Be_5uSWXq_fKXl5w_-0U_w5JkAebozo8iQ6h_yoeifbNKtUpda9OvOfU9MPfWFBronG9Kac77Ctgrs-zPObhKfyM/s16000/ny.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Occupation and material blessing wise, indeed. I managed to purchase few stuff which I planned for years. Some of them are:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dS2JCK-NplSkCWOEXfWL-eUKBlaYx2KFYvo4vC64b7YTCabiJOB994MVMb9a-ia-cS2y8PyTDQbr8mJNT-nrasBTcmhQlpm6QrdjN4gvsc8caIM1l3kqu0wzxQD8zJ3xU1QSRR6rK1qKsqiRO04Hs-pFpAUIoC2c6kMr_zoeO9uGNQBNYHegzTH3/s4032/IMG_5277.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dS2JCK-NplSkCWOEXfWL-eUKBlaYx2KFYvo4vC64b7YTCabiJOB994MVMb9a-ia-cS2y8PyTDQbr8mJNT-nrasBTcmhQlpm6QrdjN4gvsc8caIM1l3kqu0wzxQD8zJ3xU1QSRR6rK1qKsqiRO04Hs-pFpAUIoC2c6kMr_zoeO9uGNQBNYHegzTH3/w400-h300/IMG_5277.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>How many are still using Clubhouse (app) or film camera? Ever since MCO started, I am hooked on the social audio app and one of the group that I am still engaging is a Hong Kong photography group where we discussed about a established photographer so that we can learn from them.<div><br /></div><div>I came across this Nikon FM2 randomly at those flea market at Weld Quay when I was having weekend coffee session with my sister. It was sold by a senior collector who is a serious photographer himself. I am lucky to get my hand on this iconic device from Taiwan with surprisingly cheap price! Well, of course, I need to fix it light meter and probably get another lens for it because current 50mm prime lens started to fog.</div><div><br /></div><div>Definitely one of the agenda in 2023!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6fir8mby-l3sMFDbmN2gnJIaT2AYIqqepemE7RplomP2pRNzmovzceyphfLnvKg2_FebGB4fmUXgoYhUYv7MaTzwNfwPZmdCStCUtVa8Ls9Ro4Uifd2KeYpDUP-CfLiUBFY6bydMrhkFuUGuXwLImK8VO1tdqimf2pUynu0-560uLvZVovcnQmzP/s2160/IMG_5268.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6fir8mby-l3sMFDbmN2gnJIaT2AYIqqepemE7RplomP2pRNzmovzceyphfLnvKg2_FebGB4fmUXgoYhUYv7MaTzwNfwPZmdCStCUtVa8Ls9Ro4Uifd2KeYpDUP-CfLiUBFY6bydMrhkFuUGuXwLImK8VO1tdqimf2pUynu0-560uLvZVovcnQmzP/w400-h400/IMG_5268.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ah yes, I miss my ultra endurance days where I managed to crank up to 6 thousands kilometres a year, but look at the cycling log this year...<div><br /></div><div>Hey, I am thankful that I managed to get Garmin Tacx Neo 2T which I am wishing for during those days when I hardly thinking of allocating budget for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, crude oil price over $100 and achieved 15 years high and some of you know that I am a crude oil future traders so...be thankful!</div><div><br /></div><div>As much as I enjoyed cycling at home with manageable time for workout routine, I am actually missing those cycling pals whom we cycled so hard for our Super Randonneur medal (mind you, it is an internationally recognised title that any amateur can earn with blood and sweat)!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa3-5Ir4voCcSCNM_zjEwRV4hw4Ad2UERtnAfKUe4x8rXRc2A39-fztBFen8v0INqeuxcT-XkY_jTqwgtdmScL6mIcmRNH9TpsTrSQgROkyUKbnU0Ii6HIZ0pZ8olog4hTGX70MBMZps1YL1CE3nAL-sOS4VHBW3HB0_SWZUo0bgoJJGIdFE2crVd/s4032/IMG_5273.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa3-5Ir4voCcSCNM_zjEwRV4hw4Ad2UERtnAfKUe4x8rXRc2A39-fztBFen8v0INqeuxcT-XkY_jTqwgtdmScL6mIcmRNH9TpsTrSQgROkyUKbnU0Ii6HIZ0pZ8olog4hTGX70MBMZps1YL1CE3nAL-sOS4VHBW3HB0_SWZUo0bgoJJGIdFE2crVd/w400-h300/IMG_5273.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Gunpla building wise, it was quite slowdown year because I have to build up my new career path as data analyst. As you can tell from photo, I am even lazy to pose my art pieces properly, haha...<div><br /></div><div>Oh well, thankfully, there is backlog waiting for me to clear, mainly MGEX Strike Freedom Gundam and MG Ex Impulse Gundam which one of them are planned to sell upon completion while the other one is definitely personal collection (you can tell which is which if you're a builder/nerd/geek/otaku).<br /><div>My portfolio = my IG.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIumPERA_CL1y_vgqLKOsXNZtVQQdJ4Y1D4FD15XkoFK-wYdo8OqO0educQMcFpQuPFDgTCC45NRI53ZIEeFvYY-GCWmf-j63rWVLUrqkXdURWnmmeZBLKp6QYT23FL6fbpo36qToPHqSK6Mx-wenN2Hv6W6QDyBAJtcFqvtRu9t_q9EZMLSbdoFsC/s4032/IMG_5278.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIumPERA_CL1y_vgqLKOsXNZtVQQdJ4Y1D4FD15XkoFK-wYdo8OqO0educQMcFpQuPFDgTCC45NRI53ZIEeFvYY-GCWmf-j63rWVLUrqkXdURWnmmeZBLKp6QYT23FL6fbpo36qToPHqSK6Mx-wenN2Hv6W6QDyBAJtcFqvtRu9t_q9EZMLSbdoFsC/w400-h300/IMG_5278.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Nope, it was not priced over RM 3K when I got my hand on one of these units. It is a Korean unit and in fact, I need to deliver it back to seller for new unit when the first unit failed on me when it cannot read any disc (as disc version, something wrong with its disc drive).</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Learning more about gaming console supply chain actually helped me to know more about this industry which I care since the age of 7.</div><div><br /></div><div>I heard the supply is improving now and should you are looking to get one unit officially, you don't have to bear with those bloody scalpers anymore...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYcnMWg3mg2qMxDBkUgB4BQZCdVVInIxHvFRA3uQTJsRaBWhM362XWC7HclY1GVg0_l_GPHhBR6vgSeE45xh9fQw78IZFghybJfW9QLPVluzBfv6MePg37OqJeQpfXwW3eQ8ZQGwJnISLVx_mLeisTExS-09kacPu-1JH15RVJnw5LHJFXPB3s7hW/s4032/IMG_5279.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYcnMWg3mg2qMxDBkUgB4BQZCdVVInIxHvFRA3uQTJsRaBWhM362XWC7HclY1GVg0_l_GPHhBR6vgSeE45xh9fQw78IZFghybJfW9QLPVluzBfv6MePg37OqJeQpfXwW3eQ8ZQGwJnISLVx_mLeisTExS-09kacPu-1JH15RVJnw5LHJFXPB3s7hW/w400-h300/IMG_5279.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Got this as second hand unit on 14th Feb (Valentine git for myself? Nuh, I don't buy self-loving shit...) when I was browsing Facebook Marketplace.<div><br /></div><div>Initially, I was a bit hesitant to buy it because my take on any electronic purchase is that I need it to create value for me. I wasn't quite able to make sense of it back then besides ending up as another media consumption device which I did't quite need it back then.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, it served as my:</div><div><br /></div><div>- device to run ZWIFT, smart cycling trainer software</div><div>- device to load walkthrough guide when I am clearing stages on PlayStations</div><div>- device for 3rd trading monitor</div><div>- device to hold original text during translation job</div><div>- shared device for anime consumption</div><div><div><br /></div></div><div>As such, it is a RM 2000 well spent, I guess?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGEQjQsHgfONBjUW8YGFGaMXzpb8U75aIPX40fWLcajNYid_q_NlsAisWe-N8gQVRiok_3dbqHFiD1-6Icfn0oIYVSp93KbqZY6G9qraZNpkHakdk-k5vHSbtnVVyEh1DEv3XNjop-NrOO1T71FsTrNk7lx9HoLhyC-yGbI0n1QSTaA3CmPEQCMqb/s1820/KoayChunHong_VerifyEd_Credential_DataScienceEssentials_13631.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="1370" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGEQjQsHgfONBjUW8YGFGaMXzpb8U75aIPX40fWLcajNYid_q_NlsAisWe-N8gQVRiok_3dbqHFiD1-6Icfn0oIYVSp93KbqZY6G9qraZNpkHakdk-k5vHSbtnVVyEh1DEv3XNjop-NrOO1T71FsTrNk7lx9HoLhyC-yGbI0n1QSTaA3CmPEQCMqb/w301-h400/KoayChunHong_VerifyEd_Credential_DataScienceEssentials_13631.png" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My last spending on courses are 5 years back when I decided to have a great teacher to guide me in understanding trading and investment through macroeconomic approach. Thinking back on the amount I spent, it was a very wonderful experience where I still connecting with the group actively and all those gains I am blessed in US financial markets. <div><br /></div><div>With that in mind, I dare to risk some spare cash on skills which I thought would be great to have people in the industry to lead me in where to start for lifelong learning.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am still looking for a job that I can practice what I learned in this intensive course but I guess there is no harm in building some personal projects which could be served as interviewing material in future.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydWY-y_tVGf7EPdsB_NtaX_6aJnxRv1S10DK8hsvLo51n8s7L_RZdCrKA8iQdww1-WlEMjZ4SE5csHFzhedfPs7b9OdrNxDg8peavsDzHhak32HGtwT7Rs4i702YjWizX-QDI0Iq38uz2RVrFHL7qs-kWtprS_1Au1TJvSw5Df9G-x-4r6I2BzF4t/s5842/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-6860819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5842" data-original-width="3895" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydWY-y_tVGf7EPdsB_NtaX_6aJnxRv1S10DK8hsvLo51n8s7L_RZdCrKA8iQdww1-WlEMjZ4SE5csHFzhedfPs7b9OdrNxDg8peavsDzHhak32HGtwT7Rs4i702YjWizX-QDI0Iq38uz2RVrFHL7qs-kWtprS_1Au1TJvSw5Df9G-x-4r6I2BzF4t/w266-h400/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-6860819.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>No gift is better than to lead another lost sheep to our beloved Papa who knows our pain and shower us with much blessing that I could not imagine when I was in 1st January 2022.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Upon sending over a copy of New American Standard Bible version of Holy Bible, she immediately started a bible study session with her church mate and asking when is the session with her.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope I am not giving her a hard time for starting our session with something hard. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨; 𝙙𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙙𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩."- Isaiah 43:18</div><div><br /></div><div>May you have a great year ahead, folks.</div>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-63558686311930303402022-04-28T20:29:00.003+08:002022-04-28T20:29:40.119+08:00A fiery dream<p>The weather was quite warm recently, to the extend that this somatic experience turned into psychosomatic one. As usual this is another record of my dream that I could remember vividly when I was awoke.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG-LJwohxXl3IUDkml6G8iwjaJoFt2f9hWjwJyeyZh3FXBajbokkxN2ZXwRYjkPoZUCFauWMyPG_y39jQlH310xr8V4drq-kc3GSJuT92eXcBHGMLDbzSEkl3Rph4lNaV0g8VP28-H9v--z6eEEArY96wCxTUZxLvSoZLSFgI6-xafFQjRsIdJPg9/s1920/pexels-pixabay-57461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG-LJwohxXl3IUDkml6G8iwjaJoFt2f9hWjwJyeyZh3FXBajbokkxN2ZXwRYjkPoZUCFauWMyPG_y39jQlH310xr8V4drq-kc3GSJuT92eXcBHGMLDbzSEkl3Rph4lNaV0g8VP28-H9v--z6eEEArY96wCxTUZxLvSoZLSFgI6-xafFQjRsIdJPg9/w640-h480/pexels-pixabay-57461.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I was visiting a 廟會 (a typical Chinese New Year celebration fair) in my hometown (Georgetown, Penang) which looked something like this if you are not familiar with it,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKVzZD7naCTqJYb33xo0vkquN0adsh8hgKr9rwEblpF2tCRmOUTYhSuWyt6nAE9eYVDxv04xqHOoIhZo7IMxFKRxbtw99EKDodSxAJn48SgeC9YngdmZK1OSkiKumdGL0d_IX0bRAYSt4pUg2m_SggtEtydcYztCS3QCBcf0ciOi0t3FJ0dvWa6z7/s500/miaohui.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKVzZD7naCTqJYb33xo0vkquN0adsh8hgKr9rwEblpF2tCRmOUTYhSuWyt6nAE9eYVDxv04xqHOoIhZo7IMxFKRxbtw99EKDodSxAJn48SgeC9YngdmZK1OSkiKumdGL0d_IX0bRAYSt4pUg2m_SggtEtydcYztCS3QCBcf0ciOi0t3FJ0dvWa6z7/s16000/miaohui.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>Nobody was with me and I was enjoying myself in the fun fare. Suddenly, a fire broke out among those historical buildings. I saw familiar faces among those people who were running for their own lives.</p><p>I can remember their faces vividly because they are my primary school buddies but due to privacy protection, I don't wanna mention names here.</p><p>One of them ran out first and was vomiting blood after he reached safety zone while the other was shouting for former's name and supporting him before first aid arrived.</p><p>I was rushing in to the scene to see how much I could help as a first aiders but I was stopped by bystanders and firemen.</p><p>The dream ended when I felt helpless and did nothing.</p>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-19650032484026671072021-12-30T22:31:00.009+08:002022-01-02T23:25:40.533+08:00Thanks you, 2021 and here comes 2022!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbhTJU_nmxLb1FN-RJBc5pBNjysBRrGQiGO7gk7-bnlhKjV6VxMkWkEz52j2UPlCd_J1fH2N61ULgRrzAFWjJyZpgPw3xbJHpF5I6fp-aI8EBTyzJ8RIIwmx0GJtAyqNKPT21XhR7xcDZ6O5ITS5HAdUJjYFawzBLpwxPFil34R2vVLw1mwrYr19DG=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbhTJU_nmxLb1FN-RJBc5pBNjysBRrGQiGO7gk7-bnlhKjV6VxMkWkEz52j2UPlCd_J1fH2N61ULgRrzAFWjJyZpgPw3xbJHpF5I6fp-aI8EBTyzJ8RIIwmx0GJtAyqNKPT21XhR7xcDZ6O5ITS5HAdUJjYFawzBLpwxPFil34R2vVLw1mwrYr19DG=w400-h288" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Here we go again, it is the end of year 2021 and this is a review of "Story of Andrew chapter 2021" that I was planning to compile since I started my leave clearing (the usual work schedule arrangement of a multinational company which I am only allowed to carry forward some of my remaining annual leaves).<p></p><p>OK, enough of beating around the bush and let's get started!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixTndHAWo4T--SxU5Janki2-pihbQqqWGmmKZQ89V5NVgxtmaUXvw7aDIIfqvJgwbIycBY90bD4gUDpK6qsnuCnuNZMH8YociG4uAkbJWxlSoR9jJnqDMkZWC5OAc5MWxjCnt4tpT1s0P5T-FY4z0IL5P2m9tsDAJgyghP1jSM3PCAxniKJqgBDQOu=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixTndHAWo4T--SxU5Janki2-pihbQqqWGmmKZQ89V5NVgxtmaUXvw7aDIIfqvJgwbIycBY90bD4gUDpK6qsnuCnuNZMH8YociG4uAkbJWxlSoR9jJnqDMkZWC5OAc5MWxjCnt4tpT1s0P5T-FY4z0IL5P2m9tsDAJgyghP1jSM3PCAxniKJqgBDQOu=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p><i>First resignation of year 2021</i></p><p>It was not a bad job, really. I missed working with folks in <a href="http://trinityauto.com.my/" target="_blank">Trinity Auto</a> whereby they were looking forward for my effort in helping them to market/advertise their luxurious used cars. I wanna thank the boss and his wife (who interviewed and decided to employ me) for giving me the opportunity to do my best again in online marketing (after my attempt with Bikelah). Coworker were nice people and the management was doing their best to retain staff by having lots of celebration and post work party. Don't get me wrong, the boss is damn serious about his job that I heard how hard it was for him to start off with just a small used car office to current scale of business (with a huge fleets of luxurious used cars). They take good care of used car and offer good price for anyone who is willing to let go of his/her automobile and the boss made sure that buyer is getting a nice car from him despite it is an used car.</p><p>It was an eye opening experience for me to look at how big pile of cash notes it is when someone has to buy a car with more than RM 100,000+ in notes. It took an hour to calculate that pile of money, mind you. If anyone of you is looking to sell your car for extra cash or looking for quality used car (it does not have to be a luxury car), go check them out.</p><p>"So, why do you left the job?", you may ask.</p><p>Well, because I was offered another job that I have passion in, it is about <i>cycling</i>! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiifi0l8tZwx5minphlmYt7t8xWe5qzQdgCzqfQneTQ2AOoFCblkpe5a4tTjsyuVejXCWp0_EnckWryzPpz8J12Wf4LG7MRxDY30CUhyzosJJMx-jwcMtR2roFy6upm82PXAfR-AVs_FRoDqnWsqgyeMmC5izEsGzAIu9D2MjDnx4frWqEprZsmPM8a=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiifi0l8tZwx5minphlmYt7t8xWe5qzQdgCzqfQneTQ2AOoFCblkpe5a4tTjsyuVejXCWp0_EnckWryzPpz8J12Wf4LG7MRxDY30CUhyzosJJMx-jwcMtR2roFy6upm82PXAfR-AVs_FRoDqnWsqgyeMmC5izEsGzAIu9D2MjDnx4frWqEprZsmPM8a=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p><i>It is fun to work with your passion, until the boss thinks that I am a threat to the company</i></p><p>Well, not exactly, but it is more like "a great man cannot brook a rival" aka "there cannot be two tigers on a hill" equivalent in Chinese idiom. The owner of the famous foldable bicycles shop on Penang island actually cried when he handed me the dismissal letter after my resignation in April because I did the same when both of us agreed that we are passionate about bicycles but the way of developing business were way too divergent for him. Been the only executive staff in his shop, I guess I am not good enough for him when he had high hope on himself and me.</p><p>I got the business development executive vacancy at his shop from my friend who happened to know this job opening from the boss' wife. Happily thinking that I have broader job scope to test my skill sets in developing the bicycles, of course, I accepted the offer after the interview. The coworkers at previous used car shop were happy for me, too because they did know that cycling is my passion (justified by my commute to company by road bikes everyday).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3nKez4dQp-Yd_KIqdZIP8uLck6yjBNM2Wp5biPsR7kUT3TDxmRaRW1ASXopdLON5A21zhWBeebv6AhSDHjbivxHwpjGlVv4RI_fqbhQ6WXfMxyDFBdyLzmzSVj19LYyeG5YCY3LLxDPPFsB-TsstbEGS5JN_bbvHzNSnN15uHAnoEQ3Irn--yCQ1t=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3nKez4dQp-Yd_KIqdZIP8uLck6yjBNM2Wp5biPsR7kUT3TDxmRaRW1ASXopdLON5A21zhWBeebv6AhSDHjbivxHwpjGlVv4RI_fqbhQ6WXfMxyDFBdyLzmzSVj19LYyeG5YCY3LLxDPPFsB-TsstbEGS5JN_bbvHzNSnN15uHAnoEQ3Irn--yCQ1t=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>However, this job is so short-lived, it only lasted for half and a month because I was fired due to his perception that I was trying to imitate his Facebook Page. Actually, it was a miscommunication, I was creating a multiple online marketing channels to establish his shop presence online but due to his defensive personality, anything without his awareness is a threat for him. I don't like to work with someone who would behave as if s/he is God! At the same time, I guess there must be something happened in the past that caused him to behave like this...(not to mention he is the only one who ran everything in his own shop)... Enough of ranting about this job as I wrote this before in this <a href="https://xxx7a0608.blogspot.com/2021/04/7th-resignation.html" target="_blank">blog post</a>.<div><br /></div><div>All the best to you, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pgcyclespot/" target="_blank">PG Cycle Spot</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>RM 5000 monthly as a Customer Service? When it sounds too good to be true, it is!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQM5eOE4qJBKuB1eOADN-CvxClpRrIDKRoEpyJRZuFtXvq_10BiX7hWIglP8DA_cbA5gt8onXPrpmfUXSMQ-6RxcNt3EFeUuchJRal9qIalAG4yc5s57p8xkUQBhUpZW6tq-PKoVlpMAOgIGfEfwc1DLEdJOSMCVelcXdvcfcO3acOz03xaBK2dLj9=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQM5eOE4qJBKuB1eOADN-CvxClpRrIDKRoEpyJRZuFtXvq_10BiX7hWIglP8DA_cbA5gt8onXPrpmfUXSMQ-6RxcNt3EFeUuchJRal9qIalAG4yc5s57p8xkUQBhUpZW6tq-PKoVlpMAOgIGfEfwc1DLEdJOSMCVelcXdvcfcO3acOz03xaBK2dLj9=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>To be fair, the company do have a seemingly legit interview or intake process where I filled up lengthy intake form, did a typing speed test (waw, people still care about typing speed nowadays!) and there was a second interview by the person in charge of Dubai office where I would being working should I decided to fly back in April.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why is it so fishy about this job that I decided to pull off the idea of taking it? Well, they are operating online casino business and despite much assurance provided by the recruiting company, I just didn't feel right about this job that I dreamt about being bullied by the hostel mate of Dubai workplace and I could not find much info about the company that I was going to work for. One particular thing that raised my red flag was that when I mentioned about specific work permit that is required by Dubai immigration department, the recruiters were avoiding the topic. In a nutshell, out of my consciousness, I decided to reject the offer that sounded too good to be true. If you can read Mandarin, I actually wrote about this experience in detail, in my <a href="https://andrew608.wordpress.com/2021/04/30/不去杜拜了,怎麼一回事?美金叻!/" target="_blank">Chinese blog</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>This is not the only fraudulent experience this year, here comes the one that taught me well</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Been bogged down with inability to get a proper job ever since I quitted counseling career/business, really got into me. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqQwQqvFbSQy3zkkrGhb_nZCTTJ1keL8CX69mAZOESO0lyh2aTicWK08yHTz0UQD1SxUpvg1fPRTZZDdD2bcQrymCO9faa1tAO-LowrszwfN2012BhfBor0HrTvKWOJedONSl6eMtH8C38XYqarXt43aBJrHnAKXkGfBbt5ymL3hz2hROS8X9JDHpZ=s604" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="604" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqQwQqvFbSQy3zkkrGhb_nZCTTJ1keL8CX69mAZOESO0lyh2aTicWK08yHTz0UQD1SxUpvg1fPRTZZDdD2bcQrymCO9faa1tAO-LowrszwfN2012BhfBor0HrTvKWOJedONSl6eMtH8C38XYqarXt43aBJrHnAKXkGfBbt5ymL3hz2hROS8X9JDHpZ=w400-h299" width="400" /></a></div>Facebook Job (which is going to be removed starting 1 Jan 2022), Jobstreet, Joblum, Indeed and connection, I employed all of them to apply for job after previous sinister encounters. To be honest, I felt challenged because at my age (34), I don't have any skill sets that Penang or Malaysia job market wants. This put me in a situation where I may not get a proper job anymore given that at this age of mine, employers are expecting people at my age to have certain experience in respective field and not fighting for any fresh grad or entry level jobs. Then, out of the blue, there was an acquittance whom I know from cycling called up and offered me an online Shopee purchasing order agent job which provided 10% return of total order that I executed.</div><div><br /></div><div>At first, I was quite suspicious about it and I googled about it. I could find any back then because I believed I belonged to the "first batch" or "pilot victim" of new scam campaign organized by those bad ass during this challenging COVID era.</div><div><br /></div><div>From hindsight, I found myself to be appropriately fell into the <a href="https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/accounting/fraud-triangle/" target="_blank">Fraud Triangle</a> whereby I was pressured to get a new job when my saving is slowly depleting and I saw the opportunity to get quick return as temporary income before I got a proper job. Like you may have expected, I lost my trading capital (roughly RM 21,000+). If you are interested about what and how the scam is executed, you could read <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/police-warn-of-a-new-trend-in-online-scams-nsf-loses-over-6700-in-savings" target="_blank">similar case in Singapore</a> and Shopee's official counterstatement <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/06/24/shopee-and-lazada-online-purchasing-agent-job-offer-is-a-scam" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank God, I still left with cash to continue my life and my life saving is still intact. I would like to apologize for those who were involved during that 3 days of turbulent moment where I was asking for fund from them to continue on "the purchases" which may eventually ended up with illegal loan because I could no longer get any fund from persons I know but from the suspicious party who is running all this shows around. What a way to sell your loans, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loan_shark" target="_blank">Ah Long</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Yep, Lord, this is the reason why I disclosed this story for those who read this account of mine (and forgive me for not relying on you but too focus on my effort to sustain life back then). For every bad situation we faced, I believe there is something we could REALLY learn should we spend some time in reflecting after such episodes happened. Not that I trust people less but I am aware that there is such profession called social engineering (or commonly known as social hacking or scam) and it is actually a subdiscipline of cybersecurity whereby it no longer stays digital or online but it has gone hybrid (online + offline). I am still churning huge amount of data from <a href="https://www.social-engineer.org/framework/general-discussion/" target="_blank">this site</a> and I recommend it if you are interested to know more about social engineering or get to know some simple steps to protect yourself in current chaotic situation.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>How about experiencing life as full time food delivery rider?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA2g5P_5ULZ2KaRpW9nD4VTkDv4FOGxBiKFmTzpHt0VrdME3RrossbbC979eI4hirLq7rsD7NxW84eoink7j-vRLqu58xQlfaRqi7HzJg99QCvO_I9Zyx6QwM4kWDIc7zxvJHJM_zl6Zjec38YAcAI6NAvl897Nw5U91sLbIRwNXcAyNJwAtDUwIaF=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA2g5P_5ULZ2KaRpW9nD4VTkDv4FOGxBiKFmTzpHt0VrdME3RrossbbC979eI4hirLq7rsD7NxW84eoink7j-vRLqu58xQlfaRqi7HzJg99QCvO_I9Zyx6QwM4kWDIc7zxvJHJM_zl6Zjec38YAcAI6NAvl897Nw5U91sLbIRwNXcAyNJwAtDUwIaF=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Be your own boss and work anytime you want! Yes, the advertiser/food delivery companies are not wrong technically because the contract we signed was a service vendor contract whereby we are not their employee but service provider (aka slave workforce because there is no insurance and allowance provided in spite of our hard effort).</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad job because I enjoyed traveling around Penang island, meeting various Penangite who treated me differently. It reminds me of attitude lesson in social psychology whereby people who would react differently on a job which is socially perceived as lowly job. However, when there is the option left for me and COVID was quite manageable back in June, it was a nice work life to travel around island and explore various undiscovered terrain on Penang island (I had an order which required me to deliver to a person on uncharted area on Google Map that I felt fortunate that the person actually picking up my call to verify the location).</div><div><br /></div><div>With this experience gained, I am sure it helps me to empathize with fellow riders who had to stay with this job due to various reasons, too. I thank all those nice customers who tipped me on bad weather, talked with me, provided me an insurance agent job offer (which eventually I ignored because I don't think I wanna go back to sales oriented job again?), and treated me as if I am a COVID patient (which reminded me to be mindful that I might be bringing virus to someone's home).</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, I didn't give up on continuously looking for better job while I was delivering foods. Yes, it was a nice job but I want something that can develop further from current laboring effort. I wrote about this job in detail and you can check it out <a href="https://xxx7a0608.blogspot.com/2021/06/how-is-it-like-to-food-delivery-rider.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Taking care of a bakery</i></div><div><br /></div><div>If I would rate about the jobs that I had in year 2021 (have you lost count?), the worst one would be this one at a bakery chain (dare not mention it since the boss had a history to sue his ex-employee during one of the commercial dispute).</div><div><br /></div><div>Firstly, I don't get the job I interviewed for (OK, maybe if you dispute that I should had be thankful for someone is willing to hire me on this tough time) but a rather vaguely described position which in the end, I was just a shop attendant (I actually interviewed for online marketing position). With no clear job description we mutually agreed on (no document was signed again during employment embarkment!), both employer and me cannot keep each other check on accountability and job expectation. That was why we are upset with each other when I had my own way to manage their commercial communication in WhatsApp (where the boss didn't brief me about it and asked me to handle it). I deleted messages about completed order but saved all previous customers' contact as part of CRM but both the husband and wife were unhappy about it. It is OK, you're the boss.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I didn't expect them to criticized me personally when they blasted an email to my current employer (which was my potential employer back then). I think we should handle human resource communication professionally, and not disclosing it to non-relevant party. On top of that, the boss actually scouted info about me with my previous employer due to his bakery's proximity to the bicycles shop. Of course, I don't care about how an individual will run their due diligence on potential employee as long as it serves its purpose but when he kept shaming me on my faith values and entrepreneurship failure (counseling services) by boasting about his past ("that we are so poor that we only had money!") and current achievement, it made me wonder why I would want to serve a company like that.</div><div><br /></div><div>If the only reason that keeps me on the job is because of higher pay as compare to previous job, I knew that I can find anyone as long as I could leave this toxic workplace. Hence, I found my current job.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Back to customer service and multinational company</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMrYwLWawi68jck_pDhBRshbtxTOkUKtm-ciYE55HHgzMZc5L7YGxc113mIVI5sTPjX1ZEmvb-lc7V3-yZlWgQovXQuvWQQ7NaCo0E44QnI4FjeEf-weH-YgWf-CYKFvs1jkLeY7l9wnPgOodaIiN2awOriop9m3jW_PbAiqXt0C49yxS9AvnAdzHP=s6100" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4067" data-original-width="6100" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMrYwLWawi68jck_pDhBRshbtxTOkUKtm-ciYE55HHgzMZc5L7YGxc113mIVI5sTPjX1ZEmvb-lc7V3-yZlWgQovXQuvWQQ7NaCo0E44QnI4FjeEf-weH-YgWf-CYKFvs1jkLeY7l9wnPgOodaIiN2awOriop9m3jW_PbAiqXt0C49yxS9AvnAdzHP=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>My first job after bachelor graduation was with Expeditors (a freight forwarding MNC), and yes, I was a customer service agent who dealt with daily air freight loads of Free Trade Zones factories on Penang island. It was a good pay job back then where I got to received 19 months pay from 12 months work (yes, logistics are still very lucrative business). The reason I left the job was the amount of workload that I had to cover for irresponsible coworkers under the name of "team work" (ya, team lead of my team back then did not handle well).</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank goodness, it is not the case for current job whereby each customer service agent handles his/her own workload allocated by AI and there is minimal competitiveness in work. I thank God for putting me in current job where I am happy with the pay, workload and coworker, though there is still much room of improvement to sustain this job.</div><div><br /></div><div>That is not the only thing to be grateful for year 2021, but if you are aware about my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10225374285324996&type=3" target="_blank">frequent posting about its product update</a>, you know that I am such a great fan of <a href="https://www.clubhouse.com/" target="_blank">Clubhouse</a>, a social audio platform.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>So what is a social audio app? Another hype up social media platform?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxuPq1JkLISTefLmj6woETa1tc-F-aGCk4563uQYK3yUozeX1AGVXPoFeHKhDPB1ScegPf05F_g2uInDfeScDImgOTrQH_7gZ5KfUpyrh3PmmJuSt0xJLdNImHfQfVoLvAJLZcqJvNvRgW2we3sHlHHMXaBitByEAmsA4oG65-Ic7suGZS5LmvZejL=s512" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="512" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxuPq1JkLISTefLmj6woETa1tc-F-aGCk4563uQYK3yUozeX1AGVXPoFeHKhDPB1ScegPf05F_g2uInDfeScDImgOTrQH_7gZ5KfUpyrh3PmmJuSt0xJLdNImHfQfVoLvAJLZcqJvNvRgW2we3sHlHHMXaBitByEAmsA4oG65-Ic7suGZS5LmvZejL=w400-h195" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Well, judging from the number of users left on this app, some may argue that it is indeed a hyped up app but we are actually seeing the raise of social audio platform when netizens are starting to be fatigue with visual oriented social media consumption.</div><div><br /></div><div>Social audio is a subclass of social media that designates social media platforms that use audio as their primary channel of communication. This can include text messages, podcasts, tools for recording and editing audio in addition to virtual audio rooms (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_audio" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>). In another words, it is a interactive podcast platform whereby an user is able to have 2 way conversation with another user in a shared session instead of one way communication found in typical podcast usage.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why am I so grateful and committed in this social audio app? I was able to discuss various topics with people who are serious about certain topics (but please avoid politics Rooms as they usually ended up as yelling space which hurts your ears and soul) and I was able to rekindle my interest with photography as I listen to a Hong Konger photographer who shares in depth about famous photographers, history of photography and historical milestones of photography development weekly. He even prepares a slides for us to refer and doing this for free! I welcome you to <a href="https://www.clubhouse.com/club/城市攝影漫行fcj-group" target="_blank">join us</a> if you are into photography and understand Cantonese.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other reason of using this app is that it may be a good tool to practice speaking certain language with native speakers. There are numerous clubs in the app that serious language tutors are providing good tutorial in many common language pairs (such as Japanese-English-Chinese). I am thankful that I managed to practice my broken Japanese, Hakka and Cantonese with native speakers since I don't get to speak frequently in daily life (not to mention I am working from home!). To learn any language in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_approach" target="_blank">natural approach</a>, it is advisable to follow this sequence: listen → speak → read → write → translate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides that I got learn about speaking properly with Malaysian-sure-knows uncle <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raymondgoh2020/?hl=en" target="_blank">Raymond Goh</a> who is still the midnight English news anchor ever since I was at my primary schools! Users get to know him more personally and get tips on how to speak professionally like him! Unfortunately, he is only managed to have sharing session randomly due to his work schedule for the time being but if you really wants to know more, come <a href="https://speakwithconfidence.club/vsl1627830680915" target="_blank">join us</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Behold, the Dan-Sya-Ri!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Declutter, in English if you are wondering what that is. Nope, I don't read or watch Japanese's endorsement material despite it is heavily depicted as Japanese idea among public perception. This year, I am lucky that I am able to liquidate (or turn something into cash) a lot of my physical stuff for those appreciate them, such as this pile of thing!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZE4EY8K_gdVWMZ9_tgsw5XuVV_I3EVk7y4rF8cw4t_vHCpA9vY9XAimKlTdHeuxmOsKKX6AwLfxP5U227WAKQ7ktJNc2XBKY9wjlvkfwTTHxRsaUx9nh4FdP07Wk5FozqbHtnHJ_QQ_v42nh3DSiGjehajPTJxHWaqRlX9tIPhcrtjsqiYtfHlZdq=s850" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="666" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZE4EY8K_gdVWMZ9_tgsw5XuVV_I3EVk7y4rF8cw4t_vHCpA9vY9XAimKlTdHeuxmOsKKX6AwLfxP5U227WAKQ7ktJNc2XBKY9wjlvkfwTTHxRsaUx9nh4FdP07Wk5FozqbHtnHJ_QQ_v42nh3DSiGjehajPTJxHWaqRlX9tIPhcrtjsqiYtfHlZdq=w314-h400" width="314" /></a></div><br /><div>Not that I don't like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gundam_model" target="_blank">Gunpla</a> anymore, but I guess they are a waste if they cannot be displayed properly after they are built and I am thankful that I managed to get some commission work to build and buyers to buy my craft. I would like to come back to this hustle (not hobby because it can make money for me) someday in future when I have more time and money for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, I donated my bed and extra TV for trishaw man who may appreciate it more than I do. Thank you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Urban-Life-Volunteers-101665912130712" target="_blank">Urban Life Volunteers</a> for providing me this chance to declutter my room. Keep up the good work in helping those homeless trishaw men during this hard times.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw-jhxW7w49Jou_RT3V6Qv4Ru8z8SDymyHLIuCrMLzgf30Jb9CGoba6FleaHLMjU0fkhHQi5gjQJtj7QkbmTAX6vFbclxUDtIOg3FLLnUh6eaos7pT19AStmZD2Qt3rw4-1XXYI7peAlriDl7lrmbX-MscKo2apuNy2iYz8Jy7CYqKRjThD0nhd2PA=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="720" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw-jhxW7w49Jou_RT3V6Qv4Ru8z8SDymyHLIuCrMLzgf30Jb9CGoba6FleaHLMjU0fkhHQi5gjQJtj7QkbmTAX6vFbclxUDtIOg3FLLnUh6eaos7pT19AStmZD2Qt3rw4-1XXYI7peAlriDl7lrmbX-MscKo2apuNy2iYz8Jy7CYqKRjThD0nhd2PA=w400-h358" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>It feels that when we are able to provide for others who may be in need for such blessing bestowed upon us, isn't it?</div><div><br /></div><div>But don't impose this value to your loved one because it may turn into <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_blackmail" target="_blank">emotional blackmail</a> like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/278270009815279/permalink/689268652048744/" target="_blank">this case</a> in Malaysia...</div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, I have another thing to be thankful for this year.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Finally, I am with Macintosh.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwySTV1KtfTDLRTcoDTMBJ1E9ATag9ScZ-4eSItPVHdsuWiipnkM46wVZ36w6rySf46DRtIF27rmlmeulKbkRCeAxn_8uif5SXUFP5q0ttOjLlh_eJu2bYdHXD2X3wJMRwnDUDbycky4d-SzwzGeOm2poiKNI-JlyZ-tfjvSKPZYEdZBT2jEwaiP3X=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwySTV1KtfTDLRTcoDTMBJ1E9ATag9ScZ-4eSItPVHdsuWiipnkM46wVZ36w6rySf46DRtIF27rmlmeulKbkRCeAxn_8uif5SXUFP5q0ttOjLlh_eJu2bYdHXD2X3wJMRwnDUDbycky4d-SzwzGeOm2poiKNI-JlyZ-tfjvSKPZYEdZBT2jEwaiP3X=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Amidst of all these hoo-ha that you have read so far, I am still able to buy an Apple computer. I don't consider that is a luxury purchase because I have elaborated my point in <a href="https://xxx7a0608.blogspot.com/2021/04/johari-window-of-apple-m1-family.html?fbclid=IwAR1uyJ_Z3hsXhPJeJJ51j6dqdoyPOm3zakmvq8sS-Eh44TFmtsAmrZNgFdk" target="_blank">previous post</a> about how <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reduced_instruction_set_computer" target="_blank">RISC</a> computers are going to replace those <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_instruction_set_computer" target="_blank">CISC</a> computers in near future.</div><div><br /></div><div>To begin with, it was not that I want to make a big purchase in this chaotic period of mine but my desktop PC broke down at the beginning of this year when I relied on it to execute most of my personal tasks and side hustles.</div><div><br /></div><div>Given that I am not a content creator which requires to render heavy media and I hardly play games on computer, this M1 Apple Mac Mini does serve me well so far. Well, I still need to develop the habit to switch shortcut key from Windows (Windows button + relevant shortcut key) setup to Mac version (Command button + relevant shortcut key) while still physically hitting a Windows layout keyboard... Never too old to learn, since "a young idler, an old beggar" reminds me to keep learning.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>So, what's in store for 2022?</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQuJHWGJ0rb68PmdeqNkYtLxvAPmH59DR64Xug3kw3sRL0vzzExH7gWC5DBMpIfvetyaCitszvpTISUTPXO0R_TNPY5-y8yvZEYToXLFoNT9R-cve0efle6-HuRjXrc_bwwjn2adN7B8LlrQ_HYIP3HPIyucQvjLmieddXT9cq8dPoBYkxl5jF-oGI=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQuJHWGJ0rb68PmdeqNkYtLxvAPmH59DR64Xug3kw3sRL0vzzExH7gWC5DBMpIfvetyaCitszvpTISUTPXO0R_TNPY5-y8yvZEYToXLFoNT9R-cve0efle6-HuRjXrc_bwwjn2adN7B8LlrQ_HYIP3HPIyucQvjLmieddXT9cq8dPoBYkxl5jF-oGI=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Gonna ask from God, actually... Haha...</div><div><br /></div><div>I pray to be more faithful, healthiness for me and whom I care, and should there is thing that I cannot change, I need to be patient to endure the hardship given that every challenge is arranged for us so that we can endure it (<i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010%3A13&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:13</a></i>).</div><div><br /></div><div>For time being, my only plan is to raise my trading capital once again so that I can go back to my <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/active-trading/040615/introduction-trading-oil-futures.asp" target="_blank">favorite trading marketplace</a> and continue to see how commodity markets are going.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, maybe I should take up data science course, too since its skill sets are much sort after by established companies. Not to mention that I am still not giving up on my <a href="https://www.jlpt.jp/e/" target="_blank">Neo Japanese Language Proficiency Test</a>, <a href="https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa" target="_blank">Chartered Financial Analyst exams</a> and <a href="https://www.thewaybicycle.com/wp/the-park-tool-school/" target="_blank">Parktool Professional Bike Mechanic course</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi39Z14VBg9TeOtWd3He351s3_ahUnRvGqGJQ8WE0Y0XxvLYMq-DBw2VBbTCLnpsQbu9tSIUDm8O5PtLclXiEeTx_ZD9fOuTJ-684XqpiDJFarxqDxkCusZ6Ddgzm1K_OpytPkRmFQ5TW4iFvFkjTFLSJlUxj0OuAHqjzcfSqMCzfOStU-cj8bsvxnV=s4641" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3094" data-original-width="4641" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi39Z14VBg9TeOtWd3He351s3_ahUnRvGqGJQ8WE0Y0XxvLYMq-DBw2VBbTCLnpsQbu9tSIUDm8O5PtLclXiEeTx_ZD9fOuTJ-684XqpiDJFarxqDxkCusZ6Ddgzm1K_OpytPkRmFQ5TW4iFvFkjTFLSJlUxj0OuAHqjzcfSqMCzfOStU-cj8bsvxnV=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>If you are still reading thus far, thank you for spending your time and do let me know how was your year 2021 been for you? You may also leave your comment so that I can improve my writeup through your valuable input. =)</div>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-43584410436020744562021-06-23T14:40:00.006+08:002023-03-21T21:32:58.406+08:00How is it like to be a food delivery rider (Deliver Eat)?<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTzk_jUWLLI/YNEnSPT-f3I/AAAAAAAACj4/9siAJEFDygAFCbVjLwgmrjb21u-cZldygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3376.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1130" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTzk_jUWLLI/YNEnSPT-f3I/AAAAAAAACj4/9siAJEFDygAFCbVjLwgmrjb21u-cZldygCLcBGAsYHQ/w221-h400/IMG_3376.jpeg" width="221" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Be the best one as much as possible even though this is a rather low pay job</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_25mduI88c/YMqQpHcCTsI/AAAAAAAACjk/6VkFy4Lep1U4IsKyWQECVN7zcq2XZLP5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3328.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_25mduI88c/YMqQpHcCTsI/AAAAAAAACjk/6VkFy4Lep1U4IsKyWQECVN7zcq2XZLP5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3328.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Simple setup</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, pretty much like those who are waiting for their next job, I signed up! (ok, tempted by the copywriting of "up to RM 3500 monthly")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Is that even possible? Let's look at the pay rate,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhJEGw239WE/YNHm4sOM-GI/AAAAAAAACkA/5iwVUO1rTh4dMykpe_q6cSxIIKUfePn5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1079/d8f21d58-1b27-4976-9ff2-80edf6184e52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1079" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhJEGw239WE/YNHm4sOM-GI/AAAAAAAACkA/5iwVUO1rTh4dMykpe_q6cSxIIKUfePn5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h362/d8f21d58-1b27-4976-9ff2-80edf6184e52.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Every rider starts at level 5 (reminds me of Final Fantasy 7 where we started from level 7 but why level 5 for <a href="https://jom.delivereat.my">Deliver Eat</a>, I had no idea and rider manager did not mention it during briefing) which means we are paid RM 6 per trip. As we are accumulating order, our level may be promoted <b>PROVIDED</b> we clock in our roster accordingly (<i>12 hours</i> for <i>full timer</i>, <i>8 hours</i> for <i>part timer</i>, NIL for freelancer) and received 4 stars and above review from diner/customer since our performance rating is affected by task fulfilment (how many task we rejected or not accepted), customer rating and attendance. Our rating is reset for next period whereby first rating period is 1st - 16th of a month and second rating period is 17th to 30th/31st of a month, so if we are underperforming for certain period, we have the chance to get it right for next rating period.</div><div><br /></div><div>Based on past 1 week experience, I was able to receive averagely 10 tasks per day (slightly more in weekend), so is it possible to get RM 3500 monthly? Well, if I were in level 8 (RM 6.80 pay rate) and completed averagely 20 tasks daily (with 1 day break, full timer is allow to rest for a day while part timer gets 2 days weekly), rough calculation says it is <b>RM 3264</b>. I guess I can only make more accurate estimation of my monthly income once I completed a month of roster. Oh, our pay is paid fortnightly, meaning that current week total earning is only paid on next next Monday (I don't know why they prefer CIMB as compare to other banks because rider manager said CIMB account holder gets their pay on time while the rest is on Tuesday onward).</div><div><br /></div><div>The difference among full timer, part timer and freelancer is task allocation priority by company customer service crew. Full timer get the task first (based on his/her current location), then part timer, and lastly freelancer. I like the way how task allocation works by assigning job that is near to my current location and it keeps me serving diners within the same district rather than crossing boundaries during <a href="https://asset.mkn.gov.my/web/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/08/SOP-AM-PKP-Seluruh-Negara-Kemaskini-14-Jun-2021-FINAL.pdf">Full Movement Control Order</a> period. Actually, I receive almost at least one of such order for grocery shopping at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/GrAt7xYWLCqyBt5F6">Batu Lanchang market</a>. I am assigned to send those grocery for those ordering them from Bayan Lepas, Sungai Ara, Relau (which is in south-western district, I am in north-eastern district). The task allocation algorithm seems to calculate where point A is and disregard point B (destination or diner/customer location) and Batu Lanchang market is located in north-eastern district of Penang island.<br />All for that extra RM 1, I guess...(if you are factoring petrol cost in, that RM 1 is a lost, actually...)<p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_MlDQ211zw/YNHxb-_RCgI/AAAAAAAACkI/t-wJP7wSp9YClValLr9VyE7Bx3SxkNoXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s540/06b57da8-c133-404c-b92c-dda8122fb2b4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="540" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_MlDQ211zw/YNHxb-_RCgI/AAAAAAAACkI/t-wJP7wSp9YClValLr9VyE7Bx3SxkNoXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h396/06b57da8-c133-404c-b92c-dda8122fb2b4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We are technically not Deliver Eat employee but its contractor (based on contract we signed) whereby we need to cover our own EPF and insurance by ourself. The only rewards we got, are something that is more benefiting the company. Look at those items carefully, aren't those for their FREE marketing?<div><br /></div><div>Can't complain much as labor market at this point of time is super competitive, not to mention I don't have specific hard skills that most companies are looking for (data science, human resource, financial market license or qualification...).</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFVWfg9BYxo/YNH3EoXyI7I/AAAAAAAACkQ/XHzRTetaGN0DYhDSfEMWeOtUnkwZvRLuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1334/IMG_3361.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFVWfg9BYxo/YNH3EoXyI7I/AAAAAAAACkQ/XHzRTetaGN0DYhDSfEMWeOtUnkwZvRLuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3361.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Look whom I served!<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Is this a boring job? No. Look whom I served last week (refer photo above)! Besides that, I get to see how people interact with food delivery rider. Some treated me like robot, some complimented me for good service and even tipped me (so that I can save on my petrol cost that is roughly RM 6 - 11 daily), some grocers offered me discount for personal purchase....like the Chinese said, "one type of rice feeds thousand kinds of people" (people are unique). The other fun thing I do during work is to capture beautiful flowers which are either grown by their owners or wild. Check it out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=andrew777&set=a.10201628914905576">here</a>.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qSt7Ja6P5U/YNQHWSf5VlI/AAAAAAAACkY/E3Qu3dPjAVwwz26RfTA6Bsca5HN0AedFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/239bfaff-0844-4848-8a1c-3b25052f845a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qSt7Ja6P5U/YNQHWSf5VlI/AAAAAAAACkY/E3Qu3dPjAVwwz26RfTA6Bsca5HN0AedFACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/239bfaff-0844-4848-8a1c-3b25052f845a.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yep, sooner and later, I am gonna meet someone I know who knows me. That's my sister's employer.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-1108577214702167922021-04-22T13:59:00.007+08:002021-07-08T20:11:21.045+08:00Johari Window of Apple M1 family<p> OK, I don't work for <a href="https://www.apple.com/" target="_blank">Apple</a> (or hold its stock) but I guess I am kind of "converted" from Intel+Windows camp given that it does not seem to fulfil what is "fast" for personal computer anymore. As such, after watching few comments about what is Apple going to launch for its silicon, I came out this <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari_window" target="_blank">Johari Window</a> (which may not be alien for you if you learned psychology) of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SG5e4z-Ygg" target="_blank">M1</a> family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u92uzqU3_-s/YIES8u2UG6I/AAAAAAAACjE/3925_3Si03YjPhySBFA_B7HMnOUf0qvrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s534/m1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u92uzqU3_-s/YIES8u2UG6I/AAAAAAAACjE/3925_3Si03YjPhySBFA_B7HMnOUf0qvrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/m1.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now you are not surprise that why Apple released basic tier products last year before they release premium tier <a href="https://www.apple.com/apple-events/april-2021/?useASL=true" target="_blank">2 days ago</a>. To be fair for comparison, let's just take <i>8GB memory + 256GB SSD storage</i> specs as comparison for each of the models, shall we?<div><br /></div><div>I personally bought the M1 Mac mini in March due to promising result of Apple's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reduced_instruction_set_computer" target="_blank">RISC</a>/<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARM_architecture" target="_blank">ARM</a> chip which showed us how much the chip that runs on mobile phone can actually serving most computer needs nowadays. You can Google about it and I don't have to repeat it here. I decided to switch to Mac environment due to my timely Intel+Windows desktop damage (motherboard, again!). After doing some calculation, it didn't make much sense for me to reassemble another desktop based on remaining parts I had (replacing new motherboard means getting another new CPU since mine was 6th gen Intel i3). I sold it to my favourite PC scrapper in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ICTKomtarDigitalMall/" target="_blank">KOMTAR ICT Mall</a> (shop - PCC) and the young shop owner agreed with me on M1 performance, too.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that being said, it is apparent that M1 Mac mini is ideal for those who are moving from Intel+Windows desktop camp (Hail to Apple!) where you can still use your accessories (keyboard, mouse, monitors, speakers...) on this powerful mini computer. Given that it is a mini desktop computer, it is constrained by its limited port-ability (refer below). I managed to connect my Mac mini with 2 monitors (with 1 <a href="https://www.apple.com/my/shop/product/MUF82ZA/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter?fnode=1e9bdb254d7f062ab399b0e9d1a5c8859ad6a2c74646c0ca94dc0083a2a6dbce7bfff30e22d4f3445223efd885b223dc8118e9c452dedf4d7ea95f7f25c3cf0b9cf69eba3b3eb007fdee261725f8aebb46b2527e69343fd2fabfb8352a29ab854f67ed61268640901830ed27baf39392" target="_blank">Thunderbolt AV adapter</a>) and I saw in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq_FyjcAULA" target="_blank">Youtube</a> that we can actually connect it to 6 monitors max!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4N1QqTFtVU/YID7eiRbDGI/AAAAAAAACho/I5RAi4QRcscrwtjgKBiqe56tVkjFzL4rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s672/magmini.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="672" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4N1QqTFtVU/YID7eiRbDGI/AAAAAAAACho/I5RAi4QRcscrwtjgKBiqe56tVkjFzL4rgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h219/magmini.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ya, my trading mentor has 6 monitors at home but newbie like I am is happy with 2 monitors since these are what I have and I don't really do any heavy computing nowadays (just basic web browsing, scalping crude oil Future contracts, word processing, video conferencing etc.). So, what if you decided to get rid of old PC all together and wanna get a new PC (set) with colourful casing? Welcome to the premium tier of M1 stationery group, the new iMac!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIGw4_RQsgU/YIEAbwV1QdI/AAAAAAAAChw/hV8-aQ8CFeQVJp3ac74qxKiqJ-gDPtNvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s756/Screenshot%2B2021-04-22%2Bat%2B12.49.31.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="756" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIGw4_RQsgU/YIEAbwV1QdI/AAAAAAAAChw/hV8-aQ8CFeQVJp3ac74qxKiqJ-gDPtNvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h251/Screenshot%2B2021-04-22%2Bat%2B12.49.31.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pay for almost double the price of M1 Mac mini, you shall get</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrAOi82dgpg/YIEAtImWLBI/AAAAAAAACh4/DOaDBmHJFIMRuncWdz-f4T8mi3KqacUigCLcBGAsYHQ/s282/imagbox.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrAOi82dgpg/YIEAtImWLBI/AAAAAAAACh4/DOaDBmHJFIMRuncWdz-f4T8mi3KqacUigCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/imagbox.png" /></a></div>which I think it is worth it since you would get a new (and yet to sell separately) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Magic Mouse (the old models are sold at $179) which have same colour scheme with your iMac selection. Besides that you get the monitor of following specs which contains webcam for web conferencing (which is common nowadays due to remote work),<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiSODftWi-I/YIEB7_7PXrI/AAAAAAAACiA/0p6NFc6IlrYQIrjr_kVXJRS3urr49TcSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s346/imagdisplay.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="346" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiSODftWi-I/YIEB7_7PXrI/AAAAAAAACiA/0p6NFc6IlrYQIrjr_kVXJRS3urr49TcSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/imagdisplay.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let me remind you at this point that I am comparing the 8GB memory + 256GB storage (and 8 cores GPU) version of iMac and Mac mini. There is a more baseline version of new iMac which comes with 7 cores GPU and only 2 Thunderbolt ports, but I don't think it is worth it since you will be paying for $1299 for that and you have to remember that with current M1 chipset, you cannot upgrade your desktop set in future but to get another new PC altogether (it is not modular and yes, this is how Apple sells...). If you are paying another $600 extra for less ports, what's the point? Nevertheless, is it worth it to pay extra $800 (from Mac mini) to get colourful casing, mouse, keyboard and webcam? I leave that for you since everyone has different computing need.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, we move on to Mobile solution of Apple silicon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVfvb9DlyZs/YIEETLf5ZZI/AAAAAAAACiQ/vworD1gMo4UlmHLsrP59nOTPNR8D-XDewCLcBGAsYHQ/s229/Screenshot%2B2021-04-22%2Bat%2B13.06.00.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="229" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVfvb9DlyZs/YIEETLf5ZZI/AAAAAAAACiQ/vworD1gMo4UlmHLsrP59nOTPNR8D-XDewCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Screenshot%2B2021-04-22%2Bat%2B13.06.00.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">MacBook Pro joined the M1 family last year and received a lot of excellent reviews. It comes with what a laptop should come with</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LAkCSrKIgc/YIEIIeMU63I/AAAAAAAACiY/c7hYGPhi5FsKGUh3Uc_iVgRTeSDikzVagCLcBGAsYHQ/s370/Screenshot%2B2021-04-22%2Bat%2B13.22.11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LAkCSrKIgc/YIEIIeMU63I/AAAAAAAACiY/c7hYGPhi5FsKGUh3Uc_iVgRTeSDikzVagCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Screenshot%2B2021-04-22%2Bat%2B13.22.11.png" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>At this specs, I would go for this if I have the money and need (my old HP Intel i5 + Win 10 is still alive). Unless you need tactile surface for work, then there is not much reason to fork out another $250 for better screen for your mobile computing need.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXNfUdb-_5s/YIEJdTPqIAI/AAAAAAAACik/seKLga06eOo-JhG3J6GzG4eJmYQyhLpKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s577/ipadprodisplay.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="329" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXNfUdb-_5s/YIEJdTPqIAI/AAAAAAAACik/seKLga06eOo-JhG3J6GzG4eJmYQyhLpKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ipadprodisplay.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div>comparing it with previous MacBook Pro screen,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPadUgxGODs/YIEJ_VllX9I/AAAAAAAACis/cm4cTVVgy6A_fdfQi8koZUlGF8GrQZmeACLcBGAsYHQ/s325/macbookprodisplay.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="325" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPadUgxGODs/YIEJ_VllX9I/AAAAAAAACis/cm4cTVVgy6A_fdfQi8koZUlGF8GrQZmeACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/macbookprodisplay.png" width="320" /></a></div>the new 12.9" iPad Pro comes with miniLED (better tech than LED, more expensive, too), +100 nits brightness (or +500 with max setting), more pixels (due to more LED placement), but without a keyboard. Getting a Magic Keyboard cover which turns this iPad into a laptop requires another $349 (thus I labeled $1199 + 349 at featured picture)...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nBUTcHskqc/YIEL6_amwpI/AAAAAAAACi0/RRYnYMoQtmUruh4LA5gnrTtXkI-ENVP_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s981/Screenshot%2B2021-04-22%2Bat%2B13.37.17.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="981" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nBUTcHskqc/YIEL6_amwpI/AAAAAAAACi0/RRYnYMoQtmUruh4LA5gnrTtXkI-ENVP_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h309/Screenshot%2B2021-04-22%2Bat%2B13.37.17.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, again, +$250 to move from basic M1 13" mobile solution to premium? I leave that for you, again...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i>Who, M1 is not for (for the time being)?</i></h3></div></div></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>PC Gamer (but I saw a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVfQ9e1PhAY&t=323s" target="_blank">video</a> about installing Windows 10 on virtual mode at M1 machine, so I guess that solves this problem? Tell me about it!)</li><li>Heavy user of non-M1 natively based software or application (Adobe has <a href="https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/apple-silicon-m1-chip.html" target="_blank">M1 version of Photoshop and Lightroom</a> now! As for video production, you can always use Final Cut Pro or <a href="https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/media/release/20201113-01" target="_blank">DaVinci</a>)</li></ul> Looks like this is not a big issue, right? So, come to M1! Muahahaha....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>p/s: For content creator, it is suggestible to get a 16GB version M1 device since those softwares utilise huge resource and you can't upgrade it once you bought it</i></div>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-14324177739762376362021-04-20T19:37:00.001+08:002021-12-30T10:02:26.105+08:007th Resignation<p>Well, if you happened to read my blog before, I am sure this is not the first time you saw such post. I wonder why, too...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EomZLpuH5jo/YH6zntG5whI/AAAAAAAAChE/48OL25pggLI1DotyvBK7QUl9lSioyezVACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EomZLpuH5jo/YH6zntG5whI/AAAAAAAAChE/48OL25pggLI1DotyvBK7QUl9lSioyezVACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Unlike <a href="https://xxx7a0608.blogspot.com/2020/02/4th-resgination.html" target="_blank">previous experience</a>, I felt better this round which was reflected on Emotion Cards above. Ya, I am aware that some of you cannot read Mandarin (or traditional characters), so it reads:<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(Top row, from left) <b>Guilty, Relieved</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Bottom row, from left) <b>Hopeful, Anticipation, Courageous</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>You may have guessed it right, the top row is about leaving the job (or fired) while the bottom row is about waiting for what is next for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was fired for this job because bicycles shop owner were having hard time communicating with me. I was hired as business development executive of a bicycles shop which focused on folding bicycles. Those seasoned cyclists in Penang surely know which shop I mentioned so I don't want to repeat it again here. Yes, I am sorry for being hard for him throughout that 1 month employment, for my mistakes and stubbornness but I don't think it should end like this. Oh well, I can only manage myself so I don't know what had caused him to be so paranoia about everyone will harm him even though I was working for him. I left my marketing job back in February 2021 because I don't really have an interest on used car dealership even though that was a stable job, and I was excited for being able to work in a bicycles shop which is what I am passionate with. We can't change the past so let's move on to the bottom row!</div><div><br /></div><div>Why am I feeling so opposite as compare to previous resignation? I guess I decided to spend sometimes on myself to figure out, "What is work?", "Is money the only consideration for living?", "How am I hedging my trading risk without a stable income?", "In order to honour God, how should I react after this resignation?"...</div><div><br /></div><div>I figured that when I am reexamining those spiritual topics again by checking out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP3_FH8k4Qcu5Hq6MCHtTjA" target="_blank">online resources of theology</a> (Reformed Presbyterian), reconnect with my trading mates by updating and sharing about current commodity markets (ya man, I missed so many nice scalps and swings!), and chatting with folks in <a href="https://www.joinclubhouse.com" target="_blank">Clubhouse</a>! (Yep, some of you are aware that I am a heavy user of that recently known social audio app)</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides that, I do get more job offers and interviews as compare to that terrible 4th resignation which reignited my suicidal ideation (Hey, remember <i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010%3A13&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Corinthian 10:13</a></i>). I took the one which sends me all the way to Dubai, as a customer service for a FX trading firm. Fingers crossed, if all went well, I shall say goodbye to Malaysia!</div>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-69108323277410659862020-04-13T17:33:00.003+08:002023-06-18T19:28:57.770+08:00Review: Resident Evil 3 Remake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jcKnSmcGAM/XpQU7iWFiyI/AAAAAAAACZg/d8zV43giYDAnxQWYs_PivFVTev-KsMpgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/re3d-pc-global.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jcKnSmcGAM/XpQU7iWFiyI/AAAAAAAACZg/d8zV43giYDAnxQWYs_PivFVTev-KsMpgACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/re3d-pc-global.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Not surprise to see this title coming after the boom of Resident Evil 2 Remake, which was the best Resident Evil/Biohazard title sold so far. Although built from the in house RE engine from Biohazard 7, this game is a bit short for me where I have played 6 playthroughs so far with each play through lasts about an hour with infinite rocket launcher equipped (except the first Normal playthrough where I spent time exploring game assets like background, easter eggs etc.). Discounting this shortcoming, it is still a good remake title for me especially when they decided to include original outfit of Jill for those ordered the first batch (gonna say I still prefer the outfit despite it is not quite logic in game setting).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcfWyZWW4LE/XpQYUWl-FII/AAAAAAAACaA/XJxO28bhOrUAGaHLBnzWyH02wUf7Iy1EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcfWyZWW4LE/XpQYUWl-FII/AAAAAAAACaA/XJxO28bhOrUAGaHLBnzWyH02wUf7Iy1EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/cover.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeRgKdMi9aM/XpQYj5ZTKEI/AAAAAAAACaE/Elu0_6uU7_EL5cu6pqcGc8N9tMtx915bACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cover2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeRgKdMi9aM/XpQYj5ZTKEI/AAAAAAAACaE/Elu0_6uU7_EL5cu6pqcGc8N9tMtx915bACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/cover2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If you are playing Biohazard/Resident evil series since its conception, you knew it outsiders tend to confuse the titles when they are actually the same. I guess this is the reason why Capcom decided to merge and clear the confuse once and for all during the 7th canon title as Biohazard 7 Resident Evil. With that being said, those who bought Asian version of the game usually get double-sided cover as showed above since the series are published on PS4 platform.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqtiyeJUnwI/XpQhGIQMk3I/AAAAAAAACak/Sm9HN6yGbUY4R2-0c75sXlHnZuqLIDaZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cotent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqtiyeJUnwI/XpQhGIQMk3I/AAAAAAAACak/Sm9HN6yGbUY4R2-0c75sXlHnZuqLIDaZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/cotent.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Once you opened it up, here were what you gotten if you got: a trilingual (EN/CN/JP) simple control manual and a early batch bonus code to unlock original outfit of Carlos and Jill. There would be a 64MB update (and 640MB of original outfit) to be installed before you can start the game. Once they done, you could choose the outfit for 2 protagonists (no in game bonus for this outfit, just something to fit your eyes...).<br />
<br />
Along the game, you should fine a lot of crossover or Capcom cameos if you are familiar with JP games and some popular movie titles:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvTzBH4v_MI/XpQi5HugohI/AAAAAAAACaw/i1HxlNl7F0A1CuZ5Jk2PW3N4Z2EODoIQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvTzBH4v_MI/XpQi5HugohI/AAAAAAAACaw/i1HxlNl7F0A1CuZ5Jk2PW3N4Z2EODoIQACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megaman is everywhere...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As well as some messages which I found to be appropriate during this moment when most people are staying at home...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FboIr5TDwSQ/XpQjxRTWZnI/AAAAAAAACbI/AFH5Clv-sSMgmPAh-kbLIolcXO_LeYXtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FboIr5TDwSQ/XpQjxRTWZnI/AAAAAAAACbI/AFH5Clv-sSMgmPAh-kbLIolcXO_LeYXtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't it true?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hardcore old fans should also notice there are changes of game assets such as this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Trn5X5JzH4I/XpQlZTnbOfI/AAAAAAAACbk/8gO4RAssfKU7_5mjQ7Uqbzi180XmZjdbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Trn5X5JzH4I/XpQlZTnbOfI/AAAAAAAACbk/8gO4RAssfKU7_5mjQ7Uqbzi180XmZjdbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weren't these 2 plugs and platform leading us to final boss fight?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ya, I know you are upset like I do where Clock Tower is wiped out completely when there were puzzles and Nemesis fight at that stage was cool. I guess Capcom has decided to redesign whole stages to fit narrative more realistic even though there are elements to be questioned when it comes to realistic element, like how Jill is not crushed when she was firing a weapon which crushed floor cement (but I find the pose is cool!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfcPPrEZ-MQ/XpQt17nQAtI/AAAAAAAACcA/6etyvvGe1JAFs9uZkbA79bEN5D9GCQ68wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfcPPrEZ-MQ/XpQt17nQAtI/AAAAAAAACcA/6etyvvGe1JAFs9uZkbA79bEN5D9GCQ68wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/fingers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there anything Jill cannot lift?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh, by the way, you are encouraged to use infinite launcher this time (though you need to do some farming after first playthrough to unlock Shop menu where you use your points achieved through breaking some game records, to get it)!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wckamvfD678/XpQviC-2sjI/AAAAAAAACcM/hLvuDkHsB_EF6yDVgXoJeQHEwnwynpg2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/rocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1274" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wckamvfD678/XpQviC-2sjI/AAAAAAAACcM/hLvuDkHsB_EF6yDVgXoJeQHEwnwynpg2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/rocket.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The almighty rocket launcher!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In fact, without it, you may find it hard to get rank S because the criteria are saving count and clear time with no other hidden restriction (e.g. infinite weapons usage in original title). Guess rank S is not hard this time eh?<br />
<br />
Finding this game too short like a lot of us who played through the game more than 3 times? There is Resistance mode (not Mercenaries Mode) for multiplayer mode which I have yet to play (because I don't pay for PlayStation Plus). Unlike Mercenaries, according to Capcom and some reviews, players can play as good or bad guys where the former has to escape from later's stage layout.<br />
<br />
Have you played the game or still waiting for it to arrive your doorsteps? Share with me your feedback on this remake title =)<br />
Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-36923566140717142442020-02-08T12:57:00.003+08:002021-07-08T20:12:03.299+08:004th Resignation13 Feb 2020, the last day of my 4th office job at the age of 32.<br />
<br />
What led to this?<br />
<br />
Well, I think narrating this from the beginning (how I got this job) would give myself a clear picture of this ultimatum.<br />
<br />
Back in first quarter of 2019 (I forget which month), I heard my mother saying that her company is having cash flow issue and this was justified through company's inability to pay her salary in full since early of 2019 (the company has to split the salary of approximately RM 1000 into two, monthly). I was not surprise because my global macroeconomic analysis still stood for bearish near future. This, to me, is a prelude of a company's end so before allowing my mother to stay jobless (because I can't afford to feed her monthly), I decided to let my position at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aksatay/" target="_blank">family satay stall</a> go so that she had a job before shit happened.<br />
<br />
With that being set, I need to find another job for myself since our stall was unable to feed three mouths with his current capacity. I had no expansion plan for this stall because I was not willing to pay high health cost in doing hawking business so with the faith that it could still maintain organic growth, I didn't wanna stay at the stall but taking care of only those back end administration.<br />
<br />
Besides, I was my own fund manager where my trading portfolio was still active and profitable but I also aware that the urge to trade and survive was not easy and it tended to jeopardize trading psychology which eventually ruined my last income stream.<br />
<br />
Those who were reading my Facebook timeline knew that from July to October 2019, I was searching for job here and there, I wasn't able to secure any due to my niche paper qualification (counselor license) which is serving a hardly lucrative sector (mental health services). My crude oil Future analysis was accepted by 1 investment firm and Standard Charted (shout out to <a href="http://www.ramonekok.com/?fbclid=IwAR17HDqNZQCRDCynUBROFjSTDXHiBmWSraWQp-HIIEyVU54IUALEnx5ua8c" target="_blank">Ramone!</a> Thanks!) but I think my interview screwed up and I ended up with nothing, until my investment mate, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yeap.ean" target="_blank">Dr Yeap</a> who is a vice chairman of a third party administrator decided to give me a chance to start something for her in that medical group.<br />
<br />
Here is where main story started!<br />
<br />
Given with that trust, faith and possibly her intention to leverage on <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/523978/one-two-victims-penang-factory-amok-attack-dies" target="_blank">a violent incident</a> at local factory who happened to be one of her clients, she wanted to start mental health services for that client and of course, the medical group that I joined. Being a freelancer before, I was highly pessimistic on the progress of such venture because I rendered my service for big corporate before and I knew that the nature of financial reporting structure of most foreign corporate (quarterly basis) could not justify mental health investment because it had yet to be publicly receptive here in Penang.<br />
<br />
Eventually with her positive vibe, I was able to get a job as Wellness Consultant (Counselor) who was responsible for Employee Assistance Program development, promotion and sales, mental health services for group clinics and in house psychologist. While I was familiarizing with the workplace, I got that same feeling again, where not a lot of people were actually keen to engage me with personal consultation, counseling, assessment or just simple active listening, despite constant promotion by VC in the group. As such, throughout past 4 months, I wasn't able to secure any EAP prospectus or even in house need. In fact, when I was set to mediate and dissolve an internal role conflict among two 2 nurses, I wasn't aware that I was considered failing my job as a psychologist for not developing discreet solution while I was still waiting for cooperation from the nurse manager.<br />
<br />
No body wanna get paid without doing anything in the office, as such, my actual day job during those 4 months were moving heavy goods, repairing computers and network, dispatching supply due to shortage after the 2019-nCoV outbreak etc. I felt like I was overpaid for my job, so I was desperate to justify my pay which eventually led to the end of my life in the group.<br />
<br />
The black swan of this hurrah was trigger by a decision of the group's client (factory HR personnel) to discontinue my counseling services after her dissatisfaction on the way we communicated after each counseling session was done. While serving my best to protect my client's confidentiality, I didn't disclose much about the session outcome and the way I emailed her was quite directive and objective. In the end, I was barred to enter the premise and my counseling client was referred to another physician to review my case without my knowledge. Knowing this could breach the confidentiality, I was assuming that the physician may open my file without my consent and how my client may be harmed for abrupt and improper referral, I made a big mistake by requesting the nurse to extract my file to be stored in my office. All I was thinking back then was to maintain the confidentiality and doubtfulness of document safety. Of course, I didn't manage to do it, because it was stopped by my direct superior to prevent further damage to be done on factory-group commercial relationship which may affect group's revenue stream (I have no idea how big that client is to the group). At the very same day, my VC friend confronted me on my act and questioned my personal integrity by saying,<br />
<br />
<b>"Andrew, have you forgotten your medicine?"</b><br />
<b>"Are you having any personality disorder?"</b><br />
<br />
Sensing that I was quite angry on her remark, we didn't continue the conversation because anything that followed served nothing productive but damage on our relationship.<br />
<br />
We didn't meet after that day, and of course, I was first given a warning letter then "politely" asked to leave the group through indirect communication (messaging through my superior and human resource manager).<br />
<br />
To be, this is just another losing trade to lose a hedge (salary) on my overall personal fund, but I began to notice my inclination to challenge authority and inability to trust my superior if s/he is not from the same background or shared profession with me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/1*q1UHq60mW1DHrE_EzDEPXQ.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/1*q1UHq60mW1DHrE_EzDEPXQ.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Come to think of it, I found that the way I connect with others is pretty much avoidant (may it be dismissive or fearful as depicted above). In Adlerian term, I fell into Power and Inadequacy,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.slideplayer.com/12/3522752/slides/slide_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://images.slideplayer.com/12/3522752/slides/slide_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I don't stop learning anything because I believe that knowledge is power and it is the way to shut some people off, and in trading, info is money. My VC friend commented that my animated speaking pattern is a result of my inferiority that I have to be weird in the way I convey my message across (with exaggerated hand gestures and facial expression). I forget that despite that being yourself is about having the <i><b>Courage to be dislike</b></i>, I need to maintain <i><b>social interest</b></i> with others and do no harm (even though I questioned that, because emotion is subjective. How can you sure that what you do unto others is not hurtful unless s/he expresses it?).<br />
<br />
There you have it. Words helps to label emotional experience and further calming down the brain through effective storage of emotional experience into hippocampus while activating pre-frontal cortex (the rational mind).<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading this and I hope this could help you to understand me more, inspire you or remind you something.<br />
<br />
<i>You care and I know who you are</i><br />
<i>xoxo</i>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-24979951503834591882019-12-31T16:51:00.001+08:002020-01-02T20:33:46.481+08:00Favourable café so far (2019)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yOp3LPKCUU/XgrtAfjeinI/AAAAAAAACUA/SoZfF9yUTqkFmTCt3dj7J07vocGYkD-EACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bestcafe2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yOp3LPKCUU/XgrtAfjeinI/AAAAAAAACUA/SoZfF9yUTqkFmTCt3dj7J07vocGYkD-EACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/bestcafe2019.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Just like the title suggested, it is my personal preference (in fact, this is my blog with my own words) so of course this post is going to be biased (who is not anyway). With that in mind, let's go!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://web.facebook.com/BudansBrew/?_rdc=1&_rdr" target="_blank"><img alt="https://web.facebook.com/BudansBrew/?_rdc=1&_rdr" border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="539" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ODcT0CQ0PA/XgrtbxgU3CI/AAAAAAAACUI/x7STpDD4wAIbn5G51YY44JjRrLtmeuqzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/budan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The owner knows his trade well and so I am not disappointed with his selection of coffee (including roasting, beans, brewing) and he seems to be a strict boss when I encountered how he interact with his staff. Well, Chinese said, 名師出高徒 (great teacher breeds good disciples). Do know when to talk to him and when is not suitable to have conversation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://web.facebook.com/wearethenorm/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://web.facebook.com/wearethenorm/" border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="567" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZtODL2b_cU/XgruXDl1yfI/AAAAAAAACUU/DTg9XPutgTE2EEz4-UTHcjtARKqcpJtpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/norm.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Taste is the same even after they moved to current premise. I know, it is quite warm to sit in the center of the café during hot day because of its glass ceiling but I am sure their signature lattes and coffees would not be disappointing or perhaps you should visit them at night? Awarded barista in the house and they are the only one who can mix citrus and caffeine well in Penang. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/wlifecafe/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/wlifecafe/" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NBDZeiLxtg/Xgrvh-CQbrI/AAAAAAAACUw/Iv9YcyMtgpcMHET0dJm7WSBWXFIda881wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/wlife.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sorry, no latte here. Assuming the owner is closely related to Tzu Chi (I saw many members dining in), I still think there is a reason why soy is not considered (for latte) here even though this is the only vegetarian café in my list. Ample, serene and bright space for black and serious talk. Photogenic, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ConstantGardenerCoffee/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/ConstantGardenerCoffee/" border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="555" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfxEZftBG8A/XgrxPERLUVI/AAAAAAAACU8/sdDwddzuAGQ7k1aqIT76GBdmGrNAmgyrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/constant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
The café that applies organic chemistry to make coffee...or so do they publish during their establishment. They have off menu items if you are dare to ask. After all, it is just chemistry. It is a quiet little café in front of busy street (Light Street), and below a commercial chamber. Good place to spend your time chatting or reading (soundproofing is good).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeElementsMalaysia/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeElementsMalaysia/" border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1024" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91MvVbJMfiw/XgrzUEUTvOI/AAAAAAAACVY/K9nrgRzKXLU01ELV-Qjc52RCKS9-z2h4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Want a latte which is less than RM10 yet delicious? Here, the only café at Air Itam are of Penang island. Super friendly (and beautiful → the barista) staff and surprisingly affordable price which is not discounted by quality. They are pricing it correctly and maintaining quality ever since establishment despite they failed once (small corner in Gurney Paragon mall). Remember, failure is best teacher.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kraffmencafe/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/kraffmencafe/" border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="731" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1iEJbkwBw8/Xgr0bRZ7qJI/AAAAAAAACVw/xV1cghnRJu8jXneKJpZW-hi7iwF-O_87QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/kraffmen.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
A Melburnian café which I don't know whether the owner has relationship with a Melburnian but the food quality and free stuff is always there since its conception. Hideout for a woman business group (because I know some of its members) and you could tell how the lady boss is always there to keep quality in check, not just about food and drink quality but customer service, as well (which is disappearing in our community, sadly). Keep it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hibarrydessert/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/hibarrydessert/" border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="958" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHyWZZuJvAw/Xgr1sKYcDAI/AAAAAAAACV8/9lAsum1RJt847kbEqBtqpAJm6TQqo0vYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/hi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A new and passionate addition to Penang café list and its forté is cakes. Coffee, of course is open for discussion and custom brew if you dare to ask because the owners are still experimenting what they can offer, at South western part of Penang island. With so many certification displayed on wall, I am sure their cakes are not disappointing you along with off menu coffee.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lavieenrose.pastisserie/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/lavieenrose.pastisserie/" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="959" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dku-s086mz4/Xgr2gvBbhTI/AAAAAAAACWI/aVCDmKLs1OgPzx5o2lT2n9u7QvLcfOHDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/la.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
Want to "gap leng zai" (peek at handsome men) if you are alone in café? Here. Blonde or brunette, your choice. Leng lui (pretty lady)? The pastry master! OK, it is about their France pastry and of course coffee quality here. It takes French to know its pastries well? Maybe, but this is one of the place where <i lang="fr" title="French language text">pâtisserie</i> are unique here. Oh, their fire shuttle is pink, too...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Macallum/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/Macallum/" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MybgHN4r-ho/Xgr4DWPgiKI/AAAAAAAACWU/ZXNWhvde7u8bZDkGW5BWSYve7iQpr2q-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/macallum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well well well, the big bro among them all, the ever green, the biggest café (at least physical lot) on Penang island. In this harsh market, surviving is not a choice and they have made it to be mentor for some of local café. They have their in house ice cream, 100% local made besides their own roastery and coffee academy (possibly coffee farm, too). Quality is differed from time to time because of mastery among the students and staff but you can't be upset with pioneer in Penang.<br />
<br />
There are few more that I would recommend which you could check them out and again, there is no good or bad, right or wrong, taste is ultimately, subjective.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lunarbarcoffee" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/lunarbarcoffee" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTKUrt27VXM/Xgr5uiurITI/AAAAAAAACWw/jR1sutnIRxMpfuQChGgdahAgDgnOUyb9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/lunarbar.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful barista who knows her coffee well</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/wellspenang" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/wellspenang" border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="958" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y2p14GTi7w/Xgr6EhXXbNI/AAAAAAAACW4/31WTeI2kJ-k_fuSC0It5gTa5TQG_uSyIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/well.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>For the light-roasted brew lovers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mellowcupcafe/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/mellowcupcafe/" border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="787" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VcHDjacv_s/Xgr6VfgKtNI/AAAAAAAACXA/d_s5iZvMO7Y8g4i_nAcIwx5uo1Ht87eCACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/mellow.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Zodiac themed coffee/beverages and barista courses</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lepetitfourpatisserie/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/lepetitfourpatisserie/" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkyPnILzM_M/XgsKQixYXCI/AAAAAAAACXs/NPNBHgrtc-0x2kv-kXbF9VLJI5dbTlBbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/petit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another high quality </i><i><span class="st"><i>pâtissière café</i></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/2fcoffeeroasteryrelau/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/2fcoffeeroasteryrelau/" border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYQZ0zSMriw/XgsLTqUnPqI/AAAAAAAACX0/qyz-lt9b_3Ey371sSY2KdzXkEOZ8iktVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2f.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't play play with café that has its roastery</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/reframecoffeeroasters/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/reframecoffeeroasters/" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Flfi0AVynnc/XgsLywto9oI/AAAAAAAACX8/nzxyLu1VLPQPEvCJBrbQi4EXYjIA8DDJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/reframe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>yay, cyclist owner who does hand brew and roasting</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-58165394312883722202019-04-04T00:10:00.002+08:002019-04-04T11:49:09.547+08:00It is very happening this month for road cycling!It is an exciting month for road cycling this month both local and international, amateur or professional level. One thing for sure, registration for following events is most;y closed. Of course, the largest bicycles trade show on earth has just over, <a href="https://www.taipeicycle.com.tw/" target="_blank">Taipei Cycle Show</a>, if you have missed it like I do (because I still can't afford for the trip)...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z4wtuQqOB8/XKRXhcWXJfI/AAAAAAAACLU/wXXtPJMQXxk9EKTxhZL9bgtswZcSsuPiACLcBGAs/s1600/taipeicycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z4wtuQqOB8/XKRXhcWXJfI/AAAAAAAACLU/wXXtPJMQXxk9EKTxhZL9bgtswZcSsuPiACLcBGAs/s640/taipeicycle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Alright, coming back to our April event schedule, we have <a href="https://www.ltdlangkawi.my/" target="_blank">Le Tour de Langkawi</a> to watch and participate as audience or supporter coming this Saturday. The highlight for this year includes Genting Highland stage where I wished to ride some day (we are not allowed and dangerous to ride without road closure due to high traffic load). So good to be a pro riders. There are few roads serve as race track would be closed throughout the race from 6 to 13 April depending on the race progress, you could check it out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ltdlangkawi/photos/pcb.2364820547080369/2364819507080473/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9It9HrCqhA8/XKRhN_G0ffI/AAAAAAAACLs/8Juv-kSogsEKGRg3B-6j-EPvxCmiHwXwQCLcBGAs/s1600/LTDL-Route-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="677" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9It9HrCqhA8/XKRhN_G0ffI/AAAAAAAACLs/8Juv-kSogsEKGRg3B-6j-EPvxCmiHwXwQCLcBGAs/s640/LTDL-Route-2019.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="title">
Following up the next day, we have stage 2 of Le Tour at Malaysia's capital city, <a href="http://www.checkpointspot.asia/Event/EventInfo.aspx?EventCode=xiuGub75A1I%3d" target="_blank">CIMB Foundation Criterium Series 2</a> for this year and <a href="https://www.rondevanvlaanderen.be/en/rvv/elite-men" target="_blank">Tour of Flanders</a> to watch. It is good to see some private organization is willing to pour out some resources to nurture young rider for our nation, not to mention our national champion, <span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/azizulawangofficial/" target="_blank">Azizulhasni Awang</a> is backed by them, too. If you have access to Eurosports channel, remember to switch on your TV to watch another world professional classic race to see how those pros are churning it on the cobbles path to victory. I wonder what trick would the bike mechanics use to tackle those tough roads this year.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACShhygzCf8/XKRiRNIJPKI/AAAAAAAACMI/vHX1g8VQvTQ6u0KCkvShQrn1HTVcKXicwCLcBGAs/s1600/logo-tour-of-flanders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="236" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACShhygzCf8/XKRiRNIJPKI/AAAAAAAACMI/vHX1g8VQvTQ6u0KCkvShQrn1HTVcKXicwCLcBGAs/s1600/logo-tour-of-flanders.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMd-jQbrHwg/XKRiNU022EI/AAAAAAAACME/h3us4q8J2j4GkpZ1BHZxca1J7yftkwpxwCLcBGAs/s1600/Junior-Cycling-MY-Series-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMd-jQbrHwg/XKRiNU022EI/AAAAAAAACME/h3us4q8J2j4GkpZ1BHZxca1J7yftkwpxwCLcBGAs/s320/Junior-Cycling-MY-Series-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, only for junior</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="title">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Speaking of cobbles, we cannot miss the trademark event of this category by not saying <a href="https://www.paris-roubaix.fr/fr/?fbclid=IwAR3YsletQF8S6tZbeyWf1UR6T908ckVQ4iNHjvV5Szkk8CWWFEbPYfm-NJc" target="_blank">Paris-Roubaix</a> which would happen on following weekend! Again, if you have access to any media stream of this race, you shouldn't miss this cobble classic race.</span></div>
<div class="title">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gP7nV5SxO8/XKRlYBO1zNI/AAAAAAAACMw/HsO7hWkC-c4VymCJp851tkvHHr4OpxcugCLcBGAs/s1600/paris%2Broubaix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="587" height="299" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gP7nV5SxO8/XKRlYBO1zNI/AAAAAAAACMw/HsO7hWkC-c4VymCJp851tkvHHr4OpxcugCLcBGAs/s320/paris%2Broubaix.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Happening on the same weekend, we have some local leisure event which are still open for registration except <a href="http://www.rhblangkawiride.com/" target="_blank">Langkawi Ride 2019</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWla441alzo/XKRlHYT_YkI/AAAAAAAACMs/U7ukpnFb9qY4zDewuTVdnWm9DNfVQrfEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/langkawi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="729" height="304" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWla441alzo/XKRlHYT_YkI/AAAAAAAACMs/U7ukpnFb9qY4zDewuTVdnWm9DNfVQrfEgCEwYBhgL/s320/langkawi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Recently, there is new ruling on how we CANNOT travel to this beautiful with our lovely bikes with conventional ferry. Kindly check with organizer to arrange for this if you have signed up for this event and you are going to the event through land and sea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbxNfCBGx0w/XKRoD9cvprI/AAAAAAAACNU/1nBk2OdrVmUp40UVf8pLz3ulAMtea-UQACEwYBhgL/s1600/pedu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbxNfCBGx0w/XKRoD9cvprI/AAAAAAAACNU/1nBk2OdrVmUp40UVf8pLz3ulAMtea-UQACEwYBhgL/s640/pedu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_77vVc5suJA/XKRq0QZjKHI/AAAAAAAACNo/hBO7g0eivPMtlYV4Czkytm4ATQebxf9zACLcBGAs/s1600/KRSA19-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="900" height="248" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_77vVc5suJA/XKRq0QZjKHI/AAAAAAAACNo/hBO7g0eivPMtlYV4Czkytm4ATQebxf9zACLcBGAs/s640/KRSA19-Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/13296?fbclid=IwAR3awRV0oC8WFuvBrAuHM9_jlNUXq_q1iw6DJ_Dm6pzPPi1oTzmA-R6P_Es" target="_blank">Pedu Lake Revisit BRM400</a> and <a href="http://www.checkpointspot.asia/Event/EventInfo.aspx?EventCode=v2xwmDFunsw%3d" target="_blank">Kayuhan Rekreasi Setia Alam 2019</a> are still open for registration, kindly click respective links to check further details of the events. The former brings you an endurance ride to one of the beautiful lakes in northern region of Malaysia while the later gives a leisure ride in a new residential area at Selangor state. That Audax route is very similar to the very first Audax BRM I attempted 2 years ago (BRM400 Penang 2017) so would I attempt it again? Not for this year as I have other goals for this year and I need to raise fund to attend some bicycles related courses. Depending on your experience in ultra distance cycling, it can be tough or easy but I reckon it is going to be not so hot since rainy season of northern region has kicked in. If you wanna know more about Audax Randonneuring, you could check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG32brun1yxEdbmD81ixlsw/videos" target="_blank">Adrian's YouTube channel</a> for more insight!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvebv_YCrY/XKTMowaBoPI/AAAAAAAACOE/C9QUbxVtPpIcHGd0jcyY-RYgbQ-XvDxrQCLcBGAs/s1600/epic%2Bride.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvebv_YCrY/XKTMowaBoPI/AAAAAAAACOE/C9QUbxVtPpIcHGd0jcyY-RYgbQ-XvDxrQCLcBGAs/s640/epic%2Bride.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0C12X42X9is/XKTNMQ9i4TI/AAAAAAAACOU/m6suyv5MOPkkc4hC6Ebt_EuAzM5hI1YFgCLcBGAs/s1600/cimb-cycle-2019-mobile-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="600" height="322" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0C12X42X9is/XKTNMQ9i4TI/AAAAAAAACOU/m6suyv5MOPkkc4hC6Ebt_EuAzM5hI1YFgCLcBGAs/s640/cimb-cycle-2019-mobile-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we are approaching to third weekend of April 2019, we have Epic Ride 2019 and CIMB Cycle 2019 which are held for numerous for now and I am gonna say these 2 events are well organized based on my past experience. The former would give endless S-curves climbs routes and crossing border into our neighboring country and cycle back to homeland on second day while the later is no doubt, a fast pace race where majority of the routes is flat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq_Qujt3fY4/XKTMlGC3IYI/AAAAAAAACOQ/7Hr5Ik86E8Yxxnn8CpUV4TvPaYSnVWlNACEwYBhgL/s1600/janamanjung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq_Qujt3fY4/XKTMlGC3IYI/AAAAAAAACOQ/7Hr5Ik86E8Yxxnn8CpUV4TvPaYSnVWlNACEwYBhgL/s640/janamanjung.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaN7zFP3wVI/XKTMpwx4GUI/AAAAAAAACOQ/EvpD3Np_iDYUP8Ajz-py0e_Tqmyr2aCbACEwYBhgL/s1600/lbl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1200" height="512" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaN7zFP3wVI/XKTMpwx4GUI/AAAAAAAACOQ/EvpD3Np_iDYUP8Ajz-py0e_Tqmyr2aCbACEwYBhgL/s640/lbl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Last weekend of April gives us another reason to switch on TV to watch another classic series of world pro race, the <a href="https://www.liege-bastogne-liege.be/en/" target="_blank">Liège-Bastogne-Liège</a>. This year, new route is featured so I guess more surprise to witness for new riders. Gonna say pro cycling seems to be having shift to new blood recently as we could witness from few races just past. As for the local scenario, we another annual fellowship ride by TNB at Janamanjung like previous year. Where is that you asked? Do you know where is Pulau Pangkor, the infamous tourist spot? It is just opposite of the island thus it is common that those coming not from Perak would travel to the island before and after the ride for quick recharge from busy urban life.<br />
<br />
That's it for this month, and oh, do you notice there are a lot of marketing virtual challenge on Strava recently? I assume this is the beginning of summer season for EU and US regions...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQUjwHIdlnM/XKTa4SOzvdI/AAAAAAAACOs/gjG63nwlZLUeXWCr2UyczrmQBGa25a3WQCLcBGAs/s1600/strava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1295" height="434" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQUjwHIdlnM/XKTa4SOzvdI/AAAAAAAACOs/gjG63nwlZLUeXWCr2UyczrmQBGa25a3WQCLcBGAs/s640/strava.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-71610627027162492182019-03-18T16:13:00.000+08:002019-04-04T11:50:27.459+08:00Review: Pardus Super 5I was gladly invited by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/%E8%AF%95%E9%AA%91100%E5%93%A9-100-miles-Cycling-Channel-534662170278003/" target="_blank">100 miles</a> to test this road bike in a very quick set up and short distance, thus do discount my words for I didn't manage to ride it for a certain mileage to see how it actually performed. Nevertheless, here is my short paragraph on how it goes for a climb and quick sprint.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c2.biketo.com/d/file/product/geartest/2017-08-02/3a0ee1828115a36733aa017621348fd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="358" src="https://c2.biketo.com/d/file/product/geartest/2017-08-02/3a0ee1828115a36733aa017621348fd7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our bike setup for that day was,<br />
<br />
Frame: Pardus Super 5 carbon frame<br />
Groupset: 5800 series 105<br />
Wheelset: Dura Ace C35 9100<br />
Chain set: 52/36 <br />
Crank: 170cm<br />
Paint work: as indicated by photo above<br />
<br />
After my cycling mate & page owner of 100 miles set up the crank length for me, I took this bike for a short climb to peak of Teluk Bahang dam from Entopia. The slope up the dam is about 7%. The first moment when I hopped on the bike, I can feel stiffness of a typical high end carbon bike which is a boon as the bike can go whenever we steer it to be and this translated to good power transfer. It is something in between endurance and aero bike, for my own experience, stiffness of Giant Propel series but still not as comfort as Trek Madone. Well, this is not an aero bike anyway so it is ok.<br />
<br />
This is the first time I was pedaling semi-cimpact crank and I have to admit that I don't have that power to pedal such setup yet, but surprisingly, I didn't feel any difficulty bringing this bike up the slope with ease though it was a semi crank. Ya, I missed my carbon bike days but no thanks, I am not going to go back to carbon frame...<br />
<br />
Once I arrived peak of dam, I did a quick sprint to test power transfer of it and it came out at no surprise when I was roughly know how carbon bike as light as those high end models response - it just burst as you push your strength on your feet. Still, you don't feel the discomfort of some aero bike (due to their stiffness) yet I am aware that how responsive this bike can be.<br />
<br />
After ascending and sprinting, it was time to return the bike by bringing it down to where I started. Time for downhill and brake test! As you can expect from a stiff carbon bike which is listening to your command, it swings corner whichever way you are comfortable with and if you feel like corners are too sharp and it is time to call for brake, the brake just works superbly.<br />
<br />
As I was coming down from such descend, it is common for any Malaysian to travel pass series of speed hump (which we are 'famous' for road structure), I don't feel much of shake. This means that shock absorption was taken care of well by overall frame design. Since I didn't have much time to peek through the bike to see how this work, I reckon it was due to the fork and seat stay work which usually boasted by various bike manufacturers.<br />
<br />
Generally speaking, this is a road bike that worth its price. It feels like those higher intermediate range but costs only around mid ranges. 100 miles crews are having a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/943852215820154/" target="_blank">second public bike test on 20 March at Butterworth Outer Ring Express</a>, for more info, kindly refer their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/%E8%AF%95%E9%AA%91100%E5%93%A9-100-miles-Cycling-Channel-534662170278003/" target="_blank">page</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZavinciCycleHub/" target="_blank">Pardus page</a> to view more options available.<br />
<br />
Want to view more photos on the event? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/%E8%AF%95%E9%AA%91100%E5%93%A9-100-miles-Cycling-Channel-534662170278003/photos/?tab=album&album_id=588475694896650&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC9RhSh7uEQJTXEj2lk1DyXddtoNBZ7bZd3nRAfyJN5imdS-6KWbmWfeEQJKqcKPYtNdHLG6OG_xVJnANm3JnKJrewKqMIBAtoydfCGOJUCzGuhEyb1SSrcHj4wtDdJX_o-4ehJ-rXzR68wjMrUoqDZSWrJPd6mMDQXpMjEr3L6BzG5oIb1V-9rgEcNpHps7TAkdbEFBmAjF8qc5DLeVWKIGslQkNjtNJJg4WMcRT_7Cv0erpLxYf0NAz-YfOhSAjN0iBSl_N1MjbKoJKbdu6OI-1DJxq5bqeiBRJDdKWuxA02pbMsZMAlCioI26o_5jURqL2KztIfDkj7A0KOhwXwr4_s6e6YMdJxSgSpcpG0vnM3-BBD4rLJfzYYfp32bqvslw8_9l-lBeRn4Si4PerDdv3A_oGsQ2gO1O0r-a6ZknixY2CY85psJT9opol5MEnuNq1tZrppba1AF_A&__tn__=-UC-R" target="_blank">Here.</a>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-49214766749514572042019-03-05T15:48:00.001+08:002020-02-10T10:27:20.582+08:00Review: Banglasia 2.0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RaP_B1ud07s/XkC_exUujfI/AAAAAAAACYo/qq0Yaxl0XYQeOe-m5cuQpVkPUGKFkLvzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/banglasia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="250" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RaP_B1ud07s/XkC_exUujfI/AAAAAAAACYo/qq0Yaxl0XYQeOe-m5cuQpVkPUGKFkLvzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/banglasia.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The film that was supposed to release in 2014, finally got approved to be showed in local cinema!<br />
<br />
New government, new hope? Sort of, though <a href="https://www.facebook.com/namewee/" target="_blank">Namewee</a> mentioned that it has still needed to be cut before it was allowed to be shown. Fortunately, after watching it yesterday, those requested-to-be-censored parts were just muted (audio track) rather than visually cut. OK, I am not meant to be a spoiler but if you are interested to watch those censored parts, Namewee did a YouTube asking for justification from the authority that why those parts are censored, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk9VUZxqN0k" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I watched that clip before heading to TGV 1st Avenue. I would rather say he is smart enough to use that clip as trailer or motivator to lure viewers to watch the film. You're good, bro.<br />
<br />
Generally, I think this film is for Malaysian, by Malaysian. Ya, they really hired a Bangladeshi to star main role but you have to be a Malaysian or familiar enough with Malaysian geopolitical issues to under those jokes in the film. You could detect Lahad Datu incident, 1MDB scandals, 505 General election, Lynas plant pollution in Kuantan... Despite that it has being 5 years since these incident occurred, I believe most Malaysians are still sentimental towards them. In fact, if this film were to released back in 2014, his film may stir more emotion from general crowd especially some Malaysians who cannot take this film as just a comedy. Oh, if you are wondering why Namewee paired Lahad Datu incursion with Chinese New Year? Quick goolging this event and you get it that it began on the first day of Chinese New Year in 2013.<br />
<br />
You should see familiar local comedy actors if you are more than 20 years old, such as Saiful Apek, David Arumugam, Yoo Ah Min etc. Well, if you are younger than 20, then I think Namewee is inclusive enough that he included some local famous YouTuber such as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/GermaniProductions/" target="_blank">Joseph Germani</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/purelukdex/" target="_blank">Ling BigYong</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JinnyboyTV/" target="_blank">Jinnyboy</a> etc...that's why I told you this is a truly local made movie SO GO AND SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCTION!<br />
<br />
The film is rated as 18 film due to its political and some sexual implicit content (you know Namewee's style of joke...) but overall, it is just a comedy, right?<br />
<br />
Spoiler ALERT! There is epilogue after credit roll to reflect current political situation and I guess that's why it was called "Banglasia <span style="color: red;"><b>2.0</b></span>". That short section may be added last minute so don't be surprise when it ends, abruptly. Nevertheless, it is still a good movie for me.<br />
<br />
Go!Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-40925312802016602782019-03-01T16:04:00.002+08:002019-03-01T16:04:32.163+08:00There is more economic indicators than petrol price<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://assets.theedgemarkets.com/oil-price_20190222165017_theedgemarkets.jpg?null" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="747" height="213" src="https://assets.theedgemarkets.com/oil-price_20190222165017_theedgemarkets.jpg?null" width="320" /></a></div>
Yep, this is the only economic number most Malaysians have a close watch on it if there are not investing or trading. In fact, RM 2.08 RON95 price cap was able to flagged as front page for most newspapers yesterday. Well, given that Malaysians are tarting to pick up reading, I am sure they can do better when it comes to finance and economy analysis at individual level which may reflect on their spending trends.<br />
<br />
I ain't not referring to Gross Domestic Product or commonly abbreviated as <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gdp.asp" target="_blank">GDP</a>. The number is usually modified to please those economically ignorant and real investor looks at more numbers which reflects on that specific country.<br />
<br />
Let's kick starts with something that are related to you and I, consumer - <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/insights/understanding-consumer-confidence-index/" target="_blank">Consumer confidence</a> and spending.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mw2BvNSUFec/XHiwUtVW7eI/AAAAAAAACJo/k_SCvDHZ-EEF3qH1GakbWzUbN9W9jchVQCLcBGAs/s1600/cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="751" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mw2BvNSUFec/XHiwUtVW7eI/AAAAAAAACJo/k_SCvDHZ-EEF3qH1GakbWzUbN9W9jchVQCLcBGAs/s640/cc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
In a normal economy, consumer spending increases as years go by due to population growth and inflation. However, the same cannot be applied to consumer confidence which is roughly defined as consumers' confidence toward how much they can buy with their money (<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/buyingpower.asp" target="_blank">buying power</a>). If you are familiar with Malaysia recent political situation, you can roughly know why there is a rally up of consumer confidence somewhere around May 2018. What goes up fast, it goes down fast, too. People are still weighing how new economic policies are impacting their lifestyle and certain groups of people are starting to doubt how such regime change could bring new hope. Such chart kind of telling me that people are going back to the situation where they spend with less confidence (buying mostly essentials with higher price). Let's see whether retail sales data could provide us some insight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGvMXGlefwc/XHi7kHSlbPI/AAAAAAAACKA/td6y2iP9B1EM6aO-VVt7aJsZrJnVTzdVQCLcBGAs/s1600/retail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="713" height="288" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGvMXGlefwc/XHi7kHSlbPI/AAAAAAAACKA/td6y2iP9B1EM6aO-VVt7aJsZrJnVTzdVQCLcBGAs/s640/retail.jpg" width="640" /></a>Hmm, looks normal, isn't it? People still buy with cyclical patterns though we see a huge draw down on September 2018. This could probably due to commencement of new taxation (Sales and Service Tax) which is meant to replace Good and Service Tax implemented by previous central government. In fact, our item price is still stable if you look at our <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/consumerpriceindex.asp" target="_blank">Consumer Price Index</a>,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mL_tgrszimE/XHi-WFeXN4I/AAAAAAAACKg/jShvFzQNSickFSTYK63wenhGIexwAKA2wCLcBGAs/s1600/cpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="723" height="282" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mL_tgrszimE/XHi-WFeXN4I/AAAAAAAACKg/jShvFzQNSickFSTYK63wenhGIexwAKA2wCLcBGAs/s640/cpi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, there is certain gloomy part in our economy which may haunt us from behind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW-VgLgbacY/XHi9PlFb8jI/AAAAAAAACKM/iH-m8leV8KgiYnpnj0lyDNVg98Ao4QGJwCLcBGAs/s1600/pmi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="737" height="280" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW-VgLgbacY/XHi9PlFb8jI/AAAAAAAACKM/iH-m8leV8KgiYnpnj0lyDNVg98Ao4QGJwCLcBGAs/s640/pmi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Those working in manufacturing industry could tell you that they are more relax recently as Malaysia is having contracted <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/pmi.asp" target="_blank">PMI</a> for the third consecutive months. Reading below 50 is considered contraction for economist and while manufacturing is no longer the major component for certain country or region, I bet it is still plays a big role in determining a country economy health or a state income (such as Penang where we have lots of US plants here). As a exporting country, weak MYR over USD does give us some edges over our output to buying countries, those who buys import stuff may not be happy with our weakening currency (though I'd rather say our currency is actually more stable compare to neighboring emerging countries).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't trade local equity because our markets are small and trading volume is pathetic as compare to biggest markets globally (US) so don't ask me what to buy. I am assuming if you are asking this, you don't know what to do when it comes to investing your hard earned money.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Why not join us? My mentor is having an online course preview on 27 March (Sun) 2pm, Webinar at this address: <a aria-describedby="u_3n_1" aria-owns="" class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/group.php?id=544735466012375&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22gs%22%2C%22directed_target_id%22%3A845055575652471%2C%22dti%22%3A845055575652471%2C%22hc_location%22%3A%22group%22%7D&ref=gs" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptt.preview/?ref=gs&fref=gs&dti=845055575652471&hc_location=group" id="js_20u">https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptt.preview/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The detail of what I have learned are listed in: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
https://www.financialscents.com/pttmy/?fbclid=IwAR0uJXRdG2-9a2DrOMuEUGaPUYFD4oMv9i-oXWzulemec_40WM0vip-H5c8</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remember, knowledge is power. </div>
Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-24547325860919533352019-01-25T15:46:00.002+08:002019-01-26T13:21:50.215+08:00Oil based paint or water based acrylics?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Tr5tdlbdAk/XEp_x8KamMI/AAAAAAAACI0/EcK7nLA29yoFX4q6A_qMQzJtgnwAUAriQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Tr5tdlbdAk/XEp_x8KamMI/AAAAAAAACI0/EcK7nLA29yoFX4q6A_qMQzJtgnwAUAriQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3711.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If you crafting plastic model kit (like Gundam or the fans coin it as Gunpla), at some point of our crafting experience, we would go to the process of coloring our kit as part of finishing it. The only difference among us is either we opt for hand paint or spray.<br />
<br />
Most of Gunpla builders are airbrush user where various tones and hues can be presented neatly or massively depending on what the builders are building. However, due to the high cost of owning and maintaining a proper set of air brush kit (and a good air compression), I choose to hand paint all my Gunpla kits to date.<br />
<br />
Hand painting is common among war game figures painters (e.g. Warhammer) and war vehicles model kit builders. You hardly find any Gunpla hand painters here and I guess most builders don't like brush stroke caused on kit surface when we can opt for neat color layer by air brushing.<br />
<br />
I opt for hand painting because I don't have physical space to store that chunky air compressor and spending too much on hobby is not my lifestyle. I personally think that hand paint can produce superb paint quality with practice over time, just look at master piece below,<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://otakurevolution.com/storyimgs/gunpla/HandPaintedMKII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://otakurevolution.com/storyimgs/gunpla/HandPaintedMKII.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a hand paint craft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another reason of choosing hand paint over air brush is personal aesthetic that cherishes imperfection. Vulnerability is beauty and realistic. Such value is based on Japanese concept of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabi-sabi" target="_blank">wabi-sabi</a> and the product of such culture value is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi" target="_blank">kintsugi</a>. Don't you think those neatly painted Gunpla looks more like toys (yes, I know, in the eyes of laymen, it is still toys).<br />
<br />
They say art pieces are reflection of its creator thus, I choose the path of less taken...<br />
<br />
After knowing what those Warhammer painters are using for their figures, I finally decided to buy a few bottles to see how Citadel water based acrylics works on Gunpla. The reason that made me hesitated was that the price of it. A bottle of Citadel acrylics costs RM 15 which is double that of Mr Color oil based paint which Gunpla builders use for coloring. So, what was the outcome?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tqj2XpLu5g/XEqM8scUGsI/AAAAAAAACJM/1o3riE50lusa_OJj4Agtx9zpoG5YhbcOwCLcBGAs/s1600/color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1439" height="236" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tqj2XpLu5g/XEqM8scUGsI/AAAAAAAACJM/1o3riE50lusa_OJj4Agtx9zpoG5YhbcOwCLcBGAs/s320/color.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am still a newbie in hand painting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As all Gunpla builders has know, Mr Color series is oil based paint thus the color is thick and bright, suitable for 1 layer paint job. I am not sure whether it is an acrylic or not because when I google around, acrylic does melt with water but Mr Color is not. Probably it is due to its oil based nature? Citadel paint although looks dull, that is because I am currently painting on first layer and Citadel coloring does has layering procedures to kind of finishing what the ultimate presentation you want, look at the table below,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/PqKmYyU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="277" height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/PqKmYyU.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
Confusing? Yep, I am still learning it. Besides this, Citadel is water based paint so whenever you don't like your color, you can just wipe it of with water as compare to specific alcoholic solvent for Mr Color. For those who is current about prolong inhale of paint as you are painting your model, Citadel is not smelly while Mr Color is...addictive for those hard core (not healthy la...).<br />
<br />
You can currently get the cheapest Mr Color series at Modelland Workshop near KOMTAR while the only place to get Citadel paint on Penang island is RNG board game shop which location is provided with corresponding hyperlink attached. Feel free to give it a try on Gunpla and let's discuss how do you feel or use it! =)Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-91773397893678699462018-12-18T00:18:00.002+08:002018-12-19T00:07:52.265+08:00Review: Cozy Atria SOFOWhat is the best thing when you are hosted by your own friend? Discount? Sort of, because being the first customer who booked a new unit listed in Airbnb, you get waived off service charges (Airbnb). However, I think it is best when you are given the chance to feedback on whichever points to be improved in existing unit so that your friend can avoid being complained in future (especially if s/he hosts a picky customer). Alas, let's go and visit <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/29614416?guests=1&adults=1" target="_blank">her apartment </a>(virtually, of course)!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://a0.muscache.com/im/pictures/da23fb3c-77d9-4af6-9b41-924cdf759749.jpg?aki_policy=x_large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="625" height="320" src="https://a0.muscache.com/im/pictures/da23fb3c-77d9-4af6-9b41-924cdf759749.jpg?aki_policy=x_large" width="292" /></a></div>
Well, when you see this, you know that you are at the right place (search for Atria Shopping Gallery in Waze/Google Map). However, the entrance to the unit is not seen here but next to Paparich as indicated by this floor map,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lYYQUB6dcM/XBddsPvkmuI/AAAAAAAAB8k/k5t6da380j0Jp3UGBzmnuiY0LiYpsASGACLcBGAs/s1600/howtogo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1080" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lYYQUB6dcM/XBddsPvkmuI/AAAAAAAAB8k/k5t6da380j0Jp3UGBzmnuiY0LiYpsASGACLcBGAs/s400/howtogo.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
The front the mall is somewhere at C02 in above floor map. Allow me to be excited because there is bicycle parking!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-erGa5As6aKI/XBdfbvwVOBI/AAAAAAAAB8w/WfGqhLJQdkgaZV-sj2kg5edEtCALwxbWwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-erGa5As6aKI/XBdfbvwVOBI/AAAAAAAAB8w/WfGqhLJQdkgaZV-sj2kg5edEtCALwxbWwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Bicycle is the way to go as a advance city (I am a cycling advocate)! OK, back to how we can go up to the unit. We would be greeted by the security desk,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://a0.muscache.com/im/pictures/e0c8d74e-5b98-48ea-a034-853fefdd8671.jpg?aki_policy=x_large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="239" src="https://a0.muscache.com/im/pictures/e0c8d74e-5b98-48ea-a034-853fefdd8671.jpg?aki_policy=x_large" width="320" /></a></div>
Then, we need to walk to the postbox of the unit to pick up the room keys. Of course, I can't show you here for security reason. One thing I need to highlight is that, Jane actually briefed me one day earlier on how to access the unit, how to use the facilities within the premise such as gaming console, TV, movie, table lights, pool, gym, food available around Atria Mall.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0d-Yhft879A/XBdjCy6mUiI/AAAAAAAAB9U/vh8CC8Z9dv8oQrD0DqhcK9IXQ-So-GkNgCLcBGAs/s1600/atria.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="725" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0d-Yhft879A/XBdjCy6mUiI/AAAAAAAAB9U/vh8CC8Z9dv8oQrD0DqhcK9IXQ-So-GkNgCLcBGAs/s400/atria.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
Such treatment was my first time since I have hosted by several Airbnb hosts in Malaysia for about 2 years (perhaps I seldom travel...). I feel welcome and convenient because basically all basic necessity is informed. OK, let's pickup the key and go up!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkZmmGOkS78/XBdkpQV7TUI/AAAAAAAAB9g/WGCnF0jith4bWNipVy2vh0XzbKTLPYc9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkZmmGOkS78/XBdkpQV7TUI/AAAAAAAAB9g/WGCnF0jith4bWNipVy2vh0XzbKTLPYc9wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4672.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Scan the key card at this slide door, <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://a0.muscache.com/im/pictures/2e26d7a9-fe93-409d-8c80-42cfe93dbb65.jpg?aki_policy=x_large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="239" src="https://a0.muscache.com/im/pictures/2e26d7a9-fe93-409d-8c80-42cfe93dbb65.jpg?aki_policy=x_large" width="320" /></a></div>
ascend to the unit through either one of the 4 elevators. Once I reached level 16, turn left and open up the fire wall door and proceed as instructed,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MeP7jQCECog/XBdmEDpMM_I/AAAAAAAAB94/dd3hXeguAowlnCbSG5FxvWiuZGfsKIPtACLcBGAs/s1600/unit.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MeP7jQCECog/XBdmEDpMM_I/AAAAAAAAB94/dd3hXeguAowlnCbSG5FxvWiuZGfsKIPtACLcBGAs/s320/unit.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
There are only 2 doors to unlock,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mumGKJqS068/XBdogn0ukoI/AAAAAAAAB-c/UhmZXq3mwvM8556SLP4VaUJX8g4MWwArgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mumGKJqS068/XBdogn0ukoI/AAAAAAAAB-c/UhmZXq3mwvM8556SLP4VaUJX8g4MWwArgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4673.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
and I was greeted by nice scent and a True Love,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hyyCgjN7nnQ/XBdpLmrm_oI/AAAAAAAAB-k/jwg2mchSf08lcB2ppyFttHnjaJWXR9G7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hyyCgjN7nnQ/XBdpLmrm_oI/AAAAAAAAB-k/jwg2mchSf08lcB2ppyFttHnjaJWXR9G7gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4674.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqJvc4iuPX4/XBdrChBOKnI/AAAAAAAAB-8/RQ96-_Il4foRuhcUKEF2LZi4AUKkmM59gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqJvc4iuPX4/XBdrChBOKnI/AAAAAAAAB-8/RQ96-_Il4foRuhcUKEF2LZi4AUKkmM59gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4675.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Be polite and clean by putting shoes/sandals on the rack. Enjoy the clean, bright and spacious room!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MTVQxCM-Txk/XBdr3n6OIkI/AAAAAAAAB_E/z7peieKqHAIZZnJnLEPh3u-FUBWwq-B5QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MTVQxCM-Txk/XBdr3n6OIkI/AAAAAAAAB_E/z7peieKqHAIZZnJnLEPh3u-FUBWwq-B5QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4695.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8y7RKjhvrY/XBdtSjCD7ZI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/OMwoGdqrLWs8nioSE-lcXnujvBKuPoVWwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8y7RKjhvrY/XBdtSjCD7ZI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/OMwoGdqrLWs8nioSE-lcXnujvBKuPoVWwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4676.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ufnqsYj5wY/XBdtVirEIYI/AAAAAAAAB_U/WMn9Nl3U0w8289IfUIa5dh5ixIsc6JL_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ufnqsYj5wY/XBdtVirEIYI/AAAAAAAAB_U/WMn9Nl3U0w8289IfUIa5dh5ixIsc6JL_gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OkOU-1yoCQ/XBdtbkkkQNI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/FWad-gQce-cm5AVp-I42mZRwnaa5vuuSQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OkOU-1yoCQ/XBdtbkkkQNI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/FWad-gQce-cm5AVp-I42mZRwnaa5vuuSQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4679.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1428830356"></span><span id="goog_1428830357"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHPiJzlHQFc/XBdwXHA9K5I/AAAAAAAACAE/iwaTddKNUIEWYZT3H7NG0d-fEg6a-Xn6gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHPiJzlHQFc/XBdwXHA9K5I/AAAAAAAACAE/iwaTddKNUIEWYZT3H7NG0d-fEg6a-Xn6gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4678.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dznKZDIZC_o/XBdwYCdaYGI/AAAAAAAACAI/5t3RJEZ3USIPPCTD0a_miOox7cRZjunrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dznKZDIZC_o/XBdwYCdaYGI/AAAAAAAACAI/5t3RJEZ3USIPPCTD0a_miOox7cRZjunrQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Simple and nice decoration, isn't it? Now let's see what we have in this room. First of, the place where we poo, pee and shower...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx-K32jHVL0/XBdyctPeOOI/AAAAAAAACAY/xufIhm_1PvYxPGS0_AcbQ3UNQS9H2iIOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx-K32jHVL0/XBdyctPeOOI/AAAAAAAACAY/xufIhm_1PvYxPGS0_AcbQ3UNQS9H2iIOgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaurd5aji2E/XBdyakJEMpI/AAAAAAAACAU/v0MjvZkhfJ4jQbFZnH8ZcomC9QWLiuU_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaurd5aji2E/XBdyakJEMpI/AAAAAAAACAU/v0MjvZkhfJ4jQbFZnH8ZcomC9QWLiuU_gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4694.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I don't have to bring my shower gel (left) and shampoo (right) because they are provided!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30UqACWoeyk/XBdzObL2pII/AAAAAAAACAw/bvdehR_ALPou4BK-egafJl3gdb-UyuS4wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30UqACWoeyk/XBdzObL2pII/AAAAAAAACAw/bvdehR_ALPou4BK-egafJl3gdb-UyuS4wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4718.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Thus the only cleaner I need to bring is facial one (in case you forget, there is a shopping mall downstairs so it is convenient).<br />
<br />
As a person who travel and emphasize on drinking clean water and keep hydration in check, seeing a proper water filter does make me feel comfortable and relax. Here it is the kitchen area,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JxyRxxzKQk/XBd0wtgN4dI/AAAAAAAACBE/7W9eqx9anosNNU0d5PcIU1V_mF5PCyoogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JxyRxxzKQk/XBd0wtgN4dI/AAAAAAAACBE/7W9eqx9anosNNU0d5PcIU1V_mF5PCyoogCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4684.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8svr6Xjjpg/XBd0hOnysGI/AAAAAAAACA8/00CruQ3mYhU0r9AMD6a6z-B7p-TOyk85ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8svr6Xjjpg/XBd0hOnysGI/AAAAAAAACA8/00CruQ3mYhU0r9AMD6a6z-B7p-TOyk85ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">need utensils for take-away?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD0lwh3VFy0/XBd0prGtWJI/AAAAAAAACBA/2QNs2eUQos4v0TI_xjJMChs4uX0QvMQZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD0lwh3VFy0/XBd0prGtWJI/AAAAAAAACBA/2QNs2eUQos4v0TI_xjJMChs4uX0QvMQZwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DIHjBHQYeY/XBd07AUwytI/AAAAAAAACBc/u3n6jsoUlZMZMQgTs4goPvk6sFbe0487QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DIHjBHQYeY/XBd07AUwytI/AAAAAAAACBc/u3n6jsoUlZMZMQgTs4goPvk6sFbe0487QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4688.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">need hot water?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64NltXY8NJY/XBd1NNQG2eI/AAAAAAAACBs/x47XlhQ8oDAJ3HXNSMjZBpgOIcvrDKvqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64NltXY8NJY/XBd1NNQG2eI/AAAAAAAACBs/x47XlhQ8oDAJ3HXNSMjZBpgOIcvrDKvqACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4689.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">basic utensils for simple food processing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KPoV4LeeDI/XBd1KAfE6QI/AAAAAAAACBk/zjb1C0U2gbQTsDW_LOHIEQ-BcQhjowJHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KPoV4LeeDI/XBd1KAfE6QI/AAAAAAAACBk/zjb1C0U2gbQTsDW_LOHIEQ-BcQhjowJHgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4690.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chopper board for fruits cutting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCekZ_pG-XY/XBd1Z2x8cWI/AAAAAAAACBw/cbeS8XFFZiQdHzOI2pV5ielJBuhEmRhqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCekZ_pG-XY/XBd1Z2x8cWI/AAAAAAAACBw/cbeS8XFFZiQdHzOI2pV5ielJBuhEmRhqQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4691.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wv6QsygL3I/XBd1iYGrfrI/AAAAAAAACB8/ohthdkXTSCwBjVau6yMnURePeMgOGmdkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wv6QsygL3I/XBd1iYGrfrI/AAAAAAAACB8/ohthdkXTSCwBjVau6yMnURePeMgOGmdkQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4692.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hot & cot combo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I grew up without air conditioner so I only switched on fan throughout my stay. However, I am the rare breed now if I am seen in modern urban citizen. Fear not, there are 2 air-con to cool down the unit on top of the existence of powerful ceiling fan.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2MIzJ62Jz8/XBd8jJ4AT-I/AAAAAAAACCY/B815upgeSWYYxa6LzVhOs9mCSBJtFtrGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2MIzJ62Jz8/XBd8jJ4AT-I/AAAAAAAACCY/B815upgeSWYYxa6LzVhOs9mCSBJtFtrGQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4683.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">second aircon in the house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPjcLJzlApg/XBd8lG0mm6I/AAAAAAAACCc/1EgK_4FEqDEKILzmAtFolOV9CsRBXjXAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPjcLJzlApg/XBd8lG0mm6I/AAAAAAAACCc/1EgK_4FEqDEKILzmAtFolOV9CsRBXjXAACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4685.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I have mentioned about gaming consoles for several times, so you may be wondering, what am I talking about. It is the 8-bit games that consolidates in one machine, with 2 joysticks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVavyMfQnPM/XBd_ZU7_aCI/AAAAAAAACC4/iZU0932Oux8fnVLnOmX-2-GUjB-ev56AQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4724%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVavyMfQnPM/XBd_ZU7_aCI/AAAAAAAACC4/iZU0932Oux8fnVLnOmX-2-GUjB-ev56AQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4724%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
this is how you access it,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy0jHL9Oe1bQ_iO-pad4CXmOQ4O6GJ4JTB9Vadcy9m2lBE1e9_EpmO6WoH60PE29gKAH__Uw9rMhM7PE3TeLw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
cable of the joysticks are long enough for me to play it by sitting on the edge of the bed. If 8-bit games are not for you, I am sure modern people can't live wit hut Internet, right?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm6-AEpPiaI/XBeCRBqQnYI/AAAAAAAACDQ/s6Oa7KzsNTkc-pXAKaB5PrNpxvFAoSPpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4723%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm6-AEpPiaI/XBeCRBqQnYI/AAAAAAAACDQ/s6Oa7KzsNTkc-pXAKaB5PrNpxvFAoSPpACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4723%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISP: Maxis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This mobile modem allows up to 10 devices to connect to it. I don't think you bring more than that for a travel eh?<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><i>Update: The Internet in the room has upgraded to 100 Mbps Unifi!</i></b></span> <br />
<br />
If staying in a room is boring for you or you don't want to skip our workout routine, let's go to level 5!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_U6J-uWJnWs/XBeDI4iracI/AAAAAAAACDY/-bezb8h_9JsM6L3AQdc8Y6B3p6xrZZb3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_U6J-uWJnWs/XBeDI4iracI/AAAAAAAACDY/-bezb8h_9JsM6L3AQdc8Y6B3p6xrZZb3wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4714.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Again, push the door open and you should see this ample space,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7XhjlZS-cY/XBeDgbAZS3I/AAAAAAAACDk/FGq8MxuyjPYwvyBuLvv-er97k4ugHTf_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7XhjlZS-cY/XBeDgbAZS3I/AAAAAAAACDk/FGq8MxuyjPYwvyBuLvv-er97k4ugHTf_ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
while I was strolling around that area, I was amazed that building management is paying attention to small details by educating public about plants that they choose to decorate this activity floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_EI7UHkfk4/XBeEec2dtUI/AAAAAAAACD0/ZKlIVfZ8O5UeGMAC-ZPuvGaymGoJ6C8pwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_EI7UHkfk4/XBeEec2dtUI/AAAAAAAACD0/ZKlIVfZ8O5UeGMAC-ZPuvGaymGoJ6C8pwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4699.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lti1dOEzox8/XBeEUnUZ50I/AAAAAAAACDs/S_HGJAIT2jIi6lI5UASIIz0zfSaxbfqzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lti1dOEzox8/XBeEUnUZ50I/AAAAAAAACDs/S_HGJAIT2jIi6lI5UASIIz0zfSaxbfqzQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4701.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kFXQkhkQJ0/XBeEXCxyPdI/AAAAAAAACDw/zf8QlzmrdBAmds-KJXryW9bpZdndF3DvQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kFXQkhkQJ0/XBeEXCxyPdI/AAAAAAAACDw/zf8QlzmrdBAmds-KJXryW9bpZdndF3DvQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4702.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This is great because who knows we may spark the brain of new prodigy?<br />
<br />
Now, let's see what else are in this level<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnwaUexHEHk/XBeFqLVaCII/AAAAAAAACEU/iNn_PdlboYkip8Lyzuuqm4vBnSVEQnTOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnwaUexHEHk/XBeFqLVaCII/AAAAAAAACEU/iNn_PdlboYkip8Lyzuuqm4vBnSVEQnTOgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4703.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meeting room is open for rental if you need it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2EgnXHSJJs/XBeoopzd_YI/AAAAAAAACE8/Db4klBnmMLwZUd2c7nGZObIjppO32ZjgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2EgnXHSJJs/XBeoopzd_YI/AAAAAAAACE8/Db4klBnmMLwZUd2c7nGZObIjppO32ZjgQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ--6GNiqGk/XBeoaB7tLHI/AAAAAAAACE4/IEkOLs5OVjUcpITUaEas3wh_YJgOCxtCQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ--6GNiqGk/XBeoaB7tLHI/AAAAAAAACE4/IEkOLs5OVjUcpITUaEas3wh_YJgOCxtCQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXxo415gklQ/XBeotTzvqbI/AAAAAAAACFA/zxUv2Sx0btArPScEDtUcP7-2zOWc3zz8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXxo415gklQ/XBeotTzvqbI/AAAAAAAACFA/zxUv2Sx0btArPScEDtUcP7-2zOWc3zz8wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38-EGey6wr0/XBeo4aYQQHI/AAAAAAAACFE/Ep6C4XqANNcO4xUbd5syPYt-a6cAaMN8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38-EGey6wr0/XBeo4aYQQHI/AAAAAAAACFE/Ep6C4XqANNcO4xUbd5syPYt-a6cAaMN8wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4709.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is not a modern high rise residence if there is no swimming pool, Jacuzzi and gym.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kaDm2fnG82g/XBepcS9LyQI/AAAAAAAACFU/DaCSaoIhrOUkvuSCKE52RYIKuJ283NXRwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kaDm2fnG82g/XBepcS9LyQI/AAAAAAAACFU/DaCSaoIhrOUkvuSCKE52RYIKuJ283NXRwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They are located next to each other.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGfyjR-MrzU/XBer44yW_1I/AAAAAAAACFw/pUaOih73MIQUArtLJWx56djnr0gwrN22wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGfyjR-MrzU/XBer44yW_1I/AAAAAAAACFw/pUaOih73MIQUArtLJWx56djnr0gwrN22wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4707.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kudos for doing recycling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmQwQEa4-04/XBeryz34XKI/AAAAAAAACFg/UQSmgujzzsYWAbrk4ID2fdNj_DUnnVGNACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmQwQEa4-04/XBeryz34XKI/AAAAAAAACFg/UQSmgujzzsYWAbrk4ID2fdNj_DUnnVGNACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4710.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">empty space next to pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_jRbLM6lfM/XBesIHLg9AI/AAAAAAAACF4/bih3aBI9uMo9ioQQZ_ysSw-Ep2iqTT47wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_jRbLM6lfM/XBesIHLg9AI/AAAAAAAACF4/bih3aBI9uMo9ioQQZ_ysSw-Ep2iqTT47wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4712.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">make full use of wall decoration, a seat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTBlPXCsLmc/XBesT4NxHLI/AAAAAAAACGA/fASmQiOKiug5hYHPuJdTv9A-aY1_EEmqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTBlPXCsLmc/XBesT4NxHLI/AAAAAAAACGA/fASmQiOKiug5hYHPuJdTv9A-aY1_EEmqwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4713.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C for toilet? washing closet, I guess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Air ventilation here is good. Besides, there are more than 10 species of landscape plants surrounding all these facilities. I am assuming this building is still new since there are only 2 persons are using the gym and it was weekend.<br />
<br />
Alright, after dinner and some simple after-meal strolling (and looking for coffee) at Atria Mall, it is time to test the softness of the bed. Of course, I showered before touching the bed (for cleanliness sake, please do!)...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNoOe6vy5pM/XBe8CHo0ocI/AAAAAAAACGY/gs7P-YsUYSca_AMvBpTuWN4GVg_zIeV-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4717%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNoOe6vy5pM/XBe8CHo0ocI/AAAAAAAACGY/gs7P-YsUYSca_AMvBpTuWN4GVg_zIeV-QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4717%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you need to iron your clothes, and you know that I am bald, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ-oV59HPps/XBe8UkjkFHI/AAAAAAAACGg/Cvi5snVDlLo7ux15fdzgF5UoqO9DltNvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ-oV59HPps/XBe8UkjkFHI/AAAAAAAACGg/Cvi5snVDlLo7ux15fdzgF5UoqO9DltNvACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4716.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scene I see through window glasses as I am dozing into REM sleep... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pillows are those hotel class (softness). There are 4 pillows (if you noticed the photo I shot earlier) and since I am here alone, I can grabbed all of them, Muahaha (pity this fellow, have to sleep alone with such cozy bed...)!<br />
Zzzzzzz..........<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5NqJK3qehA/XBfCU0HtCwI/AAAAAAAACG4/YiZOigoX0O8EOmcbfv5O5eT48KgqZrSaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5NqJK3qehA/XBfCU0HtCwI/AAAAAAAACG4/YiZOigoX0O8EOmcbfv5O5eT48KgqZrSaQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Good morning, people! My bus was scheduled to depart at 1000 hours at 1Utama Bus terminal. I woke up at 0700 so that I can explore food stores around this building before I left here. Taken a wantoon noodle at Kim Kee and grabbed a mocha to quench my coffee thirst. There are 2 cafes in Atria Mall that opens around 0800 - 0830 so that those who still can't find anything to bite at the shops around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZTYyp9Qi7M/XBfGxAkcldI/AAAAAAAACHQ/9ldMe9vxyis0h4-p7unSuzKKZeBX9rGLgCLcBGAs/s1600/mocha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZTYyp9Qi7M/XBfGxAkcldI/AAAAAAAACHQ/9ldMe9vxyis0h4-p7unSuzKKZeBX9rGLgCLcBGAs/s320/mocha.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
According to house rules,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFqIvkizh44/XBfHwd9I7EI/AAAAAAAACHY/-BgdnVEcXN0HKkHhP8-kRIfDmjba3G9GgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFqIvkizh44/XBfHwd9I7EI/AAAAAAAACHY/-BgdnVEcXN0HKkHhP8-kRIfDmjba3G9GgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4721.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We ought to discard thrash as we checking out from the house, so I proceed to thrash chamber located next to lift chambers to get rid of a bag of rubbish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fV5C1fucU0E/XBfJQIKpMRI/AAAAAAAACHw/YhfFqHmgQSUAuHTQhtKkGIvcYi8QyprWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fV5C1fucU0E/XBfJQIKpMRI/AAAAAAAACHw/YhfFqHmgQSUAuHTQhtKkGIvcYi8QyprWgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4725.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Please discard the thrash according to type, recycle!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--O2XD6HHG94/XBfJqbm0isI/AAAAAAAACH4/D9i4xnoVd1gga3qGj-GD2PPOHHHHsf64ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--O2XD6HHG94/XBfJqbm0isI/AAAAAAAACH4/D9i4xnoVd1gga3qGj-GD2PPOHHHHsf64ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4726.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Once this is done, I was ready to go home! With this, we shall reverse all the steps mentioned from this post to leave this cozy house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XgHPUlp-5I/XBfLNpwMt8I/AAAAAAAACIE/EW-pA3dJlwQ0qfbhUuJSrFZDWJ1_tRQIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XgHPUlp-5I/XBfLNpwMt8I/AAAAAAAACIE/EW-pA3dJlwQ0qfbhUuJSrFZDWJ1_tRQIQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4727.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This is place is Grab friendly, see!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4ApshuHQPA/XBfLpqDGHjI/AAAAAAAACIM/VQP2oISbMeA9zyLnH8t2L-vfv3X5AAZMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4ApshuHQPA/XBfLpqDGHjI/AAAAAAAACIM/VQP2oISbMeA9zyLnH8t2L-vfv3X5AAZMgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4719.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
With this, time to say: "Bye!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>p/s: Choose "1 Utama New Wing" as Grab destination instead of "Bus Terminal@1Utama" because these 2 locations are far apart (thanks, uncle for clarifying this for me)</i></span>Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-84775333740458971642018-10-24T16:27:00.005+08:002018-10-24T16:27:48.763+08:00Review: Brita fill&go Active water filter tumblerIt is grateful that my bestie, Samuel Shee managed to get us, <a href="https://web.facebook.com/Howeiandrew/" target="_blank">Howei ambassadors</a> to collaborate with Brita Malaysia to bring clean water as we are cycling everywhere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UmVPlPeP5Ns/W9AjpR6eSZI/AAAAAAAAB7g/pSxXFjwb0kACXFiSuaoohtQmsWkKsmbEwCLcBGAs/s1600/bottle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="746" height="286" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UmVPlPeP5Ns/W9AjpR6eSZI/AAAAAAAAB7g/pSxXFjwb0kACXFiSuaoohtQmsWkKsmbEwCLcBGAs/s320/bottle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Brita produces water <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jug" title="Jug">jugs</a> (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A" title="Bisphenol A">BPA</a>-free, made of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrene" title="Styrene">styrene</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_methacrylate" title="Methyl methacrylate">methyl methacrylate</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copolymer" title="Copolymer">copolymer</a>), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kettle" title="Kettle">kettles</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tap_(valve)" title="Tap (valve)">tap</a> attachments with integrated disposable filters. The filters can be recycled<sup>.</sup>
<br />
Their primary filtering mechanism consists of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activated_carbon" title="Activated carbon">activated carbon</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion-exchange_resin" title="Ion-exchange resin">ion-exchange resin</a>. The activated carbon is produced from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut" title="Coconut">coconut</a> shells. According to Brita, the filters have two effects:
<br />
<ul>
<li>The activated carbon removes substances that may impair taste, such as chlorine and chlorine compounds.</li>
<li>The ion-exchange resin reduces the carbonate hardness (limescale) as well as copper and lead.</li>
</ul>
The filters do not purify water, though...<br />
<br />
It has been 2 months ever since <a href="https://web.facebook.com/Howeishelinyong/" target="_blank">we</a> got this from <a href="https://web.facebook.com/sam.chong.564813" target="_blank">Sam Chong</a>, the distributor of Brita in Malaysia and we got rid of our own old normal cycling bottles since then. You got it, we can clean water on the go. As a long distance/endurance cyclist, we often got ourselves refilled through bottled mineral water from petrol station or questionable source of drinking water from local coffee stalls by the road (especially during our Audax BRM). I remember once there was a lady who ran a roadside food stall, told me that we can drink plain water indefinitely without paying because she just got it from the reverse osmosis water machine near the convenient store (imagine how often they replaced their filters...). By the way, I still don't have confident to drink tap water in Malaysia even though the new government is striving to provide this for us. We can tell from taste of water filtered by the micro disc filter, that it is different from the water we usually sourced along our ride and it is refreshing and no chlorine/chemical taste. Below is the image of used filter ready to be replaced and a new one,<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvxTHCTzJkc/W9Asotw7LZI/AAAAAAAAB74/PXzOGy1Mz2wx4NWbMo3-EaWLPIF1HXbFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4391.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvxTHCTzJkc/W9Asotw7LZI/AAAAAAAAB74/PXzOGy1Mz2wx4NWbMo3-EaWLPIF1HXbFgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4391.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">used (left), new (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How often do we need to change the filter? Given that each full volume of a tumbler is 600 ml and it is suggestible to replace it after 150 liter filtration, it takes 250 times of bottle refill. Of course, you and I don't record it daily, so Sam suggested that we replace it after a month if we use it every day. My experience was that, the filter actually clogged, and I couldn't squeeze water out from the tumbler (refer photo above). I am not advising you to do so, it is just that I had forgotten the count since I started using it.<br />
<br />
You may have concern about the water pressure of it once you squeeze it like any other cycling bottle, but let me tell you this, we still get our water splash even though there is a micro disc filter separates us between our water in tumbler and our body (because I don't know where you would squeeze the water). Suction wise, the water pressure is as similar as other normal cycling/sports tumbler, too. This 600ml tumbler is as squeezable as any other cycling bottle and as durable as any others that can withstand accidental drop when we are on our bikes.<br />
<br />
There are 4 color options available: deep purple, lime green, scarlet red and blue (as displayed in leading image) and it comes with lid (we don't usually use it when we carry it on our bike because it is challenging to actually drinking it single-handled) and soft string (for you to hook on your bag or any other carriage).<br />
<br />
If you are interested to have a demo, kindly let me know or you could visit <a href="https://web.facebook.com/brita.msia/" target="_blank">Brita Malaysia</a> store at Penang Times Square. Til then, keep hydrated!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWYCZ0mZiqo/W9As6R8W_YI/AAAAAAAAB8A/cjRx8pcvp_4Kg-uGAo8N-xKbnHD2Ie2-wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4352.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="504" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWYCZ0mZiqo/W9As6R8W_YI/AAAAAAAAB8A/cjRx8pcvp_4Kg-uGAo8N-xKbnHD2Ie2-wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4352.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div>
Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308313931878938497.post-29378313302817603172018-09-28T11:39:00.002+08:002018-12-19T00:16:49.033+08:00Malaysia economy so far?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XgmYpZMjDl0/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XgmYpZMjDl0/hqdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Managed to watch this local production before it was dropped in Penang cineplex yesterday and it was a good one (from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saw_Teong_Hin" target="_blank">Saw Teong Hin</a>, the director and producer of Puteri Gunung Ledang, You Mean the World to Me 海墘新路 etc. and crews). I heard weeping of touched (besides mine) given that number of audience at this point of time is lesser than when it was premiered. I could say <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_general_election,_2018" target="_blank">9 May</a> was like second independent day for Malaysia if you know what happened during that day.<br />
<br />
OK, snapping back to reality after lights were bright.<br />
<br />
Some of us who are financially aware may ask, "How is our economy now since the new government is taking over for almost 5 months?" Well, rather than finding our ex-prime minister's simplistic view on our macro economy by correlating oil price and MYR strength (read it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/najibrazak/posts/10155606377225952?__tn__=K-R" target="_blank">here</a>), amuzing (he did write a detail explanation though...), this is my take on Malaysia general economy situation.<br />
<br />
Let's kick start with consumer expectation,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XA1bduJARLc/W62IvlSOwlI/AAAAAAAAB5g/MCrGYprXWgg9Kf8v6PStzfse39R847jQQCLcBGAs/s1600/banklending.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="704" height="187" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XA1bduJARLc/W62IvlSOwlI/AAAAAAAAB5g/MCrGYprXWgg9Kf8v6PStzfse39R847jQQCLcBGAs/s400/banklending.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4qE4pqDCQw/W62Iv4MfYAI/AAAAAAAAB5k/dUP3B1P50TI2mXlHxQ8Gie0ywFoPGiXaACLcBGAs/s1600/cc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="712" height="182" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4qE4pqDCQw/W62Iv4MfYAI/AAAAAAAAB5k/dUP3B1P50TI2mXlHxQ8Gie0ywFoPGiXaACLcBGAs/s400/cc.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Rlww8su-4/W62IwT_OP3I/AAAAAAAAB5o/WwwJhGkMet8-lwcpkMkbnRH62RKsE470gCLcBGAs/s1600/rs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="727" height="165" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Rlww8su-4/W62IwT_OP3I/AAAAAAAAB5o/WwwJhGkMet8-lwcpkMkbnRH62RKsE470gCLcBGAs/s400/rs.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Most of the Malaysians, I assume, could attribute the spike of retail sales and consumer confidence during the period of June to August after the general election because the new government was giving a grace period of abolishing Government and Service Tax and replacing it with Sales and Services Tax (which onset in September 2018). Seeing these columns were climbing back from seemingly bottom during this 5 years, I would say it was reviving from months of low (where election tension was looming). Next, we go on with industrial side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i671TdZB-KM/W62KeUKlYcI/AAAAAAAAB6A/o0L4HG8YzSYf833xFcIbb_y6TcATZhjgQCLcBGAs/s1600/indusmom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="720" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i671TdZB-KM/W62KeUKlYcI/AAAAAAAAB6A/o0L4HG8YzSYf833xFcIbb_y6TcATZhjgQCLcBGAs/s400/indusmom.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WAteT0adaYo/W62KeKW8XdI/AAAAAAAAB54/qUs-AAJbTBwqFpphEX58fgfv0fYciBu0wCLcBGAs/s1600/pmi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="722" height="181" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WAteT0adaYo/W62KeKW8XdI/AAAAAAAAB54/qUs-AAJbTBwqFpphEX58fgfv0fYciBu0wCLcBGAs/s400/pmi.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ09UefdVfE/W62KeQ16AuI/AAAAAAAAB58/RXpzlJk_y4oEziKQrLLTOFmb8gdmpsdOwCLcBGAs/s1600/unemploy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="711" height="183" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ09UefdVfE/W62KeQ16AuI/AAAAAAAAB58/RXpzlJk_y4oEziKQrLLTOFmb8gdmpsdOwCLcBGAs/s400/unemploy.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Unemployment rate and industrial production remained constant for this 5 years period while manufacturing PMI finally expended from contraction since early of 2018. Our weakening Ringgit versus USD is actually helping us, an export oriented country, if foreign investment is still confident on us over our unstable political situation and the infamous 1MDB case. Rising industrial production? I take it as bottom out. How about our central bank interest rate then?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-OSgePgzk8/W62SvCXYY3I/AAAAAAAAB6o/HFHukU2hnjczQNs-nkhGPD_BaRImqVKCQCLcBGAs/s1600/interest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="707" height="186" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-OSgePgzk8/W62SvCXYY3I/AAAAAAAAB6o/HFHukU2hnjczQNs-nkhGPD_BaRImqVKCQCLcBGAs/s400/interest.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Falling since 2008 crisis which made sense, given that our economy relies a lot on local consumption (look at how many Proton and Perodua on the roads versus Toyota and Honda). Bank Negara or Malaysia Central Bank raised the rate 2 years after that and today it is maintaining around 3% ~ 3.25%. It would be rising rapidly during 2010 - 2011 but generally, I think previous and recent rise was tightening loan when most people were rushing to buy low in various investments.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Drf6MHxXMM/W62fdS5b14I/AAAAAAAAB7A/YJFfR_Fow9Agv_MmcQWRK-DFykTnY8XvwCLcBGAs/s1600/yieldcurve.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="471" height="237" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Drf6MHxXMM/W62fdS5b14I/AAAAAAAAB7A/YJFfR_Fow9Agv_MmcQWRK-DFykTnY8XvwCLcBGAs/s400/yieldcurve.png" width="400" /></a></div>
In US markets, when yield curves were inverted (meaning short term bond yield rates are higher than longer term yield rate, this is probably due to greed of investors to secure low risk returns), stock market crashed most, if not all the time. While looking at Malaysia's story, it seems the curves were starting to flattening while stock market was consolidating or rally from correction during our last cinematic election,<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOurNp61r2U/W62gfTriruI/AAAAAAAAB7I/F4fNtEBJAuQ29UyXwMi9oLM--esVMt5KgCLcBGAs/s1600/klci.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="734" height="183" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOurNp61r2U/W62gfTriruI/AAAAAAAAB7I/F4fNtEBJAuQ29UyXwMi9oLM--esVMt5KgCLcBGAs/s320/klci.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as of 27 Sep 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In a nutshell, would you say this is a recovery from Malaysians' much anticipated situation? I am a bit conservative and I would rather say it is a recession for me. Of course, what happened around macro economy is correlating (if you think there is such correlation) with equity markets around 6 to 12 months or vice versa.<br />
<br />
This is my personal opinion as a concerned citizen and I don't trade local market. If you are trading or investing Malaysia market, DO YOUR OWN STUDY and don't ask me what to buy or sell because I have mentioned it above. This simple article was meant to share my view and probably some comment from my reader so that we could exchange thought on finance, economy or anything else.<br />
<br />
Til then,<br />
Happy hunting!Andrew Koayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14774646758451186070noreply@blogger.com0