Mr Rayns' Updates

Sighhh! Its been a looongg longgg time since my last visit/update on my own blog. I hardly find any time to post update nor to visit others blog too. There is only one reason for this... which is my work. For the past 3 months, it has been very challenging and difficult for me to do my work in my new company. A lot of issues have to be settled and yet i still struggling to learn and at the same time solving the issues.

I found it very difficult to make progress here because expectation is high from everybody. Little guidance is provided (compare to the previous company I worked before) and the process is much more complicated as it is hidden inside the machine. Sometime I just feel exhausted and thinking  about giving up. But deep inside me, I know that this is the right choice for me regardless of the suffering I have to endure.

It's really tough.... I lost control of my life.... It was the lowest point of my life ever. I was lucky my fiancee is here so I can share things with her. So, it helps a lot to keep me on track. When things like this happened, I cannot help myself from thinking, why I left my previous company in KL? I had a very comfortable life there. Learning is never been that easy for me. But here? its a total opposite!

But that was 2-3 months back. At this time of writing, I am glad because I stayed. I started to pick things. Everything started to make sense for me. I started to gain control over my work, which mean a total control of my life as well. I foresee that things is very easy here, as long as you know what you are doing and you know how to do it right.

All in all, I am looking forward to work here. Some ppl might see me as a dumb person... well, I have to accept that before but not forever. Sometime you have to be dumb in order to survive.... just make sure you know  ur direction and intention....The say goes as "Difficult times never last, but tough ppl do". This is such an inspiration for me to be tough, because I believe that difficult times is just temporary. 

Cukuplah sia berfalsafah... my last word is..."Tunggu lah kamurang"... I meant it in a good way...  dont get me wrong.

Proceed on: "Mr Rayns' Updates"

New Life in Singapore

It's been about 2 weeks since I arrived in Singapore. I just got my internet broadband yesterday, so I can start blogging again. After all life is not bad over here, at least for me.. I heard a lots of unpleasant things prior of leaving... i.e too strict, no freedom, cannot do this, cannot do that, cost of living very high etc....

I am not in exception, but as usual, I don't allow my judgment to be overshadowed by those remarks.... I used to think about the suffering I will have to endure  without my car, about have to get up early in the morning, about having to start over to build my network again and all those sort of "What If" questions which popping out of my mind most of the time.

It was not easy for me to make this decision, but as usual, I prayed. Thanks God, after about 2 weeks over here, everything seems to be alright.... work wise, well, ppl seems to be able to accept me even not all of them. You know, some people are mentally unstable, how good or friendly you trying to be, they just ignore you or pretend like you does not exist. But, that's just a small matter. Most important thing now is to find my footing.

Living cost? I would say it's cheaper compare to Malaysia if we compare dollar to dollar. In KL my average 1 day meal expenses like Breakfast -RM 2.5 (canteen food), Lunch - RM5-8(Including drinks) and dinner easily about RM6-8. So 1 day meals can reach up to RM16 - 18/day. But in Singapore, my breakfast is only $0.8 (Free tea and coffee).... my lunch and dinner hardly exceed $5 respectively (normal hawker shop).. so all in all its about $8-10.

What abt other things? I would say general items here are relatively cheaper. (Based on my experience) Energizer battery (2pcs) is $1.6 compare to RM 4, my favorite choclate is $4.5 compare to RM 8.3, KFC snake plate is $6.7 compare to RM9, shower cream is $4 compare to RM7 etc... There are lots more items which I found cheaper here..... Beer? believe me its only around $2.3/can (tiger  n carls)... Even with this price, they claimed it still expensive.

The only thing that I found quite expensive here is the accommodation. I am renting a common room at $700/mth for couple. Earlier I thought it was reasonable, anyhow many of  friends of mine told me otherwise. So, I am waiting until everything is stable first before making the next move. Some more, the environment is quite comfortable here. So will decide later on whether wana move out or not.

Transportation is very convenient and systematic. I thought I will feel isolated without my car ready at hand, but no... there are ample access to buses and trains as well. You can go almost everywhere as the transportation is well connected. You only need to know which bus to take. For MRT, its quite straight forward.

Lastly, I am getting my internet broadband at $27/month for 2.0Mbps speed. Do you know how much we have to pay for half of the speed in Malaysia? Its about 100 plusss.... The highest speed available here is 7.2 Mbps with monthly subscription of $41....cheap and affordable right?

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "New Life in Singapore"

The Principle

  
I have number of principles. Principles that I believe I can hold onto. Principles that I talked with everyone especially with my friends and basically agreed on what it stand for or whatever reason it holds into. Anyhow, lately, I seem to walk away from one of it. It seems that I compromise on what I hold strong previously. I purposely loosening my grip on that matter, for some reasons that I see as an opportunity or chance of a lifetime that will make me regret if I don't take any appropriate action now.

So, between the principle of what is right for many people (and to some extent is right for me too), I decided to ignore anything about it, as I don't want any regret or guilt within myself to haunt me forever for not doing what is deemed to me as a right thing to do. Yes, I believe I should do what I think is the right thing to do, as I understand myself and my situation better than anyone else. So, I trust my own judgment, even if i did ask others' opinion along the way.

Making a big decision is not always an easy thing for me. Manoeuvring my own life sometime could be a mystery. It’s like going into a thick fog ahead as I do not know what will happen and what is in there.  Many question pop out of my mind. What if this happened... what if that happened and so on.... and I don’t really know the answer. The only reason that keeps me going is because I believe in God. I believe that things will never go wrong if I let him to take charge. And many times, it is not easy to simply put your faith like that. As a human, I still need some assurance; I still need to touch, to see, to get the result and etc...  to believe.

But if I don’t have faith, how do I want to keep moving?  I might just delayed things and leave myself strangled in confusion and hesitation.  In fact, I encountered this situation many times, especially when I reached the crossroads.

I know that my principle is right. It’s always right all the time, but it doesn’t mean that I have to stand by it all the time.  As a human, I think I should be more rational, and not to look things in 2 perspectives only. There are times in my life that either Yes or No is not gonna be an answer. There are times I should stay in the twilight area

I planned things out, but it doesn’t mean it will work that way.  I believe, God knows the best about it, and I believe that nobody is going to change my life for the better except me. So.... let’s rock and roll.... kekeekek

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "The Principle"

My First Day

My first day working today was quite boring. As a newcomer, I expected this to happen. But what made it worse, my laptop is not arrived yet. It will take another week according to the department's clerk as she is the one who responsible to purchase it.

My boss who interviewed me was not around. He will only be in by next week. So I might be fully functioning only by next week... anyhow, as usual this is a time for me to learn more abt the people, about the place. There must be a reason why I am so free especially this week. I dunno what waiting next week.

Tomorrow  I will request my colleague to bring me into the production area.. if she got time. I need to familiarize myself with the process. I think the people here are friendly compare to my previous company. They share things. I dont know up to what extent they are willing to share their knowledges, but i take it as a good sign lah. Some more, I didnt expect anything like this at the first place.

At the end of the day, it happened to me that I bumped in with my friends. Two of them. I have not been in touch with them for many years... and they are here! How small the world is. One of them used to be my enemy in my previous company. So all in all, I made 7 new friends today.

My body is still aching. I cancel my second session with my trainer tonight. I said I cannot bear the pain. He teased me by saying I seldom exercising.. But I say I will continue tomorrow. Anyhow since I am paying 159/mth... I will just go for a 10 mins jogging and 50 mins in the sauna. Must make full use of it.

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "My First Day"

GYM

I decided to sign up for a gym membership. I need to continue exercising for my own health (My cholesterol level is slightly high), for my marathon preparation, stay in a good shape and actually because I like it. I think exercising has helped me in many ways ie; reducing stress, be more focus, feels good, self satisfaction... 

I started my first session today, and now my body is all aching. Nevertheless, I am glad, because I can work out without worrying about the weather, polluted air etc, since it is done in a controlled environment. I have 2 free sessions with personal trainer, and he is showing me the right way of using the equipments, and proper workout method. After that, I will be all on my own.

I signed up for a 2 years contract. I dont know whether I am going to stay here for 2 years, but as far as i seen, there is a big chance of that to happen. I guess I have to make fully use of it since I am paying RM 160 monthly. Hope to see some mucles too... not a bulky one, just a lean type... bukan sia mau jadi body builder pun.

Tomorrow will be my first working day in my new company. I have no feeling nor expectation. This is very different compare with my previous employers (Two to be exact), where I found myself nervous and felt uncomfortable meeting peoples around. Things like having frens, capable of doing job, good bos etc.. did not bother me much as it did on me last time. So wish me luck... :)

-----END-----

Proceed on: "GYM"

The Crossroad

It was an intense time for me for the past 2 weeks. What happened in the past 2 weeks was a situation where I had to choose the next career path that I will have to go. It was so intense in the sense of choosing the best option and what I really wanted.

Everybody have their own way of thinking of what career advancement is all about. For me, I relate it much on money, job satisfaction and location. I am not and idealistic type of person. I am more interested on the value that I might get as a return. It may sounds self-centered or selfish for some people, but at least I know I never doubt about the quality of work I had done so far. Its give and take.

Making a choice was the hardest thing. I, for once thought that I had made my decision, but with just a slight swing on situation, I became unsure. I prayed hard. I asked God, why things turn out to be confusing? What does God want me to see or to learn? I didn't know the answer. But I have faith, that He will show me the right way, out of many crossroads.

In the time of uncertainty, I just walked on, following every logical move and avoiding from making any immediate decision. But thanks to God, starting from yesterday, I have decided on the pathway that I should choose. And I am very satisfied with my choice.

I still remember last time when I was just about to move to Penang, I questioned myself.... why must Penang? Out of many jobs interviews I had attended in KL and only one in Penang, why the one in Penang responded? I asked God what is His plan, and I dont know the answer until yesterday. Now everything seems to make sense for me.

I am very thankful to God for everything especially the precious lesson of a simple word "Have Faith". Senang saja mau cakap tuh 'Have Faith'.... tapi bila sampai situasi sebenar, susah juga ko mau ikut....

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "The Crossroad"

Re-Location

The current company I am working with has 4 plants in Bayan Lepas area which are located at separate locations except for Plant 1 & Plant 2. Currently I am working in Plant 1 as an Industrial Engineer. I have another three colleagues which is an IE as well. We are doing the same job, but only dealing with different customers.

After working in here for about four months, next week I will be leaving my colleagues and friends at Plant 1. I will be transferred to another plant which is located about 3km or 4km away. I have a mix feeling about this re-location. Firstly, I am very comfortable with what I am doing now and also with the people around.

Moving to Plant 4 means leaving my friends behind. Not only my friends, but my colleagues as well. I will be the only IE there and of course the job requires greater responsibility and to be more challenging. Hesitating to go out of my comfort zone, nevertheless, I said yes to the re-location plan because the other side of me want to discover what they have in there.

I am now in the midst of training and transferring my current job to the newly hired IE. She is doing well so far and I think it is the best time for her to pick up everything before the next incoming project which is expected to be increased in the coming months.

I will be starting to work at Plant 4 by Tuesday next week. I do not know what to expect since I never been there and I do not know anybody around closely. But I believe its how you deal with people and fit in yourself into the crowd. Once you understand them well, and then start manipulating… hehe.

Proceed on: "Re-Location"

The Evaluation

I didn’t realized that time is flying very fast. I have been working in my current company for 3 months. Today, my manager called me for an evaluation regarding confirmation. I thought it suppose to be with my immediate supervisor first. But actually, my immediate supervisor had given his personal view about my performance with my manager. Appraisal score was ready, just waiting for me to read and sign.

The evaluation falls within 4 categories as follows:

Category 1: Goals & Job Execution
Remarks:
Perform job in direct & orderly manner.
Always with new ideas and suggestions.
Beginning to set aggressive goal.
Reliable & total independence.
Prioritization: Above average.
Grade: C.

Category 2: Performance Behaviour
Remarks:
Capable & competent,
Self-reliant and competent
Has drive and determination
Learns quickly and adapts to change and job enlargement
Meeting TCS, good customer feedback
Persistence & cycle time conscious
Always punctual and has not been absent from work
Grade: C

Category 3: Interaction

Remarks:

Generally capable of leading, motivating and work with team
Accepts and promptly carries out assignments
Able to communicate and express thoughts and ideas with all levels
Always get along well with all associates and work well with others
Pursue until issues resolve
Participate and assist in extra activities and maintain basic housekeeping
Grade: C

Category 4: Job Skills
Remarks:
Good quality of work with minimum errors
Imparting knowledge and skills as requested
Grade: C

I wonder what suppose a person should be to get an A or B? They must be very brilliant, excellent, and outstanding. Looking at the remarks above, I can accept that I indeed fall under that category and actually it is not that bad after all. But the grading makes it looks like….. WTF???

Even so, there are some criteria which I do not agree with, as I do not see any method or way to channel my efforts toward achieving it. Maybe it requires another 6 months to go? Or probably needs to be more aggressive? Or probably as a matter of fact, the ‘railway’ is not there. I am glad it is well communicated with my manager and he understands my concern.

Nevertheless, there are some positive points and words of comfort given by my manager. He is still the best manager I have so far since started working.

P/S:

If it is a self evaluation, I already put myself under Grade A as I usually did in the previous company. Hehehe

Proceed on: "The Evaluation"

My Last Day in PTM

Last Monday was my last day working in PTM. It had been a great day for me as i had wait for that moment for such a long time ago. Me and some other friends had farewell lunch together at Pizza Hut.

I did not managed to go around the factory to say good bye to everybody. I don't think it is necessary for my case..... or probably deep inside me believes that sending email will do.

So, I wrote a very simple email to everybody, which read like this:

Dear All,

Today will be my last day working in PTM.
I would like to thank to all of you, for everything; the support and guidance towards carrying out my job, and most importantly for being such a good friend all the time.

I am sorry if I ever hurt all of you in one way or another, and I hope the same thing from you too. No one enjoys saying goodbye, but sometimes it just happen for a reason.

Take a good care of yourselves, and till we meet again in future.

I felt a bit sad of leaving my close friends behind, and also upon leaving the company area. Anyhow, thanks God because at the same time, i embarked a new starts. My sceptical boss ever said to me "Dont' expect the grass to be greener outside"..... I am not sure what his purpose of saying that.... it might just the way his brain work.

Why should i be afraid of something i do not know or out of my control? Why i should let my fear keep me from moving and stay the way i am forever? Well, I cannot predict the future, but who else can?

Since i will be reporting to work on the 6th April, I am taking this ample time right now to relax, watch as much movie as i can, eat and sleep as much as i can, wash my car, and so forth. Tomorrow I want to go shopping. Need to buy 2 clothes since I almost forgot that the new company wear casual at work. I only have 3 t-shirts. Lets make it 5 so that 1 day i will have at least 1 t-shirt to wear.

Till then..... bye bye

----- THE END -----

Proceed on: "My Last Day in PTM"

The Smell

Yesterday I received call from my HR saying that my termination notice should be 2 months and not 1 month as stated in my apointment letter. I was reluctant to accept that by saying HOW COME??

She said, last increment they made it clear and if i am not to agree with it, they will have to retain back all my increment which means deducting my salary out of it. I asked them to show me the evidence. I said, i will based on my letter of appointment's contract. In the end, she said she will reply me back.

I do not know if she was just joking, but i need to prepare myself for the unexpected. Back home, i searched for watever increment notice that i received, and indeed there is no such statement regarding the notice period. I tried to recall, because if i am not mistaken, they changed the notice period, but for only new employees who start working in 2006.

I do not know, why only this time they make this an issue. Anyhow, i cannot say further until i receive their official reply on this matter. As a precaution, I am doing my homework to identify my rights as an employee according to the Malaysia Employment Act 1955.

So far i had drafted my reply, and will attack back if my rights is being denied. As for now, we can only wait and see. Hopefully things will get as less problematic as it suppose to be.

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "The Smell"

The Crossroad

Today, I officially send my resignation letter to the HR. I had been waiting for this moment and I love the feeling of resigning. Shortly after that, the HR manager called me. He returned my resignation letter, and saying that my resignation is not accepted. They asked me to reconsider my decision.

This Friday, my immediate boss will return from oversea trip. He will talk to me regarding the current situation. So far, I haven’t retracted my resignation or the job offer, but I am giving a chance for my boss to say his view, and I am listening. Come to Friday, I will decide what my final decision would be.

For the time being, I am shielding myself to keep me away from making any decision based on any influence. By the way, a V.I.P will be visiting me this Sunday. I think I will have a lot of things to talk and share with her. Just now, she texted me….. “We are on our crossroad”

Now i have to go for my running session. I must improve my flabby belly. See you again.

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "The Crossroad"

Thought of Friday.....

I am glad, today is Friday. I was busy thinking about my job, my career. Indeed, I contributed most of my time and energy to prepare myself, applying for jobs here and there, both government and private sector. I believe some people will think that I am crazy… looking for a job in this tough time? Might not be a good move, might be the opposite too. But, in the end, what I think is that matter.

I was a bit surprised as I lose 3kg from my total body weight. I had been exercising regularly for the past 4 weeks, with an intention of maintaining my health, as I am diagnosed with high cholesterol level. Today, one of my colleagues from other department which haven’t seen me for that period told me that I looked thinner. I checked it out and found that I indeed lose 3 kilos. Actually I want to maintain my ideal body weight which is 60kg. I guess I need to eat more from now onwards.

Next week will be marked a start of the Lent season. I will attend the Ash Wednesday Mass on the 25th February 2009 at 8.00pm. What is Ash Wednesday?

It is a day when we remember our mortality and mourn for our sins. We again convert our hearts to the Lord, who suffered, died, and rose for our salvation. We renew the promises made at our baptism, when we died to an old life and rose to a new life with Christ.

I didn’t realize that, next week will be the last week of February. There will be another one month before we can say, 1st Qtr of 2009. I still remember last year when I said, my plan will be accomplished within the 1Q of 2009. I do not want to say anything before the 1st Q of 2009 is over. Hopefully everything gonna be okay.

----- THE END -----

Proceed on: "Thought of Friday....."

Increment

It's official. No salary annual increment for this year. Besides, the company decided to reduced their employees transportation allowance. There is nothing to be said here..... no complaints, no grumbles... everybody seems to be quiet. Well, we understand the current situation.

80/20 = Dangerous!

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "Increment"

Continuous Alien

After attended The Air Compressor training last 2 days, this morning I was asked by my MD to prepare a presentation to teach about what I had learned there. In other words, I was required to transfer my knowledge to my colleagues and to him through formal presentation.

Rayner (reporting):
Last 2 days I attended training about Air Compressor. The topic covers about how to calculate required pressure, power, capacity and about designing and maintaining the air compressor. Apart from that, I also learned about the mechanism and structure of air compressor, various types available in the market and also in economic point of view when to go about buying one.

MD:
Did you learn something?

Rayner:
Of course .

MD:
Can you do maintenance?

Rayner:
The topic only covers about theoretical aspect of it. I did understand which parts need to be maintained, but if you ask me to do maintenance or servicing…. I cannot do.

MD:
That’s why I will transfer you to maintenance department.

Rayner:
No problem.

MD:
No problem?

Rayner:
Yes, No problem.

MD:
It‘s ok. Now you have to prepare a presentation and teach all of us here (6 members) including me.

Rayner:
When?

MD:
Tomorrow.

Rayner:
Tomorrow? But today and tomorrow I have another training.

MD:
So, the whole week, you only attend training?

Rayner:
The Admin forced me to go.

MD:
Ok. Then make it on the 29 Jan.

Rayner:……..

I was thinking, how should I teach a topic which seems to be very strange for me? I never deal with compressor before. Anyhow, I think I will learn about it during CNY holiday. I need to refresh whatever I was thought during the training. I believe I can do it. Just wait and see how I teach you something that I never done before. Hopefully I will not make you lost…. hahaha

Proceed on: "Continuous Alien"

The Bunch

Today I attended a training regarding The Theory, Design, Operation and Maintenance of Air Compressor. I do not know what this training have to do with me since I do not deal with compressor in my daily job. But, I think it is an opportunity to learn and I am glad I was chosen to attend this training.

So, the first thing is, the training was damned boring. The trainer read most of his lecture from the book and gave only little explanation. I am sorry to say this even though I think the trainer was kind enough. But, I have to say the truth. He was kind, but the lecture was very boring.

Second thing is, while smoking at the open area, one bird dumped its shits on me around 1:55pm…. It fell straight on my forehead!!! I thought it was a drop of water from the a/c unit!! I just wiped it with my hand and straightaway went to the training room and wait until the training finished at 4:40pm before washing it.

Thirdly, I asked the trainer about the current economic situation. He said, he cannot say anything right now as he needs to see the coming economic indicators by March. My colleague said economic condition will be very bad after Chinese New Year. I asked why? He said because customer will not be spending after that. And the economy will deteriorate further. I didn’t say a word.

I heard people claiming before, that the stock market will crash badly after CNY. The same claim I heard last year. I don’t know base on what source the claims were made. But, if we refer back the stock market history during last year CNY, we can conclude that their claims were baseless.



Looking at the graph above, closing price for 1st Feb 2008 (Before CNY) was 1393.25 and closing price for 11th March 2008 (After CNY) was 1404.86. Where was the crash?

Of course it plunged afterwards especially in the month of March, but it was not due to “AFTER CNY” sentiment. It was closely linked to the politic instability due to the 12th General Election. And we can see from the graph when BN had lost 5 states and failed to maintained 2/3 majority, the market reacted aggressively with heavy selling on the 10th March 2008. Afterwards, the downtrend was due to external factor also.

Well, I might be wrong. Nobody can exactly predict the direction of the market price. So we will need to see whether the so-called crash will happen after this coming CNY.

As for me, I believe the 4Q 2008 result which will be out next month will not be pleasing as well as 1Q2009. But, I BELIEVE, recovery will start taking place in the 2nd Half of 2009. True or not, only time will tell.

Proceed on: "The Bunch"

The Weird

I got my 2008 bonus on the 26th day of December and my salary on the 29th Dec 2008. Why I am telling this? Because I got it AFTER Christmas, which means I had to withdraw extra money from my little saving, and had to spend money with uncertainty on whether I will get my expected amount of bonus or not. Of course you will spend money in anticipation of how much money will flow into your account, right?

Well, in my previous 2 years experience, the year end bonus shall be given between the 20th day to 22nd day of Dec. But I don’t really understand why this year’s was very different. I try to figure out the logic answer….. but without avail. So, I just let it go. It’s not a big question to think about by the way.

And at the time of writing, it’s already 31st Dec 2008, which is the last day of 2008. I have some plan for New Year. I am not sure whether I can make it or not. It’s just a plan anyway. When you have a plan, sometimes it depends on people to make it happen.

And as for today, I am no longer serving a bond with my company, as it last until 30th Dec 2008. Did I want to change job? Yes, I always want to change job, since the 2nd year working in my company. But, due to overreaction regarding the economy (apart from the serving bond), I should be more careful in planning my next move. I change my strategy to wait and see. Sigh, I hate thinking of going back to work.

And today, I received an email from The Company, which required me to undergo a training regarding something out of my job scope. I am not objecting this kind of training. But I hate it when I am required to teach people about what the training is all about, and probably will be asked to do one project, while my job description probably still remain the same. If you never practice the knowledge beforehand, how you gonna teach somebody about it? How you gonna make people understand and practice something that you yourself only have 2 days of theoretical knowledge?

But, I don’t know yet. We’ll see.

Proceed on: "The Weird"

The Calendar

Today I received my company year 2009 calendar. There are some changes being made compare to the previous year’s calendar. The good thing is for the 1st half of the year, all Saturdays (26days) declared as an off day, compare to previous one where it depend on holiday’s pattern, the more public holidays in a month means less off day for Saturday. It is a good change anyway, since I feel that working in Saturday is a waste of time, energy and money.

By the way, for the 2nd half of the year, there are 14 out of 26 Saturdays being made as a working day. And it is not just like that, the working hours have been extended from 8.00a.m to 5.00p.m. Currently it is from 8.00a.m to 12.05p.m.

Overall, we have 40/52 days of Saturday declared as an off day. It seems very good even though I am a bit disturbed with the decision to extend the working hours. Well, initially I think that the decision is not in favour of the employee, but I change my mind. I think it’s better now.

The changes are made in consideration of the current economic condition. Probably to cut down operating cost. Every here and there people are talking about bad economy condition. The emotions are very tense when they only can see the dark side of the future. Do you think the economy is that bad? Probably yes. The GDP has reduced from 6.7% in 2Q to 4.7% in 3Q. Some experts even predicting that the 4Q GDP will be around 3.5% or lower.

But I don’t think it will be that severe as what many people talk about it. It won’t go further into a situation of panic or cause havoc unless the US economy continues to go into deep recession. From what I read at the current economic assessment, many economists are confident that Malaysia will not fall into recession. Well, 1st Half 09 probably will be bad, but recovery will start to take place gradually in the 2nd Half 09.

Manufacturing sector especially the electronic industry will be the most vulnerable and service sector is the most resilient. Company needs to maintain a healthy cash flow during this tough time, and avoid associating in heavy debt. How about making additional investment expansion at this moment? Is it a good move? Well, It depends.

But put it this way, if you expect demand will increase in future, then you do the right thing. But if everybody think that the economy is getting worse, situation is getting harder and harder, sales expected to reduce, what is the purpose of expansion?

There is no right or wrong answer here. IT DEPENDS!!. What can you conclude if your company is going into that direction? Only two reason. One, they do not know what they are doing. Two, they are ‘confident’ that the bad situation is not going to prolonged, and through their wise judgement, expansion is required. I believe, the latter is more reasonable.

As an employee, we listen and be cautious of our surrounding, but at the same time, we must have our judgement, and do not simply believe what people telling us.

To be continued…..


P/S:
Today I received a letter from a bank saying that my loan interest rate has been revised accordingly to the recent reduction of the OPR from 3.5% to 3.25%.

Economists believe that the OPR will go down further gradually until 2.75% by next year. Probably, this is the time for us to borrow more money, and put into investments which promise good return. Or is somebody going to start a business? If yes, go borrow money while the interest rate still low. Hehe…..

Proceed on: "The Calendar"

No Idea

It has been a week since my last post. I don’t really have any idea about what to write. I had many things inside my head previously but I just had to drop it since it was very personal. By the way it doesn’t mean that I will not revealing it, only waiting for a good time to do so.

Talking about work….. Well, nothing special about it. Main thing to do is to prepare a set of target for 2009 Performance Index for the profit centres. Damn! I really like it. Although sometime it’s a bit confusing, but I enjoy doing it.

Each and every day, I am counting how many days left before my long holidays. I have 9 days of annual leave remaining. And I plan to take all of it starting on the 18 Dec 2008. Well, I expect some difficulties of getting it approved, but this Monday should be the day to know about it. As for now, there is no need to worry about it. Worry when the time is right.

This week is a week where I had my performance being reviewed. I was requested to think about how good my performance throughout the year and to decide what score I deserved to get. Well, this is more on self reflection. So without hesitation, I gave myself an A (82.4%). Hopefully the Company will agree with this as it will be reflected in my year-end bonus. (After all, who doesn’t want an A anyway…..)

And lastly, I am not sure whether you have seen this, but I got this email saying that the New Proton MPV will much look like this:

Proceed on: "No Idea"

Justice

Today I did not attend the Sunday mass as I usually did. I must admit that every time I missed the mass, I felt guilty or like something was not right. By the way, this is not the first time I missed it. Only this time I feel about writing it.

Knowing God’s infinite love turned my guilt into acceptance of being a sinner and to fully acknowledge it and to be humbled. (Pandai plak aku berkhutbah).

Anyway last week Sunday Sermon reminds me of my work and career. In the Bible Jesus answered a question of “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

Then he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
Full: Matthew 22:15-22

So I try to reflect on one thing:
1. Did I deliver my job faithfully? Did I give my boss or my company what supposedly and rightfully are theirs?

It all about Justice. Justice in everybody and everything we do.

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Proceed on: "Justice"

Last Week (WK 43)

It had been a nice week because of the Dojo. Dojo is a Japanese word and it referring to a learning and improvement activity in my company. I don’t know the exact word in English anyway, but in this event, a number of people will involved. They will be divided into smaller group and working together to realize their group’s aims or objectives.

I have forgotten how many Dojos’ I have joined so far, but I believe it shouldn’t be less than ten. I have different feelings on each different Dojo. I hate those which need me to stay back more than 10 o’clock. But, luckily last week’s Dojo only last mostly until 7-8pm.

It was a nice Dojo since I did not have to do my daily reporting which I always consider as a waste of time. How much of job are you talking about to complete in a day? But if your reporting is a one day report short, people will think that you are not doing any job. People expect to hear more. That’s what makes me sick.

The last day of the Dojo ended with one hour written test which compulsory for all candidates. They need to sit for this test in order to be qualified for a Level 1 certificate. Currently I am at level 1A. Practically, the highest level to achieve is Level 3.

During the examination, I sneaked at the questions while walking around, to my surprise, I found that some of it was indeed very difficult to answer. No wonder most of them cannot finished it on time. Luckily the time was extended. At this time, I don’t think I am fit for my Level 1A certification anymore.

I knew the reason behind. It’s because I seldom use it in my daily job. Not because I don’t want to, but because my job direction doesn’t need it to be used. Thus, I forget. What a waste of HUMAN CAPITAL. You get this people qualified for this and that, but never used them for what they had been trained for.

Talking about my job last week, the Dojo was the only thing worth to be mentioned then. A lot of terrible things with terrible people and terrible situation happened too, but they were all history, and Mr Lett is not going to write about it here. Probably next time when the time is right.

Proceed on: "Last Week (WK 43)"