Highlights of 2005

Much had happened during 2005. Many of which were very unforgetable. Here are some of the highlights.

1. Regained my composure after a breakdown.
2. Shifted to a new surrounding after spending four and half years in hostel.
3. Started travelling to and from campus.
4. Had a little makeover (Black Ah Beng glasses)
5. Became the MC for Cyber Christmas.
6. Serve as in MMUCF committee for the last time.
7. Completed my Final Year project on VoIP.
8. Spend my last semester in MMU.
9. Graduated.
10. Attended my last MMUCF IF Camp in Penang.
11. Went on a roadtrip around Penang and Ipoh.
12. Went for mission trip into the interiors of Sarawak.
13. Went to China with my family for holiday.
14. Attended Hillsongs Conference in Sydney, Australia.
15. Got a job after applying only to one company. (Thank God!)
16. Attended Church Camp in Awana, Genting.
17. Started my career.
18. Had my convocation.
19. Learn SAP.
20. Started giving drum lessons.
21. Responded to my first mail to user.
22. Received my first paycheck.
23. Started tiding.
24. Started giving money to parents.
25. Started to spend.
26. Pick up my first call from user.
27. Did my first Netmeeting with user.
28. Attended my first training.
29. Went on shift.
30. Started working on my first weekend.
31. Was at work during public holidays.
32. Participated in my first Lunch and Learn session.
33. Started hanging out with a group of movie enthusiast every Wednesday (Thanks for your company guys!).
34. Was on pager support (5 pagers for one week).
35. Received the "Best Newbies" award.
36. Started playing badminton on Thursdays.
37. Attended my first group dinner.
38. Attended my first company dinner.
39. Was given the oppurtunity to be in charge of communication for the Downstream IT dinner.
40. Had a succesful first Downstream IT dinner (Was great fun planning with you people!)
41. Ate alot and grew fat.
42. Given the oppurtunity to participate in planning the drama for next years Easter.
43. Attended carolling at church.
44. Spend Christmas with family and in church.
45. Spend new year eve with church people.

Much had happened for year 2005. I thank God for bringing through this year. Can't thank Him for His grace and faithful.

What about the resolutions that I made the year? Did I manage to fulfill all of it? I don't think so. Much was done especially in term of my walk with God. Seems like I lost a part of the fire despite attending missions and Hillsongs. My fear had came to pass. It was something that I needed to look into for the coming year. Other than that, there were somethings that I needed to look into personally especially in building character and learning more of who I really am.

All in all, it was a good year and I believe it is so because of God's hand of blessing upon me. Thank God!

Smiling Down On Me

Its been almost a month and a half that I have yet to update my site. So much have happened yet find it hard to sit and post my experiences. Its been a very interesting, challenging and blessed month. Things have been going on quite smoothly, thanks to God. I've become more aware how blessed I really am during this pass month. I can not thank God enough for all that He has done. Its been an experience and thus, I would like to take this time to share to those who come by this place for a quick update about myself.

One of the these experiences is obtaining my job. It has already been a month since I landed myself in this job. For some who do not know, I am currently attached to Shell. Yeh, I am one of those pump attendant which you see when you drive into a Shell kiosk to get some petrol. Nah! What am I doing in Shell? Well, I am a Application Support Desk Analyst. What I do is mainly about system. One of these systems is SAP, a German software where every part of the company runs on this system, from finance to human resource to logistics to manufacturing. Basically, its a big database where every part of the Shell business is relied on. I came in without any knowledge of SAP. However, thanks to my wonderful collegue who tiredlessly taught me the system. Now, I am able to reply users complain or request on SAP via email or phone call.

How did I get this job? Many have ask me this question especially when they came to know that I am attached with a company with such high reputation. It isn't easy to get. Many of my friends have tried to get in but to no avail. This is where I begin my testimony.

Things were pretty hectic when I was preparing to leave for mission trip to Sarawak. Besides packing and preparing for the trip, I was constantly reminded by my mom to send in my resume to companies before I leave. In order to reduce my Mom's nagging, I decided to stay up the nag to finish my resume. My mom helped to pass my resume to someone we knew from Shell. There was no expectation. However, deep within me I wanted to work in Shell. One of the reason was one of the career fairs which I went where Shell gave a talk on the career oppurtunites of the company. I was captivated by the working style and environment that Shell had to offer. It suited me. A balance between work and play. Something which I was looking in a career. However, my results was a barrier for me to even consider applying as I had not much confidence of getting the job since grades are key of success.

I handed in my resume hoping for the best. In my prayers, I told God that if it is His will for me to be in Shell, let your will be done. If it isn't, I would return from Australia and start applying for jobs. I left for Australia without having much thought in mind but I was earnestly hoping I would receive news that I would get it. God answered my prayers and news of an appointment to meet for an interview was forwarded to me by my mum on by birthday. It was a very happy news for me and I thank God for it. It was the only job I applied and I had receive news of an interview. However, it was too early to say anything.

I came back and a series of interview. My first was an interview with the people who were hiring. There was two job option, SAP analyst or Non-ERP analyst. The latter one would require a two weeks training in Australia. I was thinking if I had gotten the second one, I would be goin back to Australia eventhough I had just returned from there. News came. I had received the offer. However, it was not the latter one. I thank God.

In the next couple of weeks, I was called to attend another interview in Shell. I wonder what it was. To my disbelief, I was called to attend the graduate scheme interview. I had initially wanted to apply via online. But, I never found the time before to complete the questions posted only. I went for the interview and by God's grace, passed the first round. The second round would come. This would be tougher than the first as it required group participation which would take a day to complete. I went for it. It was a great experience especially going through a case study and providing information to the group and invigilators who sat and watched, at times questioning the group as well. I didn't make it through. In my mind, I though that I didn't make the cut and had to find myself another job. I called the lady who had previously said that I was offered the job and told her that I did not make it through. She called up again and reassure me that they were offering me. I thank God.

The waiting period was excrusiating. I had to wait almost a month to do my medical. Things were beginning to be uncertain. However, thank God the delay allowed me to attend my church camp in Genting. This is another gift from God to me after my travels around various places. News came in from my medical. I had passed. My initial request to start after my church camp was granted and I got into the office the following day.

Things had really gotten from good to better. Initially, I was offered a contract job for two years. The word contract may sound to many as not a certain thing. However, I was already happy to be given a job and ask for nothing more eventhough it would last me for two years only. However, I believe God had a better plan instore. He provided with an extra bonus. The status of my role changed. I was puzzled to receive news that my role had been converted to permanent status. This was due to the change in the Shell organisation where my department went through a transition from Shell IT to Shell OP. It seems Shell OP recognises permant staff and not contract staff. Other than that, Shell maintain a balance between experienced and non-experienced personel, contract and permanent personel. Its just by God's grace that I was the non experienced permanent staff needed to balance the work force. This I thank God.

There is so much to thank God for. Thank God for the working environment and atmosphere. I am able to have a balance work life in which Shell maintains such a policy. I am able to work and at the same time play. I spend some evenings with collegues down at the pool tables at the recreation at times. Besides, I was able to participate in helping out in a charity food fair to raise fund and also rope in to plan for my department's annual dinner. Things have not been all about work. There seems to be a balance and I believe God laid down His plan for me. I thank God that I am able to learn so much from this job especially in the area of systems and also maintain a balance life where I am able to return home to Seremban and also hang out with my friends. What more can I ask for.

As I began to reflect on my life, I really can see His blessings upon my life. Other than that, to see His blessings on other around me helps strengthened my faith. Most of my friends need not go through much hassle to get a job and I thank God that they are happy where they are. Now, its time to repay this blessings. I know I can't repay Him but I know that if I am constantly and obediently seeking Him in my life and believing that He is God, I know that God is smiling down on me. Theres so much in my mind, in terms of plans of what to do to bless others also but I can only plan but He is the one who pave the way for us to walk on.

I hope that this will encourage you to stay grounded in Him for His ways are always higher that our ways. Believe and He will hear our prayers. God bless

Blessed to be Selfless

Blessings. I was reminded once again about my life, how God has blessed my life. At times, I take for granted or even forget that I am blessed. Its quite my nature to be blur or forgetful at times. My parents were quick to remind me again. It seems that God had seen me through even before I was born. I was miraculously born after two of my would be sibblings didn't made it. My mum was given treatment straightaway from the doctor even when she was late to arrived to give birth to me. I went through a normal childhood without much trouble or problems. My SPM results was a miracle as I received 7As and an aggregrate of 6 in my important papers without even studying as much as I should have. I managed to enter MMU even after submitting my entry at the last day of registration. There were many oppurtunities given to me in terms of leaderships roles both in CF and Cyber Christmas even when I do not deserve it or have the leadership qualities to carry out those roles. I had the FYP title that I wanted with a good moderator and was fortunate to submit my FYP report even when the time had passed. I was fortunate enought to visit China for my holidays, do mission in Sarawak, attend Hillsongs conference in Australia and soon to attend my church camp in Genting before I start work. Last but not least, I managed to acquire a job after only applying only one company and even not making the interview. These are some of the list of testimony that I have of God's blessings in my life.

I look at the list and the thought of seeing God's hand on my life is simply astounding. The fact that I am saved by grace is already a blessing, knowing about it is a gift from God. I wouldn't be able to see His hand if I am not a born again.

Looking at all this blessings in my life, there is no words or works that can repay God's grace but to surrender my life before Him and be used by Him. I made a vow that whatever I do in the future that God would be in the picture. The vision in a camp about a mike and big group of people is still vivid in my mind. I do not know what it means but I believe there would be a reason for that vision some day. My thoughts about relationship and in waiting for a life partner have changed. It would not be a list of criteria I set before me but a person that I can complement and be complemented with so that we would walk in accordance with God and be His servant. I am learning to place what God wants for my life and not what I want of Him because I know on judgement day, it is my relationship with Him that counts and the effort I place to share that relationship.

I was watching the diaries of Malaysian Idol earlier and could relate to what Ash commented.

"At times its hard to be yourself. Even when u try to be open, frank and transparent about your thoughts and opinion, people will think differently of you. They will have a perception that you are trying to be proud or egoistic but all you are trying to be is yourself. Its frustrating at times. We have to put own two mask each time we are out there, one on stage and one of stage. People will only get to know who we really are when they speak or have a conversation with you. One friend asked me if all this is hipocrasy. Indeed it is."

I cannot agree any less of what he said. Sometimes, I can't blame people for putting a mask. Many have I known portray different personalities. Its hard to distinguish who is who. Frustrating it must be to see this happening all around us. I try at times to be who I am but most of the time find myself the odd one out. The feeling of being different from everyone else whether be it in character or opinions. You just can't help being away or left out. Many times, one have to sacrifice self in order to be accepted by majority. That is why the question of "What would Jesus do?" have to remain in our heads. It seems we are not who we want to be. We are just instruments used by God having a path that is planned for us from the beginning. That is why we are more dependant than independant. Most of the time, its better to die to self and gain souls. Humility comes into the picture. This is a lesson that I am still learning from Him.

A Visit to A Showhouse

After visiting Centre Point, I suggested to my mum that we have a peek at the newly lauched Semi-D Link house at S2. I have always had an interest to visit show houses. This could be due to the influences of my dad who is a banker. I have an interest in buildings and structure which goes beyond to even design and interior. That explains my interest in architecture. I had a longing to study architecture before. However, due to long course of study and inability to secure a job in future, it was more practical that I take up something else. And here am I, a graduate in computer engineering.

As we made our way to the show house, we passed by the soon to be completed Jaya Jusco. Yes, JJ is coming to Seremban and is slated to be open in October. Theres word that TGV will be opening here as well. I see some similarities with 1U. Anyway, I was quite shocked to see the progress of the building. I had only been around here three weeks ago when I brought my grandparents for a ride here. They had only began to paint the end of the building. However, what I saw today was like, "How in the world that do it so fast?" Almost the entire exterior of the building is painted and the word "Jusco" is already up. I heard that JJ Club members are invited for a tree planting ceremony next week as well. Wow!



After a brief moment of amazement, I made my way to visit the new Semi D Link house which was situated on the way to Rasah Kemayan and opposite of Sri Carcosa. Link houses aren't my kind of house as it is connected with the behind house. I always prefer bungalow houses or the usual semi-D, where there is some land behind and the side of the house. As I surveyed the showhouse, I was quite impress with the layout of the place. All in all, there was 4 bedroom, one below and three above. The kitchen, seems big enough to accomadate a large amount of people. I was utterly impress with the other two rooms above which were spacious. The interior was slightly modest though I like the idea of having curtains around the the walls of the master bedroom to give it some texture instead of the usual plain straight walls. Other than that, I found out that the row where the showhouses is situated is slightly bigger from the other rows of houses, 30X67 compare to 30X60. Corner lot units are much bigger in terms of the side land. The price seems alright though initially I thought it was RM168,888 but was later told it was a Bumi price and people like myself would need to fork out another RM30k for the house. Quite a good gimic to lure people to the showroom to see the house. All in all, a nice house to consider buying.


View from in front

Living Hall

Funky chair in the living

Dining hall and Entrance of the house bounded by some frills.

Master Bedroom

Second Room

Third Room

Side Gardens

Side Gardens of corner unit

We made our way to the nearby showroom to get some brouchers of the house. As I was talking to one of the representative there, it was quite interesting to learn that if a house is above RM180k, the bank only provides 90% loan while if its below that amount, you receive 105% loan. Besides, it only takes a deposit of RM500 to secure a house and there is a tendency to have its price increase 15-20% once the house is completed. A good investment info I must say.

Looking at the picture,

and model,

of what is to come, I can't wait to see all this come to pass to see the up and coming S2.

A Sad State

I went out with my mum today. Being at home while awaiting to start work, I would be occupied with fetching my mum around town, mainly to pay some bills or to stop by the supermarket the get some stuff. We paid a visit to Seremban Centre Point where my mum wanted to inquire about making a new specs. I took the oppurtunity to walk around the mall. Its been quite a while since I stepped into Centre Point. The sight that I saw saddens me.



Shops that I knew were there before vanished. There were countless number of shops empty. Those who were still open seem to sit idle. Business seem slow. Workers seem to outnumber customers. I could see many of the promoter either sitting around or staring blankly at the pile of clothes that were before them. Some made some attempt to keep in touch with fellow promoter around their area. Everything seem quiet and barren. There was not much attraction that would enticed people to come and shop here. Maybe it is a weekday. However, I could foresee that many of the shops I see today would not be around any longer in future if nothing is done about it.



Its quite obvious that management seem to be the key in making sure a shopping complex survive or not. There has to be something that needs to be done in order to enticed shoppers to come. Most shopping complex in Seremban seem to suffer similar fate or atmosphere where most of the time it is empty. This maybe due to the close proximity of KL being only 45 minutes away that Serembanians prefer to go for their shoppings. What is left are just shops that are just trying to survive and cover the cost that is incur at every month. Its quite pathetic and sad to see this happening. However, I do believe that with proper management things can be turn for the better. Its quite an interesting field to venture into especially in the area of shopping complex management. How a place can be turn from nothing into something.

One Utama would be one example. During its earlier days when it just open, One Utama was situated far away from most of the other shopping centres. There were not many people initially and I would have not imagine that it would survive. However, management came into place and they had manage to build the image of the complex by offering a wide range of products and also aggressively advertising its centre to let people know about its whereabout. As time went by, the complex began to grew and in order to compete with other shopping complex like Mid Valley, they decided to expand the complex. Who would have imagine that Bandar Utama would become a shopping hub. Seeing the success of One Utama, other companies began to set up their centres around that area such as Ikea, Ikano Power, The Curve and upcoming Cineleisure Complex, a one stop entertainment centre. As of now, Bandar Utama has become one of the most sought after place to stay as property prices increase due to the many infractructure that have come out of the area. Its amazing how a shopping complex can help develop an area.

Back to where I started, it was saddening to see the state of the complex. However, it did not deter me from walking around to try to see if there were any good bargains even in this complex. Usually, I would walk around and normally end up in either the gifts or housing appliances section. I was quite amazed to see a good collection of photo albums in the gift section especially the self adhensive ones. There were alot of choices there. Prices were relatively normal at around RM21.90 to RM27.90. One of my current shopping list would be photo frames. As many would know, photo frames aren't cheap. I had just graduated and had various length of photos that I would like to frame up. I managed to see a couple of nice ones but decided not to buy any yet as I was in the midst of looking around and comparing prices. Its quite interesting that sometimes one can find some really nice stuff at good bargain in places that may look not so interesting. It goes to show that one need to be adventurous enough to look around even in places where you would not expect you would find something at all.

Photo Albums

Photo Frames

A cute photo frames with some tortoises on it

My Thoughts On Blogs

Privacy has seems to be an issue when it comes to blogging. Many are afraid that what they write on their blogs will be read by people whom they do not want them reading in the first place. Details about their life that seems sensitive or private are not posted up. They restrict only having to post certains things. However, some stop blogging entirely after realising that their blogs are read by the masses. The freedom of writing has turn into to fear. Fear of wanting to express their thoughts or more so be themselves. However, there is no stopping people from reading blogs as it is posted on the world wide web. A place where all can be found and even if you can't find them, there is always the trusted Google to help you with that. With as much privacy functions that some blogs site try to provide for their customers, surfers will only need a group of characters to find the URL for the blog sites.

This has been one of the discussion brought upon by the mission group in their attempt to set up a blog site to discuss certain issues pertaining to the spiritual aspects. There was a suggestion to have each one of us read a book from the Bible or a book where we can discuss and share our views after such reading. It was a good idea for one of them to suggest a blog as a replacement to the mailing list which have filled our mail box to the brink. However, thanks to large storage offered by Yahoo Mail and Gmail, we are able to still accomadate such flooding. It is good to still be able to communicate even after the missions. However, privacy seems to be an issue that some take seriously even when discussion is about the word that I believe could be share to others as well.

I have always envisioned blogs as one of the best platform for people to share their thoughts, what they have learn and their encounter with God that would be deem as a good testimony to be shared to others. Personally for me, privacy has never been an issue when it comes to blogging. I have come to realise that no matter how private we are, there are ways where people will find out. However, I do agree there are certain things that will remain private in our life, things that only we know that others don't. However, I have chosen to be open and transparent in most of my things as I believe that by doings so I be held accountable. Keeping too many things private may soon bog us down as we find ways of not having others know what we have been doing or up to. That is why there was a time I was sceptical about blogging after knowing that different individuals read my postings. I even had friend's mothers reading and knowing about what I do or been through. It was scary to hear of people wanting to know so much about you that I had thoughts to either stop my blog site or change to another one. However, after much thoughts I realise that there is no used doing so as people will soon find out even if I blog or not. But, I have always found fulfillment in sharing and hoping that my sharing will blessed someone or having someone respond and learning at the same time.

It seems that my views on blogging may differ from how others see as for me its more of a platform to share with one another and at the same time be humble to learn from one another as well. We are all going through life together but at different pace. Who knows the experience that we have gone through may help someone or may even encourage someone in their circumstances which may be similar to ours. Its just how we look and view blogging. Is it to fulfill our personal goals or to bless others as well? Just a thought

My Initiatives to Relationships and Dealing With Critics

I had a conversation with one of my good friend over the messenger and I was reminded once again of how complacent I can get in terms of keeping in touch with people. My friend did point out to me that I seldom take the initiatives to actually SMS or message someone over messenger, even to people who I considered myself close to. It seems I had a tendency of communicating when someone initiates and its funny how I had lost that sense of having to initiate conversation during my pre-U days. Have I gone complacent or have I lost the desire to want to keep in touch with people?

I realise that I have many people whom I have not kept in touched with for quite some times. The people I had least kept in touch were some of my classmates back in secondary days. Many have already gone overseas while others were already pursuing different fields of interest around Malaysia. There are some that I do keep in touch but many of those whom I was close to had seem to fizzle out. Then there is another thought about family. It seems that I lack closeness with some of family members especially my cousins. I guess I am close to a small group of family members in particular immediate members and grandparents. Come to think of it, it is quite sad that I have done nothing much about it all this while yet cannot see myself just sitting and doing nothing.

I was out with mum around KL doing some groceries at the nearby hypermart. There was nothing that interest me which is quite different as normally I would be going around every nook and crany of the hypermarket to see any interesting items and also to check the prices of good, just to keep in touch with the general pricing of things. I took out my phone and began SMS people. One such person was my uncle and cousin whose birthday happened to fall on that day. I have not actually made much contact with this cousin and only see him during family functions which is around once a year. Even then, its hard to make a conversation although we were supposedly cousins. I find it quite sad that we do not have that relationship. A relationship that I see common with some of friends where they are close with their cousins. However, I decided to send him a message with hopes that it would be a starting point in building a relationship with him. This does not only go out to him but also to the many other cousins that I have yet made any or much contact with.

Alot can be said upon relationships for me. I seem not to not have a big group of friends that I mixed with or that I am close with. The people that are really close to me are just a handful. Though at times I enjoy being in the midst of a big group of people, I do not seem to have any relationship with them that would seem deep enough to be call a good friend. Many are just surface level friendship where we laugh and have a nice time but barely know who they really are. I tend to feel awkward at times in such a big group and prefer to move into a more personal encounter sometimes prefering a one to one talk as I get to know the person more. However, there always seem to be a gender bias in this sense. It seems rather alright to be having talks between a guy and guy but arouses sceptics when its between a girl and guy. I think its natural for people to think otherwise as why would a guy and girl have a private conversation unless they are up to something. I admit I do join in such discussions at times as well. In that sense, gossips arises and people began to tease you with one another. A innocent action of wanting to get to know a friend better becomes a topic of discussion that makes both parties feel uncomfortable.

I come to realise that there is always people watching your every move. What you do, which company you applied for jobs and which girl you went out with. Its seems natural that we love to talk about someone or less know about what they been up to. That explains why gossip news or entertainment news sells. People always wants to know what other people are doing. How do we respond to such situation when one is in it? I believe in being yourself and knowing what your intentions are that really matters. Don't succumb to pressure and loose yourself in the midst of it. However, be mindful of such critic and take it as a form of self evaluation. If such critics are found to be true, its a good indication that there are somethings in your life that needs a change. However, if you that you are innocent before God Himself of such critics, just be cool and carry on with life with having a sense of hate or anger in oneself. Besides, it always feels good to be open and transparent with your intention. This helps you get in check with yourselves.

These are just some of my thoughts for the week.

Medical Checkup

I finally was called for my medical after having to wait for a gruelling two weeks. Things had taken such a long time that I was relieved to have received the call to get it done. At least, its one step closer in hoping to start work as soon as possible. Its been a dread having to stay at home and finding things to do while most of my friends are out there working. Though, some might say, "Enjoy your holiday while you can. You can't find time like this once you work." Thats why I can't wait to find out for myself whether or not life stops right after you enter into the working world.

The Counter

I travelled to PJ Newtown to get myself checked into Dr. Newton Young and Rakan Rakan Clinic. It was 10.45am and I had not eaten anything as I was asked to fast the day before. I checked myself in without any documents but found out that my details were already faxed in from my company. The place was decently clean although it was in a quite an old building looking at the structure of the building. To my surprise, it wasn't any of the normal clinics I have seen. This clinic takes up a floor space of three storeys high. Each floor was designated with different functions. I would have imagine that there would be more than two doctors in this facilities.

First Floor

Urine Sample

My course of medical checkup took me all together two and half hours. I started out having my urine examined on the ground floor, then proceeding to the first floor to have some documents filled in and also having my sight examined, blood test and overal physical checkup. Then, I proceeded to the second floor for an X-ray and also an audio test where I was put into a sound prove cubicle where I had to acknowledge different sound frequencies. My last and final test was the lung test where I had to blow into this machine which calculated my breath and a chart was drawn up. Unfortunately, I missed by a point to pass but the nurse who attended to me said she would help me.

Second Floor

Third Floor

It was an interesting outing to the clinic for a medical checkup. I remember doing it once and it wasn't as thorough as this. Besides, I managed to meet a person by the name of Wong who works for the same company and he happens to be also a Seremban. It seems like there is so many Seremban people working in KL as well. According to him, there is at least two out of ten people he works with are from Seremban. Its unimaginable to have so many people come out from such a small state like Negeri Sembilan.

I wonder what this is. I pressume its a lift to hand things down from above to bottom

Gol & Gincu

I went to watch Gol & Gincu with Peaky. There was no expectation of the movie at all, just that she mention that it was a film that could be compared with Sepet. I decided to go and have alook at it since I was free. As I sat back and watch it in a near empty cinema place on the opening day of the show, I was happy with what I saw and enjoyed the 1 hour and 40 minutes production. I was utterly impressed with the story, the characters in the movie, the videography and how they incorporated advertisement into the movie. One of the view scenes I particularly like was the angle taken in the futsal court toilet, the dream that Putri had of her and Shasha battling it out on the field and the moment when Putri wept tears of frustration closeup. I was impressed. Impressed with the quality and the message that came across from the movie.

It is time to see Malaysian movies rising to the occasion and producing more quality movies, movies that Malaysians were regarded for in the 50s especially during the P. Ramlee era. I was happy to see films such as Gol dan Gincu rising to the challenge after the success of Sepet. I can't wait to see the upcoming sequal to Sepet called Gubra and the many movies that independant film makers in Malaysia is working on at the moment. There is a lot of talent out there. It is whether we recognise them and support them with hope that Malaysian movies may one day appeal to the international audience.

A summary of the movie.

Reviews : Malay Mail, The Star, Jeff Ooi, As Suanie Sees It and Midnite Lily's

Hazy

Clouds of smog has enveloped our country once again. Winds have shifted direction and smoke from peat fires from our neighbouring country have grace our skies covering the sunlight and making it difficult to breathe. The API in Shah Alam has reached 394 today. It was eminent from outside my window. Visibility was near to 200m. I managed to capture some of this places while in my car. I couldn't imagine the seriousness of it when buildings that I used to see so clearly were invincible before my very eyes. State of emergencies had to be declare in places like Klang and Kuala Selangor where it had reached the danger level of more than 500. Schools and universities were close as a precautious measure to the health of the people. So stay indoors! And if you really need to go out, find yourself an air conditioned place like the malls or supermarket.

Shah Alam-USJ

Puchong Tol on the way to Cyberjaya

Summit USJ

Great to be Back In CF

I paid a visit to the CF today. It has been long since I return. My initial attempt to come on the first day of CF was marred by not having permision from my parents to come. However, I had came down to KL and decided to take this oppurtunity to come back mainly to visit a few friends back here. I had come down to Cyber a couple of times to visit my friends but not to CF. It was great to worship God back in the place which I had been for the past four years. The feelings that I had before this were still present when I went there. I hope that this would not be my last trip down and hope to stop by as much as I can especially when I start working in the vicinity soon.

MMU 6th Convocation

Early in the morning I had to awake to begin my journey to the historical town of Malacca where I would conclude another milestone in my life, the convocation of my studies in MMU. It has been five years since I had stepped into MMU. In a twinkle of an eye, it was time for me to put on the robe and mortar board, walking up to our beloved chancellor Tun Dr. Sit Hasmah and receive the recognition that was due. In addition to that, there would be two in the Wong family doing that very thing. I would have the honour of graduating with my sister as well.





It was an auspicious event for me. What made it even more better was being in the midst of two great leaders of our country, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad who came with no recognition or titles whatsoever except the husband of the chancellor and Dato Seri Najib who was bestowed upon an honoury masters in arts. The speeches from both Tun Dr. Siti and Dato Seri Najib was very impressive considering the spoke very fluent English which I found better than their spoken Malay. I was impress by most of liners that Dato Seri Najib mentioned in his speech namely "We should not seek for long term employment but lifetime employability."

It took just a well 5 minutes to get on stage, swap the Touch n Go, have my name announce by the computer, walk towards the chancellor with my face smiling for the camera and shaking her hand to receive an empty box which I would collect the CD later. My words to her were,

"Hi, Mam! A very good speech. Thank you!" Those were the word I had prepared as I got on to the stage. Though, it was just a few minutes but I guess the feeling is awesome to receive this recognition in the company of ur family and friends. However, the crowd in the hall, my comrades weren't that participative especially when one of my friends tried to rally the people in the throwing of their mortar board, which was considered a sign of "I Did It."

It was great to have met so many friends and take so many photos that at times I felt numbness in my face due to all that smiling. Even the rain didn't hinder us from taking more photos. I even went to the extend of going for my fellow FET friends the following day and having myself being stared at from many people as I walk around in my shorts, slippers and robe. Despite the stares, it didn't bother me that much though I was abit paiseh. However, I managed to take alot of pictures with my friends, some I had not seen for a long time and also to get their contacts for future catch up. It was a great atmosphere, thanks to those who graduated and those who came to support, friends and family. Without all of them, it wouldn't have been a memorable day.



P/s : Stay tuned for more pictures updates

My Trip to Sydney : Post-Conference

It was after conference. Boy, it was good to not have to wake up early and rush to the train station for conference let alone indulge on sandwiches for lunch. I finally got the much needed rest though I wanted to not waste it only sleeping but to venture out and explore Sydney as much as I can. I went with Mike and Jenny to Blacktown for some shopping while Su Ann decided to call it a day and stay at home. It was surprising that Blacktown had so many shops that we didn't notice it when we took our daily trains to the conference. I had a very good lunch at Blacktown. It was surprisingly very reasonable for a huge plate of Kebab for only AUS$5.90. Though, convertion may make you think twice but I felt it was worth it. Food is not cheap in Australia and this is considered one of the cheapest besides pizza which cuz almost the same. It was nice to walk around Blacktown for some souvenirs before we split up out separate. Mike and Jenny had to meet a friend and I would go on my solo travel around Sydney.



I made my travel to Parramatta by the train. This was to see this town and at the same time take the ferry up the river to Sydney Harbour. I had notice that there was such a route from one of the maps I got and decided to try it out since I had already paid the one week fare for transport which covered train, bus and ferry. There didn't seem to be much in Parramatta except for some old buildings. I prefered the goods sold in Blacktown and kind of regretted for not buying more there.



I took a trip down the river with the ferry. It was a pleasant ride especially sitting infront and enjoying the crisp wind bitting through your skin. The ferry that I was sitting happened to be more of a private boat ride as there was a ferry in front of mine who made stops. So, I was fortunate to have a private ferry ride down the river. As I went through the river, I manage to catch a glimpse of many who were staying by the river. Many of them own yatchs and boats which thei achored by the side of their river side homes. It seems like I was passing by a colony of rich people.



I made my way through Sydney Harbour. It was already dark by then but I didnt hesitate to go and visit the Sydney Opera house to take some pics before I left. I couldn't help enjoying the beauty and architecture of it. The building which was build during the 70s or 80s, still look so modern. I was in awe and can't help but go around it and snap a few pics.





I headed down the road to pay a visit to George street. It was a long street that begins at the Sydney Harbour to the Central Station where I would take my train home. The walk was long but I enjoyed it as the weather was great for walking. One can't see Sydney as a whole if one don't walk. I was able to capture some old buildings along the way. Its funny that most of the shops were already close by then and I was able to visit a discount shop which was the only one open at that time. I grabbed some last minute souvenir and headed home with a Hungry Jacks dinner for the trip home. It was an interesting day especially moving around Sydney on my own. All one need is just a map where you can get when you step off from the plane at the airport. It is really and convenient. How I wish Malaysia could be as convenient as this.



Here is the picture of my host family. I totally adored Vincent's daughter. Really had that Oriental look which made her look good in picture. Manage to get a snap of her and I would say one of my favourite picture from my trip.



It has all come to an end now. My trip to Sydney. I consider it to be a blessing to be here and to enjoyed myself here before I actually start work. The conference was really the climax of the trip and I hope I would not loose the fire that I have received from here but to be a blessing and passed on that flame. God has been good and had sent many people along our way that we could show compasion towards. Each day, we met different people along our journey that we could help like helping an old man with his food as he was dozing off while speaking to us or even help find the bag of a Down Syndrome girl who had lost it. I had an encounter with an Iraqi man carrying aload of stuff and a birdcage which had lost his way. I was able to help him out and show him the right platform to stand to take the train back. God is great!

Trip To Sydney : Hillsongs Conference

Conference date. We made our way to Sydney Olympic Grounds where the conference would be held. Our initial trip there got us started with a long walk there as we got lost between train stations and ended up walking almost to an hour after being told it was a good 20 minutes walk there. I can't imagine how a good walk is when we were already walking as fast as we can. Fortunately, the climate was not humid but cooling that actually got me going. I can't imagine myself back in Malaysia walking. I'll be soaked with sweat and the BO, lets not even go there.

We arrived safely at the ground and headed to a shed where we would collect our conference pack. Inside, there were many leaflet and most importantly, our programme book which we would be depending for our sessions and venues. It would be a hectic time during the next few days. Starting off from home at 730am and reaching back around 1030pm or sometimes 12am. It would be a very long day. I could have join the rest back early but I decided to stay on until the end as my intention to come here was mainly to go for the conference and try to learn as much as I can from it.



With that I found the theme for this year's conference very appropriate. Strength. It seems I needed that more considering the long day that I would have to go through. I asked about those who went to previous conference before about the theme. There seem to be a continuous theme going on as to how Hillsongs would like to see the conference going on. Last years conference was about Passion. The previous years was about the Word. It seems like the church was trying to equipped the church in the Word and building on the passion that would sustained them through and giving strength so that can reach to the people. It was amazing to see how all of this tied together and it was obvious through the sessions and sermons.





I enjoyed myself throughout the conference. The preaching of the Word and the sermons that came across was inspiring, encouraging and challenging. There were many speakers whom I was really blessed namely John Maxwell, Joyce Meyer, Reinhard Bonke and Darlene Zschech. I couldn't help not taking notes because it was so refreshing to hear the Word being spoken. Besides that, I was really blessed by the worship. As many would know, Hillsongs is known for the praise and worship, having come out with an album every year and that was not an exception this year. The title of the new CD is "God He Reign". We sang many of the songs throughout the conference and boy, does it sticks to your head especially when you sing it everyday. The songs were fantastic maybe because I was there to experience it live. I am not sure whether it be the same for those who listen to the album later on. There was a couple of songs I totally enjoyed namely "Salvation Is Here", "Saviour" and another song which was not in the album but do not know the name of it. If any of you know about it, let me know. It goes like,

"How great is our God, Sing With Me How Great is God, All the World Will Sing, How Great is Our God."



Besides having the Hillsongs team, I was priviledge to have caugt Michael. W. Smith and Cece Winans. I was totally in awe when I heard Cece. Being a R&B and soul lover, I could really sense they were singing from their hearts out. Though I didn't know the songs that were being sung, but you could feel God's presence in that place. I was in no hesistasion responding to the God with my own song of praise and it was an awesome experience. The band was great as well and was totally in awe with the drummer especially being a drummer myself. My thoughts on Michael W. Smith was a bit different as he started out looking more like a performance to me. I sat standing not knowing whether to worship or see the display in front of me. However, it soon change midway as he became to sing some familiar tunes and instantly the song spoke to my heart and I could feel God's presence within me. With that, I began to response to Him and the experience was intense. It was such a blessing to be worshipping alongside such pretigious worship leaders which we hear of in CDs but to experience God with them in person is priceless. It was such a joy to be able to worship God with tens and thousands of people in one place with people of different denomination, ethnic groups and countries. God was in the house and He had once again proven that He reigns. My fear left me at that instance and I had a different perception of the conference.





The workshop was equally as good. I decided against attending things related to worship only soley because I wanted to learn of many different which I had an interest of knowing and learning to see if I could move in that area. The pastors and leaders session was very good. Besides that, I had a chance to get to know some aspects on recording an album, get to know what the creative arts group at Hillsongs do and go through, listen to the ever accomplished song writer Reuben Morgan who have wrote countless songs on song writing and participated in an advance drama session just to have a practical approach about it and to compare with what I had learn in theatre back in uni.



I can recall vividly one of the session in which Darlene and a number of elders from Hillsong gave a talk on Sexuality. It was one of the first session of the conference and it really blew me away especially with the topic of such sensitivity. They were speaking on sexuality and how the effects of sexuality affects our worship and our personality as God's children. It makes sense to see how the church have began to take sexuality likely that it wouldn't strike the church but it has began to show its presense by the way youth wear their clothes, the lifetsyle youth go through in terms of relationship and the reaction of the church as to the over increasing lifestyle that tarnish the purity of the youth. It was a very strong message that was put across and was very pleased with what I had heard from Darlene and more see her setting a good example. Throughout the entire time, I realise she is very modestly dressed in which she covers herself from the top to the tip of her toes whether during session or up stage worship leading. I could see that God had anointed her with a leadership in worship. There was a vast difference compared to other worship leader during the conference. I could see that she exert authority and power in leading the congregration to meet with God in worship. It was such a blessing to have met her and more so experience her gift first hand.

During the conference, I managed to meet up with Huei Weun and Pei Li who became my conference kakis throughout the 5 days. I didn't manage to sit with Mike, Jenny or Su Ann as they had to leave early. Fortunately, I had some company for the conference and enjoyed the fellowship with them especially trying to hide in the toilet to go with the next batch of crowd in order to get good seats. It was really funny. Besides that, it was a good sharing time with one another about how the conference is and how it taught us some valuable lessons. It was really cool to just hang out with them. Thanks gals!



It was a really good conference overall and really enjoyed myself. This would be my first birthday celebrated outside the country and also one of the most enjoyable though I would be away from family and friends on this day. Its hard not to say that I do not miss the time I spend there because I do but I hope that whatever I had gathered from this conference I would be able to contribute back to church or even share with my friends of the experience there. There are thoughts in my head of going back there for next years conference as it would be the their 20th anniversary, it would all depend on finances and also number of leave I can take since work will start already.

Trip to Sydney : Pre-Conference

Seven hours. Thats how long it took for me to travel from Malaysia to Sydney. The time difference is two hours. By the time we had reached Sydney, we had lost another two hours. It was around 9 something at night. The air was cool, just like Cameron. It was as cool as I expected. I had expected a freezing sensation with me having layers of clothers, a skull cap and gloves to keep me warm. Instead, I was out in normal T shirt and jeans. However, it was hard to predict how cold it will get since I had just touched down. Vincent, the man whom we were supposed to stay with came to pick us up. I havent seen him before although I was told that he was from my church before he migrated to Australia. However, it wasn't the same for his wife in which my mom recall as the lady with the small bag.

We reached the place and settled down in Vincent's 3 bedroom single story house in Glenwood. It was a small house situated in front of a public secondary school, about 10 minutes walk from the nearest Woolsworth, one of the chain of supermarket. We would call it a day after the tiring journey in the air. Fortunately, I managed to make full used of my time watching movies namely Hitch and the uncensored Sepet.

My visit to Australia this time around wasn't more of a holiday but to attend the Hillsongs Conference and at the same time explored some of the places here. I initially had no intention to attend Hillsongs. Maybe it was due to my perception towards those who went and the fear of whether I would go all the way for a quick reboost only to find myself back in the same place later on. There were many oppurtunities given to me in the past which I had turned down. However, I decided to take a chance and trust God that He will see through my fears as I go on this trip. And here I am

The conference was due to start on Monday. We arrived on Friday night and had two free days before the hectic week of conference, so I heard. Here are some pictorials of my visit. We visited Paddy's Market, had a great meal at Fish Market and made our way to Darling Harbour where we would be entertain by a live orchestra on a floating stage. Our initial plan was to cover Sydney Harbour as well. However, we weren't able to make it there and decided on the next day to go considering the time factor and also the shorter day. The sun begins to set around 5pm and would be completely dark half an hour later.


Paddy's Market


Fish Market


Darling Harbour

It was a Sunday. We had a priviledge to visit Hillsongs Church at Homebush which was about 10 minutes drive from Glenwood. I was in awe at such a big facility they have here. The inside of the church look like our Putra Stadium, but in a much smaller scale. I was impressed especially by the media. The projection of the people on the stage was so clear that it felt like I was watching a recording on DVD. I was fortunate to catch Joyce Meyer who came to speak on Sunday. It was such joy to see her deliver the message with so much enthusiasm and her message did give me a lot of encouragement and at the same time wanting to hear from her more during the conference. As we were leaving the place, we were fortunatel to meet a couple from Malaysia who had been residing in Sydney for quite a number of years. After some chats, they decided to fetch us back to Vincent's place. As Vincent drive a sedan, he would have to make two trips to fetch us and his family. Thank God for providing his angels in times like this when He would make things easier for us. I couldn't imagine how Vincent was able to reached the grounds on the second round considering the jam which was beginning to form in Hillsongs grounds. Jam in church? That shows how many people actually attend Hillsongs.



We reached home and made our way thereafter to Parsley Market which was situated closeby. Then off we headed to the trainstation at Blacktown to make a trip to downtown to visit Sydney Harbour. We met up with one of Mike's friend there as well and went to visit the Rocks which was about to close soon. I was in awe to see what I would normally see in Discovery Channel or magazine the view of Sydney Opera house and the harbour. It was interesting to see them all in person. I was especially delighted to see street performers there. Its hard to find such performers back in Malaysia except around Central Market. However, I totally enjoyed their performance though I managed to catch a glimpse and snap a few pictures of them. I was surprised at the professionalism in performing in front of passing people. Hard to keep one's concentration especially with the people moving around and most importantly, enjoyed the way they engage the crowd.











After having spend two days enjoying the scenes of Sydney, its time for conference. Can't wait