AirAsia flight QZ8501 - RIP

It is not a good way to end the year of 2014. With the incident of the missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 on last Sunday (28/12/2014) and Indonesian officials have confirmed yesterday (30/12/2014) that remains and debris found in the waters of Borneo are from the plane, it has sadden the world. My condolences to the family and friends of the passengers and the crew members - "Be Strong"!

I think many will not forget the year 2014, a year that filled with shocking stories. No matter how, let it end in the year 2014 and may next year be a year for us to rediscover ourself and the world we are living.

Poor Quality Control at Sushi Zammai

Recently I went to Sushi Zammai at Fahrenheit 88 Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur for my dinner. As usual, I ordered my favourite soft shell crab maki and salmon maki. However, when they served the the maki, I realised that it is so much different than the one I used to have.

Being a frequent customer there, I am confident that this is not how it supposed to be served. So, I called the one of the staff and told him about the maki with so less fish roe. Without apologizing and showing me a long face...he only took one of it back to the kitchen and returned with a slightly better one but still not satisfactory. We shown him the other maki, he refused to change for the other one which I think he was so ignorance. See for yourself these pictures for comparison and is this how it supposed to be served?

Feel so disappointed on how they control the quality of products and poor service staffs in handling customer concerns. Is this what we want to experience for spending at the restaurant?

Product Placement: Taking Advantage of Consumer's Subliminal Perception

More brands are taking advantage of movies or TV series to advertise their products. They are taking advantage of consumer's subliminal perception to recognise their existence. With their brands and products being exposed in a movie or a show that you like, we will not reject it. The consumer perceptual process will automatically capture the entire image or the scene in the movie as the figure and background. This will then be interpret into meanings, consciously or subconsciously.

In a recent movie, Transformers, Age of Extinction, the integration of brands and products as figure and background were significant, ranging from Yili Milk to Nutrilife . Did you spotted any of the below examples of product/brands placement  (there are many more but I just couldn't share all of it...):

Is this the best way to promote your brands and products? Nothing is without limitations. There are perils of backfire on the brands too if the companies are not careful in the selection of product placement. You don't want your products to be seen inferior or carries some negative attitudes identify while associating with the bad guys!

What say you?




Note: Photos were taken using a smartphone while watching the Original DVD of the movie.

Qualification and Certificates

Recently I had a very interesting conversation with a group of my students about the quality of their qualification when searching for jobs. I think it is word sharing to all.

Student: Is there any differences if I graduated in a local college that is not popular compare to another institution that is more famous.

Me: How much you have to pay for your studies compare to the one that you claim is more famous?

Student: Hmmm... about 3 times more expensive in the famous institution.

Me: Now, if you and your family can afford it, then I would say you can choose any institution that you like the most; in terms of the environment, the location, the people, the facilities, the courses, overseas collaborations and others you may think it is important to you.

Student: But how about to find a job when we graduate?

Me: Personally, I think it is the same as long as the institution is a recognised institution by the Ministry of Education. The chances of you in getting a job would be the same, doesn't matter from which institution that you graduated from. This is because there are many factors that a good employer will take into consideration when hiring a new staff. It is not where you graduated from or how much you have spent in your studies.

Qualification is a minimum requirement, just like a key to open a door so that you can get in. After you got in, what would you do with the key? Do you admire it or merely left it on the desk? We need a certificate to proof that we are qualified to apply for a position. Employer will sort the application according to the requirements for the job and qualification is often the common criteria for the screening process in recruitment and selection.

As long as you meet the criteria, you may have the chance to attend for an interview. Meaning, you have the key to open the door and get in to meet the interviewer. After that, it is you who will have to impress the interviewer, convince them with your competencies and attitude towards work.

Student: But why others pay more and study in more famous institution?

Me: Well, there are many reasons for this. For example, what is the meaning of famous? It is mainly from marketing efforts. Actually, some larger institution that charged more compare to the others provides better environment to study with state of the art classroom, full recreation facilities for extra curriculum activities, collaboration with other overseas institutions for the recognition, more qualified teaching (for some institution only), and others that you may find it unique.

All these may have some relationship to your learning experience that will make you to learn more and be more better in your studies. However, if you are not committed, involved and engaged in your studies, it will not benefit you.

Comparing to other institutions without these, does that mean a student cannot gain good learning experience, poor attitude, lack of knowledge, and cannot develop good skills in the field of studies? Again, it is how committed you are and engaging in your studies.

There are always alternatives when you want to solve a problem which each alternatives has its pros and cons. Ultimately, an education is still a key to open the door of employment. Doesn't make if you have a wooden key, golden key, or key with diamonds...it is only used to just unlock the door.

Student: .........

What say you?

Spell Check is Important

I always tell others to check the spelling when writing in exam or for the assignment; and this is why spell check is important:

Breaking News: Another Aircraft Missing - AH5017

What?! Another aircraft gone missing - according to BBC News website, Air Algerie flight AH5017 - Algeria National airlines aircraft disappeared from radar 50 minutes after take off from Ouagadougou at 0155 GMT with 110 passengers.

I really hope that this news is not real but it is on BBC now...I just hope the aircraft will emerged soon safely. Too many shocking news recently...

Source: BBC News
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28460625

MH17 Malaysia Airline Crash in Ukraine

Totally unacceptable. This is a civilian aircraft, MH17 was carrying passengers who has nothing to do with any political matters. All they wanted was to reach their destination, meeting their families, holidays, and even for work purposes. Why can't they reach Kuala Lumpur safely?

A shocking incident for everyone in the world, since yesterday night. If whoever who shot down the Malaysian Airline aircraft, yes, you got the attention now!!! So what? Innocent people sacrifices for your purpose??? Totally unacceptable, insane and the world will never forgive you!

My condolences to MH17 passengers' families and friends; and to all the victims...Rest in Peace. I will never know how sad and heart pain the family members are feeling now, but I personally feel very sad too. Yet, at the same time, I am very angry for those who are responsible for this disaster.

From MH370 incident in March 2014 and now MH17...I still cannot believe that this is real...and I hope it is not!

Fine Dining, Anyone?

Do you like fine dining? 

Before you answer this question, let's have a better understanding of what is fine dining.

Fine dining restaurants offers full service restaurant with very specific meal courses. The restaurants normally feature high quality materials, well-trained wait staffs and even a complete cutlery for dedicated food. The physical evidence of a fine dining restaurants are much more eye-catching with unique interior design, specifically crafted by the restaurateur.

Sounds good? 

To enjoy fine dining, you will need to follow certain rules of dining which guests are generally expected to comply with, including a dress code and dining etiquette. I think all these are the unique proposition of fine dining and the worthiness of it as being served exclusively in a distinctive restaurant.

How about the food?

This is the most subjective question to answer in fine dining. The food served in fine dining are normally categorised as culinary art. Yes, it is an 'art' where the food portions are usually 'visually' appealing.

Risotto with Lamb

Actual portion.

What say you about Fine Dining - the culinary art?

Automotive Market in Malaysia

The automotive Industry in Malaysia is becoming more competitive now. TOYOTA is "Moving Forward" to capitalise the market and HONDA keep introducing new cars for people who like "The Power of Dreams".

However, VOLKSWAGEN don't bother with all these as they are only interested with making cars "Das Auto". Suddenly, the Korean cars are capturing good market shares because KIA have "The Power to Surprise".

Despite of the intense competition...PROTON is still trying their best to be "Committed to be Better"... in term of quality and price (increase)!!! Don't agree? Maybe because Proton is handling by LOTUS, "For the few who know the difference". Luckily, we still have PERODUA- "Building Cars, People First".

If you are not interested with all these competition, you are not the FERRARI type because "We are the Competition". Maybe you just go for MERCEDES-BENZ - "The Best or Nothing"

Using Handphone when Driving: A Norm?

Do you use the horn of your car? Normally in what circumstances you use the horn? I find myself using the horn more frequently compared to many years ago when I started driving. In the driving lessons that I have attended, horn is used to alert others especially when they are possible of accidents causes by blind spot, or maybe to give ways for emergency.

However, the reason I need to use horn more frequently now is to alert other drivers to drive the car and not to use the phone. This is annoying especially during the morning traffic jam. Cars are already moving slow and sometime at standstill. The moment if the traffic moves again, we should be moving too so that all the cars behind and got stuck and move on and reach our destination.

Some people are so smart that they want to utilise their time efficiently, and start using their phone during the traffic jam. When the traffic starts moving, they are still using the phone and will not realise that the car in the front has gone off far ahead. This leave all the car behind wondering why the traffic is so extremely bad on that day. Thanks to these people, we actually wasting more time that being smart and efficient.

Also, people who use the phone while driving will inconsistently brakes the car causing unnecessary tense to the car behind and in worse scenario, it may cause accident. Some even let the steering to steer to left and right, just not going straight. At the end, others become the victim of these reckless drivers. Some of them got mad when we horn them for their mistakes....make no sense!!!

So, what can we do? I really don't know because people like this don't care and will not bother about safety of others. This is our social behaviour now and it is becoming a norm. I can simply say that this is another impact of 'smartphone' for not so 'smart' people! 

Visited the 33rd Kuala Lumpur International Book Fairs

The 33rd Kuala Lumpur International Book Fairs is an international event organised by Majlis Buku Kebangsaan Malaysia (MBKM), Ministry of Education (Malaysia) in collaboration with 6 Industry association in this Country, with the theme for this year “Buku Menjana Kepintaran Kreatif”.

As a lecturer, this is a good time to update our subject reference list for the students. Textbooks are always important because they are the fundamentals of education. I hope our country's efforts to promote creativity through books will be able to cultivate a better learning environment for the students.

It is becoming uncommon for students to read reference books in higher education. The advancement of Information Technology, and fast and easy access to information using the Internet has become an excuse for many students not to use reference textbooks in their study. I may be 'old-school' but I still think that before we go onto the fast and easy platform to access for knowledge with the purpose of studies, we should value the reference textbooks as the fundamentals of learning. When the foundation is right, then we can use the Internet to enhance our knowledge or for quick reference.

If you agree with me, why not drop by to the fairs to see what are the fundamentals of education can help you in your studies. There exhibitors are not only from the local publisher, but also from ASEAN Country and International Publisher as well (Europe, United State, Australia, India and Middle East). The fairs will be from 24th April 2014 to 4th May 2014 at Dewan Tun Hussein On, Dewan Tun Dr. Ismail, Dewan Tun Razak 3, 4 and Legar Putra Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. The gate will be opened to the public on 24th April 2014, from 10.00am to 9.00pm. Admission is free.

Related Post: Reading Academic Textbooks

David Moyes Left Manchester United

Today is another historical day for Manchester United after Sir Ales Ferguson made his announcement of retirement from the club on the 8th May 2013. The Manchester United official website have announced that David Moyes has left the club.

There were little information provided on the official page but just a statement:
The Club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role. 

Only 10 months in action, leading to club to loosing many important games, including to those rivalry clubs. With the recent lost of 2-0 to Everton at Goodison Park, Moyes previous club, the dis-satisfactory result has causes him the utmost pressure to sustain in the club. He left Goodison Park to Old Trafford, and ended his career with Manchester United in his last game at Goodison Park.

Source: Manchester United Official Website
URL: http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Apr/club-statement-on-david-moyes.aspx

So who will be the next manager?

Think Out of the Box?

So far, you must have at least heard of someone telling you to 'think out of the box'! I do agree that we need to find new ways of doing things better or in a unique way. Thinking out of the box indeed is a good way to achieve that. However, you can do so provided you have something in your box; or perhaps filled your own box first.

What is the point if you do not even have anything in the box, or couldn't think within a box to look at things from the fundamentals or basics. You can think big, do different things and look for your 'blue ocean'; but what are the foundations to get you started? Do you have a map or a compass before you sail out to look for the blue ocean? and of course, you need to know how to swim first before you go to explore the blue ocean...

Hence, if you cannot even work within the box and do simple things...going out of the box might be disasters....

Hello Pak Cik, can't you see where is the box for you to park your 'big' car???

Dinning, Socialising or Watching Drama?

The advancement of information technology is a breakthrough in improving our social lifestyle and productivity. That is why hardware manufacturers keep on investing and introducing more powerful processors to support multi-tasking environment. Hence, these technologies has change our lifestyle and allowing many of us live in the world of multi-tasking.

Try to observe around you the next time you go for lunch or dinner. You may easily spot a family or couple like this: A couple having their dinner in a local restaurant, didn't talk to each other but started to watch something on the tablet after ordering their food. Both were doing something on their devices throughout the entire dinning process (multi-tasking).

Special Notice: Amaran Keras

Yesterday, I spotted a very interesting notice from the Management of a commercial building (near Metroview Condominium) at Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur.

I just couldn't imagine what has causes the Management to put up such notice that says: 'do not urinate or shit in this area'. They must have been experiencing something really bad.

Would anyone urinate or defecate at public places like this? How uncivilised people can be...disgusting!!!

Anyway, will this notice make any difference to the people whom committed such act? I do hope the Management can catch this person and stop such incident to happen again.

E.T. Is My Love From The Star

I wonder if anyone (Gen-Y) can understand a scene in the latest popular Korean drama, My Love From The Star (来自星星的你). In episode 18, Do Min-joon (an alien who has landed on Earth 400 years ago during Josean Dynasty) was asked by Cheon Yoon-jae to connect their friendship by touching their fingers together. There is this special background music too.

This is the famous act adopted from the movie E.T. In 1982. The background music played was the original main theme soundtrack of E.T. which I think many of the Gen-Y have not heard before. It is good to bring back such memories as E.T. was known as the earlier icon of Alien explorer to planet Earth and expose the younger generations to some good old movies.

Earlier I have problems to illustrate my example using E.T. friendship with human because all my students don't what is E.T.. Well, I hope after this, some of my students can understand my examples using E.T. and its adventure on Earth.

Breaking News: Mercedez-Benz Got Stuck At Starhill Gallery

An unlucky driver ramped up a luxury Mercedez-Benz to the pedestrian walkway and got stuck at the back entrance of Starhill Gallery Kuala Lumpur.

There are construction work nearby and maybe the driver got confused with the road. Without any proper divider or sign, the driver could have thought that there is another road. The wide open area behind Starhill Gallery may look like another road for the driver, especially at night when there is no proper sign or barriers.

Be very careful if you are driving around that area. Hope the gallery management will put up some sign or a barrier to alert and also to protect the pedestrian. Good luck.

Haze Never Left Kuala Lumpur

As we thought our air is getting better this morning, the haze has emerged again and showing its ability to cause uncomfort and breathing difficulty to many of us in Kuala Lumpur. We have to stay strong and healthy to combat haze; especially when exam is coming for my students. Be ready for the worse as many places are still reporting hotspot and burning in Malaysia. Take care people.

Shocking News on Missing MAS MH370 Aircraft

It all started on a Saturday morning, and I got to know about this news when I was traveling to work. The radio station 9.88 made an annocement of a missing MAS aircraft which supposed to land at Beijing in the morning 6.30am. However, the aircraft MH370 was reported missing at 2.30am. It has been more that 35 hours now and nothing yet to be found and confirmed by the authorities on the whereabouts of the aircraft.

With the advancement of modern technology, it is still possible that an aircraft as big as this Boeing 777 to vanished. Many speculations has been circulating around and I don't think I want to create more unnecessary confusion on this. Just hope that all the 227 passengers and 12 crew members are safe. Whatever happen, this will definitely affects all Malaysian and others who care about MH370 safety. Let us all pray for them and keep our hope alive for their returns.

Espressolab - Even Competitor's Staff Cannot Resist

Today is the grand opening of Espressolab's 13th outlet at Plaza Lowyat, Kuala Lumpur. In-conjunction with the grand opening, they are offering a 'Buy One Get One Free' (beverage only) promotion for 1 day only at this new outlet.

Personally, I think the promotion is very attractive to coffee lovers; even somebody who works for their competitor cannot resist to try out the espressolab coffee...

This is why you need a good marketing campaign - Seeing is believing!!!

Before And After Haze Invasion

I do not know what to say. See it yourself - Seeing is Believing!!!

LATEST UPDATE on 14th March 2014 at 9.00AM. What do you think is the API now????

KLCC hardly can be sighted...

This morning at 8.50AM (3/3/14)

At 6.05PM

These pictures were taken on 30th January 2014

3 Things We Should Not Do During Water Shortage Period

This month, households in Klang Valley will be facing a very tough challenge- water supply shortage. Despite of Syabas efforts to divide the affected areas into zones for water supply interruption (2 days off and on rotation system), it will not be sufficient if the households do not take steps to reduce the water consumption (saving water).

Setting priority of water consumption becomes critical. A few activities that I feel we can avoid during these dry period:

1. Car wash - it can be horrible and not look on you if your car is dirty, but that helps to save lots of water.

2. Washing blankets or carpets - lots of water are needed to wash these...maybe just hang on for another month.

Son, can you see that Klang Valley is facing water shortage problem? Please go educate the people to be more responsible in water consumption! If not, Earth will end up like our home....

3. Do not let children to play with water at home - this is the worst thing to happen, even when there is no water shortage problem, it should be allowed!!!

Fire at Sri Gombak

The weather is getting worse, especially at my neighbourhood. Started since yesterday, there was hotspot detected at Taman Sri Gombak. The reserved lake garden at the center of Sri Gambak was on fire, dark smokes and flames were spotted. Today, while I was going up the hills, I thought the fire has been taken care off, saw some burnt trees along the road...

However, at the top of the hills, there are still fire. This is really alarming as the residential houses are just opposite the road. Cannot imagine if the fire spreads and become uncontrollable. Lucky, the fire department personnel are already there.

By the time at night when I passes by this area again, the fire has been put off. Glad it didn't turn bad but I there are still the burning smell and heat wave around Sri Gombak. I think everybody is hoping for heavy rain here... Let's hope for a better tomorrow.

What is Plane Water?

We all make mistake; there is nothing wrong about it because nobody is perfect. However, we cannot give ourself excuses and accept mistakes. Some mistakes can be drastic and could trigger big problem in some settings. Therefore, we need to always remind ourself to minimise our mistake and to reduce the damage of our carelessness to the lowest; for your work or personal life.

As a student, you may think why your lecturers always ask you to check and check and check your work before submitting it. Well, this is to train you to be more careful and meticulous; and be responsible for your own work. The moment you graduated and started working with any employer, your carelessness may cause severe problems to the organisation performance (directly or indirectly).

See what happen when a Hong Kong style restaurant in Kuala Lumpur charging RM3.00 for a glass of 'PLANE' water! I wonder what is so special with this beverage.

Thanks to Ms Eunice Tai for allowing me to share her first experience of consuming the very special 'Plane' water

 

What Causes Misspelled of Names on Starbucks Cups?

Recently, I read some blogs mentioning on how hilarious Starbucks staffs misspelled the customer names on Starbucks cups. Some even make fun of the staffs and telling others how angry they are for misspelling their names.

Personally, I think it is so unfair to put the blame on the staff and making fun of them. It is just a courtesy that they want to greet you by your name and put a smile on your coffee cup to cheer you up. I belief that it is not the staff who are poor in literacy or failed in their job to get your name correctly. There can be many causes to this problem, and one of the main causes, the customer!

Try to imagine you are working throughout the day and serving many customers (you know how good is Starbucks business). When you have to take the customer orders correctly, with so much of customisation allows for your cup of coffee, and to make sure you charge accordingly; the task of a cashier is not as easy as you think.

Meanwhile, Starbucks is an international coffee brand. Customers who visit Starbucks come from all around the world. With such diversity, spelling the customer name can be much more difficult. Even in Malaysia, we may speak in English but with different accent.

Lastly, your name can be so special that not everyone can easily spell it out correctly. I have seen many unique names before and it is really difficult to read or to spell it.

So, try to be understanding and appreciate their good intention to ask for your name. Why not tell them your name properly, maybe spell it out for them, or give them a simplify version of your name. So far, I don't have any problem with my cup of coffee.

Computer Breakdown, Restaurant Closed

Do you know what is the impact of Information Technology (IT) can have on your business? I think the impact could be very drastic because I saw this pizza restaurant at Berjaya Times Square closed since yesterday. All the staffs are there, but there is this A4 paper placed at the center to the entrance saying 'Closed, Computer Breakdown'.

Could't take a clear shot on the notice at the center because the staffs are looking at me...anyway, it says ' CLOSE, COMPUTER BREAKDOWN'

Today I saw some technician fixing something near the cashier.

See how important is IT in business, even a pizza restaurant that serves food and beverages, cannot operate because of computer breakdown. I wonder what roles does a computer does, that can caused the entire restaurant to come to a standstill.

Is this a norm to all the F&B outlets to close if there is a problem with the Point-of-Sales (POS) or 'computer'?