Counting Down The Days

Information Update

2009-04-14T23:52:00.008+08:00

I've been missing again. Well a lot has happened in a month. It's not a short period. I've begun work though 3 weeks from mid march was training. To be precised I have started real work for about a week plus now. Trying to get the hang of things so it's a bit difficult. I really missed training and my batchmates who are all deployed to different client locations. I myself am in Shah Alam for about 3 weeks. The place is a bit on the outskirts.

More so I missed being a student. I totally understand now why people say its better being a student. Though studying may not be all fun but at least you have control of most of your time. When you work, a big part of your day is gone and you can never have enough time for leisure. At least not in my line of work. Times are bad now so you can't be choosy. Though something positive out of this, I am slowly knowing what I want to do. Currently my work doesn't rank high. But I guess just suck it up and live with it for now. Lol.

The 1st Experience camp was a blast. It was really great to know so many people from the batch and we actually had a couple of outings, all of which my friends and I have enjoyed very much. Wish it'd last longer. Most of the people were Australian graduates, due to the intake timing. There were only 6 of us from Sunway out of around 50 plus of the same line of service.People were nice and friendly, which is what we all want when we are out there, don't we?

My graduation, the first out of a few was just over. It was by the alma mater and it was an awesome feeling to reunite with all your friends and know where they are now. Most of them are in the big 4 firms which is good to know. But I was yet to find out people taking the less common route. The ceremony was as expected with a bit of flaws here and there but eventually turned out well. Most importantly my family was there to celebrate and share my achievement. Thanks Mum and Dad and sis!

So a brief update just to let you guys know I am still alive. Catch up soon.

Information Update

2009-03-11T17:40:00.004+08:00

I just got back from a trip to Hainan in China. Just an idea of how it went: It was a tour group of 31, me being that 1 and 30 other senior citizens aged 60 and above. I had fever on the third day and diarrhoea on the last. Basically it did not go very well for me. I made back to Malaysia in one piece so that's something to be thrilled about.

I have great news though. I've passed my ACCA exams! It's a good thing that I'm done with my exams and can now focus on work. I am so happy some of my friends were able to make it with me: Lily, Wui Li, Su-N, Kristyn, Peilin, Sher Huey, Sharee and others whom I have yet to find out. We have all made it. But I was sad for some who did not. Mostly did not for one paper but I am sure they will make it for this coming sitting effortlessly. It is normally just a phase of failure in ACCA. I had my share back then.

Full time work is starting next Monday! Irman and Kristyn both complaints that they're not ready for work. So am I! Well when your friends are not makes you ask yourself if the feeling is mutual. I think we will find our way come Monday. It's a good thing PwC is putting us through a structured training first so we won't be at a lost.

Can't believe my 3 months break have passed me by just like that. The most fruitful thing being I learnt something from the short retail experience in February. Other than that, I've practically wasted it by lazing and dreaming away. It is time to put my act together and live an orderly life (that is if audit life can even be possibly orderly, which is quite unlikely). Currently it's pretty messy. Speaking of messy, so is my room. I can only justify by saying that I have not been able to really settle and stay there for good so there was no urgency to make it tidy and homely. Now I guess there is no more excuse. Which brings me to the house. It has brought me headaches and worries for weeks since early February. I can say that move in process is about 90% done and the remaining 10 being the little things that make the puzzle complete, though little yet so important for proper living. Prayyy that it can be done soon. Fingers crossed.

I will be back in KL early tomorrow morning. I have plenty to blog about and once I have settled I will sit on my new desk and blog away if I have the time. Take care guys. ^^

French Légèreté

2009-02-28T00:21:00.011+08:00

I have been occupied with work recently, explains why I was off the radar a couple of weeks. I got the opportunity to take up a part time position as fashion sales consultant with a local fashion retail company holding franchise to French labels i.e. Givenchy, Lanvin, Lancel and Kookai.

Being interested in fashion retail, this short stint gave me an eye-opening experience. Unlike departmental stores and fast moving goods retailers, luxury retail operates differently. I learnt things from product knowledge to how to sell the goods, talk about the brand and understanding customers' needs. It was especially satisfying when a Singaporean customer thanked me for the good service although he did not buy anything. I was attached to Lancel in Suria KLCC for the past 3 weeks during the weekdays. Today was my last day. Time really flies.

Lancel is a French leather goods and accessories company specialised in making handbags, briefcases and luggages. Its competitors are folks like Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, Furla, Coach and etc. Apparently in France, Lancel is as famous as LV, if not more, with over 50 boutiques countrywide. Here in Malaysia it is relatively new and so most people here are unaware of the brand. Those who've been to France and appreciate quality luxurious leather goods know that Lancel have one of the best bags in town. Most leather handbags are handmade and handstitched in France. Besides the KLCC boutique, its flagship store is in Starhill Gallery, Bukit Bintang.

This is one of the signature bags, the Premier Flirt. I sold two of them. Famous award-winning French actress Isabelle Adjani is the ambassador of Lancel as she best portrays Lancel's spirit of "French Légèreté". She models it for the magazine spreads. Ensuring they don't leave out Asia, Lancel also found another ambassador to speak for them. Zhou Xun, also an award winning actress from China, was the best introduction line to China tourists oblivious to the brand.

Lancel pioneered unique designs like the drawstring bag. Most bags are donned with classic patterns and designs, making it a timeless fashion piece. But they also have kept themselves in trend with bright colours like Tangerine and this Fuschia.

I've noticed that Asians are generally obsessed with brand over other more important qualities of a product. Some designer bags are made of canvas and manufactured in China but yet some are willing to pay through their noses for it. The bags in Lancel are good buys for a luxurious brand but most think twice as Lancel does not ring a bell or rather bells of people they want to impress. Brand takes precedence over everything else therefore branding is crucial in the luxury goods business. Think Louis Vuitton. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE wants to bag an LV; genuine or fake, expensive or ridiculously expensive, big or small, shoes, belts or bags. The infamous monogram is everywhere and is a sure to be spotted when you are out and about. There is bound to be at least one walking billboard of LV in every mall in the city. If you don't, you're probably unlucky. Or should I say lucky?

The stint was truly a great experience. Thank you to my colleagues and the managers for the opportunity and guidance.

The Big 21

2009-02-02T00:38:00.016+08:00

My being 21 is finally here. Not that I want it to come so soon and not that I don't want to ever grow up but it's one phase that I've finally come to accept. In fact, I don't feel much at all. It just feels like how it shoud be, normal. I thought it was going to be overwhelming that I'm finally, officially legal but no, just feels all right. Nothing has changed. Nothing physically but maybe showed some signs of aging. :(
But the events that accompany me being 21; finishing my course, getting a job and a new place to stay befits the celebatory 21.

Anyway, my friends and family throw me parties to welcome the big 21 and I thank them profusely. I hope it's not just another excuse to party lol.

Saturday was like an early reunion dinner with Uncle Kai Seng's family and so they make my birthday thing an add-on event. They should have made mine the main agenda of the night lol. But ya they were very sweet. Thank you mum and dad, sis and cousins, uncle and aunty.

This is my cousin Ching Mun.
And then there's with a few friends at Josephine. It's this new bistro and cafe in the old Parkson Ria aka Ipoh Garden Plaza. Looks quite a nice place and my sister and I were like, finally a decent place to sit and chat in Ipoh. But turned out the food and service were pretty bad. Heard it opened for just about a week so hopefully they'll improve by then or else it's just supporting evidence that KL-like businesses fail in smaller towns like Ipoh. Here I am trying to cut the cake. Thanks Myke for the cake, it's really nice.From left: Myke, Bernard, me, Suyin and Kee Loon. Thank you for gracing my birthday with your presence. Suyin was like so restless she can't wait to step out of the place and step into a bar or club. We ended doing venue hopping like the night before and eventually spent most of the time in Houz. They were playing songs from the 70s, 80s and chinese songs I've not heard since 10 years ago. Retro!

Speaking of which being 21, I decided that I have to do things that I have not done before. The recent being to Genting Highlands and going on thrill rides I have not been on. Being alone since my parents were not interested in theme park and having a complimentary ticket for my birthday, I wandered in the park and identified the rides I'd like to get on. Thinking when will I ever come into the theme park again I was like what the heck, just do it. The next thing I know I was seated on the Space Shot ride and being transported up 185 feet into the foggy sky.It was a very intensed ride. The anticipation of free fall (or was it faster?) at the top of the thing was teeth-teetering. I think we stay on top for about 8 to 10 seconds and the next moment you're being pulled down. Feel as though I was still up there a split second ago. Of course in all thrill rides you have to scream to let your excitement out. My butt lifted from the seat and I hate this part. Butt-lifting causes me to feel insecure. Guess whether this is before or after the ride? And I rode it twice. So was the Corkscrew. It was quite an achievement for me lol. The rides I took after these two were not as exciting. These two were among the most popular.

To slow it down a little I took the monorail ride as there was still some time. You may call it the caterpillar ride. I was in the same carriage as this family with a baby boy. He is the cutest thing I have seen lately and I can't help but to take a photo of him. I did compliment the parents that they have such a cute boy. Took some photos of the theme park. It was really foggy around. Only was able to take the Oscar guy's backside. And this is the indoor roller coaster. Used to be RM2 a ride now it's RM8!

Had this spring chicken with chicken essence for dinner at Gohtong Jaya. Was delicious. And then took some macro shots of the flowers. Beautifully colourful aren't they? And this is me being joyful with my faint attempt at a jump shot. But think it didn't work, it seemed more like I was standing on the edge instead of floating on air. Genting City of Entertainment ad campaign? Think Genting might turn into a ghost town if it does.

Oxford Brookes University Academic Awards Ceremony 2008

2009-01-22T23:50:00.003+08:00

There will be a series of past events last year that experience delayed posting on this blog. And it's gonna start with this one : The Oxford Brookes University Academic Awards Ceremony aka Graduation Day held in Hotel Istana KL back in August. It was for the students who were awarded Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Accouting, as a result of successfully passing the Research and Analysis Project, a partnership between ACCA and OBU.

I was assigned to assist at the event by ACCA Malaysia. Arrived earlier than the celebrated, there was only Rachel and I as the rest could not make it. Thank god it was not a large scale event and we were able to do all we could to help. Met with the person in charged of the ceremony, Bridget Guiste from OBU. She was very friendly. We assist mainly with registration, welcoming and ushering of guests as the logistics were mostly settled by the hotel. The banquet hall with the sea of chairs. Bridget making sure everything is in order with the other representatives from OBU.

My sister was one of the graduates and so my parents were there as well. It was kind of a bonus I get to assist and so i get to witness the ceremony as she was allowed to bring only 2 guests. So I juggled my duties with running off to see them and take the family photo. This other family was taking theirs. The photographer prompted the mum to smile more for the camera.We managed to take a couple of photos in the hall. Here's to dad for guiding and inspiring his kids to take a similar career path as his. And one for the family.She was all smiles as she is now a graduate. If it isn't obvious in the photo, I was very happy for her. Also met some of her friends like Beatrix and Sim Yee.
Rachel left about an hour before the ceremony as she has an appointment, leaving me alone to assist. The hall was slowly filling up with graduates donning mortar boards and gowns.Bridget asked me to take charge of the music coordination i.e. cueing the music and opening the doors for the VIPs i.e. the Chancellors and professors and the same thing when the ceremony ends. And so I was walking around with a walkie-talkie. I nearly screwed it for the beginning part as I was told to stop the music when they were seated. Turns out they will sit only when the music stops. Hence the beginning may have seemed odd but lucky I stopped it in time.

The ceremony took a while as there were many graduates, each waiting for their turn to walk up the podium and receive scrolls from the Vice Chancellor. The VC remained all smiles after giving out countless scrolls. There was 1 man who graduated with an MBA also a partnership between ACCA and OBU. He came from Vietnam if I was not mistaken.

The ceremony ended about 2 hours later and I cued for the music to accompany the VIPs out of the hall. And my job was done. Tea was served and I was starving by then as I did not have lunch. We had photos with the professors and the VC before they left.
Bridget and Lucy thanked me for my helped and handed me a token from OB Business School. I was grateful to be able to take part in this ceremony and be part of the experience. They look forward to seeing me the next ceremony when it is my turn to receive the scroll.

The "after party" was in Pavilion KL. Who am I kidding, there will be no "party" party when you're with family. We just went there for dinner and since mum and dad have not been there thought we dropped by. And so it was one of the good days for our family. Congrats sis! You deserve it. :)

Information Update

2009-01-07T18:27:00.015+08:00

I have been superbusy when back in Sunway after exams. Also lonely, the fact that Monash students left for their long break and most ACCA were on theirs as well. For me, I was mainly back to settle a couple of things. I attended interviews and relied on Eu Jhin's place to avoid traffic in the morning. The interview process was gruesome. After all it is my first time attending job interviews and obviously I had to take it seriously. They went well and I was offered a position by both firms but had to say no to KPMG as it was logistically impossible.

To my delight, I got an offer from PricewaterhouseCoopers too and I accepted it as this firm is one of my choices. But I believe you can learn abundant from any Big 4 firms. Most of my friends were already recruited by Ernst & Young before the exams so there were not many left to go for PwC. Work starts in mid-March so I have quite a long break. Most friends start in February which is just nice. But I was encouraged by friends and family, mostly the working class, to take a long break before embarking on my career, a long road ahead. I know where this is coming from. Sides, I finished my course early, an extra month break is justifiable.

But I am already starting to get bored having nothing to do. I would like to try do a part-time stint. It would be an experience since you’ll never get a chance to do it when you start your full time job. It’s also nice to know whether you are capable to do jobs like this. Anyone has any interesting positions to offer me? Or any freelance jobs or events? You’re probably looking for the right person here. *wink*

Speaking of which, the financial crisis is such an untimely situation. Initially, my friends and I eyed Singapore as our employer but the economic situation there is currently bleak. Retrenchment, headcount freeze and paycuts are happening from what I heard. In fact, the whole world is going through a hard time. 2009 is going to be worse. The figures and forecasts don’t lie. 2009 is a trying time for world politicians and economist and hopefully they can get us out of this mess. The sad part is retrenchment. Families are going to suffer with no regular income. Eventually, most of us postponed the idea of working there and settled for employment here. We’ll wait till times get better. Now is actually not a very good time to graduate. But we are thankful we still get a job at times like this.

I have finally packed and moved out of my condo. I didn’t realise I have so many things in my room till I unpacked everything. Thank god my roomie left and no replacement yet. My things were all over. This is only a fraction of my wardrobe. I did my shifting out by phases so it won’t be like a disaster when trying to move everything in one day, which is not possible. With some nagging and shouting here and there, let’s just say the move out process turned out quite well.

I’m no more bound to rules, curfew time, restrictive behaviour, poolside café food (which I have been taking 2 years but realised it wasn’t so bad after all) and sharing a room. I actually miss the condo mostly for its convenience and location near my favourite mall, Sunway Pyramid. I never got tired of it since its renovation. I think it has a good mix of tenants for the right demographic. Its unique architecture makes it an attraction for foreign tourists especially from the middle-east and TVB Hong Kong’s favourite location for their Super Trio Show.

During the December holidays, I hung out with friends mostly in malls watching movies and having meals. Here we were having a tough time deciding where to eat lol.The outings were mostly after interviews which means I have been to Mid Valley Megamall for a couple of days consecutively. Personally I don’t really like it there, I don’t know why. I think it is because the ceilings are low. Call me weird but space is crucial in the retail business. Sides, the layout is bad with a centre court and four wings spanning from it, means shoppers have to come all the way back to centre to venture into another wing, which to a not regular visitor like me, is confusing. The Gardens Mall just opposite however is better, but because it is mainly high fashion, not everyone can afford to shop there. But with these two malls combined, the Mid Valley City has virtually every fashion outlet you are looking for. They have a strong combination of departmental stores i.e. Metrojaya, Jusco, Robinson’s, Isetan. The only one missing was Parkson.

So I have watched more movies than usual during December to kill time. Twilight, Bolt, The Day The Earth Stood Still, Wild Child, Ip Man, Transporter 3, Yes Man, Bedtime Stories. They all made good entertainment. Bolt is interesting and the character is painfully adorable. Animations now are no more cartoons of yesteryears. The people behind Disney and PIXAR (now under Disney) are very talented and it's good they are not only targeting the younger audience but adults alike with their intelligent script. Ip Man (as in Yip Mun and not I. P. Man like I thought initially) is also an entertaining martial arts film. Though set in the 40s during the Japanese occupation, it does not revolve solely on martial arts like Wong Fei Hong or something. It has an interesting screenplay.

House hunting was very stressful at first. Trying to find a suitable place to accommodate everyone at a reasonable price is not a walk in the park. Thank you Joshua and Tiger for doing most of the work at first. In the end they found a house in SS2 and decided that it is the way to go as condos are expensive. We saw this house we thought was the right one but there were a couple of things that was an eye sore, like the ancient and dirty toilets. My parents disapprove of it.

But thank god they found another one nearby so we don’t have to start from scratch. This looks much better and with more rooms it can accommodate all of us. It’s got a new coat of paint. The only shortcoming is it is not furnished at all, so we’ll have to buy quite a number of things when we move in. SS2 is a strategic location but very densely populated. There will be jams. So, we will have to learn to get used to the life in the Klang Valley.

So that’s what I’ve been up to during December. Having so many to do, I barely have time to blog. I will have now as I am back in Ipoh and have nothing much to do. But the internet got cut so I am now waiting for it to come back. I realised that the internet has become an indispensable part of my life. Well not yet as basic need of my life, but without it things get extremely difficult. It’s like I loose touch with the rest of the world. I am sure you all can relate to that.

I will be at the Star Education Fair at the ACCA Pavilion in one of the Exhibition Halls in KL Convention Centre this Saturday and Sunday 10th and 11th January 2009. Look for me if you guys are there aite!

Happy New Year! Have a good one ahead! Cheers!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-27T18:50:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Amazing isn’t it, how the holiday season comes so fast, it is that time of the year again. Christmas is giving, sharing, shopping and food, at least to me. I thought my Christmas Eve would be one of those mundane nights spent alone in my condo. Counting on my super busy sis to hang out with was pretty illusional. Maybe a little over-dramatised, but I was about to be proved wrong.

Hope was bleak at first when she flooded my inbox with her blardy tired day at work etc. Don’t take me as a cold person not sympathising over her situation but I am just a little numb with that lol. Anyway she did come to pick me for dinner. Oh wait, now I remember what I did earlier of the day.

It was quite a whole day for me too. I went to KL Sentral to settle my employment stuff and medical check-up. I have not had lunch as I was in a hurry to see a friend. In fact, she was THE friend. She dropped by on her way back to Ipoh. She’s none other than Miss Ch’ng. Supposed to meet her in KLCC 3pm as told earlier so I scheduled everything else to accommodate that time.

Got a text about noon in the bus to meet an hour earlier, which was practically impossible. I hurried but KL traffic and unreliable transportation was not any help. Reached KLCC at 3, she wasn’t very happy to have waited but there was nothing I could do. We chatted a while and later grabbed a bite. Our meet up was so short as her brother came to pick her. They left about 4 to beat the jam, and left me alone in the upscale mall.

I hung out in the mall to wait for sis to finish work. Did not feel like going all the way back to Sunway and have her pick me again. So I went window shopping and bargain hunting but affordable buys are scarce in this kind of malls. If you haven’t already known, there are 3 especially upscale malls in Malaysia i.e. Suria KLCC, Pavilion KL and The Gardens Mall in Mid Valley. These are the shopping destinations of loaded and flamboyant fashionistas, celebrities and high society. Maybe Bangsar Village is in the list too, but beats me cause I’ve not been there yet.

So I hit the departmental stores instead, which recently occur to me is a good place to shop. There’s Isetan and Parkson. The Parkson here and in Pavilion offer higher end retailing. The one in Pavilion attempts to emulate Saks Fifth Avenue. Elsewhere, home-grown Parkson can be found everywhere, an industry leader of the departmental stores in Malaysia. Isetan from Japan, on the other hand has outlets in KLCC, Lot 10 and The Gardens Mid Valley. It is known to have exceptionally good discounts at random sales periods. Their supermarket also has a variety of imported food and confectionery.

I reached PJ at close to 8. Sis and I went to the Korean BBQ restaurant in SS2, far from the city where everyone was heading for the Christmas countdown. She hates crowds. Me too, but I’m more tolerant of such than my family members. We had barbecue, both pork and beef, and were served a variety of greens and soups. They all came with a hefty price tag, which we did not realise till the tab came lol.

Initially intending to call it a night, it all changed when her friend invited her to a gathering in TTDI. That’s Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, an area supposedly resided by the elite. Headed to Modesto’s at Tao in TTDI Plaza. A little nightspot decorated with bee hive-like joss stick, Buddhist style, hence the name perhaps. Music was alright, mostly mainstream, my type.

We hung out and chatted. Most were already working and seemed like I was the youngest of the crowd. Later, the people from Durex came to distribute condom samples. I found it amusing, though not totally astonished as I’ve come across that from movies and hearsay. In a way it’s good that they promote safe sex. “If it’s not ON the answer is NO” was on the coasters they were giving out, I find that pretty cool.

Yes, the countdown to Christmas was happening right there, about half an hour after we arrived. It was just like any other countdowns I’ve been, but a little weird with my sis at a place that is not really her type. But it was funny to see her ‘fun’ side. I thought that was it for the night until she asked if we want to follow her friends to another place. They were going to change spots. Solaris at Mont Kiara. I was like why not, it’s not like your sister takes you to places like this everyday, not to mention two a night lol.

There, we met a long-time-no-see friend, Cindy, from school. My sis and she jumped in delight seeing each other. They caught up with each other. The crowd was hyper like highly intoxicated. The level of sobriety was almost zero in that club. The DJ talked trash and leaves me going huh? It's alright to drink and have fun but what totally turns me off is those who get so drunk till they become violent-vomit-shooting semi-unconscious zombies. Please, know your limit and have some self-control. We did not stay for long.

Being late into the night, sis drove home and we were hunting for road signs pointing to PJ, Subang Jaya or Bandar Sunway. Driving in KL if you’re not familiar with the roads can be frustrating and scary. But again always have a full tank, then you’re quite safe. So that was my Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day was not as interesting but I was looking forward to dinner at Aunt Moh See’s in SS2. Almost the whole family was there and Uncle Loh cooked. He has good culinary skills. There were stuffed turkey (bought from Victoria Station if I’m not mistaken), pasta, oxtail soup, salad, potatoes, and fish-head curry (I know, a little out of the western dish but it was there anyway).

The food was satisfying but what was better was the chat. The Leong family has very “entertaining” chats which I enjoy a lot. But sometimes when you’re the subject being talked about, it may not be as entertaining lol. I mean we’re family, we talk about things. I guess that cannot be helped. And none family gathering is complete without family snapshots. Everyone was busy adjusting their cameras for timed auto-shoots. There’s Yue Meng trying to find a good view with his. One for the album. Smile!
I had a good Christmas this year. No presents though since it’s not really our thing and with the recession already here, everybody is finding an excuse to save haha. How did you spend your Christmas? Almost half of the world I know spent it in Singapore. Were you there? Tell me if it turned out to be a super crowded island. Cheers!

Penang

2008-12-15T01:01:00.011+08:00

Like I said previously I was going to be in Penang for the weekend right after my exams. For a wedding dinner of my dad's friend's son. A doctor. Marrying a pharmacist. Complementary couple. The trip was not mainly focused on that. I was there to wind down a little.

Pearl of the Orient is a food heaven. Personally, I think Ipoh is better. Ok let me put it this way. Penang has nice delicacies but Ipoh offer delicious cuisines. Our lunch stop was Penang Road for Char Kway Teow (Fried Flat Rice Noodles). I ordered mixed with Mee (Noodles). And Penang Laksa. I think it is one of the best place to have laksa. Then dessert was Chendol. It was a stall outside the shop and it was super crowded. Craziness. I suspect they are outstation folks, must be from KL. No surprise as the same is in Ipoh, we locals have no chance at eating our own food as it would be infested by KLites. More so when it is the school holidays now.

Went to Queensbay Mall for retail therapy. It is one of those malls emulating malls in KL. I think it is trying to be like 1 Utama. With familiar labels like Esprit, Forever 21, Guess, G2000, GAP, MNG, Padini Concept Store and Quiksilver/Roxy, any avid shopper would immediately recognise this combo. Shopped a little myself, basically for my work wardrobe. Got quite a good deal from G2000 with my suit, similar to my sis's last year. Mum said we have some kind of fate with this particular store.

Paddington House of Pancakes, no stranger to KLites is also available here. It was my first time giving it a try and I loved it, since I have a sweet tooth. The ingredients given were generous and so my dad had to be generous too when it comes to footing the bill. Ya but it was delicious. Forgotten what are the names of these though.

The wedding dinner was in Evergreen Laurel Penang. The reception was messy. It started really late, the food was served late, with irregular intervals, the event was not well-planned, we couldn't watch the photos presentation and you guessed it, it ended late almost 11. It was still alright since we were not in a rush to anywhere. But the wait was quite dreading as we did not eat before we came.

Morning breakfast before we left was at some restaurant. The really unique preparation of steamed fish with Kway Teow. There was another one, vermicelli soup with fish, as well but no photo. It was nice too.

So spent two nights in Penang. Missed the Gurney Drive food though. Not enough time. Will be back some day. Been quite long did not go to Batu Ferringghi, a tourist attraction with resorts and hotels spanning along the long stretch of beach. The last time was in 2004, during my prefects' leadership camp if I did not remember wrongly, before the Tsunami. One of the best times of my school life.

Back in Ipoh, had to host my cousin and her 3 girl friends from Sitiawan. Here to hang out 2 nights. I was the driver but was alright. And featured dish from Ipoh is the Beef Noodle. Look at the beef balls, at only 50 cents per ball. The soup is totally tasty. Place? The row of hawker stalls behind Sam Tet, opposite Esso and Shell station. Been eating this for a long time. Owner saw me grow from kid to now. You can only imagine.

Am back in Bandar Sunway now, preparing for interviews and packing getting ready to move out. Also finding a new place to stay. More in the next post. :)

And That's A Wrap

2008-12-05T03:48:00.004+08:00

I'm done and DONE! Finally I have "completed" my course and can put exams behind me at least for now. They're in quotations as it is subject to the results come February next year. So there's gonna be less posts with labels Studies and University and a whole lot more of, well whatever those are. Probably Career should be added to the list. Anyways, the last paper was the most disastrous of all I've attempted. The last time I felt like that in the hall this evening was.. well I can't remember but it was like one of those tests which the outcome of it does not bother me.. which means it was really BAD! Sigh.

For now, I'm just gonna try put that behind me as well and chill and do things. Yea things. I have so many in mind, don't know where to begin or what to do. Well for starters, am gonna be back full swing to try and blog really often. It's been some time I've posted constant updates and hope by doing so will keep my visitors entertained. At the same time know bout what's happening in my world of course. ^^

Oh speaking of which, I am heading to Penang for dad's friend's wedding. Actually I'm mainly up north to the island for the food. Or perhaps some shopping. The SALES are here! Can't wait to go back to KL to check out the great bargains. And so I'm supposed to wake up early tomorrow but am still awake at this time of the night. I'm such a horrible person.

And am going to get an interview scheduled for next week. Since studies are done, the next chapter, as Joshua would put it, is to get a job. I'm not rushing to work though. Will not start that soon till I get my well-deserved break. But at times like this, it is good to secure one.

One thing I am most hoping to do is to catch up with you guys - my lovely friends. I was told that all public university students with the exception of medic are on hols now. And I know Aussie students are also on long breaks. Please let me know if you're also in Ipoh and would like to meet and catch up and talk about life. If you have outings or etc holla me. Fyi, I'm currently in Ipoh.

But am planning to go back to PJ already next week :( - mainly for interviews and would want to utilize the already paid for rent and gym. And also pack my stuff and get my ass out of the overly expensive condo hostel. Am sooooooooooo gonna miss it. Sobz. Been there for 2 years already and it's been really comfy staying there. Well, I mean the bed in the little corner. Will take some time to look for a place that I can call home away from home.

Till then, love you guys. ^^v

Exams

2008-11-29T16:02:00.005+08:00

My finals are finally here. Well, almost. And these are the line up of Option papers for this semester.

Dec 1 - P6 Advanced Taxation
Dec 2 - P7 Advanced Audit and Assurance
Dec 4 - P4 Advanced Financial Management
Dec 5 - P5 Avanced Performance Management

I'll be taking P4 and P7. As per last semester, I'm taking them in Sunway College, Ipoh and yes I am back! It's good to be home. Food is what I missed most here, besides my folks and my friends of course. Can just eat and eat.

This semester I have slacked the most. With only two papers, it's hard not to slack lol. But am trying my best. Hope to clear my final two papers and put the exams past me, at least for the nearest moment.

After the exams, I'm considered free for a few months, a break that I have not taken for a long time. Have many plans in mind and hope they can all be done. Will catch up with some old friends. Look for a job and place to stay after moving out from the ridiculously expensive hostel. Get a part time job to earn some extra income to shop at the Malaysia Savings Sale to also stock up on my work wardrobe. (Speaking of which the MSS has just start off today and will last till Jan 4th 2009. The preview sales were pretty darn good a few days back in departmental stores like Metrojaya, Mid Valley and Robinsons in The Gardens. Got myself a couple of items. Regretted did not spend more time in the latter.) Watch some movies. Go party. Organise my iTunes music library. And update this blog! There are loads I'd like to tell you guys about.

But for now, have to try and study on these last few days. If you do not know me by now, I am one with short attention span and lack of discipline. Sometimes, it's nice not to take things too seriously, like you know break and bend the rules a little, cause life's too short to let it just pass you by. Like now, it's almost the end of another year. But most of the time, that focus and determination is required to be successful in life. And it is up to us to define success. I think what's most important is to be happy!

So I wish the best to all you mates out there. Have faith and faith will see us through. Wish me luck too! :)

Obituary

2008-11-09T23:45:00.000+08:00

Bernard called me during dinner with my friends and told me that Puan Shareezah, a retired, beloved teacher of our has passed away not long ago. It took a moment for me to realise that she was one of my closest teacher back in high school.

Puan Shareezah Abdullah was a teacher having all the necessary and beyond necessary characteristics of an educator. She was my Geography teacher when I was in Form 2 and an English teacher in other classes. She has always been very knowledgeable and I remembered one of the very interesting assignments, which was not included in the syllabus, that she gave was to identify the major international airports in the southeast Asian countries. I managed to find most but not all of them and she confirmed the answers with us.

She has always been very nice to my friends and I, but inside that petite figure, she has a loud voice. I remembered she once (or twice) yelled at those very disobedient classmates of mine who were rebellious especially during her class. However, she meant no harm and those students and her eventually reconciled their differences come year end.

She is best remembered as the teacher advisor for our junior debater's club. Much thanks to her guidance and advocacy, my friends and I had the opportunity to participate in Inter-school Debates. She has trained students like me as well as enhanced talents of my friends. I remembered we were sparring teams of Sallehuddin Cup debaters and my friends were eventually chosen to be in the team. It is also through her efforts that we were able to flourish and represent our schools in debates normally represented by Form 6 students. Our alma mater continued achieving success in the very renowned debates and spurred the interests of our fellow students. She retired when we completed lower secondary.

Guo Zheng later informed me that she succumbed to cancer. It is to my regret that I have not kept in touch with her for some time. I extend my deepest condolences to her family. Puan Shareezah, even though you are not here anymore, take comfort in knowing that you were a dedicated teacher, a brilliant educator, and a great friend of mine. You will always be remembered by your students and fellow friends. May you rest in peace.

Industrial Visits : Big 4 (II)

2008-11-04T23:29:00.000+08:00

Today was visit to remaining two Big 4. Klynveld, Peat, Marwick, Goerdeler is the first one for the morning. KPMG, used to be known best as Peat Marwick, is another one of the Big 4 audit firms. The office, previously situated near Ernst & Young at Pusat Bandar Damansara, is now at Menara KPMG next to IBM in Bandar Utama, practically next to One Utama shopping centre. Office tour was first done since it was still in the morning. The office was nice since it was new, on par with PwC's. The colours used for the furnishing were refreshing. Most of us went like "OK I think I can live with this".

We were placed in THE boardroom, where partners have their meetings. There were devices on that super long meeting table used for teleconferencing I suppose. Before we started, we were given sheets of paper to pen down on what our expectations were from the talk. The partner in charged of HR did the briefing. The video presentation, a first of the visits, was interesting. Ok what KPMG offers, benefits befit that of a Big 4, high chances of secondment if you're a performer, a diverse portfolio of clients as they are not industry-specific, with the expection of financial services, and a possibility of 'secondment' to other departments if you would like a change of service lines

KPMG's forte is financial services - Citigroup, HSBC, Standard Chartered, OCBC, Public Bank, Credit Suisse, Allianz, Prudential and Visa International to name a few. We had tea break and mingling with the staff of KPMG, ranging from managers to partners. They were warm and friendly

Come afternoon we left to the last firm of our 'shopping spree'. Most anticipated, deemed as the Big 4 to work for, PricewaterhouseCoopers.

It must be for this reason that today is the day with the most participants. We had to go have our lunch first before getting back to the firm at 2. We had a quick bite at McD's, KL Sentral, 10 minutes walk from 1 Sentral, home for PwC's offices as well as conglomerate giant General Electric. We were sweating like a pig in formal wear.
Welcomed by Reuben whom I've met in the previous visit, he took us up to the same meeting room for the ACCA visit. Jennifer and I spotted each other. She recognised me. This time however Ms Salika (Assurance), the lady who handled the visit last time was not around, so Ms Lai Pei Pei (Tax) was the host. Again there was a presentation about the firm, etc done by a few people. The tax guy was very thorough about the tax part, I thought it was turning into a tax lecture. My attention drifted a little as I barely have advanced tax knowledge.

Then QnA time, the much anticipated reply to the question on the flexibility of moving between industries or service line: "It is possible but it's not easy to do so. You would have to consider the consequences of the change on your career. It also depends whether there is an opening i.e. willing buyer and seller". It's kind of sad actually as most graduates would like flexibility in that aspect. I guess as we are still young and inexperienced, most of us are yet to know what suits us best, as opposed to PwC's idea of know what you like, choose it and be good in it. Specialisation is probably what makes them one of the best firms around.

Mingling time, I spoke to Jennifer and Reuben about certain matters and clarified certain doubts. We went for office tour. New premises always have an upper hand when it comes to aesthetic purposes. Oh and how could anyone forget the smart elevators. Some people think it's pretty cool, some think it's not practical. Our tour lasted a while before we ended it at the reception. We were sent off by Reuben who thanked us for our visit. He also followed up with an e-mail which I think was thoughtful of him.

We did not follow the bus back to college. I asked Joshua to accompany me to hang out in Pavilion for a while. He's very nice to spare some of his precious time to feed my unimportant desires. Ok that sounds wrong. But basically he's a good friend. He's been a very good one lately.

Overall, the visits have been very informative and in some ways or other have helped us in making our decisions on who is our preferred employer, if not confused us with the abundant opportunities and choices out there waiting for us upon graduation. Thank you Mr Peter Gabriel for arranging the visits and accompanying us. I think that whichever firm it is, working for an international audit firm will provide us with invaluable experience and a sturdy foundation for our career path.

Industrial Visits : Big 4 (I)

2008-10-31T11:57:00.004+08:00

Happy Halloween people! (Un)fortunately, we do not really celebrate it, means no candy for the kids. The American Degree Transfer Program student here in college though celebrate it like they're true Americans, just having a party, music, chill and have fun. I was in revision class and my lecturer and the rest of us were pretty annoyed by their singing and super loud sound system, could be heard all the way from my condo even till now. But anyways, they were just trying to have fun, that's understandable.

Anyways, as I was saying classes are over. And its the last of my whole course, hopefully. Revision class starts today. Finance for just 3 hours tonight followed by 2 whole days tomorrow. Caffeine is going to be my stay-awake-remedy. It's gonna be pretty enduring but by now I'm used to it. Finals are exactly one month away and I am really getting my act together.

Other than that, things have been pretty routine towards the exams. But few days back and next week, my course mates and I are going on a major shopping spree. Not shopping for stuff, but for our future employer. As a student of SunwayTES, we have the value added (paid from our tuition fees) privilege to visit the Big 4 audit firms including the up and coming fifth, BDO Binder. This year, Deloitte was also included in the visits, which was a first after quite a while. It should be an invaluable experience where we get first hand the sight, sound, touch and smell of our prospective employers and their premises.

Tuesday was to Ernst & Young, Menara Milenium in Pusat Bandar Damansara. They gave us a warm welcome and also provided us lunch, which most of us appreciated. That was when the mingling session was. Our table spoke to an Audit Manager in the Global Financial Services, Miss Su Ean. She has been in the field for 8 years and we can tell that she knows her stuff. Speaking to her has been very informative and enlightening. Director of HR, Miss Su Fern then did most of the firm's presentation to us. Through it, I totally understood the firm's work and an idea of their culture.

Office tour was next, the place was huge. There were flights of stairs connecting the floors and endless corridors. After office tour, we were told the HR aspects. It was not very thorough, which is probably the only thing that most of us would like to know more. But overall, EY had given us a very good impression, and is definitely one of my preferred employers. I have submitted my resume. Hope they will be interested in me enough to call me for an interview.

Wednesday was Deloitte. It was in Damansara Uptown. The whole visit was somehow not very smooth. The bus came almost an hour late, and when we were there, we got lost. The amount of students who registered were fewer. Most of us know of the local accounting scandal that the firm was connected to, thus not surprisingly, it is not our top choice for employment. However, Deloitte International was doing well and is second in terms of revenue. They are very sure that they will be first next year, according to HR Senior Manager.

We were told about the firm and its services and again they were not very open on the HR information until prompted. I was misunderstood as a spoilt GenYer (all HR seems to have recently done a throrough research and survey on us GenY people) when I asked about the possibility of an interview in November but would only be available for employment in Feb/Mac next year. Most of us after going through practically 3 years of non-stop study and exams, would like to take a reasonable break before getting out there again to work our butts off. Of course, I asked and phrased the question in the nicest possible manner. It was just one of those questions that most of us would want an answer on, but I simply asked cause nobody did. And I, got the nagging lol. I hope and think that it was just a misunderstanding. Eventually, we were told that it can be arrange on a case-by-case basis. That word, case-by-case basis, is undoubtedly one of the HR's favourite. The office tour was pretty impressive but with minor defects. We were served tea but mingling was very minimal. Out of all visits, this was the mediocre one.

Thursday was BDO Binder. I did not attend this one as I had attended the one held last semester. I have no immediate intention to work here, at least for now, so I did not join the visit.

Next Tuesday is KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers on the same day, it should be interesting. I will try to get some pictures taken, as snapping photos would be quite unprofessional. But it was a waste that we did not get any taken. I realised that the organisation culture is very important and is one of the major criteria in your quest to choose your employer. And I thought that you could probably fit in and adapt to the culture, which is possible, but if placed in an inviting and uplifiting one, working will be much more enjoyable. And that got my friends and I thinking, a LOT. Got to go, revision tomorrow starts at 8. Night.

Charity Sales Bazaar

2008-10-23T02:28:00.003+08:00

Date: 25 October 2008
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Venue: One Utama Kuala Lumpur – Lower Ground / Rainforest area (near aquarium)

ACCA together with our working partners - BDO, Deloitte and One Utama - are proud to organise a Charity Sales Bazaar on 25 October 2008.

We encourage all ACCA members, students and employees to take part in this charity event for a good cause.

The proceeds from the bazaar sales will be donated to ACCA’s Myanmar Cyclone Appeal and China Relief Fund.

For more information and enquiries, please contact Ms Zaiti Waddell-Ali or Ms Zuraida Abdul Malek at 03-2713 5051.Alternatively, you can also e-mail zaiti.ali@my.accaglobal.com or zuraida.malek@my.accaglobal.com

Information Update

2008-09-20T23:55:00.002+08:00

This post is to let you all know that both the blog and I are still alive. It's been some time since I published a post. My semester is going well so far. Actually not excellent well but average, contented well considering that I did badly for progress tests. But I'm used to that since I don't give my fullest attention to PTs. Nevertheless it kind of is a wake up call for me to buck up. Ironically, I have only 2 papers this sem and amount of classes are half of what I used to have. So having more time mean I should have more time for studies. But well, there are other priorities in life too right lol. Alright I'm lazy I admit. But I'm working on it.

Life's been pretty routine, study, class, gym, Internet, series, sleep, eat and everthing else you do everyday. Speaking of series, I've finished Season 1 and 2 of Grey's Anatomy. I know I'm behind time, Season 5 is coming out soon. Anyways, it's a medical drama. Too much drama, resembles a Desperate Housewives version of medical series, says Timothy and Stephen. But I like the show cause I like drama lol. But at the same time I learn a couple of cool stuff on medicine among others. One thing that bothers me though is how the characters in there interact. They don't seem to show real concern for each other. Often when it comes to sharing of feelings and problems, it's between two person with feelings and problems and thus they respond by pouring out their own problems, so there is no reciprocal response to the problems at the first place, which makes it a less friendly show on friendship and family values.

Now I am also trying to catch up on a Hong Kong TVB Series called Moonlight Resonance (家好月圓). It's like the spin-off of the previous abalone series. This one is about mooncake. It's pretty interesting though Canto drama revolves mostly around the same thing. It's been a while since I watched TVB series so I figured it's time for me to catch up on my Eastern oriental side and make sure I don't loose touch of my cantonese. Some friends here are surprised I could speak canto. Like duh I can. I'm no banana. But my family thinks I'm turning into one. No can't I.

Lately, I have been thinking of what to do after my studies are over and done with. Too soon? No, time flies. So it's good to have a sight of what's coming up and not be in a fish out of water situation when it comes. The most likely one would be to look for a job. Then there is the where to work. I've pretty much fixed my mind on doing audit. Where I mean is where in the world. Of course not too far from here. I am looking at Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Ipoh is an option, but an unlikely one. Of course all these will also depend on whether I am hired or not. If you have been hanging out with me you would know this is what's been on my mind lately.

Some of my friends ask me: "Why so rush? You in need of money? Relax. Enjoy life first! You're still young." The thing is it's not like I'm being kiasu and want to graduate fast to beat my peers so that I can show off and be proud of myself. The course that I took is like that. After you graduate, normally and naturally you start working and gain experience no? Besides, isn't it a good thing that you start early so you'll be more experienced even at a young age? There's no point in graduating and then spend months or years at home doing nothing and wasting your life. Unless there is something to do, there shouldn't be too long a break. It's just not life. You say relax and take a break but if it's too long, you should feel a little restless, like you've lost the purpose of life. But a holiday is definite after the exams. Will not start work till after CNY.

So yeah, it's not a matter of wanting to be number one. It's just how the course is. Unless I want to further my studies. Another option now is doing Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) another professional qualification that I can add to my credentials, and probably up my pay a bit. Sunway might start the programme next year and it takes about 4 months to complete if you do it fast. But after having studied ACCA for almost 3 years already, I am kind of sick of the study and exams routine. You have to experience it to understand our feelings as we barely have long summer breaks like our uni peers. The course has changed us. Into analytical people, restless when you have nothing to do, always in a hurry to do things, and mostly work and not much play.

I am actually quite eager to start work and see whether it's my thing. I know, people say you'll miss studying when you start work. Or you won't like working from 9 to 5 (which is up to 12 during peak periods and a lot of OT for auditors here). Or you'll be so stressed you feel like quitting your job or dread to go to work. Of course I know those things, I've heard from people I know and how they complain about their work. Maybe I will but you won't know till you get started cause it's an individual's opinion. Work life is another phase in life. You can put it off for as long as you want, but soon you'll have to come to face it. Some people are not convinced that young people like us can face the vicious corporate world out there cause we are not "mature" enought but have you also thought of that young people are adventurous, energetic and passionate about things which are qualities that drive successful organisations?

We're anticipating the industrial visits by our college to take place soon. Some of us have drafted our CVs. I have. The gang ho ones (though don't know what it really means, I suppose it mean over semangated) have them finalised and printed and probably submitted. My friends and I have had light talk about things like where to work, move in where and whether want to move in together. I mean it's kind of exciting. We are after all in our final year/semester regardless of the results cause most of us have earned our degrees. Besides nothing much can be more fulfilling than being financially-independent. But of course these are all projections and plans and thus the 'light talk'. We shall not loose sight of finishing the remaining papers which remains our priority for now.

I do have lots of things to blog about but it's been difficult for me to actually sit down, choose and upload the pictures and do detailed blogging for now. I can't opt for quick blogging cause it's just not me haha. The past couple of weekends, I have been occupied. To name a few, my sister's OBU Graduation Ceremony, the Avril Lavigne show, reunion with Monash friends, Disney's Camp Rock premier, and the recent mid-autumn festival. I went back to Ipoh for the weekend to kind of celebrate with my parents. All these with the pics as soon as I can find that comfort to blog. Till then, take care guys and do well in whatever you do, wherever you are.

Thankful

2008-08-18T22:25:00.005+08:00

Class was at noon today. P4 Advanced Finance on 3rd Floor Monash Block which is just next to our big boss' office. Also a big day for the big boss and his customers, us students.

We had class and this guy was like walking in and out the room. I saw him re-entering with a smile. Little did it occur to me that he was out to check his results. Everyone had not checked as it was not scheduled to be out till about 1pm. Everyone was in class, mind, body and soul, until that guy broke out to Mr Michael about the results were out. That's it. We got distracted, had little clue of what's happening and gave slow response to Michael's questions. I know I was. The guy's fault.

Break time, some went to check, some got their relatives to check for them. I was told that some did well, some not so well, and some disastrous. I got very nervous by then, much more than what I felt walking the Pavilion yesterday. Grabbed a quick lunch during the 15 minutes break. Was starving so not going to settle for a snack. Got chicken rice.

Post break class was dreamy to me. I was hearing, not listening. Body there but mind swayed. Copied things on the overhead projected blindly. Class ended at 3. Michael wished us the best, with the sarcastic face. Bumped into Tatt Hong, who's like the smart one, and took max papers every sitting. He cleared all ACCA papers, congrats to him. I walked back to my condo, or rather strolled, reluctant to check my results. Was expecting a storm ahead.

Laptop on. No email from ACCA. Next alternative, myACCA. Entered the ID and password. 3, 2, 1, poof! All pass! I literally cried out with joy and disbelief. I was pleasantly surprised. So hyped I called my sis, followed by dad and mum. They were all very glad, not to mention relieved, for me and expects me to keep it up. I was happy I did not let them to disappointment. The results however were nothing to be proud of. I managed to get through P2 in the nick of marks (is there such a phrase?) - borderline to be exact. But nonetheless, no resits needed. I was hoping to pass P1 and I did. And P3 was the underdog. I thought I did badly in it but maybe the things I wrote made sense after all. I hope the results are valid cause accuracy is not guaranteed till you get the snail mail.

Some of my friends did not make it. I hope they are alright and find the strength to move on and continue to persevere. I know it's hard ot understand when you are not in the position but I'm hoping they will not give up. As for those who made it, congratulations! We are one step closer in our education and career.

For me, things start to fall in place now. I can see where I am heading to. Before today, I was pretty lost and worried. The extension of semesters and etc. This gives me the boost and the push I needed. Since I failed my P1, although it seemed like I was ok with it, I was actually demotivated. I thought I was going to struggle in the P papers and it is going to take me semesters to clear this stage. Being not very passionate about what you do does not help. Right now, I should say that I am contented - being able to keep my current timetable and my recreational activities in tact.

Thank you to my friends who had a certain belief in me. I was not being modest when I say I did not have good feeling for this time. I really felt that way cause you know how you did in the exams. But at the same time it was not as bad as submitting a blank paper. I wrote, but in a state where I was not prepared. So you will think that a failure is possible, no?

With approval from the results, I shall move on with my final 2 papers which I have been pretty far behind for the past one and a half month. Thou shalt not commit the same mistakes is what I've been trying to tell myself. A call for change of mindset, lifestyle and attitude is urgently needed. After all, change is constant and you either change or be changed. Now that I mentioned, the first progress test one is next week and I am far from any preparations. Got to hit the notes!

Again, thank you!

A Nutty Weekend

2008-08-18T00:12:00.002+08:00

The MTV Asia Awards 2 weeks back was an ineffable experience. I had a great time with the exception of few issues. The post is coming up, I promise. The photos have already been uploaded. Once the posts are completed they will be published :)

Updates: Suyin was back for the weekend. Twice actually. Last week she was back in Ipoh and we hung out during lunch in old town, the food was good and on Saturday night at Jeanette’s. She left on Sunday.

This time around she’s in KL for both business and pleasure. Boy was my weekend hectic and exhausting. We hung out throughout the whole weekend. Met her on Friday in Sushi King, Pyramid for dinner. Then, we went to the city for a night out with Mike, before heading back to Metroview in Wangsa Maju where Suyin met her Ipoh friends, some of whom I knew as well. Adrian Kua was back from the States. Iowa to be exact, doing actuarial science. It was a guys condo and it was… Let’s just say not well-kept. There was power failure and thus we chatted on the balcony. We crashed the night, slept really late.

Saturday morning, we were able to wake up fairly early, 10-ish despite the late night sleep. Planned to go to Pavilion, KL but the traffic was pretty bad, we changed destination to Mid Valley Megamall / The Gardens when the car headed that way. It changed when I uttered “Hey I see The Gardens!” Mike: “Ok, Gardens it is.” Random, aren’t we? Guess what we had for lunch? Sushi King, again! Mike craved for Jap food, Suyin did not mind, I had to go with the flow. If you know me well, I’m not a fan of Jap food. But I’m getting the hang of it. I had to leave early after that – go back to Taman Paramount to pick my cousin. You know why? Cause we’re going back to Ipoh for my high school play. Nearly missed the bus back.

I know some of you will be gasping in disbelief or giving me the “Are you nutz?” expression. Look, I’m very supportive of my school play and have not missed it since 1999. I just realised that this is my 10th year watching it. Good times. But this time, not really. I arrived late – had to buy return bus tickets for tomorrow. Tickets were all sold out! I grabbed one that was chartered by the company and not their own. Had no choice, it was an 8.30a.m. one. And since I arrived late, we had to take the back row of seats in the hall. Being reputable for really noisy spectators, this Saturday was no exception. I got really annoyed by the high school kids coming in and out of the hall, pulling their other “half”, proudly parading them, probably making out in some corner of the school, yelling at the cast, causing unnecessary commotion, etc. It was especially disgraceful to the school, more so if they were Michaelians themselves. There was a pair of Caucasians; maybe friends of the local students, there to try appreciate the play, Camelot. But what would they have thought of the noisy pests sitting at the back? Very lowly I reckon.

I barely understood the first Act since I could hear nothing. There was a break before the second Act and I met a few people. I guess it was not my time anymore since there were less and less familiar faces. Glad I remembered some of my juniors’ names. The second Act was better as we got a seat nearer to the stage. Besides almost half the rowdy crowd had ditched the play as when it comes to literary arts and performances, they were indifferent. It was mediocre this year but in my opinion better than last year. I’ve always appreciate the casts for their talent despite their young age, especially kids in the lower sec. Well done, SMI for the 47th year in their school productions. However a lot of things have changed to my beloved alma mater. Oh and we were able to get Saturday tickets. It was a norm that Saturday tickets would have all been sold out like 1 or 2 weeks before the play.

And so I woke up at 7 to make it for the bus. So actually I was back in Ipoh for less than 24 hours. When I arrived in Pudu Raya I had to hunt for Suyin’s bus ticket home tonight to Singapore. She wanted a near midnight time but all were sold out. I have tried all I could to the extent of asking those standing with walkie-talkies near to harassing you with questions on your way inside. After past half an hour, I randomly asked Sri Maju, which I have enquired twice at different counters and they all said sold out, for tomorrow’s early morning bus and there was a 10pm bus back tonight. What a turn-off. I immediately grabbed it as it was the only one left.

She was at work so I decided to hang out in the city and wait for her to be done with it as it was troublesome to go all the way back to Sunway and back out again later. Besides it would be more convenient for her to take her bus later. Walked around Times Square, was flooded with people and basketballers with some basketball event happening. I could not get lunch and so I decided to eat in McD’s at Bukit Bintang. I was at the restaurant from 2 to 5.30pm. It was the most time I have wasted so far waiting for someone. I was so bored I played word puzzle found in the newspaper, and mentally clubbed with the songs played by McD FM. The Pioneer speaker was directly above my head.

Finally Shanti and Ederick reached at about 5, we chatted a while before leaving to Pavilion. There were models posing at the concourse, doing the mannequin-like pose for a couple of minutes before changing positions. It was a Three-Point Six initiative and apparently a promo cum contest: you take a shot with the models, you get a complimentary print in a frame, and stand a chance to walk away with a digicam. I was tempted to try for fun, but the crazy Suyin was not here yet and there was a crowd surrounding the models. Hat down for the fearless models. Heck they were as good as the royal guards guarding the Buckingham Palace.

The 4 of us ate in Food Republic and chatted the whole time. Mike and Rok Chin joined us later. Then we walked around and Suyin got herself a gym pants as she was wearing this mini and she wanted something with more cloth for her bus trip back. ELLE Active was on sale and she randomly chose one. Bade farewell to her at about 9pm. Will be quite some time before meeting her again.

I left with Shanti and Ederick as we relied on public transport to get our butts safely back home. Took a couple of photos with the painted horse statues. It was a crowded Sunday out around that area. On our way to the monorail, we stopped by Planet Hollywood as they were showing live the finals for the Olympic Badminton (Men). Our national shuttler, Lee Chong Wei was the only hope to bag a gold medal for Malaysia in this year’s Beijing 2008. Unfortunately, the crowd outside watched as he gave it away to opponent, Lin Dan from China, 21-12, 21-8. It was a pity but nevertheless, Lee bagged a silver, a first for Malaysia too if I’m not mistaken.

By the time I got back was around 11pm. And the reason I’m publishing this post so soon is the fact that the results of my recent June 2008 examinations will be out tomorrow, or rather in a couple of hours. As usual, I’ll receive them by mail. A little nervous which explains the fluster the whole day. I’m hoping for the best, that’s all I can say. Wish me luck people!

As for now, I am really dead tired from the travelling and rushing. I suspect I can’t take too much stress and may have mild hypertension. I get moody easily and angry and my head feels warm from the blood rushing to it and a headache thereafter. Need to calm myself down at times like this. I swear that I will totally be in deep sleep when I lie on the bed now. Later guys.

Industrial Visit III: PricewaterhouseCoopers

2008-07-31T22:59:00.003+08:00

Second industrial visit by ACCA Malaysia. This time to the Big 4. PricewaterhouseCoopers, among the leading professional services firm here in Malaysia, audits 5 of top 10 companies in the Bursa Malaysia and their global network services 85% of the FT Global 500 Companies. Recently relocated to 1 Sentral along Jalan Travers, 5-10 minutes walk from KL Sentral, the office is very modern and obviously new.

They put us in a meeting room and did a presentation about the firm, what they do, and why we should join them. Then the HR lady handled questions and we basically had a lot to ask. Recruitment dates, interview process, the vacation trainee programme, etc. It seemed that they are very stringent in their recruitment and PwC has been known for being selective in its employees. It is said that the crème de la crème works there. That i know. The ACCA Exams June 2007 sitting World Gold and Silver joint Medallist from SunwayTES were all working in PwC. In fact, the Gold Medallist, Ms Tan and Silver Medallist, Mr Choong were in the meeting room, both working in assurance and advisory respectively. Probably PwC's way of proving their point. Or maybe they wanted to encourage us to join their team but showcasing the best in the world may have been a little intimidating lol.

Taking into account the monthly travelling allowance, PwC pays slightly above the market rate. However mileage and parking claims was not brought up so that's one thing to keep in mind. For those pursuing professional exams your fees are paid for and you will be given 5 days study leave and 1 day exam leave per paper. Hmm what else? Oh they are ACCA Platinum Approved Employer which means your PER and CPD is taken care of. This applies to all three lines of work i.e. Assurance, Tax and Advisory.

Work wise, in the assurance line, there are 4 categories of industries, Consumer Industrial Products & Services (CIPS), Financial Services (FS), Energies, Utilities, Multimedia & InfoComm (EUMI), and Middle Market and Growing (MMG). The audit director was asked to talk about the assurance work. He is very passionate in his work, he even showed us a product of a due diligence he had done on a company in India. The other younger employees were invited to talk about tax, advisory, and work life in PwC. Besides that, PwC also claims to be the firm with the latest technology compared their rivals. So, that's a thought. Finer details regarding the careers offered perhaps can be obtained from thier Careers website.

I did asked a question that was probably the concern of prospective employees of the Big 4. How flexible is the firm with employees doing a variety of jobs, in the sense of within the industry and between different industries especially for audit? As the Big 4 is well-known for specialisation as opposed to medium sized firms, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a particular item in the financial statements and client for the longest time. So you choose, whether you want to go deep or wide? And they reply that it would not be a problem, adding that you will be able to learn a lot and not stuck in the same position. If you're good, audit managers and partners will request that you join their team. "That is if you're good. So first you have to get yourself into that position," said the audit director. Then I was like thinking, it's not really a firm-wide but more of an individual thing, isn't it? And again, you can't rely on everything that is told to you during visits like this, as once you start employment, you might not get what was told to you.

This is additional info for ACCA students. If you'd like to join them after your exams they have a September intake for finalists with their final sitting in June and March for December. If you join during these two months, you will be placed in an induction programme called the "1st Experience". Those joining in the other months (they hire on a monthly basis) would have to start work first before joining the programme. However to coincide with these dates in my opinion is a little difficult. Assuming that you wait till these dates, you'll be putting the other applied positions pending, or positions waiting to be applied, yet while waiting to hear from them and not know whether for sure you'll be hired. So that is another thought. Their recruitment process includes paper screening, phone interview, numerical and IQ tests, behavioural questions and assessment of the candidate as a whole. Though they did say that it was nothing too difficult, it does seem thorough. Well of course, they are after all one of the Big 4s.

We got an office tour. Before that was tea break and mingling session. Jennifer came to speak to me. She was the lady whom I met in the last minutes of ACCA Careers when she was wrapping up her booth. I told her that I'll be visiting PwC soon and so I did. She probably recognised me or maybe it was because I was sitting at the back. We talked for a while and I clarified some doubts. She's a nice lady.

We were told to be silent and to walk swiftly so as not to disrupt the office. If my memory does not fail me, PwC occupies 8 floors of 1 Sentral. Or was it more? The lifts requires you to tap your access card on a control panel, input the floor you intend to go to, and then you will be directed to a certain lift. There is a name for the system, but let's just call it smart. They might have chose a certain office to show us, but i think the working environment is fairly conducive: well-litted, reasonably spaced out. I saw one room from the exterior and thought well it was a nice place, but later found out that those are temporary workstations for employees who are always out at their client's. I was pleasantly surprised. As a symbol of diversity, the meeting rooms are named after spices. There is also a place for you to eat your food and breaks. I liked the design and layout of the office, very modern, new, glass here and there, clean, and erm... sleek? That's Jennifer. Those figures on the wall was about the firm. Oh extra info, PwC currently has more female employees over male. In fact I think the same applies to other firms and most workplaces. Where has all the male gone to?

We left about 5 plus. They let us go before we get stuck in the jam or the sandwich-packed LRT. But I guess it was a little too late for that haha. We took a group photo at the reception. Can you spot me? Other than that, didn't really get to take photos. I said goodbye to Jennifer and hoped to meet her soon. Guess I'll be there again during the Sunway visit or maybe my interview? I should be rewarded for writing about the firm here lol.

Oh I'm finally a graduate! Got my results for the Research and Analysis Project I've submitted few months back by email on Monday. Now I am a holder of the BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University in UK! Can use this to start working if I want to. But my aim is to finish the ACCA exams and I plan to accomplish it in the soonest possible. Thank you to my mentor Mr Goh for his time and guiding me with the project. Congratulations to my friends who have also passed! We should go celebrate! :D

MTV Asia Awards 2008 Roadshow

2008-07-28T00:46:00.006+08:00

Where is the M? The M is back and it's in Malaysia! After on hiatus last year, MTV Asia Awards 2008 (MAA) is going to be in the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands this 2nd August 2008 and huge acts are going to be there. Songstress Leonna Lewis, chart-topper One Republic, rocking bands like Panic At The Disco, The Script, The Click Five, and US dance group JabbaWockeeZ. Recently added to the list, your girls, The Pussycat Dolls, are going to open the show with their latest hit single When I Grow Up, their first live performance for the song here in the Asian region. How cool is that? Of course there are other Asian acts like Singapore's Stephanie Sun and Electrico, and Korean boy band Super Junior. Hosted by Jared Leto of 30 Seconds To Mars and co-host Karen Mok, it's set to be the music event of the year here in Malaysia.

Back in Singapore during my June break, I did come across the commercial on the big screen where Suyin and I were in Coffee Bean opposite the Heeren. It never crossed my mind that I would be going unless I get free tickets which I doubt cause nobody's going to give it to me for free and winning it is probably not that easy. It is not and I'm about to tell you why. I even shoke the idea off when Joshua said I would be going.

Then they say Leonna Lewis is coming. Then OneRepublic. And then the Dolls. It got tempting but yet far-fetched. And when we went for dinner at New Paris in SS2 for Sui Yuan and Kah Yean's birthday, Yilian mentioned about the roadshow and the mosh pit auditons. We talked about it and all the crazy ideas came up. That I'm going to support her do her thang at the audition in Zouk. My parents are paying me a visit during the weekends. So I might not be able to go. But then I did. Cause they let me. Asked Yilian to give me a lift and she was like alright, why not? The more the merrier right?

And so we drove to Cineleisure Damansara for the MAA Roadshow. Got lost on the way. Scheduled to start at noon, it's just like any other roadshow with their sponsors' booths there i.e. Genting, Tourism Malaysia, X Pax by Celcom. While waiting, we voted for Favourite Artist of Malaysia. Because Yilian was voting for Nicholas Teo so did I. Actually, wanted to vote for Siti, erm Dato' Siti, but she's not as famous as she used to be and she has won so many times. So I thought it's someone else's turn. We also applied for a WorldCard. I guess we'll do anything to stand a chance to get those tickets now. Also got our photos taken by the photographer and a complimentary 4R print.
Then MTV VJ Taya went up the stage and started the hosting stint. Oh she is gorgeous, with that natural tan. And a VJ is really a VJ. The speaking, so fluent, so natural, so charismatic. Everyone got excited. The whole time were QnAs. And the drill was simple, you answer it you get a pair of tickets! And we thought with few hours to go and with such simplicity, we might just walk home with at least a pair. But to get chosen to go on stage was hard. Three of us were practically invisible to Taya. No offence but Taya chose people who don't seem excited or geared to go to the awards. Whereas three of us were jumping like nut cases trying to grab her attention. A little too desperate? Hell, the whole crowd was!

Took a lunch break at McD's, a lil disappointed, but Yilian was like sad. I told her sometimes if you want something so bad, you might not get it. So try not to be too desperate. She smiled but I guess she's really wanting this. As for me, it would be great if I get them but not the end of the world if I don't cause I've missed bigger things than this.

After lunch was Faizal Tahir's performance. He was runner-up for 8TV's One In A Million but he is doing well now in the local music scene. He is also one of the nominees for the MAA for the Malaysia category. His performance was pretty rocking. But we were all anticipating the end of his performance cause we only want the tickets! Taya did speak to him when he was done. He can also converse well. Good for him. After that also a couple of questions, but again no luck.

Then it was fashion show time. Fashion label edc by Esprit is sponsoring the MAA just like the European Music Awards (EMA) last year in Munich. For the first time, the "edc Style Award" will be one of the seven international music awards. The award will honour a style icon in the music industry. I wonder who will it be? Gwen? Madd? In conjunction with the MAA, edc will also introduce a range of limited edition merchandise, one of which I'd love to get. edc is Esprit's line targeting younger customers. The collaboration between MTV Networks International and edc marks edc's first major activity as a standalone brand, and edc aims to increase brand awareness in Asia. I personally am a fan of Esprit and edc. They're so urban, so young and fresh but yet stylish. However, they might be a little on the expensive side.

Anyways, the models are hot. I mean tall. And good looking. You'll feel intimidated walking past them. Well, I was haha. It was quite a fun show. They were trying to have fun. That's the brand's image so guess they have to portray it. But some seemed a little artificial. Again, models are not actors. This is me, attempting fashion photography:A little props would be nice. An oversized straw hat maybe? Pleasant and sweet. Electric guitar? Rocker? Pink scarf and stockings. Kinky. The signature pop with the bag hanging. I think she resemble Adriana Lima don't you think? The only Asian. Or he might be a mix too. Who knows. Jackets and skinny jeans. Can't miss those. Oh the malay lady was looking at her shoes? Cause it was shiny red but she was wearing blue stockings. Weird combi. Last but not least, a hoodie with a little bling.I'm sure they'd appreciate a little flash photography being models. So I played my part.

When the QnA resumed we tried again to our best. But guess what? We didn't get it. Was really a let down especially for Yilian. We were seriously considering whether it was our faces that had defects or what lol. Those in the same boat as us had the sad face on.
We spared little time hanging out there and rushed straight to car park. Next stop Zouk. Or was it "Zouk"? I called sister but she didn't pick up. Since they didn't call when it is going to end and they're going to visit my aunt I figured well just go with the gang and make sure we get it this time. Driving around in KL or Klang Valley for that matter is actually dangerous but fun. The key is to have your petrol tank full so you can make your long U-turns. Dangerous in the sense of sudden changing lanes. And fun as in we laughed about our stupid sense of directions.

With little and confusing guidance from road signs and input from the whole gang, we managed to find it. I was directing Lynna to KLCC and then turn here and there. Surprisingly we did end up along Jalan Ampang and Zouk was just right in front of us haha. Parked our car. And go checked out the place. Nobody there. Of course we were 3 hours ahead of the start time! The staff told us queue starts at 4.30. Got back to the car and took our "get-ready bags" and headed to Hotel Maya, the nearest one. We borrowed their washroom lol.

So we started lining up at about 4 plus. There were already people. We were under the relentless sun cause the front people refuse to move in a little. How clever right. It's like the shade fits them just nice. I was bathing in sweat. The girl's make up were practically melting haha. Started to feel like a groupie following some band. My friend's friend who was helping out there called us morons haha. Like will go to this extend to get tickets. True in a way. But if it weren't for the morons the network won't survive. Media needs advertisers and advertisers need to reach the morons. So without morons the media will not survive. As for the morons we have plenty of other networks to choose from so why bother right. That is also one of the reasons why the MTV camera man and the journalist kept filming promotional videos of us being "excited to be there" where in actual fact we just want to get out of the sun into the club. Asking us to say things like we've been waiting here for 6 hours but actually it was only 2 plus. Don't get me wrong it's not like short waiting time but things behind the screen are not always real.

It was not very crowded. The line was not that long. We might just get a chance after all.Oh we met a guy named Julian. He's American-born Chinese. He's studying in the states but is having his break now. So he came to check things out. We chatted to occupy our time and talk about stuff. Took photos. We got pretty nervous. It was an audition. Are we supposed to dance? Like have moves? Then face them one by one? The instructions were not clear. Then we talk about people a bit and then found out that he/she was the judge lol. Then we saw VJ Utt. He's very good in what he does as he's been in the biz for a while. He was with Taya who was wearing a purple dress. Nice. So it was our first time here in Zouk, not knowing how it's going to be like inside and whether we're going to get the tix this time. Mixed feelings.

Our questions were about to be answered when we were started to get in. They stamped on our hands for the admittance token but another chop if under 21. Think that's to show like we're not allowed to the voting party after the auditions. I couldn't care any less as I'm not staying back. Then a lady briefed us. She said as we're here to win the mosh pit tickets, we're supposed to audition to be one. On the dance floor and go all crazy and having loads of fun as if we're really there on that day. Shoot. I'm the kind that does not get excited or crazy unless the mood is right. Put the Dolls on the stage and maybe I will. We practically have to act! I'm bad at acting cause I feel stupid unless the situation calls for such a need. This might just be it. We saw the earlier group during their audition. Music was played and they jumped around. Then the judges will go around and stick stickers on them as a sign of pass. Then it was our turn. Doomed!

We were already here. But walking away with the tickets still seemed delusional. I was determined to win this. I mean we spent the whole day, not to mention the drive and the long queue. Don't waste this. Our turn. I don't even remembered what song they played. I think it was Panic At The Disco's. I tried, really, jumping, booty shaking whatever sh*t that I don't normally do. I was completely out of rhythm. Gosh. Felt lame and that probably slowed me down. Julian got the sticker. Oh no, the three of us are doomed. Then the music stopped. And it seemed that the judges were not impressed.

But there was second chance. What? This time really all out man. Yilian took off her heels and dumped it at the side. And go! I was doing the headbang. Lol. So not me. Oh my neck hurt the following morning. I was hoping the guy judge would give me. He did! Then the two girls not yet. Oh no, if they don't that would suck. I was jumping near them and try to induce more excitement. In the end the nice guy judge gave both of them too. And they were still dancing. Those who have passed have already got lost. I was like we got it! Stop! Get out of here! I grabbed her shoes and bags haha cause they've totally lost it. I didn't want to stand there any longer, it was kind of creepy I don't know why.

Then we were so pumped up we shouted lol. The girls were ecstatic while I was overjoyed cause we made it. I mean we're going to be right in front of the stage during the MAA! Or at least near. They couldn't stop shouting and jumping. I think the auditioning has got our adrenaline over the top. My heart was still racing. Couldn't help it. It was dark and the music was loud. I heard from Jin and Utt through their mics that some didn't make it while we were filling up the forms. So, it was not a giveaway. We earned it. We were briefed about the meeting place and all on the Saturday and to-do paper work. So the four of us are going to the MAA!

We walked back to the car and then we were projecting. What if...? Can we...? Will it be...? It was funny. We read the letters given to us. And spent some time sinking into what just happened moments ago. Ok too dramatic but basically we were happy but exhausted. The day was not over for me. I have dinner with my family! Sis's belated birthday dinner. It was already another year. And as I said, we always feast on food on her birthday. Korean, Italian, Starhill, Sunway Resort, you name it. Me? Casual dining, restaurants by the road, or maybe forgotten haha.

Yilian dropped me at Hard Rock Cafe just down the road. I went to Concorde washroom to freshen up. And waited for them in the restaurant. They took very long to arrive. I was almost too embarrased to sit there anymore. But lucky I did as the tables were by then full. Finally they came. And we ate. HRC's food is nice. But american dining means big portions and sharing. International school brats were sitting next to us and boy were they loud. They were celebrating a birthday, so not surprising. We did not stay long and left soon after the meal. It was a long day.

So You Think You Can Dance Season 2

2008-07-23T23:26:00.007+08:00

If you have not heard of the show So You Think You Can Dance then you must be living under a rock. Or without a TV. Well, if you really have not, then let me tell you that it is a reality talent show searching for your favourite dancer. It's like the American Idol equivalent of dancing. Now you know. :P Anyway, Malaysia has also been able to purchase the rights to the format (don't know if I've phrased it right), which was created by the similar AI creator, Simon Fuller, and have our very own SYTYCD. It's the second season this year. Just hope that the format would not cost them too much and in the end be terminated just like the Malaysian Idol, which only lasted for 2 seasons before they came up with One In A Million.

To keep things short, it was the second season and as you know, my friend from Ipoh, was in the Top 20. And I've been to the shows every week from the second week (Top 18) onwards. It was in Ruums, KL. I went there with different cousins and friends practically every week. I did not have much choice, couldn't catch in on TV since I don't have one. Together with her friends, I was there to support her. Oh, I didn't make the banner, her friends did. I was just holding it lol.

I would say that the production was average. I caught the Top 20 show on TV and it didn't look good. Wide screen did not look good on TV, the audience was darn noisy, practically throughout the show, the host was stumbling on her words, the camera techniques were bad. I would think that the budget allocated was little. Voting and results happens within the same show! Not like the day after or something. I didn't watch Season 1 so I don't know if it's similar this year. Basically, the US version is miles better. Sorry 8TV.

I went to the live show and it was exactly what was seen on TV. And yet the crew were bossy and unfriendly. Gosh. I mean if everything else was good I would suck it up you know. The crowd was generally insensitive. They keep cheering when the judges comment. I mean you'd love to know whether they're giving compliments or not to your idol right? Even I could barely hear what they were talking about. Then there was this one guy who brought this annoying whistle like those for birthday parties kind? Loud and we were all darn turned off.

To be fair, Aishah Sinclair is a good host. I have watched her on TV and I think she's much better at hosting in English. She had to host in Malay and she was given cards to refer and remember. So to be fair she did a pretty good job. Between breaks, we could see that she was nervous too though she's been in the business for some time. After all, it is a job and celebrities are humans too right. So give her a break. She practiced and rehearsed. And she kept fixing her hair haha. Aishah, you're doing fine! The mic provided to her was no help. I think it was poor so she practically had to shout into it. That made her struggling to belt out the long draggy sentences and could hear her catching on her breath.

About the dance, Malaysia has really awesome dancers. I'm not going to do a long review but let's just say there are really nice ones and some not so good ones. After all, it was a competition on live TV, nerves and all take into account. I loved the contemporary Drops of Jupiter number by Jorida and Belalang, the hip hop salsa mix Shake Your Pom Pom by Black and Farah to name a few. There were also some group dances. I think there were only 3 to date. I only got to watch one, live but recorded earlier. They were doing this really scary zombie like dance. Chee Wei and Sam posing before their hip hop with FloRida's Low. The crowd loved it since it was such a familiar song. Here, the contestants were waiting to be placed in the bottom 6. This is Zef, who was one of the earlier eliminated contestants. She was appearing on screen asking for votes.She was a pretty good dancer, but people said her performances looked a little clumsy due to her size. It will be sad if she was eliminated because of how she looked. Hope it was not. It was indeed a reality talent show. There were drops and falls. There was also wardrobe malfunction but the Malaysian audience could only laugh at him/her rather than feel bad. What a shame. I felt bad of course. The judges were them. The guy on the left was a guest judge. Forgotten his name. He choreographed the "zombie dance". Judimar is hot. Venezuelans, duh. But as judges there were comments that made sense as well as those which did not. Notice the production crew asking the judges to wrap it up!? A live show runs within a scheduled airtime. It's like everything is planned and there is a time frame. So it's like they have to get to the commercials soon, so no more time for judging. Move on!

Oh during advertisements on TV, it was freebie time in the club. The Fly FM Troopers do the job. And as much as they wanted to bring enthusiasm into the crowd I was the few who did not buy it. The only freebie I wanted was a pack of Energizer batteries which would really come in handy for my wireless mouse since sis took my optical wired one. But I didn't want to fight with the aunties and a few desperate people. They were literally throwing the stuff around and my friends and I avoided them for fear of head injuries. Here is a snap of the cameraman taking a quick puff. I mean are you serious? You're on duty aren't you? I don't know whether it's a norm. Oh but his shoes looked pretty cool. Tiger. Roar!

Jorida made it to the Top 10 but unfortunately was eliminated on the Top 10 show, with her new partner Raymond. I may not be the best observer for dance and such but I think during the mambo performance Raymond dropped her, twice. I hope it was intentional, which would be good meaning the routine was supposed to be like that, cause if it was unintentional then they have scored low on those. The authenticity of drops and such mostly occur to live audience only cause you can barely catch the details on tele. Nevertheless, she has done a great job and I applaud her for making this far. She's one of the best dancers in the country. Just that the competition was getting more intensed.

Upon Jorida's exit, I thought the top 4 would be Sim, Black, Sly, and Farah. But Farah was eliminated during the Top 8 show. Apparently she hasn't been very good and got covered thanks to Black. She was immediately eliminated upon being placed in the bottom for the first time. Cecilia is the one with the character and personality, which turns on and off some people. She's made it through too. I missed the Top 8 show. But I think the Top 2 would be Sim and Black, and I'm rooting for Sim, I think she's the best so far. But opinions differ and this is just my humble one.

By the end of tomorrow's Top 6 show, it shall be revealed who makes the Top 4 in the finale on the 1st of August 2008 (Friday) in the same venue, Ruums, KL. I'll probably be going together with my cousin Yuenz. Hope it's going to be nice. See you there if you're going too :)

Information Update

2008-07-09T23:59:00.004+08:00

Alright. So the semester has started and I have not updated for a long time. It was quite a break. Didn't do much but didn't do too little as well. All those updates coming up when I have the time. It's the same deal. Bad connection. Slow uploading of photos. Basically lazy to login and type and adjust the alignment and all that crap. Starting to hate Blogger for its un-user-friendliness.

Well anyways, this semester I'm taking my final 2 Option papers. After much consideration, and I shall not mention it here cause they make sense to me. Don't want to cause any confusion to you guys out there who have decided on what to take. I basically decided these papers based on interest and relevance for my future career. They are

P4 - Advanced Financial Management
P7 - Advanced Audit and Assurance

P4 is taught by Mr Michael. So far so good. Have not gone to the tough part yet I guess. We're going through stakeholders and stuff, which is basically corporate governance, which I'm so over them but have to do it again. P7 is Mr Goh. Also so far understandable. Miss his teaching with the detail explanation and occasional jokes. Just hoping I will pass his P1 paper or else it is going to be awkward sitting in his class.

Discounting the possibility of having to resit papers when the results are out in August, I pretty much have a very flexible time table right now. The hours are cut into half compared to last semester. I have more time to do revision (getting to it), watch my series, go exercise, and do whatever I want. Some of my friends are even seeking for a part time job. I assisted the condo management office a few days before sem opened. It was hectic as new students checked-in in herds, but it was quite nice. The pay is ok and the office is just downstairs! I thought I could use it as my part-time job but they don't need helpers now. Sigh. The warden promised to hire me if they need anyone and just me cause apparently I am of sufficient help. That's good to hear haha.

As much as I would like to spend the rest of the semester like this, it might not last long. Sigh. God, please please give me a chance. I'll do better this time. Ok I might have said that the last sem. And the last and the last. But hey this time it's for real. I'm already making some progress. Jordin Sparks says One Step At A Time! But anyway reality will come and I hope it does not turn out too bad. I have figured out contingency plans or rather disaster recovery plans. So I can recover faster and move on. Just hope I don't have to use them.

That's about the updates. Holiday spread is coming up. Soon. By the way, my friend Jorida, from Ipoh, she has made it to the top 10 of So You Think You Can Dance Malaysia Season 2. She's a good dancer so please support her. Tomorrow 9.30p.m. 8TV. And anyone wants to go watch it Live tomorrow at Ruums, KL, give me a ring k? Go J'Da!

ACCA Careers 2008: Post-mortem

2008-07-08T17:37:00.015+08:00

I was at yet another ACCA Careers this year 2008. Can't believe it was another year already. Same venue, same day of the week and same drill. The differences this year compared to the previous 070707, to sum it up: we don't have to be door gift producers (although I did help out), there was a event organiser handling the logistics, there were no serial number stickers to be stuck on visitors, the turnout was good, meals were taken in a special room unlike a corner with partitions last year, I had job variation (reception, door guarding, announcements, etc - don't know whether those are accounted for), more exhibitors plus minus a few compared to 07's but the Big 4 (or 5 as they say) are here, and no theme this year, the last time I checked.

Got there by cab at 8, took my breakfast and helped out. It was meehon again with little or no shrimps. I think everything changes according to the economic conditions. And it is this day I discovered that espresso is actually a really concentrated coffee beverage and is generally small amount of it in a cup. I tried it and it's definitely not my cup of tea, or in this case, coffee. Its like tasteless and has this sour taste. Could barely drink it. I asked for a normal cup of coffee. Oh and during break I discovered that cappuccino is actually foamy with little actual liquid to drink. But it was alright. I finished it. During breakfast, I already met people from Synergy, an employment agency I'm guessing. This young man was asking me some questions about the ACCA exams followed by his colleagues. Not a surprise, they are unfamiliar about the ACCA programme but the funny thing is they're exhibiting at a career fair by ACCA targeted mostly at ACCA students, affiliates and members. Well, to do a little promotion on behalf of ACCA, you should practically hire someone who has passed the ACCA exams because they are technically sound, or at least put them as your priority for selection, etc. To be fair, of course the other criteria will have to be taken into account.

I was initially assigned to VIP usher at the Mezzanine Floor for talks. But then I was told that I was no longer needed there. I went back downstairs and voluntarily retired to be the receptionist as I feel unwanted. And because I did not want to be assigned to some other 'lesser' job which were mostly dealt with already by the event organiser. Thanks to them, things were more organised this year. Siti and I at the counter.

She was looking at the other cameraman in charged and not mine. There was a sphere container to collect donations for the Myanmar and Sichuan Earthquake. Visitors were pretty generous I must say. Though, some typical comments were like "I must donate ar?" I was like "Oh no sir. It's voluntary. If you feel like donating then please do." And a smile :)

Doors opened at 11am but the crowd and registration began even before that. There were group walking around. I assumed they were the Accelerate students, a programme they could go into at university level, upon graduation will put them on track with the ACCA programme. Its like an express thing. Wen How handles those students. Barely had time to go meet and chat with them. People were registering non-stop, the pens were missing! I met people I've met before. Dato' Gan who obviously don't remember me, Ms Elaine, both from BDO Binder. And Mr Daniel from OCBC from previous visits.

I was getting bored, I bugged my VP Internal, Chin Jin to give me a chance at doing the announcements. He was kind enough to hand it over only when he went for a lunch break, cause he needed someone to cover for him. It was fun but got bored after a couple of times haha. One of the man from the event organiser company complimented me for having a nice voice. It was so random the only response I could give was "Thanks!" lol. I juggled the announcement duty with guarding the lunch room door. Ok I didn't look too happy in this photo. I had the mic to worry about! I was being this 'bouncer' like person at the door only that I don't have the right height and the body for the job. I was suppose to demand meal vouchers so that I can admit them. And apparently there was some issue with it and not every exhibitor got enough vouchers. I felt so bad to initially deny the entrance of some people, people from Maybank, EY, etc. After getting the green light from my superior, I let them in. And then another group came and the EY guy was, they're with us. Started to think like I was guarding some entrance to a club or concert. Oh did I mention, I ran to the PA system and back to the door like a mad person for almost an hour.

Lunch time, I got hold of Siti and went lunching together. I wanted to sit at the EY table and we did. We or rather I may have seemed a little desperate cause there were other tables and this whole table were all six of them from EY. They must think that what is this evil boy doing here. I didn't have a name tag. People would have thought that I was either the event crew or a staff from ACCA, neither of which I want to portray. I want to be someone they're looking for to probably hire. Impression is all that counts and the last impression I want to make is denying your future colleagues or bosses their lunch. So, we sat and almost immediately we introduced ourselves. I sat next to this guy. He seemed quiet, or maybe he's into his lunch. They start introducing themselves, not just to Siti and I, but to their own colleagues as well! Obviously, they barely know each other despite coming from the same firm. Its a 1000-over manned firm of course they don't. And it was not about us. It was about them getting to know each other. That sort of like shows how it will be to work there. One big working place. Maybe I should have sat on a table with a mix of different employers.

Later, I tried making conversations like what do you guys do, how is it to work in EY, etc. Apparently, they came from various departments: tax, advisory, audit and the HR. And yes, they said it is nice to work in EY. Maybe it's just their job to say that but my sister thinks the same too. Or maybe she's already been brain-washed. Or maybe it is true. Then we talked about us a little, and how they kind of laughed off the idea of paper P1 when I said we learn ethics. "Ask an auditor about ethics." Which is true in the real world you cannot follow closely to what is taught in the classroom. But I quickly defended the paper by saying we also learn risk management, corporate governance, internal controls, etc. Guess they were way pass the ACCA exams and some of them did not do ACCA so it was understandable.

After they left, we were joined by two ladies from the BDO Binder HR. We enquire about the usual stuff. They were nice young people. Guess you can relate better to people your age. The table was then joined by May, a lady from ACCA Vietnam then another from ACCA Malaysia. May expressed ACCA Vietnam's interest to hold a similar event back in Vietnam to connect the employers to job-seekers. I met her before at the PER Talk in Wisma MCA. I left after gobbling down the apple crumble, realising I still had work to do. With a full stomach, almost, I went straight back to work. The crowd however began to slow down. I met my friends Stella, Wui Li and some familiar faces from my uni. There were even some people whom I've met before but don't remember when and where. I felt very bad. I must apologise for my lack of memory space or rather poor memory has taken its toll on me. There are so many people I've been meeting, I just cannot remember all of them. People from ACCA, the uni, friends' friends, etc. Wish I can add a hard disk or something.

Tea time, I had a chat with a Malay lady from Sime Darby HR. Apparently they're expanding rapidly and are this goes with employment. We had a nice chat. Or should I say she was nice. As there were lesser incoming visitors, I decided to go to talks and the fair. I attended the Career Opportunity Talk by BAT and Sunway. BAT was interesting. There was the must have CSR and the countless awards they scored on CSR. Apparently, they funded a major part of the Tak-nak campaign. The speaker said, "We'll help you quit smoking but if you want to smoke, please choose our brand." Interesting statement ei? But they offer VERY good benefits and getting employed by them is like getting yourself accepted into Harvard. The question is whether you want to work for a company whose products harms human's health. Your decision. I also stayed for Sunway Group's talk but it was not a very good one. No wonder Candy skipped it. It emphasised a little too much on what awards they won which I myself had knowledge about when I researched that company. A little disappointed.

Went to visit the fair in the last hour. But half an hour later practically everyone was packing. I spent a little time listening to the HSBC guys explaining to Chin Jin about the Management Development Programme which includes training course in the UK. Have heard from my aunt before. The last few minutes was quick browsing of the fair asking certain firms and companies for their business card and contacts. A longer chat would be with EY's HR, Ms Jocelyn who coincidentally interviewed my sister. It was also a decent chat.

Once again it was an interesting fair overall, verdict is this was better than previous year's although I spent more time going around the actual fair last year. Guess now that it was my turn to look for jobs than looking on behalf of my sis last year, I have a better idea of what is going on. Fair wise, I think the turnout was better and at least no more silly stickers. My findings are basically the same. Nothing much. But I can say Big 5's pay is getting more competitive. And you should know that commercial companies generally pay better and offer more flexible working hours. And most of them get you on some sort of management trainee program which will help develop your skills, sort of engineer you as their employee. The only thing is a Big 5 Firm will offer you a world of experience and then you can go commercial if you want. Going into commercial so soon unless you are sure of the industry and company you are getting into, you may realise this is not where you want to make you career. Or else commercial companies can take you far. 3-5 years of audit experience in Big 5 is also invaluable. It's like deciding to go straight to college or doing a pre-u first. Like a trade-off and another decision to make. And I thought deciding on what course to take was the last one to make.

Well, we ended 5 plus. And this year nothing much to pack as well thanks to the event crew. Took few photos before we left. Here's the team from ACCA, well pretty much. Then the SAs, pretty much haha. Not everyone turned up. This is my boss, Sandra Ong. She's Manager of Business Development (Education). And these are some of the business cards I got.

Everything wrapped up at around 6. Went to meet my sister at Berjaya Times Square. She's got work. Met some of her colleagus, they're quite nice people. The view from the tower. We left for dinner. We were stuck in the jam for a while on our way back though. Long day but another nice event that I helped in. Did I mention I love meeting people?

ACCA Careers 2008

2008-06-22T18:10:00.005+08:00

On 28 June 2008, ACCA is organising ACCA Careers 2008, a career fair for finance professionals. More than 26 prominent employers such as Accenture, Bank Negara, PETRONAS, British American Tobacco, Deloitte, HSBC, Maybank, Sunway Group, Shell, YTL and more will be there to showcase exciting career opportunities, ranging from entry level to middle management positions.

Admission is free.

The event also serves as a one-stop centre for members' professional development; whereby members are able to obtain the latest updates on CPD requirements and development.

Date: 28 June 2008 (this Saturday)
Time: 11.00am to 5.30pm
Venue: Crowne Plaza Mutiara, Kuala Lumpur (opposite Raja Chulan Monorail Station)

For more information, please visit our website or email us at cpd.acca@my.accaglobal.com

P/s: And yes I'll be there on duty. Drop by and say hi if you're there ;)

Done

2008-06-12T01:50:00.002+08:00

I'm done with exams. Fast isn't it? 3 days just passed by like that. Like snap! Just like that. It wasn't very good. And I'm just glad it's over. The exams, I mean.

Went to dinner with ex-classmates. Gavin, Joash and Vinita! This place behind Jusco. Don't remember what Time or something the name. The food I ordered sucked wei. Grilled dory. More of fried leftoever of a dory fish ate by some cat. So small serving. Bleh. Ipoh is only nice for hawker and their authentic canto food, which still makes it a food heaven. Been eating and eating since I was back. Mum's cooking never tasted so good lol.

Later that night, went out for supper with old classmates. Timothy and Kok Chen, back from the States, Stephen back from Singapore, Clarence who's done with 6th Form and Gavin and I, fresh from exams, or rather exhausted. Chat and talked, ordered food. The milo ais kurang manis I was bloody manis. Mamak food haha. They were talking about football and Euro. There was Gavin there to talk to me lol. At times, two conversations were happening across the table. Then there were the fagging from other table. We kept doing the hand waving thing. Talked about movies and shows, some of which I've not heard, those really good ones, not mainstream and not available here in Malaysia. Got to watch them some day. Was nice catching up with old friends. Plan to do more after the next week.

Tomorrow, I'm going back to Sunway and then to Singapore for a vacation break. May go catch the So You Think You Can Dance live show in Ruums. Supporting my friend Jorida. Vote for her aight. She's good. Oh and anyone interested to come? Let me know. Later.

Exams

2008-06-05T02:45:00.005+08:00

I know right. So Ffast exams again. Starting to get sick of the cycle. This sitting - the Professional Level Essentials papers (used to be known as the Core papers). So the idea of difficulty.

June 9 - P1 Professional Accountant
June 10 - P2 Corporate Reporting
June 11 - P3 Business Analysis

Argh! Two words. Do or die. Or was it three? Gosh. I don't know what to say. Just that am really unprepared this semester. But again no use whining here. No matter what must try to pass the exams. After all, it's my job. Though there are few more days to it, I'm not studying. I don't know why but I don't feel stressed or panicked for that matter. And this is what that's worrying me, not so much for the exams. I've become someone else. Yikes!

When Monday comes, it's going to hit me hard, I'll probably have a concusion or something. Then Tuesday, Wednesday. It will be very exhausting mentally according to my sis. She passed all the Core in a single sitting which puts the pressure on me. Not that I really care, but it's just that she's worked really hard for it, I shouldn't work any less hard.

Anyway, it's too late so I'm going to just do what I can now, I think, and quickly get it done and over with so I can go for a break. It's probably going to be that island down south and back to Klang Valley. See how it goes.

Time passed so fast and it's already the end of yet another semester and 2008 is almost halfway through. Yet so many things happened, the Sichuan Earthquake, the Myanmar Cyclone. May God be with the victims. The earthquake footages on TV are so heart-wrenching, I didn't want to watch. Poor kids who were trapped got their limbs amputated as a result of the disaster. My mum crys almost every time she watches them. Sigh. And petrol price here is going up tomorrow. 41% to RM2.70. Like wth? Tentatively August but suddenly tomorrow. It's going to be hard for us. Where is the Earth spinning to?!

So I wish everyone all the best of luck! Do your best and it should be fine. Hope the same can apply to me. Wish me luck!