ONCE...experience with Koreans

In ICMS project, I've got the opportunity to work with Koreans and Australians apart from our local members. There's lots of challenges dealing with Koreans. In fact, some of my colleague in game industry did advised me to be extra care when dealing with them.

Not that bad actually. My observation and experience dealing with them for almost a year now, they're very proud people and humble as well. They're very serious with their work and push only for the best. But if we ponder deep enough, it's common to all races or nationality. We do have Malaysians like that as well. But perhaps, it's easier to brand other people as difficult, hard-headed as the assumptions of different cultures and behaviours. Some I agree...some I don't.

The new PM that came in March is damn good at technical. No doubt about it. But, his problem is he don't want to adapt to our environment. Good because he can work and deliver the project on time...bad because he keep saying "..in Korea, the customer..." or "..in Korea, we...". Our local partner also just patch-up with me last 2 weeks. Before that, they have been distancing from me..one of the reason, they don't want me complaining to much about the new PM. They came to me, when they also can't handle the new PM...meaning the problem has gone from bad to worse.

Complaint raised to Korea and the VP came last week to resolve the issue. I spoke to him, put my stand and options, and ask him to resolve by end of last week. As we thought everything went smoothly with the VP, on Fri it turned out differently. Both the VP and new PM went to the customer and our assumption is complaining about the project. The customer also call for emergency meeting this Wed to resolve the issue.

I briefed my boss on the issue, and we call for meeting yesterday. I shared the concerned, they presented their case...we lay the expectations and at the end we agreed on the approach. Apparently, during dinner, turns out that the VP and new PM has different views. Problem still exist. I asked the local partner to solve this problem, prepare contingency plan and advice me on the outcome.

Today, the new PM seems ok with me. And best part is he listen to me now hehehe. So, I called Hj and asked him to postpone the meeting tomorrow. But, he said if the issues has been resolved, might as well call-off the meeting. "You as the PM decide..should we postpone or call-off ?" "ok ji...we call-off". Some points that they mentioned are noted and I will work towards that.

All in all...it's been challenging..it's been exciting...and it's worth doing. Experience wise...priceless :D

ONCE...exam !!!

It's been a while...and lots of interesting happening since my last post. Early this month I attended the PMP Exam Prep training. I got to know that my boss had to justify to the director to allow me to go for this training. Pity her..and also thankful to her.

So now, I've to repay back to her by doing the necessary so that I'm eligble to take the exam, study hard and pass the exam ! That alone should give enough aspiration (pressure is a bit negative isn't it)...yet that's not all. The co need at least one bumi PMP. So, I've double aspiration now hehehe.

After so long since I'm into this study-exam thingy, the biggest challenges is to discipline myself. Finding the time to study...erm...before that..filling the forms to register my credentials so that I'm eligible is also challenging already. With recent challenges in NGEP, ICMS as well...and interesting activities on education back in the office and also the revival of TeAM. To add to those challenges, my addiction to WoW and extra curricular at the Lab.

Nothing else can be done...except to buckle up, discipline enough, priorities and get to work ! Wish me luck :D !

ONCE...my PC up and running !!!

Yeay !!! Akhirnya...saat yang dinanti-nantikan telah pun tiba. Segala kegusaran telah terpadam. Khamis lepas aku dpt pasang motherboard baru (Gigabyte DS3L). Kire aku buat sume la...cabut processor dari motherboard lama..pasang balik sume kat motherboard baru. Pastu, format harddisk baru (SATA II 250 GB), install XP Pro. Sambung lak Jumaat petang ngan lain2 software yang diperlukan.

Dari jumaat malam, kepagi semalam dan lah kemalam ini, kemas bilik kerja aku nih, setup cabling cantek2 (siap ngan power surge ngan regulator lagik). Tapi major breakthrough..bila aku buleh transfer WoW aku. takyah nak install balik..yes ! Dan hasilnya...testing sampai sejam setengah hehehe.

Skang tinggal nak format harddisk lama (SATA II 160 GB)...60 GB dah format, 100 GB lagi besok la kut...takkan tak tido lak kan. Masalahnye sikit skang nih...nak wat pe storage bebyk tuh ? Hmm..ke layan satu PC lagik...power supply ngan harddisk dah ada...tinggal yg lelain jek...hehehe..naya tul...

ONCE...trip to Shenzhen/Hong Kong

Last week I followed my wife's company trip to Shenzhen and Hong Kong from 11 - 15 June. I must say it's an experiences going to China. Seeing different people, different culture, different way of life and different views. Some photos with my SGH U700 (more from Sony soon).

Shenzhen international airport @ 15 june 6.32 pm (nak balik baru amik :D)

panorama view (only with my SGH U700 :p) from Sungei Wang type of shopping mall. the photo is where the bus and train station of shenzhen @ 15 june 3.56 pm

another panorama view. we've to spend 4 hours shoppin and we're done in 2 hours. this is part of spending time waitin. btw, i'll improve my panorama technique later ;) @ 15 june 4.08 pm

my daughter with miniature buildings at Splendid of China @ 11 june 7.22 pm

We have no difficulty getting halal food as it has been arranged by the travel agent. So good that I've gained additional 2 kg !!! *sigh* Quite alot of halal restaurant in Shenzhen and HK, just that not many that can accommodate big group (we're about 50 ppl). HK will not complete without visiting Disneyland. There're few interesting sights in HK as well ;-).

dunno what flower, but nicely placed in between the escalator at Royal Park Hotel, HK @ 12 june 12.43 pm

beautiful brick art on the wall of Muslim Center in HK where we had our lunch @ 12 june 2.26 pm

from the Muslim Center in HK also @ 12 june 2.27 pm

sleeping beauty's castle in Disneyland HK. waiting for fireworks @ 13 june 8.53 pm

this one makes me proud hehehe. as far as Royal Hall Banquet in Disneyland HK, we have the Penang Curry Vege on the menu. Yesh ! Malaysia boleh ! @ 13 june 7.10 pm

this is taken from the Indian food restaurant in HK (claimed to be halal...but dunno lah..tawakal je la..). interestingly, it has TV/DVD man ! i dunno how to turn it on..but really something to spend ur 'time' in here enjoying dvd shows @ 12 june 7.59 pm

seems like the whole toilet man !!! @ 12 june 8 pm

here another ermm..crazy ? one. they've ICE in the bowl !!! well..i didn't touch it to confirm that it's ice..but from the look of it, i know it's ice. and no i didn't try it urgh @ 12 june 8 pm

last day in HK we have to spend 4 hours shopping. and to spend our time waitin (as there's sogo...and we've better sogo here in kl), we took the tram. without any direction nor intention, we just go down (or up from the map) till 1/2 hour we stop. look for the map and count the stations to go back hehehe @ 14 june 1 pm

It's raining in both Shenzhen and HK. HK is having summer season as we went..but summer in HK means raining season :D. So, always brings ur umbrella or rain coat when u going out. Given a choice, I might go to HK again (of course with my kids..no point going there alone duh!) but Shenzhen..ermm...perhaps if all paid for ;-).

ONCE...EKAT reunion

7 June ari tu aku pegi EKAT (Ex Kembara Adventure Team) reunion kat Terengganu. Lepak kat Anggulia Beach Resort, Marang Terengganu. Aku tak dpt join xpdc candat sotong sebab depa naik ari jumaat. cuti aku dah la sikit...so aku join utk bbq je la. Mlm tu lepas bbq, kami bermesyuwarah utk mengesetkan hala tuju EKAT seterusnya. Agak panas dan bermakna la jugak kirenye. Dan setelah dipergaduhi seadanya, maka bersetujulah utk aku pegang dana untuk permulaan huahuahua...! Ni antara gambar2 yg aku rasakan indah yg dapat diambil dgn SGH U700 aku tuh.

Anggulia beach resort @ 4.58 pm

Best mandi kat sini..tak dlm sgt & tak masin sgt (anggulia beach @ 8.06 pm)

keindahan alam yg mendamaikan (kampung tepi anggulia beach resort @ 8.15 pm)

rakan2 ekat & family bertangkap atas (catch up ler) @ 8.18 pm

rakan2 ekat dari kanan: amir pakkam, uda (baju kuning), iwan (duduk terlindung), botak, adik ipar abbot (baju itam), bini abbot (pegang baby), abbot jr #5, abbot jr #3, bini amir ngan bini uda @ 8.19 pm

Ramai lagi yg takde masa tu sebab gi candat sotong kat pasar utk bbq hehehe.

ONCE...Netbash@WCIT with Vinton Cerf

I attended the function. Dr Vinton Cerf is Chief Internet Evangelist at Google. Very interesting person, knowledgeable and approachable. He is one of the internet founder (as he puts it that way).


One interesting point that he shared is, in Google, there's lots of young people. And young people don't quite understand the word "Cannot Do". It's not registered in their vocab. Thus, everything is possible, there's ways to solve it, etc..etc. So, the old people (again..as he puts it) need to rethink. As he rethink on some request by the guys, the reason it doesn't work then was the technology was not there yet..the acceptance might be a problem...and there's other contributing factor on why it won't work then..but it might work now.

So, to the old people, before you decide to block the young guys on their ambitions by saying "No" based solely on your previous failed experiences...think again..why it failed then ? May it work now ? Most of the time...it might...

ONCE...sukenye...

Suka sgt la anak2 aku tu dpt beskal. Teringat aku masa belaja bawak beskal kat kg dulu. Tade roda tambahan kat belakang tu pun. 1 hari je terus dpt. Tapi...jatuh ke sawah jugak la sekali. Pastu terer dah..hehehe...

ONCE...madness

I've got few SMSes on 4 June, reminding to fill-up my petrol tank before midnight as the fuel price will increase by 12 midnight. As usual, I'm not interested to do so because it'll be hell jam at the petrol stations..as it always happen before.

However, this time around is crazy. I was from Putrajaya around 6 plus, the jam started from Seri Kembangan exit all the way to Puchong. And you can see people crawling and waiting for HOURS just to save some money on the fuel. Don't they ever think that the idling petrol running not worth waiting ? Or rather...there goes your savings man !!!

Puchong Petronas South-bound (LDP) at 7:19 pm

My sister-in-law waited for an hour at Shah Alam. Fair enough that hers almost empty..no choice so too speak. My office colleague shared with me this morning (i mean Thu 5 June), that his sister-in-law waited for a whopping 4.5 hours at Seksyen 6 Shah Alam !!! I can't compute why people can wait that long. 4.5 hours just sitting there in the car doing nothing ?!! Or perhaps that's one way Malaysian destress once a while.

Another colleague shared that the petrol station ran out of petrol as she wanted to fill-up in the morning. To those people, is the hours wasted waiting worth the once-in-life-time savings ? Will it last for 2 years ? In KL, minimum 5 days you would need to fill it up again (depending on how frequent and how far you travel to work and for work everyday). Don't you need to pay the new price anyway ? I don't really digest for such professionals, middle class people, educated...all so called modern thinking Klang Valley people (err...it might be nationwide...but this is what i saw and heard...in Klang Valley)...can't think that far..?

Anyway, for those who're abroad and might not aware, old unleaded fuel price RM 1.92/liter. Now RM 2.70/liter. For all things that we want to be a developed country...but yet we don't dare to live without subsidies. *sigh*

ONCE...anakku berbicara...

Petang semalam lepas ambik auny, on the way nak amik adik2 dia...

Auny : abi dah habis keje ke..?
Abi : belum...ada lagi...tapi abi sambung besok...
Auny : takpela...nanti abi hantar auny, nu'man ngan darweesh kat umah siti yah, pastu abi pegi la keje
Abi : kenapa pulak ? taknak abi duduk rumah ke ? (aku dah nak mula sedih dah...)
Auny : takla...dah abi kata ada keje, pegi la buat keje sampai siap. tak payah tunggu besok...

By then I'm speechless ! Baru semalam Ust Abdullah cite pasal terangkan pada anak2 yg kite ni kurang masa ngan depa sebab nak carik nafkah..utk depa jugak...supaya mereka faham. seems like my daughter has understood it well.

I hope, those values (i.e. no procrastinate, finish work...) will embodied well in her throughout her entire life. Insya-Allah and Alhamdulillah....

ONCE...my little sweethearts

auny and nu'man

darweesh

muah..muah..muah....

ONCE...cite ayah

Gambar aku ngan Dr Khod lepas dinner kat Kuching. Anyway, last week, aku sembang ngan Dr Khod. Masa sembang pasal projek, dia sebut yang arwah ayah dulu terlibat bukan je kat Lembaga, tapi kat CDC, BTP dan BPG. Aku nak celah, tapi biar abih dulu pasal projek.

Masa makan tu aku tanya lagi. "Bapak ko dulu popular sebab dia rajin bercakap, byk contribute. Bukan je kat Lembaga, dia popular kat CDC, BTP dan BPG. Ada je benda bapak ko tu. Kekadang tu gelak sampai tak tau apa yg kitorang gelakkan. Dia punya rajin berbahas tu sampai kadang2, aku kena cakap..'udah la tu wud..' barulah dia diam. Ada masa yang dia tak dpt join panel meeting tu, terasa sepi la sikit.", cite Dr Khod. Dan aku dpt confirmation yg depa tu satu sekolah, satu batch..then bila dia tau arwah ayah terlibat dlm CDC dan BTP, tu yg dia dipanggil terlibat dlm Lembaga. Dan dah lama ayah terlibat...bukan je masa kat Klang (masa tu yg aku boleh ingat dan nampak kut..ayat buat soalan, sealed..gi mesyuarat kat luar), but even before that. Dr Khod cite lagi, "..dari pinggang bapak ko kecik, besor..kecik balik.." mmg depa kenal lama la.

Kire, byk hikmahnya aku masuk MB and jaga projek Lembaga nih. Dpt kenal arwah ayah lebih dekat. Alhamdulillah...

ONCE...5 years plan..?

I joined MB as my number changed from '2' to '3'. I'd my 5 years plan when I was 25. Well, not all achieved...but at least there's drive to achieve them. When the number changed, I didn't look at renewing it nor am I looking at the previous ones. Early this year am thinking of giving some thoughts and putting it down, but...

I tried to do the thinking while in Kuching...well...can't decide, can't make my mind. Have doubts whether is that the goal I wanna have or what. Even thinking whether I really do need those or not. Early this week at the Netbash@WCIT, talk by Guy Kawasaki, LC asked me about stuffs, and she said "...if that's what you want in life, by all means..."..talking about am staying in MB for good. I guess staying in MB is quite sure...but as what ? doing what ? for what ? what's next ? that's what am trying to think and put down the goals. Otherwise, I'm kinda day-in day-out just collecting..then sometimes wanna be this..and sometimes wanna be that... *sigh*

ONCE...International Colloquium

I was invited to the International Education Colloquium in Kuching, Sarawak from 4 - 7 May 2008. It's a closed function where local and international educationist gather and share ideas, concepts, experiences on the new assessment scheme. I was invited as a forum speaker talking on how ICT can play a role in the new scheme.

I must say that I'm very fortunate to be invited (after I open my mouth to go as participant !) and join the colloquium. I have first hand information and exposure on how a new education system being formulated. And it's great honor to be part of it (hopefully it will transform to the better).

At one time, I felt small as well. All speakers are well-known educationist with doctorate and professorship except for me. It's tensed when I need to prepare my biodata to be narrated by MC. However, at pre-dinner drink party, Dato' IAB told me not to feel that way. "You're an expert in that field." he said. :D

At dinner, there's video clip of Sinaran Ilmu composed by LY and lyrics by Baiduri, sang by Asha Malik as departure gift to the respected Dr Khod. I've teary eyes listening to the words and looking at the clips. It's not like I'd never seen him again, but humbled at the way recognition and respect shown to such a wonderful man upon his retirement. Another slide presentation featuring his bibliography also touched my heart. And that nite, dinner over by 11 pm or so. Chat with Shidi at the lobby till 1.30 am when Dr Khod joined us for discussion that last for 2 hours. It's very trying to be ontime on the 7th May at 8 am for the Group discussion summary and closing by Deputy DG MOE.

In the group discussion summary, I commented about teaching profession perceived as low class profession. Being the last option by students applying to higher education, whom basically don't have passion for teaching, thus producing a lower grade teachers and eventually lower grade products from schools that created all the problems we have in the country now. My recommendation was to uplift the profession, make it professional career with better salary & scheme comparable to lecturers. Make an opening for professional out there to join education system as teachers as what being practiced in universities.

My comment was responded quite aggresively by rep from School Division saying that teachers is the one that teach the future leaders. Applicants for teaching institution now is only the cream-of-the-cream and not anybody-else-can-go kinda thing. Dato' IAB defended me (he also introduced me as ICT expert to Dato' Deputy before I gave my comments) saying that it's not my perception but the public as I heard. When I tried to apogize, Dato' IAB told me there's no need to apologize.

Prior to closing address, few people came to me to say that what I said is right. KPLI for example is for resolve unemployed graduates issues. When Dato' Deputy gave her closing remarks by answering to the comments and sharing the latest movements and directions in the ministry, she also commented on my comments. She told me not to have heart-feeling as Pn Rodz is known to be defensive on her teachers. However, more has been done and still coming in improving the perception. There's a 'Super Principle' scheme that their salary is the same as Divisional Directors currently.

Nevertheless, she shared with me on her way for lunch, that more needs to be done to improve the education system. Not only the students, but also teachers, programs, syllabus, assessment...a transformation is required if not reformation. Am hoping to see it happening, and greatly involve to make sure it'll happen to the betterment of future generations.

ONCE...still have the touch ;-)

Yesh !!! I'm off today from my official work..for some sight-seeing (hehe..some business to take care la basically). Arrived around 10.40 am, start working on it. Break for lunch at 1.30 pm..came back at 3 pm. Then, DB solved in 1/2 hour.

After that, my turn to take over the production machine. Load the app, test it out..and S&!T !!! Doesn't work !!! I thought..there goes my holiday tomorrow :( Maybe have to overnight here. Then at around 7++ pm (after 2 hours of thinking, figuring, contemplating, and other things)..I solved the problems !!! (Thank God !). I'm still not lost in my programming..and smart card thingy as well ;)...yeaahaa !!!

Now just cosmetic and tidy-up the apps..then maybe in another 2 hours head back to KL.

ONCE...working with foreigners

This is not the first time that I involved in a project that includes foreigners. I've been working with Indian, French, Italian, Dutch, American, South African, Thais, Indonesians, and Koreans. But those involvement not as intense as the one I'm handling now.

I must say that this is the first international-like project that I'm handling in the big scale (>RM20m) for 14 months. Todate, I've been dealing with 8 Koreans altogether. The difference can be seen whether they've experience working internationally or just in Korea. No doubt their work attitude is much better than some (or most ?) of us, but they would also need to adapt to our environment soonest possible.

Recently, I have some trying moment with the Project Leader. He must understand that even though they have reached developed state status, they have develop and use the system for the past 10 years, we are not that bad in terms of software development methodology and experiences. Probably bad for him that this particular PM is from technical background..and has not lost his sense of software development just yet.

I hope they're professional enough (i.e. not so emotional..even though he did demonstrate that he's bit emotional..), and continue working for the best of the project. Am full gear for the good of the project, for the best interest of my company...and for betterment of future generations thru this project.

ONCE...Gridiron Gang

I've seen this movie few times this week. Twice in the middle...not knowing what the story is all about. Just knew that it's about winning and motivation (thru American football). It's only on Tue that I got the chance to enjoy the movie from the very beginning.

It's based on true story at Camp Kilpatric, a juvenile detention camp where all these kids from the neighbourhood being given second chance. The system doesn't work. When they go out, they either go back to jail or died on the streets. So, The Rock put them together in a football team...to make them a better person. No more losers...but winners. Somebody that matters ! Well, you can find it all here. Check out the trailer here.

What's interesting to me was, how the American can be open and giving a chance to all these kids for a better life. They did odd jobs i.e. robbery, murder, drug-dealers, etc...to survive...to live...to have some money for the family. That's the only thing that they can do because lack of education (could be lack of interest to study as well...but that's not the point am trying to make here). But still, some people believed in second chance...going for the better...to ensure better future for these kids. And, as we can see from the movie...it did!

I'm just wondering...in our country...in our culture...as a Muslim...do we really embody such spirit and believe ? Or for us..or rather most of us..."you yourself need to change...world can't change you unless you wanna change". Question is...how receptive are we when these people trying to change ? Perception..negative impression..all within us. We don't believed that they can make it ! We don't believed that they will change for the better ! We are so hypocrits !

...to be continued...

ONCE...life is great !

Lots of things happen. At work (from my latest post in Jan), things move positively. Work improving. Got assignment (where i can develop further) from big boss himself. But nevertheless, to some people who don't understand why me (from PMU) need to be in an opportunity meeting with the big boss. Anyway, am doing it for the company.

Election is coming and it's interesting to read the reports in the paper. Sometimes I wonder, why do this people really bother in politics in the first place. Is it a genuine intention and motivation ? Or was it just for power and money ? One thing for sure, in politics (regardless of which party), politic is dirty ! Once in politic, whether you like it or not, you have to play the game. It's tough and long to change the mindset and gameplay.

Everything that happen...happen for a reason. Allah the Almighty wants us to learn the lesson. Hope I manage to learn the correct lesson...

ONCE...internal politics ?!

Since late Dec last year, my project has become a hotstuff. People out of nowhere suddenly appear to show great concerns on the potential risk and paranoia due to their few bad experiences.

Generalizing on all customers and partners which I think not right. The bad experiences they had might come from their doing as well...as what I can see going on into my project currently. Or perhaps...that's how they can show their superiority and heroeness. Creating chaos, high risks and potential exposures...then giving and implementing few ideas/mechanisms/processes/systems to put everything back on track blablabla.

To me, these people are suddenly aware that it is such a big project (RM 23m) and just me managing it ?!!

"Are we out of our mind ?"...

"Are we going to let that new guy who is not proven to take all those credit in implementing the project all by himself alone ?!!"...

"We got to do something..."

And so it all started...(btw, those are just my scepticalism). My boss (to my surprise i guess) was also jittery and start acting like them. Putting people because such project magnitute would require more people otherwise customer would not believe that we're taking this project seriously. Anyway, I took all her advise with positive thinking...and play along with the game that they wanted. So, I'm practically seems like a puppet.

But today, I lost my composure. I know the effect of the email that I sent. But it was just sooo damn irritating to me. For dunno what reasons, my views and inputs were not valued at all. I just had enough playing the game and being me (of not wanting to show me doing work) has bitten me now. My boss perceived that I had not being proactive enough in doing my work.

Hmmm...it's challenging. With new MD coming since 2nd Jan, things moved to the direction that I hoped (errm...from the top i mean). Internally, he'd have tough time implementing it. And looking at the people that involved in my project..."please God save the company !". I'd few chats with him and doing what I find really interesting and challenging as well. That give me strength to swallow all those &#$#@ that comes from those @*#($&#*.

Anyway...Happy New Year :D (just realized...I haven't think of my resolution this year...)

ONCE...my wife's turn...

Yesterday was my wife's 30th birthday. Though I have not give her any present yet (in the process of delivery), she gave one priceless gift to us all. My son was born at 11.15 morning yesterday :D Am babysitting both of them currently at the hospital. Will post the pictures once I'm home and have my abundance bandwidth to play with.

ONCE...am 30 !

Alhamdulillah...am 30 as of yesterday. It shall be a new beginning for me. For a better me. Not only me as a PM, an employee, a crazy-part-timer and a friend...but more importantly me as a husband, father and son. And of course, as His servant.

One thing for sure, I don't have my normal 5 years plan now. What do I wanna be ? Where do I wanna go ? What do I chase for ? What do I target to ? What do I aim at ? Where am I heading ? For whom does all these to ?

Serious thinking need to be done. Soul searching ? Perhaps. 'Please ya Allah...guide me in my quest...amin'

p/s: Thank you dear for organizing the suprise this morning :D Beautiful indeed... luv ya !