Ugly Ogling Ogre

Once upon a time, there lived an ugly ogling ogre who had a kind heart. He was a vegetarian. He was in love with Ohoho. Huh? Did I get your attention?

The power of storytelling is something that we fully understood and enjoyed as children, but somehow forgot as we grew older. Our brain waves would change during a presentation when the presenter says the magic words, "Let me tell you a story..." Those about to doze off would be jolted. Unconsciously, bodies lean forward, ears prick up and attention levels jump.

This year, I have the chance to reacquaint with this power as I was roped in to teach. I become a ‘Jataka Penglipur Lara’ to a bunch of 7 and 8 years old kids. Theoretically, it should be a stroll in the park especially since the stories are all compiled in the text book. Lo and behold! It is easier said than done as these millennium kids will have no patience to sit still for an hour to listen to this Generation X babbling away without any visual aid. Traditional way of bulldozing my way does not work anymore! Either I arouse them or I lose them!

I need to crack my head to utilize various props and tools. I need to combine the hardware and software! I can build up the expectation and suspense by parading these gadgets but the last thing I want is to disappoint them with boring contents and delivery.

I downloaded some Jataka tales from YouTube and shared them in the class, using laptop and LCD projector. The kids did not seem excited. Perhaps they were expecting more action packed scenes. I mixed these tales with other short animations. As expected, a few who had this notion ‘computer means games’, tried their luck, “ Teacher, can we play computer games?”. The answer was a no brainer!

The first time when I wheeled in the overhead projector, they were curious and wondered if I were showing them a Transformer! They were totally clueless with this piece of junk.

It was totally different reaction from seeing a computer. They must have been disappointed when the projector was switched on! Nothing transformed and nothing moved. Being smart kids, a few quickly found ways to amuse themselves by shadow playing with their hands!

Personally, the best tool to tell these stories was to get them to role play or act them out! This method would allow them to burn all their excess energy and voila, some hidden talents were unearthed. Initially, they would be coy and preferred to take the role of extras but after a few takes; many would love to be the hero and heroine! Perhaps they could do a better job than Keanu Reeves in portraying our great teacher.

The power of storytelling is too powerful to ignore. It is an effective and fun way to acquire knowledge.

We seldom remember key points stated as stark, bare facts. But we do remember stories and the powerful principles and messages that are subtly embedded inside them. This awesome power of storytelling is something that we can harness and arm these kids with.

Who knows, 20 years from now during the 100 year celebrations, a few will become prominent public speakers and will look back and say, ”..apa nama, I have my first break in BISDS..” The rest is history.

Ice Breaker - Me Myself & I

Chee Wee is a very common name. Few years back, when I was purchasing an electrical item at SenHeng Electrical, the sales consultant did a search and voila, there were 5 Tan Chee Wee in the database! You can also call me Sumana. That’s my Buddhist name.

Should I tell you more on Buddhism? Of course not. My madam mentor cajoled me to talk about myself – nothing else otherwise the ice will not be broken!

Anyway we should not split hair over religion matter. Instead we should adopt the common values, the universal values instead of fighting over the various differences.

This attitude makes me proud to be a Malaysian. I identify myself as having the Malaysian features and can speak fluent Bahasa Malaysia. ‘Tak Percaya?’ Don’t you believe?

Let me relate this incident, in the 80s when I was a teenager, I traveled to school by public bus. One evening, while waiting for the bus at LA, that’s Leboh Ampang, not Los Angeles, a thug approached me. He cajoled me to part with my money! I was this tall & thinner than today – that’s make me an easy prey. I was scared. Damn scared! Well, but not to the extent of wetting my pants, though! Out of the blues, somehow I uttered ‘Apa kau nak’. What do you want? That thug was taken aback! Lu bukan Cina ka? You are not Chinese? Sorry ha! He walked away. Whoosh what a relief! I have many more funny and embarrassing encounters. Embarrassment not to me but to the other parties.

I joined Toastmasters Club in 2007. I remember taking part in Table Topics twice and then went missing in action for 2 years. Yeah that is also the age of my son, Jo Ven! Raising a baby was no easy task. I have to live up to my billing as the doting father! Not a missing father! So I have to sacrifice some of my activities and unfortunately rendezvous with Toastmasters was one of the victims.

I also have an eight years old daughter, Li Ven. There she is – bringing her along as a visual aid. Seeing is believing!

I am a local lad, born and bred in Kuala Lumpur. I spent 7 growing pain but character building years in Victoria Institution, recently proclaimed a heritage school. I was taught to be an all rounder, to excel in all fields. I was actively involved in scouting movement and sports. Among the highlights were leading an expedition to scale the highest peak in West Malaysia i.e. Mount Tahan in 1989 and representing KL Under 23 and Under 20 Cricket team in national age-group tournaments in 1988 to 1990.

From boy to man in the 4 great years spent in Kedah, 1991 to 1995. Initially I was not too happy to leave KL as I have everything in KL. It turned out to be blessing in disguise as the bright lights big city lifestyle was abandoned in favour of the slowdown culture. Came back to KL armed with an Accounting degree in 1995 to start another phase of my life.

As the feet were starting to get wet in the corporate world, Bang! Disaster struck! Asian currency crisis unfolded before our eyes. It was hard time. I got a pay cut. However I survived as I was not exposed to bank loans.

Fast forward to present day. Bang! Global financial crisis. Mother of all crisis. Greater than great depression. No pay cut but with more mouths to feed, I need no cajolement to be prudent in spending. Cash is king – so they said and I need no cajolement in being friendly to this king.

I work in a local IT firm, based in PJ. Accountant by training, Jack of all trades by choice!

However all work and no play make Jack a dull boy. At this stage of life, I do want a work life balance. Every Thursday, I will be in the badminton court, trying to be the next Lee Chong Wei. Every Sunday, I will volunteer my services, trying to be role model to a bunch of 7-8 years old kids in Sunday School. I do maintain a healthy lifestyle and always make sure I am mentally and physically fit at all times.

I end this talk with this motto – Do Good, Avoid Evil, Purify the Mind!

* my maiden speech presented on Saturday 16 May 09 at MIM Toastmasters Club!

Ugly Vegetarian Albino

Once upon a time, there lived an ugly albino who had a kind heart. He was a vegetarian. He was in love with Dino. Huh? Did I get your attention?

The power of storytelling is something that we fully understood and enjoyed as children, but somehow forgot as we grew older.

Our brain waves would change during a presentation when the presenter says the magic words, "Let me tell you a story..." Those that are about to doze off would be jolted. Unconsciously, bodies lean forward, ears prick up, and attention levels jump.

We seldom remember key points stated as stark, bare facts. But we do remember stories and the powerful principles and messages that are subtly embedded inside them.

This awesome power of storytelling is something that we can harness to advance our own career and even social life. However please do not overdo it until the extent of bullshitting!

Bookmanship

Today with so many distractions and many mode of entertainment including laughing our heads off listening to the politicians’ verbal diarrhea, the number of people who read regularly is dwindling. How do we make sure it is not a dying art?

1) Make it a point to ask others what they are reading. When a few friends were talking about The Secret, I had to read it. Busybody ma! want to know secrets!

2) If a movie that is based on a book, interests you, get the book! Da Vinci Code came to mind; oh no it was the other way round, read the book first!

3) Read the book review sections of newspapers. If something sounds interesting, check them out. Grandfather stories by Lim Goh Tong and Lee Kuan Yew!

4) Visit the library. I have a habit checking the re-shelving carts to see what others are reading! Recently read To Kill The Mockingbird and 45 Years Under ISA, picked up from these carts!

5) Keep an eye out for used book sales.

6) Go to the bookstore.

BFM 89.9

There is a new radio station in town. BFM 89.9 The Business Station. Those driving around Klang Valley with their eyes wide open would have seen advertisements at the back of taxis. The infamous all day long jam along Jalan Tun Razak, with no other pretty rear sights in sight except the rear of a taxi, was the 'perfect' setting for my love at first sight with 89.9. Mama Mia!

Following are excerpts from the website www.bfm.com.my - "BFM is a 24 hour radio station focused on business news and topics. Think of CNBC or The Edge but on radio. Core programmes include latest business news and stock market reports from Malaysia and other financial centres as well as interviews with business personalities, financial analysts, entrepreneurs, technologists and marketers. BFM also offers business education programmes spanning areas like marketing, finance, technology and business productivity to raise the business proficiency of the Malaysian public".

So far so good - tuned in to some of the interviews and did learn a thing or two. Love the regular market snapshots too. The 80s music and forgotten rock anthems were bonus! "Bonus Funky Music!"

"BFM targets business executives, finance professionals and the investing public. There is no specific age target as the business audience spans all adult age groups. It is their interest in business that defines the listenership, not their age.

Nevertheless, BFM is likely to appeal most to a mature audience. In this respect, those between 35 to 55 of age will be able to identify most with BFM".

Yeah, I definitely fall into this category! Trying to age gracefully! "Botox for Me!"

There is also the fun and creative part in branding BFM. They are constantly forming words with letters BFM. There are business spin like "Bankers Flee Mortgages", political spin - "Barack Foils McCain" etc.

"Brooms For Ministers"
"Bond Fund Manager"
"Banknotes Fixated Missus"
"Bloody Famous Macha"!

Doctor Doctor

Last week, the Health Ministry stated that every month, at least five doctors are found to be suffering from mental illnesses. This is a very worrying statistic. I believe with the crazy workload at the public hospital, it is the perfect tonic to go mad.

Many top students chose to study medicine although not all had the qualities to be doctors. Besides the long hours with added pressure, doctors have to put up with unhappy faces and deaths.

Personally I have seen some of these doctors in action for the past year. I am not qualified to comment on the technical aspects but I do have my thoughts on some of their inter-personal skills. Although I do empathize with them, they have to realize that the ‘customers’ are becoming more demanding and ‘educated’. They are no longer there just to save lives but be an all rounder and take the rap especially during the ‘no hope’ situation. They have to wear various hats, and act as counselor, messenger and are the perfect fall guy! No wonder they are sick!

Alternatively, those who do not have the aptitude to be a doctor, take up nursing. There is a huge demand for nurses and currently, a fresh diploma holder could command close to RM2,000 per month. After a couple of years experience, the Sheikh oil money could be tempting! Apparently, many Filipino doctors are retraining to be nurses and head to US as the wages as nurses are much higher than staying home as a doctor!

Perhaps, being a financial guru or accountant is a safer bet! Less chances of being ‘kuku. Instead of seeing blood and death bodies, get to see figures and count other people’s money!

Back To School

Amidst the current global credit crunch, with uncertain job security, perhaps you could seriously contemplate to pursue your postgraduate study. It is the survival of the fittest. Employees have to be more efficient, well rounded and competitive.

Firstly, talk to your employer. It will be great if you get his support. It will be a bonus if the study is sponsored; it is a vote of confidence in you.

Now, the tough part is to choose the program. The number of postgraduate programs is on the rise. Spoil for choices, yeah! It is tempting to choose the easiest, shortest and cheapest. Not a good move. Learning that cannot be translated into values is wasted. The values gained from the program should be substantial. Additionally, make it an enjoyable journey, to gain knowledge and not purely for the paper chase.

8 criteria to ponder:

1) Specialize or opt for general management? – Depends on your career plan / direction, whether you want to be a specialist or be Jack of all trades.

2) Reputable, recognized and accredited program – Obviously you do not want to be caught with your pants down after aiming for the stars.

3) Content – Depend very much on criteria no. 1. In addition to prescribed texts, be prepared to explore broad range of publications. There are also many gems to be unearthed from the wired world. Learn this word - Plagiarism!

4) Methodology of delivery – Is it a traditional classroom delivery with interaction, case studies, project work etc or distance learning which has minimum interaction? Do you have the discipline to do your own work or do you need frequent interaction to knock sense into your wear and tear brain?

5) Teaching resources – Are the lecturers qualified practicing managers or academicians or a good mix? The academicians can deliver the best concepts and theories while the practitioners share their experiences. The lecturers are to facilitate and lead, not so much to teach. Learning takes place from many aspects- from class discussion, study group and personal research!

6) Weekday or weekend – Do you have the power to stay up after a long day in the office? The after office hours traffic could cause lateness. No fun to play catch up, and you might be lost for the next few hours. Be prepared to miss weekend parties, though!

7) Venue and distance from home – Obviously you would want to avoid long distance traveling that could drain your energy level!

8) Cost – Important aspect but not the only criteria. Obviously brand name, reputation and perceived higher quality programs cost more. Look for value for money. In addition to sponsorship, you could withdraw from EPF Account 2 and could explore financing from banks.

Finally the easy part. Embark on it with a serious desire and commitment to work hard. Make sacrifices and the reward would be sweet. In addition to self satisfaction and knowledge gained, the program should translate into new career opportunities, be it a climb in the corporate ladder or seeking out on your own! Then there is also the new friends found that will be ‘saved’ into the networking database!

Happy Studying.

To Attend Or Not To Attend Seminar

"Make More $$$" "How To Be A Millionaire".

These are some of the bold captions that captured our attention in the media. The advertisements invite us to learn the tricks or success stories of the speakers in one of the leading hotels. There are so many seminars that 'could' lead us to the world of wealth abundance. The topics range from option trading, Internet marketing, stock market investment, property investment etc. We could definitely acquire some knowledge but the question posed is it worth the fee / cost effective as they do not come cheap!

How does it work? The organiser normally entice us with a free 2-3 hours preview. In the preview the speaker will tempt us with some tips and at the same time doing his sales pitch as well! Some preview seminars are structured to be emotionally charged. Incentives are dangled so that they could close the sale there and then. If we are unsure, don't sign up.

Seminar is a quick and condensed way to obtain training and information. However there are other wealth of information available at a cheaper price namely from mentoring and good old books. Of course, there are authors becoming speakers and vice versa so obviously we could learn from the books. So why bother to attend the seminar? According to the speakers / authors, even though there may be redundancy, there would be new updates and materials in the seminar, moving along with time.

By attending seminars, we could cut the learning curve tremendously and may be more effective than reading. The three dimensional approach may work out best for certain people. (Just imagine attending a lecture in university vs reading a text book in the library!) We may read something but the experience is different when we hear the speaker saying it with conviction. There are other benefits in attending seminars i.e. networking and buying merchandises at discounted prices.

How do we select which seminar that is right for us since we have limited budget and time? For a start do some research on the speaker. The Securities Commission (SC) clarifies that services related to investment advice and fund management are regulated under Security Industry Act 1983, thus those offering such services need a license from SC. Anyone can become a speaker and claim to being rich.

Then research on the subject of the seminar. Advertisement normally paint a pretty picture but does it suit our risk profile? Find out if the seminar teaches those aspects that we could relate to and apply. Bear in mind some strategies work well overseas but might not work here due to different tax laws, culture, readiness etc. Find out if there is a money back guarantee if the contents fall short of expectation.

Rule of thumb. Too good to be true yardstick still applies. Be skeptical of high or guaranteed returns as every investment comes with some degree of risk. Just be wary of any claims and promises of high rewards without corresponding risks. However just going to seminars itself does not make a difference. We must apply what we have learnt!

Education Planning

My daughter is 7 years old and son is a toddler. Que sera, sera! However at the very least, for bringing them to this crazy crazy world, I vow to save enough for their education.

Education will not get any cheaper. With the ever rising cost of living, parents are facing tougher challenges to look for ways to fund their children’s education. If there is a will, there is definitely a way.

Some start planning the moment the children are born, others when their children complete secondary school. Some like it hot. If you are left out, don’t be despair. Just do it now. There are many tools to achieve this objective. Read on, some hot tips.

Jolie bought an apartment, rented out for many years before selling it off to finance her eldest child’s education. The monthly income from rental was regularly invested in unit trust which is geared for the younger child’s education. If unit trusts are carefully monitored, the returns are very attractive. The returns can be as much as three or four times higher than fixed deposits. Investing in properties and unit trusts are both ways to hedge funds for education.

Pitt did not encourage his children to apply for study loans as he didn’t want them to start working life with a financial burden. Instead he bought insurance policies when they were born. Although he can’t plan for the full cost of the children’s education but some planning is better than nothing.

Hisham plans to withdraw money from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account for this purpose.

The above examples are not the only avenues. One of the keys is to have a good “basket of eggs”. Other options include buying foreign currency and investing in shares.

Parents should seek help when investing. Some don’t know what to do with the money they’ve set aside. They put them in fixed deposits, the returns which are probably lower than the inflation rate, thus effectively losing the value of the money. Some who are well versed with financial matters may invest in properties overseas, especially in the country their children intend to study in. By doing this, they cushion themselves against fluctuations in foreign exchange and the child can live there when he is studying.

Parents should also involve their children in their financial planning. The ‘don’t let the children know, we can handle it’ mentality is old school. Share with the children on the family’s financial resources. The children could also share some of the financial burden by working part time. This move will give them insights on the rough and tough of the rat race.

Paper Chase - Good for the Ego!

Ms X wants to become a doctor. Need an estimated RM500k (tuition fees, food, lodging all in) for the 6 years course somewhere out there. Entrepreneur dad did a calculation. Told his daughter.

"Why susah-susah, spend 6 years sleeping in a cramped room with some strangers, eating instant noodles, burning midnight oil, away from the family and then after graduating, getting depressed and miserable treating sick people in not so friendly government hospital - here is the RM500k, buy some shares and properties. In fact, there is enough to start a small business. In 6 years time, you could double or triple the money".. Huh!

Food for thought!

pic - 1st paper collected. More to come, baby!