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4/12/2008 DreamSome people dream with a Ferrari in the picture of their dream. In the dream, they might just dream the car without them in the picture. Even they dream they are inside the picture, they are standing beside the car. They should dream they are inside the car, owning it and driving. This will give you some "kick" to realise the dream.
I dream to own it. And I will look for ways to buy it. 4/10/2008 All about life...Few days ago, I met up with Haw Sim. I did mention about him in my past blogs. He is really the one peer that I really look up to. Most of our past meetings were to find out how each other doing. Same as our recent meeting. But he made a much better progress than me.
Last February, after the CNY, he resigned from his full time job. He is on his way to his financial freedom. Just in his mid-twenties, he has much accomplishments; he completed his master degree and still own a business and a tuition center. He is definitely on the right track. Comparing with me, I still "stalling" on my master, working a full time job and have much less zero in my account than him. Many of us (our friends and I) are just starting our career and working much more heavily than before. Some of us are working more than 12 hours a day for 6 days continuous.
For myself, I still need to go for 8 hours work a day for six days. However, my new job here is much less demanding than the ones I have before. The company is paying me good and taking good care of me. Slowly, I didn't realise actually I am enjoying my work. For most people, this is a good sign, but for me (and probably Haw Sim) this is really not a good sign. It is not the bad either if it is for a short run.
You see, I never want to WORK for the next 35 years. These are the words I told myself when I started working after I grad from Uni. Even though the company is paying me good, giving me good benefits and luxuries, it turning me like into slave to work for them harder. These money and benefit are like drugs; everyone get addicted to it fast. If the company takes back everything, life will be devastated.
The good thing about me is I meet and have a group of highly financial intelligent people to advise me. Making sure I am on the right track even though it will be slow. In these few years to come, my objective is only one; is to expand my asset column as big as possible. Discipline is the thing I need for the few years to come.
In the end of my meeting with Haw Sim, I told him that I will give myself another 4 years from now and I will quit my full time job. Then I can do what I want. Quietly, I envied his life now so much. Life will never be boring without a full time job. But I guess many will reluctantly to agree on this. 3/25/2008 The Rules for Success...for my dreamIn my previous blog, I mentioned about my current condition and starting to deviate from my goals and dream. Luckily, I cameby this article. It is done by Donald Trump. Most of the people know Donald Trump through the Apprentice series showing on TV. Well, I would say he is not the richest person, but far richer than me. If able to pick up some of his virtues and wisdoms, it is good enough to guide you along your journey.
Here is some of his articles:
My Top Ten Rules of Successby Donald J. Trump
If you've heard me speak, you may have noticed I emphasize several things repeatedly - never give up is one, being passionate is another, keeping focused is up there, and keeping your momentum runs a close fourth. I've learned those things from experience. Here's the complete top 10 list I give when I speak at colleges: 1. Never give up! Do not settle for remaining in your comfort zone. Remaining complacent is a good way to get nowhere. 2. Be passionate! If you love what you're doing, it will never seem like work. 3. Be focused!Ask yourself: What should I be thinking about right now? Shut out interference. In this age of multitasking, this is a valuable technique to acquire. 4. Keep your momentum! Listen, apply and move forward. Do not procrastinate. 5. See yourself as victorious! That will focus you in the right direction. 6. Be tenacious! Being stubborn can work wonders. 7. Be lucky! The old saying, "The harder I work, the luckier I get" is absolutely right on. 8. Believe in yourself! If you don't, no one else will either. Think of yourself as a one-man or one-woman army. 9. Ask yourself: What am I pretending not to see? There may be some great opportunities right around you, even if things aren't looking so great. Great adversity can turn into great victory. 10. Look at the solution, not the problem. And never give up! Never never never give up. This thought deserves to be said (and remembered and applied) many times. It's that important. Good luck! Donald J. Trump is Chairman of Trump University.
Want Success? Put the Mogul Mindset on Your Sideby J. J. Childers Through my practice of law in the fields of asset protection, tax reduction, and estate planning, one of the most common characteristics that I've observed among my wealthier clients is that they rarely pour all of their entrepreneurial energy into just one type of business. While I've worked with clients from nearly every profession, trade, or business, one thing that I've found nearly universal in my most successful clients is that they seek out new opportunities for growth by diversifying their assets in high-yielding business endeavors. Why this particular multibusiness phenomenon? Because diversity is of paramount importance. I've commented many times on my love of capitalism. And one of the benefits of a free-market is that if one market is down, there are always other markets that are thriving. For example, if the stock market is down, the real estate market might be up. Or if the housing market is down, the stock market might be up. The wealthy know not just how the economy is doing, but also how particular markets are performing. They shift their entrepreneurial efforts accordingly. Yet another reason why most of my most successful clients are involved in more than one business is because no one business operates in a vacuum. In other words, every business is, at times, both a producer and a consumer. Think about all of the goods and services every business must obtain in order to produce what their own customers are looking to purchase. A smart businessperson will recognize the needs of his or her company and then try to provide for those needs by creating new companies instead of turning to third parties. For example, look at the automotive industry. Car companies don't just produce cars out of thin air. That’s why car companies own not only assembly plants, but steel and aluminum mills, advertising agencies, parts manufacturers, research and development companies and trucking firms. Some car companies own banks that provide financing for their customers! This strategy of becoming more of a producer and less of a consumer applies to small businesses as well. For example, an eye doctor may own his medical clinic and a glasses store too. Another example would be a printing company owner who also owns an office-supply store. In sum, success means looking for new markets in which to expand and create new wealth. I call this phenomenon the Mogul Mindset Strategy. Just think about Donald Trump. As you probably know, Mr. Trump got his start in real estate but his empire now includes a television program, a clothing line, an entertainment company, hotels, casinos, product licensing, an educational company and many more endeavors. This strategy of actively engaging in a multitude of business activities is what is sometimes referred to as multipreneuring. Through this activity, many wealthy business operators are able to build exponential wealth by providing services not only to their own companies but also to others. Yet having the Mogul Mindset isn't just about opening up as many companies as you can. It also involves structuring your multiple businesses to shield them from each other as well as from any liability that may attach to you personally. The Mogul Mindset works to build wealth - and the good news is, you don’t have to wait until you are rich before you get its power working for you. To learn more, I’d urge you to read my new book Trump University Asset Protection 101. It’s never too early to start thinking like a success. J. J. Childers is an attorney dealing primarily with the topics of asset protection, estate planning, and tax reduction. He travels the country extensively working with individuals and companies to help them with their small business wealth structuring. He is author of the new book Trump University Asset Protection 101.
Seven Reasons Why Buying a Business Is Better than Starting Oneby Richard Parker
I understand that this is the “Spring Cleaning” issue of Inside Trump Tower - all about making a new start. And what better way is there to make a fresh start than to buy a business? Here’s my advice to you. Think about these seven reasons why buying a business is better than starting a new one. I know that they will provide all the incentive you need to take a great new start toward achieving success: Reason One: If you buy a business, you will have immediate cash flow. If you start a business of your own, it’s anyone’s guess when the money will start coming in. Reason Two: If you buy a business, you will have historical financial data you need to evaluate the business you are considering. If you start a business of your own, there is absolutely no history available to evaluate the business. Reason Three: If you buy a business, you will have trained employees already in place. If you start a business of your own, you’ll be doing all the work initially - and then you’ll be faced with trying to recruit competent people. Reason Four: Ifyou buy a business, you will have existing customers who are familiar with the company. If you start a business of your own, you are starting from ground zero with you selling and marketing. Reason Five: If you buy a business, you will have proven policies, procedures established to operate the company the day you take over. If you start a business of your own, everything is new! You can only implement company policies as a reaction to problems you encounter. Reason Six: If you buy a business, yhe company’s past gives you a good picture and a high level of comfort about the future. If you start a business of your own, who knows? No matter how detailed or fancy your business plan may be, there’s no guarantee that anything will evolved predicted. Reason Seven: If you buy a business, You know from the beginning what your monthly expenses will be and what the revenues should look like, based on prior history. If you start a business of your own, revenues generally come in half as fast as you expect - and expenses are usually much higher than anticipated. If you start learning the art of buying a business now, you can be ready to make your move by late summer. Isn’t it time to get out of the passenger’s seat take the wheel? Trump University Professor Richard Parker developed Trump University's self-paced multimedia home-study course, The Art of Buying a Business. Professor Parker bought his first business when he was 12 and sold it for a profit when he was 13. He has now bought more than 10 businesses and is a national authority on the subject.
3/15/2008 My current life...Work, work and work. That is the thing in my life now. My life = no life.
For such a long time, I didn't write anything for my blog, or supposely, I can't find any good time and material for my blog. My new workplace, I would say, the best for me so far. They pay you good and provide conducive environment to work. Slowly and slowly, I am began to work longer and longer hours. Same with all my colleagues, whether thay are engineers, managers, directors, etc; everyone just working more than 12 hours a day. Some even reach more than 16 hours. It is like lifeless working here. I can see myself, bit by bit, I am lured into their group, to become "slave". The money is like drug. Once they give you more and more, you will addicted to it. And once they stop giving you, your life will be devastated.
I need to focus on my own objective. My own dream. My big dream. Losing focus means I will stray away. Looks like I need to plan my next step to get back right on track and I need to have disciplined!
Now, our market is in volatile. How many people are losing their money? And how many people is taking advantages of this volatility? I just want more time to study and earn from the market. This is the best opportunity and I am missing it. How can! 2/15/2008 9th day of CNYToday it the 9th Day of CNY. Sharp at midnight, the firecrackers starting to fill up the sky. When I looked up, the sky was bright with lots of colours from the firecrackers. Despite the government bans the firecrackers, there are still a lot out there.
Probably, the chinese community in Malaysia is still unwilling to let go the old tradition. The 9th day of CNY is very important to the Hokkien "clan" in chinese community. It is the official first day of Chinese New Year for Hokkien clan. And sugar cane plant is one of the must have because it protected this clan during the time of war. How it protected,..., I think you must study back the chinese history if you want to know.
Custom, ethnic and culture is very important to the older generation. In my generation, I can see some of these are mixed to form a new custom, ethnic and culture. Plus, we are moving into Information Age where knowledge is "Power".
I wonder to myself, if it is ok to forget my own custom and culture, little by little. Because a lot of these I don't practice unless taking instructions from my mum :) Then there was one case recently, after performing prayers for CNY, my mum took out a "paper seal" written in chinese words and get my dad to burn it and put the ashes into water. And, my horror (really feel like freak out), my mum put it into smaller cups and asked my to drink. I know I seen this in TV before, but...I just can't drink it. I rejected it but my mum insisted me to drink. Finally, I need to adhere and I "tasted" it only. The water was a bit sweet and there was a burn smell. I never know what is this for. Because in my mind, everything should have scientific explanation.
But then, having this custom make me feel proud of my own chinese community. We have long, long history back to China. And yesterday, the 8th day of CNY, is also known as the "People Day". Where everyone should gathers around and have a nice meal. Coincidencely, yesterday is also Valentine's day. So many people asked me whether I have gf or where is mine gf. Intially, I just tell them no but they never believe. Then I told them, my gf is far, far away. Far until I don't know where to look for her,... saying to myself.
Happy Valentine's day to all the couples. May the happiness be with you.
Another 6 more days to go before end of CNY. Everyone must been very busy preparing, enjoying and celebrating this Chinese New Year.
Having these celebration where everyone is going back for reunion dinner, it reminds that we should never forget where we come from and never forget to cherish the things we still have. We should live our life happily.
2/8/2008 2nd Day of Chinese New YearToday, we went to FGS (Fo Guang Shan) temple. It is one of the grand temple in Malaysia. I would go there like once or twice a year.
This year, the decoration is same like last year. A lot of flowers around, the paint look fresh and as usual, a lot of lanterns at the walkway. I remember the last time I went there with a friend, Nok. We went there for lantern festival. It was a huge attraction to the people around. Finding parking was difficult. Today with much ease, not much people, but still the parking is full.
Everytime when I walked in, I feel the closeness with nature. Because I can smell the flowers and plants around. Too many of them. It is like walking in a huge garden. Indeed, it is a garden. Then we walked into the grand hall. Really a very grand hall for a chinese temple. I took a seat while my mum performing her prayers with the others. Sitting on the bench inside the hall with the recitation of Buddha's sutra, my mind just feel blank and emptiness. Feel a lot of noise around, but peaceful inside me. Until I fell asleep
 How can I slept, I also don't know. I feel like my weight is getting lighter and lighter, then my eyes like close by themselves and I slept! After the sleep or "nap", I feel much better and bigger appetite. We stopped by the Carey Island for seafood
 For those who celebrating CNY, I wish all of you have a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year.
For the others, have a nice weekend holiday. I wish everyone to have good happiness, health and wealth for this Year of the Rat. 1/31/2008 ...Today is really an unlucky day. Specifically, the moment I reached home from work.
The first thing I saw was one of my fishes died. These fishes I have been rearing more than four years. A bit heart broken.
Then I went for my aikido class. Trained with a junior. A bit over confidence with myself and I got a direct hit right on my cheek with his elbow. I was caught off guard. I deserved it. So "malu". Hopefully it doesn't leave a blue black on my face tomorrow. If not, how to work.
Then reached home after the class, walked into my room without turning on the light, and somebody leave the wooden chair in the middle of the walking path. Accidentally, kicked it and it was so painful. Immediately, blue black.
Ai, how come. What's happening today... 1/21/2008 Seven Career KillersI just started my new job. As a supervisor. My previous jobs, I had a handful of supervisors to assist me. Now, like demoted and really have to work like a supervisor.
As long as they pay me good, I don't mind what post. I am having good time now with my new job. So much fun. Everyone is eyeing on me. Guess I got to go lower profile to avoid making unneccessary "enemies" especially the hidden ones.I found this article in Yahoo. It is quite nice. Happy reading!
Seven Career KillersJohn McPhee, Forbes.com  Kudos to the paltry 14% of us who keep New Year's resolutions. The vast majority -- a full 86% -- go right back to our counterproductive ways as it relates to personal health, careers, relationships, and otherwise. Forgo the ever popular New Year's resolution to lose weight and, instead, commit to avoiding a simple list of career-killers that so often result in hearing the feared words, "You're fired," again and again in the course of a career.
Avoiding these seven deadly sins will also help individuals balance their "whole life" and assure they are ready to take on new workplace challenges as they are presented -- and execute them well.
Peter Drucker, the famed management author, guru, and teacher said it best: "Lifting a person's vision to higher sights, is the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard." Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes.
Deadly Workplace Sins
At least seven "deadly workplace sins" detail key emotional offenses professionals should avoid at all costs to better assure upward career mobility. A few common sense tips will help aspiring pros get on the path to the ever-elusive paycheck promise land.
Pride
First, there's pride. Far too many who experience "workplace wins" take full credit for these achievements, regardless of any support or assistance received in the process. What often goes unrecognized is that people around, and especially below, the serially solo-successful resent the egocentricity, and may actually begin to actively undermine that person's efforts in the future. While one's pride wants all due recognition, a team philosophy can build the grass-roots support that can fast-track a career. Indeed, a dose of acknowledgment of and appreciation for one's peers and subordinates, so they may share in some of the glory, can go a long way to foster one's long-term success. Envy
Moreover, while it's OK to recognize other individuals or organizations as they achieve, lamenting "what should have been yours" can be destructive and can adversely impact your own ability to focus on the job tasks at hand. Becoming envious of others in the workplace can sabotage your self esteem, which is one vital characteristic of every successful worker or executive. Rather than being envious, let the accomplishments of others become motivational fuel for your fire in working toward your own successes. Anger
Anger is another motion that needs to be held in check. Begetting nothing but disagreement, dispute, tension or conflict, anger provides no benefit in the workplace. There is simply nothing productive about anger, which impairs one's objectivity, poise and self control. Don't let a bout of righteousness damage your reputation and image in the workplace. It's fine to feel passionately about your job or a project at hand and to disagree with others, but learn how to channel those emotions into actions that will work to your benefit in the eyes of others -- especially your superiors -- rather than against it. Those prone to angry outbursts rarely get promoted; they are seen as being poor leaders who cannot inspire or motivate others. Short-sightedness
One's selfish desire for "more, sooner" is what motivates many in the Western culture to achieve their career goals. But taking this notion to the extreme can and will be self defeating as core values become misguided and life becomes unbalanced in the process. The road to success requires a long term approach in all aspects of one's job duties. Those laser-focused on quick, short-term gains may do well for the moment, but will be ill-prepared to take things to the next level. Complacency
At the other end of the spectrum, sloth, or simply put, complacency and laziness have no place whatsoever in the workplace -- especially for those with high aspirations. Expecting one's past achievements and successes to carry them forward in their long-term career is imprudent. Today's uber-competitive global marketplace ensures that only those who continue to grow, evolve and make fresh contributions of value will succeed. In a global environment where outsourcing is becoming a norm, everyone at all levels of the employment "food chain" is now replaceable. So treat every work day and every project as if your job, and your future at large, depends on it. It very well may. Imbalance
Many individuals move up the corporate ladder so fast that they actually end up failing as a consequence. More isn't always better -- especially if you're not ready for the challenge at hand. It's important to ensure that you are not only professionally ready to take on a new and bigger challenge, for which expectations are equally bigger, but also that your personal life is ready for the new demands and strains to be placed upon it. Achieving career success also includes maintaining a life balance, and a misplaced professional desire can create a backlash both at home as well as amid peers for your perceived obsessiveness. Lust
At times this can spill over to lust. An overly intense desire for what others have achieved at work, or being chronically dissatisfied with one's own status, is a surefire career killer. Spending an inordinate amount of time fixated on what you don't have rather than what you do will foster a bad attitude and negative overall demeanor. Above all, one's overall "presence" in the office plays a big part in who gets promoted and who doesn't. No matter how ambitious, it's prudent to be present and make the most out of your current position at this moment in time. Organizations recognize and reward those with a good attitude who make the most of a situation. Winners recognize other's success with sportsmanlike conduct, while at the same time exhibiting an air of confidence that they, and their team, will realize their own great achievements.
John McKee, founder and president of BusinessSuccessCoach.net, is the author of "Career Wisdom - 101 Proven Strategies to Ensure Workplace Success" and "21 Ways Women in Management Shoot Themselves in the Foot."
Copyrighted, Forbes.com. All rights reserved. 1/20/2008 ...I sprained my wrist during the aikido training last week. It was painful. Even now, I still can't twist my hand nor lifting heavy heavy things. However, I still go for aikido class. It is so painful whenever my hand is stretched or twisted. Most probably the ligaments is swelling. The injury become bad. Now, I have to wear wrist band and rest for few days.
I learned something here; never push to limit, always must keep some reservations. To have resources to prepare myself better for a comeback. 1/14/2008 Truly inspiring. Never look down on yourself.I am just speechless. It is so fascinating everytime I play and replay this video. And I just learned how to embed video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA This is just one example; "Not everyone can be very successful, but the very successful ones can come from anywhere and anytime." Believe in yourself and never afraid to fail. Failure is a great teacher to success.
1/9/2008 Learn from these two guys, Bill Gates and Warren BuffettSubject 1: High school address from Bill Gates
High School address from Bill Gates to: MT. WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL in Visalia, CA.
Subject 2: "Live a simple life", Warren Buffett
There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffett, the second richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity. Here are some very interesting aspects of his life: 1. He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late! (I bought mine at 23! Far too late!! )
So, from me, Chen Hing, I feel that it is best we learn from these two successful guys. Sometimes, we are too hook up with our daily routine which makes our life so complex that we forget that things in life are much simpler than it look.
Those who wish to seek true freedom must first find the meaning to live. So that you will not lose your focus when you are on your way towards it.
1/7/2008 Job...Good Job or Bad Job (2)Survival at job is critical. And I just realised that and lots more that I don't know. (So much foolishness in me!)
I went in this company and after four months, I opt for a change again. These few days will be my last days in this company. I have been thinking much lately. Those who be with me seeing I am quieting down.
Everyone says I am changing for good. My closest subordinates also asked me to change job for good since day one. Can you imagine that! Then lots more people who work 20, 30 even 35 years asking me to leave by everyday, every week and every months. Even managers said that to me. At the beginning, no one understand why I joined this company then only less people who understand. I stayed on for four months until now looking for a reason. But I never found one, the very genuine ones for me to stay on. Most probably I don't have the faith to stay on anymore.
Too many people who stays long enough that changed them into very negative without they realising it. I feel pity for them. When I joined this company, these people laughed at me saying I am a foolish ones to join. When I am facing troubles, these people would just stand aside to see me fail. But I never want to give up in front of them. When they learnt about my resignation, they are laughing and telling me, directly at my face, waiting for me to leave. I never feel angry at these people. I feel pity and sad for them. Because very soon, I will be standing outside from the fence of this company looking at theim continuing their lives. In this company, these people is like a body without soul anymore.
However, there are still good and great people working inside this company. These people always encourage and motivate me to move on. These people spotted my mistakes and corrected me before it got into deeper troubles. They are the people I look up to when I am facing problems. Thankfully, I meet them.
I have been looking for my failure in this company lately. No one would tell me direct to my face. Everything is blamed on other people and the management. But someone, a friend, a person with wisdom who always give a fair judgement, really enlightens me.
Now, I know if I can't work in this company, I can't guarantee myself will work anywhere. This is a fact. And I also learn that wisdom and knowledge is not same. You might have high knowledge but with low wisdom, you will never survive anywhere. A person with high knowledge can be easily identified by seeing his qualifications like Master degree, PhD etc. But if you have no wisdom, you will never able to apply the knowledge, never able to influence others, never able to lead anyone and never able to gain respect by others.
In my new coming company, I will be humble but not soft. I will be knowledgable and wisdom. I will learn their work, culture and the people. The most important, I must learn to adapt well and not to change the company first. Be practical but not idealistic. Hopefully, I will be stronger after this. 1/6/2008 For thy sweet love remembered, such wealth brings...When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself, curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featur'd like him, like him with friends possess'd
Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least:
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, - and then my state
(Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings'. 1/1/2008 An Off Road AdventureLast Sunday, 30 Dec 2007, my friend drove his newly bought Nissan Frontier for an off road experience.
So, we start our journey at 2pm and looked for a good place to test out. We scouted along the roads from Batu Caves to Ulu Yam. Equipped with my friend GPS system in his PDA so that we won't lose our direction. But we do found a lot of roads un-registered into the GPS map. So, technically, we are not on the road but on some terrains in the GPS and the coordinates is still shown in the screen there. This is totally awesome.
We got off from the main road many, many times to look for some good terrains. Most of them are just normal tarmac. What a let down. Until the very final ones, it was totally crazy things to do. Please know that the Nissan Frontier is just a normal 4x4 vehicle. The tires, body, suspensions etc are just very normal and not designed to climb hills or crossing rivers. But we did all that at the final course.
When we reached the river, we clearly saw a few guys are bathing there. Just only few meters down the stream. We just like ignoring them. So, one of us went down and surveyed the depth of the river. After checking all OK, and convincing the driver and owner of Frontier to go ahead. When we were on the river, we can heard a few guys shouting at us. Probably calling us mad. And we did safely crossed the river. After the river, there is another much more exciting terrain lies in front. We saw a slope. A very high ones. Probably more than 30 degree of gradient. Maybe 45 - 50 degree. So, this time, I went down and surveyed the terrain. It was quite taxing for me to climb. So, I climbed one hill after another. It was like endless. I stopped after climbing three hills. Then, I found myself got a bit trouble getting down. It was definitely too steep. When I was going down, it was like a snow surffing downhills. Not much brakes available. To cut the long story short, we decided to climb the hills with the Frontier. It was a total adrenalin rush. When you are sitting inside, it was like looking up the sky. After that, we decided not to go any further on climbing because the hills are getting steeper and steeper. So, we make a U-turn. It was so difficult to make a U-turn, because we were on the hill side! Any wrong move, we will just slip and fall about few hundreds feet below. So, after U-turn, going down is truly another superb experience. Much more fear and excitement than in a roller coaster. Just don't know how to describe anymore.
This kind of excitements I get when I am doing my investment too. My blood boils everytime I see opportunities. Just like this adventure, we scouted a lot of places before getting good ones. In the market, I also scouted a lot of deals before making one, the good one. Because, there are so many bad deals in the market and we need to see with our "eyes". And from this adventure, I learned about control. Every aspects of the Frontier are critical; not only the tires, suspensions, engine, wheel lock, driver's skills but also side mirror, seat belts, air con, etc. The riskier the adventure, the more details of attention you need to pay into to avoid making costly mistake. It is all about control. The more control you gain, the lesser the risk going to be. It gives me a better understanding for me to do my investment further. At least now, I know there are lots more for me to learn.
We have some videos recorded. Most recorded at those exciting places. But sadly, I still don't know how to upload into here. Those who wants to watch them have to come to my house. This is one of the good crazy things to do before end of 2007! Adios. A New Year ~ 2008Another year had passed and another year has arrived. Feel like time is passing to fast.
People say it is good to make new resolution at every new year.
So, what is your resolutions? Mind to share some here?
And also I would like to give a welcome to the my new friends who join my blog, recently. They are yinkang, carolyn ngoh and Arc. Hope you enjoy reading my blog and feel free to put in any comments that comes into your mind.
Happy New Year to everyone!
And I wish you all the best and your wishes come true.
12/22/2007 Mind your Own BusinessWhen it comes to money, everyone get very sensitive. Some might even fight and severe the ties with their family members because of money. This no longer the uncommon issue to all of us.
I always believe that you will get what you earned for. It depends on how much you put your effort in and how legal is your way of doing it. Effort and righteous is the way of success without "failing" the people who help you around. The term "failing" can means using, stepping or even back-stabbing.
I have been to many organizations and companies as much as I could. It is a wonderful experience everytime I have this chance. Some is deemed to be successful yet fail. Some has been successful for decades and yet fell and closed down in a year. And some are unexpectedly turned out to be huge success. I feel important that we should pay a little bit attention into these issue especially most of us (who are reading my blogs) are employees of someone or self-employed.
From my deductions, there are two factors which are unseparable which a company must has; discipline (morality) and system adopted.
If the employees has a good morality, it will directly turns out to be a good discipline team that willing to do anything and everything. And the company must have some good management systems to adopt. There are so many in the market now i.e. ISO, 6 sigma, 7 QC tools, TPM etc. All of these systems are stressting on one thing; continuous improvement. System needs the people to work. Especially people with brain.
In the other hand, if the morality is bad, the discipline is bad, the system which bad employees is working on will also turns bad. Everything will become disaster. You will notice this with much earlier sign when you go for a company. You can ask anyone from the receptionist, cleaners, operators to the people who sitting in the office about how they feel about the company. They will give you a good impression about the company. I always did that when I go for an interview. If you hear that "The people is not happy about the management, the management is controlled by a powerful political sub-group inside the company, exhausted and tired employees or the people around is promoting unhealthy habits of working"; these are the signs of the disaster coming.
Have you ever wonder why you need to pay when you go for a concert where people like Micheal Jackson, Mariah Carey, Backstreet Boys, SHE, Jacky Cheong are singing? Then you need to pay when you sing karaoke with your friends in Sungei Wang. Basically, the artists are singing and you are singing. But they sing and you pay. And, you sing, you pay. Why? The reasons? It is because the artists make you happy. So you must pay them. The karaoke's boss is making you happy, so you must pay him too. You get the idea?
Therefore, if you need them to make you happy, you need to pay them. In reverse, if you able to make them and everyone else happy, they will pay you. It is just as simple as that. This is the simplest example and yet many has notice this and use it. Another example, in my ex-company, I able to make my manager happy. I also make my GM happy. And I did share and make my team happy. At the end, my boss pays me well and everyone happy including me.
So, moral of the lesson is... if you only thinking to guard you own rice bowl without caring for the people (the partners, colleagues, subordinates etc) around you, you will end up lonely, de-moralised, plunged into office politics and worst, you will recruit the others to follow you. If more people going the wrong way, the faster the growth and survival of the company will reduce to ZERO.
When I mean "Mind your own business" that means taking a good care of yourself. Live your life with good confidence in life. If your only income comes from your pay slip, then you will very very sensitive to your work. You will afraid to make mistake or afraid to stand on the right path even though your boss made a wrong decision. You will only feel safety in numbers. This is what they say. Easily and slowly, you will reduce into just a body without a soul. By just merely following what the others are doing. No more new ideas to develop, no more creative methods to try etc. That's why I think everyone should has a investment (whether small or big) where you get the second pay check. I prefer to stand with two legs than one leg.
If you are good employee, basically, you are managing your boss asset. You will never get richer than your boss by just being an employee. Your boss will get richer first before you. And you will be only taught in best how to do your job and nothing more. So, you got to manage your own asset. Before you start, identify what are your assets and what are your liabilities. From there, you will know what to do after that. In two years, where I started my investment plan, I am working hard to expand my assets column. Everytime I failed, I assessed myself. And after that, I knew I will be stronger than yesterday.
Today, something has inspire me to write this blog. Just happen to me what to put at the end of here. Please...
"Not everyone can be very successful, but the very ones can come from anywhere, everywhere" 12/8/2007 My GoalsPeople needs to have goals in their life. I like and respect the people who set their dreams and strive for their dreams. Those who I see without any goals nor dreams in their life, I labelled them as Laggards. These are the people who lost control of their life and never intend to fix it back. They will never have big success but keep blaming everyone, the government, the country and keep making excuses the whole of their life. They just simply lost the confidence to live. My advice to you if you meet with such people, get as far away as you can from them.
When you are thinking about your dream, you should think big. I dream very big. Bigger than anything that my family members (except my dad) could imagine. When I dream big, I will work on it. Turning dream into inspiration and becoming reality. These are so called self motivation and confidence. I never afraid to fail. When I fail, I pick up myself and make a come back with stronger of me. It is because failure is the best teacher.
I put my goals (so-called my dreams too because I know it is achievable) into three terms.
Short term: In five years from now, where I will be 30, I will have my assets valued at RM 1mil. In my context, asset means something that is generating money. Liability is the opposite of asset which means something that drains out your money. A lot of people asked me why I still don't want to change my car. Car is an asset. Same in buying house. Everytime when we go to get a loan to buy house, there will be so much bank personnel waiting to give you a loan if you have a stable income. They will tell you buying a house is an asset. Well, they are not lying, but they didn't tell the truth either. As an user like me, car and house are equally the worst liability I could take. Do you know if you buy a car in Malaysia and in Singapore actually you are paying the most expensive price in the whole planet! A car is only going to drain my money out. It will makes the banker rich because I am paying installlment to him, it will makes the petroleum onwer rich because I am paying for the petrol, and it will make everyone rich because of the maintenance, spare parts etc except me. Buying a house by paying installments will make the bankers rich and make me poor. That's why the banker will always say house is an asset. Well, the truth is, the house is the banker's asset. The moment you can't pay the installment, they will "lelong" your house.
So, what do I mean with my asset valued at RM 1mil? It would be the stocks I am holding or the property that I owned. These will have capital appreciation, dividends or rental income which I put this as in asset category.
If you come to me telling me car is an asset, I would think that you are either too foolish or very wise (which you are the cars' onwer wanting to sell them).
Mid term: It would be 15 years from now. I will have my asset generating net income of RM 1mil yearly. I will be 40 where I already achieved financial freedom. I don't want to work my whole life. That's why I start planning now. Financially free means I don't have to work anymore. I can spend more time with my family and kids (if I have), go anywhere I want, live comfortably and luxuriously etc. I hate waking up every morning and tense up myself upon reaching my workplace. 15 years is very long from now. But not long if you don't realise that time is passing so fast. I want to achieve my mid term goal before the 15th year from now. I know it would take me around 10 years to 15 years from now.
Getting excited?
Long term: Haha...I am not going to tell you this. I am keeping this a secret. I want to build my dream. Pieces by pieces, cubes by cubes, so that I will have a strong pyramid that can withstand any catastrophe that is coming my way. That's why from last year, I already set out to achieve three things now for my long term dream. Firstly, financial freedom, where I plan my investment and build my income passively. Secondly, education, that's why I determined to have a master degree technically so that no one can fool me. And thirdly, human management, where this is the greatest difficulty when dealing with human. Once my ex-GM said, he will paid me any amount if I can gain control of human. No one can do that except you turn them into zombie. Doesn't look feasible, right? That's why I quit my first job to join my current company. I am leading a team of 60 people. My supervisors have been working for this company more than 30 years. The most junior ones also been servicing for at least 15 years. And me, newly join, three months. Just three months, it teaches me well. It teaches me to be tough. Tough enough to deal with tricky, political, cunning and problem creators that knows the in and out of the company. It is a good training.
So, what you going to do after reading my goals? It is time to set your goals and work for them. If you already have your goals, continue in what you already been doing. Never give up. If you already achieved you goals and dreams, big congratulations to you. Life is about satisfaction. Satisfaction of being where you are.
So, how can I make it? How to make my dream into reality? It is simply by just using your mind and do it. Use your mind to look for money, not your labour. With knowledge in mind, you can have leverage. To do more with less (that's why I love aikido so much). To do more with less. And of course, I can't get this far without my mentors and close network of friends. I choose the words of advice I want to listen too because I want to be successful to achieve my dream. That's why I choose my friends. So here, a little note of appreciation to my mentors, friends and peers which show me the road to my dream.
Robert Phang, a GM in my previous company. He is a great leader with great vision and great capability. He is both a qualified lawyer and a qualified accountant. Sometimes, he planned so far that none of us can see his vision. A man who can motivate me when I am down, a man who can inspire me when I am full of energy. He is already a millionaire. But still running a company just because he wants to turn a dream into a reality. A dream share by everyone, from him right until the operators. He had taught me a lot of soft skills and yet there are more to learn.
Chan TK, my ex-superior, a manager who understand me well. A person who gives all his guidance and support whenever I need them. We had a great time working together. From managing and running the steel manufacturing plant until researching which stocks to buy in Bursa. haha...not many people can have all these in one time, right? More interesting, working for him for so long, he never raise his voice against me. Never scold me even though I had so much of wrongdoings.
Nelson Wong, a person I met few years back during a 8-9 days trip to China. He is the head of training department in a financial institution. A person who very devoted to Buddha's teaching. We keep in touch in email. Everytime of his replies, his words strengthened me spiritually. A balance need to be created and maintained within oneself. If I lost my balance, I can never do any good for the society.
George Ong, my ex-superior during my practical training. We still keep in touch once awhile. He is the head of Research and Technological Analysis department. A person who really give me very good advice whether in my work, my career, my financial plan, my life and almost everything. He is good. Very good.
My peers, Haw Sim, who have the same dream with me to achieve financial freedom. He has his way and I have my way. We meet up occasionally to share the experience we went through. Every of our meetings were so much of fun and excitement. We learn a lot from each other and we will continue to learn.
Matthias, a friend I met during my undergrad in a bus from Johor back to KL. He has started his journey to financial freedom much much earlier than me even though he is few years younger than me! Unbelievable. He has a very structured portfolio in investing. I always heed for his advice when I has uncertainties in my investment plan. And he always give good advice. Can you imagine that, I am taking advice from a person few years younger than me (and I graduated my undergrad only three years ago. you can imagine his age now). I believe age is not a factor for investment.
Well, my aikido instructor, Tee sensei. I have taken up aikido about a year now. And I love it so much. I just moved up from beginner class to advanced class. On average, the students will take three years to move from beginner to advance. I am doing much faster and happier. The art of aikido is so fascinating. I can see it much as same when I am investing. That's why I like aikido and investing at the same time. Both are much alike.
And lastly but not least, is my Dad. He is the person supporting me educationally and financially. He is my greatest mentor in investing. Almost everyday, we will research and discuss about good stocks to invest. We get together most of the time, whether in the house or outside in shopping mall. That's why is making my mum so jealous. I never realise the importance of investing until two years ago. During my school time, I often get money from him and spent lavishly. Surprisingly, he kept giving me money. Thinking back, I was so foolish. I am so sorry for that, Dad.
What I want to say is I feel so proud to meet them. I will work with them for any chances that I have. I listen to them and take their advice seriously. This small group of people are the people who shapes me. I am happy to meet with them in my life. Well, there are lots more of great people out there. I will be coming to meet and make friend with you. Then I will keeping getting stronger and stronger.
So, who says you can't make money in Malaysia? 12/1/2007 Why you need to be rich (2)Suddenly I realised that blogging really takes a lot of my time. Well, blogging is not only just typing but you need to think what to blog to catch the viewers' interest.
So, today, I shall write more about "Why you REALLY need to be rich?"
Before I start, a lot of people come to me and ask me how to be rich. Definitely, I don't have the right answer yet because I still can't say I achieve financial freedom yet. So, I believe that one must seek the inner truth of himself for him to seek wealth. Because there is a strong will to do it, he will success. People say, "You teach him how to fish, he will be able to catch fish and feed him for the rest of his life". Well, it is true.
But why do he need to fish in the first place? Maybe after knowing why, he will put more effort to do the right thing.
So, shall we start?
The real problem is the education. The people is educated to their profession but money management is one of the subject never been taught in school. Both Donald J.Trump and Robert T.Kiyosaki has indicate in a book that the perfert storm is coming to US and gonna hit any other countries as well.
1. A growing trade deficit
In 2006, the US trade deficit was forecasted to reach $423 bil. If you average out to every household, this means every family will earn $5000 monthly but spending $6000 monthly. Well, you can guess how many people in US actually has savings in their accounts. With the current rate, this problem will only grow bigger and bigger.
2. Growing national debt
Under 42 Presidents, from George Washington (1789) to Bill Clinton (2000), borrowed a combined total of $1.01 trillion. In Yr 2000 until 2005, the Bush White House had borrowed $1.05 trillion - more than all the total combined amount all of previous administration.
3. A falling dollar
All money is backed with gold. If the country slumps, it's currency slumps too into just a piece of paper. Everyone is aware that inflation is everywhere now. What you can buy with $100 now you may have to pay $150 in ten years later. Just compare the prices of gold, oil, gas, steel etc 10 years ago with now. You will find the price has been escalating high!
4. Baby boomers without money
As I mentioned in my previous blog "Another Trip to Midvalley 18/11/07", the baby boomers might find their life savings may not be there form them anymore. In US, 75 million baby bommers will begin to retire. Easily, it will wipe out the other new/current contributors to the life savings.
5. An entitlement mentality
Since millions are lack of financial resources, they turn to the government to care for them. If government don't take care of them, who will. As now, the Social Security is in debt of $10 trillion and Medicarein debt of $62 trillion. The people just consume more than they can earn, lend more than they can afford. And in the end, more money will be printed to solve this problem. This will only lead to another bigger or much bigger problem.
6. Oil price
It is really matter of time the oil price will hit over $100 per barrel. If oil price goes up, everything will goes up too. In the end, it will push to consumer to carry the burden. Even though, so much researchs have and had been carried out for the alternative of energy source and yet none are commercialised. Why? I believe greed is the root cause.
7. Tax break for the Rich
Until now, the Rich always pay lower tax than middle class or the poor class people. Read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" then you know what I mean. The Rich knows how to pay themselves first before paying others. The others pay to everyone before paying themselves. And Tax laws are usually made by the Rich.
"Golden Rule: The best way to change the rules is to first get the gold. If you have the gold, then you have more power. When you have more power, you make the rules. As the Real Golden Rule states: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." - Donald J.Trump and Robert T.Kiyosaki.
So, if you just read through the seven items above and nothing comes to your mind, then we really don't share the same frequency.
What is happening and going to happen in US will be going to be the same here. I think you can easily imagine and judge our current situation now.
Besides, the "sure" coming catastrophe, can you quarantee you able to work 30 years safely until retirement? (*psst. touch wood, touch wood, touch wood) How many people you see that instantly lost of job because of an accident, mishap or illness? It is happening randomly to anyone, at any age, at anywhere. I saw many in just 3 years of working. And it is a very sad things that these things always happen to them "un-prepare". They still have kids and family waiting them to feed, their housing and car loans to pay, basic necessity of life to survive, etc.
What I mean here is our life is tough. That's what makes us strong. But we can't stay ignorant hoping the God or government or somebody else will come to our aid. We aren't so lucky always. We are moving to Information Age. Staying the mindset of Industrial Age will no longer bring you to new height, but at least, it can keep you survive by struggling hard. Why do we need to struggle so hard if we know there are correct ways of doing things?
I feel that everyone should have their own investment plan. By contributing to EPF, means you are actually investing into EPF. But do you have control on your money invested? I believe not until you reach age 55. I don't like myself to be binded or caged. I like freedom. I know freedom doesn't come easily. That's why I struggle for it. Work hard and at the same time, be very smart.
11/24/2007 A Malay Child of MerdekaDR AZLY RAHMAN is a transcultural philosopher rooted in the tradition of Critical and Chaos Theory. Born in Singapore, raised in Johor Baru, he was a child of Malaysia’s experiment in humanistic education: Maktab Rendah Sains MARA Kuantan. A member of The International Honor Society in Education. Azly holds a Doctorate in International Education Development from Columbia University, New York City, and Masters in four areas:
Sometime ago in a column I wrote the
A Malay Child Of I have come to be indebted to – those who have contributed to the "subjectivity" of what I am as a "cultural being living in an ever changing and evolving world of shifting cultural constructs." In short, I ask the question – what have this nation done to the children and grandchildren of these people through the policies we create to alienate each other? After this Merdeka, celebrations will we all be called the "new bumiputeras"? Will the false dichotomy of "Malays" versus "non-Malays" and "bumiputeras " versus "non-bumiputeras" be abolished?
Will we come together as "true blue Malaysians" that will progress through the guiding national development philosophy crafted by the principles of scientific socialism, multiculturalism, affirmative action and meritocratic principles in a balance, and the respect, cultivation, and preservation of indigenous cultures that sustain the dignity of each race? Will this new preferential treatment cure the ill-feeling and silent animosity over the awarding of resources amongst the different races?
It is the logic of the brighter side of Social Darwinism – that all must be made fit to survive, not through natural selection but through an inclusive philosophy of developmentalism. It is an antidote to racial discrimination based on a sound philosophy of peaceful evolution.
-------- -- KLCC Investment ExhibitionI just came back from there. It is not a big scale. They have various type of investments. You will be suprised that you even can invest in wine. It is not a new thing for them. It is just we are not updated.
I have my investment portfolio already. I went there to get more exposure and more new ideas. I don't invest with them who doesn't share the same portfolios as I have. Although, most of them promising high return with low risk. No specific reason for me not to join them. I just don't like diversification. However, it is a good trip to visit to get a feel of investing if you are just about to start.
It is still on now. For today and tomorrow (25/11/07) 10am to 7pm. Good Luck! |
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