Why 'The Adventure of Life'?

Posted by syazfina at 04:57 PM on September 16, 2003 as a favorite post.

I feel that it is important that my life's adventure to be recorded someplace - for myself or for others to read and learn from.

I might be right, I can be wrong - but that's what life is anyway.

This is to let you know that life is actually an adventure by itself, more than anything else.

You are welcome to join in my adventure, or just read it like a storybook, or leave if you're not interested.

It is, after all, an adventure.

1 dah cakap

OK, on to Bajet 2004 - TMNet and Jaring merger: methinks

Posted by syazfina at 12:43 PM on September 17, 2003 in Malaysiana Feel as a favorite post.

Before I start, some basic Parameters:
I am a staff of Telekom Malaysia.
This is strictly my personal opinion.
I am not representing my organization in projecting this.
I do not wish to be defensive, but I will give you some insights on our business from my point of view as someone closely involved with the organization. This is very different from users point of view, which I hope to align together in the full narration.
I am trying to draw a line between public information and P&C matters as I am known to handle sensitive information, therefore I will try my best to differentiate the two.


--- Start ----

I was shocked when Dr. M annouced that TMNet is to be merged with Jaring. I didn't get to listen to the reasoning, I should have. But it was a major blow, and first thing that came up in my mind was "what the.....????"

We were currently in the midst of the Business Plan fever, and I was still wearing my business-thinking cap. I was worried. Some questions: Who is going to take over whom? What are the costs? How will it affect everyone else? How would it affect our business and our ways of doing things? TMNet is still considered a baby, and now a merger with Jaring, the pioneer? How would this thing benefit Telekom? How would this benefit Malaysia?

And it struck me - they won't be so daring to annouce the merger during the budget roll-out without solid basis, careful thinking and strategy-making, and of course they should've talked the issue over with the top management of both companies, at least.
Takkan la our CEO and Chairman tak tau! Then I realized, no wonder our CE keep on saying that we will be concentrating on Cellular, Cellular, Cellular. No mention on Multimedia and Internet sector, although it is apparent enough that sector's the star product.

After a while I started reading comments from my LJ on the issue - so far the comment that is the closest to my heart was from Uncle Adib: Many mergers fail; I hope this one will be engineered to benefits all stakeholders-shareholders,directors,staff and consumers.

Some other comments were mostly on the users' point of view, which is an entirely different 'lens' from what I am looking at now. I understand Uncle Adib's words, his background and experience made his statement a strong valid account. If I am to turn to the users' perspective - I am not sure whether my heart can take it very well though, but I know how hard it is to be a customer myself, and not many others know how hard it is to go on about managing a trouble-free operation.

Wena's words ringing in my head:
people always give praise to someone who solves the problems but seldom give equal measure to the person who works hard to ensure a trouble-free operation.

It really helped a lot.

A few days afterwards, the one word I frequently found when people discussed the issue: MONOPOLY.
Well................ considering Telekom's current business scenario and situation, I recalled my Marketing module, on Marketing strategies.

Telekom is doing exactly what a Leader in the Market should be doing.

Recap on my Marketing lessons:
Strategy as a leader:
- Only applies to the leader
- Have the courage to attack your own products before other people attack yours
- Close all holes/potential opportunities for other people to flank you down

The first one is self-explanatory.
The second one: e.g. Streamyx vs ISDN/Dial Up. Telekom have the courage to eat its own products before other people eat the share of the pie at all costs.
Close all holes: That's why the mergers existed/will be done.

So far Telekom is doing everything according to the rules of the game. It is the game of survival, of making business. It is not about being a monopoly or previously under government. Most of us already accepted the fact that we are corporate players. We are no more charity-giver. But the expectations is too great. People still see the old Jabatan Talikom.

We justified our moves. It's just that being in the industry with extremely high level of dynamics made it harsh and tough to all of us. We played dangerously on the balance beam, justifying customers' needs, stakeholders interests, and the nation's calls. It is not an easy decision, I must say - there are many technicalities involved.
We have our resources, our strengths, and share of opportunities - but we also have to think on our weaknesses, threats, loss - again, balancing the needs of everybody.

I am not sure what would I do if I am in the CE's position myself - with all the things swirling around me, the numerous activities and people you have to please - I think I will do the same.
Why not?
How can you do better?

I congratulate Telekom for being very patient.

Another thought to ponder on: Can we re-governmentalize back Telekom? Since people were so much concerned on the monopoly kind of thing, and we also have to carry the nation's duties, dutifully - I must add - why not? Then the other service providers can happily become Telekom contactors or sub contractors. There will be no issue on unfair and unjust competition and responsibility, no issue of wasting money towards 'surface' activities - activities only seen by the public, no issue on poor public image, etc. etc.

And I will be happy to be a government servant with lots of benefits and a chance to be part of a respected department.

How's that?

1 dah cakap

Skype

Posted by syazfina at 12:39 PM on September 18, 2003.

Skype, the P2P Phone riding on VoIP.

Mine's syazfina, call me!

Nak cakap pepe?

HotSpot and support

Posted by syazfina at 11:13 AM on September 19, 2003 in Concerned over myself.

Yesterday mom and I decided to window shop at Tun Jugah after work, and to get something for dinner. So we went there at about 5.45pm, and the actual reason I wanted to go is to test my Clie on WiFi. Bought the Hotspot prepaid for RM19 from Louis Chuo in the morning, and tried it out. Apparently it is not working at the food court, but finally I managed to surf the internet at the ground floor. If only Cafe pacifica/whatever cafe they have down there is still there... or else I'll have to feedback to Azmi to relocate the access point.
I tried to get on my homepage, and it worked. Kewl..

And after that we went to see Mak Ni, and I told Mak Ni that a colleague of mine told me that her garden is nice.

"eh? how come he knows about my garden?"

"I showed him the picture I took at your house what..."

When I took that photo (actually I meant to take the picture of the pregnant cat with the forked tail) they were jeering me, saying that I am crazy to take so many pictures here and there, stopping here and there to take useless pictures.

I just snap away silently.

Now that she heard about it - well.... now they can't say anything much to me anymore. Mom saw through the reasons now, she's now showing her support instead of labelling me a crazy photgrapher.

This morning we missed our chance to take some pictures of a very bad accident at Nanas Road, involving a Wira and a Pajero. Again, mom realized that it is important that we have a camera handy and shoot some pictures as evidence.

I am pretty happy of my photography experience - from a nutter to a respectable one. yeay to cameras and photographers! My investment for the Clie now proven its worth.

Should I consider upgrading myself in photography? hmm..

2 dah cakap

Some pictures, details later

Posted by syazfina at 05:12 PM on September 22, 2003 in More pictures than words.

More pictures here.

2 dah cakap

You've seen the pics, now the story

Posted by syazfina at 07:47 AM on September 23, 2003 in Concerned over myself.

Saturday
Mom and I decided that we will make today the most productive and effective day.

On the list were:
1. Buy Syazwan's cloth and send it to the tailor for Hari Raya
2. Go to Penview Inn to check out the arrangement Mak Ni requested for the dinner with Mdm Duncombe
3. Buy the deck of cards Aimin wanted from Hopoh

So our first destination for the day was India Street. I told mom not to go too far, and search for Syazwan's cloth around Electra House back street only. We ended up buying his cloth at Fah company, at the other side. Heh... as I always said, the batteries are still full, so just walk around.

Another thing we bought at India Street were few brooches that cost RM 10 for 3 pairs and three umbrellas originally RM4.90 each being slashed to half-price. We lost our umbrella the night before when we attended the kenduri for Uncle Tambek's daughter who will be going off to UK to continue her studies - that's why I insisted to buy the umbrellas for Mom, Aimin and myself.

Next I drove to 7th Mile to the dressmaker's place. I have frequented Grand Central Tailor for a few years now, so far I am satisfied with my baju kurungs and kebayas - and I know it's hard to find a good tailor nowadays, especially to cater for my taste and my body size.
The price is also very reasonable, only RM 30 for each baju kurung. I've been to other places where I paid much more than that - Qamilla at Satok charged me RM 75 per baju kurung, Jenny at Hopoh charged me RM 80 for a kebarung - and the workmanship is not as good as Grand Central anyway.
I gave them an example of Syazwan's baju melayu to measure. Hmmm... baju melayu is really expensive, even more expensive than baju kurung! Aimin's baju melayu costs RM 55, and Syazwan's costs RM 80....
Well, once in a year expense....

Next is Penview Inn. So we confirmed Mak Ni's arrangement for 23rd. Done. Bought some kuih lapis at the new cake counter (RM1.50 a piece, which is considered quite cheap for kek lapis actually).

After that Aimin insisted that we go to Hopoh for his cards. Instead, we went to Pasar Sabtu first to have something to eat. Ended up at Kueh Fah Cafe as usual. Took some tauhu from the Chinese Muslim uncle - I love fried tauhu since I was young.



So after that we go around Pasar Sabtu to buy some flowers for Grandma's grave tomorrow.



Next stop: Hopoh. Aimin Got his cards.

Sent Aimin to Cik Na's house for tuition, and we went to Mak Ni's house to report back

So I spent some time taking more pictures of Mak Ni's garden - and decided that maybe I should create a page on Mak Ni's garden - maybe someone will be interested in buying the plants from them.
So far Mom and I got a few of our Telekom friends interested to buy some plants for Hari Raya Commission!





We had a hearty tea, and went back home with a full stomach and the satisfaction that most of the errands were (finally) done.

Sleep time!

Sunday

Picked Mak Ni up from her house - Pak En, Kak Lynn and Nana went to the Opening of the New Bridge at Tanah Puteh, and also to see Akademi Fantasia performing. Next I drove to 4th Mile to pick Nek Bey. Nek Bey told me that he's going to KL on the 25th and not going to celebrate raya in Kuching. Despite my efforts not to let him celebrate raya in KL (because it's Syazwan's turn to celebrate Raya here in Kuching), he stood firm on his decision. Well.... never mind.
So all of us went to Semariang to visit grandma and great-grandma's grave.





After that we all went to pass by the new bridge. There were a lot of people, and I was driving, so I didn't get to snap any photos. We went to have ais kacang and mihun belacan instead.



Then we send Nek Bey back to 4th Mile.

Went back home very tired~~

Nak cakap pepe?

Grumpy

Posted by syazfina at 09:04 AM on September 23, 2003 in Concerned over myself.

This is exactly why you should leave the work to the experts rather than doing it yourself.

I really hate this. It makes me angry, really.

FYI, this is not the first time. And I will always be the free proofreader, or here it is, not right at all.

plain stupid.

Can't you spell, boy?

Nak cakap pepe?

Too much of Mahathir?

Posted by syazfina at 10:31 AM on September 23, 2003 in Malaysiana Feel.

My first overdose of Dr. M was during the recent National Day celebration. I logged an entry about the guy reciting the sajak, pointing at Mahathir and bowing towards him.
At that time, it was 'covered' by highlighting the other three previous Prime Ministers.

Recently mom told me, they are on Mahathir too much. So it's not only me.

Barisan Nasional song replacing my daily Keranamu Malaysia (yes, I sing along the radio when they put Keranamu Malaysia on air after the 7am news on Radio 1) is irritating me.

It's not that I have anything serious against Mahathir or Barisan Nasional, but I found myself squirming in discomfort on politics. I have (finally) accepted that the YBs and Dato' s and Ministers are doing their jobs. Although there are loopholes here and there, and the various strategies employed in the tough war of power, I can gracefully accept the fact that they are just doing their job and ensuring a trouble-free operation.

And now TV1 will be doing something daily on Mahathir, I just can't remember what they choose to call the feature which is going to be on air three times a day.

Overwhelming.

I respect Dr M for his ideas, for his leadership, for his commitment in making Malaysia a respectable country. I respect Barisan Nasional for what they did for the country, at least the country is running in order. Decisons are to be made everyday, strategies are to be reviewed frequently. Well, that's their job, they are daring enough to take up that responsibility.

But I am no fanatic. I never thought of Dr M as an ideal person, the one that should be 'diagung-agungkan' too much. He is after all, human, but he has good qualities that made people respect and look up to him. But again, not too much... he's not a super hero or something.

Reading Marina's book made it more human. I feel sorry to Siti Hasmah and family, and thank them for 'lending' Dr M to Malaysia. At one point, Aimin asked me - "Dr. Mahathir seronok kan, selalu jalan-jalan..." and I said, "you think every Saturday and Sunday he get to jalan-jalan at Pasar Sabtu like you do? Hell no: he has to officiate something, make speeches here and there, attend meetings here and there, sometimes on working visit away from home.... seronok kah? Setiap hari bekerja."

And good nine-year-old Aimin got an insight on how hard Dr M works for the country. I wish someone told me that before. But my life was much simpler then...

4 dah cakap

Thinking of a Putrajaya Wedding?

Posted by syazfina at 11:09 AM on September 23, 2003 in Malaysiana Feel.

Wedding Galore

I should have planned my wedding to this year instead of last year and if possible, get an apartment in Putrajaya and a car with Putrajaya plates.

Nak cakap pepe?

Pictures series - Anniversary Part I

Posted by syazfina at 01:46 PM on September 23, 2003 in More pictures than words.

13th September (Saturday) - At Scroll Management, supposedly doing some discussion.... and end up eating birthday cake and pizza, in conjuction with Doris' Birthday.


PIZZA!!!! Yummy!!!!


It's not my graduation day yet! Eh... ohhhhh... for my anniversary tomorrow... yeaahoo! Flowers!


Coursemates: Doris, Susanna, Lucy and me


Should have taken the picture before we have the pizzas - all dying of hunger

Nak cakap pepe?

Picture series - Anniversary and Mom's Birthday @ Penview Inn Pa

Posted by syazfina at 02:19 PM on September 23, 2003 in More pictures than words.

14th September - my anniversary - mom's birthday is on 15th September, but it is a double celebration nonetheless - lucky for us both, I guess.

5 dah cakap

Pictures series - Tea Break with Ummikusayang Part III

Posted by syazfina at 02:37 PM on September 23, 2003 in More pictures than words.

After the lunch at Penview, rushed back home, picked up some flowers and headed to Lily's home at Laruh Scheme for the TBreak with US.
Thank you Lily and family for the tea - it was fabulous!
I was quite shy in taking the pictures, since not only the ummis, but the daddies were there as well - so didn't dare to take pictures with my usual enthusiasm. Not without my own Other half around...

Again, kudos to Lily, Rina and family for making this event a memorable one.

Nak cakap pepe?

Cyberjaya TV

Posted by syazfina at 12:37 AM on September 24, 2003 in Malaysiana Feel.

Online TV - Lily mentioned this during our teabreak, and it's now a reality.

head on to Cyberjaya.TV

Nak cakap pepe?

What a week.

Posted by syazfina at 01:55 PM on September 29, 2003 in Concerned over myself.

Post Business Plan Syndrome
So, BP 2004 passed, and now the waiting for approval. As for me, I still continue with my Balanced Scorecard, the never ending story. Some conflicts within myself:
1. I should seek proper training and knowledge on this particularly from Telekom's point of view. Yeap, I know what Balanced Scorecard is but what is actually Telekom aiming for? What concept(s) are they applying here? What is their 'ideal' outcome? What is the OBJECTIVE of doing Balanced Scorecard?

And again, Telekom failed me. At least they conveyed the objectives properly. Distributing the stupid template doesn't help much. There's a lot of confusion on the ground here so I suggest you guys up there in KL look out for us down here and see what's happening. Or at least educate me to train the others on this thing, technically. Conducting the workshop for GMs are not good enough, apparently, they may have all the power, authority and strategies but they don't dwell into the technicalities, the 'dirty' job.

And I still have to face the Scorecard thingie. Compile, compile, compile.

Me: Chup... Unit X, you've done this wrongly. It supposed to be something else.
Unit X: So, what it is supposed to be?
Me: Dunno. :|

2. Subsystem 5
I nod nod nod nod. Fighting the urge to say anything. Some people might be able to relate to the whole TMBEA, but others don't. And it's a wonder how I managed to seal my mouth almost completely. Learned a lot from this discussion. The lesson: Make sure your audience know what are you rambling about beforehand. Get to know their level of understanding/knowledge.
I must remember that.

3. The fact that I am not effective since I haven't done much on my normal reports and workload. Everything stopped since BP 2004

4. 5S Course for Steering Committee.
The only thing worth mentioning is the visit to a factory doing paper-cutting business.








Personal and not-so-personal life.
1. Dinner with Miss Duncombe


Penview again for all girl's outing on 23rd - excluding Cik Na, Kak Leha and Atiqah.
The food were very nice.



From left: Rossalynn, Rossella, Mak Ni, Nana, Miss Duncombe, Mom, Mdm Linda Ong, Yak Ham, Zaza and Udak Nor.


A full page feature of Miss Duncombe came out in Sarawak Tribune the day after our dinner. The pictures includes Mak Ni, and I SMSed Mak Ni straight away
Kak Osh got the copy of the paper, luckily, coz mom and I were unsuccessful in our search for the paper of the day at 6pm


2. Pak En involved in a minor accident on Thursday. Luckily he's not hurt or anything, but the car was pretty bad. And they were planning to sell the car off.. but now with the current condition, I am not so sure what's their plan next.

3. I was supposed to attend a discussion with my MBA mates but can't make it so when I am supposed to finish the thing? Arghh. Added pressure.

4. Saturday night: hubby involved in an accident. He said he was alrighty, but the car's been towed off by AAM to Puchong. The other driver paid RM 150 for the compound - it's the other guy's fault. So I am worried over hubby. ((((((((((((

5. Sunday: Kenduri Arwah at Mak Ni's house. Was supposed to meet up with the Kuching Bloggers, but can't make it because of this event. I played Michiba, the Iron Chef for the day... hahaha just kidding. But I did cook for the whole day, from preparing the nuggets and hot dogs for the kids, burgers for breakfast, cuttlefish for lunch, french fries to add to the catered food especially for kids in the afternoon. Luckily we don't have to cook all the dishes ourselves, or else it would be more work for all of us. Didn't get to take many pictures coz too busy preparing stuff.


Bustling with activity


Cute!


Video camera meets Clie

And today, I am not a very nice person, I know.
And tomorrow I am supposed to do another person's job, again.
And again, with short notice.
Hubby is not very well.

I am not very happy today.

Things I actually wanted to write about:
1. Tabulas vs. LiveJournal review.
2. Thoughts on: Warfare Incorporated, Skype, buying a new handphone, Kuching Jazz Festival, Telekom Family Day, blablabla

Enough said.

Nak cakap pepe?

On different roles in life.

Posted by syazfina at 03:41 PM on September 29, 2003.

In actual fact, I am tired. I was going too fast at some days, and then flat for some time. Currently, I'm in the flat category.

Balancing all the roles I am supposed to play in life is a daunting and difficult task. I am seriously considering an acting class, after Mdm Linda Ong told us during the dinner that she has been 'acting' during her years as St. Mary's principal - she was merely acting as a fierce principal but in actual fact she is a very lively and bubbly woman. She has to act for the sake of her students and her teachers.
And I realized the importance of 'acting'.
It's not about simply 'playing' the part, but carrying the part well with the right skills and feelings.

For example, if you're supposed to play an executive part, you must be equipped with the knowledge as an executive and the right look, and the right people. Or, let's say we are given a role as a teacher, we must play the role efficiently by looking like a teacher and acting like a teacher instead of acting like a teenager.

I strongly feel burdened with this role-playing since I have a lot of 'stakeholders' around me, and so far I am aware of the fact that I have some difficulties in acting as who I am supposed to be. I have a rough idea on who am I, identifying the roles that I am supposed to play, but I just can't play it well. I will always find myself at fault, or somebody found out that I am no good and pointing it out directly or indirectly.

I am sick of this failed performances. Am I a bad actress?

And there are countless times when high skills of acting is required, regardless whether it is based on real facts or otherwise. Some people are lucky enough in the sense that they can act very well and get away with some things. Some other people tried to play along but sooner or later found guilty. Some people are just not right for the role, or either not fitting to be at the particular stage. I always think of myself in the latter position, I feel that I am not in the right crowd or group, or merely decorations and trees. Or a better actor or actress should have taken up my role and play it better than I do.

Depressed, and sleepy. And wish that I can be a better actress (possibly with a better figure and fairer skin)

4 dah cakap