Sigh... first and foremost... this is something I;m not really proud of nor ashamed of just irritated by the stereotypical image of something I do not consider myself to be.
Anyway... just got commented by my manager that I am "Beng" AGAIN... and I'm really wearing a long sleeved shirt and tie everyday. I even put on specs instead of wearing contact lenses. For Singaporeans, the term "Ah Beng" will not be alien to you. But for the benefit of those who are not, I will try to explain what an "Ah Beng" is.
There are many definitions to what an "Ah Beng" is. Many of which are not really glamorous. I shall not elaborate all the different definitions here but this link will probably have relatively accurate perspective of what it means. I found it interesting because it is actually defined by a non-Singaporean. By the way the term "Ah Beng" originantes and is really only used in Singapore and maybe Malaysia.
An "Ah Beng", is typically a Chinese male, ill-mannered, tries to act cool by imitating the mannerisms and duplicate the image of street hooligans, loves to use vulgarities especially in hokkien, speaks alot of Hokkien and loves to swear, wears flambouyant clothes in a fashionably rebellious nature, may or may not be dangerous but tries to act like they are, have rebellious hairstyles especially for students who dye their hair and keep it long beyond their school's regulations, loves to hang out in groups and be publicly seen as what they are, could be regarded as a form of rebellion against the norm of our conservative and conformist society to be world class citizens of respectable status, could also be a form of peer influenced manifestation for male gender to look tough and be "bad".
Stereotyped misconceptions of "Ah Bengs" would be, poor in academia, involved in criminal activities or secret societies, have poor family backgrounds, loyal to their "brotherhood", bold and indifferent of other's opinions.
These are some of my own descriptives of what an "Ah Beng" is. I'M NOT REALLY LIKE THAT AM I? *growls*
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Dear Hilde...
The current book I'm reading is loaned from a friend. Indeed this is one book which I have been wanting to read for a long time without knowing exactly what it is about. Haha... finally I know what its about. I shall not try to give a book review on Sophie's World but in a way... it has encouraged me to daydream and inquire about alot of well... many of my friends would call them stupid things which I should not waste my time chewing over... Anyway trust me, its a book you would really want to pick up...
*by the way, I'm no philosophy lover geek*
memento mori...
*by the way, I'm no philosophy lover geek*
memento mori...
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Nightingale
Been listening to a song and just realised part of the lyrics seemed awfully familiar,
... Does it seem like I'm looking for an answer
To a question I can't ask...
Did I feel this way before as well?
... Does it seem like I'm looking for an answer
To a question I can't ask...
Did I feel this way before as well?
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Suave salsa dancer?
You know what, those guys at work aren't as boring as I thought. Actually, they are a pretty fun bunch too... but nevertheless very professional at work. First week on work and already given my first assignment. As if that's not enough, I'm actually craving for more. Is my holiday mood finally over? Anyway I still go for my salsa and still hang out with friends. I'm not that no life workaholic like most of my friends predicted me to be right?
Oh did I mention the head of my office spammed the whole world introducing me as a "suave salsa dancer"? Can't believe that... I better brush up to live up to that reputation. Especially since I already had a reply from Hongkong saying we should salsa someday if we ever get the chance. Oh well... I guess I'm kindda welcomed to the company.
Oh did I mention the head of my office spammed the whole world introducing me as a "suave salsa dancer"? Can't believe that... I better brush up to live up to that reputation. Especially since I already had a reply from Hongkong saying we should salsa someday if we ever get the chance. Oh well... I guess I'm kindda welcomed to the company.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
One of the world's most curious people
Being part of the world's most curious company, that would make me one of the most curious people. Officially joining Synovate tomorrow, can't help feeling a little excited. I am certain this would be a good company and an exciting job.
Synovate Business Consulting is a division of Synovate providing business intelligence and strategy consulting in 16 Asia Pacific countries:
Market Profiles - Market Sizing - Competitive Intelligence - Customer intelligence - Market Feasibility Market Entry - Partner Evaluation - Distribution Channels Analysis - Value Chain Consulting
These are all part of our business. Oopz... did I infringe copyright here? Took the above statement off my boss' email signature... Its for a good cause anyway right? Oh and did I mention I'm going to make sure we're a going to be a professional but fun bunch as well? Let me get used to the culture first... Seems rather professional already... Fun? I dunno. Let the revolution begin!!!
Synovate Business Consulting is a division of Synovate providing business intelligence and strategy consulting in 16 Asia Pacific countries:
Market Profiles - Market Sizing - Competitive Intelligence - Customer intelligence - Market Feasibility Market Entry - Partner Evaluation - Distribution Channels Analysis - Value Chain Consulting
These are all part of our business. Oopz... did I infringe copyright here? Took the above statement off my boss' email signature... Its for a good cause anyway right? Oh and did I mention I'm going to make sure we're a going to be a professional but fun bunch as well? Let me get used to the culture first... Seems rather professional already... Fun? I dunno. Let the revolution begin!!!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Desert safari
I did not take much pictures of Dubai city but I had a one day partial R&R which I did visit the desert. Attached below are some of the pictures taken there. 
And that is Michael, standing beside me. Fish lover, passionate entrepreneur and custom furniture concept tank designer cum aquascaper.
And that is Michael, standing beside me. Fish lover, passionate entrepreneur and custom furniture concept tank designer cum aquascaper.
Oasis in the Middle East
If there was an Oasis in the Middle East, Dubai must be it. I just returned from that place a couple of days back. Frankly, it was partly to settle my dilemma of career choice. The reason I said it was only partly is because I had already kindda made up my mind even before I left for that place. Hence my role kindda changed from what I was originally meant ot set out for. Michael understood very well and I thanked him for that. Yet at the same time I had to fulfill my obligation to him. It was a short four days but it was more than enough for us to have some R&R, understand the market and the overall situation for starting a business, the culture, and potential growth areas of that country. Being very similar to my hometown, it was easy to compare and understand. Nevertheless, I tried to keep my opinions as independant as possible.
I probably will try to give a brief overview of what I observed there but will not go into the details. Most of what I blog here are based on observations and what I heard or read about. Should they really be of specific interest, I would advise you to seek professional opinions from within the market itself. As much as they may or may not deny, Dubai is still a very closed economy. Controlled mainly by the Sheiks (hope I spelt it correctly), the local Arabs, many rules and regulations exist to protect their interests. In fact, I personally felt it was a little excessive. Dubai entails great potential to become a major financial and trading hub and the country and its people experience much excess liquidity in cash than most other countries by a grotesque proportion. The government however is not like the democratic free trade nations hence if there is to be a company registered in Dubai, the name of a UA local is required. And this is the tricky part, this sponsor could demand a hefty amount just to let you register the company using his name. On top of that, he is supposed to retain majority share, meaning he may own 51% of the company and the remaining 49% split amoung the rest of the shareholders. Now try to understand that he may not contribute in any professional way not to mention he already did not pay for any of the capital. So this is one way the UA nationals get a free ride. Besides this, most property are not allowed to be owned by foreigners hence only UA nationals own land and rent them at amazingly hefty prices which many businessmen are more than willing to pay due to the exciting market opportunities. Rental however, as a standard in Dubai, has to be paid a year in advance plus security deposit. On top of all these costs and other registration legal and administrative costs, to obtain labour, most of the time you would need to hunt for your own foreign workers because contractors are not readily available. So say I would like to hire 5 labourers from India (cheap, nearby and they speak English), I would need to pay 20,000 Durhams per head, equivalent to probably USD5,500 per head amounting to about USD27,5 00, for their VISAs alone. This is excluding other expenses and their salaries. On top of that, they have [passes a minimum education of O'levels. Now that is not very common for India, and less common for labourers. So even to start a small business, it is VERY VERY expensive. So why is everyone still rushing there?
Dubai is a hub. They do not produce their own oil nor any other natural resource. It is however, according to history, a trading hub for the whole Middle East to Asia, mainly via India. It has hence developed also, into a financial hub. The UAE is hence targetting to develop it into a financial and trading hub for a much larger region. It would in fact probably become a world city if not for the fact that it would never totally be democratic. This however does not seem to be a problem anymore ever since we have seen the rise of China. Ok so this is what I have observed the moment I stepped off the plane. LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of commercials brochures, booths banners and all kinds of other marketing materials promoting properties in Dubai. When we finally really drove around the city, we realised the immensity of the number of developments. As it is, Dubai isalready very well developed and very metropolitan. Yet the number of developments going on would seem to at least quadruple the number of existing buildings. This would be the Shanghai of the Middle East. In fact I was told that most of the buildings I have seen were built on ly in the last 2-6 years. And buildings typically will reach full occupancy and be commercially functional and viable within two years. All the malls and commercial buildings are fully booked way before the construction is even finished hence to have an office space there, you would probably need to hunt for new developments before construction and even those may be booked. So we observed the construction boom there, thereafter would be the real estate boom and the lifestyle and retail boom. But it is already booming, now how intense do you want this boom to become? Would it go bust? Frankly, I am a little sceptical at the kind of growth Dubai is preparing itself for. Yet if nothing goes wrong, this is going to be an amazing economic power for a very small state. I brought home some materials from there which would be helpful to analyse the individual industries better but then again that would be more for personal interest and may be too redundant to blog it all down. Oh well...
Conclusion of the trip? WE HAVE TO ENTER THE DUBAI MARKET... but since it is so costly, cheaper entry strategies were propsed to first test the market and reduce margins in the beginning but also to reduce risk and commitment. Michael was happy so was I and I think he found an amazing partner. The next few months would be exciting for him. I guess I'll be keeping in touch and seeing his company grow.
Oh did I mention that the growth of the whole Dubai is probably driven by Indians? Yah they are the ones really running the businesses and all there. Not the UA nationals. These expatriates would leave if they earned enough and they could. However, I have not sensed any desire by the country to instill a sense of nationality and belonging to these expats. If no organic control of outflow of such talents is established, there would be no control of the outflow of cash and competencies as well. Yet this is no democratic country and it is strictly a Muslim nation.
Myself, I have other plans now... I feel a little more settled though not fully ready to start the kind of life I would. I have a few days more to prep myself. Synovate, seems like a great company. Strangely, I am not as excited as I would imagine myself to be, but I am definitely looking forward to it.
I probably will try to give a brief overview of what I observed there but will not go into the details. Most of what I blog here are based on observations and what I heard or read about. Should they really be of specific interest, I would advise you to seek professional opinions from within the market itself. As much as they may or may not deny, Dubai is still a very closed economy. Controlled mainly by the Sheiks (hope I spelt it correctly), the local Arabs, many rules and regulations exist to protect their interests. In fact, I personally felt it was a little excessive. Dubai entails great potential to become a major financial and trading hub and the country and its people experience much excess liquidity in cash than most other countries by a grotesque proportion. The government however is not like the democratic free trade nations hence if there is to be a company registered in Dubai, the name of a UA local is required. And this is the tricky part, this sponsor could demand a hefty amount just to let you register the company using his name. On top of that, he is supposed to retain majority share, meaning he may own 51% of the company and the remaining 49% split amoung the rest of the shareholders. Now try to understand that he may not contribute in any professional way not to mention he already did not pay for any of the capital. So this is one way the UA nationals get a free ride. Besides this, most property are not allowed to be owned by foreigners hence only UA nationals own land and rent them at amazingly hefty prices which many businessmen are more than willing to pay due to the exciting market opportunities. Rental however, as a standard in Dubai, has to be paid a year in advance plus security deposit. On top of all these costs and other registration legal and administrative costs, to obtain labour, most of the time you would need to hunt for your own foreign workers because contractors are not readily available. So say I would like to hire 5 labourers from India (cheap, nearby and they speak English), I would need to pay 20,000 Durhams per head, equivalent to probably USD5,500 per head amounting to about USD27,5 00, for their VISAs alone. This is excluding other expenses and their salaries. On top of that, they have [passes a minimum education of O'levels. Now that is not very common for India, and less common for labourers. So even to start a small business, it is VERY VERY expensive. So why is everyone still rushing there?
Dubai is a hub. They do not produce their own oil nor any other natural resource. It is however, according to history, a trading hub for the whole Middle East to Asia, mainly via India. It has hence developed also, into a financial hub. The UAE is hence targetting to develop it into a financial and trading hub for a much larger region. It would in fact probably become a world city if not for the fact that it would never totally be democratic. This however does not seem to be a problem anymore ever since we have seen the rise of China. Ok so this is what I have observed the moment I stepped off the plane. LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of commercials brochures, booths banners and all kinds of other marketing materials promoting properties in Dubai. When we finally really drove around the city, we realised the immensity of the number of developments. As it is, Dubai isalready very well developed and very metropolitan. Yet the number of developments going on would seem to at least quadruple the number of existing buildings. This would be the Shanghai of the Middle East. In fact I was told that most of the buildings I have seen were built on ly in the last 2-6 years. And buildings typically will reach full occupancy and be commercially functional and viable within two years. All the malls and commercial buildings are fully booked way before the construction is even finished hence to have an office space there, you would probably need to hunt for new developments before construction and even those may be booked. So we observed the construction boom there, thereafter would be the real estate boom and the lifestyle and retail boom. But it is already booming, now how intense do you want this boom to become? Would it go bust? Frankly, I am a little sceptical at the kind of growth Dubai is preparing itself for. Yet if nothing goes wrong, this is going to be an amazing economic power for a very small state. I brought home some materials from there which would be helpful to analyse the individual industries better but then again that would be more for personal interest and may be too redundant to blog it all down. Oh well...
Conclusion of the trip? WE HAVE TO ENTER THE DUBAI MARKET... but since it is so costly, cheaper entry strategies were propsed to first test the market and reduce margins in the beginning but also to reduce risk and commitment. Michael was happy so was I and I think he found an amazing partner. The next few months would be exciting for him. I guess I'll be keeping in touch and seeing his company grow.
Oh did I mention that the growth of the whole Dubai is probably driven by Indians? Yah they are the ones really running the businesses and all there. Not the UA nationals. These expatriates would leave if they earned enough and they could. However, I have not sensed any desire by the country to instill a sense of nationality and belonging to these expats. If no organic control of outflow of such talents is established, there would be no control of the outflow of cash and competencies as well. Yet this is no democratic country and it is strictly a Muslim nation.
Myself, I have other plans now... I feel a little more settled though not fully ready to start the kind of life I would. I have a few days more to prep myself. Synovate, seems like a great company. Strangely, I am not as excited as I would imagine myself to be, but I am definitely looking forward to it.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Back from KL
Ok just got back from KL. Its supposed to be all leisure but somehow... Haha... oh well.. actually I don't do it purposely but can't help keeping al ookout for opportunities, all kinds of opportunities actually... Would post some pictures when I recieve them. Anyway think I may have found a very good friend this trip. Got taken under her wing as her godbrother... Hmmm... we had a talk and she apparently thinks that I'll have a wonderful future and will be very successful one day. I know she's not the only one that feels this way. I have no credentials and no nothing but a bullshitting mouth. I'm not sure what gives people that impression but knowing that people are watching does stress me to do well and not disappoint them. Ok can't blog too much tonight. Gonna fly to Dubai tomorrow to check out the situation. There's still a tough decision to make but I think I should come to a conclusion in the next few hours. Alright... back to work...
Monday, April 03, 2006
I dreamt I dreamt, it wasn't an oasis...
Feeling extremely exhausted the past few days... Couldn't sleep well.. had plenty of dreamts that don't make sense. Yesterday morning, I had yet another vivid dream. I probably could recite the whole dream again but that would be too long.
The gyst of it, I went back to Philly but at a different time, it was probably 1920s. Iwas not sure why I was back there but basically I met a woman, the intricate details I shall leave it out, we fell in love under the most extreme circumstances. Things happened and we ran for our lives a seemingly gang war broke out and we got separated we both survived the bloody incident and found each other again. I woke up slightly after that.
Sometimes I wonder what these all mean? The emotions I experienced in my dream lingered at least even after two days. Anyway its just a dream better not let it affect me too much.
Yesterday Don told me he was happy... I could sense that he really was, with the new fish tank. I helped him put the plants in and fishes as well on Sunday evening. Frankly I think it looks better than my tank. Haha... but I'm proud of my work. I just hope it will really stay that way. But my greatest rewards is that he is happy with it and it can be a spiritual asylum to him when he is down. Hope to get some pictures of his tank soon. Probably when the water clears.
The gyst of it, I went back to Philly but at a different time, it was probably 1920s. Iwas not sure why I was back there but basically I met a woman, the intricate details I shall leave it out, we fell in love under the most extreme circumstances. Things happened and we ran for our lives a seemingly gang war broke out and we got separated we both survived the bloody incident and found each other again. I woke up slightly after that.
Sometimes I wonder what these all mean? The emotions I experienced in my dream lingered at least even after two days. Anyway its just a dream better not let it affect me too much.
Yesterday Don told me he was happy... I could sense that he really was, with the new fish tank. I helped him put the plants in and fishes as well on Sunday evening. Frankly I think it looks better than my tank. Haha... but I'm proud of my work. I just hope it will really stay that way. But my greatest rewards is that he is happy with it and it can be a spiritual asylum to him when he is down. Hope to get some pictures of his tank soon. Probably when the water clears.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
How to balance risk, potential opportunity, family and moral obligations? I'm trapped in a situation, not a good situation but not a bad situation either. No time to elaborate this tonight and I do not think I want to as well. There just seems to be too much room for condemnation whichever decision I make. I think the answer really lies within myself. What do I really want? Maybe its not the decision I make but how I handle it.
*ponders*
*ponders*
Went salsa again yesterday to Union Square. That's like the place to be for Salsa in Singapore. Almost becoming a regular there now. They had an NUS event there yesterday and the dance floor was CROWDED, with observers. It almost seemed like the few who were actually dancing were performing and the rest were gathering around to watch like some street show or baskers in the middle of Orchard Road. As the night got later, the crowd from the NUS bunch dispersed and things got back to becoming a little more normal.
We ordered a pillar of beer. Ermm... I would like to call it a jug, a pint, a barrel or anything more familiar but if you really see it, pillar really does seem to be the most appropriate term. So whatever the others used to call it, its called a pillar now. Halfway through a lady took her order at the bar counter, she smiled at me and I smiled back. Before I knew it she asked, "You are Zhigang right?" I looked at her in disbelief. No I did not recognise her, and she remembered my name. This must be the millionth time it has happened in the past two months. Have I caught amnesia or something? Anyway I TRIED to pretend I have some impression of her face. It didn't work, she knew I had no idea. This was damn embarassing. Anyway if she ever happens to read this blog, sincerest apologies Siqi.
With an empty stomach I drak the beer and before I knew it, I was a bit high... and you know what? Dancing that way feels GREATTT. Soon the guys and girls from the Tuesday class joined us. Don and the other two girls had to leave early but I had to steal a couple of dances from the gals before I leave or I'll feel my time to be wasted. I did my zalsa again Hahaha... improvision and creation of whatever often missing a step here and there. Jackson saw me, darn... I think I'm really in his black book now. Haha... oh well.. "As long as you enjoy it, that is most important" -Jordan- Oh saw Jordan again, she said hi this time, she's really really sweating. Didn't wanna ask her for a dance like that. Haha... no offense.. its nothing personal. And thanks for that phrase, it made me really enjoy salsa. *winkz* Never saw Jane ever again though. Need to return her a beer.
We ordered a pillar of beer. Ermm... I would like to call it a jug, a pint, a barrel or anything more familiar but if you really see it, pillar really does seem to be the most appropriate term. So whatever the others used to call it, its called a pillar now. Halfway through a lady took her order at the bar counter, she smiled at me and I smiled back. Before I knew it she asked, "You are Zhigang right?" I looked at her in disbelief. No I did not recognise her, and she remembered my name. This must be the millionth time it has happened in the past two months. Have I caught amnesia or something? Anyway I TRIED to pretend I have some impression of her face. It didn't work, she knew I had no idea. This was damn embarassing. Anyway if she ever happens to read this blog, sincerest apologies Siqi.
With an empty stomach I drak the beer and before I knew it, I was a bit high... and you know what? Dancing that way feels GREATTT. Soon the guys and girls from the Tuesday class joined us. Don and the other two girls had to leave early but I had to steal a couple of dances from the gals before I leave or I'll feel my time to be wasted. I did my zalsa again Hahaha... improvision and creation of whatever often missing a step here and there. Jackson saw me, darn... I think I'm really in his black book now. Haha... oh well.. "As long as you enjoy it, that is most important" -Jordan- Oh saw Jordan again, she said hi this time, she's really really sweating. Didn't wanna ask her for a dance like that. Haha... no offense.. its nothing personal. And thanks for that phrase, it made me really enjoy salsa. *winkz* Never saw Jane ever again though. Need to return her a beer.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Haven't blogged for a few days.
Just got Donovan's tank ready... Freakking alot of work especially the transport. I swear I'll hire someone to do that for me and only do the set up. Ok back to his tank. Set it up this afternoon... filter running,water filled, CO2 tank set up and all... Its always exciting setting up a new tank. This time though, there's a little pressure as I really want to be able to do it right and make it DAMN NICE... after all, I think I need to know how to do it right. Maybe this is for me to prove myself of my expertise... or do I actually have that? I'm not a hardcore hobbyist and do not adhere to every single rule. But then Michael seems to defy many of the rules himself. He has 50 tested and proven tanks out there and he used to volunteer with Van Kleef aquarium. His experience should say something. Anyway, his way does have restrictions and I still want to try doing something beyond those restrictions. Frankly, I want Donovan's tank to be nicer than my own. The plants and fishes are not in yet. Will be shopping for a few more plants and some of his algae crew. Getting excited about the scaping.
Just got Donovan's tank ready... Freakking alot of work especially the transport. I swear I'll hire someone to do that for me and only do the set up. Ok back to his tank. Set it up this afternoon... filter running,water filled, CO2 tank set up and all... Its always exciting setting up a new tank. This time though, there's a little pressure as I really want to be able to do it right and make it DAMN NICE... after all, I think I need to know how to do it right. Maybe this is for me to prove myself of my expertise... or do I actually have that? I'm not a hardcore hobbyist and do not adhere to every single rule. But then Michael seems to defy many of the rules himself. He has 50 tested and proven tanks out there and he used to volunteer with Van Kleef aquarium. His experience should say something. Anyway, his way does have restrictions and I still want to try doing something beyond those restrictions. Frankly, I want Donovan's tank to be nicer than my own. The plants and fishes are not in yet. Will be shopping for a few more plants and some of his algae crew. Getting excited about the scaping.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Starts with 'A' ends with 'T'
Last night I had a belated birthday dinner treat from two friends. We knew each other through a project we did together where I was a very pushy group leader. I think all of us in the group got an A for the module but sometimes wonder if it was worth putting myself in such a 'hated' position. Well... we stayed as friends and even went travellign together. Not that bad I guess. I never thought they would actually want to be friends with a tyranny group leader. Anyway back to last night... after the dinner, one of them mentioned about one word which would describe me, this probably was like a johari window out of the virtual world. The clue was, it starts with an 'A' and ends with a 'T'. After quite a bit of guessing the word came out.
'ARROGANT'...!!!
I guess I always knew somehow I projected somewhat an image like that. But hearing someone actually saying that about you? Hmmm... feels different. But I didn't take it too bad as these people were like super open and unafraid of sayig anything politically incorrect so its the truth but it doesn't mean they felt offended byit or anything. Frankly, I wonder how many of mycloser friends really know the truth to my 'arrogance'. Or am I just kidding my self and I really am arrogant.
Where is the line drawn then, arrogance and confidence? I want to be able to believe in myself, yet not be arrogant. Anyway I don't really have anything to be arrogant about. Arrogant or not, one thing I still need to learn is to take criticisms well and positively.
'ARROGANT'...!!!
I guess I always knew somehow I projected somewhat an image like that. But hearing someone actually saying that about you? Hmmm... feels different. But I didn't take it too bad as these people were like super open and unafraid of sayig anything politically incorrect so its the truth but it doesn't mean they felt offended byit or anything. Frankly, I wonder how many of mycloser friends really know the truth to my 'arrogance'. Or am I just kidding my self and I really am arrogant.
Where is the line drawn then, arrogance and confidence? I want to be able to believe in myself, yet not be arrogant. Anyway I don't really have anything to be arrogant about. Arrogant or not, one thing I still need to learn is to take criticisms well and positively.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Chicken or egg?
This issue always arises when I'm working with this friend. Its probably not easy on his side.. as well. Ok so we decide to do a little trading. He has some contacts and asks me if I'm interested to sell some stuff. I went ahead and sought dealers or customers and eventually.. now here comes the problem. When we are the small guys the suppliers' price to us is usually based on volume. When we do not command volume, they do not ewant to entertain us. So we do notk ow our margin when we quote the customers but how can we get a good gauge how to price our goods? I think we lack experience still. But basically, without a definite price no customers commit, without customers committing, we do not get a definite price from the supliers. Feel a little frustrated with the lack of bargaining power on either side. Oh well... whoever said it was easy anyway. Haha...
Confidence/morale roller coaster
Sigh... hate this ride but I need to learn how to handle it. Talking to people who believes in you make you feel so flattered... sometimes being excited you share it with the wrong people and your morale just goes down the drain again. I dun think I'm arrogant, I just want to be confident and believe that I can become what I want to be. Its the saddest when you do not get that kind of support and belief from your closest ones. Wanna thank two of my closest friends who always believed in me and made me believe in myself. Thanks for being there for me, at times when the odds are toughest and encouraging me on.
Morale of the story...
"When you're going through a tough time, hang around people who make you feel good about yourself! The rest of your friends can wait."
Part two to this post...
Another friend is going through a super low state of emotions. Frankly, I want to be energetic and push him on and motivate him by accomplising somethign together no matter how big or small... but then, I'm not sure I'm able to do that. Feel abit helpless and not sure how to help him yet I partly think he probably should try to help himself also. Oh well...
Morale of the story...
"When you're going through a tough time, hang around people who make you feel good about yourself! The rest of your friends can wait."
Part two to this post...
Another friend is going through a super low state of emotions. Frankly, I want to be energetic and push him on and motivate him by accomplising somethign together no matter how big or small... but then, I'm not sure I'm able to do that. Feel abit helpless and not sure how to help him yet I partly think he probably should try to help himself also. Oh well...
Sunday, March 19, 2006
After BioBiz 2006
After around 7 months of intensive planning and all the conference was finally over. Two weeks ago, my comp was down, and the amount of emails from BioBiz everyday was horrendous. Panicked like mad when my comp went down. Luckily I still have my laptop as backup.We had our debrief discussion last Sat.
Was still a little euphoric about how we managed to pull it off. Just can't help having that smug smile thinking about the conference and the kind of comments we got. I think we delivered world class stuff.Our current team would most probably be supporting the new team for next year's conference. I am a little apprehensive though. We did an amazing job this year but I had no idea how we all did it. Not sure if we can produce the same results next year. At least one thing is for sure, we all learnt alot and definitely know the critical points.
All in all, pretty proud of the comments we got. I think we have an amazing team which put in alot of commitment and hardwork. All of us were either working or studying full time. Finding time out for something like this is really amazing. Great job guys!! Btw this is a non profit event and all organisers were not paid. We do have a thank you dinner though... Hahaha...!!! It better be good.
Serendipity
Was supposed to meet a friend for dinner, well... was supposed to meet two friends, one was sick so couldn't make it. Anyway the other friend was late.. I waited at the MRT station, her train came, I went in she came out. We missed each other. We called and decided I should wait at the next stop. So I did... I usually carry abook around with me to read on journeys... but not that day. I was going Salsa that night. I arrived at the next stop and sat down on the bench.
So I entertained myself on the phone playing some game when a guy said to me, "Nice shirt. Where did you get it from?" Now that was a gift from Rahul. So I told him it was a gift. Got it in US probably about USD30+. Frankly I dind';t know the price but that kind of price was possible for that Tommy Hilfiger shirt atthe factory outlets. I said its rather cheap and he commented otherwise. Well... to my defense, when you're earning in USD you spend in USD for a shirt like that 30+ is alright. Eventually we chatted about what I was doing in the US and what I was doing now. We exchanged numbers and then he called me later and brought up a possibility of a job offer.
Now how often does that happen? The chances of all the events happening for me to be there at that time wearing that shirt and all.. I wasn't even supposed ot be there and I wanted to wear the other shirt which well... isn't ironed yet. Anyway, probably will discuss more about that over coffee or something. Right now, my heart is halfway to Dubai already. Hope the thing with Michael really materialises.
So I entertained myself on the phone playing some game when a guy said to me, "Nice shirt. Where did you get it from?" Now that was a gift from Rahul. So I told him it was a gift. Got it in US probably about USD30+. Frankly I dind';t know the price but that kind of price was possible for that Tommy Hilfiger shirt atthe factory outlets. I said its rather cheap and he commented otherwise. Well... to my defense, when you're earning in USD you spend in USD for a shirt like that 30+ is alright. Eventually we chatted about what I was doing in the US and what I was doing now. We exchanged numbers and then he called me later and brought up a possibility of a job offer.
Now how often does that happen? The chances of all the events happening for me to be there at that time wearing that shirt and all.. I wasn't even supposed ot be there and I wanted to wear the other shirt which well... isn't ironed yet. Anyway, probably will discuss more about that over coffee or something. Right now, my heart is halfway to Dubai already. Hope the thing with Michael really materialises.
Friday, March 17, 2006
The tank below... is AWESOME!!! Saw this picture on a hobbyist forum. Its like the ideal setup for the tangayikan fishes shown below. Backdrop and decorative materials are all made of resin, not natural rock. Now, I'm super enticed to try DIY a backdrop myself... Anyway this will always serve as a reference point for all my future African cichlid setups.
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