B.U.D.A.Y.A

Its humid and hot in Jakarta when I arrived. The airport is one of my favorite. By just looking at the airport instantly you can tell how thick the cultures in Indonesia. The architecture of the airport just amazed me somehow.

I have a colleague was working with me in this trip. It was his very first trip to Jakarta. Later of the day he told me some of the sight along the airport was like India (where he came from). This is not like Singapore the modern city, where I can sensed where his comparison is coming from.

Well, no doubt Singapore is very clean and convenient in many ways comparing to many ASEAN cities. I have other thoughts. To me I believe in strong culture in our way of living such as mannerism, architecture, the food, the people and etc. When I saw hawkers food on the street side I can relate instantly the way of living here. The interactions with the local makes you aware what they believe and practise. Its their budaya!

I have nothing against more advance countries, however, modern cities are losing their cultures. I am glad these cultures were maintained and not destroyed or forgotten in the coming generations.

Next time if the person tell you how modern other cities are, you can tell them we are richer in many ways and it does not have to be the highest or expensive buildings. Sometimes money could not buy certain things. Once lost you will never get it back!

The Uncertainties ...

I was on the phone with Bob today. Bob helps me to print materials for my presentation. He is in his late 40s I guessed. He is very helpful, positive and very good in his work. He will followed up all the work even it's a smallest task he ever has. Sometimes, I will get him a box of Krispy Kreme donut for his hardwork. He rang me today to ask me how I would like to organise the materials. After we got down the format, he told said, 'I just like to tell you I may longer working here in May'. 'And in case you need to print more in the future, you need to inform the person in advance'. Usually Bob sounds very upbeat and positive, but today, his tone was more like 'lost'.

I asked Bob, 'Do you still like what you are doing?' He said, 'Yeah of course'. 'Then why don't you find out who is the replacing company and tell them how good you are with this work and you can continue to service', I said. 'I don't know right now, but I know who is going to replace me', Bob said. He will know his fate by end of this month.

I feel sad after having this conversation with him. I may not know him very well, but I can sensed that defeated tone. I told him I hope to see him if before (if he ever have to) he goes. He said, 'Sure see you soon'. I really hope he will able to stays on.

I was there but you are not!

Just few days after the protest has been dispersed in Bangkok, the government has lifted the curfew for the city. As for myself I had cancelled my business trip. However, just yesterday I spoken to a friend and he is flying into the city today. I asked if it's wise to go in now after all these mess. He replied saying it's already over and he is ready to fly in for his vacation.

I was thinking to myself, is this really nothing or is it me who is being Kiasi (scared to die)? Somehow, I really couldn't figure out why would they do this? Was it because they are proud to announce to the world, we are just being a loser? I am sure the city will become calmer and under controlled, however, feelings in human right now may not change as yet. I guess I go by how and what the sentiment in the city right now before I decide to travel.

To all my friends who goes against the odds. Take care and good luck. Don't say I didn't warn you. If anything happen, I am very envy, I guess that's what you want to hear from me :P

Songkran and Bangkok chaos.

This week is Songkran week a traditional festival where people in Thai will splash each other with water. However, this week, instead of water, you see red supporter of ex PM Takshin hurled homemade bomb or stones on the government troops.

I am suppose to fly to Bangkok next week, and with this news, mostly likely I will postpone my trip. I am not a political analyst, and neither do I want to make any comment on either yellow or red shirt supporters. Really, these are the country's internal problem. However, I can only see the impacts which are becoming for Thailand. The tourist industry will go down for sure and investors will run as fast as they could in the end. Any political unrest would lead to all these backlashes to the country's economy. And especially now, the global crisis is revealing in many forms, this is really not a good time to be in this situation.

However, neither do we know how this problem will stop. I could only pray and hope, the people and the world show some compassion in order to see the truth. Without compassion mind, neither parties could see and resolve the issue with the right mind.

Alladin and his magic lamp!

Long long time ago, I met Alladin who is a direct sellers for their magic lamp. The business is call direct selling. The lamps are usually cost around RM1000 over (USD 200) and for limited edition it can cost much much more! The Alladin made soo much money by getting people to join him and promise the business would make them richer and richer.

In order to make other people envy or jealous, Alladin even bought the carpet called Mercedes by cash! Eventually many people has joined, and some of them are really not rich. They put so much "hope" to the lamp business and could change their fate. I have even came across some of these new investors are commoners who sells fish and vegetables to meet their end. They got attracted when they is a new business opportunties to them.

What tickle me was, Alladin is collecting all these money and make more money. Its basically a pyramid scheme. And lately Alladin has quit he has become an financial analyst in a firm. However, the poor remain poor and the money has been pocketed by Alladin and other Ali BaBa.

Morale of the story, the intention of Alladin is really dishonest. And I hope people who read this realised what they are investing in direct selling before committing!

Kiasu Tips # 8 : Stop Gossiping

It has been my last 2 years resolution to stop gossiping on others! Recently, I make myself aware when I was about to make a comment. I try to use words like Me, or You, rather than They, Them or Others.

I think most gossip begins when we about to talk other people who are not sitting on the same table. So I make a concious choice and only restrict myself on my own areas and the person whom I am speaking to. It's not easy but I will try :P

Not Guilty!

I would say this would be the most famous line everywhere. It's used at work, home, street, friends, families and even pop stars! Just today Chris Brown pleaded not guilty for assaulting his girlfriend Rihanna. Wait a minute. We have witness, we have victim, and he's the only person in the Lamborghini with Rihanna, and still not guilty?

I feel so insulted even there is a person that will go on defends all these wrong-doers or 'you ain't gonna get me' human. Money can buy a way out. However, the real question here is what is your integrity? Do you still have one? But what will you do if you are the wrongdoer. I had dealt with people who behaves like that. They knew it's wrong, but they will defended themselves so badly that they would not even blink their eye when telling you their stories.

I am not saying, you cannot do anything wrong and be holy, but at least do not cause harmful and hurt to others. Once a while we cheat! Admit it! Human defensive is built into our body and mind, but integrity cannot be compromised. Once compromised, you will compromise with your upbringing and values. Is it worth it? Maybe not for all. Money and fame comes first!