The Future of Generation Y !

During my recent volunteering participation for 2010 Doha Tribeca Film Festival, I had the opportunity to meet up new people and learn from them, and one that catch my attention was my conversation with one volunteer;

Me           : What is your plan after graduating ?

Volunteer : I plan to further my Master in New York University, and the join corporate world as a General  Manager. That would be the best route for me to be at the top.

Me          : OK, and why New York University ?

Volunteer : I am doing engineering course now, and New York University is one of the universities which have Master in Business Studies. 

said the volunteer proudly and confidently about his plan, and I just smiled to him in return.

From my experiences, talking to the "young punks" as I labeled them, and managing them once, he is not alone in his pursuit of the dream. You will get the similar if not the same answer when you pose the same question to this group. My respond to this, how time flies and I felt like has become a dinasour, very soon. If people are to ask me the common qualities and traits of these Generation Y, below is my list ;

1. Ambitious;

2. Work life balance;

3. Fun;

4. Mobile and flexible;

5. Good lifestyle;

6. Individualist;

7. Pampered and spoon fed;

8. Outspoken;

9. Gung Ho;

10. Higher paying job not compensate with proven capabilities;

YET, in many cases those qualities tend to be not on the same page with traditional organization, and resulted in conflict of interest.

If people ask how SHOULD and WOULD I manage this Generation Y , you EXPECT the Gen Y to behave ? myGolden 10 Rules are as follow ;

1. I expect Generation Y and myself to have fun and love doing what they are doing and support the idea to have meeting at Starbucks, Gloria Jean, Coffee Beans so long they deliver and depending on the purpose of the meeting as I do not discuss company strategic decisions to be heard by others and competitors ;

2. I shall communicate and tell Gen Y clearly my requirements, specifications and at the same time I give them liberty and freedom how they go about it as I always encourage them to explore their ingenuity and creativity to complete the task;

3. I am very particular about DEADLINE as I am a deadline driven person and yet at the same time very realistic and reasonable i.e. reach the agreement with the Gen Y on the deadline unless in certain circumstances where the DEADLINE is beyond my control. Still I would take effort to rationalize things with them;

4. I would encourage my staff to go back on time and have fun. I am flexible with working hours so long it is 8 hours as per the contract , and Gen Y to be there when the organization and customers needs them. Outside office hours are their business and yet when it is in the office , it is my territory. Life work balance as long as Gen Y deliver beyond expectations;

5. I am passionate about staff development and capability building yet , I would like and encourage my staff to take the lead and initiative in developing themselves and developing others too;

6. I have always tell myself, agree to disagree occasionally when the situations warrant ;

7. I would take the responsibilities and accountability for my staff performance and my own mistakes and yet at the same time expect that Gen Y shall be ready to accept responsibilities and accountability for their own performance and learn from the mistakes;

8. I would encourage them to be vocal yet resourceful and always challenge the status-quo, yet with respect and organization VALUES precede personal values;

9. I shall give credits when it is due and to whom it is due ;

10. Gung Ho and can do spirit, and I do not accept NO as an answer ;

Unfortunately, many are still not there yet.

For example, from my experiences managing the bunch of " Young Punks" instead of " Young Turks" or Generation Y - they would like to have work life balance, and yet do not complete the assignment timely and not willing to go extra mile to do beyond what is expected out of them. They are ambitious, would want to become GM at the shortest possible time, yet lacking of ideas to challenge the status-quo and do things differently and show no respect to other team players, and willing to go to "extra-mile" blaming others for the team failures so long they are not part of the party to be blamed, they expect the supervisor to teach them saying " it is my supervisor's responsibilities to train and teach me " without taking the initiative to have self-learning and etc.They are vocals, yet not resourceful,  they show NO respect to the procedures ;they take credits for team success and not willing to accept blames for failure, and worst do not want to learn from the mistakes; they come late to office, do not finish the work, busy with iphone and blackberry and Facebook and always back on time; expect meeting at Starbucks my previous General Manager shared once with me;

" This Gen Y, you as a manager have to announce to the whole world that this Gen Y did actually come to the office on weekend to actually complete and finish his unfinished assignments, until to that extend "

Where do I see this Gen Y in the future ? Well, perhaps this Gen Y entrepreneurial, business management skills to be nurtured and sharpened during the university, and make it as part of core courses regardless of the background of studies even religious studies. But still few things will not change such as mindset and discipline in things that they do, no matter what generations it will be even Generation XYZ and I always believe that history repeats itself.

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Warisan Merdeka Project ..Why the objections ?

Image via Wikipedia

Much have been talked about the project since it was first announced and unveiled, during Budget 2011 by the Malaysian Prime Minister. The discussions centered around how the project will benefit Malaysia and Malaysians public in general politically, socially and economically.

I shall put aside the political aspect of the discussion, as I believe no matter how " professionally, academically the arguments are supported by statistics and evidences, it remains politics. I have nothing against politics, but sometimes people are so much blinded and clouded by political points of view, until they are not willing to call "a spade a spade" and reluctant to think outside the box and to see beyond one's political view, unfortunately. 

I have written about the subject in one of my entry on the 18th of October 2010. From my reading, I do understand why so many Malaysians object the idea of the project. They label this project as another white elephants, benefits to be enjoyed by certain group of people and "elitist", another waste of tax money while money should be spent on educations, improvement of facilities , providing housing , helping the poor and etc. While they opponents of the project do have valid reasons, they forget one thing that PNB [ as the owner of the project] is a separate legal entity from government, and government earn dividend and income taxes from PNB as sources of its revenue, which in turns use the money to provide all the items mentioned earlier. Still so much skeptics out there ! How come ? Yes, this is where the argument will go on ;

"If the project doesn't fly [ technically and financially] or "kapoot", the government will come to the rescue and use the public money to continue with the project ."

While the proponents of the project use the old same arguments to convince the people that the project will benefit and economic spill over to the people through tourism, constructions of the projects, maintenance of the building, providing employment opportunities, small business shall thrive, opportunities to SME s, and bla bla bla. Yet, people are not convinced. Why ?

Permodalan Nasional Berhad who is said to be the "driver " of the project manages the largest unit trust funds in Malaysia such as Amanah Saham Bumiputera, Amanah Saham Wawasan and Amanah Saham Pendidikan and naturally, people who invested in the unit trust scheme [ including myself] shall be worry that returns in the form of dividends received every year would be affected or eroded with this project of such magnitude and worst still if the project is a failure. So, understandably, it is a valid concern. 

From my readings, it is normal to have objections for such a magnitude of projects, elsewhere in the world . I quoted one example i.e. English Channel Project to link UK and France via undersea tunnel was implemented [ famously known as Channel Tunnel " ;

" The project was beset since inception in 1986 by financial and technical woes, blown schedules and highly public battles between the Anglo-French company managing the projects- Eurotunnel and its contractors".

The same also happened during the privatization of London Metro or London Tube. Same old stories, financial and technical woes, blown schedules and government via public fund came to the rescue. 

Sound familiar ? How many ill , sicks, overblown budget projects in Malaysia now ? When the objectives of the projects were so noble and wonderful on paper when it was first mooted? I just quoted few examples, the new Palace in Jalan Duta? The poorly maintained and low quality of certain Putrajaya buildings- leaking here and there, " bocor" sana" bocor" sini ", the KL-Ipoh double tracks project ? The Angkatan Tentera Malaysia Hospital ? the Plaza Rakyat ? and the lists go on. Those make the public skeptical and emotionally object the project. The victim, the project which benefit the Malaysian economy through economic spill over activities.

No doubt and it is worth to mention about successful projects like Kuala Lumpur City Centre, KL Central and KL Tower. Unfortunately, the sick and poorly managed projects outnumbered the successful ones. Worst , it is "perceived and believed" by the general public that the same groups of  persons who got the projects who failed to deliver the earlier projects !  How can we blame the ordinary people for objecting the project of such magnitude? It is all about perceptions. Sometimes too much is too much, and people have enough of everything. So, the challenge is now for PNB to manage that perception and silence the critics. 

Shall the project be stopped ? If you ask me personally, my take is still the same, i.e. the project shall proceed as I believe that the benefits economically and socially more than the cost. Turn this project into an icon that symbolize the progress of Malaysia and something that Malaysians can be proud of to be associated with. e.g. I am proud to be associated with Petronas Twin Towers :)

On top of what I have highlighted in my earlier entry, perhaps below are some of the other considerations that PNB may want to consider to make the project a success and to silence the critics of the project;

1.Invite capable investors [ both technically and financially] to be part of the venture or owner of the building  to show to the public that it is NOT government initiative, and PNB is committed to make the project a success by spreading and sharing the risk with the partners. In addition, the partners can bring potential multinational companies or clients to lease the building. At the same time,  PNB may lease and own the building at the later stage; 

2. Make known to the public the development concepts of the areas and worth to get the public constructive feedback. Make this project as "game changer" and have distinctive features to align with the " Greater KL/Klang Valley " initiative and others to emulate ;

3. Made the tendering process transparent and be known to the public as to who won the slices of the pie;

4. Incorporate in the project something for the public or what are there for the public ? It shall based on " pay forward" concept - e.g. emphasis on financial or monetary or economy educations for the young generations OR by virtue of its name Warisan Merdeka, emphasis on the "culture and arts" where the public and visitors can learn about Malaysia or perhaps a greener cultural village ? [ More suggestions in my previous blog entry]

5. Above all, the execution and implementation of the project must be done in the most professional and transparent manner with latest green technology, commendable safety, health and environment record, lower than the budget or estimated cost [ resulting in cost saving], and finish timely. 

Last but not least, I am challenging*** PNB to announce to the public that for each phase of the project to be completed in " xxx number of days" instead of " Year 2015 " and RESPECT, HONOR and ACCOUNTABLE with the PROMISE.

E.g. "That the Warisan Merdeka Tower will be completed on 01.01.2012  " INSTEAD OF  " January 2012"  

***Note : I am challenging other projects as well such as the proposed LRT extension and MRT projects to give a completion date.

If this can be done and achieved, it would be easier to get buy in from the public for future projects. 

Malaysia Boleh, right ? 

 
DISCLAIMER: Notice :Opinions, stories , thoughts expressed are blogger's own and do not necessarily represent the views of the institution or the organizations by which the blogger is employed or any specific person who so ever, either dead or alive. Hi! I am a green e-mail! Unlike my brothers and sisters, my presence on the Internet does not harm our environment. Please go to greenscroll.org and help make the Internet green like me!

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Leadership ; Giving credits back to the people

Leadership is not about stealing other people's idea and creativity, and claim them to be yours, is the worst and an unethical thing - both personal and professional life. It is about giving credits to its original owner, and even, the original owner can't claim the idea originally him as the idea was developed over a period of time and he/she learns from others. 

I have one story that I can relate with regards of the above, based on true story.

One of the Ahmed [ not real name] personal objectives this year, is to develop training materials and conduct knowledge sharing with the other staff. Out of his own initiative and idea, Ahmed developed not only training materials, but he came out with training schedules [the training schedule goes beyond 2010 i.e. until the end of 2011] complete with proposed topics together with the presenters to his superior. Ahmed requested his supervisor to get endorsement from department manager before Ahmed can proceed with the necessary.  What Ahmed have in mind, that this will encourage the spirit of knowledge sharing among the staff, and as part of knowledge management system.

During the weekly meeting status update, Ahmed's superior announced to all the staff, that HE [ Ahmed's superior] was in discussion with the department manager about HIS proposal of having training calendar for all department staff , and the proposed training will be conducted by department staff. Ahmed's name was not even mentioned during the meeting at all, and the supervisor behaved as if the whole thing originated from him, and it was him behinds the idea. Ahmed was shocked. However, not to embarrass his supervisor in front of other staff. Ahmed decided to keep quite and not to make it a big issue. 

Question(s) here ;

1. Why Ahmed decided to be quiet on the issue ?  Was it the right strategy for him ?
2. Shall Ahmed make it a big issue for what his superior just did to him ?3. What would be the best and ideal situation for Ahmed to tell his colleagues, that it was solely his idea ?

4. What do you think other considerations that Ahmed have taken when he decided to be quiet during the meeting ?

5. What is supposed to be the strategy for Ahmed in his situation ?

6. Do you think that Ahmed' s superior realize that he is taking credit out from Ahmed, therefore putting his reputation at stake ?  Do you think he is taking credit from Ahmed in the first place ?

 Anyone care to share his/her view, please ?



DISCLAIMER: Notice :Opinions, stories , thoughts expressed are blogger's own and do not necessarily represent the views of the institution or the organizations by which the blogger is employed or any specific person who so ever, either dead or alive. Hi! I am a green e-mail! Unlike my brothers and sisters, my presence on the Internet does not harm our environment. Please go to greenscroll.org and help make the Internet green like me!

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Warisan Merdeka Project - My Take ?

Image via Wikipedia

The project, said to cost RM 5 billion will be led by Permodalan Nasional Berhad and to be completed by 2015. It depends on how one view of the project as it is very much depending on which flip sides of the coin that one is looking at. It also depends whether one sees the glass "half full" ? or "half empty" ? However, should the project is to go on, the following factors shall be considered to ensure the project will benefits the country, and more importantly the "rakyat". 

1. Project Cost

The project is estimated to cost RM 5 billion. However, I would challenge PNB to bring the cost down and having substantial cost saving by doing "things right" and "doing the rights things" to RM 3.5 billion or less, but still meeting its intended objective(s) from both technical and commercial points of view. How can they achieve ? I do not have the answer, but I leave it to the experts :). The savings, can be channeled back to the people via. long term and value adding corporate social responsibilities, especially on the education areas and allowing the people to have access to quality educations, if they wish.

2. Greenest Building in the world !

If you read the newspaper, people are concerned the impact the project has on the environment. To answer that, I concur with Dr. Tan Loke Mun that it shall be the greenest project in the world. Can PNB meet the expectations and the aspirations ? The bottom line, it does not damage the environment, but contribute and  gives back to the environment. Possible ? Why not ? Think about the total cost of ownership and sustainability of the building, especially in terms of maintenance philosophy etc. All it takes to become " green"

3. It worsen the traffic situation.

It has to be " green " concept for the building and surroundings. The best is to have the proposed MRT line to pass through the Warisan Merdeka , and connect with other places nearby through shaded areas. It shall only allow " environmental friendly" mode of transportation such as battery operated kart, electric vehicles, bicycles in the whole Warisan Merdeka area. Provide all the facilities to make it people eccentric and disable friendly. So, calling all Malaysians for us not to complain and fret if you are not allowed to park your car in the areas and you have to walk to access the area with all the facilities. Do not expect us to be allowed to park the car right in front of the shopping mall entrance.

4. Development concept ?

Balance between the Earth, Water, Fire or the so called elements of earth. What will the development concept entails and how to make the Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara not only national heritage but a "functional" national heritage ? Will it be all offices ? Will it be all " high end condominium " ? Will it be a mixture of both ? Will it be for the rich and famous only ? How about the medium income people ? Will the a unit of condominium will cost fortune ? Will a unit of an office will cost heaven and earth ?
Why not medium apartment ? so that I can afford too. My personal view, with one condition that few Malaysians are ready to change the mindset . I live in a medium cost apartment in Damansara area. By virtue of its name i.e medium cost apartment, the price was affordable for me then. Unfortunately, the mentality and mindset of certain people are much left to be desired. Few did not pay the sinking funds and maintenance fees, few simply dry their clothes in the common areas with all those unwanted materials hanging out in the common areas, few simply do not know how to use the common area public toilet, few hang out and dry their clothes at the balcony. Rubbish and garbage are everywhere simply thinking the management will " take care of those ? " Do we see it at the high end or residence services apartment or high end condominiums ? I have seen to many " tidak apa " attitude and the ugly side of Malaysians on this. So, will you blame if the municipality approves for high end condominium projects only ? I know it is very lame excuses and tiny mickey mini reason, but why not look around and I guess you will agree with me on this.

5. Who will be the anchor tenant ?

Who will be the anchor tenant for each of the components of the building and its surrounding areas ? This is very critical to avoid this project to become another "white elephant" -something that Malaysians have been having the perception and experience for too long. If  the anchor tenant big enough to occupy all the floors and spaces, surely the smaller ones will follow.

6. Tourism product?

While it is justified and valid reason, the next question what type of products that Warisan Merdeka have to offer the potential tourists, both domestic and international tourists. Tourists would love to see something different from the rest of the world, and not another Burj Khalifa or Dubai ? not another Tower A or London ? and not another Tower B or Paris and not another Tower C or New York. They would love to experience something truly Malaysia and truly Asians - a unique identity of Malaysia. If you ask me, I would love to see Warisan Merdeka and its surrounding to have the following ;
1. Unique and functional design of the building- match with the " green concept" and it gives a unique identity of Malaysia, Truly Asia.
2.  Education through innovation , technology and interaction - The surrounding and facilities educates me and provide me information about the unique identity of Malaysia- from pre-history until what Malaysia is today. I would love to have experience to be back in those days during Sultanate Malacca era,  Hang Tuah stories, famous Sultan Mansur Shah and his famous Puteri Hang Li Poh, those days before Kuala Lumpur become what it is today and etc. How this is made possible ? Leverage on the technology and creative industry to make it happens, to give the visitors an idea of " Who is Malaysia " or " Track of Malaysia". This will provide the younger generations learn history through education and interactive ways. We do not need another static or wax of our heroes. It is like "a live and interactive museum " and will be the first of its kind in the world. The history was told in different and unique way.
3. There is a park and another botanical garden in the surroundings -for people to walk, jog, refresh with families, picnics during the weekend. This concept again, to provide education and information to the public about various plants that was brought around the world and interesting to have those plants mentioned in the  Al-Qur'an, Injil or other religions. For instance, there must be reasons why Allah mentions Zaitun [ Olive], At-teen [ Fig] and etc in the Al-Qur'an. This will encourage researches among the universities and ohter institution, and collaborate with all botanical gardens in the world. In the park, there is Rabbits, Peacock, Birds wondering around in an area like "oasis" that will give the visitors peace in mind and in a world of its own. There will be a library about all the references, periodicals, journals about the plant in the botanical gardens.
4. Shopping Experiences - I do not want to have another KLCC or Pavilion. We have too many of that and I think it is enough.  I would love to see shopping experiences, the Malaysian way like Jonker's Walk in Malacca, Pasar Pagi or Pasar Malam or Pasar Rakyat -with fresh concept, look and identity. Perhaps, selling from something unique about Malaysia, made in Malaysia products, international brands, international restaurants serving food selections from all over the world. This will give the rakyat to be part of Warisan Merdeka. However, it has to be at certain standards of cleanliness and hygiene.     
5. Kid's World- Perhaps we shall have smaller scale of Legoland, Kid'zania and similar edutainment park specially catered for the kids. 6. Art Gallery and place for Malaysians to present their original works especially paintings [ similar to Central Market] and other handcrafts. There are cafes and restaurant that shall encourage indie musicians to promote their masterpiece and promote to the visitors, what they call an art that do not contradict with Malaysia cultures and value. 7. Hotels and accommodation with combination and mixture of 3 stars and above - still provide the rakyat to enjoy and benefit from Warisan Merdeka.

7. Heritage

Maintain the heritage building not only the Stadium Merdeka or Stadium Negara, but also Victoria Institution and other pre-war or buildings which were built during colonial era. Preserve those buildings and not to demolish it.

Can we have all these for RM 5 billion ? The cost of the building is RM 3.5 billion and the balance RM 1.5 billion for the " Track of Malaysia Project " Do we have enough spaces for the above ? I think yes. Not only utilize the surface, but the underground also, like the one in KLCC, Singapore and Malacca, where all the places are interconnect and interlink with each other.It is like a " spider web".

That is my take, and should they decide to proceed, I would love to see majority or if not all of the above .  I do not expect less, but I appreciate more
-----------------------------------------------------
Source : The Star
THE Warisan Merdeka landmark, a RM5bil project located within the enclave of Merdeka Stadium and Stadium Negara, will change the city skyline.
Construction of the 100-storey skyscraper, which is part of the mega project, will start next year and is expected to be completed in 2015.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the two stadiums would be retained as national heritage buildings.
Real Estate and Housing Developers Association Malaysia said the plan to create the iconic feature must take into consideration demand for space.
“We recommend that the Government conduct feasibility and market studies in consultation with the private sector before embarking on this ambitious project,” its deputy president Datuk F.D. Iskandar Tan Sri Mohamed Mansor said in a press statement.
Architect Dr Tan Loke Mun said the building must be constructed with sustainability in mind.
“If we are going to give Malaysia the tallest building, we may as well make it the greenest building in the world. Additionally, local talents should be considered for job opportunities that will arise,” Dr Tan said.
Human resources manager Julian Sanjivan, 28, asked whether the project was aimed at competing with the Burj Khalifa in Dubai or to boost tourism and the construction industry.
“If they want to create more jobs, then we should welcome it. However, if it is just for the name, perhaps the money will be best used elsewhere,” he said.
Businessman Lo Yew Wai felt there wasn’t a need for such a development here. He said there were many buildings left vacant after construction, adding that the status of having the tallest building in the country was not a good enough reason because it would be a waste of space and money.
DISCLAIMER: Notice :Opinions, stories , thoughts expressed are blogger's own and do not necessarily represent the views of the institution or the organizations by which the blogger is employed or any specific person who so ever, either dead or alive. Hi! I am a green e-mail! Unlike my brothers and sisters, my presence on the Internet does not harm our environment. Please go to greenscroll.org and help make the Internet green like me!

Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia - Winners of Airlines Award

I must congratulate Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia for doing it, yet again. As a Malaysian, I am so proud of both of you. Congrats to all dedicated management team and staff for making it happened again. Below are some of the awards for both airlines ;

Malaysia Airlines

No.1- World's Best Economy Class
No.1- Staff Service Excellence Asia
No.2- World's Best Cabin Staff
No. 3- Best Airline-Southeast Asia
No.10- World's Top 10 Airlines

Air Asia

No.1- World's Best Low Cost Airline
No.1- Best Low Cost Airline- Asia

Note : Air Asia is among the group for the Airlines of the Year

Sources : World Airlines Award

Kudos and keep it up. Next target will be to dominate the Airline of the Year, The World's Best for First Class, Business Class and Economy Class and the World Best Cabin Staff Awards and beat "our you know who" :)

DISCLAIMER: Notice :Opinions, stories , thoughts expressed are blogger's own and do not necessarily represent the views of the institution or the organizations by which the blogger is employed or any specific person who so ever, either dead or alive. Hi! I am a green e-mail! Unlike my brothers and sisters, my presence on the Internet does not harm our environment. Please go to greenscroll.org and help make the Internet green like me!

My take on Malaysia 2011 Budget

It is an interesting and mind blowing budget and my only hope it is not only good on paper, but the next challenge will be the implementation. This is especially true, when we still hear cynical critics and remarks by saying the budget is seeking popularity and as part of the package for upcoming general election strategy. I am fine with that and if I were the opposition, I shall coming out with alternatives and more convincing strategy to match or better plans and working together with the government and the same time, be a strong and value adding opposition as check and balance and "hawk eye" during the implementation of the proposed budget -a delicate and complicated request " for the rakyat" lol rather than busy "back biting" and have "cat and dog fights" amongst the opposition members, for reasons known to them. In my view, the immediate test will be in the next two by-elections- Sapi and Galas.

I am interested with the idea of mindset and behavioural changes of the Malaysians, and we [ including me] shall think, talk, behave and act as first class citizens.

So, my next question that I can think of with the innovation funds etc,

Can we Malaysians come out much more cheaper [ 1/2 of the iphone and blackberry ] smart phone with more sophisticated applications that match the existing one ? similar to the TATA strategy that come out with the cheapest car and notebook in the world ?

Can our music and movies penetrate and dominate the world entertainment scenes ?

Can our fashions brand able to penetrate the world, and we create our own Paris and Milan with better weather and food ?

Can KLIA become the next London Heathrow ?

Can Axiata become the next Vodafone ?

Can our KL International Financial District become the Financial Centre of the East with Islamic Finance become the driver ?

Can our next equivalent Shopping District match Hong Kong, Singapore, New York ?

Can our universities be able to attract the best cream of the crops from other nations and become the next Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Al-Azhar of the East ?

Can Proton become the next giant competing with the big boys ?

Can our F1 Lotus become the next Ferrari F1 team ?

Can our future kids become one of the Noble Prize winner and producing more of Ungku Aziz ?

Can our agri-aquaculture match of Netherlands ?

Can Malaysia be the most visited country in the world by 2020?

Can Malaysia become the safest country in the world ?

Can Malaysia produce more of Dato Nicol David ?

Can Malaysia football team qualify for the World Cup ?

You know how I imagine Malaysia ? A country like during Prophet Yusuf A.S [ Agriculture, Canals & Irrigation & Finance ], Prophet Idris A.S [ Fashion and Fabrics Industry], Prophet Nuh A.S [Marine and Shipping], Prophet Hud [ Building Architecture], Prophet Sulaiman [ Architecture and Aviation], Prophet Musa A.S. [ Education, Entertainment, Architecture and Medicine], Prophet Isa A.S. [ Family Institution, Medicine, Education], Prophet Daud [ strategic planning and character building, Education], Prophet Muhammad [ Educations]- 4 great books were revealed, Prophet Ibrahim A.S. [Character Buildings and Art & Design], Prophet Yunus A.S. [ Marine and Biotechnology] and of course Medina and Mecca [Baitul Mal,Banking,Trade& Financial Centre, Tourism] during the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W and Sahabah and other great nations of the world.

We have good brands- Air Asia, Petronas, Malaysia Airlines and few others, and we shall add more to the list !

and at the same time, preventing our mother earth from further destruction and Malaysians as a nations live in peace and harmony, have a strong character and mentality and thinking [ just like fishes in the ocean], enjoying and embracing the diversity of the country and truly become the example of others- create our own civilization based on responsible, accountable and sustainable development.

I think, YES WE CAN...and first thing first, to change our mindset and behaviour, focus on the development that and only time will tell and together we seek Allah's blessings and divine intervention.

My contributions ? I shall contribute in the areas that I can contribute and I have strength...and surely I would love to see Malaysia be the example of great nation building and have its own history for civilization that we can call our own.

Anyone interested and ready to take up the challenge ? Come on Malaysia ! Let us proof to the world that we are a great nation.

Wallahu'alam.......

Extract from Prime Minister of Malaysia, 2011 Budget, 15.10.2010

16.The 2011 Budget will emphasize efforts to transform the nation into a developed and high-income economy with inclusive and sustainable development, spearheaded by the private sector as well as focus on the well-being of the "rakyat". With the theme “Transformation Towards a Developed and High-Income Nation”, the 2011 Budget will centre on the following four key strategies:

First:Reinvigorating Private Investment;
Second:Intensifying Human Capital Development;
Third:Enhancing Quality of Life of the Rakyat; and
Fourth:Strengthening Public Service Delivery.

Promoting R&D&C Activity

48. The Government has established a Special Innovation Unit (UNIK) under the Prime Minister’s Department as a one-stop centre to formulate policies and strategies for a conducive ecosystem to drive innovation. An Act will be formulated to enable UNIK to commercialise R&D findings by universities and research institutions. Several programmes and activities will be designed to enhance innovation, creation and commercialisation of new products. For 2011, a sum of RM71 million is allocated for UNIK.

54.A quality, skilled, knowledgeable, creative and innovative human capital is a prerequisite towards achieving a developed and high-income nation. As such, education and training will be restructured and strengthened. For this, a sum of RM29.3 billion is allocated for Ministry of Education, RM10.2 billion for Ministry of Higher Education and RM627 million for Ministry of Human Resource.

SECOND STRATEGY: INTENSIFYING HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

Intensifying Efforts to Attract Talent

55.Education is always close to my heart. The Government will not compromise on quality of education. Our children must be equipped with all the prerequisites to compete in the challenging environment.

56.To increase the number of talented and quality workforce in the domestic market, the Government will undertake efforts to attract, motivate and retain talented human capital from within the country and abroad. For this, the Government will establish a Talent Corporation (Talent Corp) under the Prime Minister’s Office in early 2011. Talent Corp will formulate a National Talent Blueprint and develop an expert workforce database as well as collaborate closely with talent networks globally.


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Japanese students go jungle-trekking

Japanese students go jungle-trekking

As part of my request of Budget 2011 [ my wish # 1 ] in my previous entry in this blog, I would love to see this program to be extended to all schools in Malaysia, be it rural and urban schools. This will allow our young generations to experience different cultures, appreciate and celebrate the differences. Imagine if these kids do have friends from all over the world at such young age, and develop the friendship, understanding and appreciate the differences, this would work wonders for Malaysia over long run. These kids are the future leaders, future businessmen, future professors and leadership qualities have to be nurtured at the very young age, let us welcome the world to Malaysia, Truly Asia.

Understand that the program is yearly affair for the Kota Damansara school, but my wish and hope it will be spreading and emulated by others, and Kota Damansara School can take the challenge to take the lead , can they ??

DISCLAIMER:Notice :Opinions, stories , thoughts expressed are blogger's own and do not necessarily represent the views of the institution or the organizations by which the blogger is employed or any specific person who so ever, either dead or alive.Hi! I am a green e-mail! Unlike my brothers and sisters, my presence on the Internet does not harm our environment.Please go to greenscroll.org and help make the Internet green like me!