Shocking Revelation : Will I rise to the challenge ?

Today, exactly a week since I made that call to make the career move. It was a big decision for me moving out from Fortune 500 integrated oil and gas company, to the largest LNG producer in the world and now, with a small listed independent oil and gas company whose main asset is in one of the CIS country- Turkmenistan.

On my first day, I had my first meeting with my boss the Finance Director in a coffee shop [ a nice welcoming gesture from him], the Finance Director.

I did ask him few questions, but this particular one question, a question that really awaken me from my slumber sleep and dream.

" How long this position has been vacant ? "
" Since 2007 ! " replied the Finance Director.
" That long ? "
"Yes. Of course there were stories behind why it was vacant for close to 4 years " .
He explained to me the stories behind in great length. He further explained to me, some critics told him that the company has been doing great for the past 4 years and why do the company need me now to be on-board? He told me, he has different view and strategy on his decision to hire me.

I was still dreaming that time and it did not really sink in my thoughts and rational mind that it came with great expectations and big responsibilities, yet !

I shared the story with a friend of mine, and I proudly told myself- " They have been waiting for me to come for 4 years ! No wonder people told me that they have been waiting for me for too long. That too long was not 2 months [ notice period] but 4 years " I told myself. I was in the cloud 9, so to speak. 

I did not read between the line. Only today, while working on the assignment that my boss is giving me did I realize, that my honeymoon is over. Come next week, I shall start working hard to meet the expectations. Im here to bring and add value, I am here to bring changes, I am here to bring excellence, I am here to bring the change in mindset and I am here not for a mere job and career, but huge responsibility. Otherwise, I am irrelevant. Otherwise, I am not needed here at all . I have only 2 years to make that impact.

What are next ?

Next year, I would like to nominate my company to be part of Nafma - an award to symbolise excellence in the Management Accounting. The 2nd year, I would want my company to be in the top 3. The 3rd year, I would like to see my company as the WINNER of that prestigious of Nafma Award.

Why focus on the award ? Simple, there are lots of work and changes to do and winning the award is just a beginning of a long journey. 


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!

10 questions you should ask the interviewer

CareerBuilder.co.uk

You bought a new suit and you are ready for the interview. Also your CV is flawless and you even seem great on paper. Now, for the last piece of the successful job search puzzle you need to impress them at the interview.
How do you do it? Try asking questions. Besides showing your interest in the position and the company, asking questions gives you an active role in the interview and lets you steer the interview into areas where you shine.
To make sure your next interview is as smooth as your freshly pressed suit, try these 10 questions on for size:

"What type of growth and advancement opportunities does this position and the company offer?"This tells the interviewer that you have a long-term vision for your professional future and that you're not just looking for a paycheque; you're looking to secure a career.

"How do you see me benefiting the company?"Finding out why you were selected out of possibly hundreds of other candidates gives you a chance to expand on the qualities that caught their eye, further making the case for your hire.

"What exactly are the job responsibilities?"Job ads usually list the general areas of responsibility for a position. It's always good to confirm what the actual duties will be. You don't want to start your new job as an engineer and find out you're responsible for the weekly doughnut run.

"What would my first project be if I'm hired?" This will give you a specific idea of what you can expect when you walk into the office that first day after being hired. It also can give you a heads up as to what will be expected of you, allowing you to build on those attributes during the interview.

This is what I call...Malaysian Hospitality

I stayed overnight at Ascott Residence [ 3-bedroom apartment ] Kuala Lumpur recently with my family. Why Ascott ? Simply its location nearby KLCC which was convenient for me to meet up my long last ' Jimbengs' of KL and the price too. 

They invited me to participate in their survey for them to hear my feedback on my experience staying with them. Without hesitation, I participated and within hours, I received this reply from them ;

' Dear Mr. Irwan,

It was a great pleasure having you stay at Ascott Kuala Lumpur. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us and for giving us an opportunity to address your feedback.

 

We are glad to learn that you enjoyed your stay with us. We are happy to have met your expectations in service and quality standards. Your compliments will be shared with team. Receiving such positive feedback from our guests motivates us to further improve our commitment to delivering good service.

 

We are happy to update that we will be undergoing our major refurbishment later this year. All our apartments will undergo a facelift which includes the changing of carpets, furniture and electrical appliances. We seek your patience and understanding on this matter and are sure that the facelift will address the concerns you have regarding the apartment.

 

Mr. Irwan, we will continue in our improvement efforts to provide excellent service and products to our guests. Once again, thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback and continued support. We hope to be able to welcome you again soon, and have another opportunity to serve you better.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Vincent Wong | Assistant Residence Manager, Executive Office
Ascott Kuala Lumpur'

This is what I called Malaysian Hospitality, stealing from Malaysia Airlines tagline [ with permission]. How I wish others who are in the hospitality industries to emulate Ascott, Kuala Lumpur. For sure, I will stay with them again in the future and recommend my friends, families and business professional to stay with Ascott, Kuala Lumpur.

We are all LOVE to hear good feedback. In contrast, Many also LOVE giving bad feedback. 

In either case, giving and receiving TIMELY feedback with an opened mind and hearts are the KEY for successful business and relationship. Many love giving feedback especially the negative ones but how many are willing to accept those negative feedback and criticism and turn those into opportunities for improvement to strive for excellence and move forward ? 

I have been in situation before where my stakeholders criticized me and threatened not to provide the data and information that I required. Why did I do then ? I listened to them carefully and emphatically though I was attacked left and right, front and back , up and down. Shall I say, I was 'verbally abused' ? Yes, I was. However, I decided to listen to them carefully, put their concerns on my notebook, understood their concerns and promised to address their concerns TIMELY. At the same time, I took the opportunity to explain the situation that I was in, the risk if I did not get the data from them . Ironically, I was different Irwan that time. Somehow, I was so calm and a peace man. 

What have I learned ?  

1. Listen ;

2. Respect ;

3. Act ;

4. Improve;

5. Communicate

TIMELY.

And the rest were histories....

Thinking of making career change ? Calling all management accountants

One of a world's largest producer of natural-based Oleochemicals is currently looking for Management Accountant. 

This is a great opportunity for those who are looking for next growth in one's career. If you have all what it takes - the right mindset and behavior, right skills set and capability, proactive leadership qualities and willing to learn talk directly to ;

Intan Jalaludin
email : intan@cnetg.com 
Telephone: 03-76650050

www.cnetg.com

Customer Orientation | Integrity | Excellence | Teamwork | Communication | Entrepreneurship

Do update your resume ! All applications will be treated with strictest confidentiality !
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Tips how to write a 'sexy' resume ? 


1. Keep it short and simple 

When I was in secondary school, I was taught how to summarize an article into 150 words the max. The summary section weighted 15 marks out of 100 in the examination. For one, I was struggling with this section. Yes, time to put the skills into practice i.e. write a resume which is short and simple [with simple and plain English, of course]. I know, it is not easy if you have 20 years ++ of professional experiences, but this is where your skills is tested!


2. Write 2-page, max 3-page resume

Yes. No one has the time to read every single words that you wrote in your resume. Admit that everyone is busy - the headhunter, the HR, the potential boss etc. They have 100 if not 1000 resumes to go through. Put yourself in their shoes, what will you do ? Skimming and scanning at the first 2-3 pages, the max. If the first 2-3 pages caught their attention, chances you will be called for interview !


3. Choose your words carefully

Yeah, choose the most appropriate and right words to describe your experiences. Let your resume do the talking about yourself to the headhunters, HR and your future boss before the actual face to face interview.


4. Emphasize and highlight your achievement

Yes, time to boast yourself with statement such as ' improved and automated payment process which resulted cost saving of USD 10 million manhours per annum ', ' Cost saving of USD 100 million during project design stage through implementation of unconventional project design system and technology ' . However, be prepared to explain the achievement in great details and at length during the face to face interview.  


5. Be yourself and tell the truth

Yes, be yourself and tell the truth nothing but the truth. You may not tell the truth in your resume, pass the interview and eventually get the job but is it ethically and morally right ?
Worst if the new employer found out the truth once you are in the employment. God forbid ! 

With that..all the best !

Inject a little personality in d big web world. Build ur own website wit #WebberEcommerce . RM79 on #MilkADeal

Inject a little personality in d big web world. Build ur own website wit #WebberEcommerce . RM79 on #MilkADeal

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!

Maybank Vs. CIMB : The Battle in On !

Photo courtesy of The Star Malaysia

AFTER weeks of shadow boxing and craftily-phrased denials from the chiefs of the country's two largest banks, Malayan Banking Bhd and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, we now know this over the next three months (it could be all over even sooner), the Government-linked heavyweights will be locked in a battle to control RHB Capital Bhd (RHB Cap).

Read more GLC Giants Battle


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!

Friends keep telling u that u r jz the #CutestThing ever? Well, be in the running to be THE #CutestThing !

Friends keep telling u that u r jz the #CutestThing ever? Well, be in the running to be THE #CutestThing !

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!

Petronas buys Canadian shale gas assets worth RM3.32bil

PETALING JAYA: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), via its wholly-owned subsidiary Petronas International Corp Ltd (PICL), has signed an agreement with Canada-based Progress Energy Resources Corp to acquire 50% of the latter's interest in shale gas assets worth C$1.07bil (RM3.32bil).In a statement yesterday, Petronas said the agreement was signed to develop the Altares, Lily and Kahta shale gas assets in north-eastern British Columbia.

Read more Petronas buys Canadian shale gas assets worth RM3.32bil

Shale based oil and gas production is an area that Petronas would want to venture into for a long time, since I was with the company back in 2007. One may would wonder why Progress has been tasked as the operator of the venture and not Petronas ? My logical explanation is that lacking of knowledge and capabilities to execute of similar nature projects [ producing oil in the most environmental friendly manner and lowest unit production cost ] and technology are the three(3) main reasons for such decision. This venture will address that gaps through technology and knowledge transfer to Petronas and more so to its staff. It is one way of capability building strategy that Petronas have been doing all the years. I foresee, if this venture is proven as successful and profitable, and they have the knowledge and technology, definitely more acquisitions are in the pipeline targeting countries like Morocco, USA , Eastern Europes and China. Petronas do have the financial muscle to be able to do so.

The next BIG questions are;

The supporting oil and gas companies in Malaysia like Sapura, Scomi, MISC, MMC, Kencana and Dialog to build the same capabilities- knowledge, technology and manpower. Are they ready to take up the challenges and opportunities that Petronas have opened up for them or their happy with the status quo ?

How about the other support industries like airlines industry ? How Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia for that matter respond this move by Petronas? Do they view as cold heart and one eye ?

How about the universities in Malaysia respond to this in producing stream of graduates who are marketable and ready for the jobs ?

Petronas' move is align with the government's target of RM 800 billion oil 'field' as reported recently in New Straits Times newspaper.

All the best !

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.SOS ChildrenHi! 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!

3 ways for Malaysia firms to compete globally

Marketing is one of the subject that I took as part of Accounting Program  at the International Islamic University, Malaysia. My marketing Professor i.e. Prof. Azura introduced me the concept of marketing mix of 4 Ps- Product, Price, Placement and Promotion and product development life cycle- i.e. market introduction, growth stage, maturity stage and saturation and decline stage. Prof Azura also covered, marketing from the Islamic perspective especially how is the subject of  4 Ps and and Product life cycle were dealt from the Islamic's perspective and as far I can remember that ;

If a company embraces the values of ethics, honesty, integrity, halal, no involvement in riba' and loyalty one is actually indirectly positioning and marketing the company products among the customers. The company values and believe is represented and presence in the product itself -both of physical products and services. 

How ? Let us have a look at how was Prophet Muhammad pbuh showed us the example [ He was well known among the business community as Al-Ameen ];


Product- always sold the best products and best of qualities, never did he put and mix both the good products and bad products in the same basket or place;   

Price- the products were price reasonably. While profitability is the prime motivation for business survival over long run, he made profit but not EXCESS profit. His products were always sold out ;

Placement- If the business always did well, with all the commodities were sold out, Muhammad was  the man of integrity, honesty, loyalty, ethical people the customers would still go to him and looking forward to buy products from him.

Promotion- I am not sure how was promotion done back then, during Prophet Muhammad 's time. I do not think there was such thing like internet, social media [ Facebook, Twitter] etc, but I believe it was happening back then, but just that in a different forms and formats. One that I can think of is words of mouth was one of the most powerful marketing tool and is still. Prophet Muhammad's personality and values speak for himself, and translated into the business.

The above are some of the points that I can recall from my Principles of Marketing classes, taught by Professor Azura. Of course there are more. As I was not a brilliant student back then. I managed to get B for the subject. [B : 70-79 %] and come to think about it, not bad eh.

How should Malaysian firms compete with global firms?

Kotler offers three ways to do so, one of which is to exploit understanding of the local markets, for example fast food in the US.

Jollibee Foods, Nando's and Paollo Campero used their understanding of local perferences to cater to the tastebuds of the diaspora from their home markets.

Secondly, he suggested building on familiarity with local resources as done by Haier.

Haier had created a distribution and service network that covers not only urban markets but also in semi-urban and rural China.

Another example he cited was the India IT firms' talent advantage where TATA Consultancy Services, WIPRO and Infosys have tapped the global capital and talent markets, beating their overseas rivals.

The third way is for private sector businesses to fill institutional voids.

"Only governments can set up certain institutions, but companies can own and profitably operate many kinds of intermediaries in product and factor markets," he said.

PM: Quality and marketable graduates needed to attract FDI

PM: Quality and marketable graduates needed to attract FDI

I wrote about it in one of my entries and having the self confidence and public speaking is something of utmost important too.

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!

Quote of the Day

@Jen_Gilbert Jennifer Gilbert

If you mess up don’t worry. Everyone makes mistakes; it’s how we learn. Own up to your mistake, make adjustments and then move on.

27 minutes ago via SocialOomph Unfavorite Undo Retweet Reply

I have been working with organization, where making mistake a big NO-NO, or shall I say a career suicide. People are so afraid in making mistake resulting almost impossible to introduce changes and improve to the process, simply because all are afraid of making mistakes. You can expect full of resistance whenever the organization is trying to introduce changes.

I am neither suggesting nor promoting people to make mistakes, as an effective and efficient organization would be having all the controls in place, and from time conducting self assessment to make sure the controls mechanism in place are adequate and working as intended. But sometimes, by making mistakes though after adhering to the established policies, procedures and guidelines it provides opportunity and a signal that the control mechanism in place is either outdated, need improvement,, a total revamp or just irrelevant in today's business environment. More importantly for the management to respond to the mistake, what are the root causes, lesson learned and way forward [ i.e. the controls to be put in place]. The organization who is willing to learn from the mistake and move forward is what I called a learning organization.

What would be my reactions if I realized that I have made a mistake ;

1. Whether I have missed out or overlook something that is clearly stated in the procedures and guidelines;

It reminds me of Accounting Program Dean at the International Islamic University, Malaysia Prof. Nordin during his opening remarks before we were attached to the firms for our internship programs. I remember it well he said ;
" Ask from your supervisor the latest, updated and approved procedures and guidelines on the very first day you report duty in the office. Take your time to read through it and ask questions if you do not understand any part of the documents. Remember, you are there to learn ".

So, I just did what was told and the answer that I got was surprising " What procedures and guidelines you are referring to ? We do not have any as we learn through doing ". That was way back in 1997.

I just did and still following his advise.

2. I normally come clean, admit to my boss that I have made a mistake;

3. I offer my boss alternatives, solutions and way forward to minimise the impact form the mistake that I made;

4. I learned from it and will make sure that I make mistake no more ;

5. If my staff made the mistake, I would expect him to demonstrate the same behaviour and mindset like I do;

Thankfully, I have thus far throughout my 13 years of professional experiences have a very supportive bosses which to certain extent shape me the way I am now, both professionally and personally.

Spiritually, I believe that even if I made mistake , I always pray to Allah that HE will forgive me and I know and firmly believe that HE is the most merciful and forgiving. The story of Prophet Adam is one of many examples.Still, doesn't mean that I shall commit mistake without reading and understand the procedures and guidelines i.e. the Holy Qur'an and Hadith. There is a dedicated chapter in the Holy Qur'an about seeking forgiveness i.e. Surah At Tawbah.

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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Which part of that is my problem ?

I am leaving next week the company and the country for good. Incha Allah.

Since day one I submitted my resignation, I have prepared the handover checklist and file which comprises among others- details, step by step handover note [ link and all the files location, procedures and guidelines] to the incoming incumbent beside concurrently having to complete the on-going major task [ the annual planning and budgeting] and other tasks agreed with my boss. I have also prepared the handover schedule for each [ days and dates] of the tasks that I did. Oh yeah, did I mention that I include the deadline for each of the deliverable in the handover notes. I shall , right ?

I delivered of what were expected out of me on the dot, without giving it a miss as I am a deadline person. I work based on dates and priorities. That is so me. In essence, I have done what  was supposed to be done before leaving the company.

Until this morning ;

" Hi Irwan, How are you today ? " familiar voice from the other side
" Im fine and good, thank you " my reply
" Where are you ?"
"Home, waiting for the mover to pack my things and send it for shipment "
 "I am not satisfied with this month accrual. Did you explain to him how to do the accrual ?.There few items, worth of millions missing and are not included in this month accrual . Can you come over to the office now to guide him and review this accrual ? "
" I am afraid, I can't as I am still waiting for the movers and I need to supervise the packing process"
"Will it take long ?"
"I think yes. Well, I have written and explained the process step-by-step and the report in SAP where he can check and validate the figures. The next thing for him to do is to look at last month's accrual and compare it with this month, and check from the SAP whether invoices have been paid or service entry sheet approved by the TOFA. That is the basic of accrual. "
" OK, I will ask him to do it !"
"OK"
"Bye"
"Bye"

Have I not done and carried my responsibilities properly ? Have I not delivered the message to the incumbent clearly ? What went wrong here ? and the tone of my boss sounded like, " Hey Irwan, you have not done your part ! "

Hang on, let me recap what had happened which I think are some of the factors that contribute to the above.

1. The incumbent did not turn up for the handover session as per schedule. He did not commit himself with the date which was sent and agreed earlier. Oh yeah, he was sick the whole week, FYI ;
2. He did not want to actually listened to me, when I walked through and showed him the step-by-step how to go about doing the task, but instead he told me that he will do this way and that his way. He did not read the handover notes that was prepared for him by me to understand it. He kept telling me, that I do not have all the time if I to do your way, as I have other jobs and task;
3. I must say, deadline in a row, back to back, one after another is all about being in my position. Time management is very essential and critical. The incumbent must be well prepared mentally, personally and professionally to work extra and long hours when the jobs require to do [of course if need be], but from my observation he did not, but I guess that is how he manages his time;
4. The incumbent, at the same time, have to do his other task though he will replace me. But then again, I do not understand why the management decided for him to take over my position where there are more senior staff who are in the group, taking care of much simpler and smaller areas of responsibility ? I do not know;
5. Many times, he told me because of factor No. 4, he will just do what he can and deliver what he is suppose to deliver , though he will compromise on quality and the deadline. I must say, he is good guy but he is still does not understand why he was the chosen one [ he is junior with lower position grade] to take over my position [ the group that I was taking care is the 2nd largest group in terms of expenditure and budget in the company]; 6. How about my Head's roles and responsibility in reviewing his submission ? Why he is washing his "hands-off" when it comes to reviewing his subordinates work and simply passing it to me ? Is he implying that if something wrong in the future, I will be held responsible and accountable ?;
 
In the end, I have done my part and my best and there is so much I can do to help and assist while I can, but there is so much I can do. It is good to know and realize that I have done to my level best, but if the someone  do not understand and appreciate basic accounting principals and fundamentals [ I think in this case he understands it well] and is not or less motivated enough [ due to many factors ] to do the job, so

"Which part of that is my problem ?"

Unfortunately or fortunately, I was handling my personal effects shipping to my country which my boss is fully aware of it based on my SMS to him yesterday. 

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!

Tip of the Day : Leave Your Bad Day at Work

Thought this article from Harvard Business Review helps. In the end of the day, it is up to the individual to strike the balance between personal and professional life, and more often that not much easier said than done.