Harvard

In my quest of killing the boredom, I browse aimlessly from magazine to website to search for some interesting reading materials. Fortunately, I found one in the Times Magazine. The article entitles, "Who needs harvard?". A catchy title often entices me to read further. Well, it seems there is trend of increasing applicants to get into Ivy League school. To be honest, Ivy League school never once cross my mind mainly because I think the dream is simply unachievable, my academics and co curricular aren't that outstanding and probably financial issue. However, the article states that the world is changing. It used to be networking in the well known university forms the initial step to get you through your working life. However, the current trend seems to suggest otherwise. The new jobs created nowadays are not available previously. Hence, one cannot depend on networking to get you further anymore.

Surprisingly, many students still cling on to this perception. Hence, a few interviews with students who decided to choose other universities instead of Ivy League-status schools are held. Throughout the interviews, some comments suggest that being in less famous schools allow you to get more attention from the teaching staff. Besides, one has more chances of succeeding in carrying out research and getting your research published as there are more resources to help you. I think it is quite true towards certain extent. I will not go very far but through my experience when studying in University of Sydney. It is true that the university holds a lot of job career event, job fairs and even holds workshop to enhance your interview skills but I still think more things can be done to help students, especially international students. More often than not, students are left on the lurch of surviving on their own. I think somehow, the University just want to achieve higher job rate after graduation rather than enhancing the quality and successful graduates.

My aunt did ask about my course about some on hand experience after graduation and I said my university provides none. You are left to search for your own way to survive. Luckily, I met some very nice seniors who are willing to share their stories and experience with me. In this way, I hope I will survive too in times to come. Putting this aside, the Ivy League schools also charge around 30k per year fees. I was like, "Wow". Education has grown into money leeching industry. What happens to the education subsidy, study grants and despite of not being taxed, the costs of higher education is increasing at an increasing rate.

I only can put my hope that Malaysia starts to develop world class university too. I want to see every Malaysian has the chance to pursue higher education and of course with the emphasis of merit, creativity and innovation in mind. It is not that we are left out already which is the problem, it is that we are falling behind every year. I think the costs of higher education in Malaysia is reasonable, just that I often heard bad quality teaching staff. Maybe one day, they should hire me when I am experienced enough. Haha!!! AND I DEMAND HIGH SALARY PLEASE. The notion of teaching union is very impressive to me. At least, the teaching staff gets the chance to voice out and teaching union in my university is very strong. Up to now, I have heard two proposed strikes and both of them are settled through amicable solutions.

The privileges of doing more research, less teaching and higher salaries are gained. Good stuff. I dislike the current proceedings in Malaysia. Any strike is deemed bad, authority challenging, loss of power and associated with negativity. It should be viewed as a healthy way of voicing out, not like everyone is killing each other. Perhaps, it is the Asian mentally is at fault. "I dun wanna create problem." Wake up, my fellow friends, if you do not voice out, nobody knows what are your problems. Talk and negotiate PROFESSIONALLY and please do not include personal opinion, race issue and hate-talk in it. Some unscrupulous parties tend to use own agenda to gain publicity. What the heck, so uncivilized.

But, I still will love it very much to see my home country universities to grow and develop, just in case I wish to pursue Masters or Phd in the future (oh no, self interest). But, good education benefits everyone. As the economic theory says, education has various overflowing beneficial effects on the society. One particularly important to Malaysia is civilization. People's minds need to open up more and be ready to accept challenges. If you don't, you will lose out and say bye bye to the world. All in all, I still love my university. Partly, it because it has a beautiful landscape, partly due to the some of the great teaching staffs that I have met, partly I am passionate to go further in life and partly because I have a chance to know what I want to be in the future.

Blogger who cannot believe he spend so much time talking that he forgets that it is supposed to be study vacation for him. Ciao-su!

BBQ Chinese Grill

   I had a good time at BBQ Chinese Grill yesterday. Eat a lot, laugh a lot and also spend a lot =) Although money has been just banked in, it seems that it is flowing out very fast too. Hopefully I can be more thrifty in weeks to come. Due to exams, I think I will spend even more eating out or take aways. Yesterday is an exception because it is for a friend's birthday but I find it rather expensive though. Will not tell my mum about the price, if not, i will get leteran yang cukup panjang. Honestly, I am not a fan for grill stuff, too dry and too salty feeling. But for once in awhile, I dun mind. I think the reason can be due to my preference for ikan bakar and sotong goreng of the sort. So grilling marinated chicken and pork is deemed lower standard of food tasting. Haha =) typical Malaysian.

   Exams are coming soon. My mid sem exams are quite badly done. With average credit and pass, I feel that I am losing my touch. I want to aim high and study hard. I should begin revising today. No work, no reward. I learn that last time.

   And I am praying everything goes smoothly for me, my work and my academics. I want to get that tutor position so badly that I think my good friend has been listening me talking about it so often until they want to puke... haha...No lar, the puke part is false. With the job is associated with my future dreams of having a trip to UK, settlement of my next year's rent. Please please, say yes. I only can hope and wish for the best. And as for the rest is up to someone up there.

Blogger feeling wishful and dreamy.

free

I was going through my music files.... Then, I stacked all my files according to my personal rating. Suddenly, I came across this song- free spirited =)

my very first kolam =)

Here are the pictures I manage to grab from my friend on the day I did the kolam. Although I did not participate till the end because I have an early class the following day, I still feel great. Want to do kolam, ask me okay? I know how de because I am the one mixing the colours (air of proudness)

Diwali Night =)

It was quite hectic at the beginning as I was late for event. Sorry,I had class until 6pm and the event started at 6pm. Nevertheless, we managed to pull it through. Yesterday is actually my first time wearing the Indian traditional clothing. It looks weird on me because it is kind of long and my friend, who I borrow the clothes from, is quite tall and buff. I had fun making the kolam the night before. Actually, it is not as hard as I thought it would be. Just that the process of mixing the colour had my fingers nails coloured =.= Do you know what is a kolam?
It is actually the coloured grain rice the Indians displayed on the floor during Deepavali. I am satisfied for the fact that I am part of the kolam team. It is not pronounced as kolam (Malay), it is ko 'lem'. the lem must sound like the lembu's lem.

In the middle of the food event, there was a dance by the team for the Malam Gema Malaysia night. So, in short, it was awesome. Then, after almost finished serving the guests with food, I decided to have a go at the henna. Kind of nice.... Here you go:

Blogger feeling a bit guilty because he actually supposed to be doing the Country Report yesterday and today. But then he is thinking it is actually quite worth it because at the end of the day, everyone went home with a smile on their faces. And he thinks that is priceless~

Dear diary

Today has been good to me. Although I am rushing in doing my stuff, I made good progress. One day and I have settled 500 words of assignment. In my opinion, I am better in shock sendiri to interpret all the data and numbers. I am going to nail you, Country Report. In anticipation of a busy week ahead of me, I am pumping myself with more adrenaline. I remembered there is once I discussed about this last semester when I had done my finance assignment.

A senior told me, "Work hard, final exam for finance is going to be hard." I was like ..... Okay. Another senior told me she is the second top student for the subject I am taking now. Since second top scorer is asking me to work hard, who am I to say no right? Time to do revision for this subject. I am hoping for a credit. Please bless me, Corporate Finance 2. You know I love you right? I am sounding cuckoo... Better sign off now to resume my homework.

Dear diary

16 October 2010,

Today is a windy and sunny day. A very unproductive day. I don't know what happened to me. The nearer the assignment due date comes, the scarier I get. And the scarier I get, the more times I will blog. I have this anxiety problem. When I am not happy, confused and scared, I blog. I almost treat my blog as my personal diary. But, I do know I this is for public viewing, hence, I don't curse. Haha....not that I curse anyway.

There is this international business subject which requires heavy research on a specific country. And I thought choosing Philippines would be easy peasy because initially I see huge potential for foreign investment. However, the more I research, the worse it gets, economically. For the culture, political and legal parts, they are still blank. I don't know where to start and what to do. Part of me has given up because I did quite badly in the team analysis works. Fine.... I should do it baby step and stop complaining. You are sounding like a grandpa, Chee Seng!

I came across an article which writes that a person can be more productive by listing all the tasks. Then, tick all the tasks that have been done. Fair enough but the problem is I have difficulty in following the list. Currently, 1148pm, my neighbours a few blocks away are having party of their lives. You wait! I will call security when the clock strikes 12. I don't want to be mean, I just want to start doing my work and I know today is Saturday. Not everyone parties on Saturday.

Blogger getting frustrated over his procrastination...FML

Continuation...... of what makes you happy?

After writing my experience for so loooonnnngggg, I begin trailing off from my original post. Sorry about that. I know because I am a self-reflecting person.

The number 2: Good health.

Men are happy when they are in good shape. It is kind of true. I think being in good health should be counted as a blessing that we are going to live for another day. Good health is a kicking start towards great success. Haha... it sounds cliche yet true. Everyone needs a good mind and healthy body to execute anything. I have quite an extent to be in good shape. I jog once in a while, maybe once every two weeks? I swim like once a month and play badminton also every fortnight. I love to exercise and sweat. Part of me thinks that by being in shape now, it helps me to think faster. Just a thought though.

The number 3: A happy partner

Surprise, surprise. It says that by having a happy partner in life, men are happier. Pretty glad to know that. It seems that happiness can spread like wildfire and the survey reveals men are 8% happier if his great life is shared with his partner. Aiyor.... then I must be failing this area lar.... Dun say partner la, the bayang of a gf pun tak pernah nampak.... But I do give a thought at times. Still no progress.... Fine, this point is not relevant then.

To be continued.... assignment needs to be submitted soon. Time to start doing the rest of it. Ciao.

What makes you happy?

Due to my boredom despite tonnes of things to do, I always browse through the net to find stuff which is interesting. Something like survey about men's opinion, health, food and music. I come across an online magazine and it list the 10 things that make men happy. Well, let's see.

No. 1: Friends. I totally agree with this ranking. It says that meeting friends make men happy. Wow, that's so true. According to the survey, the amount of money that should be compensated for a guy who has not met his friends for a year is closely $300,000. That's a lot! I can't agree less. I think it is not the money, I think I will die... Haha =) I am so talkative and if I don't see my friends, I am most likely to suffer depression and commit suicide. No la, probably won't commit suicide. I can be a pretty loner at times, but I love to just chat with my good friends. The magazine also writes that being around peers helps men to produce a kind of hormone which gives happy feeling... Betul betul.... Should i post the picture of my friends here ar? DUN WANT LAR, I AM SO SHY.... haha, not really shy but is because I seldom take pictures with my friends geh... It is not the pictures that show your strength of your friendship right? It is the heart that counts. (wink wink)

I consider myself pretty fortunate because wherever I went I had at least a friend which I could closely talk to.... Like last time primary school, got three besties always there... Chat like orang gila seems like nobody's business. Then come to secondary school, also got one two friends geh, the ones who will can finish your sentences... Freaking hate them for finishing my sentences (not really, i think friends like that are treasures!) Then come to college, seems like I am a bit withdrawn, quite quiet and quite lost though they are good friends  but seldom can talk. Talk also must be careful at times.... I dunno why, maybe felt strange... But then in the end got one lar.... But this friends quite siow one as the surname suggests. XD can be funny and can be sampat and can be super kind as well... I think friends who know me really well last time can pretty sure say I have moody behaviour.

It can be attributed to insecurity. I dun like to be in the presence of many people actually. For me, if they are really close, three to four are sufficient. But it so happens everytime my close friends have such a huge gang of friends that I get pulled in the end... Unexpected yet happy =) To say I am judgemental is true, I am friend selector... Hohoho.... Once I told my good friend about this, he got scared, "Wahhhh, I din know you are like that." Well, be glad I select you...... No lar, I am just crapping... I don't really talk much unless I really know you but I get the feeling that everytime once I get warm up to the close friends, it is time to leave again. So, being personal can be a good thing too. Takkan want me to pour out everything when meeting new friends meh? That will be inappropriate.

Now leh, sometimes find that some can be fake, some intentional yet many truthful and sincere. Glad to know them. But I dunno it is me or them. I can feel like they are hiding something. If I ask the question knowing the question is what my friends want to avoid, will I be deemed KPC. I believe everyone has the right to keep their personal lives to themselves but only good friends will want to know right? I am not wrong for thinking that right?

For me, it is very common that I avoid certain subject. True enough, I don't say unless people ask. Because I believe people who care are the ones who will ask these questions. So, I answer truthfully. All this while, I thought I hide my personal stuff quite well until I suddenly told a friend about my story la...bla bla bla... And he said, "I know ar," I said how u know.... "Because you never talk about it"... Hmmm... Well, I didn't say because I do not want to sound disrespectful because I used to think that reality sucks... Yeah, sucks big time..

I think I have been in such a dilemma state for so long, and to be in dilemma now is such a simple thing. I don't face problem which normal people seem to face. I think nobody will understand. By saying, it shouldn't  help. So, might as well don't say. Not that I choose to not to tell, but I tried and everytime I get the sympathy looks that I dislike. There was once I told a friend who has similar problem like myself. After hearing, I think she found it a relief because deep down she never expect me to have such big problems before. Haha... I think I should be a motivator next time just by telling my story. So dramatic yet pitiful.

That's the reason I find that being emo is the worst expression. You want to be emo, friend. Come and listen to my story and I think you have no more reason to be emo about. You think life is hard, of course it is hard. Nobody says it is easy. Suck up,learn and move on. But I am quite fortunate because I learn to dream. As I believe background forms a personality and since my background is different, I always dream of being different from others. I want to succeed but not just materially because picking myself up is not easy.

And I always appreciate friends around me. I think I have good memory when it comes to my personal lives. I can still remember the friend who consoled me when I cried in primary school. The friend who stood by me when the rest think I am being a disgrace, the friend who fought with me over simple matter. the friend who told me I am his best friend, the friend who appeared everywhere unexpectedly wherever I go, and the friend who cried over love.

Due to my good memory, it always seems that these friends have been my besties like yesterday. Let me count the besties that I have: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10. Well, not many hor? So pathetic, in my life, I only have 10 besties but I think 10 is sufficient... and how much do you think I will pay if I were to never to meet them in my life before? Nothing because all I will pay is my heart, love and sincerity.

Condolences

I really have no idea when my sis asked me to call back home. Normally, the first thing on my mind is, "Oh shit, some bad has happened again."

True enough, a relative has passed away again. Not to say that I am particularly close to the uncle but, I know that uncle is a good man. He is very capable too. My mum praised him, "Saying that he is very 'pen shi' because with just O level qualification, he has become a manager, working overseas." True, the uncle is quite humble too. Not like some rich guys who only know how to show off. What is shocking is for the fact that his cause of death is still unknown and he is only 53 years of age. Deepest condolences from me to the family.

All I can is that good people die too young in this world. At least, he is not suffering when he passed away. The people suspected heart attack but this seems to be unheard of since he has been healthy all this while.

Fine, this year has not really be an auspicious year. When I suffered the loss of two grandparents, the least I can say is they are of old age already but for this, I have nothing to say. I am bad at attending funerals because I have nothing to say. Normally, I will escape if I can do so.

Hopefully they are able to get back the corpse soon because there seems to be a delay.

There is once I attended a dharma talk in my uni. The old uncle told us that ," We should be able to let go of the departeds." I don't pay attention to what he said, but true enough, one should move on. The memories remain. What I am sad during my grandma's passing is the fact that I have received so much kindness and help from her. And before I can even repay her kindness, she is already gone. Fortunately, I will always remember what she told me last time, study hard and be good. As I am the youngest in the family, not due to age but due to rankings, I am always being laughed at. Haha... I find it funny too when my grandma said it.

But she is always say I am her favourite. I used to be very naughty and called her "Mother" following what my father, mother,uncles and aunties call her. She would  reply, "Ohhhh, that makes you my 'lai zhai', following up by 'lai zhai lai sam kon'. " Yes, having her did cheer up my life and made my life easier. I am always indebted to her.

As for the rest who suffers the same loss as me, be grateful that they have been there for us. In life, we should appreciate what we had, not the loss. Come and go is the norm of life. Be grateful and move on.

Blogger feeling happy thinking about past memories. =)

.... .... ....

Today is a relax and gloomy day. After attending 9am lecture and 1pm tutorial, I feel carefree and decide to come back home to finish my drama series. I believe I am in a state of drama addiction. So, I am feeling rather sleepy and anxious for not being able to do anything. Along the way home, I grabbed a monthly magazine published by one of the student union in my university. I think it is pretty cool for my student union to be able to pull off such a good work.

It caught my eye for the edition of the Magazine being "Queer edition". Being an American drama series fan, I know the mean of queer referred by the Western society. Haha... Do you know what it means? If I am not mistaken, it is used to refer to people who are not heterosexuals, such as gays,lesbians and asexuals. What amuses me is the fact that even students are allowed to talk about sexuality so freely. But, I am impressed that the freedom of speech given is used wisely because the contents are generally to promote understanding, tolerance and acceptance. Thumbs up, Honi Soit (title of the magazine). I am not an avid reader of Honi Soit but occasionally, I will take a peek just to immerse myself in the Australian culture.

The thing about Australia is that it is unique of its own. Besides having the same political system as her Western counterparts, the economy, social and cultural values are quite different. Sadly, I am not fond of Australia. Maybe, I should say my characteristics do not fit well into Australia. It is safe to say that I am a person who values traditional aesthetics, being art, language, culture and history. Australia is rather too modern to my liking. As such, Malaysia still has a better greater aesthetic values which I cherish. Malaysia has its  faults and weakness yet, it depends on every individual's judgement. The culture can be rather horrible at times, but it is the thing that make me laugh and shakes my head at the end of the day.

En en.... I am feeling down recently. Don't know why. Can be homesick, can be too bored, can be sick of the world's intolerance and cruelty. Despite all this, I believe everyone will have a time like this. Hope that there is someone who will suddenly just knock my room door and talk to me about things... but I think it is rather impossible because my house door is locked =.= haha... Hoping for the impossible which reminds me of another occasion which I told a friend of mine... Why can't you strike a jackpot while at the same time not buying it? The only possibility is you pick up a winning jackpot ticket... another =.= lame joke but my friend did laugh at that time... This is me... the ever positive me in front of others yet, somehow, I feel so lonely and down when I am alone.

Adios

Uni starts tomorrow

I feel refreshing after watching endless drama series. Yes, my refreshment is plain simple. Just sit down, relax and watch. Pure simple pleasure. It has been a week of holidays.

This spring break brings good news too. I have been confirmed a place to stay for 2011. At least I will have a shelter. Besides, I am going for a tutor position interview. Fingers crossed... If I got this job, my dream of an oversea graduate holiday will be closer than ever =) Well, I think new mid-semester brings new hope. I want my world to rock even more.

Yesterday, I went grocery shopping with a friend. Along the way, we chatted about uni stuff, life as an oversea student and daily stuff. It has been unquestionable that people back home think we are doing so well. "Wah, so nice ar to be studying overseas. Must be very lucky". But do you really think the experiences are all happiness?
Not all. It is has never been easy. I am grateful for the opportunity but this opportunity comes with a cost. The feeling away from home. The stress and challenges that come with it.

To be frank, it has never been easier to talk to someone. Sometimes, you just have to suck it all up, be strong and give the radiant smile that everyone loves to see. Hmmmm....

Fortunately, I cope better now. Next year will be my last year. I am joining the workforce soon. A bit apprehensive, a bit worried but there is also excitement and sense of adventurous. First thing, I don't want to feel poor any longer. NEVER. I have known what it feels like. Yet, I will come out of it with pride, dignity and with a sense of humility (hopefully).

Recently, I have been watching the drama "Can't Buy Me Love", A story about a princess taken into the palace when she was 6. This drama is very hilarious and emphasizes on family values. I begin to cherish what I used to have. It is not the material substance that matters at the end of the day, it is what that lies within our hearts that matters the most.

I used to wonder and ask my mum last time why she is so bother to cook for the whole family when we can just easily go out and dine at a restaurant. Faster, cheaper and less work. Yet, my suggestion has always been turned down except during birthdays and minor celebrations. I think I can understand how she felt back then. I think it is her sense of pride as a mother and happiness as a care giver to give us the very best she can. The thought of doing something for your loved ones is so great that every Mum's action is unquestionably always right. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Blogger begins to see another light that makes sense in his life by watching another drama. =)

Spring Break

Spring break is almost finished. It is a week holiday here for University of Sydney. I have spent five days straight watching dramas and anime. Oh my gosh. When I think about it, the only time I walked was to the bathroom or prepare something to eat. I am so idle that I love my holiday so much. Me love dramas. Fact of life that I will admit proudly.

Luckily I did something during this break. At least, I played badminton once on thursday. And the consequence, my thighs are still sore till now. An indication that I have been slacking in exercises for quite some time already. But I like the badminton session because I sweat and run. Me love sports. Another fact of life....

Besides, I went to a buffet. The time is rather odd. The buffet started from 930pm until 11pm because this is the promotion hour. Being a student, I search frantically for anything that is on promotion. But I love the buffet. It is held in a casino. Eat as if I have starved for a few days. The desserts were splendid. So nice untill words can't express my happiness. It has a variety of food.... I felt so bliss. Hohoho... My stomach felt bloated after finished eating. I would love to go again =)

There you go, all about my one week holiday. Short and sweet. I intended to write a little longer but one of my facts of life is disrupting my plan. XD Till then, adios!