Week just ended review: Eid, People, RE

1.       Lessons from socialising, berayaing, and generally meeting other people

a.       Eid – of the one month variety is a great concept when it involves visiting and learning of the ways of others, their fears and concerns, their comforts and thoughts. I oppose the open house concept other than having an opportunity to gather the right ‘gang’ and clique at the right place at the right time. So, thus I guess our 3 “mini-open” houses this year.

b.      This past weekend was a pretty good one. After the kids Kumon, we kicked off firstly with Villa Sutera, where lessons of articulation and speaking a lot more than expected can be distilled. Then, it was a Kinrara trip, where a property investment opportunity presents itself. And also, the fact that I have a marketing agent to turn to in the future should I need one.

c.       The night ended with a Raya-cum-residential meeting, the post-mortem from a recent break-in just 2 days before, baying loudly for the security guards to strap up and do work properly. Sitting back, the baying of blood from the masses is a source of concern to me, primarily when I don’t feel it serves its purpose of enhancing security. First, is the fact that neighbours need to be vigilant and keep a lookout for each other. Secondly, security needs to be in your face, and no resident should raise an objection to this. Thirdly, technology solutions should be optimised. This is a position I should stand firm on, and kacau the rightful AJK constantly of the need to go beyond the superficial mingling. I see a mini-open house for the gang, Nik, KJ, J etc is in order.

d.      MAD followed the next day. Again, after not doing anything in JDC for the last 2 years despite sitting on the committee, and from a larger picture, not doing anything for the last 8 years, I contributed to drafting a resolution for dissolution of the branch. Ironic! But after giving it much thought, it is the best alternative, and when put to the vote, it was accepted by a thumping 20-10. Key learning points, Menang dimension is in effect, and it feels good to be able to lead in the though process when everyone else is trapped in the miasma.

e.       Then, it was a lightning trip to Putra Hts, and again the GIH connections loom everywhere, before a quick trip to FZ’s. Nice prime property, highly in demand etc, but so dead in terms of life and society. Give me Primaya any day. Quick mental note on next home, overlooking Masjid, security, corner at least.

f.        Amran’s was next – Mum is now 2 weeks with an ailment from whose description I’m guessing its septicimea, the same that brought down Arwah. His dedication to my old place is exemplary, but I get the nagging feeling that in the greater scheme of things that this is extremely misleading and suboptimal. You don’t get educated at the best Ivy league universities to negotiate CAs and become union activists – leave this to the proper MTUC types and use the gifts of intellect and articulation where it is best suited. Engineering sector in Malaysia is extremely stagnant, and no one has made a proper stab at marketing our  intrinsic capabilities thus far. As much as I hate to say it, Francis Yeoh has been one of the few who has managed this extremely well (leaving aside the lop-sided sweetheart deal he is the beneficiary of). Note – pls make dua for his mom, and dus that I have the strength to conduct and do what is right for the engineering fraternity who opts to stay in the technical line, rather than leaving to work in the more lucrative financial sector, or leaving to the Middle East.

g.      Wan Roslan was dropping a hint that his employers will be proceeding with an ETP identified mega project soon. Worth checking out this lead.

h.       Mak was still waiting for Fiza, but at the same time, I felt sorry that I did not participate in providing a valid excuse for her to recuse herself from joining CIk Yah’s trip to Gambang.

 

2.       Lessons from others

a.       And then there was this morning. I should appreciate my wife more, she’s helpful despite not feeling the best of health.

b.      My own slipping iman, as seen from solat times, is a concern. More of the Ramadhan spirit needs to be invigorated. Mujahadah this week to finish off the Syawwal fasts, zakat to JDC, and qurban to Kemboja.

c.       Hodgson – good or lousy? I quote buy the player power sidestory, as even a crappy 442 formation should still be good enough to overpower Blackpool, as we did in the 2^nd half. But the late / inadequate subs, the wrong personnel, the lack of a plan B, the lack of drive and motivation.. on the whole as of now, we’re slipping fast and need urgent remedial action. Professorial dithering isn’t good enough, sorry.. we have too much of that in the workplace already.

 

3.       RE interests and opportunities

a.       There is a reason why engineers shouldn’t do sales, marketing, and it was evident this morning. Siemens had as their conference launch gimmick a dance troupe wearing reflective costumes, then cornily raising highlighted promo phrases associated with climate change, you know the phrases that jumps out in the powerpoints. Message lost. Don’t bother next time.

b.      Dinner tonight, but I’d need to understand who to target and questions to ask. Perhaps can start with questions on what are the opportunities when the industry is so fragmented. Service integrators, legal and regulatory advisers / consultants?