I am organizing a couple of climbs for Charity next year. Going to be interesting so I am looking for those who are interested to get in touch with me (onghocksiew.gmail.com). Look at some of the scenes of the majestic Kinabalu.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Lessons from the pool
Dream your pictures, paint your dreams. Don't let life get you down. Stay strong & rise above your circumstances. Each storm will pass you by and a new dawn will come
Today let me give you lessons from the pool as an extension of the lessons given in the previous blogpost on fear. Take alook at it.....
Today let me give you lessons from the pool as an extension of the lessons given in the previous blogpost on fear. Take alook at it.....
Beat your fears
Dream your pictures, paint your dreams. Don't let life get you down. Stay strong & rise above your circumstances. Each storm will pass you by and a new dawn will come
THE TERRIBLE ORDEAL OF LIVING WITH YOUR FEARS
I have seen so many people, many of them young and just starting out in their life, gripped by a a terrible fear of things in their life. Many just hide this part of themselves away because they are afraid of being ridiculed and laughed at. The world we live in is a cruel place - the weak and down-trodden are made fun of and ostracised. I have news for you if you fall into such a category.
YOU CAN BREAK THE BONDAGE OF FEAR - STARTING TODAY
Do you know you can break this bondage of fear and banish it from your life. It is actually quite easy even though many who are in the syndromme of fear think that they can never ever break it so they just live with it and try to ignore it by putting it aside. This is living dangerously because you never know when the fear might come again and bring its consequences with it. Yo9u don;t have to wait for a next encounter. you can start dealing with it by making a start. If you are interested, write to me at onghocksiew@gmail.com and I wilp personally coach you out of your fears.
FEAR SEEMS SO INNOCENTLY UNTHREATENING WHEN IT IS FAR AWAY
Funny how when we talk about fears, we can laugh at its silliness and its impact when it is not happening. It seems so funny when we look at it from afar. But then when it comes a "visiting" usually during situations that arise, we can be totally paralysed or debilitated and then the results can be disastrous.
YOU MUST FIRST UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FEARS
There are different types of fears and I will list some of the more common ones out:
It is also true of the fear of dark and "creepy crawlies". when a cockroach (quite harmless really) runs across the room, there is terrified reactions all round. Such reactions is easily conveyed and passed on. A constant barrage of such fearful reactions makes the culprit (the small cockroach as well as all other small insects later) a feared object. Over the years, such reactions actually cements itself into the psyche of those who are not strong enough. Fear of the dark has a similar origin. The conjecture of ghosts in dark places is the most convenient way for grown-ups to dissuade young children from venturing into such places. Asian families are big culprits in this area. Left undealt with, the sentiments grow even when there are no further encounters with the dark. In the growing years, the thrill of watching "ghost" movies and horrow shows adds huge fear elements to what is already bad.
THEN YOU MUST KNOW THEIR CAUSE AND HOW THEY CAME ABOUT
It is knowing the cause of your fears that is the first step for you to overcome it. If it was what your parents and elders taught you or implanted in you, you must understand why they did it. once you know the reasons, you will be able to take some steps to banish such fears. List down each fear you have and then try and trace its causes and how it came about. Take this first step and you will be surprised at how many of your fears are actually created by people anbd circumstances. Sometimes it could an unpleasant encounter or experience but it doesn't matter. Get to know the cause first. Try it and look out for my other articles to follw on fear.
ONE AREA WHERE IT CAN BE SO READILY HANDLED
Let me show you one area where it can be so readily handled. We have a lodge up in Berjaya Hills called Grace Hill Orchard Lodge. Then we have a natural swimming pool with an 8 feet platform. This is the place where we teach people to overcome their fear of water and heights together. Someone who can't swim can in a few short hours not only swim but do certain fantastic feats like doing a back somersault or a front somersault.
Don;t believe me? Look at the accompanying videos and see what happened. two yound girls who couldn't swim well can within a short while do a front and back somersault into the pool from 8 feet high. Amazing, ain't it! you can do the same too. Don't believe it?? Come and visit me and you will see for yourself.
THE TERRIBLE ORDEAL OF LIVING WITH YOUR FEARS
I have seen so many people, many of them young and just starting out in their life, gripped by a a terrible fear of things in their life. Many just hide this part of themselves away because they are afraid of being ridiculed and laughed at. The world we live in is a cruel place - the weak and down-trodden are made fun of and ostracised. I have news for you if you fall into such a category.
YOU CAN BREAK THE BONDAGE OF FEAR - STARTING TODAY
Do you know you can break this bondage of fear and banish it from your life. It is actually quite easy even though many who are in the syndromme of fear think that they can never ever break it so they just live with it and try to ignore it by putting it aside. This is living dangerously because you never know when the fear might come again and bring its consequences with it. Yo9u don;t have to wait for a next encounter. you can start dealing with it by making a start. If you are interested, write to me at onghocksiew@gmail.com and I wilp personally coach you out of your fears.
FEAR SEEMS SO INNOCENTLY UNTHREATENING WHEN IT IS FAR AWAY
Funny how when we talk about fears, we can laugh at its silliness and its impact when it is not happening. It seems so funny when we look at it from afar. But then when it comes a "visiting" usually during situations that arise, we can be totally paralysed or debilitated and then the results can be disastrous.
YOU MUST FIRST UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FEARS
There are different types of fears and I will list some of the more common ones out:
- Fear of Heights
- Fear of water
- Fear of the dark
- Fear of Insects and creepy crawlies
- Fear of sickness
- Fear of rejection
- Fear of the unknown
- Fear of death
It is also true of the fear of dark and "creepy crawlies". when a cockroach (quite harmless really) runs across the room, there is terrified reactions all round. Such reactions is easily conveyed and passed on. A constant barrage of such fearful reactions makes the culprit (the small cockroach as well as all other small insects later) a feared object. Over the years, such reactions actually cements itself into the psyche of those who are not strong enough. Fear of the dark has a similar origin. The conjecture of ghosts in dark places is the most convenient way for grown-ups to dissuade young children from venturing into such places. Asian families are big culprits in this area. Left undealt with, the sentiments grow even when there are no further encounters with the dark. In the growing years, the thrill of watching "ghost" movies and horrow shows adds huge fear elements to what is already bad.
THEN YOU MUST KNOW THEIR CAUSE AND HOW THEY CAME ABOUT
It is knowing the cause of your fears that is the first step for you to overcome it. If it was what your parents and elders taught you or implanted in you, you must understand why they did it. once you know the reasons, you will be able to take some steps to banish such fears. List down each fear you have and then try and trace its causes and how it came about. Take this first step and you will be surprised at how many of your fears are actually created by people anbd circumstances. Sometimes it could an unpleasant encounter or experience but it doesn't matter. Get to know the cause first. Try it and look out for my other articles to follw on fear.
ONE AREA WHERE IT CAN BE SO READILY HANDLED
Let me show you one area where it can be so readily handled. We have a lodge up in Berjaya Hills called Grace Hill Orchard Lodge. Then we have a natural swimming pool with an 8 feet platform. This is the place where we teach people to overcome their fear of water and heights together. Someone who can't swim can in a few short hours not only swim but do certain fantastic feats like doing a back somersault or a front somersault.
Don;t believe me? Look at the accompanying videos and see what happened. two yound girls who couldn't swim well can within a short while do a front and back somersault into the pool from 8 feet high. Amazing, ain't it! you can do the same too. Don't believe it?? Come and visit me and you will see for yourself.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Dare to be different...
I WROTE THIS LETTER TO A FRIEND.
Dear Zuhairah,
A Get-together is good
I will try and arrange something for all those who climbed Kinabalu with us to have a get-together. It will be great. We need to find an occasion to laugh and have merriment.
On the views of people
On the subject of views expressed by people over the email circuit, I have always held that the individual expression of views is a fundamental right and although I may not agree with quite a few of the mails received, I find it interesting to read about what I receive. It gives me a chance to understand why people are unhappy with issues and what makes them 'tick'. This is aside from the trash articles that I don’t even bother to read.
Great friendship is founded on great acceptance
As a person, I have always found that friendship should never be dependent on views. Diversity allows us to respect each other deeply - that is why the dividing lines of religion, race and values can be transcended with respect and acceptance. It is not an easy bridge to gap but it can be done.
Friendships kept to last a life-time – the Shahir family
I just went for a belated Hari Raya Gathering at the house of a dear friend, Rohani. I knew her when she was in school. They have 4 sisters in all and 3 of them have worked for me before. Her father, Datuk Shahir was formerly Commissioner of Police in Sabah. Both he and his wife simply treated me like 'a son' and at functions in Sabah would tell all and sundry that I am their god-son. I had free access to their home at any time without the need for appointment. We have continued that relationship. I had a great conversation with Rohayah (one of the sisters) and she is now Councillor under PAS in the Sepang area. There was great acceptance of what each of us shared. We are friends in the true sense of the word, able to talk without pretence and sharing what we wanted to say openly and comfortably.
A friendship that transcends boundaries – Rozieta and Marzuki
I have another friend Rozieta and her husband Marzuki. We have had this great friendship over the years - a friendship that has no boundaries drawn. We can talk for hours about many things including race and religion. We interact on the basis of great respect and if she needed help even at 3 am in the morning, I will go without hesitation. I am sure she is a better friend than many of the Chinese friends I have. It is interesting because we have bonded so well. I see people as individuals - people whose needs must first be understood before real relationships can be built and it is mutual. We can go for two years without communicating and yet time does not diminish the depth of the relationship. I treasure such ties and I am sure it is a reciprocal feeling.
Common values that bind – Dato Hashim Wahab
Yet another great friend is Dato Hashim Wahab, the former Director-General of the Malaysia Cocoa Board. We go for trips together and we share common platforms together. I am really comfortable with him and we can share a hotel room together and find enjoyment in the interaction we have without discomfort. We laugh so much together it hurts. We share all our secrets without restrain. Such is the framework of great friendships.
True love engenders goodness..... & relationship without conditions
True love that engenders hope, grace and relationship is something precious. Malaysia needs more of these values. The mountain climb is a great equalizer - it brings interaction without condition because everyone is enmeshed in a common goal. That's why when we brought Siew May, that Cerebral Palsy girl to climb that great mountain, the common goal of a "must-get-her-to-the-top" attitude, especially of her Singapore team-mates gave everyone common ground and what an achievement it was!!!
Thank you for your friendship - Zuhairah
With you, I found a very comfortable platform of interaction because I sensed a deep sense of maturity and acceptance of others. I am sure you have gone through much in your personal walk and the dimension of grace in your life was very clearly etched. You remind me very much of your friend, Marina Mahathir. Although I don't know her personally, her columns have always touched me. She has such a sense of balance and poise that it makes acceptance of her so easy. Great people always have that touch. There should be more like her in our country.
Let’s stay connected.
Dear Zuhairah,
A Get-together is good
I will try and arrange something for all those who climbed Kinabalu with us to have a get-together. It will be great. We need to find an occasion to laugh and have merriment.
On the views of people
On the subject of views expressed by people over the email circuit, I have always held that the individual expression of views is a fundamental right and although I may not agree with quite a few of the mails received, I find it interesting to read about what I receive. It gives me a chance to understand why people are unhappy with issues and what makes them 'tick'. This is aside from the trash articles that I don’t even bother to read.
Great friendship is founded on great acceptance
As a person, I have always found that friendship should never be dependent on views. Diversity allows us to respect each other deeply - that is why the dividing lines of religion, race and values can be transcended with respect and acceptance. It is not an easy bridge to gap but it can be done.
Friendships kept to last a life-time – the Shahir family
I just went for a belated Hari Raya Gathering at the house of a dear friend, Rohani. I knew her when she was in school. They have 4 sisters in all and 3 of them have worked for me before. Her father, Datuk Shahir was formerly Commissioner of Police in Sabah. Both he and his wife simply treated me like 'a son' and at functions in Sabah would tell all and sundry that I am their god-son. I had free access to their home at any time without the need for appointment. We have continued that relationship. I had a great conversation with Rohayah (one of the sisters) and she is now Councillor under PAS in the Sepang area. There was great acceptance of what each of us shared. We are friends in the true sense of the word, able to talk without pretence and sharing what we wanted to say openly and comfortably.
A friendship that transcends boundaries – Rozieta and Marzuki
I have another friend Rozieta and her husband Marzuki. We have had this great friendship over the years - a friendship that has no boundaries drawn. We can talk for hours about many things including race and religion. We interact on the basis of great respect and if she needed help even at 3 am in the morning, I will go without hesitation. I am sure she is a better friend than many of the Chinese friends I have. It is interesting because we have bonded so well. I see people as individuals - people whose needs must first be understood before real relationships can be built and it is mutual. We can go for two years without communicating and yet time does not diminish the depth of the relationship. I treasure such ties and I am sure it is a reciprocal feeling.
Common values that bind – Dato Hashim Wahab
Yet another great friend is Dato Hashim Wahab, the former Director-General of the Malaysia Cocoa Board. We go for trips together and we share common platforms together. I am really comfortable with him and we can share a hotel room together and find enjoyment in the interaction we have without discomfort. We laugh so much together it hurts. We share all our secrets without restrain. Such is the framework of great friendships.
True love engenders goodness..... & relationship without conditions
True love that engenders hope, grace and relationship is something precious. Malaysia needs more of these values. The mountain climb is a great equalizer - it brings interaction without condition because everyone is enmeshed in a common goal. That's why when we brought Siew May, that Cerebral Palsy girl to climb that great mountain, the common goal of a "must-get-her-to-the-top" attitude, especially of her Singapore team-mates gave everyone common ground and what an achievement it was!!!
Thank you for your friendship - Zuhairah
With you, I found a very comfortable platform of interaction because I sensed a deep sense of maturity and acceptance of others. I am sure you have gone through much in your personal walk and the dimension of grace in your life was very clearly etched. You remind me very much of your friend, Marina Mahathir. Although I don't know her personally, her columns have always touched me. She has such a sense of balance and poise that it makes acceptance of her so easy. Great people always have that touch. There should be more like her in our country.
Let’s stay connected.
Tuesday with Morrie...
Am I older than I look?
Today I turned 58. My wife and I went for a walk and she said, “Happy Birthday on your 59th Birthday!” I was taken aback and so I asked her, “Do I look older than what I am – you have added one year to my life!”
My wife is indeed my inspiration
She was a bit embarrassed as she laughed with me. Bless her, she really is my inspiration. There was this one time when I was sitting with my purse opened and was looking at her photograph with my grandson. She passed by and noticed and she exclaimed, “I must really inspire you to have you keep my photo in your purse!” “ Yes, I said – you really do!” She asked me to explain and so I told her, “It’s like this. Every time I have a really big and serious problem that I can’t solve, I will take out your photo, look at it and say to myself, “What problem can be bigger than this one and I will really feel much better after that!”
An uneventful birthday
Well jokes aside, I spent my birthday uneventfully. Woke up, went to church, had lunch with Derrick, Siew Lan and Chong, then went up to Gracehill Orchard Lodge, Berjaya Hills, came back and played badminton with my son-in-law Nicky after which I had dinner at Lindy and Nicky’s condo (with dinner prepared by Nicky). It was a great dinner (special Hainanese Chicken Rice Nicky style). After that Lindy suggested that we watch the show “Tuesday with Morrie” and I thought what an uninteresting name for a show. Anyway, I told her to go ahead since I have nothing else to do.
What a show – "Tuesday with Morrie"
What a great show it was!! It really touched my innermost parts and I cried at many of its segments. It was a show about life and about living. Morrie was Mitch’s teacher and he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig disease (incurable and progressive ending in death). There were great lessons given out as Morrie was dying and it is a show for the whole family because it plants in us values that are important to cope with our fears and our insecurities. Read my blog at http://www.franklyopen.blogspot.com/ for more details.
It brought back many memories
The show brought back so many memories for me. Morrie reminded me of my mother and how little time I had for her when she lay dying. I had made so many promises that I will care for her, look after her and be with her whenever she needed me but the “busyness” of our lives made it unfulfilled promises. I remember being wracked with guilt as I saw my mother struggle through her final moments and when I most wanted to reach out and comfort the woman who had given so much for me and who loved me unconditionally, the opportunity to love back was gone. I was overwhelmed with remorse and guilt over the weeks after her death.
Lessons from Tuesday with Morrie
Morrie based on a real life story was the teacher of Mitch Almond. They had lost track of each other for 16 years . When Mitch saw Morrie on TV telling the story of his impending death, one thing led to another and they caught up. This catching up with his old school teacher who showed him how to love was to change his life. It added a new dimension to what Mitch had missed out on and feared over his working life. He feared failure and commitment and despite having a wonderful girlfriend in Janine, he could not commit to her for 7 long years. It was after Morrie had shared deep insightful lessons about life that Mitch started to realise that there was more to living than beating schedules and coping with 'busyness'.
It is a touching story of how each Tuesday was spent with Morrie and how great lessons were learnt. Through the tears when the situation really was hard because it reminds each of us of separation and dying, there was life that came forth. Let me summarize the lessons that came:
Today I turned 58. My wife and I went for a walk and she said, “Happy Birthday on your 59th Birthday!” I was taken aback and so I asked her, “Do I look older than what I am – you have added one year to my life!”
My wife is indeed my inspiration
She was a bit embarrassed as she laughed with me. Bless her, she really is my inspiration. There was this one time when I was sitting with my purse opened and was looking at her photograph with my grandson. She passed by and noticed and she exclaimed, “I must really inspire you to have you keep my photo in your purse!” “ Yes, I said – you really do!” She asked me to explain and so I told her, “It’s like this. Every time I have a really big and serious problem that I can’t solve, I will take out your photo, look at it and say to myself, “What problem can be bigger than this one and I will really feel much better after that!”
An uneventful birthday
Well jokes aside, I spent my birthday uneventfully. Woke up, went to church, had lunch with Derrick, Siew Lan and Chong, then went up to Gracehill Orchard Lodge, Berjaya Hills, came back and played badminton with my son-in-law Nicky after which I had dinner at Lindy and Nicky’s condo (with dinner prepared by Nicky). It was a great dinner (special Hainanese Chicken Rice Nicky style). After that Lindy suggested that we watch the show “Tuesday with Morrie” and I thought what an uninteresting name for a show. Anyway, I told her to go ahead since I have nothing else to do.
What a show – "Tuesday with Morrie"What a great show it was!! It really touched my innermost parts and I cried at many of its segments. It was a show about life and about living. Morrie was Mitch’s teacher and he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig disease (incurable and progressive ending in death). There were great lessons given out as Morrie was dying and it is a show for the whole family because it plants in us values that are important to cope with our fears and our insecurities. Read my blog at http://www.franklyopen.blogspot.com/ for more details.
It brought back many memories
The show brought back so many memories for me. Morrie reminded me of my mother and how little time I had for her when she lay dying. I had made so many promises that I will care for her, look after her and be with her whenever she needed me but the “busyness” of our lives made it unfulfilled promises. I remember being wracked with guilt as I saw my mother struggle through her final moments and when I most wanted to reach out and comfort the woman who had given so much for me and who loved me unconditionally, the opportunity to love back was gone. I was overwhelmed with remorse and guilt over the weeks after her death.
Lessons from Tuesday with Morrie
Morrie based on a real life story was the teacher of Mitch Almond. They had lost track of each other for 16 years . When Mitch saw Morrie on TV telling the story of his impending death, one thing led to another and they caught up. This catching up with his old school teacher who showed him how to love was to change his life. It added a new dimension to what Mitch had missed out on and feared over his working life. He feared failure and commitment and despite having a wonderful girlfriend in Janine, he could not commit to her for 7 long years. It was after Morrie had shared deep insightful lessons about life that Mitch started to realise that there was more to living than beating schedules and coping with 'busyness'.
It is a touching story of how each Tuesday was spent with Morrie and how great lessons were learnt. Through the tears when the situation really was hard because it reminds each of us of separation and dying, there was life that came forth. Let me summarize the lessons that came:
- Despite the great success Mitch had, Morrie asked a simple question, "Is this what you really want?" When I thought of it, this simple question is really profound. In our own lives if we re-examine it honestly, we should ask ourselves if what we are doing is really what we want to be doing? If it is not, we should find a way out soonest so that we can pursue the desires of our hearts again.
- Despite all the great gains that Mitch had, Morrie told him that "Love is the only rational act..." And that was the truth because without love, everything else that we do would be phony - a 'put-on'. That is why we should learn to love our spouses genuinely - let real true love pour out from our hearts and see what it will do. It will bring much healing as I have found and it will mend the hurts in our families. This is a powerful truth! He adds further by saying, "We must love one another or die...."
- So often we stay away from the things we fear like death and the unpleasant. There is no reason to do this because truth cannot be hidden. Morrie told the story of "the little wave" to Janine, Mitch's girlfriend and what a story it was. When we think of ourselves as a little wave, we will fear breaking down on the shore. But when we see our wave as part of an ocean, we will realize our destiny and move on to the shore. Take away the fears in our hearts and let us move forward in confidence knowing that death is not an end in itself.
- Morrie also said, "We must learn to die before we can really learn to live". How true is this. Until we overcome our fear of dying, we cannot give full expression to life. We simply have to put aside this fear. Did Morrie grief and cry when he was hurting. Yes he did! But he learned to deal with it and to eventually overcome it. Death is really another beginning... Morrie also said, "Death ends a life, not a relationship".
- Life is all about touching someone. If we do that, we will discover the real joys of living and find real true love. Have you had a special teacher or a special someone who has touched your life and changed you? Will you be just such a special person who will touch someone else. There are deep considerations here. Think about it - touch someone soon.
- Don't delay forgiveness because one day it may be too late and you will regret it. Morrie said that we need to forgive ourselves first before we can forgive others. How true!
- Morrie also said, "We learn form what hurts us as much as what loves us!" This is a powerful truth that can change us.
At the end of the film, I came away from it reinforced in my desire to do good and to overcome evey limitation I have. I pray that it will change you in some way too as you watch the film with your loved one or family.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Shameful Broadband claims...
SUCH A BAND-WIDTH SHAME ON THE MALAYSIAN INTERNET….
I make reference to the connectivity to the Internet in Malaysia. There is so much talk about how much money has been spent on building Broadband capabilities in the country by the major network providers. When I read about the amount of money spent, I really feel ashamed of the situation in Malaysia. The authorities here simply can’t contend with the truth.....
The situation is really horrendous in the country especially with regards to the use of Wireless connectivity and even direct broadband connection. I use a CELCOM HSDPA Wireless data card and it is absolutely useless. I encounter “broken” connections all the time. I will be able to surf the net or send emails for perhaps 10 minutes and then it happens – I get disconnected. Then I can;t get connected for long periods of time. It is a shame when CELCOM advertises itself so much as the provider which has the widest connections in Malaysia. What they provide is utterly a shambles considering their representations. Unfortunately, there are NOT many other choices in this country because I was on MAXIS and they were equally bad. Whenever I see politicians loudly about how advanced we are in the IT arena, I feel really sick in my stomach. Obviously, politicians are really ignorant or worse they don’t understand what connectivity really means.
Malaysia is way behind as far as I am concerned. I have a direct Streamyx connection in my office and the speed is terrible as well. What a shame! When I visit Singapore or Hong Kong or South Korea, I can’t believe how great their connection is. It is a joy to work through such connections. Even Manila is not that bad. But Kuala Lumpur is just simply bad!
The Government and the politicians should not talk about how good Malaysia is until they have really provided good connectivity and good band-width in the country. At least, those of us who are regular users will not feel that bad. If I could have my voice heard, I would say, “Change the whole set-up". It can't get worse.
Send this message on if you think what I am saying is valid. Refer people to read my blog here. It is time the ordinary people have their voice heard. I am currently paying for a service (for both CELCOM and STREAMYX) that is woefully and shamefully bad. I am going to go on this campaign until they pay some attention and improve the situation. Thank God there is the Internet for us “little” people to make our voice heard.
I make reference to the connectivity to the Internet in Malaysia. There is so much talk about how much money has been spent on building Broadband capabilities in the country by the major network providers. When I read about the amount of money spent, I really feel ashamed of the situation in Malaysia. The authorities here simply can’t contend with the truth.....
The situation is really horrendous in the country especially with regards to the use of Wireless connectivity and even direct broadband connection. I use a CELCOM HSDPA Wireless data card and it is absolutely useless. I encounter “broken” connections all the time. I will be able to surf the net or send emails for perhaps 10 minutes and then it happens – I get disconnected. Then I can;t get connected for long periods of time. It is a shame when CELCOM advertises itself so much as the provider which has the widest connections in Malaysia. What they provide is utterly a shambles considering their representations. Unfortunately, there are NOT many other choices in this country because I was on MAXIS and they were equally bad. Whenever I see politicians loudly about how advanced we are in the IT arena, I feel really sick in my stomach. Obviously, politicians are really ignorant or worse they don’t understand what connectivity really means.
Malaysia is way behind as far as I am concerned. I have a direct Streamyx connection in my office and the speed is terrible as well. What a shame! When I visit Singapore or Hong Kong or South Korea, I can’t believe how great their connection is. It is a joy to work through such connections. Even Manila is not that bad. But Kuala Lumpur is just simply bad!
The Government and the politicians should not talk about how good Malaysia is until they have really provided good connectivity and good band-width in the country. At least, those of us who are regular users will not feel that bad. If I could have my voice heard, I would say, “Change the whole set-up". It can't get worse.
Send this message on if you think what I am saying is valid. Refer people to read my blog here. It is time the ordinary people have their voice heard. I am currently paying for a service (for both CELCOM and STREAMYX) that is woefully and shamefully bad. I am going to go on this campaign until they pay some attention and improve the situation. Thank God there is the Internet for us “little” people to make our voice heard.
Friday, October 24, 2008
A girl called Siew May
WHAT A GIRL!!
What can I say about a girl who made me laugh and cry all at almost the same time? Siew May is such a girl. She is now writing her first book entitled "Who cares wins". It is a book that draws out the best of a girl who has gone through severe trials - trials that would have broken the spirit of any person. She had to endure a life of poverty living in a "kampung" in Singapore and then she had to watch the break-up of her family resulting in a sister who became mentally retarded and a brother who just walked out of her family. The death of her mother and then of her father from lung cancer virtually 'broke' her. Add to that a slipped disc and you have a recipe that combines tragedy with disaster.
SIEW MAY ROSE ABOVE HER DIFFICULTIES
All this would have broken the spirit of any young woman but Siew May is not any young woman. She was not even born normal -she was afflicted with cerebral palsy and grew up under a whole blanket of taunts, ridicule and cruel disdain. Every part of her psyche was damaged by people who disregarded her deep hurts and the pain that cut into her inner thoughts. She contemplated suicide at her darkest moments but God was good. He wouldn't give up on her.
A STORY OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
She got to know friends who would stand by her and Dr James Chia was one such friend. With their help, she is now publishing her first book. What a milestone of courage and determination. I am now making an appeal to you, my friends to help her with the sale of her books. Just order 10 or more books to give away and I will get it at a special price for you.
LET THIS BOOK TOUCH YOUR HEART AND WARM YOUR SOUL
This book will really warm your heart and touch your soul as you start reading it. It is a well-structured book and it brings out all the emotions of a woman who understands what it is to rise up from total defeat to victory. It is a book that will challenge young people to rise up to their fullest potential and to take defeat by its horns and overcome it. It is a journey to fulfill her dreams and Siew May succeeds in vividly bringing out the best in herself so that her story can inspire us to bring out the best in us as well. She says that there is no excuse for us not to succeed and she is so right.
IT SEEMED AN ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TASK FOR HER
"How can I know her so well?" you ask. The answer is actually very simple. I led the group that took her to climb Mount Kinabalu. When I first saw her come out from the Kota Kinabalu airport, doubts filled my thoughts. "This time, my Singaporean friends have taken on too much," I said to myself. How can this limping girl with such an awkward walk make this climb up South-East Asia's highest mountain.
LOVE CAN PLAY SUCH A VITAL ROLE IN SUCCESS
I quietly stayed close through the first part of the climb. Each painful step she took was a labor of love - a partnership taken with her close friends who all were as determined as her that nothing should stop her from making the summit. What a show of true camaraderie & love! Love has this strange way of empowering and enabling.
NO ROOM FOR FAILURE
Instead of growing weaker in her condition, she amazingly grew stronger. When I asked her how she was taking it, she said, "I have no room for failure in my climb." What courage and what determination. Many us cried many times on the climb. We cried because we knew that those of us who had so much so often do so little. We also cried because we saw a little of her in all of us. We cried finally because she made it to the summit of Mount Kinabalu - she showed us that it could be done if only we keep on going and take one small step at a time.
THANK YOU SIEW MAY - YOU WERE OUR INSPIRATION
When I reached out to hug her as we celebrated her success, she stammered and stuttered out the words she wanted to say to me. But what beautiful words they were when they came out from her mouth. It was a testimony of beauty in the ordinary and a celebration of the victory in endeavor. Siew May taught us what it was to never ever give up on our dreams and we were all the richer for having walked with her part of the way. Thank you Siew May - we all love you!!!
What can I say about a girl who made me laugh and cry all at almost the same time? Siew May is such a girl. She is now writing her first book entitled "Who cares wins". It is a book that draws out the best of a girl who has gone through severe trials - trials that would have broken the spirit of any person. She had to endure a life of poverty living in a "kampung" in Singapore and then she had to watch the break-up of her family resulting in a sister who became mentally retarded and a brother who just walked out of her family. The death of her mother and then of her father from lung cancer virtually 'broke' her. Add to that a slipped disc and you have a recipe that combines tragedy with disaster.
SIEW MAY ROSE ABOVE HER DIFFICULTIES
All this would have broken the spirit of any young woman but Siew May is not any young woman. She was not even born normal -she was afflicted with cerebral palsy and grew up under a whole blanket of taunts, ridicule and cruel disdain. Every part of her psyche was damaged by people who disregarded her deep hurts and the pain that cut into her inner thoughts. She contemplated suicide at her darkest moments but God was good. He wouldn't give up on her.
A STORY OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
She got to know friends who would stand by her and Dr James Chia was one such friend. With their help, she is now publishing her first book. What a milestone of courage and determination. I am now making an appeal to you, my friends to help her with the sale of her books. Just order 10 or more books to give away and I will get it at a special price for you.
LET THIS BOOK TOUCH YOUR HEART AND WARM YOUR SOUL
This book will really warm your heart and touch your soul as you start reading it. It is a well-structured book and it brings out all the emotions of a woman who understands what it is to rise up from total defeat to victory. It is a book that will challenge young people to rise up to their fullest potential and to take defeat by its horns and overcome it. It is a journey to fulfill her dreams and Siew May succeeds in vividly bringing out the best in herself so that her story can inspire us to bring out the best in us as well. She says that there is no excuse for us not to succeed and she is so right.
IT SEEMED AN ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TASK FOR HER
"How can I know her so well?" you ask. The answer is actually very simple. I led the group that took her to climb Mount Kinabalu. When I first saw her come out from the Kota Kinabalu airport, doubts filled my thoughts. "This time, my Singaporean friends have taken on too much," I said to myself. How can this limping girl with such an awkward walk make this climb up South-East Asia's highest mountain.
LOVE CAN PLAY SUCH A VITAL ROLE IN SUCCESS
I quietly stayed close through the first part of the climb. Each painful step she took was a labor of love - a partnership taken with her close friends who all were as determined as her that nothing should stop her from making the summit. What a show of true camaraderie & love! Love has this strange way of empowering and enabling.
NO ROOM FOR FAILURE
Instead of growing weaker in her condition, she amazingly grew stronger. When I asked her how she was taking it, she said, "I have no room for failure in my climb." What courage and what determination. Many us cried many times on the climb. We cried because we knew that those of us who had so much so often do so little. We also cried because we saw a little of her in all of us. We cried finally because she made it to the summit of Mount Kinabalu - she showed us that it could be done if only we keep on going and take one small step at a time.
THANK YOU SIEW MAY - YOU WERE OUR INSPIRATION
When I reached out to hug her as we celebrated her success, she stammered and stuttered out the words she wanted to say to me. But what beautiful words they were when they came out from her mouth. It was a testimony of beauty in the ordinary and a celebration of the victory in endeavor. Siew May taught us what it was to never ever give up on our dreams and we were all the richer for having walked with her part of the way. Thank you Siew May - we all love you!!!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Enchanting Kasih Sayang...
ENCHANTED THE MINUTE YOU ENTER ITS DOORWAY
I was in Sabah last week for business and to play in an Open Inter-team Table-tennis competition. On that Sunday evening I was invited by my
good friends CK Tan and Dr Lynn Tan for dinner in Kasih Sayang, their Restaurant-Resort in Kokol, off Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. I went and came away totally refreshed and impressed. It is truly a resort that is “par excellence”.
I was in Sabah last week for business and to play in an Open Inter-team Table-tennis competition. On that Sunday evening I was invited by my
good friends CK Tan and Dr Lynn Tan for dinner in Kasih Sayang, their Restaurant-Resort in Kokol, off Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. I went and came away totally refreshed and impressed. It is truly a resort that is “par excellence”. THE BEST PLACE TO REFLECT
Those of you wanting time away to think and reflect, especially with the global financial crisis coming on so strongly, should consider Kasih Sayang. Kokol is about 2,300 feet above sea-level & it overlooks the whole of Kota Kinabalu.
SUNRISE AND SUNSET TO INSPIRE
The sunrise usually with a clear view of Mount Kinabalu is splendid but the sunsets (reputed to be the best in the world) is what stands out. The sunsets are spectacular and just sitting and watching the sun set amidst a stunning setting is the best antidote for worries and problems. Such sunsets are a reminder to us that we need never look at the dark clouds in our lives. The golden 
hues that tinged our existence are the things that we should focus on.
hues that tinged our existence are the things that we should focus on. NIGHT LIGHTS TO INSPIRE
Then when night takes over and the lights of Kota Kinabalu city comes on, sitting there eating dinner or with a book in hand or simply chatting with friends brings a fresh warmth into our lives. I would strongly recommend Kasih Sayang to all of my friends. The food is really good – try Tuaran mee and Prawn fritters together. Add a cup of wine and some enchanting mist and you would think of paradise on earth…..
Come to where your senses will be totally refreshed…..
Then when night takes over and the lights of Kota Kinabalu city comes on, sitting there eating dinner or with a book in hand or simply chatting with friends brings a fresh warmth into our lives. I would strongly recommend Kasih Sayang to all of my friends. The food is really good – try Tuaran mee and Prawn fritters together. Add a cup of wine and some enchanting mist and you would think of paradise on earth…..
Come to where your senses will be totally refreshed…..
What is wrong with us?
IT IS REALLY GOING TO BE BAD....
I spent the past 6 days in Sabah and I went there to also take part in an Open Table-tennis Inter-team competition where many of the top players in Malaysia took part. It is such a joy to be able just to play after my close brush with death a fortnight earlier. We take so much of our existence for granted and we shunt out unpleasant thoughts thinking that by not considering them, they will go away. Things just don't happen that way. Sometimes we live in a fool's paradise. The entire global economy is crashing down and we will see it seriously fall down around us in Malaysia soon enough. We cannot escape the spill-down effect from the US - we are all woven around its fabric. Yes, it is really going to be bad and we ain't seen nothing yet! The sooner we see reality,the better prepared we will be for it!
THE WORLD IS A ROLLER-COASTER
Existence is about realism and whether we like it or not, we live in a 'risky' world. This is why the two issues we should always keep in front of us is to know our future both spiritually and holistically as well as living our lives to the 'maximum' in the present. This is not to say that we should not plan for the future because planning is an act of wisdom. We should plan but we should also live our life impacting people and bringing meaning and purpose for the present. It is our fundamental goodness and our spiritual grounding that will stand us strong through the biggest storms.
FOR SO MANY, IT IS ALL ABOUT SELF AND SELF ALONE
So many people today prefer to live lives that are self-centred and ego-centric. So many people who have the capacity to bless others choose to look at them suffer. So many simply can't care less. So long as they are in control of what goes on around them, they are happy. Many of these people are usually affluent and rich and they think they have a self-effacing right to all that is going well with them. How sad and how fallible a line of thinking. When the times are good, they should have spread their cheer around. Instead they hold on tightly giving tiny little amounts and self-condescendingly at that. How sad. These "stingy" and selfish rich will be the hardest hit in this coming economic typhoon.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CURTAINS DROP?
What happens when their fabric of affluence is suddenly torn away? What happens when they are suddenly hit with a serious affliction? I remember this friend I know who was both rich and arrogant. He was suddenly diagnosed with cancer. His whole world came crushing down and friends who should have stood by him just stared and watched his condition deteriorate. No one really liked him because he never really stepped out to help. I know of another who was fabulously rich and well-off. He had a bad chronic kidney failure. Whenever I see him, I no longer see all that self-confidence shine through. All I see is a hunched sad pitiful sight of a man who still tries to cling on to whatever little is left of his once-proud demeanour. How sad! When the curtains fall, these so-called successes will end up as failures.
IT IS ONLY THAT LEGACY OF GOODNESS THAT MATTERS
When the whole world comes crashing down on us, we will be comforted by the legacy that we have left behind. It is the people we have given to and impacted that will remember us fondly. It is the people whom we have blessed who will remember us for who we are and how we have led our lives. We must never forget this - for this is the most significant value we can implant in our own lives.
THE GLOBAL CRUNCH - YOU CAN'T AVOID IT!
Few will escape its weight. The good news is many will start turning to God and begin to change. This is the good thing about the economic crunch. So many of us need knocks on our heads to be re-directed. My neck-crunching dive two weeks ago was a timely reminder of the need to be humble & benevolent. I pray that God will make you pliant and humble in all that you do. At the end of the day, we are actually 'nothing' in the chain of life's perspectives.
I spent the past 6 days in Sabah and I went there to also take part in an Open Table-tennis Inter-team competition where many of the top players in Malaysia took part. It is such a joy to be able just to play after my close brush with death a fortnight earlier. We take so much of our existence for granted and we shunt out unpleasant thoughts thinking that by not considering them, they will go away. Things just don't happen that way. Sometimes we live in a fool's paradise. The entire global economy is crashing down and we will see it seriously fall down around us in Malaysia soon enough. We cannot escape the spill-down effect from the US - we are all woven around its fabric. Yes, it is really going to be bad and we ain't seen nothing yet! The sooner we see reality,the better prepared we will be for it!
THE WORLD IS A ROLLER-COASTER
Existence is about realism and whether we like it or not, we live in a 'risky' world. This is why the two issues we should always keep in front of us is to know our future both spiritually and holistically as well as living our lives to the 'maximum' in the present. This is not to say that we should not plan for the future because planning is an act of wisdom. We should plan but we should also live our life impacting people and bringing meaning and purpose for the present. It is our fundamental goodness and our spiritual grounding that will stand us strong through the biggest storms.
FOR SO MANY, IT IS ALL ABOUT SELF AND SELF ALONE
So many people today prefer to live lives that are self-centred and ego-centric. So many people who have the capacity to bless others choose to look at them suffer. So many simply can't care less. So long as they are in control of what goes on around them, they are happy. Many of these people are usually affluent and rich and they think they have a self-effacing right to all that is going well with them. How sad and how fallible a line of thinking. When the times are good, they should have spread their cheer around. Instead they hold on tightly giving tiny little amounts and self-condescendingly at that. How sad. These "stingy" and selfish rich will be the hardest hit in this coming economic typhoon.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CURTAINS DROP?
What happens when their fabric of affluence is suddenly torn away? What happens when they are suddenly hit with a serious affliction? I remember this friend I know who was both rich and arrogant. He was suddenly diagnosed with cancer. His whole world came crushing down and friends who should have stood by him just stared and watched his condition deteriorate. No one really liked him because he never really stepped out to help. I know of another who was fabulously rich and well-off. He had a bad chronic kidney failure. Whenever I see him, I no longer see all that self-confidence shine through. All I see is a hunched sad pitiful sight of a man who still tries to cling on to whatever little is left of his once-proud demeanour. How sad! When the curtains fall, these so-called successes will end up as failures.
IT IS ONLY THAT LEGACY OF GOODNESS THAT MATTERS
When the whole world comes crashing down on us, we will be comforted by the legacy that we have left behind. It is the people we have given to and impacted that will remember us fondly. It is the people whom we have blessed who will remember us for who we are and how we have led our lives. We must never forget this - for this is the most significant value we can implant in our own lives.
THE GLOBAL CRUNCH - YOU CAN'T AVOID IT!
Few will escape its weight. The good news is many will start turning to God and begin to change. This is the good thing about the economic crunch. So many of us need knocks on our heads to be re-directed. My neck-crunching dive two weeks ago was a timely reminder of the need to be humble & benevolent. I pray that God will make you pliant and humble in all that you do. At the end of the day, we are actually 'nothing' in the chain of life's perspectives.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
LIFE AT BEST IS VERY BRIEF
Nothing is within our control really....
Life at best is very brief! Isn't this so very true in different perspectives? I had just spent a rewarding two days teaching at the Haggai Leadership program and when I rushed to the "Shian En Hui" Family camp at the MBS Rawang, I thought it would be three relaxing days that would follow with great teachings by Ps Aow Kong Boo and soaking in the sun. Little did I realize that what was in store for me would be dramatically life-threatening.
That "on-top of the world" feeling....
On the second day, we had the whole afternoon off and I had played three solid hours of basketball putting in the ball in the net almost everytime I shot. It was a feeling of "just like the good old days" when I was the top-scorer for one of the top state teams. I was feeling just so good even though it was a tad too confident. Somehow I was feeling on top of the world and counting my blessings.
Just a spur-of-the-moment action that went dramatically wrong.....
At 5-00 pm, I started my classes to teach the kids to swim. there were 8 students and it got off to a great start. Within half an hour, all of them were kicking and swiming across the width of the pool. What a fantastic feeling it was. Then it happened. I was up by the pool side & decided for no good reason to just roll over into the water. My diving expertise got me into a straight dive - straight down into the pool of only 3 feet deep water. My head slammed into the bottom and I lost consciousness. After about 7-8 seconds, I came to consciousness choking and drowning. I somehow struggled to my feet and just barely got to the side totally disoriented. I had a huge lump on my right skull but what was worse my neck had 'crunched' up. The pain was excruciating and I knew something had gone very wrong.
From great health to a life-threatening condition in a few short moments
I got to my room in a daze and told my wife about what had happened and then I flopped onto the bed to rest. everything was painful and I still had to complete the camp program. After a fitful night of bearing with the pain, I carried out my role in the camp the next morning with great pain. I struggled through the session and as the camp finished, I had wanted to go straight home. But I had to play the guitar in a Baptism event for my old Alpha Cell group. I got there amidst much discomfort and completed what I had to do. I had to call my good friend Dr Chan Kin Yuen who is an Orthopedic surgeon to look at me. I got to Gleneagles at 9-00 pm and after non-conclusive x-rays, it was decided that I had to do a CT Scan to be sure.
The comforting balm of prayer & knowing a God who is merciful...
I prayed relentlessly and asked God to be merciful to me. "Don't let me have a fractured neck," was my earnest prayer. I cried out to God to help. Let me tell you that at our my greatest hour of need, having a personal God who is there for me is one of the greatest comfort of all. When the results finally came, it showed no broken bones. I was so relieved I just 'bent' my heart in absolute gratitude for this pronouncement of "no serious injury". What a relief it was.
I write with a heart of great thanksgiving, grateful for life.......
I went to Bangkok the next day wearing a neck brace and had a great time there resting and re-charging my 'batteries'. I am now writing this blog thanking God for his hand of protection on my life. As I sit here, I remember the lines of the song that goes..... "Life at best is very brief, like the falling of a leaf, like the binding of a sheaf, be in time....."
Don't put off expressing love - say it when you can everytime you can....
How true it is when we look at the frailty of our lives. We can think that we are healthy and fine and we can think that ill-health and problems only happen to the others. But such a line of thought is fallacy at its best. Things can just happen and our whole world can come crumbling down. Without God, everything is simply so futile. With him, everything is assured even when things are not right. So don't mince words of appreciation and love when you are with your loved ones. Tell them how much you love them - treasure and value the time you have with them. Give them understanding and forgive them for little trespasses done. You may have less time than you think. Don't assume that there will be time. Everytime you get angry with a loved one, just think....... What if something happens and your loved one falls?
I am learning to have a heart of thanksgiving at all times.....
I am now recovering and although there is still pain in my neck area, my mind is filled with gratitude and I will say, "Thank you, God!"
Life at best is very brief! Isn't this so very true in different perspectives? I had just spent a rewarding two days teaching at the Haggai Leadership program and when I rushed to the "Shian En Hui" Family camp at the MBS Rawang, I thought it would be three relaxing days that would follow with great teachings by Ps Aow Kong Boo and soaking in the sun. Little did I realize that what was in store for me would be dramatically life-threatening.
That "on-top of the world" feeling....
On the second day, we had the whole afternoon off and I had played three solid hours of basketball putting in the ball in the net almost everytime I shot. It was a feeling of "just like the good old days" when I was the top-scorer for one of the top state teams. I was feeling just so good even though it was a tad too confident. Somehow I was feeling on top of the world and counting my blessings.
Just a spur-of-the-moment action that went dramatically wrong.....
At 5-00 pm, I started my classes to teach the kids to swim. there were 8 students and it got off to a great start. Within half an hour, all of them were kicking and swiming across the width of the pool. What a fantastic feeling it was. Then it happened. I was up by the pool side & decided for no good reason to just roll over into the water. My diving expertise got me into a straight dive - straight down into the pool of only 3 feet deep water. My head slammed into the bottom and I lost consciousness. After about 7-8 seconds, I came to consciousness choking and drowning. I somehow struggled to my feet and just barely got to the side totally disoriented. I had a huge lump on my right skull but what was worse my neck had 'crunched' up. The pain was excruciating and I knew something had gone very wrong.
From great health to a life-threatening condition in a few short moments
I got to my room in a daze and told my wife about what had happened and then I flopped onto the bed to rest. everything was painful and I still had to complete the camp program. After a fitful night of bearing with the pain, I carried out my role in the camp the next morning with great pain. I struggled through the session and as the camp finished, I had wanted to go straight home. But I had to play the guitar in a Baptism event for my old Alpha Cell group. I got there amidst much discomfort and completed what I had to do. I had to call my good friend Dr Chan Kin Yuen who is an Orthopedic surgeon to look at me. I got to Gleneagles at 9-00 pm and after non-conclusive x-rays, it was decided that I had to do a CT Scan to be sure.
The comforting balm of prayer & knowing a God who is merciful...
I prayed relentlessly and asked God to be merciful to me. "Don't let me have a fractured neck," was my earnest prayer. I cried out to God to help. Let me tell you that at our my greatest hour of need, having a personal God who is there for me is one of the greatest comfort of all. When the results finally came, it showed no broken bones. I was so relieved I just 'bent' my heart in absolute gratitude for this pronouncement of "no serious injury". What a relief it was.
I write with a heart of great thanksgiving, grateful for life.......
I went to Bangkok the next day wearing a neck brace and had a great time there resting and re-charging my 'batteries'. I am now writing this blog thanking God for his hand of protection on my life. As I sit here, I remember the lines of the song that goes..... "Life at best is very brief, like the falling of a leaf, like the binding of a sheaf, be in time....."
Don't put off expressing love - say it when you can everytime you can....
How true it is when we look at the frailty of our lives. We can think that we are healthy and fine and we can think that ill-health and problems only happen to the others. But such a line of thought is fallacy at its best. Things can just happen and our whole world can come crumbling down. Without God, everything is simply so futile. With him, everything is assured even when things are not right. So don't mince words of appreciation and love when you are with your loved ones. Tell them how much you love them - treasure and value the time you have with them. Give them understanding and forgive them for little trespasses done. You may have less time than you think. Don't assume that there will be time. Everytime you get angry with a loved one, just think....... What if something happens and your loved one falls?
I am learning to have a heart of thanksgiving at all times.....
I am now recovering and although there is still pain in my neck area, my mind is filled with gratitude and I will say, "Thank you, God!"
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