New Year Wish..

Happy New Year Maal Hijrah 1430 and New Year 2009!

Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin

This Hari Raya will be the first time for us to celebrate in Putrajaya together with family members. As you grew older, the celebration mood is not as exciting as it used to be when you were young. During those days it was really fun. I think the reason is quite simple for me. The reason being, during my younger days, we had a Kampung to go back to. Spending Hari Raya in cities are very much different compare to Kampungs. We have lots of funs as relatives, uncles, aunts, cousins and etc gathers together to celebrate. It is more happening I suppose. We used to play firecrackers, ride on motorcycles and just have fun. Just wish I could turn back the clock...sigh.

ANYWAY I WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL MY MUSLIM FRIENDS AND FAMILIES:

"SELAMAT HARI RAYA AND MAAF ZAHIR BATIN"

Portable or not portable?

This and last week has been a very busy week indeed. No time to event update my blog. Nevertheless, here I am today. Stealing some time to write.

The past few days has been very hectic. One of my laptop crashes due to virus. I lost all my data and files as according to the technician, it is beyond recovery. Sigh... lucky for some important photo albums, I managed to salvage by backing them up in our portable hard drive. Need to do regular back-up this time and learn my lesson well for not installing any anti-virus software.

I think almost everyone has the same experience before. Even worst if your laptop were stolen like what happened to one of my friend. His office got broke into and the thief stole his laptop as well as others plus desktop! He almost cried! I would too..hehe.

Anyway, having portable IT gadgets can be useful and at times painful. Just that we have to be extra careful.

Malaysia Improves Ranking On The Ease Of Doing Business

Kudos to PEMUDAH! 

I am definitely very proud to be associated with PEMUDAH. Being the Secretariat of PEMUDAH is not at easy task. Expectations are high from stakeholders and public at large in order to improve the Government delivery system. The new ranking of Malaysia in the World Bank Doing Business Report shows how much PEMUDAH has managed to improve Malaysia's ranking. But it is very true what the Chief Secretary to the Government said, "..that there was much more work to be done if Malaysia is to move into the top 10 in the near future." 

For me I would also dedicated the success of PEMUDAH to all the government agencies and ministries who have worked tirelessly together with PEMUDAH.

September 10, 2008

Malaysia Improves Ranking On The Ease Of Doing Business

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia improved four ranks to 20th in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Survey 2009 from 24th in 2008 and 25th in 2007.

Malaysia has improved in its ranking throughout the three years, considering that the total number of countries being ranked has increased to 181 in 2009 from 178 in 2008 and 175 in 2007.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said he was encouraged by Malaysia's improved ranking in the survey.

Mohd Sidek, who is also co-chairman of PEMUDAH, the country's special task force to improve Malaysia's business competitiveness, however, stressed that there was much more work to be done if Malaysia is to move into the top 10 in the near future.

Malaysia improved its rankings in four of the 10 indicators, namely getting credit to one in 2009 from three in 2008; dealing with construction permits to 104 in 2009 from 105 in 2008; paying taxes to 21 in 2009 from 56 in 2008; and enforcing contracts to 59 in 2009 from 63 in 2008.

Mohd Sidek reassured that PEMUDAH would continue with the agenda of improving the service quality at all levels especially that of local governments.

The World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Survey 2009 is the sixth in a series of annual reports co-published by the World Bank and the International Financial Cooperation.

The report investigates the regulations that enhance business activities and those that constrain them.

PEMUDAH was set up on Feb 7, 2007 as a response to the less than stellar ranking in this survey in past years.

Since its establishment 19 months ago, PEMUDAH has succeeded in reducing, if not totally removing, various impediments in the business environment.

PEMUDAH will continue to promote a conducive environment for doing business in the country through streamlining and speeding up government agencies and departments' processes, encouraging on-line applications, enhancing transparency and accountability of the public sector and continuous monitoring of initiatives already undertaken.

-- BERNAMA

Google Aps

Hmmm... I'm trying the google aps now. Looks like there are a lot of interesting functions mainly personalised email, google docs, website and etc. It will take awhile though because I need to link it to my own domain name. 

Overall, the usage of the functions in google aps really simple and easy to follow. I think that is what google is all about. It's all about simplicity. Not many buttons to click on and etc. All back to basic.

Guess that is what life should be. Life should be basic and not so complicated. Why do we want to make our lifes complicated? For the challenges? Or to better ourselves? I guess... complication can be good. But of course, as long as you are able to handle the stress of complications. 

PM Launches One Stop Portal For Business Licenses, Approvals & Permits

Phew! Last weekw as indeed a very busy week. Organising event involving VVIPs is never an easy task. Everything must be perfect and tip to the top! But I'm glad that it all went smooth and well. Of course with a bit of technical glitches here and there involving a laptop, everything else went great. Just that sometimes the pressure of handling big events can make you crack your head. Lucky for me, this is not the first time. Through various experiences managing high level meetings and events while I was in the Cabinet Division of the Prime Minister's Department really helps a lot. 

Anyway, just to share what the event was all about:

September 05, 2008 12:09 PM

PM Launches One Stop Portal For Business Licenses, Approvals & Permits

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today launched the Business Licensing Electronic Support System or BLESS, a one-stop online portal that allows simultaneous application of licenses, approvals and permits for starting a business in Malaysia.

BLESS, which would fast-track business approvals and further improve Malaysia's stature as a business-friendly destination, would be implemented in four phases.

The first phase which begins immediately would be limited to the Klang Valley catering to the manufacturing sector only.

The hotel and construction sectors are slated to follow by the end of the year.

The second phase which begins in July next year would cover all the sectors.

The third and final phase would see BLESS being rolled out nationwide from the middle of 2010 through to 2012, he said at a meeting with the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (Pemudah) here.

Bless is one of the initiatives by Pemudah together with the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister's Department to develop an Internet based system for the application of business licenses.

In moving online, Bless aims to increase the speed, transparency and predictability of starting businesses in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

My New Toy The Nokia E71

Check out my new toy! The all new Nokia E71! It is an absolutely brilliant phone! Slick and smart looking for businessmen and professionals.

As I had mentioned in my earlier posting. I hesitated to get the new Nokia E71 at first. But after looking at it for the first time and trying it out... wow! this phone simply amazes me. First of all, the slick look of the phone. Unlike it's predecessor the Nokia E61, the new Nokia E71 has the 'sports car' design. It does not look and feel bulky. Fits nicely in your palm or pants! It is a very mobile and slim phone (112mm high by 57mm wide and by a mere 11mm thick).

As for the functionailty, I had used the Windows Mobile operated phone for many years now. My last phone the HTC Touch was a good phone too. The only problem with the HTC Touch is writing sms's or emails in which you have to use the virtual keyboard or keypad. Meaning you have to use both hands to operate the phone. Simply impractical at times especially when you are driving and wanted to reply a quick sms. The new Nokia E71 has superb functionality. Very fast and furious when it comes to using the internet as it supported the 3G and 3.5G network. The phone is easy to use as well, with an excellent qwerty keyboard. Just that I need some time to get use to the qwerty keyboard again. The only thing I wish the new Nokia E71 has is a touchscreen monitor for faster usability. Perhaps Nokia will do it for the next upgrade of the E Series mobilephones.

Yeah....yeah.. my wife's complaining again. For the past 5 years, this is the 5th mobilephone! Changing mobilephone every year?? hehehe. Nevertheless she's not complaining that much this time as I think she thinks I deserve this new Nokia E71 (I hope!). She love using the phone anyway. Well... what to do? A gadget freak is always a gadget freak. Boys will always be with his toys..hehehe.

Happy Merdeka & Ramadhan

Today is Malaysia's 51st year independence day celebration. Happy Merdeka! As for tomorrow insyaAllah (God willing) it will be the 1st day of Ramadhan, the beginning of fasting month for muslims in Malaysia and in many parts of the world.

This year Merdeka celebration is not as 'happening' as previous years. In my opinion many does not feel like celebrating due the recent economic situation. The 'mood' to celebrate this year simply not there. Hope things will get better.

Oh yes, due to the long weekend, my wife and I went to Mid Valley City Shopping Mall yesterday for a shopping spree! I bought myself the all new Nokia E71 mobilephone. It is an excellent mobilephone with a lot of cool features. I hesitated to get the Nokia E71 earlier because it has been quite awhile (more than 5 years perhaps) since I used a Nokia. I have been using other models namely Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, HP, O2, Dopod and the latest one HTC. I prefer to use PDA phone due to its advance applications and many features. I am very familiar with Windows Mobile but not so with Symbian that is why hesitated in the beginning. But I said to myself what the heck, just give it a try. And after trying the new Nokia E71, it is simply amazing and easy to use! A great mobilephone and writing on my blog using my all new Nokia E71!

Budget 2009

Phew! The last 2 days was extremely busy for me. Did not get the chance to update or post anything on my blog. It is not over yet though. Will be extremely busy until 5th September 2008. Anyway, that is life I suppose, better busy than nothing better to do.

So, today is the Budget 2009 day. What do we civil servants always hoped for? Yeah... you guessed it right. The bonus! Last year, civil servants did not receive any bonuses due to the restructuring of the salary by the government in which resulted to the increase in monthly salaries. I think that is fair enough as the increase is quite substantial. As for this year, I think most civil servants are putting their high hopes on the Prime Minister to announce a bonus for this year. This year has been a very challenging year. The economy of the country were affected by the increase in global fuel prices as well as food prices and the slowing down of the world economy. General public would also want something from the Budget 2009. I believe that the Budget 2009 will be positive taking into accounts the need of the people and providing solutions to improve the economic situation. Well, at least that is what I am hoping for. Let us see today.

Malaysian Drivers, Crrrazzy Drivers??

"Hoi Bodoh! Buta ka?!"
(Hoi Stupid! Are you blind?!")

"Oi! Ingat ni babak ko punya jalan ka?!"
(Oi! Do you think this is your father's road?!)

"Hoi! mana singnal?! Lesen kopi ka?!"
(Hoi! where's the signal?! You 'bought' your license is it?!)

"Cilaka punya driver! Bawak kereta murah ko jauh-jauh sikit!"
(Damn driver! Drive your cheap car elsewhere!

How many of you have heard or used the above 'beautiful' phrases? I have to admit, I have heard and used them before. And some are even worst! Not suitable mentioning here..hehehe. I strongly believe almost everyone had used bad languages on the road at least once in their life. Nevertheless, I do solute people who does not. Hey, we are all humans, "born to make mistakes".

Anyway, one thing I really do not understand with Malaysian drivers is most of them are simply selfish people. Is it because this is the way it should be driving in Malaysia? So tense, pressure and not so enjoyable. I just do not understand why some people dislike to use the signal lights or blinkers when turning into a junction or what not. Is it to heavy to lift your finger and switch the indicators/blinkers? Or perhaps they bought their cars with a huge discount and it does not come with blinkers. Many times had I encountered such experience. Well... to certain extent, I might have forgotten to switch by blinkers too once in a while. But, I will and shall be at all time use the blinkers when it is required.

I have been to some other countries outside Malaysia and compare the driving etiquette of the people there. Mostly, developed countries, the drivers are more polite and respects the others. They are not selfish and always at most of the time give way to others especially to pedestrians. In Malaysia or any developing countries, you can forget about that. Do not simply cross the road even via the zebra crossing in Malaysia. In countries like UK, Germany, Australia and the likes the cars will have to look out for pedestrians crossing the roads and immediately stops when they see one. In Malaysia, it is to totally the opposites, whereby the pedestrians have to look out for the cars and stop before crossing any roads with or without zebra crossing.

Malaysian drivers also likes to use their honk. It is a way to show their anger I suppose. I have been to Jakarta and Bangkok. I have to admit that the traffic there are even worst than in KL and some other countries. However, one thing that amazes me especially in Jakarta, you seldom see any road accidents even though they drive like 'mad' fellas there. Like one of my Indonesian friend said, "If you are looking for stunt men/women to do racing/car movies, please come to Indonesia, we have plenty of them here...hehe". He was absolutely right! I have been to Jakarta several times and have never seen any road accidents. The cars and motorcycles criss crossing each other at junctions where there have no traffic lights.. simply amazing! To be honest, I do not dare to drive in Indonesia. Its Crrraaazy!!

Weekend at Shangri-La Putrajaya

Last weekend (23-24 August 2008) my wife and I spent a night at the Shangri-La Putrajaya Hotel. We got a free 1 night stay voucher for becoming a member of the Shangri-La Putrajaya Spa and Health Club in mid April 2008. We figure out that since the month of Ramadhan is getting near and the validity of the voucher expiring soon, so why not just spend the weekend at the hotel.

Overall the stay was hmmm... okay. Nothing to shout about really. We brought our DVD player and watch couple of DVDs during the stay. It was meant for to be a relaxing stay anyway. We also went to the spa for some relaxing massage. We have to admit though that the massage was not as good as the ones we both had in Bali last month. I have to also admit that having been to many parts of Indonesia for many times, in terms of the service quality, the Indonesians are much better. Their services are absolutely brilliant and they really know how to treat and pamper their customers. As for Malaysians.... well I can safely say that the service quality sometimes or many times rather.. to be bluntly honest.. really SUCKS!

How many times have you been to shops, restaurants or hotels in Malaysia? What will the customer service rating be from the scale of 1-10 (1 = worst, 10 = best)? For me, sad to say, based on my experience I could only give Malaysian customer services a mid 5. Malaysians really need to improve their customer service skills. Some and many of these sales assistants in Malaysia are rude, does not even bother to entertain customers and etc. They will first stare at you. See what you wear and how you dressed like. If you wear something 'flashy' and 'rich' looking, they will certainly give you the 5 star treatment. However, when you wear a simple and casual dress that is not 'flashy' and 'rich' looking they would not bother to say hello and welcome you. If you do not believe me, you can experiment it yourself.

Well, unlike when we were in Indonesia, the people there will mostly treat you well and with utmost respect. The way they speak to you will be very polite and humble. Most of the time they will treat their customers like kings and queens. Malaysians has a lot to learn from Indonesians even though majority of the people there are not as well off as the Malaysians. I guess it was due to the hardship that these people learn to be extraordinary in their services.

Anyway, I am not saying that all Malaysians have bad customer service. There are some shops, restaurants and hotels which trained their staffs well and in return they treat their customers well. For my wife and I, it is simple, if the shop, restaurant or hotel treat us both well, then definitely and surely we will be back and do not mind spend time and money there. But a BAD service.. is a NO..NO.. for both of us. Same goes to everyone out there I believe. Just remember this mantra and I strongly believe any business will be more successful: "Treat your customers like how you want to be treated like a customer."

Testing From PDA

Testing sending message from PDA phone to see if it works.

Sent by:
Ahmad Soffian
via PDA Phone

It has been ages!

My goodness me! Looking at my first posting on the 15th March 2006, it surely has been ages since I wrote something on my blog! I guess I might have forgotten all about it! Well... I better buck up and write something... like NOW!

Sigh... perhaps I have to apologise to myself for not being able to write. Do I need excuse for not writing? Perhaps being extremely busy is the best excuse that everyone from now and then could come out with. Hmm... I should then use the same excuse even though I do have some free time to at least surf and write something!

Ok..ok.. maybe I should not pressure myself so much about writing in my own blog. Writing in my own blog should be an enjoyable experience. Should be less stressful and tense. I should be able to write freely and go with the flow. However, being a Government Officer I must also ensure that what ever I wrote must comply to the rules and regulations of the country. Must set examples to the public. No touching on the sensitive issues and etc. I will and shall be free from any influence and be objective in my thinking and writing!