My Grandmother Participated at 1956 Olympic

Nani (not real name) participated in 200m butterfly swimming competition at 1956 Olympic, Melbourne. Although she didn't win medal for Malaysia at that time, it was a life changing moment in her life. Imagine that you have trained and struggle a lot, but when the victory is just a mile away, you failed to deliver when it matter the most.

I recall she used to tell us about her upbringing. Her father, Abi, is a humble road-side hawker. He encourages his children to pursue their dreams. This is not a norm those days. Parents will either force children to help in their business, or focus on higher studies. Her mother, Maria, on the other hand, always focuses on household chores, while expect Nani to do the same. My grandmother is a dreamer. She wanted to achieve something in life. Who would have thought, her daily activity, swimming (read play) in the river behind her house would turn out to be her amazing journey to win a gold medal.

When Nani was 12 years old, a group of professional swimmers from Australia made a jungle retreat nearby our house. Great grandfather, Abi, was nominated by villagers to become the host, partly due to his good English language proficiency. He will always bring Nani together every time he is meeting the group. One day, all the girls from the group wanted to relax and enjoy river swimming. Nani showed them the best spot for it, and also joined them. They were amazed looking at how quick and skillful Nani could swim. To an extend, some of them felt Nani will easily outweighs them.

Alicia, the most senior amongst the group, had a spark (prophecy), and she is convinced that, given proper training and guidance, Nani can be one of the best swimmer in the world. She took her courage, and confronted with Abi and Maria. Nani's parents are traditionally oriented. Even though Abi gives freedom and support for dreams, but allowing his daughter to participate in overseas Swimming training/coaching center is considered extreme. Alicia provided assurance that Nani will be fully sponsored, and be taken care by the Swimming Association, and she will be her mentor. It will be a minimum of 2 years commitment. Later that evening, Abi wanted to hear from Nani. She was speechless, and can't really think rationally anymore. This didn't stopped Alicia to continue in her pursue to convince Abi and Maria. 

After about a week, Abi decided to allow Nani to join the center, with a condition that she will be staying at home with Abi and Maria, while Abi is allowed to enter and see what is happening at the center. The center agreed to Abi's conditions. That's how they ended up going to Melbourne in 1950.

After 4 years of intensive professional trainings, and multiple inter-state competitions, Nani is well equipped, and ready to return to Malaysia in 1954. Two years later, Nani was selected to represent Malaysia (Malaya at that time) in Olympic. Her return to Melbourne rekindled her memories. 

Nani thought she will win gold medal. She trained hard and put her 100% focus. Looking at the huge international crowd for the first time, the sudden overwhelming feeling took her confidence away. She couldn't show to the world what she is capable of doing. The good thing about Nani is, she never give up. Alicia was there throughout, and her spark on Nani remain unchanged.

Nani trained even harder, and at 1960 Olympic, Italy, a new gold medalist from Malaysia was introduced to the world. She created a world record, and her name is forever carved in the world's history. The spark (prophecy) of Alicia turned out to be true.

Nani then participated in many competitions, and also founded and become the chairman of the SEA Swimming Federation. She is still supporting many NGO's related to womens' involvement in sports. 

There is a saying, "where else the gravy will fall if not on the rice plate". Meaning, it's natural that the children will get the traits from their parents. Ironically, my Mother is not keen on any sports. She is more like Maria, my great grandmother. She is soft spoken, humble, and she is more into soft skills.

Me on the other hand, having mixed genes, picked-up the legacy of Nani in swimming. She and Alecia guided and groomed me to become a professional swimmer. At 2000 Olympic, Sydney. I represented Malaysia for 400m freestyle. Due to Nani's hectic schedule, she couldn't come to Australia to join me and Alecia.

During the finals, I felt butterfly in my stomach, and almost fainted. The overwhelming feeling is real. I called Nani to get some advice from her. She said... In order to unleash your potential, you need to focus on "winning", and not on "fear of losing". Those wisdom words helped me to focus better.

At the block stand, just before the competition begins, I blanked the crowd, deafed my hearing, and made my eyes to only see my own swimming lane, number six. From the start, my only focus was to win. Unfortunately, half way through, my shoulder was dislocated, and I'm forced to be withdrawn. At first, I felt devastated, and angry at myself. Soon after, I realized that my effort and intent is genuine. Therefore, within my means, I've done all that one can possibly do. 

Fast forward.... in 2020, I'm not a professional swimmer nor involved with anything to do with swimming. I've decided to become a school teacher. I want to continue the legacy of my great grandfather, Abi, to help others achieving their dreams. I've also written and published 3 best seller books till date; "How not to Win", "Running Against the Flow", and "The race between Kancil and Lamborghini". Life is full of ups and downs. Learn from others, and always pass it on.

Today, my 6yo daughter, Nani (we named her in the remembrance of my late grandmother) is enjoying river swimming. Perhaps another legacy in the making.

Note: this is not a real story okay. Created to entertain you only.

Thanks for Reading.

How I Keep the Kid in Me Alive

During my primary school days, on some of the weekend, it is a routine trip to go to a local coffee shop and having breakfast. Typically, roti canai and a cup of tea. The tea must be consumed in a special way… to drink it from the plate instead of from the cup.

During my childhood, most of the year, on 29th January, we will go to KFC restaurant at KOMTAR. This is probably the only fast food restaurant that we consumed, not because of preference, but due to budget constrain. We are from lower middle class family, therefore eating out especially at fast food restaurant is considered luxury. It’s not the food, but the time spent at the restaurant is the most memorable. 

When I was a teenager, I recall we purchased an audio CD from a night market, Back Street Boys. Despite our financial status, we had good HiFi stereo systems at home. I enjoyed listening to sounds and rhythm of songs more than lyrics till this day.

After finishing school, I got admission to IIUM matriculation. One day prior to the registration, we went to KL in a bus. The 4-5 hours is probably the longest conversation we’ve ever had.

When I was in 1st year of my Degree, I received a news that doctor advised to take care of health, and to put some effort to maintain health. It was like overnight change. Worst was, the job is lost. To continue livelihood, security guard job at Swimming Club come in handy.   

During my final year at University, I was asked if I have a girlfriend. It’s strange that this kind of questions being asked, and I wonder what is the motif behind this questions. I replied, No.

In 2005, 2 weeks before I’m supposed to start my engineering career, I received a phone call from a cousin that have never called me. He was just asking how is everything going on, and he hangs up the call. After 10minutes, I received another call from my brother, and he said that an accident happened late night yesterday, and currently the patient is in coma due to severe head injury. The following day, I visited the patient at CCU, and he was unconscious. 

The next day, at 3.30pm, I was standing outside the CCU room. The doctor came out and looking for close relative of the patient. Once I enter, the Doctor said he is no more. 

I called my cousin to let him know the situation, and he then notified the rest of the important family members.

In the evening, for about 1 hour, they put the bathed and wrapped body (ready to be buried) in the hall for the people (normally with be aunties aged 50+) to mourns. After I went to the end of the room, I kissed the forehead. Can't remember when was the last time I kissed an adult’s forehead before. He was then buried the same day. 

This is the story of my Father. He was born on 29 January 1955, and died on 3 Dec 2005. Even though me and my father had little interaction and mutual interest after I reached teenagehood, to lose him due to an accident is a bitter reality to accept. But, it is the plan of God. 

My father was a hardworking and a shy type of person. He does a general clerk job from 8am to 5pm, and 3 time a week 7pm-9.30pm he will help a minimarket with their bookkeeping. After he got heart attack 5 years earlier, he changed a lot. He started to rekindle ties with relatives, became very open and friendly. 

He is a visionary. He spent money to buy desktop in early 90s. All three of us (myself, elder brother and younger sister) got a head start in life with usage of computer, but limited to few hours on Saturday and Sunday.

He also purchased Elken RO water machine in early 2000 when it was not a common thing like today. Because the price of the machine is expensive, he sees the opportunity to sell the filtered water for cheap price. Relatives and neighbors started to order for 1.5L and 5L bottles.

He purchased a low cost flat in mid-90s, and couple of months before he passed away, he have completed the mortgage payment. Meaning, he did pay extra now and then so that the mortgage duration and interest is reduced.

I regret not having better relationship with my father. I delayed the initiative, but the day never arrived.

Since I can’t turn back the time, the least I can do now is to spend time with my kids. I really wish that I will be the hero to them. And that's how I keep the kid in me alive.

Please pray for my Father that his sins will be forgiven and he will enter Paradise.

Thanks for Reading.

Why I left Shell and Intel

Even though it is a dream for many, but I resigned from Shell and Intel after a short time of employment. I've worked only 3 days at Intel, and 7 weeks at Shell.

Let's start with Intel. I saw a job advertisement in the newspaper. I called the number, and the Agency set a time the next day for the interview at the Agency's office at Batu Maung, Penang. The Manager is a humble person. His explanation about the job, and his expectation on me was clear. I liked his honesty, and believed he can guide me. The interview went well. After couple of days, he called me and said, please come to Intel Campus (i.e. manufacturing facility) at Bayan Lepas, we would like to negotiate salary and introduce you to the Intel's counterpart.

During the 2nd interview, the Intel's counterpart (from HR department I guess) broke the news that I will be given a "Green badge". Since I'm not familiar with what it means, I asked innocently about it. The HR person said, we have mainly two badges. One is Blue, and the other is Green. It's not a choice, but, the color is decided by either permanent or contract staff.

It's kind of pride to wear Blue badge (permanent staff) at Intel. I told to myself, it's okay, let me start with Green, and with hard work and dedication, I will get a Blue badge soon. 

The HR then told me that my working place is not at this Campus, but it will be at another building closer to Batu Maung. And I was like, I never knew that Intel has another Campus/building. This is when the HR revealed one of the trade secret of Intel at Penang. That building don't have any signage of Intel and is dedicated for warehouse.

On the first day of the job, to enter into the building, I have to pass through tight security measures (tighter than before boarding an aeroplane). I was told, this will be the norm here, and it will be the same before exiting as well. This itself doesn't create a good first impression. However, that evening, I was joking with friends, I've got "intel" about "Intel". I hope you get the joke. First 2 days went okay, but i don't feel the sense of belongingness. The working environment and colleagues are not that friendly. Everybody doing their own stuff. 

On the 3rd day, I received a phone call from a small family business company. I did attend an interview 1-2 weeks earlier. It didn't went well, and I thought I won't be selected. To my surprise, the Owner decided to recruit me, and offered me a salary over the phone it self. It's comparable salary to Intel. He asked me if I can join ASAP. This time, without consulting anybody, I've decided to quit Intel. The small company seemed to provide much better working and learning environment. I quit Intel that day itself. I returned my badge (it was a sad moment) at the end of the day. The Agency did pay my salary for the 3 days that I worked there.

Now, let's talk about Shell. I saw a job advertisement in the newspaper, and I called the number. At that time, another friend of mine was also looking for a job. Two of us went to the interview at the same time. The interview went well. After couple of days, the Manager called to offer both of us jobs at Shell. But, there is a catch. Me and my friend can't work at the same time. Therefore, he split us into morning shift and evening shift. 

Reluctantly we agreed, but, I too put a condition. The job nature requires us to work for 6 days in a week. Lunch break is only 1 hour. My condition was, I want my off day to be on Friday. I told him, I want to pray Friday prayer at Mosque. With 1 hour lunch break time, it won't be enough. I don't want to request for extra "free" hours for this. To make it easier and transparent, I need Friday as off day. He was surprised with my condition. But, he liked my way of thinking, and he appreciated my honesty. Without a blink, he accepted my conditions. He asked us to join Shell the next day.

Every single day was rosey. Plenty of learnings and I felt proud working with Shell. They really know how to welcome and groom new employees. After 2-3 weeks, I managed to be in the good book of the Manager. After about 6 weeks of working, I felt the need to resign from Shell. I needed time to prepare for the next chapter of my life. For this, I need 1-2 weeks off, and 100% focus. It was unfortunate, but I convinced myself to break the news to the Manager. He can't believe I wanted to resign from Shell. With heavy heart, he accepted my resignation. I gave 1 week of notice. My colleagues can't comprehend the fact that I will be leaving the Company in 1 week. I've tried my best to console them, but I realize this is part of human feelings. We parted our ways, but the memories still remain.

---End---

At this point, you might be wondering, what was my job scope at Intel and Shell. Now for the big reveal.

Just before my final semester at University, I've got 3 months of holiday. As usual, whenever I get long holidays like this, I will find opportunity to gain working experience. Since it will be only few months, I have to pick and choose. The job that I got at Intel was as Warehouse Security Guard. Green badge at Intel. I left the job because a franchise DIY hardware shop owner offered me a job as sales assistant, and it offers a lot more learning than being a security guard.

After completing SPM, I spent some time to apply for university/college/matriculation placements. Once all the applications sent out, I started to look for jobs. That's when I came across job opening at Shell petrol station as Pump Attendant. It's Shell right?. I left the job on the day SPM results is announced, so that I can focus on completing UPU (public university placement) applications.

Thanks for reading.

How I Met an Angel

On a Saturday morning, Year 2006, November... we started our weekly routine to explore Switzerland. Once we reached Zürich Hauptbahnhof from Oerlikon station, we need to walk through the main lobby area. That's where I met an Angel.

 

It's all started in September 2006. I got an interview call from Alstom Power for the position Gas Turbine Commissioning Engineer. During the 1st round of interview, the Manager particularly interested with a line in my resume... "Tutor for Gas Turbine Propulsion". We spent first 30min on me explaining how Gas Turbine works. The next 30min is about usual interview questions. The interview session went okay. 

Then, 1 week before Eid (a Muslim festival after fasting for 1 month in Ramadhan), I received a phone call from the Manager, asking me to attend a follow-up interview 2 days after Eid. I told him that I'm in Penang (~350km away from Kuala Lumpur), and It will be the 3rd day of Eid. He replied... "Owh, my advanced wishes for Eid. So, are you coming?" Reluctantly, I replied, yes. 2nd interview also went well. Towards the end of the session, he offered me the job. I was surprised. He wanted me to sign the job acceptance letter immediately. After finished reading the letter, as I'm about to put my signature (literally the pen tip is already on the letter), my mobile phone rang. Instead of signing the letter, I decided to answer the call.

The call is from HR of an Airbus component manufacturing company in Puchong. I did attend 1st round of interview 2 weeks ago which include a written test, group discussion, and 1-1 interview. Apparently they were impressed and wanted to offer me a job. He invited me to negotiate about salary the next day. 

In the nick of time, I've decided to listen to what the Airbus company has to offer versus Alstom Power. I didn't sign the offer letter. I told the Manager, I needed time, and I can only sign after 2 days. He seemed worried, and clarified if there is anything unclear. I told him, I needed to get my Mother's blessing. He was like, yeah yeah, Mother's blessing is important.

The next day, I went to the Airbus company. With some negotiation, they made the final offer. I told them, I'll provide my decision tomorrow. That evening, I've consulted with my college friend, Adam (not real name). He helped me to compare the pro's and con's of both offers. With a lot of thinking, praying, and of course blessing from my Mother, I chose......... Alstom.

The next day, I went to Alstom office, and put my signature. The manager asked me to purchase winter clothing, and be prepared to fly to Switzerland on the 1st day of the job it self. For the next 2-3 weeks, I spent the time to do some shopping and applied for passport. Yes, this is the first time I'm applying for passport.

On 13th November 2006, there were 11 of us reporting to work. All of us brought our luggages. After HR introductions, we were given laptop and quick guide on how to use Lotus Notes as email and database medium. The Manager then brought us to a Sushi restaurant (first time eating Sushi).

After lunch, at the office, there was an envelope on our table. We were given cash ~2000 swiss franc. This is the advanced payment for the allowances that we will receive after 5 weeks.

Soon after, just like The Amazing Race, each one of us were given another envelope. This time, there is one way ticket to Zurich. Mine was a transit flight via Amsterdam (KLM). Different people get different route. But essentially, all are arriving in Zurich with max 4 hours gap. For safety and security reasons, company policy doesn't allow to send entire team in one flight.

This will be my first experience onboarding into a flight. Since I studied Aerospace Engineering, I requested for a window seat (actually I forcefully swapped the seat with a friend). During the entire journey, my eardrum was in extreme pain (1st time high altitude, plus sinus). However, the pain is subsided by the joy of seeing closely how the aeroplane wing is being operated the first time.

Many things happened in between, but, fast forward, one Saturday morning, couple of us decided to explore Zurich town, since On Sunday, most of the shops are closed. Upon reaching to the lobby of Main train station, there were medium sized exhibitions ongoing. That's where we saw the Angel. I'm generally a shy type when it comes to having casual conversation with opposite gender. A friend of mine then managed to take this picture, of course with her consent.

And that's how I met an Angel.

Thanks for Reading.

The Pain that Lasted for 2 Months

In early June 2020, I felt lots of bumps on my head. Which is common. Sometimes i felt it when feeling lots of stress. On a Sunday, its getting worse. First and foremost, asked wife to trim off the long hair since early March (MCO due to COVID-19). Then, she put some oilment from EO. By now the bumps slowly "flowing down" to left side forehead area. On Monday morning, the bumps reached eyebrow. Since i have no idea what to google, I decided to go to nearest GP. The Dr. then introduced the name for it; HERPES ZOSTER or in simple/common english SHINGLES. Some medication was prescribed.

The below picture is from google. I had similar shingles like this.

With lots of googling and calling some friends, we realize this could be serious, since it's involving eye area. Wife made an appointment with eye specialist next day morning. The bumps now reached nose and neck area and I can't open my left eye properly, and causing mild pain. Not to mention the existing pain on the head.

The eye doctor then prescribed a set of medicines and asked to throw away the medicines from GP yesterday. Reason being the dosage is based on some calculation, and they don't want to mess up. Makes sense.  

This new medicines to be consumed 5 times daily. That's roughly every 3 hours once. First 2 days, bumps not "flowing" anymore, but not reducing (this was also mentioned in Google). Pain remain the same. I can barely stay awake for 2-3 hours, then need to sleep for 2-3 hours. On Friday morning, I can open my eyes fully, and the eye pain now is gone. Head pain still there. And, the need to sleep reduced too. Now I can stay awake 5-6 hours (with mild pain) before the pain reaches it's peak. Then, I need to sleep or take bath to regulate the pain. Since Shingles involve nerves, this is expected.

There are chances this virus can spread to others. Therefore, I'm isolating myself from the kids especially. I can see them, but cannot touch them. They are seeing me in the room, but they don't understand why I'm not playing with them. It took nearly 2 months before I get fully restored to my old self. The best part is, Shingles is something that one can get more than once.

Friends, please take care of your health. Increase your immune system by taking vitamins, eat proper nutritional food, get lots of fresh air, and manage your stress early.

Thanks for Reading

Never Betray Them

After a long gap, back to blog writing. :)


1. Accomplishment

As Follower: This is the highest degree. After multiple accomplishment being achieved, this would be the right person to be promoted as Leader.

As Leader: This is the fundamental/entry requirement. A leader must have achieved what seemed to be jaw-dropping (or at least reasonable) in the eyes of the followers.


2. Acceptance, Trust & Appreciation

Both Followers and Leader need acceptance and trust from peers, leaders, cross departments, etc. Acceptance and trust that the person has the credibility and ability to perform the task. More if the acceptance comes together with appreciation. This will motivate the person to do more.


3. Rejection

As Follower: Rejection is entry level difficulties for followers. Multiple rejection might lead to low morale and low self-esteem. Some people even relate it to dignity.

As Leader: This is the highest degree. As the leader faces rejection, it is vital how he recovers from it. Constant rejection might lead to depression.



What it means for you and me?


a. Remember that we don’t like rejections. That is why we see some people are shy to ask questions in public. We don’t want to be rejected, or expose our weaknesses. As parents, give freedom to children, let them explore and make mistakes. As Leaders, we need to learn how to recover from rejection quickly. Failure to recover from it could be detrimental and could lead to depressions. Remember, when Plan A fails, there is always Plan B, C, D, …


b. If you want others to trust you, build your credibility in that field. This is one of the proven way for others to accept. Take Tun M as example, Malaysians voted for him because we know his credibility that he built for 22 years. Also, always appreciate (e.g. buy gift) for those people that trust you. They are trusting you for a reason, and never betray them.


c. We are happy when we accomplished tasks, or when we feel that we are benefitting others. Ever wonder why many students suicide? It is because they feel that they didn’t accomplish what they should (expectations). When he is not accomplishing tasks, he tends to feel like he is useless person to the one close to him like family, society, or employers. We need to encourage people to chase their dreams. Provide necessary platforms and opportunities for people to continuously explore and accomplishes tasks.