19 April 2008

Last Sunday, I attended Planetshakers‘ FREE Album Launch Concert which was co-hosted by City Church KL in Sunway University College on 13th April 2008.

It was just like yesterday when I stepped into Sunway University College. The fact is, I have left Monash University (used to share the campus with Sunway College) 5 years ago. Even though I only studied there for 2 weeks, I kinda miss those days.

Ahh, let’s come back to the event that caught my attention better.

The church currently meets every Sunday in the Multi Purpose Hall at Sunway University College and it is packed with college youngsters.

Before the Planetshakers band took the stage, Kev took the opportunity to snap this picture for me.

Just a little background about Planetshakers. Planetshakers is a Christian youth movement that began as an annual conference and grew into an international ministry and large church in Melbourne, Australia. The conference was started by Paradise Community Church in Adelaide, South Australia by Pastor Russell Evans. Planetshakers expanded, and in 2004 moved to Melbourne to begin a church ministry (originally called Melbourne City Church). Planetshakers also has its own bible college which is located in several campuses throughout Australia.

Planetshakers flew all the way from Australia to launch their latest album – FREE which is available in leading Christian bookstores such as Canaanland.

FREE was recorded in August/September 2007 at Planetshakers City Church in Melbourne and it was released officially on 19 January 2008.

Besides singing a few songs from the latest album, they even led us in a series of previous hits such as Majesty, Jump Around, Beautiful Saviour and Rain Down.

Rain Down is my favourite worship song written by Henry Seeley of Planetshakers. You will be able to find this song from the album ‘All that I want‘.

I have not let loose for a very long time.

Thank you, Planetshakers.

I surely enjoyed myself a lot during the concert.

Amen!

15 April 2008

I have been complaining days and nights regarding the level of English being taught in our national schools lately.

As I flipped through English Form 3 PMR Model Tests workbook, I almost fainted.

Now, I am going to shock you especially for those who were English-educated or grew up in the 60’s to the early 90’s.

Are you telling me that a 15-year old guy or girl does not understand the word “on duty“?

I strongly believe my 12-year old brother would understand this simple phrase.

I don’t understand why the Education ministry need to insert so many unnecessary graphic materials into PMR English examination.

Honestly speaking, I felt they degraded the language as well as my IQ!!

I am pretty sure parents would educate their kids that this is a NO-ENTRY sign since young.

Why wait till he or she is 15 years-old???

Now this irritates me. Is this paper testing our PMR kids their language skills or household skills?

I really wonder.

Isn’t this part of the Moral education or being taught in any other subjects besides English language?

The PMR kid that answers anything else but ’smoke’ would certainly deserve a whacking!

Frankly speaking, this question seems to be a bonus for everyone!

Please don’t tell me they did not learn this when they were in primary school.

KEEP OFF THE GRASS is so common especially in Moral Education!!

I felt that I became 10 times “stupider” (if this word ever exist in the dictionary).

I cannot believe that this is the level of English being taught in Malaysia. This is absolutely embarrassing! How can the nation achieve Vision 2020 when our future children are being taught with this lowly standard.

I cannot comprehend this. Aren’t they suppose to widen their English vocabulary at this age?

I am going to stock up shelves with more English workbooks (Singapore syllabus). No way my future kids are learning such degrading English in schools.

Now you tell me, is this what you expect from PMR standard of English?

No wonder many companies complain that many fresh graduates cannot converse in proper English. Now I know why.

14 April 2008

Isn’t it amazing?

I am lost for words at the moment.

I am utterly speechless now after watching American Idol Gives Back 2008.

What is Idol Gives Back?

Idol Gives Back is the name of a charitable campaign that spanned two episodes of American Idol during its sixth season. This year, the second Idol Gives Back concert and fund-raiser occurred recently on April 9th. All I could say about this 2-hour concert was INCREDIBLE.

The stunning performances by the Idol finalists and dancers caught me to stay glued to the idiot box. No joke!

Idol Gives Back raises awareness and funds to benefit the following six charities in 2008:
The Children’s Defense Fund, Children’s Health Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save the Children.

These charitable organizations have a proven track record of making a positive impact through responsible giving. (Source)

In 2008’s Idol Gives Back, many celebrities were involved. From Mariah Carey to Gloria Estefan to Brad Pitt, you name it, you’ve got it.

This song sounds familiar right? Yes, you have guessed it correctly.

It is no other than Shout to the Lord written and composed by Darlene Zshech of Hillsong Australia.

I can’t believe American Idol or Freemantle Media allows this song to be sung by the finalists and aired LIVE across America and other parts of the world even though they edited the starting of the song by replacing with “My Shepherd, My Saviour“.

My jaw dropped when the Top 8 finalists sang Shout to The Lord again at the Results show. And this time, they didn’t edit the song’s lyrics. They went all out to sing “My Jesus, My Saviour“.

This is something different. I have never heard any gospel songs being sang by the Idol finalists.

This is amazing!

If you haven’t watch American Idol lately, enjoy the youtube postings here. I am sure you would love it.

10 April 2008

Last month, I received a forwarded email from a colleague entitled “30 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN MALAYSIA“.

It is a compilation of 30 top and best companies to work in Malaysia. Ranking factors are determined by: company size (turnover), reputation in industry, compensation & benefits, environment & culture (employee survey), Best Employers award winners and Fortune ranking.

I have included some logos and pictures that associated with the companies mentioned. However, do read about my thoughts in grey italics before you tell me which is your preferred company from this set of 30 and the REASON why.

Set?

1. DiGi
Website: www.digi.com.my
Industry: Communications
Address: Lot 10, Jalan Delima 1/1, Subang Hi-Tech Ind Park,40000, Shah Alam.

Tel: 03-5721 1800

Under the Telenor ASA, DiGi Operates widely with its widest coverage to serve Malaysian population with its excellent services and futuristic plans. DiGi is currently the fastest growing telecommunications provider in the country and is very feared by its larger rivals, Maxis and Celcom.

Apparently, I heard that guys are given 3 weeks of paternity leave when their wives are on maternity leave. Wow, at least they could help in nursing the babies during their leave!!!

2. Shell
Website: www.shell.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Address: Human Resources Dept, Bangunan Shell Malaysia Damansara Heights, Changkat Semantan, 50490 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2095 9144

An excellent company to work for, Shell provides you with a platform for trainings and knowledge, while at the same time providing you with opportunity for growth while climbing the technical and corporate ladder.

It’s not that easy to get into Shell after all. Am I right about this, Kevin? You went through the first 2 stages and the stumbling block was the Shell Recruitment Day’s stage. It

3. Intel
Website: www.intel.com , www.intel.com/jobs/Malaysia
Industry: Manufacturing

Intel is the world’s largest chip maker, also a leading manufacturing of computer, networking and communications products. Intel currently has the largest plant of all manufacturing companies in Penang & Kulim industrial area.

My friend got in as a fresh graduate with a basic salary of RM3,300!!

4. DHL
Website: www.dhl.com.my
Industry: Logistics & Freight Forwarding
Add: Human Resources Department, DHL Express (M) Sdn BhdLevels 26, 27 & 28 Menara TM, Off Jln Pantai Baharu 50672 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Phone: 1 800 88 8388

DHL’s international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Around 285,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers’ expectations in 120,000 destinations in all continents.

Well, perhaps you could get some benefits of sending couriers for FREE!!

5. Petronas
Website: www.petronas.com.my
Industry: Oil & GasAdd: HR Planning & Recruitment PETRONAS, Level 63, Tower 1, PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Email: hrm@petronas.com.my

PETRONAS is an integrated international oil and gas company with business interests in 31 countries. As at end of October 2005, the PETRONAS Group comprised 101wholly-owned subsidiaries, 19 partly-owned outfits and 57 associated companies.

One silly friend rejected the offer of Petronas. My gosh! However, Petronas are reaping lots of revenue in billions!!!!

6. McKinsey & Co
Website: www.mckinsey.com
Industry: Consulting
Add: McKinsey & Company, Level 57, Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur City Center, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: 60 (3) 2382 5500

As one of the world’s biggest consulting firms with offices all across the globe, McKinsey helps many of the world’s leading organizations think about and improve their strategies, organizations and operations.

Ohh… this is really one BIG consulting firm and it’s going to be exciting to be able be part of the team.

7. Maxis
Website: www.maxis.com.my
Industry: Communications
Add: Staffing & HR Planning, Maxis Communications Berhad, Aras 17, Menara Maxis, Off Jln Ampang, 50088 KL.

Tel: 03-7492 2123

As one of the largest communications giants in this country, Maxis will be a preferred platform for aspiring executives to be part of in the quest to reach their career heights. There are so many opportunities available as Maxis is expected to continue growing in terms of size and profits.

Maxis belongs to Ananda Krishnan. A big company always comes with unnecessary tension. Ask Kevin’s sister why she left Maxis for Digi!!

8.IBM
Website: www.ibm.com/my
Industry: System/Hardware
Add: IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd, 15th Floor, Plaza IBM, Jln Tun Mohd FuadTaman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel (Gen): 03-7727 7788

To date, IBM has played a major role in delivering solutions to the customers to help solve business problems. IBM’s key strengths are in people, skills and experience in IT and complex projects, and worldwide infrastructure of international offices and laboratories from which they can quickly assemble the best expertise required by the customers in Malaysia and worldwide.

Ohh, I have a few friends working for IBM. Pays lucratively but you need to work for long hours! Fresh graduate can even earn up to RM2,500 but ends up working from 9am to 10pm!!

9. Motorola
Website: www.motorola.com/my/
Industry: ManufacturingAdd: Human Resources Department, Motorola Technology Sdn BhdBayan Lepas Technoplex Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.Tel: 04-6432511 (General)

First established in Malaysia in Penang (1974), Motorola today is a total solutions provider for wireless telecommunications and energy products. It is the first Motorola Asia-Pacific Regional Integrated Manufacturing, R&D and Distribution Center. Capabilities include design & development of two-way radio products, world-class manufacturing and distribution to global customers.

Ask JCCY!! I seriously do not know much about this.

10. ExxonMobil
Website: www.exxonmobil.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Add: Human Resources Department, Esso Production Malaysia Inc.Level 17, Menara ExxonMobil, Kuala Lumpur City Centre50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Fax: 603-3803494

A merge between Esso and Mobil produced ExxonMobil which is now the biggest oil and gas company globally, covering upstream, downstream, technology and chemical activities.

My distant uncle’s daughter has been working in this company for more than 5 years. Looks like the benefits and salary is keeping her there!

11. Hewlett Packard
Industry: Hardware/multimedia
Website: www.hp.com.my
Add: Human Resource Department, HP Towers, Hewlett Packard (M) Sdn Bhd., 12 Jalan Genggang, Bukit Damansara, 50409 Kuala Lumpur.

HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company’s offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing for consumers, enterprises and small and medium businesses.

A few friends are working in HP now. Seems there is no problem at the moment!!

12. Ernst & Young
Website: http://www.ey.com/global/content.nsf/Malaysia/Malaysia_Home_Page
Industry: Financial & tax servicesAdd: 4th Floor, Kompleks Antarabangsa, Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur. Tel (6)03.2144 2333 Fax (6)03.2141 0676

In Malaysia, Ernst & Young is one of the largest professional services firms with more than 2,400 employees in 17 offices in West and East Malaysia. It was established in early 1900s and was one of the first internationally linked public accounting firms in the country.

Plenty of ex-collegemates are working for this auditing firm. Looks good on the outside, but I could see many of them are working for long hours!!!!

13. Citibank
Website: www.citibank.com.my
Industry: Banking
Add: Human Resources Department, Menara Citibank165 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03- 2380 0000

Citibank is part of Citigroup, the world’s largest banking entity, with operation in more than 100 countries and having more than 200 million customers worldwide. Citibank also offers one of the most comprehensive trainings to their sales force.

My cousin was with the Information Systems department before she left Citibank for Standard Chartered a few years ago. But again, she rejoined Citibank 2 years ago and she seems to enjoy working for Citibank.

14. Dell Asia Pacific
Website: www.dell.com.my
Industry: PC/Hardware

Dell is one-stop PC and notebook supplier with state of the art assembly operation in Penang, supported by a world-class standard of customer service operation. At the heart of Dell’s Asia Pacific operations is the Asia Pacific Customer Center (APCC) in Penang, Malaysia. The 238,000-square-foot manufacturing facility opened in October 1995 and in February 2001, Dell’s second Asia Pacific Customer Centre (APCC2) of 370,000-square-feet began operations. Desktops, workstations, notebooks, servers and storage products are manufactured to order for customers throughout Asia Pacific.

In 1988, my uncle has his monthly paycheck of RM8,000 even though it was his 4th year working with Dell. I am not sure about now.

15. Accenture
Website: http://www.accenture.com/Countries/Malaysia
Industry: Consultancy
Add: Level 66 Tower 2 Petronas Twin Towers, Jalan Ampang50088 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03 2731 4000 Fax: 03 205 72537

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with operation in 110 offices worldwide. Accenture collaborate with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. Accenture mobilizes excellent qualified people having the right skills and technologies to help clients improve their performance.

Even though you have sufficient working experience, this consulting firm still looks at your CGPA pointer!!!

16. PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC)
Website: www.pwc.com/my
Industry: Financial & Tax services
Address: PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia, 11th Floor Wisma Sime Darby, Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIATelephone +60 (3) 26931077 Fax: +60(3) 26930997 Email: my.careers@my.pwc.com.

PWC provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. Their Malaysia operation is supported by a strong 1700 workforce in 9 locations.

It’s not easy to get into PWC!! It’s seriously very competitive to get into PWC.

17. Toyota
Website: www.toyota.com.my
Industry: Automotive
Add: Manager, Human Resources, UMW Toyota MalaysiaNo. 2, Persiaran Raja Muda, Seksyen 15, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor.

Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the world’s leading automakers, offering full range of models. As of March 2004, Toyota employs 264,000 people worldwide, and market vehicles in more than 140 countries. Their diversified operations include telecommunications, prefabricated housing and leisure boats.

Maybe you get a FREE Toyota Vios along the way! (Giggles!)

18. Nokia
Website: www.nokia.com.my
Industry: Mobile communications
Add: Nokia Networks Malaysia, Suite T01 3rd Floor Block 2320 Century Square, Jalan Usahawan, 63000 CYBERJAYA.Tel: +60 3 8313 6888 Fax: +60 3 8318 9188

A leading player in mobile communications in the Asia Pacific, Nokia first started operations in the region in the early 1980s. It has since established a leading brand presence in many local markets, and business has expanded considerably in all areas to support customer needs and the growth of the telecommunications industry in the region.

Well, you would be updated with the latest models of Nokia. Not only that, you will be able to show off to your friends. “See, I have the latest N series!”

19. Bank Negara Malaysia
Website: www.bnm.gov.my
Industry: Banking
Add: Recruitment & Scholarship Section , Human Resource Management Department , 11C, Bank Negara Malaysia , Jalan Dato’ Onn 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03 2692 5373, 03 2690 7246, 03 2690 7242 Fax: 03 2698 7929 E-mail: recruit@bnm.gov.my

Bank Negara Malaysia is the central bank for Malaysia, established on 26 January 1959. The functions of the Bank are carried out within the context of the broader goals of promoting economic growth, a high level of employment, maintaining price stability and a reasonable balance in the country’s international payments position, eradicating poverty and restructuring society.

Counting money all the time? Perhaps!!!

20. Western Digital
Website: www.wdc.com
Industry: Manufacturing
Add: The Human Resource Department Western Digital (Malaysia) Sdn BhdLot 3, Jalan SS8/6, Sungei Way Free Industrial Zone47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7870 5123

Winner of Best Employers in Asia awards, Western Digital is really an excellent organization to be in. You’ll get a chance to get a closer look on the manufacturing operation of enterprise drives, desktop, external and mobile drives.

You might get free stocks of hard disks!!! (Laughing out loud)

21. Air Asia
Website: www.airasia.com.my
Industry: Aviation

Air Asia has a record history of being a debt-ridden company turned into a multibillion organization within a span of merely 3 years. Headed by one of Malaysia’s most successful businesspersons, Datuk Tony Fernandez, there’s a limitless chance for your career to reach this sky, as of their planes, once you’re part of this ever growing company.

Air Asia – Now everyone can fly. Even the benefits stated that employees are entitled to free tickets to fly!!

22. LogicaCMG
Website: www.logicacmg.com/my
Industry: IT outsourcing
Add: 601, Level 6, Uptown 1, No. 1, Jalan SS21/58Damansara Uptown, 47400 Petaling JayaSelangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: +603 7725 6890 Fax: +603 7726 6346

Currently the biggest IT outsourcing provider in Europe, LogicaCMG is continuing to make impact in Asia Pacific. It provides management and IT consultancy, systems integration and outsourcing services to clients across diverse markets including telecoms, financial services, energy and utilities, industry, distribution and transport and the public sector. Formed in December 2002, through the merger of Logica and CMG, the company employs around 20,000 staff in offices across 34 countries and has nearly 40 years of experience in IT services.

No idea about this! Can anyone tell me more about Logica CMG?

23. KPMG International
Website: http://www.kpmg.com
Industry: Financial Services
Add: KPMG/Desa Megat & Co., Wisma KPMG, Jalan DungunDamansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaMailing Address: P.O. Box 1004750702 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 011-60-3-2095-3388 Fax: 011-60-3-2095-0971

KPMG International is the global network of professional services firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services with industry focus. Its aim is to turn knowledge into value for the benefit of its clients, people, and the capital markets. With nearly 94,000 people worldwide, KPMG member firms provide audit, tax, and advisory services from 717 cities in 148 countries.

Have a few friends working in KPMG too. But a few has left the tensing auditing firm for a better environment.

24. Oracle Corporation
Website: www.oracle.com
Industry: Software/system
Malaysia office: Oracle Corporation Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Level 38 Menara Citibank, 165 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 60-3-2161 8822 Fax: 60-3-2164 3755

For nearly three decades, Oracle, the world’s largest enterprise software company, has provided the software and services that let organizations get the most up-to-date and accurate information from their business systems.

Anyone out there knows more about Oracle?

25. Federal Express (FedEx)
Website: www.fedex.com/my
Industry: Logistic & freight forwarding
Selangor service centre in Malaysia: Federal Express Services (M) Sdn Bhd
17 Jalan TSB 8, Taman Industri Sungai Buloh47000 Kota Damansara, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Email: MALrecruit@fedex.com

Federal Express, part of transportation powerhouse FedEx Corporation, connects areas that generate 90 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product in 24 to 48 hours with door-to-door, customs-cleared service and a money-back guarantee. The company’s unmatched air route authorities and infrastructure make it the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast, reliable and time-definite transportation of more than 3.2 million items in 220 countries each working day. FedEx has more than 138,000 employees, 50,000 drop-off locations, 671 aircraft and 41,000 vehicles in its integrated global network.

Another courier company. You can send your couriers around the world for FREE perhaps!

26. Deloitte Malaysia
Website: www.deloitte.com
Industry: Financial & tax services
Add: Head Office , Level 19, SS21/58, Damansara Uptown, 47400 Petaling Jaya, P O Box 10093, 50704 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +60(3) 7723 6500, +60(3) 7726 1833
Fax: +60(3) 7726 3986, +60(3) 7726 8986
e-mail: myaaa@deloitte.com

Deloitte Malaysia is among the nation’s leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through nearly 1,100 people in 8 offices throughout the nation. Having built a strong presence with a portfolio of clients spanning a variety of industries, Deloitte Malaysia has a proven record in providing services to some of the world’s largest multi-nationals as well as local enterprises, financial institutions, government bodies, public and newly privatised organisations.

Ask Yvonne. Well, I have a few schoolmates working in Deloitte too! Great opportunities come with great responsibilities!!!

27. Ericsson
Website: www.ericsson.com/my
Industry: Mobile communications
Malaysia address: Ericsson (M) Sdn Bhd3420 Persiaran Sepang 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor.

Tel: 03-8314 6000 Fax: 03-8314 6009

Ericsson is the leading telecom supplier in the world. In the Asia Pacific region, Ericsson has over 30 percent market share in mobile communications infrastructure. Ericsson’s net sales in the region for Q3 2005 accounts for 22% of Ericsson’s global sales. Ericsson has a strong presence in Asia Pacific, with 16 operating entities grouped into five market units: Australia & New Zealand, China, India & Sri Lanka, North East Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan), and South East Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei).

If you are there, help me to get the latest model of W960i!!! (Giggles)

28. Samsung
Website: www.samsung.com
Industry: Electronics
Malaysia contact: Suite 3B-9-3A, Level 9, Block 3BPlaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 03-2263 6600 Fax: 03-2263 6666

In this region, Malaysia plays a key role in SAMSUNG’s strategy as both a manufacturing export base as well as a market for high-value technology products. They currently employ a total of 2200 employees in Malaysia. SAMSUNG Electronics offices in Malaysia consist of 1 subsidiary office and 2 manufacturing facilities. In recent years, SAMSUNG has evolved as a major consumer technology brand. We consistently clinch top 3 positions across South-East Asia for televisions, monitors/LCD monitors, side-by-side refrigerators, washing machines and DVD players.

Wow, looks like this Korean giant might bombard you with free electronics. I don’t know, it’s POSSIBLE you know?

29. Sony Malaysia
Website: www.sony.com.my
Industry: Manufacturing/electronic
Malaysia contact: The Human Resources DepartmentSony (M) Sdn Bhd, No.7, Tanjung Bandar UtamaBandar Utama, Petaling Jaya 47800, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Email: recruits@sony.com.my

Sony has helped developed discerning Malaysians who have come to expect quality, integrity and reliability in audio/visual equipment. Sony’s cutting-edge technology brings sights and sounds, expectations and experiences into the home as well as the office.

If you are with Sony, help me to get Sony PSP or Playstation III please! (I am so greedy)

30. Berjaya Corporation
Website: www.berjaya.com.my
Industry: Various
Add: BERJAYA LAND BERHAD Group Human Resource & Administration Division11th Floor Menara Berjaya, K L Plaza179 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Email: hr@berjaya.com

My cousin works for Berjaya group. She is enjoying every bit of her work. Berjaya does invest a lot in tourism industry. Probably you would get free night-stays with any of Berjaya resorts around South East Asia!

After all these 30 giants available for you to develop your career, tell me which is your preferred choice and why. I am waiting for your comments!