tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90320312024-03-19T17:05:28.890+09:00CLF's Journey from KL to TokyoMy personal blog started in Nov 2004 archiving some of the memorable moments in life. It's also a journal of my personal development from a computer-loving teenager to becoming a digital marketer based in Tokyo. I may have a laughter or two when I read the entries again sometime in the future.CLFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05243243274172247798noreply@blogger.comBlogger2017125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032031.post-51650539935662590912018-11-03T02:12:00.001+09:002018-11-03T02:27:47.577+09:00Summer Holiday in Malaysia Sept 2018<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsg8tz8Ub7X6n9Huy6xkYbOrYhpd7pUCXK7qJNZZ3ws3PGDd0ZE9JIbLU1h7vX6vIylMDW3tfN5do9HuyNybLMSVbhEIzUM1cohPmGeu79xf_WPNy1o2N9AKRsmXyi1DzKU98Y/s1600/IMG_1013.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsg8tz8Ub7X6n9Huy6xkYbOrYhpd7pUCXK7qJNZZ3ws3PGDd0ZE9JIbLU1h7vX6vIylMDW3tfN5do9HuyNybLMSVbhEIzUM1cohPmGeu79xf_WPNy1o2N9AKRsmXyi1DzKU98Y/s400/IMG_1013.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
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Ever since I've started working in 2014, I haven't really took the time off for vacation to let myself relax. This time, I've decided to take 2 weeks off going back home to spend some quality time with family and friends. This will be a lengthy post loaded with lots of pics.<br />
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Booked the premium seat when AirAsia had offer. Definitely worth the investment for this comfortable flat-bed seat!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1xBdzPeVfwN_tB4Mp4LHfqI4ct5ZhMk38nMVwZDu6onfNoou9qUAl8hchcCA6KNaJupEhNmZFADaZpj_5n7jNEDOrINfdRwU_gPk5CzC1bKhcFCIyrLPY6i2lNVWCorCFlpB/s1600/IMG_0856.HEIC"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1xBdzPeVfwN_tB4Mp4LHfqI4ct5ZhMk38nMVwZDu6onfNoou9qUAl8hchcCA6KNaJupEhNmZFADaZpj_5n7jNEDOrINfdRwU_gPk5CzC1bKhcFCIyrLPY6i2lNVWCorCFlpB/s400/IMG_0856.HEIC" width="300" /></a><br />
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In-flight meal has to be chicken rice!<br />
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Enjoying a cup of white coffee right in front of the arrival hall. <br />
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Right before reaching home, stop-by at a nearby place for some dim sum breakfast. I got a feeling that I'll be eating A LOT this time back.<br />
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Souvenirs brought back home. Some snacks and coffee.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSRFgfqagRZbSLYMmyEL1DA5kBF2LO5d1XE_3ldxsOzd4FmLZJVzkVUn6t-oQ6OZxpBrm7qzLJIJT8iyXjbIo8EhdvVkoPC9fVDbo-fnLI3AnbR50d3cdpWj0qSRSwZzrIgVl/s1600/IMG_0900.HEIC" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSRFgfqagRZbSLYMmyEL1DA5kBF2LO5d1XE_3ldxsOzd4FmLZJVzkVUn6t-oQ6OZxpBrm7qzLJIJT8iyXjbIo8EhdvVkoPC9fVDbo-fnLI3AnbR50d3cdpWj0qSRSwZzrIgVl/s400/IMG_0900.HEIC" width="400" /></a><br />
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Next morning, as usual the BKT session at Klang. This time trying out a new place which I haven't been to before.<br />
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New residential units built when I wasn't around.<br />
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Catching up with friend at Bangsar for the famous banana leaf rice. Fascinated by listening to her stories working in the legal field.<br />
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New attraction at the Central Market.<br />
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Nam Heong chicken rice!! Frequently visit here when I was learning the Japanese language nearby.<br />
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Revising the history of KL. Compared to Tokyo, KL is a rather young city as it began development in the mid 19th century. In contrast, around the same time in UK and Japan, they were experiencing industrial revolutions. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMRfokvCy216rdJUPGBzLq_Ef_bHHKw9VNOVnD-p7YuGGBIXqiMN1ICSFGz9q4sE7VP1unPQ-WybBgKLMy4TDhfKAlm157Md9tvvId1uLQleHj3nJL7glvhtd-VOBQCz2O2Ej/s1600/IMG_1087.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMRfokvCy216rdJUPGBzLq_Ef_bHHKw9VNOVnD-p7YuGGBIXqiMN1ICSFGz9q4sE7VP1unPQ-WybBgKLMy4TDhfKAlm157Md9tvvId1uLQleHj3nJL7glvhtd-VOBQCz2O2Ej/s400/IMG_1087.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Masjid Jamek situated right in between the confluence of Klang River & Gombak River. This is where KL got its name, "Kuala Lumpur" literally the confluence of mud.<br />
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The landmarks of KL.<br />
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Didn't realized there's such gorgeous fountain behind the iconic building. <br />
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Overlooking the newly built luxury hotels.<br />
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Back to the street where I grew up. Certain things has changed and some didn't change at all. Too bad we no longer call this place home. This homecoming experience deserves another blog post for me to further talk about a particular issue that has been bothering me all these years ever since we've moved to our current home.<br />
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The familiar playground.<br />
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Paying visit to my primary school. Glad to see that the school has turn out even better and was surprised to find one of the teacher who taught me back then has been promoted to become the headmaster of the school!<br />
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Lovely scene at the local market displaying all the chicken rice at it's full glory.<br />
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Haircut by ex-classmate. Happy to hear that he became the top hair stylist in the salon. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHZXB545LA8PWqghTh-mLChr7y92e_tsZOFeMnmd66vNDSIrEuY4TNha4oQA1HSyWr0JWlwFMV3EKSgsPKR2r9EACjKn1sYcoJp56KU2rix-l6TAAQwA8sYqX-3F_pCw4U4Tq/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHZXB545LA8PWqghTh-mLChr7y92e_tsZOFeMnmd66vNDSIrEuY4TNha4oQA1HSyWr0JWlwFMV3EKSgsPKR2r9EACjKn1sYcoJp56KU2rix-l6TAAQwA8sYqX-3F_pCw4U4Tq/s400/IMG_1575.JPG" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Kit Kat Malaysia's special edition featuring nasi lemak, ais kacang and rose milk tea!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPWMoJU-vvC7_2cm9RtDo5p_poLo5qpQ47iRrpTB8N8zqpvEHAQJv9GhNFtl1qEIvZHDE_aWYopgYiraqDSPdF2zsmvqcpDXk8G3aiL3km3YwgVWysOY5TD2aTuriqKoC7Skc/s1600/IMG_1600.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPWMoJU-vvC7_2cm9RtDo5p_poLo5qpQ47iRrpTB8N8zqpvEHAQJv9GhNFtl1qEIvZHDE_aWYopgYiraqDSPdF2zsmvqcpDXk8G3aiL3km3YwgVWysOY5TD2aTuriqKoC7Skc/s400/IMG_1600.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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First time visiting Publika, the posh shopping mall featuring lots of Japanese shops and eateries.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2p8R57DFdFebc2f8JoRKHGDhzQYUUK-LE-kKRjE9QdIO0KvUnnlLEUbTGabXIYhJBkLZiZ1E0pNjQKRe33XuaqNpC3guRd9YNKSTJJNtb5-jPiBwVHZk6cXcx6KnHhdETIQK/s1600/IMG_1666.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2p8R57DFdFebc2f8JoRKHGDhzQYUUK-LE-kKRjE9QdIO0KvUnnlLEUbTGabXIYhJBkLZiZ1E0pNjQKRe33XuaqNpC3guRd9YNKSTJJNtb5-jPiBwVHZk6cXcx6KnHhdETIQK/s400/IMG_1666.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Love the patriotic decor inside the mall.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_dgVoEeo8EKw5MRS9v64s9Eym82gqd0ljtZJ7QE6EMqU3g0Yil2DzpG3FaNPRHwoAr7_ihvQPkH6_QiYK34qF-nQjF9zh_QK6LmRl6jnzF2mdp5Zl0GD5e2GUNIXxqWFMFe1/s1600/IMG_1673.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_dgVoEeo8EKw5MRS9v64s9Eym82gqd0ljtZJ7QE6EMqU3g0Yil2DzpG3FaNPRHwoAr7_ihvQPkH6_QiYK34qF-nQjF9zh_QK6LmRl6jnzF2mdp5Zl0GD5e2GUNIXxqWFMFe1/s400/IMG_1673.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
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The Federal Territory Mosque sort of resembles the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicK1JmJkT3UXFPJoVOiCZT5_oHraTgM8OhaKI8P7IvVnKGjjtHPzQjrASc12XxQzdmFudTsNhO3OzmQ0K1JDJj9UQWwj1OMGo1nvqraYAoRc3R1Hvjba_9TCa1TfQZBOIZT3HE/s1600/IMG_1683.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicK1JmJkT3UXFPJoVOiCZT5_oHraTgM8OhaKI8P7IvVnKGjjtHPzQjrASc12XxQzdmFudTsNhO3OzmQ0K1JDJj9UQWwj1OMGo1nvqraYAoRc3R1Hvjba_9TCa1TfQZBOIZT3HE/s400/IMG_1683.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1201" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Teh tarik session at the mamak stall with friends I met earlier this year when they were visiting Tokyo. Brought them for sushi and in return I was well-fed with Thai food hahah. I remember got to know one of them through blog like 10 years ago, and her blog link is still listed on the right sidebar.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAumuhdZbm3e0SazlkfS4PkCGdcpMIG5AhjHrUuLKvSRKoBVqn_qQR3YrUo24P6W46Yi2sp1YEci6R-sIExPytds3ocAByP1ZgWg9nzPwjUqO9QP9M6NBAi0m6TN1JDeRgMxvC/s1600/IMG_1758.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAumuhdZbm3e0SazlkfS4PkCGdcpMIG5AhjHrUuLKvSRKoBVqn_qQR3YrUo24P6W46Yi2sp1YEci6R-sIExPytds3ocAByP1ZgWg9nzPwjUqO9QP9M6NBAi0m6TN1JDeRgMxvC/s400/IMG_1758.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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The main event of this trip would be the wedding of my primary and secondary schoolmates. Very happy to see all the familiar faces and catching up with them, some whom I haven't met since graduating from the school more than 10 years ago! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD901OqSXIeSOof5Ef-2ttiiGSh_hZ64EK1Zywv-1Zr2EDVLDQJGYNrVoglqEidw0yll7dqmbFgPQ2g0aympxNd2XG7JNN49mwHsciguvbDP0rxXHSWCTtSl5GgqDEVxedTGKO/s1600/IMG_1866.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD901OqSXIeSOof5Ef-2ttiiGSh_hZ64EK1Zywv-1Zr2EDVLDQJGYNrVoglqEidw0yll7dqmbFgPQ2g0aympxNd2XG7JNN49mwHsciguvbDP0rxXHSWCTtSl5GgqDEVxedTGKO/s400/IMG_1866.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
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Another round of BKT, this time at the familiar outlet.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU9rf8weEUnKbGCqoFgp1vVmApXRffdbi4MU5E59w3d13dE-Xa0dQ4UQeWt9wWAp0guXJWba-GhdatLKfV4-_b_dMHP-u24oR9b-nJmpAgKuhwPFcY1MDs64OCW7b51w_Mt7W/s1600/IMG_1878.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU9rf8weEUnKbGCqoFgp1vVmApXRffdbi4MU5E59w3d13dE-Xa0dQ4UQeWt9wWAp0guXJWba-GhdatLKfV4-_b_dMHP-u24oR9b-nJmpAgKuhwPFcY1MDs64OCW7b51w_Mt7W/s400/IMG_1878.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
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Attended a Malay wedding with all these lovely settings.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihFMZOg6l7edSTLx9fu1d8vCHvbXCTn9HMxMFRyT16sPCUbROio75s0uRdVBsIsdf4lNc5WNs9W9fjLCKe_8ONtS3gzqJgiSpmFibM7BDBnccu1hTmXs1Y6BymMdWKKf0XAJ7/s1600/IMG_1915.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihFMZOg6l7edSTLx9fu1d8vCHvbXCTn9HMxMFRyT16sPCUbROio75s0uRdVBsIsdf4lNc5WNs9W9fjLCKe_8ONtS3gzqJgiSpmFibM7BDBnccu1hTmXs1Y6BymMdWKKf0XAJ7/s400/IMG_1915.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Visiting the Thean Hou Temple. I've written a short post on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo69GcQn3yf/">Instagram</a> about this special place. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqO7V8svKYqO5EIhiKl4s5TBUeDH5pM2oGOa_mrkBeQp9_PA_mhus5hZCV8jTr8TBHGDeOTTnxYkBZgDEcChxgaXjJKL_07Ju-ddYRD3783HSBdNj2HEo1fM2Hj9PTJv0zItn/s1600/IMG_1944.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqO7V8svKYqO5EIhiKl4s5TBUeDH5pM2oGOa_mrkBeQp9_PA_mhus5hZCV8jTr8TBHGDeOTTnxYkBZgDEcChxgaXjJKL_07Ju-ddYRD3783HSBdNj2HEo1fM2Hj9PTJv0zItn/s400/IMG_1944.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Awana Genting. Had great memories staying here many many years ago.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PocX7lvvirH8TLrrvgYjKFtHY8GRicZ_VVXkDUsStSWqjJRrZTTuqyU1J6R7wUrHgm964KiejKvimSD5CB_RkuXzutZaqFiI7_N3faMPqBGYZFzTNzBSCiAQaVIG002B54gC/s1600/IMG_2022.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PocX7lvvirH8TLrrvgYjKFtHY8GRicZ_VVXkDUsStSWqjJRrZTTuqyU1J6R7wUrHgm964KiejKvimSD5CB_RkuXzutZaqFiI7_N3faMPqBGYZFzTNzBSCiAQaVIG002B54gC/s400/IMG_2022.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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First time visiting the Genting Premium Outlet. Price-wise may not be that cheap in RM, but if convert to JPY it's still quite OK. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MGY2msxyuvnP9XB4YnU0zX7zTRG2UFVG4P0jAU7hqiY4-Cw1asoD3YqOSKBdfjiTBTYzCvgWArrMd7wZTk3wQbjiH63ZRTI8yCTQOxcCb6Cndetk-gmeKieCsoy2R4UJitIv/s1600/IMG_2015.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MGY2msxyuvnP9XB4YnU0zX7zTRG2UFVG4P0jAU7hqiY4-Cw1asoD3YqOSKBdfjiTBTYzCvgWArrMd7wZTk3wQbjiH63ZRTI8yCTQOxcCb6Cndetk-gmeKieCsoy2R4UJitIv/s400/IMG_2015.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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The set meals for the family cost about the same for lunch in Tokyo.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87OxutzJhusAIi7SjQt-k4_BXwvYuxlXPRLgCfGWbUmReucWXoFOb-NWxL6AtQZFAxl7OoFufkf36Rq29y6c69x1sQgcATF2RkUmjAzyO33jPMmddyRyBRIr13xzXhbng6tA8/s1600/IMG_2033.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87OxutzJhusAIi7SjQt-k4_BXwvYuxlXPRLgCfGWbUmReucWXoFOb-NWxL6AtQZFAxl7OoFufkf36Rq29y6c69x1sQgcATF2RkUmjAzyO33jPMmddyRyBRIr13xzXhbng6tA8/s400/IMG_2033.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Genting Highlands outdoor theme park is still under construction to overhaul the outdated theme park. Wanna come back again when the new theme park is ready.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXobyDtY1KvMD8fcislDEsMP7V9B_1UvWsg8NuSOxqO_GJCN3lBJx9Do2Zl_FKnTd2yBBerm7_QlhQg1LVwKGasMG2Ll3PN93hj0SLJ2UK8H1uzRDMyTILzrwJReGTE_R5T8nI/s1600/IMG_2077.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXobyDtY1KvMD8fcislDEsMP7V9B_1UvWsg8NuSOxqO_GJCN3lBJx9Do2Zl_FKnTd2yBBerm7_QlhQg1LVwKGasMG2Ll3PN93hj0SLJ2UK8H1uzRDMyTILzrwJReGTE_R5T8nI/s400/IMG_2077.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
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First World Hotel. Used to come here quite often when we were still living at the old place. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnLsO8ox7CIatRq4lzCFvf3alGMpaQR8eqoBBvrsEuXkCTzhNaVJ4T0G9egNEEOfJmt1f5mLdO8c6pU_bOyZcVMabX5EM3ncjojbKXE0Iid5EUdqe8R15qaMEpBkKsziE_dsS/s1600/IMG_2072.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnLsO8ox7CIatRq4lzCFvf3alGMpaQR8eqoBBvrsEuXkCTzhNaVJ4T0G9egNEEOfJmt1f5mLdO8c6pU_bOyZcVMabX5EM3ncjojbKXE0Iid5EUdqe8R15qaMEpBkKsziE_dsS/s400/IMG_2072.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
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Above the clouds.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y5ur3heD_L11QLyCMlITFgXjJTotgO59qOW4wpsqYRL4w2tzteb-hUGudXphkSCj6gCmhiOtlgdfqFE_OpkH9OHjWR1qlJAWG7REUJftqYq3JxJEfHBVlMiP-utzdVfwcBWm/s1600/IMG_2101.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y5ur3heD_L11QLyCMlITFgXjJTotgO59qOW4wpsqYRL4w2tzteb-hUGudXphkSCj6gCmhiOtlgdfqFE_OpkH9OHjWR1qlJAWG7REUJftqYq3JxJEfHBVlMiP-utzdVfwcBWm/s400/IMG_2101.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Complimentary stay at a new hotel. Kinda underwhelming from all the hypes....<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjudYwJA6ynQIS0QoK-GmkPwMDUQE9uqv_WFK0CpmmBQYy2ZeS404FH9MLBHFjn8i7wFSX3-rNwm14dJmPkgBx9x7Wszfb7GJ4KOYyyngRS4GCpO9WsdRGbou4tbJP1lmEeTy/s1600/IMG_2105.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjudYwJA6ynQIS0QoK-GmkPwMDUQE9uqv_WFK0CpmmBQYy2ZeS404FH9MLBHFjn8i7wFSX3-rNwm14dJmPkgBx9x7Wszfb7GJ4KOYyyngRS4GCpO9WsdRGbou4tbJP1lmEeTy/s400/IMG_2105.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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The view from the pool is pretty cool though.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKb8spznWoqChfi_SNfgiewGABY9P6FQ0iolp2NY7mZv6EUxjmcP36ok-NyowFgpyA1VTvcRWFi_2hgK61N3ew-4rkkRDc9e-ibDw_kauMoMrdz8-bq_qNchfxUY8G6IoWc2G/s1600/IMG_2108.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKb8spznWoqChfi_SNfgiewGABY9P6FQ0iolp2NY7mZv6EUxjmcP36ok-NyowFgpyA1VTvcRWFi_2hgK61N3ew-4rkkRDc9e-ibDw_kauMoMrdz8-bq_qNchfxUY8G6IoWc2G/s400/IMG_2108.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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My last visit to the Batu Caves was in 2000 and oh my it has turned colourful!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_Mr47Iw_uXzTkn1Hx65AmjrMV7IdsjlxF7Pvz1EYgIJ63EhS1uKEtK9551qymRN96jiN3ZhoBBl5kHLm5KYWxaAJWS5RF7fYd2VD01sNegzqvZyGVbSaN4KRCqvSwSwcpe0Z/s1600/IMG_2164.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_Mr47Iw_uXzTkn1Hx65AmjrMV7IdsjlxF7Pvz1EYgIJ63EhS1uKEtK9551qymRN96jiN3ZhoBBl5kHLm5KYWxaAJWS5RF7fYd2VD01sNegzqvZyGVbSaN4KRCqvSwSwcpe0Z/s400/IMG_2164.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Had Yong Tau Foo near the old home. Still the same taste, love it!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSIOs8B7k7mjHG2UW__8fE32ysU15tqTFWTGnys8mB4-NO3nsz-2bv7oHiweB7RhW0NHFoAUaZeRXCyONc6ru3S2X3pkPjhSQ2dvYSmddKycZso9xV6R0cAKCtf5Lfcr2Kjad/s1600/IMG_2210.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSIOs8B7k7mjHG2UW__8fE32ysU15tqTFWTGnys8mB4-NO3nsz-2bv7oHiweB7RhW0NHFoAUaZeRXCyONc6ru3S2X3pkPjhSQ2dvYSmddKycZso9xV6R0cAKCtf5Lfcr2Kjad/s400/IMG_2210.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Visiting family friend's house.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4GD-1zxipq8bevkFSyY9XJsABUdU6w_jkKJeBRfpke_21PzDbQrUryiXoLLFIQouU71TzN5HIzddgJquqC82kbX-I6_RryXzeEjNiFdHDG5LeMYZmeyp9KAKpZaDPfpQHCiT/s1600/IMG_2215.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4GD-1zxipq8bevkFSyY9XJsABUdU6w_jkKJeBRfpke_21PzDbQrUryiXoLLFIQouU71TzN5HIzddgJquqC82kbX-I6_RryXzeEjNiFdHDG5LeMYZmeyp9KAKpZaDPfpQHCiT/s400/IMG_2215.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
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Refreshing view of Wangsa Maju from another perspective. Would love to revisit here again some other day when the weather is better.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OmRkOCByOcywEqxZQwSzulwVOtwDhQOqVumaNqhNcCRZ0iEB4o23tb27GSeEluxu-vY6r49ltJEPeTuXO450fLveujtJhuNtne6xyesfEki7guQSmc2LRevNVzpambgzg8e3/s1600/IMG_2223.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OmRkOCByOcywEqxZQwSzulwVOtwDhQOqVumaNqhNcCRZ0iEB4o23tb27GSeEluxu-vY6r49ltJEPeTuXO450fLveujtJhuNtne6xyesfEki7guQSmc2LRevNVzpambgzg8e3/s400/IMG_2223.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
<br />
My favourite chicken rice!! Usually we only order the steamed chicken, this time I asked for the roast chicken drumstick. Glorious is how I would describe it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3qZhrh4REsjyTWS71wnBbobLLVSYsdDMJsMU8_927U9Znp2DdcIu8XdUi3Dcrzjyml4xODbzEnysyRARaTRnDUTWfoJ2v0VLTzVMNkSC6bzrn1gsGpwVQRh2IajBf-quxzXi/s1600/IMG_2261.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3qZhrh4REsjyTWS71wnBbobLLVSYsdDMJsMU8_927U9Znp2DdcIu8XdUi3Dcrzjyml4xODbzEnysyRARaTRnDUTWfoJ2v0VLTzVMNkSC6bzrn1gsGpwVQRh2IajBf-quxzXi/s400/IMG_2261.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
My first pair of Adidas shoes bought in 2004. I still remember was very happy to got it back then and <a href="https://phantomclf.blogspot.com/2005/01/clfs-football-boots-list.html">wrote about it</a> on this very blog. Since then I've become a loyal Adidas fan.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8O47qrHiWL0v4iqP0thgBjmfX_t6jeP7S4Tn8VG-zrM0nP4-ntTv6APGhkAQ03M1539SXqgwtuYS3YxJbgyLdFzoaVwkEY40n9MF9LflqvM4AiQME3k1YQX8Lx1c9ZeTtwZ6/s1600/IMG_2323.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8O47qrHiWL0v4iqP0thgBjmfX_t6jeP7S4Tn8VG-zrM0nP4-ntTv6APGhkAQ03M1539SXqgwtuYS3YxJbgyLdFzoaVwkEY40n9MF9LflqvM4AiQME3k1YQX8Lx1c9ZeTtwZ6/s400/IMG_2323.JPG" width="225" height="400" data-original-width="901" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
Unfortunately it doesn't last long when I worn it for some walking.... Farewell my dear DX-1 TF, you had served me well and thanks for all the memories. ;( <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVyQmkN-VrLoaIgGs88WE-AhB0iZau8RBumT4keoumPNBB756fPBWB2t83VM85z9m-zN-JvQX1XkrhRtZkWE7sWGM4kPlZ0blWsKmiyRcTFZPSx6paDsxKvvNJ0WmcaMdhvHU/s1600/IMG_2342.mp4" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVyQmkN-VrLoaIgGs88WE-AhB0iZau8RBumT4keoumPNBB756fPBWB2t83VM85z9m-zN-JvQX1XkrhRtZkWE7sWGM4kPlZ0blWsKmiyRcTFZPSx6paDsxKvvNJ0WmcaMdhvHU/s400/IMG_2342.mp4" width="225" height="400" data-original-width="720" data-original-height="1280" /></a><br />
<br />
Great view of Sunway Lagoon.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBoiwI7mLYamjxaOI5BpOReUVcl-2f2ZNUMJMOYDYU-DSZWSlcXKMbGBHf207DAWc03vUgrZsD_rRWlzr51DIZuKnbDopPMOBAvPqw78vzVciWIJcUATO554Xrb4qzcsd6giC/s1600/IMG_2353.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBoiwI7mLYamjxaOI5BpOReUVcl-2f2ZNUMJMOYDYU-DSZWSlcXKMbGBHf207DAWc03vUgrZsD_rRWlzr51DIZuKnbDopPMOBAvPqw78vzVciWIJcUATO554Xrb4qzcsd6giC/s400/IMG_2353.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
<br />
Sunway Resort looks promising.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSErE5xeE1aX-wvAq5BkxUTeMuT7dPSqPcGSyYJO8iqdrJWAScLespr_I0mhl-y9Jemky5To2ubzj3UVLkfX01ImjmBklTn0T43p_fgrrT1asHOlAayYeyJWJGn0kQ4oqR7Wtg/s1600/IMG_2404.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSErE5xeE1aX-wvAq5BkxUTeMuT7dPSqPcGSyYJO8iqdrJWAScLespr_I0mhl-y9Jemky5To2ubzj3UVLkfX01ImjmBklTn0T43p_fgrrT1asHOlAayYeyJWJGn0kQ4oqR7Wtg/s400/IMG_2404.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
<br />
Almost miss this, managed to had Nando's for my lunch at the airport before the flight back to Tokyo. Sincerely hope that Nando's will expand their brand in Japan! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWeIwmcviJnWcAhYvZL_syWRubv_fpZ9O0vL8PoKqtYEfLXaHMI0bIer5v8i_CZ1gNlVgasRG0e5BlMGHM3M7A7tNdxDjtRJpvu1F7kA2H2h_b_m_pZZxEfQNhN11lm3eQamN/s1600/IMG_2430.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWeIwmcviJnWcAhYvZL_syWRubv_fpZ9O0vL8PoKqtYEfLXaHMI0bIer5v8i_CZ1gNlVgasRG0e5BlMGHM3M7A7tNdxDjtRJpvu1F7kA2H2h_b_m_pZZxEfQNhN11lm3eQamN/s400/IMG_2430.HEIC" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
The departure hall at KLIA2. The end of the summer holiday. After all these years, I still can be weak at this spot.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pCJsryoF2VTIdPWmtAkncVl8ndqxMsim2OTZeUMK0t4jDYLcv4UCmr5rZCY0Ctf_tsi4jgPdK0mbJqsgvdGZoeweRoJLoLNAMaKs8wQ4VYBE715Hopm8GDhr6iXT56VIcT19/s1600/IMG_2435.HEIC" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pCJsryoF2VTIdPWmtAkncVl8ndqxMsim2OTZeUMK0t4jDYLcv4UCmr5rZCY0Ctf_tsi4jgPdK0mbJqsgvdGZoeweRoJLoLNAMaKs8wQ4VYBE715Hopm8GDhr6iXT56VIcT19/s400/IMG_2435.HEIC" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><br />
<br />
High above the clouds, resolutions were made. <br />
Overall, it was a great summer holiday break back home. Before the holiday break I was sort of lost in directions on where should I be concentrating next, and thankfully I’ve figured out what should I focus next. Currently there are 2 things in my mind and hopefully if both went well, I would post and update here again. Next year is gonna be an eventful year for sure. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0r89yhyXJJR7O8RFYj9Wm7KDEoRx67xfwiVDDmj2WjssWJQQA3Eqwyq4jpMEEdOfhQOT3H2ItIkmvntoHtdr8YiPb-25yaRYW00w1ZeEkqyH9Vv96-_Odt4RAi32phEfEqYp/s1600/IMG_3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0r89yhyXJJR7O8RFYj9Wm7KDEoRx67xfwiVDDmj2WjssWJQQA3Eqwyq4jpMEEdOfhQOT3H2ItIkmvntoHtdr8YiPb-25yaRYW00w1ZeEkqyH9Vv96-_Odt4RAi32phEfEqYp/s400/IMG_3171.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
Lastly, I would like to thank my family and friends again for making this trip back home a memorable one! 'til we meet again next year! :D <br />
<br />
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</script></div>CLFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05243243274172247798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032031.post-19555541006660934332017-12-29T23:25:00.001+09:002017-12-29T23:25:15.654+09:00Revival of The Blog - The Gap Between 2015 & 2017The last update was back in June 2015 and oh boy, lots of things have changed since then! Looking back, things sure looked optimistic then. Things however, kinda swayed towards another direction after that. To put things simply, things kinda went downhill and I’m still sort of recovering from it even now. <br />
<br />
I’d like to write about what happened in between the 2 years gap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNjieLrrKGJrtLqRoz04YImxV6IGx-XsOSsUbNp7pub_OoI3CZdQ65Pk9VP4VEbRGObJCH3lX2pFdKgJVReLPoO7SOE_bpUupg3GCZ5Ik1CzLn25EqeRWr8VFZ3ju7Wbug9RJ/s1600/IMG_8904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNjieLrrKGJrtLqRoz04YImxV6IGx-XsOSsUbNp7pub_OoI3CZdQ65Pk9VP4VEbRGObJCH3lX2pFdKgJVReLPoO7SOE_bpUupg3GCZ5Ik1CzLn25EqeRWr8VFZ3ju7Wbug9RJ/s640/IMG_8904.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This peaceful park used to be part of the Edo Castle. </div><br />
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<h2>(1) Career</h2>Few months ago I’ve quit the digital marketing agency that I’ve been working for about 2 and a half years. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow at the agency, as well as giving thanks to my awesome colleagues who had supported me back then. Without the experience working in the agency I would not be able to got my current job. <br />
<br />
That being said, while I had great relationships with my colleagues at the agency, there are some things that I couldn’t agree with the agency that prompted me to seek for opportunity elsewhere. <br />
<br />
<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIeB0pKAWF4/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIeB0pKAWF4/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">先週は超嬉しかった一週間だったな。 ・久々の職場飲み会で盛り上がって思わず爆笑してた。 ・仕事で海外の担当者に提案したら、向こうの要求に刺さって早速受注に至った。 ・初めて伊豆へ行った。これまであまり話す機会のない同僚にも交流ができて良かった。 ・ずっと東京にいたので偶に東京離れしたいので、伊豆に来て良かった! ・電車で東京に戻る時、窓から見た海はとても癒される。 この夏、もっと楽しもう!</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cliffclf/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> CLiFf クリフ</a> (@cliffclf) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-07-30T02:40:32+00:00">Jul 29, 2016 at 7:40pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
Taken during summer 2016 when visiting Izu with colleagues. It was one of the better times. </center><br />
I was very lucky to have met the right recruiting consultant which happened to have a client (my current employer) in need of a SEO specialist to join their company. The whole process happened faster than I expected as I managed to progress from the first meeting with the recruiter to getting the job offer all within a month. <br />
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Currently I’m working as an in-house digital marketing specialist, specializing in SEO while also looking into content marketing and social media fields. It’s a highly competitive industry and I’m still picking up something new day by day. Then again, the more things that you don’t know, the more eager you’d want to learn more about it. Looking forward for the opportunity to build up my skills and experiences to advance into this digital marketing field. Speaking of which, perhaps one day I shall write something about digital marketing, as I’ve been involving in it even without realizing it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCXZzApX4NR2v1mnSu3fRX-ZBUbBgx32cC-dwlbeVsmMTXM0nB6CROe-bNrJLUxLMuQNe2uf3AioBvGA7jucV1bWzbtHWDnATSOENd5L0QcltVuwyXXvOxGHg-eaNymZr29gM/s1600/IMG_9321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCXZzApX4NR2v1mnSu3fRX-ZBUbBgx32cC-dwlbeVsmMTXM0nB6CROe-bNrJLUxLMuQNe2uf3AioBvGA7jucV1bWzbtHWDnATSOENd5L0QcltVuwyXXvOxGHg-eaNymZr29gM/s640/IMG_9321.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><center>Company trip to Hiroshima. It was a solemn experience and looking forward to revisit the city again one day. </center><br />
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<h2>(2) Health</h2>Physically, thankfully not much major issues. I really should work out something to reduce the belly, and somehow i started to feel the symptoms of aging, though I’ve yet to reach 30’s. Mentally, that’s a different story though. To be honest, I wasn’t at the best state of mind for the past few years. <br />
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A few months right after the last blog update, <i>something happened</i> which prompted me to reshuffle my priority to be more immersed with the work. From that onward, things worsen while I wasn’t aware of it and the moment when I realized something wasn’t right, it was too late. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKsdfMly_EBDXYAxSrCHOmCo3ZgykcOqhg3zoU99yOHYYcYlHBNmKe5p3TwBcUFuVWFpcoZDyFDHA8ArPTThXveENrOrYWl0r4X_RDMWzgubHGoHT8fLZ8F1klEwGHjw9-RJB/s1600/left+office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKsdfMly_EBDXYAxSrCHOmCo3ZgykcOqhg3zoU99yOHYYcYlHBNmKe5p3TwBcUFuVWFpcoZDyFDHA8ArPTThXveENrOrYWl0r4X_RDMWzgubHGoHT8fLZ8F1klEwGHjw9-RJB/s640/left+office.jpg" width="360" height="640" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><center>Some days I would work close to the 11th hour, literally.</center><br />
At the moment I’m slowly recovering from it. Rather than keeping within myself I’d prefer to speak it out. Am considering of writing it out at some point, as mental well-being issue is not something people would be eager to talk about it openly, however if left unchecked it can destroy a person from the inside. <br />
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A bit of anxiety, but I wouldn’t call it as a depression, as it’s way messier than what I’ve been through. My case is considered juvenile compared to what those who had severe depression been through. <br />
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<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/-v76tGxmHa/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-v76tGxmHa/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by CLiFf クリフ (@cliffclf)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-12-01T12:21:20+00:00">Dec 1, 2015 at 4:21am PST</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
There were times when I do not look forward walking to the end of this corridor.</center><br />
Perhaps I should have acted earlier to pull myself out of the mess, but better be late than never, as now I’m slowly taking steps to regain my life back. Updating the blog here is one of the initiatives to have myself do what I used to enjoyed doing. Besides writing, I’m also thinking of getting involved with sports again and have a real proper vacation for myself, sometime in 2018.<br />
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<h2>(3) Social Life</h2>Those who had stayed in Japan for an extended period of time will inevitably face the fact that the social circle is shrinking year by year. Many people are eager to come to Japan, but after experiencing the reality here, some decided to leave and go somewhere else, which is totally fine. <br />
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I used to laughed that some people said that they don’t really have any friends, but now I started to feel the same and can understand their sentiment in it. As we advance into adulthood, we have different priorities to take care off, and we tend to be more selective on choosing who to hangout with. If you look into yourself, nowadays we tend to spend more time with colleagues than our friends, isn’t it? <br />
<br />
The most obvious solution for this, is to get to know more new people. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeUggNkcIOVuQb56Fq3D_MNyKLpG3dk4HgvkINW71vlff83VIKSbKWuWFZJ2Qwi77_nIg7EMtWMryKSmU2_PuKNOCVfnouz8X5Dlhl_54OqM6K60x1q2URqFZphzIOCnmPhIG/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeUggNkcIOVuQb56Fq3D_MNyKLpG3dk4HgvkINW71vlff83VIKSbKWuWFZJ2Qwi77_nIg7EMtWMryKSmU2_PuKNOCVfnouz8X5Dlhl_54OqM6K60x1q2URqFZphzIOCnmPhIG/s640/IMG_0133.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><center>The winter illumination at Tokyo Midtown is one of the popular spots in the city.</center><br />
Which brings us to another topic which I’m frequently asked, whether I’m seeing <i>someone</i>. At the moment, I’m slowly regaining back control of my life after the hectic working hours at the previous workplace. I’m looking for <i>someone</i> whom I’m willing to commit much of my time on. Hopefully, in 2018 I can have an answer for it. <br />
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<h2>(4) Post-PC Life, Mobile-centric</h2>Another reason why I seldom update the blog, is because iPhone is good enough to handle most of my daily usages of Internet. Personally I find this change surprising as back then I was known as the kid who couldn’t live without turning on the computer for a day. Now, I haven’t switch on my personal laptop for almost 2 years! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVSJXxAq044W0YIRVLcAEb3np7OUo3lWjUfsWcbWuixmvB_VFy_kBA7W1yhrg2TdRJ-BM5nVK3b8Sz_XeeuSkG5pOidYikeoeuGqfy1_o7H1r82y08fmZe6k5PWtUjovTD0pU/s1600/IMG_2233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVSJXxAq044W0YIRVLcAEb3np7OUo3lWjUfsWcbWuixmvB_VFy_kBA7W1yhrg2TdRJ-BM5nVK3b8Sz_XeeuSkG5pOidYikeoeuGqfy1_o7H1r82y08fmZe6k5PWtUjovTD0pU/s640/IMG_2233.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><center>iPhone 7 Plus' size is almost exactly the same as the original Game Boy.</center><br />
Another reason would be, after starring at the computer screen for about 10 hours a day at work makes me shun computer during the off days. On weekends I would wonder outside rather than spending the time indoor playing with computer. The priority of spending the off days too, has changed drastically in that sense, as having a mobile device means you can get connected anywhere no matter where you’re going (except for places with poor mobile reception).<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<h2>(5) Resolutions for 2018</h2>Now that this is the end of 2017, as usual I’d like to write down a few resolutions for next year. <br />
Things that I’m looking forward to accomplish:<br />
・Cycling - There are still a lot of places to be explored in Tokyo!<br />
・Photography - I’m taking pics mostly on iPhone but am thinking of getting back into my faithful Canon.<br />
・Writing/Composing - Training to express myself better by updating this blog more regularly.<br />
・Traveling - It's time to have a proper rest, as I haven’t had a long vacation ever since I’ve started to work. <br />
<br />
That’s it for now. Thank you for reading til the end and I wishes you all the best in 2018! :) <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BczX9xvAxSs/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:57.26851851851852% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BczX9xvAxSs/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">東京ビルの灯り 無数の眠れない理由が煌めいている。 #東京 #Tokyo</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cliffclf/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> CLiFf クリフ</a> (@cliffclf) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-17T12:05:58+00:00">Dec 17, 2017 at 4:05am PST</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<center>Likely to be around Tokyo for some time.</center><br />
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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8ndHHDRARUAaPuq2IctRLnMFpcjaCwKuI-oqBIgEEWMCfWirpK6iBmsqnNBs9vd817IfYAGYGM5yPPs5DKAEQjh-FTJeELkNBQbXEQbNr_tOx9QOcpTpjFFG4opYiYF5d9Gb/s640/blogger-image--1218335542.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>The next day, joined fellow committee members of MSAJ for fiery dinner at Manhattan Fish Market. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIVFSDUjYxgScmundBPjKMRZoWUG_mfELAdsD_KqttGo0U56uL7yghMSZwuiXzmeVMVpREi7g36m7vq18cJzdN5Tp9D6Ho98btanrAU1M6E4zba5scOITndWxeIGt41lQoNXH/s640/blogger-image--1226482688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIVFSDUjYxgScmundBPjKMRZoWUG_mfELAdsD_KqttGo0U56uL7yghMSZwuiXzmeVMVpREi7g36m7vq18cJzdN5Tp9D6Ho98btanrAU1M6E4zba5scOITndWxeIGt41lQoNXH/s640/blogger-image--1226482688.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>A week later, went to Naruto and Star Wars exhibition at Roppongi Hills. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VwVfD3gaCLkqyyMbQZwggVFlMaKW0NMJU9pQM6922K5XVJ-k18WI16G6JRjsAx5YTiqeOWyTmKm-7UaUq_-Fxo212RAEc1CetLnWmcsZvrDVfZk-aGybcLkwHAvag3Viwf5C/s640/blogger-image--1481774314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VwVfD3gaCLkqyyMbQZwggVFlMaKW0NMJU9pQM6922K5XVJ-k18WI16G6JRjsAx5YTiqeOWyTmKm-7UaUq_-Fxo212RAEc1CetLnWmcsZvrDVfZk-aGybcLkwHAvag3Viwf5C/s640/blogger-image--1481774314.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnILzxNtNfNrUtHb45hleiHYHHcqzgHW1nALHv5DpD-cx9ScnU-ydIKfnpLYNPgtnwBIiILu9bwTVIx0T4P3AAROmtLk75WbC3fJolNGpHLV5LblLcOUfRYa_UbqYcmrw4WTS/s640/blogger-image-1256899930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnILzxNtNfNrUtHb45hleiHYHHcqzgHW1nALHv5DpD-cx9ScnU-ydIKfnpLYNPgtnwBIiILu9bwTVIx0T4P3AAROmtLk75WbC3fJolNGpHLV5LblLcOUfRYa_UbqYcmrw4WTS/s640/blogger-image-1256899930.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-MlKPToxohBOuQzn2OwS_P-IM-0bwxt6JrPLg5wl3b4heYLXjKpnjaDpyxC7nOvDPHtbMhDUTSm9MW9pgbYiA0k9Iiw7U8jsgn-JR8Bm_1wBfgL0MEJJB0iYpadEGgavfHb_/s640/blogger-image-122692568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-MlKPToxohBOuQzn2OwS_P-IM-0bwxt6JrPLg5wl3b4heYLXjKpnjaDpyxC7nOvDPHtbMhDUTSm9MW9pgbYiA0k9Iiw7U8jsgn-JR8Bm_1wBfgL0MEJJB0iYpadEGgavfHb_/s640/blogger-image-122692568.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>Attended the official Dinner with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib with fellow Malaysians at Palace Hotel Tokyo. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipccuh65zWcFCBgQCxbdifMNqU8YMzzyVBOzXJKfvF2ne8m9Tzw2UYdDLkoXgXPXuQn3fa1GmtJA3VRibsVAxzfUCTnpFYnPhqOeeJhoMAIkuAnzlH950EAsfOPdH5HComi1Cb/s640/blogger-image--2093161153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipccuh65zWcFCBgQCxbdifMNqU8YMzzyVBOzXJKfvF2ne8m9Tzw2UYdDLkoXgXPXuQn3fa1GmtJA3VRibsVAxzfUCTnpFYnPhqOeeJhoMAIkuAnzlH950EAsfOPdH5HComi1Cb/s640/blogger-image--2093161153.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And lastly, enjoyed some nice curry rice at Penang Restaurant near Tokyo Tower. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJ8tUeWOfAUGt7MWxj3oymI_hF1V8-8msSfdGwLOfb5C2jRWrbNyUFEOC94UHtomO0AOm_dNTKSYZqWMmNaBNfurbs7dmPKmNztZuE8V39sdoqzbSMIUaLxiqCGbaGAxKkXxi/s640/blogger-image-1333040599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJ8tUeWOfAUGt7MWxj3oymI_hF1V8-8msSfdGwLOfb5C2jRWrbNyUFEOC94UHtomO0AOm_dNTKSYZqWMmNaBNfurbs7dmPKmNztZuE8V39sdoqzbSMIUaLxiqCGbaGAxKkXxi/s640/blogger-image-1333040599.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So as you can see, May has been a wonderful month for me. I'm grateful for everything and everyone who's been involved. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let's hope June and months to come will be as great as May! ;) </div><br></div><br></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
I'd like to share it in few phases on working in Japan so far. <br />
<br />
<h2>Prelude</h2><br />
<i>Home sweet home KL, <b>somewhere I belong.</b></i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AGN2gRE9yuxRVt6YSPFvdcaW0TbhjnsavqaU__J6lnEOtTnpuCz7Ch2xPffL-D1-eVR9-RW98dAKofCICtAuRLE0_4PL2pZ3Jt0B4iuLcjLN89IualaMWRIQxYugOlcwfwXl/s1600/10273277_10152328457357626_1950827484092400462_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AGN2gRE9yuxRVt6YSPFvdcaW0TbhjnsavqaU__J6lnEOtTnpuCz7Ch2xPffL-D1-eVR9-RW98dAKofCICtAuRLE0_4PL2pZ3Jt0B4iuLcjLN89IualaMWRIQxYugOlcwfwXl/s640/10273277_10152328457357626_1950827484092400462_o.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Just over a year ago, I arrived back home in KL 2 months after I've <a href="http://phantomclf.blogspot.com/2014/02/4year-university.html">graduated in March</a>. I was in the middle of <a href="http://phantomclf.blogspot.com/2014/06/job-hunting-in-japan.html">job-hunting</a>, it was an uncertain time and I wanted to unwind myself back home for awhile, before continuing job-hunting again soon. <br />
<br />
After fully recharged back home, I headed back to Tokyo and successfully <a href="http://phantomclf.blogspot.com/2014/08/first-month-getting-into-job.html">landed my first job</a>. <br />
<br />
<h2>Phase 1: Entering the Marketing Industry</h2><br />
<i>View of Shinjuku from the office.</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-wrJaA11Hw8xuiNAHus26e73YhQ7sm0P9NnuovOlUGwIERQoOKqielBGC5iKx-hRLCZcRUCGztGldEhUlTMFyHwMsUO7J8C5a4lPk2zFqhHKexOq4WW97zVFj_GkPgOaJ1EY/s1600/IMG_6976+%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-wrJaA11Hw8xuiNAHus26e73YhQ7sm0P9NnuovOlUGwIERQoOKqielBGC5iKx-hRLCZcRUCGztGldEhUlTMFyHwMsUO7J8C5a4lPk2zFqhHKexOq4WW97zVFj_GkPgOaJ1EY/s640/IMG_6976+%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
While I was hired as SEO consultant, my initial job scope was to manage a media website <a href="http://makunouchi-japan.com/">introducing life in Japan from the perspective of foreigners</a>. That's my first encounter with content and search engine marketing. <br />
<br />
The boss gave me the freedom to manage the site whatever ways that I want, and in return demanded the increase of unique user' session counts each month. All this while the industry has been emphasizing on creating original content, and we tried to employ it as part of our strategy. How's the verdict? To put things short, it didn't went as planned. <br />
<br />
However, it was a valuable experience on trying to manage such a website from end-to-end, namely the maintenance of the platform (WordPress for this case), recruiting writers, update & fine-tune the blog posts, and finally spread it out on the social networks. <br />
<br />
After working at the first company for few months, here comes an offer from the parent company who're looking for staffs to fill up the larger parent company. I took the chance and looking forward working at a different environment. <br />
<br />
<h2>Phase 2: Shifting to the Bigger Arena</h2><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8EP008WckJ5UGHemp8OalskHAkEkk2Nc0wgNusL5Fd7rdYDmF8jTe_YhF5GuCy3abSj9vGjvuwgcR42qUJS4I3BqJ43lUZK1qtAWWfRhZ1G5CZJHI1PUBaTHpiMHr3-c1V-2/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8EP008WckJ5UGHemp8OalskHAkEkk2Nc0wgNusL5Fd7rdYDmF8jTe_YhF5GuCy3abSj9vGjvuwgcR42qUJS4I3BqJ43lUZK1qtAWWfRhZ1G5CZJHI1PUBaTHpiMHr3-c1V-2/s640/IMG_3302.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
The parent company is a total different story and scale.<br />
<br />
The number of employees in the Tokyo office is about 500 compared to 20 at the previous company. <br />
As one of the top Internet marketing agency in Japan, the parent company handles quite a number of big-name clients' cases. It's SEO solution is one of the most sought-after services provided by the company. <br />
<br />
During the initial 2 months, I've went through various training courses about the basics of Internet marketing, something I should've done it at the previous company. Good thing about company of this scale, is that there are opportunities to attend seminars hosted by big G and other major players in the industries. It's certainly helpful to keep myself updated with the latest trends happening in the industry. Sometimes this kind of talk is much effective in making a point than reading it online.<br />
<br />
At that moment, I was trying to absorb as many knowledge as I can by doing things at my own pace. I didn't really understand the need of staying back til late night. Those days were the honeymoon period when I'm able to leave the office on time around 7pm. <br />
<br />
<i>Christmas cake sponsored by the boss.</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyKziY1pL4o0srERqnnfclyI4DCFgYa_U_ykA9QRPAH5EaxbaBHCO43q9eEc29qyD1tRX9Pz1IxJGC6TPsDR4m2YTM7vZSIWf5Bs8D28Hzvt0dJuZ1MeMaO7UTBYVAIEaaFBs/s1600/10403558_10152832028642626_8033471137281473443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyKziY1pL4o0srERqnnfclyI4DCFgYa_U_ykA9QRPAH5EaxbaBHCO43q9eEc29qyD1tRX9Pz1IxJGC6TPsDR4m2YTM7vZSIWf5Bs8D28Hzvt0dJuZ1MeMaO7UTBYVAIEaaFBs/s640/10403558_10152832028642626_8033471137281473443_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<h2>Phase 3: Facing The Reality</h2><br />
<i>One of my favourite pastime is take a stroll after lunch enjoying sakura bloom. </i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYTEjX_Bj8AK-Wq1ZqwQjt_KiEZyZOoxapQFHv0hfpxUnDEJ-EQsPoH4pjCLR-sO-2Ar2wQUWU2T0Gg8qiZNZ7Y-p_gNgWd61lr21sjQLvNPjNHGsJcjyv4VaR01mvr10QhEL/s1600/IMG_4358.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYTEjX_Bj8AK-Wq1ZqwQjt_KiEZyZOoxapQFHv0hfpxUnDEJ-EQsPoH4pjCLR-sO-2Ar2wQUWU2T0Gg8qiZNZ7Y-p_gNgWd61lr21sjQLvNPjNHGsJcjyv4VaR01mvr10QhEL/s640/IMG_4358.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
As I was a freshie in the company, I was eager to proof my worthiness to be in the company quickly by handling cases.<br />
<br />
Over the next few months I was given the tasks of making proposal to clients on how can they improve their websites. I did struggled but that's normal as it was my first time doing it. After all, we learn the most by embracing mistakes that we've made along the way. <br />
<br />
However, when the dateline presses on, it's not uncommon to leave the office after 10pm, and on extreme days, barely able to catch the last train of the day. When I reached my apartment, it's already passed the dateline (12am) and when I finally managed to settled down, it's already 1 or 2am. After sleeping for a few hours, I'm back in the office working just like zombie. <br />
<br />
I don't mind to stay up late once in awhile, but I'm alarmed that this continues for weeks to come, to an extent that the unhealthy work-life balance has taken a toll on my own health. Plus, sleep deprive makes me a very different person than I'm usually is. <br />
<br />
Fortunately, I've supportive supervisor and colleagues around to guide me when in need. I'm thankful for that, really.<br />
<br />
<i>Surprised to know that 2 other colleagues are sharing the same birthday as mine! </i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7txCr3aPhaug-4GwN_83nOK8QlSd-PjiE30BifeCDthJANp7fCNCCfZv8kyeyu7BHpUCBNBFbFniPEbx-DPzuCCxM3PGyVRvHWqabVykVN5tzSHlMBH2AfkdNsEIdb_I6bKR-/s1600/IMG_4017.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7txCr3aPhaug-4GwN_83nOK8QlSd-PjiE30BifeCDthJANp7fCNCCfZv8kyeyu7BHpUCBNBFbFniPEbx-DPzuCCxM3PGyVRvHWqabVykVN5tzSHlMBH2AfkdNsEIdb_I6bKR-/s640/IMG_4017.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>To Infinity, and Beyond!</h2><br />
<i>Exploring an unknown territory in life.</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4QIixV32qn0L0vBEkSNe09ibMHJMpNOwxthBrPKZObKdWi-mMPPvjp_-oI7Ef1U4lngMLrjeGdl5lIztIIfBsu45EqKA3kkgNFS478d9rxm8cDgKWSm1kopQP3iiu2CF6igX/s1600/IMG_4983.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4QIixV32qn0L0vBEkSNe09ibMHJMpNOwxthBrPKZObKdWi-mMPPvjp_-oI7Ef1U4lngMLrjeGdl5lIztIIfBsu45EqKA3kkgNFS478d9rxm8cDgKWSm1kopQP3iiu2CF6igX/s640/IMG_4983.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I realized that I'm fortunate able to work at this current company because it's not be easy to be able to get into such a big agency. <br />
<br />
When it comes to future prospects, there are a few points to ponder.<br />
<br />
1) Over the few months or years to come, I wanna learn as many things as I can to become an independent marketing consultant. It takes time so I shouldn't rush for it.<br />
<br />
2) If the work-life balance issue still persists, I may need to reconsider my plan in order to maintain myself to be able to work at the optimum rate most of the time. <br />
<br />
3) For the next few years, I shall decide should I renew the working visa, or not. It's obvious where I'll be heading, should I didn't renew the visa.<br />
<br />
I believe I have to make some key decisions sooner or later. <br />
Life's having a little turbulence right now, but as I sort it out gradually, things will get better and I'm eager to announce it here, should there's any breakthrough progress.<br />
<br />
Until then, thanks for reading this blog all this while. :)<br />
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<br />
Today I'd like to reflect upon few things happening lately that has challenged my fundamentals greatly. <br />
<br />
The first scenario happens at work, over the matter of <b>"quality VS quantity"</b>.<br />
<br />
I’m currently running this project of <a href="http://makunouchi-japan.com/" target="_blank">sharing life experiences in Japan, <b>Makunouchi Japan</b></a>. Our aim is to become one of the most-visited sites when it comes to Japan-related information. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://makunouchi-japan.com/" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPsYv5pMChXgVPJvOyUX4rbize4oapOr-fh3pt31G3qXkabtqYCnkY1cK3Q49W0FDZxsdXttx1MmO3RQc3LYAfa0zGm9ERWssNAf2yPmLTwGPyiojtZSj8GwdWZc6Ivl_KDmZ/s640/Makunouchi+Japan.png" /></a><br />
<br />
For the first few weeks I took over the project, it’s just like update and maintaining the blog. However, as the <i>honeymoon period</i> comes to an end, the supervisor demanded the pace to be increased exponentially. <br />
<br />
Initially it seems to be a tough call, demanding a rapid rise in the site visits in short amount of time. One of way of doing it is trying to increase the number of blog posts in order to boost the site’s reputation and increase potential visits through search engine results.<br />
<br />
I admit that my pace of updating the blog is kinda slow as I’m being meticulous to proofread the articles’ texts and enhance the images before publishing them. After years of habitually updating blogs, I tend to spend quite a lot of time just to finish up a blog post, which is one of the reasons why I didn’t update this blog that frequently nowadays (<i>yeah lame excuse I know…</i>). <br />
<br />
From this experience, I realized that when it comes to a job, it’s no longer about doing things the way you like, but to do it the way that <b>others are pleased and with solid result</b>. I still love writing blogs, but the mindset has to be changed in order to cope with a new demand, quantity over quality.<br />
<br />
I do however, still enjoy making others salivating and envy with these <a href="http://makunouchi-japan.com/foods/sushi-part-2/" target="_blank">delicious-looking sushi pics</a> heh. :P<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm thankful that the supervisor and seniors who're guiding me all this while. Really appreciate it.<br />
<br />
Sunset over Shinjuku.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/15428697688" title="Sunset Shinjuku 新宿の夕焼け by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img alt="Sunset Shinjuku 新宿の夕焼け" height="360" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15428697688_96f2566451_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
For the next one..... it almost knocked me off and makes me question myself, what have I've been doing over the past quarter of century? The question attacks the very core of who I am today, what kind of person I am. Curious to know...<br />
<br />
Tokyo International Forum. Somehow the cross-bridges resemble my current state of mind.<br />
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_AkOsd4a4lizXHOEJxKCdN8OmJtN64jHOTUQCDnLRbLM_vA7UrOy-7BjkU6tfGmsoq4owrWQbLBiEmh_9vUnHbF55UN2Qx1QbWZYRw5NlqYhPR_GvvN8bVu70EpKU1RIN4iK/s1600/2014-10-25+10.35.56.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_AkOsd4a4lizXHOEJxKCdN8OmJtN64jHOTUQCDnLRbLM_vA7UrOy-7BjkU6tfGmsoq4owrWQbLBiEmh_9vUnHbF55UN2Qx1QbWZYRw5NlqYhPR_GvvN8bVu70EpKU1RIN4iK/s640/2014-10-25+10.35.56.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
Just the other day I've had a few glasses of wines and spoke to a few close friends. What we've discussed may not be disclosed, but after the conversation, I felt kinda awkward and frustrating for myself to be honest. <br />
<br />
In order for me to "blend in" further, I will have to venture into unknown territory, ie: stepping out of the comfort zone. I totally understands that at times it is necessary and I'm willing to push my boundary further.<br />
<br />
Changes can be made, but not in the matter of days or weeks I think, especially if it's a drastic one. Physically it can be changed easily, but mentally it does need more time and effort to adjust to the new ideas.<br />
<br />
Some of the changes, however, challenges my fundamental greatly and I don't even know how to react, what should I do. I've become so numb. I'm sort of torn between what should I take in, and what should I leave behind. I asked, am I doing the right thing all this while?<br />
<br />
So confused and even the Tokyo Tower appears to be slanted! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bpbFT_2oQ_tdE4MzZf0zf5_hx3ff-UFa_DZ0f1e2tVGayDLIkRQxf1o4IFlmcihR26Yt0f-N2VLEGTDiyGDwuWGaZ7yY7eG8IvDzag2SWSRfFrsfz1ipz7MBqJhffc5OuR8D/s1600/2014-10-25+18.41.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bpbFT_2oQ_tdE4MzZf0zf5_hx3ff-UFa_DZ0f1e2tVGayDLIkRQxf1o4IFlmcihR26Yt0f-N2VLEGTDiyGDwuWGaZ7yY7eG8IvDzag2SWSRfFrsfz1ipz7MBqJhffc5OuR8D/s640/2014-10-25+18.41.11.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Things may look a little rough ahead, but I'm confident that as time goes by I'll definitely overcome it. I know that I have the problem's solutions in hand, as long as I did things accordingly things will be solved. <br />
<br />
I had a feeling that once overcoming these obstacles, life ahead could be very different from now, for better or worse, it has to be changed anyway. <br />
<br />
Surely you can do it, Cliff! ;)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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Well, if it's past 6 in the evening, the choice will be fermented grape juice over the black magic. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fo6daRfp8PYgkV_DhON1tyJiRB8LB815R9qE7GEOSPvTv454fbnzJKsp8FER3Ufmm35MYX8XTDIjYGelqFpI_eNxShp0OJuuU-K5n_l0C5dQTRQzLjZQHj2iXtOP-HuNUu0q/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fo6daRfp8PYgkV_DhON1tyJiRB8LB815R9qE7GEOSPvTv454fbnzJKsp8FER3Ufmm35MYX8XTDIjYGelqFpI_eNxShp0OJuuU-K5n_l0C5dQTRQzLjZQHj2iXtOP-HuNUu0q/s400/coffee.jpg" height="640" width="584" /></a><br />
<i>Perfect day = a cup of nice coffee + engaging conversation. :) </i></center><br />
Lately I've had a couple glasses of the maroon liquor with bunch of friends. Worry not, as I remain sober all this while. I'd prefer to drink casually and socially, and not for the sake of getting drunk. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQwgBVQkmFJWTzyRK-RuF4ovKtBMoZNkK8_jiJPqHdM-x9QpedQ4SxSScMciPmFgn4tb04_TjVmlAsAIPsjsANiv8HFsmuEXBi_IiTS9VDr-CN_oP5IwUYjD2YqN28CNUbXH7/s1600/wine.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQwgBVQkmFJWTzyRK-RuF4ovKtBMoZNkK8_jiJPqHdM-x9QpedQ4SxSScMciPmFgn4tb04_TjVmlAsAIPsjsANiv8HFsmuEXBi_IiTS9VDr-CN_oP5IwUYjD2YqN28CNUbXH7/s400/wine.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
<i>Surprisingly good wine from America.</i></center><br />
When I recall what had happened over the past few months, oh boy it was something kinda different than what I had experienced so far. <br />
<br />
As usual, the Pisces' mind runs wild with imaginations of all the wonderful prospects that seems to be happening.<br />
<br />
Alas, all the visualization came to an end, when an <i>arthropod*</i> steps in. <br />
<br />
As much as I tried not to be superstitious about horoscope, but at times some of the descriptions are shockingly accurate.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h4WrIPBcCeYI6_T7HyRXzzkvvihruUIy70jNfx2NYMHrpQubnoQ6PfB56L88gtoOtRNd0rcGgm0CJ2Awvdw48oXKH0a5yrBtieixXm4_O7WoZy22wWdopo-uWJE93hue0zPo/s1600/party.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h4WrIPBcCeYI6_T7HyRXzzkvvihruUIy70jNfx2NYMHrpQubnoQ6PfB56L88gtoOtRNd0rcGgm0CJ2Awvdw48oXKH0a5yrBtieixXm4_O7WoZy22wWdopo-uWJE93hue0zPo/s400/party.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
<i>The red Velours</i></center><br />
There's a saying, "three strikes and you're out!" <br />
<br />
Thrice had struck and for the fourth to happen it will definitely drive things to points of no return. Being slightly optimistic, a temporary meltdown perhaps. <br />
<br />
False expectations are shattered, grounded myself back to reality. <br />
A rushed effort may not produce the desired result, to be honest. <br />
<br />
Anyway, things had settled down a bit since then. Or at least I hoped so. Cool down period is crucial and an ill-decision will undo everything and it's not just me, but the collateral damage will affect some others around me too, which isn't worth it, really. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_2PonSY8K6dzAkhZK-5yyIapTaDZYFxXvkagnxvtWrZmzarlUUEmbAbF3-zm3YntJYQjvEyCiHoBKyn2L9QR-2O5ysjA2CMNNV_EfLGCBepMQYd96LynEmOSRqMzoZixLogN/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_2PonSY8K6dzAkhZK-5yyIapTaDZYFxXvkagnxvtWrZmzarlUUEmbAbF3-zm3YntJYQjvEyCiHoBKyn2L9QR-2O5ysjA2CMNNV_EfLGCBepMQYd96LynEmOSRqMzoZixLogN/s640/cake.jpg" /></a><br />
<i>Bitter & Sweet</i></center><br />
I thought I'm ready to dedicate and commit; I thought I had good intention, but it wasn't the right time for execution.<br />
<br />
I do appreciate for some of the priceless moments. <br />
Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today. Cherish the moment. <br />
<blockquote><i>Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance.</i></blockquote>Eventually, I realized that....<br />
<br />
<li>Being nice doesn't pays off at times. <br />
</li><br />
<br />
<li>Nobody is interested listening to technical blabber, really.<br />
</li><br />
<br />
<li>It's not about what's right or wrong all the time, but the feel for it.<br />
</li><br />
<br />
<li>Don't just think about yourself, remember to put yourself in other's shoes. <br />
</li><br />
<br />
<li>Be a little more patient, and sometimes it's best to say nothing at all.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, I've learn a lot from this experience and definitely will do better next time.<br />
For the sake of everyone's interests, the story concludes with past tense for now.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/15404527279" title="Blossom of Fall by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img alt="Blossom of Fall" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15404527279_7193f5cf04_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<i>Blossom of fall May you bloom and grow, bloom and grow forever.</i></center><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> * <i>Arthropod</i> refers to a horoscope which falls on fall, if you haven't guessed it.</span></li><br />
<br />
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<br />
Japan is after all, pretty much a monolingual nation, which isn't necessary a bad thing. The other languages used here are English (due to US' influence), Chinese Mandarin & Korean Hangul. However, the chances of meeting someone who can speak these languages to an understandable level, is pretty slim on the street.<br />
<br />
Once in awhile, I witnessed or heard cases where tourist was rejected assistance by ordinary folks because they could not communicate with each other effectively. I'm trying to see it this way that given such situation that stresses and perhaps embarrassing for the Japanese, they would rather walk away to save all the trouble and hassle. As for the unfortunate tourist, the impression of friendly Japanese just shatters. Thankfully, they are also Japanese who are eager to help out the foreign guests, as seen at some tourist spots where one can find free volunteer tour guides.<br />
<br />
Quite a number of foreign expats have bashed Japan for it's overly grammar-oriented English education that neglects the speaking part mostly. I would think that it is because they lacked a proper environment to speak English. To make things worse, trying to speak English publicaly can still be taken as an act of showing off, something against the Japanese's modesty culture.<br />
<br />
Speaking as a Malaysian, I think that one of the best thing being a former British colony, is the solid English foundation built up over the decades. While the current Malaysian government seems to be trying to reduce English's influence in education, there is no doubt that English has rooted deeply into the Malaysian society. The fact that the newspaper with the most readership in Malaysia, is English-based The Star proofs this well.<br />
<br />
In Japan, sometimes we'll get commented for speaking "funny" or "weird" English. We are speaking Malaysian English after all, and there is distinctive difference than the mainstream American or British English. Only fellow Malaysians or our close neighbor Singaporean can decipher our English. For me, speaking our style of English comes very naturally with fellow countrymates, however other than that I have to be careful not to slip out the Malaysian English in me.<br />
<br />
Ada juga masanya apabila kita dalam keadaan yang kurang selesa, di mana kita ingin berkata sesuatu tetapi tidak hendak difahami orang lain kecuali orang sendiri. Masa itulah Bahasa Malaysia sangat berguna. Di Tokyo saya sering ada peluang bercakap BM kerana ada ramai rakan di sini, dan sebab itu BM saya masih boleh tahan lagi.<br />
<br />
Walau bagaimanapun, saya pernah jumpa dengan warganegara yang enggan ataupun tidak boleh bertutur dalam BM. Ada yang anggap sekadar dapat "memuaskan" dalam sijil SPM sudah cukup dan ia tiada gunanya di Jepun. Ada yang sudah lupa kerana telah lama tinggal di luar negara. Kadang kala ada kesnya ditanya warganegara lain, kenapa orang Malaysia tidak boleh bertutur dalam BM? Ia amat menyedihkan dan memalukan. <br />
<br />
话说中文呢,很庆幸在日本还蛮常派得上用场。在日的外国人当中,有多数都是来自东亚中文圈。有时候他们会被我们马来西亚的华裔吓到,"你们普通话怎么说得那么好啊?"无论是中国的普通话、台湾的国语、还是东南亚的华语,我们都能明白。其中之有一些人还精通方言,如广东话或是福建话等。接受过中文教育的人,学日语时有很大的优势,因为日语本身多数是原自由中文,尤其是汉字。<br />
<br />
現在日本に来て6年目になるんだけど、日本語はまだまだ頑張らなきゃ所はあると思っている。学生時代とは違って、今はもう社会人なんだ。会社内の人に対しても敬語でメールを書いているとは少し驚いた。まだ外でお客様との打ち合わせの機会は少ないが、今までの通りではやっていけないと分かっており、自分の日本語を更にレベル・アップしていきたい。<br />
<br />
日本では確かに日本語だけで生きていける。でも生活により豊かに、楽しく、賢くやっていきたいなら、もう一つの言語を学習すればいかがでしょう?きっと新たな扉が開くんだから。その他には、短期間で海外で暮らしてみることも良いでしょう。そういう経験を持っている日本人の知り合いは、多方面から物事が見られ、思考も大きく変わるのだ。<br />
<br />
日本では伝統、パターン、ルーティンとかは大切にしていることは決して悪くはない。ただ、時代の変遷によって、変更しなければ存在ができなくなる可能性がある。それに、変更のタイミング、方針も非常に重要である。例えば、かつて音楽再生機の主流であったソニーWalkmanは、革新が遅れて今iPodの後ろに追いかけている状態になってしまう。同じくソニーのPlay Stationも、XBoxとの競争は真剣に取らないといけないと考えている。<br />
<br />
ということで、ここまで記事を書き終えたい。人によって記事の一部しか理解できないのだが、それはわざとしたのだ。私と似ているような状況の人間なら、解読できるはずだ。<br />
<br />
P/S:<br />
Lastly, just to clarify that I'm writing this from the perspective of a Malaysian in Japan. Multilinguistic isn't our privilege only, and in fact there are others who can speak more than we do, just look at the Europeans. Being multilingual isn't something we should be proud of, but most importantly how can one make full use of each languages to it's best potential. <br />
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<br />
Some events such as graduation, getting a job, or even getting married (pretty common for mid-20s) are kinda common. Once in awhile, there's always element of surprise pops out.<br />
<br />
As years gone by, I am quite surprised to see that some of these friends that I used to looked down, are doing very well right now. My judgement back then, was flawed. <br />
<br />
Now, I can't help but to question myself over the perception I had towards these particular friends. <br />
<br />
Part of the story can be traced back in my secondary school times. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/135315820" title="SMJK Chong Hwa by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/56/135315820_3f6352e965_z.jpg?zz=1" width="640" height="480" alt="SMJK Chong Hwa"></a><br />
<br />
I wasn’t the kind of student that scores great results academically, but my involvement in various clubs & organizations made me a familiar figure among the school admins & teachers. I wouldn't say I was a pet student, but perhaps close to being one.<br />
<br />
Being in that position somehow made me <i>slightly</i> arrogant towards some others. I would tend to judge those trouble-makers as nuisance, and those who didn’t did well in the exam as pitiful ones and on extreme cases, hopeless. Because of that, I had conflict with some friends as I would tend to write them off with the “no-good” label. Elitism and arrogance is indeed, dangerous traits for a young man. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/86008306" title="PICT0581 by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/40/86008306_cc61ff2d9c_z.jpg?zz=1" width="640" height="480" alt="PICT0581"></a><br />
<br />
However, today I’m thankful that even though we had troubles in the past, we managed to patch things up and remain as friends (albeit on Facebook). It's interesting to listen to their post-school stories and laughed at myself for my foolishness back then. <br />
<br />
The lesson of the day, is <b>never ever judge someone too fast based on their current position</b> (especially during school days), as one may take years to be defined or break through. The "bad" boys may one day be a successful businessman, and on the opposite side, a student with stellar results may not end up in a desired position (<i>perhaps stressed out due to studying too much?</i>). <br />
<br />
Here in Japan, I've came across with lots of different people as well. Again, the bad attitude did kicked in initially, but as I been through various phases, I think my attitude has improved gradually. <br />
<br />
Now, I reserve my first impression towards someone that I've get to know recently, and take a little bit of time to evaluate this particular person. Am trying not to jump into conclusion that quickly and give it some time. It's interesting that based on my own observation, people would change depending on whom they're interacting with. <br />
<br />
Here, I'd like to quote a Chinese idiom: <b>"路遥知马力,日久见人心"</b>. <br />
It carries the meaning, "one will only know the horse's stamina as the route goes further; one will know someone's heart as day passes."<br />
<br />
Admitting that I'm not a perfect individual, I'm trying my best now to patch up the flaws. Right now, I enjoy getting to know other people in depth and trying to appreciate those few that some sort of "connects" together, for it's getting harder to find real friends at this age. :\<br />
<br />
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<br />
Contra to friends' stories of workplace abuse by seniors, my colleagues are very nice and we get along pretty well. I only learn that I'm the first foreign employee in the company's Japan branch. <br />
<br />
As August is the hottest season in Tokyo, I'm glad that my company don't have any dress code restrictions and therefore we can wear anything to work (sans birthday suit of course). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJii3JFPX3cCcAbr1Plsp8VdqB_CJibB6zT1_q5D7_ivDHPD3XovPi_AWT4hK7IQL_2OG3xYdFCa3Ypnjl_ee67bvx9KEJqRfMcxefUTzOnmB9wfI_oXMio0aFknFkhE8XIrT/s1600/IMG_6976+%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJii3JFPX3cCcAbr1Plsp8VdqB_CJibB6zT1_q5D7_ivDHPD3XovPi_AWT4hK7IQL_2OG3xYdFCa3Ypnjl_ee67bvx9KEJqRfMcxefUTzOnmB9wfI_oXMio0aFknFkhE8XIrT/s400/IMG_6976+%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF.JPG" /></a></div><center>Shinjuku skyline view from the office.</center><br />
To put it simply, our company provides SEO service and consultation for clients.<br />
We have external and internal services.<br />
<br />
For external service, we assist the client to make their current website getting better search result ranking and increase in traffic (organically), as well as patch up the penalties from Google that dragged the client's search result ranking down. <br />
<br />
Currently I'm being tasked for the internal service side for building up SEO-friendly websites. <br />
It isn't something complicated, just maintaining WordPress blogs and try to tweak plugins here and there. <br />
<br />
Now that the dots has connected, that all the years of blogging (since 2004) can finally be put into a better use in my career. Of course, given the head start I'll be learning more stuffs in the near future. <br />
<br />
I shall continue to work and learn for the following few months, before consulting my boss to get better picture of the company's future plans. At the moment we're under transaction period, so I guess it's better to speak as the company settles down. <br />
<br />
My company is expanding to SEA in the near future, and Malaysia's being one of their consideration, and therefore I was hired. At the moment we don't have a timeframe when we'll setting up a new branch in Malaysia, the fastest could be next year, perhaps?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
Well, let me share something or two about my experience of job-hunting in Japan.<br />
<br />
<b><h2>
1) It’s better to start early, but no harm to start later either.</h2>
</b><br />
In Japan the job-hunting (就職活動) for university graduates started about a year before graduation, which means the final year will be busy with job-hunting and 4th (final) year projects/researches. In fact, the previous trend was such that students start looking for jobs at least 1.5 years before graduation. At the same time, it's a rather time-consuming process to go through the companies, attending the career seminars and interviews for many rounds...<br />
<br />
This may be slightly different than other countries.<br />
<br />
Back in Malaysia, the students either started few months before graduation, or few months after graduation (<i>sabbatical vacation in between</i>). The process is rather straight-forward with just a few interviews, compared to a norm of at least 3 or more rounds of interview per company in Japan.<br />
<br />
For my case, my plan changed drastically in the final year. Instead of further studying in Masters, I've decided to take a gamble and get into job-hunting.<br />
<br />
I started rather late, just a month before graduation in March. Went to close to 10 companies' interview before settling down at this IT venture at the end of May.<br />
<br />
For international students in Japan, we are entitled to apply for job-hunting visa (特定活動申請), as the name suggested for us to continue looking for job even after graduation. The duration given is half year, but extendable up to a year (<i>eg: graduated in March 2014, but eligible to stay in Japan til March 2015</i>).<br />
<br />
While it may seems to be a risky move, no harm give yourself a little more time to look for suitable companies. From my experience, small venture companies or non-Japanese companies have higher chance of hiring people all year round, unlike the usual period that most Japanese companies abide to.<br />
<br />
<h2>
2) The advantage of a Malaysian student in Japan</h2>
<br />
It's not just Malaysians only, but generally speaking South East Asian (SEA) students are being actively scouted and recruited by Japanese companies.<br />
<br />
With the current Japanese government's pro-SEA stance, more Japanese companies are eager to expand their business to the southern region instead of their closeby neighbours (<i>due to political clashes obviously</i>).<br />
<br />
Manufacturing plants in Thailand or Vietnam, and service hubs at Singapore or Malaysia.<br />
Cheaper cost, politically-stable and decent infrastructures are some of the main reasons of the SEA expansion.<br />
<br />
The Japanese companies like to hire SEA students, train them in Japan for a yew years, before sending them back to their home country to take on senior positions. My company is thinking the same as well. Some, will stay in Japan to work for longer terms.<br />
<br />
While this may not apply on every Malaysian students, the companies and general Japanese audiences are in awe of Malaysians' multilingual ability. We can, at least speak 3 languages: Malay, English, Japanese (<i>we're studying in Japan after all</i>), and some who're able to speak Chinese Mandarin too, made us versatile to adapt to work in different countries as we have lesser language barriers.<br />
<br />
Our linguistic skills are highly valued here, and therefore I suggest for anyone out there, try to brush up your languages if you can, especially Bahasa Malaysia heh.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<br />
For now I shall leave it here with these 2 points.<br />
Perhaps after working for awhile, I shall post my experience of working a few months later.<br />
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<br />
Every pair of shoes has it's own story and represents different eras of my life.<br />
<br />
Looking from the shoes, the transaction from football shoes, sport shoes, walking shoes, to casual shoes has certainly suggested that I've been through changes in my life.<br />
<br />
<h1>Predator Absolado</h1>Year: 2007<br />
Purchased at: Bata shoe store, Alpha Angle Wangsa Maju, KL.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/14233791017" title="Adidas Predator Absolado by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img alt="Adidas Predator Absolado" height="428" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/14233791017_74858de7eb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
* Classic Predator.<br />
<br />
I often wear this back in TARC days, as I was constantly "on-call", as such that whenever I got a message from friend wanna play futsal, I'll be ready all the time. In fact, I used to kept the ball in the car so I can spring into action ASAP!<br />
<br />
Now I wear it once in awhile, mainly for futsal games.<br />
<br />
<h1>Truant ATS</h1>Year: 2009<br />
Purchased at: Adidas warehouse store, Wangsa Maju, KL.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/14440417833" title="Adidas Truant ATS by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img alt="Adidas Truant ATS" height="426" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/14440417833_993a3db18c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
* First pair of non-football shoes.<br />
<br />
As I won't be playing football that often once I'm in Japan, I thought I could make use of a pair of proper walking shoes. <br />
<br />
It served me well but now it's being "demoted" to an extra pair of reliable shoes.<br />
<br />
<h1>Samba</h1>Year: 2010<br />
Purchased at: ABC Mart somewhere in Saitama.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/14416880681" title="Adidas Samba by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img alt="Adidas Samba" height="426" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14416880681_91da6e9ed6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
* Never go wrong with black & red.<br />
<br />
Rather than heading to school with sports shoes everyday, I thought why not give sneakers a try.<br />
<br />
Besides short-distance travel, I wear it for occasional futsal as well. After all, the design is based on the classic football shoes.<br />
<br />
<h1>AdiZero Bounce</h1>Year: 2011<br />
Purchased at: Adidas store Roppongi Hills, Tokyo.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/14397114896" title="Adidas AdiZero Bounce by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img alt="Adidas AdiZero Bounce" height="426" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/14397114896_69ca75768d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
* Long distance walker.<br />
<br />
There's another backstory for this purchase.<br />
<br />
When I was back in KL for holidays, my shoes were stolen from the house. So when back in Tokyo I've decided to get myself another pair. <br />
<br />
The element on the sole attracted me, and it's not just aesthetical gimmick. It works well and the bouncy cushioning makes walking pretty comfortable.<br />
<br />
I've traveled a lot on foot with this pair of shoes, especially my few trips to Kyoto, where I walked to most of the destinations. <br />
<br />
Though it's worn and torn now, it's not surprising if I've clocked more than 100 km on this pair.<br />
<br />
<h1>Zappan DLX</h1>Year: 2014<br />
Purchase at: Adidas store Shibuya, Tokyo.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/14418941812" title="Adidas Zappan DLX by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img alt="Adidas Zappan DLX" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2908/14418941812_0f1e2d4e78_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
* Smart & casual.<br />
<br />
Though I'm still a freak walker today, as I'll be attending more occasions where sports shoes isn't appropriate, it is time to get something less sporty.<br />
<br />
This pair caught my attention for it's low profile design but at the same time, comfortable cushioning to accommodate serious walking.<br />
<br />
--------------------<br />
<br />
Some other pairs that I left in KL.<br />
<br />
<b>The Predators</b> (<i>except for the pair that I brought to Tokyo</i>).<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/4189546252" title="PIC282 by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2633/4189546252_a69544690b_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="PIC282"></a><br />
<br />
<b>Scorch MB</b>, which was being stolen back in KL, but miraculously found it back again later.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/4199646323" title="IMG_6005 by Cliff Cheng, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2777/4199646323_71c951b479_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_6005"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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That was when I'm still studying in college before coming to Japan! </i></b><br />
<br />
Title: Life After School<br />
<br />
<p>I say, life in school is arguably the best time in our life so far, I think some of you here will agree this statement, don't you? (I absolutely stand up for this point, else I won't be writing this lol.) <br />
<br />When you step out from the school compound after finishing SPM/STPM, you'll realise that you might missed out or neglected some of the best moments.... but it's too late to get things fixed now, much to your regret. In this post I'll talk about something that you can do to reclaim back the precious memories, or at least, keep a bit out of the whole chunk.</p><br />
<p>Looking back at your school days few years later, the nostalgic memories of the good old days will tackle our brainwaves. Ah, the days when you're messing together with the best mates, putting a prank on the teacher, escaping disciplinary punishments, etc. <br />
<br />These experiences can only happen in school, and in your entire lifetime your job as a student is just the merely ±10 years. The next time when you return to the same scene, you wont be able to experience all of it again because your role is different then. </p><br />
<p>I have a feeling that I should try to jot down all the events, activities I've been through during my schooling days. To my own satisfaction, I've started it when I'm just begin to picked up those co-curricular activities. Co-cu activities are pretty much the best part of all, I think. Also, some events happened in school are worth to take note of, like the Teacher's Day celebration, cultural performances, etc. I've recorded down most of these activities in my blog as a journal. Of course, it isn't just words that speak for the events and activities, some posts are accompanied by images and videos.</p><br />
<p>Talk about the pictures and videos, I used to bring along my camera whenever there's any events/activities going on, much like a reporter for the school lol. Although I'm not a part of the Photography Club crew, I befriended with them and I've managed to sneak into the frontline take down pics and videos, rather than sitting in the hall watching from behind where you cant really get a clear view what's happening in front. <br />
<br />Do beware the school's policies for students to bring camera to school. Some schools, like mine for example, requires permission from the school admin to bring the camera as they fear students will abuse it for something nasty. So, remember to consult the authority before bringing it.  ;)</p><br />
<p>Most schools I believe publish their annual school magazine right? It serves as the "official" journal of events happened in the school in the year, also covering the graduates' profiles in it, particularly Form 5 and Upper 6 students. Keeping the school magazine is a good method for preserving some of the memories, though things are looked from the point of view of school admins, which might make the magazine boring for some (admins wouldn't be pleased to have the magz full of students' stuffs.) <br />
<br />If you got the chance, join the School Magazine Editorial Board (aka Sidang Redaksi Majalah)!! Play your part in it to make a better school magazine for fellow students! </p><br />
<p>Why I'm concern bout preserving all the memories of schools even after I've left school for years? I believe that school is a training ground for us to pick up and refine our skills. <br />
<br />Say, if you're active in school debate team, you might find yourself in a favourable position if you wanna become a lawyer or presenter; <br />
<br />
<br />Learning how to run a society/club may prepare you for the future working in an organisation; <br />
<br />
<br />Playing your part as the society/club's chairperson or head can build up your leadership reputation, which is useful for further studies and job employment. </p><br />
<p>If you could see the school's role in this way, then I think you will appreciate all the things you get involved in school.  :)</p><br />
<p>One of the most important thing you have to do is to keep in touch with friends, regardless whom they are. It's also good to build up contacts early on, as they might come in handy in the future ^^. As I mentioned bout the school magazine, much of the contact details are inside there, just a matter whether it's up-to-date or not. Alternate methods to maintain the relationship, can be easily achieved by IMs, forums, and blogs. Nowadays, keeping in touch with friends is much easier than years ago, just see whether you got the initiative to do so or not. A random "Hi!" or "Hey!" in IM is good enough to start conversation with someone. Unless they hold some grudge on you, else they'll usually reply your message.  :)</p><br />
<p>I've seen teenagers write about their wonderful moments in school on their blog, accompanied with pics. Heh, if you're one of 'em, try to read those posts again years later, all the flashbacks of school life will struck you again, as if all the activities are running again inside you. I did this, so I know the "feel good" factor, heh. </p><br />
<p>My ultimate contribution to preserve school memories are condensed into a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1II3K94KJE">video</a> I made sometime in Dec 2006, the time when I finished SPM. I'm glad that I did it, as I heard some peers and juniors are doing the same thing after I started it. Glad to have people who holds the same beliefs as mine, heheh.</p><br />
<p>I think this post might be useful for students who're still studying in school. If you're running your blog in such fashion, then congratz, we're the "same kind" lol. Then again, comments and critics, are welcomed here.  :)</p><br />
<p>Cheers.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<i>Due to lack of parts on Dell's factory, the order has been cancelled.... orz</i><br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<br />
Over the past few years I had purchased 2 units of Dell laptops, namely the <a href="http://phantomclf.blogspot.com/2007/12/pc-fair-dec-2007.html" target="_blank">Inspiron 1420</a> on Dec 2007 & <a href="http://phantomclf.blogspot.com/2009/03/dell-studio-15-review.html" target="_blank">Studio 15</a> on March 2009.<br />
<br />
I've decided to write about this recent purchase as I realized that I've been recording down every single purchase since then.... This time, however, is for the family's use.<br />
<br />
Family has been using the old Inspiron 1420, which almost clocked 7 years and being an aged computer, it's slow to the point that it test one's patience with computer.<br />
<br />
The spiritual successor, <b>Inspiron 14</b>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaS3brK_Whi97Lyfr5pi2y6Y81l2qJhOzw1njBkDKrUsv8e4yuhpeHjngEQEaAHe504TDxCVhVSEc24mS-214sZhE-I0cPkVy_gLQhz6C4qQwfCX-LKbRqqqu6Qi7VIM9zYyB/s1600/dell_3421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaS3brK_Whi97Lyfr5pi2y6Y81l2qJhOzw1njBkDKrUsv8e4yuhpeHjngEQEaAHe504TDxCVhVSEc24mS-214sZhE-I0cPkVy_gLQhz6C4qQwfCX-LKbRqqqu6Qi7VIM9zYyB/s1600/dell_3421.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Geek data...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>3rd Generation Intel Core i3-3217U processor 1.8 GHz</li>
<li>4GB DDR3 RAM</li>
<li>500GB HDD</li>
<li>Windows 8.1</li>
<li>Intel HD Graphics 4000</li>
<li>3 years support </li>
<li>Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013</li>
<li>Cost: RM 2,074</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
Since the family don't really use it intensely (like games), so this setup is pretty decent I think. Hopefully it will last for a few solid years to come.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Well since I don't think I would be around that often, so getting a 3 years support option for RM 200 is pretty good deal, as previously I had decent experience when it comes to Dell's tech support. Recommended for folks who aren't that familiar to troubleshoot computer problems.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Besides, it could be a bit of struggle for folks to get used to Windows 8, switching from Vista. It would be a new experience for me as well as I haven't really get hold of a Windows 8 machine up until now.</div>
<br />
Estimated date of delivery..... hopefully it can be delivered before I'm flying back to Japan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxh7MOY8zkWY2jQIkbS91TVSFIsYcT6GcKMc7OzyBSTzNIgcaoTMz4X5_v8W0M4nNJr44J-RBrMeuB9NMNjqGxFrjcXb_Exyzv9TA86hAHaPcigUOf9Cv5Hhi433tMlgo14H1/s1600/dell+delivery.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxh7MOY8zkWY2jQIkbS91TVSFIsYcT6GcKMc7OzyBSTzNIgcaoTMz4X5_v8W0M4nNJr44J-RBrMeuB9NMNjqGxFrjcXb_Exyzv9TA86hAHaPcigUOf9Cv5Hhi433tMlgo14H1/s1600/dell+delivery.png" height="353" width="640" /></a></div>
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Would like to hear if your experience of using Windows 8 computer, so feel free to comment. :)</div>
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wO84pKtb6NURI2rrDuZjbua6lg7ZQgTQcFZgi4lCuz5ZZjKM3YBKhX4Y1ahvIl2k8j_rERlPDFzlBGrtMAGDZXP3pHvlnfi4g3c6oQI_sdP924txSZqv4TIzaysBNX-kNsbd/s1600/IMG_4349-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wO84pKtb6NURI2rrDuZjbua6lg7ZQgTQcFZgi4lCuz5ZZjKM3YBKhX4Y1ahvIl2k8j_rERlPDFzlBGrtMAGDZXP3pHvlnfi4g3c6oQI_sdP924txSZqv4TIzaysBNX-kNsbd/s400/IMG_4349-3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
本日、私たち卒業生のために、このような盛大な卒業式を挙行して頂き、誠にありがとうございます。ご臨席を賜りました学長先生をはじめ、ご多忙にもかかわらず、ご出席下さった皆様に、卒業生一同、心よりお礼申し上げます。<br />
<br />
4年前、この尚美学園大学に入学した時は、今までとは異なる環境で、慣れるまで少し時間がかかりました。不安もありましたが、今日この日を、共に歩んできた仲間たちと迎えられたことを、とても幸せに思います。<br />
<br />
大学生活は、あっという間に過ぎました。しかし、一瞬一瞬を大切にし、新境地に挑戦する機会が増え、充実した日々を送ることが出来たと確信しております。<br />
<br />
また、学業とサークル活動、アルバイトなどを両立させながら過ごした日々の中で、一緒に学び、悩み、励まし合って困難を乗り越えてきた仲間、先輩、後輩との出会いは、一生に繋がる絆になると信じております。<br />
<br />
そして、私たちが安心して大学生活を送ることができたのも、職員の皆様、家族、多くの方々のお力添えがあって実現したことと感じております。お世話になった方々に心より感謝申しあげます。<br />
<br />
本日、私たちは尚美学園大学を卒業し、4月からそれぞれの道に歩み出します。<br />
<br />
卒業生の皆様にとって、今年お花見の雰囲気は少し違うのでしょう。大学入学式の時に、ワクワクの気持ちがあったのでしょうが、今年の桜はある意味では新たな一歩を踏み出すことになります。<br />
<br />
いよいよ私達が社会に登場します。学生としての学習を終え、これから社会人としての自覚と責任を持ち、頼るのではなく頼られる人間へと成長していかなければなりません。険しく厳しい出来事に対しても、最後まで諦めずに、本学で学び得たことを生かし、努力することを惜しまず、自分が信じ歩んだ道に、いつか、自分なりの花を咲かせたいと思います。<br />
<br />
最後になりましたが、未熟な私たちを温かく励まし、ご指導下さいました諸先生方、様々な場面で私たちを支えて下さった職員の皆様、そして大学卒業を迎えた今日まで私たちの成長を見守り続けてくださった家族、その他多くの方々に重ねて心よりお礼申しあげると共に、後輩の皆様方のご活躍を祈り、尚美学園大学のより一層の発展を願って、答辞とさせていただきます。<br />
<br />
<br />
平成26年3月22日<br />
卒業生代表 <br />
芸術情報学部 情報表現学科<br />
チェン リン ファン <br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<i>こちらの原稿は、実際に卒業式に読み上げたものとは若干異なっています。</i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
Let's start up with the big one.<br />
<br />
<h3>
1) China</h3>
<br />
The relation with the big nation has started centuries ago, one of the notable occasions being the delegate from Ming dynasty visited Melaka to further strengthen the commercial trades.<br />
<br />
However, the darker side of the history would be the involvement of communist during and after the World War II. Influenced by the movement in the China mainland, the original purpose of the Chinese communist was to oppose the Japanese military's control, and soon after the Japanese left, the communist tried to take over the country. That idea of course, didn't went well with the others.<br />
<br />
The bitter conflict between the Chinese communist and local Malaysians had caused frictions between the Chinese villagers and other local residents. Even today, some of the elders still have bitter stories to share what happened back in those days. The conflict eventually ended with a peace treaty in the 80's.<br />
<br />
On the bigger picture, <i>(if I'm not mistaken)</i> the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Razak decided to change the approach by embracing China. This move was welcomed by the chairman Mao Tzedong of China. Malaysia is said to be one of the earlier nations to re-establish a formal political tie with the People's Republic of China <i>(another similar name, the Republic of China is actually Taiwan)</i>.<br />
<br />
Today, both nations maintain strong relationship, creating a valuable partnership across the region.<br />
<br />
<h3>
2) Japan</h3>
<br />
When it comes to this nation, it is a bittersweet issue, due to the infamous past during the Japanese military rule over the country for 3 years and 8 months. Though it was just a rather short period of time, it was devastating nevertheless. The Japanese left Malaysia when they surrendered in the war.<br />
<br />
Years later, Japan's rapid revitalization and modernization become the role model for other SEA nations to look upon in developing the nation. While Japan may have caused damage during the war, they did contributed and supported the development of the SEA nations. That could be the reason eventhough the nations had suffered during the war, but they chose to forgave the Japanese and moved on.<br />
<i>(Good read <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-25411700" target="_blank">here</a> explaining why China's general dislike towards Japan.)</i><br />
<br />
Malaysia's 4th Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad's "Look East Policy" initiative of sending students to study in Japan & Korea also helped to cement a solid diplomatic relationship between the 2 nations. I for one, would say that I'm benefiting from this policy <i>indirectly</i> <i>(as I wasn't sponsored by the government via the LEP).</i><br />
<br />
It's not just Malaysia only, as Japan is also maintaining close ties with other SEA nations. I would say that Japan is much <i>closer</i> to the SEA nations than it's direct neighbours, ironically.<br />
<br />
<h3>
3) South Korea</h3>
<br />
Surprisingly, I don't really have in-depth knowledge the diplomatic relation between Malaysia and South Korea. But South Korea is making a huge impact in Malaysia in recent years, with the dominance of Samsung, LG & Hyundai lurching away the lucrative market shares of Japanese brands like Sony & Honda.<br />
<br />
<h3>
4) North Korea</h3>
<br />
OK, to mention this notorious North Korea nation here is rather odd perhaps, but Malaysia is one of the very few nations that has an official diplomatic tie with this misunderstood country.<br />
<br />
One of my friend traveled to North Korea some time ago and was surprised to see this Proton Wira around. It seems that some of Malaysia's products has made into the country.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Wan KH</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
And I was being told that, it's rather easy for Malaysians to get into that country too.<br />
<br />
On the next chapter, let's look into the Western nations, namely the UK, USA, Australia, and one country that Malaysian's passport are barred from entering.<br />
<br />
----------------------------<br />
<br />
It's been almost 10 days since flight MH 370 went missing.<br />
The current update says the plane may have headed to the west towards the Indian Ocean, and the communication was deliberately cut off. Further investigation and search operations are still underway....<br />
Let's hope we'll have a brighter update when the next blogpost is published...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9F4E4eb09kIAhet5cePZ-Rzg0V1STLzszx-FLd5uqlIVRSh21EElRI9tRhrmLLnKFef2ZoYCOsuCiO-5KvxPS4nOFm_rjHj6u-oPX6DD3xqd3yYO8kAKs_p4GU98gk-D3RLDy/s1600/BiSMIo0CQAAJNKr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9F4E4eb09kIAhet5cePZ-Rzg0V1STLzszx-FLd5uqlIVRSh21EElRI9tRhrmLLnKFef2ZoYCOsuCiO-5KvxPS4nOFm_rjHj6u-oPX6DD3xqd3yYO8kAKs_p4GU98gk-D3RLDy/s1600/BiSMIo0CQAAJNKr.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
At this moment no official report of what exactly happened has been announced yet, while eventually it may not be a good news at all, given the current circumstances, there's still a slight hope for miracle.<br />
<br />
Until the plane has been found, people can only speculate and guess.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Soon after the news broke out, neighbouring countries around the region has joined in for the search & rescue operation. Countries that may not see eye to eye with each others, are currently working together to figure out what had happened.<br />
<br />
Malaysia is not alone in dealing this unexpected crisis.<br />
<br />
From a different perspective of the incident, many nations are willing to help Malaysia in the times of trouble, could be credited to the good diplomatic relations Malaysia has maintained with other nations.<br />
<br />
Here I'd like to focus on the closest nations surrounding Malaysia, starting of with the SEA region.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">South East Asia</span></b></h2>
<br />
Malaysia plays a vital role in setting up the regional association of ASEAN back in the early days.<br />
<br />
Geographically, Malaysia is located at the very center of SEA. That could explain why Malaysia is a popular flight transfer hub to other SEA nations (partially also thanks to AirAsia too).<br />
<br />
Historically, Malaysia started formal diplomatic ties with most of the regional nations since hundreds of years ago. Though sometimes there may have been disagreements here and there, but generally speaking Malaysia is on friendly terms with the other nations. I would describe it like siblings, whom may argue from time to time, but nevertheless stand together at times of trouble.<br />
<br />
Among the SEA nations, Malaysia is known for it's relatively stable politics & social, enjoying a pretty good economic growth, and the mediator for troubles around the region. Overall, Malaysia is a respective figure in the region.<br />
<br />
However, things weren't that stable in the earlier days. Just to recap a few historical events of Malaysia with neighbourhood nations in the past century....<br />
<br />
<h3>
1) <b>Singapore</b></h3>
The island nation at the southern tip of Malaysia was originally part of Malaya when we gained independence from the British in 1957. Singapore however, declared their own independence in 1965 due to certain circumstances. It was a mutual consent, and not a drop of blood was wasted. It was a peaceful transaction.<br />
<br />
<h3>
2) <b>Indonesia</b> </h3>
In our school's history lesson, we learn that one of the founder of Malaysia, Parameswara, was originally a prince of an Indonesian empire from Sumatra.<br />
<br />
Indonesia & Malaysia both shares similar culture and language, and being a larger nation, Indonesia exerts a great influence on Malaysia's affairs in the earlier days.<br />
<br />
One of the notable clashes in the modern times would be the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia%E2%80%93Malaysia_confrontation" target="_blank">Confrontation</a> of the formation of Malaysia in the 60's. Together with the Philippines, Indonesia strongly opposed the formation of Malaysia, claiming that part of Malaysia is rightfully Indonesia's. They even sent elite commando troops into Malaysia in order to sabotage the formation. Eventually, the nations agreed on the terms and peace was restored.<br />
<br />
<h3>
3) <b>Philippines</b></h3>
As mentioned in the Indonesia's side, the Philippines was involved with the confrontation, but their claims are directed at East Malaysia, specifically the state of Sabah. Likewise, eventually it went on smoothly, but the shadow of the past continued to haunt Malaysia even in present days.<br />
<br />
The southern part of the Philippines are consist of thousands of archipelago islands, which house the radical movements that continuing to claim that the Sabah is the land of the now-defunct Sulu sultanate.<br />
<br />
Those radical groups carried out skirmish attacks on Sabah from time to time, namely the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sipadan_island" target="_blank">Sipadan island</a> kidnap case and the most recent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahad_Datu" target="_blank">Lahad Datu</a> assault last year. These however, do not represent the stance of the government in Manila, as the Pinoy government too, have trouble trying to deal with the radical groups.<br />
<br />
<h3>
4) <b>Thailand</b></h3>
Perhaps the younger generation of Malaysians may not know that, the northern states of Perlis and Kedah were once under Thailand's control during the World War II. It was given as a gratitude for assisting the Japanese army during the war. After the war, the states are returned to Malaysia.<br />
<br />
In recent days, Malaysia has been helping the Siamese to broker deal between the separatist group in southern Thailand and the Bangkok government.<br />
<br />
<h3>
5) <b>Brunei</b></h3>
Similar to Singapore's case, Brunei was once part of Malaysia during the formation of the nation. However, there were strong protest lead by the Bruneian to force the then-Sultan of Brunei to reconsider and eventually declined the offer of joining Malaysia.<br />
<br />
Today, Brunei still maintain a close relationship with Malaysia, as the Brunei's ruling royal family is closely linked to the various Sultan's families. <br />
<br />
--------------------------<br />
<br />
Here I've covered almost half of the SEA nations around us. There are of course, other nations as well like Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar etc. However, as I don't have enough resources to write about it I'll just leave it here.<br />
<br />
In Japan I'm getting involved with <a href="http://www.aynj.org/" target="_blank">ASEAN Youth Network in Japan</a> too. From this involvement I noticed that SEAsians can work pretty good together and the committee members are rather close to each others. It seems that we just "click" into each others naturally.<br />
<br />
If you would like to add a word or two, feel free to comment.<br />
Next time, I'd like to talk about Malaysia's relations with the <a href="http://phantomclf.blogspot.com/2014/03/malaysias-foreign-policy-east-asia.html" target="_blank">East Asia nations</a>...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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The first quarter of the century, hopefully I'll have at least 2 more quarters to go ahead!<br />
<br />
If we breakdown life this way, I'd say the 1st quarter is essential as one learns most of the skills and experiences at this period before proceeding to the next stages, which our mind kinda "solidifies" and may not be able to absorb knowledges as good as we were before we hit the 20's.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Having great time with friends at one of my favourite restaurant in Tokyo.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SUFm8fYPev6NYWBqsBS4i40rTSSIlVJMj3bPJNcD98doubshhR2LJc8PtrQc09dbjm5TkO3AfCb7ans9Xore4fzLfxn22IxJ5FfaHVkBMzKGtAxEH_udN4i2U4BfBz4l_pXA/s1600/1912295_10152242876508088_1827036170_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SUFm8fYPev6NYWBqsBS4i40rTSSIlVJMj3bPJNcD98doubshhR2LJc8PtrQc09dbjm5TkO3AfCb7ans9Xore4fzLfxn22IxJ5FfaHVkBMzKGtAxEH_udN4i2U4BfBz4l_pXA/s1600/1912295_10152242876508088_1827036170_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So today, I'd like to reflect upon some of the principles and values that become my way of life.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Stand by your own decisions with no regrets</span></b><br />
At times I wonder, what I will be doing now, should I didn't chose to came to Japan almost 6 years ago.<br />
<br />
And sometimes, I do wonder what sort of position I'll be in right now, should I chose another university instead of my current one (which I'll be graduating soon in 2 weeks' time).<br />
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In life we do have doubts over decisions that we've made. Often we do not know about the outcome until we've gone through it thoroughly. Naturally, no one likes to fail, so people would try to choose the path with less risk.<br />
<br />
For me, I stand by my decisions, because I dislike the feeling of regretting over things. Part of me tends to dwell over things that isn't under my control, so I'll try to realign myself to get over the feeling of guilt of not making the correct decision at the first place.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Once you've decided something, stick to it and allocate full commitment for it 'til the end.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Timing is crucial</span></b><br />
At times we get to know someone new, or given the chance to explore something unfamiliar. These experiences could be the 'something' that may change your life.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Given such opportunity, one has to seize the chance, at the correct</span> <span style="color: red;">timing</span>.<br />
<br />
Few days ago, I had a conversation with a close friend and it sort of struck me as if I were to take action during last summer, something could be brewing up right now. But then, my <a href="http://phantomclf.blogspot.jp/2013/06/deciding-future.html" target="_blank">aim</a> in last summer was something very much different, and therefore I didn't considered it at all.<br />
<br />
Sticking to the 1st value, what's done is done, and there's nothing to regret, though I may need a few more days to ponder and move on.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3) Accept failure as part of learning process</span></b><br />
Failure is a bitter pill to swallow, but that's part of life, whether you like it or not.<br />
<br />
From my few years experience here in Japan, it isn't as successful as I appears to be in public profile (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cliff.clf" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, for example). I mean, no one likes to make failures public, right?<br />
<br />
For example, I didn't did well in the few interviews that I had so far. I thought I was confident enough and answered pretty well, but eventually the result suggested otherwise, which of course, can really make a hit on one's morale.<br />
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Nevertheless, I'll try to recall what had happened and try to be mentally more prepared for it, to do a better job during the next interview.<br />
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I used to take it hardly, and the downtime really affects me a lot. But now, I'll try to be more flexible with it....<br />
<span style="color: blue;">It's OK to make mistakes</span>, as long as it doesn't blow up the entire plan to smithereens.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up." </span>- Batman Begins</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4) Stop blaming others</span></b><br />
When I'm working in a team with others, inevitably things may be messed up due to human error. When that something happened, it's important not to point the finger to the particular individual who messed things up.<br />
<br />
From my relatively shallow experiences, I can understand that sometimes it's too harsh to put the blame on someone only. Instead, I'll usually analyze the case and if it's just an unfortunate accident, what we have to focus is trying to fix things up, instead of putting pressure on someone to make him/her even more guilty.<br />
<br />
However, there's this someone that I'd blame when things don't go as well as I initially planned. That someone is none other than myself. While I can be kind to others, I can be harsh towards myself.<br />
<br />
Whenever something doesn't go on my way, I'd try to figure out what's wrong on my side and how can I fix it up.... but sometimes I'm putting too much pressure on myself.<br />
Luckily after a few days, I'm up and ready to move on as usual.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5) Cherish the friendship</span></b><br />
I managed to made it through today without any major problems, for a large part of the credits I'd gave to the friends around me. Without you all, I may not be able to achieve what I had today.<br />
<br />
During the 1st year in the university, I wasn't in the best position as I'm trying to adapt myself into a totally new environment where most people spoke in a language which back then, my Japanese proficiency level wasn't that good enough to blend in well.<br />
<br />
Slowly and steadily, I built up the network of friends over the past few years. I always like the fact that in the school, walking pass a few corridors and you'll be greeted by other students or maybe lecturers. I felt at ease whenever someone I know is closeby.<br />
<br />
As I'll be graduating soon, so do some of my friends as well. Some, will be leaving Japan and going back for good. To be frank, farewells isn't my cup of tea. Parting has always been something troubling to me.<br />
<br />
Slowly, the end of March is getting closer, I got a feeling that I'll be attending a few farewell parties to come in these few weeks. :(<br />
<br />
<i>Group pic with lecturers and fellow coursemates in the recording studio.</i><br />
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/10973817235_2e11a1675c_z.jpg" height="426" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6) Pay attention to the inner voice</b></span><br />
I'm not sure about other people, but sometimes I felt like I'm having an inner conversation with the other "me" residing in my mind.<br />
<br />
It's some sort of like the angel and devil figure pops out together, suggesting different views at the same time. One speaks of practicality, while another speaks of ideals.<br />
<br />
This is especially true when I'm buying stuffs.<br />
Sometimes I'd consider a few times whether I should get it or not, and often, I step out of the shop empty handed. My argument is that since I can make do without that thing, so I'm not losing anything even if I don't buy it.<br />
<br />
I believe the inner voice represents the dormant thoughts that do not manifest itself on the surface. Some said, follow the lead of your inner voice as it will lead you to the answer of your question.<br />
<br />
When hesitating over something, try to calm down and stay focus on what's inside you is trying to tell you.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">7) Make peace with the past</span></b><br />
This is a problem that I have yet to overcome so far.<br />
One particular scenario that still affects me a lot, is something to do with my 'home' back in Malaysia.<br />
<br />
Our family moved to a new place few years back while I'm still in Japan. When I went back to our new home for the first time, everything seems familiar and yet, so unfamiliar.<br />
<br />
The place where I once called home, is no longer ours.<br />
It upsets me when I went back to the old house and found out that the new owner has taken a drastic step to renovate the entire house that effectively erased almost every bits of my memory of that place where I lived for almost 20 years.<br />
<br />
Even today, once in awhile in my dream the location will set at the old house. Everything seems to be great until I woke up, forcing myself to accept the fact that now it only exists in the memories or dreams.<br />
<br />
Whenever I had the chance to go back, I'll try to make some time to revisit the old place, trying to reconcile my past and present. At least, once I've made peace with it, I can move on and look forward for the world that lies ahead of me.<br />
<br />
<i>Before the transformation, as how I remembered it.</i><br />
<img alt="IMG_5795" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4136/4934598518_006b01e339_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /><br />
<br />
I know, <span style="color: blue;">my past actions affects my present, and my present actions will manifest in the future. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">8) In search of true happiness</span></b><br />
This could be the ultimate aim for everyone, to be happy in life, genuinely.<br />
<br />
For me, I'm still in the process of achieving it.<br />
How do I do it?<span style="color: blue;"> I'll do it my way</span>.<br />
It takes time.... but have faith in oneself, I strongly believe that I can achieve it one day. ;)<br />
<div>
<br />
<i>Happiness is.... having your favourite food done correctly! One of the best chicken rice in Tokyo!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMehlu_-8K8EciDwNbbAmeuR5ExkKFQthsfpIodB5p3rVmTPbBr-wi2Q657MgLBpDvh7lQHSNURns9yOIDiqKcBdm0JoEYk1oKuk57xo5kBZRaRHVJQRyqJDZ1h9c6Y57OlDKK/s1600/chicken+rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMehlu_-8K8EciDwNbbAmeuR5ExkKFQthsfpIodB5p3rVmTPbBr-wi2Q657MgLBpDvh7lQHSNURns9yOIDiqKcBdm0JoEYk1oKuk57xo5kBZRaRHVJQRyqJDZ1h9c6Y57OlDKK/s1600/chicken+rice.jpg" height="475" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are still somethings that I want to achieve here in Tokyo.<br />
In the meantime.... I will continue to work hard to achieve it!<br />
<br />
日本で、まだやらなければならないことがあるから、暫く残っていくつもりだ!<br />
<br /></div>
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<br />
日本語でブログ記事を書くのは初めてではないが、このブログは99%は英語でずっと書かれてきたので、今回は初めて全ては日本語で書きたい。<br />
<br />
さて、本日のテーマは4年間の大学生活について<b><span style="color: red;">正直な感想</span></b>を述べたい。<br />
<br />
2009年に来日、1年間日本語学校を通い、2010年に埼玉県川越市にある尚美学園大学に入学、2014年3月に卒業予定。と、簡単な日本にいる履歴である。<br />
<br />
<i><center>
<b>学園祭</b></center>
</i><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/6268728003/" title="IMG_4662 by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4662" height="329" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6055/6268728003_6345e19afa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
それでは、一番最近の出来事から書こう。<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>卒業決まりの制作</u></span></b><br />
<br />
4年生は卒業できるかどうかは、卒業制作発表で指導教員の先生たちによって決定される。<br />
既に2月上旬に終了したが、よくできたとは言えない。<br />
他人を納得させたような作品にはならず、むしろ「一体何なんだこれ」と自分にも質疑を出した。<br />
<br />
発表終了後、いつも丁寧に教えて下さった先生からかなり厳しいコメントを頂いたので、少し心配なんだ。<br />
でも、そんなに下手な発表ではなかったので、一応合格できるであろう。<br />
作曲でも良かったなと今更だけど、考えた時もう発表後なので、悔しくはなんて思っていない。<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">何を勉強したか?</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div>
大学で授業を取るのは当たり前だが、学生に聞いてみて、授業で何を勉強したかと。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
自分の専攻は音響と言うんだけど、他に興味を持つ科目はいっぱいあった。音楽やら、情報やら、文化とかについてはもっと知りたい、学びたいという欲望は確かに強かった。</div>
<div>
ただ単位数を取るのだけではなく、自分が本気で勉強したいからこそ履修科目に登録した。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
で、科目を選択する時、科目シラバスを読んで授業内容を理解しておく。</div>
<div>
けど、いくら面白そうな科目であっても教える側のやり方が下手なのであれば僕にとっては最悪だ。</div>
<div>
教室の雰囲気が上手く保てない、学生に適切な指摘をしない、そういう先生がいたら、授業アンケートに厳しく評価した。首になるまでではないが、僕の学習環境には妥協はしない。</div>
<div>
<div>
授業を取っている時に実は先生の行動も観察している。ある意味では日本人を学ぶということだね。</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
幸いなのは、大学でも素晴らしい先生と出会えた。</div>
<div>
難しいこと、かつつまらなさそうなことを分かりやすいく説明できる先生には大尊敬。</div>
<div>
今喋っている日本語もある部分そういう先生たちに影響されたかと考えられる。やはり口癖が付いてくるんだね。(笑)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<i><center>
3年間過ごしていた<b>上福岡</b>キャンパス。現在取り壊し作業中。今後住宅になるかも?</center>
</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/8291504648/" title="The plaza by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="The plaza" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8291504648_a47d493850_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">生活費用と成績の関係とは?</span></u></b><br />
<br />
私費留学生である僕にとっては奨学金が頂けたら日本での生活はもっと楽になるのだ!って考える訳である。<br />
1ヶ月大抵10万円の奨学金は上手く利用すれば十分だと思う。<br />
でも残念ながら僕はそう言った◯◯財団からの奨学金みたいなのは一切頂いておらない。<br />
<br />
代わりに、僕は学業に頑張った<i>(本当は果たすべき責任を果たしただけだ)</i>。<br />
<br />
大学の学費全免が頂けるため、この4年間ちゃんとある程度を維持してきた。2年生の時からずっと頂いており、おかげ様で大学生活は楽になった。あとはバイトすれば生活費用はなんとなく乗り越えられた。<br />
<br />
ところで、大学の成績はあまり気にしない。だって就職活動では成績を見る会社は少ない。優秀な人物とは、<br />
良い成績が取れるとは限らない。自分の才能がよく発揮できる、自信を持つ人間でありたい。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><center>
「上福岡丼」という唐揚げ丼、学食の定番だった。吸い物付き、390円。</center>
</i></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/8292209393/" title="上福岡丼。 Fried chicken rice. by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="上福岡丼。 Fried chicken rice." height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8082/8292209393_09ed10c8f9_z.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">埼玉県って何があるの?</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
大学の4年間は川越市の近くに住んでいる。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
埼玉って特にとても有名なものはすぐにピンと来なかった。春日部と言えば、クレヨンしんちゃんのことくらいは知っているけど、他に紹介できるものは何かと悩んでいたりしたんでね。(笑)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
川越というのは古くから存在している町で、中にも17世紀に建てられた神社やお寺がある。でも一番有名なのは、小江戸町だ。川越の一番街によく来ているので、友達が遊びに来たら観光案内でもできるようになった。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><center>
関東地方でも有名な<b>川越まつり</b>、毎年も学園祭の期間と重ねている。</center>
</i></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/6246523507/" title="IMG_4539 by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4539" height="640" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6058/6246523507_ef81d9295d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
川越は池袋から約30分の電車で、東京よりそんなに遠くない。</div>
<div>
去年開通した東武東上線、東京メトロ副都心線、東急東横線の連携で、渋谷や横浜まで乗り換えなしで行けるようになって交通アクセスも便利。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ただ、自分の考えなんだけど、都市っ子の僕はやはりもうちょっと賑やかの方が良いなと思う。</div>
<div>
また、東京にもよく行くので、もっと近くの志木市か朝霞市に住めば良いなも思うね。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
埼玉って家族と一緒に暮らす良い場所だと考えている。</div>
<div>
子育てに専念したければ埼玉は僕の一押しオススメだ。</div>
<div>
自然に近いし、スペイスが広いし、大型のお店もある。</div>
<div>
東京でないことのおかげで、物価もそんなに高くない。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><center>
<b>狭山茶</b>の畑。京都の宇治茶と静岡の緑茶と並び、日本三大茶と知られている。</center>
</i></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/5120765500/" title="IMG_0472 by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0472" height="478" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4108/5120765500_67be34a85d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
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<div>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">良い選択だったか?</span></u></b></div>
<div>
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<div>
この質問は偶に自分に問う。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
音響専攻でなければ、たぶん国際関係学部にしたかもしれない。大学を選択する時に、確かに国際関係も考慮していたが、ちょっと普通しすぎると思ってもっと専門的な音響にしたのだ。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
国際関係だと都内にたくさんの大学があるはずだよね。</div>
<div>
ではなぜ、埼玉県にある尚美にしたのか?音響を学べる専門学校はあるが、大学は少ないということである。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
たった1年間日本語を勉強したので、当時の能力ではおそらく早稲田か慶應に受験できなかったであろう。</div>
<div>
学校の名声は非常に良いが、学費も高いと知られるんだね。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
今振り返ってみると、尚美にして良かったと確信している。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">卒業後はどうする?</span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
これは今の課題である。答えは、就職する。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
本来は大学院にしようとしたが、結局上手く行かず急に企画変更になってしまった。</div>
<div>
そのため、本気に就職活動をスタートしたのは遅かった。</div>
<div>
進学したいと考えたのも就職するという心理準備はまだできていなかったからだ。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
現在自分が本当に入社したい会社を見つけた。履歴書を出したが、面接の連絡を待機中。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><center>
今度の面接は上手く行けば、ここの近くで働くことになるかも。それは強く望んでいる。</center>
</i></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/4122008168/" title="IMG_4342 by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4342" height="359" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2655/4122008168_d35ac90bfc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
できれば早く決定しておいて、一時的に帰国したい。</div>
<div>
向こうで休みを取る訳ではなく、実際に大事な用があるから…それを済ませるために帰国するのだ。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
以上、4年間の大学についての感想であった。ここまでお読みになって、ありがとうね。</div>
<div>
<i>(というか、読んでくれる相手はいるんだろう?いたらコメントを残しておいてね。(笑))</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
--------------------------------------</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
一晩で書き出した記事であった。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
今回は英語にしなかった訳は、やはり日本の生活を語るのに日本語での表現が自然的に出てくるのだから。</div>
<div>
もし英語にすると、頭の中に翻訳が必要なので時間がもっとかかるはずだ。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
来日前に、自分が短期間に日本語を勉強できるのかと疑っていたが、今こういう文章があまり苦労なく書けて、あの時の疑いには応答したんだね。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
このブログも今年11月になると、10周年ということで、もっと書いていくべきだと思っている。</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
これから数年の間、まだ日本に居たい。</div>
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<br />
Unlike past few years, this time I'm not going back to Malaysia during the break. I've things to settle here and boy I'm glad that I've chosen so. Particularly, the preparation for grad school's application requires a lot of reading and thinking, as such that I need the time and space to concentrate solely on this. At times I get distracted easily especially by the computer, so I'd just took the books, bought some snacks and consume everything at a nearby local community center, which at the same time I get to enjoy the cool breeze from the free air-cond.<br />
<br />
I try to pamper myself with the optimum condition, hopefully I can came out with some brilliant ideas for the research theme for the grad school. It's like inspiration that struck at anytime, so you have to be prepared for it.<br />
<br />
So far I've rough idea on what I'm planning to do, just need a little more polish up and refining the presentation of the theme. It's not an easy task as I'm planning to get into a totally different field. I definitely have to self-study a lot of materials in order to catch up. <br />
<br />
Speaking of summer holiday, it isn't that boring after all.<br />
<br />
I've got a friend visiting from KL few days ago, and since I decided to take some break from the daily routine, I brought them around downtown Tokyo.<br />
<br />
But my style is more towards exploration on foot, so it's not the ideal way to bring ladies around, especially during summer. Good thing it wasn't the type of scorching summer we suffered few weeks earlier, the weather were rather mild and still survivable.<br />
<br />
First stop was <b>Ginza</b>, the high-end shopping district of Tokyo.<br />
For normal people it's not somewhere that you can shop frequently, but with certain know-how one can enjoy Ginza without spending a single yen.<br />
<br />
Some of the notable shops to visit in Ginza would be:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Sony Building (electronics) - free screening of 4K or 3D videos at the top floor, check out pre-release gadgets</li>
<li>Uniqlo & GU (apparel) - full collection and reasonable pricing</li>
<li>Yamaha (music instruments) - if lucky one can enjoy free piano recital at the top floor music hall</li>
<li>Abercrombie & Fitch (apparel) - check out the shop's atmosphere and the salesperson</li>
</ul>
<br />
Of course there are definitely a lot more interesting shops around available for all to enter for free, but sometimes from the exterior it seems to be a place pretty stiff to step foot in, so yeah....<br />
<br />
And since <b>Tsukiji</b>, Tokyo's fish market is not that far from Ginza, it's worth to walk 15 mins down the main street to reach the fishy territory.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tsukiji-sushiko.com/" target="_blank">Tsukiji Sushiko</a> is the choice for gourmet sushi experience. Usually I'd prefer to visit the main branch as it's longer operation hours and pretty comfortable interior to let guests enjoy the sushi slowly. The price may not be the cheapest, but given for a probably once in a lifetime experience, I think it's pretty worth it. Set which cost 2,000~3,000 yen is satisfying as it comes in quality as well as quantity.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpw8aTfbN_Q9Dx82Togbp0Fxb7iibbZZm9nhzsyfBVGbdqpCCFinXhaJQy6BLO3ojUCDnMLlvhFLQXJEQbQYMEKEQsa6gFlCEBS2-eokMLwfT7jhOtGFR6YBJ1KuSrXeejwKH/s1600/2013-07-28+16.34.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpw8aTfbN_Q9Dx82Togbp0Fxb7iibbZZm9nhzsyfBVGbdqpCCFinXhaJQy6BLO3ojUCDnMLlvhFLQXJEQbQYMEKEQsa6gFlCEBS2-eokMLwfT7jhOtGFR6YBJ1KuSrXeejwKH/s640/2013-07-28+16.34.32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And of course, one of the highlights of the night would be the night view of <b>Tokyo station</b>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/8046248086/" title="Tokyo station at night. by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="Tokyo station at night." height="360" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/8046248086_b1a5fda9f6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The night before the Ginza trip, we actually went to the <b>Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival</b> (隅田川花火大会), but due to bad weather the show was called off halfway.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately my camera was soaked by the rain, and was rendered useless with the lens error and weird noise. Sent it to Canon's service center and was told that water damage is excluded from the warranty, so I've to pay for the repair cost. Just hope that it won't cost that much though....<br />
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Ironically, I managed to took some decent shots of the fireworks before the rain falls....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/9391954715/" title="Neon Tree by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="Neon Tree" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/9391954715_c1d21ba680_z.jpg" width="512" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/9378649150/" title="Blossoming Jasmine 菊咲き by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="Blossoming Jasmine 菊咲き" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/9378649150_7b87e16704_z.jpg" width="639" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/9391954879/" title="Electro Fantasy by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="Electro Fantasy" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/9391954879_4b57ce3387_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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During the last time I brought them around the west side of central Tokyo, namely Ebisu, Shibuya, Harajuku & Shinjuku.<br />
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Visiting the beer museum which named after a deity, <b>Ebisu</b>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4os1cJuzSXd5VZibcbobIQuCWqlz00mpoJRXgdcfF40UiydUwA-NAVDdxO983ewv_jriPBo1J7hTNHhY3GcX0EQOyguMsJPXp-XYiem5TyuCGO8N3qeFbm0yboDDR0L9CrCU/s1600/2013-07-30+11.27.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4os1cJuzSXd5VZibcbobIQuCWqlz00mpoJRXgdcfF40UiydUwA-NAVDdxO983ewv_jriPBo1J7hTNHhY3GcX0EQOyguMsJPXp-XYiem5TyuCGO8N3qeFbm0yboDDR0L9CrCU/s640/2013-07-30+11.27.22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For dinner we wondered around the infamous RLD of Tokyo, Shinjuku's <b>Kabukicho</b>.<br />
<br />
The guest wanted to tried out unagi (freshwater eel). At first I was a little reluctant as it's quite costly but thinking that they should try out the real deal, I gave in and we entered the shop. It was one of the best decision ever!<br />
<br />
While I'm trying to explain to them the menu, the chef came over and spoke to us. Out of the blues, he told us that he's a Penangite! Now that we've a common language, he explained the unagi-related menu to us, which definitely helps a lot. <br />
<br />
And, the unagi served in this <a href="http://www.shinjyukuunatetsu.com/" target="_blank">restaurant</a> (新宿うな鉄) is probably the best I've ever had so far.... Portion-wise it's may not be satisfying for some, but the grilled eel is sinfully delicious!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0MA05N-ugeKC5j9D8ZUimRIjCyfcMHDEBA-BQrSYfXI089HHJu79tMRy-GwiAR4cs_rI09pS1Xjc14wucx_wgRfGazGk9pZZVfEUqElm790SNQRvj-mJVfqxn4YH6_C6ES-b/s1600/2013-07-30+20.26.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0MA05N-ugeKC5j9D8ZUimRIjCyfcMHDEBA-BQrSYfXI089HHJu79tMRy-GwiAR4cs_rI09pS1Xjc14wucx_wgRfGazGk9pZZVfEUqElm790SNQRvj-mJVfqxn4YH6_C6ES-b/s640/2013-07-30+20.26.39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Many people love unagi, but the truth is, even for normal Japanese it's not something one can eat often. I think I can count the number of times I had unagi for the past few years single-handed.<br />
<br />
And that, folks, concludes the brief blog update for this summer season.<br />
Bless that the remaining August would be slightly cooler than previous years eh....<br />
<br />
'til then.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
"Are you from China?"<br />
<i>"Err... nope."</i><br />
"Then, are you from Korea?"<br />
<i>"Nope!"</i><br />
"Hmm.... Taiwan or Hong Kong?"<br />
<i>"Too bad! I'm from Malaysia hah!" </i><br />
<br />
Well, my ancestors did came from mainland China, but I'm originated from Malaysia.<br />
<br />
It's a simple question indeed, and most of the time they ask harmlessly, mainly out of curiosity.<br />
<br />
Whenever I told them I'm from Malaysia, their attitude and expression changed drastically. Luckily, most Japanese have good impression about Malaysia so most of the time I managed to shake off the situation pretty easily.<br />
<br />
For the Japanese, stereotype still exists for foreigners, but not all the time on the negative sides. They may not hurl abusive racial taunts openly, but if you observe carefully, you can notice the difference in treatment and attitude towards different groups of people.<br />
<br />
And among the foreigners, unfortunately Japan's closest neighbours, China & Korea (North & South) suffered from least-desirable reputation. From my observation, South East Asians enjoyed better reception compared to those East Asia nations.<br />
<br />
So.... why would the Japanese ask me such question?<br />
<br />
<h3>
1 Name</h3>
First, the clue lies within my <b>name</b>.<br />
<br />
In Japan I either use my name in alphabet or in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katakana" target="_blank">katakana</a>, but I don't really use my Chinese name. Naturally, the name is pronounced and sounded like Chinese, due to my Chinese heritage obviously.<br />
<br />
In order to fix that, I'd try to introduce myself a more westernized name, as Cliff (クリフ).<br />
Not only it makes my name shorter, but it's also easier to remember than my full name, which can be confusing for the Japanese.<br />
And by adopting a westernized name, I'm trying to avoid being stereotyped like typical foreigner.<br />
<br />
<h3>
2 Appearance </h3>
Secondly.... my <b>appearance</b> does resemble Chinese (why of course!) .<br />
<br />
For those who're unfamiliar with this issue, actually Malaysian Chinese looks slightly different than those from mainland.<br />
<br />
I used to have trouble to differentiate Japanese, Chinese & Korean, but nowadays I can more or less able to differentiate them.<br />
<br />
Although East Asians share a lot of common facial features, there are still some distinctive traits that separate one from each others. But sometimes the observation can be futile when the subject applied layers of make-ups.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, or ironically, back in Malaysia I was being told that I somewhat started to resemble Japanese a little. Heck, even a few vendors at KL's Central Market (Pasar Seni) greeted me "Konnichiwa!" instead of "Welcome" or "Selamat datang" when I visited there earlier this year.<br />
<br />
<h3>
3 Intonation & Slang</h3>
Thirdly.... the <b>intonation and slang</b> perhaps?<br />
<br />
It's easy to tell whether you're foreigner by the moment you start to speak the Japanese language. Even for someone who'd spent close to a decade living in Japan, there're still faint traces of the mother tongue mixed in the language.<br />
<br />
Generally speaking, Malaysian Chinese's intonation slightly resembles those from Taiwan and southern China, therefore we don't show the characteristic "Rrrr~~~~" sound by those who speak the more proper Chinese Mandarin, eg the Beijing style. In fact, some of us have problem to pronounce "R" properly!<br />
<br />
As for Malaysians, we would unconsciously mixed a few words from other languages into our conversation. It's not uncommon for our conversations contain at least 3 or 4 different languages.<br />
<br />
Like from my own example, nowadays when I speak to fellow Malaysian friends, we would mix English, Malay & Japanese together. For some we'd throw in some dialects to make it even more confusing, and yet miraculously can be deciphered by another Malaysian without much effort.<br />
(refer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahasa_Rojak" target="_blank">Bahasa Rojak</a> on Wikipedia)<br />
<br />
Well these 3 facts are based on my observations so far....<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Personally, I may have something to say about Chinese from mainland, but I'll try to keep it in a more neutral tone.<br />
<br />
It's not just in Japan, in fact even in Malaysia and other countries, Chinese from the mainland don't really enjoy glittering reputation and reception, for certain reasons that I believe need to be written here.<br />
<br />
Not sure whether is it because influenced by staying here for some time, I find it slightly insecure when surrounded by bunch of Chinese students here. Although they spoke a familiar and common language, however I find myself tensed up at times. Internally, there's this struggle of trying to distance myself from them.<br />
<br />
One of the reason would be the tough competition among foreign students, as Chinese students made up more than 60% of the entire international students population in Japan. Competition for scholarships, job opportunities, etc....<br />
<br />
However, all these are just psychological self-protection mechanism cast by myself. In other word, paranoid lol. In reality, it wasn't that bad at all!<br />
<br />
So far the few Chinese students I knew personally are quite nice & friendly.<br />
I guess it's really a matter that one might think unfavourably of others without trying to get to understand them. <br />
<br />
But nevertheless, I'd still advise to be careful of them.<br />
It's OK to be nice to others, but don't let others take advantage on your kindness.<br />
<br />
End of the line, I for one, proud to be a Malaysian as ever & trying to broaden up the mind beyond the local ethnic Chinese's mindset.<br />
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<br />
Now that I'm in my final year, I only have to attend a class or two every week. But most of the time I'd still be going to school as I couldn't concentrate well doing things in my room. I don't really mind the 30 mins bicycle trip but the weather could be the worse enemy soon in coming months.<br />
<br />
Well, the time frame of looking for the postgrad degree university is slightly earlier than I thought. At the moment 2 universities that offered the course I wanna study (sociology) is <a href="http://www.ritsumei.jp/" target="_blank">Ritsumeikan University</a> & <a href="https://www.doshisha.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Doshisha University</a>, both located at Kyoto.<br />
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This weekend will be heading to Kansai for some <a href="http://msaj.net/" target="_blank">MSAJ</a>-related meetings and at the same time looking out for the universities. Tentatively I'd like to meet with the lecturers who could support my research topic. What I plan to do with my research? I shall reveal them when everything's set and confirmed.... but those who're keen enough could smell something's brewing heh.... Just that, I won't be doing things related to sound and that's for sure.<br />
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But lately it's been kinda worn out.... Maybe I committed a little too much that I can handle myself, but sometimes I just dislike to let the time wasted just like that, might as well keep myself occupied to do at least something contributive & constructive.<br />
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Really, I shouldn't really be complaining about it as I learn a lot of things by getting involved in things, namely those in MSAJ & university's staff job.<br />
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Soon I might be joining up Confederation of International Students Associations in Japan (CISA), but to what extend I plan to commit, will have to observe the structure of the organization better. Currently it's still in infant stage where founding members are discussing and drafting the key constitutions for it. It ain't easy to get on hold to have so many different students associations gather up together on a common purpose.<br />
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Regarding the university job as student staff I've been working for a year, this year the school had changed their policies, canceling the students' working shift and instead we're mobilized as an "on-demand" unit where the different departments will call us up whenever they need extra hand to help them with certain activities or events.<br />
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And to add up the heavy loads of commitments, I should've started my final year project too.... but I plan to kickstart it in mid June when I'm done with MSAJ's affairs. Planning to take a break for a moment to concentrate on other more important things.<br />
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What about leisure? Hmm.... didn't really went to too much places lately, other then (almost) weekly commute to downtown Tokyo for various meetings and events. I didn't even went out for bicycle exploring as I normally did back then.... Maybe I felt a little guilty if I had a little too much fun heh....<br />
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Anyhow, to sum things up....<br />
I'm currently occupied with<br />
- MSAJ + CISA<br />
- Post-grad univ admission<br />
- Final year project<br />
<br />
Hopefully by autumn, things can get settled down even more....<br />
Until then again....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clf/8879411398/" title="IMG_5645 by CLF, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5645" height="426" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/8879411398_fd3738230d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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The night before my departure back to Japan, I attended a charity dinner with family.<br />
You know, those kind of events that youngsters may not be interested in.<br />
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Vegetarian dishes were served on that dinner, but I have no complaints as I had enough meat throughout my holidays. Once in awhile I do appreciate meat-less meals for cleansing.<br />
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The dinner dragged on pretty long as they've to check on the timing of the VIPs, so I carelessly checked Facebook on my mobile. To my surprise, one of the Instagram photo were from taken in the hall I'm sitting in. It was taken by a friend whom I shall name as AC.<br />
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I wouldn't have thought that I'll bump into an old friend in this most unlikely occasion heh. I quickly did a search for old contact number and messaged her. Once I got to know where she's sitting I headed straight away.<br />
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Years it has been since I last met her. Couldn't remember clearly whether met her at TARC or at one of the gatherings, but if memory serves me right, the last time we met was in 2008?<br />
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As usual nowadays the conversation starts with asking what are you up to lately, still studying or working? As for me, I'd be asked if I've graduated already, which only happens next year.<br />
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Then, we proceed to updates of friends <i>(gossips)</i> and the old town where we grew up. She was surprised that we've lots of common friends from her secondary school, whom I get to know in later.<br />
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As far as my memory serves me correctly, AC is a friend whom I got to know the earliest, way back when we were in kindergarten bout 4 or 5 years old. Couldn't remember it clearly but I remember seeing her in the class photo from the kindergarten.<br />
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I switched to another kindergarten at 6 years old and surprisingly she switched to the same kindergarten as well.<br />
<br />
And then, the story continues to primary school.<br />
I still remember some of the details of my 1st day at school. I was quite happy because there were a few familiar faces in the same class, one of them being AC.<br />
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We were in the same classes throughout 6 years in primary school, so naturally we get along quite well.<br />
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Later, both of us went to different secondary schools.<br />
I went into the mainstream co-ed school near the neighbourhood, while she attended a girls-only school slightly further away.<br />
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From time to time, say few times in a year we still bumped into each others, especially during the primary school's gathering.<br />
<br />
By chance we attended the same college, TARC after graduating from secondary school, but that's not surprising entirely as it was the choice that most friends chose as well. I reunited with quite a lot of friends back in the collage.<br /><br />
But then again, TARC is quite huge and having lots of different faculties, it's not that frequent that you'd run into someone familiar.<br />
<br />
So why am I writing everything so detail here? Well I thought it would be a good idea to leave some records down. At times when we gain lots of new information and experiences, some old memories woud inevitably being left forgotten....<br />
<br />
She hasn't really changed that much, still as <i>angelic</i> as I remembered.<br />
<br />
New acquaintances are made every year, but treasuring a long friendship like this one is simply, priceless. ;)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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BN continues to rule for another 5 years.<br />
Except that this time, the damage done is albeit slightly more severe than the previous in <a href="http://phantomclf.blogspot.jp/2008/03/malaysia-12th-general-election.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.<br />
<br />
For the sake of future reference purpose, a few stats about the 2013 general election's results.<br />
<br />
Total parliament seats: 222<br />
Barisan Nasional: 133 (60%)<br />
Pakatan Rakyat: 89 (40%)<br />
<br />
Another glorious defeat for the opposition, Pakatan Rakyat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSys25n6PeVbJTor9xNtICNkzoo_ihtMN6JbDF_BAqOGAiS34dcte1uUZlsW5cAz6I4eUeSISo5dFBGkcwGjC7qs8B0E4PoVRKP7PEzxE9uh0YXsmqxGz52odIca-vqhr0VxM/s1600/942558_504371499612424_929355130_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSys25n6PeVbJTor9xNtICNkzoo_ihtMN6JbDF_BAqOGAiS34dcte1uUZlsW5cAz6I4eUeSISo5dFBGkcwGjC7qs8B0E4PoVRKP7PEzxE9uh0YXsmqxGz52odIca-vqhr0VxM/s640/942558_504371499612424_929355130_n.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The opposition has clearly worked hard trying to persuade a few more votes to their sides, and they did managed to gain more votes than the 2008 edition, but still not enough to take over the federal government from the half-century old Barisan Nasional.<br />
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I've seen people made their dissatisfaction more vocal and obvious since then, partially thanks to the exponential leap in the mobile & Internet access.<br />
<br />
To give a better perpectives, back then in 2008 the 1st generation iPhone had barely landed in Malaysia, and Android meant humanoid robot instead of the Google mobile OS. Nokia & Sony Eriksson were the big brands in mobile, and Black Berry had just started to lurk into the local Malaysia market.<br />
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In 2008's social networks, Facebook were cluttered with random quiz apps and were overwhelmed by the then popular Friendster. People would just use it for simple status updates and occasionally a pic or two, haven't crossed their mind that eventually it will be used as a tool to spread the 'fire'.<br />
Twitter on the other hand, still remain rather quiet then, not as active as they are today.<br />
<br />
Fast-forward 5 years later, today most people got their info through mobile & social networks. Younger generations especially, prefer to digest the news from the Internet rather than spoon-fed by the state-controlled medias.<br />
<br />
News shown on the TV and Internet contrasted greatly in terms of the transparency and fairness. Normally on the newspaper I can only read news lauding the ruling party and bashes the opposition. And we rarely seen any reports praising the opposition either.<br />
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The clear disadvantage placed upon the opposition did not stop them from wooing the people via the alternative methods, namely the Internet and the classic way of public speeches. Their efforts ought to be recognized in my opinion.<br />
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Switching the focus on the ruling party, I for one, already anticipated dramas to be unfolded when the general election is being announced in April.<br />
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The prologue of the drama started with one of the opposition party, DAP suddenly received an order saying that they are not allowed to use their party's logo (a rocket) to contest in the election.<br />
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Outraged by this action, the other 2 parties of Pakatan Rakyat, PAS & PKR agreed to let DAP contest the election under their logos.<br />
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When this was announced, cyber troopers of the opposition party had a quick play with creativity to create mascots for the opposition parties, the hornbill bird is named "Ubah", which means 'change' in Malay.</div>
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The original Ubah bird, mascot of DAP.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d8pOXaB9hv8lt9AcCGAlFq1GRGqTYJ9gCw4DP8bp6UXUdIpWKmm_bxIbQeMA8XtN0Aa22a8aLvwJpuYyOncpSLoean29dPn89-VcGSrexsbRwUxeWOdCVOkRavybdIJHQ8M6/s1600/ubah_mascot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d8pOXaB9hv8lt9AcCGAlFq1GRGqTYJ9gCw4DP8bp6UXUdIpWKmm_bxIbQeMA8XtN0Aa22a8aLvwJpuYyOncpSLoean29dPn89-VcGSrexsbRwUxeWOdCVOkRavybdIJHQ8M6/s320/ubah_mascot.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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The PAS version of Ubah bird.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OrK8LdwU3eOHtAIslAjrWFHwdsGMZM1f-RRU98TOQ2Zri3zNI7HUp6aFtV3_wmHdch0HDyl1z28mmRzlLIlQpLQcVyHP0Avpn-6uNN5R0cg_SJKWcWDGLrm6nBlLVYkAirjb/s1600/15213_10151455660194584_2028004499_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OrK8LdwU3eOHtAIslAjrWFHwdsGMZM1f-RRU98TOQ2Zri3zNI7HUp6aFtV3_wmHdch0HDyl1z28mmRzlLIlQpLQcVyHP0Avpn-6uNN5R0cg_SJKWcWDGLrm6nBlLVYkAirjb/s320/15213_10151455660194584_2028004499_n.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuk4kTne0qNVebIu_knQu3oJ1YB8g_AxpBHKNAXhnQU40Ves9Fi4HkfvJVtgkl5SCEG7igbaAiQ8ewW1B2E8ZmEm3W0R5AriXd6CN-7qLD0QPmmTVRBSg_t41pX4USsJq7fvQ/s1600/ubah-biru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuk4kTne0qNVebIu_knQu3oJ1YB8g_AxpBHKNAXhnQU40Ves9Fi4HkfvJVtgkl5SCEG7igbaAiQ8ewW1B2E8ZmEm3W0R5AriXd6CN-7qLD0QPmmTVRBSg_t41pX4USsJq7fvQ/s1600/ubah-biru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuk4kTne0qNVebIu_knQu3oJ1YB8g_AxpBHKNAXhnQU40Ves9Fi4HkfvJVtgkl5SCEG7igbaAiQ8ewW1B2E8ZmEm3W0R5AriXd6CN-7qLD0QPmmTVRBSg_t41pX4USsJq7fvQ/s320/ubah-biru.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The PKR version of Ubah bird.</div>
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Sooner or later lots of people on Facebook changed their profile pics to these mascots. I think these images appeal to the younger generation for it's fresh and original approach. </div>
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Then, just a week before the election there were rumours spreading saying that a bunch of foreign immigrants will be ferried in to the country to vote as phantom voters using the state-issued identity card. The rumours were strongly supported by photo evidences of the immigrants arriving at the airport and the fake ID cards being issued to them.</div>
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Of course, the only party with such resources and authority would be the current governing party. </div>
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This naturally cause another wave of outrage among the citizens, as the citizenship of Malaysia is being giving out too easily and abusively for the sake of winning the election.</div>
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To rub salt on the wound, police and state personnel is seen escorting the immigrants, all the way into the voting station on the morning of the voting day, which is 5th of May.</div>
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Generally, Malaysians are passionate and sometimes too emotional that things can get ugly when the emotions run high. There were reports of people clashing with the immigrants to prevent them entering the polling station to vote, but thankfully no casualties recorded.</div>
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And when the voting concluded on 5pm local time, it's time to make the counts.</div>
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During the counting progress, I read from my friends lamenting that the TV shows result way slower than the Internet, and it only highlights the seats that BN had won. But on the other side on the Internet, people are raving for the seats that PR had won. </div>
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However, one of the most mysterious event of the day would be the sudden blackout happened at the vote-counting station. By that time the opposition candidate is leading, but when the electricity is back online, suddenly there are a few extra boxes of votes waiting to be counted. Eventually the BN candidate won by slight margin.</div>
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So much dramas happened, and I got the feeling that this isn't over yet. But I'd like to suggest the strategist of BN to seriously considering applying for the scenario writer job in the Hollywood!</div>
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I remember back in the 2008's general election there were some "tricks" happening as well, so this time I'm not totally surprised by the anomalies, just wondering what kind of tricks hidden in their sleeves.</div>
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There must be reasons why, for a party who'd been governing the nation for 50 years+, suddenly suffer from a stiff competition from the opposition. Clearly, something must have gone wrong to caused such big changes. It's like, if you haven't done anything wrong or guilty, why be afraid of it? </div>
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This time I didn't register for vote. Not that I'm not patriotic, but knowing my circumstances of being overseas, although I do have the option for postal vote, but I chose to gave up this time as I prefer to be present at the polling station to vote with fellow folks. Another reason being to prevent the manipulation of postal vote, which we've heard so much about it since previous general elections.</div>
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Luckily, the result for my constitution went according to my wish.</div>
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People used to vote based on the individual candidate's performance or influence, but now many voted for the party regardless of the candidates, so that's why some cases of 1st-time candidate managed to defeat veteran candidates happened during the election. </div>
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Personally I'm on neutral stance, although ironically from the general tone of this post suggested that I'm inclined towards the leftist. </div>
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To be fair to BN, they did contributed greatly towards the development of the nation for the past few decades, especially during Tun Mahathir's reign. Many things that people enjoyed in downtown Kuala Lumpur today, is directly or indirectly involved by Mahathir. </div>
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But ever since he stepped down as Prime Minister 10 years ago, things went downhill. The improvements over the nation's capital still stuck in 90's level. We see seldom improvements over the 2000's and that could be one of the reasons why people are getting frustrated with the government.</div>
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And the skyrocketing crime rate doesn't help to ease the people either. One can find lots of different types of crimes being committed in the capital itself on the newspapers everyday, with petty crimes unreported at all due to how common it happened. I remain extra vigilance when wondering in downtown KL when I'm back there for holidays, as you'll never know if someone with ill agenda is targeting you anywhere, anytime.</div>
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Ideally, I'd like to see a 50-50 government instead of the current 60-40. </div>
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Ideally, both governing and opposition parties work up together for the sake of building up the nation, instead of focusing their time and energy abusing each others. </div>
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And last but not least, cut off the dramas and bullocks which has been the same old tactics for the past years, that people are already getting bored of it already.</div>
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Now what we can do is hope that the next young generation to vote on the next general election due in 2018. And hopefully some of the old veterans has quit before they got the chance to wreck another havoc again. </div>
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Have faith in the younger generations to wipe off the ugly stains left by the older generation.</div>
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People VS Authority</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fazrultelunjukanan_art/5925535600/" title="Bersih 2.0 Rally by m.fazrulhasnor, on Flickr"><img alt="Bersih 2.0 Rally " height="430" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6029/5925535600_656effb4c7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just few days Tony asked me whether wanna meet up again with some friends and he's willing to ask other friends to join. Since we plan to meet on Friday afternoon, so it wasn't the best time as most friends are busy with their work or study.<br />
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So, I took LRT back to Wangsa Maju again.<br />
I made a point that whenever I came back, I would try to visit that area again at least once.<br />
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The township of Desa Setapak still remain as lively as it's one of the main town to cater for TAR College students nearby. Noticed some familiar shops are still around but some has been replaced by something new. It's always nice to find some of my favourite stalls still around, like the Indian chendol located close to the center roundabout can be found during noon.<br />
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Desa Setapak is the place where I'd usually get my meals whenever I'm eating out. And the closest LRT station is located there as well, so I'm used to walk 20 mins from the old home to the train station. Until today I'm still very fond of that place for it's cheap & delicious food.<br />
<br />
I arrived slightly earlier than planned and walk around the streets feeling nostalgic, recalling the place where our family had great meals eventhough the restaurant is no longer around for more than a decade already; pointing to the spot that used to be my favourite chicken rice stall (fav menu is roast chicken drumstick with extra <i>siew yoke</i> roast pork); feeling amazed that some of the stationary shops are still around for so long time.<br />
<br />
Our gathering spot was at BRJ, a local mamak restaurant well-known by the locals. <br />
I used to have a meal or two with my mates when they're done with a few rounds of DotA at the cyber cafe next to the restaurant.<br />
<br />
Joining me first was Tony himself and Mark.<br />
So as usual we'd catch up by asking each others what we're up to recently.<br />
<br />
Was surprised that Tony had already completed his 4 years studies in the UK. <br />
Meanwhile, Mark has just finished his 4 years degree at Kagoshima University and will be continuing his Master's degree there.<br />
We went to Japan around the same time, but Mark has completed his Japanese language course earlier so he went straight into the university, while I attended a year of Japanese language course before I proceed into the university.<br />
<br />
Although I was from different class, but we all get along well as I played football together with Tony (brilliant keeper he was), and I've known Mark since the primary school days.<br />
<br />
Initially we talked about life in Japan and trying to compare the differences between education culture. We agreed that ordinary Malaysian student may appears to be a little too active in a Japanese classroom, while rather quiet and passive in a Western background classroom where the students would barge the lecturer with all sorts of questions after the class.<br />
<br />
Later joining us was Prof Goh, still as academic as usual. I had chatted with him prior this and glad that at least he appears to be normal than I thought lol.... too much books and researches huh.... Seems like he's doing pretty well with his biotech course in NZ.<br />
<br />
Around 6pm my classmate, Vinc joined us after finishing his intern. He's one of the few friends that studies food science, which is pretty interesting given Malaysia's a food paradise.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since we had met so naturally, lots of topics we talked about.<br />
Eventually we've chatted from 3pm to 9pm, when I've to leave to catch the train back.<br />
<br />
I had 3 drinks and a Maggi goreng which everything cost less than RM 10, to my surprise. But am grateful that price in Wangsa Maju still remains reasonable for all, as for the same items could cost about RM 15 in PJ area I think.<br />
<br />
Kudos and many thanks to Tony who helped out to organize this small meeting, well 'til I meet with dear friends again next time, when I'm back again.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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