Petronas CNY 2012 TV Commercial

Every year nearing festivities, we a Malaysian always look forward to the Petronas TVC From the days of the late maestro Yasmin Ahmad (as director for the TVC) until the today - Petronas has never failed to showcase something that will bind all of us as Malaysian together. Similarly, I was brought up not to forget my roots. As a Malaysian of Chinese descendant, the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year hold a very special place in my heart and mind, for that is the occasion where we will cherish what we have and strive to get more of what all of us are brought up to believe - Family.
“The TVC is meant to celebrate not just the Year of the Dragon, but the spirit of perseverance, adaptability and determination as captured in each of the stories it depicts. This energy is something that should inspire us all as we navigate through the challenges we face in life,” said PETRONAS’ Senior General Manager of Group Corporate Affairs Division Dato Mohammad Medan Abdullah.
Petronas TVC for 2012 hits it right in the bull's eye. Titled "Coming Home", it touches on six separate lives in six different countries - away from the family. The TVC was launched on January 17, 2012 and a group of media personnel were given the first glimpse of the TVC.

Datuk Mohamad Medan Abdullah officiating the Chinese New Year Campaign

The launching saw a good mixture of members of the media that ranges from mainstream media (MSM) to social media (such as bloggers). A simple yet meaningful tossing of the Yee Sang to mark the launching was in the agenda and looking at what was served, i kind of wished i was there!

After the launching of the event, all those that attended the event were ushered to the KLCC yard for the first lion dance show of the year!

With KLCC in the background, the acrobatic dancer were there to impress with their skills and performances. Judging from the crowd in the photo above, I am pretty sure many would had enjoyed and in awe of the stunts shown.

Together with the launching of the Chinese New Year Campaign is a Photography Contest themed "Reimaging Energy", in collaboration with Leica Camera AG. With prizes ranging from RM288 to RM2,000, the contest sure looked like it will attract entrants to submit their creative photos or even interpreting the theme of the photo contest in their own best possible photographs. The contest is open for all Malaysians and you may submit as many photographs as you like taken using mobile, point and shoot, and dSLR. The closing date is February 12, 2012. More details could be obtained at the Facebook Apps page where the rules, regulation and submission for the photographs will be done.
They say there is no bigger pleasure apart from winning the prizes from any photography contest than to have the winning photo being exhibited for public viewing. So, if you are just a casual photographer or someone that does it for hobby, even if you are a full time photographer, this is an opportunity to showcase our talent and win some money.
I have submitted my entry on my understanding of the theme and it shows a dragon, guarding the entrance of a temple. Remember to VOTE for me (if my photo/s is/are deserving!). Look out for the photo below in the Gallery!

The “Coming Home” TVC will air from 17^th January until 6^th February 2012. For more exciting surprises, the public may visit PETRONAS’ YouTube page. Meanwhile, this is the TVC that you should see, and find in you, the spirit of perseverance, adaptability and determination. 

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Malaysian Aircond Brand Gives 3-Years Warranty

While surfing in Youtube the other day, I chance upon a series of Fujiaire TV commercial (TVC) using graphic generated animals such as elephants and giraffes to showcase the capability of the aircond.

The weather has been so hot lately, I can’t help but want to be in the same room as the giraffes. Watch to see what I mean here.

Fujiaire is actually a Malaysian company founded in 1994. They company is one of the first few companies to fit ionizers into their line of aircond units. Quite a good business to be in, considering that we live in a tropical country where having an air-conditioner (air-con) unit is no longer a luxury but a must have. An average household would have at least one unit of air-con, usually located in the master bedroom where it will provide comfort to the owner for those hot humid nights.

Most of us can’t imagine a room without aircond, especially since it has been 35C almost everyday. A good reliable aircond is a must! While most airconds are fitted and forgotten, in reality a good warranty programme truly offers a peace of mind — bearing in mind that air-cons need to be serviced once a year for optimum performance.

From what I gather on the TVC, Fujiaire is offering a three-year full body warranty programme, which covers the aircond unit and compressor. All Fujiaire airconds come with a standard one-year warranty that covers all parts and labour costs. But if you register online at www.fujiaire.com.my, within two weeks of purchase, Fujiaire extends your warranty that covers parts (only) for an additional two-years.

If you are in the market to purchase a new air-con to replace your old one, or are looking to install new one to your home, Fujiaire could be a brand you can consider for investment. Take advantage of the 3-years warranty!

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Start Of A Sustainable Life

I am sitting here in the Soekarno Hatta airport departure lounge looking for idea on my next blog entry. Having less than 3 hours of sleep in the past 18hours, the mind tends to go a bit blank and sort of goes to sleep for a while.

This is my first visit to Jakarta. I have never been here. The only reason why I am here (with another colleague) is to meet up with the people in the Ministry (for a technical presentation) and with the potential Joint Venture (JV) partner of a big plantation here in Indonesia.

I was at The Plaza for a meeting with the potential JV partner. Image from Indonesia Tourism

Perhaps, it is about right that I write a bit, or attempt to write about what my current career path is about. This will be interesting to a certain extend if you are a strong proponent on sustainability. In my previous life as a consultant, I was taught to “walk the talk” and to “practice what we preach” when it comes to environmental consultancy. This is especially important and to stress the new key word – SUSTAINABLE.

It has been 31 working days since I started on December 5, 2011. It has been a fast tracked ride where I have learnt a lot of things along the way with the help of generous colleagues that not only took the trouble to educate, but to share their knowledge and have clear frank expectations on the deliverables.

To start off, I am now in the renewable energy business. Sustainable business. Green fuel driven and more specifically production of Bio-oil using biomass (i.e. waste) as feedstock (raw material). Understanding new terms and definitions, knowing process flow of specific requirement, content of the feedstock, caloric value of the fuel, dealing with both government and private sectors as potential JV partners, the works.

While a major part of the deal and discussion is bounded by non-disclosure agreement (NDA), suffice to say that the majority of the information could be obtained from this website here. Yeap, this is my new pad and so far, the ride has been good. If things go the way they are, the only way to go is success – we are driven. That is what happens when a group of like-minded talent group together under superb leadership and guidance works.

A lighter irrelevant look at learning curve from here. Thank you Warner.

Learning curve is steep. I was put into action almost immediately and I found the drive in me to be better than what I was before. Don’t get me wrong, those that know me and has worked with me knows I put in at minimum a 100%. Short of sounding like some airline tycoon that brags on and on about his achievement, I would rather have my work speaks for my commitment. Contrary to many popular beliefs where a new job and new challenge is put in place, and hence the required additional commitment to push and make things work – the need to “prove” one-self and to show your worth, I am actually tipping the scale more on work-life balance. It has never been this good. Office hour starts at 9am and ends (officially) at 6pm, 1hour lunch inclusive. The single biggest draw is the key performance index (KPI) is NOT, I repeat, NOT based on the hours you spent being “billable” or how hard working you try to be “Look Like Busy” or LLB.

Credit to Cainsbrain.com. Could not describe LLB in a more graphical perfect way. Thanks Cain.

Day to day, I found myself becoming more confidence when explaining to others (in the industry, or the peers) what we could do and are doing. The mere volume of questions and discussion that follows shows that I might have done my job well – that the team has managed to educate and share with even the most sceptical and senior experienced. You know you did a good job when you go home feeling you have accomplished much. Truly, a happy work team will be a sustainable cohesive team.

Great image from Corporate Life Coach. Thanks Scott!

One more thing about Work-Life balance, it is a choice really. There are very little differences if you achieve it here, or elsewhere. Our working attitude and principles doesn’t change. Human being habitual creatures WILL re-create the same condition at home and at work. The choice is yours – and often, it will be more difficult convincing your boss and your team of your sudden change of trying to get more LIFE out of every day.

Make that choice. I did.

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Dress Like A Man : French Cuff

I started to tailor my shirts. Tailoring a shirt doesn't always cost more than buying it off the rack. In fact, they could work out to be about the same. I pay on the average RM150 for a well tailored shirt that fits my upper body well. Before i am branded as arrogant, just lets put it that, i am just like any other man that do not have symmetrical body. My arms is shorter than average, my neck is thick, my chest (or man boobs) is pronounced and i (now have) small waist. In order to buy a shirt that will allow me to able to wear a tie without looking like i am trying to strangle myself, i would need a size 17 shirt - which by then, would have sleeves too long and a fitting that is too baggy and gives the impression that the shirts are hanging over my shoulder.
A French Cuff, otherwise known s a Double-Cuff, is an Executive essential for a complete dress up. It exudes class and style when worn properly and gives the wearer a personality. French Cuffs allow a man to "accessories" themselves with Cuff-links - which could be as simple as a silk knot or a metal cuff. It could turn a mundane white shirt into a WOW by just changing the Cuff-Links. If it is any motivation, James Bond wears only French Cuffs that has rounded off corners.

A blog dedicated to James Bond Dressing and Style Here

From same blog above. Thank you sir!

A man should have at least ONE shirt that is French Cuff. It is not a must in your wardrobe, but if you can afford to tailor one, or find one that is nice, have it. I am a convert of French Cuff after i gave up trying to buy a nice fitting shirt.
A man's shirt should fits his body - the sleeves should just end slightly before where the forearm meets the palm. The shoulder width should sits on the shoulder, not over it. The collar, when buttoned, should provide enough space without making it look like he will die of suffocation, and yet is not loose as if it belongs to someone bigger. It is a fine delicate balance. One that is almost hard to perfect even for a (wannabe) person like me. A French Cuff works great for a formal and a semi-formal event, and wonderfully in place as everyday wear to the office.

One each day. Have to add on soon.

Over the past 1 year, I have been wearing mostly French Cuff shirt, rounded at the corner. I still have two or three shirts that is of the traditional single cuff - which i will retire soon as they are now really too big for me (i now fit into a size 14 shirt). With French Cuff shirts, i would need Cuff Links, this has prompted me to collect them from all sort of shapes, sizes and color.

Thanks to wifey, i got this ring holder to show my Cuff links

I have 20 Cuff Links and they are all shown as above. While some looked like they are childish - i reserves them for less serious days. But each of them is a conversation starter. Tell me, how many you have seen wearing those Transformer links? Or even a working Compass?

I wear them separately and together

both points to North. Good. Won't get lost.

A motivation from wifey, a Hermes, a 95 silver link, a Cross and a Paul Smith

 And this is how these cuff looks like on those French Cuff shirts...Sure makes you look sharp and good!

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Lava Java : Deaf-In-Business Project

I received an email from fellow runner and friend Jamie Pang with the title "DIB Coffees of Hawaii" and it immediately caught my attention. I be honest, the part that caught my attention most was the Coffee and Hawaii. Perhaps it is the triathlete in me that sort of link both with Kona - The Holy Land of Ironman Triathlon.

Coffees of Hawaii debut in Ford Ironman Kona 2007. Image taken with permission from here

The image above shows a floating espresso bar in the middle of the ocean where the triathletes are training/acclamatising to the Ford Ironman 2007 in Kona! Coincidently, it belongs to the same brand of coffee that Jamie emailed the link to me for.
This is a free plug (as in not paid advert by Coffees of Hawaii) in support of the Deaf-In-Business (DIB) Project.
Coffees of Hawaii is coming to Malaysia (or rather, CAME). Touted as the "1st Gourmet Coffee Chain in Malaysia operated by all Deaf Staff", they promised a WOW service.

A visit to the website shows that there are a lot of different menu to be tried. For more info, visit : http://www.dibcoffeesofhawaii.org/
By the way, i was told that this Coffees of Hawaii (CoH) is the best coffee one could drink. I believe what is good for the Ironman, it's good for you!

*Note: Wifey visited the place later for lunch. The operation has just started recently and they are not at full swing yet. Coffee is available but the other items on the menu is not fully available. Be informed.

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Trail Run Getting Better

Last Saturday myself, wifey, Jit Yen and Kheng Leong did trail run in Kiara. This is getting addictive as the pace of the run is getting faster each time i visit this trail. Having Kheng Leong, which is recovering from a bad crash (on the bike in Kiara) about 4 weeks ago, the pace was to be a recovery for him. In fact, having him in Kiara is a bonus as i could possibly get to try new route.
The plan was to run up the usual route and back. Half way through the trail, Kheng Leong suggested that we exit 2K midway and enter 4K to join with the new Magic Carpet.

The total distance was about 7.25 on flat ground, which translate about 7.5km taking into account the elevation that we covered. Kiara is slowly facing extinction from the destruction from the northern portion (close to Hartamas) and the southeast and south portion are dangerously being eaten up by the nearby equestrian park. In fact, there is a trail that the horses use which the Kiara lovers call it "Bar-A-Kuda" which sounds like barracuda if you speak them fast.The southern portion had a new fencing built by the golf course on the south, which has prompted the clean up of an existing underused trail to be used as the Magic Carpet trail head.Magic Carpet earned it's name due to the undulating terrain that runs along the ridges of the rubber plantation in Kiara. As you can seethe 2K portion runs along from 3oclock to 6oclock and then it is quickly followed by 4K loop and joining the Magic Carpet near the peak at the crossroad from the map above.The trail is fully run able and provides good fast interval and slow interval training alike.

As seen from the elevation map above, the first 2km is from the park (TTDI) up to the summit of Kiara Hill. Then it is a nice and fast downhill over 800m through Dirty Deeds, Upper bit and Lower bit before reaching the road portion that will leads you back to Apollo (KM4) and part of 2K loop (KM4-KM5). From there, it is the 4K loop until about KM6 before going on the Magic Carpet ride.
Check these photos out of Kheng Leong, Yen and wifey having fun pushing their way up the steep inclines.

Kheng Leong up Lung Buster

Yen going up a switchback

Wifey, having fun

And here is another Blair Witch styled video of me running down from the summit (twin peaks) to the cross junction down Dirty Deeds. 2mins of fast fun.

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Newton Law of Physics vs. Tamil Movies

We all know how these movies go. The illogical heroic part has always been part of the storyline. What if Sir Isaac Newton returns from Death, and saw these movies? Enjoy.

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Pesto Tuna Spread with Avocado

After the modified Green Egg that i share last week, in come another variation with the things you can find in your (or my) kitchen. As working parents, we are often sensitive to what we give our children to innoculate a good eating habits. Honestly, i had fed my kids fast food and there is nothing evil about it. Looking back and realising what the damages could be (long term), we are slowly pulling back some of these items - to start with the fries. Nothing bad about potatoes, but the browning process leaves a little to be desired especially when we are not too sure what oil and how they are being used to fry them.
Anyway, boring health talk aside (as i noticed this blog has turned into some..eerr...health blog), here is a good alternative to the Green Eggs that i made last week. By replacing the eggs and milk with Tuna, mustard seed and raisins, you get a whole new taste and texture.
What You Need
1 can of Tuna
1 tablespoon of mustard seed
Handful of raisins
1 - 2 tablespoon of pesto
1 Avocado
Olive oil
1 slice of bread - home made for me, nonetheless

Every fridge should have this

And this, if you do not want to make it yourself

and this too, as snacks or addition to your rolled oats

Preparation

Start by removing the oil from the Tuna. By removing the oil, you effectively take away the salt/sodium present in the liquid suspension that helps to preserve the Tuna. A few tips on Tuna, do not go for the cheapest version as the Tuna are usually stale tuna which have very strong fishy smell. If you can afford it, go for more reputable brand and that too will give you a peace of mind that the tuna are not illegally caught. Second tip is go for chunky tuna, as it carries more mass and volume compared to shredded tuna. Remove the oil, brine and salt out from the can. Easily done by opening the can and using the lid as the sieve.

Useful trick to remove oil from anything canned, except something fully liquid obviously

Out it go!

In order to replace the oil that was removed, i suggest olive oil. Tuna without oil will be dry and flakey and it won't taste as good. Reasons why those mayonaise laden tuna spread sells so well, they come free with saturated fat and perhaps even transfat without you knowing. :) A spoonful of olive oil will do the trick.

One spoon is about 100kcal, if you want to know

Yummeh!

Once the ingredients are all in, you can mix them all up with a fork in a container (which can be used as storage if you don't finish the tuna spread). As this is made for two person, the amount used will be sufficient for a meal.

Tuna, Pesto, Raisins, Mustard, Olive - should had added in Chia seeds too!

Prepare a slice of bread (toasted or heated) and cut half an avocado onto it. I am an avocado convert and i try to eat this rather expensive fruits once or twice a week. The fruits goes so well with anything and everything that it sort of perks up the tastebud and add more texture to the simple food we eat everyday.

Top up the bread and avocado with the prepared tuna and bon apetit!

There is a whole load of debate about Tuna because species such as the Blue Fin tuna are fished to near extinction and dolphins will be collateral in the process. It was known that Tuna will swim alongside dolphins as protection against predators such as sharks. Fishermen will look for the Dolphin pods (or group) and catches the Tuna alongside these dolphins. So, the debate is about ethical Tuna fishing alongside sustainable preservation of other species.

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CRKT Drifter Review

Every once and then, you will come across an EDC that you would want to use it as an EDC everyday. An EDC should be small enough, but not sacrifice cutting ergonomics or prying ability, and still hold it's edge well for that ever ready ability to slice or cut things up. I have been collecting CRKT knives for the past months and the collection just got bigger with the inclusion of the ever popular Drifter series.

From CRKT website here

I have read and seen this knife around on the internet and also on CRKT facebook and fan page. I have the impression that the knife is big, something that might not be too handy to carry around without the next person thinking that you will be robbing him of his life savings. Rest assured, the knife collecting hobby is not a lethal one. It is in appreciation of well made knives, in this case, production knives. Very rarely you will get something as reliable, or with good QC control - and the danger is not to know your knife well and end up with an imitation that might hurt you more than a plastic spoon.

Beauty

To start the review, this baby is a handy 6.5 inches opened and only 3.6inches closed. It is high hollow grind which gives you a very sharp cutting edge suitable even to skin or to slice like a sushi knife. With blade material made from 8Cr14MoV which offers an AUS-8 characteristic, will give a high performance tip to compensate for the high hollow grind. The hardness was rated at HRC58-59, which is good actually. So, the worry that the edge would not hold well, might not be that true to an extend.
The handle is made from stainless steel with a single position clip attached to it. The finishing is grey and it gives a very casual look of this serious knife.

Fans of flipper on their EDC will have to be contented with the tried and tested thumb knob for opening. Not really an issue unless you wear thick gloves and can't feel the knob that is close to the handle body. The opening is positive with a nudge from the tip of the thumb to open the blade to 30 degrees and a wrist flick will ensure the blade to be fully opened and locked.

Unlike the other two CRKT that i have reviewed, the Drifter does not come with a secondary lock to turn the knife into a fixed blade. The blade locks out with a liner derived from the knife body which is sufficient as  this EDC are not meant for heavy duty prying or cutting with the sub-3 inches blade.

Body blade lock

The Drifter weigh only 90grams or 3.2ounces. Light enough to be left unnoticed in the pocket and ready when you needed it. For this review, i had the pleasure of two durians (King of Fruits) to be opened with just the Drifter. Traditionalist has been able to open the durians with just a spoon or a kitchen knife. That however, will take skills and understanding of the fruit to be able to find the grooves to be opened. For the uninitiated, you do not open a durian like the photo below.

How Not To Open A Durian Here

The Drifter was put through it's pace by myself, having the chance to use it for penetrating, cutting and prying the fruit's thorny skin open.

Goes in really easy 

And deep without much effort

Impressive feel to the small EDC that allowed me with very little effort to penetrate the weakest point of the durian. Mind you, i have previously used screwdriver and even a larger knife just to get the groove opened. Drifter definitely made the task way easier. Though the knife is small and shorter than the other knife i have, the ergonomic was well thought off. The knife sits pretty comfortably in my palm as the thumb groove at the top and the index finger recesses allow me to provide leverage to the prying action.

Sits nicely in the hand

In less than 2 minutes, i managed to pry open the Ang He variety of Durian and with a bit more of brute muscle force with both hands, the fruit was successfully opened and to be enjoyed. As the knife is stainless steel, washing it was not an issue and a quick shake to rid of excess water and a wipe down to reveal the shine of the blade returns the knife to it's original glean.

A piece of mass produced art, nevertheless

The Durian did not stand a chance - both with the Drifter, or my tummy. The fruits was eaten and polished off the seeds. Bring on the next fruit to be opened. The Drifter awaits the pleasure of prying it open again.

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Trail Running: Fast 5 Click

Phui Tin leading the pack

A short video for sharing that was taken last Saturday afternoon during a fast session at Kiara. Trail running builds strength and agility and it sharpen your reflexes as well. A tip when running downhill - always look at least 5 meters in front and not at your feet. That way, you will be a able to anticipate and avoid bad foot landing and able to make a wiser more decisive move to avoid tumbling down the trail.

I aim to do trail running through the same route at least once a week until i can reach a certain speed or finish the 8.5km loop within an hour. It is not an easy task for me, but i believe, with a lot of practices, i will!

Yen in a blur. Too fast!

The route we did last Saturday PM was without the 2K loop as we had to rush back to take over from my sister in law that is helping to keep an eye on the two precious cargos at home. Nevertheless, it was a good 5.5km workout that lasted 57minutes.

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Green Pea Mushroom Soup for Dinner

The quest to eat clean and sensibly sometimes take a step back when all try to balance out the good and bad. While I do not consider myself to be super-strict with my diet (such as not eating meat, as it will cause cancer or not drinking cow's milk, as it will not be sustainable), i would classify myself and my wife as being "conscious" about what we eat.
Today, I will share what we had for dinner yesterday which is again, simple to make and gives about 150kcal with about 150mg of potassium 5grams of fiber, 20 grams of carbs, 7grams of fat (0f which up to 6 is unsaturated), 100mg of sodium and adequate amount of Vitamin A and B, just by making a green pea with mushroom soup. This will serve up to 2.5 portion which you can keep for the next day too.
What you need (for two person, as i am cooking for wifey too)
200grams of green peas, frozen or fresh is ok.
1 can of Campbell cream of mushroom (yes, this is today's canned food)
1 equal can of water (you can use the can to proportion)
1 food processor or blender

The idea came from watching some food channel show when they were making the green pea soup. While they sieve the puree, i decided to let them all into the soup - afterall, fiber is good for your gastrointestinal health. You can boil the green peas r 5minutes or microwave them for 2 minutes+2minutes. Either way is fine. But if you microwave them, please do not use any water and stir during after the first 2minutes cycle. This way, the green peas will not be overcooked. Reason why i prefer to use microwave is because i do not want to lose some of the nutrition by boiling them in the water - and the water that is used for boiling, will be thrown away! Of course there are option to use the water back into the cream of mushroom, which i should had considered. You know how the mind works sometimes - especially if you are an engineer and trying to maximize and cut down on energy usage, or washing afterwards.

It is a bit tricky to mash up the peas in a 1980's blender (National brand, no less), but i have to get it done by batches. Careful of the piping hot peas as it heats up the glass surface. Once the peas is mashed up, place the cream of mushroom into the same pot and add adequate water (not too much, if you want/like your soup thicker) and cook over low heat. As the peas and the cream is technically already cooked, the process is more to heat up the mixture and to get a consistent non-chunky texture.

The soup will be done in about 5 minutes and you can then serve them in a bowl or a soup plate. As I am learning to teach my body to utilise fat for energy, a spoonful of olive oil was included at the top of the soup - both for energy and garnishing purposes. Now, don't the so looked like it could come from a worthy restaurant?

As the soup alone only offers 150kcal, the spoonful of olive oil actually added another 100kcal. With the homemade bread with SCS butter, the whole package comes up close to 400kcal with energy coming primary from oil (olive and butter).

The durian was, good.

The soup tasted sweet and it actually covered the taste of the mushroom soup. Improvement should be made by not using the canned soup and replace it with milk to obtain some creaminess. All in all, with the slight savoury taste of the bread with SCS butter, and the noticeable taste of olive oil, this 400kcal was winner for dinner.

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