End of idiots' world.

Only idiots believe that the world is going to end tomorrow. And I am such an idiot my whole life.

To believe that everyday is my last day, to believe that everytime is my last time. I'm so glad that I never hesitate in those decision I've made. It's hard to decide what I want for myself sometimes but I know once I've decided I should never hold back. Holding back only slows me down, losses more opportunity to grow and narrows down my horizon.

My life is simple. Think, decide and do, and that has made me who I am today. I always think people are indifferent, equally talented, some live on without knowing what they are good at, some live expanding their strength, I am the kind of person who is in the middle. At least I know my strength and weakness, I tend to ignore. Ignorance is the worst attitude. Those who are ignorant will regret at world's end, those who are not enjoy living in every second.

If this idiot is to die tomorrow, it has scored a few 100 mark in exams, broken a few track records and made a few people happy. Shut up, wake up and move on, life shouldn't be drown by pessimism.

At least, the life is not wasted. Hey, the world isn't going to end, it's going to get better, I have lots more to do, although I have no regrets, I want to see how far I can go after my dreams.

Stock Market

How would I describe a person who has just entered the working world?

I don't know anything about stock market price until I started working. The philosophy is pretty applicable.

Say, you are a new stock. You haven't show your ability so you have no value. But don't forget that you are an ever-rising stock.

So the most important thing when you are new is NOT about letting the market to value you, you need to create your own value.

When I enter the university, I spent my first year building my reputation in my college, second year and third year I aimed for more and finally, I earned more than expected.

It's not necessary to do what I have learnt, learning from what I am doing is more crucial. Soon again, I will be able to join these small pieces of puzzle, there are lots more to learn.

It's the same, it's just that, 'I have to start all over again'. But as I always say, 'I am ready'.

没有遗憾的四年

刚刚步入象牙塔时，只觉得周围只有没了象牙的白象。自己与马大预科班生住在同一间宿舍，每当看到他们一起上课，一起放学时，心中有些不平衡。为什么自己努力奋斗，还要看到这些人。唉，没有奖学金，也得不到预科班的我，只能在中六苦读，好不容易考入马大。虽然第一选择是化学工程，自己却得了第七选择。难道我在学术运动的努力还比不上别人，老天对我的考验还不够吗？

初次见到系友，得知多数系友都是中六毕业的，就安慰自己，至少老天不是在考验我一人。我应该要相信自己能够改变未来，至少把一等文凭作为自己步入大学的第一个目标吧。我是个爱做梦，不思考，少说话，不读书的孩子，要一等文凭就要读书。花了约一个学期，终于找到自己的读书方法。一个星期内要应付六七科科目，所以读到80%就够了，最重要是熟悉历年考题。我变成一个爱做梦，不思考，少说话，会读书的孩子。嗯，不该说会读书，而是会考试。

刚入大学的时候，自己为了认识更多人而参加了许多活动。还算幸运，学业还能兼顾，虽然有点累，不过是值得的。因为认识人多，互相关照也不错。只是不明白为什么大学总是灌输着‘Senior高高在上’的观念，所以自己也没有兴趣担任那些听起来很威水的职位。大学生活本该人人平等，无忧无虑的，没有两者，也要自由自在， 反正就是我爽就好。

进了大学，什么没认真，要说认真嘛，那就是Toastmasters International 了。还有每当向人家提起‘土司大师’， 都会被人误解，自己也懒得解释，不需理会人家的讥讽，至少自己已经变得更有自信，更敢说话了。被推上当主席，多少也要拿出点实力，哪怕自己就只有一点点的领导才能。

要改变就要勇敢踏出第一步，自己看到大学网站宣传着Hitachi的社会福利活动时，考虑许久后才决定申请。心想自己还有些实力，反正不太有机会中选。其实当时还有些顾虑，因为HYLI落在大考时期，需要补考。经过两轮的面试及言论发表会，自己竟然获得国贸部秘书长的赏识，她还偷偷地告诉我，是我的人生经历感动了她。回到大学后，自己为了处理补考而烦恼了很久，感叹为何马大完全不为我的付出感到光荣。虽然过程有点坎坷，但一切都是值得的。在讲师的鼓励下，我鼓起勇气向越南出发。真是不虚此行，虽然多少影响了学术积分，但是积分又不能当饭吃。我认识了很多位很有理想，很有干劲的朋友，每当看到他们对生活的积极，自己也会更努力，不让马来西亚代表抛在后头。

曾以为自己已经不能跑了，我的脚仿佛在提醒我--巅峰已过，极限已到。我选择相信自己，改善技巧，并克服了右膝每次作痛的问题。后来马大选择了我这个过期货，还让我认识了一班了不起的运动员。虽然每次比赛都有所斩获，但是还是无法战胜国手的实力。其实每个运动员的背后都流入着一样的辛酸，我们都知道，一切都是努力的成果，没有天分只是懒惰的借口。

毕业典礼，就这样过了。对我来说，大学，不会给你任何东西，你要自己去寻找你的价值。我的毕业典礼，不是我一个人的，而是每一位给予我力量的人。

Test Speaker

There's no better way to improve your public speaking skill than to present a speech and get evaluated. And there's no better place to do it in the evaluation contest. You can't find that many people evaluating you. Speakers' Dream proved to be a challenging club to do a test speech and it's a privilege to become a test speaker, two consecutive years.

Speaking of how I became the test speaker, hmmm...it was luck. Last year, I joked to one of the Area Governor that I would like to try test speaker, since I have tried all the roles in a contest (yes, even judging). She has seen me many times at different contests, even at other Division. And the test speaker for SD happened to turn down on the organising chair (The Area Governor), two days before the competition. She called me and said, 'Jing Yi, I'm not joking, you are going to be the test speaker for my club contest.' Feeling bad about turning her down, since she's been nice to me, challenge accepted. I took once of my previous speech and presented the speech.

Although I spoke a test speech at Taylor's earlier but I didn't get the evaluations expected. SD is the place I was looking for.

Pictures taken by TARC: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.255190244501438.64819.170576959629434&type=3

It was absolutely nerve-breaking, to present a speech in front of many accomplished Toastmasters, DTM K Loghandran (some one who I really look up at) was one of them. In the end, I received not only the evaluation from the contestants but the audience as well. (Tang Sum Chee, Cheong Kok Sum, Chan Siew Peng)

My speech delivery has improved A LOT since then even I could believe it.

This year, I was lucky again to visit their meeting, 3 weeks before their club contest. Knowing about my promising commitment, I was asked to become the test speaker again. Since I have more time, I wrote a new speech in conjunction with the Olympic Games.

SD's blog: http://sdtmc.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/speakers-dream-humorous-speech-speech-evaluation-contests-2012/

It was a fruitful night for me again. Evaluations. To make me a better speaker.

Anyhow, I think better not become a frequent speaker in the club as test speaker should normally be kept anonymous, so I think better find another place next time. There are more clubs out there, or I can even try the Area Contests. =)

I'm glad with the decision I made which has made the changes.

死穴

有时在想，自己做事的原则和理念是什么，别人又是怎样看我的作风呢？

我承认自己有些我行我素（人家好意提醒：你是个有想法的人），但是只有少数人知道我是不爱做选择的人。当然在这几年间一直秉持的原则和理念并没有改变，反而变得有想法，而不再我行我素。学会聆听是一门学问，学会取舍也需要智慧。

聽，以耳为王，十目一心

我要何时才能领会‘聽’的智慧

取舍，有舍才有能取

我不曾害怕输在起跑点，因为我已知道要怎样漂亮的跑完，更重要的是原则和理念没有动摇，反而给我方向。

毕竟我跑过的故事不曾有过完美的起跑，却又很多漂亮的终点。

我的对手就是我

这或许是优点，或许是死穴。

如果是优点，那就好；

如果是死穴，那就给我个痛快，我要是死不去就会很快爬起来。

这次死不去，反而让我看到方向。虽然还看不到终点，但是我知道，我不会迷路。

The graduation trip

It's been a week since I return from my graduation trip and I've been busy editing all the videos. It's the greatest enjoyment of life when you get to flash back to all the sweetest memories. And this trip is certainly one of them, I will cherish the friendship till the end of time. The greatest thing you can give is forgiveness, and I'm so glad that we have each other for 4 years.

I didn't take many photos because I find video making more enjoyable, I couldn't stop laughing looking at ourselves.

Day 1 &2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbl43tIoSTY&feature=youtu.be

Day 3&4:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUMlUX70JXg&feature=youtu.be

Day 5:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCLBw6ll3KY&feature=youtu.be

Day 6:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQuutjRcfe4&feature=youtu.be

Day 7&8:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp3GTLoIbkY&feature=youtu.be

As usual, our random and absolutely normal act:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHxHHTdlZIg&feature=youtu.be

And those not appear on the big screens:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5PprFVM7U8&feature=youtu.be

I seriously believe that we can make a movie, judging from our acts. Looks professional and authentic. I mean, what else can you ask for, a bunch of friends that are willing to act funny.

Penang Trip with Coursemates

Can't actually describe my feeling, it's all written in the videos.

It was quite disappointing that only 8 out of 13 of us made it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSdchOQZfbI

Food on Day 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM5YT7_i9rE

Food on Day 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCZZDjfUrZ0

Food on Day 3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWPJvooqHfY

Our playful side:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4koNBAuxhE

The scenery of the places we went to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc8tYSQXzZk

Behind the scene:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox5YXEwufv0

Let Go

Sometimes opportunity knocks, sometimes it doesn't.

It was Tuesday morning, just before I leave for National Achievers Congress, I got an email, it's from Lay Theng, a super nice lady I know from Toastmaster. The e-mail says:

[Dear Jing Yi,

Good morning, and I hope this e-mail finds you well.

First of all, I wish to congratulate you for leading your Club to achieve such an excellent performance for this term. Please keep up the good job!

I wish to have a chat with you (or to meet up with you) on your plan for your involvement in Toastmasters next term.

Please let me know when I can give you a call. May I confirm that you mobile number is 017 250 2406?

Thank you.

--
Tan Lay Theng

Division W Governor Elect]

I went out slightly late replying her mail. She called me that night. I thought she's going to chat with me regarding the Club's achievement for my term since the Division Governor has been promoting the club in the Division Facebook group.

To my surprise, she offered me to become the Secretary for the coming Division W committee.

"I have observed you and your leadership over the year and I want you to join me in my Division W team. Will you join me?"

I had a sudden numb but I was honest,"Actually I have been considering to become the Area Governor but the problem is, I have a contract with Petronas and I don't know where I'll be working in the future, so I have to put myself out this year. I'm in shock right now because I've never thought that I'm capable to serve in the Division level. Thanks for offering but I would like have one day to think about it."

"Jing Yi, I respect your decision, I know that you are capable of serving this role with excellence and passion."

I had a long conversation with her that night. It was too sudden, it was the toughest Table Topics ever given by a Toastmaster.

I could be the youngest Division W committee ever~but should I?

As a Libra, I tend to be indecisive but I know I need to decide. I didn't turn to anyone and today, I replied.

[Dear Lay Theng,

First of all, I'm honored to be invited as one of the committee member in Division W for the coming term. As a Toastmaster, I have learned not to reject when someone ask me for a favor, I am sorry that I hesitated last night as I would normally say yes. I have been considering all the uncertainties that might happen after my graduation and it would be totally irresponsible for me to leave my work in the middle of my service. I have been thinking seriously about it and I think it would be unfair if others need to take up my role half way during the term. I would like to apologize that I do not deserve the post just yet. I believe there are more chances in the future for me to serve Division W. Thank you for your understanding.

Once again thank you.

Jing Yi

with passion to serve.]

I felt bad to turn her down, I denied the Law of Attraction, I said NO. I am always fortunate to receive unbearable help and guidance from other Toastmasters and Lay Theng is one of them. I wish to help her back so much because she's a true and humble leader. But I have failed to serve a great leader.

Life is all about making decisions. This is a painful one.

Letting go is one of the longest lines in the wisdom sheet, I have lots more to learn.

The Interview

Yesterday, I attended the structured interview by Petronas. Before that I was briefed on the format of the interview so I knew they will be testing my softskills, critical thinking and analytical skill. The interview turned out to be one of the best interview EVER!

It's fun but yet mind boggling. I enjoyed the session very much. Conventional interview is always the 'they ask you answer' method but in this interview, I had to be on par with them and lead the discussion.

After this, I will consider conventional interview as BORING!

Perfect 10

Never in my life that I think I want to surpass or even to emulate people that are more experience than me. I always tell myself not to compare with others. I have my path, they have their ways.

University Malaya Toastmasters Club is a place where my friends and I have put a lot of effort

in. Today, the club has achieved President's Distinguished Club status by scoring a perfect 10.

The ex-president, Kimmy Foo, who is also someone I take in as a role model, told me that we have surpassed her term.

Then came the message from the Vincent Chow, the Vice President Public Relations from Speakers' Dream, the oldest Toastmasters Club in the Peninsular Malaysia, saying that we brush our shoulders with MAICSA and TTDI (the two strongest clubs in Division W that score perfect 10 every year).

The Division W Governor came with the greetings. We are the first club in the Division to score the perfect 10!

Flashing at those time when the club is nearing the edge of closure, the three of us stood, kept the club running. We did go through a lot of tough times but I never want to surrender, and the pure heart's quest is answered today.

I'm glad I didn't give up despite receiving demotivating words, being trashed around like garbage. It makes me stronger and ever tougher to die.

Yes, I never want to surpass or even emulate anyone. But I know when the time comes, you will have what it takes to set the standard for others.

Don't bother

Not admiring those who can multi-task and still able to hit high on all aspects.

Salute on those who are actually not really functional but pretend to be busy with something, complain about everything are and annoy everyone who work with them.

They can really make you sick just by hearing the name.

I don't bother to even talk, waste of my energy and my ears have to suffer more complaints after that. Stay away from that kind of people, just to make my world more peaceful.

跑

我爱跑步。

前面有人，就奋力去追；后面有人，就奋力抛开。

前面是目标，后面是经验，不管目标有多远，我只管追，身上的经历和体验，能让我更强。

向前冲，冠军只有一个，我已习惯成为一个失败的人。

失败不是最恶，最恶是没勇气，至少我奋斗过，我会勇往直前。

我从没后悔。

Thoughts worth thinking

What have we learned from the past?

The Earth sent its second warning, people are struggling and Malaysians are posting status updates.

We are too defenseless, staying in the comfort zone. What would happen if Sumatera is not standing between us and the Indian Ocean.

The Japanese, on the other hand, had learned a lot from the disaster last year. Safety is always the first issue that cross their thoughts and we are here posting status update.

What if the tsunami really hit us?

Developed nation? But where's the first class mentality?

The missing identity

Sometimes, I'm confused about myself.

Being trained as a long distance runner by my first coach, I was chosen to take hurdles by my second coach. I was the long distance runner, hurdler and relay racer for my secondary school team.

When I entered the university, I lost my strength and stamina. At some point, I nearly gave up, I've been running on the wrong type of shoes and having knee problems. I found new hope in myself after trying on Nike Air and is currently a Nike Lunar user. I started to enjoy running again.

When I've decided to extend my long distance running to marathon, I got a call from Sports Centre that I was selected as a track and field athlete. My third coach (although I think he doesn't qualified) told me that I'm a sprinter, I argued and he insisted. Due to team requirement, I need to do middle distance which is 400 metres.

I begin to think if I need to play different roles at different stages of life. If I really need to do so I am ready because we don't get to decide on many things in life. We have to evolve and adapt to situations.

Three

At the beginning of my final year as undergraduate in the University of Malaya, I had made 3 little wishes, or should I say targets. My first target is academic target, second target is Toastmasters target and the last one is sports target.

I want to graduate with first class for my degree and it seems that I am on the right track. What I am doing right now is to enjoy the precious time with my coursemates.

I have achieved advanced communicator bronze and competent leader but I also want to achieve 'President Distinguished Club' status for my club during my term as the club president. It seems hard but I see the light recently. I tell myself to keep going, keep going! I am almost there.

As for sports, it's quite far away from me now, thanks to all the work that put me off the target. Perhaps a little bit more time but at least I know that I can at least run my first half marathon this June.

I know what I want for myself but I need many targets on the way.

Go, Jing Yi~!

Tolerance

The largest space in the world is not the universe but the heart. And yet it is also the smallest.

I'm curious about my tolerance when I'm under pressure.

I felt extremely calm standing at the starting line with national athletes at the adjacent lanes, telling myself that I have nothing to lose.

I took deep breath while reading through the exam questions not knowing how to answer, knowing in the end I can figure it out.

I smiled while answering questions during thesis seminar, knowing that I'm that lecturer's least favourite student.

I learn to always prepare for the worst and after that good things will come to me. It has to do with all the psychology knowledge learnt from my first coach. I'm so glad that I acquire this skill which help me conquer many mission impossible with great endurance and mental strength.

The largest space in the world is not the universe but the heart. And yet it is also the smallest. Your maturity sets the size of your heart.

MASUM 2012

Life is like racing. We don't get to choose the lane we run, the team we want or the competitors we race. We can say life is unfair. Hmmm...exactly~! But it doesn't mean that we should live on with it. I always believe that we can change our life. Not completely changing but I've been positive about many things in life.

We can choose to complain or we can choose to get over it. It's the choice we make that matters. And I choose to believe.

Those who complain can never learn to love. I always know that all the things I do are not meant to impress anyone. I never want to, I just want to improve myself, this I tell to myself everytime when I step onto the starting line. When I look up, it's the lane that I need to conquer. Good or bad, it depends on how I want to perform. And I know I want to bring out the best in myself. It doesn't matter if those on the adjacent lanes are national athletes, I just need to beat myself.

The most important thing is to finish strong to the best of your ability and feeling proud of all the efforts and sacrifice. And I have no complaints.

Tough decision

Life is about making decisions. We make hundred thousands decision in one day. I know life is always being tough on me, testing my body, mind and soul. I have no break.

I never try to capture attention in public but some how attention finds its way to me. I can run but not away from decision. I need to make decisions.

Sometimes, I will think this way, I don't want to offend any party. But then why should I strive so hard to impress those parties that don't even care how I feel.

Life is on going, I'm still in the journey. Nevertheless, win-win situation is always my ultimate direction. I know it seldom happen but at least I tried.

Speech contest

Spent one whole week thinking of what to speak in the coming international speech contest.

One week gone, deadline's near, doomed!

---

Heavy rain fell, idea's here, done!

Such a waste of my brain juice, I would rather use it for other things.

---

Busy busy, no time to practice.

Tomorrow tomorrow, the day the day,

Nervous but ever ready.

Chemistry X

When you chuck a panodol soluble into a glass of water, effervescence will take place vigorously and fill the glass with bubbles.

It took me long enough to realize that they are some of the greatest friends in my life. That's how I felt while making the video. It's boring to watch it over and over again alone. But the chemistry is totally different when you watch it with your classmates. No word can describe the touched heart.

That happened this evening. I'm so glad to see everyone felt the same as I did. As usual, things will always start slow. After capturing our precious moments, the old feeling filled the atmosphere and everyone just can't stop talking about our stories.

I love my classmates.

Life won't be the same without you.

Our 7th reunion video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S86UcB3fqo&feature=youtu.be

Sin Chao

Just before I leave the airport, Hanoi, Vietnam.

"Thank you for boarding Malaysia Airlines, the destination is Kuala Lumpur, the temperature at Kuala Lumpur is sunny with 30 degree celsius. Please remain seated until the take off...."

Strange feeling ran through my head. It was just like yesterday when I landed at Hanoi. The temperature was 13 degree celsius. My first flight abroad had just ended. A land that I can only know from the television screen appeared right in front of me. 13 degree celsius is too cold for tropical creature like me, 2 layers of clothes is too thin to cover my shivering body. Sin Chao, Vietnam!

Vietnam is a totally different world from Malaysia. Motorcycles rule the road, left hand drive and everyone is wearing sweaters. But yet the warm hospitality made me feel very comfortable.

The most unforgettable experience was to walk across heavy traffic without fear. I could have died a thousand times doing that in Malaysia. It was super duper scary at first but then culture integration makes me braver and braver till I can cross the busy streets on my own.

Eating on the streets was a special way to integrate yourself with Vietnam. Cold weather, a bowl of warm sticky rice with a cup of hot Vietnamese green tea, watching people carrying big stakes of goods on their bikes. And they honked a lot. When I say a lot, I really mean it. It's the best morning call even though my room was 17 storeys away from the 6a.m. street.

Ha Long Bay remains as mystery, a piece of untouched land, so peaceful, so pure, blessed with nature's touch. Simple amazing. It really deserves its place as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.

These experiences couldn't be the same without the incredible 27 friends. Different culture, different background but fused harmoniously under one roof.

---

"Dear Passengers, we are reaching Kuala Lumpur International Airport soon..." I looked out, it's the familiar sunshine that I've been bathing with for 22 years, warm. Yes, it's home. I had promised not to cry. At least not in front of my 27 incredible friends. OK, just 2 drops of joy and cheers to mark an ending to this wonderful journey. (Probably because Eddie was crying harder next to me)

These few days have been awesome. I love Vietnam, the people, the food, the culture and most importantly the friendship.

Cam on, Hitachi.

I'm ready

This is the time when everyone is busy preparing for their final exams. As for me, I have an extra homework to do, that's Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative.

When I was young, I always wanted to contribute something to the country, to represent the country in sports but I never expect to carry Malaysia in this forum.

I'm absolutely excited about HYLI and it has made me a more confident and out-going person. It's a wonderful experience for me to see the world and letting the world to see Malaysia too. Therefore, I know I have to perform to my level best and make Malaysia proud.

Yes, I'm ready!