Destiny Steps

To all muslim friends, Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin. And to the non-muslim friends, happy festive holidays

Majority rules. Majority is always right. How common do we hear this. This principle is being applied in most area of our daily living. But is that a sound principle or is there a big flaw in this principle ? Here is another evidence of its flaw. While the Wall Street tumple, authority work to fix the matter…..he is profiting !!! Yes, I am referring to Warren Buffet. Check this out :

Buffett may have $3.5 billion two-day financials profit By Jonathan Stempel
Fri Sep 19, 5:46 PM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N) (BRKb.N), which has avoided major acquisitions in the financial sector in recent months, may have had a $3.5 billion two-day paper profit on six major banking and financial services investments.

The two-day rally in financial shares, which drove the broad S&P Financials Index (.GSPF) up 24 percent, came as the government announced sweeping measures to rescue the financial system and restore confidence in shaky markets.

Shares of Wells Fargo & Co (WFC.N), the fifth-largest U.S. bank and Berkshire’s second-largest investment as of June 30, rose 19 percent over the last two days and touched a record high. That would have given Berkshire a $1.85 billion paper profit on its reported 290.7 million share stake.

Berkshire would also have had a $1.12 billion profit on its reported 151.6 million share stake in American Express Co (AXP.N), the credit card and travel services company. Stakes in Bank of America Corp (BAC.N), M&T Bank Corp (MTB.N), SunTrust Banks Inc (STI.N) and US Bancorp (USB.N) also gained value.

Buffett has long favored investments in undervalued businesses with strong earnings and management. That has helped him transform Berkshire since 1965 from a failing textile maker into a conglomerate with at least 76 companies.

“He’s always felt Wells was very well-managed,” said Frank Betz, who oversees more than $800 million at Carret/Zane Capital Management LLP in Warren, New Jersey. “Why does he like banks? Like Willie Sutton said, it’s where the money is.”

Banks and financial services companies accounted for about one-third of Berkshire’s $57.9 billion of U.S.-listed equity holdings as of June 30. Berkshire generally discloses these holdings only in the middle of each calendar quarter.

At Berkshire’s annual shareholder meeting on May 3 in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett said that in banking, “you need someone at the top whose DNA is very very much programmed against risk.”

Buffett didn’t agree this week to help bail out the insurer American International Group Inc (AIG.N), which agreed to an $85 billion government rescue after being felled by exposure to complex debt known as credit default swaps. Buffett has called derivatives “financial weapons of mass destruction.”

DIVERSIFICATION

Berkshire generates about half its business from insurance, but is diversifying through acquisitions in other sectors.

On Thursday, it announced a tentative agreement for its MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co affiliate to buy Constellation Energy Group Inc (CEG.N) for $4.7 billion in cash, after worries about trading bets caused the power supplier’s shares to fall by more than half this week.

Earlier this year, it paid Chicago’s Pritzker family $4.5 billion for 60 percent of Marmon Holdings Inc, which makes such things as railroad tank cars, pipes, fasteners and wiring.

Berkshire also committed $6.5 billion to help Mars Inc buy chewing gum maker Wm Wrigley Jr Co (WWY.N), and agreed to invest $3 billion as part of Dow Chemical Co’s (DOW.N) purchase of specialty chemicals maker Rohm and Haas Co (ROH.N).

Forbes magazine this week said Buffett is worth $50 billion, making him the second-richest American, trailing Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) co-founder Bill Gates.

Berkshire Class A shares rose more than 8 percent Friday on the New York Stock Exchange, until a late trade boosted the gain to 14.8 percent, or $18,990, for a close at $147,000. The Class B shares closed up $345 at $4,595.

A Big Board spokeswoman did not immediately return a call seeking comment. 

It has been bleak outlook in the market with US shares tumpling, strong companies such as Lehman meltdown & AIG crumbling……a friend of mine in the financial field made this statement : A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it rains. I thought it’s so well said, so precise description of the banks.

Better still, in the midst all this tumbling, people who are guided by the sound back to basic fundamentals & check n balance, chose be contrarian to the majority, have forecasted the thumbling  coming and now they are positioning. While the specific financial giants struggle, Warren buffet’s Berkshire is protected as reported by Bloomberg and he is buying or position to buy. Hmmmm…..

So, which do you choose to model ? It is a good time to rethink which example do we want to model after. A great life lesson.

Did you also notice that the countries that pumped in money to help rescue the US / Wall Street are mainly Asian ? or more specifically, chinese base ? Interesting change isn’t it ? Bloomberg even reported that now many people in the west prefers to work in Asia due to its resilent economy. This should send a clear message to our youth who still dream of  the west as high & mighty or THE place to live & work. Going back years ago, Asian are being discriminated when they moved to the western community. So, now that they are flooding our land, what are we to do ? Asian are very embracing people. So, hey guys, is high time you reflect & behave in our land as we do not treat your coming with the same discrimination. :) :p

As said in one of the financial interview - US builds the house, Asian owns the mortage ?

As I login to check my emails end of  the day before I knock off, I found an interest email, the usual emails forwarding kind of thing, arrived at my mail box. I do not normally read forward email which is heavily “text” base as I already have enough of reading…all the CVs. It usual goes straight into the “bin”. But it somehow caught my attention and I find it a little amusing especially in the midst of current apologising, not apologising, discipline & what not.

Malay rights                                                               
By Shaik Rizal Sulaiman

The Malays are ‘technically’ in power governing the country but it is also this same controlling group that demands the right to correct economic imbalances and disparities for its own race.

What does this say about the ‘majority governing’ Malay race for the last 50 years?  I dare say that most Malaysians (regardless of race) below the age of 40 would like to see all opportunities be spread amongst those who deserve it on meritocracy.

We do not need the keris anymore to tell others to be careful of what they say and do because in the survival of the fittest, the keris is of very little relevance!

If we continue to hide under the ‘bumiputera’ tempurung as most Malays have been in the last 50 years or more, the catch-up game will just get harder and the gap wider.

If we continue to expect without earning it, we will never learn how to be a race that succeeds on merit. There is NO substitute for merit. The Malay politicians continue to shout about Malay rights and bumiputera rights because the very nature of our local politics is sadly racially biased.    
                                                                           
In this day and age, a great nation is built upon joint success stories, meritocracy and the combined hard work of its people WITHOUT any fear or   favour of racial biased politics governing our daily policies. Sadly, the  Malay politicians have ended up completely corrupt, racialists, twisted  religious fanatics.

I am below 40 and as much as I love the ‘idea’ that Malaysia is tanah tumpahnya darah orang Melayu, I can’t help but also feel that this country is for ALL Malaysians alike including the Chongs, the Kumars, the Xaviers, the Singhs & Kaurs etc who were born on the same day in the same hospital as me here in Malaysia.

we feel that WE (the Malays) deserve this country more than THEM, then WE (the Malays) should have shown them a long time ago that we deserve the ‘control all’ status.

We have to earn it. The policies FAILED because the very concept of Malay rights or the NEP/DEB is like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it aims to eradicate wealth disparity but on the other, it has made the Malays oblivious of what reality is. Our (Malays) success is only reflected in the ‘perceived’ political power which today can collapse in a matter of minutes. I would also like to see my children succeed in their country, Malaysia, for reasons that true success should be based upon, which are merit and hard work and NOT because they are Malays or bumiputeras. For as long as the Malays don’t see this, there is very little point in fighting for Malay rights.

It just makes us look more ridiculous. We have taken this notion of being  privileged a bit too literally in that it now simply means we want this country and its fruits all for ourselves without accepting the  
responsibilities that come with it. I blame the MALAY politicians for this because we want to only fight the cause without strategising for the true substance and need of the cause. We have been given fish all the while without being taught how to fish.

It’s funny how two different generations can be so diverse in their thinking and the recent elections proved just that.. We are no longer concerned with racial problems but more so the never-ending Malay agenda issues. The rakyat has spoken and the landscape has drastically changed.

Is this change welcomed? Is it good?

The answer is ‘NO’. Because we, the Malays, have been caught with our pants down - we are not ready to compete on any level playing field (we can’t even compete on advantageous grounds!). Even with three or five more continuing policies for Malay rights or bumiputera privileges over the next 50 years, we will still be in exactly the same position as we are in today.

The truth hurts and the truth will always prevail. And the truth of what’s to come will NOT go away. I am cynical perhaps because I feel that Malay rights is NOT relevant anymore.

The right to be safe, to be treated fairly, to have a world-class healthcare and education, to enjoy equal prosperity, to have good governance, to live in a clean environment and to be war-free is what I want for my Malaysia. NOT for MY race to be artificially powerful.

If we want the Malays to fail, then by all means continue the fight for Malay rights. Go and polish your keris..                                  
                                                                           
Shaik Rizal Sulaiman                                                      
Posted by Malaysian                                                        
Unplug @ Link to This Post                                                

The client is a affiliate subsidiary of a US listed company specialised in digital application. They are currently hiring communication specialist :

• Candidate must possess at least a Diploma or a Degree in Computer/Telecommunication.
• Excellent Knowledge in networking (TCP, UDP, routing, latency etc.) under Linux system.
• Expert knowledge in encryption (SSL/IpSec), certificates including its setup and application in Linux system.
• Experience & expert in real time streaming, RTP / RTCP, VoIP, SIP solutions in the enterprise markets, optimising path, etc
• Experienced in virtual machine setup for load / volume testing.
• Expert knowledge in auto system backup and network congestion trouble shooting skills.
• The candidate must have at least 5 years of experience relating to the above
• Applicants should be Malaysian citizens or hold relevant residence status.

As a headhunter, I often being asked if I have job opportunities overseas, ie. US, Europe, Australia, NewZealand, including S’pore. Quite some people would consider working Singapore with an intention to become PR. If you are one of them, here are some information for you. It is taken from the lowyat forum which I thought is very informative

The excerpt :  

FAQs

Employments:
Job opportunities are still good. Those with higher education level/experience stand a better chance and command a higher starting pay. Good command of English in resume writing or interview is a huge benefit. The following are the list of available online job sites:
1. Jobstreet
2. Contact Singapore
3. Jobs Central
4. JobsDB

Various employment passes are available to enable you to work in Singapore depending on your skills and pay. Employers will help you in the application of passes. Your job is however pending on the approval of the pass. Information of types of passes are available through MOM’s website. Do not worry of what passes you get. Eventually all will allow you to work in SG. Some do fuss about it due to “status” and extra benefits (i.e: credit card and contract phone applications). Just be hardworking and move up the passes or apply directly for PR few years down the road.

All you need to know about PR application and requirements are available here: http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=151&secid=150

Please take note that ex Singaporean PRs who renounced their status without serving the National Service will have their job and employment pass applications greatly degraded.

<Need more information on salary bracket and range in different industries to expand. Contributions greatly appreciated>

CPF and Taxes:
Malaysians working under employment/work passes are exempted from paying CPF. Singapore PRs have to contribute to CPF according to the rates found here: http://mycpf.cpf.gov.sg/Members/Gen-Info/C…es/ContriRa.htm

As for the complicated tax returns, i’ll just provide the website so everyone can search under their own categories. http://www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/page01.aspx?id=88

Accomodations:
HDBs everywhere! Prime and new areas should cost around SGD450-600 per room (with or without utilities). You can still find sub SGD400 per room in remote or rundown areas. If you can afford the luxury, apartments and condos are the way to go. SGD800-1200 per room is the current market price. Normally comes with swimming pool and gym facilities.

Below are some useful sites:
http://www.flatsdb.com/
http://www.hdbflat.blogspot.com/
http://singapore.roomsdb.net/
http://easyroommate.com.sg/ (looks more like a dating site )
http://www.sg-house.com/

Transportation:
No need to describe any further. Been compared and discussed too many times between SG and MY. In SG, you can be anywhere in the island just by using public transport. The all too convenient EZ link card can be used in both MRT and bus (even McD yeah!). For places out of reach, taxi is the answer. Don’t worry, you won’t get touted with expensive fares. They are a bunch of professionals with accurate meters. First entry onto cab is SGD2.80 or SGD3.00. The rest runs on meter plus any surcharges from tolls, airport surcharge or stopping period. If you are travelling in group of 4, taxi is the cheaper option on certain routes compared to others.

SBS bus maps: http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/iris3/nextbus.aspx
MRT maps: http://www.smrt.com.sg/trains/images/tn_networkmap_big.jpg

Malaysians can drive in cars/bikes to work in SG. For SG PRs, you have to drive singapore registered vehicles. More info here: http://www.lta.gov.sg/motoring_matters/ind…oring_guide.htm

Expenses:
This is very subjective depending on the spending power of different individuals. But here are the basic breakdowns on rough estimates:
1. Accoms SGD600 (varies)
2. Food SGD500 (varies)
3. Transport SGD60
4. Entertainment SGD300 (strip it off if wanna save)
5. Shopping $$$

Forummers in SG:
1. nick (nicvoo) - work in jurong/bt merah (till end of august) bugis/lavender (beginning sept); live in tampines
2. wen (wyy) - work in outram; live in outram/tiong bahru
3. Louis (louismhc) - work in Tampines; live in Tampines
4. Daniel (yrh0413) - work in Jurong East, live in Marine Parade Rd
5. saintcute - work in harbourfront, live in serangoon
6. nameless - work in NYP Ang Mo Kio/Tanjong Pagar, live in Commonwealth
7. jeremy (ilikehandphones) - work in clementi, live in admiralty drive
8. sukhoi37 - work in Changi/Paya Lebar, live in Pasir Ris
9. tiny - work, live in at Ang Mo Kio
10. ferdinand (washabushi) - live in bukit batok, work in toh guan(jurong east)
11. gld998 - stay in Tiong Baru
12. mONSTers - work in Ayer Rajah Crescent, stay in Kembangan
13. smuldge - work in Toa Payoh, stay in Ang Mo Kio
14. ahwai_83 - work in raffles place/robinson rd, stay in toa payoh

<Greatly appreciated for those who wants to contribute as it is easier to keep in contact or require direct response from a particular member. Make a reply in this thread or PM me for your names to be up in the list>

A personal friend of mine who owns a recruitment agency in Singapore sent me a request for CUSTOMER SERVICE CONSULTANT. They are a recruitment agency niche in the retail area. A client of theirs, an established medium-large sized wellness company is URGENTLY looking for 8 CUSTOMER SERVICE CONSULTANTS.

Job Role :

- Manage wellness center frontdesk
- Handle walk-in clients
- Able to engage, explain & recommend suitable spa / gym / beauty packages
- Answer phone inquiries

Requirement :

- Presentable personality
- Female & Chinese only
- Fluent in Mandarin & English (Written & Spoken)
- Age between 22-35
- Malaysian
- Min 2 years of customers service / counter sales experience
- 2 years working contract
- Remuneration range : SGD 1500 - 1800/mth
- Education : High School. Diploma added advantage

Leave me a message & I will get in touch with you. It is an urgent requirement.

My client is a reputable IT MNC niche in the healthcare industry. They are listed in Australia & London SX with regional offices in China, India, Europe, Middle East & etc.

Responsibilities:

Plans, directs, and coordinates the local sales of the organization’s products and/or services to enhance the local and regional business by performing the following duties:

1. Establishes sales goals and meet assigned quotas to ensure the profitability from the sales of products and/or services.
2. Develops and grow the market, for both short and long term, to ensure the profit growth and expansion of company products and/or services.
3. Maintain relationship and engagement at all levels.
4. Evaluates market potentials and formulate strategy to suit local market conditions to promote sales with timely adjustment of marketing strategy and plans to meet changing market and competitive conditions.
5. Recommend changes in to meet market condition to ensure effective fulfillment of objectives assigned and to address problems and opportunities quickly.

Requirements:

• Graduate in IT or equivalent
• At least 3-5 years in Healthcare IT solutions / Medical device technology solutions / Hospital IT Solutions sales experience
• Good local knowledge of the local health care market including customers and competitors
• Bid/Tender experience
• Ability to develop new customers and strengthening existing customer relationships
• Good network and networking abilities both in private and public sector
• Strong sales track record; preferably in public sector
• Friendly disposition and enthusiastic sales professional with positive attitude
• Marketing management - planning and executing local marketing-actions to boost sales
• Develop and execute Sales & Marketing activities to suite and meet local conditions
• Develop and management of Channel partners - including relationship management, training, motivating their sales teams to cover wider reach.
• Ability to travel – national level and attend/and or participate in Exhibitions and Trade fairs
• An influencial leader, lead by example & a team player
• Strong interpersonal communication skills are a prerequisite.
• Excellent customer relationship management skills
• Good presentation, negotiation and communication skills