demonick.tv™

On Friday, a bunch of us Twitterers met up (or Tweetup) to go for some local stand up comedy. Dubbed “MACC or Malaysian Association Of Chinese Comedians – CNY Edition”. There were about 9 of us who met up for dinner before the show. Thanks Mei Ying for getting the tickets and organizing it, although we all know Andy made you do it…hahah. 

Group pic with performers Phoon Chi Ho, Kuah Jen Han and Douglas Lim after the show

I got to say, as it was my first time going for live stand up comedy, it was really really good. Performed by comedy trio of Phoon Chi Ho, Kuah Jen Han and Douglas Lim, most of the jokes were related to current events happening in society here in Malaysia, and also why the local Chinese (yellow) people are dubbed “second class citizens”. I would definitely recommend you to watch the show to have a good laugh. But do go with an open mind, as some of the jokes are crude and might be offensive to some.

Photo by Andy Gan

In line with my 2010 resolution, I have setup a second blog on Posterous called “the demonick perspective”. This blog is not a personal blog but strictly for my views on branding, technology and social media. Actually its contents are more related to my work and what I do. Why is it in line with my 2010 resolution? Well, it’s something I’ve always been wanting to do for awhile, but it never took off due to lack of time and also pure laziness. Starting this blog requires me to do research…a lot of research and reading up on case studies in the industry. So in a way, it really takes up more time than updating this blog. But if you look at it, it’s actually beneficial for me too because I’m learning in the process while conducting these research. Let’s just see how long I can keep this up…hehe.

Click here to read “the demonick perspective”

I don’t usually wake up early on Saturday mornings, but yesterday was different as I had to do my portrait photo shoot. Yes, you heard right, it’s a photo shoot entirely on ME. A very special thanks to Siew Yen, who is such a gem to proposed the idea some time ago. She is not a professional photographer (not yet), but is keen in experimenting as well as learning using test subjects/guinea pig like me. I agreed to it as I thought it would be fun and being the vain pot that I am…why not right? Immediately we were thinking of where to do the shoot. We had a few venues in mind, but we chose Jarrod & Rawlins and Aliyaa in Damansara Heights as it had the setting that we were looking for…a bungalow turned bar/restaurant.

Below are just some of the samples that were taken. There are just too many to put up, so I just picked a few for you to have a look.

So what do you all think? Any comments? Yes, I know I do look a little “kayu” in front of the camera but I’m not a pro either…but I’m happy so it doesn’t really matter what you think then! :P

I keep telling myself the year 2010 will be themed “Rebuilding” for me. I’m rebuilding for the better. I’m rebuilding because I’m sick of the old and need change. Well I don’t know about you, but for me I need constant change in my life…change to progress in life. You see, I have this “thing” where I do a self assessment every 2 years or so to see where I am, and what have I accomplished during these few years. Something like your computer if you will. Need to install bug fixes from time to time to make sure that there are no flaws and threats to the system. But if there are too many flaws to fix, then it’s time to format your PC and do a fresh reinstall…hence rebuilding a new system.

I’m sure you’re wondering what exactly it is that I’m rebuilding. Well for starters, CAREER. I have been working in a great company for the past 2 and half years, with great people and great work environment but somehow I always knew that I will outgrow it one day. Don’t get me wrong, I love it there, but again I don’t see myself progressing if I were to stay any longer. So what did I do? I took a risk and resigned 3 months ago in hopes of finding a better place. Why risk? Because I didn’t have a job offer anywhere prior to handing in my resignation. I did it because I knew I had 3 months to look for a job, which gave me some time. I did it because I just wanted out as I can’t stand being stagnant and not progress.

Just a few weeks ago, my new employers presented me with a very good opportunity. An opportunity in terms of learning, as things that I will be doing there, is different to what I’m currently doing in my company. It’s an opportunity for career progression because it’s an MNC that has worldwide connections, therefore might be useful to me should I want to explore outside Malaysia. And of course the remuneration and company benefits that came along with it simply made it hard to say no to. It’s also flattering to know, that people in the industry talks about you by giving good recommendations to their company. To those who know what I’m talking about…THANK YOU! In case you’re wondering, I was also offered a job by a rival company of my future employers but I turned them down because their offer wasn’t as attractive.

FRIENDSHIPS – My friends are my life. Honestly, I owe every single one a big THANK YOU just for being my friend. I don’t know where I will be or what I would do without them. I have drifted apart with some good old friends these past few years. We drifted apart because both parties were busy with our own things, and with our new circle of friends. We might also take it for granted that we’ll be there for each other each and every time. It’s also partly my fault for not making the effort for keeping in touch…which is why I’m hoping to reconnect with them and rebuilding our friendships. It’s funny because these are the people I probably know the longest and are the ones who I trust the most, but yet somehow we seem distant of late. Well, I hope to change that soon.

Finally…RELATIONSHIPS. Now, relationships not always necessarily mean a girl. Relationship here mean improve relationships with myself and my family members. I say “myself” because I think it’s very important to love yourself first before you can start to love someone else. In my case here, loving yourself means being motivated, confident and having self believe. Try saying to yourself “I love me for me!” and see how you feel. It’s not about being egoistic, arrogant or vain, but how many of you can say that and actually mean it? Not many I suppose. Well, not entirely for me at least. I do try to be and see things as positively as possible but I think there is still room for improvement…which is why I want to work on improving my personal relationship with myself first before anything else.

Family photo taken on Christmas Eve 2009 with auntie Elaine

Next comes my family. Now I know I haven’t exactly been the best son/brother but I think I’ll put in more effort in spending time with them, especially my dad. I don’t see him every day now that I live out on my own. But you know what? He seems to be getting older each time I do see him even if it’s every week. I’m not kidding! It’s scary yet heartbreaking sometimes to see my dad age. He’s been losing weight and now has many visible white hair on his scalp. It just hit me that times like these are the most precious, and that I need to be spending it more with my family members.

So here is a toast to Rebuilding for 2010! To CAREER, FRIENDSHIPS and RELATIONSHIPS! :)

Yup, today the management officially announced my resignation from my company to everyone. It has been a very eventful and good learning experience for me for the past 2 and half years here at Integricity. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Some people knew about it, some saw it coming, others…well…are still surprised. Why am I leaving? Well, like most cases, I feel the change is very necessary. Also let’s just say, I have a very good offer, an offer too good to turn down. In my new workplace, I’ll get to explore something different for a change, something new to me. A whole different ball game! It’s really exciting yet scary at the same time, but I’m willing to take on the challenge.

My official final day in Integricity is on the 20th this month and I have about slightly more than 2 weeks break before I start my new job. Time to plan for a holiday! Any ideas where? Hehe…