30 December 2010

青春开讲5:一步一腳印 實現小心愿

题目: 一年將近尾聲,又是時候迎接新一年的到來。新一年當然要有新希望,期望在新的一年達到什麼心愿……(截稿:31.12.2010


            进入了最后一个月份,是时候找一个晚上沉淀自己的心情,好好地检讨自己在这一整年来的工作表现和财政状况,也是时候为自己在新的一年设下新的目标、新的计划,当然也别忘了设计好达到目标的措施,光有计划却没有具体的行动方法也是无济于事。这一年的自己在各个方面表现得马马虎虎的话,没有关系,找出自己需要改善的地方,明天开始就要为自己再搏杀了!

            我没有很伟大的心愿。在新的一年里,我只希望自己可以把所有想做的事情做好。看似简单的愿望,若真能达成那就太好了。只要做好每一件小事,累积每一个小小的成功,我相信那就会是很大的成就了。有时候为自己设下了一个遥不可及的愿望,乍看之下似乎非要费九牛二虎之力方能让自己接近它一步,一开始就让自己信心尽失了。如果设下一个大大的愿望后,同时也为这大大的愿望衍生出许多小小的愿望,一步一脚印地去实现,我相信这个方法会让自己开心得多。

            回想起老师描述现实社会的竞争和压力的那情景,让我印象深刻的是——中国大学生早上六时正就起身开始学习,下午放学了还会逗留在校园内温习,晚上回家了还得预习到半夜。不晓得这个现像是真是假,我也曾经傻傻地认为我的大学生活应该如此努力,可现在的我是不会赞同这种生活方式。人生不过百年,幕起幕落而已,我觉得脚踏实地地做人,为自己、为家人做好理财规划,够吃够用,生活开心就好。

29 December 2010

青春开讲4:落选之作1

題目: 又是學校假期的降臨了,這個假期,你打算去哪裡度假?之前,你又去過什么地方、什么國家至今是你游玩過,最流連忘返、最值得回憶的……
(截稿:30.11.2010

似乎好久没看有标记学校假期的日历,要不是青春开讲的主题,还真忘记了学校假期的来临。今年度假就没有我的份,还得开工呢!

以前的学校假期最让我印象深刻的是在中学时期,中二的我和朋友们特地从吉隆坡到麻坡中化中学参加四天三夜的戏剧生活营时,顺道去麻坡市走透透。当时我们一共有九人,我们并不是坐长途巴士过去,而是托其中一位朋友的父亲载我们过去,结果我们九个人就这样挤进去一辆小型休旅车浩浩荡荡地出发去。那一次应该算是我们这群小瓜第一次在只有一个人的父亲的陪同下去到那么远的地方。路程中大家你挤我推的,半途不得不在休息站停下来透透气。

到了中化中学打点一切后,我们便开始我们的麻坡一日游(我们是在生活营活动开始的前一天入营)。我们可是第一次来到麻坡,也从来不晓得有中化中学这间独中,单听校名我还误以为是中华中学。亲自踏入这片校地才发现,柔佛的独中校地还真大,和吉隆坡的独中相比简直是天壤之别。来到麻坡我们也发现,怎么各个住家的电视天线用一支长长的杠把它安装得离屋顶那么高。后来才知道原来他们都是为了收看新加坡的电视节目。

我们一日游时发生的趣事还真多呢!其中一件是当时的我们不晓得当地居民多数以华语和福建话沟通,而我们却惯性地讲广东话,结果有位老板听不懂,还以福建话回话,所幸我们当中有朋友懂得福建话,要不然真会出现鸡同鸭讲的场面。而最好笑的事情就是我朋友买鸡腿饭时,问了价钱后的表情——吓呆了,久久不敢相信老板说着真话,因为一碟鸡腿饭只要他两块半!当时鸡腿饭在吉隆坡的售价是五令吉左右。

我们这九位小瓜犹如山芭佬不断地在麻坡市探索、玩乐,还闹出不少笑话来,回想起来,真觉得当时的我们好可爱哦!

28 December 2010

青春开讲3:香蕉 快樂之果…

●題目: 我國擁有各式各樣的熱帶水果,人稱萬果之王的榴槤、果后山竹、西瓜、芒果、哈密瓜、木瓜……種類繁多,但哪種水果你最愛吃,它的美味更令你無法抗拒……
(截稿:28.10.2010)



说起水果,我想当我走过水果摊位时,一定会不假思索地把选中香蕉。

对了,香蕉是我的最爱,因为它是市场上容易得到的水果,不须要等待它的生产季节,若想吃即可到水果摊把它回家,没有人会和你争,也没有老板会把它吊高来卖。

榴莲拥有水果之王的称号;山竹拥有果中之后的称号,那香蕉呢?香蕉也不输予其他水果,欧洲人称香蕉为快乐之果,因为它有解除忧郁的功效。在所有水果中,香蕉也存有着神秘的色彩,相传佛祖相传佛祖释迦牟尼正是因为吃了它,才获得了无穷的智慧,因此香蕉被赋予了智慧之果的美称。

由于香蕉是市场容易得到的水果,而且浑身是宝,所以大家也不忘善用它的优点,把它的优点发挥得淋漓尽致。大家应该都知道,心情不好时吃甜食可促进脑内分泌多巴胺,以让一个人的心情变好,连港剧的剧情中也时常带出这个讯息,而香蕉就是最佳的选择了!

香蕉也是女性们钟爱的减肥食品。香蕉的淀粉含量很高,所以很容易饱腹,加上淀粉在体内消化需要一段时间,因此不会产生过多的能量堆积。早前它还另日本爆发了香蕉减肥热潮,使香蕉的身价狂飙。

香蕉的好处真的好多啊,已经可以用一天一香蕉,医生远离我来形容它了!但古人总会提到物极必反,吃过量的香蕉对身体也是有害的。更要切记,空腹吃香蕉,弊大于利!

27 December 2010

富豪省錢6招

沒錯,世界億萬富豪(總共1千零11位)擁有遠遠超過生活所需的金錢,可是他們居住的地方可能無法反映龐大的財富,甚至為了雞毛蒜皮而計較老半天。他們的節儉,可以為普通人帶來一些理財提示。
簡單的房子
富豪當然可以住在比美比爾蓋茲的房子--6萬6千平方呎、總1億4千750萬美元,可是身家毫不遜色的“股神”巴菲特,只是選擇保留他1957年以3萬1千500美元買下的房子,這只是一間5房單位。

簡單的交通
不少富豪選擇“自食其力”的交通工具或公共交通,像John Caudwell、David Cheriton和Chuck Feeney在進出城市時,都情願走路、騎腳踏車或使用公共交通。這不僅省錢,更可以減少廢氣排放,環保得很。
簡單的服飾
無論富有與否,一些人情願將大筆金錢花在特別設計的衣服、鞋子,而部份節儉的富豪認為,這些花費根本毫無價值,正如宜家(Ikea)創辦人Ingvar Kamprad儘量避免穿上西裝。
簡單的髮型
在美國,平均理髮開銷只是45美元,卻有人花800美元整理自己的頭髮。以平均6週理髮一次計,他們單單為了頭髮,每年就花費7千200美元,這還不包括小費。一些富豪甚至自己理髮。
簡單的汽車
儘管甲骨文聯合創辦人Larry Ellison享受百萬名車、汽艇、飛機,但不少富豪反其道而行,只保留便宜的交通工具。沃爾瑪的Jim Walton駕駛15年車齡的小卡車、印度富豪Azim Premji開的是豐田Corolla。宜家Ingvar Kamprad的坐駕是10年車齡的富豪(Volvo)。他們的概念是,購買一輛可靠的汽車,一直駕下去,沒必要天天換車。
簡單的開銷
墨西哥富豪斯利姆(Carlos Slim)就算每分鐘花掉超過1千美元,100年也消耗不了整份身家,卻不願意擁有一艘帆船或一架飛機。不少富豪選擇避開這些高檔的物品,巴菲特也是,他說:“多數玩具都令人討厭。”

26 December 2010

“Kong U仔”的生存之道

一所世界頂尖的大學,會是怎樣的樣子呢?一所頂尖大學的大學生又是甚麼樣子的呢?我帶這個問號,到香港大學去看看。QS泰晤士全球大學排行榜上的亞洲第一、全球廿一,單單是這樣的排名,便足夠讓人對港大感到好奇了,不是嗎?
港大校園本部座落在香港島西部的薄扶林道以東。10月28日,2010年港大開放日前夕,港大圖書館二樓很安靜。玻璃窗外是摩天樓都市風景圖,幾乎每個位子上都有人。是的,香港很小,人很多,位子不夠,是很競爭的。
一個上午在校園內逛一圈,直覺港大就是香港的縮影。這所大學很有活力,即使在這樣安靜的圖書館,仍能感受到學習躍動的氣魄。
有人說它像LSE倫敦經濟學院,是城市化大學,也許校園規模小,更不像印象中的象牙塔。這裡沒有北大的未名湖,沒有東京大學的赤門這樣的國家重要古蹟,有的是一棟棟紀念捐贈者而命名的大樓:鈕魯詩樓、莊月明樓、鄧志昂樓、馮平山樓、梁銶琚樓、周亦卿樓……
一個系院一棟樓,僅僅就是一棟,一應俱全。最有人文氣息的該數本部大樓,秋天時坐在凳子上看雲和枝椏的光影,可能你坐過的地方張愛玲也曾經坐過。有了這樣的想像,這個系所更顯詩意。
拜訪一所大學,圖書館是不能不去的。圖書館、實驗室、講堂,構建成大學學術風景圖。如今我在港大圖書館,讀《熱戀建築──與75位香港資深建築師的對話》,追訪幾位港大最早期的建築系畢業生。書中有此句:“一位建築師得到的最高榮譽,不一定是甚麼建築大獎,而是當中的人因你的建築而受益,因你的建築而感動。” 若改成“一所大學得到的最高榮譽,不一定是甚麼排名大獎,而是當中的人因你的教學而受益,因你的教育而感動。”不曉得港大有給學生這樣的感動嗎?
競爭太大,絕不能慢慢來
港大生自稱“Kong U仔”,稱呼裡頭藏有身為港大人的榮耀。大馬留學生邱宗佑(19歲)、林行貴(21歲)都是Kong U仔,他們有一友人,來自大陸深圳的劉日文,都是會計金融系的學生。一席閒聊下來便發現了,港大給他們最大的“感動”,莫過於提高了他們作為港大生的生存競爭力。(如果這能算感動的話。)
邱宗佑才到港大兩個月。“我沒來過香港,想像大學自由而輕鬆,但港大,只能用一個字形容:快!時間太少,要做的事、要消化的知識卻很多。你要提高生產力,要work smart,絕不能再慢慢來,有想過太難了不如放棄,經父母鼓勵,總算適應下來。只要懂得善用時間,你可以做的事情還真多。”
這些競爭的壓力,一部份來自於中國來的高材生。據說大陸生在香港的大學都是出了名“牛”的,他們在學習上真的很拼。港大錄取的都是高材生,像廣東省,是前400名。是多少人的前400?答案是:600,000!才“有可能”考進港大!
林行貴說:“是啊!講堂裡坐在前面第一排的學生,一定是從大陸來的。他們讀書很拼命,根基打很穩,成績一級棒!現在放在同一平台競爭,以馬來西亞中學課程程度,便絲毫鬆懈不得。時間那麼少,要做的事那麼多,你要學會在最短的時間做最多的事情。”港大本科學位評分制,是依整體表現分等級,這無形中給了學生壓力。
改制4年,提昇長遠競爭力
再加上香港是亞洲金融中心,能在港大唸金融,前方無餘就是無數扇通往國際經貿或金融機構的大門。劉日文坦承,當初選港大的確存有“功利性的因素”:“就是將來找工或唸研究所會容易一點。”
他們的dream job,當然就是加入中環價值指標的IFC,國際金融中心裡頭的投資銀行,據說入行基薪是4萬港元(約1萬6000令吉),工作時間是早上9點至凌晨1點。港大生都說只要能進到,可有青春作籌碼!
他們是大一還有閒,大二要實習,大三找工作,時間容不得你拖延。實習時,金融系學生已有最高紀錄領月薪1萬5000令吉!Kong U仔說:“雖然不能以薪酬數字稱英雄,但想來也是許多人所渴望的工作機會。今天的職場,對手愈來愈強,機會也愈來愈少。”
要爭取出線機會,CGPA至少就要過三,競爭力要比別人強,三年裡要積累充足的資糧,出去才能與人競爭。所以在港大求學,第一個學期是最辛苦的,因為要適應這裡的快速度、高成效。
港大生一直有一個習俗,每個期末考,都會先來個“過三”儀式,學生會在飯後集體揮春,互相祝福考試積分要過3.0。還要斬西瓜和燒豬,要一刀斷的!壓力吧!
港大畢業生林沛理刊登在亞洲周刊的“香港大學的尷尬”一文中說:“厭倦看到關於港大畢業生在社會上怎樣出人頭地的消息。大學除了有它的功能性之外,還應有其更高的目標,倘若香港的最高學府裡的飽學之士,對千瘡百孔的社會問題噤若寒蟬、視若無睹,那是不是一件應該令人覺得尷尬,甚至慚愧的事情?”(其實,這何止是港大才有的尷尬?)
的確,大學該不該成為職業培訓所永遠是個沒完了的辯題,這樣的培訓體制下,港大無可否認一定是栽培出了企業競相拉攏的頂尖人才!但是Kong U仔也都知道:“這樣的體制,是有缺陷的。港大可能栽培出最高薪資排行榜上的畢業生,但就欠缺了像哈佛、耶魯那樣的人文風貌。”
針對“人文教育在現代大學中的位序”,港大校長徐立之受訪時說:“港大要培訓的是未來的領導人才,希望學生學到知識將來能應用。我們給學生很多的自由,沒有太多的管制,但也的而確切,有時候學生‘很現實’,這種競爭的學習氛圍不是校方刻意去製造出來的校園文化。我們不能去改變,但希望能影響。”
徐立之勸勉學生,在大學儘量吸收可學之識。“除了學業,不要忘記,有時在課堂外所學要比課堂內多。港大希望學生都有信心、有獨立思考的能力、懂得怎樣去學習。全人的訓練很重要。開學時我跟同學說,誰考第一,不重要啊!”
港大已從今年起逐步從3年制全面改成4年制,目標之一就是希望Kong U仔不要只拼學業成績,還要多修通識、跨系選修或到海外大學進行交換計劃,提高全方位能力,讓競爭力“更長遠一些”。而且90後的孩子,資訊的掌握和運用比教授講師快而好,大學課程也得與時並進。
精英教育入學門檻高
港大的選科自由度是相當高的。通識科方面,像來自孟加拉的一年級生Muntasir就選了“日常生活中的電子”和“愛情、婚姻和性”。這些選課給了他學習的樂趣。他說:“大學畢業後終將面對現實的人生,這些百餘兩百人一起上的選修課打開了我的視野,通過討論我看見了其他人的思考模式以及如何把訊息變成想法。”
除了通識科有彈性,學費是吸引外國留學生的原因之一。醫學院5年20萬令吉的學費,對醫學院二年級生譚雯儀(馬來西亞留學生)來說“很便宜”,留在大馬的私立大學醫學院5年也要35萬至45萬令吉呢。香港只有兩所大學有醫學院,能進到的都是top mind,每年錄取160人,跟大馬的醫學院一樣難擠。她那一屆只有3名大馬生,2010年這一屆則只有兩個新生。
宿舍活動提昇軟實力
學生宿舍形成的文化,在Kong U仔的生活裡占主要的部份。港大有11棟宿舍樓,最早的是聖約翰宿舍,建於1912年,也是港大的第一所宿舍,有最濃厚的宿舍文化。每個港大生都以身為St.John人為榮。他們是運動賽Malayan cup常年杯長勝軍。Kong U仔有句話說:“除了馬來人杯,宇宙間沒幾件事能讓我們這麼眾志成城。”Kong U仔的舍堂意識很強,傳統舍堂對壘,場面甚為壯觀。
宿生會(Hall Association)會籌備很多活動,例如剛開學的迎新營、與其他宿舍比拼的球類比賽、高桌晚宴(High Table Dinner)等。住在同一層的宿生通常也會自行組織一些聚會,如一同出外吃晚餐、看電影、糖水會、玩電子遊戲機。
我隨林行貴和他的朋友曾淑雯穿行在St.John宿舍的各個樓層間,亦能感受到宿舍生充實又豐富的生活。但見各個小房都有自己的佈置,而且都不上鎖,有的電腦還在開啟狀態,主人卻不在。他們也可隨手推開熟朋友的房,看看有人在嗎?那是對舍友的一種信任和親密態度。
【港大基本資料】
⊙港大有10學院:
1.建築學院
2.文學院
3.經濟及工商管理學院
4.牙醫學院
5.教育學院
6.工程學院
7.法律學院
8.醫學院
9.理學院
10.社會科學學院
⊙2009/2010學生就讀人數
研究生:10,550
本科生:11,589
總人數:22,139
教職員:6,457
【後記】百年的尋覓
兩天之行,怎能把一所大學看清楚?但總算看出了一個雛型。港大是香港歷史最悠久的大學,成立於1911年,但100周年校慶在即,它亦是在學術象牙塔與為社會服務的角色裡尋找自己的平衡點。而,能在一個步伐這麼快速的國際都會讀大學,想來還是不錯的。至少,思想打開了,步伐快了,看自己時不同,看世界的時候自然也就不一樣了。

24 December 2010

青春开讲2:朋友親如家人

●題目:有些人把友情看成兒戲,有些人把它當成生命的一部分……友情是很重要的,人生在世不能沒有友情,一個人如果沒有朋友就會覺得很孤獨,很乏味……你又如何看待友情這回事?(截稿:31.8.09)
  
          友情的力量等同于愛情的力量,友情的煩惱也和愛情一樣煩。為何說友情好煩呢?因為最近發現初中的朋友都愛煩惱一個問題,那就是擔心常常和某位朋友在一起,而忽略了另一個朋友。


            人生不只有十年,朋友當然也不只有十個。我們能否擔保每天都關心所有的朋友?倘若我有數百位朋友,豈不是忙得不可開交?其實,以上的“忽略”不算是完全地忽略。我和他少說話,少交流,不代表我把他給忘了啊!


            突然想起朋友對我說過的一句話:“朋友是不會介意你不笑時。我猜她是想告訴我,朋友之間不會計較太多。她不會因為我對她沒有笑容,而質疑我們之間的友情變質了;她不會因為我最近對她冷淡,而對我們之間的友情感到失望……


            友情和愛情一樣,都是一輩子的承諾,都需要信任、耐心、包容心來維持下去。相遇是一種緣分,能成為朋友,更是不簡單的事。


            在成長歷程中,除了家人,一直陪伴我們的就是朋友。尤其在現今社會,許多父母忙于工作,我們和朋友的相處時間還多于家人,所以朋友亦親如家人,千萬別為了小事而影響了一份可貴的友情。

青春开讲1:釋放埋藏的情緒

●題目:有人空閒時聽舒緩的音樂,邊聽邊做事,心情挺好的;心情煩悶時,有人聽搖滾樂,把壞情緒釋放出來。你喜歡什么類型的音樂?音樂能幫助你解決壓力,舒緩精神嗎?
(截稿:30.7.09)

            音樂的旋律可以牽動我們的心情,開啟我們內心深處的一扇門,進入一個屬于我們自己的秘密花園。搖滾音樂讓我痛快,舒緩音樂讓我感性。音樂打開我心房,把我一天裡所有收藏起來的情緒一次過釋放出來,不管開心的,還是不開心的……


            在空閒時,我都會聆聽我喜歡的音樂,不管音樂是什么類型,不管是什么心情。萬物都有正反兩極,我們總得從中取一個平衡點。倘若不開心,卻一直聆聽悲傷的音樂,那只會繼續沉淪在悲痛的世界。所以,每一種類型音樂我都喜歡。現代的我們,應該已經習慣身邊必須有手機、MP3或MP4陪伴度過空閒時段,聽一些音樂和歌曲,讓自己放鬆。


            聽著舒緩的音樂,我可以把緊張的心情沉澱,把我每一寸緊繃著的肌肉放鬆;希望在我聽著輕快的音樂時,可以把我潛在的能量激活,可以讓我把所有不愉快的事情都給忘光光!

07 December 2010

写给在月考中失利的高三学子

第八次月考又结束了。依然是几家欢乐几家愁,还有两个甚至哭起了鼻子呢!
    看着你们这样的情绪,既心疼又着急。不就是一次月考吗?天没有塌下来呢!
    其实,失利并不是一件坏事,成功也不一定就是好事。作为一次经历,失败有时比成功更有价值。失败可以给我们留下更深刻而持久的记忆和思考。成功常让人浮躁,骄傲,成功的光芒常常会掩盖自己其实一直存在的缺点,而这些缺点在一次次成功后积累起来,最终可能酿成毁灭性的失败!
    失败则可以让人在长歌当哭之后痛定思痛,变得更加冷静,反思检讨自身存在的问题,并着手去解决这些问题,也许人生从此就豁然开朗了!以制造摩托车闻名于世的本田公司的创立者本田宗一郎,对于他的成功做了以下的说明:“我的人生99%都是失败。”本田宗一郎正是把那99%的失败当作养分,才获得了1%的成功。换句话说,只有能够利用失败的人,才能获得成功!
    月考失败很容易让你迷失了自己,看低了自己,以为自己就是高考的失败者,甚至是人生的失败者了。其实,一两次失利并没有改变你本来就拥有的知识和能力。我讲一个故事:在一次讨论会上,一位著名的演说家没讲一句开场白,手里却高举着一张20美元的钞票。面对会议室里的200个人,他问:“谁要这20美元?”一只只手举了起来。他接着说:“我打算把这20美元送给你们中的一位,但在这之前,请准许我做一件事。”他说着将钞票揉成一团,然后问:“谁还要?”仍有人举起手来。他又说:“那么,假如我这样做又会怎么样呢?”他把钞票扔到地上,又踏上一只脚,并且用脚碾它。尔后他拾起钞票,钞票已变得又脏又皱。 “现在谁还要?”还是有人举起手来。“朋友们,你们已经上了一堂很有意义的课。无论我如何对待那张钞票,你们还是想要它,因为它并没贬值,它依旧值20美元。(励志一生 http://www.lz13.cn)人生路上,我们会无数次被自己的决定或碰到的逆境击倒、欺凌甚至碾得粉身碎骨。我们觉得自己似乎一文不值。但无论发生什么,或将要发生什么,在上帝的眼中,你们永远不会丧失价值。在他看来,肮脏或洁净,衣着齐整或不齐整,你们依然是无价之宝。”
    在老师眼中,在高考面前,你并没有因为月考的失利而一无是处,你的能力和价值仍与你的信心同在!有些同学说,我努力了,为什么还是这样呢?苍天不公啊!我送你一句话:一分耕耘,一分收获,未必;九分耕耘,会有收获,一定!所以不要把学习当成是菜市场上做生意,斤斤计较。我付出多少,一定要回报多少,否则,这笔生意就划不来,就垂头丧气,就以为金融危机伤害了我!我要说的是,放肆耕耘,必有收获;但不见得是当时当次,不见得是立竿见影。努力产生的效果在于量的积累向质变转化,它是有周期的,正所谓“不是不报,时候未到,时候一到,立马就报”!我来改一下,火候一到,成功来到!
    当然,失败的价值就在于反思过程,就在于寻找疏漏,就在于解决问题!所以要敢于直面惨淡的现实,勇于揭开厚重的伤疤。建议月考失败后的同学将多次月考试卷找出来,一次性拿给老师诊断,自己有不有知识点上的结构性问题,寻找对症下药的良方。分清楚失分是因为知识点没有掌握,还是答题的规范性不够,还是思维受阻视野不够开阔,或者只是心理压力问题!
    失败不是倒退,失败是积累,是蓄势,是曲折的前进!失败是有益的向导,而不是退却的信号。如果这次月考你是失利者,恭喜你,你获得了一个长足发展的机会,获得了一个更大胜利的契机!
    海明威说,人不是生下来就注定要被打败的,你尽可以消灭他,就是不能打败他!
    记住:化悲痛为力量,方能化腐朽为神奇!
    把这句话送给所有在高考备考过程中有过失利的同学

06 December 2010

曾几何时,我迷失了自己... …


一直以来,为了自己的目标而努力,再多的苦与愁都支撑得住,因为有理想,有希望,但这些一件一件的破灭以后,我渐渐迷失了自己。

当亲情,爱情,信仰都不能再激励自己的时候,我突然感到无比的空虚。为了什么,我到底为了什么而活,我今天所做的一切到底是为了什么呢?我仰望无尽的星空,无数次的这样问自己,但每每得到的却是更大的失落。

当付出和回报不成正比的时候,我该抱怨吗?即使真诚不被珍惜,感情就可以随意践踏吗?

当得与失无法再衡量的时候,我该后悔吗?即使梦想越来越远,心中仅存的坚持就应该放弃吗?

生活的不安定让我却步不敢向前,当打击受得多了,我并没有像传说中的那样变得坚强起来,是我懦弱吗?还是本就不该有太多奢望,在这个物欲横流 ,纸醉金迷的社会里,我的自信心被击打得破碎不堪。

我还应该继续追求吗?如果明明知道前面会有挫折的话。我还应该继续努力吗?如果明明知道前面会有阻力的话?这个缺少理解和信任的时代啊,即使接受再多,再高等的教育,我又能为你做些什么呢?

我开始喜欢静静的哼着一首歌,‘曾几何时,我迷失了自己... …’。

05 December 2010

Budget

A budget is simply a plan for spending your money (now, does that get you excited?). Yes, most of us love to spend but very few are able to control their spending. A budget is a way to balance the money you have with the money you spend. You create a plan by making choices. You decide what you will spend money on, how much money you will spend and how much money you will save.
 
Your plan is based on your income and expenses. Income is money coming into your pockets. Expenses are things that take money out of your pockets. Since every person’s income and expenses are different, your plan needs to fit your situation (or your pockets!). Your budget is based on your Goals, Needs and Wants.
 
Let's take a look at some examples:
 
 
GOALS
NEEDS
WANTS
Own a Car
Own a Home
Get Married
Set up own business
Provide good education to children
Retire comfortably
Contribute to charity
 
Food
Shelter
Clothing
Quality time with family
Car/ Motorcycle
Mobile phone
Computer
 
Fine dining
Resort-like bungalow
Expensive branded clothes
Expensive vacations
Luxury car
Latest full-featured phone
Most advanced computer
Etc., etc., etc……
 

 
As you can see from the above, sometimes it’s hard to differentiate between Needs and Wants. As time evolves, our basic needs may extend to more than just food, shelter and clothing. A salesperson may work more effectively with a car (unless our public transportation system is super-efficient!) In today’s IT age, mobile phones are practically indispensable (even school children thinks so!), so are computers. However, there are cars that costs RM30,000+ while some, RM300,000+; mobile phones of RM100+ and some RM1,000+ and computers that costs RM1,000+ while some can go as high as RM10,000+!
 
We only Need a few things but our Wants are endless! Is it hard to differentiate now???
 
 
Why Should I Have One?
 
Anyone who has income and expenses needs a budget. Having a plan helps you use your money to reach your goals. You can learn and practice the skills that are needed to make a budget. This money plan will help you to be in control of your money. You can avoid financial trouble and reach your goals easier.
 
 
How Do I Start a Budget?
 
To make a money plan, list your Income and your Fixed Expenses, which are expenses that do not change from month to month, like rent, home and car installments or insurance premiums. Other expenses are Variable, i.e. they change from month to month, like utility bills, clothing or entertainment.
 
Next, you’ll need to keep track of how you are now spending your money. You can do this by writing down what you buy and how much you spend. This will take some time and effort but it is worthwhile because it will help you see where your money goes. Don’t be too surprised by what you’d learn about yourselves and your money!
 
For the next 30 days, every time you spend, write down in your planner (use the Excel spreadsheet, if you are tech-savvy) how much you spent and where you spent it. When you pay a bill, pump petrol, go to a movie, give money at church/ contribute zakat or even buying your favourite nasi lemak from the makcik around the corner, record everything down.
 
At the end of the month, use a calculator to total each column at the bottom of the chart to see how much money you spent in each area. Then, total all the columns to see how much money you spend in an average month. Get your children involved as this will not only sharpen their math skills but also expose them to the concept of budgeting (but a word of caution: they’ll then know when’s the best time to ask for their new toy!)
 
 
How Do I Decide Where to Spend My Money?
 
By reviewing your completed chart/ spreadsheet, you can see where your money goes. It is often helpful to discuss your chart with a counselor or someone you know who manages their money well.
 
A big part of your money is used for basic necessities like food, housing and clothing. These are needs and you will always be spending money on them in order to live but you can choose how much to spend. Other spending might include buying new clothes, new dishes or new toys for your children. These are wants. While you might enjoy spending money in these ways, you can live without them.
 
The following questions may help you decide what to do:
 
·         Which spending can’t be cut?
·         What is the minimum I need to live?
·         Which spending is Needs and which is Wants?
·         What would happen if I delayed some of my spending?
·         Can I buy cheaper substitutes?
 
Now that you have studied your chart and discussed the questions above, you are ready to make your personal budget. Write down how much money you need for each kind of expense for one month. For example: RM300 for food, RM100 for transportation, RM50 for savings and so on.
 
Try to set some short-term goals and long-term goals. Some short-term goals might be: limit money for food to RM10 per day, take the bus/ LRT instead or driving to work and check (your neighbour’s) newspaper for free family entertainment. Some long-term goals might be: save RM1,000 for a new refrigerator (energy-saving & environmentally-friendly models would be ideal!), get out of debt or perhaps move to a different neighbourhood (or as some might say, balik kampung!)
 
 
How Do I Stick to My Budget?
 
This is the hardest part, mind you! It will take practice and self-discipline to follow your budget. You are the only one who can maintain your plan. Here are some suggestions that can help you stick to your budget:
 
·         Pay necessary bills first. If possible, try to stretch your bills out evenly over the month so they are not all due on the same day.
·         Save some money every month, no matter how small. You just want to form that habit.
·         Make a list before you go shopping. When you shop, remember the difference between needs and wants.
·         Plan ahead and buy items on sale. Check out discount stores and garage sales. Share reusable items with family and friends.
·         Stay away from stores or places where you waste money!
·         Learn ways from family and friends to save money and follow a plan.
·         Keep a record of where you spend money and how much money is spent. Make it simple and easy to do. (Tip: the “555 pocket-book” may come in handy!)
·         Compare this record to your written money plan so you can see if you are following your spending decisions.
 
 
When Should I Change My Budget?
 
Don’t panic or feel disappointed if you are unable to follow your budget completely. It takes time and practice to change any behaviour, especially spending habits! You may need to change your budget as your needs or the needs of your family change. If your income increases or decreases, you will also have to make adjustments. The important thing is that you have a plan and that you are in control of your money. 
 
Last but not least, remember to always “Make Prudent Financial Management a Way of Life!”

03 December 2010

The Outstanding Young Malaysian


The outstanding Young Malaysian (TOYM) Programme originated from The Outstanding Young Persons of the World Programme, which was developed by Durwood Howes, the President of United States Jaycees for year 1930 and 1931. Junior Chamber International adopted the Programme in year 1982.

The TOYM programme was launched by Junior Chamber Malaysia (JCM) in year 1985 to commemorate the International Year of the Youth. JCM then decided to adopt this programme as part of JCM annual Project.


The TOYM programme seeks to accord recognition to young Malaysian between the ages of 18 and 40, whose dedication to their profession or life undertakings has resulted in exceptional achievement, in the form of significant contributions to the progress or welfare of the community at large and to the advancement of their respective fields of endeavour.

The main objective of TOYM is to create public awareness and give proper recognition to the outstanding achievements of the honourees, thereby serving as inspirational examples and incentives to the young Malaysian to forge ahead to greater heights of achievements in the spirit of selfless dedication for the further development of the community.

  • The pyramid-shaped column of five point star cross section resting on a cradle of two open hands;
  • The taper of the pyramid to its pinnacle signifies high ideals, endeavour, aspiration and achievement;
  • The five leading edges of the column represent the five tenets of our Rukun Negara;
  • The five points also represent the five senses, the proper development of which enhances the quality of human life;
  • The star shape of the cross section of all levels of the pyramid signifies light and hope, with those less endowed blessed with hope and aspiration;
  • The cradle of hands signifies mankind. The human spirit supports the ideals of society, sustains achievement and progress;
  • The hands also represent humanity, service to others and the community;
  • The open hands represent peace and love;
  • The steps forming the base symbolises the stages in life that an individual has to go through in progress with time.






    We believe

    That faith in god gives meaning and purpose to human life;
    That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
    That economic justice can bet be won by free men through free enterprise;
    That government should be of laws rather than of men;
    That earth's great treasure lies in human personality;
    and That service to humanity is the best work of life.

About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Malaysia

About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Malaysia

The Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award Gala, hosted for the previous year’s national award recipients from countries around the world, is held annually in Monte Carlo. The Malaysian programme was launched in 2002. Our past country award recipients were
  • Y Bhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Francis Yeoh, YTL Corporation Berhad (2002)
  • Y Bhg Dato’ Mohd. Nadzmi Mohd. Salleh, Nadicorp Holdings Sdn Bhd (2003)
  • Y Bhg Dato’ Sri Dr Lim Wee-Chai, Top Glove Corporation Berhad (2004)
  • Y Bhg Tan Sri Dato’ Professor Dr Lim Kok Wing, Limkokwing Univeristy College of Creative Technology (2005)
  • Y Bhg Dato’ Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Berhad (2006)
  • Y Bhg Dato' Edmund Santhara, Masterskill Education Group Berhad (2007)
  • Y Bhg Dato' AK Nathan, Eversendai Corporation Sdn Bhd (2008)
     
This marks the eighth year of the event in Malaysia. This programme enables Malaysian entrepreneurs to compete to become the Malaysian Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®. The Malaysian Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award recipient will represent Malaysia and will join other country recipients at the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Event in Monte Carlo.
This event in Malaysia will honour four categories of entrepreneurs namely:
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year (business is between 2 to 5 years old or entrepreneur is aged 35 or under at the time of close of nomination)
Technology Entrepreneur of the Year
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
Master Entrepreneur of the Year (entrepreneur has maintained management excellence over a sustained period, business founded more than 5 years ago.)

Past Winners
 
2009 marks the eighth year that the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Malaysia Awards have been run. This programme enables Malaysian entrepreneurs to compete to become the Malaysian Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®. The Malaysian Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award recipient will represent Malaysia and will join other country recipients at the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Event in Monte Carlo.
  

Y Bhg Dato’ A.K. Nathan
Founder and Group Managing Director
Eversendai Corporation Sdn Bhd
2008 Malaysia Entrepreneur Of The Year
Eversendai Corporation Sdn Bhd, founded by Dato’ A.K. Nathan in 1984 is a reputable player in the fabrication, design and erection of steel structures, having been involved in the construction of such iconic landmarks as the Petronas Twin Towers, the Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai and the Burj Dubai – currently the world’s tallest building. In all, the company has completed over 100 projects in Malaysia, Singapore, the Middle East, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.

Having to curtail his pre-university course due to financial difficulties, he started work as a printing machine operator and subsequently as an insurance agent. With no formal education in engineering, Dato’ Nathan has grown Eversendai to where it is today, with sheer hard work and perseverance. His first foray into the construction sector was accidental, when he was given the opportunity to work on the Dayabumi project where he learnt Japanese project management techniques on the job.

Dato’ Nathan has steered Eversendai into one of the largest steel contractors in the Middle East with fabrication plants in Dubai, Sharjah and Qatar. Eversendai has awarded the “2005 International Achievement Award” by the Construction Industry Board, Malaysia and at the 20th International Golden Construction Award (New Milenium Award). @ Sept 08
  

Y Bhg Dato' Edmund Santhara
Group Chief Executive Officer
Masterskill Education Group Berhad2007 Malaysia Entrepreneur Of The Year
Dato’ Edmund Santhara ventured into the healthcare industry in October 2004 when, conscious of the acute shortage in healthcare personnel, he took up a stake in the then ailing Masterskill School of Nursing and Healthcare. He upgraded it to college status soon after and aggressively promoted the study in health science fields among high school graduates.
By paving the way for direct entry into health science studies, he made study loans accessible to potential students, a paradigm shift from the traditional pathway via government or hospital sponsorships. Within 3 years, he escalated Masterskill’s revenue from RM 2 million in 2004 to RM 60 million in 2006, becoming an award winning college with a 10,000-student capacity, the largest nursing and health college in the Asia Pacific.
In 2008, Masterskill was upgraded to university-college status known as Masterskill University College of Health Sciences (MUCH). Dato’ Edmund has well-laid plans underway to make Masterskill one of the largest health institute of its kind by 2010 with 20,000 new seats created through its 3 new state-of-the-art branches within Malaysia and the setting up of a university campus with a capacity of 25,000.
An unwavering personification of perseverance, Dato’ Edmund and Masterskill have won numerous international awards for their rapid and outstanding accomplishments. Dato’ Edmund was the 2007 Malaysian Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. @Sept 07
  

Y Bhg Dato' Tony Fernandes

Founder and Group CEO
AirAsia Berhad2006 Malaysia Entrepreneur Of The Year
Y Bhg Dato' Tony started his career with Virgin Group, before joining Warner Music International London. At a youthful age of 27, he was transferred back to Malaysia to head Warner Music Malaysia where he had twelve illustrious years, his last position being the Vice President ASEAN.His drive to become his own boss led Dato' Tony, with three partners, to takeover an ailing airline. In December '01, Asia's first low cost carrier - low fare, no frills - was born. In a mere 5 years, the airline had formed 2 successful joint ventures in Thailand (Jan '04), and Indonesia (Dec '04), became the first airline in the world to introduce SMS booking (Aug '03), introduced ticket-less travelling, expanded its fleet from the original two to forty-six, and now flies to over 40 destinations in Malaysia, Thailand (Nov '03), Indonesia (Apr '04), Macau (Dec '04), China (Apr '05), Philippines (Apr '05), Brunei (Jul '06), Cambodia (Nov '05), and Vietnam (Oct '06), thereby revolutionizing air travel in these countries.
Since its inception, AirAsia has recorded profits annually despite increasing fuel costs. It is now a public listed company on Bursa Malaysia, having raised RM717.4 million in one of the largest public offering in Malaysia.
In less than 5 years, AirAsia group has carried over 23 million guests and now everyone can truly fly! @ Sept 06
  

Y Bhg Tan Sri Dato' Professor Dr Lim Kok Wing 

President
Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology2005 Malaysia Entrepreneur Of The Year
Tan Sri Dato' Professor Dr Lim is a rare combination of a creative mind with sharp business acumen.

Having Joined the advertising industry at an early age, Tan Sri Lim quickly rose through the ranks of McCann Erikson advertising agency to become the Regional Creative Director. He was 29 when Tan Sri Lim founded Wings Creative in 1974 and in less than 10 years, its turnover grew to RM44 million. The mid 80s and early 90s saw him as a strategic communicator, building campaigns for companies, governments and humanitarian causes. With a vision to propel Malaysia as a centre of excellence for education as well as to evoke design consciousness among Malaysians, Tan Sri Lim established Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology in 1991 and in just 12 years nurtured it to University status. Today Limkokwing University is one of Malaysia's leading brands, recognised for international quality education. What started as a college with 200 students in rented premises is today a fully-owned full facility RM100 million campus in Cyberjaya with 4,000 students from 65 countries.

Ever the philantrophist, Tan Sri Lim is closely associated with more than ten charity organisations, and over the years, has received numerous accolades for his many accomplishments. @ Sept 05
  

Y Bhg Dato’ Sri Dr Lim Wee-Chai

Co-Founder and Executive Chairman
Top Glove Corporation Bhd2004 Malaysian Entrepreneur Of The Year
Y Bhg Dato’ Sri Dr Lim Wee-Chai founded Top Glove Corporation in the early 1990s with the vision of exporting Made-in-Malaysia gloves to every corner of the world. In a little over 13 years, under Dato' Dr Lim's visionary leadership, the Group now has 8 manufacturing plants in Malaysia, 2 in Thailand and 1 in China, producing more than 13 billion pieces of gloves annually and exports to 160 countries worldwide. Today Top Glove keeps the Malaysian flag flying high as it is now the world's No 1 disposable gloves manufacturer.

From humble beginnings, Y Bhg Dato’ Sri Dr Lim stays very focused, dedicated, committed and believes firmly in "Hands-on leadership by example". Being an advocate of good business philosophies, Y Bhg Dato’ Sri Dr Lim believes adhering to his personal favorite philosophy of `Must Know, Must Do and Must Teach' and this philosophy is imbedded in Top Glove's professional team of senior management and staff. With his strong and disciplined emphasis on quality and excellence Top Glove has won numerous international quality accreditations and excellence awards.

In the pipeline to build more plants to accommodate the world's growing demand, Y Bhg Dato’ Sri Dr Lim is all set to steer Top Glove to double its global market share from the current 12 % to 24% in the next 2 -3 years. Under Y Bhg Dato' Sri Dr Lim's visionary leadership, Top Glove is poised to remain in this premier position for many years to come. @ Sept 04
  

Y.Bhg. Dato’ Nadzmi Mohd. Salleh

Executive Chairman
Nadicorp Holdings Sdn Bhd2003 Malaysia Entrepreneur Of The Year
Dato’ Mohd. Nadzmi started his career as a professional manager – He was appointed the CEO of Edaran Otomobil Nasional Bhd and 3 years later as CEO of Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd. He made the successful transition to being an entrepreneur in 1996 when he took over the ownership and management of Mara Holdings, now known as Nadicorp Holdings. Despite the Asian financial crisis, he successfully turned around the loss making Group within 1 ½ years with his own innovative management style and by revamping the corporate and operational structure.

Nadicorp is today Malaysia’s biggest Bumiputra conglomerate and is at the forefront of land transportation industry serving 60 million customers a year with 1,200 buses plying 234 routes throughout Peninsular Malaysia. His achievements earned him many accolades, including being inducted into the prestigious membership of the “Global Leaders of Tomorrow” at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland. He currently serves as the President of Badminton Association of Malaysia.@ Sept 03
  

Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Francis Yeoh

Managing Director
YTL Corporation Bhd2002 Malaysian Entrepreneur Of The Year
Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Francis Yeoh is the Chairman of the YTL Corporation group of companies. Since taking over YTL Corp at a tender age of 21, Tan Sri Francis, a Civil Engineer by training, has been instrumental in transforming the family business from a mid-sized contractor into a conglomerate. The Group grew from a single listed entity in 1985 to a force comprising five listed companies - YTL Corp Bhd., YTL Power International Bhd., YTL Cement Bhd., YTL Land and Development Bhd., and YTL e-Solutions Bhd. with a combined market capitalization of RM12 billion with core activities spanning from power generation and transmission, owning and managing integrated water and sewerage facilities, property and hotel development, cement manufacturing, construction contracting to e-commerce initiatives.

With the clear commitment to produce world class products and services at third world prices, the YTL Group has registered an impressive compounded annual growth rate of 55% since 1986. With Tan Sri Francis at helm, YTL Corp achieved many significant firsts and has won many local and international excellence awards including those for corporate governance. Apart from serving on numerous Boards and Business Councils, Tan Sri Francis also promotes arts, music and sports as he believes, other than business, these are important alternative means of communication that represent the best human endeavours. @ Sept 02
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