My name is Dominic Teoh, 5th grandson to the late Yee Yow, the founder of Park May Berhad. In some way, my grandfather contributed greatly to the Malaysia public bus system. Today's famous public bus is know as RapidKL. Which by itself is the merger of 2 of the biggest public bus company in KL, Intrakota and Cityliner. And before Cityliner was sold to the government it was formerly known as Park May Berhad. Yup "the" Park May, the company that my grandfather founded from nothing.
Althought Yee Yow was successful in his business dealing and expanded the business form nothing to IPO on the Main Board of KLSE (currenly known as Bursa Malaysia). A possible wealth accumulation up to a Billion! Unfortunately as a member of the family, I can't really say the same thing about his family. Although there is no internal fighting, you can occasionally sense the resentment/arrogance for each other. These days Hong Kong drama series catching on the dysfunctional rich family bandwagon, first it was the abalone story, revolving around some seafood business. Then it was the mooncake story, revolving around some cake and pastry business. Heck if you ever run out of ideas, I invite you to take a look at my family. This is time you can have your own dysfunctional family revolving around the bus business! MY FAMILY!
In some way due to his treatment, I always felt that I was the blacksheep of the family. That if I wanted to be recognise as part of the family, I needed to prove myself. Over time I thought to myself, what better way to prove to the family than doing some equally successful as my grandfather that is to have my OWN PUBLIC LISTED company.
Flash forward to today. Not only do I feel that I still want to archieve that, I want to prove to him, MY FAMILY and MYSELF that I can do it all without jeopardize my family relationship. On top of that I want to change the world, if possible make it a better place. Once I have achieve that, I pledge to donate most of my wealth and time to charity and activities to improve sociaty!
Hence this is me, this is my dream, my story and this is what I'm going to do no matter how hard the obstacles are!
RIP Gong-Gong (grandfather in cantonese)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Thursday, October 01, 2009
The waiting game
Ok this is it people! Yesterday was the final round of interview.
Why can't interview be like a game show like "The apprentice". Actually The Apprentice is a game show about the whole interview process! We should really record all the interview stages and put them on youtube! Remember the show "Kids say the darnest thing"? We could have something similar but called "Interview with the most stupid answer"!. I remember a friend who works as a HR and would occasionally conduct interview. When I asked whether she had her share of stupid moment, she said tons!
Once when she was conducting an interview, she notice the candidate is slightly overqualified for the job so she asked her what do you want to apply for this job?
The candidate replied with a loud "Because its SHIOK(fun)! And most of my friends are working here!" Imagine we could make big bucks out of this! Now why didn't any one think about it!!!
Especially with the current job market being slightly bad, some people are willing to work for free with the prospect of getting hired at future date. Hm.. if you think about it, its not a bad idea. If the candidate are really, why not ask them to sit down together and tackle a current problem for the organisation. You get to see nice ideas and at the same time screen out the weak one. I think candidate selection process should at least conduct an interview regardless how great or poor their crudential are.
Sigh... I really really hope I get this job. Its going to be tough! Will blog about it some other time...
Why can't interview be like a game show like "The apprentice". Actually The Apprentice is a game show about the whole interview process! We should really record all the interview stages and put them on youtube! Remember the show "Kids say the darnest thing"? We could have something similar but called "Interview with the most stupid answer"!. I remember a friend who works as a HR and would occasionally conduct interview. When I asked whether she had her share of stupid moment, she said tons!
Once when she was conducting an interview, she notice the candidate is slightly overqualified for the job so she asked her what do you want to apply for this job?
The candidate replied with a loud "Because its SHIOK(fun)! And most of my friends are working here!" Imagine we could make big bucks out of this! Now why didn't any one think about it!!!
Especially with the current job market being slightly bad, some people are willing to work for free with the prospect of getting hired at future date. Hm.. if you think about it, its not a bad idea. If the candidate are really, why not ask them to sit down together and tackle a current problem for the organisation. You get to see nice ideas and at the same time screen out the weak one. I think candidate selection process should at least conduct an interview regardless how great or poor their crudential are.
Sigh... I really really hope I get this job. Its going to be tough! Will blog about it some other time...
Friday, September 25, 2009
Why Malaysia should consider going into F1
My friend did a post, suggesting that Malaysia should not consider going into the F1. He did give some interesting point, but just to be fair and the heck of it, I shall be the one pro-Malaysia F1 team. Below are my reason
1) The natural condition of Malaysia enviroment promote good racers.
I mean look at the Finnish, they have famouse driver like Kimi or Mika (i can't type their surname... dunno how to do. ). Why? Because their road tend to freeze during the winter thus making driving there a really dangerous thing, only the skilled one can drive. Sure in Malaysia we don't have frozen road but we have something better, POTHOLES! A heck lot of potholes! So you might ask, how does this affect our driving skill? Simple, have you drive a car over 120km and the suspension is so low that if you hit one of those potholes, your mechanic will be the happiest person! I have! And mind you its no an easy task!
So point one : The Malaysia natural environment encourage the dexerity needed for F1
2) We have good mechanic/engineer!
F1 is all about technology and cost. What better than the skilled Malaysia mechanic! They are so skilled that some believe they have mystical black magic! Why? Well if you have seen a modified Proton that looks like an Evo, sounds like an Evo, (only look)fast as an Evo? Imagine those Japanese firm spend so much on Research or Development, our guys can just do it for the quarter of the price! Sure we may not have the budget like McLaren/Ferrari/Renault. But hey, if either of those team are winning, we just stick their logo on ours and we won half the battle! Not enough power? No problem! Just add a big exhaust (btw does F1 have exhaust?)
Not enough traction? No problem! Just add bigger spoilers! One not enough, add 5!
Point two : Our mechanics are unrival!
3) We have the money!
With the recent scandal, Ex MB million dollar mansion, Million/Billion dollar Port project, extra "coffee money" given to our politicians. Look at how rich our country is on the side line! I mean with all this money here, we can't just not do anything with it! Lets not put it to waste into our education syste, when we all know we that our politicans send their children overseas; or even to the public transport system, we all know that our politicans prefer their S-class or 7 series than the train or bus; why fight crime when you have the police as your own security guard and hardly see any crime happen to you. So with all these money, why not do something productive with it, with F1, people will pay more attention to us!
Point three : We have the money!
4) Good mindset
With a good mindset, the battle is half won! Have you ever notice that we have a good mindset, we aim to be the biggest or the largest in something, like the Largest Roti Cannia for example. With that mindset we are surely to win. As long as we have the largest car wreck on the circuit, the rest are loser and we are the winner! On top of that we all know we can't win so why bother winning, we just in did to do our best. As long as our cars get on to the start grip and the camera shows us on world wide television, we won!
Point four : We have the mindset(just not to win thats all)!
5)Multi Racial
In Malaysia, we have 3 race as the main face of Malaysia. So we can't pick a pure Malay/Chinese/Indian racers, that may mean unfair and racist! And we can't have 1 Malay + 1 Chinese or 1 Malay + 1 Indian or 1 Chinese + 1 Indian. That won't be fair too! So the only way to promote a truly 1Malaysia racing team, we need to have 1 Malay, 1 Chinese, 1 Indian driver! That means 3 drivers in the race. If the FIA (the racing body incharge of F1), won't let us, we just curse them for being racist! Imagine with 3 racers, that means 3 drivers to collect points for our team where the rest of the team only have 2 racers collecting points. Oh those poor suckers!
Point five : Inorder to be truly 1Malaysia, we need 3 drives in the race.
So here are 5 points why we really should be part of the F1 spirit!
1) The natural condition of Malaysia enviroment promote good racers.
I mean look at the Finnish, they have famouse driver like Kimi or Mika (i can't type their surname... dunno how to do. ). Why? Because their road tend to freeze during the winter thus making driving there a really dangerous thing, only the skilled one can drive. Sure in Malaysia we don't have frozen road but we have something better, POTHOLES! A heck lot of potholes! So you might ask, how does this affect our driving skill? Simple, have you drive a car over 120km and the suspension is so low that if you hit one of those potholes, your mechanic will be the happiest person! I have! And mind you its no an easy task!
So point one : The Malaysia natural environment encourage the dexerity needed for F1
2) We have good mechanic/engineer!
F1 is all about technology and cost. What better than the skilled Malaysia mechanic! They are so skilled that some believe they have mystical black magic! Why? Well if you have seen a modified Proton that looks like an Evo, sounds like an Evo, (only look)fast as an Evo? Imagine those Japanese firm spend so much on Research or Development, our guys can just do it for the quarter of the price! Sure we may not have the budget like McLaren/Ferrari/Renault. But hey, if either of those team are winning, we just stick their logo on ours and we won half the battle! Not enough power? No problem! Just add a big exhaust (btw does F1 have exhaust?)
Not enough traction? No problem! Just add bigger spoilers! One not enough, add 5!
Point two : Our mechanics are unrival!
3) We have the money!
With the recent scandal, Ex MB million dollar mansion, Million/Billion dollar Port project, extra "coffee money" given to our politicians. Look at how rich our country is on the side line! I mean with all this money here, we can't just not do anything with it! Lets not put it to waste into our education syste, when we all know we that our politicans send their children overseas; or even to the public transport system, we all know that our politicans prefer their S-class or 7 series than the train or bus; why fight crime when you have the police as your own security guard and hardly see any crime happen to you. So with all these money, why not do something productive with it, with F1, people will pay more attention to us!
Point three : We have the money!
4) Good mindset
With a good mindset, the battle is half won! Have you ever notice that we have a good mindset, we aim to be the biggest or the largest in something, like the Largest Roti Cannia for example. With that mindset we are surely to win. As long as we have the largest car wreck on the circuit, the rest are loser and we are the winner! On top of that we all know we can't win so why bother winning, we just in did to do our best. As long as our cars get on to the start grip and the camera shows us on world wide television, we won!
Point four : We have the mindset(just not to win thats all)!
5)Multi Racial
In Malaysia, we have 3 race as the main face of Malaysia. So we can't pick a pure Malay/Chinese/Indian racers, that may mean unfair and racist! And we can't have 1 Malay + 1 Chinese or 1 Malay + 1 Indian or 1 Chinese + 1 Indian. That won't be fair too! So the only way to promote a truly 1Malaysia racing team, we need to have 1 Malay, 1 Chinese, 1 Indian driver! That means 3 drivers in the race. If the FIA (the racing body incharge of F1), won't let us, we just curse them for being racist! Imagine with 3 racers, that means 3 drivers to collect points for our team where the rest of the team only have 2 racers collecting points. Oh those poor suckers!
Point five : Inorder to be truly 1Malaysia, we need 3 drives in the race.
So here are 5 points why we really should be part of the F1 spirit!
Friday, September 18, 2009
What is in my mind anyway?
Lately I've been thinking about a lot of stuff (since when have I not been thinking too much).
What do I want?
I mean seriously, what do I really want.
I know a girl wants to get married before she turns 30.
Another wants to get a new car before she turns 30.
A guy wants to be earning RM 10,000 a month.
Just because I am the grandson of some one successful doesn't mean I have what it takes to be equally successful as him. Beside the next question is that what I really want? Would I be happy if I really achieve it?
Well one thing is certain, if I don't achieve it or do anything about it I'll definately feel unsatisfied!
What do I want?
I mean seriously, what do I really want.
I know a girl wants to get married before she turns 30.
Another wants to get a new car before she turns 30.
A guy wants to be earning RM 10,000 a month.
Just because I am the grandson of some one successful doesn't mean I have what it takes to be equally successful as him. Beside the next question is that what I really want? Would I be happy if I really achieve it?
Well one thing is certain, if I don't achieve it or do anything about it I'll definately feel unsatisfied!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
You Said What?!
You Said What?!
43 Things Actually Said in Job Interviews
"I'm not wanted in this state."
"How many young women work here?"
"I didn't steal it; I just borrowed it."
"You touch somebody and they call it sexual harassment!"
"I've never heard such a stupid question."
Believe it or not, the above statements weren't overheard in bars or random conversations -- they were said in job interviews.
Maybe you were nervous, you thought the employer would appreciate your honesty, or maybe you just have no boundaries. Whatever the reason, you can be certain that you shouldn't tell an interviewer that it's probably best if he doesn't do a background check on you. (And yes, the hiring manager remembered you said that.)
We asked hiring managers to share the craziest things they've heard from applicants in an interview. Some are laugh-out-loud hysterical, others are jaw-dropping -- the majority are both. They will relieve anyone who has ever said something unfortunate at a job interview -- and simply amuse the rest of you.
Hiring managers shared these 43 memorable interview responses:
Why did you leave your last job?
"I have a problem with authority." - Carrie Rocha, chief operating officer, HousingLink
Tell us about a problem you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it
"The resolution was we were both fired." - Jason Shindler, CEO, Curvine Web Solutions
What kind of computer software have you used?
"Computers? Are those the black boxes that sit on the floor next to the desks? My boss has one of those. He uses it. I don't have one. He just gives me my schedule and I follow it." - Greg Szymanski, director of human resources, Geonerco Management Inc.
What are your hobbies and interests?
"[He said] 'Well, as you can see, I'm a young, virile man and I'm single -- if you ladies know what I'm saying.' Then he looked at one of the fair-haired board members and said, 'I particularly like blondes.'" - Petri R.J. Darby, president, darbyDarnit Public Relations
Why should we hire you?
"I would be a great asset to the events team because I party all the time." - Bill McGowan, founder, Clarity Media Group
Do you have any questions?
"Cross-dressing isn't a problem is it?" - Barry Maher, Barry Maher & Associates
"If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?" - Megan Garnett, Articulate Leadership Team, Articulate Communications Inc.
"What do you want me to do if I cannot walk to work if it's raining? Can you pick me up?" - Christine Pechstein, career coach
"I was a chamber of commerce executive once hiring a secretary. [The candidate asked] 'What does a chamber of commerce do?'" - Mary Kurek, Mary Kurek Inc. Visibility Consulting
"Can we wrap this up fairly quickly? I have someplace I have to go." - Bruce Campbell, vice president of marketing, Clare Computer Solutions
"What is your company's policy on Monday absences?" - Campbell
"If this doesn't work out can I call you to go out sometime?" - Christine Bolzan, founder of Graduate Career Coaching
"How big do the bonuses really get once you make associate? I hear it's some serious cash." - Bolzan
"[The candidate asked,] 'Can my dad call you to talk about the job and the training program? He is really upset I'm not going to medical school and wants someone to explain the Wall Street path to him.' The dad did call. Then that dad's friends called and I ended up doing a conference call with a group of concerned parents ... long story." - Bolzan
"If I get an offer, how long do I have before I have to take the drug test?" - Bolzan
"When you do background checks on candidates, do things like public drunkenness arrests come up?" - Bolzan
"Can I get a tour of the breast pumping room? I heard you have a great one here and while I don't plan on having children for at least 10 or 12 years, I will definitely breast-feed and would want to use that room."- Bolzan
"So, how much do they pay you for doing these interviews?" - Jodi R.R. Smith, Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting
Why are you leaving your current job?
"Because I (expletive) my pants every time I enter the building." - Abbe Mortimore, human resources manager, True Textiles Inc.
"I was fired from my last job because they were forcing me to attend anger management classes." - Smith
Why are you looking for a job?
"Cigarettes are getting more expensive, so I need another job." - Pechstein
"My parents told me I need to get a job so that is why I'm here." - McGowan
Why do you want to work for us?
"Just for the benefits." - Jennifer Juergens, JJ Communications
"My old boss didn't like me, so one day, I just left and never came back. And here I am!" - Matt Cowall, communications manager, Appia Communications
"I saw the job posted on Twitter and thought, why not?" - Rebecca Gertsmark Oren, communications director at The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity
What are your assets? (as in strengths)
"Well, I do own a bike." - Pam Venné, principal, The Venné Group
What are your weaknesses?
"I get angry easily and I went to jail for domestic violence. But I won't get mad at you." - Pechstein
"I had a job candidate tell me that she often oversleeps and has trouble getting out of bed in the morning." - Linda Yaffe, certified executive coach
"I am an alcoholic and do not deserve this job." - Deb Bailey, owner, Power Women Magazine & Radio Show
"I'm really not a big learner. You know ... some people love learning and are always picking up new things, but that's just not me. I'd much rather work at a place where the job is pretty stagnant and doesn't change a lot." - Michaele Charles, Voice Communications
When have you demonstrated leadership skills?
"Well my best example would be in the world of online video gaming. I pretty much run the show; it takes a lot to do that." - Rachel Croce
Is there anything else I should know about you?
"You should probably know I mud wrestle on the weekends." -- Venné
When can you start?
"I need to check with my mom on that one." - Bolzan
Use three adjectives to describe yourself
"I hate questions like this." - Katrina Meistering
Tell of a time you made a mistake and how you dealt with it
"I stole some equipment from my old job, and I had to pay for its replacement." - Meistering
Have you submitted your two weeks' notice to your current employer?
"What is two weeks' notice? I've never quit a job before, I've always been fired." - Meistering
Random responses
"One guy [said] 'it would probably be best' if I didn't run a background check on him. Of course, I did, and learned all about his long, sordid past of law-breaking. Our client actually offered him a job as a staff accountant, but quickly retracted the offer when I had to tell them all about his recent arrest for a meth lab in his basement." - Charles
"[A] guy said he did not have a mailing address, as he was living in a gypsy camp at the airport." - Sandra L. Flippo, SPHR
"I went into the lobby to pick up a candidate. As he stood up, his trousers fell to the floor! [He said] 'Oh, my gosh -- they told me I needed a suit for the interview. I've got no money -- so I borrowed this thing. It's too big!'" - Beth Ross, executive and career coach
"Wow -- I'm not used to wearing dress shoes! My feet are killing me. Can I show you these bloody blisters?" - Bolzan
"May I have a cup of coffee? I think I may still be a little drunk from last night." - Smith
(During a telephone call to schedule the interview) "Can we meet next month? I am currently incarcerated." - Smith
"[A candidate] was asked whether he could advocate impartially on behalf of the various universities he would be representing since he had attended one of them. He responded, 'Well, I don't like to poop where I eat, but I thought my education sucked, so I certainly wouldn't put that school above the others.'" - Darby
Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.
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