Easy Come, Easy Go

Today's meeting with a fellow countryman client went positive although no contracts were yet signed. His official visit to our factory was to conduct an audit as a compulsory adherence to an ISO 9002 certified entity. Poor fella, the weather was so hot he was struggling and with Ramadan(Muslim fasting month)didn't help his definite dry throat after such a lengthy discussion.

He insisted I acknowledge him on a first name basis and it was a bit awkward. Prior to meeting up, we exchanged e-mails and phone conversations and I'd always address him with a title before a name. The pro's about this is it makes the discussions quasi serious/casual. Overall : Good. I know I do tense up at discussions so this situation worked to my advantage.

At one stage of our conversation, we talked about government agencies backing local companies in the health sector. In Malaysia, the ethnic Malays(muslims) are what we call "Bumiputra(s)" or Bumi's for short and they are given certain privileges compared to the remaining two races(Chinese and Indian)in society. The government backs a lot of Bumi companies by approving business loans, some at very large amounts. Some companies have visionary leaders but unfortunately less ambitious employees and some have extremely capable hired help with an extremely incompetent leader. He tells me every year, government throws away millions of our Malaysian Ringgit(RM) to these establishments.

I could relate to his comments as I recalled a friend who was an apprentice at one of the Big Four accounting firms, attended a meeting with the head of the government's financial arm. Every question she posed to the official, the reply would be "Not sure", "Have to get back to you", "Haven't thought about it yet", or the very common words one would hear in the Malaysian culture "Tak Tau"(I don't know). Being the head of the largest government financial institute, one's decisions are critical especially to the local and foreign companies who need to know about its governance and policies. And my friend was only an apprentice...

I used to think the Bumiputras were so lucky with financial backing from the government. In time, it can only take off and prosper with the means in the first place. Its just sad seeing so much money go to such waste. Some have folded with an unimaginable loss due to less than abled leader's guidance. Its a bit prejudice one would say, any business could go bankrupt but how does one make an institute with some hundred million(RM) in government backing go under?

Its not my place to say anything, but I do reserve the right to my opinions eventhough I am just a young adult trying to cut it in the business world. Some are luckier than others, some have to walk the extra mile just to make enough, while some just get there with the snap of their fingers. To those who strive harder to get there its definitely more worth it, I'm sure we tend to appreciate it a whole lot more with that befitting satisfaction.

Recharging the Soul

Its been a very satisfying break for the past 2 weeks. Heading back, just relaxing, chilling with the family and friends recharged the soul. Managed to pack in a few pounds at the same time too. Realized living all alone in another country makes you see you're working your butt off to do your parents proud and achieve your desired goals.

In Bangkok, I seem to thrive on making it in life. The loneliness and self-disclipine spurs you on to challenge your inner demons. It wasn't easy leaving home, the place of comfort, where one is so used to getting pampered, where striving really isn't on the menu but more of taking-it-as-it-comes. I thank my parents for giving me this opportunity, for they reluctantly allowed me the freedom to choose my preferred destination or profession. Their continuous backing is what I always hold close to my heart, and that's probably why day in, day out I live life as a workaholic.

Fact of the matter is I had a great time-out, nowhere better to enjoy it than your home base. To my great bunch of (skirt-wearing)friends -LOL-, thanks for coming out for the chats and beers. Wish you guys the very best in your working paths and that of your love lives. Don't ever be a stranger...