Migrating

I can't let the old (painful) memories to hold me back from creating new (happy) memories. For this reason, I'm migrating.

Thanks very much for whoever has been stopping by. See you at the other site (soon!).

Come to a Close

I think the effort of reviving this blog proves to be a failure. To make matter worse, I am now laptop-less. Contemplating to get a new one but not in the nearest time. Truth to be told, I am doing pretty good without the need of having a laptop. With smartphone, I can still do what I usually do with laptop but updating blog will be a different story. *Updating this blog from my house desktop in Bintulu*

Trace back to my previous post, so yeah, I am finally done with my convocation ceremony. Didn't expect that I am able to graduate with first class honour. It is truly a blessing, not for me but for my family, and to those who have put their hopes in me. Without their supports, I may not be able to be at where I am today.

 Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) Chemical Engineering - First Class

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia

I still keep the dream of pursuing Master and PhD. Only time will tell when it is going to be. For the time being I just wish to focus on settling down with my current employment, in which I am still trying to get a clear picture of it. Process engineer, production engineer, field engineer etc are rather explanatory but I always have a hard time to tell others the nature of my job where people always have the "huh" moment when I told them that I am a hydrocarbon allocation executive. Okay, to make it simpler, I am a planning engineer. This might not be the job that I ever wanted but actually it is better than I expected, provided I seize the opportunity that is given to me. Life can offer you more than you ever imagined.

3 more days before this season is coming to a close and I can't believe this year is nearly over! It's 363rd of 2013 already! This year didn't start well with the passing of my beloved grandpa in January which was soon compensated with the news that I am recommended to work for PETRONAS. Despite I waited for 8 months before my employment commences in September, I get the chance to do what I truly passionate about - teaching, when I home tutored four students during my grape-planting days. After joining the company, I get to know more about PETRONAS in which I am still familiarizing with. It is more than just an oil & gas company. You work with PETRONAS, you contribute to the growth of the country. :)

That's pretty much about it for now. Hopefully next year there will be more happenings, more travelings! See you next year!

God's willing.

What comes next?

**Brief update**

After 7 months of waiting, finally my placement with PETRONAS was confirmed and I am currently seeding at PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd - Sarawak Operations (PCSB, SKO), Miri, Sarawak since 2nd September. I studied five years of chemical engineering and hope to get into downstream activity but being posted to upstream business instead. Hope this does more good despite of the discrepancy from my studies background. It's true they say that the degree is just a ticket to enter into working world, just like how SPM result got you into the university. You never really end up with what you wanted but I always choose to embrace the opportunity that is given. As the saying goes, "the road not taken". Rather, this made me dare to dream bigger, aim higher, aspire wilder, achieve better!

Now I am looking forward towards my convocation on the 27th of the month.

Dear friends, see you there!

My PIPE114 sisters! *throwback*

Lady Gaga - Applause (Official Audio)

Lady Gaga is back with new single, "Applause" from her upcoming album, 'ARTPOP'. Her last single was 2 years ago before she was off for her 18-month long concert tour. She always comes with new style with new album release. Anticipating!

"I live for the applause"

Trigger

Blogger has become more like a space for me to vent recently. The posts can be too personal and not even real life friends can comprehend what I actually feel but all I need are just listeners (or readers). Advice won't really work on me, most of the time. I am usually the one who cheers others but little thing I know whether it has helped them in any way.

Earlier this month my external hard disk crashed which contains lots of files, which include photos from my internship. Unlike hundred GB of videos and series that I have downloaded for past five years which are redownloable, the photos are irreplaceable. Hard disc failure is not as depressing when you are not able to recover back those moments. It will be too costly to recover from a big-size hard drive. If I have the mean, I won't mind going for it. (Thankfully, the photos are saved because there is a backup copy in my home desktop.) Still, I tend to grow sentimental over virtual stuff that I have kept for so long. 

Today, my 4-year-old laptop kept on crashing. I have tried to save it but the effort went down to the drain when in the end the system happened to freeze every time after it started up. My friend who worked in IT industry told me this might due to RAM failure since the laptop managed to start up so it can't possibly be software failure. Surely, my main concern is the files stored in my laptop. I have lost my stuff from my external hard drive and I don't think I can't afford to lose more stuff right now. My friend convinced me that these files can be recovered since they are still accessible before the system freezes. But, I just don't have any budget for that right now. Sigh.

In my own opinion, these are merely small issues which can be easily fixed, as long as you have the money. Nonetheless, these are the little things that trigger a near-miss breakdown. This constantly reminds me for being unemployed and in a way, my disappointment with certain entity. Trying the hardest everyday to diminish the negative feeling but things like these will always remind me. The more I talk about it, the more depressing it is. Okay, change topic.

Just found out that Cory Monteith, the actor who played the role as Finn Hudson on Glee died. I was so shocked when I read Kim Kardashian's tweet. I thought it is a hoax but after googling and I get to know it's true. This news is rather shocking. Before my hard drive died, I managed to have a "glee-athon", rewatching the whole series from the beginning until the very last episode. Glee has been inspiring in its ways together with its cast and hence his death is deeply felt. Gone too soon, may he rest in peace.

The cast come and ago throughout the series but his absence will be deeply felt when season 5 commences this September.

This, reminds me, that life is fragile. 

No Match

"May be there is no matching position yet," she said. It's either the roles are way too easy or too difficult for me to handle, I guess. I don't know. This remains a mystery, unsolved x-file. I am always puzzled but still managed to naively put things together. Ah well, positive way to look at this whole situation is the opportunity to come back tougher and stronger.

Anyway, moving on, this project is long overdue. The idea to make this video is more than a year old but it was never realized until recently with all the free time that I have at the moment and my brother's making video skill. Compressing seven-month journey within a ten-minute clip is not an easy job.

MAMGP Family

It's been more than a year but the memories are always fresh in my mind. We have our good times and also bad times but most importantly we went through them all together. The seven-month truly changes our friendships to a whole new level. "Kawan susah senang" indeed.

Reminiscing one of the best moments in life to keep me going.  

Turning Negative into Positive

Positive thinking is the ability to feel negative when you have to and still maintain enough hope to keep on going. - Quoted

The same cycle repeats daily. Waking up with much hope and expectation and always ending up with disappointment and frustration. No one to comfort myself but me. Every single day is like a battle. The fight seems to be endless. Stuck in the same dilemma over and over again.

A friend of mine told me it's my fault for not pushing it. I let the time decides the path for me while all I did was waiting. This is just so not me. Knowing myself the way I handled events and group projects in university, I always pushed my members in getting their tasks done. The same person right now, has done nothing for past few months. Took several measures once in a while and that was it. I might be jealous of my friends who have started their new life chapters. Jealousy fades when I start to put myself in their shoes. What if I am not ready? Knowing that engineering is not primary interest, will I be up to carry the responsibility which will last me for more than half of my lifespan, God willing? Calming myself down every day that I am taking this chance to be more prepared when the time comes. As little faith that I have in myself, it is never an obstacle in my pursuit.

I wish not to blame anyone for the delay in my employment. I heard stories. The ugly ones. Hearing these accounts make me so easy to point fingers towards you-know-who. I guess I need to be realistic. Equality is an ideal acceptance which is impossible in this realistic world, when luck sometimes plays a key role in deciding your path, no matter how hard you try. No one ever says life is fair. When Machiavelli suggests the end justifies means and most corporations are doing it today, however, I will always fight back that effort is more important than the result. All I ask for is just a fair game, in which I think it is too much to ask for.

Positivity and hope may dwindle over time but I have always managed to raise it back up. When people bring you down, take it as the opportunity to learn to bring yourself up.

I have strategised my measures and now can only hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Thanks to a friend who pushed me. I owe you one. =)

Blatant Emotion

Finally, fever of 13th Malaysian General Election is over, or is it not? Days and nights, my Facebook feed was and is still occupied with this issue. Well, it only happened once every five years. Prior to 5th May, my Facebook friends were so outspoken about which party they were supporting. It was very prominent that majority of the virtual world community were up for "Ubah". On the other hand, I can count the number of previous government supporters using only fingers. Up to that point, it was apparent that the opposition would actually win this time in becoming the federal government, or so I thought. When the result was announced after midnight yesterday, my Facebook was becoming a mourning site which didn't happen since Steve Jobs died in October 2011. Everyone started to change to their profile picture into black to join the mourning for the so-called death of Malaysian democracy as they claimed the government won via dirty tactics. Accusations were all over the place. Today the feed continues with both positive and negative perceptions of the result. I have been reading lots of feedbacks from all sides, from the statuses, notes, photos that were shared by my friends. Frankly speaking, these have given me views on this issue from more than one perspective.

I am rather neutral in my stand because I may second the idea of changing the government but it does not mean that I detest another party. Reading the immature comments on social network websites, it is such an unfortunate and sad phenomenon to witness that supporters of different parties were bashing one another. This was where people started to share whatever information to bring down the opponent party, convincing the others to change their minds. The share button on Facebook was abused blatantly. There was one incident yesterday where people started to accuse one Malaysian as a foreigner just because he was of dark skin by chinese name. (this was heavily due to the rumor of foreigners were being imported into the country. I used the word rumour because I cannot be 100% sure it is true) When it turned out to be otherwise, apology posts followed. People should realise that by spreading unverified information is just the same as giving proofless accusations. It is like someone accused you for stealing but you persistently denying it but the news already widely spread before you are proven innocent. No matter what you do, you wish to take them back, damage is already done. Imagine how that individual felt for being heavily falsely accused? Conclusion: Read more to know more even from the sources that you hate to get verification and more perspectives.

Following the announcement of the result last night saying the previous government retains for next term, virtual riot occurred. The word "magic" kept on appearing on my Facebook news feed. There were even "memes" of our Prime Minister being a magician. Bad news definitely spreads faster than good news. Most were preaching and claiming the death of Malaysian democracy. Some even claimed shame to be Malaysians, non-stop ranting about how unfair and dirty the election was. They started calling their names. What an ugly side to observe there. I thought you were fighting for better government but how about your attitude and maturity in handling the whole thing? They were so emotionally driven when they post those statements and their friends were going along by liking those statuses. You cried for "ubah" but what kind of "ubah" when you can't even watch your own words. You claimed the politicians were being dirty but you were verbally dirty. There is a saying, "an apple does not fall far from a tree". I seconded an article that I read mentioning, if you want to "ubah" the government, you should "ubah" yourself first. If you wish to vent, get better channels without offending anybody because for some posts, I was really offended, near to provocation but I managed to tone it down. Knowing they were too emotional because we are Malaysians, it is our nature to "cepat melatah". And we wonder why "freedom of speech" is pretty much restricted in this country. 

I vented this much because I was just rather taken aback by the behaviours of the voters. I never said that the party was right all the way but it didn't give me the power to accuse and calling them names. I believe there are more mature ways to rectify the situation. There is no need to add oil into the fire. Just stay calm and be more rational. Isn't that the reason why you can only vote at the age of 21 but such acts don't reflect your maturity. 

The only thing that I can firmly say against our dear Prime Minister for his remarks using the word "Chinese Tsunami" in defence of their loss in certain states. After all the allegations he is facing at the moment and he still has the guts to give such controversial statement after winning the election, when the opposition supporters who were still literally raging about his so-called dirty victory. I am not sure whether is that plain stupid but I really, really hope the politicians should stop unnecessary stir among the citizens. Be wise with choice of words. And so do you!

I have done my vent and deep down I hope everyone will stay cool and do the right thing the right way, with dignity.

Let's pray for another 5 peaceful years of Malaysia. We shall begin with small steps for big changes.

You Jump, I Jump

On the night of 14th April, 1912, somewhere in Atlantic Ocean, a ship hit an iceberg and foundered two and a half hours later. The shipwreck was discovered in the year 1985 and later, it inspired the production of one of the highest grossing films of all time in 1997. It is none other than Titanic. It's been 101 years since the tragedy but it continues to captivate the hearts of many by its stories. Okay, my heart at least. *imagine My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion is playing in the background*

Fascinated by the historic event, I can only wish the fictional love between Jack and Rose can be realised in real life. I mean, can you really find true love within a week? Jack and Rose first met at the stern on the night Rose attempted to commit suicide. Following day, both of them shared their stories to each other and later at night, they have dinner with other first-class passengers before Jack brought her to the real party at the steerage. They were "flying" on the next evening, the last day Titanic ever saw daylight. Rose was supposed to be on the lifeboat but she ran back to Jack, a scene that always brought me to tears. Jack and Rose tried their hardest to stay until the last moment before the ship finally went to the bottom. If my calculation was right, up to the point that Jack died, their relationship only lasted for three days. Regardless, Rose was ready to give it all to Jack.

If you are the movie enthusiast, you will notice in the last shot of the movie depicted photos of Rose during her younger days where she did all the things that Jack told her when he was still alive, getting married and having kids. She might have move on but Jack has become a part of her that she couldn't let go, even after eighty-four years.

True love and loyalty in relationship are usually only real in movies. Director has the liberty to plot the stories at his/her whims and fancies. In real life, we are the writers of our own stories but there is a twist, there are inevitable uninvited co-directors give you their so-called directions. If you are persistent, you can have it your way (Just like Burger King, lol). Otherwise, you are bounded to live up to what others think is right.

I never been in real relationship so I don't exactly fit in those lovers' shoes. I couldn't figure what could cause couples to break up despite they have been together for more than years. I thought they should understand each other better to accept their differences and all. Naive thought of mine, may be. Nonetheless, I can't help to feel envious of the joys and sorrows they get to share with each other.

Photo taken in Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland

I guess I have been alone for too long. Wishing to live the love story of Jack and Rose. =)

Dreams vs Opportunities

When I was still in primary school, my aunt asked me what is my ambition. I told her that I like Mathematics.  She responded by saying that I should be an engineer. I wonder if you still remember back then you need to fill up a student profile and there was a section where you have to list out your ambitions and three columns were given. First column I wrote "Jurutera". As for second column, I put down "Guru" as I noticed something about myself during that time I like to pretend as a teacher, holding textbook and talking to invisible students. Other kids played "masak-masak" or Play Station and me played "cikgu". Lol. As for the third column, for some reason, I put "Pensyarah". How did I know that profession exist, I have no idea. May be because I mentioned I wanted to be a teacher and others said being a lecturer is better for higher pay. The ambition columns remained the same for six years of my primary school life.

Entering high school, comparing to other subjects, I did exceptionally well in Mathematics. It is not I am a genius that I can derive new equations or solve difficult problems or something. It just happened that I have deep passion in learning this particular subject. At that point of time, I became very certain this is the field that I wish to get into. No, never engineering. It is always Mathematics. All the way. Chemistry, Physics and Biology were fun and all but I wasn't sure I am up to study much of them. Plus, I thought when it came to university, you ought to study what you have interest in as compared to those compulsory subjects that you have to take for SPM. Attending a number of education fairs and the courses that I asked about was Mathematics. No, never engineering. For a course to be this specific was really not that popular. Even though such course is offered, it is available overseas mostly. I thought to myself at that time, "Why not taking Education in Mathematics then? Get the best of both of my interest." This dream remained as dream when I applied to study chemical engineering in UTP, just right after I finished my SPM. It just seemed the only option that I have the time. As the saying goes, "opportunity doesn't come twice".

Three and a half years studying in UTP before I was away for my internship, I tried to  develop interest in the program that I was studying. The matter didn't go easy when I was a PETRONAS scholar in which after I graduated, I supposedly bonded to serve the company for at least 10 years. It was as though that my future was already set on the day when I accepted the offer. Was anxious at first but overtime, tired of arguing with myself, perhaps this was for the best and decided to go along. Initially I was offered to intern at Malaysia Liquefied Natural Gas (MLNG) where I hope could rekindle my interest in oil & gas industry. The next thing I know I was given the opportunity to have my industrial training with Formula One Team in the United Kingdom. Formula One was so not related to my studies but how often would you have such chance? Contemplating between the two options, I decided to go overseas and hence, leaving chemical engineering behind for seven months.

Back in UTP for final year, I chose Process Plant Engineering for my major. The courses were pretty attractive to me especially Process Optimization. You don't say, it utilized mathematical concepts to solve problems. It was the very last course of my degree studies and managed to ace it. Found some glimpse of hope there, this might be my true calling. Passed PETRONAS structured interview and get recommended, now my only hope is to get the right job. Called for a chit-chat session the other day and the position offered was Production Engineer. Apparently, I didn't get it. At the tiniest part of my heart, I felt contented despite I have done my best in the interview.

I am envious of those who are able to go after their childhood dreams. My brother, for instance, he gets to pursue culinary arts in which I believe he will be an awesome chef someday because he has the fire within him. I need to add oil into my own fire if I wish to become a high flyer. Better stop just talking about it, I guess I have to do something about it. Walk the talk.

I may not be able to pursue my old dream but definitely not letting go the opportunity that is given to me to fulfil greater dream! That's the plan, for now.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter (Part 1)

Two days ago was the first anniversary of the opening of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. It reminded me that I was present at the red carpet launching event. 31st March 2012, one of highlights in my life where I get to meet the cast of Harry Potter films including Tom Felton!

Ever since Harry Potter film series ended, I became very engrossed with Harry Potter. I never read the books before watching the movies. I wasn't really into the series until the last instalment. There was a magic moment in Deathly Hallow Part 2 that strikes me and sparks my interest. It all started with reading Harry Potter wiki and eventually, the seven novels. I read the seven books more than once. I watched the eight movies more than twice. To make it short, I become a fan of Harry Potter. Somewhat.

If it was not because my friend told me, I wouldn't know that there was a studio tour for Harry Potter films to be launched in London at the end of March 2012, in which I would still be in England at the time for my internship. As tickets were opened for booking, I bought mine almost immediately with no hesitation. Bought the ticket in February but my visit would only be on 6th of April. All I need to do was just to wait for the day to come until I saw a lucky draw contest at their official website pertaining to free entry to launching event of the studio where you have the opportunity to meet up with some of the casts. I was thrilled. I signed up for the fun of it without expecting to win because I never won a lucky draw. What is the odd that I won two entry tickets! :D

The ticket mentioned that we need to present at the event by 1.00pm although the event started at 3.00pm. We waited for two hours in the cold British weather. The day showed signs that it might rain but thankfully it didn't. There was a host entertaining the fans while waiting for the cast arrival. He seemed to be quite a celebrity since the Brits were cheering for him. Me and my friend were like, "who is he?". A number of Harry Potter soundtracks were being played. The studio staff were superbly friendly!

Waiting for cast arrival.

The crowd 

Main studio building

One of the film posters

Studio entrance

My very first red carpet event!

The clock struck 3.30pm and Tom Felton was the first one to appear, followed by other actors/actresses. Let's the photos do the talking.

Didn't manage to take closer shot of Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) since he was never near to the spot where we were standing.

Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) 

Rupert Grint (Ronald Weasley) 

David Bradley (Argus Filch, the caretaker) 

 David Thewlis (Remus Lupin)

 Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley)

Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) 

Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley) 

Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas) 

Warwick Davis (Griphook & Professor Flitwick)

Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Wastson didn't present at the event due to schedule conflict. It would be so complete if they could make it. Oh well, I guess I was lucky enough to see some of the cast. It was a pretty long day but for a fan, it was totally worth it.

Rest in peace, Richard Griffifth (Uncle Vernon). (31 July 1947 - 28 March 2013)

**********

After waiting for a month, it was all a false hope. Waiting for job placement from PETRONAS, reminded me the time when I was waiting for overseas internship placement. I was the last one to be placed. They say good thing comes to those who wait. Another saying, "Save the best for last". All the seniors were saying the same thing, "Relax,", "Chill first,", "Once you started working, there will be no time to rest at all." I have been resting for three months. I think I have enough. I might have missed  the previous opportunity, who knows the next chance can be better. There's the silver lining. 

Anyway, congratulation to those who have their placements and all the best in your careers. As for the rest, let's pray for the best, mates! =)

When one door closes, another opens.

Autumn is back!

3rd October seems to be one of the dates that is hard to be forgotten. How should I? Doing those progress and internship reports and seeing this particular date appeared on very front page keeps on reminding me the first day when I started my internship in Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team (it was Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team back then). Remembered the first day we were first greeted by Ross Brawn while waiting in the reception (in which we have no idea who he was at that point!), meeting our fellow supervisors and not to forget our big sister, Emily Landon. Never been surrounded by so many English people in my life. Lol.

Welcoming dinner with managers and chief operating officer

When we first reached England, the autumn was just about to start. Throughout my internship, I get to experience nearly all seasons. Summer, I have it since I was born here in Malaysia. For the first three months, we traveled every weekends using the pool cars that were given to us.

How often you get to drive Mercedes cars? Hehe. I miss our cars. :(

Why am I reminiscing all these moments? Just want to pen it down before the memories diminish off my mind. More to come!

Embracing the arrival of autumn!

Final Quarter

Back in UTP for final year final semester! Today is first of October which marks the beginning of final quarter of year 2012. Life has been pretty same old, same old for the past few months. Rushing through deadlines to complete projects. Oh, result for last semester was released last week and it is the best result that I ever get in UTP. After consistent drop from semester to semester (including internship), it is about time to get a fairly high pointer. I am very grateful for that. Another 3 months before all these end.

In the need of new hobbies to distract myself from thoughts that keep on invading my head. If this continues, I might explode. Have all these stress and emotions suppressed within are really a discomfort, feel like there is a heavy stone is hitting my chest and I have troubles to lift it away. Feelings that I am not sure if anyone will really comprehend. People say take it easy but I choose to live the hard way. I started to think that I have compulsive self-destructive behavior. Lol. Lately, I can't stand watching dramas and listening to songs as I easily related myself to the contents, always reminds me the pain of life that I have to bear. I may be strong today, but I am not sure about tomorrow or day after. Dare not to foresee how's the future may turn out to be and decided to live this life day by day at the moment.

Changing the subject, it's been exactly a year ago when I started my journey to London for my internship. Seeing my juniors uploaded their photos on Facebook makes me miss those times so much. Just feeling very nostalgic as browsing my own albums when we all get all excited taking photos almost everywhere upon reaching the foreign land. Ah, memories. Wish to relive those moments again someday.

With the remaining time that I have here, I really want to cherish the moment with sweet memories. At the same time, I have been in constant dilemma whether I want to further studies or start working. If I will have the chance, I would prefer to continue somewhere else for a brand new start, an option that seems to be impossible to achieve. In the end, I will always fall back to the decision to work with PETRONAS, God willing, for the next 10 years. Pray hard that I won't get face any midlife crisis at the point and start to whine how regret I am back then. Lol. It is just harder to make up your mind at this age when you cannot only think about yourself as there are others dependent on you. I am not sure myself what I really want in this life either. Sigh.

Pretending to be someone that I am not has been part of me lately. A perfect disguise what is hidden within. Let go and move on. A slow and painful process.

Sign off.

Final (Senior) Year!

I know, this update is long overdue. It has been three months since my last entry here. There was time that I wish to update but something would always get in my way. Anyway, I am here now. Just hope it is sufficient to cover what have been happening for the past months.

Final year has been nothing but a total madness. Fourteen weeks of the semester seems to be more tormenting than the seven months internship. With two final year projects undertaken concurrently, the stress can be unbearable at time. It is not all about good time management anymore. You also need to learn to have good mentality and above all, compromise and tolerate while working with others. For my final year project (FYP), I am working on the mechanical properties of urea fertilisers. It sounds like a simple project but expectation of my supervisor is somewhat pressuring. A good intention it is but I am not sure I can continuously keep up. As a matter of fact, I am only doing this FYP just for the sake of FYP, not that I have much enthusiasm in it. Not good.

FYDP or Plant Design Project, if you ask any chemical engineering students, this course is a real pain in the ass. Never have such a torturing group project before. Had our presentation on Tuesday and I daresay that it was an epic failure. Being criticized by the examiners from head to toe, from arm to leg. I guess we need to really intensify our effort for next semester, which is also my final semester in UTP. Heard from seniors that FYP2 and FYDP2 will be much worse. Great, I shall foresee a very grueling final moment in this university.

Other than studies, there are so many things have been evolving around me lately, both good and bad. Sometimes I let these things to take over me to the extent that dragging me away from my work. Frankly speaking, personal issues exert more stress than the FYP workloads. Stress from studies can come on its own but emotional turmoil does not, when I am not able to proceed with my work in which later I need to suffer from the consequences. I don't know how strong can I be but for being able to survive in UTP for the past 4 years is considerably remarkable for me. To endure with all these without any total breakdown. I mean, how long you can pretend that you are okay when you are not? There is time that I find this life is not worth living anymore.

Ultimately, I need to reset my main motivation. I am not doing this for me. I am doing this for my family. I am doing this for the people that I love. I gotta stay together. I just have to. I shall not give myself away that easily. There are so many things I would like to do in this life. Keep on reminding myself that there is a bit more left before breaking free. *end of venting about my life*

Today marks the beginning of Final Exam, my second last exam. My paper starts on next Monday, though. Yet to feel anxious. Rather excited, actually. *not fully prepared* If you ask me, I would rather choose final exam over projects. Final exam can be finished in one shot but projects take your whole lifetime. lol

Okay, I stop here for now. Shall continue next time. Promise to keep this blog updated regularly after this.

Wishing you all the happiness in the world and see you around!

Oh ya! Tomorrow is 31st August. Happy Merdeka to all Malaysians. Happy 55th Birthday, Malaysia.

My favourite patriotic song of all time!

TERIMA KASIH, MALAYSIA!

Double Sevens

Can you have a wild guess why did I name my post title so? I have been away from this blogger for too long. With new websites/applications being introduced from time to time such as Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter and all which don't need lengthy posting, they are more appealing than typing whole bloody paragraph and paragraph of words.

Anyway, tracing back the old post, it has been a couple of months and you could have figured that I have returned to my beloved Malaysia. If you catch up on other sites, you would already know. The seven months in United Kingdom has been nothing but an extraordinary journey for a small town boy like me. Back in UTP, I was so used to hear my coursemates were coming from cluster schools. Back in UK, we have met so many Malaysians students who are being attached abroad as well. Growing up in an average family, this is not something that we can witness most of the time. I daresay that I am proud to manage to raise the standard even higher, hoping the next person will be able to do better than myself.

I have learned so much during my stay in the foreign land, not just from my work but also daily social life. Surely, internship has opened my eyes to the world that I never see before. Culture differences, Europeans norms, just to name a few, are the sources of lessons which are not simply available easily. Well, you may read them off the book but to experience themselves will enhance your learning capacity to another whole new level. It should be encouraged to assimilate the good values to boost up our society practices. Comparing England and Malaysia, we have still such a long, long way to catch up if we are still holding the vision to be a developed country by 2020. Not much time left!

A shot with Ross Brawn (Team Principal), Rob Thomas (Chief Operating Officer) and Paul Mills (Human Resource Director) on our last week of internship, with the coincidental winning trophies during Chinese Grand Prix, a brilliant closure

Interning with Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team has given me so many memories to be cherished for the rest of my life. I know this sounds very cliche but how often, for Malaysians, get to work with Formula One team? I have not been able to contribute much of my knowledge since I am a chemical engineering student but it just proves that there is always flexibility to venture into any sectors regardless of your studies background. This opportunity has given me the advantage to learn something that chemical engineering can't offer.

That's that and ever since I landed on this country, other than tackling jet lag, I also need to get used to the hot weather in which I have not experienced for the seven months. Imagine 15 degree Celcius is considered warm for the English. Even a cold shower can't help me much in this Malaysian weather, for the time being. British weather wasn't that pleasant for Malaysians (and so is another way round) but no kidding, I do miss it.

Returning to Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS for my final year (oh, FINAL YEAR!) of studies is something I am kind of looking forward to. This just means that I have about seven months or so before finishing my degree! Time flies by so crazily fast and I will be officially graduated early next year. Ah, I am gotta accept the fact that life won't stop moving as long as the time won't stop ticking. So, me myself, shall not stop living and fighting.

Moving on.

Wishing everyone all the best in their final years and my friends who are about to have their internships soon. Enjoy your time as much as you can. Life is short. Make the most out of it. You won't want to look back and feel regret.

See you around!

Best results don't guarantee the best opportunities.

Life is about taking chances, and seizing them.

I MISS ALL OF YOU!

Inspection Team (Oct'11 - Apr'12) 

Fellow interns and Emily, our big sis 

Internship, British Weather & Eurotrips

It has been a while for not writing here. I’m pretty much alive in this English speaking country if you are wondering. It’s nearly 6 months I have been living here and another 6 weeks before leaving. England is pretty much becoming my second home. Time passes me by just like flying Firebolt. There are always time I really want to update this nearly-abandoned blog but the laziness triumphs it all. Rather, I reckon sharing on Facebook, Twitter and perhaps Tmblr (in which I rarely keep it up-to-date as well) alone would be sufficient. Pictures say thousand words, eh? After all, the main intention of this blog is for personal sharing, is like any other social network sites.

Right, enough babbling. Tracing my last post, it was about Schumi surprise visit to our company. Believe most of you have seen the video on YouTube? When I first accepted this placement, I didn’t really expect much. As far as what I can learn from my friends and seniors who have interned overseas previously, one advantage being attached abroad is that they get to travel a lot. So, my first expectation when coming to England is just the same likes theirs, well, other than learning English working culture of course. This one turns out to be more than just that. Interning abroad is one thing, interning at Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is another. Such privilege is not easy to come by. True, although I didn’t get to fully utilize my chemical engineering studies background, from the positive side, I get to learn more than chemical engineering field that can’t offer in which I take this as an added advantage. (Meeting Schumi is a bonus! Haha)

2012 F1 season has finally kicked off in Australia last weekend. Never been so excited for F1 before. Can’t help but to cheer for Schumi and Nico, whom we have bumped into them occasionally. Until this day I still can’t believe that I actually get to meet them. Feel bad though, not knowing much about them before. Nonetheless, I was rather sad that the first race didn’t turn out well. Hope to see improvement for next race in Malaysia. It's this week! Malaysians, do come and support the team in Sepang!

Moving on. It’s March, which means spring is coming. Not much sign yet, I tell you because it is still cold and chilly. Room temperature is about 10degree or so. The climax of this all English weather experience was when it snowed last month, early February. Seeing real snow for very time. As I remembered clearly, it started to snow before the night falls. The snow was mild but continuous. As it gets darker, I could see the snow accumulates in front of our apartment. The snow was thick enough that we could make a snowman out of it. It was around 9pm or so. I have the nerve to play the snow with my bare hands, bloody cold it was. We continued in the morning with snowy Sunday walk, seeing the street of Brackley and company to be covered with snow. The sight was just so… whitish. Comparing our snowmen and the one we saw on the street, we were just so amateur. Warming myself to conclude the walk with a nice big cup of hot chocolate. Oh, talking about the snow, I barely can see the shape. To me, it was more like scrapped icing from the fridge, if you ask me. Rather, you can make lots and lots of ABC out of it. You just need the syrup. Lol.

Just like any other interns, we also get to travel much. Photos on Facebook show it all. Unlike any other European countries, England is detached from the rest. So it is kind of hard for us to explore other European countries. Nonetheless, since the company provides us cars during weekend, we get to explore pretty much everywhere in England; from the football city of Manchester to the famous historical site of Stonehenge. Last Christmas we visited Italy with France interns. Covered Rome, Venice and Milan. One thing that I have learned from this trip is not to have high expectation when you are visiting new country. You might find yourself disappointed when you realize the place may not turn out as you imagine. Still liking original Italian pizza and sphagetti. Colosseum is just as spectacular. It was quite long time ago though. Barely can remember much details of it.

Well, just last week I returned from my second Eurotrip. This time we visited Belgium, France and Spain. Truth to be told, I barely aware of Europe geography. Only get to comprehend much of it since I come here, when planning for our trips. Lol. Anyway, Belgium, if you like chocolate, this is a must visit country. Not to mention the variety of waffle is huge! The city is kinda small, not much to explore. The famous landmarks include the Mannekan Pis and Atomium.

Paris is just 4 hours away from Brussels. Bus ticket can be as cheap as 12 Euro. I thought the last snow in February would be my last time seeing it. Never expected that on our way to Paris the other day, it was snowing heavily. Well, when we touched down at Paris, our friends who interned in France became our tour guide. They brought us around famous sites in Paris includes Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, and of course, Eiffel Tower. Since we reached around 2pm and after settling down, the sky was already turning dark, get to see the night views of these monuments. Spending our next day at Disneyland Paris, reliving childhood memories. Last day in Paris, we were sightseeing the city of Love. Visited Louvre Museum, the museum that accommodated Mona Lisa painting (but I didn’t go in, lack of time), streets of Paris to shop for souvenirs and lastly, Eiffel Tower day view. The weather both in Brussels and Paris was so bad that it was cloudy and rainy. It didn’t fail us from enjoying ourselves though.

Next and final country: Spain! I don’t know why, I seem to enjoy my time in Spain better than the first two countries. May be it was very sunny in Barcelona and Madrid, we have a marvelous time in Spain. Barcelona is just so colourful and I just like the pace of people living there. Spanish food is not that bad either. Paella, Spanish rice is a must try! Madrid, on the other hand, is just another city but still has its own charms as the capital of Spain. 

*it's a nightmare to sort out these photos*

After travelling to several European cities, London is still first; Barcelona second and Paris third. Different countries have their own unique features though. 2 weeks before another getaway (pre-presentation getaway to be exact)! *country of tulips and windmills*

I shall stop my scribble here. I hope the friend of mine satisfied gua with this post. Haha, sorry can't write much. Typed words are never enough to say it all. Perhaps the spoken ones will cover more, if you know what I mean. ;) Hope to catch up with you all pretty soon.

Returning to Malaysia on 1st May 2012. Oh time, please do creep for the next six weeks!

Cheerio!

Grateful for having what you need.
Thankful for getting what you what.

Meeting Michael Schumacher!

Life in United Kingdom and interning at Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited has been nothing but extraordinary. Every week surely has something to be worth remembered. A great example would be today, when PETRONAS Motorsport and Mercedes AMG PETRONAS arranged a surprise visit by Michael Schumacher just for 8 of us here! 

It all started when all our supervisors requested a meeting so that we would stay at our desks during the meeting. We all thought, well, at least for me and my colleague; it was just an ordinary meeting as we usually have it every week. The funny thing is, before Mike popped into our office, we have just talked about him and asked our supervisor whether we would have the chance to meet him someday. As the meeting went on, a PETRONAS officer came in greeted us and there he is. I was like, “OMG! It’s Michael Schumacher!” I was so speechless at the point as 7-time F1 world champion is just standing right in front of me.

Didn't really have the chance to take photo with him. This is the best shot that my colleague could take. Anyway, we might get to see him again soon during our company Christmas party!

He is so slim in person, about my size. Lol. He only stayed for a while there after interviewing us. Nevertheless, I was overwhelmed despite of the short meeting. Even in my own country I never met any famous sportsmen and yet, I have the chance to shake hands with one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time.

Afterwards, we have a little recording to share our experience of our internship here for the past 2 months. Lol, you know, it is like the one you usually saw on TV when the celebrities were being interviewed. The PETRONAS officer told me that it will be released through ESPN Asia next year. Gosh, can’t wait to see it!

I have no regret! =)

Lady Gaga - Marry The Night (Official Video)

Frost

"No point in crying over yesterdays,

Because we are yet to see the best of days"

It's been a while I didn't stop by. Interning in MGP is just the same like working here in any way. Despite of the fact that my jobs here are projects-based as I don't have daily tasks, the naps routine that I usually have in campus is really killing me here as I will always get tired whenever I am home. Vendor machine is my best friend in MGP, to get my snickers bar and a cup of hot coffee to keep me alive. Cooking for dinner, online, watching series, playing games and sleeping; routines after back from work and it repeats for every weekdays. I was too demotivated to blog as these hours are the only time that I can have for myself, until today.

It is coming to the end of November before tuning into the last month of the year. I have to write something. Lol. As you can see from the photo above, frost starts to form. It was taken earlier today. It's just getting colder than before. The temperature barely makes it more than 10degrees. Autumn is ending soon and all of us here are wondering when it is going to snow. As much as we are excited like a group of "sakai" kids waiting for it, pray hard it won't jeopardies our end of year vacation. My colleagues say it is nice to have snow for a week but after that, everything will be just miserable since you hardly can travel. I'm yet to get my boots!

Anyway, since we are given two cars, we have been travelling around during the weekends. Weekends are the most awaited days in the week which keep us going during the weekdays! Has visited few cities around England. This country is big enough to explore and there is so much to offer! If you have checked out my album on Facebook, you will know where I have been to.

Week 1: London

Paying  20pounds for train to London, which includes the use of tubes (underground train) to travel around the city.

Eye of London 

Palace of Westminster and Clock Tower (Big Ben) 

Tower Bridge

Week 2: Oxford

I really love the architecture here! 

Radcliffe Camera 

 Christ Church College, one of the settings for Harry Potter film

Week 3: Alton Towers

One of the largest theme parks in UK!

Week 4: Northampton

These lights were up for Light Night, a marathon for charity 

Week 5: Stonehenge and Stowe Landscape Garden

Desktop wallpaper, eh? This shot was taken by me, though. Lol. Paid 7.50 pounds just to be this close to take the photo.

This garden located at Buckinghamshire.

Reflection

The building ahead happens to be a school. A school in a garden. 

Week 6: Nottingham and Bleinheim Palace 

There was a Malaysian Food Festival held at The University of Nottingham!

 The campus

 Had Sarawak Laksa! It didn't taste similar but it's good enough for me to consider I am here.

Exploring the city of Nottingham. The traffic here is really twisting!

The Ghost Walk - getting to know the paranormal stories of the town 

Robin Hood statue! 

Bleinheim Palace

Greatest Britain Palace 2011!

Week 7: Birmingham

German Christmas Market! An annual event in which we were lucky to have a glimpse of it. The crowd was overwhelming! Human congestion!

Birmingham is definitely a paradise for shopping enthusiast! 

******

While enjoying my every weekend adventure, I'm just so, so excited counting down for the upcoming re-release of my beloved movie which will be on the big screen in April next year! The best part is I am going to watch here (hopefully),  in the country where Titanic departed 100 years ago for its fatal maiden voyage.

Life is a never-ending adventure. Cherish my every second on this lovely country. I shall stop here. See you~

*I miss you. Do you miss me? :)