Well-Rounded and Well-Grounded

Judo beginning

2011-09-30T16:21:00.000+08:00

My experience in Judo started yesterday at the Bangsar Judo Club, Bangsar Sports Complex, Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately I don't pictures to show for it.

Of course my brother and I had our aikido gi, and we realized that the actual judo gi is at least twice thicker. But we carried on to learn some ukemi (break falling) and we realized that the aikido ukemis are different from judo ukemi's.

For one, aikido ukemis focus on springing back unto one's feet so there's a slight leg cross when landing. But Judo ukemis are more focuses on simply landing (after being thrown or slammed) without getting up, so the legs must be apart so that the legs don't hit each other and one doesn't get injured.

Excitingly we learnt one simple ground grappling move similar to pinning someone down, but with some theory and practical. It was a good work out, really.

Then we moved on to a simple throw technique, I can't recall the names just being a beginner. But immediately, as an aikidoka, you can tell that judo throws are more realistic than aikido's.

Why? Because in Judo, the one being thrown is actually being thrown. Whereas in Aikido the who's being thrown is actually throwing himself to release the tension of the locks. It isn't the same.

If you used aikido on the streets, if you managed to pull it off, a shiho-nage (locking the hands backwards above the shoulders) would actually break the arm rather than throw the attacker, unless the attacker knows how to flip and diffuse the lock (which majority of public or villains don't know how)

Of course Judo is more focused on sports, so some aspects of real fighting are taken out, but still the randori (free sparring) gives one the real feeling of being pushed around and fighting back. It gives the feel of real world situation, resistive force and one can start to gauge how much of strength he actually needs to execute a move or a throw. Now this is the important link missing in martial arts like taekwondo, karate and and silat (no offence).

So according to Sensei Junji, Judo should improve and supplement aikido understanding and practices. I hope that is the case. But from my perspective, if judo was ever used to throw an attacker on the hard pavement, then the fight's over, perhaps even a trip to hospital is needed.

But as we get older, perhaps aikido would be a better alternative and compliment to judo as a self defense.

Searching for a new martial art

2011-09-27T02:13:00.001+08:00

After sensei Suzalie left to Sabah, I just don't have the incentive to learn aikido from anyone else. Yet I'm sure there are great aikido senseis out there, but no one can replace Sensei Suzalie Mohd.

So I set out to find a new beginning for myself. I wanted something practical that could be used on the streets. I didn't feel aikido was doing justice to street situations. So I went to observe other martial arts and self defense systems out there that were supposed to be street smart. So with a background in wing chun and aikido, I went searching.

Observed Systema, a russian self defense system used by secret service type practitioners, mostly bodyguards, etc. I went to a place called muayfit in pj. Systema may be a good art, but it's a sophisticated art. It's so elaborate that I feel it may not be executable in real life except by one who eats and sleeps systema. Problem with sophisticated arts is that many of the rudimentary training is left out, like break falling, rolling, flipping, etc. it's straight away techniques. The biggest problem with the systema class is that the teacher doesn't seem interested to sincerely impart the knowledge to the students, although the teacher himself can take on 5 guys, as I'm told. So learning systema wasn't for me due to the teaching method and lack of pedagogy. (no offense).

Then I attended krav maga at the same place, muayfit (muayfit.com). Krav maga is an israeli martial art that is no nonsense and is used in the israeli military. It's actually a mixture of all the martial arts minus the nonsense. You got taekwondo style side kicks, jujitsu style side palm hits, aikido style locking and wing chun style punching. Although it appears rudimentary, but I class it as sophisticated. It's about handling a situation, running away and self defense. But it lacks foundation and actual resistive training. For example, when the trainer showed a punching technique, I could see it had all the hallmarks of a wing chun punch, where the power comes from the hips. Sadly most of the students were not doing it right, in fact all of them. But I don't blame the trainer because these things need foundation training, like standing in a horse stance for 3 months. But krav maga does emphasize on stamina building.
But if it's a sophisticated art, you won't gain anything without a strong foundation.

Why I say this?
In my observation, I separate martial arts into 2 categories, foundational art and sophisticated arts. Look at all those great senseis and sifus that develop new sophisticated arts, they had some foundational strength behind them. Murihei ushiba of aikido had jujitsu background, and most of the aikido founders have judo background. Look at bruce lee, he had wing chun and taekwondo background when he came up with jkd.

Foundational art are those that are rudimentary, but set you firm on the ground, develops proper break falling and develops the centre of gravity, like karate, wing chun, judo, shaolin kungfu, etc. They give the basis for you to learn sophisticated arts. A sophisticated art like aikido, systema, and krav maga will only make sense when you've got foundational art training. Otherwise those learning sophisticated martial arts are giving themselves a false sense of security.

Then I met a ninjitsu sensei in bangsar sports complex. I observed the training and even had a good discussion on comparing martial arts with him. A great guy, very open. But ninjitsu is again a sophisticated martial art that seems difficult to execute. Too elaborate. But the sensei did teach me one thing in just that one meeting. I asked him why does aikido appear to be impractical as some of the locks are easily escapable by simply bending the elbow. He said that the setup wasn't good, like the atemi must be sufficient that the uke is no longer thinking of bending the elbow. Now that's real wisdom that perhaps I overlooked. I remembered my aikido sensei emphasizing this fact, but I didn't get it then... Overall, I think ninjitsu isn't what I'm looking for maybe due to the teaching method.

Went to judo at the ymca, I was impressed. Maybe it's just me and I'm looking for more foundational training. Something more usable in real situations. The mahaguru was there and he let me stay and watch. I tell you, if someone judo threw me on the pavement, it's over.

Went to wing chun class at the tmn tun dr ismail community centre. The master didn't make it, but we just did some chiqong and light wing chun patterns. some of them have been learning for 3 years and are still only on the first 2 patterns. I learnt before for only less than 2 years, yet I learnt 2 patterns, wooden dummy and chi sao (sticky hands). most of them were good to train with, but there was one guy, J. I asked him whether he knew chi sao as I wanted to sincerely brush up on my sticky hands technique. He said that sifu taught him specially, but he had a policy of not showing it to anyone. It was then I realized that no one had actually learned sticky hands yet, but perhaps this guy J had an ego too high up his @$$ to actually say so that he had to conjure up such an idiocity. Then it occurred to me why I left wing chun in the first place. It took damn long for the sifu to teach you anything new. You have to do the same pattern for years before you can move on. 20 years is about right for you to graduate. Looks to me more like milking cows than martial arts. Plus in yip kin wing chun there's no proper organization or syllabus, so a student is always left wondering. I pity the guy J who is so full of himself thinking highly of his wing chun when he knows next to zero on break falling, which may end up saving his life more. So the best thing is to get your foundation and move on, don't be a cow and start thinking.

So I'm gonna go into judo for now and strengthen the foundations. Then to top it up with aikido. That's the way to go for me I guess.

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New Trinity Theory?

2010-10-01T18:27:00.001+08:00

This website is attempting to re-explain the theory of trinity and failing miserably to do. Honestly it makes no sense to me.

The Koran is clear on this matter, but the author of this site says Father=God, Son=God, Holy Spirit=God, BUT Father is not Son is Not Holy Spirit is not Father.

This simply means that the trinity that this author is reinventing says that God is made of three distinct units which have no relation to each other. That's all. Previously I've heard that it was jumbled up, meaning F+S+HG is God without real separation. The only thing this author has done is make the separate entities, but still comprising God of 3 entities.

Allah says in the Koran, say that God is One and Only, meaning to say, not two or three, but one only, dependent on no one and everything dependent on Him, and He does not have a son nor a father and there is nothing even similar unto Him.

in reference to:

"When Christians say: (1) The Father is God; (2) The Son is God; and (3) The Holy Spirit is God we are identifying Who God is.When we say: (4) The Father is not the Son; (5) The Son is not the Holy Spirit; and (6) The Holy Spirit is not the Father we are distinguishing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
- Monotheism and the Trinity « Is the Qur’an the Word of God? (view on Google Sidewiki)

Jibril did speak to Muhammad (pbuh) and he is truthful

2010-10-01T18:12:00.001+08:00

Obviously some people attempt to discredit the Quran and Muhammad (pbuh) as the truthful prophet that he is/was.

So the writer has erred in his judgement or has malice in his heart by stating inaccuracies or simply it could be just lack of knowledge on his part. The companions also saw Jibril in the famous and authentic hadith of Jibril in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Muhammad Assiddiq was the most truthful of men and he was the Messenger of Allah and His Prophet on earth. Obviously the writer of this book may not have studies Islam properly. Insyallah May Allah guide him to the straight path.

in reference to: http://www.bible-quran.com/book/jesus-death-cross/ (view on Google Sidewiki)

Very good site!

2010-10-01T17:21:00.001+08:00

Alhamdulillah. This aardvark is just like Yahoo Answers but better, much better, coz you can see the answers live and you can see open questions, and questions are summarized on the sidebar for you answer or refer to someone else. All knowledge is from Allah. Let us learn from those that God has blessed with some. :-)

in reference to: Aardvark (view on Google Sidewiki)

Bad English

2010-04-20T18:41:00.000+08:00

An example of a successful business in malaysia using bad english.

Warm regards,
Farihin Fong
Business Development Manager
Mega Computer Solutions
1700-88-6342/0126571463

Improve your business with CRM

2009-03-09T11:59:00.009+08:00

Man has gone to the moon and still we struggle with our customer management. That's what CRM stands for, Customer Relationship Management.

With numerous CRMs available on the market, which one should we go for? Which one will make life easier and help us improve our business?

We suggest the VTiger CRM. But what can you do with it? Here are some of the benefits for your company:

Unified contact management - Store all customers' information in one place.

Excellent Documentation System - Produce invoices, quotations, Purchase Orders, Sales Orders, easily and filed according to your customers accounts. Also created in PDF format, facilitating business over emails.

Easy Search - Various convenient ways of searching. Search invoices or quotes according to customers, or search for a customer by just typing the name or by alphabetical order.

Reporting - easily pull up a record of all your invoices for a month, or all the invoices according to a particular customer for analysis.
Products - Easily add products to the system, which can be re-used to when producing invoices, quotations, POs, etc.
Track Vendors - add all your vendors and keep track of the Purchase Orders at a click of a button.
Organize Marketing - put all leads into the Leads section, then when the business becomes reality, upgrade the lead to a Contact and an Account for better management.

This may seem like a lot, but with the training that we'll provide and the service of 'time', you'll wonder how is it possible to run the business without this CRM.

For your info VTiger CRM is Open-Source, so there's no cost for purchasing the software. We'll provide the training and hardware for a small monthly fee. Results assured and money back guarantee.

Currently we're running a months demo and and free training. Please contact me at 012-6571463 or our office at 1700-80-6342 and get a free demo straight away.

Are you ready for IT outsourcing?

2009-02-16T07:56:00.001+08:00

Do you really save with IT outsourcing?

We at Mega Computer Solutions hope you do, otherwise we'll have a real short relationship. ;-)

But how ready are the Small & Medium Enterprises for outsourcing in Malaysia or KL for that matter? And can IT outsourcing really save you money? We've got the method and we're gonna share...

Let's look at it from 3 different perspectives:

1. IT executive - Average salary RM 1500 these days, per annum it comes up to RM 18,000. He ensures the smooth running of the IT infrastructure and is consulted for any IT related expansions or downsizing.

2. IT infrastructure - The average SME with about 30 PCs would need at least a Domain Controller (Desktop Security), Proxy Server (Internet Security) and Centralized Anti-Virus. Some also have Instant-Messaging Server for easy file-transfers and collaboration work. This would cost a bomb: Domain Controller RM 12000 + Proxy Server RM 10000 + Anti-Virus RM 3600 = Grand Total of RM 25,600. To top it all up, not just any IT executive can handle of these Servers. He has to be really good, and really good IT people's salary would not be at RM 1500 per month.

3. Value-Added Services - What are the value-added services you'd get from in-house IT? But with outsource you may get some perks.

Let's look at how IT outsourcing can help:

1. We do the IT executive's job for HALF of his salary ;-). That means the company already saves RM 9,000. Also no need to pay us bonuses at the end of the year.

2. Stagger the IT infrastructure acquisition through our 'Hire-Purchase-Style' Service Agreement where it'll cost from RM 850 to 1800 only per month. Benefits: No high initial capital spending, no repair and maintenance costs, monthly payment comes under operations so the balance sheet looks clean and after 3 years the Servers would be transferred to client.

3. Imagine if we provided free anti-virus for the one whole year when you sign up for the 3-Year Service Agreement. Now that's value-added service that no in-house IT is willing to do....

Contact 1700-80-6342 (yes its a local malaysia line) or email farihin@megacomputers.com.my for more info. We're glad to help.

Free Advertising and web-presence

2009-02-13T08:26:00.000+08:00

Have you ever wondered why some people's business just seems better off than others? Well its because of the good old advertising and sales of course.

Why spend so much on making a webpage that you'll never update, when you can just let us do the advertising for you for FREE! We'd love to save you money.

Our service is definitely FREE, and all you have to do is:

Contact us at 012-6571463 (Farihin Fong) or email farihin@gmail.com.
We'll meet you (to get to know you and your business, of course).
If there are no objections, then we'll write a FREE advertorial for you and your organization. Or we can even setup a whole new blog just for you.
Even updates are free. We'll write for you advertorial updates so that people can keep abreast with the latest happenings in your company.

Its that simple. Please call us.

Other contact info:

Adam 012-2509479
Rafique 019-2248416

How Online Storage can help work & play

2009-02-09T01:14:00.000+08:00

The pen-drive is misplaced and you need some important files from it.
Sounds like a very unpleasant scenario to be in.

Well fortunately nowadays there are online storage solutions with high bandwidth that makes uploading and downloading feel like you're copying it to your pen-drive.

Though there are lots of file sharing sites out there, we'll recommend
www.4shared.com

Its good practice to upload files that are normally used as reference
or templates, such as letterhead, quotation templates, invoicing
templates, and so on. Just in case the PC needed a reformat and all
the files in pen-drive got lost, at least you'll have some backup
online.

The other advantage is sharing the file. Once uploaded, a link can be
sent to the partner in the form of an email. This decreases bandwidth
for the receiver as he doesn't have to download the file literally
into his mailbox at the time. Rather he can follow the link and easily
download at his leisure.

Though the service is free, there is one drawback. Individual files for upload
cannot exceed 100MB at a time. But who wants to upload that big a file anyway? If in case one requires so, then an upgrade to a paid subscription at
4shared will entitle the user to unlimited upload size and much better
bandwidth.

Other uses include backing up PC or notebook drivers in case they are
hard to find.

For more info on online storage, contact Farihin 012-6571463 or
farihin@megacomputers.com.my

Export Packaging Solutions

2009-02-02T08:40:00.002+08:00

Friday, Jan 30 - Export packaging solutions like fumigation is obligatory for every exporter. The Malaysian Government through its Agriculture department, makes it compulsory, with a rigid international regulations as a guideline.

"Why fumigate whole containers when only the pallets and other forms of wooden packaging need to be treated?" commented Mohamed Razeef, Chief Executive Officer of Alam Mesra Agrochemicals Sdn Bhd.

According to Mohamed Razeef, there's no real necessity for whole containers to be fumigated. Instead, exporters can opt to treat their pallets thru Heat Treatment.

Heat Treatment is a radically innovative new way to treat pallets and other wooden packagin material. "Its cheaper, faster and more reliable than fumigating with Metyl Bhromide gas" added Mohamed Razeef.

The idea behind Heat Treatment is to heat up the wooden packaging to 150 degrees Celsius and keep it that way for about an hour. Also the core temperature, meaning the temperature of the wooden core (inside) must be 100 degrees Celsius for one one hour.

Using this new patented system, exporters can treat their pallets and complete the process in under 3 hours! Compared to fumigation which should take about two days (by right).

Question & Answer session with Mohamed Razeef:

Q: Can others buy the Heat Treament chamber and start up their own business?
A: We're selling our system so that others can get into the business too. Metyl Bromide gas will become obsolete by 2015 and its detrimental to the environment and ozone layer too.

Q: How much to start Heat Treatment business with your chambers to do the job?
A: The Heat Treatment Chamber costs RM 120K negotiable, and you should see return of investment within a year. Furthermore we provide maintenance support for 3 years.

Q: Is Metyl Bromide dangerous to our health?
A: Definitely! I've got friends who have suffered injuries because of accidental exposure to the gas. Its not safe because accidents can happen. Its always safer to use Heat Treatment.

Get more info on Heat Treatment at http://my.88db.com/my/Services/Post_Detail.page/Business/Special_Offer/?PostID=193267.

For more info on Heat Treatment, please contact 012-2509479 Adam Fong or 0162483290 Mohamed Razeef.

More contact info taken from their advertiement at 88DB:

Please feel free to contact us at:

ALAM MESRA AGRO CHEMICALS TRADING SDN BHD (Co No 584488-V)

Kuala Lumpur Port Klang KLIA

Contact Person

Mr. Mohamed Razeef Mobile 016 248 3290

Mr. Noorul Ameen Mobile 019 287 6878

Mr Adam Fong Mobile 012 250 9479

Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603 4147 4890 Fax: +603 4147 4891

Port Klang Tel: +603 3166 4890 Fax: +603 3166 4891

KLIA: 016 248 3290

Email: alamesragro@gmail.com / info@alammesra.com.my / infopklang@alammesra.com.my

www.alammesra.com.my

IT tips to maximize business

2009-01-26T07:00:00.000+08:00

The internet has lots of advantages that we can make good use of these days. One of them is Gmail, or Google Mail as it is sometimes called. Although mostly viewed as webmail for addresses with a @gmail domain, it is mostly unknown that it can be used to handle mails at your domain too!

Gmail can be configured to fetch all your office mails and reply anyone as if you're replying them from your office email account.

How does this translate to benefits?

No deletion is necessary, ever. Due to Gmail's large approximately 5GB space.

Spam filters easily available. Don't like an email? Just mark and then click 'Report Spam' and most likely that sorta emails will decrease.

Gmail will automatically scan mails. No longer worry about whether the PC anti-virus is up-to-date or not.

Gmail mails and office mails are differentiated thru labels. To view only office mails, click on the labels to indicates the office mail.

Though using Gmail, but send from the office email account. Receiving end would not be able to tell the difference.

Deleted mails are never really deleted. They are in the "Trash' box until its deleted from there, only then it's really gone.

Directly chat from the Gmail itself, no need to install extra programs. But contacts gotta be on Google Talk network.

Add calendars and Google Docs to your Gmail page. Allows for easy access.

Add contacts and they'll stay there forever. When composing, address will auto-complete from the contacts database.

Customize Gmail by using 'Themes' from the 'Setting' section

Best of all, Gmail has phone client. So even on the go, emails can be monitored. Replying that important mail while on the go is now a reality

Think about the times when a reformat and reinstall of Windows was inevitable. All the mails and addresses had to be backed up and painstakingly restored.

What if some companies just reformatted without backing up these important items? Hence if you're on Gmail, emails and contacts will never be lost to reformat. And think about the portability!

For more info about getting your organization on Google Mail, please contact Farihin Fong 0126571463 or email farihin@gmail.com

Arabic Class @ Al-Hidayah 14Jan09

2009-01-23T01:47:00.001+08:00

Arju an takuna bikhairin wa sihhatin jayidatin. That means "I hope you are in goodness and best of health". Its a common way arabs meet and greet each other after the customary "Assalamu alaykum".

That's one of the things we learnt today at the arabic class at Al-Hidayah, Danau Kota, Setapak. Its headmaster, Ustaz Norkhair has been teaching for more than a decade now. He has plans to expand the school and provide students with advance courses linked to institutes in Yemen.

For the uninitiated, one would find it dificult locating a good place to learn arabic, especially in KL where personal tutors can charge up to RM 400 per month. AL-Hidayah offers arabic language classes for the working adult for only RM 50 per month and once a week.

"Slow and gradual learning is the way to go, if you're consistent." said Ustaz Norkhair emphasizing that gradual learning is better for the adult. "Unfortunately adults are not like children, so taking it slow and steady will prove more fruitful than you think, believe it or not." Norkhair reiterated.

Al-Hidayah is always open to new students, so join today! Call 03-40246397 or 0340222849.

Aikido Class @ KDE 17Jan09

2009-01-21T08:00:00.001+08:00

Aikido Class @ KDE, 17th January 2009 - If you're an working adult looking for mature minded environment to learn a martial art, then Kelab Darul Ehsan Ampang is the place.

Away with all those egoistic youngsters who just want to show off with their hard striking techniques and learn to build the 'ki' energy rather than just brute strength. Here at Kelab Darul Ehsan's dojo, there's a sense of earnesty from the Sensei and the students.

All Aikido dojos will teach you the same techniques, but not many will emphasize on its subtleness. "Our minds keep thinking about the point where the attack happens, and then forget to move. Instead execute the technique using the inner energy and move to finish it. Focus the mind at the end result of the execution." Sensei Suzalie often reminds us.

One of today's most prominent lessons was the 'Samurai' walk, which basically is the way to move while in the Japanese sitting position. For the beginner its very tiring, but what else is new?

The picture above shows Sensei Suzalie teaching the Shiho-Nage move to Adam Fong after class. Not to worry, normally mats would occupy the floor for the aikidokas to practice on.

Come preview the Aikido class at Kelab Darul Ehsan every Saturday night 8.30pm to 10.00pm. Its free to evaluate, just Famous Amos' cookies "Free Smells". Call 012-6571463 or 016-6272716 (Sensei Suzalie).

Aikido Classes in Bangi

2009-01-20T01:04:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, 6th January 08 - Aikido class had commenced at Az-Zahrah Multi-Inteliigence Academy (AMPAC), situated at the shop-houses directly across the Bangi Mosque. As usual Sensei Suzalie, the head instructor at AMPAC, would start out with some stretching and warm up exercise.

The first technique that the sensei taught was how to react to a situation when the attacker grabs the 'similar-side' hand, known as kata-te-dori. Students would learn to disengage the attacker without any form of blocking or punching. With just some small steps and slight hand movements, the attacker soon is face first on the ground.

After understanding the technique, it was time to move on. Second, how to handle an over head strike known as shomen-nuchi. For most of the defence tecniques, one may find that in comes in two forms, that is to defend and swing backwards (known as Ura) or to defend and move forwards (known as omote).

The class saw about 5-7 new students today. Sensei gave special attention to them, teaching them the basics. Best of all, he really enjoyed teaching the basics. And that's one of the special things that potential aikido students should look out for, a untiring teacher who isn't lathargic on sharing the basics.

There are many advance students too. Many who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. The classes are so popular that sometimes space seemed a little constraint. But that's a good thing, because students should be well aware about their surroundings when executing the techniques so as to not injure or collide with other students.

Aikido in Bangi, don't miss it. Contact Sensei Suzalie Mohd 0166272716 (or Farihin Fong 012-6571463

Save money with Linux Ubuntu

2009-01-19T08:00:00.000+08:00

Word is that European Governments like Germany, France and Netherlands have taken steps to fully go Open-Source, meaning specifically Linux. Closer to home here in Malaysia, corporations, SMEs and small businesses have already started the shift to the future by replacing their Windows XP / Vista with Linux Ubuntu.

Linux is the 'umbrella' operating system just like Microsoft's Windows XP. The ultimate difference between linux and microsoft is that Linux's source code is open to the public for modifications and microsoft's isn't. Hence the name Open-Source. So anyone who modifies the codes in the Linux OS must then disseminate it again to the community for FREE. And that's the gist of the Linux GNU license in the first place.

What does this mean to you?
Get the Linux OS & Open Office for RM 0 rather than pay RM 600 for Microsoft's Windows XP or Vista and RM 800 for Microsoft Office. Imagine how much saving this adds up to. For the new startup companies of about 10 PCs, this equates to a saving of about RM 12,000. And that much money goes a long way for startups.
One company, Canonical, has taken Linux, rebundled it to be known as Linux Ubuntu. Canonical has included a very nice Windows-like graphical user interface. With Linux Ubuntu, users can easily adapt to the new operating system.

"Currently we've switched 100% to Linux Ubuntu and we're using it to do all our documentations and internet surfing", said the owner of Mega Computer Solutions, Mohamad Rafique.

Companies such as Alam Mesra Agrochemicals and Lembaga Getah Malaysia have Linux in their organizations either as Servers, Desktops or in Notebooks. Even printer and folder sharing are available exactly similar to Windows XP.

Technically Linux Ubuntu is superior to Windows because it runs on Linux filesystem known as Ext3. Its much more resilient and stable than the normal NTFS or FAT32 filesystems of Windows. Users will never find Linux easily becoming corrupted as Windows does and an automatic restart is very rare in Linux Ubuntu as well.

Only apparent drawback is limited public exposure. As Windows XP has been in the market since the time PCs were introduced, everybody just knows how to use it intuitively. Linux Ubuntu or any other linux distro needs some getting use to, but nothing a little patients aand perseverance wouldn't solve.

Please contact Rafique 019-2248416 or rafique@megacomputers.com.my for more info on how to save money for your company.

Aikido Class @ KDE (10Jan08)

2009-01-15T08:33:00.000+08:00

Saturday, 10th Jan 08 - A fruitful night at aikido class. Sensei Suzalie started out with the basics. Its good for us to recap the fundamentals and at the same time learn something new too. Also because there were 3 new students at the Kelab Darul Ehsan dojo too.

Aiki musubi was the lesson of the day. It's about blending with the attackers energy and thereafter controlling the situation. If brute force is used to pull the attacker, it will never work unless you're a huge wrestler perhaps.

With musubi, the aikidoka would move close to the side of the attacker while raising his own hands until the attacker is off-balance. Then its easy to control the situation. From this move, many other moves can executed.

Future articles will include some pictures and videos of the techniques.

This is the picture of the Aikido Class @ KDE. From left: Imran, Rafique, Razeef, Sensei Suzalie, Farihin Fong, Adam Fong & Hadi.

Please join this Aikido class at Kelab Darul Ehsan, Ampang. Call 012-6571463 or email farihin@gmail.com

Outsourcing outlook for 2009

2009-01-12T07:23:00.000+08:00

An interesting article in The Star read:

-Start of Article-

Tuesday December 30, 2008

Challenging year ahead

By STEVEN PATRICK

PETALING JAYA: Growth for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry will fall to its lowest in a decade next year, according to the Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia (Pikom).

“We foresee organisations cutting down on ICT spending. Our forecast for next year will be 5%, in light of the global financial crisis,” Pikom chairman David Wong told In.Tech.

He added that the local ICT sector experienced a 7% growth this year and 10% in 2007.

“The last time the local ICT sector had a 5% growth rate was during the last financial crisis in 1997,” Wong said.

But it’s not all gloom and doom.

“We are still bullish on the outsourcing industry. With the economic slowdown, companies will be looking at ways to cut cost and outsourcing will be one way of doing this,” he said.

Wong even expects the outsourcing industry to create more jobs within the ICT industry.

“Unlike the manufacturing industry, the ICT industry will be creating jobs rather than losing jobs. We need more workers in the outsourcing industry.

Currently we have only 70,000 people working in outsourcing companies but we need 300,000 by 2012,” he said.

Pikom also expects the RM7bil stimulus package (announced on Nov 3) to cushion the overall drop in ICT investment next year.

“The Government has introduced several measures in its latest stimulus package to progressively stimulate the economy.

“We see the IT industry benefiting through lower fuel prices, which in return reduces cost of ICT companies doing business,” he said.

He added that the rollout of High Speed Broadband (HSBB) and WiMAX nationwide would spur the ICT industry on.

HSBB, which will be deployed by TM, promises surfing speeds up to 1Gbps (gigabit per second).

The Government signed an agreement with TM in a public/private partnership to build the RM11.3bil HSBB network in the country, in September. It was announced that the Government will fork out RM2.4bil for the venture (StarBiz, Sept 17).

As for telecommunications spending, Wong said that Digi.com Bhd has stated that 2009 will be its biggest investment year ever, with its 3G mobile broadband rollout.

From Pikom’s point of view, ICT will continue to be the key enabler or strategic tool for cost savings and productivity improvement during these challenging times.

-End of article-

Though the article highlights the inevitable economic situation that we may have to face, but it also highlights how outsourcing will emerge as the new trend among companies when addressing IT issues.

What is implied is more companies may lease their hardware rather than the traditional purchasing style. As times get bad, leasing or renting, are the forms of outsource that may actually save money in the long run.

Another interesting implication is that although the trend is anticipated to change towards IT Hardware Outsourcing, but also IT Maintenance Outsourcing. This means IT service and support may no longer be a department, but rather outsourced to companies dealing with such matters.

This economic downturn may just as well be the stepping stone for many companies to better understand, learn and experience IT outsourcing and how it can save money and increase productivity for the company.

"We help companies identify areas in which they can save money. Just help us to help you. Our contracts go as low as RM 500 per month for unlimited IT support. No company is too small, we're always willing to help out." said Mohamad Rafique, the Manager and proprietor of Mega Computer Solutions, dealing with a variety of outsourcing solutions.

For more info on IT Hardware Leasing and IT Service and Support (Maintenance) Outsourcing, please call Rafique 0192248416 or email rafique@megacomputers.com.my

Aikido Class @ KDE (3Jan08)

2009-01-08T01:37:00.000+08:00

What would you do when someone swings at you with a weapon from over head? Well those are the kinds of scenario that Aikido addresses.

Currently we're working on the basics though, such as back falls and forward rolling. "Its important to know how to fall properly, because an untrained and improper fall can mean broken bones or even a fatal injury. So learn to fall safely; disperse and distribute the energy of the fall." said our Sensei Suzalie, 3rd Dan Aikido Sensei.

Newcomers are always welcome to come and evaluate the classes to see if aikido is their type of martial art. Visitors are always encourage to come and preview the classes. No strings attached. But once you've seen how Sensei Suzalie is passionate towards this art, you'd want to join in a heartbeat.

So what's the Sensei like?
Here's a bit: He's one who cares about other's pain. He has been in the aikido arena for about 13 years. That's more than a decade! And he's able to read the students level of understanding. He executes demonstrations and moves with great precision and speed and at the same time taking great care of the students' well-being, making sure that students are always safe.

How is aikido different from other martial arts?
"Being a former student of wing chun, I personally think that Aikido is very good. One of the advantages is Aikido decreases the chance of further attacks because of its joint locking moves. This puts the aikido practitioner (known as Aikidoka) in control the situation the whole way thru." I usually comment to my friends when promoting aikido.

The joint-locking feature of aikido will disable the opponent or attacker from further movements, thus giving time to resolve the conflict thru discussions. And that's what Aikido is about. It's to divert the aggression so that sensible talks can safely resume.

Here the Sensei demonstrates an immobalizing joint-lock called 'Nikyo'. Although it looks simple, but the attacker can do nothing except follow the lead of the sensei. The attacker cannot move in to attack, as the Nikyo lock is also very painful, so painful, it prevents any attack. In fact, if the attackers moves in any other way, it actually increases the pain. Attackers can quickly come to their knees with a further move or swing from the sensei.

Who should join? All are welcome, from working class adults to school goers.
Class timings? Saturday nights, 8.30 pm to 9.45 pm
Fees? Only RM 55 per month and that's very affordable.
Can I come for a preview? Yes, please. Call Farihin 012-6571463 (farihin@gmail.com) or Sensei Suzalie himself at 016-6272718 (suzaliemohd@ikim.gov.my )

More info to come next week.

For the arabically inclined

2009-01-05T08:00:00.000+08:00

Arabic has been around longer than English and it is the 5th most spoken language in the world. For many, Arabic is taken up as a second language. Some because of the vast business opportunity awaiting in the middle east, while others for spiritual pursuits.

Even in schools today, pupils in Year 1 have started learning Arabic as a compulsory subject. Surprisingly many non-muslim parents have instructed that their children join the obligatory arabic classes too instead of going to 'Moral' classes because they understand that its just a language not a religious study.

But what remains for the working adult who yearns to learn some arabic? Where can they go in Kuala Lumpur for affordable, effective and consistent arabic classes? Fortunately such a place exists. It's Al-Hidayah institute.

"Arabic is our passion here at Al-Hidayah. We've got separate classes for men and women. Age is not a barrier." commented Mr. Norkhair, proprietor and headmaster of Al-Hidayah Institute.

Arabic classes are taught according to a special syllabus for non-native arabic adults. "Its the sort of structured syllabus that starts with simple conversations. When we've started conversing well, then reading and writing comes in. Its fun! Just look at me, I've been coming to class consistently for little over 2 years now." said Sheikh Amir Hamza, 58, one of the most senior student at Al-Hidayah Institute.

If the working adult can sacrifice consistently one day in a week, yes only one day in a week, then Al-Hidayah Institute is the place.

Why choose Al-Hidayah Institute? Only for RM 50 per month, anyone can learn! And structure syllabus will ensure that students are able to hold a conversation in arabic. Fact is, without the special structured syllabus that Al-Hidayah offers, other arabic learning centres may not churn out as many effective speakers.

Those interested in learning arabic at Al-Hidayah and have further inquiries, please contact Farihin 012-6571463 or farihin@gmail.com

Fumigation Service in Port Klang

2009-01-02T08:00:00.006+08:00

Exporters, lend me your ear! Excel Fumigation is the new company in town but very experienced in the industry.

"We've been in the industry for more than a decade and now we've a got a new face." commented its Managing Director, Mr Wahid Udin Ali.

For the uninitiated, fumigation is the service to rid export palettes and containers of pest. Its a requirement by Jabatan Pertanian, so if ever you wish to export something in containers, then fumigation is a must; and it must be done by licensed fumigators like Excel Fumigation Sdn Bhd.

Under normal circumstances, fumigation services may take up to 2 days or less. 1 day for the fumigation and another for ventilation.

"Methyl Bromide is really a poisonous gas. It has no smell and odour. Leaving just a container of this lethal chemical can kill someone without him knowing. That's why only licensed fumigators handle fumigation" added Mr Wahid.

For more info on fumigation services, please call Mr Wahid at 012-2289775 / 0331684722 or email: wahid@excelfumigation.com.my

Switching to DIGI

2008-12-30T14:00:00.000+08:00

Is DIGI any good? Why?
Yes. And for lots of reasons. If you're on prepaid, and you're into business, then its time to change to postpaid, any postpaid will do. But if you're looking for the best in rates, then DIGI is the answer:

Calls at 13cents a minute (30 second blocks) - meaning if you conclude the conversation in less than 30 sec then only 6cents charged!
Get on the family plan and call for FREE!
Cheapest internet unlimited plan, only RM 66.
Go for the DG50 plan. Fixed at RM 50. If you use less, still pay RM 50 and more than RM 50, pay according to the bill. (Even prepaid users use more than RM 50 a month easily)
FREE calls to DIGI Helpline 0162211800. And friendlier too!
It takes more calls in postpaid to finish RM 50 than in prepaid.

How to switch? And will I loose my number?
No, you won't loose your number with the new MNP (mobile number portability). Just go to the nearest DIGI centre, fill up the porting form. They'll give you a sim card. Only replace the sim card when your current service provider get terminated (on its own). After replacing the card, it'll say DIGI, but your number is still the same.
If this is too much trouble, then go online to www.digi.com.my and just switch online. They'll send the sim card to your location. This proved to be a hassle for me, but just make sure you give your work address coz the courier service will come during office hours.

I've been a DIGI user for about 3 months now, switched from MAXIS. I say everyone should come to DIGI! Its great. Time to change.

Introduction to Aikido

2008-12-29T08:30:00.002+08:00

Aikido is a japanese martial art. Believe or not, it does not have punching or kicking! It is more of a defensive art that emphasizes on blocking and joint-locking.

Classes are currently being held at Kelab Darul Ehsan, Ampang. Taught by Sensei Suzalie Mohamad (3rd Dan) and Sensei Hafiz (Shodan). Its a friendly environment suitable to people of all background.

This martial art is well known for its discipline. The typical dojo would have its students first prostrate on the ground to a picture of its founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Fellow Muslims need not fret, as you would not find these procedures in Sensei Suzalie's sessions. All the prostrating is left out of the training. Even prostrating to each other is reduced to a gentle nod. The Sensei has done well to remove obstacles that would otherwise prevent some of us from learning this wonderful martial art.

So far I see no other objections from other religions about the prostrating issues. Anyone interested in Aikido that can cater for all backgrounds, please call 012-6571463 Farihin or Sensei Suzalie 0166272716 for more info.

Introduction

2008-12-28T01:23:00.002+08:00

Assalamu alaykum and Hi to all,
Welcome to my blog. The name's Farihin Fong. This is the blog evolved from farihinfong.blogspot.com & mcs-it.blogspot.com (currently they're defunct though).

What's new? Firstly I'd like to cover Islamic beneficial matters, no longer into 'fiqh' entanglements.

Secondly, I'd like to setup a new label or category to help friends and associates have better web presence.

Thirdly about Aikido. Fourthly about Technology (Linux, Internet, Computers, Phones, Telcos, etc)

And last but not least, General (any rambling that doesn't fall into the above categories). I hope readers will find the useful, inshallah.