Skype is broke?!... read on

my reflection...

What is the possibility that Skype offering pc to phone calls outside of the US?  Who knows.. anyway, if it does than it's going to be a new wave of change or another flux of a going down company...

Ah well, if we can get it for free, I'm all for it...

Have a nice week.

p.s.

Do you skype?

................................................................................

MAY 16, 2006

Technology

By Olga Kharif

Skype Goes for Broke

The Web-calling outfit owned by eBay is offering free PC-to-phone calling in North America in order to hit growth targets

Using Skype's bargain-basement phone service just got even cheaper. Skype customers can now make calls from personal computers to landline or wireless phones within the U.S. and Canada for free, instead of the usual 2 cents a minute. But what comes as great news for consumers may be a sign Skype's growth is falling short of its parent's expectations. The Web calling company was acquired by auction giant eBay (EBAY ) in October for $2.6 billion.

The new pricing scheme is aimed at stepping up growth of the North American user base and fending off increasingly vicious competition. At least one analyst speculates the move is an indication Skype is behind schedule in reaching targets outlined at the time of the eBay purchase.

Skype founders Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis and other Skype owners and executives stand to get a windfall of about $1.5 billion if certain growth targets are met in the coming years. EBay hasn't specified what the goals are, but they center on sales, gross margin, gross profit, and the number of active users of Skype's service.

SATISIFED MANAGERS.  User growth may be 20% to 25% behind plan, according to estimates by Albert Lin, an analyst with American Technology Research. Although Skype's software has been downloaded more than 300 million times, many users have downloaded the application to multiple devices. As a result, Skype now only has some 40 million regular users, he estimates. Unless Zennstrom and Friis rev that number up to 100 million by yearend, they might have to forgo a chunk of their bonus, Lin says. Skype also could extend its free PC-to-phone calling offer to other areas, including Western Europe, he says.

Skype says it's pleased with growth and denies more price cuts are in the works. "We are not planning on expanding the promotion," says Henry Gomez, general manager for Skype in North America. "We are very, very satisfied with the growth, it's been flying."

That growth could come down to earth, though, as rivals Yahoo (YHOO ), AOL (TWX ), Microsoft's (MSN ) and Google (GOOG) offer more free Web-calling services. AOL just announced a major redesign of its TotalTalk Web-calling service, providing users with free phone numbers and free incoming calls from regular phones. Skype charges nearly $13 for a three-month subscription to a comparable service.

PROFITS MIA.  The May 15 announcement is "a direct response to AOL," says Jon Arnold, principal at Web-calling consultancy J Arnold & Associates. Other providers of Internet-based calling, including Verizon (VZ ), are also lowering call prices(see BW Online, 05/05/06, "Verizon's VoIP Offensive").

Another casualty of the Internet-calling price wars, of course, is profitability. "The [100 million users] goal is achievable," says Lin. "It's all a question of, at what price." Analysts forecast that Skype will book $200 million in sales this year. That may need to be revised as the SkypeOut PC-to-phone service -- one of the few paid services the company provides -- becomes free in North America. About 5 million of Skype's active users, or 12.5% of total customers, live in the U.S. and Canada, Lin estimates. Skype believes the promotion won't affect the revenue targets.

And just how Skype will goose sales remains uncertain. By Lin's estimates, Skype generates about an average 9 cents in sales a month per customer. While Skype has been steadily increasing its revenues per subscriber, its journey to breakeven -- especially if the company makes some of its paid services free -- could take years.

SHADOWY STRATEGY.  Analysts are becoming increasingly perplexed about exactly how eBay plans to make money off of the Web-calling outfit. "I don't understand what their strategy is, why they want more unpaying customers that add more cost to their network," says Stephan Beckert, an analyst with telecom consultancy Telegeography. "They just want to be Santa Claus."

One possibility: Skype may be on the verge of moving to an ads-based business model, Beckert says. But the company continues denies having any plans to run ads. "It's really about turbocharging our growth and solidifying our market position here before others catch on," says Gomez. The company's executives say they hope to acquire a loyal customer base to whom to they can sell premium products, such as ringtones and business Web-calling services(see BW Online, 05/03/06, "Skype Piles It On").

Meanwhile, Skype's per user costs could mount as the customer base rises and it becomes subject to greater regulation, Beckert says. For instance, the company, whose service is currently unregulated, could be asked to route 911 calls -- a feat it currently doesn't and can't perform. Such regulation would add to the costs for Skype -- and its new owners.

Firstly thanks to all Kg Victoria members that had given their piece especially Bro Zamzuri for getting the ball rolling. Bab makan ni memang lumrah warga Malaysia. So this list memang khas utk kaki makan, especially bila dapat allowance : D

Here goes (Alphabetical order):

1. Afghan Sahar Kebab - satu dekat dengan Istanbul kedai daging halal, satu lagi kat Coburg

2. Alasya - Turkish Cuisine, tempat favourite bro Turki semua. Famous place.

3. Balhah - Kedai ni sebelah Medina Halal Meat,pistachio sweet ni sedap dan macam-macam lagi kuih muih dan manisan Turki/Arab.

4. Bali Bagus (Bukan Asia Bagus tau) - Indonesian, Sydney Road sebelah Sa

5. Habib Pizza @ Coburg - the cheapest latte around - close to Dimmeys Coburg. (Belakang Coles, sebelah Kedai Cermin Mata)

6. Kebab Station - Coburg, Corner Sydney road and Bell st (depan Coles), probably one of the best kebab in town

7. KFC Halal, satu kat Fawkner, at Gowrie Train stop of Upfield Line. Satu lagi kat Racecourse Rd, Flemington. KFC nih, tak semuanya Halal, ayam goreng saja dan beberapa item je yg halal. So, be careful.

8. La Grotta - Corner Bell st and St Georges St, Western & Italian cuisines, value for money

9. MKS, Dandenong, Princess Highway(dekat Dandenong Town Hall) Masakan Mamak/India....briyani, kuih sedap, segala macam rempah ratus ada...

10. My Rest, high street (selepas junction ke chapel st.) 0395214100 Samosa, roti, briyani, dll

11. Nasi Kandar, roti, nasi lemak, teh ais, tarik dll..cantikkkkk

12. Nila Restaurant - Malaysian/South Indian ala Mamak - (also opening in Little Collins), Briyani best jugak. value for money. Boleh layan Hindustan sambil menjamu selera.

13. Northern Indian - Lazzat Kaddah (bukan orang Kedah) memang best, it's located along Sydney Rd jugak, lepas simpang Moreland Road sikit

14. Rest Changi Nasi Lemak( Spore), Latrobe st dan Swanston St, City (akan berpindah kot) 0396637488. Nasi campur, nasi lemak dan masakan melayu yg lain. Mee goreng dia boleh tahan.

15. Rest Indonesia, Glenhuntly Rd...ada 3 bijik tapi pergi yg halal punya laaaa

16. Rest Kayu, Box Hill, (Canterbury Rd, station st)belakang rest.India color brown...706 station st, box hill 0398993103

17. Rest Tamarind, Glenferrie Rd,(Princess Highway/glenferrie rd, atau High st/glenferrie road) berdepan dgn kedai Indon. Mamak style (tapi Spore), Nasi briyani pure punya, roti, kue teow dll

18. Rest Zam Zam....Elizabeth st dan Lonsdale St, sity , sebelah JB Hifi. Masakan mamak, briyani, kuih2, mee, roti dll...baguih.

19. Rest. Alamaro...Bell st, depan Dimmeys. 0399188087, Italiano style...halal...steak bestttttt

20. Rest. Bismi Gold and Folk Elizabeth st dan Latrobe St, Di bawah Changi Rest Mamak style, sama diatas

21. Rest. Chilli Padi...Indonesia, Elizabeth st...dlm bangunan depan parking lot

22. Rest. Indonesia....Commercial Rd, depan Prahran market...baguih juga,,,,boleh tahan(lupa nama). Nasi campur, dll

23. Restoran Bismi Di Sydney RoadSama di atas

24. Restoran Norsiah( Spore), Swanston st, Opposite Rydges Hotel, depan park sebelum Melbourne uni 0432011925. Masakan melayu, nasi campur dll....cendol sedap.

25. Restoran Padang....Swanston st, city depan nelayan. Nasi campur sedap, lunch and dinner...pedas bebbb

26. Restoran Pamir, Dandenong...dekat station keretapi Dandenong 0397920197. Makanan Afghanistan, nasi , ayam panggang, lamb,,,...sedap...nasi best....silalah try, baguihhhh

27. Restoran Selera Singapore, Springvale RD dan ??(Simpang empat menuju ke Forest hill Shopping complex). Masakan melayu, nasi campur

28. Roti Club...Glenroy. Roti canai, dlll

29. Sahara Cafe - Pizza dan kopi memang sedap

30. Spanish Moroccan - La Paella, kedai ni Kat Sydney Rd

Hmm, banyak jugak tu... this list bertujuan utk memberikan maklumat sahaja dan maybe ada yg tertinggal. Kalau ada pertanyaan lanjut, boleh contact saya. Insyaallah saya sedia membantu.

Yes, it was indeed a chilly BBQ for Kampung Victoria, the Malaysian Postgraduate Families community in Victoria. 9 April 2006, 3-4 of Kg Vic's volunteers were already at the BBQ spot at Lake Reserve early in the morning. It was a lovely sight, calm and peace. Not to mention, it was a cold Sunday! But the BBQ plates needs to be cleaned and the benches and tables needs to be 'booked' for the big crowd.

I was one of the later volunteers to arrive. The BBQ plates were already cleaned. It was a couple of guys left as the others had to go back and pick up their families, we started to get the BBQ rolling. The lamb was the first to get sizzled on the hot plate. Since there wasn't anyone there, the lamb cuts were cooked till it's 3/4 ready. When we've got customers, we'll just reheat them. The chicken wings were our next victim.

As time reached 10 am, I had to go back and pick up some sauces and prepare some mash potatoes with brown gravy. Took me about 40 minutes to return back and found that my guest had already arrived. Oh dear! After finished cooking and preparing the mashed potatoes, myself and Ahmad, my eldest were on our way to Lake Reserve. My wife had to stay back as my cheeky daughter, Batrisyia, had chicken pox.

Okay, here's the map to the upcoming Kg Vic BBQ. The spot is where the star is. To get there, take the tram 19 along Elizabeth Street and head all the way to stop 37, just past Coburg.

Landmark when you stepdown from the tram: Proton Cars dealer across the street. From there, cross Sydney Road to Murray Road (where the Proton Dealer is) walk on and soon after you'll find a park on your left.

Oh, do remember that the event is on Sunday, April 9 2006. Starts from 10 am onwards.

BBQ Reflectionz

It was a tough week. Assignments, tonnes of reading - journals, emails and books. Also group meeting...argh... I'm overwhelmed... but hey, Thursday is Ahmad's birthday!

As for the ceremony, I was quite occupied in making the preparation for a group
meeting that day and but managed to squeeze some time to get some KFC from the Fawkner Halal outlet. We all just love KFC and that simply switched on the celebration mood. So, we've got KFC, a big cake and a little present for Ahmad, which
the birthday boy picked his own present the day before. He got himself his favourite toy, Bionicle Robot by Lego. It's a bit cheaper here than KL.

The ceremony was short and brief, starting at 4:30 pm with the usual
song and cake cutting ceremony. It was really fun not only because of
the whole occasion but the way my youngest, Batrisyia, reacting to the
occasion. She was really shy and was behaving kinda funny. Well, that
would be the first birthday ceremony that she could have contextualise
since she's only 7 days off her 2 year old birthday. Yup, another
birthday is coming soon on 30 March 2006...

Happy birthday son...Next, saw the little cheeky girl in the pic... her birthday is just 7 days from the big brother... stay tuned!

Tahniah Bro,

Keep it up!

6 cendekiawan negara terima Zamalah Awam Asia

I was quite lucky with my Mitsubishi Magna 1989 when I first bought it end 2004. Thanks to Adi who took me to Dandenong and helped me with the arrangements. For a 16 year old car, my expectation is not that high. I'm happy with the car. Little problem so far and comfortable to drive especially in the hot summer as the aircond is still in working condition.

As I said, I was lucky... others may not be that lucky. The National Roads and Motorists' Association of Australia has this website that has a thorough checklist for buyers to consider. I've pasted it in this blog for the readers to have a read.

The link is http://www.mynrma.com.au/used_car_check.asp to get further details.

It gives me a thought, do we have this in Malaysia and I do remember the Automobile Association of Malaysia too has similar checklist.... I'll try and get it on this blog as well after I finish my Intel strategic analysis...

~Re-flectionz of my mind~

Used car buyers' checklist

Shopping for a used car can be time-consuming and, at times, unnerving. Print out our kit and take it with you to make sure you leave no stone unturned. It includes a DIY inspection checklist, handy phone numbers and a receipt form.

Inspection checklist

Inspect in bright light and when dry

Accident damage or rust
Check inside the boot, the floor wells, doors and lower sills for red or other dark stains, dimpled or bubbled paint. Use a soft fridge magnet to check panels for plastic body filler.

A vinyl roof may conceal rust or other damage.

Hail damage
Found mainly on horizontal panel surfaces (eg, bonnet, roof, boot lid). If hail damage is evident, check with your insurance company - they may not insure the car until it's fixed.

Panel fitment
Loose panels may indicate accident damage or that the car has been regularly driven over rough roads.

Doors and boot lid/tailgate
Catches should close firmly. Rubber seals can perish over time.

Paint
Look for colour variation, overspraying, dents or ripples.

Upholstery, trim and carpets
Check for wear and tear.

Engine number and VIN (vehicle identification number)/body number
These numbers must match the numbers on the Certificate of Registration. Check for signs of interference - scratches, grind marks, drill holes etc, as they could indicate illegal interference with the numbers.

Year and month of manufacture
Check these are as advertised by inspecting the compliance and/or build plate (compliance plates are fitted to most cars made for Australia since 1970; usually attached to a panel in the engine bay).

Engine appearance
Build-up of dirt or oil may indicate mechanical problems or poor maintenance.

Engine oil
Dirty/thick oil and a build-up of sludge in the engine may indicate a lack of maintenance. Grey or milky coloured oil may signify the presence of water, which can indicate serious engine problems.

Engine at idle
Listen for irregular running, or any knocking/rattling noises.

Oil fumes
Remove the oil filler cap while the engine is idling. Fumes may signify worn piston rings or cylinder

Radiator coolant
Should be clean and brightly coloured. Oil in the coolant may indicate a cracked cylinder-head or a leaking gasket.

Radiator cooler fins and core tubes
Check for corrosion or damage.

Battery and mounting platform/bracket
Check for acid corrosion.

Tyres (including the spare)
Uneven wear may indicate worn or misaligned steering or suspension.

Oil leaks
Check the engine, transmission, axles, brakes, power steering and shock absorbers.

Exhaust system
Fumes or excessive noise indicate holes or rust in the pipes or mufflers.

Seat-belts
Check that the belts are not frayed or damaged, and that the belts, buckles, adjusters and child restraint anchorage points are in good condition.

Lights
Check the operation of all lights, both inside and outside the car.

If the vehicle is fitted with ABS and/or SRS (air bag), check that the dashboard warning light/s illuminates for a short time when the ignition is turned on.

Equipment and accessories
Check airconditioning, ventilation fan, electric windows, sound system, etc. Inoperative items can be expensive to repair or replace.

Jack and tool-kit
These items should be in place and in serviceable condition.

Handy phone numbers

Receipt

Date:
Seller's name:
Address:
Phone:
Mobile:
Seller's drivers licence no & name:
Car registration:
VIN/chassis/engine no:
Agreed condition:
Amount received:
From (buyer's name):
For (cross one out):	Deposit / Full payment
This agreement is subject to the purchaser obtaining an inspection report from NRMA Vehicle Inspections. If the reported condition of the vehicle is not satisfactory to the purchaser, he/she may rescind the contract, and any deposit paid shall be refunded in full to the purchaser.
Seller's signature:
Buyer's signature:
Download the receipt only as a PDF

Before you drive off...

• Make sure you get all the keys for the car (ignition keys with transformers are expensive to duplicate).
• Get the service book, owner's manual and log book.
• If there's an alarm, find out how to de-activate it.
• Is there a hidden ignition switch?

Taken from http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/special.asp?pr=komanwel2006&y=2006&dt=0313&pub=komanwel2006&sec=Corat-Coret&pg=kc_02.htm

13/03/2006

Kekalahan sulung

Dua hari setibanya di Melbourne, kebanyakan pengurus pasukan Malaysia mendapat pertarungan pertama.

Urus setia Malaysia membekalkan pengurus pasukan kita dengan kad SIM bagi penggunaan tempatan tetapi selepas dua hari mencuba, mereka tidak dapat mengaktifkannya dan kebanyakannya sudah menyerah kalah dan melupakannya.

Ramai antaranya cuba menggunakan jenama lain dan berharap mampu mengaktifkannya.

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:cANqNDNsZKEJ:www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp%3Ffile%3D/2006/1/22/nation/13184625%26sec%3Dnation+prepaid+service+registration&hl=en&gl=my&ct=clnk&cd=5
Nation

Sunday January 22, 2006

Pre-paid service at stake

CHERAS: Telecommunications companies (telcos) will lose their pre-paid subscriber services if they fail to meet the Dec 31 deadline set by the Government to register all pre-paid subscribers.

Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik said there would be no more extensions to the deadline.

“They must register by the end of this year or have their (pre-paid subscriber) service terminated,” said Dr Lim after the Gerakan monthly meeting in Cheras yesterday.

Initially, the cellular companies (celcos) were given a six-month period between Jan 1 and June 30 to carry out the nationwide registration for pre-paid subscribers.

However, after receiving feedback from the celcos and advice from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and ministry officials, Dr Lim extended it to the end of 2006.

“I am not happy with the cincai (sloppy) attitude of the celcos in this registration exercise,” he said.

Dr Lim said he was surprised that only 10% of pre-paid subscribers in Penang and Malacca registered their numbers during the pilot exercise between October and December last year.

He said celcos used this period to remind their customers to register their pre-paid number.

“There is no more time for reminders, they must register,” he added.

Dr Lim said celcos must look into improving their services for their subscribers such as helping them protect their cell phones.

He said developing a database of registered customers could do this.

Once a registered subscriber’s phone details were in a database, it could help recover the phone if it was stolen.

Dr Lim explained, each cellphone had a designated serial number which subscribers could retrieve by keying in *#06#.

When customers registered their SIM cards and made a call, the first thing the celcos would pick up is the serial number.

“This can help recover phones faster and help prevent thefts.

“Thieves would think twice about taking a phone after that as it can be easily located even if the SIM card has been changed,” Dr Lim said.

He said celcos should consider introducing this service and charge their subscribers a reasonable price, which he suggested should be RM1 a year.

“I think a RM1 annual fee to protect your phone is reasonable, don’t you?” he said.

G'day mate

Melbourne 2006, the Commonwealth Games. It's my second Com Games after
KL that I had the opportunity to be part of. It was a very cold morning
for a Malaysian like me and my son to be up and awake at 6 am. But, for
the spirit of Malaysia Boleh, both us were eager to see the Malaysian
hockey team in action against it's old nemesis, India. For my son, it's
very special form him as it's his first time watching the Malaysian team
playing in a competition. He's going to be 7 years in less than 2 weeks
time and this trip would be a good story to write after his school
resumes in 2 weeks time. Back to the Malaysian team, it was a slow start
for them. But the soon settled in and looked very promising. The Indian
team was well organised and very fast on counter attacks while ours was
more European in their approach. It was a well contested match between
the two teams. However, the Malaysian team was awarded with a penalty
stroke after one of our forward was brought down by the Indian goalie.
Md Amin Rahim didn't waste the golden opportunity with our first goal.
The game continued till the break with Malaysia leading India 1-0.

The 2nd half was a different story. Our players seems to be slowing the
tempo but maintained their counter attacks on the Indian goal. However,
India managed to secure a penalty corner, 2nd of the game, and managed
to equalised with a well executed drag flick. The game went on till the
end with both teams locked in a 1-1 draw

After the match, I asked my son about what has he learned from the game.
I highlighted some aspects of hockey that he already knew such as the
right stance for hitting, running with the ball, stopping and tackling.
Hopefully he could gain interest in the game. Why? I'm a hockey player
too.... :-D

Go hockey!

Being in charge of something is not easy... it requires more than just skills but also passion and commitment. Accountablity also come into play. One colleague is currently in charge of a group of people in a business operations. He seems exhausted... mentally and physically. Can't seems to understand why... till today... Met him and found the reason why... He and his team wasn't fully prepared to meet this challenge... knowledge, skills and context was a bit out... felt sorry for him but I'll let nature does it by itself... He'll learn a few things, if not all, about his current endavour...I hope he does... Human beings has been given the ability to learn and re-learn. That's what makes us different as compared to the animals...

This posting is taken from an email by Bro Rahmat Bayudi (rbayudi@gmail.com). It is written mixed in English and Malay.

Just remembered I could rekindle old stories


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rahmat Bayudi <rbayudi@gmail.com>
Date: 09-May-2005 12:22


Khas untuk peserta program Derma 'Sayur' [I think subsidi tak berapa sesuai].

Pantun pembuka:

Pisang emas dibawak berterab(e)r
Masak sebiji boleh buat kek nanti
Kalau janji nak ke Camberwell dan Fawkner
Tentu Tuan (Puan) akan mengerti

Weekend yang baru sudah, giliran saya (dan beloved wife - who insisted
on tagging along) to help kak Sal and Abg Tio (our Greek brother)
collect, transfer and upload vegetables and fruits into his Van and
our wagon. It was the first time we did it as family, and it was kinda
fun. We arrived about 4.40 just in time, after having a late lunch at
Habib's Cafe (not Jewel) Coburg. (Good for takeaway but not
recommended to eat it - from experience). Abg Tio was waiting at the
entrance.

Nevertheless, Abg Tio, for the first time, talked to me in longer
words and sentences (biasanya hello how are you je), saying they have
been in this operation for more than seven years. He described the
Camberwell fresh food market. Most of the operators there were
Muslims, therefore the arrangement. Otherwise, like in other markets,
these food goes to waste. There is also a Christian Lebanese who
donated their stuff to a nunnery nearby. So all and all, the kindest
of intention. The market is really clean, far removed from other
markets I have seen (never mind Pasar Section 17 PJ or Pasar
Selayang).

He also told me that their son who used to work at the market, no
longer do so because of the nearing VCE exams. Perhaps the more reason
that they need help with the task. I think they are generally happy
with the assistance we are providing.

Yes they spent the WHOLE of Saturday afternoon, in the last SEVEN
years or so, in Camberwell market. (definitely longer than Kak Sab or
Dr Lin stint in the Sunday version of Camberwell market). Later of
course, they will be at home receiving visitors who will take these
food home and redistributed accordingly.

One of us will probably spend ONE Saturday afternoon at the market
every TWO months. That's not too bad. So, keep volunteering!

So we went about the task of collecting and transferring of the
products. Everyone we met gave SALAM to us, it was vey nice. Their
little girl, Nor (something) was also there helping out with opening
van doors and collectiong fruits. Kak Sal seems to know everyone in
the market, talking and greeting them.

By about 5.20pm, we were done. Ka Sal sent in for the last time to
thank her friends in the market. Off we went.

On the way back, we would normally took the Burke St, Manningham St,
Lower Heidelberg, Banksia St and Bell St. That was the route I took in
my previous trip (with Azhar, Istas and Arief I think, .. help can't
remember the other one, sorry!). This time I followed Abg Tio using
Maroondah Hwy (Whitehorse Road), into Heidelberg, and into Albert St,
before turning into Bell St. My old route was probably faster, less
traffic light, just as scenic. We had to do that last time because
their old VAN had an accident, couldn't be used. Now they have a brand
new Toyota Hiace Van.

We arrived at Kak Sal's house by 6.00pm and unloaded the boxes. Arief
(& family incl. children) arrived, as he promised, few minutes later
(I did expect him to 'terpacak' at Percy St by 6pm though - like his
hockey stick.) Nik (& family incl. children) arrived slightly later,
was probably still finding his ways around Fawkner.

There were also other visitors who arrived to pick up the goodies.
Mostly Din's friends. Those who arrived early may benefit if there is
not enough things to go around - they get to choose! So seronoklah..
Those on 'duty' jugak may have the privilege to get things that will
othewise be difficult to distribute without 'kerat-mengerat').

Distribution was done swiftly and loaded into the distributing cars.
(Our wagon, Arief's sedan and Nik's wagon - copycat of ours, only
different colour.. he he).

Kak Sal sempat masak a 'pasta pie thing', with mozarella cheese, siap
dengan Parmesan cheese garnish (yang bau macam setokin tu).

We ate, talked and left around 8pm.

Technical (for those on duty):
Collection in Camberwell.
Out trip: From Coburg to Camberwell, 45km; Camberwell to Fawkner:
55km. Fawkner to Coburg, 15km.
Arrive before 430pm is highly recommended. Get best parking spot,
right in front of the entry way.
After arriving at Kak Sal's, help with distribution.

Distributor [from Fawkner]
Arrive at Kak Sal's place 6pm. Help downloading (not pirated software
- vegetable!) Start distributing immediately into organised boxes
(this is still an issue!!) **
By 645pm should complete, unless stay for socialising and makan-makan.
If you bring children, bring warm clothing etc (winter time).

Key concept (for distributors)
We help inform our friends who receive these donations that we thank
Allah and appreciate the effort taken by Kak Sal and family to
organise all these, as well as people helping them out in
distribution, al least by thanks, doa and well wishes.

Recommendation:
The next trip, perhaps we would take photographs, kenang-kenangan.
Those funny experience yang Fuzan kabo tu, boleh kita tahu jugak kan.
Masuk album, amacam Arief?
Pakai kasut yang sesuai untuk ke Market - not high heels for ladies
(and gents). Prepare kena sembur dengan air (unintentionally) when the
floor is being cleaned. But don't wear raincoat, nanti 'overdressed'
pulak.
Leave your handbag in the car, hidden sensibly (from experience).

** Boxes: Amacam geng, kita beli plastic box yang stacks up to.
Ceritanya macam ni. Availability of cardbox box tu bergantung kepada
market situation. Yang recyclebale definitely styrofoam box. For our
prupose, these are difficult to clean. I still think an identifiable
box per family is a good idea (since kotak suratkhabar idea tu tak
berapa 'berkat'!! he he).

I suggets we collect an amount of money from those receiving donation
of vegies, to buy these boxes, containers. To be fair, those who help
out (in the rota system) can be excepted or given discount, since they
(including me la) had also contributed financially interms of fuel and
other hidden expenditures. Amacam?

Note:
Special thanks to Dr Lin (Dr Azman's) and family for minding our
children (Raed and Raiman) during our recent trip to Camberwell and
Fawkner. Thank you.

Pantun penutup:

Nasi Lemak si kacang goreng
Sayang selasih hamba tak makan
Petang petang Sabtu dok mengiring
Sampai rumah seronok kerjakan


[Sorry, panjang message ni. Tengah berlatih indegenous ethnography
within hermenautical research approach. ]

--
Rahmat Bayudi
PhD Candidate, Sustainable Environments, University Melbourne
Visiting Researcher, Centre for Design, RMIT University, Melbourne
Lecturer DS45, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur [on leave]

~Re-flectionz of my mind~

Recently, I met a few postgrad students and doctors who had just came to Melbourne either for studies or specialist training and heard of the problem of getting the right information in Malaysia prior coming to Melbourne. It was a surprise because currently there are more that 30 postgrads, either with their families or not, presently studying in Melbourne.

Most of them are government sponsored students supervised by the Public Services Dept (JPA). As such, JPA should have at least some contact information to be given to the candidates coming to Melbourne so that they can get the right information from existing students in Melbourne. Through this networking, future students would be able to access latest information about living in Melbourne, how to rent a house, which school, child care services, how much is the school fees (for paying students' dependants) etc.

In view of this, here are some tips for those coming to Melbourne for the first time:

• Information sourcing.

1. Surf the Victoria Malaysian Postgraduate Group (VMPG) at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vmpg/
   
2. Email to vmpg-owner@yahoogroups.com, the group owner will do their best to provide the right information
3. Surf your uni website
4. Surf http://www.msdaustralia.org.au/ which is the Malaysian Students Department in Australia.
   
5. You can email me as well at ariefamron@gmail.com

• Accommodation - temporary and permanent

1. For temporary accomodation you can try the Malaysian Hall. Surf http://www.msdaustralia.org.au/ and search for the hall's link. Email the hall officer early to book a place. There are peak and non peak season so there's no guarantee that you'll get place.
2. If you fail to get a place at the hall, do email the VMPG owner for assistance.
3. The process to acquire an accomodation in Melbourne can be a nightmare but not hopeless totally. Lucky ones managed to get a place within just 3 days of arriving in Melbourne. But others, such as in my case took over 40 days to get a flat here.
4. Rates in the city is very expensive and may start as low as AUD 1000 per month. Students bringing their family and kids must understand that a 1 bedroom house/flat/unit is not suitable for you. So, a 2 bedroom accomodation is acceptable.
5. Do not rush in getting the accommodation.
6. To get a flavour of the real estate environment, please surf http://www.realestate.com.au/
7. Monthly rents is = [ Weekly rate x 52 weeks ] / 12
8. Virtual map of Melbourne here

• Driving and mobile phones

1. Malaysian students can drive in Victoria indefinitely as long as they are international student. Providing that they have the English translation of their licenses and their licenses are still valid. So, those coming for their Phd, it is recommended that you renew your licence to more than 3 years.

2. Mobile phones from Malaysia is compatible in Australia and there are many options to choose from. In Australia, there are benefits if you are using the same service provider with your friends such as free calls and sms. So, do not rush. You can email the VMPG owner or myself for further advice.

• Food

1. Halal food is abundance in various parts of Melbourne such as Coburg, Brunswick, Dandenong, Fawkner and Footscray.

• Schooling (will continue...if you want further information please email me at ariefamron@gmail.com)
  

In in my semester break right now and taking the full opportunity to be with the family. So I took to a day trip to the ski resort of Mount Buller some 300 km plus from Melbourne. Then our family friend invited us to Warnambool to catch a sight of the humpback whales over there. The journey was also a day trip passing through the magnificent Great Ocean Road passing the 12 Apostles at Port Campbell. I'll talk about my trip in another clean sheet.

One semester has passed form me at the University of Melbourne for the Master of Knowledge Management and today, 7 July 2005 is the day I'll get my exam result. I was both excited and scared... So I logged on to the uni's student information system to check my result. Opps... something was wrong. I was barred from seeing my result. The system stated that I still have an outstanding miscellaneous fee of $892! How can this be? Could it be that the Bank has missed a payment? Impossible. BNM has always been a good paymaster. So I called the student admin to check it out.

I guess good management is hard to find these days and the student admin is where such this is really lacking. I was told that the officer in charge of sponsored student would give me a call later that day. It was 2:15pm then. He didn't call.

Next morning at 11am I called student admin again. Once again, I was denied to speak to the officer in charge and was told to wait for his call later today. He didn't call. I was really upset by now. At 3:45 pm, I called them back. To my disbelief, I was told that the officer in charge is a VERY BUSY MAN. Right, the busiest man on earth. The next instruction was really absurd, I was told not to call the student admin again and I was to wait for the officer to call me. That's it. I've had enough of this utter nonsense. I'm going there myself on Monday.

Monday, was at the student admin office around 9:30 am. I was then given a copy of an invoice stating that the Bank (my sponsor, Bank Negara Malaysia @ Central Bank of Malaysia) has yet to pay my overseas student health cover (OSHC) and a subject fee. This is absurd as I already receive the OHSC. Furthermore, the Bank has always been an excellent paymaster. Something smells bad!

So I called the Bank in KL and explain them on my situation. I also asked them whether they receive any invoice on the outstanding fees recently. They replied no. No additional invoices. In fact they have paid the uni for all of the Bank's sponsored students which all 3 of them are with Melbourne Uni. I asked them to call the student admin to get some clarification on this matter. After signing off with the Bank I went back home for lunch.

5 pm Melbourne time, I called the Bank for any development. Indeed there was. It was a shocking relevation. It seems that the uni has been asking for the wrong thing from the Bank to pay. It was actually the Amenities and Services Fees (ASF) that was unpaid. But the ASF is only $ 389 per full time student, how can it be $ 892. The uni explained that the Bank didn't pay ASF for all its sponsored students, 2 for Master and 1 Phd student. And all that amount was charged to 1 student, ME! Why me alone and whay can't the uni simply segregate the ASF to each individual student and invoiced it to the Bank in that manner? Why invoicing the Bank as OSHC fees and subject fees where it should have been ASF? In any business transaction no one will pay if the invoice was wrongly asking payment for the wrong reason.

The Bank has agreed to pay and asked the Uni to redo its invoice and state the right item it. Oh no, the Uni refuse to accept its mistake and refuse to change the invoice to state the ASF for 3 students. Unbelievable! Totally unbelievable! The Bank agrees to pay eventhough the invoice was wrong. I guess this will not go well with the management back home, I'm sure that the Bank would be extra carefull with invoices that they'll be receiving from Melbourne University in the future.

The lessons that I've learned from this incident was that it doesn't make a person or institution lose its value by accepting that they had done a mistake. By accepting that a mistake was done, then t should be taken as lesson learnt. This experience should be used as guidelines or indicator for improvement in the existing systems of doing things.

~Re-flectionz of my mind~

Mind mapping was introduced to me in 1990/1 during my secondary schooling days back in SDAR, Seremban. It was part of the school 'optional' preparation program for the Malaysia Certificate of Education in short SPM or MCE. I can still recall my amazement towards mind mapping that I immediately fell in love with it. In fact the guys that was with me in that program was mind mapping crazy.

As any other learning tools, usually the tool would fade away after a few months but not with this mapping stuff. My friends and I simply got stuck with it. The ultimate testament was that all of us did managed to score better than we expected to do so.

Since then it was to be my study tool throughout my uni days. Now, since I'm back studying, I've found that mind mapping is still the tool to use. In fact thanks to the technological capability that us human was bestowed, mind mapping now is easier via mind mapping software.

I've managed to get one for free from http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page. It's called Free Mind. Kudos to its developer not ony for developing the wonderful software but sharing it for free as well.

Common' give it a try...

~Re-flectionz of my mind~

This week has been quite an interesting one. First a couple of Malaysian families just arrived in Melbourne during its cold winter season to start a new life. The first one a doctor from the KL Hospital and his family and another a lecturer from UIA and her family, a Phd candidate with Monash at Berwick

Berwick, hmmm I've been there once. I took my wife and kids there to check out the Kids Market held at its county hall. Its a nice area with beautiful landscape. It reminded me of the Salem High Country advertisement a few years back in Malaysia. So I took the lecturer's family on a house hunt in Berwick. it was a tough one indeed. The rentals in Berwick seems to be on the high end. Even the primary school is in a posh housing estate facing the Eastern Freeway. To me its a reflection of Damansara Heights facing the Kerinchi Link.

At one of the real estate agencies, I asked the lady about the housing market in Berwick. I was surprised to hear that the small town is one of the favourite areas for Melbournians to stay now. No wonder the number of houses that is affordable to us Malaysian students are very limited.

In my mind, Berwick would be a nice place to stay, especially if one is going to settle down. However, the support system for students especially us Muslims from Malaysia is not established yet. Issues about masjid and halal meat supply is a great concern if one is going to stay there.

Nevertheless, we applied for 3 houses and now it is the waiting game.

Today, Dr Azman and family would be leaving Ozzie's soil. By now he and his family would be a quarter way through their journey back to Malaysia. I met him and his family first in November last year. It was my first outing with Malaysians in Melbourne which we called Kg Victoria. It was 8 months ago. As such it is true that they say time flies. I'd better take note of this and remind myself about time!

Time, I'm always at lost... Dear Allah, please give me the strength to keep up with time and at times that I fall behind, give me the courage to continue the chase, Amin

~Re-flectionz of my mind~

Been wanting to this a long time but couldn't get myself to make a move. Finally its here. my own place... to paint the reflection of my own mind. It's like talking to my ownself, yeah... they said that Pieces 'people' are introvert. Maybe it's true in my case.

Ahh well, if got some plans for this nice space they called BLOG. Firstly its a KM agenda thingy, then its my passion for good 'ol' field hockey and most importantly family stuff. Well, it's quite late here in Melbourne. Plus, need to rest after my weekly hockey training (it's winter in Melbourne).

good nite my friends where ever you R

Me and myself 

Reflectionz