O' Holy Night...

It’s that time of the year again… My kiddos are at my brother's place now celebrating with all their cousins, while I, on my desk... celebrating on this quiet night, having Brandy-On-The-Rock; with "Lappy" (my trusty laptop) & myself... Cheers everyone!

When the clock strikes 12 midnight, it’ll be Christmas Day, 25th December 2009… A day that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth (so they said), an annual Christian holiday, but “strangely” enough; it is widely celebrated by people of ALL races (well, almost), who are non-Christians.

But it’s a good thing... Coz it’s the time of the year where everyone will just come together & celebrate peace & harmony, music (caroling), exchange of gifts, celebrations, special meal and display of decorations everywhere in town, offices and homes; with Christmas Trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, etcetera & etc…

Let’s NOT talk about work tonight…

I’ll leave you with this beautiful song to end your wonderful evening… And I wish you a Merry X’mas folks!

Enjoy the music…

Memories Are Made Of These…

Today’s my 41st birthday!

As always, my kiddos will each make a personalized Birthday Card for me. They’ve been doing that since they were in kindergarten.

At a very young age, they have been taught it’s NOT the design of the Birthday Card that matters to me, nor the price of the card, but it’s the thoughts and what’s written and/ or drawn inside that counts, and most importantly… It must be sincere & genuine.

And I told them NEVER to BUY a card for me; because nothing beats handmade, even if it’s just a piece of paper; as long as the content and/ or drawing are straight from the heart, I’ll treasure & cherish it.

Ever since then, my kiddos personalized Birthday Cards has become part of my Collections that I deem as precious that I value much. Even those that were given to me by my Associates, those I mentored and those whom I adore or matter to me, even if it’s just a tiny little note/ card that say, “Thanks for everything Eric…” I kept it till this day; as long as it’s written from their heart that is.

Those who came to know of this habit of mine; often ask… “WHY DO THAT FOR…???”

“Coz I Appreciate When Someone Make An Effort…” I said.

And to my mum… She always called me a “Garang-Guni-Man” (garbage man) in a teasing way.

What nobody know is… Every year-end when I do house-cleaning before the arrival of Chinese New Year, I’ll always go through stack of it, read through each & everyone note(s), letter(s), Card(s) piece by piece (with a smile), then reminiscence back how it came about, what I do, and what I have NOT do; or could have done better.

Overtime, such practices & ritual has led me to become more patience with every individual; even should they become arrogant, haughty or conceited. I’ll recollect back the past that they use to be nice, genuine & true, read back what they once wrote me, and I’ll just forgive & forget (But for the record… I am NO Saint).

To those who know me, I will proclaim myself as the Keeper-Of-Memories… Because I love “collecting” Memories, through reminiscences, recollections, and events & experiences (Good or bad) that happen in my life and people that revolves around me in this ONE life I’ve got.

ANYWAY…

As my kiddos grew, their written words to me on their personalized Birthday Card become more mature & expressive (That’s good…).

They’ve filled-up the whole page, para-after-para with words that touches even my soul… And let me extract some of those words they’ve written me… Hilarious yet entertaining, child-like behaviour but yet with a sensibly grown-up minds, sincere yet heartfelt… Warm; yet lovingly sweet to the bone.


An Extract from My Eldest Daughter… Mandi See (Age 15).

“…Thanks for creating me to be here daddy. I wouldn’t have been here if not for you. 23 Chromosomes + Egg from mum combine with 23 Chromosomes + “Tadpole” from you = ME! :)”

“…My friends actually envy me a lot… But I wouldn’t have had become the ME today without your guidance & knowledge you've given me daddy.”

“…I am proud to be member of the SEE-Empire clan.”

Lots Of Love… Mandi


An Extract from My Second Daughter… Delvina See (Age 14).

“…You know I love you daddy! :)”

“…I will study hard so you need not worry about me.”

“…I wish you to be healthy forever.”

Your Dearest Daughter Delvina


An Extract from My Third Daughter… Amanda See (Age 12).

“…You teach me stuffs I never knew and are always patient with me.”

“…A wise dad like you I would give ANYTHING to have you with me always!”

“…You are one of the MOST IMPORTANT people I love, muack!!!”

“…Papa, you ROCK!”

Love Amanda


An Extract from My Youngest Son… Glenn See (Age 8).

“…Thank you for your care & love for me daddy!”

“…I have no present for you dear daddy, but I will always love you!”

“…I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU DADDY!!!”

Love Glenn


Well kiddos… Daddy love you ALL very much too, muaCK!!!

So Who Are My 4 Treasures... Click HERE!

The Value Of "Value"...

Ever Put Your Heart & Soul Into Something or Someone That You Value Very Much HOPING All Will End Well; But It Didn’t…?

I did just that… For 3 months of Effort & Attempt (And the process was excruciating & agonizing for the record), but it has proven fruitless in the end regardless HOW MUCH I’ve been Calm, Understanding, Patient, Patient & MORE Patient. And what I got back was ridicule, scoff at and scorn at with unreasonable request, absurd demand & ridiculous claim.

I patiently relented & took a softer approach believing time will awaken this little delicate angry soul… And I took it upon myself that since I am much older, I MUST be patient & understanding & have forbearance NO MATTER what I was thrown at (after weighing all pro(s) & con(s) as long as the “damage” is manageable by me) even if it was totally illogical to me… (No one says changing a person’s attitude was easy)

In the end… The result I got was DESOLATION - All because I simply chose to believe that AS LONG AS it’s a homosapien, they WILL & COULD eventually CHANGE for the better and learn HOW TO put themselves in OTHER PEOPLE’S SHOES… But I was wrong in this belief that I subscribe & hold dearly to!

Some people just simply take you for granted once you start being nice or when you take a step-back… Some will climb “over your head” thinking they’ve got the priority over others… But what these people do not know, is that everything in life has its limit & threshold.

Most people will NEVER change till they are at their deathbed during the last few hours before their journey on this earth ends, that’s when they will be awoken “SUDDENLY” to the truth, that’s because ONLY at THAT MOMENT; will they START to reflect on HOW & WHAT makes them end up WHO & WHERE they are today. But in most time & circumstances, it’s ALWAYS too late – Wise words will ALWAYS falls on deaf-ears when PREVENTION can be put into effect, but MOST choose NOT to heed the words of kind warning, and I can attest to it over the MANY incidents & experiences (over the years) that I’ve come across & encountered myself personally with different people from all walks of life, it can get pretty annoying & infuriating!

The Ancient Knowledge was accurate to its core; time & time again… I’ve put it to test personally on MANY occasions of their theory & philosophy, many times over the years in fact, “they” were right!

Since young, we are taught that if you truly & genuinely put your heart & soul into helping someone; or make their life better… Your time, effort & sacrifices will be worth it at the end of the day, but it’s NOT always the case, for such beliefs can be a double-edge sword in fact. Of course some will be worth it, but MOST are NOT, and NOT everyone can be given a second chance in life to begin with… Because THAT second chance given to them, could be the crux of your OWN downfall & humiliation in the long run… And WHO will give YOU that second chance when you need it…?!! Those who have been “there” once, will understand where I’m coming from.

There Is ONE Teaching in The Ancient Knowledge that says… “The One Who Always Believe They Have NO Faults But ONLY The Fault Of Others...; In due course, Will Be Left ALONE By All - And The Features Of Their Face Will Slowly Transform To Show The Kind Of Person They Truly Are, In Matter Of Time.”

A very well-known Destiny-Reader once told me this (He is sought after by many in the business arena; especially the MNC giants & Property Developers; locally & globally), He said, “I Don’t Normally Do This… But I Feel An Affinity With You So I’m Giving You This Advice - Remember This Eric… Your Compassion Will Kill You One Day, Believe It Or Not.”

I believe him now… But I also believe what does not kill me, will make me stronger & tougher too. Hence, my "nightmare" continues...

Don't Be Cruel...

PLAYING Others Like A Fool (For Your own Entertainment Or For YOUR own Convenience) Is A Very Unkindly & Cruel Act…

TREATING Them Like One Is Even Worse…!

Especially On Old or Elderly People or Those Who Have Live Life Longer Than You Have...

Point is… You’ll laugh as long as the expense is NOT on you… But do remember, it’s the other person on the OTHER SIDE of the line that will suffer the pain, the insult and/ or the injustice.

So Remember… Be Fair – Be Nice – And If You Can... ALWAYS Compromise.

…You did Laugh didn't you? :O)

Old Town White Coffee...

3rd July 2009
Week 27 Day 184

“Hello Bro… See you at Old Town White Coffee at 21:30 hours ya…” said Melvyn.

These are the regular old “kako”, I mean “kaki” (minimum 12 years of social contacts) whenever Melvyn came back from USA; of coz there are MANY more “kakis”; but Mel couldn't meet all due to his limited days here in Singapore.

This was my FIRST visit to Old Town White Coffee, situated at Chun Tin Road, opposite Beauty World Plaza, behind the 24hours Roti Prata outlet along the stretch of Bukit Timah Road.

See the cup on the table (see pic.); I had “Teh-Oh” (Black Tea)… For that small cup size on my LARGE mouth... One gulp, gone! And its $2/= for the record…

One conversation Anthony & Yip had; which I thought was funny enough to share…

Yip : You know... Every paper on my desk, my boss always says P & C (Private & Confidential)

Which Anthony replied him classically & teasingly…

"We don’t “Pee & See”… We simply Pee & Flush…!

Thanks guy… for the wonderful night…!

The Curse Of Harry Potter...?

9th June 2009
Week 24 Day 160

Amanda, my youngest daughter is a big fan of Harry Potter… Last week when I was walking her to school at 6am in the morning, before crossing the road, I said…

Me : Amanda… Watch out for on-coming cars ahh...

Guess WHERE she looks…

She raises her head and looks UP at the SKY; instead of the road…!!!

I can't help but Laugh-Out-Loud!!!

Till today, whenever I cross ANY road… I will still laugh recalling back this incident!

Blame it on Harry Potter I suppose… It’s a pretty silly show isn’t it? (She could watch the SAME movie 5 times & read the SAME book 3 times!) - There was actually a scene where the car flew into mid-air escaping loads of gigantic spiders! How I know…? Coz I watched 2 times of that episode myself…!

Errr… Anyway…

**Amanda retorted back giving her excuses that she was still half-asleep back then… Still, fact is… She LOOKS at the sky for on-coming cars…! (She’s going to “scream” if she ever sees this entry…)

Good Men Are Like Extinct Dinosaurs…

7th June 2009
Week 24 Day 158

But WHERE can one find such a man & hold dearly his heart?

The answer… A lady who knows how to make her man feel complete; will find such a man. And normally such lady possesses great enchanting traits & personality… And I’m NOT talking about physical outlooks or alluring prettiness, but the beauty of inner-self.

Watch how this terrific man (Merrill) proposed to this wonderful lady (Erica)…




Awww… That is so sweet…

They Touched Me, Deep.

2nd May 2009

Week 19 Day 122

This is a very moving & touching 4 minute commercial by Pantene…

The story revolves around a deaf girl who wants to learn violin, but was constantly bullied & insulted by her pianist classmate… Till she found a “teacher”, a street performer… Who offered her some words of wisdom that changes her whole perspective of life, and music…

Now here’s another one – This is about how a father actually brought up his daughter (stage by stage) since she was an infant, showering her with love, attention & affection. But sadly, this young girl got pregnant when she reached her teen’s year. Her father was completely devastated to the CORE…! Guess what the father did during the confrontation with his daughter… My heart simply “melt” out…

Remember… You were their joy the day you were born – Be their joy too as you grow by the years.

The strength of a parent’s love is great…

The Miracle of Love… Indeed.


You have to admit… The Thai’s are darn GOOD with emotional storylines… They are simply, good!

Is Dog Meat A Delicacy?

29th April 2009

Week 18 - DAY 119

Dogs have historically been an EMERGENCY FOOD SOURCE for various peoples in Siberia, Alaska, Northern Canada & Greenland - And Sled dogs are usually maintained for pulling sleds, but are occasionally eaten when no other food is available.

But WHAT ABOUT those who eat for pastime or leisure’s sake? Simply because it tastes good; or some believe it to have pharmaceutical properties...?

Never have I tasted one (ever) before in my life, and I believe I will NEVER try one either, though I’ve been “offered” (especially) during one of those overseas work-trips of mine.

If you are a Dog Meat Lover… Please… Watch the video below… It’s precisely because of your love for dog-meat which CAUSES their (the dogs) PAIN & plight today.

(Turn ‘ON’ your speaker… Hear their cries of suffering & look-closely at those distress & helpless eyes, you CAN’T imagine the excruciating pain process they have to go through – It will cut you like a knife!)

To all these dogs… Earth must be a living-hell for them.

Have a heart, be human again… - If you wanna have a break for pastime or leisure’s sake, have a Kit-Kat instead.

Conspiracy Theory…? You Decide.

13th April 2009
Week 16 - DAY 103


All major paper reports say the economy is pretty bad and most are tightening their belts. Everyone seems to be affected & cutting back on their spending, but yet ironically; the teens (13 - 19) are still living life like they have always been! Just look around Coffee bean, Delifrance, Starbuck to TopShop, Zara, to BYSI and many more. Just look at the plastic bags these kids are holding, the laughter & smile on their faces, the attire they wear, flagging and/ or calling for cab as if it costs ONLY S$2 per trip… It sure doesn’t look like a crisis is going on in reality on GROUND.

Business is bad… So everyone says… But is it? Go to Boon Tong Kee Chicken Rice, No Signboard Seafood, Waraku, Shokudo, Thai Express, my list can go on & on… They are doing great in such “bad” times I must say. Stand there for a day; check out the number of customers who walk in, the number of time the cash-register is ringing at every half an hour, just OBSERVE… Open your eyes and watch, something is NOT very right here, unlike the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, you can see & tell IT IS REALLY A CRISIS everywhere! But THIS time… It just does NOT “tally”. If it is really a crisis, how you explain the surge in price for Sentosa attractions? (Regardless what their reasons may be...), and the hike in school canteens on the drinks & food too? It just DOESN’T make sense here…

Of course there are those businesses already wound-up, which conveniently point it to the economy crisis… (I mean, EVERY YEAR there are business winding up even when times are great!) but is business really that bad OR they are NOT good enough to compete or they simply DON’T HAVE A CLUE what the customers want? So is it really because times are so bad that led to a failed business? Yes & No… YES because they don’t have the cash flow to sustain further because no one is buying from them and the Banks are going after them for payment – And NO because precisely "times are bad" (which we "must" believe because the news said so), customers will get more paranoid and more discern & selective compared to when times were good… Preference of their choice of outlets becomes their NUMBER ONE priority – And that is why I always stress & emphasize that Branding & Positioning in the customer’s mind is ALWAYS vital & NO Businesses should take this lightly if they want to build a business that can withstand bad times & not just good times...! (Sadly, many Entrepreneurs, SBEs, even SMEs do not see the importance of this aspect as part of their business fundamental & foundation.)

What I said above, I’m "generalizing" it as a whole; just like how a copier-machine will zap & scan through that piece of paper you want to Photostat (or Xerox). Just like how a photographer would SNAP that scenery and then study the intricate details of the background of the scene and so forth… (I can’t go into details here with you on my findings else that would be a 4 hours’ workshop session)

Is it true the world is in a chaotic situation right now…? Yes! But my point is – Is it REALLY affecting YOU or those running their own small & medium businesses? Have you ever wondered… If NOT for the media news & constant report… Would you have KNOWN there is a crisis today? Would it have affected YOU or your business now so badly? Or your Employer? Or YOU as an employee? For all you know… EVERY DAY & EVERY YEAR there are thousands of retrenchments & crisis going on, just that the news does NOT report about them… But now because the World says we are in a crisis, so the papers have to get that statistic to show you it is true… Funny thing here is, they tell you to stay positive and be upbeat about the economy, but yet at the other end of the line, they tell you HOW BAD the situation will get and you better be prepared for the worse! Isn't that what the hokkien guys always says? "Wu-Kong-Ka-Na-Bo-Kong...!" Go think about it… A shift in your thoughts of paradigm may just awake you to do things differently today. By the way... Do you know this crisis actually began way back in early July 2007? And it is the financial sector that is the cause of today’s weakening global economy?

Now... Everyone I met nowadays is asking for a quick solution to turn things around - ONE SWIFT plan with ONE clean execution – One SHOT! Like how the Sniper’s are trained to take down a gunman or bad eggs… They have just ONE SHOT to take…! Will the Chain-of-Reaction & Effect that is happening on-ground right now going to be more destructive overtime? You bet it will - Don't just observe with your eyes; use your mind-sight as well.

Also, the plight of many Entrepreneurs & SBEs (Small Business Enterprise) is in a very vulnerable situation right now; and their defence is generally weak, sadly. Once the next wave comes in, it is going to hit them big time. And WHERE they are going to end up eventually; is going to be “Auld Lang Syne”…

Do you have any idea what does Conspiracy Theory mean & how it works? Stay tuned… Coz this has EVERYTHING to do with YOUR life, YOU as a person, YOUR career, and/ or YOUR business enterprise, because YOU are part of a whole Game plan - Everything that is happening right now, it is inter-connected & inter-related (one way or another)... O & W (Observe & watch).

Remember... One "action" can trigger a whole lot of mishap, calamity, disaster & misfortune, and when that happens… WHAT is your position; and WHERE is your stand. (Watch the video below… For analogy purpose only – See how a SNAP of ONE Chain can cause great amount of effects and outcomes... Not forgetting the GREAT pain & damages and the loss of innocent lives).

Like I said, just ONE "action" = Chain-of-Reaction & Effect...

- In Deep Thoughts... Tonight.

8th March 2009
Week 10 - DAY 67

Happiness, they never last… So is Sadness; thank goodness.

Contentment, it NEVER lasts either… So is Blissfulness, what a shame.

Trust… It takes years to solidify, but takes just minutes to liquefy.

Reliance & Faith… takes years to establish; but just a day… to blemish it dry.

Should I die today… I wonder… R e a l l y really wonder…

Who will stand by my grave… And seek my forgiveness truly; but rather keep quiet now… when I’m still alive.

I really wonder…

WHO will stand by my grave… And cry till their eyes red & dry;

Who will stand by my grave… And spit, or curse me at high pitch voice;

And WHO will stand by my grave…And speak softly & gently to me; as if I’m still well & alive.

W H O will stand by my grave… And accompany me all night;

Who will stand by my grave… And have a drink with me; on this dead silent night.

And who will stand by my grave… And TELL ME how much they've truly adore & love me deep… And mean every word they say... Uphold till their very last breath...

And Who will truthfully miss me… Wanna hug me… Wanna kiss me… Wanna kick me… or even wallop me.

WHO…

WHO can that be… WHO shall that be… WHO will it be… WHO could it be… w h o … I wonder…

But whoever that may be… By then; six feet underground beneath I am in… I guess it’s too late for me to do; or say anything ANYMORE…

For EVEN if I should speak aloud deep beneath six feet underneath… I’m certain no one can hear or feel me, even if I should be doing my favourite thing… Sing!

But should I even start Singing… I don’t think anyone would dare do a duet with me.

On this warm, dry, and quiet night tonite…

Looking up; as the moon shines bright…

Leaving it to NO chance; should I NOT be awaken after one fine night…

Thank you... Thank you all... To you... Yes YOU... And everyone who truly & honestly care for me once; and who truly cherish me before (or after); or even if it is Once Upon a Time…

I just wanna say…

You’ll be missed by me… and remembered always in my heart… The memories we had… For being my ears… Being my eyes… Watching my back… Supporting me all the way when I'm down & out... Stayed by me when everyone left... Gave me strength & courage to moved on... Gave me hope & a new lease of life... All those tedious works & norm heated business discussion… All those late (but wonderful) nights… Having those good meals with me… Watching great movies… Countless Brainstorming session… The times we shared… The moments we spent… The battle we fought... The agony we've been through… The fight we did… The argument we debated… The EVERYTHING we did as one; or two… three… or four… or as a team…

NOT forgetting how you’ve misunderstood me… How you’ve blame me… How much you detest me... The harsh words you’ve said to me… The cold treatment you gave me… The never-ending nightmares you bestowed upon me… The arms you bend & twist… The finger you pointed at me… The one you loved… The one you hated… The one you yelled at… The one you accused…

Be it good or bad… Be it sweet or sour… Be it nice or unpleasant… Be it me or you… Be it you or me… Be it whatever it may be… or may have been…

I STILL wanna say…

Thank You for the sweet memories…

For it is all these memories that made my life interestingly so sexy & lively… That I have indeed live life fulfilling-ly & joyfully; coupled with tons of heartache & pain along with it…

But that’s Life… isn’t it…?


So thank you all…


Thank you…


THANK YOU... For Loving Me.


(What a sentimental & emotional freak I am tonight…! Can’t stand myself somethong… I mean sometimes... Good night.)

- U No Longer Need To Be 21

1st March 2009
Week 9 - DAY 60

Good news to all young enterprising individuals… You no longer need to be 21 to register your own business!

With immediate effect; starting today 1st March 2009, people 18 years old and above can now register a Business Name, be a Company Director, and form Companies or Limited Liability partnerships.

But do take note that the exceptions are:

* Contracts for Sale, Purchase, Mortgage, Assignment or Settlement of any land, other than a contract for a lease of land not exceeding 3 years;

* Contracts for a lease of land for more than 3 years;

* Contracts for Sale, Transfer or Pledge of a minor’s beneficial interest under a trust; and

* Contracts for settlement of any legal proceedings or action in respect of which the minor is, pursuant to any written law, considered to be a person under disability on account of his age, or of any claim from which any such legal proceedings or action may arise.

From my analysis… During this bad times (and with this new change of Contractual Age…) I foresee Entrepreneurship will rise rapidly in Singapore between 2009 – 2012. Of course, it can be glamorous & exciting running your own business… Question is, HOW to kick-start it appropriately, properly, fittingly and cautiously; and in-tune with your Vision, Direction & Goal.

Take my word for it… No amount of books, info and/ or knowledge you read or received about “Starting A Business” will guarantees you a smooth journey… NOT even real-life & on-the-ground Entrepreneurs who have ‘Been There, Done it… Get Burned, and Fail and/ or Succeed (after much failures) had it in any other easy ways either.’

I’ve always been asked… “Eric, should I PAY to listen to someone who’ve SUCCEEDED…? or someone who have FAILED?” Based on my many years of accumulated experiences (good & bad) on-ground & dealing with people from all walks of professions… My answer would be, “Pay great attention & LISTEN to people who have failed, especially Bankrupts (NOT credit cards spenders but Business Owners and/ or Entrepreneurs); and those who have failed through business ventures…! Coz they’ll speak openly & passionately from the heart WHY they failed in the first place & HOW they’ll do it differently the next round – But PAYING to listen to those who've succeed, most always sound like (as if) they were David Copperfield or Wonder Woman who can perform miracles or magic & how “great” they are by the time their stories end; but never will they ever release the “crux-of-the-details” what make them hit their first pot of gold… I mean, if you have a Rooster that secretly lays golden egg for you that brings you great wealth, would you REALLY & TRULY share it openly & passionately with the world that IT IS YOUR secret Rooster who is actually the cause & source of your great wealth and you will gladly, openly & passionately WITHOUT HESITATION lend, share & pass-it-on to “strangers” (for a small fees) who want that Golden Eggs of yours so that they can be wealthy like you too…? Would you TELL the world if you have a guaranteed winning 4D or lottery number that will hit jackpot next week so EVERYONE will win that 1st price like you too…? Would you share with everyone & anyone for a small fees on your guaranteed winning lottery number? Need I say more?”

So… In my personal opinion, if you belong to the category of someone who have just started-out in your new business venture, it is wiser to always LISTEN & LEARN from those who have failed on-ground and fail terribly, because by listening ONLY to those who've succeeded does NOT means their Business-Model or strategy can fit into yours or be replicate or duplicate in YOUR business in the first place; because every situation is unique in itself, there is NO one solution that fixes ALL problems. But on the other hand, those who’ve failed, the patterns & cycle for all FAILURE is often (if not always) the SAME; which many first-time Entrepreneurs always fail to see the snag, the downside and the pit-hole of running a business, they fail to see the “it” coming… And what they fail to see, they FAIL to dodge, avoid & prevent it from happening, simply because they CAN’T or DIDN’T see it coming (or WHAT’S coming…) I called it “The Dark Side of a New Business Venture”!

It takes a lot MORE than just great ideas & concepts to guarantee SUCCESS in any new business upstarts… Not trying to demoralize anyone here; but that’s the reality you must be ready to accept & embrace; and must be mentally prepared to fail; else DON’T even start, cause that arrogance & ignorance WILL kill you!

There is NO fairy-tale, easy-process or secret-recipe in any business undertaking; but the truth of the matter is; there is a “silent & deadly” on-going “war” out there… The moment you start your new business undertaking; you are “declaring” a “war” with those in the same trade or industry as you, and to win this war, you must step into the “battlefield”; which I call it “The Business War Zone”… Reason WHY you are in this war? Because you are competing with hundreds; if not thousands more season or slightly more experience than you Entrepreneurs who have stayed alive (I called it Survivorship) fighting for that piece of the market-shares that you are GOING AFTER too. These “players” will be waiting patiently & enthusiastically for you to come out & “play”, some gets "killed" the moment they start - BANG! (One Sniper-Shot! And they won’t even KNOW they are dead or WHY they are dead & HOW they were shot & WHO the hell shot them!)

I’m NOT trying or attempting to demoralize anyone here who wants to venture out, I just want to make certain you are aware of what’s really happening out there in the playing field… and I make NO apology to what I’m saying here… But I know there will be certain Professionals, Motivational Speakers & Trainers & etc out there hate what I‘m saying or sharing this with you right now... But that's the reality!

Think for a minute… WHY do you think all seasoned business Survivals & Players always says “It’s a battlefield out there…!” or “Starting a business is easy… Maintaining is hard!”, OR even “It’s nothing personal… It’s just business!” BANG! (Once again… One Sniper-Shot! And you won’t even KNOW you’re dead or WHY you’re dead & HOW you were shot!) All these statement comes for a good reason… Go think about it WHY… Without fire, there’s simply NO smoke.

Should you still be REALLY keen to pursue your aspiration to start a business like any brave soldier would step into the warzone & fight this big battle out… I applaud your courage & determination. But do your homework on the ground & have your “Battle Map, Compass, Bullets & Strategies” close at hands… If not, you’ll just end up being the next digit on the statistic either as casualty; or a dead person who died on the battlefield.

To Register Your New Business, Click HERE

For Business Renewal, Click HERE

Remember, it takes MORE than just great ideas & concepts to succeed & survive in any new business venture. Survivorship is everything…

- A Nuisance Caller...

21st February 2009
Week 8 - DAY 52

Last week I received a total of 2 nuisance calls where the Caller hung-up the moment I picked it up.

Hanging-up TWICE on me was more than I could stomach… So I SMS that Nuisance-Caller with the below messages:

(Click To Enlarge)

Still, after my SMS Warning to this Nuisance-Caller… There was still NO response from whoever that is… HE/ SHE ACTUALLY IGNORE ME!!! I WAS GETTING REALLY impatient & ANNOYED TO THE CORE of my bone!

I decided to seek my youngest brother for advice; who is an I.O (Investigation Officer) from the Singapore Police Force to understand the precise procedures on HOW TO take such Nuisance-Caller down once & for all, I just want to flush-out this idiot! And to ensure a successful arrest, I called up a good friend of mine who is a solicitor to double-confirm with him what are my other options and my chances of succeeding in pinning down this idiot!

After I’m clear with all my options… I proceed with my Part Two of my SMS Warning to this idiot!

(Click To Enlarge)

In less than 5 minutes… He called back… He started telling me confidently that it was a wrong number he dialed & that I’m being too paranoid… It was then I lost my fuse at that instance & I slammed him HARD & presented him with all the hard facts & WHY THIS IS NOT A WRONG NUMBER CALL…! And I told him if he were to take me as a fool a THIRD time with his STUPID reasons & excuses, then I won’t waste my time further with him but proceed with my options! It was then he apologizes profusely & asks for forgiveness & that he don’t have a clue WHO he is calling; and he kept telling me he has to work & needed a job & that he want no trouble with me or the law…

Bottom-line, I accepted his apology after giving him a piece of my mind & that should I see his number on my caller-ID again, no amount of ‘sorry’ he says is going to change anything… He understood & thanked me for giving him a chance & I hung up after that.

Nuisance-Caller always believes the victim can’t do anything about it except a warning from the TelCo… So there you are… You CAN do something about it… Haul the ‘Nothing-Better-To-Do-Idiot’ to court is better than just a letter of warning from the TelCo.

Never let those who bite you get away with murder, hunt them down once & for all… Nothing about ego, just that people like that need to be taught a lesson, else the next victim could be a friend of mine, or it could even be you.

- The Big Fight At MBK

12th February 2009
Week 7 - DAY 43

Just got back home last night… Was out-station for a week at Bangkok to broker a deal on behalf of a client, everything went well; except for my health – The weather was humid & terrible!

I’m down with flu, throat infection, cough, fever, and my nose is bleeding ON & OFF… not forgetting 4 ulcers in my mouth!

Like I said, the weather was terrible!

During one of my visit to MBK (MaBunKrong) dated 10th February 2009… The entire ground floor of MBK without warning was abruptly sealed up & the shuttle-rollers of all ground shops was pulled down – NO ONE was allowed IN or OUT (My Associate & I were on the 6th floor witnessing the entire disorder from a birds’ eyes view). Without much thought… My Associate hurried me to get inside one of the banks located on the 4th floor (I dunno WHY the bank, but I presume it’s safer there should things get out of control…)

Once we got inside the bank, we saw the news on TV showing what was happening outside of MBK – Students by the hundred were battling just outside MBK’s pathway & road, fighting & clashing away – One stretch of the road was closed, with police & news crews all over the place. It was 2 hours later that we managed to get out of the building, safely.

Well, if you want the full details of the story… AsiaOne has the story, click HERE.

Many years ago when me & my team of 4 (2 ladies & 2 guys) were on a business trip there… We were caught right smack in the centre of the road in one of the night market when 2 gangs’ by the hundred clashes with parangs, knives, guns, steel-rods, home-made bombs & various sharp weapons… The ground situation was nerve-racking & the place was rowdy & insane! One group was coming from our left and another group was coming on our right… Yelling & shouting their lungs LOUD!!! There was simply NO WAY for the 5 of us to run anywhere… We just stood there (3 guys surrounding the 2 ladies); flashing our Singapore International Passport to whoever charged at us or wanted to attack us… The flashing of our passport was to tell & show BOTH sides we belong to NONE of them and that we were merely tourists caught in their battles of clashes - To cut the whole story short, we survived!

The below are the FIVE “Heroes” NEVER INTENDED to be ONE to begin with…

– 10 Cents Please…!!!

2nd February 2009 - MONDAY
Week 6 - DAY 33

My youngest daughter Amanda walked passed my working desk and conveniently took a piece of tissue (from the tissue-box) on my desk; and I STOPPED her abruptly… Here’s our tête-à-tête:


Me : “Amanda…!!!

Amanda : “Yes Daddy!?!?!"

Me : “10 cents PLEASE…”

Amanda : “Daddy! You so naughty again… This is NOT a public toilet ok… Hmph!”

You should have seen her face… So adorable!


(I did that to all my 4 kids… They never stop being amused by the SAME old line, “10 cents please!”)