What a historic moment!!

I am currently in Cebu in the Philippines attending the Hitachi Data Systems CIO Conference. While waiting for the event to start this evening - I am in my room watching the acceptance speech of the US President-elect Barack Obama... What an historic moment this is.  

Here are some excerpts of his acceptance speech that he just gave at Grant Park, Chicago awhile ago....

"This is our moment. This is our time -- to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth -- that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can" 

"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, 'We are not enemies, but friends ... though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.'

"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long"

America has matured!! They have decided that the "American Dream" is more important than their personal, vis-a-vis race or religion agenda. They understand that the survival is dependant on how they can work together as a nation.

This really goes to show that for Malaysia to succeed, we must work as a nation and not just for a particular race. 

I was just having breakfast with a few customers and we all agreed that the main issue in this country is not the Malays, Chinese or the Indians in Malaysia but rather the Chinese from China, the Indians from India, the Singaporean, the Aussies, Japanese and other. We must not divide among ourselves. 

I hope the politicians understand this... Sighhhh  

New MCA Leadership

I was following the recently concluded MCA election quite closely and had some thought about the election of Ong Tee Keat and Chua Soi Lek to the position of president and deputy president. To them I want to offer my congratulations.

They talk about change and about the need to be bold in speaking up. Why only now when Karpal Singh, Kit Siang, Guan Eng and many others have actually gone to jail for advocating change and speaking up boldly all these while.

Is this real or just another bunch of political rhetoric that fits the time? We will see...

Phua Chu Kang and me

Had the opportunity to have a photo with Gurmit Singh - I must say, he is very obliging as there are many other who requested for photos, autograph or just want to shake his hands.

Phua Chu Kang

Last Sunday, I had the privilege of attending a "Friendship Lunch" featuring the star of PCK Pte Ltd - Gurmit Singh aka Phua Chu Kang. I call it a privilege as I discovered that Gurmit Singh is actually a very talented person - even though most of us know him only through the "Phua Chu Kang" sitcom. However, the most amazing part of his rise to stardom is his dedication to the work of Jesus. I was personally touch and realised that there is much more to live then what we see and touch everyday. Here is a bit more detail of this "funny" man.

Gurmit Singh, a famous star for the TV show PCK Pte Ltd, says that he does not take God or his faith lightly. His experience with God and life experience have strengthened his faith.

During Gurmit’s late teens, he learned that his mother was diagnosed with advanced-level cancer in 1984, and had no more than six months to live. God was the last thing that was on his mind and he even slapped his sisters when he learned that they became born-again Christian and brought a pastor to pray for her.

The pastor shared, letting his whole family know that Jesus was not ‘Santa Claus’ that came and granted their desires. In addition, Gurmit learned that only by submitting and trusting Him will they receive healing. Gurmit’s mother accepted Jesus Christ. However, Gurmit did not believe that Jesus could heal his mother.

It was around that time when Gurmit had his first encounter with God. His sisters brought him to a Christian Rally held by Reinhard Bonnke and that was when Gurmit accepted Jesus Christ. Gurmit Singh read the Bible and saw the verse Matthew 7:7. The verse speak about: Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. After that, he prayed to God to let his mother live longer to see him get married and play with her grandchildren. Gurmit’s mother continued to receive chemotherapy and one day after a medical checkup, she was completely cured and no traces of cancer cells were found in her.

The miraculous healing of Gurmit’s mother increased his faith. However, after 16 years of healthy life, his mother was down with cancer again. Gurmit was angry with God but the Holy Spirit reminded him that his mother had lived long enough to see him get married and played with her grandchildren. In addition to that, Gurmit’s mother passed away knowing that Jesus is her personal Lord and Savior.

What kind of leaders do we have?

This is Tan Hoon Cheng, the Sin Chew reporter that was arrested under ISA on 12 Sept for 18 hrs.

Her arrest has sparked an uproar in our country over her reporting of a racist comment by Datuk Ahmad Ismail, the Chief of Bukit Bendera UMNO division.

On 15 Sept, she wrote of her experience under detention where she clearly detailed the entire 18 hrs of her journey with the police - it was a series of moving, interrogation, recording, travelling and trying to get some sleep...

Yet, we have our Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said that "she was arrested as there was a threat on her life".

Firstly, who in their right frame of mind would arrest a reporter whose job is clearly to report on what they hear of see.

Secondly, what kind of a protection is this, when you try to protect someone "by arresting them".

From this simple 18 hrs exercise, I am just wondering what kind of leaders do we have in this country?

The Interview with God

Someone send me a short clip on The Interview with God... Must view.

Strategy vs Execution

Forecast Review

Today I have my weekly forecast review with the sales team and I noticed some potential issues for the coming quarters. Our funnel have definitely improved by leaps and bounds over the last 18 months. However, I also noticed a tendency to only look at the "big" picture of each deal. The team have moved from a "detail engagement" method to a "macro engagement" mode.

I am of the opinion that the successful sales person are those that can literally control the account.

Singtel story

This reminds me of a story that was told to me by Bill Chang - my previous manager in Cisco and now an EVP in Singtel. He asked me about the difference between Singtel, TM, AIS, KT, China Telecom and other incumbent telcos. I was rather curious about the difference. He told me that from strategy perspective - there is none as everyone uses the same group of consulting firms such Boston Consulting, Accenture, Booz Allen, McKinsey, AT Kearney and others.

The difference lies in the execution - that really open my eye.

Likewise, the difference between a successful sales person and others - is in the execution. Thanks, Bill.

Stagflation - What is It?

Oil price

The world oil has been going up rapidly over the last 12 months but we, in Malaysia do not seem to be feeling the impact until last week when there was a 40% increase in the petrol price to RM2.70 per liter. Oil price went to a record of US$139.12 last Friday and it is expected to go up to US$150 - US$180 by the 2nd half of the year before adjusting downward. Personally, while we have been watching CNN and CNBC about the oil price future - there was no immediate impact. Now that the impact is here - we have to ask ourselves this question - what do we do and how do we move forward?

1997, again...

Rewind 10 years ago - we have a fairly similar situation 10 years ago when we have the Asian currency crisis - prices were going up everyday, no one was buying anything, no government tender - most purchasing activities come to a stand still for about 6 - 9 months. Will the same scenario happen to us in Malaysia, again? I would say that the next 6 months will be challenging time for many of us. We are moving into a phase of stagflation - stagnant growth with inflation.

What then?

Like 1997, while it is a tough period, it is also a good time for the forward looking people to plan, consolidate and prepare for the future. For the sales people like us, companies who are serious about their future will be a "qualified" opportunities for us to call upon.

"Tough times don't last but tough people do"

Dr. Robert Schuler

For the individual - we must take advantage of this situation to strengthen and build ourselves - growth and self-development should be a priority during this period. As for me, I hope to ride out this period stronger and more resilient.

HDS Malaysia gains Marketshare

The Last 5 Quarters


I received the IDC tracker from our marketing last week and did some analysis to the data presented and was pleasantly surprise that we have actually grew our marketshare in the "External Storage Segment" even though there's more opportunity for us. At a glance against another competitor :



Quarter...2007Q1.. 2007Q2.. 2007Q3.. 2007Q4.. 2008Q1

EMC....... 24.5%...... 27.1%..... 21.8%..... 17.9%..... 17.9%

HDS....... 3.0%........ 2.6%....... 5.5%...... 6.2%...... 7.7%



Looking at the data, it showed that our team in HDS is moving in the right direction. I am proud of them as we have been able to forward positively, inspite of the many challenges that was in our way. I am sure we will see a stronger set of results in the coming quarters.

Back after 2 months

Time off

I decided to take some time off after noticing that a lot of blogs and bloggers are very involved in political comments - about any issues or non-issues. In my view our country is getting into the path of "too much politics". What we all need is not about politics but about "what makes sense to all of us" - it's the economy.

Areas to Focus

People are talking about Pakatan Rakyat, Barisan UMNO, MP crossover, the demise of Gerakan, the snoop squard of MCA and so forth. Do I really care?? I don't!! In my blog, I will be focusing my attentions to areas that I really care about...

Getting Out of Line

Shocked

I was completely shocked to read in The Star today with the headline that states ‘Punishing non-Muslims for khalwat against Constitution’.

"...Syariah Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Mohd Asri Abdullah said the seminar had proposed that non-Muslims committing khalwat with Muslims be likewise sentenced, but in the civil courts..."

As a fairly objective person all the time, I decided to really read through the entire article. At first, I was shocked that such a recommendation would even appear. Then, I felt disappointed that those purportedly to be knowledgeable and educated would have no clue to the real issues at hand. Lastly, I am sad, as this nation is in dire danger of going into oblivion if we have such individuals leading major social institution of the country.


Let's Get It Right

We must understand that we are a multi racial and multi ethnic country. For the record, we are not the only multi racial and multi ethnic country in this world. The only ingredient that will ensure continuous peace and success, is for everyone to have RESPECT for each individual. I guess we do not have to be academic about this issue - RESPECT is a very simple thing - it is from the heart. To impose your view and believe on another person is out right wrong!! We don't even have to have the court to decide on this.


Learn, please

Everyone knows the outcome of the recent General Election and the reasons for the result for the Government. They are arrogant and apathy. Looks to me that, those in the government are not learning from the recent experience. I dare to say that, if this attitude continues - the support for the government will definitely erode further.

Rahman's Promotion

This morning, I was pleased to announce Rahman's promotion to the team as the new SE Manager. Rahman has been with Hitachi Data Systems for more than 7 years as our System Engineer for GSS and Pre-sales. He has demonstrated his strong technical skill to both internal and external customers. Customers are very comfortable with Rahman's knowledge and expertise in the storage field. I am personally looking forward to Rahman's continuous contribution to the company and in managing the pre-sales engineers. Congratulations, Rahman!!

Xian is Getting Stronger

Visited Xian just now and noticed a significant difference as compared to the last few days. He now sits upright - without bending his head and moves his hand very well. His left hand and leg needs more work.

Considering the fact that he was just discharged about a week ago - his healing is nothing short of remarkable... Praise our Living God - Jesus.

He smiles, speaks more and raise his eye brow - at least his mischievous part is back albeit, slowly...

The above is Xian now - very different from 1 month ago, when he was admitted to the hospital (18 Feb 2008).

We Did It!

As mentioned yesterday in the "Tenacity In Selling", we were supposed to close the 1 significant deal for the year and quarter.

Well... we did it! We closed the deal - a government order and with that we have a chance to achieve a growth rate of more than 65% Y/Y - contingent on our ability in shipping all the goods before year end ie. 31 March 2008.

It has been an excellent year for many of us. First of all, most of us made more money than previous years. Secondly, our business is on a better footing than before - with our funnel positioned strongly in the next 1 -2 quarters. Thirdly, we are clearer in what we need to do as we move forward.


We have a 3 years plan :

Year 1 (2007) : build a strong infrastructure - we convert our business into a 100% channels model

Year 2 (2008) : building solution content and knowledge - we must position solution selling in our business both for ourselves and our partners

Year 3 (2009) : focus in market share building - no business can grow and sustain itself if market share growth is not part of the plan. We will grow market share in Year 3.

Xian Is Recovering

Was really glad today as I received a positive sms from Frank on Xian's condition. Jeng Xian went for a follow-up check up this morning and here is an sms from Frank,

"PTL, thanks be 2 our God. Blood test shows everything stable n progressing well for Xian. Doctors are amazed at Xian's recovery. Prayer works. All glory be to God."

I am looking forward to Xian's full recovery soon. Halelujah!!

Tenacity In Selling

A Good Year


This month marks the end of Hitachi Data Systems financial year for 2007. As usual there is a rush to complete the orders that have been committed for the quarter and year. We are having a good year thus far. Up to Q3, we are having a 50% growth Y/Y and potentially 65% growth Y/Y for the full year.

For Malaysia, we have 1 significant deal that is almost 20% of the year's budget. We are close to wrapping it up but... not yet. This deal is managed by one of my Sales Manager - Ghaffar. He has done relatively well this year. With this order, he would have hit more than 140% of his year's quota.


The Issue

Here is the issue... he has decided to go on leave this Friday - the day when we have our final nego. Early this week, he told me that he would like to go on leave on Friday, since Thursday is a public holiday. As usual, I told him that, I am ok so long as he wrap up the deal before hand. It wasn't done.



My thought

I was just thinking about the situation that I have and realised that - the difference between a successful sales person vs a mediocre one often lies in their tenacity for success. In my view, while there are priorities in our life, to achieve what we want - we must have the tenacity to make it happen. Mere words in this competitive world is no longer enough.



We will see the outcome of our discussion tomorrow.

Jeng Xian's status

We went to visit Jeng Xian at home today. It has been a week since he was discharged from SJMC.

It has been a miracle in many ways, considering the condition that Xian was in 2-3 weeks ago. Then he was just lying in hospital with a lot of tubes going in and out of his body. With a lot of prayer and support from everyone and the doctors, Xian was moved out of the ICU early last week and left the hospital on Thursday. I am very happy for Xian's recovery.

He is now resting at home and undergoing physiotherapy. He was not able to move a big part of his body, yet. When I saw him early this week, he can speak a few words and move his fingers. Today, he spoke more words. I can see that he was glad to see his friend, Nicholas (my son) - when he smiled. I also noticed more movement from him.

With more prayer, I am sure that we will see Xian fully recover soon.

My experience at the 12th GE

This is the first time that I am involved directly in the Malaysian General Election. It all started during a dinner that a few of us (Frank Lim) had with Dato Lee Hwa Beng at Super Tanker Restaurant in Damansara way before the parliment was dissolved.



Playing a Role

Most of us have been talking about the election and issues that have been affecting us. However, I realised that what we have done so far has been to talk only. Hence, when Dato Lee asked us to help, Frank and myself, felt that it would be good for us to support a friend and at the same time... be involved. We were to be coordinators for the polling center during the polling day - seems easy.

Most of the volunteers are from the churches around Subang Jaya and Sunway. There are a few churches that are outside of the township that just wanted to help. In fact, Dato Lee received tremendous support for various Christian groups, judging from the initial meeting that was organized in late Feb.

When we asked David Loo (election agent) as to why Dato Lee engaged the churches to be observers during the polling day, instead of those "paid agents" - David's answer was just plain simple - "Dato Lee can count on you guys to be there and be committed to complete the task". I am really proud of that comment.

The Action Begins

Initially, I thought that organizing election was just "chicken feet". Little did I realise that it is actually a rather complicated matter. They have to look at the ceramah, crowd control, food and drink, electricity, posters and etc...

Frank and myself began the task of mobilizing the members for about 35 polling centers, which will need about 240 members. All our volunteers are just that - volunteers. I thought it was quite simple - with my experience working in MNC the last 20 years... It wasn't that easy, coupled with the fact that they are just volunteers. We then enlisted Frank's eldest son - Jeng Chee, who was a tremendous help to us.

In the midst of all the action, Jeng Xian (Frank youngest son) was admitted to SJMC at the ICU for virus infection of the brain. Suddenly, we have other more urgent matters other than the election... Ah Xian, (as Jeng Xian was known to us), was particularly close to us. We were in a spot. I shared Ah Xian's situation to a few leaders of the volunteers (such as Mdm Lau Guat Hoon, Chu Seng Wah, Pastor Moses and Ong Hock Siew), their immediate reaction was - let's pray for him. Pray we did, individually and with all the volunteers.

Then I received a call from Dato Lee exactly 1 week before the election - in the call he asked if I could handle the entire coordination on my own!! This will allow Frank to focus completely on Xian - with his thoughtfulness, I could not say no.

The next 1 week was really hectic. I could not let 2 person down - Dato Lee with his election in a week's time and Frank, with Xian in ICU. On the surface I acted cool - I guess, that is how I normally am at work - even though I am peddling like mad below the water!! With 2 days to go, we were 95% ready. The other 5% is to convince some people to go over to Seri Setia @ Kg Medan and Kg Lindungan - which seem tougher than I thought. With God's grace, we were at 100% 1 day before the election.



The Election Day

It started off rather uneventful. All observers were at their centers on time @ 7:30 am. As mentioned by David Loo earlier - these guys are committed. We passed the 10 am mark, then 12 pm, and then, we were almost closing at 5 pm... We begin to monitor deployment for the counting process - other than a few minor confusion, most centers were taken care of by our observers. My initial thought were for the entire process to be completed by 7 pm, at the latest - a bit ambitious, on my part - also, due to my inexperience...

I was at the SMK USJ 12 to have a first hand look at the counting. I was excited. This time around, the counting was done at the room ie. each saluran. What followed was really shocking for me... There seem to be more "crosses" for Loh Gwo Burne and Hannah than for Dato Lee and Mdm Ong. In my heart, I knew that there will be a swing but what I saw that evening was not a swing - it was more like a pendulum moving the other direction. My heart was pounding faster and I was literally stunt.

I thought that was probably due to the residents there. I then decided to check out other centers. I drove to SK SS14 to have another look. What I saw at USJ 12 wasn't a unique situation - it was probably a trend. A major trend. I stayed until the counting was over at SS14 - then I felt that Dato Lee had probably lost the election.

It looks to me that everyone is just very angry with the BN government and it was nationwide.

Back at the service center, the mood was sombre and I can see Dato Lee feeling dejected. Su Su (Dato's wife) was there , too. I empathized for them. They have put in their heart and soul the last 12 years, and yet the voters "rejected" them. Granted that Dato Lee is not perfect - almost everyone that I met said that this man has done a lot for Subang Jaya... maybe not enough.