Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Why I would rather work in Malaysia than any other place in the world? Happy Merdeka!

Happy Merdeka everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! Crazy as it seems.....this is the first time I've actually been home for Merdeka in the past five years! And I am truly glad to be back here to celebrate with friends and family....:) I have been wanting to write a post like this for a few months now(basically since I came back), but haven't got the chance to...and I feel like this is the right time in conjunction with Merdeka......

Many people have asked me...why do you come back to Malaysia for your research when you can do it in the USA? Well....mainly because I want to expand developmental psychology research in Malaysia and hopefully work here after I graduate..... and then the next question will be...."Why work in Malaysia and not the US?" Let me tell you why(besides the fact that my family and closest friends being here)................

1. Malaysian warmth and hospitality!
You might be thinking....how would you know...are you a tourist? No, I am not...but I feel the warmth and kindness of my friends around me to others and with one another. A good example would be how my friend Kendra from the USA, who is currently living with me gets treated by ALL of my friends. They not only include her in all of the activities we have but welcome her as one of us within weeks! Thanks guys for being such great and friendly people!! Now....when she is not around...everyone usually asks...."where is Kendra? How come she isn't joining us today" :)


Hope you are feeling the love:)

2. The variety of food in Malaysia
I loooooovvee to eat! If someone videoed me and asked me..."what do you love about Malaysia?" My first answer without stopping to think would be "The foooddd!!". Yes, as a typical Malaysian ......I miss Malaysian food when I am in Hawaii and think about it alot! Malaysia not only has good food....but we have different types of food which can be found easily, and they all taste good and are authentic....from Chinese food of all types of dialect, i.e.Teochew porridge, Hokkien mee, Hakka lui cha, to Mediterrean cuisine, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean....and many many more! The best part of it is that you don't have to sacrifice an arm and a leg just to eat in a fancy restaurant!


From mamak food
To fine dining...we have it all:p

3. The best of both worlds
For a typical city girl, you would think my ideal living situation would have to consists of tall buildings, many shopping malls...basically a concrete jungle. Nope, suprising as it sounds, I love nature too, looking at greenery, smelling fresh air and not smog, etc. And......Malaysia is a great mix of both. I like how in a city like Kuala Lumpur, you are still driving under canopy of trees, and you get to see greenery too. We have world class shopping malls, great night life(Amazing actually), and beautiful places to wine and dine(better than many places I have been to in first world countries even). On the other hand, if you drive just about 45 minutes to an hour away, you get the view of mountains, hills, rivers, waterfalls.... and great weekend retreats and getaways..where you don't have to blow your budget to rest and relax from the chaos of the city. I just did that the past weekend at Janda Baik...and it was amazing!Watch out for the next post.

4. Great opportunities
What do I mean by opportunities? In alot of ways....given that Malaysia is a developing country, I have come to realize that there are many opportunities for new ideas to grow and take fruition. If you were to try and set up a business, there will be a good chance for your business to expand and boom in Malaysia because the economy is growing really fast, which leads to many job openings. I have known many friends who came back from Australia, USA and the UK because the economy in those countries were bad and they couldn't find a job...and when they got back here... they got jobs easily...some even within weeks! So...if you are business minded...take the chance and you might just be a rich person in a year!

5. Kindness and family values
One thing I realized about Malaysians is that many of us are deeply ingrained with good moral values. It could be our parents teaching it to us and possibly what we learn in moral class from the age of 6 up untill 19(even in college), but many Malaysians are very courteous. First of all, we were taught from young to respect our elders. You will not see a a young person calling someone much older by their first names but rather as "Uncle" or Auntie", as a term of respect because they are more senior. Second, I can see that many Malaysians still care about their parents even when they are busy...many make it a point to have dinner with their parents after a long day's work! And...Malaysians are generally kind people and others actually abuse it. For instance, there are many beggars going into coffee shops and restaurants asking for money...and many Malaysians tend to give, hence there are foreign syndicates profiting from begging! A friend once told me...both him and his friend experimented when they were kids to ask for small change from people because they wanted to make a phone call back to their parents, they manage to collect RM50 within hours! I think it is great to donate to beggars...just make sure they are not syndicates.......

There are many other reasons(e.g., not to mention how cheap it is to travel from Malaysia) why I would not hesitate when asked whether I would work and live in Malaysia in the future! Of course I would....Yes, I don't deny that there are crimes in Malaysia, and the fact that it might not be the the cleanest, but when you think about it? Doesn't the benefits outweight it's demerits? Well..that is for you to weigh.....but this post is my way of telling you that I love living in Malaysia.....and have no regrets opting to come back to continue my research:)



xoxo
Meiz

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Go-Karting @ Sepang

For those that don't already know me.... I am just going to throw it out there that I am an adrenaline junkie!! It astounds people when I say...yeah....I really like extreme sports and adventure... you have to try something at least once in your life right? Why not now?

Last Friday was definitely an exhilirating and fun one for me because it was the first time I go karted in Sepang, which is a mini replica of the original F-1 race track. How cool is that??? The best part was the fact that 12 of us went which means....a whole load of bumping...racing and spinning of track??!!? That was how fast some of us were going....(this includes the girls ok? Unfortunately, not me because I seem to start last and end last:(..................)

THe gal racers! Our "preparing" for the race includes snapping pictures....gossiping...and.... zipping our bags???lol..

Checking out the track...maybe the racing lines?

 
I would say..they are a perfect couple because they are both super fast with the go kart...and violent too!!!!

With our head gears on!! And yes.... you have to wear a shower cap before you put on the helmet...for hygiene purposes.. I am sure you don't want your sweat on other people's head/hair and vice versa right??? 

The starting line! Ready...get set go!

All 12 of us...at the starting grid! woo hoo!

Okay...apparently...that go-kart with the person zooming by on camera(ONLY) was me....In reality, I think I was quite a snail...... catch me if you can:p

 My trusty go-kart:)


Look at Jason doing a kung fu stance...all hyped up after the race! And the guys discussing about who went faster? or slower? At least everyone looked happy!!!hehehehe...

Let me tell you a secret????? I have known for awhile that Malaysia actually consists of many types of extreme sports and outdoorsy stuff you can do......you just need to be alert and open your ears and eyes to find out about it....or you can just do the simple thing of googling it up right???? When people know that I did any type of extreme or adventurous stuff like zorbing or ATV..... I usually receive quizzical looks and they will ask......they have it here??!! where???? This post is basically to answer all your queries guys...YES, THEY HAVE IT HERE:) And you better go try it!!!!Since I am in Malaysia, I vowed to try something new every bi-weekly???? Actually, same weekend that we went go-karting...we tried paragliding...but the attempt failed due to the wind direction....

A sneak peek for you...

Aren't you excited to try it out now?? I am......So...we will definitely be attempting paragliding real soon again...and the next few weeks skytrex and.....wakeboarding perhaps????? Wanna join me????

xoxo
Meiz

P.S.: If you want to find out more...you can just email or drop me a comment and I can definitely pass you the contacts on the extreme sports that I have been too....:)

Monday, August 23, 2010

Rebellz 2nd annual fashion show at Library2

Hooollleeerr!! Congratulations to Rebellz for holding a very successful second annual fashion show! Their new line of attire for working women really rocked and the whole event itself was great! They definitely got everything down, from the models, clothes, layout, turnout and of course it was held in one of KL's latest hotspots...Library 2! The loudest and most happening library in the world:)


The stage for the fashion show
The side walls...very classy....I know  I know..why take pictures of the decor? I can't help it...I have the "try to be creative bone" in me....
The uber hot Julie as the emcee!!!
A few of the designs from the first round...these are ones I really liked!
Soo Wincci sang Reflection during the intervals
He can moonwalk! You could hear everyone giving him the nod of approval..his voice melts your heart!
I took more pictures during the second round... As you can tell..this round was more towards beige hues...and it reminds me of office attire which can be changed to a night outfit if you add in accessories, sexy heels or take off a jacket possibly?
The very hot and successful designers of rebellz...Hui Jean and Ju Nn
Everyone loves a good fashion show....even guys(wonder whether they actually went to see the lateast fashion?????hhmm...) and...it was Kendra's first fashion event in Malaysia!!!

What I really liked but didn't get to try because it was a little crowded was the makeover booths! There were booths sponsored by Make up Forever and Elements salon that transformed and dolled up gals! As I clearly needed one...... I should have taken the opportunity but before I could head downstairs....the fashion show started!!!! And as you can tell...I was too mesmerized by the fashion to look elsewhere:p

For those wanting to find out more and possibly buy a few pieces..you can check out their website at:

xoxo
Meiz



Thursday, August 19, 2010

A day at Universal studios @ Singapore

As most of you know.... Universal studios has opened it's doors to SouthEast Asia and it is located "sort of" right at my doorstep...because KL is just 3 hours drive away from Singapore? (yea...that's if you are speeding....ssshhhh, no one has to know:p). So.....me being a kid at heart decided to check out Universal studios, and here is a short tour of the place from my eyes.....:)

It is on Sentosa Island...went in by monorail...great suggestion Ving!!
Seriously..it was a struggle trying to take this picture...as you can tell...everyone wanted the same picture...but...erm.....I seriously didn't know I striked the same pose as the kid behind me!!!!

The breathtaking entrance....transports you into another world
Popcorn stand:) They had many cute stands such as these all over the place!
Shrek 4D was super cool! You not only get the view of 3d but the experience of it..I highly recommend this show..
The ogre's house
Jurassic park theme...way better standing next to dinosaurs with ice cream!
Bird(his nickname) eating a huger bird....hehehe
 
Waiting for the madagascar show....Look at May looking all pretty at Universal!
Had retro diners with performances....can can dancers...

I loved this block of buildings.....literally like what you see in the movies....
The main Attraction which was closed when we were there:( Battlesstar Galactica..heard it won't be open for another few months..if you really want to catch all the rides..maybe you should give it another few months before heading there...*just a tip*
My favourite show....Waterworld! The set was amazing!
Looked so real....
The actors even had jet skis,full body gear like in the movies
And the best part??Explosions and a plane crashing in....man...blew me away!
Last stop for the day was the gift shop in the Far Far Away land in which I found the cutest juice stand....!!!!!!!

I loved every part of Universal studios because it was like a fantasy...walking around seeing characters you watch in movies being brought to life! And....it was pretty similar to the one in the USA! Maybe it you just feel like being in a whole different world for a day....let's a person dream again:)

xoxo
Meiz

P.S.: If you have been there..please share your experiences with me

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Perfect Saturday!

What would you deem a perfect Saturday? To tell you the truth, even I am not sure untill I experienced it for the first time last Saturday. Thanks to Cheng May and her brilliant ideas on how and where to celebrate her birthday, both Kendra and I were surrounded with beautiful places, people, and things...literally.... You guys can probably try these places too:)

Sri Carcosa for high tea

Nestled in the middle of KL city center is one of the most beautiful, serene, and colonial styled hotels with sprawling greenery all around. When you drive up to the area in which tea is served(Drawing room), you already feel relaxed because the scenery in front of you consists of falling leaves on the ground, and that day, it was windy too.......so what you picture is pretty surreal....


The walkway up to the main entrance
The doorway...all white!

The reception area...feels like a 1900's British mansion...and it was actually...was built in 1896...
Our menu...
What we ate......high tea all round..yum!!!!!!!
Scones....haven't had these in awhile....:)
Cheng May's dress theme....vintage white!! As you can see, the theme suited the surroundings...All the pretty ladies...
The scenery from where we sat....
Of course.. all of our cameras were snapping away like crazy!!!!!

After a delicious tea...we went to check out the latest exclusive bar at the G towers hotel called:

Bridge bar

We would never have found this place if it wasn't for Bird flipping through the magazine. It is highly exclusive because it is for hotel guests but May made a call...and lo and behold..we were allowed access! yay!!!! The architecture of the hotel was very stylized and creative......

Giant chili padi alert!
Loved this green design...having tropical greens within the interior brings a natural and earthy feel to the hotel...
Lounge area before the bar...look at the lovely couple:)Old school charm...
In Bridge bar itself...
Chili Padi mojito..one person in your group(if you go with a bunch of people)has to try this drink....literally spices up your life!hehehe
Surrounded by glass panels that overlooked the city
The runway extraodinaire
What was realy really scary and cool at the same time was that they had transparent glass that allowed patrons to look directly to the bottom...and you can imagine how high we were....
The view....

I would like to quote what Kendra said when were at Bridge bar.... "Man...I feel like I am in heaven!".......and I have to agree with her because the ambience makes a person feel like they are sitting on a cloud peering down at the city...the food was great, music was amazing and the prices for food and drinks were unbelievably cheap! I am glad we checked out this place before others found our little slice of heaven!!ssshh...... 


We ended the night at Bakita...a new bar at Changkat! I truly liked the upstairs area because they had nice couches...and it wasn't too crowded!

What can I say, but nothing can beat that Saturday I experienced....I don't know what it was but everything went smoothly, I visited many new places in one day which was all very beautiful...and of course...we were all together to celebrate Cheng May's birthday! Love ya babe!!

xoxo
Meiz