Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Back from Jakarta, Increasing equities

Had returned from Jakarta two days ago. What I had thought to be a pretty short trip turned out to be more than what I'd expected. I felt that the few days spent over there has indeed opened up my eyes, with the exposure to the lifestyles, culture and reasons behind of why things turn out to be like it is now.

Jakarta has a higher cost of living yet their purchasing power is considerably low. Cost of credit is skyhigh. The huge income disparity is apparent and this unequal distribution will continue. Infrastructure and human capital resources are inadequate and won't be an easy fix due to the mentality entrenched in their people. One hugely noticible traits is the change to the attitude and social dynamics which I think the disbalance of power between gender and master servant relationship surprises me, in a good way though, I should add. I guess what this entails, is allowing opportunities

Went clubbing and the second I stepped foot in there, the words "Oh My God" crossed my mind. KL clubbing really sucks in comparison. Too costly and pretentious.

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Brought back with me to KL is this information for opportunistic entry in equities. Is it really true? I still wonder in hope. I had increased my exposure to equities during this few weeks. Need to fix and readjust my portfolio. As it stands, the cash ratio is too damn high and it means that I will be losing out to inflation.

The market crash in February and August had left me with some missed opportunities. It is always the herd mentality. The fear and greed of humans. However, I'm glad I had learned from it, that is to make decisions and take action when such opportunities avail themselves.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Weekend in Jakarta

This is another trip out of the blue. I guess I should just go ahead and take the opportunity after a hellish year and who knows what's in store ahead.

Was just chatting with a long time friend of mine in Jakarta mostly catching up on work life. The said CFO then invited me to visit there for a weekend trip since I have the means to do so, specifically time. Anyway expenses will be slightly subsidised since I have lodging at his condo and will be riding in his beemer. And so, swapping my card online I did for the flight ticket and Jakarta, here I come!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

accent to the future not

Haven't been updating the blog for quite some time. It may be due to having a writer's block or perhaps I was too busy working or figuring things out in my mind which left me tired. When the dust has settled though, it seems that the landscape of my mind has become plain and does not seem to have much to be written about.

I had just like to update a little here about my life and capture the thoughts to ponder for myself in the future as I believe this is a turning point moment in my life. I had recently resigned from the company that I am working for and had secure a position which entails the type of work, learning opportunities, skills I wish to develop, and perhaps an environment I envision to be more suitable for me and as a bonus, a better pay as well. This job seems as if it was crafted as per what I have in my mind, or least what I have been telling my family, friends, colleagues and bosses. Challenges and stress of a different nature may be facing me in the near distance. But I'm darn sure I didn't regret my decision. What made me slightly heavy hearted was leaving behind many acquaintances. Things just weren't falling into place. The timing was bad. The luck wasn't there. And the false hope from the management had left me looking at the floor with no more motivation to fight on. Sometimes I think, perhaps it's the branding. The company's extremely good in that sense, which creates a sense of loyalty from employees to the name itself and the need to be associated with it.

Sometimes, it's amusing yet amazing when what you said as a joke with a false air of confidence really comes true. I had talked about the job and rest time I wanted to my colleagues, friends and family. Both things have indeed came true to my surprise and delight.

I had a wonderful time with close friends last weekend. The camaraderie just took off as if it was a day ago that we had last seen each other. I guess I should be taking this opportunity to catch up with as many friends as possible.