If you are taking the cab next time, check out the meter. Have at least 10% of the amount you have to pay. Or just round it up and add extra dollar or pound.

More than a money

Sometimes, a tip could change people. And I believe in changing people bit by bit. Education can educate a man, but wisdom and attitude are totally a different level.

Imagine what a tip could do. A taxi man once refused to talk much, maybe he just had a bad day with the passengers but a single handy tip at the end of the ride would make them smile.

A simple tip could separate you from other customers in a restaurant. You got in, they recognize your face and imagine the service you will  get next time. But remember, the tip must come from your heart. Not wanting all the rewards that come along with it.

Big issue - UK people would know this well. A magazine which help people to build their life. They will get half of what they are selling. It’s “a hand up, not hand out”. They aren’t begging, they are selling. I love when people make the effort to change their life.

They deserve a tip. Well, at least if you are not buying them. Don’t make a face. At least smile and say “no thank you” nicely.

Share the cup

Some people are not as fortunate as you are. You have a computer or even a smart phone to read this article. Why don’t you be a little generous next time. Wherever you go, wherever people are serving you. Give tips.

If you already did. Perhaps while you’re queuing for your coffee, pay for the next person in line. Do it the American style.

Nowadays, we expect more from people, but we ourself aren’t willing to give more.

Unless the service you receive is crap, yes I mean totally crap, you won’t give it away. Instead, you give something more valuable – comment.

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Later today, I received a phone call from British American Tobacco (BAT). It was a bad timing that they call me while I was on the phone to my parents. I am a family guy, so I told them to call me back in five minutes. They did call me again but I am still on the phone. So they leave me a voice message. That is absolutely fine.

They promised to call me on Monday. How funny that it is going my Graduation day! Even if Richard Branson were to call me and offered me a job, I wouldn’t answer the phone. (I’ll explain why some other time).

I listen to the voicemail but they (she) did not mention:

1. Her name
2. Which HQ they she is calling from

So, I have got to do some guess work. I called both London HQ and Kuala Lumpur HQ. I left voice messages and sent emails to both and hopefully the person in charge will be notified.

Few years ago, my dad who used to be a white collared worker in a nationally renowned company, listened to my phone conversation with a representative from Petronas. Right after I finished, he came to me and told me about phone manners. Since then, I never forget it!

• First, when you call someone. Introduce yourself, very basic – name. If you are receiving, ask who are you talking to? Write it down if possible. You can ask later before you ended the phone call if you need to follow up.
• Tell a bit about yourself. See the context. In this case, she should mentioned which BAT as it is all over the world – over 35 countries.

The above two manners are essential. I just finished my degree and they do not teach you that in class. But it is customary in business world. Learn it, pass it along.

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Initially, I thought I could post it somewhere random so that other people can read, if it is a letter, maybe you can put it in a bottle and throw it in the sea. So, what is the answer to the big question?

Who you are?

It depends on your character and personal values. Some people just won’t bother about privacy and read it. Out of all, there will be one that will read and laugh at it.

A portion would try to return to the owner if known. Maybe the cover or first page could tell you who’s diary is it for. If none, what’s next?

Respect

I will respect other people as much as they respect me. I would return to the owner if known. First page is the maximum. Though, I will stop when there is a sense of privacy that I wouldn’t let others to cross over.

If there is no hope. Then, I would do one of two things:

1. First page normally tells all. If it is all good, I would consider sending it somewhere totally random. For others to read and cherish it. With a hope it landed to a decent man or woman.
2. Recycle it and let the stories and memories be part of something new.

Perhaps

Perhaps the write him/herself leave the diary intentionally cause he/she is moving on with a new life. Maybe. If then, second options is the best.

Absolute NO!

If you know the diary belongs to someone that you know personally, NEVER EVER read it. Simple.

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Due to some organizational change, the position isn’t available anymore. None of the candidates applied got the job. However, they were kind to call me and let me know about the interview feedback.

They said it was a great opportunity to me in person and I did well during the interview. “Impressive” and they wish me best of luck with the future undertakings.

During the interview, they asked me about my future plan. And I told them, I am looking forward to join PETRONAS Corporate Affairs and External Communications (Branding).

Hope is high. Very high.

Hope is what keep us going. One fades, another comes. It is a big dream and a high hope to join PETRONAS. More than a childhood dream, I take is an honour to serve the nation.

And part of it is a life plan. Family, love ones, friends and people around you that put such a high expectation. I believe everyone is just as nervous as I am, it is a human reaction towards uncertainty.

Sometimes we think too much about failure that we forget that we did well. Sometimes the opposite. But we still hoping for the best to come out of it.

Once I talked to my mom, she told me that whatever it is. I just have to accept it. I did my best and know just have faith. Sometimes, it is just a matter of waiting for the right moment. Later, my girlfriend told me to be positive cause worrying too much would never get me anywhere.

Maybe it’s the tiredness of moving and packing that made me feel this way. Maybe the empty stomach? Maybe a lot of things undone? Each of these may add up to the pressure. Oh, this is life!

Take a step back

So, I will take a step back now. Over a cup of coffee, I will put down the pieces on board and be in control of everything. “Play to win”, that what I was told by my friend Zulhilmi years back (when we used to play chess together). While I sleep tonight, I know that it is totally a different cuppa tea when you enter the new chapter of life.

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My personal experience

Everything is good. First visit was Amsterdam. I booked two apartments Bellinis’ apartment (host: Pasqual) and Art Hotel (host: Robert). My experience with Airbnb is great as both host is very helpful and friendly. As a guest, I was allowed to use anything to make myself feel at home.

Picture: Bellini’s apartment and Art Hotel (me) — Airbnb Amsterdam

I like the fact that I can enjoy a cup of coffee and tea any time. Since I love to cook, I was allowed to use the kitchen for making meal for breakfast and supper. If I were to stay in hotel, none of this would happened. I have visited Keukenhoff, the largest flower garden in the world with the help of Pasqual and also getting around the local area. Similar to Rob, the Art-Hotel is superb and posh! I even asked Rob, the host, to prepare a bouquet of flowers for my girlfriend (with printed greetings card).

I got to travel around Amsterdam and staying with Airbnb was a good decision.

Next, I went to Stockholm and I stayed at Johan’s apartment. During my stay, I only got the chance to talk with Johan (due to his errands) for couple of minutes but he provided me with essential informations. His apartment is very clean and cost – I feel like home. Moreover, few weeks ago, a friend of mine DM me on twitter that due to my review, she is going to stay there for her visit to Stockholm!

- – -

My holiday was held on hold because I had an interview with Petronas in the middle of the holiday (I know, it’s killing the mood but everything is going well). The interview was held in London and I stayed at Rowan’s apartment and Gowen apartment — both are on Airbnb.

- – -

After about 3 days staying in London, I went straight to the city of love, Paris. I stayed at Yvette’s apartment. It’s located at Montreuil, outside Paris. I skipped staying at the city centre to feel what was it like to be a local.

Yvette helped me a lot even long before my arrival especially getting to her apartment, helping me with the transportation info on my trip to Disneyland Paris and interesting areas in Paris.

I feel welcomed during my stay as I got the opportunity to ask should I have any doubt. The conversations that I had with Yvette and all of the hosts open an opportunity for me to learn more about the ins and outs of the city and cultures. Besides, socializing with people and creating new circle of friends.

Overall

I look no further when searching for a place to stay. It will always be Airbnb. No doubt for my coming up trip to Milan, Rome and Frankfurt. The difference now, I am going with my girlfriend’s family instead two of us. Second time experience for both of us, first time experience for her parents.

View my Airbnb profile and recommendations

Booking

My friend, Mardhiah recommended this site to me and the overall website experience is superb. The tagline travel like human, is really what determine whether you are an Airbnb type of person or not. I skipped the hotel booking as this is more of a personal touch.

Airbnb provides room of flexibility. I don’t want to worry about what time I should check in, check out, etc. The people who have put up their room/house/apartment for stay are not governed by red tape, so you could skip it (though some of the listing are managed by property management company, but 99% is not).

Features that I found useful?

• Contact the host – Prior to your stay, you could ask anything from the host.
• Review and description – Always helpful, especially with the reviews by people who stayed there before.
• Pictures of place that you wish to stay – What you see is what you will get.
• The flexibility of number of guest

Can it be trusted?

Until now, I am still worried when choosing where I should stay. But the above features somehow bridge the gap. If it is your first time maybe the tips below could be useful when booking through Airbnb.

• Look for reviews and the host profile. If none available, contact the host.
• After you have decided which accommodation, normally they would ask you about your travel details such as time of arrival, special needs, etc for them to plan for your arrival.
• Write down or print the map, address and phone number of the host. I use Google Street View to check out the place of stay.
• Write down emergency contact details of Airbnb and your travel insurance.
• Contact the host prior to your travel or a day before noting that it is confirmed.
• Contact the host once arrived at the airport or city centre.

Worried about paying full amount upfront?

No worries. The host will only get the payment 24 hours after you have checked-in (Read the FAQ). If anything happens, contact Airbnb straight away.

So?

Give it a go – http://www.airbnb.com. Even if you’re a local at that area, try to stay at one of the Airbnb host is a good step to see how it works.

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It makes me feel privilege for getting the chance to be interviewed. Whether I get it or not, I hope this blog post would help myself and anyone who wish to join innocent drinks.

Useful articles:

• Innocent drinks interview 101 – What to expect (Must read)
• Know they products, what they sell
• What else do they run along side? Innocent Foundation, Innocent Kids
• Innocent drinks in the news (Read about three articles)

Innocent drinks – related videos:

If you never drink, get yourself a bottle of their product. If you never watch their television ads, below is my favourite!

Don’t forget to arrange a tour to the Fruit Towers prior to the interview process (if possible). Oh, don’t forget your free smoothie!

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Anyway, I am on twitter and I found out from @Starbucks about the coffee tasting. Later then, I discovered Starbucks Coffee At Home website. It is a website that let you to identify or recommend you with the type of coffee roast according to your likings. So, mine is Caffe Verona:

Why not find your perfect coffee now

Enjoy your coffee!

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Problem #1

Sometimes, it is not always going to be sunshine. I have an issue with my eligibility to work in the UK as I currently have the student visa. I did my research and found out that I could possibly apply for Tier 1 (Post Study Work) visa. Despite the requirements, I am confident I can get through it.

Problem #2

But the bottom lime is whether I get the job or not. Ideally, the job would start as soon as possible since it is a 3 months position. Back to Problem #1, in order for me to apply for Tier 1, than I will have to graduate from Cardiff University and have minimum £800 in my bank accounts for the period of three months. Which means, I am looking around August 2010 to start applying for the visa. I am at disadvantage.

So, what now?

If this is like the Survivor or American Idol, than I am trying to win the wild card – it’s low in probability but it is a high-impact matters. And here is the master plan:

Step 1: Ace the inteview

About 6 years ago, the Guardian website published an article, Hiring staff can be a tough job. And innocent drinks takes a non-traditional approach to the hiring staff:

“We’ve put adverts on the sides of our bottles saying we’re looking for people, and we put emails out to our friends and family. The majority of people who have joined have come in through that route.”

The main reason why the did this is because of “… the importance of the personality and the attitude of the person to them”, says Reed, one of the founders of innocent drinks.

I wish to quote what Sir Richard Branson said during his interview with the Star newspaper:

“In everything you do, it’s important to put your whole heart into it“

I strongly believe that despite the procedure needed to take me on board, if I could prove that I could be a valuable asset to the team besides my character and personality I will succeed.

Step 2: Job secured? Yes and No.

If I secured the job, then I will proceed with the Tier 1 application process. But if not, then I am still glad to be given the opportunity to be interviewed. I will be going back to Malaysia and use what I have learned here in the UK to start on something new — like what have written in their book – A Book About Innocent: Our Story and Some Things We’ve Learned:

“This is a book for anyone who wants to start their own business, bring fresh thinking to their current one or has been told their idea won’t work. We’d like to help you prove the doubters wrong.”

With the above inspiration, I will step in the Fruit Towers on Wednesday, 26th May for the job interview. Wish me luck!

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I am looking forward to the interview and hoping to score it with flying colours!

Wish me luck!

Photo credit: Bain McLeod

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Tell us your reasons for wanting to work at innocent and the role in question. Why is this the right job for you?

I practice high level of work ethics when dealing with my clients (as I currently do freelance web design/development). I will always try to deliver solution that meet or even exceed the requirement whenever necessary.

I always believe that these qualities are essential to work with established company such as innocent – in order to deliver the best towards the customer.

We love meeting people who leave things a bit better than they find them. So, please tell us about a recent situation where you took the initiative and made something happen.

I believe that even small things can make a big difference. I used to help my parents at the school canteen where I learn to clean the tables and floor. Having this experience, it teaches me to think twice before leaving my plates on the table for people to clean it for me.

Although I am not expected to do so, I understood the tiring work behind the cleaning process. Especially when the food tables and floor are dirty. Thus, having this in mind, I will always try to make sure I take my plate to the required place (if available) and pick up any leftover on the table.

At the end of the day, “What Goes Around Comes Around”.

We’re looking for people who face challenges head on and deliver against the odds. What achievement are you most proud of?

In 2009, I entered the Business Idea competition, in which the competition was similar to BBC Dragons’ Den. I have sent my business proposal for the competition, however, there was no reply that I received regarding my entry. Despite that, I made myself available in London – I took the bus from Cardiff to London.

On the day itself, around 10am, I made an assumption that my entry was rejected. Thus, I have no other thing to do other than enjoying myself in London – sight seeing. Around 11am, I received a phone call from a friend of mine asking why I was not there yet? I have just been informed that I was one of the finalist, but they could not sent the feedback due to some technical issues.

Although I am not wearing suit and tie for the presentation, but I start my presentation with these lines, “I beg your pardon for my attire. If you watch The Pursuit of Happyness, then my case is quite similar to Will Smith in the story…”

I was awarded the Special Judge Prize for my business idea and presentation. I am proud of it because I found myself holding the same principle through out my life – never quit!

Photo credit – humpalumpa

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I have been studying in the UK since September 2007 – almost 3 years now. Apart from the things that I discovered in what is life in the UK, there are still few matters in which I wish to share and today is regarding the education.

Why UK?

I was here in the UK because of a scholarship opportunities that I received from Petronas. I am glad that I am graduating this July 2010 with a honours Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.

In the first place, I don’t get the choice to choose which country I wish to pursue my education. It was all set by them. But I am glad that I am here because I believe I have earned more than what they expect me to earn here.

Isn’t it famous to be UK graduate

It is famous. People have high expectation of you. But it is rather subjective. The UK graduates that earn that respect are those who have taken all the opportunities. If I were to tone it down, if you are a UK graduate and you can go back and talk about UK, inside out. Not many will be able to do that.

It is not my intention for you to drink what they drink and party like they do – because I never do things that against my own principle. Perhaps you should try to listen, experience wherever necessary and judge, regardless what you believe in.

Living in London is not the same as living in Cardiff. But wherever you are, be the local there. Travel with the people, talk with the people. Some people don’t care about these things, but these are things that allow you to share with people when you are back in Malaysia, at least for me.

Money matters

I am grateful that I am sponsored here thus everything from accommodation, tuition fees and pocket money is covered. It depends on where you are, but the cost of living in the UK varies. For cities like London, you need a deep pocket money. You will be amazed how much does it cost for transportation only. Food? That is already different pocket money. So, if you were to come here in the UK, city-wise, I’d go for more cost-effective cities like Cardiff, Sheffield and Manchester.

Although it maybe argued that top universities will charge internatinal students up to quadruple times what they local students are paying (that is how universities here makes money – International students). But wherever you go, make sure it is worth it.

And by worth it, I mean:

• Your degree is recognized by a perfessional institution. For example, my engineering degree course is recognized by IMechE, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
• Always check out the university ranking in terms of the department you wish to join. This list is for the top UK universities for Mechanical Engineering. Note: Choose the subject on top of the table to see yours.
• And what you heart tells you!

View Larger Map

Working in the UK?

It is hard but not impossible. With the immigration issues that the UK have to handle at the moment, I would expect getting job in the UK is quite hard. You have to convince your employer why they should take the extra steps employing you rather than local graduates.

I would love to serve Malaysia through working with Petronas. And that is my dream. So, I am not looking forward to working here. But if you are thinking about it, I wish you a success!

Earning money is nice, but doing something that you love doing driven by passion is a whole different level. Bottom line is, whatever you do. Make sure it counts, make sure it is worth it!

P/s: I would be happy to answer any questions, just drop your comment below.

Photo credit: a.drian, lewishamdreamer

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