To speak is easy; to speak in public is not. To speak in public and off the cuff, is difficult; to speak with great precision, with added humor and with rhetorical devices, is a humongous task.
A lifelong learning and developing process. Nobody can claim mastery not even Winston Churchill. This means once we started this speaking pathway, we are constantly and consistently grinding ourselves, and polishing our desired personal objectives.
When we speak, at times we only focus on the substance of the message, not the form of delivery. That's not good public speaking but perhaps only emotional outburts or sudden roars of thunder. It's the form of public speaking which dresses up the entire message in as precise a way as you possibly can. That's real public speaking at its epitome and expressed intellectual beauty.
Just as a good photographer having taken a beautiful picture must know how to construct an elegant picture frame to make its entirety. Learning how to make a good picture frame is an art, a passive one, learning how to speak well in public is likewise, an art, but an active one.
Both are human development skills, only emotional strings played on the spot which touch you spontaneously, set them apart.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
My Visit Impressions - Brunei
When I first visited the kingdom or Sultanate of Brunei, in 2010, I was full of anxiety and curiosity. Anxious was how to visit this world's richest kingdom from a small neighboring city of Miri, Sarawak and curious was what could I find inside the city. Since this little Sultanate had no manufacturing base to begin with, it was never on my biz travel agenda.
But I was always curious to know how their people enjoyed their lifestyles since nobody pays personal income taxes. I wanted to hire a car and drive across but realizing the rental rates were high, I took a hirer taxi instead, and could enjoy better sightseeing and taking pictures.
It was breeze crossing the checkpoint but nothing really captivating for some 30 minutes except seeing the Shell petroleum signs everywhere, which was understandable. The streets were same as any in Malaysia, none was painted with gold, except the magnificent palaces, which were really golden and enticing from afar. Few cars were on the roads and local people seemed carefree and relaxing.
Some tourists took short boat trips to enjoy the serenity and silent splendour especially viewing the splendid palaces and mosques from the waterfront, undisturbed. I found one small eatery said to be owned by a Singaporean which served non-halal food, to my surprise and delight.
Then I was driven to a 6-star Empire Hotel and Golf Resort to realize what true luxury was about. It has its elegance, sprawling premises and design beauty, but it was under-used, since the occupancy rates were low. The service was great but prices were much higher than elsewhere.
It was easy for those with Singapore Dollars as they could be used as exact equivalents to their Brunei $. At least, I have now visited all the original Asean countries.
But I was always curious to know how their people enjoyed their lifestyles since nobody pays personal income taxes. I wanted to hire a car and drive across but realizing the rental rates were high, I took a hirer taxi instead, and could enjoy better sightseeing and taking pictures.
It was breeze crossing the checkpoint but nothing really captivating for some 30 minutes except seeing the Shell petroleum signs everywhere, which was understandable. The streets were same as any in Malaysia, none was painted with gold, except the magnificent palaces, which were really golden and enticing from afar. Few cars were on the roads and local people seemed carefree and relaxing.
Some tourists took short boat trips to enjoy the serenity and silent splendour especially viewing the splendid palaces and mosques from the waterfront, undisturbed. I found one small eatery said to be owned by a Singaporean which served non-halal food, to my surprise and delight.
Then I was driven to a 6-star Empire Hotel and Golf Resort to realize what true luxury was about. It has its elegance, sprawling premises and design beauty, but it was under-used, since the occupancy rates were low. The service was great but prices were much higher than elsewhere.
It was easy for those with Singapore Dollars as they could be used as exact equivalents to their Brunei $. At least, I have now visited all the original Asean countries.
My Visit Impressions - The Philippines
When I first visited Manila, of the Philippines in the mid-80s, I was more curious of how the people there worked in the same electronics assembly factory of a U.S. multinational corporation. I was then working as an engineer for a same U.S. corp, which had a subsidiary company there.
I was fascinated to note that the majority of employees were women, especially in the production and purchasing departments, unlike any other I visited in Asia. This explained to me why many political leaders were women too. The streets in those days were busy with all kinds of locally designed 3-wheelers, plying the role of normal taxis.
Filipinos were great singers and musicians and choirs and bands were everywhere people enjoyed their drinks and songs.Food variety was close to our local Malaysian dishes, except for one they called "balut" which I never ever tried as I saw it and explained. It reminded me of the same in Taipei where they enjoyed the raw snakes blood soup mixed with some gall juices.
Shops in the malls displayed lots of locally made and handicrafted products which included the lamp shades made from translucent seashells which were practical and beautifully done. I felt that in those days the people really enjoyed their daily living while some more successful ones, in style and elegance, especially in their smart national custumes.
In a country said to cover over 7000 islands, I wonder how the people get to learn more and interact with one another.
This continues to fascinate me.
I was fascinated to note that the majority of employees were women, especially in the production and purchasing departments, unlike any other I visited in Asia. This explained to me why many political leaders were women too. The streets in those days were busy with all kinds of locally designed 3-wheelers, plying the role of normal taxis.
Filipinos were great singers and musicians and choirs and bands were everywhere people enjoyed their drinks and songs.Food variety was close to our local Malaysian dishes, except for one they called "balut" which I never ever tried as I saw it and explained. It reminded me of the same in Taipei where they enjoyed the raw snakes blood soup mixed with some gall juices.
Shops in the malls displayed lots of locally made and handicrafted products which included the lamp shades made from translucent seashells which were practical and beautifully done. I felt that in those days the people really enjoyed their daily living while some more successful ones, in style and elegance, especially in their smart national custumes.
In a country said to cover over 7000 islands, I wonder how the people get to learn more and interact with one another.
This continues to fascinate me.
My Visit Impressions - Vietnam
When I first visited HCMC (or formerly known as Saigon), in Vietnam as recently as 3 years ago, I felt it great as it was not a biz trip, except to meet with a Singaporean guy who had settled down with his family in that city.
It still appears to be like an ancient city, though several towers have sprung up to act as landmarks, especially those owned by Singaporean companies. The streets were filled with motorcycles more than cars.
To a first timer like me, crossing a road was almost an impossibility, until I watched and learnt a trick. Be brave and just walk across at some convenient spot, and behold, the motorcyclists will avoid you more than you need to avoid them, in that spirit. There was always order in disorder in the traffic theory in the streets.
A few old government buildings have been well preserved to become good class hotels or public centers, each with their national flags flying high. No policemen were seen anywhere, and I felt rather safe wandering around even in the evenings.
Most people knew what you spoke in English but they used a simple and large digit display to tell us the price in either USD or Dongs (which has several zeros). Most people were tall and slim, as if they were born that way, and young. Wonder where and how they kept off the older people in the city. Hawkers selling all kinds of simple products or T-shirts or me-too watches dotted the streets.
Nevertheless, people take things easy, including my friend whom I met for the first time in that city. Nothing seemed to hurry anyone, unlike the pace in other major cities in Asia. I long to visit Hanoi in the north, someday soon.
For leisure only.
It still appears to be like an ancient city, though several towers have sprung up to act as landmarks, especially those owned by Singaporean companies. The streets were filled with motorcycles more than cars.
To a first timer like me, crossing a road was almost an impossibility, until I watched and learnt a trick. Be brave and just walk across at some convenient spot, and behold, the motorcyclists will avoid you more than you need to avoid them, in that spirit. There was always order in disorder in the traffic theory in the streets.
A few old government buildings have been well preserved to become good class hotels or public centers, each with their national flags flying high. No policemen were seen anywhere, and I felt rather safe wandering around even in the evenings.
Most people knew what you spoke in English but they used a simple and large digit display to tell us the price in either USD or Dongs (which has several zeros). Most people were tall and slim, as if they were born that way, and young. Wonder where and how they kept off the older people in the city. Hawkers selling all kinds of simple products or T-shirts or me-too watches dotted the streets.
Nevertheless, people take things easy, including my friend whom I met for the first time in that city. Nothing seemed to hurry anyone, unlike the pace in other major cities in Asia. I long to visit Hanoi in the north, someday soon.
For leisure only.
My Visit Impressions - Indonesia
When I first visited Jakarta, Indonesia in early 90's, I was to explore what could be done in biz with some people there. I met with a well-known local Chinese businessman who was a descendant of many generations, but spoke little Chinese.
We could converse in some English but most in their Indonesian language, which I could understand to some intelligible extent, as it is rather similar to our Malay language. I brought some product samples to do a demonstration to test their interest in it. It was so funny that he had all his family members to surround me to watch me and my product demo, as if I was sort of playing a magic show.
I was made to understand that all biz types then had to undergo a personal engagement before anything of substance could be developed further. The key was that all parties must come with a lot of patience, making sure any decision making process would take time, if it did occur at all.
The host was very courteous and offered to us the traditional Chinese tea and some local snacks in the midst of the lacklustre conversations. It was easy to detour into non-biz topics of discussions which was not my visit objectives.
But then when in Rome, one must do with the Romans do. Enjoy as much as possible on what transpired and learn a new culture of the people we came across and their unique ways of making a good living for themselves.
It was hard to find out their strengths of doing biz, perhaps as usual, when we didn't know about it, we always said it was their 'Guangxi' or 'Personal Connections'. How about that?
We could converse in some English but most in their Indonesian language, which I could understand to some intelligible extent, as it is rather similar to our Malay language. I brought some product samples to do a demonstration to test their interest in it. It was so funny that he had all his family members to surround me to watch me and my product demo, as if I was sort of playing a magic show.
I was made to understand that all biz types then had to undergo a personal engagement before anything of substance could be developed further. The key was that all parties must come with a lot of patience, making sure any decision making process would take time, if it did occur at all.
The host was very courteous and offered to us the traditional Chinese tea and some local snacks in the midst of the lacklustre conversations. It was easy to detour into non-biz topics of discussions which was not my visit objectives.
But then when in Rome, one must do with the Romans do. Enjoy as much as possible on what transpired and learn a new culture of the people we came across and their unique ways of making a good living for themselves.
It was hard to find out their strengths of doing biz, perhaps as usual, when we didn't know about it, we always said it was their 'Guangxi' or 'Personal Connections'. How about that?
My Visit Impressions - Thailand
When I first visited Bangkok, Thailand in the late 90's, I wasn't looking forward to much biz discussion with my sales agent, based in that city.
He ran a small mixed mode of all electronic components for retail sales mostly, with a rather consistent but small annual volume. He regarded these components as if they were beans and peas, not electronic devices, since he was more a biz man than a sales professional.
My first arrival at this shop outlet was quickly translated to a good lunch. It filled me up with so much food that my brain was drained of my thoughts for the day. He took things rather easy and appeared to have no serious meetings in his eyes, as if plenty of time was on his side.
He was a Thai Chinese descent of the Teowchew dialect group and so we could sprinkle with some words that we understood each other. The evenings were always fun time, as if no biz meetings or even discussions were in order. The city was filled with shoppers diners and party goers from all nationalities, since the exchange rates were in favour of all foreign currencies.
Traffic was chaotic that was expected, but few if any accidents were reported each day. Those who were in the upper class of the society were seen in expensive cars, in perfect attire and walked in groups, as if surrounded by some personal guards. I have revisited this fabulous city for leisure only several times subsequently, but all visits were rather uneventful or with no striking story to relate to all.
He ran a small mixed mode of all electronic components for retail sales mostly, with a rather consistent but small annual volume. He regarded these components as if they were beans and peas, not electronic devices, since he was more a biz man than a sales professional.
My first arrival at this shop outlet was quickly translated to a good lunch. It filled me up with so much food that my brain was drained of my thoughts for the day. He took things rather easy and appeared to have no serious meetings in his eyes, as if plenty of time was on his side.
He was a Thai Chinese descent of the Teowchew dialect group and so we could sprinkle with some words that we understood each other. The evenings were always fun time, as if no biz meetings or even discussions were in order. The city was filled with shoppers diners and party goers from all nationalities, since the exchange rates were in favour of all foreign currencies.
Traffic was chaotic that was expected, but few if any accidents were reported each day. Those who were in the upper class of the society were seen in expensive cars, in perfect attire and walked in groups, as if surrounded by some personal guards. I have revisited this fabulous city for leisure only several times subsequently, but all visits were rather uneventful or with no striking story to relate to all.
My Visit Impressions - New Zealand
When I first visited Auckland, New Zealand, in the late 90's it was one long anticipated since I had already visited several coastal cities of eastern Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, where they were active R&D works done, requiring my supply of precision components.
I could not justify a biz trip even from Sydney, which was just a couple of hours away by air, since the short trip ticket then could cost as much as if I travel from Singapore direct to Auckland. When I did once only from Sydney, I was very anxious to meet with my parallel sales agent whom we had corresponded for years.
My arrival at the Auckland Airport was in the evening and I could recall it was a breeze to clear the checkpoints. On arrival at a motel, it was past 8pm., and since the motel only eatery was already closed, I tried to find a restaurant out in the city to eat. But it was impossible, as the shops in the whole city closed early.
Most people had early dinners I was told and there was no much traffic in the evenings so I could stroll about enjoying the very fresh air in NZ, for the first. Somehow I managed to find a Chinese eatery which offered a take away meal, and I was overjoyed. If not, I had to depend on the 7-11 again and endured the night.
I asked to add some vegetables, but was told only broccoli was available, for some reason, uniquely. My meeting with the agent was pleasantly successful and meaningful as he explained to me his biz model in the country.
We exchanged some little souvenirs with each other, and I still keep the little Kiwi carved on a small door wooden plate. Though now I have several personal friends living in the capital city, I am still looking foward to a return visit.
I could not justify a biz trip even from Sydney, which was just a couple of hours away by air, since the short trip ticket then could cost as much as if I travel from Singapore direct to Auckland. When I did once only from Sydney, I was very anxious to meet with my parallel sales agent whom we had corresponded for years.
My arrival at the Auckland Airport was in the evening and I could recall it was a breeze to clear the checkpoints. On arrival at a motel, it was past 8pm., and since the motel only eatery was already closed, I tried to find a restaurant out in the city to eat. But it was impossible, as the shops in the whole city closed early.
Most people had early dinners I was told and there was no much traffic in the evenings so I could stroll about enjoying the very fresh air in NZ, for the first. Somehow I managed to find a Chinese eatery which offered a take away meal, and I was overjoyed. If not, I had to depend on the 7-11 again and endured the night.
I asked to add some vegetables, but was told only broccoli was available, for some reason, uniquely. My meeting with the agent was pleasantly successful and meaningful as he explained to me his biz model in the country.
We exchanged some little souvenirs with each other, and I still keep the little Kiwi carved on a small door wooden plate. Though now I have several personal friends living in the capital city, I am still looking foward to a return visit.
My Visit Impressions - Mexico
When I first visited Tijuana, Mexico, in 1989 I was driven to cross the border after San Diego, from the starting point in Riverside, CA.
Nobody reminded me to bring my passport, since they knew that Americans could just cross the customs and immigration checkpoints effortlessly. Actually, same for me too, but I asked specifically to be checked and stamped on my ready passport. Just to be safe.
Now, as soon as I crossed into Mexico, in those days, the picture ahead of me was unpainted. I saw many people wandering aimlessly on the streets, as if they had the luxury of time. They appeared to envy cars crossing from the US, which were always cleaner, better and simply different.
Our purpose of that trip was to inspect some sub contract work we assigned to one small factory in that border city, where costs were much lower. The workers were rather disciplined in their work uniforms, but appeared to enjoy talking in their work, and so it was rather noisy at times.
When we moved past the assembly lines, they would pause to view who were we? It was fun, to compare notes of workers'attitude with those I have seen in Taiwan, Korea and Japan, since they were in the Western Hemisphere.
I was told the work quality was pretty good, and so it was justifiable to continue to keep that contract with them. It was my first visit to Mexico, and for a good personal experience too.
I enjoyed it.
Nobody reminded me to bring my passport, since they knew that Americans could just cross the customs and immigration checkpoints effortlessly. Actually, same for me too, but I asked specifically to be checked and stamped on my ready passport. Just to be safe.
Now, as soon as I crossed into Mexico, in those days, the picture ahead of me was unpainted. I saw many people wandering aimlessly on the streets, as if they had the luxury of time. They appeared to envy cars crossing from the US, which were always cleaner, better and simply different.
Our purpose of that trip was to inspect some sub contract work we assigned to one small factory in that border city, where costs were much lower. The workers were rather disciplined in their work uniforms, but appeared to enjoy talking in their work, and so it was rather noisy at times.
When we moved past the assembly lines, they would pause to view who were we? It was fun, to compare notes of workers'attitude with those I have seen in Taiwan, Korea and Japan, since they were in the Western Hemisphere.
I was told the work quality was pretty good, and so it was justifiable to continue to keep that contract with them. It was my first visit to Mexico, and for a good personal experience too.
I enjoyed it.
My Visit Impressions - Germany
When I first visited Hanover, Germany in 1992, I was to attend and participate as exhibitor at their world's largest consumers electronics show, over a huge area, comprising 7 huge halls.
It was impossible to make a complete tour only the selected areas of your interest. There were the usual seminars, talks, demos, news conferences, etc. but refreshing for the first timer, like me.
We could not book any hotels as they were all blocked out in advance. So we had to rent from private homes, as most people do. The home owners appeared to have their rental services provided as a regular ritual since the city of Hanover held many large scale conferences, exhibitions often.
Since we had a fellow Malaysian based there, he took us out for a long drive south toward Stuttgart, in his MB300. On the autobahn, he sped up to 220 kph when all of us held our breath almost without breathing. We noticed he was not alone, as all other drivers seemed to speed past us, like lightning too. It was probably terrific for him, but terrible feelings for us.
Anyway, that was a show of German mechanical engineering and civil engineering marvels at its best. I verified that on the spot.
It was impossible to make a complete tour only the selected areas of your interest. There were the usual seminars, talks, demos, news conferences, etc. but refreshing for the first timer, like me.
We could not book any hotels as they were all blocked out in advance. So we had to rent from private homes, as most people do. The home owners appeared to have their rental services provided as a regular ritual since the city of Hanover held many large scale conferences, exhibitions often.
Since we had a fellow Malaysian based there, he took us out for a long drive south toward Stuttgart, in his MB300. On the autobahn, he sped up to 220 kph when all of us held our breath almost without breathing. We noticed he was not alone, as all other drivers seemed to speed past us, like lightning too. It was probably terrific for him, but terrible feelings for us.
Anyway, that was a show of German mechanical engineering and civil engineering marvels at its best. I verified that on the spot.
Friday, October 11, 2013
My Visit Impressions - The Netherlands
When I first visited Delft, The Netherlands, in 1980, I was specifically directed to visit TUD, the Technological University of Delft, by a professional master planner and architect, a Dutch Chinese who was then assigned by the U.N. to be in SG.
He was to advise then SG government on their master planning of their brand new NUS sparkling and sprawling campus in Kent Ridge. We visited with his teacher and professor who not just showed us the
tour of TUD, but inspired us to stay at his cozy home, close to the varsity.
It was indeed a revelation to witness how advanced this oldest tech varsity in the country, as we toured their
architectural marvels and splendor. No wonder this varsity was picked by Unesco for consultation. In one tour we were led to a lecture hall, which could accommodate say 200, was then opened by hitting a button to hold say 10 times more, and another button to widen sideways, all in front of our eyes, surreally in those days, now 5 decades ago.
There was do much to marvel at especially in the civil and marine engineering aspects as in Amsterdam, and the then futuristic Evoluon. These were lifelong impressions to me.
He was to advise then SG government on their master planning of their brand new NUS sparkling and sprawling campus in Kent Ridge. We visited with his teacher and professor who not just showed us the
tour of TUD, but inspired us to stay at his cozy home, close to the varsity.
It was indeed a revelation to witness how advanced this oldest tech varsity in the country, as we toured their
architectural marvels and splendor. No wonder this varsity was picked by Unesco for consultation. In one tour we were led to a lecture hall, which could accommodate say 200, was then opened by hitting a button to hold say 10 times more, and another button to widen sideways, all in front of our eyes, surreally in those days, now 5 decades ago.
There was do much to marvel at especially in the civil and marine engineering aspects as in Amsterdam, and the then futuristic Evoluon. These were lifelong impressions to me.
My Visit Impressions - Italy
When I first visited Italy in 1992, I visited the then already world famous Giugiaro Design in a small town on the west coast of the peninsula.
I was to seek their design expertise on one series of electronic products. But I was led to a tour of their design show house, which was highly guarded. Mr. Giugiaro was out but his able daughter led us to a very meaningful and eye opener tour at their build ing basement.
At first I saw nothing but a row of small rooms on each side of the alley, as we walked. As she explained what was inside each room, she opened only momentarily for us to peep inside only for a good glimpse, of what was their design for a specific customer.
No more than a few seconds, for each glimpse, as she apologised for that sort of curt approach. But then to think of it, she was already kind enough as they got paid for their niche ideas and expressions of those ideas, which are rightly copyrightable.
I had a deep impression ever since especially when I get to wear the Giugiaro Design tie, presented to each of us. I know that Italy has always been a nation of design excellence, with deep respect. I now own a few items designed by Italians and in Italy.
I now know how to appreciate them much more than before.
I was to seek their design expertise on one series of electronic products. But I was led to a tour of their design show house, which was highly guarded. Mr. Giugiaro was out but his able daughter led us to a very meaningful and eye opener tour at their build ing basement.
At first I saw nothing but a row of small rooms on each side of the alley, as we walked. As she explained what was inside each room, she opened only momentarily for us to peep inside only for a good glimpse, of what was their design for a specific customer.
No more than a few seconds, for each glimpse, as she apologised for that sort of curt approach. But then to think of it, she was already kind enough as they got paid for their niche ideas and expressions of those ideas, which are rightly copyrightable.
I had a deep impression ever since especially when I get to wear the Giugiaro Design tie, presented to each of us. I know that Italy has always been a nation of design excellence, with deep respect. I now own a few items designed by Italians and in Italy.
I now know how to appreciate them much more than before.
My Visit Impressions - The United Kingdom
When I first visited London, in 1980, it was for 2 reasons: one was for my first honeymoon, and two, to visit the campus of U. Of London. We were able to tour the length and breadth of the beautiful city of all world clsss museums, the Big Ben, London Bridge, etc.
I chose to visit the University as I wanted to register for their LLB External Exam, and receive a copy of the required syllabus.
The University campus was spread all over the city, and so involved a lot of my legwork. In any case, it was a very worthwhile trip as my conversations with their staff members were highly inspiring, including my visit to the premises of the Inns of Courts.
Upon my return, I began my study in complete privacy, not to unravel an iota to the world. While still in my active full time regional job, I completed my external LL B degree and was ready to switch my engineering career to legal, when my boss elevated me to an irresistible offer.
The supposedly turning point didn't turn, and I remained in my tech career for the next 2 decades. Had I changed, I would never have the chance to travel to 30 countries, to visit the world's tech centers to meet with most influential people and learn from them there and then.
From London, we hopped to Calais, and toured to the fabulous Paris. The French didn't want to respond to us in English though they appeared to understand what we talked about. Paris was a city of the fine arts, of the exquisite fashions and non-gluttony cuisines.
We went on to the Netherlands, to explore other wonders, too long for this message.
Cheers.
I chose to visit the University as I wanted to register for their LLB External Exam, and receive a copy of the required syllabus.
The University campus was spread all over the city, and so involved a lot of my legwork. In any case, it was a very worthwhile trip as my conversations with their staff members were highly inspiring, including my visit to the premises of the Inns of Courts.
Upon my return, I began my study in complete privacy, not to unravel an iota to the world. While still in my active full time regional job, I completed my external LL B degree and was ready to switch my engineering career to legal, when my boss elevated me to an irresistible offer.
The supposedly turning point didn't turn, and I remained in my tech career for the next 2 decades. Had I changed, I would never have the chance to travel to 30 countries, to visit the world's tech centers to meet with most influential people and learn from them there and then.
From London, we hopped to Calais, and toured to the fabulous Paris. The French didn't want to respond to us in English though they appeared to understand what we talked about. Paris was a city of the fine arts, of the exquisite fashions and non-gluttony cuisines.
We went on to the Netherlands, to explore other wonders, too long for this message.
Cheers.
My Visit Impressions - The USA (The Independent Day)
When I first visited Riverside, CA., USA, I flew from Singapore to LAX, uneventfully, in 1985. From LAX, I took a short 20-minute flight by a propeller Fokker non-aircon plane to Ontario, CA.
That was quite an experience. Even my hand carried bag had to be checked in to balance all passengers and their luggage against each other before takeoff. But I enjoyed the low flight path to sight see the valley in the short trip.
I could have driven instead but since it was my very first trip, they decided to make sure I didn't get lost. Then the very next day, the company provided me with a very long car for my use - a Chervolet, on the left hand drive. I felt somewhat uneasy, but then there was nothing to lose, since they had confidence in me.
My motel was not too far from the factory, and the streets along that Columbia Ave., was never busy then, I could drive slower and make some silly mistakes. No harm done.
Within a week I was sort of being seasoned. I ventured to the malls nearby and the restaurants on my own, fearlessly. Working within an all American environment was a bold personal test of judgement and discretion. I got used to their waking up early and arriving at office before 7am, but leaving work at 4.30pm. Evenings were free to roam about the streets. I managed to find two Asian restaurants, and began to patronize the Chinese one more often than the Korean one.
Since phone calls were still rather expensive and emails not so popular then, I had to keep to myself most of the time, making do with watching the CNN programs, reading local papers and my own stuff. As vice president for the Asia Pacific region I began to travel to and fro, breaking up my daily routine and lifestyle monotony.
What I appreciated most was watching how my peers communicate orally with each other, perceiving their thought processing and exercising their skills in high level decision making. They represented the typical American work scenario, on the international plane. It was where I infused the most into my jugular system, the best of American intellectuals. Par excellence.
Why not?
That was quite an experience. Even my hand carried bag had to be checked in to balance all passengers and their luggage against each other before takeoff. But I enjoyed the low flight path to sight see the valley in the short trip.
I could have driven instead but since it was my very first trip, they decided to make sure I didn't get lost. Then the very next day, the company provided me with a very long car for my use - a Chervolet, on the left hand drive. I felt somewhat uneasy, but then there was nothing to lose, since they had confidence in me.
My motel was not too far from the factory, and the streets along that Columbia Ave., was never busy then, I could drive slower and make some silly mistakes. No harm done.
Within a week I was sort of being seasoned. I ventured to the malls nearby and the restaurants on my own, fearlessly. Working within an all American environment was a bold personal test of judgement and discretion. I got used to their waking up early and arriving at office before 7am, but leaving work at 4.30pm. Evenings were free to roam about the streets. I managed to find two Asian restaurants, and began to patronize the Chinese one more often than the Korean one.
Since phone calls were still rather expensive and emails not so popular then, I had to keep to myself most of the time, making do with watching the CNN programs, reading local papers and my own stuff. As vice president for the Asia Pacific region I began to travel to and fro, breaking up my daily routine and lifestyle monotony.
What I appreciated most was watching how my peers communicate orally with each other, perceiving their thought processing and exercising their skills in high level decision making. They represented the typical American work scenario, on the international plane. It was where I infused the most into my jugular system, the best of American intellectuals. Par excellence.
Why not?
My Visit Impressions - Hong Kong/China
When I first visited Hong Kong in 1985, I was to attend a company's annual sales training session. The arrival at the old Kai-tak Airport was filled with an abrupt trepidation and anxiety as the plane attempted to land, on what appeared to be a strip amid a concrete jungle.
I could almost see people cooking in the kitchens up their highrise apartments. Everywhere tall buildings competed to rise skyward and space for breathing at liberty was almost a luxury.
The notorious Wan Chai district was most fascinating. The policemen were an attraction to me. They were all slim, young and appeared to be able to run very fast. This was very necessary because of the thick density of people at all hours in both the Kowloon and Central districts.
If they were to chase after some thieves, they had to be as fit as fiddle. All eateries were always full. Most people didn't want to stay at homes and cook. Their homes were tiny any so, visitors were rarely invited, not even close relatives.
Personal image and portrayed personality are very important and could not be jaded. All meetings were done in offices, hotels, or cafes, or whatever outside homes. Almost like their unwritten SOP.
Everybody spoke very fast and acted fast, as if productivity was inbuilt in them. Working hard was a discipline born into every denizen. The people were and are very resilient, very adaptable and deserved to be admired.
I could almost see people cooking in the kitchens up their highrise apartments. Everywhere tall buildings competed to rise skyward and space for breathing at liberty was almost a luxury.
The notorious Wan Chai district was most fascinating. The policemen were an attraction to me. They were all slim, young and appeared to be able to run very fast. This was very necessary because of the thick density of people at all hours in both the Kowloon and Central districts.
If they were to chase after some thieves, they had to be as fit as fiddle. All eateries were always full. Most people didn't want to stay at homes and cook. Their homes were tiny any so, visitors were rarely invited, not even close relatives.
Personal image and portrayed personality are very important and could not be jaded. All meetings were done in offices, hotels, or cafes, or whatever outside homes. Almost like their unwritten SOP.
Everybody spoke very fast and acted fast, as if productivity was inbuilt in them. Working hard was a discipline born into every denizen. The people were and are very resilient, very adaptable and deserved to be admired.
My Visit Impressions - Macau /China
When I first visited the then Portuguese Colony of Macau in the late 80's I just took a short jet propelled speed boat from Hong Kong, where I lived and worked.
I accompanied my late mother to visit her long lost distant relative who was said to have escaped from another sovereign country, for some years.
After some strenuous effort, we found him, at his medical clinic, at a street corner. When he escaped into his freedom, he was in his late teens. So, my mother was surprised that he could manage to study and earn a medical degree from the Portuguese run varsity.
Notwithstanding that, I found his clinic very spartan and not reflective of an average clinic in normal practice. But indeed he had that medical certificate recognised by the then Portuguese Government hung on the wall.
Out of curiosity I walked up to the upper floor of his 2-storey clinic to fact find. It was supposed to be an Operating Room but I found it less than adequate to be just a clean room instead. A neighboring family could be frying some niceties which somehow got into my nostrils when I was still in that Ops Room.
I kept silent since he had a few patients to be treated. My imagination went somewhat awry. It was another episode where I found a First World profession imperfectly fitted into a Third World scenario.
Fancy that.
I accompanied my late mother to visit her long lost distant relative who was said to have escaped from another sovereign country, for some years.
After some strenuous effort, we found him, at his medical clinic, at a street corner. When he escaped into his freedom, he was in his late teens. So, my mother was surprised that he could manage to study and earn a medical degree from the Portuguese run varsity.
Notwithstanding that, I found his clinic very spartan and not reflective of an average clinic in normal practice. But indeed he had that medical certificate recognised by the then Portuguese Government hung on the wall.
Out of curiosity I walked up to the upper floor of his 2-storey clinic to fact find. It was supposed to be an Operating Room but I found it less than adequate to be just a clean room instead. A neighboring family could be frying some niceties which somehow got into my nostrils when I was still in that Ops Room.
I kept silent since he had a few patients to be treated. My imagination went somewhat awry. It was another episode where I found a First World profession imperfectly fitted into a Third World scenario.
Fancy that.
My Visit Impressions - Shanghai/China
When I first visited Shanghai, China in 1990, I was full of my anticipation and curiosity to know what's behind their intellectuals' minds more so than anything else.
I was accompanied to visit the then Bell Shanghai, the epitome of their telecoms research activities in that area. It was in cold November. A few young and scholarly elder engineers met us in their most spartan room with skeletal wooden chair.
They served us Chinese tea in tiny porcelain teacups to keep us warm, as there was no heating facility in that room. We survived unscathed. They were just so keen to know what modern digital chips we had to introduce to them.
As we began to explain the functions and features of not just the chips but the whole tech pathways of things to come, I noticed their eyes were so unmoved so glued to every word we uttered, in Mandarin of course, save those highly technical terms in English.
They asked profusely questions since these were the rare opportunities for them to have technology before their eyes in their home ground. By applications engineer said to me thereafter, these people knew more than what he expected, and demanded exhaustively the last drop of knowledge about the digital chips we came armed with.
Later, we traveled to Xian and Wuhan to visit a small set up called Huawei Telecoms, which had another rejuvenating series of stories. When we came out of China, we had no doubt that the tech influence of China
would impact the world.
We were not wrong.
I was accompanied to visit the then Bell Shanghai, the epitome of their telecoms research activities in that area. It was in cold November. A few young and scholarly elder engineers met us in their most spartan room with skeletal wooden chair.
They served us Chinese tea in tiny porcelain teacups to keep us warm, as there was no heating facility in that room. We survived unscathed. They were just so keen to know what modern digital chips we had to introduce to them.
As we began to explain the functions and features of not just the chips but the whole tech pathways of things to come, I noticed their eyes were so unmoved so glued to every word we uttered, in Mandarin of course, save those highly technical terms in English.
They asked profusely questions since these were the rare opportunities for them to have technology before their eyes in their home ground. By applications engineer said to me thereafter, these people knew more than what he expected, and demanded exhaustively the last drop of knowledge about the digital chips we came armed with.
Later, we traveled to Xian and Wuhan to visit a small set up called Huawei Telecoms, which had another rejuvenating series of stories. When we came out of China, we had no doubt that the tech influence of China
would impact the world.
We were not wrong.
My Visit Impressions - Xiamen/China
When I first visited Xiamen, China in 1990, it was not a biz trip, which came a year later.
I accompanied my late mother who revisited her parents' ancestral home in their primitive land. It took us 5 difficult hours to arrive from Xiamen by a minivan to Nan An. (Today, the same trip will be less than 2 hours by any vehicle on their super highway.)
I called the relatives to build a make-make bathroom and toilet before we arrived. They used different method to do the same thing, as I realized. It was surreally fun.
Where I slept, their wandering pigs came as close as my face, almost ready to offer a needless kiss. I was asked to stay at a hotel but I chose to be otherwise, to be close to my elderly mother and to tell a story with pride.
But I enjoyed all the niceties of being hosted at their best, by close relatives. They came from all corners of the same village. They related their personal stories, one after another, unrelentlessly.
We had hardly time to sleep. But when we had, we always woke up refreshed, anticipating a new eventful day. The 17-day trip was personally my intellectual realization of moments of truth, lessons for me for life.
When I revisited my relatives in Shenzhen, away from their then primitive village, I saw an astronomical contrast of how much they have transformed themselves positively. They owned factories. Lived in modern homes, not just houses. They drove imported cars, no longer the roughened vans.
I witnessed how they have come out of their crucible of living, to breathe and live more normally. It was a lesson in humanity in modern times.
I always enjoy telling this story, unprecedented in today's history.
I accompanied my late mother who revisited her parents' ancestral home in their primitive land. It took us 5 difficult hours to arrive from Xiamen by a minivan to Nan An. (Today, the same trip will be less than 2 hours by any vehicle on their super highway.)
I called the relatives to build a make-make bathroom and toilet before we arrived. They used different method to do the same thing, as I realized. It was surreally fun.
Where I slept, their wandering pigs came as close as my face, almost ready to offer a needless kiss. I was asked to stay at a hotel but I chose to be otherwise, to be close to my elderly mother and to tell a story with pride.
But I enjoyed all the niceties of being hosted at their best, by close relatives. They came from all corners of the same village. They related their personal stories, one after another, unrelentlessly.
We had hardly time to sleep. But when we had, we always woke up refreshed, anticipating a new eventful day. The 17-day trip was personally my intellectual realization of moments of truth, lessons for me for life.
When I revisited my relatives in Shenzhen, away from their then primitive village, I saw an astronomical contrast of how much they have transformed themselves positively. They owned factories. Lived in modern homes, not just houses. They drove imported cars, no longer the roughened vans.
I witnessed how they have come out of their crucible of living, to breathe and live more normally. It was a lesson in humanity in modern times.
I always enjoy telling this story, unprecedented in today's history.
My Visit Impressions - Japan
When I first visited Yokohama (not Tokyo), Japan, in the late 80's, I was mentally prepared that every trip to Japan would be very tiring.
Indeed, it was so and very taxing in every aspect. People started work early at 7am, and ended the day as late as 9pm. Most people traveled by train or subway or the Sinkensen (bullet train) and compelled their lifestyle to be as precise as +/- 1 minute in scheduling appointments or meetings.
People there behaved like worker ants, unceasing and very active. At meetings, be prepared to be shocked by their turnout, say having 10 of them to overwhelm the two or just three of you. You had to plan for a strategy to recall who's who in the pack of business cards you exchanged with them.
You might be called after that meeting, and wonder who actually phoned you, quickly and instinctively recall and engage meaningfully with the caller. The compelling reading of faces of Japanese was an art, even today, as they appeared to behave uniformly and indistinguishably.
Appreciating what they responded to you precisely called for perfect incision of highest order. When you're back to your hotel after a hard day's work, you might feel so awefully deflated that your mind was blank in toto.
But then, when you're in Rome, do as the Romans do. Be provoked at all times. Japanese change little over time, and so after 2 decades, you can tell the same old stories in respect of their working lifestyles and work ethics.
You can't tell if they enjoyed working or not, then and even now.
Indeed, it was so and very taxing in every aspect. People started work early at 7am, and ended the day as late as 9pm. Most people traveled by train or subway or the Sinkensen (bullet train) and compelled their lifestyle to be as precise as +/- 1 minute in scheduling appointments or meetings.
People there behaved like worker ants, unceasing and very active. At meetings, be prepared to be shocked by their turnout, say having 10 of them to overwhelm the two or just three of you. You had to plan for a strategy to recall who's who in the pack of business cards you exchanged with them.
You might be called after that meeting, and wonder who actually phoned you, quickly and instinctively recall and engage meaningfully with the caller. The compelling reading of faces of Japanese was an art, even today, as they appeared to behave uniformly and indistinguishably.
Appreciating what they responded to you precisely called for perfect incision of highest order. When you're back to your hotel after a hard day's work, you might feel so awefully deflated that your mind was blank in toto.
But then, when you're in Rome, do as the Romans do. Be provoked at all times. Japanese change little over time, and so after 2 decades, you can tell the same old stories in respect of their working lifestyles and work ethics.
You can't tell if they enjoyed working or not, then and even now.
My Visit Impressions - Korea
When I first visited Seoul, Korea in the mid-80s, I was supposed to set up my R&D center for the digital networking chips and later cable modem fledgling industry.
But I had to hire a local manager first as I spoke no Korean, though I could read some of the Chinese characters used widely there. After some strenuous effort, I managed to identify one who spoke rather good and convincing English. I was lucky.
At the final interview, I explained to him to hold on to his then current job, until he received the letter of offer from me, in a rew days' time. He said no need to wait for that written offer, as I had shaken hands with him and said I would hire him.
It shocked me to realize that in Korea nobody need such a written offer, as they Koreans put a huge emphasis on mutual trust and hand shake, which was equivalent to a firm offer.
I eventually hired him which lessened my deep concern about understanding the Korean culture. He taught me more about their Korean culture as I opened his mental windows to flow in international customs, norms and practices. I enjoyed my stay in Korea and especially with many friends who worked their whole life in one of their chaebols.
In those days, the city of Seoul was seen only cars of white, black and grey colors, Today, Korea flies high and mighty, illustrative of its national colorful and wonderful custumes and Yin-yang symbolic flag.
The nation of Morning Calm.
But I had to hire a local manager first as I spoke no Korean, though I could read some of the Chinese characters used widely there. After some strenuous effort, I managed to identify one who spoke rather good and convincing English. I was lucky.
At the final interview, I explained to him to hold on to his then current job, until he received the letter of offer from me, in a rew days' time. He said no need to wait for that written offer, as I had shaken hands with him and said I would hire him.
It shocked me to realize that in Korea nobody need such a written offer, as they Koreans put a huge emphasis on mutual trust and hand shake, which was equivalent to a firm offer.
I eventually hired him which lessened my deep concern about understanding the Korean culture. He taught me more about their Korean culture as I opened his mental windows to flow in international customs, norms and practices. I enjoyed my stay in Korea and especially with many friends who worked their whole life in one of their chaebols.
In those days, the city of Seoul was seen only cars of white, black and grey colors, Today, Korea flies high and mighty, illustrative of its national colorful and wonderful custumes and Yin-yang symbolic flag.
The nation of Morning Calm.
My Visit Impressions - Taiwan
When I first visited Taipei, Taiwan, I felt very much at home on arrival at CKS Airport in the mid-80s. It was still sort of in military rule but life on the streets was about normal.
I heard many speak Minanyu, similar to my Hokien dialect, and Mandarin Chinese. Most people there were very courteous warm and polite.
I visited the Hsinchu Science Park and a few factories in Keelung and Taoyuan. One 'Company' I visited was the home of a husband and wife plus a young man said to be their R&D engineer. Their pet dog greeted me at their door.
I explained our new generation of networking chips, etc. They're fascinated and wanted to try out with 500 pcs at US $60 each. But they had no money. I was stuck.
Later I was introduced to a local rep company which acted as the in-between agent. They paid for the chips and then did the resale. That became turning point history to me.
That Company went on to design in many more of their products and did very well. In less than 5 years they moved into a large factory and in 10 years doing the work for Cisco, the world's most famous router corp.
The singular story was a reflection of hundreds of others in Taiwan. I grew with the success story of Taiwan's tech wonders in the days gone by. It was totally unplanned for me. But a really rewarding experience indeed.
I heard many speak Minanyu, similar to my Hokien dialect, and Mandarin Chinese. Most people there were very courteous warm and polite.
I visited the Hsinchu Science Park and a few factories in Keelung and Taoyuan. One 'Company' I visited was the home of a husband and wife plus a young man said to be their R&D engineer. Their pet dog greeted me at their door.
I explained our new generation of networking chips, etc. They're fascinated and wanted to try out with 500 pcs at US $60 each. But they had no money. I was stuck.
Later I was introduced to a local rep company which acted as the in-between agent. They paid for the chips and then did the resale. That became turning point history to me.
That Company went on to design in many more of their products and did very well. In less than 5 years they moved into a large factory and in 10 years doing the work for Cisco, the world's most famous router corp.
The singular story was a reflection of hundreds of others in Taiwan. I grew with the success story of Taiwan's tech wonders in the days gone by. It was totally unplanned for me. But a really rewarding experience indeed.
My Visit Impressions - Australia
When I first visited Melbourne, Australia in the late 80's I was filled with anxiety. I was given a job to change the sales agent to another, in Syndey.
On arrival at the airport, a sales guy greeted me and said, "Thanks for coming 'todie', K.S.,...".
" Nope. I come here to live and enjoy,...".
Little did I realize how accentuated words are in spoken Aussie English.
After some months I got used to their heavy accent and began to enjoy the fun of it. Making my first impression, I thought it apt to wear my suit and tie in their summer. But they were more casual than I expected.
One guy said to me, this is summer, you can take off your tie, and another chipped in, otherwise we cut it into two, in his jovial expression.
Then came the tough part, where I was supposed to terminate their sales agency by breaking that unpleasant news. Thanking them for their hospitality was easy but revealing the bad tidings to them was somewhat stuck in my throat.
Well, it turned out that they were kinder souls much more than I at first feared. They knew about the stop order I had in my briefcase, and felt I was to do what was from the higher authority in USA. They held deep and broad smiles and tried not to be unduly concerned, but instead wanted to know more about me and my management style.
We ate dinners and conversed rather well in biz and in things general. After some meetings, I paused and had my quick soul searching. I wanted to make a proposal to retain them and appoint the new agent in Sydney as additional.
I persuaded and negotiated internally and won it my way. Nobody from the USA had ever landed Down Under, and so their picture in mind wasn't perfect to me. I continued to manage the agents in parallel for 6 years happily.
It was an acid test of my balancing in international management skills. It was a win-win. I always like to relish those exciting moments of truth. Whenever I think of Australia.
On arrival at the airport, a sales guy greeted me and said, "Thanks for coming 'todie', K.S.,...".
" Nope. I come here to live and enjoy,...".
Little did I realize how accentuated words are in spoken Aussie English.
After some months I got used to their heavy accent and began to enjoy the fun of it. Making my first impression, I thought it apt to wear my suit and tie in their summer. But they were more casual than I expected.
One guy said to me, this is summer, you can take off your tie, and another chipped in, otherwise we cut it into two, in his jovial expression.
Then came the tough part, where I was supposed to terminate their sales agency by breaking that unpleasant news. Thanking them for their hospitality was easy but revealing the bad tidings to them was somewhat stuck in my throat.
Well, it turned out that they were kinder souls much more than I at first feared. They knew about the stop order I had in my briefcase, and felt I was to do what was from the higher authority in USA. They held deep and broad smiles and tried not to be unduly concerned, but instead wanted to know more about me and my management style.
We ate dinners and conversed rather well in biz and in things general. After some meetings, I paused and had my quick soul searching. I wanted to make a proposal to retain them and appoint the new agent in Sydney as additional.
I persuaded and negotiated internally and won it my way. Nobody from the USA had ever landed Down Under, and so their picture in mind wasn't perfect to me. I continued to manage the agents in parallel for 6 years happily.
It was an acid test of my balancing in international management skills. It was a win-win. I always like to relish those exciting moments of truth. Whenever I think of Australia.
My Visit Impressions - India
When I first visited India in the mid-80s, I was forewarned that I should take all kinds of precautions against infectious diseases. I didn't not just for that first trip but many others subsequently.
I visited Mumbai (then Bombay) and then about 10 other cities for my semiconductor biz. It was all fun, enabling me to meet with all classes of people in the society.
I also visited the home of one Minister who lived on the premises of the Parliament, with satellite receiver dishes to view TV programs from the world. I visited ISRO, and saw how India built the rocket head to be launched in USA. I visited then Bangalore which was rather primitive 3 decades ago, unlike now.
Their airport would close completely for the night when the last arrival flight was cleared. The people in India were very anxious to learn new knowledge esp. in tech. For example they were willing to pay for the databooks which were given free at show booths.
People didn't get a chance to travel outside India for various reasons, and cellular phones yet to be used. So all speakers were surrounded by people to provide answers to satisfy their curiosity and hunger for knowledge.
They would bicycle long distances just to seek their intellectual oasis and were happy to arrive irrespective of countless miles of difficult journey. Reading the huge progress made in India in recent years takes me back in nostalgic recollections of the then places I visited and friendly people I met with.
With lots of fun, fancy and fortitude.
I visited Mumbai (then Bombay) and then about 10 other cities for my semiconductor biz. It was all fun, enabling me to meet with all classes of people in the society.
I also visited the home of one Minister who lived on the premises of the Parliament, with satellite receiver dishes to view TV programs from the world. I visited ISRO, and saw how India built the rocket head to be launched in USA. I visited then Bangalore which was rather primitive 3 decades ago, unlike now.
Their airport would close completely for the night when the last arrival flight was cleared. The people in India were very anxious to learn new knowledge esp. in tech. For example they were willing to pay for the databooks which were given free at show booths.
People didn't get a chance to travel outside India for various reasons, and cellular phones yet to be used. So all speakers were surrounded by people to provide answers to satisfy their curiosity and hunger for knowledge.
They would bicycle long distances just to seek their intellectual oasis and were happy to arrive irrespective of countless miles of difficult journey. Reading the huge progress made in India in recent years takes me back in nostalgic recollections of the then places I visited and friendly people I met with.
With lots of fun, fancy and fortitude.
My Visit Impressions: FB Impressions 2
The test of one's opinion or expression is not so much about his being persuasive or not. The acid test is more of his endurance of his steadfast defense of what he said or stated or debated against a host of many others.
Since some were of contrary views, there should be others who were with him or balancing on a pivotal fence, as it were.
Many always shy away from taking sides or simply just being bashful personally at first. In this scenario, the more aggresive ones will feel they ride skyhigh and are apparently on top of the world.
Now, nevermind about the true outcome in the future. If the view so debated were to have taken a different orientation later, what happens then? People would have long forgotten about it and couldn't care less to resurrect it to credit it to anyone else. That's usually the case.
But does it really matter? It matters me not. When we hold a strong view or a strong belief in a view of others, it's personal, independent and free of influence of others. That's the key to one's integrity, unbent and unmoved.
We speak of one's values and perception of life, we shouldn't be influenced much less be concerned or worried of others. Time will tell. If you are right, you should be thinking of being right for life, not simply momentarily.
That's what defines you, uniquely. Unquestionably.
Since some were of contrary views, there should be others who were with him or balancing on a pivotal fence, as it were.
Many always shy away from taking sides or simply just being bashful personally at first. In this scenario, the more aggresive ones will feel they ride skyhigh and are apparently on top of the world.
Now, nevermind about the true outcome in the future. If the view so debated were to have taken a different orientation later, what happens then? People would have long forgotten about it and couldn't care less to resurrect it to credit it to anyone else. That's usually the case.
But does it really matter? It matters me not. When we hold a strong view or a strong belief in a view of others, it's personal, independent and free of influence of others. That's the key to one's integrity, unbent and unmoved.
We speak of one's values and perception of life, we shouldn't be influenced much less be concerned or worried of others. Time will tell. If you are right, you should be thinking of being right for life, not simply momentarily.
That's what defines you, uniquely. Unquestionably.
My Visit Impressions: FB Impressions 1
Make no mistake. People make mistakes. Life is all about making mistakes, by accident, and then realizing them before correcting them. One by one.
Otherwise, people aren't humans since animals are not able to do that. Making mistakes and correcting them. People learn this revealing step in their lives, from beginning to end.
Those who don't will be in complete agony, and be hugely aggrieved by them besides showing very bad examples to their younger generations.
On the contrary, even well oiled mechanisms sometimes will get into teething problems. They require lubricating their gears to smoothen them to run afresh.
We are not afraid of making mistakes. We are afraid of people who don't admit they make mistakes.
Worse, they ignore them and continue to go their denial way. Even when others are asking why. Face saving is all positive acts until it's switched into its negative mode. That's one's moment of truth.
Otherwise, people aren't humans since animals are not able to do that. Making mistakes and correcting them. People learn this revealing step in their lives, from beginning to end.
Those who don't will be in complete agony, and be hugely aggrieved by them besides showing very bad examples to their younger generations.
On the contrary, even well oiled mechanisms sometimes will get into teething problems. They require lubricating their gears to smoothen them to run afresh.
We are not afraid of making mistakes. We are afraid of people who don't admit they make mistakes.
Worse, they ignore them and continue to go their denial way. Even when others are asking why. Face saving is all positive acts until it's switched into its negative mode. That's one's moment of truth.
Fish Head Curry
We enjoy eating fish head curry. But not the Westerners in general or the Americans in particular. Do you know why?
Since America is a very rules-based society, for written and unwritten ones, a lot must be learned by everyone making an inroad into their social environment. Even Americans themselves don’t know some answers when we ask them why? They have taken things too much for granted, since America is the world’s most advanced society, vis-à-vis the rest of the world, ROW.
Now, the basic unwritten rule about eating in USA, is that anything that goes into the mouth, must not be taken out of it. It must go straight down the gullet, strictly defined. And so it makes sense for chefs to make sure what DC has said accurately, that fish bones, shrimp shells, chickens bones, etc. must be removed before placing them on the table.
So when we eat in USA, in any restaurants, you can feel 100% at ease in eating anything and everything, safely without any worry. This is especially for children not so much for adults, since they would take anything and just eat it, without any singular consideration a for a fish bone, etc. It’s also very impolite to eat something and then take something out of the mouth. If you ever need to do this unwelcome act, do it most unobtrusively, with a handkie if you could or excuse yourself to walk away for a moment. This is part of the table manners, in a restaurant especially a Western one.
The rationale is simple, when you are to eat in a restaurant, you are only to enjoy the food so provided by chefs who are the experts in that field. Not you. You pick what to order, and when presented, it must be fit for personal consumption, and not otherwise. This is unwritten, but if flouted could get someone into a jail! The same could be said of all restaurants in Europe and in Japan, only exception in Asia. That’s why the menu is so accurately written for you to read and take note of what’s to order and eat, and at what cost to you, only.
You’re not expected to be able to decide what’s to pick out from your food, and toss it out. Probably, it may impair your health or cause you a safety hazard. In some way, this is regarded as a ‘soft’ society by Asians in USA. Now, they don’t expect accidents to occur in your food, and so preventive is the best course. Of course, if indeed an accident occurs, you can take the restaurant to court, and the chef too, and claim all the sufferance and costs due to you.
Now, if this happens in a typical restaurant in Asia, people as consumers would blame themselves for being too careless or any other reason, but nobody will make a claim or think of making a claim from the restaurant. Why not? In law, what you purchase must be of merchantable quality, such as the canned drinks, canned food, shirts, medicine or cars, etc, meaning it must serve your specific needs based on the terms as written or unwritten. Why should the food you eat in a restaurant be any different?
So, Americans can enjoy the fish curry, just like we do, if there is no bone in it. It’s not the issue of being hot and spicy, since the Mexican foods could be even more so.
Make sure when you order something from the menu, try to eat it all and get your plate clean, or almost clean. Lay the cutlery by the side or on the plate as the case may be. So you must understand what restaurant to go into and what to order from menu. If in doubt, order less, not more than you could eat.
Since America is a very rules-based society, for written and unwritten ones, a lot must be learned by everyone making an inroad into their social environment. Even Americans themselves don’t know some answers when we ask them why? They have taken things too much for granted, since America is the world’s most advanced society, vis-à-vis the rest of the world, ROW.
Now, the basic unwritten rule about eating in USA, is that anything that goes into the mouth, must not be taken out of it. It must go straight down the gullet, strictly defined. And so it makes sense for chefs to make sure what DC has said accurately, that fish bones, shrimp shells, chickens bones, etc. must be removed before placing them on the table.
So when we eat in USA, in any restaurants, you can feel 100% at ease in eating anything and everything, safely without any worry. This is especially for children not so much for adults, since they would take anything and just eat it, without any singular consideration a for a fish bone, etc. It’s also very impolite to eat something and then take something out of the mouth. If you ever need to do this unwelcome act, do it most unobtrusively, with a handkie if you could or excuse yourself to walk away for a moment. This is part of the table manners, in a restaurant especially a Western one.
The rationale is simple, when you are to eat in a restaurant, you are only to enjoy the food so provided by chefs who are the experts in that field. Not you. You pick what to order, and when presented, it must be fit for personal consumption, and not otherwise. This is unwritten, but if flouted could get someone into a jail! The same could be said of all restaurants in Europe and in Japan, only exception in Asia. That’s why the menu is so accurately written for you to read and take note of what’s to order and eat, and at what cost to you, only.
You’re not expected to be able to decide what’s to pick out from your food, and toss it out. Probably, it may impair your health or cause you a safety hazard. In some way, this is regarded as a ‘soft’ society by Asians in USA. Now, they don’t expect accidents to occur in your food, and so preventive is the best course. Of course, if indeed an accident occurs, you can take the restaurant to court, and the chef too, and claim all the sufferance and costs due to you.
Now, if this happens in a typical restaurant in Asia, people as consumers would blame themselves for being too careless or any other reason, but nobody will make a claim or think of making a claim from the restaurant. Why not? In law, what you purchase must be of merchantable quality, such as the canned drinks, canned food, shirts, medicine or cars, etc, meaning it must serve your specific needs based on the terms as written or unwritten. Why should the food you eat in a restaurant be any different?
So, Americans can enjoy the fish curry, just like we do, if there is no bone in it. It’s not the issue of being hot and spicy, since the Mexican foods could be even more so.
Make sure when you order something from the menu, try to eat it all and get your plate clean, or almost clean. Lay the cutlery by the side or on the plate as the case may be. So you must understand what restaurant to go into and what to order from menu. If in doubt, order less, not more than you could eat.
Americans are so amusing..
Americans are so amusing to me, in the following salient examples.
1) When they drink coffee, they like it black, or at times, white. But no sugar. When they eat desserts, they devour them at the highest intensity in sweetness.
When the Americans take their coffee, they enjoy the aroma, taste and freshness, not so much the addition of sugar or cream. In that way, they claim that they could really discern what’s fabulous coffee or not, and what grades or even from which country and at what season of the year the crop was harvested.
We don’t normally go into that refinement of drinking a coffee. We just jump into a coffee, plunge in as much sugar or cream and devour it. So the question of sweetness in desserts is really a separate issue, unrelated to that drinking of a coffee. When they eat desserts, they do enjoy sweetness at its strongest, like that of souflay or ice cream, etc. Its strange in their behavior and explains why obesity rates sour so high so fast.
2) When they eat dinner, they are so refined in the use of fine cutlery to cut a tiny piece before placing it into their mouth. When they eat the 3-tier hamburger, they open their mouth so big as to defy gravity.
At the restaurant, food must be enjoyed with its ambient.
Americans or Westerners really feel the surroundings must blend with the occasion, and so the more formal a dinner event is, the more subdued must be its ambient, to add its formality. Usually at a black tie dinner, even the sound of a cutlery must be controlled or to be avoided totally. So, eating and using any forms of the cutlery must be very controlled, and refined.
For goodness’ sake, never drop a spoon or anything say at a French Restaurant, and all heads will swing around to look at you. Each cut of a meat must be just adequate for a quick bite and quick chewing, and so a piece must not be too big, to be chewed for a long time. That’s bad for table manner too.
Eating fast food, is different like a cowboy’s behavior, to rough it out, when you wear a tee and pair of jeans. So using the fingers to hold a hamburger to take a big bite is acceptable. But then it’s done not too obviously, nevertheless.
3) When they eat steak, you shouldn't order or eat the same. But order fish fillet instead, especially in a formal one-on-one dinner, to avoid embarrassment. Do you know why? (If you guess it correctly, you'll be my guest at a TGIF dinner at a convenient time and venue.)
When the Americans eat steak, they order a big one, like half pounder or more. They cut a big piece and eat. Their teeth are well designed to eat steak, no matter how tough it may be. They chew it very fast, and swallow it.
Out Asian teeth, except those of Koreans and some Japanese, are not designed to eat and chew tough beet steak. And so we take a longer time or too long to chew a piece of steak. This results in eating too slowly such that when the host is done, you may still have half a piece on your plate. The impression you gave would be very bad, making the host to think that you didn’t like the food or the place or whatever. But you could not explain why. This is especially so, if you talk and eat, making your speed of eating even slower.
So my strong recommendation is to order fish fillet, such that it melts in your mouth. You can control the speed as much as your American host. When he finishes his steak, you complete yours. Plates are clean and neat. You will give a good impression.
Suppose you love to eat steak, and may even miss it. Fear not, when you go back to your hotel room, order your steak as room service and slowly enjoy it over a TV program. You need to manage yourself well as a top professional or even a superb businessman, in a high profile setting. I showed many Asians how to eat their dinners in America, and this is just one good example.
4) When you ask Americans, if they eat or drink a soup, what do you expect their answers?
When in America, if you ask them, Americans if they eat or drink soup, you may get a 50-50 answer, meaning half will say eating a soup and the other half drinking a soup. But if you are in the U.K., you never drink a soup.
You only eat a soup, irrespective of a thick soup like a chowder or a clear soup like an onion soup. This is because when you eat a soup, you require an implement like a soup spoon, unlike the definition of drinking which you don’t.
Of course, in Japan where no spoons are used at all, you only drink a soup by holding a cup high and do it. This explains why all lawyers or barristers in the U.K. must keep their 24 dining terms at any one of the Inns of Courts to learn how to dine before plunging into their legal career.
I enjoyed that in 1985 when I dined at the Middle Temple, and was shown how to present myself at a table of 4, headed by a lead barrister, who showed you how to eat, how to talk and what to talk over a formal dinner, etc. They want to make sure a product of the U.K. in the field of barristers must be highly refined and well regarded in the legal community in particular and in the society in general.
I began asking people if they eat or drink a soup since 1985 when I was in HK, and so far still 50-50 based on the input of all foreigners, who spoke in native English or as a second language. You can give it a try, too!
Precision. Perfection. Parity.
If making a shirt is a science, wearing one is an art.
When I worked in the Southern California and in the Silicon Valley, what I learned most to me was not so much about the emerging technology, but the refined arts of grooming oneself especially at top level negotiations or formal presentation or making public delivery. This is what I want to share with all of you, here.
In the precision technology area, the bit error rate (BER) in the design is so critical to the performance of a precision semiconductor that a lot of time was spent on its detection and correction, and improvement. All tech companies involved in selling high precision chips in the telecoms and datacoms or transmisstion industry must jolly well people in the sales and marketing groups who dress up well, or almost perfectly.
Anyone who wore a shirt say with a tiny thread hanging from a buttonhole or sleeves, would get a high reprimand from one of the two Henry's, ex-UCLA (Berkeley) EE professors and founders of the the most admired company I worked for.
His rationale was simple, if you could not wear a perfect shirt and a perfect suit, you could not sell our highly precision chips or semiconductors, especially at a high level meeting or negotiation. His laser eyes were so sharp that he always was able to catch some before an event unfolded.
Later I found out that it was not so much his personal style, but it was the standard of the industry we were in. This explains why if we bought an Arrow shirt, albeit at high price, we felt a level of comfort that all buttons and holes and sleeves would be devoid of hanging tails or threads. We paid for the perfection built into a shirt, not just the shirt itself.
I adopted the same industry standard ever since when I interviewed people to work for me in the USA and outside. I found out that there was indeed a correlation that if a person cares not what shirt he wears, his attitude toward precision in life or expression or behavior is never of an excellent class.
This says a lot why politicians make sure they wear a perfect suit for a major event. Just watch out what and how PM Najib wears, how Xi JinPing wears and how others including the CCTV News Anchors wear in front of the camera. If they mean business, they wear perfection.
The cost of an Arrow shirt is never the real issue at hand. The real issue is whether you know what's at stake and in store for you. Precision. Perfection. Parity.
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