Company Trip

I've just returned from our company trip to Hatyai, a combined trip for my teams at weddingsmalaysia and That Special Occasion. We've been doing this for the past couple of years - Penang, Siem Reap, Bali, Phuket. It's an opportunity to bond, to have some fun after a year's worth of hard work.

I chose Hatyai this time round as I felt shopping and food would do us good. No worries about planning any sightseeing itinerary. Shop till we drop, eat to our hearts' content were top priority. Throw massage and reflexology into the equation and you have it, a truly enjoyable couple of days.

Come the end of the trip, we always look forward to the next one. The destination for 2012? Well, it will really depend on how well we do this year. I guess we are all motivated in a way to do the best we can. The better we do, the more attractive the destination I suppose. Here's to closing more deals in the months ahead.

Here I am shopping in the Old Market in Hatyai, Thailand.

Little Pleasures

The little pleasures during a business trip is what makes the trip an enjoyable one. True, I am pleased when I get to close deals; they are the raison d'etre that I go on such trips in the first place. But when I find time to squeeze in some leisure, that makes it even more worthwhile.

Lucky are those who get to experience something new and I make sure that I do on every business trip. Such an experience can take many forms. A new place to eat. A new attraction to visit. New acquaintances.

Making an effort does yield new experiences. The question that begs to be asked then is 'will you make the effort?'

Photo of me having drinks with Suan Bee, C Hun, Hai Liang and Mong Ling at Yeng Keng Hotel, Penang, Malaysia.

Thanks 2010

2010 has been a year that made me realise the important things in life. I lost my father in January to cancer and his passing reinforced some of the lessons he taught me - the importance of family ties and kinship, integrity and to live my life as I deem fit as long as I am happy.

2010 has also been one where I have traveled much. Bali twice! Hong Kong, Singapore, Penang, Kuching, Ho Chi Minh City and the most significant, my solo trip to Turkey for my birthday. To see the world is something I always find inspiring and I hope to see more in the year ahead.

2010 also made me understand that some friends are more worth having than others. I appreciate the good ones, and I will certainly discard the ones that have done me wrong. It's the time of year to say 'good riddance to bad rubbish' and to be truly thankful for those in my inner circle who accept me for who I am and who put up with my nonsense.

2010 has made me a stronger person, one who faces challenges head on, who embraces the opportunities to scale new heights, who relishes new experiences, who tries a little harder to find the missing pieces in life.

2010 has been a milestone in more ways than one. Thanks for the good times and the not so good.

2011 beckons!

Photo of Suk Harn, mum and I at Pho 2000 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam over the Christmas holidays.

Long Time No See

I hadn't seen Elisa since October last year, so it was great to catch up with her while in Penang over the weekend. Killing two birds with one stone is how I call it. Being able to say hi to a friend whilst at the same time tour Hard Rock Hotel Penang where Elisa heads the Marketing Communications team.

It is always nice to catch up in person. Sure, email and Facebook are handy tools to keep in touch but it never really is the same as talking in person, sharing aspirations, chatting about holidays and of course a little bit of biz-talk.

And the hotel? There is a buzz and much energy that's for sure.

Photo of Elisa and I at the bar at Hard Rock Hotel Penang.