06.03.08
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Events, Web Technologies at 7:34 pm by adrianoh
X-Cnet Intern & Guy
Notice the name card i’m holding, it got super huge fonts that you can see from 2 miles away.
Guy kawasaki (famous apple evangelist and silicon valley VC) and also Vinton Cerf (father of TCP-IP) were here - Thanks to Malaysia for being the host of WCIT 2008, we have a chance to meet some of the very top brass of Silicon Valley.
Off topic:- If you wondered where i got the CNET t-shirt, i enrolled in Cnet Malaysia back in 2002 as an intern before it was dissolved - i swear the closure got nothing to do with me. Now CNET is happily acquired by CBS for a whopping USD 1.8 Billion and damn! i don’t get a single cents out of it!
So i’m not going to delve in details here. I will just touch on some of the highlights that manage to leave an impact (very likely less than 72 hours) to my tiny little brain.
First on Guy Kawasaki.
One most inspiring thing mentioned is D.I.C.E.E. - the way of creating a truly world class products that sells like nobody business (think ipod & iphone), else risk being listed here. Btw,
If you miss the event, you can still grab some of the crucial point of the presentation by Guy here at:
Guy Kawasaki on creating Insanely Great Products , How to do an effective pitch & What to do with unexpected customers using your products unexpected ways.
See guy kawasaki photo journalism on his 45 hours trip to KL.
Vinton Cerf gave another inspiring speech in a special appearance arranged by MDEC 2 days after guy kawasaki. He touches on the very future of the Internet, IPV6, Silicon Valley Wannabe, Mobility etc.
One interesting he brought up is how many “silicon wannabe” that fails. reasons is you cannot just simply copy silicon valley without realizing the substances that make it successful. He describe Silicon Valley as an “fine-tuned turbo engine” where all the components fits into each other perfectly to keep pumping out great and optimum horse power.
So What does it take to be Silicon Valley?
Venture Capitalist (VC)
Unlike the traditional banks, VC dare to risk in new venture without holding on any collateral, it’s like they are banking on the idea, the business model and the team behind it. Out of every 10 investments, VC expects 6 to fail, 3 to do so-so and 1 hitting the jackpot.
Don’t shoot capitalism, embrace them.
Matured Capital Market
US got Nasdaq. Singapore got Sesdaq and we follow with Mesdaq. IPO is an important route for high growth technology company to gather capital and expand their business, it’s also the most crucial channel for VC to cash out on their startup investment (apart from being bought out by the industry stalwarts).
NASDAQ - Where you find Micro$oft, Intuit, Intel, Cisco and lot more!
Supply of Trained Employees
In technology business, it’s all about the People. Silicon Valley doesn’t accidentally “grow” around top university like Stanford. It’s the continuous brain capital supplied by the Top Universities around the area that made Silicon Valley. Likewise, we have our Multimedia University (MMU) too, the only different i can see is that MMU is planted there as part of the MSC Grand Plan. Isn’t it ironic this ERP company claiming they will lose half their staff strength moving to MSC Cyberjaya?
Do we have enough supply of geeks?
Steve, where are you?
Access to Experienced Manager
Very simple fact, young and bright engineers starting up companies need experienced leaders that can guide them and lead the company forward. Just like why Sergey Brin and Larry Page hired Eric Schmidt and even made him a billionaire.
3 makes a company
Tolerate Failure
Vinton mentioned Steve Jobs highlight this point to ex-UK prime minister, Tony Blair when he asked the Top CEOs of Silicon Valley on what makes Silicon Valley a success. Steve Job said:”I dunno what makes us successful, but i think every CEOs here in the room have fail at least once before.” Seems like in Silicon Valley, Failure is the rule rather than the exception, remember, what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. See how apple co-founder steve wozniak learned from failure.
NOT all apple product a runway success
This is very interesting, who would have thought this is one of the “substance” of success? And can failure be bought with $? (even if you can, nobody sane would buy failure) If not, how do you replicate it?
I would say it’s part of the cultural trait that’s hard to mimic. In US generally, failing is not seen as a bad mark of incompetency, people are willing to give you the 2nd chance (or more). In Malaysia and many parts of the world, Failure is being seen as a bad mark of incompetence. If you fail once, not just VC will ditch you, probably your girlfriend will dump you and you stand a risk of your parents disowning you too.
Market Size
Is the domestic market big enough? If not, then think Global, how an you reach and serve the market outside of the country? You gonna THINK BIG! ACT Locally by moving forward one step at a time.
Notice one point missing ? Yes, he did not mention anything about HARDWARE aka building or so called “infrastructure”. Silicon Valley is what it is today all because of the “software”, it has got little to do with hardware.
The blind spot in our MSC Grand Plan (and alot other silicon valley wannabe) has been the sole focus on hardware instead of software. Why? it’s because you can buy your way through hardware and you get instant gratification! Hooray! As long as you got the cold hard cash, hey, u can even hire alien to build highest building in the world to fill your ego. Make no mistake that there’s no shortcut for software (ppl development), it takes a long long time to develop people and talent. Money just cannot buy you this shortcut no matter how deep your pocket is.
As an entrepreneur myself, can you tell me why Malaysia need Yet another MSC Cyber city? In what way does it really benefit the technopreneur? Does a nice office transform a mediocre programmer into a super hacker that can cramp up codes like nobody business? Does paying higher rent psf that enrich the property owner instead of yourself make your product more likely to succeed in the market? It just doesn’t make sense to me. All i see is that it only benefits the contractors.
Instead, why don’t the government just focusing on bringing up the level of the skilled knowledge workers and give the country a cheap, reliable and abundant broadband and let the entrepreneurs take care of themselves.?
Last but not least, Vincent also highlight that FDI (Foreignt Direct Investment) will create jobs, but not creating wealth. To create wealth, you need to own the company. So if you are reading this, why wait? start your own company today and if you are thinking of e-commerce, Don’t forget to drop us an email to find out how we can help you on that. 
Nite.
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05.13.08
Posted in E-commerce, Entrepreneurship, Events, Online Marketing at 12:19 pm by admin
This is part of short media interview conducted for the MIRC E-SME Week we are taking part as the speakers. We will speak on topics like “Driving Traffic to Your Online Stores”, “Top 5 Mistakes for Google Adwords” and “All you need to know about Online Payment Gateways (M’sia Merchants)”.
Do come join us if you would like to know more about the topics. It’s free admission as this is regular community events held by MIRC to boost up SME competitiveness.
Read more: Many e-commerce tools readily available for SMEs to boost profits
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02.04.08
Posted in Events, General at 8:54 am by admin
Dear customers, partners and friends, please note we will be off for a Chinese New Year Break from 6th February to 10th February 2008. During this period, we might still reply email , but there will be nobody in the office picking up calls!
We will resume work on 11th February 2008. Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fatt Choy to you!
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11.05.07
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Events, Web Technologies at 11:36 am by adrianoh
Webmaster are notoriously known as geek who sit in front of the computer for 12 hours per day, practically no social life (some mean person call it socially retarded).
I think that’s why webmastermalaysia.com has throw a gathering on 17th, Nov 2007 @ Starbucks, KL Sentral so all geeks can have a nice real face-to-face chat (please, no more MSN, Yahoo, SKYPE, or GTalk) and get to know who behind all those forum nick names.
I will be attending, so see you guys there!
Click here to know more details on this coming webmaster gathering at KL.
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10.18.07
Posted in E-commerce, Events at 12:18 pm by adrianoh
Think it’s not quite possible? Well, the fact is, everything is possible under the SUN - Never, NEVER ever take things for granted.
UK Royal Mail (Union, what else?) having one of the worst postal strike ever, as a result of serious dispute over the mother of all evil - $$$ Paycheck $$$.
So you can imagine the negative impact it will have on UK businesses, especially online merchants that rely heavily on company like Royal Mail to deliver the merchandizes to their clients. Just like it would spell disastrous to US if USPS strikes or Malaysia if Pos Malaysia strikes, businesses would be paralyzed. And Simon Cow definitely would not be delighted.
“The strike is destroying the industry. Our industry works on confidence and trust of the customers. The Royal Mail is the only doorstep delivery business in the UK. The uncertainty that this is bringing into the market place is a nightmare.
It is particularly hard for small firms who do not have the means to engage a replacement carrier at short notice.
The effects will be permanent. Internet shopping is delivery and if that is uncertain then the industry is uncertain. It will hit Christmas sales and the Royal Mail in the long term.” James Roper, Interactive Media in Retail Group’s Chief Executive
The Union seems to forget who matter most - it’s about the customers! It’s not the management that pays them, it’s the customers! Why upset the customer? Believe me, their business will be eventually be hurt, it takes years for you to build confidence but only a few days to demolish it.
You can see what the strikers are “fighting” for here. Some e-commerce merchants are advising for alternatives shipping methods to avoid delayed shipments to their customers.
Those well prepared - like dabs.com, will have a contingency plan, they will have something like below on their website. Those unprepared will be hit hard by their customers, needless to say.
Read more on the news here
So what’s the moral of this story? In the real world, Murphy laws apply. For every e-commerce merchants, you need some contingency plan in place in case what works now fail in the next minute.
Lots of things just might go haywire.
- What if your “ONLY” payment solution fails to work? Do you have a 2nd payment option letting you process credit card too?
- What if your “ONLY” email fails to work? Do you have alternative email that your customer can reach you?
- What if your Postmen (inspired by Royal Mail) strike? Do you have an account ready with other courier services company that you can utilize instantly?
- What if your website fails and your hosting company tells you that they forgot to backup your database? Do you actually run a backup (especially the database) that can help you recover your website within 24 hours time?
Our advice to you: Life is unpredictable, always have a disaster recovery plan. Once something goes wrong, you will thank us for it. Also please treat your Postman with respect by saying a simple thank you when they pick up your parcels or send you something! You never know, this simple & genuine gesture might work a miracle.
Happy selling online!
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08.17.07
Posted in Events at 3:18 pm by admin
Malaysia, our beloved country, is marching into half a century old. We actually received a formal letter from DBKL asking us to put up the flag as a showmanship of patriotism. Phew, we done that long ago! Infact, we did something better than that! check out the photo shot below.
Are you ready for the celebration?
Disclaimer: These kids are REAL volunteers and NO bribery like of all sort like toys or junkfood used during this photo shooting session. What you see is 100% organic and natural.
Thanks to this BM Pantun from Unforseeable
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Pantun Merdeka ini untuk semua
Untuk semua penduduk Malaysia
Negara yang kita amat sayang dan cinta
Kini sudah berumur 48 tahun lamanya
Teringat suatu peristiwa di Stadium Merdeka
Stadium yang penuh dengan sejarah
Tunku and rakyat berdiri dengan megah
Menjerit tujuh kali ‘Merdeka’
Kaum Melayu, India dan Cina
Agama Islam, Hindu and Buddha
Pelbagai bahasa pelbagai budaya
Tapi cuma ada satu bangsa, bangsa Malaysia
Kini sampailah masanya
Untuk kita membalas jasa
Berganding bahu bekerjasama
Menjulang Malaysia di persada antarabangsa
Malaysia oh Malaysia
Tanah tumpah darah kita
Tempat kita dilahirkan, tempat kita dikuburkan jua
Kita berbangga digelar rakyat Malaysia
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Happy Merdeka!
If you want some song to boost up your merdeka spirit, there’s no better song than Merdeka Tanggal 31 by our very own Malaysia Superstar the late Sudirman. You can grab the lyrics here and let’s rock !!!
Let’s look ahead and put our efforts in things that matters most. Together we shall build a strong, harmonious and healthy nation we can be proud of and live happily (ever after).
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08.15.07
Posted in E-commerce, Events at 11:35 am by admin
FREE TALK on Why eBay Is The Best Place to Buy & Sell
Event Information
=============
Host: Beliawanis MCA
Location: Wisma MCA Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Time: Saturday, August 25, 1:30PM
Phone: +60123035486
Date: 25 August 2007
Venue: Wisma MCA
Speaker: Miss Chris Chan (Education Specialist Certified by eBay)
Speaker’s Website: www.chiica.com
Cost: It’s Free!
Kindly RSVP with your name cos seats are limited!
FREE TALK on Why eBay Is The Best Place to Buy & Sell
Want to find out if you or your business can make money buying and selling on eBay? Learn from Malaysians who have done so successfully and on a continuous basis! This is suitable for individuals who are looking for a new source of income, OR businesses who are looking for an alternative low-risk route to sell to the global market.
Beliawanis MCA is proud to host a talk on ‘Why eBay is the Best Place to Buy & Sell’. It will be conducted by Chris Chan, eBay Powerseller and Education Specialist who trades from Malaysia & joined by Miss Carol Fung.
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04.06.07
Posted in Events, web / mobile 2.0 at 11:39 pm by admin
Mix Malaysia? Got ya! sorry it ain’t no april fool. Stop dreaming for grand web2.0 mashup event like Mix to be happening anytime soon in Malaysia and brushing shoulders with Ray Ozzie. (on 2nd thought, why not? Bill gates was here before, James Gosling aka the Java Father also just here recently)
How about one with our local talent Walter Wong (Microsoft Evangelist)! You can grill him with questions on web hacking stuff. Don’t miss this one if you want to learn more on AJAX and web2.0 stuff!
Synopsis:
A plain old HTML experience is no longer good enough for your most frequent (and most valuable) users - AJAX is setting new standards for responsiveness and usability, visitors are expecting increasingly sophisticated customization and personalization options, and rich media integration is unlocking new revenue streams. But building these richer sites can be difficult and expensive. This keynote session will explore how technologies like Internet Explorer 7, “Atlas” (Microsoft’s new AJAX framework), Windows Live!, the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPE) and InfoCard can take your browser-based content and commerce experiences to another level and increase earnings, while minimizing development and maintenance costs.
Details:
Date: 13 April 2007 (Friday)
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: MIRC, Level 12, Wisma MCA, No. 163, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Speaker: Mr. Walter Wong, Developer Advisor, Microsoft Malaysia
Register now by downloading this file and email to Alice, MIRC ! Limited to 30 participants only!
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02.04.07
Posted in Events, Online Marketing at 9:43 pm by admin
Miss out the previous Google Talk by Hanson Toh in MIRC?
Check out some photos during the MIRC events. It’s jam packed with about 200 over peoples. Good Crowd Overall.
 [top]Neowave got the honorable highlight by Google for the Mashup work we done on webShaper e-commerce which add more values to our clients.[right] We have a confession to make, we are tempted to steal this banner. [More photos here] |
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Well, you can do a catch up for this one which is going to be held at MIM (Malaysia Institute of Management). If you are not MIM members, expect to fork out RM45 to attend this. Busy? You can choose to pay online!
More details on the events at http://www.mim.org.my/MA1326.htm
Have fun!
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01.19.07
Posted in E-commerce, Events, Online Marketing, Web Technologies at 4:55 pm by admin
After ebay, here comes Google! What’s next?? Yahoo anyone??
Online Search-Engine Advertising (SEA)
Find out why and how is it the most effective online-marketing channel today!
Read the rest of this entry »
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