I Missed Malaysia

While I was in Melbourne completing my degree, I returned back for every break to not only be with my family and friends but because I missed the Malaysia culture and food – not a fan of the weather, though.

The saddest moment of my life in Melbourne wasn’t leaving my family but accepting the news my beloved grandmother (on my mother’s side) passing away just after 1-2 days since I landed in Australia. But that’s another story.

Then there was one time I wanted to return for my holiday but unfortunately, the flight I wanted to take was fully booked. A friend told me before approximately 10,000-25,000 Malaysia students further their studies in Melbourne. *shrug*

During that time, I did quite a number of digital illustrations using Photoshop and the Pen tool. This was one of them when I knew my flight left me.

I really missed Malaysia. The thought of seeing my family and friends at the airport. The warmth I’d get when my girlfriend were to hold me tightly and the many more hugs my family would’ve given me.

This was Malaysia. She was a place I called home. She was the place my family and friends resided. She was the one with many cultures and varieties of food which I love, and still do.

Happy Merdeka to the rakyat (people) and her children!

Why Must You Buy a .COM Domain Name?

Back in 2006, I wrote an article titled; Domain names made simple, and it was about interesting facts about domain names. But what I’d like to discuss about today is the importance of owning a Top-Level Domain (TLD) domain. And, the most recognized TLD domain name today is the .COM suffix.

Although most countries today have their localized domain name suffix, it’s important to register and own the .COM suffix because it’s an internationally recognized signature. It’s the first thought which comes to the mind of anyone you’re sharing your website address with.

Here’s a classic example I found as Malaysia’s independence (Merdeka) day is coming round the corner on August 31. It’s in regards to the 1Malaysia campaign.

Unofficial 1Malaysia (.COM) website

Official 1Malaysia (.COM.MY) website

Clearly, there’s a miscommunication in online branding now and I’d say the .COM is borrowing the media awareness of the official campaign whenever someone doesn’t tpye in the correct website address.

The Malaysia web industry is still plagued by many fundamental mistakes made by personal, corporate and government agencies. Why are the corporate and government agencies facing such problems I dare not bring up as I know there’d be much to debate later.

But the fact remains, whenever possible you should always register your .COM suffix if it’s available.

15Malaysia The Tree Video Is Not Religion

The most recent release of the 15Malaysia video is called; The Tree. It’s by Malaysia’s most influential spiritual leader; Nik Aziz. Personally, I don’t follow any religion except accepting the fact God does exist. So honestly, from the papers I had always thought there were religious politicians who wanted to force their practice on us. But this wasn’t the case.

This religious related video included into the 15Malaysia videos has changed my view of the politician(s) who supposedly wants to force a religion to you. The video refers to one topic alone which generally involves all life on this world; peace.

Without peace, there’s no harmony. Therefore, how could Malaysians live with each other if we don’t plan to plant more trees and care for these trees.

Watch the video not from a religious view but an open mind and the general concept behind “the tree”.

Or, you’ve watched it already?

15Malaysia Videos Official Launch by P1

Yesterday I was invited for the screening of the 15Malaysia videos organized by PacketOne (P1) Networks. It was a closed event for casts, directors, media (and bloggers) to watch all of the 14 Malaysia made short films by our Malaysia directors. One of them was by the fabulous Yasmin Ahmad who sadly passed away on July 25, 2009. *sniffles*

Here’s a short introduction of what’s 15Malaysia about and why many Malaysians will laugh, cry, scream and God knows what else when they watch the videos later.

15Malaysia is 15 short films about socio-political issues in Malaysia featuring some of the country’s coolest directors, actors, musicians and politicians. The project is produced by Pete Teo and sponsored by P1.

Source: 15Malaysia

Without further due, here’s a montage of what happened during the event. And my disclaimer is, I’m not a professional photographer but a cameranoob.

By the way, full size is 800 pixels so click on it for a larger version. And I didn’t watermark this montage because I just had no room. So, if you do decide to use this montage, please give me some link love.

The videos by the directors were inspiring, moving and no less than artistic. They were produced by Malaysia singer songwriter Pete Teo and P1. And, I’m truly thankful to be one of the first few to watch all of the videos. Because, each video will only be released at a 2-day interval starting August 17, 2009.

Introducing the directors who committed to this project, in no particular order. Again, click for the 1024 pixels wide version.

• Ho Yuhang (Potong Saga)
• Yasmin Ahmad (Chocolate)
• Amir Muhammad (The Tree)
• Linus Chong (House)
• Liew Seng Tat (Halal)
• Desmong Ng (The Son)
• Kamal Sabran (Lumpur)
• Tan Chui Mui (One Future)
• Woo Ming Jin (Slovak Sling)
• James Lee (Gerhana)
• Benji & Bahir (Meter)
• Johan John (Duit Kecil)
• Khairil Bahar (Healthy Paranoia)
• Nam Ron (Lollipop)
• Suleiman Brothers (Rojak!)

There were only 14 videos screened during the event – Rojak!, wasn’t included. Someone from the press did pose the question but I couldn’t catch the answers from Pete and Michael. Here’s the 15Malaysia video trailer; Chocolate, by Yasmin Ahmad.

Nonetheless, I for one am really proud Malaysia now has this project to advance our artistic scene and encourage the “rakyat” (local community) to become better citizens by reflecting on ourselves.

But before I leave, some lovely ladies from P1 would like to thank you for supporting the 15Malaysia project.

Other ways to support the 15Malaysia project is by joining the Facebook group or following 15Malaysia on Twitter.

Apple iPhone 3GS is Accessible to Disabled Users

Last year I attended a website accessibility conference organized by the Malaysian Association of the Blind (MAB) and there I made friends with a blind user who’s a geek in person; Moses Choo. Bet you’d have never expected a disabled user to be a geek.

Well, Moses is a geek because he recently shared with me news of the Apple iPhone 3GS is being made usable for the blind. Recently, the NST did an article on how the Apple iPhone 3GS has a feature called; VoiceOver, enabled blind users to use the Apple iPhone 3GS. Now, that is really cool.

I’d show you guys the video demonstration NST recorded of Moses and his friends using the Apple iPhone 3GS but I don’t want to be blamed for hotlinking their video.

If the NST editor or web team reads this, please implement an embed function to your videos. Or even better, host them on YouTube so anyone can share it.

Nonetheless, here’s a screenshot of the video.

And Moses has this message he wants to share with Apple and all Apple iPhone owners around the world:

While many of us have been spending money to purchase a software to install onto a mobile phone, Apple has come out with a phone that has a built in speech application. Though the phone is still rather expensive and beyond most malaysians, we need to join all our friends from the rest of the world to congratulate Apple for their initiative. What we can hope for is the cost to come down.

As much a geek he is, he too feels the economic pinch to afford an Apple iPhone. Well, maybe Apple could plan a scheme for the disabled to purchase Apple iPhone’s at special prices.

Who knows, it might happen. Also, I know Moses reads my blog from time to time. So I’d like to thank him for sharing with me this news.