8 October 2011

Everywhere in Daegu, I can listen to this song. In the malls, phone shops, restaurants, gas stations, and even on TV. It's like this song is now a hit in Korea. Previously, it was Lollipop by 2NE1 and Big Bang.

"아직 난 널 잊지 못하고

모든 걸 다 믿지 못하고

이렇게 널 보내지 못하고 오늘도

[준형]

다시 만들어볼게 우리 이야기 끝나지 않게 아주 기나긴

살갗을 파고 스며드는 상실감은 잠시 묻어둘게

새로 써 내려가 시작은 행복하게 웃고 있는 너와 나

네가 날 떠나지 못하게 배경은 출구가 없는 좁은 방 안

[기광]

아무렇지 않게 네게 키스하고

달콤한 너의 곁을 떠나가질 못해

우린 끝이라는 건 없어

[현승]

이렇게 난 또 (Fiction in Fiction in Fiction)

잊지 못하고 (Fiction in Fiction in Fiction)

내 가슴 속에 끝나지 않을 이야길 쓰고 있어..."

Fiction by Beast

But... I... prefer... Secondhand Serenade... Boys like Girls... Big Bang... Beast??? My exam's next week so will stop blogging temporarily. 요즘 난 항상 정신이 없고 길을 좀 잊어버릴거같아.. 이제 어떻게 돌아갈수있는지 잘 몰라 나 계속할까? 나 포기할까? 난 행복위해서 원하는것 다 잡아야하겠는데.. 세상에 가끔씩 이렇게 어렵게 살지만 빛 나를 비추면 다시 계속할게

My First, Her First - Korean First Birthday

When I was young, I like going for buffet. Firstly, my parents will pay for my share and secondly, I like the varieties of food. However, I think growing up changes how you think and react. Of course I still like going to buffet but I am no more into eating as much as I can.

I like the atmosphere. I cherished the feel of being at peace while having a nice simple dinner by the sea, with live band jazzing near me. That was in Penang but now in Korea, I like observing people and taking pictures. I was invited to first birthday party (첫돌) by my former Korean language teacher last month.

Her daughter just turned a year older. So like every Koreans, she and her husband organized a small party for family and friends to celebrate this occasion. In Korea, the biggest occasions are the New Year's Day (following the Lunar calendar) and Korean Thanksgiving (추석 or Chuseok) so Korean First Birthday is not a very grand event.

The best gift to give on Korean First Birthday is still money! The standard amount to give is between 30,000 Won to 50,000 Won depending on your relationship to her/him. By the way, you can give more. (Source : My Korean Classmate) And unlike in Chinese family, do not cuddle the baby!

During that dinner, I was the only foreigner. It sucks to be the only one but I practiced my Korean so it was okay... There, one of my former Korean language teachers was as sharp as a hawk correcting every mistakes I made while speaking in Korean. Nice experience huh? -_-"

Luckily I can understand her, if not she will be like talking to a frying pan. Oops. What did I do there? And what happened next? Okay okay. We arrived at SeaHouse restaurant around 6pm but most guests were still not around. Like every typical Korean First Birthday party or wedding ceremony, it starts and ends very quickly. So, we were asked to eat first. After dinner, there was a short video presentation of the child.

My first round - The pizza and 파전 (Korean pancake) were way below expectation

My second/last helping - Rambutans (Hmmn) but the best was the yogurt

After that, there's a game session and finally, the climatic event! The What-is-she/he-going-to-be-in-future event - the child should select an item from a tray carefully arranged with a huge coin, a bow (very uncommon), a small toy and a book or a bible (?).

If the baby picked the huge coin, she is going to be someone working in field of study relating to money and maybe she's going be rich someday (most Korean parents always wish for that), if it's a bow, she will excel in sports, a toy (I am still not very sure what is the meaning of it) and finally a book (She will be a well learned person). She picked the bow.

Then, both my teacher and her husband read out oath of responsibility to each of their parents-in-law like "I promise I will be a good wife to my husband", "I will be a good daughter/son to you" and so forth. And, it was all over~

The Korea of Tomorrow and Beyond

“The government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it...” by Ronald Reagan, 40th President of United States of America

Korea is no stranger to the world and is well known for its vibrant economy. From a country ravished by war and receiving foreign assistance to becoming a donor country. Korea’s achievements are remarkable in the eyes of the world. What makes Korean economy so robust? The answer is foreign direct investments coupled with locally well known conglomerates like Samsung, LG and Hyundai.

During the 1998 Asia Financial crisis, Korea had started to liberalize its economy through various enactments like Foreign Investment Promotion Act to encourage foreign direct investments (FDI). Nevertheless, challenges like the dot.com burst, 9/11 terrorist attack and the late-2000s sub prime mortgage crisis that spreads to most parts of the world including Korea make attracting foreign investments a difficult undertaking.

Korea needs to be less dependent on family controlled conglomerates or Chaebol. With powerful conglomerates around, it is difficult for any new start up investment companies to compete on equal terms. This will not attract new foreign investments due to monopolistic practices of some conglomerates.

The greatest problem faced by new foreign investors besides a lack of information on investment and immigration procedures is the different interpretation on laws by the central and local government. [1] This is true in cases that are related to restriction in certain business practices. Therefore, laws and regulations in Korea should be standardized in line with global practices. That is why political stability and good relationship between central and local governments are paramount. The recent issue of political opposition on tax exemption on Sukuk (Islamic bond) to attract investment is a fine example.

Besides that, when investing in Korea. There is a general lack of clearly defined, English language information on investment and immigration regulations. This makes conducting business in Korea difficult for new foreign investors. Therefore, a one stop website should be made for investors interested to invest in Korea. There should be proper, step by step guidelines for foreign investors and the information should be updated frequently. Also, a one-stop investment Agency in Seoul could be established to coordinate and facilitate fast track approval of applications from investors.

2010 annual Fraser Institute reported that Korea ranked 37th in economic freedom behind neighboring competitors like Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, each ranked 1st, 22nd and 24th respectively. [2] Korea is said to lag behind in factors like freedom in government size, labor market regulation and business regulation.

Korea should reduce the corporate tax from the current 22% to enable it to be more attractive for foreign investments - since in Singapore and Taiwan, both taxes 17% while 16.5% in Hong Kong. High tax imposed will not make Korea competitive to foreign investors since the profit will be greatly reduced. By lowering the taxes, Korea will benefit from other spin-off such as more hiring of new employees and a boost in taxable personal income due to it.

A business without workers is like an empty factory, unable to produce goods. Fortunately, Korea is blessed with no shortage of educated workforce. However, labor unions constant demands for pay rise and strikes conducted by the unions instead of proper negotiations mar Korea’s image as an attractive country for investments. Korea needs to have realistic and understanding labor unions. The labor unions need to be flexible in accepting lower pay scale in exchange for shorter work hours or better benefits. Good mutual trust between employers and trade unions is vital.

Ideally, graduates lacking the appropriate skills could be sent to be retrained to cater to the needs of the foreign companies operating here. Fresh graduates are also trained to speak better English, an important prerequisite to a job in most international companies here in Korea.

On the other hand, Korea needs to improve Korea’s branding as a suitable investment friendly country. This means to eliminate corruptions that are plaguing some large Korean corporations and provide adequate facilities for foreigners. They can come in the forms of good education facilities that are appropriate for children of many nationalities and to reduce the language barriers between foreigners and Koreans by providing sufficient support.

In conclusion, Korea with its excellent infrastructure, a competent and diligent workforce should be harnessed and enhanced to complement the attractiveness for foreign investments. If the right policies are in place, Korea will be a force to reckon with in future. Korea must not be complacent with her current economic prowess or be easily satisfied because there are always other countries trying to catch up to take the top spot.

References:

[1] World Bank Report on FDI in Korea (Page 20)

[2] Fraser Institute Economic Freedom of the World 2011 Annual Report (From Page 92)

(This essay was written by me for an economic contest. Sometimes I think I am taking the wrong course in my university, but somehow, I also do like science. I hope I am not the only one still searching for what he is really good at. And I do hope my intuition is right all these years..)

Wanna be a model in Korea?

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date..."

"...Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou growest:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this and this gives life to thee."

Sonnet 18 - William Shakespeare

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Sounds true but I believe what's more important in it is that the personality counts more. Well lets take this scenario, imagine dating a beautiful eye candy (Guy's "dream" when young and sometimes, it continues till death though not all guys are that la. Hehe) and so you met her for the first time in a coffee shop.

She's so mesmerizing, so pretty, walks with a style. Is she a model? This isn't another dream right? Wow!

But the moment she starts talking... ugghhh... Same goes to some guys for most girls just to be fair to my female readers. :P But that's another story. Being a model is a dream of many and even in Korea, being pretty (for girls) and handsome (guys) are paramount. Getting a good job is among the many reasons.

Some Koreans then resorted to having plastic surgery to look good. Face lift, double eyelid, nose job and so on, you name it, they have them all. Though not everyone here have done plastic surgery but having one here is not a big issue. Some parents here encourage their daughter to have plastic surgery too. Anyway, whether plastic surgery or not, I couldn't care less.

My model



An ordinary blogger :)

Nevertheless, being a foreigner in Korea (IF YOU ARE ONE), you have the chance to be a model. Don't believe me? Erm.. You should now! Well, the catch is only that you have to be a foreigner (27 years or younger) in Korea and is confident enough to say "YES I AM PRETTY/HANDSOME!!!" deep down in your very own heart - you need the confidence.

You are almost done! If you are selected (2 men and 2 women), you will be paid 400,000 Won (almost 340 USD), accomodation in Jeju Island, meals and round air ticket from Gimpo airport to Jeju Airport.

If you want to apply to this position, please fill out the details below and send it by e-mail (president[at]kinsa.org) with your photo

1. Name :

2. Nationality :

3. University :

4. Address (Korea) :

5. Phone number :

6. E-mail :

7. Date of Birth :

8. Alien Registration No. :

9. Height & Weight :

Are you ready for it? If not, what are you waiting for? Hurry up because it's until 10 October.

Being Perfect

Of all things craved by ordinary people, most people tend to give "being perfect" a miss. Why don't we be rich? Why not if we can have unlimited wealth? Success? Love?

Life seems to be not as easy as it looks. In the past, I wish I can be perfect. However as of now, I am happy with who I am, it's just that finally there's no such thing as a perfect man. Of course, without a doubt that if a person is perfect, life would be much easier.

But if I can have a day of perfection now, I hope to wake up on a peaceful Sunday spring with cold but just-nice wind gushing through the curtains. White curtains. And the morning roses. And also the freshly mown grass. Nice.

Breakfast? Maybe instead of jam and bread. Can I have it Malaysian style? I really wish to have briyani rice. Not too much, just a little will do. Then, when the morning sun rises and the birds start singing.. my day of perfection begins..

"Mistaking
Always second guessing
Underestimating
Look I’m still around

Pretty, pretty please
Dont you ever, ever feel
Like you’re less than perfect

Pretty, pretty please
If you ever, ever feel
Like you’re nothing
You’re perfect to me.."

by Pink - Perfect (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)

Though we're all not perfect, it's seriously better to be contented and see our imperfections as our perfections. Nevertheless, I'm still looking for some special things inside of me and I hope there's something great about each and every individual.

Our Malaysia

Lets have a nonjudgmental country, a loving country blessed with tolerant people filled with happy and smiling faces. Black, brown, yellow - They are all beautiful.

Best Wishes and Happy Independence Day Malaysia. I *heart* Malaysia

Summer 2011 : Back to Korea

I wish my summer vacation was a little longer. Bounded by scholarship regulations, 1 month was only how long the duration that I can be back home. My journey back to Korea was interesting and I did bring more stuffs back than I had ever expected. I bought a travelling backpack in Malaysia, the big one you see when people go backpacking or hiking so I stuffed it with things that are fragile (such as cookies and lots of it) and heavy (so as to reduce the main luggage limit). ^^

Luckily after all these years working out, carrying more than 8 kilos on my back was still bearable. My main luggage (24.5 kilos) was actually nothing in particular - gifts for friends and some "bribe" to the pretty teachers (if there are any.. *stares*) in my department (Just joking lah!). Gifts for friends and some for myself. Of course, my laptop bag too. Since I often travel to Korea in and out, it's best to take advantage of the few loopholes if travelling by premium airlines (like the Malaysia Airlines).

Malaysia Airlines allows each passenger to take up to 20 kilos but somehow, it's stated 20 ~ 25 kilos. So it's okay to bring up to 25 kilos per trip. Budget airlines like AirAsia are all together a different story - bring only how heavy you are suppose to carry.

**

Sights around Penang Island



Penang Custom Office Building, built circa 1907



Ferry, preferred mode of transport before the Penang Bridge was built




Penang Bridge and the Betel Nut Tree ("Penang" was derived from the tree's name)



Penang High Court at night



Funfair is coming to town! - at Queensbay, Penang

My holiday in Malaysia was great. If I had more time, I would be able to do more things that I wouldn't even dream of in Korea. I always want to know how some swimmers would be able to dive underwater and jumping from the board (No time to learn this, unfortunately). I am curious to learn how they did it so I enrolled myself in a proper swimming class.

"Who says you can't teach old dogs new tricks?..."

At first I thought I was already too old to learn but thankfully, with a helpful and very patient instructor, fueled with determination to learn and the couldn't care less attitude about drowning and so on- I finally did it! Yes! At first I was drinking chlorinated water all the time (maybe phobia.. phobia of depth.. :P) and really, it didn't feel nice when the water enters the nose like being stuffed with a flowing pipe. Ah... the bloop bloop bloop..

Anyway, finally able to go deep underwater and float up without using legs, unaided. Weird huh? The thing about most swimming classes are that they tend to focus only on swimming styles (such as breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke and butterfly) and not on how to swim/float when we have cramps in the leg or stomach. Highly recommended to find Mr. Neoh at Permata Swimming Court in Penang (if you are interested to learn from him)

Since I swim almost everyday (minus weekends) and was already exhausted by end of day, the vacation passed faster than I thought. Other than going out with friends and family, I cannot even recall how this vacation was over so quickly. Sigh.

**

We have many things we want to achieve in life. Henceforth, I try to make my university life something different from high school so as there can be more varieties in my somehow monotonous life. Contrary to popular belief that university and high school's life are totally different, it's almost the same (or maybe while I am in Korea). Here everything is about studies and only during free time, outdoor activities or hobbies can be done.

Though I'm not saying to neglect your studies but to be good at things we young adults are now ought to be now besides only studying. Maybe improving communication skills? or our social skills? or even be involved in sports? I have a short list of things I want to achieve, goals that I couldn't achieve during high school. One of it is participating in athletic track event. During high school, maybe because I was a bit unhealthy and it was impossible to even run and outbid any cikopek classmates. :P So secretly, I made it a goal to participate in track event one day and not getting last place anymore.

Guess what? I won 3rd placing in Inter University 400 m race!!!

**



Postcard from Penang

Where to eat in Penang, Malaysia? Penang State consists of an island (half the size of Singapore) and a large swath of land on the mainland. Since I am from the island, firstly any tourist should do when coming to Penang Island is to try the food and it's the Indian Muslim food - Nasi Briyani that I would recommend first besides the famous Penang Assam Laksa. The most mouth watering Nasi Briyani is at Kapitan restaurant next to Queensbay Mall. With a quarter tandoori chicken served with the uh la la briyani rice. It was heavenly..

Of Curry Mee for my belly at the Alley



KOMTAR tower



Along the lane for..



Curry Mee!

Chinese food? Nah. Okay, in my opinion, the best Penang Chinese food is still Curry Mee (PS. It's non halal). Instead of going to hotel or the Old Town restaurant serving expensive curry mee - Why not head to the stall by the street next to Kinowak School Uniform Supplier (I think the shop's name is somehow wrong) with KOMTAR building full in sight.

Meal by the sea

It was delicious but with no chunks of meat (only 2 meat balls), yet it's okay since it's fairly cheap (less than RM 3 or 1 USD per bowl). Over here I ordered the famous peanut soup. Tasted so-so but it was tasty the previous week. Also, do drop by at the restaurant next to Tarbush in Tanjung Bungah. They served excellent dishes with nice beach scenery.

**

My university semester will start again next Thursday. The feel of going back to classes is quite exciting. This time, I took all major subjects with no non-major classes in between to back me up with better results. :( Trying not to be pessimistic since this feel could spoil my day. Aiyah... Sup Sup Soi lah (Translation - Easy as peanuts *Was trying to be sarcastic*). Yet.. Nothing is impossible! 아싸!

Have a fabulous new semester!