The King's Speech

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It's time for me to take the stage.

Public speaking has been my thing for quite some time. I never felt nervous whenever I have to speak in front of an audience. Give me a mic, then I'll do my thing. If there's no mic, I still can do my thing - though I have to scream a little bit to let this voice out. My involvement in public speaking is not new since I've been doing it when I was in the primary school. Being a Head Prefect then, it came so natural for me to be able to recite the speech in front of hundreds of students. In fact, I can recalled there's one time I have to reenact a scene in a play for the sake of 'giving the audience a taste' of what's coming for the interschool drama competition that I've involved in.

And then things rolled from there, as I've frequently being in the public eye not just in the secondary school, but also at Uni. From being in the school debate team (both Malay and English!), to being a deejay - talking in front of public is something I yearned for. When it comes to the career world, it's my nature of work to speak in front of the audience coz I teach. Nonetheless, I think lots of people at my uni also known me as the emcee since I've been emceeing in so many high profile events, both internal and externally. One time I remembered I shared a stage with the former PM - Tun Mahathir - in an event attended by not less than 3000 people. It was quite daunting, since only me and him in front of thousands, but I kinda find my calm in handling things down. (you have no idea how my knees shiver!!)

Last week I decided to take the centre stage and give a speech in the event that I'm chairing. Normally, I don't wanna be in the spotlight when it comes to the students' activities, where I just let the Project Director to do his things instead. But given the fact that the event has been rebranded and with many things going on, as well as receiving so many questions by my colleagues on 'why the need to change the name??' thing - I decided that my speech could explain just that. 

It took me a couple of days to think about the concept of my speech, yet when it comes to really pen it down, the text is done within just 10 minutes. I presumed every points that's been swirling in my head has been let out into those paragraphs. The result - a four-pages manuscript for about 10-mins period. Not that bad I guess.

There was about 300 people in the audience including the Vice Chancellor and the Deputy VC + participants and guests (quite a low key ceremony). I think everything went smoothly. But what surprised me when I return to my seat, the DVC reached me out, and shook my hand saying 'that's a good speech! give me one copy!'. I'm quite stunned but delighted nonetheless. Yet, what is even surprise me is when the event is over and we walked out from the hall : lots of people complimented me how great the speech was. I was quite bemused really since I think what I wrote is just simple things.

Btw, I think that's what happen if you give a blogger a chance to recite a speech - he/she will rock it, definitely! :)

Anyway, in case you're wondering what's in the speech, well, here is some of the excerpts. Some part here and there I picked from the four-pages manuscripts I wrote. Pretty simple and easy to understand. Just like this blog too! Since the event is about the design exhibition, having being involved in it myself for more than 7 years (as a judge and 'observer'), plus me myself have won four design awards previously; I think I pretty much know what I'm talking about. =)

".........

YBhg Datuk, Ladies and Gentlemen

To me, the essence of design begins with the basic principle, which is simplicity. As Leonardo da Vinci used to say, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Because at the end of the day, you want is a product that is simple to be used, or simple to operate. However, to achieve that simplicity, is not that easy because one must understand the concept of balance. A designer need to strike a balance in any aspect of his/her design methodology. In fact, science is all about balance. Engineering is also about balance. We talk about the balance of electron in the atomic orbital that calls for its stability. We talk about balance in a chemical reaction equation for it to reach equilibrium. We talk about balance in the First Law of Thermodynamics. We talk about balance when dealing with the conservation of mass, energy, and force. Indeed the concept of balance in Science and Engineering is highly emphasized.

In design, a designer has to balance between the engineering & technical aspects with the aesthetics of the product; its functionality with its ease of use. A balance between its economic contributions with the environmental impact. A balance between its practicalities with its sustainability. It’s really about the balance. In fact, it is in line with ______ Brand Essence itself – Energy Receives, Energy Returns – which indeed emphasizing on the concept of balance.

.....

.....

YBhg Datuk, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am also delighted to share with you that we have reintroduce the category for the primary and secondary schools. In order to extend the innovative culture to the surrounding community, the Organizing Committee which is through our Science Ambassadors, has coordinated a ‘Reach-Out Program’ to the school students within the vicinity of the campus in order to get their involvement in the creative and innovative activities.  This is also aligned with the Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) of the University, and also the Prime Minister’s vision to develop and implement strategies to stimulate and support innovation in Malaysia. It is hoped that through this activity, we will help to support sustainable innovation to both develop and galvanize Malaysian future entrepreneurs and innovators.

.....

.....

I would like to encourage you to visit all booths to really notice how creative and innovative our generations are. I also would like to point that last semester, the booths arrangement is designed like a herringbone structure – a symbolic meaning to the ‘moving forward’ of this event. In ____, the booths are designed like a star shape*, which epitomises that ‘a new star’ is born. It also reflects the star in the Malaysian flag – our homage to the month of August, the month of Malaysia's Independence.

Last but not least, to the participants, I’m wishing you all the best. May this event be your first stepping stone in sustaining the innovative culture in your life. While you are having a good time showcasing your researches and innovations, please do not forget to protect your ideas. Your intellectual property is indeed worth more than you could think of!"

See, how simple the speech was. I dunno how it touches the audience hearts? Hmmm...

I'm wearing River Island slimfit suit in graphite + taupe Asos shirt + stripe knitted tie from Uniqlo + Jimmy Choo boots.

* fyi, when the event is held last April, the real reason why I chose the herringbone structure is to reflect the tweed fabric since April is the end of Winter, and tweed is always a fabric of choice for that season. For the recent one in August, lots of designers do 'star', eg. Dolce & Gabbana. Don't believe me, then look at what Beyonce wear in InStyle and Freja Beha in Vogue's covers for September issues!

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Too Much Bretons!

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Breton stripes are huge this season. And I do mean HUGE with the capital H. You saw it everywhere - on the catwalk during the Spring/Summer 2011 show, in the highstreet stores, and of course... on the streets. It's stripes galore! Whether it's stripes all the way, or the Jean Paul Gaultier sailor lookalike - Breton is definitely a hot trend that never fail to appear whenever summer comes. I think the way it breathes nautical theme is what charmed people.

Me too has been succumbed into the lure of stripes. My victim of the situation? Absolutely at Asos, coz they got a humungous collection of stripey t-shirts. Either short, three-quarter, or long sleeves; Asos has a burst of Breton this time around in many color choices to choose from. With the price tag that's always dear to the wallet, Breton stripes at Asos is one stop to head down to. Period.

For every tee you see below, I have at least two for each pair coz I have a simple principle: if I like it, always buy two. That's why I have too much Bretons now!

(L) Breton tee in navy-white - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Denim bag - He by Mango : Watch - Calvin Klein Sight

(R) Breton tee in green-dark green - Asos : Wool trousers - River Island : Tweed backpack - Zara : Watch - Nixon

(L) Breton tee in light grey-white - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Grey leather tote - Bill Amberg : Watch - Bench

(R) Breton tee in grey-light graphite - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Suede studded tote - Jimmy Choo x H&M
Watch - Calvin Klein Bold

(L) Stripe tee in green-white - Asos : Chambray trousers - Asos Canvas tote with leather trim - Jaspal: Watch - Skagen

(R) Tee in navy-yellow - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Mock croc tote - Topman : Watch - Nixon Shutter tortoiseshell

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Sniper Alert : It's My Choo!

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Whoever took this snap of me is truly brilliant. I don't even realized that someone is snapping my pix during the closing ceremony of the event last week. It's amazing... and tell a lot of story. Story of who's the lady in lilac? Why is she ducking down by my side? And who's the lady with the green floral? Why am I there?

Well, there's nothing to worry and gossip about. I think this snap was taken during which I was talking to my usherette (in lovely lilac baju kurung), trying to send a message to my event organizer who's standing nearby the podium. That's why she's almost sitting down listening to what I said coz being a Chairman, I still need to make sure everything is going alright. If I'm not mistaken this is during which the Deputy Vice Chancellor was giving his speech on the stage. And on my left, in green floral is my colleague - the Dean of the Faculty, and also the leader of my research group - who's also going on stage handing out prizes to the winners.

What I love about this snapshot is how it features the denim/linen slimfit trousers of my double-breasted suit from Asos, though it's a bit blurry. Nonetheless it's beautiful shot. And the best part - thank God I'm wearing my Jimmy Choo boots. That's a big plus! :)

[to the real owner of this pix, sorry for songlap-ing the photo. it's too awesome to be ignored!]

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In the Mood for Double-Breasted

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I'm in the mood of rebranding.

After the exhibition event that I'm chairing has recently being rebranded - from the change of name and with a new logo, to some tranformation activities that happen in the country and in my workplace too, I'm feeling the need for rebranding is truly highten. Last time I've done the rebranding of me back in 2005, seeing the sudden soar in my work status. In 2008, I rebrand myself again by altering my image during my stay in the world's famous capital city, London. A good rebranding, I would have to say, coz that's how I come to learn that by changing the entire outside facade it too can really change the entire inside (the soul, the spirit, the attitude, etc..).

Now, come 2011 I felt I have to rebrand myself for another cycle; making a perfect timing of 3-years period to try new things. That's what i like to do, venturing out into some territory that I've never attempted before. Something which I think is not my thing previously, into really trying to have a go with it - coz who knows that what I loathe then could turn out to be something that I love later on.

And that include the db suit, which to me is a no-go area since I hate everything got to do with a double-breasted. Be it jacket, peacoat, waistcoat or even cardigan - I'm utterly avoiding anything db. But lately and suddenly now, I'm in the mood to try this thing, especially after seeing what Armani and Philip Lim did for their Spring.Summer 2011 collection. Very modern, very contemporary, very slim silhouette; which moves away from looking anything like the Malaysian government officers. (eeek!) Erm... when I said double-breasted, it has nothing to do with Pamela Anderson, okay. That's double D, not a double-breasted! Ahaks!

Anyway, when I was looking around for good db suit to wear, I stumbled upon the one at Asos. I'm truly loving it. Not only the design is so contemporary and the fit is flattering, it's a denim! Not the denim denim, but rather a linen, or chambray if you may. The color is great too as the multifaceted fabric gives off kinda shine to the whole outlook. Pair up with the slimmer matching trousers - it's the db suit that I'm looking for to kick off the rebranding of me again.

[pix from asos]

And I'm truly delighted coz the suit is fantastic. The price is within reach, the fabric is quite light and airy, and the most important - it's very slim, modern, cool and fresh! The jacket comes unlined, making it contours the torso even better. I love the color too, which breathes urban feel to its look.

In short, it's a perfect suit to jumpstart the rebranding of myself for another time..

 

db suit - Asos : shirt : +J at Uniqlo : bag - Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Tadao
studded driving glove - Zara : watch - Calvin Klein

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Something for the Weekend...

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So, what are doing for weekend? Going somewhere? Doing something? Last weekend I get my new wardrobe built by my talented neighbor. The previous two weeks I'm at my hometown, for quite a long break. Previous, previous weekend I have to go to the capital - showing my presence and supporting my team members in receiving the multi-million dollar research grant from the government. It's awesome. 

This weekend? I got some plan to go away again for a little quest of something. I can't tell  what's what - if I made it, then it should be a success. If not, I will keep on looking for... the one. =)

Anyway. Whatever you're doing this weekend our friend at Asos is giving us some hint : do it in style. Either you wanna rock your weekend in a relaxed, nonchalance attitude in shorts and tee, or go for preppy college dude, or thinking about nautical mood, or even as a sporty jock - make sure you do it stylishly. Here Asos laid out some lookbook whichever mood you're feeling. And the best of all, you got it all at Asos.com. Awesome.

So. My quest - let's see if it's a success.

[pix from asos]

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I See Speckles

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It's time to go intergalactic. When Christopher Kane came up with the galaxy prints on some of the t-shirts and hoodies for the current Spring/Summer 2011 collection, lots of labels from the high end as well as highstreet seem to follow suit. Though not as stellar as Mr. Kane, but at least they're having the same theme - stars, outerspace, Milky Way, solar system, land far far away etc, etc - it's truly about the mystery up there above our atmosphere.

When you gaze up towards the sky, what do you see? The speckles of light emitted by the stars, isn't it? Well, okay at least you have to see it in a starry night when the sky is clear (not when it's hazy like last week!). And I think, that's what I also see on this new t-shirt from Asos - as if there're speckles spreading all over it. Like a starry night... and it's pretty cool.

The so-called 'special effect' is actually caused by the cotton material which is interwoven in the fabrication of the polyester-mix of this t-shirt. It looks quite raw too, that you almost feel as if the cotton has just been plucked from its field. Somehow it just like how tweed looks, with the flecks and stuff. Besides, I love how light the t-shirt is, as if it is weightless making it so suitable to be worn in the hot summer weather.

Anyway. Intergalactic. Don't you just wish you could board the Virgin Galactic SpaceshipOne to experience the outerspace?

[pix from asos]

on yours truly...

t-shirt and ring - Asos :: cuff - Burton

watch - Bench :: cropped jogger - Voi

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Yellow Stripes. Bee. Bizzee...

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New thing for the beginning of a new season. Taking the stripes to continue the trend for summer is the long-sleeved t-shirt in yellow-dark navy from Asos. It's not your typical Breton stripes or nautical thematic here, since the stripes went all the way throughout. It has boat neck that is slightly scoop to give an extra edge to this simple yet very cool top. I love the fit that is quite slimming.

[pix from asos]

One thing you should know, the fabric is a bit thick compared to my Peace Corps stripes t-shirt. So thick that I was sweating like a hell when I did the 'photoshoot' in the pix down below. IMO this tee is more towards the summer at cooler place, rather than summer at Sahara coz it's quite sweat-quenching. Or perhaps, it is suitable for the early autumn instead since the fabric is dear to the cooler weather.

Nonetheless, it looks awesome. Which reminds me a bit of a bee. Yellow stripes - a buzzing bizzee bee...

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To Patent or Not to Patent?

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Last week I decided to wear the lace-up shoes to the office. Not just a normal lace-ups, but the patent leathers instead. Kinda 'abnormal' to be wearing patent on the daytime since it is normally a perfect choice for eveningwear, not officewear. Yet I dare to be different and go against the typical fashion rules, coz somehow in fashion there shouldn't be any rules. Or better, aren't all rules are meant to be broken?

I pulled out some of the shoes in the storage boxes and can't decide which one to go for. I got different patents lace-ups from the highstreet to designer labels - and that day I can't really made up my mind it's gonna be either Zara with the gradual tones dark brown shoes, or another one in black patent, or even the D&G one? They're all watery glossy and shiny. My so-called 'criteria' of the day is that it must look awesome with my superslim suit I'm wearing. I normally pair it with my Hugo boots, but that day I wanna go for other selection in my shoe storage.

Eventually, none fit the criteria very well coz somehow the lace-ups are not that suitable with the end of the trousers. So, my spoilt choice with the patent leather shoes are to be buried down that day.

As an alternative, I picked the Asos boots with it's pointy toe. One word: it's awesome with the whole ensemble. I think it kinda hits with my own style mantra which I lived up to : it doesn't matter whether it's a designer labels or a highstreet brand, as long as it look devilicious, then the style is spot on! Agree?

Come afternoon, the mood suddenly change. My mind flipped and I'm in the patent mood for another round. So, the choice post-lunch period was the patent loafers with the cumberband-lookalike cross-strap from Asos. Again, it looks good with the trousers, so it works!

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Crop & Repack

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I read the news the other day which says that being in front of the computer screen all the time is equivalent to being a couch potato, and can lead to obesity. I can't argue with that coz I am somewhat agree with the statement. Very strongly agree actually coz I think I'm starting to become one too: the screen potato. I've been so busy lately, I hardly spend time to lift those dumbells and exercise (which ironically my gym is just on the first floor in my house). I've also being neglecting the basketball court for weeks now, causing the ball (the basketball okay!) to be a bit deflated. I dunno what comes of me, coz lots of time is really spending time in front of the PC. Crunching numbers. Perfecting the research proposals by the students, as well as my own research report. Correcting the letters that are sent by my committee members for the big event I'm chairing. Writing journal papers. And of course, attending this blog. It made me more immobile. Stagnant. Not moving. Even if I move, it's very minimal. My life is literally attached to the screen!

Unlike in my research days during my PhD study, I can say my daily life is like an exercise regime. What not: lifting pails and pails of water to pour into the tank of the research rig. Running up and down two-storeys worth of stairs from the lab to the workshop to the office etc. And walking for almost, I dunno, 10,000 steps per day maybe - commuting from house to the Tube station, to the uni; I think my life before September last year is a true full-day exercise! A total body workout + cardio all in one go. That's why I'm healthy those days. In fact the optician at Boots claimed I am free of any ailment coz when she scanned the back of my eyes during the eye test, I'm perfectly healthy.

But now, I despised that. Being less mobile making me a bit slumpy. Lots of family members realised that I slightly piled on weight. In fact my love handles are getting more 'love' these days which worries me. The almost-six pack then, is now becoming a bit full pack due to me being less active. I can blame on the sugary stuff I'm munching coz you know, Malaysia is absolutely a food haven. Yet alone Ipoh, coz there're so many halal things to eat! From the mamak cafe, to the hawkers stall to even the fast-food chain; it's heaven!   (You should get the EATPOH book to know more about Ipoh food 'culture').

Yet, suddenly I got the 'aha!' moment to lose this guts since having belly is not good in fashion. It's awful! My slimfit clothes doesn't look cool with that buldging midsection. I have to get rid of it. To deflate it. To let it go. And that's why I'm starting to revisit my gym, and lift those dumbells again coz I learned that to get a six-pack it's effective if you weight-lift instead of just doing crunches. How? Coz you're actually attacking the core when you do those bench press, flys, squat etc... without you knowing it. Brilliant, right?

And I think I need to hit the court again, dunking on those hoops. I'm not that a good player, just okay la, since me and my mates used to play basketball a lot during our highschool days. Basketball is fun than football coz you're using both the upper and lower body. Now I think it's the right time too coz I can rock in that cropped jogger that I just bought from Standout. Looks good, and much freedom compared to typical sweatpants. What not to love? Cropped jogger is the new harem!

Anyway. I hope I can lose this guts and regain the six-pack. Period.

[alamak.kulit jadi makin gelap daaa bila balik m'sia...yikes!]

grey cropped jogger - voi jeans @ standout.net

blue vest, layered on white tank top - both by H&M

sneakers - Adidas Nizza Hi Plus Denim [read it here]

watch - Breo

dark grey cropped jogger - voi jeans @ standout.net

black tank top - Asos

leather/technofabric multistrap sneakers - GF by Gianfranco Ferre [read it here]

wool fingerless glove - Marc by Marc Jacobs

bluetooth headphone - Sportsband by JayBird

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Feeling Black and White

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The colors that never fail to co-exist alongside the other colors-of-the-season are definitely black and white. Regardless of what seasons you're in, designers always include this two in their collection. If you're in printing business, black and white are not considered color. In fact when I filed logo that I designed to be 'trademarked' for my research team the other month, the patent office did mention to me I can leave the color on the logo to be just black and white, coz later on it's easier for me to use other colors if I need to change it (things will be a bit complex if I filed it in colors coz I need to state the exact RGB).  Anyway, regardless of black and white are color or non-color colors, they're my definite must have in my wardrobe (and home decor!). 

collarless shirt - Asos Black : bag - Burberry : jeans - Uniqlo

black-trimmed slimfit jacket - Topman : vest - H&M : jeans - Uniqlo

contrast-hem jacket - H&M : vest - H&M : jeans - Uniqlo : perforated leather bag - Hugo Boss

denim jacket - Uniqlo : vest - H&M : jeans - Uniqlo : bag - SEED

contrast-hem wool jacket - Topman : vest - H&M : black jeans - Uniqlo : white jeans - Gap

neo-leather jacket - Uniqlo : vest - H&M : jeans - Gap

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