What is worst than snail mail?

In my previous post, HERE posted on 24/3/2011,

I mentioned that the approval letter from the Vice Chancellor Office has been sent out.
Until today, 14/4/2011, we have yet to receive any dust from them.

Sad!

This morning, I sent B met the officer who informed us about the approval to demand for a copy directly from him. The officer was annoyed that we kept going back to him for this and that. He told us to refer to our dean as the letter should be dedicated to him which we, the students will not receive it.

So, B refer the matter to the dean's personal assistant. She searched and searched, but failed to find anything. However, the lady was kind enough to call the officer at the NC Office to send another copy.

Guess what, the staff at the NC Office actually dedicated the letter to H who is a student. I wonder how they deliver the letter because it's not possible that they send the letter to his room. Anyway, the officer promised to send another copy immediately.

Sweat! Let's see when I'll see that letter!

Kup...kup...ba bye

GOOD NEWS

My fighting spirit is back! Ahhh-ya!

Received a reply from a sponsor. He offered sponsorship in kind. Better than nothing, so we take it. Whether we sell it, party with the goods or whatever, that will be our decision. Muahaha...anyway, the email goes like this.

Hi Tan,
Sorry for the late reply, as mentioned before, we do not usually do cash sponsorship of this kind especially when it is near our end of year financial review. However we are more than happy to sponsor in kind. Please do let me know if this is ok with you. thanks
Regards,
XXX
Events & Sponsorship Executive

Hmm...check out what they offer soooooon. Lalalalaaaa~

Travel Itinerary

Friday | 20/5/2011
Depart from UTM, JB
DEPART: LCCT - 11:50PM

Saturday | 21/5/2011
ARRIVE: PERTH - 05.25AM
Tour to Swan River Cruise/ Fremantle / Roundhouse/ Cuppucino strip/ Fishing boat Harbour/ Lake Monger.

Sunday | 22/5/2011
Tour to Swan Villey / Caversham Wildlife Park/ Choc Factory/ Windmill Farm with sheep shearing demo/ Fruit Orchard.

Monday | 23/5/2011
Tour to UWA, Nedlands (half day)
Tour to Cottesloe Beach, Kings Park and parliament house.

Tuesday | 24/5/2011
Tour to Murdoch University (half day)
Tour to Perth City

Wednesday | 25/5/2011
Consulate General of Malaysia in Perth (half day)
Harbour Town Shopping complex (SHOPPING!!)

Thursday | 26/5/2011
DEPART: PERTH – 6.50AM
ARRIVE: LCCT – 12.30PM

P/S: 47 days until DELTA'11

.

Yooyoyoo!

Wat's up??

Hmm...I distributed notice to acknowledge about the remaining commitment they need to make themselves to Australia. The greatest challenge of all will be the fund. We failed to get fund from any sponsorship. So what we can do as the last resolution will be from delegates' own saving. :'(

Anyway, the due date is drawing near. Good luck to all delegates.

Just moments before I started writing this post, I was surprised with a call from the program director. According to him, the Malaysian Embassy in Australia called him. They offered assistance to our problems. However, we do not face much problem other than the money talk. Anyway, they requested for a slot at their embassy office during our stay in Perth.

Is this a good news or a bad news??

Bad: 

Less shopping time, less 'jalan-jalan', less 'santai-santai' They requested for a meeting with them. Did not state the duration. Cut shopping time.

Good: 

Dr N said maybe they'll offer us food :P The food there is so expensive, if they really offer, I'll be very  happy. :) Since we need to write a report after the vacation formal visit, we have something to write.

Why did the Embassy called?

Probably because we submitted a letter to the VC Office informing them that we're leaving to Perth on a formal trip. So the VC Office then send a letter to Wisma Putra; Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform them of our visit to Australia.

So grand...DELTA is now a very formal and official event...'don't play play'

This is the accumulating documents since Day 1 of DELTA plan.

Anyway, it is still fun working on a educational trip. The not-so-fun is the insufficient allocation from the university.

Wooohooo......

Woohooooo....programme approved by Vice Chancellor Office!
The letter dispatched from the Office of Students Affair on 22 March 2011.
Let's see how long it to reach FPPSM.
Past experience: It took 1 week for a letter to reach FPPSM from the OIA. :/ (Even with snail mail, a letter can reach from KL and JB within a week!)

Woohooo....maybe not....
We submitted 50% deposit to the travel agent this morning. Money gone. The challenge is to look for the remaining RM2k! Not including personal expenses.

Sigh~

GOP Seminar:
Free Food and Drinks
Lesson learnt: There's no need to submit letters to HEMA Office nor VC Office. I do not know what is wrong here. I'm too tired to clarify all these.

"Seminar GOP"

Hmm...weird...
saw a banner on my way to class...

It says "Seminar Global Outreach Programme"...
Since I was travelling in the bus, I quickly 'scan' for important information (psss..almost missed the stop, did not forget to jump off the bus)

23/3/2011, 2-5pm

Such long hours...I wonder what they want to talk about??

Curiosity will take me there. I'll attend the 'seminar'/lecture/more documents to prepare.
Will update soon.
Signing off. (bla!)

.

Disappointed but I'll be strong

As the title suggests, disappointed.
Another reject letter received. I hate all these scheduled emails. I keep remind myself, it's not their fault to reject our applications/request. It's difficult for a company to sponsor someone else's vacation!

As mentioned, I'll be strong...(I accidentally typed sotong...LOL) No. I'll be strong! There'll be a way somehow.
"We didnt failed. It happened that it just that we found ways didnt work."

It is not about the outcome, the process is more important!

Still short of RM8,000 for my group!

COUNTDOWN: 64 DAYS until we leave on the jet plane! wooohooo!

Frustrated

Finally, I submitted the documents as requested by the Office of Students Affair this evening.
Guess what...
Mr S said: "Patutnya, u tak payah buat ni lagi, tapi kalau dah siap tak pe la."
What does this supposed to mean??

Next:
"Satu salinan je ke? Semua kena 2 salinan"

Stated clearly on the list of procedures, ONLY proposal needs 2 copies. However, it is fortunate that there is a photocopy machine just next to him, so he photocopied it for me without any changes. Thanks Mr S. No doubt he's a nice man, but it says one means I will only prepare one!

Anyway, Mr S is a nice guy. He was talking to us nicely all the time. It's just that we could not tolerate the long procedures. Not his fault after all, he's just doing his job.

Just wait and see how long they need to reply the letters.

We're going to Perth soon...lalala~

By the way, the previous call-out session didnt really work well. But we have new strategies. Hopefully, it'll work! 

RANT

I sent out around 7 application for sponsorship letters yesterday.

Instantly, one replied informing that they will consider within 2 weeks time. Thanks for the prompt response.
Today, one reject letter came. I barely believe that they actually consider the application. The email was received at 2.00pm sharp. Well, I strongly believe that this is a scheduled email. (May be I'm being a little overly sensitive)

Anyway, there'll be another session of sponsorship request tomorrow.

Best of luck!

Junk

We went to inquire for a tax deduction letter for sponsors.

First to Bursar of UTM > directed to Office of Students Affair > told to see Mr R > told us to get Permission-to-get-sponsorship Letter.

"Ok, Mr Officer. We'll go get that letter."

Few days later, went to Office of Deputy of Vice Chancellor (A&I) >  were told to refer to Office of Students Affair > Directed to meet Mr S

    We were told that our approval documents are not complete. One little part of it is completed. 

    We were told that the process is around 2 months. 

Due to some requests from Coordinating Officer, Dr H, the officer promised to get everything completed by a week.

 Lots of documents to prepare, bye 

UPDATES!

After missing in action for quite a while, we're back into action with a few updates.

1. Delegation postponed to 20th - 26th of May 2010. [all related parties notified]

2. 15 seats on AirAsia on the 20th and 26th secured. [deposit paid]

 We'll be leaving to Perth on 20th of May 2010 regardless of rain, snow, storm or sun. WOOOOHOO! 

From the initial summer plan, we can now shift our attention to autumn. It's in between the autumn and winter, so keep all the thin clothes away! Bring your sweaters, jackets and what-so-ever. It wont be freezing cold, but still cold. (colder than Genting Highlands)

We'll still visit UWA and other universities as proposed in the initial paper work. The budget is still as before. The delegates are still as before. Perth will be as beautiful as before too!

*CHEERS!* I'm getting (over) excited. Are you?  :D

POSTPONED

We had finally decided to postpone the delegation.

We had thorough discussion before deciding to postpone it.

The reasons include:

1. Insufficient fund. We had failed in the bid for a trade site for UTM's convocation festival ("Pesta Konvo"). We failed to get funds from the public too. Fundraising has not worked out that effectively. Postponing the delegation means more time to raise fund.
2. Delegates have agreed to make DELTA'10 (shall be re-named to DELTA'11) a delegation-cum-graduation-vacation.
3. We have come up with more fundraising activities, but requires more time to implement it.

We tried our best to make DELTA'10 happen, but it didnt work.

Note for delegates: You didnt failed. It happened that it just that we found ways didnt work. We are now stepping forward towards success.

DELTA'10: My Tourism Lecture Class

Dr Ng Yen Yen’s visit to Australia had inspired me to work even harder for DELTA’10. How about us help promoting Malaysia during our delegation? How’s that my dear delegates?

Well, it was always one of my plan to promote Malaysia during the delegation. However, as I mentioned in one of the previous post, it will be a great challenge for us. To make promote-Malaysia a reality, a thorough understanding about Malaysia is important. 

Undoubted, we live in Malaysia, speak Malaysian language (with the ‘lah’), eat various types of food, and many other things of Malaysian style. I have yet to explain what is ‘ketupat’, I have never been asked to describe ‘satay’ and snot at all need to give details about ‘nasi lemak’. I started to feel that it’s important to study and understand Malaysia deeply before leaving for the delegation.

 If we were to take the challenge, we’ll help Tourism Ministry’s new wishes to attract more visitors from Australia. More importantly, the delegates will be able to expose themselves to the emerging tourism in Australia. This will help the delegates to understand the different practices of Australia and develop more similar practices in Malaysia. I really believe that DELTA’10 will benefits the delegates and nations. These experience is in fact essential for our management students to be utilized in their future undertakings.

I’m sure the delegates are ready to share and spread the spirit of inspiring creative and innovative minds.

"Are you ready?"

My Malaysia

It's 29th of August which means fews days from Malaysia's National Day.

I'm truly proud to be Malaysian. 

I love the food, culture, people, weather, place, etc

Besides, I truly admire Malaysia Airlines' effort in promoting "MH: Malaysian Hospitality". Instead of promoting how great the airline is, Malaysia Airlines has grab the chance to promote the culture and people of Malaysia. This marketing plan is brilliant. Promote Malaysia and promote the Airline at the same time. By attracting people to Malaysia means more to fly with Malaysia Airlines.Another proud Malaysian brand would be the Proton. Being the national car maker, I truly appreciate their effort in making Malaysia one international competence country. I really excited towards the latest development of Proton which is the Proton Emas. A car which is more like a machine that is environment friendly and beautiful. It's outlook is gorgeous and I think 2012 is too long for its release. I cant wait to see Proton Emas driven on the road!

Other than these gigantic Malaysian brands, there are many many more to talk about. I was more than surprised when i realized that many excellent brands out there are actually Malaysian brands. Just to name some: Padini Co., Bonia, Munchy's, AirAsia, Marrybrown and so on.

Happy Birthday Malaysia and i'm proud to be part of Malaysia.

"TERIMA KASIH MALAYSIA"

See, Feel, and Play Differently

I was more than inspired to the talk I attended today. It was a talk on Web 2.0 and Tourism.

I was exposed to Web 2.0 early of this semester by Dr Nana during E-marketing lecture. It was new to me and I did not realize the change from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0. More excitement, the Web 3.0 is said to be coming.

I spent some time thinking about the possible future of Internet but couldn't find a definite/creative answer to that. It was then discussed in lecture classes regarding the future of Web 3.0 that I realized my thoughts are narrow and have yet to see the wide world. I really hope and i do believe it will that DELTA'10 is a opportunity to learn more than play. To travel is one thing but to learn while playing is one great thing.

I was made realized that consumers are not just changing but they have changed. Consumers now are bombarded with a lot of information and are in a situation that 80% of the emails they receive daily are spams. Consumers now do not believe to just information from marketers. User reviews are playing an important in influencing other consumers.

Web 2.0 is not about email marketing. Sending promotions to consumers via email/sms may more probably ignored by them. Marketers are expected to make use of the opportunities in social networking. However, it is not just about having an online presence. Web 2.0 is a tool that is made up of many little pieces. 

 Today's speech truly influenced me to do a little thinking. I wonder how it affect others. Undoubted, it's another opportunity to see the no-boundaries world.

 

I'm definitely getting excited towards what I will see from DELTA'10

The battle begins!

All approval letters completed after more than 2 months waiting for them to be done. We finally have all the letters and it's time to seek financial assistance to fund our expenses for the programme.

I strongly believe that the whole progress from planning, preparing and during the programme itself are challenges to all delegates. We have tight budget and many things to prepare before and after the event.

Before:

Getting the funds. How are we doing it?

- get contributions from public

- start some small business during University's Convocation ceremony ("Pesta Konvo")

- Corporate entities can request for mini research/ mini website reviews from us. Reviews will be done with the advice from coordinating officer. And in return, financial contribution from the entities.

Prepare accommodation, transportations and food for delegates. How are we doing it?

- we reviewed and compared price with numerous tour agents (even during recent MATTA fair). However, they are pretty costly to take their offers.

- we contacted our lecturers pursuing their studies in Perth. She provided us with some suggestions.

- we contacted a postgraduate association in Perth and they're willing to assist us with some arrangement. However, we are still waiting for their confirmation of the budget.

- we're trying our best to get the lowest fare for the flights but we do not have fund to pay. That's a problem. :'(

During:

Challenges: cultural exchange with the locals. How?

- we are Malaysian. No doubt. But to carry the name of UTM and Malaysia as a whole is a burden. When you are asked to describe Malaysian culture for instance, it may be tough sometimes as we do not describe Malaysian culture in Malaysia. Or when you are asked to describe satay, how to do it? That's the challenge.

- cultural shock. Most of the delegates have never step out of Malaysia to a place like Australia. Some of them may had traveled to the neighboring countries but the culture over there are some or rather similar to Malaysia. 

After:

- Sharing. This is something I think important to delegates. After you gained the experience, share it with your coursemates, friends, families and may be your employers. Many will think GOP is nothing but a tour programme, but we know it best. The sweat and tears before, during and after the programme are challenges. 

- Change yourself. Tell others how you see the world in different perspective and how it change you! Going to a place where language, people and culture is an experience i tag as extraordinary. Every time i come from a place (local/international), spare some time to review the journey. Look at what other people in the world are doing. For the good things we see, learn and change yourself. For those unfortunate things you see, be grateful that you live in a fine country, be thankful to God and pray for the unfortunate things to be better.

- Lastly, urge more students to take part in GOP!

Thanks to UTM's GOP the students are now given a chance to be global ready students.

Countdown

07 August 2010 means 120 days until DELTA '10.

 It could be too early for a countdown but a date I personally considered as important. It marks the days left before the actual adventure. However, the adventure begins a while ago when we started the proposal for the programme. Now, the challenge is to get enough sponsors to fund our programme expenses. 

 Is 120 days more than enough or it’s out of time?

Tick Tock Tick Tock. Time's ticking and we need strength and unity to make DELTA'10 a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 “OUR AUSSIE ADVENTURE BEGINS NOW!”

Our Aussie Adventure

photo courtesy of TV3

While I was browsing for information of Perth, I found Daphne Iking's blog. Her post regrading her trip to Perth with other 2 celebrities was excellent. She shared her experience touring around Perth. Read Daphne's post here. I hope Daphne doesnt mind sharing :-)

 Through Daphne's post, I found My Aussie Adventure by TV3. Episode 2 of Season 3 features fun in Perth. Watch episode 2 on TV3's catch up tv.

Wants to know more about fun in Perth? Check out Malaysia Harmony. 
 More introduction to Perth coming soon. 
Let's create our aussie adventure together!

"Perth, our destination to learn and play!"

Junk

more more more!

I found more people blogging about fun in perth...apparently, FOOD

at tis very moment, Cicerello’s fish&chips is the first on my must-try list even daphne iking said so. Check out her blog!!

and yi-vonne had Cicerello's for the third time and still GOOD! (btw, she looks a little like Amber Chia)

and daphne personally recommended Caversham Wildlife Park, will propose to the team.

how bout some chocolates!!! let's drop by Margaret Chocolate Company

and i love tis lil fat monkey's blog! He's also a cicerello guy! whoohoo!

last but not least, a little introduction to PERTH 

watch Perth on My Aussie Adventure, TV3

Enjoy and ta-ta....

MATTA Fair Johor 2010

Our first visit to MATTA Fair Johor 2010 @Danga City Mall from 23rd-25th of July 2010. We were pretty excited as we are preparing ourselves for the delegation to Australia. We were trying to get the tour agencies' help but our budgets are rather tight. So, we decided to pay a visit to MATTA Fair and grab special opportunities.

Conversely, the experience was rather disappointing. We were hunting for information regarding our plan for the delegation, but we could not find much tour packages to Perth. 

The tour in MATTA fair ended in less than an hour time. The layout of the fair was rather messy where some exhibitors' booth are situated in small aisle and people will not choose to walk through. Other than that, the signage in the mall is somehow confusing, i.e. Signage inside and outside the mall which almost lead us to somewhere else.

As the future marketing graduates, we are able to experience the tourism marketing in Perth, bring the knowledge back to Malaysia, improve it and contribute it to tourism Malaysia.

[To my genie, I wish, I wish to make DELTA ’10 a platform to see the world in a different perspective, I promise I'll be good this year]