WEEK IN WEEK OUT

“Duduk betul-betul. Karang jatuh siapa susah… Azman, mak kata duduk betul-betul…”

And you really think the 5 year old is going to listen? Of course not! In an era where both mom and dad have to work very long hours in search of the meaning of life, they will not punish the kids. Why? Simple -- because they are guilty of spending so little time with their children. So they have to bribe them with gifts and give them almost total freedom to invade my space. The kids will just run and make noise in restaurants and irritate me to the max… If only they knew when I was small, Abang and I and later when Dokmen came to the world, we were not supposed to move once we were seated. No discipline in/at public places = no outing -- Grounded for a month, at least. And it worked. Perhaps that’s why today I am so anal about discipline during outings….

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You can’t judge a book by its cover. An extra cool sportsman can be the most sentimental being on this planet. Yeah Shah Matrock layan Konsert Siti Nurhaliza. He is braving the rain to see the recording today at Angkasapuri – what do you know … I always believe a strong man (or woman) is one who is not afraid to show his/her vulnerability (and the V-word has been badly defined by society).

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It was a memorable weekend indeed. After one week of the grueling Harvard Business School training dissecting case studies from 7:30 in the morning till past midnight, the weekend was a memorable one. How memorable?

1. Had a great chit chat session with Hafez and Abang Mohamad Noor at McDs Mon’t Kiara till about 4 am Saturday morning… I think Abang Mohamad Noor will have somewhere in his diary “…until 4 am, I was speechless listening to this crazy fat man blabbing about dono-wat at McDs…”

2. Saturdays’ Mee Rebus session with AK Shafizan Johari was a blast too – as usual we ate food enough to feed 8 people in some hungry region in the world. Later I bought another “ikan-laga-Siam”. I now have 12 already!! They are in 12 different glass containers. And yes, they are right to say ‘Suhaimi tu, kalau kau nak tahu, simpan anak ikan…” “Memanglah aku ada 12 ekor kat rumah…” “Ada aku kisah…” (Ooopppss evolving into A_ _ _ _ _ Alia? Oh tidak…).

3. The Dilhafifi birthday get-together was so much fun. Alexis @ Great Eastern mall was perfect. The Tokyo Blues Band was so cool too.
Dil, thank you for inviting me... And the nice things you said touched me...huhu...

4. And lunch and movie with Jefri & Matrock was a fun one. I am just so addicted to the Spaghetti Marinara at Chinoz@The Gardens. And the movie – The Time Traveler’s wife – was really interesting. It’s about a Chicago librarian who suffers from a rare genetic disorder that sends him hurtling through time whenever he is under extreme duress. Despite the fact that he vanishes at inordinately frequent and lengthy intervals, he attempts to build a stable future with the beautiful young heiress he loves. Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams star in this dramatic fantasy, which is directed by Robert Schwentke and based on the best-selling book by author Audrey Niffenegger. Sad ending though…

5. Tomorrow Jono will go to Mekah. Jono, I will miss u and doalah untuk I kat sana. Moga pulang dengan Haji Mabrur… You are great. AORJT.

Ah… Dilhafifi asked, Che Mi, anyone special in your life now? I said, entahlah ….

THE KUANTAN GETAWAY

The ikan kerai masak lemak in Temerloh was superb. So delicious that we had to ‘tapau’ some for another round of mouth watering experience.

Please … can we have ikan kerai masak lemak in Kuala Lumpur? I love the taste of kerai. Better than patin, anytime.

Also for the very first time after 47 years of being alive, I got to taste ‘satar’. It is something like otak-otak but the overwhelming presence of ‘kerisik’ as another main ingredient made it taste slightly different. Yes, like kerai, can we have satar in KL? Tired of the usual goreng-goreng stuff in KL.

The seafood in Kuantan was superb -- yes, lots of choices in Tanjung Lumpur – we decided to dine at Santai, and it sure was a good choice.

And Hyatt Kuantan was a great place to spend a wonderful relaxing weekend -- close to almost everything -- the beach and downtown Kuantan.

And we bumped into Tengku Nurul & hubby while having lunch at Hyatt’s beach front restaurant.

Just one not so fun stuff. For a huge shopping centre (the one which is right across from MS Garden Hotel) -- the parking self-service payment machine can only be found on 2 floors!!! At least that was what I figured out. For about 200 cars parked on the 4th floor, there was only one machine. And the spiral ramp to access the parking area on the 4th floor, made us dizzy. Felt like ants crawling on a mosquito coil.

If you are so stressed, the sea and sand can take your miseries away. According to Hafez, bury your feet in the sand, sit on the rock, close your eyes and let the water take the bad energy away. I think it worked.

And for a good trip – go with minimal expectations but go with great company. Good food, great conversation, positive energy and a wonderful setting – now that is the new definition of rejuvenation.

I have been to Pahang many times. This time, I fell in love with the state for many reasons – the nice ladies at the front desk of Hyatt, the down to earth folks and the beautiful strangers, and lots more – it sure is a very long list…will keep it close to my heart.

TRAINING JONO

I slept at around 3 am, on the couch. AK slept much later and while sleeping I could hear him mumbling about me snoring – yes, sometimes you can hear people talking, you can hear what Christiane Amanpour blabs on CNN and you can tell who are parking their cars downstairs while you sleep.

What were we doing sleeping very late? We were helping Jono Munajat a.k.a Jawa a.k.a Kamarul Ariffen Munajat in his ‘accelerated-course’ preparing to anchor Khabar Haji in Mecca. He has 2 more weeks before he leaves for Mecca with Haji Nazri. Together with the Haj team, they will provide daily reports on the Haj season for AWANI’s sister channel OASIS.

AK Shafizan Johari, AWANI’s Business Journalist & Anchor helped out. He played the role of the cameraman -- recording the training session, using my Sony Cybershot versatile camera. Now, this is what I like about people at AWANI. Many of them are ever willing to help. Earlier in the day, Kam helped to train AK, Faizal Murad and Dzulfitri to anchor current affairs talk show programmes.

Due to the fact that I have a full day almost everyday, ending only after Agenda AWANI at 9:00 pm, I have to schedule Jono’s training at around 10 pm. And since Plaza Damas has a great place with many eating places open till very late, I decided to do the training at my apartment at Plaza Damas, Sri Hartamas. While my Cybershot camera is used to record the presentation and questioning techniques, my Vaio laptap is used as a playback machine for analysis and de-briefing sessions.

The training started at 10:00pm at Uncle Don’s Hide Park, over satay, roti kaya, meehun and peach pudding. We went through my powerpoint slides on:

1. Branding and positioning of anchors.
2. Giving souls to stories.
3. Standuppers and crossover, and
4. Voiceovers.

After that we went to my apartment and played roles – all recorded on camera by AK. Jono was the on-location anchor interviewing a Tabung Haji representative and a doctor. Of course lah, I was the Tabung Haji representative and also the doctor. I was looking for his questions preparing and delivering techniques and of course his listening skills – one of the the most important skills needed to be a good journalist.

It was a fun session and Jono has a flair for presentation. All he needs now is strong editorial, correct branding and the x-factor screen presence.

The training ended at around 2:00 am and we went to Mc Donalds at Mont Kira – Me, AK Shafizan Johari and Jono Munajat.

Next, he will be trained on how to do crossovers and video conferencing.

I love sharing experiences and enjoy coaching others to excel. I feel so good when the people that I coach excel and become famous…

Until today, Aznil Nawawi keeps on saying, you know who was my teacher… Suhaimi Sulaiman… a good one. And every time Aznil says that I will cry – cry of joy…

Era of Enlightenment

Mukmin

Pian came back from Singapore. He came to visit Rizal at Awani and stopped by to say hello to moi. He said he’s tired of Singapore and he wants to live life to the fullest in KL. I think, Pian being Pian, he will have no problems achieving that. Welcome home Pian.

I had a light lunch with Mukmin. He needed to see me to discuss his latest project. Mukmin is an enterprising young man. In his mid 20s he produces documentaries and many other tv programmes -- in addition to other communication ‘packages’. I am very honoured indeed as Mukmin would normally call me up to bounce ideas. I think Mukmin will go very far.

Next – preoccupation with ‘corner’ and ‘collection’.

I find it funny, even if they’re not situated at corners, restaurant operators named their outlets XXX Corner, YYY Corner, Mat Corner etc. Well, we can’t expect everyone to carry the battery operation Besta dictionary. Vocab alahai vocab.

Next, designers, tailors. Many of them named their outlets – XXX Collection, YYY Collection. Interesting….

PPSMI -- Well, try learning English the Peace Corps way...

Yes, PPSMI and all ...

BTW there is a good way to learn English, an alternative.. no need to fight lorr ..

The Peace Corps Method -- I was an instructor a long long time ago. My sifu was Tuan Haji Fauzi Halim, the Founder of Centre of Modern Languages. We helped prepare government sponsored students to improve their English before they start their American degree programme. That was in 1987...

We will have the discussion tonight on Agenda AWANI channel 501 Astro at 8:15 pm.

Cheers.

Yeahhhh... I updated my blog..

I love you MCKK

Me & George watching Jeff & Shah Matrock playing rugby

The trip back from Kuala Kangsar after the end of the Malay College Old Boys Weekend was so much fun. Jeff was the designated ‘pilot’ -- of course I was in no position to drive after sleeping only 3 hours over 3 days. What was I doing? Catching up with old friends -- friends that I grew up with at Malay College, some 30 years ago. Oh yes, Shah Matrock was responsible to make sure both me and Jeff will not fall asleep. Seated at the back, he was the designated court jester.

Every year around this time, we will make the ‘pilgrimage’ to Kuala Kangsar to spend time with old friends and link-inspire the present boys of MCKK. Talking about inspiring and guiding, I think Rafizi Ramli is doing such a great job helping out the Malay College debating team – yes, voluntarily.

I got to see the results of his hard work when I dropped by to say hello to the BM & English Debating team at the Debating Room. When I got there, the team members just finished a quiz on general knowledge. It reminded me of my time representing Malay College in the inter-residential school debate competition for the Prime Minister’s trophy in 1979. And my debating team-mate was there too, Rohaizat Darus. He is now a big chief with Sapura. The other team member, Saifuddin Abdullah (now, Dato’ Saiduddin Abdullah) is busy with his responsibility as a Deputy Minister, and was not able to make it this time.

Jeff played beautifully on the rugby field, as always. He has a ‘flair’ for sports. Wahab at 47 was still very fit. Stone too.


Azhar Wahab Fenner

On occasions like this, we get to know interesting new ‘things’ about people around us. This OBW, I had a chance to know how interesting Shah Matrock is. He is not only funny but if you need good company while driving on the North-South Highway, Shah Matrock is the one. He can talk about almost anything -- from sugar content, to investment, to ACCA and politics. And cracks good jokes too.

Pian was there, missing Rizal – Rizal had to anchor Agenda AWANI on weekends.

I must say this time around I had good quality time with Iyoi, Stone, Wahab. Didn’t get to hang around much with Nasha and Robby as they were busy with Nasha’s children.

Spent only a few minutes with George and Kudin. Enjoyed the company of Mooze & Elin.



Kudin and his favourite juniors.

I think I kept Moqq awake all night with my snore. Dia berdengkur jugak. And we accepted our 'less than perfect attributes'. I kept him awake too with my tossing and turning. We stayed at the River Resort.

And as always before leaving the MCKK, tears came out of my eyes – I just can’t explain why… It happens every year.


Mooze

Stone, Iyoi & Wahab

Nasha & Son

In NST Today, Mar 23, 2009

Suhaimi at the forefront By : HAFIDAH SAMAT 2009/03/22


Astro Awani has its pulse on business with Focus Economy, the channel’s first English news and current affairs show, helmed by Suhaimi Sulaiman. HAFIDAH SAMAT writes.

TV personality and Astro Awani executive producer Suhaimi Sulaiman is on the brink of revolutionising the local broadcasting landscape.

As relentless in his quest for knowledge as he is in his pursuit to educate viewers at large, the multi-faceted TV compere/host has been responsible for setting standards for the industry as early as the 1990s.

When we met at Astro Awani studio in Bukit Kewangan, Kuala Lumpur recently, Suhaimi was busy recording Focus Economy, the channel’s first English news and current affairs show to join its programme lineup this month.

The show debuted on Astro Awani (Channel 501) on March 9.

It airs every Monday at 11.30pm.His guests — made up of experts from the various creative sectors — were discussing the second stimulus package (which was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on March 10) and how the mini budget can sustain the economy in times of crises.

“The idea for this show came about when the sub-prime crisis started in the United States last year. After discussions with the producers, I knew that the effects would hit our shores eventually,” said Suhaimi.

Focus Economy is tailored as a platform for viewers to obtain perspectives from both sides of the coin.

“Focus Economy takes a different perspective from the other business talk shows. As a responsible media organisation Awani aims to assist the government to spur the growth of our economy,” said Suhaimi, adding that the programme aims at helping viewers cope with the recession.

The rationale to include Focus Economy as the station's maiden English language feature is due to demand.

“The producers have been deluged with requests from viewers to introduce English programmes and we’re glad that it has finally materialised. Our audiences have a strong sense of ownership and we are aware that they want to be a part of the channel. At the end of the day, I believe that a TV station is successful when viewers feel that they’re involved in the programmes. I also hope that viewers will be able to think laterally as the show provides balanced, in-depth news as well as exciting discussions on topical economic issues. With the advancement of new media, viewers have the options to take on the different perspectives in our content. People are worried about the economic downturn and tend to be sceptical about what can be done."

“I’ve about 3,600 friends — ranging from young entrepreneurs to businessmen and CEOs — in my Facebook group and I believe that with their ideas, I can do Focus Economy till 2011.”

Suhaimi, who holds a degree in administration from Portland State University, Oregon in the United States, has helmed several business talk shows during his sterling career which began in the early 1990s.

Here is a TV veteran who is passionate about the broadcasting industry and has a creative take on things.

When he joined Astro Awani, the 47-year-old proved sceptics wrong when he — along with the pioneer team at the station — strived against the odds to steer it into one of the most watched news and current affairs stations.

Suhaimi also introduced some of station’s landmark programmes such as Perspektif Kita and Sudut Pandang — both zooming in on national and international issues.

In his effort to bridge the generation gap between young and established presenters at the station, Suhaimi initiated a mentor-prodigy programme.

He takes on several broadcast journalists under his tutelage under the programme. “The sessions are personalised and fortunately I have a supportive team who is willing to learn,” said Suhaimi, who also co-hosts Agenda Awani, a unique prime-time news bulletin with young anchor Rizal Zulkapli.

The programme discusses, analyses and reports the most compelling news of the day featuring "live" studio guests. The show is aired daily starting 8pm.

Astro Awani general manager Rozina Aziz said the launch of Agenda Awani and Focus Economy signals exciting times ahead for the station.