The Chef and Culinary World

A Reminder For Myself

2011-04-23T17:11:00.000+08:00

Ka’ab bin Ujrah r.a. berkata bahawa Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda:

Akan datang di kemudian hari nanti, setelah aku tiada; beberapa pemimpin yang berdusta dan berbuat aniaya. Maka barang siapa yang membenarkan kedustaan mereka dan membantu (mendukung) tindakan mereka yang aniaya itu, maka ia bukan termasuk umatku, dan bukanlah aku daripadanya. Dan ia tidak akan dapat sampai datang ke telaga (yang ada di syurga)

Riwayat Tirmidzi, Nasae’i dan Hakim.

A Normal Life Again

2011-04-05T10:01:00.000+08:00

I have decided to switch my life again...this time to a normal mode, no hectic schedule, no worries, no money... (errmm...less money obviously)

I miss cycling, I miss Friday prayers with my kids, I miss write-up (my thesis & my blog) I miss a lot of things in this life.

Mid-life crisis..nope ..not yet... just strategically re-alligned my life journey

I hope to focus on my favorites...photography (training with Sifu Zainal Abd Halim soon :).. mountainbiking.... upgrades my level
thesis writing... with my advisors
family...more time for you guys

arrghh..life to be enjoyed ....soon

Serving Lobster...

2011-03-11T20:51:00.002+08:00

I got a call from a friend of mine, Nizam inviting me to visit the 'look-out point in Ampang recently. Since it was my first time visiting there, the whole family followed me. Obviously the scenery was awesome, the food however is ranked as moderate (biasa-biasa aje)

Since we had a good lobster in Sabah recently, we did ordered 2 of that there, only it wasn't as good as the one in Sabah :( Nevertheless if you had a chance to go there, I would recommended the best food still the grilled lamb...bon appetite :)

By the way..anyone interested to MTbiking there?

Faster Updates..

2011-01-25T21:14:00.001+08:00

Previously with broadband and now with newly installed streamyx.... :)

I hope now I can write more frequent and uploads more pictures. The hectic time table and scheduling which I am facing recently shall be in the memories; as I aliigned myself with new life objectives and re-organizing my priorities

Lets begin with a visit of an old friend from United States... soon :)

Updates & Updates

2011-01-08T15:40:00.000+08:00

It has been months since I last updated this blog. No lame excuse as my new ventures requires more focus and more time which has taken the consequences. I wish I have more time...but the time is my enemy. Expected this to be continously up to whole year of 2011 :(

Perhaps now I need real time planning..........

The Roasted Venison

2010-08-12T06:45:00.005+08:00

the roasted venison for "sahur", anyone?

Venison can describe meat of any mammal killed by hunting. It was originally applied to any animal from the families Cervidae (deer), Leporidae (hares), and Suidae (wild pigs), and certain species of the genus Capra (goats and ibex), such as elk, red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, moose, reindeer/caribou, pronghorn, brown hare, arctic hare, blue hare, wild boar, and ibex, but its usage is now almost entirely restricted to the flesh of various species of deer. In Southern Africa venison is the meat of antelope. (wikipedia, last visited: 12 Aug)

I got a chance to have a roasted venison for my lunch recently prepared by a team of chefs. I do cautious on my red meat intake, nevertheless, the taste is awesome and I even manage to packed it for my family, which later taken during their first day of sahur* :)

*Sahur; the early breakfast, obligated to be taken before the start of fasting for the whole day during ramadhan month

DSLR Training

2010-08-09T20:44:00.000+08:00

In my previous entry, I have informed about my toys which include 2 mountain bikes and a DSLR equipped with 18mm-200mm, 50mm and a flash. It was a great investment as I was fast moving into sports fotography not to mentioned the food as well.

As I gradually improving myself, attending a training or two in fotography became one of the agenda for this year. I immediately register the two-days Nikon in-house training. the fees was reasonable if compare to other training offered, and the best part is the focusing on D90 cameras.

The first day training was focusing on button and gadget available on the D90. While the second day focusing the shutter, aperture and ISO, ways of manipulation of lights, the lenses and obviously the object, subjects etc.etc

I must say it was a great journey and I love it every single moment....

If compare to mtbiking, the SLR is much cheaper...if combined both....there a very expensive hobby indeed, nevertheless you are invited to see some of my pictures at http://www.white-mtb.blogspot.com/ and I am improving fast on every single shot :)

Culinary School Architecture

2010-07-02T20:17:00.007+08:00

I have designed and developed many kitchen, be it for commercial restaurant or learning institutions. My knowledge was used intensively during teaching and of course, when a client asked me to design their kitchen. Once someone claimed my drawing as his design and getting awarded while lying and stealing all my effort (plagiarism) .... but GOD is great, he will get his payback soon :)

Back to the issue, in designing the training kitchen, there are several factor to be considered

1) the kitchen mileage
2) ergonomics
3) type of equipment
4) psychological
5) curriculum content
6) cost

But the most important aspect will be on the teacher or chef instructor must have sufficient knowledge in culinary to teach young generations of chef. It is a skill that many young lecturer obviously are lacking of or worst simply without any...what!!! :)

Another Favorites...ABC

2010-06-30T18:37:00.005+08:00

ABC is an acronym for Ais Batu Campur or literally translated as mixed shaved ice. This product is categorically under soft ice-cream which includes the sherbets, cendol and ever-popular ice-blended.

Normally taken during hot summer :) or whenever you have hot food & spicy like satay or chilli-based dishes

It has varieties of condiments like roasted peanuts, jelly etc sometimes served with ice-cream. I love it when it has lychee...simply cool and amazing.

Another Favorites

2010-05-23T05:43:00.003+08:00

my whole family loves this soft bread :)

Lontong Klang

2010-05-06T09:09:00.009+08:00

Lontong is traditional breakfast item made from several ingredients namely vegetables and fermented soya served with diluted flavored coconut milk making it suitable for vegetarian.

Frankly I never like having a lontong, maybe due to I never been trained to a soup-based breakfast products, with exceptional this "Lontong Klang". This famous lontong offers an enhanced version which include bergedil, sambal sotong while its fermented soya was crispy fried and the secret lies on the dessicated coconut; all compliment each other making it the best lontong available.

In yesteryear, the shop was located along the bazaar near Klang Bus Station, thus the name is derived. Nowadays it has one restaurant located in Seksyen 7 next to Shell station and UNISEL of Shah Alam. Since its normally full house, please come early to avoid any disappointment.

Nevertheless, for your eyes only; enjoy the lontong served with sambal sotong

Our Favorites

2010-04-22T07:51:00.006+08:00

My family favorites flavors & brand of ice-cream,

simply lovely and indeed considered as some of luxurious item that I could afford :)

Being a member of NZN Expressions!, I will get discount of 10% anytime,

30% on the 29th & 30th day of the month plus a tub of ice-cream for my birthday...

marvellous!!!

Kopitiam - Kluang RailCoffee

2010-04-18T19:01:00.008+08:00

I must admit that I am a coffee lover despite at very minimal consumption. Nevertheless if I got a chance to have a cuppa or two, I will never resisted the concoctions

Given a choice, I still prefer local brewed coffee rather than the overprice and over promoted international brand of coffee.

Some of the popular kopitiam which I frequently visited are the Uncle's Lim in Subang Jaya and Kluang Station in IKEA, Damansara. Previously, I had my chance to drop by to the other Kopitiam as well like the one in Kemaman, Terengganu and White House in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

Yesterday I had an opportunity to have my coffee at the 'original' Kluang Station in Johor. In term of taste, it was not much different from the one located in Damansara. Perhaps, more importantly of being in such original place with the original ambience, which definately cannot be replicate elsewhere.

Enjoy the coffee 'O' and served with kaya/butter toasted bread....bon apetite

Basic Fruit Carving Session

2010-04-05T17:09:00.006+08:00

The Classs was conducted on Saturday 3rd April, lead with Chef Hamir.

Opportunity Knocking The Door - The Decision

2010-03-28T11:02:00.003+08:00

I will be joining a Research University soon.

The University is ranked first in Malaysia, 11th in South-East Asia, 81st in Asia, and 686 in the world currently.

It wasn't the ranking I am concerned nor the salary scale I am receiving, but rather the opportunity to complete my PhD as soon as possible as the teaching hours are reduced by 50% as to compare with my current employer.

I am qouting my advisor - "view this opportunity as if as getting a scholarships for your PhD"

Opportunity Knocking The Door

2010-03-09T17:43:00.001+08:00

I am in the midst of discussion of accelerating my own career, hope to strike a good deal

Cuti-Cuti

2010-03-08T09:39:00.004+08:00

This Friday and Saturday to Lenggong, Perak to cycle with my brothers.

Next Friday, Saturday and Sunday to Malacca and Batu Pahat Johor for a friend wedding.

I guess that is the impact of riding and shooting as a hobby.

Building New Hotel School

2010-03-03T10:15:00.004+08:00

I was invited as Partner-Consultant in developing new hotel school in Malaysia. This is my second project whilst being a PhD candidates in Curriculum and Instruction, and the first project was about 2 years ago.

The project will include the Vision, Mission, business orientation and drawing of strategic blueprint for the school.

Being the key member in this project, my conceptual idea is vital in making sure the successful rate in the both area of hardware; the infrastructure and the software-the knowledge and skill needed for a school.

Nowadays; a hybrid program is the keyword for success.

The experience in developing such school are related to my long term career planning, as I already anticipating being a referral in the area of Culinary and Hospitality Infrastructure :)

On TV2 630am-700am

2010-02-25T12:58:00.002+08:00

I was informed our cookery program has been be appeared daily on TV 630am onwards.., others are my colleague, Chef Abdullah and Chef Asmah.

Genting 26-28 February

2010-02-25T08:02:00.004+08:00

I am off to Genting. Objectively to prepare strategic paper on Knowledge Management. I have been involved with experts on this area for the past one year. For sure, I will having fun with these wonderful people. I consider myself as rookie in this area with some exposure during my master paper and assisting a friend of mine completing his PhD thesis. During the meeting, I will present the implementation strategy which highlight some aspect of Management and Organizational behavior as well the solutions

Knowledge Management is a new area in both theories and practical, not to mention almost non-existent write up in Culinary perspective. I believe I am in the right direction.

Thinking of Future

2010-02-22T10:08:00.001+08:00

Now its time to have a deep thought and self-reflection on my future

Happy and Prosperous CNY

2010-02-12T13:03:00.001+08:00

Wishing all my friends and students, A Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year 2010

On TV last Tuesday

2010-02-12T12:55:00.002+08:00

I was on TV2 last tuesday.. morning segment, preparing the sugar-less bread :)

I didnt know or let alone watch it as I was having a class that time, until a friend of mine inform me.... ghee, where is my copy of that session

Office Politics

2010-02-12T12:31:00.004+08:00

Technically I prefer to read others's blog on politics - example like Malaysia Today or Kopitiam Abg Nan, but that is on nation politic.

Office politics, hmm... I am not interested. As for I know most of Hariri's are very professional, hardworking while accepting whatever came in their career life, me included.

I was introduce to this kind of politics since 2002 when I was requested to take the 2nd top position in a institution/company. That point is more as strategic move as I was tasked to turn-around the company which has been loss since the last 5 year.

It was a small group of 12 employee - Not much on office politics there, nevertheless I learn most of the business strategy, art of war and organizational behavior, luckily we manage to turn-around within a year and I manage to secure half-day leave to further study and whenever CNY - I will get 'big' angpow.

That did not make me an expert, but somehow I has manage to handle a case involving a particular organization, where I acted as consultant for knowledge management system.

Now as 'unofficial' adviser to my colleague, I found that human never had enough despite fat salaries and tremendous benefits given by the employer, still wanted to 'kill' a person so that he/she can hold the position.

For me, rather simple.. rezeki Allah bagi, cukup-cukupkanlah.. kalau tak cukup pergi cari project lain takpun pergi ngajar part-time. Sibuk-sibuk dengan 'position' nak buat apa, lainlah kalau kita ni bagus sangat or can bring few million ringgit worth of business to the company. Setakat menghabiskan beras aje...semua orang boleh buat

Hectic Week

2010-02-01T09:31:00.003+08:00

Fuh... anticipate a hectic week ahead with classes, consulting and Phd paper starting with a news of failed attempt to revive the mecca project... tak apalah rezeki Allah beri

My New Found Hobby

2010-01-21T11:43:00.016+08:00

I am now having 2 new toys to play with. It cost me quite some - expensive and expandsive- but I believe it will be worthwhile investment.

The first was a mountain bike - Orbea Scape, which aims as my tools for exercise. It was lighter than my training bike (nexus) by 4kg, which resulted to better speeding ability. The nexus, which was bought 3 month earlier now turned as training bike a.k.a leisure riding with my kids.

I have dream a good bicycle since childhood, but never afford to have any so I am happy with whatever I had previously. Once I even race the bicycle with better and expensive RB owned by my classmates, obviously I won :) it is not about expensive equipment but rather the will and proper training.

I love the road/racing bike and still remember when I upgraded the RB with stainless steel fork costing 18ringgit, way much cheaper than my over 1k fork I am attaching to my orbea nowadays. I also still remember, riding a MTB while going for teaching at a University back in 1996.

After 14 years leaving this sport, yet I have not lost the skills but only the stamina.

Under tutelage of my neighbour - Chief Khalid - for the first time in my life, I went for off-road last week. Utilizing my training bikes (which upgraded for the purspose) I manage to cover 32km and being guided to all version of road available - single track, gravel, road, cement, sandy and earth and lastly flood... yup, flooding up my my waist.Now, I am addicted and surely it will be off the road on weekly basis riding my new orbea which equipped with Manitour Seven Fork, Shimano Deore System ncluding RD, FD and disc-break. I am now ready to rumble (visit my white-mtb blog for updates on bicycling)

The second equipment is a DSLR. I still remember with my first camera which I bought while I was in form two (secondary school) more than 25yrs ago, followed by a 35mm. While I was studying culinary, I always targeted my eldest sister's - Minolta- DSLR for picture taking whenever she allowed.. so I became unofficial photopgrapher for my university classmates. That almost 20 years ago. This was followed a digicam bought in 2008.

Now I call it as the revenge time so I bought the D90 with 18-200mm lenses, 50mm 1.8 lenses and some other equipment. At first I thought I will getting the basics, since my wife agreed to chip-in together, it was a breakthrough. Now I hope I will getting some guidance from my hariri's clan, as to improved further my photography skills , then I might starting photoblog.

I guess 20 years of waiting is worthwhile........, okay have to go now for riding and shooting.

Which The Better DSLR

2010-01-06T08:18:00.014+08:00

I have done the survey and window shopping while finding the best price.

The first two picture is Panasonic GF1 costing around RM3200+1000 for the lens that I wanted, while the other two is Nikon D90 costing RM4200 including the kit lens.

So the price is identical, now where is the money?

I love panasonic since I am using a similar brand digicam already. The best part it uses Leica lenses, a leader in camera and lenses, and I am satisfied with the picture churned out from the camera. Well you may argue on the lenses. For me, if I have enough money I will buy Leica Camera instead. So at this moment it goes back to to basics in economy...alternative buy.

While D90 is definately the bestbuy as the quality is far more superior.

One issue between these two are the size.

The GF1 is slightly bigger than normal digicam, some may even thought is just another digicam. Since I travelled a lot lately and near future, this should be the most suitable for me.

While D90 offered the picture quality, and its professional outlook definately another advantages.

Upgrading issue on the lenses? I am not worried about getting different specs on the lenses, since nowadays it is quite easy to get one so it is more on budgeting perspective.

I am more confused on which the better for me...the issue on size and overall quality does require some kind of opinion and professional advice.

As a Chef I more towards taking picture on food and its details apart of potrait of my kids, family and of course the scenery while I goes cycling :)

By the way I am planning to procure the camera before CNY, care to advice and suggestions?

Diet During Dengue Fever

2009-12-24T09:58:00.005+08:00

I was down for about a week, hospitalized with Dengue Fever

This is my second time getting such fever, the first in 1995 which was quite critical

My diet that time was Coconut drink, supplied daily by my beloved mother

This time around it was an upgrade, no more coconut drink, but

1) Virgin Coconut Oil

2) 100 plus

I do take pre-cautionary action not to mixed the drink, taking the coconut oil before breakfast, and having 100-plus during lunch and I was out from hospital exactly after 5 days...though continue resting throughout whole week in PD.

(It was a special case since it involved my 2 kids and my wife, so we almost like having a vacation in hospital)

Makan Durian

2009-12-01T13:24:00.002+08:00

I was invited to a business luncheon in Central Perak, or Kg Gajah recently, only to be served with a basket full eat-all-you-can durian served with roti jala, kuah durian and variety of malays kuih.

My record was 2 pieces ( not even two fruits!!!!)

will updated with pictures

My New Blog

2009-11-24T10:28:00.001+08:00

This blog is about my bicycling experience and the journey it takes

visit http://white-mtb.blogspot.com/

my new bike

2009-10-15T08:33:00.023+08:00

I have planned to get a bike for quite some time, objectively as my mode of transport to work and to travel some 100km a day for my thesis preparation while saving the petrol and toll charges etc. etc. This will require some financial commitment, as the 'B' license alone will cost me RM700, not to mentioned the other accessories that suits the rider. I have thought I would get one, soon after aid-fitri 2009. Then, a US university proposed to me to teach there, therefore I have to postponed this agenda, as the saving is now being prioritized for that. Nevertheless, yesterday I bought one for me..as well 3 other, for my kids

this gilera NEXUS 460cc fully automatic italian made bike will cost me RM35k.. nope, not yet

what I get yesterday is a different NEXUS - MTB size 26'- aluminium body, shimano with 21 gear, front suspension with disc brake, environmentally friendly plus 3 other bike for my kids and some accessories habis la jugak RM1K++

updates - 24th October- the bicycle accesories - I used to have a road / racing bike and MTB (both belong to my brother) and I have not riding any bicycles since 1997 when I moved to Terengganu . I have lost the any information on the price etc. etc.

I was informed, having a MTB is quite expensive hobby nowadays as a good frame / body (entry level) will costing around RM2k. If carbon body - the cheapest is around RM4K, which I dont have. So, I have decided to buy a cheaper version and gradually upgraded it - here the list so far 1) Helmet RM100 2) Speedometer RM90 3) Lighting set RM110 4) Glove RM40 5) Pedal RM70 6) bottle holder RM35 7) Pump RM40.........next upgrades 8) the shimano crank RM350, 9) straight bar RM100 and 10) stem RM140 (mostly on the next availabe budget) not including my son knee and elbow protector RM40 plus another helmet RM100 for him btw if you wanted to tuck you bike behind your car -the carrier will cost RM250... baru basikal belum superbike :)

History.....

2009-10-06T16:20:00.003+08:00

Off topic and not related to culinary.

I love history especially about my country... only recently the internet and digital technology made me to think twice on certain issues and obviously about this country

visit the link, have a look and do you agree what you have learned previously at school?

http://www.naim-firdausi.blogspot.com/

http://sejarahnagarakedah.blogspot.com/

Mecca Project Re-visited

2009-09-30T11:42:00.005+08:00

Re-starting a project which began early 2008 and subsquently was put on-hold early this year, may have some impact and effects in many ways. That is whole one year worth of time lost and not to mentioned the effort and the energy.

I am not sure whether I am ready to face it all over again, meeting the dateline, meeting those who walk within corridor of powers, meeting my phd, meeting my ambitions and meeting HIM.

Life..........

CULINARY COMPETENCIES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MALAYSIA’S CULINARY EDUCATORS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

2009-08-26T08:15:00.008+08:00

here is the abstract of my Phd proposals;

Culinary program is a formal and structured-career-oriented program, which upon graduation, the participant or culinary graduate is expected to work in a kitchen environment. Then with sufficient training and working experience a person most likely to be conferred with the title “Chef”. There are now as many as 7 institutions offering culinary courses with different principles in teaching and learning of culinary. These many views suit well to reformers suggestion on the next new thing, while on the contrary traditionalists demand on the basic competency (Antun 2008).

The debate on culinary curriculum development continues in tangent as this exciting discipline continues to grow. However there must be certain elements of stages to the formulation and analysis before making any decision or framework apart of emphasize on the selection of content. Similar process is also being offered by Toohey (1999); it clearly indicated that the process of curriculum development shall have several stages starting with establishing the need and ended with program validation. It also mentioned the selection of content as the core elements in any curriculum development. This is not the only model, as other educational experts also suggested similar process which will be further discussed in literature reviews.

The framework of culinary curriculum which is adapted from Hegarthy (2004) suggested that the curriculum should be moving forward because of uncertainty in liberal vocational educational as it requires culinary program to be constantly upgraded to suit the need of the industry and the advancement of technology of hotel and kitchen equipment. The sample derived from culinary program (diploma level) of 4 institutions in Malaysia indicate that vast difference and similar competencies are offered since each institutions has their own philosophy of teaching and learning even though all are known as Diploma in Culinary Arts.

The findings resemblances to the research conducted on the culinary science program by Birdir (2000) that there are 46 knowledge statements, 38 skills and ability statements, and 23 behavioral statements. While Hegarthy (2004) suggested four (4) areas to be included in core area and further supported by Santich (2007) which offer a different perspective in culinary / gastronomy competencies by suggesting 15 orientations.

The significant differences in requirement across program lead to series of questions, what knowledge and skills are most important for future success? And what knowledge and skills will be needed to adapt to trends that are emerging in this area of industry? (Harrington et. a. 2005).

It is therefore, the intellectual challenge for these program, are

1) To understand the changes that are taking place in the new fields and
2) The interaction of changes between them.

Since culinary arts is still considered as a new discipline, retrieving academic articles on the subject proved to be difficult. Hegarthy (2005) argues that culinary arts, culinary science and gastronomy have received little serious scholarlistic attention to date. This is due to the factors such as:

1)Lack of theoretical underpinning that would allow it to become a discipline

2)The difficulty in separating its transitory nature and link with physical work.

3)The industry needs from those of knowledgeable in the subject i.e. science or theory

4)The absence of doctoral scholars in the field – a major defiency in culinary arts and science education

Overcoming the scenarios or rectifying the problems of which competencies to be included in culinary program can only be satisfied by conducting a systematic research. In holistic perspective, the objective of this paper is to further strengthen the framework policy which can be best achieved through re-evaluation by integrating the culinary stakeholders (Antun, 2008).

Rashi Hariri August 2009

My Dream Set of Knife

2009-08-17T19:45:00.004+08:00

knife is the most important tools for a chef. Myself have very few type of knife, namely the chef/ french knife 6", a utility knife. A boning knife ( a gift from a NZ chef), Serrated knife 11'' as Pastry Chef should have and few type of small knife.

Frankly these knife did not come cheap. Nevertheless I hope to get few more of them, and recently I found ..... now the money issue :(

the set of knife; with everage price of RM150 per piece, looks alike I need few thousand then.. only time will tell when I will get these

Food and Hotel Malaysia 2009

2009-08-17T14:10:00.044+08:00

.....or FHM in short, are the biggest food fair and exhibition in Malaysia and South East Asia. Conducted as bi-annual programme offer various updated information's on food, food innovations, F&B machinery's and lots more.

Machineries for food production are the main attractions, nevertheless my main objective was to visit the food display

Bread and chocolates

Bread and confectionaries

Florence Tan with all her jokes!!!

Fruit Coulis, ice-cream and cheese products

Pastries and processed meat product

premium meat cuts and confectionaries

Organic Rice, Purified Water and Bird Nests

Vinegar, seafood and Spices

Spices, mushroom and frozen food

Processed Meat, Cheese and Chocolates

Pastries, Coffee Products and Premium Meat Products

July 09 - letters as life experience

2009-08-17T13:23:00.007+08:00

Here are the extraction of 4 mailing which I received recently which I indicate it as life experience. The first two was from my current workplace. It was frustrating indeed, but then the last two mails make my day.

Mail - One
Despite your exemplary contribution to the university, we regrets to inform you that we are unable to process further your promotional application..... (know how, not know who..that is me) sucks - dont ask people to apply if you dont have the intention to promote your staff

Mail - Two
We regret to inform that your articles are not qualified for the incentive scheme (again know how, not not who, my paper is indeed accepted by one on refereed conference) another stupid policy; dont come up with such policy if you have double standards

Mail - Three
We would like you to join us as ........ for time being. Once you complete the PhD, the university will offer a better scheme up to Associate Professor. Since we are a research university, it will offer a conducive environment for people like you( an invitation from a public university of Malaysia)

Mail - Four (the best moment indeed....)
We would like to extend our invitation to you as Visiting Professor, from Jan 2011.( what!! a US-based state university invited me as a professor) (since then the conversation has been continue....)

Sometime with office politics, its only killing you and subsequently the organization. People will move forward and contributes more if only organization appreciate the workers. That is the core in human capital.

Life is a climb, at the end, the view is priceless - Miley Cyrus from Hannah Montana the Movie ;)

Culinaire 09 for Ghazali

2009-08-17T12:57:00.003+08:00

Zali...An Eiffel tower made from baguette, decorated with French Color...bon appetite monsieur!

Culinaire 2009: The kitchen Artist

2009-08-13T09:25:00.026+08:00

Here, the display more as artistic using stryofoam, pastillage, butter sculpture, modelling chocolate or hard dough (bread) as the medium.

Culinaire 2009

2009-08-13T08:56:00.029+08:00

Culinaire 2009

2009-08-13T08:40:00.015+08:00

Here are some of the pictures of Culinary Competitions, sometime known as Culinaire09 and for this year it was held from 11-14 2009 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre- KLCC

Culinary Competition

2009-07-22T17:03:00.002+08:00

Apart of cooking and eating, chefs are subject to various competition which aims to improved their culinary skills. 'Learning' the arts' through culinary exposure and sharing thoughts are common during any intellectual discourse among the chef.

In many competitions, young chefs will be assigned to a mentoring chef, where, the young chefs will go through an experience which worth a lifetime.

Winning a contest is always on the upper minds, but the experience and exposure are more valuable while building a career as a chef.

Here some of the pictures (updated ASAP)

TV Shooting

2009-07-06T21:56:00.004+08:00

preparing the props

I had a rare 'live' TV appearance and two magazine write ups in 2004, objectively to promote culinary program.

the university's cafe as the studio

Yesterday it was a full shooting and will be considered as my first full TV appearance. The program which will be aired for TV2 morning segment, somewhere in August 2009 under Healthy Diet Food

I will be cooking a family recipe; the homemade mackerel fish ball and sugar-less fruit bread. Both are suitable for diabetic, hyper-tension patients as well as those who have fever ( as fever are quite popular nowadays :)

Being my first TV shooting, I must say I am not satisfied as I am not familiar to the process which my cooking may a bit boring and stagnant; as compared to normal class session which is always cheerful and full of laugh... perasan haha

the sugar-less fruit bread

I hope to improved my 'acting' skills' as I can expect more TV appearance after this, so please watch my program. By the way, a new magazine write-up will be published soon on being a cafe owner as well an article will be presented in United States end of this month...hmm what a life

Airmata...

2009-06-15T17:44:00.004+08:00

Airmata Yang Mengalir

Ketika Kegembiraan

Hikmahnya Kebahagiaan

Airmata Yang Mengalir

Ketika Kesedihan

Nikmahnya Keinsafan

Namun..

Kita akan dapat kedua-dua

Hikmah dan Nikmah itu

Tatkala beribadah

Sesudah Bertaubah....
(NEA 1987)

The fantastic view of Kaabah of Masjidil Haram, Mecca (April 09)

(Sea)Food of Sabah, Malaysia

2009-05-22T09:03:00.054+08:00

a view from my hotel

I had a chance of visiting Sabah, from 17-20 May 2008. Sabah is known for its Kinabalu Mountain, its flora and fauna, seafood and foods... so plenty, the fact that this place is actually a major exporter of seafood mainly to Hong Kong... or in-short, a seafood heaven.

Nevertheless, hope you will enjoy the pictures (updated 28th May)
My first night was having 'ikan bakar' / grill seafood as dinner

Are you had enough of udang/prawn XL, bro. Zali? you should join me then :), btw I am going there again soon....

2 round of seafood eat-as-much-as-you-can and it cost RM120 for 5 adult

red hot chilli pepper, this is definately not californication

The 'buah anggur' is actually seaweed, and vegetable of the day

Seafood of the day, wonder what it is? anyone wanted to guess?

plenty of fish including a famous - poisonous puff fish or ikan buntal

price of fish is cheap enough, making me crazy of which to bring home...

The dried segment, I bought enough anchovies ... colorful sago, which one of staple food of Sabah

the kueh and nasi lemak berlauk

my in-flight lunch after 3 days of seafood is indeed simple enough - nasi goreng

Food of Saudi Arabia 2

2009-05-05T16:33:00.020+08:00

the finale part

Food of Saudi Arabia 1

2009-05-05T15:48:00.029+08:00

Here some of the food pictures taken while I am on my umrah journey 16-23 april 09 (to be continue... as I uploading the pictures first)

Food of Sri Lanka

2009-04-28T11:00:00.039+08:00

I had an opportunity to samples Sri Lanka Food while transit ting en-route to Jeddah on the 16th April 2008.

While I do feel uneasy with presence of many government armed-men as the country is on a civil war on the northern part, the feeling was soon diminished as the airport and the city are located on the southern part of the Island.

Of all, I must admit, this country is beautiful and it was like turning back 30 years ago, where people enjoying their simple life

Bandarneike International Airport

As we arrived around 7pm, me and my other colleague was taken to Goldis Sands Hotel, a 3-star resorts, near city while waiting for our next flight 3pm next day.There we first taste the Sri Lanka hospitality, and we did enjoy our stay and the food there.

Registering our names

Soon after we get our room, we headed for buffet dinner, it was splendid, as we enjoyed the seafood with different flavour of curry based dishes. Food do becoming our concerns :( as this country are Buddhist majority followed Christianity and Muslims. We don't dare to touch the beef and chicken as we are not sure its worthiness in muslim perspectives. Nevertheless throughout the dinner was accompanied with trio-musician playing some oldies and classics; lovely

The chef and their culinary expression, some of the food and the trio-musicians

we wake-up early as pre-dawn prayer around 430am, and its already like 9am here in Malaysia, where I immediately headed to the beaches.

Top; the view from my room at 5am, middle; the Indian Ocean, Bottom; making friendships with Mr. Wilson

I saw many trawler-like-boat, where I was informed, by a local known as Mr. Wilson, it was prawn catching seasons now, with lobster is only cost around RM40 a kilogram. Hmm, great for my gout... Soon we headed for the breakfast, it was great with breads and again..fish curry, and sampling the local pineapples was the sweetest moment we ever had :) I meant the fruit

Our Lunch consists of basmathi rice, chicken curry, fish, dhall, salads and pounded chilli and the best of all, the flavorful papadam; you can't get it anywhere... so good

We had 'hidang-style' lunch instead of buffet, most probably due we are the only foreigner left, and then we were told that all chicken in hotel in Sri Lanka are Halal as a respect to Muslim community. As halal chicken, these birds are coming from specialize farm instead of normal market. Hmm, too late then as we already ordered special dishes, the Lobster Masala and again, Pineapple Juices and a plate of freshly cut pineapples...so nice and sweet

the main dishes - Lobster; we really should asked the chef to roasted it instead of Masala, nevertheless it was gone within few minutes

Of all we spent around RM120 for this lobster, a far cry cheaper as around RM400 if we wanted to have similar one, back in Malaysia.

As we headed to the airport, the security was tight and everything has to be checked, except my money in my pocket :)

we had to take this bus to enter to the airport, as no other public vehicle is allowed as safety measures

at the airport, we bought some tea... anyway Sri Lanka is known for their finest tea, stones and crafts with elephant figure is indeed popular

maybe I should be back for more lobster, perhaps one day....

Next 48 hours

2009-04-14T14:45:00.004+08:00

Insya'allah, in the next 48 hours, I will be in-flight to Jeddah, with 6 hours stop-over in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

I am excited and ready as I prepare myself through reading - the theoretical aspects and with YB Yaakob Sapari (Exco Selangor) as the practical teacher - the way he taught me are impressive enough and was made easier which makes me understand in-depth, the procedure and steps once you are there. Thanks YB

Other than my feet, which still yet to fully recovered, I have made my mind clear and focus.

This is chance to redeem to HIM and his prophet, Insya'allah

winds of change

2009-04-10T13:11:00.005+08:00

In normal or even harsh environment, people need to constantly change, learning the technique to survived whilst improving their life at same time. It just like when you were swimming you need to move around just to stay afloat, otherwise you will be sinking

This morning I received many positive news which may affect me, my career and positions in this university. I was overwhelmed indeed. Nevertheless, power comes with responsibility quote by spiderman :)

I need to re-shuffle my planning for this year, without affecting my PhD

The best of today, was my feet as it improved tremendously :)

Time are not with me

2009-04-08T10:25:00.002+08:00

I am worried as eventhough my feet are improving, but yet to indicate as fully covered from the acute gout. I am still wallking slowy.

With mum visiting with aisyah yesterday, I am bit relief as it does fulfilling my wish to see her before leaving Malaysia (thanks for coming)

With less than 7 days before the flight, I really not sure how to improve myself.

Mecca and Madinah

2009-04-06T09:25:00.004+08:00

I had quite few write-up on my projects, which supposed to be the biggest ever, only if I were granted such businesses

Nevertheless, I did mentioned that 2009, is for my PhD and nothing else, as I do frustrated on many projects which never materialised, albeit it was part and parcel as in business it have only succeed or failure.50-50 chance, as I involved in consultancy work.

As per April 2009, I had 2 project secured, first was the just launched project entitled Knowledge Management, which involving as many as 10 consultant working together ( I love the networking) while the other is teaching at UPM in July which I took one subject despite being offered two.

While lying down at home (due to acute sickness), a call was recieved, and it was another project secured - albeit in small scale - for Haj pilgrims -

I am going there on 16th April and during Haj seasons this coming October, Insya'allah
(may Allah forgives me)

Down.... and while being positive

2009-04-06T09:17:00.003+08:00

I was down with acute gout which lasted 14 days and until today still very much in recovery period... and today, I am able of walking slowly to the office, after quite painful driving a 'manual' car.

being positive person, there are many good things does happen during my 'rest' day..among other supervise my house renovations, had some quality time with my wife and of course, the best news was another project was secured.

Life goes as usual

Feeling Dizzy

2009-03-13T11:55:00.004+08:00

Feeling under-pressure now, my thesis now entitled Culinary Competencies from Malaysia's Educators and Practitioners Perspective. The easier part was to change a phrase, the difficult part is to analyse certain publications. The motivational level is still high, as I need to complete this paper if I want to succeed...

This year, 2009 I vowed to focusing on my thesis, whilst avoiding any project... I guess I need to be in control and manage my time. Yet, I have secured 2 project... arguably, this is good for my financial (generating more income as compare to last year) and likely to get the super bikes that I wanted.

Life goes on......

My Publication List 2007-2008

2009-02-23T08:28:00.002+08:00

List of my Research, Publication and Consultancy 2007-2009

Author1:Micheal Cheng, Culinology and Hospitality Department, Southwest Minnesota State University
Author2: Rasiyuddin Hariri, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: Should Leadership Competencies Be Included in the Culinology Curriculum? (CHRIE United States)
Abstract: The manuscript examine whether leaderships skills should be included as core competency in Culinology program. The findings will provide the basis for curriculum evaluation, development and instruction improvement the area of Culinology Curriculum
Published: CHRIE Symposium July 09, United States
Date: 22nd January 2009

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri
Research Title: PhD Thesis Entitled: Culinary Curriculum Conceptual Model From Perspective of Malaysia’s Culinary Stakeholders
Abstract: This research paper intends to rectify the issue in culinary curriculum development and therefore aims to solve the problem by offering culinary stakeholders as space to opinion and discussion. The will results in producing a more effective culinary educational framework and model
Published: NIL / PhD Thesis
Date: Expected Full Completion in 4th Quarter 2009

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: An Evaluation of the Content, Appropriateness and Academic Rigour of Diploma in Culinary Arts of Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Abstract: This paper Analyze the academic rigors of Culinary Arts program utilizing comparative techniques
Published: NIL
Date: Complete Oct 2008

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: The Curriculum Development of Malay Classical Culinary Program
Abstract: This paper offers the insight of curriculum development in stages. It also analyze the academic philosophical of such program and its strategy and model followed as to enhance and strengthen the content of the program
Published: NIL / Progressing
Date: Progressing – Oct09

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri , FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Author2: Abdullah Mamat, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: Consultancy on Centralized Kitchen for Haj in Mecca, Jeddah and Madinah (UNITAR)
Abstract: Details the strategy and actions in overcoming the foodservice issue for Haj pilgrims. This paper also provide the total solutions in development of foodservice operations as well the understanding of cultural factor and system in Saudi Arabia
Published: NIL / Consultations PaperDate: Complete end 2008

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri, , FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: Consultancy on The Development of Kitchen Facilities at University Tun Abdul Razak Kelana Jaya (UNITAR)
Abstract: The development of new kitchen facilities for Faculty of Hospitality, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Kelana Jaya. The paper offer the most effective kitchen design, structural framework and other related issue on industrial kitchen development as the training laboratory.
Published: NIL / Consultation Paper
Date: Complete end 2007

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: Consultancy on The Development of Kitchen Facilities at University Tun Abdul Razak, Kedah Branch Alor Setar (UNITAR)
Abstract: The development of new kitchen facilities for, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak Kedah Branch, Alor Setar. The paper offer 3 different kitchen design, structural framework, costing and cost-effective solutions as well as building limitations for such development.
Published: NIL / Consultation Paper
Date: Complete Oct 2007

Author1: Rasiyuddin Hariri, FHTM, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Research Title: Consultancy on the Program Structure Development and Kitchen Facilities for Faculty of Hospitality, SEGI University College
Abstract: The paper discuss in details the curriculum development of Diploma Program which include Philosophical perspective, academic and career oriented syllabus and the possible outcome of SEGI hospitality graduates The paper also includes the blue print in development of new kitchen facilities for SEGI University College, Damansara. The paper offer 2 different kitchen design, structural framework, costing and cost-effective solutions as well as building limitations for such development. Published: NIL / Consultation Paper
Date: Complete June 2007

Should I get this sooner?

2009-02-03T16:01:00.004+08:00

credit to ghazali the owner of this bikes

I just got a job offer 200km down south, while thinking of accepting such offer, I have already planned myself very well as I gradually finishing my studies. I always prefer to have one car (instead of two now), and perhaps dreaming riding a bike...until my brother, ghazali bought himself an aprilla...hmm, frankly I am not that young anymore, perhaps only at heart obviously not at the age :)

by the way is just a plan...the issue is how soon is going to be materialized is another matter

Culinary Educational Trends

2009-01-22T14:04:00.011+08:00

Culinary is an area where personnel involved known as chef. The trade and skill based profession are highly demand in European Countries as well as in Australia and Japan as many other hospitality graduate. In many countries, you need at least a Diploma in stipulated area of hospitality before being granted a job permit especially in Europe, whereas ASEAN have started the discussion on implementing the same.

From in trade and skills, where most personnel are trained through on-the-job training, culinary nowadays require certain level of academic training. The market also has becoming a niche in terms of job specification from just Executive Chef and Sous Chef which refined to hotel to Corporate Chef, Personal Chef, Celebrity Chef as well as Consultant chef as in wider perspective

As the culinary grow into an academic discipline, as it gain popularity as chosen career, many university nowadays started offering Bsc. in Culinary as other program in Diploma, Certificates and short courses. There are other discpline and area which known among other as Culinary Science, Gastronomy, Molecule Gastronomy and Culinology.

Culinary Science in an area where the chef have wider knowledge on Food Science and chemistry, where as molecular science is involved in creative way on ingredients and cooking methodology. Culinology is a term trademark by Research Chef Association (RCA). It is an area where chefs involved in many aspect of food and management research, as well as research in food science and technology .

it is great indeed to see this expansion, though there are serious issue on developing a trully passionate chef educators as to support the overwhelming popularity of culinary program.

In Malaysia perspective, there are many private institutions offering Diploma in Culinary Arts, whereas the Degree is Offered by UiTM, UPM and soon by USIM. As for graduate program there are in the way, with UiTM leading the way with Masters in Gastronomy. In international level there are many Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and BSc Culinary arts offered namely United States and certain European Countries. There are very few good Master program for culinary namely Cordon-Blu of France and MBA-Culinology of SMSU - which offering a true meaning of culinary.

As it maturely grow, it is now an appropriate time for those who invloved in this area to have around table on developing graduate program / higher degree on culinary which include Master and PhD.

In short this culinary area offer many opportunity for those who wanted to venture something that unique, travelling while earning and vast career as it offer in many industry, namely Hotel, Catering, R&D , Academics, writer, food critics, photographer or even owning a restaurant.

Sugar Sugar Baby

2009-01-21T14:06:00.003+08:00

As being informed by the Minister of Consumer Affairs (should we change to Minister of businessmen affair), the sugar price is likely to be increase by RM.0.20 per kilo after Chinese New Year. This was due to the new tariff (price) on new agreement of importers and therefore Malaysia Government cannot afford to provide subsidies to Rakyat again and again.. :)

well, in different perspective we have 2 monopoly importers of sugar in Malaysia, both of them are billionnaires, that the only reasons Government try to protect their business rather helping poor rakyat in reducing the cost of living by reducing the price of ingredients. why don't break the monopoly and let the free-market indicate the price

in another perspective, its good to have higher price, perhaps this will reduce the consumption of sugar in Malaysian food, therefore reduce the obese and related diseases such as Diabetics.

the set back will, another excuse for food business to increase their food price again as obviously many of drinks are added with condensed milk (creamer?) which using a lot of sugar, not to mention other processed food as well.

what I am tired is the way Government explain each time there is price changes, it always reflected to the subsidies... as if the subsidies are coming from government own pocket money. Bear is mind, most of income coming from petroluem, which federal government "force" to take from rakyat through Petronas Act. while other income, bulk of it, is through "income tax" which coming from you and me..all reflected the income generated are coming from rakyat, not for minister to " misuse" or mismanage"it they way they like.

back to the sugar issue, it always suggested to take brown sugar instead white sugar and we have have plenty choice including palm-sugar, obviously honey is the best as stated in Quran.

in the meantime, while waiting for the new price of sugar to be announce... I have to compiled my 2008 tax return :(

My Heart and Soul with The Palestinian

2009-01-09T10:34:00.012+08:00

I am guilty as my body is here ... in luxury.......Forgive me God, for my inability to help my brothers and sisters there

taken from rockybru

visit http://www.electronicintifada.net/

updated news http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/en/

donate http://www.irm.org.my/

or here http://www.mercy.org.my/main/index.php

MAYBANK

Account Name: MERCY Humanitarian FundAccount No: 5621 - 7950 - 4126

ABA Swift Code: MBB EMY KLAAddress: MAYBANK BERHAD, 20G-28G, Jalan Wawasan 4/5, Bandar Baru Ampang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

(fyi- I dont believe in donating through newspaper (except harakah), in which they will conveyed through our corrupted government to another corrupted Mahmoud Abbas Government, donate straight to establisment that have direct connection to the Palestinian People)

taken from rockybru

or you can start boycott products that link to zionist, the key is to start small as you could as simple as not buying cokes or starbuck .. is it so difficult? Then moves to bigger as most product have alternatives... the issue is to do it your best level.... the killing will stop if we stop buying.

2 Birthday, 2 Movie & A Reunion

2008-12-02T11:30:00.003+08:00

Last few days, mylife started 2 birthday with 2 movie with my kids - the madgascar 2 and Bolt 3-D and ended with a reunion with Ahmad Amin (a longlost friend of 24yrs). Nothing much to enjoy, except plenty of time with fast depleting $$.... (just wondering when is UPM going to pay my PT?, Boleh joli sikit rather termenung kat rumah....arggh keep dreaming rashi)

Life has to continue :)

what is the meaning of life and to live?

2008-11-27T10:20:00.004+08:00

I always wanted to write something about our life.

Life is always presumed after SPM, as Malaysian perspective. All the form 5 leavers wanted is as many 'A's' in their certificates then next will be offering from top universities or graduated at least from any university.

Then what, top positions, big car, big house... all is about money or in short: money talk...:)

Enough from me, lets read from what I collected here... (reproduce without permission from http://1426.blogspot.com/2008/11/rat-race-and-rat-trap.html

This below article written by Mishal Kanoo, one of the richest young men in Arab world and he makes sense.

The Rat Trap

From a young age we are taught that we should work. We work hard at school to get the best grades to go to university. We work harder at university to get a good job. And we work yet harder at the job to get that promotion. Finally, we work harder still to keep on getting promotions until we retire.

In the meantime, we fail to love our parents for taking care of us. We miss out on being children with time to laugh and play because we so want to be an adult.We learn to hone our competitive edge to the degree that we forget our humanity sometimes. And as we grow older, we forget what it means to genuinely love unconditionally and the meaning of forgiveness.

Instead, we learn that everything is an obstacle that we must overcome or we will never reach the next stage. Look at the way electronic games are set up. It is a learned behavior. The child learns to fight and push forward but is never taught to share and include.

As a famous person once said, "you are either with me or with the enemy." This doctrine is not far from the hearts of many people. Perhaps they might not agree with the statement when it comes to politics, but I assure you, look around, and you will see it in abundance in everyday life.

We then bemoan about not having enough time to do all the things we wish we could do. We are more than ready to sacrifice our humanity for money because that is what many of us were taught to focus on. Some of us will work ten, twelve and sometimes fourteen hours a day, not because we need to, but because we have trained ourselves that this is the right way to show that we are dedicated to our work.

Of course there are people who genuinely work because there is no alternative for them to survive. But most of us look at work as a competition that we have to win.

That is the fruition of the learned behavior that we took from our childhood in school. We are graded in school, not to see what subjects we excel at, and thus should focus on - we are graded to see which of us has the ability to learn the system the fastest and thus ensure a better chance of survival in the work environment.

We are even often told that some things naturally present in one person's personality can be taught to others, rather than to celebrate our diversity. The new buzz word in business circles and at universities is ‘entrepreneurship'.

Some people actually believe they can teach this as a skill. What can be taught is the thought process and how to hone the skills by someone who has it in him or her, and gets paid to teach it. What cannot be taught is how to be an entrepreneur. So we learn yet another idea that will encourage us to compete even more for money, and that will ultimately result in us failing to focus on, or care about, humanity.

It is said that money is the root of all evil. I would contend that it is not money but the spirit of greed that money invokes that is the root of evil. Because if we allow acquiring things to be our goal in life, we lose vision of what is truly more important - ourselves.

5Sc3 1989 SMKE VII Taiping

2008-11-19T10:22:00.009+08:00

I have very short memories :), as when my former classmates offering the picture of us back in 1989...then only I realized that I had many friends. (Thanks Hassan for the picture)

Above is the classmates of 5Sc3 1989 of Sek. Men. King Edward VII, Taiping, Perak with Cikgu Zaini Mohd Zain as our class teacher, who also teaching Basic Chemistry. This 'sport' oriented school(rugby to be precise) recently celebrated its 125th birthday

I do remember some of them....but at same time I wonder where all have gone. Maybe it is high time to have a re-union

failure is just another episode in life

2008-11-13T12:52:00.004+08:00

I have failed to secure a project which costing up to RM30 Million, while the payment of consultancy fees about 5% of it.. luxury indeed if succeed in first place. But then, this is business, sometime you succeed, most of the time you failed...I would rather enjoy all the thing I have learned and reflects it in your life (muhasabah) , rather than blaming others.

Personally, this culinary project has taken some of my time and effort, which I should instead focusing on my PhD.

nevertheless it doesn't stop me from achieving what I have planned in my life!!!! maybe I will get later, slowly but surely

the best hikmah is when this failure has impacted to a person by showing off his other side of his attitude... here some of nice meaning which taken from SM Salim song

Kusangka aur di pinggir tebing

Kiranya tebu di pinggir bibir

Kusangka jujur pancaran batin

Rupanya palsu penghias zahir
Kukira hati jiwa nurani

Suci seindah wajah terbayang

Ku kira puji seikhlas budi

Kulupa lidah tidak bertulang
Dimanis gula semut binasa

Kail berduri bersalut umpan

Dimanis kata insan terlena

Kerana budi hamba terkorban
Inikah dia lakonan hidup

Dipentas dunia insan berpura

Tipu dan daya pencapai maksud

Budi dan harta merangkum noda

Failure is nothing as we should learned from mistakes and strategize ourselves how to become better person tomorrow, as we should better from yesterday.. (hey, I think I am quite good in Organizational Behavior now :)

Lost and Found (...of friendships)

2008-11-05T16:50:00.003+08:00

Last raya (Oct08) I had a chance to renewed my frienships with some of my classmates (KE 5Sc3 1989) while some others simply .....nombor yang anda dail tiada dalam perkhidmatan.... which make me clueless, while a call to the office informed that he has resigned..

But today, I received an e-mail of long-lost friends, of Ahmad Amin Sulaiman, that way back in 1984 (24years ago). I am very happy person today :)

Nevertheless, while most of us are still in the 'growth curve' in our career, having a short meeting or reunion or some sort might be bit difficult.... therefore, bear it in mind, until we met again, please do not lose the contact :)

All the best FSM4001 July-Nov2008

2008-10-23T16:50:00.002+08:00

I have known you back in 2006, there was 21 of you, 2 guys the rest were gals..hmm

Innocently you have learned from this cruel, no-nonsensible chef :)

and we met again in 2008, this time you guys/gals are equiped with enough information and skills....

10 classes gone, and I am supposed to updated this blog with your lovely food presentations, and there, your final exam

and that will be on 28th.. the date that we are supposed to have dinner together..great!!!!

I know you all are more than capable, to achieve whatever you wanted.. just make sure you are in the right track, betulkan nawaitu

I may have scolded you...but as teacher is part of learning, just to let you all know that life are more difficult than my classes and the assignment instructed

So, wishing you all the best and luck in life...as you going to graduate and finding your own space in this competitive world...venture out, and don't forget where you coming from

Good Luck guys and gals

the waiting moment

2008-10-23T16:41:00.003+08:00

penantian suatu penyiksaan, indeed

I am now waiting for the results of my biggest project ever...presumably should be out anydays in this coming 14 days....argggh...

it has been 10 month+ since it was discussed, paper development and few presentations...

It supposed to be the biggest project I ever handle as Food Consultant.. RM30Million to be exact...while my other project before is between RM1 Million to RM2 Million

But this coming project is more significant as it involved 1% of total Malaysian population on yearly basis instead my other project which involved very few

Now, the issue is whether I can achieve one of my ambition..to be in that place by 35... well this November I am going to be 36..haha still young... :)

Really hope and praying hard to achieve that

All The best to FSM3003 Jul - Nov 08

2008-10-10T23:07:00.005+08:00

Well, I hope you all have gained someting from me...academically, spiritually, as guides and motivations as you enroutes the life and its wonderful experience

I still remember the first day we met, most of you not sure what I am talking about, or some even couldn't believe this guy will teach cookery, while one student proudly annouces that he never cook before, even boiling water :)

12 weeks gone, and during the examination, all indicates that the objectives has been met

congrats!!!!

As promised, some of you have "accidently" cuts their finger, hopefully never in cutting your heart as life is about UP and DOWN, and the best is always in 'student life'

What you have learn, is small amount of knowledge when compares to HIS knowledge.

Practices make perfects, share and you gained more

Built the confidence and you will find, cookery is rather have very few concepts that easy to be mastered, then conquer the world, while never forgetting your other share in next world.

Good Luck in next 3 years... and hopefully we shall meet again

How do you define a friend?

2008-10-10T22:12:00.004+08:00

Do you have friend? that a person outside of your family circles, which happpen to be your roommates, officemates etc

There are several categories of friends or stages / types which you want to define as to understand them or vice-versa

I have a short story to be shared, it was a week plus holiday (raya of course) as I officially started working today (10/10); only to find my 'pay-slip' was opened and nicely put on top of my table.

to make worst, the pay-slip indicated the amount of bonuses paid to me, plus other payment made by my employer ( the amount is quite abnormal from previous month)

and to make more dramatic, a note saying "I accidently opened yours" wow, great

How could a person which learn all the alphabets and alif ba ta, could not read my name which was CLEARLY indicated plus the warning sign saying "TO BE OPENED BY THE ADDRESSEE ONLY - PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL"

Psychologically before you open any letter, you would read the name first...? unless you planned to opened it, just to fulfilled your curiousity :( bad indeed

FRIENDS and FRIENDSHIPS are built through TRUST and TRUSTWORTHINESS, obviously the AMANAH factor is not with you, ZAID!!!!

The Feast for The Eyes - Presentation of 4001 - one

2008-09-30T06:58:00.006+08:00

Here some of the pictures taken from 4001 class, more will be coming insya'allah, as I found the uploading of pictures is damn slow

this is a creative way in presenting the caramel

Exam Week FSM 3003

2008-09-26T09:59:00.002+08:00

Here are the questions

1.To prepare a production below, using the chicken thigh as supplied

De-boning

Seasoning and Dredging

Pan-fried the chicken

2. To prepare a side-salad utilizing the vegetables as provided

3.To prepare a Rice products or Pasta Products or Potato Products of your own choice as side starch

4.To prepare a 250ml of mushroom sauce from the demi-glass provided

Prepare 100gm brown roux

5.To combine and presented all the product from questions No. 1 to question No. 4, in a plate with your own creativity

Hariri's Buka Puasa - the Location Map

2008-09-16T11:43:00.004+08:00

Dear Hariri's

It will be on 23rd September, Tuesday..it should start around 7pm

Sorry for the date change, but the response is so overwhelming

Here the Place: Food 6 - Food Preparation Complex ( Next to UPM's Convention Centre, Opposite UPM Stadium. coded as GREEN COLOR here, just next to it

If you are coming from Seremban-KL highway, exit to UPM toll, take left - the UPM main road, on the first junction, take left to the end another left towards stadium (coded as green color here), then another left is the Convention Centre, we are at behind.

If you are from LDP, exit to Serdang, immediately take left to UPM using Silicone Bypass, after the Guard's House, turn right (Convention Centre)

Halal Chicken..a never ending story

2008-09-14T22:02:00.002+08:00

The doubt of Halal of Chicken sold in Hypermarket

I have a chance to discuss the issue, with industry player. It was informed that the majority chicken sold in hypermarkets has been mixed with both halal and non-halal utilizing the same packaging with 'halal' logo

I thought we are self-sufficient in chicken supply, obviously we are not.

So be extra careful, as the chicken sold there is in away much cheaper, but end of the day, you might ended eating "bangkai"

Get your chicken from your known supplier, stick to them or else get the 'organic chicken'

Updates & Updates

2008-09-14T21:56:00.002+08:00

Yup, I Know I haven't updating my blogs...well, the truth is I have move in to my new house, which also means I am losing all "free" facilities including water, electricity, security (gated community?) and internet connections :) whixh resulted in neglecting my own blog..hmm

Nevertheless, I am thankful to God, as there always a better choice if you stay in your own house...

Back to updating..here is my new toys..a broadband modem, definately I will updates my blogs

starting with my UPM's undergrads food presentation....

see ya

Food Crisis Part 2

2008-08-04T13:01:00.003+08:00

Any good news lately? For me, I am still struggling with my own schdedule as I embarks on additional income, for Raya..opps.. of course puasa / fasting first, then raya then new year expenses such as new school uniform and bags and books etc etc... all need money :(

so back to my first questions...any good news? nope, not on anticipating the price of petrol going down soon from flip-flop PM or his minister or even Anwar's attempt to Permatang Pauh..hmm

The issue is whether we as Rakyat Marhaen getting anything? or indeed we are the one who are losing out...argh, I wish I can finish my PhD ASAP, and migrating elsewhere, maybe Paris or Canada...hmmm

This morning I had a chance to discuss with my best friend, whom involved in wholesale of fish and seafood. From the discussion, I can anticipate that the food crisis started with rice then fuel that pressure other food prices is yet to over.

Soon, the fish and seafood.

As per market perspective, these commodity is not solely from our seas, but as much as 50% are imported from Thailand and other ASEAN countries

Most of wholesaler are having difficulty to get the supply now, so just wait one or two month before we (the rakyat) are forced to eat beef, chicken...but not fish. Though the fish will still avaialable, but at higher price including the fresh water fish i.e. ikan keli (catfish)

the issue here is are we are ready to brace the second tsunami's of food crisis

I am seriously thinking to pack my bag to migrate :)

Menu of The Day

2008-07-31T10:19:00.001+08:00

It has been quite day for my blogs, as I need to re-schedule my life as many things appeared. Here is the latest food for your eyes-consumptions... enjoy (will be updated)

Updating and Re-Branding

2008-07-10T15:33:00.002+08:00

I have failed to update my blog lately... with many excuses could be use. but the issue is I may wanted to do some modifications and refurbished my own blog as I feel it should really represent me and my life, my career rather than focusing in one particular area. that will give me vast topics to discuss and therefore more issues and subsequently more updates

that is my thinking now... marketing jargon - "re-branding"

A Father and Son Conversations

2008-06-17T09:44:00.003+08:00

Me: How much it cost now?

Salesperson: RM799

Me: Thanks

Son: Why you asking the price?

Me: Just to know, perhaps if you could achieve as the best in class, maybe I could buy you one.

Two weeks later

Son: well, the results has been announced, and I am the best in the class

Me: congrats! I always knew you always good in your education

Son: do you remember that you promise me a present?

Me: a present?

Son: yup, provided I could be #1 in class and you will buy the things

Me: what is that?

Son: a PSP

Me: ......

There goes my dream car....

2008-06-17T09:33:00.006+08:00

I need a 7-seater, as my kids grow faster... space is a requirement

As I am looking around and at same time trying to save here and there for the down payment, suddenly whoosh.....our stupid PakLah increase the petrol price by 41%

and there goes my dream....

From Parliament to Selangor State Legislature

2008-05-22T20:56:00.011+08:00

Picture taken from harakahdaily.net

haha..no kidding, I am near to corridors of power lately :)

2008 should be as a reminder and be rememebered in my life as I had a chance of lifetime? A parliament visit in earlier entry in my blogs, then a visit to Selangor State Legislature... hey, dont worry.. I am not going to join the political party anytime soon, though I realized some of my blood are made from there, as my previous uncles and descendants.... I prefer being as now, an instructor and a chef ;)

So here I am visiting a friend, now an EXCO... along the way saw YB Ronnie Liu and YB Teresa Kok....hmm, wonder where is Tan Sri Khalid...

The result of these visitation was this questions..."so, rashi..when you going to be the "setiausaha sulit" of some EXCO's if not MP's"....and some even worse.. "any potential business or project"
well, as I mentioned before I am just normal human being and I enjoy myself as now, what I am doing there is to visit a friend, perhaps as a voter, nothing more :)

so, here are some my personal collections...

Water, the basics of life

2008-05-22T20:32:00.003+08:00

Water..everyone knows its importance. Its the basics where the human is derived and attach permanently to it.

As you grow, you need a lot of water for consumption and health, as drinking 2 liter of water a day could save your life and ensuring the body functions normally.

Do you know that, while we are in our mother womb, the water is flowing and it sound like waterfall...that why if you children is crying, bringing near to waterfall will sooth them as they feel safe as in their mother wombs :)

today I would like to share some stories about water ....

water plays an important part in my life back in 2001-2005, all by accidents. I was with an educational institute, where my employer are a strong believer in this "feng-shui". Interesting enough, I never had a thought on this matter, so back to to the story, My employer would hired a 'business consultant" or feng-shui master, normally during the period of chinese new year, together with lion-dance performance

being the No.2 person in this company, the fengshui master will go around my table and asked my birthdate etc.etc. ...and then looking at the "fengshui compass", then, he asked me to put any elements of water, if possible flowing...and it must be located behind me.. so, taking his advice, I just promise I will do it soon enough.

A week gone, and what I can find is a few pictures of waterfall from previous calendar, which I cut and paste nicely on the wall behind me.....

well, my luck was on my side, the company improved further under my stewardships (opps, I forget to tell, the company I was working previously was in red and losing financially) and business are coming while we are very prudent in our account.

I am not sure whether it was the water elements or due to our hardworks and great team we had..but the 5 years there was among the best experience I ever had.

Fast forward, whenever I look at the waterfalls, it soothe me and I would rather enjoy...as I am now enjoying some free 20m3 free water from Selangor Government :) thanks

I hope you will enjoy some of picture of waterfall below here, the Lata Kinjang, located in Tapah, Perak. I do remember having picnic there, and my daughter speak her first words - "ayer"

picture taken from reezal album http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/866cf/x/

The Day I Visit The Parliament

2008-05-06T21:29:00.005+08:00

Frankly I never been to parliament...and I don't remember any during my schooldays. So when I received information that my presentation will be at the August House, wow..another chapter of my life

So, here I was, chauffeured driven to the place.

As my schedule meeting at 1230noon, still ample time....only to realize that my digital camera was left in the car.....hmm, great lifetime opportunity gone to waste hahaha:)

My mind is to find someone, or the Yang Berhormat and to shake hands with them such as Zulkifli Nordin, or take picture with Nurul Izzah and her mother, Datin Seri Azizah etc etc

I am dreaming....instead it was Dato Shabery Chik, Tan Sri Muhammad Taib and Dato Mustapa Mohamed..hmm
off all the people in this world....opps I do miss with Nasharuddin Mat Isa..merely two seconds, as he open the door while I am going the opposite direction..aisey... but settling with Ustaz Taib Azamuddin, the former Imam of National Mosque makes me smile. ( all these persona look amused as I am quite sure in their mind; who is the fella walking around and shakes hands with them.. hahaha:)

Following the arguments with MP from Muar...I always impressed with his orator skills indeed

Interesting to find those people and I ended my session with briefing from Salahudin Ayub on Bernas and Food Issue in Malaysia.

There more; the next meeting was more intellectual challenges as I was asked by my superior to follow him - with the Secretary of Dewan Negara - indeed a fine men amongst the government servant; where we had a session of knowing and sharing knowledge on many issue - education, morality, agriculture and system...cracking my head as my thinking makes me sitting quitely behind my superior :)

well..overall it is indeed a new experience for me, objectively our proposal was also being accepted... exhausted as I reached back my office at 7pm, but these are some of my experiential learning process

Waiting List and Another Assignments...

2008-05-03T14:46:00.005+08:00

It has been 5 month to exact... as I am focusing on a kitchen project; whilst the document is ready and the budget has been calculated, now the only thing needed is the endorsement.

simple yet very far; just like a song by Zainal Abidin: Ikhlas tapi jauh....

the meeting is scheduled to be on Wednesday of second week of May 2008. Could I realize the ambitions?

Frankly, this is my second attempt of planning to go there, while the first was in 2005..which was cancelled as my life and soul gone haywired... and now in 2008, I am looking forward to be there once if not twice.

As I am waiting patiently for the occasion; I have given another project - which I am happy to complete it in 7 days :)

FYI- This is my work-life as Chef -Consultant; which I blog soon: life as Chef never been boring as focusing only in the kitchen and cooking alone, as I have involved in many projects - i.e. kitchen development, restaurant business turnaround and academic syllabus and curriculum development. see yaa soon

Food Crisis, Halal Crisis

2008-04-29T07:57:00.003+08:00

As I am just coming back from visiting one of hypermarket in Kelana Jaya, it was a shocked indeed as the price of rice is gone up, example a particular is previously around RM19.00, now is RM26.00; whereas the cheapest was at RM23 instead of RM16. (All price indicate for 10kg)

I do my own asssumption that the price is expected to increase further between RM5-10, and to be stabilize in June.

Today STAR newspaper extracted Sharir Samad, The Minister of Consumer Affair as his is quote among other, advising people to have moderate life, save and perhaps reduce the rice consumption....another projek BN

Nevertheless, here more interesting.

HDC or Halal Development Corporation is taking over the Application of Halal Certification from JAKIM (The Islamic Development Dept)

The Persatuan Ulama Malaysia (Islamic Scholar), Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (islamic consumer association) has submit the objection on the matter to HDC

wonder why?

from now on, the process of Halal certification will be handled by a company lead by non-muslim

How could it be, when a non-muslim handles muslim requirement, as if they know about the needs of Muslims?

perhaps you could get the answer from the person in-charge of these nonsense-Khairy Jamaluddin, the son-in-law of PakLah

All because of $$$$$$$$$$

And there goes our food and halal food....another project BN

Good Luck to all Malaysian and Malaysian Muslim, me included...

may be I should balik kampung, rear my own chicken and plant my own paddy/ rice..hmm as if I have that kind of land back in Taiping???

Embracing Food Price Hikes.. Are You Ready?

2008-04-26T12:45:00.002+08:00

Its a promised, and coming soon .... no I am not discussing about death or tax, another 2 "promised" but this promises is making you a walking zombies

1) The price of rice has reached to the highest in history.. wow, should we "makan ubi kayu, macam zaman Jepun dulu?"
2) Government is discussing the diesel new price... what?
3) the petrol has reached USD117 and expected to go up further...great for Petronas
4) Our economy is slowing down..great for 5 alternative government
5) Government cannot afford to RM2000 one-off gratuity to its employees..buying RM200 million executive jet its okay
6) some government think-tank has informed, price of food is worldwide phenomenon, not just in Malaysia....yeah correct, correct, correct.. good examples indeed, how about our salary, not the same with the rest of the world

This are some of the fact, furthermore

6) Thailand promise to fulfilled its rice exporting, while India is banning such business
7) US economy showing deterioration in its economy..similar to post Vietnam War

Well...

In Malaysia, we may facing the inflation....as Government is seriously looking forward to increase the price of diesel.

What it means, every single thing will increase, you have the experience already since 30cents increased previously.

and to make it worse, this time the diesel price is the generator of all business activities ..hence another round of food price increments. This will diminishing our purchasing power - We have the money, but since all the price of food has gone up, RM100 may use to buy few things only, as almost to be meaningless to have money during that "period of time". Some estimated this scenarios are expected to happen starting middle of this year and continue up to 24 month, depending on economic strategies and stimulus by the government

So my advice, if you have money...controlled it, forget about changing new cars or luxury vacation, save as to be safe here and there...hmm, I have to secure 2nd job now :)

The issue is whether we are ready... as we have to face the consequences like it or not

Good Luck to me and you

Food Pyramid: A Guide towards healthy lifestyle

2008-04-20T19:07:00.013+08:00

Food Pyramid is known as guide towards a balance diet and subsequently a healthy lifestyle. Food in Malaysia is aplenty and became of the luxury enjoyed by many people here, as the ingredients are cheap and affordable. Above here is the new pyramid concepts which I have found yet to gain its momentun in this country - as we still very much refer the old brick-style pyramid

Nevertheless the old or new pyramid , the amount of food intake are vary among individuals, here are some advice such as:

1) focusing on high-fibre food
2) minimize the sugar and salt contents
3) maximum 3 meals if not twice a day
4) while maintaining the water and fruits in daily diets..

that remind me of a friend, Mr Tan - who manages to get rid about 10kgs in month, by just avoiding dinner and replacing it with 100% fruits as snacks...yup, you read it right, he lost 10kgs!!!!

The most important in the graphics shown above is the figure of climbing a stairs - indicate the excercise

That is the major issue of Malaysian - plenty of food yet lack of exercise

so that why the statistics indicate as we are among the highest in term of heart and diabetic disease related.

so let go exercise....and that could be as simple as walking around for 30 minutes continously.

Food Stock and Security

2008-04-19T20:08:00.004+08:00

In my earlier entry - the food as strategic asset and / or business, among other argue the staple food could be the formidable weapon by people against the government. Today, Malaysiakini coming with a report

PM: 'Food security' policy in the works
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced that the government was in the midst of formulating a policy to ensure adequate supply of essential food in the near future.

In some of my lecture, one of my popular jokes was about Malaysia in "War". Assuming we have an army invading towards our country, the "battle scenario" is bit different from what you have seen in cinemas like Rambo, combat or real-life like Iraq & Afganistan.

There will no single shot will be fired, let alone a bomb will be drop in our country

What is happening is actually, the blockade of incoming food and related ingredients to Malaysia.

After 3 days Malaysian doesn't have their "normal dose" of roti canai and teh tarik... that's it....war is over :)

These may only jokes, but the reality is, Malaysia is depending to much; importing food from others, from basic - rice, sugar and flour to vegetables and processed food. When PM Abdullah takes over the premierships, the only policy I agreed upon was the "Agriculture is Business" policy which makes the agriculture as important as any other sector.

As we makes and develop ourselves to be more independent in terms of food supply, then strategically we are safe from any kind pressure, both internal and external elements.

As this topic is on the food stock, I am worried of the current policy which indicates that we have 2-3 weeks stock for rice. That is really short indeed as rice can be stored up to a year (in proper condition)

More prudent and deeper analysis is required as to look on how to increase the food stock, which normally begin with a policy; and it shall include information from all the stakeholders such as as farmers, logistics, financial supporting, farming technology and sustainable production.

I hope the government are serious enough...

Perpaduan Melayu: Mengapa Sekarang?

2008-04-19T06:12:00.005+08:00

Isu perpaduan Melayu, apa benarkah Melayu berpecah atau orang Melayu sendiri tidak pernah ambil peduli atau dipedulikan sebelum ini?

Kenapa, apabila 5% "swing' undi mereka kepada parti yang lain, maka isu ini ditimbulkan?

Kenapa, semasa mereka yang berlambang keris ini, semasa berkuasa, hanya mementingkan perut dan bawah perut mereka sendiri, sedangkan rakyat - orang Melayu amnya, majoriti masih ditakuk lama?

Kenapa, semasa mereka yang berlambangkan keris, semasa berkuasa, menarik balik kelebihan subsidi Makanan UiTM, sehingga pelajar di situ terpaksa membeli makanan sendiri, atau kenapa ada ura-ura yuran pengajian UiTM akan dimansuhkan subsidinya dan semua bayaran adalah sama seperti lain-lain Universiti (akan dilaksana selepas PRU12..hmm)- dalam masa yang sama mengatakan kononnya UiTM adalaah benteng terakhir umat Melayu? sedangkan kita tahu pelajar UiTM yang majoritinya masih dihuni oleh mereka yang belum mampu...berhutanglah lagi dengan PTPTN, lulus dan kerja belum tentu...hidup dikunci dengan hutang sahaja, kalau ingin belajar sepanjang hayat..hutang pun sepanjang hayat

Kenapa, tiada biasiswa atau bantuan untuk orang-orang miskin tapi layak melanjutkan pelajaran yang umumnya orang Melayu?

Kenapa majoriti pemimpin keris itu dapat menggunakan kereta mewah - Harrier, Mercedez dan BMW, sedangkan rakyat marhaen hanya berodakan dua tayar atau kereta proton sahaja, apa besar sangatkah gaji seorang ADUN, Ahli Parlimen dan Senator?

adakah kerana mereka memimpin, maka mereka layak kepada semua kantung dan tabung-tabung kerajaan?, sedangkan rakyat diminta bekerja dua atau tiga jawatan dalam sehari (part-time job) hanya untuk membeli susu dan beras yang kini melambung tinggi

Atau, kenapa wang royalti PETRONAS diganti dengan wang ehsan (minta sedekah) kerana Melayu memang miskin, semasa keris itu memerintah? atau duit diguna untuk membina masjid yang tidak boleh solat jumaat di dalamnya....hmm, baik jadi surau aje :)

Pemimpin keris yang ketakutan terlepas jawatan, kuasa, wang dan nafsu yang tidak pernah cukup, kini ingin berbicara tentang perpaduan Melayu

Dunia ..dunia... penuh penipuan, dan penipuan terkini ialah atas nama perpaduan melayu

itu baru 5% "swing", kalau lebih? bagaimana agaknya

tunggulah pulak bila inflasi dan kelembapan ekonomi melanda negara....perpaduan Melayu konon

Forrest Gump coming to Malaysia?

2008-04-19T05:36:00.004+08:00

Photos from Forrest Gump

Not exactly, instead it will be the theme restaurant opening soon. I hope it will offer the best menu on shrimp / prawn .....Oh, another franchise business, another food offering in Malaysia, we are indeed full of choice of food Nevermind.. It just remind me of those good movie

"The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market is a chain of seafood restaurants inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump. Launched in 1996 by Viacom Consumer Products (part of Viacom, which also owns Paramount Pictures, the distributor of Forrest Gump) and the Rusty Pelican Company, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. became the first theme restaurant inspired by a film. As of 2007, it had 28 locations in United States, Mexico, and eastern countries of Asia. The first one opened up in Monterey, CA. The restaurant is named after the movie's main characters Benjamin Bufford "Bubba" Blue and Forrest Gump who talked about going into shrimping business" wikipedia

Quote " Life is like a box of chocolate, You will never know what you will get next"

Food as Strategic Asset and / or Business

2008-04-18T14:35:00.009+08:00

Food, the basis in Maslow's hierarchy, the basic need of mankind. Do you know that some of Malaysia's billionaire are in food business; let see some example

Sugar = Tan Sri Robert Kuok
Flour = Tan Sri Mokhtar Al Bukhory
Rice and Bread = Bernas (Tans Sri Mokhtar & Datuk Shahidan Kassim - Bernas /Gardenia)

Other commodity such as Palm Oil Plantations has provided handsome dividend to those who invest and popular / the main core business with some of the blue chip company such Guthrie, IOI group, PPB groups. These company has been in the radar for institutional investment such as from PNB and EPF.

As in smaller business perspective, Food is always associated and perceived as the easiest business to handle while providing up to 300% ROI by opening a catering or restaurant entity

Most of the these basic commodity are under controlled; in term of economics - Monopoly or oligopoly (very few players in strategic business)

the recent hike in worldwide market of Rice and Flour are largely blamed on shifting of weather - La Nina or El Nino, similar concepts of blaming god..the easiest way out indeed. But one need to understand the concept of everything require fossil fuel; so it could be the petroleum as the main culprit for the recent commodity / basic food hikes.

Back to monopoly; since the government has given the AP's (approved permit: similar to a licence; same process of bringing imported cars in Malaysia) to very selected few, perhaps this the time Malaysian Govt showing some genuine effort to Rakyat in solving the issue of inflation, by offering a strict controlled of price.. sugar, rice, flour, milk for a start as the inflation will make every single Rakyat suffer; and up to extend another "French Revolution". All due to the basic again; Food

Malaysian, may be the most discipline people on earth; in term of being patience of everything.. but not towards food!!!!

Looking at the current management of Malaysia under Pak Lah, I doubt, since he is more business oriented than Rakyat oriented, meaning he will give everything businessmen wanted than taking care the Rakyat.

Back to those billionaire I mentioned, perhaps this is time some of them, doing the national duties, offering some discount while gaining the profit a bit less than expected, not to the extend losing the business

I realize, things have written here is bit futuristic, while Malaysia have only 2-3week stockpile of rice, soon, the it will require to be replenish.. then those commodity have to be bought at the current price, obviously at higher price and these price will be absorb by the customer, like it or not.

Take for example, the price of bread has been increased to 20-50cents recently without a single objection or statement from Minister in-charge - Shahrir Samad

I thought after the recent elections, at least the govt are learning something, but Paklah being Paklah... soon, food will be used as the strategic weapons to denied him permanently as PM of Malaysia

Shall I keep on dreaming?

FYI - "french revolution" among other was started due to difficulty of people to get piece of bread, which the staple food there, whereas Rice is the staple of Malaysian and many parts of Asia. Could the price hike and shortage of rice lead to another revolution? One need to re-look the history.

Food Testing

2008-04-11T16:51:00.003+08:00

Today I got a chance to assists in a food testing. Simple tea-break food/ snack food were prepared, with help from 2 other students

Here is the menu - Deep-fried Spring Roll, Marinated Chicken Boxing, Meehun Siam, Kueh Melayu, PulutManis Bakar and Fruits. Enjoy the some of the picture

Apa Ertinya Saya Menganut Islam?

2008-04-11T16:38:00.003+08:00

"....lalu beliau mengingatkan saya kepada satu persitiwa ngeri dan menyayat hati yang pernah berlaku di Subang Jaya pada 13 Febuari 1998.Saya kebetulan tahu akan kisah itu. Ianya berkenaan pembunuhan sepasang suami -isteri dan bayi mereka, Allahyarham Ibrahim dan isterinya Solehah serta bayi mereka berusia 5 bulan telah dibunuh dengan kejam. Mereka berdua ini adalah keturunan India dan dari keluarga Hindu dan Kristian. Ditakdirkan Allah swt mereka menerima hidayah lalu memeluk Islam. Berpuluh aduan telah mereka buat samada kepada pihak polis mahupun JAIS tentang ancaman terhadap mereka oleh keluarga mereka yang tidak dapat menerima keputusan mereka memeluk Islam.Ringkaskan cerita, setelah berpindah-randah dan bersembunyi dari setempat ke setempat (termasuk disembunyikan oleh sahabat ini tadi), akhirnya pada malam itu kedua-dua pasangan ini dan bayi mereka yang tidak berdosa telah dibunuh dengan kejam ketika tinggal dalam sebuah kontena berhampiran Bandar Sunway.Saya masih ingat seorang Imam yang telah menyempurnakan mayat Ibrahim ada menyatakan banyaknya kesan tetakkan ke atas tubuh Allahyarham termasuklah dikelar-kelar dengan lambang salib ditubuhnya.Kes ini sehingga hari ini tidak diketahui siapa pembunuhnya!..."

di ambil dari http://www.n32.blogspot.com/

Masih segar di ingatan cerita ini, dimana keluarga itu ketika sudah dikafan dan dibawa ke liang lahat, darah masih mengalir panas seolah baru sahaja mati

begitulah keluarga Sumayah & Yasir moden; yang berlaku di zaman teknologi and maju kononnya

Mereka pastinya mati beriman, mempertahankan agama yang tercinta biarpun baru mengenali agama itu

kekadang tertanya juga, yang empunya diri dilahirkan dengan agama suci ini, mampu memberikan sumbangan pada agama atau mempertahankan seperti Keluarga Ibrahim ini

Mee Combat, between Pasembur and rojak?

2008-04-08T21:07:00.007+08:00

Here another speciality in Taiping. Ever heard the "Combat Movie"? Now TV1 is airing them again under slot RETRO. So far I haven't manage to watch them, since the timing is bit late as I need to wake up early.

Nevertheless, I believe there is only one COMBAT Noodles in Malaysia, obviously located in my hometown. Nothing special, just a mamak mee, only the preparation is rather quick - combative style :).
If you got I chance, tryout this - order kiawtiaw goreng + satay there, and you will please with the taste

Another favorite is pasembor - another authentic mamak food avaialable. Don't get confuse with rojak, as pasembor are more lighter in-term of ingredients. What is the major difference between the two - is the sauce, Pasembor used sweet-mix chilli sauce, while Rojak is peanut sauce. The price is only RM3 per plate...yummy

The Popiah Making

2008-04-08T13:11:00.006+08:00

How to make a popiah?

here is step by step which were taken by me while making a pit-stop at Taiping recently

The first picture shows the layer of popiah skin, followed by a spread of sweet chilli sauce, then the bean-sprout, "steamed-sengkuang"(sweet turnip / chinese turnip), a dash of scrambled eggs and dried shrimps before rolling it..bon appetite

Defining Malay Cuisine

2008-04-08T12:48:00.003+08:00

I was contacted by my former student, Mohd Fuad who are currently in final semester of a French Baccalaureate Program

He is currently in the midst of collecting data on Malay Cuisine, which I found as interesting and challenging as well. So how to define the Malay Cuisine?

Malay is a race from Malay Archipelagos, which consists of Peninsula of Malays & Borneo (Malaysia), Indonesian Island - Sumatra and Java, Island of Philiphines. The main staple is Rice, while the main dishes consists of Fish and Seafood, Poultry and sometime Beef. While the ingredients use in making up the dishes are fresh herbs and spices.

The ingredients strcuture consists of herbs, spice and being balance with elements of acidic and alkaline; a culinary skills which could makes ways for scientific formulations.

That is my short opinion on Malay Cuisine, What is yours? any advice are welcome

Sufiah Yusof Tragedy and The State of Malaysian Education

2008-04-01T12:20:00.007+08:00

I was reading my brother's blog http://www.rahmanhariri.blogspot.com/ about the child-prodigy becoming a hooker, I would like to stress that one cannot jump to conclusion as the news was retract form a tabloid paper!

I would prefer to look at our our shore; the Malaysian education and its impact to future generation. It is complicated looking at the bureaucratic procedures in Malaysia. it has has a lot of issue from the policy making, management and centralized examination.

where we are heading?

As the society play equally important part, I cannot agree more on the model taken from http://bloghijat.blogspot.com/

Here, have a look:

its the issue on all of the effort is gone to the drain, if we allowed our kids to the culture of enjoyment, entertainment and all sorts. Look around us -in TV, JOM HEBOH, concerts to another, celebrations, festivals... all killing the society structure -- followed with drugs, adultery, out-of-wedlock-child, nauzibillah

Balancing in Life; with religion and emphasis on morality should be the key, while allowing our kids grows naturally.

Lastly, pray to GOD as we letting the divine show the correct paths

UPDATED 7th April: The Star online today published the interview with Sufiah, which shows no regret on what she is doing. Well, this only prove she indeed involved in the "business". As adult she is responsible for herself. As Muslim, each of us have certain responsibilities to advice her.
My main concern still, why double standards? How about poor people in Malaysia which not given the opportunity to education..look around you, they may just your neighbour. (wonder why BERSAMAMU still exists?)

My Chef's Student, My Culinary World

2008-04-01T09:07:00.016+08:00

Hmm, let me re-visit

It was in 1996 since I first joint a private college in Penang, Malaysia

Then my teaching life moved on at my Alma matter-MARA Institute of Technology, which offer tremendous opportunity in culinary education

then, many years later, I have involved in all categories of culinary; namely Culinary Arts, Culinary Management and Culinary Science

No regret, only I feel I should make more money on these skills :)

Less money, but I do have many students instead - more than thousand, many which I could not remember their names, with exception few of those who would visit me on yearly basis - without failed :) I guess that is the best thing being a teacher- is all about the students, seeing them grow to became chefs, food service operator, lecturer and food scientist, not just financial rewards on side alone:)

Enjoy the picture, of some of my current student (updated later)

Everyone is Born Winner

2008-04-01T08:57:00.003+08:00

Well, I miss another 30days in updating my own blog, pheww..what a ...nevermind, I just enjoying myself with the life, reading other blogs, visiting Taiping again and again, teaching, learning...and same time spice up with some elements of organizational behavior at my office

Best of all, voting on 8th March Election as my best outing so far... so now my best friend is an EXCO member of Selangor Government..

OK, enough introduction..

back to the topic... do you know all of you are born winner? well, it easy... there are up to 4 million sperm finding their way to ovum in "1000' kilometre journey... only one survive ( in cases, you will have twins) ( FYI-I am not lecturing about biology/sexual education here)

what it means.....

It means, only the best, the strongest and brightest will survive...that is us, me and you

So, be the best in whatever you doing, don't let others to tell what you cannot do, but you yourself want to achieved in this world and thereafter

Chicken: The Never Ending Story 2

2008-03-01T03:02:00.003+08:00

Here we are again

My former students has asked my opinion; topic on chicken of course.....

He was offered a supply of "ready-to-cook" chicken chop (also known as Chicken Marryland) at RM1.50

Looking at selling price of RM7.00-RM9.00 per portion; any business could easily make a RM5-7 profit per portions, that is a huge amount that made me wanted to open a western corner myself

Questions is How do you offer such low-cost ' ready-to-cook' when the market price is up to 400% higher?

Any takers?

FYI

My former student decided not proceed since the source of chicken is unknown; what more without halal specification being mentioned. Being his former teacher; I believe we have manage to instill some ethical principles to him.

To my students, hold to your principle, it is never easy to find your 1st RM1 million and there is no shortcuts to success

Sun Tzu The Arts of War - Office Politics 2

2008-03-01T02:38:00.005+08:00

My earlier blogging ; http://chefculinary.blogspot.com/2007/11/holding-principles-in-life-office.html

The war haven't over yet!! as previously it was a truce. I guess they need to read a lot, and builds their networking and strategy

They wanted to prolong my probation, and subsequently transferred me out, what a pity, I am not a doll whom they can do anything, while I sit there quietly.

So I took the opportunity, as the best of being relocated nearby to HQ is to know others; all the gatekeeper, the powerful, the generals and lieutenant of my university; while developing my network of friends and friendships as well.

there; I received my confirmation letter

So... its 2-0 and I laugh all the way ;)

FYI - Never before I faced - a "boss" who determine to kill his own staff's career; instead of he/she developing it through coaching and mentoring. Myself, I do take this as a part of learning; perhaps it always offer somekind of process which matures your thinking and wisdom, as life goes on.

seeing each other after 18 years

2008-03-01T02:27:00.002+08:00

For a solid 18 years.. that long

Obviously we are in different classes, but we became close due to rugby, a #1 game in our school, The King Edward VII of Taiping. Frankly, I am not good in that game as I much prefer hockey and soccer.

After SPM, we chart our own journey.... leaving all except the sweet memories of the school days

As my office /faculty just being relocated, nearby to HQ; only to found the Building Manager was my former school mates.

That 18 years, and we still know each other.... and we had a quite a long chat..Well Johnny Loh, nice meeting you again...we haven't change much after all :)