Tuesday 29 July 2014

Raya in Malaysia!

...and when Aiman gets hold of the camera...
"Are you at work?" 
was the common question I had on first day of Raya this year. 
Last year, I celebrated Raya at the office, in London away from the family. Although I did not really feel the Raya mood much, it helped that I was working with a Malaysian Bank. Because having a HQ back in KL meant that offices in KL were closed, so it does feel like raya in some good twisted way :)

Alhamdulillah this year, I get to celebrate it with my complete favourites - my family + fiancé.

With all the recent happenings around the world, sometimes we forget what's most important and that is your loved ones. I'm just very grateful that I had the opportunity to be back home this year. It's also my final rays as a Miss InsyaAllah and next year we're all going to be a bigger family!

Having said, Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin everyone! Stay safe wherever you are and don't forget to keep all those innocent lives out there in our prayers. May they be at a better place Amin :)

Thursday 24 July 2014

Trust

Some years ago, someone once told me, "No one understands you better than your colleagues..."

I refused to believe it but at times I think there is some truth to it. Perhaps because you spend most hours of the day with them and they probably know how you think and how you function, know you well enough for them to be able to respect you for who you are.

It's a thought that crossed my mind today because a colleague of mine trusted us so much to be giving us a whole load of important task because he had an emergency.

We function so much like a very close-knit family, and I'm grateful to know that someone is always there, readily to catch me when I fall.

Tuesday 22 July 2014

aliaaiman - Wedding Guest List

Recently I attempted to do up the guest list for my wedding reception since I thought if I could get this task up and running, it would be a motivation for me to start deciding on the other (many many many more just as important) things. Many of my married friends had warned me to start early on the guest list because it will be the one task that will give you the biggest headache.

Well I knew who I wanted to invite, so it was easy.

I started listing down my colleagues first and...The list DID NOT STOP!

Oh my goodness! Where did all these people come from?! Hahahaha! I ran through what I've listed down again and before I knew it I was in this "Awww I loveeee this colleague of mine", "Gosh, this person taught me so much when I was there", "This boss of mine is so freaking cool!" mood - all loved up at the thought of my awesome colleagues *sigh* :))

.... That was only one group of invitees ok, and the list just kept on growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and growww....aarrrggghhhhhh!

Seven departments. I might as well just invite the whole firm now.

Maybe it's best I save on wedding cards and get Human Resource department to do a mail blast! Sounds like a plan.

Friday 18 July 2014

Find it in you to love

Don’t be too quick to judge. I’m guilty as charge; In my head, I admit I do that sometimes based on incomplete information. However, for one to have the confidence to say out loud something sensitive that wasn’t verified beforehand is just idiotic – in my opinion. Why spark a tension when there wasn’t any to begin with.

As I see it, the world is so full of hate and anger today (with regards to many things), sometimes it’s hard to keep going on. What you see happening between Israel-Palestine, Russia-Ukraine, within each individual location are conflicts that had affected and in fact taken away so so many innocent lives. If you think hard about it, it’s clearly inhumane to be getting angry at the expense of innocent lives, but did this thought ever stopped people from planning revenge? No. At least not until a mishap happens.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”.

Today, a friend who pilots MAS’ aircraft came home from the airport looking so down like never before – not only his colleagues were onboard that MH17 but also his best man at his wedding was the first officer who did not survive the crash, Innalillah. All prayers and thoughts go out to all the innocent lives around the world, the lives that were taken away. InsyaAllah you are now in a better place compared to this harsh world.

It’s a good reminder to always practice respect and kindness in everything that you do. Only through kindness could we have had civilized discussions and not begin a war. On that note, let’s continue to pray for all those affected directly and indirectly, may Allah open up the hearts of hearts in us to look into the good of everyone and have the strength to go through this very challenging test of His.

To Allah we belong, and to Him shall we return. 

Sunday 13 July 2014

TEDxKL for YCM


Have you heard?

YCM is Partnering with TEDxKL next!! 
We've got something for you! Be sure to sign up for our mailing list here so that you don't miss out :)

Thursday 10 July 2014

Partnerships and Collaborations

Looking out for fruitful Partnerships and Collaborations for YCM can be very tiring. You don't just collaborate or partner with just about anyone, you have to go through the whole synergy valuation and listing down all the potential upside and downside of it.

Past couple of weeks I've been going for meetings with a few organisations/companies to explore  potential partnerships and collaborations. I must say although it's tiring, it's fun at the same time! Not only you're allowed to be creative with event ideas but it also tests your negotiation skills. It's like doing a merger, you go into it if it has value add.

The good thing about YCM is that we run like a family business - small close knit family. So no matter how small a new idea is, it will just get the entire chat group alive and we sometimes think we're Superman (wanting to do the impossible)! I'm one to get really excited if I think the idea may have a 50-50 chance for it to kick off. It gives me this you HAVE to make sure you don't let go of this opportunity sort of feeling.

I just feel that collaborating and partnering with another party will bring a bigger gain to our members. Plus, at the end of the day, the goal of YCM is to help others get better access into the corporate world and gaining knowledge on work ethics and skills you require to become successful.

Running YCM has definitely shaped me to become a better person in so many many ways.

I love my YCM *sigh*

Anyway! In collaboration with Bursa Malaysia, YCM will be hosting its YCM Special Series over a yummylicious buka puasa together with Dato' Tajuddin Atan, CEO of Bursa Malaysia next week. If you're interested, click here to RSVP :)




Tuesday 8 July 2014

6 months

Time really flies, we're 6 months away....(6 months away?!!!) from our own wedding and we've done nothing very little!

Should we panic? We've not done our wedding costumes, we haven't decided on our photographer and videographer, we haven't started on guest list and don't start...soooo many many more things and all we've done really is work work and work. Haha! 

We've both been so busy at work, we even work on weekends.

These days work can be quite overwhelming, I only have ever-growing respect for my teammates who pushes right through night and day to work on a project we're in. It's probably one of the busiest periods in my life juggling between work, YCM and wedding.  I literally pengsan right after coming back home nowadays. 

Really, sometimes even I question where are all these energy in me coming from? Hehe, but Alhamdulillah for the strength He gives to me to get through everyday. 

I'm just feeling very very very thankful for all the happy blessings right now :))))

Sunday 6 July 2014

True Love Story

If you work where we work, you would know that we are ALWAYS ALWAYS together - some even think we are sisters. On the trading floor, everyone's used to the Alia-Ireen tag team. On days when I don't have my heels or blazer for meetings, you'd find me wearing hers. On days when she's down, you'll see her dragging me out for some ray of sunshine. Every other day, we're just always out together.

And then there's her other half Rel who never fails to attend CIMB events that Ireen and I participated in, so I've grown to become so close not only to her, but also Rel. 
Today, she got married to the man of her dreams. This man who she was once with before, one who never left her side when they were separated and yesterday, they renewed their vows to each other at a very simple and sweet solemnisation ceremony, I've never been happier to see this big sister that I have so much love for having the biggest smile on her face! They're really made for each other, InsyaAllah till Jannah. 

Congratulations Ireen and Rel :)
Wearing the Lara Kurung from Samantha Sherina By Thian's Raya Collection. You can wear it out or tucked in like I did here. Love love love their Raya Collection! Check them out on FashionValet.com.

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Erm...mine came with an added special service from this forever-beautiful sweetheart who insisted to steam my baju for me. Haih so much love for her :)
"Why my steamer got water coming out one?!"

Saturday 5 July 2014

Who will it be?

People come and people go. People move up, some people move on.

A few days back, the corporate world in Malaysia got a lil mini heart attack when my Group CEO made a public announcement about him stepping out of the CEO box. No, he isn't moving out, but he is moving up, as Chairman of CIMB. News sometimes travel faster than lightning and before I know it, my phone was flushed with messages!

"Who will be the next CEO?!!!!"

"OMGGGGG, your Boss leaving CIMB?!!!" (This one clearly did not read the press release till the end la)

"Is he joining politics?! OMG OMG what's gonna happen to CIMB?"

"Hah!!! XXX will become next CEO for sure right?"

"I know you know who will be the next CEO Alia! You freaking work in CEO's office"

 I remember from a couple of years back up till today, I've always had an out-of-this-world level of respect for this man who welcomed us during orientation. Many would agree with me that he was and still is the face of CIMB. For some, he probably defines CIMB. In his 15 years, he has made many bold, brave, intelligent and strategically amazing decisions for the firm. An honest corporate leader who never was afraid to speak nothing but the truth - he is truly an icon in the corporate world.

This transition plan in the leadership of the Bank took many by surprise last week, but one thing a great leader would never do is to leave out of sudden. For the benefit of those who do not plan to read all public information that was made available, when he relinquished his position as CEO, an executive committee in the board was established. This would allow him and the board significant roles in the management of the group, he is still very much a part of the firm.

The news is only 2 days old but I've been bombarded with the same questions by a million and one. I guess I sort of understand the curiosity in people for wanting to know who would be able to take over the great leadership of this once used to only be an Investment bank. It has grown into a full fledged regional player with presence in 12 Asian countries + Australia today. I'm proud to have been a part of the Bank whilst he was our Group CEO.

That said, if I have chosen to stay silent and not comment/answer the questions thrown at me, it does not mean that I'm agreeing nor disagreeing with your opinion. Silence does not mean acceptance, so hang in there people! September will come soon enough and Dato' Sri had promised to keep the suspense as short as possible :)

I never thought I'd be in the firm long enough to see this day happen

Wednesday 2 July 2014

Ramadhan

That time of the year when there's just so much peace, so much patience and so much forgiveness all around, it's really beautiful. Ramadhan is here and I must admit, the first day of fasting at work was....let's just say everyone made sure they did not mention snacks or food in front of me or they'd be getting this death stare from me. Haha! My Consultant was asking "what happened to our little ray of sunshine?!!"

*Gives him death stare*

Haha! Anyway, it's 4th day of Ramadhan now and it feels a lot easier fasting and working at the same time :) All it took was clearly some getting used to. Especially for someone who eats every minute :P

Every year during Ramadhan, I make it a point to re read the book on 'You can be the Happiest Woman in the World'. It's MasyaAllah one of the best books I've ever had, and this was a gift from Aisyah to me when she visited Mekah. So many reminders about faith, hope, patience, acceptance and even the power of a smile. It sorts of lifts up my mood every time I read it like there shouldn't be any worry in this world. It's such a complete package about attaining happiness drawing on Islamic teachings as well as reminders from verses of the Quran that act as guides on happiness in this world and the Hereafter, InsyaAllah :))

I'm just so grateful that this year I get to spend Ramadhan with the family back at home, go for terawih with my parents, recite the Quran with mama whilst waiting for terawih, pray jemaah and listening to khutbahs when we're at the mosque, Alhamdulillah. Last year was an 18 hours of fasting whilst battling through work and school - so so very challenging! But I did go through it with great company nonetheless, my London family. 

Selamat berpuasa to all my Muslim readers and may this month be filled with even greater good and forgiveness! :)))