Asian Tiger

Have you ever been to South America? Did you even plan to go to South America? If you are going to South America, do yourself a favour and sign up with a Spanish immersion school for that baptism of language. Wondering why I’m saying all this? Let me answer your question with a question. Did you know that since 1952, there were 17 winners of Miss Universe competition from South American countries? Yes, these Spanish speaking ladies have won almost half the time the tiara is put up for the taking.

The scene above is probably what you will be expecting when you travel around South America. Beauty is everywhere; from countryside to the city. When you are lost, you can whip up your Spanish and ask for directions from one of their beauties; or at least pretend to be lost.

Recently, there has been much talk about the US sub prime market woes leading to the decline in Malaysia stock market and investor sentiments in general. Let us consider the Denver homes for sale as an example. Why Denver? Because I love John Denver But really, if the whole of US sub prime market is affecting Malaysians, then Denver would also be a contributing factor. Therefore, no matter which city I choose, it’s theoretically the same.

Take this home as an example. A beautiful 3,364 square feet bungalow that consists of 4 rooms, 3 baths and a basement. Know how much is it going for? Only US$380,000. Now, now, don’t convert it to Malaysian Ringgit. If you are in the US and earning US Dollars, this is equivalent to your RM380,000 in Malaysia. Where in Malaysia can you get this kind of house at this kind of price?

Probably the sub prime market did deteriorate in the US but why is it affecting us or did it really affect us? According to some “finance” friends that I spoke to, it is their opinion that the problem has not fully blown out of proportion. It may be worse next year.

So, let this be a forewarning to us as we approach the end of 2007. The potential US sub prime market problem in 2008, the imminent petrol price hike in 2008, the imminent toll increase in 2008, the potential electricity utility tariff increase and the forthcoming bundling of Indah Water charges into our water and sewerage bill.

2008 is going to be a year of belt tightening. Perhaps Nostradamus would agree with me.

It’s been like 11 months since I finished my Masters degree and my brain is telling me to go back to school and complete the final phase of human intelligence; the Doctor of Philosophy, short form, PhD. Some refer PhD to that of one who has Permanent Head Damage.

The thought of going back to school, to face me lecturers and supervisors, to read books (yuck), to sit for exams (faint) simply scares me. Worst still, the thought of enduring this abuse for the next 5 years is somewhat unimaginable. No more late nights supper, no midnight movies and no more long vacations. At least I have some excuse to tell me boss why I can’t work long hours…

My Masters took me nowhere. Didn’t get me a raise, didn’t get me a consideration for promotion and didn’t get any extra respect from my peers. I remembered the day when I told my boss, “I’ve just got my final results. I passed with an overall distinction”. He replied, “So?”. That’s the worst anti-climax anyone can throw on you. Even the worst of cinema movies can beat my boss’ reply. Why then, you ask, that I should even think of continuing with the PhD program.

Deep down inside me, in the very center of my heart, I have always wanted to achieve the pinnacle of academics. I want to do this too as an honour to my parents. They have painstakingly worked their way from poverty and brought me up good. I am pretty sure my parents will be proud if I ever achieves this.

Fact of the matter is, nothing will beat the feeling and the joy and the pride when your bosses need to address you as Dr.