CRYPTOCURRENCY, MINING, BLOCKCHAIN, DIGITAL SHARING ECONOMY FOR DUMMIES?

Many people are asking me to make my explanation simpler about cryptocurrency, blockchain, mining, digital sharing economy etc.

So, let me connect the "dots" for you - ABCD. Remember the word "cashless"?

Let's take an example : Grab (Please be reminded that I am simply quoting an example. It is not in any way imply that they are into blockchain and cryptocurrency - so don't sue me please :-) )

Let's say you pay for their services via Grab Pay, Grab Credits or Cash.

Paying = mining

You'll get back a certain amount of points - Digital Sharing (Economy)

Points = cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency can be redeemable for discounted rides, buying food, delivery services etc.

When you redeem = payment from an e-wallet to e-wallet

Blockchain = is where the Grab app is placed, where all transactions are done - very high traffic and volume

Example no. 2 :

Touch and Go E-Wallet - linked to your Touch and Go Card and other services like RFID (Please be reminded that I am simply quoting an example. It is not in any way imply that they are into blockchain and cryptocurrency - so don't sue me please :-) )

You topup your Touch & Go e-wallet - what you have topped up is no longer deemed as cash - it is made to look like cash (psychologically speaking)

You purchase using QR code of Touch and Go E-Wallet - scan it and you bought the goods.

Your purchase = mining

You get a certain amount of cashback having done purchasing - Digital Sharing (Economy)

Blockchain= is where the Touch and Go E-Wallet app is located, high turnover. QR code IS related to en"crypt" (crypto) and blockchain.

As long as there is a win-win situation - whether you use your petrol card to redeem certain goods - it's known as "Digital Sharing" (and updated on your phone apps) - used to be known as "timeshare". Now even Timeshare is being absorbed into Digital Sharing Economy.

BUT - if you only or still on "sell-buy, buy-sell" concept of business - or having a beautiful website or apps - but you are still on the buying-selling basis - this is NOT Digital Sharing Economy - this is "Consumption Economy". Consumption economy will eventually make your business DIE!

It's what I called in the late 90s as "brick and mortar" business at the beginning stage of e-commerce despite it has a B2B or B2C. If the potential customer walks up to you and asked you, what do I get back by downloading your app? You said "nothing", you will loose your customer!!!

I haven't mention the impacts of doing business in the "Red Ocean" - not yet - if I am to touch on this issue - coupled with our lack of understanding on "cashless" or "digital sharing" or microentrepreneurs*, hmmmm. *It's not limited to RM200,000.00 turnover of sales with 5 workers, but it's MORE than that.

(personal note : Angry because of the extra RM2.00 charges for cash transactions on the bank counter? Ever wonder why than simply being angry without any proof to substantiate your agreement? Do you know what would be the impact on our currency whenever there is a US-China Trade Wars? So... READ and most important UNDERSTAND before you REACT. So, why do you think "cashless" is very important? How would it save economy?)

NO-DEAL BREXIT – SERIOUSLY? A brief overview by Nik Zafri

I don’t think an advanced nation such as Britain will agree to this proposal. Unless Britain has already an extremely efficient master post-Brexit plan that I may not be aware of. I always hold to the principle that we “don’t solve a problem with a bigger problem”.

What I see as a layman, the future exports from Britain to the EU will be greatly affected – tax, tariffs, customs, restriction etc. everywhere. What impacts it will have on the businesses, demand and supply, law, rules and regulations, political scenario, transportation network, Immigration and so on. I can't imagine the heaviest impact on the people...it will be hard if this "NO-DEAL" proposal is approved (which I doubt it)

Imagine Britons living in the EU countries? Will there be a mass migration? How about EU citizens in the UK?

I read with interest an article written by Anand Menon published in the Guardian, among others :

a) losing access to EU database
b) losing other forms of cooperation such as European arrest warrant, Schengen Information System and Europol.

He said further : This will hinder policing and security operations in a world where data is key to solving crime. Nor is it inconceivable, say, that we will witness a rise in organised criminal activity, as gangs seek to profit from this disruption.

I do believe that Britain will get through this but it may be time consuming to adapt to the new scenario of being a stranger in the European Union. There may be a significant fall in the per-capita income (Quoting Menon : 3.5% and 8.7%)

So what now? A “Divorce” bill without grace period of transition? Or will there be a grace period for smooth transitioning. Or perhaps a new set of rules will be imposed by the UK in the trade relation to the EU Countries?

It’s too early to tell.

MANAGING FOOD WASTE - SOUNDS SIMPLE BUT NOT THAT SIMPLE - Nik Zafri

Photo Source : Wikipedia

Taking care of the economics and the well-being of everyone. This has always been the popular motto or the typical slogan or any entities wishing to be part of Social Responsibility.

It is estimated that 1/3 of food produced around the world constitute approximately more than 1 billion tonnes of waste per annum.

Imagine also those who are being denied access to food. They are so used to starving and sleeping without dinner and breakfast. Most of them, famine is no longer news - it is a NORM. Only the toughest shall survive.

These big loss and waste are also the main root-causes for other environmental impacts - from pollution to soil erosion. On the food production factories/producers, there are waste almost at every process - not to mention the greenhouse gas emissions.

I think most of us are not surprised (are you?) if I say that private household food waste is always on top of the list! 

Well, whilst we professionals are too busy creating great awareness or even developing a sophisticated fool-proof system to manage food waste in industries or events, unfortunately, we tend to forget household food waste from (surprisingly) those countries claimed to be advanced nations (but not with a so advanced mindset (...awkward...)

Many studies I've read that the No. 1 issue is due to BEHAVIOUR (and probably PERCEPTION) - namely (I'm just being blunt) - laziness and hesitation. Those having "great ambition" to reduce food waste are those likely ending up with NO ACTION at all. But those who are brought up with great discipline and perserverance are more likely to reduce food waste. These marvelous figures are also likely to be the ones initiating the effort and usually be perceived as the role models for others. 

There should be some proper planning to reduce food waste : planning of what to shop, quantity to be purchased, buying what you need rather what you want and properly checking the stock (especially "the expiry date") It is not at all surprising for many of us are still keeping food in the refrigerator - then we forget all about it - only to discover later that the food is no longer edible (not to mention leftovers) - and DEFINITELY becoming a waste.

Cooking is a great thing. But it can also be a very negative one. When there is too much food being prepared, it will likely ending up being disposed. Always look at Michelin-class chefs - don't only look for great recipes but do some research of your own on their principles of food waste management. I find that these great chefs are really "experts" in controlling and managing the food that they cook at home. A simple attitude is to always ask your household tenants if they will be home for dinner or they have eaten outside. And please try not rely too much on fast and instant food as it will be a potential food waste as well.

Finally - disposal - the biggest waste contributor of all. I do support any effort of redistributing "still edible and fresh" food to your neighbours* or closed relatives* or the best - to those really need and APPRECIATE food - in most cases the needies e.g. homeless. ( *Some quarters perceive the "still edible, untouched and fresh food" being redistributed are "bad" or the "egoistic ones" would feel that "Hey, I cooked my own food..I don't need waste!" ( Personally, I've seen this attitude before - very dumb!)

I think continual monitoring and enforcement are equally important than merely having Acts, Standards and Regulations  (Simply for the sake of having them). It has been proven that "wasters" are scared of the law rather than being aware of how important NOT to waste food. But if law can work on them, by all means, IMPLEMENT it!

Now for household awareness : ask this question first : "how to make the wasters feel guilty about wasting food?"

RAPID MALAYSIA/KL, TOUCH AND GO + HEROIC ACT BY MY WIFE

I was boarding a Rapid Bus from area....to Kuala Lumpur a few days before Hari Raya (was trying to avoid the heavy jam in KL especially in Chow Kit area) I noticed there were not many passengers which made me overjoyed to relax a bit thinking that perhaps most passengers have gone "balik kampung".

When the bus stopped at one area to pick up passengers (a typical rural family of 3), they were "denied" entry with apologies from the polite bus driver because "everything has gone cashless" (which I didn't know as I have been a Touch and Go and T & C e-wallet user)

I felt very sorry for these passengers. When the bus moved, I noticed presumably the father is still using an old Nokia Phone perhaps trying to contact some friends. I know for a fact such phone may not be equipped for cashless transaction or e-wallet or anything equivalent.

It made me wonder that perhaps these category of "cash" passengers may have not read any notice either published on the Rapid website or other sources.

This issue has triggered me to read the news and found out an online news portal dated April, 2019 which read : (excerpt)

------------

An expert in transport economics has panned RapidKL’s decision to go entirely cashless with its buses, describing it as a demonstration of bad judgement.

Rosli Azad Khan, managing director of the MDS group of traffic planners and consultants, said the decision appeared to have been made without consideration for tourists and others who travel on buses only occasionally.

RapidKL, the largest bus operator operating mainly in the urban areas of Klang Valley, Penang and Kuantan, announced recently that it would eliminate, in stages, the traditional method of having drivers collect fares in cash. Passengers will have to use the Touch ‘n Go card or myRapid’s Unlimited Travel Pass. The exercise begins this Monday.

“This is a poorly conceived plan,” Rosli told FMT. “It will discourage people, especially tourists, from using public transport.

--------------------------

When I was driving on the eve of Hari Raya itself, I noticed many empty Rapid buses or with only few passengers. Has the "sales" dropped rapidly especially to underprivileged elderly people or rural old folks or even the disabled - many are struggling to even use a GSM phone - far from reaching the knowledge of smart phones for cashless transactions using e-wallet or Touch and Go.

I also do think that the Government or Transport Ministry or even Rapid and Touch and Go should "go rogue" to ensure awareness in utilising cashless are reaching all the "kampungs" or town halls even house to house if they have to, give leaflets/flyers rather than hoping that everyone to look into their website or reading newspapers/tabloids or visiting their booth at night market/uptowns.

I am fully aware that it is not an easy task to ensure the ICT especially to properly use mobile technology to rural folks especially the elderly. (and I'm not saying that the urban folks are better either)

Based on my own research for so many years and personal experience shows that there are still many people who are "afraid" to even use the ATM machine.

This is not a complaint but rather a suggestion. I propose that Rapid or Touch and Go can start working together to have a Touch and Go Reload machine installed on every buses where it can use IC or Passport to reload for cash passengers (even for foreigners, tourists, expatriates, foreign workers etc)

Thank you.

Nik Zafri Abdul Majid

A HEROIC ACT BY MY WIFE

26 June, 2020. We boarded the Rapid LRT Kelana Jaya Line from KL Sentral heading to Gombak station. At around 3:50pm, a lady (Saadah) around her early 60s stepped in (I think it's at Setiawangsa station). To everyone's surprise, Saadah suddenly collapsed on the floor face up. Her face became pale and drooping, she was having trouble in speaking, breathing and seeing. There were signs of joints contractures on her hands/fingers and legs/foot/sole fingers.

Immediately, I knew that it was a stroke attack. Suddenly another lady (Mdm H) rushed to scene and started to provide Saadah of what I think was some therapeutic massages with reflexology approach. Everyone was in panic and couldn't do anything. There were few ladies including one teenage girl Shima came to help. All the ladies listened attentively to every instruction by Mdm H.

I pressed the Passenger Emergency Intercom (PEI) hoping to get further help from LRT ERT Team or the Police - or possibly a wheel chair and ambulance to arrive. No response from PEI Another man came to my aid and looked for the police at every station - unfortunately there were none and the LRT moved on. (usually it was supposed to stop at the next station upon receiving emergency call) This other man was also puzzled of why there was no help or even a slight response. I asked him to press the PEI again (we ended up 3 times pressing the emergency button without any response) I rushed back to the scene to see how the ladies, Mdm H, Shima and Saadah were doing. I also looked momentarily at the CCTV hoping that the event was recorded. (I'm sure it does - and I sure hope someone is watching and reading this message)

Miraculously, Saadah got up and was properly reseated with the help of the Mdm. H, Shima and the brave ladies. Saadah was disoriented and suffered a temporary loss of memory. The last call on her phone indicated from someone by the name of Nash (possibly related - son I think). Mdm H. asked Shima to use Saadah's phone to call Nash but to no avail. Shima whatssap and sms Nash but without any response. Saadah slowly looking at Mdm H and said she's supposed to stop at Sri Rampai station to meet Nash but missed the station during the ordeal. She also recalled that she is staying in Taman Sri Gombak Phase 7 (near the mosque area). Mdm H told Saadah to return home to rest.

Shima who was staying in Wangsa Maju also missed the station but generously volunteered to help Saadah waiting for her bus T201 to ensure her safe return home. Once reaching Gombak station, I rushed to look for the police or anyone who could help - again - none available. Shima and Mdm. H helped Saadah to the elevator. Saadah could already walked on her own. Her memory started to recover. She even tried to run after the shuttle bus T201 but the bus left too sudden. I waved at the bus hoping that the driver could see me via the rear mirror but I failed to get his attention.

Saadah looks tired and dehydrated - a 20 minutes ordeal on the LRT that may have cause her life if not for the assistance provided by Mdm. H. and Shima. Mdm. H told Shima to get Saadah a bottle of mineral water and after much persuasion, she took a sip of the mineral water.

Puzzled :

1) Why isn't there a police at every station that we stopped? The Covid Pandemic is still active despite of the RMCO. The Passenger Emergency Intercom is not placed for no reason.
2) I'm too sure that the CCTV on the LRT recorded the event... I didn't have the time to record it as I was busy looking for help with the assistance of the other man at every station we stopped.
3) This could have been your member of the family, your mother, your sibling.

I"m not blaming Rapid KL but I hope if they read this, please improve your services. Conduct more emergency drills if necessary.

Mdm. H is NONE OTHER than MY beloved WIFE - TETTY HENNEY BINTI ZULKIFLI (President of Women in Governance and Technology Association of Malaysia)

Shima helped because Saadah reminds her a lot of her grandmother who suffered with stroke as well.

Missed a very important appointment at Seksyen 8 Shah Alam, but it's ok...it was well-worthed.

I am the happiest and proudest husband today. These brave ladies are strangers who never met but decided to help another stranger in trouble. They do not need any medal of honours but to me - it shows how strong ladies are - how they stand up for one another.

Apapun yang berlaku, suka atau tidak, DYMM Raja-Raja Melayu perlu dipertahankan. Institusi beraja tidak boleh diheret ke dalam kancah politik tetapi sebagaimanapemimpin-pemimpin diberikan hak untuk membuat teguran yang berhemah, DYMM Raja-Raja Melayu juga BERHAK untuk bertitah dan bersuara menegur pemimpin-pemimpin dari mana-mana pihak atau parti siasah sekalipun jika dilihat ianya adalah untuk kebaikan rakyat jelata.

Harap faham bahawa, DYMM Raja-Raja Melayu tidak boleh dilihat sebagai terikat atau terpengaruh untuk menyetujui sebarang penerangan dari mana-mana pihak kerana sebarang keputusan terakhir adalah di atas pertimbangan mereka sendiri. Sebarang perselisihan pendapat perlu dicari jalan penyelesaian terbaik agar tidak menjadi kemelut yang berpanjangan.

Saya secara peribadi, tidak bersetuju, cara teguran yang boleh mengaibkan maruah mereka kerana jarang atau tidak ada langsung saya mendengar pada era ini, DYMM Raja-Raja Melayu mengaibkan sebarang pihak dalam teguran mereka.

Sistem beraja telah wujud di Nusantara berabad yang lalu dengan perlembagaan dan undang-undang tubuh tersendiri yang masih konsisten malah menjadi rujukan pula kepada Perlembagaan Negara yang kita semua kenali masa kini.

Kesetiaan pada Raja dan Negara adalah satu perjanjian keramat Rukun Negara. Para penasihat termasuk pihak berkuasa Islam, Ulama dan Mufti perlu memainkan peranan penting dan adil dalam memberikan fatwa mahupun pandangan mengenai perkara ini tanpa sebarang ketakutan atau tekanan politik.

Agama perlu ditegakkan, Raja Berpelembagaan wajib dihormati, perlembagaan wajib dilindungi serta demokrasi perlu diteruskan.

Sebarang usaha untuk menjatuhkan Raja-Raja Melayu perlu ditentang.

Launching of MSU Environmental & Sustainability Projects.

Officiated by : DYTM Raja Muda Selangor
Women in Governance and Technology Association of Malaysia

President/Founder : Mdm Tetty Henney binti Zulkifli

Secretary General : YM Tengku Nur Syafiqah 

Of course : there is me : Nik Zafri as one of the Advisor