PENGENALAN KEPADA FOREX

Tentu ramai yang sudah mengenali apa itu FOREX dan mungkin ramai dari anda telah menyertai perdagangan ini.

Namun, apa yang saya cuba paparkan hari ini ialah asas-asas dalam FOREX yang ramai masih belum ketahui. Kita juga ada FOREX Islam , sistem hibah, tidak bertempoh, tiada rollover dsb.

Namun apa yang saya tuliskan ini hanyalah untuk pengetahuan semata-mata.

Ada di antara kandungan ini memerlukan rujukan kepada pihak berkuasa terlebih dahulu contohnya spot trading, opsyen binari dsb. Begitu juga jika ada elemen penggubahan wang haram - perlu mendapat nasihat pihak berkuasa.

Terdapat 5 perkara penting untuk memahami Forex.

1. Analisa Asas – merupakan proses analisa pasaran berdasarkan persekitaran dan data makroekonomi berkaitan dengan matawang yang diniagakan.

Saya sering mengingatkan; berdasarkan pengalaman; rakan-rakan supaya mempunyai pengetahuan dalam perancangan kewangan dan unjuran supaya kita memahami apa itu OPR, mesyuarat perbankan dan keputusan/hasilnya, perkembangan industri secara global, politik, aspek atau berita makroekonomi malah cuaca atau laporan bencana alam dsb.

Contohnya: pada masakini E-Coli sedang melanda Jerman dan Eropah, pasaran akan suram disebabkan jangkaan, spekulasi dan sentimen – dengan sendirinya akan memberikan kesan kepada matawang Euro hasil dari sikap berhati-hati dalam mengimpot buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran oleh negara luar.

Jadi, analisa asas dengan mengambilkira keseluruhan faktor ini akan memberikan pelabur satu pandangan yang lebih holistik yang akan mempengaruhi keputusan kita.

Ingat, kadang-kadang berita baik belum tentu tiada muslihat. Kajilah betul-betul terlebih dahulu.

2. Analisa Teknikal – proses analisa pasaran berdasarkan angka data pasaran, pelbagai carta, petunjuk mudah dan kompleks, jumlah pembelian dan permintaan, data pasaran lampau dll. Analisa ini ialah untuk mengaitkan data teknikal yang akan datang dan yang telah lalu bagi membuat agakan yang tepat.

3. Pengurusan/Strategi Kewngan – walaupun anda mempunyai kepakaran dalam mengunjurkan perlakuan pasaran tukaran matawang, tanpa satu strategi pengurusan kewangan, anda mungkin akan terkandas dalam dagangan.

Bagi mereka yang mempunyai pengalaman dalam menguruskan kewangan akan mampu mengadakan stail dan sasaran dagangan yang tersendiri.

4. Kawalan Emosi

Kawalan emosi juga penting kerana kadangkala kita boleh menjadi tamak dan tidak berhati-hati dan hasilnya akan merugikan kita sendiri. Antara tips yang boleh saya berikan ialah :

a) jangan terlalu ghairah semasa melihat keuntungan sebaliknya pastikan anda mengikut sasaran asal,

b) terlebih dagangan




c) tiada disiplin dan keyakinan diri

dan yang paling merbahaya ialah mengikuti cakap orang lain secara membabi-buta tanpa membuat kajian dan memikirkan risiko.

5. Alat untuk berdagang - Trend terkini menunjukkan ramai pedagang yang memilih secara talian untuk berdagang kerana maklumat secara langsung dan mudah diperolehi. Namun begitu, maklumat yang diperolehi kadangkala tidak tepat sekadar khabar angin sahaja. Pastikan anda :

a) memilih syarikat di talian adalah nama yang dikenali umum,

b) maklumat secara langsung (real time)

c) menjalankan arahan anda cepat dan tepat

d) Tidak terlalu banyak komisen diambil

e) mempunyai sistem sokongan yang mudah digunakan bagi pengeluaran dan deposit.

Saya menggalakkan anda menggunakan FX Open dan buka akaun demo atau simulasi terlebih dahulu sebelum anda menyertai dagangan FOREX


Nota berikut : Bagi yang tidak memahami apa itu Opsyen Binari.

Contoh : Opsyen Binari Forex

Contohnya - USD Yen kini bernilai 92.265. Untuk memastikan USD menjadi lebih kuat di sebabkan KNK yang memberangsangkan dan anda memilih untuk tidak memantau akaun marjin secara harian. Sistem dagangan binari opsyen akan menggunakan kontrak USD100.00

Jam 11.15 pagi, anda membeli opsyen binari 'call' ke atas USD/Yen yang didagangkan pada harga spot 92.265 setiap dollar. Kontrak akan tamat pada tengahari dan pembayaran yield adalah 62%.

Selepas tamat tempoh, sekiranya harga spot ialah 93.000, anda akan mendapat USD162.00

Nota : Sample Forecast 29 June, 2011

The EURUSD attempted to push lower yesterday, bottomed at 1.4236 but further bearish pressure was rejected and whipsawed to the upside, topped at 1.4396 and hold above 1.4320 after market reacted positively on Greece budget plan approval. Overall price is still in a consolidation phase inside the triangle formation but the fact that price broke above 1.4320 change my intraday bias to bullish especially if price able to make a clear break above 1.4400 and the minor trend line resistance (blue) testing 1.4441 – 1.4500 and the upper line of the triangle. On the downside, another move back below 1.4320 could lead us to neutral zone in nearest term testing 1.4250/30 region and give another chance for downside attempt retesting the lower line of the triangle but as long as price moves inside the triangle my h4 /daily chart outlook remains unclear. (FX Open)

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SHORT NOTE :

COMMODITY PRICE CORRELATION TO OIL, GOLD AND CURRENCY - BY NIK ZAFRI


WHAT'S DRIVING GOLD?
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TEKNIK FIBONACI (petikan artikel Nik Zafri (menggunakan nickname Pok Nik) dari forum Pengurusan dan Teknologi)

Peringkat pengesanan kembali (Fibonacci Retracement) adalah: 0.382, 0.500, 0.618 — 3 peringkat pengesanan yang paling utama digunakan untuk menyokong (support) dan bertahan (resistance)

Peringkat Pemanjangan (extension) ialah 0.618, 1.000 dan 1.618 – 3 peringkat pemanjangan yang digunakan bagi pengambilan untung.

Jadi apakah yang kita pelajari ialah bagaimana menggunakan peralatan Fibonacci bagi menterjemahkan hasil yang kita lihat pada skrin

Yang perlu diketahui sebelum menggunakan kaedah ini ialah :

a. Adakah suasana trend kenaikan (uptrend) atau trend penurunan (downtrend)
b. Hayunan (swing) paling tinggi atau paling rendah (poin A,B)
dan meneruskan mengikut trend.

Klik pada peralatan Fibonacci yang anda gunakan.

Di sini kita lihat trend kenaikan. A adalah hayunan (swing) terendah, B ialah hayunan tertinggi. Jadi kita menjangka akan membeli beberapa lot pada harga terendah untuk kita naik bersama-sama dengan trend.

Klik A dan bawa ‘cursor’ ke B. Anda akan melihat garisan-garisan berbeza terbit pada carta.

Garisan-garisan ini dipanggil “Pengesanan Semula” (Retracement) dan “Pemanjangan” (Extension)

Jadi kita kini dapat mengagak bahawa harga akan ‘mengesan semula’ (retrace) iaitu turun dari poin B ke “poin C” kemudian meneruskan arah mengikut trend.

3 garisan titik - 0.618, 0.500, 0.382 pada gambarajah seterusnya menunjukkan 3 pengesanan semua di mana kita akan dapat menjangka harta akan melakukan pusingan ‘U’ dan naik semua. Ketika inilah kita akan meletakkan pesanan “BELI” (BUY)

Suasana terbaik ialah membeli pada harga paling rendah – 0.618 – poin C tetapi 0.500 juga peringkat terbaik untuk membeli.

Harga telah mencapai poin terendah 0.618 dan melakukan pusingan ‘U’

Apabila kita telah membeli pada C, kita perlu meletakkan sasaran. Gunakan peringkat ‘extension’ – 0.618, 1.000, 1.618) Paling biasa ialah 0.618 dan kerana sasaran kita ialah apabila harga menunjukkan potensi yang baik untuk mencapai 1.000 atau 1.618 level.

Gunakan tempoh pemanjangan 0.618 sebagai sasaran keuntungan dan poin D sebagai poin pengambilan keuntungan.

Peringatan : penerangan ini menunjukkan peringkat pemanjangan (extension) pada 0.618, 1.000, 1.618 – pengiraannya berdasarkan poin B iaitu ‘extension’ 0% . Ada ‘trader’ memulakan pengiraan dari poin A dan jarak antara A & B menjadi 100% dari pergerakan harga. Jadi pergerakan seterusnya ialah 1xxx.x%. Jika dimulakan dari poin A maka poin D adalah peringkat ‘extension’ atau 161.8% pergerakan harga.
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Petikan artikel Nik Zafri menggunakan nickname Pok Nik- petikan dari forum PENGURUSAN DAN TEKNOLOGI.

PAIRING (pemasangan)

Semua pasangan matawang adalah berkaitan antara satu dengan yang lain dalam blok perdagangan. Jika kita berdagang CHF against JPY – ianya menjadi CHF/JPY. Pemasangan yang paling terkenal ialah USD, JPY, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD dan CHF

Cara pemasangan yang terkenal masakini ialah EUR/USD, USD/JPY, USD/CHF, USD/CAD, NZD/USD dan GBP/USD

Pasangan Komoditi pula mewakili blok perdagangan komiditi yang terbesar seperti padi, bijirin, minyak mentah, bahan galian/mentah bernilai dll. Pasangan komiditi ialah USD/CAD, AUD/USD dan NZD/USD. Pasangan komoditi memerlukan apa yang saya maksudkan sebagai Analisa Asas (Fundamental Analysis) iaitu kepekaan kita dalam menerima maklumat seluruh dunia, cara memproses maklumat berkenaan dan cara menggunakan maklumat berkenaan dalam dagangan kita.

Matawang silang (cross) pula tidaklah termasuk USD. Sebelum berlaku silangan matawang, individu yang ingin menukar wang dengan lain-lain matawang perlu menukarnya terlebih dahulu dengan USD dan menukarnya pula dengan lain-lain matawang yang dikehendaki. Contohnya seseorang di Eropah boleh menukar matawangnya ke JPY dengan membuat rujukan kepada kadar EUR/JPY.

Yang paling terkenal dalam matawang silang ini ialah EUR/GBP, EUR/JPY dan EUR/CHF – di mana harga akan diasaskan dari pergerakan 'pasangan' (terutama yang 'major'(utama) lain dan kadangkala boleh menjadi suasana ketidaktentuan. Jika anda ingin memilih 'pasangan dagang' ara ini, pastikan anda tidak memilih USD.

Korelasi

Korelasi matawang dapat diukur ke tahap di mana satu pasangan matawang 'meniru' (mimicking) pergerakan pasangan matawang lain. Jika dua pasangan bergerak pada arah yang sama, maka ini dinamakan korelasi positif. Jika dua pasangan bergerak dalam bentuk berlawanan maka ianya dipanggil korelari terbalik (inverse correlation)

Pedagang perlu berhati-hati melihat kolerasi yang disebutkan kerana jika tidak menghiraukannya, maka kita akan terlalu mendedahkan (overexpose) akaun dagangan kita. Contohnya, memasuki EUR/USD dan NZD/USD dalam tempoh terlalu lama – bermakna akan telah memasuki 2 dagangan pendek (short trades) ke atas UDS. Tidak ada apa-apa yang perlu dirisaukan tetapi perlu berhati-hati atas 'double exposure'.

Suasana Ketidaktentuan dan 'range' dagangan

Sikap berhati-hati dalam 'range' dagangan ke atas pasangan amatlah penting kerana sikap ini akan membantu kita dalam menentukan tahap kerugian (di mana patut kita berhenti) dan di mana kita boleh mengambil untung. Bagi mereka yang melihat pergerakan yang besar, mungkin anda berminat untuk mendagangkan GPB/USD kerana ianya dapat mencapai pukulrata lebih 200 pip sehari. Namun jika anda tiada pengalaman, gunakan pasangan EUR/USD dan EUR/GBP.

Sila ambil perhatian bahawa tidak semua pasangan matawang mempunyai nilai pip yang sama. Contohnya satu pip bergerak atas EUR/GBP boleh bermaksud lebih wang dibandingkan dengan pergerakan GBP/JPY.

Hedging

Hedging merupakan satu strategi untuk 'offset'kan pendedahan yang menyebabkan potensi kerugian. Contohnya memasuki dagangan EUR/JPY terlalu lama dan pada masa yang sama dagangan pendek (tempoh) CHF/JPY – bermakna hedging melawan (against) pergerakan JPY.

Cara hedging ini kadangkala tertakluk kepada undang-undang kerana sesetengah negara tidak membenarkan dagangan bertempoh panjang dan pendek menggunakan akaun dagangan yang sama. Walaubagaimanapun pelabur boleh menggunakan sab-akaun untuk memasuki dagangan berlawanan (opposing trade) ke atas pasangan yang sama atau membuka dagangan berlawanan dengan pasangan yang mempunyai korelasi inverse.

Kecairan

Sesetengah pasangan mempunyai kecairan yang tinggi kerana pasangan ini mewakili saiz ekonomi yang berbeza contohnya EUR/USD.

Sebagai poin mula, kita perlu melihat 8 pasangan utama EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USDJPY dll untuk memilih pasangan matawang yang ingin didagangkan. Lebih kecairan akan menyebabkan lebih 'tight spread', lebih mudah dijangka dan dagangan yang lebih efisien.

Spread

Kecairan memberi kesan ke atas 'spread'. Dalam keadaan tertentu pasangan matawang mempunyai spread di bawah satu pip – contohnya EUR/USD dan EUR/GBP – ini bergantung ke atas broker anda.

Tempoh Dagangan

Peratusan yang besar volum dagangan berlaku disebabkan oleh dagangan komersil, aktiviti pasaran komoditi, ekuiti dll. Kadang-kadang berlaku kenaikan mengejut dalam aktiviti dagangan apabila insitut perbankan dan kewangan atau lain-lain perniagaan memulakan aktiviti dagangan. Ini perkara biasa.

Masa terbaik dagangan ialah waktu pembukaan perniagaan – jadi kita di Malaysia ini – waktu tengahmalamlah adalah waktu yang terbaik (atau awal pagi)

Pembayaran Untung

Satu kelebihan dalam berdagang FOREX ini lah pedagang mendapat bayaran secara 'overnight trading position' (satu malam) – sebanyak mana pedagang itu meraih untuk bergantung di atas pembayaran yang diterima dan pembayaran yuran 'rollover' kepada broker.

Strategi pasaran ialah untuk mengambil peluang ke atas perbezaan nilai matawang – yang dipanggil 'carry trade'. Pedagang/pelabur akan mencari pasangan yang lebih menguntungkan. Contohnya jika 'lending rate' untuk Swiss Franc = 3% dan Yen sebanyak 1%, maka berdagang dalam tempoh yang lama untuk CHF/JPY akan menghasilan 2% pa bayaran yang diperolehi. 'Carry Trade' ada kesang sampingan contohnya jika berlaku elemen ketidaktentuan atau kepanikan dalam pasaran, 'carry trade' ini akan bergerak ke arah berlawanan dan pedagang/pelabur akan terdedah kepada risiko. Jadi analisa asas kepada ekonomi dunia sangat perlu terutamannya semasa ekonomi sedang 'bullish' dan bukannya 'bearish'.

LANDSLIDE ISSUE - PLEASE MAKE SOME SENSE - A CALL FROM NIK ZAFRI



Photo - The Star/Reuters

A landslide caused by heavy rains hit an orphanage in Malaysia on Saturday, killing two children and burying at least 21 others (Rumah Anak Yatim Hidayah Madrasah At Taqwa)

I laud both Federal Government and State Government for taking prompt actions such as providing temporary shelters for the needy, sending officers from fire department and the police. Not forgetting donations start pouring as I speak.

As a Muslim, I like to dedidate "Al-Fatihah" to them.

Photo from http://peoplepowerportal.blogspot.com

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After so many years, once again, the "blaming + fire-fighting" culture come into the picture.


Photo from http://peoplepowerportal.blogspot.com

A tabloid reported that the orphanage building has never been given an approval.**

This is not the issue. The real issue is :

How come the building has been there for quite some time and only now records show that there has never been an approval?**

How about continual monitoring and make professional recommendations BEFORE it happened?

And nobody is caring or professional enough to protect the slope? (aaa, a tender is required for that..cool...make money otherwise no protection)


Photo from http://peoplepowerportal.blogspot.com

After the incident happen, everyone try to become "Geotechnical Engineers" talking about soil and slope paramenters - the funny thing is that 'the so-called technical guys' are only considering soil conditions, no saying about slope gradient, applied load, hydraulic impact, shear and other factors. Leave it to JKR please.


Photo from http://peoplepowerportal.blogspot.com

So if these factors are taken into account, how much will it cost? How long will it take? Will the building be declared safe and they can return to the building? (most likely not)


Photo from http://peoplepowerportal.blogspot.com

A question; on the first place; the contractor paid from his own pocket to build the orphanage house? No site investigation? No soil test?

I wonder who approve this structure right under the nose of the authorities?**

Again - we wait for something to happen first, then we act.

Although one relevant Ministry instructed to provide immediate assistance to the orphans and family of the victims but there has been a statement being made before that that the Orphanage is not registered with welfare department.

Please...so nobody took action before this incident happen to alert them that we can't provide assistance if you're not registered?

Rumah Anak-anak Yatim dan Anak-anak Hidayah Madrasah Al-Taqwa is not a political issue, this is about young orphans requiring a home and someone is good enough to shelter it for them.

Unless it is a political issue; which I do not know of; then that's a different story. Some people may not want to give even a sen of donation because they are not supporting a certain political party. (I have been giving them donations quietly as well...not to show off but it's because it's based on humanitarian grounds not about political or religious sects)

Then, where do we go? Blame it on heavy downpour!

As 'the then' VVIP said : "God's Act". Fine..blame it on the Creator then..Some people make no sense.

The facts :

For those who are used to the area, just check what's going on on the top of the nearby hill and adjacent areas.

Landslides may be triggered by rains, floods, earthquakes, and other natural causes but it can also be caused by "human-made causes" - such as grading, terrain cutting and filling, excessive development, etc.


Photo from http://peoplepowerportal.blogspot.com

Trust me, I don't have to become an engineer to know all these things, it can happen in developed areas, undeveloped areas, or any area where the terrain was altered for roads, houses, utilities, buildings, and even for lawns in one's backyard.

Take also into account some illegal quarrying and illegal logging activities as well..I'm not blaming/pinpointing anyone but as they say "just in case"


Photo from http://peoplepowerportal.blogspot.com

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**

Someone sms me to look into another statement that The orphanage was built about 15 years ago and at that time or now, it was NOT COMPULSORY for them to meet requirements set by JKR. It means that 2011-15 = 1996

What happen then?

30.06.1995 Genting Sempah, SELANGOR
24.09.1995 Taman Bukit Teratai, Ampang, SELANGOR
02.05.1994 Puchong Perdana, SELANGOR

Source : http://www.box.net/shared/g5ft6tgix9 which is also a good National Slope Plan than can be elaborated further and apply to this case.

Let's rewind a lil bit further:

The Highland Towers (SELANGOR) collapse was an apartment building collapse that occurred on 11 December 1993

Guidelines on technical and safety aspects 15/12/1993 MM
GUIDELINES on technical and safety aspects of highrise building construction in hill slopes in Selangor will be issued to developers in two days.

The guidelines, formulated by a high-level committee formed by the Selangor Government to check construction of high-rises in hilly areas has defined a building above five-storey as a high-rise building.

(I'm not talking about highrise, I'm talking about "hilly areas" and "slope protection")

Yes, people tell me that this is the PREVIOUS Selangor Government. Wow...so the current one has NO jurisdiction.

So why can't there be a uniformity on guidelines like this?

Another person came and said : "It is out of our operational zone and should come under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry"

Ok fine..so what's next?

Let's be proactive from now on and not reactive. Let's stop the blaming culture from now on. Enough is enough.

BRAIN DRAIN, SKILLS, COMPETENCY, ACADEMIC?? WHAT? - by Nik Zafri

Brain Drain seems to be a hot topic in Malaysia. I'm not going into politics or some racial matters but facts and figures.

The Economic Transformation Programme came into the picture with Talent Corp formation to focus on facilitating initiatives to attract, nurture, engage and retain talent to support the human capital.

Disclaimer : I have no qualms against whatever is right for Malaysia to move towards 2020 and I write this article with FULL understanding of Talent Corp. and the need to call for Malaysian talents from outside to return.

However, the questions lingering in my mind have never been properly answered by anyone in charge but whenever I ask the "silent majority"* which being "sampled" from the group of 40 years old and above, ranging from local young CEOs, MDs, Directors to scholars, freelance professionals etc.


*Surprisingly, some are working together in this program and have received 'instructions from above' to participate.

Here are their questions :

a) What about local talents that have nostalgically returned to this country a long time ago? What will happen to them? Are they not good enough to compete with the newbies? (this is not MY question, this is THEIR question)

b) Will there be salary scale difference for the local talents (also with accredited foreign qualifications) who have been working so hard developing the country in their very own way IF the "Malaysian talents outside" are to return to the country to respond to this call?

c) Does this mean that the local talents with local accredited (MQA) universities/institution of higher learning qualifications including local competency training institution (MLVK) and workshops/trainings that have been accredited outside Malaysia are more inferior? That we have to get Malaysians from outside that have "better" qualifications, skills and knowledge?

I sometimes wonder the need for "ranking the local universities to others" (except for acquiring grants for R & D that I do not know about*) when MQA's assessment is more than enough and equivalent to British Accreditation Council.

* Universities set 'mechanisms' via these R & D Grants and NOT 'innovations' according to one dean of a faculty.


d) Has anyone been asking some of the so-called talents outside that the countries that they are so proud residing are also having major problems to even maintain their very own economy?* Do a poll and find out! No names and personal details should be given. Otherwise they won't be telling the truth!

*Quoting General (Retired) Bill Creech in his book "The Five Pillars of Total Quality Management" which goes something like this :

"If the US universities are so good, why is the US economy doing so bad?"


e) Has anyone been asking some of the so-called talents outside what do they REALLY feel about returning to Malaysia - now that they have a GOOD remuneration and unmatchable to what the Government is offering? Do a poll and find out! No names and personal details should be given. Otherwise, they won't be telling the truth!

f) Has anyone been asking some of the so-called talents outside what do they REALLY say about Malaysia to foreigners, how they talk proudly about other nation and not being ungrateful or not even "recalling" where they come from?

Some are even "having amnesia" pathetically attempting their level best NOT to tell where they come from - even using foreign slangs to avoid detection. What a joke! Even worse, some of them are requesting to become foreign citizen.

Then another question should be posed...What about EX-MALAYSIANS who are now official foreign citizens?

These are only some of the questions go unanswered till now.

Before you start to say anything, please be reminded that I am NOT against everyone outside as many of us here now are foreign graduates as well.

And I did saw MANY GOOD Malaysians outside saying this to me :

"Give the local talents another chance, we are fine over here and we will come back eventually"

I've noticed over the years the growing trend of staff especially from the civil service chasing for better qualifications by studying up to MBA and PhD. But again, do qualifications really help nowadays when there is no control imposed over it?

(so many private and government institutions of higher learning are being established with so many academic programmes being offered and with so many people are now madly chasing for higher qualifications thinking of future promotion? Some even dare to "bypass" JPA and using their own expenses to gain a higher qualification. I once asked them (when I was lecturing for a UK-Based program in 1997) :


Q : "Why do you come here?"

A : "This program is accredited by JPA"

Q : "Yes I know, that's the reason why I am standing in front of you now, this program is also accredited by LAN (now MQA)" Forgive me for asking - I like to know if you have been permitted by JPA or your superiors to participate in this course?"

A : "No, but I will give them a copy of the qualification and hope to be promoted - either salary wise or designation wise"

Q : "I'm curious...what if they say this to you "I didn't ask you to do this?"

A : (pause for a while...) "What should I do?"

Q : "Either you ask for their permission now, or your answer should be "I'm looking for another job". And most importantly, I don't want you to start blaming me or this company or this course for not getting you a promotion!

(followed by laughter and the guy nodded his head in agreement...anyway, I followed up with him after he graduated with Honours, he told me that whatever I've predicted DID happened and he's now working as a General Manager for a private company (retired early)

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1) When people come and tell me that we are lacking of English Language Teachers, I noticed that it is the 'senior generation of the English Medium or of Foreign Educated' stood up to answer the call but nobody seems to bother.

2) When people come and tell me "What kind of right approach to teach English for working people" I answered : "Teach them according to their expertise, so you need people from the field itself coupled with adequate fluency in English to teach working people...

for example, Civil Engineers, what do they need really? Take checklist or report writing for example, you need to teach them to understand how to describe words like "workmanship", "supervision" etc. Or you need to ask them question of what do they need from this course and you should be answering "in their lingo" by giving them samples of report which they can immediately use after taking the course. So, killing two birds with one stone - you teach them English and you teach them civil engineering "Report Writing"

3) When people come to me and start underestimating "SKM Level 3 to 5 (MLVK)" (thinking that it is only a 'cert') and started comparing with their Degree.

I told them this :

"Did you know that the "SKM Level 5" is a lot better than your Engineering Degree?

Quoting OSH regulations - phrase "a competent person" let's say "Welding and Fitting" - you should counter refer to any "Welding Codes of Practice" and you will find that he is much more AUTHORIZED to attend to "Welding and Fitting" rather than you M & E Degree.

The M & E graduate got more interested and finally I told him this :

"Bitter it may sound but we have different too many ministries to handle different trades. Academic is MOE's and MHL's turfs but SKILL and COMPETENCY are MHR's "babies"!


Learning to pass exam is DIFFERENT than learning how to work! But passing exam is the foundation and learning how to work is the next level which have not been properly introduced in our country. That's why employers keep giving you excuses "You don't have working experience - so you don't get the job"

I'm telling the universities or any other institution of higher learning be it private or government "Don't give guarantee to students or parents that they will get a good job once they have graduated"

There are few universities been integrating both academic and skills/competencies, take for example Defence University of Malaysia, I've visited them, talked to the ex-deputy vice chancellor and very impressed with the results!"

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

I'm also really shocked to learn ISO 9000 has been "legalized" (or rather "politicized") when it is only an international standard (a guide NOT gospel) And every other party started to emerge in the "power play"...I can name few "training authorities" that have proudly instructing me that "you consultants must be registered"

They said to me : "You don't register with us, you will not be recognized"

I asked them back : "Can you give me a project if I am to be registered with you?"

They replied : "No, No, No, we cannot give you warranty that we will award you with any project"

I replied : "So you want my money but you don't want to give yours"

They vetoed : "This is regulations"

I said in my heart : "yeah..you're HIDING behind regulations" and you're telling me that my "foreign chartered membership" is now invalid?

So I took a peek into "their system" that was displayed by a dismayed client and I quickly asked the client :

"Where's the method statement (according to the trades)...say "earthworks, or "piling" etc" These are SOPs and WIs, these are meant for factories and manufacturing, boss - NOT CONSTRUCTION"

"Where's the inspection and test plan, how do customize the manual for construction industry according to the contract mode - "Design & Build, Turnkey etc."? (Permissible Exclusion on Design & Development responsibilities)

"Where's your PQP?" and showed them clauses from the Main Contract (also CLIENT's requirements) requiring sample submission as well.

Where's your sample schedule (they did show but I told them "This is MSP not Primavera..have you been meeting the "construction PMC" lately? or just simply 'copy and paste?'

OHSAS 18000 (Standard for Occupational Safety and Health) has a disclaimer : "Compliance to this standard shall not provide immunity to the law"

Hahaha - and there is not even the word "ISO" in front OHSAS 18000 unlike EMS ISO 14000 and ISO 9000. (Bureaucracy is in progress)

-------------------------
I also noticed ICT companies with "M*C status" are "closing shop" one after another. Many of them told me that the grant is too low, we have no capital and GOD - we have to through so much levels in order to get "more money".

But ironically, those without the "status" are really "prosperous" (We don't need any status or certifications to be rich)

What's the point of having "pre-seed grants" or "level by level grants" or asking ex-participants to participate in any of related programs or having "incubation" courses in hotels with so many batches around and so-called "consultants" and only 1 - 2 will successfully get the "grant" after going into a 'reality show' kind of "pitching contest"?

I recalled seeing one of the participants who talks SO PROUDLY as if he is "Mr. Know Everything" but his business is doing SO BADLY...hmmm "typical"
-------------------------

I like to close this article by quoting a Chinese CEO of a 'very large company' saying this to me:

"How many people with "good qualifications" are known being involved in white or blue collar crimes? I think Nik, it's not so much about qualifications...it's the attitude, experience, competency and most important HONESTY"

I would rather look for honest people (I know when I see one) to take care of my money and organization and I'm willing to train such people to understand what I need, I don't like people who are too "smart" as they are the ones who tend to play tricks with figures. Don't quote me for that"

:-) Nik Zafri: Sorry, I have to quote your very good statement but I won't mention your name

Nik Zafri's Guide for Dummies - Typical Systems/Methodology of your QMS/ISO 9001 Proposal (construction)


(FOR THE 1ST TIME EVER IN 15 YEARS, PART OF MY ISO 9000 PROPOSAL (CONSTRUCTION) IS REVEALED!!)




For ISO 9001:2008 Consultants Only

This sample has been tailored made for construction/building and civil engineering.

Segment One

Initial Assessment/ Evaluation (1) to predetermine: -

a. Scope of Registration & Application
b. Improvement of Existing Elements/Criterions if any
c. Additional Elements/ Criterions as necessary or permissible exclusion if any

Preparation and Presentation of findings to the Client.

(1)This is not an audit activity.

(1) Methods Used :-

Review documentation based on construction industry, sampling basis, conversation with related staff and observing consistency of physical activities at various places of work.


Segment Two

QMS ISO 9001:2008 Awareness Workshop - Theme : Managing Quality in Construction (2)

(2) (both general awareness and customized to client’s nature of industry, contract mode (Design & Build? Turnkey? Conventional?)

Workshop’s detailed report/ assessment to the Client.

(2) Solution-based – client will know the next course action after the training.

Client shall provide feedback forms and provide Certificates of Participation (which format will be forwarded by the consultant).

Typical Workshop Contents

Training Objectives, 8 Management Principles and 5 Main Clauses and interrelationships, Various Tools, Quality Cost etc. etc. + Application to Client’s industry

PHASE TWO – IMPLEMENTATION (CRITICAL)

Segment Three

Assisting System Structuring(3), Quality Document Development and (4) Review

(3) Typical System Structuring (besides the remarks) usually involve consistency with the standard requirements (not limited to the following):

· QMS Workshop
· Customer-Focus – Communication & Survey.
· Resource Management including org. chart, JD, competency & TNA
· QMS Manual/Plan/Procedural/Method Statement and or Work Instructions/I & TP (Inspection & Test Plan), sequencing and format/numbering + records management (Forms & Checklists)
· Online Documentation Interface if Any
· Measurement of Department Objectives and Capturing and Analysis of Data
· Supervision/Inspection & Supplier/ Subcontractor Management/Assessment
· Effectiveness vs. Compliance, Plan-Do-Check-Act PDCA and Continual Improvement

Segment Four

Internal Quality Auditing Course(5)

(5) Among Critical Issues to be highlighted :-

a. Effectivess/Understanding vs. Compliance.
b. Traceability to the source.
c. Determining of Non-Conformance
d. Correction and Corrective Action (CA)
e. Preventive Action
f. Audit Scheduling and Reporting
h. Assessment vs Audit – Judgement vs. Evidence.
i. Auditors Conduct.
j. Inspection vs Audit

Workshop’s detailed report/ assessment to the Client.

(5) Based on IRCA’s and IQA’s modules.

Typically covering :-

Requirements of ISO 19011:2000 and ISO 9001:2008.

The last day shall be allocated for a ‘mock adequacy and compliance audit’ conducted by the client’s IQA team.

Client shall provide feedback forms and Certificates of Participation/ Successful Completion.

PHASE THREE - REVIEW

Segment Five

Monitoring Internal Quality Auditing Activities (IQA) (6)

Management Review Meeting (MRM) (7)

(7) If invited by the Client, Consultant may attend the MRM only as an observer. If otherwise, Consultant will need a copy of the MRM minutes to evaluate effectiveness and compliance.

In both cases, Consultant shall provide the MRM evaluation to the Client.

(6) Monitoring of NCR, CAR, Reporting, Follow Up, Verification.

(7) Monitoring MRM Inputs and Outputs including :

· IQA results
· Customer feedback
· Process performance and product conformity
· Status of preventive and corrective actions
· Changes affecting QMS
· Continual Improvement
· Resource Management

Segment Six

Independent Mock Adequacy and Compliance Audit(8)

Preparation and Presentation of findings to the Client.

(8) Full system audit – Verify adequacy of QMS documentation, data & records based on random plant and office activities, sampling basis, and interview related staff.

Despite Consultant may issue NCR(s) and CAR(s) but this audit shall not form part of the Client’s QMS and/or certification benchmarks.

Consultant’s NCR and CAR shall only be taken as independent opinions and as suggestions to further improve the client’s system.

PHASE FOUR - CERTIFICATION

Segment Seven

Assisting the Client on Certification Arrangements(9)

Final Briefing on Certification Audit(10)

(9) Coordinate with QMR on communication with certification body.

(10) DOs and DONTs during certification audit.

Consultant shall not be present during the adequacy/compliance audit (certification audit) but shall follow up on the results of such audit including NCR/CAR issued.

On the government procedure : You can click here as a sample:

Please take into account EIA from DOE

I like to thank MQA Tech and Topmine for their expertise and assistance for their inputs.

What I'm going to focus is on the typical capabilities and what the authorities are really looking for. Here's a sample :

On the company :

What is the typical process involved in iron ore? Here are some hints :

i. The company can conduct mining prospects for their customers, and undertake the appropriate development stages to bring mines into operation:

Exploration, Feasibility studies, Design and construction, Project management, Mine planning and scheduling, Infrastructure and mine-site establishment, Pre-stripping

ii. The company must have resources and expertise for each step of the mining production cycle:

Drilling and blasting, Excavation, Loading and hauling, De-watering, Ground support, Mobile plant operation and maintenance



iii. The company is experienced in the design, construction, project management and operation of processing plant and transport infrastructure at each activity level:

Washing, Crushing and screening, Blending, Concentrating, Process plant operation and maintenance, Sampling and product analysis, Ship loading

iv. The company are well connected to a worldwide network of buyers, in most typical Asian cases - major Chinese commodity consumers, and we provide shipping logistic requirement to deliver products to their final destinations.

Logistic services, Shipping chartering, Port authority approvals, Marketing



Environmental and Safety Measures

As a corporate responsible citizen, the mining operation shall adopt adequate pollution control and safety measures in running the mine according to International Standards and Codes of Practice i.e.EMS 14000 and OHSAS 18000 etc. The following is a typical practice :



Impact Related to Mining Operation

The most significant environment issues related to any mining project are found to be related to mine effluent water discharge into the nearby river. However, with the implementation of sufficient tailing pond systems it is envisaged that the mine effluent water will not be a problem to the environment.

Water quality monitory scheme will determine whether the proposed remedial measures are effective in controlling the environmental issues.

Upgrading and Maintenance of Access Road

Regular maintenance includes patching up potholes, minor grading and further resurfacing shall be undertaken for the access/haulage road on a regular basis. This includes sprinkling of water reduce dust emission. A washing bay system will also be implemented to clean lorries before they leave the mine site.

Waste Disposal

The proposed mining scheme shall employ an environmental friendly waste disposal system. The waste disposal system will be described in the following sections.

Solid Waste Disposal

Solid wastes are not expected to cause any major problems. Wastes generated are basically garbage from the office. Scraps from the operation will be collected and sold to scrap dealers.

Pollution Control

Comprehensive measures will be adopted to control and minimize dust emissions:·

Noise Control

Generators with compressors will be housed with noise shields and air compressors within enclosed buildings. Proper maintenance of the vehicles will also reduce noise pollution. Screening of the site with earth bunds help to reduce noise generation and dust.

Rehabilitation and Abandonment

Planned and orderly removal and disposal of various plants, structures, and facilities shall be required under the unforeseen event of abandonment.

Necessary restoration or rehabilitation plans for any Project site after the cessation of Project operation are also essential.

Rehabilitation plan will be carried out progressively to the allowable extent that will not hinder the mining operation. Small part of the mined out are will be filled and levelled to its original ground condition and shrub plants and tree seedlings will be planted on the levelled area. Any project in short term in nature, which means the treatment plant shall be dismantled and transported out of the project area after the iron ore reserves has been exhausted. Based on experience, the total environmental disturbance caused by any project is minimal, and decreases as the areas concerned are returned to its natural form.

The disturbed area shall be cleared and cleaned from all debris and waste products. The balance reduced material shall be disposed off at a safe and approved dump area.

Remedial measures in the form of restoration and rehabilitation of the area are indeed necessary to be initiated in order to prepare the area for future use. Incorporation of these measures into the planning of the mine developments is therefore vital. The mine management has therefore planned to incorporate the element of reclamation and restoration process into their overall long-term plan of the mine. In short, the restoration is being carried out progressively and concurrently with the mining operation itself. As rehabilitation works are to be carried out in a progressive manner in tandem with the ongoing mining operation. Major part of rehabilitation costs will be absorbed by the mine operation costs.







REFERENCE OF CODES OF PRACTICE

MS ISO 2597-1 : 2002 - Iron ores - Determination of total iron content - Part 1: Titrimetric method after tin(II) chloride reduction. This Malaysian Standard specifies a titrimetric method for the determination of the total iron content of iron ores using potassium dichromate after reduction of the trivalent iron by tin(II) chloride.

MS ISO 7764 : 2002 - Iron ores - Preparation of predried test samples for chemical analysis. This Malaysian Standard specifies a method for the preparation of predried test samples of natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates, including sinter products, which are to be used for the determination of analytical values of constituents on a dry basis.

MS ISO 9035 : 2002 - Iron ores - Determination of acid-soluble iron(II) content - Titrimetric method. This Malaysian Standard specifies a method for the determination of iron(II) content in natural and processed iron ores containing from 1 % to 25 % acid-soluble iron(II) and only traces of metallic iron.

MS ISO 2596 : 2003 Iron ores - Determination of hygroscopic moisture in analytical samples - Gravimetric and Karl Fisher methods. This Malaysian Standard specifies the following two methods for the determination of 0.05 % (m/m) to 6 % (m/m) of hygroscopic moisture content in test samples of natural or processed iron ores:

- Method 1 - Gravimetric method;
- Method 2 - Karl Fischer method.

Either method 1 or method 2 is used where the analytical value of the constituent to be calculated to a dry sample basis is higher than 10 % (m/m) in the following types of ores:

a) processed ores containing metallic iron (direct reduced iron);
b) natural or processed ores in which the sulfur content is higher than 0.2 % (m/m);
c) natural or processed ores in which the content of combined water is higher than 2.5 % (m/m).

The result from the determination of hygroscopic moisture using this Malaysian Standard is not reported as part of the analysis of an ore sample.

NOTES:

1. Where the reportable hygroscopic moisture content of a commercial consignment of ores is required, the procedure in ISO 3087:1987, Iron ores-Determination of moisture content of a consignment is used.

2. With natural or processed ores outside the field of application specified in a) or b) or c), a determination of a constituent at any level of concentration can be conducted using a predried test sample prepared as specified in ISO 7764:1985, Iron ores-Preparation of predried test samples for chemical analysis.

MS ISO 2598-1 : 2002 - Iron ores - Determination of silicon content - Part 1: Gravimetric methods. This Malaysian Standard specifies two gravimetric methods for the determination of the silicon content of iron ores. These methods are applicable, with certain limitations, to silicon contents between 1% (m/m) and 15% (m/m) in natural iron ores, iron ore concentrates and agglomerates, including sinter products.

MS ISO 2598-2 : 2002 - Iron ores - Determination of silicon content - Part 2: Reduced molybdosilicate spectrophotometric method. This Malaysian Standard specifies a reduced molybdosilicate spectrophorometric method for the determination of the silicon content of iron ores. This method is applicable to silicon contents between 0.1% (m/m) and 5.0% (m/m) in natural iron ores, iron ore concentrates and agglomerates, including sinter products, especially for ores containing fluorine.

MS ISO 2599 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of phosphorus content – Titrimetric method. This standard specifies a titrimetric method for the determination of phosphorus content of iron ores, using hexaammonium heptamolybdate (ammonium molybdate). This method is applicable to a concentration range of 0.10 to 5.0% (m/m) of phosphorus in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products.

MS ISO 3082 : 2002 - Iron ores - Sampling and sample preparation procedures. This Malaysian Standard gives:

a) the underlying theory,
b) the basic principles for sampling and preparation of samples,
c) the basic requirements for the design, installation and operation of sampling systems for mechanical sampling, manual sampling and preparation of samples taken from a lot under transfer to determine the chemical composition, moisture content and size distribution of the lot. Sampling and sample preparation procedures for physical testing are specified in ISO 10836.

MS ISO 3084 : 2002 : Iron ores - Experimental methods for evaluation of quality. This Malaysian Standard specifies experimental methods for the evaluation of quality variation of iron ores for each type of iron ore being traded and for each handling plant. Two distinct approaches are specified. The first is to analyse interleaved samples composed of a number of paired increments taken and combined alternately following stratified sampling or systematic sampling as specified in ISO 3082. The second is to collect and analyse individual increments and then to analyse the data using variograhic methods.

MS ISO 3085 : 2002 : Iron ores - Experimental methods for checking the precision of sampling. This Malaysian Standard specifies experimental methods for checking the precision of sampling of iron ores being carried out in accordance with the methods specified in ISO 3081 or ISO 3082.

MS ISO 3086 : 2002 - Iron ores - Determination of the moisture content of a lot. This Malaysian Standard specifies experimental methods for checking the bias of the sampling of iron ores, when the sampling is carried out in accordance with the methods specified in MS ISO 3081 or MS ISO 3082, having as reference a stopped-belt sampling method according to MS ISO 3081.

MS ISO 3087 : 2002 - Iron ores - Determination of bulk density. This Malaysian Standard specifies two methods for measuring the bulk density of natural and processed iron ores.

Method 1 is applicable to iron ores having a maximum particle size of 40 mm or smaller.

Method 2 is applicable to iron ores having any maximum particle size.

MS ISO 3886 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of manganese content – Periodate spectrophotometric method. This standard specifies a spectrophotometric method for the determination of manganese content of iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration range of 0.02 to 8.0% (m/m) of manganese in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products.

MS ISO 4687-1 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of phosphorus content – Part 1 : Molybdenum blue spectrophotometric method. This standard specifies a molybdenum blue spectrophotomettric method for the determination of phosphorus content of iron ores. This method is applicable to phosphorus content between 0.003 to 2.0% (m/m) in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products. The presence of arsenic, barium or titanium does not affect the result.

MS ISO 4688-1 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of aluminium content – Part 1 : Flame atomic spectrometric method. This standard specifies a flame atomic spectrometric method for the determination of aluminium content of iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration range of 0.1 to 5.0% (m/m) aluminium in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products.

MS ISO 4689 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of sulfur content – Barium sulfate gravimetric method

This standard specifies a barium sulfate gravimetric method for the determination of sulfur content of iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration range of 0.01 to 1.0% (m/m) sulfur in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products.

MS ISO 4690 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of sulfur content – Combustion method - This standard specifies a combustion method for the determination of sulfur content of iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration range of 0.002 to 0.25% (m/m) sulfur in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products. The results are not affected by the presence of fluoride.

MS ISO 4691 : 2004 - Iron ores - Determination of titanium content – Diantipyrylmethane spectrophotometric method. This standard specifies a spectrophotometric method using diantipyrylmethane for the determination of titanium content of iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration range of 0.01 to 6.0% (m/m) of titanium in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products.

MS ISO 4693 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of copper content – Flame atomic absorption spectrometric method. This standard specifies a flame atomic absorption spectrometric method for the determination of copper content of iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration of 0.003 to 1.0% (m/m) of copper in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products.

MS ISO 4701 : 2002 - Iron ores - Determination of size distribution by sieving. This Malaysian Standard specifies the methods to be employed for determination of size distributions by sieving of iron ore, utilizing sieves having aperture sizes of 36 mm or larger.

MS ISO 6467 : 2004 - Ferrovanadium - Determination of vanadium content - Potentiometric method. This standard specifies a potentiometric method for the determionation of vanadium content for ferrovanadium. The method applies to alloys having a vanadium content less than or equal to 85 % (m/m).

MS ISO 6830 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of aluminium content – EDTA titrimetic method

This standard specifies a titrimetric method using EDTA for the determination of aluminium content of iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration range of 0.25 to 5.0% (m/m) aluminium in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products.

MS ISO 7834 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of arsenic content – Molybdenum blue spectrophotometric method. This standard specifies a molybdenum blue spectrophotometric method for the determination of arsenic content in iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration range of 0.0001 to 0.1% (m/m) of arsenic in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products.

MS ISO 9516-1 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of various elements by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry – Part 1 : Comprehensive procedure

This standard sets out a wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorencence procedure for the determination of iron, silicon, calcium, manganese, aluminium, titanium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, pottasium, tin, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, lead and barium in iron ores. The method has been designed to cope with iron ores having high ignition losses. The method is applicable to iron ores regardless of mineralogical type. The determination of total iron content cannot be used for referee purposes.

MS ISO 9682-1 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of manganese content – Flame atomic absorption method. This standard specifies a flame atomic absorption method for the determination of manganese content of iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration range of 0.01 to 3.0% (m/m) of manganese in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products.

MS ISO 11534 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of tin content – Flame atomic absorption spectrometric method. This standard specifies a flame atomic absorption spectrometric method for the determination of tin content of iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration range of 0.001 to 0.015% (m/m) tin in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products

MS ISO 13310 : 2004 - Iron ores – Determination of zinc content – Flame atomic absorption spectrometric method. This standard specifies a flame atomic absorption spectrometric method for the determination of zinc content of iron ores. This method is applicable to a concentration of 0.003 to 1.0% (m/m) of zinc in natural iron ores, and iron ore concentrates and agglomerates including sinter products.

MS ISO 15967 : 2004 - Direct reduced iron - Determination of tumble strength of hot iron briquetted iron (HBI) This standard specifies a method for the determination of the tumble strength of hot briquetted (HBI).

Nik Zafri 03/24/2011 03:04 AM

Assalaamu'alaikum wbr. Dato Seri.

I just like to propose my 'very raw humble grassroot idea' about TERAJU. I know that this has recently being launched and perhaps guidelines on the 5 KRA has also been printed. Here goes :

• Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation

How : At the grassroot level, the companies associated with the program especially those involve in some central contracts or projects or equivalent should have at least ONE program known as "Vendor Development Program" from incubation phase to full pledged (well-trained and equipped) vendors with a vision towards reaching highest phase - a smart partner, or form up strategic alliance not to mention being a franchisor.

However - The terms, conditions, stakeholding, financing, priority, technological transfer etc. must be CLEAR and not burdening potential vendors.

• Funding

How : Equity Financing (e.g. holding some shares and investing in potential companies (viable, feasible & sustainable companies - taking into account projected gearing) by associated companies in TERAJU, or via Venture Capital etc. till the small timers become big timers geared to towards listed in ACE or Main Board.

• Education and Employment

How : At the school & university level, more changes to include 'Competency' and 'Practical' modules including a simulated environment,visits,sampling and application, interviews with or lectures by experienced professionals at the end of the course or subject or semester etc.

• Institutional and Policy Instrument Review

Am not so clear about this one. It sounded like economics or I could be wrong - monetary? Despite of that; both economics and monetary are enough and there is no need to add another one (just upgrade the current ones) - anyway..review is a good idea.

• Stakeholder Management

How : Enhance the current Corporate Governance and we're in business.

Thanks and regards.

Nik Zafri

http://www.nikzafri.blogspot.com
e-mail : nikzafri@gmail.com

GDP OF 6% IS FINE - By Nik Zafri

I'm not working with Bank Negara but when "smart" people (who is also not employed with Bank Negara as well) started to question Malaysia's targeted GDP of 6%, they are overlooking inflation, money flooding in without control, rising consumer demand and escalating commodity costs.

Before questioning the credibility of Bank Negara Governor, Tan Sri Zeti, I would like to point some things out for the sake of discussion.

We should consider inflation based on CPI (*energy, food etc) - which is the inflation's benchmark to determine our financial market.

(*I'm looking into the volatility of these prices translated from what I see on the field myself - people at ALL levels especially the medium income and the poor ones rather than sitting comfortably in an air-con office suite and thinking how to get publicity by criticizing Bank Negara)


GDP represents total aggregate output of our economy. As a market watcher, I told the investors that "WE MUST PLAY SAFE" - do not be too ambitious - so 6% is FINE by the standard of investors as the figures have been adjusted for inflation.

Let's say Gross GDP calculated 6% higher than last year, inflation measured 2% over the same period, thus : net growth over the period is reported as 4%.

Investors will look into GDP's annual growth - the primary stock performance driver - in order to determine whether 'to invest or not to invest'. Yes, it's true that if there in no change or a decline in the overall economic output, investors will translate these datum into companies inablity to make profit

So how about TOO MUCH GDP Growth? (or not 'trying to play safe' - take some risk) Definitely inflation will increase - killing the gains in the stock market hence our RM is also devaluated. So here we can see what will happen - more and more crime might happen, prices of food my go 'sky high' and unaffordable, more unemployment, more controlled of financing/loan/grants etc.

Furthermore it sounds good to increase GDP by linking to lowering unemployment rate but it will be out of control when supply decrease faster while services and goods' aggregate demand increase, constraint in the labour market that will result in company raising salary - where will this all end? Consumers definitely - in the form of price going higher. (Yes, in some way, some people are making profits out of these - maybe that's the reason they are restless seeing 6% GDP)

We should learn from what is happening around the world especially from the US. Almost all the US economists will agree with me that GDP growth causes inflation and inflation begets hyperinflation. The process can become a self-reinforcing feedback loop. Everyone in the world will start spending money which they know will be less valuable in due course. So...more increase in GDP = more price increase! Inflation are non-linear - 10% inflation is much more that twice as harmful as 5% inflation.

With that I rest my case.
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FOR READING PLEASURE

JAPAN WILL SURVIVE! - ARTICLE AND RESEARCH BY NIK ZAFRI


What is happening in Japan is very tragic. Our hearts go out to all those suffering.

It is with heavy heart when I wrote this article as too many questions been e-mailed to me about the post-economic effects of the Tsunami and quakes in Northern Japan.

Definitely oil prices slumped below $98/barrel. This would be worse depending on the situation at the nuclear plant.

Some large nations including China is cutting back nuclear-investment. It means that there is and will be higher demand for oil.

Already global stock markets sharp falls have been observed.

I stand with other global analysts that the immediate dampening effect of the earthquake on Japanese oil demand soon would be reversed. Let not anyone forget about the current crisis the Middle East and North Africa, recovery process in Egypt and the latest "Libya and Gaddafi's Factor" is also affecting the global oil price.

On Japan itself, yes they will be affected somehow - judging by the past experience of Kobe, it has caused > USD100 billion of damages with more than 5000 people are killed.

The death toll now; as I speak; unfortunately; is more than Kobe. Not to mention the grid and network of electrical and communication which may affect macroecomically speaking across the nation.

Furthermore, global ripple effects especially on the United States would be on the auto industry, semiconductors etc.

How would investors in Japan react?

Not good, there are talks about them dumping some of that debt (government bond) in Japan despite assurance there will be budget - spend massive amounts of money rebuilding infrastructure and factories in Northern Japan.

Also there have been rumours about pulling yen out of the abroad market for rehabilitation purposes in the affected places in Japan. But the affect is short term and yen may strengthen but not in the interest of the Feds. With the sharp increase of commodity and oil prices, interest rates might be pushed up.

For the opportunists or 'profitists?' (if there is such word)?

Well as usual - sort term sell-offs = long term gain if you are up to it.

1. Auto industry - Japan's sales is more focussed outside and performing splendidly - take Toyota for example - they will go through this as they still have cash - lots of them

2. Nuclear & Uranium - Operators are worried about regulatory and political even monetary policies.

This is a normal case - If you all recall the BP/oil spill case which lead to more offshore drilling - then please do not worry.

I quote this from Motley fool website :

Southern Co. (NYSE: SO) and Exelon (NYSE: EXC) stand out as two intriguing names that have traded off a bit on the market's tumults. Exelon, in particular, has been hit hard and offers big upside. Exelon might be the largest nuclear power producer in the U.S., but about 1/3 of its power generating capacity comes from sources other than nuclear. For that matter, the company operates regulated utilities which offer very consistent cash flow and, frankly, have no real exposure to the drama you're seeing on television. Put it all together with a 5% dividend yield and a valuation that already assumes paltry growth, and you're looking at a bargain.


The Motley Fool are so cool that they also 'agree' to my answer :

Shrinking in uranium demand? No way. China and Russia will continue to create a long term demand growth!!

We have seen how Japan move up after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, after Kobe incident - so what would stop them from going up after this one? Because of there will be heavy spending - in the medium term - they will be UP!

I'm not a Japanese but I do know how the system works over there...so don't create more panic, do not listen to rumours.
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Menjawab soalan dari seorang rakan di luar negara mengenai impak pos-bencana di Jepun ke atas negara-negara ASEAN


Nik Zafri :

Terima kasih saudara kerana soalan berkenaan.

Secara ringkasnya :

KDNK Jepun akan menjadi perlahan tetapi hanyalah bersifat sementara tetapi saya pasti ianya akan 'pick-up' pertengahan 2011 kerana program pembinaan semula.

Walaupun terdapat laporan ketidaktentuan kerana reaktor nuklear, berpandukan pengalaman Hiroshima dan Nagasaki, mereka pasti akan berjaya dalam usaha membangunkan semula negara matahari terbit ini.

Terdapat suara-suara kebimbangan di kalangan negara ASEAN namun impak sebenarnya adalah sangat terhad kecuali sektor pengeluaran automotif dan elektronik.

Potensi KDNK ASEAN sangat tinggi kerana keupayaannya untuk melepasi tahap bahaya selepas krisis global yang bermula dari US (Sab-Prima) dahulu. Jadi saya berpendapat ASEAN akan dapat memproses impak bencana Jepun dengan baik serta merancang satu usaha untuk melepasi tahap ini pula. Kita sebenarnya bertuah kerana mempunyai ramai pemikir-pemikir strategik di negara-negara ASEAN.

Yang paling penting, kita mengawal perasaan supaya kita tidak panik. Kerana, andaikan kita gagal mengawal impak dengan baik, kita akan berhadapan dengan masalah baru iaitu inflasi kerana terdapat tanda-tanda kenaikan dalam kemasukan portfolio modal, kenaikan harga komoditi serta makanan. Negara-negara yang berpendapatan rendah akan pasti merasai kesan ini.

Seperti biasa, tugas mencari jalan bagi merendahkan kadar inflasi sekiranya ia berlaku bergantung kepada negara-negara ASEAN lain untuk merangka satu cara atau polisi yang strategik.Kenaikan komoditi secara berterusan mungkin akan menyebabkan situasi ketidaktentuan di masa hadapan.


Saya mendapat beberapa info dari rakan penganalisa barat yang rata-rata memberitahu saya bahawa ASEAN mempunyai potensi yang tinggi TERUTAMANYA Malaysia dan Singapura disebabkan situasi ketidaktentuan di Timur Tengah, Eropah, Korea dan kini di Jepun.

Oleh sebab kedudukan ini, Malaysia perlu memainkan peranan besar dalam ASEAN termasuk China.

Walaupun China akan menjadi kuasa ekonomi yang besar terutamanya pengekspot dan pengeluar, namun ianya akan bergantung kepada sokongan rakan-rakan ASEANnya. Di sini Malaysia boleh berkongsi pengalaman menerusi proses industrialisasi dan urbanisasi yang selama ini terbukti menjadikan Malaysia negara maju pada tahun 2020.

Lagi pun, Malaysia merupakan satu-satunya negara yang masih aman, maju dan makmur serta tidak mengalami apa-apa bencana alam yang besar seperti negara-negara lain di dunia. Alhamdulillah.

Wassalam - perlu diingatkan ini adalah pendapat peribadi berdasarkan kajian saya dan bukanlah mewakili mana-mana pihak.

As expected, there was some major changes in the price of Sern Kou Resources Berhad on Thursday, 10 March, 2011.

Although it has not reached the expected price (not yet) but it still has great potentials! Keep it coming guys!

The Star Metro
Home > Metro > Central
Thursday March 10, 2011

CAR ALARM WITH A DIFFERENCE

By CHRISTINA LOW
christinalow@thestar.com.my

Photos by ABDUL HALIM


EVERY TIME R. Ravindran goes out to a shopping mall with his family, one thing he will not forget to do is to send a text message to the four-wheeler, just to know it is safe.

He will then receive a reply in less than a minute informing him of the exact location of the car.

It may sound crazy but for Ravindran, the SMS is the best first-hand news he can get about his vehicle.

The 40-year-old, who is a trained chartered accountant, has a huge passion for security devices after working for a local manufacturer for close to 13 years.



High-tech: Ravindran with the locally made Immo-Com car security device.

During the stint, Ravindran said the company made power windows, car alarms, reverse sensors and central locking systems before supplying it to local car manufacturers.

“When I left the company in 2009 to start one of my own, the home alarm systems was one of our line of products,

“However coming from a car alarm system background, I have always wondered how I can integrate both home and car systems,” he said.

In the same year, he started a project to put together a car alarm system which he felt could be the answer to his problems.

“We have all kinds of security systems for cars in the market. Some are so loud when triggered off and no one knows if your car is being taken away or the system is faulty,” said Ravindran, who is the director of Secure Intellect Technology Sdn Bhd.

Often, no one bothers about it and the owner would probably end up being the last person to find out.

Explaining how the simple system works, Ravindran said: “When your alarm is triggered, the system which runs on a GPS and a phone SIM card would automatically send you a SMS informing you that the car’s alarm has been set off.

“Accompanying the message is the location of the car and also details informing if the car’s engine is switched on or otherwise,” he said.

If the thief stealing your car drives off with the car, the owner can continue sending SMSs to his car and would get replies informing him of its location.

He said he could opt to immobilise the car by typing ‘PW1234;IMMO=ON’ to the car’s phone number.

During the interview, Ravindran said any phone could activate the immobiliser of the car if they knew the password and phone number.

“You should not tell anyone the SIM card number and password.

“However, you can let two family members know the number and password so they too can be informed about the car when the alarm is triggered,” he said.

To demonstrate how the system works, Ravindran showed us the trick on a different cellphone, while driving.

The aim was to immobilise his car and hardly a minute after sending the short SMS, his car came to a halt.

He then sent another SMS ‘PW1234;IMMO=OFF’ and he could restart the engine without a glitch.

“This system is not only simple and easy to use but it informs the car owner directly and is also useful for the police to track the whereabouts of the car,” he said.

The locally produced Immo-Com device by Secure World is small enough to fit into the palm and is currently available at a promotional price of RM1,848 with one year warranty.

Installation takes about 90 minutes and the company has appointed dealers in various parts of the country such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Ravindran said the device could also be transferred to another car if one decided to change their vehicles.

For details on the product, call Ravindran at 019-232 2911 or visit www.sit2u.com.my.
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Nik Zafri :

I look into this article and immediately got so interested in it. I sms Mr. Ravindran expressing my interest to republish this article online. Soon, Mr. Ravindran himself returned my call, very nice chap. I told how impressed I am with this statement :

“We have all kinds of security systems for cars in the market. Some are so loud when triggered off and no one knows if your car is being taken away or the system is faulty,”

I hope soon, the system will be interfaced with the PDRM or JPJ so that it makes their job easier as well.


---------------------------------
I then visited the website and got hold of this :



Protect your vehicle and love ones with IMMO-COM. It gives you peace of mind, as your car is always with you wherever you go. It protects your car by communicating and immobilizing through these features:

* INFORM
You will be notify immediately when your car is tampered or break-in.

* STOP
Immobilize your car through your mobile phone wherever you are.

* STATUS
You can check the engine status of your car anytime, anywhere.

* LOCATE
You can track and locate your car through GPS System.




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Nik Zafri :

By the looks of it, I think it can go more than putting the car into a halt, it may also sound the horns, lock the door or probably loud voice alert "You are not an authorized user" followed by an alarm or perhaps automatic dial to PDRM or JPJ.

Kinda like "Knightrider" - I told Mr. Ravindran and he chuckled.

I hope soon, the system will be interfaced with the PDRM or JPJ so that it makes their job easier as well.

And the price is OK by Malaysian standards - I think lower than the current GPS mechanisms - it's worth to try..

KEADAAN DI MESIR

Soalan : Salam Encik Nik. Apa pendapat tuan mengenai krisis di Mesir dan apakah agaknya jalan penyelesaian yang sesuai? Selain itu, siapakah; dalam pendapat tuan akan menggantikan Presiden Husni. Bagaimana pula keadaan Eropah, Russia, Arab dan negara-negara Benua Asia. Saya minta maaf jika soalan ini terkeluar dari skop perbincangan Encik Nik.
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Saya bukanlah pakar atau penganalisa politik tetapi hanyalah seorang pemerhati. Jadi pendapat saya hanyalah pendapat yang umum :

Dari apa yang saya perhatikan, kita semua sudah jelas bahawa Presiden Husni Mubarak kini tidak ada jalan lain kecuali turun dari jawatannya. Kerana inilah isunya, rakyat Mesir sudah tidak mahukan Presiden Husni menjadi pemimpin mereka : Itu sahaja, beliau sudah tentu atau sepatutnya sudah memahami isyarat yang ditunjukkan oleh rakyatnya.

Dari maklumat yang saya perolehi, walaupun Presiden itu cuba untuk menggunakan ketenteraan, namun apa yang dilaporkan ialah sebahagian tenteranya sendiri telah menaruh simpati pula pada perjuangan rakyatnya. Ini sudah tentu satu suasana yang perlu lebih dibimbangi oleh Husni - kerana jika benar tenteranya sendiri menyokong perjuangan rakyat, maka dia perlu berundur kerana nadi kekuatan Presiden Husni adalah tenteranya.

Dari maklumat tambahan, saya dapat tahu bahawasanya sokongan rakyat telah mula menampakkan kecenderungan kepada dua orang tokoh penting Omar Sulaiman, Timbalan Presiden yang baru dilantik dan Muhammad Al-Baradi dari pihak pembangkang.

Omar; disebut-sebut; mampu menyelesaikan krisis Israel dan Palestin.

Tetapi Al-Baradi pula adalah seorang yang suka kepada pembangunan dan kemajuan.

Walaubagaimanapun, sesiapa jua yang dilantik kelak, sudah pasti perlu menumpukan masa sepenuhnya kepada pilihanraya umum (mungkin September kelak, jika krisis ini berjaya ditamatkan dalam masa beberapa hari ini) Ini penting kerana perlembagaan dan undang-undang peninggalan Presiden Husni perlu dipinda atas dasar desakan rakyat. Tetapi ada satu lagi beban yang sangat penting perlu ditangani oleh pentadbiran baru. Beban ini ialah Israel kerana sudah tentu hubungan Israel (dan Us) dan Mesir akan bergolak. Tidak kira Omar atau Muhammad, kedua-duanya; jika dilantik; perlu berawas dengan Israel.

Yang paling penting; pada pendapat saya; Presiden Barak Obama atau US tidak harus mencampuri urusan Mesir kerana krisis ini tidak akan berakhir jika US campurtangan. Mungkin negara-negara lain seperti Syria dan Jordan juga akan menjadi lebih panas.

Saya juga menjangka krisis ini mungkin akan mengganggu Eropah dan matawang Euro.

Kebetulan pula terdapat sedikit krisis di Russia di mana terdapat ura-ura menyatakan Vladimir Putin mungkin akan menjadi Presiden Russia.

Ura-ura juga ada menyatakan bahawa kuasa baru ekonomi Asia iaitu China mungkin akan mengambilalih Eropah dan ini tentunya akan menjadikan rantau Asia termasuk Malaysia tempat tumpuan pelaburan yang tinggi samada dari negara-negara Arab mahupun Eropah.

InsyaAllah

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 EVERYONE!

I had a few interviews of my own. Many told me that factors of environmental, global economics and marketing strategies have a lot to do with the 'lagging' of export of wooden furniture. (so they claim)

Agreed, they do have but minimal effect on the export but these factors are really prerequisites if you wish to be in the business circle - so you need to think of this before you join and while you're running the wooden furniture industry. It's just some of us wish not to admit that we are actually do not seriously take into account FOREIGN rulings.

So, the issue here is about how the factors of environment, economics and marketing strategies not only to comply with the Malaysian regulations but also to comply with foreign regulations as well. So, all these has nothing much to do or does not moderate the relationship between all export marketing strategy variables and export performance. But surprisingly when you see wooden industry having ISO certification esp. EMS ISO 14001 (or even ISO 9000) you'll be surprised to see how fast they have grown domestically and internationally.

Today I'm going to talk about one such company that I found magnificently striving to comply to these rules. It makes me wonder why are investors are not thinking long term but rather wanted to listen to gossips about logging and wooden furniture industry.

I do not work or having any relationship with this company but I have confidence that this company will perform in the next few weeks or who knows in few days time prior to CNY or immediately after...

Sern Kou Resources Berhad (SKRB) is a Malaysia-based company engaged in investment holding and provision of management services. The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in four segments: manufacturing, kiln-drying and lamination, logging and processing and others.

It subsidiaries are Sern Kou Furniture Industries Sdn. Bhd., which is a manufacturer of wooden furniture; S.K. Furniture Sdn. Bhd., which is engaged in the provision of spraying services to furniture manufacturer; Valued Products (M) Sdn. Bhd., which is engaged in manufacturing and processing all kinds of timber, wood and related products, and Souncern Timber Sdn. Bhd., which is engaged in the logging and processing of rubber wood and timber.


But I'm not going to touch too much on logging - only their finished product of wooden furniture which I am really impressed.

Led by highly experienced and robust personnel, I noticed the group operations has been generating strong positive cashflow despite the humbleness displayed by the Chairman via the Annual Report. I'm not surprised as I browse through their policies - they are very good! Based on my understanding, they are really dedicating themselves into the industry full time, well-aware and susceptible of what is happening around them.

My guess this group will become a potential performer soon. They practice cost control, product and market repositioning to place themselves back into the export market. It appears they have no fear on what is about to come - I'm certain, they know what I know.

Give it a shot fellas....support our local wooden industry. The products are much more better and cheaper. For those who are in Germany, I'm sure you've seen them at the IMM Cologne Germany (Koln) and I assume purchases have been made.

Look at these interesting items :

http://www.sernkou.com/index.html

http://www.fppsm.utm.my/download/doc_view/35-impact-of-environmental-factors-as-moderator-on-export-marketing-performance-in-wooden-furniture-ind.html