The Fifth Estate

I was reading Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat" (I know, I know... Quite a bit behind the times lah) abt the rise of blogging and independent online media, and how one of the practitioners of this new media channel was referring to the concept of a "fifth estate". I think we are all truly blessed to live in such times, when the blindingly-fast developments in technology and culture allow for greater freedom and independence. Truly amazing.

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Best Sushi Bar in KL?

I'm a sucker for Japanese food. Coincidentally, my fiancee loves Japanese food too. You can only imagine the amount of sushi that we consume, between the both of us.

Recently, we have been patronising Sushi Zanmai, a nice cosy sushi bar in The Gardens, Mid Valley. I don't know if it is the best sushi bar in KL, but it's probably right up there among the best...

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Terengganu Leads The Way...

... as the first state in Malaysia to launch a state-owned sovereign wealth fund: http://m.themalaysianinsider.com/articles.php?id=14081

One can only hope that the fund will be run as professionally as intended, so as to avoid the fate of the State Economic Development Corporations (SEDCs), many of which have performed poorly (with the minor exception of Johor and probably Selangor).

What I find particularly interesting is the fact that the proposal is driven by the Sultan of Terengganu, with the Sultan himself positioned as Chairman of the Board of Advisors. While this recent display of the royal imprimatur is understandable, and expected, given the current political climate in Malaysia, I cannot help but wonder if this assertion of royal influence is compatible with the public interest, the essence of which is expressed through the democratic process of empowering MPs and members of the State Assemblies with the responsibility of public stewardship.


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Purple is the New Red

It used to be that politicians would don red ties to signify power and vigour. Now it seems that Purple is the New Red.

Local Currency

Here's an interesting perspective from a local community in Milwaukee, USA, as the world grapples with the probable onset of a global recession: http://essenceofbalance.blogspot.com/2008/12/local-currency-in-milwaukee.html

Tak Gerun Beliung

I thought this was a very good commentary, and echoes my own sentiments over the role of muftis and religious scholars in the ongoing controversies over religion: http://m.themalaysianinsider.com/articles.php?id=13986.

I particularly like this pepatah: tak gerun beliung memandang kampas tersergam tinggi. How apt!

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MAS in the Spotlight

I find it impressive that MAS is now being acknowledged (by the good folks at McKinsey, no less!) as a successful turnaround story: http://e.mckinseyquarterly.com/W0RT00644A10C6EEB36302E9283360.

Kudos to Idris Jala for the excellent work, and for succeeding in rising above the muck that often stifles CEOs of GLCs. I often think of the job of a GLC CEO as a thankless task, but Idris Jala has certainly proven that with the right attitude and resolve, success can be achieved...

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Koobface!

For those active on social networking sites: beware! This nasty bug might bite yo ass: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/dec/09/facebook-virus-security-warning-koobface

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New York, New York!

Portrait of a truly global city: http://mobile.nytimes.com/article?a=267736&f=19.
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Hands-on Leadership

The incoming US Secretary of Commerce is really a hands-on kinda guy: http://mobile.nytimes.com/article?a=267720&f=77.

Reminds me of a certain Malaysian leader....
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The Obama Book Club

It is refreshing to see a President who displays a deep appreciation for history: http://mobile.nytimes.com/article?a=258513&f=59#top. What a change from the past eight years!

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