Your Customer is Your Wife

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EDITORArikrishnan [email protected]

WRITERSAnand NaiduDr Annantharajan PalaniandyDr Balakrishnan MuniapanGanesh Murugan Palani MurugappanPrasath KanagarasR Navaneetha KrishnanS Nagaraju SinniahThevi Sinnadurai

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SOURCE OF NEWS & ARTICLESBERNAMA / PTI / IHRB

EDITOR’S NOTE

If you're going to be successful, you've got

to love your b u s i n e s s - l o v e needs selfl essness and passion to

deliver promises beyond monetary value. Our editorial team explores “Your Customer Your Wife” on how building a customer relationship is similar to building a marriage where the business is the husband while the customer is the wife. Readers are encouraged to refer MIB Forum feedback given by professionals globally on the same subject.

As we step into the fi nal month of 2014, we continue our path of bringing more write-ups on Eastern Management and its application to current times. Our writer, Ganesh Murugan explores ancient Indian Wisdom from Thirukural while Dr. Bala, a researcher on Eastern Management shares with us Kautilya’s Aphorisms in Management . Our regular Business News page from Malaysia, Singapore and India joins our analysis of stunning Facts & Figures and Did you Know sections.

The year 2014 has been very challenging for Malaysian Indian Business Magazine as we try to evolve to meet customers’ requirements. The year saw lots of changes, including setting our prime focus into Eastern Management a great step forward. Changes in the editorial team was natural and unavoidable with support from Malaysia, India and Singapore. Kindly accept our sincere appreciation for all the support given to us that made us to be what we are now since our inception 5 years ago. Join us in celebrating the success on January 10, 2015 at Midlands Convention Centre, Shah Alam.

You are the boss- we want your feedback. Send it through our Facebook Page, Linkedin or send us an e-mail.

It's that time to spend with loved ones. Take Malaysian Indian Business Magazine along with you and share with others during your holidays. We wish all our readers A Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year.

ASK AND LEARN FROM DOMAINS

Chairman & Managing Editor

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles published are those of the authors and do not necesarily refl ect the views of MIB. While every reasonable care is taken in compiling this publication, MIB does not accept any liability whatsoever for possible errors, inaccuracies or omissions or the consequences thereof. The Publisher also accepts no liability in respect of the content of any advertisement in the magazine. All rights reserved. The reproduction, duplication, or republication of this magazine or any part thereof in any form whatsoever without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

CONTENT

04 LEADERSHIP

Leadership Lessons From The Bhagavad-Gita: Part 5

08 Malaysia Business News

12 ENTREPRENEUR

Solution Point Enterprise

14 EXCLUSIVE

Your Customer Is Your Wife

18 INVESTMENT

Overcome Your Fear In Stock Market Investment

20 Singapore Business News

22 QUOTES

Quotes from Piyush Gupta

24 LIFESTYLE

Working With Your Thoughts

27 HUMAN CAPITAL

Business Talk: “Let Your Performance Do The Talking”

28 ANCIENT WISDOM

Business Mantras: From Ancient Indian Wisdom Of Thirukkural

30 INFOGRAPHIC

Do Women Ask?

32 EVENT COVERAGE

Jobs Seeking Ends Here

34 FACTS AND FIGURES

Business News In Figure

36 MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Data Analysis Utilizing Microsot Excel - Part 2

40 EASTERN MANAGEMENT

Kautilya's Aphorisms In Management

44 Did You Know?

46 MEDIA COVERAGE

Commercial Park

50 Today I Learned

52 TRADEMARK

Using Trademarks To Boost Your Competitive Edge

54 EVENT COVERAGE

Congratulations: Agenda Suria Communication Earns Two Major Recognition

56 India Business News

58 BRAND

Building Brand Presence Through Headlines

60 ANCIENT MEDICINE

GOUT: No Longer Disease Of Kings

64 Forum

14 12

40

We all want to validate our lives; give meaning to what we do and who we are. In previous editions of this magazine we have seen how this process of

validation begins. It is activated by referring to implication and value, by tapping into the subconscious and by understanding WHY we are. This is referred to as ‘Anchoring’ a process by which instinct, tradition and memory are promoted.

Human development is the aim of Vedanta. There can be no spiritual development without the satisfaction of the aspirations of a person. Krishna - as a device of the ancients - understood this. He understood that the awakening of consciousness (‘Majesty’) can only take place through provoking sincerity of thoughts and actions, higher aspirations and behavioural decency. Otherwise, as Shri Aurobindo explains, we might develop all the powers of a demigod, merely to satisfy the

nature of an animal. That very precisely explains why some people are cultivated in the material sense, but lack subtle powers. They failed to anchor their experiences. No cultivation is truly potent where the practitioner is not properly anchored.

So what is cultivation? It is the second step in the ancient Indian process of leader-building. It is the planning, the production and the management of the skills and talents that unlock growth in a person. It does not exist on its own. It is dependent upon the process of anchoring. Why? Because one cultivates the skills and capacity that one has ‘anchored’. Having been properly anchored, we should now have a clear notion of the more worthwhile goals we should reach. We reach those by cultivation.

Anchoring Cultivation Majesty

Vedantic Management:Leadership Lessons from

the Bhagavad-GitaPart 5 - The Art of Cultivation

‘All work can be done if it is done according to dharma’ ~ Shri Aurobindo

04

| DECEMBER 2014

LEADERSHIP • by Anand Naidu

THE WAY OF ACTION

Cultivation involves many techniques. The fi rst method that Krishna refers to is called the Way of Action. There is signifi cance in Krishna deciding to refer to this method fi rst. Work is worship, and, to advance the quote by Shri Aurobindo above, if done properly, will lead to the welfare of the self. Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad-Gita is devoted to this method of cultivation because the ancients recognized that man is essentially a creature that produces, or is concerned with the effi ciencies of production. Remember, if you’ve been properly anchored, you will be duly guided by a vision of the proper goals of life. Again, Krishna brilliantly opens his logical argument:

Na hi kashchit kshanamapi jaatu tishthatyakarmakrit;Kaaryate hyavashah karma sarvah prakritijair gunaih.

� e truth is, no one can remain still for even a moment;Everyone is driven to act by his or her very nature,

helplessly at that.

Bhagavad-Gita 3:5

So indolence is not an option. Every person has no choice but to act, because our very nature drives us to act. The question then is; what is right action? Or, what kind of action leads to growth. Of course the science of management and the wisdom of the Vedas share the same goal in this respect, being the fulfi lment of the human potential. So Krishna begins with the proposition that, as we cannot help but act, we should study our actions closely.

Niyatam kuru karma twam karma jyaayo hyakarmanah;Shareerayaatraapi cha te na prasiddhyed akarmanah.

Do your duty, for acting is better than not acting;You could not even preserve your own body if not for acting.

Bhagavad-Gita 3:8

Remember discussing the effects of loyalizing a person to a cause in previous articles? Out of that is born the sense of duty. So the fi rst lesson in cultivation is to inculcate a sense of duty and follow it. It’s always simpler to perform a function if one feels that it’s one’s duty to do so. This is a simple and profound concept at the same time because there is no better guide to proper action. Krishna even lauds the value

of action by comparing its simple application with the work of the Creator:

Sahayajnaah prajaah srishtwaa purovaacha prajaapatih;Anena prasavishyadhwam esha vo’stvishtakaamadhuk.

Even the Creator, having made mankind together with sacri� ce,said “� is is how you will prosper, by this will your

desires be met”

Bhagavad-Gita 3:10

So, the infallible strategy here is to cultivate acting on one’s duty, a function that is altogether approved by Universe. The Bhagavad-Gita’s core message is concerned with how mankind is an instrument of the Creator’s plan. In order to be an effective actor, one should perform one’s duty. There can be no ambiguity or wrong action when your actions correlate to your duties. This is why successful people and positions have particular responsibilities and duties. It helps to determine the proper function of that person or position.

Krishna also talks of action and sacrifi ce as being part of a revolving wheel; action leads to more action and the benefi t of all. Performing your action dutifully results in the proper maintenance of the world:

Evam pravartitam chakram naanuvartayateeha yah;Aghaayur indriyaaraamo mogham paartha sa jeevati.

He who does follow the wheel as it revolves, who lives misguidedly,

lives in vain so long as he rejoices in the fruits of his senses.

Bhagavad-Gita 3:16

There is an interesting relationship between action, duty and attachment. In previous articles, we’ve discussed the idea that we should act but not be attached to the fruits of the action. In cultivating this principle, we fi nally understand how to do so. In this chapter, Krishna implores us to act dutifully, because in following one’s duty (or doing something for because one has a responsibility to do so) is an end in itself. It helps to distract one from other reasons for doing something. Duty overrides avarice for instance. It makes the business of ignoring the fruits on one’s action easier:

05

DECEMBER 2014 |

LEADERSHIP

Tasmaad asaktah satatam kaaryam karma samaachara;Asakto hyaacharan karma param aapnoti poorushah.

Doing what should be done can be done without attachmentHelping one to reach the Supreme.

Bhagavad-Gita 3:16

So, it’s easier to do something without attachment if that something is characterised as a duty. True enough, people do things dutifully without expecting material incentives. So dutiful action is proper action. What should action achieve then? Krishna answers that question too (a fi ne answer for the business world in fact):

Karmanaiva hi samsiddhim aasthitaa janakaadayah;Lokasangraham evaapi sampashyan kartum arhasi.

Seers attained majesty by action alone; and such action shouldhave as its aim, the goodness of others.

Bhagavad-Gita 3:20

Action should achieve the protection and goodness of others. This kind of action is commendable and, not to put too fi ne a point on it, profi table too. It is for this reason that Shri Aurobindo summarises the Bhagavad-Gita as a declaration where ‘a man by doing in the right way and in the right spirit the work dictated to him by his fundamental nature, temperament and capacity and according to his dharma can move towards the Divine’.

Development in any organisation is concerned with integrating its human capital with its ideas and vision. On the other hand,

that is no excuse to treat a person as one would a machine. A man does not simply produce (or not produce, if one heeded the words of George Orwell), but he is dynamically attuned to the world, making him (or her) capable of a great deal of achievements beyond the profane.

There is of course another reason why performing the right action is so important. Krishna reminds us that proper action becomes an example to others (reminding us of the training imperative). What we do, others follow:

Yadyad aacharati shreshthas tattadevetaro janah;Sa yat pramaanam kurute lokas tad anuvartate.

Whatever a great person does, others follow;Whatever standard he sets up, others strive to live up to.

Bhagavad-Gita 3:21

Action begets action. Whatever we do will be inevitably followed by others. As such, the Bhagavad-Gita declares that we should perform action dutifully and with the benefi t of others in mind. This action, if followed, will lead to the welfare of the whole organisation of mankind, business or social.

That ends this part of the art of cultivation. In the next article, we will explore further the way of action and the how-to’s of this ancient science of leader training.

Anand Naidu is a Malaysian-born barrister and law lecturer based in Melbourne. He is also the Deputy President of LawHelp Australia, a not-for-profi t legal advice bureau based in Melbourne. Anand has had a long association with the teachings of Hinduism and is currently preparing a series of seminars based on drawing leadership and management principles from Hindu teachings.

[email protected] +61 425 627 116

06

| DECEMBER 2014

LEADERSHIP

MALAYSIA'S BROADBAND PENETRATION IS HIGH WHILE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY COST IS STILL LOW

Malaysia's broadband penetration of 67.2 per cent recorded in first quarter this year is relatively high while the cost of Internet connectivity is still very low compared with neighbouring countries. An online survey that ranked

Malaysia at 126th place out of 192 countries in terms of average download speeds is therefore inaccurate and disputable as it omitted key factors such as broadband penetration rates, user broadband plans and market dynamics. The survey by Ookla, a website-based broadband speed testing and network diagnostic application, also ranked Malaysia behind Cambodia and Vietnam in the list. Telekom Malaysia Bhd, in a statement, said although Malaysia was reportedly said to have an average speed of 5.4Mbps, its broadband coverage and penetration surpassed most of its neighbouring countries. Thus, average speeds may be lower as we take into account nationwide reach and the type of broadband speed packages taken up, TM said. For instance, average speeds in one well-connected city but no access in rural areas may present a different picture, versus the Malaysian picture which has coverage nationwide.

WESTPORTS 3Q14 PROFIT AFTER TAX SURGES 33 PCT TO RM141 MLN

Westports Holdings Bhd's profit after tax surged 33.0 per cent to RM141 million in the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2014 compared to the same period a year ago. Its

operational revenue increased by 12.1 per cent to RM390 million from last year on robust growth from the container segment. The company also posted another record high in its container volume by handling 739,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in August 2014, erasing its last record of 719,000 TEUs in May, the company said in a statement. "For the nine months ended Sept 30, 2014, the company's profit after tax jumped 22.4 per cent to RM372 million attributable to the better-than-expected container throughput growth, termination of management service agreement and lower effective tax rate. "Its operational revenue improved 12.7 per cent to RM1.117 billion versus the same period a year ago," it added.

NAJIB CALLS ON GLICs, GLCs TO GRADUATE WITH 'DISTINCTION'

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called on all government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and government-linked companies (GLCs) to step up their

efforts to ensure that they graduate from the GLC Transformation Programme with 'distinction' next year. Addressing the 27th meeting of the Putrajaya Committee on GLC High Performance (PCG27) today, the Prime Minister stressed that having champions or iconic companies would help grow the country’s gross national income and propel Malaysia towards its 2020 objectives. The programme was launched in July 2005 with the objective of transforming GLCs into high-performing entities, with the target of having several GLCs emerging as regional champions by 2015. To signify the completion of the programme, a GLC Open Day will be held in 2015 to engage the public by showcasing achievements, sharing lessons learned and reporting the final outcomes of the 10-year programme. The meeting also deliberated on post graduation from the programme, asserting that the GLICs and GLCs needed to focus on the runway

08

| DECEMBER 2014

MALAYSIA BUSINESS NEWS

MATRADE ENCOURAGES MALAYSIAN EXPORTERS TO TAP CHINA'S MARKET

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is encouraging Malaysian exporters to tap China's market through the e-commerce platform. Matrade Trade

Commissioner in Shanghai, Mansor Shah Wahid said the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) indicates the country would have 380 million online shoppers by 2016. "The online business module will serve as an integral component of marketing and selling products. "China's online retail revenue reached over US$200 billion (RM648.5 billion) in 2012. Malaysian companies should leverage on Matrade's new initiative through the e-Trade programme with Alibaba to promote their products," he added. Mansor said Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, China's e-commerce giant which owns online shopping platforms, Tmall.com and its sister firm Taobao.com, controlled 80 per cent of the country's e-commerce market last year and sold more goods than eBay and Amazon combined. In China, online shopping penetration rates are highest in clothes, accessories, shoes and hats, the cases and bags categories, followed by cosmetics, personal care and household products.

CRADLE FUND TO INVEST IN 3-10 TECHNOLOGY START-UPS IN NEXT 2 YEARS

Cr a d l e F u n d Sdn Bhd has generated RM28 million through

combined co- investment exercises with five partners and intends to fund three to 10 Malaysian technology start-ups in the next two years, said Chief Executive Officer Nazrin Hassan. The agency signed co- invest ing agreements with four new companies -Fatfish Ventures Sdn Bhd, OSK Ventures International

Bhd, CoEnt Venture Partners Pte Ltd and Crystal Horse Investments Pte Ltd. Nazrin said the agreements would not only benefit the start-ups from getting possibly a larger amount of combined funding, but they would also receive more combined value-add, coming

from both the private parties and Cradle. "Given that we got our total allocation of RM30 million for next year, together with the amount of fund that we collected via the co-investment partners, we would be able to fund more local technology start-ups and to gradually reduce the dependence on government funding," he told a media briefing after the co-investment announcement. Lau Kin Wai, chief executive officer of one of the co-investing partners, Fatfish Ventures, said the company hoped to achieve between 10 and 20 per cent return on investment as soon as it got a company to invest in. Another partner, Patrick Yee, chief operating officer/executive director of OSK Ventures International, said today's partnership would enable the budding entrepreneurs to obtain funding and create companies that spurred the growth for the country. Cradle Fund has funded local companies including MyTeksi and Intelligent Money, its highest commercialisation rate at 59 per cent.

REHDA WANTS RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ZERO-RATED FROM GST

The Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (REHDA) has expressed hope that the government considers the association's recommendation that residential

property be zero-rated from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Its President Datuk Seri Fateh Iskandar Mohamed Mansor said the recommendation would allow developers to claim input tax from the building materials used in their developments. "In its current form, developers are not allowed to claim input tax and this will inevitably affect house pricing in the long run. "REHDA shares the same aspiration as the government in providing affordable housing to the people, so we truly hope that the government will take heed of our appeal," he said in his speech at the official opening of Wisma REHDA. "To competitively position the housing and property industry as an efficient value adding sector of the economy, we would like to propose that impractical and redundant policies, legislative provisions, guidelines and practices that inhibit progress be reviewed in total," he added. The introduction or amendments to any policies or regulations must be looked at in a holistic manner and must firstly consider the small and medium enterprise developers, who are the majority players in the country, he said.

MALAYSIA BUSINESS NEWS

DECEMBER 2014 |

09

SMALL CONSUMER APPLIANCES TO GROW BY 22 PERCENT GLOBALLY BY 2019

Volume sales of small electrical appliances has surpassed major appliances and are expected to grow by 22 percent globally by 2019. Global consumer interest has

turned towards small appliances such as air treatment and cooking appliances, and vacuum cleaners, a clear reflection on the huge demands for healthcare and life enhancing products. This was revealed by Market Research Company Euromonitor International on the new consumer appliances research for 2014 through a statement issued in Singapore. The statement said, light fryers that use a tiny amount of oil for frying have been the best performing appliances among consumers in 2014 with global growth exceeding 20 percent in volume terms. More than half of global sales of these products come from China, followed by France, Japan and Turkey.

MALAYSIAN ECONOMY EXPANDS BY 5.6 PCT IN Q3 2014

The Malaysian economy expanded by 5.6 per cent in the third quarter this year, higher than the 5.0 per cent achieved in the same quarter last year, driven by private sector demand, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).Meanwhile, gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the second quarter was revised higher to 6.5 per cent from 6.4 per cent previously. Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar

Aziz said positive growth rates were also recorded across all economic sectors for the third quarter. The construction sector recorded 9.6 per cent growth, followed by services sector (6.1 per cent), manufacturing (5.3 per cent), agriculture (4.0 per cent) and mining (1.4 per cent). "Private sector activity remained the key driver of growth during the quarter, with private consumption registering 6.7 per cent growth while public consumption recorded positive growth of 5.3 per cent," she told a media briefing on Malaysia's third quarter GDP performance. The inflation rate, as measured in the Consumer Price Index, averaged lower at 3.0 per cent in the third quarter, mainly attributed to the lower inflation in transport category, she said. Zeti said trade surplus narrowed to RM16.8 billion for the quarter under review from RM18.5 billion in the second quarter as gross exports grew at a slower pace of 1.5 per cent. On the ringgit, Zeti said, it was on an appreciating trend against most major and regional currencies during the earlier part of the quarter due to higher demand for Malaysian bonds. It, however, reversed its trend towards the end of the quarter due to external developments, in tandem with most other currencies, she said. She said for the whole of 2014, the central bank expected GDP growth to be between 5.5 per cent and 6.0 per cent. "We believe that having a growth of this range is a very strong growth, in view of the challenging environment. "Next year, we expect GDP growth of between 5.0 per cent and 6.0 per cent. "If there is a moderation in exports, the GDP will be closer to 5.0 per cent but if it were to improve, the GDP will be higher and closer to 6.0 per cent," she said.

10

| DECEMBER 2014

MALAYSIA BUSINESS NEWS

“We sell only what is displayed on our website, Social Media and Blog

by surpassing the expectations of customers. We always look forward to provide more options to our customers,” Belinda Joseph the boutique owner told Malaysian Indian Business during our recent interview.

MIB: Tell us more about your Boutique?

Solution Point is the foremost Ladies and Kids Boutique Clothing Retailer and Supplier in Malaysia. We pay utmost attention to our product quality, service and value by offering the latest trends in the industry.

Our dresses are a class apart and each dress is unique in its own way. We take

extra pains to bring the best from every part of India, to your doorstep.

Once a commitment is made and an order is accepted, you can rest in peace and await finest quality merchandise at unbeatable price without any compromise on quality or style. We constantly work to provide the best TRADITIONAL Indian and Western Dresses for all occasions. Our clothing is tailored in mesmerizing styles to enhance the feminine look and accentuate the appearance. Our motto remains 'Quality is the secret to luxury, Style is the key to fashion and Growth is the course to success'

MIB: How receptive and aware are Malaysian Indian business people towards product and services offered by you?

SOLUTION POINT ENTREPRISE, Johor is a reputable boutique that has made its mark in both online and offline market by maintaining consistent quality at a reasonable price to our customers. They aspire to make every woman aware of the latest trends and fashion of Indian Ethnic Wear.

QUALITY IS THE SECRET TO LUXURY, STYLE IS THE KEY TO FASHION &

GROWTH IS THE COURSE TO SUCCESS

SOLUTION POINT ENTREPRISE

12

| DECEMBER 2014

ENTREPRENEUR

More supportive, without their support we cannot grow our business, awareness among our people spreading online and offl ine. Since we deliver as promised by maintaining Quality and Service support from online business surge. Satisfi ed customers recommend their friends and relatives.

MIB: What makes you to involve in this business?

Our involvement is primarily due to the passion and love towards classy and wearable fashion. We are proud to contribute some of our expertise in developing our traditional dress with a modern touch.

MIB: Kindly share some background about family members and how important is their support for Entrepreneur like yourself?

We are a small family. My husband Sudamani Harikrishnan, my 2 years old son Eric Alfred and my parents. We cannot run business and achieve without strong support from family members. My husband supports me in our daily business operation while my parents take care of my son. This enables me to concentrate and run the business well.

MIB: Your views on availability of business opportunities in Malaysian and how are you able to assist our community?

We are giving opportunities to all, especially girls who are eager to earn extra income as our distributors with simple terms and conditions. Now, more and more single mothers are coming forward do business on a part time basis. They only need to take orders, we take care of the rest, including mailing out on their behalf.

MIB: How do you foresee the market need in Malaysia and region for the next 5 years and beyond?

Demand for high quality and reasonable priced clothing is high. We are in the process of upgrading our website to maximize business opportunities and enhance our services.

MIB: Your opinion on most important Qualities an Entrepreneur must pose?

We uphold our motto of “Quality is the secret to luxury, Style is the key to fashion and Growth is the course to success” and deliver what’s promised.

MIB: Did you offer any special discount and how do customers claim the offer?

Solution Point Enterprise carries massive inventory of classy, f a s h i o n a b l e , wearable and quality clothings both online and offl ine. All our products are sold 365 days at offer price without any compromise to end product quality. Visit our physical store, go online or call us to be amazed.

13

DECEMBER 2014 |

ENTREPRENEUR

Your customeris yourwife DAVID OGILVY,

who was known as the father of advertising, legendarily said,

“� e customer is not an idiot, she is your wife.”

| DECEMBER 2014

Building a customer relationship is similar to building a marriage where the business is the husband while the customer is the wife. Have you been faced with

a situation where you assumed your relationship with a customer was going strong, only to find out she’s has an eye on a competing vendor?You are an entrepreneur and you come back from a sales conference feeling less confident and betrayed that your customer switched from your product to another product same is like your wife is cheating on you with another guy. Why is that so, because what you give to your customer is not satisfactory? Same can be seen with the case of Qantas Airlines, it was one of the oldest and best airlines in Australia, but due to unsatisfactory measures taken by the company, customers soon switched to another airline. Why is that such companies do not bother what their customers want?

A company should wait till their customer affirm their relationship status. They will probably hear about it only after she’s taken her commerce somewhere else. Be practical and discover her true emotional state by enquiring what the customers value most. What should the business do to sustain the relationship? If the company is doing something good in achieving the goals of the customer, how can it improve in the service or the product. What kind of relation or approach the customers want to be with the business? How to make the customers realize that the business cares about them just like in a successful marital relationship?

Perhaps you’re unwilling to ask these queries since you’re frightened of your customers’ answers. After all, what if she says she isn’t pleased? What if she needs improvement, concessions and greater value? If those concerns or anything else are troubling your buyer, you must know it from her before she runs into the arms of the competition. So, grip adverse answers and answer them with thankfulness. Propose to encounter her requirements by inquiring for things in return.

Nike is one of the major brands in today’s world. They construed their customer relationships in direction to bring in revenue along with customer satisfaction. Nike practices on site value info in order to enhance customer relationship management. Ordering a product from Nike request you to

respond with your basic data such as your name, location and contact details. This info is used to track customer purchasing behaviours. There is a choice for the customer to obtain proposals from their email account. This is tracked in order to see the behaviours of the customer. Many Nike customers through their online portals and blogs can or may demand certain colors of a sneaker to be launched. Nike relationship with its customer is one of the best examples of customer satisfaction as it helps the customer to make changes to what Nike is offering, they feel their view is being noticed and act upon. Asking about the needs of the other half helps in maintaining a stronger relationship same as a husband ask the need of the wife. He can try to accomplish what better he could do in order to satisfy her need or to make her feel that she matters. Porsche is an example that

can be quoted here, where customers are free to customize their products according to their need wether it’s the colour of the car or the specifications. The customer always has a choice of changing or editing according to his needs.

There are many companies that are not building proper customer relationship and that is why in this technological environment, customers switch from one product or a service to another. Why is that so, when all the questions asked are directly related to customer satisfaction? Just like the relation of a husband and wife, businesses do

come to fault and it’s the sole responsibility of the business (husband) to understand that their service or quality leaves much to be desired. They don’t need to ask the customer those questions but just fix the problem first and fast. If they don’t, their competition will be happy to do it for them. If it’s improved pricing she wants, convince her to purchase to bigger volume. If she wants rapid turnaround, value those schemes at a margin so that she obtains the extra care and assurance.

Marital relations between a husband and a wife don’t always focus on needs, but make her feel that she is important; although he is busy but still he remembers her. The business perspective to a customer can easily be identified that the customer need and want is the sole responsibility of the firm but are all other firms doing that? So what makes this firm special for the customer? The answer lies in the incentives that a firm gives to their customers. Whether it’s a technological firm or a service or any other traditional firm,

Asking about the needs of the other half helps in maintaining a stronger relationship same as a

husband ask the need of the wife. He can try to

accomplish what better he could do in order to satisfy

her need or to make her feel that she matters.

15

DECEMBER 2014 |

EXCLUSIVE

either it’s a FMCG or it’s a government industry, customer always need an extra attention or incentive that makes them committed to the firm. Like Mc Donalds the world’s largest food chain, we knows that customer are satisfied not only with the product but with extra incentives like quality, service, environment and availabilities. Availability! Yes, for a strong marital relationship husband should always be available for his wife like the connection with the telecom sector. Millions of customers’ queries using cellular phones are dealt with just a call away. Many companies have centers so that customers could engage them directly like what DHL has done, available nearly everywhere in the world for quick response.

Communication is an interactive activity, so do it early and often with your wife and more often where businesses are concerned. Relationships have a low shelf life. No matter how delightful, excited or persuasive a product is, no one will remember the product or a service from a business card or one meeting. One of the major errors folks make is that they come home from networking events and fail to follow up. Businesses should make the connection instantly. They should send a nice-to-meet e-mail to let these new associates identify the business or a company knows them and figured out their need. Directly strengthen your relation and tell them who you are and what your company do? A company infrequently encounters individuals at the particular instant when they need what is offered. When they're ready, they think of your company, only if they stopover on their minds. It's mandatory to keep a link sincere than to be earnest once the

track goes unfriendly. Take the time to establish your network of connections and educate you customers. Communication is one of the strongest channels that help the company to track needs, demands and market trend.

A marriage is a state where the individuals are mature enough to enter or leave at any time. But what makes them stay for a longer time or a life time? The concept that points towards the free competition in the market is that buyers and sellers have choices. Be familiar with the market prices, quality and nature of the product or service. Customers are now mature enough to seek this out. To make them stay longer one should use different strategies in retaining loyal customer. Once an iPhone user always an iPhone user, this is due to the quality and features of the product that manufacturer provides with the smart phone. In this changing technological environment, buyers have the choice to move towards any given market of cellphones but iPhone remains the choice of brand loyal customers and for some , a luxury brand in many countries. This is because the image that has been set by the company with its quality, the extra features and the access of apps. It became life easier for them from buying that product or a service related to its usage.

Various touch points are there of one’s wife. The same phenomena are applied in a business model where a customer has different touch point. Like for Coke, teenagers now days have too much information and to build such a fresh relationship with them needs a lot of work. So what Coke does? Advertise. The advertisements that Coke did in past

16

| DECEMBER 2014

EXCLUSIVE

few years in different regions is unmatchable in attracting many new young customers and linking them daily. But where does advertisement relates to the marital life? How a customer is like your wife with respect to advertisement? The expression of love and being available is what advertisement all about. A wife needs to know how much a husband loves her and cherish her by its actions it’s like valentine to a wife. And that is exactly what Coke did to its customers, made them realize that we are like a family and we love you and offer you things you want.

There are times when a wife is mad at something, a fault that husband did. But to feel sorry on that fault, husband try to make her feel happy. So that a long lasting relationship is confirmed. A discontented Starbucks customer called in to the firm's corporate offices after a mix-up with a New Jersey outlet's barista. In its place of only giving him a

reimbursement, the customer service representative told the customer that they wanted to "make him whole, and give him an experience nothing short of fantastic." They quickly filled his rewards card with $50 of stock credit. This is a way of a world’s biggest MNC say sorry and not only this; major multinational corporations in the world do this in order to retain their customers for a longer time.

To maintain a healthy relationship with a wife, the husband should always engage them with something that when he is not around, she doesn’t miss a thing about him and crave about him more than ever. But how to engage your wife when you are not always around? In the present social age, it is not only imaginable, but extremely easy and low-cost for business to engage with customers and work regardless of physical location and other obstacles. Cheers to social networking technology, business has a chance to involve customer in real-time at every phase of product planning, production and distribution in order to lessen risks and bring value to customers.

Like a marriage, a business association is always dual , so don’t be frightened to ask what you can do to improve the relationship. The answer to the age old question, can this corporate relationship be saved? It has a much better chance of being yes. In a much shorter and brief scenario, when a customer (Wife) purchases any service (Marries) from the Company or the Sales person (Husband). The whole thing goes well throughout early days (Guarantee and Warranty period). But unexpectedly the purchaser comes up roaring to the organization and asks either money back or termination of service (Files for Divorce). The wife gets annoyed with her husband fails delivering capacities and promises made and marriage breakdowns on a bad note. So that’s why, be loyal to your wife. It’s not one time promise you discuss but an enduring relationship. Business need to love their customers 24/7 and 365 days or else they have many choices open.

17

DECEMBER 2014 |

EXCLUSIVE

OVERCOME YOUR FEAR IN STOCK MARKET INVESTMENT

Many people have wrong ideas about the stock market. They believe that to invest in the stock market they need to be either very rich, be investment traders or

fi nancial experts. This is not so.

Investing is just money generating more money, therefore, anybody with suffi cient knowledge about the market and a goal to increase one’s fi nancial riches can invest in the stock market. In fact, you can start investing with a very low capital. It is a known fact that investing in stocks is one of the most profi table of investments.

EDUCATE YOURSELF WITH THE BASICS OF STOCK MARKET

FEAR keeps people away from investing in the stock market. Lack of knowledge and exposure in the stock market investment have caused many to shy away and lag behind in the stock market investment; hence, missing out on the opportunities to expand their riches. Just master the basics. You don’t have to know too much to invest, successfully.

WHAT IS ‘SHARE’

‘Share’ is business. Let’s say, you start a business with a partner and invest an equal amount of investment. Both partners will hold an equal share of 50% each and become shareholders in the company.

Thereafter, business grows steadily and a huge amount of capital would be needed for an expansion plan. The ideal way would be to sell your share to the public, and get your company listed in Stock Exchange. Now, the public who purchases your company shares would automatically become shareholders.

WHAT IS STOCK MARKET

The stock market represents companies for public investors to buy and sell shares. Through this, investor will become the company shareholder and enjoy potential gain from value and dividend. Likewise, companies will have an option to access capital. Stock market investment is very personalized and interesting if we are equipped with enough knowledge and information. You can have your own mind and make your own investment decision, wisely.

BURSA MALAYSIA STOCK EXCHANGE

In Malaysia the stock exchange is known as Bursa Malaysia Stock Exchange. It is a regulated and organized market avenue where buying and selling of shares are actively traded. There are two types of market where companies go listing; Main Market and ACE Market. Main Market is for established companies with strong track records, whereas, the ACE Market is for emerging companies.

PRIMARY MARKET

When a new company intent to go for listing in Stock Exchange, they will issue new shares to the public known as Initial Public Offering (IPO). This is primary market because the proceeds of sales of shares will go to the company.

SECONDARY MARKET

Upon listing, the shares tradable in Bursa Malaysia Stock Exchange are known as secondary market. All listed shares will be traded daily during market hours in Bursa Malaysia

| DECEMBER 2014

INVESTMENT • by S. Nagaraju Sinniah 18

S. Nagaraju Sinniah has 15 years of trading experience in Malaysian Stock Market. He can be reached at

[email protected]

STOCK EXCHANGE

Type of shares available is Ordinary Shares and Preference Shares. Ordinary Share is when you purchase a share, you own a share of the company. As a shareholder you are entitled for dividend and have voting rights during Annual General Meeting. Preference Share refers to prefered shareholders where you receive dividend earlier than Ordinary Shareholders, but without voting rights during Annual General Meeting.

FEAR OF INVESTING IN STOCK MARKET

Stock Market investment is easy to understand if one is willing to learn. Everybody gets excited on share investment and investing with a hope that they will make money. Their hope would be shattered if their investment had given negative returns.

The simple rule to make money in stock market investment is BUY LOW and SELL HIGH. It seems very easy to understand and follow but many fail to tune in to this simple rule. We often make wrong decisions. There are many reasons why Stock Investment creates fear in many. Firstly, many don’t have basic knowledge and understanding about the stock market. In present situation, many would rather find easy ways to make money and invest without taking any effort to learn. Investing without knowledge is a sure road to disaster.

Secondly, without knowledge, fear of losing money is always there. We would not know whether we had invested in right stock, or whether our timing was right.

Thirdly, many investments are based on rumours and hearsays, hence, failing to get the facts right. Investing without market discipline and reliable information can provoke one to react emotionally. Investing in stocks is proven to be a profitable one but looking back and re-anchoring its basic philosophy is vital.

HOW TO TRADE IN STOCK MARKET

To trade (buy and sell) in the stock market, you need to: 1. Engage a Remisier or a Dealer Representative who is

attached to any Stock Broking Company reporting to Bursa Malaysia Stock Exchange.

2. Open a Central Depository System (CDS) Account and Trading Account.

Now, you can start your investment in stock market. You can either do normal trading or online trading. Normal trading is done through Remisier whereas Online trading is done by you.

Two most important analyses of stock market are Technical Analysis and Fundamental Analysis. As an investor, it is very important to know these analyses before investing. Basically, Technical Analysis is to track stock price movement based on historical price where charts and graphs are used to identify the trend.

Meanwhile, Fundamental Analysis is based on economic growth, fiscal policies, financial statement, company analysis and industrial analysis.

Investing in Bursa Malaysia will allow you to buy and sell your preferred stock any time during the market hours. Additionally, to monitor your investment, Bursa Malaysia provides sophisticated monitoring system. Moreover, the transaction cost is much cheaper compared to other types of investment. Eventually, you will become a wise investor and able to manage your investment portfolio, effectively.

Just remember these – don’t let fear hold you back from your full potential to make money, and when you have finally decided to invest in the stock market, use money from your own saving and don’t borrow money from others. Start small, be patient and learn slowly with much discipline.

HAPPY INVESTING!!!

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DECEMBER 2014 |

INVESTMENT

| DECEMBER 2014

20

21

FAST FACTS • Mr. Piyush Gupta is Chief Executive Offi cer and Executive

Director of DBS Group Holdings Ltd with assets of approximately USD 300 billion.

• Gupta was CEO of Citibank for South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

• Gupta was named “Best CEO, Asia Pacifi c” by The Asian Banker and “Best CEO, Singapore” by Asiamoney and The Business Times.

• DBS was named “Bank of the Year, Asia” in 2012 by The Banker, “Best Bank, Asia-Pacifi c” in 2014 by Global Finance, and "Safest Bank in Asia" from 2009 to 2014 also by Global Finance.

• Managing Council member of the Indian Business leaders Roundtable under the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA).

QUOTES22

| DECEMBER 2014

I have a “four I” framework.

i. Individual accountability. You should not pass the buck. Frankly,

it’s quite easy to say, “I did my share and somebody else didn’t,” but true

leaders really take accountability.

ii. Initiative. I call it “outbox management.” People spend their time on the in-box,

reacting to things coming to them, but true leaders have the knack of spending half of their

time creating their own agenda. Don’t just be responsive to third-party agendas.

iii. Innovation. You have to drive change, otherwise you stagnate. You must have some lateral thinking out

of the box.

iv. Inspiration. You have to be able to take people with you, from your shareholders and board to people working

around you.

Our agenda is to hire a range of different types of

people. Design people, innovation people,

people from industry–to weave them into the fabric of creating this

new model of banking

We think thereis a reasonable chance

that in the world of tomorrow or the next fi ve years you could

build out a retail banking franchise

purely based on digital

So the notion of making an incremental

investment is to see how we can think

outside-in. We have to think: ‘How can we

behave like a tech company?’

Structurally, we’ve changed the bank so

it’s a lot more customer activity driven and a lot more annuity

transactional fl ow driven. We’ve become a much bigger fl ow player than

just a large lending player

There’s noquestion that wealth creation in Asia is faster and bigger

than it’s ever been anywhere in the

world

In any new positionyou come in to, you’ve got to listen. I call it my 100-day rule, where I spend

the fi rst 100 days listening and fi guring it out. You learn about the history, the context of how they

were doing things

on digital

The most important

learning years of your life are not behind you but

just a head you

weave them into the fabric of creating this

QUOTESfrom

Piyush Gupta

QUOTES 23

DECEMBER 2014 |

KEY PRINCIPLES

• Our thoughts infl uence the way we feel and behave in any given situation.

• Our interpretation of a situation is infl uenced by the beliefs we hold about ourselves, other people and the world around us.

Working With Your ThoughtsLet us look at this diagram for a better understanding:

THOUGHTS

• I cannot chair this meeting

• I am not good• Everyone will think

I am stupid

FEELINGS

• Anxious• Upset• Embarassed

BEHAVIOUR

• Avoid meeting my boss

• Avoid attending other meetings

PHYSICAL SENSATION

• Difficult to concentrate

• Heart beats faster• Becoming sweaty

Early/Past Experience

Current SituationI get a call from my Boss.He wanted me to chair an important meeting

24

| DECEMBER 2014

LIFESTYLE • by Thevi Sinnadurai

The chart above is of Sharon. Her situation is chairing a meeting at work. Her thoughts, behaviour, physical symptoms and emotions are all influenced by each

other. She thinks that “everyone will think that I am stupid”, which contributes to her feeling upset, embarrassed, as well as making her heart beat faster and becoming sweaty. She finds it difficult to concentrate as well. As a result of this, she now actively avoids going to any meetings. This can cause Sharon to feel even more anxious and embarrassed and strengthens her negative thoughts.

If Sharon thought she was able to chair the meeting, and did not avoid future meetings, this can then help create a more balanced emotion and to manage anxiety.

TYPES OF NEGATIVE THINKING

• ALL-OR-NOTHING THINKING - “I have to do things perfectly, because anything less than perfect is a failure.”

• DISQUALIFYING THE POSITIVES - “Nothing goes my way. I don’t like my life. It feels like one disappointment after another.” A variation is being overly judgmental: “Things aren’t like they used to be. The world is falling apart. People aren’t nice any more. I don’t like what I see around me.”

• NEGATIVE SELF-LABELLING - “I feel like a failure. I'm flawed. If people knew the real me, they wouldn't like me.”

• CATASTROPHIZING - “If something is going to happen, it'll probably be the worst case scenario.”

• MIND READING - “I can tell people don't like me because of the way they behave.”

• SHOULD STATEMENTS - “People should be fair. If I'm nice to them, they should be nice back.”

• EXCESSIVE NEED FOR APPROVAL - “I can only be happy if people like me. If someone is upset, it's probably my fault.”

• DISQUALIFYING THE PRESENT - “I'll relax later. But first I have to rush to finish this.”

• DWELLING ON PAIN - “If I dwell on why I’m unhappy and think about what went wrong, maybe I’ll feel better.” Alternately, “if I worry enough about my problem, maybe I will feel better.”

• PESSIMISM - “Life is a struggle. I don’t think we are meant to be happy. I don’t trust people who are happy. If something good happens in my life, I usually have to pay for it with something bad.”

Exercise

# Thought Record Template

Example

1. THE SITUATION

Briefly describe the situation you would like to have handled better. This will help you remember it later if you want to review your notes.

“I made a mistake at work. I felt anxious and embarrassed. I was reminded of past failures.”

2. INITIAL THOUGHT

What thought first popped into your mind? This was probably a subconscious or automatic thought that you have had before.

“I feel like a failure. If people knew the real me, they wouldn't like me.”

3. NEGATIVE THINKING

Identify the negative thinking behind your initial thought. Choose one or more from the list of common types of negative thinking.

“This is self-labelling and disqualifying the positives.”

4. SOURCE OF NEGATIVE BELIEF

Can you trace your thinking back to a situation or person? Is there a deep belief or fear driving your thinking? Search your heart.

“I can hear the voice of my parent saying that I’m a failure and that I’ll never amount to anything.”

25

DECEMBER 2014 |

LIFESTYLE

Thevi Sinnadurai is a Practitioner in Clinical Hypnosis, Practitioner in Cognitive Behaviour Hypnotherapy, NS-NLP Master Practitioner, Certifi ed Law Of Attraction Trainer and Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner (EFT). She can be reached at:

[email protected]

5. CHALLENGE YOUR THINKING

Look at the evidence both for and against your thinking. Have you been in a similar situation before? What did you learn from it? What strengths do you bring to this situation? Make sure you see the whole picture.

“I'm hard on myself. I don't always succeed, but I do sometimes. People have complimented me on my work. I feel overwhelmed when I try to be perfect.”

6. CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES

What are the short-term and long-term consequences if you continue to think like this? Look at the physical, psychological, professional, and emotional consequences.

“I'm damaging my self-esteem. If I continue to think like this, my negativity will affect my relationships and possibly my health. I'll become exhausted.”

7. ALTERNATIVE THINKING

The previous steps of the thought record helped you understand your thinking and lower your defences. Now that you've considered the facts, write down a healthier way of thinking.

“I don't have to succeed at everything. I can learn from my mistakes. I’m not a failure. I want to get rid of this negative thinking. I'm being hard on myself.”

8. POSITIVE BELIEF AND AFFIRMATION

Write down a statement that refl ects your healthier beliefs. Find something that you can repeat to yourself.

“A mistake is not failure. I am successful in many ways.”

9. ACTION PLAN

What action can you take to support your new thinking?

“The next time I make a mistake, I won't dwell on the negatives. Instead I will focus on what I can learn from my mistake. I will remind myself of my past successes.”

10. IMPROVEMENT

Do you feel slightly better or more optimistic? This step reinforces the idea that if you change your thinking, you will change your mood. Gradually over time, your thinking and life will begin to improve.

If you write a thought record every day for a few weeks, you will begin to change your thinking. You'll spot your negative thinking quickly and let it go. You will come up with better alternatives. You will practice your healthier way of thinking and incorporate it into your life.

THE STEP THOUGHT RECORD AND CHANGE

The step thought record illustrated above is designed to produce fast and long-lasting change because it is based on the steps of self-change.

• Identify what you need to change• Let it go• Learn healthier coping skills and thinking• Incorporate these changes into your life

Steps 1-6 are about identifying what you need to change and letting it go. Steps 7-10 are about developing healthier thinking and incorporating it into your life.

Doing this well takes some patience and practice, but if you stick with it you will be very pleasantly surprised at the results you can get.

For a more complete guide to cognitive therapy refer to the book "I Want to Change My Life" by Dr. Steven M. Melemis.

26

| DECEMBER 2014

LIFESTYLE

IIn this competitive business environment most business persons

have to put in much effort to convince their potential customers.

In the process, most will claim and talk ‘big’ and in many occasions fake themselves for whom they are not. Frankly, this habit will only do more harm to their reputation and personality rather than any good.

Why you have to fake yourself?

Many have no confidence in themselves or are inexperienced in their field. As such, in order to secure business they have to fake their capabilities and achievements. Some even are daring enough to fake the performance reports and statistics. Just imagine if the client finds out the truth someday, it will be ‘terribly’ embarrassing.

Most times, those who fake their talent and capabilities will only survive a short span of time in business relationships as the client will start questioning when the desired results cannot be produced.

Even when facts are twisted and turned, it cannot stand long. As a result, the reputation of the business person is tarnished and the word will be spread in the market.

In a business relationship, integrity is an important element. If a person is found to be untrustworthy and incompetent, he will not be trusted by his clients and the future of his business is doomed.

It is best at times to just share with your clients as to your true capacity and capability. Many clients would appreciate your honesty and forge a business relationship.

Ask for more time to deliver the desired results rather than promising them the ‘sky’ and the ‘moon’ whilst presentation and only deliver ‘peanuts’ in the end.

Have discussions with your clients from time to time and make them understand the challenges you are undergoing. Don’t keep it to yourself and when the dateline is due and you are unable to deliver, you come out with 101 excuses.

Never throw the ball to the client’s court and say that the delay was due to their own fault. This habit is totally unacceptable.

As opportunity is given, give it your best and fulfill your client’s demand. The success of this opportunity will open doors for many other business options.

Remember in business “fake it and make it” often backfires. Take note and don’t throw sand into your own rice bowl.

Honesty is the best policy and let your performance do the talking.

Kumareswaran Sinayah,LLB (Hons) London, GDMIIManaging Director ofKuala Lumpur Post

[email protected]

Business Talk: “Let your

performance do the talking”

HUMAN CAPITAL 27

DECEMBER 2014 |

SEEK EXPERT GUIDANCE

The present business world is becoming more complex and new strategies comes every month to make us more stressful as we need to be at the competitive

edge.In this world of changing economic scenario let us take some time to look back into the ancient wisdom of human values.

Now, ask yourself a question, what will you do when your eyes get stressed? Yes, just glance through some green patches and the blue sky. When you are stressed with more and more business concepts, take a deep... breath... and lets travel 2000 years back and see the ancient wisdom in business management where the concepts were wisely told and the meaning is deeper.

Thirukkural said to be the second highest translated book after the Bible, it has been translated into more than 37 languages.

France has been displaying “Kurals” in buses and trains in their own language. Could you imagine now the vital stuff in these couplets.

Thiruvalluvar is a celebrated ancient Tamil poet born on the Southern India. Thiruvalluvar is thought to have lived sometime between the 1st century BC and the 8th century AD. He is the author of the famous ancient work “Thirukkural” which was written 2000 years ago and it covers all major human virtues. Thirukkural comprises 1330 Couplets in 133 Chapters with 10 couplets per chapter.

The fascinating thing is how this great poet was able to encapsulate deep business concepts in a couplet of 7 words. We can see the pure wisdom in his writings.

Here in couplet 677 he explains about “Seeking on expert guidance before starting a project or a business”

ANCIENT WISDOM • by Ganesh Murugan

Business Mantras From Ancient Indian Wisdom of ThiruKKural

28

| DECEMBER 2014

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR: MIND-SET

In current era of online businesses and high-end technologies in hand, young entrepreneurs have different views on business which they intend to start. With inexperienced perception of the market and insufficient domain knowledge, they jump into the race, so the result follows within a few months of in business is …

• Insufficient cash flow

• High overhead expenses

• No proper business & marketing plans

• No loan re-payment

So many businesses die young in the jungle of business when they didn’t get enough guidance-nourishment for growth.

Business can’t run if they depend only on glossy offices and attractive websites. Yes, off course website is an essential tool on today’s business strategy but what we are talking here is how a young business men and women can start succeeding in the early stages of business and how they could avoid costly-mistakes.

According to the wise poet and his couplet:677

This great poet very clearly predicted 2000 years back that, before starting any new task or a project or a business, which we have no prior experience in that area, we have to seek expert guidance, i.e. to ask and learn from the experienced people who already have that domain knowledge and

expertise. Once you have that information and guidance then the chance of the success is high and you could avoid many pitfalls which you might encounter in the path of success. Then we can blend our own ideas and creativity to make it more proficient.

We should seek expert guidance in starting a new career, new business or change of business and many more things to mitigate risk and improved success ratio.

People who could help you in this scenario are :

• Business Coach

• Consultants

• Trustable Friends or Relatives

The more clarity you have on the task which you encounter, the higher is your rate of success, mitigate the risk that come along the way. Let’s get guidance and do great! We can learn plenty of great insights from Thirukkural for all aspects of our life to lead a successful business. Will meet you with another awesome couplet !

ANCIENT WISDOM

Complied by Ganesh Murugan, MBA,IIT (PMP), PhD (Perusing) Business Analyst, Solution Architect and CEO of eSolutions Webbers Sdn Bhd

: [email protected]

Skype : esolutions_ganesh

: ganesh murugan

29

DECEMBER 2014 |

DO WOMEN ASK?

| DECEMBER 2014

INFOGRAPHIC30

60%

Malaysian in opinion women are afraid then men, in corporate world

N e v e r t h e l e s s , 8 0 % of respondents that participated agreed

that women capable for getting work done much easier than man. A 40% of 102 respondents to an online survey conducted by Malaysian Indian Business Magazine says that Malaysian Indian women afraid in putting forward their views.

The survey participated mainly by business owners , professionals and senior management also found that 50% of discussion making process delayed when women cries during negotiations.

31

DECEMBER 2014 |

INFOGRAPHIC

Jobsuria in collaboration with International University of Malaya-Wales hosted Mini Career, Education Fair and Seminar titled

“Jobs Seeking Ends Here” at Kuala Lumpur recently. According to Mr. Ramesh Rao Guruguloo, CEO of Jobsuria Sdn Bhd the Free public event & seminar for people and Mini Career & Education Fair was solely organised to create a great platform benefi tting the jobs seeking community, as well as the potential Employers who is seeking their right talents.

The event was offi ciated by Y. Bhg. Prof Dato’ Dr. Abdul Razak Bin Abdul , Chairman, Board of Directors Human Resource Development Fund [HRDF]. Also present Y. Bhg. Senator Puan Bathmavathi Krishnan and Prof Dr. Hamzah Bin Abdul Rahman, President, International University of Malaya Wales.

JOB SEEKING ENDS HERE

32

| DECEMBER 2014

EVENT COVERAGE

Y. Bhg. Prof Dato’ Dr. Abdul Razak Bin Abdul , Chairman, Board of Directors Human Resource Development Fund [HRDF]

33

DECEMBER 2014 |

EVENT COVERAGE

RM402 MILLION CONTRACTPembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn Bhd, has secured a RM402 million contract from Sunrise Pioneer Sdn Bhd, a member of the UEM Sunrise Group, to execute and complete the main building and external works of two condominium blocks at Mont' Kiara. The contract is expected to be completed by Aug 2, 2017, Mitrajaya Holdings said.

RM430 MILLION HANDICRAFT SALES Malaysian new and quality local handicraft products have succeeded in increasing sales to exceed the year's target of RM430 million. Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the value of local handicraft sales jumped drastically to RM426.8 by September. The government has told all tourist agents nationwide to only bring tourists to shops and boutiques which sell genuine batik and songket, he added.

US$1.7 TRILLION Euromonitor International forecasted that internet retailing to increase by 15 percent compound annual growth rate [CAGR] to reach US$1.7 trillion by 2019, making multichannel operations key for all retailers looking for growth. An online retailing is set to generate a third of all new retail sales, driven by strong growth in both emerging and developed markets. Amazon and Alibaba are the only online retailers in the top 15 global retail rankings. Whereas, Mobile Internet retailing would account for 32 percent of Internet retailing sales compared to 18 percent in 2014.

200,000 GST REGISTRANTRoyal Malaysian Customs Department said in the statement it is confi dent there would be about 200,000 companies GST-registered by year-end. As of Nov 4, 2014 122,719 companies have registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The department said the latest data showed a continuing rise in the number of companies registering for the GST, with the Dec 31 deadline.

40% WASTEWATER INTO SEAAt least 40 percent of the Middle East’s wastewater is discharged into the sea when the Treated Sewage Effl uent [TSE] could be stored in aquifers and reused for more water-effi cient purposes, Arcadis said in a report. In the region, 40 percent to 60 percent of TSE is wasted, the Dutch designer of water-treatment projects, infrastructure, bridges and dikes wrote in an aquifer recharge report by Titia De Mes and Philip Bourne.

34

| DECEMBER 2014

FACTS AND FIGURES

20% INCREASECoca-Cola Bottlers (M) Sdn Bhd (CCBM) expects its new production line to boost capacity by 20 per cent, or 750 bottles a minute. Chief executive offi cer, Stephen James Lusk, said the plant currently had fi ve lines producing about 43,000 cases daily. Lusk said the new line would be used to bottle Coca-Cola, Sprite, A&W, Fanta and Dasani drinking water. Currently, it bottles Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, A&W, Schweppes, Heaven and Earth, Minute Maid Pulpy and Dasani drinking water for the Malaysian market.

U$1.89 BILLION FOR PLANESHong Kong billionaire Li Ka-Shing buying 35 planes from companies including General Electric Co.’s aviation services unit to enter aircraft leasing at US$1.89 Billion. Li,

Asia’s richest man, is entering the plane-leasing market as increasing urbanization and a growing middle class is fueling a surge in travel demand across the world’s most populous continent. “The aircraft leasing business will generate long-term steady income for the group,” Li’s Cheung Kong Holding Ltd. said in fi ling to authority.

S$801 SPENT MORE The average expenditure of the poorest 10 per cent of households in Singapore exceeded their average income by S$801 a month, according to the Household Expenditure Survey 2012/13. About 55 per cent of their income was derived from work, while the remaining 45 per cent was from non-work income sources such as investment income and regular transfers from the Government," Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang.

RM100 MILLION VENTURE CAPITAL FUND

Axiata Group Bhd and M a l a y s i a Venture Capital Management Bhd (MAVCAP) is establishing a RM100 million venture capital

fund, the Axiata Digital Innovation Fund (ADIF), to spur innovation and growth of Malaysia’s digital ecosystem and nurture regional champions. President and group CEO Datuk Seri Jamaludin Ibrahim said Axiata and MAVCAP will commit RM20 millon each, for phase one, with the remaining to be raised from other principal investors. Jamaludin said the company and MAVCAP is in talks with several companies currently, to identify the potential investors to the fund.

U S $ 2 9 . 5 B I L L I O N REVENUE

With global revenues of US$29.5 billion and a profi t of US$1.76 billion in 2013, Haier is the world's largest home appliance provider by market share. Euromonitor International, named Haier the number one major home appliances brand globally in terms of market share every year for the last fi ve years. In 2012 the Boston Consulting Group named Haier as one of the ten most innovative companies in the world.

35

DECEMBER 2014 |

FACTS AND FIGURES

UNDERSTANDING DATA ANALYSIS

In the last article, the process of data analysis in terms of selecting the lowest two quotations from various vendors; and analyzing sales data were shown. In

this article, we will probe the data further to gather other meaningful information.

ANALYZING SALES DATA USING EXCEL FUNCTIONS

Let us assume you have the following sales fi gures by Region for the various customers. Figures are compilation of total sales amount on a quarterly basis.

Data Analysis Utilizing MS Excel

Part 2

36

| DECEMBER 2014

MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE • by Palani Murugappan

Based on the above data, let us look at what type of analysis that can be done. For example, when a sales manager looks at the above data, he/she may want to look at how many blank cells (representing zero sales) are there. This can be achieved by using the COUNTBLANK function in Excel with the following results:

The results above indicates that there are 3, 2, 1, and 0 blank cells based on the Quarters 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively.

Next, expanding on the COUNTBLANK function, how would the sales manager determine which Regions have zero sales based on above? Here, the Excel function COUNTIFS is used to determine the total number of blank cells based on Regions as follows:

Based on the above data, the sales manager may now want to do an analysis by Region and by Quarter. This can be summarized and simplifi ed as follows:

The Total column results matches that in point 2 calculated previously. Note that all calculations are performed using built-in functions of Excel; nothing is done by manual selection of cells.

Next, let us perform the calculation of Total Sales by Region. Here, the Excel function SUMIF is used to select a specifi c region from all of the regions and perform the calculations accordingly. The tabulated Total Sales are as follows:

Based on the above Total Sales fi gures, a pie chart is created to depict the segments based on percentage of sales amount as follows.

Moving on, by probing the Total Sales more in detail, a sample table by Region and Quarters can be created as follows. The calculations are based on using the SUMIF function once again.

37

DECEMBER 2014 |

MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

The above data can be represented by a 3-D column chart as below:

The data above can be summarized further by analyzing which Quarter produced the highest Sales as follows. This is done utilizing the Nested IF function in Excel together with the function MAX.

Once again, the data of highest sales can be depicted using an exploded pie chart as illustrated below.

As in the previous article, the feature called Conditional Formatting is used to highlight the highest sales by Region in red as illustrated.

What can one conclude from the above? For the general person, it seems obvious that the salesmen are going “all out” to gather the most amount of sales in the fi nal Quarter 4 (with the exception of Quarter 2).

In the next example, you shall be shown a “different” aspect of data anlysis by using the feature called Pivot Table.

ANALYZING SALES DATA USING PIVOT TABLE

Another quicker way of gathering information by performing data analysis is using the Pivot Table. A pivot table can be invoked by highlighting the entire data (with the header) and clicking on the Pivot Table command button within the Insert tab. By dragging and dropping the relevant fi elds in specifi c areas, a summary of the above data is represented as below

Note that the Region is presented based on ascending order. This is the default option when pivot table is invoked. The fi rst column of data is presented in an ascending manner.

To give the pivot table a fancy look, one can apply the Conditional Formatting Data Bars option as illustrated.

38

| DECEMBER 2014

MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Besides the option of Data bars, the user can also select the Icon Sets option within Conditional Formatting. An example of Icon Set is applied and displayed below.

The Icon Sets can be set based specific conditions where the three colors i.e. green, yellow and red are displayed based on conditions satisfied e.g. Sales Amount greater than 1000 in green.

Based on the compiled data within the Pivot Table, a Pivot Chart can be created as in the illustration.

Note that based on the chart above, one can filter the chart to display values between 500 to 1000 only for Quarter 1 as in the dialog box option below.

This then alters the appearance of the chart to display the columns in Quarter 1 with values between selected range only.

Palani MurugappanHaving been a corporate trainer for the last 14 years, Palani specializes in training participants how best to perform data analysis from company’s raw data and concluding from the information gathered by harnessing Excel’s built-in functions and features. A HRDF certified trainer and author of 51 books to-date on various software applications, Palani is passionate

on what Excel can do, and how best to present data in different formats.More information is covered in his website. He can be reached at:

[email protected]

www.avimursolutions.com

39

DECEMBER 2014 |

MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

The theories and concepts of modern management from the west have dominated management literatures over the last two centuries. This dominance is largely due to the colonization and

the widespread use of English language. However, a careful analysis of many of the western management theories and concepts reveals that it has been in practice in Asian countries especially in India and also in China for centuries although these practices however were not in the context organizational management but in the context of state or political governance.

Management is culture specifi c for a management system, to be effective; it has to be rooted in the cultural soil of the country and community where it is to be practiced. Many communities and countries in the world are now trying to discover and explore their own system of management. In the Malaysian context, the previous Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi attempted to promote an approach called Islam Hadhari or civilization Islam, in which management was also included. The exploration of the Asian context of management for

Kautilya’s Aphorisms in Management

Management is culture specific for a management system, to be effective; it has to be rooted in the cultural soil of the country and community where it is to be practiced.

the widespread use of English language. However, a careful analysis of many of the western management theories and concepts reveals that it has been in practice in Asian countries especially in India and also in China for centuries although these practices however were not in the context organizational management but in the context of state or political governance.

Management is culture specifi c for a management system, to be effective; it has to be rooted in the cultural soil of the country and community where it is to be practiced. Many communities and countries in the world are now trying to discover and explore their own system of management. In the Malaysian context, the previous Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi attempted to promote an approach called Islam Hadhari or civilization Islam, in which management was Islam Hadhari or civilization Islam, in which management was Islam Hadharialso included. The exploration of the Asian context of management for

the widespread use of English language. of many of the western management theories and concepts reveals that it has been in practice in Asian countries especially in India and also in China for centuries although these practices however were not in the context organizational management but in

the widespread use of English language. of many of the western management theories and concepts reveals that it has been in practice in Asian countries especially in India and also in China for centuries although these practices

The theories and concepts of modern management from the west have dominated management literatures over the last two centuries. This dominance is largely due to the colonization and

Kautilya’s Aphorisms in Management

Management is culture specific for a management system, to be effective; it has to be rooted in the cultural soil of the country and community where it is to be practiced.

Kautilya’s Aphorisms in Management

Management is culture specific for a management system, to be effective; it has to be rooted in the cultural soil of the country and community where it is to be practiced.

T

Kautilya’s Aphorisms in Management

Management is culture specific for a management system, to be effective; it has to be rooted in the cultural soil of the country and community where it is to be practiced.

T

EASTERN MANAGEMENT • by Dr Balan40

| DECEMBER 2014

managers began with wider understanding of Japanese management three decades ago. The discussion and the studies on the Chinese management are also growing in recent years especially based on the literatures on Confucianism and Sun Tzu Art of War. Today, the Sun Tzu’s Art of War and the teaching of Confucius and is used widely in the management and several studies have been conducted to integrate Confucianism in human resource management and the war strategies of Sun Tzu in the context of strategic management.

We should also note that besides China, a large part of tradition in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Singapore drive from Confucian heritage. Similarly the Indian management also has a strong tradition which continues to sustain the interpersonal world in Indian organizations worldwide.

The Indian civilization, with recorded history of more than 5000 years is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and the contribution of India and Indians to this world is enormous in various fi elds of knowledge. Several ancient Indian classics such as the Valmiki Ramayana, the Mahabharata (includes the Bhagavad-Gita), the Puranas, etc offers several management lessons which can be useful even in the modern context. Many of these literatures are more than 5000 years ago and were written in Sanskrit. In this article the Arthashastra by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), originally written in Sanskrit is analyzed in the context of organizational management.

The Arthashastra (4th Century B.C) is treatise on political economy which was written by Kautilya in the ancient India. Kautilya was the prime minister and adviser for Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, who

was the contemporary of Alexander the Great. Kautilya’s Arthashastra is often compared

to Machiavelli’s The Prince (15th century A.D), with which it shares many common philosophical

and practical views. The Kautilya’s Arthashastra deals with different aspects management which includes strategic management, fi nancial management, accounting, human resource management, corporate governance, social responsibility, etc. Kautilya analyses the entire management issues in following ways and lets look at it from the contemporary organizational management: - Why do you have to do business? To generate wealth (artha) and to earn profi ts. For what purpose wealth and profi ts are generated? To share the wealth and profi ts earned among the shareholders. Why? Wealth and profi ts makes the shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, distributors and also the government happy.

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EASTERN MANAGEMENT

However Kautilya stated that happiness is obtained not by wealth and profi t only but by doing things rightly and doing right things (sukhasya mulam dharma). Dharma without wealth according to Kautilya is toothless (dharmasya mulam artha), and wealth without dharma is useless because a poor person cannot support the entire society.

The Indian culture has always emphasized that sukhasya mulam dharma and dharmasya mulam artha taken together – namely wealth does not lead to directly happiness. Happiness for self and others results through ethical behavior: wealth or resources make ethical behavior possible. This also means that one must strive to generate wealth – resources, money – share it equitably to create happiness for oneself and others. Such generation of wealth must also be through ethical means, which alone would lead to overall happiness. Kautilya further stated to generate wealth you require an enterprise or an organization or an asset (arthasya mulam rajyam). He then stated the support for organization is the organs (rajyasya mulam indriyajayah), the functions, processes, activities, etc. The victory over organs of the body, which is the literal meaning of the word indiyajayah, is a well-known concept in the Indian culture and this refers to the control over the fi ve organ of sense (eyes, ears, tongue, nose, and skin), an on fi ve organs of action (hands, feet, mouth, genitals, and anus). Conquering the body organs are manifested through control over the six enemies of the mind – desires (kama), anger (krodha),

greed (lobha), arrogance (mada), infatuation (moha), envy (matsara). The Tamil Poet Kannadasan also made the reference to the above similar enemies in his Aandavan Kattalai when he wrote leaders who are possessed by lust, greed and anger are animals in human form, while men with love, mercy and compassion are gods in human forms (aasai kobam kalavu kolbavan pesa therindha mirugam; anbu nanri karunai kondavan manidha vadivil dheivam).

Therefore, only the governor or CEO who has conquered the organs of his body would be able to put the goals of the organization fi rst, especially when in confl ict with

self-interest.

Kautilya maintained that a leader (king) should have no self-interest, happiness and joy for himself, his satisfaction lies in the welfare (happiness) of his people, i.e. he has to submerge his personality into the larger personality of his people. Kautilya states in the happiness of his subject lies the happiness of the king; and in their welfare lies his welfare. He shall not consider as good only that which pleases him but treat as benefi cial to him, whatever pleases his subjects (Prajasukhe sukham rajnah Prajanam cha hite hitam; Natmapriyam

hitam rajnah Prajanam tu priyam hitam) or the welfare of the many and the happiness

of the many (Bahujana sukhaya bahujana hitayacha).

In fact, this concept of the happiness of the many need integrated into the area of corporate management as the basic principle.This wisdom is also refl ected two

Dharma withoutwealth is toothless,

and wealth without dharma is useless because a poor person cannot support the

entire society~ Kautilya.

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| DECEMBER 2014

EASTERN MANAGEMENT

thousand years ago by Thiruvalluvar in Tamil Nadu who spelt out in 1,330 verses of Thirukkural the three purusharthas of existence, dharma, artha and kama.

In the chapter on artha, like Kautilya’s Arthashastra, he also dealt with the characteristics of a well-run administration or shall we say the ethics of good administration. For instance, when talking about the responsibility of a king, Thiruvalluvar says: “the king who administers justice and protects his people will be considered of divine quality” (Murai saithu kapatrum mannavan makkalkku iraiyentru vaikkapadum).

The same advice can also be found in Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, wherein the public interest (welfare) is to be accorded precedence over his (leader’s) interest. A leader (king) should, without doubt, look upon the subjects as his children. In determining their disputes, however, he should not show compassion. In performance of his duties he is enjoined to be impartial. In the ancient India, the leader (king) is often compared to the rain clouds, which bestow benefi t, through rain (actions), to all and sundry, equally.

Thus the Kautilyan principle of management takes an inside-out approach to management, which is self management fi rst before management of every other thing. The manager needs to be trained to discipline the self by cultivating humility, and following the ethical path (dharma) and this is also consistent with other Eastern management philosophy such as Confucianism in the Chinese context.

Dr Balakrishnan Muniapan is a specialist in HRM at WOU and at PRAXIS SYNERGY, Penang. He facilitates management and leadership workshops in Vedanta, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Dr Bala can be contacted at

0134301411 [email protected]

thousand years ago by Thiruvalluvar in Tamil Nadu who spelt out in 1,330 verses of Thirukkural the three purusharthas of existence, dharma, artha and kama.

Arthashastra, he also dealt with the characteristics of a well-run administration or shall we say the ethics of good administration. For instance, when talking about the responsibility of a king, Thiruvalluvar says: “the king who administers justice and protects his

Murai saithu kapatrum mannavan makkalkku iraiyentru vaikkapadum).

Shanti Parva of the Shanti Parva of the Shanti Parva, wherein the public interest (welfare) is to be

accorded precedence over his (leader’s) interest. A leader (king) should, without doubt, look upon the subjects as his children. In determining their disputes, however, he should not show compassion. In performance of his duties he is enjoined to be impartial. In the ancient India, the leader (king) is often compared to the rain clouds, which bestow benefi t, through rain (actions), to all and sundry, equally.

Thus the Kautilyan principle of management takes an inside-is self management

fi rst before management of every other thing. The manager needs to be trained to discipline the self by cultivating humility, and following the ethical path (dharma) and this is also consistent with other Eastern management philosophy such as Confucianism in the Chinese context.

AboveMauryan Defensive Tower

LeftRing stone with four goddesses and four date palms, Mauryan period (ca. 323–185 B.C.), 3rd–2nd century B.C. India

43

DECEMBER 2014 |

EASTERN MANAGEMENT

CM VIGNAESVARAN A/L JEYANDRANCM Vignaesvaran or better known as Vicks is the Chief Executive Officer of Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad. He has 17 years of experience in various positions and industries in the corporate world ranging from the construction industry, power, telecommunications and manufacturing. He holds a Bachelor in Business Administration Degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

CHANDRAN RAMA MUTHYChandran Rama Muthy is the Chief Executive Officer of Malindo Airways Sdn Bhd. Prior to this appointment he was personal assistant executive to the president director of Lion Air. He Holds Master in Science (Computing) from the Robert Gordon University, United Kingdom.

AUGUSTUS RALPH MARSHALLAugustus Ralph Marshall Director of Maxis Bhd since 7 August 2009. He has more than 30 years of experience in financial and general management. He is an executive director of Usaha Tegas Sdn. Bhd. ,the executive deputy chairman and group chief executive officer of Astro Holdings Sdn. Bhd. and an executive director of Tanjong Public Limited Company, in which UTSB has significant interests. He also serves as a non-executive director on the boards of several other companies in which UTSB also has significant interests such as Maxis Communications Berhad). In addition, he is a director in an independent non-executive capacity and the chairman of the audit committee of KLCC Property Holdings Berhad and a non-executive director of MEASAT Global Berhad.

DATUK P. KASI A/L K.L. PALANIAPPAN Datuk P. Kasi A/L K.L. Palaniappan is currently the Director of MK Land Holdings Bhd. He started his career as an Assistant Architect in 1980 and since 1982, he served as Lecturer in Architecture at the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and later in 1985 began private practice on his own as an Architect. He has more than 27 years of working experience in various capacities in the building and property industry. He received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Award in 2002 in the Master Entrepreneur Category. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture and is a Registered Architect with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia.

TAN SRI DATO’ DR. JEGATHESAN A/L N .M. VASAGAM @ MANIKAVASAGAMTan Sri Dato’ Dr. Jegathesan is the Director of CCM Duopharma Biotech Bhd . He began his career serving in numerous government departments in the Ministry of Health, culminating in the position of Deputy Director General (Research and Technical Support) from 1994 until 1998. Then served as Medical Advisor to the UNDP affiliated Council for Health Research for Development in Geneva from 1998 to 2000, thereafter as CEO of Sistem Hospital Awasan Taraf until 2003. He currently holds positions as Consultant Pathologist, BP Healthcare Group, Consultant Microbiologist and Head, Laboratory, Sunway Hospital and Pro-Chancellor, University Sains Malaysia. His other crowning achievements were when he was a participant in the Asian Games in Jakarta in 1962, where he was the first Malaysian to win a gold medal at the Asian Games, repeating the feat at the next Games in 1966 and was dubbed the “fastest man in Asia.” He was also Malaysia’s first Sportsman of the Year in 1966. On the medical front, he was the joint winner of the National Science Award in 1995.

DATUK SUBRAMANIAM THOLASY Datuk Subramaniam Tholasy is Director of GST Division, Royal Malaysian Customs Department. Mr. HeTholasy holds a B.Sc. Hons degree in Nuclear Science from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and an MBA from University of New Hampshire United States. He has been with the Royal Malaysian Customs for more than 27 years and has served various divisions such as Sales Tax, Service Tax, Account Inspection, Import, Valuation, Post Clearance Audit, Enforcement and GST.

44 DID YOU KNOW

| DECEMBER 2014

SELANGOR COMMERCIALPARKSAN INTRODUCTION

PULAU INDAH : CENTRE FOR ECO-TOURISM, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

Pulau Indah in Selangor house of one of the world’s largest container port Westports promises convenient and complete facilities for Industrial and Commercial. The 300 acres (1 hectare = 2.47 acres) Selangor Halal Hub is situated within the 3,296 acres of Pulau Indah Industrial Park. Nestled within the vicinity of Pulau Indah are well established golf courses, well known shopping malls, sandy beach and importantly it’s well connected through two major highways namely South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS).

During a media brief, Mr Mahmud Abbas, Chief Executive Officer of Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd told that their aim is to establish a complete Halal Eco System including certification, Halal logistics, Halal payment and market access to players within the Halal development park. In 1994 the Selangor State Government established Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd to develop 14,000 acres of mangrove swamp into a bustling Industrial park.

Currently Pulau Indah hosts full-scale factories such as Federal Flour Mill, F&N, Scientex Berhad, PMB Spectrum, Mewah Oil, Oleon, Central Sugar, Kontena Nasional, MOFAZ, a number of government agencies including the Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Marine Department Malaysia, and integrated logistics service providers which include halal logistic, freight management, transportation, warehousing and project cargo management.

45

DECEMBER 2014 |

EVENT COVERAGE

PORT KLANG FREE ZONE (PKFZ) YOUR ACCESS TO SOUTH EAST ASIA

Malaysia’s First and only fully integrated free commercial and Industrial Zone, 1000 acres of Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) is a gold mine for international cargo distribution and consolidation centre. PKFZ invites investors to either own or lease :

1. 4 blocks of 8 storey modern office buildings with total build up area of 640,000 sq. ft with centralized air conditioning system and 1, 500 car park lots

2. 512 Pre-Built Light Industrial Units with tenancy of 1 to 3 years complete with 3 phase electricity supply

3. Serviced Land Plots4. 640 acres of Prepared Land (open Land) with lease

ranging 10 to 30 years with an option for renewal

The gazette Free Zone, PKFZ is complete with a vast range of facilities and amenities:

1. Customs centre and other government agency 2. Food Courts 3. 24 hours security4. Ample parking for cars and lorries5. Easy access to medical facilities, bank, fire station and

port office

The PKFZ offers various investment incentives to investors such as tax exemptions on most products and services, subsidies, allowing wholly foreign owned enterprises, free repatriation of capital and profits and incentives for research and development, training and export.

46

| DECEMBER 2014

MEDIA COVERAGE

SELANGOR SCIENCE PARK 2: MALAYSIA’S FIRST SOLAR VALLEY Selangor Science Park 2(SSP2), adjacent to Cyberjaya is a solar city in making. Perbadanan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PKNS) jointly with Q Cell a manufacturer of solar panels, plan to create the first solar valley in Malaysia, located strategically next to ELITE-Putrajaya interchange.

The SSP2 comprises 1,300 acres of prime commercial and industrial development just 15 minutes away from KLIA.

The SSP2 boasts serviced apartment blocks named Vega Residenci in three block of 18 storey each, affordable housing, high tech industries from bio technology, pharmaceuticals and advanced electronics manufacturing facilities.

These are complemented by a Korean International school, an International Islamic Montessori, locally recognised University with R & D facilities. The industries will gain pioneer status when set up here. SSP2 expects to generate in excess of RM10billion to the national GDP in next 5 years.

47

DECEMBER 2014 |

MEDIA COVERAGE

ACCELERATING CYBERJAYA AS GLOBAL ICT LEADER

Cyberview Sdn Bhd, a company entrusted by the government of Malaysia to spearhead the development of Cyberjaya plans to transform it into a global ICT Leader . The new blueprint comprising a new Cyberjaya City Centre with a gross development value of the RM9 billion expected to be completed in the next eight to 15 years. An area measuring approximately 141 acres (15 contiguous parcels of Commercial and Enterprise land) has been earmarked as the site for the Cyberjaya City Centre.

The objective of new mandate is to go beyond ICT in terms of technologies focus with intent to:

1. Spur the creation of high technology jobs2. Promote Cyberjaya as preferred investment hub for

technology companies3. Reaffirm existing position as a premier location for ICT

related companies

Cyberjaya is to focus on

The development will also include affordable housing with PR1MA houses, a 500-bed public hospital, a new mosque and also a “400m walkalator” connecting Cyberjaya to the proposed MRT link at Putrajaya Sentral.

ICT Information Security Creative content Mobile internet Cloud computing Big data analytics

NON - ICT Green Technology Bio Technology Wearable Technology Smart Grid Technology

48

| DECEMBER 2014

MEDIA COVERAGE

TODAY I LEARNED

HENRY FORD - Never Give UpHenry Ford paid heavily to the success he had achieved. The entire motor industry had lost faith in Henry Ford, but he was not deterred. He found another investor to start the Ford Motor Company, and the rest is history.

MAhATMA GANDHI - Don’t hold grudges“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” People with high emotional intelligence focus on solutions and they rarely hold a grudge. They understand prolong negative emotions creates stress that hinders performance.

AKIO MORITA - Perfection not PriorityAkio Morita and Masaru Ibuka developed a rice cooker after world war II. The cooker was awful but it either burned rice or undercooked it. This didn’t dissuade them from their dream of selling household products. After several other false starts, they began selling portable transistor radios.

7 THINGs SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE NEVER DO

| DECEMBER 2014

50

TODAY I LEARNED

OPRAH WINFREY - Never Surround with Negative People Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher. Negative people fails to focus on solutions and complains all the time. They are Toxic. Think of it this way: If a person were smoking, would you sit there inhaling the second-hand smoke? You’d distance yourself, and you should do the same with complainers.”

Richard Branson - Past is History Richard Branson undoubtedly a successful entrepreneur with ventures including Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Music and Virgin Active. However, when he was 16 he dropped out of school to start a student magazine that didn't do as well as he hoped. He then set up a mail-order record business which did so well that he opened his own record shop called Virgin. Along the way to success came many other failed ventures including Virgin Cola, Virgin Vodka, Virgin Clothes, Virgin Vie, Virgin cards, etc as he learns from past and keep moving forward.

BILL GATES - YES Don’t Come EasilyOften you have to rely on intuition. Successful people don’t beat around the bush. They are typically direct to say ‘no’ to a new commitment to honour existing commitments.

Winston Churchill - Never HAD Golden SpoonThe twice elected Prime Minster of the United Kingdom wasn’t always as well regarded as he is today. Churchill struggled in school and failed the sixth grade. The Nobel prize winner faced many years of political failures, as he was defeated in every election for public offi ce until he fi nally became the Prime Minister at the ripe old age of 62.

DECEMBER 2014 |

51

Trademarks indicate the source of a product or service to a customer. That, in a nutshell, is the primary function of a trademark. In today’s business world,

trademarks have come to play a very important role. Think about it – how is a manufacturer of products to attract the attention of a customer whose attention is clamoured for by hundreds of similar products that he faces every day? If, for example, you manufacture a special formulation of body lotion or shampoo, what makes the customers choose your product over the dozens of brands of lotions and shampoos on the supermarket shelves? Is it the price, the packaging, the quality of the product, or some other factor? No doubt all of these factors play a role in the selection process but the brand (trademark) plays a vital role, arguably the most significant one.

The manufacturer or service provider needs to select a trademark for his product or service that, ideally, should be distinctive, easy to recall by customers, easy to pronounce and should not be descriptive of the product or service to which the trademark is associated. In practice, manufacturers and service providers tend to choose trademarks that are descriptive, for instance, Orenjus for orange juice, Yummy Chicken Rice for a chicken rice shop, Spring Water for mineral water, and so on. This tendency is completely understandable as the manufacturer or service provider prefers to have customers know what their product or service is about.

Using Trademarks to Boost Your Competitive Edge

52

| DECEMBER 2014

TRADEMARKS

Unfortunately, although such descriptive marks assist the manufacturer or service provider on the marketing front, such marks are difficult to register and other traders (i.e., competitors) are likely to use similar marks to refer to their business, thus diverting your customers to their business.

A mark should preferably be invented – a word that does not exist in the dictionary. Take for instance, the mark ESSO® for petroleum, SONY® for cameras and KODAK® for imaging and photography supplies. These marks are meaningless marks, coined by the manufacturers of the products. The public would not have known what ESSO®, SONY® and KODAK® products were in the beginning when the products were first launched. In such cases, the manufacturer can adopt a tagline to describe the products. For example, the mark ESSO® is accompanied by the tagline “Put a tiger in your tank”. The tagline immediately informs the public that the product the mark ESSO® applies to is petrol. Such invented words are easy to register as a trademark, reduces the cost of registration and makes it easier for you to take action against anyone who adopts your trademark for his/her products or services. Using invented words together with a tagline is a good approach to “educate” your customers on what products or services the trademark refers to.

Trademarks are not only used on manufactured goods but also on natural products such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, meat and such. Malaysians are familiar with branded oranges, apples and grapes, but are they familiar with branded local fruits? Are any of the Malaysian tropical fruits trademarked? Can you recall any brand? Is there a known Malaysian brand for rambutans, durians or mangosteens? A clever farmer or farmer’s organisation would do well to trademark their products. This enables customers to ask for a particular brand of fruits, just like asking for SUNKIST® oranges or WASHINGTON® apples. Established trademarks assure the customer of consistency in the quality of the product during repeat purchases at different times and at different outlets. This is why established trademarks are referred to as “trustmarks” as it has garnered the trust of customers. But to maintain the trust, the manufacturer has to ensure that the quality of the product is maintained at all times so that a customer comes to accept or trust the branded goods through repeated purchase of the product.

For a customer to feel proud of the product he is purchasing, the product must be attractively and distinctively packed. It is advisable to engage professional design consultants to assist with the design of the packaging and label put on the product or the container in which the product is contained. Just compare how potato chips are packaged and how homemade tapioca

chips are packaged. It pays to have professionally designed packaging. Furthermore, if the packaging is original, it would enjoy copyright protection as well. As to what is copyright, how SMEs use copyright in their businesses and what can be protected under copyright law, we will visit that in another article.

Note: The trademarks in this article belong to their respective owners. KASS does not claim any proprietary right whatsoever; they are used solely for educational purposes.

P. Kandiah is the Founder and Director of KASS International, an established intellectual property firm with offices in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Mr. Kandiah has vast experience in obtaining patents, trademarks and industrial design rights on a global scale, and also specializes in identifying patentable inventions, designing around patented technology, and advising on the commercialization of IP Rights, franchising and licensing strategies. For more information,

visit www.kass.com.my or

drop an to [email protected]

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TRADEMARKS

AGENDA SURIA COMMUNICATION EARNS TWO MAJOR RECOGNITION Well known event organizer, Agenda Suria

Communication Sdn Bhd earns two major recognitions within a month. The organizer of

the Global Indian Festival, Deepavali Carnival and many other shopping festivals successfully gained entry into the Malaysia Book of Records in two categories:

1. Longest Running Outdoor Festive Carnival2. Largest Outdoor Festive Carnival

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Malaysian in support of The United Nation (UN) Global Compact presented Socially Responsible Company Awards 2014 to Agenda Suria Communication Sdn Bhd. The award Industry Class Sector in Event Management was to recognize and honour corporations that have executed highly successful and impactful Corporate Social Responsibility activities within or outside their boundaries.

The Management of Malaysian Indian Business Magazine on behalf of its readers extend our Congratulations to The Board of Directors, Managament, Staffs and all those who worked tirelessly earning this success.

COMMUNICATION EARNS

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EVENT COVERAGE

SBI'S BHATTACHARYA MOST POWERFUL INDIAN WOMAN IN BUSINESS: FORTUNE

Arundhati Bhattacharya, the chairperson of State Bank of India (SBI), has been named as the most powerful woman in business in India by Fortune magazine. ICICI

Bank's Chanda Kochhar and Shikha Sharma of Axis Bank follow Ms Bhattacharya at the second and the third places, respectively. In the Fortune India list of 50 most powerful businesswomen, there are as many as eight new entrants. Two fi rst timers - Ms Bhattacharya and Nishi Vasudeva, the chairperson and managing director of HPCL (4th) - have made a cut into the top 10. Ms Bhattacharya, chairperson of India's largest lender, made to number one spot "due to her relentless fi ght against bad loans", Fortune India said. "Since she took over a year or so ago, she has improved assets quality, cut costs and recapitalised SBI (State Bank of India)." "That's no mean feat when you consider that SBI has 190 foreign offi ces, a market cap of Rs. 1.9 lakh crore and 222,033 employees," the magazine noted. Other new entrants include Shahnaz Husain, founder of Shahnaz Group of Companies, Zarin Daruwala, president-wholesale banking at ICICI Bank, Archana Hingorani, CEO and executive director at IL&FS Investment Managers, Vani Kola, managing director at Kalaari Capital, and Valerie Wagoner, managing director at Zipdial. The other women who fi gure in the top 10 include Zia Mody, co-founder of AZB Partners, Mallika Srinivasan, CEO of TAFE, Aruna Jayanthi, CEO of Capgemini India, Preetha Reddy, managing director at Apollo Hospital Enterprise, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, chairperson and managing director at Biocon.

TOSHIBA TO INVEST $ 30 BILLION TO EXPAND POWER BUSINESS IN INDIA

Japanese fi rm Toshiba Corporation will invest about $ 30 million for expanding its production capacity in the power transmission and distribution business in India.

The investment is part of the company's plan to invest $ 100 million in Indian power sector by 2016. "Toshiba Corporation will reinforce its transmission and distribution (T&D) business in India with a 3 billion yen (approximately $ 30 million) investment in new production capacity at Toshiba Transmission & Distribution Systems India Private Ltd (TTDI) in Hyderabad," the c o m p a n y said in a statement. "India is a high-growth market that Toshiba has

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INDIA BUSINESS NEWS

positioned as a strategic base for its power-related businesses. "In the period to FY16, Toshiba plans to invest a cumulative 10-billion yen (approximately $ 100 million) in its in its T&D business there, including this current round of investment," said Katsutoshi Toda, CMD, TTDI. "Toshiba is seeking to secure a 20 per cent share of the Indian market by 2018, and also reinforce TTDI as a core T&D production base for other major markets, including Europe, ASEAN, and Africa," Toda said. A new facility for large power transformers will come on line in 2015 at Hyderabad at the same time as the full scale launch of a new unit for switchgears. – The Economic Times

BAD NEWS FOR IT JOB SEEKERS

Ratings agency Crisil said the information technology sector is likely to lose its position as a mass employment engine and new recruitments will nearly

halve over the next three years, even though companies will continue to report good revenue growth. "Despite healthy revenue growth of 13 per cent for IT services foreseen in the medium-term, aided by recovery in discretionary spending by clients, recruitments will shrink by around halve by fi scal 2018 (from the current levels) with vendors focusing on cost optimisation by maximising revenue-per-employee," the Crisil report said. This will be bad news for technology graduates, who are getting hired in large numbers from their campuses during the past few years, it said. "Hiring and revenue growth will decouple as IT companies alter their business models... the sector, which is a mass employment engine now, is unlikely to remain so in future," Crisil said. The ongoing global weakness is forcing clients to trim their spends, which has in-turn forced IT companies to fi nd ways to rationalise costs and

ensure profi tability. Software companies are implementing measures such as reducing bench strength, improving employee utilisation rates and reducing other operational costs. "Despite the predicted revenue growth, companies will run very tight ships because of which incremental employment will be curbed," it said. There will be a greater

focus on 'lateral hires' of professionals with domain-specifi c skill sets and expertise, it said. Crisil said the IT sector, with revenues of $118 billion, currently employs 3.1 million people and accounted for a fourth of the total organised sector employment generation in FY14.

INDIA'S TOP 30 ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE FIRMS WORTH US$6.2 BN

India's top 30 business-to-business software product companies are now worth around $6.2 billion (about Rs 37,500 crore), employing nearly 18,000 people,

according to a newly-launched half-yearly index tracking these companies. iSpirt, the software product industry think tank has launched an index called "iSPIxB2B" for tracking the progress of these companies every six months. Some of the top metrics being tracked are valuation (post money), employees, funding and key target markets addressed. For years, India's enterprise software product companies have lived in the shadows of a much bigger software outsourcing sector dominated by the likes of Tata Consultancy Services, InfosysBSE 0.04 % and Wipro. Now, a wave of e-commerce companies raising billions of dollars in fresh funding and disrupting the domestic retail market has taken the centre stage. But a new breed of software product companies including Zoho, In-Mobi, Freshdesk, Eka, Druva and IBS Software are beginning to change that perception. Investors backing these product start-ups point out how the Indian IT services industry has now built market capitalisation of over $200 billion after nearly three decades. "We are hopeful this will be as big as or bigger than services in value creation," said Shekhar Kirani of Accel Partners India. –The Economic Times

55% FALL IN KASHMIR TOURISM BUSINESS: ASSOCHAM

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India has said Kashmir's tourism industry which has been badly hit by calamity has registered a steep fall

of 55 per cent in business. The largest employment provider, tourism sector in Kashmir has been hit to the extent of 55 per cent in post-fl ood disaster, according to quick random survey undertaken by Assocham Social Development Foundation (ASDF) in the last two months, D S Rawat, secretary general of Assocham said while releasing the industry body's paper on Monday. Considered as a heaven for tourists, the state of J&K has suffered hugely due to devastating fl oods.

INDIA BUSINESS NEWS 57

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H EADLINE

We conducted a small survey recently asking all the newspaper readers, regardless if it’s online or offline based. We wanted to understand the ‘pull

factor’ that encourages them to read certain articles. Our main reason was to conclude the percentages of readers reading ‘Creative Headline’ based articles and the readers who read all main paged news.

Surprisingly, we noticed many ticked ‘Headlines’. Copywriters, watch out! Almost 71% responses were more into the attractive headlines and of course, images play a vital role too.

Yes, ‘headlines’ is the topic this time!

When people think of a headline, they commonly think of those big, bold blocks of copy that sit atop ads. But just because you didn’t come up with the catchphrase for the last big ad campaign or the company slogan don’t mean you aren’t writing headlines… every day, in every email, every press release, every internal memo, every Facebook

update, every Tweet, every blog post, and even the titles of your YouTube videos. These are all effective headlines, summaries of information intended to capture people’s attention and ultimately elicit a response.

Now, what are the things that we should know to make a good headline?

1) Convey The Benefit

You must understand that customers don’t buy features. They buy benefits. A benefit explains what the feature gives them, like “lasts longer, so it saves you money.” Benefits explain how the product or service improves the customer’s situation. It’s about them. Consumers only care about themselves. Too many marketers dwell on features instead of benefits. A feature is a descriptive phrase about your product of service. The trouble is, sharing facts about measurements; colours, costs and capabilities usually do not sell a product. Features are the logical reasons people use to justify their

BUILDING BRAND PRESENCE THROUGH HEADLINES

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BRAND

emotional decision to purchase something. For example, Feature-focused headline: “Our loan reps have over 100 years combined experience.” And Benefit-focused headline: “Eliminate stress with a ‘Worry Free’ home loan.”

2) Practice More & Keep it short

Besides, eight out of 10 people will read headline copy, but only two will read the rest. If you agree with this hallowed advertising maxim, it should be obvious why you need to sweat your headlines. Write, and rewrite, then rewrite again. If you’ve got four hours to write an ad, you should spend around three of them on the headline.

Always simplify your offer or message. Edit it down to its bare essence. Delete any superfluous or redundant language. Be ruthless, and boil it down to its most basic form. If you write a great headline, you might not need any body copy. Don’t be afraid of one- and two-word sentences.

3) Use Verbs more, not Adjectives.

According to the legendary advertising man, Leo Burnet, “Dull and exaggerated ad copy is due to the excess use of adjectives.” To prove it, he asked his staff to count the number of adjectives in 62 failed ads, then compare those to the number of adjectives in Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and other exemplary pieces of writing.

Every adjective you use is an unsubstantiated claim that might spark skepticism in your audience, especially if you stretch too far. Verbs, however, generally increase the pulling-power and believability of ad copy. Two of the most famous headlines in advertising total five words with no adjectives: “Got Milk?” and “Just Do It.”

4) Go Beyond Rules.

You have to come to a point that there are no rules. As a marketer, your job is all about communication. Whatever it takes to convey the message is fair game. Grammar? Puh-lease… Correct spelling? Not required in advertising land — inventors of words like “lite” and “thru.” Foreign languages? No problemo, compadre. Proper sentence structure with a noun and verb? Bwaahahaha… If you apply AP Style rules to your marketing communications simply because “that’s what you’re supposed to do,” you’re limiting yourself and the potential impact of your messages.

If you try to write an ad that appeals to everyone, it will end up appealing to no one. To capture people’s attention in today’s marketing-saturated world, you’re going to have to make some waves and rock the boat. In the good old days, direct marketers used to talk about a “2% response rate.” But practically, if you want to get noticed, you have to be edgy. That means you should shoot for a “2% offense rate,” where your ad offends 2% of those who see it (presumably those outside your target audience). If you get thousands of letters protesting your ad campaign, you’ve probably pushed it too far. But if you get a couple complaints, don’t be afraid; it means your message is cutting through all the clutter.

5) Getting Creative & Writing it in the End.

Often when people try to be creative, their creativity gets in the way of the message they want to communicate. In other words, creativity becomes the goal instead of communicating. Here’s a clue: If someone has to read the body copy to figure out what your ad is about, you may be pursuing “clever” versus “clarity.” You’ll frequently see ads that require subheads to provide the context, payoff or offer. In many cases, these should have been used instead of the headline, which should be tossed away entirely. So be honest with yourself when you review your marketing materials, and ask, “Would this subhead make a more effective headline than the seemingly more ‘creative’ headline above it?” Sometimes just delivering your offer/message straight is the best approach.

Sometimes it helps to untag your thoughts by flushing all the mandatory material on paper first. Write the body copy , the offer, the call-to-action, the disclosure, is just written all that stuff down and whittle it to the fewest words possible. Now step back and look for creative opportunities to provide context with your headline. How can you creatively frame your message? This approach might feel a bit backwards, but once you’ve got the core built, you have the clarity of the message you need to concentrate on the headline.

A good headline should arouse curiosity, and encourage people to either read further or take action.

Prasath KanagarasBrand StrategistPoint Blank Mediaworks

[email protected]

CReATiVe59

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BRAND

Gout a painful auto immune, infl ammatory condition which affects the joints was fi rst identifi ed by the Egyptians in 2640 BC.

GOUT NO LONGER DISEASE OF KINGS

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ANCIENT MEDICINE • by P. Annantharajan

It was later recognized by Hippocrates in the fifth century BC, who referred to it as ‘the unwalkable disease’. Some of Hippocrates’ remarkable in relation to gout are as true

today as they were 2500 years ago. Hippocrates also noted the link between the disease and an intemperate lifestyle, referring to podagra(Gout) as an ‘arthritis of the rich’, as opposed to rheumatism, an arthritis of the poor. As it was associated with a lifestyle of the affluent, gout has been referred to as the ‘disease of kings’. In some eras gout was perceived as socially desirable because of its prevalence among the politically and socially powerful. In keeping with the spirit of development, gout is becoming less upper-class and is now open to all.

Fast Facts1. About 90% of people with gout are men

2. Generally occurs between 40 and 50 years of age

3. Gout affects people from all walks of life.

4. Gout is inherited

5. Overweight person may suffer severely

6. Not drinking enough fluids might aggravate gout.

7. It is due to too much uric acid in the body

AYURVEDIC VIEW

In Ayurveda, the origin of gout or VataRakta (Ayurvedic term for Gout) is believed to be in the blood. When functionally impaired vata invades the blood and bone joints, it produces gout. It is characterized by acute excruciating pain (worse at night) and inflammation of the joints, which generally begins from a toe or finger and then gradually spreads to the other joints of the body. The affected joints are warmer than the body, swollen, extremely tender with a burning sensation, and have shiny overlying skin and dilated veins. The other symptoms are excessive sweating, rigidity, numbness, and discoloration of the skin on the affected joints. The joints return to normal after a few days with desquamation of the overlying skin. An acute attack may cause fever, anorexia, and general malaise. In conventional medicine, gout is known as an inflammatory arthritis induced by the pathogenic deposition of aggregated monosodium urate monohydrate crystals (tophi), which deposit in various tissues and joints. Urate crystals can also deposit in the kidneys. Chronic

high levels of uric acid in the blood are necessary for the development of gout, although some other factors may be involved. This etiology points in the direction of the Ayurvedic etiology that indicates that blood is involved in this disease. If untreated, it can cause painful, destructive arthropathy and urolithiasis resulting in renal failure.

WHAT CAUSES GOUT?

When the human body breaks down chemical known as purines, it produces uric acid. Purines are found naturally in our body as well as in food. Normally, uric acid dissolves

and goes through the urine via the kidneys. But if the body is producing too much uric acid or if the body is not excreting enough uric acid, it starts accumulating in the body. This build up results in the formation of sharp, needle like crystals. When they accumulate in the joints or surrounding tissues, it causes pain, inflammation and swelling.

High Uric Acid levels in blood or Hyperuricemia is the prime factor that causes Gout. When high blood uric acid is present without causing any symptoms, or simply called Silent.

High Uric Acid levels in the blood may also cause different types of problems such as:

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ANCIENT MEDICINE

1. Kidney Stones after deposition of Urate crystals. It is often recurrent in nature.

2. Cause kidney failure as crystals block a number of tubules in the kidney

3. Arthritis when Urate crystals gets deposited in joints and surrounding tissues.

Causes of Gout may include an impairment of digestion due to intake of incompatible foods (particularly an excessive intake of proteins), non-elimination of metabolic wastes from the body, hereditary factors, age and gender (rare in females), and climate.

TREATMENT

The treatment begins by altering dietary regimen. Low oxalate and low-uric acid forming foods and a low meat diet is to be encouraged. High fi ber, low protein foods should be emphasized, old rice (but not fresh rice), wheat, moong dal, garlic, onion, bitter gourd, papaya and green banana are benefi cial. The food articles to avoid are seeds of Masa (black phaseolus bean), Kulattha (dolichos beans), pea, legumes, radish, sugarcane products, wine, and yogurt. Because uric acid is the end product of protein metabolism, it is important to avoid high-protein diet.It is critical in the treatment of Gout that the patient is kept well hydrated, Sleeping during the day, exposure to heat, and excessive exercising should be avoided.

Here are some Ayurvedic treatments suggested by Dr. Lakshmi C. Mishra, Director of National Center for Ayurveda and Toxicology, USA :

1. Guduchi (T. cordifolia) decoction of 14 to 28 ml made from 6 to 8 g of powder of leaves and stem to be ingested with purifi ed guggul (2 to 4 g, three times/day)

2. Decoction of equal parts of vasa (Adhatoda vasica) leaves, stem of guduchi, and fruit pulp of Aaragvadha (Cassia) of 14 to 18 ml taken with castor oil (7 to 14 ml two times/day)

3. Kishora guggul and Punarnavadi guggul (3 g/day)

Self Remedies

Avoid : high protein diet ,excessive salt, sour, pungent, fried foods, red meat, alcohol and tobacco, yogurt.

Increase the use of garlic, ginger, cumin, fennel, coriander, cardamom and cinnamon.

Take light and easily digestible food like steamed or boiled vegetables or vegetable broth.

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ANCIENT MEDICINE

ANCIENT MEDICINE

P. Annantharajan, NDA Practitioner and Natural Treatment Health consultant based in Klang. He can be reached at

[email protected]

annantha.rajan

Use wholegrain bread, cereals and increase intake of seasonal fruits (except banana).

Do light and gentle exercises.

Massage the joints gently with lukewarm sesame oil for 20-30 minutes.

Keep the body warm.

Swallow 2-3 fresh, peeled garlic buds with water on an empty stomach in the morning.

Eat 1 apple after every meal as it neutralises uric acid

Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to cleanse toxins from the body.

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ANCIENT MEDICINE

Answers:

1. Sincere love and respect - VP. Thanga, CEO

2. It is a long lasting bonding build with trust and honesty - Tamilhselvan Kuppan, Experienced Telecom Professional

3. Maturity comes with experience - business leaders treat customers as 'life partners' - they contribute more to the well-being of the 'family' [ie. spouse & children] than can be measured - customers / clients need to be celebrated

- R. Navaneetha Krishnan, Auto Comm Resources Sdn Bhd

4. Customers pay you for your services or for your products, whereas we have to pay wife's for our services - Vikaran Chauhan, Sales & Marketing Professional

5. Customers are the top priority for business similar to how wife is top priority at home.- Priyanka Bedi, Business Development Manager

6. Both require time, perseverance and discipline to be convinced even when you include all the value adds in the deal!! - Soumavo Sarkar, Business Development Manager

7. Both are Humans. Treat them kindly - Dr Gary Sheard, Author

8. It's the beginning to understand that anyone you want to do or accept your wants/needs are customers, i.e. family, friends, acquaintances, staff, suppliers, associates, investors, customers/clients are all customers who, at fi rst hearing/reading/seeing may not see things as you do. Selling is what one does to help these people "sell" (give confi rmation, justifi cation) for both what you want and their decision to accept/adopt it.

Once the relationship has been established does not mean that the task has been done. As soon as one comes up with something new, it starts all over again, to put it into poetic form:

Doctors, Lawyers, Merchant Chiefs, Politicians, Bureaucrats, Chiefs of Police Customers, Managers, Business Owners, Buyers, Employees, Offi ce Suppliers Boys & Girls, Men & Women Husbands, Wives, & Their Children Inventors, Artists, Composers, Singers, Writers, Editors, Publishers, Readers, Students, Teachers, Athletes and Coach,

All of the above should take this approach

Everyone Has Something to Sell: Ideas, Information, Concepts, Skills, as well as products and services.- Alan J Well, Consultant, speaker, author of "Elements of Selling"

Your Customer Your WIFE. What crosses your mind upon reading the statement?

Thank youfor being with us

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MIB FORUM