TWZ - Teh Tarik, Cekodok, and Chat at zubedy

We at zubedy are currently organising the #SaySomethingNice campaign, a nationwide campaign to help heal Malaysia. It seeks to encourage truce and showcase the best side of our nation. For 17 days, the period betwen Hari Merdeka and Hari Malaysia, we want to portray Malaysia in a very positive light by getting fellow Malaysians to focus on saying (or doing) nice things to and about each other, using a medium of their preference.

With the backing of Yayasan 1 Malaysia, zubedy has managed to get corporate and social entities to join and support the #SaySomethingNice campaign. Among them are, Tropicana City Mall, Everest Distributions, Kechara Soup Kitchen, and a number of national and private/international schools.

Guests of the 'Teh Tarik, Cekodok, and Chat' session wrote something nice about themselves, their hometown, work, and a friend they just met.

There are also some enthusiastic individuals who have agreed to be involved in the campaign like Hasnul Hadi (from Rhythm & Hues, the Malaysian animator for the Academy Award-winning film Life of Pi) who is spearheading the #teesomethingnice project. The contest was recently judged by renowned figures like Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, Ahmad Izham Omar of Media Prima, and former 3R-host Low Ngai Yuen who now heads Kakiseni. Zalina Abdul Aziz, an accomplished folklore writer has also agreed to join in the campaign with her 'A Hikayat A Day' project.

In conjunction with the campaign, zubedy hosted friends and supporters of the #SaySomethingNice campaign who took time to gather at zubedy's office in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. The 'Teh Tarik, Cekodok, and Chat' session was held on Sunday, 7 July 2013.

Mr Saw Teong Hin (left) having a conversation with Mr Shiro Tan, Ms Azinurasyiqqin Azwan, and Ms Zalina Abdul Aziz.

The idea for the 'Teh Tarik, Cekodok, and Chat' session was mooted in order to gather supporters of the #SaySomethingNice campaign as well as other inquisitive minds who are interested in the campaign. We wanted to provide a platform for all of them to network and brainstorm on how best to proceed with the #SaySomethingNice campaign.

Kartika Sri Tun Ghaffar Baba (middle) and her mother Toh Puan D. Heryati Abdul Rahim engaging with Mr John Ng.

We managed to host enthusiastic and positive Malaysians from all walks at the 'Teh Tarik, Cekodok, and Chat' session. Mr Saw Teong Hin, the filmmaker and director of the epic film Puteri Gunung Ledang and Kartika Sri Tun Ghaffar Baba who came together with her mother - the Chairperson of Foundation Kartika - were there at the event in support of the campaign.

Also in attendance were representatives from Yayasan 1 Malaysia, International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), Tropicana City Mall, Nikon Malaysia, niche groups like Chaserz and Pustaka Alam Nusantara, Denaihati.com, and several other keen individual persons.

Guests listening intently to the presentation by Anas Zubedy.

During a presentation by Anas Zubedy, he talked of how ordinary Malaysians at the ground level should also get involve in setting the Unity agenda to unite fellow Malaysians. And the 17-day period between Hari Merdeka and Hari Malaysia - the day when Tanah Melayu, Sabah, and Sarawak became one - provides us with the best platform to bring all Malaysians together.

The #SaySomethingNice campaign can be the start of a yearly affair. And in 10 to 15 years time, we at zubedy envision that Malaysia could be known for the time segment of 17 days where tourists and travellers from all over will come in droves to experience the best of Malaysia, where they get to experience the rainbow that is our country.

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zubedy invites all interested and like-minded Malaysians to join in the #SaySomethingNice campaign. Both organisational or individual participations are welcomed.

To join us in this endeavour or simply to know more about the campaign, please do not hesitate to contact Hidayah Mazlan for more information. She is contactable at 03 7727 0758 / 019 233 0758 or you may email her at the following address: hidayah@zubedy.com

TWZ - An Invitation to Managing Gen Y Workshop Launch

Since the year 2000, zubedy has been paying special interest in youth and Gen Y; engaging them both formally at work and informal settings. This would also include undertaking surveys like the Multigenerational Workforce survey done in 2012.

We are happy to launch ‘Managing Gen Y: Working with and through them’, a workshop designed to help management get the best of Generation Y; and its mirror program ‘Gen Y 2.0 – How to get the best from Generation BB+X’. It is not enough to talk to those who are managing Gen Y, we must also engage Gen Y directly. Both sides must play their role and adjust to the other, bearing in mind that corporate goal is the main focus. An old Malay saying would explain the need aptly, ‘Bertepuk sebelah tangan tak akan berbunyi’.

To supplement the workshops, we are also launching a book specially dedicated to Gen Y – ‘#MoneyTalk: 139 easy guides on how to make and keep money without cheating or corruption’. This book is designed to be a fun to read as it not only offers bite-sized tips and reminders about money; but it also touches on how money affects and relates to men, women, family, love, relationships, entrepreneurial habits, good corporate culture, and God.

*Please note that seats are limited. Kindly RSVP by the stipulated date.

Introducing M Prakash Dass as zubedy’s New COO

Kuala Lumpur, 28 March 2013 – zubedy announced today that it has appointed M Prakash Dass as Chief Operating Officer for the last 3 months, effective January 2^nd, 2013. His most recent responsibility was as the Managing Director of Malaysia’s only FranklinCovey franchise. With close to 30 years of business exposure behind him, Prakash has been involved with various industries during which time he was integrally involved in the operations, human resource, and corporate planning units of the organisations he was assigned in.



Prakash’s task is to take zubedy, a local brand to international level. Believing that zubedy has barely scratched the surface because Klang Valley is their predominant target for the past 18 years, Prakash feels huge business prospects are widespread all over the country in areas like Penang, Johor, Sabah, and beyond our shores such as Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia. He said, “Therein lies an endless promising ground for zubedy that I want to bring the company to embark on.”

One of the first tasks Prakash is looking at is to see how zubedy can garner the expertise in diagnosing issues and challenges their clients are facing, and finally delivering and training which zubedy is very good at.
He has concrete plans of what to achieve with zubedy as said here, “I want to bring zubedy to a whole new level of professionalism. The key is to move the company from just a training provider to as a business partner to our clients. A training provider can only do so much, but most organisations look at how these training and knowledge acquired by their people can be implemented in their organisations.” He believes that an organisation has the responsibility to not only deliver their programmes well, but to also make sure what they deliver actually sticks.

One of the important avenues to help companies to know zubedy’s products, the company is putting more talent, energy, and resources into their public programmes this year, and Prakash sees these programmes as the platform to create market awareness about who zubedy is and what they do as an organisation. He added by saying, “The public programmes also help us to engage with decision makers out there, who can come to experience our programmes and then understand what we are offering them; for them to sit down and know how good our programmes are. This type of engagement nudges decision makers to invest in our programmes; hence half the battle is won on our part.”

The Chief Operating Officer talked about one of the strongest pull factors that attracted him to join zubedy. He explained, “I have this passion of wanting to make a difference in people’s lives; through social work. And zubedy’s fundamental values focus primarily on Unity. zubedy does not only make differences and add value to other business organisations, but to the community in general.” He commented on zubedy’s in-progress works of setting up a Unity college where people of moderate backgrounds can equip themselves with sales, life, and entrepreneurial skills. He said, “That in itself is a very attractive proposition to me. Naturally, as an organization, it is very principle based to focus on values. This is the other side of why I took on this challenge to join zubedy; to make sure the company deserves a much higher platform than where it is now.”

zubedy’s Managing Director Anas Zubedy said, “Prakash’s leadership is substantial in the training and consultation industry. I look forward to working with him to bring zubedy to another step with new products for our existing and new clients.” According to Anas, his friendship with Prakash started during their university days where they ran many projects together. He said, “We are able to keep our friendship going for a long time because we share the same values and ethics. We believe in working hard and smart, but never in taking the easy way out.” Anas added that the most important area to look at when choosing people to join your company is the shared values, “Prakash and I believe in Unity, adding value to everything we undertake, and working hard. We work above board, no cheating, and we don’t sell unless what we sell is good for the clients.”

Prakash holds a Master in Science with Honours in Human Resource Management and Training from the University of Leicester, U.K. and a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Malaya.  He also holds a professional underwriting qualification in Chartered Insurance, and is certified in several leading leadership and management programmes.

TWZ - Old Glasses, New Hope

Dear friends, currently we are organizing a program to lend support for our dear friend, M. Prakash Dass who is a dedicated member of the Lions Club International. The program is called ‘Recycle for Sight’. The aim is to help the poor and needy see better.

In a nutshell, the Recycle for Sight program involves the collection of used spectacles from the public. These used spectacles will help the less fortunate people in Malaysia and third world countries see better. Subsequently, these spectacles will be refurbished before being distributed
where the recipients would get the spectacles closest to their prescriptions.

Here are the details of the program in brief:

What:Collection of used pairs of spectacles.

Who:You! Everyone can donate their used spectacles for a good cause.

Why:These used spectacles will be refurbished and distributed for those in need. 

When:Collection date closes on the 20^th of April 2013.

Where:These refurbished spectacles will go to the less fortunate who can’t afford vision care in Malaysia and third world countries.

How:Three (3) ways how you can help:

1. Be the person to collect at least 30 to 50 pairs and we will come and collect them from you  
    within Klang Valley.

2. Send your collection via post. You can contact us here.
 
3. Drop by our office to hand over your collection.

Therefore, we would like to call upon all of you to join us in our collective efforts to provide better sight for the poor who are deprived of vision care. Participating doesn’t even come at a cost and by giving away your used spectacles, you would not only help provide better sight for the poor but also add value to their lives. 

Your support in this worthwhile effort is much appreciated. Sometimes a small thing you do can mean everything in another person’s life. Let your old spectacles inspire new sights and hopes for the ones in need. For more info, click here.

TWZ - Sharing the Same Taste

"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, that’s the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Malaysians share the same taste. It is the same exact taste that Malaysian households have always favoured and grown accustomed to. This taste of homes, although vary, the concoctions and blends are of the same ingredients.

Such are the ingredients that carry the much culturally cultivated Malaysian DNA shaped into one strong identity. Further, this identity has become one significantly recognized entity placing Malaysia on the map with strong economic potential and prominence.

The little things made up for our differences. The little acts of thoughtfulness such as sending a neighbour of a different race a small meal portion as a kind sharing gesture once helped bridge the gap among us. This almost forgotten act that would often be reciprocated with the same courteous act brought us together.

The variety of our delicacies has shown us that our cultural essence and ideals are only further compounded by basically very much the same ingredients. Nevertheless it is always the thoughtful consideration and the deed of always thinking of others that count. This bond far exceeds the spheres of similarities we share in taste and racial relations.

Most importantly, it shows that we care.

And we have cherished this bond by placing trust and sparing lots of consideration for one another to an extent that goes beyond racial, political or religious divides and interests.

Here at zubedy, we make it a point to respect our fellow staff members by restraining from consuming beef and pork, at least within the compound of our office. We hope that this gesture will instil a sense of respect for the differences that make each and every single one of us unique.

Though little, sparing a thought means a lot to others. Here are some tips for things you can do:

• Wish someone’s birthday
• Show gratitude by saying thank you
• Be generous with compliments
• Greet someone with a sincere smile
• Be courteous enough to listen to the people around us

If you want to add value and make this world a better place, you can start with these little things. They have brought us together. They will again endear us closer to one another.

Next time when you are savouring a good Malaysian meal, take some time to think about what goes in the recipe and let’s not forget about the little things that could add value to our lives. 

TWZ - Supporting the Inclusives and the Moderates: Launching of Aren't We All Malaysians

On Saturday, 23rd February 2013 at zubedy's office, we held the launching of YB Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa's book 'Aren't We All Malaysians'. The event started from 9.30 a.m. and lasted until 11.30 a.m. During the event, Datuk Mujahid talked about what he wrote in this book and recollected some childhood stories that shaped his inclusive view on racial relations and Unity in Malaysia.

At zubedy, our core value is uniting people. Anybody who chooses the same undertaking albeit different approaches is our friend. As far as we are concerned, any Unity movement or endeavour is above politics. We encourage every political body, business organisation, NGO, and civil movement to have their own Unity initiative and Unity cause. zubedy has been promoting Unity with our ‘Many Colors One Race’ platform which we live by and incorporate into everything that we do when we deal with our clients, staff, family, and friends. Furthermore, zubedy believes in adding value to everything that we undertake. YB Datuk Mujahid’s ways reveal how Islam adds value to the Malay race. In this book, YB Datuk Mujahid demonstrates how the Malays are universally connected to the rest of the world through Islam.

As YB Datuk Mujahid heads PAS’ National Unity Committee, he is PAS’ trustee to explore the dynamics between the Muslims and non-Muslims. As such, we support this gap-bridging effort that cuts across all races and religions because it sits well with our Unity endeavour. This collaboration creates a cross-introduction for both zubedy and Mujahid. This book as a synergy between the zubedy brand and YB Datuk Mujahid’s ideas.

This is a book on Unity by a PAS leader. And as PAS in one of the players in the political arena, it is good for people whether they are PAS supporters or not, to read it. Thinking Malaysians must understand that the underlying issue is not within partisanship. Everyone has their own ways to achieve their goals, but there are people who are hardcore or while there are those who are moderate. The hardcores tend to favour exclusivity while the moderates embrace inclusiveness in their approach.

We need to work with the inclusive ones. We need to give our support to the inclusives in every political party. We support them not for their politics, but for their Unity endeavours. zubedy is always open to meet them and assist in publishing their books. As YB Datuk Mujahid said in this book, “Politics is not all about finding the opportunity to attack the opposition; mature politics is looking for best solutions”. At the bottom of it, it’s not about which side we are on. It is about choosing the inclusives among them. The real battle is between the exclusive and the inclusive, the extreme and the moderate.

During the event, YB Datuk Mujahid picked some stories that reflect his multiculturally influenced upbringing such as:

The 13th May incident bears witness of the solidarity between ethnic groups. The old-timers on Acheh Street tell us that when theracial tension broke out, the community leaders decided to take turns to watch the area – the Malays to guard the Chinese area and the Chinese to watch the Malay area so that no one could take advantage. Ask the old-time Chinese and Malays about May 13 and they would just smile and say,“Here, there was no problem, we all took care of each other…”

(Chapter 3; page 31,32)

 

I still remember my friend Theam Hock. He would visit our home during Hari Raya and we would then go to visit our other friends homes together. The whole day, Theam Hock would act like a Malay and wanted to be called Sufian. During Chinese New Year, we would go and celebrate with ‘Sufian’ at his house.

(Chapter 4; page 42)

 

Whenever Supaya sent my sister and me to school in Kuala Lumpur, Supaya would carry my bag, hold my hand, and walk me to class, to the point of embarrassing me in front of my friends. I was already in Primary Four. Supaya, however, sternly reasoned his actions, “tuan instructed me to take care of you until you got into class.” I did not understand then the meaning of being loyal to instructions; only now when I look back can I understand that Supaya was being loyal to his Malay employer. I see this as a rare display of loyalty of an employee towards his employer, even though they belong to different races. 

(Chapter 3; page 37)

“Differences in Malaysia is not a reason to hate each other, it is a reason to cherish the diversity. Not just to understand and recognise, but also to legitimise it. At the end of the day, it is about trust - the belief that we all share the same dream,” he said at the launch.

In his speech, Datuk Mujahid, who is the MP of Parit Buntar, notes that for some readers of his book would be able to relate to his multicultural stories whereas, some others may not and wonder why. “So I hope this will give them the courage and motivation to understand the reality of multicultural environment that we live in.”

He linked his experiences to the teachings of Islam as taught by his late father. “Look at yourself and compare with Islamic [teachings]. If it’s in line, that is fine. If not, you have to change.”

“When you’re convinced with something, [do it] with knowledge and intellectual capacity. Don’t blindly support it. You have to read,” he further added.

“The world and Malaysia are seeing a growing influence of Islam. It is crucial to ensure that the face of Islam is justly represented,” Anas said. “As the trustee of his party to explore the dynamics between Muslims and non-Muslims, he is the one for the job. We respect his unity endeavours as we support all gap-bridging effort that cuts across creed and politics.”

To watch the video streaming for the book launch, please click here. 

TWZ: Black eyes, blue eyes, green eyes...Aren't we all Malaysians?

We are happy to invite you to attend the book launch of "Aren't We All Malaysians" by Datuk Dr. Mujahid Yusof Rawa. It is to be held as follows:

Date:

23 February 2013 (Saturday)

Time:

9.00 – 11.30am

Venue:

zubedy (m) sdn bhd, 3rd Floor, Wisma WIM, Jalan Abang Hj Openg, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

We look forward to seeing you. Feel free to get in touch for further information. We are contactable at this number: 03 – 7727 0758 and the following email addresses: hidayah@zubedy.com / aizat@zubedy.com.

Please RSVP by 21 February 2013.

TWZ - Aren't We All Malaysians?

Zubedy is happy to present our latest book titled, “Aren’t We All Malaysians” by YB Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof (current MP of Parit Buntar; Chairman of PAS’ National Unity Committee).

 

The book narrates the personal stories, aspirations, and drive of the parliamentarian in his Unity effort to bring all Malaysians together.

 

Below is the foreword by Anas Zubedy:

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"And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know." – Quran 30:22

 

Peace,

 

Mujahid and I have been friends since our Form Six days at Penang Free School. We were in the same class. I am also familiar with Mujahid’s late father, Yusof Rawa, the president of PAS in the late 80’s and his more forward thoughts compared to his contemporaries regarding PAS policies. I have always kept abreast with Mujahid’s journey and some of our ideas resonate each other.

 

At zubedy, our core value is uniting people. Anybody who chooses the same undertaking albeit different approaches is our friend. As far as we are concerned, any Unity movement or endeavour is above politics. We encourage every political body, business organisation, NGO, and civil movement to have their own Unity initiative and Unity cause. zubedy has been promoting Unity with our ‘Many Colors One Race’ platform which we live by and incorporate into everything that we do when we deal with our clients, staff, family, and friends. Furthermore, zubedy believes in adding value to everything that we undertake. Mujahid’s ways reveal how Islam adds value to the Malay race. In this book, Mujahid demonstrates how the Malays are universally connected to the rest of the world through Islam.

 

As Mujahid heads PAS’ National Unity Committee, he is PAS’ trustee to explore the dynamics between the Muslims and non-Muslims.

 

Read the rest of the foreword here.

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To know more, get your copy of Aren’t We All Malaysians by YB Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof. The book is available at the retail price of RM34.90.

 

* For direct orders and bulk purchases (at a discounted price), please email aizat@zubedy.com. No postage fee for Semenanjung Malaysia.

 

** The book will be available in all major bookstores.

TWZ - Senyum Sokmo

                                                         

“Senyum sokmo” is a phrase commonly associated with the state of Terengganu. The phrase can roughly be translated as “always smiling”. And this is quite true; Terengganu locals do have this certain kind of joie de vivre – a cheery disposition to life – about them.

But we are not going to discuss them per se. It is their ever smiling nature that is the highlight of today’s discussion. This merry and jovial attitude is something we strongly encourage to others, especially those who deal with other people for a living – like those in customer service and sales.

Smiling is not just about the physical aspect of moving the tips of your lips upwards to create a pleasing look; it is more importantly about the pleasant aura that the smile exudes to other people. In simpler words, it’s not about what you portray on your face, but what others feel from your smile.

Many may trivialise the true power of smiling in communication. Some may say, “Yes, we know this already” or that, “This is not something new”. But most people understand the need only on the physical aspect of communication, when you’re interacting face-to-face.

The truth is, smiling is even more important on the subconscious level – smiling in your mind. It is very important to smile, even when you are communicating indirectly. The physical smile will translate into a ‘smiling mind’. Try smiling when you are making a call or typing an email. The recipients will feel like they are receiving a message from a soothing and congenial ‘voice’.  

When the message is covered with a warm and friendly aura, the recipients are more likely to help you and maybe even to open up many opportunities for you and your organisation. This is the true power of “senyum sokmo”!


 “Nothing beats smiling when you communicate. It will make your life easier, get your point across better, and help you get things done faster. Even if you need to deliver bad news, when you smile, everything will turn out ok.  Even if you don’t feel like it, just smile.”  

‘Aizat Roslan  
Personal Assistant

 “Smile makes a lot of difference. It brings a positive vibe to the person I’m meeting with and makes communication smoother, more positive. It is very rare that your smile wouldn’t be reciprocated. It is engaging and highly infectious. It costs you nothing to smile. So why not?”

Nurul Huda Shahriman Shah
Sales Executive

 “As a trainer, smiling plays a very important part in making me look welcoming, loving and humble. This opens the ‘main door’ in participant engagement. A sincere smile has the ability to change the mood and make people feel better.”

Anuprakash
Learning Facilitator