The STORY OF ERICAN COLLEGE CEO in MIB April 2015

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EDITORArikrishnan [email protected]

DEPUTY EDITORAnand Naidu

SUB EDITORKishor Subramaniam

WRITERSGanesh Murugan Jega BaradanMaran Nandan SithambaramPalani MurugappanPrasath KanagarasShanthini SubramaniamThevi Sinnadurai

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SOURCE OF NEWSBeRNAMA

EDITOR’S NOTE

GARBAGe IN GARBAGe OUT (GIGO)

is a computer science acronym that implies bad input will result

in bad output. Similarly, for a business to succeed it’s a matter of

your action, direction and intention to serve customers. The output from

your business depends on what you put in. In this issue, MIB writers explore

the power of the mind in achieving desired output and a special message on

“What You Do Sticks with You.”

Getting into what you put in is what your get, our cover personality of this

month happens to be the CeO of erican College, Veejayasegeran. We are

fortunate to emulate the youngest CeO in the Malaysian higher education

sector on how he turnaround the college as a name to be reckoned within

a highly competitive industry. Besides the cover story, we have Rajesh Raj,

who returned to Malaysia to start his digital marketing business, featured as

our entrepreneur of the month.

We continue to line up monthly noteworthy articles such as leadership

lessons from Bhagavad Gita, ancient wisdom from Thirukural, quotes by

co-CeO of Deutsche Bank, stunning facts & figures and lots more.

The team at MIB take this opportunity to wish our readers celebrating the Hindu

New Year’s namely “Puthaandu Vaazthukkal”, Happy Vaishakhi and belated “Ugaadi Subagaanthalu.”

Till the next issue, enjoy this instalment. Happy reading.

Your Deed is Your Destiny

Chairman & Managing Editor

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles published are those of the authors and do not necesarily reflect 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.

UPCOMING SEMINAR IN IPOH!!! (Topic: Branding)

Date: 25 April 2015 (Saturday)Time: 7.00 pm - 10.00 pm Venue: YMCA Ipoh

ANNOUNCEMENT

CONTENT

04 FACTS AND FIGURES

Business News in Figure

06 ANCIENT WISDOM

Resolute of Mind As Guided In Thirukural

08 ENTREPRENEUR

Digital Marketer: Rajesh Raj - Arus Studio

12 Today I Learned: 6 Ways To Increase Business Revenues

14 ENRICHMENT

Nature's Law...and How it Works in Our Lives

16 LEADERSHIP

Leadership Lessons from the Bhagavad-Gita: Part 9

19 Did You Know

20 EVENT COVERAGE

MIB Seminar at Penang

22 BRAND

Measuring Your Brand's Health

24 India Business News

26 QUOTES

Quotes From Anshuman Jain

28 LIFESTYLE

The Magic of Positive Thinking

31 ENTREPRENEUR

Sivathi Aathi: Sivathi Herbal Beauty Centre

34 EVENT COVERAGE

CMCF - What You Do Sticks With You

36 Singapore Business News

38 MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Handling Charts in Excel

41 Business Jokes

41 MIB Forum

42 COVER STORY

Erican College: Veejayaasegaran

50 Malaysia Business News

54 INVESTMENT

Share Margin Financing

56 Press Release: Make in India

57 INSPIRATIONAL

The Powerful Law of Intention

60 EMERGING MARKET

Doing Business in Myanmar

08

42

31

USD 540 billionChina Ecommerce MarketIn 2015, e-commerce transactions in China are projected to hit USD 540 billion, or approximately 10 percent of total retail transactions. Roughly 40 percent of all e-commerce transactions are fashion and accessories, purchased by younger, white-collar, urban female shoppers.

65%Online Shoppers are MaleIn India 55% online shopper are between 26 years and 35 years and 65 per cent of online shoppers are male while 35 per cent are female , according to The Associated Chambers of Commerce of India survey.

580 millionOnline ConsumerJuniper Research Reported that some 580 Million consumers purchases Goods And Services online with their mobiles during 2014.

USD 105 billionJapan Ecommerce MarketRetail e-commerce sales in the Japan forecasted to grow to USD105billion by 2018 from USD71 billion in 2014.

Nearly 27 percent of Indonesia’s ecommerce transactions occurred via social media in 2014. Females reign supreme in the ecommerce space with 61.7 percent of the nation’s online shoppers purchase clothing and apparel.

27%transactions occur

via social media

04

| April 2015

FACTS & FIGURES

50%of Online Retail SalesSingapore and Malaysia generate almost half of total online retail sales in the region of Southeast Asia, even though they count for 8% of the region’s population.

USD 15 trillionTravel Industry RevenueThe Travel & Hospitality Industry will generate over $15 trillion in revenues by 2017 createing 260 million jobs worldwide. The industry that accounts for 9% of global GDP reported to have 30% of global sales conducted via online platforms.

92%Denmark Doctors use ePrescriptionDenmark's performance in eHealth is the best in the european Union . A 92% of of general practitioners exchange medical data electronically and use of ePrescription is widespread with nearly 100% of its general practitioners transferring prescriptions to pharmacists electronically. Denmark also has the highest percentage of eGovernment users in the eU with 69% of Internet users sending return filled forms online to the public authorities.

700%Indian eCOMMERCE growthA research by eTailing India targeted Indian eCommerce market to increase by 700% in 5 years. The market currently pegged at Rs 78,000 crore ($13 billion) is all set to cross Rs 5,40,000 crore ($90 billion) by 2019 with mobile will hold the key to this growth.

USD 4.47 trillionDigital EducationA study by Sloan Consortium found that 6 million students in the US are taking at least one online course, nearly one third of all those enrolled in higher education. Which means even if only 37% of education moves online in next ten the estimated size of 2022 global online/digital education market will stand at a $4.47 Trillion.

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April 2015 |

FACTS & FIGURES

ANCIENT WISDOM • by Maran Nandan Sithambaram

Thirukural

In Chapter 60, Kural defines what a true asset is. A vigorous mind is a true asset, material possessions are fleeting and cannot be depended upon.

We must always, think of rising higher in life. The desire to achieve our goal should be our only thought. In this process, even if our objective be not attained, the very thought itself would have raised us.

Kural: 591

“Udaiyaar enappaduvathu ookkam; acthillar udaiya thuyaro

matru?”

Explanation: Willpower or energy makes out the man of property; as those who are destitute

of energy, do they (really) possess what they possess?

Kural: 592

“Ullam udaimai udaiyamai ;porul udaimai nillathu neengi vidum”

Explanation: The possession of (energy of) mind is

true property; the possessions of wealth passes’ away and does not abide

F amous modern management guru,Stephen R.Covey in his book state a character trait that essential for a win-win condition is the abundance mentality, the paradigm that there is

plenty out there for everybody. Our outlook on the world and all it has to offer us depends on where and how our mind is at the given situation.

Thiruvalluvar uses the word “ookkam” to define resoluteness. Ookkam, is the quality of mind which shows itself in readiness for action without weakening or wavering.

What is real wealth?

According to Thiruvalluar, real wealth is a person’s will to action. Without a will to act, all possessions are worthless.

RESOLUTE OF MIND as guided in

06

| April 2015

ANCIENT WISDOM • by Maran Nandan Sithambaram

This article penned by Maran Nandan Sithambaram, LLB (Hons) ,(UK) CLP ,BA (Hons), (Malaya ) Dip.Edu. Dip. Translation , Dip. In law (Sydney). CEO and Principal Lawyer of Marsh Lawyers, Sydney, Australia. Mr. Maran Nandan is also an advocate and solicitor of High Court of Malaya.

He can be reached through phone or by email below:

+ 61413 990 550 [email protected]

ANCIENT WISDOM










According to Thirukural , success finds its own way like a dependant to go in advance and honour the man of will.

In conclusion, what defines humanness? The answer, as we find in Thirukural - an aspiring mind. An aspiring mind to achieve. Without an aspiring mind, we are merely wooden images of humanity.

The success of any venture depends on our resoluteness. Thirukural outlines that the limit of man’s achievement is his will. The height of a person’s success depends on the strongest of his will. The lotus plants grow up to the height of the water, so does such person rise just up to the height of his will.

Kural: 600

Uramoruvarku ulla verukkai akkthu illaar

Marammakkalaathale vehru

Explanation: Resoluteness is mental wealth; those

men who are destitute of it are only trees in the form of men

Kural : 596

“Ulluvathellaam uyarvuullal;matru athu

Thallinum thallaamai neerthu”

Explanation: In all that a person thinks of, let him

think of his greatness; and if it should be thrust from him(by fate) , it will have the

nature of not being thrust from him

Kural: 595

“Vellathu anaiya malarneetam;maanthar tham Ullathu anaiyathu uyarvu”

Explanation: The length of the lotus flower-stalk will

be in proportion to the depth of the water in which it grows; thus the height of a

man is in proportion to the greatness of his mind.

Kural: 594

Aakam atharvinaaich sellum;asaivuilaa Ookkam

udaiyaan uzhai

Explanation: Wealth will ask for a way to come to the

man of unfailing energy

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April 2015 |

ANCIENT WISDOM

DIGITAL MARKETER RAJESH RAJ :ARUS STUDIO

Living in the Information age with extensive technological developments, businesses somehow need to embrace digital marketing. Malaysian Indian Business had a

chat with the founder of Arus Studio, Mr. Rajesh Raj, a young and emerging entrepreneur involved in digital marketing production and related services. We share with our readers his entrepreneurial journey. enjoy reading.

MIB : Tell us about your services.

Rajesh : Our services are designed and fine-tuned based on customers need and budget . We built a proven system that not only able to produce effective marketing campaigns for SMes but delivers results within a short period of time. Our main services include digital video marketing, social media marketing and graphic designing.

List Of Major Services Provided By Arus Studio

Video Marketing Social Media Marketing Graphic Design Photo & Videography Services

Product Video Facebook Marketing Social Media Platform Design event Launch

Testimonial Video YouTube Promotional item Private Functions

Services Video Website Development & Management Merchandising item Product shooting

Instructional Video Bloggers Services Corporate identity Corporate shooting

Web Video

Corporate Video

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ENTREPRENEUR

MIB : What induced you to enter this business?

Rajesh : I have always been interested to venture into Internet and Digital Marketing related business. In fact, we were one of the pioneers in promoting TM Streamyx internet services in Klang Valley that set up booths in malls, roadshows, hypermarket and other locations with the sole objective to bring internet to every household. However the Infrastructure back then was limited and the cost was expensive for average Malaysians. It was deemed more luxury than necessity back then. Thus, I had to postpone my online initiatives until recently when people’s mindset had changed and with better infrastructure in place.

The timing is prefect now for SMe to venture into Digital Marketing as they are more aware the importance of Digital Marketing and Social Media Branding. Necessary infrastructures are in place and getting better to support the online platforms.

MIB : When did you start Arus Studio and what are the skills you possess?

Rajesh : I worked as marketing consultant for a kitchen appliance company in Texas, USA upon completing my degree in business administration from the University of Oklahoma, in 1998. Two years later I returned to Malaysia to work as a Research Analyst with DHL Malaysia.

My entrepreneurial journey started two years later when I established a cash & carry and textile retail outlet in Seremban. Simultaneously, I took part time project consultancy works around the Klang valley from IT and Telco Industries. It later earned me a full time project consultancy job, both locally and abroad i.e. India (with MPOB), Cambodia (IT Project) and Vietnam(Telco).

Thereafter, I went into media and branding industry focusing on digital marketing & social Media marketing by joining a local production company for a couple of years prior venturing own. In early 2014 Arus Studio was formed to provide services such as video marketing, social media branding,

digital marketing campaigns, event management and Commercial Printing Services.

MIB : What is the most challenging aspect of running your business?

Rajesh : Meeting customers’ expectations. As our services are not physical or tangible, it is a challenging in getting clients' understanding. However, with our years of experience, we built a system that is able to reduce or even to certain extent eliminate this issue. Timing is another vital factor mainly due to delays in customers sending their product details.

We also found that the awareness level among the SMe, mainly the smaller enterprises is still low despite awareness campaign on the importance of going online by our Government. They are still a little reluctant to spend on setting up digital campaign for their businesses.

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April 2015 |

ENTREPRENEUR

MIB : How do you adapt to the evolving digital trends?

Rajesh : The trend is moving towards digital these days and we are in line with it. The task is getting or persuading SMe to embrace in adapting it as well. Over the years, we have made mistakes in structuring our pricing, over promising clients, dealing with customer expectations, etc. Lessons learned from this, is never over promise client just for the sake of getting business.

We constantly introduce and provide value add services to our customers while our marketing campaigns are fine tuned to fit customers current needs and demands. Since, most of our current customers are SMe our pricing need to be affordable without sacrificing the quality of services. We always believe in providing quality value added services instead going into pricing wars.

MIB : How do you deal with competition?

Rajesh : Our business model is a bit different from others.While we constantly provide value added services we opt to provide direct and transparent packages that fit our customer requirements. Our mode of working relationship gradually built a sustainable income over the years with new customers being referred.

MIB : How satisfied are you with your business achievements, so far?

Rajesh : Since the business is self funded with limited resources, I'm truly happy that progress has made. Our customers are satisfied with the services offered. We hope to build from here and help new customers increase their sales with our proven digital marketing product packages.

MIB : Who inspires you and what is your message to our readers?

Rajesh : My parents are my inspiration. I take this opportunity to thank all entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and everyone who has supported me including those who criticize for betterment. Based on my experience, good communication skills are essential to do business beside being a good listener in understanding the client’s needs. Most importantly, be transparent with the client and don’t over promise things that you would not able to deliver.

Let us work together and help each other instead of downgrading or finding ways to eliminate each other.

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ENTREPRENEUR

6 WAYS TO INCREASE BUSINESS REVENUES

01LISTEN

effective communication is perhaps the single most important component for CeOs in

tackling business revenue. Anne Mulcahy, had over US $17 billion in debt when she took the helm of XeROX Corp. She travelled to various locations and

spent time listening to whoever had ideas on what was wrong with the company. Mulcahy put up aggressive turnaround plans by outlining

the things to accomplish as though they had already achieved.

04TOMORROW’S CUSTOMER

ever wonder why MILO gives free samples to school children, COLGATe toothpaste conduct free dental checkup, McDonalds has children playground? We can increase sales in so many ways,

by targeting children i.e. tomorrow’s customer. By attracting tomorrow’s customer they build long term relationship not only with them but with their parents for immediate

business. Shifting sales focus to enticing tomorrow’s customers make your sales increase – and best of all, build the customer loyalty that results in repeat

sales.

02AGAINST THE TIDE

“ Whatever you do, don't play it safe. If you do what's expected of you, you'll never accomplish more

than others expect."- Howard Schultz Starbucks entered into partnership with United Airlines to serve 20 million people a year despite objections from their investors. Howard Schultz took the risk of signing

the deal by ensuring a comprehensive quality assurance program in place, along with training for flight attendants. Later United Airlines a company that had a reputation on serving bad

coffee reported its decision to partner with Starbucks as one of its best strategic moves. In 2014, Howard Schultz was named to Fortune's list of the World's 50 Greatest Leaders.

03THINK LIFETIME VALUE

A business doesn’t end at the point a cheque or payment is collected. It has to go beyond by

continuously adding value it. Take a look on how cars are sold? Although sales representatives, focus on up-front sales, the manufacturer always target repeat sales on replacement

on aging components or repair services. Always remember to capitalize existing customers. Instead of just selling carpets, offer them quarterly free cleaning

services and try to draw customers’ attention to specially formulated cleaning solutions that keeps the carpet looking new.

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| April 2015

TODAY I LEARNED

05PACKAGE IT

It is very common to notice during festive seasons stores offer prices lower by package

them together. Quick service restaurants are other examples that offer packages or bundle up products. The idea behind it is to sell products that naturally

go together or used for same time while increase overall profit margin.

06CARE YOUR SALESPERSON

Try to flip sales commission structure from top to bottom by making the higher

commissions applicable as sales volume increases. Management may consider organizing sales contests where salespersons compete for a cash prize, a

luxurious trip, or some other desired perquisite if they reach a targeted level of sales or new accounts. A well-motivated sales force is sure

to tip up revenue.

13TODAY I LEARNED

WHAT IS NATURE’S LAW?

Laws of Nature origin from the almighty Creator, and even though these laws have been in existence since the beginning of time, they have either remained

an ignorant part of mankind or grossly manipulated and misused, hence, the answer to the present chaos on our beloved earth.

These laws work whether you know it or not, and whether you are conscious of it or not. So, what do you do with these laws? Simply become aware of their existence! Taking the first step by just having knowledge about these laws would suffice to get the rest of your wonderful life living it exactly the way your heart desires.

Laws of Nature influence the life of a person in every nook and corner; it’s just that many are not aware of these laws. There are millions of natural laws, but the main seven, and most basic, are:

• Law of energy Returns Back to Source• Law of Choosing• Law of Cause and effect• Law of Opposites• Law of Vibration and Attraction• Law of Sowing and Reaping • Law of Balance

NATURE’S LAW …and how it works in our lives

14

| April 2015

ENRICHMENT • by Shanthini Subramaniam

LAW OF ENERGY RETURNS BACK TO SOURCE

According to ‘Law of Energy Returns Back to Source’, t h e ‘ e n e r g y ’ that goes around eventually comes around as the same ‘energy’. This means

that nothing is created nor destroyed; it just changes forms.

Simply put, this law means that every single thought we produce,

words that we utter and the actions we take would eventually return back to us. Positive thoughts, words and action come back to us as positive and negative

thoughts, words and action come back as negative.

LAW OF CHOOSING

Human beings have the ability to choose.

Like the old adage that the one thing everyone has is the same amount of hours in a day, the same goes to energy. We all have access to and are receiving the same energy at the same time and it’s free – what do we do with it, then? We can’t avoid it, and we can’t destroy it. It will always be there, meaning we have to do something with it. Yes, we can CHOOSe what we want to do with the energy that we have access to every day of our lives. As a goal-oriented a person, one would definitely get the grips of it, and shift it into an energy that would support his/her goal rather than against it.

This clearly explains that whatever the condition of our lives, it is all purely due to our own choosing. Hence, it is wise that we take total responsibility over the condition of our own lives. There is nobody to blame, nobody to be angry with, and nobody to point the finger at when our business is not doing well. The success or failure we define ourselves, it’s all our own doing.

LAW OF CAUSE AND EFFECT

every cause has an effect, vice-versa every effect has a cause. There is no such thing as something is happening for the sake of happening. This law states very clearly

that we are responsible for whatever that happens to us; even though it might not be apparent to us at the particular moment in time, the causes are our own thoughts (including feelings), words and action; and the effects would manifest on our happiness, health and wealth.

LAW OF OPPOSITES

Law of Opposites states that anything and everything in this existence has two polar opposites inherent in it. In everything, there is something positive and also negative, something happy and also sad, something peaceful and also chaotic, etc. Hence, a successful business will have both fruitful periods as well as downturns. That is nature’s way of working, as such it’s only wise we just flow along and embrace the lessons in each situation.

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April 2015 |

ENRICHMENT

LAW OF VIBRATION AND ATTRACTION

Law of Vibration and Attraction simply states that anyone or anything sending out vibration would attract to him/herself, whatever that is in harmony with that vibration. Meaning, we attract what we think, what we say and what we do.

This is where many of us fail to see that not just words and actions are powerful in determining the condition of our lives, but even a single thought can decide what we attract to ourselves. If we are working on a goal to have a successful business, but our thoughts are doubtful over our capabilities, then we clearly would be attracting doubtful people and business orders that would eventually slow down our progress.

LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING

Law of Sowing and Reaping, in human beings, deals with the p r o g r a m m i n g of the seed that helps achieve

the goals that we set for ourselves. As we sow, we reap; positive seeds produce positive results and negative seeds create negative results.

LAWS OF BALANCE

everything in the known universe changes except the process of change itself. No matter in what situation we are in, we will eventually come back to balance and harmony. So, worry not; believe that everything will always turn out well at the end of the day.

Now that we know about these laws, application should be the next step. Applying these laws in one’s life leads to a beautiful awakening like never before. Further realization will make us realize that we are the cause to everything that is happening in our lives! We can always start by being truthful in our daily thoughts, words and action; and that is guaranteed to be the key to a successful and wholesome life.

Shanthini Subramaniam, a writer and translator, is humbled to share this experience and knowledge with readers. She takes responsibility over this article and gives credit to the book, ‘The Seven Basic Laws of Nature – Nature’s Path to Success’ by The Uneducatedone, for the general reference made with regards to Nature’s Laws. She is available at

[email protected]

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ENRICHMENT

Anchoring

Cultivation

Majesty

Vedantic Management: Leadership Lessons from the Bhagavad-GitaPart 9 - The Art of Cultivation‘What I cannot do now is the sign of what I can do hereafter.’ ~Sri Aurobindo

Welcome to the April edition of the Malaysian Indian Business Magazine. In this edition, we further explore the art of cultivation as

propounded by the ancient Indians. One such place this is clear is in the Bhagavad-Gita.

In our previous article we discussed how being the master of one’s decisions is crucial to the proper cultivation of one’s self. After all, to succeed as a person, leave alone a leader, one has to be devoted to acting and being a master decision-maker is crucial to that end.

We previously learned about avoiding external stimuli as a means of practising the art of cultivation. The result of avoiding external stimuli is focus. Most anyone who’s attempted at meditation will agree that the preeminent method of cultivating the meditative technique is by avoiding external distractions, because the environment so easily leads our minds astray.

And so the Gita introduces us to an interesting method to cultivate our better selves. It is called ‘communing with the Brahman’. When we commune with the Brahman, we leave the effects and results of what we do to Providence. When this happens, our minds adopt a tranquil disposition, improving work and relieving stress. everyone will agree serenity improves productivity. When we worry less, we become better

17

April 2015 |

LEADERSHIP• by Anand Naidu

LEADERSHIP

workers. Communing with the Brahman enables us to ‘worry less’, transposing the worry to Providence:

Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani sangam tyaktwaa karoti yah; Lipyate na sa paapena padmapatram ivaambhasaa.

He who devotes his actions to the Brahman, abandoning attachment, Is free from trouble, as a lotus leaf is free

from water.

Bhagavad Gita 5:10

This is a practical solution to the problem of cultivation. Most of our senses of pride, entitlement, worry and fear comes from the notion that we are inextricably linked to the results of our actions. We are responsible for our actions; this much is true. But we are not attached to them; they do not make us who we are.

So if results don’t make us who we are, then what does? Our actions of course. In the end, the ancient art of cultivation brings us full circle to where we started. While anchoring is concerned with memories, association and learning, cultivation is concerned with how we act. Acting in accordance with tradition, goodness and logic, coupled with a sense that the Brahman is ultimately responsible for us, enables one to focus sharply on the work and not the fruit.

Kaayena manasaa buddhyaa kevalair indriyair api; Yoginah karma kurvanti sangam

tyaktwaatmashuddhaye.

The accomplished of mind having achieved abandonment;Perform all actions as a purification of the self only.

Bhagavad Gita 5:11

So the intelligent among us perform acts as ends in themselves, not as a means to achieving some collateral purpose. This knowledge is the key to the art of cultivation. If achieved, it allows us to transcend the ordinary problems associated with our day-to-day living. In business, as in life, knowledge is the key to success. And so the Gita tells us ‘knowledge is covered by ignorance’. It’s not simply a bare philosophical statement. It is intended to demonstrate that knowledge and ignorance travel together was companions; they are like the skin of the fruit on the outside, and the flesh on the inside.

DRAWING YOUR OWN PICTURES

Osho once pointed out that man is the only creature that actually draws his own pictures. Not only does he draw them of himself, but also of his environment; his home, his nation, even his dreams. Because of this ability, Osho says, self-consciousness becomes real! As such, self-knowledge does come from the imagination, from dreaming and from ‘drawing pictures’. In the business world, this roughly translates to the so-called business planning. The art of cultivation is assisted greatly by this ability to plan, to ‘draw’ and to reflect.

To the ancient Indians, self-reflection was a paramount part of the art of cultivation. Once one established who one was through the art of anchoring, self-reflection (or plain old dreaming, to put it crudely) was the other step to greatness or majesty. Taking stock of the situation is not new to the world of business. There is a veritable subject on the subject, as it were. Nevertheless, what does self-reflection achieve? What is it intended to achieve?

Well, it is intended to achieve equanimity. With equanimity, problems melt away in the course of the day:

Ihaiva tairjitah sargo yeshaam saamye sthitam manah; Nirdosham hi samam brahma tasmaad brahmani te

sthitaah.

Even in this world everything is overcome by the settled mind; They know the Brahman is spotlessly equal,

hey are so established.

Bhagavad Gita 5:19

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| April 2015

Anand Naidu is a Malaysian-born barrister and law lecturer based in Melbourne. He 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 eastern teachings.

[email protected] +61 425 627 116

Think about it. How much would you pay for a settled mind? Whatever you’re thinking, double it! We know the truth of the settled mind. It promotes well-being and success. The settled mind need not be filled with knowledge, or pride or strategies or tactics. It is so powerful on account of being so perfectly anchored, nothing can shunt it. The ancients were aware of this. They were already aware of the benefits of the settled mind on each of the four ancient castes. The settled mind was a keystone to majesty. A way out of the immense pressure of life. The key to overcoming samsara, the seemingly never-ending cycle of birth and death.

And so we have moved cleanly from anchoring to cultivation. Anchoring represents what we were (the past), what we could not do (by virtue of just being) to cultivation; the future, what we can aspire to do. Isn’t Sri Aurobindo so wonderfully right?

19LEADERSHIP

In modern days, the business ecosystem model focuses on three major factors , “Triple Bottom Lines“ – Profit, People and Planet. These concepts have a lot

of similarity with the Guna (trait) theory and the Purusha Prakriti characteristics. Purusha and Prakriti are the two manifestations of the greater self. Purusha is the person's consciousness. Prakriti is mother nature.

The Guna theory states that three “gunas” :

A proper balance of the three traits is extremely important for the organization's self (Purusha) being able to connect with the stakeholders. An organization which does not cultivate the culture of innovation or at least knowledge-sharing, doesn't have a proper compensation structure, and has the least scope for nurturing talents in that organization. People who lack passion (Rajjas), tend to engage in corrupt and unethical practices (lack of Sattwa) and tend to find reasons for inactivity (Tammas). Such organizations foster failure and hence go out-of-business.

Companies having efficient innovation network based on openness followed by proper compensation structure who foster ethical culture through their corporate vision and mission as well as organizational processes tend to balance the 'Sattwa' & 'Rajjas' traits. Such organizations nurture potential to become great companies

BALANCING 3 GUNAS

Sattwa Rajjas Tammas

DID YOU KNOW

Businesses need to think long term. As such, they need an identity who they are? When someone mentions enrico's automatically mind imagines ghee packed in a green can with yellow top. Similarly,

when someone asks “get me Sunquick,” we know he wanted a glass of orange juice. That’s the power of branding.

Malaysian Indian Business brought together three industry experts to talk about brand at Penang recently. Some 100 businesspersons had the opportunity to hear the real experiences from the CeO of Raviraj Sdn Bhd, Mr S K Sundaram who discussed on Creating an Identity. While, brand strategist, Mr Prasath Kanagars discussed on branding applications.

Prior to the panel discussion, Mr K Asokan the Group General Manager (Marketing) of Kumpulan Barkath Sdn Bhd shared their experience of branding through media. The panel session was very participative as members of the floor keen to explore how small and medium entreprises able create a sustainable brand for themselves.

Keep an eye on our social media posting for another MIB Seminar series in your town. Meanwhile, do log on to our online portal www.mibtimes.com to get a glimpse of the Penang MIB event.

MEET INVOLVE BUSINESS (MIB) SEMINAR SERIES

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EVENT COVERAGE

brand'shealth

MEASURING YOUR

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BRAND • by Prasath Kanagaras

A strong brand is not a luxury to be enjoyed only by companies like Nike or Coca-Cola. It is a key factor to the success and prosperity

of all businesses and non-profits, regardless of their revenues. Now, have you spend enough time to measure how healthy your brand is? Let me define what a brand’s health is.

A brand health is the perception of your brand that built across many different touch points, as in when people walk into your office or your shop floor, when they see an advertisement online, when they see a post you have shared on Twitter, when they have dealt with a member of your team or when they have landed on your website.

All of these individual moments define and paint a picture of your business to the consumer. That’s all well and good, but why should you care if your bottom line is healthy? Because a strong, recognizable brand will draw you closer to your audience and is one of the most powerful business attributes you can possess.

So how do you know if you’re painting a Picasso or a poor self-portrait? There are many methods marketers use to evaluate how their brand is performing. Here are just some of the few suggested measures you can use to get an insight into how your brand is perceived and what you could improve.

1 ORGANIzE A FOCUS GROUP

Well, don’t be afraid to get old-fashioned. Focus groups have long been the go to method used to collect data and information on how people respond to a brand. They typically involve small groups of people, usually between five and ten, who are asked questions and discuss their thoughts towards a product, service, concept, advertisement, idea or just about anything. Actually sitting down and talking to people is an excellent way to gauge feelings and develop a genuine understanding.

Prasath KanagarasBrand StrategistPoint Blank MediaworksVeep Social Communications

[email protected]

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BRAND

2 CONDUCT MORE SURVEYS

How do you find out the what behind the data? Surveys are a great way of understanding your audience and what they think about your brand. Take surveys as an opportunity to ask the participating people about what they like, what they dislike and what do they find makes their life easier? Check out sites like Survey Monkey, are excellent for hosting, fast, simple surveys, but try to treat it like a large, remote focus group and encourage open, truthful responses to get maximum value. Taking the results of this on board can help you improve your brand for the better, if you use them.

If you need a hand, turn to consumer insight specialists. Whether you hire internally or form partnerships with other companies, the people in these positions look at the behavior of your consumers and conduct surveys that provide valuable insight into the latest buying trends and media habits. Their role can include the tracking of all brand communications, enabling the measurement of campaigns, as well as fine-tuning to maximize their performance, but even having them hold and analyze surveys can provide actionable results.

3 USE SOCIAL MEDIA SCREENING TOOLS

There are websites, apps and software that allow you to track activity across social media platforms. They can measure performance and analyze engagement across social platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and Instagram. With lots of these tools you can also measure what your competitors are doing in the wider market. The variety of tools, both paid and free, is massive but even harnessing the functions of the social networks themselves can be useful.

4 GO FOR SOME BRAND DISPLAY CAMPAIGNS

Brand display campaigns are an extremely effective way to increase brand awareness, engagement and consideration from a consumer point of view. Measurements vary from campaign to campaign and client objective, and the more time people spend engaging with your ads, the more positively they have reacted to your brand. If your numbers are low, you’re turning potential customers away. This can be a valuable insight into whether your brand or a specific campaign is underperforming or hitting the right notes.

If you’re concerned with how your business is perceived, your first priority should be identifying the people who make the judgment. Your second priority should be not only determining current performance, but improving on it. The best methods to use will vary on your marketplace and marketing, as well as the details you want to uncover, but finding a measurement that fits is crucial. It can move your brand to the next level.

A healthy brand builds over time. What does not pull hard enough the first time can be carried forward to the next encounter, adding to the pull of each subsequent offer. Without the brand, this cumulative power is completely lost.

RELIANCE IS INDIA'S LARGEST COMPANY

Reliance Industries Ltd is India’s largest corporate with assets worth Rs 3.68 lakh crore, followed by state-owned Indian Oil Corp and mortgage lender HDFC. In the list of top 10

corporates in terms of assets, RIL and HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corp) were the only two firms from the private sector, data compiled by the Corporate Affairs Ministry showed. At the end of March 2014, RIL's assets stood at Rs 3.68 lakh crore, while that of Indian Oil Corp and HDFC was at Rs 2.52 lakh crore and Rs 2.25 lakh crore, respectively Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. Other entities in the top ten are Power Finance Corp (4th), NTPC (5), Rural electrification Corp (6), Power Grid Corp (7), LIC Housing Finance (8), Steel Authority of India (9) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (10).

RANBAXY AND SUN PHARMA MERGE GETS NOD

High Court of Punjab and Haryana gave its nod to the merger of two Indian pharmaceutical companies -Ranbaxy

Laboratories Limited with Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. The High Court also dismissed certain objections to the merger by the workers, the official liquidator, the Regional Director, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and two unsecured creditors. The order by Justice Rajesh Bindal is significant as it has paved way for closure of $4 billion or Rs 24,511 crore amalgamation within the current fiscal year. Ranbaxy advocate had submitted that the gross sales of the combined entity after the merger would be around Rs 27,000 crore and it would have a diverse, highly complementary portfolio of specialty and generic products targeting a spectrum of chronic and acute treatments. The deal had earlier received approval from the US Federal Trade Commission. The Competition Commission of India too had approved the merger of Sun and Ranbaxy, provided the two sold some overlapping brands.

INDIA BUSINESS NEWS

RELIANCE IS INDIA'S LARGEST COMPANY

Reliance Industries Ltd is India’s largest corporate with assets worth Rs 3.68 lakh crore, followed by state-owned Indian Oil Corp and mortgage lender HDFC. In the list of top 10

corporates in terms of assets, RIL and HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corp) were the only two firms from the private sector, data compiled by the Corporate Affairs Ministry showed. At the end of March 2014, RIL's assets stood at Rs 3.68 lakh crore, while that of Indian Oil Corp and HDFC was at Rs 2.52 lakh crore and Rs 2.25 lakh crore, respectively Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. Other entities in the top ten are Power Finance Corp (4th), NTPC (5), Rural electrification Corp (6), Power Grid Corp (7), LIC Housing Finance (8), Steel Authority of India (9) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (10).

RANBAXY AND SUN PHARMA MERGER GETS NOD

High Court of Punjab and Haryana gave its nod to the merger of two Indian pharmaceutical companies -Ranbaxy

Laboratories Limited with Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. The High Court also dismissed certain objections to the merger by the workers, the official liquidator, the Regional Director, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and two unsecured creditors. The order by Justice Rajesh Bindal is significant as it has paved way for closure of $4 billion or Rs 24,511 crore amalgamation within the current fiscal year. Ranbaxy advocate had submitted that the gross sales of the combined entity after the merger would be around Rs 27,000 crore and it would have a diverse, highly complementary portfolio of specialty and generic products targeting a spectrum of chronic and acute treatments. The deal had earlier received approval from the US Federal Trade Commission. The Competition Commission of India too had approved the merger of Sun and Ranbaxy, provided the two sold some overlapping brands.

INDIA BUSINESS NEWS24

| April 2015

BANKING ON MUDRA FOR SMES

The government announced that it would set up MUDRA, a bank to finance the setting up of small and micro-units and thereby encourage entrepreneurship among SC/STs

and OBCs. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday announced that the government would set up the Micro Units Development Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank with a corpus ofRs 20,000 crore and a credit guarantee corpus of Rs 3,000 crore. The Mudra Bank will refinance institutions through the newly-announced Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.The proposed bank is part of the government’s Skill India programme and is in line with its focus on job-creation, a big priority as 54 per cent of the Indian population is less than 25 years of age and about 12 million workers join the workforce annually. Jaitley, who launched a slew of initiatives for job creation and skill development, used the word “skill” 12 times in his Budget speech. “While large corporate and business entities have a role to play, this has to be complemented by informal sector enterprises which generate maximum employment,” he said while presenting the Budget, stressing that members of SC, ST and OBC community will be given priority in lending. The move would help provide easy capital and funding to such businesses. There are over 5.77 crore small business units, mostly individual proprietorship, which run small manufacturing, trading or service businesses of which 62 per cent are owned by SC/ST.

GUJARAT, HIMACHAL, DELHI MOST ENTREPRENEUR-FRIENDLY: SURVEY

Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi are the most entrepreneur-friendly states, according to a recent survey. The survey on entrepreneurship conducted by

direct-selling FMCG company Amway and market researcher Indicus Analytics has found that Gujarat, Delhi and Karnataka provide good infrastructural support for entrepreneurs to grow their business. Furthermore, the nature of governance in all these states supports entrepreneurial activities. However, Karnataka ranked far below when it came to the question of attitude to opt for a business venture while Himachal Pradesh topped the chart on this parameter followed by Bihar and Jharkhand. The data used for index computation of the survey was collected through a primary survey of over 5,000 respondents in 20 states encompassing 50 cities across India. The sample respondents comprised new entrepreneurs who started their ventures within a year of the survey as well as the general populace. The survey said the northern region dominates future of entrepreneurship in India as Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Gujarat have the most forward-looking pattern of governance which will fall in line with the needs of the business community. The southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh ranked lower on the same parameter. "One of the biggest challenges that confront the country today is to offer appropriate job opportunities for this growing work force. We believe that skill development and self-employment will play an important role," Amway general manager Anshu Budhraja said in a statement. The survey said that while Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi were leading the pack of entrepreneurs in the present situation, Punjab will emerge as a new hub for entrepreneurs and Delhi and Gujarat will continue to dominate this field.

INSURANCE PENETRATION IN INDIA AT 3.9 PERCENT, BELOW WORLD AVERAGE

Insurance penetration in India at 3.9 percent was below the world average of 6.3 percent in 2013, Parliament was informed. "The penetration for the insurance sector as a whole in the year

2013 was 3.9 percent in India, as against world average of 6.3 percent," Minister of state for finance Jayant Sinha said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha. The level of insurance penetration depends on a large number of factors like level of economic development of the country, the extent of the savings in financial instruments and the size and reach of the insurance sector, he said.

INDIA BUSINESS NEWS

BANKING ON MUDRA FOR SMES

The government announced that it would set up MUDRA, a bank to finance the setting up of small and micro-units and thereby encourage entrepreneurship among SC/STs

and OBCs. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday announced that the government would set up the Micro Units Development Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank with a corpus ofRs 20,000 crore and a credit guarantee corpus of Rs 3,000 crore. The Mudra Bank will refinance institutions through the newly-announced Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.The proposed bank is part of the government’s Skill India programme and is in line with its focus on job-creation, a big priority as 54 per cent of the Indian population is less than 25 years of age and about 12 million workers join the workforce annually. Jaitley, who launched a slew of initiatives for job creation and skill development, used the word “skill” 12 times in his Budget speech. “While large corporate and business entities have a role to play, this has to be complemented by informal sector enterprises which generate maximum employment,” he said while presenting the Budget, stressing that members of SC, ST and OBC community will be given priority in lending. The move would help provide easy capital and funding to such businesses. There are over 5.77 crore small business units, mostly individual proprietorship, which run small manufacturing, trading or service businesses of which 62 per cent are owned by SC/ST.

GUJARAT, HIMACHAL, DELHI MOST ENTREPRENEUR-FRIENDLY: SURVEY

Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi are the most entrepreneur-friendly states, according to a recent survey. The survey on entrepreneurship conducted by

direct-selling FMCG company Amway and market researcher Indicus Analytics has found that Gujarat, Delhi and Karnataka provide good infrastructural support for entrepreneurs to grow their business. Furthermore, the nature of governance in all these states supports entrepreneurial activities. However, Karnataka ranked far below when it came to the question of attitude to opt for a business venture while Himachal Pradesh topped the chart on this parameter followed by Bihar and Jharkhand. The data used for index computation of the survey was collected through a primary survey of over 5,000 respondents in 20 states encompassing 50 cities across India. The sample respondents comprised new entrepreneurs who started their ventures within a year of the survey as well as the general populace. The survey said the northern region dominates future of entrepreneurship in India as Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Gujarat have the most forward-looking pattern of governance which will fall in line with the needs of the business community. The southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh ranked lower on the same parameter. "One of the biggest challenges that confront the country today is to offer appropriate job opportunities for this growing work force. We believe that skill development and self-employment will play an important role," Amway general manager Anshu Budhraja said in a statement. The survey said that while Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi were leading the pack of entrepreneurs in the present situation, Punjab will emerge as a new hub for entrepreneurs and Delhi and Gujarat will continue to dominate this field.

INSURANCE PENETRATION IN INDIA AT 3.9 PERCENT, BELOW WORLD AVERAGE

Insurance penetration in India at 3.9 percent was below the world average of 6.3 percent in 2013, Parliament was informed. "The penetration for the insurance sector as a whole in the year

2013 was 3.9 percent in India, as against world average of 6.3 percent," Minister of state for finance Jayant Sinha said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha. The level of insurance penetration depends on a large number of factors like level of economic development of the country, the extent of the savings in financial instruments and the size and reach of the insurance sector, he said.

INDIA BUSINESS NEWS 25

April 2015 |

There is a clear consolidation of the industry and there is a simplification of the business model

There is a tremendous opportunity to take market share organically but, frankly, inorganically as well

For universal banks today, the debate is about much more than challenges and opportunities. It’s more fundamental than that. We stand at a crossroads

A globally diversified balance sheet means less risk concentration.

This means we can provide more credit for business. That's crucial in Europe where 70 percent of credit creation is provided by banks

Too big to fail has to be addressed, and that cannot be done by banks alone. We need regulators. We need countries to sit down and work out the very complex legal framework

People are not going to trust banks if they feel that we continue to socialize our losses and walk away when things blow up

If all the measures before us were implemented as proposed, they would practically spell the end of over 100 years of universal banking in Europe the vision of the company became very clear

QUOTES26

| April 2015

ANSHUMAN JAINCo-Chief executive Officer at Deutsche Bank AG

No German bank is as global as we are, and no global bank is as German as we are

There is a minimum scale for efficiency. It is a little misleading to think you can be small and globally competitive

The entire sector has to get to the point, that no matter what takes place the odds that we will come back to the taxpayer will be reduced to nothing

IF YOU’RE TOO CONFORTABLE YOU’RE PROBABLY DOING SOMETHING WRONG

QUOTES 27

Jaipur born Anshuman Jain, is the Co-Chief executive Officer of

Germany’s biggest bank and continental europe’s largest bank

by total assets, Deutsche Bank. In 2013 he was reported to receive

compensation up to US$12.4 million, making him as one of highest paid

CeO among 30 europe’s biggest bank. The Wall Street Journal credited

45 years old Jain as one of the masterminds behind the transformation

in the past decade of Deutsche Bank from a German commercial bank

into one of the global powerhouses in investment banking.

April 2015 |

| April 2015

LIFESTYLE • by Thevi Sinnadurai28

The Magic of Posi+ive Thinking

WHAT MAGIC OCCURS WHEN YOU BELIEVE?

The magic of believing is real. Adopting behaviours like positive and constructive self-talk and daily positive affirmations can change the brain structure and ultimately influence the subconscious mind

So how does the power of positive thinking work its magic in your mind?

Information is received by the subconscious mind from the conscious mind. Your conscious mind perceives the world through your senses. It then attaches a judgment to these thoughts that creates a feeling. The feeling is then lodged into your unconscious mind as a belief.

Since all of your unconscious beliefs were first conscious thoughts, it stands to reason that you can change or reprogram your subconscious mind by actively adopting new thinking. This is where the magic of positive thinking comes into play!

The great planes that sweep the skies, the cheese slicer, the dishwasher, the

automobiles, denim jeans, touch screen mobile phones, water proof diapers, WD40, energy saving light bulbs, vaccines, lollipops, the tiny office pin, a thousand and one things - where did they come from originally? Only one source – ‘Thought’. The magic of positive thinking and believing requires that we pay attention to and follow our

thoughts.

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Using The Magic Of Positive Thinking To Impact Your Life

Can positive thinking exercises really change your mind? If you asked Dr. Norman Doidge, author of ‘The Brain That Changes Itself’, he would surely give you a ‘YeS’.

Follow these steps to help with unleashing your mind's power using the power of your thoughts:

1. Become aware of your negative programming and beliefs. For example, perhaps while growing up you were teased (as so many kids are) about a facial feature or your sports ability. And now, no matter what you do, you cannot see yourself as anything but ugly or anything but a weakling and failure. In each of these cases, the negative beliefs you want to reprogram are "I am ugly" and "I am a weakling, a failure".

2. Activate the power of positive thinking: start feeding your conscious mind with new beliefs. At this stage, it's not important that you agree with your new belief, what's important is that it's motivating to you and you'd like to believe it to be true. So in each case, the new beliefs you would want to instil in yourself are "I am truly beautiful, inside and out" and "I am good at sports/I am comfortable in my body. I am confident".

3. Continue feeding your mind stimulus that aligns with these statements. Meditation and self-hypnosis are like super vitamins at this. They help you achieve a relaxed state where it’s much easier to accept and integrate positive self-talk. You can also incorporate positive daily affirmations and visualization exercises to help make change more rapid. Overtime, as you keep feeding yourself new positive stimulus, the negative thoughts you've become so used to hearing will become quieter. Through repeated exposure to your new beliefs, you will start to change your perception of yourself in these areas. At first you'll notice the change in small things. Perhaps you'll decide to take up a sport or if you're belief was that you are ugly, perhaps you'll notice that you suddenly feel smart and confident and you might start to dress and do things differently to reflect this.

Positive Thinking Activity #1: Modelling

Modelling is an approach by NLP. It involves developing ways of thinking and behaving that mirror the successful approach of another.

No matter what it is you desire to be, do or have, there is someone else out there who has achieved what you want. And if you can model their approach, you will duplicate their success for yourself.

Find a mentor, whether it's someone you know or someone you don’t’ know, doesn't really matter. For example, let's say you want to be a successful entrepreneur. The first step to achieving this would be to study someone like our very own successful businessman, Tan Sri T. Ananda Krishnan or Tan Sri Tony Fernandez or anyone who inspires you.

What matters is that there's plenty of accessible information about how they achieved success. Find out their mind set and how they faced challenges and opportunities. What critical decisions did they make along their path? What was their positive self-talk that helped them through the hard times?

Positive Thinking Activity #2: Surround Yourself with Positive Pictures

Placing inspir ing positive pictures around your home and office can ensure you receive daily doses of positivity wi thout conscious effort. And there's no better way to overcome the power of negative thinking. essentially we are a product of our

environments. So if you ensure your environment is uplifting, you will internalize this and become it.

Positive Thinking Activity #3: Acting As If

Acting As If is a learned skill that will help you manifest any of your desires. Rather than just longing for and endlessly imagining what you desire, Acting As If is about embodying the state that you wish to be in. For example, say you wish you were more successful. Start imagining right now how you'd be if you had more success. Now behave this way in your life right now. Adopt the mindset of that person you want to become.

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

[email protected]

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LIFESTYLE

The Acting As If method works because the body follows where the mind leads. So when you live inside your body as if you've achieved what you want, the mind adjusts accordingly. If you struggle at first with this technique, just keep trying. You will know when you are making headways because positive self-talk will become more natural and spontaneous. In the meantime, use positive daily affirmations and visualization to help with managing your resistance to change.

Positive Thinking Quotes

"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world" ~ Buddha

"Every person is the creation of himself, the image of his own thinking and believing. As individuals think and believe, so they are" ~ Claude Bristol

"A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes" ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results" ~ Willie Nelson

Bridal and beauty industry are an expanding and very well flourished industry in

Malaysia, as one can find abundant of beauty and bridal centre in the capital state but when it comes to Johor, only a few make it to the top list of sought-after beauty centre. Meet Sivathi Herbal Beauty Centre, a beauty centre and training centre well situated in Taman Johor Jaya, and is one of the names that have made into the top list of beauty and bridal centre in Johor.

The MIB team had a good time interviewing the founder of the Sivathi Herbal Beauty Centre, Mrs. Sivathi Aathi Her beauty centre found its fame through word of mouth marketing, among customers, a sign of excellence and top class services being offered there.

JOHOR AS THE PROMISED LAND

She was the eldest daughter of Mr. Jeevanathan and Mrs. Patma and spent the most of her childhood growing up in Bahau, Negeri Sembilan, and her business career

began when she was just 11 years old; hence, the importance of her education was completely neglected at that young age. She eventually stopped schooling to help her parents at their sundry shop.

“There’s no one to look after the shop, so I helped my dad, I would grind the chillies and tie the packets. So my father showed no worries and neglected my education since we had the shop, I didn’t know the consequences as I have been just a kid, but I learned the business well while helping him”.

At 22 years old, she got married to her husband, Mr. Siva, who is from Kuantan, Pahang, and blessed with a daughter, but soon after their marriage, they came to a situation where they had to let go their sundry shop. Not knowing where the future heads, they decided to leave Bahau and move to Johor, a drastic decision that changed their life forever.

“Most of my relatives said we have no futures in Johor and will return in two months. I was not able to tell my husband anything but other than we should go. I tell him that we

Sivathi HerbalBeauty Centre

SIVATHI Aathi

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ENTREPRENEUR

don’t know anyone but we’ll manage somehow, there will be a way for us”.

At first, the state of Johor was not so much of a promised land for them, as the man who promised them a place to stay and a job, but they lost contact with him. However, luck was on their side as help came through a Chinese friend, who gave them a place to stay, before both of them get a job in Singapore.

THE CHALLENGES IN OUR LAND

She took a one year beauty course at Asia University as a first step towards establishing her business. She was only able to complete the basics in beauty study. Once the study was over, her husband was offered a job in New Zealand, a situation where she had to follow him there. They returned to Malaysia six months later as they had a problem due to complications in renewing their visas and work permits. Once returned, she went to work in a textile shop in Tekka Market in Singapore.

“I had no hearts to leave New Zealand but I worked hard there, because of that I decided to work in Singapore upon

returning. I had a good experience working in a textile shop but textile never interested me, I worked for a year there and I did a good business for the shop”.

It was at an expo where she discovered the prospect of beauty and bridal industry, when she saw a very famous Mehndi designer’s booth doing very well in the expo. However, realizing that she had a very little knowledge in Mehndi art and drawing, she decided to take continue beauty course seriously.

She started in Bazaar Karat, and then she opened a second in Pasar Borong in Pandan upon completing a full beauty course in India. "I took the second shop as a back-up plan. I was the only Indian in both places at the time therefore had a hard time registering the shops. Anyway, I did my best by applying and I got the shop in the end. A Malay friend help me to secure the place in this location".

"I opened the first beauty centre in Bazaar Karat. A second branch was opened in Pandan Uptown Market, followed by beauty center in Taman Johor Jaya, all by tackling challenges"

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ENTREPRENEUR

even though the rent was high and the shop registration was highly opposed, she decided to go on with the procedures, as she received huge supports from her family as well as her in-laws. Her courageous efforts have resulted with multiple successes in her business.

“Service is very important to me. I don’t see much money from my customers. Service is the main reasons I have loyal customers and promotes through words. Once they like the service, then they wouldn’t care spending money”.

Her beauty centre offers the high-end quality services and latest beauty products. She utilize high quality Indian beauty products especially Nature's to beautify her clients.

“The business is going pretty well by God’s grace. Many customers that have seen the services here have introduced new customers”.

She also has a few products imported from India. Her most special product is the unique mehndi that are made in Pakistan and brought in through Singapore. Most customers are happy with the results, as they have been supporting her for the past 4 years.

IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE

Teaching has always been one of her passions at heart; therefore, she decided to open a beauty center as well. Her center commenced by offering certificate programmes with plans to offer a full Advanced Diploma programmes. Her professional certificate programmes are one of the most complete, as they come with step-by-step post graduation programs such as, skills course, shop lot registration, setting up of center and follow up guides with government university.

“I have students without doing any advertising, for the programme. I hope to do it on bigger levels. Of course we will give the best to those who put trust

and confidence in the center; we will provide a good opportunity that meets their expectations”.

She is happy to see her first batch of students do very well, whereas her current second batch, consisting of 15 students have just started in March 2015. Overall she had trained more than 50 students. She hopes to see more students under her as the career prospects are bright, especially in Johor.

“Some people say that there’s no point in teaching beauty courses, as the students will be our competition, but to me it does not matter, even if we don’t teach them, someone else will so I think it rather be me”.

She ended the interview by emphasizing the center and the students as the vision of Sivathi Herbal Beauty Centre with teaching as her main goal to expand the center with more students in the future.

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ENTREPRENEUR

We are aware that media plays important vital role in disbursing information, knowledge and entertainment. However as technology

evolves and develops with self-publishing, the risk of abuse tends to grow higher. In the world of media convergence, almost everyone in the world is connected to an electronic device – computer, mobile phone, radio, and television. Any material communicated via an electronic medium has the capacity to go viral and reach millions of people globally.

The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) recently launched a campaign warning Malaysians with a stern message: Creating, posting, sharing, transmitting, and distributing a potentially offensive message, video, or photograph can affect you for life. “It’s time for people, especially the youth, to learn some hard lessons about what they create, post and distribute,” says Ahmad Izham Omar, CMCF Chairman. “even a text message or email that provokes the sensitivities of an individual or community can rebound and scar the sender for life.”

The nationwide campaign themed, ‘What you do sticks with you’, aims to promote good behaviour and values while encouraging self-regulation. “Our objective is not to curb creativity or freedom of expression, but rather for the public to exercise good judgment in adhering to the values of our country,” asserts Izham. “Ask yourself if the message, video, or photograph being distributed is authentic, factually accurate, and does not hurt anyone. The public must be vigilant or risk the consequence of their actions.”

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ANNOUNCEMENT

Izham notes that in the past year, the public used the electronic media irresponsibly to share their thoughts about the general election, the disappearance of MH370, sexual escapades on a beach front and religious differences.

Izham advises the public to refer to the CMCF Content Code as a guide to understand the parameters of admissible content. Anyone hurt by offensive material can lodge a complaint to CMCF’s Complaints Bureau for advice and further action. Complaints can be submitted online at

www.cmcf.my.For the duration of the campaign, CMCF plans to organize and participate in seminars, road shows, and forums with private and public associations to disseminate information about media etiquette and self-responsibility. CMCF recently worked jointly with MCMC on the “Click smartly” campaign targeting students who spend time on social media platforms, the Internet, and mobile phones.

“With technological advances, the opportunities to create and share material will become more prevalent in the near future. We can expect the law governing electronic media to be tightened if the situation gets uncontrollable.”

Izham remarks that Malaysians currently enjoy a great deal of latitude in the electronic media environment. “We have a favourable open sky policy currently, and we are hopeful that people do not abuse the privilege for their own gains.”

Izham confirms that the ‘What you do sticks with you’ campaign is only the starting point of a long-haul journey.

“The youth are particularly vulnerable to offensive material, and we need to continuously work to educate them on the merits of acting sensibly. In creating any form of content, we must be assured that it does not offend, disparage, ridicule, or hurt an individual or our communities.”

THE COMPLAINTS BUREAU

The CMCF houses a Complaints Bureau is empowered to:

• Consider and deal with complaints relating to content as provided for in the Content Code

• Investigate any content which is considered to be in breach of the Content Code without there necessarily having been a complaint

• Rule on any dispute arising between members of the CMCF or between a member and a non-member

• Interpret provisions of the Content Code when the need arises or when a request is made

• The CMCF's Complaints Bureau shall receive, consider, mediate and if necessary, adjudicate and make a ruling on matters, such as complaints and grievances, relating to alleged breaches

• The Complaints Bureau comprises an appointed Chairman and six members of the Forum, one each representing the six affiliations

Before your publish or post ask yourself if the message, video, or photograph being distributed is authentic,

factually accurate, and does not hurt anyone.~ Izham

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April 2015 |

ANNOUNCEMENT

RAFFLES MED’S LUCRATIVE MEDICAL TOURISM CASH COW UNDER THREAT

Foreign patients are the lifeblood of Raffles Medical, but this all-important revenue source is at risk of drying up after the Singapore Tourism

Board (STB) earlier cut its visitor arrival forecast for 2015. The STB estimates that Singapore will welcome 15.1m-15.5m tourists and expects S$24bn in tourism receipts in 2015, compared to their earlier target of 17m visitor arrivals and S$30bn in tourism receipts. Data from CIMB show that foreign patients traditionally account for 30-35% of total number of patients, with Indonesians forming the largest group at around 5-7% of all patients. Foreign patients account for 45-50% of total hospital revenues because they typically have larger bills, as they seek treatment for more complex medical issues. They also have a longer average length of stay as they prefer to recover in the hospital as opposed to a hotel.

SINGAPORE'S TRANSPORT COSTS ALMOST THREE TIMES COSTLIER THAN NEW YORK'S: EIU

The cost of commuting or driving in the Big Apple are nothing compared to Lion City's exorbitant transport costs. The complex Certificate of entitlement system is the main culprit behind Singapore’s high cost of living, the economist Intelligence Unit revealed today. The city-state has again been named as the world’s costliest city by the economist Intelligence Unit's Worldwide Cost of Living Survey. The report

shows that the COe system makes car prices “excessive”, with local transport costs almost three times higher than in New York. The city-state heads an unchanged top five, with Paris (2nd), Oslo (3rd), Zurich (4th) and Sydney (5th) all remaining structurally expensive. Despite topping the ranking, eIU states that Singapore still offers relative value in some categories, such as in terms of basic groceries, where the city-state is only 11% more expensive than New York.

| April 2015

SINGAPORE BUSINESS NEWS36

ALMOST 4 OUT OF 5 SMES NO LONGER KEEN ON HIRING FOREIGNERS: SURVEY

SMes aren't too keen on hiring foreigners despite the deferral of foreign worker levy hikes, a survey by JobsDB revealed. Results showed that 48% of

respondents expressed uncertainty towards hiring foreigners and only 24% said they were still open to it, despite the recent budget announcement delaying the slated increase to foreign worker levies. The implementation of government initiatives such as the Fair Consideration Framework, has also given SMes additional pressure to compete to attract local talent in an already tight labour market. In particular, the survey revealed that SMes are looking to fill positions in sales (40%), administration / office support (31%), accounting, engineering (19%) and IT (18%).

ONLINE PORTAL TO PROVIDE STREAMLINED HELP FOR SMES

A new online portal will be set up to make it easier for companies to search and apply for government grants. The Government will roll out the first phase

of this Business Grants Portal over the next year, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck said in Parliament. The project involves 10 government agencies, and aims to streamline about 20 existing business grants into three key areas within one portal. The three areas are capability development, internationalisation and training. Agencies involved include Spring Singapore, Ie Singapore and the Workforce Development Agency. "Companies will be guided through the process and given advice on the grants which they are eligible for," Mr Teo said. This is because SMes are finding it much tougher to cope with ongoing restructuring, Mr Singh said, noting that there might be a risk of Singapore becoming a "dual economy" where "SMes face one cost structure and larger multinational corporations and government-linked corporations have another because of better support from the government".

SINGAPORE TO SEE LARGEST INFLUX OF SUPER RICH

Make room eduardo Saverin, Nathan Tinkler and Jim Rogers, Singapore’s super-rich club is about to get a little crowded. The Republic is expected to see the world’s largest influx of

super-rich individuals over the next 10 years, with 1,752 people joining the ranks of the so-called ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) by 2024, a report by property consultancy Knight Frank says. The projected addition to Singapore’s wealth brigade is higher than that of cities such as Hong Kong, New York and London, and will see the number of people with net assets of US$30 million (S$41 million) or more here soar by 54.3 per cent to 4,979 in 2024, said the Wealth Report. Knight Frank Singapore’s head of consultancy and research Alice Tan said the nation’s attractiveness lies in its standing as a regional hub and pro-business environment. “Singapore’s strengthening position as a regional financial and transport hub, coupled with a stable and pro-business government, has attracted MNCs to relocate their regional operations here. These strong attributes have also attracted many ultra-high-net-worth individuals to relocate to and invest in Singapore, especially in real estate,” Ms Tan said

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SINGAPORE BUSINESS NEWS

MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE • by Palani Murugappan

UNDERSTANDING COLUMN CHARTS

Charts are used primarily for creating a visual explanation of raw data. A chart can be displayed in a simple manner or “spruced” up to give a visually stunning effect. However, the final format should be easy for anyone looking at it to gather the information meant to be portrayed.

Let us look at the following three columns of data. For most companies and departments, there is a high tendency to compare actual (column C) against projected (column B) values. The following is a simple set of data based on quantities sold by a company for the first six months.

Handling Charts in Excel

Based on the above, excel can be used to create a simple 2 dimensional column chart as follows.

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MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

excel usually selects the above standard colors for the columns. The user has the option of changing the colors and give it a 3-D effect as follows with the values for each month displayed on the top of each column.

For someone who is not too familiar with charts, he or she may assume the “gap” between each month may consist of values that are “missing”. The gap between each month can be reduced using the Gap Width feature.

To create a story, a background image can be added as illustrated below.

DISPLAYING HIGH AGAINST LOW VALUES

Sometimes we will come across values in two columns where one is high and the other very low. For example, let us assume the following data is provided.

The above is a situation in a company where extra manpower is required to accomplish a task based on monthly projects. The

figures in column C depict the number of employees who resign from the company on a monthly basis. If the standard column chart is plotted, this is what you will observe.

The above may be correct in terms of presentation of data, but it is not the right way of showing it. Why? It is difficult to read the lower employee Turnover figures as both the figures are using the main Y-axis to map its values.

When you come across a situation like this, convert the lower values to another type of chart, preferably a line chart as follows.

The line chart is still displayed somewhere at the bottom of the column chart as its figures are mapped against the left Y-axis. A better approach is to activate another axis called the secondary axis where the lower

figures are mapped against it and the higher (Manpower required) figures are mapped against the main left Y-axis as represented in the next column chart.

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April 2015 |

As can be seen on the right, the chart now becomes more readable with the secondary axis (on the right) activated.

Let us look at another scenario. You are given the following data as below where the employees KPIs are given below in different

columns with the column e recording the average values.

Based on the data above, a column chart is created by highlighting all of the columns.

Though the above chart may look proper with the unfamiliar eyes, someone with trained eyes will tell you it is not quite correct.

A better way of approaching the above is to only select the first four columns and plot the column chart as follows.

To add the average values, it needs to be added separately as illustrated below.

Finally, you have the option of changing the average column figures as a different type of chart. In the illustration below, the average values are converted and displayed as a line chart with markers.

Further enhancements can be made to display the values within each column in different positions to be represented in the following manner.

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MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Penned by : By Palani Murugappan

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

A young man went into a bank and asked current account opening form. The officer was surprised, when he says I will bring the form to Kuala Lumpur and return to open account in new few days. When asked why the need to take the form to Kuala Lumpur, he retorted that the application form said- Got be filled in CAPITAL.

I send email to a client. Client gets upset about the email. Client admits they never read the email.!!!!

What is the 3 Most Powerful Words after I LOVE YOU? ….SALARY IS CREDIT!!!

A businessman who needed millions of dollars to clinch an important deal went to church to pray for the money. By chance he knelt next to a man who was praying for $100 to pay an urgent debt. The businessman took out his wallet and pressed $100 into the other man’s hand.Overjoyed, the man got up and left the church. The businessman then closed his eyes and prayed, “And now, Lord, that I have your undivided attention….”

A photocopier technician inform his client, suggested they might do the cleaning by reading machine manual since it would cost them RM100.00 if he did it. When the client asks, “does your boss know you are discouraging business?” He responded, “actually my boss demands we explain this to all our customers. After people try first to fix things themselves, we end-up making much more money on repairs.”

A company director received an email from his PR Manager “My mother is very dangerous and I want to saw her. Please leave me three days.”

(My mother is seriously ill and I would like to be by her side. Therefore, I request you grant me leave for three days)

Points to Ponder: Can you cry under water?

BUSINESS JOKES

Do modern corporate management includes happiness as basic principle?In Arthasasthra,the oldest Management book states that the happiness of subjects lies the happiness of the King and in their welfare lies his welfare

MIB FORUM 41

n even if happiness principle does not come top-down, staff at all levels should practice the happiness habit to be more productive and work in self-harmony.

Mohan P. Kuppusamy, Certified iCP Lecturer

Happiness at work;

1. 1. Doing something that you are passionate about,2. 2. Great work-life balance until we have both of these, there is no true happiness.

Pathmanathan Maniyam, Marketing Manager

n Corporate management under capitalist system is work For Pressure And Not For Pleasure [Happiness] . Management makes the life of juniors UNHAPPY and that may make them HAPPY.

K. Kumaravell,Entrepreneur

n Corporate emphasis is more towards making stakeholder happier in terms of higher dividend payout. Happiness of subjects (employees) only happens when he or she performs better than others and contributes greatly for the company. Nowadays, the subjects have to take care of their superiors’ happiness first before the rest.

R Navaaneetha Krishnan, Executive Director

n All levels should practice happiness to be more productive and work in self-harmony.

This also should apply to the bosses and not just those at lower levels. Loyalty expected from workers but what about loyalty of seniors to the juniors. Whenever there is downturn the lower level is told 'good bye' as a cost cutting measure with the seniors rarely taking any form of cut including perks.

Gursharan Singh, Trainer-Knowledge Sharer-Auditor

Right in the heart of the federal capital, in the midst of the bustling urban centre and well-crafted commuter networks, is erican College. It is a member of erican education Group, an award-winning organization that has been providing a comprehensive array of education since its establishment in

1990. Having started as a language centre, the Group has now branched out into Preschool, International School, College, and Corporate Training. erican College itself is expecting an upgrade to University College status in the near future.

We had a great opportunity to interview Mr. Veejayaasegaran (or fondly known as Veejay), Chief executive Officer (CeO) of erican College and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the erican education Group.

ERICAN COLLEGE : VEEJAYAASEGARAN

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YOUNGEST CEO IN MALAYSIAN TERTIARY EDUCATION INDUSTRY

Veejay has been serving the education industry for more than 18 years. He entered the education industry at a very young age and when he became the CeO of a private college at just 26, he also became the youngest CeO in the country.

He hails from Penang and calls himself a simple man. His work in the education industry and his nephews hold a special place in his heart. He is a very sociable person who loves to meet new people and exchange knowledge with them, and that includes his students whom he occasionally enjoys a drink with to get to know them better.

Veejay holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing, from Nottingham Trent University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Studies and Management. Throughout his studies, he supported himself by working part-time so he could reduce his father’s financial burden.Veejay always had a passion for education which clearly reflects in his career choices and trajectory. He has worked at five universities and colleges since his graduation, gaining extensive experience in lecturing, student services, marketing and sales.

g Receiving the former Ambassador of Thailand in Malaysia, His Excellency Krit Kraichitti.

g With students at Erican College’s Deepavali celebration. Under Veejay’s guidance, the institution strives to provide quality student-oriented services and nurture a caring and loving learning environment.

g Pictured with the founder of Erican Education Group Datuk Eric Chong, Datin Lee Pui Ling, and Group Marketing Head Phillips Koh after Erican College won and was ranked top 10 in the SME 100: Fast Moving Companies Awards 2014

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TOUGH BEGINNINGS

Right before he joined the erican, he was the founder of a private college in Penang. However, due to disagreements over the direction of the company with his investors, he decided to leave his college, a decision he never thought he would have to make.

“I trusted the wrong people and investors,” he said with a shrug, “but that’s bygones now.”

There is, however, a bright side to this story. “I didn’t know what to do at that time,” Veejay said. “I lost everything and I was back to square one. I was discouraged and upset, but there was one person who steadfastly supported me throughout it all.”

That person is Phillips Koh, current Head of Marketing of the erican education Group. “I consider him my younger brother,” added Veejay.

Today, he tries his best to avoid negative people and refuses to focus on complaints. “Something’s wrong? Give me the solution,” he said. “I only want solutions.”

MEETING DATUK ERIC CHONG

After leaving his college, Veejay encountered financially hard times where he had to sell his house and car to sustain his living expenses. He returned to Ipoh to join his brother-in-law’s legal firm and was on the verge of giving up the education industry when he received a call from Datuk Chong.

Datuk Chong was initially a potential investor for Veejay’s college. Although the partnership ultimately did not work out as Datuk Chong preferred to invest in a company based in Kuala Lumpur, Veejay continued to keep in touch with him.

Datuk Chong told him that he had recently acquired Pratique Asia College, a boutique college specializing in interior design. He had major plans for the college and he wanted Veejay to assist him in executing them.

“Datuk is a very focused man and a great visionary. I am honoured to have been entrusted with this project and to be one of the key decision-makers,” Veejay said. “God willing, I truly believe erican will be my last company.”

g Celebrating Erican Education Group’s winning of the Leadership Excellence in International Education accolade at the 5th Middle East Business Leaders Awards 2014

g The Erican College team at the SME 100: Fast Moving Companies Awards ceremony in December of last year

g Visiting the Indian High Commission in Malaysia for a meeting with Dr. Acquino Vimal, Deputy High Commissioner, as part of the delegation sent by the Branding Association of Malaysia

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g Visiting Business Academy Southwest in Denmark, one of Erican College’s university partners, where the delegation was welcomed by the rector Mr. Henrik Larsen

g Receiving a corporate gift from University of Wolverhampton’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Oakes. UOW is Erican College’s latest partner in the UK.

g Veejay has been in the education industry for 16 years and have witnessed the graduation of more than 10,000 students.5th Middle East Business Leaders Awards 2014

g Receiving a special visitor in the office during the Chinese New Year. 5th Middle East Business Leaders Awards 2014

g Veejay works hard to sustain and manage a multicultural team at Erican

g Enjoying a proud moment with the founder of Erican Education Group and President of the Branding Association of Malaysia, Datuk Eric Chong, shortly before representing Erican College on stage to receive the SME 100: Fastest Moving Companies award

g With Erican College’s Student Council. Students surprised Veejay with a birthday cake during last year’s

Deepavali celebration.

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"I believe in

honest and healthy

competition. This is what drives us to innovate and

improve"~ Veejayaasegaran

Veejay joined erican College as its principal in September 2012. At the end of 2013, he was promoted to Chief executive Officer and recently, in March 2015, he was officially appointed as Group Chief Operating Officer. He oversees 700 staff members all over Malaysia and few other ASeAN countries.

BEING PART OF ERICAN EDUCATION GROUP

The erican education Group’s very first entity is the erican Language Centre. It has been a premier brand in language education and training for two decades now, with centres spread throughout Malaysia. Additionally the Group also supports erican Corporate Training, eriKids for pre-schoolers, Tian Tian Tuition Centre, and of course, erican College.

When erican College acquired Pratique Asia College at the end of 2012, there were only 60 students. In just a little over two years, erican College now supports over 1,700 students in five schools/faculties and has set a target to increase the population by 1000 this year. Their parallel goal is to achieve University Status by the end of 2016.

All of erican’s students and clients are given quality education training of an international-standard at an affordable and competitive rate.

The latest project of the Group and by extension, Veejay, is the erican International School in China. “This is definitely going to be a challenge for me because of the language barrier,” said Veejay, “I can speak fluent Hokkien and a little bit of Mandarin, but Malaysian Mandarin, I’ve learned, is pronounced very differently from the Mandarin spoken in China. I really had to rely on Phillips for translation!”

Red tape and local regulations are also obstacles, but Veejay is optimistic that they would ultimately be conquered. “Yes, we can!” He laughs, playing on erican College’s infamous tagline. The Group is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY

The main goal of the erican education Group is to be a one-stop education centre by year 2020.

“Competition is highest in the industry,” said Veejay. “There are around 450 colleges and universities in Malaysia alone, but I believe in honest and healthy competition. This is what drives us to innovate and improve. It’s good for us, and even better for students. education isn’t something to be trifled with. Quality comes first.”

The secret to their success, Veejay shares, is their relationship with their students. “At erican, we emphasize on a personal connection,” he said. “We are always there for them, through

their ups and downs. My door is always open for them and they know they can come

and see me any time for whatever issue that may be troubling them.”

QUALITY EDUCATION

The erican College difference lies in their Success Programme, pioneer of its kind in Asia. The Success Programme comprises of the Success Forum and Success Camp, which Veejay has helped develop. The Success Forum is a coaching programme where Datuk Chong personally mentors and motivates students in monthly sessions.

The Success Camp, led by Veejay, is a leadership camp designed to target the

students’ personal development and to bring out the positive qualities in themselves.

“We don’t only want to give them book knowledge, we also want to give them skills that they can use as an edge against their peers,” said Veejay. “We want them to be employable and we want them to be industry leaders.”

erican is also heavily involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. In 2014, erican College pledged over RM5 million worth of subsidies and scholarships to external and internal education funds. This year, they have nearly doubled the amount.

“Not only do we reward good results but we also take care of students who are in need of financial assistance or who

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are OKU (physically challenged),” said Veejay. “With these scholarships, we want to eliminate any monetary concerns that might be stopping students from furthering their studies. education changes lives for the better and our children should never be deprived.”

Additionally, erican offers free seminars, courses and workshops regularly throughout the year. One of the more recent CSR effort is the RM100 transportation subsidy offered to erican students who are residing out of Selangor and Klang Valley so that they are able to return home, worry-free, each semester break.

INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Under Veejay’s management, erican maintains a healthy student population, both local and international in origin. Their international students come from over 41 countries, and are all supported by a good team of agents spread across seven regions. erican has a strong presence in the Middle east, Sri Lanka, Central Asia, China and Indonesia, and their future plans include penetration into even more international markets.

Student hostels are located in Ampang, Cheras and Setiawangsa, places that students can easily travel to the campus via the LRT network. erican is strategically located near KLCC and is 5-minute walk from the nearest LRT station. The prime location is the hub of activity and is a major draw for international students.

To offer their students global recognition, Veejay has driven erican College to work with a number of internationally acclaimed universities such as University of Wolverhampton so that their students are able to graduate with UK degrees at a local and much more affordable price. For students who want to experience a different culture and to study abroad, they may choose to participate in semester exchange programmes with european universities.

“Quality choices are what our students deserve and that’s what we work hard to provide,” said Veejay.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

erican has made tremendous achievements in the industry since its founding, winning accolades and recognitions from various awarding bodies. Its most recent win is the SMe 100:

g Veejay frequently travels to international fairs in efforts to promote Erican College. Here, he is pictured with Thailand’s Minister of Education and EMGS’s senior management

g With Erican College’s Student Ambassadors at an education fair

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Fast Moving Companies Award in December 2014 where erican College was ranked top 10 and received a nod for its impressive progress in just two years. In the same year, erican won the 5th Middle east Business Leaders’ Leadership excellence in International education award.

“It’s always a good feeling to be recognized by our peers,” Veejay said. “I had the opportunity to receive the SMe award last year and it was unforgettable. It was an acknowledgment of all the hard work my team and I have put in and I was never prouder of what we had come to achieve together in that moment.”

erican is also a three-time winner of the Golden Bull award, consecutively in 2009 to 2011, a three-time winner of the SMe Recognition Award Series, the National Mark of Malaysian Brand, and several other SMe excellence awards.

THE ERICANITES

It was Datuk Chong, who first coined the term ‘ericanites’ to describe the dedicated team at the erican education Group. At erican College, the majority of ericanites are graduates under 35 years of age.

“Most companies would be cautious in hiring fresh graduates as they do not yet have the experience needed, but I don’t have that reservation,” Veejay said. “I believe they can be more aggressive and in a company like ours, young blood vitalizes our creative direction and drives us to achieve greater milestones.”

Veejay also sustains a multiracial team that works together in perfect harmony. “We have a very well-balanced team in terms of race and we are all evenly spread out through the corporate hierarchy,” he said. “There’s no place for discrimination here.”The ericanites are also multinational with a mix of staff and

lecturers from Australia, Canada, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Philippines, among others.

THE INDIAN STUDENTS

Malaysian Indians are a minority at erican College but they excel both in their studies and co-curricular activities. They are the President of the Student Council and top leaders in the Success Camp, and always manage to impress the judges and facilitators with their involvement in competitions and events.

“The children in our community are undoubtedly talented,” Veejay said. “They can achieve anything they put their mind to and I always encourage them to try everything. Never limit themselves.”

In his experience, Indian students always go for pharmaceutical, engineering, medicine and law studies. “These are industries that are always aimed for, and they are great, but I’d like for them to explore others,” said Veejay. “Try out business, communication, design or tourism. Don’t let convention dictate your future.”

He further encouraged young Indian graduates to join him. “Our doors are always open for young talent,” he said. He also advised fresh graduates to lower their monetary expectations when they first enter the workforce at this time should be taken as an opportunity to learn rather than earn. It takes a few years of dedicated service in an organization to achieve a career objective, but Veejay assures that it will be worth it. “Work hard and the rest will follow,” he said.

WORD OF ADVICE: BE PROACTIVE

In closing, we asked Veejay for a word of advice to the fresh Indian school leavers who would be facing one of the most challenging and influential decisions they would make in their lives.

“Be proactive,” he said. “Make comparisons of the available choices of study, seek advice from people whom you trust or who are experienced in that line of work. Visit campuses, talk to the right people, and identify which school will give you the best benefits for a brighter future. Never get carried away by advertising.”

g At an education fair with (from left) Vice Principal of International Marketing, Shashikumar Nadason, Founder Datuk Eric Chong, and Group Marketing Head Phillips Koh

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MALAYSIA BUSINESS NEWS

PRASARANA TO BUILD MORE BRT AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS

With the pilot project of the elevated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Sunway Line set to be operational by June 9 this year, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) says more can be expected to be built at various locations in the future. Prasarana's Group Chairman Tan Sri Ismail Adam said being a breakthrough in Malaysia's public transport system. "The government wants to have more of the BRT system at

various locations," he told a media briefing on the BRT Sunway Line project. The BRT Sunway Line is a public-private partnership project by Prasarana and Sunway Bhd, to provide an integrated transport access to over 500,000 residents at Bandar Sunway and Subang Jaya. The project which costs RM634 million is 70 per cent funded by Prasarana, 15 per cent by Sunway Bhd and the rest by Unit Kerjasama Awam Swasta (UKAS), a facilitation fund. Ismail explained that the BRT is an alternative solution to an area that has no access to the light railway transit (LRT) system or other rail services. It has dedicated busways, an integrated pedestrian access, universal access facilities, bicycle racks and a rapid boarding facility to serve high service frequency.

SME CORP EYES RM400 MLN POTENTIAL SALES FROM ASEAN SME SHOWCASE & CONFERENCE 2015

SMe Corp Malaysia expects the business matching sessions and showcase events during the upcoming ASeAN SMe Showcase and Conference (ASSC) 2015 to generate about RM400 million in potential sales.Chairman

Tan Sri (Dr) Mohamed Al-Amin Abdul Majid said the ASeAN Business XchanGe Platform, to be arranged on the sidelines of ASSC 2015, would enable the small and medium enterprises (SMes) and multinational companies (MNCs) to forge business partnerships. ASSC 2015, the first of its kind event, is a world-class, intelligent and interactive platform for SMes to showcase their products, services and technologies for the global market and seize global networking opportunities. The three-day event beginning May 26 will be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre with the theme 'One Business, One Community'. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is scheduled to officiate the event, which is expected to draw more than 500 exhibitors and 10,000 trade visitors from the ASeAN region and beyond.

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AIA SEES GROWTH OPPORTUNITY IN MALAYSIA

Life insurer AIA Bhd sees a growth opportunity in

Malaysia in takaful and investment-linked products, and intends to close the gap of average sum assured per person in the country. Chief executive Officer Bill Lisle said the company's key focus is to close the protection gap to an average sum assured

per person to at least RM200,000 from RM38,500. "Our key focus is protecting the families, then obviously medical needs, we are there to provide it, retirement is becoming a global issue, and then takaful," he told reporters after announcing AIA's 2014 financial performance recently. He added that the company's latest result reaffirmed that it was on track and well-positioned to capture key opportunities in the country's life insurance industry.

AIREEN OMAR NAMED TO '25 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN TREASURY' LIST

AirAsia Bhd Chief executive Officer Aireen Omar

has been named one of the '25 Most Influential Women in Treasury' by the inaugural Women in Treasury Summit held in Singapore. The

award honours Aireen's commitment to improving the fortunes of the company and its finance and treasury operations, said Daniel Flatt, editor of The Corporate Treasurer magazine. "The award is both a testament to the forward-thinking nature of AirAsia and the drive and energy of the individuals who work there," he said in a statement. Aireen was the Director of Corporate Finance & Treasury for AirAsia Bhd before helming the Chief executive Officer position in 2012. The ’25 Most Influential Women in Treasury’ list is compiled to inspire more women into the business of treasury and finance, which is predominantly populated by men.

TPM BIOTECH APPOINTS DHAYA HEALTHCARE AS SOLE DISTRIBUTOR

TPM Biotech Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary

of Techonology Park M a l a y s i a ( T P M ) C o r p o r a t i o n , h a s a p p o i n t e d D h a y a Healthcare Sdn Bhd as the sole distributor for its homegrown product range under Herbs

Garden brand. With this appointment, TPM Biotech is assured of a RM2.6 million contract commitment this year for the contract manufacturing of a selected range of Herbs Garden products. Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said the collaboration would facilitate the growth of entrepreneurship and biopreneurship through the expertise and services of TPM Biotech. He added the annual market value for the Malaysian healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors were worth RM11.9 billion and RM7 billion, respectively. Dhaya Healthcare, formed this year, is the marketing arm for healthcare and pharmaceutical products of the Dhaya International Holdings Group. The group’s core business includes manufacturing components for air-conditioners, logistics and education. Meanwhile, Dhaya International group executive chairman Datuk Thevasagayam Ahamparam said the herbal products that will be distributed starting next month included Misai Kucing capsules, Kacip Fatimah, Kacip Mas, Peria, Pegaga, Sweatenia, Olive Plus, Hempedu Bumi, Tongkat Ali and Herbs Garden Coffee.

GREEN RUBBER GLOBAL TO BUILD RM36 MLN PLANT IN PUCHONG

Green Rubber Global , which is par t of

conglomerate Petra Group, is investing US$10 million (US$1=RM3.68) to build a new factory to produce green rubber compounds. Petra Group Founder and executive Chairman Datuk Dr Vinod

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Sekhar said the construction of the new factory in Putra Industrial Park, Puchong, Selangor, would be completed within four to six months and slated for operations in January 2016.Vinod said the company was confident of generating a revenue of US$165 million in 2018 with a production capacity of 80,000 tonnes of rubber compounds to meet the demand of the industrial sector. "By 2020, we expect to produce about 105,000 tonnes of rubber compounds and target revenue to grow to US$329 million," said Vinod. Green Rubber Global, a wholly-Malaysian technology that first debuted in 1995, has been supplying the North American and european markets since 2009, counting notable brands such as Timberland and New Balance among its customers.Vinod said the company is currently in discussions with 125 potential companies that are interested in the green rubber compounds.

GOOD REGULATORY PRACTICE VITAL FOR AEC, SAYS MUSTAPA

The Malaysian government has made Good Regulatory Practice (GRP) a key priority for the ASeAN economic Community to reflect the importance of having regional

regulatory convergence. In a statement , Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said improving efficiency of policy and regulatory processes would enhance productivity among ASeAN member states. "This will substantially reduce the regulatory burden on businesses by improving the quality of existing regulations and ensuring the quality of new regulations. "The implementation of GRP is systemic, involving both top-down and bottom-up engagement, with an emphasis on transparency and accountability through public consultation and engagement with stakeholders and parties that will be affected by the changes, or introduction, of regulations and policies," he said.

AIRASIA EXPANDS CONNECTIVITY TO INDIA, INDONESIA WITH 3 NEW ROUTES

AirAsia announced three new routes, namely, to Visakhapatnam in India, as well as, Pontianak and Medan in Indonesia. In a statement, the low-cost

airline said the thrice weekly Kuala Lumpur–Visakhapatnam direct flights would commence on May 7. The Kuala Lumpur–Pontianak and Johor Bahru–Medan flights would commence on March 27 with twice weekly flights. Head of Commercial, Spencer Lee said as Visakhapatnam was an up and rising destination for trade and tourism, AirAsia is confident that the move is timely. "As a truly Asean airline, we are proud to announce the recommencement of the Johor Baharu–Medan direct flight, which will provide enhanced connectivity for customers," he added. AirAsia is also a offering promotional all-in-fare of RM99 one way for the Kuala Lumpur–Visakhapatnam flight and available for booking from today until March 22 for the travel period of May 7-March 26, 2016.

The past few articles we have focused on the basics of equity and Stock Market in Malaysia. In further educating readers, this article will explain how

Commercial Banks and Investment Banks/Brokerages assist potential investors in increasing their investment using borrowed money.

THE JOURNEY OF AN INVESTOR

Most investors invest in shares using money saved from their income. The starting point is usually market news about a particular new share which every uncle or aunty would ‘predict’ to go limit up on the first day itself. This would usually entice a rookie office worker who has saved up a bit or has just received his first bonus.

He will then invest his hard-earned savings on a heavily-discussed new share listing or Initial Public Offering (IPO); hence, the birth of a new investor. Now, he has become one of the many investors in the market who has no clues about stock market and entered the game just because somebody told him that quick money can be made effortlessly.

True, investing in stock market can make quick money, effortlessly, but it is more than just listening to hearsays and putting all your hard-earned money into one basket in the hope of doubling the amount overnight. It involves a little learning about the basics with some research on the counters you are investing in, and where would that money you are using to invest come from.

Over time, this investor, either through achieving great success from his investments or through sheer good fortune, feels he is ready to make bigger investments. He now wishes to make a higher commitment subject to availability of fund. But he does not have that extra money. So what are his options?

The options would vary - borrowing from friends and relatives, or borrow from money lenders. One safe option, which is still not much known among Malaysian Indian investors, is a facility called Share Margin Financing (SMF). Share Margin Financing (SMF) as a Safe Option to Borrow Money

Share Margin Financing (SMF) is a loan facility provided to investors to finance either investment or share trading. This means that an individual investor can buy shares with money borrowed from a bank or brokerage. This facility can be used to apply for new issues (IPO), purchase existing listed shares, apply for employee Share Options Scheme (eSOS), own rights issues of existing shareholdings or trade existing listed shares. Since this is a borrowing, it must be repaid in due course.

In Malaysia, SMF is provided by the major Commercial Banks (i.e. RHB Bank, Maybank, etc.), as well as, Investment Banks (i.e. Maybank Investment, CIMB Investment, etc.) and brokerage firms (i.e. Kenanga, KAF, OSK, etc.). These institutions are regulated by either Bank Negara Malaysia or Securities Commission Malaysia, hence, considered safe to borrow from (at least, no illegal money lenders would be chasing you over defaults!).

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INVESTMENT • by Jega Baradan

SHARE MARGIN FINANCING

QUALIFYING FOR SHARE MARGIN FINANCING FACILITY

Just as with any loan, an individual has to qualify to become a borrower. each bank would impose criteria of their own but a basic guide is that one must:

1 Have an existing CDS (Central Depository System) account

2 Be of legal age

3 Have clean CCRIS and CTOS report (no bad/ default loans including credit cards, etc.)

4 Be able to demonstrate the ability to service interest (good bank account, acceptable salary range, not excessively over-geared elsewhere, etc.)

5 Be able to demonstrate ability to top-up the margin account /trading account if there is a margin call

6 Already, preferably, have banking or trading account with the lender

7 Have acceptable knowledge of risks pertaining to shares trading

THE CONSEQUENCES OF BORROWING

Of course, there is a price to pay. For any money borrowed, just as in borrowing to buy a car or house, the lending institution will charge you interest on the amount you borrow. The rate varies from bank to bank but is generally a certain percentage over the Base Lending Rate (BLR). Key general terms and conditions are:

1 Minimum loan amount of RM50, 000 2 Interest rate between BLR + 0.85% for smaller loans to BLR + 2.35% for loans in excess of RM500,000; this is calculated on per-annum-basis 3 Collateral by way of existing acceptable Shares, Cash, Fixed Deposits, etc

1 Share Spread - Shares from a few companies so as to spread out the price risk. 2 Observance of Margin of Financing (MOF). This is the maximum amount of financing allowed based on the value of the collateral provided. Typically, margin is 60%. Simple formula for calculating MOF is as follows:

a. MOF = Total loan outstanding – collateral value Total Share value b. Some lenders use the inverse of this formula

but they mean the same thing

3 Margin Call - A demand by the lender to the investor to top up the account if the value of the collateral falls to a pre-determined percentage of the financed amount, usually 60%. This can be done via pledging more shares or cash to cover the shortfall. This has to be done usually within 3 days.

4 Forced Call - the lender can sell off the shares bought via the SMF account. Usually done when the percentage hits 70%.

The above is not standard among the lenders and may differ from lender to lender. At the end of the day, the investor or borrower must be aware of the potential risks involved in using borrowed money to invest in shares. There is no such thing as a ‘sure thing’ and shares can go belly up overnight. For an instance, let us say you own shares of an Oil & Gas company. A slump in oil price can cause crisis and if these stocks had been used as collateral or were the invested shares, then the investor is potentially looking at heavy losses on his investment, or face a margin or forced call.

Hence, always invest in fundamentally strong stock, do your research, and most importantly, use only the money you can afford to lose!

Note: The word ‘share’ and ‘stock’ carry the same meaning.

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With over 30 years of experience, Jega Baradan has been instrumental in developing and arranging financing for companies of varied industries. He can be contacted via

[email protected]

The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi launched ‘Make in India’ global initiative on 25th September, 2014 from Vigyan Bhawan. The objective of the initiative is to unleash the untapped power of India's strategic strengths. The three D's that work in favour of India; democracy, demand and demography, are to be harnessed in a focused manner to ensure India's continued movement on the path of growth. ‘Make in India’ initiative intends to invite both domestic and foreign investors to invest in

India. The initiative was simultaneously launched in the Capital of all states and in several Indian embassies/High Commissions including in Kuala Lumpur.

India’s National Manufacturing Policy, 2011 was announced with an objective of enhancing the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25% by 2022 and creating 100 million jobs. However, the performance of manufacturing witnessed a downward trend with growth rates of 1.1 % and -0.7% during 2012-13 and 2013-14 respectively. There was a need to give a significant impetus to manufacturing activities through boosting sentiments and creation of conducive environment to promote entrepreneurship.

The ‘Make in India” initiative is based on four pillars, which have been identified to give boost to entrepreneurship in India, not only in manufacturing but also other sectors. The four pillars are:

(i) New Processes: ‘Make in India’ recognizes ‘ease of doing business’ as the single most important factor to promote entrepreneurship. A number of initiatives have already been undertaken to ease business environment. The aim is to de-license and de-regulate the industry during the entire life cycle of a business.

(ii) New Infrastructure: Availability of modern and facilitating infrastructure is a very important requirement for the growth of industry. Government intends to develop industrial corridors and smart cities to provide infrastructure based on state-of-the-art technology with modern high-speed communication and integrated logistic arrangements. existing infrastructure to be strengthened through upgradation of infrastructure in industrial clusters. Innovation and research activities are supported through fast paced registration system and accordingly infrastructure of IPR registration set-up has been upgraded. The requirement of skills for industry are to be identified and accordingly development of workforce to be taken up.

(iii) New Sectors: ‘Make in India’ has identified 25 sectors in manufacturing, infrastructure and service activities and detailed information is being shared through interactive web-portal and professionally developed brochures. FDI has been opened up in Defence Production, Construction and Railway infrastructure in a big way.

(iv) New Mindset: Industry is accustomed to see Government as a regulator. ‘Make in India’ intends to change this by bringing a paradigm shift in how Government interacts with industry. The Government will partner industry in economic development of the country. The approach will be that of a facilitator and not regulator.

With these in mind, an Investor Facilitation Cell has been created in ‘Invest India’ to assist, guide, handhold and facilitate investors during the various phases of business life cycle. This Cell will provide necessary information on vast range of subjects; such as, policies of the Ministries and State Governments, various incentive schemes and opportunities available, to make it easy for the investors to make necessary investment decision. Information on 25 sectors has been put up on ‘Make in India’s web portal (http://www.makeinindia.com) along with details of FDI Policy, National Manufacturing Policy, Intellectual Property Rights and Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor and other National Industrial Corridors. Investors can use this portal to search information on specific sectors and topics. An automated response system presents related FAQs through identification of key words. Further, this portal provides an opportunity to raise specific queries to Investor Facilitation Cell. Till 26th March, 2015 Investor Facilitation Cell has received 8,298 specific queries. With a mandate to reply within 72 hours Investor Facilitation Cell has been efficiently clearing doubts, facilitating meetings and visits on these queries and handholding investors wherever required.

Another important area where Government has worked tirelessly is 'ease of Doing Business'. With determination to improve India's rank in World Bank Group's Doing Business Report, a number of landmark reforms have been undertaken. A bill has been introduced to remove the requirement of minimum paid up capital and common seal for companies. The number of documents required for import and export of goods has been reduced to three. Process of providing electric connection is being streamlined to drastically reduce the time required. A number of items have been taken off the licensing requirement. Processes have been made online and real-time. A single window eBiz portal is being developed and is already working with 14 Central Government services. The list is long and commendable.

A number of measures have been proposed in the Budget 2015-16 to support 'Make in India' initiative. Key highlights for proposals aimed towards 'Make in India' initiative in 2015-16 Budget are:

The corporate tax rate for companies registered in India to go down from 30% to 25% of net profits in a phased manner over the next four years starting from FY 16-17. An expert committee to examine the possibility and prepare a draft legislation where the need for multiple prior permission can be replaced by a pre-existing regulatory mechanism. Goods and Services Tax proposed to be implemented from April 01, 2016. Special scheme for skilling youth with US$ 237.5 million. 1 million youth to be skilled in next 3 years withholding tax rates for non-residents from royalty/fees for technical services reduced from 25% to 10%.

Micro Unit Development Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank with corpus of US$ 3.15 billion. Foreign investment allowed in Alternate Investment Funds. Wealth tax abolished.

'Make in India' initiative has been extremely successful in generating interest in India. Government of India has been working to make this programme a success in partnership with the State Governments. The Prime Minister of India has promised to make India the easiest place to do business in world. India still has a large canvass cut out to work on and fulfil promises made to Indian citizens and to the world.

High Commission of IndiaKuala Lumpur

HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIAKUALA LUMPUR

*****

“MAKE IN INDIA”

everything in this universe is created by intention and purpose, and the whole universe orderly governed by laws that are immutable and neutral. These laws

has been created by God and freely provided to us to achieve human excellence, abundance and prosperity, high spirituality and to enrich every area of human life.

“You are what your deepest desire is. As your desire is, so is your intention. As your intention is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.”- Upanishads

Intentions are the creative power in each one of us that fulfills our goals, purposes and everything that we need in our life is fulfilled by the power of intentions. everything that happens in the universe begins with an intention. An intention with a clear purpose, a well-defined direction and the outcome is

THE POWERFUL LAW OF intention

“You are what your deepest desire is. As your desire is, so is

your intention. As your intention is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As

your deed is, so is your destiny.”

- Upanishads

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INSPIRATIONAL• by Ganesh Murugan

very clear, this is the true power of an intention. It is not a wishful thinking that comes now and then with blur outcomes. True intentions when powered with consistency will take you to your destination safe and sound.

Our life is shaped by our deep desires. The Law of Intention is one of the universal forces, which helps us to manifests our strong desires into physical form. Intentions can be positive or negative; sure both of them will bring results since universal law is neutral. What you sent to the universe is what you get back. If this law used for a negative intention you may succeed for a while, but the consequences will ruin your life. So you have to be very careful in monitoring your intentions.

ARE WE USING THESE UNIVERSAL LAWS PROPERLY?

The sad truth is…No, we are not. According the international studies, Only few percentage of people of the whole world’s population has been using these laws for their benefits and teaching other as well to manifest abundance in each area of their lives, but the rest of the world knows about the law theoretically but not implemented for their full advance to get abundance in each area of their lives.

A simple scenario would help us to understand the above, If you heard about a very good restaurant in your town, but you have never tasted the food in that restaurant, in the same way, we all know these laws of universe exist, but we never tasted the outcome of using it. The greatest truth about these universal laws explained in Malaysian Indian Business is, when an individual start implementing these laws for his goodness in a positive way it not only impacts his life but also brings abundance and goodness to his surrounding as well for a greater benefit.

Can you imagine? How great results can be achieved if organizations implement this, how if a state or country is implementing and using these laws for the greater benefit of its people. Then there won’t be any corruption, no poverty and no lack in food supplies… All we will be enjoying only one thing, ABUNDANCe!!!

ATTRACT ABUNDANCE USING LAW OF INTENTION

even many centuries ago it has been clearly told that, “What you Focus upon expands”, this is a very powerful truth. When your attention falls on the thing or goal you desired to achieve the universal law of attraction pulls the desired thing towards you. Your intention may focus on the future direction but your focus of attention should be on the present. Once you remove your focused attention from your goal before manifesting, it would slowly lack clarity and soon it would be out of the track.

When we really have an intention, we are activating the law of Intention or desire into action and it starts to work for us 24/7/365, to manifest the desired result without fail.

So you must be in proper alignment with your focus on the present steps and your future intention, this is one of key factor that most of us failed to understand.

SIMPLE STEPS TO ACHIEVE ABUNDANCE

Clearly define your intention or desire you want to achieve. Write it down the baby steps which you can take every day (attention) to move towards to goal (future).

1. Be patient. Don’t rush and don’t put yourself in a state of stress

2. everyday imagine or visualize your intention as if you have already achieved it. The best time to visualize is early in the morning and before you sleep at night.

3. The more you believe that you have succeeded, the faster the universe will unfold it to you. Faith is very important here.

4. Give your gratitude every day for even smaller things that made you feel happy, it might be a coffee you had, or meeting a potential person or helping an old man,

“What you Focus

upon expands”

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INSPIRATIONAL

you thank the universe for giving this opportunity to you. The results will amaze you.

5. Trust, that the universe will handle the process of manifestation. Surrender and let God manifest your desires. Trusting that when things don't seem to go your way there is a reason that might be beyond your way of understanding. Be patient.

In the long run, the simple questions that you ask yourself, on a regular basis will determine the type of person you become and what type of valuable things that we seek.

Ask yourself these questions to make sure you are on the track…

1. Do you have clear intentions in each area of your life? Like relationship, financial, health, public Image, self-esteem and other things.

2. Is your intentions bringing abundance and happiness only to you and your family? Or, to your surroundings also? Think.

3. Are you regularly giving alms, donations etc., to the needy people? Remember, “The more you give what other want, the more you will receive what you want.”

4. If you not having any focused intentions or desires till now, start now by writing it down in a paper and prioritize which the top 3 that you want to achieve it this year.

So remember, this Law of Intention is one of the major law that activate the link between you and the universal power. The minute you decide that what you exactly need and have a clear intention, the universal energy start working it for you.

Penned 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

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Fast Facts

• The economy is predominantly cash based

• Only 10% of the population and 40% of domestic businesses have bank accounts

• Credit cards aren’t widely used or accepted

DOING BUSINESS IN MYANMAROfficial Name Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Capital Naypyidaw

Yangoon (Commercial City)

Total Population 55,746,253 (mid 2014)

Banking Hours 10:00 to 15:00

Currency Myanmar Kyat (MMK) , equivalent to 100 pyas

Bank note K1, K5, K10, K20, K50, K100, K200,

Denominations K500, K1,000, K5,000

Coin Denominations 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 pyas., K1, K5, K10, K50, K100

Official Language Myanmar (Burmese)

english is spoken by the educated urban elite, and is the

second language learnt in government schools

International organization

Membership ASeAN, WTO, IMF, ADB, SAARC, UN

Fiscal year 1 April to 31 March

Religion Buddhist 89%, Christian 4%, Muslim 4%,

Animist 1%, Other 2%

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Myanmar will be the first Asian economy to develop in a free, or

freer, trade environment

Interesting facts about Myanmar

1. Myanmar has over 135 ethnic tribes and “Burma” is the largest one. Around 68 percent of the population is Burmese.

2. During the British rule, it was the richest South east Asian country.

3. It is a little known fact that wine-making is a popular industry in this country. There is Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Late Wine and Inle Valley White Wine amongst a horde of other wines.

4. Betel nut is vastly popular in the country and people will chew on it right through all their waking hours.

5. Myanmar is rich in natural resources such as arable land, forestry, minerals, as well as freshwater and marine resources, gems and jade.

6. Large population with 40% of the world’s population living in bordering countries (China, India, Thailand, Bangladesh).

7. Lowest labour costs in South east Asia.

8. 10th largest natural gas producer globally and abundant in other natural resources.

9. Myanmar ranked 177 out of 189 on the World Bank’s Doing Business Index in June 2014.

10. Myanmar ranked 157 out of 175 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2013.

11. Myanmar is estimated to quadruple the size of its economy, from $45 billion in 2010 to more than $200 billion in 2030, that could create approxiamately ten million nonagricultural jobs in the process.( McKinsey & Company).

Trade

Major exports Natural Gas, jade, timber, pulses and beans, marine produce, rubber , garments and rice

Major Imports Petroleum products, machinery, iron and steel , plastics, palm oil, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, cement and fertilizer

Major Trading China, Thailand, Singapore, India,Partners Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea,

Indonesia, Bangladesh and Germany

Value of Key Industry Sectors in Myanmar as of 31st December 2013

No Industry Value of Sector (USD Million)

1 Power 19,300

2 Oil & Gas 14,400

3 Manufacturing 3,600

4 Mining 2,800

5 Hotel Tourism 1,800

6 Real estate 1.200

7 Livestock & Fisheries 360

8 Transportation & Communication 300

9 Industrial estate 190

10 Agriculture 190

Source: Directorate of Investment and Company Administration, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, Myanmar

g Myanmar exports 76% of its beans and pulses to India

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Business Opportunities

Myanmar has largely missed the economic renaissance that is delivering enormous progress in growth, productivity, and reduction of poverty across emerging markets in general and many of Myanmar’s neighbours in Southeast Asia in particular. As long as Myanmar stays the course on political reform and economic transformation, it has a number of intrinsic assets and a highly favourable external environment in Asia that it can use as a platform for growth. The economy could develop at a pace that may surprise many people and begin to put to rest any remaining nervousness about the country’s prospects.

Though the challenges are considerable, the Myanmar Government is adopting a market-oriented system. It is now possible to establish 100%-foreign owned companies, joint ventures or a ‘special company’ whereby part of the equity is owned by the state. Foreign companies are now also able to lease land privately from individuals as well as from the state and for increased periods of up to 50 years.

Many opportunities exist in Myanmar for SMe businesses across a variety of sectors. For example, there are considerable opportunities in the agri-business and power sectors alone. Given that 75% of the country is still without power, with blackouts on a daily basis even in Yangon, and there are still severe shortages of milk and meat, it is not difficult to see the areas where goods, services and expertise could prove beneficial for all involved. Only 10% of Myanmar’s hydropower capacity has been tapped, only 6 of 17 offshore and 14 onshore oil and gas basins have been thoroughly explored and foreign technical expertise is also required to delve abundant coal deposits.

Another sector where investors might be advised to investigate is precious stones where small businesses with know-how and machinery could benefit. Other sectors which will likely provide plenty of investment opportunities for outside investors include ICT, Financial and professional services, and manufacturing. The Myanmar Government also has plans in place to improve all infrastructure: roads, railways, ports and airports.

Finally, a large and relatively cheap labour force means that manufacturing is an area which is also sure to generate international interest. The removal of sanctions has also opened up the sector to the production of various goods for export.

Finally, a large and relatively cheap labour force means that manufacturing is an area which is also sure to generate international interest. The removal of sanctions has also opened up the sector to the production of various goods for export.

MIB has identified the following sectors as offering business opportunities for malaysian businesses:

1. Oil and gas extractions

The Myanmar Oil and Gas enterprise (MOGe), an agency under the Ministry of energy are encouraged to work with multinational corporations to participate on a production-sharing basis. The GOVeRNMeNT welcomes investment opportunities in :

• exploration and production in petroliferous strata (onshore and offshore)

• Rehabilitating marginal fields, declined fields and suspended fields

• New plant commissioning for refineries, LPG, LNG, and fertiliser plants

• Floating Storage Units (FSU), floating storage and off-take facilities

• CNG refuelling stations • Research and development • Trading, marketing and retail sales of petroleum products • Supplying equipment to renovate drilling rigs, refineries

and plants

2. Mining

Tremendous opportunity exists for foreign firms seeking to carry out mineral explorations. Investments are made through exploration and production sharing agreements and 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) as well as joint ventures with local companies. The following mining-related activities are permitted:

• Mineral prospecting, exploration and feasibility studies • Large-scale mineral production• The production and marketing of rare earths, strategic

minerals, radioactive minerals • Pearl culturing and production • Manufacturing and marketing of jewellery and finished

products, such as statues and carvings

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3. Major infrastructure projects

The demand for new infrastructure projects in Myanmar is already high and will continue to rise in line with economic growth. The government´s stated investment priorities include the construction of road and rail networks, power plants, water-treatment plants, industrial parks and Special economic Zones (SeZ). Myanmar has approximately 142,395 km of road networks, which are divided into National highways, township network roads, major city roads and other roads and village and boundary area roads.

The Government currently seeking private sector investments in infrastructure development and uses Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) schemes or joint ventures for the construction of roads, inland cargo depots, ports and airports. Foreign direct investment in hydropower plants is permitted as a joint venture or a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme. Local investors are also permitted to take part in Independent Power Producer (IPP) schemes.

4. Education and training

The education system in Myanmar is attracting attention, as both the state and private sector look to invest in upgrading schools and universities. As Myanmar looks to rebuild its education and university system, cooperation with international institutions may be one way to secure the necessary funds and other resources.

5. Agricultural

Agriculture is the backbone of Myanmar’s economy, with approximately 70% of its population engaged in agricultural work. It accounts for approximately 40% of GDP. Myanmar’s abundant natural resources and diverse agro-ecological conditions provide a wealth of opportunities for foreign investment across the entire supply chain. Crops Myanmar’s highest value crops include paddy (un-husked rice), beans, pulses and oil seeds. The largest agricultural subsector is rice, with 20 million acres yielding some 31 million tonnes of paddy annually. Rice alone comprises 15% of the total GDP. Although Myanmar has abundant fertile land and water, productivity in terms of tapping these resources remains low and therefore represents significant potential for growth. The agricultural sector is also under-utilized: existing crop yields would substantially increase as a result of the introduction of new irrigation systems, the use of fertilizers and other forms of modern technology.

6. Financial Services

The Government has been progressively easing banking sector restrictions. Banks in Myanmar are rapidly expanding their branch network and preparing to offer more banking and financial products. A new development to note is the syndicated loan system being put in place to support the agricultural sector. On 11 July 2013, President Thein Sein signed a new Central Bank Act into law, giving the Central Bank greater

autonomy from the Ministry of Finance. The Central Bank will be more autonomous in its monetary operations which were previously mostly undertaken by the state banks. The official reserves, previously maintained by state banks are also being gradually transferred to the Central Bank. The Central Bank has been increasing its foreign reserve through daily foreign exchange auctions

7. Food and beverage

While Myanmar is strong in the supply of basic food products, the opposite is the case for processed food and drinks. Over 50% of import value comprised processed food and drinks, a situation that has developed since 2005 because Myanmar’s local food and drink industry has not had the capabilities, or the capacity, to deal with the rapidly growing middle income and lower income fringe demand. Modern trade retailers and some wholesaler distributors have therefore turned to China, Thailand, Singapore and some other Asian countries to fill the supply gap, which has been expanding in size since 2005. Tremendous opportunities present for manufacturers seeking to take abundant agriculture resources into process food including exporting them.

ON 11 JULY 2013, PRESIDENT THEIN SEIN SIGNED A NEW

CENTRAL BANK ACT INTO LAW, GIVING THE CENTRAL BANK

GREATER AUTONOMY FROM THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

• Potentialtoachieve$200GDPin2030,overfourtimesashighastodaybillion+

• Spendingpotentiallytriplingfrom$35billionto$100billion,

• Anestimated19millionmembersoftheconsumingclassin2030from2.5millionin2010

• Potentialtocreatemorethan10millionadditionalnon-agriculturaljobsby2030

• 500millionpeoplelivingincountriesborderingMyanmarandtheclosestpartsofChinaandIndia,

a huge potential market

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