Hi,
I have decided to change my domain name into www.virtualground.net
From now on, please log in to my blog via the link above, i will try to redirect this page to the other page but in the meantimes, please do remember the new address.
Thank you.
I found this theme to be quite attractive and professional. I will stick to this one until WordPress releases some other new ones.
Eventually, my letter has been posted on my college’s blog.
Click here to read my testimony.
I had the luxury of having a great lecturer during final year at college. Apparently, I need a recommendation letter from one of my lecturers so that I can prove to my employer how good I was during my college time. Not that I was among the best students anyway, but for sure that I was around the middle range and that gotta count for something. In return, she asked me to write a letter of sharing experiences to those fresh intake students. I felt it was an honored so I agreed. Writing an essay seems really troublesome and time consuming, it happened to me too. Eventually, I finished off the letter which consists of 2 A4 pages. I do not know whether it was enough or not but who could write that long anyway?
Note: my letter will be posted in the blog, hopefully it is the college’s blog.
THE EXPERIENCES AT RMIT PROGRAMME
First of all, I would like to say congratulation to all of you and welcome to Taylors College. I believe that college orientation can be very intimidating event for new students. However, it is also a proof, a turning point for you to realize that high school life has passed and time to put some serious thoughts into how you like to become in the future and set out your career path.
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Hoang Anh Vu (Rick), I am a Vietnamese. I was undertaking RMIT Program majoring Information Technology hosted by Taylors College for 3 years from 2005 to 2008 and just had my graduation in February 2009. Been there done that, RMIT program is a great program whereby you can learn and practice at the same time. The program is designed in such a way that encourages students to work in team and use your ability to finish the assignments on time.
The reason I write this letter is to share to everyone my experience when studied at Taylors College. Time spent in Malaysia in general and at Taylors in particular can be described in two words: Fun and Stressful. It is fun because here I came to know quite a number of friends who then become my great companions during my time study here. It is stressful because as university students, we are expected to self update and self learn. Therefore, only few days of slacking off can really slow me down in the study process.
One of the most popular words that I often heard here was assignments. RMIT assignments are generally difficult and hard to chew. Saying this does not mean they are totally obsolete, as the matter of fact, it is the other way around. One of the best ways to do revision and prepare for exams is to work hard on the assignments handed by the lecturers and finish them well. As I have experienced this in my first year as a fresh student, I did not consider seriously the value of getting the assignments done on time; I was then suffered later in the exams and ultimately failed one of the four subjects taken that year. Regret is only too late for that. From that time on, I learned that if I can do assignments by myself, the chances of me getting high grades in the subjects are guaranteed.
Other matter that I was told from time to time by the lecturers is plagiarism. I strongly believe that this term is really familiar to all of us. As students, we are taught to obey the rules and from time to time, we tend to do the opposite. It is acceptable in common sense as a human being. However in Taylors College as a student, plagiarism is strictly prohibited and will be carried out professionally. During my time of study here, the temptation of copying someone’s works is unbearable even though I knew it would get me penalized severely. In order to avoid having to copy, paying attention in class and try to finish up all the tutorials and lab exercises are the only ways. The more I tried to self learn, the more confident I became and in the end assignments were not difficult after all.
Making friend is another factor that I consider to be most important aspect of my life as an international computing student. I had the luxury of meeting a lot international students from our neighboring countries. As there was a saying:”It is not the matter who you are, it is who you know”, being friendly and social are key factors to be successful in this line of work. Friend relationship in college can be complicated due to the differences in nationalities and multicultural environment that we have at Taylors College. Having a buddy alongside you will be a great advantage. A friend can help you explain stuff that you do not understand from lectures; a friend can team up with you and get along well, no quarrels whatsoever. Therefore, in order to get along well, you have to mix well; lower down your ego a few knots is proven to be very wise and useful in the long run. By saying this, I do not mean using friends as a tool to proceed in life. In fact, fewer quarrels mean more works done and a friendlier environment. Imagine if you are hated by everyone in your course because of your attitude, your behavior, and your life would not be so enjoyable at Taylors. I tried to remind me from time to time that my objective here is to accomplish my duty as a student and graduate proudly which eventually I did.
Personally, I was not among the best students in my badge. Therefore, self motivation and discipline are really important to me. RMIT program can be really fun but also really challenging. Subjects provided by RMIT are somehow linked to each other from basic to advance. If there was one subject that I did not grab its core, then I knew there would be problem for me in the next semester. One thing I have realized after 3 years studying at Taylors is that computing knowledge is glued together like a chain and if a part of it is cut off then that would mean the whole chain will be destroyed. Therefore, focus at the beginning is crucial fact which will then contribute to your success in the future.
Programming skill in computing is considered to be most important skill so far that I know. It will only help you in doing your assignments and satisfying the most demanding employers. Java and C are the two programming languages that I found useful due to their popularity in the job hunting market. If this skill is polished nicely at the beginning, you will find the RMIT program is really enjoyable since most of it is based on programming, the other bit is on web and database.
Finally, to conclude this letter, I would like to say that even though time spent at Taylors is stressful and challenging, I found it meaningful and paid off well. The experiences that I have obtained during my time here are proven useful in my job hunting task. Good luck to all of you, you have made right choice, now it is up to you to make a difference in your life. Farewell.
First of all, I would like to apologize to friends of mine who are currently staying in KL and consider Malaysia as their secondary country. The purpose of writing this post is not entirely for criticism. As the matter of fact, it is more like a guideline and the exposure of truth that anyone needs to know and deal with.
As anyone who has stayed in Malaysia, or particularly in Kuala Lumpur, the very first interesting thing that you will encounter is the taxi service here. The funny thing is that taxi meter here always works but also never works if you know what i mean. If anyone wishes to go for taxi here, bargain skill is needed in order to avoid getting ripped off too much. I have to emphasize too much here because either this way or the other, the passenger will get ripped off.
I, for many times, felt annoyed everytime coming here only because of this great service. As i was an international student, moving around the city was impossible due to no personal transportation. It ultimately became even more difficult for me because the only way to go around is by taxi.
In fact, taxi drivers here are excellent businessmen not only for their rip off skill but also their sense of location and time. The picture above was taken in front of my condo, a beautiful place which i called home for the last 3 years. These godfathers in the pictures are my regulars and the area where they park their cars can be called their encampment. I had a feeling that i would build a small house there before which they would if it was not for the complaints of the local residents. They camp their 20 hours a day including weekends and holiday offering services to anyone who needs going around with extremely ridiculous price rate. Their offer price depends upon the condition of the present weather and the distant to the destination. For instance, from my condo to the nearest shopping complex which is SunwayPyramids will cost me RM7 (normal price for this would be RM4 if go by meter). Rainy day, price could go up to RM10 like nothing.
“Excellent service” is one thing, passengers here when taking taxi have to keep in mind to taste all sort of smells in the cab (sh**hole i might call it). It felt like shower is something real fancy to this particular class of people.
Coupon system does exist in KL. Many of you might wonder what that is. It can be explained in simple way, passengers need to pay fare first before boarding the cab which in the end get ripped off due to the expensive price. For me, it is a strange way of living because taking a cab is a fancy way but in KL, it is even more fancy due high price and useless meter system.
Living in KL is fun and personally i had a lot of good memories there. People are friendly, living cost is not too expensive compared to neighbour countries, infrastructure is outstanding. With such reputation, it is questionable that why taxi scam still exists. I certainly hope sometimes in the future, the government here should really do something to stop this madness from territorizing the city and destroying the good names that Malaysians have worked hard to build up.
It seems everyone has to go through this day once in their life. Graduation day is not just a simple event where you turn up in front of everyone and smile. Instead, it is a proof of your hard work, the suffering that you have endured throughout college years. For me, it is a turning point of my life, the point that makes me realize that it is time for me to change my way of thinking as a student and start acting like an employee. The real world is out there and people are killing each other for every dime and penny.
Existing as a human being, the cruel fact is that everyone has to find and fight their way for a moment like this and the only proof is the certificate handed to you by the president of that university. Ironically, people will forget you straight away once you step down the stage, because not only you is the graduant there.
Graduation ceremony does not sound so strange to me since this one is not the first one i attended to. As the matter of fact, it is the 3rd one. However, this particular one seems more precious than the rest due to more efforts that i have invested in during my time in Malaysia. It is not the end of the road yet for me but still i can say i am well prepared for whatever thrown at me later on in life. Hopefully, i will standout from the rest of the workforce, knowledge is still the key to success.
Photos below are the ones taken from my graduation which was held at KLCC Malaysia on 7/2/2009, a memorable event it was.
Spending new year time at home is incomparable, i have missed this feeling for almost 8 years. Nearly forgot what it is like to be sitting and relaxing in the coffee shop along the most beautiful street of Saigon.
New year or what we Vietnamese call it “Tet” are the days that families gather together having some fun time, playing card games, giving out red pockets, reserving best wishes for each other… My family does the same thing. However, there is a little surprise coming along the way this year, we decided to get up quite early on the first day of the year to spend sometimes having coffee in the busiest and the most beautiful street of Saigon, Nguyen Hue Street. As our government always tries to impress the people by decorating center city full of flowers and turns it into a walking district for a few days, Saigon people tend to gather around here every new year to take photos. I gotta admit, they have done a good job this year, the street looks dashing and attractive.
Lucky for us, we went there early and got ourselves a nice little spot which has a nice view of the whole street, it was totally worth it. I ordered a glass of ice milk coffee and enjoyed it til the end even though the coffee was not that good, if not horrible. I managed to take some pictures as a memo of this special day. To me, this year brings good news and i never feel happier than now. Life is still long ahead and who knows what i might encounter later on but looking back on what i have achieved so far in life, i guess things are turning over to a new leaf and it is not so bad to be having such a life after all.
Edit:
Finally, the most awaiting event has happened and the man that we all invest our hopes into has made an oath to 100 000 people, Barack Obama. The man whom the whole world thinks that he can make a difference. Personally, i admire him due to his ability of public speaking, it is just outstanding. His most recent speech during the inauguration proves one thing, he is certain about what he promises and what he can bring to the Americans. Even though, i am not an American but America is a leading country and with such a small impact in the economy can create a massive chain reaction to the world economy. Therefore, such country needs to have a good leader to guide its path and Barack Obama is a very potential candicate for the task.
For those who have not listened to his speech, you better do. This man has an strange aura in speaking that can change the most doubtful heart to believe in what he says. Below is the speech that he just made recently for the inauguration:
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land – a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted – for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things – some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions – that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act – not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions – who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them – that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works – whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account – to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day – because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control – and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart – not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort – even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment – a moment that will define a generation – it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends – hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility – a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence – the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed – why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
“Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
This year 2009 starts with a cool breezing feeling, normal temperature in Saigon rarely drops down to 16 degrees or below but things totally have turned a new page this year. First time of my life in Vietnam, i have experienced the cool air at night, as if i was in some place else. Riding out at night could have never been fun like now. My throat starts to act funny to compensate to the good feeling i have about the air.
New year always comes with new things being purchased or made. The same rule is applied to my family this year. After a huge process of consideration and a long journey to every electronic shops, me and my dad have decided to go for a 32 inch LCD. At first, the big names like Sony, Sharp came to mind but due to high season right now as well as the shops are trying to slow down the sales to boost up the price on the new year eve, we could not find desireable price that fits our budget. Besides, we know too well how things are run in Vietnam, nothing is certain and reversable once things are made. Therefore, our expectation was lowered down few knots, LG and Samsung were the next candidates. At last, something caught our eyes, the LCD LG 32LG60. I would not be so surprised when i first saw it, LG electronics are not to be making fun with since the stuff are marked to be in good quality. I learn from it through feedbacks and media.
Just by the look, i knew that i must have it. Well, we did buy it anyway in the end. There we go, new thing to add in this wonderful year. I have never owned a big LCD screen like this before, the best i had was 19 inch LCD used for my computer but my bro is using, so still i am back to zero as usual.
I cannot wait test it out with my computer. Maximizing the image quality becomes much easier now thanks to LG. I always fond of connecting my PC with big screen TV because the visual output is always nicer and more solid. So by using the RGB cables and the S-Video port from my kick-ass graphic card, the power of a small home cinema is vividly becoming true. I know that right now, it is nothing near there yet but hold on for a bit later, i will have my hands on the best technology out there in the market, my dream is not too far ahead.
A small note though: the model in the picture is freaking hot! I gotta search for her now. I know she is an actress, i have watched one of her movies before. That’s just great, chicks and technology… the most powerful combination that has ever been created.
Hello all,
New year comes with all sort of news. For me, this year seems to be a year that all good things will come. Finally, i have succeeded in obtaining a pass ticket to the graduation ceremony which will be held at KLCC in February. So there it goes, another graduation i have within 7 years of my study overseas.
Past few months, tension rised up, getting ready for exams, waiting for results to come out, i wish that i would never have to come back those days again because trust me, your lifespan would be shorten up if you were somehow stucked in there.
Times in Malaysia brought me so much experiences that i can use later on. This country brings me of good memories as well as annoying ones. I guess that is the purpose of life. So good luck to all who still are studying in Malaysia. May you have all the good things that this country can offer and of course, enjoy the good old unique taxi services. I cannot wait for some other new posts regarding this issue.
The plan is to be there at February 3rd 2009 so see you all there.
 | Cop on First day of the year |
 | Rick on First day of the year |
 | Co P. Anh on First day of the year |
| Rick on First day of the year |
| Co P. Anh on First day of the year |
