The Micron man, Steve Appleton

On 8th Feb 2012, Steve Appleton, chief executive officer of Micron Technology Inc., died after crashing an experimental plane in Boise, Idaho. He was 51. I was saddened by his passing. But I do confessed that I was more angry than sad. How can our CEO be such an irresponsible man? What is going to happen to his family? What about the livelihood of the 22000 Micron employees worldwide. Is he crazy or nuts to engage in such an dangerous sport? This things goes on and on in my mind without an acceptable answer or explanation. I am very upset.

On the morning of 24th Feb 2012 (Boise time), a Public memorial was conducted to remember our late leader. TECH management team was strongly requested to attend the live ceremony. I was quite reluctant to attend which is 1am in Singapore time but I was there. This is the last least thing I can do for our leader.

From the stories delivered by many speakers, I realized how a remarkable man Steve is! He is a professional racer. A professional tennis players. A stunt performing pilot. He is a fierce competitor. A great passion for excellence in whatever he do. A risk taker whom made critical and tough decision. He has all the traits of a winner. He is a leader. A visionary leader. An urban legend. There is unlimited vocalbury to describe our late leader. I have a much understanding and insight on Steve although it might seen too late...

What caught me is his love for Everyone. Yes, Anyone. He seen to have 48hrs or more a day as he always have time for everyone, despite his busy schedule. He's not just donated and shared his finance. He gave his time wholeheartedly. To me this is the most impressive and kind gesture of a giver. I salute our leader. A kind and compassionate man whom never hesitate a helping hand. Steve might have left us. But his vision, leadership and compassion will stay with us for many many years to come.

Steve will be remembered by many whom he has one way or another touched their life, directly or indirectly. To me, without Steve drive for excellence and risk, Micron might not have arrived to where we are today, as the semiconductor memory industry is a very very tough business. Life will never be the same without Steve. But I am sure that everyone in Micron will continue his legacy. His love to win, the dream to make Micron the best and the leader in our industry shall continue to be uphold by every Micron employee.

We will all miss Steve Appleton, especially his broad smile.

Cheers OKY

Talent spotting

In pure coincidence, couple of young but high ranking civic servants have been charged with misconduct or involvement in improper business. These young officials were once a high flier in their industry or organization. They're gem being spotted and groomed as leader. They've excelled academically and economically but have flunked in character and moral.

There is flaw in our current system of talent spotting. Too much emphasis on result and work performance, with low or zero weight-age for being ethically and morally upright. We need to overhaul our current talent spotting program, else the world and earth will perish under the hands of these "super-star" whom care less for others but themselves.

This world is too much polluted. We need help. We need leader whom has the passion to serve. A love for all man-kind. Most importantly, a leader whom has basic common sense to differentiate what is good and bad for the community and people.

Confused,

OKY

Fabulous February

The Valentine falls on the 14th of every February. It's a time we celebrate our love since 1994 when first met at a restaurant in Singapore's Night Safari, where we were waiter and waitress. And 18th Feb happened to be Sarah birthday. This year we celebrated her 3rd Dragon birthday. One day later on 19th Feb, it's our wedding anniversary. This is our 13th anniversary as husband and wife since 1999. Fast forward, we have our first fruit of love in 3 years time. Filomena was born on 21st Feb 2002. Today is her 10th birthday. We wish her good health and happiness.

This year, we have 3 cakes. Durian cake on Valentine's day, Mango ice-cream for Sarah's birthday and a Chocolate fudge cake for Filomena. February is such a beautiful month of the year. I love February. It's Fabulous. It's so sweet.

Cheers OKY

My 2012 resolution

2011 is another great year. In work, JiXian and Keli are both promoted to Section Manager (SM) overseeing CMP module. I am proud and happy of their achievement. Both are my first batch of engineers, fresh from university, and tasked under my responsibility. Both are my kids. It's a task almost impossible but we made it within 5 years. All this is cannot be achieved without trust and teamwork. Of course, with a lot of hardship, determination and persistence. For PengHwee and myself, we were transferred laterally to WET (Dec2011) and Dry Etch (Oct 2011) respectively, after making way for our new SMs. For myself, 7 years in YE/FA and 5 years in CMP have been very fulfilling and rewarding in my 12 years career. 2012 will be a new beginning in Dry Etch. This is a place where all the trouble reside as I was told. But I like challenges and want to make a positive impact in my new module. Wish me good luck in my new playground.

For my family, I am proud of the academic achievement from Filomena and Cordelia. Both came in 4th and 10th in school position respectively. My heartfelt congratulation for their achievement, with the credit to their hardwork; and of course Sarah's guidance and teaching. As a father, I want to play my role and influence in their moral and character building. And I need to lead by example. A good person is the ones with a good brain; and a loving and caring heart.

2012 will be the final year of the Buddhist study. I hope to pick up meditation. My mind is very restless and scattered. It's just like a television in the background that never turn off and goes blah blah blah. It's too disturbing. I need to tame my mind so as to stay focus and calm. I need a peaceful, cleared and fearless mind. Only then, my actions, thoughts and behavior will not harm anyone, including myself. Starting now and toward 2012, I need to love myself and be more forgiving to myself. Love and be love!

We spent 2 weeks exploring around Taiwan on our own in a car. It's a good experience for the family. We have a lot of fun and joy, with a lot of bonding within us. We're closer and stronger as a family. Initial fear and worry were unfounded. It's quite easy driving in Taiwan moving from one place to another with a GPS. Thinking is hard. Doing is easy. Just do it!

This year was my second SCM (Standard Chartered Marathon). I did it in 5hrs and 30mins for the 42KM run. An improvement from my previous record of 5hrs and 55mins. But fall short of my target of sub-5. Nevertheless, it's another milestone for me. If there is a will, there is a wave. Aim high. It's mind over matter. Impossible is just a word.

Looking forward to 2012, may all being be happy and healthy. And a peaceful world with no war and disaster. And more help and care to our mother earth whom is sick. 'Go green' and 'Go simple' will be the theme for 2012.

Goodbye 2011. And, hello 2012. It will be a tough year ahead with the poor economic outlook. But as the going get tough, the tough get going.

Cheers OKY

Singapore Presidential Election 2011 (PE2011)

I will vote for someone who choose to do the job for us! A person with high integrity and honesty to guard Singapore reserve. A person with the courage to say NO to something that is not good for Singapore.

I have decided whom I should vote. He is the man that will unify Singapore. The person with a great heart and compassionate love for all Singaporean.

Thx, OKY

50% of our LIFE is made up of IF

We don't have to live till our last breath to appreciate this wisdom. For now, always cherish what you have and not trouble over what you don't have. And life will have less regret and less IF...

My 2 cents thought. OKY

The 5 Love languages (The secret to Love That Lasts)

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I just bought this book. I am looking forward to further enhancing my relationship with my wife Sarah and my two daughters, Filomena and Cordelia. Here's the gist. Cheers OKY

Words of Affirmation Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten

Quality Time In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

Receiving Gifts Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

Acts of Service Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

Physical Touch This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.