Food as Strategic Asset and / or Business

Food, the basis in Maslow's hierarchy, the basic need of mankind. Do you know that some of Malaysia's billionaire are in food business; let see some example

Sugar = Tan Sri Robert Kuok
Flour = Tan Sri Mokhtar Al Bukhory
Rice and Bread = Bernas (Tans Sri Mokhtar & Datuk Shahidan Kassim - Bernas /Gardenia)

Other commodity such as Palm Oil Plantations has provided handsome dividend to those who invest and popular / the main core business with some of the blue chip company such Guthrie, IOI group, PPB groups. These company has been in the radar for institutional investment such as from PNB and EPF.

As in smaller business perspective, Food is always associated and perceived as the easiest business to handle while providing up to 300% ROI by opening a catering or restaurant entity

Most of the these basic commodity are under controlled; in term of economics - Monopoly or oligopoly (very few players in strategic business)

the recent hike in worldwide market of Rice and Flour are largely blamed on shifting of weather - La Nina or El Nino, similar concepts of blaming god..the easiest way out indeed. But one need to understand the concept of everything require fossil fuel; so it could be the petroleum as the main culprit for the recent commodity / basic food hikes.

Back to monopoly; since the government has given the AP's (approved permit: similar to a licence; same process of bringing imported cars in Malaysia) to very selected few, perhaps this the time Malaysian Govt showing some genuine effort to Rakyat in solving the issue of inflation, by offering a strict controlled of price.. sugar, rice, flour, milk for a start as the inflation will make every single Rakyat suffer; and up to extend another "French Revolution". All due to the basic again; Food

Malaysian, may be the most discipline people on earth; in term of being patience of everything.. but not towards food!!!!

Looking at the current management of Malaysia under Pak Lah, I doubt, since he is more business oriented than Rakyat oriented, meaning he will give everything businessmen wanted than taking care the Rakyat.

Back to those billionaire I mentioned, perhaps this is time some of them, doing the national duties, offering some discount while gaining the profit a bit less than expected, not to the extend losing the business

I realize, things have written here is bit futuristic, while Malaysia have only 2-3week stockpile of rice, soon, the it will require to be replenish.. then those commodity have to be bought at the current price, obviously at higher price and these price will be absorb by the customer, like it or not.

Take for example, the price of bread has been increased to 20-50cents recently without a single objection or statement from Minister in-charge - Shahrir Samad

I thought after the recent elections, at least the govt are learning something, but Paklah being Paklah... soon, food will be used as the strategic weapons to denied him permanently as PM of Malaysia

Shall I keep on dreaming?

FYI - "french revolution" among other was started due to difficulty of people to get piece of bread, which the staple food there, whereas Rice is the staple of Malaysian and many parts of Asia. Could the price hike and shortage of rice lead to another revolution? One need to re-look the history.

Food Testing

Today I got a chance to assists in a food testing. Simple tea-break food/ snack food were prepared, with help from 2 other students

Here is the menu - Deep-fried Spring Roll, Marinated Chicken Boxing, Meehun Siam, Kueh Melayu, PulutManis Bakar and Fruits. Enjoy the some of the picture

Apa Ertinya Saya Menganut Islam?

"....lalu beliau mengingatkan saya kepada satu persitiwa ngeri dan menyayat hati yang pernah berlaku di Subang Jaya pada 13 Febuari 1998.Saya kebetulan tahu akan kisah itu. Ianya berkenaan pembunuhan sepasang suami -isteri dan bayi mereka, Allahyarham Ibrahim dan isterinya Solehah serta bayi mereka berusia 5 bulan telah dibunuh dengan kejam. Mereka berdua ini adalah keturunan India dan dari keluarga Hindu dan Kristian. Ditakdirkan Allah swt mereka menerima hidayah lalu memeluk Islam. Berpuluh aduan telah mereka buat samada kepada pihak polis mahupun JAIS tentang ancaman terhadap mereka oleh keluarga mereka yang tidak dapat menerima keputusan mereka memeluk Islam.Ringkaskan cerita, setelah berpindah-randah dan bersembunyi dari setempat ke setempat (termasuk disembunyikan oleh sahabat ini tadi), akhirnya pada malam itu kedua-dua pasangan ini dan bayi mereka yang tidak berdosa telah dibunuh dengan kejam ketika tinggal dalam sebuah kontena berhampiran Bandar Sunway.Saya masih ingat seorang Imam yang telah menyempurnakan mayat Ibrahim ada menyatakan banyaknya kesan tetakkan ke atas tubuh Allahyarham termasuklah dikelar-kelar dengan lambang salib ditubuhnya.Kes ini sehingga hari ini tidak diketahui siapa pembunuhnya!..."

di ambil dari http://www.n32.blogspot.com/

Masih segar di ingatan cerita ini, dimana keluarga itu ketika sudah dikafan dan dibawa ke liang lahat, darah masih mengalir panas seolah baru sahaja mati

begitulah keluarga Sumayah & Yasir moden; yang berlaku di zaman teknologi and maju kononnya

Mereka pastinya mati beriman, mempertahankan agama yang tercinta biarpun baru mengenali agama itu

kekadang tertanya juga, yang empunya diri dilahirkan dengan agama suci ini, mampu memberikan sumbangan pada agama atau mempertahankan seperti Keluarga Ibrahim ini

Mee Combat, between Pasembur and rojak?

Here another speciality in Taiping. Ever heard the "Combat Movie"? Now TV1 is airing them again under slot RETRO. So far I haven't manage to watch them, since the timing is bit late as I need to wake up early.

Nevertheless, I believe there is only one COMBAT Noodles in Malaysia, obviously located in my hometown. Nothing special, just a mamak mee, only the preparation is rather quick - combative style :).
If you got I chance, tryout this - order kiawtiaw goreng + satay there, and you will please with the taste

Another favorite is pasembor - another authentic mamak food avaialable. Don't get confuse with rojak, as pasembor are more lighter in-term of ingredients. What is the major difference between the two - is the sauce, Pasembor used sweet-mix chilli sauce, while Rojak is peanut sauce. The price is only RM3 per plate...yummy

The Popiah Making

How to make a popiah?

here is step by step which were taken by me while making a pit-stop at Taiping recently

The first picture shows the layer of popiah skin, followed by a spread of sweet chilli sauce, then the bean-sprout, "steamed-sengkuang"(sweet turnip / chinese turnip), a dash of scrambled eggs and dried shrimps before rolling it..bon appetite

Defining Malay Cuisine

I was contacted by my former student, Mohd Fuad who are currently in final semester of a French Baccalaureate Program

He is currently in the midst of collecting data on Malay Cuisine, which I found as interesting and challenging as well. So how to define the Malay Cuisine?

Malay is a race from Malay Archipelagos, which consists of Peninsula of Malays & Borneo (Malaysia), Indonesian Island - Sumatra and Java, Island of Philiphines. The main staple is Rice, while the main dishes consists of Fish and Seafood, Poultry and sometime Beef. While the ingredients use in making up the dishes are fresh herbs and spices.

The ingredients strcuture consists of herbs, spice and being balance with elements of acidic and alkaline; a culinary skills which could makes ways for scientific formulations.

That is my short opinion on Malay Cuisine, What is yours? any advice are welcome

Sufiah Yusof Tragedy and The State of Malaysian Education

I was reading my brother's blog http://www.rahmanhariri.blogspot.com/ about the child-prodigy becoming a hooker, I would like to stress that one cannot jump to conclusion as the news was retract form a tabloid paper!

I would prefer to look at our our shore; the Malaysian education and its impact to future generation. It is complicated looking at the bureaucratic procedures in Malaysia. it has has a lot of issue from the policy making, management and centralized examination.

where we are heading?

As the society play equally important part, I cannot agree more on the model taken from http://bloghijat.blogspot.com/

Here, have a look:

its the issue on all of the effort is gone to the drain, if we allowed our kids to the culture of enjoyment, entertainment and all sorts. Look around us -in TV, JOM HEBOH, concerts to another, celebrations, festivals... all killing the society structure -- followed with drugs, adultery, out-of-wedlock-child, nauzibillah

Balancing in Life; with religion and emphasis on morality should be the key, while allowing our kids grows naturally.

Lastly, pray to GOD as we letting the divine show the correct paths

UPDATED 7th April: The Star online today published the interview with Sufiah, which shows no regret on what she is doing. Well, this only prove she indeed involved in the "business". As adult she is responsible for herself. As Muslim, each of us have certain responsibilities to advice her.
My main concern still, why double standards? How about poor people in Malaysia which not given the opportunity to education..look around you, they may just your neighbour. (wonder why BERSAMAMU still exists?)

My Chef's Student, My Culinary World

Hmm, let me re-visit

It was in 1996 since I first joint a private college in Penang, Malaysia

Then my teaching life moved on at my Alma matter-MARA Institute of Technology, which offer tremendous opportunity in culinary education

then, many years later, I have involved in all categories of culinary; namely Culinary Arts, Culinary Management and Culinary Science

No regret, only I feel I should make more money on these skills :)

Less money, but I do have many students instead - more than thousand, many which I could not remember their names, with exception few of those who would visit me on yearly basis - without failed :) I guess that is the best thing being a teacher- is all about the students, seeing them grow to became chefs, food service operator, lecturer and food scientist, not just financial rewards on side alone:)

Enjoy the picture, of some of my current student (updated later)

Everyone is Born Winner

Well, I miss another 30days in updating my own blog, pheww..what a ...nevermind, I just enjoying myself with the life, reading other blogs, visiting Taiping again and again, teaching, learning...and same time spice up with some elements of organizational behavior at my office

Best of all, voting on 8th March Election as my best outing so far... so now my best friend is an EXCO member of Selangor Government..

OK, enough introduction..

back to the topic... do you know all of you are born winner? well, it easy... there are up to 4 million sperm finding their way to ovum in "1000' kilometre journey... only one survive ( in cases, you will have twins) ( FYI-I am not lecturing about biology/sexual education here)

what it means.....

It means, only the best, the strongest and brightest will survive...that is us, me and you

So, be the best in whatever you doing, don't let others to tell what you cannot do, but you yourself want to achieved in this world and thereafter

Chicken: The Never Ending Story 2

Here we are again

My former students has asked my opinion; topic on chicken of course.....

He was offered a supply of "ready-to-cook" chicken chop (also known as Chicken Marryland) at RM1.50

Looking at selling price of RM7.00-RM9.00 per portion; any business could easily make a RM5-7 profit per portions, that is a huge amount that made me wanted to open a western corner myself

Questions is How do you offer such low-cost ' ready-to-cook' when the market price is up to 400% higher?

Any takers?

FYI

My former student decided not proceed since the source of chicken is unknown; what more without halal specification being mentioned. Being his former teacher; I believe we have manage to instill some ethical principles to him.

To my students, hold to your principle, it is never easy to find your 1st RM1 million and there is no shortcuts to success

Sun Tzu The Arts of War - Office Politics 2

My earlier blogging ; http://chefculinary.blogspot.com/2007/11/holding-principles-in-life-office.html

The war haven't over yet!! as previously it was a truce. I guess they need to read a lot, and builds their networking and strategy

They wanted to prolong my probation, and subsequently transferred me out, what a pity, I am not a doll whom they can do anything, while I sit there quietly.

So I took the opportunity, as the best of being relocated nearby to HQ is to know others; all the gatekeeper, the powerful, the generals and lieutenant of my university; while developing my network of friends and friendships as well.

there; I received my confirmation letter

So... its 2-0 and I laugh all the way ;)

FYI - Never before I faced - a "boss" who determine to kill his own staff's career; instead of he/she developing it through coaching and mentoring. Myself, I do take this as a part of learning; perhaps it always offer somekind of process which matures your thinking and wisdom, as life goes on.

seeing each other after 18 years

For a solid 18 years.. that long

Obviously we are in different classes, but we became close due to rugby, a #1 game in our school, The King Edward VII of Taiping. Frankly, I am not good in that game as I much prefer hockey and soccer.

After SPM, we chart our own journey.... leaving all except the sweet memories of the school days

As my office /faculty just being relocated, nearby to HQ; only to found the Building Manager was my former school mates.

That 18 years, and we still know each other.... and we had a quite a long chat..Well Johnny Loh, nice meeting you again...we haven't change much after all :)

Fish and Seafood

fish is abundant and plenty in Malaysia, and many ways of cooking method available

Fish and seafood have been the main source of protein since the mankind. Perhaps the most important food; in Food Chain System. It also being mentioned in Al-Quran and perhaps the only food that cuts-through any religions.

Fish and Seafood is Halal, any of them. There is no special requirement, or slaughtering process required.

I always wonder why Japanese people are so innovative and intelligence? or even for the past years, it always people from east coast- kelantan, terengganu scored in major examinations?- perhaps maybe due to their seafood diet.

Looking my own family - which all are successfully - in their major examination - maybe because our beloved mother feeding us with seafood, most of the time; while chicken only on special occasion... need scientific evidence?

There is no issue of seafood, but very few - the allergic and poisonous

If you are allergic to seafood, most likely it was due to some chemical used is preserving the freshness of the food

as for the famous poisonous fish - the puff fish (ikan buntal), Japanese love it so much as any other seafood. This special case - requires a special 3 year training and pass an examination before given a licence to cut the puff fish; yet every year at least 30 case of death recorded

My opinion, avoid the puff fish; while there is a plenty of choice to choose

How to choose a fresh fish? while most people looking at the red color of the gills, observed other areas as well, the eyes - bulging not flat, scales still intact, body - springy not soft, of course the smell- should be fresh smell.

Be extra care full, if the fish monger use yellow bulb of light to project the fish - it could please your eyes as freshness yet it is not.

If you have to buy frozen fish, look-out for ice-build ups, more ice mean it have kept for some period of time

in conclusion, fish is always the best diet, as my doctor quote " the smaller the better". After all the animals of seafood kingdom was mentioned in Al-Quran as one of main source of food; so it must worth diet for all

Our favourite fish - ikan kedara / belanak - sweet in taste, cheap in price

Chicken: The Never Ending Story

Chicken, Chicken and Chicken

Lately, there are an e-mail circulating among other claiming and arguing the status of halal chicken supplied by one of major hypermarket in our country. I am not sure the authenticity of the e-mail, but I can support with the facts

Well, it easy. Everyday, at least 1-4 million chicken being slaughtered. Chicken does not need special abattoir unlike beef / lamb, therefore it can slaughtered anywhere or any person could do that...

what more, as the chicken sold in our market is already cleaned or even in parts, how to know whether the halal practices being followed strictly?

As millions of chicken being slaughtered, I assume at least 10% (400K) will miss the rotating blades.... there; you will find a chicken not being slaughtered properly.

Then again, this is one of reason I choose organic chicken, as the owner of the business take the responsibility to slaughter the animals personally and manually; utmost importance following a very strict halal process

P108 N40

The code where I have registered and casting my vote for the last 3 elections. The area where I grown and technically my playing ground for the past 18 years - Section 17, 25, 4, 6 and 8 then Section1; from my student days, working and having family before buying a house and all my children born here as well.

The area was the 2nd choice previously if compare to Subang Jaya neighbourhood, now the cheapest house (link) is RM270K

My journey this year seem to be spicy and more interesting; when this morning, I call-up my best friend who is actively involved in politics - only to be informed, that he is the candidates for the area.

you will get my vote and full support.FULL STOP

What would you do if you are richer by RM10,000?

so, now you are richer by RM10K

what would you do? spending is easy, investing need some thinking

Lately, some of my colleague asking me for opinion on how to be successful? so I asked them why asking me?...hmm, as I wonder what their eyes telling, judging me as being successful... really wonder

I never feel I am a succesful person, at least not yet, as my benchmark of being success is having RM1Million in cash or assets or both in that value .... of course, that should be under my name :)

Perhaps, maybe they see it due to my way of dressing or my qualifications, or perhaps because I always smile, so always look ceria (happy) all the time....hmm ... I just normal person, living within my financial abilities and working hard to improve the life as well, who doesn't want to be rich anyway?

Nevertheless, I am happy to give them my word of advice..hahaha, macam financial consultant pulak ...

Back to if I were richer by RM10K, obviously for me is to reduce or minimize my debts...that is my priority....debts in my opinion and view cannot be avoided, but can always be reduce or minimize, means you still have debts, but the amount not more than 2-3month of your salary, better if less...my own assumptions ....(by the way the zakat for RM10K is 2.5% or RM250 only)

other things is, I am aiming to fulfill the last tenets of being muslim this year, so....one of conditions to be at that "special place' that you are free from any debts.. and at same time leaving enough money for your family.... (with that RM10K, I am free from debts, Alhamdulillah, thank you Bapak)

So, instead of discussing on being richer by RM10K, here I am targeting for my first million ringgit :)

(update 22nd Feb)

FYI - the Zakat hold a concept of "haul" or simply define as one year saving, or in this case, the income or saving must be generated over 12 month/ 1 year period. Let say you have continous income or saving the same amount for 12 month, then you are encourage to pay the zakat.

In this case, where you getting some one in a lifetime income, you are not obliged..wallahualam

FYI - success are best define by you alone, not others. As to measure success, you may need a benchmarks, that again by you, no other books can define. For myself, I do benchmarks my success to others, in perspective of financially, academically, career, family and spritually...so, what is yours?

Election 08 - the season where watching TV is prohibited

The seasons of empty promise and suddenly Malaysia is full of cash-flow....

These is the time, where I prohibits myself from buying newspaper or watching news from local TV.

Election 08, is my third round offering my wisdom in choosing my candidates, subsequently the government of my choice. I never failed to choose the same political party as I enherited the choice of my late father, without any doubt :)

I have no issue, though I am concern on the inflation, the higher cost of living and mis-management of our rich resources

Obviosly, our country are damn rich, where the resources could offer (1) a free education to all, up to bachelor degree level; (2) a plot of land for every single rakyat for their own house

I am dreaming.....dreams are possible.... or shall I continue dreaming?

Being Entrepreneur and Intra-preneur

It has been almost 30 days I haven't got a chance to write and subsequently updated my blogs. This site not the only one suffers, but my other academics writing as well. All , I must say was due to myself focusing a business project - a lifetime project

Even on Sunday, which happen to be my day of updating my blogs, is now being used as to working the financial aspect of the project.

I always have deep interest being an entrepreneur, even my qualification are all subject to the one aim. I still remember, soon after receiving my SPM result (O level equivalent), I was offered to do the food and car mechanics, both, I assume will make lots of money, I choose food studies instead...subsequently my neighbour is running a car workshops, and made more money than me :)

So here I am, instead being full entrepreneur, perhaps an intra-preneur is my best bet, helping my employer with one of the biggest project I ever handle, and best is; it does contribute to the muslim world...

I am working and praying hard for it success...

Food Fundamental 1

Food; something that is edible, or anything that we eat or drink everyday. Food will provide energy and replenish nutrients to keep our body healthy, physically and mentally.

Basically, foods is divided into 7 components;

1. Carbohydrate
2. Protein
3. Fats
4. Vitamins
5. Minerals
6. Water
7. Roughage / fiber

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrate provides energy for our body. It can be divided into two categories or sources,

1. Starch
2. Sugar

Starch can be found in rice, cereal, flour and potatoes. The effect of heat (cooking) on starch will increase its size and make it soft and sticky. Water will evaporate before absorb it again, The process is called; gelatinization.

Sugar can be found in many forms like glucose from sugar cane, fructose from fruit, maltose from cereal and lactose from milk.
The effect of heat on sugar will result in change in color and odor. It will melt and thicken until it becomes almost solid. This process is known as caramelization.


Protein

Protein functions as agent in building and repairing body tissue. It can be found in many food ingredients like fish, eggs, chicken, meat and soybean.

Protein will change from soft to firm, loose it moisture, change color and odor, when we cook. This is known as coagulation.

In some cases, protein can absorb odor or aroma as well (like eggs, fish).


Fats

Fats can be divided into two main categories
1. Animal fat- milk based product -butter, cheese, lard , whey
2. Vegetable fat- palm oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, margarine, shortening, soy oil, corn oil etc.

Fats stand in solid condition at room temperature. Smoke will be produced during cooking.

Vitamins

Vitamins can be divided into 2,

Fat soluble vitamin, will be destroyed during cooking, due to heat and fat being used. The vitamin is ADEK

Water-soluble vitamin will be lost during exposure of food toward moisture and water, which include washing and cooking/blanching. The vitamin will be B and C

Minerals

Minerals exist on every food ingredient. It is important in building our bodies cells and help in proper functioning the body system, physically and mentally. Examples of minerals will be calcium, iron, iodine, and phosphorus.

Water

80% of human and animal body content is water.
Water functions as a regulator body for temperature, and assists in digestion and absorption of food. Water is needed for blood and all secretions.

Fiber / Roughage

Fiber is considered as carbohydrate but it cannot be digested. It is also known as cellulose / unavailable carbohydrate.
Fiber helps in elimination of body waste and makes sure that the digestion track will function properly.
Fiber can be found in most fruits like kiwi, orange, yogurt and bread.

Issues on Food

1. How much food to take? (Food Pyramid and Islamic Perspective)

2. Food Borne Diseases – Avian Flu, Mad Cows and JE-Nipah Virus

New Year and Yesterday Once More

Its holiday today. As usual, apart of cooking special meals for my family, being lazy and trying to be unproductive was the among the objectives :)

So here I am ended with a very interesting and nice websites - offering oldies and evergreen songs, which makes me drifting and losing my soul the whole day listening to carpenters, bee gees, louis armstrong, the beatles, mary hopkins .. wow huge file indeed.. including the greenfield - my late father's favorite by the brothers four... not to mentioned the 'pujaan omputih 3' was dedicated for the rock songs..hmm, many more such as the sound of silence by simon and garfunkel, the sealed of the kiss by brian hyland

I was born in 70's, so my kind of songs I appreciates most are in 90's (majority that time was rock songs); but I doesn't stop me from listening ranges of music such as alternative - linkin' park being the favorite, instrumentals and solo's such as Maxim or Bonds and Vanessa Mae or even the Richard Clayderman and Kenny G. On top of lists was Celine Dion (including the french version as I am quite versed in the languages :) Mariah Carey (albeit the old version of her album) and Kelly Clarkson

By the way; just visit the websitefor the songs you like; http://www.geocities.com/hassny/ (congrats to the owner of the site) However the majority of songs are Malay evergreen, as for english evergreen - the file entitled "Pujaan Omputih" file 1 to 6

You will need a 'real player' and hope you will enjoy listening.....


FYI - I guess to look forward is sometime to look back, obviously to make you a better person.. Happy Maal Hijrah 1429 and Year 2008.

FYI- I am hoping to get and listening to SM Salim songs, but sadly it was none..nevertheless the title of the topic today belongs to the Carpenters (in the pujaan omputih 6); below here the lyrics - so reflective of myself today ....

When I was young I’d listened to the radio
Waitin’ for my favorite songs
Waiting they played I’d sing along
It made me smile
Those were such happy times
And not so long ago
How I wondered where they’d gone
But they’re back again
Just like a long lost friend
All the songs I loved so well
(*) every sha-la-la-la
Every wo-wo-wo
Still shines
Every shing-a-ling-a-ling
That they’re starting to sing’s
So fine
When they get to the part
Where he’s breakin’ her heart
It can really make me cry
Just like before
It’s yesterday once more
Lookin’ back on how it was
In years gone by
And the good times that I had
Makes today seem rather sad
So much has changed
It was songs of love thatI would sing to then
And I’d memorize each word
Those old melodies
Still sound so good to me
As they melt the years away
Repeat (*)
All my best memories
Come back clearly to me
Some can even make me cry
Just like before
It’s yesterday once more