Wardrobe problem!

When organising a media event, one of the main thing to be mindful about is the photo op. The photo must be good enough to be used by media and social media.

Apart from determining who goes in the photo, and if they are any action required (eg: holding a card, cutting ribbon, unveiling of a product), one very important element is setting the dress code for the event. To PR folks, it's our responsibility to make sure the people in the photo looks good, and for that reason, it's important to dress your bosses appropriately and creatively. 

At AirAsia, we have few event shirts and we ensure our bosses are provided with necessary outfit for each event. 

This reminds me of a very important event we had in Langkawi Island. It was a big event, attended by the prime minister. 

Considering it was going to be an outdoor event, so we opt for a smart casual dress code. During that period, we came up with a new striped-shirt design and thought it was a perfect shirt to wear for the event. 

One day before the event, while checking the shirts, I realised the shirt prepared for one of our boss (no name mentioned) is kinda too small for his tummy. 

We were already in the island, and the event was scheduled in the early morning. There were no way to get a bigger shirt done or delivered on time. 

I thought of a way to enlarge the shirt. And did this: 

2 pillows tucked into the shirt and left overnight. And it worked! 

AirAsia Regional Communications Conference 2016

AirAsia communications team consists of PR professionals from all over the world. We are a close knit bunch, and are constantly in touch with each other via multiple platforms (whatsapp, wechat, google hangout, workplace chat - just to name a few!). 

We make an effort to meet at least once a year, to realign on our directions, discuss future plans, and generally ensure everyone sing the same tune. It is also a platform to share best practices etc. 

This year our conference was held in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

While we locked ourselves in boardroom almost all day, we sure know how to make the most of our free time to explore Hanoi and have a great team outing. 

AirAsia regional communications team 

December is considered a chilly month in Hanoi.Temperature ranges between 16°C to 24°C. So, it's wise to prepare a jacket. 

After dinner, some of us decided to walk around the city, and I must say it was a joy! 

The city is so beautiful, people are friendly and the atmosphere is very lively. It's such a romantic city and you will fall in love with it very easily. 

The locals are very creative and they put a lot of effort to make their shops, streets parks and even food so beautiful and instagrammable.

Hanoi Opera House 

Beautiful deco at "Madam Yam" restaurant

Beautiful Vietnamese lanterns 

Grilled eggplant presented as a piece of art!

Tuna steak 

Tofu 

I went out for early morning walk, and did a little bit of stretch.

Emperor from China, princess from India and... A commando from Malaysia! 

A wefie! 

I am so blessed to be part of this incredible team who is so passionate about our job, never afraid to be different and incredibly passionate. 

Bring it on 2017! 

Anniversary

10 Dec was the day my parents got married. Mum and 2 of my siblings decided to spend the weekend at my place.

My sister from Kedah was in KL for holidays too, so we decided to take her out around KL. 

We planned to go somewhere else but on the day we decided to go to Pavilion shopping mall. During lunch, I saw a new Garret Popcorn shop just open in the mall. The smell got us tempted so I got some popcorn. 

From there, we went to KLCC. We hang out at the fountain area, enjoyed the view, took some photos and went back in. 

Before I got to the car, I bought some RotiBoy (yes, can't resist the smell too!)

From there, we head to my elder brother's house. 

Along the way, we realised that we unconsciously did everything Dad likes - popcorn, KLCC fountain, RotiBoy. 

He is not with us, but he is surely in us. 

Al-Fatihah to Dad. Happy Anniversary to mummy! 

Happy birthday AirAsia!

Today AirAsia turn fifteen years old!

It's amazing to know that 15 years ago, our co-founders, Tony and Datuk Din bought over a loss making airline with the aim of getting more people to fly. And to date, AirAsia has flown over 350 million passengers across Asia, Europe, Australia and Africa. 

Our bosses took great pain in fighting for the people as their aim is very simple; to make people's dream of flying come true. Hence the tag line "Now everyone can fly".  

Along the way, they were (highly) criticised, attacked, blocked and bullied but none of those attempts ever got them demotivated or frustrated. They are extremely passionate people who believe in making a difference. And trust me, they will continue to do so. 

The whole world know that they have revolutionised air travel. But not many know that they are actually a dream enabler. They have given opportunities to people to live their dreams -- not just for travellers, but also to staff! 

I am very proud to be an Allstar and to be able to learn and draw inspiration from them. 

And speaking about what's next, I know for a fact that things will be even more exciting from now onwards! 

Happy Birthday AirAsia! 

PC6028

It's been over a year since my dad left us. The feeling is still the same. Every time I think of him, I can almost feel my heart wrenching. 

It's been very challenging to even write things down. 

Since May 20th 2015, we have learnt to accept the fact that he is indeed at a better place. But not a day passed by without thinking about him. 

One story I wish to have it penned here is about PC6028. It's a Honda 50cc dad bought when he was studying. It was his first property I guess. He loved it so very much. 

Growing up, we all learnt to ride the motorcycle and we use it to move around. It has a very iconic and loud sound. So people will literally know you are approaching from far away. 

I was kinda embarrassed to ride it to school because friends would make fun of it. For that reason, I was not fond of it. (Rebellious teenager I was).

Over the years, the motorcycle ended in a pretty bad shape. Dad keeps repairing it and using it although we have other mode of transportation. 

My brothers are so into bikes and cars so they appreciate it. My elder brother, was the one who really love the motorcycle. He would spend a lot of time, effort and money making sure the motorcycle is useable. 

Anyways, just few months before dad passed on he said to my elder brother that he will give the motorcycle to him as a birthday present. 

After he passed on, my brother sent the motorcycle to the workshop to get it fixed, overhauled and repainted. I think it was end of May. 

On 12th October 2015, the mechanic rang him up and said the motorcycle is completed and he may collect it. Coincidentally, I was in Alor Setar at that point of time, so I went to the workshop to pick it up. 

My heart was flooded with tears when I start the engine. I rode it home. 

Like I said everyone could hear the distinctive sound of the engine so my family got out of the house before I reached home. 

We FaceTime my elder brother to show him the motorcycle. He was very happy, and then he broke down. 

His birthday is 14th October. The motorcycle found his way to my brother just in time for his birthday, just like how dad planned. 

Is it a coincidence? 

My New York Express

So, I went to New York! I had so much fun, it was beyond my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip.



It was like walking around a giant studio. I visited all the famous places that was on my list.



If you are planning to go to New York, I have one very important tip: Bring comfortable shoes. There will be a lot of walking!



Enjoy the video!



 

My Washington D.C Express

My first trip to the US! I landed in New York, went to hotel and slept. Woke up really early morning to go to Washington D.C!



I really wanted to visit the Air & Space museum. So, when we were finally there, I was so excited. It was so impressive. I actually touched a piece of the moon!



From there, we walked to one of the most iconic place in DC; the monument. It was very close to the White House.



I had a friend who was just so kind to bring us around. We literally walked about 18 kilometers that day. But honestly I didn't feel it because, I was happy!

Enjoy the video!

My Brisbane Express

I had 7 hours to kill in Brisbane, Australia. So, I decided to walk around and explore.



I must say, it's a beautiful city, and perfect spot for those who enjoys city destination. There are so many things to do!



Enjoy the video!

My Maldives Express

I love Maldives! I will go back there anytime!



This time around, I went there for work, and we literally had a day to explore. So, my boss, Aireen Omar brought us for a day tour where we went to Maafushi Island, visited sand bank which is so magical and also snorkeling at the Four Seasons Hotel.



Enjoy the video!



 

My India Express - Delhi & Agra

My colleague, Djuani and I decided to go on an adventure. Our mission is to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra, India.



To get there, we flew (on AirAsia X of course!) from Kuala Lumpur to Delhi.

We hired a car and went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. It was just so amazingly beautiful.



We also visited other buildings and historical sites built by the great Mughals (in Agra & Delhi).

We had so much fun, and enjoyed the trip thoroughly.



Next, Djjuani and I plan to visit the Great Wall in Beijing, China!



Enjoy the video!



      

My Morocco Express

48hours in Casablanca, Morocco, where everything is beautiful!

Enjoy the video!

Photobomb!

Just like everyone, I have a family whatsapp group where we share all sorts of updates, stories, jokes and completely unrelevant stuff. 

Very recently my auntie wished everyone good morning and I replied asking her to send us a selfie. She shared this photo instead:

This could possibly be my very first photobomb! My uncle and nephew was seated next to my auntie but they were completely blocked by me. 

That aside, I find it extremely moving for my aunt to still find this photo memorable, and worth keeping. 

Now, it has become a priceless piece for me too. Reminding me of what simple things could mean, and how blessed I am to have this much love abound me. 

Happy Mothers Day!

My mum means the world to me. I love her so very much. I know how much she love her kids and what she would do to make sure we are all ok. 

Growing up I was quite rebellious but time has taught me to appreciate my parents. 

I always feel bad for not spending enough time with my mum so I try to compensate that by speaking to her at least twice a day. It is almost a ritual. 

This coming Ramadhan, I plan to spend a week with my mum. She will be staying with me at my house and I look forward to spending quality time with her. 

Last year was the very first time for my mum to celebrate Ramadhan in Kuala Lumpur instead of our family house in Alor Setar. She was with me the first week and we had a nice time buka puasa, tarawikh and sahur together. It was very memorable and I would like to do it again. 

Maybe the first day we will do simple things at home and then go to the mosque. One of the days I plan to take her to buka puasa somewhere nice. But more importantly I plan to bring her to buka puasa in Shah Alam, so we can go for Tarawikh at Masjid Shah Alam (the blue mosque). I don't know why but it's just something I really would like to do.

My mum is a great cook, and she truly enjoys her time in the kitchen. I look forward to let her have her time in my deserted kitchen (she is already making a list!).

I hope Allah will continue to give me the chance to create many many fond memories with my mum. 

Happy Mother's Day! 

How to do handstand without leaning on wall

During the AirAsia Allstars Yoga retreat in Bali, I manage to learn how to do a hand stand without leaning on wall.

Enjoy the video!

AirAsia Airbus A320

Pose!

My colleagues and I had a couple of hours to kill at Bali airport.

We had some nice food, tried some local desserts, delicious chocolates and coffee. 

Me : Guys lets take a photo! 

This was their reaction: 

Ok now we are ready. 

Yoga in Bali

Our awesome corporate culture team at AirAsia are very active and they often come up with all sorts of activities for staff to enjoy.

One of the many activities organised is annual yoga retreat. This year, it was held in the island of paradise, Bali. 

This is my second year joining the AirAsia Yoga Retreat. 

Morning yoga at the garden 

Stretch! 

Over 50 AirAsia Allstars took part this year

I attempted to do the Kakasana aka Crow pose. Still long way to go! 

Warm up with my favourite Natrajasana (dancer pose)

I had a great time in Bali. Till the next one!

Happy Earth Day!

Be kind to Mother Earth. Happy earth day! 

My Krabi Express

Island hopping in Krabi! I enjoyed the sun, sand and sea!



I am a beach person, so, you can only imagine how happy I was!



I also tried kayaking for the very first time in my life. It was kinda scary, and extremely tiring but the viw was worth it!



Enjoy the video!



 

My Jogja Express

An awesome trip to the beautiful land of Jogjakarta in Indonesia.

Watching sunrise at the Borobudur Temple Compound was truly a magical experience!

Enjoy the video!

Healing Treatment : Bekam

I enjoy getting pampered with foot or body massage. It's relaxing and therapeutic.

The other thing I always wanted to try was healing treatments - bekam and acupuncture. So, recently I decided to give it a try. 

I came across this fancy Bekam service called "Viper Bekam" and made an appointment. 

It was such a nice place and they offer a personalised service. Only one customer at a time so everyone enjoy their privacy and get proper treatment. 

The owner, Mr Shark was really friendly too. He explained the whole process and help me take some photos too. 

Ok the images might be too graphic and seems painful. But honestly I didn't feel anything. 

How did I feel afterwords? 

I felt good, and the one major thing I realized was I slept really well. Which translated into feeling fresh and nice. 

Will I do it again? 

Yes! The therapist said we can do it once a month. 

Look forward to try acupuncture one day! 

Contact Viper Bekam here

My Changsha Express

Express trip to the buzzing city of Changsha -- the capital of central China’s Hunan province. Huge city with a history dating to the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 B.C.).

Very well known as one of the location featured in the movie AVATAR!

Enjoy the video!


    

My Bali Express

Last month, my team and I decided to go to Bali, Indonesia.

We had so much fun. We went to see the infamous Kecak Dance ( traditional Balinese dance performed during sunset on a hill). The next day, we challenged ourselves to do white water rafting. I was so scared at the beginning but I had so much fun! (and end up being the most excited dude on the boat!).

I will go back to Bali to do it again ANYTIME!!!!

Welcoming 2016

This was how I celebrated the arrival of 2016. Krabi put me in good spirits. 

Stay tuned for "My Krabi Express"!