I’m currently participating in the International Cyberspace Conference on Ergonomics (CybErg’08) which runs from 15 Sept to 15 Oct 2008. It is carried out virtually and discussion is done through forum.  I have two conference papers accepted for this conference and hoping to get further feedback and comments on my research work. The two papers are mainly on Kansei Engineering. The first is on a prototype system developed using Visual Basic and VRML, which aims at enhancing customer’s decision-making in selecting spectacle designs. The second, which is part of my on-going Master’s project is on the application of Kansei Engineering methods in instructional design. It is a novel concept which has received positive feedback from experts in the field of educational virtual environments and has been published in the journal of Themes in Science and Technology Education. Of course, i’m still working on the proposed method as to further justify it with empirical data.

Anyway, for those of you who are interested in joining the virtual conference, do go to www.cyberg2008.org for further info. Registration is completely free!

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As for the symposium, it was a very fruitful experience and we managed to actually meet with some top researchers and IT experts from all around the world. Personally, i’m happy to build up my networking by getting to know some new friends, some with vast experience that actually do not mind sharing their views and knowledge. I must say that the organiser (hosted by UKM) has done a splendid job organising the symposium. Apart from the symposium, all participants were given a free 1-year membership of Malaysian Information Technology Society (MITS), the first professional IT society in Malaysia launched at the symposium.

Oh well, that’s the mini report of the event. Will provide further updates once i’m back in Kuching.

P/s: updating from Cititel, KL.

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PETALING JAYA: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UiTM) is the last bastion for Malay and bumiputra students to further their studies and there is no need to open it up to other races, the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) said.

In a response to the proposal by Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim for UiTM to open up 10% of its intake to other races, PPIM said the move would be seen as challenging the special rights of the Malays.

PPIM project director Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said the government and its leaders had to be tougher in defending such issues because although the country was multiracial, there was "no need to sideline Malay special rights."

"If something like this is allowed to happen, then there will be a worrying situation where many Malay institutions will crumble and be ‘Malaysia-nised’.

"It is hoped that the exclusiveness of UiTM is not undermined by anyone and it be allowed to continue as an institution that will strengthen the Malays," he said in a statement.

Noor Nirwandy said that UiTM has not only produced many excellent scholars but has also had many graduates who were able to compete with other races in the job market.

He added that the reason given by Khalid, which was to create more competition amongst students, was unnecessary because university students already competed amongst each other.

Comments by Me:

Another sad and racist statement by  a person who never seem to understand the word "harmony" and perhaps the true meaning of being a MALAYSIAN. It’s amazing how the rights to get equal education can be associated with Malay special rights. And we all know that UiTM should be opened for BUMIPUTERAS, which by definition in the constitution includes the Ibans, Bidayuhs, Kadazans, Melanaus, Thais, Penans, Orang Asli (as they call those natives in Peninsular who do not want to convert to Islam), Kelabit, Dusun Bajau…etc. not solely Malays. Why are they claiming that opening up UiTM to OTHER RACES will threaten the Malays? I can’t understand why a suggestion can be twisted as a political agenda just because it was by an Opposition leader. It’s mere suggestion and people with the right mind should know that a MB cannot change any intake policy by a university. Why bother demonstrating? Politically-driven?

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Sorry for not updating my blog for quite some time. The main reason is yet again the increasing work load that i’m facing especially when my research project has now entered its 8th month. Despite that, i’ve managed to get hold of some interesting books and filled up my limited free time with some leisure reading. One of those books is Lovers and Strangers Revisited by none other than Robert Raymer, who is now living in Sarawak and teaches creative writings at Centre for Language Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. It’s basically a complilation of his 17 best short stories, that has been published both locally and internationally. Having lived in Malaysia for more than 20 years (largely in Penang, where he previously taught at Universiti Sains Malaysia),  i have to admit that Robert’s potrayal of Malaysian live (both traditional and modern) is amazingy vivid. My personal favourites are of course "On Fridays" and "Neigbours". Robert’s style of writing is plain simple but packed with essential essence of Malaysian aroma. The latest version of the book as shown above is published by MPH and can be purchased from the bookstore chain nationwide or via MPHOnline

If you want a personal autograph of Robert Raymer, well, visit UNIMAS! By the way, check out Robert Raymer’s website at www.borneoexpatwriter.com

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1. Fantasy Art

2. Seriously Cool Photoshop Explosion Effect

3. Super Slick Dusky Lighting Effects

4. Creating Energy Spheres

5. Age Progression

For all the 41 tutorials, go here.

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I was reflecting on my first full year as Nuffnanger and how it has brought cheers to not only me but also bloggers across Asia especially from Malaysia and Singapore. I think Nuffnang has indeed created a great community of its own in the blogosphere with its innovative events and features for both bloggers and advertisers. While i’m not sure whether Nuffnang 3.0 is in progress or still stuck in the company’s oven somewhere :p, waiting for the right time to be rolled out, here is my wishlist that hopefully can improve Nuffnang better:

1. Greater control on Ads

We know that Nuffnang ads are assigned automatically and blogger has little say in deciding what ads are to be appeared on their blogs. It would be good if blogger are allowed to choose the type of ads that they want to show on their blog. For example, for tech bloggers, they might want to show more related ads such as those from Nokia or Apple. This actually allows the ads to be relevant to the blog content and at the same time increase click through.

2. Better Site Layout and Design

Not sure whether it’s only me, but i’m getting bored with the Nuffnang.com design. Apart from the changing of skins in accordance to the events, it looks rather plain. Something need to be done to improve on that.

3. More Widget Ads

Yes, we have seen how Happy-O-Meter has revolutionized the way ads can be delivered to the target audience in a fun and engaging way. Of course, more widget ads can spur greater enthusiasm among Nuffnanger!

4. More variety of Ad Sizes

Not sure why only three choices of ad sizes are available to Nuffnangers, but adding a few more sizes would be good since blog template can come in many different layouts and designs. Standard 150×150 and 468×80 ads would be great addition!

5. More ways of Cashing Out

Hmm…it would good if there are other ways to cashing out like direct bank-in. Would save the time of waiting for the Nuffnang cheque to arrive.

Well, these are the five things that i sure hope to see in Nuffnang 3.0 if you have other suggestions, do mention it in the comment section. Anyway, Nuffnang still rules.

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There is a sense of deja vu isn’t it? It was almost 10 years ago when Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim (DSAI) was accused of sodomy and later proven not guilty. I still remember vividly how his first sodomy accusation shocked the nation and left Tun Dr. Mahathir "no choice" but to sack him from the cabinet. Of course, we know that during that period, Dr. M’s relationship with his then deputy (DSAI), had reached its lowest mainly due his outspokenness on Dr. M’s leadership (especially on the point that he’s being there for too long). And we all know that his "Reformasi" movement led by his strong followers did not really reform Malaysia at that time.

Now, after 10 years, the same story line seems to be rewritten but with different casts, especially the involvement of a university dropout, Mohd Saiful Bukhari. I was thinking deeply over the last few days, reading various resources and relating it to the previous incident in 1998. Why sodomy again? If the government is really planning a conspiracy over DSAI, why would they choose the "same storyline"? Did Anwar really perform sodomy? I do agree with Kenny that the accusation on DSAI in 1998 is perhaps questionable, even Tun Dr. M. partially admitted it was a mistake. But sodomy again in 2008? Well, i’m not in a position to judge DSAI. I guess Malaysian politics are getting "uglier" lately, especially when seeing a lot of our MPs behaving rudely in the parliment. Wawasan 2020? Sounds more like Keganasan 2020 to me!

Another view by Orange 4 Kay (in Bahasa Malaysia)

P/s: May God Bless Malaysia, and All of Us.

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Blogging has become a culture among Malaysians. Surprisingly, when i started blogging back in 2004, it was still considered as something new. Now, practically every netizen (internet citizen) has one blog for them to pour all their thoughts and daily happenings to the rest of the world. Even if they don’t blog, at least most internet users can name ONE blog that they know of. You have celebrities, politicians, teenagers, 7-year-old kids, 70-year-old senior citizens, university drop-outs, millionaire wannabe, technoprenuer, etc who jump into the blogosphere, all in the notion of  "Hey, I Blog Too!". Sadly, recent trends have shown how many Malaysians are trying to treat weblogs or blogs as the medium that allow total freedom for them to express their views and opinions. Rarely, they are aware that they are bound to Cyber Laws and Intellectual Property Laws. Even in basic terms, bloggers should be at least socially responsible for all their published materials.

Everyone is talking about blogging rights especially freedom of expressions. But we forget that with rights, comes responsibilities. You have the rights to express yourself, but you also have to be responsible in what you express.

Like Tim O’ Reilly said:

"We celebrate the blogosphere because it embraces frank and open conversation. But frankness does not have to mean lack of civility".

In most cases, most bloggers want the freedom to write whatever they want, but they don’t have the courage to face the consequences and hence trying to neglect their responsibilities. So, for bloggers out there, here are some ethics that perhaps would enlighten you:

1. Make Reference to Materials Exist Online

If you want to blog about on a certain issues but don’t have the time to actually write it out, and you know some one else is writing about the same issue, well, don’t just copy and paste your blog posts. The least you could do you is by stating things like:

"God, petrol price went up again. I’m in no mood to further elaborate of its consequences on me but you can refer to this blog post by ABC! He has expressed quite clearly on the issue."

In other cases,when you’re arguing on issues with solid facts, do make the links to the facts or resources available for your readers. This allow your readers to make judgement on what you have published and at the same time allow you as the write to remain transparent and not bias.

2. Publish FACTS and not mere Rumours

This is what lacking among bloggers. Most of the time, things that are not facts are being changed into facts just because there are more than one blog published posts on the same issue. If it’s speculation, do say so. In facts, for things that you do not believe it to be true, either you don’t post it or state your reservations clearly. Though it may not harm you, it’s part and parcel of being responsible to the society. Imagine if someone else is spreading rumours about you on his or her blog, would you like it?

3. Notify any changes made to the blog posts

It is very irresponsible for a blogger to simple edit or change his or her blog posts when comments and critics appear. Should there be changes to be made as in typo or misinformation, do state at the bottom of the blog post or simply put a strike on the old information and write in the new one. Again, this goes back to being responsible and transparent towards your readers.

4. Avoid publishing with Misleading Title

There is a habit among bloggers to actually use misleading title, just to lure people to his or her blog. Things like "Have SEX last night" caught your attention and when you read the post, it’s about how the blogger went to watch the movie "Sex and The City". While you can be witty about the title, try not to over-use it. It’ll make your readers feel cheated.

5. Avoid Unscrupulous Blog Content

Bloggers should always avoid posting unacceptable contents and delete comments related to it.  Clearly, unacceptable content (Oreilly, 2007) is defined as anything included or linked to that:

• is being used to abuse, harass, stalk or threaten others
• is knowingly false or misrepresents another person
• infringes upon copyright, intellectual property or trademark law
• violates the privacy of others.

The last one is often commited by bloggers. Sometimes when they are sharing stories on occasions involving their friends, they often forget to ask permission from them. Some friends might not want you to expose his or her identity so openly. Sometimes it will cause conflict. So, it’s better to inform them before posting or publishing.

Well, hope this simple explanation helps in making ourselves a better and ethical blogger. You can get more information from http://ethicalbloggerproject.blogspot.com

Don’t just be a Blogger, be an Ethical Blogger!

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For football fans out there, this is a must-participate contest ever by Nike Football. Simply click here to go to the contest page. All you need to do is to watch the video and answer 3 simple questions based on the videos. Complete a slogan, then submit your entry. It’s that’s simple! What are you waiting for!

P/s: The video is so hilarious that it involves Arsene Wenger and the whole Arsenal Team! Not to mention other football stars!

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