Jeff Ooi’s Welcoming Party as member of DAP

Beleive it! Jeff Ooi is now a DAP member. I witnessed him handed the DAP membership form to Cheras MP this morning.

Check out his new political blog - jeff4malayisa for the press statement on joining DAP. Currently the blog is inaccessible due to high volume of traffic(i believe). Also read this, Uncle Kit's speech and Guan Eng's press statement. This is the report from merekareview.


Now that Jeff Ooi has taken a political stand. We need to send him into parliament in the next GE to speak for the people. Guan Eng had confirmed in the PC that Jeff will be contesting in a parliamentary seat. Which constituency? We(DAP) shall announce that later. Who is next after Jeff Ooi? This coming GE is becoming more and more unpredictable. I am anticipating more heavyweights to join politics.

Is Hell exothermic (gives of heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

University of Washington chemistry mid-term
- submitted by sting_au2000

The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, which is why we have the pleasure of enjoying it as well.

Bonus Question:
Is Hell exothermic (gives of heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law, (gas cools off when it expands and heats up when it is compressed) or some varient.
One student however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate that souls are moving into Hell and the rate they are leaving.

I think we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, lets look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Some of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to hell. Since there are more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to hell.
With birth and death rates as they are we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially.

Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume of Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:
1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase untill all Hell breaks loose.
2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop untill Hell freezes over.

So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Ms.Banyan during my freshman year that, "It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you" and we take into account the fact that I still have not succeeded in having sexual relations with her, then #2 cannot be true.
Thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and will not freeze.

The student received the only "A" given.

Open Invite to Jeff Ooi's DAP Welcoming Ceremony

The biggest landmark political and blogging event of the year is going to happen here in PJ ss17. Jeff Ooi, Malaysia's pioneering and most prominent socio-political blogger is expected to make his statement on his decision to join the DAP to fight for a better Malaysia.

DATE: July 31, 2007
TIME: 10:30am
PLACE: Food Foundry, BG-8 Happy Mansion Jalan 17/13, Petaling Jaya

Click here for the map.

For more information please contact Tony Pua.

Jeff Ooi joins DAP

It's official! When I read "DAP's next big catch" from Tony Pua's blog I wasn't really convinced that Jeff Ooi will join DAP. I thought it was mere speculations and rumours. Moreover, Jeff Ooi cheekily left in his blog "You think i have a cause to join them(DAP)" made me think that Jeff will remain a Gerakan member.

However I was proved wrong. It came out in the star today that The DAP is planning a “welcoming ceremony” on Tuesday to announce his crossover from blogosphere to party politics. Top party leaders as well as some of Jeff Ooi’s blogger friends will attend the ceremony. Sources also said that DAP has Jeff Ooi in mind for the Puchong parliamentary seat as well as the Kinrara state seat. And also check this out from merdekareview.

Right now, the bloggesphere is still quite calm(I would say). As I could not find any updates from Jeff Ooi's blog, Tony's blog, or even DAP site. I believe there will a lot of discussions regarding Jeff Ooi participation in politics starting soon. Let us see what happens next.

The next general election is just around the corner and we can be very sure that this will be the most anticipating general election with so many heavyweight political newbies. Yea, and that includes Victor Gu from MCA. lol.

Stupid, stupid....

Something stupid happened to me yesterday. It's really stupid and this is not the first time. I locked my laptop(as usual) when I surfed net in Coffee Bean. After around 5 hours of surfing net, when I was about to go, I realised that I lost my key. Gosh~and i was rushing to gym at that moment. I try to look around the whole place(including the toilet) and couldn't find the key. I even went back to my car to make sure that I din left my key there.

Out of desperation, I asked for help from the coffee bean staff. Initially, they tried to unscrew the chair so that I could take the lock off. However, it's very hard for to unscrew the chair. In the end, I gave up. I said "just cut the lock!".



And i tell you, it's not easy. The staff used a plier and a hammer to knocked on it. Almost all the customers in coffee bean are looking at us. he tried and tried and tried and tried..... In the end, he managed to cut off the lock. The guy beside us look at him smiling and he replied "For customer!"



I quickly packed up and went off. When I reached my car, I saw the key just under my car.



WTF. I already have a feeling that I might find the key after cutting off the lock. Dammit. I need to be more mindful from today onwards. These few weeks I was like daydreaming all the while, I couldn't concentrate on what am I doing, my mind and thoughts are just "flying" all around. Basically my brain is not functioning. The last time, I left my room key in my room and I need to hook the key out using a long bamboo stick.

I've no idea what happened. When I woke up yesterday, the feeling of out of job is just weird, very very weird. I feel as if I lost something after I returned my laptop and PwC Tag. I am no longer a PwC staff. But i can still feel the PwC spirit burning in myself.

The IAFG is on right now. I was there in Deloitte Office for the Chess Game. We were Champion for the past six years. However, we lost it this year. We were actually leveled in points with Deloitte however we lost due to head-to-head results. The atmosphere was really gloomy just now. I feel bad. I wish I could contribute for the table tennis team.

Last day in PwC

Today is my last day here. This will also be my last posting from WSD using PwC IP address. lol. I could only leave a short post here since I need to do my clearance before leaving the firm. I need to go to 8th floor admin - to return my tag, 10th floor GTS to return my laptop, 12th floor - library to make sure i return all books i borrowed(this is my first time there in library). If not because of resigning, i dun think i have a chance to step into our library(from tomorrow onwards, it's THEIR library. lol)

After lunch, I need to walk over to Wisma Eon Bank to the HR and finance department to do the final clearance. I also need to fill up the Alumni membership form to be a PwC alumni. Last but not least the tax clearance with IRB since I am leaving the country. WTF?! IRB fear that I have unpaid taxes and will never ever come back Malaysia! I just started work last month and only got two months salary. Even if i worked for a full 12 months, I am still not subject to income tax given the tax relief and tax rebates available to me. Why do they need me to do tax clearance? i do not understand!

Lately there lot's of things happened - the secular/islamic debate, the arrest of Raja Petra because of his article on Malaysian Today, and also Victor Gu(former NTV7 reporter and "who wants to be a millionaire" host) joined MCA(i just know this yesterday - seemed to be a little "out"). The bloggesphere seems to be in a chaos now, yet the mainstream media reports seem to be like everything is under control and as if nothing happened.

Will find some time and blog about it. Since I will be free starting from tmr. No more waking up at 7am! ok, need to start doing my clearance now~

How to write a resignation letter?

short but not formal.....







A bit formal







Formal one.....







Or this one?








And also don't forget to leave a notice to your beloved colleagues and manager :


Dear Co-Workers and Managers,

As many of you probably know, today is my last day. But before I leave, I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know what a great and distinct pleasure it has been to type "Today is my last day."

For nearly as long as I’ve worked here, I’ve hoped that I might one day leave this company. And now that this dream has become a reality, please know that I could not have reached this goal without your unending lack of support. Words cannot express my gratitude for the words of gratitude you did not express.

I would especially like to thank all of my managers both past and present but with the exception of the wonderful Saroj Hariprashad: in an age where miscommunication is all too common, you consistently impressed and inspired me with the sheer magnitude of your misinformation, ignorance and intolerance for true talent. It takes a strong man to admit his mistake - it takes a stronger man to attribute his mistake to me.

Over the past seven years, you have taught me more than I could ever ask for and, in most cases, ever did ask for. I have been fortunate enough to work with some absolutely interchangeable supervisors on a wide variety of seemingly identical projects - an invaluable lesson in overcoming daily tedium in overcoming daily tedium in overcoming daily tedium.

Your demands were high and your patience short, but I take great solace knowing that my work was, as stated on my annual review, "meets expectation." That is the type of praise that sends a man home happy after a 10 hour day, smiling his way through half a bottle of meets expectation scotch with a meets expectation cigar. Thanks Trish!

And to most of my peers: even though we barely acknowledged each other within these office walls, I hope that in the future, should we pass on the street, you will regard me the same way as I regard you: sans eye contact.

But to those few souls with whom I’ve actually interacted, here are my personalized notes of farewell:

To Philip Cress, I will not miss hearing you cry over absolutely nothing while laying blame on me and my coworkers. Your racial comments about Joe Cobbinah were truly offensive and I hope that one day you might gain the strength to apologize to him.

To Brenda Ashby whom is long gone, I hope you find a manager that treats you as poorly as you have treated us. I worked harder for you then any manager in my career and I regret every ounce of it. Watching you take credit for my work was truly demoralizing.

To Sylvia Keenan, you should learn how to keep your mouth shut sweet heart. Bad mouthing the innocent is a negative thing, especially when your talking about someone who knows your disgusting secrets. ; )

To Bob Malvin (Mr. Cronyism Jr), well, I wish you had more of a back bone. You threw me to the wolves with that witch Brenda and I learned all too much from it. I still can't believe that after following your instructions, I ended up getting written up, wow. Thanks for the experience buddy, lesson learned.

Don Merritt (Mr. Cronyism Sr), I'm happy that you were let go in the same manner that you have handed down to my dedicated coworkers. Hearing you on the phone last year brag about how great bonuses were going to be for you fellas in upper management because all of the lay offs made me nearly vomit. I never expected to see management benefit financially from the suffering of scores of people but then again, with this company's rooted history in the slave trade it only makes sense.

To all of the executives of this company, Jamie Dimon and such. Despite working through countless managers that practiced unethical behavior, racism, sexism, jealousy and cronyism, I have benefited tremendously by working here and I truly thank you for that. There was once a time where hard work was rewarded and acknowledged, it's a pity that all of our positive output now falls on deaf ears and passes blind eyes. My advice for you is to place yourself closer to the pulse of this company and enjoy the effort and dedication of us "faceless little people" more. There are many great people that are being over worked and mistreated but yet are still loyal not to those who abuse them but to the greater mission of providing excellent customer support. Find them and embrace them as they will help battle the cancerous plague that is ravishing the moral of this company.

So, in parting, if I could pass on any word of advice to the lower salary recipient ("because it's good for the company") in India or Tampa who will soon be filling my position, it would be to cherish this experience because a job opportunity like this comes along only once in a lifetime.

Meaning: if I had to work here again in this lifetime, I would sooner kill myself.

To those who I have held a great relationship with, I will miss being your co-worker and will cherish our history together. Please don't bother responding as at this very moment I am most likely in my car doing 85 with the windows down listening to Biggie.

One!





Ok, enough of these craps. Here is a very useful website if you really want to write a resignation letter. I got my resignation letter here too(*praying that HR staff won't know this*). It's easy and simple. All you need to do is to key in you name, position, company address and you are done. You could even save(in word format) and print the letter out. What more? You can also personalised the resignation letterdepending on your circumstances - leaving due to illness, move to another firm, request shorter notice and many more. Obviously mine was going back to college. lol.

Nat Tan released

Nat Tan was released at 5.15pm yesterday(17-07-07). Thank you for everyone that plays a role in fighting for his release. This is not an end but just a beginning to fight for a just and fair treatment for all of us, it's the basic human rights.

The release of Nat was not highlighted in the mainstream media. In fact the star only has a small article at the bottom left corner on Nat's release pg27. You got to go to merdekareview, malaysiakini, malaysiatoday and other blogs and alternative media to read about the release of Nat Tan. Obviously, the press are told to play down reports on this issue. And also read this - comments from a Malik Imtiaz on the arrest of Nat Tan from a legal point of view and the reports from the Southeast Asian Press Alliance.


There will be a forum on "No to a police state in Bloggesphere" in Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall tomorrow. Details could be found from Tony Pua's blog.

Venue: KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Date: 19th July 2007 (Thursday)
Time: 7.30 pm
Admission is Free; Bring Friends

The panel of Distinguished Speakers include:

• Nathaniel Tan, Blogger & Aide to PKR Advisor*
• Jeff Ooi, Protem Vice-President, All Blogs Malaysia
• Harris Ibrahim, Lawyer & Founder of The People's Parliament
• Nurul Izzah Anwar, Special Assistant to PKR Advisor
• Lim Guan Eng, Secretary-General of DAP
• Tony Pua, Economic Advisor to DAP Secretary-General

Chairperson: Soon Li Tsin, Journalist & Blogger

Bring all your friends there and we shall listen to the terrifying experience from Nat himself.

Please sign the petition to release Nat

I understand some of you out there might still be unaware of the arrest of Nat Tan, a blogger. Regardless who you are, a blogger, internet surfer or foreigner who somehow (accidentally)come across this, please give Nat a hand. It's a sad and shameful incident that the Malaysian police decided to make such a uncivilised arrest.

It takes you just a few minutes, by just clicking a few links and keying in your name and e-mail. However that might make a difference for Nat. We do not know how is nat now(definitely he's not good), the condition he is or where he is being locked up. This arrest reminds me the movie "V for vendetta" where armed police just come in people houses and arrest people without any valid reason. The full story of the arrest of Nat could be found in Tian Chua's blog. And also click here to find out what *you* can do to help Nat.

Lastly, the link to petitiononline. Thank you for your help. Hopefuly We will make the police realise they are doing something very wrong.

Release Blogger Nathaniel Tan of jelas.info Petition

Release Blogger Nathaniel Tan of jelas.info Petition

I am going back to school!

Last Thursday was not a good day for me. Before i left client's office, i received the mail from Heather Browning that I am not offered a place for the MFE program. Of course, this was what I already expected, however I was still slightly disappointed for not getting into one of my dream Universities.

It only took me a day to get over it. As what my senior told me, this wasn't a bad thing after all. At least I know where my destiny is! Very true indeed, for the past 6 months my future was so uncertain that I myself do not know where will I end up - study or work? Which university or which company? This uncertainty was also one of the reasons I did not tell any of my friends that i am applying to UK Universities. In short they are not aware of my plan to further study. Now that I can tell all my friends that I will definitely go for LSE. I have just tender my resignation letter to the HR yesterday.

This morning, I got my statement of results from the examination department and the confirmation letter from Mr. Lai that I have completed my degree studies(due to the fact that I have not attended convo, UTAR can't give me a transcript nor degree cert - sounds stupid right? After all convocation is just a ceremony!)

Upon getting all the documents, I immediately posted the reply to LSE accepting their offer. They should receive my letter in a-week time. By then, my conditional status will change to unconditional on the net.

I feel good getting back to school, can't wait for the day to arrive. This two months in PwC was a sweet and great experience. I managed to get involved in a couple of activities - SNG outing in FRIM Kepong, IDG, KSP Night, and I might still play for the IAFG table tennis team next month(though I am resigning end of this month). SShhh~ don't tell anyone ya, especially those friends from EY, KPMG and Deloitte. lol!

Oxford MFE Programme - Chong

Dear Zhemin Chong,

University of Oxford MFE 2007-2008

I am sorry to inform you that following full consideration of your application and subsequent interview, the MFE Committee is not able to offer you a place on the 2007-2008 programme.
I am sure you will appreciate that the Oxford MFE attracts considerable interest and the competition for places is intense. As a result the MFE Committee has had to make a number of difficult decisions.

Please note that it is the policy of the University and accordingly that of the School, not to provide feedback on final decisions. I would like to thank you for your interest in the course and wish you well in your future studies and career.

Yours sincerely

Heather Browning
MFE Admissions

Said Business School
Park End Street
Oxford
OX1 1HP

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 278809
Fax: +44 (0) 1865 288831

Employee Super Reactions

Before joining company

Induction Program

At work

Problem at work

Increment please

and finally

.
.
.
.

.

.

I resign

Oxford MFE Interview preparations

These are all the hard work I've put in for preparing for the Oxford Telephone Interview - staying back at office until 10pm almost everyday for the past two weeks. As I've mentioned in my previous post. I didn't use much of the stuff I prepared. Therefore, I decided to post this in my blog so that all my efforts are not wasted(at least someone will get to read this) - just to let myself feel better. lol. as you can see, I even typed out the introduction line so you can guess how nervous am I at that point of time. My response might sound a bit "arrogant" depending how you see it, I am just trying to "sell" myself to them.

Hello, Good morning can I speak to Dr. Mirela Predescu. I’m Zhemin Chong calling from Malaysia for the Oxford MFE interview.

Why Finance?
This answer could probably be dated back when I just finished my hish school. I got to read the book “Rich dad, Poor dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and this ignited my interest to be financially literate which is very much stressed by the author in the book. The idea of letting money work for you instead of working for money really fascinates me and I started to be interested in financial related matters. At that point of time, my parents were encouraging me to become an accountant. I accepted their advice and switch from science stream to the art streams (business). Throughout the years in my university, I participated in the Investment Game. In the game, we simulate the trading of shares and we are given a budget of RM100k. The person who maximizes his portfolio will win the game. Since then I started to be very interested in stock markets. I am keen on knowing all the valuation theories for me to choose the correct counter to invest. I’m also interested in the value investing proposed by Warren Buffett(to be more precise, it should be Benjamin Graham). Since then, I’ve read up a lot of articles regarding Value Investing and Warren Buffett. In the finance papers in my degree course, I was taught how to apply the formula(for eg black scholes) to value options or share. However, I am a person which could not accept things blindly, I need a solid proof/derivation before accepting any formulas. This is one of the reasons I want to do a MFE. I also believe that Oxford is the right place which could fulfill my inquisitive character.

Why Oxford? Why MFE?

First, oxford has a fantastic brand name and it’s a great thing to be associated with oxford. When anyone mentioned Oxford, we would expect a tough and rigorous academic syllabus. Besides that Oxford is an old university with rich traditions. It also has a huge alumnus across the world. I am aware that this is a relatively new course compared to other Finance courses which are well established. However I am attracted to the theoretical nature of the program which could meet my needs and interest. I’m very into the derivations of formula and the financial theories. This program is meant to offer the type of curriculum that I’m searching for. This course would provide me with a thorough understanding of all different aspects of finance. It will help me to get the broader picture. Most important thing is this program could help me develop critical and analytical skills that is very much required to earn a career in an Investment Bank. I also understand that this program requires significant quantitative skills which are clearly not in my profile. However I believe from my proven excellent academic track record I could succeed in the MFE program. I am willing to work hard and also endure the intense academic demands. Switching from a science background to accounting background after my high school is like climbing a hill; Switching from an accounting degree to a finance Masters is like climbing a mountain. I’ve conquered a hill; you should be convinced that I’m able to climb up the mountain. I’m absolutely optimistic in doing so! This is a very challenging and demanding course and I’m ready to take up the challenge.

Core Courses

Asset pricing

-Covers theory and practice of valuing claims due to uncertain cash flows.

-CAPM, Black sholes fourmula

-application of advanced statistical methods and practical to work with real world data

Corporate Finance

-study financing, valuation and corporate governance of firms.

- learn fundamental principles of financial accounting, valuation of firms assets

- key components of firms financial decisions, issues of securities, debt and dividend policy

Financial Econometrics

-Empirical modeling and testing in finance

-Understand crucial concepts like risk, evidence and prediction

Microeconomics

-How financial and commercial frameworks and conditions impact individual situations and business units

-Market and firm analysis, game theory, incentive theory and auctions.

Electives courses
Besides that in the last term I would be able to choose 5 elective - a range of applied finance and more theoretical topics looks very promising for me to land a job in an investment bank. I am also able to specialize in the area I want to.

Choice of elective courses :

Arbitrage opportunities and hedge funds – I’m very keen on learning more on arbitrage and capitalizing arbitrage opportunities. Working as a hedge fund manager and investor I will need the skills to learn on what area to invest. Eg, arbitrage, long short equity

Corporate valuation – learn how to make good financial and investment decisions. I’m eager to apply what I learnt in valuation into practice.

Fixed income and derivatives – Will understand the properties of financial instruments which relates to risk management, portfolio diversification, systematic risk, financial fragility and contagion

Trading and market microstructure – to experience a real life experience of trading in simulated financial markets.

Corporate strategy and market competition – use the tools of microeconomics, game theory, and econometrics to model and understand the strategic interaction of firms

Career goals

As mentioned in my personal statement I planned to secure a job in an Investment Bank. I would like to work in the front office in the investment management sector where I could manage various securities (shares, bond etc) and other assets (e.g. real estate), to meet specified investment goals for the benefit of the investors. I find the idea of investing/managing funds and making the portfolio grows fascinating. It is a pleasure to see wealth accumulates over the time. After spending a few years in UK, I would like to return to my home country to start my own business. As for a start, my company will be a financial advisory firm. For your information, most of Malaysians are not concerned about money matters and they tend to overspend. From the statistics issued by Finance ministry, the number of Malaysian who declared bankruptcy had surged 47 % between 2001 and 2004 to figures more than double during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. 11% of the people became bankrupt because of non-payment of credit card debt while 8% of the bankrupts were between the ages of 20 and 30. Research showed a direct link between credit card use and the bankruptcy rate among those aged between 20 and 30. Therefore I believe there is a great demand for Malaysians to seek for personal financial advice. Eventually when my company grows bigger, I will then target businesses for financial advisory and I will turn my company into an investment firm. I am also keen on setting up my own trust fund and become a fund manager.

Why you should choose me?

Since I was in primary school I started questioning a lot on things that I do not understand. I always notice/focus on minor problem which is regarded as insignificant in problem solving by my peers and being regarded as trouble maker. Despite this, I have faith in myself that I’m an exotic individual that could achieve big things in life. However things do not turn out as I expected where I miss out by two subjects to score straight A1s in my high school exam and ended up an above average result in my previous degree. However, making way into the MFE program will mark a milestone in my life, both academically and non-academically. I believe getting into MFE will give me a great boost to dream big and achieve great things in my life. Though I have no prior work experience and a non-finance related degree, I believe my current degree in accounting and the few months experience in PwC will help me a lot in grasping the fundamental in the course. Besides I am also confident that I will contribute actively to the class by giving opinions on a very different point of view as an accounting graduate. This will definitely make the class profile of MFE more diversified.

Questions to ask

How is oxford going to position MFE among all others finance courses.

How is the job placement for last year MFE students. Did it improved?

The US Presidential Qualification Test

Your Score: The Next President

You are 100% qualified

Congratulations! Just talk to pops and you've got the job...



Party on until showtime!

Link: The US Presidential Qualification Test

A trip to one place or to seven places?

Saw this poster in Genting's casino yesterday.


What stunned me was the wordings - Win a trip to one of the seven wonders
Gramatically, it's a trip to one place(since its one of the seven wonders). However when you have a closer look at the chinese translation you will get stunned.

The chines translation reads "Win a trip to the seven wonders of the world"

Confused? So am I!

Anyway, to sidetrack a bit. I reached the casino around 11.30pm yesterday. At that time I won seven bets in a row.

Side bet RM5000 on big.



Another RM5000 on Big


It was as if I was winning on any bets I wagered on. However things do not turn out good for long. As soon as the clock strikes past 12midnight(my birthday is over). I lost 10 straights bets. I went down hill empty handed.

Luckily, I'm not the driver, else I will be blogging from Hospital! lol.

Advanced Global Personality Test Results

Got this test from Jon San's blog and here are my test results :

Advanced Global Personality Test Results Extraversion |||||||||||||||| 63% Stability |||| 20% Orderliness |||||||||||| 46% Accommodation |||||| 23% Interdependence |||||||||||||||||| 76% Intellectual |||||||||||||||||||| 90% Mystical |||||||||||| 50% Artistic || 10% Religious || 10% Hedonism || 10% Materialism |||||||||||||||||||| 90% Narcissism |||||||||||||||| 70% Adventurousness |||||||||||||||||||| 90% Work ethic |||||||||||||| 56% Self absorbed |||||||||||||||||||| 90% Conflict seeking |||||||||||||||| 63% Need to dominate |||||||||||||||||| 76% Romantic |||||||||||||||| 63% Avoidant |||||||||||||| 56% Anti-authority |||||||||||||||||| 76% Wealth |||||||||||| 50% Dependency |||||||||||||||| 63% Change averse |||||||||||||||||||| 83% Cautiousness |||||||||||||||||||| 83% Individuality |||||||||||||||||||| 90% Sexuality |||||||||||||||| 63% Peter pan complex |||||||||||||||||| 76% Physical security |||||||||||||||||||| 90% Physical Fitness |||||||||||||| 57% Histrionic |||||||||||||||||| 76% Paranoia |||||||||||||||| 63% Vanity |||||||||||||||| 63% Hypersensitivity |||||||||||||||||| 76% Indie |||||||||||| 50%

Take Free Advanced Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Stability results were low which suggests you are very worrying, insecure, emotional, and anxious.

Orderliness results were medium which suggests you are moderately organized, hard working, and reliable while still remaining flexible, efficient, and fun.

Extraversion results were moderately high which suggests you are, at times, overly talkative, outgoing, sociable and interacting at the expense of developing your own individual interests and internally based identity.

trait snapshot:
open, tough, irritable, worrying, does not like to be alone, craves attention, low self control, emotionally sensitive, interacting, sad, very social, aggressive, prefer organized to unpredictable, dependent, social chameleon, suspicious, values the heart over the mind, likes large parties, outgoing, likes to make fun, likes to fit in, mildly phobic, vain, makes friends easily, enjoys leadership, clingy, rash

some extreme results to take note, religous 10%, artistic 10%, materialism 90% and adventurousness 90% which I found to be quite accurate. Not to mention the intellectual 90%. lol.

The most important tlephone conversation in my life!

Just ended my phone call with Dr. Mirela Predescu. It wasn't too bad but neither was it good. I'm satisfied with the way the interview went. It only lasted about 15 minutes(half the approximate time!)

To look at the sad side, I only use less than 10% of the materials that i prepared. To look at a brighter side, I managed to answer all her questions, without any long pause though i did make her repeat on some occasions(she too make me repeat). In short, we just couldn't get use to each accent!

She started asking me about why I'm interested in finance. I am prepared for this question, however i didn't managed to finish my "script" before she cut me off.

Then the second part comes the technical questions. She asked about when and what model did i use in to value company. My reply was due-diligent audit when a merger or acquisition take place. I also mentioned black-scholes model and that leads to further questions about the model. During the discussion, I gave a reply that a higher volatility stock will lead to lower value of the option. She asked me further(which make me feel that my reply was wrong, however i persisted) She also asks things about my last degree - whether i use any programming software or so. My reply was "unfortunately.........."

And lastly, she asked whether i have any questions about the MFE course(thanks to Jon San, he reminded me to prepare some questions for the interviewer!) I asked about the job placement for the MFE last year and what pool of candidate that Oxford SBS wants to attract for this MFE course.

She ended the call by asking me to get in touch with Lorraine for further information.

I really have no idea of the chances of me getting into MFE. Right now, there's not much that i could do but to celebrate! After all, today is my birthday, yay!

Conditional offer from LSE

I would say this offer did not really excite me. Since I was selected for the Oxford Interview, I realised that I stand a chance to get admitted into LSE. Therefore this offer is "partially " expected. Anyway I'm still delighted for getting this offer. At least i have something to back me up in case i fail the oxford interview. There's a "trend" in all my applications which I find interesting.

The first admission decision(in order) i received was from Cambridge, followed by Aston, Manchester, Oxford, Imperial and LSE. Interestingly the results were as below.

Cambridge University - MPhil in Finance (rejected)
Aston University - MSc in Accounting and Finance (conditional offer)
Manchester University - MSc in Finance (rejected)
Oxford University - MSc in Financial Economics (shortlisted for interview) - regardless the final decision, i regard the application to Oxford as "successful"
Imperial College - MSc in Finance (rejected)
LSE - MSc in Accounting and Finance (conditional offer)

The results come in alternately - not successful(rejected) and successful(conditional offer)

And it's not just this. I chose my referees in pairs.
Cambridge University and Oxford University - reference letter by Miss Lim and Mr Ng
Manchester University and LSE - reference letter by Mr Vincent Tung and Mr Ben Yap
Imperial College and Aston University - reference letter by Pn Rahizah and Mr Tuam

Found anything mystical? Yes, one conditional offer for one of the reference pairs!

Ok, need to continue my interview preparation now. Less than 48 hours before I'll have the most important telephone conversation in my life!!!