Penang - Senior Management Conference 2004...

“Great wisdom is generous, petty wisdom is contentious. Great speech is impassioned, small speech cantankerous...” - Chuang-Tzu

(The venue for the seminar)

DAY-1: Friday, 23 July 2004

Day-1 of the SMC 2004 started with the opening address and communication on the organization's Corporate Strategy Map by Dr Z. Enforcing the 5 principles that form the superstructure that elevates and supports the strategy-focused organization. We break for Friday prayer and I had time to go for lunch with dear hubby at Subaida Restoran. Bought our lenses and a Ludlum's storybook for him at Gurney Plaza.

In the afternoon, the participants breakout for group plenary discussions. Unlucky me, Group 2 was chaired by Dato' D. We could see the strategic conversations not taking place during his presence. But we were lucky that Dr S did some homework and volunteered to be our presenter. Our group break early, eager to indulge in other extra-mural activities. Hubby and I tried for the first time parachuting. And it was really fun.

Don't feel like going to the dinner tonight but like always, I have to. Left hubby in the room and promised to meet at the lobby later. It was a themed dinner, 'Sarong Nite' B-B-Q at the Tepi Laut Garden. We need to use our creativity using the Batik sarong given to us earlier as part of the attire. I feel like wearing it as a wrap but on second thought, I used it as is, a sarong. Save me the embarrassment later. Took some food, mingled around a little and had some durians. The dinner was at its peak when I left. Walked to the Pasar Malam and bought us some CDs. Went for our full-body urut and later had a very good sleep, holding each other close. Tomorrow night, I am going to miss this...

DAY 2: Saturday, 24 July 2004

Others had their round of Tai Chi and light aerobic. We woke up late and missed breakfast. This morning hubby got to drive back to KL. We kissed goodbye and promised to sms to each other. I am going to miss him again. Till Monday.

Day 2 started with a talk by Tan Sri Dato' Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, the President and CEO of PETRONAS. Very interesting and enlightening. Had the photography session at the Grand Staircase, Main Wing. Lunch was Japanese buffet at Waka Japanese Restaurant. In the afternoon, we had presentations by each group followed by plenary session open dialogue. Discussions ended at 6.00 p.m. Had time to nap and later joined the international buffet dinner at Hill Garden. Force to sit at the main table with Dr Z and Dato' D again. What a relief when they excused themselves to attend to Management discussion.

Me and Wati took the opportunity to disappear too. Zila stayed with the gang to chit chat. We ended up at the Pasar Malam and then at the reflexology centre to have another round of urut. Later joined the others at the Hotel lounge listening to live musics. Slept quite late, alone.

DAY-3: Sunday, 25 July 2004

Allowed time to relax and had international buffet breakfast at Garden Terrace. As usual, left the packing to the last minutes. Actually, nothing much to pack. Got an extra package of asam jeruk from Ong, our PP Branch Manager. Must remember to thank him later.

Day 3 was wrap up session. A very interesting dialogue which lasted till noon, without the tea break. Lunch was Chinese at Shang Court Garden Wing. Half the participants were gone by then. Especially the golfers. The first batch left at 2.00 p.m. I had time to solat and pack before the shuttle bus departed to the Airport at 3.00 p.m.

Boarded the plane at 6.30 p.m. Our driver waited for us at KLIA and reached KL just in time for Sara to send me home. Had dinner with her at Rasa Sini Restoran. The nasi goreng and tomyam tasted better than the food they served at the hotel. Sara left for campus at almost 11.00 p.m. Still had a slight fever but managed to sleep almost immediately.