In case you’re wondering – this site also reveals part of my happenings in life, injecting a little bit more flavour to the site as a whole; something lighter than the usual information dosage, especially for the weekend :)

2011 was a very challenging year for me. Don’t get me wrong – it was great, but challenges abound and I’m happy to say that I’ve managed to rise above the challenges. I’m sure you have, too! Here are some of the highlights (and reflections) of my life throughout the year 2011:

#1: (Still am) a part time lecturer

I was a little skeptical whether I am capable at first but I actually really enjoy teaching and working with young people. The opportunity to share my experiences with my students and to learn from them in return really is priceless.

#2: The evolution (and growth) of OpenMinds Resources

OpenMinds Resources started off as a tech based start-up company but took a turn in 2011, now focusing on assisting brands and businesses establish their web presence using various tools with social media being one of them. With the recent additions to the founding team, the company is now positioned to grow even more in 2012.

#3: The opportunity to represent Malaysia at the International Greentech Eco Products Exhibition / Conference

This came as a surprise as I was invited to speak on the potential and benefits of utilizing social media in the green industry at the conference among international delegates that were representing their country’s green tech ministries.

#4: Having launched two major consumer events in Malaysia

The Lelong.my E-Commerce Fair was Malaysia’s first ever offline e-commerce event which drew more than 60,000 visitors in August 2011. I also had a simple social experiment done throughout the event. The Malaysia’s Online Fashion Entrepreneurs’ Weekend (MOFEW) successfully featured more than 100 online entrepreneurs nationwide having received tremendous support from industry leaders such as PayPal and over 30,000 visitors.

#5: The opportunity to present my academic research paper at the Global Communications Conference

This was quite an experience. Never in my life I was given the opportunity to stand in front hundreds of academicians from all over the world to present a piece of academic research. The experience was amazing and to my surprise, it was very well received!

#6: Published my first academic research paper

The presentation wasn’t all! The paper entitled: Social Media Integration Framework will be published somewhere in 2012. This will be my first academic publication yet! I’ve also made available a copy of the research paper here if you’re interested.

#7: Meeting the Deputy Minister of Higher Education in person

Another exciting experience having to step into the parliament to have a meeting with the deputy minister himself at his office. It wasn’t a long meeting but it was great to have the opportunity to sit down and share what MOFEW is all about and to know of his support towards young entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

#8: Involvement with youth movements and projects

It’s been an honor and privilege to be able to work alongside Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in putting together activities and events to grow and nurture up and coming entrepreneurs. Just recently I’ve also been invited to be part of a panel of speakers for an entrepreneurship campaign in which I had to create a series of video sessions before the actual talk. The introduction video of myself was just released a week ago (this is also my very first video recording)!

#9: I am still alive!

Yes, I am! I’m grateful and it’s true because it is also in this year that a truck decided to drive into the back of my car on the road. Now I don’t drive a big car so the lorry was huge in contrast to what I was in. Amazingly the damage wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and no one was injured. Thank God for safety.

2012

I’ve no doubt 2012 will be an awesome year with great challenges ahead but really, challenges only allows you to be better positioned for the future. One wouldn’t be able to grow without challenges so brace them and brace them proud. Never give up. Keep moving forward.

Here’s to an awesome 2012!

and all these are possible because I’ve got an awesome God!

1000 Awesome Things is initiated by Neil Pasricha and I’m simply sharing my own 1000 awesome things to remind myself of how awesome life can be if we pay attention to the small yet awesome things in life.
What is that awesome thing that happened in your life today?