Haha.

So it’s been an amazing few years despite Covid-19.

I got married.

I have a son named Ayden Tock.

I lost my best man as a partner.

I closed down a company.

I suffered like never before.

But in the end, I’m a very different person today from who I was a year ago.

I look forward to more years of discomfort as I find my way to enjoy what the world has to offer me.

While in the process of improving myself so that I may have so much to offer to the world.

Until then, see you in my next post!

The post I’ve got my Facebook Certified Digital Marketing Associate Badge! appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

First of all, the question begs: Have you even heard of the Iclif Leadership Energy Awards? What about Iclif as an organisation itself? Chances are, your answer is a resounding NO.

Now that’s a huge shame, because if you really knew what Iclif is really about, and by virtue, the ILEA, and with that, the annual Leadership Energy Summit Asia, you’d be surprise in the kind of abilities Asia has to offer to the world.

Take for example, this year, the 5th annual Leadership Energy Summit Asia (www.iclif.org/lesa)held at Sasana Kijang, Kuala Lumpur on 8 – 9 November hosted by the Iclif Leadership and Governance Centre, invites top industry specialists, subject matter experts and game changers to help today’s leaders face the challenges of the increasingly fast-paced and uber-connected 21st Century. Who are we talking about exactly? Check this out:

• Dr Alvy Ray Smith – Co-founder of Pixar
• Ben Ripple – Founder of Big Tree Farms
• Chatri Sityodtong – Founder and Chairman of ONE Championship
• Claire Lachance – CEO of Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)
• Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO & Executive Director of Iclif, and author of Open Source Leadership (McGraw-Hill)
• Terry Jones – Founder of kayak.com
• V R Ferose – Heal of Globalization Services at SAP

Prior to that, their previous speakers were some of these world-renown folks:

Impressed yet? YES! They are but just some of the largest names in the world, and what’s common between all of them is that they have clarity on their values and purpose, thus creating what we call Leadership Energy that spreads to others around them!

This year’s topic is on “Open Source Leadership”; how leaders must reinvent themselves to thrive in a connected, transparent and disruptive environment; and how technological empowerment has transformed companies into open-source organisations. If that’s something you’re interested in, head here to register!

So that’s LESA. ILEA, the Iclif Leadership Energy Awards, functions as a highlight of individuals who share similar leadership energy to those featured in LESA – and its purpose is to recognize and reward the recipients of the awards in such a way that will promote further motivation for themselves to continue their amazing journey, and have a spillover effect on those who are inspired by them!

This year is its 3rd installment, and has seen amazing past recipients who all have strong conviction in a set of deeply held values and a clear sense of purpose to overcome insurmountable obstacles, thus creating a better future for their community or organisation.

Check out the following three winners…

The post Why the need for the Iclif Leadership Energy Awards Advisory Council? appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

Here are 5 apps that you should be using right now.

1. MAIL & CALENDAR

The mail and calendar are the two most useful apps that has gotten so light weighted and so touch screen friendly that it is perfect for a dual system laptop/pads/tablets. From my previous post we could see that they could merge various functionalities to one or two similar steps. This allows us to cut the time to do our work by at least two thirds which means more time for everything else. There are plenty of tutorials for this so I will leave it as that and focus on the others.

2. ONENOTE

The OneNote, for the first time ever is proving to be super useful especially at this time where cloud file sharing services like copy are stated to be terminated. You know that Microsoft is here to stay hence the OneDrive, where OneNote exists will never be gone. The integration between one note, The EDGE browser, mail and the Calendar app has been designed so beautifully that it’s such an ease to use and I speak from experience. Watch the video below to see how task that requires four to five steps easily is turned into one smooth process.

3. MICROSOFT EDGE

I know that you may not like the EDGE seeing it a replacement of the previous unpopular internet Explorer. But Time and time again, I have been proven wrong. The Chrome takes out so much CPU that it lags my laptop every so often hence switching to EDGE was the best decision I’ve made. Sure, it still has some compatibility issues but it takes a matter of time to that to be fixed. My most current favourite feature is the ability to draw on top of websites I surfed and shared it immediately to my friends and colleagues. See how it is done below:

4. SKYPE

If you didn’t already know that Skype has acquired by Microsoft and this means a complete interpretation between Skype services and Windows 10. All of you uses Skype don’t you? Now wait till you use skype in windows 10. It is business and pleasure at its peak combining technology and lifestyle. You can download Skype from the app store directly at Windows 10 as the “install Skype” app is ready for you to click anytime you are ready.

5. NEXTGEN READER

Unlike the previous four, the NextGen Reader is a native app produced for Windows which can be used on both the laptop and mobile devices. It is one such example of a lot of various apps that are being ported into Windows and looks very sleek, light weighted, responsive and touch friendly. I love reading and I keep updated to the world’s trending news, digital updates, and blogs such as http://kendylife.com through this reader which is one of the best apps of its kind. It is worth every single dollar spent. Check out below to see how it works:

SUMMARY

Microsoft has really outdone itself. It’s paring with Intel’s latest 6^th Generation processors, skylake, only makes it unbeatable. Yes, even compared to the iMac. As the user of Windows since the beginning of days and trusting Intel to power up my systems, I have never been disappointment by the technological advances they have been bringing it into our lives. In fact, I would not have generated my successors if not for this two brands I have admired since young.

The best time is now should you one to get the latest technology at your fingertips because the great folks at Microsoft and intel are offering you a deal you cannot refuse, so head to www.makemagic.my right now and get yours before the sales expires. Good luck!

Footnote:

There are other apps which is useful which is the touch me gesture studio. I wish that we could also see the character map notepad and paint becoming the modern app well I guess is something I am looking forward to.

The post #MakeMagicEveryDay Series  – The Future of Technology & Businesses appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

If you are a business owner or a brand by yourself, you will know that one thing that will assist you a lot towards your success is through earned media. So what is earned media exactly? Well imagine this, without spending a single ringgit to buy newspaper ads (who reads newspapers anyways?), Facebook ads, paying money for bloggers etc, people will be more than happy to talk about your brand, write about your brand, cover the things that you do all because what you do is crazy awesome. Just like how blogger friend and fellow entrepreneur @FeeqSays covered my #TockTurns31 birthday party <3

Isn’t this the best way to generate awareness and off course sales or support that what you do? Interested already? Let’s begin.

1. BE VISIBLE, BE VALUABLE

Asians are known to be poor when accepting compliments or to even talk about themselves. We want we need to do instead, is trying NOT to change yourself but to let yourself to be more noticeable. Having for instance, dressing up is one such way to make yourself good at all times, another way is to ensure that you have the best accessories to accompany you when in public. Some prefer to wear high-end watches, some others could prefer stylist cuff-links but I personally think that a beautiful computer can do the trick. You have no idea how many people have looked at me or even initiate a conversation just by having my HP spectre X360 by my side.

Beautiful, innit? Incidentally I’ve gotten myself the limited edition one – see next point!

“This laptop looks really amazing. Is it as good as it looks? How much it is?” This is what I usually ask to which I reply that it is the latest 6^th generation Intel-powered HP Spectre x360. They were shocked in disbelief because it is not something they have seen before that alone has given them an impression of me that will last forever. Usually this leads to instant friendship or instant interest in my business. Woohoo!

2. SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE

Now that with attracted attention without trying too hard (nobody likes that), what we need to do now is to impress them and there’s nothing more exciting than to do it with style. This is when you talk about your experiences, not other peoples, especially unique ones that you are known for. Sometimes you have to be able to sell yourself here, but if possible say what people usually talk about you. After all testimonies always sound better than bragging.

Created by @KendyLife at #kendylifequotes – Thanks bro!

For me, just mentioning that I am a digital manager to Dato Lee Chong Wei, is usually be able to pick interest of even a CEO.

However, what I’ll tell you next will shock you. (clickbait lolol)

Remember the HP Spectre X360? After talking about it I’ll tell them that this laptop can do something that your laptop can’t that immediately proceeded to bend it backwards. That shocked turned into awe as they see it flipped into a pad, like, quite literally. What a way to make an impression!

You don’t see this method in any books but I guaranteed you when you share about your unexpected positive surprises, the impression will last for a good long time.

3. HEAD FOR THE HOME RUN

Now that you have built an impression, it’s time to seal the deal. According to a research that went viral of Facebook, what do people like Jack Ma (Founder of Ali Baba) and Bill Gates (CEO of Microsoft), they don’t procrastinate. So now it is the best time to show your performance. For me, that is when I show the people I’ve met on what I am really capable of from my presentation slides to sharing our corporate video and the work my team at SocialGrooves do at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, is usually enough to make them consider that I can do for them be it in business or branding.

During this period, do you know what would really suck? When your machine lags, taking 3 minutes open a video or presentation, or come up with some technical error – those are a big NO NO.

That’s why you’ll need to equip yourself with the best performing machine unrivaled in terms of speed, performance and reliability. To me, that has to be Microsoft @-Intel combo such as my HP Spectre X360 limited edition with the amazing specifications which are future proof! Go buy them now lol

SUMMARY

I hope that despite my hard selling of Microsoft-Intel’s amazing capabilities, you be able to retrieve the secrets of generating conversations and getting noticed about the work that you do, just as I did. That is how YOU can generate earned media for yourselves and your business.

Take it from this blogger that has gotten mentions from most Malaysians news portals, magazines, TV’s and even international ones like Huffington Post, CNBC and more. Let me know if I can help you further by commenting on this post, otherwise if you haven’t already it is time to get an upgrade of your laptop at www.makemagic.my while discounts are still available!

The post #MakeMagicEveryDay Series  – Growing Earned Media for Your Biz appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

And I was reminded by Facebook on some old tweets which went something like this:

https://www.facebook.com/christock/posts/131775073549990

I mean, to remember the company’s birthdate is a must (much like how important your loved one’s birthday is to you) but to see it on Facebook’s memories.. Man, that was one heck of a journey!

Yes, I said I would do it. And I did it. And 5 years later…

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100466740816685&set=a.680881907265.197122.222400858&type=3&theater

Yes we’ve come a long way baby!

The directors and I went to collect the awards a week before knowing that it was probably too early to admit we’re one of the 10 leading social media agencies in Malaysia, but hey, we’ll certainly do our best to live up to the hype!

I mean, who’d knew that I’d be representing Dato’ Lee Chong Wei’s digital account, consulting to the God of Stand Up Comedy in Malaysia Harith Iskander, managing really prestigious brands and serving retainer clients for more than 3 years under the brand name of SocialGrooves.com.

Our belief of Connecting Businesses and Communities is truly making an impact, and our clients are beginning to appreciate our foresight especially in the game of stamina in terms of brand recognition and advocacy.

At the same time, who says we can’t reap the fruits we’ve sown over the past 5 years? A dream to own a yacht some day, can? *grin*

Anyhow, thanks to Top 10 Malaysia for the award, and thanks for connecting us with some of the most prestigious network in town.

I mean, it’s not often you get to meet with founders of super successful enterprises like Joe who runs Sangkaya

Anyway happy 5th anniversary to SocialGrooves.com, and may we continue to rise above to raise the industry level for the benefit of businesses and communities!

The post Milestone Achieved: SocialGrooves.com 5th Anniversary & Top 10 Malaysia’s Leading Social Media Agency 2015 appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

From my experience, as someone who is interested in both the social and digital business (as it relates to SocialGrooves) and how companies relate to the social media, I’ve culled through this topic and highlighted my experience with the use of TIME Business Internet and how it streamlined my company’s performance.

Well, we SocialGroovers, just took one giant step into the future. I had earlier announced that TIME Fibre Business Internet just got set up to SocialGrooves. TIME is the new ‘must-have’ in the current Asian telecommunication sector. Check the scoreboard, numbers don’t lie. It’s almost an unusual feat that TIME delivers such high-end performance.

A technology is invented, it spreads, a thousand flowers bloom, and then someone finds a way to own it. Pretty much what we, at SocialGrooves are looking at. Those in the know make a beeline for the fact that companies running on social and digital grounds need network connections to meet critical needs. You wouldn’t even have to be a good shot to think alike.

In a new office, I brainstormed the need for a much-needed makeover. Nearly everybody that time was on a basic broadband operating at 15Mbit/s on average, but with the growing demand we were approaching with the shoot in the size of files and videos we were streaming, we needed superfast broadband at a minimum of 30 Mbit/s; precisely why we turned to TIME.

Today’s small businesses rely on internet speed more than ever. Ever since we installed TIME, the experience has been, what we’d say in Bahasa Malaysia ‘menarik’. Just recently, TIME made a migration to a new plan. Backed by the highest speed, TIME has become an industry-recognized provider. How fortunate we were to be working with TIME, perfect timing to catch the new plans. Right up, the before/after plan we are currently on:

• 100MB file? Done and dusted in seconds
• Uploading a 2GB video to dropbox, no problem-O one minute also can gau tim
• Business calls on Skype without the lag and frozen screens. Previously unheard of.
• Having multiple workstations seamlessly connected with no interruptions? A value every business will appreciate.

You know what this meant for us? We could get that cherished streamed video up to our clientele, and it never felt so good. Our large and heavy files are no longer a lag we have to withstand. We can work super effectively. Not to mention, this means we won’t live in a “not-spot” where we are nipped out from the global grand future that will arise from this important caveat.

And yet, while we pay lip service to the idea of businesses putting their clients first, few companies truly put it into practice. TIME, on the other hand, has built their primary focus to accommodate the needs of multiple type end-users. Here’s how:

For companies just getting on their feet, the TIME Fibre Business Internet Basic, is just on time to save you on budget! At the same time, there is TIME Fibre Business Internet Plus for companies that have established a stronghold over the years in business. Learn the fundamentals on www.time.com.my

Well, as soon as I got us signed up for TIME, what hit home was the realization of the goodies we got as extra <3. Thank you TIME. Don’t we love our free voice calls! Your upload and download rates get a surge for you to hop onto, isn’t that just great?

Looking into the digital future, companies need to know it is not just about thinking big, it is about the steps to go from small to big. Businesses now live or die based on their understanding of exponentials. Connectivity takes a big role in a matter such as this. If you don’t want to be the next Kodak or Blockbuster or conversely, if you want to be the next Amazon or Google, you need deep immersion in the wonderful world of TIME’s

Fibre Business Internet. Get the jump on and share the ride. We at SocialGrooves are excited to hear how it turns out for you !

The post TIME: A Breath Of New Life into Businesses appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

I had the opportunity to share at one of the #MerdekaAward Roundtable among friends who are passionate about the youths and the impact it has on our relatively young country recently. I’m sure you know of Dzameer Dzulkifli, Co-founder and Managing Director of Teach for Malaysia; then you have the young Dr Kamalan Jeevaratnam, Recipient of the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment 2014; next is the pretty & amazing Suhaili Micheline Ahmad Kamil, Choreographer, Lecturer & Performer; and finally power lady Suzanne Lee, Documentary Photographer. Of course, we were hosted by Cynthia Ng of ASTRO Awani who I’ve met several times already, and still amazed by her intelligence & beauty!

Here’s the video:

You can watch it on the link above, but in summary this is what I have to say about the topic:

“With such rich and diverse cultures in Malaysia, our people can go anywhere, do anything and succeed. There is no reason why we can’t be a global citizen and do more for our nation. Our young people have an important role to play in our nation’s development, hence, they need to take charge of their future. They need to capitalise on the bountiful support available to them and get ahead.”

It is only then that the nation’s young generation will be ready and equipped to assume a bigger role in helping shape Malaysia as a developed nation, in the years ahead.

I’ve got more to say about this, but it’ll have to wait for another blog post. I’m the meantime I’d like to convey my thanks to the founders of the Merdeka Awards, the three supporting pillars Petronas, ExonnMobil & Shell, and to the royal patron Sultan Dr Nazrin Shah of the Merdeka Trust – He’s been super inspiring of the late among all the shit that’s happening, a voice of reason.

Thank you for driving the need for a #betterMalaysia thought this joint effort.

http://www.merdekaaward.my/News/Emerging-Leaders-How-will-the-Next-Generation-of-M.aspx

The post An Award Above All Others, The Elusive #MerdekaAward appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

So here I am, preparing myself for my first ever talk at the United Kingdom after having graduated from Imperial College London just about 10 years ago. returning to home soil in Malaysia to build my career & contribute to solve some of her problems. It still feels surreal, but one does not simply miss out on an opportunity to be on a panel with amazing youths all over the world to debate whether social entrepreneurship could be taught at the @HEGoingGlobal!

It’s been a fantastic journey throughout, even a surprise to myself, that I would be here doing what I do. Basically, my current portfolio are the following: I’m a social entrepreneur at EYE Project, a digital marketer at SocialGrooves.com, the digital manager to Dato’ Lee Chong Wei, a founding Global Shaper at the Global Shapers Community Kuala Lumpur Hub but most importantly, a Malaysian building his own version of a #betterMalaysia. And I remember all I ever wanted to do was make a difference to people’s lives.

And now, to be part of a global event organized by the British Council, is one way I can thank everyone who ever supported me to be where I am today. Thank you, my family, friends, partners, associates, social media followers and all. You guys made me happen :’)

Teaching Social Enterprise? Young Social Entrepreneurs Debate

So yeah, this Going Global Panel Session will be happening on the 1st June at Queen Elizabeth II Centre, London, in less than 2 weeks! Here’s where I need your help: what do YOU think about this topic? Can we create social entrepreneurs, or is it something we have to personally experience first in order to “make the leap” headstrong into social entrepreneurship?

In other words, even if there were such thing as a course on social entrepreneurship, how should it be done? Do share your answers, as it will be a good piece of material for discussion during the event.

Now here’s more about the panel: it will be taking place at the Going Global, a forum for education world leaders to debate international higher and further education issues and challenges, and to discuss collaborative solutions.  The key theme for the event is “Connecting Cultures, Forging Futures”, the idea that the fusion of diverse cultures generates a creative force, which is a major catalyst of leading edge innovation. Investment in the connection of these cultures produces a tangible return and measurable impact for the future.

The session will be chaired by Vonnie Sandlen, Women’s Officer and President Elect for 2015/16 of NUS Scotland

Follow her at @NUS_Vonnie, and her organisation at @nusScotland

Regina Agyare, Chief Executive Officer, Soronko Solutions, Ghana
http://www.soronkosolutions.com/
Follow her at @ragyare, and her organisation at @SoronkoF

Regina is a software developer and social entrepreneur with a passion for using technology to bring social change. Regina is an Ashoka Fellow, an Aspen Institute of New Voices Fellow, a GOOD fellow, a Global Shaper of the Accra hub of the World Economic Forum, Vital Voices Fellow, finalist for the African Digital Woman of the Year and a Change Leader with Tigo Reach For Change. Ashesi is a private, non-profit liberal arts university located in Ghana, with a msion to educate a new generation of ethical, entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate among its students critical thinking skills, concern for others and the courage to transform a continent. Her university education included economics, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She started working in the corporate sector. While she was initially unaware of social entrepreneurship, she was interested in solving social problems. She approached her lecturers, and was encouraged to apply her learnings to tackle social problems, and link up with alumni. Her university education helped her as a social entrepreneur with problem solving, business and computer science skills, access to advice and encouragement, and linking her into a network. She also learnt the need for a sustainable business, not reliant on funds. She reflects that had the focus of her education been social entrepreneurship, she would perhaps have started her social enterprise sooner.

Ayu Chuepa, Founder, Akha Ama Coffee, Thailand
http://www.akhaama.com/
Follow the organisation at @Akhaamacoffee

Ayu (Lee) was born and grew up in a remote village. Encouraged by his parents, he was the first from his village to study at university. He wanted to provide opportunities to others. He reflects that traditionally education in Thailand teaches students to compete for jobs in industry, government or hospitality, be motivated by money, and move to the city, rather than encouraging them to return and contribute to communities they may come from. Ayu’s education has played an important role for him in overcome barriers that he may otherwise have faced. His university education gave him credibility and enabled communication across linguistic, educational, professional and geographical boundaries, important for sharing experiences of coffee farmers and promoting his social enterprise. Ayu sees higher education as providing relevant skills and knowledge applicable to needs assessments, understanding problems faced by the community, and developing a business plan. However, he asks, how can knowledge from university be brought back and applied to the community, e.g. to solve social problems. How can students be enabled to choose options that involve helping communities, rather than just focusing on making money or studying for itself?

Christopher Tock, Co-founder and Executive Director, Empowering Youth Endeavours, Malaysia
http://www.eyeproject.my/
Follow him at @spinzer, and his organisation at @eyeprojectMY

Christopher is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment. He is a Global Shaper of the Kuala Lumpar hub of the World Economic Forum. He sees life experience, rather than university education, as important in the journey of a social entrepreneur. While he advocates that social entrepreneurship cannot be taught, he sees exposure to social enterprise as necessary in order for those who take up social enterprise to get the support they need, especially from peers. He sees four main factors as influencing a young person’s decision to approach social entrepreneurship as a career decision: 1) how supportive universities are to the idea of SE, 2) the level of activity from student-based NGOs such as ENACTUS, 3) access (or distraction) to too many opportunities and 4) most importantly their respective family background. From his own experience of higher education, rather than the specific education he received, he found that being away from his own environment, being involved with student organisations, and being encouraged and supported by peers, educators, and family, assisted him on his journey as a social entrepreneur.

Joshua Bicknell, Co-founder of Balloon Ventures, UK
http://www.balloonventures.com/
Follow him at @rightkurfuffle, and his organisation at @balloonkenya

Joshua found that there was no clear route into social entrepreneurship. While Joshua did not study entrepreneurship or social entrepreneurship, his university studies in History and Politics equipped him with skills in writing, developing a coherent argument, telling a good story, researching and public speaking that he uses daily as a social entrepreneur. He “stumbled” into running a social enterprise, although his idea from research he did for his Masters dissertation. He did not initially know what social enterprise was, and would have liked more exposure to social enterprise and business, with it being presented as a viable career path. He sees a big responsibility/opportunity for universities to open the minds of young people and show them all the possibilities in the world. He reflects that in today’s climate, where there is competition and uncertainty, entrepreneurship skills – social or otherwise – are essential, and should be included in university education.

Join the conversation by clickong on #GoingGlobal2015 #socent or follow these accounts, including my own for live updates! @SocEntGlobal @HEGoingGlobal

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https://www.facebook.com/NewManMagazine/photos/a.825383357484974.1073741845.105442709479046/825383787484931/

I’ve always believed that by helping others achieve their mission in life, you’ll be rewarded by experience no money can buy.

I didn’t expect that the reward to come back to me by way of being nominated as one of the Top 5 Creative Pioneer Awards in 2014 last year under the Entrepreneurship category.

Although I didn’t win the title, it went rightfully to Melvin Tong and Kelvin Tong founders of Extreme Supercars, the twins who have inspired so many others by showing that nothing can stop you from pursuing success!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100448940643375&set=a.726317628715.209075.222400858&type=3&theater

Shared quite a lengthy story of my latest updates to contribute towards the various industries I’m part of, a continuation of my last interview with the Star Rage. I want to dedicate this moment to my parents, my 3 beautiful sisters, my colleagues in EYE Project and SocialGrooves.com and of course the Global Shapers KL folks among many others! Thank you SO much!

The post Eye of the Tiger appears at the Creative Pioneer Awards 2014 appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

It’s really been a while since any one of us (Spinzer or me) has updated the blog. We have been pretty busy and I have so many postings to share with everyone especially “The Gem”. It was an invitation by a good friend of Spinzer since his uni days, Cheng Chun. for a celebration to mark their new age that ahem..starts with 3X with all the ex Imperial College & LSE mates. 

A sneak peek! 

It’s an island which located at Marang, Terengganu. Gem Island is quiet, private with clear water. A perfect getaway with your loved one and even family. They cater full onboard package which includes accomodation, meals and promised relaxation! 

Let’s first talk about the journey. 

We checked in at Subang Airport to fly there with FireFlyz, my current favourite air travel choice for the airport is WAAAAYYY NEARER than going to KLIA2. Once we arrived at Terengganu Airport, we took a cab ride approximately about 40 minutes to Marang Jetty for a pre-planned boat ride to “The Gem” (Fine… It’s actually widely known as Gem Island OR it’s original name, Gemia)

10.00pm of Day 1

We arrived in the evening and dinner was about to be served! YUMMMZZ

We have a big group of us, with steamy hot steamboat for the cold season (It was the start of Monsoon on the East Coast)

Some of the steamboat and seafood ingredients we’ve been served. Seafood is ultra fresh and yummy there! 

Apart from the catching up between all the ex uni mates, there were of course many of them with their plus ones like me (Spinzer’s plus one) and making new friends there. Time flies I guess, everyone was once a student and now some are even parents! 

 Let me show you around and also the room! 

The basin and mirror is situated out of the toilet. It’s the first item I see upon opening the door.

I love the open concept bathroom, it has natural lightings (apologies for the bad shot, but I only have this shot)

The Bedroom with cosy decorations. I’m a very earth friendly /conscious person, hence I strongly love basic decorations made of woods, mosquitos nets over the bed as the night itself, I laced the mosquito nettings to cover the bed and left the balcony doors wide open for breeze, air and calming sea sound.

 5.20am Day 2 

 For the very first time, I see Spinzer woke up really early, about 5 am to catch the first glimpse of light from the patio

All we needed to do was look LEFT. Our camera was not the super pro one, hence, we couldn’t get the best photo as captured in my own head and stored in my mind. 

 Listening to the calming waves while enjoying the scenery. 

 7.15am of Day 2

You’re right! All the chalets are situated  on the water. When the sun shone brightly, I can even see lil fishes swimming around the water underneath my chalet, and a lot crabs going on the rocks playing, sunbathing without the fear of humans. 

 My favourite rattan swing chair, wrapped me up perfectly for me to enjoy the scenery. The chair on the right belongs to Spinzer! Hmmmm! I DON’T SHARE! *joking*

How do you like the sea and chalet? I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! 

Gem Island is also a certified island to conserve turtles. This is where they protect the lil eggs till their hatched. 

Turtles! Turtles! 

Once thet are hatched, the management ans turtle experts based on the island will keep them in a big tank where water will be changed and make sure they are big enough to be released back into the rough sea full of predators :”( 

The above image is a plastic tank where all the turtles will be put in when their permanent tank made of cement which is way bigger is getting cleaned in the morning we were there. 

They have a beautiful albino Hawksbill Turtle too! 

8am of Day 2 

Before heading to breakfast, I must again take some photos with the ocean view. 

Our Selfie! 

The groupie swing that I love. I just love swings…no joke, I even play it at the playgrounds on and off now. 

The view towards the East. Well, there’s a sea water pool as above the pic.. I didn’t bother to jump in though. How can you compare to the gigantic sea? 

Spinzer and the sparkling reflection of the sea. If you look into the top right of the photo, You’ll be able to see another island which I named it the Singa Island (Lion Island) .. More details up later about Singa Island. 

 9.20am of Day 2

Here’s where the fun starts! 

Clear Blue Sea on a private island and now BEACH! The water is crystal clear where we can see fishes swimming really near us and a bundle of dead corals nearer to the shallow part. There are still live corals around the deeper sea and here and there. 

What I did was make sure I do not touch the corals and putting minimal sunblock on my body as the chemicals component found in sunblock had been proven to be EXTREMELY damaging to our coral beds and water.

One of my favourite photo during the trip. 

 You might be wondering what are these guys doing? It’s also my first encounter throughout all the beach travels I have done. These men are loading the rubbish from the island and sending it back to the mainland for proper disposal. 

Apart fro shells, you will be able to collect a lot of stones too as Gem Island is famous for being a “rocky” beach

After a while of snokerling..I became tired and I got into the other side of the island which has a pretty rough seas and much rockier! It much windy here and I took a short nap.

Look! It has huge rocks with stronger waves. Completely the opposite of the clear and calm beach where I snorkled earlier. You could come over and take a dip in this side of the beach. However, due to the Monsoon Season, we were advised not to. 

 Off you go for Kayaking! 

Spinzer taking a shower before we head for our yummy lunch! 

I couldn’t help but upload this to share with all of you reading this now. It’s this blue and clear.. The view is simply breathtaking. Back to Singa Island, If you see the waves there, this is also a place where visitors can do surfing. Generally for beginners or surfers looking for relaxing surfs. The waves are choppy but not exactly STRONG. But it’s good enough for Noobs like me to come back and learn.

This is the other end of the beach, nearer to Singa Island and shark point. The current and waves are strong here too, where I believe can do a lil surfing. 

The lil creature is found between the rocks, where water are so clear!

Me being me.. My itchy hands decided not to let the lil crab to rest in peace. Spinzer took this an as evidence. YET… Sometimes, I wonder why curiousity kills the cat (Trust me, I’ve been in and out of troubles due to my why where how and WHAT attitude about everything!) 

 Singa land is actually the other end of Pulau Kapas, I have been observing it and trying to find road access to it. According to local staff, some parts have no beach and the fastest way is to take a speed boat! *YAY* Also, The area around Singa Island (Yes! also where we can surf) are the known “Shark Points” where sharks are often spotted at the areas. I swear to myself I will go back to Gem Island again to watch the sharks, kayak against to waves, surf and swim around the shark point area. 

Next up, I skipped lunch and had the Thai Masseur for some relaxing time! 

The massage room is for one person use and it’s near the end of the island. At good days, you can see baby sharks swimming around even below the patio of the chalet. 

4PM of Day 2

About 4 plus, everyone decided to have picninc across the other island, Pulau Kapas. It’s so funny, Kapas actually mean Cotton in English. *Tee-Hee* Some boys like Yew Kuan and gang swam across to reach Kapas Island, some of us kayak across there with a few took the speed boat with our precious PICNIC food! >.< 

 Look at the heroes who swam across and Kayaks :O

 Cheng Chun, our generous host who prepared extra foods including traditional local kuihs (cakes) and snacks for us to savour on and brought it across for us! YUMZ 

 The banana cheese fritters are to died for! This is also my first time trying it.  Sinfully DELICIOUS! 

 After some snorkeling session and makan time at Pulau Kapas, we had to packed up to return back to Gem Island.. The sky’s getting darker  

Pulau Kapas Snorkel: Nowhere near comparable to Gem Island (the part where Spinzer & I snorkeled in the morning), the coral beds has been badly damaged and lesser fishes with the sight of much more rubbish in it. I spotted an old shoe somewhere in it  >_<

 6.30PM of Day 2

We came back to the island with a whole mutton greeting us! Chef (the one in red) is an expert who caters all our western, local food in Gem Resort! I’m constantly hungry I know.. That explains my body size T_T

 With two experienced chefs and sous chefs in Gem Resort, you know you will never have awry food! The feast with BBQ mutton, seafood and fresh fruit juices!

It’s our last night here.. Time flies so fast…Good night Folks! 

 9.00AM of Day 3

Spinzer decided to take a sunbath. He never did gets tanned anyway! As fair as a white chicken as always. 

 I visited the beach again.. I really love this place and planning for another trip with my girlfriends hopefully in 2015. 

 Apart from a beautiful getaway island. Gem Island could cater for private functions accomodating up to 100 people with 45 rooms all booked solely for you and your family and friends. Obviously It’s going to be a great place for Weddings. With the view, good food and island all to you and your loved ones, how awesome! 

I’m pretty sure you would like to know how much we spent for the trip, here’s a breakdown for it

 1) Return AirFare (FireFlyz) =RM450 

2) Cab Fare (Terengganu Aiport to Jetty) = RM70 (I actually forgot the accurate sum, but it’s somewhere between here)

3) Boat Ride from Marang to Gem = Inclusive in the package

4) 3 Days 2 Nights Package = RM900++

*The above prices are solely for 2 person 

** 3 days 2 nights including extra payment for Massage sessions (2 person), meals, Activities and Facilities onboard as seen as above

Best Time to Travel to Gem Island

End of March to August

You can still travel there whenever they are open. They are closed yearly during the Monsoon season from around Oct to Early Feb if I’m not mistaken. 

 Lastly, Spinzer and I would sincerely thank Cheng Chun for making this happen and giving us a good price for the trip as well as other friends. It’s a gathering so meaningful for everybody too . Do buzz me if you are planning for a Gem Island trip and would like to have some good advise/deals! 

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