To be the Bosch

Well since I'm not that Emo today, I will blog about my work environment. To intro abit, In my life I have worked for 4 different parties before. First my parents. Haha kinda unofficial work. I have worked part time in a Law firm, which i do almost everything except a lawyer's job. Then Fraunhofer Institute, though one of the renowned research institute in Germany, but I can say I was kinda slack over there. Then now Bosch.

Okay before I talk about Bosch, let me talk about work. Erm, just to clarify first, I am only an intern student despite calling this work. Now working life. First of all, very systematic. I have been actively using Microsoft Outlook now, which I've never do so in my life. Normally when I install Microsoft Office that bundles together with Outlook, I'll just remove it. I prefer to check my mails via internet page. I never had my own organizer or calander anywayz eventhough I am using a business phone. Now, even invitation to have an ice-cream from my supervisor is done using Outlook Calender. Same goes to Basketball with colleagues, or meeting one on one with my supervisor despite him sitting just next to me. I never felt so organized before. Oh but well, it's total different thing when I come home haha. I have to keep reminding myself what to do next. But good thing is that Windows 7 comes with the sticky notes which is quite useful.

Alright, now Bosch. Well despite still being kinda Alien in the office, I like the environment of Bosch. I tend to feel that they're some sorta CIA or FBI lol. First day itself I was given a short brief on security while working. Everything inside is confidential, we're not even allowed to take pictures of anything inside. Oh well I guess that's how the big firms do their stuff. Then, every software is protected and apparently I still can't log in to the WWW yet from my office as my account hasn't been approved. I have to log out of my screen whenever I go toilet or get a coffee. I am not suppose to bring anything in or out of Bosch without permission. Every email i send to the outside world has to be encrypted, and each person is given their personal encryption key. But of course, I have never used my company email yet as I don't deal with customers.

Despite having super tight security especially to the outside world, internally everything is kinda slack. Me and my colleagues are free to do whatever we want, of course about work la. So far I don't feel any stress or pressure yet, despite being very super noob in the office. Man, their like super engineers, seems to know everything, every programming language, every EDA tools and even their theory are super strong. I am just a noobie! I love the European working culture too. I need to fulfill 35 hours per week (actually it's 38.5 per week since they automatically deduct 45 mins from my daily working hours). But it's up to me to plan how I want to work. Basically I can work 10 hours a day and then take off on Friday. But of course, since I'm under supervision and only an intern, i can't just take leave like that. I am however allowed to if I have a reason. Right now I have 4.5 extra hours from the last week as I work quite long hours. Another thing bout them is coffee. Average we take about 1 1/2 hours of coffee break time, on top of our normal lunch hour. Despite being so slack, why are they so top of the world? One word - Efficient!

About me. I am given a workspace of course with a stationed laptop with a TFT monitor, only a 15 inch one. My startup will be on Windows based, but connected remotely to Linux based server. I work on Matlab so far and I will be working on Cadence Schematic/Layout Design soon, as well as Verilog modelling and it will all on Linux. I am a total noob in Linux, so i guess it's time to learn. My thesis will be mainly on Delta-Sigma Analog-to-Digital Converters, from system to subsystem to transistor level. Difficult but interesting stuff. Mainly for Automotive application.

Well, language is still a barrier for me despite having some basics in German. So its still hard for me to survive in the company thus far. I hope things will get better soon.

Invented for Life!

It stretches

I have removed the music player as i guess it's kinda annoying and i'm not updating it. Bare with me as I will be very emo these few days. I am still quite emo today. It is my second Sunday here in Germany already. Well, I am still not sure if I should be happy as time passes fast. If you look from the back, yes time is passing real fast, but looking ahead it's still so long to go!

I guess I have an explanation why it is so difficult for me to settle down this time compare to last time. First of all, since I graduated in 2009, I have been having a relatively great time back home and in Singapore. I guess I was kinda spoilt already and I couldn't find the strength to be strong here like how I did last time. Maybe I'm too old for this shit. I guess last time I was young and dynamic, always wanted to experience new things and want to prove myself. Now, I guess all I want is just to settle down somewhere and have a life.

I am still missing home as I type this post so much. I just received news, regarding an ex-classmate whose father passed away. It sparked up my tears as I start to think about my parents. I don't know how they're doing and I really miss them. I know I won't be able to see them for the next 9 months and it is quite painful to know that. I never felt that way when I was in Singapore. I used to think that regardless of Singapore or Germany, it is the same as it is long distance. I guess now I was wrong. It does make a significant impact on me, emotionally.

I need strength, I really do. I am freaking 25 years old but I feel I wasn't as strong as I was in 19. I feel like a big baby now. So much for a promising future career path and so much for being look up to. I guess even I couldn't look up to myself now. I face the mirror everyday morning and I just wonder where is my courage. Yes I realize my problem is just a tiny small one. But still hurts like a bee sting and it's poisoning me, making me numb.

I guess if I am able to survive this well, and get good results from this internship/thesis, I would have a superb bright career future, but I don't dare to look so forward yet. I am still stuck in the past. I really miss Malaysia and Singapore at the moment.

C'mon Doug, be a man...!

First blood....

One week since I am in Germany for the 2nd time. If i have to describe the feeling in one sentence, I would say it was far more difficult than the first time I was here emotionally. Way back in January this year where most of our classmates were looking for an internship/thesis attachment, I decided to be different by looking further west, mainly Germany. At that time of course most companies are just recovering from recession and it was difficult.

I was lucky, or perhaps my German background, that I was called up for an interview with Franhofer Institute in Germany. I had a great feeling about the interview despite being a little bit slumber here and there, but I didn't get it in the end. I remember that I was kinda disappointed as my hopes were high, and that week itself darling came to visit me and I nearly screw up the whole trip. Then came 2 offer from Singapore, which is not really an offer. It is more like them looking for people to fill up their empty seats. I got one of the position which basically doesn't gives me the thing I want. Despite being quite reluctant, I have to take since no other offer came.

Out of no where at the end of April, I got this offer from Bosch, Germany. I was so excited as Bosch is pretty well known and the project was very interesting. I am excited to go back to Germany again. I have made so much sacrifice, and effort just to get to Germany. I have also spent unnecessary expenses just because I am coming back here.

So now I am finally here, and I was and still quite depressed. Last week was a disaster, I cried almost everyday while thinking of the time i spent in Malaysia/Singapore. I had such a wonderful 2 months holiday back home. Maybe just too wonderful that I have forgotten all my engineering enthusiasm and just felt maybe I am kinda sick of technical stuff. Although I seldom cry now, but I am still quite emotional whenever I am not doing anything and I am alone. I am always alone for now since I don't have any friends around here yet other than my colleagues. They are of course not here during weekends and even their here, it's not so clicking especially due to language barrier.

Anyway, I guess it will be back to me and bloggie again for the near future. So I guess I would update more often this time.

I would like to end this post with a dedication to my dearest baby. She have been extremely wonderful in my life. During the two months, despite also having some down times, the overall outcome was just so great. She did alot for me throughout the two months and also my preparation for Germany. She bought me some necessities knowing that i need it here. I don't know how she felt, but to me the greatest highlight of the whole holiday was finally the acceptance and the meeting of my parents. It has always been a burden to me but finally it has been resolve. She was also the one that gave me strength to hold on to my feet and move forward during my first few days in Germany. She called me and sms me eventhough it's blardy damn expensive just to make sure I am okay. She emailed me and gave me words of encouragement which is just priceless. I am finally able to be okay especially when I'm in office, and I really thank her alot. I know it's just promises now, but i guaranty that I will love her more and treat her better in the future, give her all that she needs and all the she wants!

the updates of updates

I guess I have left this place dead again. Anyway, I really lack enthusiasm in blogging recently. Not that I've been xbusy but just no mood to blog. But I will from time to time share my updates and emotions here.

I wanna write about Universal Studio, but I'll leave that to the next post.

Rather, I'll sum up some updates here.

I have finished all my technical modules and left one non-technical module which is on this Saturday. But, as I've mentioned, it doesn't weight much to my total GPA and the exam only takes up 30% of the course, hence I'm not too concerned bout it. Overall, grades aren't too bad and still a few pending results. Just hope i don't screw them up.

Well, the good news first. I have officially been accepted to conduct my internship/thesis with Bosch in Reutlingen, Germany. I don't think I need to intro about Bosch, as everybody knows the company. Yeah the one making drills. Right now my only concern is the visa and hopefully nothing screws me up. I can't tell much about the benefits I'm gonna get, kinda confidential, but i can say Bosch treats even foreigners really damn good!

That's for the good side. The not-so-good side is that, my days in Singapore are almost over for the time being. Been here almost 10 months, and have lots of nostalgic moments and Singapore in general gave me a really good time overall. Read carefully, Singapore as in the country, still have some negatives towards the people here though I have some "good native friends". Shouldn't talk much about them though, some eyes are looking at this post.

Anyway, the Singapore experience. I still remember my first day was kinda screwed up. I took a cheap bus down, and was kinda conned by the bus driver. I don't blame him, i just blame my noobness. I was told to stop at the Singapore immigration as my uncle will come and take me, but i was so tired i slept and when i woke up I asked the bus driver if it's already singapore. He told me yeah yeah! So i took my luggage down and scanned through the passport check, and then called my uncle. Then only to find out that I'm still in Johor, blardy hell! The last time i came to singapore was 2005, and i forgotten we have to go thru 2 customs! lol. wat a way to start!

Then we were scared off by our program director, as he shows the statistics of failure in the past, and some killer subjects, and the intensiveness of this course. And at that moment, I was seriously feared off. You can't blame me for the fear though, as we malaysians are told that the Singapore education standard is super duper high. Additionally, it is a twinning program between Singapore and TUM, one of Germany's elite Uni in Applied Science and Engineering. and then the course started around august. just a few days later, 1 quit the course. Lol! are you shivering already?? lolx!!! that's how i felt and i'm afraid i will be the weakest in class knowing that my classmates are all elite students or experienced worker. One from Intel 3 years exp in US, one 9 years Digital IC Designer, one few years exp in Avago(HP), one already obtained an MBA, and whole list of them. Among the 30 students who enrolled in my class, I guess I'm the only one that graduates from an unknown University in Germany.

Now it came to an end, only 25 students left in my class. And I'm quite at the top average among them though. Felt surprised? I felt surprised too. Let me tell u the reason. NTU standard is pretty low compared to Germany. I don't know if it's higher than Malaysia or not as I've never been into any local uni, but definitely easy to pass. Another reason is that, those who were in the industry before find it difficult to switch back to study mode, especially that the course is running at a fast pace, i.e. 2 weeks lectures, then followed by exam. Of course, other reason do count but if i mention those, you people will think I'm too cocky. But as a matter of fact, I'm just giving my humble judgement. Anyway whatever! My main point is that, some group of people seem strong in the outside, but are actually weak! Some hypocrites in my class, some selfish gangs, and overall sux! The most humble guy in my class is an indonesian and he's the smartest of all i felt. So conclusion is, quality people are humble.

Anyway I still have to work hard for some of those subjects. I remember staying in campus till 11pm everyday in the library or lab just to complete my studies or lab work. I remember we had to pack some canteen food and eat on the bench outside the classroom because the canteen is super packed. Those were the days and i hope it will be behind me from now on.

I have too much to talk about the 10 months here in Singapore. I can't simply type and type as I'm losing my "stamina" too. Anyway, the main part that really made me happy was my baby T's visit to Singapore. The first time was when She came down for Christmas. We went Orchard, Suntec City, Esplanade, City Hall, Raffles Place, Chinese Garden, and many more. Took loads of pictures and was a super damn good trip. It was also our first real trip together overseas. The second visit was a surprise one. She totally caught me about it. She kept it so tight that I can't even feel she's hiding this trip from me. On a Friday night when I was in Chinatown with my college friends having our pre-CNY gathering, suddenly she called and told me that she's reaching soon. I was like, c'mon don't joke with me, and then the happy ending - she was really in Singapore. She got me a padini sling bag, and made me a wonderful valentines card too. We had tony romas for dinner, but this time we didn't tour much. 3rd time visit was in March, and we went to Sentosa Island as our main agenda. Went to the underwater world, and cruise around the beach, was great! I always wanted to walk along the beach with her. The last visit was 2 weeks ago, and we went Universal Studio, which i will post it up soon.

Now that i'm leaving Singapore "soon", I really kinda miss what Singapore have gave me. Maybe I'll do a summary of Singapore soon, again soon. Yeah when i have the mood!

Way back into love.

Exam is over. Now, provided i pass every subject, I am left with only one subject, which will commence next week, for another 3 weeks. Then I'm done with all the exams! I mean those technical subject, while there're still some cross discipline module that have to be completed. One of them will be 2moro, but those ar the so-called "bochap" subjects.

Anyway, it was pretty much a boring night for me as exam was over and yet i have nothing to do. No sports, no new movies to watch, and sick of games. I spent most of my time chatting in MSN.

well, facebook is a place where people share their feeling, pass their free time, keep in touch with long lost friends and a place to post up those freaking old school pictures. I was the victim recently where Jason posted up some of those nerdy harry-potter style glasses look which is kinda nice actually to have those flashbacks. But i had much more flashbacks after looking at those pics.

It's obviously related to baby. I freshly remember how we started as it happened during this time around 9 years back. We were in form 4, and we did rancangan membaca together along with another 2 friend. I was surprised that she remembered my bday, and she actually got me a bday present. one and only. well, hard to believe but actually i already had feelings for her for quite a long time, just din't bother to tell anybody except Kel. As there were too many important dates around that period, i prefer to say that it didn't start on a specific day, rather a specific week. but officially, we prefer to have 9th april as our anniversary day, as it was the day where i confessed my feelings for her. But i was quite an idiot to tell her that i was just confessing, but have no intention. Just wanna let her know how i feel. I lied to her. 3 days after, I asked her to be my girlfriend. and the answer was yes. hahhaa..happiest day of my life, at least one of it. The weirdest thing i ever did that day was, saying "thank u thank u" when she agreed to be my gf. She was like, why thank her? she didn't do anything hahaha. Yeah, weird. No more thank u. SUch a geek!

yeah that's bout the beginning of the love story....sweet....

D-day

Valentine came early this year, so as my bday. I took a trip back to KL as it's a public holiday for Good Friday in Singapore. Well, 4 days is relatively short, especially on Saturday I went with parents to pay respect to my late grandfather and uncle in Melacca. So there goes half day, and smoke was all over me. Well, I didn't want to waste my time in KL so I was driving like 140km/h average on the journey back.

Nth much to eleborate about the ching ming. I wanna talk about my birthday celebration.

The best gift, and the most beautiful gift, is spending time with my baby

I reached home on thursday night and we had our worse Sushi Zanmai ever since we became regular. Nth to talk about, no pictures either as it wasn't great. The great meal was on Friday. and Thank God it's Friday, so we dine in TGI's Friday in Gardens, midvalley.



Initially our plan was to go to the Korean BBQ House for Bday, but we have a movie to catch so we decided to dine in Midvalley. I was so blur that darling suggested "beer ribeye" and i heard "deer ribeye" Huh? waddahell is deer ribeye lolx. Anyway, food was good. the Beer Ribeye rate 8/10 from my view. Darling's fish wasn't that great though. As for dessert, we went to Paddington's House of Pancake for a nice pancake meal. Great!
Some pics for appreciation.
















Then we went on to watch Clash of Titans 3D in Signature Gardens Premier Class. First time in that cinema which wasn't such a pleasant experience and the movie wasn't that great though. Maybe it wasn't meant for 3D.


Here's Mr. and Mrs. Doug in action! lolx



We still manage to get to Korean BBQ House though the next day. Food was good, with Gabriel and newbie Jessie joined us for the meal. Great Company, and had a good laugh. The boss was funny, and it's where we learnt that the sheep escaped, the pig is pregnant and Gabe's crocodile is shy lolx.











After the meal, it's not over yet as Sheng Wa, Dave and Lloyd joined us for starbucks hangout. It's my fave Starbucks outlet in SS2. Gabe treat us all a drink with his Starbucks voucher and that's my Birthday gift from him. Thanks Bro. Jessie, which i knew only that day gave me black forest cake slice for my bday. Thank u...appreciate it.



Thats all for the weekend. As for my birthday gift from darling, it's a real special one. And I love it so much. It's a facial wash set as she know I always lack of confidence due to my face condition. She got me those from Face Shop, and I love it so much. She's such a caring person, OMG I'm so in love with her. She's the best thing ever happen to me.

Silent Mode

Its really getting on my nerve already. From my classmates to the strangers, everybody just annoy me with this. THE SILENT MODE!!! More precisely, is the under-use of silent mode of the cellphone. Look, we as engineers spent so much effort to design the ultimate "silent mode" with vibration so that users don't have to turn off their phone yet not disturbing the people around in places where silence is gold. For example when u're in a bus where most of us would love to have a nice peaceful sleep, and u can contact whoever via sms and all u need is just an effortless act to keep ur phone silent. For nokia(and i believe for other as well), all u need to do is hold ur hash key for 3 seconds and wallaaaa, it's silent. Hey idiots!!! Do u know the vibration come from a transformer inside ur phone which is few times the size of the core of the phone, which is the microcontroller. without the transformer, your phone can even be the size of your thumb idiot!!! so, please appreciate the vibration mode and silent mode by using it appropriately!!!

It's just so annoying, same as some of my classmates, who themselves are engineers but just don't know how to turn to silent mode during classes. It's not accidentally or what, this people just so inconsiderate!!

Thats it, my goal now is to invent a silent mode detector, and install them on places like bus or cinema. It detects devices which are not in silence, and send an intensify signal to the phone, and when the power of the signal is so great and keep amplifying, it will heat up the battery and eventually blow the phone up! If the phone owner is lucky, he'll just have to buy a new phone. If not, RIP!!!! FUCK!!!! I AM SICK OF U!!! DON"T MESS WITH ENGINEERS!