POINTS TO PONDER: What's after WYY?

As per title, what comes after WYY since now already "WSS"? Anyone know?

Could It ended up like Sabah "WAA1234A", with the last digit move 1st until "WAA9999Y" then "WAB1234A".

OR Could it ended up like most of us predicted "WAAA1234"? Ladies and gentlemen, What's your opinion?

1st Anniversary REPORT: Honda Civic FD2 2.0iVTEC

FIRST year Summary: Honda Civic FD2 2.0IVTEC

NOTE FROM NEXT REVIEW ONWARDS, I'll Write a Review on the Civic 2.0FD2 EVERY QUARTER (ie. every 3 months). So my next review would be at "15th MONTH". Why? It's because I have nothing much to write on the car on "monthly" basis since the car is SO NEW. Rest assured, the Telstar will still be updated Monthly as it has more stuff to write (eg. trip to workshop, change which part).


Ladies and gentlemen, I now present you the 1 Anniversary update. 12 months passed baby... Nothing much to update for this month except I have driven this car to my Church Working Adult's camp in Country Heights Resort, Kajang with the help of my Latest toy "GARMIN NUVI 255W" with "Junction View" and 1 passenger.

At 6.30pm, I missed the Church service, drove from Kajang to Petaling Jaya to attend a friend's wedding (picked my mum along the way). Left Petaling Jaya for Country Heights Kajang at 11.30pm, reached there 40 mins later (hey, that shows that I was NOT SPEEDING). Also, I relied a lot on Cruise Control.

On my way back from Kajang, there's 4 passengers. Before we left Kajang, we went to Haji Samuri Sate.


Picture above and below, the Civic hit a Kerb while negotiating a 90 degree turn at 50km/h (the famous turning from BU12 to Sunwaymas, Petaling Jaya. Lower left side of bumper Damaged, rim dented and left tyre peeled off (3cm). I immediately took to workshop as I fear my dad will KILL ME. The workshop did A wonderful job without me breaking the bank. Costs RM260 only including spraying.




Picture above, the "DAMAGE".

Major Expenses: RM260

To cap it off, here’s the “Annual Logbook”.

Lastly, the LATEST Fuel consumption doesn’t sound promising: 300km for RM50 (27.778L) fuel. ONLY 10.9km/L. for Mostly Highway Driving.

HERE’S THE ANNUAL LOGBOOK (12th month)

LAST 6 months:
Best: 12.75km/l (90% highway driving) (November 2008)
Worst: 8.5km/l (100% City driving) (May 2009)
Averaged: 11.1km/L

LAST 1 YEAR:
Best: 13.75km/L (90% Highway driving) September 2008
Worst: 8.5km/L (100% City driving) – May 2009
Averaged: 11.125km/L

Mileage when new: 0008km
Mileage Now: 17900km
Average mileage: 1627km

Performance:
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds (“D” mode), 8.9 secs (paddle shift).
Top speed: Unknown (But someone recorded 215km/h as seen in Youtube)


For specifications and other details: please go to Honda Malaysia Website.
http://www.honda.com.my



I now present monthly “FLASHBACKS” of the Civic FD2 since Day 1 owning the car. ENJOY:

START:



"On 19 June 2008, my dad booked a new Sparkle Grey Pearl Honda Civic 2.0IVTEC. Initially, the salesman told my dad waiting list until 3rd week of August (more on that later). I can say that I have 4x "lucks".

“So called Luck #1”: Interest rate 2.35% by Public Finance. You know what? After 4 days booking, the interest rate shot up to a horrendous 3.5%. We took 6 years loan @ RM90,000.

“So called Luck #2”: Waiting list cut short by 3 weeks. It’s because someone cancelled the booking which is due 3rd week of July.

"So called Luck #3": The no plate I bought back in January 21 2008 (for the Nissan Grand Livina which my dad cancelled in March due to false promise by salesman (CALVEN of Tan Chong PJ)- Promised Chinese new year but Delayed till End-April) still can use. Selangor plate: B?? 1222. Thank God I DID NOT WIN the No. WRQ1222 which I bidded. If NOT...

28 July 2008, 12pm: Took Delivery of the car.

Volume 2:

Today = One month anniversary since we took delivery of the Honda Civic 2.0iVTEC. Sent for 1st 1000km service 2 weeks ago. They only rectified the defect (see picture below). The whole A-pillar cover came loose on both side, the left side is worse than the right. I try to fix it back, but the thing “Pop up” again.


Fuel consumption: 40L worth of petrol good for around 470km (11.75km/L) mix driving of 45% city, 55% highway. Best: 40L of fuel, 510km (12.75km/l).

In this “Longtermer #2” entry (Volume 3), I’ll cover the Civic’s ride and handling.

Due to the 17” rims and low profile tyres (Michelin Pilot Preceda 215/45 R17), the car’s ride can be a little hard hence comfort’s a bit sacrificed. Eg. You can feel the “yellow speed-breaker lines” (soft thump… thump… thump… thump… thump…). In contrast, my Telstar (also with 17” rims but shod with 4 Bridgestone My-01 tyres), went past the same speed-breakers with barely audible noise.

But there’s always some positive points, the handling’s quite amazing. The Civic cornered with minimal bodyroll. The engine’s surprisingly quiet (whisper) for an IVTEC. Engine noise only crept in during hard acceleration (from 3500rpm onwards)- eg. traffic light start upshift from low gear to higher gear AND during kickdowns (eg. 4th gear to 3rd gear or 3rd to 2nd gear).

FOR THIS MONTH: Fuel consumption: 40L worth of petrol good for around 470km (11.75km/L) mix driving of 45% city, 55% highway. Best: 40L of fuel, 510km (12.75km/l).

VOLUME 4:

Today = Three month anniversary since we took delivery of the Honda Civic 2.0iVTEC. Sent for 2nd service 5000km service 3 weeks ago to Sumber Auto Edaran, Jalan Universiti, PJ.. They performed oil change (MINERAL OIL!!!???). Why MINERAL Oil? I asked the service advisor AND WHY 5,000km service interval? My questions were not answered.




What is the service procedure? 1) Parked the car at designated bay, went to service office, take a number. 2) They designate a service advisor for you asked you to return around 3 hours later. 3) I saw them covering the seat and the steering.

Then, The Service Advisor talked my dad to purchase a “Central Locking Beeper” for RM290. “BEEEPPP” (Unlock), “BEEEPPP” (x3) lock. Previously, the central locking was silent type (just light blinking).

3 hours later, went to service office again, they updated my Civic's service logbook. pay up then only you can drive away your car.

The whole A-pillar cover came loose on left side AGAIN., they tried to fix it back, but the thing “Pop up” again after a while especially parking under hot sun as this car's not tinted.

Service aftermath: The car became more responsive and eager. Better acceleration and more refined on the road (smoother engine). 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds. Not bad for a FIVE SPEED Automatic (In "D" mode instead of using "S" paddle - shift. If "paddle shift" slightly faster => Below 9 secs)).

Thus, the Civic 2.0IVTEC has better Acceleration than VW Jetta 2.0FSI (9.8secs), Skoda Octavia 2.0 FSI (10.1secs), Mitsubishi NEW Lancer 2.0 CVT (10 secs) and New Ford Focus 2.0i Hatchback (9.7secs).

Average mileage per month: 1933km

Update 5:
Early this month (November), we drove the Civic 2.0iVTEC to Penang (total estimated journey of 1200km including driving around Penang). Why Penang?

Coz my mother side Grandmother passed away at 85 years old in her sleep due to Heart Attack. Very GRAND FUNERAL though. Lot's of VVIP turned up. Anyway, Let's get back to the topic...

The car's very stable at speeds up to 170km/h (can't go faster as there's some traffic)

Wonder what's with Honda Malaysia's 5,000km service interval? You know what? Did my research, Honda UK's Civic service interval (1.6 iVTEC Hatchback) is 12500 MILES NOT Kilometres, which is actually 20,000km. Also, Honda Australia's service interval's 10,000km.

UPDATE 7:

For the month of January, the Civic made 1 trip to Klang, 2 rounds to KLIA and 2 rounds to LCCT, in addition to daily trips to work and back (by dad).

I tried the Paddle Shift on my trip to Klang. The "ROLLING START" at toll booth from 0-100 and beyond => Surprisingly FAST. That night (10pm), at the toll booth, there's slight G-force as I used the paddle shift from "2" to "3" to "4" and finally "5". Within a short distance (less than 15 seconds), the digital speedometer shows: 138km/h. I backed off and reduced the speed to 110km/h (speed limit) (cause there's 4 people on board including me). Tried the cruise control as well (set at 120km/h) nothing special.

This month is the 8th update of Longtermer #2, Honda Civic 2.0iVTEC FD2. Nothing much to update except it had been scratched/dented twice almost the same spot. See photo on my "8th update" posting.

This month is the 9th update of Longtermer #2, Honda Civic 2.0iVTEC FD2.


Went to IKEA with this car. Do check out the capability of the BOOT (picture). 6 "Herman" white chairs (flat packed), 4 pillows, 2 "POANG" Cushions. ALL WITHOUT SPLIT FOLDING THE REAR SEATBACK! The rest, seeked IKEA for delivery. Ie. Dining table for 6, Sofa 3 seater, "POANG" frame, 4 beds + 4 mattress etc...

Mileage NOW: 14244km, Average mileage per month: 1571km

This is 10th update of Longtermer #2, Honda Civic 2.0iVTEC FD2. Sent the Civic for 15000km service. Not much, just oil change and engine draining and other Preventive maintenance service.

Took the car to Putrajaya (for friend's wedding) and back with 1/3 fuel left (4 "little" bar left). On the way back only refilled at Puchong BHP station (1st time filling BHP petrol since 2006). Man, the fuel is POWERFUL. I dared to say it's AS POWERFUL AS V-Power. I only filled RM20 (11.111L). It's good for 120km before the next fill up (10.8km/L => LESS MILEAGE THAN SHELL).

One week later I even more "gung ho", last 2 bar, managed to drove from Section 17, Petaling Jaya to Pavilion, KL AND BACK. At that time, upon reaching home the Fuel level: 0 bar left and orange warning light's on. Only fill up the next morning.

Mileage NOW: 16804km
Average mileage per month: 1528km

FUEL CONSUMPTION (This Month):
Best: 11.8km/L (Shell V-power)
WORST: 8.5km/L (BHP) 100% City driving

LAST 6 months:
Best: 12.75km/l (90% highway driving) (November 2008)
Worst: 8.5km/l (100% City driving) (May 2009)

This is 11th update of Longtermer #2, this month's a busy month for the Civic 2.0iVTEC FD2. Clocked 1300+ km over 11 days fetching my Hongkie friend and his parents around, mostly city driving save 3 return trips to KLIA. Hence, my own car, the Telstar is "neglected" most of the month in May.

Went to Royal Selangor Club (Desmond's father is "Reciprocal Member" and Royal Lake Club (my Dad's member) almost everyday...

Mileage: 16,804km
Averaged per month: 1528km

Before I go, here's a parting shot:




THE END

That’s all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this. An ORIGINAL JEFF LIM’S Production.

What Is the Foreign Exchange Market

For buying foreign goods or services, or to invest in other countries, companies and individuals may need to first buy the currency of the country with which they are doing business. Generally, exporters prefer to be paid in their country’s currency or in U.S. dollars, which are accepted in the world.
When Canadians buy oil from Saudi Arabia they may pay in U.S. dollars and not in Canadian dollars or Saudi riyals, even though the United States is not involved in the transaction.
The foreign exchange market, or the "FX" market, is where the buying and selling of different currencies takes place. The price of one currency in terms of another is called an exchange rate.
The market itself is actually a worldwide network of traders, connected by telephone lines and computer screens—there is no central headquarters. There are three main centers of trading, which handle the majority of all FX transactions—United Kingdom, United States, and Japan.
Transactions in Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Germany, France and Australia account for most of the remaining transactions in the market. Trading goes on 24 hours a day: at 8 a.m. the exchange market is first opening in London, while the trading day is ending in Singapore and Hong Kong. At 1 p.m. in London, the New York market opens for business and later in the afternoon the traders in San Francisco can also conduct business. As the market closes in San Francisco, the Singapore and Hong Kong markets are starting their day.

LONGTERMER 1: Update 12: Ford Telstar 2.0i GHIA

Longtermer #1, Update 12: Ford Telstar Ghia 2.0i4 16v



In this blog entry, I am updating my Ford Telstar i4 Ghia. This is the 12th update. What's up in the month of June?

Well, nothing much to highlight. I’m glad to say this is a problem free month. The FIRST time 2009, the Telstar did not giving me any problems. Yes, NO visit to workshop this month.

One interesting aspect to take note is different Fuel Brand gives different mileage. Eg. Shell and BHP only gave me 150km per RM50, But ESSO and MOBIL gave 200km +/- per RM50 consistently. Also, Power wise, V-Power is the most powerful but Mobil can Challenge V-power , cheaper and more economical as well.

As I typed this, the Telstar only done 800km +/-. Why?
It’s because my dad’s in Vietnam for 2 weeks, hence his Civic FD2 is driven by me. Without further ado, let's proceed to Logbook:



LOGBOOK:

Year of manufactured: December 1998 (registered January 1999)
Purchase price: RM42,000 (Aug 2005)
Current value: RM15,000 (As at January 2009)
Depreciation per year (averaged): RM6,750
Mileage last month: 143,678km

Mileage now: 144,444km
Fuel consumption (so far):
BEST: 9km/l (22 April 2009)
WORST: 5.9km/l (November 2008)

TODAY, As at 29 June,

Expenses (this month)
1) Petrol (RM90 only this month) and toll charges.


Before I go, here's a parting shot above...

End of Update, thanks for having the patience to read it...

AN ORIGINAL JEFF LIM PRODUCTION (My original work)

Balance of payments

In economics, the balance of payments, (or BOP) measures the payments that flow between any individual country and all countries. It is used to summarize all international economic transactions for that country during a specific time period, usually a year. The BOP is determined by the country's exports and imports of goods, services, and financial capital, as well as financial transfers. It reflects all payments and liabilities to foreigners (debits) and all payments and obligations received from foreigners (credits). Balance of payments is one of the major indicators of a country's status in international trade, with net capitoutflow.[citation al needed]
The balance, like other accounting statements, is prepared in a single currency, usually the domestic. Foreign assets and flows are valued at the exchange rate of the time of transaction.
this words was written after reading informations about WTO ( International Trade Organization ) .

History of trade

Trade originated with the start of communication in prehistoric times. Trading was the main facility of prehistoric people, who bartered goods and services from each other before the innovation of the modern day currency. Peter Watson dates the history of long-distance commerce from circa 150,000 years ago.[1]
Trade is believed to have taken place throughout much of recorded human history. There is evidence of the exchange of obsidian and flint during the stone age. Materials used for creating jewelry were traded with Egypt since 3000 BC. Long-range trade routes first appeared in the 3rd millennium BC, when Sumerians in Mesopotamia traded with the Harappan civilization of the Indus Valley. The Phoenicians were noted sea traders, traveling across the Mediterranean Sea, and as far north as Britain for sources of tin to manufacture bronze. For this purpose they established trade colonies the Greeks called emporia. From the beginning of Greek civilization until the fall of the Roman empire in the 5th century, a financially lucrative trade brought valuable spice to Europe from the far east, including China. Roman commerce allowed its empire to flourish and endure. The Roman empire produced a stable and secure transportation network that enabled the shipment of trade goods without fear of significant piracy.
we will stop here.

International trade

International trade means the exchange of goods and services across national borders. In most countries, it represents a significant part of GPD. While international trade has been present throughout much of history (see Silk Road, Amber Road), its economic, social, and political importance have increased in recent centuries, mainly because of Industrialisation, advanced transportation, globalisation, multinational corporations, and outsourcing. In fact, it is probably the increasing prevalence of international trade that is usually meant by the term "globalisation".
Empirical evidence for the success of trade can be seen in the contrast between countries such as South Korea, which adopted a policy of export-oriented industrialisation, and India, which historically had a more closed policy (although it has begun to open its economy, as of 2005). South Korea has done much better by economic criteria than India over the past fifty years, though its success also has to do with effective state institutions.
Trade sanctions against a specific country are sometimes imposed, in order to punish that country for some action. An embargo, a severe form of externally imposed isolation, is a blockade of all trade by one country on another. For example, the United States has had an embargo against Cuba for over 50years.
Although there are usually few trade restrictions within countries, international trade is usually regulated by governmental quotas and restrictions, and often taxed by tariffs. Tariffs are usually on imports, but sometimes countries may impose export tariffs or subsidies. All of these are called trade barriers. If a government removes all trade barriers, a condition of free trade exists. A government that implements a protectionist policy establishes trade barriers.
The fair trade movement, also known as the trade justice movement, promotes the use of labour, environmental and social standards for the production of commodities, particularly those exported from the Third and Second Worlds to the First World. Such ideas have also sparked a debate on whether trade itself should be codified as a human right.[4]
Standards may be voluntarily adhered to by importing firms, or enforced by governments through a combination of employment and commercial law. Proposed and practiced fair trade policies vary widely, ranging from the commonly adhered to prohibition of goods made using slave labour to minimum price support schemes such as those for coffee in the 1980s. Non-governmental organizations also play a role in promoting fair trade standards by serving as independent monitors of compliance with fairtrade labelling requirements

Honda's VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) Advertorial, Thanks Nuffnang!

Honda's VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) Advertorial, Thanks to Nuffnang...

I was engaged by Honda to do a research on this VSA techonology.

VSA are more sophisticated type of traction control. Besides restoring or enhancing grip on slippery roads, they also stabilise the car when it is about to skid in a corner. In simplified term, VSA = ABS + TCS + Understeer/oversteer prevention.
Any one of these, or more, can work together/in succession when VSA activates.

My personal encounter with VSA:

(I am a owner of a 2008 Civic FD2 (2.0iVTEC) equipped with VSA)
A month ago when I was driving in a heavy rain (more like raining cats and dogs type of rain), I took a corner at 90km/h, when my car's front wheel passed through the uneven road surface with water on it in Petaling Jaya. More specifically “Tropicana Indah” area (nice corners leading to Casa Indah (on left) and Seri Selangor Public Golf Course on the right), I felt that the tyres (stock Michelin PP 1) were losing grip.

At the same time I saw the triangle blinking. Immediately after 1 or 2sec I think, I can feel the tyre start gripping again (VSA activated). On the next corner, almost the same thing happen & the VSA again in action. All of these happen within few seconds.

One thing I can sure is VSA really helps during emergency. I'm a person that loved to take fast corners, but these happened unexpectedly. Hence, it’s dangerous to deactivate it.

You'll appreciate how VSC works if you have driven an older car without electronic driving aids. Entering the same rain soaked corner a typical FWD car will understeer, causing you to lift off... Lift too fast and your car will oversteer which is much more difficult to recover (you need to quickly countersteer).

Now under NO circumstances should you try this entering the corner faster than you would normally do... Also, don’t expect to corner at ridiculous speed in wet (eg.150km/h). In such situations VSA may not be able to save you...

In a nutshell VSA is a features that will save additional lives giving the driver still control over the vehicle despite driving errors. This is more so especially in the wet. They can make the difference between ending up in the drain or against a tree, and just having a big scare but still continuing the drive. As a result, this is one of the best technological innovations in Motoring History.

For more information, please visit the following site:

http://www.honda.com.my/advancedtechnology

Here's another link to my blog advertiser:
http://www.honda.com.my/advancedtechnology/index.html?utm_campaign=hat&utm_medium=sponsored_post&utm_source=otoreview.blogspot.com/

SOURCES:
[1] http://world.honda.com/news/1997/t970702d.html
- Press release 1997, Technology, July 2, 1997.
[2] http://www.motortrader.com.my/asp/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=28041
- for definitions

The Law of International Trade: A Business Overview

U.S. companies engaged in international trade should be alert to the legal issues unique to the international context. This article is intended to raise your awareness of some of the legal issues encountered in international trade.
Exporting
Exporting (shipping products outside the United States) is normally easy and subject to few restrictions. Most exports of ordinary trade goods to friendly countries are made under a so-called “general license.” There are, however, export restrictions you need to be aware of:
Some products (notably products that have military uses) are subject to export restrictions. Note that some products have “dual-use” applications, i.e., may be used for both civilian and military purposes. When in doubt seek advice as to whether your product may require a special export license, or may be unable to be exported.
Exports to some countries may be restricted. The Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce has a website listing countries affected by export restrictions (“Where are you Exporting” Note that you may violate export restrictions by selling a product to a buyer that you know, or should know, intends to re-export the product to a country to which direct exports from the U.S. are prohibited.
Export sales to some purchasers may be restricted. You should consult the “do not sell” lists maintained by the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Who Will Receive Your Item” .and by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Treasury Department Under U.S. law you have an affirmative obligation to “know your customer,” including the ultimate buyer if your customer re-exports the products. You will not be able to plead ignorance if your Canadian customer sells your products to the Cuban military and you knew or should have known that this was your customer’s intention.
Freight-Forwarders. When exporting products it will be helpful to develop a relationship with a reputable freight-forwarder who can help ensure that your company complies with the laws and regulations governing exports. Deemed Exports. It is possible to make a prohibited export of technology without knowing you are doing so. Technology whose export is restricted may be “imbedded” in your product’s controls. And you may be “deemed” to export technology merely by giving individuals from a foreign country access, in the United States, to that technology sufficient to enable those individuals to take that technology back home with them.

Before Starting An Import Export Business

The How To Start An Import Export Business Toolkit Is Your Roadmap To International Trade Success And A Comprehensive Resource Library To Help Guide You Throughout Your International Business Career
Before reading any further, stop a moment and ask yourself if you are really serious about learning "How To Start An Import And Export Business"? What was your answer? If you are serious, then you are strongly encouraged to read what follows. Every word is worth your time.
The Import-Export course toolkit includes all the resources and tools you need to start and operate a profitable international trading company - whether from your own home or from your company's office. Bold statement, yes, but one based on over 25 years experience in the business and personal review of most courses and books on the market during that time. search about books to help you.

International markets

Beef
Overview:
BeefWhile imports of U.S. beef in 2007 were virtually double 2006 number, and eventually topped out at $44million, the reach of U.S. beef is still too limited to create a widespread opportunity for most EU consumers to try the product. U.S. beef has been largely absent from the European Union for the past 19 years, and there is a subsequent lack of consumer knowledge about the attributes of U.S. beef. Nonetheless, consumers and importers who have tried U.S. beef recognize the quality and a proportion of EU consumers are ready to pay the premium price. Italy and Germany are the primary markets for U.S. beef, with product also sold in Holland, France, Belgium and the U.K. EU importers are working hard to expand their sales across the EU and are developing business in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Sweden and netherland

Foreign Exchange

when deems it necessary for the prevention of drastic exchange rate fluctuation of our currency, or for the maintenance of our authorized foreign exchange banks' international credence, impose the following restrictions on the authorized foreign exchange banks, as a Cabinet Order provides for:
*To prescribe a limit on their foreign exchange position (which means the difference between the foreign currency assets balances and foreign currency liabilities balances computed by a method defined by a Cabinet Order), or to require them to satisfy certain requisites prescribed by a Cabinet Order for their foreign exchange business; and
*To banning interest on certain accounts, designated by a Cabinet Order, which are in our currency and opened in the name of a non-resident.

Trade finance

Trade finance is related to international trade. While a seller (the exporter) can require
the purchaser (an importer) to prepay for goods shipped, the purchaser (importer) may wish to reduce risk by requiring the seller to document that the goods have been shipped. Banks may assist by providing various forms of support. For example, the importer's bank may provide a letter of credit to the exporter (or the exporter's bank) providing for payment upon presentation of certain documents, such as a bill of lading. The exporter's bank may make a loan (by advancing funds) to the exporter on the basis of the export contract.
Other forms of trade finance can include export credit insurance, export factoring, forfaiting and others. in many countries,The trade finance is often supported by quasi-government entities known as export credit agencies that work with commercial banks and other financial institutions.

How to Making the Export Decision

Exporting is crucial to America's economic health.
Increased exportsmean business growth, and business growth means more jobs. Yet, only asmall percentage of potential exporters take advantage of theseopportunities. It is critical for U.S.A businesses to think globally. However,you may have discovered your company is already competing internationally-- foreign-owned companies are competing with you in your "domestic"markets. The division between domestic and international markets isbecoming increasingly blurred. Your business cannot ignore internationalrealities if you intend to maintain your market share and keep pace withyour competitors. Making the export decision requires careful assessmentof the advantages and disadvantages of expanding into new markets. Oncethe decision is made to export, an international business plan isessential. This chapter presents the advantages and disadvantages ofexporting and offers a sample business plan.

Foreign Market Entry

we Having determined the best international markets for your products,you now need to evaluate the most profitable way to get your products topotential customers in these markets. There are several methods of foreign market entry including exporting,licensing, joint venture and off-shore production. The method you choosewill depend on a variety of factors including the nature of your particularproduct or service and the conditions for market penetration which exist inthe foreign target market.
Exporting can be accomplished by selling your product or servicedirectly to a foreign firm, or indirectly, through the use of an exportintermediary, such as a commissioned agent, an export management or tradingcompany.

Happy FATHER'S DAY...

Happy Father's day EVERYONE! Tomorrow (Sunday) is Father's day. Any gift/s and/or plans to celebrate with your father? OR Should I say what would you do with your father?

Brief description of my dad: He's 168cm, Middle weight, Almost bald, 60 years old guy. He loves Golf. He is an ambidextrous (ie. use of both hands especially writing and playing racket games) Oh! He loves Curry fish head, "Teochew Lor Duck meat", Nasi Lemak etc...

He retired from a prominent Bank in Hong Kong back in 2001 after 28 LONG years working for the Bank (22 years in KL HQ and 6 years in Hong Kong). He is still active in the workforce today working as a Consultant to a Bank in Vietnam, Director to a Bank in China and recently, Director of a Subsidiary of a Malaysian bank.

Well, my dad went to Cambodia for Business Trip today (Airasia). So in other words, he won't be with us (the Lim's family) for this father's day.
Q: What I'm going to do tomorrow?
A: Wash his car lor...

WIthout further ado, here's a photo of my father:


My question to all of you readers,
1) what are going to do to your father tomorrow? (ie. what is your plan)
2) Have you said "I love you!" to your father before?

Well, these are points to ponder...

Ever wonder how Father's day started?
Let us proceed to the "Origin of Father's day":

HISTORY of Father's Day

The idea for an official Father’s Day celebration came to a married daughter, seated in a church in Spokane, Washington, attentive to a Sunday sermon on Mother’s Day in 1910-two years after the first Mother’s Day observance in West Virginia.

The daughter was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd. During the sermon, which extolled maternal sacrifices made for children, Mrs. Dodd realized that in her own family it had been her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, who had sacrificed-raising herself and five sons alone, following the early death of his wife in childbirth. For Mrs. Dodd, the hardships her father had endured on their eastern Washington farm called to mind the unsung feats of fathers everywhere.

Her proposed local Father’s Day celebration received strong support from the town’s ministers and members of the Spokane YMCA. The date suggested for the festivities, June 5, Mrs. Dodd’s father’s birthdays were three weeks away-had to be moved back to the nineteenth when ministers claimed they need extra time to prepare sermons on such a new subject as Father.

Newspapers across the country, already endorsing the need for a national Mother’s Day, carried stories about the unique Spokane observance. Interest in Father’s Day increased. Among the first notables to support Mrs. Dodd’s idea nationally was the orator and political leader William Jennings Bryan, who also backed Mother’s Day. Believing that fathers must not be slighted, he wrote to Mrs. Dodd, "too much emphasis cannot be placed upon the relation between parent and child."

Father’s Day, however, was not so quickly accepted as Mother’s Day. Members of the all-male Congress felt that a move to proclaim the day official might be interpreted as a self-congratulatory pat on the back.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson and his family personally observed the day. And in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended that states, if they wished, should hold their own Father’s Day observances. He wrote to the nation’s governors that "the widespread observance of this occasion is calculated to establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children, and also to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations."

Many people attempted to secure official recognition for Father’s Day. One of the most notable efforts was made in 1957, by Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who wrote forcefully to Congress that "Either we honor both our parents, mother and father, or let us desist from honoring either one. But to single out just one of our two parents and omit the other is the most grievous insult imaginable."

Eventually, in 1972-sixty-two years after it was proposed-Father’s Day was permanently established by President Richard Nixon.

In America today, Father’s Day is the fifth-largest card-sending occasion, with about 85 million greeting cards exchanged.

END OF SOURCE: http://www.ideafinder.com/guest/calendar/fathersday.htm

Thanks for having time and patience reading this, that's all folks...

The Functions of the Foreign Exchange Market

There are five function of the foreign exchange market:
1-International Clearing:
Individuals , firms and governments need foreign exchange to pay for their imports of goods and services, and to collect the value of their exports (visible or invisible).
2-International Credit:
Credit is needed as goods (and services) move from a seller to a buyer, and also to allow some time for the buyer to resell the goods and be able to pay for these goods.
3-Arbitrage:
Arbitrage can be defined as simultaneous buying and selling of foreign currencies to have some profits from differences between exchange rates prevailing at the same time in different financial centers around the world .It is risk-less process.

The Types of Foreign Exchange Markets

* The Spot Market:
In the spot market, dealers of foreign exchange transactions have to deliver and receive currencies at the immediate moment. The rate of exchange used in these transactions is the spot exchange rate
* The Forward Mark
A forward transaction is an agreement (called the forward-exchange contract) between two parties which requires the delivery of one currency for anther at some future date (one month, two months,… ahead), and at a price used is called the forward exchange rate.

70,000th+ Unique Visitors (87,808 pageloads)... THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

70,006 Unique visitors and 87,808 Pageloads! As at 18 June 2009, 18:53 hours Thank you... Thank you for your support!!! Here's a short "speech" of the blog owner and editor, Jeff Lim (ie. me).

"This blog you are reading: "http://otoreview.blogspot.com" was launched in August 21 2006. I only posted 18 posts in the Inaugural year. In 2007, it was almost doubled at 32 posts. The following year in 2008, I managed to doubled my blog entries again at 67 blog entries. In 2009, I hoped to double the 2008 blog entries again... Watch this blog...

I hope you enjoy the "Unique" part of my blog. There were:
1) Best and worst resale value cars
2) "What car can you buy with these budgets?"
3) "LONGTERMERS" of my cars which I update monthly...

Note that, only 50 of the post entry (ie. slightly less than 1/3) are "my original work" which I am "VERY PROUD OF". Especially the LATEST entry, "In Memorium: Mazda Astina". 100% MY ORIGINAL WORK. Others are "copied" from other forums (eg. Lowyat forum/websites (eg. GoAuto Australia /magazines (eg. Highway Malaysia). Though it's "copied", I acknowledged their work, MAKE IT CLEAR that it is NOT MY ENTRY by giving "REFERENCING" (from 2008 onwards => HARVARD REFERENCING) and having the "SOURCES" listed out... Ie. I can still keep my head up!

Over the past 6 months, I've tried my best to produce more of "My Original work".
Now I need your help to enable me to produce more of "my original work". Can YOU ALLOW me to write a review on your car? It can be any car as long as it's USED. Alternatively, YOU REVIEW YOUR OWN CAR (see my blog label under "What's changed?" and send to me your article. I will acknowledge (give credit) your work.

Lastly, I'd like to thank my advertisers Google and especially Nuffnang. Nuffnang ROCKS man! You guys are Very Happening, especially the Advertisement contents. Wah! It even has "TIGER BEER", "Nike", "Honda" etc!!! The earnings are GREAT compared to "AHEM!".

Keep the ball rolling everyone and HELPED me to TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS about this blog. I HOPE I can expand this blog by adding a "FORUM" and having More Advertisers. The former (forum) is DIfficult as I can't find enough "MODERATORS" to kickstart it as I have a FULL TIME JOB to do (I'm a "PROPERTY SALESMAN"). This blog I created is my "HOBBY", hence I got no time to be a Moderator.

Besides hobby, This BLOG is also my "PORTFOLIO" which I am building as I hoped to be a Car Journalist someday. In other words, I created this "PORTFOLIO" because I don't have a Degree or "ANY PAPER QUALIFICATIONS" needed to be a journalist... Here's hoping someone might "employ" me as a part timer or contributor. DOn't worry, "CHEAP LABOUR" here...

That's all folks, thanks for having the patient to "READ THRU' THIS...

In a meantime, I have few photos...


Above: 70,004 hits - Unique visitors... Oh! Also, "THIS IS AN ALL MALAYSIAN BLOG!" as you can see in the picture above.


Above, Pageloads... and Below, my LATEST Hits over the last 7 days. Note: Consistent visitors...



Above: Visitor statistics from 2006 to June 2009...

THE END... Again, Thanks for having the time and patience to read this...

Definition of Foreign Exchange Market

The foreign exchange market means the framework within which individuals, Firms, Government, and banks buy and sell foreign currencies .
The foreign exchange market consist of a number of banks, brokers, dealers and other monetary authorities engaging in buying and selling of the foreign exchange.
The foreign exchange market for any currency is composed of all the locations or cities where the currency is exchanged for other currencies.

INTERODUCTION ABOUT FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET

On of the distinguishing features of international trade is the involvement of foreign currencies . if a seller in Dubai sells goods to a buyer in Abu Dhabi he is paid in local currency because they both are residents of one country .
If a buyer in France buys goods from a seller in U.S.A. the problem of foreign exchange exits, because the buyer wants to pay in France currency and the seller wants to receive his money in US Dollars.
Because different nations use different currencies every economic transaction between a resident of one country and a resident of another, necessarily require the exchange of one currency into another.

Disadvantages of international trade

Althou the above mentioned advantagesof foreign trade, they are counterbalanced, to some extent, by disadvantages such as: a) dependency: foreign trade makes a country IS ECONOMY seriously dependent upon other countries . if, due to war or any other causes (e.g. laour strikes ), goods cannot move freely to and from the country, it will face a critical situation. b) exhaustion of resources: foreign trade may lead to exhaustion (or depletion) essential materials of country, which cannot replaced. this could be at the expense of the future generations.c) adverse consumption habits: foreign trade may adversely affect the consumption habits of a country through the importation of harmful goods, such as opium, sexy magazines and movie films. Moreover, the domestic consumers will accustom to cheap imports, and oppose any import substitution policy associated with higher prices.

foreign trade and national income

Introduction: during any one year period, the economy produces a given value of final goods and services known as the gross national product.national income accounts divide GNP among the four possible uses for wich a country is output is purchased:a) consumption(C): it is the portion of GNP purchased by the private sector to fulfill current wants (i.e. the amount consumed by private domestic residentes).b) investment(I): it is the part of output used by firms to produce future output (i.e. the amount put aside by firms to build new plant and equipment for future production).c) government expenditure.d) current account balance.

advantages of foreign trade

there are many advantages that accrue to the nations engaged in foreign trade

there is advantages wich comes from the principle of division of labour as aplied to the various countries

foreign trade enables nation to specialize in the production of those goods in wich they have greatest advantage. this leads to the production of good under the most favorable conditions and thus increases the total wealth and welfare of the world

foreign trade enables concumer not only to engoy the products of foreign countries wich their own country could never produce ,but also to get their requirements from the cheapest markets of the world . they very fact that goods wich are imported from abroad show that their price is cheaper than the similar home products

IN MEMORIUM: Mazda 323 Astina (M), 1992

In MEMORIUM, 1992 Mazda 323 Astina (Manual). My sister's previous car.

In this blog entry, I'm reviewing my sister's Previous car, a white 1992 Mazda 323 Astina 1.6 (Manual). She owned the car from April 2003 to August 2007. My dad bought this "Kuching no. Plate" Astina from a dealer (Soon Meng Auto) which used to located at Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya for RM21,000 Cash.


The Mileage when we sold off the Astina stood at 217,521km.

What's so special about the car?

This car's AHEAD of its times... Firstly, it's the "Unique" Pop-up headlights, then the 60:40 split seats coupled with Hatchback body = Versatile.

Also, 4 Disc brakes (not bad for a 1990 technology), 4 power windows, Semi-bucket seats (see photo below), CD (Coefficient of Drag): 0.32 (Again, note that this is 1990 technology).


Of course, there's downside, namely the REAR HEADROOM's VERY POOR. I'm only 5 feet 9 and my head touched the "ceiling" of the car. Also, the SPARE PART'S Difficult to find (eg. Rear Brake discs mechanism). Maintenence higher than say, a Corolla SE-G. It Drinks petrol (for a Manual car).

The Suspension setup is "High-technology" 4x Independent MacPherson struts suspensions with fr and rr anti-roll bars, Like the Ford Laser TX3, the rear suspension is Ford patented "twin trapezoidal dual-linkage (TTL). The improved version is seen in Today's Ford FOCUS...

What happened over the 4 years under the hands of my sister. Let's see... 4x Absorbers changed once, tyres changed twice (front) and once (back) to Goodyear Ducaro GA, 2x battery change, 4x brake pad changed, serviced rear brake discs + rear wheel bearings, Cooling system changed TWICE (Radiator, water-pump etc...), Air-conditioning's faulty (Not cold, 4x trip to workshop), Minor Accident 3 times, twice almost at same spot, bumper "remoulded back to original shape", front nose (knocked back). Thank God the "Pop up headlight" mechanism not affected, if not $$$.

REAR BUMPER's TOUGH. At the 2nd time accident, a Proton Iswara crashed into the Bumper of our Astina, the Proton's front 1/3 gone, (bonnet became "A" shape) while the Astina's bumper just paintwork peeled off and minor scratches.

Oh! As for the fuel consumption, it averaged 8.7km/L (best 10km/L, worst 7.9km/L), . Note that this car's SOHC 16-valve Carby car (NOT Fuel injection). Also, performance: 0-100km/h in 11 seconds flat. Top speed unknown, but at 110km/h, the tachometer shows 2400rpm only. I guess it's around 180km/h.

For your information We sold it back to the same dealer we bought from in September 2007 for RM5,000 only.

Well, there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words, here's some photos...


Nice Dashboard Layout. The Air-cond is special, comes with "Economy" mode...


Above: The engine bay. Code: B6. Cylinder 4-in-line, 1.6 SOHC 16-valve Single Carb FWD. 5 speed manual. It generates 64kw@6000rpm of max power, Torque: 125Nm@3100rpm.


Above: Unique Pop-up headlights. BELOW: Nicely sculpted Dashboard.


Before I sign off, here's a Parting shot... (Side profile)


An Original Jeff Lim's Production (My Original Work). Thanks for having the time and patience to read this...

Air Conditioner Not Working

My Peugeot 206 air conditioner failed today. When I turned on the air conditioner's switch, the blower fan did not turn, but the compressor turned. That means the switch is working fine and the blower fan is probably dead. I took out the blower fan and tested it with another 12V power supply. The blower fan works. Hmm... I thought there must be something dead between the blower fan and the switch. Looking into the blower fan compartment, I saw the resistor. I took that out and tested it with a multimeter. The resistor works. Hmm... looking closer at the wiring, I found a burned connector. Ah ha! That's the problem. Gotta fix that!

The instructions for taking them out.

Open the glove box.

Remove the cover by pulling it out.

Remove 7 screws.

Push compartment down and under the dashboard.

Locate the blower fan. Disconnect the power supply.

Rotate blower fan clockwise and pull it out.

The blower fan.

Pull out the cover and remove the dust inside.

The Peugeot 206 blower fan resistor.

Rotate the resistor to release it and pull it out gently.

The resistor with the shield removed.

The one burned pin in the connector.

Retrieve the connector from the top of the dashboard.
Remove the clock and warning lights first.

Pull the connector out.

The burned pin (front red wire) that goes to the blower fan.
The red wire behind goes to "Speed 4" on the fan speed knob.
Both red wires are actually always connected inside the blower fan resistor.
So the burned pin can be removed and the fan wire reconnected to the "Speed 4" wire.

The blower fan wire reconnected to the "Speed 4" wire with a butt splice connector.

The wires back into the connector.
Put everything back in reverse order.
The air conditioner now works normally.