Mong Kit's birthday

02/08/2009 - Mong Kit's birthday!!!

We were having a little party for MK. First, we had sushi at Kizuna in Ipoh Garden. Nice sumptuous meal all paid by my sister. :=) I wanted to chip in too but can't afford to as I have not got a job yet. Still having to slog for keeps. ;=)

After that, we went for Karaoke in Ipoh Parade. I never sing much but MK's sister was the star of the night. She incredibly sang almost every available hit songs. Most of all, she did it with ease, so professional. :P Here are some pictures taken during her birthday:

Giving up my dream

I have not worked for almost 5 months now. Life has been rather idle as I wait for the result of entry clearance application. Fellow friends, I have given up hope to work in the UK. Suprised? o_O". Well, please don't be. After careful consideration and much contemplation, I have finally decided to stay here in sweet home Malaysia.

Well, what to do as I am a homely type of person. Enjoys staying with family members more than anything else. Looking back at my journey, I enjoyed every single bit of it. Life will be monotonous if I have not decided to travel about with the working holiday visa. At least, I experienced working life in the UK and travelled across places like Barcelona, Rome and etc. Most of all, I was baptised in the UK and learned so much about Christianity there.

Went for interview last week with my ex company Unisem. It went smoothly but the interviewer requires someone who is hands on and able to work independantly without assistance. Too bad I stopped working in the semicon field for a couple of years, so I failed. Another coming interview this Friday. Pray that I can have a smooth one again this time. Feeling a little desperate at this point, desperation for a job after enjoying 'honeymoon' for almost 6 months. Wow! Almost 6 months of idleness.

Unexpected turn of events!

First I received a 5 years work permit which I can use for entry clearance (or visa) application back in Malaysia. You bet I was overwhelmed when hearing the good news. You probably think why I reacted that way, am I over reacting? Work permit was abolished since the great revamp of the UK immigration system in November 08. Instead of the old system, a new point based system was introduced which make things tougher for employers to hire foreign workers (non EU citizens). Employer is required to submit proof of effective HR system and if successful will receive a sponsorship license. Only then a certificate of sponsorship can be issued to potential foreign employees for application to enter UK for work. I was glad to receive a work permit even after the implementation the new system. I must thank the company solicitor for applying before November 08, thus enabling the issuance of the permit.

Next, I travelled back to Malaysia in hope of a smooth visa application process. However, I was shocked when the British High Commission refused to grant clearance just because I separated what was already a perforated work permit. I detached the top portion of the work permit while in the UK assuming it is just a letter head to the addressee and it's remaining being the work permit. Sadly, I was wrong! Even so, I will not cut my hands for being funny separating the important document. Can I appeal since there is no written warning or condition printed on the work permit to indicate it being void if separated? No!! Due to this unfortunate event, I had to postpone my return flight back which cost me around RM 300, also as the visa fee is not refundable, a further RM 1161. At this point, I asked if God really wants me stay in Malaysia instead of UK. All sorts of possibility appeared as I get over this problem.

I was totally devastated, losing all hopes of pursuing my career in the UK. There is almost 0% possibility of securing a replacement work permit ever since the implementation of new system. Thanks be to God! After much prayer, it was finally answered. I will receive a replacement work permit!!! Yay!!! Thanks to my company solicitor for constantly harrasing UKBA (United Kingdom Border Agency). I take this opportunity to thank all those who prayed for me. God is good!

Once again, I will be travelling down to KL next week for the application. Please keep praying for me. I do hope for a better turn of events than the last. Let us see what He has planned for me this time. It is always great to witness God's awesome plan. What ever the decision, whether it be in UK or Malaysia, I will follow closely for I trust He has a plan for me.