It’s been a week of madness since I got back from Japan. Following the PC to wrap ‘H’ Factor and announce my move, I have not had the chance to breathe. *laugh* Literally. And before I flew out of KL on Saturday morning, I hadn’t slept in 72 hours. Zombie  indeed. *laugh* I’m spending this week in KK for work before I fly off to Manila, Bangkok and straight to Japan in January 2009. Year-ends are always the busiest period but I guess in some ways being busy this year-end is good, because it helps take my mind off the fact that I’m actually moving… that way I don’t feel so sad…   

Sad for having to be so far from the people most significant to me... yet I’m actually rather excited to spend the next 2 years trying to expand my base regionally and at the same time open more doors for our talented Malaysian youth to venture into the Japanese market. The business expansion to Japan will be a paradigm shift for me as I challenge myself to share the government’s vision of building the K-economy, which among other things involves the proper application of knowledge and ICT.  

Well, brave move, some may say. Crazy is what others think. Yet, I believe this challenge I’ve set for myself will lead to a pivotal point in my life and career – a paradigm shift. I want to see how far I can take the HannahTan brand, one which I believe is truly Malaysian. I have so much to learn and a long LONGGGG way to go before I achieve something really significant with the brand but I believe that with all the hard work put in together with the support from all you wonderful people, a difference can be made. *smile* 

I’m inspired by visionaries like Zang Toi, Dato Michelle Yeoh, Dato Jimmy Choo, Dato Tony Fernandes and many more who have taken the initiative to create the global visibility for our country through the pioneering of a brand for themselves, in their respective fields. The power to make the difference for our country is not just in the hands of our political leaders. It’s in each and every one of us. Just like an enzyme, it catalyses the reaction, but what we choose to do with it is entirely up to us. *smile* 

Regional expansion. Why Japan, many ask?

Well, I believe that there’s so much to learn from Japan as world leaders in digitech innovations and now, entertainment. With the new wave of anime spreading across Europe and US, it is only evident that Asians have what it takes to lead in that sector. Malaysia being an Asian hub for creative content and entertainment is not impossible, yet it isn’t going to happen overnight. By doing what we can as individuals, we can make the difference for our country, one contribution at a time. I pray that more young Malaysians will undertake the challenge of equipping themselves as the K-generation, and consequently strive to contribute to Malaysia’s GDP in whatever way we can. *smile* 

Instead of waiting on the government to spoon-feed us with the corresponding information and infrastructure to build the relevant skills, why don’t we take the proactive option of acquiring what we can by maximizing our existing resources, regardless of how insignificant others may think it is? It doesn’t hurt to start small but it hurts to think small. 

My question to you guys is how you think you’ll be able to contribute to the K-economy? *wink* Share your thoughts with me k… *smile* 

xxx

Media release available at http://www.hannahtan.com/index.php/20081215163/Latest/Media-Release-for-Hannah-Tan-s-Move-to-Japan/

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What do you guys think about this? *grin*

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It was my day off from work on Sunday so I had the luxury of sleeping in and completing a good whole 8-hour sleep cycle for the very first time in months! *grin* For once my body felt fully rested and relaxed. Haha. Feeling fresh and rejuvenated that morning, I decided to head out and explore the city on foot. It was too nice a weather not to be out walking. *laugh* 

I’m an hour ahead of you BTW, but during winter, the sun goes down by 5pm here in Japan. At 6pm, it goes completely dark, but with the lights, it looks even better. Haha. Check this out!

Ok ladies, a must see in Tokyo for you especially would be Shibuya 109, the ‘Sungei Wang’ of Tokyo. Hehe. The latest in Japanese pop-culture fashion at affordable prices (although it’s still pretty expensive after conversion…!). There are 7 floors of fashion outlets so you can literally spend hours shopping your wallets off! Boyfriends, beware! Haha… Oh but guys, there’s a men’s section to it too. Pretty funky clothes ya… *wink* 

Oh and as usual, my day is NEVER complete without FOOD!!!! Hehe. Enjoy! *wink* 

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I miss you guys! Oh god it feels so good to be writing on the blog again. It’s been a busy week in Tokyo but things are looking pretty good for the start of 2009. Japan, here I come!!! Hehe.

Sunrise from the plane on the way to Japan

I hope all of you are keeping well and good. Time sure does fly. Too fast, in fact. Or is it just me? *laugh* I’m hoping to be back soon, beginning of December, to get things sorted at home-base Malaysia before the big transition in January. I’m going to miss the local Malaysian food…  =(

my cosy hotel room *smile*

computer TV!

 

  same view by night

Oh and despite it being winter, the weather here is beautiful. Cold, yet sunny. Probably because it’s still in the transition phase. I can’t wait to spent my first spring in Tokyo next year. Cherry blossom season… *grin*

an escaped King Kong? Haha...

Food-wise, I’m having a ball here. There’s ikura everywhere! In big portions too! Hehe… The Japanese can really eat. *laugh*

ikura unlimited!

big portions!!!

More pictures and updates coming to you soon, hopefully tomorrow as I spend my day off from work exporing the city. Ladies, I'll try to cover some of the local fashion for you k? *wink* Meantime, have a great weekend and thank you for praying for me. *smile* God bless you all! Big hugs!

xxx

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