CHUA KOK KENG aka "Durian Keng"
Mood:  special
Topic: January Birthdays
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KOK KENG! 10.01.2005 Sorry to have overlooked the date, but I'm gonna make it up to you next time we meet in Malacca (during durian season!). Our MACSian King of Durians had gone M.I.A. during Chinese New Year and we surely missed his jovial, enthusiastic fun ways. For those who have not had the opportunity to savour Kok Keng's wonderful durian fruits, make it a point to visit his orchard near Bukit Katil next season.

Keng's durian orchard is a favourite destination for MACSians and other durian lovers everyday during the durian season!

Check out this BBC Poll: 50 things to eat before you die - Durians listed at no. 42

Return to MACSian71 Home Page

HAPPY 51st BIRTHDAY, BAYEN LOK AH LEK ! (28.01.05)
Mood:  happy
Topic: January Birthdays

Congratulations! Many Happy Returns of the Day! Our elder MACSian, Bayen Lok Ah Lek is 51 today. Older, no doubt wiser and in his own words, "I have mellowed these years and since coming back to God, I am not more what I used to be. To be frank I am glad to be back and I appreciate little things more and happy with what I have. God has been good to me. Nearly die from a very nasty accident". As many may remember, Ah Lek was one of the most prolific e-mail writers in the loop, up to 5 mails in a day, touching on many a varied subject - friendship, life, religion (need I remind?), business, shooting, etc. You could really depend on him for a comment or an opinion. He's really quite quiet these days... the silence rather deafening! Anyway, I reprint (w/o permission) excerpts from his e-mails that probably best reflects the man:- "My life was hell when I went away and got myself into a mess while I was in West Germany with Hune Weng. Yes, those times, we had drinks, women & money but in the end it did not justify the people we have hurt and made them cry". "If we can accept the way we are, do our best and take a step backwards in any situation, we have won. God will be good to those who humble themselves and those who love without expecting anything in return". "Friendships are meant to last a life time. The expressed friendship between Kok Wee & Boon Leng can be a very gfood example for us to follow. Such great friendship & bonding, through thick & thin. Hurt and disagreements are meant to be forgiven & forgotten". "Just came back from Myanmar on Wednesday evening. Great to receive news on the reunion. As for your proposal, I am for it even if I cannot make it. Eventhough my flight to Cambodia is fixed on the 7th. June but who knows there may be changes". "I am with you all eventhough I cannot make it for the dinner. My flight to Cambodia is confirmed on the 7th. June. Will leave with a heavy heart. I was hoping that something may happen and the dates will be changed. Sorry hu, I am not coming because of my trip to Cambodia tetapi cakap banyak ya! Minta ma'af ya". "Hey Yunn Chii, I thought I was one of the most friendly guy in school. Looks may be deceiving, know". "I am fine and I am sure like the rest. Great to be reaching 50, being contented and with no more great desire to make another million. Time to slow down and enjoy life".
"My hope is that we all will have long healthy lives filled with peace and joy. Not necessary to have lots of money but good health and peace in the family". "As you have already guessed by now, I am running my own company dealing in Maids called Agensi Pekerjaan Elite Sdn Bhd and another company called R&R Manpower Sdn Bhd for recruiting foreign workers from Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Nepal, India and Indonesia. We also assist people their application & appeals. We act as their consultant in their manpower needs. For the maids, we supply maids from Indonesia, Cambodia and Philippines. This business is very competitive but boleh lah for two meals". "For example, the business I am in, my boss is offering anyone who introduces any company, factory or restaurant of any company that requires foreign workers an introduction fee of RM200.00 per head." "That is why I strongly feel that this opening can help certain friends who want to make an extra buck". "Mark, good work done on tracking so many. I feel a little bit sad about our friends who are no longer with us making me feel how much more I need to live to the fullest and doing His will".
"If we can accept the way we are, do our best and take a step backwards in any situation, we have won. God will be good to those who humble themselves and those who love without expecting anything in return". "Can actually go on writing and writing but will stop here for awhile. Need to go to office now".


Note: The above excerpts were unedited. Correction: Ah Lek was the most prolific e-mail writer in the loop! If his e-mails from April-Dec 2003 alone were compiled into a single document, it would be more than 40 pages long! I think the majority missed his comments & opinions, so Ah Lek, now that we have a blog, keep it coming!


>>Return to MACSian71 Home Page<<

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KOK WEE (1.01.05)
Mood:  happy
Topic: January Birthdays

Our Own New Year Baby of 1954
This post is dedicated to Chan Kok Wee, our tai-kor (big brother)! Many of us did not know that Kok Wee is a New Year's Day baby (he refused to supply his baby photo, so a substitute is in order!) and I'm sure you will all join me to wish him "Many Happy Returns!"










KW's Calling Card An outstanding insurance agent often said, "When you see me, do not think of insurance. But when you think of insurance, see me!" So do see Chan Kok Wee when you next ponder about some coverage. His 20+ years experience and his "here today, here tomorrow" attitude on support for clients will certainly be quite comforting to know.

Friendship
Kok Wee and Ng Yew Hong may possibly be amongst MACSians, the best example of lasting friendship, having forged and strengthened their relationship throughout all the years since primary school.