Outsourcing

The world is moving in such a pace that if we decided to take a break, we'll be left behind. Gone are the days where we can play rabbit and take a nap while waiting for the slow tortoise to catch up.

However, being the leader of the pack, we need to examine our strengths and positions to ensure that we do not strecth ourselves too much. In IT terminology, we shouldn't be paying too much for tomorrow's technologies.

Today, outsourcing is a very good way of not strecthing ourselves to the limit and yet being able to be on top of our game!

Outsourcing - The procuring of services or products from an outside supplier or manufacturer in order to cut costs.

A good example of this is from SHA, where we outsourced our internet service to an outside provider.

The Internet service for the SHA buildings are good, but only if it was about 5 years ago! It isn't competitive enough to survive in the Internet market. Hence, our value added service to the students have declined by the years in this aspect. In fact, I felt ashamed to answer if prospective tenants and tenants asked me about the Internet packages that we offered.

However, recently we just found out that we have given the tender to a different company to provide the Internet service to all our buildings.. From a rough briefing today, it's certainly a huge leap forward in providing better services to the tenants.

By outsourcing this service, SHA managed to save costs up to roughly $700,000 of hardware investments upgrading each of our buildings. Not to mention the running costs, overheads, etc.

The new services provided will certainly enable SHA to again claim the statement of providing "discount high speed broadband Internet".

Without outsourcing, all these wouldn't have been possible as I just couldn't imagine our company investing more than half a million upgrading the IT equipments in all of our buildings! We would probably still be stuck with dial up internet if it wasn't for outsourcing.

It's definitely a good news for the occupants of MiCasa8 as we'll enjoy maximum benefits of the new Internet services soon! The plans are yet to be released but I guess it will be a whole lot better than what it is now.

They do not have to go through Telstra for the ridiculuously expensive phone line connection ($>300.00) anymore~! Yay~!

MiCasa8 - Better Than Expected

As we near the end of the academic year, this normally means things are just going to get busier for us SHA! This year we sort of started earlier than previous years in doing what we normally would do, which is good news for those who are wanting to apply for SHA buildings.

Just a short update for all those people who are still interested and actively looking for MiCasa8's availability.

At the moment, I only have 7 apartments for rent for 2010. Yes, only 7!

The good news is, about another 100 or so students haven't confirmed their intention of vacating or renewing.

Phewww...? Not quite!!

I've just roughly checked through the figures, the numbers of renewing tenants outnumbered the number of vacating tenants by about 6:4.

So that means, roughly only another 40-50 apartments will become available for 2010.

Another bad news, I've tons of applications on my desk at the moment. Probably 80 or so?

You must be asking, "do I stand a chance? Is there a way to 'jump' the queue?".

Well, yes if your budget is over $300pw and No otherwise.

So good luck people! Be quick to secure it before it's all gone! Normally 2nd year building is the best! Not when it's brand new! :)

My advice to you all: when you apply, clearly state your budget!

Rental Pricing for MiCasa8 for 2010

MiCasa8 - The Best of the Best - Student Only Accommodation

Application for 2010 is now open!! The moment everyone has been waiting for...be QUICK or you'll regret it!!

Luxury studio and one bedroom apartments. The Ultimate in Student Accommdation.

Ideally located on the corner of Swanston and Pelham Street, Carlton; within walking distance to Melbourne University, RMIT and City Centre.

Parks, City Bath, Victoria Market; and Lygon Street Restaurants only minutes away, either walking or via tram at door.

This security entry complex of fully furnished units features a mix of studio and one bedroom apartments, most with balconies and city views.

Dual lift access to all floors.

Apartments comprise kitchen with gas cooking and microwave, each with modern private bathroom, study area, built in robe, air conditioning and heating.

Inventory includes all cutlery and crockery, bed, study desk and chair.

Flat screen TV in apartment and free Asian satellite channels.

Gas usage included in the rent.

Double bed in most apartments. However, only one student per apartment.

Communal laundry onsite, plus common lounge areas and bicycle storage.

Student discount High speed broadband internet connection available.

12 levels of 219 stylish and modern student apartments.


Price Ranges:
Level 1 - 2 = $250 per week to $325 per week for a twelve month lease.

Level 3 - 4 = $270 per week to $295 per week for a twelve month lease.

Level 5 - 6 = $290 per week to $305 per week for a twelve month lease.

Level 7 - 8 = $295 per week to $315 per week for a twelve month lease.

Level 9 - 10 =  $315 per week to $325 per week for a twelve month lease.
Level 11 - 12 = $325 per week to $340 per week for a twelve month lease.

MiCasa8 - 2009 Victorian Awards

Guess what!

What?!

The building I managed has just won 2 awards in the prestigous Victorian Architecture Awards 2009!

The Canada Hotel Redevelopment by Hayball is a double winner, honoured with the Best Overend Award for residential architecture (multiple housing) and the esteemed Melbourne Prize.

This student accommodation project on Swanston Street impressed the jury by “skilfully integrating the existing fabric as the new 13-storey tower hovers over the original hotel building”. Those who regurgitate criticism of high density housing are advised by the jury to visit this solution which “greatly enriches its urban precinct”.

http://www.architecture.com.au/i-cms?page=13023
http://www.theage.com.au/national/all-the-awards-20090710-dg5g.html


It's all good news for the developer, architect, owners and students living in there.

For your information, the vacancy rate for this building is nil. There'll be no vacancy until 2010! However, you can apply to be in the waiting lists in case we do have some lease breaks.

Thanks.

Public Holidays

It has got to a point that I'm quite afraid of public holidays, especially if it's just one day only. It's too short to plan anything nice and too long to just stay at home waiting for it to pass.

My wish is now to be able to start work around 9.30am or 10am in the morning and finish off later in the night. However, as long as I'm working where I am now, it's impossible.

Hopefully I'll be able to work something out within the next 12 months to fulfill my dream ahead. It won't be easy as I don't have super rich background financials to support my family. So God, please guide your servant!

Night Views of Docklands & Melbourne CBD

After I finish work at 5.30pm today, I quickly rush to Docklands waterfront to take some shots of the sunset landscape of Melbourne. Knowing that the weather was sunny and a perfect day to do some sunset shots. Won't get too many of those days in Melbourne!

I nearly couldn't catch the sunset as it was expected to set at 5.45pm, I reach there around 5.50pm due to the traffic. Anyway, it's still OK. I got to try out my new tripod!!

Enjoy some of the shots below:

Works Related Distractions?

Source: Herald Sun

INTERNET-surfing workers relax: employees who regularly sneak a peek at Facebook or shop online could be boosting their productivity.

Melbourne University's Dr Brent Coker says workers who surf the internet for leisure, known as 'Workplace Internet Leisure Browsing' (WILB), are more productive than those who don't.

A study of 300 employees found 70 per cent of people who used the internet at work engaged in WILB.

"People who do surf the internet for fun at work - within a reasonable limit of less than 20 per cent of their total time in the office - are more productive by about nine per cent than those who don't,'' said Dr Coker, from the university's Department of Management and Marketing.

"Firms spend millions on software to block their employees from watching videos on YouTube, using social networking sites like Facebook or shopping online under the pretence that it costs millions in lost productivity. However that's not always the case.''

Reading online news sites and searching for product information were rated among the most popular WILB activities, while playing online games and watching YouTube movies also ranked high.

And if workers need an excuse for the lapse, they can put it down to a lack of concentration.

"People need to zone out for a bit to get back their concentration. Think back to when you were in class listening to a lecture - after about 20 minutes your concentration probably went right down, yet after a break your concentration was restored,'' Dr Coker said.

"It's the same in the workplace.

"Short and unobtrusive breaks, such as a quick surf of the internet, enables the mind to rest itself, leading to a higher total net concentration for a day's work, and as a result, increased productivity.''

But he warned excessive time spent surfing the internet could have the reverse effect.

"Approximately 14 per cent of internet users in Australia show signs of internet addiction - they don't take breaks at appropriate times, they spend more than a 'normal' amount of time online, and can get irritable if they are interrupted while surfing.

"WILB is not as helpful for this group of people - those who behave with internet addiction tendencies will have a lower productivity than those without.'

Retrenchments & Churches

1 in 10 people worldwide are jobless according to the latest sources.

Now, it's a very serious thing. Just go to Swanston street now, and look around you. There might be 50 of more people unemployed!!

The question pondering on my mind is, what are churches doing about it?

Are we providing any assistance in terms of physical, financial or emotional support for those who are affected? What're the churches' role in such crisis?

Apart from saying, we'll be praying for you to get another job soon, what can do we practically to cushion the impact of retrenchments?

As for myself, I've known 2 friends of mine who has been retrenched. One of them recently purchased a house and now has a loan to worry about. Apart from that, I have numerous friends who are still actively looking for jobs.

I can't do much as I have limited resources myself. I'm trying to introduce them to companies where I heard are looking to hire staffs, encouraging them to take up short courses to further polish their skills, etc. This is on individual basis only.

As a church, we could have the power to do more but have we exercised our strength to?

Churches must not distant itself from the world when crisis has hit and then come back to parade loudly for everyone to come to Christ when things are going smoothly. We must get rid of this hypocritical actions.

I'm not saying NONE of the churches are doing anything. I know some are and I thank God for that. However, in general, churches need to step, know their roles and contribute back to the society!

In some countries, governments and political parties have stepped up their effort in assisting those affected. When & how will God's people step up?

MiCasa8 - Building Launch

On 24th March 2009, MiCasa8 was officially launched by the Hon. Justin Madden, who is the current Victorian Minister for Planning.


The event started early in the morning at 7.30am on the MiCasa8 location (131 Pelham Street). It was filled with more than 70 guests from various top companies like HayBall, Choice Capital, BMT & Assocs, etc etc.

Here're some of the photos I took on the day. (I keep my low profile as the property manager and showed up as a photographer instead!)

MiCasa8, the new benchmark for Student Accomodation ;)

Incomplete Business

As the days gone by, MiCasa8 has slowly developed itself into a "great wander" of the Student Accommodation world. Initially, when I first went there, I thought...sigh...this doesn't look good at all.

Small strange entry on the side instead of Swanston Street, wierd designs, etc. Sorry, I'm not an Art person if you haven't already realised that.

These days, the building is in a better condition with theatre room nearly completion as well. Although we're not there yet, it's definitely looking on the right path to be a great piece of work.
This also reminds me on what the Bible has said about God laid the foundation for us. We, as Christians need to work hard to finish the works. Without it, I'm not saying God's works will never be complete or hindered, I'm saying we'll not be able to witness the greatness of God's works in our lives.

Likewise, for MiCasa8, the process seems a long one. With completion due before Christmas, before mid January, and now middle of March and we are not there yet! One day, it'll be done and that day, it'll amaze us of what a big difference it'll be.

We all need to learn to be obedient and patient in following Jesus. The journey is long and seems never ending, generations and generations have passed by, dusts to dusts, however, whoever holds on to their faith in Christ will prevail as victor.

Let God's spirit work in us, for us to be like Christ.

Or do you want to be a pile of unfinished masterpiece?

Sabtu Yang Hitam

Sudah 7 jam berlepas tetapi saya tidak tahu apakah yang sedang saya buat di sini? Sepatutnya sibuk sangat kerana masa ini ialah "peak time".

Tetapi saya duduk di depan komputer memandang monitor, membaca laman web dan juga blog. Di rumah bukankah lebih selesa, kenapa saya masih di sini macam orang yang telah makan tak ada kerja lain untuk buat!

Sekarang keadaan saya bagaikan zaman manusia yang masih ada hamba. Bekerja tanpa gaji! Kejamnya saya punya atasan.

Semua orang ingat bahawa Sabtu lepas ialah sabtu hitam kerana api yang menghaguskan rimba rimba di Victoria. Hari ini ialah Sabtu yang gelap bagi saya.

Cepatlah pukul 5.30pm! Saya mahu balik ke rumah!!

p/s: Lama tak gunakan BM, sudah berkarat! Haha!

Retrenchments & Redundancy

Workers around the world has been suffering from pre-, present and post- retrenchment stress. No longer just a small portion of workers affected but the numbers affected exceeds millions worldwide.

Speaking about retrenchments, redundancy is also a word that do not distant itself from retrenchments.

Retrenchment is more like cutting costs/something because they have no other options.

Redundancy is more like excessive or something extra thus not needed.

It's amazing how Christians have made themselves redundant these days in the world. Gone are the days where Christians are needed to run schools, hospitals and care centres. What are the significance of Christians in the world today?

I believe a lot of Christians worldwide do not know that they're redundant or do not care if they're redundant. The impact of redundant Christians has greater adverse effects on the society. Governments and professional organisations are taking over what used to be Christianity's cup of tea.

However, governments are starting to struggle to keep up with the social concerns demands. The hard works of a volunteer is always much greater than a full time professionals whose aim is more financially motivated.

Governments around the world are spending billions and billions of dollars to help those who are retrenched or those sectors affected by recession. What about us? How much effort are we willing to put in? What can Christian leaders do to help make Christians become irredundant? What can churches do to help rectify the damages it has created?

One thing is for sure, we need to keep equipping ourselves to keep abreast if not, ahead with the world's need.

When should we start? NOW.....

CLMC has a big challenge ahead with new pastor & theological students. With so many things ahead, it's very important to focus on the important things first then going forward step by step.

Again, everything is good but not everything is right or beneficial at the moment. We need wisdom to determine which is our top priorities.

Will we be really be the beacon of light to the City of Melbourne or will we further make ourselves redundant in this ever growing Melbourne City?

Is It Really Free?

Was just discussing some topics tonight and this phrase came out of my mind, not claiming any credit for it :P

Nothing comes free or cheap, it's at the costs of others

We, as typical Asians, are bargain hunters. We like to see the word "Mega Sales", "Closing down sales", and best of all "FREE"! Our eyes will hardly notice words like "Charity", "Donations" and not to mention "volunteer work".
But how many times do we ever think of how others are affected by the free or cheaper things? Do we ever care or know the consequences of others?

Imagine these few scenarios:
1. For fundraising purposes, they offer free BBQ hot dogs. Most Asians would just go for the hot dogs and ignore other stuffs for donations!
2. Shop has very few customers though we like the stuffs inside. We just wouldn't buy it. We wait for the "Closing down" sales to take advantage of the cheaper price.

The organiser or owner are bearing all the costs of the "free" or "discounted" items. They're either cutting profit or making a loss. So, in a way, I pity them.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not encouraging your to buy expensive items and feel good about it. There're unscrupulous businessmen out there trying to con consumers by baiting high retail prices.

It's totally up to your own judgement to see whether those things are worth the price or not. If it's worth the price, buy it and support them. Don't keep bargaining for the price. Be smart in making decisions.

Think about it, they need to make a living too. Don't squeeze the life out of them.

Deakin Students Find It Hard

Read on the local newspaper in Box Hil today about how Deakin University students are finding it hard to get accommodations around their campus.


This kinda took me by surprise as I read it. Sure, we have read about homeless students around the City that got evicted by Melb Uni not too long ago, and how students are cramping themselves into a house or even a room.

As far as I know, our office in Hawthorn has plenty of new properties available in the Burwood areas. Just a rough search on SHA's website shows a total of 73 apartments available from the Hawthorn office.

73 is not a lot but it's also not too little. However, I don't think the number of homeless students are even more than 5? If I'm not mistaken, the properties are going slowly there, not as fast as the City's properties.

A lot of time it's the students expectation of what to pay for the rent. A lot of them are still expecting $100 or $150pw for an accommodation. For house sharing, sure you can get that however for your own fully furnished self contained apartments, you'll be looking above the $200pw mark in that area. You get what you pay for, basically.

Education agents or information given by the Universities also play an important in educating or preparing the students' expectation of living costs in Melbourne.

On a side note, today a girl complained against me claiming I give her bad service. Well, here's the story in short form:

1. She sent in application but incomplete (missing a passport copy)
   
   
2. I sent her an email requesting for a copy to be sent to me ASAP.
   
   
3. It took her a few days before she finally scanned a copy to me.
   
   
4. Great, but all apartments have been leased as I've a lot more complete applications waiting to be processed.
   
   
5. Told her the bad news, she claimed I'm doing a crap job for not holding an apartment for her.
   
   
6. Someone cancelled her application, informed her of an availability of an apartment on the first floor (not ground). It's a bigger size apartment at the same rent she's asking for.
   
   
7. She didn't want to accept and demanded I give her something on level 11 or 12.
   
   
8. Told her, I have nothing else and I'm giving her priority for the one in level 1. She rejected and claimed I've done a lousy service for her. Wrote bad things, etc
   

Now, please be a judge of that, is that a bad service???

I've repeatedly told people through my blog, in office, in person, through my colleagues to put in complete applications. No one in SHA will process any incomplete applications.

However, people seems to think they're the VIP. They can do whatever they like and we are to follow or suit their preference. The "customer is always right" mentality. I really hate that 3rd world country mentality.

Well, luckily she didn't accept my offer and don't even think for a single second she'll be moving into MiCasa8. Phewwww~~~!!!!

The good news is, one of my tenant just said I'm the best agent she ever met! LOL!

Gotta admit my service is not at my best right now due to the number of people I've to go through daily. That statement just came at the right time to encourage me to give better services to every students. :)

Cute

Was driving to work today, saw something very cute! A cyclist carrying a LARGE dog!

Too bad I didn't have my SLR and my telephoto lens to zoom clearer. Can only blame Canon for so SLOW in sending me the redemption Canon bag!

I sent in the request on 5/1/09 and have not received anything up to now! Only received an email about 15/1/09 saying they confirmed to receive my receipts.

Arghh~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyway, just reward myself with a new Sigma 10-22mm lens! Costs me $716.67 but it's still a pretty good bargain! Ebay is selling it 2nd hand around $675.00 starting bid + $25 delivery. Rather pay $17 extra for brand new with warranty.

Uni Students -> Glory Days?

Most people would regard their University days as their glory days or golden era, where their self confidence are on record high (For most!). Subsequently for some, this would degenerate like any great empire would after a period of time. Though, some great ones would be even better than before.

As they gone from Uni life to working life, they soon realised things aren't as simple or easy as it seems. When they thought they knew half the text book, they actually knew less than 1/10th.

However, these days I'm doubting their glory days would be in their Uni days. Students these days don't know much at all. Topics ranging from general knowledge to basic medical information, public transport to cars, and A-Z.

What I found out recently from my apartment, MiCasa8 is that University students do not even know how to use an intercom! I would say 7/10 students complained that the intercom is faulty, which of course made me think it was really faulty.

Never had I have so many people complaining about something in common has broken down, not even for hot water systems!

In the end, I found out that students do not know how to use an intercom! What they did was, they just press the unit number but didn't press the "key" button. Alamak! Ini bukanlah susah sangat! Aiyo yo! (Gosh, this isn't rocket science!).

Initially, I thought OK, maybe no clear instructions given so that's why they all made silly mistakes. Today, I went to have a look at the intercom system and guess what....

Instruction is as clear as it could be....If this is when students are at their best, I would be really worried about tomorrow's leader.

MiCasa8 Preview II

Few months have gone by. The building is STILL not 100% completed yet. Oh well, what can you expect from a new building!

Defects list has gone skyrocket as well. Thankfully students are pretty patient about it. :)

Here're some photos from an apartment on level 8.



Views from level 8

P/s: This is not taken from my SLR camera, just the office digital camera :P

Micasa8 Update II

Good news, the laundry is up and running now though some fittings aren't completed in the laundry. Nonetheless, good news for the residents as they can now wash and dry their clothes!

The costs is $4.00 per wash and $3.00 for drying. The washing costs is slightly higher than I'd expected but because they put a larger and heavy duty washing machine in there, can't blame them.

Most of the apartments are done as well with a few remaining to be completed.

Have received plenty of good feedback of the building even though it's still in completing stages! Can't wait for the building to be fully completed.

Some comments include:

I feel like staying in a hotel

I haven't stayed in a place where I really felt like home in Melbourne

Very nice & special

Like it very much

By the way, I'm hoping for the Government to give out the $950 cash for us. With that, I can buy a nice lens and take nicer photos of the building!

Excuse Me

This week has been one of the hottest week in Victoria for nearly 100 years! So, it's not unexpected for people's temper and impatience to be off the charts.

Even in the intense heat, I've been working for long hours this week just to get my stuffs back on schedule and clearing my backlogs. Thankfully our office is A/C-ed but pity my colleagues on 1st floor because the A/C wasn't working!

This week, I had 2 bitches came in and spoilt my mood. Both of them are from the mainland if you know what I mean! Bloody annoying! I'll mark them as "DO NOT RENEW", don't worry! They're just bloody ungrateful selfish bitches who cares about no one but their own good.

I Kept making the same mistake in giving apartments to very pushy students sometimes. A few I've rejected, somehow just missed out a few! They are a real pain in the butt. Enough is enough. Next pushy tenant, their applications go straight to the bin!

Luckily I've a few nice tenants as well, that helps break it even! Otherwise, I'll be tossing them out of my office!

By the way, for most of you applicants out there, here is a news about MiCasa8, 131 Pelham Street: Due to the delay of the buildings and some owners in returning essential documents, we'll have some cheaper apartments becoming available soon! So put in your application (again I stressed: complete application) quick! The cheaper apartments will be given 1st priority to those who applied, not for those who are just enquiring but have not applied! Plus, don't be a bitch or an asshole!

VIC Vacancy Rates

Sources: REIV
Date: 23/01/2009

REIV CEO Enzo Raimondo said that the REIV December rental vacancy report showed that 2008 ended the way it started for renters with the vacancy rate at around 1% for most of the year.

Mr Raimondo said the Melbourne rental vacancy rate for December was 1.2 per cent, up slightly from November when it was 1.1 per cent.

"With interest rates dropping substantially over the past few months and house price growth slowing should make conditions easier for renters who are contemplating the move to buying a home.

"REIV research shows that within Melbourne area, the inner city was once again the most difficult place to find a rental property with a vacancy rate of 1 per cent for property within 10km of the CBD.

With the rental market so tight, people are fighting their ways into securing an apartment. Some offered higher rents, rents paid 6 months or 1 year in advance, etc.

Depending on areas, some people are left out. For example, in the CBD and inner city (<2km), most locals are losing to the international students in terms of renting. However, anything over 2km, it seems the locals still has more advantage over international students.

A few reasons to it. One of them is because International students can push the rent higher and willing to do so, which increases the yield of return for the investment properties. In the suburbs, landlords are more mindful of their properties so they wish to be better rental reference tenants in there. International students mostly do not have a rental reference yet.

In fact, we noticed quite a number of International students coming back to apply to stay in Student Accomodation this year. Mostly 2nd, 3rd and Masters students. Have not seen much of the 1st years, probably because they didn't know how tight the market is!