We’ve all felt it. That subtle shift in the air. The slightly-too-long pause after someone from   that   team speaks in a meeting. The knowing glances exchanged when certain names are mentioned. The quiet competition for resources that feels less about the project and more about proving a point. Welcome to the shadow world of workplace factions – the emergence of “us vs. them” sub-groups that can silently erode the foundations of even the most promising organizations. These factions aren’t always formal cliques with secret handshakes. More often, they’re invisible lines drawn between departments, project teams, locations, generations, or even just groups formed around different managers or leadership styles. It’s “Engineering vs. Marketing,” “Headquarters vs. Remote,” “The Old Guard vs. The New Hires,” or simply “My team vs. Your team.” Why Do Factions Emerge? It’s Human Nature… Amplified. At its core, it’s tribalism. Humans naturally gravitate towards groups they ident...

SOPAN SANTUN IS A MYTH. THEY DON’T EXIST. AT LEAST NOT IN MALAYSIA Let’s stop the charade. Let’s peel back the  baju kurung  of national self-delusion and stare, unblinking, at the uncomfortable truth we whisper in mamak stalls but deny in school assemblies:  Sopan santun is dead. If it  ever truly lived in this soil we call Malaysia – or its predecessor, Malaya – it was a ghost, a convenient fiction we told ourselves to feel civilised while chaos reigned just beneath the surface. We clutch  budi bahasa  and  adat istiadat  like ancestral amulets, polishing them for tourists and National Day speeches. We teach children elaborate greetings, the bending of backs, the intricate dance of titles ( Encik ,   Puan ,  Datuk ,  Datin, Tan Sri, Puan Sri ). We speak in hushed, reverent tones about “Eastern values,” contrasting them favourably with the “rude West.” It’s a beautiful narrative. And it is, largely,  a myth. Evidence? Open You...

Alright drivers, listen up. This isn’t optional reading. It’s essential. We need to talk about   zebra crossings   – those black and white stripes painted across the road you seem to blissfully ignore. Pedestrians are getting fed up, injured, and worse, because too many of you act like those stripes are just decoration. Enough is enough. Consider this your crash course (pun intended) in not being a hazard. The Problem: Ignorance Isn’t Bliss, It’s Dangerous We see it daily: someone patiently waiting at the kerb, foot poised, clearly wanting to cross. And what happens? Cars speed past. Or worse, a pedestrian  is  crossing, and cars weave around them or force them to run.  This isn’t just rude; it’s illegal, dangerous, and potentially deadly.  If you don’t know the rules, you shouldn’t be driving. Period. Authorities, this negligence demands action – education  and  strict enforcement. Zebra Crossing Basics: The Types You MUST Recognize The Classic Z...

The Art of Saying “No” Without Guilt: Reclaim Your Time and Energy The Constant “Yes” Trap You’re overwhelmed, overcommitted, and running on empty. Yet when a colleague asks for “just a quick favor,” or a friend begs you to join another event, you hear yourself say:  “Sure, I can handle it.”  Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Our instinct to please, avoid conflict, or appear capable often overrides our boundaries—leaving us resentful, exhausted, and powerless.  Why “No” Feels So Hard Guilt-driven compliance stems from deeper roots:  Fear of rejection  (“Will they like me less?”) Perceived selfishness  (“Good people always help”) Identity traps  (“I’m the reliable one”) Cultural conditioning  (Especially for women and caregivers) But every unplanned “yes” has hidden costs: missed family time, abandoned passions, burnout, and quiet resentment that poisons relationships.  The Mindset Shift: “No” as an Act of Integrity  Saying “no” isn’t sel...

What to Do If You Get Lost in the Wilderness: A Step-by-Step Survival Guide Introduction Even the most experienced adventurers can find themselves disoriented in the wild. Whether you’ve wandered off-trail, lost visibility in fog, or misjudged a route, staying calm and acting methodically is key to survival. This guide outlines practical steps to increase your safety, signal for help, and navigate your way back to familiarity—or stay safe until rescue arrives.   # 1. Stop and Stay Calm: Fight the Panic # The moment you realize you’re lost,  STOP :  S it down. T hink clearly. O bserve your surroundings. P lan your next move. Panic clouds judgment and wastes energy. Breathe deeply, and remind yourself that most lost hikers are found within 24 hours if they stay put.  Pro Tip : Recite a mantra like “I am prepared. I can handle this.” to steady your nerves.   # 2. Assess Your Situation # Check your gear : Do you have water, food, a map, a whistle, or a flashlight? N...