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Libraries Are Not Loot Rooms; They Are Lore

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Few days ago, as I attended one of the prestigious conference for information professionals or in other words, Librarians, the CONSAL XIX (2025). This event was made even prestigious with the arrival of Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister to give his words…. katanya “morning lecture” – boleh refer sini untuk Text Ucapaan YAB Perdana Menteri Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Perdana Menteri Malaysia ke-10, sempena ucaptamanya pada majlis tersebut.

Ok. Let us return to the main text of this post.

As a librarian, a gamer (currently lost between Diablo 4 dungeons, the wait for Borderlands 4, and the weird beauty of Lost in Random), and a father navigating homework, and monthly Grab fees, I felt this one deep. And let me tell you, he did not come in with a generic speech. He came in like an endgame Boss (Level: 💀💀💀) dropping wisdom bombs.

Here is my take.

Libraries Are Not Side Quests

PMX said it straight, libraries are not decorative add-ons. They are the main storyline in any nation that wants to stand tall and think big. He spoke of Alexandria and Baitul Hikmah like they were real-life equivalents of knowledge guild halls. Places where people did not just collect scrolls — they built worlds.

Librarians Are Not Just Bookkeepers

According to PMX, we should not just be stamping books and sorting Dewey decimals. Librarians should be creators of curiosity. The Architects of thought as he shared a story of a librarian who faxed him book reviews late at night. Gitulah, kami mmg suka buat orang suka dan gembira. Melampau ke? Pada orang lain, mungkin namun itulah dia kind of passion that keeps the light on when the world is too tired to read.

Books Are Magic Spells That Still Work

Quoting Carl Sagan, PMX reminded us that books allow you to enter the mind of someone who has been gone for thousands of years.

“A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic. A book is a flat object made from a tree, with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you’re inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking, clearly and silently, inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs.”

Dalam speech dia, tak la dia amik bulat2 kata si Carl Sagan ni, aku pon tak tahu pasal dia hinggalah pada saat mendengar ucapannya. So aku buat la sedikit research untuk lebih tahu akan Carl Sagan ni. Seorang ahli astronomi, astrofizik, penulis, dan penyampai ilmu sains dari Amerika yang terkenal kerana berjaya mendekatkan konsep alam semesta kepada orang ramai dengan cara yang puitis. (kira banyak membaca juga PM kita ni)

Think about that. That is more powerful than any portal gun or corrupted rune. That is real time travel (tapi kena mau ada daya imiginasi yg power la) with no loading screen.

We Need to Buff Our Reading Culture

PMX called it out. People skim headlines, read two tweets, and suddenly everyone is an expert. This is not sustainable. (Macam expert dekat Social Media tu, setiap event mesti ada pakar). Without reading, we do not get democracy. We do not get critical thinking. We get noise. And rage. And conspiracy theory uncles in WhatsApp groups, TikTok (aku shaking ni….), Facebook dan pelbagai.

Digital Is Cool. But Use It With Intention

He is not against tech. He supports digital libraries, mobile access, even podcasts. But he warns, tech should not replace depth. In Borderlands, you can get a new weapon. But unless you understand how to use it, mod it, and build around it — it is just clutter.

Same goes for digital tools. Do not just chase trends. Use what helps you think deeper.

Library itu entiti yg hidup dan haruslah dianggap begitu selamanya

PMX had a simple request: stop wrapping books in plastic and locking them away. Books are not artifacts. They are living ideas. They should be touched, read, argued over. If your library is just a quiet place with air conditioning, you are doing it wrong.

Ini kita boleh lihat dekat beberapa sekolah yg tidaklah perlu saya namakan di sini. Buku itu perhiasaan dan bahan pameran. Buku jika serupa belacan adalah buku yg bagus.

Final Word: We Are the Keepers of Lore

PMX closed by reminding us that libraries are ecosystems of culture and connection. They are where thinking happens, not just storing.

And librarians? We are more than shelf guards.

We are lorekeepers. Quest givers. Map readers. Sometimes clerics. Sometimes tanks. Always there to help someone level up, quietly, persistently.

So the next time someone says “Library? Got Google what…”

Remind them:

Even in Diablo, you need scrolls.
Even in Borderlands, lore matters.
And in real life? Books still save people.

One page at a time.

Filtered Data? Don’t Just SUM It Up. SUBTOTAL It

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Good day, folks!

Today I learned something about Excel — and yes, maybe some of you dah lama tahu… but sharing is caring, and learning never ends (especially when you’re a librarian, dad, gamer, and accidental spreadsheet warrior).

So here’s the situation:

You use =SUM() to total up your data.
Then you apply a filter.
But… the total doesn’t change.
Why? Because SUM() includes everything — even rows you hid from your guilt.

At first glance, both SUM and SUBTOTAL show the same result — the total from the ‘Reporting_Period_Total’ row.

Enter: Copilot. (See: This is how AI improves your puny human existence and makes you a more worthwhile version of yourself.)

Copilot said:

“Encik… if you want your totals to reflect only visible, filtered data — use SUBTOTAL().”

Boom. Enlightenment. SUBTOTAL is basically SUM’s smarter sibling. It knows when to recalculate based on what you actually want to see — the visible rows.

Apply a filter, and you’ll see the difference — SUM counts everything, even the hidden stuff. SUBTOTAL? It plays fair and totals only what’s visible.

Example:
Let’s say you’re tracking sales in column B (B2 to B100):

=SUBTOTAL(109, B2:B100)

And yes… what is this mystical 109?
It’s a code — an operation indicator. In this case, 109 = SUM only visible rows.
It’s like function within a function — Excel’s version of Inception.

Here are more codes in the SUBTOTAL family:

  • 101 → Average
  • 102 → Count
  • 104 → MAX
  • 105 → MIN

So next time you’re slicing data like Amara punches psychos in Borderlands 3 — don’t just SUM(). SUBTOTAL() like a boss.

Milo in one hand. Filtered data in the other.
We move.

Training Month, But Make It Personal

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Some people attend training to learn new skills.

I attend training to survive life with better patch notes.

This month, I’m:

  • Attending CONSAL XIX 2025, where we’re talking about inclusive knowledge and bridging divides.
  • Marking PETRONAS Training Week, because let’s face it, we all need a few updates.
  • Managing a house with a leaking roof, a freshly repaired gearbox, and three kids who ask harder questions than most interviews.
  • Still sneaking in time to play Amara the Siren on Borderlands, because even librarians need to punch something… astrally.

Training isn’t just about job performance.

It’s about life performance.

And I’ll take all the XP I can get in this current boss level called Adulthood.

Life Is Difficult. But At Least We’re Not Playing on Nightmare Mode

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Tiada sapa yg kasi tahu bahawasanya hidup ni macam Video Game. Life is just like video game, with some catch la…

Except the boss fights are bills, your health bar is sleep, and your main quest is explaining to your kids why Internet, Roblox, MineCraft are not basic human right.

I used to think life would be like Mario. You run, you jump, you collect coins. Senangkan? Loncat situ, loncat sini, makan Cendawan (bukan cendawan yg tu ek!!!), selamatkan Tuan Puteri.. yadda yadda yadda.

Turns out it’s more like Doom. Takde tutorial. Pause button pon untuk tgk Map. Bayar bills, buang sampah, vacuum rumah and the bumbung bocor bila hujan.

Then I read it:

Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult-once we truly understand and accept it-then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.

From The Road Less Traveled.

Not from a ustaz or HR townhall. Just a book; but it hit like a final boss cutscene.

Here’s the thing:

If life was a game, and we were born in Malaysia, we’re not playing on Nightmare.

We’re on Hurt Me Plenty. Not the worst. Still painful. Berpoluh jugakla. With occasional MyKad discounts PetroSains (with additional discount being in PETRONAS guild) and the My50 RapidKL pass to soften the blow.

Take my recent side quests:

  • A gearbox overhaul that nearly gave me an out-of-body experience.
  • A roof leak that turns into ASMR every time it rains.
  • Three amazing kids: 15, 14, and 9; each with their own patch updates, emotional DLCs, and snack requirements.
  • A librarian wife at UPM; brilliant, compassionate, and also a pro at calling me out when I pretend to rest but scroll TikTok instead. (Nak main game kena setelkan kerja rumah dahulu)

Managing their expectations is like managing a 5-star hotel… are always hungry, emotionally expressive, and somehow allergic to chores.

That’s when Stoicism became my survival tool.

Ancient Roman advice for modern dad problems.

When the kid spills Milo on the floor: “The obstacle is the way.”

When meetings stack up like unpaid parking tickets: “Control what you can.”

When the leak starts mid-night while everyone’s asleep: “Memento mori (refer note sana bawah)… and grab the mop.”

I’m not perfect.

But I’ve stopped asking for life to be easy.

Now I just ask for good sambal, enough data, and a break from surprise expenses.

Because life isn’t a game.

But if it was,

I’m still playing.

Still showing up.

Still the tank, healer, and main quest-giver for this small unit I call family.

Life is difficult. But not impossible.

Especially when you’ve got:

Grace, Grit and Kopi Susu CBTL… yeay and off course, Milo.

And maybe a spare pail for the roof.

A Note on “Memento Mori”

It’s Latin, and it means: “Remember that you will die.”

Sounds gloomy, but it’s not. It’s a reminder to live meaningfully.

To not waste time on trivial things.

To forgive faster.

To appreciate your people.

And to drink your Milo like it’s your last cup — with full focus and no regret.

How an Imaginary Letter Gave Me a Real Existential Crisis

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Some people had coffee to start their morning. I had an imaginary letter telling me I no longer had a job.

Best part? It was all part of the plan.

That was how our session with Dr Jefri Irwan started yesterday. No warm up, no slides with fancy graphs. Just a straight dive into a very real situation.

It was not your usual session on how to stay calm. This one made us think deeply and reflect honestly.

At one point, Dr Jefri asked us to do a short exercise. We had to imagine receiving that dreaded letter, and then write down a few things:

  1. Who to call and share – the people you would reach out to for emotional support
  2. List the feelings – the emotions you would feel and whether you are willing to name them
  3. Nak jumpa siapa for What’s Next – who you would talk to about your next step
  4. Apa yang aku akan hilang atau berubah – what you might lose or what could change in your life
  5. What will you get – the new opportunities or unexpected gains that might come your way

The whole exercise made something abstract feel real. It was a reminder of how differently our brains work depending on the situation.

When things are calm, we use the part of our brain that helps us plan, think clearly and make decisions. But in moments of fear or stress, that goes out the window. Our emotional brain takes over, and suddenly it is not about thinking anymore. It is about reacting.

So what can we do? Train the mind while it is calm. Build clarity before things get messy. Because when uncertainty hits, we fall back on what we have prepared.

And just to balance the heaviness, Dr Jefri also shared The Secret of Success:

  1. Sabar
  2. Tawakal
  3. Kabel

Yes, kabel. Because sometimes success also needs strong WiFi… or someone who knows someone.

Good session. Deep takeaway. And a gentle nudge to stay ready, even when everything feels steady.

Kenali Industri Minyak dan Gas

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Hai adik-adik! Pernah tak dengar tentang minyak dan gas? Dalam industri ini, ada tiga bahagian utama, iaitu upstream, midstream, dan downstream.

Jom kita belajar apa maksudnya!

Apa itu Upstream (Huluan)?

“Upstream” ialah peringkat awal dalam industri minyak dan gas. Ia melibatkan:

  1. Cari Minyak dan Gas – Orang minyak mencari kawasan di bawah tanah atau dasar laut yang mungkin ada minyak dan gas.
  2. Gali dan Kaji – Mereka akan menggali untuk melihat sama ada minyak dan gas benar-benar ada di situ.
  3. Pam ke Permukaan – Minyak dan gas yang dijumpai akan dibawa keluar ke permukaan supaya boleh digunakan.

Bahagian Lain Industri Minyak dan Gas

Selain upstream (huluan), ada dua lagi bahagian yang juga penting:

  • Midstream (Pertengahan) – Bahagian ini menguruskan penghantaran minyak dan gas dari tempat ia dijumpai ke tempat pemprosesan.
  • Downstream (Hiliran) – Di sini minyak dan gas diproses menjadi produk yang kita gunakan setiap hari, seperti petrol untuk kereta, gas memasak, dan pelbagai bahan lain.
Source: https://www.elandcables.com/media/ywugrq1z/v637655804934500001/upstream-mid-and-downstream.png

Syarikat Minyak Besar macam PETRONAS

Ada syarikat besar seperti PETRONAS yang terlibat dalam semua bahagian ini – dari upstream (huluan) ke midstream (pertengahan) dan downstream (hiliran).

Jadi, sekarang adik-adik tahu, upstream adalah peringkat pertama yang sangat penting. Midstream pula memastikan minyak dan gas dapat dihantar dengan selamat, dan downstream memastikan produk tersebut sampai kepada kita untuk digunakan dalam kehidupan seharian. Tanpa ketiga-tiga bahagian ini, banyak aktiviti harian kita akan terjejas.

Reference:

Hayes, A. (2024, April 16). What is upstream in the oil and gas industry? Investopedia. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from What Is Upstream in the Oil and Gas Industry?

Perjalanan Epik Petroleum: Dari Makhluk Purba ke Kereta Ayah

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Hai Adik²! Pernah tak adik² terfikir dari mana datangnya petrol yang buat kereta ayah kamu semua bergerak atau plastik untuk mainan adik²? Jawapannya semua bermula dengan benda ajaib yang dipanggil petroleum. Jom kita selongkar perjalanan epik petroleum ni!

Apa Sebenarnya Petroleum?

Petroleum ni macam cecair pekat dan melekit yang ada jauh kat bawah tanah. Ia diperbuat daripada molekul-molekul kecil yang dipanggil hidrokarbon. Hidrokarbon ni kira macam blok binaan yang terbentuk daripada atom karbon dan hidrogen. Tapi, macam mana petroleum boleh ada kat situ?

Asal Usul Petroleum

Berjuta-juta tahun lepas (zaman lagi lama dari dinosaur!), makhluk laut kecil macam plankton dan alga hidup dalam lautan. Bila makhluk-makhluk ni mati, mereka jatuh ke dasar laut dan tertimbus bawah lapisan lumpur dan pasir. Dengan tekanan dan haba bumi selama berjuta tahun, makhluk yang tertimbus ni bertukar jadi petroleum. Proses ni nama dia biogenesis – cool kan?

Source: Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (Australia)

Macam Mana Kita Korek Petroleum?

Untuk keluarkan petroleum dari dalam tanah, saintis dan jurutera guna mesin besar gila yang dipanggil pelantar gerudi. Diorang gerudi dalam-dalam sampai jumpa petroleum. Lepas jumpa, mereka pam naik ke permukaan. Kira macam sedut milkshake tebal guna straw gergasi!

Petroleum Ni Untuk Apa Sebenarnya?

Petroleum ni memang power sebab boleh buat banyak benda cool:

Petrol dan Diesel: Untuk buat kereta, motor, bas, dan lori bergerak.

  • Gas Masak (LPG): Gas yang ibu guna untuk masak makanan sedap!
  • Minyak Pelincir: Minyak ni jaga enjin kereta supaya tak rosak.
  • Plastik: Banyak barang yang kamu guna, macam botol air, mainan, dan beg plastik, dibuat dari petroleum.
  • Buat Jalan Raya: Petroleum digunakan untuk buat jalan raya yang kamu guna setiap hari.
  • Elektrik: Sebahagian tenaga elektrik dihasilkan menggunakan petroleum.
  • Barang Penjagaan Diri: Syampu, losyen, dan barang lain untuk jaga kebersihan juga ada bahan daripada petroleum.
  • Buat Baju: Baju daripada kain poliester dan nilon dibuat dari petroleum.
  • Ubat-ubatan: Petroleum digunakan untuk buat beberapa jenis ubat.

Kenapa Petroleum Ni Penting Gila?

Petroleum ni penting sebab ia buat hidup kita jadi lebih mudah dan best. Ia bagi tenaga untuk kenderaan, panaskan rumah, dan hasilkan macam-macam benda yang kita guna setiap hari. Tanpa petroleum, hidup memang jauh berbeza!

Kesimpulan

Jadi, lain kali bila adik² nampak kereta meluncur atas jalan atau tengah syok main dengan mainan plastik kamu, ingat perjalanan epik petroleum ni. Dari makhluk laut kecil zaman purba sampai jadi barang berguna zaman moden, petroleum ada cerita yang memang padu untuk dikongsi!

Reference:

Ishimwe, D. (2014, September 11). Origin and formation of petroleum. Society of Petroleum Engineers. https://connect.spe.org/blogs/donatien-ishimwe/2014/09/11/origin-and-formation-of-petroleum

The 1973 Oil Crisis and PETRONAS: A Tale of Energy Turmoil and National Resilience

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The 1973 oil crisis is a pivotal moment in global energy history, reshaping economies, policies, and the fabric of international relations. At the heart of this crisis lies the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) and their decision to wield oil as a geopolitical weapon. But how did this crisis impact Malaysia, and what role did PETRONAS play in the nation’s response? Let’s delve into this fascinating chapter.

The 1973 Oil Crisis: Origins and Impact

The Embargo
In October 1973, OAPEC declared an oil embargo against nations that had supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War. Countries like the United States, Canada, Western European allies, and Japan were cut off from vital oil supplies. The oil price soared globally, rising from a mere USD 3 per barrel to nearly USD 12 per barrel.

The First Oil Shock
The crisis had both short-term and long-term effects on the global economy and politics. It became known as the “first oil shock”, distinct from the later 1979 oil crisis triggered by the Iranian Revolution. The shockwaves reverberated across continents, leading to energy shortages, inflation, and economic disruptions.

Malaysia’s Vulnerability
Malaysia, like many other nations, felt the tremors of the crisis. Its dependence on foreign oil raised concerns about energy security. The country realised that relying solely on oil imports left it vulnerable to external shocks. Something had to change.

PETRONAS: Birth of a National Champion

The Genesis
In 1974, Malaysia took a bold step by establishing PETRONAS (Petroliam Nasional Berhad). This state-owned oil and gas company became the custodian of Malaysia’s hydrocarbon resources. Its mission to ensure energy self-sufficiency, control over oil reserves, and economic stability.

Key Milestones

  • 1983: PETRONAS entered the refining and distribution market.
  • 1985: The Peninsular Gas Utilization Project began, enhancing natural gas supply.
  • 1990: PETRONAS expanded its oil exploration beyond Malaysia’s borders.
  • 1994: PETRONAS Dagangan Bhd, a subsidiary, listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.
  • 2003: The Malaysia LNG Tiga Plant opened, bolstering liquefied natural gas production.

PETRONAS’s Role
PETRONAS became more than an energy company; it embodied national resilience. Its contributions included:

  1. Energy Security: PETRONAS ensured Malaysia’s access to oil and gas resources, shielding the nation from external shocks.
  2. Economic Growth: PETRONAS fueled industrial development and job creation by investing in infrastructure.
  3. Global Reach: PETRONAS ventured beyond borders, becoming a global player in the energy arena.

Legacy and Lessons

The 1973 oil crisis left an indelible mark on Malaysia’s energy policies. PETRONAS became a beacon of self-reliance, steering the nation toward sustainable energy practices as we face new challenges, e.g. climate change, decarbonisation, and energy transition – PETRONAS’s legacy reminds us that resilience and vision are essential.

In conclusion, the 1973 oil crisis birthed PETRONAS, a national champion that continues to shape Malaysia’s energy destiny. Let us learn from history and chart a course toward a greener, more secure future.

References:

  1. Wikipedia. (2023). 1973 oil crisis.
  2. Cambridge University Press. (2022). Malaysia’s expansion of its maritime jurisdiction and the World Oil Crisis, 1973–80.

Salam Hari Merdeka ke-65

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Dalam tak sedar, bumi bertuah ini sudah hampir untuk menyambut Hari Kebanggsaan atau Hari Kemerdekaan yang ke-65. Tanah tumpah darahku, walau tak best semenjak akhir-akhir ini, tetaplah menjadi kebanggaan.

Jika sebut tentang merdeka, pastinya ada beberapa bijak pandai akan bertanya dan membuat wadah seperti berikut:

  1. Sejauh mana rakyat Malaysia sudah Merdeka?
  2. Apakah anda mempunyai jiwa yang Merdeka?
  3. Apa yang anda faham tentang Merdeka?
  4. Merdeka kah kita ini sebenarnya?
  5. dan lain² lagi

Malas nak bercerita panjang tentang Merdeka. Pastinya rakyat Malaysia dari segenap umur dan bangsa tahu apa itu Merdeka. Ini bukan zamannya 10 tahun selepas kita Merdeka untuk kita pandang kebelakang lagi.

Merdeka itu pastinya mempunya pelbagai pengertian pada setiap insan. Tak kisah la, Ahmad, Ah Chong dan Muthu, serta rakan² kita di Sabah dan Sarawak, pasti tahu apa itu Merdeka.

Logo dan Tema Merdeka yang ke-65 (Tahun 2022)

Logo dan Teman Medeka 2022

Adapun tema kita pada kali ini adalah “Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama”, dan menurut Kementerian Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia, berikut adalah pengertiannya:

Keluarga Malaysia itu merujuk kepada masyarakat hidup aman damai & bersatu padu dalam keterangkuman, kebersamaan dan kesyukuran.

Sangat sesuai dengan negara kita yang pastinya bukan sebuah negara bangsa seperti Jepun dan Korea. Malaysia ini lebih kurang sama dengan Amerika Syarikat – rakyatnya berbilang bangsa dan agama.

Manakala Teguh Bersama itu pula merujuk kepada kekuatan dan kesepaduan dicapai secara kolektif serta mampan, di mana kesepaduan ini boleh untuk terus berkembang dan terus berkembang untuk mencapai tahap yang lebih baik lagi.

Logonya pada tahun ini menggunakan lambang yang cukup serasi pada masyarakat zaman ini, iaitu lambang WiFi. Ini semua ada sebab, bukan saja² je. Kalau baca komen² Jabatan Netizen Negara, memang macam². Logo ini melambangkan pembangunan infrastruktur, sistem komunikasi serta pendigitalan yang semakin maju dan berkembang untuk kemudahan rakyat.

Natijah daripada Covid-19, semua yang tak boleh sebelum ini, dah jadi boleh. Contoh Bekerja dari Rumah berbekalkan akses kepada internet. Belajar dari rumah atau menghadiri kelas secara virtual. Ini OUM dah buat sikit punya lama dahulu, nak dengan tak nak sahaja. Ada internet, ada kehendak, maka jadilah pembelajaran secara maya ini.

Boleh rujuk Infografik untuk keterangan yang lebih teliti di bawah:

Penegertian untuk Logo dan Tema Merdeka yang ke-65