An Encounter with... A Publisher

Name    : Zeeshan Pasha               

Age :        1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1….. (Yeah tell me about it…takes a lot of patience and focus to count them all, well they add up to 33)

Where Are You From?   : Born and brought up in Bangalore, India.

Currently Residing In…   : Perth, Australia

What Do You Do For A Living?     :  Entrepreneur, Marketing and Business Strategist

AEW   : Congratulations on the launch of NifNex. I heard this has been a long time coming. How are you feeling now?     

ZP      :    I am definitely excited with the launch of Nifnex. We have been online for a few months now but the publication certainly gives me a true sense of launch.

AEW   : I’d really like to know about the journey you took towards the launch of NifNex. Pray tell.  

ZP      :    This simple idea came to me one day when we were living in Canberra. There are job boards for employers to advertise their positions vacant and job seekers flock there to apply. Why wasn’t there a pool of job seekers who without revealing their identities can be found by employers on one site and they request to meet you? Really turn the tables.

As professionals we certainly don’t have time or a real need to see what other jobs are out there that requires our experience and skills. It is not necessarily a bad or greedy thing but sometimes it’s just good to be informed and know for yourself what’s out there.

Considering I had no experience in the recruitment industry, I didn’t know for sure if this is something that could work but as a job seeker/professional sales person/ prospective candidate, I would have loved to have this facility but only if it is confidential, doesn’t reveal my name, age, sex etc.

I then got into the recruitment industry (traditional recruitment). I found that I do have a passion for recruitment and was good at dealing with candidates, employers and also had the gift to link the right candidate with the right employer. All they needed was facilitation by the right recruiter (me).

This brings us to the name Nifnex. It stems from the word Nifty Nexus meaning Smart Links. It is the link between employers, candidates and recruiters. Two platforms – online and print.

All the above reasons led me to setup Nifnex.

AEW   : I understand NifNex is essentially both a print and an online platform catering to the recruitment process. Can you sum up how this works?  

ZP      :    Although the online platform seems to work for most, we wanted to also tap into the market that enjoys the print format. Uncle Joe who runs a coffee & pizza shop around the corner would have no idea how to find staff on Fridays except he would get his nephew to fill in for a few hours and possibly stick a sign up on the window saying “STAFF WANTED”. There’s got to be a better way. What if we had a career paper just like a newspaper with people looking for jobs within various industries and categories and it was delivered to businesses? Job seekers are identified only by their registration ID, experience, skills and personality. This is the core info that all employers look for in any given industry. The publication needs to have articles and current information for business owners in areas such as tax, accounting, legal etc. Add to that some positive reinforcements on how to grow their business. Well, that’s what NifnexPublication has. This can be downloaded from Nifnex

AEW    : So, can someone like me actually also apply as a Candidate / Employer? Or is it strictly for Australian citizens / PRs?           

ZP      :    Currently Nifnex is limited to people looking for jobs in Australia. However, the New Year will see the launch of Nifnex on a platform that will allow international registrations.

AEW   :  Oh! Nice. I see that there’s even a “modeling” section in your publication and I assume this is targeted at models-wannabe? Why was this created?     

ZP      :    The modeling section is a platform for models looking for work.  There are a lot of people looking to promote their businesses and Nifnex provides them the ease of finding a promotional model to be the face of the business or for a launch of a new product.

AEW   : It’s truly a versatile platform that you have built and you have a lot of avenues for advertising opportunities – which is good. I don’t suppose you have any plans in the near future to launch into ground events as well as social media marketing as well, do you?    

ZP      :    Who knows…for Nifnex it’s all about being current and up to speed with the latest marketing trends. As the name signifies, we are different, trendy, energetic and wanting to be innovative. Right now however, the focus is to go national with the publication and take the online platform international. 

AEW   : Wow. Big stuff coming up, yea? Tell me, what is your ultimate goal for NifNex.      

ZP      :    Ultimate goal is for all employers, candidates and recruiters to be linked through Nifnex internationally.

AEW   : Achieving this is definitely part of achieving your dreams, yes? Any words for the rest of the world out there who are working towards achieving their dreams?      

ZP      :    Stick to your idea and think outside the square as to how you can make it happen. Family comes first, so as long as you are not compromising your family and your commitments, move along steadily and don’t give up.

AWP :   Aww… that was a nice touch there. Family comes first. Well, Zee, I wish you all the best in the future undertakings for Nifnex. Again – who knows what is out there yes? Just BELIEVE *wink*

For more on Nifnex, click HERE!

An Encounter with... Genetically Modified Mosquito

Name    : G. Vinod

Age        : 29

Where Are You From?  : Malaysia          

Currently Residing In… : Kuala Lumpur

What Do You Do For A Living?   : Journalist

AEW      : I read your article about GMM in Free Malaysia Today. What made you write that article?

GV        : I was concerned about the fact that the government was planning to release GMM while the world was still arguing about the safety of genetically modified plants and food products. At that point, that was the first time I heard about GMM and was concerned whether a proper public consult was done before even suggesting its release.

AEW      : Let me get something straight – are you more for proving a point on the government’s ‘mis-handling’ of this project or are you actually really concerned about the consequences of GMM?  

GV        : I would say both. An example of the first point was there were genuine concerns that not much information was provided to the public on the release of GMMs. Plus, no one knew the National Biosafety Board was already conducting closed-door experiments of GMM in 2007 itself. Therefore I can consider that the project itself is relatively shrouded in secrecy. As for the second point, there are concerns that GMM’s progeny may live if there is a presence of tetracycline in the environment where the eggs are laid. Tetracycline, being a common antibiotic used in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and agriculture, is quite prevalent in the environment and we may risk having a GMM’s progeny running loose in our environment!  

AEW      : You did a lot of mosquito research for your article. Was it tedious or just trawling through the net?

GV        : I t was tedious in a sense that I actually had to learn about mosquitoes and what were pros and cons of releasing GMMs. However, quite a number of experts in the field had given me valuable input that had helped me to write the article 

AEW       : Did you also do your homework with Oxitec and NBB?. Was it difficult to get the information you needed?  

GV        : To be honest, I know very little about Oxitec and the NBB. I am still seeking information on them.

AEW      : So, do you think like all things “government-planned”, this was another shoddy and shady job?   

GV        : I believe the proposal is being pushed through by the government for reasons best known to them. Though I appreciate their good intentions in trying to reduce dengue cases in the country, we cannot simply put in a measure affecting public health without deliberating thoroughly. Besides, if we end up having a new breed of mosquito in the environment after the release, how do they plan to get rid of it? What if the new strain transmits a new disease? How do you go about addressing it?  These questions remain unanswered!

AEW      : It is indeed pretty scary to note that the GMMs could actually mutate and thus become HIV carriers. That being the case – do you think the human race would be wiped out or am I watching too many Hollywood B-grades?    

GV       : Even if an HIV-carrying mosquito fails to wipe out the human race, the amount of environmental damages we are doing to the planet and a nuclear war would do the trick.

AEW      : Oh. True that. What had you hoped for your article to achieve, actually?

GV        : I wanted to educate the public on negative aspects of the GMM release as the mainstream media are already highlighting the positive side of it. Let the public digest the facts and make their own decision about the release. In addition, if there are some hidden agenda behind the release, I wanted those in power to realise that there are people scrutinizing them and they cannot simply make decisions without fearing a public uproar.

AEW      : Very brave indeed. Do you think it is achievable and how do you intend to make it achievable?   

GV        : I believe it is achievable and I intend to write about it as often as I can to make it achievable.

AEW    : Well, Vinod - I hope you do make it achievable and let us know whenever your articles are published. We'll help spread the word.  

** Read G.Vinod's article about Genetically Modified Mosquitoes here!

An Encounter with... Diabetic Treats

Name    : Ivie ong

Age        : 33

Where Are You From?  : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Currently Residing In… : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

What Do You Do For A Living? : Can I say “Live-in maid where I get my main income from and a  baker for side income”? J

AEW      : Why did you come up with the idea to research and experiment with making diabetic treats?

IV        : I enjoy baking since I was young.  I find baking therapeutic and satisfying when the end products turn out well. Of course, it sucks when I fail and have to finish the baked goods all by myself or throw it away.  Anyway, I started baking from home ever since I quit my office-bound, politic-abundant I.T. job (I am a lousy shoe-polisher). My main ‘supporters’ at that time were mainly family members, especially during festive seasons. Long story short, the idea of making diabetic treats just struck me one day after a few personal encounters with people I know.

My late grandmother was a diabetic for years. She loved her treats, especially nyonya kuih. As guilty as we knew, we continued to buy her treats. There wasn’t much of an avenue to go to for diabetic-friendly treats.

My mother-in-law is a diabetic. Her blood sugar level may not be super high but she is very strict with her food intake, especially on sweet treats. Ever since we discovered natural sugar replacer, I started baking for her on and off. I once baked some cookies for her afternoon snack. She loved them a lot and she had to ration herself to only 1 or 2 cookies a day so that the container of cookies could last longer! 

As we laughed about it, it just hit me subconsciously that it was so sad. I have a soft spot for desserts and I can’t imagine myself having to only look at desserts and not be able to eat it. How many restaurants and cafes I go to actually serve something that are diabetic-friendly? Not even a handful. In fact, I haven’t seen any myself! And that was how I decided to embark on this journey… A little niche market but I am enjoying the journey of experimenting and modifying recipes to provide a little indulgence to these people.

AEW      : What got me interested about you and what you have to offer is the fact that my Dad is diabetic. But he has a sweet tooth. Any advice?  

IV        : First of all, I am not a dietician or nutritionist, thus, I can’t give any advice from a professional point of view. Neither am I qualified to come up with diet plans. However, I do learn a lot from reading and the internet has been a wonderful source of knowledge for me. It’s about change of lifestyle to start with. Instead of refraining himself from eating sweet treats, he should slowly change his diet, slowly cut down on his sugar and carbohydrate intake. He has to take food that doesn’t suddenly raise his blood sugar level sky high. Try to go for food with as low Glycemic index (GI) as possible. Replace ‘white stuff’ such as white rice and white bread with ‘brown stuff’. Take Basmati rice instead of white rice. Take wholegrain such as barley, whole grain bread; consume legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits with low GI. Pasta in general has lower GI compared to rice and cook pasta to al dente texture (not over-cooked).

There has been a vast selection of sugar replacer in the market – artificial (i.e. aspartame such as Equal, acesulfame potassium) and natural (i.e. maltitol, isomalt, xylitol). These sugar replacers have been approved by FDA. They lower one’s calorie intake and do not raise one’s blood sugar level as high as normal sugar and carbohydrate do. However, one should still use them with controlled proportion. That boils down to portion and balance. So, if your dad still can’t take his drinks ‘kosong’ (without sugar), add a little bit of sugar replacer and he can continue to enjoy his drink. How can a Chinese "Tong Sui' have no sweetness in it? Again, he can use a little sugar replacer.Being a diabetic doesn’t mean your dad has to strictly stay off his favourite desserts forever. If all fails and there isn’t any other substitutes for his beloved desserts, he can always allow himself a tiny little piece of that sweet-little-thing while reducing the portion of other food such as bread or noodle. Last but not least, you and I know very well that we can’t ignore exercise in our life.

AEW      : I usually buy him some of those off-the-shelves cookies, jams, chocolate that are suitable for diabetic patients. How does those stuff compare to what you make?    

IV        : Freshness with lots of TLC. Hahahaha… I bake the products as close to delivery date as possible. Sugar is not the only thing diabetics have to avoid. Carbohydrates, fats and salt should also be consumed in controlled portion, something that shall be applied to everyone. Through experiments and tastings, thanks to some ‘guinea pig’ friends of mine and their honest comments, I try to produce something with less fat, salt and higher fiber content. At times, I do substitute and replace certain ingredients with something healthier such as yoghurt and oats.

AEW       : Of course, these commercialized diabetic treats cost a bloody bomb! Why are they so expensive? Is it only this part of the world that it is expensive or it is more or less a global thing?

IV        : Why? That was exactly the same question I asked my supplier. The answer I received was, there are technologies and loads of R&D done on sugar replacers. Thus, it is expensive. I am not exactly sure of the price in other parts of the world but from what I know, sugar replacer is much cheaper in countries with stronger currency, dollar to dollar. Unfortunately, with currency conversion it becomes a ‘bomb’ here.

Besides, as I mentioned earlier on, I modify and replace ingredients and certain ingredients are unfortunately not the cheapest in the market, especially when I can’t get them in bulk all the time.

AEW      : So that means a lot of poor people who are diabetic can't quite afford to satisfy their sweet-tooth?  

IV        : Yeah. That was one of the few things in my mind when I first started this. I wanted products that were not overly-priced. Unfortunately, I can’t price it too low due to the ingredients used in the products. I try to find a reasonable price model and something that is value for money. I do feel it’s a matter of perspective and personal choice. A simple local snack from the roadside stall or cafe will cost you an average of RM0.80 each. With that amount, or slightly more, you could get yourself diabetic-friendly treats. Of course, it’s still different but what I am trying to say is, it is not extremely expensive to spend slightly more on something more friendly to your body. Besides, just because these products are diabetic-friendly, it doesn’t mean you can gulp down everything at once. Which is why I emphasize on the little indulgence one can get.

AEW      : Tell me, which is your best item so far? As in, your favourite that you have researched experimented, made and finally perfected. Is this also your best-selling item?   

IV        : Personally, I love my modified version of the Lemon Sour Cream cake. I have not promoted a lot of cakes. So, I will say that my Orange Almond Cookies and Biscotti are my two best selling items.

AEW      : Do you think you will soon grow into a full-fledged Café?    

IV        : Hahahaha…. The idea of opening a café was my objective when I quit my job but that was related to gourmet coffee rather than just a café. Anyway, the idea has now been put on the back-burner and I decided to bake from home instead. So, the café idea is not in the pipeline for now but I will go as far as my diabetic treats can take me. I am always open to ideas and suggestions.

AEW      : Hmmmm…. Do you take orders? J How much advanced notice required?

IV        : Of course! For non-festive season, at least 2 days in advanced. For festive season, 1 week in advanced would be good. Do contact me beforehand, just in case I am out of town! 

AEW     : Thank you so much for your time! I would need to get my Dad some of that little treats of yours and will certainly be placing an order during the CNY! 

** Do visit Ivie's Facebook Page to see what she has to offer!