The Invisible Hands

'The invisible hand' is a metaphor coined in economics to explain the self-regulating behavior of the marketplace. The term has also been interpreted in a totally different manner such as the possibility of cooperation without coercion. Since I am no Merriam nor Webster, it is however not a prerogative of mine to pinpoint an exact definition for it.

The whole point of action is so that we may eventually get results. Sometimes we can get things done in a way that is conspicuous - possibly to garner support and goodwill. At other times, we can do things silently - devoid of spectacle and hullabaloos and most importantly, free from anyone's radar.

So which is the correct route to take? If you ask me, none of them. There is only a perfect situation for each street. Or there is a perfect personality for each path.

Basically, choose your own hands.

First Property Purchase

It has always been my dream to venture out into property investment. There are many other ways how you can make or lose money out there but I think real estate appeals to me the most. As a fan of Donald Trump's business acumen, I've read most of his books. As he put it, owning a property means you can either 'live in it, rent it, or sell it'.

This year this dream of mine came true - against all odds. Firstly, I haven't started working yet so that means it is difficult for banks to let me borrow their money. Secondly, some banks that I have corresponded with are of the opinion that the property's market value is higher that what it's really worth for. Does it sound like a bad deal? In my opinion, not necessarily.

The property is located adjacent to an expanding university. In a couple of years' time, I project that the demand for accommodation in this area is going to soar. Property prices in this area are going to benefit accordingly. By that time, current circumstances will decide what course of action should be taken next.

The loan for this apartment, priced at RM 1XX,XXX, was acquired through the assistance of my mother. Even so, I take full responsibility towards the monthly installment. Since she is retired, the lending bank is exercising a higher rate of interest than the conventional home loan.

So what's the catch? My plan is to utilize the refinancing cash-out instrument to repay the loan, taken by my mother on my behalf, as soon as I start working. Until then, this property is going to generate a negative cashflow which foreseeably is going to be covered by the refinancing later.

The thing about planning is that you hope there is as little deviation on the part of execution as possible.

Imagining 1World

Racism has always been a plague wherever there is difference in skin colour, language, and culture. For centuries, it has been the convenient excuse for mutual hatred, discrimination, and even worse - ethnic cleansing.

In the 21st century, it is high time that all of this should change. People have started to talk about globalisation, an unprecedented level of integration across political boundaries. We are trading with one another. We are working with one another. We are communicating with one another.

Thanks to the Internet, we are also getting better at understanding one another.

Living and Blogging

It is said that blogging is non other than a mechanism for people to give a pat on their ego. Therefore; the natural conclusion would thus be that blogging is a yet another sinful indulgence. Apart from chocolate, ice-cream, or perhaps KFC. Too much ego can never be good or so, as they said.

But let's take a look at the issue from a different perspective. Blogging is in fact, writing. Sounds familiar? Writing, be it published or not, helps the mind to structure itself better. Writing helps us to become better at thinking.

Writing is however, a territory feared by many.

People fear that they might make mistakes. And publicly, at that. Well, fear cripples.

It is time for horizons to be expanded and comfort zone transcended.