Hi people!

I worked at Astro for two weeks and it was real cool. I mean, it's a broadcasting company and the thought that I might bump into some celebrities is just swell.

The job: My job was to come up with the ABAP/4 programming standards - from user request procedures to the development of the code. The toughest part was not coming up with the documentation but the part where at the end I need to present to the users on the changes to their request process.

The facilities: Food is affordable - actually very reasonable. They are quite efficient in providing a computer ready when coming in. But still, no one can beat Samsung yet which actually test the necessary applications on the computer and set up the network logon before one arrives.

Working hours: Working hours is fantastic! 9am to 5pm. Wow! Actually they also work on Saturdays but I don't have to do so which is quite a relief. The working hours is so great that I actually drove from Seremban to Astro each day. That's 57km one way trip but I didn't care about that. I was gonna claim either mileage or cab fare for that. I also preferred to drive because the public transport is not so accessible at Astro.

The people: I had the pleasure to work with very courteous people like Dan and Nor Aida (I think) and their boss, Greg who is an American. You feel appreciated and that is real important to make you feel good about yourself and your work. Then, the users were not too hostile during presentation because the changes involved seems like they need to have additional work but actually it's just documenting their request instead by verbal method. There's one friendly gal who works in the IT department who sits opposite my cubicle. She even discussed with me about her relationship problems.

The environment: Working here is like working at a fashion gala. Most of the people here dressed up fashionably. I kinda feel out of place. Then, the IT department has TVs mounted on the top of the pillars and the staff can switch them on during working hours. That means watching MTV, movies, documentaries... you name it - during working hours! Cool, huh!

Oh yeah, one more thing - I did managed to see Fly Guy and Lil' Kev' in Astro. Didn't approach them for autograph though - wouldn't be appropriate for me because of the 'consultant' title. It may look like I'm those pesky teenagers who would drool over their idols.

Others: Here, I got to know Shue Yee, Weng Keong and Julie better. They are my colleagues on the same project.

It's a happy ending at Astro. Seems like we have done a good job. The presentation was okay - I'm glad I didn't go sleepless over it. Apart from the job satisfaction, it's a pleasure to have worked in that environment.

Regards,
Li Li