Mencari Kebahagian (In Search of Happiness)

 

1. At last the book is out - the translated Bahasa Malaysia (BM) version. The original text is in English and entitled 'In Search of Happiness'. The publishers felt that the BM version might have a better market in the Malay speaking world and suggested that the text be translated. It was assigned to someone that I myself have not met though I was happy with the translation. Nevertheless, the English version will be published and scheduled for January 2009.
  2. 'Mencari Kebahagian' (MK) is autobiography which details my early education at the Sultan Abdul Hamid College, Alor Star; had a memorable three years at the College of Agriculture where the author confessed that he learned a lot of things in life besides agriculture, and finally completed the post-graduate studies at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA where I obtained the M.S and subsequently, the Ph.D from North Carolina State University. I shared my experiences in managing two agriculturally-related institutions - the Malaysian Agricultural & Development Institute (MARDI) and the Malaysian Cocoa Board. My travels to around 40 countries brought me to some of the exotic places in the world, among them - Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Copenhagen in Denmark, Lake District England, Berlin Germany, Madrid Spain, Rome Italy, Athens Greece, Istanbul Turkey, Isfahan Iran, Katmandu Nepal, Kashmir and Agra India, Yangon Myanmar, Chiang Mai Thailand, Bunekan Island Manado Indonesia, Beijing China, Siem Reap Cambodia and Tasman Park in New Zealand. My involvement in voluntary activities such as sustainable development, creativity, innovation, eco-tourism and social work is discussed. In Chapter 14 I share my experiences in keeping constantly in good health which are a combination of regular exercises constituted of jogging, cycling and swimming on one side and a balanced diet comprising among others, herbs and fruits.
  3. The book took two years to complete. I started it in January 2006 and by September 2007 the draft was completed. I approached my alma mater UPM (The Publications Unit) to consider publishing it. The Unit sat on it for three months and I decided to approach a new publisher, Utusan Publications & Distributors Sdn. Bhd, which quickly got it published. It was an exalted feeling to see the copies fresh from the printing press.
  4. MK is my fourth book. The titles of the other three books are as follows:a. Strategies in the Development of the Malaysian Cocoa Industry, b. INDUSTRI KOKO MALAYSIA - Himpunan Ucapan Ketua Pengarah 1989 - 1995, c. Adventure Journeys in Sabah.