My Internship in XiMnet Malaysia

This week marks my last week of internship in XiMnet.

Three months passed way faster than I thought it would be, but long enough for me to get to know everyone here and immerse into the warm and positive workplace culture.

I am a Year 3 Media and Creative Studies student. My major covers syllabus such as advertising and marketing in main media. With the little exposure in the digital marketing in university, I have decided to challenge myself and dive into this exciting industry to learn new things.

During my interview in XiMnet, I told Joe, my supervisor, that I was not sure how I could utilize my knowledge in the digital industry yet I was given the opportunity to learn about the industry, with the guidance of everyone here.

I was guided in the process of updating our client websites, social media engagement, e-broadcasting, building responsive websites and the list goes on. I was also given a chance to participate in the process of creating a website from pitch to execution.All in three months!

On top of that, XiMnet has also allowed me to run personal projects like #XiMternSharing, #VoicesFromXiMnet, and building a microsite!
                                                             
Now that I am leaving soon, I feel more prepared for the future.

I thank XiMnet for the valuable experience and all the memorable time spent with the team. I thank my supervisors, Joe, Inez, and all my seniors for guiding me throughout my entire internship.

The lucky intern joined the company trip to Penang during her third week of internship

Food treats in the office!

Picking up calligraphy lettering skill from the seniors on Thursdays

Got flowers from the sweet colleagues!

Read More

Meet our New Web Designer, Chan Suet Ying

Meet our New Web Designer, Chan Suet Ying.

Suet Ying joined XiMnet two months ago as a Web Designer. Currently, she is working under the guidance of seniors and she assists our project teams in delivering solutions to our customers.

Our intern interviewed the new team member in conjunction with the #VoicesFromXiMnet project. Find out more from the brief interview below:

How do you feel so far about being one of the newest team member of XiMnet?

I feel very lucky to be in this team. It is better than what I have expected!


Is this your expected career plan from where you first started off?

Yes. I have always wanted to be in the digital industry. In XiMnet, I am given the opportunity to adopt new skillsets and this helps me to grow to be a better person every day.


Crucial skills you have learned in a digital marketing agency so far.

I am learning the rationale of web designing and all the details required to produce a good website for our clients. I also discovered how useful (and simple) is our Content Management System – XTOPIA in making managing complex websites. Other than that, working in a fast-paced environment has definitely improved my time management.


What's your biggest challenge at work and what did you do to overcome it?

Achieving the maximum with the least resources (and time!). I was unfamiliar with the tasks given when I first joined but now, I find myself to be more productive and efficient. The magic is none other than good time management. Time is really gold in the digital industry so always plan ahead to reduce frustration and stress at work.


Do you have a hero? Share with us. 

Yes. When I am at the downside of life, feeling afraid, lonely and confused, I will always go back to my heroes for guidance, inspiration, or just simply a place for warmth.
They are known as my parents; who will always be by my side and chases all the gloomy clouds away.


If you were given a chance to go back in time to meet the old you in uni/college, what would you advise him/her?

I would tell her to understand this quote which is very dear to my heart: “Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.” – Earl Nightingale


Read more about #VoicesFromXiMnet here.

Read More

Meet Our New UX Designer, Lim Jin Yong

Meet our newly joined UX Designer, Lim Jin Yong.

Jin Yong joined XiMnet just two months ago as an UX Designer. A fresh graduate in Multimedia Design, he builds user-friendly websites with his expertise in front-end programming and design.

Our intern interviewed the new team member in conjunction with the #VoicesFromXiMnet project. Find out more from the brief interview below:

How do you feel so far about being one of the newest team member of XiMnet?

I am very happy to be part of the team. Although there are only 16 of us, there is a unique strength that holds us together to achieve incredible things.


Is this your expected career plan from where you first started off?

I attended a few interviews with great confidence that I could be part of them but it was not as blissful as I thought until I came to XiMnet. I am glad that I am given a chance grow with this team.


Crucial skills you have learned in a digital marketing agency so far.

I have learnt how to create reusable CSS codes, jQuery functions and some back-end programming of our Content Management System - XTOPIA.

I’ve also learnt how to deliver solutions within the limitations set. Most importantly, time management which I believe is the most important skill in life.


What's your biggest challenge at work and what did you do to overcome it?

In XiMnet, we are constantly challenged to deliver meaningful solutions. To achieve that, I have to arrange and organize all my tasks and then complete them on time.


Do you have a hero? Share with us.

Yes. He will hold me tight when I am lost; he will push me forward when I am afraid; he will lecture me when I did something wrong and he will smile to me when I have succeeded.

All of these won't show up on his face, but I always feel it. My hero is my father.


If you were given a chance to go back in time to meet the old you in uni/college, what would you advise him/her?

"Life is a box of chocolates; you never know what will happen next. So, just do your best." - Forest Gump



Read more about #VoicesFromXiMnet here.

Read More

An Interview with Carrie, our Project Consultant

Meet Carrie, Project Consultant of the XiMnet team.

"I seek possibilities."

As a project consultant, Carrie is actively involved in project pitches with the Sales Team as well as to oversee project delivery to ensure the client’s expectations are met.

Carrie’s energetic personality has definitely makes the work environment a livelier place!

The intern’s #VoicesFromXiMnet campaign today interviewed Carrie about her journey so far with XiMnet. Let’s read more about what she has to say:

How long have you been in the digital industry? Is this your expected career plan when you were still in college/university back then?

I have been in the digital industry for more than three years.

I was a major in IT / Technology in my degree program, but I have a penchant for good design.

Back then when I was still in university, the simple fact that a website is a unique fusion of design, technology - intrigues me. And now I have learnt that strategy is also a crucial part of the formula.

So yes, this is where I wanted to be; expectation-reality gap closed!

What makes your journey in XiMnet special?

My journey in XiMnet is special because of its people. We are the dreamers and the doers, the believers and the thinkers.

I don’t believe in the common adage, “a self-made man”, as every acquaintance or encounter with someone, no matter how brief, has built me to be who I am today and the people of XiMnet are great contributors to my laurels.

Describe your role in Ximnet.

As a fresh graduate, I started off as a generalist, learning all aspects of website development.

Despite being one of the youngest in the team, I’m grateful to have been given opportunities to learn from the best and hence, picked up the role of Project Consultant.

Now, my job scope focuses on client servicing and design.

Despite working in a fast-paced environment, what are the perks of your job?

As Malaysians, we are connoisseurs of food and it is with great delight that we are rewarded with good food every time upon completion of major projects without fail.

What do you do to get inspired?

I meditate. 

Sure, I meditate when I sleep. I’m an energizer bunny. No meditations, na-uh.

I hit the gym instead. Lifting irons constantly reminds me to always challenge my limits, and raise the bar (literally!).

Do you have any advice for our fellow freshmen in the industry?

Make mistakes, fall in love, laugh, cry, follow your own path - even if it’s an unusual adventure that you may end up making a lot of mistakes, because these are the best ways to learn.

Read more about #VoicesFromXiMnet here.

Read More

Interview with the Chief Innovation Officer, Law Hui Sheng

Meet Hui Sheng, our Chief Innovation Officer.

Hui Sheng joined XiMnet since the very beginning of his career life as a software engineer. 10 years later, Hui Sheng is now the Chief Innovation Officer who is actively involved in the Research & Development of XiMnet’s core product, XTOPIA. Hui Sheng reports directly to Chief Software Architect / COO of XiMnet.

"A man with no more problems to solve, is out of the game."

As the head of innovation, Hui Sheng always seek for innovative ideas to deliver better features to serve our clients.

Read more about Hui Sheng through the interview our intern had for our #VoicesFromXiMnet campaign:

How was the beginning of your career in XiMnet Malaysia?
I joined XiMnet Malaysia as a Software Engineer after I graduated. My initial role was to build and maintain websites for clients. Soon, we started developing our proprietary Content Management System which is known as XTOPIA today.


Describe your role in XiMnet. 
Currently I am in the Product Research & Development Team, which focuses on innovating and improving our XTOPIA range of products.

Nonetheless, we are still taking care of the internal IT infrastructure to ensure our team member can work without technical interruption.
I also do photography for clients who need photos for their projects occasionally.


What do you like most about your job? And what is the most challenging about it?
I like to research on new technology that solves our daily lives’ problems. The most challenging part is the implementation of new technology, as it needs to jive with our existing daily operations, as well as our product framework and infrastructure.


Can you share with me what are the trait(s) that you think a CIO should equip with?
The passion to keep learning and solving challenges is very important. I believe that every challenge is an opportunity for us to grow and improve.


What would you like to say/advises to the freshmen in the industry?
When you cannot solve a problem, always take a few steps back and look at it in a different perspective. If it still cannot be solved, reset your mind by doing something else and come back to it later because there is no problem which cannot be solved because it is all about our mindset.

Read more about #VoicesFromXiMnet here.

Read More

Meet our Software Developer, Sansha

Meet Sansha, one of the Software Developers of the XiMnet team.

Sansha consistently focuses on building digital solutions with her knowledge in programming. With her motto - Keep up or drop out, she constantly pushes herself to the next level in order to deliver her best for the clients.

Let’s read more about what she has to say:

How was the beginning of your career in XiMnet Malaysia?

I came on board three years ago. As a Junior Programmer in my previous company, all I have learnt was to code small-scaled in-house programs but that was not enough. I realized that I was lacking in communication skill which is crucial to in Project Management.  Throughout the years with the help of my colleagues, I have improved tremendously.

In fact, I am still learning every day.

Describe your role in XiMnet. 

Most of my time is dedicated to develop digital solutions for our clients with my knowledge in programming and to be ahead of the game, we research and share knowledge in latest technologies among our team members.

As for my personal time, I pick up other skills such as calligraphy and baking good food because I strongly believe in the importance of living healthily in order to stay in the game.

What do you like most about your job? And what is the most challenging about it?

I like to solve problems.

However, what I find the most challenging is to deliver solutions within a critical timeline. That is always when the power of teamwork comes in. Nothing is impossible when you work with a team who is committed to deliver real results.

Can you share with me what are the habit(s) that you think a good software developer should equip with?

• Build reusable codes to minimize redundant work
• Always go back to pen and paper when you are stuck in a problem
• Be creative in programming and automate whenever possible. It makes your life easier.

If you were given a chance to go back in time and talk to yourself during uni time, what would that be?

Enjoy doing what you like. Learn hard and play hard.

Read more about #VoicesFromXiMnet here.

Read More

An Interview with the Chief Alchemist

#VoicesFromXiMnet has the pleasure of interviewing Wiley Chin, the Chief Alchemist of XiMnet Malaysia!

Wiley Chin started out as a staff at XIMNET CORP, a Silicon Valley-based startup company in 2000. After two years, and aided somewhat by September 11 and the Dot-Com bust, he bought out the company and set up base in Malaysia with eight staff. The Chief Alchemist is still all-in to achieve the dream he set out to do fifteen years later.

He strives to get the best out of everything he does and together with his team, he aims to build XIMNET into a global brand within the next five years.

Let’s read more about what he has to say:

How did you start being interested in digital marketing? 

I experienced the magic of the Internet one day in 1995. At that time I was still working in a bank. I hooked my PC to a dial-up modem and after I was connected, what I saw blew my mind away. I immediately knew then the Internet was going to take on the world and change it like how electricity has altered our civilization.

With that thought, I began to learn how the Internet works and what I can do with it. One thing leads to another and 20 years later, I’m running a digital agency with digital marketing as one of our service offerings.

What do you think the future will look like? 

The future looks like a sci-fi movie. The only difference is we will be living in it. 

Can you share with me what are the habits that you think a successful digital marketer should have? 

I think the only difference between a traditional marketer and a digital marketer is, the latter needs to be very savvy with the ever changing digital trends.  

What are the key values you see in the digital industry in helping mankind?

The digital age flattens the world. With a hyperlinked world, essentially, knowledge is just a click away. There will be no more boundaries that can permanently restrict the flow of information. If all the people across the world have equal access to the Internet, they will also have access to all the information and knowledge stored in servers across the globe. With just one stroke, the future mankind is irrecoverably altered.  

Being in this industry for almost two decades, what do you have to say to the young people who are joining or already in the industry? 

I like the saying, “There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened.” The Digital Age is just upon us. It has just started. We live at this juncture of our civilization where we can make a huge difference to this world and positively impact our common destiny. Master the tools of the Digital Age and use it to make the world a better place.    

Our Chief Alchemist was interviewed by BFM too. Listen to the podcast here.

Read more about #VoicesFromXiMnet here.

Read More

Meet our Jr Front-end Developer, Simon

Meet Simon, one of our Web Developers at XiMnet. 

Being a front-end Developer, he works alongside Web Designers and UX Engineers to build websites from scratch. He’s a very down-to-earth person who is willing to help and teach anyone in the team. He believes that teamwork is crucial to make things happen.

Let’s read more about what he has to say:

How long have you been in this industry? Is this your expected career plan when you were still in college/university back then?

I actually wanted to become a Software Engineer after I graduated from university. But after reviewing back all the skills I’ve learned, I feel like I could try being a Web Developer. It has been one and a half year here in XiMnet and I totally love what I am doing now.

What makes your journey in XiMnet special?

I think everyone is here to learn and that should be the priority:  To try, to learn, to gain experience in everything.  I seek knowledge. I believe without knowledge we are nothing.

Describe your role in XiMnet. 

After joining XiMnet, I noticed that everything I do is totally different from what my school has taught me. I’ve started to work intensively in HTML, jQuery and CSS. Other than that, XiMnet has given me many chances in learning different stuff, and now I’m able to pick up more technical skills and also personal skills with my teammates’ help. 

Also, the spirit of ‘Work Hard & Play Hard’ here has never made me feel more thrilled about work.

Despite working in a fast-paced environment, what are the perks of your job?

I have the chance to learn everything. I have a nice and lively workplace environment to work with the whole team. I believe we can go even further. #Teamwork

What do you do to get inspired?

I believe that our environment will give us different inspirations. Sometimes we may lose track of the direction, but remember that after losing direction you can always go back to your mentor. 

I firmly believe that you have to often listen to the views of others, digest advises and critics, reflect yourself for changes are pluses, no minuses.

Advices to freshmen in the industry (Quotes, golden lessons etc)

“Live to learn, not learn to live.”

Read more about #VoicesFromXiMnet here.

Read More

A Brief Interview with, Joe, Project Consultant of XiMnet Malaysia

Our Intern, Mei Yee, will be conducting a series of interviews with our team members for the next few weeks as part of her mini project, #VoicesFromXiMnet. 

#VoicesFromXiMnet is a series of interviews to feature the people behind XiMnet so that you can  have a better understanding about the industry. These interviews will be posted every Friday from this week onwards, so watch this space!

Read her first interview with Joe, our Project Consultant below.

Today I have the pleasure of conducting a brief interview with Joe, who incidentally was the interviewer for my intern job.

Having been with the team since 2011, Joe has not only participated in the Web Design process together with the Creative team, she has also been engaging our clients to foster good client relationship.

Let's find out more about her journey at XiMnet through a few questions below:




How long have you been in the digital industry? Is this your expected career plan when you were still in college/university back then?
I set myself to become a Print Designer but I was immersed into the digital world as soon as I started my career, which was definitely not part of my plan but by hearing all the great possibilities in digital design, I believe it is an exciting path for me to venture.

What makes your journey in XiMnet special?
XiMnet is a very nurturing environment to discover your skills and of course, your flaws at the same time.

My 4-year journey has given me the opportunity to pick up new technical and personal skills. Every day just gets more exciting.

Describe your role in XiMnet. 
I seek engagements. I believe that explains everything I do in XiMnet.

Despite working in a fast-paced environment, what are the perks of your job?
The opportunity to learn, constant encouragement from everyone and most importantly, the involvement in building better lives through technology together with this team.

What do you do to get inspired?
Read and listen to stories of other people. Anyone. Their adventures, struggles and wisdom inspire me.

Do you have any advice for our fellow freshmen in the industry?
It’s okay to not know enough about yourself but never stop discovering your purpose in this world. Make it worth living.

Read more about #VoicesFromXiMnet here.

Read More