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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How to Design A Harley-Davidson Bike

A rough guide for aspiring motorcycle-designers

Ok, not really. The challenge is actually to design a commuting experience for motorcyclists in sudden rain.

For inspiration, first do the below:
1. Stuff your face with kuih-muih (thanks boss!)
2. Drink 7 cups of coffee / milo
3. Play futsal and take photos to post on social media later.

The chart below for guidance:

Step 1: Empathise — Getting out and talking to customers directly
Then, step out into the streets! Interview anyone you can get hold of, including car mechanics (no success), money changers (success!!), etc. Remember to pepper your interview with a few personal questions in order for them not to find out about your real objective. Just go with the flow, watch out for snatch thieves, etc.

Step 2: Define — Defining a problem statement based on empathy work
Ok, now that you have sweated enough for the week, it’s time to get back into an air-conditioned environment. Now, discuss in a team (remember to assemble a team beforehand) about the results of your interview.

Step 3: Ideate a.k.a. Brainstorming
Refrain from judging your teammate’s silly ideas.

These might help:
A. Iteration (Keep improving a prototype)
B. Inferring (Putting our personal assumption into a neutral scenario)

Here we are, hard at work:

Step 4: Prototype a.k.a The really fun part / waking up from lunch coma
Ok, now is the time to test your design. Will your proposed waterproof spray work in real life? Is it marketable? How do you show your design’s benefits using only wigs, plastic bottles and polystyrene?

(We don’t know either, but the other team did a pretty good job.)

Not bad, Team 2, not bad. *Korean death stare.

Step 5: Test – Getting out and testing the prototypes with users
Our proposed design, The Ultimate Scarf™, did not break even after testing with the focus groups since the seat was a metal chair. (Obviously not the most hardworking team lol).

Feedback for Prototype 1 (a rainbow slinky around the neck):
1. EHH what is this?! Trying to kill me ah??
2. Is this going to smear my makeup (I know. HAHHHAHA. Just trying to save lives here.)
3. The screen (a plastic wrap) is too close to my face. I can’t see the GPS (some marker drawing on the plastic).

Take note of all the feedback, good and bad, and work on the improvements. Good design does not happen in one day, except in workshops.

Our end product sample (photo shown for sample only):

Now, ending this post with a quote and since we all love Steve…

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. 
— Steve Jobs

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5 Question Asked: Lead Programmer

Meet Jun Ting, our Lead Programmer in the Technical Team of XiMnet Malaysia. Born and bred in Johor, Jun Ting has been with us for 6 years and counting. Often the go-to person to solve problems, we must say she's fast learner and never hesitate to reach out for those who are troubled. Get to know her more:


How was the beginning of your career in XiMnet Malaysia?

Honestly, what I have learned back in my university was very different from what I doing now. But I took it as a great chance given to me to explore new possibilities, which I am totally enjoying now. My first task given by my CEO was to munch down a text book. I took up the challenge and excelled, bringing me to where I am now.

Beside your daily work, do you have any hobbies? Please share it with us.

I enjoy new life experiences so I love travelling around the globe. It gives me the opportunity to try out new things, learn and feel life in a different way.

I am also into sports. I like to swim because the feeling of setting my mind free and relaxing my nerves in the water after a long day at work satisfies me a lot. Besides that, I play badminton as well. This is the first sport I took up from my dear family. If I can, I will keep doing this for the rest of my life.

Lastly, as a curious programmer, web-surfing is a good past-time to keep myself growing.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced throughout the years in XiMnet Malaysia?

In the rapidly changing and evolving IT environment, I think the biggest challenge to me is to equip myself with the new skills & information, being at the top of the league.

Do you have any heroes? What make them your heroes?

Would it be funny to tell you I do not know my hero's name? In my mind, there is no doubt that the Internet has had a massive impact on our lives. In fact, I can’t imagine living without internet. Thus my heroes are the "Creators of the Internet"!

Please share 3 golden lessons you learned to this point.

1. Do or Do Not, There Is No Try.
2. Listen To Your Curiosity
3. Knowledge Comes with Great Experience

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Meet Passionate People: The Alphabet Press

If you have not heard about them, you better be now. The Alphabet Press is a printmaking workspace dedicated to letterpress, design and curation. We are proud to say that we may be the only contemporary letterpress printmaker in Malaysia.

We were very fortunate to be accommodated with a 2-hour sharing session with The Strategist, Cliff, and The Printmaker, Zeejay, learning what letterpress is all about.

What makes these passionate people go all in to bring letterpress into Malaysia?

"We tried to look for letterpress printers for our collateral but found none in the country. With much courage and affection to make this service available for all, we began our journey to make this dream come true."

"It was not easy," Cliff said, when asked how they manage to get three Heidelberg Press. No one is producing these machine anymore so to source for spare parts was part of the big challenge.

A lot of details and attention are given to each print out because the entire process is manual and carefully planned to ensure each piece of printing is perfectly done and we cannot agree more when Zeejay explained to us the steps involved to operate the press.

We believe the founders have gone a long way to be where they are now, and a lot more longer still. Nonetheless, the outcome of letterpress printing is unbeatable and truly unique. Keep up the good work and we wish The Alphabet Press make an impact in the local print industry.

Visit their Website (http://the-alphabet-press.myshopify.com/) or Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/TheAlphabetPress

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Building a Better Team in XiMnet

To move ourselves forward and achieve great success, the secret ingredient is to groom a great team.

A great team moves mountains as one. While it is not easy to keep every team member engaged, here are the things we do in order to knit ourselves closer to each other and aim for great results for our clients!

Shake Things Up

Nobody likes routine so we take the effort to shake things up every now and then. Like how you ask? Cooking Contest! Not good enough? What about Gratitude Day, #LoveAtWork, Tuesday Sharings and Music Nights? All we wish say is that, it is not about who is the boss. It's about who has got the best ideas or initiatives in mind to share.

Out-of-The-Office Day

As a creative digital agency, we understand the importance of a good environment to craft ground breaking ideas. Don't get us wrong, we’ve received many compliments on our cosy office space, but knowing our team, sometimes it is also good to hold discussions in a more casual environment, such as a café.

In fact, we do more than that. We hold sightseeing trips as well as weekly sports sessions away from the office. These sessions keep work exciting.

Celebrate Our Success All The Time

We acknowledge our team members’ dedication and commitment in delivering a great outcome to our clients. Therefore, one way to keep everyone encouraged and appreciated is to reward each and every one of them in all possible ways. It is not always expensive but in XiMnet, we value true support - as simple as a genuine thank you to one another.

Having said all that, a strong and effective team is not built overnight. We will continue to put in time and effort in building a positive culture and a loving environment for everyone to feel loved and rewarded at work.

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Connect With Us On Instagram!

We share our moments, thoughts and ideas visually on Instagram. So we would love to connect with you too! Socialize with us @XiMnet.

Happy Monday, all!

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5 Questions Asked: Project Manager

Inez Yap is a Project Manager of XiMnet Malaysia. One tough cookie who does not have the word 'fear' in her dictionary. Her persistence in delivering results has keep the team challenged.


How was the beginning of your career in XiMnet Malaysia?

I joined XiMnet on 4, Jan 2010 as an Interactive Designer (Flash). I started off not knowing what is HTML & CSS because designing for Flash and HTML website is very different. While it is challenging, it is also very interesting for me to explore.

Beside your daily work, do you have any hobbies? Please share it with us.

Yes. I love to play piano. Chopin, Mozart and Beethoven are my favorite composer. I am currently challenging myself with Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

Please share three golden lessons you learned to this point.

1. Be disciplined and having a set positive attitudes will bring us to the destination we keep dreaming of.
2. Keep reading, learning and exploring without giving up.
3. Don't be afraid to make courageous decisions, eventhough they might not seem to be always right.

Do you have any heroes? What make them your heroes?

Tiffany Poon. She is excellent and confident in herself in every performance.

Tell us in one picture how you're feeling about your life right now.

Image taken from paperthinhymn

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5 Questions Asked: Junior Art Director

Sim is our family member since Year 2008 and counting. Recently taken up the role of Junior Art Director, we managed to grab 10 mins from her back-to-back datelines to share with us how life has been working as a creative one.


What do you like most about design? Any area(s) particularly like? Why?

That there’s no one solution to every design problem. Website design & painting because these are the most familiar to me. I would like to try designing spaces & objects in the future :)

Describe us a bit about your creative process while creating a digital design.

1. Find related and unrelated references.
2. Marinating the ideas.
3. Trying the ideas (if short timeline, skip this step).
4. Choose idea & execute.
5. If doesn’t work, go back to step 3.

What's would you consider the best moment day-to-day and what would be the worst one?

Best: Eating lunch
Worst: Long meetings out of the office on a busy day / Food coma after lunch

What's your favourite media to work with and why?

Pixels and acrylic. Pixels because they’re precise and controllable. Acrylic cos they smell good.

Tell us three websites that you like to visit.

   

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Hello @ Taiwan

Our Chief Alchemist has decided to bring all of us to Taiwan after a year of hard work. Our 4 days 3 nights (15 - 18 November 2013) trip to Taichung - Taipei was truly blissful.

Besides the cooling autumn weather during this time, one must not miss the street food hunt as well as shopping spree in a few renown night markets around Taipei.

Thank you Chief, and we are looking forward to do better in Year 2014 so that we can fly even further! Cheers to the challenges and opportunities which are yet to come.

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