Global Sport Education is being supported by Global brands

There have been many boundaries to me getting this project off the ground.
I don't have access to millions or billions, and so I can't self fund. I therefore have to sell a project which is linked to me.
When I first mooted this proposal, I was asked some questions which showed to me that people did not grasp what my proposal entailed. There were those who felt that having jockeyed me into a training role, they had succeeded in getting in rid of me. This was true. They were only interested in one thing.
Sadly, I have not managed to get a mentor. Someone to assist, and help finance my proposal.
ASLI, (Asean Strategic Leadership Institute) offered me the chance to present, which I took. Many thanks to Kenanga Simon and her team.

Here is a visual of how much online learning has grown between 2002 and 20012.
www.onlinelearningsurvey.com/reports/changingcourse.pdf

This chart is USA based.

Most people believe half the worlds present population will be internet connected by 2020. This is in excess of 3 billion people.

Most countries, developed or otherwise are keen to develop their IT infrastructure. Wi-Fi is common in many counties.

By combining strategically located physical campuses with on-line learning I see a sustainable business model emerging.

I do not think with all due respect, that this is difficult to visualise.

Once again, here is a video of a British based Football centric University based in Burnley and Wembley stadium's... plus Real Madrid's Bernabeu... Plus?

These forward thinking people are widening their educational scope to include other sports. Good luck to them!

The problem with Private Pension funds QED inc and Hawtal Whiting inc (update)

UPDATE:Should anyone have 401K accounts with Hawtal Whiting inc or QED inc. This link is for Michigan non claimed accounts:
http://www.michigan.gov/treasury/0,1607,7-121-44435---,00.html
You will have to fill in a form countersigned by a Michigan notary public. Which if you are not based in Michigan could be problematic.

I have never been a civil servant. I have been employed by commercial companies.

Fords were my first major company. They have not gone bankrupt. I have access to any future and present pension information. It is open and accessible.

For many years I worked in America. They have proper pension plans, as in civil service/Ford type plans, and savings plans called 401K's.

Two of the companies I worked no longer exist. One was sold on... Hawtal Whiting USA. This was first sold to Rapid Design, and then sold on again. I am sure that the 401K exists... I just don't know where!

The second, QED inc Troy, Michigan.
CLICK HERE to see what I found on the internet.

When I worked for QED there was some problems with the funds not being paid in on time. The Office Manager at the time, who I will not name, assured everyone this was an oversight, and all funds would be paid in. TRUST ME...

Sadly, the first term that springs to mind when I think about QED is dodgy. I'm sure some very decent honest people will find themselves out of pocket.

Anyone reading this with any insight on whom to contact regarding these plans, please feel free to add the info as a comment.

"A picture is worth a thousand words"

My proposal revolves around setting up physical campuses at/on Motorsport venues, combined with on-line learning.
Lotus is where I first suggested this. Reaction was tepid to very anti. No-one said this was going to be easy!
DRB Hicom own Lotus and Proton. They have just received University status for their ICAM campus it is now being renamed

DRB-Hicom University Of Automotive Malaysia

Petronas has a private University UTP. They, like Lotus and Proton are involved in Motorsport.

Below are 3 video's. Spend five minutes watching them, and you will understand what I am trying to achieve...

Detroit Electric build first car.

I read today that Detroit Electric built their first car this week.
The business model is (I believe) to obtain a body from an OEM and electrify the power train.
This first model is an Elise based project. Why? Lotus/Proton could do it themselves.
If this is successful, maybe they will.
Detroit Electric have changed the back to look like an old Triumph GT6. (Below)

Here is the Detroit Electric car. (Below)

I met Albert Lam some years ago. He kindly gave me two hours of his time. He could not see a revenue stream in my proposal.
He has obviously seen a revenue stream here. Good luck to him. I'm sure he won't be offended if I say in my opinion he made the wrong decision.
Once again, Albert was kind enough to listen to me (and pay for coffee!). I appreciate that.

I actually shared this on facebook. Mark Zuckerberg speaking Mandarin.

I am not much of a facebook user. This blog is a functional tool to promote my pet project, one I hope will become a reality in the not too distant future.
The project is global. In my view internet enabled learning is here already, and will grow and become more inclusive and accessible.
People in our global community practice different religions, and speak different languages. This can be embraced and enjoyed, or rejected/ignored.
Having worked abroad for a portion of my adult life, I have on occasion decided to learn foreign languages.
People who speak English as a first language often expect others to speak English, and make little or no attempt to learn the language of the country they work in. I myself am guilty of this.

From a Corporate perspective this can be a mistake. Whilst working in Germany for General Motors (contract) I would see a dozen Germans speaking German in a meeting, and a British rep from a British Design house would walk in. The Germans would revert to their second language, namely English to accommodate the person.

Privately, this would cause a little resentment. It is a barrier to doing business in that country.

I was impressed to see Mr Zuckerberg representing himself and his company so proficiently in China.

Not only is Mark culturally aware, he is also an excellent business man (obvious, I know).

Will I be learning Mandarin any time soon. If I'm honest, probably not. Would I like my project to have a Chinese presence? Absolutely.

Here is Marks speech. Delivered in Mandarin. I'm sure its not perfect (just a guess... sadly).

China has signed an educational framework with the UK

I just read an article on official Chinese site:
 2015-10-25 21:42:26    CRIENGLISH.com      Web Editor: Chu Yiming

Xi's UK Visit Roundup: Red Flags, Red Carpets and Red Envelopes for People's Benefits 

1) Britain will start to issue a two-year multiple-entry visa for Chinese tourists beginning in 2016 according to the British embassy in Beijing.
It is prompted by an increasing number of high net worth tourists from China.
2) The Chinese and British governments have already signed an ambitious framework to expand collaboration in higher education, vocational training and secondary education, on top of closer collaboration in sports education.
As part of his time in the UK, Chinese President Xi Jinping took time out to tour the Imperial College in London.
Observers are suggesting the tour could be a sign the Chinese government may be preparing to make education a higher priority in China-UK ties in the future.
3) The Bank of China (BOC) has announced the establishment of the London Trading Centre for the Chinese yuan and launched the BOC-yuan Bond Trading Index.
4) A branch of the Legoland amusement park is to open in Shanghai. It is a joint venture between Britain's Merlin Entertainments Plc. and China Media Capital. Merlin is the world's second-biggest theme park operator behind Walt Disney Co.

I found item number 2, most interesting:
2) The Chinese and British governments have already signed an ambitious framework to expand collaboration in higher education, vocational training and secondary education, on top of closer collaboration in sports education.

I have added my television interview with Bernama. In it I mention China. I certainly see China as a market for my proposal:

The political landscape is changing, and as far as my proposal is concerned, changing favourably.

Just a thought.

Enjoy the video

I thought I would post the TV advert for Britains Football based University.
Going to Wembley Stadium to learn football marketing/other must be novel. Some might call it 'Unique'.
I am suprised that this learning template, now proven to work, has not been adopted by others.
Just a thought.

Todays my birthday!

Well, its here, I'm 60.
Mila sent me this photo via facebook.
Two weeks ago I met Mila, Jimmy and family in London.
Its twelve years since I worked with Jimmy in KL. The children have all arrived since.

Its nice that I still have contacts in Malaysia.
I am still confident of returning and making a positive difference in my professional and personal life.

Malaysian PM cleared of any wrong doing. (Selfishly) maybe I can get some attention!

This is not a political blog.
 Proton until recently considered the Malaysian National car and chaired the ex Malaysian PM, Tun Mahathir.
Tun Mahathir and Malaysia's present PM appear to have had a disagreement over funds in the PM's personal bank account.
The BBC says this has been settled.
Malaysia agency says Najib Razak funds 'were donations'

Malaysia's anti-corruption agency has said hundreds of millions of dollars found in Prime Minister Najib Razak's personal accounts were donations, effectively clearing him of wrongdoing.

But it did not disclose who the donors were or what the donations were for.

This has been a bit of a distraction it would seem for the Proton Chairman.

Selfishly (yes I can be selfish) I now hope things will settle down, justice is seen to be done, and the good Doctor can run his eye over my proposal.

I'm not perfect, but I'm pretty honest and have a workable plan I'd like to implement.

Not that I'm an attention seeker!

Proton paid off Group Lotus £203.81 million debt.

In todays online edition of the EDGE

This year Abdul Harith expects Lotus to have a positive operating cashflow, with an aim to break even in FY16...
Lotus group currently has zero borrowing as all of its debts, which amounted to £203.81 million (RM 1.22 billion) was settled by Proton last year.
(This was on page 8).

The article refers to the Lotus SUV Project in Fujian province China.
 So Lotus is once again debt free. Proton did a similar thing when Mike Kimberley was CEO.

DRB Hicom, Proton's owner appear to be in for the long haul.

Hopefully, things will turnaround commercially for Group Lotus in the not to distant future.

Incidentally, the same article the investment in China is quoted as 10billion yuan (RM6.16 billion) over £1 billion at todays exchange rate.

I don't have any comment really, other than Group Lotus appear to have a really poor commercial history!

I wish them all the best.

Proton and new local competition. Perhaps they could consider an additional revenue stream?

Lotus, who I am hoping to interest in my proposal... Are owned by a Malaysian company DRB Hicom, who have many divisions, Defence, Post, Automotive etc...
Proton was started by Tun Mahathir, and was recently owned by the Government. It is now privately owned.
Up until now taxis in Malaysia were mostly Protons. Now that is about to change. Toyota products have now received official blessing.
Toyota Innova MPV officially unveiled as TEKS1M cab - (Paul Tan)

Tun Mahathir is now the Chairman of Proton and Lotus. I cannot speak on his behalf, but I suspect that he will not welcome the competition!

Protons Malaysia market share in the past 10 years has dropped considerably, this won't help.

In England, my local garage stopped selling Protons a couple of years ago.

Proton, have agreements in place with Honda and Suzuki to share platforms and technology, and their new vehicles will reflect that...

Lotus will be building their next new vehicle, an SUV in China. Here is a small portion of todays Malaysian Reserve article:
The market presence of Lotus cars in China was done via Goldstar Lotus Automobile Co Ltd, a JV company between the three parties. Proton, Lotus and Goldstar will own 40%, 10% and 50% respectively in the JV company, which will cost up to 10 billion yuan (RM6.15 billion).

I am not an insider... So I don't know for sure if this is being based on an existing platform, Proton Exora being the most obvious, or with the Lotus Toyota connection, they use their engines, possibly a Toyota platfom, or as Proton have agreement with Honda and Suzuki possibly something they currently use...

Building from scratch would only make sense if it were to be a global platform possibly, selling it back to one of their OEM partners. Car Makers do that, but I'm not sure that is going to happen. You would really need an agreement up front to do that. The Platform would then have to be designed around your needs and that of the sharing OEM.

I certainly wish them all the best!

It would be nice if they could leverage their brands, particularly Lotus in a more out of the box way. My proposal does that... However, it seems a lot of people think I'm out of my box proposing it!

Here's a video showing a couple of losers talking about something similar.

Alastair Campbell was Tony Blair's media man, and Brian Barwick was the CEO of the FA.
The College is now a physical entity, here is a promo Video.

Lastly, I saw this video on youtube: I attended an ASLI conference with Alex. He was the most photographed man there!

I know a couple of other drivers from my time in Malaysia who would love to driving in this!

 

Old friends from Malaysia

This blog is project related, however it is also a little (not facebook) social.
I met some friends from my time in Malaysia this week.

Bernita (left), is the founder of Lekker Travel LTD based in South Africa.  She is a lovely smart person, who will soon return to South Africa to carry on with her project...
Tilo and Curtney, Tilo runs some Backpacking sites, Plays in a band, and works in Leipzig, Curtney is from Terengganu, and is married to Tilo, she works as an Interior Designer.
The unseen photographer is Florian, now a Principle at Lodestone and based in London.
We all met in Red Palm KL. A fantastic hostel that made loads of people welcome and forged long lasting friendships.
Sadly, due to its size (small) it didn't make money and recently closed. It made the tourist section of the Guardian in England, and was voted best hostel in Asia by hostelworld.
We all miss the Red Palm team, and wish them well. Shame they weren't with us!!
Earlier in the day we met Jimmy, who I met in Proton and Mila, who I holidayed with in Redang Malaysia...

Along with my father, they also stayed with us in Basildon.

We went to Stonehenge, among other places.
Mila, like Curtney is from Terengganu, she is actually part of the Royal family!
You couldn't hope to meet a nicer person. She came with Jimmy, the kids, and a family friend. No photo's sad to say... They are now in Paris.
Bon Voyage!!

Automatic and topless... Way to go!

Today, I see that the Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales announced a new open top Evora is in the works. He said that for the first time in many years Lotus will be profitable!
This taken from Autocar,
On Lotus’s finances, Gales said: “We will be cashflow-profitable in this financial year and profitable in the financial year beginning 1 April 2016 for the first time in 60 years.”

This is a pic I borrowed from a comment on Pistonheads in July 2012, by a person using the name Hedgerley.

I have to say, I think it looks really good. Sadly, my opinion on styling aesthetics do not carry much weight.
Apparently, this was ready for sign off under previous CEO Dany Bahar.

Years ago, I remember seeing a TV programme called (I believe) Nuts and Bolts. The programme was talking about the demise of the British car industry. I remember a Union guy saying that the then Rover group had sent one of its sport car models stateside with a six gear manual box and a hardtop. Apparently, it didn't sell...

Having lived in the USA, I can tell you that selling a manual car to the average man in the street is very difficult. Most people have never driven a manual. Selling a sports car with a hard top is possible. IMO selling a car that is a soft top/T top with an Automatic box is a potential winner.

In my younger days, I had a metallic gold Trans Am with black T-tops. In the Detroit area the speed limit was 55mph. The roads were in a grid system. So even though it was a waste of time owning a sports car from a performance point of view, it was great in the Summer for slowly posing about town. Nothing wrong with that. Salesmen are generally quite happy to sell cars to posers!

I hear a lot of people asking in Forums, but what would Colin Chapman do? As I don't pretend to be a psychic I don't know. However, if he followed the six gear/hard top philosophy I would have to say it would be a disaster from a USA sales perspective.

Remember, Colin was happy for anyone to buy a Lotus in a Kit form, and build them anyway they deemed fit anywhere in the world. Why??... I assume, being a pragmatic businessman he thought he could sell more! Caterham and Westfield do the same to this very day.

I'm very happy to see Lotus are producing an Automatic/Soft top version of the Evora. I'm sure they won't stop making the hardtop/manual for those who want one.

Good luck with it!

Happy Birthday Proton and its Chairman, plus a few idle thoughts...

I see in the Malaysian press that the Prime minister has congratulated Proton on its 30 year birthday. The Company (Proton) Chairman has his 90th birthday tomorrow (Friday 10 July 2015).
Presently, the Proton chairman and the present Malaysian PM are at loggerheads, and making lots of headlines in their very open spat.
I am hoping the issue can be resolved soon. Rather selfishly, I'd like the Chairman to put some of his energy into getting my project approved, and possibly help with funding!
I nearly always put a picture with my posts...
So I thought I'd add my ECDL cert...(no relevance to the post).

 

Just a couple of idle thoughts to finish.

Lotus F1 team are having financial problems. Rumours are that it is for sale.

 It would be a lovely fit with my educational proposal.

https://joesaward.wordpress.com/2015/07/08/lotus/

I also saw on facebook a link to an old article saying the Nurburgring was for sale.

Again this circuit would work with project!

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1083059_its-official-the-nrburgring-is-for-sale



As I said, just a couple of idle thoughts!

My friend and sometimes mentor has lost her Mum (passed away)

I sometimes add a bit of personal stuff to this blog. My road to getting approval and finance for this project (MUM) has led me to Malaysia on many occasions.
I stayed in Red Palm. Sofie pictured her with me and Tilo used to run the guest house.

She is a really nice and helpful person. Her Mum died today.
Sofie invited me to her Mums house local to KL for a Raya meal some years ago. Her Mum was lovely.
Sofie is originally from Alor Star, but was educated in Penang and lives in KL.
I offer her my heartfelt condolences.

Exora based Lotus SUV?

I see Lotus are to produce an SUV.
They will use the Proton parts bin. Picture borrowed from Paul Tan.

I have to assume it will be lighter and faster than the Porsche…

Porsche uses a combination of steels and aluminium. Pic borrowed from Topspeed.com
I suppose Lotus could do the same, perhaps adding some carbon.
Zenos, a new car Company based beside Lotus Hethel and run by ex Lotus employees has recently built a new car.
It gets good reviews and uses ‘cheap’ carbon.

Here is a portion of a review. www.motoringresearch.com
It’s made from an extruded aluminium central spine, to which front and rear subframes are bolted. A carbon fibre composite cockpit is fixed to this: if it sounds familiar, it’s because it’s similar to how the original Lotus Elan was made. That used fiberglass though – Zenos’s recycled carbon fibre (with thermoplastic honeycomb core) is a brand new material that’s light, affordable and still seven-tenths as strong as F1-grade carbon fibre. Ingenious.

The Exora has been set up as a hybrid and an electric vehicle as a running prototype. Lotus have obviously produced the Evora in hybrid form.
http://www.lotuscars.com/engineering/evora-414e-hybrid
So a light hybrid version of a Evora based SUV would not mean entering into the unknown.
Engine wise Proton have the Campro, which is in production, and has a turbo charged version. It doesn’t get glowing reports though.
Alternatively, Proton own the (Petronas) E01e which has been in development for about 15 years and has never been productionised.

Proton paid RM63 million (about £11million) for this in 2012.
I assume it was bought with a view to put it to some use?

Police only doing as they are told... I'm sure Dr. Mahathir was quietly amused (bemused)

If you read my blog/webpage you will know I have met some of Proton's management, past and present.
Proton being a Malaysian car company. They own Lotus (Hethel).
I have briefly met Dr. Mahathir. Now Chairman of Lotus and Proton.

I presented at ASLI with his Son (a former Lotus board member) and Tengku Mahaleel (former CEO of Lotus).

Before we went on both gentlemen let me know they would not appreciate it if I publicly embarassed them in any way... Keeping face in Asia is a big deal it would seem.
So I am not suprised to see this video appearing on youtube. Obviously, a VVIP was apprehensive about being publicly humiliated and took appropriate action.
The Police are only following orders.

I remember in my younger days having contact with the Police in America. I was arrested several (3)times for drink driving. The Police did what the Police do. End of.
The last time, I had an argument at the bar with a Man who was rude to the bar staff (gave him the wrong brand of beer). The person I argued with felt it necessary to call the Police after I left, apparently he got a pay rise from 'our' company for this.
I got what I deserved, a ban, a fine, lost my house for six months, and had a black mark against my name...  Fair enough.

In Dr. Mahathirs case I imagine he was escorted home/elsewhere. No harm done...

Corporate help from a Punk

I have a visitor due to visit me in July.
Tilo and his wife Curtney are friends I met in Malaysia. I attended their wedding.

Tilo helped me produce a video (along with Herry - Thanks Herry) for my ASLI presentation.

He also helped me with some of my promotional material and co-ordinated and Uploaded to Amazon the Charity book.

 Apart from my Slideshare presentation, he never asked for any monetary renumeration.

Check out his work here: www.samasama.de

The video I used at ASLI is no longer available. However, Tilo and his group are reforming, so I thought I would give him and his band some free publicity!
His Mum told me they (fifty50) were the best Punk band in Leipzig!
Judge for yourself!

I am still hopeful that I can get support from more corporate type resources for my project sooner rather than later!

Until then Anarchy rules... I suppose?

Video of a sports based University

This is a promo for a Football based Uni. It is based around a Football ground.
My proposal is essentially the same.
Obviously, with Motorsports Engineering/CAD/CAE  would be added to the mix.

I see this project has the support of some high level repected people. I'm hoping that people of similar ilk throw their weight behind my proposal.

CSR projects and the spirit of giving

Today my Sister put her book on Kindle.

ALL ROYALTY PAYMENTS GO CHARITY

Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust (Maggie’s)

 

As you may know, I along with Claus and Tilo Werner produced a book. This book is available on Amazon (POD) and Kindle.
This was done to benefit charity, ROKPA and was used as a CSR project for my MUM proposal.
Whilst we publicised ourselves doing this, none of us received any cash for our efforts. Nor will we in the future.
Follow this link if you want to read the story behind the story.

In my Sisters case, the writing of the book is a personal account of her feelings. So it helped her cope while being diagnosed with and receiving treatment for cancer.
 So out of a negative experience, something positive arose. Feel free to read her story and by doing so help a cancer charity help others in a similar position.
Corporate social responsibility and Personal social responsibility are both laudable.
I think most of us hope to leave the World a slightly better place than we found it.

Lotus and Goldstar sign off on a joint venture.

Lotus International have signed another agreement to offer design support for Youngman in China.
In return Youngman can sell their cars as Goldstar Lotus.
This was reported in the Malaysian media today.
I have borrowed this picture from Paul Tan who reported this.

Proton Chairman Dr. Mahathir is in the centre. The respective representatives of Goldstar and Lotus are shaking hands.

Last time this happened, Lotus Engineering Malaysia supplied some of the Manpower. In fact a lot of the people who worked on the last such project remained in China. Many working for Magna. I assume Lotus will be looking for people. Proton might supply some from their own R&D centre in Shah Alam. Proton and Lotus are both owned by DRB Hicom in Malaysia.

Goldstar, if my memory serves me correctly were also the initial Chinese partner of choice when Tengku Mahaleel was CEO.

I suppose in the same way GM use the Chevy brand to sell (Daewoo) Korean produced cars worldwide Lotus may find its name on cars far and wide. Its down to money. Lotus doesn't make any.
It is a pawn in this game, in my personal opinion.

I'm sure Lotus and DRB Hicom will hope this works commercially. Lotus has a much stronger resonance abroad than Proton.

I would love to able to use the Lotus brand on my Educational proposal. Hopefully, some of the people in the picture read this blog!

Linkedin buy Lynda.com online training portal for $1.5bn

Last night I watched Linda Yueh interviewing three high level University heads about online education.
It is now a serious business.
If you are in the UK you can view it on iplayer now.
In addition I see that Linkedin have paid $1.5bn for an online training portal.
Their shares rose by 1.5%
Good stuff.
Hopefully, I can garner some support for this project!

Wish me luck!

Phoenix University has lost half of its Students in the last five years

I read today that Phoenix University has lost half of its students in the last 5 years.
CNN wrote this report.

Enrollment at America's largest for-profit university was about 460,000 students five years ago. Now it's 213,000...
What's ahead: The numbers are telling: Apollo Education Group had revenues close to $5 billion in 2010. This year it will be lucky to take in $2.7 billion.

I have to say that commercially I have used Phoenix to illustrate that this kind of accreditted training does produce a cash flow.

This University is a for profit concern, and may soon have to compete with a free community programme.

But the headwinds continue for for-profit institutions in the U.S. Last March, the Obama administration proposed new limitations on federal aid doled out to for-profit colleges.

President Obama then announced another initiative in January to make community college free. For-profit universities compete for many of the same students that community colleges take in.

Once accredited by a countries government students education can be used towards a degree course.

My earliest experience of this was when studying in Germany, I attended the Goethe institute. This institute was home to many American students. The Goethe Diploma was accepted by many American educational institutions towards obtaining a degree qualification.

The Goethe institute is based in Germany, but has branches throughout the globe. The first time a took a course with them it was in Dublin Ireland.

As I am forever proposing an educational institute, I thought it only appropriate to show some negative press with regard to the success and failure of such institutions.

I still think a well thought out and ethically run institution can and will succeed.

Unethical actions can have positive outcomes! Linkedin Colleague requests.

I have just had a Linkedin request from a person who caused me to leave GM Flint.

The Unethical action

 The Linkedin wannabe colleague, got copies of a job he designed and made hardcopies via a 3rd party and left them on a high level Design Managers desk.

By printing off the copies on my computer under my log in ID. The Manager in question ( two levels above my then GM boss, Ron - I can't remember his name) would see the ID on the screen copies and attribute the design material to me.

Needless to say the quality of this material was abysmal.

He is now a high level GM Design Manager himself now. So theoretically it would be a positive thing to have him as a contact.
I didn't make a fuss at the time. I left for a much better paying job.

I must say I am not sure to be annoyed or amused!
His GM brand is closing its Engineering unit, so maybe that has something to do with it.

In this case once bitten twice shy.

The gentleman in question will fall on his feet I'm sure, however I prefer to remain outside of his area of influence.

I must say, everything happens for a reason, and whilst my career appears to be on hold presently, I have enjoyed my life experience in the last decade or so.

Sitting behind a tube in Warren Mi would pay the bills. I don't miss it at all.

The Positve outcome

Since leaving Flint, I worked for GM in my new role in America and Germany. Enjoyed it thoroughly, worked in Malaysia, loved Malaysia... working for Lotus wasn't great if I'm honest. My wanna be Linkedin colleague would have been at home there.

Being involved with a Media company (Board Member) getting some first hand experience with the tourist industry (more as a friend than worker)

 and meeting CEO's and in one case the ex Malaysian PM, Dr. Tun Mahathir (on the left below), no we're not friends or colleagues, would not have happened without my wanna be Linkedin friend.

There are a lot more positives than negatives that came out of his unethical action.

Everything happens for a reason!

Next step... Get my Dream project up and running!

I know who can influence the outcome. I hope they come through for me.

Lucky I'm patient and persistent and happy... healthy... don't hold grudges... the list goes on.

Getting funding for your dream project is not easy...

I use social media and have a webpage www.motorsportuniversitymalaysia.com
I don't tend to add pictures and jokes to my facebook page. I usually just update my blog www.motorsportuniversitymalaysia.blogspot.com I then share this on Google+ and sometimes Linkedin.
I actually have a lot of pageviews on Google+
Today, I checked out Linkedin. I went onto the Detroit Electric page. I have met with Albert Lam. Presently, Albert is the founder of Detroit Electric, then he was CEO of Lotus Engineering. It was good of him to give me the time, and pay for my coffee!

 He said if I could show him a revenue stream for a "Training" proposal he would bring onboard investors. His experience with training was much the same as General Motors with small cars, ie "We don't make money from ..."

He seems to have spent the last few years trying to sell an electric Elise. I then expect (I don't know) that he will source another ICE production car from China and put an electric power unit in it.
No R&D costs with the complete development of a vehicle. Just assemble and sell.

Good Luck with that.

I noticed on the Detroit Electric page one person I know. The Executive Program Manager. I assume he works from home. He appears to be the only one based in Singapore.
There are several in China,Holland and the UK, with a couple in Detroit.

Additionally, I saw that my facebook friend Kumar has done some ride and handling work for them. Kumar worked in Lotus Engineering. I helped him financially (personally) in his early rallying career. Lotus Engineering does not have a budget for Rally Driving per se.

I am incredibly biased, that I admit. BUT I wish that my proposal would receive the funding and support that this project has.

Well run ethical institutions that offer bona fide certification nowadays often exceed one million clients. That in my view (biased, I know) represents a revenue stream.

Whilst I have called the project MUM Malaysian Motorsport University, this was because I was with Lotus/ Proton at the early inception. The project has a global vision.

It will happen, I'm sure.

In the meantime, I wish Albert Lam and his crew all the best.

Geneva, Lotus and Tun Mahathir.

Since my invitation to meet the then CEO of Lotus Mike Kimberley some years ago, I have not been to the Geneva Show.
I never did meet Mike, although a year or two later we sat a few feet from each other at a conference. We never spoke.
Today, Lotus have a CEO called Jean-Marc Gales. A European with an Auto Executive CV.
This week Lotus Unveiled their updated/new car. An Evora 400.

Jean-Marc has appeared in many online media outlets this week.

CAR asked him the following:

There’s no real link between the Lotus F1 team and the road cars. But how beneficial do you think the F1 connection is?

'I think people can over-estimate the link to motorsport – there is no synergy between the race cars and the road cars.'

I have to agree with him. However, Lotus are certainly well served by the Marketing of their name by F1.
Their cars are at the end of the day 'Sports Cars'.
F1 has a Red Bull team. They make soft drinks, and obviously see some benefit in being associated with successful sport franchises.

Anyway, I saw this video on the Lotus forum and thought I would share it.

You will notice that Jean-Marc pulls the cover back with the Lotus Chairman, Tun Mahathir.
I have briefly met Tun.

And I have contacted him on several occasions about my proposal.
One I am sure he will throw his support behind it.
Success is never guaranteed, however I would be very disapointed and suprised if I let him down.
I believe in the project, and myself.

Branding Image and Satire

I just watched a video (Paul Tan site).
On my previous blog, I mentioned Apple as a potential customer Partner of Lotus.

I enjoyed this. I hope you do too...

Seriously, Lotus have been instrumental in the early Tesla development, why not apple?

Bertelsmann. Check out their growth strategy. Education.

Reuters have stated that Bertelsmann are now actively and aggresively executing their Educational strategy.
This is reflected on the Bertelsmann site:

Bertelsmann entered the global education business in early 2012, shortly after Thomas Rabe took office as Chairman & CEO. In the context of Bertelsmann’s corporate strategy with its four priorities, building the education business primarily falls under the "expansion of growth businesses.”...

Bertelsmann has defined three specific segments in which the company will advance its educational activities in the years ahead: e-learning, medical education, and services for universities.

I applaud Bertelsmann. Thomas Rabe, their CEO obviously has a viable plan, and the goodwill and support of his organisation . Good for him.

There are obvious parallels between what I would like to do, and Bertelmanns vision.
Medical education would be covered by Sports Medicine, Engineering would be transport based, services for Universities...

As I was involved with Lotus when I initially made my proposal, it was based around their owners and Shareholders Petronas Proton Lotus with a media/IT partner, at that time, Bernama and IBM.

Today, maybe Petronas Proton Lotus Bertelsmann Apple.

Proton and Lotus can supply hardware, Petronas and Bertelsmann have education as core competencies. Apple an IT company are keen to get into Automotive.

Petronas Proton and Lotus know each other. Bertelsmann and Apple would need to be approached by a high level executive team made up of representatives of PetronasF1 and Petronas University, Proton and Proton R3, Lotus Cars and Lotus F1.

I feel this would work. I can't make this happen alone.

A friend recently added Meditation to my Linkedin skillset. This blog presently, is a form of dreaming.

Dreams do come true!
“All men of action are dreamers.” - James Huneker

Today the BBC ran this article - UK online course provider FutureLearn reaches million

The article I am referring to is here BBC
Below is taken from the BBC article.
Mr Nelson says that many parts of the education system could be "transformed by digital".

"We're involved in one of the most exciting parts of society at the moment. Of all the sectors on their digital journey I feel that education has the most benefits to gain from its transition."

When I presented at ASLI (Asian Strategic Leadership Institute). Thats me on the left with Tengku Mahaleel and Dato Mokhzani Mahathir.

One of the aims for my proposal was to achieve a customer base of one million.
I used the example of a Malaysian Institute (Limkokwing) whose founder had stated that as a benchmark for his institute. Star newspaper article
When I was with Lotus in Malaysia, one of the contributing Universities mentioned in the BBC article showed interest in participating with us (Lotus) in such a project. They obviously have moved on.
Good for them!

Happy Chinese New Year and Losar (Tibetan) New year to everyone...

Happy New Year to you all!

Some years ago I celebrated this at a Western (Tibetan) Monastery. I was given the job of giving sustenance to the people who had decided to celebrate by prayer and intermittant fasting.
I have only one picture of my time at Samye Ling.

Previously, I had worked in the Stupa, helping the artist/sculptor. Again my main job was supplying sustenance. Milky tea and biscuits, if I remember correctly.
The mandrel in front of me, later became the structure for a Buddha statue, which now resides on Holy Island.
I have fond memories of the place.

Lotus released their facelifted Evora to the press yesterday.
No new product till 2020...
Daily Telegraph:
Gales now says there won’t be any all-new Lotus models until 2020, but is convinced there’s plenty life left in the ones they have. Guiding him is the guy whose portrait sits above the boardroom table: Lotus founder Colin Chapman.
“A sports car company needs a hook. Our hook is the gentlemen who founded the company, who said simplify and add lightness. It’s so strong.”

Lotus intend to upgrade and add lightness to their existing range.

I found this comment a bit sad.
Daily Telegraph:

He’s also taking cost out. One of Gales’s innovations is to strip down all three models and display each individually-priced part on tables in what he dubs the tear-down room. Parts prices are then questioned and cheaper, ideally lighter, items are sought as long as quality is maintained. “It’s basically never been done before [at Lotus],” he said.

In the 1980's we did this after every programme at Fords. I find it hard to believe that Lotus has never done this before.

On a positive note, The Evora will be appearing in convertible form. I have to assume Lotus had the wherewithal to package protect for this when they initially designed the car.

Perhaps, instead of just contributing to my educational proposal, Lotus might want to participate in some of the Continuous improvement design classes. I hope Proton, the parent company to Lotus do design analysis of their products periodically.

Geneva Motor Show on the horizon. I'll accept an invitation!

The Geneva Motor Show is coming up next month.
Lotus are making an appearance. They are going to display a new version of an existing vehicle (I assume).
Here is an eco version of one of their products they made a few years ago.

Wouldn't it be nice if this made it into production!
It looks like hemp can be used in much the same way as concrete. I assume that it therefore lends itself to 3D printing.
The last time (and only time) I went to the Geneva Motor Show, I was supposed to meet the CEO of Lotus. He was whisked away to Malaysia.
I talked to some of the Lotus representatives. At that time they were developing a new secondary engine for hybrids.
I was assured this is/was the future for Lotus.

 

All this technology should be shared with students globally. I see a revenue stream here for my proposal.

What do you think?

Here is my old Bernama TV interview. Sepang may or may not be part of this. The general concept remains true.



Herbie O'Brien died 26th January 2015... 1.30pm Detroit time.

My very good friend Herbie O'Brien died today, 26 January 2015.
I worked with Herbie in Flint Michigan. He was a former GM employee. Both Herbie and Ginny have stood by me in good times and bad.
Herbie had been ill for some time.
Lots of love and best wishes to Ginny, Herbies wife, and family.
RIP Herbie. A good man.

Proposal for an educational institution in Johor

Johor is in the process of building a grade one circuit.

Presently, it doesn't have an educational campus on its grounds.
I have added one... Its an imaginary one right now.
Johor has an EDU city as part of of its development plan.

I have to think such an institution would meet with its approval.

My friend Claus recently wrote and asked,
 "Where is this imaginary institute?"

So Claus, now you know!