To get into the New Year's mood for 2008, I made a list of predictions and a wish list for 2008 (refer to my entry for the month of January). Now that we have less than 2 months more to go before the year is out, lets take a look at my psychic abilities :

My Predictions for 2008 were:

1. The gap between Malaysia and Chindia (and Vietnam) will increase to the latter's favour and the true impact on our economy will become clearer...... Obvious isn't it?

2. There will be more mega M&As starting with the pharma industry and also possibly further consolidation in the automotive, steel and airline industries. For the first time Indian/Chinese companies will conduct more M&As on European/American companies than vice versa..... I have been keeping you guys updated on the continued raids made by Indian and Chinese companies although I am not sure of the exact number. Delta and Northwest has merged. The big three of Detroit may head the same way.

3. We may see the first non-Malay CEO of a GLC and/or ULC company before the year is out..... A Chinese is now heading PKNS!

4. Africa will awaken vis a vis its importance to China and India as a critical supplier or raw materials..... China's continued reluctance to make the warlords toe the line.

5. The first energy-resource related armed conflict vis a vis Russia and it's former fellow Soviet Union republics..... Russia attacked Georgia (and it was all about energy baby!)...even I got spooked by this!

6. India and China will firmly establish themselves as the favoured destination for business/technology education.... No data on this.

7. The 2008 Olympics will be one of the most successful yet controversial games ever!..... Absolutely bulls eye wasn't it. The grandest ever games with the amazing controversies to boot : Tibet, child manipulation, age manipulation, murder, etc)


And my wishes for 2008 were:

1. Malaysian CEO's take more direct interest in the training and development of their employees.....Hmmmm....no comments.

2. Our policy makers will institute some real measurable strategies for talent development..... No comments

3. CSR standards also include human capital development as part of its dimensions....Nope

4. Air Asia acquires Tiger Airways!...we still have another 6 weeks!

5. Proton gets Tata or Nissan as its strategic partner!.... I wonder?

6. Malaysia gains back loss ground to Singapore in the biotechnology industry.....way off mark, sad to say.

7. Qualified technocrats are made ministers for critical ministries.... nope


Not bad I think although I wished more of my wishes for Malaysia came true. Lets see what the rest of the year brings.