GIS in Malaysia ...

Talking to an old industry friend recently ... he raised a few important questions:

1. Why GIS companies in Malaysia propose excellent shiny projects ... but there's no follow through?? everyone (esp sales) only aim to win the mega tender ... but why not make it a sure win 5-10 years down the road?? how come success is only measured by short term project deliverability … but not long term user satisfaction or department productivity?? How will the government or public support GIS anymore with these failed (and overpriced) projects???

2. why Malaysian universities churning out GIS graduates who can't speak or write good English? why graduates these days not willing to work (and think) hard like us before ... but so very clever to demand high salary and benefits? They always think so great of themselves ... talk big ... when in reality otak udang. not much original work ... too much 'copy and paste' ... too little creativity … cannot communicate and worse of all … damn lazy.

3. whatever happened to the art in GIS? making great maps is a prestigious, satisfying and proud profession ... sadly the quality of maps in this country is getting worse. how much pride do we still have in making good (readable) maps? Sometimes I wonder if these so called mappers (GIS) are really colour blind ... totally outrageous color choices, disgusting fonts, messy labeling and elementary cartography skills.

Ask yourself please ... are you proud to be in this industry? Do you have the right GIS skills? Trust me ... if its money you're after ... find another job / business.