Pentingnya Merancang Kerjaya Part 1

Hari ini saya hendak bercerita ringkas tentang pentingnya merancang kerjaya. Tahun 2012 adalah tahun yang beri impak besar kepada diri saya, banyak perkara berlaku pada tahun itu. Saya mula berkahwin, pertama kali terbang ke luar negara (Mesir), dan juga memulakan pengajian sarjana kej elektronik di UTP secara separuh masa.

Semasa awal hendak mendaftarkan diri dalam master berkenaan, saya telah meminta pandangan kepada Asisten Ketua Staf (AKS) saya ketika itu.

"Tuan, saya merancang hendak menyambung pelajaran. Tetapi saya tak nak sambung master management, saya nak sambung master kejuruteraan."

AKS saya berkata, "Okey Rizal, go on! Kamu tahu berapa ramai yang dah ada master engineering dalam TLDM sekarang (pada masa itu)?"

Saya menggeleng kepala, dia menunjukkan simbol satu dan mengarahkan tepat ke dahinya sambil tersenyum. Saya hanya mampu tersengih, faham yang dia maksudkan adalah dirinya sendiri.

"Mana tahu nanti for the future, Navy nak cari orang sambung PhD dalam engineering, toleh kiri kanan tiada orang, kamu yang dapat."

Saya pun memulakan pengajian master berkenaan secara part-time. Kelas akan berlangsung dari 9 pagi hingga 5 petang setiap Sabtu dan Ahad selama 3 minggu sebulan. Hanya seminggu sahaja akan rehat, tetapi saya perlu 'cover' dengan bertugas di hujung minggu. 

Dalam masa pengajian ini juga saya sudah punya anak, isteri banyak berkorban dalam memberikan saya ruang merealisasikan cita-cita saya. 

Sehingga selepas semester kedua, AKS saya bertanya kepada saya. 

"Dalam pengajian kamu ini, ada double master ke France kan? Kamu tak nak pergi ke?"

Saya jadi terkejut bila diajukan soalan berkenaan, saya tidak langsung berangan hendak ke France walaupun saya tahun Master yang saya sertai ini ada peluang colabration di antara UTP dan Universiti of Burgundy di France.

"Kalau boleh nak pergi Tuan. Tapi macam mana ya?"

"Kamu buat kira-kira, berkorbanlah sikit duit simpanan. Grab apa yang ada. Draf surat, kita buat surat sokongan untuk kamu pergi ke France."

Saya pun sudah berbunga-bunga hati, tetapi dalam masa sama tetap risau tentang perbelanjaan ke sana.
Apakah saya dapat peluang menjejakkan kaki ke Eropah? Sesuatu yang tidak pernah terlintas dalam benak fikiran saya yang berasal dari desa ini....

Bersambung...

Dense Trajectory and Improve Dense Trajectory: Installation and Compilation for Dummies

Hello everyone,

I believe everyone who working with Human Action Recognition will familiar with mid-level feature extraction which is state-of-the-art for handcrafted: Dense Trajectory (DT) and Improve Dense Trajectory (IDT) .  Unfortunately this method not available in matlab. From my experience, I took 3 weeks to learn how to install and run this method from scratch.  I don't want you guys also have same experience with me.

This session will be divide into three parts: (1) Installation Virtual Box (VB) and Ubuntu 12.04.05 (2) Installation of ffmpeg 0.11.1 and OpenCV-2.4.2 (3) Compilation.

For DT and IDT we refer to the authors Heng Wang link.

(1) VB and Ubuntu 12.04.05.  You guys can exactly follow this tutorial: Virtual-Box_Ubuntu-12.04.5. Virtual box is virtual machine that can be a medium to use another operating system (OS) instead of Windows.  This will bring you in easy way to use other OS instead of install and remove current OS. Notes: You can install android, mac or others window version also if you want, by using VB.  This is the result, after you successfully install both environment.

(2) ffmpeg 0.11.1 and OpenCV-2.4.2.  For this part, I follow the tutorial from here.  Please take note, you cannot simply follow all the instruction because some of the files are expired.  For guide purpose please follow my instruction here . (I'm using 64bit):

(a) Remove any installed versions of ffmpeg and x264.

sudo apt-get remove ffmpeg x264 libx264-dev

(b)  Get all the dependencies for x264 and ffmpeg.

sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get install build-essential checkinstall git cmake libfaac-dev libjack-jackd2-dev libmp3lame-dev libopencore-amrnb-dev libopencore-amrwb-dev libsdl1.2-dev libtheora-dev libva-dev libvdpau-dev libvorbis-dev libx11-dev libxfixes-dev libxvidcore-dev texi2html yasm zlib1g-dev

(c) Download and install gstreamer.

sudo apt-get install libgstreamer0.10-0 libgstreamer0.10-dev gstreamer0.10-tools gstreamer0.10-plugins-base libgstreamer-plugins-base0.10-dev gstreamer0.10-plugins-good gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad gstreamer0.10-ffmpeg

(d) Download and install libjpeg.

sudo apt-get install libjpeg8 libjpeg8-dev

(e) Create a directory (mkdir) to hold source code.

cd ~mkdir src

 (f) Download and install install x264.

       (i) Download a recent stable snapshot of x264 from ftp://ftp.videolan.org/pub/videolan/x264/snapshots/. The    
           exact version does not seem to matter. To write this guide, I used version x264-snapshot-20120528-2245-
           stable.tar.bz2, but I have used previous versions too.

1. cd ~/srcwget ftp://ftp.videolan.org/pub/videolan/x264/snapshots/x264-snapshot-20120528-2245-stable.tar.bz2
   tar xvf x264-snapshot-20120528-2245-stable.tar.bz2
   cd x264-snapshot-20120528-2245-stable

    (ii). Configure and build the x264 libraries (with enable shared and enable pic).

./configure --enable-static --enable-shared --enable-picmakesudo make install

(g) Download and install ffmpeg.  Don't use the link provide by reference because it's already outdated.

        (i) You can use this link: https://lear.inrialpes.fr/people/wang/download/ffmpeg-0.11.1.tar.bz2

cd ~/srcwget https://lear.inrialpes.fr/people/wang/download/ffmpeg-0.11.1.tar.bz2tar xvf ffmpeg-0.11.1.tar.bz2cd ffmpeg-0.11.1

         (ii) Configure and build ffmpeg

./configure --enable-gpl --enable-libfaac --enable-libmp3lame --enable-libopencore-amrnb --enable-libopencore-amrwb --enable-libtheora --enable-libvorbis --enable-libx264 --enable-libxvid --enable-nonfree --enable-postproc --enable-version3 --enable-x11grab --enable-shared --enable-pic

         (iii) Install the file

makesudo make install 

(h) Download and install install a recent version of v4l (video for linux) from http://www.linuxtv.org/downloads/v4l-utils/. For this guide I used version 0.8.8.

cd ~/src

wget http://www.linuxtv.org/downloads/v4l-utils/v4l-utils-0.8.8.tar.bz2

tar xvf v4l-utils-0.8.8.tar.bz2
cd v4l-utils-0.8.8
make
sudo make install

(i) Download and install install OpenCV 2.4.2. Don't use the link provide by reference because it's already outdated.

      (i)   You can use this link: https://lear.inrialpes.fr/people/wang/download/OpenCV-2.4.2.tar.bz2

cd ~/srcwget https://lear.inrialpes.fr/people/wang/download/OpenCV-2.4.2.tar.bz2
tar xvf OpenCV-2.4.2.tar.bz2

      (ii) Create a new build directory and run cmake:

cd OpenCV-2.4.2/mkdir buildcd buildcmake -D CMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=RELEASE ..

      (iii) Verify that the output of cmake includes the following text:

• found gstreamer-base-0.10
• GTK+ 2.x: YES
• FFMPEG: YES
• GStreamer: YES
• V4L/V4L2: Using libv4l

      (iv) Build and install OpenCV.

makesudo make install

Until here if everything okey. You can check the ffmpeg installation by simply type : ffmpeg . If the installation was perfect, it will show what version that are using and no error.

The rest is little bit tricky, but don't worry you can follow my step:

(j) Download the DT/IDT file and make it available, (make sure, you still is src directory):

wget https://lear.inrialpes.fr/people/wang/download/improved_trajectory_release.tar.gz
tar xvf improved_trajectory_release.tar.gz
make

   Note: change to the DT link if you want to download DT


(k)  We want to add the opencv library into path.  Go back to home directory by simply type:

cd

     Next, you need to add path into /.bashrc.  What is ./bashrc? This is the file that will link your path automatically without you declare it first every time you want to do your work.  In addition, I put all the directory need which is: (1) sharelibrary (2) pkgconfig (3) IDT/DT trajectory

gedit ~./bashrc

Once the text appear.  Add this text below to the tail script of the .bashrc file.

PKG_CONFIG_PATH=$PKG_CONFIG_PATH:/usr/local/lib/pkgconfigexport PKG_CONFIG_PATHexport LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/usr/local/libexport PATH="$HOME/src/improved_trajectory_release:$PATH

Finish and congratulations for successfully install our working station.  After you done, just click save and close the text.  Someone told me, that you need to restart, after this process, I don't have a time to argue. So I just follow.


(3) Compilation.

    (a)  For compilation, we do all the thing from the terminal.  First we go the
           improved_trajectory_release folder by type this following script on terminal:

           cd src
      cd improved_trajectory_release
         
     (b) Making the text is available to execute. Please type

           chmod a+x DenseTrackStab.cpp
      chmod a+x Video.cpp


           This will bring the text are ready to execute.  You can check by simply type list:

   ls

          if the text became green, then it is ready to execute. I also put video    person01_boxing_d1_uncomp.avi outside from test_sequences library

   (c)  To run the file, we can test Video.cpp text.  You need to change this text into binary text first.

 g++ -I/usr/local/include/opencv -I/usr/local/include/opencv2 -L/usr/local/lib/ -g -o Video Video.cpp -lopencv_core -lopencv_imgproc -lopencv_highgui -lopencv_ml -lopencv_video -lopencv_features2d -lopencv_calib3d -lopencv_objdetect -lopencv_contrib -lopencv_legacy -lopencv_stitching

     (d) Then run the text below:

          ./Video person01_boxing_d1_uncomp.avi
After you run this code, you can play the video.  After that, to use DenseTrackStab.cpp, just replace Video Video.cpp into DenseTrackStab DenseTrackStab.cpp into the text in (3)(c)

If you wan to use the other video, you need to change the formation of video from whatever type. ie: mp4 to avi.

For example, if I has cartoon.mp4 file in the directory src, I can simply type:

ffmpeg -i cartoon.mp4 cartoon.avi

It will definately change to the avi format.

Hope, this tutorial will help you guys.   If you guys face any hesitation, please put the comment below or email me msrizal2012@gmail.com.   Many thanks.

-----------------------------------
Additional Link:

(1) https://github.com/chuckcho/iDT

Umrah and The Life Journey

It's been almost a month since I got home from performing umrah at Makkah. It turned out to be a wonderful experience.  With all the experience I've had, it seems to be the best journey I've ever had.  It is refreshing with many monologues with God, while at the same time fulfilling the arid soul.  It also answers many concerns in my life. Concerns about the future. Concerns about career and income. Concerns about children and parents. Concern about everything.... It is rejected with only one answer; we are from God, and to Him we are the only ones who return.

Happt Teachers Day

16 Mei is a good date to be remembered.  During my school education, all the teachers will sing a 'Guru-Malaysia' song.  Significantly this day is celebrated by among schools not the higher education level and Guru specifically for teachers during 1st and 2ndry school.  A teacher is more important to me because they don't teach subjects like university professors but they also think about discipline, care like parents and prefer to get to know their students especially for classroom teachers. To this day, I keep in touch with my classmates and share what news I have.

Here are the schools and institutions where I previously obtained my knowledge and experience.  It's a good memory to remember, and I always will appreciate all my Teachers regardless of whatever background there are.

Why you want to pursue the PhD?

I'm writing this article after my weekly meeting with my Supervisor.  After getting heat in my headache, I feel it should relief with some writing here.



By referring to the title, I got this big question when I decide to step up into PhD area.  Of course, this question is important because it will give a huge impact for me along my Phd Journey.  I still remember, I got chatting with one of the freelance motivators that pursue his phd here in UTM.  When he ask me, why I pursue for Phd, I said, phd give big moral to the Royal Malaysia Navy (My carear) to overcome recent problem especially for engineering, management or human resource problem.  It teach how and the way to think, and of course give you a proper way to know a good a knowledgeable researcher around the world. 

Actually, that is the standard answer, but the deep on my heart, knowing that to gain knowledge is a Fardu Ain (Obligation to all Muslims) so I understand this very deeper. I know that is Islam urges us to always have a vision to success.  We can find a word taghyir in the Quran (Ar Ra'ad, 13:11), when Allah SWT said He will not change human condition until they by themselves willingly want to change.  This ayat give me motivation to always no satisfy with the present condition and always want to improve myself until the last breath.

 This is the real reason that gave me passion and patience along the journey of Phd.  After that, i ask the motivators with the same question.  Surprisingly he said, he just want to obtain the title only.  I hope that just a covering only because he needs a more good booster, not only for the tittle especially if he finds a difficulty in the middle of his research journey.

Interview for Malaysia Professional Engineer's (Temuduga Jurutera Profesional) Part 1

Assalamulaikum wbth and very good morning/evening.

For those who access this article for the sake of preparing their Profesional Engineer board's interview either through Board of Engineer Malaysia (BEM) or Institute of Engineer Malaysia (IEM), I wish for your luck.

I want to share my little experience throughout my application to sit for this interview.  Before I share my experience, let me share a little bit about my professional background. I serve for Royal Malaysia Navy (RMN) as a Lieutenant since 2010 and promoted for Lieutenant Commander in 2016.  Before I sit for my exam, I almost have 9 years experience as an Engineer in RMN.  My background is in Electrical and Electronic Engineers specifically registered for Electronic in BEM.  I served in Headquarters for engineering management and also serve as an engineer in RMN's ship. I just went through my 1st interview for BEM Profesional Engineer. It held in IEM branch in Ipoh at the end of 2018's year.  I still waiting for the result.  Perhaps it will be a nice outcome due to the smoothness of the interview's held. 

There is three option to sit for this exam.  First with the application directly through BEM, 2nd via IEM and 3rd directly through BEM if the candidate already has Profesional Engineer from abroad.  For me, I choose through directly BEM.  If you ask me, what is the best option?  I'll say it depends on your situation.  For me, both have pro and contra.  For instance, the 1st option you need to prepare extra RM 200++ for the fees compares to the 2nd option.  But, the paperwork is much easier than the 2nd option.  For the 2nd option, you'll get automatically members of IEM when you pass for the exam and then continue for the Profesional Engr. application through BEM with RM 350 fees.  Wait! After passing the exam, do we need to apply again for Prof Engr?  Yes, please distinguish for the professional exam and professional application.  For Profesional application to get 'Ir' title from BEM, you need to pass Profesional Exam first.  To pass the exam, you need to apply for Profesional Exam sit first.  Hope you guys have pretty clear about this matter.

What is the difference between BEM and IEM?  BEM is the government body to for Engineers, while IEM is like an academy for Engineers.  BEM approve for Engineer registration and IEM run for engineers activities.  BEM not conducting any evaluation neither interview nor exam.  It will be run by IEM.  So, for my case, even though I apply through BEM, but they pass my interview by IEM.  'Circle-circle there'.

I came early for the interview at 9.00 o'clock even though the office still not open yet.  I choose to wear a long suit to show how I'm taking seriously into this interview.  I prepare all documented needed with also my certificates.  I printed all the reports as my reference.  My interview start at 9.30 am with my 1st panel is a Chinese person with the age late 50s.  He is with experience engineer who conducts many interviews before.  My 2nd panel is a Malay guy with the age approximately the middle of the '50s.  He is Telekom's Engineer.   Here is some conclusion of the question that I still remember:

1. Experience briefing

I just brief little bit about my education and job background.  I know it's not necessary to brief all about yourself including village, family, kindergarten school and etc.  This thing needs to be precise and sharp, only the important one that influences your job as an engineer should be brief.  With referring to my experience's report, I go through all the years that I'm experiencing before.  This thing it's more easy and smooth.

2. How to ensure all the system working during real uses

This question comes after I brief about my 1st year as the maintenance person on board ship.  I explain about how we have pre-sailing check 24 hours before our sailing.  All section and machinery will be tested.  We do some simulation to ensure all the systems in good condition.  If something bad happens during real uses,  we will check the problem immediately and come out with a solution.  If the guns not working, we will check all the possibility without ignoring safety SOP.  I experience this thing 1 or 2 times during my Guns fire. So, I just tell them how this thing happens, and how I manage for the problem.

To be continued...

Road to Makkah

I have always been a dream to perform the Hajj at an earlier age.  I have never been to this two sacred place, neither Makkah nor Madinah. So, I am still ambitious to step into this two holly city since 3 years ago.

Last year, I try to apply to go for the Hajj via Armed Force's quota. I heard from my friend that last Minister of Defence have a good relationship with the Saudi Government and he manage to apply additional quota for Armed Forces.  But when suddenly Government change in Mei 2018, the quota shrink only less 100.  I'm not really disappointed because during that time also, I need to manage for my PhD's registration also moving into new places.

This year, I take a few steps ahead.  I manage to keep money (close to being enough..Insha-Allah) and registered for Hajj Course close to my house.  I manage with my wife to go for the course separately in different venue and time for the sake of Children care.  I also manage to submit for Hajj application letter last December 2018.  I hope Insha-Allah this year will be our(me and wife) year.

There are a few points that we need to manage before we go to the pilgrimage:

1. Money and Registration
I manage to register for my Hajj in 2010 and my wife in around 2015.  We keep our money every month but unfortunately, I also use this money as an emergency escape.  The way I keep money into Tabung Haji to make me the discipline of keeping the money, and I still trust this body till now.

2. Knowledge
My advice, go for the course before your thinking to go for Hajj.  Because of this 'ibadah' is not the same as others.  You need to have better knowledge to avoid any confusion or worst-case scenario suffer for worse quality of Hajj.  You need also to pay 'Dam' if you use to have any false for with regard to Hajj pillar.  After attending the course, you can have supply yourself with a better understanding by review recorded course online via YouTube.  It will give you the amount of confident toward this Hajj knowledge.

3. Family Management

For those who have a family and children, please plan for your children management during your Hajj journey.  Don't be so perfectionist when you leave your children with someone else.  Pray for Allah make ease along your Hajj journey and give enough money for them to survive.

4. Spiritual Preparation

This is the most important among the others.  For me, all others preparation above is technicals but spiritual preparation is the essence of this Ibadah.  Prepare of more ibadah and do repentance frequently.  Always remember Allah will accept for those who have a pure heart to be his guests.

May Allah make ease for me and my wife for this spiritual journey, Insha-Allah.