This is my biography chronicling my achievements, aspirations, current projects and hopes for the future
Extremely Loud, Incredibly Close – The Review
I was asked if I wanted to catch this movie preview and I had no idea what this movie was about nor who the actors or actresses were but this movie was perhaps, the first movie in a long time that I’ve watched in a movie that moved me to tears. Not once but several times.
It wasn’t the acting which moved me but it was the story.
Synopsis:
“A nine-year-old amateur inventor, Francophile, and pacifist searches New York City for the lock that matches a mysterious key left behind by his father, who died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.”
The journey of a boy in search of closure over his father’s sudden death led him to his mother, who went on his journey before he did to ensure his safe journey and return. In the process of his journey, the boy learnt to overcome his fear and also met with an individual whom his father has never seen or remembered much about.
A moving story indeed, I can’t recall how many times I teared in the movie and how emotionally tired I was at the end of it.
It leaves me to wonder and reflect on my own life, how would I manage the death of any of my immediate family member.
Mission Campus Crusaders
Mission
meaning: a specific task or duty assigned to a person or a group of people
Missionary
meaning: a person strongly in favour of a program, a set of principles, etc.., who attempts to persuade or convert others
We’ve all heard of it and we all know the work that they do but what happens when during the course of their mission, they end up offending others.
More often than not, we all know what a missionary is and perhaps to some extent, what the end objective is – to convert others. The most prominent of missionaries that we always hear of is the Christian missionary.
They travel around the world to specific locations and perform community work whilst spreading the word of the gospel in hopes that they’d be able to convert those living there to join the Christian faith (forgive me and correct me if I’m wrong). Even in Singapore, we do see missionaries from other parts of the world coming over the spread the word of the gospel to non-Christians here.
I, personally, have been approached by one before.
And recently, a mission group in Singapore, NUS Campus Crusade, was in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Read here.
As part of their mission work that they were embarking to several parts of the world namely of particular concern were Thailand and Turkey, the groups’ poster stated:
“Thailand is a place of little true joy…”
It goes on further to state “…The land of smiles needs to hear the gospel message. Come and share with Khonkaen University students that Jesus is the Way, the True and the Life”
In another separate poster focused on Turkey, it stated:
“In a country where much of the population is M, much prayer and work is needed in this place.”
On first instance reading this, I feel absolutely offended at how such words were used and question these individuals’ mission work itself. Obviously, these individuals needed to go on a mission to discover themselves first as Christians rather than to travel to tell and convince others to be Christians.
I don’t think Christianity is an insensitive religion such that it asks its’ followers to go on a mission to convert others whilst stepping on others toes. Actually, I don’t even agree with this mission work to convert others for a few simple reasons.
- Undertaking such missions means that such individuals must see themselves as near-perfect faithfuls of the religion. Since none of us ever were friends with the Prophet, is the Pope, a priest/pastor, I don’t think we’re even qualified to undertake such higher calling missions. Even priests/pastors aren’t perfect faithfuls and end up committing grave sins that they themselves preach.
- Since none of us qualify under point 1, our mission should be within ourselves FIRST. To better ourselves as faithfuls of the religion that we subscribe to. As a Muslim, we have the ‘Jihad’, which is a constant internal struggle – to fight within ourselves, to fight the urges to commit sins.
- If we really believe that it is our calling to go on a mission work, the best mission work to start on after ourselves would be to help the community that we live in. To better the faiths in our family and friends. I’m sure there are many people in Singapore who subscribe to the same faith but aren’t committing their life to god enough – these individuals could use a friend, a volunteer to help him/her get closer to god and to be more faithful. And for as long as there are fellow faithfuls in your community who aren’t faithful enough to god, take it that your mission isn’t done yet and god won’t be happy if you can’t get your own communion to be faithful.
Those 3 points should cover at least the basic minimum requirement to go on a religious mission.
But what do I think would be the best mission?
The best has got to be the mission to oneself.
As a Muslim, the best Muslim ever to have walked on this planet earth is no other than Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). He was a walking Quran. He was the life of what Quran meant. No other Muslim could ever be as perfect as he was and it is in every Muslims’ life mission to live life as how Muhammad did.
If any Muslim wants to convert anyone to be a Muslim, he shouldn’t have to go on any kind of mission anywhere because it is in every Muslims’ task to live like a Muslim. He should simply focus on being an exemplary individual, one that people should and want to follow and that should be his mission. There shouldn’t be a need for him to preach to others about how good it is to be a Muslim because if he did, he’d be gloating and end up becoming less of a Muslim. Let others see for themselves a Muslims’ way of life and should the non-Muslim be given ‘light’ from god, then that individual shall naturally open his heart and mind to want to learn more about it on his/her own.
I seriously hope that the NUS kids reading this will search for themselves and begin the mission work on themselves first. I don’t think Christianity or any other religion has taught us to belittle others – RESPECTING others choice of worship is also what it means to be a faithful to any religion.
Here’s a little something about what Muslims believe about Jesus, Prophet Jesus isn’t dead yet and was never crucified and he’ll be coming back down to earth just before the world ends for his final mission.
We can all then sing “Guess Who’s Back.. Back Again.. Jesus’s back!”
In gist – I DON’T AGREE WITH MISSIONARY WORK OVERSEAS UNDERTAKEN BY ANY RELIGION, NOT EVEN MUSLIMS IF IT EXISTS.
What’s The Matter Yaw?
Valentine’s Day has just passed and as if waiting for some love to pass, Workers Party leadership decided to expel one of its’ members, Yaw Shin Leong, from the party and thus, instantly creates a vacancy for the post of Member-of-Parliament for Hougang SMC.
This saga began quite some time back with rumours being spread about Shin Leong having an affair with one of the party’s married candidates from the previous General Election. As with all rumours, all that exists were only speculations, most of it fuelled by online sentiments purported through forums, blogs and Facebook comments.
Shin Leong has stood by his silence, only making a comment that neither acknowledges or denies the rumour, simply because it is an unfounded rumour which has yet to be confirmed. Such a strategy spilt Singaporeans into two different segments; Unhappy and Nonchalant.
Unhappy because they feel that as a Member-Of-Parliament, he should have been more upfront about either admitting or denying the alleged affair rather than to sit on the fence to leave the public to concoct stories of what might have happened. (Kaypoh syndrome)
Nonchalant because they feel that as long as he is able to perform his role as a Member-Of-Parliament, his private state of affairs shouldn’t be indulged. He was after all voted for his ability to contribute to Hougang SMC and Singapore’s politics.
There are repercussions to the stance that Shin Leong had taken and whilst I agree with what he has decided to do – remain quiet neither to admit or deny until proven. The pressure of the public has taken to the Workers Party Central Executive Committee who has decided that the best decision would be to expel Shin Leong altogether in an attempt to distance themselves from the saga.
Disappointing to say the least.
But I’d really like to know what and how Singaporeans would react should it be proven that Shin Leong was indeed involved in an affair or if he wasn’t?
Chances are, I don’t think it really matters because his reputation would have already been affected by the rumour and all the public wants is to be able to exercise some kind of ‘people power’ and so happens that he would make an awesome target at this point of time. Such is the nature of democracy.
And I wonder why should we be really bothered by how an MP or Minister decides to live his private life if he’s able to serve the people of his constituency without any glitches in his services to them? (Would you get angry if you one day discovered that maybe Harry only ate imported fresh vegetables from China which is his secret to longevity, has mediums praying for his good health and has a secret safe tunnel in his home.)
Italy has President Berlusconi, France has President Sarkozy, The United States of America has President Bill Clinton, Senator Weiner and now probably John F.Kennedy. These individuals have had scandals thrown at them and they live with it, yet they are able to still lead the country without much problems.
Perhaps, if our political leaders would be as open as these international leaders with their private lives, Singaporeans wouldn’t even be bothered if any of our single political leaders were holding some sex party with Hugh Hefner.
Remember, we had Annabelle Chong and now, Tila Tequila.. OUR VERY OWN SINGAPOREAN PORNSTARS! I even wonder why our political leaders don’t even want to acknowledge these individuals.
They could for all you know, be the best Singapore Ambassadors we could afford to have!
Want a Diploma/Degree? Dream On ITE Graduates
Everyone wants to do well in life and a measure of how well you do life has for centuries been dictated by a few benchmarks. These benchmarks, purported by word of mouth and then, the media, sets out the kind of society that we all live in. And what are these benchmarks?
- Good Results in School
- Furthering Education
- Getting a Good High Paying Job
- Marrying into a Rich Family
- Becoming Rich
These are only but 5 of such benchmarks that have regularly been discussed and whilst we all buy and believe that these are indeed benchmarks of success (perhaps because we have been brought up to believe it as well), then everyone should strive to achieve and meet or supercede those benchmarks.
Unfortunately, the market economy dictates who should be allowed to be given the opportunity to achieve such ‘success’.
In a recent dialogue session at ITE College East with Education Minister of State Lawrence Wong, 100 ITE students had the opportunity to be given a reality check on how much ‘success’ will they be accorded with (read more here).
In gist, Mr Wong says that not every ITE graduate who aspires to further their education at Local Polytechnics will be able to because of the quota they have which will only work out to 1 in 4 ITE graduates being given the opportunity. He also stressed that there shouldn’t be too many Degree/Diploma holders in the market or there wouldn’t be enough people willing to take on low-paying menial jobs in the market and cited an example of an experience in Paris, France whereby a receptionist position received applications from Degree holders (this would ultimate render the receptionist position being something low-paying and menial).
Whilst it may be true and reflective of the market economy, it’s still disappointing to hear such words ”If everyone can move up, we will not have enough ITE graduates out there in the workforce,”
And if that wasn’t disappointing enough, I think this was heartbreaking to hear “That’s what happens when you have a sort of heedless desire to get a degree or diploma without understanding the broader issues,”
I don’t think anyone would really be bothered to further education if living standards here were much lower. The motivation for people to further their education is one more of monetary concern these days simply because an ITE cert won’t pay you much compared to a Degree certificate.
It is also rather contradicting that the Education Minister of State is telling people indirectly that it’d be better for them to remain as ITE graduates when the government also encourages its citizens to improve themselves and to further their education by undertaking courses and programmes which are, SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
So, here’s the situation, on one hand the government is telling its citizens to improve their skills and education by going back to school whilst on the other hand, the government is telling its citizens that its better if not all its citizens take up higher education because the market economy will not be able to cope with it.
My suggestion?
Well, who else is to be blamed than the government for its eagerness to be a FIRST WORLD COUNTRY. We can’t reverse the gears of history to lower our standard of living, we can and we should limit the number of foreigners coming in to our country to take up jobs at all levels and sectors.
It’s a setback for businesses for not being able to hire cheap foreign labour but the government will need to do its part in alleviating the fears of businesses by providing more incentives and assistance to ensure that Singaporeans are given first opportunity to jobs and if they do not meet the minimum requirements, these Singaporeans should be given training. Of course, there also issues that not all Singaporeans are equipped with the relevant skills and experience required in that job which is why companies and organisations should have a mentoring programme which will ensure that the more skilled and experienced individual, regardless foreign or local, will be able to develop new talents who will eventually be able to take up that job.
So, for ITE Graduates who aspire to get a Diploma/Degree what should you do?
Unless you have the money to pursue a private Diploma/Degree, I think it will be difficult for you to enter the local institutions and mind you, I face the same wrath as well having applied for local undergraduate studies for the past 4 years. Doesn’t help that my results weren’t sterling and all these institutions are interested in is good grades first. If you don’t have enough As, lets hope you have some skill useful for the institution. If you don’t, then don’t bother at all.
Remembering Prophet Muhammad S.A.W
“I wanted to know the best one who hold today undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind. I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of Prophet Muhammad, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to this friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. When I closed the second volume (of the book about his life) I was sorry that there was not more for me to read about his great life”
Mahatma Gandhi
Today, marks the birthday of the world’s final prophet (in accordance to the Islamic faith), Prophet Muhammad S.A.W following the Islamic calendar. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was born on 12 Rabbiulawal, in the year of the elephant to Abdullah (son to Abdul Muttalib whose ancestry dates back to Prophet Ishmael, son to Prophet Abraham) and Amina.
Born into the Bani Hasyim tribe of Quraysh people, in the city of Mecca, he was born an orphan, having lost his father before he was born. He then lost his mother before he was even 7 years old and subsequently lived with his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib before he was raised by his uncle, Abu Talib when his grandfather died.
He was a shepherd boy before he became a merchant. Known as a successful and honest man, he was nicknamed “As-Sadiqul Ameen”, which means, “the truthful and the trustworthy”. In his time as a merchant was when he met his boss, who subsequently proposed to him and married him, Khadijah. She was much older than him (more than 10 years older) and they were married for 25 years and had 6 children, of which 2 of them, both sons died (one at 3 and another at 4 years old).
It was during his marriage to Khadijah that he received the first divine revelation at the age of 40 years old in a cave he used to go to, to seek solace, called ‘Hira’ (pronounced “He-Rah”. Being illiterate, he was never able to read and it was in this cave that Archangel Gabriel told him to read. Since he was illiterate, the archangel persisted and continued asking him to read again and again to the frightened Muhammad, and the first revelation came:
“Read in the Name of your Lord Who created (every thing), He created man from a clot (clinging to the wall of the womb)…Read! and your Lord is the All-Munificent..Who has taught man by the pen..He taught man what he didn’t know!” Quran V1-5 Ch96.
Frightened, he ran back home and asked Khadijah to cover him with a blanket as he hid underneath it.
And that was the beginning of his Prophecy for the next 23 years as he spread monotheism. The message was about Aqidah (faith and belief in one God, the creator of all beings) and Shariah (system and regulations that govern people’s day to day transactions, activities and practices) and Prophet Muhammad was the Akhlaq (personality of Quran).
Muhammad added value to people’s lives encouraging people to love one another, emphasised that greeting people is a message of peace, had a high sense of humour, cared for and loved children, emphasised importance of loving and being kind of neighbours, abolished bad social manners, was against defamation, ill opinion, evil suspicion, spying and backbiting, promotes honesty, discouraged breaking a promise and lying.
He encouraged people to live a life of balance and to avoid hardship, added value to sport and knowledge and many more including establishing etiquette and hygiene.
Some of his etiquette includes:
- Do not talk loudly and walk arrogantly
- Do not stay long when visiting a sick person so as to allow that person to rest
- Call others with names and nick names that they like
- Put your hand over your mouth when yawning and bless others when they sneeze
- Talk kindly to your parents and don’t shout at their faces, never say a bad word, even “uff” or “fie” (smallest negative Arabic word)
And his hygiene included:
- Dress in clean and tidy clothes but do not be prodigal
- Use perfumes to smell good
- Trim your nails, remove pubic and armpit hair
- Wash hands before and after eating. Do not touch food after waking up until hands are washed.
He established Human Rights and Women’s Rights and championed Environmental causes.
When he passed away at the age of 63, he didn’t leave behind any money or wealth, except his white mule and a piece of land dedicated to the community.
The story of his life, repeated to me over and over again since I was 5 years old never fails to captivate me. Truly, he was the most perfect of human being in more ways than one.
“Head of the state as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but, he was Pope without the Pope’s claims, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue. If ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by a right Divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the power without instruments and without its support. He cared not for dressing of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life”
Reverend Reginald Bosworth Smith
$32 Mosque Thief Unrepentant
In my previous post, “Who Is Better/Worst? The Thief OR The Beggar?”, I had attempted to debate between the two based on Islamic Hadith in passing judgement on them.
The entry was written in response to a man who was sentenced to a year in prison for stealing $32 from a Mosque. You can read more here.
At the end of the post, I had questioned if the Mosque had taken precursor actions before calling for the police in sentencing this man and it so happens that the Mosque Management Committee had indeed taken steps and actions to help rehabilitate this man since 2008.
In a media release by the Darussalam Mosque, they had stated the following:
- The Mosque had taken the man in since 2008 as he was homeless, having been kicked out of his relative’s home.
- The Mosque had given the man a job as a cleaner during the time he was allowed to stay in the Mosque.
- The Man had harassed congregation and Mosque staff for money and used explicit words on them.
- The Man had also previously stolen money from the Mosque
- The Mosque had also counselled the man for his actions.
Having taken all the necessary measures to assist the man to change his ways, the man still resorted to stealing.
The last straw came with the incident in which the police was finally called in to arrest him and the law, to punish him for his crime.
With regards to the man’s disabled mom, the Mosque mentions that it is aware of the situation and will extend assistance to the mom should one be required.
In lieu of all the actions taken by the Mosque to rehabilitate the man, I think it is only just and appropriate to have this man sentenced through the arms of the legal system. This man obviously doesn’t appreciate the assistance rendered to him, given his circumstances for the past 3 years.
I hope he comes out a better man, apologizes to the mosque and turns over a new leaf.
To watch the news clipping of the media release, click here. (Video is in Malay Language, subtitles provided)
Who Is Better/Worst? The Thief OR The Beggar?
Earlier today on the Singapore news, a Malay man was sentenced to a year in prison for stealing SGD$32 from the Mosque donation box, you can read more here.
Now, whilst it is sinful to steal as a Muslim from anyone, more so from the house of god, I’d like to pose a question.
Which is better – The man who stole such a meagre amount of money out of desperation to feed his family or a man who spends his entire life begging to feed his family?
In Islam, for one to beg, that person must fulfill a certain set of criteria because Islam forbids its followers to beg.
Whilst I’m not certain of the full list of criteria, here are some Hadith on begging:
“The Prophet stated that it is permitted to ask for something for only three categories of people. They are as follows: the people who are indebted because of acting as a guarantor for a person or a community and cannot pay their debts; people all of whose property was destroyed in a disaster; and people who became destitute and whose poverty is acknowledged by people who know them. It is not regarded permissible for people other than those who have a day’s food and the strength to work for livelihood to beg.”
(Muslim, Zakat, 109)
“Some among you do not ever abandon begging. Finally, on the Day of Resurrection, that dishonorable person will meet Allah with no flesh left on his face.”
(Muslim, Zakat, 103)
“Whoever continues to beg people for their property in order to accumulate much property, surely asks for a piece of fire…”
(Muslim, Zakat, 105).
“It is better for one among you to bring a load of firewood on his back and give charity out of it (and satisfy his own need) and be independent of people, than that he should beg from people, whether they give him anything or refuse him
(Muslim, Zakat, 107)
Clearly from the Hadith above, it evidently shows that begging is not permitted in Islam and giving money to beggars is also something that I’ve never done because the beggars I see in Singapore can stand on two legs, are well-clothed and have strength to walk to the mosque to beg every Friday.
So, what then is Islam’s viewpoint on stealing?
Through what I’ve been taught as a child studying in the Madrasah’s, stealing is an activity which carries a heavy punishment; chopping off the hand that steals. Sounds very cruel indeed as it serves as a deterrence to others not to steal.
And the Quran clearly says it,
“Cut off (from the wrist joint) the (right) hand of the thief, male or female, as a recompense for that which they committed, a punishment by way of example from Allah. And Allah is All-Powerful, All-Wise. ” [5/38]
However, it doesn’t stop there, it goes on to say,
“But whosoever repents after his crime and does righteous good deeds (by obeying Allah), then verily, Allah will pardon him (accept his repentance). Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. “ [5/39]
Now, there is also something which I found in my simple research, “Islam prescribes that a thief’s hand should be cut, but such punishment is never inflicted when there is the slightest doubt that the thief was impelled to crime by hunger.It can only be applied if goods stolen are over a set value and consideration is given to whether this is a first offence or the person is a compulsive thief.” (Source: www.islamicnetwork.com)
In another site I visited, I found a little bit more answers on this:
“Because cutting off the hand is a serious matter, it should not be done for just any case of theft. A combination of conditions must be fulfilled before the hand of a thief is cut off. These conditions are as follows:
1- The thing should have been taken by stealth; if it was not taken by stealth, then the hand should not be cut off, such as when property has been seized by force in front of other people, because in this case the owner of the property could have asked for help to stop the thief.
2- The stolen property should be something of worth, because that which is of no worth has no sanctity, such as musical instruments, wine and pigs.
2- The value of the stolen property should be above a certain limit, which is three Islamic Dirhams or a quarter of an Islamic Dinar, or their equivalent in other currencies.
3- The stolen property should have been taken from a place where it had been put away, i.e., a place where people usually put their property, such as a cupboard, for example.
4- The theft itself has to be proven, either by the testimony of two qualified witnesses or by the confession of the thief twice.
5- The person from whom the property was stolen has to ask for it back; if he does not, then (the thief’s) hand does not have to be cut off.
If these conditions are fulfilled, then the hand must be cut off.”
So, YES.
Stealing and Begging is prohibited in Islam but in the case of the Malay man who stole $32 from the Mosque to feed his family and was imprisoned for a year?
I think that perhaps the Mosque management could have exercised more discretion and perhaps tried to find reasons as to why he resorted to stealing first, knowing it was a house of god and was forbidden. They could have then clarified the situation and offered assistance to him rather than punish him by handing him over to the authorities who have since sentenced him.
If indeed, this Malay man wasn’t lying when he said he stole to feed his family which consisted of a handicapped mother, then who will now look after his family?
NOTE: Do read the follow-up entry on this, click here.
Sinaran Hati, Ikhlas Memberi
As of yesterday, I’ve been receiving questions and comments from friends “You’ve got your 3 secs of fame on TV!” and well, whilst I did appear on TV yesterday at Sinaran Hati, I certainly wasn’t the one who should have. Yesterday, was the night to remember and honour the less than well-to-do Malay Muslim Singaporeans who have and are still struggling through life because of the circumstances that have befallen on them.
Sinaran Hati
Being closely seated to the beneficiaries, I could see what others wasn’t able to on TV.
When the first lady was interviewed, the lady with 5 children, all striken with illnesses, there was a man seated 2 seats away from her whom I believed to be a relative, perhaps her father was holding back his tears by looking away when the host, Fiza O, interviewed her. It was a poignant moment of strength I saw from the man as one of the lady’s child was seated in between them.
Whilst the TV was focused on Fiza O interviewing the lady, I was keeping my eyes focused on the man holding his tears as I held mine back.
The event yesterday garnered more than SGD$300,000 but I doubt those amount would be more than sufficient as I’m sure there is A LOT of people who require such monetary assistance.
Nonetheless, I was impressed by the other lady who was interviewed. She was a sign of positivity and strength, preferring not to continue to receive assistance from any body as she believes that there were many others who needed it more than her. Rightly so too, as she was an able-bodied woman, well capable to go in search of jobs and I cannot be more proud of her as through her perseverance, she has managed to develop herself and also hopefully, inspired her children and many others in such a similar situation.
So, please do call to make your donations:
1900-112-9010 to donate SGD$10
1900-112-9050 to donate SGD$50
For all that was aired yesterday, it was also a night for fans of Taufik Batisah as they went wild each and every single time his name was mentioned and more so when he took to the stage. Clearly, Taufik Batisah remains to be THE MOST successful Singapore Idol out of the other winners (Hady Mirza and Sezairi Sezali). Sezairi’s mom and HOTT Girlfriend was there as well in the audience, seated just a hands’ reach away from me too!
Sezairi Sezali
I cannot be more thankful though to my ex-colleagues at Suria, MediaCorp for the invitation as it was an opportunity for me to catch-up with them and as well as with friends whom I haven’t met up and hung out with in ages, of which, most of them have complaint about.
With a few friends - Photos compliments of Pujangga Malam
But here’s one takeaway from yesterday’s event, the new girl on the block with the great voice, I can’t quite recall her name but she’s a 17 year old girl from SOTA. I definitely think she’s going to make a big impact on the vocal scene. Her voice simply rung in my heart the whole time she was singing.
The Artises
As I left, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I smelt the air of MediaCorp and wondered what it’ll be turned into when it finally moves out in a few years time.
Going Beyond Bukit Bintang when in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We’re finally in 2012 and with roughly a week having passed us by, the hangover from 2011 probably still loom over most of our heads like a terrible hangover from a night of drinking and partying away.
I wasn’t drinking or partying the night before 2012 but counting back the many short nights I had in the lead up to 2012, I was probably in a drunken stupor, drunk from a lack of sleep as opposed to being drunk from a alcohol.
Recounting back my last few days in 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I can finally say that Kuala Lumpur is a city beyond shopping and clubbing. For those who only go to Kuala Lumpur to shop and club, you’re probably missing out the beauty of the city beyond the sex, drugs and alcohol as well as shopping.
Kuala Lumpur, when explored further, unveils hidden treasures of joy for those seeking something beyond what the masses describe as fun and the following photos will explain to you what I mean.
Ampang Look Out Point
Look Out Point at Ampang – This being the 3rd time I’m visiting this place never fails to enthrall me with each visit although there have been significant changes made to this place since the first time I visited. An empty and somewhat forlorn when I first visited, it has since turned into an attraction for many, including the locals. Restaurants are aplenty right at the top but if you’re into street-local food, you can also get it just a slope down away.
If you’re interested to read more about this location, click here.
Batu Caves
Located about 13km away from the city centre, Batu Caves is a magnificent work of nature, home to the Hindus. Discovered in 1892, this limestone cave has been one of the “Places To Visit” in Malaysia for me. Monkeys are abound as you trot 272 steps up to the mouth of the caves and be greeted by the gods.
You can read more about it here.
Lake Garden
One of the places not many know of, Lake Garden, is a beautifully landscaped area surrounded by several other attractions such as The Worlds’ Largest Covered Bird Park, Mouse Deer and Deer Park, Botany Garden and many more!
This was an absolutely peaceful area, set beyond a metropolitan Kuala Lumpur. It’s definitely a must go area to all visiting Kuala Lumpur in seek of a difference! Read more here.
Bukit Bintang
Although most of the night life is centred in this street, Bukit Bintang. One can also find gems of street entertainment that you can indulge in without the need to get drunk.
Every night at Bukit Bintang, there are street acts that one can watch for free. In my trip, I watched this gentleman perform music using various musical instruments playing to music the likes of Kitaro. His array of instruments were so different that I wondered if it was even possible to make music out of it.
Genting Highlands
Located about 1.5hrs away from Kuala Lumpur city centre by bus, Genting Highlands is a great getaway for anyone visiting Malaysia. Weather is cool and you immediately forget that you were in a tropical climate. Truly an entertainment outlet, Genting Highlands, offers lots of fun for all ages from exciting rides for families to those who are more than willing to take risk to lose their money for a chance at the jackpot in the casino.
Be wary though that when travelling there, you’d be travelling through meanders of roads in the drive up and down the mountain. Accidents are common and so are fatal deaths. Nevertheless, that shouldn’t be a cause to worry because if you’re destined to die, you could even die eating your favourite wanton!
Here’s more on Genting Highlands, click here.
I-City
Last but not least, in the neighbouring state of Selangor, one would find what is termed as i-City. Famed for the LED showcase which light up the entire i-City, this attraction is best visited only at night. You’d think you’re in a different land and you can’t be blamed for it with all the lights shining all around!
Truly a beautiful spot to visit! You might want to ensure that you have spare time to travel back to Kuala Lumpur though if you’re not driving because it can be quite a long drive!
For more information on i-City, click here.
That pretty much wrapped up my travels in 2011 and the first country I travelled to in 2012 was SINGAPORE as I crossed back into Singapore only on 3rd January having been denied check-in at the KLIA LCCT as I was late.
Looking forward to more travels in 2012!
How did you spend your last moments in 2011?
A Tribute To 2011
With just a few more days left to the end of 2011 and the start of a brand new year, I think it’s important for everyone to assess on what they’ve achieved over the course of the year. With that, that is essentially the objective of this post – to highlight my own achievements for 2011.
Whilst I can’t exactly pin point at which stage did I made these achievements, I can proudly claim to the world that none of these achievements wouldn’t have been possible if not for the great support from my friends and family members. These achievements may have been something that I’ve achieved, BUT it could have only been possible through the efforts that my friends and family have put in, to ensure that I was able to work towards it and make it a reality.
- Certificate of Educational Studies (CoES) in Public Speaking
Having received my Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers/Trainers in 2009, I decided that it would only be wise for me to further my knowledge in the field that I have been teaching/training in. I wouldn’t have been able to meet many others, some of whom have since become good friends through the course and without the support from my mom for me to pursue the former to be qualified in designing, assessing and delivering programmes, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this.
If you’re interested to take up this course, drop me a line. I’ll help you with the referral process
- Warna 94.2FM Radio Interview on Public Speaking
This interview came soon after I received my certification. It was definitely an interesting experience and something that I never expected. Having only been in the training industry for 3 short years teaching Speech & Drama/Public Speaking, this interview was a real bonus after receiving my certification and wouldn’t have been possible without a good friend of mine who kindly helped to make the referral. Thank YOU to you, Positive One.
- Leading two teams to two local drama competitions
Another achievement of sort for me especially since I was taking charge of St Margaret Girls Secondary School. It was only supposed to be for two teams to enter the same competition but it suddenly took a turn and then I was juggling two teams for two separate competitions.
This wouldn’t have been possible had the Teacher-In-Charge not been schoolmates with my mentor, who coincidentally, is also the one who got me started in this training line. Thank You Noor Hasnah Adam. (For those of you who have no idea who she is, go google her name!)
- PAYM-NYC Community Change Makers Youth Panellist
This was a very interesting experience for me. Invitations were opened to PAYM volunteers and having barely served one full term, I was invited and accepted to be part of the panel!
We’re still accessing proposals at this point of time and if you’re a PAYM volunteer, do submit your proposals for funding. Just be sure to ensure that it’s detailed so that it’ll make our jobs a lil bit easier
- PNSD Provost Educational Video Project
A 180-degree spin from a series of controversy that surrounded me just a year ago over a blog entry that I wrote. I was suddenly leading a team of officers to produce an educational video to educate fellow recruits and NSFs about the cases that have led officers to a road behind the bars off Lim Chu Kang Road.
Lots of challenges faced here but I can proudly claim that I’ve now written for TV and also did the storyboard for it. Not an easy task for me considering I never had any experience in TV productions.
- Visited Cebu, Philippines
This was definitely one of the achievements because it was a cultural trip for me to understand the people whom many of us call, ‘Pinoy’. Mind you, they call themselves that as well!
This was truly an amazing experience to visit the historical city of Cebu, the first Capital of Philippines. If you’re planning to go Manila, I suggest you visit this place first.
- Emceeing/Hosting
I’m definitely putting this in as an achievement as the good string of luck from the previous year of hosting a Chinese wedding continued. Not a Chinese wedding this time, but a Malay wedding and the client, a good friend from secondary school. Definitely not the typical Malay wedding you’d get – this was way unconventional and that means, a tinge of fun and laughter along the way.
Also hosted a Corporate event, very eventful indeed and totally loving it. I’m glad they loved it too! These wouldn’t have been possible had I not known the bride and the organising committee member and definitely never would have happened if they hadn’t had that much trust in my abilities.
Thank you friends
If you’re looking for a host for Media Conference/Launches, Product Launches, Weddings or Corporate/Private Functions, drop me a line!
- NTU CAC Emcee Club
This was a very special invitation. A first to speak about Emceeing in all my years of emceeing. I’m glad it turned out really well and feedback was great as well! The participants were game and enthusiastic and hungry for knowledge and I can’t thank them more for being such great sports but this wouldn’t have been possible had one of the trainees that I trained for a company hadn’t approached me to give the talk to the club.
Thank you to you for believing in my knowledge, skills and ability to speak about this topic of Emceeing
I hope I get called back to train them next year! Any other club looking for a trainer/speaker to talk about Emceeing? Contact ME!
- By Definition Pte Ltd
- This has got to be the icing on the cake. My own company with two other pals. We’re starting slow this year but every workshop that we’ve conducted has definitely included lots of Research, Design, Delivery and Assessment by my fellow partners. We’d like to thank our clients; National Junior College, Anglican High School, Si Ling Primary School, Greenridge Primary School and Singapore Institute of Management for their trust in our ability to deliver customised programmes to meet their student/participant needs.
- Photos from programmes that have been delivered can be viewed on our Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/ByDefinitionPteLtd
- All these wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t met my two partners through volunteering and the clients wouldn’t have been possible if they didn’t have trust in me and my partners to deliver what was promised.
- For that, we have a list of programmes that we’re delivering next year:
- For Primary School
- Hello! Introductory Programme to Public Speaking/Speech & Drama (Conducted in both English and Malay. P1 – 6)
- Hats Off! Story Telling using Hats through Speech & Drama (Conducted in both English and Malay. P1 – 2)
- Penggunaan Bahasa Melayu dalam Era Globalisasi – Malay Language Motivational Talk (P4 – 6)
- For Secondary School & JC
- Kem Bahasa dan Budaya GEREK! (ALL levels)
- Bangsa-ONE! Apresiasi Bahasa dan Budaya Melayu melalui Bangsawan (ALL levels)
- Learning History through Social Media – Moderating for Social Media (Sec 3 onwards. Conducted in English)
- Penggunaan Bahasa Melayu dalam Era Globalisasi – Malay Language Motivational Talk (ALL levels)
- Public Programme
- Hats Off! Story Telling through Speech & Drama (5 – 10yrs old)
- Networking for Career Development Opportunities (Working Adults)
- Basic Specialised Mentoring Programme (Budding Mentors)
LASTLY, I’m happy to know so many good people in my life who’ve helped in my life. I hope that I’ve been of help to them as much as they’ve helped me and I hope to continue to be able to help more in 2012.
Have a great end to 2011 people!
See ya’ll in 2012!
