Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover

Social network like Facebook has been making great impact in my life, as I've been able to get in touch with lots of friends. Even though I'm no in KL physically, I can more or less tell that my friends are doing pretty well back home, or perhaps somewhere else in the region.

Some events such as graduation, getting a job, or even getting married (pretty common for mid-20s) are kinda common. Once in awhile, there's always element of surprise pops out.

As years gone by, I am quite surprised to see that some of these friends that I used to looked down, are doing very well right now. My judgement back then, was flawed.

Now, I can't help but to question myself over the perception I had towards these particular friends.

Part of the story can be traced back in my secondary school times.



I wasn’t the kind of student that scores great results academically, but my involvement in various clubs & organizations made me a familiar figure among the school admins & teachers. I wouldn't say I was a pet student, but perhaps close to being one.

Being in that position somehow made me slightly arrogant towards some others. I would tend to judge those trouble-makers as nuisance, and those who didn’t did well in the exam as pitiful ones and on extreme cases, hopeless. Because of that, I had conflict with some friends as I would tend to write them off with the “no-good” label. Elitism and arrogance is indeed, dangerous traits for a young man.



However, today I’m thankful that even though we had troubles in the past, we managed to patch things up and remain as friends (albeit on Facebook). It's interesting to listen to their post-school stories and laughed at myself for my foolishness back then.

The lesson of the day, is never ever judge someone too fast based on their current position (especially during school days), as one may take years to be defined or break through. The "bad" boys may one day be a successful businessman, and on the opposite side, a student with stellar results may not end up in a desired position (perhaps stressed out due to studying too much?).

Here in Japan, I've came across with lots of different people as well. Again, the bad attitude did kicked in initially, but as I been through various phases, I think my attitude has improved gradually.

Now, I reserve my first impression towards someone that I've get to know recently, and take a little bit of time to evaluate this particular person. Am trying not to jump into conclusion that quickly and give it some time. It's interesting that based on my own observation, people would change depending on whom they're interacting with.

Here, I'd like to quote a Chinese idiom: "路遥知马力，日久见人心".
It carries the meaning, "one will only know the horse's stamina as the route goes further; one will know someone's heart as day passes."

Admitting that I'm not a perfect individual, I'm trying my best now to patch up the flaws. Right now, I enjoy getting to know other people in depth and trying to appreciate those few that some sort of "connects" together, for it's getting harder to find real friends at this age. :\

Life After School

* This post was originally written in March 12 back in year 2008.
That was when I'm still studying in college before coming to Japan!

Title: Life After School

I say, life in school is arguably the best time in our life so far, I think some of you here will agree this statement, don't you? (I absolutely stand up for this point, else I won't be writing this lol.)

When you step out from the school compound after finishing SPM/STPM, you'll realise that you might missed out or neglected some of the best moments.... but it's too late to get things fixed now, much to your regret. In this post I'll talk about something that you can do to reclaim back the precious memories, or at least, keep a bit out of the whole chunk.

Looking back at your school days few years later, the nostalgic memories of the good old days will tackle our brainwaves. Ah, the days when you're messing together with the best mates, putting a prank on the teacher, escaping disciplinary punishments, etc.

These experiences can only happen in school, and in your entire lifetime your job as a student is just the merely ±10 years. The next time when you return to the same scene, you wont be able to experience all of it again because your role is different then.

I have a feeling that I should try to jot down all the events, activities I've been through during my schooling days. To my own satisfaction, I've started it when I'm just begin to picked up those co-curricular activities. Co-cu activities are pretty much the best part of all, I think. Also, some events happened in school are worth to take note of, like the Teacher's Day celebration, cultural performances, etc. I've recorded down most of these activities in my blog as a journal. Of course, it isn't just words that speak for the events and activities, some posts are accompanied by images and videos.

Talk about the pictures and videos, I used to bring along my camera whenever there's any events/activities going on, much like a reporter for the school lol. Although I'm not a part of the Photography Club crew, I befriended with them and I've managed to sneak into the frontline take down pics and videos, rather than sitting in the hall watching from behind where you cant really get a clear view what's happening in front.

Do beware the school's policies for students to bring camera to school. Some schools, like mine for example, requires permission from the school admin to bring the camera as they fear students will abuse it for something nasty. So, remember to consult the authority before bringing it.  ;)

Most schools I believe publish their annual school magazine right? It serves as the "official" journal of events happened in the school in the year, also covering the graduates' profiles in it, particularly Form 5 and Upper 6 students. Keeping the school magazine is a good method for preserving some of the memories, though things are looked from the point of view of school admins, which might make the magazine boring for some (admins wouldn't be pleased to have the magz full of students' stuffs.)

If you got the chance, join the School Magazine Editorial Board (aka Sidang Redaksi Majalah)!! Play your part in it to make a better school magazine for fellow students!

Why I'm concern bout preserving all the memories of schools even after I've left school for years? I believe that school is a training ground for us to pick up and refine our skills.

Say, if you're active in school debate team, you might find yourself in a favourable position if you wanna become a lawyer or presenter;


Learning how to run a society/club may prepare you for the future working in an organisation;


Playing your part as the society/club's chairperson or head can build up your leadership reputation, which is useful for further studies and job employment.

If you could see the school's role in this way, then I think you will appreciate all the things you get involved in school.  :)

One of the most important thing you have to do is to keep in touch with friends, regardless whom they are. It's also good to build up contacts early on, as they might come in handy in the future ^^. As I mentioned bout the school magazine, much of the contact details are inside there, just a matter whether it's up-to-date or not. Alternate methods to maintain the relationship, can be easily achieved by IMs, forums, and blogs. Nowadays, keeping in touch with friends is much easier than years ago, just see whether you got the initiative to do so or not. A random "Hi!" or "Hey!" in IM is good enough to start conversation with someone. Unless they hold some grudge on you, else they'll usually reply your message.  :)

I've seen teenagers write about their wonderful moments in school on their blog, accompanied with pics. Heh, if you're one of 'em, try to read those posts again years later, all the flashbacks of school life will struck you again, as if all the activities are running again inside you. I did this, so I know the "feel good" factor, heh.

My ultimate contribution to preserve school memories are condensed into a video I made sometime in Dec 2006, the time when I finished SPM. I'm glad that I did it, as I heard some peers and juniors are doing the same thing after I started it. Glad to have people who holds the same beliefs as mine, heheh.

I think this post might be useful for students who're still studying in school. If you're running your blog in such fashion, then congratz, we're the "same kind" lol. Then again, comments and critics, are welcomed here.  :)

Cheers.

4年間の大学

随分長い間ブログを更新していなく、自分には申し訳ないな気持ちは多少あるけど、まあ言い訳はこれだけにしておこう。

日本語でブログ記事を書くのは初めてではないが、このブログは99%は英語でずっと書かれてきたので、今回は初めて全ては日本語で書きたい。

さて、本日のテーマは4年間の大学生活について正直な感想を述べたい。

2009年に来日、1年間日本語学校を通い、2010年に埼玉県川越市にある尚美学園大学に入学、2014年3月に卒業予定。と、簡単な日本にいる履歴である。

学園祭


それでは、一番最近の出来事から書こう。

卒業決まりの制作

4年生は卒業できるかどうかは、卒業制作発表で指導教員の先生たちによって決定される。
既に2月上旬に終了したが、よくできたとは言えない。
他人を納得させたような作品にはならず、むしろ「一体何なんだこれ」と自分にも質疑を出した。

発表終了後、いつも丁寧に教えて下さった先生からかなり厳しいコメントを頂いたので、少し心配なんだ。
でも、そんなに下手な発表ではなかったので、一応合格できるであろう。
作曲でも良かったなと今更だけど、考えた時もう発表後なので、悔しくはなんて思っていない。

何を勉強したか？

大学で授業を取るのは当たり前だが、学生に聞いてみて、授業で何を勉強したかと。

自分の専攻は音響と言うんだけど、他に興味を持つ科目はいっぱいあった。音楽やら、情報やら、文化とかについてはもっと知りたい、学びたいという欲望は確かに強かった。

ただ単位数を取るのだけではなく、自分が本気で勉強したいからこそ履修科目に登録した。

で、科目を選択する時、科目シラバスを読んで授業内容を理解しておく。

けど、いくら面白そうな科目であっても教える側のやり方が下手なのであれば僕にとっては最悪だ。

教室の雰囲気が上手く保てない、学生に適切な指摘をしない、そういう先生がいたら、授業アンケートに厳しく評価した。首になるまでではないが、僕の学習環境には妥協はしない。

授業を取っている時に実は先生の行動も観察している。ある意味では日本人を学ぶということだね。

幸いなのは、大学でも素晴らしい先生と出会えた。

難しいこと、かつつまらなさそうなことを分かりやすいく説明できる先生には大尊敬。

今喋っている日本語もある部分そういう先生たちに影響されたかと考えられる。やはり口癖が付いてくるんだね。（笑）

3年間過ごしていた上福岡キャンパス。現在取り壊し作業中。今後住宅になるかも？

生活費用と成績の関係とは？

私費留学生である僕にとっては奨学金が頂けたら日本での生活はもっと楽になるのだ！って考える訳である。
1ヶ月大抵10万円の奨学金は上手く利用すれば十分だと思う。
でも残念ながら僕はそう言った◯◯財団からの奨学金みたいなのは一切頂いておらない。

代わりに、僕は学業に頑張った（本当は果たすべき責任を果たしただけだ）。

大学の学費全免が頂けるため、この4年間ちゃんとある程度を維持してきた。2年生の時からずっと頂いており、おかげ様で大学生活は楽になった。あとはバイトすれば生活費用はなんとなく乗り越えられた。

ところで、大学の成績はあまり気にしない。だって就職活動では成績を見る会社は少ない。優秀な人物とは、
良い成績が取れるとは限らない。自分の才能がよく発揮できる、自信を持つ人間でありたい。

「上福岡丼」という唐揚げ丼、学食の定番だった。吸い物付き、390円。

埼玉県って何があるの？

大学の4年間は川越市の近くに住んでいる。

埼玉って特にとても有名なものはすぐにピンと来なかった。春日部と言えば、クレヨンしんちゃんのことくらいは知っているけど、他に紹介できるものは何かと悩んでいたりしたんでね。（笑）

川越というのは古くから存在している町で、中にも17世紀に建てられた神社やお寺がある。でも一番有名なのは、小江戸町だ。川越の一番街によく来ているので、友達が遊びに来たら観光案内でもできるようになった。

関東地方でも有名な川越まつり、毎年も学園祭の期間と重ねている。

川越は池袋から約30分の電車で、東京よりそんなに遠くない。

去年開通した東武東上線、東京メトロ副都心線、東急東横線の連携で、渋谷や横浜まで乗り換えなしで行けるようになって交通アクセスも便利。

ただ、自分の考えなんだけど、都市っ子の僕はやはりもうちょっと賑やかの方が良いなと思う。

また、東京にもよく行くので、もっと近くの志木市か朝霞市に住めば良いなも思うね。

埼玉って家族と一緒に暮らす良い場所だと考えている。

子育てに専念したければ埼玉は僕の一押しオススメだ。

自然に近いし、スペイスが広いし、大型のお店もある。

東京でないことのおかげで、物価もそんなに高くない。

狭山茶の畑。京都の宇治茶と静岡の緑茶と並び、日本三大茶と知られている。

良い選択だったか？

この質問は偶に自分に問う。

音響専攻でなければ、たぶん国際関係学部にしたかもしれない。大学を選択する時に、確かに国際関係も考慮していたが、ちょっと普通しすぎると思ってもっと専門的な音響にしたのだ。

国際関係だと都内にたくさんの大学があるはずだよね。

ではなぜ、埼玉県にある尚美にしたのか？音響を学べる専門学校はあるが、大学は少ないということである。

たった1年間日本語を勉強したので、当時の能力ではおそらく早稲田か慶應に受験できなかったであろう。

学校の名声は非常に良いが、学費も高いと知られるんだね。

今振り返ってみると、尚美にして良かったと確信している。

卒業後はどうする？

これは今の課題である。答えは、就職する。

本来は大学院にしようとしたが、結局上手く行かず急に企画変更になってしまった。

そのため、本気に就職活動をスタートしたのは遅かった。

進学したいと考えたのも就職するという心理準備はまだできていなかったからだ。

現在自分が本当に入社したい会社を見つけた。履歴書を出したが、面接の連絡を待機中。

今度の面接は上手く行けば、ここの近くで働くことになるかも。それは強く望んでいる。

できれば早く決定しておいて、一時的に帰国したい。

向こうで休みを取る訳ではなく、実際に大事な用があるから…それを済ませるために帰国するのだ。

以上、4年間の大学についての感想であった。ここまでお読みになって、ありがとうね。

（というか、読んでくれる相手はいるんだろう？いたらコメントを残しておいてね。（笑））

--------------------------------------

一晩で書き出した記事であった。

今回は英語にしなかった訳は、やはり日本の生活を語るのに日本語での表現が自然的に出てくるのだから。

もし英語にすると、頭の中に翻訳が必要なので時間がもっとかかるはずだ。

来日前に、自分が短期間に日本語を勉強できるのかと疑っていたが、今こういう文章があまり苦労なく書けて、あの時の疑いには応答したんだね。

このブログも今年11月になると、10周年ということで、もっと書いていくべきだと思っている。

これから数年の間、まだ日本に居たい。

An Old Friend

Backtracked from the last event while I was still in Malaysia in mid March.

The night before my departure back to Japan, I attended a charity dinner with family.
You know, those kind of events that youngsters may not be interested in.

Vegetarian dishes were served on that dinner, but I have no complaints as I had enough meat throughout my holidays. Once in awhile I do appreciate meat-less meals for cleansing.

The dinner dragged on pretty long as they've to check on the timing of the VIPs, so I carelessly checked Facebook on my mobile. To my surprise, one of the Instagram photo were from taken in the hall I'm sitting in. It was taken by a friend whom I shall name as AC.

I wouldn't have thought that I'll bump into an old friend in this most unlikely occasion heh. I quickly did a search for old contact number and messaged her. Once I got to know where she's sitting I headed straight away.

Years it has been since I last met her. Couldn't remember clearly whether met her at TARC or at one of the gatherings, but if memory serves me right, the last time we met was in 2008?

As usual nowadays the conversation starts with asking what are you up to lately, still studying or working? As for me, I'd be asked if I've graduated already, which only happens next year.

Then, we proceed to updates of friends (gossips) and the old town where we grew up. She was surprised that we've lots of common friends from her secondary school, whom I get to know in later.

As far as my memory serves me correctly, AC is a friend whom I got to know the earliest, way back when we were in kindergarten bout 4 or 5 years old. Couldn't remember it clearly but I remember seeing her in the class photo from the kindergarten.

I switched to another kindergarten at 6 years old and surprisingly she switched to the same kindergarten as well.

And then, the story continues to primary school.
I still remember some of the details of my 1st day at school. I was quite happy because there were a few familiar faces in the same class, one of them being AC.

We were in the same classes throughout 6 years in primary school, so naturally we get along quite well.

Later, both of us went to different secondary schools.
I went into the mainstream co-ed school near the neighbourhood, while she attended a girls-only school slightly further away.

From time to time, say few times in a year we still bumped into each others, especially during the primary school's gathering.

By chance we attended the same college, TARC after graduating from secondary school, but that's not surprising entirely as it was the choice that most friends chose as well. I reunited with quite a lot of friends back in the collage.

But then again, TARC is quite huge and having lots of different faculties, it's not that frequent that you'd run into someone familiar.

So why am I writing everything so detail here? Well I thought it would be a good idea to leave some records down. At times when we gain lots of new information and experiences, some old memories woud inevitably being left forgotten....

She hasn't really changed that much, still as angelic as I remembered.

New acquaintances are made every year, but treasuring a long friendship like this one is simply, priceless.  ;)

The Tale of Bees

At some points in our life, there must be something interesting or memorable happened that even after years had passed, whenever the topic is being brought up, the memory is still there afresh, as if it just happened few days ago....

Yesterday I met my primary classmate who came to Tokyo for vacation as I haven't met him for years. And then, I read about this news of students being stung by hornets during a sports event. Suddenly the memory of an unusual "accident" replays in my mind..... and I think it's better I jot it down here before the memory fades as age passes on.




Let's rewind the time back to 12 years ago, 29 June 1999. I was in standard 4 primary school. It was like another usual Tuesday routine. I usually went to school very early, reaching around 645am in the morning. That morning, noticed there's some insects buggin' when walking across the grassfield to the school compound.. Because it's still dark (before sunrise) so didn't really bother it at all.

We had our physical education class on 815am, and as typical primary school students, we marched onto the field. By that time, it was already brighten up and we started to noticed the insects flying around were actually BEES. First we noticed a few classmates were irritated by the bees, and then suddenly havoc broke lose.

In just a matter of few minutes the bees went berserk and start stinging us. It's natural instinct to wave the bees off us, but this further agitated the bees which means, more insect rampages.

To describe the the situation better, there were hundreds of bees flying around the field stinging us innocent kids who're defenseless in this sort of "attack". A single bee sting is painful enough for some, and try to multiply the pain with tenths or hundreds. I kid you not, there're those who were stung more than hundred times. I still remember having the bees buzzing around and the distinctive smell of the bees, definitely not something that I'll look forward to "taste" it again hah.

So the poor students went running haphazardly on the field for our lives. While most headed back to the school compound, some ran into another classroom nearby; some ran towards the teacher's office; and some towards the school library. The staffs and other students were of course shocked to see kids running into the school crying and looked awful with all the stings and bees still dangling around our body.

As for me, although I was stung here and there, one particular bee actually squeezed itself into my right ear, to my horror. The bee's buzzing sound is annoying and freaking enough, and imagine having the buzzing happening right inside your ear canal.... oh gosh.....

While I ran to the library's side, I still remember the teacher actually took some of the library books and burn it to prevent the bees further coming into the school compound. Everyone were panic, and even called an ambulance.

But for those who're seriously taken down by the bee stings, they were sent to the hospital by one of the teacher's car. I was one of them, no thanks to the buggin' bee buzzing inside my ear. I did noticed that those who were on the same car appeared to be very weak. I reckon the toxic from the bee stings kick into action pretty fast, aided by that fact that the heart pumps faster (due to nervous and panic) thus sending the toxic into the blood faster than usual.

Reaching the hospital, I still remembered I appeared rather calm by that time, perhaps due to the fact that I'm quite familiar with the hospital surrounding as I went there quite often. We were treated at the emergency unit and finally I had the buggin' bee taken out from my ear, thankfully. The doctor inserted some sort of liquid into my ear and it solidifies, then the doc pull the bugger out from the ear canal for good.

The bees that stung us were 2~3cm in length, and really blessfull that the species is considered mild instead of dangerous as the toxic isn't that strong. We've heard of fatality reported from bee or hornet stings, and to survive as a 10 years old child with hundreds of stings was really something back then.

One of the reason why I remembered the date clearly is because due to the event above, I've skipped a day's homework. Rested for a day and when the next day back to the school, I noticed skipped a date on the exercise book. Back then there were a lot of homeworks even for primary school kids and to be declared "no need to do homework" is like one of the best reward ever lol.

Well, this is a memorable event shared among us primary classmates. Whenever we had gatherings in later years this topic hardly can be avoided hahah. We like to tease among us how many stings one had, or where they escaped after running off the field.

Talk about the field and the bees, it's said that the bee's nest was disturbed thus causing the bees to switched to vigilant mode and we were the unfortunate ones to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Soon after that the nest was destroyed by local council.
Few years after that, the field no longer can be seen as the (then) new school building was being build on top of it.

Well, there goes the Tale of Bees. At least, something interesting happened, though the stings hurt!

Back in Malaysia (Part III)

#5 Back to Wangsa Maju

Went back to TARC briefly to check out the new blocks and meeting with Mr Low again.
TARC has changed quite a lot in terms of the aesthetics, which I think the decorative change is appropriate for the sake of improving the college's image.


Mini gathering with some secondary school friends. Due to some mis-communications a bigger-planned gathering was reduced to just few people. Oh yea, my farewell party was held here too last time. P/S: Jiun gonna kill me for this pic lol.


My Touch 'N' Go card was expired for not using it over a year. Got the replacement done at KL Sentral there with a cost of RM 10. Here's a comparison with the Japanese counterpart PASMO card which both serve similar functions respectively.


#6 Pulau Ketam day trip

Tagged along parents went to Pulau Ketam for another festival~


First time see so many bicycles piling up in Malaysia!


Stir fry clam 啦啦煎 was great!


Pics of Pulau Ketam, a different experience exploring these places.





#7 My room cabinet

Well, I've sort of tidy up some of my stuffs and put it up nicely on the 4X3 cabinet rack.

Featuring my Gundam models (Legend Gundam & GOUF Ignited) VS Lego Bionicle units.



Some books I used to read, or haven't read at all. Just realised I actually have lots of Chinese books bought by my sister.


One of the precious corner, school memories with school magazines and class photos.


The incomplete CD albums slot. If I would brought back all my CDs I think I'm gonna occupy 2 slots.


OK..... so tomorrow will be having a small party at my house inviting some close friends. :D
But on the other hand, I'm going back to Japan in a week's time, which is something I'm not anticipating well.  :(

"Back in Malaysia"
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV finale
Reached Japan

First Week Back To School

After the 3 weeks long winter holiday, I'm back to the language school on Wednesday. We were fortunate to start 2 days later as most Japanese are back in school or workplace on Monday.

The day started with Yamaguchi sensei's class. As expected, we were asked to talk about our experience on the Japanese New Year, 1st of Jan. For me, I can't remember having any sort of celebration but friend's birthday which falls on that day as well. Well I didn't celebrate the new year in the Japanese way this time, but maybe in next year's celebration I might be celebrating with bunch of Japanese friends heh.

The sensation of being back to school in a new year is somewhat special to me. Back then, I was looking forward to see who would be my classmates for this new class, or which teacher will be teaching my class. It was a positive start for new semester.

The situation changed when I was in college, as everything remained almost the same as previous year except the changes in time-table and switches of lecturers. Don't really had much memories from that period of time but surely, college life has been an interesting part of my life.  :)

I still had a few more years of such "new year new semester" sensations to go, as my university life will last 'til April 2013 (tentatively).
Surely there are a lot of things to look forward in a new year, another 365 days to create opportunities, learn new things, meet new friends and make new discoveries.

Year 2010, hope it will be a great year for you and me. Work hard and study smart~  :)

The university's entrance permit.

My Names, CLF

Was checking through my documents today to apply for scholarship, and flipped through my secondary school's record book.
Sort of nostalgic to look at the statistics recorded in the book, while the mind's reflecting what it has been during that particular year.

One interesting thing I noticed is my names (yes, plural) written by each year's class teacher. I had 5 different teachers for 5 years, so that means I had 5 unique names written by each of them.

Let's start with Form 1, in year 2002. Written by Cik Zainab (I think should be a "Puan" by now. :P)
Looking at these words now, I thought it's just like any other writings written by girls around late-teenage years. But then, she was quite young by that time (I didn't know her exact age after all).


Year 2003, I had Pn Teoh YC as my class teacher.
Somehow I felt that there's similarity compared with my own writing (will be shown later).


Puan Hanani was my Form 3's class teacher in year 2004.
I would say this is my favourite of all 5, very artistic and similar to my current style of continuous-writing.


This, from Ms Lim GH in year 2005, was rather normal but I noticed something different in it.
Notice the letter "a" in "Fan", normally we Malaysians would write small letter "a" as what you can observe on the other examples given. We are trained to write like and it's kinda uncommon to see "a" written in such style.
Personally, I prefer the style we usually write, as it's much easier to write in my opinion.


Final year, 2006. Ms Siah SC wrote this.
Simple and pretty common, that's what I thought.


Here are a few examples of the name I wrote myself, in different times.

Year 2002, when I just entered the school. Was asked to write our details on the first page of the book.
This writing is still kinda raw, as I'm just "upgraded" from primary to secondary school.



Form 4, year 2005.
Pretty much alike with my writing today.


Hah now this is rather casual, usually this is how it looks like when I write (or rather, sign it) quickly.
Dated in year 2006.


Examples I've written today.

Should be the most common style I use currently. Notice how the "g" is written.


Slightly different styles.


Neatest to messiest; slowest to fastest.





Also dug out this old result of mine. Nothing to be proud or ashamed about it, as it has passed long long ago.

Of Maths and Science

The Malaysian government had just announced a decision today, that is to revert the teaching language of both Maths & Science subjects from English to Malay. This applies for both national type primary and secondary schools.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has decided that the medium of instruction for Maths and Science will revert to Bahasa Malaysia in national schools and mother-tongue languages in national-type schools from 2012 onwards.
[Source]

Back in year 2003, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir announced that Science and Maths subjects would be taught in English. Many protested, but the plan goes on for the years to come.

I think this is a STUPID decision. I don't regret saying it. From the point of view of a student, seriously I would prefer the subjects to be carried out in English rather than BM.

I was the last batch of students that learn both the subjects in BM. I entered the secondary school in year 2002 so everything is still in BM. Even when I've reached Form 4 in year 2005, the subjects are still being taught in BM.

Back then I noticed that I had problems to understand the scientific terms in Malay. Some are verbally translated from English to Malay so still understandable, but some of the native Malay words are making the lesson harder to understand.

For example: "displacement" VS "sesaran", "differentiation" VS "pembezaan", "prime number" VS "nombor perdana", "oxydation" VS "oksidasi" etc etc.

Somehow I felt that BM is not suitable to express scientific and technical terms. The original context is in English (materials used to be taken from the British O Levels) and somehow upon translated into BM it just make things more confusing, especially if there's certain mistranslate or misunderstanding in the languages.

I shamelessly admit that when I was in secondary school I had problems to cope with understanding the lesson, especially the Science subjects and Maths. It's not that I struggled badly, but you know when you're in the mid of understanding nothing much, even if someone tried to explained, it's not easy to figure it out eh.

Of all 3 sciences, the weakest would be Physics. For some reasons I did not perform well in this subject as compared to Chemistry and Biology. Mainly is because many of the formulas used in Physics are written in English, and when it's being mixed together with BM it can be confusing.

Another example, the basic formula of acceleration, a = (v-u)/t.
In BM, a = pecutan, v = laju akhir, u = laju awal, t = masa.
In Eng, a = acceleration, v = final speed, u = initial speed, t = time.

The letters in the formula represent certain units and when you have a lot of other formulas to remember, it's not uncommon that students will get everything mixed up.

For Chemistry and Biology, it wasn't that bad as most of the terms are direct verbal translate from English, but it's still twisting the original words here and there would confuses the student easily.

I struggled initially when I continued my study in A Levels. Everything is being taught in English. Anyway, sooner or later when I get used to it I've been doing quite well. That time I can understand most of the concepts easily because of the language used. Few months later I've abandoned the terms in BM and embraced the terms in English.

At the tertiary, or pre-tertiary level of education, the lesson is being carried out in English. For students who had to convert from BM to English, it's quite a challenge and not everyone can pass through it smoothly.

It's best if the students are exposed to the English teaching environment earlier as the days later would be much difficult to cope with. Just like when we first learn those basic knowledge in the primary school, everything seems to be kinda difficult but as we grew up things would be much easier isn't it? Same applies, if the students learn it earlier, they won't be facing so much problems in their later days.

There are people said that teaching those subjects in English would corrode the pride of BM, making the students neglected the importance of BM as the main language in the country. Their points may sounded reasonable but I would snub it.

It's indeed that BM is important to the country, no doubt about it. But for the sake of our knowledge, for the future, the better choice would be taught the Science and Maths subjects in English.

Other than local public universities, most of the private or foreign universities that Malaysian would likely to further study at are being carried out in English environment. Singapore, Australia, UK, and US are popular destinations among the students, this is a known fact.

Tun Mahathir spoken of his opinion regarding the execution of his initial plan to had both the subjects taught in English. Anyway it's written in BM so sorry for those who can't understand it.

It's an open secret that everyone knows how much the government have spent to switch from BM to English last time, and few years to come it's going to be reverted back to the step one again. What a waste of time, resources and money. Sadly, this is how the way they do things in the Malaysian government.

I believe concerned parents would voice out their disagreement with this topic very soon, just take note of the newspapers, especially the reader's opinions column in The Star.

Switching the language is not an easy task eh, what's moreover to change back to the original state in less than 10 years time. It's draining, not just for the government but everyone involved in the education sector as well, including the teachers and students.

Reverting the teachings back to BM is moving a step backward for our future. For those who said that the decision is made at the interest of the kids, maybe they should listen to what the kids say.

I'd say, stick with English!


P/S: Some might argue that the students who can't cope with studying the English language. Given the trend of globalisation, it's better to change the students rather than change for them. Besides, why make the change when it only benefits the minorities?

Malaysia is such a weird country that the concept of favouring majority and minority is being blurred, set place in a gray zone where you don't really obey the universal law eh.

Farewell Gathering

2 months ago, I celebrated Ben's farewell, and last night, I celebrated my farewell with lots of friends. Time flies rather quickly, and I still blame the one who purged the extra days in February lol.

The location is set at Happy Seasons restaurant, a new hangout place for young peeps like us especially college students. Booked the place at "Winter" season as I'm an acquaintance of the owner Mr Goh. The event runs on rubber time, so guests are allowed to come late or leave earlier. I wanna make it a relax and chilled gathering. :)

The first few guests arrived were Michelle, Tzu Woei and Hilmi. At first I still can entertain most of them, but when the crowd started to build up, it's impossible for me to move around and interact with everyone.

Hilmi & Tzu Woei.


It's a gathering of some primary school friends, secondary schoolmates and then collegemates!

With collegemates!


I did had this concern about the peeps I called.... I expected some will turn out without informing, while some might not be able to attend due to last-minute scenarios or so. Nevertheless, more than I expected attended!

The plan is to make it some sort of like a networking opportunity for my friends to get to know some of my other friends. I'm not surprise that some of them somehow knew each others by chance before they attend my gathering. For example, Jolene and Huey Jiun met as they went to the same National Service camp, 2 years ago.

With my football gang, also secondary schoolmates.


During the Earth Hour period (2030 to 2130) the lights went off, and replaced by candles.

Collegemante Suyin supporting the Earth Hour!


Many complained that the air-cond is freakin' cold so they chill out at the balcony outside, which is actually the "Autumn" theme. I do admit the "Winter" is cold, but that's not the coldest, yet. :P

Secondary, 5S3 classmates!


Random secondary schoolmates.


Late dinner.... Stone-grilled rice mix with octopus, salmon fillet and chicken teriyaki. (I'm not good in taking food pics)


I'll try to collect the other pics from my friends soon, and upload 'em onto Flickr. Suyin was quick as she uploaded all the pics into her Facebook, many thanks to her! :D

The crowd disperse around 12am, as expected. Good thing everyone returned home safe and sound, heh.

Thanks for all the well-wishes, and also the gifts too! Lovely.... will treasure them nicely! :)


P/S: Pics can be found in this link.

www.flickr.com CLF's 2009 March 28 - My Farewell Gathering photoset

Those who blogged:
Michelle
Jolene
Lengar
Emily
Hui Hoon