Teach For Malaysia

Last December, I had the opportunity to be part of and helped out with Teach For Malaysia. An independent, not-for-profit organisation, it aims to end education inequity by enlisting Malaysia's most promising future leaders in its mission.





I got to know about TFM from an old highschool friend, and after finding out more I became very interested in its cause. What is observed in Malaysia is that if you don't come from a good family background, you don't have an opportunity to attain good education.

It was a pleasant surprise and delight that I’ve met the co-founders before during my PwC internship days, Keeran and Dzameer. They welcomed me to join their management team for 2 weeks prior to its official launch. They are one of the nicest people I’ve met, one with big dreams and yet so down to earth.

Official launch was held on Christmas Eve, 2010! It's an amazing team really and I had so much fun working with the team. A few pictures now to share my moments with TFM:

YL, primary school friend, I @ TFM's Pre-Launch session, Hock Choon terrace

I haven’t seen that primary school friend in 11 years and what a coincidence that YL and him met in the states! Glad we remember each other somehow after all these years.

The DPM officially launching TFM @ Securities Commission
Dzam & Keeran on the stage too

Yayy organizer tag!

The amazing team

Us waiting outside SC to usher the DPM out :)

Post-launch party @ The Social, Bangsar

Those were good times shared and spent. Friendships were made, and am glad through this I got to know about my country’s education development a little more.

If you are passionate about teaching, about making a contribution to our country's development, about bringing our human capital to the next level, about the society in general.... Apply to be a TFM Fellow.

Teach For Malaysia Fellows will serve as full-time teachers for two years in high-need schools. 2 months training will be provided for prior to the placements, with guidance from the best professional coaches around.

Click here to find out more about TFM and apply to be a Teach for Malaysia Fellow. The second deadline’s 27^th June, 2011!

Make a difference. Be a Fellow in Teach for Malaysia’s first cohort.

One day, all children in Malaysia will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.

P.S. Pics above (a few of them) courtesy of Chris.

this is for my mother

Today whilst sitting the train to work, I thought of the person that I am today. Of all my achievements thus far, and of all the good things that I have.

Of the qualities that I possess.

Who's behind it? Who seeks and gave me the best opportunities life can offer? The one who sent me to piano classes, guitar lessons. The one who urged me to join this mandarin public speaking class when I was 11. The one who accompanied me in all of my competitions. The one who registered for us OBS camps because it's a good exposure. The one who provided me badminton training. The one who sends us to personal development courses when we were young.

The one who whole-heartedly supported me and even urged me to do lasik when I was 19, because she's done it before 10 years ago and she knows it's worth doing in the long run. The one who got me my first and only designer bag, because she wanted me to remember these two values: to remember that my first designer item was from her, and to know that it's important to be financially independent and not depend on others.

The one who encouraged me strongly to pursue in my dreams, and aspire me to be the best I can be. I can still remember when I was 12, I wanted to be 'the world most famous singer'. (I was young and naive then). I wanted to submit this named article to my school's magazine. And she helped me craft out the big picture and idea of this essay.

The one who taught me the values of being kind-hearted, loving, generous. The one who taught me never to take advantage of others. The one who always puts all of us before herself. And most importantly, gratitude. To always be thankful for what we have.

All that I am today and all that I have, I attribute it to my mother.

They say behind every successful man, there's a woman behind it.

I say, behind the person that I am (successful or not, I am happy) - my mother is behind it.

Happy Mother's Day, my dearest mummy.

I love you.

happy sunday :)

Such a happy day today! But first, Happy Labour Day all. :) I truly appreciate the significance of Labour Day now that I've started working. And of course am very happy for the public holiday given tomorrow hehe.

First time today in months that I got up at noon, had a good home-cooked lunch (mee hun kuih), then had a family discussion on income tax. As of next year, I'd have to start filing my own income tax. Parents briefed us on how different forms etc are completed, the real works of taxes, how to make claims etc. It's an eye-opener as it's different from just studying it theoretically in university. It also feels good to know that by paying tax it marks the beginning of my career and income-earning adulthood.

Two things you can't escape from life: Death & Taxes. Indeed so true.

Went to Pavillion after to run some errands which can only be done there (else I wouldn't have gone all the way). I brought along a top to change as well. Initially I wasn't allowed to change it as it's past the accepted number of days and also I bought it at a different store, but end story is that I managed to exchange it! I've learned since young that it's good to ask for you want, but don't push it to an unreasonable extent. Try ask, and you might get it. But if you don't ask, you will not get it. And if you ask and not get, don't be disappointed.

Anyway, I'm so happy because I exchanged it for a working skirt!! My first ever. I've been meaning to get a working skirt and have been hunting for one since forever, but I just can't seem to fit in to any in any shop I walk into. :( I now truly believe that things will appear and come into place when the timing is right. Also I got a formal and comfortable working dress for only RM89. I'm ecstatic. :) 

Sent my Tiffany's to polish (they now charge even for first-time polish!!). Also polished my Pandora since it's so brown and tarnished aihs, due to me wearing it while playing sports. Mental note not to wear it to shower and play sports from now onwards.

If you look closely, the pendant's actually a graduation hat.

It's a graduation gift from one of  my closest girlfriends, and today's her birthday! A huge shout out to her: Happy Birthday my dear :) You're one of the most kind-hearted and patient girls around, and I'm so glad to have you in my life.

Picked an old picture of us, back in year 2007. Thought it's one of the sweetest :)

Hope you all had a good, well-rested Sunday!

hello! :)

Hi all! It's labour day weekenddd :) I came home last night after 2 mugs of beers and crashed right away, from 9.30pm till 9.30 am the next day. That's how I've been spending my weekends these days, sleeping. So not happening right, hehe.

I've come up with a whole list of things to do during this relatively longer weekend. Things like spring clean my room, my wardrobe, finish reading the book 7 habits, settle some important errands which I can't mention here, complete my rotation report, go to pavvy to polish my tiffany necklace and pandora bracelet, shop for working skirts, and BLOG. I've got soo much to blog about it's all WIP, saved partially completed in my drafts list... Gotta work on getting them done soon.

Spent a lovely afternoon with mummy :)

I shall leave you now with a picture of me (shameless, at that). Heading to town now for dinner with family for one of the best hokkien mee, fried oysters, fish head noodles!! Then it's poker time with my batch mates :)

Have a good weekend ahead all! I shall blog soon, promise.

LAT the Musical

I've been meaning to blog about this but couldn't find the time to do so.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of watching 'LAT' the Musical at Istana Budaya. And boy, was it good! It was funny, witty, engaging, nothing quite like what I imagined. I left the theatre feeling a higher sense of pride for Malaysian productions.

I have LAT comics at home but I’ve never read them. Thus when there was an extra ticket being circulated around in my department at the very last minute, I took it without hesitation.

LAT the musical depicts a little boy who grew up in a Kampung. Times had forced LAT and his family to move to a town. He was reluctant, of course - with all the good buddies he has made in his kampung, and that he had comfortable life there.

LAT is extremely talented in drawing. His ambition was to become a professional cartoonist. He went to school in the new town and made a good friend called Frankie. The teacher noticed his talent and encouraged him to pursue his passion/dream. He became successful in the end, but it came with a price. With all his fame and busy schedule, he neglected family.

But, but... just like any other fairytale, things turned out good in the end. Things fell right into place for LAT in the end, and he insisted that the whole family moved back to the kampung he was brought up. 

Photo extracted from LAT the musical's facebook page.

Key take-away(s) I've gotten from this musical, and also parts which I like best:

• DWYL, LWYD: Do what you love, Love what you do

• No matter how powerful the sun is, it has to make way for the moon eventually. It can't be overshadowing the moon forever. (or something along this line....). I thought this saying was so meaningful.

A happy me during intermission time!

It's amazing how a musical can make an impact and part its values to its audience. I had a good time watching the musical, and look forward to more amazing Malaysian productions in the future :) A huge thank you to my company for the musical ticket!

Weekend @ Melaka

I've always enjoyed visiting small towns. People in small towns are generally more down to earth, friendlier, nicer. (Note: Generally. Hehe). Also, it's a kind reminder to self that despite having a job, a good life in the city, it's always good to remain grounded.

I spent this weekend at Melaka with the badminton team of the bank. We were enrolled in this warm-up Open tournament, so to better prepare us for the MIBA (the real deal) one next weekend. SRD team was so very kind to organise for us everything - registration of games, lodgistics, budget. Thank you to the bank for covering the budget for us. 

We also were very lucky to have a local Melaka-ian in our team to bring us around for the best Melaka-ian food trail. I always believe that the locals know best. For me, Melaka has always been just Jonker Walk, A Famosa and that's that. This time around however, the trip was fulfilling as I got to learn new things about Melaka - food and culture.

I'm happy to be getting my game back. The last I played a badminton tourney was during the MASCA games last July in Canberra. Good times.

Now, a few pictures to share my fantastic experience in Melaka :)

One of the best seafood I've had @ Duyung, the hawker restaurant by the jeti.

Picking fresh fishes!

Fried Sotong, Prawns, Taufu Bakar, Best Fish ever.

A side note: At the hawker restaurant, I came across a family who can't speak (mute). The only person who can speak is the youngest son. They will communicate through sign languages to the son, of which he will communicate externally to other parties. This came as a reminder to me, and all of us too out there who have all 6 senses in tact, to be grateful for what we have.

Did I also mention that I've found my second favourite liveband after the one in SG?

They sing amazing. First song that came from the female vocalist was 'Bring me to Life' by Evanescance. I was all stunned. Yes, she was that good. The band continued to play U2's 'With or Without You' and Bon Jovi's 'Always'. I decided there and then that I will come back to watch them play again in the future. I'm such a sucker for live bands.

In a nutshell, this weekend Melaka trip was fantastic because:

1) I got to play one of the games I enjoy so much and have passion for

2) I got to experience a weekend getaway with a sports team, supporting one another feels so damn good! Team spirit, all the way

3) I got to experience unconventional, traditional Melaka-ian hawker food

4) I got to witness one damn good live band

I am happy :)

two hauntingly beautiful songs

It was pouring this morning while I was driving to work. When this new song came up on the radio, I was completely taken in. Nothing like a good song to brighten up a gloomy Wednesday morning.

Don't you wanna stay
by Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson

I really hate to let this moment go,
Touching your skin and your hair falling slow,
When a goodbye kiss, feels like this

Don't you wanna stay here a little while?
Don't you wanna hold each other tight?
Don't you wanna fall asleep with me tonight?
Don't you wanna stay here a little while?
We can make forever feel this way
Don't you wanna stay?

Let's take it slow I don't want to move to fast,
I don't wanna just make love, I wanna make love last,
When you're on this high, it's a sad goodbye



**
Another song that has caught my attention recently :

If I Die Young
by The Band Perry

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors
Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time

And I’ll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
I’m as green as the ring on my little cold finger
I’ve never known the lovin' of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand
There’s a boy here in town says he’ll love me forever
Who would have thought forever could be severed by

So put on your best boys and I’ll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no I’ll sell them for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I’m a goner
And maybe then you’ll hear the words I've been singin’
Funny when you're dead how people start listenin’



Loves.

the woman I want to be, aspire to be

As you grow older, you start thinking a lot more of the person you want to be, and the person you are becoming. (Or in my case, at least).

We may not realise it, but little things like the way we talk and treat people, the way in which we carry ourselves in our daily lives, the things we do, the people we mix with, essentially form the person we are becoming. We are our greatest asset, we are a walking brand. 

I then started thinking, what kind of person do I want to be? And what kind of person am I becoming? To different people (or stakeholders in a company, that's what working in a Bank does to you :p), I play different roles. If I were to get married in the future, how do I see myself being a good wife? What kind of qualities do I seek to have looking from a husband's perspective?

At home around with my family, I want to be a loving family member. To my parents - a respectful and obedient daughter; to my brothers - a caring and responsible sister; to my grandmother - a granddaughter who spends the little extra time she has with her; to my kakak - an employee's daughter who is nice and kind. At work, I want to be a valued employee. A team player, pro-active, hardworking, disciplined, one with integrity. One who is honest. When with friends I want to be engaging, funny, bringing life to the group. I want to listen and understand. I want to be happy for them when they succeed, and be there to emphatize when they are down. I want to learn from them, and in return share with them what I know. When meeting strangers, I want to be friendly and not-judging. (I've been tired and reluctant to make new friends lately, this has to change!).

As a person, I want to be one with humour and wit (haha yes, humour is so very important to me!). Ok jokes aside, I want to be someone of compassion, of gratitude, of kindness and love. I want to be resourceful, a go-getter, driving and running after my ambitions and passions in life. I want to be humble, and always willing to learn more.

Thus, I'm now leaving you with a current picture of me: contented but wanting more from and of life; ambitious yet being a realist; thankful yet aiming to cultivate more gratitude; driven and yet knowing how to achieve a balance in life.

This is to hopes that one day, I will become the woman I want to be, and aspire to be.

Yours truly.

chinese new year 2011

I've decided to start blogging again! I love writing too much to give it up hehe.

Anyway, thought I'd kick things off with a chinese new year post :)

**
Family always comes first in anything. I am blessed to have a family to celebrate chinese new year with, to have good food on the table on the eve of new year, and every day; and a comfortable home to live in. Moreover, I am thankful to have a great family who's always supporting me, encouraging me in whatever that I do, and in giving me nothing but the best. I am who I am today because of them.

Eve of eve chinese new year dinner with mom's side of family

candid picture with mummy dearest

(she's soo pretty, right?)

first day of CNY - grandma with her beloved grandchildren

**

Then there are the Open Houses of close friends I've attended...

Wesley gathering of wagyu beef & wine @ Yauw's

I can still remember this night clearly. It was the night before one of my exams at the Bank, and I was singing karaoke till god knows what time. Hehe. Thank goodness I did OK for that paper. (Not fantastic but as long as I know I've got things under control, I don't mind spending the extra time with loved ones).

two very good buddies of mine since highschool

At another open house - also happens to be another good buddy of mine, D

Managed to catch up with a couple of old friends too!

And this was on Valentine's Day! Rushed over to Kwee's open house after a long day at work

Glad I made a little time to pop by these open houses. They are afterall good friends, and I really appreciate them inviting me to their place every year during chinese new year.

**

Then there are the Parties...

3rd day of new year @ Zouk

two favourite college babes of mine! theresa, missing you that night!

(drew had his farewell there that night)

my favourite melbourne darling was there too!

**

Then there are also the Livebands...

we share the same love and passion in music

haha and we made andrew sing on stage! clearly he didn't mind, in fact he enjoyed it I think

**

We invited our German neighbours over for lunch :)

sharing some chinese culture (of 'lou sang') to the beer-loving germans a.k.a me (hehe lameee, i know!)

And finally, a little corner of our home mummy did up - memorable times our family had printed out in pictures, with funny & lame captions she came up with (now I know where I got my lame genes from...). She's into scrapbooking and picture, video collages thingo now.

**

Overall it was a good chinese new year. Albeit a little quiet (as I was already working), I spent it with people I love, people who loves me; and that's all that matters really :) I am truly a blessed girl.

the world as a better place

Let us not hate one another,

but instead try to understand, and hopefully accept one another.

And if we find it hard to accept the other person,

let us not mock, talk bad, or condemn the other person - just leave him/her alone. Be gracious.

Let us also not be jealous of one another,

but instead be happy for one another; genuinely happy.

For everyone deserves to be happy.

**

If we can practice this in our daily lives, the world will be a better place; and we'll be happier, more peaceful human beings in life.

appalled

Read this in The Star earlier. Call me naive but I was appalled by this news! Men, or boys rather, started buying sex at the age of 16?! Some even still do it when they are engaged!

I am not judging or anything, I am just surprised. That body and life’s ours and we can do anything we want with it, as long as both parties agree to it then there is no problem.

However I do have my stand and preference in that - I personally think sex should only be given to someone whom you really love. Call me conservative but that’s just the way I am I guess. And I am proud of it.

Life as powerpoint slides

Life, to me’s somewhat similar to preparing powerpoint slides - I will always find something somewhere to make changes to, to make it better. And the feeling of having completed something better sure feels good :)

if things aren't meant to be

This morning at the pantry, after making my usual morning coffee (I like it thick and strong btw), I closed the lid of both coffee powder and sugar cases. I first tried to close the coffee’s case, but it won’t work. It won’t even tighten. Seconds later I realised that I’ve been using the wrong lid (sugar’s) to close the coffee case.

It struck me momentarily that : In life, if things aren’t meant to be, no matter how hard you push for it to happen - it won’t.

Just like how if you don’t like your job and your employment relationship doesn’t work out, quit. Or if you feel like things are just not meant to be anymore between you and your guy/girl, break up.

Having said that, this does not mean you should not give it a try. Give it a go, give it your best; and if it doesn’t work out, alter the direction you’re heading and move on.. till you find something that works. Just like how the coffee case’s lid is meant for the coffee case and not the sugar’s. Nothing wrong about the wrong choices we make in life, for if things aren’t meant to be, they just aren’t.

Just one of those enlightening moments I had this morning.

To one of the nicest aunties I know

the kind-hearted, generous, whacky, accomodating person she is;

Best friends - Aunt Pat & Mummy

*love this picture!* taken last year Feb @ Port Dickson

A helluva company to have around, one that has a young heart & mind;

And one who knows how to enjoy life. (She loves her whisky)

May you rest in peace, Aunty Pat.