Going home

After two weeks here, I'm going back to KL tonight. Missed my friends over there. Watch out guys!

New beginning

New semester just begun with new spirit and energy. I'm quite busy with few university programs. I'm currently the head committee multimedia for 3 events which are 2nd IIUM Humanitarian Week, Islamic Performing Arts Concert (IPAC) and also International Angklung Concert. In these 3 big university events, I hope I can delegate my work well so that I can concentrate as well on my studies. I know I wanted my work to be on every multimedia stuff but sometimes I feel quite boring to see my design or my style. Different people different style and that adds variety.

OK, that's all about university program. Back to my studio life, we need to organize an exhibition based on our heritage and contemporary studies in Singapore and JB last time. Apart of the exhibition, we also need to have side events. This sounds like KAED Fest but in a smaller scale and I'm not the Program Manager anymore. I was appointed to organize a side event which is originally a Zapin Competition. Since most universities are still having their vacation, I've changed it to Traditional Dance Challenge which is open for secondary school around Selangor and KL. But since both students and teachers are on their holidays, my last resort would be a stage performance of traditional and modern.

Next is my personal life. I think its getting better. We've known each other for more than 8 months and our friendship is getting stronger day by day. I hope this will last for good, InsyaAllah.

There are few more things that I'll add up for the new year wish list. I wanna upgrade my machine and maybe a goodbye to Blogger and hi to my own domain with Wordpress engine.

Taaruf Week Nov 07/08

From left: Ecah, Me, Hashimi, Syed (standing) and Joey.

Salam. After few weeks not updating this blog, seems that I'm busy with the university life. After KTM programme, I joined Taaruf Week November 2007/2008 intake. Its been one year since the last time I joined taaruf.

Actually, I was invited by the programme manager herself, sister Analia whose a good friend of mine since we've known each other from last 2 taaruf that I've joined. Once I told her that somehow I know she would become the PM for taaruf because she had joined taaruf more than 6 times. Usually the officer will consider this as the qualifications, isn't it?

By the way, I've imported into the multimedia committee and now I've become the sub committee again. What is the best thing about being a subcom? The thing is that, I can only focus on my work to be done without having to think about others unrelated stuff. I was the head comm on last year's taaruf. I've redesign the backdrop together with the scripts using Flash 8. Besides that I've also prepared the montage of Multimedia Bureau and Sports Bureau for the Knowing You and Knowing Me slot. If you wanna take a look those videos from Taaruf week, feel free to visit my youtube website.

Its been a year since my last taaruf, so there are many new faces. It took me around 3 days to get to know them and befriend with them. Its OK. People in taaruf come and go, registered and graduated, that's how students life right?

I'm afraid this gonna be my last taaruf since I'm looking forward to do freelance or part time job starting this short semester. I'm also going for practical on the first next semester. If there's a time, I'm surely gonna join taaruf for the real last time, Insya-Allah.

Community Service Journey

For the past one week, I've been busy doing all the preparation for the 'Program Kembara Khidmat Masyarakat Bersama KTM'. My position is the head committee for Preparation, Technical and Multimedia and its my responsibility to ensure the program run smoothly with the right venue, equipment and materials.

DAY 1 - RUMAH SERI KENANGAN, KANGAR, PERLIS
Now let's recap from the first day. We departed from IIUM to KL Sentral and take the 9pm train straight to Arau, Perlis. The journey took 13 hours and its not very comfortable in the third class coach. Then we went to Rumah Seri Kenangan at Kangar to get to know the citizen and having some fun. Apparently, its very hard to have a good communication with them because I'm having trouble with understanding what they are saying. Not just me, some of the old folks also having trouble to communicate with others. I feel sympathy for them because their children sent them to this place. In the evening, I placed my signage landmark there as a token of remembrance despite looks funny on the rear side. We left for Butterworth at 5pm.


DAY 2 - SEKOLAH TUNAS BAKTI, BUTTERWORTH, PULAU PINANG
This is the school of the bad luck children who committed offenses below 18 years old. Our objective is to get to know and understand their feelings and share experience. We conducted 'Bengkel Sahsiah Remaja' with some group activities and Fear Factor challenge. Its fun to see their participation and cooperation during the program. Before we know them, we always think of how dangerous and lack of cooperation but in the end, its a happy ending. One thing for sure, they are protected under Child Act whereas we are not allowed to take their picture. The food are delicious but the accomodation is poor. What to expect if your are trying to serve the society?


DAY 3 - KAMPUNG SG. DARA AND KAMPUNG BEHRANG ULU, BEHRANG, PERAK
Next is 'Sehari Berbakti di Kg. Sg. Dara dan Kg. Behrang Ulu' and this is the best day yet the most exhausting. We have telematch in the evening with the villagers, gotong-royong for preparation of wedding ceremony and and forum at the mosque. I was the emcee for the forum and closing ceremony. The program ended at 10pm and we finally arrived UIA at 1 in the morning.

I'm glad to join in this program and eventhough its tiring, I just can't stop involve in programs. This week, I'll having Taaruf week and this is the fourth time after 1 year rest from taaruf. Till then, happy holidays to all my friends!

Happy ending

Is it a happy ending for me this semester? I don't have any idea. Everything went very fast this time and 4 months is just like 4 weeks. There are many things that happen this semester. Lets recap. Among the major events are KAED Fest, MAKUM Pantun Fest, Convest, Campus General Election, AKHI Project programs, visit to Singapore to name a few.

Besides that, I was having a hard time in time management with the courses and my social life. Design studio with the new part-time Perodua lecturer, Sports Management with the morning class, English with the term paper, materials, rendering etc. Not to forget my new room mates, AKHI members, my special ones and many more. I really enjoy all these hardship and difficulties in life because they make my life more colourful, enjoyable yet meaningful than before.

Here's a not a picture of my studio projects. The step mover and Xpax radio. I wonder if am I gonna get good grades for 'em.

After all the tiring studio works, my friends and I went to Asia Design Network Conference at MATRADE Convention Centre. There were speakers from all over east Asia, and some of them are very good. But I've fallen asleep few times. I wish I can stay awake longer but the cosy environment is very comfortable for sleeping. Guess I'm such a sleepyhead down there. It was the first time being to MATRADE as I only can see this building from far each time I heading to KL from the PLUS highway.


P/S: All the best for the final exams. May God shower His blessings on all of us and help you guys through it. InsyaAllah.

AKHI Project updates

Everything runs very fast in this club. Can you imagine for the last two weeks, there are lots of programs and meetings which makes my life hectic during this fasting month. Imagine, after I've went to tarawikh prayer at mosque, I have to attend the meetings to discuss things and so on.

What's that for? There are meetings for the candidate trainer, which is supposed to be the future management board and I was one of them. I don't expect to get any position because I'm not available for months after the second semester.

So, above is the poster of the Heart of Gold III workshop. I am the Program Manager. Do you know? This is my first time being a PM for AKHI program. Its after 2 years of my involvement in this club. I hope this thing can run smoothly, InsyaAllah.

Singapore Heritage Study Trip

I've went to Singapore for the last mid-term break with my 45 studiomates for the Heritage and Contemporary study visit. Here's the brief journal about my trip.

Saturday - 1st September 2007
It’s the first day and I don’t wanna sleep because I’m afraid I’ll overslept and make my friend curse me. So I’ve watched few movies at my friend’s room and get prepared with stuff. After having our breakfast at KAED, we departed with UIA bus at 8 a.m.

After 2 stops at lay-bys, we reach Johor Bahru at 1 p.m. and have our lunch at Jalan Geroda. Next we checked in at Seri Malaysia Hotel and my roommates are Hakim and Reduan. We planned to do our study research at the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque unfortunately, there was a pilgrimage course take place on that day. So, we just having fun at Danga Bay.

Late in the evening, we spent our time studying the JB city scape within Legaran Seget. It looks like Jalan TAR in KL as important nodes in JB. After having dinner at McDonalds in City Square, we went back to hotel. Late in the midnight, we’ve celebrated Najwa and Muna’s birthdays over there.

Sunday - 2nd September 2007

We went to Larkin bus terminal and from there, we took PERLING bus to go to Singapore. Yeah! Its a bit tiring going through the immigration and customs. We arrive Queen St. bus terminal around 12pm and we switched to our travelling bus. Now, I’m in the Lion City! I’m very excited to see such scenery of concrete jungle with well arranged landscape. Eventhough its just a neighbouring country, but its totally different from KL.

We went to Costa Sands Resort in Pasir Ris as we will accommodate there for 4 days and 3 nights. After having lunch, we went to Museum of Asian Civilization and do some analyses study along Telok Ayer Street. Red Dot Design Museum was just opened and we watch the exhibition of the best products design and concept there. We have our Singapore Murtabak for dinner at Victory Restaurant. Its quite thick and delicious, let’s think like a lasagna but its tasty of course.

Next, we went for a walk and sight seeing at Suntec City complex, one of the hottest shopping and business complex in this city. Fortunately, at the convention centre, it’s the last day of COMEX 07 which is a Singapore version of PC FAIR in KL. So, some of my friend and I went there to survey how the prices of those computers gadget. Its very tiring when trying to do the comparison, I need to multiply 2.3 on every stated price. In the end, I’ve just bought myself a purple-silicone rubber-foldable keyboard for S$10 (RM23) whereas Low Yat price is more than RM30. We take the bus from Esplanade and back to the resort.

Monday - 3rd September 2007

We spent some time doing study and analyzing area in Clarke Quay, which for me is a Jalan Bangsar version of Singapore, where people having their nightlife here. But we came in the morning and most shops are closed. It was raining in the evening and we have to make it through the rain from Al-Abrar mosque to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). URA is a DBKL but specializes for the town planning in this city. There are Singapore City Gallery that exhibits the development of the city, history and conservation and what I’m totally adore is that there are 2 models of the island and 1 focuses on the city planning.

We went to Bugis Street at 9pm. It’s a biggest covered-street shopping (like Petaling Street) in city. Its quite cheap and it’s a shopping haven for tourist and locals. I’ve bought many key chains and shirts as a souvenir for my family and friends there. But most shops closes at 10pm and we need to rush before they closed.

Tuesday - 4th September 2007

We went to Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC) at Jurong area. It’s a big storage and lab for the artifacts in Singapore. They have state of the art technology in the conservation field down there. Why doesn’t Malaysia have any place like this?

Unfortunately for that day, Farhan received a bad news about his grandfather. So he need to return to his hometown to see his grandpa but its difficult for him because he come to Singapore with a group passport. After dealing with the embassy, he managed to pass the immigration.

We had our lunch at Hjh. Maimunah Restaurant and we perform our prayers at Masjid Sultan. After window shopping at the Kg. Glam area, fortunately I’ve met with the group from HS students and its fun to meet Hidayah with her group. My next destination is the Malay Heritage Centre.

We made our own way to MRT because we want to go to Orchard Road. At the Bugis MRT station, fortunately I’ve met with Marsita and her friend. It seems like my heart beat faster as if I’m falling into her once again. The train is very crowded at that time. After switching train at City Hall, we made our way to Orchard MRT station. For me, all the shopping complexes in Orchard Road seems like the one in Bukit Bintang Road where it’s a shopping haven for the rich people. But there are also cheap stuff over there.

We return to Downtown East in Pasir Ris and we have a barbeque that night.

Wednesday - 5th September 2007

Its our last day in Singapore. We checked out at 10.30 am. We went to Masjid Asy-Syafaah in Sembawang. It’s a modern design for a mosque and it looks cool and awesome. This type of mosque is truly a resemblance of what Prophet had done which is the function of the mosque encompasses not to only as a place of worship, but also a centre for seeking information and a community centre.
After performing our prayers and having our lunch, we went to Mustafa Centre to do the last minute shopping. This place is just like Mydin in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur where Indian community lives and doing businesses.

Late that evening, we went to the famous Singapore landmark, the Merlion Park. It’s a very nice place if you want to take pictures before leaving Singapore. Next, we went to Queen Street and take Causeway Link bus to return to Johor Bahru. We reach Woodlands at 8pm and for the whole journey to Larkin bus terminal, it takes 2 hours. UIA bus waited there and we decide to head straight to UIA because its already late.

We stop by at Pagoh RnR to have our dinner at 12am. After that, we continued or journey and it takes only 2.5 hours from Pagoh to UIA Gombak. Can you imagine how fast the bus is? Alhamdulillah all of us arrive safely from this trip and officially, I reached my beloved Bilal at 4.30am.

P/S - More pictures update soon! Its the best mid-term break ever! But life's getting hectic for the second half of this semester!!

Merdeka Break

Its been awhile since my last post. I've been quite busy with few projects and I hope to end them as soon as possible. This time project I'm gonna make a big bucks and I'm doing best for it.

OK, now its officially Malaysia has celebrated its 50 years of independence. Its 31st August right? And I'm wishing all my readers a happy independence day. My class ended at 8.30pm and I just wanna spend my Indie Eve in UIA with my peeps. Unfortunately, there's nothing special for this year. Some people say UIA cannot conduct the celebration because they want to give way to the proper and more Islamic event like the munajat and Qiyamullail. I missed my hedonistic lifestyle (what for?). Convest is just another loser, eventhough I'm one of the committee, but not committed enough.

I only went to the Convest hill on last Friday because I was terribly hungry. Please note that in UIA, they will close all the cafeteria from 5 pm till late, just to give Convest traders customers. Then what? I'm suffer because I ain't got my supper. I'm glad tonight HS cafe are back to life but only 1 stall was open. What a long wait for my meal.

However, mid term break just started and students are going back to their hometown. How about me? I've got my studio visit to Singapore. Yeah! Its Singapore & JB 2007 Heritage and Contemporary Studies. I'll be going this Saturday till Wednesday. I'm looking forward to enjoy myself after tiring whole week lately.

So, till then. I'll be back with new spirit then!

Corporate Video Project

It was my first project for the design studio. Its a group project and again, I'm in the same group with Syafi'e (since Tampok Manggis multidip) together with Asyraf Muna, Wan Thuwaibah and Haslinda.

Apparently, I couldn't focus for that project because I have other projects, as well as committed with university programs; KAED Fest, Pantun Fest, Convest as well some AKHI Projects' programs. After I've checked my schedule, it seems that I don't have any Sunday weekend until the month of Ramadhan.

Let's get back to the topic. Actually, we are competing for my beloved faculty, Kulliyah of Architecture & Environmental Design (KAED) corporate video competition. After doing some case study from Malaysia Airlines and other corporate videos, we made our own shooting. Unfortunately my handycam was malfunction. It cannot playback nor do any recording. So, I need to borrow the camera from my friend which borrowed the equipment from the technician's office. Its quite sophisticated I guess.

For the task division, I asked the girls to prepare the print out stuff and workbook while me n Pie will do the video. I've asked Safwan for the narration but it doesn't go well. He has a good voice but he need to improve more on the pronunciation.

On the presentation day, I'm impressed with what my friends have produced. My lecturer said there will be a public screening to select the winner. I hope if I don't win, at least I've got in the top three.

Anyway, mission accomplished. Special thanks to all my group members for your good job. I'm wishing you luck on the next studio projects.

P/S - I'll upload the video to Youtube later.

KAED Fest vs Multidip

I'm a pretty busy guy for the past few weeks. I'm quite envied with my fellow friends who manage to find themselves a temp job for this short semester despite having to go to class. I swear if I'm not taking multidip subjects, maybe I'll getting some fun working somewhere. There are only 3 things that keep me quite busy for this short semester; KAED Fest, Multidip project and AKHI Project.

KAED Fest is the annual event for KAED students society and I'm the Program Manager for this year. I'm busy conducting weekly meetings for the head commitees beside preparing paper work and waiting for approval. The whole background process is consuming lots of time. I hate it when the officer or Deputy Dean is not available. The next thing is to get sponsorship during this 4 week break. Here's the list of event for KAED Fest 07: Refresh, Revive, Rejuvenate.

• Exhibition - of students Projects
• Pandora's Box - Ghost House
• Talk - from former Rector maybe
• Stalls - food, drinks, souvenir, stuff etc.
• KAED Stage - Cultural, bands and play performance
• Extreme Game Demonstration - BMX flatland and Skateboards
• Futsal Competition - open for brothers & sisters
• Photo Competition - funny, unique, creative
• Art & Design Competition - sand art, sculpture, graffiti
• PES & Modelling Competition - 3Ds Max modelling
• Appreciation Night - dinner and performance

Please take note that KAED Fest 07 took place from 18 to 22 July 2007. Please come and have fun. I just choose that date because Economics students are having their events one week later at the same proposed site. So, let's see which events better!

Next thing is about the multidip project. I've blog about it before and I'm terribly busy in preparing for the 1st and 2nd crit session. All of my group members stay all night and sleep in the morning for this beautification of IIUM riverbank project. By the way, its one more week left before the final presentation which was scheduled on this 8th June.

I wondered how am I gonna compose and do the best 3D project presentation combining all stuff that I've known so far; Sketchup 6, 3D Studio Max 8, After Effects 7 and the best video editor software ever, Ulead VideoStudio 10!! I wonder how long it will take to render the whole 3D animations. If only my group members have a machine with Core2Duo processor..

AKHI Ibadah Camp

I've joined AKHI Ibadah Camp last weekend from 18 to 20 May with the AKHI kids at IIUM mosque surrounding area. I was the head for Preparation & Technical committee and part time facilitator. This program was fully sponsored by IIUM SHAS Mosque and that's why it was named as Ibadah Camp with the theme 'Ibadah is Fun'.

I can say that the program is another success but deep inside I don't know how far the kids understand the concept of ibadah. For me, its simple. Anything that you do is an ibadah by remembering Allah. Eventhough in the first two days we were lack of committees and facilitators because of exams, the program is quite enjoyable. I love being a facilitator because it will bring me closer to the kids actually.

By joining this program, I've neglected Akademi Fantasia final concert and also my task for MultiDip group. Nevertheless, this coming Monday 28th is the second crit, and its payback time. Let's work harder guys!

Baktisiswa Kg. Pasir

I've joined Program Rakan Muda Wawasan Desa IPT at Kg. Pasir, Kuala Kubu Bharu from 3-6 May 2007. Actually, its just the same as in Kg. Lambor Kanan, Perak last year and this time, its kinda different.

Last time, me and Huzaifah lived with the old parents but this time, me, Ikhwan and Bakhtiar stayed with the whole family including 3 of their children. Our house is the farthest house among the participants. We also need to drive a car because 3 of us won't fit in a motorcycle.

I also have made a few international friends because there are Sevgi and Gulcan from Turkey, Saeed and Yoseof from Yaman as well as Adnan (India) and Miranti (Indonesia). I've learn some Turkey phrase and speaks Indonesian with Miranti n Yoesof.

This time, I have to design and construct the landmark for the village. As usual, its a simple signage but its easier to be constructed if I do it in KAED workshop with the machines. I don't know how long it will last but I think its nice eventhough its kinda odd to see such thing there.

4 days is better than 3 days because we have more time with the family. I slept in the living room and watched ASTRO with the family. Celcom coverage is very poor in Taman Lembah Damai. They treated me as their own family, that's why I love this family very much. I hope I can come again to this place some day.

Multi-dip

I've just started my short semester this Monday 23rd with only one subject, which is Integrated/Multi-Disciplinary Project 1 which is also known as 'Multi-Dip' among students. Its all about getting students from various departments such as architecture, landscape, quantity surveying and arts & design to work in a group and compete for the best design.

There are 16 groups which consist from 15 to 16 students. The first 8 group will design a project which is so-called 'Convocation Square' in front of the CAC building. Currently, students doesn't have good icon or sculpture or something that can reflect UIA after the convocation ceremony. Even in UiTM Shah Alam, the place is very crowded and there's no such interesting point of view in capturing the moment.

The rest 8 group will have a so-called 'Jogging Park' along the riverbank in UIA. It would be more landscape work in this project. The budget for each project should not exceed RM100K, that's a tough work for the QS students. I'm in group 12 and we haven't decide our group name yet. With the capacity of 5 handsome guys with 11 brilliant girls, I hope we can get along with each other and enjoy ourselves with this project which last for 8 weeks. Besides that, our group leader is Amirah from Architecture. I wonder if other group also selected a girl to become their leader.

I'm glad to be in the group with the people I have fun working with. Izzati, Syafii, Idwan and Akmalulhaya. I wonder how my life will be since I'm staying off campus for this short semester. Nevertheless, comparing to the last year, each group will work in a classroom, not in studio as the last time. So, the space is quite smaller and there might be less decoration in the class.

I hope I'm doing the best I can in my group work and I wonder what's the result might be. The important is the journey, not the result. I've forgot who's saying this quote.

Kem Bina Insan

It was a 3 day program from 6-8 April, called Kem Bina Insan 1 at Sekolah Menengah Agama Mahmudy (SMAM), Kg. Awah, Chenor, Pahang. Since Sister Salmiha which graduates last year has become part time teacher in this school, she invited fellow members from AKHI Project to be the facilitators and committee members for this event.

SMAM was a Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR) and I never thought about SAR until I stepped into this school. Few years back, there was a controversy regarding this issue. Now the school is categorised as Sekolah Agama Bantuan Kerajaan. However, the facility and infrastructure is poor. At least I can bear for 2 nights with it.

There are two education system in the school, academic and tahfiz. There are more boys than girls. For tahfiz, there are only boys students, ranging from 13-20 and also some Indonesian and Brunei student.

How about the program? I was a facilitator for group 3, paired with Saidatul Nadiah with 20 boys students from form 1 to form 3. They are not that participative compared to AKHI mentees. Quite passive and lazy. I guess this is among the challenges for me since its the first time facilitating secondary school students. Hey, there was 1 time when I was in SM Teknik, I facilitate my classmates. That's how I've started and interested in such activities.

I'm so not me.
My friend, Fitrah Muda brought her Indonesian girl named Miranti. She has a cute baby face look. Usually, I'll be interested to get to know beautiful girl but I don't talk with her at all. I only made some meaningless eye contact.

What else? Since we brought in the name and image of UIA, I need to observe my behaviour and muamalah. And since the program was in a religious school, I don't have the chance to get to know the girl students through LDK. So, in the last day after the closing ceremony, most of the students will get our contact numbers. I just stay out of the hall so that they won't get mine.

Why am I such an egoistic idiot? I don't know them personally and I don't think I can make it. And I can't help myself to flirt with any school girl no more. Plus they are from religious school.

After the program finished, we went to Syarah's house at Bera to have a food party. We arrived UIA at 730pm.

Long Saturday

Its been awhile since I'm enjoying myself for the whole Saturday. For the last few weeks, I've been spending them for my projects and so on. I'm happy that its over and let's enjoy life to the max!

SMTKL ALUMNI GATHERING
I went to my former school, SM Teknik KL in Cheras with Shafiqa Ameera, my ex-classmate for this first time gathering for all ex-students. The most senior comes from the year 1964 and the youngest will be 2006 SPM candidates. I don't like on how the organise this event because, there's no official or formal invitation letter. I've got to know it from forwarded SMS and through buletins in Friendster.

I came to show my commitment of my lovely school but the session in the hall is indeed BORING. I only enjoy singing the school song, I thought I've forgot the tune. 1 more, there's no lunch provided. This shows that SMTKL don't have enough fund from the alumni and that's why they are going to restructure the committee members that day. I left the meeting early because I've got other stuff to do. Its quite disappointing to see only 4 of my classmate turn up. Thanks Zuraihan and Amanina for coming.

MALAYSIA TECHNOLOGY EXPO 2007 - PWTC
I went to PWTC to see the exhibition because I thought it will give me some exposure and knowledge for my future design. My lecturer told me that an Industrial Designer should went to many exhibitions to gain knowledge about design as well as current technology that may be featured in our design.

Most of the exhibitors come from higher learning institutions such as UiTM, UTM, USM, UPM and goverment agencies such as MARDI. Its sad to see how IIUM is lacking of research. Its very clear through this exhibition. What's the purpose of displaying a model of aeroplane without any useful information? I'm quite impressed with UNIMAS product design and I guess, its our duty and responsible of Industrial Design student to help the university in doing research as well as contribute them for such exhibition.

I enjoy playing 'brain activity' ball game provided by Pusat Sains Negara. You have to be very calm and ease your mind. From the alpha and tetha graph that I can see, the calm you are, the farther the ball will move. I compete with Pikot and I won 2 times in a row. Its true that through Zikir, you'll become more calm. I did it!

MR. BEAN'S HOLIDAY - GALAXY AMPANG
After that, we went together to Galaxy Ampang to watch any movies. We are not that choosy and we just want to have good time together. So we watch the comedy 'Mr. Bean's Holiday'. Its a comedy and I really enjoy it by laughing out loud. Yeah. Laughter is the best medicine after all.

AKHI Taaruf Camp

It’s the first camp for the year 2007 with the objectives to mix and let mentor and mentees know each other. The event took place around IIUM SHAS Mosque on 17th and 18th February 2007.

So, here’s my short review about the camp. I was late on the first day but its OK because they group keep on reshuffling in order to achieve the objective. I’m impressed with the new facilitators where they have their own unique approach in conducting the LDK or modules. By the way, there’s one newbie which is totally eye catching. Ooops!

How about the kids? There are many new kids on the block and some of the girls are cute too! However, people are vary and its kinda testing our patience and skills on how to handle hyperactive kids.

The first day is really tiring. After the night walk session, I fall asleep soundly at the mosque. The next day is just the same but is kinda sad when I’m leaving my group during the reshuffle session. FYI, I’m quite surprise to see one of the kids was selected to be on ‘Macam Macam Aznil’ talk show in the ‘Anakku’ slot.

In short, I really enjoy my weekend with those kids after having too much pressure on the Friday’s studio. It’s a good start for this year and I can’t wait to see the kids again in the next program.

Sex Education

I attended the National Conference on Sex Education- Issues and Challenges on 10th February which was held at Banquet Hall in Rectory Building. Actually, I attended this conference because I want to replace my absent in my Parenting and Family Management classes.

So, what its all about? Most speakers present the paper work about the issues, challenges, statistics about sex knowledge among students, legal perspective about sexual harassment and many more. I like the final speaker; he’s a doctor who’s an expert in sexology. He talks freely and very outspoken about what’s sex is all about.

Can you define what sex education is? Most of us might think about how to do sex, pregnancy etc.. The thing here is that, sex is the art of loving and living. You have to know how to love someone and how to live and build a healthy family together. Sex is more than making love. Through this conference, I’ve opened up my mind about the importance of implying sex education in schools and universities.

I like this quotes, “We are not gonna let the porn movies to teach our young generation about sex” and imagine in the near future when you have your own family. What will you answer when your children ask, “Where do I came from?” or “How mom got pregnant?”

You see, its very simple question. I don’t know how to describe about it here. But I think that I can reflect to the American Pies’ trilogy where there’s one very understanding father. He’s very concern about his son and always gives moral support about sex. But its on the western perspective. We have our own Islamic approach.

Volunteer in Johor

I joined the IIUM Relief Team to help the flood victims in Johore on 20-21 January in Panchor, Muar, Johor. So what it's all about? Here's a bit of the naked truth about being volunteer for 2 days.

UIA had sent volunteers for 3 times on every weekend starting from 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 of January. However, more to come during this week 22-26 because its mid-semester break . That day, we have 2 buses around 38 brothers and 38 sisters as well as some officers.

First Day
I only slept for 1 hour in order not to missed the bus at 5am. Two buses departed at 545 and arrived at Seremban RnR at 630 for subuh prayer and breakfast. We continue our journey and arrived Panchor around 930am. We were divided into 4 sections and my group need to work at Masjid Jame' Kg Panchor. We cleaned up dirt on furnitures in the stores and the praying mats (sejadah). In the evening we rearrange newly ordered cabinets and put Quran and Yasin on the shelves. We have Ta'aruf session among us that night and we slept at the SK Panchor. Boys in the Musolla and girls in the classroom.

Second Day
Still in the same group of students, we were divided to clean up houses. The first house, we just rearrange rotten furnitures, put things in one place to be burnt and clean her landscape around her house. The next house.. the same job. Put stuff in black plastic bag and gather unwanted stuff on the roadside so that the garbage truck can collect them. After lunch and prayers, we return back to UIA and arrived at 630pm.

Rewards?
That's all about the activities I've did for 2 days briefly. Other's who attended 'Batang Buruk factory' got themselves pack of the delicacy, those at the t-shirt bundle shop got 1 shirt per person and usually, the villagers will treat us with lunch and some refreshment as their token of appreciation. Besides that, the food provided for the lunch and dinner is delicious.

UKM Students
I've saw 6 busses of UKM students passing through the main road in Panchor. We only waved our hands as a sign of 'all the best to you' and 'goodbye'. I've return home and I've read what their Vice-Chancellor wrote in one of the columns. They worked at Pagoh and it seems that Mr. VC is very proud of their students unity among races. By the way, UIA also has few international students that joined the brigade too.

Limelight?
It seems that my group doesn't have the coverage from the mass media such as Utusan and TV3. Its not that important. The important thing is that we have contributed our efforts to relief the victims and we have to do it sincerely. I think its enough for UIA had been given coverage for past few weeks because we're among the earliest to help them, even before the Disaster Brigade was established in other IPT. Besides that, the villagers also had approved that UIA had come up with very efficient volunteers compared to others. I heard that there was one NGO whose only came to shake hand with the victim and then return without any help. What's that for?

P/S - let's contribute to the society!

Port Dickson

UIA had sponsored the Ta'aruf Week committees with a 3 days 2 nights all expense vacation to Port Dickson on 5-6 January.

First Day
So, the bus departed at 6pm on Friday. Since I'm having a presentation that day, I planned to depart at 8pm with Toyota Unser. Its 4 boys and 4 girls (plus a driver = 9 people) crammed in the MPV. It took around 1.5 hours from Gombak to Hotel Seri Malaysia, Port Dickson.

No event on the first night. We just hanging out at food stalls while having shisha. Its been awhile since my last spoof. Then, I feel like a bit dizzy and all I wanna do is to sleep. Why am I feeling such tiredness that nite? because of too much shisha? Hahaha.. I'm not a smoker, then maybe I'm not used to it.

Second day
I woke up late (as usual) and I have my breakfast few minutes before the cafe's closed. In the morning, we have to discuss about the Taaruf. What's good, what's bad, how is it beneficial etc.. Then I asked my sub-comms to insert all the Taaruf Week CD into the plastic case. These CD will be distributed to all committees that night.

I'm feeling a lil bit down on the afternoon (plus a bit lazy to socialize). So, I just staying in my room alone and watching TV. I wonder when's the last time I watch cartoon.. its like I've left my childhood life for quite some time. I've watched Sonic X and Initial D.

In the evening, after I've refreshed, I went to the beach. Now its play time! I played some volleyball and futsal. Its really enjoyable. I also went into the ocean to swim and sink. Its kinda nightmare to me when out of a sudden, the water rises instantly and I'm hardly feel the sand on my feet. That's mean its getting deep and I need to reach the beach which is around 400 meters from my point. So guys, be extra careful when you are swimming in the not too steep beach.

That night, we are having barbeque as well as karaoke session. I was the emcee but I didn't sing a song. Next, the CD distribution to all committees and after having supper outside, I just stay in my room, watching Angelina Jolie's 'Life or Something Like It'. Its kinda freak if somebody on the street told you when you're gonna die..

Third day
I woke up late as usual and after packing up our stuff, its time to go home. We departed after lunch and finally we arrive at UIA around 3.30pm.

So, all I wanted to say about the all expense trip by UIA is that, instead of spending some money for such vacation, why don't UIA give us extra allowance for being a committee. The money is not in yet, but I think we're only gonna get RM75 for working around 2 weeks. Can you imagine if they give us RM200 or more but don't spend the money for vacation? Not all committees could make it that day..

P/S - I need more money!!

2006 Recap

Its the last day of the year 2006. Tomorrow, its 2007 and 2006 will be history. I don't wanna post about 2006 recap here, just few topics beside summarizing my 2006.

Resolutions.. Do you still remember what you've got in your mind on the 1st January 2006? What goals you're wishing for? If you've read about my resolutions here, I'm wishing for..

1. Expand my network in UIA
Yeah, I did. I've joined lots of program such as Taaruf, Humanitarian, Ummatic, KAED Fest etc.. I've managed to gain more friends from various Kulliyahs. My life's feel good because eventhough they're only greet when you come across them, but its better than walking without anyone recognize you. Sometimes I feel like celebrity where they call me by my name but I've forgotten theirs. I'm not good in remembering names. Sorry guys.

2. Contribute more to the community
Yes, mission accomplished. I've done it through AKHI Project and CENSERVE Team. I've contributed my design and multimedia skills to many university's programs. I've also has brushed up my communication and leadership skills through these programs.

3. Gain ideal weight
Hehe.. guess its not achieved yet. I'm still underweight. My Body Mass Index (BMI) doesn't reach 20 where its the ideal index. I only gain around 5 kgs throughout this year. Its just a matter of gaining 6 kgs for ideal weight.

4. Serious short term relationship
I've did. Our relationship only last around 1 month and 10 days. Its quite short rite? Why it ends up so soon?

Now, let's turn to serious topic.

Earthquake & Internet
It was Wednesday when my lecturer informed me about the slow internet connection due to the earthquake. I don't believe it but when I've tried at ITD on Thursday, yes. Damn slow! Its hard to connect to the international server. Some of my favourite websites are Yahoo!, Google, Friendster and Blogspot. I only can open Yahoo but I couldn't check my emails. Besides that, local websites such as UIA and Utusan don't have any problems. Its such a nightmare if you can't use the internet when your business totally depend on them.

Floods & Global Warming
Its quite scary when you thinking about the future. Just look at the flood in Johore itself, luckily most of my friends' house survived the flood. I remembered the movie 'The Day After Tomorrow' when the global warming effect such as storm, typhoon, flood and earthquakes happens and the climate changes. I don't know what the future holds for me. Let's pray for a better future from now on.

Last but not least, I'm wishing Eid Adha to all my readers and hope you enjoy your holidays. See you next year!