Art & About Sydney 2011

The idea of Art & About Sydney was to transform the city into a canvas, to create a living gallery on the streets, with work that would make Sydneysiders stop, think, laugh or smile. Being my first Art & About Sydney experience, I thought it managed to do just that.

This year, Art & About Sydney took place from September 23 to October 23 and saw the participation of local and international names. One project was called Acts of Kindness. By Michael Landy, it is in partnership with the 24th Kaldor Public Art Project.

I did not really notice it until I accidentally looked up at one of the pieces to the jigsaw puzzle. And these were placed at where the mentioned actions of kindness took place.

Bubbleway is part of the Laneway Art Program.

A modular, inflatable social furniture system designed for Laneway Art by Rebar, it asks us to rethink our notions of public space and discover new forms of informal social interactions, creativity and play in a heavily encoded cosmopolitan centre.

Over at Customs House Square was a small patch of green with a washing machine and a Hills Hoist.

The top of the machine had instructions for the public to write a message to Sydney.

I thought it was pretty clever and was thinking that if Boey was here, what he would write. Maybe something similar to this, but with his website address on it as well.

Continuing with Laneways, I 'found' Donut by Brook Andrew. A large inflated PVC form that takes the shape of a donut floating high above the scale and context suggests this is nothing like a regular donut as it is transformed instead into a striking black and white matrix of Wiradjuri design. The shape references ancient European and Indigenous depictions of time travel and healing, and the popular contemporary notion of a ‘pie in the sky’.

Remember those little jigsaw puzzle pieces? Well, they actually make up a gigantic piece that was on display at Martin Place.

Another project by the students at UNSW was this eye-catching collection of 'benches'.

I liked the idea of plants growing in coffee cups but I wonder how feasible the idea is in the long run. No, really. I think it is rather high maintenance but I am not an Environmental Science student so perhaps I do not really know what I am saying.

By Isidro Blasco, Deconstructing Ways was just down the road from where I used to live early last year. The thought of myself (with having a little to drink) walking into it at night made me laugh.

Yes, I am pretty sure I would walk into it. LOL.

Tsunami 1.26 hangs off Woolworths and Town Hall. It is a gigantic arerial net installation by acclaimed American artist Janet Echelman. This spectacular vision is one of the works from the Powerhouse Museum’s new Love Lace exhibition, and combines ancient craft practice with cutting-edge technology to create an oasis of sculpture delicate enough to be choreographed by the wind.

Netted with a high tensile rope, 15 times stronger than steel in weight, and lit by changing coloured lights, Tsunami is inspired by the events that unfolded following the 2010 Chile earthquake. Using a 3D model of the 2010 tsunami, and software to create an outline of the model’s higher amplitude area, Echelman created her sculptural form, with machine-knotted mesh revealing the intricacy of traditional netting.

This looks way better at night. Too bad I do not have a night shot of it.

I did not get to see every display this year. I will try again next year, time and weather permitting.

Happy birthday, Rachel!

My housie did her homework. I think she puts in more effort into doing things for friends secretly than in completing her assignments for uni. I totally get it though, as it is more satisfying to see smiling faces than to devour endless reams of academic notes. So what did she get up to this time?

She managed to get our little Rachie into the house without knowing that there was a whole group of people waiting for her to surprise her:

She managed to get Rachie's boyfriend over from Melbourne:

From all of us:

Hope you liked the surprise!

Malaysians say Yes to PPSMI option

Received this in my mail from the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) in Malaysia:

Dear parents and friends,

The quality of Malaysian education has deteriorated to an alarming level, with our schools and local universities churning out TOO MANY unemployable graduates who possess a severe lack of ability to communicate or correspond in English despite numerous A's scored in examinations, and producing ‘professionals’ of worryingly poor calibre especially in the fields of science and mathematics.

The former Prime Minister took steps to rectify the situation by implementing the policy of English for the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics and Science (Malay acronym: PPSMI) in 2003. The policy was fully embraced by the Government of the day, and ICT, hardware and software were acquired and designed and teachers were trained. Parents were greatly relieved that finally something concrete was being done to arrest the decline of the Malaysian education system.

Shortly after that, the general election was held and a new minister took over the Education Minister’s portfolio.

Shockingly, after only 6 years of implementation, without even allowing the first cohort of students who started with PPSMI in Primary 1 to complete the full cycle of schooling, the new Education Minister decided to abolish PPSMI in 2012, mainly for political reasons, despite

- huge public outcry and protests from parents and students alike;
- a massive number of letters and articles in newspapers and cyberspace from people in support of PPSMI, far outnumbering those against PPSMI;
- support for PPSMI from various professional bodies, business concerns and numerous concerned groups both local and international; and
- solid evidence that PPSMI has improved student outlooks and is advantageous for the future of our children and the country.

The Education Minister has IGNORED the pleas of parents and has blatantly disregarded the provision of the Education Act 1996 which stipulates that pupils are to be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents.

The world is moving forward but yet Malaysia is going backward. We are going to remain stagnant in terms of progress and development.

Students in Form 1 next year will have to study Mathematics and Science in Bahasa Melayu after learning these subjects in English in primary school. Worse, for those who are going to Form 4, after learning Maths and Science in English for 9 years, they will be forced to switch to Bahasa Melayu for 2 years and then back again to English for their tertiary education!

Parents and friends, enough is enough. We are the Rakyat. The days of ‘the Government knows best’ are OVER! A democratic government must abide by the wishes of the majority.

We believe the majority of parents in Malaysia would choose PPSMI for their children if given the option. Unfortunately many choose to remain silent. Why? WE MUST MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD! Our numbers must be significant so that the Minister has no choice but to heed our wishes!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. CLICK HERE AND SAY YES TO PPSMI OPTION!

If you want your children’s school to be given the option of continuing PPSMI in 2012, attached is a simple form for you to REGISTER YOUR SUPPORT. It will take only a few minutes of your time to fill in. We urge you to register immediately as 2012 is just around the corner.

Please also help to forward the form to as many people as possible.

Please be assured that all information you provide will be carefully guarded and we will take great care to ensure that your personal information remains confidential.

Thank you for showing that you care about your children's future AND the future of Malaysia!

Happy birthday, Swan!

Yes, her name is Swan. Shwu Woan. And it was her birthday which we celebrated in my home in true floral Victorian fashion. Er, okay, with a mash-up of Malaysian flavours.

The food that she bought included mini cupcakes, mini strawberry and lemon tarts, tea (of some floral, fruity flavour) with scones, strawberry and marshmallows to dip in chocolate, as well as Moscato.

Othilia prepared some other special dishes as main course, Sarawak Laksa and chicken cooked in some special kacang sauce.

The party continued over at Mamak in Chatswood, where Swan and her lovely room and coursemate, Tracy work.

Here is to wishing Swan

a very

Happy 22nd Birthday!

MUSEC Symposium: Applying the Response to Intervention Model with Low-Progress Readers

Macquarie University Special Education Centre (MUSEC), the centre for research and teaching in special education, enjoys a national and international reputation for the quality of its research, its excellence in postgraduate teaching and its contribution to program development in the area of Special Education.

The staff of MUSEC include special educators, psychologists, teachers, therapists and researchers, backed by technical and administrative support staff. Centre staff are involved in a variety of research projects, both on and off campus, focusing on the learning and behaviour difficulties of young children and school students with special needs and disabilities. Complementary program development ensures that research findings are translated into practical applications for implementation by teachers working with children with special needs in both regular and special schools.

MUSEC currently offers four postgraduate certificates in Special Education, a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master of Special Education by coursework study, in addition to higher research degrees at masters and doctoral level.

This year, the MUSEC Symposium, Applying the Response to Intervention Model with Low-Progress Readers (The work of the MultiLit Research Unit at MUSEC) will be held on November 5, 2011 (Saturday) from 9:30am to 12:00pm.

There is no charge to attend the MUSEC Symposium.

The program for the symposium is as follows:

9:30am - Kevin Wheldall: Introduction: What is Response to Intervention? (10 mins)

Professor Kevin Wheldall has been Professor of Education at MUSEC since 1990 and is the Director of the MULTILIT Research Unit. Kevin has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities, the British Psychological Society and the College of Preceptors. He has received the Mona Tobias award of Learning Difficulties Australia and has been inducted into the Macquarie Innovators Hall of Fame. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2011 for “service to education as an academic and researcher, particularly in the areas of learning and behavioural difficulties, and through the design and implementation of innovative literacy programs”.

9:40am - Meree Reynolds, Kevin Wheldall and Alison Madelaine: Establishing provisional benchmarks for identifying young low-progress readers in Years 1 and 2. (25 mins)

After many years as a teacher, consultant and administrator in education, Meree completed her PhD at Macquarie University on Effective Literacy Intervention for Young Struggling Readers, seeking evidence about cost effective ways to get all students off to a good start in reading. Aspects of her research included investigating the effectiveness of MINILIT and establishing benchmarks of progress for students in years one and two in NSW schools. Meree also has a MA in Special Education and a BA, majoring in education and history, both from Macquarie University. She also has a Teachers Certificate from Wagga Wagga Teachers' College.

Dr. Alison Madelaine is a Lecturer at Macquarie University Special Education Centre and teaches postgraduate units in Effective Literacy Instruction and Special Education Research Methods. She completed her doctorate on "Curriculum-based measurement of reading and teacher judgment of reading performance". Her current academic interests include reading instruction, reading fluency, book levelling and curriculum-based measurement of reading and writing. Alison has also had classroom experience teaching disadvantaged students with learning disabilities in South Carolina, USA.

10:05am - Alison Madelaine, Kevin Wheldall and Meree Reynolds: The role of curriculum-based measurement of reading within the Response to Intervention model. (25 mins)

10:30am - Morning tea

10:50am - Jennifer Buckingham, Kevin Wheldall and Robyn Beaman: Randomised controlled trials of Tier 2 small group reading interventions for young and older low-progress readers. (25 mins)

Jennifer Buckingham is currently undertaking doctoral research on literacy and social disadvantage. She is trialing the new small group MINILIT and MULTILIT programs with socially disadvantaged low progress readers in the primary school setting. For the last decade, Jennifer has been working as a policy researcher at the Centre for Independent Studies specialising in school education, and also spent a year as the schools editor at The Australian newspaper.

Dr. Robyn Beaman-Wheldall is a Research Fellow at MUSEC and is also Deputy Director of the MULTILIT Research Unit. Robyn has been extensively involved in the development of MULTILIT since its inception in 1995. A current focus of Robyn's research work is improving the educational outcomes of Indigenous students. Her other research interests include positive classroom behaviour management and effective literacy interventions for low-progress readers.

11:15am - Robyn Beaman, Kevin Wheldall, Alison Madelaine, Saskia Kohnen, Meree Reynolds and Sarah McMurtry: Meeting the needs of Aboriginal low-progress readers in remote communities. (25 mins)

11:40am - Q & A

Registration is essential. Please e-mail Natalie Watson by October 31, 2011 (Monday). Her e-mail is natalie.watson@mq.edu.au

AMSA Welcome Afternoon Tea

Recently, AMSA held an afternoon tea to welcome new members. It was a chance for us on the committee to meet both old and new members in person, touch base and to make new connections. We also took the opportunity to introduce ourselves to everyone, and also to welcome our new webmaster on board.

The grey weather failed to dampen the liveliness of the event, which we held at the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts (SMSA). Judging from the constant chattering, with little groups discussing their own topics of interests spread across the function rooms, the event served its socialising purpose.

And the food - fried noodles were plentiful and who could resist the home-made bright red angku kuih, as well as the red and pink kuih lapis?

Our lovely Singaporean members Christine and her husband who came all the way from the Central Coast could not agree more that the kuih were finger licking good!

The afternoon tea would not have had such tempting food without the help of members, Rose and Jennifer who volunteered their time and energy. A very big thank you to them.

There were also 'story-telling' sessions, where Elvan (our president), Evelyn (our vice president), James (the other vice president) and Tony (long-time member) shared their experiences of living in Australia, the country they have called home for some time.

Elvan shared his experience of living with a Christian Lebanese family and how living with students was a terrible idea.

Evelyn recalled how she learnt to use a lawnmower and to care for her children without a domestic helper.

James advised us uni students to challenge with knowledge, to believe in our own abilities.

Tony made us laugh with how he was a lecturer with a difference.

A special guest of mine did a little promotional talk for his upcoming big event, as well. Yes, Logann, the big guy behind the upcoming Malaysia Festival spent a few minutes marketing his event.

I would also like to thank the newly elected Executive Committee of the Malaysian Students' Association (MSA) from Macquarie University. Choong Hern (the president), Siew Lee (the vice president) and Vijey (the secretary), thank you for coming all the way! Hopefully, we will manage to establish a partnership of some sort to have MSA involved in AMSA events, or vice versa,in future.

I made a new friend, Li Ping, whom I have already invited over for dinner with Xin Wen and added to our support network.

Now, who would like to put their name down for the next AMSA event, Pamper Day? It will be at SMSA again on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 2:15pm to 5:00pm. As the name of the event suggests, it will be a day of pampering the self, with facial and make-up demonstrations for the ladies, and for the men, Swedish and chi trigger point massage.

Why not come to relax and make some new friends while you are at it?

Malaysia Festival 2011

Malaysia Festival two-thousand-eleven, a taste of cultural heaven.


Enlivened by the colours of the Malaysian flag, this year's logo symbolises Malaysia’s favourite drink – the Teh Tarik! The flow of the tea takes the form of iconic landmarks across Sydney and Malaysia, expressing the idea of pouring and sharing the vibrant Malaysian culture with the Australian community.

This would be my eighth M-Fest and my good friend, Logann (the Chief Executive Producer of the event), promises it to be the best. Well, judging from this year's website, it certainly does look like it will be the best!

Organised by the Malaysian student community in Sydney, it will be held at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, like it has for the past years. This year marks the 21st year of M-Fest and I am looking forward to the cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs Alvin Quah and Billy Law of MasterChef fame.

The event will see 15 of Sydney’s best Malaysian restaurants, including Kopitiam, Mamak, Café Kasturi, Jimmy’s Recipe, Aseana Food Village, Chinta Ria, PappaRoti, Jackie M and Abang Sam, serving traditional Malaysian favourites like the roti, nasi lemak and laksa.

Performances at the event range from traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dances to today’s celebrated music. This year’s line-up features Malaysian artistes by invitation. Perhaps the most exciting bit about M-Fest is the raffle prize draw with many attractive prizes to be won. And of course, it includes the much wanted return MAS ticket to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Other prizes include food vouchers from M-Fest sponsor restaurants and food hampers.

Hopefully, I would be able to meet some old friends there, as well, as I have managed to in the past.

Only one week to go, people! Sunday, October 9, 2011 will be the day! Come along to this FREE event!

Creating New Frontiers in Leadership 2011

Children's Services Central is sponsoring an early childhood leadership conference and one of my lovely lecturers, Associate Professor Manjula Waniganayake is working with Anthony Semann from Semann & Slattery to organise this. Last year, the first of these conferences was held and it was a huge success (based on participants' feedback).

This year is particularly exciting because Jillian Rodd, the pioneer Australian leadership researcher has agreed to be a keynote. Some issues that will be addressed include:

• gender and leadership
• deconstructing leadership
• Indigenous leadership
• power and leadership
• leadership history
• culture and leadership

Held on November 22, 2011 from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the SMC Conference and Function Centre (66 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW 2000), registration starts at 8:15am and costs $170 per person.

Places are limited so early registration is recommended. Bookings are now open at http://www.cscentral.org.au/

Slipping through our fingers...

Dad sent me a photo of the extended family at Nilai Memorial Park this morning. They were there for a special ceremony for Grandma.

Everyone looked cheery in the photo. Yet, the longer I looked at it, the more I could not help feel sadness seeping through.

It reminded me of all the other goodbyes that I have bade in my life. The first was back in 2003, one week before Valentine's Day. Just three hours before Dad relayed the news of great-grandma's demise, Josh broke up with me. My swollen eyes did not raise any curiosity with family members at the wake. The first goodbye I have ever had.

My second goodbye was to Grandpa, who suffered a stroke for ten years.

January 17, 2006: Goodbye

It was 5:30am. The phone rang. I was wondering if I should get up to answer. It rang thrice. My mum answered the call. Or was it dad? Not sure. Mum opened my door and stormed in, saying, 'Your gong gong passed away'. I literally jumped out of bed. I asked, 'Are we going back now?' I came out of my room to see dad still standing at the phone. 'Sigh, he's such a naughty man, isn't he?' I smiled.

It will be the first day of the new lunar year on Sunday and he couldn't make it. Oh, how true the old Chinese saying is - they will not make it to see the next celebration.

I will be going back with dad (if he wants me to, that is). Bro is still sleeping, oblivious to what has happened. Mum is rushing to pick Jeffrey and Angel.

Hence, there will not be updates until I return from Temerloh. Until then, take care and Happy Chinese New Year.

Unlike my younger cousins, my brother and I had the privilege of spending holidays with Grandpa when he was still fit, healthy and strong. He took us to Singapore, Penang and Langkawi. I used to watch him as he watered his prized orchids and crafted his bougainvillea plants. He used to explain what he was doing while he carved the ornaments that went onto the cages for his singing birds. I looked forward to his warm smiles and big hugs. I especially miss how he would carry me very often throughout the day because I was his first grandchild. I still have the gold anklet he gave me as a toddler, which I now wear as a bracelet.

Within the year, another teary parting.

December, 14, 2006: Grandma

Grandma was admitted into hospital at 1:30am. I was suspecting something as dad's mobile rang a few times throughout the night, which is unusual. He was speaking very softly and did not want me to know what was happening.

The doctors would not operate and told us to let her go. All the 5 siblings (my dad, uncle and 3 aunts) all also agreed to let her go. She is 72 and who's to say she did not lead a good life? Well, it depends on what good actually means to you guys.

Grandma is expected to leave today. She was given 24 hours. She's still sleeping peacefully and according to Dad, she's breathing smoothly and has a steady heartbeat.

Why must I have my IELTS speaking test today?!?! I'll be heading over to the hospital as soon as I finish and I honestly hope I will make it to say my goodbyes.

December 15, 2006: Peace

Grandma left to join Grandpa and Great-grandma for an early Christmas this morning at 3:10am. All her 5 children were at her bedside, along with Mum, Bro and myself. I am glad that I managed to make it to see her breathe her last breath. It was a peaceful passing. Thank you for all your well wishes and concern.

I will be back in KL late Sunday night. See you guys then.

I remember how I was unable to control my crying as I walked out of church into Dad's arms. In my head, I was thinking, "Oh no, very soon I will be like my other friends with all grandparents gone."

I was also trying to imagine what Dad was feeling. Both parents gone within the year. He took it extremely well. Made me tell myself that I should have the same attitude when the time comes.

Similar to 2006, Mum bade goodbye to both her parents this year.

May 20, 2011: Sudden goodbye

I was shopping in IKEA when my mobile phone vibrated in the right pocket of my black Giordano hoodie. It was an SMS from Dad:

Yesterday, mum went to... On the way, she dropped in two see Grandparents. Both alert, she said. I'm in Tawau today. She just called to say that Grandpa has passed away.

I went blank for a bit and because I was in IKEA, I tried to contain myself. I did well until Mum returned my call and said this at the end of the conversation:

No need to fly back, okay? Gong-gong can't see or hear you anymore. When you come home next time, we will bring you to pay your respects to him, okay?

I replied with a mono-syllabled nod. I had to turn away to wipe the tears that were bulging at the edge of my eyelids.

Grandpa,

I will always remember the added festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year that you never fail to create by coming home for reunion dinner half drunk from drinking beer at your mahjong sessions down at the kopitiam singing at the top of your endearing tenor voice.

I will always remember my first and only ride on your pink Mini Bus (yes, those that used to conquer the roads before RapidKL and Metrobus).

I will always remember the combination pork porridge you packed from that porridge stall at the Pasar Besar Serdang to let me have as comfort food when I had fever.

I will always remember your jovial character and how you laid on the cool tiled floors with one leg crossed on the other while reading the papers.

I will always remember how you would jump up and ask, "Have you eaten? Want something to eat?" every time I come to visit you and called out, "Gong-gong!"

I am proud to have had the chance to be your granddaughter. May I have this honour again next life, please?

Love you, Grandpa.

Unfortunately, I was not there for Grandpa's because his leave was sudden. And just as I was gaining momentum in studies, another bit the dust.

August 4, 2011: In 10 weeks, the last 10 days

Exactly ten weeks ago, while I was shopping in IKEA for things to move into where I am living at now, I received a call from home telling me about the passing of Grandpa. Ten weeks later now, I am back home.

I have been home for ten days. The last ten days of her life.

***

In the afternoon on the day after the evening I arrived, I drove Mum and 小阿姨 to University Malaya Specialist Centre (UMSC). The hospital was crisp clean and adequately decorated. I prepared myself as best as possible with Mum prepping me,

"Tell you first ar, 婆婆 looks very different to the last time you saw her."

Gulp.

***

I turned the knob to push the door open.

"婆婆!"

"Oi..."

She did not realise that it was me. I called out again.

"婆婆..."

"唉, 你回来了？"

A big smile flashed across her face. Her tired eyes sparkled in the light.

It was heart-breaking to see how much effort it took her to breathe. And when she coughed, it felt like every ounce of energy left in her would be drained away.

A young doctor, Dr. Tan, came in to talk to everyone for a good half hour. Nice chap from Penang, he made sure she received everything she requested. He managed to get her approval to have her stay until the latest Friday, so that he could ascertain the morphine dosage that was required.

She laughed at jokes. She ate the slices of watermelon she asked for. She tried to sleep.

On the way home, 小阿姨 noted that it has been some time since anyone saw her in such a happy mood.

"她看到竫竫很开心."

Who would not be happy to see someone they have not seen in a long time?

***

The next day, she suddenly requested to return home. No, demanded. And that was just 15 minutes after she told Dr. Tan that she would continue her stay at UMSC. We all knew, her time is near.

I rushed over with Dad as soon as I locked up the centre. The ambulance was still there. Two of my aunts were red in the face from their crying. 小阿姨 told me to say some nice things to her, to let her know what a wonderful person she has been.

"婆婆很好的。婆婆从小看着我大的。我很喜欢婆婆煮的汤。。。"

My voice quivered. Tears welled up in my eyes. I had to quickly exit the room before my tears rolled down my cheeks.

***

Thursday and Friday were days that passed by slowly for us. She drifted in and out of consciousness and her breathing was heavier than before. It was obvious that it was getting harder and harder for her to breathe.

She was in her best condition that weekend. With Cousin Meng Cheng bringing her baby Kevin to visit his great-grandmother, as well as Cousin Pei Qi with her baby Yang Yang, the atmosphere lightened up significantly. She finally got to see the fourth generation of her family. I remember telling Mum on the way back to the centre to be prepared even more.

***

Mum rang to ask where I was. I told her that I was working at home and asked if she needed me to be at the centre. She said that I should stay home to get some work done and would ring me only if she would not be able to make it back to the centre in time to lock up.

6:25pm. I felt something amiss. Mum has not rang me. Why did she not require my help? I rang her and heard her all groggy from the powerful effect of the medication she consumed.

"Stay there. I am coming down right now. 10 minutes."

I have never seen Mum in such state. She did not even have strength to walk and talk properly. I felt absolutely helpless.

***

Bro came home to tell Dad that he just visited and things do not seem very good over that side.

***

"I think we had better dapau some food to bring to your Mum first then only deposit the money."

"Okay."

"Wah, so many cars today? Everyone must be here tonight!"

"Hm, something's not right."

***

"Mummy didn't call you?"

"No..."

I rushed into the room. I quickly kneeled down and joined in the chanting.

"南无啊弥陀佛... 南无啊弥陀佛... 南无啊弥陀佛... "

45 minutes later, there was no movement.

***

10:00pm, August 3, 2011, Grandma ended her painful battle with lung cancer with many us in the room with her.

As I receive more and more invitations to marriage registration ceremonies, weddings and wedding dinners, it hit me even harder that regardless of how prepared we are for anything, everyone and everything has to move on. Like it or not, there is no way to stop time.

Slowly but surely, there will be more goodbyes to loved ones.

As I look again at the photo that Dad sent, there is no denying that time is slipping through our fingers. My time with Mum and Dad is slipping through...

Just surreal

It is not everyday that you meet a person that makes you feel even tinier than how small you already feel. Have you met such a person? If you have, how often and in what ways do they make you feel so? What changes did you notice in yourself (if there was any) in their presence?

I spent the last 29 hours with such a person.

I probably have met many such persons in my soon-to-be 28 years of life on Earth but none with his character. Okay, and (cough) charisma.

It took some getting used to – to the way he talks, the mixed English slangs in his tone, his solid gaze and the portrayed certainty in his thoughts. Oh, and his wicked sarcasm.

Incredibly humbling would be how I would describe my initial feelings when I met him for the first time after exchanging e-mails for six months. That is in addition to how surreal the whole episode was. Is.

This had me wondering about why I felt small in his presence. He is like you and I, a normal human being with flesh and bone, with feelings and hormones. He has his flaws, too, so was it his confidence? Was it because he is a ‘somebody’? I am not quite sure.

I find that I err in the presence of such persons. And I think for silly reasons. Why would I, or should I feel pressured, especially in his presence? After all, we do not know each other (e-mail conversations do not count as getting to know a person, especially when they were initiated to arrange logistics) and there are no expectations in our behaviour patterns. But I suppose, it happens constantly, and even more so when we psych ourselves into believing that this one person is better than who we are.

And I did. I did believe that he is better. Well, he certainly has a more fertile streak of creativity than I do to step out of the box. He has a stronger sense of determination and courage to have made the decision to do what he is doing now. He has more life experience to ‘just take the risk’. Or at least, these were the qualities that I managed to observe in the short time I spent with him.

However, also within this time span, snippets of him made me think that maybe he is not better, just different but in an extremely interesting manner. I may have confused the two. Is a person who dares to step out of the box, to not conform, a ‘better’ person just because we do not dare to do the same? He would argue with me on this but no, I do not think that the former is better than the latter, just different.

There is a myriad of uncountable differences between each individual that comes into our lives. I choose to learn from my observations (however much I get to do) of each of them – to try to incorporate the positives while not emulating the negatives. I feel that these observations also make me more sensitive of my own shortcomings and make me strive even harder to improve.

Regardless of how he made me feel, the past 29 (now 30) hours have been surreal. It was not exactly dreamlike but erm, well, hard to describe in words. I suppose, put simply, it was just unusual to finally see a person for real after so long. Everything has been pretty surreal.

To meet him in person.
To see his Styrofoam cups.
To have him draw in my room.
To have him render me totally speechless by telling me that I made him feel like a hooker because I would pay for his bus fare.
And also by telling me that I enjoy stating the obvious.
To be able to visualise him in my mind when I read his blog posts.

I would like to thank him for have given me the opportunity to share a day of my life with him. It is a scary thing to decide to live with a houseful of people whom you do not know so yea, thank you.

I really do hope that he enjoyed his short stay with us because I surely did. My housemate did. My ex-housemates did. It was just surreal.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

A new year, in a new environment with new faces. Good old Miss Moon still shone brightly from above. This year, a simple cheese-baked black pepper beef rice dinner was prepared by yours truly and was enjoyed with housie Jie, PR May Hsien, TR Rachie, newly appointed MSA Social Aaron and his extremely sociable and has-been-to every-event-there-is sidekick, Jeremy.

Dinner was fun mainly due to how the three young ones filled the house with laughter and plenty of lameness.

It was pure entertainment to watch them squabble over everything. Literally.

Oh, and also that little episode where there was a 'How To Use A Lighter 101' tutorial.

Big thank you to Jeremy for getting the Kee Wah Deluxe Mini Mooncakes Gift Box!

Here is to wishing everybody

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

中秋节快乐！

International Forum for Child Welfare 2011

The International Forum for Child Welfare (IFCW), along with OzChild Children Australia Inc., Anglicare Victoria, The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare Inc. and ForChildren (Australia) Inc. are delighted to bring you the 2011 International Forum for Child Welfare.

The WorldForum will be held from October 18 to 21 at the World renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and provides a wonderful opportunity to come together with other leaders, practitioners and managers from around the World to share information and focus on common issues. The theme for the 2011 WorldForum is ‘Education and Children's Wellbeing - Philosophy, Policy and Practice’. This theme will explore the needs of children and examine the importance of education in enabling and equipping children from around the world to reach their potential.

The WorldForum program is going to be captivating with international keynote speaker Baroness Susan Greenfield from the United Kingdom presenting on the topic of ‘Education and Children’s Wellbeing’. Baroness Greenfield is a Professor of Pharmacology at Oxford and Director of the Institute for the Future of the Mind at the James Martin 21st Century School.

The Deputy Representative for Representative for Children and Youth, Mr Jeremy Berland is another presenter at this year’s WorldForum. Mr Berland has significant experience in the field of child welfare and is committed to improving the lives of children and youth.

Professor Alan Hayes is the Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) and has conducted research in the area of children and families. His work focuses on disadvantage and he has a particular interest in prevention and early intervention. Professor Hayes will bring a wealth of knowledge to his presentation at the WorldForum.

Australian Lillian Holt who was the first Aboriginal Executive Officer to the National Aboriginal Education Committee, Edel Silan from Save the Children, Fabia Shah from AusAID and Ethiopian Abeiy Alemneh Gebre who attended the 2010 WorldForum will also be presenting at the WorldForum.

With the high calibre of presenters, enthralling themes to be discussed and entertaining social events, the WorldForum is sure to be a memorable event. The Organising Committee look forward to welcoming you to the WorldForum in October, 2011.

Registration is now open for the WorldForum and delegates can register using the online registration form located on the WorldForum website www.worldforum2011.org. Website registration is strongly encouraged. For those without access to the internet, please complete the registration from which can be downloaded from the WorldForum website and return to WorldForum Managers.

Standard Registration is priced at $600.00 while Student and Day Registrations are at $350.00.

The Welcome Reception will be held on Tuesday, the 18th of October, 2011 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. This social event is included only in the full registration fee for delegates. Day registrants must purchase a ticket at $90.00 per person to attend.

For further details regarding the 2011 WorldForum, please visit the WorldForum website www.worldforum2011.org.

There will also be an Aussie Barbeque on Thursday, the 20th of October, 2011 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the MCG. This is an optional social event. Tickets can be purchased for $85.00 per person.

10 signs your child cannot hear

From the latest issue of MQ Staff News was a small write-up dedicated to children with hearing difficulties.

Children acting out or displaying behaviours that seem defiant could actually be showing signs of a hearing problem. Audiologist Dr. Mridula Sharma has a list of ten signs that your child may be experiencing difficulty hearing:

1. Turns up the volume of TV or radio to a disturbing level.
2. A delayed reaction or no response when called.
3. Suffers from frequent colds, fever or ear infections.
4. Frequently pulling at or playing with their ear.
5. Often overactive, uncooperative or cranky.
6. Withdrawn when interacting with other children.
7. Will only respond to direct questions when facing you.
8. Has trouble paying attention and does not follow directions.
9. Frequently asks for words or phrases to be repeated.
10. Tends to speak loudly.

Children displaying any one of these behaviours may have an auditory processing disorder. Even if you do not observe the above signs, I think there is no harm in taking your children for a hearing test.

Happy 54th Merdeka Day!

One of my most well-loved students updated his status on Facebook with this statement:

home is & will always be where the heart is, HAPPY 54TH BIRTHDAY MALAYSIA!!! ♥ - Chee Kin

Being a newly qualified pilot for a low-cost carrier in our neighbouring island country, he has always had a strong connection to home, further fuelled by his studies and training overseas. Now that he is officially allowed to fly his own planeful of passengers around the world, I am assuming that his urge to have roti canai and Milo ais at any time of the day will grow. Hm, or pan mee from that stall in front of the Sri Kembangan high school.

On a more personal note, I have not really been a big fan of Merdeka-related activities, other than the public holiday that it gave. If you consider watching the annual Merdeka parade on the black box in the living room one of them, then that would be the only thing I do in the Merdeka spirit.

I know I have mentioned this before elsewhere but I am going to say it again here. I think that absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Only after leaving the country have I found the Merdeka spirit growing inside of me. Being away from all the festivities in Malaysia has made me miss 'being Malaysian'.

We are no less Malaysian anywhere we go but we are most Malaysian when we are in Malaysia. We adapt to the context that we are in, redefining who we are from the way we present ourselves, the type of English that we use and the way we dress, to list a few.

The recent Bersih 2.0 rally that took place around the world a few months ago has helped in building this 'extra strong' feeling of love for the country. The power of the Internet - remember the powerful message that was sent out by the photo of Aunty Bersih, Aunty Annie Ooi? For the want of a better government for the love for the country.

Also, thank goodness for the Internet, I get to watch all those tear-jerking, tug-at-the-heartstrings TV adverts on YouTube. Like these ones by Astro, Primeworks Studios and Petronas:

Haha, I would not be surprised if my colleagues, lecturers and students who walk past my office while I watch these would wonder why I smile to myself while staring into my flatscreen. I must look rather silly!

In full Malaysian pride, I wish my dearest tanahair a very
Happy 54th Merdeka Day!