dotWrite

EP realised!

2007-09-23T19:57:00.000+08:00

On behalf of AIESEC USM, I am glad to announce that Exchange Participant Nazlin Abdul Shukor (a.k.a. Ayin -in photo, first from left), former VP ER of LC USM 2005/2006, has arrive safely in Budapest, Hungary, for her MT with Vital Europe. Ayin will be there for a year, and we hope that she will enjoy her internship.

Here's wishing Ayin a blessed Ramadhan, and that she gets well soon.

For the rest of our Muslim readers who are observing the holy month of Ramadhan, happy fasting!

Introducing AIESEC Malaysia MC 07/08

2007-08-12T00:41:00.000+08:00

AIESEC TBS

2007-08-12T00:33:00.000+08:00

AIESEC TBS 2005 & 2006

AIESEC TBS 2007

Malaysians at APXLDS 07, India

2007-05-20T01:02:00.000+08:00

left to right:-

Suat May (VP External Relations 07, AIESEC TBS)
Sook Theng (VP Admin 07, AIESEC TBS)
Anisha (MC President 06/07)
Hui Lin (MC President 05/06)
Ren Chang (MC Director People & LC Development 05/06)
Geralynn (MC Non Corporate Manager 06/07)
Daryl (LC President 07, AIESEC TBS)
Nicholas (Member, AIESEC UM)

APXLDS 07 - day 5 roll call

2007-05-20T00:58:00.000+08:00

APXLDS 07 - Malaysians dancing at Global Village

2007-05-20T00:50:00.000+08:00

Young Malaysian footballers fight HIV/AIDS

2007-04-22T18:10:00.000+08:00

"In Malaysia, more than 37 per cent of the group who are currently infected with HIV are between the ages of 13 and 29," said Gaye Phillips, UNICEF Representative in Malaysia and Special Representative to Singapore and Brunei. "That's a serious population group that we need to look at. Because it shows us that young people are not being well informed."

In partnership with UNICEF, the Football Association of Malaysia and AIESEC are working to make youth more aware of the dangers of HIV -- and what they can do to avoid it.

The programme complements UNICEF's strategic approach to HIV prevention amongst youth through life skills-based education, youth centres in rural areas and harm reduction for injecting drug users.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/malaysia_39337.html
and http://www.unicef.org/malaysia/reallives_6528.html

Mr. Q Square Dance - AIESEC TBS

2007-04-22T18:06:00.001+08:00

The Journey - AIESEC UUM 06/07

2007-04-22T18:01:00.000+08:00

recaping the journey - AIESEC UUM 05/06

2007-04-22T17:49:00.000+08:00

The little things in life

2007-04-04T00:51:00.000+08:00

You know what they say about being able to go abroad so that you can experience and get to know about other cultures? I bet you have heard this phrase; or something along that line that means the same, many many times...

But when someone comes over on an internship from another country, we also get to learn... about our very own culture. I really like the way it opens up your eyes when an intern comes up to you and tell you about his or her observations. Little things in our daily life that we overlook and take for granted. These things just go by everyday unnoticed.

So I was sitting in the car with Flick aka. Felicity from Australia and she tells me about her fascination with the way we take away our drinks; in a plastic bag and that it always comes in a cup or container back at her own country. How convenient it was and simple in the way we tie it up with the rafia string, jab a straw in and just drink from it.

Milo Ais in a bag
That observation made me smile :)

3 Malaysians at Winter National Conference (WNCF) Hong Kong

2007-01-21T23:58:00.000+08:00

Three Malaysians were selected as it was believed that they had the ability to create impactful WNCF eXPeriences for the local delegates. And they just did that! If you've been to a Hong Kong local/national conference, it's a challenge to have them sing at the closing plenary and even impossible to move them to shed tears of happiness. This extraordinary feat was realized successfully with 3 malaysians working together to create similar experiences as they usually do at conferences in Malaysia. Wai Khey, Anisha and I just did it! Wai Khey was facilitator for members track, Anisha was conference chair & I was facilitator for leadership track.

It was a totally different experience facilitating another country's national conference with 2 other extraordinary Malaysians. It would be something I would cherish a lot. Thanks a lot as well to all the other facilitators who has made the experience a memorable one.

To the leadership track facilitators,

may our dreams come true ;)

Another Malaysian intern selected as facilitator

2006-12-23T22:55:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Pak Yang, currently intern in Finland who has been selected to be a facilitator at NEXT 2007 in Czech Republic

A Walled Village Journey

2006-12-20T00:36:00.000+08:00

Walled Village, was built to defend enemies from neighborhood, robbers and wild animals. It is popular in Southern Canton, and villagers living inside share the same family name. Limited number of walled village still exists in Hong Kong, and they are mainly located in the New Territories, like Yuen Long, Sheung Shui, or Fanling. Ancestral hall is the most important building inside a walled village. Some of us had the opportunity to visit the Walled Village of the "Tang" family. Wai Khey and I were fortunate to have known an AIESEC member who is a descendant of this family. We learned so much about the Walled Village as well as the history to how it existed. Even the other interns & AIESEC members who joined us felt that the experience was enriching.

Cha Kwo, a kind of Hakka (minority of Chinese) snack, which is usually made of glutinous rice flour with sesame, peanuts, or minced mushroom, dried shrimps inside. We had a simple cooking class to learn the art of making Cha Kwo and it was definetely another key learning for the day :) It was pretty much similar to making "Tong Yuen" but it was more fun when you do it together with a group of friends.

“Poon-Choi”, also known as “Pan Cai” or Big Bowl Feast, is a traditional type of Chinese food which can be traced back to the 13th century. It was a way to serve the Song dynasty Emperor as well as his army; the locals collected all their best food available, cooked it, and put it in wooden washing basins. “Poon-Choi” includes ingredients such as pork, beef, lamb, chicken, duck, abalone, ginseng, shark fin, fish maw, prawn, crab, dried mushroom, fish balls, squid, dried eel, dried shrimp, pigskin, bean curd and Chinese radish. The next time when going for "Poon-Choi", you have to get more people together as there was so much food. However, it was not surprising at all as the food portions in Hong Kong are relatively much bigger compared to Malaysia.

It was a great reception activity by LC HKUST & I cant wait for the next one...

December 1st - WORLD AIDS DAY

2006-12-10T00:36:00.000+08:00

by Bonnie Arthur de Souza

Freddie Mercury - legendary lead singer of glam rock (and one of the best bands in the world) outfit, Queen Earvin "Magic" Johnson - 12 time NBA All Star, 3 time MVP, 5 time NBA Champion, Olympic gold medalist and basketball hall of famer Arthur Ashe - remains the only African American tennis player ever to win the men's singles at Wimbledon, the US Open or the Australian Open.

These are just the few but many people who are living with *Human Immunodeficiency Virus* (HIV) or have died of *Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome* (AIDS) complications.

Tommorow, *December 1st is* *World AIDS Day, *a day dedicated to raising the awareness of the global AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of the HIV infection. To date, around 40 million people are living with the HIV virus throughout the world, increasing by the thousands every day in every region, and AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, making it one of the most
destructive epidemics in recorded history. Somebody is infected with the deadly HIV virus every 8 seconds, equivalent to 11,000 infections worldwide every day, while another 8,000 infected people die.

Yet with this staggering facts, ignorance and prejudice are fueling the spread of this preventable disease. 2006 alone recorded the highest number of HIV infected people.

Lets take this opportunity, through World AIDS Day and join millions worldwide to unite and fight against HIV and AIDS. Its up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end the prejudice. This years theme (which will be the same till 2010) for World AIDS Day is *"Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise".

Here is how you can start...

*Wear a Red Ribbon*
It is the international symbol of HIV. Wearing one is the easiest way to make a difference on December 1st. Not by wearing one yourself, but encouraging others, colleagues, friends and family to wear one as well.

*Talk to People*
Talking openly about HIV/AIDS to your friends, colleagues or family is one of the most powerful ways of ending prejudice and preventing the spread of HIV.

Here are some basic facts of the disease, know them...share them!

What is HIV?

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks the body's immune system - the body's defence against diseases. HIV, if detected early, can be treated very successfully. With treatment, people living with HIV will probably have a normal lifespan, although serious health problems may still occur.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A person is considered to have AIDS when the immune system has become so weak that it can no longer fight off a whole range of diseases with which it would normally cope. If HIV is diagnosed late, treatment may be less effective in preventing AIDS.

How is HIV passed on?

HIV is not transmitted via casual contact or kissing. It can only be passed on through exposure to HIV-infected blood, sexual or rectal fluids, or breast milk.

*The most common ways are via:*

- Sexual intercourse with an infected partner where blood or sexual fluids like semen and vaginal or rectal secretions enter the body through the penis, vagina or anus.
- Sharing infected needles or syringes when injecting drugs.
- From an HIV positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. However, there are proven steps mothers can take to reduce the possibility of their unborn child contracting HIV.

*Less common ways are via:*

- Oral sex - although the risks are much lower than with sexual intercourse, blood or sexual fluids may occasionally enter the body via the mouth, particularly if the uninfected partner has gum problems or mouth ulcers.
- Unscreened and untreated transfusions of blood or blood products. However, in the UK all blood products are screened for HIV and other blood-borne diseases.
- An accident in a medical setting, where a healthcare worker is exposed to the blood of an infected person, usually during surgery or via a needlestick injury.

You cannot get HIV from day-to-day contact such as:

Kissing
Touching
Holding hands
Sharing eating utensils
Toilet seats
Swimming pools

You, me and us...together we CAN stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.

How many of you wore a red ribbon on Dec 1? Drop us a shoutout if you did!

AIESEC n geophysics - what's in common?

2006-12-07T01:49:00.000+08:00

by Jillyn Tan

What has geophysics and AIESEC got in common? You're right...nothing.

The people, culture, and diversity were the things that attracted Justin to AIESEC in June of 2001. Even though he wasn't very sure what AIESEC was all about, he attended the introduction night and felt that it was just what he needed - a platform to prepare him for the technicalities of the working world which would give him the edge over his geophysics coursemates.

Every moment in his AIESEC career was memorable. Justin jumped into the activating leadership role almost immediately; he was on the organizing committee of National Convention held in USM in 2002, and held many other leadership positions in the local committee's projects and events. There was something to be learnt from each project and conference he participated in. By being involved in the organizing committees, he learned time and people management skills, and the knowledge gained from talking to members of the corporate and government sector when carrying out those projects certainly is making it easier for him now as in his field of work, he deals with people from all walks of life.

In his opinion, AIESEC helped to prepare him to join the workforce upon graduation because it promotes professionalism and other essential qualities which a fresh graduate needs to get started in the 'real' world. Of course, being a microcosm, it cannot emulate every situation a hundred percent, but it definitely prepared Justin well to begin his career in the corporate sector.

Justin says, "AIESEC is a platform where you decide what you want to be." For him, this meant that it was all about making choices as to what he wanted to do in AIESEC and what he wanted to achieve through AIESEC. Describing AIESEC as educational, electrifying and entertaining, Justin says that he thought he knew quite a lot about everything, but AIESEC proved him wrong. "I learned much more than I thought I would," he shares, "And I've travelled a fair bit too!" he adds enthusiastically.

As a geophysicist working with one of the foremost geophysics companies in the world, in an office located on the 56th floor of the Petronas Twin Towers, Justin believes that his experience with AIESEC and cultural tolerance helped him accept other foreign cultures more easily, more so during his stint aboard ship in the Middle East where he had to interact with local engineers and technicians from countries such as Russia, Turkey, Germany, Korea and Japan.

"Keep moving as life goes on, and everything is a learning experience, including AIESEC," he says.

USM’s HIV/AIDS Learning Network and its 2005 campaign in USM

2006-12-04T20:30:00.000+08:00

by Stefan Dawson

AIESEC in USM held a HIV/AIDS workshop and campaign in collaboration with Standard Chartered(M) Sdn Bhd, Malaysian AIDS Council and Olympia College Penang to spread awareness about HIV and AIDS to student of USM, Olympia College Penang and even to sex workers in the red-light areas of Georgetown in Penang. This campaign which is pioneered by LC USM and lasted for a duration of 3 months. This project was run by members of the LC and also 3 Interns – Kristina Kloss from Germany, Lora Mae Aquinde from the Philippines and Anna Dubelaar from Canada.

Together with the OC from USM, the interns found information from the internet and adding this to the materials provided by Standard Chartered and Malaysian AIDS Council and used this to spread awareness about AIDS and HIV to some students at USM and Olympia College. The second part of the campaign includes many other interns who were at other LC’s in Malaysia. All the interns involved gathered in Kuala Lumpur to organize a HIV/AIDS conference there. Here is a brief quote from Kristina Kloss from Aachen, Germany about her internship :

“In Penang Lora and I prepared a lot of material for the two-days booth at a local college. We made posters, quizzes, flyers, etc. to raise the people’s attention for our campaign. At the booth we talked to the students about what they know about HIV/AIDS in general and especially about the situation in Malaysia. On the second day of the booth we also conducted interactive sessions to explain more detailed what HIV/AIDS is, what people can do to protect themselves and to raise the awareness on this subject.

After the two first weeks in Penang the next part of the traineeship was planning and organising an HIV/AIDS youth conference in KL. Finally our international team of 10 trainees came together. Our task was to organise and promote the first AIESEC HIV/AIDS youth conference on the 11th and 12th of December in KL. The conference was targeted especially to young Malaysians who often do not know very much about HIV/AIDS. Since there is no sexual education at Malaysian schools it is not spoken openly about sexuality and also HIV/AIDS is a taboo. The number of newly infected people is growing with an alarming rate in Malaysia and especially young people are affected. Against this background the major goal of our conference was to clarify what exactly HIV/AIDS is, how the virus is transmitted and how people can protect themselves and others.

We worked in the AIESEC Malaysia office in Petaling Jaya together with the AIESEC MCs of Malaysia and lived in “Millennium Court” which is a big private student hostel near the University Malaya and not too far from the AIESEC Malaysia office. There were a lot of local as well as international students living there and it had very good facilities e.g. cafeteria, gym, cyber café, laundry, convenience store. We had rooms for two or three persons and boys and girls lived in separate blocks. The rooms were not very big and simple, but we had enough space and our own bathroom. There was no kitchen but since most students do not cook but eat in the cafeteria there was no need for it.

We worked in the AIESEC office, in the cyber café at Millennium Court (when there were not enough free computers in the office) or at booths in different universities promoting the conference. Our work involved all the organisational tasks like finding and booking a venue and a caterer, contacting speakers and sponsors and creating the conference’s programme. But one of the most important and time-consuming tasks was to attract participants by going to universities and colleges setting up interactive booths. That way we increased the awareness of HIV/AIDS and created interest for people to want to come to the conference. We worked closely with the Malaysian AIDS Council and Standard Chartered Bank (our main sponsor) who helped us with their experience and also with materials. My specific job was to be in charge of the agenda and to communicate with the Malaysian AIDS Council and Standard Chartered Bank. I also contacted the speakers and worked on most of the PowerPoint presentations used in the conference.”

As I mentioned earlier the target group is college/university students who are between the ages of 18 and 24. The purpose of targeting this group is because this group of individuals comprise of people who are very curious about the opposite sex and are going through many physical and emotional changes. These changes sometimes can cause people to make wrong decisions when it comes to sexual intercourse. This campaign was aimed at educating the targeted group of individuals about the dangers of HIV transmission through sex and also to challenge their worldview towards people who are already infected with AIDS.

How was all this information passed on? Most of our sessions were activity based. The participants played role games which put them into the position of a victim or a carrier and were made to make decisions which could get them infected or get somebody infected. There were also sketches where the participants acted out certain roles which inadvertently put them into the position of a person involved in making a decision whether to have sex or not. A booth was set up at USM for a week and at Olympia College for 2 days. At the USM booth, people who visited the booth, once having listened to the talk by the persons in charge or Lora the intern, would be allowed to put their painted hand print on a banner which showed their support towards the campaign. At Olympia, the booth set up there was at the main entrance and it was a very good and informative booth with lots of decorations and also condoms which were blown up and hung all around the booth. At the sessions that were held there, condoms were given out to all the participants so that they could learn how to put one on. This was probably the “funnest” part of the programme as girls and guys had to endure the laughs and stares as they slipped the “rubber” on to a very sizeable banana (as in the fruit).

As the OC who was in charge of coordinating the programme I found this a very good learning experience. I also managed to be in close contact with the interns and hence learned a good deal about them irrespective countries and their cultures. I was especially touched by Lora, who was the intern from the Philippines. Before meeting her, my views on homosexuals and AIDS was one which one might call “traditional”. She truly opened my eyes to them and also to the way to treat them. In the Philippines, there are many homosexuals, both male and female, but society in general and the youth there, more importantly, do not mistreat homosexuals like most Malaysian youths do. And as for their relationship to AIDS, I began to understand that they didn't deserve their fate- they were merely under-informed. I now realize the importance of educating everyone but more importantly the youth about the importance of practicing safe sex. This and of course loyalty and abstinence are the 3 main ways AIDS and the spread of HIV can be curbed.

Entreprenuership @XP

2006-11-28T08:52:00.000+08:00

Intensive @XP simulation ends well

2006-11-17T21:28:00.000+08:00

It was all hard work at the @XP simulation on a saturday and that the faci team worked really hard to deliver the simulation. It was a very different experience faciliating this event together with some of the AIESEC Hong Kong MCs, LCPs, LCVPs & intern.

Why different? It's not that it's in Hong Kong nor faciliating as an international. You just feel so different when you're facilitating an AIESEC event as an intern. I felt that it makes it soooo much easier to explain what exChange is all about to everyone as I'm actually eXPeriencing it NOW! You'll understand what I mean when you're at this @XP stage.

More stories on me facilitating AIESEC HK conferences coming soon...

It was a very intensive @XP simulation day, but it was worth the effort to give all my best for the newies. So how do I reward myself? By having the most enjoyable dinner. It was by coincidence that we (Nadya, Jacso, Martha, Liz, Jean & I) manage to find this little nice peaceful cafe in Sai Kung. I didnt expect the food to be so delicious. And what was not expected is that the chef paid attention to the little details of our dinner which made my day!

This would be one of my magical moments of my internship in Hong Kong :)

AIESEC Malaysia in the media

2006-11-17T00:58:00.000+08:00

HIV/AIDS Learning Network

Bank employees share Raya cheer (9 November 2006)

A bungalow for AIDS victims (21 September 2006)

Reaching Out (10 May 2006)

Fighting HIV/AIDS via education (5 May 2006)

Funds for HIV/AIDS shelters (15 December 2005)

Tackling issues in a fun way (7 December 2005)

Computers as Raya gifts for shelters (25 November 2005)

About AIESEC students

Reforms for UM (17 August 2006)

AIESEC Internship

Hong Kong-bound (1 August 2006)

Malaysia Interactive Cultural Learning Experience (MIRACLE)

An exchange of cultures (12 June 2006)

Entreprenuership & Youth Learning Network (EYLN)

Think like a business leader (9 April 2006)

Building Unity and Developing Awareness through Youths of AIESEC (BUDAYA)

A colourful convergence of cultures (9 March 2006)

A celebration of cultures (1 March 2006)

USM to host cultural fest (17 February 2006)

Click here to download the printer friendly version

The other side of the wall

2006-11-08T11:47:00.000+08:00

In life, we have to adapt to many things, environment and surroundings around us. forever changing and it may take some time to get used to it.

Of course, adaptation does not only limit to the local culture of countries, as in traineeship or conferences held overseas. for me, it's the transition from leaving the studying life after uni to the working life.

now, dont get me wrong. it's true, i admit that i never really worked before previously. and i doubt that you'll want to consider working as a volunteer at the NGO in my hometown as work since i dont get paid, and i have all the freedom to take off when i need to.

and being in the working environment, it's again a different thing. it's different if you're working in a field where you know you have the knowledge and the expertise. you have the confidence of what you're doing and dealing with. you wont have that much of doubts upon yourself when you come across something that you're not certain with.

now here's what I'm currently going through.

I'm a language grad. and technically those who knew me too well cant believe that I'm currently working at a telebanking call centre in Cyberjaya. just for your 411, i completely have NO INTEREST and dont want to be involved in anything that has to do with numbers, figures, digits, marketing, business, accounting and anything that has to do with that. right... and look where i end up as my first job. Completely out of expectation!

I'm at total zonk-out situation. what was I thinking when i applied this job? just get the interview experience. that's it. but hahaha, I got the job to something which i have completely NO SINGLE IDEA about. the most I'd do with my own bank account is just ATM withdrawal, pay for PTPTN via online, pay over the counter or machine for the local AIESEC conferences fee and update my bank book!!!

So yeah, this is where getting accustomed to a new environment comes in. i dont have to explain further. Oh, another thing that i have to learn - UK culture - I'm servicing that side of the world.

everyday is a learning day for me. i come across things which i dont know, from enquiries and handling the people to my own mistakes. really not easy for me as i dont have any experience or knowledge in this field. but hey, i'm taking this as a challenge and a working experience. i may or may not stay long with telebanking. but that'll be much later.

first things first, taking one step at a time.

IMPIAN '06

2006-11-03T23:32:00.000+08:00

IMPIAN, which means DREAM is an English education PBOX that aims to help secondary school students understand the importance of the English language. It also provides an alternative to conventional teaching and enhances the delivery of English education.

The Most Happening Event of the Year!

2006-10-30T13:53:00.000+08:00

GATHERING ALL YOUTHS - EMPOWERING PIONEERS TO REVOLUTIONIZE TOMORROW

National Leadership Development Seminar 2006

Universiti Sains Malaysia, 6-10 December

For more information, contact Sherlyn Loo at sherlyn_loo2007@yahoo.com.sg or Angeline at kim_ange1@yahoo.com.

Don't miss it!

Congratulations!

2006-10-30T13:35:00.000+08:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Jamie Goh, alumnus of LC UPM who has been selected as a facilitator for ZIMKO 2006, Poland's National Winter Conference! Jamie is one of four international facilitators selected to run sessions for ZIMKO, an induction conference for new members of AIESEC in Poland (similar to NLDS).

Truly, Malaysia Boleh! =)

AIESEC: It's alot like dating

2006-10-29T14:32:00.000+08:00

While looking through the brandsite for AIESEC, I browsed through a file for AIESEC and our brand promise. It was then that I had to check my eyesight.

Heck. AIESEC has sooooo much advice on dating for guys.

You don’t believe me? Let’s just go through the brand promise for AIESEC.

1. Activating Leadership.

If you’re dating, somehow or rather you’re going to have to be a leader. A relationship has to be dynamic! You can expect one party to continuously be passive, while the other is aggressive. Thus, you have to activate your leadership and lead your partner.

Especially since every question you ask will be answered with ‘whatever la’, ‘never mind’, and ‘up you you’. Of course, be ready to face the consequences when your decision is not the same with the one she had already made in her head.

2. Demonstrating Integrity

If you’re in a relationship, you have to demonstrate integrity. Nobody likes it when their partner constantly lies to them. Be honest with your words, feelings, and opinions.

However, if she asks you if she looks fat in that dress, for the love of God and all that’s holy LIE TO HER.... I mean, use your common sense. Unless you don’t mind suffering from a failed relationship (and several broken bones.)

3. Living diversity

Living diversity. But since this is a two person relationship, this means that you must always take into consideration the diverse opinions that the both of you have. It’s no fun if only one person has all the say on opinions like world politics or if Siti Nurhaliza married the wrong man.

But then again, if she feels strongly about a certain topic, then just nod your head and say yes or risk losing your balls. Ermm, what I meant was a frayed relationship.

4. Enjoying participation
Enjoy the participation in your relationship. You shouldn’t feel that your relationship is a chore, but a blessing. Be happy and support all the dates or things that your girl likes to do.

This, of course, includes watching chic flicks, following her when she goes shopping, paying for the things she bought during her shopping, as well as being abused when it’s that time of the mon-.........., when she needs the emotional support from you.

5. Striving for excellence.

Always strive for excellence. It’s never good to rest on just a relationship, but always try to find ways to make your already great relationship better!

Sure, you might have to spend a lot of time, money, energy, more time, and more money, as well as no more watching the EPL, no more futsal, partying with friends, going to mamak sessions late at night, and freedom as you know it. But it’s worth improving your relationship!

6. Acting sustainably.

Always act sustainably. You should always thing about the future and how to sustain your relationship.

This means saving your money and refrain from buying wasteful stuff like that new cell phone, that pair of Adidas Predator shoes, the 3D card for your laptop, or fresh meals from restaurant in favour for instant noodles. The money can be banked and then used to buy stuff like roses, chocolates, and the 97th pair of shoes for your dear gal. And it’ll be worth every cent, if you want to sustain your family tree in the near future.

Don’t believe me? Post your comments and tell me if I’m right or wrong!

Lviv's 750th Anniversary

2006-10-21T11:22:00.000+08:00

Us trainees took a day trip to Lviv, a town three hours away, for its 750th Anniversary Celebrations.

LC Lviv happened to be having their Local Training Seminar (LTS), which is like our LLDS, so we stopped by awhile. Of course, we had to perform a roll call!

Next, we walked around Lviv. Here are some photos of the city.

Train station

Armenian church

This is a tombstone that is laid at the backyard of the church. On this tombstone, has the name of the deceased and his/her sins on it and it is laid oon the ground for people to step on. It may seem rude to step on people's grave but in fact we are doing a good deed to the deceased. This is because the more we step on it, the more the words fade.
It symbolizes that we are erasing their sins so that they can go to heaven.

A building with the signs of the zodiac on it.

Ukrainian Easter eggs!

There were people dressed like this walking around the city, so i took a photo with them to show all of you. :)

Posted by Jill on Jamie's behalf. For more photos, http://jamie52643.multiply.com

Adaptation Camp, 6-8 October 2006

2006-10-21T10:38:00.000+08:00

Some updates from Jamie who's in Ukraine on the "Let's Stop AIDS Together" project.

This camp is for new AIESEC members to understand the organization better and we, the trainees attended to give the camp the international feel. It was held at a campsite which is about 2 hours away from Ternopil city.

Here we are on the bus on the way to the camp site. L-R: Amy (canada), Caglar (turkey), Onur (turkey), Ira(ukraine) and me.

On my right is Kuek, another Malaysian trainee but with a different LC. She is now in Ivano-Frankivsk which is about 3 hours away from Ternopil, while on my right is my fellow trainee Amy.

This is the first session of the camp - getting to know each other a.k.a Ice breaking. As you can see, the delegates had their eyes closed and their goal is to make the string in to a square only by communicating. No looking! I was not part of the game because everyone was speaking Ukrainian. :)

Trainees pic! Jovin is missing in the pic. The other interns are Dina(front row, second from the left) from Egypt, Sophia(next to Dina) from Germany and Saltash (stading behind me) is from Turkey.

The Top 5

2006-10-19T23:50:00.000+08:00

With NLDS 06 around the corner, it's only fair that we reviewed the top 5 stuff that happened in NLDS 2005 in UKM. Of course, there might be other cooler stuff happening, but this will definately slant heavily to the UPM perspective.

And without further ado........

LET'S GET READY TO RUUUUUUMMMMMMBBBBLLLLLLEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

5. The Formal Dinner.

Nothing says fun more than having a pretty nice dinner after the trip to the place. With live entertainment and all the unis showing off their squaredances, it's a pretty great way to end the first day of NLDS. Unfortunately, it won't be this relaxing after that, though the fun level will be the same.

4. Global Village

Every university has to do one presentation for Global Village, and you couldn't get more half-undressed men than from UPM! The lads were happy to strip it all for the girls to see. Sadly, nobody had the built and looks of Brad Pitt or David Beckham.......

3. Sugar Cubes

Sugar cubes are the bomb! Imagine opening your cube, and to your surprise that cute girl from the neighbouring university just gave you her contact number! Okay, you can stop dreaming now. But sugar cubes are the best way to say it was fun to a pal you just met or some things that you would like to say but didn't dare to. ^_^

2. Skulling

To skull. Is there no better a sport than the sport for champions. Nothing says I'm the best than finishing a cup of tasteless 'air sirap', before donking the person beside you with the cup and then placing the cup on your head. All with your thumb on the table. Take that, football!

1. Squaredancing

They had it between sessions, they had it after sessions, and they had it during meals. But it was never enough, cause AIESECers love the squaredancin'! And with UTM's Xi Shua Shua, we definately had another classic to accompany Green Light and Flower Universe in the great squaredance list.

Haven't signed up for NLDS yet? Better do so now!

The 8 Simple steps for Matching

2006-10-18T11:25:00.000+08:00

Although AIESEC's corework is matching, sometimes we tend to forget a different type of matching that goes on around AIESEC. Thus, I feel it's only right(and about time) that someone made a proper guideline for the matching process that goes on in AIESEC. Hopefully, someone will forward this to the MCs to be legislated for MNC.

1) Both forms must be in the matching pool. And remember, both forms must have the 'available' status. We don't want any matches broken because of already matched forms, do we?

2) Matching can be done directly by the form holders, or assisted by an experienced AIESECer who has already gone through the matching process. It is encouraged that an experienced AIESECer help them, since they are better suited at looking at the requirements that each form has.

3) When a suitable form has been found, always remember not to rush and immediately send an acceptance note! Please look at the form properly to ensure all the required details are there.

4) Contact the other form holder if you wish to know more about the form. Remember, matching is a delicate process, so it'll take time. Know the form better before you commit yourself to it! Ask friends or AIESECers who have had a match before for their opinion if required.

5) When you feel that the form is indeed suitable, send a show interest note. It's important that the show interest note is clear and easy to understand. Don't be too direct, but don't be too subtle as well.

6) Wait for an acceptance note. Sometimes it might take some time, or sometimes the show interest note might be rejected. Do not worry, as there are many other forms in the exchange pool. You might want to get back to matching immediately, or perhaps you might want to wait until there are new forms in the pool.

7) If an acceptance note is sent, congrats! You got matched! But you're not safe yet! There is a probation period after the match in which you have to ensure that the form you have selected is satisfied with your performance. Don't worry, it's the same for you. However, should you decided to part, please to so on friendly terms. No point making enemies now.

8) However, if all goes well, then congrats! Enjoy your match. We strongly recommend that you actually share your matching experience with other AIESEC members to help them in their matching process. This way, we can ensure that matching in an LC will be sustained.

Prepared by,
William
VP K Po
LC UPM

The tsunami of love

2006-10-16T20:29:00.000+08:00

Now, on the Channel 9 News, a special report..

Good Morning, world. I'm William. And this is the latest news for today..

It would seem that AIESEC in UPM has been hit by a huge tsunami. As quoted by one witness, it was 'horrible, just horrible. It came and swept so many people away.'

Hundreds were in panic and in chaos as the tsunami came in unexpectedly. The LCP did not have enough time to react to the sudden influx and couldn't do a thing to help his fellow EB members.

Casualties were high as almost half of the EB team in UPM was swept away by the tsunami, now officially called Tsunami Cupid. Out of the entire EB team, only a handful survived the tidal wave.

Perhaps if the signs were slowly examined earlier, people would have realised the dangers and reacted sooner. It first took both a VP and a Director from HR. However, this loss was overlooked by the rest of the EB board in UPM. Perhaps it will be something that they will regret for quite some time to come.

Suddenly, two VPs were pulled under by the tsunami, along with an ex-AIESECer and an innocent passer-by. Both incidents happened in matter of seconds, leaving all the EB members shocked. Suddenly, a daunting realisation happened that too many EB members were being pulled under by the tsunami. Rescue operations have begun, but it would seem that several members have already been hit by the Tsunami Cupid, and it remains to see if they can be saved.

Sadly, now meetings for the EB board in UPM has become rarer and rarer, with the missing VP members now floating.... somewhere.

Let this be a lesson indeed to the other LCPs throughout Malaysia. Keep an eye on the weather. Tsunami Cupid might come to hit you.

"Let's Stop AIDS Together" - We are the Vaccine

2006-10-15T20:27:00.000+08:00

Article by Amy Ann Lubik
Trainee, AIESEC Ternopil

HIV and AIDS are global problems. "Let's Stop AIDS Together" is a compilation of passionate volunteers brought together by AIESEC to spread information about HIV/AIDS to the youth of Ternopil, Ukraine. There is no cure to HIV/AIDS; however, as a vaccine arms the human immune system to fight off a virus, we will arm the youth with the information they need to keep themselves safe from HIV/AIDS. Only by being informed about the problem can they protect themselves. Thus we, the volunteers of the "Let's Stop AIDS Together" project, because of the information we spread, are the vaccine for the youth of Ternopil. Those that receive our vaccination have promised that, in return, they will spread the information as well, to help conquer the 'plague' of the twenty-first century.

Why are we starting our battle to eradicate this pandemic in the Ukraine? Ten years ago, the WHO dubbed the Ukraine a virtually HIV/AIDS free zone. Today, the Ukraine is the number one centre for HIV/AIDS in Europe. AIESEC Ternopil, a local committee of the world's largest youth-run organization, AIESEC, has recognized the problem and has decided to take action. AIESEC has many platforms by which to allow youth to develop themselves, one of which is the international internship exchange program. Therefore, they have recruited four students from three different countries around the world who feel deeply dedicated to the issue of HIV/AIDS for a developmental internship. From Turkey they have recruited Caglar Soyuak, a student of Engineering and Economics. From Malaysia, they have gained Jamie Goh, a student of English and Business Management. From Alberta, Canada they have recruited Candice Powley, a Political Science and Psychology student. From British Columbia, Canada they have recruited Amy Ann Lubik, a Biochemistry and English Student. Each of us has different experiences and views on HIV/ AIDS because of our various social, educational, and particularly national backgrounds.

Like the different medicines in the "AIDS cocktails," each tackling different parts of the disease, each of us focuses on a different part of the problem of educating students about HIV/AIDS in order to be as effective as possible. Caglar is most adamant on ensuring the spread of information from out students to their personal communities. Jamie desires to make sure that our pupils know the facts from the myths when it comes to transmission of the disease. Candice is passion to ensure the youth know all about the easiest way to prevent the spreading of this disease: Condoms. Lastly, Amy is determined to imbue the information that there are treatments available, what they are and where to get them. Each us is an element to make up what we already feel will be a very effective vaccine for use on the youth of the Ukraine. As a vaccine must be administered by a caring physician, so are we delivered to different schools by our Organizing Committee President, Irena Koval.

Why are we starting vaccination of the youth? They are the future. They are the hands that will shape the future of not only the Ukraine but the world. A frightening percentage of the world’s youth is very ignorant on the subject of HIV/ AIDS. This is through no fault of their own, for they simply do not have the information that they need to make wise decisions about their health in regards to this issue. Unfortunately, a large part of the Ukrainian youth is socially inactive. That is, they are not involved in after-school activities, social clubs, or organizations, such as AIESEC, which work toward improving the global situation. They are therefore more likely to turn to more potentially detrimental pastimes, such as drugs and/ or sex. These are two of the primary ways that HIV is spread in the population between the ages of 20 and 34 – the age group most likely to become infected. Therefore, we are targeting our vaccination to high-school and university students, so that they can avoid becoming a depressing addition to the statistics.

The first administrations have been a thrilling success. Like the vaccine for Hepatitus A, two shots are necessary for maximum protection. For the first, we travel to the schools and give a short presentation to give them basic essential information with which to protect themselves. For the booster shot, we take those who are interested for a training session, going much more in depth and much more interactive. Despite the language barrier, which is broken by superb voluntary translators, we believe that our goal has been achieved at our first few schools. It has been amazing to hear the intelligent questions of such young students and be able to answer them and to dispel the myths they may have been harbouring. In return for our vaccine, they give us one as well: great hope. When one hears that the students do not know the easiest way to prevent getting HIV (condoms), it can be disheartening. Yet at the end of the presentation when the youths thank us for warmly for the information, can remember the facts, and promise to spread the word to their friends and family, they fill us with the hope and warmth of making a difference. They are the syringes with which to spread the vaccine.

We are the vaccine against HIV for the youth of Ternopil; we are a cocktail of information and passion blended to give maximum effectiveness against the virus. HIV spreads rapidly, but information and word of mouth can spread faster. The future is in our hands and we are committed to seeing it thrive in an HIV/AIDS free zone. So let us bring together more people of the world, and share all possible information; "Let's Stop AIDS Together."

The trainees in action during one of the training sessions

L-R : Jamie (Malaysia), Candice (Canada), Ira (Ukraine - OCP),
Caglar (Turkey), Amy (Canada) during the press conference to announce
the beginning of the project "Let's Stop AIDS Together."

T is for Team

2006-10-11T20:45:00.000+08:00

Being the VP IS for almost 6 months already, it's kinda fun to look around and see the people that are working with you to achieve the goals of the LC. It's like a small family here in LC UPM, with most of the VPs and Directors playing the role of the various stereotypes of the family. Don't believe me? Let me run it down.

Edwin is our dad. Of course, he'd be the alcoholic, depressed dad. Most likely cause we don't have a mom. So he's quiet and gives insightful comments, but he mostly is quiet. And moody.

Sze Looi is the older sister. Like the one that grows up hardened because of our depressed dad. She takes control, directing her 'siblings' (Directors) with some intensity.

Sin Mei and Jacelyn are the flower children. Most likely the two youngest kids in the family. They are innocent and still retain the smile that they have, working happily.

Cafrey is the older brother. A true professional, he works hard to help his 'dad' support the family, thus he isn't around to play with the younger kids. But he cares for them deeply.

Rachel would be the older sister. Also the same as Cafrey, she helps around alot, but also hangs around the two younger sisters to keep an eye on them.

And your's truely would be the geekier younger brother. Someone who's in his tweens, using the computers and other high tech stuff in the family.

A pretty dysfunctional family, huh.

Dad! Get a mom soon!

Relaunch of HIV/AIDS IG Community

2006-09-30T20:14:00.000+08:00

Hey all!!

Next week AI will relaunch all of the Initiative Group Communities.

HIV/AIDS IG Community
Click here to go to the group!

There will be interesting topics for discussions every month besides the latest news involving this topic. Check it out next week...

Cheerz,
Jasmine

p/s: If you have any idea of what to include in the community or what you would like to see there, let me know. Can send to my email jasmine.low@aiesec.net Thankx

Interns rock Hong Kong!

2006-09-06T22:29:00.000+08:00

stories from Hong Kong

2006-09-03T18:04:00.000+08:00

It has officially been a month since I left home to do my internship in Hong Kong. And though I've started missing a few things back home, but I'll manage in the coming months. The internship experience has been really exciting and here are few short stories which I want to share with everyone.

My office is located in cyberport and it has a very cool sea view. Just take a look at the photo above. One could enjoy the beautiful sunset everyday. Also you could see how busy boats and ships move around. The view is a great way to escape from the challenging office work.

Working with 4 other interns through the AIESEC internship programme has made it even more enjoyable. And the best thing is that we sit next to each other and make the most noise in the office always. These new friends of mine are Nina (Germany), Jing (China) & Arne (Netherlands).

Went to the Space Museum with Arne & Landy. I queued up for about 1/2 hour for the anti-gravity ride and when it was my turn, I was not allowed to be on it. Why? Because I was 2 cm taller than the maximum height (I shouldn't have worn my thick sole sports shoes!). So here is one clear case of a disadvantage to be tall.

My 1st Korean Dinner and I have Annie (Korea) to introduce it to us. Did you know that there are 9 small dishes served at korean dinner, and that you can replenish it anytime. It has been really easy to connect with Annie though we have only knew each other for 3 weeks (she left for home already as it was the end of her internship). She went to APLDS Korea, and still remembers Chien (MCP 03/05 Malaysia) to be inspiring and later decided to do a CEED in Ghana. It's just rare to meet active members go on an AIESEC internship and when you meet one, there is this connection easliy made as if we were long lost friends and would go on sharing our very own unique @XP.

Finally, I've meet up with Hui Hui. Both Hui Hui and I knew each other in UPM and that I was the one who raised her as an SN. It was great to have met her again after about a year, and she could hardly utter any Malay words. Hmm... 12 years of Malay Langugage education sipping away soon when you dont need to use it in a foreign land for 9 months.

My 1st AIESEC related event was not with my hosting LC. weird ah?? Met up with CUHK EBs for dinner as they were hosting 4 Korean AIESECers who were on a study trip in Hong Kong. It was not hard to connect with any of them; and whatever topics we were sharing, it somehow ends up related to AIESEC.

stay tune for more stories...

What it is to be an EB - AIESEC UM 05/06

2006-08-20T22:53:00.000+08:00

Broken Bridges

2006-08-19T09:32:00.000+08:00

Doing a little promo for two AIESEC Alumnus who have done the unconventional... write a play! To read more about Broken Bridges, written by LC USM alumnus Lim Chuang Yik (former LCP, 2002/2003) and LC UKM alumnus Teng Ky-Gan (former LCP, 2004/2005), two Ipoh-mali boys, check out the links below. Good luck guys! AIESEC Malaysia wishes you well.

About the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Jalan Ipoh.
www.klpac.com

At kakiseni, the foremost arts review website.
www.kakiseni.com

Interview with Tony Yusuf, a leading actor and celebrity

From the Star paper

From New Straits Times

From The Malay Mail

From Klue, a magazine that lists KL events

From Think Online

And of course... blogs! Just a few of them
kakicucuklangit.blogspot.com
jasiminne.blogspot.com
bryanchin.net

You tube..yes You Tube!

In Memoriam

2006-08-01T14:34:00.000+08:00

IF YOU'RE EVER GOING TO LOVE ME

If you're ever going to love me, love me now, while I can know

All the sweet and tender feelings which from real affection flow.

Love me now, while I am living; do not wait till I am gone

And then chisel it in marble - warm love words on ice-cold stone.

If you've dear, sweet thoughts about me, why not whisper them to me?

Don't you know it would make me happy and as glad as glad can be?

If you wait till I am sleeping, ne'er to waken here again,

There'll be walls of earth between us and I couldn't hear you then.

If you knew someone was thirsting for a drop of water sweet,

Would you be so slow to bring it? Would you step with laggard feet?

There are tender hearts all 'round us who are thirsting for our love;

Why withhold from them what nature makes them crave all else above?

I won't need your kind words when the grass grows o'er my face.
I won't crave your love or kisses in my last low resting place.

So then, if you love me any, if it's but a little bit,

Let me know it now while we are living so I can own and treasure it.

~Author unknown~

In memoriam
Rosline Lam Soo Kean

Leaving on a jet plane

2006-07-30T12:53:00.000+08:00

I met this fellow at NLDS in UUM in December of 2003... i think he was one of the first few people I got to know at NLDS apart from the members of my mock LC (among them, Billy and Jiann). Little did i know that somehow or rather, he, his group of ACDs, and myself, and a handful of other people from the other LCs, would come together and form some of the most lasting friendships I would ever have in AIESEC. I think these bonds became even more important to me as I took on the challenge of being an EB, and later, LCP; having a support network of AIESECers outside of my LC whom I could turn to for advice, support and ideas (especially when I needed to bitch ;p).

The next few events at which I would meet this fellow again seems vague in my mind, but I remember them to be MTCF in MidValley, and NAC in Dusun EcoResort, Bentong. These two events would also be where I would get to know the rest of his UPM gang better.

The other people who appear in the subsequent photos would also be the AIESEC people I spend most of my time with, virtually (MSN) or physically (when I am in KL). Whether we are doing @ work or not, well, that really depends. :D Even the most innocent mamak sessions would invariably turn back to @ and its related issues (read : gossip). Although we do sit down and solemnly swear that 'this mamak session will NOT be about AIESEC,' well, it usually never works. One mamak session, however, will remain in my mind for quite some time to come : the one in Murni, SS2 with Khom, Billy, Jamie, Jiann, RC, and I. *GRIN*

How we all came together, people with different backgrounds, courses of study, geographical locations, age, LCs... only a few common denominators, the most obvious one being AIESEC.

We had an impromtpu farewell celebration for this fussy fellow, who conveniently thought that since it was a farewell for HIM, he didn't have to lift a single finger. Well, we proved him wrong, of course. ;)

Bye bye Ren Chang, have a good 6 months in HK, and when you remember the BBQ, please remember our presents when you come back! *grin*

Billy getting excited over how many pieces of chicken he's gonna eat

(Seanz : haha, I'm gonna eat MORE!! ;p)

If the food is bad, blame the cook. :) No, not really.

Mel said the wrong thing one time too many, prolly

The *ehem*... VIP (?) in grey shirt

Getting high on corn

We just can't *wait* to get rid of him ;)

Next-door Culture... yet so Different!

2006-07-19T16:03:00.000+08:00

Culture is everywhere.

It doesn’t matter how near is the two countries. Or states. Even smaller would be town and within community. Culture differences is everywhere. How well do we even know the culture differences in our own homeland?

Some people would tell me that to make a traineeship worth it especially on cultural-wise, we ought to go somewhere out of SEA. For me, as long you know nuts about a country as far as the other side of the globe or just at the north (Thailand) or south (Singapore), there will be a difference.

I have a few Thai friends from other activities before going for my DT. That roughly gave me a bit of ideas about lifestyle, apart from reading the website. But there was more to what I know upon arrival.

Bangkok City
The roads (and elevated highway-expressway) are really straight. They must have such perfect planning that flying over the city at night leaves you in awe. You don’t really see anything like bending roads even if it’s one loooooooong stretch. And highest of a triple-level roads.

Tolls charges are expensive. The highway (at fixed rate) is 40baht for cars. And expressways (according to distance) reach up to 60baht. And to think we’re complaining of having to pay RM1.60 for NPE! Traveling on the elevated roads, you get to see the horizon of Bangkok. Small but tall (from the ground) billboards decorate the sides of the highway.

Transportation
There are subways (MRT), LRT (BTS Skytrain), buses according to distance or fare (5,7,8baht w/o AC), multi-colour taxis (Toyota Corolla or Altis), tuktuks, motorcycle and van service. With various public transportation, you can see why the traffic jams starts as early as 6.00am until 10.00pm… and of course, pretty high air pollution rate.

The MRT and BTS have really good service. They have security at every station entry/exit points and when they see a person with bulky stuff, they allow you to pass via side gate. And probably I don’t look much like a student, they always check for my ID to see if I meet the requirements of using the student card. The security at the platform is also very tight and you will hear shrills of whistle every time someone steps beyond the waiting line. But the fare isn’t really cheap if you buy the usual cards. BTS rates are about 12-30+baht while MRT 14-40 baht.

2 types of boat services are found at Chao Phraya river – across and along the river. Crossing the river is 3baht while along the river depends on your destination. Reckon wont cost more than 20baht for the furthest distance, I think. Never really traveled along the entire river!

Trains passing through the provinces are pretty ok. You can opt for 3rd Class, simpler seats w/o AC. 30baht to Ayutthya for 1.5 hours. Not sure about the first 2 classes though. Perhaps may be something like the KTM Intercity trains. Fare is pretty reasonable anyway.

Aircond buses that travel to provinces are pretty cheap also. It’s about 70baht to Ayutthya, 2 hours. By van would be 80baht. Nevertheless, the fares are still fine. The only flaw is that the province transportation does not go direct to its journey. Passengers are picked up and dropped off along the way… not the entire journey though.

People
Generally friendly and helpful… that is if they understand what you’re trying to tell them! I’ve been told that I look like a Thai everywhere I go. The majority are Thai-Chinese (which of course makes no difference with Malaysian-Chinese as the Chinese race in Malaysia-Thailand are originally from China), with minority of native Thai.

Thai people respect their King very much. And it’s really amazing to see that they know their King (and the history of the monarchy) quite well, unlike here. I admit I don’t know the name of the Sultan or which state is it! It was a very big celebration during the 60th year of the accessions of the throne in June. Everyone wears yellow with the words marking their respect and love for the King. And to know how much contribution the King has made and touched people’s lives at the commemoration exhibition of the King was truly amazing.

I daresay that the Thais are more civic-minded compared to Malaysians. They really line-up at MRT and BTS stations, especially at peak stations. Even inside the train, they head to the inner train and not hog the doorway. Oh, and most of them don’t ‘pole-dance’ with the holding bars. They leave their seats and head for the door one station before they exit the train.

Seeing gays and ladyboys are a norm in Thailand. It was a culture shock for me to find them anywhere and everywhere. That’s one thing you don’t see all the time here. To see them in one large group (like a 2-day camp during the National Planning Congress) was kinda scary. Eventually got used to it when you spot a really hot gorgeous guy/girl… chances are they’re gay/ladyboys.

Lifestyle
The university culture completely different. For one, they have to wear uniform of black skirt and white top for girls. Guys are to wear black pants and white top. And it differs between public and private university.

Public uni, girls have a limited skirt designs, unlike for private uni with any kind of skirt as long it’s black. For the guys in both institutions… somehow they wear any other kind of pants (especially jeans worn really low) but slacks! The shirt worn by both gender do not have a standard design. Girls are usually of tight-fitting (that shows off their curves… generally small-framed) with particular university buttons which we’d die trying to wear everyday – metal uni logo with rings to enclose it. guys are both fitting and loose kind. Freshie girls are to wear white shoes without lace (how boring!) for public uni only.

Closer to my own gender, 90% of the girls cannot leave the house to anywhere without makeup. Including to Uni. And they can wear high heels whole day (classes ends at 4.00-5.00pm), which sometimes they don’t go home but hang around at shopping malls, eating places etc until at night. Sakit kaki…..

Carrying bags to class is alien. 99% do not carry bagpacks. Only a few not-so-thick textbooks. Girls carry handbags with the books in their hands. Us in Malaysia carry some kind of bag to put everything inside… thick books, pencil case, wallet, handphone, notes, files, water bottle etc.

Shops and Malls generally close at 9.00pm on weekdays and 10.00pm on weekends. Shopping areas are crowded everyday. Most universities have some hotspot clubs nearby, which is frequented by students (exception for Chulalongkorn Uni where it’s in central of Siam and shopping area). So if you want supper… go to 7-11 (it’s everywhere and more things than the ones here) and get something to eat. Mamak-going Malaysians and night owls will have no where to go for clean healthy fun! And only 12-hour fastfood outlets.

F&B
Pretty reasonable. Out-of-central-and-tourist areas hawker food is about 25 or 30 baht, but will not be enough if you have a huge appetite. Busy areas up to 40baht. drinks like bottled water, gas drinks, coffee/tea is 10baht…and usually water is ordered. food courts in malls are in prepaid cards and food price are about 40-75baht.

You can be adventurous and just point-and-order what you eat. That’s what I did most of the time and learn the thai name when I get back to my host’s place. If you enjoy sour and spicy food, tomyam and various somtam (papaya salad) will whet your satisfaction. Too much for me isn’t my liking though. But the main thing as a foreigner, khao phat (fried rice) is be in the vocabulary. That’s just in case you don’t fancy eating something you don’t know!

There are a lot of simple 20baht snacks like assortments of grill food (chicken, fish, sotong) sugar string pohpiah, rolls and sorts of delicious goodies which you want to try every one of it! mostly ready-packed and if you get carried away, it will be a big purchase when you’re done!

Restaurants and fastfood outlets. They have my all-time favourite Sizzler, a grill restaurant which their Super Saver costs 139baht (everything sold in Thailand is with tax included). Main dish of grill chicken/pork/fish with potato of your choice (French fries/baked) with toast bread and a salad leaf. But inclusive of the menu is also endless rounds of the salad bar (fresh vege, fruits, pasta, soup, desserts… a-ma-zing!!!) and one carbonated drink. You’ll be stuffed from the salad bar itself. And it’s better than Nando’s and everything else in Malaysia!

Other top restaurants are Bar-B-Q Plaza (basically Korean bbq) and MK Restaurant (steamboat). The truth… I don’t see what’s so great with the two restaurants that made such a big name in Bangkok. Perhaps once we enjoyed the eat-all-you-can steamboat bbq in Malaysia… you wouldn’t want to pay for set menu which isn’t filling.

Thai people are heavily influenced with Japanese and Korean. From music to dramas and food, Japanese Restaurants are easily available… even sushi kiosks are found at BTS stations.

The menu in McD and KFC differ slightly. McD has the Spicy pork burger, more pies and flurry, extra large fries… and they still have the small-regular-large set meals. KFC have MORE desserts (pretty much like McD), the claypot chicken rice… didn’t eat at KFC while I was there. Neither did I have a try at Pizza Hut.

One thing to note. As Thailand is a Buddhist country, pork and beef is available everywhere. It’s a little hard to find halal eateries in Bangkok and I’ve only come across 2 shops.

Communication
Internet usage at cybercafes is relatively quite cheap. Especially at student area, you can get as low as 15baht per hour and for some, for one day. But it’s still cheap with 15baht.

True, GSM1800, AIS and DTAC are the main mobile service provider. True is truly the worst connection but the cheapest sim card of 99baht. I used True since it’s the cheapest. And generally, phone calls are much cheaper than SMS. Thais marvel at the finger speed when we SMS, as they call more than SMS. For True, they have like 6 call packages to suit users. I took the package with 1baht per hour from 11pm-5pm, 3baht per minute from 5-11pm. SMS

1 baht per hour… 10sen, 1 hour. We’ll be talking more on the phone rather than SMS if there are such cheap rates with our own service providers here also! Calling from local line to international line (ie Bangkok to Malaysia), is about 7-8baht and 9baht per SMS. Still cheaper compared to Hotlink roaming (RM3/minute and RM2/SMS)

Even for public phones goes a long way. 2baht to local hp gives you quite a long talking time.

Language. Even they are Thai-Chinese, most of them especially the present generation do not speak Chinese. Unlike Malaysia where each race still maintain their roots, basically in Thailand, they take on the Thai identity. Do you know that they Thai language and writing was actually created by one of the past Kings?

Thai language is similar to Chinese as the language has 6 different intonations. It’s a little hard for Chinese Asians to distinguish the sounds but at least we can get some correctly. For Westerners, it’s all the same to them. Most European languages do not distinguish by sound.

So that’s generally what it’s like being in Bangkok. There are more to know about it. and I cant possibly state everything here… too much actually. Anyhow, so you see, Thailand is still very different even it’s the northern of Malaysia. And what I experienced is only Bangkok. It’s completely different for other 71 provinces. And possibly more different cultures.

And I shall go khin khao… hiew maa! (literal translation: eat rice…hungry very!)

Connecting the high-potential people

2006-07-14T01:11:00.000+08:00

4 fruitful days + more than 20 individuals+ 5 topics + 2 meeting venues
= Awesome experience!!

Hie everyone! I'm Jasmine, LCP of LCUM 2005/2006, now a Drive Team member 2006/2007. For those who are wondering what Drive Team (DT) is, Drive Team consist of a bunch of passionate people working on certain issue of LN and to make sure there are 100 exchanges (100TNs, 100SNs) on the particular issue. In my case, the issue is HIV/AIDS.

End of last month, a meeting for Drive Team members was held in Rotterdam (where AIESEC International office located). This is the first time ever virtual team members attending physical meeting *bangga* Besides DT members, representative from current AI team and the incoming AI team joined the meeting as well.

In HIV/AIDS we have me, Alex from Kenya, Riza from Turkey and Ildi from Hungary/AI. We will be working closely with AI in 2006/2007.

Fast fact during the stay in Rotterdam
* NO Square dance and roll call during the meeting
* A truly brainstormy session happened, ideas coming from everywhere, from the smallest detail to the biggest picture, from SME to MNC to UN.
* Hectic sessions on How to make 100 exchanges happen, arrangement of schedule, input from ER team, PD team, planning, planning and more planning, and oh yeah, the principles of the team.
* Interesting sharing sessions in McD with Education DT, "yoga" with mike, learning circle - what are we leaving to our grandchildren 50 years from now?, football chat; sessions demi sessions where we discovered more about ourself, people around us, our passion, our capabilities...

Interesting sharing sessions in McD with Education DT

* A set of complete plan came out after the meeting *BANGGA*
* We do have informal sessions. For example, watching world cup. Can you imagine over 40 ppl were squeeze in a small tiny living room watching Brazil vs Japan? or can you imagine how exciting was that when you watch Netherlands vs Portugal in a Pub and your friend scream YES! when Portugal scores? We are lucky enough to escape from being beaten up
* In terms of accomodation, I think I was quite lucky. I stayed with a houseful of leng chais *grin*
* It is summer now and its only 17 degree, sometimes 13
* I was lost in Rotterdam at 11 something at night. Luckily 2 kids led me to my apartment and they r really frenly.
* The famous cube house is only 5 mins walk from the place I stayed, discovered that when I wandered around
* The amount of time I spent on walking in Rotterdam in a day = the total amount of time I spent on walking in Kuala Lumpur in a week.
* All cars will stop for pedestrian, all cars and pedestrian will stop for bicycle. What happened was, it was green light, so I stopped for the car to move. However, the car just didnt move. I thought what happened to the car and after a while, I crossed the road. The car moved. Very different from Malaysia.
* The sky still looks bright at 11pm, and extremely bright at 4am
* Picnic and football session was fun! I was announced the best player of the day *cheerz*

Picnic in the Netherlands

* I spent about RM100 everyday, which is quite a lot. Even ketchup sauce cost 25 cent Euro which is RM1.2

AFter the meeting, I spent another 3 days in Amsterdam. More stories on Amsterdam in the next post!

chiaoz
Jasmine

p/s: If you think this is cool and you would like to experience this, application for Drive Team members is probably out next Apr =)

Walking With Dinosaurs

2006-07-11T20:21:00.000+08:00

Or at least, dinning with the alumni.

*Whacked on head by Ren Chang and Seanz*

Okay. Soon to be alumni.

I had a rather pleasent surprise yesterday, when Imran called me up. I could hear laughter in the background, and already my spider-sense was tingling.

I should have seen it coming.

Imran invited me out for lunch, and I could hear the loud and distinct voices of Ren Chang, Chao Ching, and Jamie in the background.

Why not, eh? Of course, I was pretty broke at that time (>RM 60 on hand and in bank) and the car was practically running on an empty tank, but I decided why not. These were the seniors that I nurtured me throughtout my year in AIESEC, and I wanted to see them for one las.......

All right. I admit it. I was hoping they would pay for the poor lil' juniour.

Sometimes, I overestimate their kindness.

So off we went, the 5 of us to the Mines. Ren Chang drove while Jamie rode shotgun. The rest of us were in the back, with me trying to get Imran's hands off my body.

Getting Imran's hands off my body? Don't even bother asking me to explain.

While I tried to prevent my chasity from being robbed away from me by Imran, I guess you could say it was fun. Having all four AIESECers around, and my seniors moreso, really does allow you to talk alot of stuff that would be weird just talking with your other juniors.

Then again, mebbe it's just me.

Meet up with Seanz in Mines, where we had Nando's. Was tempted to go for the 'All the soup and bread you can eat special' (also known as the sucky value meal), but decided to go with the normal. Yay?

The food was okay, but the company was superb. Talking with them really does brighten up your day, and you have to be in awe with what these old AIESECers have done. Ren Chang needs no further introduction, Seanz was the Chair for the MIRACLE Youth Con, Jamie is one of the most hyper, energetic, and friendliest people I have ever seen, Chao is my sweet, crazy nee-chan who was in charge of Euphoria, and Imran in......

Imran.

>.<

Heh. To these bunch of soon to be Alumni, have fun and keep in touch.

Perhaps AIESEC is really all about making networks after all.

One for all, all for One!

2006-07-07T00:54:00.000+08:00

IS Musketeer mascot

looking back now... it has been 2 years since I joined my very 1st virtual team. At the time, it was called the AIESEC.net Help Team and today everyone knows it as the IS Musketeers (a cooler name!). I've gained so much being involved in this team and the best thing is that you DON'T need to be good with computers though it would be an advantage!

Working in a virtual team is an experience itself. Imagine working with a group of 23 young energetic youth from 13 countries is a challenge in itself. Take for example, if we were to have team chats; it is never easy to decide on a most suitable time for everyone and we would have to vote for the best time and day. There was once where I had to attend the team chat on Thursday at 2AM (Malaysia time) which lasted about 2 hours, and had to stay alert for classes at 8am. Try staying awake in the "early" mornings and have an AIESEC team meeting and you would get what I mean.

Also, I've only met a few of the IS Muskis in person. And it almost to impossible to have everyone meet up unless we all attend the same AIESEC conference.

left to right: me, Janaka (Sri Lanka), Kiko (AI VPIS 06/07), Abhishek (AI GIS Manager 06/07) at International Congress 2005 India

This are some of the IS Muskis that I've met in my whole 2 years. The two others that I've met are Divyang (India) and Eduardo (Peru and IBM Intern with AIESEC UKM). And the others I've only seen them in photos in the IS Muskis community and on MSN. It would be great if one day I could meet each and everyone of them in person.

So what's the advantages of being an IS Muskis? One thing for sure is that you are given special privilledges/admin rights on all the AIESEC IS platforms which includes AIESEC.net communities, AIESEC.net email, Insight XP etc. Just imagine that you are the moderator to every single AIESEC.net communities there is and able to access everything on Insight XP. Well, with much power, comes much responsibilities! Like I shouldn't go around messing up the forms in Insight XP or else my admin rights will be taken away. However, with all these admin rights, I've learned how the IS platforms work together and how they could be improve in the near future.

On a weekly basis, I would need to fight bugs on the bugtrackers. This means that I would need to solve user request/bugs about the IS platforms. Usually I'm more interested in the Email & Insight XP bugtracker as the bugs are easier to solve. Besides that I'm also involved in team projects from time to time. Some of the projects which I was involved in are the AIESEC.net Help Centre (www.aiesec.net/support), communities clean up, testing "SALENTUS" (our new Database Server with ORACLE 10G) and many others. I've also had the opportunity to lead projects like the IS Mukis for Dummies guide, which is a guidebook for new IS Muskis to learn the art of fighting bugs. Currently I'm leading a team working on the Global IS Training Materials project. You would be seeing promotional banners and emails soon about this project.

Being on this team has definetely given me a chance to get connected with young people all around the world. And now I have a group of friends from more than 20 different countries today. So if you want to have similar experiences that I've got; then apply to be on a Global Support Team today!

Cheers for UTCC!!!

2006-06-22T19:30:00.001+08:00

This is taken from University of the Thai Chamberce of Commerce, UTCC.

Female condom demo....most people still dont really know much about it. don't mistaken the crowd as all girls....

Show your support!

AIESEC members from UTCC

If we have the mood to SS...dat's a good news!

Roadshow

2006-06-22T19:30:00.000+08:00

The pics shall speak for itself!
Taken from Thammasat and Chulalongkorn Uni.

Thammasat Uni

Chulalongkorn Uni

Hanging in there!!! Making use of whatever can be done up till the last minute.

2 Boards and a Human Filling

2006-06-11T01:39:00.000+08:00

.......???

another blog coming from me in Bangkok.

yeah... there hasnt been anything really big in a while. only really small meetings where we meet up with the LC Central Bangkok OC team to discuss further on the project and going out to buy materials in Chinatown (psst, good place to buy really darn cheap fashion acccesories!), my discussion with the AIESEC members from University of the Thai Chambers of Commerce (UTCC) since I'm staying with one of them, Pheung. No idea what the guys do though...

apart from that, we took yesterday to do our sandwich boards. as expected, not all the OC and representatives of other LC involved were present. Miw, Warn, Tie (pronounced Tee as in chor tai tee), Gig, Suang, Win and the 3 of us were preparing the boeards at Bangkok University, Rangsit campus. it's in the next province, Pathum Thani, not too far from Pui's place. we decided to get the work done there as BU is the first location of our roadshow. i hope the next time, Thailand time don't end up as "Malaysian time"! probably due to the fact as it's far away from central Bangkok, but that shouldnt happened. was checking out the girls as they're dressed in various black skirts (mostly in really short ones) and snugly-fitting shirts. i know... but the guys were like all in baggy pants and Japanese long hair-styled which was not inviting! LOL!!!

Work started out really slow. must be the scorching heat or overexcess of exhaust fumes from the buses that stop at the Rest Area 1 (highly populated with students as it's opposite the cafateria). they also had the linked carriage, those that you see going around in the zoo. Kinda cool eh?

pace started picking up about really much later when we got the hang of it. We're using stickers by the way, so there was a lot of errors and correcting (I call it sticker reconstruction... sounds like plastic surgery!). by the time it was dark and the mossies starting swarming over the place, the work was done! phew.... the plastic stickers weren't easy... but at least we can pull them out and redo.

by this time, there are still work to be done and oversee. mainly information-wise. one cannot expect the members here to do things as good and fast as the work done by the members back home. University term just started a week ago and members are also busy with the recruitment drive. and also other complicating issues with the foundation of the members about AIESEC. Nevertheless, things will work out eventually albiet really last minute. everyone learns from errors, right?

that's all for now. hopefully things will turn out ok at BU this coming wednesday, 14 June. Until then!!

Hutang Aku Dengan dotwrite (aka My Debt With dotwrite)

2006-05-26T23:19:00.000+08:00

(Warning : Contents of an alumni's mushy ramblings up ahead:P)

Late last year I was invited to be a guest writer on dotwrite by Ren Chang, and he asks that I write about the Sunnybears, this crazy bunch of AIESECer friends that I have (better known as the Youthopia 2005 OCs) , and to write about the "special bond" that exists between us bears, which I believe he finds quite inspiring :P

Well for past few months I have been seeing emails recruting newies to join the dotwrite team to replace the "old geezers", one of them being Ren Chang himself :P.

So yeah, I figured it's about time I fulfilled my promise ya? (Nope, Ren Chang I havent forgotten..:P)

I've actually put off writing about the Sunnybears, because simply speaking, I don't think there is any amount of writing that can do justice to the bond that we have. Our friendship, though definitely strengthened and sealed as lifelong friendship by the time we spent on Youthopia, definitely did not start with Youthopia itself. All of us already knew each other in AIESEC for at least 3 years prior to being in the OC, grew up and build up AIESEC in UTM together, saw AIESEC in UTM almost being disbanded and saw it being declared full status together, and when finally we were given the honour of hosting NLDS in UTM for the first time ever, everything fell into place, and I don't think that any of us in the team ever doubted that we WILL be one of the people who made Youthopia the event to remember.

And what a team it was. With personalities so diverse and different, we could have easily turned into just another group with little divided cliques in them. But in our own dysfunctional way, we melded and made it work :)

I guess the moment that it really hit, what an absolutely great team I was in, was on the Opening Dinner of Youthopia itself. Unlike pretty much every other AIESEC event that I have been to, the Opening Dinner went so smoothly that we had around half an hour extra time before we could announce the time to break the fast and have dinner. With all the introductions, speeches and lucky draw said and done, Megat and I (the emcess) were getting all panicky and stuck at how to pass the extra 30 minutes. As we were showing the sponsors' video (thought of at the spur of the moment), we went backstage to discuss what to do next with two other OCs, Wei Ling and Jinn Kae. After some hurried conversations, we decided on showing a short documentary Megat has made, and as the four of us stood there looking at each other hoping so much that we won't screw up the Opening Dinner...

...we hugged.

A really spontaneous, warm, we're-in-this-together-hug.

I think any lesser team would have started pointing fingers at each other and curse and say things like "You didn't plan this well enough!" or "How come you don't have Plan B!"...but we resolved it with a hug:)

But that was more than year ago.

Now, most of us have gone our separate ways, found jobs, gone on traineeship..pretty much established a routine "adult" life. Though we don't see each other as much as we used to (during Youthopia days we were constant makan amd mamak companions :P), being geographically apart and all that, we still are, and will remain...the Sunnybears :).

It's the kind of friendship that you can easily pick up where you left off... When we meet again, the inside jokes are still familiar, the reactions and facial expressions are still as you remembered...the only difference is that our stories are richer, our views wider, and hopefully, our love and appreciation for each other's friendship, stronger.

When we were still members in AIESEC, we alwasy ask our alumni, "How has AIESEC helped shaped your career?," "How has AIESEC helped you achieve the success you have today?" And they will always give some standard AIESEC textbook answers like "It helped me develop my communication skills etc etc etc....":P

For me, as a young alumni still struggling to find my place in the less than ideal working world ( a far cry from AIESEC where there ARE people genuinely trying to make the world a better place), I cannot say for sure AIESEC has given me that much of an edge skills/capabilities-wise...

...but what I CAN say for sure is that, whenever I get discouraged and start feeling frustrated at what a screwed-up world it is, all I have to do is lift my head up and stare at the picture tacked on my cubicle wall, of a bunch of smiling youths in white shirts and blue jeans...

...and I know that there is still a lot, a lot, A LOT, of good in this world :)

"What more can you ask for from 4 years of love and labour in an organization, than the knowledge that you have in return, something that might possibly...last? A warmth that will stay with you your whole lifetime..."

Different Cultures

2006-05-26T19:45:00.000+08:00

Or why tricking interns is so much fun.

On the last night of Intergration Week, we had dinner with all the trainees at Chop and Steak, near Serdang. We were divided into two tables, since the interns actually arrived first, and when the OCs arrived, they had practically finished eating and were just chatting over the empty dishes.

Of course, there were several interns who followed us. Among them were Sundus, the intern from Pakistan. She was seated beside me, chatting with Yuen Hwa. I wasn't really paying much attention to the both of them till I felt a slight pinch on my arm. Turning towards her, she quickly looked at Yuen Hwa. But you could tell she did it.

Here's what happened next.

William : You know, in Malaysia, if you pinch a guy in the arm it means you must marry him.

(A blatant lie. But that's the fun part about mixing with interns)

Sundus: O_O;;;

Yuen Hwa : Uh-huh. It's the truth.

W: I don't really want to marry you, but custom is custom.

S: You must be lying.

YH: (Getting into the act) It's the truth. If you don't believe us, ask Leong Tat.

Leong Tat is the OCP for MIRACLE, and most interns to believe what he says.

W: Yo, Leong Tat. If a girl pinches a guy in the arm, she must marry him, right?

LT : Yes. Local custom. That's why we don't pinch each other.

S : But I pinched several guys already in Malaysia!

Edwin decided to get into the act.

E: But you pinched him in front of so many people here! Got evidence already.

I think she really bought it, cause she was a little panicky.

LT : Sorry I didn't tell you about this sooner.

W: Well, custom. So it looks like we have to get married soon.

E: We finally have a permanent match in MIRACLE!

S: But I can't marry him! You're only a small boy.

You have no idea how much my ego was bruised by this.

I have no idea how the conversation ended, but this was what I remembered. So remember. Tricking interns may be fun, but being called a small kid isn't.

A MIRACLE indeed

2006-05-26T16:17:00.000+08:00

You'll be motivated for sure!

I remember grinning sarcastically when Moses smsed me this line. I was in a camp in Kuala Kangsar, and missed the first day of Intergration Week for MIRACLE 2006. 15 interns from around the world would be in UPM, and the first week would be teaching them the finer points about culture and custom in Malaysia.

Of course, I was dead tired. The camp I was in was boring, and must have killed off 50% of my brain cells. I seriously doubt that anything would motivate me except 3 days of R&R, not interacting with international interns.

Moses, it would seem, would prove me wrong.

Intergration Week was, for a lack of better term, a miracle. We had fun with interns, interns had fun with us, they learned about our culture, and we also learned about theirs.

It wasn't a job. It was a holiday of sorts with friends in UPM. True, we had to work to prepare the food, the ceremonies, and made sure that the interns were as happy as a happy intern could be. But it was worth it. From taking a bunch of wide-eyed foreigners out to the local pasar malam and look at delight when they tried bargaining and eating the various types of food, so see them cook food from their native countries, it was both an entertaining and educational experience.

But perhaps the best part of it all was when all 15 interns walked into an OC meeting one day, all serious and all.

And then, the chanted.

"We love you, OCs, we do.
We love you, OCs, we do.
We love you, OCs, we do.
Ocs, we love you."

You kinda feel like a proud mom or dad when they said that, and it really touched the hearts of all the OCs in the room.

Of course, just typing it here can't really help do any justice to the magic that happened during those 10 days. To know more about it, come on over to the MIRACLE Youth Conference on the 5th to 9th June 2006 at UPM.

We'll be waiting with open arms.

William, signing out.

Discussion with UNESCO

2006-05-25T00:42:00.000+08:00

this is a follow up from what was planned during NPC. we had a discussion with UNESCO's hiv/aids department, together with other NGOs like PATH and another organization which also deals with hiv/aids.

it was a long way to Sukhumvit Road area. other than us trainees and the hosting MC, Pui and Christina, the members from LC Central Bangkok - Joy, Warn, Miw; LC Northern's Watt and LC Eastern Bangkok's Win were also there.

anyway, the discussion before lunch was totally alien to me. the OC team were further getting opinions from the NGO people and also better ideas to support our pbox. everything was in Thai, so that left us malaysians a little bored.

above: the complete alien session.....

below: the discussion group

after lunch, it was us AIESECers turn to further brainstorm. we were allowed to use the meeting room unsupervised as the UNESCO people had to return to their work and the people from other NGOs had left. we made lots of noise at one time....laughing away at some crazy ideas. whereas at some point... we were all dead silent, racking our heads away.

we had this idea, using the concept of a traffic light. Red - with the exclamation symbol. Orange/Yellow - condom. Green - the male-female symbol. the tagline - Wait, Wear, Wow. lol...up to you to interpret that rad idea.

outside the UNESCO building. and CH being so proud next to the sign.

will be meeting up again this weekend for another update session and facilitating training. Tomorrow is Eit's birthday, the VP General for LC EB. we will be celebrating with a few more @ers and other people. till then!

oh... and dont expect the other two trainees to blog. "we share the same experience" - CH.
I'd say they're just lazy to get it done. i mean, come on.... i have to keep things for them everything we go out just because i carried my bagpack!

whaddya think....??

National Planning Congree 2006

2006-05-23T17:29:00.000+08:00

Aiesec in thailand has reached a step to greater heights with the recently ended National Planning Congress or NPC 2006.

NPC is very similar to Natcon, where the LCs are up to planning for major projects in the LC and among all the LCs. the 2 main pbox are on hiv/aids and entrepreneurship.

not all the members from each LC were present for the NPC. thus it resulted to a number attended to a regular AG! yup.... that much. @ in Thailand also have issues of members retention which also played part of the total number present. nevertheless, that did not stop the member from putting their effort for the conference.

at the same time, there was also a Rainbow Club with their activity at the lower floor of the training house building. it was indeed a cultural shock to see a fairly large group of gays and ladyboys! yup.... its a club for male homosexuals and transgender. kinda freaky for me as we dont see such situation in malaysia!

apart from all the planning of the pbox, other highlights were the election of the new MCP which went to Pui, who is also the sole candidate. the MCICX who is coming to her 5th year has been very active in @ Thailand. Congrats to Pui!

we not only worked hard but also played hard. there was food sculling and act-out-passing-message during Party Time on the last night. you might wanna check out the pics at the link. there was also a punishment for late comers on the last day, where they have to lie down. a coin is placed on the navel and the person next to you have to hug-roll to pass the coin over. not my kind of idea of punishment but gotta be sporting.... although i was early but went out to take water and was caught being 'late'. sorry... no pics for that on my cam.

With the major planning done, more work will be on the way with the members here. and that include us trainees to oversee and give more ideas. there will be an outing sometime soon for the members and us... but have yet to finalize the details.

that's all for the moment. dont really see the need to blog every nitty gritty detail here anyway. check out my blog for a finer snoops =p

now...if only i can upload the MVI somewhere online!

new arrival

2006-05-19T17:25:00.000+08:00

the third trainee, Hon Choong from LCUM has just arrived. well, back in Pui's place actually. Chung Heng and I went to the airport to pick him up as Pui and Christina were meeting with an external today.

NPC starts tomorrow. christina will be briefing us on our roles for the 3-day conference tonight.

and even all taxis are either toyota altis or corolla... we came back from the airport with a car that is not a toyota.

signing off!

Discussion on roll

2006-05-18T19:21:00.000+08:00

Had three meeting with the OCP of the HIV/AIDS project, Miw, at Pui's place. things are going on smoothly albeit slow. better than nothing anyway. guess it's due that most of the members in Thailand are not really exposed to the work in AIESEC.

Initially i thought that the project will be exactly the same at what had been done in Malaysia. well.... not exactly for the case here. in malaysia, the concept was to focus on educating the youth on HIV/AIDS as the youths there are not exactly sure of the basic info. let alone talking about taboo issues like safe sex.

it's a different case here in thailand. the youths are actually educated on the issue in schools like during elemetary and high school. although it isnt exactly what you can say that they are expert in the fields, but at least they learned it constantly in school unlike malaysia. however, the uprising problem is that they are not really concern about it. or rather the tidak apa attitude that the youths have when in come to sexual relationships.

perhaps its the mindset that they think they will not get it. they have multiple partners to certain cases and practising safe sex doesnt seem to be like an importance. so for this project, the focus is on getting the youths to be more concern of the possibility of contracting HIV with unsafe sex. try to overcome the tidak apa mindset.

now.. that's gonna be hard. i mean, hey.... we malaysians have the tidak apa character when it come to being a civic-minded person in the society. but it boils down to the individual. we can tell them and with the hope to influence them. it's up to them to decide.

this weekend is the NPC. there will be a presentation to the members of the project and further changes and stuff before finalizing.project will kick off in the 2nd week of june. that's not much time. and i really hope the rest of the OCs will get the work done in time. there's also an issue among the members in thailand...due to the lack of exposure and yet to understand about AIESEC and retaining them. it is a challenge. but with the help of the MCs, hopefully things will work out.

communication is still a barrier of getting full cooperation from the 5 OC members. only Miw is able to work easier with.

i still cant imagine our own LC Malaysia members having meetings in places like Starbucks. that's what it's like here! man...all we can afford with the most noise is at mamaks!!!!

Sawadeeka from thailand!

2006-05-12T22:25:00.000+08:00

hey there!

chungheng and i have reached bangkok at 9.30pm malaysian time. kinda forgot that thailand is an hour behind malaysia. so that makes 8.30pm here.

currently at one of the @er's house. have yet to take dinner. Tum, the MCP, have ordered pizza. I'll just eat anything right now.... food adventure will start later when im settled down.

well.. nothing much to say at the moment. will update more on the ongoings of the HIV AIDS project later!!

btw... LCCT.... seriously low cost. until there were no seats around also. have to sit on the floor!!!

Transition time again...

2006-04-20T20:31:00.000+08:00

It seemed not too long ago when I sat down with Fook Ming at McDonald’s in Sungai Dua for my LCP transition… now, it will be my turn to sit down with Kah Heng (Kaheng), my successor, in a few days’ time for HIS transition… gosh, time does fly, clichéd as it may sound.

I came across some transition documents handed down to me also by Fook a few weeks ago as I was clearing out my room in Desa Universiti, preparing to go home for good. Just thought I’d share some of the info i got from those documents here, some bits and pieces of interesting transition knowledge, for the benefit of anyone reading this blog who may be about to undergo the transition process soon.

Here goes.

The objectives of transition are to ensure continuity in directions, objectives, and goals of various departments towards the goals of the LC and the organization as a whole. The current EBs are to play a role of influence and guidance while transferring skills, knowledge and attitudes in preparing the elects to take over the management.

Broadly, there are two types of transitions, i.e. functional transition and personal transition. Transition happens in stages, e.g. old board to new board as a whole, and then one-to-one which is between VP and VP elect, LCP and LCP elect.

Functional transition happens when the elects are explained to in detail, their job role and function, as well as responsibilities. Personal transition will then cover the overall department SWOT and OGSM, as well as planning together for the new term so that the elect will have a rough idea how to proceed from that point onwards. Also, it is crucial that the elect has a rough idea of what he or she would like to do or achieve in his or her term before the whole elect team sits together to plan. During personal transition also, it is necessary for the successor and his or her predecessor to analyze what are the skills or knowledge needed for the successor to perform his or her role efficiently, and it is the responsibility of the elect to utilize the semester break to equip himself or herself with these necessary skills.

During transition, it is necessary to practice the following :
Ø maintaining an open atmosphere among both parties (current and new team) – e.g. be frank about the mistakes that were made and suggest ways in which these situations could have been avoided
Ø both parties should be excited about the transition process because it contributes towards the future development of the LC
Ø there should be a sort of continuity between the two terms, to build upon the good and improve upon the weak
Ø sufficient knowledge needs to be acquired before or immediately after transition – before; to ensure that the elect is clear what is being transitted, and after; to find out or clarify any doubts which were not clarified during the transition process, and to build upon the existing understanding.

Some questions that need to be asked during the transition process would ideally include :
- What activities did the LC do in the past term?
- What were the significant achievements? What did they do right?
- What were the disappointments? What did they not do right?
- What are the biggest challenges for the LC in the coming term?
- What will the LC’s focus be?
- What needs to be changed in the LC, and how are we going to do it?

These are just some pretty basic guides; I’m sure each LC has their own transition materials to facilitate a proper transition process! To end this entry, I’d just like to post up the list of elects for LC USM.

President : Chua Kah Heng, Cedric
VP External Relations : Shobee Nair
VP Admin : Koo Jin Sheng
VP People Development : Kenny Lee Chia Sern
VP Exchange : Michael Peter Foo Wong Theam

Director of ER : Warda Sheikh Jaffar
Director of Admin : Yong Ming Fung
Director of PD : Desmond Ong Kean Chuan, Cindy Lim Tze Yan, Evelyn Augustin
Director of OGX : Tan Sze Yan
Director of ICX : Stefan Dawson

I wish them all the very best.

AIESEC USM's ADND

2006-04-03T10:00:00.000+08:00

*chorus*

AIESEC USM memang hebat

Kami semua satu keluarga

Banyak pengalaman telah dipelajari

Susah dan senang kami lalui.

Malam Mesra, kami resah

Sampai sana tak tau buat apa

Sekejap gendang, sekejap square dance

Ia baik untuk lepas tekanan

Boleh juga kita langsingkan badan.

Bukit Bendera kami daki

LLDS untuk tiga hari

Sampai sana sakit kaki

Malam hari takut monkey

The experience tidak dapat kami lupai.

NLDS kesian kami

Setiap hari temgok muka Bonnie

Sampai sana sungguh busy

Sibuk buaya membuayai

Walau letih, kami tetap happy.

Oh BUDAYA, sungguh busy

Setiap hari, kat foyer DTSP

Budak Jepun datang menari

Nyonya tua pun join sekali

Malam ini sangat berhistory.

ADND di Shangri-La

Harganya sampai potong kepala

Junior semua memang hebat

Ramai-ramai berdikir barat

Semua senior jangan jealousla.

This basically sums up the term in a nutshell... simply *had* to share the lyrics here...*grin* Anyways, dikir barat at ADND? It's something different, but nonetheless it was a good show. Here's a group photo of us at ADND. Cool setting eh?

Technology in our day to day lives - Microsoft Online Dialogues series

2006-03-16T02:30:00.000+08:00

The Microsoft Online Dialogues series is an innovative Learning Networks partnership, bringing together the experience and perspective of a technology industry leader, and the power of AIESEC's Learning Networks Platform. The new topic in this series, Technology in our day to day lives, is one in which all AIESEC'ers can benefit from participating. So what exactly is this topic all about?

"Organisations like Microsoft and Google are under tremendous pressure to abide by government ruling in various countries. Yahoo is being questioned over revealing identities of its users. E-bay is being accused of selling more fakes on the internet than any other site. Instant messaging is being used to introduce handy computerised robots to help learn the way you work and adapt to your lifestyle. Where do you fit into this picture? How do these facts have an impact on you? "

The importance and relevance of technology in our day to day lives is ever increasing and can be ignored by a rare few. Living in a world driven by technology at every step, we need to keep pace with it, look at, discuss and evaluate the different faces of technology. A dialogue on the theme of Technology in our Day to Day Lives is going to explore various aspects of technology, which evolve at a rapid pace and are often responsible to create benchmarks in tech history. Given below is a sneak peek at the topics we are going to focus upon during this phase of the dialogues:

" Social Networking
" Blogging
" Instant Messaging

And much more!! So get ready to experience some of the most intriguing discussions you have come across on AIESEC.net, only on the Microsoft Online Dialogues Forum! If you or your LC members want to get involved in this topic, then:

1. Download and read the "Technology in our day to day lives" dialogue starter package
2.heck out the blog at: http://spaces.msn.com/msonlinedialogues
3. Post your thoughts on the Microsoft Online Dialogues forum, on the Corporate Responsibility IG community.

Would you like to know more about the Microsoft Online Dialogues Series? Contact the Project Manager, Harjeet Kumar - harjeet@gmail.com

Malam BUDAYA - a photo entry

2006-03-14T13:16:00.000+08:00

Here's some photos from Malam BUDAYA... it was a great night! Thanks to Melvin, Christine, Alan, Geraline, Jamie and Chao who came...meant a lot to me!

The emcees, Christopher and Aishah

Getting ready...

Look who came!!! *grin*
Kaheng and Chao

Cindy, Belinda and Edwin at the control room

One half of the backdrop

The other half

Nyonya ladies from the Penang Peranakan Society

YB Teng Chang Yeow giving the officiation speech

Souvenir presentation - Thanks for coming! :D

Members of AIESEC USM doing the Haka

Sokka Gakkai performing a Mongolian dance

AIESECers are multi-talented!

Japanese exchange students perfoming the Soran Bushi

What's an AIESEC event without square dances? :D

Dinner for two. (Or things that I wished)

2006-03-13T15:14:00.000+08:00

It was a cold Wednesday evening when I was staring at my table. It looked like a hurrican had just went pass the area, and there was barely enough place to put the three books I had borrowed from the library for my assignment.

Not to mention that under all that debris was part of the assignment itself.

Well, staring wouldn't accomplish much, but stared at the thing I did, hoping that there was some miracle that my mind would suddenly move all the papers and files and plastic bags into neat, ordinary piles.

So it was a long shot.

After about 3 minutes of staring, my phone started to ring. Thankful that something had interrupted me from my staring, I picked it up and looked at the message.

Are you hungry? Want to go out for dinner?

-Rachael

My heart skipped. Dinner? With Rachael?

This was too good to be true. Images as (only) the two of us sitting at a table, joking as we had dinner over a candlelight with the beautiful moon overhead...

My mind mentally slapped me again, waking me up from my daydream.

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I replied here sms, saying that it would be my pleasure. Putting on a pair of jeans and a simple shirt, headed to the front of the college and waited for the Princess in Shining Armor to arrive. Except that the shining armor would be the Perodua Kancil that Rachael drives, and that she isn't really royalty.

It was drizzling lightly when she arrived, and after picking me up we went over to K 14 to pick up Por. Instantly my dreams for a romantic candlelight dinner were dashed, and even more so when Rachael said we would be picking up Boon Jiann and Anne, his trainee from Holland for the HIV LN that LC UPM was running.

Picking all the other people up, it was decided that Anne would be introduced to Malay food. We drove up to a malay restaurant near UPM which specialised in huge glasses of fruit juices. There, we meet Nicole and Iqbal, two other AIESECers who were already finishing their dinner but decided to continue and hang out with us.

There was laughter and excited discussion all around, with us talking about everything from the weather to preparation of alcoholic drinks and putting lime in your eyes and snorting salt. Anne also got to taste Nasi Goreng and Nasi Lemak, Malaysian style. Apart from that, I also learned that drinking apple+starfruit+orange juice does not kill you, but tastes quite good instead.

It was fun all around, and although not a candlelight dinner, was still an awesome way to procrastinate and not do work.

Of course, going back to my room and still having my disaster-area table untidy was painful, but that's a different story.

SAC vs Midsem

2006-02-25T21:48:00.000+08:00

“The topic of your PowerPoint will be on the festivals in Malaysia.”

I calculated the time that I need to prepare my presentation. It was already Tuesday. I was to have my midsem exams on the coming Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Lots of reading to do. And heck, I still need time to search for materials online to be used for the presentation. And SAC was scheduled to be on Saturday.

I may have just enough time to prepare the slides. But how on earth am I going to read 5 chapters for each paper due the following week?! To make things worse, my VP insisted that I should not delay my SAC and to get it done that Saturday. *sigh*

Die also die-la.

I was informed who were the panelists. Right…. knowing who they are, I wondered if it was to my advantage or disadvantage.

Leaving college on Saturday afternoon, I arrived at the Pusat Mahasiswa pretty early. As the AIESEC room was shifted a week before from the previous place, Faculty of Economics and Management, it’s really interesting to know how the SAC is going to be conducted in a building where most clubrooms are.

Everyone soon arrived, with the VP as the last arrival by the time the panelists and 3 potential SNs did our so-called Round Table Discussion. Without wasting anymore time, we started off with the actual discussion in the student lounge. Quite comfortable with the couch and the informal atmosphere. Less tension.

Once again, AIESECers showed to be something that human have a hard time to avoid – making an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me’ – assumptions. Accurate facts are essential and boy, we definitely need to read more on general issues. And if possible, keep them in mind!

Next were the PowerPoint presentation and personal interview in the AIESEC room itself. The VPHR was wondering how we managed to conduct the session in a room which is in a mess when she found out. Anyway, the interview was not of something I expected, to be pretty much informal and somewhat a chit-chat-get-to-know-your-views kind of thing. IMHO, sitting in front of Jason Wong and Ah Beng… anything can happen =p but they did once again corrected the mistakes each of us did and informed us on things we need to know about the internship.

Anyway, we passed the SAC (banzai!) and proceeding on to the rest of payment and keying in the forms. Hey, I AM a step nearer for an exchange and to see the world out there.

Keeping my fingers crossed for a match.
More importantly, scrape a pass for my midsem exams!

Family Day Out

2006-02-23T20:01:00.000+08:00

LC USM had a Family Day Out on Tuesday, the last day of the mid-semester break. We went for a hike at the Tropical Spice Garden in Teluk Bahang, and then adjourned to the beach near Crowl Jewel Hotel for games and a BBQ. It was a fun day out, even though it raied - we square danced in the rain, and they threw me into the sea. *sigh* Even LCPs do get bullied sometimes... :D

My members and me!

A Tsunami Memorial

Really lah...

A giant swing (and giants ;p)

Ssome cool plant

Budak bandar like me... seldom see these kind of things

The VPs can do almost everything...

Setting up the bbq (check out David's new look)

The beach at Crown Jewel Hotel, Batu Feringghi

Sorry no photos of what happened after that... all too busy eating. :D

Larry in Thailand

2006-02-15T15:16:00.000+08:00

This is our SN Larry Tan who is currently in Phang Nga, Thailand on his Development Traineeship. His job is primarily to help rebuild the lives of the villagers who were affected by the 2004 Tsunami. Among the tasks he does is to teach the village children, as well as to help build the physical amenities and buildings which were destroyed in the disaster. Here are some photos which he has sent us.

Larry and one of his many 'wives' :D

The living conditions

Some of Larry's fellow trainees

Occupational hazards :D

MC Team Days

2006-02-15T14:30:00.000+08:00

Besides working in the AIESEC Malaysia office in PJ, the MC team also have go out to relax. After the MC Elections recently, we hang out at a Karaoke lounge in Subang. Catch your MCs in karaoke action.

A Very SNRD Story

2006-02-13T14:22:00.000+08:00

I paused as I scanned the crowd. There she was. She caught my eyes in an instant. Like a living goddess, she stood out from the crowd.

Instantly, my palms became sweaty. Butterflies flew in my stomach, and I was cold all over.

What are you waiting for? Go!

I nodded to my inner self before I started to walk towards her. As I made my way against the crowd, my eyes examined her even more. She looked young, beautiful, and amazingly fresh although it was so hot outside.

How do I start? What do I say?

"Excuse me," I said softly, trying to get her attention. It managed to do so. She turned towards me, her hair whipping as though it was in a Ginvera commercial. I could have swore white doves flew behind her as she turned to me. I managed to get a better look at her facial features. Beautiful black eyes and a small, pointed nose. Her cherry red lips parted slightly as she stared into my eyes.

"Yes?"

My heart pounded faster.

"Hi. My name is William."

I paused, my brain suddenly not working.

Snap out of it, you fool!

Shaking my head slightly as I mentally slapped myself, my focus returned as I looked directly into her eyes.

"I'm from AIESEC and we're running this program for..."

"Sorry," she smiles apologetically as she took several steps away from me. "I have classes now." And with that, she was gone.

I shook my head as I turned my gaze from her fleeing figure to the two others with me. Nicole could only shrug emphatically, the kind of shrug that said 'Hey, you tried your best. What else could you do?'. Moses, on the other hand, was already scanning the horizon for a target of his own.

I slouched as I walked back to the AIESEC booth.

Damn it. I was so close.

I turned around, and from the crowd a beacon of light appeared. It was as though the crowd parted, and I saw her.

Like a living goddess, she stood out from the crowd.

Instantly, my palms became sweaty. Butterflies flew in my stom......

There we go again....

1st Induction Conference

2006-02-09T12:46:00.000+08:00

On the 22nd of Jan 2006, Malaysia had its 1st ever Induction Conference. It was a 1 day conference for SNs-to-be to learn more about AIESEC & their traineeship. We had Jessie as chair, Anisha as MCX, Alp (Turkey) + Hannu (Finland) + Christian (Colombia) + Michelin (Phillipines) as trainees in Malaysia, and me as the returned trainee...all as facis. Later, we also had a few more guest (trainees) from countries such as Poland, France, US...etc.

We had a some ice-breaking games, introduction of AIESEC, lunch-break, sharing sessions, tea-break, as well as a Malaysian quiz session which included questions about Malaysia's history, sports, culture, and general knowledge.

At the end of the day, we had a 'farewell' party for Alp whom has left for Turkey recently right after Chinese New Year. The funny thing was since we didn't want Alp to know we were planning a party, we all communicated in bahasa Melayu for a short while so that all of us would know our roles. It was like decoding messages :) You can see Alp's face in the photo above, the one that has chocolate smudged all over his face!

Would you like to take part in an AIESEC internship?

by Cheok San San

Festival B.U.D.A.Y.A. 2006

2006-02-06T10:19:00.000+08:00

AIESEC USM welcomes Kai Yan Ng who arrived on the 4th of February from the Netherlands to help out with Festival B.U.D.A.Y.A. 2006. Festival B.U.D.A.Y.A. Originally from Malaysia, her family migrated to the Netherlands when she was just two months old, so understandably she is very excited to be here to experience for herself the true Malaysian culture. B.U.D.A.Y.A. is an acronym for Building Unity and Developing Awareness through Youths of AIESEC and is the second time LC USM is running this project.

Below are the details of Festival B.U.D.A.Y.A. 2006 :
Cultural Exhibition - 27th February – 3rd March 2006
Cultural Night - 4th March 2006

For enquiries or more details, please contact Project Director Angeline Leow (012 970 8621), OCP Cindy Wong (012 659 0386) or Publicity Director Tan Sze Ern (016 565 0931). Alternatively, look out for the promo emails on My Suara or check out the dotWrite blog (dotwrite.blogspot.com). LC USM looks forwards to hosting you at Festival B.U.D.A.Y.A. 2006!

(L-R) : TD Director Peter Neoh, Junior member Stefan Dawson, and trainee Kai Yan

It's all about EXCELLENCE!

2006-01-20T13:39:00.000+08:00

For the uninitiated, we as members of AIESEC in Malaysia actually have 8 Principles of Excellence which was conceived by the MidNatCon delegates at Youthopia (NLDS) UTM in 2004.

These principles are :
- Just Do It
- Clear and Transparent Communication
- Committed Til The End
- Passionate and Optimistic in Our Beliefs
- Sef-Driven Leadership
- Continuous Learning
- Success and Goal-Oriented
- Support and Coordination

Feel free to ask your VP HR or LCP about these 8 Principles if you haven't heard about it already. Alternatively, post your questions here!

Mamak - What's AIESEC got to do with it?

2006-01-20T13:00:00.000+08:00

Eh, tonight we go mamak, okay?
To many Malaysians, mamak stalls have simply GOT to be the best thing that ever happened to this country since Independence. It’s a unique dining experience, and it’s practically a way of life. So what is a mamak, exactly? A mamak is basically a term used to describe people of Indian-Muslim descent, originally from Madras. They first arrived in Malaysia in the early 19th century, and since then, have generally been accepted as part of our society and our culture. Along with their belongings on their backs, these mamak also brought with them their culinary skills, and most importantly, their diverse family recipes which we have all come to know and love… the murtabak, the roti, the teh tarik… but I digress. A mamak stall is not merely a food stall, nor a food outlet.

Mamak stalls play an integral role in our society these days… you will find mamak stalls wherever you go in Malaysia, be it in Petaling Jaya, Serdang, Sungai Dua, Bangi, Subang Jaya, or even Johor Bahru. These stalls can be found in the weirdest nooks sometimes. Under a tree, by the roadside, next to the monsoon drain, under a makeshift tent, on the five-foot ways and pavements. In fact, any space available and can accommodate tables and plastic stools can and will attract the attention of an enterprising mamak uncle. Some mamak stalls are open 24 hours a day, some only open at night. Yes, the cleanliness levels leave a lot to be desired sometimes, but you know what they say, the dirtier the surroundings, the better the food! (Well, that’s what we tell our trainees, anyway). The resilience of the mamak stall operators must be admired; you can bet that they’ll be back in business in a matter of days even though they have just been raided by the dewan bandaraya or majlis perbandaran for setting up their stall illegally.

Boss, teh tarik besar satu, kurang manis…
Let’s face it, the mamak stall is the poor man’s Starbucks. I only really started visiting mamak stalls when I arrived in Penang. For as far back as I can remember, since I was a young ciku in the AIESEC world, all our weekly sessions and other nightly activities always ended with a session at the mamak, a tradition of sorts which I look forward to continuing. These sessions are where ‘unofficial’ bonding takes place, a time when we can let all our inhibitions go, get to know our seniors, our peers, and our juniors better, and just be silly. It is not uncommon to see many tables joined together, and many people huddled around those tables with the dim light of the fluorescent lamps powered by electricity illegally tapped from the streetlights nearby. Enjoying their teh tarik, limau ais or milo ais in the half-darkness, the alumni dispense their ‘advice’ and ideas, while the seniors disseminate gossip, and the juniors hang on to every word. My seniors used to tell me that in AIESEC, one grows… not only intellectually and socially, but also physically… in the horizontal sense, I mean (explains my size!).

I find mamak stalls a good place to discuss issues, whether related to AIESEC, academics, relationships, or life in general. Many a brainstorming session has been held at the mamak as the relaxed atmosphere puts everyone at ease and that is when creative juices begin to flow (sometimes, a little bit TOO creative… J). It is not unusual either to have all the other patrons turn around and look at us when our sessions get a little too loud or raucous…we’re just dismissed as ‘oh, it’s the syiok sendiri AIESECers again.’

Powered by teh tarik
So what has been the whole point of this article, besides promoting mamak stalls? Well, let’s take a look at how the mamak phenomenon can be related back to some of the AIESEC principles of excellence. Firstly, mamak uncles are committed till the end, that is, until the end of your mamak session. They keep coming back to your table and continue asking if you would like another glass of teh, another helping of nasi, … Then, they are passionate and optimistic, for even when it rains, their stalls are open, holding on to the belief that even though it is raining cats and dogs, the majority of the population will have to eat, anyway.

As for clear and transparent communication as well as support and coordination, mamaks have a unique code for writing down your orders, clear enough to be understood by their fellow stall operators to be able to deliver your exact order, down to the kurang manis, kurang ais, tarik lebih, tak mahu gula… Success and goal oriented here points to how they are all out to make you part with your last dollar in exchange for that tempting glass of frothy teh tarik, and make you come back again, and again, and again. Self-driven leadership and continuous learning refers to the mamak’s constant drive to improve their menu by coming up with unique and innovative creations to tempt your tastebuds. Ever heard of roti burger, roti Merdeka, roti Komtar, roti Alaska, roti Korea? No? Well, come to Penang.

Just do it…the only thing I can think of with relations to this principle is the culture of going to the mamak to watch football with fellow footy aficionados! Only because Just Do It happens to be the brand of the balls these 22 grown men are kicking. But then again, Just do it… aiya, let’s go mamak lah!

2005-12-20T10:25:00.000+08:00

When Ren Chang and I were brainstorming in the AIESEC Malaysia HQ in PJ State the day before The Chieftains' Meet on which direction to take the Brand Communication Task Force in the coming half-term, we somehow got talking about the topic of LC and MC blogs around the world, and thus, the idea of starting a dotWrite blog was born. Initially, we were skeptical... how effective was the blog going to be in terms of achieving the Task Force's objectives, what was the content going be like, who is going to be responsible for its upkeep and management, and also how sure are we of its continuity?

In the past half-term, the Task Force was involved in the profiling of several outstanding senior AIESECers, past Executive Board members, and also successfully organized an essay-writing competition for new, current and past members of AIESEC in Malaysia called VOICES. The next half-term will see the recruitment of newbies to join this Task Force and to hopefully, ensure continuity of this initiative which was conceived at the previous National Convention (NatCon) in Universiti Putra Malaysia last June. Currently, there are five dotWriters, namely myself occupying the position of Chair, Ren Chang as MC in charge, Vivian Tan (LC UUM), Lau Chao Ching (LC UPM) and Kee Wei Yak (LC USM).

Anyhow, the idea for a blog was further developed, and here it is! The whole purpose of this blog is basically another communication platform for AIESEC in Malaysia, albeit a more informal one... besides hosting materials that are the outputs of the Task Force's activities, this blog will be used for informal announcements, LC as well as MC updates, and other bits of relevant info and will be of interest to members which the Task Force sees fit to be published here.

Definitely, we're looking for participation from members of AIESEC in Malaysia on suggestions as well as feedback on how you would like to see this blog being utilized, and what you would like to read in terms of content. Feel free to email either myself (tan.jillyn@aiesec.net) or Ren Chang (renchang.soo@aiesec.net) with your input, which will be useful for us to carry out our tasks more effectively. Do leave comments also, and leave your mark on the chatterbox provided!

A very Merry Xmas to all of you, and here's wishing you a blessed New Year too!

Better, better, everyday.

Better, better, every way.

- Norman Vincent Peale