Sunway Alumni Homecoming FamFest (11/10/2025)

 When we think about alumni homecoming events, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it all the glitz and glam at the traditional gala with a big ticket? Well, this is about to change your perception on homecoming events. This time, The Sunway Alumni breaks tradition with a fun-fair theme - it's the Sunway Alumni Homecoming FamFest! I already knew about the event during my last visit to campus but at that time I didn't know I was going to make to the homecoming. Last year, I didn't make it, I was really upset of missing it. 

Not now, not today! After my mummy dropped me off, I head to the Career Hub at the university foyer and the first thing is to head for the Coca-Cola! I wait for Ren Khai's arrival. Once Ren Khai arrived, we head to the registry counter to get my ticket scanned and it's off to the game station! The first stop is the Quack Attack - the players have to use a nerf gun to shoot as many duckies as you can but unfortunately the ducks didn't get knock over. Ren Khai and I even get some photos of each other.

The Quack Attack, give me the nerf gun!

I didn't get a strike, still managed to get some pins down.

Ren Khai trying his hands on the Quack Attack.

The next stop is table top bowling - instead of the regular blowing - this game you have to toss to have a strike. I didn't get a strike but manage to knock down a few pins, I think. Moving on, we head to the Amazing Race - a team of five - and I'm lucky to be invited by a few alumni to be on their team. The first question is easy - which SDG is targeted to lifelong education? Well, this has to be related ton my day-job, if I don't get this right, I don't know what to say. The answer is just right above us. It's SDG 4: Quality Education! 

We take photo at the iconic I ❤️SU logo as part of the challenge, follow by the Sunbirds near the Lecture Theatres - we spread our wings like we're flying! Reminds me of Westlife's very first single - Flying Without Wings - from their self-titled album.

We go on Hunger Games full mode with archery! My teammates got a hold of it while I'm struggling to get the bow and arrow right, I'm lucky to have a patient instructor to guide me all the way through and I manage to shoot it! 

The games are all fun, it's time to have a rest at Fresco - the university's canteen. I bump into Mr. Tee - who is the teacher advisor of the Sunway University Buddhist Society (SBS). He asks whether I come back to campus often. "Yeah, my last visit was just last month for an alumni mini-event," I say. Ren Khai even reveals that if any recording that is happening on campus, he'll invite me over to have a look because we both share the same interests in the Malaysian singers in the entertainment industry. "You are very lucky to have a friend like Ren Khai, do appreciate," says Mr. Tee. I'll definitely appreciate the people around me.

Sunway University Buddhist Society's teacher advisor - Mr. Tee.

We also have a chat with the lecturers at Fresco too. Not long after that, we head back to the main stage for a lucky draw. I didn't get anything on the lucky draw but at least the luckiest day is able to attend the homecoming event.

After all the fun, we headed to a Japanese restaurant near campus to fill up the tummies. Jason, Ethel, Elyssa are waiting for me and Ren Khai. They are just about to order the food. We chatted a lot on our interest and the courses we studied in university and on campus. Little did I know, Ethel and Elyssa are my juniors of the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY). 

Lunch time with a Japanese meal

To end the day, I drop by the library to chill out. I'm looking forward to the next alumni event! Once a Sunwayian, always a Sunwayian.

Back to my favourite place 

大马好2025：《爱与和平》Love and Peace 演唱会（21/9/2025）

大马好 —— 由马来西亚佛光山举办两年一度的演唱会，其实我在十年前从学院同学——侞甜得知。当年十八的我还在探讨在雪隆区的佛学会，就说什么佛曲演唱会我可以去。但是因缘的不具足，我一直想要去，只能通过朋友的限时状态看 “直播”。 

在演唱会的前几天，我在 Instagram 的限时状态问谁还有《爱与和平》的演唱会入门票。怎知我在两年前认识的添旺师兄说他手上还有几张门票。我便要了三张，过后我去网上找演唱会的展示图。看来座位算是很靠近舞台。

虽然进场之前有一些小插曲，但我觉得有时事情可以以更成熟的方式处理而不是跟主办方起争执。七年前，我来到武吉加里尔看前国家羽球一哥—— 拿督斯里李宗伟的大马羽球公开赛；七年后是以不同的形式来看。在开场之前，司仪宣布演唱会的规则和安全事项。全体竖立唱国歌。

唱完国歌，司仪出来揭晓自己：“欢迎来到大马好2025 《爱与和平》演唱会！大家晚上好，我是今晚的主持人—— 叶剑锋！” 全场起轰！叶剑锋老师 —— 大马资深华语新闻主播之一啊！想不到可以见到他的本人！好啦，我们事不宜迟，现在进入演唱会的演出！

经典爱国歌曲 ——《Sejahtera Malaysia》由三大民族的可爱小朋友为演唱会拉开序幕，而三位都有上华文学校，在跟剑锋老师交流时候都以华语为主，当然也有混国语和英语。接下来的都是回到我的中学时代。Geraldine 颜慧萍出场给大家《好时光》在《Areana Chaya》！

我告诉你《如果那时候》可以回到《BFF》的时代呢？由歌手赵洁莹献唱，再次请 Gereldine 回到舞台给大家回忆杀！中三的我回到那个中学的青春时代！大马是个多元社会的过度，除了华语、国语和英语，那淡米尔语，怎样啊？还是在演唱会第一次听现场听淡米尔歌曲，Danny 许佳麟成为今晚大家的《这样的知己》。

大马网红 —— 培永和阿 Henn 以脱口秀来试试他们的 “友谊小船” ，真的能 “翻” 吗？我也不知道！哎，大家是不是觉得很累呢？车子带来的《我很累》，这样的话就不会那么累吧！累了，休息后，精神饱满可以《海阔天空》！蕾拉和大家见面啦！

大家熟悉的蒲公英合唱团给大家带来的《The Lonely Goatherd》和 《Try Everything》。好东西总是留在最后！大马资深兼佛光歌手—— 黎升铭老师和罗忆诗老师献唱 《爱与和平》的主题曲！演唱会来到尾声的时候，全体艺人在台上挥着手上的国旗唱《Setia》和 《Saya Anak Malaysia》。在台下的我觉得我很骄傲我是大马人民！

演唱会的尾声展现大大的国旗。

在要回家的时候碰到我的大学学长—— 志顺！他送我 Geraldine 官方后援会的横幅！我和他说了几句，拍下照片留念。希望下次可以出席类似的演唱会！

我和志顺学长团聚。

人生出席第一场大型演唱会成功！

人生第一场的大型演唱会在大马好2025：《爱与和平》

追光者的佛曲歌手

 来临的8月31日，不仅是我国的六十八周年国庆日，它也是我步入佛曲歌手的圈子。

我在2022年5月为 IMU佛学会的线上卫塞节演出预录。

我第一次接触佛曲是在我中二的时候，每逢星期一校方会举办宗教讲座会。我还记得在中五时候，要去班上的途径，经常会听学弟学妹的歌声开启新的一天。我经常想：“我一天会当一名歌手吗？更好一名佛曲歌手。” 

在2018年时候，我回去马六甲出席马佛青甲州联委会的年度马佛青之夜，看台上的歌手呈现一首熟悉的佛曲，心里我对自己说：“有一天我也要像他们一样！” 那时我对唱享6度 “一见钟音” 。隔一年，我再次看到同样的唱享6度歌手唱歌。直到我回家的那个时刻，收到消息我被录取！佛曲的旅程正式开始。

2020年时候，我和唱享6度的歌手们一起上直播用歌声传递善法和正能量，让大家在疫情期间有个陪伴。当时我觉得上直播应该会很容易吧？实际是并不容易，要确保电脑、网线和声音系统等都要在最佳的状态。有一次一个应用程序让我无法上直播，心里直接崩溃！主持的话也要跟当天的搭档沟通。虽然是在线上，可是是要考验默契程度。

我觉得更有挑战是拍 MV 时候，我记得在拍第一支的翻唱 MV 配合国庆日，手机的声音系统导致要我录音很多次，画面还可以。接下来的第一次就有第一次翻唱新年 MV ，而中秋歌曲是线上的马佛青之夜，第一次以唱享6度的歌手演出。陆续还有第一次在2022年卫塞节前夕唱歌，实体在台上跟观众见面。

让我最难忘的是唱享6的导师—— 吴建亿老师，在《走出去，动起来》的全国中学佛学营 在马六甲家家喻户晓的鸡场街文化坊大舞台。在独唱环节我选了岑宁儿的《追光者》，之前是有跟老师讨论，试了这首歌就把它定下。2024年的后新年庆典，再次跟建亿老师同台。

唱享6度这个平台让我成长不少，甚至在参与雪隆区的佛学会活动，尤其是有歌唱的环节，一定会把唱享6度提起—— 要让大家知道在马六甲有一个的佛曲歌团，让外州知道马六甲也是有一群热爱音乐的青年们。

近期在唱享6度的演出机会少了，但我不会忘记把唱享6度带在我的身边 —— 它永远会是我的一部分不仅在学佛的路上，更是音乐的路上。唱享6度也让我接触在雪隆区的佛曲歌手们，间接也可以来个即兴的合唱。

六年过去了，我对佛曲的初心依然不变。我还是会说：“大家好，我是马六甲唱享6度的歌手 —— Katelyn 陈袈文！” 愿在未来的音乐路上有更多的演出！衣服的字体和颜色虽然已褪色，它会让我想起当佛曲的歌手的初衷。

愿唱享6度越唱越勇！  

BuddySings! Voyage Album Launch (2/8/2025)

 I first met BuddySings! was during the pandemic, as a singer myself, I clicked in to see what was this band about, it is a Buddhist band under the Bandar Utama Buddhist Society (also known as BUBS). I had a chance to chat with Pauline Loo - the lead singer through a social medium - Instagram DM, we shared our respective musical journey. 

An idea popped up in mind, why not a collaboration between Melaka and Selangor bands - let the other states know that Melaka also has passionate of Buddhist singers as well? I did the talking with my senior - Kian Yong, and the rest is history! On 26 December 2021, BuddySings! and Sing with the Six Paramitas 唱享6度 came together for an online chat session which was live streamed on Facebook and a new redention of "Kattanutta" featuing Su Ta Naa and Erica Lee at that time. We did mention that one day both bands will meet each other one day. 

That day came last year on 4 May 2024 at SJK (C) Choong Wen when the Universiti Malaya Buddhist Society held their album launch and I met the band members of BuddySings! - Chern Tee and Bryan; and again on the eve of Wesak Day on 21 May 2024 at Buddhist Gem Fellowship - where I met the whole band. 

Fast forward to now, after five years, BuddySings! launched their very first album - Voyage. With my schedule in Selangor - it's a perfect time for me to support fellow singers in the Buddhist music community. Eventually, I was going alone and Ee Vi said to me by the lobby lift "Katelyn, save a seat for me, will you, please?" I said: "Okay!" I got a "date" at the last minute! 

From a solo outing to a “date” with Ee Vi. 📷: Henry Lee

Brian led me to the first floor, outside of the hall was the registry counter and I got a free door gift - BuddySings! stickers and keychain (I'm keeping it by the way!). After I have settled down, the BuddySings! singers were delighted to see me, some of them I met for the first time in four years - especially, Madeline Yee. 

I’m with the BuddySings’ lead singer - Pauline Loo. 

The event started with an opening Puja with Ke Hui leading everyone to honour The Triple Gems - Buddha, Dhamma and Sangham. The opening of the concert started on high with Kattanutta! This song is about we are grateful to have the thing around us, even if it's a little thing that happens in our lives. Whenever I complain or whine, the typical parenting line: "You should be grateful what we have now,"

BuddySings! kicked off with Kattanutta!

As a grown person if I hear this line now, my question is to define "grateful", it can be anything big or small. The one thing I'm grateful is to be here with my friends to enjoy the concert. When we are enjoying the concert which means we are Living in the Moment - we have to be present whatever we do. Okay, now with our smartphones, I still get annoyed when anyone is on the phone when we wanted to have a decent conversation. 

When we are in a big city or states like in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor - the time is super hectic! When I first came 10 years ago to further my tertiary education, there was no time to relax at all, and all the plannings we needed to scheduled in advance. Now I think, what's the rush back then? If I feel rushed or overwhelmed, I just need to take a minute to Breathe. It helps me to reset to everything in hand and organise in an orderly manner.

Just take a minute and breathe.

Growing up in a Buddhist family, it’s going back to the community. I still remembered back in 2014, during a farewell party hosted by the St. David High School Buddhist Society, the guest speaker - Bro. Matt Goh told us to continue the Buddhism journey in our tertiary education and it will take us far. He was right! My years on Sunway campus really helped me with the skills I have today. After graduating, the journey continued with serving and volunteering at the Bukit Beruang Buddhist Society - where I guide the next generation of Buddhist leaders at weekly Sunday classes! 

It takes love to build a home that we have now. 

Whenever we feel lost, the dharma is a compass to guide and navigate us through The Sea of Samsara and one day we will be free from all sufferings. In everyday life, we can be free from our suffering bit by bit with good deeds, good words and good thoughts. 

The debut of The Sea of Samsara 

Set the sea, the voyage is on! Here is a line from the Sea of Samsara: 

Oh, the Dhamma's like a boat to me

The Noble Truths are my compasses

I'll steer the wheel with the Eightfold Path

to navigate the sea of Saṃsāra

More from the event:

Chern Tee and I during the after-party of the launch.

Behold the singers from BuddySings! UM Buddhist Society and Singing with the Six Paramitas (me).

雪兰莪双溪比力一日游（29/6/2025）

 一向在城市长大的大家，是否有想过要 “逃离” 繁华的城市，然后到一个宁静的地方呢？昨天跟朋友们维根和予薇说要去双溪比力，维根跟妈咪说：“哦，我有去过那里的佛堂，非常壮观！” 既然要参观道场，当然要穿上长裤啦！

我们前往双溪比力，一路上我在想：“到底新村是长什么样子呢？” 我在电视上有看过关于新村的新闻和纪录片，踏进新村的机会是少之又少。大约早上九时时候，我们到琉璃佛学会但却看不到姑姑姑丈的身影。原来是先到双溪比力佛学会，“等下我们再到回来。” 妈咪跟我说。

到了双溪比力佛学会，老菩萨们在进行早课。“你们这里有周日佛学班吗？” 我问。“这里没有佛学班。” 其中的老菩萨说。我的心里很失望，如果有佛学班的话，或许可以看一眼。我们上楼梯到佛学会的侧殿。妈咪在我耳边说：“你跟药师佛说祈求阿公阿嬷（外公外婆）康健。” 我双手合掌心里默念也感谢诸佛菩萨让阿嬷度过难关。

我们再到回琉璃佛学会，据说这是当地最大的药师佛的佛堂。当我要绕大殿时候，看到姑丈进去侧边，刚好住持的法师把我叫住：“您绕着大殿就行啦，三次既可以了！还有佛堂的上方有壁画可以打卡。” 我们感谢法师的介绍。

我们乘电梯到每个侧殿。至于要脱鞋的关系，只好赤裸着脚，爸妈替我拎着鞋子。让我印象深刻是在其中一个侧殿，一路走着是刻着《大悲咒》的经文和不同菩萨的分身。这时候肚子开始打鼓，我们前往双溪比例新村的一个餐馆吃午餐。

在千手千眼的观音肖像合照。

餐馆的 “小老板” 很可爱！一看到顾客们的时候就露出童真的笑容。吃饭后，我们隔着玻璃间跟 “小老板” 玩。这下终于步入新村的生活！一路走着，我感受到新村的人情味。如果跟大城市相比的话，人情味确实少了许多因为以最快的脚步完成一天行程。

我体验当新村女孩的一天。

这趟的双溪比力的旅程让我体验新村女孩的一天！如果有机会的话，再要想体验新村的生活。

还记得你说家是唯一的城堡

随着稻香河流继续奔跑

微微笑 小时候的梦我知道

不要哭让萤火中带着逃跑

乡间的歌谣永远的依靠

回家吧 回到最初的美好

——《稻香》周杰伦

Back to University: 《The Music Journey 音乐有你》第二季录制现场 (24/6/2025)

我上次参与一个录制在2021年12月31日，配合 Astro 新春倒数活动《U 虎加把劲》在 IJM Rimbayu 。时隔三年多，首次参与《音乐有你》第二季第四期的录制在自己的大学 —— 双威大学。前几天我受好友—— 仁凯，发录制的信息给我，当时看宣传的海报的时候看到几位熟悉歌手的名字。当然最期待是见到 Astro 新秀大赛冠军 —— Uriah 徐凯！上次见他的时候是在2016年 ，在 Geraldine 颜慧萍的《一个人冒险》感恩音乐会。

居家工作下班后，我前往大学母校 —— 双威大学，一路上有跟仁凯联系，他有留个位子给我。到了大学，我听到 Hayden 黄程晞的声音。“那个是 Hayden 的声音吗？” 我问，仁凯说：“是，我们先找制作团队把你安顿。” 

我看到身穿黑衣服的制作团队，于是我走上前问：“你好，我是袈文。” 其中一位说：“哦，你是那位粉丝。跟着我来吧！” 我被安顿在制作团队的角落，另一位说：“你坐过来这里，容易看到歌手们。” 

我可以看到电视录制的幕后操作。我一抬头就看到徐凯，我们对到眼神时候，我向他招手。我们很有默契比手画脚仿佛在说：“你可以吗？可以看到吗？” 我对他比一个 “Ok” 的手势。歌手阵容除了徐凯和主持人 Hayden 黄程晞之外，还有 Gen1es 的 Elyn Leong 梁瑜苓、Pricislla Abby 蔡恩雨、Colbie 王思涵、Juztin刘界辉和来自中国的歌手 —— Rex 李鑫一，来大马和本地歌手们跨国合作。

一系列的歌曲呈现，在呈现的时候，再次跟徐凯对到眼神。而鑫一挑战李佳薇的《煎熬》—— 这是第一次听男生版本的，整个身子在起鸡皮疙瘩。接近录制的尾声时候，粉丝们到前面相对歌手们的一句话。由于我的工作身份关系，我只能在一旁观看。大约晚上七点十分，录制正式结束。

难得走到舞台前想要体验一下当歌手的滋味，但工作人员们说：“不好意思，我们快要清理舞台。” 我只好离开舞台，心里失望因为我很久没在舞台和大家见面。我的手机响起，是仁凯在找着我。“你去哪儿啦？” 他问我。我说：“想体验在舞台，没机会。哎，有机会见到歌手们吗？” 我知道机会很渺茫。我再次被安顿在一个位子。

在等着的时候，我听童年偶像—— 西城男孩的《When You're Looking Like That》，也看到乐团的老师们一一把乐器搬回去车上，当然不忘跟老师们点头之交。仁凯奔跑来：“袈文，他们来了！” 走着的时候我说：“我突然觉得很紧张！” 我的手突然紧绷起来。 “你放松吧！” 仁凯细声安慰我。

当我一看到界辉时候，我直接走向前，跟他提起在十二年前曾到我的小学母校—— 马六甲革成小学的《我来自新村》晚会活动。“我记得你唱《红日》 跟天俊哥哥同台！” 我对界辉说。他一脸惊讶：“哇，十二年前你还记得啊！太厉害了吧！来，一起拍照。” 由仁凯掌镜，之后界辉问我的名字，我说：“我叫凯特 （Kate）！” 

我和Juztin 刘界辉十二年后重逢

第二个艺人下来是 Priscilla Abby 蔡恩雨，我直接用英文和她交谈。“Can I take a photo with you please？” 她说可以。我也唱了一小段的《小时光》给她听。

电音女歌手的 Priscilla Abby 蔡恩雨

艺人们回到刚才的舞台。即将开拍的时候，监制团队说须要我们把声量压低，因为在进行小型录制。他们完成小型录制后就跟粉丝们近距离互动。

我看到 Elyn 时候，她还认得我：“嗨！好久不见！你工作还可以吗？” 我说：“谢谢关心！工作还可以。” 仁凯就很骄傲说：“她在一个国际组织工作。” Elyn 一脸惊讶：“真的啊？” 我点了点头。“你可以帮仁凯留下亲笔签名吗？他是你的粉丝。” 我说，Elyn 接了马克笔就留下亲笔签名也拍了几张照片。

Gen1es 成员 —— Elyn Leong。在我身后：仁凯和艺人肖像画家 —— 王子。

在谈着谈着，徐凯看到我的时候就认得我。我们全程以英文交流，我叙说我们在九年前的《一个人的冒险》感恩音乐会的情景。“你的记忆力很好！” 徐凯说，我说了一声 “谢谢！” 。还有跟中国歌手 —— 鑫一，简短交流，只是可惜没有跟他合照。希望下次他回来大马时候可以补上。

九年后，我和 Uriah 徐凯温馨团聚。

唱歌始终是我的 DNA，我会继续支持本地大马歌手因为他们的天赋跟国外歌手一样优秀！有一天我也会在舞台说：“大家好，我是 Katelyn 陈袈文！我是一名歌手！”

节目会在2025年9月播出，敬请期待！

活动花絮：

《音乐有你》的主持人—— Hayden 黄程晞

我、仁凯和 MY 周末 DJ 的 Daniel 黄震宇。

Sandhya Tan and Viknesh's Wedding (8/6/2025)

As any Malaysians, we are lucky to grow up in a multicultural society and if we grew up in a multicultural family, that would be a bonus!  A bit of my family background, majority of us are Chinese (Malaysian Chinese) and I have an uncle who has a spouse - my aunt - an Indian - that means my cousins have a mixed heritage. 

Growing up, I always wonder why my cousins have both names, I'm used to call by their Chinese names. Then I realised their Indian names act as an English name in front follow by their Chinese names. They might not speak Chinese but at least they come back every year on Chinese New Year. My maternal grandparents have seven grandchildren. I expect that my oldest cousin will get married first but things turned around it was my cousin Kim Hua is the first to get married! 

My cousin-in-law, Viknesh, is Indian, so the wedding is gone according by the Indian culture. To pay tribute to half of my cousins' half Chinese roots, I opted for a purple modern hanfu. Also, we were going to a Hindu temple, it's best to wear modestly (same applies to any worship places in Malaysia). At 10.30am, we went into the marriage registry office.

My cousin Kim Hua (right) and I matched in purple.

The officiate spoke in Tamil and English, when she finally announced that Kim Hua and Viknesh are legally married, I led the cheering. After the registry, we proceeded to the main hall of the temple for a simple blessing ceremony. When I was about to go in, the temple keeper said: "Miss, please take off your shoes before entering," In any Asian households, shoes are left outside upon entering the house, it's the same thing when we visit any temples. 

I have to say the herbal water was tasty! This is my first time at a Hindu temple, I'm quite fascinated by the colours. The Hindu priest performed the blessing ritual and there's a part which the oil lamp was passed around as a blessing. My uncle was explaining the ritual when they put the flower garland around the couple's necks, and the fun part was throwing flowers to the couple. The ceremony ended by walking around the temple hall and bowing to the elderly as a sign of respect. 

I had some difficulties walking out of the temple because my feet stepped on the rice that was left during the blessing ceremony and it's off to the lucheon reception at Ganjaa 8 Royal Indian Cuisine. It's an all-vegetarian buffet and free seating too. We took a family photo on the stage and stayed back to witness the cake cutting. After that, it's time to head home (Melaka), otherwise, Lexi (the family dog) will be wondering where we were for the past two days. 

I don't know who the next cousin is to get hitched, and I wish them all the best in this new journey and every happiness in years to come!