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! 

马大佛学会《Sing 灯相续》：总心得 (31/5/2025)

时隔一年后，我再回到马大佛学会的年度佛曲音乐会，今年办在吉隆坡循人小学。跟去年一样每个观众会得到马佛青的绿色礼袋。

观众们陆续进入礼堂，看到一一熟悉的脸孔。我看到马大佛学会主席—— 俊衔在门口时候，我把他叫住。“哎，袈文！你几时回来雪隆区的？” 我说：“给你个惊喜现身！有被惊喜到吗？” 全营36的大雄力组在 2025 年首次合体！可以说是在每个活动是佛青们的大团圆！我也看到同乡兼唱享6度歌手 —— 学莉，她比了个拍照的手势，我一个眼神就明白她的意思。

全营36 的大雄力组首次合体！

大约晚上八时，礼堂的灯光逐渐暗下，司仪们在给大家需要注意的事项。在嘉宾们安顿位子后，大家以虔诚的心唱诵《三宝歌》。 致词环节后，嘉宾们到台上为《Sing 灯相续》拉开序幕。

2025年马大佛学会卫塞吉祥音乐会《Sing 灯相续》正式开启！《觉悟》以音乐会的开场，叙说释迦牟尼佛还是在太子的时候，不忍众生苦，放下所有的荣华富贵。到森林中苦行，直到觉悟成佛教的老师 。我记得在《法音清流 2.0 》的推介礼也是以这首《觉悟》为开场。

《觉悟》为音乐会的开场歌曲。

在生活中，是否在有跟《和心在一起》吗？那是时候停下来，听自己的内心。累了，就休息吧！也不要忘记放轻松，学会爱自己同时修炼正念。以个人的经验而言，无论在生活中，任何人踩到我的地雷时候, 心里说：“冷静、放松、不要发火！” 。当然要在什么看情况 “发火” 。

《和心在一起》放轻松、停下来，听内心。

来自不同地方的我们唱着同样的歌，《与法同行》我们继续陪伴大家在学佛的路上。同时在学佛的路上，有曾想过当时建立大学佛学会的前辈们吗？华文有一句：前人种树，后人乘凉。“乘凉” 的时候，我们也成为 “种树” 就是把学长学姐们未完成的，由我们守护直到把这颗树种给未来的后辈们。

来自不同地方的我们，学佛的路上有你我的陪伴。

“乘凉” 也会成为 “种树” 的一代。

最后一首歌结束，来到颁发纪念品环节给嘉宾们。全体音乐会的筹委团再给大家呈现主题曲———《Sing 灯相续》为结尾。

我在等观众离席的时候，突然间有一只小猫经过，吓了我一跳！可是这不是重点！学莉第一个来到我的座位，这个是我们马六甲唱享6度的小团聚！

我看到徐讯的时候，他向我走来，我们给一个大拥抱！我说：“徐讯，恭喜你，演出成功！” 徐讯说：“我才要谢谢你过来！” 我唱一小段的《Be with You》，可惜这首歌没在今晚的歌单里。秉贤变身当摄影师, 再拍多一张的时候：“好，这个pose 很漂亮！三、二、一！” 便按下快门。那就哼一小段的《灯传》吧！

我和徐讯团聚啦！

《灯传》是我最喜欢的歌曲在音乐会里。灯把佛法的光一代又一代传下去，不让它枯息。

我们到礼堂外的打卡区，在等待时候，徐讯赞我有一把歌声：“你是一向有唱歌是吗？” 我说唱歌是我的 DNA，近期一直努力把以歌声弘扬佛法。在按下快门的时候，我们跟维根说：“尽量不要挡着佛陀！” 把卫塞月定格在这个瞬间。

我和俊衔在演出会后。

我跟我的游戏队友 —— 慈恩团聚！

更多详情，到马大佛学会的官方社交平台：

Facebook: 马大佛学会

Instagram: @pbum1961

YouTube: Persatuan Buddhis Universiti Malaya PBUM

Official website: https://beacons.ai/pbum1961

追踪我 Follow me：www.linktr.ee/katelynchin97

菩提工作坊恒守愿田：遇佛 Fun （17/5/2025）

卫塞节的气氛还在如火如荼进行中，走吧，我带你去见一个人？咦，是谁呢？当然是佛陀啦！遇到佛陀会 Fun 吗？

在前往菩提工作坊的路途，通过官方面子书的直播进行早课。在开车的同时有电台的困扰怕爸爸不能全身贯注在路上。我把直播给关了，爸爸问：“文啊，你怎么给直播关了？” 我说会干扰驾车，“没关系，开吧！难得有早课在路途上。把手机给我。” 在后座的我伸手把手机给爸爸，就这样一家人听早课。

直到直播结束后就把是手机归还给我。之前有把 Kent 的手机号码给我，方便沟通。可是一到了，怎么没人的？幸好我记得路途怎样走，还好有佛旗的标记。到门口的时候，学慧把门打开：“嗨，卫塞节快乐！” 我本来要直接上去，可被妈咪抓住：“文，你忘了跟佛陀请安？” 也是，在为楼下的太子浴佛，直接上去参与楼上的浴佛环节。

上去之前，向楼下的太子浴佛。

我上去的时候，浴佛在进行中。今年又懵了一圈，展廷和语萱直接带领我去前面浴佛，之后我到后面继续观礼。跟后新年庆典一样有上供仪式，我的手还是一样在抖着。

接下来的三皈依五戒仪式。简单来说皈依是对佛、法、僧—— 三宝的信心，并且跟随佛陀的教诲。大家一定会问：我不皈依，不是佛教徒吗？其实不是哦，无论是谁，我们都要时时刻刻都要实践佛法在生活中，皈依三宝是对佛教信心。我被佑洋叫了过去，同时也受皈依三宝五戒的佛友们过来集合。师父向我们讲解长跪的的姿势，我一听 “长跪” 这词，第一个就想到 “要跪很久吗？” 

我和宣慧一起皈依

两年前我接受三宝，这次我决定 “更新” 它，并且提醒自己要实践佛法在生活中。在读着五戒时候，主持仪式的传闻法师会问在场的佛友们：“三宝弟子，你们能持吗？” 一句 “能持” 我深深祝福在场受五戒的佛友们。传闻法师在发三皈依五戒的证书时候，问我：“袈文，你在哪里皈依？” 我说：“师父，我在佛光山文教中心皈依，2023年的时候。” 来个大合照记录这个法喜的一刻！

肚子在打鼓了，到二楼吃美味的午斋。淼善看到我很辛苦在吞咽每一口： “Kate，你可以吗？” 我说：“当然可以！” 他一脸疑惑看着我：“真的吗？我看你很辛苦在吃。你确定？” 我只好实说身体有点不适，但还可以。

到回三楼，在进行 ”称赞如来” —— 唱歌环节啦！我唱 《善苗》—— 回到今年在后新年庆典在同一个地方唱歌；《青春幼苗》也是一个经典！有哲法师告诉在场的每一位唱每一首歌，从心底感受歌词带来的含义。

“称赞如来” 环节，由菩提工作坊的歌手们带领。

再一次跟歌手们 “合唱”

游戏环节时候，镇航问大家今年的主题，我说：“遇佛 Fun！” Let the fun begin! 宣慧、慈恩、家乐和我在同一组。宣慧和慈恩有体力，那我和家乐用我们的脑力！问题都是考考我们对佛教的历史知多少。最终我们是全场游戏的大赢家！也恭喜其他小组，大家也尽力完成游戏！都说了，遇到佛陀会 Fun！

有哲法师带领大家回向，《遇佛 Fun 》正式圆满结束！

在活动结束后，我和淼善到太子的 “秘密花园” 拍照。卫塞周正式告一个段落！卫塞月还是进行中。遇到佛陀，一个字：Fun！

我和淼善在太子的秘密花园。

更多活动详情，请浏览：https://www.bodhi.com.my/

菩提工作坊官方官方社交平台

Facebook: 菩提工作坊 Bodhi Buddhist Fellowship Malaysia 

Instagram: @bodhi_1988 

活动花絮：

体力和脑力都耗尽了，但还是可以笑着完成任务！

The PowerPuff girls of BBFM! 

浴佛的设计。

卫塞节2025 （12/5/2025）

回国不到二十四小时就迎接一年一度的卫塞节。去年我刚从新冠肺炎康复，那个时候我感受不到法喜；人生首次在雪隆区的佛学会担任卫塞节义工，或许感受不到在马六甲家乡的热情。今年就焕然一新吧！在前往八打灵再也佛光山文教中心，我留个信息给幸祺我会在早上九时四十五分到。

只要我在雪隆区，每逢的卫塞节会在佛光山文教中心度过。爸爸放下我和妈咪之后，我们直接进去大厅，刚好我看到佑洋，他正好要前往下一个的佛堂。道别后，我们乘电梯上去大雄宝殿。幸祺一家在等着我们的到来。“幸祺妈咪，您好！我是袈文，这是我妈咪！” 我向幸祺妈咪自我介绍。幸祺妈咪和妈妈聊起来，我和幸祺责则在一旁看两位家长的互动。

我对幸祺说：“都说我们的家长一定谈得来啊！” 幸祺点了点头。我们排队浴佛，一看右边时候是儿童版的浴佛区—— 以海洋世界为主题。虽然对孩子们来说是可以玩水的时机，但我觉得这是一个很好的概念让孩子们从小接触浴佛。

儿童浴佛区以海洋世界为主题设计

我记得当时去佛光山东禅寺在仁嘉隆，那时我大约三年级。由于我太矮小，要妈咪抱我才能够着。一经过儿童版本的，当时觉得 “哎，容易多呢！” 妈咪说：“这个矮，那个是高的。等你长大后就会用大人的。” 回想这个童年回忆时候，觉得很幸福在一个佛化家庭长大。到我的时候，在一旁穿海青的义工跟我说：“三个勺子就行了。” 浴佛的那一刻，都是以 “三好” —— 做好事（身）、说好话（口）和存好心（意），不像以浴佛偈为主。

卫塞节少不了浴佛环节。

浴佛后，我和幸祺跟小太子合照。我才发现浴佛的设计是以花园为主，象征当时太子出生的时候就是在蓝毗尼园出生。

我和幸祺跟小太子合照

我礼佛后就到楼下享用午斋，在享用的时候背景在播放着《佛陀的光》和《浴佛歌》。爸爸问：“阿文有听这首《佛陀的光》吗？” 妈咪说：“有啊，阿文有听啊！佛曲会听的。” 我也顺道向幸祺介绍这两首歌。

我们再进去因为天气真的太热了！家长和孩子们各自聊了一下就回去，今天的庆典也告一段落。对于我个人而言，我终于找到卫塞节的法喜，愿在接下来的日子都可以感受到这份喜乐！

我和幸祺第一次一起庆祝卫塞节

悲智双运，缔造祥和！祝大家卫塞节快乐！法喜充满！

Phuket, Thailand Trip 2025 (8/5/2025-11/5/2025)

It's been 10 years since my last trip to Phuket, Thailand, with the previous being marked in the new year of 2015, when I just graduated from secondary school. What will the trip be in 2025? We’re about to find out!

Day 1 (8/5/2025): Off to Phuket and dinner at Toh Daeng 

From past trips, the flights used to be in the evening or at night, but this time it’s a morning flight, which means I have to get up early. 

I can’t bring my bolster with me, so Paddington will be with me on the trip. It feels weird without having my bolster around.

Paddington is my travel buddy.

When we reach the airport, one of the ground staff members comes up to assist with the wheelchair. After checking in, we walked around the airport to wait for the boarding time. When the boarding time was announced, we were the first ones to board the plane. A trip with the Malaysia Airlines cabin crew will always make you feel at ease and home. 

The flights with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) are always the best!

Around noon Thai time, we landed at the Phuket International Airport. After going through the customs, it’s time to head off to the first stop for food! Unfortunately, it was closed so we had to eat on the other side of the food stall. After lunch, it’s an hour’s drive back to Mai Khao Marriott Vacation Club Resort. 

I remembered 10 years ago, I still have the bracelet somewhere. The staffs gave us tangerine juice as welcome drinks and a pink turtle soft toy - as part of the marine turtle conservation in partnership with The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. 

For dinner, we went to Toh Daeng - where it gave me the Peranakan feel and also, I was still in The Little Nyonya: Emerald Hill post mode, that kind of feel and my favourite is the fried rice. 

Day 2 (9/5/2025): Wat Chalong Temple and shopping at Central Phuket

I have always been scared to go to Thai temples (due to media perception on ghost stories). My parents decided to bring me to the biggest temple in Phuket - The Wat Chalong Temple - it was built in the 19th century. From the moment I got down from the car, I felt a sense of peace and calmness.

In the middle of the garden, there is a big Bodhi tree - the core of the dharma. It was scorching hot cause it’s the “summer” season in Thailand. To ward off the heat, I wore my hat and sunglasses. As with any temples and worship places, we have to take off the shoes, sunglasses and hats as a sign of respect. When we were about to head into the main temple, one of the tourists’ shoes got stolen.

Under the Bodhi tree

To be on the safe side, one of us had to stay back and take care of the shoes. When it was my mummy’s and my turn, we climbed up four flights of steps. The second floor was the Buddha - The enlightenment (成道) under a replication of the Bodhi tree, the one standing and there’s where he attained Nibbana (涅槃). As we went up, you will some key moments of “The Story of the Buddha” paintings on the wall. The highest floor is the bird eye’s view of the temple grounds. Just a few more steps, a glass display of the fragment bone. 

I didn’t know what got hold of me, but I made this high up was a big achievement! 

After that, to cool down from the heat, it’s off to Central Phuket Festival and some shopping too! Then it’s dinner time at Kateng Renaissance Hotel Phuket - not far from the hotel we are staying - Mai Khao Marriott Vacation Club. 

The Renaissance Hotel Staff offered us to have a buggy ride to the restaurant. I remembered my last buggy ride was during my university graduation ceremony at Sunway Lagoon. We had green curry chicken, prawns and another round of fried rice. For the record, we didn't order any desserts for two days! 

After that, we took the buggy back to the hotel and after that it's back to our own hotel to end the day.

Day 3 (10/5/2025): Shopping at Premium Outlet and last dinner at Toh Daeng

We head over to JW Marriott Resort to have breakfast and a little bit of me time after this. 

Chilling at the lounge after breakfast 

We went to Premium Outlet for some shopping but to be honest, it was not what I expected. The worst part I almost fell off from the wheelchair due to the curbs around the outlet. I wasn't getting happy of this, but I kept calm and carried on with the trip.

We were back to Toh Daeng and this time we tried a little different. My favourite is the prawn egg.

Prawn with fried egg 

Day 4 (11/5/2025): Home sweet home, Malaysia!

After three nights and today it’s time to head home to Malaysia! After packing up, it's time for us to head to the Phuket International Airport. Today is Mother's Day, my mummy finally had her mango sticky rice! 

This time on the way home, I brought Paddington and my new pink turtle with me. 

I continued to watch the Paddington in Peru but I stopped midway because it was snack time on the plane. I wanted an apple juice when the cart passed by but to turbulence of the plane. The drinks serving was suspended. 

When we landed on Malaysian soil, I always love the crew saying "Kepada warganegara Malaysia, selamat pulang ke tanah air (To Malaysians, welcome home)!" That's when we know it's good to be home! 

I'm not sure when is the next trip abroad but I do know that I had a fun time! See you on the next adventure!

Chuang Asia S2 Fan Meet and Greet (22/3/2025)

After our photography session on campus, we decided to head to Sunway Pyramid. Xin Qi and I took a Grab car while Ren Khai took the canopy walk from campus. 

When Xin Qi and I were  about to enter the entrance of Sunway Pyramid, I said a casual hi to the two people who were wearing masks (I can’t forget my manners). One of them said: “Long time no see,” I stopped in my steps. I asked him who he was, and he revealed to be Nick Kung! 

I haven’t seen him for a long time! The last time we met was on 10 September 2017. We had a good catch-up. I told him what I’m doing right now, and he said: “You’ve grown!” I could say it was a firm yes! The first time we met was in 2015 and met consecutively at events after that. 

Nick and I reunited after eight years.

I also introduced Nick to Xin Qi, we took a quick photo and after that Xin Qi and I went in as we had lunch with Ren Khai at the Japanese vegetarian restaurant. 

Ren Khai, Xin Qi and I headed to the entrance of Sunway Pyramid after lunch to have a glimpse of the Chuang Asia S2 Fan Meet and Greet - it’s the last stop of the Malaysian leg.

Even though it started to drizzle, it didn't dampen the spirits of the fans who gathered to meet the trainees of Chuang Asia S2. I got excited when I saw Vivienne (from MELODY) and Kryston (from GoXuan) on the stage. “I wonder I could meet them when the crowd susbsides?” I asked Ren Khai. “We will!” he said. With the introsuction of each trainne, the theme song for Chuang Asia S2  - Skyline got the crowd going high and they (the trainees) gave some lucky fans roses as part of the interaction. Oh my gosh!

The trainees of Chuang Asia 2 at the waiting area for their call on stage.

The crowd even went craizier with a surprise apperarnce from Elyn Leong - the first ever batch of Chuang Asia and member of the band - Gen1es (Genies). She played games with the current tarinees and they asked her what was her experience as a trainee last year. 

Elyn Leong made a surprise appearance at the meet and greet.

As I was holding my phone during the game session, one of the security people asked me: “Miss, may I borrow your phone for a picture?” I said: “Yes, please, feel free,” and when he came back it was a bunch of photos! 

Game time with the trainees alongside Elyn Leong (second from right)

I managed to catch hold of Elyn to take a photo (the bodyguard almost didn’t let me but I understood it was for security reasons). The trainees came down to the stage again to hand out gifts to some lucky fans (yet again). We wished them al the best and they were off to Bangkok, Thailand, to fight places in the finals in conjunction with their debut night in a couple of weeks. I hope that the representatives from Malaysia would earn a spot in the finals, they made it so far to achieve their dreams. 

After the crowd subsided, we headed to see Kryston and Vivienne. I said hi to Kryston and gave him a hug. I told him I’m a fan of GoXuan. “Are you?” he asked. I said yes and the next thing I asked where is Vivienne. “Hold on, we’ll get her for you,” said Kryston. The moment Vivienne saw me, she gave me the wamest hug. “How are you? Long time no see! What are you doing now?” she asked and I told her what I’m doing right now, just like Nick earlier. 

When Ren Khai mentioned about the Chinese New Year celebration (CNY) and the theme song for this year, I sang the chorus. “Wow, you know the song, do you?” asked Kryston I said yes! I knew the whole album! 

We had a chat with Nick and his partner in singing and dancing - Ash.  “Well, Katelyn loves singing, you wanna sing with her?” Ren Khai put me on the spot. Although Skyline is the song I heard today a few times, I’m still working on the whole song to memorise the lyrics. 

A spontaneous singing with Ash - singing Skyline 

Before we left, using the photgraphy skills, I took a nice shot of Kryston. That’s the end of our day out! 

Kryston from GoXuan posing on stage after the event.

I wish all the best to every trainee, especially to Alton, Sunny and Jackson, hope you all will make Malaysia proud! Malaysia Boleh! 

“I see the world, I see the Skyline”. 

Back to University: Frame by Frame Photography 101 (22/3/2025)

I have a passion for photography and that passion dated way back when I was 13, it’s not until I was 16, that I had my first camera - the Canon Ixus. After that, I used either the iPod or the iPhone, which I’m using now.

Six years later, my passion for photography sparked up again when I read about the then-Duchess of Cambridge now The Princess of Wales - Princess Catherine also known as Princess Kate, has a passion for photography! On Christmas 2019, my uncle bought me a camera, so I have been using it ever since for any big events or just taking it out to brush up my skills for a bit. 

As anyone who wants to show the skills and practice, I didn’t have the chance to show my talent. Finally, my passion is put to the test with Frame by Frame: Photography 101 with Graeme Tan. I’m quite excited because I have watched short episodes of the Sip and Spill segment on Instagram and I have a few favourites. 

The basics from aperture to ISO - everything we need to know how to take the “perfect” shot. After knowing the basics, it’s time to apply them. With Shayne being the “model” of the day, we try a few scenarios to see the difference. I have some trouble adjusting my camera settings to manual mode but Andrew was on hand to help. 

Shayne being the “model” at the workshop. 

A close up shot of a camera model. 

Here comes the fun part of the photography workshop. Each team is given a scenario to take a shot. The first team is to advertise for a new brand while the second team is taking a mock demonstration of coffee making by Shayne. My team is the third one which is playing journalists for the day to take people around Sunway. As a communication graduate, this got me excited! 

Although we were rejected by a couple of people, we still got to take some shots on campus. Such a coincidence, that it was an info day for the Sunway Foundation Programs (Foundation in Science & Technology & Foundation in Arts) and Australian Matriculation known as AUSMAT. When we head back to the studio, the second team is still taking some pictures at the coffee demonstration. 

Taking people around Sunway campus.

After analysing each picture from the three teams, there are some room for improvement. Each of us is presented with the Frame by Frame: Photography 101 certificate completion, it’s in a frame too! I can’t wait for the next alumni event! 

I have completed the course presented by Ms. Sue-Ann (left) and Graeme (right).

Me and my camera are the perfect shot to capture every moment! I can picture this, can you?