C&S Carnival: Part 1 (4/4/17-6/4/17)

  It's my favourite time of the year on campus- The C&S carnival, or also known as Clubs and Societies carnival. It's event where students can find out their favourite extra curricular activities on campus from sports to cultural to  music, you name them! The event marks my first campus event as a university student.

  During past C&S carnivals, it was usually held at the college cafeteria's Energy Hub and some booths were even held at the Student Life (formerly known as Student Service Department). All the clubs and societies were held together at the same place, we could walk around and look for other clubs if you're not on duty to take care of the booth or boredom takes over you (I'm kidding!).

  We have a new Boulevard Area, some of the clubs and societies' booth are held while most of them are at the NUB (New University Building) foyer. Sunway Chinese Cultural Society is going to have a stage play called The Dream Catcher  on 12 April 2017 for their 2nd Annual Chinese Cultural Night. Besides that. Sunway University Japanese Club (SUJC) is having Undokai (Japanese sports). Chinese Independent School Alumni (CISA) having their 24 season drum performance on Thursday, I get to try my hands on the drums. It's not bad for the first try as I came from a national type Chinese primary school.

While us Sunway University Buddhist Society is promoting on our upcoming welcoming dinner!  For the very first time, we are having our first themed dinner called Linking Boundaries! Sounds exciting isn't it? We want to show our new members that our society is just more than that, it's a place you will call home in years to come. When a student signs up for our society, we give them an origami lotus or a paper crane as a "blessing". Some students just walk past by even though we try to slow them down to promote our welcoming dinner. You know, whatever works.

  As Cynthia and I are taking care of the booth, our campus' mascot, Samson the Sun Bear comes to say hi to us. Guess he is checking out which society or club that is suitable for him. At the end of the C&S carnival, we manage to get 30 students to join our welcoming dinner which is a good sign for our first ever event in 2017. I can't wait to see all of them!                        

Come and drop by at our booth at the Boulevard Area (just below the college linkage bridge) to find out more on our upcoming activities. I'll be posting on the welcoming dinner too, stay tune!

First Week of Lecture (27/3/17-31/317)

  After the three-day orientation and the weekend to relax, it was time for me to hit the books as I headed to Sunway University as an undergraduate in BA (Hons) Communication. I have a thing with Communication in my early teen years. I developed in interest in writing since 12 years old. My very first diary was given by my friend, Shi Min on my 12th birthday. I was in my senior year completing my primary education.

   Growing up, I made sure that I mastered the three languages- the national language also known as Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin (or Chinese). Whenever I go, these three languages will come in handy in their ways. As I completed my senior year in high school, I started to the news every night, that's where my interest in communication started to kick in. I was lucky enough to meet some of the newscasters in person on big events. One of them even asked what would I wanna do after I completed high school. "I wanna be a newscaster or something that is related to the media," I said. Okay, enough of that! Let's take a look what I did during my lecture week.

  I didn't have any tutorial classes on the first week, it was just only lectures. The first lecture was Principles in Mass Communication and it's an 8.00am class. I'm a morning person but I do get power naps in the car along the way. I was supposed to have two lectures on the first day unfortunately the afternoon session was cancelled so I had a whole day to myself!

  On the second day I had double lectures. I didn't know there was a shortcut to the Graduate Centre. You know whatever works. One is English and the other was Principles in Advertising and Design. English lecture was so fun because our lecture, Ms. Priyadharshini had a little game for us to get everyone mingle around. In the afternoon session for Principles in Advertising and Design, Mr. Woody put on some advertisements for us to watch. One of them was the movie trailer of the Disney's live action Beauty and the Beast.

  The third and final day which was on Thursday, I had to wait a little longer until 4.00pm. Luckily, I had activities on so that would kill the time and keeping me busy. We used the shortcut through the canopy walk of the campus to get to the Graduate Centre. It was late afternoon, most of us were exhausted and I almost fell asleep because of the air conditioner. Lesson learned- never sleep in any tutorials or lecture.

  That sums up my three-day of lecture. There is more to come

Inner Beauty is the True You

  Claire is a girl who diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at eighteen months old. She doesn't have any friends when growing up because everyone thinks her disability is kind of "disease" but that doesn't mean all the teasing and the rejection crush her cheerful spirit and her kindness because her parents taught her that inner beauty is the most important in the world.

  Claire just finished her college and started her degree at a local university. Yet again, her friends aren't much. One day, Claire dropped her books while walking to the university's cafeteria. She was about to pick up the books, a boy student came over to her aid and helped. "Thank you. I'm sorry for the trouble," Claire said as she looked up to the student who helped her. "I always see you around on campus," the boy said as he handed back to Claire. "Oh really?" Claire said with a blush.

  "What's your name?" Claire asked the boy. "My name is Austin. What's yours?" Austin asked. "Claire," she said. "Nice to meet you Claire!" Then came a clique of popular girls at the university dropped by. The head of the clique, Mandy, apparently claimed herself as Austin's "girlfriend". "Austin, what are you doing with this girl?" Mandy asked giving Claire a cold stare. "Just helping her out, Mandy. Come on do you have to be mean to everyone on campus?" Austin said.

  The scene in front of Claire made her uneasy. "I better go. I'm late for class," Claire said hurrying away for her next class. "Later, loser," Mandy said followed by the laughter from the other girls. Although Mandy is beautiful on the outside but the inside she is a mean and cruel towards other students especially the nerdy ones and students with special needs like Claire. Just left 10 minutes before class, her best friend, Clover, was waiting for her. "Claire, where have you been?" Clover asked. "I was at the cafeteria," Claire said. "I bumped into Austin while I was there," she added. "Austin? Mandy's boyfriend?" Clover asked again. Claire nodded her head in agreement. "Don't care about Mandy and her popular clique. Just be yourself and you'll be fine. What's more important is the inner self. Not the outside," Clover said.

  "That's what my parents tell me all the time," Claire sighed. As they wanted to talk more, it was time for their lecture. After two hours, Clover and Claire headed to the library as their daily routine after each lecture. They bumped into Austin when they were about to enter the library. "Hey Claire, can I talk to you for a second?" Austin asked. "Sure!" Claire said as they walked to a corner. "I'm sorry about Mandy and her clique today. It must be hurtful to you," Austin apologized. "No, no it's okay. I get used to it," Claire said with a smile. Austin felt guilty about the incident earlier. "Do you wanna to go to the movies with me this weekend?" he asked. "Sure, why not? Which movie you're watching?" Claire asked. Austin said he is watching Beauty and the Beast. "I thought it would be an amazing movie to you," he said.

  Claire agreed to go out with Austin this weekend but she thought about Mandy.  "What about Mandy?" Claire asked. "Would she be jealous?" Austin said:"Mandy has a girls' day out on the weekends so I'm not worry about it.  I'll pick you up at 7pm?" Austin asked. "Yeah, okay," Claire said. After that they both parted ways. "Did Austin just ask you out?" Clover asked as they both headed to their usual study place in the library. "Yes, yes he did! Why?" Claire asked. "You know, Mandy," Claire told Clover that Mandy and her clique always on a girls' day out on the weekends.

  As the weekend approached, Claire was excited about her night out with Austin. Dressed in her best, she waited for Austin to pick her up at her dormitory. A knock was heard, Clover went to the door to open as Claire was getting ready. "Claire, Austin is here!" Clover said. "Coming!" Claire viewed herself into the mirror one last time as she adjusted her yellow headband. "Have fun you two!" Clover said as she looked on her best friend leaving with Austin.

  When the movie ended, Claire always visits the book store. "Do you like the movie?" Austin asked when they entered the book store. "I totally love it! The Beast proves himself that to break the spell, he has to learn to love. The look on the outside doesn't matter, it's the inside is the most important," Claire said with excitement. "That's why the movie suits you," Austin said. As they passed by a cosmetic shop, Austin stopped in his tracks. "Austin, what's wrong?" Claire asked. She followed Austin's direction and saw Mandy and her clique were at the shop. They were about to leave, Mandy saw Austin in an instant. "Austin? What are you doing here?" Mandy asked. "I'm with Claire to watch  Beauty and the Beast. The movie I wanted bring you but you have your weekly girls' day out. I had an extra ticket, so I brought Claire instead,"

  Mandy was shocked, "Austin, I'm your girlfriend! You should bring me instead!" she yelled. "Maybe it's the best choice to bring Claire because you won't stop mocking and teasing people around you! I had enough of your nonsense for one year! We're through!" Austin said as he and Claire quickly left the place leaving Mandy in tears. "Austin, you shouldn't do that," Claire said. "It's okay, I broke up with Mandy. Now I realized what is the meaning between pretty and beautiful," Austin said. "You're kind, brave and courageous. That's the girl I want and that's it's you!" he added.

  Claire could feel her cheeks turning red. What Claire's parents told her is true. It's the attitude and the inner beauty reflects one's true self.   

First Day of Univerity (22/3/17)

  After a four-month break, it's time for me to head back to university. Today I'm heading back to Sunway University College for the first time as a university student. We reach the campus at 8.10am, I take a good look at the campus, nothing has changed much at the foyer. I head to the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) academic office since there is nothing to do at the foyer.


  As I'm about to take the lift, I bump into Ms. Haslina. " Hi, Ms. Has!" I say. "Hi Kar Marn, it's so good to see you again!" Ms. Haslina says. I tell my mum that I'll go to the third floor. While we are going up, Ms. Has asks me which course I'm pursuing. I say: "I'm pursuing BA (Hons) Communication at the university under the School of Arts," She says:" How wonderful! Congratulations!" She gives me a motherly hug. When the lift reaches the floor, my parents head out to the registry office to settle the university fees.


  I reach the third floor, Ms. Has tells me that she has to make a move as class is starting real soon. I head back to the study room of the MUFY academic office. The place had been my companion for three months when I was doing my third semester in July. It brings back a lot of memories! The new students didn't know I was an ex student but the lecturers are happy to see me again after four months. At 8.50am, I head out to the corridor waiting for my parents to get some "important work" done.




  I spot Ms. Helen James, the MUFY coordinator. "Hi Ms. Helen!" Ms. Helen turns around, "Hi Kar Marn, how are you?" I say: "I'm doing good!" She asks me whether I'm back for university degree. "Yes, yes I am!" After a short chat, she goes to the study to have a chat with my parents. I look at my watch, it's time to go down to sign myself for up the university programme. The foyer is packed with students and the line is so long to get yourself sign up. After signing up, I take the lift at the North Building to Jeffery Cheah Hall at level 4.




  While waiting for the orientation, I have a chat with my two new friends, Derek and Regine from Penang. At one point, Regine reveals that Derek sings. My face immediately lights up and asks him "Do you want to sing together one day?" Derek says: "Why not? Do you sing too?" I nod my head. I mean singing is my passion, it would be great to have a duet! "Do you mind sing a few verse for us?" Regine asks. I sing the chorus part of Start of Something New by the cast of High School Musical. Derek is quite surprised, "Wow, you have an amazing voice! How did you learn to sing that well?" "Well nothing much! Just constant singing at home that's all!" I say.




  After all the speeches made by the Vice Chancellor and Professors as well as the staff of the campus, it's time for a break. At 12.30pm, the students are back to the hall for the next activity. The Sunway Dance Club (SDC) put a performance of dance for us to lighten up the mood. The song they dance to is Shape of You by British singer, Ed Shearan. Later, the Sunway University Student Council (SUSC), organizes an amazing race for us to get know each other more.


  I'm on Team Dodge. Each team consists a group of ten. We are given an hour to complete the task but we need to do accordingly that is stated on the list. We go through the whole campus! There are two things:
1) It's a good exercise
2) You'll be sweaty after all that running and walking


  I try my hands on water bottles flipping but none of them turn out well. By the time we head back, everyone is tired and exhausted. The introduction of clubs and societies which take up the ending time by half an hour. I head down back to the foyer to wait for my sister. While waiting for my uncle to pick us up, I had a small chat with Shu Yie, my senior. Little did I know, a mini St. Davidian (my high school) reunion.


  My university life is about to begin, there are more to come.

CNY Gathering Round 2 at Cofeology Cafe (8/2/17)

  After the first one on CNY Day 4, we decided to have another one but this time grab a drink at Cofeology Cafe- the place where I performed last October. At first, we decided at the old Jusco Ayer Keroh but the cafe's prices are too costly so we decided to switch a place where it fitted our budget. I had early dinner at home before joining them. At 7.23pm, I waited for Yu Xuan to pick me up. 10 minutes later, the car came. I hopped into the car and we're off to our gathering. We phoned Shi Wei, who was doing some shopping at Jusco. He suggested to have the gathering at D' Puteh. We didnt know where it was. Mostly I come to Bukit Beruang for tuitions back in my high school days.

  We passed by a Taoist temple along the way and passed by a few shop lots. When we passed by D' Puteh, one look at it we knew the place was not so appropriate for a gathering. We decided to drop by at Shi Wei's place to invite his god sister along to join in the fun have but she declined the offer. It's okay! No choice, we chose Cofeology cafe since there was no place to go. The moment I stepped into the cafe, the manager recognized me in an instant. I performed at the cafe last October when they held Melaka's Got Talent. I got a certificate for that.    

  While waiting for the boys, I could hear my tummy rumbling. A dessert won't hurt right? Since it's still Chinese New Year, I guess a bite or two of cake would do the trick. I thought the cake would be medium size or a small but it turned out it was a really big! I also ordered a glass of chocolate milkshake. We also invited Shi Chong too. I also bumped into my primary friend, Her Xin. While Shi Chong and Her Xin, the rest of us just chatting what we've been up to these days. I felt a little bored because I wasn't really listening to the conversation they had so I decided to say hi Her Xin. "I'll be okay," I assured Shi Wei. "Hi Her Xin!" I greeted him. "Hey Kar Marn! How's it going?" Her Xin asked. We started to chat about university and the things we did recently. Before I headed back in, I told Her Xin to drop by a message if we want to meet up. "Okay, sure, cool!" That was easy, no awkwardness around. 

  I took a last bite of the cake and it's off D' Puteh. When we were checking the bill, Yu Xuan told us that the staff knew me so they gave us a discount. Okay, which was good.  The weird thing was I forgot to take my bag but luckily Jia Wen went back to retrieve it before the cafe closed. We went by separate cars to the place. I went with Shi Wei while Jia Wen went with Yu Xuan. It was a such an amazing feeling to ride in Shi Wei's car, a comfy ride. When we arrived, the four of us had to walk through a dark alley which was quite creepy. I can't even to look back! We went to say hi to some friends who we didn't see for three years. Joel and I even took a selfie. I got curious with the cards they were playing. Joel told me they were anime cards. 

   After the short chat, Shi Wei escorted us to the car. Before we leave, he said "You girls text me when you reach home," Before that, I even joked whether want to go a "date" for this coming Valentine's Day. "Seriously? You must be pulling my leg, sis!" Shi Wei laughed at the comment. On the way, Yu Xuan fetched Jia Wen and I home. I'm so lucky to have friends like them. 

快闪能之初 XTY Young School Musical: The Z Tornado (4/2/17)

 Astro小太阳青春电影—— 《快闪能之初》叙说两位学生—— 林闪闪（Stephanie刘佩芯 演饰）和祝快乐（Gabriel Noel Pountney 演饰）来自不同家庭背景，但是他们俩就读同一间的学院—— 梦想艺术学院。林闪闪是个开朗爽快、学习认真的学生；祝快乐则是个有点叛逆、轻微的自闭过动儿，但他出众歌舞才华，得到奥达拉院长的赏识。

  有一天，祝福倪，快乐的爸爸（温绍平演饰）到梦想艺术学院和他的好朋友奥达拉院长谈谈电视台企划即将举行的才华比赛，校方必须派出两位学生代表学院参加。奥院长要快乐代表学院但是祝爸爸坚持反对。正这时候，奥院长的八卦秘书——赵瑶晶送茶点就偷听奥院长和祝爸爸的对话。她就胡乱猜测快乐是“靠关系” 参加比赛，就是因为一个谣言，让全校轰动起来，而快乐活在黑暗中。

  快乐他到学院的一个角落。他开始问自己是不是不够好？还是对别人来说他是个内定和“靠关系”的学生？在演唱《过动的脑齿轮》，学院的校工把快乐的一举一动全程拍下再发送给奥院长。在学院的院长室，柯丝拉主任和奥达拉院长在谈论着那个学生该代表学院参加比赛。自我好胜的洪晓姬挑战开朗快爽的闪闪，看看谁即将代表学院参加比赛。但这两派人马也有同个人选就是快乐。

  当她们在议论着，快乐就无影中出现把当场的学生们尤其是闪闪骂得一头雾水！这一幕真的让观众们吓得目瞪口呆！内疚，闪闪问自己是不是做错了什么，她只是想帮快乐而已。正她在内疚中，快乐的好朋友—— 唐小虎就出现。为了不要看闪闪自我内疚，他告诉快乐的家庭背景。灵机一动，闪闪她知道要怎样帮快乐。而K-Pop Gang的晓姬为了要让快乐跟她合作，隔天在大草场等他的脚踏车经过。晓姬邀请快乐一起吃早餐，但被他拒绝。在跳车的那一幕，两人就互相看不顺眼（演唱《缘分乱跳电》）。

  被晓姬乱骂一顿后，快乐就出一个条件：他想有一个妹妹，想知道她是长什么样子。这让晓姬惊讶！他们俩到一间理发店。快乐告诉理发店的阿姨让洪晓姬做一个整形，而下星期的功课是拍一个MV。回到学院，祝快乐遭柯班主任和全班的“攻击” 令他、林闪闪、梅礼茂、洪晓姬和唐小虎都通通离开课室。快乐就梦到自己在妈妈的怀抱睡着，听摇篮歌曲—— 《希望纸飞机》。而从实现回来，原来是在晓姬的腿上睡着让快乐怀念他和妈妈在一起的时光。在朋友们的鼓励下，快乐决定要还自己一个清白。

 事情闹更大在学院令祝爸爸和奥达拉院长公开道歉。奥院长和祝爸爸在争论的时候，五个学生在屋外等待直到闪闪牵快乐的手进屋。快乐唱《希望纸飞机》给祝爸爸听。这时祝爸爸感动了！五个学生协心合力写属于自己的歌，创造自己属于的舞台。

  在电影的最后一幕，祝快乐在下课的时候向全校的学生，他不是内定或“靠关系” 来参加即将的比赛，是靠实力、坚持及梦想。无论有没有比赛，他还是会继续唱、继续跳，完成他心目中的梦想就像龙卷风。快乐最后得到班主任的肯定。

  如果错过这横冲撼动的节目，可以通过Astro On the Go应用程序或On Demand (OD)。让我们更有坚持完成梦想，形成龙卷风！你是不是也有一个梦想，但得不到别人的肯定？这部青春电影就献给Z时代闪亮时刻的你！

歌谣帮 

K-Pop Gang 

(Credits: Astro小太阳许友彬电视系列面子书专页）

Free Style Gang

大年初四：中学团拜 2017 （31/1/17）

  一年一度的中学团拜又来临了！早上九时，我从温暖的床爬起来，再去洗刷。洗刷之后，我到圆桌吃早餐。我再到客厅等朋友们的到来。我们说好早上十时正，但时间越久我不知不觉打瞌睡在客厅的长登直到讯息的音响把我苏醒过来。在群聊组里，仕维向我道歉。我说没关系，反正我睡了一阵子也不会浪费时间。既然我有精神了，我打开电视看看节目。大舅走去门口看看说：“阿文，你的朋友来了！” 我“哦” 了一声就把电视关了，再调整我的姿势。阿姨再三确定就说：“文，他们来了。” 大舅却说没按门铃。不必摁门铃，我妹妹的小毛毛就是我们的“门铃”。它一吠就知道客人来了。

   大舅走到屋外开门让我的不速之客来拜年。“祝大家新年快乐！鸿运好福气，人人有转机！” 大家说：“一样！一样！” 锡忠问：“袈文，你的阿嬷呢？” 我说：“阿嬷在厨房。她一定很开心见到你们。” 他们走到厨房送上祝福，阿嬷都笑得乐开怀！桌子已排好的年饼和饮料已大家的面前。仕维问我：“袈文，你今天去吉隆坡？” 我说：“是啊！下午二时就去了。年初八回来因为我会去敦陈祯禄的祖屋向他的后代拜年。” 智彬问我们：“谁敦陈祯禄？” 我们齐声说：“马华的创办者。” 我和宇宣到客厅的一旁拍张照，拍了几张，我们就来张自拍。我建议仕维用个自拍棍较方便，他说：“妹，没关系！” 

  我们拨电话给嘉雯是否可以过去她拜年。她说：“方便啊！” 我通知妈妈和阿嬷：“我们去嘉雯的家拜年。” 穿上鞋子后，带着夸包在身边就出发去嘉雯的家。我和仕维乘坐智彬的车子；宇宣就乘坐锡忠的车子。我们先去，锡忠和宇宣待会儿到目的会合因为锡忠到饮食中心购买午餐。智彬的车子里播放着Astro的贺岁歌曲，一路上我唱出来。“哇，妹！你会唱很多首。你是怎样记得？” 仕维问我。我说：“哥，有时到YouTube翻找就慢慢把它们记起来。” 他说：“原来如此！” 

  宇宣和锡忠到了，我们三人从车子跳下来。我们在组屋的底楼等待嘉雯的到来。不久之后，嘉雯姐弟俩迎面而来。她的弟弟在玩小炮炮令嘉雯拉他的耳朵，再拿一个小炮炮抛在弟弟的脚边。仕维拿一个炮炮抛在我的脚边，我吓得后退几步。“电梯到了。” 我第一个进，其他才跟着进。嘉雯的弟弟也在里面玩炮炮，她又拉弟弟的耳朵。弟弟在二楼的四面八方抛炮炮。我们问：“你不拍邻居投诉吗？” 嘉雯说：“别管我弟，他是这样的。” 我脱下鞋子，再到神桌前向观音菩萨三鞠躬。萧妈妈回来，我们向她说：“新年快乐！” 她捧着一盒的肉干给我们品尝。我们再拍一张团体照！

  大约下午二时零三分我们回家。我期待明年的团拜，希望可以看舞狮。