Punchlain SU Comedy Night (20/10/18)

Are you feeling stress about the piling assignments these days? Or you feel down over a recent incident? Can't find anything to cheer you up? Head over to Punchlain SU organised by DCLA's Year 3 students of PR Project Management at Sunway University! 

Weeks before the event, the seniors came to drop by promoting their event during Issue and Crisis Communication lecture. I was a little hesitant to come because I was not sure about my plans in hand yet., until yesterday one of the seniors, Amanda, that the team had five free tickets. At one point, I was thinking, "Hey, since there is a free ticket, why not give it shot?" It's worth a shot since I didn't go to a comedy night before. My seniors are super supportive, why not return them favour? 

I make my way up to JC 2, the seniors are still doing some last-minute checking to make sure the event is in top form. Most of them recognised me because I covered their previous event during the last semester- BeYoutiful. My tummy starts to rumble when I see the food pantry but it is not opened until 7.00pm. Oh yeah, I also receive my free tickets while waiting. 

Once the food pantry is opened, everyone heads to the food pantry to dig in. My favorites are the curry puff and the brownies, and especially the egg sandwich! I also bump into my course mates too! They are surprised to see me at the event, "Hey Kar Marn, I didn't know you are here! Did you buy a ticket?" they ask, "No, I got it one for free from one of the seniors," I say. 

I take two photos at the photo booth by Fuji Film, one is with course mates and the other one is with my seniors. As we are waiting patiently for the photos to be printed out, the doors are opened and it's time for us to go in. It's okay I can collect the photos later when the show ends. 

 Once everyone settles in, our lovable emcee, Ruwan, takes the stage. "As they always say, laughter is the best medicine!" the crowd cracks up, and it's true! I have to agree with that saying 100%. We have performances from Kavin Jay, Ayim Razak, Papi Zak, Chrissy Wu and Gajen Nad. Overall, my favorite performances are from Gajen Nad, who kills his last performance with a Hindi and Indian dance. It's totally awesome! 

We also have a game in between to ease up the atmosphere. I'm not good with jokes so I didn't have anything in mind. If I had ever come up with one, trust me, it's not funny at all! Anyway, back to the show! 

After the event, tokens of appreciation are given out to the VIPs and the event director, Ms. Sheena herself, make a speech to thank everyone for coming and making the event a huge success.  I have my one-on-one interview with one of the crews, Angie. 

Katelyn (K): What is the main purpose of the event? 

Angie: (A): We have three goals when planning the comedy night. First of all, the Malaysian comedy scene is under appreciated, cause most of them think that comedy won't make out of money. Secondly, we want to nurture fresh and young talents in the comedy scene. The third and final goal is give people a relaxing time to distress themselves from their hectic work and assignments, especially. Also, we have collaborated with Shelter Home, a there is not enough donations for the children who are living at the home itself. 

K: Why did the team choose a comedy as the theme for this semester's event? I realised that previous semesters, they held balls event. 

A: Like you have mentioned earlier, they held balls event in previous semesters which the team think is common. So we decide to be different by having this comedy night so that everyone can have fun. It also benefits people too. You know the people in big states like KL and Selangor, they are really stress out from work and studies, it may lead to depression or any mental health related issues. With this event, we hope they can relive the stress through laughter. 

K: How did the team overcome conflicts? 

A: We overcome conflicts by talking it out on whatever we do or anything comes out of hand instead of keeping to ourselves which can lead to miscommunication. The key is to communicate! 

K: Anything you want to say to the team? 

A: Although it's tough, we are grateful that each of us in the team did a fantastic job to make the event. We're happy and satisfied on the outcome of the event. 

K: Thank you! 

A: No worries! Thank you for coming to the event. 

Congratulations on the success of the event, it is definitely a night fill with joy and laughter. If you miss you out that night, you can catch all the highlights on Punchlain's official FB page and Instagram account. 

FB: Punchlain_SU 

Instagram: @punchlain_su 

TogrtherLAH! Lokal Night (17/10/18)

After a week of semester break, it's time for the students of Sunway University to head back to campus. But for the DCLA students, something really got them excited, what is it? I'll tell you in a bit later on. And guess what? The TogetherLAH! team is back!

In case some of you have forgotten what is TogetherLAH! campaign is about, let me refresh the memory. TogetherLAH! is a Malaysian themed campaign run by DCLA's Year 2 students of PR Project Management and Corporate Communication  at Sunway University, to inculcate the Malaysian culture among Malaysians and create a favourable attitude towards the country for our international counterparts. 

I'm sure most of you are really curious what is the big event right? Drum rolls please! We bring you Lokal Night also known as cultural night! Isn't this exciting? Before the big event, I'm going to take you on behind-the-scenes to see what we are up to prepare the big night. 

The team gathers at the corridor of LT 7 and 8 to finish the final details. Some of them are in charged of the photo booth decoration, the completed flag expression board as well as blowing up the balloons. I'm a little bored as I have nothing to do and not much to help out at that time, but I entertain one of the performers. 

As the time nears 6pm, we all head to the entrance of JC 1 to get our positions ready. I'm at the registry counter along side Mei Fong, Chivonne, Jessica, Christine as well as Ezac. My position is the VIP attendant, which means I'm in charged of the VIP guest list. Upon registration, VIP and guests will receive a goodie bag which contains Malaysian childhood snacks- Apollo biscuits, jelly, Kopi O sweet etc. Don't they just bring back the childhood memories? Even Sunway Education Group Senior Executive Director, Dr. Elizabeth Lee is impressed and surprised with the door gifts when presented.  

I'm star struck when I attend Talitha Tan, who is the guest performer for the night. I even take a selfie with her. Okay, back to work! All the VIP guests list are done, it's time to move on to the normal guests list and walk-ins.  

The doors are opened as scheduled at 7.15pm, students and guests start to fill up the hall. The registry team is still on duty.

When I’m told that I have to stay up until 10.00pm and miss the whole performance, I’m a little sad and disappointed. I missed my favourite performances which are the wushu and tai chi as well as the Chinese orchestra. 

To cheer myself up, I munch on the childhood snacks. After awhile, our event supervisor, Kavind, leads me into the hall to enjoy the rest of the show, which means I’m off from the job! 

The lucky draw is up. One of our course mates is the lucky winner of the night. Our guest performer, Talitha, performs three songs: America Boy, Mine, and her original- Okay, follow by a sharing session on what makes us Malaysians. The final performance which is another traditional Malay dance by the MSU’s Performance Arts and Cultute Club (PACC). 

The event ends with the appreciation ceremony and a group photo. With that, lokal night is a success! 

As a Malaysian, I'm proud of our diversity. Our campaign is coming to an end with our closing ceremony on 2 November 2018. 

Follow our FB page and Instagram account for more updates of our campaign. 

FB: Togetherlah_su 

Instagram: @togetherlah_su

Hi I'm Kar Marn, I'm going to be your attendant for Lokal Night! 

UN SDG 3rd Anniversary Celebration 2018 at Sunway University (7/10/18)

The semester break has officially started, most of them have already gone back to their respective hometowns to spend their one-week holiday. Before I head back to my hometown, Melaka, I decide to spend my weekend on campus. Is there a big event on campus? It's the third anniversary celebration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), it is celebrated all around the world!

You must be what are the Sustainable Development Goals? The Sustainable Development Goals was launched by the United Nations (UN) on 7 October 2015. These global goals are the challenges that we face in the world today such as poverty, inequality, huger, health, education etc. We hope to reach the 17 goals by 2030, to ensure that we leave no one behind.

As I arrive on the campus' football field, there's a big stage and two performers are singing to the late Michael Jackson's Beat It, as if I'm attending my very first open-air concert on campus! Oh wait, I am! I make my way to one of the tents to ward off the intense heat. Thanks to the Sunway Student Volunteers (SSV), they give out complimentary drinks to the participants at the event and also badges for the goals, as well as posters!

I'm waiting for my friend Hanis to arrive. I'm near the VIP tent, I bump into a few famous faces. Malaysia's famous comedian and funniest man in the world- Harith Iskander, along with his wife, Dr. Jezzmine Lim, and state assembly person for Subang Jaya- YB Michelle Ng. Not long after, Hanis has arrived. As we are chatting, the emcee announces the arrival of HRH the Raja Muda of Selangor. Quickly, I jump off from the stage and we look for another platform to have a seat.

We found one not far from the VIP tent. At around 9.00am, the celebration begins. When High School Musical's We're All in this Together is played, the flag bearers for each goal comes up to the stage. Who doesn't love High School Musical? I even dance to the music! To start off the celebration, Sunway University Cheerleading (SUC) is here to heat up the stage with their amazing stunts and flips!

The emcee asks all the students to move forward to the stage. I'm still remain on the platform as it is difficult for me to get down on the grass. One by one, 17 VIPs come up to the stage and make their pledge on the goals they are passionate in. At one point, Hanis checks on me to make sure that I'm comfortable.  Sunway founder, Tan Sri Jeffery Cheah, AO, makes his speech to wrap up all the 17 goals. A drone flies over to capture the momentous event, Hanis and I wave to the camera.

When the VIPs come to our side, we shake hands with his HRH the Raja Muda of Selangor. I give my best curtsy when I meet HRH. I have a mini reunion with the national tenpin bowler, Sin Li Jane. We met before at last year's SEA Games homecoming celebration. I even give Li Jane a big hug!

The celebration is not over yet! I have my own VIP moment at the tent, and a good view of the stage too! A magic show,  opera singing, a group of kid dancers, and the best part of all is the performance from the Malaysian Army! With that, the celebration of the SDG has come to a close. I'm super happy that I attended the biggest UN event in the world, apart from Model United Nations (MUN). Maybe I can represent UN Malaysia for one of these goals as a youth ambassador, who knows right?

 I, CHIN Kar Marn, make a pledge on Good Health and Well-Being. Let us join hands and make a pledge to each of the SDG that we are passionate in.

SBS 《心门之初心》舞台剧庆功宴（3/10/18）

《心门之初心》舞台剧已经过了三个月多，我也开始想念筹委会和演员们了！每一次在大学的走廊上会碰见对方，但是却没有好好坐下谈天和回顾一起并肩作战的时光。如今久等的庆功宴来了！终于可以和大家见面了！

从图书馆出来，看见乌云密布的天空，我赶紧加快脚步因为快要下雨了！背着沉重的背包，我到学院学楼乘电梯至三楼，再拐个弯就到庆功宴的课室了。当我越靠近课室时，心里 “扑腾扑腾” 的跳，是不是我走太快或者紧张？无论如何，先调好呼吸才进去吧！深一口气，我到门口就和大家打招呼：“Hello！”

“Katelyn！” 他们很兴奋看到我的到来，我坐在主角—— Derrick的身边。我快喘不过气了。他们问我如何来这儿，我说：“从图书馆啊！” 众演员关心的说：“那么远啊？你行吗？” 我说可以，最重要小心就可以了。所有出席的演员和筹委会到齐，开饭啦！我们已经预购的Dominos Pizza 一一把它们打开，肚子就在这时候也打鼓。在吃的当儿，璟芳播放完整的舞台剧在荧幕上让大家回顾一下。

当我重看整个舞台剧的时候，我仍然喜欢悟顺唱《择》的哪一幕。因为当时维成开始慢慢找回他的初心，音乐始终是他的梦想。我们不要因为旁人的意见，却改变自己，最终伤害的人也是自己。是的，我天生痉挛性双瘫，一路上遭不少旁人的批评和指责。我是绝不会放弃！做自己主角！由自己来做决定！

最开心的时刻可以和一众的演员唱歌，特别是和Han Kee与Derrick一起合唱《择》。两位赞我有一个甜美的嗓子，我当时脸红了！心里非常开心！更希望有一天和两位在学校的活动一起同台唱歌，用我们的歌声传达爱和关怀。

庆功宴结束之前，大家手中有一张奖状。当我收到奖状，心里非常开心因为所有的泪水和辛苦都是值得的！我当时想要放弃，可是停下脚步想一想：“为什么我会在这里？我是为了什么而参与舞台剧的筹委会？” 后来才发现原来所有的事情，不能自己一个人扛，而是整个团队的合作才会有那么精彩的一个舞台剧。


我相信我们的聚会不会在庆功宴而结束，期待更多的聚会！愿我们的友情永远不断线！不管飞多远，我永远会陪在你们身边一起面对生命中的挑战。

心门不易开启，你的初心找到了吗？

Bodhi Heartz中秋晚会2018（28/9/18）

一向来，我都是在马六甲家乡庆祝中秋晚会。我倒是想想，雪隆区一带的中秋晚会和家乡有什么不同呢？雪州菩提心轩佛学会举办一年一度的中秋晚会，双威大学佛学会受邀请和当学会一起庆中秋！我当然非常开心，因为首次在雪隆一带庆中秋。

从首都吉隆坡出发到雪州莎阿南是一个小时的车程。我发现自己看错时间了，并在学会理事会群聊通知他们一声，我说迟到。到了菩提心轩佛学会，我拨电话给嘉娣，“Katelyn，我看到你了！” 我一转头就看到她迎面而来。妈妈还吩咐嘉娣照顾我，“Aunty，放心！我们会把Katelyn照顾好！” 嘉娣说。

我们几乎找不到位子，因为全场差点空无虚席，幸好我们找到一桌。伟航哥和嘉娣把我安顿好后，他们就去摊子的每个角落觅食。一回来，有水果rojak、素糯米鸡、红豆糖水等等。我还碰见到三个月没见到的Daniel哥哥！“这么巧会遇到你们！” Daniel哥哥说，“几点是你的演出？” 我问，他说晚上八时三十分。哪我就迫不及待看他的演出啦！

在我们享受美食的当儿，台下的司仪和观众一起互动猜灯谜。只是有点可惜司仪没来到我们这一排的桌子，不然的话我会猜中答案呢！晚上八时三十分，Daniel哥哥的演出正式开始！我秒变 “小迷妹”啦！我跟着旋律唱歌，嘉娣就说：“Katelyn，我可以请司仪过来把他们的麦克风交给你，然后唱歌给大家听。” 这主意还不错嘛！

在台上唱歌多好，享受舞台的时刻。不用被旁人冷落、排斥、更不用被批评，因为舞台可以展现另一个自己。表演的尾声，我们到楼上的佛堂观看。当我要爬上楼梯时，他们问我：“你可以吗？” 我当然可以啊！慢一点没关系！

我们到了佛堂就把鞋子脱下，然后再进去。当然少不了献花供佛，让你我留下一颗纯洁的心。我们拍一张大合照，把中秋晚会画上一个圆满的句号。感谢菩提心轩佛学会的邀请，我期待明年的中秋晚会。

祝大家中秋节快乐！大家一起庆团圆和月亮一样！

TogetherLAH! Lokal Bazaar (26/9/18-28/9/18)

Hey! It's TogetherLAH! campaign's first main event! What is it? It's the Lokal Bazaar! Isn't it exciting? After Global Branding and Identity lecture, we head to the boulevard, college link bridge and the walkway respectively to get into our positions. Although I'm not on the job today, I have to help out my department- research and evaluation team, to collect surveys for those who drop by at our booths at the college boulevard.

Most of us are at the boulevard to help to set up the photo booth in collaboration with MY Home Gallery for our social media photo contest. I sit on the round bench at the boulevard with my own "personal booth". The time is still early, only a few students drop by to check out the booths. Don't forget we have food as well, such as our signature onde-onde, cakes from Good Memories cake house, muruku to make your tummy happy! Not enough? Head over to the walkway between the college and univerity, there are four food vendors selling Malaysians' all-time favourites- nasi lemak and satay!

We all know that when it comes to food, Malaysians love to have a good treat! If you missed our publicity week, fret not! Because here's your second chance to write your "love letters" to Malaysia.  It's located at the college link bridge.

On the second day of the bazaar, no vendors is around at the college boulevard because it's MUFY's (Monash University Foundation Year) Sharity carnival. We still do have the food trucks along the walkway of the campus. Since I'm a MUFY alum myself (class of 2016), why not head over to promote the campaign to my former lecturers and juniors? It's gonna be a win-win promotion! Double the event, double the promotion!

Besides our campaign, there are few booths beside ours. One of them is the Chinese Cultural Society (SUCSS), they are promoting their singing competition finals. I manage to get two of them from the society to write their message on our Jalur Gemilang expression board. They even buy two unity ribbons.

What is the unity ribbon? The unity ribbon is a project by Projek  57. It's exactly like the national flag but only it's in the form of the ribbon, it also has our Father of Independence and first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman at the side of it. All the profits will be going to the foundation  to help the orang asli children to receive education. We'll also doing charity at the same time, because the orang asli is also part of the Malaysian community. Not to mention that our onde-onde is a big hit of the bazaar. We manage to sell all of them!

On the third and final day of the bazaar, everyone gathers at the college boulevard because we are having a photo shooting session. I'm in charge with the attendance. The next hour before the bazaar starts, we put up all the signs around campus and make sure everything is in top form. As the time is near 10.00am, Chivonne and I head up to the college link bridge to start our duty.

My job is to wave the flag to attract people and pull some students over to complete our Jalur Gemilang expression board. At one point we lost count the number of sticky notes written, there are too many of them. Nonetheless, we manage to keep track. Since it's the last day of the bazaar, we promote our stickers at just only RM 1!

Once my shift is done, I head to the library to chill off due to the scorching heat. When I head back to the link bridge, they are lacking of manpower at the college boulevard. All that walking sure make my tummy rumbling. I bought lok lok from Mei Tuan food delivery! To get a 50% discount, all you have to do is to like and follow their Facebook page and Instagram account. We also have a lucky draw too! Who knows you might get a cash prize?  The good news is the unity ribbon which we collaborate with Projek 57 have all sold out!

The three-day Lokal Bazaar is a success! Thank you for those who drop by to support the campaign, I'm sure you have a happy tummy after tasting all the delicious food we have throughout the bazaar. Our upcoming event is the cultural night, we bring you Lokal Night, which is happening on 17 October 2018. Sunway campus' student and staffs can get their tickets at RM 18 while external parties is RM 23. It's a night to embrace the beauty of Malaysian cultures! Grab your tickets now!

For more information of our event, follow our official media sites:
Facebook: Togetherlah_su

Instagram: @togetherlah_su

马佛青甲州联委会：佛青之夜2018（22/9/18）

马佛青甲州联委会举行佛青之夜2018在马六甲家乡的家喻户晓的文化街，老一辈会称为它 “鸡场街”。主题是—— 《如是栎缘》。生长在马六甲的我，当然不会错过这千逢难栽的机会！我和阿嬷下车就步行到文化街的主舞台。幸好表演还没有开始，台上的司仪在台上为大家一一介绍嘉宾们。

在司仪们的倒数之下，马六甲佛青之夜正式开始！第一场演出是由一群可爱的小朋友为大家演出的《我们的月亮一定圆》。接下来的表演是年纪较大的孩子表演手语、唱歌、舞蹈等等。当我在观看表演一半时，我看到熟悉红色的独中校友联谊会的衣服，怎么大学的同学也来家乡？太巧了吧！我离开席位时，阿嬷说：“文儿，你小心点啊！” 我便走过去打招呼，“嗨！这么巧会遇到你们！” 我说。“是啊！也没想到会遇到你呢！” 他们说。

不只是遇到大学的同学，还遇到中学的老师和学长、学弟和学妹。“袈文学姐，想不到你会来啊！” 学弟学妹说，我说：“是啊！看到这活动在面子书，就回来看看。反正第一次出席家乡的佛青之夜，当然不会错过这个大机会！”

台上的司仪回到舞台和大家见面，“现在我们有请马六甲技术大学佛学会带这一首——《生命中的朋友》！” 《生命中的朋友》这是歌勾起中学的回忆，也可以说我的第一首的佛曲吧！我还记得在中五的时候，佛学会歌艺组的学弟学妹每天早上会唱这首歌，因此我和《生命中的朋友》“结缘”。

不只是《生命中的朋友》，周杰伦老师的《稻香》也是。这两首歌在任何的佛教活动都会播放。最后的表演，中学的学长、学弟和学妹在台上为大家献唱六首歌曲。我最喜欢的是黎铭升老师的《三好歌》和《一份爱万种关怀》。

节目的尾声全体的嘉宾和表演者在台上献上最后两首的佛曲—— 《长征万里》和马佛青的主题曲。法师在台上给大家回向，马六甲佛青之夜正式画上一个圆满的句号！我非常开心，可以回家出席这意义非凡活动！希望我可以和一班热爱佛曲的青年一起在台上唱歌，用我的歌声传递佛法。