An Education:In search of my first rugby experience

𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝙼𝚊𝚗𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚞𝚕𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚏𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 

Bachelor of Professional Communication (Hons)

As part of our Event Management module of Professional Communications,

We were tasked as an entire class to organise an event, and after brainstorming some ideas finally, the big idea came in. It's in Rugby. I've heard Rugby many times but I never been done or watched the match before. Our University, the International University of Malaya-Wales has its rugby club known as Killer Whales! (Gempak Kan!). When Izzah our project leader proposed a rugby tournament, which we mutually agreed together. 

The Official Logo of ' The Ultimate Touch ' 2018 

The following week, we had our weekly meeting and to make things move quickly, all the internal members played a unique role, and I was given the responsibility of sponsoring the event. Lol, I'm proud because my classmates had clear visibility of my previous experience with them and their trust towards me. The second week of our meeting we discussed the venue, the allocation of the budget, sponsorship application document and the preparation of the necessary reports to proceed with the event. We were able to share our views and suggestions about our event soon after creating a Whatsapp group. After brainstorming a few captivating titles of our event, the Ultimate Touch finally pops out, and we fix it. After the week, I assigned my team members to start looking for small and large firms sponsors.

On the sponsorship and donations updates, we discussed during our leisure time. It was a challenging situation for us as we have to prepare for our research proposal presentation for the requirement of the Communication Research Project 1. Knowing I'm the Head of the Sponsorship Department, I set all my priorities over here and no matter what I told to myself must accomplish all my sponsorship targets. I started sending the sponsorship application to some of the well-known corporate organisations, including F&N, Vitagen Malaysia, Yakult Malaysia, U Mobile Malaysia, Alliance Bank, Nestle Milo and many more, not just energy drinks, but also food and drink. 

I'm the person who loves public relations, and the given task to me indeed offered me the best experience ever. Sending our sponsorship letters and proposal, phone conversation with the human resources department or corporate communications department, getting updates via email, preparing an email content that's so much fun. This is why at the beginning stage, I've chosen to be Public Relations as my first career choice because I love this profession, it's about communication.

As our team members performed well, we did not have any internal conflicts as everyone progressed went well as planned earlier. In every meeting, each of my time members shows his/her progress, and this has received positive feedback from our lecturer and project champion. And, forgot to mention here something, during the first meeting our lecturer has been told us, we will be given an overall individual target of attaining at least RM 500 worth of cash, sponsorships or products for the event. Earlier it was given RM1000, but then it's a significant amount and pleases lah! Since it was mandatory, we worked strenuously on looking at the cash/products/vouchers worth of RM500.

We started to prepare the banners, design the posters and search the specific field for the tournament. The search for the match field was stressed because some of the organisers could not provide us with the costs (a few fields expensive too). After a month we confirmed the venue at SMK St John, Kuala Lumpur. Ultimately, the progress was super quick as all the members were working day and night.

After working day and night, I've received several emails from a few corporate companies as they were willing to sponsor towards ' The Ultimate Touch '. Refer to the attachment below.

Vitagen Malaysia (Through Marigold sponsored us 11 trays x 24 packet 200ml of MARIGOLD UHT 100% Orange Juice)

Nestle Milo (Offered 500 free cups of Milo Drinks, during the event day)

 Printcious Gifts Sponsored 75 pieces of Lanyards

During the event  

Altogether, 16 teams were invited from different colleges and universities for the touch rugby. It was one of the long hours' sports event that I have conducted and involved throughout my undergraduate study in IUMW. We were so rushing in the morning as we prepared the registration kits, medals, certificates, arranging mineral bottles and packet drinks, and of course the hectic last-minute preparation.

Some of the shots 

Excellent lecturers from our Faculty of Communication, Media and Arts together with Mr Stephen  Lloyd Griffiths Deputy Vice-Chancellor of International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW) and fellow prominent rugby coaches.

Yes, We!

BE AN ACTION DREAMER - HONG LEONG FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

- M A -S C H O L A R S H I P 
- E X P E R I E N C E -

Bonjour Readers!

*Drum rolls* Tada!

It's been undoubtedly a tiring semester for me as I was locked up on the campus by academic assignments, presentations, social events, and RESEARCH! In this segment today, I'll be sharing with you'll my scholarship experience.

Obtaining an academic scholarship, it's not easy as we think method as it requires a series of independent skills and abilities...LOL! 

From a humble upbringing, I always had in my mind to pursue undergraduate studies through obtaining a scholarship. Therefore, I applied for several scholarships, and some of them rejected my application for various reasons.


I'm not a straight-A student. I was drawn to Arts throughout my secondary education, such as drawing and designing, but it didn't go fine with me. After receiving the SPM result, I  fixed my mind on pursuing a Diploma in Mass Communication in a private college. During my active years in Diploma, I have maintained a pointer  3.5 and above every semester, and yes, I got on the dean list! 



In many cases, academic bursaries for communication are challenging to obtain because the area of arts and communication is not well valued as other fields of study (based on my personal point of view). I'm glad that the Hong Leong Foundation granting scholarships for various programmes. While I was in the third year of Diploma, I came across the Hong Leong Foundation Scholarship, and I was pretty excited as I merely met all the scholarship qualification. The sole reason I approached the HLF was they offered the scholarship for any courses as long as it is a full-time undergraduate study at recognized public and private universities and colleges in Malaysia.


I have received an email from the Hong Leong Foundation, cordially inviting me to the interview session for the 2016 Wisma Hong Leong Scholarship Award of the Year. It was one of the most frightening experiences for me because candidates from different institutions were present. The first session was the essay writing session, in which it is obligatory for all said candidates, and each candidate is given only 30 minutes. After successfully completing the essay, I was taken to the interview location by one of the staff. Waiting for the interview is so fun, haha! Nothing to worry about, the interview was fantastic! If you are fully prepared for the interview, then yes, it will be great for you! Therefore, the interview questions are easy and straightforward, like your personal introduction, which course, and your main reason for applying for the scholarship.


With supreme confidence, I expected the announcement of the scholarship results. The lovely day has arrived, at the time, some of my friends earlier received their official status of the result, and I did not get anything. I waited for a few hours... And here you go...

Disappointment and complex emotions! Literally cried!! I knew God had a better plan, and I made myself calm and moved on!

Days passed...

Knowing my following phase is the Degree study, I scarcely prepared for it. Stressed too! Enrolled in the Degree program in the year 2017. I repeatedly try for a few scholarships, and the Hong Leong Scholarship was on my user list. 😂😅And I did apply like the previous year. Email received for the interview session (boom)!



I attended the interview and sat for the essay writing and attended the interview. This time I had 50% confidence, but unfortunately, after a couple of anxious months, I received an email from HLF saying I didn't get through the scholarship.

Simultaneously, I also attended another scholarship interview, also known as the IOI group Scholarship (Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng), a CSR Initiative of the IOI Group. The interview was held at IOI Group at Putrajaya. It was one of the unfortunate interviews' for me ' as I didn't prepare thoroughly. The Interview was conducted by Dato Joanne and a few officers from the Corporate Communication and Public Relations Department. The interview-based on my communication field and how I'm going to contribute positively to the company in a sustainable future as a scholar. While waiting for the scholarship results, I did not receive any email or phone calls and realized one of my friends from UTAR got the scholarship which means I'm not selected (as usual).


Due to my previous scholarship experience, I decided not to apply for any scholarships at the moment. Not give up, but I realized I've been wasting my time, in fact, unable to concentrate on my studies (overthinking). I decided to perform well for every semester and maintain CGPA 3.5 and above to obtain a first-class degree which later I can convert my PTPTN loan to a scholarship (quick thinking)!


As every year, the Hong Leong Foundation invited candidates for the scholarship application. The campaign was launched in April until June 2018. This time, I utterly ignored all the scholarships that I've received through email, friends, social media, and so on. As the Hong Leong Scholarship's due date approached nearer, I convinced myself up and told myself, let's do it again! It was only two days left for the scholarship application and around 3.27 a.m. I jumped out of bed, washed my oily face, and fill-up the application form again.


Few weeks passed, I received an email from HLF inviting me for the interview.

So I went for the interview session as usual, and I said to myself, ' Suresh, you won't get the scholarship at all, as usual! In the meantime, I also tried for other  Scholarships, but no email, no calls, or I don't know if they saw my application or no 😂.

It was in the afternoon, and I received the exciting news through email from the Hong Leong Foundation. The email stated that I have made it through the interview and have been provisionally offered the Hong Leong Foundation Scholarship.

Indeed, I made it! After three years of struggling and rejections, at last, I made it!

'One of the Happiest Moment '

Dear readers, if you're reading my post and being a scholarship seeker, give it a try for this scholarship. Don't scad of your academic failure; destroy the unreasonable fear within you! That's Life, Don't give up, guys! Remember, when you fail to get any scholarship, please remember one thing. Many other deserving students out there might have the most exceptional accomplishments, and some are even from underprivileged backgrounds. Previously, when I was rejected, I just said to myself, they're other students who really need the scholarship. Let them grab the opportunity; your turn will come shortly, but just stay positive and shine like a lucky star!

Thanks a million, Hong Leong Foundation, for awarding the academic scholarship. Thank you again for choosing me for the interview with the media session, and it was a fantastic interview with local journalists. Being a communication student offered me a unique insight into how a journalist writes a report, the way of reporting and interviewing. Who knows, in the future, I might interview the shining stars, huhu.

They're more talented youngsters who are eagerly seeking scholarships, and hopefully, you present them with your award to fulfil their lifelong dreams. As I observed personally, some teenagers really need financial assistance, but they are unaware of scholarships. They're not lazy, but it's the ' FEAR' within them; it's just their conscious mind ' Don't apply, lah for sure we don't get '! Hey, guys, look at me now! I really work hard day and night for this precious gift, many rejections, failures, typical stereotypes & social discrimination, but I blow them away and naturally made it today.

Alternatively, you may read my full story from the news coverage pas below : 

Press Release 1 

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/09/28/students-succeed-against-all-odds

Press Release 2 

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2018/10/07/32-get-hong-leong-scholarships/

THANK YOU FOR READING!

National Institute of Diabetes (NADI)

No one can do everything but everyone can do something 

During my 1st Year in Semester 2, we had a Curriculum project paper as that is a compulsory paper for our degree program. 

This project paper is particularly focusing on students involved in volunteering projects. At first, we were decided to conduct a day volunteering program at Zoo Negara but since I already took part in this cause before with Business students I decided to approach National Institute of Diabetes or it is referred as NADI in short term.

Here are quick facts about NADI :

NADI is a non-profit organisation managed by a Board of Trustees comprising representatives from the Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society (MEMS), Malaysia Diabetes Association(PDM), Ministry of Health (MOH), Elected and Founding members. 

The Objectives of NADI are : 

(a) To be a National Diabetes Education Resource Center for the country

(b) To establish and run comprehensive health facility including a National Diabetes Hospital for the management of diabetes and its complications. 

(c) To create and maintain a National Diabetes Registry 

(d)  To coordinate and conduct research in diabetes and related conditions 

(e) To be the national coordinating centre for diabetes in Malaysia with respect to statistics, education, management, research, policy and planning on diabetes and associated diabetes.

In September 2017 last year, National Insitute of Diabetes collaborated with other health agencies, organised a day mini carnival which is to raise fund for NADI. The fund-raising event was part of NADI's awareness programme to create an awareness for the children who are undergoing diabetic treatments. When I came to know that NADI is organising an event little I did know was I myself truly excited to take part in the event. 

After getting permission from our Faculty Programme Coordinator, Ms.Sheena, my another three friends joined into contributing in this good cause.

Two young superwomen are busy setting up the game booth for the children to participate

The two girls: Ms Clara and Ms Trisyia were assigned to take care of the game booth while we boys including Mr Izzat Daniel looked after the logistic

Visitors and children participated in the game session and we were there to guide them.

Our final photograph of the events committee. Overall we were so lucky and fortunate to be part of this corporate charity fund-raising event. 

Thank you so much to all those kind-hearted souls for making the event a grand success. 

Do you want to make a huge difference in someone's life? Then what you're waiting for,  invite your friends to follow and get updates via NADI’s Facebook page for more upcoming opportunities.

My Volunteer Experience

Make a difference in Someone's Life! 

Hola my readers! Hope you people are doing well. Today I want to share something that is very impressive and I believe this story will give you more insights about volunteerism. Well, it's about a charity programme (Its ROLF)  that I participated along with other students leaders from 15 higher learning institution. 

 Well, anyone of you heard about Rainbow of Life Forces or ROLF before?

 Yes, Let's go into their history.

HISTORY OF ROLF 

ROLF or Rainbow of Life Forces is a non-profit community project funded by creativision Group of Companies. The campaign brings people together to help and enhance the quality of life of underprivileged children. ROLF was initiated in the year 2007. It consists of 7 campaigns. They are Blue Ribbon Campaign, followed by Orange, Gold, Green, Yellow, Red and Purple. Each of the campaigns is formed to support and help children in different situations.

ROLF is not a foundation or an organization. It is a facilitator and campaigner that raises awareness to increase public understanding, interest and enthusiasm on issues related to children. It is formed to encourage people to take action, volunteer and give hope to marginalized children regardless of race, religion, background and nationality.

Last Year,  ROLF hosted their 7th Gold Ribbon Campaign which is 'Grant a wish campaign for the underprivileged children'.  I was one of the ROLF Participant and brought 20 Volunteers from my University known as International University of Malaya-Wales.

At first part, we were called for a press conference which held at KLPAC on the 2nd September 2017. News article featured on 'The Star' newspaper. 

The following week on Sunday, September we were invited for a short briefing session at Perdana Botanical Lake Garden together with other volunteers. Ms Adelyn the Founder of ROLF  briefed us on the plan to execute on that event day. At the moment, I really planned to bring undergraduates students from my Faculty but there are some students who couldn't participate and decided to invite students from other faculties such as Psychology, Business and Accounting and Foundation in Arts. Overall, 20 students agreed to participate.

During the Event Day 

On the 30th September 2017, ROLF successfully organised the 'ROLFitnesss Programme' at Perdana Botanical Graden, Kuala Lumpur. The event kick starts at 8.30am and ends at 5.00pm followed by Lunch and Tea Break. After the official briefing ceremony by we were assigned our task and responsibilities. We were given an orphanage named, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak Kanak Selangor from Klang. We were also given the complete list of the full names of the children, age, T-Shirt sizes, and bus number. After, clearly briefed my group members we picked the children from the respective home. Also, they were another few other homes were present and taken care of by other educational institutions.

We received 30 children from the respective home and our task was to bring them to each booth (7 booths were placed with different activities).

Among the smiley faces :) 

Educating the children from the respective home on oral hygienic by KPJ University, Nilai.

Taking care after the children were quite challenging since there were few aggressive behaviours and hyperactive. However, we were smart to control them.

To achieve a goal we all need a well-organised, an effective team and most importantly trusted leaders to move forward to an excellent pathway. 

Here we made it through this journey! 

Thanks to my team members for participating and their contribution towards the event. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities for students in Malaysia. So, utilise your time by getting involved into volunteering programme so that you'll get the exposure and broaden up your mind on the importance of volunteering 🎁

Thank you for Reading! 

Promo Video (Vinashini Home)

Yeayy! Just recently VinashiniHome has released a new video on their Facebook page. 

The video which aims to provide accurate information to our donors and volunteers who have been thinking about how to contribute to Vinashini Home.

Did you missed our video?
No worries here you go!

https://www.facebook.com/vinashinihome/

1 Malaysia Health Campaign @ Vinashini Home

Happiness is nothing more than good health🌈💡

 1 Malaysia Health Campaign mutually organised by Oral Health Division, Ministry of Health  Negeri Sembilan & Social Welfare Department of Negeri Sembilan which took place on the 25th March 2017 at Vinashini Home. The health campaign was part of community health program organised by Oral Health Division of Negeri Sembilan.

The campaign was launched by, Dr Zainudin bin Mohd Ali. The campaign's mission is to provide free treatment and dental checks for all the residents at Vinashini Home.

The event starts with the first activity ' Zumba Session ' and guided by staffs from the dental department. Later, resident was substituted into 4 groups according to the colours and each group provided different agenda. 

Me myself and few doctors were volunteered to guide Pink group and  I would say that most awesome group ever. The first department was basic check-up where staff nurses from Klinik Kesihatan Seremban checked their glucose level, blood pressure and so on. 

Ms Flora Yoshimi Rozario who is Down Syndrome patient getting treatment from Dr.Mary who hails from Klinik Pergigian Seremban 3.

Apart from Seremban 3 Dental clinic,  there were another 2 clinics who also joined together; Klinik Pergigian Sikamat,  & Klinik Pergigian Seremban.

Chai Sing Wang with two pretty dentists.

Overall it was an unforgetful day for the residents and also for the visitors too. 

All the photos all rights reserved to Vinashini Home 

 Thank you.