The Eldest Sister's Guide to Family Joy (and Chaos)

Hi,

This weekend, I'm cherishing quality time with my parents and younger sisters. Okay, I basically live in my own personal support system as my parents and my sisters are right there. Having them around, it's like having a built-in weekend fun committee! Seriously, if I'm ever staring at a blank calendar on a Saturday, BAM! They're already plotting something hilarious or delicious or both.

This is one of our many weekend projects. Missing one sister.

And being the eldest sister? Yeah, I'm basically the second mom. Or, as my sisters put it, 'Mom 2.0'. Honestly, when they went, 'You're just like Mom!' My response is always, 'Well yeah, I am!' It's the ultimate compliment. Plus, they've got this whole 'If Mom's not around, we'll just find you!' thing going on. Which, I mean, is a little dramatic, but also kinda sweet? Like, I'm the family's emotional backup hard drive. I dig it.

But, realistically, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Someone's gotta be the responsible one, right? That's where I come in, the 'Education Fairy Godmother'. Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but I'm definitely the one who's always like, 'Homework? Done! Uni applications? Do it, now! New iPhone? Excuse you!' I'm always a bit firm with them, but they know I mean well. They respect that, so they go along with it.

My little sister showed up when I was 18. Then I became my mom's apprentice. Instead of letting her waste her semester break sleeping, I asked her to help me with work. You're welcome. 😎

I always tell them, pursue your dreams, find what makes you happy. But, let's not forget the grand quest, finishing those studies and building a fulfilling career. That's the 'Achievement Unlocked: Secure Future and Happy Parents' moment. And honestly, watching them thrive in their careers? That's my preferred form of long-term entertainment. Give me a well-adjusted life as an adult. That's the real drama I want to watch.

I've reached the point where, the moment I begin my 'helpful reminders', well, the ones that always start with 'You know, if you just...' – they immediately pre-empt me with a synchronized 'yeah, yeah, we know.' It's become their standard response, and they'll process it on their own timeline. And deep down, I know they will. They always do. It's just... their pace is more of a leisurely stroll than a sprint, and I've had to make peace with that. 😊

Basically, I'm just lucky. And I'm pretty sure my sisters are, too. We've got each other's backs, whether it's for a spontaneous road trip or a late-night snacking session. And honestly, knowing they'll all ace it and make our parents proud? That's the best reward ever. 

So, here's to family, to support systems, and to always having someone to finish your sentences (and your snacks)! 😑

Learning Without Limits

Hi,

Now I want to talk about turning your brain into a multi-tool, shall we? You know how we were gushing about transferring MOOC or Microcredential credits like magical learning tokens? Well, it's still cool, but like any good adventure, there are a few "level-up" rules we need to know.

Think of it this way: you can't just slap a sticker on your forehead and declare yourself a ninja master. Universities, need to make sure your skills are the real deal. So, they've got things like "course alignment" (making sure your learned skills match their courses), "credit value" (because not all brain-bytes are created equal), and, of course, their own university policies (because, well, rules are rules). It's like a slightly organized treasure hunt, but with brainpower as the prize!

Now, speaking of treasure hunts, guess who's been recruited to help map out this educational wonderland? Me! I'm currently working with the Centre for Development of Academic Excellence (CDAE) on their Flexi Lifelong Learning Scholar program. Basically, I'm one of the trainers, and I'm diving headfirst into the exciting world of developing MOOC Guidelines for Credit Transfer across multiple Malaysian Higher Education Institutions.

Yes, that's right! I'm helping to create the roadmap for this credit transfer adventure. Think of me as your friendly neighbourhood learning navigator. My mission? To help make sure your learning journey is smooth, fun, and totally legit. So, get ready to flex those brain muscles, because we're about to make learning across Malaysian universities easier than ordering your favourite food online! (Though, let's be honest, that's a pretty high bar.). Stay tuned for more updates, and let's make some learning magic happen!

Trainer bootcamp. First meeting.

Second meeting.

My team is responsible for developing inter-institutional credit transfer guidelines for MOOC.

Show and tell time. We need to evaluate each other's presentation.

Alright, picture this: As the trainers, we have been handed the keys to the MOOC kingdom, and our mission? To turn Malaysian universities into a credit-transferring, learning wonderland! We're not just writing guidelines; we're also designing the future of learning. So, here's the game plan: after crafting these magical guidelines, we're going to be training MOOC developers across the land! Think of us as the MOOC Sanseis, imparting the wisdom of credit transfer and engaging online learning.

Now, here's where it gets personal. I'm partly involved in MOOC development at the School of Mathematical Sciences, wrestling with equations and trying to make calculus look cool (a challenge, I admit!). So, this training gig is like a double win for me. Not only do I get to help shape the future of learning, but I also get to level up my own MOOC-making skills. It's like a self-improvement seminar disguised as a super-important mission!

Basically, I'm hoping to learn all the tricks of the trade to turn my math MOOCs from "meh" to "mind-blowing!" Who knows, maybe I'll even figure out how to make derivatives funny. (Okay, maybe that's pushing it.) But hey, with this training, we're going to make sure those MOOCs are not just credit-worthy, but also seriously engaging. Let's make learning so fun, people will forget they're actually learning!

Bye!

Raya Runway Ready (Or Not!)

Hi,

Okay, buckle up, because we almost complete our first week of Ramadan and guess what? The Raya fever is kicking in like a caffeinated kangaroo on a trampoline!🦘 (Or maybe that's just my panic setting in. 😅) For me tho, the pre-Raya rush always comes with one major question: WHAT. ARE. WE. WEARING?! 😱 Seriously, it's like my closet decided to throw a tantrum and declare a fashion emergency. My online shopping carts are overflowing with gorgeous baju kurung, kebaya, and modern Raya fits, but the sheer choice is enough to make my head spin... and maybe cry a little. 😭

The model makes everything look perfect, and now I'm completely overwhelmed by choices!

Okay, here's the tea. For years, my Raya wardrobe was basically sponsored by wedding season. From 2014 onwards, it was a glorious cycle of new baju kurung or new kebaya! Someone was always getting married, which meant I got to subtly (or not so subtly) hint at what I wanted to wear for Raya. It was a beautiful system. Until... dramatic pause this year. No weddings. Nada. Zilch. Which means… I actually have to shop for Raya clothes. 

The biggest question of all: are new clothes really a must-have, especially for the kids who grow out of everything in the blink of an eye? They're growing so fast, I swear their Raya clothes from last year are now doll-sized. I'm half expecting them to sprout another inch before Raya morning! While I want them to look adorable and feel special, my wallet is whispering, "Girl, be reasonable." 💸 

Next, let's dive into the colour chaos, shall we? While classic colours like white, pastel shades, and jewel tones are always popular, I'm seeing some really interesting trends this year. Think earthy tones, bold florals, and even some unexpected colour clashes that look surprisingly chic. I'm tempted to step outside my comfort zone, but I'm also worried about choosing something I'll regret later. 

Then there's the style dilemma. Baju kurung is the queen of Raya, but those kebaya designs and modern dresses are winking at me! Comfort is key (hello, open houses!), but I also want to look like I didn't roll out of bed and into a ketupat feast. Maybe a flowy kurung is the answer? Or a kebaya that feels like a hug? And what about the kids? They're growing faster than my to-do list, and every year it's a whole new wardrobe situation. Their Raya outfits should make them feel happy and excited, not stressed. Argh, decisions! Decisions! 

Okay whatever it is, ultimately, whether you're rocking a classic baju kurung, a daring kebaya, or something totally unique, remember that Raya is about the joy of celebration, the warmth of family, and the deliciousness of all the food. Don't let the fashion frenzy steal your sparkle! Choose outfits that make you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to make memories. And hey, if all else fails, just wear something that hides the inevitable food baby. 😉

So, let's ditch the stress, embrace the fun, and make this Raya our most stylish and joyful one yet! Happy shopping (and happy eating!) everyone! ✨

Ramadan Real Talk

Hi,

Happy First Day of Ramadan, everyone! 🎉 Okay, let's be real, I've been counting down to this. Anyone else secretly (or not so secretly) looking forward to the annual 'Ramadan Shred'? Yep, that's me! It's like hitting the reset button on that extra layer of... well, let's just call it 'winter storage.' 😉 You know the drill: Ramadan glow-up, then a slow and steady return to comfortable levels until next Ramadan. Hehe.

But honestly, jokes aside, Ramadan always gives me such a health boost. It's like my body gets a well-deserved break from constant snacking. And suddenly, I have so much extra time! No more lunch-time dilemmas, just pure, blissful productivity (or maybe just more time for short naps. Oops! 🤭). Plus, I genuinely feel so much better!

So, I've got meal prepping schedules, and a to-do list that's longer than a 'bazar Ramadan' queue. But honestly, even with all the planning, something always goes sideways. Anyone else a 'planning guru' in theory, but a 'winging it' champion in practice? Let's embrace our 'oops' moments and maybe learn from each other's (hilarious) mistakes! It's gonna be chaotic, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Arriving home late? No problem! Pre-cooked goodness waiting for me. Because 'hangry' me is not a vibe anyone wants. 😂

Alright, let's talk 'buka puasa' reality. During the week, my buka puasa meals are basically the 'greatest hits' of our regular dinner rotation. Think: rice, a main dish, some veggies and a sidekick like ayam goreng or telur dadar – you know, the trusty sidekicks that always deliver. Basically, your classic 'no frills, just fills' situation.

But, oh, the weekends! That's when things get interesting. We head back to my parents' house, and it's like 'Iftar: Level Up!' Suddenly, there are extra 'lauk' appearing out of nowhere, and someone's always made a pit stop at the 'bazar Ramadan' for those must-have treats. Let's be real, who can resist a good 'murtabak' or some colorful 'kuih'? 😉

My parents' kitchen will transform into a foodie heaven, and I'm just there, happily surrendering to the delicious chaos. Anyone else have a weekday vs. weekend 'iftar' situation going on? Or are you living that 'bazar Ramadan' life every day? (If so, I'm officially jealous!) 😂

So, that's all for now. Sending you the warmest Ramadan vibes! May your days be filled with smiles, your nights with peaceful prayers, and your hearts with happiness. Hope we will find some peaceful moments this Ramadan. Let's carry that calm with us, okay?

Till then, have a smooth and happy Ramadan! Bye!

Beyond the Numbers: A Visit to Remember

Hi,

So, what did I get up to on the last day of Feb 2025? Let me show you! It was definitely a day to remember.

Photos at the iconic and legendary stairs. Skipping this photo? Unthinkable. We're just doing our part to keep the tradition alive. 

Okay, so we had this visit from Kolej Matrikulasi Kedah to the School of Mathematical Sciences, and honestly? It was... interesting. A day with numbers, ice cream, and.. like throwing them a surprise party for numbers!

We started the session by unleashing Dr. Lee. He talked about all the amazing jobs you can get with math. He definitely tried his best to make the students envision a future without involving complex equation. He made it sound like being a math whiz was like having a secret superhero power, but instead of a cape, you get a calculator!😉

Then, we had Dr. Majid, our data expert. He showed them how numbers can tell stories, and some of the students were totally captivated. Look, data handling isn't everyone's cup of tea, but Dr. Majid tried his best to make it digestible. He did show some of the real life examples of how mathematics helps in his research. He also showed them how math applies to everything, from the seaweed on our shores and the lobsters in our nets, to the black pepper in our kitchens and even his latest venture with the prized durian musang king. It's all connected!

After that, we even brought in an alumni, which was cool. He talked about his journey, and it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. He was real about the challenges, the late nights, and the occasional "I have no idea what I'm doing" moments. Which, let's be honest, we've all had.

Sharing by Ismail Nurdin: Sabahan founder, MyTrade visionary.

And then, of course, we had some allegedly fun activities planned. We figured, 'Maybe if we gamify math, they'll forget they're doing math!' Turns out, they were still doing math, but at least they were doing it with a competitive edge. They were definitely showing off their math skills, and some were very competitive. It was like a mini math showdown.

Next, after the tour, here comes the part everyone was waiting for... ICE CREAM! We had a soft-serve machine going wild, and tons of yummy chocolates and cookies from Imtanomic. It was like a sugar-fuelled dance party, and everyone was invited! Oh, it was a free-for-all. Like, we basically told them, 'Go wild! Live your best ice cream life!' And they did. We might have created some ice cream monsters that day. It was a beautiful, sugary chaos.

By the end of the event, I gathered everyone to listen to their feedback and I also asked what their favourite part was? One student went all academic on me and said, "The real-life math applications." Okay, good answer, but not exactly the kind of answer you put in a party invitation.

Then, a sweet girl said, "The teachers are all nice, like you!" I blushed a little, but I told her, secretly, I'm a friendly dragon in disguise. And let's be honest, I can be a bit of a grump when I'm grading. Just kidding! (Mostly.) 😜

But then, a hero from the back yelled, "The seaweed ice cream was the best!" YES! That's the answer I was looking for! Finally, someone spoke my language! Turns out, the secret to a perfect math day is a giant pile of ice cream. Who knew? 😉

Huge shoutouts to Dr. Lee, Dr. Majid, our awesome alumni buddy, our amazing student helpers, and the fantastic Matriks Kedah students! You guys were the stars of the show! Some snippets of the person behind the visit:

The brains behind this operation: Ms. Oh! And my partner in...well, everything, AmirahR. We're the dynamic duo you didn't know you needed. 😆

Naturally, Maisarah and Wen Eng were there. They're my go-to support squad.

Behold! My student helpers. Or my Penangite power squad! Dressed in their official 'ready-to-help' black uniforms. Just a phone call away, and they're there.

Pure joy! These students are living their best ice cream life. And yes, that's definitely not their first (or second) cone. Who can blame them?

We squeezed every last drop of fun out of this visit! This was the final snapshot before they zoomed off. It was a good one!

All in all, I sincerely hope our visitors will have the most amazing time ever, and maybe learn a little math along the way. Remember, math is like a fun puzzle, and I hope you'll join us in solving it! Thanks for making our day so much fun! Until next time!