Why Malaysians should go back to Malaysia

Hey guys,

I have been in Australia for about 8 months now and I realised my perception towards Malaysia has changed.

Prior to my journey in Australia I had always have negative comments about my own country. However, after spending 8 months abroad and looking at Malaysia from afar I realised, "Hey, Malaysia is amazing. We just don't see it until we look at it from afar".

Here is the thing, every country have problems. If I were to ask, "What complaints do you have about Malaysia?", there are probably a list from A to Z you could list down.

The question is: WHO IS GOING TO CHANGE THAT?

If you have the opportunity to study abroad, learn the culture and ways of doing things there but you do not come back and implement these new found knowledge to help create a better Malaysia then Malaysia will never improve.

Malaysia will only improve if we, the children of Malaysia come home and help improve it.

The temptation to stay with the supposed promise of a better career choice in Australia was strong in my first months in Australia.

However, as the months passed by I realised, Australians will always look out for their own country. Why am I, as a Malaysian not doing the same for my own country?

Maybe, maybe Malaysia is not as good as we want it to be now but if we start now, if our generation starts making a difference, slowly but surely, Malaysia can change.

Today, 27th of September 2014, I had the chance and opportunity to attend Graduan Australia Recruitment Drive and listened to a lot of passionate individuals from Malaysia speaking of their aspirations and dreams to make Malaysia a better nation.

The time is now, we can change Malaysia.
The moment is coming, Malaysia is the future.

I have my dreams and goals. As a Malaysian, I will contribute back to Malaysia because this is how it should be. Perhaps I will not reap the benefits of Malaysia today. However, slowly but surely, the future in Malaysia is bright.

Love,
A Malaysian who cannot wait to be back in Malaysia; Amy Lim

[Event] Hebe Tien (S.H.E) concert in Malaysia 2014

Hey everyone,

Good news, good news, good news!

Hebe Tien (S.H.E) is having her solo concert in Malaysia.

Entitled If Hebe Tien Live in Malaysia 2014.

Tickets are for sale now.

The details are as below
Date: 13 December 2014
Venue: Putra Indoor Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia
Time: 8P.M. GMT+08
Online Purchase: Buyticket.com.my

Seating plan

Personally, I would say invest in a little and go for RM398 if you really want to get the full experience out of her concert. S.H.E is the One World Tour in Malaysia was held at the same venue as well and I sat at the RM398 zone (shown in picture).

They were not that close but not too far. Close enough to see their faces clearly and its really worth it if you are a hardcore fan like myself.

It is so hard to find good music these days. There is just too much crap coming out of the industry. Why not indulge in good music by Hebe?

Her music videos are always on replay for me. It is just therapeutic for my soul.

Cheers,
Amy Lim

Chapter 1

Happy new year everyone!!

I have labeled year 2013 as Chapter 1 of my life. Am not too sure why but it just is now.

Year 2013 was an amazing year for me as it was filled with life changing experiences. Also, the places I have been to last year was just surreal!

A little recap (and appreciation/gratitude kind of post)

1. Sabah team 11/12 trip

Last year in March, we, as a team went for our very first holiday together. Richard is from Sabah so we stayed with him. I'm very grateful for his hospitality and the amazing time we had together as a team. This includes the late night talks we had, random memorable moments and my first snorkeling experience.

2. Tracy's achievement

My younger sister's name is Tracy. She's two years younger than I am and just like any other younger siblings she has an elder sister's shadow to step away from (me). Though I don't show it but I'm very proud of what she has achieved last year. She was the Managing Director of AMCHAM's Young Enterprise program in her school and was awarded best entrepreneur  of the year (an award I myself strived for before but never gotten myself).

Also, she obtained straight 7A's for her SPM examination (I took 10 subjects but scored 7A's 3B's so technically it is also something I did not achieve myself). How not to be proud of her? I'm grateful for her. She's always given me occasional praises and she has boasted about me in front of her friends on several occasions. Unlike many younger siblings, she is one that is proud of her own sister and like to tell the world about it. (You have no idea how happy I am) Ah, yes and she's studying a Law degree now, awesome, right?

3. Valentines Day in Malacca

My dear Wei-Lim brought me to Malacca last year for Valentine's Day. That should say everything on it's own already, right? I'm grateful to have him in my life and that was one of the best Valentine's I've ever celebrated.

4. L'Oreal Brandstorm 2013

Semi-finals (Malaysia)

National Finals (Malaysia)

International Finals (Paris)

L'Oreal Brandstorm was an amazing journey. I have learned a lot in the course of 8 months from preliminary round all the way to international finals. I learned that if you want to achieve your dreams, you have to have the right attitude towards it. You have to work hard for what you want and FOCUS.

I also learned that having someone to share the pain and joy with you is better than having it all to yourself. Obviously, it isn't pleasant to face hardships on your own but it isn't fun either to enjoy happiness on your own. It isn't happiness for me if I'm having it alone.

Lastly, it still is surreal to me that we did indeed win national finals and had the chance to represent our country, Malaysia in Paris. It is still surreal to me we were praised by top CEO's in Paris for our hard work. It is still surreal to me that a dream of mine has been fulfilled.

I'm grateful for all the people that has supported us along the way such as Leon (our hyper bunny mentor), Dr. Vicki (our cool lecturer), family, team 11/12 and friends. I'm also grateful to the people who has given us the opportunity to join this competition. Lastly, I'm most grateful to my dear Wei-Lim and David who has embarked on this journey together with me. Who has had to put up with my stressful and pressuring meetings and endless arguments that I have initiated. I will always be forever grateful to them.

(Oh yes and my first visit to Paris Disneyland as well, I love Disney and Disneyland even more now)

5. Hong Kong with my family

Another family trip and last year we went to Hong Kong in August right after my trip to Paris in June. I have always loved traveling and from time to time I have to remind myself to cherish each memory I can create with my family. We don't express our love for each other very well, especially myself but I love them like no other. I'm grateful we had the opportunity to create such wonderful memories together as a family last year.

6. Team 11/12 graduates

Wan Sin graduates

Alex graduates

Richard and Carmen graduates

David graduates

All of us in team 11/12 met while we were university students pursuing our degrees. However, last year almost half of us has ended one chapter of our lives by graduating and stepping into the working world. I'm very proud of each of their individual achievements. Wan Sin, Alex, Carmen, Richard and David are now on to bigger dreams in their lives. I'm grateful we get to celebrate and commemorate all these special events together.

7. Dutch Lady's Inspire Tomorrow CSR project

The semester after I have ended my L'Oreal Brandstorm journey was focused on studying. I rejected a lot of offers to participate in and organize a lot of various events and programs as well as the opportunity to run for student council elections.

However, hard work paid off as I obtained straight distinctions for all my units. Also, right after my final exam I was given the opportunity to be part of Dutch Lady's Inspire Tomorrow project as a youth mentor.

My job was to deliver sessions designed by Yuber in a three days workshop across five locations throughout Peninsula Malaysia. We went to five different children home that consisted of children who were abused, abandoned or of poor family background. There were good and bad times but at the end of the program I could only remember the smile on the children's faces after we conclude each workshop.

I can only remember them calling me "teacher" and asking me to come back for them. As a youth mentor, I did not only inspire them but was inspired by them as well.

In addition, I had the opportunity to work with new people in the team, which includes Wai Yee, Felicia, C.S., Shayne and Hannah. Also, I had such an amazing time with Yen Li on our various workshops together.

After the project concluded, we have impacted at least 300 children in three weeks. Furthermore, I was invited as a guest speaker on Capital FM's hot seat segment. First time on radio and that is an experience to remember!!

Overall, year 2013 was one of the best years I have had in my life. Not because of the things I have achieved but rather, the things I have done made me feel alive again. To be honest, there were some occasions in my life that has left me feeling like life is meaningless. As though, we are chasing a carrot that is tied to a stick, held by a string that will always have a 5 inch distance in front of our face. However, what has happened to me in the past year has opened up my vision of what I want to do in life.

Here's to another great year ahead!! May everyone have a wonderful year 2014, filled with thunderbolts and storms, rainbow and sunshines alike.

God bless, with love.

Amy Lim Su Yen

[Event] S.H.E Together Forever concert in Malaysia 2013

Hey everyone,

S.H.E is back with their concert in Malaysia! It's S.H.E Together Forever concert. Fans, especially die hard fans like myself would definitely attend this concert, am I right?

Details of the concert in Malaysia as follows;

Date: 20th July 2013
Time: 8:00PM
Venue: Putra Indoor Stadium, Bukit Jalil
Ticket price: RM588, RM488, RM428, RM368, RM268, RM228, RM168
Galaxy hotline; +603 2282 2020
Galaxy website: http://galaxy.com.my/index.php?view=event&ref=161&lang=en

The sitting plan is as follows;

I highly encourage neighboring countries S.H.E fans to attend the concert in Malaysia as well since the other destination for S.H.E Together Forever world tour does not include other ASEAN countries.

Airasia is having a promotion to fly to and fro from Kuala Lumpur so it should be relatively easy to get a cheap air fare to come here and back to your home country. So, don't miss out on S.H.E's concert!!

I'm definitely going; I have been a die hard fan of S.H.E for almost 7 years now. It all started with an episode of Hana Kimi Taiwan version and from then on, it was never looking back with S.H.E.


Two years ago, it was tragic, painful and unbearable to come to a truth that Selina was badly injured. I distinctively remember shedding tears of sorrow along with Selina when she was discharged from hospital after days of intensive care, surgery and treatment.

However, who would have thought that S.H.E would be able to have yet another concert two years later after all that has happened! I could not believe my eyes, ears, nose and mouth that S.H.E was going to perform a full fledge concert. It was already unbelievable to see all three of them on stage singing together. Until today I am still unsure and uncertain that Selina is able to withstand such long hours of singing and dancing on stage for hours.

So fans, Selina has come back very strong for us, to bring joy to us once again. Selina, Hebe and Ella are all coming back and they plan to stay together forever so as die hard fans we will be with them till no end!


Hope to see you at the concert; cheers!

[Personal] November in a glimpse

The month of November is almost over. I distinctively remember writing a blog article on the first of November wishing for an amazing month ahead. 25 days later I am wondering where did the month go to. So fast?!!!!

The truth is despite having holidays I spent half a November revising with le boy's for his exams and another half working on Loreal Brandstorm. Hence, I did not even have time to really sit down and have some me time which includes getting myself to write this blog article. So here I am recapping my month with the help of pictures.

(Mostly taken from Instagram, this is the importance of pictures for someone extremely forgetful like me)

Firstly I celebrate my mother's 48th birthday on the 5th. Then, I was invited to attend Taylor's University Awards Night. And guess what? AIESEC in Taylor's University was awarded best club (the most honorable award of the night, I was dumb founded)

A group picture;

My beloved Kavi and Richard, my team mates, my best friends;

Then the boy and I celebrated Deepavali eve with Kavi and Alvin.

Le boy also brought me to Bens and Nick's diner which served amazing food. My favourite was their mushroom soup.

We also celebrated Deepavali on the weekend's at Kavi's house. It was a potluck party so I whipped up some vegetarian dishes. My proudest moment would be the cream baked vegetables. Wan Sin really liked the prawn with egg dish. It was actually butter garlic prawns then I added the eggs into it.

The Sri Damai gang met up at Pitstop, PJ for our usual reunion/hanging out session/ dinner. As usual, I enjoyed my time with them tremendously! =)

The rest of the days it's just Loreal Brandstorm crazy. We have been going to Monash every single day of the week including weekends.

Also, the Christmas season is here and I am starting to have Christmas fever! Another thing worth mentioning is my new found love of healthy eating habits. I have been eating healthily avoiding all junk food, soft drinks and overly sugary food ( and I especially love Japanese food)

My favourite Cha Soba noodles (organic);

Udon, anyone?

That's all for now folks! =)

Till then.
Cheers, with love!

Media versus rational thinking over SUARAM’s Scorpene scandal

A scandal involving not only SUARAM, Malaysian human rights NGO but also the French government has been bouncing back and forth both countries in court.

Two submarines were bought by a French company with allegations in regards to SUARAM being bribe to secure the deal
Picture taken from Malaysian Insider

 

The media should use rational thinking in distinguishing facts and rumours reported as mentioned by News Straits Time on 9^th October 2012 in regards to the Scorpene scandal’s on going trials at the French Court. Yves Charpenel, state prosecutor and an executive member of the International Association of Anti-CorruptionAuthorities (IAACA) says that the course of justice in France will not be dictated by the media. Two French lawyers who are representatives of human rights NGO SUARAM is said to be arriving end of October if they are able to obtain their visas from the Malaysian authorities.

                

Yves Charpenel, a former head of prosecution in France and now a state prosecutor and an executive member of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA). Picture taken from News Straits Times

Investigations have been on since 22^nd September 2012 when SUARAM was charged of allegations over foreign funding. The Malaysian government accuses SUARAM, or otherwise known as ‘Suara Rakyat Malaysia’ (Voice of the Malaysian People) for engagement in ‘subversive’ activities. The most recent claim is the controversy surrounding the Scorpene scandal. The Scorpene scandal accuses SUARAM of receiving bribes from a French company in securing a submarine deal. Mustafa, K. Anuar, secretary of Aliran says, “I believe SUARAM's recent activities in bringing the case to the French court is seen as something that is too close to home for PM Najib and his supporters.” 

[Personal] September recaps highlights

Yeah that's right, the month of September has already ended. I shall do a recap of what the month of September has been like. The best way to recall back memories are from photographs. Some people say, photography is communication. I believe it is true.

Non of the following pictures are in order. All taken from my Instagram because I upload pictures daily there.

First up I'll start with the high light of my September. I celebrated my dear's 21st birthday with him. On the day itself which, was 12 September (Wednesday) I organized a fail surprise birthday dinner for him.  Onecubetwo was there and we had an amazing night at Sakae Sushi.

On the Sunday, just the both of us, we went for a day trip to Desa Water Park located at Shah Alam. This theme park is priced at RM25 per entry for adults. Children admits free. I would have to say that this water park is highly recommended. It is not pricey and very worth the money. An amazing place to spend a memorable day with your loved ones or friends.

 Next! =)

Organized a farewell dinner for Gabby aka my partner-in-crime. This guy lights up my world! =) 
He's from UUM, I'm from Monash. So every time public University starts another semester it means departure and temporary separation from him. 

We also celebrated Wan Sin's birthday 2 weeks after my dear's. This time it was a successful surprise dinner. Initially, we wanted to kidnap the poor girl but our kidnapper failed at his job so we dropped the plan. We went to Upstairs Cafe at SS12 to have dinner. The whole team was there including Elicia, Alvin and Imran our latest family members. It was yet another amazing dinner! =) 

I also discovered my favourite Bah Kut Teh restaurant is none other than Chuan Chew Bak Kut Teh at SS14. Each person cost at RM10.

Address:-

Jalan SS 14/2, Subang Jaya, Selangor 

SS14, Subang Jaya. The restaurant is visible rom the highway itself. If you are studying in SS15, use the bridge that crosses over the NPE and you’ll land in front of a row of Bak Kut Teh restaurants.

My mom gave me this Braun Buffel bag to use. I've been using it every single day without fail. I extremely love the bright pop color. The bag has 3 compartments inside with 3 small pockets. It's a sling bag but the strap is adjustable to be used as a handbag. A very good buy indeed! =)

Summary:-

• I had Gong Cha 4 times this month and every single time I will order their Milk Green tea, less sugar and less ice priced at RM6.90
• Discovered my love for mille crepe cakes. Tried Ochado's and Hokkaido's mille crepe. I would say Ochado's mille crepe cake, both Mango and Vanilla flavours are amazing. Priced at RM9- RM11 each
• Tried velvet cupcake and velvet cake for the first time. Velvet cupcake was bought at a Charity Drive by Monashians. The velvet cake was for Wan Sin's birthday
• Attempted at my very first fashion post with the red cotton dress I bought at RM25 from Markets held at Jaya One
• Cooked my own lunch for 4 days during mid-semester break and I now have passion for cooking
• Tried Starbuck's new caramel jelly tea frap and it's delicious. If only their drinks has less calories. Perhaps I might drink more often but until then, it's once in a blue moon

More pictures:-

-TBC-

Cheers, with love! =)

New section 1114A to be revised in Malaysia?

Malaysians experiences a chilling effect due to a new law amendment.

An image set up by a campaigner
Original source link: Stop1114A wordpress

On the 14 August 2012, an Internet blackout day took place. This campaign organized by the Centre of Independent Journalism aims to create awareness about the new Section 1114A to the public.

Section 1114A or also known as Evidence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2012 was introduced in May. Is this law really containing cybercrime or surpressing freedom of speech on the Internet?  Abigail de Vries from the Centre of Independent Journalism says it creates a chilling effect against anyone to speak freely on the Internet.

What this act does is it presumes the fact of publication. The victim is no longer innocent until proven guilty and this law reverses all court procedures. The government approved this law with the intentions of combating terrorism.  Netizens now have to self-censor all the contents they publish online. Section 1114A instills fear of freedom of speech since this law accuses the victim.

Anil Netto, the treasurer of Penang-based Aliran and also an online blogger gives his views on the empowerment of Section 1114A among netizens. “I think people should continue campaigning for greater media and online freedom and not let up in the struggle for greater freedom of expression”, he says.

Check out a short interview on Abigail de Vries from the Centre of Independent Journalism views on Section 1114A below.