Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FESCO: Kimchi
Pecal in Nasi Lemak
Board of Editors
Patron:
Tuan Haji Mohamed Noor Rosli
Crossing cultures in dance and music bin Baharom
Advisors:
Muhamad Syazwan Amarjit
Nabila Lau, ICT Yr. 2 Sem. 2
Redha Fadzil, PE Yr. 2 Sem. 2
HOT Board:
Editor-in-Chief:
Timmy Ong, ICT Yr. 1 Sem. 2
Co-editor 1:
Steward Baba, CE Yr. 2 Sem. 1
Co-editor 2:
Devina Amaleswaran, PE Yr. 3
Sem. 1
Designers:
Muhamad Faiz Ishak, CE Yr. 2 Sem.
2
Photographers:
Amir Ehsan Mohamad, CV Yr. 1
Sem. 2
Awang Muhd. Nasuha, ME Yr. 1
Sem. 1
Closing performance of FESCO with all the performers of the night. Chen Tien Zyee, ICT Yr. 4 Sem. 1
By Kan Wai Choong, PE Yr. 1 Sem. 2 people, which included the Rector of UTP, Indonesia. In a cross cultural endeavour, a For any feedback, reach us via:
Datuk Dr. Zainal Abidin Haji Kasim, special Korean performance was heartoftronoh@gmail.com
Tronoh, 6 March: Universiti Teknologi sponsors and representatives from all presented by UGM while an interesting
PETRONAS Performing Arts Group (UPAG) participating universities. The crowd was fusion between the Korean musical and Also, find the HOT group on
put on a splendid performance for the overwhelming and some late-comers had the Gamelan by the UTP Gamelan Group
Facebook.
Festival of Colours of the World (FESCO) to sit by the stairways to watch the was showcased.
and bagged the top awards of the night, performances.
winning the Best Performance, Best IPTS, “We are happy for the invitation and have
Best Music, Best Make-up Awards, and
many more.
FESCO is not just any ordinary dance
competition. It opens the door to cultural
been impressed with the variety of
culture,” claimed Sorawit Pulsawasd, a
Editor’s Foreword
exchange among the participants. This representative from Walailak University.
If you noticed, I did not have any
The colourful event brought much excite- year, the stage was graced by performers The university was later awarded the Best
foreword for the first issue, and there
ment and entertainment to the grand from Walailak University, Thailand and International Award.
are several reasons for that. One
Chancellor Hall, with an audience of 3000 Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
thing is that there was already a
‘Patron’s Foreword’, and there are
By Chen Tien Zyee, ICT Yr. 4 Sem. 1 all over the world. Another thing would be that I did not
think the paper needed any foreword
Tronoh, 27 February: In the spirit of He said that the Chinese have always held from me; it should be able to speak
Chinese New Year, students from all races fast to the principle of "Whatever we do, for itself. That is the epitome of any
and nationalities turned up to celebrate we must do it for success". He believes good publications, isn’t it?
Chinese New Year in the Chancellor Hall. that this has propelled them towards
Themed “1 Malaysia Chinese New Year”, numerous achievements. But why am I doing it now? Oh, it’s
the event was organised by the Interna- only because the patron has no fore-
tional Culture Club (ICC). Throughout the event, the crowd was word to write this time around, and
entertained with the lion dance, a funny we have a space for it. So here goes:
In his speech, Tuan Haji Mohamed Noor sketch, a wushu performance, 24 Drums,
Rosli, Director of Student Services, urged an Indian dance, a break dance perform- If you realized, for this issue, with
students to take the opportunity to learn ance, and performances by the UTP FESCO and the Chinese New Year
and respect other cultures in Malaysia. It is Orchestra Chinese Musical Group, the UTP celebration, the front page is unin-
important for them to understand the Performing Arts Group, and the UTP tentionally themed ‘1Malaysia’. Flip
First ever 24 Drums performance in UTP. Chinese and the values that make them so Gamelan Group. the pages to receive more juicy writ-
successful today, not just in Malaysia but ings!
2
Columns
(Part 2)
8. Update your report weekly
R ecently at my workplace I had an interesting talk
with the Technical Head of my division. I had got
wind that he had purchased a new Myvi, and paid cash
Instead of just working on your reports when the dead-
line is around the corner, try updating it at least weekly. for it. So, naturally, I had to ask him how much he paid
Previously, we found out that to survive your final year Not only would you keep your FYP in mind, and not have for it. And I found out through the hard way that
project (FYP), you should: make sure your laptop/PC is to recall things every time you update it, you will also find ‘naturally’ here meant socio-culturally natural. Let me
healthy and working well; invest in a colour printer; and it easier to update. Set aside at least three hours a week explain.
allocate a specific budget for your FYP. Here we have to update your reports. Also, jot down anything about
more tips for you… your FYP that comes into your mind in a small notebook Upon my inquiry, I received an expletive-filled response
everyday so that your ideas will not be wasted away to this effect: “Why do you (insert proverbial expletive
4. Collect FYP references beforehand unnoticed. here)’s always need to know how much I paid for stuff?
Everyone here has an incurable disease of wanting to
Ask your seniors to provide you with all FYP-related mate- know how much another person has spent”.
9. FYP vs. other subjects
rials as early as possible in your FYP phase so that you
would not have to trouble yourself at the eleventh hour Naturally of course, I was taken aback. It seemed like
Remember: your final year is not just about your FYP. You
searching for materials. If possible, get both the hardcopy such a grown-up I-too-plan-on-buying-one-myself ques-
will have other subjects and commitments to focus on.
and softcopy of the materials, such as the dissertation, tion; why was I being derided for asking a perfectly
That is why you need to plan carefully when setting your
posters, etc. Ask your supervisors to also help you with legitimate question? I protested my innocence, saying it
schedule for your final year. Allocate time for your other
the materials. Most of them would be happy to help. was a simple question, hence why the reproach. And the
subjects also.
response I got was an earful.
5. Make full use of the IRC 10. Do not neglect entertainment and rest Apparently, the expletive above referred to us Malaysians
(the nerve of that guy!). The division head, an American
If you are not a fan of the IRC, this is the time you need to Frankly, there will be students who become nerds facing
(go figure), said Malaysians are renowned for committing
think again. Make full use of it. Or at least use their the computer all the time and forgetting meal time. Keep
faux pas in violating all possible workplace taboos and
service to help you find your journals in the IRC. Get the in mind that you still have your friends and family, and
social norms. For instance, asking a person about their
IRC card to photocopy the materials you need. You will they will be the ions to offer you help if you get into trou-
age, their salary, marital status, etc. Here I began to go
really need the resources from the IRC for your literature ble. If you organise your FYP properly, there is no excuse
red. I can honestly say that at my current workplace, I
review and references. for not being able to hang out with your friends or find
have never asked anyone about their age, salary or
entertainment on your own after you send your reports.
whether they were married. But upon reflecting on my-
6. Have fixed consultation sessions self at that time, I realized that I had somehow gained
Your mind and body need good rest. I myself did not have
knowledge about most of the staff’s age, marital status,
Allocate at least one fixed session per week to consult enough sleep working on my FYP, but what is important is
and to a certain extent, salary. Did I subconsciously, by
your supervisor. This will greatly help you prepare your to have quality sleep. Do not sleep on the desk or on the
habit, inquire about such details during casual conversa-
report and communicate with your supervisor, better floor while studying. Sleep at the proper place. Although
tions with fellow staff? Was this person in front of me
than just emailing or consulting him or her when the only for a short time, It will be good quality sleep.
actually speaking the truth through his rather generalized
report deadline is near. Fixed sessions will ensure that
admonishment of the Malaysian culture?
you make a commitment to meet your supervisor no Last but not least, remember that God is the one who
matter how busy you are. makes things happen, so make time to pray and reflect on
Here was a guy who has been in the business for over 30
ourselves no matter how busy we are.
years, worked with various people with different cultures
7. Never procrastinate around the world, chastising the Malaysian work ethos.
I hope I have provided you with useful tips. Your FYP does
not have to be your nightmare. You create the nightmare However strongly I felt to the contrary, I begrudgingly
It is normal to see students struggling to complete their relented. It did make me realize the need to be mindful
FYP reports when the deadline is very near—but it does by neglecting the precious moments of your final year.
Believe me, you will want to keep your final year in about what you say. Being politically correct is absolutely
not have to be a culture. Discipline yourself. Although vital once you enter a professional working environment.
some lecturers may be lenient towards you, be responsi- memory, so make it a good one. Well then, good luck for
your FYP! International companies are held to such high ethical
ble towards yourself. Why do you want to struggle more standards and working cultures that even the smallest,
when you can already have a break? If possible, send in seemingly insignificant social gaffe can have serious re-
Nurul Jannah is UTP’s BIS graduate and is currently
your report early. I find it rewarding to be able to focus percussions. I was given the following analogy of how
working as a Property Research Executive in a property
on other things after I send in my reports early. workers are hired in the US:
valuation firm.
Hat Yai!
By Dg Ku Zuraidah Bt. Ag. Majid, BIS Yr. spots. They went to Nora Plaza to buy
2 Sem. 2 souvenirs ranging from key chains, hand-
bags, shoes, accessories, to t-shirts. They
Thailand, 15 March: Infinite Business also stopped to take pictures with The
Communities (IBComm) of Young Great Serpent, a dragon/snake statue
Entrepreneurs Club organised a two-day- located on the beach of Songkhla.
three-night holiday to Hat Yai, Thailand,
from 12th until 14th March 2010. They visited Tang Kuan Hill, which is a
place to see the Phra Cedi Luang, an an-
The main objective of this event was to cient pagoda. In Songkhla, they visited
provide opportunities to UTP students to Cat and Rat islands; and also Samila
visit Thailand during this mid-semester Beach where the most prominent land-
break. This tour comprised 30 UTP stu- mark is the Golden Mermaid statue.
dents, 2 travel agents, 2 bus drivers and
a tour guide. The Klonghae Floating Market was the
highlight of the visit.
They visited a number of famous tourist
Seri Iskandar, 22 February: A huge crowd The 12 days he spent in space were used
of students turned up for a motivational for research in cancer cells, crystallization
talk by Datuk Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar of various proteins and microbes. This
Shukor, the first Malaysian to go into research was further continued by a local
space. The talk, held in conjunction with university in Malaysia. The experiments
IRC Carnival, allowed Dr. Sheikh to share are now 80% complete and the findings
his experience with primary school stu- are expected to be published to the sci-
dents from around Tronoh, as well as entific community in the near future.
UTP students and staff.
Lastly, he advised the crowd to set a
Since he was 10 years old, he used to dream for themselves and work hard at
look up at the sky, imagining life in space. realising the dream. They should
On the day he finally made it to space, he prioritise their education and set out to
was awed by the beauty of the Earth. master the English language to compete
From the International Space Station in the international level.
(ISS), both KLCC and the Great Wall of The Malaysian astronaut: Dr. Sheikh.
China were not visible, but he did see the
4
Columns
FROM PAGE 2 > Five. I moved into Residential burgers and burgers and started to miss real
College II (a dormitory) with Jackie, a PETRONAS food. I missed nasi lemak, sambal, rendang,
scholar. My two American housemates came in prawn mee, kari ayam, tom yam, ulam raja, etc.
to help us lower our beds. We talked. We
laughed. The first time I followed a few seniors to Chicago
for a Hari Raya celebration organised by the
Six. The first day I walked into class. Initially Malaysian student department. I was the only
expecting a huge class with many students, I was Chinese staying over at the officer’s house. My
taken aback by how small the class was. A small first time wearing a baju Melayu! A girl said I
room scattered with not more than twenty looked handsome. I beamed with pleasure.
students. What was different there was the fact
that students were more outspoken and would The first time I stayed with an American friend in
not have qualms speaking out their minds and St. Louis. We walked around the town in the
asking questions when they had to. middle of the night, taking in the stupendous
sight of the renowned arch while basking in the
Seven. I was hungry. I walked to the cafeteria. I serenity of the night.
was amazed at how advanced the system was.
You take whatever you feel like eating, go to the The last month before I came back, I embarked
cashier and pass her your student ID. She swipes Calvin, looking incredibly small standing under a huge tree in his campus. on a month-long trip covering the major cities
it and presto, you’re done. A functional credit along the east and west coast of the States with
card! house and had fun trying out all the Malay delicacies. The a few buddies. Nothing is more pleasurable than being in a
chatter, the laughter, the jokes, and the scene of the new place, blending into the crowd, having short pleasant
Eight. 23 pairs of eyes were staring at me. It did not help handsome young men decked in baju Melayu and demure conversations with the locals, and trying out new experi-
knowing that they were all native English speakers. The ladies in baju kurung were sweet memories that I would ences that you never bargained for.
topic was abortion. Nervously gripping the edges of the cherish for a long time.
podium, I stumbled and stuttered through my first speech. I went gaga at the lights in Las Vegas and New York;
When I ended, the lecturer complimented me on the It was the first time we had a Malaysian BBQ night. I sang huddled in a massive crowd in Times Square for 12 hours
depth of my opinion. I thought my performance was myself hoarse on the Nintendo Wii set as Bibi played the just to wait for the strike of midnight and usher in the
horrendous so the compliment was unexpected. That was drums and Aiman strummed the guitar. That was my first New Year; marvelled at the sight of the Golden Gate
my first attempt at public speaking in the speaking class I time playing Rock Band. The party didn’t end there. We Bridge; took the subway in New York; did a three-hour
was enrolled in. The next few tries saw me getting better played mahjong and took so many pictures that my trek up the snow-covered mountains in Yosemite; walked
and better. I received an A for that class. camera ran out of battery. The junior guys slept over at into the Abercrombie & Fitch store along Fifth Avenue
the seniors’ house that night. It was freezing cold out New York; tried to mimic the American accent but failed
The first time the Malaysians had a rumah terbuka was there. Winter was approaching. miserably; took silly pictures of us making faces in front of
during the Hari Raya celebration. We went to the seniors’ MIT and Harvard; lay on the cold ground for half an hour
My first time seeing snow! Along with that in awe of the U.S. Capitol building in D.C.; and tried the
Calvin in baju Melayu, at a Hari Raya gathering with Malaysians. came my first time wearing a winter jacket, famous Philly cheesesteak at Jim’s in Philadelphia. Every
the first time I nearly froze to death during experience was indeed mind-boggling and unforgettable!
our blustery visit to the Statue of Liberty, my
first time engaging in a snow fight and my In spite of all that, nothing beats coming home. Back to
first time walking in the snow with a cup of familiar faces, the warmth of loved ones and the rustic
Starbucks. charm of my own home country!
Feeling bored, with a few friends, we tried Calvin is a third year student. He was selected for the
out all the fast food joints in Rolla. McD’s: Student Exchange Program to the United States of
checked. Wendy’s: checked. Hardee’s: America for a period of four months. This is his
checked. Subway: checked. I miss all those experience as an exchange student.
friends when I browsed through the pictures
we took the day I left. Armed with a Canon
Ixus 90IS, we trekked around campus and
took pictures of us in front of every single Contribute to us by sending in your articles to Devina at
building. heartoftronoh@gmail.com, with the subject “Columns”,
and your attached file named as the title of your article.
The first time I started to get sick of burgers, Include your name, year and course in the article file.
5
Happenings
Primary school children were intrigued by a simple magic show aside from the IRC.
Media Tour 2010:
Getaway to Multimedia Corridor
By Mohamad Abiabhar, ME Yr. 2 Sem. 2 Sdn. Bhd. where an interesting forum