Teachers

KKDN No.: PP16195/12/2010

Speak Up
on Y!
August 2010

Erin Malek
is Happy-Go-Lucky
Celebrating Hari Raya
From School to ov ies
College Masse
p vie

Innovation at MMU
v e mo
i e
e x clus se to b
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and chand
mer ! //

Dining at Café de One o n h t t p : n e.

w on to onli
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Lo g g a z i n . c o m !
a s s
ym dpres detail
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Jointly organized by KBU International College & Y! Magazine
The one marathon that
you need not run to win!
Coming to you this December 2010!
Be recognized as the TOP IQ TALENT in the country and win a
FULL SCHOLARSHIP* for a UK DEGREE PROGRAMME and other attractive prizes!
The inaugural IQ Marathon: The Battle for Scholarship held in December
2009 was a raving success for organizers, sponsors and participants. Providing
a good platform for students to test their wits in a challenging and fun envi-
ronment that would stimulate their creative and critical thinking skills, the
Marathon enabled all SPM students to participate in a rewarding and fun ac-
tivity after the examinations.
342 students from 132 schools nationwide participated in the event, and stu-
dents came from institutions that included fully residential schools, interna-
tional schools, MARA Junior Colleges, etc. The competition secretariat had
also recorded participants coming from all 13 states in the country!
To be held for the second year running, IQ Marathon 2010 will be back
again in December whilst maintaining the tagline “The one marathon that
you need not run to win”.
For advertising & sponsorship opportunities,
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Y! Magazine at 03-7726 0453
or email us at y_mag@ymail.com
*The full scholarship is for a franchised UK degree programme conducted at KBU International College.
Terms and conditions apply.
Editor’s Note
M
y sisters and I live in different cities. I’ve called Kuala Lumpur home for the last 10 years, Elaine
is making Liverpool home, while Daphne and Serene live down south, in Singapore.
Sure, we grew up together, and then I went off to college. But by the time we were all at
university, we were already miles apart. And now that we’re young working adults, it seems
that we call our respective cities home.
We’d meet up several times during the year, especially the ones in Singapore and I. And during Chinese New
Year and Christmas, we’d all gather back at home with our parents. Distance and cost doesn’t always make it
3 Happenin’
feasible for Elaine to come home as often as she’d like, but thank god for technology bridging the miles.
4 WHASSUP
Sometimes I wake up on Sunday morning thinking, “how nice if I can ring up my sisters and we’d all go
somewhere cosy for coffee and brunch”, or after a long day’s work, “how nice if I gather them all for dinner and
ice cream”.
I do miss them you know… But oh well, I guess such are the choices we make.
6 Cover Story
September sees Muslims all over the world celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri. And we know that there are those who
will be celebrating Raya away from home, away from their families. In our special Raya feature Hari Raya Away 10 Edu Zone
From Home (pg 24) we speak to Nur Afiqah in Scotland and Dayana who lives in the United States of America.
16 College Oomph
18 Edu Aid
In this issue, we feature local teenage actress, Erin Malek (pg 6) who has been making waves for herself in the
local entertainment industry. This petite and demure 16 year-old is down-to-earth, bubbly and talkative, and
we love her so! Read on as Erin shares with us about her family, school, acting career as well as her plans for the
upcoming Hari Raya.
20 Youth Asia
Edu Zone is once again filled with information on courses and career pathways; the affordable way towards an
American degree via Nilai UC (pg 11), how the Business School at KBU is forging ahead (pg 12), and what it 24 Hari Raya Special
means to be innovative at MMU (pg 14).
26 Music Review
Beginning this issue, we celebrate our partnership with YouthSays.com, a Rewards Platform for Youths. Do
check out their piece as they pose questions to Malaysian youths (pg 20). 27 Website Review
The months of September and October present a movie galore! If you don’t want to miss any of the upcoming
blockbusters, be sure to check out our blog to win exclusive movie passes and merchandise! 28 Food Review
Till the next issue, have a great school holiday, Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir Batin from all of us Y! Magazine! 30 Movie Reviews
Cheers,
Doreen
1
 Contributor
See Hoon Peow is trained in Law and Sociology & Anthropology. But his
real passion is in Philosophy. Hoon Peow built his career in education, and is now
General Management
General Manager Kristine Williams
Principal to KBU International College. Thinking and writing are his hobbies. He Editorial
thinks, therefore he writes. Editor Doreen Loo
Writer Sharmini H.
Contributors Dr. See Hoon Peow
Dawson Chong
Dawson Chong
Jump is my middle name. If you think I am not active enough, you are seriously asking Sales & Advertising
for more trouble. Despite 21, I never think I am too old for Snoopy and Garfield. Like Manager Terence Chin
people say, live young, feel young, look young! Opps, I forgot, my last name is Young. Marketing, Circulation & Subscription
Call me Jump Young! Manager Sharmini H.
Administration & Accounts
Manager Ally Pua
Art Direction & Design
Raymond Yap
Printer Graphic Tech (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Jalan Tanming 5,
Taman Tanming Jaya
43300 Balakong
Selangor.
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Official Print Media Partner for
2 3
Justin Happenin’
Bieber
Get Honda Malaysia Racing Team
Ready for Rises To The Challenge
Bieber
At the recently concluded 12-Hour Merdeka “Many factors are involved in helping Car 27
Millenium Endurance Race 2010, the Honda to emerge as the Touring Production Class
Vision!
Champion– the car and its ability to endure
the 12-hour challenge, the teamwork in
preparing the car, and ensuring smooth pit
stops throughout the race, the drivers in being
careful, alert and following a well planned
strategy and last but not least a stroke of luck!”
said Eddie Lew.
Aaron Lim also highlighted that the
preparation for this year’s race has not been all
easy. “There were quite a few challenges. One
of them is of course the changed regulation
on tires. Honda team members and drivers
Malaysia Racing Team Car 27 (with drivers had to cope and test out totally new tires
Eddie Lew, Reuben Wong and Aaron Lim) that we have not used before. Besides that,
emerged as the Champion of the Class Touring the race this year started at midnight, which
Can’t get enough of this year’s hottest teen
Production, and eight in the overall ranking. means longer period of driving in the dark,”
superstar, well fret no more, Universal Music
added Lim.
Malaysia is giving you the chance to get up close
with Justin Bieber. All we need is the full support
of all Malaysian Justin Bieber fans. So get on up!!
Do it One Time for Bieber!
Universal Music Malaysia is starting Biebervision,
an amazing campaign to get Bieber fans
everything they want about America’s #1
Superstar.
Head on to Universal Music Malaysia’s Facebook
page and post a love note to Justin Bieber.
1st Stage Biebervision – 5000 love posts
The First Premium Durian
on Facebook and each fan will get a One Time
Remix True Tone of the song for free and an
Ice Cream in Malaysia
album voucher which will entitle you to get an
exclusive giant poster.
All hail the King of Fruits! Be prepared In conjunction with the launch of Durian
2nd Stage Biebervision – 10,000
to let your taste buds run wild as New Divine ice cream, an exclusive Durian Divine
love posts and each fan will receive exclusive
Zealand Natural becomes the first Sundae was created. Made with two scoops
autograph wallpaper signed by Justin Bieber
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himself.
to launch Durian Divine – a delicious premium toppings, it is available for a limited
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3rd Stage Biebervision – 15,000 love
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So hurry up Beliebers – we can make a
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 whassup whassup

OCTOBER 2010
3-14 Support the Malaysian teams at the
19th Commonwealth Games kicking off in Delhi.
21 You Again opens in cinemas nationwide!
Visit http://www.cwgdelhi2010.org/ for event
listings. 25 Katy Perry turns 26 today!
3-5 4-12
11 12 8-10
Prix comes to Kuala Lumpur at the Sepang 29-31 Photography enthusiasts should
Malaysian Motorcycle Grand

International Circuit. Visit http://www. check out the Kuala Lumpur Photography
malaysiangp.com.my/ for information. . Festival 2010 at the Midvalley Exhibition Centre.
Visit www.klpf.com.my for more information.

11 Hawaiian golfer Michelle Wie celebrates her

21st birthday. 31 Go spook someone this Halloween!
15-17 Nature lovers should check out
the Borneo Bird Festival 2010 at the Rainforest
Discovery Centre at Sepilok Sandakan, Sabah. For
16 16-19 22 22 info, visit http://www.borneobirdfestival.com

25
24-26

SEPTEMBER 2010 3-14 8-10

3-5 Time to get cheap travel deals with the 22 Indulge in mooncakes and hang pretty
MATTA Fair back at PWTC! lanterns this Mid-Autumn Festival.

4-12 School Holidays rock! 22 Short + Sweet Malaysia returns for the
third year featuring musical, dance and theatre
performances at KLPAC, all the way until 31

11 Selamat Hari Raya to all Muslims and fellow

Malaysians!
October. Visit http://shortandsweetmalaysia.
blogspot.com/

12 NBA star Yao Ming welcomes the big 24-26 Catch the Formula1 Singapore GP
three-oh.
night race.
11 15-17 21
16 The nation celebrates Malaysia Day. 25 Watch your favourite tennis stars battle
it out at the ATP World Tour Malaysian Open,
Kuala Lumpur 2010 happening in Stadium Putra
16-19 The T4YP (Theatre For Young Bukit Jalil. http://www.malaysianopentennis.
People) at KLPAC presents William Shakespeare’s com/2010/
Twelfth Night. Visit www.klpac.org for ticketing
and show times.

25 29-31 31

4 5
 Cover Story
ERIN MALEK
H a ppy- G
o-L
u ck y
In between her school hours
and hectic filming schedule,
actress Erin Malek told
Doreen Loo & Sharmini H.
stories about her school,
family and her career as a TV
actress. Bubbly, talkative and
down-to-earth, Erin Malek
is what we would call a cili
padi!
6 7
Malek
Tell us a little bit about yourself – your
birthplace, where you grew up, where you’re
attending school right now.
I’m your typical teenager, but the only difference
is I’m also pursuing my career as an actress. I do
all the normal stuff teenagers do – go to school,
hang out with friends. I was born and bred in
Kuala Lumpur, and I’m currently studying at SMK
Pandan Mewah, which is close by to where my
family and I live.
What sort of a student are you in school?
I am quite a happy-go –lucky student amongst
my friends and teachers. Although there are
some of my school mates that don’t like the fact
that I’m an actress. But instead of letting them
get me down, I just ignore all these negative
vibes.
You’re currently in Form 4. What are your
plans after you finish your SPM?
After I finish my SPM next year, I may either
continue and further my studies, or take some
time off and fully concentrate on my acting
career before going back to university. However,
I have not planned so far ahead yet. Work and
school is keeping me busy enough, and I plan to
give my all for the SPM examinations, and maybe
even cut down on work.
If you’re planning on going to college/
university, what course do you plan to study
and why?
Acting is my main passion. So when I do go to
university, I will definitely take up a course within
this same field or along the lines of performing
arts or film production.
Tell us about your family.
At home, there’s my mom and dad, and I have
2 sisters. Both my sisters are also actresses, but
they are not so into it like I am. Maybe they have
other plans when they grow up. At home, we
all make a lot of noise, and being sisters, yes –
we do fight! My parents are very supportive of
my career and they understand that this is what
I love doing. We are a very close-knitted family
Cover Story
and because of this and the fact that all of us
are in the entertainment industry; I watch what I
say and do in public. I am always reminded that
whatever I do, it comes back to my family and I
and manage your schedule and workload?
As I’m still a secondary school student,
Alhamdulillah, up till now, there have been no
problems with school. The teachers understand
my work schedule as well, and they only make it
a point that if the exams are on, I am not allowed
to miss school. My friends are also supportive
and help me out a lot. If I have to miss school
on certain days, they will update me with what’s
happening at school, and the homework to be
done. And if I don’t go to school for a number
of days, I end up missing all my classmates.
My mom also understands that because I’m in
school, that there will be offers which I cannot
take up.
never want them to be ashamed of me, but be
proud that I am a good sister to my siblings and
a good daughter to my parents.
Do your younger siblings get to see much
of their elder sister because of your busy
schedule?
I see my younger sister everyday but my second
sister stays with my grandmother because we
both have busy schedules that my parents have
to work around. But she comes back home every
weekend then all three of us spend our whole
weekends hanging out and doing girly things.
When and how did you get started in the
entertainment industry?
Back then, my dad didn’t want me to be an
actress. But my mother knew that I was really
keen and was willing to work hard, and so she
took me to my first audition. Although I was
excited, but the moment I got to the set, I was
nervous because there were more experienced What is a typical day in the life of Erin Malek?
actresses vying for the same role! The next 2 Usually it’s school, and after school, I sometimes
weeks were the longest because I was waiting have to rush off to set for filming works. If I’m
for the call back, and eventually the producers not working and not in school, then I’m home
did, and I was offered the role. Seeing my with my family. During the weekends, my sisters
enthusiasm, my dad gave me his blessings and and I love shopping, karaoke and sometimes we
the rest is now history. just stay home and just hang out and update
each other about everything that happened
It must be difficult juggling school and your throughout the week in our own lives.
career as an actress. How do you prioritize
 Cover Story

How do your friends and teachers treat you

at school seeing that you’re a popular local
actress?
Even though a lot of people now recognize me
as Erin Malek, the actress, I am still the same
Erin. Mom and dad taught us to never let fame
get into our heads. At school, I am just a regular
student. I go for classes, do my homework, take
examinations. My teachers and friends don’t
treat me any different at school either. But yes,
there’s bound to be some who do not like me
that much, but I guess I’m happy with my life
and as long as I have friends and family who love
me, I can ignore all those negative vibes. I’m still
young, and I still have a long way to go and will
need the support and love from my friends and Either living or dead, who is your favourite
family. local actor/actress? Why?
My favourite actress is Erra Fazira because I’ve
seen all her movies, and she is amazing! And
she’s also a wife and mother, and yet still so
successful in what she does. I adore Erra also
because she looks great, and whenever you see
her, she’s always charming and elegant. I have
never acted with her before, although I’ve met
her once. I hope to work alongside
her in future.
C

everything and anything I see during Raya. My M

favourite foods are kuah kacang with nasi impit.

Y

What do you love most about Hari Raya? CM

When I was younger, the best thing about Hari
Raya was the duit raya. But of course, as you MY

grow older, you get lesser, haha! The best part CY

What accomplishment are you most proud of about Raya is getting together with the family.
in your life so far? I get to meet all my cousins from everywhere – CMY

I would have to say my acting career. Despite
being only sixteen, I am very passionate and
believe in what I do. I love challenging myself
because when it comes to acting, we have to
become other people and it’s not always easy.
We have to project a lot of emotions and assume
various roles. Sometimes I have to project anger,
and sometimes I have to cry. I’ve even played
roles where I was possessed by spirits! For me, if
I can accomplish and play those roles well, that
means I’ve given my best.
What is the best part about being a TV and
movie actress?
I would have to say the challenge of the industry.
I am always learning something new every time
I’m on the set and that keeps me excited. Also, I
get to meet the other actors and actresses and
even veterans in the industry. They are all like
mentors and advise and share their experiences
with me.
And the worst?
It’s not all glamorous and easy on the set. When
we do outdoor shoots, we have to endure the
weather – it can be pouring cats and dogs, and
it can be extremely hot! And on set, the lights
make the whole place so hot, and I don’t really
like using a lot of make-up, but in front of the
camera, it has to be done.
8
What do you like to do for fun?
My family is number one in my life, and then my
friends. So fun is spending time and doing things
with them. When I’m stressed or tired with school
or work, I prefer to be alone and have music keep
me company.
Who or what inspires you the most?
Maybe I’m still young, but at the moment I do not
have one single thing or person which inspires
me. Can I say I inspire myself? I love acting
so much, and cannot imagine myself doing
anything else. So it is my passion that makes me
push myself to excel. And I’m lucky because my
family is behind me every step of the way.
Where and how will you be celebrating Hari
Raya this year?
Every year without fail, my family and I celebrate
Hari Raya at my grandmother’s house, in the
Kampung Pandan area. So this year is going to be
no different. We all gather there, with my family,
uncles, aunts, cousins, and we all love eating. Hari
Raya is not a time for anyone to go on a diet. I eat
Mantin, Shah Alam, Kinrara… and when we all
get together, we talk, laugh, eat and have a great
K
time. On the first day of Hari Raya, we will all be at
grandma’s place until late into the night.
Any words of advice for students wanting to
pursue careers in the entertainment industry
like yourself?
Being an actress, we are always in the public eye
and therefore have to keep a good reputation
and name for ourselves. To be a successful actress,
one must always stay grounded despite the
fame and never forget our roots. It’s important
to have your family supporting you as well. The
entertainment industry is not easy at all – so you
have to be prepared to work really hard and not
complain only.
 Edu Zone Nilai
UC
Flexible and Affordable
American Degree via
Nilai UC
Ask any parent serious about their children’s
education and they will tell you that an overseas
education is the preferred choice. Quality of the
institutions aside, one cannot deny that many
employers still prefer overseas graduates. This
is simply because a child gets to expand their
horizons and to experience life beyond these
borders. It is perceived that the experience will
instill in the graduate, a wider worldview and a
10
tougher and more independent character after
having survived in a foreign environment for a
number of years. However, the prohibitive cost
Edu Zone of an overseas education is a stumbling block for
many parents.
16 Nilai University College (Nilai UC) offers a solution
with its American Degree Transfer Programme
College Oomph (ADP). Shariffah Bahyah Syed Ahmad, Nilai UC
Dean of the School of Humanities and Social
18
Sciences, explains how parents can still give their
children the benefit of an overseas education
without the backbreaking, mortgage-like
Edu Aid expenses, and highlight the other benefits of this
programme.
20
Flexibility
The ADP allows students to change their major
Youth Asia
without losing credits earned. This means
students can change the direction of their
academic and career path without having to
start from scratch.
Edu Zone: Your Complete
“Parents should note that this is quite a common
Education Guide
scenario as many teenagers have no clear idea of
what they want to do and the initial choice may
be ill-suited. There are many instances where
a student is unhappy and has to drop out of a
programme and start all over again. This can be
avoided with the ADP,” says Shariffah.
“In the ADP it doesn’t matter what stream a
student has been placed into during high
school. He or she can enter any field they like and
have the freedom to choose and to change their
minds about what’s best for their future.”
Affordability
Parents are looking at a massive 70% reduction
in cost by enrolling their child in Nilai UC’s
ADP as compared to studying abroad for four
10
years. At Nilai UC, a student only has to fork
out RM400 per credit and all the credits earned
can be transferred to an American or Canadian
university of their choice.
“Although a student misses out on two years
abroad, their savings are substantial. Besides, I
feel that it is better to send children over later
rather than sooner as they will be that much
more mature having been in a tertiary education
institution for the first two years. They will
have acclimatised themselves to the workload
and crucially, adapted to an English medium
curriculum,” emphasised Shariffah.
Quality and Prestige
The quality of the teaching and learning
environment in North American universities are
famed for producing some of the best minds
in fields as diverse as science, engineering,
computing and architecture to name but a few.
“Nilai UC’s ADP is the gateway into this rarefied
academic world and students will also receive
personalized attention from Nilai UC’s dedicated
teaching staff who will ensure students are
well-prepared for future scholastic challenges,”
assures Shariffah.
“Many of the North American universities
were founded decades ago and in many cases
are centuries old. This imparts great prestige
and graduates are seen as being part of a
long tradition of those institutions. There’s no
doubting it, employers are still impressed when
an interviewee is a graduate from a famous
university abroad,” says Shariffah.
Choices @ Nilai UC
Nilai UC’s ADP offer a wide choice of different
majors. No other institution can give you more.
For example in the field of biology students
can choose bacteriology, biochemistry,
bioengineering, biomedical science,
biophysics or biotechnology. If a student is
interested in engineering Nilai UC can help
him get into aerospace, automotive, chemical,
civil, construction technology, electrical,
environmental, fire protection, industrial,
mechanical, mining, or oil.
Edu Zone
An overseas education is an
expensive undertaking but
Nilai UC’s American Degree
Transfer Programme aims
to reduce cost but not the
quality and the merits of a
US degree.
Nilai UC American Degree
Transfer Programme is ideal for
students who are undecided
on their field of study.via Nilai
UC’s ADP.
Nilai UC American Degree
Transfer Programme allows
students to become
comfortable with an English
medium curriculum before
going overseas.
Nilai UC Dean of the School
of Humanities and Social
Sciences, Shariffah Bahyah Bte
Syed Ahmad, believes that
overseas education can now
be an affordable option via
Nilai UC’s ADP.
If a student is talented and likes to express himself
creatively, a career in the arts may be the best.
Through ADP you can chose from animation,
acting, audio technology, broadcasting, fashion,
film arts, graphic design, music, painting, or
photography.
Adventure
“Studying abroad is an adventure of a lifetime
and the experience is something which gives
graduates that something extra. Employers
still see overseas graduates as being more
independent and having a broader perspective
due to their exposure to a foreign culture and
learning environment,” says Shariffah.
“With that in mind, parents and students should
consider investing in their child’s future. After all,
with Nilai UC’s ADP programme, the prohibitive
element in terms of costs is minimized, making it
a more affordable experience.”
For more information on Nilai UC and
programmes, please go to www.nilai.edu.
my or call 06-8502338 / 03-79603089 / 07-
3332336.
11
 Edu Zone
KBU’s Business School
Heads to a New
Paradigm
G
eneration Y and Z students (generally
classified as those born after 1978 and 1990
respectively) who are well exposed and
into fast results and technology, are a discerning
and demanding group. Higher education
institutions which ignored these modern student
demographics and have not kept pace with their
ever increasing expectations have past fallen by the
wayside.
KBU International College, recognised as a beacon
of educational excellence for teaching, learning and
employability is celebrating its 20th anniversary
this year. Its success story is a testimony to its
strong commitment, will and ability to continue
to meet the challenges of Gen Y and Z. Amongst
the contributory success factors are its first-rate
lecturers, teaching facilities and a conducive
learning environment where the college is nestled
in a premier and respectable residential community.
KBU has a range of business courses that suit
individual student’s academic capacity and
inclination. It offers 3+0 UK degree programmes
of Anglia Ruskin University, namely BA (Hons)
Marketing, BA (Hons) Business Management, BA
(Hons) Accounting and Finance and BA (Hons)
Accounting of Sheffield Hallam University. For
the two accounting pathways, ACCA and CIMA
grant exemptions and thus, accelerate graduates’
aspiration to become professional accountants.
Students with varying SPM results can opt to join
the Foundation, Certificate or Diploma in Business
Administration. These fully accredited qualifications
awarded by the college provide a good array of
business rudimentary and prepare them to be
industry-ready and even venture into business.
Graduates of Foundation and Diploma studies may
choose to progress to degree pathways, in which
case they are eligible for entry into year 1 and year
2 respectively.
KBU School of Business, Hospitality & Tourism
Management enjoys excellent reputation with
graduate employers and placement sponsors. This
is achieved through nurturing and developing the
students beyond the classroom, and helping them
to realize their full potential. It involves inculcating
ethical values, arranging internships, organizing
12
KBU
educational field visits, interacting with industry
professionals and encouraging participation in
inter-college/public competitions.
KBU also provides students who wish to experience
a stint in the partner universities in UK an C
opportunity to participate in the student exchange M
programmes with no additional cost at (the tuition
fees remain the same as in KBU). Y
Low Hong Keng, Head of the School of Business, CM
Hospitality & Tourism Management who is a
MY
recent addition to the elite team of heads in
KBU commends the School’s practice in placing CY
importance on job placements. Backed with 35
years of experience in various industries, he strongly CMY
advocates experiential learning. For the educated
Generation Y and Z, he thinks that educational K
institutions should be more student-centric and
shifts their paradigm from expert teacher to student
learner whereby it promotes active learning through
involvement, participation, self-reflection, critical
thinking and lifelong education. Still fresh with his
corporate zeal and dynamism, he is gearing up the
school to scale higher; plans are afoot to offer a
postgraduate MBA and a BSc degree in tourism and
hospitality management early next year, and other
activities such as public lectures by professors from
partner universities.
Students may also wish to find out about KBU
other programmes in engineering, computing, art
& design, hospitality and tourism management, at
certificate, foundation, diploma and degree levels.
Pre-university programmes such as A-Levels and
the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) are also
available.
Low Hong Keng
Head of the School of
For further details, please contact KBU Business, Hospitality &
International College, Bandar Utama, at tel:
03-77273200 or email: enquiry@kbu.edu.my . Tourism Management,
Alternatively, you can visit our website at www. Low assures that KBU’s
kbu.edu.my or join us at http://facebook.com/
kbuinternational .
business programmes
are able to nurture
future business leaders.
 Edu Zone
A Take On
Innovation
A
s described in the New Economic Model
(NEM), if Malaysia country is to achieve the
status of Developed Nation by 2020, a major
area of focus under NEM is the development of an
innovative economy.
Professor Dr. Zaharin Yusoff is the President
of Multimedia University, which was recently
recognized as an Excellent University in the 2009
Setara rankings. He shares his thoughts on how to
develop an innovative economy in Malaysia.
To develop such an economy, a few elements must
be present. First of all is innovation itself. It should
not happen just once a month by a company
with a paid-up capital of x amount, officiated by
this minister or that. Innovation must occur at the
grassroots level itself. Everyday Malaysians must
make a contribution in whatever areas they can.
The key is to improve on whatever concept, idea,
product or method that is already in place, and try
to make it just a little bit better. If you wash dishes
in a restaurant, and you have an idea how it could
be made better, and you can somehow build the
machine, by all means go ahead and do it.
Secondly, Malaysians must be supportive of
Malaysian-made innovations. The world is in awe
with the Japanese, at how they’re at the very cutting
edge of technology. Whether it’s their mobile
phones, electronic equipments, or what have you,
they seem to always have the newest and the
best. It is mind boggling, and we wonder how the
Japanese does it.
The answer is that the Japanese public has a
voracious appetite for the new and novel. They
always want something better, something unique,
something their current gadget isn’t doing for
them. Most importantly, they’re willing to pay
14
MMU
for the opportunity to own that new toy. Thus,
Japanese manufacturers need not worry that they
will not recoup their investments, and so they work
to satisfy their fellow countrymen.
Of course, innovation doesn’t just happen by itself.
Innovation needs a conducive ecosystem to thrive
in, and an important element of that ecosystem is
the tertiary institution. To illustrate the functions of
such institutions, let’s look at MMU.
Rather than just educating students, MMU supplies
to the industries high quality human capital who
will drive innovation. We view innovation as having
two parts: the one in which physical, tangible
improvements occur, and the part where the
intangible innovations take place.
Physical innovations occur in the realm of
engineering and IT. Intangible innovations involve
the development and refinement of content and
ideas, and these happen in creative spheres as well
as IT.
MMU has got all these fields covered. The
engineering faculties have been winning Robocon
for a few years running, among many other
achievements. One poll among Malaysian students
named MMU the Malaysian university of choice
for IT, and we have won many IT challenges and
competitions.
Our Faculty of Creative Multimedia is also exceptional.
The creators of Upin and Ipin are graduates from this
faculty. MMU has also implemented a project where
we replicated in virtual space a heritage house to
preserve for posterity.
So, is it enough to kick-start an innovative Malaysian
economy by having an innovation-loving
The 1st step to creativity:
culture imbued in Malaysian manufacturers and
2010e
consumers, together with a conducive ecosystem?
Unfortunately, no.
Strategic partnerships are necessary because intak
scarcity of resources in this day and age is more the y / June
norm than the exception. To create a better robot, Januar ober
for instance, you need not only robotics, but better Oc t
materials and better designs. MMU might be able
to develop robotics and designs, but materials are
not our forté. So do we wait until we have a strong
Faculty of Materials? Of course not. We partner with
organizations that are strong in that field. MMU have At Multimedia University (MMU) you’ll be guaran-
been signing Memorandum of Understandings teed the finest academic education and professional
with other institutions and companies in order to guidance to achieve outstanding success. Come and
help one another attain our respective objectives.
begin your career with us.
Marketing is, of course, self-explanatory. If you have
the world’s greatest product and no one knows
about it, it really makes no difference.
CREATIVE MULTIMEDIA • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY • COMPUTER SCIENCE
Another serious problem is the brain drain. It is a FINANCE • ACCOUNTING • BUSINESS • LAW • LIFE SCIENCES
most distressing problem, yet its solutions are rather
simple. First, pay our talent more. Secondly, provide
ELECTRICAL • ELECTRONICS • MECHANICAL • TELECOMMUNICATIONS
them with a suitable environment with suitable
infrastructures. Finally, give them the opportunities
to improve themselves, rather than give them URL www.mmu.edu.my SMS Type MMUFORM and E wwwadmis@mmu.edu.my M Ms Wong / 013 380 8844
obstacles. send to 019-577 7000 Ms Musfiza / 013 610 3132
Mr Azlan / 013 630 6455
To be a part of MMU’s innovative faculties, please Mdm Nalini / 013 613 3144
visit www.mmu.edu.my or contact Madam
Hamiza at 013-626 4493 or our general line
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION,
03-8312 5570. VISIT OUR COUNSELLORS AT :
Cyberjaya Campus:
Info Centre - Ground Floor, The Chancellery, Multimedia University, Persiaran Multimedia, 63100
Cyberjaya (KP/JPS/DFT/US/BO1) Tel: 603 8312 5018
Melaka Campus:
Admission Office - Multimedia University, Jalan Ayer Keroh Lama, 75450 Bukit Beruang, Melaka
(KP/JPS/DFT/US/MO1) Tel: 606 252 3411
 College Oomph
College Life
From School To
Jarrel
What is it like in college? 18 years old
What do I wear? What will Currently:
Sunway University College
my friends be like? These
College
Course:
are all common questions Foundation in Arts
running through the minds Previously:
SMK Damansara Jaya
of students before they
finish secondary school.
Dawson Chong speaks to When you were in Form 5, what were the
some college students to things you looked forward to most by
becoming a college student?
find out about their transition
I can wear whatever I want to college, and style
from school into tertiary my hair any way I wish.
I
education. remembered when I was still in my secondary school uniform a few years ago -
What were the major changes you underwent
literally, every second possible, I would try imagining myself in my desired college
attire and hairstyle. Okay, do these alleged fashionable college attire really exist? during your transition from secondary school
to college/university?
Believe me; every soon-to-be college student goes through this process – The Pre I knew that my life and future career path
College Syndrome (PCS). The syndrome, of course not an official medical condition depended more on my academic performance,
which exists in any journals, but it is indeed an official disorder that lies inside us , so I really had to take two steps up to improve my
so much that we fail to realize or even admit it! I thought after several years, such grades in college. I started studying more and
mentality among students would have disappeared, but again, I was proven wrong. even doing my homework! One thing for sure
This PCS is a disease with no cure and only self-experience serves best to answer the was my eating habits! From eating nasi lemak
syndrome.
everyday at the school cafeteria, I now have so
Read on what current college students have to say about leaving the comforts of many choices from our college cafeteria... I think
their secondary school. my belly is spoilt for choices!
Do you think the changes are for the better?
Yes. By having better results, I feel more confident
and healthier in college. In college, everyone
is given an opportunity to perform and many
group projects boost my teamwork spirit and
skills.
Do you miss your secondary school days?
Yes of course. During high school, I had more time
to go about chatting with friends. Now that I’m in
college, the lifestyle is fast with assignments and
tests every week. The only advantage in college
is that we can drive anywhere and anytime we
want which saves me a lot of time!
Any words of advice to current Form 5
students?
Enjoy your year! College will be more serious as
you will really need to put in hard work. Study
hard!
Jane
18 years old
Currently:
IACT College
Course:
Diploma in Mass
Communication
Previously:
SMK Bandar Utama
Damansara 3
When you were in Form 5, what were the
things you looked forward to most by
becoming a college student?
FREEDOM! I won’t want to be tied down by the
timetable like we had in school because they
were terrible. Few subjects in one day and not
forgetting, tuition classes right after school. And I
knew that when I go to college, academic results
are not based on only examinations but equally
divided between projects, assignments and
16
exams.
What were the major changes you underwent
during your transition from secondary school
to college/university?
Circle of friends. High school friends and college
friends are very different. College friends come
from different places so it becomes more
interesting, as for high school friends, we grew
up together so there weren’t any sparks other
than lame arguments. My lifestyle has changed
as well. I tend to do a lot of shopping because
I’m always worried about what to wear to
college and etc. I guess I’ve been spending a lot
of money since coming to college. Not only for
shopping, but my meals outside, parking fees,
college needs are all taken into account.
Do you think the changes are for the better?
I don’t think it is a bad change. As we grow older,
we become wiser. I don’t mind making changes
for the better.
Do you miss your secondary school days?
Frankly speaking, I don’t really miss high school. I
miss wearing uniforms though.
Any words of advice to current Form 5
students?
SPM is not easy but it is also not as tough as you
think. Study and score, it does make a difference!
JC
18 years old
Currently:
Taylor’s University College
Course:
Diploma in Tourism
Management
Previously:
SMK Bandar Utama
Damansara 4
When you were in Form
5, what were the things you looked forward
to most by becoming a college student?
Casual wear to classes, no more naggy teachers,
better food, less stress and better timetables
without having to wake up so early for classes!
What were the major changes you underwent
during your transition from secondary school
to college/university?
I think is my eating habits and sleeping hours
underwent major changes. While we are in
school, the only break time was our recess time.
Now, we get to have many different break hours
and the hours are always different. My sleeping
hours has changed with my eating habits. It must
be those assignments. Many of my friends got
into a relationship once leaving high school but
I am still enjoying my single life! Oh yeah, finally
I get to have friends from different countries. It is
seriously an awesome experience!
Do you think the changes are for the better?
Eating and sleeping disorder? No. I will grow fat
soon! Haha. Changes in circle of friends especially
meeting friends from different cultures and
countries really opened my eyes. Such changes
in my network should be a good training before
I head into the industry. Plus, cross cultural
learning is always fun!
College Oomph
Do you miss your secondary school days?
YES! I miss my schoolmates and my school life.
Everything was easier back then.
Any words of advice to current Form 5
students?
Cherish the moments while you still can. When
you are in school, life is less complex compared
to college life. So wake up from your college
dream and start making use of the time left!
Mark
18 years old
Currently:
INTI College Subang Jaya
Course:
American Degree Transfer
Program
Previously:
SMK Bandar Utama
Damansara 3
When you were in Form 5, what were the
things you looked forward to most by
becoming a college student?
To get rid of the unfashionable school uniform
and of course get the hairstyle that I have been
dreaming of!
What were the major changes you underwent
during your transition from secondary school
to college/university?
I was trying very hard to fit into a whole new
learning environment which was very different
from school. Such changes made me think about
how efficient our current education system is to
equip us for tertiary education and our careers.
Do you think the changes are for the better?
Definitely. It changes the way I see things. I
now look at things from various perspectives.
Meeting new people with different backgrounds
has been an eye opener. Lecturers are cool –
they don’t really give you pressure to do this and
that. We are supposed to be responsible and
disciplined. No one will be spoon-feeding me
the way our school teachers did.
Do you miss your secondary school days?
Yes, I miss it a lot! Especially my classmates. I still
remember moments of laughter and tears with
my friends. When we had school performances,
it was fun rehearsing together. And also things
like playing basketball with friends. Gosh! I am
still proud to be a Dedikasian!
Any words of advice to current Form 5
students?
Make sure you guys get the best experience as
a fifth former no matter with who or where or
what. Trust me, you will regret for not being part
of it. And of course good luck for your upcoming
SPM!
It seems inevitable that most students undergo
Pre-College Syndrome. So, the next time if
someone comes to you and accuse you of
having such a syndrome, don’t deny, just admit
it! After all, we are all in the process of growing
and moving on.
17
 Edu Aid Edu Aid
Brain
device called an EEG (electroencephalograph) to The brain can be manipulated to affect our
What is going on in our brain tell how the brain is working. thinking! For example, if I were to put a metal
when we think? Can we still probe charged with a bit of electricity on a
think when we no longer Most information enters the middle of the brain person’s temporal lobe, he might hear music,
from the spinal cord and branches out like a words or even voice of somebody he recognize.
have a brain? Maybe after
tree to the surface of the brain. The surface of Certain illness such as tumor in the brain,
we pass away or suffer the brain is gray in color and is called the gray and brain injury can also cause the brain to
serious brain damage? matter. The axons have a white coating and are malfunction and form images or voices, etc. There
Dr. See Hoon Peow digs into called white matter. The brain is divided into the are many types of drugs that can affect the brain
the core for answers. left and right hemispheres. The right hemisphere chemicals to create various effects. Theoretically,
deals with visual activities like organizing things. one day we should be able to invent drug that

What is Going On
The left hemisphere tends to be more analytical
and associate information collected by the right
with other things. Therefore, the left hemisphere
deals more with language and helps to analyze
can enhance our mental abilities (in that way, you
would not have to learn thinking skill anymore).
However, how the brain chemicals work is far
too complex for neuroscientists to completely

in the Brain When

information given to the brain. understand them, at least for now.

The brain can also be divided into forebrain, Some scientists also believe that one day we will
midbrain and hindbrain. The forebrain consists be able to understand certain parts of our brain
of the cerebrum, thalamus, and hypothalamus to be able to link them to electronic devices

We think?
(part of the limbic system). The midbrain consists to enhance their abilities. For example, music
of the tectum and tegmentum. The hindbrain is appreciation only involves a small part of the
made of the cerebellum, pons and medulla. Often brain. Once we understand that part well enough,
the midbrain, pons, and medulla are referred we may be able to invent electronic devices to
to together as the brainstem. The brainstem enhance the speed of signal transmission in the
is responsible for basic vital life functions such brain for example, to enhance our musical ability.
Is thinking a physical mechanism that is
as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.
dependant on the functioning of the brain? Or
When the brainstem is dead (this is called However, the above are still theoretical at this
is it like what some philosophers believe that
brain dead), the body will no longer be able to point of time. It is also very unlikely to happen
there is something called the “mind”, which is
sustain itself. Some animals’ entire brains, such as in my life time. Fortunately, we can improve the
separated from the brain. And the mind can
reptiles, resemble our brainstem; therefore they other side of the coin instantly, i.e. the mind, by
survive the brain and continue to exist in the
can never have higher brain functions such as applying appropriate thinking skills.
form of ghost, spirit, soul or others.
thought and action. This is the biggest different
between human and animals.
Even if we do not believe in a separate mind, i.e.
the mind being closely related to the brain and
The largest part of the human brain is the
is dependant on the physical brain to function;
cerebrum or cortex. It is associated with higher
we still notice some qualitatively distinct abilities
brain function such as thought and action. The
of the human mind, e.g. linguistic ability, self and
cerebral cortex is divided into four “lobes”: the
social consciousness that do not exist in the most
frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and
intelligent of animals. I have some beliefs, but I
temporal lobe that have different function:
do not have definite answer to all this questions.
Nobody does.

• Frontal Lobe: reasoning, planning, parts of
Whatever is our belief, it is still good to
speech,movement,
understand a thing or two about how our brains
emotions, and problem
function, in order to be a better thinker.
solving

• Parietal Lobe: movement, orientation,
The human brain weighs about 1.5 kg and it is
recognition, perception of
estimated to have about 100 billion cells that
stimuli
are called neurons. The neuron has a little part
• Occipital Lobe: visual processing
that secretes chemicals through a gap called
• Temporal Lobe: perception and recognition
synapse, and triggers another neuron to send a
of auditory stimuli, memory,
message through an axon (think of it like a wire
and speech
system). Different neurons use different types
of chemicals called “transmitters” and they are
given names like epinephrine, norepinephrine,
or dopamine. Each of these billions of axons
is generating a small amount of electrical
charge. Doctors have learned that this
electrical activity can be
measured using a
18 19
 Youth Says
Is your education
preparing you for the
new economy?
“I am in serious doubt that I
can learn anything here after I
graduate, and I doubt that it will
make any difference here. For
instance, till today I am finding
it hard to find companies
which concentrates on what I
am doing.” – Sutesh Kumar, 23, Seremban
“I completed my education
a few years back. Just
counting on your bachelor’s
degree is not enough. We
must keep up with current
news, continuous lifelong
learning, re-training and
increase our skills to put
ourselves in a better position
towards the new economy.–
Zuraidi Zainol, 27, Kuala Lumpur
“The real value of my education
was evident at university,
not when I was in secondary
school because our education
system in school is seriously
outdated and language is the
main problem. I think business
subjects such as accounting
should be in English too, just
like Math and Science. When we’re in college
or university, everything is in English. When we
come out to work, everything is going to be in
English. I think it’s tough for our graduates to
boost the new economy.” - Raphael Liew, 22,
Subang Jaya
“When I was in high school,
NO! I wished education
was not so book-based. I
want to apply what I learn
in the real world during
school years itself, and not
after I graduate. Current
education, well... I guess
it’s all about garnering
knowledge from different sources (not only
relying on lectures, school books, etc). Read the
world news!” – Sasha Leong, 22, Subang Jaya
20
YouthSays
“It’s a dog-eat-dog world
out there. The strongest will
survive. Education nowadays
has turned into a commercial
product; easy to graduate, but
harder to afford. How many
graduates out there who are
really prepared for the real
world? The end result, the rich will be richer
and the poor will always be poorer.” – Nicholas
Leong, 30, Ipoh
“Having a proper education
and a piece of paper to
prove it does not make
the world a better place.
In the end, translating
classroom theories to real
world application is what
matters, how well you are
able to do that depends
on the individual. I’d like to believe I have been
prepared for the new economy.” – Sabina Wong,
22, Petaling Jaya
“Yes because once you know
what you want and jump in
the right path towards it I
think it will work fine. Just a
combination of interest and
dedication in the things you
do.” - Muhammad Nurudin,
20, Ampang
“Actually I think we’re studying
now is merely knowledge from
the books, it doesn’t really
prepare us for the new economy,
it just teaches us how the world
work scientifically and what to
do in our jobs.” - Pei Shan, 19,
Petaling Jaya
“Only when I started my tertiary
education did I see the path to
the future workforce. Primary
and secondary education
system is too bounded by
public exams and there’s no room for students
to develop their own ideas.” - Yvonne Chik, 19,
Kuala Lumpur
“My education is only
educating me in my
chosen field of studies
and is not giving me a
holistic preparation for the
upcoming economy.” –
Zahran, 19, Ipoh
“Yes. Teachers nowadays
opened up what I like to call a
‘door to the real world’ to us, the
students. They will relate their
teaching to the issues around
the globe and somehow make
us aware of what is happening
on the outside world. This
actually helps us to prepare ourselves to face the
new economy.” – Iqbal Ismail, 18, Sungai Buloh
Will you add your parents
onto your “friends” list on
Facebook? Why?
“No. It feels like I’m being
watched by them. Last week I
went to KL and posted some
pictures of the food I ate. My
dad called, “Don’t eat too
much!” because my sister
told him from the photos I
uploaded from my mobile device”– Ah Kian, 25,
Miri
“No, I came clean and
told them I don’t feel
comfortable with them
being in my friends list.
The fact that they could be
reading everything about
me, and then use it against
me. That’s not cool.” - Alicia
Tan, 18, Subang Jaya
“Yes and I have already done that. I have no
reason from denying them
as my Facebook friends. It’s a
good way to keep in touch
when I am away from home.
The best part is we can share
pictures of any events. Having
my parents as Facebook friends
make me aware of things that I
post on my wall, especially my
choice of words.” - Amirah Afiqah, 22, Kuantan
“If my parents knew how to
use internet, I don’t see why
not. I live and work far from
home. If they were on my
“friends” list, we can be in
touch constantly.” - Kenny
Chua, 25, Seri Kembangan
“I would if they had Facebook
accounts. Since we are not
staying together, they can
know what am I up to from my
status updates!” - Jean Yong,
23, Kuala Lumpur
Youth Says
“Nope. Our social life is not the
same like our relationship with
our family. In a way, you can
say that we have two different
lives (split persona in a positive
way) according. Anyway, my
father didn’t want to add me
on Facebook either, so why
bother?” - Mohd Faiz Nazim,
16, Petaling Jaya
“Yes I will because I have
nothing to hide from them.
And I really think it’s cool to
have my mom on Facebook.
It’s easier for her to catch up
with my routine and vice
versa, since we are not living
under the same roof.” - Fatin
Syafira, 20, Bandar Baru
Bangi
“No. My parents do not have
Facebook. Even if they have,
I may not add them. They’re
probably not open about
a lot of things. To be safe,
better not. Then they worry
less as well.” - Aiman, 21,
Jakarta
“Yes, my mom’s already on
Facebook! Why not? They know
what I’m up to most of the time.”
- Marcia Anne Gandhi, 21,
Subang Jaya Views compiled from Malaysians aged 15-35,
courtesy of YouthSays.com Rewards Platform for
“I don’t see the harm in it because Youths. Have a say? Go to malaysia.youthsays.
com
Facebook is just a reflection of
your life and your parents already know more
than others do. What we share on Facebook
is what we’re comfortable
sharing and it shouldn’t be A YO U T H A S I A C O M M U N I T Y
exclusive to the ones who
did not raise you.” - Sabrina
Aziz-Bahaman, 20, Shah
Alam
21
 What Teachers Say About Y! Lifestyle
Workshop

About Y!
Resident writer Sharmini H.
asked teachers what they
thought about the Y! Glam

GlamWorkshops
workshop series, which was
held in secondary schools
to provide students with
tips and advice on self-
confidence and grooming.

“SMK Kepoong’s students really like to read Y! Magazine and they we’re also happy to see their school featured in the
magazine in conjunction with the Y! Glam Workshop. The Workshop is definitely a good exposure to the students in
regards to cleanliness and hygiene.” ~ Pn Tam, SMK Kepong

“The Y! Glam Workshop was very informative and motivating to the students in terms of self-confidence and grooming.
There was also positive participation as the students enjoyed trying the products which were given freely to them.” ~
Pn Jagir Kaur, SMK Bukit Bandaraya

Lifestyle
“Teenagers are at a rather awkward age where they are just learning about how to present themselves to the
world. The programme arranged by Y! Mag was truly interesting and informative for the students. They
learnt about dressing in style and how to carry themselves. The icing on the cake was the programme being
graced by the famous Erin Malek who caught the students’ attention. She carried out games and gave out
gifts. The students could not have asked for more. But Y!Mag provided more. The students even obtained

24
her autograph on her poster and had a photography session with her. SMK Kiaramas is truly grateful for the wonderful time
and knowledge obtained by our students through both the programme as well as Y!Magazine itself. They provide information
on education, beauty and wellness, business, food, how to be street smart, music and movie reviews and so much more.”
~ Pn Yogini Selvan, SMK Kiaramas
Hari Raya Special

“ The Y! Glam Workshop is beneficial to the young teens. Seeing that we have students from lower income homes, they 26
may not have the chance to shop frequently and thus this is an opportunity for them to learn about grooming and to
Music Review
know whats good and affordable for them. The workshop was also very enjoyable for the students as they were able
to test each product for themselves.” ~ Pn Belinda Ng, SMK Taman Medan
27
Webste Review

28
Food Review

30
Movie Review

22 23
 Hari Raya Special
Hari Raya Away
From Home
M
uslims all over the world will be
celebrating Eid (known locally as Hari
Raya Aidilfitri) this September. It is a
joyous occasion for Muslims, as it signifies a
personal triumph, a victory of self-restraint
and abstinence, symbolising purification and
renewal.
The celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the
end of Ramadhan, the Islamic holy month of
fasting.
Fasting during the month of Ramadhan is
compulsory, whereby Muslims are required to
abstain from satisfying their most basic needs
and urges, daily, between sunriase and sunset. It
is one of the five tenets of Islam; as is the paying
of zakat (alms tax for the poor), which must be
tithed by the end of Ramadhan.
In Malaysia, the period of fasting ends when
the new moon is sighted on the evening of
24
SEP-OCT 2010
the last day of Ramadhan. The actual sighting is
conducted by state appointed religious officials
at various vantage points (usually at hilltops)
throughout the country. If the crescent is sighted,
the following day is then declared the first day of
Aidilfitri, which is also the beginning of the 10th
month of the Muslim calendar Syawal.
Urbanites make their annual pilgrimage to their
hometowns (this is popularly referred to as balik
kampung), to be with parents, relatives and old
friends.
But what about those who are living abroad and
not able to balik kampung during this festive
season?
Y! Magazine caught up with 13 year-old Nur
Afiqah who is currently in Scotland, and also 23
year-old Dayana residing in the United States of
America.
Nur Afiqah Aznan
13 years old
Student
Glasgow, Scotland
2 years abroad
Where is your kampung?
This is a bit tricky. I was born in Sungai Petani
but raised in different places namely Selangor,
Cameron Highlands, Australia and finally, Sintok,
Kedah. So I would say that my kampung is
Sungai Petani because most of my father’s family
live there.
What does Hari Raya mean for you being
away from home?
Eid is the day where Muslims all over the world
celebrate their victory after one month of fasting.
Eid is about forgiving and strengthening family
ties and relationships. So, be it in Scotland or
Malaysia, celebrating Eid is a must. However,
celebrating Eid away from home is totally a
different experience. In Malaysia, Eid is more
meaningful and lively because it is one of the
main celebrations in Malaysia. Nevertheless,
this is my second Eid in the UK. Even though I
am far away from Malaysia, I still celebrate Eid the
Malaysian way.
How do you celebrate Hari Raya in Scotland?
Few days before Eid, I will help my mother to
bake some cookies and the night before Eid, we
will prepare special dishes. The ‘Takbir Team’ will
also come to our house to recite ‘takbir’. On Eid
morning, my family and I will go to the mosque
for prayers, celebrate with family and visiting
friends and enjoying Malaysian delicacies. The
Malaysian community in Scotland arranges for
a small Eid assembly for all Malaysians living in
Scotland. During this gathering, all Malaysians
who live around Scotland will come and spend
time together. My family and I attend these
gatherings to meet up with fellow Malaysians. By
the afternoon, my mom has to attend her classes
at the university and my father has to go to work!
No long Eid holiday here in Scotland.
What do you miss most about Hari Raya in
Malaysia?
There are two things that I miss most: celebrating
Ramadhan in Malaysia and celebrating Eid with
my grandparents and my relatives. Not forgetting
all the ‘duit raya’ that I can get, haha! Well, overall,
I miss ‘balik kampung’ and the huge celebration
that we used to have in Malaysia.
Favourite Hari Raya food?
My favourite Raya food is ketupat, lemang, kuah
kacang, sate and rendang. Other than that, I also
like to eat lodeh or lontong which my mom used
to cook every Eid occasion. Even though we are
far away from Malaysia, we do prepare these for
Eid in the comfort of our home.
What’s the best part about celebrating Hari
Raya abroad?
The best part of celebrating Eid in Scotland is we
celebrate it together with our foreign friends of
other races such as Pakistani, Scottish, English
and many others. They will come over to our
house and celebrate Eid with us and enjoy
Malaysian delicacies.
And the worst?
Being away from home, from Malaysia.
My Hari Raya wish for this year is…
I would like to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfiri and
Maaf Zahir dan Batin to all my family members
especially my grandparents who are currently
living in Johore and Sungai Petani, my uncles
and aunts, relatives and not forgetting all my
friends wherever they are. Do enjoy your Eid and
please do not forget to say prayer for us. Hope to
meet up with all of you soon.
Nur Dayana Abdul
Rahman
23 years old
Master’s Student
Kentucky, United States of America
4.5 years abroad
Where is your kampung?
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Hari Raya Special
What does Hari Raya mean for you being
away from home?
Hari Raya has always been the perfect time of
the year to spend with my family and relatives.
Hence, being far away from home, especially
during Hari Raya, makes me appreciate them
more. However, celebrating Hari Raya abroad
with friends who are in the same boat is always
fun and exciting!
How do you celebrate Hari Raya in the States?
We perform the usual Eid prayer in the morning,
go for classes (yes, we even have exams or quizzes
on Raya day!) and invite friends to our house. We
usually have potlucks during the weekend where
everyone would bring their own specialty Raya
dish. This is also the time to introduce awesome
Malaysian dishes to our American friends!
What do you miss most about Hari Raya in
Malaysia?
Spending time with my family, going to open
houses, eating Raya food, and of course – getting
‘duit raya’!
Favourite Hari Raya food?
My mom’s kuah lodeh, ketupat, rendang ayam
and sambal goreng.
What’s the best part about celebrating Hari
Raya abroad?
We get to send our Raya photo to be featured
in the ‘Salam Perantauan’ section in major
newspapers in Malaysia.
And the worst?
Studying for exams and quizzes on Raya eve!
My Hari Raya wish for this year is…
To have a happy and blessed Raya celebration
abroad, and hopefully I won’t have any exams
scheduled on this year’s Raya! Selamat Hari Raya
Aidilfitri to everyone back home!
25
 Music Reviews Website Review
Music Favourite websites

Can’t Be Tamed by Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus is back with her fifth and latest album – Can’t Be Tamed – promising to present
an edgier and more grown up version of Miley/Hannah, showing a well-aged Disney
product on the verge of womanhood, and all of the love, heartache, controversy and
constant headlines, and maybe – a belief that we are more grown up than we actually are.

Miley teamed with Grammy Award-winning producer John Shanks (Sheryl Crow, Celine
Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Bon Jovi) and long-time Miley Cyrus collaborators Tim James &
Antonina Armato (‘Seven Things’ and ‘See You Again’). Tim & Antonina produced and co-
wrote ‘Can’t Be Tamed’ with Miley, and the video was directed by MTV Award-winning

Websites to Check Out This School Holidays

Robert Hales (Justin Timberlake, Gnarls Barkley, Kings of Leon.)
The album was recorded with the help of Miley’s producer for the song The Last Climb.
Miley has stated that the album features dance-pop influences of Britney Spears, Lady
Gaga and many other influential dance moves. Browsing the internet and spending hours online has become a past time for many of us. Whether you’re reading
blogs, or playing games, or just browsing random images… do check out some of favourite websites!
The album gets off to an energetic start with Liberty Walk, a song that that is extremely
catchy about following your dreams, shaking off negative criticism, and persevering. Stay
is a very mature and deep song that is different from almost every other song on the
album, and highlights Miley’s natural voice unlike most of the other songs. Take Me Along
was somehow too whiny and desperate for our liking.

Miley Cyrus, now 17 years of age, has grown up in the public eye with the world watching
breathlessly as she progresses from her Hannah Montana days.

OST Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam

Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam is a full out rock ‘n roll musical that celebrates music, dance and Free Online Games In Fun We Trust Discounts, Events, Games
the freedom of summer and reminds viewers to ‘enjoy the journey.’ This summer of fun opens www.miniclips.com www.izismile.com www.wesale.com.my
on a high-pitched Camp Rock reunion. All the Camp Rockers have returned, eager to tune Let’s face it – deep down, we all love A collection of funnies – jokes, pictures, This website lists the best, coolest &
up and rock out but a glistening new camp across the lake, Camp Star, poaches Camp Rock’s playing games. So whether you’re a videos, celeb pictures, and even games – stunning promotions and offers from
counselors and may put Camp Rock out of business. Mitchie Torres (played by Demi Lovato) fan of arcade, action, puzzle, sports, all under one roof! The best thing about various merchants and service providers.
motorsports, or adventure games, you this site is that you can spend hours on Offers and promos are categorized, for
steps it up as she challenges the egocentric Camp Star to an end-of-summer performance will find an amazing collection of them end browsing and browsing, and there example – Clothing & Accessories, or
duel—it’s on! right at this website. Best of all, you don’t just seems to be so much more! We love Computers & Gadgets and even Food &
have to download anything, and can play how Izismile is so random, yet so fun! Beverage! Check out this site, and print
for free! those coupons for use.
No. 1 selling recording artist Demi Lovato and the multi-platinum-selling artists, the Jonas
Brothers are featured on the soundtrack of the summer—Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam—
which are available now in stores!

The album features 15-all new songs from the movie, including three bonus songs (Different
Summers, Walkin’ In My Shoes and It’s Not Too Late). The physical CD also features exciting
After the tremendous special bonuses, including the full-length It’s On music video, exclusive interviews with Demi
success of the original Lovato and Jonas Brothers, and a movie photo gallery accessible through computer ROM
Camp Rock, comes drives.
Camp Rock 2:
The Final Jam. Nick Jonas commented, “In the first movie, music was part of it. This one—music tells the
story.” Demi Lovato added, “In this movie there are several different kinds of music - and
music is what drives Camp Rock 2.”
Of Designs & Inspirations Tech & Internet Geeks Photo Editor Online
www.toxel.com http://www.programmica.info http://pixlr.com
Another one of those random sites we love Everything you need to know about Got some photos or images to edit
– Toxel houses a cool collection of images technology and the internet can be but don’t want the hassle of installing
which showcase creative and interesting found here! Whether it’s a YouTube Photoshop? Well lookie here – a free
designs – be it a painting, a sofa, a house, update, or quirky news about modern online editor which doesn’t require any
cooking utensils or just a display item! technology, or the fact that they are log-in or downloads. Works exactly like
Makes you wonder how people come up coming up with a mobile phone which Photoshop, and you can save your edited
with such ingenious ideas! will be as loud as a vuvuzela… read all image directly. Genius!
about it here!
26 27
 Food Review
Great Food,
Unbeatable Price
O
perated by the Diploma in Hospitality
and Tourism Management students
of the college, Café de One operates
only during two blocks in a year, from January
to March, and again from May to August. During
those months, it opens twice a week for lunch
– Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 12:30pm to
2:30pm.
The interior of the restaurant was warmly lit
by yellow lights. On the feature wall facing the
entrance, was a unique collage of artwork by
the students from the School of Design. With a
bar area on one side, including a window which
offers a glimpse into the pastry kitchen, the
28
Food
restaurant offers ample and comfortable seating.
Upon taking our seats, we were promptly
presented with the menu of the day, a 4-course
lunch set. There were two choices for the main
course – baked dory fish or baked chicken breast.
I chose the former.
Fresh orange juice was soon served, and the
waitress also asked me if I wanted a glass of
water. “Cold please,” I requested. What ensued
after that, I found quite amusing.
“You know, you should drink warm water, it’s
better for your health,” said the polite waitress.
A lunch invitation at a
college baffled Doreen
Loo at first. It turns out, that
tucked away in a cosy
corner of KBU International
College is a small yet
warm and functional
restaurant.
I chuckled and thanked her for the advice, but
told her that I was so thirsty and the weather
beckoned something cold. She smiled and soon
brought me a glass.
Lunch was served in no time! First of the course,
the appetizer, Classic Caesar Salad which was
served with semi-fried cherry tomatos, crispy
bread and chicken breast fillets. Fresh, cold and
delectable, the greens were crunchy and lightly
tossed in a tangy dressing.
Once we were done with the salad, the service
crew came round with hot rolls and butter, and
the Cream of Broccoli Soup with Poached Egg
was soon served. Hesitant at first, we tackled
the mysterious green soup and found it to be
creamy, savoury and oh-so-good! The poached
egg floating about seemed quite funny at first
– but oddly enough, went down real with the
soup. Needless to say – we licked our bowls
clean!
The Baked Dory Fish was next, and it came
with breaded chunky potatos and buttered
vegetables, served with a tangy tomato-based
sauce. Crispy on the outside, the fish was cooked
just right as it maintained the moist and freshness
of the fish on the inside. I’d prefer if the sauce was
less over-powering, as it masked the fish quite a
bit. But still yummy enough for me to clean off
every single morsel on my plate!
By the time we finished our main course,
everyone was excitedly looking forward to the
dessert which was to be Tiramisu with sponge
finger, berry fruit and chocolate sauce. Served
in a delicate martini glass, and garnished with
chocolate shards, cocoa powder and a sprig of
mint leaves – I swear I heard the tiramisu calling
out for me! The bitter from the chocolate and
cocoa powder complimented the sweetness
of the tiramisu, and the sponge fingers nestled
in between provided a different texture to this
dessert. Oddly, we didn’t quite taste any berries.
Food Review
Still, the dessert, served with piping hot coffee
was a perfect climax to a sumptuous meal.
By now you’re probably wondering why I haven’t
written anything about how much it costs. Well
the good news is that a four-course meal at Café
de One is priced at only RM15 nett! Delicious
food, good ambience and great service – we
reckon that this is an unbeatable offer!
For reservations and enquiries on the menu,
do call En. Muhammad Shukri, Lecturer of
Hospitality & Tourism at 03-7727 3200.
29
 Movie Reviews
Movie

Going the Distance

Erin’s (Drew Barrymore) wry wit and
unfiltered frankness charm newly single
Garrett (Justin Long) over beer, bar trivia
and breakfast the next morning. Their
chemistry sparks a full-fledged summer
fling, but neither expects it to last once
Erin heads home to San Francisco and
Garrett stays behind for his job in New
York City.

But when six weeks of romping through

the city inadvertently become meaningful,
neither is sure they want it to end. And
while Garrett’s friends, Box (Jason Sudeikis)
and Dan (Charlie Day) joke about his pre-
flight calorie-cutting and his full-time
relationship with his cell phone, they don’t
like losing their best drinking buddy to yet IN C
another rocky romance. At the same time, INEM
IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 2 AS 2
Erin’s high-strung, overprotective married SEP
w w w. Ca t s n D o g s 2 - a s i a . co m

sister, Corrine (Christina Applegate), wants TEM

BER
to keep Erin from heading down an all-

Cats & Dogs too-familiar road.

The Revenge of Kitty Galore Release Date: 2 September 2010

In the age-old battle between cats and
dogs, one crazed feline has taken things a
paw too far. Kitty Galore, formerly an agent
for cat spy organization MEOWS, has gone
rogue and hatched a diabolical plan to not
Resident Evil: Afterlife
The fourth installment of the hugely successful
only bring her canine enemies to heel, but
RESIDENT EVIL franchise, RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE is
take down her former kitty comrades and
again based on the wildly popular video game series,
make the world her scratching post. Faced
and will this time be presented in 3-D.
with this unprecedented threat, cats and
dogs will be forced to join forces for the first
In a world ravaged by a virus infection, turning its
time in history in an unlikely alliance to save
victims into the Undead, ALICE (Milla Jovovich),
themselves—and their humans—in “Cats &
continues on her journey to find survivors and lead
Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore,” a comedy
them to safety. Her deadly battle with the Umbrella
in 3D that blends live action with state-of-
Corporation reaches new heights, but Alice gets some
the-art puppetry and computer animation.
unexpected help from an old friend. A new lead that
It’s time for the fur to fly.
promises a safe haven from the Undead takes them to
Los Angeles, but when they arrive the city is overrun
This comedy stars Christina Applegate,
by thousands of Undead - and Alice and her comrades
Michael Clarke Duncan, Neil Patrick Harris,
are about to step into a deadly trap.
Sean Hayes, James Marsden, Bette Midler,
Nick Nolte, Joe Pantoliano, Katt Williams,
Release Date: 10 September 2010
Chris O’Donnell, Jack McBrayer, Fred Armisen
and Paul Rodriguez.

Release Date: 2 September 2010

Legend of the Guardians

Acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder makes his animation debut with the fantasy family adventure “Legend of the
Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole” based on the beloved Guardians of Ga’Hoole books by Kathryn Lasky. The film
follows Soren, a young owl enthralled by his father’s epic stories of the Guardians of Ga’ Hoole, a mythic band of
winged warriors who had fought a great battle to save all of owlkind from the evil Pure Ones.

While Soren dreams of someday joining his heroes, his older brother, Kludd, scoffs at the notion, and yearns to
hunt, fly and steal his father’s favor from his younger sibling. But Kludd’s jealousy has terrible consequences—
causing both owlets to fall from their treetop home and right into the talons of the Pure Ones. Now it is up to
Soren to make a daring escape with the help of other brave young owls. Together they soar across the sea and
www.legendoftheguardians-asia.com
SEPTEMBER 23
through the mist to find the Great Tree, home of the legendary Guardians—Soren’s only hop
30
Release Date: 23 September 2010
 Movie Reviews
Movie

The Other Guys

NYPD Detectives Christopher Danson
and P.K. Highsmith (Dwayne Johnson and
Samuel L. Jackson) are the baddest and
most beloved cops in New York City. They
Takers
This action flick takes you into the world of a notorious group of criminals (Idris Elba,
don’t get tattoos – other men get tattoos
of them. Two desks over and one back, sit
Detectives Allen Gamble ( Will Ferrell) and
Paul Walker, T.I., Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy) who continue to Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg). You’ve seen
baffle police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies. They are in and out like them in the background of photos of
clockwork, leaving no evidence behind and laying low between heists. But when they Danson and Highsmith, out of focus and
attempt to pull off one last job with more money at stake than ever before, the crew eyes closed. They’re not heroes – they’re
may find their plans interrupted by a hardened detective (Matt Dillon) who is hell-bent “the Other Guys.”
on solving the case.
But every cop has his or her day and
Release Date: 28 October 2010 soon Gamble and Hoitz stumble into
a seemingly innocuous case no other
detective wants to touch that could

You Again
No matter how old you are, you never get over high
school.
YOU AGAIN is an outrageous comedy featuring an
all-star female cast, including KRISTEN BELL, JAMIE
LEE CURTIS, SIGOURNEY WEAVER, ODETTE YUSTMAN,
KRISTIN CHENOWETH and BETTY WHITE. Bell stars
as Marni, a successful PR pro who discovers that her
brother is marrying her high school arch nemesis—and,
to make matters worse, Marni’s mom recognizes the
bride’s highfalutin aunt as her own high school rival.
turn into New York City’s biggest crime.
It’s the opportunity of their lives, but do
these guys have the right stuff?
Columbia Pictures’ ensemble action
comedy The Other Guys stars Will Ferrell,
Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Michael
Keaton, Steve Coogan, Ray Stevenson,
with Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne
Johnson. Directed by Adam McKay and
written by Adam McKay & Chris Henchy,
the producers are Will Ferrell, Adam
McKay, Jimmy Miller, and Patrick Crowley.

Release Date: 21 October 2010 Release Date: 14 October 2010

Wall Street: Money Never

Sleeps
ov ies
Directed by Oliver Stone, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, stars
Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Carey Mulligan, Eli
Masse
Wallach, with Susan Sarandon and Frank Langella, in an intense
drama.

Michael Douglas is back in his Oscar®-winning role as one of the

p d
lus i v e
e xc d i s e to
mo
vie
be
screen’s most notorious villains, Gordon Gekko. Emerging from a an chan
lengthy prison stint, Gekko finds himself on the outside of a world mer ! //
t t p : n e.
he once dominated. Looking to repair his damaged relationship with o n o h li
w on t
his daughter Winnie, Gekko forms an alliance with her fiancé Jacob
o g i n eon m
L z
(Shia LaBeouf ). But can Jacob and Winnie really trust the ex-financial aga s. co s!
titan, whose relentless efforts to redefine himself in a different era have ym dpres detail
unexpected consequences. r
wo o n te s t
c
32 fo r 33
Release Date: 23 September 2010