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Event Written on 8th April 2024 PUSAT ISLAM USM AGIHKAN JUADAH SEPANJANG BULAN RAMADHAN Gambar menunjukkan suasana program pemberian makanan dan minuman oleh sukarelawan Pusat Islam USM kepada orang ramai di Masjid Al Malik Khalid USM. GAMBAR Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani. KAMPUS INDUK, 8 April- Pusat Islam USM mengadakan program pemberian makanan dan minuman kepada komuniti USM sepanjang bulan Ramadhan 1445H iaitu pada 12 Mac sehingga 9 April 2024 di Masjid Al Malik Khalid USM. ​ Penolong Pegawai Hal Ehwal Islam USM, Muhammad Yazid Mat Johari berkata program iftar ini merupakan pengurusan di dibawah jawatankuasa aktiviti Ramadhan 1445H peringkat USM yang diadakan sepanjang tahun sehingga kini. ​ “Program ini dilaksanakan dengan melibatkan aktiviti berbuka puasa atau iftar, moreh dan juga sahur”, kata beliau. ​ Beliau juga berkata bahawa jumlah untuk penyediaan makanan dan minuman itu bukanlah ditentukan secara rawak, tetapi ia bergantung kepada kehadiran siswa-siswi, staf dan qaryah masjid di USM. ​ “Secara anggaran, purata iftar bagi tahun ini adalah seramai 2000 orang, bagi penyediaan moreh pula sebanyak 300 orang dan sahur, kami menyediakan makanan dan minuman untuk 450 orang bagi 10 malam terakhir Ramadhan”, kata Yazid. ​ Beliau juga mengatakan bahawa program pemberian makanan dan minuman itu diberikan kepada semua orang yang hadir semasa program itu berlangsung tanpa mengira demografi penerima. ​ “Pengagihan makanan dan minuman ini adalah untuk semua orang di USM tanpa mengira agama ataupun bangsa”, katanya lagi. ​ Suasana orang ramai di khemah yang disediakan oleh Pusat Islam USM untuk berbuka puasa di Masjid Al Malik Khalid USM. GAMBAR Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani Sains Matematik 2, Muhammad Izzul Hanif berkata program yang diadakan oleh Pusat Islam USM itu sedikit sebanyak menjimatkan perbelanjaan harian, sepanjang bulan Ramadhan beliau berada di USM. ​ “Pemberian makanan ini telah banyak memudahkan urusan saya, bukan sahaja dari sudut untuk mencari hidangan apa yang hendak dimakan ketika berbuka puasa serta sahur, malah ia juga telah merendahkan kos sara hidup saya di USM”, kata Izzul. ​ Ilmu Pendidikan 2, Umi Umairah Safiah Ismail berkata, program itu bukan sekadar menjimatkan perbelanjaan harian, malah ia juga secara tidak langsung mendekatkan beliau dengan Tuhan semasa bulan Ramadhan. ​ “Perkara yang orang lain lihat mungkin hanyalah meringankan bebanan untuk menanggung kos sara hidup di USM, tetapi apa yang saya lihat ialah apabila kita datang untuk mengambil agihan yang diberikan, secara tidak sedar kita akan sertai jemaah yang lain untuk solat Maghrib, Isyak, dan juga Tarawih”, kata beliau. ​ Dianggarkan bahawa terdapat seramai 100 orang sukarelawan yang melibatkan diri dalam program itu yang terdiri daripada staf dan siswa-siswi USM bermula dari pagi sehingga petang. ​ Teks: Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani/ Gambar: Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani Dikeluarkan pada 9 April 2024 ​

Sport Written on 19th May 2024 PKI AND E-SPORT ARENA ORGANISED KALAM E-ARENA AN ONLINE GAME COMPETITION Main Campus, 18th & 19th May 2024 - ‘Persatuan Kebudayaan India’ (PKI) and E-Sports Club, USM held Kalam E-Aena for two day,s 18th & 19th May 2024 a virtual fundraising event for an upcoming event Kalam 4.0. Kalam E-Arena is an online game competition with the main purpose of providing opportunities for USM citizens and the general public to understand and engage in the world of e-sports. The main motive of this competition is to improve the understanding of USM citizens and outsiders towards e-sports and give participants the opportunity to be directly involved in the world of e-sports, creating a platform for sharing knowledge and experience. ​ Other than that, this online game competition will be encouraging the development of creative and critical minds among USM citizens and outsiders through participation in e-sports activities as well as and also Encouraging strategic and analytical thinking in e-sports matches, contributing to the improvement of athletes' performance to be more competitive by complying with game ethics. Project director Harrish Arumugam, said the primary objectves of Kalam E-Arena are to create a competitive and exciting platform for Mobile Legends enthusiasts, to discover and nurture emerging esports talent and to promote the growth of the esports community. The platform gives players the chance to compete against elite players, show off their talents, and experience the thrill of esports competition by setting up leagues, tournaments, and events. “Our marketing strategies include leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to reach the getting community” said by Harrish. He also expressed his gratitude towards the event. “I felt so satisfied and grateful after this event. We aimed to provide an engaging environment where players can connect and celebrate their passion for Mobile Legends, and we did it” said Harrish. The main challenges that we faced is securing sufficient funding to cover prizes. Another challenge is ensuring robust technical infrastructure to support smooth gameplay and broadcasting, as well as maintaining high engagement levels in a competitive and rapidly evolving esports market explained by Harrish. “I didn’t expect the crew members can done the work very well. I appreaciate the crew members input’s and the efforts. This makes the event successful” said Harish “For me, the feedback from the participants is quite satisfactory and there may be many shortcomings in this kind of event because perhaps the participants want the best from the organizers and most of the participants are satisfied with this Kalam E-Arena’ said Vice Project Director, Syukri Asnawin. According to Syukri, the most challenging thing for this event is the lack of crew members when the competition is going on and most of the ajk are not available on that day. The second is the preparation of the match schedule and also there is a weakness in the registration because there are teams that cannot participate in this competition because they did not register the team's information. He mentioned that the way to overcome this problem is to choose a suitable date by choosing a date that is available for both parties between the organizers and the participants. Next, there is always communication with each other that is from both sides so that this event can run smoothly and well.. “In my opinion, the program went smoothly and received an incredible response from a reliable and well-known team. In addition, this competition successfully attracted the interest of other universities to participate in this program and I hope that programs like this can continue in the future,” said Syukri Crew members assembled at Cafe Indah Kembara to conduct the competition Photo by: Thanam A/P Parthiban Crew members guiding the participants throught the game Photo by: Thanam A/P Parthib Text: Thanam a/p Parthib/Photo: Thanam a/p Parthib

Feature Article Written on 31th May 2024 "I DESIGN WHAT I WEAR" BY AINIBAKKER “I Design What I Wear”, a tagline that AiniBakker goes by. A local fashion designer based in Penang island is no stranger to the fashion world. Hailing from the bustling town of Penang, Georgetown, this petite designer has been in the fashion line and industry for the past 30 years since 2010. Ranging from an African, funky and bohemian inspiration to her bold and edgy side of modest creations, Ainibakker is known for her signature pieces, such as the boot pants, toga, poncho and bold jackets which instantly became an interesting element to her identity. “My sense of style is often an interesting fusion of retro and bohemian along with vibrant colours, which undoubtedly brings out the confidence in me and women from all walks of life. My designs are inspired by the beauty of mother nature and the rich cultures from around the globe,” said Ainibakker. Ainibakker said that she compliments her pieces with chunky, metal, wooden beads and jewellery, bold sashes and belts which lend a groovy look along with her ingenious mix-and-match fabrics such as metal, synthetic leather, silk, satin or just about anything that produces authentic style. She added that she is never afraid or doubtful to unleash her flamboyant side, combining vogue, classy and comfortable outfits for daily wear and aligning with her tagline “I Design What I Wear”. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Ainibakker’s interest in fashion dates way back to 1994 when her mother was her sole inspiration. “When I was young, my mother would design for me almost every week, so I have a new outfit to don. Ever since then, I enjoy dressing up and so is my passion for fashion that flourishes vigorously to this day,” said Ainibakker. During the 80s, she began to pursue this burning passion of hers at a young age by designing for her friends when she attended an all-girls secondary school. “I designed for my friends back in my high school years, which was in Convent Green Lane. It was not for monetary gains but rather to feast on my passion and help my friends who needed assistance,” said Ainibakker. “I remember designing for a good friend of mine who was going to attend a dinner, and she did not have the money to spend. So I volunteered to design for her,” Ainibakker added. She stated that her designs were stitched without any formal basic knowledge of tailoring and only with the guidance of her mother at the time. She added that although she did not get accepted into fashion school, her passion for fashion designing was spirited and vehement at its core as it is undeniably a natural talent of hers. According to her only daughter, Lisa Mahmoud, 25, her mother was diagnosed with cancer, which forced her to take a long break from the fashion world. “Somewhere in 2008, my mother was battling with cancer while raising me and my older brother, so she took a break from fashion. I know for a fact that my mother is strong regardless of any challenges that come her way. She comes with this energy that everything will be fine and she always advised me that she often finds herself calm in the toughest situation by leaving every decision she makes in the hands of Allah SWT,” said Lisa. Lisa said that her mother’s advice was right as she later got active in the fashion industry after her recovery in 2010. “She begins to flourish and bloom through her passion. My mother has always been talented and fashionable in her ways. The fashion shows she got into profoundly affected the people who saw and observed her designs from afar. They think her designs are just unique and I do too. She was just naturally unique in her way of expressing herself and her creativity. It’s like her designs speak her mind,” said Lisa. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In 2010, Ainibakker returned to the fashion line by actively participating in fashion shows. “My very first show was Malaysia Bumiputra Designers Association (MBDA). It was an awesome experience as it was my first time joining other emerging designers and showcasing my creativity. During the show, I showcased my first-ever hand-drawn batik design which received a standing ovation. It was also my only batik piece on that stage and it was surreal,” said Ainibakker. She eventually enjoyed designing while travelling back and forth from Penang to Kuala Lumpur and even out of Malaysia. “I once travelled to Jakarta, Indonesia for the Muslim Fashion Festival (MUFFEST) in 2016. It showcases modern yet modest Islamic outfits. It was an exciting experience at that time as countries around Malaysia collaborated such as Singapore, Brunei and many more,” said Ainibakker. “Along the way, I participated in reputable events in the region such as Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW), Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF), Malaysia Fashion Week (MFW), MIHAS, and Stylo Mercedes Fashion Week. Through these shows, I noticed a tremendous evolution in my designs, mostly influenced by nature-like patterns and cultures,” said Ainibakker. Ainibakker added that she has designed for prestigious brands such as Lima Langkawi, EQ, and PLUS with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. A loyal friend and client of hers, Jamillah Ikhsan, 70, stated that Ainibakker has a very peculiar touch in her pieces that anyone could instantly recognise. “You will know it’s Ainibakker when you see and understand her range of designs, regardless if it is bold and edgy or funky and vibrant. It’s like she has two sides of her personality to her pieces,” said Jamillah. “I have been her regular and loyal customer for years since 1992 when I was lecturing at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). I would crave her designs almost every two weeks in a month. Her designs are just contemporary and timeless. I know her very well,” added Jamillah. Ainibakker is currently focusing on entrepreneurial work through her fashion pieces and is working on a “giveback” program. “A giveback program is designing for my previous and loyal clients as gratitude over the years of their never-ending support in my business. Without them and the love of my children, I would not have come this far,” said Ainibakker. Ainibakker has always been at the forefront of fashion, pushing the boundaries with her unique and daring designs that make a statement and her talents don't stop at fashion. She has also been actively involved in various entrepreneurial and lifestyle events since 2010, where her designs have wowed audiences and earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting designers in the industry. Her passion for creativity and innovation is infectious, and her work continues to inspire and captivate all who see it. With her incredible talent and boundless energy, there's no telling where her journey will take her next, but one thing is for sure – it will be nothing short of extraordinary. Ainibakker presented her collection on stage during Malaysia Fashion Week in 2014. (Source by Sumayya Fauzi) Ainibakker’s collection on stage during Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week in 2015. (Source by Helmi Fazalul) An interview held with Ainibakker, a local fashion designer from Georgetown, Penang. (Source by Sumayya Fauzi) Text: Sumayya Fauzi/ Photo: Sumayya Fauzi/Helmi Fazalul

Feature Article Written on 9th April 2024 DELICIOUS DELIGHTS FROM NIGHT OWL'S KITCHEN BY SHERILYN KANG Their cake stall at Hin Bus Depot Market. Picture by Adam Low Eight years ago, a small but delightful venture took flight in Penang, born from the passion of Sherilyn Kang and her son, Adam Low. Night Owl’s Kitchen, as it came to be known, started as a humble stall at Hin Bus Depot, offering delectable cakes every two weeks while also supplying cafes with their sweet creations. However, as their demand grew, they shifted focus to supplying, leading them to pause their stall operations for awhile. Sherilyn’s journey into the world of desserts was sparked by a friend’s homemade treats at work. With determination and a love for experimentation, she immersed herself into internet research and embarked on a trial-and-error process, infusing her unique methods into Western dessert recipes. Together with Adam, they navigated the challenges of running a home bakery, especially during the Covid era where physical shops were limited and online orders became their lifeline. ​ Despite the lack of a physical storefront, Night Owl’s Kitchen continued to cater to celebrations, offering online orders for birthdays and special occasions. Their cakes, including the famed key lime pie, gained immense popularity among Penangites, even finding a place in cafes like Clicks & Brew in Georgetown. According to Adam, the name "Night Owl’s Kitchen" is inspired by Sherilyn Kang's habit of staying up late. She's a night owl, meaning she's most active and creative during nighttime hours. This name reflects the cozy and magical atmosphere of her bakery, where delicious treats are crafted with care during late-night hours. One of the key challenges they faced was managing the high demand with limited manpower. Additionally, the absence of a tasting option due to their online model posed another hurdle especially since many of their cakes featured alcohol, a unique specialty of Sherilyn. Key Lime Pie (Signature cake dessert and best seller). (Picture by Adam Low) Looking ahead, her son, Adam, hopes to expand Night Owl’s Kitchen’s reach, particularly targeting USM students and envisioning a booth at university events. With dedication and creativity, Night Owl’s Kitchen continues to sweeten the lives of Penangites. ​ Text: Muhammad Nizamuddin/ Photo: Muhammad Nizamuddin

Sport Written on 5th May 2024 DESASISWA TEKUN SMASH SUCCESS AND VICTORY ON VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT Volleyball team of Desasiswa Tekun getting ready for match. Photo by Alisa Adriana Mohamad Idris. Engineering Campus, 5th May 2024 - Desasiswa Tekun, a representative of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) main campus, has dominated the tournament as a champion in Sukan antara desasiwa (SUKAD). ​ Desasiswa Tekun, led by star opposite hitter Muhammad Hifzhan Mohd Azizi, dominated the court and won the championship title in a series of thrilling sets. Hifzhan revealed his viewpoint on the team's path to triumph. ​ "I found the most inspiring thing for me to play volleyball is to challenge myself to be a better volleyball player than the other and improve my skills", said Hifzhan, commenting on the team's desire for success. ​ Handling the game's mental and physical challenges, particularly in the scorching heat, was an immense test for Hifzhan and his teammates. However, their unwavering determination propelled them forward, ending in a well-deserved win. ​ "Success in sports is the culmination of collective efforts, developing the triumph of defeating opponents and securing the coveted gold medal", said Hifzhan. ​ Hifzhan's focus shifts from personal achievement to creating lasting memories on the court with his teammates, building ties based on friendship and shared successes. Hifzhan highlights the critical significance of mental courage in professional sports, focusing on the need of visualizing game scenarios and remaining calm in any situation, reflecting his unwavering drive to overcome problems both on and off the court. ​ Middle blocker Eizlan Ilham Bobi, a key member in the team's triumph, expressed his thoughts on the championship match in an exclusive interview. Navigating the pressure of facing formidable opponents was no easy feat, but Eizlan underlined the importance of staying focused and composed. He noted that their coach played a significant role in keeping the team motivated and focused, highlighting their resilience in the face of challenges. ​ "Our synergy was evident throughout the competition. Everyone did an excellent job, and we were there for each other at all times. We practiced hard, concentrating on skills, strategies, and fitness. Analyzing our opponents' strengths and weaknesses also allowed us to strategize better”, Eizlan added. ​ Desasiswa Tekun's victory in the SUKAD volleyball championship not only demonstrates their great talent, but also acts as an encouragement to ambitious players throughout USM. Strong triumph was built to cement their names in the annals of USM sports history, demonstrating that devotion and teamwork are the ultimate keys to success. Volleyball team of Desasiswa Tekun emotions on receiving gold medal. Photo by Alisa Adriana Mohamad Idris. Text: Alisa Adriana Mohamad Idris/Photo: Alisa Adriana Mohamad Idris

Feature Article Written on 31th May 2024 IMPIAN MENJADI KENYATAAN: KEUSAHAWANAN PATRICK TANG Patrick sedang membancuh kopi kepada pelanggan. (Gambar oleh Chen Ke En) Dalam masyarakat modern yang serbacepat ini, banyak orang kehilangan keberanian untuk mengejar impian mereka di tengah-tengah rutin harian yang sibuk. Namun, masih ada seorang individu yang melalui ketekunan dan upaya sendiri berani mengambil risiko membuka perniagaan sendiri. Individu ini adalah Patrick Tang Chow Hee, seorang pekerja biasa yang kini telah memiliki empat kedai makanan yang berjaya. Kisahnya sarat dengan kesulitan, perjuangan, serta harapan dan pencerahan. ​ Patrick Tang Chow Hee, 54 tahun, seorang lelaki yang berasal dari Ipoh, Perak. Mula-mulanya, beliau telah memulakan perniagaan dalam sektor hortikultur dan membuka sebuah kedai bunga yang bernama “ASOW Craft & Landscaping”. ​ Pada tahun 2018, beliau telah memulakan perniagaan makanan pertamanya yang bernama “ASOW Eatery Station” yang terletak di sebelah kedai bunga. Idea perniagaan makanan ini tercetus bahawa pelanggan yang biasanya melawat ke kedai bunga bukannya semua ahli keluarga yang berminat. Oleh itu, mereka dapat menghabiskan masa di restoran sementara menunggu ahli keluarga yang berurusan di kedai bunga. ​ Menurut Encik Patrick, ‘ASOW’ telah dipilih sebagai nama perniagaan kerana mengandungi unsur yang mesra dan erat antara ketiga- tiga kaum utama di Malaysia iaitu bahasa tidak formal yang bermakna wanita yang setengah baya. ​ Sebelum Encik Patrick membuka kedai makanan pertama iaitu ASOW Eatery Station, beliau telah bertindak untuk belajar teknik- teknik membancuh kopi dari guru yang profesional supaya mampu memberi pilihan yang lebih banyak kepada pelanggan. Selain itu, beliau juga ingin memasukkan pilihan produk yang unik ke dalam menu berbanding restoran lain yang juga terbabit dalam sektor makanan dan minuman supaya perniagaannya mempunyai daya saing dengan pesaing. Hasilnya, kopi telah menjadi salah satu produk unik restoran yang amat disukai oleh pelanggannya. ​ Encik Seng Chee Weng, adalah seorang pencinta kopi yang mempunyai harapan standard yang tinggi terhadap kualiti kopi. Seng menyatakan bahawa, “ kedai makanan Patrick sangat teliti dalam pemilihan biji kopi dan proses pembuatan kopi. Setiap kali datang ke sini, saya dapat menikmati pelbagai jenis kopi berkualiti tinggi, ia benar-benar satu kenikmatan." ​ Sebelum menjalankan perniagaan makanan, Encik Patrick telah mencari seorang tukang masak yang profesional iaitu Wilson Soo sebagai rakan kongsi untuk bekerjasama menguruskan perniagaan tersebut. Tugasan masing-masing telah diagihkan dengan jelas iaitu Encik Patrick yang bertanggungjawab dalam pengurusan seperti merekrut pekerja, manarik minat pelanggan dan mencari pembekal bahan makanan manakala Wilson Soo bertanggungjawab dalam masakan. Pengetahuan dan pengalaman masing- masing telah memberi impak positif kepada perniagaan dengan mengembang secara lancar dan menuju ke arah kejayaan. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Salah satu yang amat keunikan dalam kedai makanan Encik Patrick adalah menanam pelbagai jenis tumbuh- tumbuhan yang hidup. Walaupun terdapat kedai makanan lain yang mengamalkan idea ini pada masa serentak, beliau yakin bahawa rekaan ini akan menarik pengaliran pelanggan yang tidak akan putus ke kedai sendiri. Hal ini kerana pemeliharaan tanaman dalam bilik memerlukan perbelanjaan yang besar, kemahiran serta pengetahuan tertentu untuk menjaga dengan baik. ​ Kebanyakan restoran yang menggunakan perekaan ini telah berputus asa dan mengambil alihkan tanaman hidup dengan tanaman plastik. Sebaliknya, Encik Patrick yang mempunyai pengetahuan dan pengalaman dalam bidang hortikultur mampu mengekalkan kecantikan dan kelestarian tanaman dalam kedainya. Rekaan ini berjaya menjadi keunikan utama restoran dan mendapat kepujian yang tinggi daripada ramai pelanggan. ​ Encik Patrick merupakan seorang usahawan yang berorientasikan matlamat. Sebelum memulakan perniagaannya, beliau telah menetapkan matlamat yang mendorongnya untuk fokus kepada perkembangan dan kejayaan perniagaannya. ​ “Saya menetapkan matlamat perniagaan adalah membuka cawangan di lokasi yang berbeza berdasarkan permintaan pelanggan,” kata Patrick. Tujuan utama membuka cawangan adalah untuk memenuhi cita rasa pelanggan yang berubah- ubah dan meluaskan pasaran. Sepanjang tiga tahun menguruskan perniagaannya, beliau telah berjaya membuka dua buah cawangan iaitu “ASOW Eatery Canteen” dan “Coffee Breaks” yang masing- masing terletak di Ipoh dan Cameron. ​ Sebagai pemimpin organisasi, Encik Patrick mempraktikkan kemahiran antara perorangan dengan ampuh terhadap semua ahli organisasi dan bekerja secara efektif dengan semua pihak. Sebagai contoh, beliau melayani pekerja seperti kawan yang berhubungan erat dan mematuhi sebarang pendapat yang diberikan oleh pekerja. Tujuan ini adalah untuk membolehkan pekerja dapat bekerja di sisinya tanpa tekanan. ​ Ngan Chun Hang, pekerja berada di kedai makanan Patrick selama dua tahun. Dia mengatakan bahawa Encik Patrick adalah seorang pemimpin yang sangat memahami dan penyayang. ​ “Apabila saya mempunyai masalah, saya akan berkongsi dengan beliau kerana saya tahu dia akan mendengar dengan teliti dan memberi cadangan yang sesuai kepada saya,” kata Ngan. ​ Encik Patrick merancang untuk mengembangkan restorannya ke bandar lain. Beliau berharap agar melalui kaedah francais, lebih ramai orang dapat menikmati kopi dan makanan yang dibuat olehnya. Beliau juga berharap setiap orang boleh berani mengejar impian mereka sendiri dan tidak membiarkan diri mereka hidup dalam penyesalan. Ini adalah kedai makanan Patrick yang pertama terletak di Ipoh. (Gambar oleh Chen Ke En) Text: Chen Ke En/ Photo: Chen Ke En

Feature Article Written on 31th May 2024 THE AQUATIC ADVENTURE IN KLCC Meet the majestic tiger shark now on display at the aquarium. ( Picture by Che Jia Yi) Aquaria KLCC is in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), right beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and close to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. It is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, providing an immersive underwater experience. The aquarium houses over 5000 aquatic and terrestrial creatures spanning around 150 species, including piranhas, tiger sharks, seahorses, jellyfish, sea turtles, and many more. Additionally, visitors can enjoy captivating marine animal performances and get up close with sea stars and bamboo sharks in the "Touch Pool". Moreover, situated in the bustling heart of the Golden Triangle after exploring the aquarium, visitors can go shopping at Suria KLCC mall or continue to the Twin Towers to enjoy the panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur cityscape. When tourists buy tickets at the counter, tickets for Aquaria KLCC are priced at RM49 for adults and RM39 for children. However, users of online platforms can enjoy additional benefits besides the discounted price. They can skip the queue by simply scanning their e-tickets at the ticket counter for direct entry. Receptionist, Kelly Chin Xin Yan 26 said the aquarium has specific requirements which is flash photography is not allowed, and visitors cannot bring food or drinks inside. However, there is no time limit for how long you can stay inside the aquarium. One of the must-visit photo spots is undoubtedly the 90-meter tunnel under the aquarium, where visitors can get up close to different marine creatures swimming around them and even above them. This tunnel is one of the main highlights of Aquaria KLCC. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Standing on the conveyor belt, visitors can observe large sharks, and even devil fish might swim over their heads. There are giant moray eels, sharks, and various fish that can be seen there. If entering the aquarium at the right time, visitors might even witness divers feeding the sharks right in front of them. “The tunnel is also great for photography, visitors can capture beautiful photos here to cherish wonderful memories. However, the aquarium also provides photography services for visitors, but it comes with an additional charge”, said Kelly. Aquaria KLCC also provides visitors with the exciting experience through its scheduled feeding times. These sessions give visitors a chance to see how different marine species are fed and cared for. The feeding times are planned throughout the day, allowing visitors to see these events no matter when they visit. For example, the piranha feeding session happens at 4:00 p.m. in the Piranha Tank, showing the quick and efficient way these creatures eat. The reef fish feeding takes place 3 times daily at 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Aquatheatre. Staff Aquarium KLCC, Mohamad Ramizi 31 said they will wear diving suits and complete all necessary preparations before getting into the water to feed the sand tiger sharks at the Aquatheatre area. This will take place at 3:00 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Additionally, we will feed different species at various times. “We also conduct cleaning of the small fish tanks during less busy hours to maintain the natural ecosystem and prevent the growth of parasites or bacteria that could affect the aquarium's fish”, said Ramizi. Ramizi said regular cleaning helps to sustain the delicate balance of the aquarium's ecosystem, ensuring that all aquatic inhabitants live in a clean and safe environment. This preventive measure is crucial for avoiding outbreaks of diseases and maintaining the overall health and vibrancy of the aquarium. The aquarium is divided into ten themed areas, each with unique characteristics: Shipwreck, The Flooded Forest, The Coast, Oceanarium, Coral Discovery, Jewel of the Jungle, Weird and Wonderful, The Stream, Touch Pool, Jellyfish, and the Piranha Pool. These themed sections enable visitors to enjoy an immersive viewing experience and learn about different marine ecosystems. The Evolution Zone at KLCC Aquaria takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the evolution of marine life, from ancient times to the present. As you explore the exhibits, you'll see replicas and fossils of creatures that lived millions of years ago, like early fish, huge marine reptiles, and ancient cephalopods. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The zone also explains important evolutionary changes, such as how early four-legged animals developed limbs, which allowed them to move onto land. You'll find sections dedicated to iconic marine animals like sharks and turtles, showing their ancient ancestors and how they've changed over time. Interactive displays and videos help you understand how marine creatures have adapted and evolved. Plus, the zone reminds us of the importance of protecting marine life and their habitats for the future. Visitor Tai Wei Kent, 22, said that the environment and the diverse display of aquatic creatures at the aquarium. He was particularly fascinated by the aquarium's size and the variety of animals and sea creatures it housed. Overall, he found the experience wonderful and highly recommended both locals and foreigners to include KLCC Aquaria as a must-visit spot when exploring the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. “The scenic view of the aquarium truly takes the experience to another level, especially with the innovative underwater tunnel. It cleverly immerses customers and visitors in the underwater environment, making them feel like they're living among the creatures of the sea. It's an unbelievable sensation. I am taking numerous photos to capture the moment and hope to return again. The diversity of creatures in the aquarium is astounding, with some appearing entirely different from those found on land. It is so fascinating and wonderful for me”, said Kent. Aquaria KLCC is a premier destination for marine enthusiasts and families looking for an educational and entertaining experience. With its wide variety of species, interactive exhibits, and strategic location, it offers a comprehensive glimpse into the underwater world. Whether it's watching sharks being fed, walking through the immersive underwater tunnel, or exploring the many species on display, Aquaria KLCC provides an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages The aquarium features an impressive 90-meter-long tunnel. (Picture by Che Jia Yi) Geckos in the aquarium indicate the presence of terrestrial ecosystem. (Picture by Che Jia Yi) Text: Che Jia Yi/Photo: Che Jia Yi

Issue Written on 26th May 2024 TALES OF POTTERY 2.0: ART THERAPY BY ARCHAEOLOGY CLUB USM Dr Suresh Narayanen gave a speech to the participants. Source: Muhammad Nizamuddin MAIN CAMPUS, 26 May - The Archaeology Club has organised their second annual Tales of Pottery event which took place at Galeri Arkeologi USM. Invited to give a speech as the guest speaker for the event was Dr. Suresh Narayanen, who was a senior lecturer at USM's Centre for Global Archaeological Research. The primary goals of this event is to provide all the participants with hands-on experience in all aspects of the pottery-making tedious process and most importantly is to demonstrate traditional pottery skills to all participants. Dr Suresh Narayanen, a Senior Lecturer at the Centre For Global Archaeological Research USM briefly warned all the participants that traditional pottery making could be very tedious and stressful for some as it requires detailed work. He also claimed that in the context of Malaysia, only the Malays and the Sabahan and Sarawakian Bumiputeras are the one who are actively engage in traditional pottery-making. "In Malaysia, not all races here actively partake in traditional pottery making. Only the Malays and if I'm not mistaken, the people from Sabah and Sarawak like the KadazanDusuns, create pottery using the old techniques which could be very tedious. Having said that, please take note that crafting pottery the traditional way is very stressful and tiring as it did not use any tools like modern-day pottery making uses.” he said. Nur Syuhada Atiqah Mohd Rizuan, Project Director, Biological Sciences 3, expressed her hope that this program will continue in the coming years. She eagerly mentioned that for future events, she hopes to organise a study tour to Perak, where participants can meet an infamous traditional pottery maker to gain deeper knowledge into the craft. "My hope for this program's future is that it will continue for many years to come. Perhaps, we could plan a study trip to Kampong Sayong, which is well-known for its traditional pottery workmanship in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. There, they would get the chance to meet with an infamous traditional potter who is very expertised in this craft.” she expressed. Khairina Izzati Khairul Anwar, Humanities 3, asserted that traditional pottery making is intricate and complicated, as it involves processes that are distinct from modern-day pottery making techniques. Reflecting on her experience, she highlighted that she faced a lot of challenges of transitioning from machine-assisted pottery to manual techniques. "The process of making pottery requires a deep understanding of traditional pottery making techniques. Personally, I found it challenging to adapt because I had only ever seen pottery being made using turntable machines, where the process seemed a lot smoother. However, I've come to appreciate that crafting pottery by hand is significantly more demanding," she explained. Some of the participants’ finished potteries. Source: Muhammad Nizamuddin Text: Muhammad Nizamuddin/Photo: Muhammad Nizamuddin Created on: 26th May 2024

Event Written on 6th April 2024 USM BRIDGE AND CHESS CLUB PRESENT EXCITING YOUTH EVENT FOR BOARD GAME ENTHUSIASTS The picture shows the participants who are just starting to play board games. Picture by Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani MAIN CAMPUS, 6th April 2024- The USM Bridge and Chess Club held an event known as Game Fiesta at the RST Scholarship Main Hall, USM on April 6 from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. Project Director, Yap Jin Cong said he is excited to announce his annual junior event, Game Fiesta, to celebrate the world of board games as this special event is designed for game enthusiasts of all ages and provides a variety of games from party games to strategic board games such as Catan and Cluedo. "Game Fiesta is more than just an event, it's a celebration of the joy and excitement that board games bring to people's lives”, he said. “Our goal is to introduce more people to the wonderful world of board games and provide an opportunity for everyone to have fun while playing”, he added. Yap also said that the event will include a variety of games, including Speed Cup, Jungle Speed, Penguin, Exploding Kittens, The Mind, Dixit, Catan, Malaysian Dream, Codename, and Cluedo. By that, attendees can expect a free-to-play event, which will allow them to play their favourite games for free. "This event is all about bringing people together and fostering a sense of community through games, because we want to create an environment where people can relax, play, and make new friends”, Yap added. This picture shows the other participants learning a new board game. Picture by Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani Athira Nasir, an Education 1 student who participated in the Game Fiesta event, expressed her enjoyment of the experience, noting that she was able to play some of her favourite games while also discovering new games that she had never tried before. "I've played some of my favourite games and also discovered new ones that I'd never tried before," Athira said. She also emphasized the event's community aspect, stating that it allows people to meet new people and enjoy the fun of playing games together. "It was great to meet new people and share in the excitement of playing these games together," she said. Game Fiesta is expected to attract both experienced gamers and newcomers looking to try out different types of board games. The USM Bridge and Chess Club is excited to share this experience with everyone, and also hope that attendees will leave with a renewed appreciation for the world of games. As an annual event, it will provide a regular venue for gamers to get together and celebrate their love. ​ Text: Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani/ Photo: Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani Created on 6th April 2024

Issue Written on 20th May 2024 ONLINE SCAM AMONG USM STUDENTS Compilations of scamming activities in PERSIS USM group chat. Source: WhatsApp Media MAIN CAMPUS, 20 May - Online scams have been rapidly increasing among Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students, particularly within Telegram and WhatsApp group chats. These platforms, widely used for communication and information sharing among students, have become prime targets for cybercriminals. However, some individuals took this opportunity to scam these students with tactics of their own. Alka Kaur Sandhu, Student Representative Council, Social Sciences 3, expressed her concerns regarding the rising cases of online scams amongst USM students. Alka noted that she never experienced it herself, but is still very concerned about this matter as it affects the welfare of USM students because it is her responsibility as an SRC to take care of the students' well-being and safety. “I may not have experienced online scams in USM by myself yet, however, it is still an issue that is still relevant and is affecting all students, especially the first year students. To say the least, I am concerned about this issue and am aware of it” she expressed. Afiqah Bahirah Ahmad Kamal Ariffin, MPDAD, Languages, Literacies, and Translation 3, implied that, as part of the MPD, it is her responsibility to ensure that students residing in the hostel are not victims of online scams because these fraudulent activities are the most prevalent in official hostel group chats. “Students residing in Aman Damai hostel needs to be aware of these online scams activities to safeguard themselves by asking and reporting to any MPD in charge about any unusual activity happening inside the group chat. Students also are strongly encouraged to be always aware of how these online scams’ tactics take form.” she noted. Ronace Philip, member of PERSIS, Education 4, claimed that online scam activities at USM are not a recent phenomenon, claiming that they have been ongoing for quite a while, with many of them posing significant risks. “To me personally, online scamming in USM has always been happening especially in big groups in Telegram and WhatsApp. While some of them does not pose any threat towards the safety of the students, there is still quite a few number of them that are actually risky and could result in a very dangerous data leak” he said. Text: Muhammad Nizammudin/ Photo: WhatsApp Media Created on 20th May 2024

Issue Written on 6th May 2024 ALLERGIES AWARENESS AND SAFE MEDICATION ARE THE PILLARS OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL FIELD Students participating in a mini-game of the program, Respond With Care: A Deep Dive into Allergy Awareness and Medication Safety.( Source by Sumayya Fauzi) MAIN CAMPUS, 6TH MAY - Allergy awareness and safe medication was given strong emphasis through a program, Respond With Care: A Deep Dive into Allergy Awareness and Medication Safety, a talk and demonstration program held by the members of Jalinan Antara Universiti Dan Industri (JATI) with the collaboration of Alpro Pharmacy. According to the project director, Tan Siu Ying, the program that took place on May 4th, Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm was held to educate students studying in the course of pharmaceutical work on allergy awareness and safe medication use when treating patients. “It is vital that our young emerging pharmacists of JATI understand what safe medication truly is as not everyone can consume the pills or drugs that doctors prescribe as they may be allergic to its contents. Hence, the program held today was a way for them to study the various symptoms and signs and what kind of drug should be prescribed for that particular patient,” said Tan Siu Ying. “Aside from having a program that educates the pharmacy students, the program was also open to students from other schools. This is done to ensure that they understand the importance of recognizing the symptoms and signs of an allergic reaction which could also be life-threatening like Anaphylaxis,” added Tan Siu Ying. Tan Siu Ying emphasized that though most people are not well-versed in the medical field, people need to recognize and avoid allergens by taking extra precautions. Tan Siu Ying also mentioned that the collaboration of JATI with Alpro Pharmacy was based on a shared commitment to enhancing public health education. “Alpro Pharmacy has its expertise and resources in pharmacy practice which compliments our goals of promoting knowledge and safety in medication use and allergy management. Thus, our collaboration was done to ensure a high-quality delivery of practical information to the participants. It is also the reason we invited Tang Shin Wei as our speaker of the program since she is a community pharmacist, a Certified PainWISE Advance Pharmacist and a Certified Advanced Wound Care Provider,” said Tan Siu Ying. ​ Souvenir giving session with Tang Shin Wei, the speaker of Respond With Care: A Deep Dive into Allergy Awareness and Medication Safety. (Source by Sumayya Fauzi) According to the secretary of the program, Joyce Pang Kai Sze, a game showcasing case studies was done during the program as a practice session. “The objective as mentioned earlier is to enhance participants’ understanding and awareness of possible allergic reactions from various allergens. Thus, the case studies train our pharmacy students to learn about appropriate medications for different health conditions and improve their ability to recognize allergic reactions,” said Joyce. Aside from case studies, Joyce stated that participants would also learn about the classification of antihistamines and steroids used for treating allergies and how to respond to Anaphylaxis, such as using the Epi-Pen. A participant of the program, Nur Adriana Mohamed Jamil, Mathematics 2, stated that though the program was not aligned with the course she is currently pursuing, she gained a lot of insight into the importance of safe medication. “I certainly did not expect that allergy awareness is important. Though the program is concentrated on information and facts that are more to science, I feel that I was able to grasp what was taught today on what is safe medication and how we should consult a doctor from time to time,” said Nur Adriana. “I understood the reason why our allergies are activated at irregular and differing times and it is because of our immune system. That is something that I never understood until today. From this program and as a person with mild allergies, I finally understand how our systems in the body coordinate. Thus, I am aware of the precautions I need to take,” said Nur Adriana. Nur Adriana stated that she hopes that more programs such as this will be held as it clears the various doubts people have, especially in the aspect of health since it is often overlooked. Text: Sumayya Fauzi/ Photo: Sumayya Fauzi Created on: 6th May 2024

Feature Article Written on 9th April 2024 A TRADITION OF TOMB-SWEEPING Many people visit temples to pay respects to family. ( Source by Chen Ke En) The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival observed on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox, usually falling on either April 4th or 5th. It is a time for families to honour their ancestors by visiting their gravesites, cleaning tombstones, and making offerings such as food, tea, and burning incense. During the last weekend of Tomb-sweeping Day, cemeteries and cremation sites in Ipoh were bustling with people worshipping their ancestors. The silence of cemeteries burst into noise. Many children and grandchildren visited the cemetery to make their filial piety figure. Our news reporter visited the Perak Cave Temple, Sam Poh Tong Temple, and Papan Chinese Cemetery in the morning and witnessed a massive crowd worship their ancestors. The cemetery vicinity was already congested, with a long line of vehicles causing slow-moving traffic. People prepared foods, fresh flowers and burning incense by themselves. (Picture by Chen Ke En) Families arrived at the cemetery before dawn with sacrificial offerings to commemorate their ancestors. The younger members took the responsibility of carrying the heavier items, while the older members carried lighter ones and walked to the top of the hill with the support of the younger members. Upon reaching the ancestor's gravesites, families would clear the surrounding weeds, touch up the inscriptions on tombstones with red paint, and offer fresh flowers and sacrifices to express respect and fond memories for their ancestors. In addition to cemeteries, some families place their ancestors in a tower of ashes to facilitate worship. During the Qingming Festival, The Perak Cave and Sam Poh Tong Temple were crowded with people. We could see that the family members collaborated and divided tasks among themselves. Some are responsible for arranging offerings and presenting fresh flowers, while others are in charge of lighting incense and candles to worship the ancestors. During interviews, Mr. Toh mentioned, "There is such a big crowd every year which has pushed me to be early. I rarely visit the temple, but only during the Qingming Festival. The temple is opened for outsiders in the common days." Ms. Lee shared that families have to prepare sacrificial offerings for ancestor worship by themselves, as the temple does not provide them. However, the temple has prepared vegetarian food for the guests to enjoy for free. People burn paper money to show respect to their deceased ancestors. ( Picture by Chen Ke En) Comparing to Sam Poh Tong, Perak Cave Temples are frequently visited on regular days. According to the person in charge, Mr Ong Ming Tian, aside from being a place for honoring ancestors and storing their ashes, the Perak Cave Temple also houses a fortune teller. This fortune teller advises on auspicious dates according to the Chinese almanac and assists customers in seeking blessings for peace and success. Even customers from as far as Singapore call specifically to consult the fortune teller. Throughout this tomb-sweeping process, the elders would narrate the family history and share stories of the ancestors, passing down the family's values and traditional culture to the younger generation. Tomb-sweeping also serves as a moment to gather scattered relatives from various places, allowing families to gather and share their common life. The older generation leading children to sweep the tombs continues the tradition and signifies a cultural legacy and the transmission of familial emotions. Through their actions, the elders demonstrate reverence and respect for ancestors while educating the younger generation on the importance of cherishing family traditions. ​ Text: Chen Ke En/ Photo: Chen Ke En Created on 9th April 2024