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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

Issue Written on 26th May 2024 DOUBLE VICTORY FOR USM AT' MALAM BUMI KENYALANG': CHAMPIONSHIP AND BEST DANCER AWARD Emparaja Dance Troupe represented USM to participate in dance competition. (Photo by Chen Ke En) Main Campus, 26th May - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) celebrated a remarkable victory last night with the title “Malam Bumi Kenyalang” dance competition, an event organized by the Perkumpulan Anak-Anak Sarawak (PERKASA). The event aims to showcase the traditional dances of Sarawak to the people of Peninsular Malaysia. USM team, Emparaja Dance Troupe won the championship, while one of its female dancers was honoured with the Best Dancer Award. "Malam Bumi Kenyalang" is one of the major annual cultural events at USM. The event's name, “Bumi Kenyalang," means "Land of the Hornbill,” with the hornbill being a symbol of the state of Sarawak. This name reflects the event's respect for and celebration of Malaysia’s multicultural diversity. This dance competition attracted the participation of dance groups and individual dancers from different universities. The participating teams were well prepared to show their unique talents and creativity. Project Director, Mohd Nazim Aiman mentioned that this competition features one category, which is a traditional dance. Each participating team meticulously choreographed their performances, showcasing their unique talents and creativity. This year, nine teams competed, including USM and eight other government universities from Peninsular Malaysia, which are Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Each university chose to represent a specific ethnic group from Sarawak, such as the Iban, Kayan, Bidayuh, and Melanau, bringing the vibrant and diverse cultures of Sarawak to the stage. “Our team captivated the audience and judges with their outstanding performance. Their dedication and skill earned them the championship award,” said Aiman. Their performance not only shows the charm of traditional Malaysian culture but also integrates traditional elements, making the whole performance both profound cultural heritage and full of historical atmosphere. In addition, Qrishya Qistina Binti Sarizan, Year 2 School of Pharmacy, main dancer of Emparaja Dance Troupe delivered an exceptional solo performance that earned her the Best Dancer award, highlighting her extraordinary talent and grace. ​ Qrishya Qistina Binti Sarizan, the main dancer of Emparaja Dance Troupe won a Best Dancer Award. (Photo by Chen Ke En) YB Datuk Dr Hj Annuar Rapaee expressed his heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all the participants and organizers in his speech after the competition. He stressed that "Malam Bumi Kenyalang" is not only a platform to showcase talents but also an important way to promote cultural exchange and understanding. Dr Hj hopes that there will be more similar activities in the future to enrich students' extracurricular lives further and enhance the cultural atmosphere of the campus. Text: Chen Ke En/ Photo: Chen Ke En Created on 26th May 2024

Issue Written on 4th April 2024 USM STUDENTS PRACTICING SUSTAINABLE FASHION BY INDULGING IN PRE-LOVED CULTURE Nur Rifah Rasyiqah showing two of her favorite items that she had purchased. (Photo by Sharvena a/p Kanapathy) MAIN CAMPUS, 4 April- Over 90 channels on Telegram have been created by the students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) mainly devoted for selling and buying secondhand clothes. Students indulging in this pre-loved culture is considered as a way for them to normalize sustainable fashion and to spend a reasonable price on clothes. ​ “Sweatshirt and dress pre-loved” channel owner, Nur Izzatul Syazirah, Management 1, selling unused clothes or clothes that is no longer needed is much more of a wise choice rather than throwing them away simply. ​ Izzatul mentioned that not only the students could get quality clothes in a lower price, it also encourages them to be a sustainable consumer especially in today’s world of being against fast fashion. ​ “Besides Telegram I have tried utilizing other mediums such as Whatsapp, Instagram, Carousell to sell my clothes. Over 20 clothes has been sold since the day I started the channel which was 3 months ago,” said Izzatul. ​ Izzatush Syakirah Binti Kamarunzaman, Mathematical Science 2, compared to online shopping and roaming around shopping malls for clothes, Telegram pre-loved channels has been more convenient. ​ Izzatush mentioned that all the channels follow the same pattern to purchase the item which is, the buyer would comment on the post, soon the admin would proceed to text the buyer to discuss about the payment. ​ “I would not get exactly what I want, but sometimes the clothes in those channels manages to catch my eyes then later it depends on me to style them when I am heading to my classes,” said Izzatul. ​ “Sometimes the prices could be bargained too,” she adds. ​ “Blouse pre-loved” channel owner, Nur Rifah Rasyiqah binti Mohd Sahrudin, Chemistry 2, students could also earn side income from this activity as well as could learn to be a smart person when it comes to spending on materialistic things. ​ Rifah mentioned that buying secondhand clothes could extend the life of a garment along with that it minimizes the harm towards the environment. ​ “Even though I have my own channel, sometimes I do enjoy purchasing some unique piece of clothing from different channels. As an university student, I consider this as one of the cheapest way to reinvent your style from time to time,” said Rifah. ​ Text: Sharvena Kanapathy/Photo: Sharvena Kanapathy Created on 4th April 2024 ​

Issue CREATING A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WITH DRUG EDUCATION Written on 6th April 2024 The speaker giving a brief explanation on drug use myths. (Picture by Sharvena a/p Kanapathy) MAIN CAMPUS, 6 April 2024- The “Persatuan Pelajar Sikh Universiti Sains Malaysia” had a social online talk, on 6th April 2024, via Cisco Webex, on the critical issue of drug prevention to raise awareness and as an effort to build a drug- free community. ​ The speaker, Dr Darshan Singh Mahinder Singh, a lecturer at the School of Drug Research USM, in his opening speech, he underscored the profound significance of drug education in driving progress towards fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 3, on Good health and Well-being. ​ “It is important to educate ourselves on the consequences that could happen through drug consumption, to achieve that, the quality education on drug use is vital” said Dr Dharshan. ​ Dr Dharsan further emphasized on drug use myths, illicit drugs, possible factors that would encourage an individual to get into drug abuse and refusal skills towards licit and illicit drug use. ​ According to the Project Director, Diniswindar Singh, the main objective of this online talk is to provide student with the necessary drug education by addressing the importance of understanding how drugs impact the body, the long and short-term effects of substance abuse and the possible risk factors involved are all key in the prevention strategy. ​ “We all have been exposed to drug education since high school, so to follow up the education in a higher level, this is one of our effort”, said Diniswindar. ​ Diniswindar mentioned that the online talk received great support from the students and a total of 656 participants have joined the talk. Question & answer session with the participants. (Picture by Sharvena a/p Kanapathy) The President of the Persatuan Pelajar Sikh USM, Harpreet Kaur Pretam Singh then delivered the closing remarks at the end of the online talk, in which she highlighted the significant role of drug education in Malaysia’s higher education sector. ​ Harpreet urged for the continuation of awareness to foster a drug-free community, emphasizing that drug education is a significant key to achieving reduced crime rates, enhanced workforce productivity along with an improved public health. ​ “Let us continue this momentum and commitment towards fostering a drug-free community, where drug education not only an additional knowledge but also paves the way for a brighter future for all”, said Harpreet. ​ Text: Sharvena Kanapathy/Photo: Sharvena Kanapathy Created on 6th April ​

Feature Article Written on 31th May 2024 BEHIND THE PEN: ZUNAR, THE FEARLESS CARTOONIST Zunar sharing on his experience of getting arrested at Balai Media, C10, School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Photo Sharvena Kanapathy Dreamt to be a scientist but became the country’s most controversial political cartoonist who had spent his life with endless arrests and raids, had nine books banned, was charged under six different laws including nine charges of sedition which carried a sentence of 43 years in jail. The political cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Haque or better known as Zunar, have created many sketches critiquing the political figures in Malaysia his whole life. Quirky looking characters, true stories, funny twists in words had made Zunar’s cartoons loved by the readers. What was his cartoons about? Zunar took on hard issues and broke it down into simple storylines that most Malaysians identified with. “Cartoons are a matter of interpretation. If you don’t agree with the content, no problem. But don’t use your interpretation as a law to ban it,” he declared. “Don’t like? Don’t read!” he remarked bluntly. The ideas come from everywhere. Before engaging into drawing, Zunar tries to gather as much information as he can to get the fact correct. Then he would determine his stand in the issue so that he could proceed to come up with a joke. But that’s not enough. He would contact the person in question, if there were issues related to the people he knew. “Approximately, it would take me about 2 to 10 hours, sometimes even 12 hours,” says Zunar. “It is very vital to be knowledgeable, so that you could defend your work when someone questions it,” he adds. He is now 61 years old, but he courted his controversy at the age 17 when his cartoon was banned. “I criticized a teacher because the disciplinary teacher didn’t take any action against schoolchildren who were dating openly,” he confesses. Parents of Zunar wanted him to go to university to pursue science in order to get a respectable job. At his parents’ insistence, he enrolled at Univesiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) but only to drop out two months later. Cartooning was in his blood. Zunar got a job as a laboratory technician at a hospital because of his science background. “Talent is not a gift, talent is a responsibility,” he emphasized. Due to that principle, Zunar never stopped sending his cartoons until he got a regular column for himself with the popular humour magazine Gila Gila and contributed other magazines including Kisah Cinta and Bintang Timur. “My first payment was RM 4 in the form of a cheque!” he says wistfully. ​ Juggling his daily life was like dealing with two different personalities, by day Zunar was dealing with numbers and by night Zunar was channeling his creative side. “I was soon making mistakes at the lab,”he confesses. Realising that his errors was increasing and could be deadly for the patients, he decided to quit his job and only focus on cartooning. His most favorite figure to draw and the one that got him into big troubles was Malaysia’s Former Prime Minister, Najib Razak’s wife Rosmah Mansor. “Now that she has dropped out of sight, I miss her so much… she was so cartoonable,” he says cheekily. Zunar uses his cartoons as a weapon to fight corruption and abuse of power of the Malaysian government but in return of his fight, he faced a lot of battles. On September 24, 2010 Zunar was arrested by the police and charged for sedition, 3 hours prior to the launching of his just-published book “Cartoon-O-Phobia”. “I still remember in the year 2009, eight officers from the Home Ministry raided my office and confiscated 408 copies of the cartoon magazine, Gedung Kartun,” said Zunar. From that on, vendors fear the risk of being charged under the Sedition Act by the government so Zunar had to survive on online sales, which has a limited market. “Staying in the lockup, I maintained a lock-up diet which was the last meal would be at 6 P.M all they gave to eat was stale bread in the morning and for lunch it was rice and the smallest fish I have ever seen!” says Zunar. The webmaster, who manages his website and online bookstore, was called in by the police for questioning. With all the harassment that Zunar has faced, to defend himself, on June 2011 Zunar filed a suit against the Malaysian government to challenge the banning of his books, “1FunnyMalaysia”, “Perak Darul Kartun” and three volumes of “Isu Dalam Kartun”. Follwing that on June 2011 he filed another suit to challenge the Malaysian government for unlawfully detaining him on 24 September 2010. ​ Despites his struggles, Zunar was honored with, among others, the Human Rights Watch Hellman/ Hammett Award, the International Press Freedom Award and the Cartooning for Peace Award. “The international support kept me going during hard times. Receiving the Cartooning for Peace Award from former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was something that was never in my card or wish list, but it happened!” he says candidly. Zunar always felt that he had to do something with his talent regarding the political events in Malaysia that angered him. “What’s the point of complaining? It was time I used my talent for the greater good,” he insists. If cartoonists don’t use their talents to wake up the people and open their minds towards what’s happening, then they aren’t fulfilling their duty. "It’s that very responsibility that kept him on the difficult road. “I do not have to contribute 100% of my effort to make a change, 1% is enough, but make it worthwhile,” says Zunar. ​ “Always learn to push the limit. How can I be neutral…even my pen has a stand,” he stresses. One of Zunar’s controversial cartoon regarding the water issue in Kelantan Photo Zunar Website Text: Sharvena Kanapathy/ Photo: Sharvena Kanapathy

Sport Written on 6th April 2024 WORLD CUP OF CHINESE DEBATE CONDUCTED IN USM Representatives from each university are striving to showcase their best performances in the competition. (Picture by Chen Ke En) Main Campus, 6th April - Today, a contest of intellect commenced at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Elite students from various universities gathered and launched a grand debate competition. The topics of this debate include politics, economy, culture, and current issues. Contestants showcased their wit and courage on stage, engaging in dialectical discourse to eloquently articulate their viewpoints. ​ At the opening ceremony, the organizer's representative Mr. Ting Heng Nguan from Dr Campus delivered an enthusiastic speech, encouraging the participants to embody the spirit of debate and forge ahead with courage. At the same time, he expressed sincere gratitude to the organizers and participants of this competition. ​ The hall's atmosphere was lively, and the audience cheered for the contestants they supported and looked forward to seeing an outstanding debate performance. This debate competition is not only an academic exchange but also a collision of wisdom, which will indeed stimulate the most intense ideological sparks of the contestants and become a beautiful landscape on the campus. ​ The debate competition will last for several days, featuring intense matchups between universities each day. It will be divided into preliminary rounds, semi-finals, and finals. During the preliminary rounds, all participating teams will compete in elimination matches. The teams that advance will then proceed to the semi-finals, and ultimately, the top teams will join for the championship in the finals. The winning team will be able to represent Malaysia in the World Cup Debate Competition held in China. Mr. Ting Heng Nguan presided over the opening ceremony of the debate competition. (Picture by Chen Ke En) "In this competition, I would like to thank my organizing committee members, sponsors and all the students for their incredible support, which has been key to the success of this competition. I hope that this competition has provided the best stage and equipment for the participants so that the debaters can show their efforts well. I also hope that the final winners that get the tickets for the World Cup Competition in China can carry on smoothly in the future competitions and get good results to bringing honour to Malaysia," said the president, Wong Jing Ming. ​ This debate competition will focus on the debate skills of the debaters, logical thinking, and in-depth analysis of the current social hot issues. The audience is looking forward to seeing the contestants' wonderful performances on stage and their unique opinions and perspectives on complex issues. Meanwhile, the judges will judge the performance of each competition with a rigorous attitude, providing valuable advice and guidance to the participants. ​ One of the representative debaters from USM, Chen Kian Ka, said he conducted systematic training and preparation work with his team to prepare for this debate competition. They will simulate real debate scenarios with counterparts from other universities to exercise their ability to deal with different opinions and refutations. This practical training can help them perform more calmly and confidently on the competition stage and cope with unexpected situations. The debaters also read many materials related to the debate topics. They can deeply understand and analyze various viewpoints and positions through extensive reading, providing full support for arguments when debating. ​ As the debate competition is about to commence, the contestants' preparation showcases their unwavering determination and professionalism. Let us look forward to the wonderful performances of these young scholars on stage as they inject new vitality and hope into Malaysia's academic exchange and international cooperation. ​ Text: Chen Ke En/Photo: Chen Ke En Created on 6th April 2024

Feature Article Written on 9th April 2024 FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO CULINARY STARDOM: CHEF HEIN HTET SHEIN'S UNLIKELY PATH Chef Hein Htet Shein’s picture during the photoshoot for The Star. Source Chef Hein Htet Shein As Malaysia is becoming one of the country with a high total number of foreign nationals, local researches has started to study on press coverage of the media reports on the influx of foreign workers in Malaysia. Most of the researches agreed that the Malaysian newspapers socially constructed foreign nationals as both offenders and victims in the local crime news. ​ These type of coverage shapes the minds of our citizens to always suspect and to look down on foreign workers in general, and due to this factor many inspiring stories of foreigners that came to find an opportunity to live in Malaysia goes unnoticed and overshadowed by the media. Among these luminaries’ shines, Chef Hein Htet Shein, a man whose journey embodies resilience, compassion and the relentless pursuit of excellence. ​ Born into humble beginnings in rural Yangon, Myanmar, Chef Htet is the only son and was raised by his mother. After dropping out of Dagon University in his 2nd year as he was disinterested in pursuing in the field of economics, Chef Htet decided to move to Malaysia at the age of just 20 years old. ​ “I knew I cannot build a future for myself nor my mother if I stayed back in my country because Mynamar’s government was in no condition to provide for my needs at that time,” Chef Htet reflects, elaborating on his decision to move to Malaysia. It was July, 2007 when Chef Htet along with his agent, Mr Lim and 14 other foreigners landed in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) seeking for a fresh start. ​ One of Chef Hein Htet Shein’s signature dish, LaGula biiig brekkie-homemade sourdough brown, breakfast dill beans, mushrooms, toasted spinach, ricotta and scrambled tofu. (Picture by Sharvena a/p Kanapathy) One of Chef Hein Htet Shein’s signature dish, Valmon and cream cheez croissant with dill. (Picture by Sharvena a/p Kanapathy) Mr Lim secured a job for Chef Htet in a nasi briyani restaurant at Taman Sri Andalas, Klang as a dishwasher. Chef Htet always was in a discomfort atmosphere within himself because of the language barrier and the difficulty of being far away from home and his mother. ​ “Every time I feel sad, my mother’s advice would always echo in my mind, which is everything is in my hand and everything depends on me,” said Chef Htet. That is when he realized that he had to work as twice as hard to become someone in Malaysia and he took the initiative to learn the Malay language by studying it every night before sleeping then the next day he would practice it with his colleagues. ​ Chef Htet’s first salary was just RM 750.00 and the first thing he bought was a DiGi simcard to call his mother in Myanmar. After 4 years, Chef Htet quit and got another job at New Seng Kee (NSK) which was to cook for the staffs. ​ “I applied all the cooking techniques and recipes that I observed from my previous job here in NSK,” said Chef Htet. The first ever dish he prepared was Keow Teow Penang which also happens to be his favorite to eat dish in Malaysia. ​ After 2 years of working at NSK, Chef Htet decided to take things up a notch which was to open his own Thai food stall. It was located at Klang road, for few months his life revolved around just cooking and going back home alone. ​ Business and things personally went downhill when Chef Htet started his addiction with gambling. Winning or losing, it became his greatest enemy and finally after months the realization hit that he was wasting his life away, along with the pressure to pay his debts from all the gambling he had to stop it. To get back on track, he gave up on the stall and took up a job in Cafe Antipodeon, Bangsar in the kitchen crew. ​ “I wanted a change, I wanted to be more than just cleaning tables, cutting vegetables, mopping the floor, taking orders”, said Chef Htet. He observed every duty that a head chef does, the respect a head chef receives. From then on, Chef Htet never stopped working, it was all about working and learning everything about cooking every day. ​ Chef Htet created a strong bond with the head chef which also made him to create a good impression in front of their manager. As the head chef quit, Chef Htet was promoted to be the new head chef at the age of 28. “It was a strict restaurant, I did not have the freedom nor the chance to experiment something new, I was quite unhappy working in that sort of situation,” said Chef Htet. ​ It was the year 2019, when the Coronavirus wave hit Malaysia and people started losing jobs unexpectedly, it was the same for Chef Htet. Few weeks of being unemployed, Chef Htet was recommend as head chef by the manager of Café Antipodean, Miss Sherly, for a new café called The Hungry Tapir in Petaling Street. ​ His journey took a pivotal turn when he got the job as head chef after the interview immediately. The Hungry Tapir is a vegan based restaurant, it was a lot to learn but Google stood by him as his loyal teacher. Here, Chef Htet was allowed to try and experiment new dishes as the café requires a new menu from time to time. ​ In the year 2021, another branch from the same café was launched named “LaGula” which was mostly for vegan bakery and pastry. Chef Htet was also appointed as the head chef and had to create a new menu for LaGula too. With his indomitable spirit and boundless creativity, Chef Htet continues to weave his magic, one dish at a time, leaving an inedible mark on the vegan’s culinary legacy. ​ Chef Hein Htet Shein and his colleagues at The Hungry Tapir. (Picture by Sharvena a/p Kanapathy) According to the owners of The Hungry Tapir and LaGula, Makissa Smeeton and her mother, Cynthia Rodrigo, having Chef Hein Htet Shein has been a huge blessing and his leadership skills is unbeatable when it comes to dealing with the whole crew. “I worked with Chef Hein Htet Shein to come up with the menu from time to time. Nobody in the kitchen is vegetarian, but everyone is brimming with ideas and Chef Htet is so ingenious in bringing these concepts to life,” says Makissa, ​ Chef Htet does not look at his job beyond cooking, it is a business for him, he always makes an effort to lessen The Hungry Tapir’s and LaGula’s wholesale cost by trying to make homemade recipes with alternative ingredients which are much cheaper. According to the accountant of The Hungry Tapir and LaGula, Janagi Vijaya Kumar, there have been many significant changes in the cost of purchases compared to their previous head chef. ​ There are many dishes of Chef Htet that became a talk around town along with great reviews on the internet, such as, LaGula big brekkie, Valmon, Florals for Spring, See-Food platter and Mr Rodrigo’s Deli. ​ “The responsibility is heavier than ever, but I love cooking, it gives me joy when I see the plate returns empty after it is served,” said Chef Htet. Chef Htet has never stopped learning since day one and always withholds the determination to move forward. “I never went back to Myanmar since the day I came, it has been 17 years now, I gave my mother my word saying that I would be someone when I come back, until then Malaysia is my home,” said Chef Htet. Text: Sharvena Kanapathy/ Photo: Sharvena Kanapathy Created on 9th April 2024

Sports news Athletes of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) are also given recognition through the latest sports news and events held monthly from time to time. Here, we present the training among the USM athletes and participants. Football Skuad futsal Cahaya Gemilang Harapan (CGH) bersedia pertahankan kejuaraan di Sukad 2024 Oleh: Ahmad Imran bin Mohammad Roslani Hockey Pasukan hoki USM mula asah rentak permainan Oleh: Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani Volleyball Desasiswa Tekun smash success and victory on volleyball tournament By Alisa Adriana Binti Mohd Idris E-Sports Persatuan Kebudayaan India and E-Sport organised Kalam E-Arena an online game competiton By Thanam Parthiban Football World Cup of Chinese Debate conducted in USM By: Chen Ke En Hockey Chess tournament triumph lead by USM students By: Che Jia Yi ​

Issue Written on 26th May 2024 DANCE YOUR WAY TO HEALTH Every participant is warming up and preparing for the Zumba session. (Picture by Che Jia Yi) Main Campus, 26th April- Majlis Penghuni Desasisiwa Indah Kembara (MPDIK) organized a Zumba event titled "Move, Groove, and Celebrate." This event invites an outside professional Zumba instructor to provide an exhilarating Zumba training session for students, and it took place at Dewan Kembara (L05). The event ran from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and required RM2 entry fee. It was exclusively for 150 female students. ​ Zumba transforms exercise into a lively dance party, combining upbeat music with dynamic routines that make working out fun and exciting rather than mundane. This enjoyable approach keeps participants motivated and eager for each session. Additionally, Zumba’s high-energy routines are highly effective for weight loss, as they can burn between 500 to 1000 calories per hour. This makes Zumba an excellent choice for those looking to shed pounds and maintain a healthy weight while having a great time. The combination of enjoyment and efficiency ensures that Zumba is both a beneficial and engaging workout option. ​ Before the actual Zumba session begins, MPPIK has prepared some engaging Zumba mini game, including a face painting booth at Dewan Kembara 1. This booth is set up to increase student interest in the event by offering the chance to use different colors to draw cute stickers and designs on their faces. This fun activity not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also encourages more students to join and participate in the event. Executive Secretary MPDIK, Camelia, Physics, 2 said adding face painting to events introduces an exciting and creative element, transforming participants' faces into captivating artworks. This artistic activity enables individuals to showcase their personality, hobbies, and emotions with one-of-a-kind designs and patterns. ​ Chairman of the sports and fitness club of Pearl Island gang, Penang, Jamaliah binti Mat Ros said Zumba is a mix of dance and music that allows students to exercise and move with the rhythm, ensuring the workout is fun and never boring. The combination of energetic music and dynamic dance routines keeps participants engaged and excited throughout the session, making exercise enjoyable and effective. ​ “It’s easy to attract professional dancers and instructors to fitness exercises because they dance very well, unlike the general population. That's why Zumba, which combines dance and exercise, is effective and enjoyable for everyone. Zumba is suitable for all ethnic groups. By simply following the easy music steps, your body will start moving. No matter what song is playing, your body will automatically dance and exercise together”, said Jamaliah. ​ “The instructor is key to increasing student interest. A good instructor creates an engaging atmosphere, encouraging participants to enjoy the class and follow the steps. A proficient instructor can customize the class to fit each student's requirements. They offer adjustments tailored to various fitness levels, ensuring everyone feels included and adequately challenged”, said Jamaliah. ​ Zumba goes beyond just exercise, it embraces a holistic approach to health and happiness, urging individuals to prioritize not only physical fitness but also mental well-being and social connections in their lifestyle. Nur Saidatul Husna is painting the student face with the use of special water-based face paints. (Picture by Che Jia Yi) Text: Che Jia Yi/ Photo: Che Jia Yi Created on 26th May 2024

Issue Written on 19th May 2024 EPIC SHOWCASE OF SKILL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE The 24 Festive Drums' powerful performance offers audiences a unique experience. (Picture by Che Jia Yi) Main Campus, 19th May- Kung Fu club Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) organized an event titled "44th Kung Fu night”. Kung Fu Night would be hosted every academic year, and it took place at Dewan Budaya, Main Campus, USM. The event ran from 7.30p.m. until the performance ended and required a RM20 entry fee. The event features uniquely designed tickets, crafted from round wooden carvings. These tickets are intricately engraved with the event's theme and its logo. Kung Fu Night was traditionally hosted every academic year by the Kung Fu Club at USM. This event served to showcase the hard work and dedication of members while also aiming to promote the culture and spirit of Kung Fu among the students. Through this annual celebration, it provided a platform for Kung Fu Club members to demonstrate the skills and techniques they had diligently practiced, fostering a deeper appreciation, and understanding of Kung Fu within the university community. Project director of Kung Fu night, Lim Xin Yuan, Housing, Building and Planning, 2 said, the theme for this year is Kung Fu. It might sound very simple, but they want to convey the idea that even simple things require continuous effort. As a Chinese saying goes, everything is about Kung Fu if you practice it long enough, even studying! “Every member here would go through a series of training. Kung Fu Night is the ultimate goal, which is to perform on a stage prepared by us. Throughout continuous training, the master and coaches would train us. We would learn different types of styles, originating from different places. During this event, we will showcase all that we've learned on this stage”, said Yuan. Yuan said, Kung Fu training not only enhances physical fitness but also significantly strengthens mental resilience. It pushes martial artists to surpass their limits, making them stronger day by day. Practicing with teammates is a favorite part of the experience, as they share blood, sweat, and tears, ultimately celebrating victories together. Many members stay in touch even decades after graduation, reflecting the lasting bonds formed through Kung Fu. On Kung Fu night, there will be a variety of performances such as Kung Fu demonstrations, Tai Chi, 24 Festive Drums, swordplay, nunchaku, and a fluorescent dragon dance. These diverse performances will offer the audience different experiences and allow students to learn about the rich culture and heritage of Kung Fu. ​ Tai Chi pushes people through every limit and make people stronger day by day.(Picture by Che Jia Yi) President of 24 Festive Drums Society, Chiew Kai Ying, Management, 2 said the 24 Festive Drums add excitement to Kungfu night shows with their rhythmic drumming that matches the action. This traditional touch makes the event more enjoyable for the audience. Every team, including ours, works hard to give their best, practicing even after classes to ensure top-quality performances. So, it is believed that the 24 Festive Drums play a vital role in making Kungfu Night special. The 24 Festive Drums hold significant cultural value as they represent unity, celebration, and community spirit. Each drum pattern symbolizes a specific festive occasion or cultural event, preserving traditional customs and heritage. The performances not only showcase artistic talent but also foster a sense of belonging and pride among communities. Through the rhythmic beats and vibrant costumes, the 24 Festive Drums convey a sense of joy and harmony, contributing to the richness and diversity of Chinese cultural traditions. “I will try my best to promote our drum team to the students in USM via various platforms, such as the WhatsApp group and the poster. Our Kung Fu Club will also have an introduction day, which the main purpose is to expose all the division, including our drum team to the students. So, it also will be a chance for us to engage younger generations to join us and play the 24 Festival Drum together”, said Ying. Text: Che Jia Yi/ Photo: Che Jia Yi Created on 19th May 2024

Issue Written on 7th May 2024 PKI'S FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROMOTES SDG Early preperation for food distribution by some volunteers. Photo by: Thanam A/P Parthiban Main Campus, 7th May 2024 - ‘Persatuan Kebudayaan India’ (PKI), USM’s free vegetarian food distribution, happened on 7th May 2024. Free Food Distribution initiatives alleviates hunger and promotes the second Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which is Zero Hunger. PKI organised the event with the goal of addressing the urgent problem of food insecurity by offering wholesome meals to everyone in the USM community and beyond, regardless of socioeconomic background. The effort aimed to guarantee that no one went hungry and that everyone had access to the nourishment they needed for their health by providing free food to those in need. ​ According to Vice President 1 of PKI Nandan Yogalingam, the primary goals of this free food distribution initiative are to alleviate hunger. It supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger by ensuring that low-income students or individuals have access to nutritious meals, thereby improving their overall well-being. Nandan also explained, the local community is engaged and informed through posters, community meetings, and social media. Collaborations with Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP), the student body council, help spread awareness about distribution times, locations, and the initiative's importance. Word of mouth through community leaders also plays a significant role in spreading information.. “The benefits of the initiative are communicated to the public through success stories, statistical data, and testimonials shared via social media. Collaborations with Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP), the student body council, help amplify these messages and attract more support” said Nanndan. ​ Food distributed by Yang Di-Pertua Kannigga Rajan. Photo by: Thanam A/P Parthiban PKI plans for sustainability include securing ongoing funding through grants, donations, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Efforts are made to establish a strong volunteer base and develop self-sustaining projects like community gardens. Regular assessments ensure resources are effectively used for long-term operation. The second secretary of PKI, Veenoshini Kannathasan mentioned that the volunteers from the Persatuan Kebudayaan India (PKI) are managed based on their availability during distribution times. A flexible schedule starting from 12PM to 2PM which is lunch time accommodates their availability, and ongoing communication ensures everyone in PKI is informed and engaged. ​ “In my opinion, recipients may talk about personal experiences or tales of how the free food distribution programme has improved their own or their families' quality of life. Improved health, more energy, improved performance at studies, and less financial strain from food costs are a few examples of this” said Veeno. ​ Many recipients of the initiative express gratitude for the chance to obtain wholesome food, particularly if they were previously facing food insecurity or had difficulty paying for sufficient meals. They could stress how important it is to get fresh produce, basic foods, or other necessities for a balanced diet and better health results, she explained. ​ Free food availability might lessen the cost of acquiring wholesome meals for people and families who are struggling financially. Free food distribution programmes contribute to ensuring that everyone, regardless of income level or socioeconomic class, has the resources to achieve their basic nutritional needs by improving food access and affordability. Text: Thanam A/P Parthiban Photo: Thaman A/P Parthiban Created on 7th May 2024