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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

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