Soul of Wanderlust

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a fascinating Continuous Tourism Related Education (CTRE) program, titled Pengenalan Bencana Geologi (Geohazard) dan Pengurusan Rekreasi Batu Kapur (Introduction to Geologic Hazards and Limestone Recreation Management) in Bahasa Malaysia. This immersive session awarded participants with 2 CTREs and offered a deep dive into understanding geohazards, particularly in limestone recreational areas. The program, held at Perbadanan Taman Negeri Perak, was a blend of classroom learning and hands-on fieldwork at the Gunung Lang Recreational Park, providing a comprehensive understanding of geological risks and their management. The morning kicked off with an engaging classroom session led by the distinguished speaker, P Geol. Ts. Ir. Dr. Goh Thian Lai. As a senior lecturer at UKM and Head of UKM Rock Mechanics Laboratory, Dr. Goh's expertise and affiliations with the Society of Engineering Geology and Rock Mechanics (SEGRM) were evident throughout th...

As the dawn broke in Kuala Selangor, a collective of passionate nature enthusiasts, local communities, tour operators, and guides converged for an extraordinary journey - the Let's SMILE Again event. SMILE is an abbreviation to Sky Mirror is Life Education. Day One: The day commenced amidst the lush greenery of Kuala Selangor Nature Park, where the symphony of biodiversity greeted the eager participants. A morning of discovery unfolded as we immersed ourselves in the rich tapestry of flora and fauna, learning about the park's vibrant ecosystem. Post a sumptuous lunch, minds converged to tackle sustainability challenges faced by Sky Mirror, an emblematic ecotourism site. Utilizing the Design Thinking approach, diverse perspectives birthed innovative prototypes, poised to shape the future of this unique destination. While exploring the park's serenity during an evening walk, nature's nocturnal orchestra played as we encountered diverse creatures. Amidst the forest's c...

The rustling leaves, the whispers of the forest, and the rhythm of characters coming to life – this was the essence of my experience with Rimba Ledang, a semi-musical children's theater production that delved deep into the lives of the enchanting creatures inhabiting the forests of Ledang. For months, our team congregated twice a month on serene Sunday mornings from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. These sessions were more than just rehearsals; they were portals into a world where imagination met dedication, where camaraderie thrived, and where characters came alive. Being part of this production was nothing short of magical. The gracious support from MPAJ, providing us with breakfast and drinks during our training sessions, was a gesture that warmed our hearts and fueled our spirits. It fostered an environment of unity and encouragement, allowing us to focus on honing our craft and embracing the essence of the characters we portrayed. I had the pleasure of stepping into the shoes of "Nen...

In August 2019, I embarked on an incredible journey to a summer camp in China organized by the Kongzi Institute and Beijing Foreign Studies University. The program united participants from various Kongzi Institutes across Europe, creating a diverse and vibrant community. Our adventure began with a late-evening flight from Malaysia on Malaysia Airlines, landing in Beijing in the early hours of the morning. Settling into our accommodations within North China University of Technology, we were introduced to the nuances of Chinese cuisine at a nearby Halal canteen. The absence of "Halal" signage was replaced by the term "Qing Zhen," signifying the food's Halal status. It was a flavorful introduction to the cultural mosaic we were about to explore. The following day commenced with language assessments at the International School campus, determining our Mandarin proficiency levels. Placed in Level 6, I eagerly embraced a week packed with Mandarin language courses and ...

Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on the opportunity that came my way, courtesy of the blessings from Allah SWT. Walking into the interview, I harbored no grand expectations, merely armed with fundamental knowledge about my beloved hometown, Hulu Selangor. Despite my family's 21-year settlement here, I've always felt like a self-proclaimed nomad. Home, undoubtedly, yet my schooling and formative years traversed various nooks of Peninsular Malaysia, even encompassing years studying abroad. The nerves were palpable; uncertainty loomed over the impending interview. However, my faith in the concept of Rezeki, the idea that what's meant for me will find its way, anchored me. Fate smiled upon me as I was chosen to participate in the training program to become a Community Host for the 2019 session. Distinguished by a distinctive terracotta red badge rather than the typical blue, a Community Host's guiding purview is confined to our respective districts. Moreover, strict ad...