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Foto : Permandangan kawasan Rumah Panjang Benjamin Angki Rantau Kemiding, Kanowit . Sumber : laman rasmi Homestay Rantau Kemiding
Jika anda merupakan salah seorang daripada individu yang gemar melancong ke kawasan yang melibatkan alam semula jadi dan mempelajari budaya bangsa lain, Homestay Rumah Benjamin Angki, Rantau Kemiding, Kanowit pasti akan menjadi destinasi pelancongan yang anda pilih.
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Homestay Rantau Kemiding merupakan sebuah perusahan inap desa yang dijalankan di Rumah Panjang Benjamin Angki, Rantau Kemiding Kanowit. Ianya terletak 5 kilometer dari pekan kanowit. Rumah panjang Benjamin Angki merupakan antara tempat pertama yang menjalankan perusahaan inap desa di daerah Kanowit. Terdapat 14 buah rumah yang mengadakan perusahaan inap desa di kampung tersebut.
Sumber : laman sesawang Homestay Rantau Kemiding
Apa menarik di kawasan Inap Desa tersebut adalah pelancong akan merasai sendiri bagaimana keadaan semasa tinggal bersama orang kampung di rumah panjang dengan budaya permakanan tradisional, aktiviti harian seperti memancing dengan cara tradisional, mecari sumber makanan di hutan, mempelajari seni budaya orang dayak seperti Ngajat, Betaboh (Permainan music tradisional Dayak) dan permainan tradisional.
Sumber Foto : laman sesawang Homestay Rantau Kemiding
Anda juga akan mempelajari cara pembuatan makanan tradisional orang Dayak. Antaranya ialah pansoh manok (ayam dimasak dalam buluh), masakan umbut kelapa, umbut pisang, miding, dan banyak lagi
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Selain itu, pelancong juga digalakkan untuk datang ke Homestay Rantau Kemiding pada musim perayaan Hari Gawai iaitu 1 jun dan pesta Rantau Kemiding yang sering diadakan pada Hari Kemerdekaan 31 ogos. Banyak aktiviti yang menarik akan dijalankan seperti perlumbaan perahu panjang, perlumbaan bot laju, sukaneka, dan pertandingan kebudayaan
Aktiviti yang dijalankan semasa Pesta Rantau Kemiding Sumber : Facebook
Bagi pelancong yang ingin datang ke Homestay Rantau Kemiding, anda boleh membuat tempahan melalui laman sesawang rasmi inap desa tersebut iaitu Homestay Rantau Kemiding. Harga bagi setiap bilik yang disediakan juga adalah berpatutan.
Foto : Keadaan bilik yang disediakan kepada para pelancong
Sumber : Laman Rasmi Homestay Rantau Kemiding
BAHASA NEWS
HOMESTAY RANTAU KEMIDING : “DESTINASI PELANCONG MERASAI BUDAYA KAUM DAYAK.”
Oleh: Harrison Veerger Rosley
ENGLISH NEWS
Nabeela Binti Hashim, 29
KULIM: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all industries had been affected, including the aviation industry. Enduring a catch-22, a former flight attendant sadly had to leave her job. However, she accepted the unfortunate news from her high-mile job as Nabeela Binti Hashim, 29 , felt despair when she received the unwelcome news. With monthly expenses needed to cater, her contingency plan including looking for new jobs to survive the situation. In the meantime, with the experience of a flight attendant, she pressed into service, Nabeela ventured out into a small business.
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Sharing some of her best experiences when working for Malindo Air, she recalled her amazing journey when she travelled to different countries and stayed at different destinations. One of her most valuable experiences was learning the many diverse cultures of the countries which she visited. With her worthwhile working experiences it shaped her into a better person.
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Shedding hope that the aviation industry will bounce back and with open hands, she hopes to return and work as a flight attendant one day.
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“ I miss the awesome time flying through the sky witnessing beautiful scenery of another country with my colleagues,” she explained on times she had while working as a flight attendant.
Nabeela also advised people who faced the same situation to be patient andalways have faith. She said, “There are brighter lights coming in the future.”
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Certainly, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed everyone in unprecedented times as it can also be seen that the aviation industry is still in turmoil as the post-COVID-19 reality dawns.
Brighter Lights Coming in the Future
By Nur Atieqah Binti Hisham
John Ryan Morison, 26 years old.
KUCHING: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, online food deliveries in Malaysia were an up and-coming trend within urban areas, with the help of technology companies such as Grabfood and FoodPanda. The service was popular among millennials but struggled to reach the other age groups. However, the industry has ballooned with the introduction of the movement control order (MCO) since March 2020.
While there is no way to tell exactly what the economic damage from the global COVID 19 novel coronavirus pandemic will be, more people are stuck at home due to the outbreak. There has been a surge in demand for food delivery services. Dine-in is no longer an option, consumers are turning to delivery to treat themselves during the days of social-distancing. Many delivery services such as Grabfood, FoodPanda, Lyfe, dahmakan etc have responded to the crisis by introducing contact-less delivery options to eliminate the risk of spreading the virus between the customer and driver.
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Meanwhile, John Ryan Morison, 26 years old, an undergraduate student from the Strategic Communication programme in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is one of the “FoodPanda Walker” that is well-known in Kuching, Satok. In the midst of online classes, he chose to work part time as a FoodPanda Walker. According to him, every year he would look forward to new experiences, especially working while studying.
“In life, you can be happy with keeping yourself busy,” he said. He took the opportunity given by Foodpanda Malaysia that has introduced the “walkers” concept where people without motorcycle license can join this industry with walking or cycling delivering food & drinks.
When asked about his choice of job, he said, “I chose this work because of the time flexibility, at the same time it has enabled me to earn some pocket money and has enable me to exercise while delivering the orders.”
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As for his commitment as a student, he has never neglected his responsibility. Since the classes are all online, he makes sure that his online learning platform are all on standby such as Zoom, Webex, Google Meet and more in the gadgets that he uses, to attend the weekly classes and access the assessments assigned by the lecturer. As a personal initiative, he would personally inquire his lecturers or course mates regarding any matters.
Interestingly, John is a marathoner but because of the pandemic situation, he could not join any marathons due to the constraints. According to him, the current job that he is doing now has made him happy and he admits that doing a part time job while studying is fun as he is able to meet a lot of new friends.
Meanwhile, he also advised everyone to “keep yourself motivated, work on your dream even if it takes years,” as an important lesson which he gained recently to overcome his challenges in the tough year.
Live to Thrive
By Anna Maria Wong Yen Ping
The Poster of Mural in the Eyes of Suhaimi Ali event featuring Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah made by FACA, UNIMAS
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Faculty of Applied & Creative Arts (FACA) of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) had hosted a virtual art talk entitled, “Mural in The Eyes of Suhaimi Ali.” featuring famous mural artist, Suhaimi.
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After receiving his degree in Art & Design at UiTM, Shah Alam back in 2017, the self-made artist continued his career by painting murals. However, his success was not without its obstacles as it was quite difficult for him to thrive in the industry that he almost gave up.
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Now, Suhaimi or more affectionately known as Mieyali, is a rising mural artist who had recently went viral on social media when he was targeted as one of the victims following a vandalism incident last July.
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Following the incident, the mural, themed “Covid-19 heroes” created by Suhaimi had been vandalised by irresponsible individuals. The mural included a portrait of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
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“When we have made a name for ourselves, it becomes easy to get projects and such, but when being in this industry as an independent artist,, it looks like our profile is not strong enough so it becomes a bit of a struggle. There are often times that I feel like giving up, ” said Suhaimi who shared his experience after becoming a university graduate.
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Meanwhile, while reminiscing on finding his purpose to continue his journey as a mural artist, Suhaimi held on to his motivation to keep moving forward towards what may await him.
The Journey of The Rising Mural Artist, Suhaimi Ali
By Nur Sabrina binti Roselim
Insisting to remain anonymous, the recovered survivor, on his trials and tribulations when met.
KUCHING: In a bid to stand united in the fight against Covid-19, Sarawakians are repeatedly reminded by the Ministry of Health to espouse the “Kita Jaga Kita” slogan on social media platforms. However, to what extent is this slogan being used in support of Covid-19 patients who have recovered from the disease? One might think that the nightmare would be over for recovering Covid-19 patients, but on the contrary, they are thrust into a world of isolation and contempt, as the mark of Covid-19 casts an ever-looming shadow over their very existence.
When met with one such recovered survivor, he embarks on his trials and tribulations from his close encounter with Covid-19. Before giving permission to interview the local former Covid-19 patient, he insists to remain anonymous. The Covid-19 survivor was the only one who was tested positive in his family, only after the second swab test and was asymptomatic.
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As a flashback showed on his expression, he explained, “after the second swab test, I was the only one who was tested positive. I was speechless, I was very shocked. While receiving the call from the hospital, they said that the ambulance will come to take me to the hospital to be quarantined for another four weeks.” The patient also added he was in fear of whether he was going to be able to even make it through the quarantine period.
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Evidently, the social stigma attached to former Covid-19 patients is more painful to bear that the disease itself as he, even as a survivor, understood that his colleagues and friends who knew about his condition avoided him once he was discharged, even adding that they did this because they were taking precautions, although he already took a blood test and was a recovered patient.
“Some of them, a bit sensitive over this, so they might distance away from you because they know you were tested positive so they are in fear of getting infected from the virus as well.” Acknowledging this, he also commented that his family gave him the biggest support and concern upon his recovery in motivating him from harbouring bitter feelings.
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In another light, although the Covid-19 survivor ended up being shunned by the community, he hopes that the public are aware of such social stigma brought upon former Covid-19 patients. “We do not want to get this virus, this virus is invisible, even though we wash our hands, wear our masks still we can get this virus.”
Consequently, after listening to the triumphs and also despair, it must be brought to the people’s attention that the slogan also applies to helping former Covid-19 patients to get back to their normal lives. The public must understand that recoverees who tested negative for Covid-19 cannot possibly infect others, and as such, they should not be ostracised by society.
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“I hope that the public won’t be too judgemental and shun us out. As this is something that we didn’t know. People might not know such trouble, going through such ordeal. Having to be a former Covid-19 patient.”
Do Not Ostracise Former Covid-19 Patients
By Cheryl Syahmina Toh binti Mohammad Christopher Toh
Noor Fitriyana binti Haniff, 21, FITSUSHI owner.
KUCHING: In the pursuit of outstanding result in entrepreneurship, one must be greatly motivated to satisfy a high need of achievement in innovative and creative activities. While every individual has a different story in their journey, some may follow their passion along the way, some are self-motivated, some may get support from their close one, while others might give up half-way owing to lack of inspiration in their lives as a spark to innovative spirit. Hence, an entrepreneur must embrace the style of professional management and organise managerial functions by setting long term goals in their business. This time, a young entrepreneur from Kuching, Sarawak will tell her story of her pursuit to become a successful young woman in business.
Noor Fitriyana binti Haniff, 21 is one of the rising names in Kuching who started her local business when she was only 17 years old. Initially, she applied for several jobs at some food and beverages (F&B) franchise and other retail shops but got rejected. Until one day, she went to Pasar Malam Belia, Matang and saw several stalls selling “kimbap” or “sushi” but did not have a customer attraction.This was when the idea for Fitriyana to make her own brand homemade sushi came. Her passion in business is what motivated her to pursue her dreams along with the support from her family.
Growing up in a business environment like her late grandfather who runs his small grocery store in his garage, her aunt also runs a florist business and supplies bouquets for convocations, her uncle is also in the furniture business such as bean bags, sofa and coffee table. At age 15, she had the experience to follow the footsteps of her family business at Uptown Civic Centre Market. This indirectly encouraged her to be more independent one day with dreams on running her own business. Thus, to start something of her own at a young age, Fitriyana or commonly known as Fit , set up FITSUSHIm- a combination of her nickname Fit and the word “sushi”. After increasing demands from her friends, her small business then grew.
Image source: Instagram @fithaniff
When asked what are the most important attributes as a business owner, she said that an entrepreneur must have a clear vision of the business themselves and their business in another five years. Secondly, an entrepreneur must have passion. She believes that everyone can start and make their own business but less people will survive as running a business is not as easy as what everyone thinks. It takes so many ups and downs and challenges to make one business successful. The third attribute are having a clear goal. This was because she believed that some people tend to easily get off track when they do not have any preferences and setting the path they want to be.
She also advised that to start-ups, one must understand the procedures for setting up a small enterprise, acquire basic management skills and make strategic decisions. Sharing her inspirations, Fitriyana always questions every purpose that comes in her way during her experiences in conducting a business. Last but not least,she believes it takes a lot of struggle, sleepless nights, tiring body and soul, countless tears and a lot of effort. She said, “Have faith and in every situation that we face. I know you can.”
Image source: Instagram @fithaniff
Fitsushi is where people can enjoy homemade sushi with a variety of types of menu at affordable prices and make their own recipe which is more suitable with local preferences. Fitriyana said that their homemade sushi is nothing compared with any of Japanese cuisines that is selling sushi because the taste is not the same as what people usually would have at a known sushi restaurant and that is what makes FITSUSHI unique. As she grew her businesses and started tasting success, LePaPa Supermarket offered to make collaborations with FITSUSHI through Twitter as the Supermarket are searching for Muslims that are selling halal sushi to be a supplier to their Supermarket. At first, Fitriyana rejected the offer since she was against the offline business but after a long process, she finally made an agreement with LePaPa Supermarket. Subsequently, Fitriyana received a lot of positive responses from those that know about that offer but she decided to give herself a challenge to try new things which is to do offline business .
When asked on overcoming her main competitors for her business, she then told her story when she first started her homemade sushi business back in 2018. She said, "There were only few sellers selling sushi in my area (Kuching). My customers' crowd was only among my mutual friends so it was not a big deal to survive.” In 2019, Fit was a little bit devastated when some of her random customers purchased her product just to experiment for them to create their own sushi brand. However, she took things from a positive angle and makes herself more competitive and always strives to be the best for her customers. She also said, “Competing in a healthy way made me realize, not anyone is starting their own sushi business but if we do and give our best, we will not lose the battle.”
FITSUSHI: Arising Name of Successful Entrepreneurs
By Puteri Farhana and Nurul Nasyuha
Nurul Najihah Binti Normazi, 23
KULIM: Television crime shows are loved by some people for so many reasons. The story might begin with a loud bang like someone got a shot in the woods, a dead body in the bathtub, or a glimmering shot of a picturesque view of the city skyline. The story then will develop into other scenes and an arc will be completed, the villains will get exposed and the truth will prevail.
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The roller coaster ride intrigues the excitement and adrenaline rush. To some people it became a passion to study and a dream future career which is to be a forensic expert.
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Nurul Najihah Binti Normazi, 23 is a big fan of crime series while her favourite author is Stephen King, the American author of horror, suspense, crime and science- fiction, which lead her to study chemistry and minoring in forensics. It is a three-year programme emphasizing chemistry, mainly analytical methods applicable in forensic laboratories. Students learn about electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, and spectroscopy technique of analysis. Students are also exposed to specialized areas in forensic science which include arson, fingerprint analysis, explosives, document analysis, DNA analysis, and toxicology.
These two pictures were during COVID-19 when students had to do an experiment on fiber analysis - Source from Nurul Najihah Binti Normazi.
“The scene where evidence is recovered from a crime scene was presented in the court of law was something memorable to me, I felt really satisfied after all the thrills,” she said that her favourite TV series is Criminal Minds, an American police procedural crime drama TV series. According to the 23-year-old Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chemistry (forensic analysis), the future job careers in Malaysia for a forensic student to work one day, is a forensic expert in the forensic department of law enforcement agencies or as a registered chemist.
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Amid the pandemic, Nurul is not exempted from the order of online distance learning. Since entering university labs is prohibited, it is quite a challenge for the students to do some practical studies that require some experiments. Thus, they only learn about theories and no hands-on.
These two pictures were during the pre-COVID-19 period when students still had physical classes and did
an experiment on fingerprint lifting - Source from Nurul Najihah Binti Normazi.
“In my field of study, advanced technology is important, especially when it comes to instrumentation,” she explained that most of the work requires her to analyze a sample, for example, analysis of blood or drugs.
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“In the future of forensic science, it would be great if we can have a technology that can detect DNA from a fingerprint,” said Nurul.
A look into Forensic Analysis
By Nur Atieqah Hisham
Among the batik Sarawak designs that is famous within the locals
in the Sarawak community - Source from Facebook
KUCHING: Sarawak, the land of the Hornbill is known for many things and one of it is batik Sarawak, one of its treasure that is still appreciated by the locals and even among tourist who came to visit Sarawak during the holidays. Batik Sarawak is one of the main attractions that intrigues tourists to come and see how it’s made with their own eyes.
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One local business owner in Kuching, Jane Cung, 27 is one of many who’s in love with batik Sarawak and wants to maintain its speciality and prosperity by selling and introducing them in her own local brand online known as Authentic Borneo on Instagram.
Jane Cung, 27
Tops and dress made from batik Sarawak by Jane - Photo by Jane Cung
Authentic Borneo is a handicraft business which focuses on women accessories with unique and eye-catching Sarawak traditional motive designs. From there, Jane have came up with an idea to produce skirts, tops and dresses made from batik Sarawak in order to save batik Sarawak from disappearing one day.
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This idea came to mind as she thought that by following the trends of today’s modern fashion and women’s love for simplicity and authenticity, it might help to promote batik Sarawak and boost its standard within the fashion industry.
Jane shares her story as to why she opens Authentic Borneo in the first place, it was to help the Penan community from Long Banga. During her first journey there, she saw a family going out selling their handicrafts but instead of paying with money, they prefer to use the barter system as they can get to own the things that they want directly.
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“Seeing that made my heart ache as I know that they can actually sell their handicrafts to other people and gain money at the same time but they are used to the barter system. That is why I offered myself to help them promote their business by selling their handicrafts in other parts of town, which then I decided to open Authentic Borneo using Instagram,” Jane said.
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Authentic Borneo is a side business of Jane where the main reason she opens it is to help the Penan community from Long Banga and at the same time, to fill up her free time when working as a mapping officer at Polima Forest Sdn. Bhd.
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Jane also shares the hardships that she encountered while managing Authentic Borneo onto which it was quite a pleasant journey as she learned a lot along the way.
“I do experienced a lot of problems and hardships while managing Authentic Borneo especially during the production stage when producing the accessories featuring the special motives as each requires precise measurement and delicate hand movements when doing it.
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“It’s the same as well when it comes to producing the rattan bags as it is hard to look for a good quality of rattan these days especially when you’re looking for one in big bulks,” Jane said.
Some of the rattan bags made by Jane and the Penan community from Long Banga.
Photo by Jane
She hopes that she can help the Penan community to boost their handicraft business by making it big someday and hoping that they would stop relying on the barter system as their masterpieces are worth more than that.
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“If you see an opportunity to help and do good towards other people, grab it and reward yourself for it. It might not be much but little did you know that you might bring good changes in that person’s life and with that, you are the touch of magic that they are waiting for, the sparks of miracle in their life,” Jane said.
Authentic Borneo: A Journey of A Kind Heart
By Sharifah Nurul Asyikin Wan Dobil
Assorted snacks from Hasya Cookies- Photo from Nurul Fatimah Zaharah
KUCHING: Online businesses has been increasing rapidly due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) that has been implemented in Malaysia. The order brought some perks to the people, which is finding new ways to gain their financial needs.
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No one can deny how sweet treats can be a mood lifter throughout these tough times. In fact, one of the biggest business in the world right now is the food industry. However, we can see that this continues to grow within the period of MCO as more people are finding new ways to support themselves.
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This applies to this new and young entrepreneur as well, she embarked on the land of online businesses to support her hobby and as a way for her to cope with the new norm.
Hasya Eirdhyna Binti Abdul Khalil, 15
Owner of Hasya Cookies, Hasya Eirdhyna Binti Abdul Khalil, 15, started her business when she was 10. Her interest in baking grew because of her passion for sweet treats. She decided to share with everyone one of her joys in life through her sweet snacks.
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Her business grew from just selling cornflakes treat to a whole cookie fiesta. Hasya shared her early moments when she first started this business. “I first started the business through word of mouth promoting. However since quarantine started, I realise that I need to find a way for me to promote my business.”
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She added, “In October 2020, I decided to open an Instagram account. It was a wise decision because I gain more customers after promoting in social media. I have a better reach towards the local people and my cookies and snacks have become more known. I am better at promoting, editing and also reaching out to people through online platform. This is a great opportunity for me to gain business experience.”
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When she first started, Hasya got a full support from her family, thus taking this as a motivation to work harder. She begins to make more products to sell, which now includes Crunchy Cornflakes Jake, Creme Brulee Tart, Choco Chip Cookies and Crispy Seaweed.
Christmas Promotion Post from Hasya Cookies Instagram (@hasya_cookies)
She also made sure to include promotional prices whenever there are celebrations of event. So far, she had more sales when she did the Christmas Promotion event and also New Year Event. For the upcoming Chinese New Year, she is planning to have another type of event to attract more customers.
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She also talks about the challenges while handling this business. As a high school teenager, Hasya can only rely on her parents to send her items for Cash On Delivery (COD) and post office postage. This makes her feel guilty that her parents have to help her deliver the goods every week.
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“My parents have really been a great supporter for me. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to handle my online business. I’m really thankful, despite the challenge of not having a car or license myself, my parents would help me with delivering the goods,” Hasya said.
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She hoped that in the future, she will be able to expand her business. She wants to grow and become a successful baker in the future. In her journey in baking, she will always think of the support that her family give.
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Hasya also added that opportunity can come from anywhere as long as you have the will and motivation to do what you intend to do. She encourage more entrepreneur to come and find an opportunity despite these tough times, to still chase their dreams and to work hard in supporting themselves.
A Young Entrepreneur’s Breakthrough
By Nurul Fatimah Zaharah
Nurzarra ‘Ain Azmieda Binti Azmie, 24
Kota Samarahan: The year 2020 has almost come to an end and it proved that with proper planning we can succeed and rise through any challenge. UNIMAS recently had a brainstorm event together with the management and deans of every faculty. Sumbangsaran Majlis Dekan 2020, the event was held in Miri and it ran for 5 days, 16th -19th of December 2020. The purpose of the event was to strategically plan, implement, benchmark as well as standardize the quality and risk management for
the next 5 years.
The vice president of the Student Representative Council, Nurzarra ‘Ain Azmieda Binti Azamie, 24 years old from the Faculty of Economics and Business was in attendance. During the 5 days event, she urged that UNIMAS should often take things to account from the student’s perspective when building the strategic planning for the next 5 years. She also stated that any further internal problem must be improved for the benefits of the students. She added that the event was successful and she looks forward to a brighter 5 years for UNIMAS, and assured that the students are in good hands as the Universiti takes good care of the student’s
well-being.
During the interview, when asked what was the experience like traveling with the management to Miri, she found the experience to be fun and comfortable. ‘’It was easy to adapt, I was very comfortable with the staffs and deans that were there’’. She shared that, during her time there, there was a team-building experience at Niah Cave and the experience was amazing. ‘’I love it’’ she quoted.
The future is bright, I cannot wait to seem what is ahead for UNIMAS. As the Vice President of the Student Representative Council, we try our best to be the bridge between the management and the students. It has been a tough 2020, but I look forward to what’s ahead, said Nurzarra.
Student Representative Council Stands-by The Students
By Gabriel Lihan Apat Ferguson
Esther Layu Joseph, 23
Kota Samarahan: In a pandemic, we’ve seen so many trying moments, for students and educators alike it was the transition from teaching classes online to facing a screen of many tiny boxes. Some lecturers and teachers find it difficult to teach, while as for University students who were supposed to graduate found it sudden and uncertain. That was the answer given by 23 year old, civil engineering student, Esther Layu Joseph.
Esther, resides in Kuching with her parents and brother. A half Lun Bawang and Kayan girl, Esther who hopes to be an Engineer one day. She states that the sudden transition from physical to online learning was very challenging, financial struggle of spending money on mobile data and disciplining herself at home to attend classes online felt very different from studying on campus. It required a lot of effort and discipline.
She recalls her years in UNIMAS and she is thankful that UNIMAS took the initiative to celebrate her and her peer’s graduation by having a Virtual Ceremony. "It feels a little bit odd to me because for the past 3 years I’ve been seeing my friends and seniors graduate in their graduation robes, I have been waiting for the day I get to do that as well, but because of the pandemic it’s hard to conduct a graduation like we used to".
Esther’s initial plan was to find a job after graduation but it has been quite difficult as the pandemic makes it less possible to land job opportunities. However, she considers pursuing her masters or further study in occupational in safety. When asked if she had any advises to her fellow juniors, Esther with a smile states that ‘’its normal to feel overwhelmed, take things at your own pace and do the best’’, she also suggests University students to talk to their friends or family when things do get tough and time management is really important.
The pandemic has certainly changed how we do things, and the education industry has definitely had to adapt to new platforms and new systems. Celebrating students and seeing them smile like Esther has definitely put trying moments to bed.
UNIMAS Student Thankful to have Graduated Online
By Gabriel Lihan Apat Ferguson
The Chosen One poster - Photo source by UNIMAS
Kota Samarahan: Mawaddah Athilah Binti A.Khalil, a member of the Student Representative Council UNIMAS, who holds the position as the Head of Volunteerism and Community from the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts went live on Instagram with a student, Hikmah Razlan from Universiti Institute Teknologi Mara (UITM) Puncak Alam on People with Disability Day. Hikmah, a student who is blind on her left eye shared her experience with Mawaddah. The live session lasted for 1 hour 6 minutes.
During the interview with Mawaddah, there was an expression of thankfulness and awe of the personal experience shared by Hikmah. When asked what motivated Mawaddah to do the Live session with Hikmah, she shared that her goal and aim was to change the negative stigma of the public towards disable people. She has received positive feedback from the students of UNIMAS to further hold more events such as these to inspire more students alike.
Mawaddah Athilah Binti A.Khalil
Mawaddah also hopes from her Instagram Live session, that further involvement from People with Disabilities can be expanded without setting any standards or segregation between normal and disable people. She also aspires one day to create more opportunities and platforms in working sectors. She believes that technology and social media can reach out to more disable people.
Mawaddah also a student with disability was born with Conginental Lamellar Ichthyosis, a rare disorder on skin. ‘’It is basically a condition of myself which is more on physical looks, dry and fragile skin, not resistant to over heat weather’’ said Mawaddah. She also thinks that there should not be any double standard, separating disability and normal students. Students with disability also can learn, help and be independent on each other. She states that facilities in Universities have to be user friendly and reachable to both groups. She continued by saying programs and activities should be inclusive to both groups without separating their differences.
SRC Goes Live on People with Disabilities Day
By Gabriel Lihan Apat Ferguson
Mursyid Bin Osman, 21.
RAUB: The sad truth of the reality in Malaysia, as more people are struggling to earn for their daily living, there are some who resorted to working under the popular platform in the country.
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Food delivery service has been a huge demand after Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented, this is due to the fact that most people would prefer foods delivered to their home instead of opting for the pick up option.
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Mursyid Bin Osman, 21, a Food Panda delivery full time worker, shared his thoughts on the ongoing situation. He said that there was a significant difference between the amount of delivery orders that he has to fulfill before MCO started and after it was implemented.
“Since they prefer to stay at home, most orders are made using the application. This makes it easier for them to go on with their daily activities without having to worry about their daily meal,” he added.
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However, Mursyid also revealed some challenges while working in constant peak hours. The riders would have to go through a jammed road, which could delay their delivery and deliveries can also be hard to do during the heavy rain.
Ahmad Ammar Bin Mohd Yusof, 23.
As for Ahmad Ammar Bin Mohd Yusof, 23, being a Food Panda rider is a part of his part time job. As a student, he sorted to being a Food Panda delivery worker to help ease some of his financial needs for university.
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“As a student, I work to support my necessity in learning. Being a part time Food Panda rider gives me the time to balance between work and studying. Thus, it is easier for me to manage my time wisely,” he added.
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For Ahmad Ammar, the biggest challenge that he faced is the risk as a door to door delivery worker. There is a chance that the customer or the people he came to contact with have the virus, and so he practices the Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) even when he is delivering the food.
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We can see more students or youth have resorted to the food delivering service industry as it is easier to manage their time. Thus, the delivery service industry can be a breadwinner’s ticket in surviving the MCO.