Life through My Eyes

Looking Back and Sharing Again

2026-10-05T10:45:28.135+08:00

Lately, I have been trying to be a little more productive with my writing. Apart from continuing to write here on the blog, I have also been spending some time sharing things on Threads. What I find interesting is that the two platforms actually work quite well together, especially when I think about how long I have been writing online.

I started this blog back in 2009, which means I have more than 15 years of stories, experiences, photos, thoughts and random things that I have written down over the years. I never really thought of it as a collection of content that I could reuse one day. It was simply my blog. I wrote something, published it, and then moved on to the next thing. But now, when I go back and read some of those old posts, I realise just how much I have actually written and how many stories are still worth sharing.

Before Threads, I did try to explore other ways of telling these stories online. I thought about doing more on TikTok and YouTube, and I did try to get myself into that space. But I realised that I am quite self-conscious about being in front of a camera. Writing has always felt much more natural to me. I can sit down, think about what I want to say, and tell the story in my own way without having to worry too much about how I look or sound on camera. Somehow, Threads works better for me. It still allows me to tell stories, but in a way that feels much closer to what I have been doing all these years.

That is probably the part I have been enjoying most about Threads. I can go back to an old blog post, pick a particular story from it and retell it in a much shorter and simpler way. Sometimes I add an old photo or video, sometimes I change the way I tell the story, and sometimes I write it in BM instead of English. The original blog post remains as the longer version, while Threads becomes another way for people to discover the story.

It is also quite nice to see people discovering things that I wrote many years ago. Some people who come across my Threads posts probably have no idea that the longer version has been sitting on my blog for years. The same goes for my books and some of the things I have done in the past. Things that felt like old stories to me can actually be completely new to someone else.

I suppose this is also a form of reflection for me. Going through old blog posts means going back through different periods of my life. There are stories about places I have travelled to, things I have done, people I have met, work experiences, thoughts I had at a particular point in my life and plenty of other things that I had almost forgotten about. Sometimes I read an old post and think, “Oh, I remember this.” Other times, I wonder how it has already been so many years.

In a way, the blog has become my own repository of memories, information and experiences. And after all these years, I am starting to realise that I do not always need to create something completely new. There is already so much here. I can simply look back, find something interesting and give it a new life in a different format.

Of course, I do not know how long I will remain this enthusiastic about doing it. Maybe at some point I will get lazy or lose interest in posting on Threads. That is always possible. But for now, I am actually enjoying the process. I like looking back at things I have written, finding stories that I still think are worth sharing and seeing people discover them for the first time.

Maybe that is one of the unexpected benefits of having kept a blog for so long. You keep writing because you enjoy writing, but years later, you realise that you have also created a huge archive of your own life. And sometimes, an old story just needs a slightly different way of being told before it becomes a new story again.

For now, I will just keep writing here and whenever I find something interesting from the past, I will probably share it on Threads too. After all, I have 15 years of material to work with. Might as well make use of it.

If you are interested, you can also find me on Threads⁠, where I have been sharing some of these stories in a shorter format.

P.S. I guess my blog has been keeping receipts for me since 2009.

Four Days in Port Dickson

2026-09-29T16:34:43.145+08:00

From 23 to 26 September 2026, I was in Port Dickson attending a programme on communication, language and leadership. It was a pretty packed four days, with sessions covering leadership identity, communication, emotions, trust, influence, conflict, reframing and even official writing.

Some of the sessions were quite interesting, especially the ones on how we communicate with people and how easily we make assumptions. One of the things we learned was to ask questions first instead of immediately making our own interpretation of what someone says or does. It sounds simple, but I realised how often we do the o

pposite, especially when we are dealing with people at work.

There were also quite a few activities and role plays throughout the programme, which made it less of a typical sit-and-listen kind of course. I actually enjoyed the opportunity to discuss things with the other participants and hear how they approached different situations.

One of the highlights was actually on the final night. We were quite lucky because the KSU of KPT, Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Aminuddin Hassim, joined us for the evening. He spent some time with us and shared some of his experiences and tips on how to be successful in our careers. One thing he said that stuck with me was to stay positive and always look at the bright side. Nothing particularly complicated, but sometimes it is good to be reminded of something that simple.

And of course, being in Port Dickson meant I had to make some time for the beach too. 😄 I managed to do a brisk walk along Pantai Bagan Pinang, almost an hour going and coming back. So at least there was some exercise in between all the sitting, listening and talking.

Overall, it was a good four days. I came in expecting another work-related programme, but ended up learning quite a few things that I can probably use both at work and in dealing with people generally.

Now back to work. 😅

P.S. Four days went by much faster than I expected.

One Compliment Was Enough

2026-09-28T14:41:21.618+08:00

A few weeks ago, I was asked to be the MC for a ministry event involving Malaysian students who were preparing to further their studies overseas, particularly in the Middle East.

Honestly, I was a bit nervous at first. It had been quite some time since I last emceed an event, but after being asked a few times, I thought, why not? Just grab the opportunity and go for it. And I did.

The event went quite well. Of course, there were a few small mistakes here and there. I mispronounced a few names, and the programme changed along the way. But what I was most happy about was how I handled it.

I didn't panic.

I stayed calm, paid attention, adjusted when I needed to and just tried to be as professional as I could.

Maybe it sounds like nothing much, but for me, it was quite meaningful. Sometimes, you don't realise that you've changed until you are put in a situation that used to make you nervous, and suddenly, you're okay. The event eventually ended quite late, around 6.30 pm.

Then, one of the students came back to me. He told me he really admired the way I handled the event, and that he liked my voice.

Just one person. But somehow, that one compliment meant a lot to me.

We often don't know how people see the things we do. We just do our job, try our best and move on. So when someone takes the time to come up to you and say something nice, I think it's worth remembering. To that student, thank you.

I really appreciate it. And I hope you will continue doing the same. If you like something someone does, tell them. A simple compliment might mean much more than you realise. I hope you will be successful in whatever you choose to do.

And for me, I guess this was another little reminder that sometimes, progress isn't about doing something perfectly.

It's about staying calm when things don't go exactly as planned. And sometimes, one compliment is enough to make your day.

P.S. And yes, a little thank you to the AI tools out there too. 😂 I've been using them quite a lot, especially to organise my thoughts and make writing a little easier. Still my thoughts, just with a little help putting them together. 😆

The People Closest to Us

2026-09-12T21:22:13.932+08:00

Sometimes I wonder why we can be so nice to people we barely know, but somehow become a little different with the people closest to us.

With people we rarely meet, we choose our words. We are polite. We make an effort.

But with our family, siblings or close friends, maybe because we are too comfortable, we sometimes become rude, impatient or simply careless with our words.

And yes, I am guilty of this too.

Maybe it is because we know these people will still be there. We become comfortable enough to forget that even the people closest to us can still get hurt.

I have felt that way too. Sometimes, when someone I consider close treats me differently, I wonder why they can be so nice to everyone else but somehow not quite the same with me.

But then again, I remind myself that I am human too. Maybe I have made someone feel the same way without realising it.

So, perhaps this is just a reminder to myself: being comfortable with someone should never become an excuse to stop being kind.

It has been more than two months since I joined my new department. Everything felt new at first, but slowly, the people, the routine and the work are becoming familiar.

And I guess that's good.

Life keeps moving. New things become normal. Hopefully, as I settle into this new chapter, I can also become a little better at appreciating the people around me; especially the ones who are closest.

Because sometimes, the people closest to us deserve the nicest version of us too.

P.S. I guess being close to someone means they get to see the real you. Just remember not to make them regret getting that close. 😅

A Different Kind of Session

2026-08-28T17:33:40.258+08:00

We had a group of students visiting from the AEI-ASEM Summer School and Symposium come to BHA the other day. Usually for these visits we do the standard thing. Someone gives a welcome speech. Someone gives a briefing. The students sit and listen and maybe ask a question or two if there is time.

This time my superior let me plan it differently. He trusted me to try something else instead of just talk and speech from us.

Still new in this department. So that trust meant a lot more to me than I expected it to. Not even a month or two in and already being handed a room full of international students and told go ahead, do it your way.

None of it would have come together without the team either. The ones setting up the room, printing the flip charts, making sure everything was in place before the students even walked in. I get to write about the part where I stood at the back and watched, but that only happened because other people were doing the parts that never make it into the story.

So instead of another round of formal Q&A we did a mini workshop. Small groups, one question each to sit with. Questions like what makes a country a good partner in international education, or what one Asia Europe student programme they would design if they could.

I did not expect much honestly. Maybe polite answers, a few sentences, done. But they came out with drawings. Discussions that ran longer than the time we gave them. Points they genuinely wanted to highlight.

Then came the gallery walk. Papers went up on the wall, everyone walked around reading, groups took turns presenting. Even the quieter ones were leaning in, asking questions, adding their own thoughts on the spot.

I stood at the back for most of it and just watched. There is a certain kind of happiness in seeing something you planned actually work.

After that we walked them over to the KPT library, did the usual photo session. But the part that stayed with me was earlier, the students hunched over flip chart paper, figuring out what to draw.

Small session. But I think I will remember this one for a while.

P.S. still finding my feet in this new office. Days like this help. Haha.

Coming Back, But Not Quite the Same

2026-08-26T17:00:43.130+08:00

I always seem to write about things a little later. Maybe I need some time to actually understand what happened before I can write about it. So, here I am, almost one month after starting my new journey at the Ministry of Higher Education, in the International Relations Division.

One month already.

Honestly, I am still learning. Not just about the work, but also about adjusting myself back into life in Malaysia and working in Malaysia again. I know it sounds a bit funny to say that I need to adjust after only being away for two years. But I think those two years changed me quite a lot.

In Perth, I had a different kind of working life. I had quite a lot of autonomy. I was leading things on my own, making decisions, solving problems and figuring things out as I went along. Sometimes I had to make a decision because there was simply nobody else there to make it for me. Haha.

Now, I am back in Malaysia. And yes, things are different. There is a structure. There is a hierarchy. There are processes. There are people to consult and things that need to go through the proper channels. Some of the work itself feels familiar because I am still working around international engagement, education and people. But the way things are done can be very different.

I guess that is part of what I need to relearn. It is not about saying one way is better than the other. It is just different. And maybe this is one of the biggest lessons from the first month.

You need to be a fast learner.

You need to be ready.

You need to listen, observe and understand before you start thinking that you already know everything.

I have also realised that the experience in Perth did not really end when I left Perth. Some of the things I learned there are still with me. The confidence, the ability to communicate with different people, the experience of dealing with different situations and the networks that I built. They are still part of me.

I think I have changed too.

I feel more relaxed now.

Maybe because I have discovered more about myself in the last two years. I met so many different people. I made some wonderful friendships. I experienced trust, disappointment, kindness, support and all the complicated things that come with human relationships. And I think my understanding of friendship has changed.

The way I trust people has changed.

The way I look at people and relationships has changed.

Maybe I am not as quick to give everything to everyone anymore. But at the same time, I have also learned to appreciate the people who genuinely show up for me.

I think that is growth too.

Coming back to Malaysia feels a little strange sometimes. Everything is familiar, but I am not exactly the same person who left two years ago. Maybe that is why this adjustment takes some time.

I am learning the new environment.

I am learning the work.

I am learning the system.

And, somehow, I am still learning myself.

One month is probably too early to say where this journey is going to take me.

So for now, I will just keep learning, keep adapting and do my best.

Let’s see what happens next.

P.S. One month only and I already have so many things to learn. Haha. I guess that is not a bad thing after all. :)

July Comes to a Close

2026-08-19T09:01:51.265+08:00

I wrote this in July last year and never got around to posting it. Reading it again now I realise it still holds, so here it is, a little late.

July is finally coming to an end and it feels like I have lived several different lives in just one month. It began with the MALEAD programme where MASCA student leaders from all over Australia gathered together. There is something about being around young leaders that leaves me inspired. They come with stories, ideas and an energy that fills the room. Watching them connect and share reminded me why I do this work and why these moments matter.

From there I flew to Brisbane for the Muafakat Games and it was a completely different experience. The energy was louder, brighter, full of cheers and laughter echoing across the fields and halls. Seeing everyone come together like that made me feel like I was part of a much bigger family, far from home but still somehow at home. I caught myself smiling in between the busy moments, soaking in the warmth of that community.

Then came the official visit to Darwin with Her Excellency and Hawa. The pace shifted. The air felt calmer and the days were more reflective. There were official meetings and duties to carry out but in between them were small pauses where I realised how unusual and meaningful this life has become. Traveling for work can be tiring but it also leaves you with moments that stay in your memory long after the schedules are done.

I returned to Perth briefly, long enough to sink back into regular work. The desk, the emails, the familiar rhythm of the office all felt grounding after weeks of moving around. It did not last long. Soon I was back in the air again, this time to Sydney for team building and strategic planning with the rest of the team.

That trip carried a weight I did not feel before. It finally sank in that Hawa and Kak Dayang have finished their term. The next time I come to Sydney they will not be there anymore. The laughter, the small moments over coffee, the warmth they brought to every visit are now just memories. I am happy for them and proud of what they have done but I cannot help feeling the quiet sadness of this chapter closing. Sydney will never feel quite the same again.

July has been a whirlwind of airports, hotel rooms, meetings and memories. I am exhausted but also deeply grateful. If this month has taught me anything it is that life moves fast and some moments only happen once. The people we meet along the way leave their mark and even when the journey continues they stay in our story.

P.S. Already missing Hawa and Kak Dayang and carrying the soft echo of July with me into August.

Settling In, Again.

2026-08-15T12:10:42.080+08:00

It has been a while.

A few months already since I came back to Malaysia. Time really flies. It feels like only yesterday I was still in Perth, packing things, trying to settle everything before leaving and now I am already back in Malaysia.

A lot of things have happened since then. My things have arrived. I have my house. I have my car. Slowly, life is starting to feel a bit more settled again. Technically, I think most of the things are already in place for me to start my life here again.

But then again, life is never really that simple. There is always something else to try. Recently, I tried for another opportunity to continue my studies. I started preparing quite early this time and I think that was already a good thing for me. At least I had enough time to prepare myself and think about what I wanted to say.

But after the interview, honestly, I didn’t really feel that this would be my time. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I was right. I don’t know. But this time, I am okay with it.

I think I learned something from the experience. Not everything we try will happen immediately and maybe that is okay too. I still want to continue studying, and I am still looking for the opportunity to do so. I guess I just need to keep trying.

Work has also been quite interesting since I came back. Things move quite fast and I think I need to run a little faster too. There are many new things to learn, many things to understand and sometimes I feel like I am trying to catch up with everything at the same time.

But things are good. I have a good boss who is very much into teaching and guiding. I really appreciate that because there are so many things that I don’t know yet. So, I am trying my best to keep up and learn as much as I can.

I think being open is important. Open to new experiences. Open to learning new things. Open to new skills and knowledge. After being in Perth for almost two years, coming back here is another kind of learning experience. Different place, different people, different work environment and different expectations.

And I guess that is what keeps things interesting.

I also miss home. Funny, right? I am already back in Malaysia but I haven’t really had much time to go back to Kedah. Since coming back, there have always been things to settle and work has been moving quite quickly. Hopefully next week I can finally make the journey back.

I want to see my mom and dad. I want to see my family. I just want to be there for a while.

Sometimes, you don’t really realise how much you miss home until you haven’t been there for a while.

So, here I am. Back in Malaysia. Still trying to figure things out. Still learning. Still looking for the next opportunity. But this time, I think I am a little more relaxed about where things are going.

Maybe I don’t need to have everything figured out just yet.

Settling in, again.

PS: Kedah, I am coming home. Yeeha! 😆

2026 — what is coming, I guess I am ready.

2026-01-16T11:20:00.005+08:00

2025 feels so fast. But then again, I say this every year.

Still, when I pause and really think about it, 2025 was full in ways I didn’t expect. I crossed a new boundary last year, one that I honestly never thought I was capable of. Being in Perth pushed me, especially socially. I showed up to events, some by instruction, some by choice. I learned that growth often begins with discomfort and confidence is something you build by doing, not waiting.

Work in 2025 gave me space to contribute beyond my comfort zone. Collaborations, engagements and relationships slowly took shape. November stood out — helping to introduce the first Malaysia festival in Perth, Journey to Malaysia, felt surreal. At the same time, being involved with Malaysia Fest in Sydney and Colours of Malaysia in Melbourne reminded me how meaningful it is to see ideas turn into something real, shared and celebrated.

I travelled a lot. So much that, at one point, dates and time zones no longer mattered. What mattered was being present, arriving on time and delivering what was expected. Movement became normal. Stillness became something I learned to appreciate only when it appeared.

And now, 2026 is here.

This year somehow feels the same as any other day. Quiet. Normal. Less about proving and more about understanding. I feel like I’m entering 2026 with better awareness of my limits, my strengths and the pace that truly works for me. I’ve learned that not everything needs to be rushed and not every opportunity needs to be taken at once.

I hope time will allow me to work with more clarity, manage my energy better and build relationships that are not just wide, but deep.

I may not know everything that’s coming.

But I’m ready to walk into it.

P.S. Finally, I visited Paris and it really was magical.

Muafakat Games 2025 — A Quiet Reflection Before Leaving Brisbane

2025-08-03T17:20:00.003+08:00

Here I am again, sitting at the airport. The same familiar pause before boarding: tired legs, full heart and a mind that’s still playing catch-up with everything that just happened.

Muafakat Games 2025 has just wrapped up in Brisbane. This was my first time joining and facilitating the event and truthfully, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I have attended many student programmes before but this one had a different kind of energy; one that felt a lot more personal.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this wasn’t just another sports carnival. It was a full-blown student-led movement with structure, heart and momentum. Malaysian students from all over Australia came together with a shared purpose: to play, to lead, to support and to connect. And they did all that and more.

I had the privilege of witnessing it all up close, the preparation, the stress, the early mornings and late nights and that feeling of “eh kita boleh buat ni sebenarnya” that quietly spread among the team.

I have to say, credit goes where credit’s due.

Dr Fahmi, Director of Education Malaysia Australia, gave space for this event to breathe. His trust in the students and his understanding of how important leadership opportunities are for their growth, really shaped how the whole thing unfolded. That kind of trust isn’t always easy to give but it makes a difference when it’s there.

To Hawa, thank you for being the quiet engine behind so much of what got done. You were dependable, thoughtful and always ready to pick up the slack without ever needing the spotlight. People like you keep things moving forward, even when it’s tough. And to Kak Dayang, your warmth and presence made a real difference. You brought heart into every interaction and your care didn’t go unnoticed. Sometimes just knowing someone like you is in the room makes everything feel a bit more grounded.

To Mr Razin, the student advisor. Calm, efficient and quietly in control. I think a lot of people don’t realise how important that kind of steady presence is — but I saw it and I appreciated it. He did the job and he did it well.

As for me, I helped where I could. But honestly, I learnt more than I gave. I was reminded again that sometimes our role isn’t to lead every moment, but to listen, to support and to make sure others have the room to shine. I saw students stepping up in ways they probably didn’t expect from themselves. I saw mistakes turn into lessons. I saw growth in real time.

It reminded me of my early teaching days when my Year 6 students were about to sit for UPSR and I couldn’t bring myself to tell them I was leaving for the UK. I just wanted them to focus, to finish well. Sometimes, the best support is quiet. The best leadership is invisible.

To all the students who made Muafakat Games 2025 happen:

I hope you remember this week not just for the games or the medals, but for how it made you feel. The pride. The exhaustion. The small wins and the hard decisions. That’s where the growth is. That’s what stays.

I leave Brisbane with tired shoulders, a bit of a sore throat and a heart that’s quietly full.

I’m heading back to Perth soon. Meetings are already waiting, emails piling up as usual. But I’ll carry this one with me for a while.

p/s: Brisbane is amazing city!

Reflections in Transit

2025-07-02T21:08:00.002+08:00

Here I am again, sitting at the airport. It feels like a familiar scene by now. Whether I believe it or not, I was posted here at the end of September 2024, and now it is already the end of June 2025 which means I have been in Perth for about nine months.

In that period, I have travelled back and forth to Sydney more times than I ever expected. I genuinely thought I would not need to move around this much, that I could simply settle into one place and build my rhythm there. However, the nature of this role continues to demand that I am present in more places than I initially planned for and in ways I did not quite anticipate.

The past few weeks have been intense. There has been a constant stream of events to manage, people to lead and countless responsibilities to navigate whether in the diplomatic sense or from an educational perspective. It has tested me on many levels. Sometimes pushing me far beyond my comfort zone.

What I am realising, while juggling all these pieces, is how much I am learning about myself. I have discovered new layers of my own capability, resilience and adaptability. There have been moments when I genuinely doubted whether I could manage everything, yet somehow I did and that matters. It makes me wonder what else I might be able to take on in the future and what opportunities might lie ahead.

Dr. Kit came to stay with me in Perth for a quick seven weeks and during that time we managed to explore many places across Western Australia and even made a trip to Sydney together. While in Sydney, we met Dr. Sarah and her family, who was one of Dr. Kit’s former students. Dr. Kit also contributed meaningfully to several education events along the way and had the chance to meet some of my colleagues and friends, which made the experience even more memorable.

For now, I am reminding myself to appreciate what is here in front of me, to stay present while still allowing my mind to explore what could come next. Airports have a way of making me pause and reflect, of reminding me how far I have come, how far I still wish to go an

d how life will continue moving forward whether I feel ready or not.

P.S. Missing home but also missing the people along the way.

Resetting the Mind, One Step at a Time

2025-05-04T21:14:00.008+08:00

This week, I have just been trying to ease myself back into routine, mentally and physically after spending a short week at home in Malaysia. Funny how I did not realise how much I actually missed home until I was already back here in Perth. It was not a long trip but it was important. It reminded me of the kind of comfort that no other place can quite offer.

Since coming back, I have been picking up my walking habit again, early mornings and later in the evening. Nothing ambitious, just some quiet time to collect myself.

Then something unexpected happened over the weekend.

I was walking near Ascot Waters, same route I have passed so many times. But this time, out of nowhere, I spotted a dolphin. A dolphin! Just swimming around near the boats, close to the flats. It looked like it had lost its way, maybe strayed from the ocean, but there it was. Playfully circling in this strange, quiet part of the river.

It was surreal. So close, so real. I just stood there and watched. For a moment, the world paused. It felt like magic.

Maybe that is what I needed, a quiet reminder that even in all this adjusting and readjusting, there is still wonder around me. I just have to keep looking.

And yes, there is quite a bit to plan for the coming month. Things are picking up again and I really hope everything will fall into place smoothly.

P.S. I really need to focus on writing a bit more. That is on me.

Balik Kampung: Perth to Malaysia and Back

2025-04-27T22:36:00.000+08:00

Sometimes you don’t realize how far you’ve gone until you come home.

On the flight back to Perth now. I feel sad. I don’t know how to explain it properly. It’s a different kind of sadness this time.

I’ve traveled before. But working and living in Perth, it hits differently. Maybe it’s because I feel… older. Maybe it’s seeing my parents getting older. Maybe it’s just life moving forward.

The life I have in Perth, somehow, makes me feel like I’ve been leaving them for too long. When I meet everyone again, things are not the same. Maybe I’m not the same either.

But being home is always good. I had some time to catch up with my family which are my mom, my brothers and sisters. Mom looks sad. Maybe she feels the time too.

Managed to meet my teenage best friend, Rohaizat. And my closest friends Saiful, Hazman and a few more familiar faces. Felt like old times… but at the same time, not really.

One thing I really needed to do was to visit our old house. I went through some of my old stuff.nBoxes from so many chapters of my life: PTD training days, Kampung Kenang, studying in the UK, IPG years and a lot more.

It felt weird. Like, all those memories were just… sitting there, waiting. I kept so much. Too much maybe.

And maybe… it’s about time to let some of it go.bNot because I want to forget but because I need to make space for what’s coming next.

Balik kampung always reminds me of where I come from will always be part of me. But life, somehow, keeps asking us to keep moving.

And I guess… that’s okay.

P.S: Thank you Mak, Abah, Nasier and Hamidah, Anas and little baby El for sending me off at the airport today. Small moments like these mean more to me than I can ever say.

Six Months in Perth: Time, Challenges and Small Victories

2025-04-05T22:35:00.001+08:00

Believe it or not, it has been six months since I was posted to Perth, Australia. Time really moves fast, sometimes too fast and it still feels surreal. There are moments when I just stop and wonder if any of this is actually happening. But I guess that’s just how I process things sometimes.

What’s crazy this time around is how fast I’ve been learning. I mean, I’ve always said that I pick things up quickly but this time it feels like I’ve been on some kind of accelerated mode. It’s not just about learning new systems or routines, it’s about absorbing the culture, the rhythm of life here, the expectations and everything in between.

The real challenge though isn’t just the learning part. It’s about staying motivated to keep planning, to keep discovering, to manage time wisely, to think ahead and honestly to manage my own emotions and feelings. That’s a whole job on its own.

And now that it’s Ramadan, I realise that managing Ramadan in Perth is actually one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far. When I first arrived, I heard about the ongoing struggles with organising 30 days of iftar at Malaysia Hall. It sounded exhausting just thinking about it. So early on, I decided to take a different approach, one that would hopefully change the landscape a little.

I suggested the idea of forming a new kind of community, one that could unite both the Muslim community in Perth and the student community here. Alhamdulillah, it worked. They managed to establish a new group called MUSSWA: Malaysian Ummah and Student Society of Western Australia and together they’ve done an incredible job managing Ramadan at Malaysia Hall. From iftar to tarawih, everything has been handled with care, sincerity and teamwork.

One of the best things that came out of it was the opportunity to bring in religious officers from Malaysia not just to Perth, but also to our Malaysia Halls in Melbourne and Sydney. They’ve helped lead tarawih prayers and supported other Islamic activities around Malaysia Hall, creating a meaningful environment for both students and the local community. And honestly, it was beautiful to see.

Over the past six months, I’ve faced quite a few uphill battles, especially when it comes to managing Malaysia Hall. There’s still so much to be done. And I’m not going to lie, sometimes it gets overwhelming just thinking about it.

On top of that, there’s the responsibility of handling student bodies in Perth and across Western Australia. And then there’s the unspoken part: managing people’s expectations. That’s a big one. Because no matter how much you do, there will always be this quiet pressure that you should do more, be more, deliver more. And yeah, sometimes I want to. But I can’t make things happen like magic. That’s just not how the world works.

I believe in giving things time. I know I’ve done my part the best I can within these six months. But I also reflect a lot. And in typical me fashion, I tend to dwell more on the things I haven’t done, instead of celebrating the things I have achieved. Maybe that’s just how I keep pushing myself. Or maybe that’s something I need to work on too.

PS: But yeah. That’s where I’m at right now. Still moving, still figuring things out. And still learning, always.

Beginning of 2025

2025-01-03T22:30:00.002+08:00

Wow, it’s already 2025. Out of nowhere, I think. I came to Perth in September, and since then, everything has been moving very, very fast. I’ve learned so much—new things, in a different country, and in the diplomatic world, especially focusing on education. The pace felt so fast before, but towards the end of the year, and now, early this year, I finally have a bit of time to reflect and think about what I’ve learned.

Here are three main things that I’ve realized from this experience, especially in 2024, as I move into the new year:

• Planning is crucial.

Planning is such an important tool. It sounds simple—everyone says, “Plan,” but do you actually do it? Do you write down what will happen for the event you want to organize, or for your life, daily routines, or bigger goals? Do you take a step back and see things from a helicopter view? Being here made me realize how essential planning is and how much better things flow when you really commit to it.

• Time moves so fast.

I mean, we all know this, but sometimes it feels like 24 hours is just never enough. Every blink of an eye, things keep moving. That’s why it’s so important to stay aware of what you’re doing. At the same time, it’s also a reminder not to waste time focusing on failures or negativity. Dwelling on those things doesn’t help. Instead, the best use of time is finding solutions and moving forward.

• Building relationships and trust takes effort.

Whether it’s with family, friends, colleagues, or even people you’ve just met, trust is the most important thing. But trust isn’t something you build once and then forget about. It’s a constant process, even with people you’ve known for many, many years. Relationships need nurturing, care, and effort, no matter how strong they already seem.

That’s all. I’m very glad that 2025 has already arrived. I feel excited to see what this year will bring, especially experiencing more in Perth. Hopefully, I’ll be able to achieve my plans, manage my time well, and build the right relationships along the way.

P.S. Perth is cool and simple.

More than 2 months in Perth

2024-12-20T22:28:00.005+08:00

It has been more than two months now since I arrived in Perth, Australia. Time really flies. Working with Education Malaysia Australia (EMA) has really made me see myself in a different light. Honestly, I did not expect this experience to be just about learning the culture here in Perth, but I also got the chance to travel to other places. I have been to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, and every place had its own story and lessons.

What is really surprising is how much I have been able to push myself. I have stepped out of my comfort zone in so many ways. Socially, I have been able to connect with people naturally, deliver messages confidently, and just be present. These are things I was not so sure I could do before, but now they feel almost second nature.

One of the best parts of this journey has been working with students directly. In Perth, I have had the chance to guide and support Malaysian students here. But what is even more exciting is when I travelled to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne—I got to meet student leaders and students from other states as well. It is interesting to see how they grow in their own unique environments. The great thing is, no matter where they are, they carry that strong sense of being Malaysian. They thrive in multicultural and multireligious settings, and it is inspiring to witness.

Another incredible experience was visiting universities—not just in Western Australia but in other states too. These visits opened my eyes to how the higher education system works here. It is important because when you want to support and connect with students, you also need to understand the system they are navigating. By learning more about these institutions, I feel more equipped to help and guide the students better.

What is even more exciting is the vision of my director—to create programs that bring students together across states and even across the country. Whether it is playing sports, having leadership workshops, or just connecting through shared experiences, I believe it can really open their minds. It helps them step out of rigid perspectives and embrace new ideas.

It has been a journey of growth—not just for the students but for me too. And I am excited to see what is next because this is just the beginning.

PS: Detect; Protect = Perfect

Malaysia Tanah Air Tercinta

2024-09-22T21:40:00.002+08:00

Another journey to Wales

2024-08-15T18:30:00.002+08:00

Isn’t it amazing to learn and understand a culture other than the one that we are used to? I am so glad that this time around I a wonderful sweet time with Dr Kit and family to spend more time learning about the Welsh culture.

I travelled to the UK this time to say goodbye before starting my new adventure in Australia. To be honest I am very nervous thinking what is coming next in the chapter of my professional life. As much as you think you have experienced a lot, still inside of me, I am still that Hafiz - the same one that I know.

I managed to get 10 days off from work and travelled to the UK from 27 July 2024 to 5 August 2024. Dr Kit is such an important role model for me. I am sometimes jealous of how he manages to keep motivating himself to do so many new things. He’s been teaching, consulting, marking, social care and now he is about to be a magistrate! Isn’t it amazing? Me? The only thing I am good at is to doubting myself the whole time! (haha)

We spent time in South Wales this time, from venturing in the beauty of the beach in Monk Nash Point up to reminiscing about the time we had in Cardiff Bay. I even had some time in Caerphilly this time - interesting town with the largest castle ever!

The best was the visit to Breacon Agricultural Show 2024 where I had the chance to see and experience agricultural life in South Wales. Looking at the farm animals, watching local competitions for baking, decorating sandwiches and many more. The moment they started the motorbike show and the parachute- that just stole all the attention! Amazing to spend a summer in Wales.

Ooo not to forget that I also went to the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd. Amazing event organisation from the car park up to the simultaneous events that happened. I was amazed by the level of commitment given by the community to make it successful. Some people come for the experience of enjoying the event, some come for the competition and some come to support their family and friends.

With so many world issues that are arising lately, I am happy and thankful to be surrounded by so many loving and caring people.

Ps: enjoying watching the Olympics this time around as well!

Bon Voyage Sektor Penilaian Kompetensi (SPK)

2024-08-08T21:53:00.009+08:00

I was very nervous to go back to my office in JPA. I could feel my heart beating fast and I had goosebumps. After about a month and a half, I was invited for a bon voyage event. I think a part of me still cannot process that I have already moved out to a different ministry and left JPA behind. When I arrived, I hesitated to knock the door. I remember breathing in and out hard to put myself together to have the bravery to face the reality.

Once I started to see everyone in the room, seeing the smiles and familiar faces, the nervousness and panic were gone. I was so happy to be there. I felt relieved and relaxed. I felt appreciated and supported.

The event was organised well. There was so much delicious food and drink; there were decorations and music, and everyone was there! I was touched and speechless with everyone’s effort to make the event happened. The event started with a prayer, then a speech from En. Matori and then speech from me. En. Matori gave a significant speech that brought tears to my eyes. During my speech,I think I was not able to truly deliver the speech in my right mind. I was too sad. My heart was filled with a wave of emotions that swept through my mind. I said what I said. I appreciated the time we worked together. We actually bonded closely and it felt so hard to accept the fact that I will need to move on with a different team, in a different environment.

To make a surprise, I brought presents for everyone. Instead of giving them similar presents, I decided to get 16 different presents as parting souvenirs and wrapped them individually. I numbered the presents and got my colleagues to draw the number. We had so much fun. I did this before when we had a workshop in Kuala Selangor. So, I prepared this activity just to recollect the moment and happiness we had before.

I truly treasure the time we had together. So I would like to say thak you again to everyone: En. Matori, Pn Marhaini, En. Fikrie, Pn. Siti, Norain, Haniff, Akmal, Haslindawati, Rosmiati, Suriati Haryati, Syafiq Aidil, Nik Rafiq, Amirah Najwa, Shareena, Azmatun and Noriyah. I would like to say thank you to everyone that I worked with who comes and goes in this particular sector.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

How do you cure your disappointment?

2024-07-09T20:55:00.000+08:00

I have been trying to write about this for quite a while. I found it is a bit hard to write as I try not to offend anyone, especially when you know that you sometimes write based on the immediate event that happens around you. Some people, if they care to read my blog, might think it is personal and it is about them. Somehow the point of reflecting in this blog is more about me expressing thoughts that I have, rather than talking about people.

Anyway, I, as a normal human being have had the experience of feeling disappointed or being let down by people. No matter how many times I told myself to separate the feeling from professionalism, I still somehow get to feel it. I tend to blame myself and guilt trip myself to feel it was because of me and my own fault. I think disappointment relates closely to our expectations. We expect positively and think that things will go our way but then the opposite happens.

I try as much as possible to do things without too much expectation but with positivity. But I always fail when it is involves other people. You always want to believe that what you give you will get back. But it will never be that simple. What you give, you might not get back straight away but you might get it back later on after feeling down and depressed. Going through the moment of feeling down and depressed is the hardest part and somehow you need to pull yourself together and keep moving forward.

I guess the best way is just to keep going. Face the difficulties, face the problems even when you think you can’t. Even when things seem so dark and overwhelming. Keep pushing yourself and have a tiny understanding that time will heal and problems will be solved!

PS: easy peasy to say but difficult to do 🤭

home for a short holiday

2024-06-27T17:08:00.000+08:00

I went back to Kedah for a holiday and also to celebrate Eid (Aidil Adha).

I had a long weekend this time and my parents have moved to a new house located nearby Simpang Empat Kangkung, Kedah. This house is literally in the middle of paddy fields.

Being here definitely is something that I look forward to every time. Interestingly, even though I am not born to be a farmer, I love these surroundings. The view, the air, the birds, the wind and the scenery of Gunung Jerai were really breathtaking. My dad and my mom both are very happy with their decision to move there. We are also really happy with it.

It feels like there are more things to do: to plant, to fish and also to farm chickens. I enjoyed walking down the road every evening as well as riding the motorcycle around the village - what an amazing thing to do.

The Eid celebration was quite simple and easy this year. All of my siblings were home except for one of my brothers. You know what, sometime you just want to be there and to be around your family after a hectic time in the busyness of work and life in the city.

ps: have you tried talking to chicken or fish?

Anyhow, I am still here!

2024-06-15T21:58:00.007+08:00

I can never stop reflecting I guess. I have not been writing for a while here in this blog but I am back now.

Have you ever wondered why sometimes our intuition gives us some sign? And even though we know it we still try to ignore it? I have experienced this many times. Simple example - you go to a restaurant and you look around and feel uncomfortable about something that you see but you still go ahead with ordering food - then, guess what? It's a disaster!

However, no matter how things happen to you - life is still needs to go on. You still need to make sure you wake up every morning and get ready for a new daily adventure.

I am now moving on to a new journey in my professional life. It’s very exciting to see where this adventure will lead me. At the same time, I am also very nervous about it as well! As per usual, deep inside of me, I am always not confident and feeling scared. The next journey will definitely bring me to a new learning experience.

ps: have you ever wondered why sometimes life feels like a magic?

How do you decide i am your enemy?

2023-11-20T14:52:00.003+08:00

How do you decide i am your enemy?

Is it my mind that bothers you?

Is it my laugh that annoys you?

Is it my heart that disappoint you?

How do you decide i am your enemy?

Is it the way I talk

Is it the way i walk

Is it the way i thought

How do you decide i am your enemy?

Is my laugh disturbs you

Is my smile disturbs you

Is my gigle disturbs you

How do you decide i am your enemy

Is the way i move make you uncomfortable

Is the way I breathe make you suffocate

Is the way i glare make you blink

How do you decide I am your enemy

I learn that I can never make you or anyone satisfied

I learn that I can always find peace for myself

I learn that I can always improve myself without impressing yourself

Hate is not a solution

Hate is not to celebrate

Hate is not the way to move forward

I will never understand

2023-10-27T22:51:00.003+08:00

I will never understand

how you are still strong

how you are standing tall

how you are rising up

even

torture after torture

bully after bully

killing after killing

I will never understand

how you wipe your tears everyday

how you persuade your heart to wake up every morning

how you convince yourself that tomorrow will be the day

Oh Palestinian

I will never understand the suffering

I will never understand the heart break

I will never understand the sorrow

No matter how much sadness I endured; never can be compared to yours

No matter how much pain I resisted; never ever be compared to yours

No matter how much loneliness I felt; never ever be compared to yours

I will never truly understand the pain; the darkness; the pressure; the grief

I will never truly understand the cries; the screams; the nightmare; the stab

I will never truly understand the anger; the frustration; the discomfort; the hurt

I will never understand

but I will never stop praying

I will never understand

but I will never stop believing

I will never understand

but I will never stop caring

#freePalestine

The time in Japan last year (September 2022)

2023-08-20T21:33:00.009+08:00

It's almost a year since I am back from Japan. To be honest, I have so many memories of Japan but it is only now that I feel like I should put something here in my blog. As per usual, my only reason for not updating the blog is because of feeling lack of motivation in sharing the reflections. Reflections were still occurring, but for a while they were not here in this blog.

I went to Japan under the Management Training Programme for Junior Officers from 13 September 2023 to 1 October 2023. I went there with a group of officers selected to participate in the programme. It’s almost a year now since I am back. This writing is just a taste of what I want to write and I will definitely keep writing about it in the future.

Time is precious

I think we all know this and it’s definitely not something new anymore. The Japanese still take this maxim really deep and hard. Time management is everything and turning up early is so important. If you should be there at 8:30 in the morning, 8:15 is already considered late! They will call you, text you and try to find where you are.

Vending machines are everywhere

The idea of vending machines in every corner might be new to us in Malaysia. But in Japan, I think they are everywhere. In parking lots, in the lobby, outside of a mall. I think they are almost in every corner. They are so well prepared and well equipped so that wherever you are, you can find drinks or food to eat. Knowing Japan's natural disasters, I can never blame them for being over prepared!

So humble!

I cried a little experiencing how humble Japanese people are. I never felt so touched before compared to this visit. It was so genuine and the culture of humility is evident in every Japanese person.

PS: I hope I will be back in Japan in the future. Too much to explore!