The Terminal

Note: To those who are uncertain of their goals, those who are having exams, those who are lost in the vast sea and simply those who are seeking for the light of guidance.

Everyone is waiting for something in his/her life. In our hearts, we have a terminal. People come and people go, just like the airplanes in the airport. We meet up some in an unexpected way, and we leave some in an inevitable way.

It's always hard to say goodbye, when we are leaving those we love at gate C43, yet, it's equally difficult to wave hello to a new acquaintance at gate A40. Still, we have to take it with an open mind and a warm heart. Life goes on.

New things, new people, new expeditions, bring a profound and exciting experience to us.
Old things, old friends, old memories, keep a sweet, yet intangible pictures of the past in the ebb and flow of our minds.

Memory is like a good wine, which tastes good as time goes by. It's not meant for us to keep taking it out and look at it, but instead, meant for us to remember the things which made us who we are today, once in a while.

So often, we whine and complain about the injustices being done upon us, and we tend to forget to seek for the gems in the stones. We get hit and we bleed, but usually the gems are hiding in the stones, and after sometimes, only then we will realise, we have become stronger and braver than before.

Things happen for a reason. Only when we turn around, we will understand it. Experience brings us here, but hope bring us to our destinations. A place where our hearts are belonged to.

Be a thinker, an observer and a dreamer. Don't be afraid of the thorns, for the roses are within your grab. Hold on tight at the cliff and have faith in reaching the peak.

A book once whispered to me, "It's not how hard you get hit, it's about how hard you get hit and bounce back. The harder u are hit, the higher u can bounce."

To quote a phrase from Paulo, "To realise one's Personal Legend is a person's only obligation".

Ces't la vie.

First Attempt on Malaysiakini (Chinese) -当今大马

Disclaimer: This piece of article is written based on the author's personal experience and observations. Due to its highly controversial nature, reader discretion is advised.

全面探讨公共服务局奖学金
黄翰斌 | 5月28日 中午12点11分

又是一年一度公共服务局（JPA）海外奖学金发放的季节。随着越来越多优异生登报、上电视，内阁已同意接管JPA奖学金，并将改名为首相奖学金，接着将检讨奖学金的录取标准及遴选机制，以期达到一个公平和透明化的制度。

Read more on here

不知道的路

似乎很久都没以华文来书写文章了。突然决定使用，也不知是怎么一回事。总之，近来，所做的一切，也都好像没什么逻辑，亦无法以常理去明白。

其实，命运这东西，也真的无法去掌握，也不是你我可以呼之则来，挥之则去的。通常，你心中非常渴望的，都是难以实现，如果不是无法成真的话。反之，你不太想，或者不太去放心思下去的，则会在弹指之间发生。或许，这就是所谓的，“有心种花花不发，无心插柳柳成荫”吧！

现在的我，已经变得些许功利，变得少许现实，也变得多少虚荣了。何时发生？坦白说，我也不知道。说起来，可真是好笑。童话故事里的美好，我仍相信，但也多了份怀疑。

这可以追朔到07年吧。一个充满戏剧性的转涙点。

很“幸运”地被遴选到国民服役。就在SPM成绩放榜后的一个星期里。根本就没有充足的时间去思考未来的去向，也没有足够的时间去考虑申请奖学金。除了JPA，TNB，Petronas，Telekom，ASEAN外，也就没什么多余的时间剩下。

进了营，看尽了人生百态。一个含有各种背景人士的社会缩影。一有空档，就为面试准备。不断阅报，还叫家人带点儿时事杂志近来。怎知道，希望落空了。梦想破碎。

我不想要过像同期同学的未来去路。我也入读过中六两个礼拜。我看到的，芙蓉中六，只会让我更为容易满足于现状。新加坡，则是最远的外地留学。糊里糊涂下，我选择了A-levels。

我决定，与命运赌一局。因为，若选择了A-levels，本地大学，就不再是我去的地方了。

结果，命运的转折，让我看到了希望。在偶然下，我遇见了位平凡的贵人。我知道了UCAS，我认识了Mabecs，结交了论坛友人。

在不知道有否钱前往UK继续念书，我申请了UCAS。在不知是否会被Imperial录取，我也参考了网上Personal Statement写法， 以及友人的意见后，也冒了个险，申请了。

在不知道有多少机构提供奖学金，我尽我能力，参与许多活动，协助提高自己的价值。在不知道会否被叫去任何的面试，我亦不断找人练英文。

就像大马电子奇才潘建成所说，“今天之所以会成功，是因为之前做对了许多事”。

很多的不知道，才造就了今天的不一样。

看着一些同期同学正烦着会否被属意的本地大学录取，我知道我做对了。
看着一些满足于现状的友人，我庆幸我走了一条布满荆棘的路。

说到不知道，又有一则故事分享。那时候，不知道会否被Imperial录取，而新加坡NTU的截止日期近在眉睫，在父亲半推半催下，也申请了。（其实，不太钟情于新加坡，不是好高鹜远，而是不喜欢那里的人眼里只有绩效，崇拜精英主义（elitism))

没有申请奖学金，却奇迹般被叫去。原本无心向往，也就不想浪费别人的机会。可是，想到呆在家里也无所事事，就当着是磨练自己胆量吧，顺道去Pavillion KL 走一趟。

一星期后，获知得到了南洋奖学金。或许是幸运吧。

一位朋友说，“相信自己，相信命运”。或许有些东西，真的是冥冥中注定了吧。

可是，现在又有了个难题。得到了别人梦寐以求的奖学金，英国之梦却遥遥无期。想放弃新加坡，继续发梦。问了十个，十个都说我疯颠、不理智、高傲、傻仔等标签。就连父母与亲戚也如此说。

当然，这不是怪责他们不谅解。因为，若是换个角度来看，我也觉得我自己太傻，放掉一个如此好的优惠。那Global Immersion Programme 和 Unique Leadership Training 连串的活动，能够参与学生交流，与世界接轨，正合我心意。

但，在心坎处的英国梦，那遥远的许愿，曾经那么强烈，现在依旧丝毫没减少，反而还因坎坷的道路，而变得更为清晰。

这些日子以来，我都不断与命运搏斗。不曾放弃过，也未曾被挥拳至倒地不起。

犹记得拳王阿里说过，“只要那一秒你还在拳台上，就要相信，你有站起来的可能。”

想了又想，若当时我不走那些“不知道”的路，我还会是今天的我吗？

我只知道，当年的赌局，还未胜出。只不过赢回了本钱而已。

Shell Scholarship Phone Interview

This was the first time I had a scholarship interview over the phone. Plus, it was about 45 mins long. Just imagine how pain your ear could be!

Well, a lady officer called up at about 9.20am, 10mins earlier than the scheduled time. The first question she asked was "Is it ok if I call u now?"
And, I told her, "Sure, no problem. I have been preparing for the call since 15mins ago."

The interview conducted by Shell was pretty much structured to a fixed format. They started off with course preference, then proceeded with co-curricular achievement, continued by a '4 choose 1' business topic, then ended with a little Q & A session.

So, it kicked off by asking my course preference and offers from universities. And, I told her " I would like to pursue EEE in my undergraduate years. And for offers, I have some like from Edinburgh, ICL and ANU, so yea."

"So, now we are going to focus on extra-curricular activities. So, tell me, one of your activities which you are proud of."
"Erm, yea, so, the activity which I am proud of is the Malaysia Student Leaders Summit..bla bla"

"What lessons or challenges u faced when u took part?"
Hmm..we came from different environment. Well, and we are from different races, and the topic we were discussing was 'BM is a tool for national unity'. Some of my group members are studying in Australia, UK, US or local. While, an 18/19 yrs old youngsters like me, really get exposed to such an environment..bla bla..

What is the main objective or aim when u decide to take part?
Well, the main objective in my mind back then was practically to take part in a scholary discussion on socio-economical issues. And try to establish as many friendships or personal relationships as possible as they are useful for me to get connected with those malaysian students who are studying abroad..bla

Any obstacles u faced while dealing with people from different age groups? Give us an example.
Well, in responding to that question, i would like to talk about my experiences in participating Global Peace Festival. I was called up to be group leader...bla

Besides the language barrier problem u faced, what other challenges that u had to take up?
Erm, yea, I had to deal with RELA troops who are much more older than me. I sought advices from my seniors. And bla....

Ok, anymore activities which u would like to tell us?
Yes. I had taken part in a charity drive, and volunteered myself to be a fundraiser..bla
How do u conduct? What are the challenges?
As above..bla...

Ok, right now, We will move on to the next session. I will give u 4 business topics to be chosen. Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), High quality graduates in today's employment market, meeting growing energy need without consuming.., use of internet in business...
Ok, erm, can u please give me a second to choose?
I think I will go for high quality graduates...bla..

So, tell me your definition on high quality graduates.
Yea. A high quality graduate, has to be be honest, responsible, bla...
So, what is the importance of having them for multinational companies?
Yea, indeed it's important. Like Shell for instance, when they invest in countries like UK, Netherlands, Malaysia or in China, high quality graduates are able to adapt the surroundings, and understand the cultures. like in Msia, we have to understand the three main races, and the minorities like Iban and Bidayuh..or in China, we need to understand about the cultures of 50 races. It can help Shell to recruit locals...bla..
And, if u are in the position to produce, what are ur strategies?
I will start from education. Education is important. Besides the normal hard skills, we shud as well as emphasize the importance of soft skills, by training them to be more versatile, flexible, bla..
Anymore other strategies?
Yes, the social part. the society should play their roles. Like cyber cafe (i mentioned computer shop or cyber shop i forgot..haha..) and shopping complexes, the universities students love to hang out and waste alot of times, rather than to train up themselves on leadership qualities and boost thier CV, bla...
So does that mean by reducing the licenses, we could produce more high quality graduates?
Erm, maybe not, but i believe it will certainly enhance the probability of producing highly talented graduates..
Any more to add in?
Yea, maybe we can start off from parents. Parents are the closest people since we are born. so, the parents may teach us or guide us to be more successul by instilling..bla...

Ok, Mr. Phang, today our session ends here. Thanks for your time.
Oh yea. May I ask something about Gourami Business Challenge which I read on Shell webpage.
What's that? What makes u so curious?
Erm, i read it something like erm, evaluate the performance of graduates or bla...
Is it something under Shell Recruitment Day?
Yea.
Ok, basically is a day where we give case studies and evaluate the graduate performance..
Oic. Thanks alot.
Yea, so we will inform you in 10 working days. Bye.
Bye and thanks again, Ms.

There goes the precious 45mins. Done badly? Done ok? or Done beyond expectation? I duno. Only the person who interviewed me knows it.
Hope I can hear some good news later.~~

Notification

Well, after an arduous and tired wait, I am glad that it's all over.

I was offered the Nanyang Scholarship by NTU. It's something equivalent to the more famous ASEAN undergraduate scholarship, but this is one which you have to compete with the Singaporean students, and stress more on leadership qualities rather than just the normal 'outstanding CCA performance'.

More importantly, the allowances are higher. And, priorities are given to participate in NTU Global Immersion Programme and Unique Leadership Training.

And, after browsing the NTUMSA (NTU Malaysian Students Association) forum, only I realise that every year, not more than 10 Malaysian students are awarded this scholarship. (Is it true?? o.O)

But, how about ICL? Now I understand the feelings of 'torn between two lovers'. lol.

Enough said. On cloud nine. =)

Shell~~

Oh Shell, do u know how long have I been waiting for your reply?

It is as if waiting for a Yes from the one you love. The anxiety, the disappointment, the nerve-wracking moment, like a soul-sucker, eating away mine bits by bits as day goes by.

However, patience is a virtue, and it's rewarding as well.

Just minutes ago, as usual, I click the link on Shell website. Guess what? The status changed!


I am glad that, after such a long wait, I was shortlisted for the interview. Is my luck rolling in? Or purely a mirage in the desert?

Well, as an explorer, I do hope it's The Oasis I am looking for. =)

ASEAN/Nanyang Undergraduate Scholarship

Basically, it's just nothing more than an interview, by saying this, I mean they try to know u better, at the same time, u try to sell yourself more.

So, the evaluating team consists of 5 people. One Indian guy will be the Dean of Admission. The other 4 people will be the deans of the faculty which you are going to enroll, so i guess the 4 of them are different for each candidate.

Well, I will briefly tell what happened. haha. At about 1130hours, I was called in by a polite, young and vibrant lady from the Scholarship Department.I was the last candidate for the morning session. Then, after knocking the door, what appeared in front of my eyes were the five interviewers. 4 Chinese, 1 Indian. 4 bespectacled, 1 with normal eye-sight.

So, the interview kicked off. I was asked some very unexpected questions. "Why didnt u click the link in the website to accept our offer? Are you aware of other loans offered by NTU, besides the scholarships and tuiton grant? If not, u might leave right now.

So, I straight away answered that I was not aware of those loans. And, I did say, "it's still a loan, not a scholarship". Then, the Dean of Admission told me about the conditions of the loans(eg: 20yrs repayment period, 0% interest...). And, to ensure the awkwardness and bad impression did not ensue, I showed great enthusiasm and interest on the loan schemes, and told them that finance is my main concern. And soon after, they proceeded with next questions.

Other Qs include:
1. Did u apply to NUS? And Why do u prefer NTU?
Ans: Well, I didnt apply to NUS. It's because I found out that NTU is a better place for engineering. NTU provides more hands-on practical lessons, and I believe that it's more useful for engineering students.

2. Explain briefly about your extra-curricular activities. (Show something special, people! Because based on what u speak, it will lead on to the next question and so on)
Ans:I will elaborate on two co-curricular activities which have taught me some lessons of life. First of all, I would like to talk about leaderships. I took part in the Malaysian Student Leaders Summit in 2008. A great platform indeed. We shared infos as well as brainstormed on the ideas in attending socio-economical issues happening in our countries. Secondly, I did freelancing with Sinchew Daily for about two years back. I wrote about educational, youth and some political issues.

(Then, luckily I did bring my articles folder to the interview. They did ask for some evidences and asked me some random questions about my articles. eg: how long do u need to write. are u writing out of fun and interest. how much do u get paid per piece...and they nodded with each other while reading those articles.) ^^

3. One or two technical Questions about your course.
(Eg: My course is EEE. So, they asked how interested are you in Science and Math? I said,
'I am not interested in Pure Science and Math, as I am more inclined towards the commercial and entrepreneurship sectors to benefit the people'.
Before I continued, one of the deans slightly raised up his voice,
'Do u think that pure science and math cant help to benefit the world?' So, I twisted.
'Well, in my opinion, if I were to study pure science and math, it will lead me to become an academician, while I myself is more towards to put things into practical, rather than study the theory.'
'I agree with what you have just said.' ended the dean. Is it a good sign or a bad one? I am not sure. I just know that, twist as much as u can, when the questions sound intimidating.)

4. Anymore question, Mr.Phang?
Ans: Well, I wonder what kind of life the students in NTU are having? I did browse through the website, but I would like to hear a more personal view from you.
Dean of Admission: We have lots of clubs...sports, speaking, debating, bla...
Ans: That would be very interesting and enriching...
Dean of Admission: Indeed, so it's just how u balance your life and study.
Ans: Yea, sure. And what if I would like to continue my Master in US like MIT, Georgia Tech?
Dean 2: Yea, of course u can. You are kept open once you have completed the stipulated bond for the MoE tuition grant. But, keep in mind that we dont have any "magic link".
Ans: Oh I see, yea, by saying that I doesnt mean "going through the back door" and....
Dean of Admission: Oh..no, we didnt mean that too...And I was quite curious how come you didnt apply for the NTU-Georgia Tech EEE+Computer Eng?
Ans: Erm, I was not confident back then. So I applied for EEE in NTU and would like to try to achieve a good results, so that later I might be able to seek for a postgrads in US school.
Dean 3: Yea, but not with a 3rd Class honours. At least you must hold a Second-Upper or First Class to be admitted into one of those schools.
Ans: Yea..I understand and I will work hard for that.

When the interview was about to end, One Chinese dean suddenly blurted, "Hmm, one last more question, u said u play badminton. I wonder which level are you playing at?"
Ans: Well, I am pretty much an amateur player, maybe a district player? haha. So, sir, does that mean you are interested in badminton too?

He laughed, "Oh no..I play others like cricket or tennis." Then, he chat with some other deans. "I believe I can still beat the young players." Soon, everyone in the room laughed. And, I was told that my session ended, and they thanked for my time and willingness to attend this interview.

So, pretty much an interesting interview. Or I would say the best interview experience I have ever had. =)

Date with Italy

Well, some times ago, some of my friends have complained that I have not been posting some photos in my blog. My blog seems so dull and bored, as most of my posts are literary articles, political commentaries or philosophical essays.

Therefore, now it's time for me to brighten up my blog. Haha.

I went for ASEAN/Nanyang Scholarship on last Sunday, at JW Marriott KL. So, after the short interview session (about 20-30mins), I went to Pavillion KL to shop. Lol.

At first, I planned to have a Japanese lunch, at Sakae Sushi, however, thinking that I have tried at Sakae Sushi for numerous time, be it at Subang Parade or KLCC, I decided to try something different.

What come into my mind were authentic Mexican or Mediterranean food, but I was afraid that I might not be able to adapt the cooking style, plus Mexico is currently having swine flu..so, in the end, after much consideration, I finally made a decision. An Italian lunch date.

So, basically these are some of the photos I took.


The restaurant- Michelangelo's

Some photos on this restaurant, including the interior part.


Front view


View 1


View 2


View 3


Ok, after indulging yourself in the realm of architectural beauty, it's now time for gastronomic delight!

The Appetizer

Creamy Pumpkin Soup.
With a tiny amount of additional black pepper as spices, and the four little cute garlic bread slices as decoration. An enjoyable moment for the taste buds, indeed!

The Main Course

"Pollo Alla Cacciatiore"-Roasted Whole Leg Chicken with Spaghetti.
The drumstick is roasted with some herbs and somehow overcooked a little, but still delicious and yummy. While for the spaghetti, when combined with the pasta, it's the best food companionship I have ever tasted in an Italian meal.


The Dessert.

Tiramisu with Coffee
Two little slices of strawberry, as beautiful toppings on the creamy white cake, bring out the tastiness of the cake and the chocolate powder. The coffee, serves as the final touch-up for today meal.


And guess what, the whole meal, with service charge and government tax included, not to mention the peaceful environment and some melodius jazz songs, costs you only *RM 34.40!!

So people, if u have the time and leisure, just pay a visit to this restaurant.

I will blog about the interview later on another post. =)

*It's a promotion price. Not too sure if u may get such price on later date.

改革是為了美好的明天

納吉走馬上任後，以“一個馬來西亞”的概念引領大馬邁向改革與重塑形象之路。接著宣佈開放27個服務業的次領域，並撤銷30%的土著股權限制，同時發售9億9900萬個大馬信託基金 （ASM）單位，想挽回國人之心的努力，由此可見。

與此同時，納吉也建議公共領域讓賢，讓私人界的精英擔任要職。而且也認同多源流學校的並存是項優勢。種種跡象顯示，首相正朝著提高大馬競爭力的目標前進。

但是，當筆者以好奇之心，上網閱讀鄭丁賢言論裡所提到的前任新海峽時報總編輯卡迪耶欣的部落格，讀了針對〈丟棄新經濟政策，要用甚麼取代〉一文以及大部份的回應文章後，筆者不得不擔心，鄭君擔心的問題會否成真。

這篇文章也讓筆者回想起於2008年9月7日在馬來前鋒報刊登的一篇題目為〈誰正在搞種族主義〉的文章。這兩篇文章所批判和提出的論點，大致上不謀而合。不但如此，回教黨黨報《哈拉卡》封面也竟以“首相典當宗教？”為標題。

在納吉陸續摒棄舊有的觀念和逐步將國家引回先進國軌道之際，我們同時間也聽見了一些阻滯的聲音，不滿的吶喊與擔憂的反撲，也在寂靜中醞釀。筆者聞後，不寒而慄之餘，也深感失望。

縱觀大馬政經文教四大領域的發展，若仍維持在原地踏步，我們實難在2020年落實先進國的宏願。308政治海嘯過後，大馬政治雖離民主政治的烏托邦 還有一段很長距離，但是，也促使了民聯的誕生，並為兩線制打下根基。再說經濟，美國的第二房貸危機，在連鎖反應下，造成了世界經濟下滑，據說還未見底，離 復甦之日還遙遙無期，大馬也於近日推出迷你經濟振興配套，以推動大馬的經濟走勢。

至於文教方面，也經常遭受到各界人士的批評。國立大學的世界排名一跌再跌、獎學金名額與遴選制度依舊不透明、政府考試水準低落、種種問題宛如毒瘤， 使到大馬的教育水平無法與其他先進國並駕齊驅。普羅大眾也心知肚明，若不廢除雙重制度，大馬欲成為“一流設備，一流思維”的國家的理想恐怕只是口號。若不 改革，大馬會落後到甚麼地步？許多大國，都是經歷過艱辛的改革道路，才有今日的繁盛和進步。

例如中國，是鄧小平大膽打破“閉關鎖國”的狀態，主張對外開放，秉持“解放思想，實事求是”的理念，推動漸進型經濟改革，才帶動中國近20年的蓬勃 發展，成為世界經濟強國之一。而美國在面臨經濟低迷、外交挫折及民生等各種問題之際，奧巴馬以“改變”為競選口號，立即當選總統，顯示美國人都想有一個更 美好的明天 。

改變、改革，是全球化必要的趨勢。若我們不改變，如何提昇自身的競爭力？新官上任三把火，納吉的改革之火，會否還未燎原，即被馬來社會的頑固份子的一盆冷水所撲滅？大家只能拭目以待。

刊登于2009年5月5日星洲日报《言路版》·作者：黄翰斌

A good sign, no?

Well, after resting for about a month after the GIC Scholarship, thanks God, I am shortlisted by NTU (Nanyang Technological University) for the Nanyang/ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship.

Is this a good sign for me? Or another illusion which just gives me an euphoria?

To be frank enough, when I submitted my application to NTU, I didn't even care to apply for the scholarship, as I have applied for the tuition grant provided by the Singapore MoE. And, yet, after receiving the kind offer from NTU for the Electrical and Electronic Engineering course, they shortlist me for the scholarship interview.

My heart always whispers to me that, don't ever give up until you have found no way else to fund yourself to UK. Not even try to go for second option (but, given that I got to have a realistic approach to be opted if things go worse)

To study in UK, a luxurious dream indeed, but not impossible.

Will NTU be my final destination? Or merely a stepping stone for me to learn the art of interview?

I look into the vast blue sky, and I pray. I close my dreamy eyes, and I wish.

(Anyhow, it's still encouraging to be informed that I am shortlisted for an interview ^_^)