Balik Kampung: Perth to Malaysia and Back

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

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

 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.

Another journey to Wales

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!

Anyhow, I am still here!

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?

Happy New Year 2023!

January 2023 has ended, February comes and I have only wished a Happy New Year today. I guess better late than never.

2022 happened pretty fast. Even though things started to get much better after the pandemic. I think 2022 somehow taught me many valuable things that I treasure for life. I'm growing older now and hopefully wiser too. Some lists of things that I learnt:

1. Appreciate people and be kind always.

Sounds very familiar and clichéd I think but somehow I think to appreciate people and to be kind are just the things that you need to keep telling people to do. To kids, to adults or to family members. I struggle to remind myself sometimes so I hope by writing this down will make me remember to always being appreciative in whatever conditions and to be kind in whatever situation. Especially being a bit sensitive and thinking a lot about small things that happen around me; I just need to be reminded again and again.

2. Time is precious! Just do it!

Sometimes when you think you are not ready to do something or start something different, I think you just need to do it. If you keep waiting, then you never start. Start small is alright but just start-lah! Another year comes around faster than you can ever realise. I still feel stuck in the mind of a 25 year old but in the body of a 37 year old man! haha

3. Be brave and believe in yourself.

I think as human beings somehow we always face the challenge of feeling nervous and scared when we want to do something different or something new. I always have this problem thinking that people will judge me and that my idea is not good enough. I have learnt to fight the feelings and to be bold sometimes. 

I guess this list of things I learnt in 2022 sounds very familiar and usual things people write down. But sometimes usual is what we need. Okay, that's all for now and happy new year 2023! May this year fill us with many more interesting journeys that will lead us to many more learning experiences.

PS: Waiting is a part of a process!

An update on my birthday

Alhamdulilah for another year of life.  So much to be grateful for. So much to learn from mistakes and from the past. But I think I am eager to see what comes ahead.

Sometimes I still doubt myself even though with the number of age I am now, I am supposed to ‘Feel’ adult. A long time ago I thought life would be figured out when you are an adult, it turns out it is not that simple.

Everyday you step into a new day, then a new decision needs to be made. A new choice needs to be made. A new solution needs to be figured.

Today I feel happy and settled with the day. I feel content and alive. I feel happy and easy with a quiet time on my own.

PS: Travel to Malacca for a night and two days in a workshop with Ministry of Rural Development.

What I thought of leading when I was young

When I was young, I always believed that I was not good enough to lead and give my ideas. I always believed that I was more of a follower than a leader. Growing up, I felt differently even though there would always be doubts and insecurities the entire time.

When I was young, I felt that people around me judged the way I looked, the way I talked, the way I walked. The stereotype of a leader is more of a strong masculine man rather than a soft spoken person. Growing up, I realised that just being manly is not enough for you to be a leader. Being a leader is not just simply being a man. It is more about the planning, the thinking, the good manners, being respectful and reflective.

When I was young, I was scared to voice out my opinion. I was scared to give my ideas and also nervous to take charge of a situation. I tried to hide and only gave my opinion when necessary or when I felt safe and easy. Growing up, I tried so much to grow from that feeling. I would voice out my opinion when necessary, I would take actions, I would take charge and responsibility. I pushed myself to be brave and forget what ever scary things that I felt when I was young. I knew deep inside me, the insecurities are there, but the older me is braver than I ever expected.

When I was young, words really hurt me much. When people made fun of the way walked, the way I moved, the way I talked, I hid away. I ran. I shied away. But now, even though words are still knives, I care less. I have my shield. I am strong enough to ignore and separate between harsh words and reality. The reality is, I am good and people are just jealous of my uniqueness.

When I was young, I thought my idea was not good enough. My idea would only be good if I met certain requirements of a male leader. When I was young I always believed that I was weird and did not fit in. I think that because of my weirdness I didn't deserve respect and I should just stay quiet. Now that I am grown up, I know that life is bigger than that. What ever situation you were forced to believe, not everything is right about yourself. I know that my potential is bigger than what I used to believe. I know that what I have inside of me is much bigger than what I used to show.

But I am glad to have had all that experience. It enabled me to be who I am today and built me with humility and gratitude. Thank you to everything, everyone and every single moment of the ups and down of my life.

PS: feel the feelings

24 hours is not enough!

I found that this week was very hectic and 24 hours a day was not enough for me. There was always something to do and to think that made me feel my day is full. Whether it’s full with office work or just daily life matters.

Interestingly, it makes me feel alive and good. Busy doing or thinking make me feel functional and distracting me from thinking negatively about life. These last few months, I have also started to care about my diet and exercise - and I think somehow this just added to the busy day.

I’m waiting patiently for a new adventure to start. I can’t wait to start new journey, new adventure, meet new people and learn new skills. Even though I'm waiting patiently, the joy and excitement of a new journey and beginning is always what I look for. It’s always great to feel the rush inside of me - the mixed feelings of nervous, scared, happy, excited, sad, joy and many more ecstasy.

By the way, now that government has lifted the states' borders, everyone stay safe and follow the SOP. I am on my way to visit my parents just for a few days. Let’s take some time to relax and chill out at home!

PS: flying to KL with my mom and dad - their birthday present!

4 years as a PTD and keep striving!

This past few months, since beginning of 2021, I have been facing writer's block! My writing on this blog is always simple and is based on my experience of what happened around me; but still I failed to write. What a nightmare to have!

Today I decided to force myself to write and reflect on what have I learnt this past 4 years as a PTD. I decided to acknowledge that my new circumstances have affected my writing behaviour. Before, when I was a teacher, the subjects to talk about felt wide and huge, as I was trained to be a teacher for 5 and a half years. Then, the topic of education was big and wide for me to explore.

Now that I have changed career path, I somehow have less confidence to talk about education and give my personal views and opinions. Today, I started to realise that this just doesn’t make sense! I am very passionate about education and even though nowadays I do not teach or have a direct connection to education anymore, I am free to share my experience, knowledge and passion about. There are no boundaries on what my passion should be and it should be fulfilled as long as it gives benefit to other people.

Anyway, starting a new career at the age of 30 was quite challenging. Your colleagues are fresh graduates and have started on the same level with you. It only bothers me every now and then when I feel like my experience before starting this new journey has been disregard and forgotten by people. 

No matter what happens, I will keep trying my best; and what ever challenges come, I will face it with dignity and integrity!

PS: waiting patiently for the next steps!

Learning in a short period of time

I have learnt from a few really interesting experiences even during only a few months in new department. At the moment, I am in a department involving human resources particularly focussing on competency.

Here are some experiences that I have learnt from in a short period of time:

- Managing examinations on a big scale

When I was a school teacher, the exams mainly involved my kids in the school, specifically the kids in my class. But here, the numbers are much bigger and the management needs to plan really well so that everything is synchronised.

- Managing timelines

Time passes really fast if you do not follow the timeline that you have planned. The worse part you always need to remember is that not everything will follow your rhythm. There will always be obstacles that will come and drag your timeline down!

- Making a wise decision; being new is not an option

Interestingly, being a new person in a new place will not make you that privileged.  Somehow you just need to make the wise decision for the sake of everyone!

PS: More to come and more to learn!

Raya on my own

The 2020 raya celebration was unique and different. This year, because of the spread of Covid-19 is still out there, Malaysia's government decided to only allow us to celebrate Eid on the first day with some tight rules. For example, no more than 20 people were allowed in one place; celebrate in the same state only and you could not travel outer state, no public were allowed for hari raya prayer in the mosque and always need to remember to maintain social distancing.

After Ramadhan ended, celebrating Eid is a must. So, as a single guy, stuck in my apartment on my own, I was still excited to celebrate hari raya. I made sure my apartment was clean and decorated with colourful lights, bought some cookies and prepared my new baju melayu as well.

The morning was different as I did not need to fight for a shower with my siblings. Just on my own, getting ready for the day. I woke up early and started with self reflection and takbir raya and then continued with the prayer. This is the most different I think because most hari raya mornings we were all used to rush to the nearest mosque. This year, everyone had a chance to learn and lead their own prayer. Amazing. Now, everyone had a chance to practise what they had learned by being the makmum (follower) before.

My hari raya was a bit quiet with no physical appearance of other people except from the phone calls and video calls from family members and friends. This is something to appreciate. The technology that we have today, connects us wherever we are. It's not the same as physical appearance but at least we can stay connected and say our salam to one another.

In the afternoon, I went to celebrate raya with some friends which was Hazman's family in Gombak. I was so glad that they were so nice and let me be a part of the joy. I spent some time there chit chatting, eating and photo shooting! Then in the evening I went to see Saiful's family  - in Bukit Bintang. He was stuck in Kuala Lumpur as well but luckily his sister and brother are also here.

Hari Raya 2020 was definitely different and unique for me and I guess for everyone in Malaysia as well. I remember in 2013 when I was studying for my masters, I celebrated raya in United Kingdom far from my Malaysian family as well but at least I was with my UK family in Wales. This time, I was on my own and glad that some of my friends wanted to share some of their moments with me. Thank you.

PS: Let's appreciate what we have today!

Bye Procurement Department, Ministry of Education; Hello Public Service Department

Today, on 9 March 2020 I went to my new office to officially report my duty there: Public Service Department. I was very nervous because this is the first step of my journey out from the education world. I have always worked in the area of education until now. Even when I was dealing with procurement, it felt safe and secure because was still related to schools, students and teachers. 

Now, that I have been transferred to the Public Service Department, I will be able to explore new territory. Something new and fresh to start a new journey of learning about being a leader. I cannot wait to start and explore. Just hoping that I will stay positive and energetic no matter how hard it will be!

To reflect on my learning and experience for about two years in the Procurement Department, in the Ministry of Education; I would like to start with the word BUSY! And elaborate on the word as follows:

B - Better be prepared before it's too late! When you plan to do a tender, you need to plan as early as you can. It involved time management and if you are not prepared, the time will pass and you will be left behind with projects that are not complete.

U - Use your experience wisely! The first time you do something, you might not do it as well as you can because you do not have the experience yet. However, once you have done it, you should use all the experience that you have  gained and improve the next time! Especially when the process of procurement is repetitive; you should learn, apply and adopt!

S - Sometimes it's not just about the work, it's about how you treat people! I think it's very important to remember this. No matter how difficult or complicated your job is, always remember to treat people well. Whether it's your clients, your staff, your boss or your colleagues. Be nice and things will turn out nice. So be nice to people.

Y - Yes, you can do it even though you think you cannot the first time! When you are overwhelmed with so much work to finish, with so much stress and with so little time you have, just inhale and exhale and keep doing it! Just focus, get it done and yes, you can do it! Do not give up!

PS: the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence

Done the first phase of 2019

Ramadhan 2019 is already coming to an end. I have a week more of work before going back home to Alor Setar for the Raya celebration.

These past few months have taught me many valuable learning experiences. It made me tense and stressed much of the time but I have also enjoyed some moments every now and then.

In the past few months I learnt how to manage the procurement process for hundreds of schools in a short period of time. I was so busy trying to finish the work on time - working tirelessly at weekends, throughout night and so on. I guess at the moment this is my working life. I hope it will change a bit in the future after the new plan and proposal that we put in.

The process of work itself is not the problem, I think, but because we are managing a big volume of procurement that makes it hard. It so different from what I learnt in Perlis where the volume was low but the process of work was considerable.

Anyway, sometimes I do feel fed up with the stress and difficult situations. I guess I am just a normal human being who has my ups and downs. Now that we have done the first phase of the year, it feels something of a relief. I am a bit nervous about what will come during the next phase, but just let's see how it will be!

PS: Would you come to my LTME3 book launch?

LIFE THROUGH MY EYES 3: FROM TEACHING TO LEADING

HI Everyone!

I'm excited to announce that LIFE THROUGH MY EYES 3: FROM TEACHING TO LEADING is now out for you to grab!

Go and get one! And make it as your Life through my eyes collection! Here is the synopsis to get you going:

Teacher and educator Muhamad Hafiz bin Ismail returns to the classroom to prepare for his leap into public service.

In Life Through My Eyes 3: From Teaching to Leading, he chronicles his ten months of training at the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) - a key step in becoming a pegawai tadbir dan diplomatik (administrative and diplomatic officer) or PTD.

In his third book, Hafiz again shines a light on what has hitherto remained hidden and unknown. With characteristic honesty and humility, he shares his experiences of this rigorous programme, with its batteryof tests, interviews, assignments and outdoor excursions, along with the gruelling army, firefighter and police training in Sarawak. His voice and unique perspectives bring public service training to new audiences.

A must-read for anyone interested in leadership development and the PTD programme specifically, this book is engaging, uplifting and packed with memorable images. Through Hafiz’s eyes we learn how he embraces the challenges and opportunities as he develops from teacher to leader.

ps: 3 books in 8 years!

Dealing with data management and precision

As a person who likes to plan and look at things in the bigger picture, I have found managing data to be quite hard work. Especially when the data comes in various forms and in volume.

However, I have found that one needs to be patient and focussed to make sure you can be precise and correct. To check the data one by one; to revisit the same data; to make sure that the data remains same between what you receive and what you key in; all of these are a new set of skills that I am trying to build in my CV!

I feel that elaboration, presentation and social skills suit me better. Not to say that I do not need to improve them but I think I have been using them frequently and have sharpened these skills. On occasions I have been frustrated when I have made some mistakes when managing the vast amount of data but this will not stop me from trying harder. I guess, the motto now is: practice make perfect! Aha! 

Anyway, somehow it teaches me patience; being slow and steady is better than rushing and making simple mistakes. It teaches me to always remember to check and that human error can be avoided! To use the phrase “we are just human beings - we all make mistakes sometimes” does not always work (sure,  it can work at on the rare on occasion - just don't overuse it!).

I’m on my flight back to KL now while reflecting on this topic. I am thinking about it as tomorrow I will be back managing the data of schools in Malaysia and hopefully I can be as focussed and precise as I can.  😆

PS: Recharged after hometown visit expecially saw my mom and dad

time for an update: easy to work in a team?

I think now is the right time for me to write a bit after a period of ignoring my hobby of reflecting in this blog. I usually find time to think about what to write and then just write. However, recently, I have thought about what write, but then delayed and forgot what to write.

Anyway, my writing today is pertaining to the topic of motivating team mates. I think when working in a big group it is not easy for everyone to have the same motivation and impact towards the goal. Especially when in a team, the work for each member will be different requiring a different set of skills; shared understanding is quite hard to get.

I think the assumption that my work is heavier than that of others, or my work is better than the others’ or that judging feeling when we see something lacking in other people in the team should all be avoided. Not just avoided but eliminated straight away to prevent even a tiny bit of such thinking.

I think such negative assumptions will only cause more headaches. I think when we are working in a team, we need to understand always that we are working for the same goal. Instead of judging other people’s work, maybe it's time for us to understand what is really happening there and try to help and find solutions together. The work load, and the set of skills needed might be different from what we are doing and vice versa.

Let's just take an example of a car. If you are a tyre, then your work is to make sure that you are round, not slippery and ready to spin. Whilst if you are the steering, your work is to make sure you can turn the car left and right and make a u-turn. If you turn to the right but the tyre moves to the left, what you need to do is check what can be fixed! 

Working in a big group of people is not easy, I guess. We must just try our best to understand what we can do and stay patient and strong!

PS: Are you excited for Book 3?

take it as an opportunity to learn

A few days ago, in the afternoon, suddenly I was given a chance to present a paper in an important meeting chaired by the Secretary General of education. It was at very last minutes that the officer due to present was not able to do it for some reason. To be honest, I was not really keen to do it as I was not sure about the content of the presentation.

Then after considering that this was a learning opportunity for me, I just decided to accept the task and just do the job. I had only an hour to prepare myself including understanding the context, go through the diagrams and tables, walking to meeting location, asking for some input from the others and understanding the main meeting agenda and attendees.

I was nervous but at the same time quite ready to accept whatever the result will be. i will just go for it and finish the task; do the presentation as best as I can. I was a bit late to the meeting as the information given to me was lat minute. luckily for me and my colleagues that our agenda item was the last one.

Thie reflection is not to be judged that time management is important; yes it is always important. But this reflction is to focus on the surprise task - ad hoc task - that needs you to be ready, try to not complain and just go for it.

I am not always this positive but sometimes when an opportunity appears for me to learn and experience, i will just go for it! Just take the chance and present the paper in this situation. Luckily the presentation went quite okay. i just smile at some questions that i had no answer for and lucky for me, my smile work...hahaha... and remember, NEVER promise anything that you cannot deliver!

Learning happens when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. What did I learn? I learn that sometimes you do not need to be an expert in everything, you just need to know the general knowledge and know them as much as you can. I will give you the confidence!

PS: I hope you understand what I mean here and remember - sometimes 'just go for it' works!

SMILE is the key?

Do you remember your first day at work?

I have found that first day in a new job is always hard and wrecks my nerves. It was always difficult and not easy to go through. The place is different, the people are different, the systems are different; just how to cope with it comfortably? No matter how many times I have started work at a new place, the feeling of nervousness will just come. So many questions come to my mind: What to say to people? How to greet them? Am I welcome there? Am I going to be fine with the job scope? How to behave appropriately there? Whether the questions make any sense or not, they will just appear and add more to the feeling of being nervous.

HAHA 😅

The only thing I can do is just to go through with it. You can try to prepare as best as you can. You can start to prepare physically like wearing the best shirt that you have. Possibly buy a new one if you can or at least new accessories to boost some confidence. Then you can prepare mentally as well. I think mental preparation is the most important because it controls what you feel and what you do.

Never mind all the questions that come to your mind. Answer them positively in your head and if you cannot answer them, just tell yourself that it will be fine and everything will be okay. If necessary, get support from your friend. Even just to message them or call them talking about other things will give some help.

I think the most important way to start is just to SMILE! That's the only key to work. Smile a lot! Smile anytime that you can. Smile to anyone that you meet. A smile can be the cure for everything at start of your first day/week at work. Smile will welcome people to you. It will attract people to get to know you.

Okay, my motive to write this is not to give any tips but just to calm my self down! HAHA.

PS: The process of waiting is sometimes enjoyable.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!

2017 has now gone and left us with millions of memories. 365 days looks a lot today as I am writing this on the firts January 2018 but I believe will be gone so fast. Yesterday was 2017 and today is already 2018. It looks like they are next to each other, but you can never go back to 2017.

So today it's time to cherish the new year and the new start and leave behind all the regrets and what make us sad in 2017. Anyway, I will stick to not have any resolutions every new year but will change my life anytime I think I need to.

Believe it or not, right after I finished my degree with University of Hertfordshire and IPG Kota Bharu, I always thought that my life would be all about teaching and learning. However, since 2010, my career life kept changing. The pathways are just so wide for me to choose and opportunities keep getting bigger and bigger.

There are always problems and difficulties along the way, but I guess I have just to go for it. Stick to what you are good at and try as best as you can all the time.

2018 - come and get me! I am ready for you!

PS: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018 EVERYONE