"Masa dah tamat. Sila letak pen anda sekarang."

"Masa dah tamat. Sila letak pen anda sekarang." Those few words are the most magical, especially if it is the last paper of the semester. What more, the LAST paper of your studies. 

Well...I haven't officially ended my Degree level studies just...yet. Awww.. I've got another 5 months to go before I'm done for good. Awww...~

Those freezing 3 hours in the exam hall today was far better than the previous paper I took. Today was Project Management. The moment the invigilator allowed us to go through our question paper, I smiled. Thank God the questions weren't alien. The only prob, the room temperature was freezing. Slowed me down a bit. They only turned off the air-conds 15mins before paper ended. Too late man. 15min is not enough for me to elaborate all 6 questions in detail. 

Anyway, right after we exited the hall, my classmates gathered round together. Can't believe it's over. In paper I mean. (Let's not talk about intern just yet). 

Will make an entry of my classmates some other time. They're my assets. 

My First Interviews

I've had few mock interviews before when I was in university. But like the name, it's only a mock!

Well..this all started when I was scrambling for companies to do my practicum training

Of course, the first company in mind: MATRADE. Why so? Well initially, I've been influenced by newspaper reports and people's blogs saying the company sends intern students overseas for intern. So then I started day-dreaming that I'd be one of them. HAH! *slaps face gently to wake self up* I realized I'm straying afar. Anyway, I started doing some research about MATRADE, and well...I liked it. Being able to learn its operations into globalization will be beneficial for me. So I applied the position in April.

A month went by, and still no feedback from MATRADE. Good thing I played back-ups. So yeah, during the period, I managed to go through 2 phone interviews. First, a 50-minute phone interview from an online car dealer company located in Petaling Jaya (Carlist.my). The interview was basically about me telling about myself (talked more on educational life, experience and interests), me asking questions about the company, and the last slot was an IQ test. They intentionally did so to see how I think and make decisions. The question was really a brain-teaser..so I ended up telling the interviewer "I don't mean to give up, but for now, I cannot answer your question'. Heh heh. A week later, they called. I passed the interview and they wanted me to go for internship there. Woohoo!

Second phone interview came from a business consultant group from Technology Park Malaysia (HCL Axon). This one's a lot shorter. Only took 20 minutes of interview. Basically, again, about me telling about myself (education, experience and interests), and me asking questions about the company. They even asked my level of English. Cuz if I meet their specs, they would want to put me in a department where I'll be doing a lot of documentation, writing letters, checking grammars etc etc etc. So I told them about my English results in school, MUET exam and the English Assessment test in Jobstreet I took. Few days later, they called. Said that if I were free, they'd want me to come over for a face-to-face interview. Date set, June 26.

DHL is in Axis Tower, PJ

Later, gotten a call from DHL, Petaling Jaya. They wanted to conduct a face-to-face interview with me. Date set, June 27.

After weeks of waiting (and almost losing hope), on one magical fine day, gotten an e-mail from MATRADE!!! Said they wanted to have a face-to-face interview!! Gahh..I must be dreaming. *rubs eyes*. So yeah, date set, June 27. Same day with DHL interview. Only DHL's in the morning and MATRADE noon.

Considering I didn't have a car to drive to Bukit Jalil, I cancelled the interview with HCL Axon. It was a risky decision, but I went with my heart. Hoping to pass the DHL and MATRADE interview (which were my priority now).

Woke up fresh on the day of the interview, June 27. Car-pooled my cousin to Petaling Jaya for my FIRST ever interview! Arrived half an hour early at Axis Tower, went to Level 11, reported myself to the security, sat and waited calmly at the waiting area. 10mins after the scheduled time interview, a lady assisted me into a small room. Here goes. Gave my resume, documents and certificates for her to see. Seems pleased I assumed. (Thank God *feet shaking*). Asked me to tell her about myself (again, education, experience and interest backgrounds). Then me asking questions about DHL in operations, initiatives and programs etc. (Good thing I studied the company before I came). I even told her about the thesis topic I plan to study during intern, so she talked about their GoGreen initiative program, which I knew of (thanks to studying). The interview went for 30mins. Escorted me to the lift, thanked each other, and went off. To occupy another 3 hours before MATRADE interview, I (accompanied by my bro) had brunch at The Mall. One hour later, then... *Back in Time music* heard. My phone! "Hello?" "Hi Nabila? This is M***** from DHL. Just want to let you know that we would want you to have your intern here in DHL" (Me, mouth-opened). "Wow, that was quick." "So, we'd like you to come some time to sign a few documents and agreement". Due to time constraint, I told her to set another further date. Set.

1.50pm. Took a taxi from The Mall to MATRADE. Chitter-chattered with the driver. Told him I had an interview. And he asked, "You asked for an interview? Or THEY called for an interview?" So I said, THEY called. And he said, Wow! My eyebrows *up and down in curiousity*. Arrived half an hour early. Gotten lost a bit in the building. Found the right lift! Went in with another interview candidate from UiTM Puncak Alam (International Business student). We were the first to arrive. Soon, four other candidates joined in. 3 International Business students from UiTM Melaka and 1 Marketing student from UiTM Johor. I was the only Operations Management student from UiTM Terengganu.

We were divided into two groups of 3. The first group entered the interview room. Whist waiting for our turn, my team discussed on current issues, name of ministers, and important people etc. 30mins of waiting, our turn. Got in with 3 panel interviewers. *heart throbs*. First, we were told to introduce ourselves, but of nothing mentioned in our resume. So blablabla... education, experience, interest, families etc.The interviewers too introduced themselves and from which department they were from. Then they asked us to give reasons why we chose MATRADE and why we should be selected among others. I raised my hand first. (Tried to sell myself a bit). After 30mins, we were to combine all candidates (6 of us altogether) for the next session. We were to imagine we were at a coffee house and make spontaneous chats on a given topic (watched by interviewers): Facebook! (Thank God...nothing related to some topic I don't know of). Again, I tried to outshine myself. (I really wanted this so bad). Practically after 15mins, we ended our 'chat'. So then, the interviewers made some reviews (said "Oh, they're selling themselves".. "you guys talk a lot"..etc.), T&C of working in MATRADE etc etc etc. That last moment before we headed out the interview room, one interviewer suddenly called my name, "Nabila! (Me, looks sharply in her eyes..shocked), I'm watching you! *finger points eye to eye*". So I said, "Sure, you may" (indicating somewhat like Pick Me!). Know why she did that? "I was also a student of UiTM Tganu once upon a time....TY was my lecturer. Send my regards to him." Goshh..*mini heart attack*. So then, headed back home. All went well. Syukur. 

5 days later, gotten an e-mail from MATRADE. "Congratulations, your application......is Accepted!"

Alhamdulillah, those interviews I've gone through were very smooth. Never did I expect I'd be going through ALL those interviews well. But ALL went well. Syukur is all I can express of. What I've learnt during those interviews, importance of English command, communication ability, confidence, ability to shine out, and most importantly, Being Myself. No use being a hypocrite during interviews, and trapping yourself with guilt. My advice, Your weakness SHOULD NOT stand out more than your strengths. Speak full English with as much confidence as you can. Be participative. Be active (not passive). Smile. Properly attired. Most importantly, Bismillah and Doa'. 

Thanks Mama, Papa, Wan, and everyone for the Doa'. I hope that one day, I'll be able to pay back for all the deeds that you have given me, and if ever I don't have that chance, I pray that Allah will bless your lives for eternity. Amin.

Internship Interview Dilemma

Ohh..this is so nerve-wrecking.

I got two interviews this Thursday. Location; Kelana Jaya. This is only for internship, and I've no idea why they bother make interviews.

Gawd..I'll update more after it's all been done.

What to wear ah? I need a new handbag! And shoes! I mean, heels. Baju kurung? Got already. Documents..certs....Urghhh..i need a proper checklist!

12 May 2012

OK yahh..it's my 23rd birthday today. What a small number aite?

Last nite, dine out at 'Putrajaya' in Kuala Dungun with Cyla, Tika, Anne, Ainaa, Din and Muqsit. Shortly after that, Muni, Eyna and Paan arrived, with a choc moist cake (God, my favourite!) and a present.

Happy Birthday Yoyong. Sabah Bha! 

Diorg mendoakan aku jadi Pengerusi Setiausaha? hmm...Aminnn.

I've been longing to buy that notebook for long. Guess I was right not to buy it, cuz I'll be getting it as a present. Btw, love d t-shirt card.

Honestly, I didn't quite expect they'd make a surprise for me. Tho I did have those 'friend instincts' that they'd make one for me. But it's not nice to put expectations on people to make a surprise for u, in which i didn't. Since they did, i was wayy happy. Out-of-d-world happiness.

For many years, my birthday dropped on a sem break. so boo-hoo. This year, my last year in Uni, i had a celebration. *touched*

Today (12 May 2012), is my faculty's Family Day in campus. I was a sub for netball. (I suck in netball. Never played seriously in it before). So mostly, i was a supporter of OPEMS (Operations Management Society, my course club). And i received another birthday card from my roomate/ housemate/ classmate/ coursemate/ wayang-mate, Cyla. 

2 cards. One D.I.Y, one ready-made.

Cyla's hiding her creativity. This card proves she's creative.

Oh, i also got another 'present' from........................................................................................the Sun.

3-layer sunburnt. Urghhh~

My dad was the first in the family to text me a Happy Birthday at midnite. So touched. 

My sister texted me shortly after my dads': Happy Birthday, yg ke-23??? OMG! Smoga pjg umo, murah rezeki, n success always. Nanti tasya hadiahkan kakak jersi Chelsea yg baru. hahaha.

And i replied: Jersi Chelsea? Terbaikkkk!! Nak!!! Sbb kain lap kreta kakak dh koyak rabak. Mmg perlu ganti baru. Trima kasih la byk2.

And my sister turned into Hulk. 

My brother called at 2am. (As if he knows i haven't slept yet). Wished me a happy birthday. And I'm happy~

My mom texted at midnite, n called this morning. She said, Happy Birthday!! Dah 24 tahun la kan? And I was like, Mama!!!! And she laughed.

As for my friends, they're the best. Mostly wished me on facebook. Some wished me personally face-to-face, and even texted me. I haven't replied on Fb yet. I'll wait till midnite. But overall as of today, I'm d happiest person on Earth ('cept for d layered sunburn effect). My face may not b a good expression-ator. But truthfully, it's shining so bright inside, i wish my sunburnt hand was as bright as it was.

Program Integrasi Nasional Pertukaran Budaya 1Malaysia UiTM Siri 4

Also known as PINPB, this annual program is already in its 4th series. This time, it's Terengganu's turn to host the program.

Briefly, PINPB was introduced by Mr Adzely of UiTM Sabah in 2009, whereby the first experimental series was hosted in UiTM Johor with involvement from few UiTM campuses. This program gather students and staffs from all UiTM campuses in Malaysia, and few other universities in the event of culture. The second edition was hosted in UiTM Sabah itself, whereby this was the first time where all UiTM campuses are involved. The third edition was held in UiTM Sarawak. I was lucky to be involved from the first series. However, I didn't get the chance to jin PINPB in Sarawak. 

Luckily, I pursued my Degree in UiTM Terengganu. And this year, PINPB comes to Terengganu.

18.April.2012 (Day 1)

By this day, every campus representatives have arrived in UiTM Terengganu. There were approx. 250 students  altogether. In the evening, we started our first event: Beach Clean-up. Well, there wasn't much to clean, so we interluded with constructing sandcastle turtle-castle. At night, it was 'Malam Si Malu Kucing'. Ice-breaking session really.

19.April.2012 (Day 2)

OPKIM a.k.a children adoption program at Kg Sg. Buaya in Kuala Dungun. Average 3 to 10 children (varying campus) were sent to one family. I had sisters from UiTM Pahang and Johor. However, our neighbour next door (whom adopted 6 sons) was actually the elder sister of my host mom. She was unwell to cook. So in the end, we ended combining families together. So now I have 8 brothers and sisters from various campuses.

From left: Amal (Pahang), me (Tganu), Fisa (Johor), Along (Perlis), Paan (Pahang), Razi (Tganu), Aslam (Sabah), Aprisz (Sarawak) and Awan (N.9)

At 2.30pm was the Sukaneka. Burning hot sunshine. But the program has to be done. But since we had the most awesome secretariats and participants, the sukaneka was a memory to never forget.

The Everybody

At night was Ceramah at the Kg.Sg.Udang Mosque. Performed the Maghrib and Isya', and cited the Yasin. 

20.April.2012 (Day 3)

In Bersama Nelayan, participants had the chance to see the daily lives of fishermen. Going to seashores, got on boat, going to the fish market and seeing varieties of sea products available. Ladies on the other hand, prepared for the Traditional Kuih-Making. Here, each campuses made kuih based on the state they represent. 

Malam Kebudayaan (Cultural Night) is among the peak event of the program. Here, students from each campus will perform dance, plays, or an accoustic performance. Most campuses performed a dance performance. Perak and Sarawak performed an accoustic. 

21.April.2012 (Day 4)

Last day of OPKIM. Boo-hoo. Had the whole day to spend with family. My host parents brought us to Teluk Bidara for a picnic. My 'brothers n sisters' all jumped in the sea. I didn't..I've had enough sunburn already.

The siblings

By late evening, it was time to send-in the adopted children back. *sniff*. It was raining heavily during the event. As if it understands the mood of both the children and host parents.

Downpour

22.April.2012 (Day 5)

Workshop classes. There were dance (Saba and Gamelan), Batik-drawing, Make-up, and Production Management classes. Here, students are able to learn different tradition and dance of Terengganu which they may have never seen before. 

Saba dance

Gamelan dance

23.April.2012 (Day 6)

Competition day. Each campus will send in their representatives to compete in Nyanyian Lagu Asli, Deklamasi Puisi and Zapin Tradisional. (Unfortunately, I cannot recall the winners).

Zapin

My brothers

Our host parents came to watch the competition

24.April.2012 (Day 7)

Spent the whole day visiting the Crystal Mosque, Keropok Lekor Losong and Pasar Payang. Mostly on shopping really.

Finally, the closing ceremony. *big sniff*. It indicates the final day together with all participants. In the closing ceremony, only students of UiTM Terengganu performed. It was a grand night. Everybody came well dressed. Traditionally attired.

Overall, it was an unforgettable event. I gotta say, the secretariats of UiTM Terengganu worked really hard, committing so hard and showing a big effort in teamwork altogether. This is all to ensure that the tentative planned is followed in accordance, in which it did.

Not to forget students of other UiTM campuses; Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Puncak Alam/Perdana, N.Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Sarawak and Sabah, and also to UNISZA.


Nanananana...Ganu kite~~

Tasya's Buffet Dinner birthday celebration at Promenade Hotel, KK, Sabah

Okayyy..this post is way too long ago. But i gotta post it anyway.

Celebrated my sis's birthday last February at Promenade Hotel in KK, Sabah. Had a buffet dinner. The food was too good to forget. That's why I sooo.. wanted it to be posted here. So I'd remember forever. *drools imagining*

Promenade Hotel. The lobby from the outside looks like the Bird's Nest Stadium

For starters..

Those oysters were superb! Dipped in with thousand island sauce..I'm speechless. And those yummy sushi! Oh i can eat those forever. *tummy grumbles*

For the main dish, I took...

Carbonaro spaghetti, a scoop of lasagna, steamed pak choy...and of course Round 2 of those yummy oysters with thousand island sauce for the dippers. Actually, I repetitively took those oysters. After one round, I went for the second and third. Or was it four? It's too good man! 

So then, the pastries...

Since we came here to celebrate Tasya's birthday, we made it a lil' different. We didn't actually bought a cake for her. So we took various type of cakes at the pastry table and turn it into one good-looking cake shape like above. There were mini eclairs, blueberry cheese cake, pandan tart, cheese cake, black and white mousse, chocolate oreo cake, and blackforest cake. My favourite? Definitely the eclairs. 

Last but not least, the desserts...

There were various ice-cream flavours available. You can ask for one or two scoop. Or you can eat it with an ice-cream cone. There was also ABC available. By the time now, my tummy was too full to handle. So I only took a small portion of a scoop of vanilla and berry ice-cream with grass jelly, peach slice, mixed fruit and chocolate rice as toppings. Oh, don't forget the extra tasty strawberry syrup!

My sister made this 'tea' for me. However, it didn't really taste like tea cuz..well...I'm sure u can tell by the colour of it right? Anyway, it's a start. So, forgiveness accepted. 

Too bad Danial, my brother couldn't join. He was in KL at the time. What a waste. *evil laugh*

See ya next time.

Presentation and Me

Presentations are common in universities. Ranging from Certs, Diploma, Degree, Master and PhD. Students. Lecturers. Staffs.

Presentations were uncommon during my school days. (It may be common at school today cuz they have projector slides installed. During my time, it was newly planted in, and we never had the chance to use it).

It was during my Diploma in UiTM Sabah was I exposed to presentations. I guess it's the lecturer's favourite pastime to see students present. Especially those with stage fright. Like me. I gotta say. In the earlier days, I'd shiver before, during and even after presentations. I always feel I lack in so many ways. Are my clothes alright? Would my slides be readable and understood? Are my audiences gonna like my presentation? Am I presenting right? How's this? How's that? Although there were some positive feedbacks, I'd still feel I didn't reach my target benchmark. What's my target benchmark u ask? The Ellen-Degeneres-confidence benchmark. (Okay, I'm expecting wayy too high). Subjects that require active presentations?

• Business Communication: Role-play presentation. I acted as Secretary. I shivered most of the time. And I'm pretty good at hiding it.
• Public Relations: Individual presentation. Free topic. So I chose to present on my experience. Something that I need less research on. I spoke about my Mount Kinabalu Climb Experience. The lecturer said, "Nabila, you are a positive person. Keep it up. I'm sure u'll be successful one day". (This I'll never forget).
• Principles of Selling: The subject itself speaks of its point. So yes, our presentation: Selling. Bits of Marketing used. Using my personal camera collection, my group presented on cameras. The funny thing is, we provided sweets to our audiences as part of our Marketing strategy. Did we make sales? Not really. They were too overwhelmed over the sweets.
• Research Methodology: A presentation on findings of our research basically. The presentation was OK. The research wasn't. 

So by the end of my Diploma, I've eventually managed to overcome my stage fright. Not 100%. But i felt changes.

I later pursued my Bachelor studies in UiTM Terengganu. Okayyy..a lot more presentation than during Diploma. Cuz why? Cuz most of the subjects required field study, research, and report writing. And these comes with a set of presentations. No turning away. U turn. U make no marks. 

Here, I became a lot more confident. I didn't know people. I was new. So I took the opportunity to be a new person. No more stage-fright-Yong. No more shiver-Yong. 

Guess what? It worked! *serious face*. And somehow, I felt real. I didn't feel fake pretending to be someone confident, when i actually weren't.So from then on, I insisted I be the new person I was. Not faking to be another person. But to develop myself to a better person. So among the subjects that I've presented on:

• Presentation Skills: Free topic. This time, I chose to spend a lil time on research. I wanted to give out an informative presentation. So I presented on The Dead Sea. Not purely slideshow-method. I made a demo of the Sea's formation, using a chocolate bar. The second topic: Drug Trafficking in Malaysia.
• Research Methodology. Again, findings of our research. Only the difference to those in Diploma, it was a lot more detailed.
• Operations Management: We were to choose a company, and present its competitive advantage. It was in this presentation that my lecturer  said to me, "Very good! This is the type of presenter I'm looking for. You sound like a professional!" in front of the whole auditorium. *blush*
• Production Planning and Control: It was on the first day of class in the new semester that we were assigned a presentation for the upcoming class. Wayy~ quick. This time, we didn't present through PowerPoint. We used the manual way. And after our presentation, the lecturer commented. "Can you understand their presentation? (asking the class). I feel like crying!! You are a good team! Well done!".
• Job Design: We were to interview a company, and present its production activities to its productivity. 
• Supply Chain and Distribution: Free topic. Individual. I chose to speak on Just-in-Time Concept. Gratefully, I had the highest mark in class. 
• Report Writing: Another research done within the university titled "Factors Influencing Course Undertaken by Students of UiTM Terengganu". The findings were presented. Gratefully again, highest presentation mark.
• Personal Development: Free topic chosen from course syllabus. My group and I chose Communication . However, this was the only lecturer that never expose students' marks. So i never knew. But the lecturer did comment that our group was among the best. Syukran.
• Ethnic relation. The only presentation done in Malay. Since I'm so used to presenting in English, it suddenly became awkward presenting in Malay. But everything went well.

As for now, those are all my previous experiences. I'm now in my final semester. So I can't really elaborate much more. However, the idea to speak of this today is due to what happened this morning.

I had my first presentation this semester. It's only been a month. The subject: Current Issues in Operations. The topic: Productivity. We presented as usual. I have my usual group members since my first semester here: Ellie, Assila and Atikah. (Only Atikah weren't in the same class as us for this subject. Sad). Instead, she was replaced with Syikin. After babbling for half an hour, the lecturer, who was also our Rector said, "You have a very good team. Very good slide presentation". *Us blush*.

After class, we went over to the lecturer to ask a few questions. Then he told me that if he had the chance, he would want to give me an exposure to the outside world of presentation. He was a bit surprised when I answered "No" to his question: "Have you ever presented outside (out of UiTM)?" Like really, how am I suppose to have such an opportunity?

This post today is not about me being vain or arrogant. It's about seeing myself changing. I wanna take every bits and pieces of my life memorable. I wanna see the revolution of Yong/Nabila. If you feel uncomforatble reading so, I strongly apologize.