On 28 October 2026, I had the opportunity to be on duty at the Malaysian Parliament for the Dewan Rakyat sitting, representing the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). It was my first time attending the parliamentary sitting physically under the ministry, and I must say, it was quite an interesting experience.

This was not exactly my first experience with parliamentary duties. Back when I was serving at the Public Service Department (JPA), I had also been involved in similar assignments. However, that was during the COVID-19 period, when most of our work was conducted online. So, being physically present at Parliament this time was something different.

A few days before the assignment, I was actually feeling a little nervous. I kept wondering whether everything would go smoothly or whether I would run into problems along the way. It was a new experience for me under MOHE, and naturally, I wanted to make sure I could carry out the task properly.

To make the journey easier, I decided to arrange for the ministry’s official vehicle. I left the ministry at around 8.00 am and arrived at Parliament at approximately 9.15 am. After collecting my pass, I headed to the ministry’s designated room, where I met the officers on duty.

One of the officers kindly showed me around the building and explained a little about the arrangements there. It was nice to finally see how things work behind the scenes, rather than simply following the proceedings online.

We then made our way to the Dewan Rakyat chamber, where I had the opportunity to observe the parliamentary sitting. My main responsibility was to monitor the proceedings, particularly any discussions or issues related to higher education, and take notes for reporting purposes.

Beyond the official task, I found the experience quite fascinating. Listening to the debates, arguments and responses from Members of Parliament gave me a better understanding of how matters are discussed and addressed in the Dewan Rakyat. It was certainly different from watching the proceedings on a screen.

Alhamdulillah, everything turned out well. I also met a colleague from the ministry who was on duty, and we worked well together throughout the assignment. We managed to monitor the proceedings, take the necessary notes and prepare the report before submitting it to the ministry’s secretariat.

Looking back, I guess sometimes we spend too much time worrying about things before they even happen. We imagine all sorts of possibilities, only to realise that things can turn out just fine. For me, this was another reminder that new experiences may feel intimidating at first, but we learn by showing up and doing our best.

I am glad I had the opportunity to experience parliamentary proceedings firsthand. It was a good learning experience, and I came away with a better understanding of the work involved and the responsibilities that come with the assignment.

Another new experience, another learning opportunity, and another day to remember.

P.S. From attending parliamentary duties online during COVID-19 to finally being there in person. Quite a different experience, I must say. Haha.

I was introduced to something called breathwork by my friend Hawa, and I decided to give it a try. My first session was somewhere in Damansara and honestly, I did not really know what to expect.

We breathe every day, but we rarely pay attention to how we breathe. I never imagined that breathing in a particular way could bring about such different sensations. During the session, I could feel tingling in my fingers and feet, while my mind seemed to be rushing through all sorts of thoughts. It was almost as if my body and mind were struggling to focus on the breathing itself.

But somehow, I felt different afterwards. There was a sense of energy and I felt good. I am not entirely sure how it works, but I know how the experience felt for me.

Since then, I have also tried doing it on my own. There are plenty of breathwork resources online, including YouTube videos that combine breathing exercises with meditation, yoga and other practices. But one thing I have come to realise is that breathwork itself can be an experience worth exploring. We do not necessarily have to combine it with something else to appreciate what it offers.

Sometimes, all we need is to set aside some time, focus on our breathing and allow ourselves to slow down. In the middle of our busy routines, it is easy to forget to give our bodies that time to relax.

Today, 25 October 2026, a group of us decided to practise together, with Hawa guiding the session. I think having someone lead the session makes a difference, especially when you are still learning. It also gives us the opportunity to experience it together.

I am still new to this and I do not claim to understand everything about breathwork. But I am curious to see where this journey takes me. Perhaps, beyond the physical sensations, there is also an opportunity to understand ourselves better, to become more aware of our thoughts and to approach life with a different perspective.

I hope this practice will help me develop a different kind of courage, a better understanding of myself and perhaps a little more space to deal with whatever life brings.

Sometimes, we spend so much time trying to figure everything out with our minds that we forget to pause and simply pay attention to ourselves.

Maybe it starts with something as simple as breathing.

P.S. Who knew that something we do every day could become a whole new experience? Still learning, one breath at a time.

On 12 October 2026, I had the opportunity to attend the Listening to Taiwan – NTSO 2026 Asia Tour Concert at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, KLCC. This time, I was accompanying Bella, a colleague from the office. It turned out to be a lovely evening, although getting there was quite an adventure.

I left the office in the afternoon and headed towards KLCC, but it was raining heavily along the way from Putrajaya to Kuala Lumpur. To make things a little more stressful, I also encountered a minor problem with my car. At one point, I honestly wondered whether I would make it in time for the concert. Thankfully, everything worked out in the end. I managed to get there, found parking without much trouble and met Bella before we headed inside. Alhamdulillah!

And there we were, finally, ready to enjoy an evening of music presented by the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra. I have attended a few performances at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS before, but somehow, being there always feels special. There is something about sitting inside the hall, waiting for the performance to begin, and watching the musicians prepare themselves for what is to come.

This concert featured works by different composers, including Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor and Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances. I am not going to pretend that I know everything about classical music, but I do enjoy the experience of listening to a live orchestra.

Watching so many musicians perform together is fascinating. Every instrument has its own part, yet everything comes together to create one complete performance. It takes coordination, concentration and a great deal of practice to make it all work and when the music fills the entire hall, you begin to appreciate the experience in a different way compared to listening to a recording.

One of my favourite moments was at the end of the performance, when the musicians received their applause. It was lovely to see the audience showing their appreciation for the performers and the work they had put into the concert. I think this is one of the things I enjoy about attending live performances. Beyond the music itself, there is the shared experience of being in a room with other people, all taking in the same moment. For a while, everyone is simply there to appreciate what is happening on stage.

The concert was also a reminder of how the arts can bring people and cultures together. This was a Taiwanese orchestra performing in Kuala Lumpur, sharing music with a Malaysian audience. We may come from different backgrounds and speak different languages, but music gives us a common experience to enjoy. After the concert, Bella and I had dinner together before heading home. It was a nice way to end the evening, especially after the slightly stressful journey earlier.

When I finally got home, I found myself thinking about the experience. It was not a particularly complicated evening. We went to a concert, enjoyed the performance, had dinner and returned home. But sometimes, these simple experiences are the ones that make our days a little more meaningful. Life can get quite routine, especially when most of our time is spent working and dealing with everyday responsibilities. Having the opportunity to step away from that routine, even for a few hours, can be refreshing.

I guess I should make more time for experiences like this. We do not always have to wait for a special occasion or a holiday to enjoy something different. Sometimes, all it takes is saying yes to an invitation and making the effort to show up. I am glad I made it that evening. Despite the heavy rain and the little hiccup with the car, it turned out to be a wonderful experience. Another evening, another performance and another memory to keep.

P.S. A little rain, a minor car problem and a concert I almost missed. Thankfully, the evening ended on a much better note. Literally. Haha.

On 17 October 2026, I went to Gema Bumantara, Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza’s concert at Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, with Saiful and Hawa. This was actually my fourth time attending Siti’s concert and the second time watching her perform at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. But this one felt a little different to me, especially after spending almost two years in Perth, Australia.

At around 3 pm that afternoon, Saiful messaged me to say that it was raining. I was still quite positive, thinking that perhaps the rain would stop by the evening. Around 4.30 pm, I picked up Hawa and we headed to Saiful’s house. We parked there before making our way to Bukit Jalil. Along the way, we even stopped to buy ponchos, just in case the rain decided to join us for the concert.

We parked, grabbed something to eat and made our way into the stadium area. Everything went quite smoothly. There were so many people around and plenty of booths selling food and other items. The atmosphere was already lively before we even entered the stadium.

As we walked towards the venue, I could not help feeling excited. The lighting, decorations and overall setting made the place look grand. You could feel that this was a major event and it was nice to see so many people coming together for a concert that celebrated Malaysian traditional music and culture.

Then, just as the concert was about to begin, the rain started.

Well, we had our ponchos, so there was not much point complaining. The concert had to go on and I was there to enjoy the music anyway. The rain actually made the weather a little cooler, which was quite nice, especially with so many people gathered in one place.

As someone who enjoys traditional Malay music, I really looked forward to the performances. There is something about these songs and traditional art forms that I have always appreciated. They are not just about melodies or entertainment. They carry stories, memories and elements of our identity that have been passed down through generations.

The concert brought together different musical styles, songs and traditional elements, including wayang kulit and traditional games. I liked the fact that these elements were presented on such a large stage, reaching an audience that might not necessarily attend a traditional arts performance on its own.

And this is something I have been thinking about more since returning from Australia.

During my time in Perth, I had opportunities to see how important cultural events can be in bringing people together and introducing others to Malaysian heritage. I became more conscious of the need to support programmes that celebrate our traditions, not only because they are part of our history, but also because they deserve a place in the present.

Perhaps living away from home made me appreciate these things a little differently. When you are in Malaysia, our culture is all around us. Sometimes, we may take it for granted because it is familiar. But when you live overseas, you begin to see how important it is to keep these connections alive.

You start to appreciate the music, the food, the language and the traditions that remind you where you come from.

That is why I feel more drawn to supporting events like Gema Bumantara now. It is not just about being a fan of Siti Nurhaliza or enjoying a good concert. It is also about supporting the people who continue to keep our traditional arts alive, and giving these art forms opportunities to reach a wider audience.

After all, if we do not support our own heritage, who will?

I was also happy to see the Prime Minister attending the concert in support of an event of this scale. I think having that kind of support sends an important message about the value of our cultural heritage. Large-scale events require considerable effort, resources and collaboration. When traditional arts are given a platform like this, it creates an opportunity for more people to appreciate them.

Of course, one concert alone cannot preserve everything. There needs to be continuous effort, opportunities for younger generations to learn, and support for the artists and practitioners who dedicate their lives to these traditions. But events like this can certainly help keep the conversation going.

One of the things that made the evening more personal for me was remembering Encik Kamrul, the wayang kulit performer who appeared with Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza at the concert. He had previously been to Perth and performed during Journey to Malaysia in Perth. Seeing a connection between an event I had experienced during my time in Australia and a major concert back home was a nice reminder of how cultural work can connect people and places.

It also reminded me that traditional arts are not confined to a particular place or audience. They can travel, be shared with different communities and continue to find new audiences, as long as we create opportunities for them to do so.

Sometimes, we talk about promoting Malaysia internationally, but we should also think about how we appreciate and support our own culture at home. International promotion becomes much more meaningful when the heritage we want to share is something we genuinely value ourselves.

I suppose that is one of the things I took away from Gema Bumantara. Supporting our culture does not always have to mean organising a major festival or being directly involved in cultural preservation. Sometimes, it starts with something simple. Buying a ticket, attending a performance, sharing the experience with friends or encouraging others to discover something they might not have experienced before.

It may seem like a small contribution, but every audience matters. Artists need platforms and platforms need people who are willing to show up.

Despite the rain and my wet trousers, I went home feeling completely satisfied, although part of me was already thinking, “I want more!” hahaha.

The whole experience was just amazing. The atmosphere, the music, the performances and the positive vibes throughout the night made it such a memorable experience. There was so much energy, and you could really feel how much people enjoyed being there.

Mantap! Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza and everyone behind Gema Bumantara! It takes a lot of effort to put together a production of this scale and I think the team deserves a huge credit for making it happen.

I came for the music, but I went home appreciating so much more. And honestly, if there is another concert celebrating our traditional music and heritage like this, count me in!

P.S. My trousers were wet, but my heart was full...aha

I have been wanting to write something about this paper for a while. It is finally published and I think it is worth sharing here as well.

Together with Dr. Fahmi Abdul Rahim, who led this paper, and Hawa Othman, we wrote about our experiences managing Malaysian students in Australia. The paper is titled Serving Students, or Using Them? Developmental Leadership in a Sending State's Education Mission Abroad, and it was published in the Asian Journal of Research in Education and Social Sciences.

You can read the paper here: https://asianscholarsnetwork.com/asnet-journals/ 

Working with Malaysian students in Australia was a big part of my experience in Perth. We organised programmes, worked with student associations and created opportunities for students to get involved. But when I look back, I think there is something more important than simply making sure that our programmes run well.

Are we really helping students growor are we just getting them involved because we need people to help us run our programmes?

I think this is something worth thinking about. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in organising an event that we forget to let the students take the lead. We want things to run smoothly, so we make the decisions and settle everything ourselves. It may be easier that way, but are we really giving them the opportunity to learn?

During my time in Perth, I learned that working with student associations was not just about getting things done. It was also about giving students the space to make decisions, try things out and learn from the experience. Sometimes, we need to step back and let them do things their way, even if we think we could do it faster ourselves.

Of course, it is not always easy. There are budgets, responsibilities and things that we need to be careful about. But I think there is still room to give people the opportunity to grow. We do not always have to be in front, and we do not always have to be the ones making every decision.

Looking back, I think one of the best things we can do is to help students become more confident and independent. It is not just about the programmes they have organised or the events they have successfully delivered. It is also about what they can do after that, and whether they are ready to take on bigger responsibilities and help others along the way.

Writing this paper has given me another opportunity to reflect on those experiences. There are many things I learned in Perth, and I am glad that we could put some of them into writing. I hope this paper will also encourage others who work with students to think about how we can give them more opportunities to learn and grow.

Still learning, still reflecting and hopefully becoming a little better at what I do.

P.S. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to step back and let others take the lead.