Friday, December 19, 2008
Exam Results!
Yesterday at around 5 p.m., I was awaken by my room-mate informing me that our exam results (MBBS Phase I Part A) had came out. I was shocked and immediately sprung out of bed. I quickly got myself dressed and rushed to the faculty to see my results. To my disappointment, I got a B. However, much later, I felt like praising myself as during the study week, I spent quite some time for GACC and this is what I can achieve. Anyway, there are only 2 persons who scored an A.
Monday, December 08, 2008
GACC 13 is finally over!
The 13th Rakan Muda GACC International Inter-Varsity Chess Championship 2008 was officially closed by Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob on the 5th of December 2008. We, the organising committee of the GACC 13 feel so relieved after the closing ceremony as all our hard work had paid off and we are successful in running the GACC 13. Although many hardships had been endured during the event, the event is still a blast. The participants are very delighted with our hospitality and also our event. I am definitely glad to have chosen GACC 13 and hope that I can also help organise GACC 14.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Exam is Over!
I feel like it is just last week I went into the University until I realise that time really flies. My MBBS Phase I Part A exam had just been over yesterday. Well, sleeping late at about 3 a.m. and wake up around 7 a.m. for a few days had made me sleep so early yesterday night and wake up late this morning. Well, I would like to describe briefly about my exam.
On Monday we had Paper 2, which is similar to Paper 3 on Tuesday. They each have one long scenario which worth 60 marks and two short scenario costing 30 marks each. There are also short answer questions that gives you a total of 240 marks. So, each paper has a wobbling total of 360 marks.
On Wednesday, we had Paper 1. It consist of 96 questions with 5 statements each. We just have to answer true or false but a mistake cost you 1 mark. The scariest exam has yet to come. On Thursday, we had our OSPE exam. OSPE stands for Objective Structured Practical Examination. Here, we have two parts. One part is a 40 stationed test with 1.5 minutes to each station. The other is a 12 stationed test with a time limit of 5minutes per station.
The whole exam is 1440 marks and it contributes 30% to our result. Also, for my last conass, although I failed anatomy by scoring 46 marks, I manage to score an overall of 222 marks. I am quite happy with that already.
On Monday we had Paper 2, which is similar to Paper 3 on Tuesday. They each have one long scenario which worth 60 marks and two short scenario costing 30 marks each. There are also short answer questions that gives you a total of 240 marks. So, each paper has a wobbling total of 360 marks.
On Wednesday, we had Paper 1. It consist of 96 questions with 5 statements each. We just have to answer true or false but a mistake cost you 1 mark. The scariest exam has yet to come. On Thursday, we had our OSPE exam. OSPE stands for Objective Structured Practical Examination. Here, we have two parts. One part is a 40 stationed test with 1.5 minutes to each station. The other is a 12 stationed test with a time limit of 5minutes per station.
The whole exam is 1440 marks and it contributes 30% to our result. Also, for my last conass, although I failed anatomy by scoring 46 marks, I manage to score an overall of 222 marks. I am quite happy with that already.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Secholian Crisis
Soon, during December, our beloved residential college, the Tuanku Bahiyah Residential College will undergo partial renovation and two blocks namely Block B and Block D will be closed down. Therefore, about 50% of the resident will be relocated to other places. Luckily, I was quite active in the college. As mentioned before, I am in the organising committee of the 13th GACC. Also, I am in the committee of Academic Development and Internationalisation. Thefore, I was given a place to stay although we have to share our room with three other people. We are given the chance to stay gladly due to the kindness of our seniors who gave up thier chance. Finally, I hope my continuing stay in this college will be a happy one.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Life as a MBBS Phase I Student in UM
In less than 2 weeks time I'll face my third conass (continuous assessment) a.k.a. Quiz 1.3. I'm so mentally unprepared after the decline of my results. From 214 of Quiz 1.1, now I'm only scoring 194 in Quiz 1.2. I somehow know the reason behind this decline and so I'm trying to work on it. However, there is an additional stress for me. I am a chinese who is not recognised as a chinese by other chinese. Understand? Well, it is a very complicated relationship that you'll only get in UM. Anyway, I'll try to overcome all this and strive my best for Quiz 1.3 and Part A finals. I do hope somehow my relationship can improve soon. Despite this ccondition, I will WORK HARD!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Malaysian IChO Team
I found a website for the Malaysian IChO Team managed by the University of Malaya. I am so haapy to see a site featuring all representatives of Malaysia to the IChO. Below is the link to the website:
Malaysian IChO Team Website
Also, I got to know that the team selection for 2009 is coming soon. I expect it to be a somewhat large scale one and hopefully our country will bag at least one silver medal from the 41th IChO 2009, London.
Malaysian IChO Team Website
Also, I got to know that the team selection for 2009 is coming soon. I expect it to be a somewhat large scale one and hopefully our country will bag at least one silver medal from the 41th IChO 2009, London.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Life in UM
After about 3 months in UM, I found out that people here are very nice. They are very friendly and helpful. Despite having much problems to adapt, other things were fine. GACC has made me busier. However, ever since I completed my sub-project, I am relieved from most of the business in GACC. Anyway, being a medical student, I have a lot to do. We have all sorts of learning method. SDL, SSL, PBL are some examples of it.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Rakan Muda GACC World Inter-Varsity Chess Championship
What is this GACC thing? Actually I myself struggled long enough before discovering that GACC is actually the abbreviation of Grand Asian Chess Challenge. After finding out this, one might find that this is not relevant to the other part of the name which is World Inter-Varsity Chess Challenge. Why? It is because when this chess challenge was first founded by secholions years ago, it is only limited to participants from Asia. As the event grows, the limit to Asian participants was lifted and therefore the new name is used. However, to commemorate the earlier challenges, the abrreviation GACC is remained till now.
This year, the Second Residential College of the University of Malaya will host its 13th RM GACC WIVCC 2008. I am in the multimedia department of the organising committee and the director of one of its sub-project, the STPM seminar. So, I would just like to post some information about this seminar so that interested readers can contact me for reservation.
This year, the Second Residential College of the University of Malaya will host its 13th RM GACC WIVCC 2008. I am in the multimedia department of the organising committee and the director of one of its sub-project, the STPM seminar. So, I would just like to post some information about this seminar so that interested readers can contact me for reservation.
STPM Seminar
Date: 20 September 2008
Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Venue: Lecture Hall, Economics and Administration Faculty, University of Malaya
Subject Offered:
General Studies
Chemistry
Biology/Physics
Mathematics T
Economics
History
Accounts
Entrance Fee:
RM 30 per subject (minimum of 2 subjects)
RM 100 for 4 subjects (discounted price)
Contact Number for Reservation:
Goh Jun Yan (016-6669883)
We are inviting experienced sixth form teachers and you will for sure benefit from this seminar. We will also provide some advice on university admission and merit point calculation. Plus, you also get to talk to us individually to understand more about the courses we are studying. STPM GPA 4.0 scorers will be there to share some of their secrets too.
Please contact me as soon as possible as seats are limited.
Date: 20 September 2008
Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Venue: Lecture Hall, Economics and Administration Faculty, University of Malaya
Subject Offered:
General Studies
Chemistry
Biology/Physics
Mathematics T
Economics
History
Accounts
Entrance Fee:
RM 30 per subject (minimum of 2 subjects)
RM 100 for 4 subjects (discounted price)
Contact Number for Reservation:
Goh Jun Yan (016-6669883)
We are inviting experienced sixth form teachers and you will for sure benefit from this seminar. We will also provide some advice on university admission and merit point calculation. Plus, you also get to talk to us individually to understand more about the courses we are studying. STPM GPA 4.0 scorers will be there to share some of their secrets too.
Please contact me as soon as possible as seats are limited.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
40th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) - The Official Report
11 July 2008 – Departure to Budapest, Hungary
At around 9.30 pm, the contingent of Malaysia to the Olympiad gathered at KLIA before the departure to Budapest, Hungary. The family of the participants was also there to give them moral support before the departure.
12 July 2008 – Arrival at Ferihegy Airport, Budapest
Arriving at Ferihegy Airport, we were greeted by our guide, Bálint Balázs. We were then brought to the hotel where the mentors stayed for registration. We had the rest of the day free.
13 July 2008 – Opening Ceremony
It is a custom for the opening ceremony to be held on the second day of the Olympiad with a welcome reception and a city tour after the ceremony. The ceremony was splendid.
14 July 2008 – Excursion to Balatonfüred
We had an excursion to Balatonfüred, a lake in Hungary but it is called the ‘Hungarian Sea’ by the Hungarians. We get to taste traditional Hungarian dishes like Goulash in a traditional restaurant.
15 July 2008 – Practical Examination and Tour to the Parliament of Hungary
It is the practical exam today and we spent 5 hours in the lab. Later of the day, we visited the Parliament of Hungary. It is really a magnificent building.
16 July 2008 – Team Building Games
We get to play some games before the Theoretical Examination on the next day. This is the drawing drawn by the Malaysian team and participants from other countries on the Lake Balaton.
17 July 2008 – Theoretical Examination and Reunion Party
We had an intense 5 hour theoretical exam. Everyone was relieved after the exam. However, it is time we meet our mentors. We had our reunion party on the ship ‘Europa’.
18 and 19 July 2008 – Excursion to Visegrád and Egar
Here, we get to experience the life of Hungarian kings. We get to enjoy the imperial feast in the Renaissance Restaurant.
20 July 2008 – Closing Ceremony and Farewell Banquet Our country managed to get 2 Bronze Medals and an Honorary Mention. We had our Farewell Banquet at the Railway Museum.
At around 9.30 pm, the contingent of Malaysia to the Olympiad gathered at KLIA before the departure to Budapest, Hungary. The family of the participants was also there to give them moral support before the departure.
12 July 2008 – Arrival at Ferihegy Airport, Budapest
Arriving at Ferihegy Airport, we were greeted by our guide, Bálint Balázs. We were then brought to the hotel where the mentors stayed for registration. We had the rest of the day free.
13 July 2008 – Opening Ceremony
It is a custom for the opening ceremony to be held on the second day of the Olympiad with a welcome reception and a city tour after the ceremony. The ceremony was splendid.
14 July 2008 – Excursion to Balatonfüred
We had an excursion to Balatonfüred, a lake in Hungary but it is called the ‘Hungarian Sea’ by the Hungarians. We get to taste traditional Hungarian dishes like Goulash in a traditional restaurant.
15 July 2008 – Practical Examination and Tour to the Parliament of Hungary
It is the practical exam today and we spent 5 hours in the lab. Later of the day, we visited the Parliament of Hungary. It is really a magnificent building.
16 July 2008 – Team Building Games
We get to play some games before the Theoretical Examination on the next day. This is the drawing drawn by the Malaysian team and participants from other countries on the Lake Balaton.
17 July 2008 – Theoretical Examination and Reunion Party
We had an intense 5 hour theoretical exam. Everyone was relieved after the exam. However, it is time we meet our mentors. We had our reunion party on the ship ‘Europa’.
18 and 19 July 2008 – Excursion to Visegrád and Egar
Here, we get to experience the life of Hungarian kings. We get to enjoy the imperial feast in the Renaissance Restaurant.
20 July 2008 – Closing Ceremony and Farewell Banquet Our country managed to get 2 Bronze Medals and an Honorary Mention. We had our Farewell Banquet at the Railway Museum.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
40th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) - Photographs
I know I will not have much time to blog about this event so soon. Therefore, I decided to post some photographs so that readers can get some idea out of it.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
40th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) - The Homecoming
Well, after some rest, I decided to just pen something short for the time being as I still need more rest. This is the outcome, Malaysian Team manage to win 2 Bronze medals and 1 Honorary Mention. This achievement though not very good when compared to past years thought us lessons the painful way. Now on, we know more about our weaknesses and hopefully this can help change the future. Anyway, stay tuned for more updates. For the time being, indulge in some of these websites:
Official Site of the 40th IChO
Official Photographer's Flickr Page
The US Team Journalist's Blog
Official Site of the 40th IChO
Official Photographer's Flickr Page
The US Team Journalist's Blog
Thursday, July 10, 2008
40th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)
In 24 hours, we, the Malaysian team to Budapest, Hungary for the IChO will board MH 16 to Amsterdam where we transit. This would also mean that I'll not be able to blog for the next 10 days or more unless I can gain internet access somewhere. Anyway, I'll upload things about IChO as soon as I get connected to the internet. So, goodbye to all my friends and I'll be back soon.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
39th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) Part 5
19 July 2007
Today, we have a trip to Sergiev Posad or Sergiev's Monastery. There, we get to see the interior and exterior of the Russian Orthodox Church. Somewhere nearby, we had our Matroshka dolls painting session. Well, after that, I bought a set of 10 Matroshkas as my own "masterpiece" turned out beautifully.
20 July 2007
We had our theoretical exams. This also signifies the end of the seperation between us participants and our mentors. Indeed we had our reunion party on a boat with our mentors.
21 July 2007
We went to Kremlin today. It is so beautiful. After lunch, it is time to go to the zoo!
22 July 2007
We had paintball. Late night, we had disco too.
23 July 2007
Closing ceremony is in today's schedule. This means that we will know how badly we did. Of course, at least we manage to maintain the result of 3 bronzes. We also had our farewell banquet in the Russian Academy of Sciences. This building is powered by solar energy.
24 July 2007
Our flight was early today. So, we woke up early to pack up and bid farewell to Sasha, our guide. Soon, we left Olimpiets and hours later, we are back in Malaysia.
I know that readers will find that this psot is so brief. Why? This is because I need to prepare for the 40th IChO. So, there will be no post until I backdate the posts when I'm back. Hope to resume blogging soon.
Today, we have a trip to Sergiev Posad or Sergiev's Monastery. There, we get to see the interior and exterior of the Russian Orthodox Church. Somewhere nearby, we had our Matroshka dolls painting session. Well, after that, I bought a set of 10 Matroshkas as my own "masterpiece" turned out beautifully.
20 July 2007
We had our theoretical exams. This also signifies the end of the seperation between us participants and our mentors. Indeed we had our reunion party on a boat with our mentors.
21 July 2007
We went to Kremlin today. It is so beautiful. After lunch, it is time to go to the zoo!
22 July 2007
We had paintball. Late night, we had disco too.
23 July 2007
Closing ceremony is in today's schedule. This means that we will know how badly we did. Of course, at least we manage to maintain the result of 3 bronzes. We also had our farewell banquet in the Russian Academy of Sciences. This building is powered by solar energy.
24 July 2007
Our flight was early today. So, we woke up early to pack up and bid farewell to Sasha, our guide. Soon, we left Olimpiets and hours later, we are back in Malaysia.
I know that readers will find that this psot is so brief. Why? This is because I need to prepare for the 40th IChO. So, there will be no post until I backdate the posts when I'm back. Hope to resume blogging soon.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
40th IChO Training and Orientation Week in UM
After staying for such a long time in University of Malaya, I am finally done with the IChO training. However, I still have my Bachelor's Degree to pursue in the same university. Well, for the IChO training, I get to know great professors, lecturers, tutors and peers. I would like to elaborate further on some of the characters I met during the training.
Professors
Professor Dr. Noorsaadah - A very good organic chemist which likes to say that, "Reaction mechanisms of organic compounds are very easy as long as you know what is an electrophile and what is a nucleophile.". Well, it is true but we need to get our electrophiles and nucleophiles right first.
Lecturers
Dr. Cheryl Cheng - A youthful lecturer that is admired by all of us especially my colleague, Gavin Cheah. She thought us a way to remember formulae. This is one of the example:
Gary hikes to school a.k.a. Gavin hikes to **'s for the formula G = H - TS
Tutors
Kak Quench - It is not her real name but we are more used to refer her as Kak Quench when we are talking about her. Why? Mainly because she went round scolding people and in one instance she shouted, "Quench! I said Quench!".
Abg Yean Kee - When everyone first heard his name, we thought that he is a she. Even Dr. Cheng thought so. Anyway, he is one passionate chemist doing research on serine protease.
Peers
Khor Shu Heng - One brilliant guy that likes reading. His passion towards reading is clearly portrayed when he knows more Biology knowledges that we Biology students do.
Gavin Cheah Jia Sheng - A pharmacist in future. One that knows my stories the most. I can say that he is one outstanding student as he still manage to get an A for his Biology despite being penalised in Biology Paper 3.
Chai Yi Kang - Another passionate reader. Read Tan Yin Toon's books even before completing lower six. However, this is often concealed by his jokes that will make people think he is just a normal student.
Well, I'm done with my lengthy descriptions. Now, I would like to proceed to the outcome of the training. It turns out to be very shocking when Shu Heng was not selected. Why am I shocked? Because I never thought that Yi Kang would make it as he did not put in much effort. The only thing I can say is great people does not show off his "greatness" until it is needed.
I think I'm quite done with the IChO training part. Now I'll briefly introduce my orientation week. I join my new family with other fellow fresh Secholions last Sunday. We were being orientated by senior Secholions which taught us a lot. Although there are some times that we felt like we are tortured but soon after the week is over, we felt that it was one of the most memorable moments in our life. After the end of this two events, I need to start to work hard so that I can achieve what I want in the coming IChO. However, this means that stress is also coming soon to visit me.
Professors
Professor Dr. Noorsaadah - A very good organic chemist which likes to say that, "Reaction mechanisms of organic compounds are very easy as long as you know what is an electrophile and what is a nucleophile.". Well, it is true but we need to get our electrophiles and nucleophiles right first.
Lecturers
Dr. Cheryl Cheng - A youthful lecturer that is admired by all of us especially my colleague, Gavin Cheah. She thought us a way to remember formulae. This is one of the example:
Gary hikes to school a.k.a. Gavin hikes to **'s for the formula G = H - TS
Tutors
Kak Quench - It is not her real name but we are more used to refer her as Kak Quench when we are talking about her. Why? Mainly because she went round scolding people and in one instance she shouted, "Quench! I said Quench!".
Abg Yean Kee - When everyone first heard his name, we thought that he is a she. Even Dr. Cheng thought so. Anyway, he is one passionate chemist doing research on serine protease.
Peers
Khor Shu Heng - One brilliant guy that likes reading. His passion towards reading is clearly portrayed when he knows more Biology knowledges that we Biology students do.
Gavin Cheah Jia Sheng - A pharmacist in future. One that knows my stories the most. I can say that he is one outstanding student as he still manage to get an A for his Biology despite being penalised in Biology Paper 3.
Chai Yi Kang - Another passionate reader. Read Tan Yin Toon's books even before completing lower six. However, this is often concealed by his jokes that will make people think he is just a normal student.
Well, I'm done with my lengthy descriptions. Now, I would like to proceed to the outcome of the training. It turns out to be very shocking when Shu Heng was not selected. Why am I shocked? Because I never thought that Yi Kang would make it as he did not put in much effort. The only thing I can say is great people does not show off his "greatness" until it is needed.
I think I'm quite done with the IChO training part. Now I'll briefly introduce my orientation week. I join my new family with other fellow fresh Secholions last Sunday. We were being orientated by senior Secholions which taught us a lot. Although there are some times that we felt like we are tortured but soon after the week is over, we felt that it was one of the most memorable moments in our life. After the end of this two events, I need to start to work hard so that I can achieve what I want in the coming IChO. However, this means that stress is also coming soon to visit me.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
39th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) Part 4
18 July 2007
Today is our big day as we will be sitting for our practical examination. As soon as we arrive at the Chemistry Department of MSU, we were given lab numbers and all of us from Malaysia were placed into different labs. I guess it is time for us to split and do our best in the lab. Soon, we were escorted into the labs. Even by seeing the apparatus given, I know we have questions related to column chromatography, spectrophotometry and titration. We were given our questions after that. When I read the questions I found out that it is indeed within what I have thought. The first question is about the former two and the second question is about the latter but both are to analyse samples. After 5 hours of intense lab, we walk around Lenin Hills for some souvenir shopping. Later, we went for a circus nearby. Oh goodness, the circus was amazing. What all of us like the most is the clown who like to use the interjection "waa". After enjoying the circus, we head back to Olympiets.
Today is our big day as we will be sitting for our practical examination. As soon as we arrive at the Chemistry Department of MSU, we were given lab numbers and all of us from Malaysia were placed into different labs. I guess it is time for us to split and do our best in the lab. Soon, we were escorted into the labs. Even by seeing the apparatus given, I know we have questions related to column chromatography, spectrophotometry and titration. We were given our questions after that. When I read the questions I found out that it is indeed within what I have thought. The first question is about the former two and the second question is about the latter but both are to analyse samples. After 5 hours of intense lab, we walk around Lenin Hills for some souvenir shopping. Later, we went for a circus nearby. Oh goodness, the circus was amazing. What all of us like the most is the clown who like to use the interjection "waa". After enjoying the circus, we head back to Olympiets.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Acer Aspire 4920G-601G25
After using this notebook for 1 week, I feel that it is one of the best notebook for the price of RM2999. Of course there are other notebooks that are far more stylish. However, for a student like me, I do not expect the notebook to be stylish but it must possess specifications up to my needs. I am still happy with this notebook of mine. Below are some of the photos of the notebook. If anyone have the same notebook as me or want some feedback on the notebook, please leave a comment. I'll reply you as soon as I see it.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
University Application Outcome
Semakan Keputusan Permohonan Kemasukan ke IPTA | |||||||||||||||||||
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Monday, June 16, 2008
39th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) Part 3
17 July 2007
A boat trip along the Moscow river and having fun in a recreational park is most entertaining for students before the olympiad. We were entertained by the group mentioned before in the previous blog. For the whole day, we had fun in the Russian forest playing games, sports and others. After dinner, we had our lab safety instructions where we were told the dos and don'ts in the lab. They actually stressed that we mustn't suck a pipette with our mouth. Haha. After that, we went to bed early as tomorrow is our practical exam.
A boat trip along the Moscow river and having fun in a recreational park is most entertaining for students before the olympiad. We were entertained by the group mentioned before in the previous blog. For the whole day, we had fun in the Russian forest playing games, sports and others. After dinner, we had our lab safety instructions where we were told the dos and don'ts in the lab. They actually stressed that we mustn't suck a pipette with our mouth. Haha. After that, we went to bed early as tomorrow is our practical exam.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
My New Notebook
I bought a new Acer Aspire 4920G-601G25 notebook at around 1700 yesterday. I feel that this model is value for the RM 2999 I paid for as I got some freebies too. I was given an optical mouse, a notebook lock, a cooler, and a 2Gb USB Flash Drive. I don't know what others think about this but I feel that RM 2999 is worth for what I get.
Friday, June 13, 2008
39th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) Part 2
16 July 2007
Can you imagine sleeping very late and waking up extreme early? Why? Because the sun sets at around 12 am and rise soon before you could even have enough sleep. Anyway, today is our first day in IChO and we are doing what people always do on the first day, the opening ceremony. Before departing to MSU, we had our breakfast. Western breakfast which includes bread, jam, cheese and sausages. We travelled on escorted bus to the MSU. Yup, we were escorted by a police car and the bus travel in a straight line, literally. Well, we will get this VIP treatment until the end of our 10 days stay here. At the opening ceremony, each contingent have to march in with their flag. Then, we were entertained by a group of traditional dancers which will continue following us wherever we need entertainment. Well, we passed breads around to be eaten after dipping into salt. According to the Russian, salt means sky and bread means earth. The combinations symbolise that Russia welcomes all of us. The official 39th IChO flag was hoisted by the 4 participants from Russia and 4 others from Korea, last year's host country of IChO. We took oath promising that upon joining the Chemistry Brotherhood, we have to use Chemistry for and only for mankind. As usual, we have to endure long speeches. Later after that, we had our welcome reception. First time ever, I had full western lunch. It was quite delicious despite being completely different from any lunch in Malaysia. We then bid farewell to our mentors as we will not meet them for the next few days. The activity next is bus tour around Moscow. I can conclude that Moscow is a city full of monuments from the bus tour as there are a lot of parks in Moscow and each park has at least one monument. After a whole afternoon of bus tour, we went back to Olimpiets to have dinner and then disco. Dinner was a surprise. We have this food called Russian grain. It is the Russians' form of rice. To me, it is not really nice as it is quite harsh and tasteless. Soon, when night falls, it is disco time. However, it has no disco effect i.e. very bright until 11 pm. I only join them for disco when it gets dark as that is when it feels like a disco. After that, it was bedtime.
Can you imagine sleeping very late and waking up extreme early? Why? Because the sun sets at around 12 am and rise soon before you could even have enough sleep. Anyway, today is our first day in IChO and we are doing what people always do on the first day, the opening ceremony. Before departing to MSU, we had our breakfast. Western breakfast which includes bread, jam, cheese and sausages. We travelled on escorted bus to the MSU. Yup, we were escorted by a police car and the bus travel in a straight line, literally. Well, we will get this VIP treatment until the end of our 10 days stay here. At the opening ceremony, each contingent have to march in with their flag. Then, we were entertained by a group of traditional dancers which will continue following us wherever we need entertainment. Well, we passed breads around to be eaten after dipping into salt. According to the Russian, salt means sky and bread means earth. The combinations symbolise that Russia welcomes all of us. The official 39th IChO flag was hoisted by the 4 participants from Russia and 4 others from Korea, last year's host country of IChO. We took oath promising that upon joining the Chemistry Brotherhood, we have to use Chemistry for and only for mankind. As usual, we have to endure long speeches. Later after that, we had our welcome reception. First time ever, I had full western lunch. It was quite delicious despite being completely different from any lunch in Malaysia. We then bid farewell to our mentors as we will not meet them for the next few days. The activity next is bus tour around Moscow. I can conclude that Moscow is a city full of monuments from the bus tour as there are a lot of parks in Moscow and each park has at least one monument. After a whole afternoon of bus tour, we went back to Olimpiets to have dinner and then disco. Dinner was a surprise. We have this food called Russian grain. It is the Russians' form of rice. To me, it is not really nice as it is quite harsh and tasteless. Soon, when night falls, it is disco time. However, it has no disco effect i.e. very bright until 11 pm. I only join them for disco when it gets dark as that is when it feels like a disco. After that, it was bedtime.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
39th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) Part 1
I always wanted to blog about this event but have no time... Today, I decided to spend some of my time to put in as much information as I can to let everybody especially Malaysians know about this event... Why tell everybody? Because it is really an unique experience to be shared... Visitors can also visit this website to learn more about this event. Will continue posting soon because my post was wiped off due to a blackout just now...
Pre-IChO
What else? Training from 9am to 4pm of course. How did I get selected? That is another long story. Maybe I'll talk about that the next time.
During IChO
14 July 2007
We were scheduled to leave to Moscow, Russia at 2359 on board Malaysian Airlines to Dubai and subsequently Emirates to Domodedovo (DME), Moscow. We met each other in KLIA at around 2100. Our family members accompanied us. We got to know that together with us, we have Dato' Jamil, Head Mentor, Puan Noriah, guest representing Ministry of Education and Puan Punia, guest representing MARA College. Also, Prof Noorsaadah, Mentor and Mdm Lee, Scientific Observer will be joining us at Dubai a bit late because they are flying Emirates at 0159. We got our passports and air tickets from Dato' Jamil and quickly checked in. After bidding farewell with our family members, we entered the departure halls hoping that the trip to Moscow will be a memorable one.
15 July 2007
We reached Dubai at 0330 local time. However, our flight to DME is at 0930 which leaves us about 6 hours to loiter around the duty free shops. We spent most of our time in McDonalds chatting as that is the least tiring activity available. As soon as the gate is open, we quickly rush to the gate as we do not want to miss the flight. Walking under the sun in Dubai lets me think that whenever we complain that the weather is hot in Malaysia, people in Dubai feels even hotter. Finally, we are heading to DME. Reaching DME at 1430 makes us feel relieved as we finally reach Moscow after 18 hours since we leave our home country. When we step out the DME airport, I feel the temperature of Cameron Highlands less the moisture of the air. If is simply cool and dry. We were ferried to the Chemistry Department of the Moscow State University (MSU). We registered ourselves in MSU and had our mobile phones confiscated. We were also given some door gifts like stationeries and souvenirs. Here is the list of them: a few pens, a ruler, a calculator, a fridge magnet, two t-shirts, a fancy periodic table featuring Mandeleev, a cap and a small bag. Later, we were introduced to our guide, Sasha who is a first year student learning Malay Language. We were brought to the Olympiets, our accomodation throughout our stay here in Moscow.
16 July 2007
Will continue another time... Stay tuned...
Pre-IChO
What else? Training from 9am to 4pm of course. How did I get selected? That is another long story. Maybe I'll talk about that the next time.
During IChO
14 July 2007
We were scheduled to leave to Moscow, Russia at 2359 on board Malaysian Airlines to Dubai and subsequently Emirates to Domodedovo (DME), Moscow. We met each other in KLIA at around 2100. Our family members accompanied us. We got to know that together with us, we have Dato' Jamil, Head Mentor, Puan Noriah, guest representing Ministry of Education and Puan Punia, guest representing MARA College. Also, Prof Noorsaadah, Mentor and Mdm Lee, Scientific Observer will be joining us at Dubai a bit late because they are flying Emirates at 0159. We got our passports and air tickets from Dato' Jamil and quickly checked in. After bidding farewell with our family members, we entered the departure halls hoping that the trip to Moscow will be a memorable one.
15 July 2007
We reached Dubai at 0330 local time. However, our flight to DME is at 0930 which leaves us about 6 hours to loiter around the duty free shops. We spent most of our time in McDonalds chatting as that is the least tiring activity available. As soon as the gate is open, we quickly rush to the gate as we do not want to miss the flight. Walking under the sun in Dubai lets me think that whenever we complain that the weather is hot in Malaysia, people in Dubai feels even hotter. Finally, we are heading to DME. Reaching DME at 1430 makes us feel relieved as we finally reach Moscow after 18 hours since we leave our home country. When we step out the DME airport, I feel the temperature of Cameron Highlands less the moisture of the air. If is simply cool and dry. We were ferried to the Chemistry Department of the Moscow State University (MSU). We registered ourselves in MSU and had our mobile phones confiscated. We were also given some door gifts like stationeries and souvenirs. Here is the list of them: a few pens, a ruler, a calculator, a fridge magnet, two t-shirts, a fancy periodic table featuring Mandeleev, a cap and a small bag. Later, we were introduced to our guide, Sasha who is a first year student learning Malay Language. We were brought to the Olympiets, our accomodation throughout our stay here in Moscow.
16 July 2007
Will continue another time... Stay tuned...
Friday, June 06, 2008
New Home
Whoa... Just shifted from Windows Live Spaces to Blogger... Why shift? Because I would like to have a better blog and the one in Windows Live Spaces does not suit my needs... Well, first of all, I would like to welcome all visitors to my blog... Since today is my first day here, I don't want to post any thoughts... Anyway, I will start soon...
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