It's been almost a month since my last post. Things have been looking fantastic lately. Time passes fast when you're having fun. Where shall I begin? Probably from the most significant.
Earlier in the year, I submitted an application for the annual Australia-Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) of South Australia Merdeka Awards. These awards recognise the contribution of 3 Malaysian students who have displayed exemplary and outstanding achievements and significant contribution to bilateral relationships between South Australia and Malaysia. To make it simple, the award normally goes to Malaysians who have good results and strong extra-curricular involvement. The prizes were, in ascending order, $750; $1000; and a laptop. In applying, I had to fill out a bunch of forms, write a 500 word essay on how I fulfilled the criteria of the award and obtain 3 referees. The selection panel for the award consisted of eminent South Australians who had no involvement with the universities and thus were able to provide an objective and neutral view in the selection process.
I have been aware of this award for a long time and know the past few winners personally since most of them were the past International Student Representatives in my Students Association. To put it bluntly, I would have been very surprised if I did not win the award. It may sound arrogant but my achievements speak for themselves. Not many students, if at all any, can even come close to competing with my CV. I was informed that I did indeed win the first prize.
The awards ceremony was held last Friday at the Adelaide Convention Centre. I was finally able to meet the other two winners since the details provided to me prior to the event were vague. One is from my university and the other, Adelaide University. The event was more important than I imagined with an admirable attendance list. Among the attendees were The Hon. Mark Vaile, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia; The Hon. Dato' Seri Rafidah Aziz, Malaysian Minister of Trade and Industry; Sir Eric Neal, Patron of the Merdeka Awards; and several other Malaysian MPs who followed the Minister here to Adelaide.
The dining hall was simply stunning. The tables were set out with a twisted candelabra in centre. Balloons floated from each table which would later be used for a raffle draw (the tickets being in the balloons). It's difficult to describe so hopefully the picture helps. The event featured some fantastic performances by students including an opera duet and twin cellists. Dinner was fabulous as well. When it came time for the receipt of our awards, I was surprised to find that the first prize winner, on top of winning the laptop, would receive an additional $1000 donated by Sir Eric Neal himself! I received my award and gave a short speech that took me less than half an hour to write (the irony is that many people came to me after that and genuinely told me that I made a great speech). It was a little awkward though as the laptop was wrapped in a big box and I had to carry it, my framed certificate and cheque while having pictures taken. Mind you it wasn't light!
Put it plainly, it was a memorable night. I can't recall being so happy and recognised for the work I have put in all these years. Everything was perfect. The setting, guests, food, prizes and my stunning partner for the event. It's a great way to end (well not exactly) my undergraduate university life.
I had my 22nd birthday last Monday. My friends took me to a Malaysian restaurant where we had a nice and quiet dinner. I had an enjoyable dinner after a weekend of rushing to complete my elective. The cake was a delicious chocolate cake (it had to be good since I don't normally care for cake unless it is made of ice-cream!). For my present, my friends gave me a 2-piece bean bag. It would have been a better surprise if they didn't actually give me the beans beforehand! All in all, a fun night.
Since I am planning to stay in Australia after I graduate, I have been aplying for jobs. I've sent out a string of applications and have thus far attended 5 interviews. Of the 5, one was a rejection and the other 4 are pending replies. It is interesting. I must get a job and I have probably gone for more interviews than most of my colleagues since my CV is very attractive. Yet, it is difficult for me to compete with the locals who get priority employment. Despite my capabilities (and the interviews went very well), most employers prefer the security of locals and also those who have had work experience in an Australian pharmacy. I haven't had this due to my involvement as President of the Students Association for the past 2 years which is a job itself. Regardless, many understand the situation once I explain it and see that I am a quick learner. Something I have yet to resort to is my contacts. Through my networking, I have certain contacts that would easily get me a job. Yet, I haven't used them since I want to try and get one out of my own capabilities. Silly isn't it? Things could be so easy, yet I stand stubborn out of pride. Oh well. Why is this a "happy" post? Well, the fact that I got so many interviews is reassuring. Coupled with that are my confident interviews which have been more or less casual conversations. I am sure I will get a job; it's just a matter of when.
Those 3 are the main things that have been happening. My results for my previous placement and elective were a HD and D respectively so my results are picking up again. It's been busy but at the same time fun. My time spent with some friends has also been energising. What I hope for now is for this happy period to extend indefinitely!
Article from The Star, 10th August 2006 (click me)
