Monday, December 31, 2007
H.O.P.E.
1:46 PM
Friday, December 28, 2007
H.O.P.E.
11:50 PM
Thursday, December 27, 2007
H.O.P.E.
2:12 PM
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The first day, our mentor, Michelle and Yati brought us around Putrajaya. It was an eye opening for us to see such magnificent building structures and the surroundings. We went for late lunch in Secret Recipe, Alamanda Shopping Mall. Then, we visited Putrajaya Mosque, Dataran Perdana, Putrajaya Botanical Garden where we got to know many species of flowers and their scientific names and passed through the Seri Wawasan Bridge where we grabbed the chance to stop by and took a few pictures. It was such a wonderful tour in Putrajaya! Checked in Dynasty Hotel, dined at the nearby mamak stall, and we were not going to sleep, not until we sat on the well-known ferris wheel in the nation, Eye On Malaysia! It took hours for us to queue up for our turns, but it was worthed it when we had an exquisite bird eye view on Kuala Lumpur on top of Eye On Malaysia! Our hearts were satisfied and ready to go back to the hotel. Thank you Michelle, her sis and Yati for spending time to bring us around Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur!!
For the second day, we stayed in the hotel to prepare for the final presentation. We trained together for the whole day and asked questions with each other. Ms. Lat even taught Crystal how to speak confidently, correct body language, pronunciations, intonations and manner. We slept early to get full energy for the big day. Oh yeah, we also got to watch movies through StarMovies and HBO in the room.
Third day - the big day. Woke up early, and ready to go for the final presentation! We were surprised to know that we were the lucky number one to present our project. But still, we managed to calm each other down and took some time to prepare for the presentation. During the final judging, Crystal and Ms. Lat able to answer the questions that the judges could bring forward and concluded our presentation with a special video. All of our hardworks had finally paid off when we were announced that we were the champion in the Maxis CyberlinQ competition during the award ceremony night at Nirwana Hall, Crown Plaze Hotel! Winning this competition really exemplified our endeavours and passion to help the autistic children at the centre.
The next four days - Checking out Citrus hotel with smile masks on everyone's face and joyful hearts, we checked in Coronade Hotel and we were ready for fun! We went to many shopping malls where we shopped till we dropped namely in Sungei Wang, Mid Valley, Times Square, Lot 10, Pavillion and Low Yat Plaza. And not to forget that we met up with Michelle and Yati at Mid Valley's Nando's to celebrate our victory! We also had breakfast with Ms. Yong Wye Yee at Starbucks too. We really want to thank our mentors for guiding us throughout the project. Now, the exciting moment came when we were in Genting Highlands! Wohoo! We rode many thriller rides and shopped a lot!
Last day - After sending Crystal to Pudu Raya, Ms. Lat, Stephanie and Tung boarded the skybus to LCCT. Lunch at Asian Kitchen, sharp at 2 o' clock, we boarded the plane to go back to Sandakan. We bet, we had the best moments in K.L. that we will cherish them in our hearts. Be sure to look at our gallery to view some of the best moments that we had during our K.L. trip.
And to other competitors, you all have done your parts in contributing and helping the society. Winning or losing doesn't matter because you're always the WINNERS in everyone's hearts!! Cheers to everyone and to you! You can make a difference in your society.
H.O.P.E.
10:03 AM
Monday, December 24, 2007
H.O.P.E.
6:30 PM
H.O.P.E.
6:23 PM
Saturday, December 22, 2007
So back to bragging, last few months ago, a team which consisted of 6 students and 1 teacher was formed and was given the name H.O.P.E. Later on, Maxis CyberlinQ granted our team with 2 capable and promising mentors, Michelle Tiew and Yong Wye Yee. From that day onwards, H.O.P.E.'s mission was to act as a leading voice to air out awareness and helping autistic children in every way we could. We worked very hard throughout our holidays and it was worth it. We laughed together, we shared our joy and tears together and we helped each other. The journey had finally came to an end, but wait, you may asked...
or
"Is H. O.P.E. team going to demolish soon after the competition?"
The answer is definitely no. Winning this competition does not stop us from serving our community. It is our willingness to help the autistic children and the society. There are still many special children who can shine more like stars. If only we discover the stars, polish them up by giving them right early intervention, they can shine like bright stars too!
Once again, congratulations to SM. Sung Siew's H.O.P.E. team! We swept three awards and emerged as the champion two years in a row! Our wish is that everyone, including you, are going do more charity and contribute to the society. Remember to serve your community while having fun like us!
"We have put our heart and soul in this project.
It is our passion to volunteer to help them." - Tung
H.O.P.E.
9:12 AM
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
BEST BLOGGER
BEST MENTOR
H.O.P.E.
2:03 PM
Saturday, December 15, 2007
On an average day, there are about 30 children who attend a program at the center. Currently, this number increases to around 70 children on weekends. Most who come to the center are under the age of 12, but the number of teenagers who attend a program is on the rise. To date we have over 126 children registered.
Who are these kids? Most of the children are poor and discriminated against and are, from the areas around Chow Kit and the greater parts of KL. They are, for the most part, unable to have their basic needs met and there is little adult supervision. Thus, many children stay on the streets in the middle of the night and are deemed as 'high risk' children.
Rumah Nur Salam is a collaboration project between the Department of Welfare (JKM), Wilayah and Yayasan Salam, Malaysia to assist, protect and address the issues that these children face and to provide a 'safe' zone or sanctuary for them.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Pusat Penjagaan Nur Salam, 24B & C Jalan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur
PROGRAMME
9.30 am- Maxis volunteers to meet at Menara Maxis and take bus to Nur Salam
10.00 am- Arrival of Maxis Volunteers at Nur Salam Volunteers start to decorate the Home with Christmas decors
11.00 am- Decorating the Christmas Tree
11.30 am- Welcome by Raja Azizan (Executive Director)/Dr Hartini Zainudin (Consultant)/Raja Aziz (Executive Director, Internal Affairs
12.30 pm - Games/Fund Activities with Santa Clause/Clown Jon Eddy (COO Maxis) presents mock cheque & school shoes to the children
12.30 pm- Lunch with the children
02.00 pm- Good Bye
H.O.P.E.
8:00 AM
Friday, December 14, 2007
Below is the special video of the celebration yesterday. Please turn off our main audio when you view this video.
We will be leaving to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow for the Final Presentation on Monday. Our mentor Mdm. Michelle Tiew and her friend, Yati will be bringing us touring after arriving in KL. On Sunday, Mdm. Michelle Tiew is bringing us to the Children Safe Home for Christmas Charity with Maxis. Thank you for inviting us to join. We also want to thank Mdm.Michelle Tiew for her troubles, kindness and co-operation all these while. God bless!
H.O.P.E.
1:40 PM
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Today had been another meaningful day for the team, the children and the community as a whole. Not only had this event involved parents, families, teachers, children and friends but also to our dearest friends in United States of America. Yes, Ms.Angelique and family who had took all the troubles in ensuring the celebration went well.
A bright and shinny day where the team had arrived at the centre as early as 7am. The EIC teachers, and committee members were busy preparing the food and decorations as well. Low Gin Tung and his sister were busy blowing the balloons. Shortly they were joined by Crystal and her brother. As it had reached 8am, Pang Ai Lu and Lee Jian came to the centre and were excited and happy to see the beautiful decorations. They were attracted to the Christmas tree and Christmas decorations. Oh they did not wait any longer to play the balloons that were prepared by the team members! Jing Jing arrived with her beautiful red dress and Ka Nyan came shortly. They were all so happy as the Christmas spirit was felt in the air. Some sang along and danced around the main hall to the Christmas songs that were playing.
The parents were busy in the kitchen, helping with the food and some just busy entertaining their children. The EIC teachers and committee members brought along their children as well that they played with the children together. A happy moment for the children as well as the families to see how their special children are accepted and loved by others.
Ms.Lat had to rush to English Tea House to take the 4 roasted chickens sponsored by Ms.Angelique. Then she fetched Nursyazwani (SM Sung Siew’s student) and her sister Aliyah that had volunteered to join the celebration. It was very nice of Nursyazwani’s mother, she made us a chocolate cake for the celebration. Thank you! :-)
We also received guests from the Sabah Cheshire Home staffs and nurses from the hospital. Thank you for coming! :-)
By 9:45am, Mr.Leong carried two boxes of the parcels that Ms.Angelique sent. We put them at the Christmas tree and planned to open it during the giving away presents later on.
At 10.10am, we started off with dancing and singing to Christmas songs. The children were all so excited that they kept playing with the balloons. We had fun as well kicking and throwing the balloons into the air. Then we decided to burst the balloons. The children were afraid at first with the sound, especially Ka Nyan as she kept covering her ears. Meanwhile Lee Jian got to gain his courage to burst the rest of the balloons.
As we all were getting hungry, we proceeded to the kitchen. All the food was prepared by the EIC teachers, parents and committee members. They were YUMMY! Especially the roasted chicken ordered by Ms.Angelique for us.
As everyone was stuffed, we all gathered at the main hall. Ms.Lat wore her santa hat and started her ‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ Ms.Meryhati helped her as well in distributing all the presents for the children. As they handed the gifts to the children, they were so happy and gave Ms.Lat a kiss on her cheek. They immediately sat and unwrapped their presents.
Each of the children received a magnetic board, meanwhile the girls received a girlie doll. The boys got each a puzzle to bring home. All gifts were from the team members.
Then, Ms.Lat and Crystal opened the two parcels of toys sent all the way from USA. Each of the girls received a Barbie doll, equipped with a set of house and its furniture! Meanwhile the boys received a set of train and its equipments. Oh! They were all so excited that they sat at their corner, looking through their presents and couldn’t wait to play them.
But that wasn’t all! Ms.Angelique also gave each of them a children laptop, fully installed with games and learning software. They were so happy as one could see from their eyes and smiles! They started pressing the keyboards and playing with it. It was a sight to see when Ai Lu carried the laptop like an executive around the main hall.
It was indeed a joyous time seeing how happy and grateful these children, upon receiving all the wonderful presents given by the team, Ms.Angelique and the EIC teachers.
The team also gave presents for each of the EIC teachers! Of course we did not forget them! :-) Meanwhile, we requested for the EIC teachers to keep Titus and Chau Yin’s presents as they couldn’t join us today.
The children went home, full with presents that they themselves could not carry! They were so happy, waving, giving us hug and kiss on the cheek. As they walked home, they looked back and waved with big bright smile on their faces. They know they will have new toys to play as they reach home. Their parents were grateful and thanked all of us.
Seeing their smiles and happiness, was a satisfying and content feeling to the team members. If only they could speak, they would say a thousand thank you to everyone that had made it possible. They would say thank you for accepting them, for loving and caring for them, for letting them be, like any other normal children, equally live and grow to their best abilities.
Ms.Angelique and family
for being so thoughtful, generous and kind to send the toys all the way from USA. Not only that, but also ordered for us 4 roasted chickens for the celebration from English Tea House. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Mr. and Mrs. Leong
For the troubles and co-operations you gave in helping us with this activity.
EIC teachers and EIC committee members
For making this possible. For supporting our project and continue to give your best for the wonderful children.
The children’s parents – for giving us the chances to come close and love your children. Thank you for the supports and co-operation.
Novelty Cakes and Restaurant – for sponsoring a delicious pandan cake for the celebration.
Mdm. Hafifah and daughters – for sponsoring a delicious chocolate cake and for joining us in this celebration.
Sabah Cheshire Home staffs and committee – for your attendance in making the celebration even merrier.
Parents, families and friends that had come as one in this celebration. Let this be, a starting point to embrace the true meaning of this celebration, that is to share, to give and to love and care.
God bless.
P.S. Don’t forget to visit our gallery for the photos of the celebration.
H.O.P.E.
7:41 PM
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
We had put up the Christmas trees and the decorations. Tomorrow we will continue the rest of the decorations, balloons and the presents! We planned to go to the centre as early as 7am.
H.O.P.E.
8:22 PM
Monday, December 10, 2007
H.O.P.E.
7:11 PM
Saturday, December 8, 2007
H.O.P.E.
5:38 PM
Friday, December 7, 2007
H.O.P.E.
2:21 PM
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Star, Friday, November 9, 2007
Bursting with joy
WHEN the National Art Gallery ended its monthly Saturday market last December, Annie Kam thought the door had closed on her son, Clement Ooi, 18. For two years, she had faithfully accompanied him to the gallery to sell his artworks, which range from black and white animated series to acrylic paint on canvas.
The weekend market had been a good avenue for Clement, Kam says, as he had attracted buyers from Japan, Germany, the United States, Australia and Britain. His best- selling pieces were – and still are – the Heliconia series, in which the flowers inflamed in blood red hues are contrasted against a backdrop of leaves of various shapes and sizes etched intricately in charcoal.
But the closing of the gallery was a just a temporary setback. Through a friend last year, Kam was introduced to Lookiss art gallery owner, Kerk Boon Leng, who took an immediate liking to Clement’s art and decided to help him.
Kerk, a corporate lawyer, has been buying paintings that capture the essence of the history and geography of Malaysia, for more than two decades.
“Clement is a fantastic artist. The emotions he captures are very powerful. They have to do with his artistic talent and not his condition,” he says.
When one tries to sell a piece of painting on the basis that it is done by a person with a disability, it does not give the artist due credit as this would be a case of trying to sell sympathy. “That’s not right,” says Kerk.
He feels Clement’s visuals embody “naïve art” in that he is able to tell a story as it is, without pretending to be profound. And, unlike some artists, he is not consumed by the need to perfect the techniques.
Clement is the youngest among 13 artists producing works for Lookiss, which is housed in a whitewashed double-storey bungalow in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
Last weekend, he held his first solo exhibition, themed Unadulterated, at the gallery. On display were over 40 drawings and paintings which he did between 2003 and 2007.
Ever since meeting Kerk, Kam and her husband have learnt to recognise that their son is indeed a gifted artist and that his autism is secondary. Kam admits that previously, when Clement had joint exhibitions with others, the caveat was that he is a person with autism who has a talent for art. But now she sees him as an artist in his own right and hopes others can see him in the same light.
Clement started drawing at seven. But at that time, Kam did not know how to appreciate his art.
“I threw most of his drawings away, thinking he should do something better than doodling,” she says.
Nevertheless, she enrolled him for art classes – probably one of the best things she has done for him, she says. Today, Clement is learning the finer points of art under the tutelage of Chee Sek Thim and Yau Bee Ling. Besides drawing and painting, he enjoys a hectic social life that can put his peers to shame.
Thanks to the untiring zeal of his mother, Clement is actively involved in dancing, acting and bowling, besides being schooled at Kairos in Petaling Jaya. He joins the monthly social clubs organised by Calvary Church and Damansara Utama Methodist Church for the learning disabled community. He is also learning about his rights through a self advocacy group for the learning disabled called United Voice.
“He is a very happy guy and I think it shows in his art work,” says Kam. Indeed his latest series of paintings on sunflowers with vivid hues of yellow seems to be bursting with energy and joy.
H.O.P.E.
4:47 PM
H.O.P.E.
8:00 AM
