KOMTEP 2018: The Adventure Begins

Today marks the journey of my Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme odyssey. I am so excited a two of my Maktab's partner in crime, Ishak Ridhwan, and Aizuddin decided to send me off to KLIA albeit some glitches to the initial plan. We reached KLIA around 5.00 pm. 

Once we reached KLIA, we straightaway had our dance practice just behind the big screen. Quite embarrassing, to be honest, but we just do not care. Soon in the middle of practice my mom, my brother, and my nephew arrived. Settled the luggage check-ins, and had our conversation before we departed. And as usual, my mom reminded me of to always 'jaga waktu solat', a message that I will always bear in mind. About 9.00 pm we bid farewell to each other - quite sad to be honest to say goodbye to your mom especially when knowing the fact that you are apart thousands of miles away. 

We were also delighted to have the representatives from KPM for this send-off gathering. This would be my first ever experience in joining a delegation representing Malaysia and the feeling was so overwhelming. As of typical national delegation, we had our photo session with the banner and Malaysian flag. Proudly Malaysian. 

Since two of us had been sponsored by the Malaysian MoE, my buddy, Parthiban and I boarded on Malaysia Airlines as compared to 10 others where they boarded on Korean Air. We were really glad that Malaysia Airlines personnel had given us the Exit seating and the leg room was very spacious. And of course, the food was exceptional and that was the moment we really enjoyed our Malaysian food before missing them for 3 months. 

Having our kaya toast before the take off.

Plenty of leg room.

Supper snacks - Chicken pie with apple juice.

Classic Malaysian breakfast - Nasi Lemak & Kopi O

Satisfied Malaysian passengers. Thanks, Malaysian Airlines for making our journey stress free. Looking forward to traveling with you in the mere future. After about six hours we finally arrived at Incheon Airport, South Korea at around 6.30 am. We waited for our Korean MoE representative, Miss Bae Hyun Joo around 10 minutes before we headed straight to the hotel. Now the adventure had begun. 

HM

Upin & Ipin's Field Trip: South Korea

Things always come across my mind on the eleventh hour. This time it is about my personal project for Korean Malaysian Teacher Transfer Programme (KOMTEP). In less than one week I was able to get some traditional costumes, tailor-made Upin & Ipin's Baju Melayu, designed the bunting and programme brochure for the launching ceremony, learnt how to operate Adobe Illustrator and even flew my GoPro Karma drone for the very first time since I bought it 3 months ago. Pheww... What a hectic week it was. Thanks to my friends, Nethia, Kak Faizah, Aweng Dueng, Mon, Siti Nakiah, and Hanim for giving much needed helping hands through the entire week.

With the help of these wonderful teachers, I was able to pull a minuscule yet successful Launching Ceremony for Upin & Ipin's Field Trip to South Korea project. The project was actually a brainchild of my Senior Assistant, Pn Hashimah Hashim who suggested that I should bring a travelling teddy bear which in this case Upin & Ipin for the photoshoot at different interesting landmarks in South Korea. 

In addition, I had decided to incorporate the Upin & Ipin plush toys into my cultural lesson which is aimed at making them as the ambassador for cultural exchange between Malaysian and Korean cultures. A few Korean students will be selected to spend their weekends with Upin and Ipin at their respective home. This will enable Malaysian students to understand how the Korean kids live their life on a daily basis. 

I also would like to express my gratitude to our Mdm Headmistress, Pn Hajah Nafisah for officiating the launching ceremony of the project and for being very supportive towards my KOMTEP journey. To all my friends in SK Jalan U3, thank you from the bottom of my heart. See you in 2019!

HM

Dikir

Kadangkala kita lupa pada upaya seni dan budaya bangsa dalam menyubur syiar dakwah melalui tiap bait dan kata berunsur nasihat. Tidak hanya irama padang pasir yang berselang bahasa Arab, serta irama moden berwajah nasyid mampu mendukung citra Islami. Kerana kita juga punya khazanah bangsa yang subur dengan pesan-pesanan membentuk akhlak dan budi pekerti. 

HM

Kelab Kebudayaan | Dikir Barat | Wau Bulan | 2018