The unseen

Friday 22 February 2013

The unseen

By: Daniel Yeap

The mention of ‘Kota Damansara’ conjures up images of modernity, style and an upbeat lifestyle.

Yet amidst all the wealth live a group of people who see the world quite differently.

Imagine having 8 children, and having to support the family with RM500 a month.

Concealed within the confines of their run-down residence, their daily struggle for survival goes unnoticed to most.

This is the untold story of – the Unseen.

Imagine...
You have 5 children.
You live on less than RM 500 a month.
And every day, you come home to this...

Raw sewage spills out of the sewer,
encouraging the growth of fungus and an unpleasant odor.

Bug-infested elevators with missing mechanics.

Out of 3 elevators - only one works.

Pigeon holes in the sky with rusty railings.

Garbage abandoned in abandoned units.

Disease is not stranger to the vicinity.
Little feet - painful sores.

Children oblivious of the impoverished state of the area.

Quilting for a meal.

Yet... there is always space for art.

Right here in Kota Damansara.

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Winford Tan Chee Hong

An ordinary guy injected with several extraordinary personalities in his body. Compose his music with passion and love; cherish every moment he spend with friends and family in life, work hard and also know when to play hard from time to time, enjoy sports and outdoor activities with pals while taking pleasure in being alone practicing musical instruments and writing . He is a sociable yet interactive person who likes to hang out with friends and have some drinks at pubs; also like to talk about ideas and music most of the time. He is a 21 year old full time student who works as a part time performer and at cafes, pubs, bars, and clubs after his classes. He performs six days a week at different places and produces some songs for himself and some local artists. He is currently majoring in Communication and Psychology and this will be the last semester of his study. To him, study is an interesting process in life as he learnt a lot and made a lot of good friends from the college. Despite of academic skills, he also appreciates the knowledge of working with others as a team and grows together with people that he gained from college life.

Rachel Chew

I am currently running a family business in the fashion line, juggling between the roles of a student and an entrepreneur. Working while studying is not easy, hence, time management is of utmost importance: I work on weekends, however, I fully engage as a student during weekdays. Go Green is a slogan close to my heart. Most people talk the talk but I try my best to walk the talk. I care about environment - every now and then, I collect recycled items like plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and papers. Recycled items can be sold, and normally I donated the money to charity institutions like Tzu Chi. I have lived in the outskirt of town surrounded by mountains and trees since I was born. Hearing the beautifully looking birds singing in the morning makes my day. The air is fresh, the breeze is cool, and the environment is peaceful enough to calm one’s soul down. To me, these are precious things that you could never find in the city. The contrast between life on the outskirts and life in the city is what sparked my consciousness of the environment. As reading gives me deep pleasures, so writing is always something I would like to try. Expressing everything you see, you hear and you feel through words is fascinating to me.

Jan XiXian Tan

TWENTY-twelve was a year filled with tears and smiles. Personally, I’m so grateful that I walked the commencement ceremony. A ceremony held to comemorate one’s learning experience. This was a once in a lifetime experience. I felt incredible pride as I took the stage drecked in the robe of honour, receiving my certificate from the President of Upper Iowa University. Basking in the glory of the moment, I told myself “I can do it”. I had one more semester to finalize before I officially graduated. I would like to thank my family and friends who supported and nurtured me these four and a half years. I believed my hard work will payoff. Majority of my friends are rolling into the workforce and their are missed. Four years of joy and wonderful moments will forever be etched in my memories. Now it is 2013, the top of my to-do list is complete my final year project successfully. I’m so glad that I’m part of ZOOM. I love the way it is. It enables me to learn more from time-to-time.

Daniel Yeap

WHAT SHOULD I WRITE HERE? Ha! That caught your attention, didn’t it? Random yet methological in thinking. Fun-loving but serious at times. Outgoing yet tends to be a little withdrawn at times. Life is full of opposing polarities, and so am I. The combination of these traits and many more make up the person which is me. An aspiring psychologist with an interest in photography, the complexities of human nature never ceases to fascinate me. There is always more to a person than meets the eye. Characters in news stories are not merely who we perceive them to be. A snatch thief is not ‘just’ a snatch theif, neither is that young man who risked his life to save a friend the real-life version of comic superheroes. I am drawn to the depth of character behind these individuals and understanding the factors and motivations that drive them to behave the way they do, deviant or otherwise. I aim to bring out the human aspect of new stories through my articles while still retaining journalistic value. Journalism isn’t just about happenings – it’s about life. Because everyday happenings are part of being human – and alive!

Fakhriah A. Halim

Planning to graduate in 2013 with a degree from the American Degree Program provided by SEGi University, I, Fakhriah A. Halim, is determined and ambitious to explore my career in psychology. Currently, I am living on my own in Kuala Lumpur, with plenty of good and bad lucks which has colored my life so beautifully.I was born and raised in Johor Bahru, a 22-years-old young lady who is mostly interested in learning about myself, about people and about life.I am introvert in type, more likely to focus in communicating with myself than focusing to communicate with others.When I was growing up, I had gone through so many bad affairs in my life in a short period of time, which kind of helped me mature faster than other youngsters my age. I may seem a bit moody or quiet at times and may not be joyful or skipping happily as I walk around town, but I have my moments.However, everything will seem different once I get comfortable with people where my good qualities can be recognized, such as my creativity, strength and my ability to understand people. Also, I enjoy nature, outdoors, sports, as well as experiencing and learning new things. By being a part of ZOOM, I hope it would be an exciting way for me to learn to be a good writer who delivers sufficient and honest information to readers.

Farah Nabilah

They say a Pisces has out of the world mood-swings! I can be happy, sad, and angry at the same time. How is that even possible? That’s what I am – unpredictable!It’s hard to find people who can tolerate me but there are a rare few who remain loyal to me even after knowing my true colors and I am grateful to have them as friends.I am very passionate about baking and cooking because I love food! Who doesn’t? I plan to open a bakery after finishing my Bachelor in Science here in Segi University.I know what I’m learning now has nothing to do with my passion but I’ll do it anyway!I’m 21 this year, pink is my favorite color and I’m the eldest of 5 siblings.I am happy to be part of ZOOM and I’m sure it’s going to be a fun journey. Looking forward to write, write and write here in ZOOM!

Nadira Azhar

Nadira Azhar delivers breaking entertainment news of celebrities around the world for ZOOM™. As a staff writer for ZOOM™, she takes on updating her readers with the latest gossips and news of celebrities by sharing their pictures and videos in her stories. Entering her last semester of her undergraduate degree for Bachelors in Science in the American Degree Program, she became one of the pioneer writers for ZOOM™ serving under her upbeat and inspirational senior editor, Lynn D’ Cruz. Taking on a double major of Communication and Psychology, she has been accustomed to writing news articles and journals for her classes taken in SEGi University in Kota Damansara, Malaysia. She enjoys speaking from the heart on what she writes about. Recently, she has just placed herself on the Dean's list receiving a certificate for her achievement. She has also served as Vice President for House of Fayette, the student council for ADP. Outside of ZOOM, she currently employs in two jobs. Firstly, she serves as an Administrative Assistant for an intern position at Upper Iowa University-Malaysia, her twinning program for ADP located in SEGI University. She assists around the office with work such as handling student enquiries and liaising with relevant parties in setting up appointments and making bookings/reservations when required. Secondly, she is a consumer engager for current events happening around Malaysia. Going around the busiest and most happening places around KL, she informs consumers on the trends and upcoming events. Previously, before starting her degree, she worked for a year at Celebrity Fitness serving as Customer Service for the international health gym center. She has assisted celebrities such as Amber Chia and Jehan Miskin in their enquiries regarding the programs that were offered in the gym, and also required to handle administration in the gym. She likes to keep herself busy by surrounding herself with activities and stories fulfilling her life. She always makes the most of what comes to her, and with that said ZOOM will always be filled with true, deep and passionate stories. It is an honor for her to be a part of ZOOM.

Amanda Imani

Completely devoted to making music and passionate about the appreciation of the truth, Amanda Imani, 21 believes that ‘the truth conquers all’. Through collaboration with variety of major partners, she promotes her music for good and worthy causes like education and knowledge, well –being and health, world peace, earth and green efforts, as well as heritage and species conservation. Her goal is to perform and write with the purpose to bring enlightenment to all, thus using writing and music as a medium to express her innermost believes. ZOOM is one of her platforms she will partake with a determination to unleashe her best potential in becoming a melodic influence of the community and a successful entrepreneur in pursuit of her passion.

Yana Ibrahim

‘Emotions’ is the one perfect word to describe me. I am full of it and greatly attached to it. I can be anyone, an angel or a devil depending on what my heart and emotions say. Most of the time, I try getting myself into situations just to fit in. However, when one tries to change or direct me, I take a step back for a breather, so my emotions can regain control. This is how I usually manipulate the power of my emotions to benefit me most. I grew up independently since my family was one of the “bee family” where we can hardly see each other every day; is the best and strongest base to modulate my life in preparing me mentally and physically to face the reality life out there. I spent the last 4 years of my life here in Kuala Lumpur, while balancing my study life and working three different jobs. It has been a great teacher to me. I learnt a lot in exploring myself and learned how to get up each I fall, yet keeping my head held high and gripping on tight to my motto; “I will be okay.” Everything and everyone around me touches me in the most sensitive yet impactful way. I strongly hold on to my belief that everyone is unique in their own way; through my own lenses in expressing and interpreting this world. ‘Time’ is the second most important thing I treasure most. Making the most out of everything all the time is what I am for. Thus, being one of the members for ZOOM will be one of the best experiences in my life which will educate me better in future life. Keep it simple as life always is.

Lee ChiaChee

Lee and her fellow course mates have published their Fayette Chronicles last year. Her article about safe sex practice and right ways of using condom successfully gain attention from a doctor in Segi that volunteers himself to organize a condom distributing campaign so that more students are aware of safe sex. However, the university management had rejected the idea due to controversial issues. In 2011 and 2012, out of personal interest and determination to contribute something to the society, Lee volunteered herself in organizing charity events for the university, including the Hope for Japan Charity, Mid Autumn Love and Living Hope Luncheon. Apart from that, Lee has great passion and love for under privilege children. This inspired her to sponsored children from Lebanon, Mongolia and China for 8 years. Now, Lee serves as Chinese Cultural Society (CCS) Vice President and Team Leader of Finance Department for AIESEC Local Community SEGi. She is also a junior student assistant of SEGi Career Service Development Center. Lee is currently persuing her UIU Bachelor of Science degree in SEGi, majoring in psychology and communications. She is excited to be part of Zoom and hope that she will strive her best to fulfill her commitment in Zoom this coming few months.

Zoom - "We take our breaks seriously!"

Friday 22 February 2013

The unseen

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Friday 22 February 2013

The unseen

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