Projek Tekad

Coach Aizan & Coach Azlan

2008-12-22T02:19:00.007+08:00

Congratulations to Coach Aizan & Azlan!! This is the biggest TEKAD Wedding ever :D

The Akad Nikah was on Saturday, 20th December 2008. Let's all pray for their lifetime of happiness... :D

Tekadmon Reached the Top!

2008-07-05T00:03:00.004+08:00

Coach Fendi and his friends have proudly conquered Mount Trusmadi (the 2nd highest peak in Sabah!) and he did not forget to bring TEKAD with him ;)

WELL DONE COACH FENDI!!!

SPM Results Are Out Today!!!

2008-03-12T11:10:00.003+08:00

Dear Coaches,

Have you called or texted your champions to ask them about their SPM result? I bet some of our dear Champs are feeling very nervous and scared right now. I know I would be.

So please let them know that you're there for them no matter what the outcome of the result is. Let them know that it's not the end of the world if they fail. Be their sounding board.

Coaches, your champions need you today more than ever!

Champions, we are here for you! Good luck!

TEKAD Kelantan Gathering

2008-03-04T15:45:00.007+08:00

TEKAD KELANTAN GATHERING
Venue: A&W KB Mall
Date: 24th December 2007

A total of 14 TEKAD Kelantan Champions came for the gathering with Coach Aizan and Coach Asma at A&W KB Mall on 24th December 2007! It was a time for catching up, not only for coaches with the champs, but also the champs with each other. All the champs looked very happy and relieve that SPM is over. Yeah, we remember that feeling.

It was great fun at the gathering and hopefully we’ll have more of this event to ensure we maintain the closeness in the TEKAD family. Maybe we could have the champs themselves to organize the next one...

So here are some pics for the album:

The Tipping Point - Malcolm Gladwell

2008-01-21T12:23:00.000+08:00

The best way to understand the emergence of fashion trends, the ebb and flow of crime waves, the transformation of unknown books into bestsellers, the rise of teenage smoking, the phenomena of word-of-mouth, or any number of the other mysterious changes that mark everyday life is to view them as epidemics.

Ideas, messages and behaviors spread just like viruses do. These often spread like outbreaks of infectious disease. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of flu, so too can a few fare-beaters and graffiti artist fuel a subway crime wave, or a satisfied customer fill the empty tables of a new restaurant. These are social epidemics. The moment they take off, when they reach their critical mass, is the Tipping Point. The Tipping Point is one dramatic moment in an epidemic when everything can change all at once.

Epidemics have three characteristics:
1. contagiousness
2. little causes that can have big effects
3. change happens not gradually but at one dramatic moment

All epidemics have Tipping Points. The world of a Tipping Point is a place where the unexpected becomes expected, where radical change is more than possibility. It is contrary to all our expectations, it is a certainty.

Chapter 1: The Three Rules of Epidemics

Epidemics are a function of:
1. the people who transmit infectious agents
2. the infectious agent itself
3. the environment in which the infectious agent is operating

One critical factor in epidemics is the nature of the messenger. The message itself is something that can be passed on and tip simply if associated with a particular kind of person. The Law of the Few suggests that what we think of as inner states – preferences and emotions are powerfully and imperceptibly influenced by seemingly inconsequential personal influences.

In epidemics, the content of the message matters too. The Stickiness Factor is the specific quality of the message, food, or movie, or product that makes them "sticky" or memorable.

The power of Context says that human beings are a lot more sensitive to their environment than they may seem.

Chapter 2: The Law of the Few

Success of any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a rare set of social gifts. The Law of The Few says that there are exceptional people out there who are capable of starting social epidemics, and can make it tip.

Three kinds of people that control word-of-mouth epidemics are:
1. Connectors – the social glue who spread the message
2. Mavens – the databank who provides the message
3. Salesmen – the select group of people who have the skills to persuade people unconvinced of what they hear

Connectors are people with a special gift for bringing the world together. Word-of-mouth epidemics are the work of Connectors. They know lots of people and are at the center of events. They can be reached in only a few steps because they occupy many different worlds, subcultures and niches. We rely on them to give us access to opportunities and worlds to which we don't belong. Their ability to span many different worlds is a function of something intrinsic to their personality. Connectors have instinct that helps them relate to the people they meet. They simply like people in a genuine and powerful way. They collect people the same way others collect stamps. They see the possibility of being acquainted with anyone while most of us are busy choosing whom we would like to know.

Mavens are the ones who accumulates knowledge, and who is happy to pass it around. A Maven is usually not a persuader. Mavens are persons with information on a lot of different products or prices or places. They connect people to the marketplace and have the inside scoop. Mavens are socially motivated.

Salesmen are charismatic people that can infect others with their emotions without saying anything and with the briefest of exposures. It takes more than eloquence to make someone so persuasive. One must have the ability to draw others into his rhythms and dictate the terms of the interaction, ability to conduct conversation on his terms and the ability to create synchrony.

Chapter 3: The Stickiness Factor

The information age has created a "stickiness" problem. We simply don't remember much of what we are told or read or watched. But, there are simple ways to enhance and engineer stickiness into a message.

Chapter 4: The Power of Context

Epidemics are sensitive to the conditions and circumstances of the times and places in which they occur. The Power of Context says that we are more than sensitive to changes in context and the kind of contextual changes that are capable of tipping an epidemic are very different than we might ordinarily suspect. The Power of Context says that what really matters are little things. It says that you don't have to solve the big problems to solve crime. The shooting incident on the subway had very little to do with the psychological pathology as well as with their background and poverty. It has everything to do with the message sent by the graffiti on the walls and the disorder at the turnstiles.

The essence of the Power of Context is that our inner states are the results of our outer circumstances. Context matters. The specific and relatively small elements in the environment can serve as Tipping Points. Environmental Tipping Points are things that we can change. We can clean up graffiti and change the signals that invite crime in the first place. Crime can be more than understood, it can be prevented.

The Power of Context says that children are powerfully shaped by their external environment. The features of our immediate physical and social world – the streets we walked down, the people we encounter – all play a huge role in shaping who we are and how we act. In the end it isn't just serious criminal behavior that is sensitive to environmental cues, it is all behavior. It is possible to be a better person on a clean street or in a clean subway than in one littered with trash and graffiti.

The Magic Number One Hundred and Fifty suggests that the size of the group is one of those subtle contextual factors that can make a big difference. If we want groups to serve as incubators for contagious messages, then we have to keep groups below the 150 Tipping Point. Above that point, there will be structural impediments to the ability of the group to agree and act with one voice. Once the Tipping Point is crossed, group members begin to behave very differently as they become divided and alienated.

The paradox of epidemic is that in order to create one contagious movement you often have to create many small movements first.

Chapter 6: Case Study

Rumors, Sneakers and the Power of Translation

Why did Airwalk tip? Airwalk tipped primarily because its advertising was founded explicitly on the principles of epidemic transmission. The advertising company used dramatic images. The advertising firm served as Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen for Airwalk who simply take ideas and the information from a highly specialized world and translate them into language the rest of us can understand. To make an idea contagious, they alter it in such a way that extraneous details are dropped and others are exaggerated so that the message itself comes to acquire a deeper meaning.

Chapter 7: Case Study

Suicide, Smoking, and the Search for the Unsticky Cigarette

Studies suggest that suicide can be contagious. Suicide stories are a kind of natural advertisement for a particular response to your problems. The death of people in highly publicized suicides gave others "permission" to die – serves as Tipping Point in suicide epidemics.

Smoking epidemics begin in precisely the same way. The teen smoking epidemic is also a good illustration of the Stickiness Factor. The smoking experience is so memorable and powerful for some people that they cannot stop smoking. The habit sticks.

Chapter 8: Conclusion: Focus, Test and Believe

Tipping Points Lessons

First Lesson: Starting epidemics requires concentrating resources on a few key areas. The Law of the Few says that Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen are responsible for starting word-of-mouth epidemics. Your resources therefore, should be concentrated on these three groups. No one else matters.

The theory of Tipping Point requires that we reframe the way we think about the world.

Second Lesson: The world, as much as we want to, does not accord with our intuition. Those who are successful at creating social epidemics do not just do what they think is right. They deliberately test their intuitions.

Third Lesson: What must underlie successful epidemics is a bedrock belief that change is possible – that people can radically transform their behavior or beliefs in the face of the right kind of impetus. This contradicts some of the most ingrained assumptions we hold about ourselves and each other.

Fourth Lesson: We are actually powerfully influenced by our surroundings. Complex behaviors like smoking, suicide or crime show that we are suggestible in the face of what we see and hear, and that we are acutely sensitive to even the smallest details of everyday life.

By manipulating the size of a group, we can dramatically improve its receptivity to new ideas. By tinkering with the presentation of information we can significantly improve the stickiness. By finding and reaching those few special people who hold so much social power, we can engineer the course of social epidemics. Tipping Point reaffirms the potential for change and the power of intelligent action. The world may seem immovable, implacable place, but it is not. With the slightest push – in just the right place – it can be tipped.

© Petroliam Nasional Berhad. 2008.

Important Announcement

2007-12-24T17:16:00.000+08:00

To the
CHAMPS
who recently sat for their SPM

Yes. You.

Have you registered online for a placement in the University?

If you haven’t, please do the following:

From now until Dec 31, 2007 :

1. Go to http://www.mohe.gov.my
2. Create password :
- 6 – 8 alphanumeric characters
- Mixture of numbers and alphabets e.g. abc1234
- Easy to remember

3. Always remember the password.

Immediately after SPM result is announced :

1. Go to BSN to buy the Unique ID. Price is RM10.60.
2. Go to http://www.mohe.gov.my
3. Use the Unique ID to fill in the application form.
4. Read ALL instruction carefully
5. Double-check every item to make sure it is correctOnce completed, make sure to click on the button “SAH & HANTAR” to submit the application.

Good Luck!

Salam Aidiladha 1428H

2007-12-18T16:55:00.001+08:00

To all Champions and Coaches,

May you have a wonderful celebration.

To all Champions in Kelantan, good news for you! There will be a gathering in Kota Bharu on Sunday, 23 December 2007 at 11.00 am. Coach Aizan and Coach Asma will be waiting to see you at A&W Restaurant, KB Mall.

DUNGGA!

Postcard For Coach Ayaz

2007-12-10T11:32:00.000+08:00

Message from Coach Ayaz:

I got my postcard :-)

Thank you very very much coaches, you all
rock!

Here's a picture of me proudly holding the Tekad postcard!

Ayaz

Coach Anwar's Award

2007-12-06T00:11:00.000+08:00

It has been a long, grueling three weeks for our Tekad Kelantan, Tekad Pahang and Tekad Penang Champions who just finished sitting for their SPM.

Now, Coach Anwar will share with you what you can achieve when you combine hard work, strong determination and a powerful “Tekad”.

***************************************************************************************************************

It’s all was unexpected.

Abang Anwar was conferred the most prestigious academic award in Malaysia presented by our Yang Di-pertuan Agong itself. To add to the prestige, it was awarded during the conference of rulers # 212 on 31^st Oct 2007 (Majlis Raja-Raja).

Couldn’t find words to precisely describe my feelings on the 31^st Oct. The day was full of surprises…. Let me start from the very beginning….

Abang found the advertisement for scholarship on the same day of due date. Wrote the application in “rocket speed”, got it ready by 10 am and sent it via Poslaju. Luckily it arrived Istana exactly at 5.30 pm which was the due. Pewhhh…….

Waited for the interview few weeks and rushed over to Bangkok for business trip. Spent couple of days (full swing) in remote area in North Thailand with poor net facility. Thus, didn’t check e-mail. Departed Bangkok and arrived in KLIA on 9 Sept 2007 (Sunday). Was very tired and thought of checking the mail in office on Monday. But my 6^th sense programmed my biological system to extend the working hours and thus got back to office at 8pm and checked my mail. Alhamdulillah.. It was an invitation to attend the interview on the following morning.

Oh.. God… but I left my Tie, Long Suit and etc at BKK. Emhh…. Got a little “hikmat” from Illahi. I had my Chinese “Cheong Sam” which I bought from Beijing, I was the only one appeared very weird during the interview with “Cheong Sam” which was the most decent cloth I had at that point of time.

The interview was as if I were talking to a bunch of people I’m familiar with. Maybe this is due to the network of my friends whom are mostly above 40 yrs old. The interviewer was the director of SIRIM, Prof from UTM, Director of Jabatan Sumber Asli. The requirements for scholarship are as follow:-

Academic excellence: min. First class recipient on undergraduate studies.
Standing offer from premier university
Excellent track record in social services.
Clear record on lifelong capacity to learn and teach others.

I believe my involvement as a Global PEACE Foundation secretariat, member of IEM (Institution of Engineers Malaysia), member of SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers), member of UTP Alumni, PROJEK TEKAD coach, and etc gave me a lot of credits. As to make it even more obvious my “Cheong Sam” could have added harmonious philosophies within me coupled with my little ability on Mandarin Language. Some of the teachings by the great Master Chin Kung who is Mahaguru in Buddhism whom I was appointed as a liaison officer by Tun Dr. Mahathir in 2005 added a lot of things to be on the edge. Interview ended with a lot confidence built-up.

Waited couple of weeks more to know the result. To get a break from materialistic world, somehow rather I was keen in getting a 2 weeks personnel trip to Sri Lanka to be with less fortunate people and to learn the world I never seen, it was heart breaking to see the realities in Sri Lanka. Again there was no communication between me the rest of the world. I finished the trip and back to Malaysia on 28^th October and found out about the award on 29^th Oct in office.

31^st October was very important milestone in my life. Meeting the majesty and queen, state rulers, Yang Dipertua Negeri, Cabinet ministers and our Prime Minister.

We were briefed on protocol on the 31^st Morning and the Award receiving ceremony begins at 10 am. I read through the protocol and Istana Language to “Menjunjug Kasih” with the King. We were arranged in semi-sphere with the king and queen in the middle. One by one was called upon to pay the tribute with the background reading by Dato Maharaja Lela on the previous academic achievement, state of origin, and the company we are working and which field we will further studies to king and queen. All of us (12) went through the same. Then tea talks with the king and queen. Everyone got the opportunity to talk. I was surprised with the way King treated us, as though we were his children.

Next was the evening dinner in conference of rulers # 212. It is decided before the dinner that all of us to be introduced to rulers that are seated in a semi-circle while we stand in a line.

Then all of us marched to Palace Banquet and had a wonderful meal blended with musical performance with some stars that I’m not familiar with. Very little exposure to TV…...The dinner ends and King followed by rulers walked out of the golden crafted table according to protocol and the state rulers approached us on the way out and gave their well wishes, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri said he will be waiting for my Visit in Penang for Hari Raya. Insyaallah I may head-up to his home if given an invitation card.

All in all, I went through a series “fortunate events” and “wonderland” experience especially being among sultans, state rulers and PM during the conference of rulers 212.

Anyway, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our government, rulers and The majesty and Queen whom gave a new perspective in life which is to “pay back what I owe to the society and public” and to treat this nation as my home, to treat the public as my family members and to treat the elderly as my parents.

I know all of you will be very happy for me. As a matter of fact, Projek TEKAD and wonderful people like you in the project have been instrumental to some extend without you may not realize it. People are linked to each other via so called “Telepathy of Karma”. Thanks a lot for your invitation to serve in Project TEKAD for a noble cause.

I would like take this space in the spirit of fellowship and brotherhood to say “Good Luck in SPM” to all the Malaysian students specially our beloved TEKAD champions.

SPM Is Just Around The Corner

2007-11-04T22:39:00.000+08:00

To all TEKAD Kelantan, TEKAD Pahang and TEKAD Penang CHAMPS, we would like to wish all of you Good Luck and All the Best for the SPM examinations.

Some tips for the exams :

The night before :

Pack all the things that you require the night before e.g. IC, exam slips, stationery

Sleep early

Ask forgiveness from your parents, family, siblings and Coaches

Calm your mind, think of success

The morning of the exam :

Have a healthy and substantial breakfast

Get to the exam hall early

During the exam :

Make sure to read all instructions before answering

Make sure to know how many questions to be answered and how long you’ve got to answer them

Make some estimates of how many minutes you have per question. If the question requires more time, then move on to other questions first.

Always read each question thoroughly

Always write down your method of obtaining the answers.

Double-check all the figures in your calculation ( for calculation based questions)

Always check the question for units (minutes, kilometer, etc). Make sure you use the correct unit in your answer

If there are questions that you can’t answer, and time is running out, make some guesses. Don’t leave any answer blank, unless the question says minus points for wrong answers.

And most importantly, don’t forget to say your prayers and doa before, during and after the exam.

Our prayers are with you. Good Luck!

p/s: To all COACHES,have you contacted your CHAMPIONS?

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

2007-10-25T14:45:00.000+08:00

Hi Coaches and Champions,

How was your Hari Raya Aidilfitri? We hope that it's not too late for us (The Editorial Team) to wish you,

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Maaf Zahir dan Batin

We'd like to share with you a Raya Card from Coach Adita and Coach Hasli who are now in London.

Thank you Coach Adita and Coach Hasli for the Raya Card. We hope that you have a blessed Eid in London. Whenever you missed Malaysia, just send us more postcards! :)

To the rest of the gang... do you want to share your Raya experience with the rest of Projek Tekad family? Just send in you pictures or stories to tekadmon@gmail.com. We'll gladly put it up in the blog!

Faces of PETRONAS: Part 3

2007-10-22T14:33:00.000+08:00

Champions and Coaches, ladies and gentlemen, latest addition to Faces of PETRONAS is none other than.... Coach NAZ!! Congratulations Coach Naz, we are so proud of you.

Nazreen Irwanny Khalid

Designation: Executive, Expat/International Staff Management
HCU / OPU / Country Office: International Human Resource, Human Resource Management
Location: Level 62, Tower 1, PeTT

If you were to ask any of her friends, they would probably tell you that HR Executive Nazreen Irwanny Bt Khalid hates to cook. The truth however, is a well-hidden secret. Nazreen actually loves to not only cook, but bake as well! Another truth about Nazreen is that she helps those who need it. One can even say she has a passion for it.

Nominator Azlan bin Ali, an engineer with PETRONAS’ Petroleum Management Unit (PMU) agrees. “Nazreen is a very creative young woman who is optimistic about life,” he writes in his nomination entry. “She always finds an avenue to cheer others when they need it the most, and is always there to help you. Being in a team with her, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose because you will feel like a winner.”

This amateur photographer joined the corporation in October 2002, and since then, has been involved in many of PETRONAS’ activities, namely the HR Young Professional Executives (HYPE) Club and Program BAKTI Pendidikan PETRONAS (PBPP).

Previously known as the Professional Executives (ProEx) Club, the HYPE Club helps the various departments under the Human Resource Division (HRD) in organising events and activities, while at the same time giving the members a chance to be involved and gain some hands-on experience. As a committee member, Nazreen is very involved with these activities. Recently, in conjunction with Malaysia’s 50th Independence anniversary, HYPE organised a Merdeka competition, which included ‘Office Decoration’, ‘Poster Contest’ and a photography contest.

“That was actually the last project for the committee,” Nazreen says. “After that, the new committee took over. It was good that our last project was something memorable.”

Nazreen and some friends also volunteer at a local orphanage, facilitating non-academic sessions with the children there. “We are not teachers,” Nazreen says of her vocation. “That’s why we work on building the children’s non-academic skills, encouraging them to think outside the box; providing activities that are fun, that boost their self-confidence and give them the opportunity to believe in themselves.”

“It’s definitely not easy,” Nazreen confesses. “But it’s worth it, when you see that you are actually making a difference.”

The activities Nazreen and her friends run at the home are very similar to the activities she facilitates under PBPP. “When I facilitate at the SK Bukit Pantai school in Bangsar, I see how much the children respond to us,” she says. “When I first started with PBPP in 2005, it was difficult to get the children to be interested. Now, after two years, they are more involved, and it gives you a great feeling,” she smiles. “So a number of the activities I facilitate at the home are similar to the ones I’ve learned in PBPP. I get great results!”

Source: PETRONAS 50TH MERDEKA COMMEMORATIVE WEBSITE – Faces of PETRONAS

© PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS) 2007

Faces of PETRONAS: Part 2

2007-10-02T14:05:00.001+08:00

Who would have thought that we are going to have two Projek Tekad representatives in the PETRONAS 50th Merdeka Commemorative Website: Faces of PETRONAS? You have seen Coach Remy in the previous post, and now it's none other than our reigning Queen of Projek Tekad, Coach Aizan.

Let's get up close and personal with Coach Aizan. You may notice the quotation that she uses as her affirmation, Be Queen by Oprah Winfrey had been published in Tekad Blog before in the Inspire segment.

Aizan Azrina Rosli

Designation: Legal Counsel, Oil Business
HCU / OPU / Country Office: Legal and Corporate Affairs Division
Location: Level 68, Tower 1, PeTT

“Be a queen. Dare to be different. Be a pioneer. Be a leader. Be the kind of
woman who in the face of adversity will continue to embrace life and walk
fearlessly toward the challenge. Be a queen!”

Legal Counsel Aizan Azrina Bt Rosli is a classic example of a woman who has taken charge of her destiny and become a ‘queen’. She may be petite, but there’s a backbone of steel wrapped in all that velvet that has shown through during her nine years here at PETRONAS.

An engineer with Petroleum Management Unit (PMU), nominator Azlan Bin Ali agrees. “She has this tremendous passion for work and life and she’s not afraid to go after what she wants,” he says. “At the same time, she truly cares about the development of others, both professionally and personally. She is always there to offer a helping hand.”

From 2002 to 2006, Aizan was involved with promoting Intellectual Property (IP), the protection of PETRONAS’ intangible assets throughout the PETRONAS Group through talks and awareness programmes to various Operating Units (OPU). She has also played a pivotal role in advocating PETRONAS to the world as an organisation that is serious about IP Management, networking with IP experts, IP groups and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

Aizan was also a member of Licensing Executives Society International (LESI), an international society of IP practitioners. “In 2001 to 2002, I held the post of Vice President of the Malaysian Chapter,” she says. “And in 2002 to 2003 I was voted as the President. It wasn’t until I was at the world meeting of Presidents from various country chapters that I realised that at 28, I was the youngest President in the world! The other Presidents were in either their forties or fifties. I managed to overcome the gap in knowledge and experience by gaining a mentor from Germany,” she adds brightly. “His name is Dr. Heinz. He taught me a lot and we remain good friends till this day.”

Her biggest challenge? “I recently had to negotiate a deal with some Japanese counterparts,” she says. “The lawyer negotiating against me was one of the top lawyers in his field with about 35 years of age difference, wisdom and experience. Negotiations were tough and I had to resort to various methods to finally clinch the deal. Gaining his respect was a big challenge, but looking back, I realise that it was a real learning experience for me.”

Aizan has also spearheaded Project Tekad, a community outreach programme organised by young professionals aiming to help underprivileged ‘champions’ to succeed in life, which garnered her a NSTP-PwC (New Straits Times Press-PricewaterhouseCoopers) humanitarian award. She hopes that this effort, along with many other community outreach programmes, will help to guide the future generation into becoming better individuals and leaders.

Source: PETRONAS 50TH MERDEKA COMMEMORATIVE WEBSITE – Faces of PETRONAS

© PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS) 2007

Faces of PETRONAS

2007-09-16T13:23:00.000+08:00

In conjunction with Malaysia's 5oth Independence Day, PETRONAS has launched its 50th Merdeka Commemorative Website for its staff. In one of the segments called "Faces of PETRONAS", Projek Tekad's very own Coach Remy (Projek Tekad Pahang) is featured as one of the many faces that have left a foot print of significant contribution, be it to the company or to the community as a whole.

Read on, and you would never have guessed that behind his humble smile is a person who has the passion and determination to seize every chance he gets to give back to the community.

Remy Azrai Mohd Amin

Designation: Researcher, Subsurface Technology
HCU / OPU / Country Office: PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd
Location: Bangi

For someone who claims to have been trained as a farmer, 25 year-old Remy Azrai has certainly come a long way. A Subsurface Technology Researcher with PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB), Remy has had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout his two-year career with PETRONAS, going to exotic locations such as Vietnam, Bangkok and Perth. Yet, his trip to the Netherlands earlier this year would have to be his crowning achievement.

“He represented PRSB and PETRONAS at the 7th European Formation Damage Conference, in Scheveningen, Netherlands in May 2007,” writes nominee Siti Aminah bt Musa, a Petroleum Economist at PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd. “He and his colleague won the Young Professional Contest (YPC) for their paper on Production Profile of Wells Before & After Treatment using the Novel Thermo-Chemical Technique,” she reports.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Remy recalls of their win with an ear-splitting grin. “We were the youngest there, and we won! We were trying very hard not to jump for joy. It was such an amazing experience.” Remy and his colleague, Kamal Rosli had presented a paper on the technology that they had developed with their team under the Solid Deposition Project trademark, which has helped to increase the average yield of all oil wells to up to 50 barrels per day depending on the well. “I had a great team during the execution of this project,” Remy says. “My team leader Mr Jamil Jelani, was also really supportive about the YPC.”

A PETRONAS scholar, Remy says he owes much to the Corporation. “I’ve been given so much,” Remy says. “from the opportunity to pursue a higher education, to gaining experiences that will last me a lifetime. I have been able to travel and see the world as well as have the chance to make something of myself.”

Remy also adds that in keeping with the PETRONAS Brand Essence of ‘Energy Receive, Energy Return, Aspiring People Everywhere’, he aims to give back to the community. “I’ve had my chance,” he says. “Now it’s my turn to offer that chance to someone else that needs it.”

In 2006, he became actively involved in ‘Project Tekad’, a project that aims to inspire and nurture underprivileged students into excelling in all that they do. Although it is not exclusively a PETRONAS effort, many young PETRONAS professionals have joined this programme, which creates a platform for sharing and communicating with children.

“We want the children to be able to handle whatever comes their way,” Remy says earnestly. “We’re taking on the role of big brothers and sisters to motivate them, to help instill confidence and a sense of purpose in them. We want them to have a bright future and become Champions. But most of all, we want them to have a chance, like we did.”

Source: PETRONAS 50TH MERDEKA COMMEMORATIVE WEBSITE – Faces of PETRONAS

© PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS) 2007

Quotes, quotes & more quotes...

2007-09-09T14:06:00.000+08:00

Coach Naz' Postcard: Xin Chao!

2007-08-18T12:13:00.000+08:00

I had the opportunity to visit Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam during an International HR Conference last April. I was there for about 4 days. It was a pack 4 days - program from morning to late afternoon but I managed to squeeze in some time in between to take a sneak peak of the City! Plus to my advantage, I have a friend working there! So, she brought me around the shops in the evenings…

What I observed about the City was that there weren’t many cars on the road. Majority people travel by motorcycles. You can see a pool of motorcycles during peak hours of the day. All kind of motorcycles and all sorts of things they carry with them on their motorcycles!!

The traffic system in HCMC is not very well-structured. For a foreigner, it can be DANGEROUS to drive own your own there, you just don’t know whether it is your way or the other person’s way or whether you are allowed to turn right/left – you just do it! You just follow the flow of traffic!

Although traffic is considered ‘crazy’ (yes, even worse than in KL), most motorcyclists don’t wear helmets on the road. And I was surprised that throughout my 4 days stay, I didn’t see even one accident on the road.

The other fact that I thought was interesting about HCMC is the Cu Chi Tunnels. It was built by the Vietnam Soldiers during the Vietnam War. It is an underground tunnel stretching for over 250 kilometers from the outskirts of Saigon (the older name for HCMC) to the Cambodian Borders. They had built several levels and they even had kitchens, storage rooms, field hospitals, weapon factories etc, all that underground!

Imagine living in a small space, underground for years! It must have been difficult… I had the chance to walk (crawl more like it) through one of the first level tunnels which was about 250 meters long. It was scary – dark, uncomfortable and small!! I just wanted to get to the end and out of it quick!!

At that point in time, I wondered to myself – how on earth did they build those tunnels? And how did they live in those tunnels as though it was a normal day to day thing?

What I can conclude from the trip to Cu Chi Tunnels is that “People can do amazing things to survive!”

ps: "Xin Chao" means "Hello" in Vietnamese Language.

YES I DID IT!

2007-08-11T23:01:00.000+08:00

When a friend told me (and blog) about her trip to Bukit Gasing a few months ago, it got me curious – maybe I should try to ‘conquer’ Bukit Gasing one of these days.

Then I totally forgot about it.

Until a few weeks ago, I didn’t know what made me want to go to Bukit Gasing. So I asked my friend if she wanted to come along. And being a good a friend that she is, she entertained my whim.

I was so excited that night before! It was long since I ventured into a ‘jungle.’

We woke up early that morning – excitement continued since the night before. We thought we were early but as soon as we arrived there, lots of cars were already parked by the roadside. After finding ourselves a parking spot, we warmed up and got ready to start the hike!

Now, this isn’t going to be the usual article about what happened along my way whilst completing the trek. It’s going to be some sharing on how I felt the hike in relation to tips on how we can achieve our goals in life! Well, the experience definitely taught me a few pointers on achieving MY GOALS!

1. Be prepared for the journey

Always, always, always be prepared ahead of time. It’s a good thing if you can research about what you’re getting yourself into. If you’re well-prepared, you’ll reduce elements of surprise – hence reduce the possibility of getting stressed out while achieving your goal(s).

In this case, I asked my friend what to expect during the hike since she had been there before. Drink a lot of water! You do not want to be dehydrated in the jungle – there’s no stall selling bottled water in there. So I took her advice and kept myself busy drinking water along the way to Bukit Gasing.

2. Visualise yourself achieving the goal

It always seems intimidating when you’re starting on a journey, especially in an unfamiliar territory. What can help you along the way is the visualisation of you achieving your goal – the sweet taste of victory. Picture in your mind the vision of you receiving the scroll, the straight As in your SPM results slip or imagine how it feels like when your parents hug you on the day you get your dream job.

The visualisation really helped me in motivating myself completing the trek. I imagined how I would feel when I complete the hike. The feeling of accomplishment motivated me to take the next step and the next and the next.

3. Enjoy your surrounding and BREATHE

Whenever we set our minds to achieve something, we would often forget to take a look around us. Sometimes, we are too preoccupied with what we have in our hands that we forget all the little things that make us happy. We need balance in our life and “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Once in a while you need to go out and play football with your friends or go for a movie with your siblings.

While I was hiking, I enjoyed the greenery that was all around me. It’s not like I get to do this everyday. The breath of fresh air than the usual air-conditioned office in the morning – makes me appreciate every breathe that I take.

4. Think positive

Most importantly, you need to think positive while in the process of achieveing your goals. If there’s one thing that you can take control of in your life, it’s your mind. Let it have positive things to think of – and you will see that you are more flexible whenever you’re facing challenges or crossroads. Also, positive thinkers have this positive aura about them, that will help them along the way.

Of course, when you’re hiking, you could use your surrounding to inspire you to think about positive things. Let’s say you spot a butterfly, notice their beautiful colours. Or you could enjoy the different shapes of leaves all around you. If you have the stamina and a friend to do it with, then reminisce your old memories with him or her – maybe when your first time you got yourself into the jungle. Even if you’re alone, maybe an inspiring song on your MP3 player could help you to think positive.

5. Have a friend/cheerleader and be one

It’s always good to have a friend that has the same goals as you. That way, you will have somebody that can help motivate you as the both of you reaching towards your goal. Take for instance, you need to exercise more whether for your general health of to lose weight. It is always better to have a friend that wants to do the same. He/She can motivate you to go out brisk-walking or make better choice during lunch. Having a buddy will push you to reach your common goal. And what’s better, is when you yourself be the one who cheers your buddy in achieving your goals. You’ll be inspired to do more.

My friend really helped me that day. Whenever I ran out of energy, she would cheer me. And that got me up and going again. So, I returned her favour and cheer her whenever she felt like giving up. The thing about Bukit Gasing is, you yourself must complete the trail. Therefore a supporting voice with you would always help you cross the finishing line.

6. Take one step at a time

We always set big goals in our lives. Whether it’s in high school, in university or in your workplace, you can’t help but to set big goals to achieve. When we set our eyes on the big goals, it can be overwhelming that we often forget that there are smaller steps that you need to conquer one by one before you get the prize. The steps might be smaller, but it will surely help you achieve your goal.

The trail at Bukit Gasing started fairly easy, until I came across the steep trail that went up about 40 – 50 feet in front of you. Overwhelming as it was, I slowly conquered the steps one at a time. I didn’t want to get injured or anything, so I had to carefully place my foot one after the other until I reached the top. Once I got the hang of it, it came pretty easily and I managed to hike the trail right to the end.

Once I finished the walk, I felt a sense of satisfaction. And it is the same feeling as what you will feel when you achieve anything in your life.

YES, I DID IT!

Opportunities @MAKNA

2007-08-03T10:06:00.000+08:00

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Have some free time?
Want to gain some experience?
Want to contribute to the community?

Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA) is a social enterprise which helps poor cancer patients from all over the country. We are currently looking for VOLUNTEERS to assist us in administrative and data entry work at our Headquarters in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

Apart from that, you will have an opportunity to have an insight how a leading not-for-profit organization works. You will also be able to participate in activities such as visiting cancer patients at their homes, visit our cancer ward in HUKM, fundraising activities, exhibitions, cancer awareness programs and much more…

Basic Qualification:
Energetic and Fun Person
Able to type
Knows to use Internet Explorer/Internet
Knows to use Microsoft Excel (is a plus)

Age: Does not matter

Duration: 1-2 months

Allowance: RM15.00 per day

Interested? Kindly email your contact details to youthcorps@makna.org.my

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA) is a social enterprise which helps poor cancer patients from all over the country. Our mission is to mobilize resources in order to provide curative, preventative, research and support services to cancer patients and families, high risk groups and the general public.

We are currently looking for young and energetic people to join our passionate and happening team in the fight against cancer.

Job Vacancy: Accounts Executive (Immediate Vacancy)

Minimum Qualification:
Degree in Accounting & Finance or Equivalent
Knowledge of UBS Accounting Software
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Software

Experience:
1-2 years working experience
FRESH GRADUATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Key Responsibilities:
Handle day-to-day accounts entry
Handle accounts payable and receivable
Monthly Accounts Closing

Interested candidates, please email your resume to youthcorps@makna.org.my
(only short listed candidates will be contacted)

Success Vs. Failure: Finale

2007-08-01T20:54:00.000+08:00

Continuation for previous week...

MESSAGE TO CHAMPIONS

Coach Anang: Failure in your SPM doesn't mean it's the end of your life... It'll hurt you so much, but in the end... It is you that matters. Stand up and get on with your new life. Learn from your failure, and plan your life ahead. You're just 19 yeas old... There are many more years ahead of you. Fill it up with greater success. Let others have their success now, but InsyaAllah, dengan TEKAD dan usaha , you will also gain your success one day.

My mom always giving me this advice:
"Jangan terlalu terburu-buru mengejar kejayaan, tak semestinya kejayaan sekarang menjamin kejayaan di masa hadapan. Ingatilah cerita si kura-kura dengan arnab - yang berlari cepat, tidak semestinya akan sampai di pintu kejayaan lebih awal"

Take one step at a time.. InsyaAllah, champs sekalian akan berjaya suatu hari nanti. Berjanji pada diri sendiri yang kalian akan berusaha dengan bersungguh2. Kegagalan bukanlah satu penghalang, akan tetapi ianya satu pintu untuk kejayaan.

Pahatlah semula TEKAD di hati mu dan teruskanlah dengan langkah pertama mu... Insyaallah, Wawasan akan di julang, dan Kejayaan akan digenggam.

Coach Lan : You need willpower, determination, prayers, support from friends and the understanding of yourself to lift yourself up and move on. This sharing is for my friends, but it is especially for my adik-adik to learn from. I can almost connect and understand our adik-adik Champions immediately simply because, I was once their shoes.

From the Editorial Team: Notice how Coach Anang’s and Coach Lan’s answers came out surprisingly similar, even though they answered the questions separately and they live thousands of miles apart ? Coach Anang is currently doing his PhD. in Melbourne, Australia and Coach Lan works and lives in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Missed the previous episodes?

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Success Vs. Failure: Part 3

2007-07-25T12:02:00.000+08:00

Once you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. Let’s see what Coach Anang and Coach Lan did to rise above their failures….

Part 3 : The Rise Above

Coach Anang : Start your “Langkah Pertama” and move on with your life. There are so many other opportunities and paths for success. If you failed once, it doesn't mean you will fail forever. I have to build up my own self-confidence that I can do it. Usually people get de-motivated and lose his/her self-confidence when they failed. It's normal. But it's not the end of one's life. Besides taking action, I also believe that we should also pray and asks guidance from the Almighty.

Coach Lan : For me, the failures empowers me to move forward. I learned to not make the same mistakes again.

The power is in you - the key is to understand yourself. Understanding yourself is the key to unlock your potential. Know your weaknesses and strengths, etc. From there, it becomes a lot easier to move on. For me, failure is actually wisdom for success in the future. So, yeah, once I understood myself, I switched lanes and flew. I took up Communications in UiTM. I was in the Dean's list almost all semesters, almost effortlessly. Ambik extra subjects lagi, buat kerja part-time lagi sebab nak bayar fees. But then fate took another turn. My mum fell ill and I had to make the hospital my first home. We bunked in with my mum, tidur atas lantai and during puasa, makan nasi sejuk. But I had friends to support me during my UiTM days. Thank God. So, yes, friends in need are friends indeed - that can help you through the roughest of times.

In the final segment, a special message for the Champions from Coach Lan and Coach Anang. Read it next week.

Tekad Fun in The Sun

2007-07-23T11:54:00.000+08:00

Tekad Gathering Fun Team put an effort to gather all the Coaches from TEKAD KL to TEKAD Penang in Pangkor Village Resort.

Now, why Pangkor???

Well, the Fun Team consists of Coaches who are in Tronoh and Batu Gajah.. They are:
1. Coach Gie
2. Coach Raj
3. Coach Bell
4. Coach Noreen
5. Coach Imran
6. Coach Aidah

Tekad Gathering Fun Team

23 June 2007

Coaches arrived at Pangkor Village Resort at around 12.30 p.m. Indoor activities started at 2.00 p.m. with Ice-breaking session, followed by “Di Sebalik Tabir” where the coches had to guess who were the people behind the curtain on the spot.

Coaches in action during "Di Sebalik Tabir"

Coach Jin, brought along his wife and their kids

After that, we had Heart-to-Heart Sharing Session with Coaches. In this session, Coaches shared their un-censored feeling about how Tekad spirit grows in their heart and soul. Some of them even shared their personal experiences meeting their soul mate during Projek Tekad.

Heart-to-Heart with Coach Fnd and Coach Red

This followed by Coach Aizan's sharing about her excitement and passion in organising Projek Tekad. She also shared with the rest of the Coaches some of Champions' feedback and letters.

Later in the evening, we had fun in the sun - Telematch Time!

Big Foot activities challenged on team work and focus

The Saturday’s agenda is continued by BBQ dinner – everybody was so full of energy that they all demonstrated various dances as part of the activities during the dinner. We had the Poco-Poco, Para-Para and most importantly, DUNGGA.

Surely, everybody had a good workout by the end of the day. After the telematch and all the dance action, the Coaches headed their own ways to the chalets at around 12.30 am.

24 June 2007

The next day, we went for Island hopping and snorkeling at Pantai Pasir Bogak.

Happy Coaches are flying off the ground!

Everybody really enjoyed the trip and the sad moment came when all of us had to leave Pangkor Village Resort at around 3.00 p.m.

Before we reached the jetty, we had a tour around Pulau Pangkor.

Boat ride around Pulau Pangkor

To the Fun Team, thank you very much for your time and effort to bring Coaches from Projek Tekad KL to Projek Tekad Penang together in this fun-filled and memorable event. This event wouldn’t be realized without your initiative! KUDOS, Fun Team!

Group Photo before leaving the resort

From the Editorial Team:

Did you miss Tekad Gathering at Pangkor? Well, don't fret! Come and join the Tekad Walk on 28 July 2007, 7.00 am. See you at Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya! Click here for more info.

Coach Aizan's Postcard : Moshi-moshi!

2007-07-15T09:06:00.000+08:00

Dear Champions,

Moshi-moshi!
That means hello in Japanese.

Coach Jef and I had the opportunity to visit Japan together recently for a work project. We were in Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka. "My Postcard from Abroad" will share with all of you some of our discoveries about Japan!!

This is a view of OSAKA, taken from Coach Aizan’s hotel room

People in Japan go back very late from work, the train stations only come alive after 10pm. The view of the city at night is FANTASTIC, with the colourful lights and billboards all around!

This is GINZA (the main shopping district) , taken at night

We managed to find a bit of time to explore Tokyo. We traveled around by subway. It was great to get to visit the Royal Palace... Here are some of our pictures!

Coach Aizan, taken in front of the Royal Palace

Coach Jefri in Tokyo

There are also lots of vending machines in Japan. Not just for drinks and chocolates like the one we have in Malaysia but vending machines for almost anything, you name it!

COKE Vending Machines

That is all from me for now.
Hope to share with you again soon! Therefore, arigato-gozaimazu!!

Sayonara!
That means goodbye in Japanese.

Warm regards,
Coach Aizan

Projek TEKAD Follow-ups, Connections and Beyond

2007-07-11T11:54:00.000+08:00

Coach A : “When is the next Projek Tekad? I’ve got friends who want to join…”

Champion : “Kak, bila ada Projek Tekad lagi, boleh tak saya join…tapi boleh tak saya nak jadi Coach pulak?”

Coach B : “Are we organizing any PROJEK TEKAD this year?”

Future Coach : “Let me know when you’re having your next project okay? I’m in! ”

The above are just a few of the many questions that we’ve been getting from friends, Coaches and Champions. Thank you very much for the interest and we’re glad that many still feel the “magic” of PROJEK TEKAD and want that “magic” to continue. It’s also heartwarming to see so much interest and support towards PROJEK TEKAD.

Here are some updates on what’s happening behind the scenes right now.

First, the bad news. NO, there will not be any PROJEK TEKAD this year. This is because of 2 reasons.

Reason No.1: WE NEED TO DO FOLLOW UP WITH OUR CHAMPIONS

Do you know where your Champions are now?

How are our Champions doing?

Are they still feeling the magic?

What significant changes have happened in the lives of your Champion after PROJEK TEKAD?

How has PROJEK TEKAD impacted your Champions?

How are our Champions doing with their studies?

How are our Champions coping with the challenges in their lives?

When was the last time you met your Champions?

When was the last time you heard from your own Champions?

Have you spoken to your Champions recently?

One of the most important promises that we made to our Champions is to do follow-ups with them. It is time to walk the talk and 2007 is the year that we really honour our words with our actions. So, 2007 is the year that we focus on doing FOLLOW UP.

THE FOLLOW-UP TEAM

11 Coaches representing the various PROJEK TEKAD programmes have come together as the PROJEK TEKAD FOLLOW-UP Team. This team sees themselves as the “energizers” for follow-up activities be it amongst the Coaches themselves, between Coaches and Champions and even amongst the Champions. Look out for the various exciting activities coming your way, brought to you by the super-charged, outrageous and creative FOLLOW-UP TEAM.

The 11 Coaches in the FOLLOW-UP Team are...

Reason No. 2 : REVIEW AND DETERMINING THE FUTURE OF PROJEK TEKAD

For us who have been involved in the “backstage” work of PROJEK TEKAD over the past 4 years, 2007 is our “take a step back and review” year. We have successfully conducted 6 PROJEK TEKAD. We believe we owe it to ourselves, the Champions and also the Coaches to do a comprehensive review and look at what worked, what didn’t work and address the bigger question, what is the future of PROJEK TEKAD?

Success vs Failure: Part 2

2007-07-09T19:29:00.001+08:00

Everybody dreams of being successful in whatever they do. But how do we react when the unthinkable happens?

Let's see how Coach Anang and Coach Lan coped in the second installment of Success Vs. Failure Series.

THE REALISATION

Coach Anang: After what happened to me, I believed that whatever happens to you, it is your call. You can just go weeping down for even a hundred years... but nothing is going to change the situation.

I kept reanalyzing and reassessing myself (muhasabah). What went wrong? How could this happen. How can I improve myself. Initially, memang I was really frustrated... and thought that that's the end of the world.

However, I started to take things one step at a time, finding alternative options, analyzing my results and find suitable path to my career (since I got E and D for my Biology and Chemistry), I believed that was no-no for me, so I took up areas that are related to Mathematics and
Statistics. Then there are IT and computing). Alhamdulillah, it turned out well for me. I was also getting advice from other people on how to deal with this. Talk to other people. That is important. You can't really think with your own mind at that time. Second or third opinion is much better.

For me failure is a cure. It is bitter but can heal yourself. It makes us realize of our individual performance, capability and needs. Sometimes when failure happened, you'll realize that you have not done enough to achieve what you wanted, or you have done it in different way, or you need some help or guidance. The bitter part is where you have to get it off quickly....

Coach Lan : The reason why I think I didn’t do well in SPM and A-Levels was because I struggled to be in the crowd - to remain in my friend's league. I didn’t love what I was doing. I was forcing myself. For some, it can work, but for rebellious souls like myself, it can’t. My friends did accounting and mathematics. I wanted to do that too, not realising that my strengths are in the creative and social sciences. While I was in secondary school, I borrowed psychology and sociology books to read while my friends were practicing mathematics and accounting. Human behaviour intrigued me and I always like business - since I was a kid, I've always made my own money - jual gambar, sell keychains and stickers, anything that I feel marketable. I’d make like a few hundreds monthly. not bad eh? . :D that's how we are different. Our school systems do not support people like me. hehehe.

Also I think the reason why I fail a lot is because I love to try and experience new things and take risks to try. Sometimes I fail, sometimes I perform well. if I fail, I learn and move on and I know would have gained some knowledge. If u ask me whether I dare not fail or I fear failure, I'd say its 90-10.Tthere's a part of me that is afraid to take big risks. I'm still deliberating whether I should do something that is big. Otherwise, I'll go for it. just do it...but with substance and calculated risk. Then only will you learn.

What did our Coaches do to push themselves and rise up again after each failure? Read the 3rd part next week…

TEKAD Walk

2007-07-05T17:24:00.000+08:00

What?
Come on, people! When was the last time you ventured into the jungle? Well, let’s take this opportunity to shake up those legs and enjoy what nature has for us.. the greenery, the fresh air, the warmth of the morning sun. All these with good company! It’s time to catch up and bring your cameras for those candid moments.. What more can you ask for? Let’s all take a walk together in the nature! It’s also one of Projek Tekad’s many follow-up activities to strengthen the bond amongst Coaches and Champions.

Where?
Hutan Lipur Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya.

When?
7.00 a.m., 28 July 2007 (Saturday).

Dress Code?
Comfortable Sports attire and appropriate walking shoes.( PROJEK TEKAD T-shirt encouraged).

For Whom?
Projek Tekad Family - all Coaches, Champions (siblings and loved ones also most welcomed!). The more the merrier!!

For more information on Bukit Gasing, click here.

SEE YOU THERE!!

Success Vs. Failure: Part 1

2007-07-02T18:09:00.000+08:00

Have you ever failed in your life?

Have you ever felt like giving up when things don’t happen your way?

These are only a couple out of many questions that the Champions have put forward to the Coaches. And we are going to reveal the answers, or rather, the experiences and real-life stories of our very own, Coach Lan and Coach Anang. Why do we choose the word 'reveal'? Because we will be posting their takes on success vs. failure in a four-part series. Be sure that you watch out this space for the weeks to come, as we are going to post one part of the series every week!

Here goes article No. 1!

THE FALL

Our Coaches said that they have experienced failure not just once, but many times…

Coach Anang : If you have never failed, then life is perfect... but unfortunately it's not. In terms of academic failure, I failed many times, even to achieve my own objectives. The greatest failure that I have experienced was during my A-Level time at Kolej Yayasan Mara KL (KYPMKL). I failed badly and for me it was really, really bad. I got 1 B 1 E and 1 D for my courses that time. If you spell it out, it becomes BED.. pegi tidur lah...That time I intended to pursue my course in biology and medicine, so I took up maths & statistics, chemistry, and biology. I was really shocked, and very disappointed with myself. When the results were released, the pressure kept on coming from my family. Furthermore at that time my dad was hospitalized, and would be going for his heart bypass surgery... memang macam jatuh ditimpa tangga. Since I didn't get good results for my A-Level, my sponsor MARA asked me to change course. I had to do my first year at PPP UiTM. As it turned out, I had to do my degree locally, at UTP, due to the economic disaster 1997.

Coach Lan : Everyone faces failures in their life. I don’t know about you, but I did - many times. After I got my SPM results, I thought that I was probably the "stupidest" of all. All the while, I was in the top 10. Then for SPM, I ended in the bad grade list in my school at 16 aggregate! (I will not go into the pressure bit because I think we all know how parents are like especially when they have high hopes of you and especially when you were in one of the so called finest schools in the country.) A - levels didn't help either. 1A 2Bs and 2Es. I’ve also lost money in ventures, made mistakes in counselling, failed test-beds....

From failure, comes the realisations. Read the continuation next week.

Coach Asma's Postcard : My trip to Jakarta

2007-06-20T23:37:00.000+08:00

After 5 months of waiting, finally my trip to Jakarta is here! Yup, myself and three other friends had bought the flight ticket to Jakarta in January during the AirAsia low price promotion. But with proper planning, strong determination and of course God’s will, all four of us were able to go and experience Jakarta.

The trip is made even sweeter as this year marked our 10th year of friendship and sisterhood, starting from our orientation in UTP. So it’s a good way to celebrate our friendship by going on a journey together.

We were in Jakarta for 3 days, with one day spent sight-seeing Bogor, the Safari, Puncak, the Tangkuban Parahu volcano crater and ended with some shopping in Bandung.

In Tankuban Parahu

In Jakarta, it was about experiencing the city - the insane traffic, the streets and the people. They all add up to the charms of the city. I would never describe Jakarta as beautiful; however it does have some quirkiness that is quite engaging.

Exploring Jakarta

Shopping is great in Jakarta, especially if you like to shop for “kebaya sulam”, “mukena” (kain telekung), and wedding stuff (wedding cards, ornaments, etc).

Some traveling tips on Jakarta :

1. If possible, try to get a contact in Jakarta, and ask for his/her help to get accommodation. You can get it much, much cheaper as it will be quoted in IDR. If you book from here, they’ll quote you in USD instead.
2. Plan your trip well to ensure you fully maximize your trip. We actually plan the trip right up to the timing, cost and things to bring.
All taxis in Jakarta have meters. But you need to make sure they use them to avoid being cheated. I recommend the BlueBird taxi. They’re more reliable and comfortable. Plus they only use Toyota Vios.
3. Try to avoid eating at the roadside. Cleanliness and halalness may be questionable. And drink bottled water only.

Nasi Ayam Goreng Kremis

4. Lastly, be extra careful with your things, especially your wallet.

Watch This Space!!

2007-06-16T01:40:00.000+08:00

We are in the midst of upgrading the Projek TEKAD Blog.

More updates will be coming your way...

...So, watch this space!!!

Because I Was Told I Can

2007-06-15T11:35:00.000+08:00

About 6 months ago, I joined a gym. Every morning, there is one personal trainer there that works out at the same time that my little group does our workout. He does his "routine" with such a quiet determination that he makes it all look very easy; although I know all too well how hard he is working. When I am tempted to whine and quit, I watch him push himself to his own limits, and I find myself motivated to work as hard and without complaint.

A couple of weeks ago, I was watching him do chin ups. He made them look effortless. I broke away from my group and asked him if I could try a chin up. I had never tried before, but he just made it look so easy. He eagerly stepped aside and encouraged me to step up to the bar. I pulled myself up without thinking...once...then twice. That was all I had in me, I had no strength left. I told him that was all I had, so he stepped up behind me and pushed me up for a third and fourth "pull." It felt so good. I felt strong and I smiled from ear to ear.

The next day when I was done my workout, I asked him to spot me again. Again, I did two. Again on day three and so on. I thought it was pathetic that I could only do two, but when I came to the gym at the end of the week, he was standing there just shaking his head. When I asked him what was up, he said he was impressed with my chin ups. He told me that when they are training firefighters, the men are required to do 5 chin ups, and women are required to do 1 or 2. He explained that most people can't do them at all, and that he was impressed that I could. He further told me that if I practiced every day, I would be doing 5 or 6 in no time. At this point I should probably add that I am 50 years old...and female.

The moral of this story...because I didn't know any better, because he told me I could, I saw no reason to doubt. I just jumped in and gave it a try - and I did it! I didn't see it as a great accomplishment, because I didn't realize that it was difficult and it became my goal to get stronger. No one told me I couldn't do it, in fact, I was encouraged to try. Had he told me initially how difficult it was, I more than likely would not have tried at all. Or I might have tried, but given it only half an effort, because failure would have been the expectation. I applaud him for letting me believe that for me, it was not only a possibility, but that success was a realistic expectation.

How many times have we decided not to try at all because we were told that we couldn't, that we shouldn't, that we had expectations that were too ambitious? How many times have we told our children, our friends and our co-workers that they couldn't do something; that their ideas were impossible or beyond reach? How many times have we told ourselves that we would fail before we even started?

I started to ponder examples that I had witnessed and this came to mind...I recalled a conversation a friend of mine had with his daughter just prior to her heading off to university. He spoke to her (with good intentions) of how hard she would have to work in order to succeed. University wasn't like High School - this was the real world and now she would have to grow up. This child quit after two years. Another friend spoke to her daughter of the adventure she was embarking on and how proud she was. I remember how we laughed because the mother already had her outfit picked out for convocation day! This child just graduated with her degree in physiology. Looking back, neither daughter was more intelligent than the other. Was it the silent expectations (or lack thereof) that predicted the outcome?

I have a new approach now. I have experienced first hand how good it feels to rush in so innocently. To believe that we CAN do it and go on to accomplish exactly what we set out to do, because no one told us we couldn't. I've learned how important it is to support others (and ourselves) in our endeavors and to let them know that we believe they can do it rather than telling them we think that they can't.

I personally want to be like my trainer; standing there behind the people that I love, encouraging them, believing in them and being ready to catch them when they get tired. I will be the one that is there on the second and third day making sure they try again, because I know they CAN.

What a powerful lesson this has been for me. I'll be doing "5" in no time at all... Because I was told I CAN.

Jan Graham

Jan Graham is a realtor in Calgary, Alberta. She is a single mom to three amazing young women (23, 21 and 20). Feel free to email her your thoughts on this story to: jan.graham[at]telus.net

90/10 Rule!

2007-05-19T00:04:00.000+08:00

Author: Stephen Covey

Discover the 90/10 Principle.

It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations).

What is this principle?

10% of life is made up of what happens to you.
90% of life is decided by how you react.

What does this mean?

We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us - We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole
schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic.

We have no control over this 10%.
The other 90% is different.
You determine the other 90%.

How? By your reaction!

You cannot control a red light. but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.

Let's use an example:

You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened.

What happens next will be determined by how you react.

You curse.

You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus.

Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit.

After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it
continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home.

When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.

Why?

Because of how you reacted in the morning.

Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is "D".

You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.

Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "Its ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and
cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference?

Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.

Why?

Because of how you REACTED.

You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you!

React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off) Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them?

WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive?

Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.

You are told you lost your job.

Why lose sleep and get irritated?

It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.

The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take outpour frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on.

Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse.

Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it. The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.

The result?

Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

It CAN change your life!!!

Enjoy!

PS: Thank you Coach Nadhra for your contribution!

From Coach Anang - The act of wearing TEKAD T-shirt

2007-05-17T15:20:00.000+08:00

One fine sunday morning, I went to my friend's house for a simple gathering among postgrad students, right here in Melbourne. I was wearing a TEKAD t-shirt (haha.. since i really missed being with TEKAD clan). Out of my expectation, some of the postgrad students were asking me about TEKAD.

"Anang, apa projek TEKAD tu?"

Then, from the great life experience of being in TEKAD, I explained to them about the whole thing that I've gone through with you guys... They get excited and inspired to be a part of TEKAD... and they mentioned to me, if they have finished their studies, they also want to be a part of TEKAD... being a volunteer, and giving back waht they earned to the society....

Well..TEKAD is an inspiration...So, don't be shy to wear TEKAD T-Shirt - wherever you are, whether abroad, or even at your kampung. Who knows, you've might have spread the wings and call others towards the spirit of volunteerism...

ps: Coach Anang is currently in Melbourne doing his phd. He had joined projek TEKAD Selangor, TEKAD Perak and TEKAD Kelantan. In Projek TEKAD Perak, he was the head.

From Coach Ziad

2007-05-14T23:24:00.000+08:00

[I] just got this from a friend... it's a good reminder that success is not something that happens overnight, but is something you build over the long haul...

~Coach Ziad~

Coaching With Warren Buffet – How To Set Yourself Up For Success
By Jason Osborn

Warren Buffet is a man that has achieved great success in his lifetime. He is a role model to both investors and non-investors alike. In your journey of success and greatness you should always learn from people that have success in their own lives. You don't always have to agree with everything they say, but you do have to remember that they are successful because of specific reasons. Some of these reasons can help you become successful as well.

When you think of Warren Buffet you may think of someone who has done great things, and maybe even some impossible things. It's easy to look at people like him and automatically think that the only way to have great success is to jump huge hurdles and do incredible things in life. However Warren Buffet doesn't give that advice. As a matter of fact, he once said, 'I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars; I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.'

You see, he may have some big goals and dreams but he didn't set himself up for failure by trying to do things that were impossible for him to do. Instead, he found things that he could do that made it easier for him to become successful on a consistent basis. If you become consistently successful at something, you eventually become an expert at it just as he did with investing.

The amazing thing about this is that once you start to consistently step over the 1-foot bars, the seven-foot bars somehow shrink in size. The reason this happens is because you have grown. You have grown in experience, wisdom, and knowledge. You keep growing to a point where people begin to look at you in the same way they look at Warren Buffet; and they believe that you are great at doing big things in life. What they don't know is that all you have been doing is consistently stepping over the one-foot bars!

From The Editorial Team: Thank you very much Coach Ziad for the uplifting article! We'd like to see more contributions coming. Email your thoughts, feedback, questions or whatever it is that you have in mind to us: tekadmon[at]gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

IDP Education in Australia 2007 Exhibition

2007-05-13T21:52:00.000+08:00

Champions and Coaches,

Thinking of getting a degree from an Australian university? Or weighing options to further your studies? MA, MSc or MBA? What about PhD? Well, there's an opportunity for you to know all about studying down under.

IDP Education is organising an exhibition for education in Australia. Details of exhibition as follows:

Date: 18 May 2007 (Friday)
Time: 11.00 am - 4.00 pm
Venue: IDP Subang Jaya

If you miss this one, you can always catch it here:

Date: 19 - 20 May 2007 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 11.00 am - 5.00 pm
Venue: Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur (formerly Pan Pacific Hotel KL)

You can meet with the university representatives to discuss your options.

For more information, visit www.idp.com/malaysia.

Tekad Gathering Is Coming Your Way!!!!

2007-05-04T12:52:00.000+08:00

Dearest Coaches,

Greetings from 'Pangkor Gathering Fun Team!’

DUNGGA...!!!

Tekad Dipahat, Wawasan Dijulang, Kejayaan Digenggam.

Due to the overwhelming response received, we are happy to announce that the "Tekad Coaches Gathering" will be organized! Wohoo!!!

Date : 23rd & 24th June 2007 (Saturday & Sunday)
Venue : Pangkor Village Resort, Pasir Bogak Pangkor Island.
(* Note : The Fun Team will be waiting for you at the resort)
Theme : Ala – Ala Pantailah…..:)

FEES $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

For this gathering, the fees would be RM180/pax.
If your kids are below 12 years old no charges.
BUT
If your kids are 12 years above, additional RM60/kid

All payment should be made before 20th May 2007 by Maybank2U or Maybank Cash Deposit ONLY. (No Cash and Cheque will be entertained).

Please download the PAYMENT FORM and email your complete payment details to tekad_gathering@yahoo.com

Click here for Tentative Programme.

************************************************************************

IMPORTANT!!!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS GATHERING

1. Car
Those who come by their own transport will required to purchase a parking coupon (RM3/car/day) upon Arrival at the Lumut Jetty on Saturday Morning, The Parking Coupon can be purchased at Hotel Indah or Restaurant. Please refer to the majlis Perbandaran Notice Board.

2. Ferry Ticket
At Lumut Jetty you will have to purchase a return ferry ticket which will cost you RM10/person. The frequency of the ferry is every 15 minutes. It will take you approximately 35 minutes to travel from Lumut-Pangkor Jetty. NOTE! PLEASE KEEP THIS RETURN TICKET WITH YOU.

If you all move together in a BIG Group, the price can be reduced to RM8/person. If you are really good in negotiation skills, you might end up getting RM6/person...Good Luck!

3. Pangkor Jetty
You can hire a taxi @ van upon arrival at the Pangkor Jetty, and go to Pangkor Village Resort, Pasir Bogak. This trip will take you 10minutes.

4. Pangkor Village Resort, Pasir Bogak
The Fun Team will assist you with check in serve you upon arrival at Pangkor Village Resort.

5. Items to Bring
- Tekad T-Shirt (Wajib)
- Tekad Book
- Ala-Ala Pantai clothing for BBQ Nite
- Appropriate Swim Wear
- Sunblock
- Etc.

See you there!!!!! In your beach wear!!!

With Luv,

Pangkor Gathering Fun Team

There are no mistakes

2007-04-24T12:20:00.000+08:00

There are no mistakes.
The events we bring upon ourselves,
no matter how unpleasant,
are necessary in order to learn
what we need to learn;
whatever steps we take,
they're necessary to reach
the places we've chosen to go.

Richard Bach
American Author of 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull'

A Culture of Leadership Paul Kearley

2007-04-18T17:39:00.000+08:00

The only test of leadership is that somebody follows.
~Robert K. Greenleaf

I was 19 years old in basic training for the Canadian military and we were in a place called Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. One day we were on our 7-mile walk/run in full gear out, it seemed, in the middle of nowhere. The corporal who was leading us or should I say running ahead of us was running at a pretty good pace that was leaving a few people behind. Being pretty cocky, and in good shape, I decided to challenge him, so I ran up to him and passed him… you should have seen the look in his eyes as I ran past…total surprise. He caught up to me and passed me, and from there the race was on! For a couple of miles, we both traded the lead many times. Not a word was spoken except words of determination and drive.

When we arrived back at camp, there was no one behind us. We turned around and ran back to the troop who was just cresting the last hill before camp. I joined back in the troop, expecting to be cheered on for taking on the Corporal, only to find that the troop was quite upset with me. Upset because my responsibility, when we started the walk/run exercise, was to set the pace for the whole troop and in my blind zeal to challenge the Corporal, I forgot about everything else except winning. I forgot about the abilities of the others, and only thought of being first.

Today, over twenty-five years later, I still remember that lesson: When you are working in or leading a group, real success happens when everyone finishes together… and cheering each other on... not just the one who is in front. Yes it is important to do your personal best, and be the best that you can be, just keep in mind that success and a sense of leadership is much sweeter when you help someone else to succeed along with you. This done, that person can go on to become an effective leader as well, with your coaching acting as an example.

One thing is certain though, for any organization to be successful in the current business culture of "get more done quicker, better and with less", everyone has to be thinking leadership. In the example above, if I had of had someone else in a leadership position leading us who was not out to make himself look good, but wanted to instil confidence in us and make us look good, then I definitely would have done something completely different. Leadership isn't an "It's all about me" game, it's a "how can I grow the people to higher levels of competence" game.

A front line person demonstrates leadership by serving her employees in a professional and proficient manner. She assists in the decision making process, she offers options and suggestions for them to consider , she asks questions to get a clear picture of what the other person is looking for and she coaches her people through the problems and challenges that they have from time to time. People have to feel confident in their position with an openness to make mistakes that turn into learning opportunities. I'm sure that if you ask 80% of the people with whom you meet each day if they have a culture of learning or leadership within their organization, the answer will be a very strong "no". As a matter of fact, I'd be willing to guess that they would say just the opposite, that they are afraid of making a mistake in fear of getting called across the carpet by a dictatorial boss who doesn't have a clue what the difference is betwee! n leadership and management, and who lives in fear of looking bad because of the actions of someone who has made a mistake and how that will make them look. They instil fear to eliminate mistakes, never realizing that when people are fearful, they don't take risks, they don't try anything new, and they don't think in innovative ways for ideas to improve either production or profit. They are, in effect, mentally shutting down their performance.

Leadership is such a personal thing with all people. What we read in the paper and see in the news really only scratches the surface of the depth of the amount of extraordinary leadership that is in every culture and organization. In trying to define just what leadership is, I have discovered that leadership is a reflection of the person's values, beliefs and actions. There are, however, certain qualities that are inherent in effective leadership that all effective leaders possess. They are: Self Confidence: The ability to make difficult decisions and make them stick. Enthusiasm: The ability to maintain a high level of energy and focus. Motivational abilities: An ability to rally the team and have them follow willingly. Clear Vision: They have a clear picture of what's possible and can get alignment from all teams involved. Follow-up: can keep people accountable. People skills: able to make people feel like they are a part of the team and does it! sincerely. Communications: Can deliver a message clearly and effectively, able to see other points of view. Passion: Nothing worthwhile can ever be realized without a certain elevated level of passion… it is the fuel for success.

So, this week, remember that leadership really isn't about us; it's about the results that we can create through the people that have been entrusted to us. It's about making them look and feel good doing the actions that will achieve the vision. It's not about running in front of them so they can see how fast you are, it's about developing the abilities in your people so that they want to run in front of you to show how fast they are.

Be A Queen

2007-04-14T16:35:00.000+08:00

Be a queen. Dare to be different. Be a pioneer. Be a leader. Be the kind of woman who in the face of adversity will continue to embrace life and walk fearlessly toward the challenge. Be a truth seeker and rule your domain with a loving heart.

Be a queen. Be tender. Stop wasting time being mundane and mediocre.

Be a queen. Own your power and glory!

~Oprah Winfrey~

TEKAD Gathering 2007

2007-04-14T16:27:00.000+08:00

Dear Coaches...

"Tekad dipahat, Wawasan Dijulang, Kejayaan Digenggam"...PROJEK TEKAD.

Greetings to all of you...

It has been such a long time we did not have any gathering as we used to do back in Aizan's house...busy preparing for the Projek Tekad...meetings, makan-makan, gurau senda...etc

'Make make(makan), gege gege, muko muko come lote, kejo bereh, hebak debe, mari doh, core team kelate'...Oh gosh... I will never ever forget it in my entire life (rap version)..it was wonderful, beautiful, excellent.The event back in Kelantan it did really touch my heart...

I do really miss those wonderful moments...and I wish we could have another gathering soon.

I strongly believe and I am very sure, Projek Tekad does leave you a certain 'frequency' that you will never ever forget in your life....right? let's have another special Projek TEKAD...???

I know, I know All of us are busy with our daily working life...BUT

I need a small favour from you, I’m serious, I need a small favour from you....

Stop for a moment and calm your thoughts, let go of your anxieties, and look around you...and think of those beautiful moments during Projek Tekad...being together with your lovely champions...focus on it...c'mon do it...!

What do you see...?

What do you see my dear Coach...?

You see a TEKAD filled with Beauty,

You see a TEKAD filled with Possibilities,

You see TEKAD being born, being nurtured and being fulfilled.

Yes, there are challenges my Dear Coach,

Yes....there is a sorrow,

And of course…there is violance and hatred

BUT my Dear Coach, more than these,in PROJEK TEKAD, there is LOVE, there is Goodness, there is JOY

The future is uncertain...

RIGHT NOW...think of what a precious thing your life is and how truly blessed
you are to experience it.

RIGHT NOW...

Any anxiety you may have about your Champion's future is only an Illusion,

Let it go...

Let it fade away as the beauty and perfection of RIGHT NOW wash over you,

The best thing you can do for the future is to live with everything you have in the present

RIGHT NOW, you are in a position to create real, lasting positive value for the world in which you live in

How do you do that?

By being you.

You may have wandered away from yourself, now is the time to come home…

Lets us have a TEKAD gathering among the Coaches. Let us be together and create a 'Wondeful Gathering'

Where?
Pangkor Island, Perak Darul Ridzuan.

Venue?
Pangkor Village Resort

When?
You vote!

Please send your vote to me via email rajinder_pw@yahoo.com before 20th April 2007 @ 6:00pm.

Rajinder Singh
Head
Tekad Gathering 2007

Same Blog, New Point of View

2007-04-13T15:07:00.000+08:00

Coaches and Champions,

After such a long silence…..We’re back!!

And it’s going to be BETTER, MORE FIERCE and BURSTING WITH ENERGY this time!

What are we talking about? It’s our beloved Tekad Blog, Our blog is alive again!

We now have a happening Editorial Team and we are introducing hot and exciting new segments into our blog:

Postcards from Abroad
Anyone has traveled anywhere recently? Send us photos of your travels and tell us about your exciting adventures. Better still, send a postcard and we’ll be happy to post the postcards, pictures and capers here..

TEKAD Careers
Coaches will share their challenging careers in this segment, complete with photos, tips and juicy insights into their work.

TEKAD Events & Happenings
Weddings, arrival of TEKAD babies, awards, achievements….tell us what you have been up to and all the significant events in your life here.

Inspire
Have you come across any profound stories or quotes? Share it with everyone here and inspire us all.

Dear Coach
“How do I overcome my failure?”
“How do I improve my English?”
“Is it OK for me to be in love while I’m studying?”

Questions and questions have rained down on the Coaches. Here is the segment where we post our candid answers to these deep, difficult and challenging questions.

TEKAD Books & Movies
What books have you read lately? Tell us something about the recent movies that you watched. Which movies or books in particular have moved you? Any books or movies that you don’t want to others to miss out on?

My Ivory Tower
Here, the universities where the Coaches studied at will be featured. Read first-hand experience from the Coaches themselves about their university life and even the crazy things they did as a student!

Ready, Set, GOAL!
Dare to declare you dream to the world? Need help to achieve you goals? Share your dreams and allow Champions and Coaches to support you and together, let’s make it a reality.

OR…have achieved your goal? Tell us about your success story. Don’t be afraid to be proud of it because we are really proud that you DID IT!

TEKAD Opportunities
In this segment, we will highlight various learning- and career-related opportunities for both Coaches and Champions. Whether it’s job openings, scholarship advertisements or Malay traditional dance class, we will put it up for you. The question is, are you up for it?

That’s not all, WE WANT YOU!
Coaches and Champions, we need all the support that we can get for this blog to come alive. We appreciate your support in the form of:

Volunteers in The Editorial Team
Do you want to be part of this happening team? We need writers, photographers, graphic/web designers or any help at all that you can lend to us.

Contributors
You have stories to share? Be it inspirational, your recent road trip, your success stories or anything at all you can share with the TEKAD family, give it to us. We want it.

Interested? Don’t waste more time, give a shout out to tekadmon@gmail.com.

Coach Pip
For the TEKAD Blog Editorial Team

A union of two lecturers

2007-04-06T15:02:00.000+08:00

- 10th March 2007
Though both of them live and work in the same area for a couple of years already, it was the TEKAD event that actually brought them together. :)

Congrats to Coach Imran and Coach Noreen on their wedding. May you have a blissful life together.

A Riverside Wedding of Coach Anang

2007-04-06T14:55:00.000+08:00

- 9th, 10th and 11th Feb 2007
The journey to Coach Anang’s wedding in Parit Buntar began on the 9th Feb. Two cars, aptly named TEKAD-01 (carrying Coach Aizan, Coach Bet, Coach Falisa and Coach Shida) and TEKAD-02 (with Coach Jai, Coach Asma and Coach Naz) left KL at about 8pm to Batu Gajah for a one night’s stay at Coach Aidah’s house (for ladies) and Coach Imran’s for the gentlemen.

After breakfast in Batu Gajah, the journey continued on to Taiping where the envoy picked up 3 Champions from TEKAD Perak, who were to accompany the coaches to Anang’s wedding.

At final count, there were 5 cars in the TEKAD Envoy that went to Coach Anang’s wedding. It was a very grand event, held at the riverside of Sg Kerian and graced by the presence of DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah & Permaisuri Bainun as well as the Raja Muda Raja Nazrin and Raja Di-Hilir. Coach Anang and wife Shah looked really good together, a match made in heaven or as we say it in Malay, “bagai pinang di belah dua”.

After the wedding, the Envoy drove up to Penang where we stayed overnight in Batu Feringghi. Courtesy of Coach Aizan, we had one beautiful apartment for the girls and another for the guys.

The next morning, we woke up to sound of the waves hitting the beach. A morning spent at leaisure on the beach before we all packed our stuffs to go for lunch at coach Bachik’s house before driving back home again.

On the way back, we stopped in Taiping to drop off the Champs and sampled the famous Kuey Teow Dolly. While we were there, the Bride and Groom also decided to join us as well, so all of us had a closer opportunity to get to know the Bride, who’s now part of the Extended TEKAD family.

The journey finally ends at midnight on Sunday, 11th Feb 2007, when we all arrived home safe and sound and very, very sleepy.

Coach Lolyta’s bundle of joy

2007-04-06T14:47:00.000+08:00

- 10th Feb 2007
Another TEKAD baby is born! This is Haris b Ahmad Ifwan, the son of Coach Lolyta and husband Ifwan.

Merak Kayangan turned purple in celebration of Coach Sherie’s wedding

2007-04-06T14:40:00.000+08:00

- 4th Feb 2007
Coach Sherie is well-known with her champions in TEKAD KL, TEKAD Selangor, TEKAD Kelantan and TEKAD Penang as an exuberant, bubbly yet ‘garang’-in-a-motherly-way Coach. Her presence in any TEKAD events always manages to create the sense of excitement and cheerfulness to everyone. Now, Reza is the lucky guy who will be basking in the attention, affection and love from this bright lady.

Congrats to Coach Sherie and her husband Reza. May both of you live happily ever after.

Warkah TEKAD

2006-12-26T20:11:00.000+08:00

Dear Coaches & Champions,

(Thanks to Coach Amiza who reminded me about this) - I would like to remind all of you to send out your Warkah TEKADs if you have any to send before the 7th January 2007.

And on behalf of the TEKAD Family, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of you SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL ADHA & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

See you all next year!

Meet an additional member to the Tekad Family..

2006-12-12T23:45:00.000+08:00

HI, ASSALAMUALAIKUM...

MY NAME IS AYUNI SAFIYYA BT SHAHRIL NIZAM :)

Celebrating Humanitarians...

2006-12-06T11:07:00.000+08:00

Coach Aizan said "THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!" :)

The 5 finalist for the NSTP-PwC Young Humanitarian Award

Coach Aizan and her 'award'...

The two figures represent mankind, regardless of age and race. Leaning against each other, the two figures come together as one, symbolizing mankind’s need and reliance on one another to survive and succeed in life. It also signifies how we can gain strength and hope with support and/or help from others.

Coach Aizan and her Hardcore Supporters!

And the winners are:

The winner for the NSTP-PwC Lifetime Humanitarian Award - EMBUN MOHD ALI :)

The winner for the NSTP-PwC Young Humanitarian award - IVAN KENNEDY

The winner for the NSTP-PwC Team Humanitarian Award - DEAF AGAINST CHILD ABUSE (DACSA)

Letter to Coach Aizan

2006-12-05T11:20:00.001+08:00

Coach Aizan,

I am writing to you today because today, you will be representing not only yourself, but the Tekad Family at the most distinguished award ceremony for community service, The NSTP-PwC Young Humanitarian Award.

One of the main reasons for the Tekad Family to nominate you for the award is for us to show our thanks and appreciation for the work and dedication that you have put in for Projek Tekad. You have given us the opportunity to serve and contribute to the community and the nation. All of us have found our niche in community service. All of us chose to be in Projek Tekad and we are here to stay.

The name Aizan, I have heard since 1996, while I was in the UK. Apparently, she is one dedicated person who helped build a project for Malaysian students in the UK to contribute their effort and time towards community service while on summer holidays. While attending that project, the name Aizan poped-up many times. But who is this Aizan?

I got the chance to meet this Aizan at Devi’s Corner in Hartamas together with a few friends. If I remember correctly, it was in 2001. We were discussing a possibility of having a reunion of the project for Malaysian Students in the UK.

In December 2003, I had the opportunity to meet Aizan again. This time, it was Projek Tekad. We were preparing for Projek Tekad KL which was conducted in January 2004. Since then, I had the opportunity to work with Aizan in many other Projek Tekad and some other community service programs. It was indeed an honour to get to work with you, Aizan.

Coach Aizan,

I believe I speak on behalf of all Coaches. Thank you for accepting us as part of your team. Thank you for sharing your dream with us.

The work and sacrifice that you have put in… can’t be put in words. You now lead a family of more than 1,000 Coaches and Champions. Not many can lead a team of dedicated volunteers, which can be called-up anytime, anywhere to serve the community. Only a few can lead a team of volunteers whom are always excited to be called to serve the community.

There’s a lot that we have learnt from you. Through Projek Tekad, I have found great friends and wonderful mentors. The experience is like no other. Thank you Mentor Aizan!!

Your nomination being accepted by the Awards committee, and to this stage being short-listed as 5 finalists is already an achievement. It is already a great recognition towards the work that you have done and towards the Tekad Family. It has indeed brought more TEKAD in our souls to continue this noble work. Our champions have greater motivation. They aspire to be Coaches. They aspire to be Coach Aizan!

I look forward to working with you in the Tekad Follow-Up Program.

Coach Aizan, I SALUTE YOU!!!

Good Luck for Tonight. We shall be waiting for you at the venue.

Tekad Dipahat, Wawasan Dijulang, Kejayaan Digenggam

Dungga!!
Jai

Poem from Coach Aizan

2006-11-26T19:01:00.000+08:00

Here is my contribution to our Tekad Blog, it is actually one of my favouritestestestestest poems. It never fails to inspire me every time I read it. May this inspire us all (Champions and Coaches) as we continue our journey and as we face our own "battles" of life. May we all bring out the warrior (hero) in all of us.

****************************************

In this battle of life, it is not the critic who counts nor the one who points out how the strong person stumbled, or where the doer of a deed could have done better,

The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcoming who does actually strive to do deeds, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotion, spends oneself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he or she fails, at least fails while daring greatly...

Far better it is to dare mighty things...
To win glorious triumphs, checkered by failure.
Than to rank amongst those timid spirits.
Who neither enjoy nor suffer much.
Because they live in the grey twilight.
That knows neither victory nor defeat...

- Roosevelt -

Coach Red and Fnd's Turn :)

2006-11-26T09:51:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Coach Red and Coach Fnd!! They were married last Friday.
May you be blessed with happiness always...

Who's next?! :)

Coach Lang's Big Day!

2006-11-22T20:47:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Coach Lang and his wife Ismaria :) Some of us made it to their reception in Ampang.. Look at Coach Lang's happy face!!

Next wedding will be Coach Fendi and Coach Red.... and then......
hmmm, wonder who is next?!

Warm Wishes...

2006-10-21T21:48:00.000+08:00

...to all PROJEK TEKAD family members:

"Happy Deepavali & Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri"

Good Luck & All the Best!

2006-10-04T00:26:00.000+08:00

"Good Luck to all Champions taking their SPM Exams soon"
from all the Coaches

Perhaps some of you would like to refer to past exam questions to practice and prepare for your SPM... Here are some links for your referrence provided by your Coaches:

Kertas Percubaan Peperiksaan SPM - MRSM

Portal Pendidikan Utusan

To all Coaches, you may want to inform your Champions of these links and if you have other relevant links, please feel free to email to me at my personal email or at the yahoogroups email or share it with us here at the comments link below.

Again, to all Champions, ALL THE BEST. May you be succeed in your exams with flying colours!! Remember, work hard, study smart and pray for your success :)

Ramadhan Al-Mubarak

2006-09-24T01:53:00.000+08:00

To all TEKAD FAMILY members,

May we have a blessed Ramadhan this year.

Selamat Berpuasa to all...

My Attitude is my Life

2006-09-20T22:17:00.000+08:00

From Coach Lang to Everyone :)

"This really helps me when you're down sometime at work,
and people are doing bad things to you.
The words keep me focus and enjoy life as it is.
Hope it will work out for all the coaches and champs out there
who feel they need a boost in their life.
But the only thing you have to do is to have it with you all the time,
coz you never know something bad will happened.

Remember a promise is for you to keep,
keeping a promise is a noble job..."

click the image above to enlarge

I PROMISE MYSELF
TO THINK ONLY THE BEST TO WORK ONLY FOR THE BEST AND
EXPECT ONLY THE BEST
I PROMISE MYSELF
TO TALK HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND PROSPERITY
TO EVERY PERSON I MEET,
I PROMISE MYSELF
TO WEAR A CHEERFUL COUNTENANCE AT ALL TIME AND GIVE
EVERY LIVING CREATURE I MEET A SMILE
I PROMISE MYSELF
TO BE JUST AS ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE SUCCESS OF OTHERS
AS I AM ABOUT MY OWN.
I PROMISE MYSELF
TO LOOK AT THE SUNNY SIDE OF EVERYTHING AND MAKE MY
OPTIMISM COME TRUE.
I PROMISE MYSELF
TO MAKE ALL MY FRIEND FEEL THERE IS A SPECIAL
SOMETHING IN THEM, I FORGET THE MISTAKE IN THE PAST
AND PRESS ON TO THE GREATER ACHIEVEMENT OF THE FUTURE.
I PROMISE MYSELF
TO GIVE SO MUCH TIME TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF MYSELF THAT
I HAVE NO TIME TO CRITICIZE OTHERS.
I PROMISE MYSELF
TO BE TOO LARGE FOR WORRY , TO NOBLE FOR ANGER, TO
STRONG FOR FEAR,  AND TOO HAPPY TO PERMIT THE PRESENCE
OF TROUBLE BECAUSE

MY ATTITUDE IS MY LIFE

The Impossible Dream

2006-09-10T20:17:00.000+08:00

Coach Azura sang for all TEKAD Penang Champions during TEKAD Masa Depanku... The lyrics to the song is very powerful... Here's a special dedication from Coach Azura to all TEKAD Champions from KL - Selangor - Perak - Kelantan - Pahang - Penang... :)

THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM
lyrics by Joe Darion
music by Mitch Leigh

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far

To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

Chemical Engineering as a Field of Studies

2006-09-09T10:45:00.000+08:00

Champions, do you recognise him? :)

click on the picture to enlarge

To Champions of Projek TEKAD KL-Selangor-Perak-Kelantan and Pahang, this is your Abang Poji/Coach Poji!! He appeared in the Technologist, sharing some tips on choosing Chemical Engineering as a field of studies and some tips for success... Read on!! :)

To Champions of Projek TEKAD Penang, Abang Poji/Coach Poji apologises for not able to be there with you... but I'm sure you will get to meet him one day... - betul tak Poji? :)

To All Champions of TEKAD Penang...

2006-09-08T08:10:00.000+08:00

Here's a special dance for you from all your Coaches, enjoy! :)

Click here to view the video...

ps: make sure you watch until the end...

I felt the Magic, did you?

2006-09-04T03:46:00.000+08:00

We're back from Projek TEKAD in Penang...

Note: TekadMon is away. All photos, videos and updates on TEKAD Penang will be up after Monday, 11th September 2006

Just a short note to all COACHES and HELPERS at Projek TEKAD Penang: THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for being there, and I speak on behalf of all Projek TEKAD Penang Core Team Members :)

And to the CHAMPIONS of Projek TEKAD Penang: No matter what challenges or obstacles tha come your way, remember your TEKAD to strive through... "usah putus asa, kelak kau berjaya, membela nasibmu, masamu kan tiba..."

DUNGGA!!

TEKAD Penang is ON!

2006-09-01T08:03:00.000+08:00

A few more hours and we're all be on out way to PENANG!!! Most of the other Core Team are already there since yesterday afternoon preparing the necessary...

I am myself very excited!!! Woke up at 7am today and I couldn't go back to sleep!! :)

Well, here's hoping and praying that everything will go as planned at TEKAD Penang... We'll be back with the updates!!

SEE YOU ALL AT PENANG!

ps: power nasi kandaq here I come hehehehehe....

Live from MMU, Cyberjaya...

2006-08-20T17:58:00.000+08:00

A group of young professsionals and university students from MMU & UTP are now at MMU, Cyberjaya for the T4C Session in preparation for Projek TEKAD Penang this coming September 2006.

Here are some of the photos uploaded from here, LIVE!

TEKAD FOR COACHES (T4C)

2006-08-18T01:25:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

Congratulations to those selected for TEKAD for Coaches Session this coming Sunday, 20th August 2006.
And thanks to all who have replied confirming your attendance. Your cooperation is highly appreciated!

Important information for TEKAD FOR COACHES (T4C):

Exact Venue: Student Centre, MMU Cyberjaya (map can be downloaded here)

Day & Date: Sunday (20 August 2006)

Registration Time: 8.00-8.30am

Please e-mail us your car registration number (for security checking) if you haven't done so

There will be a parking spot reserved for you. Please use this parking space.

Your car may be clamped if spotted at prohibited areas.

Please avoid bringing any valuables especially personal laptops during T4C

Please be informed that absence from T4C will disqualify you from being a coach for Tekad Penang.

Contact persons you can call is as listed below and their numbers have been sent to you via email. Kindly contact these people if you encounter any problems:

- Noreen
- Red
- Ashraf
- Shikin

Here are some pictures from our site visit to MMU, Cyberjaya where we will be conducting the T4C:

Looking forward to seeing you ALL this SUNDAY!

Warm regards,
HR TEKAD Penang
on behalf of Projek TEKAD Penang Core Team

To all Potential Coaches!!

2006-08-05T12:43:00.000+08:00

We have received a favourable number of applications from YOU to become COACHES for the forthcoming TEKAD PENANG... Thank YOU to all for your interest and commitment!!

We are now processing your applications and those selected will be informed accordingly and will soon join us for the "TEKAD For Coaches" (T4C) Session at MMU, Cyberjaya on Sunday, 20th August 2006.

Kindly note that attending the T4C session is compulsory for YOU to become a Coach.

We look forward to seeing YOU!

Warm regards,
HR TEKAD Penang
on behalf of Projek TEKAD Penang Core Team

It's Coming Your Way!!

2006-07-25T01:35:00.000+08:00

Have you heard of the “V” Virus – the “Volunteerism” Virus? Information from a reliable source states that this “V” Virus has spread tremendously through Projek TEKAD. Previous outbreaks were reported in Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak, Kelantan and Pahang.

Latest news has it that it’s heading north…

It’s coming your way, PENANG!

2nd - 3rd September 2006
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang

Have you read the TEKAD Blog (http://projektekad.blogspot.com/) about the TEKAD Magic? Heard your friends or colleagues talking about Projek TEKAD with excitement and glow in their eyes? Are you wondering why they were willing to sacrifice their weekend to be with form 4/5 students – whom by the way are strangers to them?

Well, why don’t YOU check it out then?!

ABOUT PROJEK TEKAD

PROJEK TEKAD is a 2 day fun-filled programme, which focuses on goal setting, interpersonal skills, career guidance, the importance of English & Science for Form 4/5 Students.

In PROJEK TEKAD, you are known as a "Coach" and your role is to act as a "brother or sister" to support, guide and be role models to the students, whom we call "Champions". Coaches and Champions share personal triumphs, challenges, lessons learnt and dreams with each other. Together, we learn from each other’s life journey. This bond of friendship continues beyond PROJEK TEKAD. Coaches and Champions become each other’s support, inspiration, guide and friend.

POWER COACHES NEEDED FOR PROJEK TEKAD PENANG

Come experience Projek TEKAD and the “V” Virus for yourselves!

Take action and follow these simple steps:

Download the Application Form by double clicking on this link (APPLICATION IS CLOSED : this link has been disabled). Fill in the form and submit it to remove.this.first.hr.tekad.penang@gmail.com latest by 4PM, FRIDAY, 4^th AUGUST 2006.

Note: Due to overwhelming responses in the past, all applications will be carefully screened to search for the truly committed and dedicated individuals.

Attend our special "TEKAD for COACHES" (T4C) session on Sunday, 20^th August 2006 at MMU, Cyberjaya.

You are now ready to be a Coach. Come to PROJEK TEKAD Penang and share YOUR secret and unique super powers that can be used to make a difference towards a champ’s life! (Amazingly, you too benefit personally in ways you would never expect….)

If you have further inquiries about Projek TEKAD, please email to our HR Team at remove.this.first.hr.tekad.penang@gmail.com

'TEKAD DIPAHAT, WAWASAN DIJULANG, KEJAYAAN DIGENGGAM'

On behalf of Projek TEKAD Penang Core Team,

Aizan Azrina Rosli
Ijlal Nadzir
Shahril Nizam Abdollah
Mohamed Imran Ariff
Asma Hanim Ahmad Marikan
Anang Hudaya M Amin
Azamil Izzat Nazlan Ozizi
Zulhisham Kahar
Muhamad Zulkiflee Osman
Affendi Rashdi
Hani Widyawani Fauzi
Rajinder Singh
Azizi Ahmad
Nazreen Irwanny Khalid
Redhalina Abdullah
Noreen Izza Arshad
Aidah Nazirah Ahmad Fadzil

READ, READ and READ!

2006-07-18T13:22:00.000+08:00

To all CHAMPIONs out there... We have something we want you to do for yourselves.

We want you to READ, READ and READ!! Not necessarily school books but any reading material you can find. Reading expands your knowledge and your thought process. Try to read as much books, magazines, newspapers, articles or even comics. It increases your knowledge, vocabulary and creativity!! READ, READ and READ while you can :)

Abang Azlan a.k.a Abang Lang (TEKAD Kelantan) would like to share with adik-adik a book that changed his life. The book is called:

THE MAGIC OF THINKING BIG - by Dr David Schwarts

Abang Lang said: "The book has impacted me so much and it is one of the "change of life book". It is a once a year must read book. It contain example of people who came from adversity and manage to become very successful. The teachings in the book will help you not only in school but also the life at work and family life as well. If I hadn't read the book, I know that I will not have the confidence, the self image, and the believe I have of my capability".

Abang Fauzi a.k.a Abang Poji (TEKAD KL, Selangor, Perak, Kelantan, Pahang) also has a book to share with you. It is a book which you will find useful as a guide for PMR/SPM. It is called:

JALAN PINTAS KE ARAH PELAJAR CEMERLANG - by Prof Madya Hj Md Izuddin Hj Ali & Zetty Zahureen Mohd Yusoff

Abang Poji said: "The book title may sound a bit 'poyo' but I find this book really colourful, interactive and interesting. It's a good handbook for PMR/SPM students. In this book, it covers on effective techniques in learning and remembering things (teknik mengingat dan menghafal), the do's and don'ts as a student, strategy before and during examination, and even how to handle panic attack during exams! Great! This book also includes useful daily doa' for the students. The price may be a bit expensive, but I guarantee you its worth an investment. This is exactly the book a student needs!".

We're not expecting you to buy the books but please do look out for them if you have the chance. You never know, it may change YOUR LIFE :) You can try looking for it at your school library or your teachers may have them.

"Seek out for knowledge in any way that you can!"

From Abang Lang & Abang Poji

Projek TEKAD Penang - Power!!

2006-07-15T03:44:00.000+08:00

Our first TEKAD Penang Core Team Meeting kicked-off last night! It started of course with dinner first - menu: Satay Kajang from Taipan/Rasta :) and the meeting ended with the "Upacara Penyerahan" to the Head of Projek TEKAD Penang - Imran...

"Upacara Penyerahan"

There's only one way to do TEKAD:
"Do it with heart, like your life depends on it!"

Projek TEKAD Penang: 2nd - 3rd September 2006

If you are interested to be part of PROJEK TEKAD PENANG, please send an email to: remove_this_first_hr.tekad.penang@gmail.com and our HR Team will get in touch with you for the further details.

Insights into Telecommunication Engineering

2006-07-13T15:50:00.000+08:00

My advise to you:
"Mulakanlah langkah pertama adik-adik sekarang untuk mencapai cita-cita"

- Abang Zul

Tekad News :: T4C at MMU...

2006-07-11T20:47:00.000+08:00

This article was published on Saturday, 24 June 2006 in NST's
Learning Curve supplement.

***************************************

Projects: Raising champions
24 June, 2006

COMMUNITY service has become a way of life for Hani Widyawani Fauzi and Noreen Izza Arshad. After all, they have been doing it since their schooldays. So when the opportunity to help a group of students to prepare for campus life and adulthood came, there were no second thoughts. Both of them immediately signed up and are now on the way to their third Tekad Project.

Tekad is a community service project which aims to inculcate qualities that will help mould a young person's character and prepare him for college and university and eventually working life.

The project started in January last year. Five Tekad Projects have been planned, two of which have already been implemented. All five are sponsored by the RHB Group.

Hani Widyawani, 28, says: "I was also a director of programmes for an Islamic training course for Forms Three and Five students." She was among a group of volunteers at the Multimedia University Malaysia campus in Putrajaya recently to undergo a Training for Trainers session to prepare them for the next Tekad Project at Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.

At the session, young volunteers, comprising doctors, engineers and lecturers, among others, were trained to conduct various modules under the programme for students. Tekad programme director Aizan Azrina Rosli says: "When volunteers, whom we refer to as coaches, conduct the programmes, their objective is to fulfil five key components, namely goal setting, interpersonal skills, career guidance, importance of English and science and financial planning."

Hani Widyawani, who believes in sharing her life's experience and giving back to society, says that under the project, students learn to be responsible, work as a team and be sensitive to others.

Noreen Izza, 27, who is actively involved in community programmes, such as counselling for students and fund-raising efforts for orphanages and old folks homes, finds satisfaction in helping others.

The Universiti Teknologi Petronas lecturer is happy with one of her charges, Aznie Syafariz Jamaludin, from the last Tekad Project in Tronoh, Perak. "I have kept in touch with his progress after the project and he has been doing well," she says.

Aznie Syafariz, a 17-year-old science stream student of SMK Bukit Jana, Kemunting, Perak, says guidance from Tekad coaches has helped him build up his confidence and self-esteem. "I have never got an A before, but in my last exams, I obtained three A's in English, Bahasa Melayu and mathematics," he says. "I have also become more active in sports and social programmes. I have even volunteered as a student counsellor."

Aznie Syafariz's schoolmate and fellow Tekad champion (as students who have graduated from a Tekad Project are called) Mohd Khairul Rahhim Yamin, also 17, is so happy with what he has learned that he aspires to be a Tekad coach.

Mohd Khairul Rahhim, who says he did not have any goals before, has done much better in his last exams compared with previous years.

Another volunteer for the Tekad Project, marketing analyst Afifah Kassim, 26, says her friend introduced her to the project last year. "I tried it out and got hooked," she says. Afifah, who has experienced life's many difficulties, likes the sharing and learning part of the project.

Aizan explains that 120 to 150 students, from Forms Four and Five, are selected for each project. Coaches act as role models and share experiences, inculcate positive values in students while helping to instil strong will and confidence to ensure that they strive harder to succeed in life. "Tekad emphasises setting goals as well as instilling values such as respect, gratitude, responsibility, trust and risk-taking," Aizan says. "It is also our objective to stimulate students' interest in English and science, inspire and motivate them by sharing life experiences and encourage them to be involved in community service."

Apart from being the sponsor, RHB also conducts a financial module for students to inculcate in them the importance of financial planning and teach them how best to manage money. The first Tekad Project was held at Kem Tekali in Hulu Langat, Selangor, in January last year, and this was followed by the second outing at Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Tronoh, Perak. The fourth Tekad Project will be held at Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah in Pahang on July 8, and the last one at Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang on Sept 2.

Tekad News :: Projek TEKAD Selangor - Kem Tekali...

2006-07-10T01:34:00.000+08:00

HULU LANGAT 29 Jan. 2005 – Malaysia memerlukan para pelajar yang mempunyai sikap kendiri dan nilai jati diri selain mampu menguasai ilmu sains dan teknologi bagi menghadapi masa depan yang lebih mencabar dan berdaya saing.

Nilai-nilai positif seperti kebolehan beinteraksi dan berkomunikasi, berfikiran positif, bersemangat sepasukan dan bekerjasama akan membolehkan mereka turut bersaing di peringkat antarabangsa.

Menteri Pelajaran, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein berkata, sikap dan nilai tersebut hanya boleh dipupuk menerusi latihan dan pendedahan berterusan terutama menerusi aktiviti-aktiviti luar bilik darjah.

“Langkah ini seiring dengan hasrat Perdana Menteri yang mahu pendidikan bersepadu di peringkat awal diberi tumpuan dalam memastikan para pelajar mempunyai persediaan asas yang kukuh untuk menjalani kehidupan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian dalam ucapan perasmian Projek TEKAD peringkat negeri Selangor di Pusat Kokurikulum Jabatan Pelajaran Negeri, Kem Tekali, di sini hari ini. Teks ucapannya dibacakan oleh Setiausaha Parlimen kementeriannya, P. Komala Devi.

Sebanyak 176 pelajar tingkatan lima dari 10 sekolah di seluruh Selangor menyertai projek tiga hari itu yang ditaja oleh RHB Capital Berhad.

Projek ini dikendalikan oleh tenaga professional muda secara sukarela yang bertindak sebagai abang atau kakak dan tokoh teladan para pelajar, bertujuan merangsang mereka menerusi perkongsian pengalaman hidup.

Menurut Hishammuddin, pendidikan adalah asas paling utama dalam pembentukan sesebuah negara dan kemajuannya banyak diukur oleh kemampuan system pendidikan yang menyediakan sumber tenaga yang mencukupi dan relevan.

“Tugas ini bagaimanapun tidak seharusnya dipikul oleh kementerian sahaja sebaliknya semua pihak termasuk NGO (pertubuhan bukan kerajaan) dan swasta, diseru untuk membantu melahirkan generasi berilmu, berkemahiran dan berketerampilan,” katanya.

Sehubungan itu katanya, kementerian amat mengalu-alukan sumbangan seperti sukarelawan profesional muda dalam Projek TEKAD yang sanggup turun padang menyumbang masa dan tenaga mencapai wawasan kementerian dan kerajaan.

Something to share...

2006-07-05T01:39:00.000+08:00

To all our CHAMPIONS, here is an article that we want to share with you... Read through it carefully. If you have any questions about this article or if you have anything to share about this, get in touch with your coaches, ok?!! :)

*****************************************

This is the text of the Commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, delivered on June 12, 2005.

I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it. No big deal. Just three stories.

1. The first story is about connecting the dots

I dropped out of Reed College after the first 6 months, but then stayed around as a drop-in for another 18 months or so before I really quit. So why did I drop out?

It started before I was born. My biological mother was a young, unwed college graduate student, and she decided to put me up for adoption. She felt very strongly that I should be adopted by college graduates, so everything was all set for me to be adopted at birth by a lawyer and his wife. Except that when I popped out they decided at the last minute that they really wanted a girl. So my parents, who were on a waiting list, got a call in the middle of the night asking: "We have an unexpected baby boy; do you want him?" They said: "Of course." My biological mother later found out that my mother had never graduated from college and that my father had never graduated from high school. She refused to sign the final adoption papers. She only relented a few months later when my parents promised that I would someday go to college.

And 17 years later I did go to college. But I naively chose a college that was almost as expensive as Stamford, and all of my working-class parents' savings were being spent on my college tuition. After six months, I couldn't see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and no idea how college was going to help me figure it out. And here I was spending all of the money my parents had saved their entire life. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK. It was pretty scary at the time, but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The minute I dropped out I could stop taking the required classes that didn't interest me, and begin dropping in on the ones that looked interesting.

It wasn't all romantic. I didn't have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends' rooms, I returned coke bottles for the 5¢ deposits to buy food with, and I would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it. And much of what I stumbled into by following my curiosity and intuition turned out to be priceless later on. Let me give you one example:

Reed College at that time offered perhaps the best calligraphy instruction in the country. Throughout the campus every poster, every label on every drawer, was beautifully hand calligraphed. Because I had dropped out and didn't have to take the normal classes, I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to do this. I learned about serif and san serif typefaces, about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations, about what makes great typography great. It was beautiful, historical, artistically subtle in a way that science can't capture, and I found it fascinating.

None of this had even a hope of any practical application in my life. But ten years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me. And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, its likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.

Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

2. My second story is about love and loss

I was lucky — I found what I loved to do early in life. Woz and I started Apple in my parents garage when I was 20. We worked hard, and in 10 years Apple had grown from just the two of us in a garage into a $2 billion company with over 4000 employees. We had just released our finest creation — the Macintosh — a year earlier, and I had just turned 30. And then I got fired. How can you get fired from a company you started? Well, as Apple grew we hired someone who I thought was very talented to run the company with me, and for the first year or so things went well. But then our visions of the future began to diverge and eventually we had a falling out. When we did, our Board of Directors sided with him. So at 30 I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating.

I really didn't know what to do for a few months. I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down - that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. I met with David Packard and Bob Noyce and tried to apologize for screwing up so badly. I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. But something slowly began to dawn on me — I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over.

I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.

During the next five years, I started a company named NeXT, another company named Pixar, and fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife. Pixar went on to create the worlds first computer animated feature film, Toy Story, and is now the most successful animation studio in the world. In a remarkable turn of events, Apple bought NeXT, I retuned to Apple, and the technology we developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple's current renaissance. And Laurene and I have a wonderful family together.

I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.

3. My third story is about death

When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a scan at 7:30 in the morning, and it clearly showed a tumor on my pancreas. I didn't even know what a pancreas was. The doctors told me this was almost certainly a type of cancer that is incurable, and that I should expect to live no longer than three to six months. My doctor advised me to go home and get my affairs in order, which is doctor's code for prepare to die. It means to try to tell your kids everything you thought you'd have the next 10 years to tell them in just a few months. It means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it will be as easy as possible for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.

I lived with that diagnosis all day. Later that evening I had a biopsy, where they stuck an endoscope down my throat, through my stomach and into my intestines, put a needle into my pancreas and got a few cells from the tumor. I was sedated, but my wife, who was there, told me that when they viewed the cells under a microscope the doctors started crying because it turned out to be a very rare form of pancreatic cancer that is curable with surgery. I had the surgery and I'm fine now.

This was the closest I've been to facing death, and I hope its the closest I get for a few more decades. Having lived through it, I can now say this to you with a bit more certainty than when death was a useful but purely intellectual concept:

No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

When I was young, there was an amazing publication called The Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of the bibles of my generation. It was created by a fellow named Stewart Brand not far from here in Menlo Park, and he brought it to life with his poetic touch. This was in the late 1960's, before personal computers and desktop publishing, so it was all made with typewriters, scissors, and polaroid cameras. It was sort of like Google in paperback form, 35 years before Google came along: it was idealistic, and overflowing with neat tools and great notions.

Stewart and his team put out several issues of The Whole Earth Catalog, and then when it had run its course, they put out a final issue. It was the mid-1970s, and I was your age. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words: "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you.

"Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish"

Thank you all very much.

Projek TEKAD Pahang 2006: Another Beginning...

2006-07-03T19:09:00.000+08:00

We hereby salute the excellent, fun, energetic and fantastic Coaches of Projek TEKAD Pahang 2006!! (O//~~ \O/\O/~),

Yesterday, was the graduation day of the Champions from Projek TEKAD (~T_T~). The heat, excitement, fun and warmth are still felt close to our hearts. I can still hear their voices laughing with joy. And I hope you still do too...

Do you realise how much our Champions have grown for the past 2 days they spent with us? They came from different schools, but yet, they became friends and buddies. They were strangers but never a time that they refuse to help each other. Their eyes were glaring with passion to become a better Champion. They have grown and evolved so much, it makes you more than proud to have them as your CHAMPIONS. And it's all because of YOU!!

So, from the deepest parts of our hearts, we'd like to express our greatest THANKS for your passionate participation and contribution towards Projek TEKAD Pahang 2006. The success of TEKAD Pahang is because of YOU!!

THANK YOU COACHES!!

I truly hope that the relationship we've built with our Champions doesn't end at POLISAS yesterday instead it is yet another beginning... Keep in touch with them, keep guiding them, and keep helping them in any way you can as YOU are their COACHES in life... :)

Click here to view Projek TEKAD Pahang Montage

Regards,
Core Team, Projek TEKAD Pahang 2006

D DAY!!

2006-06-30T16:18:00.000+08:00

Today, most of TEKAD Pahang coaches will be travelling to POLISAS, Semambu.
All Core Team members are already there getting prepared...

Tomorrow is D DAY!! :)

All the best to ALL involved..

TEKAD JOURNEY

2006-06-28T23:51:00.000+08:00

Projek TEKAD Pahang this weekend will be the 5th TEKAD in Malaysia :)

Our 1st Projek TEKAD was in KL, followed by the 2nd in Selangor, 3rd in Perak and 4th in Kelantan, recently... It has been an inspiring journey all the way for us the TEKADMONs and we have (insya'allah) delivered TEKAD with all our hearts to the CHAMPIONs, and with that, we hope we have touched our CHAMPIONs' lives in one way or another...

..the journey doesn't end after each TEKAD...

********************************************************************************************

ps - I tried embedding the montage onto this blog but those without broadband had problems accessing them, so here's an alternative (click on the images to view the montage).. hopefully, now everyone can view them :) oh, and one more thing, these aren't the full montage... I'm sure those of you at TEKAD have them fresh in your memories.

Enjoy...

From TEKAD KL - TEKAD Selangor - TEKAD Perak...

Click on the image to view montage

and from TEKAD Kelantan...

Click on the image to view montage

THANK YOU :)

3 Days To Go!!

2006-06-28T00:20:00.000+08:00

PAHANG, get ready for the TEKAD Virus!!!

Projek TEKAD Pahang will start this Saturday, 1st July 2006... I can't wait!!

The Pahang Core Team just had their second round of T4C in Kertih, Terengganu for about 10 additional coaches...

On the way there, all prepared... :)

yeap, Projek TEKAD that way!!

Poji and the PAHANG Core Team welcoming the COACHES!

Starting off with Dungga!! :)

Everyone warming up!!

Showing their groovy moves already!! ;)

See you all at PAHANG this weekend!!

Projek TEKAD Pahang Site Visit

2006-06-22T22:53:00.000+08:00

To COACHES of TEKAD Pahang, here are some pictures of the site visit!!

Looks like Pahang Core Team are enjoying themselves there... :)
We're sure you will too on the 1st of July 2006!!

Welcome to Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Semambu, Pahang!

To all TEKAD Pahang Coaches, we look forward to seeing you at POLISAS, Pahang!!

Come join us!!
:) from Projek TEKAD Pahang Core Team

Getting ready for TEKAD PAHANG!

2006-06-21T22:27:00.000+08:00

Dear All,

Congratulations to TEKAD Kelantan Team for making it to USM, Kubang Kerian!!

However, our TEKAD journey doesn't end there... We have yet to embark on another, and it's now to Semambu, Pahang, for Projek TEKAD Pahang.

"Upacara Penyerahan from Head TEKAD Kelantan to Head TEKAD Pahang"

T4C Session

To potential TEKAD Pahang coaches who did not attend the previous T4C, you will have the chance to experience it!! So are you ready?!

To prepare all of you what's in store this coming July, on behalf of Projek TEKAD Pahang Core Team, you are invited to attend the second TEKAD 4 Coaches Session. Details of this T4C is as follows:

Venue : Rumah PETRONITA, Rantau Laut PETRONAS, Kertih, Terengganu
Date : Saturday, 24th June 2006

Time

8.00am - 8.30am Breakfast & Registration
8.30am - 7.00pm T4C Session

Please note that the map and security pass to Rumah PETRONITA is attached in our email invitations to you, and kindly print the security pass and show it to the security personnel at the entrance upon your arrival there.

The T4C Session is designed to prepare you for TEKAD Pahang itself, from its modules to travel arrangements, mentally and physically. You will be expriencing the actual FUN and LEARNING in Projek TEKAD during this T4C Session, so please be in your most comfortable attires (preferably pants for ladies) as we will be carrying out many activitie both indoors and out.

Also, please note that attendance for T4C Session is COMPULSORY in order for you to be selected as coaches for Projek TEKAD Pahang 2006.

If you need futher information on the T4C Session, please reply to my (nooreen) email or you can contact me at the handphone number given in the email.

We look forward to seeing you all of you at the T4C Session. Please remember to bring your widest smiles, maximum energy and fullest dedication on the day :D

With warmest regard,
HR for Projek TEKAD Pahang Core Team

We have landed...

2006-06-18T23:43:00.000+08:00

Alhamdulillah, we have successfully completed Projek TEKAD Kelantan.

How do we feel now?
It's hard to describe in words... it's just a magical feeling!

What's next?
The journey doesn't end here... TEKAD Pahang, here we come!

ps: Pictures of Projek TEKAD Kelantan is posted here...

My Ivory Tour

2006-06-18T10:42:00.000+08:00

Coming Soon!

All set, ready for.....

2006-06-15T02:59:00.000+08:00

T E K A D ! ! !

Most of the TEKAD Kelantan CORE TEAM are already in KB. The rest will be making a move early tomorrow morning, some by bus with the other COACHES and some car pooling. At the end of the day, everyone will reach only 1 destination - USM, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan to be with the CHAMPIONS!!

I was all excited since this morning. A few challenges faced these past few days with regards to TEKAD but we have managed to overcome them! I'm pretty sure God will give us the strength we need to complete TEKAD Kelantan these next few days, insya'allah.

Let's all pray that our TEKAD journey will be a smooth ride all the way until the final destination, insya'allah.

See you in KELANTAN! :)

After T4C...

2006-05-29T20:39:00.000+08:00

Namaste TEKAD COACHES!! How did you like our mini hindi prelude? :P and the Dungga?!!

FYI, I am now with 3 of the TEKAD PERAK Champions - Aznie, Khairul and Faizal... they were with us during our T4C @ MMU yesterday!! All three were lucky, they got to meet their actual COACHES from TEKAD PERAK and what made us really proud of them was their confidence to step up in front of the hall to share their experiences with the other new coaches..

They are now with me, sharing their 4 days and 3 nights school holiday experience :)

To those who missed the T4C Session, you missed A WHOLE LOT OF FUN, I tell you...

I guess there is no other effective way to share the DAY with you than by sharing pictures, pictures and a whole bunch of pictures!!

Do enjoy and SEE YOU ALL at PROJEK TEKAD!!

TEKAD 4 COACHES (T4C)

2006-05-25T00:44:00.000+08:00

Dear All,

Congratulations! You are a step closer to becoming role models for the Champions of TEKAD Kelantan and TEKAD Pahang!

So are you ready for the TEKAD challenge? I'm sure you are!

To prepare all of you what's in store this coming June and July, on behalf of Projek TEKAD Core Team, I would like to invite you to attend the TEKAD 4 Coaches Session. Details of the T4C is as follows:

Venue : Multimedia University (MMU), Cyberjaya
Date : Sunday, 28th May 2006

Time

8.00am - 8.30am Registration & Light Breakfast
8.30am - 7.00pm T4C Session

You will be experiencing the actual FUN and LEARNING in Projek TEKAD during this T4C Session, so please be in you most comfortable attires (preferably pants for ladies) as we will be carrying out many actvities both indoors and out.

Please note that attendance for T4C Session is COMPULSORY in order for you to be selected as coaches for Projek TEKAD 2006.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself, Nazreen at email: ir1nny@gmail.com or Lolyta at email: lolytaponiman@yahoo.com if you need futher information on the T4C Session.

We look forward to seeing you all of you at the T4C Session. Please remember to bring your widest smiles, maximum energy and fullest dedication on the day :D

With warmest regard,
HR for Projek TEKAD Core Team

To All the Coaches To Be...

2006-05-13T02:54:00.000+08:00

We have received a favourable number of applications from YOU to become COACHES for the forthcoming TEKAD KELANTAN and TEKAD PAHANG... Thank YOU to all for your interests!! We are now processing your applications and YOU will soon be joining us for the TEKAD For Coaches (T4C) Session!

In the meantime, here are some updates from the Core Team:

Site Visit to the T4C Venue @ MMU Cyberjaya was successfully done on
the 29th April 2006

Site Visit to TEKAD KELANTAN Venue @ USM Kubang Kerian Kelantan was successfully done
on the 7th May 2006

To all the COACHES to be, look out for our invitation to the T4C Session...

- from the Projek TEKAD Core Team

Coaches Step Forward

2006-04-26T00:48:00.000+08:00

Come be part of PROJEK TEKAD 2006 and feel the uplifting experience from our unique virus...

SPREADING THE VIRUS - PROJEK TEKAD 2006

An incurable virus called "Volunteerism" is spreading amongst us and it seems to...

Get us all excited and enthusiastic about making a difference
Make us enjoy doing volunteer work
Energize us to be involved in numerous community service projects

A hybrid of this virus was discovered through PROJEK TEKAD, called the TEKAD virus and it has infected hundreds of young professionals in its previous major outbreaks in Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Selangor & Perak. You definitely have been infected if...

You know what "dunga" means and will immediately jump to perform it if provoked
You have an affection for the colours orange and yellow
You know the song 'TEKAD' by heart

PROJEK TEKAD KELANTAN & PROJEK TEKAD PAHANG

Get a big dose of this TEKAD virus by being part of the next 2 PROJEK TEKAD:

PROJEK TEKAD KELANTAN: Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan (Friday 16th June & Saturday 17th June 2006)

PROJEK TEKAD PAHANG: Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Pahang (Saturday 1st July & Sunday 2nd July 2006)

ABOUT PROJEK TEKAD

PROJEK TEKAD is a 2 day programme, which focuses on goal settings, interpersonal skills, career guidance, the importance of English & Science and basic financial planning for Form 4 Students.

You are known as a "Coach" in the programme and your role is to act as a "brother or sister" to support, guide and be positive role models to the students, whom we call "Champions".

ARE YOU READY TO BECOME A COACH? (this is for TEKAD Kelantan & TEKAD Pahang only - for TEKAD Penang, we will announce again later)

Step forward all you Coaches out there!

Take action and follow these simple steps:

Select which PROJEK TEKAD you wish to attend

Double click on this link (disabled) and download the form. Fill in the form and submit it to lolytaponiman@yahoo.com and cc to ir1nny@gmail.com by Wednesday 10th May 2006, latest by 5pm. Due to overwhelming responses in the past, all applications will be carefully screened to search for the truly committed and dedicated individuals. Pass this screening and you'll be on your way.

Attend our special "TEKAD for Coaches" (T4C) session on Sunday 28th May 2006 at Multimedia University, Cyberjaya.

Come and make a difference by contributing your time, energy and talents to PROJEK TEKAD.

For more information on PROJEK TEKAD, contact Aizan Azrina Rosli at aizanr@petronas.com.my

'TEKAD DIPAHAT, WAWASAN DIJULANG, KEJAYAAN DIGENGGAM'

Warm regards from the PROJEK TEKAD TEAM:

Aizan Azrina Rosli
Shahril Nizam Abdollah
Ijlal Nadzir
Anang Hudaya M Amin
Asma Hanim Ahmad Marikan
Affendi Rashidi
Mohammed Imran Mohamed Ariff
Fauzi Md Nordin
Lolyta Poniman
Nazreen Irwanny Khalid
Wong Hui Shin
Rajinder Singh
Nadiah Zamri
Noreen Izza Arshad
Redhalina Abdullah

TEKAD Kelantan - The Journey Begins...

2006-04-25T19:59:00.000+08:00

Assalamualaikum and Greetings!

PROJEK TEKAD journey has began again. Kicking off for the new year will be PROJEK TEKAD Kelantan, followed closely with PROJEK TEKAD Pahang and ending with PROJEK TEKAD Penang. Each journey, we have seen different challenges, different environment, and of course different champions and coaches. Each time, we left with a heavy heart, but with a determination and hope that we had made a difference to someone's life. And we never fail to get the difference in our lives as well.

I've been through all the TEKADs, from when it was a baby back in 2004 in KL, crawling its way in Selangor and toddling on in Perak last year. I've started as a coach in PROJEK TEKAD KL and PROJEK TEKAD Selangor, then move up to join the core team for PROJEK TEKAD Perak. Now, I have been given the mandate to lead TEKAD Kelantan.

It is a big challenge for me, to follow in the footsteps of those before me, but it is a challenge very close to my heart. I will be bringing PROJEK TEKAD to my hometown, my people. It is a chance to show the real Kelantan, be it the beauty or the ugly side of it and it is a chance to let the students in Kelantan interact with those outside their circle, open up their mind to the possibilities beyond their world.

As mentioned, with each PROJEK TEKAD we had faced different challenges. With Kelantan, the distance, the language and perhaps culture might be of an obstacle to the project. But definitely, the team is geared for any of it. I'm proud to be working with a team that are very dedicated, hardworking, creative and most of all, fun.

Come join us, and help make PROJEK TEKAD Kelantan journey a successful and fulfilling experience, insya Allah.

The TEKAD Virus is BACK!!

2006-04-23T02:10:00.000+08:00

Have you heard of the TEKAD virus? Those who have been infected show symptoms like:-

Feeling joyful and smiling for no particular reason after being infected
An obsession with the color of orange and yellow
Becomes mellow upon hearing the song "TEKAD"
Understands what "dungga" means and will immediately jump to do it if provoked :)

It’s highly infectious, and it’s spreading! Get ready to be infected.

PROJEK TEKAD Kelantan
Date : 16th & 17th June 2006

PROJEK TEKAD Pahang
Date : 1st & 2nd July 2006

PROJEK TEKAD Penang
Date : 2nd & 3rd September 2006

Watch out for our announcement on how YOU can be part of PROJEK TEKAD 2006!!

Testimonials Part 2: CHAMPIONS

2006-04-14T00:22:00.000+08:00

CHAMPIONS SAID:

NOR JAMILAH IBRAHIM SAID:

MOHAMAD NOOR FAIZAL KAMAL SAID:

AULIA ASYURA & SITI AZIRAH SAID:

Testimonials Part 1: COACHES

2006-04-13T22:44:00.000+08:00

HAZAMI - "Proud & Honoured..."

LOLYTA - "Addictive!"

AZAMIL - "An Eye Opener..."

ASMA - "Inspiring..."

SHAHRIL NIZAM - "...Never Ever Give Up..."

ANANG - "A Sense of Belonging..."

AFIFAH - "It Was All Worth It!"

Coaches & Champions

2006-04-08T18:00:00.000+08:00

A "Coach" is a person who instructs, demonstrates, directs, and prompts learners. It involves the process of teaching people how to do something and encouraging them to continue to do it.

In Projek TEKAD,

A "Coach" is a caring professional who is able to facilitate groups, model and evaluate skills and support individualized learning. Coaches work from their hearts, demonstrating with their lives, their growth and through their range of emotions and depth of experience in nurturing and guiding their Champions to be a better person...

A "Coach" develops Champions and are role models, an exemplary leader, a motivator and one who inspires those around them...

A "Champion" is one who strives for success and excellence. In the eyes of the Coach, the Champion is already a winner.

Tekad Modules

2006-04-08T13:00:00.000+08:00

All together there are 16 fixed modules for Projek Tekad, as follows:

Tekad Dipahat
"The First Move"
Pembentukan Kumpulan Dinamik
Sambutlah Harapanku
Hoi!
Masa Depanku
"Tekad Tower"
"Tekad Volcano"
Hati ke Hati
"Tekad Sim"
Kasih Dilayang
"Financial Planning"
Amanat Tekad
"Krungthep"
Wawasan Dijulang
Modul Agama

Tekad Theme Song

2006-04-07T18:00:00.000+08:00

The song "TEKAD" by Malaysian artist, Hazami is used as Projek Tekad's theme song. Its meaningful lyrics inspire Coaches and Champions in Projek Tekad to always strive forward.

Hazami is also very much part of Projek Tekad. He participated in Projek Tekad KL and Selangor and shared his personal triumphs, challenges and experiences, and what the song 'TEKAD' means to him.

TEKAD

Perjalanan kehidupan
Di kiri kanan dugaan cabaran
Keseorangan menempuh ujian
Meneruskan perjuangan

Takdir Maha Esa
Restu ayah bonda
Mencapai cita-cita
Usah putus asa
Kelak kau berjaya
Membela nasibmu
Masamu kan tiba

Keimanan keyakinan
Sinar cahaya penunjuk haluan
Walaupun payah kau harus tabah
Demi mencapai seindah impian

Jika satu ketika
Langkah tidak terdaya
Berkat doa usaha
Tuhan Maha Esa

Mencapai cita-cita

(Copyright. Warner Chappell.2004)

Tekad Values

2006-04-07T13:00:00.000+08:00

VALUES

VOLUNTEERISM among young professionals must begin NOW.

We aspire to develop others around us as we personally grow as individuals.

We aspire to inspire the younger generations in our effort to build leaders of tomorrow.

Tekad Vision & Mission

2006-04-06T18:00:00.000+08:00

VISION

We are determined to inspire and nurture the young minds of Malaysia to become our nation's capable leaders of tomorrow whilst inculcating a contributing spirit and a volunteerism culture amongst young professionals.

MISSION

To emphasise the importance of having clear goals and a strong foundation in education
To stress upon the importance of skills and values
To expose the students to the challenges and opportunities that await them in university and working life
To stimulate students' interests in Science and English
To inspire and motivate the students through the sharing of personal hardships, challenges and life experiences
To encourage young professionals to be involved in community service

Why call it TEKAD?

2006-04-06T13:00:00.000+08:00

"TEKAD"

Pronounced as "tay-cut" is a powerful Malay word which literally means:

Intention
Resolve
Determination
Vision

These 4 elements form the foundation for the results that we want to achieve in life. All results begin with clear intention, solid resolve, strong determination and a powerful vision.

"TEKAD DIPAHAT, WAWASAN DIJULANG, KEJAYAAN DIGENGGAM"

The motto of the project stresses upon the importance of having clear intentions and goals and upholding values and vision. Success awaits those who are steadfast in their goals and who believe in their dreams, values and vision.