Classical Tones Modern Touch: in UM

Orchestra's enthusiasts can look forward for a free performance in University of Malaya tomorrow night. I don't have the name of the orchestra performing tomorrow night. All I know is they are going to perform some of the famous numbers such as the Phantom of the Opera and Hijau.

Venue: Dewan Tunku Chanselor, University of Malaya
Date: December 10, 2005
Time: 8.30 p.m.

There's a lot of free performances and movies going on in UM this weekend. Don't waste these opportunities. You don't always get free entertainment in KL nowadays.

film schedule: UNHCR & ICRC film showcase in UM

Probably you have heard and read about the film showcase, themed "War and Flight: The Need for Humanitarian Action" which will feature three movies and documentaries beginning from today to Sunday.

It is organised by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross). The movies and documentaries will be screened at the Asia Europe Institute, University of Malaya (click for map). Admission is free.

Friday (Dec 9, 2005)
8.30 p.m. Hotel Rwanda (Refreshment and performances after the movie)

Saturday (Dec 10, 2005)
11.00 a.m. Women Facing War: Palestine
11.10 a.m. To Be a Refugee
11.20 a.m. Children of Ibdaa
2.00 p.m. The Killing Fields
5.00 p.m. Moderated discussion with ICRC
8.30 p.m. Women Facing War: Yugoslavia
8.35 p.m. Refugee Women: Don't Look Back
8.40 p.m. Molly and Mobarak



Sunday (Dec 11, 2005)
11.00 a.m. Women Facing War: Afghanistan
11.05 p.m. The Boy Who Played on the Buddhas of Bamiyan
2.00 p.m. A Safe Place
2.15 p.m. The Lost Boys of Sudan
3.45 p.m. Moderated discussion with UNHCR
8.30 p.m. War and Dignity
8.35 p.m. Marooned in Iraq

non-Malay students must take Bahasa Melayu seriously

If you are a parent and your kids are among the batches of students studying Math and Science in English, I suggest you take my advice seriously.

Most students particularly non-Malays who spend limited hours learning in Bahasa Melayu, are seeing their standard dropping drastically compared to students before the implementation. My observations are based on the writing skills of urban kids in areas such as Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya. The standard of Bahasa Melayu for primary level is in fact more critical than the secondary level (because students in secondary level gained more exposure when they were in primary level).

Many parents and students might not take this seriously and think that Bahasa Melayu is not an important subject. But let's not forget that Bahasa Melayu is a compulsory subject in the SPM level. It is useless if you get As in other compulsory subjects and elective papers but do not pass in Bahasa Melayu.

I urge students especially the non-Malays to start looking for tutors to improve their writing and reading skills in Bahasa Melayu. Or at least start reading Utusan or Berita Harian to enhance their language ability.

six perfections to achieve an extraordinary life

After two months, I finally had the opportunity to rejoin the usual meditation class in Manjushri Kadampa Buddhist Centre, Damansara Jaya. The drop in class starts at 8 to 10p.m. and it is free of charge.

Yesterday's topic was about How to Live a Less Ordinary Life. The topic alone is already very catchy. Before the dhamma talk, we usually meditate first. I must admit that I'm a beginner when it comes to meditation although I've been practising Buddhism all my life. The teacher who is known as geshe shared with us that in order to achieve an extraordinary life, we have to practice six disciplines:

1. perfection of giving
2. perfection of moral disciplines
3. perfection of effort
4. perfection of patience
5. perfection of mental stability
6. perfection of wisdom

Next Monday will be the last drop in class for the year before the centre is closed for break. The topic for next week is The Ultimate Truth.

For more info, click: http://www.meditateinkl.org/index.htm