South China Sea Conference 2008 - A step closer to protect the marine ecosystems

For the past week, I was away attending an international conference, South China Sea Conference organised by UM, together with MOSTI (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovative) and MSMS (Malaysia Society of Marine Sciences). This conference is one step closer in creating transboundary and collaboration to protect one of the most diverse ecosystem, the South China Sea. It was held in Hyatt Regency, Kuantan from 25th til 28th November 2008.

I attended this conference with two mindsets...
1st: to present my work on corals on a poster.
2nd: to get more knowledge in scientific value on how to conserve the large marine ecosystem.

Expert scientists and researchers all over the world. From left: Ms Li Jianwei (China), Dr. Fadli Syamsudin (Indonesia), Dr. Tan Koh Siang (Singapore), Prof. Dr. Phan Siew Moi (UM), Dr. Kenneth Sherman (US), Prof. Vo Si Tuan (Vietnam), Dr. Koch Savath (Cambodia) and Abraham Sakili (the Phillipines).

This conference is big, as it was attended by bigshots around the world involved in marine protection, such as Dr. Kenneth Sherman (US), Director of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Dr. Vo Si Tuan (Vietnam), COBSEA project, Dr. Tan Koh Siang (Singapore), Dr. Yasuwo Fukuyo, Prof Phang Siew Moi (UM), Director of Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences and etc from all over the world including China, UK, US, the Phillipines, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. I was proud to have joined this conference as I get to know what efforts have been made to protect marine ecosystem in this region.

I was excited as I get to present my poster in an international conference. It's an important value for a researcher as the more scientific paper published, the higher reputation you'll get. This is a start for me, as I had my poster presented. To add further excitement, there were competition for the best poster presentation. My team, including my well respected supervisor and only expert in Malaysian corals (I reckon so) Mr. Affendi Yang Amri, Badrul Huzaimi, Nikoo Cheheltani, Munira, Poh Leem, Jia Jie, Kok Wei, Faedz (didn't attend) had posters and oral presentation during that conference. And the great news is, our team won 2 out of 3 winners in poster presentation. Mr Affendi, and myself....both winning the biological category. It was my first time winning an award in an international conference (the first i attended as well)...and guess what, the judges are from overseas, so it shows that our work are on par with other U in the world.

My poster: Effect of Jetty Pillar Orientation on Scleractinian Corals

1st pic: That's me and my supervisor, Mr Affendi. 2nd pic: Posing with Mr. Affendi's poster, one of the winner of best poster awards.


Explaining to one of the judges, Prof Dang from Vietnam


En Ismail, National Coordinator for the Large Marine Ecosystem project

Prof Dr. Gareth Jones (UK) listening to my presentation on my work.

I hope that after this conference, more of the scientists in the world will collaborate with each other to share data and protect the world's largest ecosystem, the marine ecosystem. I hope one day, I'll be able to get involved actively in protecting this fragile ecosystem.

I would also like to acknowlegde Mr. Affendi, Prof Chong, my family and siblings, my project mates, my housemates and a very important person in my life, Kuan Ching...in winning the best poster award. Thanks to all of ur support and assistance. I wouldnt have gotten the award if it wasn't because of all of you!

Oceanarium in Mabul - is it worth it?

I was shock to read the news in The Star few days ago, that there was a plan to build an oceanarium in Pulau Mabul. I personally feel that this idea is not just stupid but its worthless. The money use to build this oceanarium could have been used for a long term conservation. It was reported that a Japanese company would join venture to build so-called 'eco-friendly' building concept. Although the Japanese are very good with these eco-friendly projects, this is nothing but a project that will fail the environment.

It is also reported that the EIA have not been obtained, but this is not the point. Being an graduate in Ecology and Biodversity, and also a SCUBA diver, I know that the EIA report will not be able to stop these culprits from getting this project done. This is because, from my experience, after the original EIA report have been done, these culprits will alter and change the report accordingly before handing it to the authorities. Some of the suggestions in EIA report will not be followed but will be changed to suit their projects.

As a person who have personal interest in coral reef system, I find that building an oceanarium will not create more income in tourism. Foreign tourists came to Malaysia to see the originality and natural environment. If this oceanarium is being built, we will be wasting millions of ringgit. Some would be wasted on building the oceanarium, some would be losses due to the drop of tourists because more corals are being destroyed. Only a fool would believe, that corals can still be preserved while this project is on going. Corals are slow growing organisms, it took billions of years to reach such massive system. Moreover, Malaysia lies in the coral triangle, and Sabah being in the centre of the triangle. Coral triangle is where the highest coral diversity in the world is found. How can a country, with such high diversity, allow such projects to be approved? It shouldn't be in the plan at all! I have dived in Lahad Datu, somewhere near Sipadan island, and the corals there are already amazing. What more in Mabul and Sipadan?

I understand that development is important. We cant run away from it. However, development is necessary when it helps to reduce the burden of people. But this project, doesn't seem to make any difference in people's lifestyle. Infact it will disrupt the income of those who are depending on corals in Mabul. Some fishermen have already been doing damage to corals with illegal fishing, fish bombing, muro ami and etc. Now, with such a big project, the whole reef system in Mabul will be destroyed. Let us all put our hands together, and stop this nonsense from these selfish developers who only think of their profits.

"The earth belongs to our children, not our ancestors. It's time for us to return the earth back to them"

Eddie's Wedding: The Mixed Malaysian Culture Detailed Story

On 6th Nov, the biggest day of my beloved and only brother, Eddie Lau, (now known as Fahim Lau) as he would wed his beloved Arnida Arsam. Their wedding is simply special, because they had a three day wedding celebration with a mixed ceremony of the Malay and Chinese culture.
The wedding started with a Malay culture of akad nikah and bersanding on the first day, at Arnida's house. I was involved directly as i'm Eddie's best man. It was started with sending the hantaran, where my cousins all the way from NZ were among the few to carry the hantarans. The akad nikah went well, Eddie managed to continued get thru the akad nikah just once. Both the bride and groom, looked gorgeous and stunningly attractive.
They looked even more matching and attractive when they came out with new set of clothes for bersanding. Then my family especially, managed to experience 'merenjis' for the very first time. 'Merenjis' is done by sprinkling water and placing flower petals on the hands of the bride and groom. It is done to bless the married couple.
The wedding is continued with Chinese tea ceremony the next day. According to the chinese custom, we can't see the bride and groom face to face before they enter the house...so all of us, immediate family stayed in the house right til my bro and his wife step into the house. Then we also experience kid jumping and rolling on the groom's bed...believing that it will bring children to the couple. The ceremony continued with tea ceremony..."cam cha" to the elderly.
The last day, was the lunch reception. It was held at Community Centre in Bukit Damansara. It was a nice place and had a nice setup. The entourage of the couple arrived in a very grand manner, followed by kompang beats at the back. The couple and their immediate family had the honour of having lunch on high table, making them feeling like king n queen (That's where the Raja Sehari phrase comes from i guess, haha).
Being his brother, its a once in a lifetime experience to get involved in the ceremony. My family, have been waiting for such a long time for this moment to arrive. I would expected this day soon, however, not that soon. But nevertheless, I felt so happy and excited for my brother, as he has proven that pure Malaysian culture still lives on. A culture where Malay and Chinese were put together in on occasion. This should be the ideal concept for Malaysian not only today, but for as long as Malaysia exists. Never had i thought my family would practise the true Malaysian spirit...

*frustrated coz cant upload photo,duno what's the prob*

Eddie's Wedding - The Mixed Malaysian Culture

6 Nov - Akad Nikah and Bersanding

7 Nov - Tea Ceremony

8 Nov - Lunch Reception

On 6th Nov, the biggest day of my beloved and only brother, Eddie Lau, now known as Fahim Lau as he would wed his beloved Arnida Arsam. The wedding started with a Malay culture of akad nikah and bersanding on the first day, continued with a Chinese tea ceremony the next day. Being his brother, its a once in a lifetime experience to get involved in the ceremony. My family, have been waiting for such a long time for this moment to arrive. I would expected this day soon, however, not that soon. But nevertheless, I felt so happy and excited for my brother, as he has proven that pure Malaysian culture still lives on.

More detailed story will soon to come in this blog, as I now have only a short time to drop some words here.

Middles Rock Expedition (27th - 30th Oct 08)

I never thought that I would have the chance to be the first few ppl to dive in Middles Rock, after that area was given to Malaysia (and Malaysia lost Pulau Batu Puteh to S'pore). It was a risky trip, simply because of the time of the year where monsoon is hitting, and also it was spring tide where the current is very very strong. Some may think that this is crazy or some would say, "what do we have there? there 's nothing but just rocks". Well, u'll never know when u dont get down there to see it for urself. (Unfortunately, i have no photos at the moment as i have not collected from the underwater photographers that was with us).

Middles Rock (Batuan Tengah) is just south of Pulau Batu Puteh. There are two rocks, approximately 250m apart from each other and one being bigger than the other. There were not much biological information that can be found on Middles Rock (just try to Google it). The diversity of the Middles Rock, I would say is quite high (the data collected have not been analysed, so it's not justified at the moment). Based on the Reef Check system (which I was assigned to do), it shows that the coral system there is doing quite well despite of the high siltation. The size of the massive and boulder corals are damn huge! (some are bigger than me!) So we roughly know that the corals there were not very much disturbed yet (let's hope it will remain that way) and have existed for thousands, maybe even hundred thousands of years. Surprisingly, despite of the high diversity of corals, I din managed to spot big fishes (all <>

For you...

Some would reach for the brightest star,
Some would even be the brightest star,
Just to light you up,
But I know I don’t have to reach the stars,
Or even be the brightest one,
Just to light you up,
Simply because you are already the brightest star shinning,
Instead, I chose to be the dull moon,
So I can light you up whenever you are in the dark.

Some would promise you forever,
Some would even give you forever,
Just to make your life happy,
But I know I don’t have to promise you forever,
Or even give you forever,
Just to make your life happy,
Simply because you already have my forever,
Instead, I chose to give you today,
So I can make you happy everyday.

Some would run a thousand miles,
Some would even crawl a thousand miles,
Just to bring you their love,
But I know I don't have to run that far,
Or even crawl that far,
Just to bring you my love,
Simply because you are already my love,
Instead, I chose to give you my heart,
So you can keep my love with you...forever.

*This is dedidated to YOU, dear, as YOU were the one who inspired me...and gave me happiness, I never had in my life*

7th CC in memory!...

I was listening to the songs in my laptop, and out of random, 7th CC song was being played. The song suddenly reminded me of my days in 7th college, and thus inspired me to share my experience here.

CC, in short for Chinese Community (now as Chinese Cultural Club) was a community where the Chinese of 7th college organize activities based on cultural and celebration themes. Sometimes, v also hv some gatherings to celebrate (u knowlar, Malaysian Chinese always like to celebrate) say, seniors for convocation, seniors who are leaving college, or even juniors coming into college. It was kinda fun to have these activities that touches the heart. Of course, the existence of CC had caused some commotion among other races, sad to say, especially the Malays. I still dun understand, why they always question the existence of CC or even IC (Indian community) when they themselves have Balai Islam (and its religious). CC and IC activities have always been touching on culture, celebration and sometimes gathering for friends…no religious nor political agendas. Whenever we question back on Balai Islam but why not there’s CC and IC? They would always answer, “Perpecahan kaum”, or even said..Balai Islam is open for all but CC and IC are only for one race…(such a lame excuse).

I have this belief, “perpecahan kaum” doesn’t happen just because CC and IC existed. In fact, having CC was even an easier platform to form unity. It gives the opportunity, especially those Chinese educated ones, to understand the mindset and culture of other races. This is due to the platform of CC to explain and slowly nurture the knowledge among the Chinese. Besides, the existence of CC also helps to protect the welfare of the Chinese, when sometimes decision of the college admin was done solely based on the easiness of Malays (I hv to admit these do happen). Very good example… college can only serve halal food, so they sumtimes tend to serve beef as the only meat. They never thought that beef was considered ‘non-halal’ to Indian and some Chinese. But they still serve them. Another one is spicy food. It’s normal that Chinese don’t usually manage spicy food…but they never cared about this. All of the students paid the same amount of fees and should deserve the same fair treatments.

However, I hope that my juniors in college now, could still protect the existence of CC and the welfare of Chinese since the college din really care much of the minorities. And hope they do not misuse the platform for political or racial agendas. Sometimes I felt disappointed when some juniors with college posts, are more concerned about their posts rather than the welfare of the students (I’m referring to all races). They tend to be the ‘yes boss’ type and more worried of losing their posts rather than worrying about the welfare of students (how would the country be like in future, since they will be the future leaders).

Back to the main topic what I wanted to share is that how CC had played a part in changing my life. I was brought up in a more Malay lifestyle, and even had the malay mindset. Until I got into UM, I finally discover the true Chinese inside of me. I become more aware of Chinese culture, and their history. I even now regretted that I cant read in Chinese. Their language is so wonderful and very meaningful in expressing the right feelings in words. The idioms, usually in fours can already described precisely the right expression and feelings.

Joining my friends in CC had brought me to understand how important closeness of a family and friends. The moments shared between us were more to pure feelings in the heart. I get to understand, life is meaningless without friends. One of the big projects which had an impact in my life was MKC (Malam Kebudayaan Cina). Not only I get to understand the real Chinese culture and history..but I get to understand my friends. Closer than before. Sad to say now, some juniors now even told others “I’d been busy for few months, but dunno for wat”. To me, it was a worlds most stupid phrase. It showed how now people carry out projects blindly. During my time, we put every effort into making MKC a successful project. All efforts and even our hearts into it. To me personally, MKC have taught me about life…how to deal with friends and the joy of making sumthing successful. The whole CC was working with each other, although usually the 1st years are the organizers and do all the performances.

MKC preparation was challenging. That was when where we would hug each other for a task completed. Or even held each other’s head on shoulders for a task not completed. Or even cried together in a group for a task failed. There were even times we would quarrel for clashed opinions. All these were best times in CC…the effects were very obvious right after the day MKC was over. Everyone, including seniors were in their tears right when the night was finally over. The 7th CC song was loudly sung by all of us, as it was the first time this song was played in the public. Then followed by Za’ba College anthem…which even made our tears running even faster…there were so much memories in college and in CC…too much til I can’t bear to see all these spirit no longer exist within the hearts of 7th residents.Time flies and the generation had changed. Some of the juniors now refused to listen to advices, claiming them as brainwashing. They tend to see things by effects on current conditions rather than thinking the consequences in future. It’s good to have changes, but changes will then have to achieve its new objectives. What’s the point of having changes, when the objectives would be the same or even worse. Some may condemn me for what I’ve written but I hope they realize their actions before condemning. The younger generations now tend to pint point on others mistakes without realizing that they also have responsibilities. To forgive someone’s mistake is hard, but to admit own mistake is even harder. I hope the current residents of 7th would start to learn 3 important things:-

1. Make decisions and changes, bearing in mind what are the outcomes in next few years, not within the same year…
2. Fight for students welfare, not for protection of own position..
3. Carry out projects by putting the heart to achieve them, not for the sake of just doing it..

I just hope our juniors will in the end turn out to be a successful and unselfish leaders, as the future of our country lies within the hands of these future leaders.

7th CC ho seh,ho seh, ho ho ho seh!