Late comers! Yeap we had to take a shot of Absolut vodka as punishment.. Not a bad punishment indeed

Performing tests to compare the different vodka’s and flavours using our noses, taste and texture. Was really fun!

Founder of Absolut, but passed away before he could see Absolut being exported worldwide. His face is on every Absolut bottle!

@wackybecky and @MissyBlurKit going through the “cover nose” test, whereby we tasted something sugarish while our noses were clamped, to find out that it was actually cinnamon! Shows how important our noses really are, you try it!

The said cinammon sugar! Looks like brown sugar I tell ya, and tasted like sugar if you couldn’t smell it!

Suanie here showed us how to do a Quickdraw Bloody Mary – pick up a cherry tomato, dip into pepper sauce, pop it into your mouth and shove an Absolut vodka into your mouth for pure bliss!

With a master class like this, nobody could take their eyes off our “lessons”!

Of course it doesn’t help with the distraction… Pretty girls starting with Helenness and Rebecca from Advertlets, who graciously invited me for the event!

Just to seal the deal and show you what you missed out, take a look at these gorgeous girls! But then again, we could have been looking at them through vodka goggles LOL

The Absolut shots. Bottoms up for me!

The Quickdraw Bloody Mary was really good. Everybody loved it! Here am I with @missyblurkit.

Even MyHorng was ready with his Ninja Burger haha. Our faces were SO red. Anyhow, now that we’ve finished with our “theory” classes, it’s time for practicals! Mixing actual cocktails with pure unadulterated Absolut!

You have no idea how many Absolut it took to make this whole classroom happy! Haha.

Practical lessons – PASSED! We’re the best at making this because we’re the TEH TARIK experts! Malaysia Boleh!

I’m not a big fan of them cocktails except THIS one. Oh yum, coffee liquor and Absolut, beautiful!

Suffice to say, had loads of fun and learnt a lot of things about Absolut or vodka itself. Fantastic.

Ended the day with yummy sausages from Brotzeit Bier Bar & Restaurant. YUMS!

This is all thanks to Absolut for making this happen. This sweet, pure and extremely clear drink has reasons to be proud of themselves – and this is one of the many reasons why THANK YOU!

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It only really seemed like yesterday, the results of 4 years of hard, tough work throughout my tenure in Imperial College London, graduating with one of the hardest degrees referred to as the Joint Mathematics & Computer Science degree. A super satisfying challenge, I might add.

Yes, it was a really difficult journey. To think that without prior preparation, I would have easily flunked the exams would be a very true statement. Especially since I was very involved with the Imperial College Malaysian Society, the Overseas Club, the Anime Society and as well as being a Communication Director for the United Kingdom & EIRE Executive Council for Malaysian Students for 3 years in a  row. Knowing how to juggle time time between skill sets, studying and organizing was certainly a must with the positions I was responsible for.

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It’s times like these that I really count my blessings for having studied A-Levels, from where I truly understood how to MAKE TIME for all the above. Even with full dedication this feat is definitely possible, and until today, the life lessons I’ve learned just by attending college are relevant, thanks to the lecturers who guided me, the well organized programs created by the Dean and so on and so forth. Read my About me section for a glimpse of what I’ve been up to

Come to think of it, Sandra Tock was also an amazing graduate, juggling between studies and her passion as a cheerleader… on a national basis, I might add! Being involved in CHARM was no small feat, as she is asked to train, judge, participate in competitions to represent Malaysia and more! Again, taking her A Levels in college is probably partly responsible for her training and making sure she doesn’t slack in any areas of her life.

Even so, we shouldn’t just go for ANY sort of education.
How are we supposed to identify reputable ones especially with all kinds of tertiary education programmes cropping up from nowhere?

This is why when I first heard about Taylor’s Pre-University courses, I told myself how useful this can be whenever I go about giving advice to students out there who look up to me, especially those who are very confused. After all, they provide internationally recognized Pre-U programmes like Cambridge A Levels, South Australian Matriculation, Canadian Pre-University and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme which are most likely choices for those who are sure which field they want to pursue, or want to keep their options open.

I also found out that they not only help students achieve academic excellence, but also provide workshops and talks to help them adapt to college life better and safer, including giving them a Personal Development Plan that will help them towards planning their path between studies and extracurricular activities. Overall, Pre-University courses give a holistic overall education, complete with skills needed to survive at university and for living independently.

How does this happen then, you say? Sounds too good to be true isn’t it? No, this is not something that can be done if left alone by yourself. They actually provide personal mentors as well, one for each student. This is very important, and also reminded me of my own personal tutor during my college and university days, as they were very, very important towards reaching my goals, always getting me back in the right direction whenever I sway and even helping me on the right path to enter Imperial College London, regarded as Top 3 in UK and Top 10 in the world! :p

Thanks, I will always be indebted to you, Margaret Cunningham

Of course this doesn’t mean that the Taylor’s Pre-U programme just leaves you at the mercy of your teacher. They even include all kinds of academic, sporting as well as extracurricular support for you to take advantage of. (Sporting facilities are extremely important! Thanks to it I got to experience playing Hockey for Seremban district and got to know many friends :D). One example is the University Placement Centre that acts as advisors on applications to universities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and more. From what I hear your classmates in Taylor’s would be  coming from all over the world, and this will definitely help you to overcome cultural differences and who knows, you’d be making lots of international friends, like how it is with my Swedish friend Johan Nystrom and Sadegh Shahrbaf from Iran, both my long time great friends!

All in all what Pre-U education can do for you will be far more extensive than if you were to go ahead solo. If the academic and student support services were taken advantage of fully, I assure you that you are on your way to start ahead and stay ahead in your area of study and in life. Remember, most of the time your employers aren’t looking for just academic achievements. An additional responsibility factor as well as playing sports as a team member will allow you to show your competence in other skills necessary at work, like leadership and being a team player, for instance. For all this, an all-in-one reputable platform is needed and it’s great to know Taylor’s provides such a place for their students. Learn more about it via their website at http://www.taylors.edu.my/!

I know some of you would be skeptical, so there are actually success stories from those who completed the Pre-U programmes, find them here: http://www.taylors.edu.my/courses/pre_u/preu_landing.php?id=105. Though I would think that the crazy talented Taylorians I know will just leave a note here, since they are fiercely appreciative of their college. Yes, I’m talking about you, Jolene, Kar Ming, Su Zhen and Shannon Chow. Haha

So wouldn’t you want to be prepared with the knowledge and and skills you need so that you’ll enter the University of your dream and have great time there? Wouldn’t you want to be sure that you’re fully prepared for the world out there, especially when you’re set to leave your home in Malaysia ? Be wise, let Taylor’s Pre-U course be your starting point. Once you’re there, you can be sure that they will do their best to guide you to your success, because it will be a part of their success as well!

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But honestly, I think I will still be able to blog about events and food (as long as the invites keep coming, thanks all!) while at the same time scatter this blog of mine with goals and achievements that I want/will act upon, and let the world be the judge of the things I do. So this time, I have to blog about something that’s been overdue by about 2 years; my Graduation Ceremony on the year 2007.

This here is Richard Hayden, a true genius in our 25 odd class of Joint Mathematics & Computer Science degree.

The reason why we only have 25 odd people in our class? Let’s just say a joint degree course is something not many have the guts to try

I definitely miss Richard, a real creme-de-la-creme material (while we were all studying our asses off, he was giving academic lectures to professors and creating his own Operating System!), he has been a big help throughout the 4 years I’ve been at Imperial College. This photo was also used in our Imperial Alumni Newsletter (of course focus was on him haha!). I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes global headlines in the near future…

This is Kevin and Aimran. They are really close buddies and yet different in so many ways. Kevin has been through the hardest of time while studying, battling against his feelings for his mother’s terminal illness (cancer) while still in University. However he’s made it through this troubled time, and although his mom finally passed away 1 week ago (after battling cancer for 8 years!), I believe he came out very excellently as an ex-EY consultant and now, running his family business. He really has his mother’s strength and will, and his father’s excellent people person skills.

Aimran however has always believed in people’s right. Disregarding most calls for biasity and corruption, he has been writing articles after articles condemning these filthy acts and those who practices it. He doesn’t just stop there, he even gives out wise responses and solutions that he hopes many will follow. Truly an honest academician and definitely one of the rare ones around.

Satwinder Kaur. I still remember at one point we were calling each other every night to talk about experiments and courseworks. He was one of the only few who trusted my point of view in many things. We helped each other right up till the end and graduated together. I will remember him as one of my good friends whom we shared so much with, including food and discussions in almost anything Oh, and he’s damn tall. lol.

Fellow Malaysians who graduated with me, from Civil Engineering. Some stayed to work in the UK, some are back. Vilex is finally coming back for good. I’m not complaining, it’ll be more fun to know one of the better futsal players are coming back to play with us!

Ming and Vivien… Man. They’re getting married. At 25. Enough said!

My No.1 sister, yes I make it a known fact although my friends chidded me on this so many times haha! Samantha Tock is her name and I have a post on her here. So cuuuuute la the post hahhahaha!  This was taken at Royal Albert Hall, so prestigious is the hall that even the most famous of artist has to be INVITED to perform here, which no money can buy! It’s located within our campus compound so by some arrangements, Imperial College graduates all have the pleasure to have this exclusive venue as our Graduation Hall.

The eldest of three sisters, Sandra Tock who recently performed in “The Prom Musical” at KLPAC as the main actress, was also here. This time the picture faces the ceremonial stage. And at the chairs where the choir resides.

See the bunch of black and white clothed people sitted behind the stage? They are the choir group and I was part of it the year before my graduation. It was an awesome feeling to be singing in front of such a huge crowd and on a beautiful ceremony. I will never be able to forget such a breathtaking experience

ps- that’s me on the stage, front line, before shaking hands with the rector.

It was such a momentous occasion. I had everything. My family was in London, finally. I took them to a tour. And before that, my first love was with me too as I took her on a beautiful tour of London and the United Kingdom for 2 weeks. It was the bestestest time ever and I never wish to forget it

But of course, none of these would have happened if I didn’t have such a wonderful family with me. Dr Stephen Tock, the man who taught me perserverance and provided me with everything I could ask for (he got his doctorate in his 50s, where most ppl won’t even bother studying any more). Mostly responsible for my strong people skills. Anna Liew, my mom who is responsible for my empathic and kind nature. My three sisters of course (Sandra, Samantha and Carol), who had nothing but strong adoration for me *cough* and consistently looked up to me (which sort of gave me the pressure to succeed).

Last but not least, my undying thanks to my generous sponsor who believed in me and my goals, to have helped in so many way financially while not asking anything else from me. Thank you, for if not for you I would not have the chance to study in the United Kingdom, what more in one of the most expensive town, London. You gave me  the chance to experience the most out of my studies abroad, which so many cannot afford. Who else can say “Use however much is necessary for you to be able to concentrate on your studies. If I see there’s not enough money in your account, I’ll pump it more money for you.” I’m so blessed, so God bless you too.

Along with other men and women scattered throughout my life, of course, who has also put some sort of investment in me in one way or another. All of which have made me into what I am today. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

Related posts:
1. My Insecurities and how I dealt with it
2. End of year 2007 – My Ignited Passion
3. The first post from this blog, which isn’t the real beginning; my old blog was somehow lost in the process of transferring

If you’re a graduate from Imperial College, please visit www.icaam.org.my of whom I’m the webmaster of. Any suggestions and ideas are welcomed

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