[AIESEC] Local Train the Trainers TU

Hey readers!

Hope you are having a great weekend. After a long week and having completed my final assignment of the semester, it's time for another post.

AIESEC Malaysia organised Local Train the Trainers (LTtT) from 12 - 14 October in Taylor's University. LTtT is a conference held for AIESECers in the Team Leader Program (TLP) to equipped them with the necessary skills to be facilitators. Throughout the 3 days, delegates learn the skills needed to be facilitators such as designing presentation slides, mood management and crowd management, delivery methods as well as applying what they have learn into simulation and mock sessions.

LTtT is also a prerequisite to qualify for National Train the Trainers, where facilitators specialised in one of the 'Success Essentials' under LEAD and learn how to chair a conference.

For this LTtT, it had a Michael Jackson theme to it as it is a theme that everyone can relate to. After all, Michael Jackson is a legend, he stands out from other entertainers and has signature moves. In the context of LTtT, a facilitator should be remember in a positive way: good presentation style, awesome slide designs and able to create an impact that the delegates would remember the facilitator for a long time.

LTtT TU - History: Past, Present and Future

Here's a recap of LTtT TU:
Day 1

• Set expectation settings for LTtT
• Learn the differences between a facilitator and a trainer
• Design & plan a session

Day 1: Session Outline
This group did a session outline about Oppa Gangnam Style!

Day 2

• Team building activities which are related to the four different Success Essentials
• Different learning styles and techniques such as nominal group techniques and step method
• How to design presentation slides
• Mood management - how to react to different moods in a session
• Movie session (watch recordings of ourselves in action)

Day 2: Daniel (left) and Elwin conducting a session on mood management.

Day 3

• Crowd management - how to deal with different people
• Feedback session - how to give feedback and actually giving feedback to people
• Conduct a mock session and receive feedback on the sessions conducted

Feedback session

We still manage to have fun in between sessions like this one and doing square dances.

Playing the Ninja Game

Randy, the chair of LTtT TU, played a video at the end of LTtT titled 'What Matters To You/Me?'. So, what really matters to you? Think about it.

Last but not least, LTtT would not have been a success if it was not for the awesome facilitators that have equipped the delegates with the necessary skills.

Thank you facis! =D

Doing the MJ Pose.
Facis (L-R): Alex, Amy, Daniel, Geraldine, the chair; Randy and Elwin

For Malaysian AIESECers who have yet to attend and are interested to go for LTtT, there will be more coming soon and stay tune for updates in the Malaysian AIESECers Facebook group.

Till then, enjoy the weekend! =)

[AIESEC] Local Leadership Development Seminar

Hey readers.

It's a new month and time for a new post. This time it's about another conference. It is called the Local Leadership Development Seminar. This conference is held for the new members who have recently join AIESEC and for them to learn more about AIESEC and to bond with their fellow newbies as well as the senior members and EBs for 3 days and 2 nights. Recently, my fellow AIESECers just returned from Gohtong Jaya, where the first LLDS of term 2012/2013 was held and based on the pictures and sharing during the AIESEC Gathering on Tuesday, they sure had lots of fun and gain lots of knowledge. That of course, reminded me of my first and only LLDS to date.

This LLDS was held from the 25th - 27th May 2012 at Barre I.J. Centre in Cameron Highlands. We left Taylor's around 12pm and on our way to Cameron Highlands, we stop at an R&R centre. At that time, the bus broke down and we had to wait for an extra bus to send us to the location.

The bus broke down

While waiting for a new bus to send us to the venue, that R&R centre was where the bonding started. We got to know each other better during that time and it was a blessing in disguise. Played lots of games to ease the boredom as well as getting to know the new members and teach them some AIESEC culture.

Bonding with AIESECers, new and old

About an hour or two later, the bus finally arrive and off we go to Cameron Highlands. The bonding continue in the bus as well as pictures being taken for memories.

Posing on the bus with Kay

 About 5pm plus, we finally arrive at our destination: Barre I.J. Centre, Cameron Highlands.

The place where we stayed for 3 days and 2 nights

The moment we arrive in Cameron Highlands, I got out of the bus and scream out loud somewhere along the lines of "I FINALLY MADE IT TO MY FIRST LLDS!!!". I was that excited and relieved that after being in AIESEC for more than 2 years, I finally made it and was looking forward to the next 3 days in LLDS.

We were greeted by the awesome OC Team and they provide us with the keys to the dorms. After settling down, we proceed to the plenary hall where the EBs and facis were there to greet all the delegates. What more to kickstart LLDS with a number of square dances led by yours truly. After that, it was followed by the introduction of the OCs, Facis and the chair of LLDS, Imran a.k.a. My Name Is Imran, and EB Team - Current and Elect.

OC Team (L-R): Kristy, Masuma, Keli and the OCP, Ramadhan

The Facis (L-R): The Chair, Imran and the facis, Ravi and Carmen

The current EBs (L-R): Raymond, Wei Lim, Amy, Wan Sin, Alex and Carmen

The EB elects (L-R) Hoe Yen, Zee, Lee Min, Elleen, Elwin and Carmen

Carmen introducing herself as one of the facis

We had an ice breaking session to know the delegates, facis and OCs better. Once we had completed the ice breaking session, it was time for dinner.

Ice breaking session with Zhen Hao

Doing the 'dinner chant'

Picture time after dinner

Throughout the 3 days, the junior and senior delegates learn topics related to leadership, AIESEC, soft skills and world issues. The EBs current and elect had feedback sessions and department planning in their own respective departments.

I was involved in the LC simulation, which provides a delegate a chance to operate their own local committee and understand how each department works in AIESEC.

Working hard to prepare LC Simulation with Gabriel and Ravi

In charge of the Finance and Administration booth.

After that, the delegates had to come out with their own projects in which they go out to approach random strangers to raise awareness about the project they have created. It was fun to see the ideas they have came out with and the approach they use to create an impact to the community. Some groups did about HIV/AIDS while another did about environmental awareness. All in all, it was great to see these delegates make an impact to society despite being in AIESEC from a few weeks to a few months.

With Team Shabuya

A conference is not complete without roll calls and square dance. =D

Square Dance Time! - Lips Like Sugar

Poto teaching us a roll call

In LLDS and like all other conferences, we had sugar cubes, which are messages meant to inspire and motivate people to do well in AIESEC and in life.

Sugar cube envelopes of the facis, EB, EB elect and OCs.

We had something call the guardian angel where each person is assigned a guardian angel which they provide gifts and other forms of blessings to provide them with motivation and inspiration.

Gifts from my guardian angel. =D <3

After 3 days and 2 nights of fun and learning, it was time to head home. Everyone had an awesome time at LLDS and they use it as a springboard to progress in their AIESEC journey be it the new members or the current ones.

Group photo <3

Taylor's even did a write up on LLDS in their internal magazine. How cool is that?

A write up on LLDS in the second issue of Taylor's Student Experience Magazine

I certainly enjoyed my LLDS. How about you? This is one of the many opportunities that can be obtained in AIESEC, conferences where you get inspired by others and others are inspired by you.

That's it from me. Till then, have a nice day. =)

[Photo credits to Joey, Wan Yu, Kay, Neil, GG and Winnie]

[AIESEC] I Am An AIESECer

Hey readers! =D

Hope you are enjoying your weekend. The latest theme for the AIESEC National Recruitment Blog Campaign is "I Am An AIESECer". I am, at this moment, still an AIESECer and have been one since August 2009.

I Am An AIESECer as stated by my merchandises.

Through the years I have been in AIESEC, there are a number of memorable moments which makes me proud to say that I am an AIESECer. Here we go.

Memorable moment #1

Conferences, especially my first AIESEC conference. Click on the link to find out more about my first AIESEC conference. In a nutshell, this conference was one of the life changing moments in my AIESEC journey and one I will not forget for a long time.

Group photo at the end of RLDS 2011

LLDS was not bad either as everyone within the local committee/chapter bonded together over 3 days and it was an awesome experience. =)

Group photo at the end of LLDS May 2012

Memorable moment #2

Creating a video for a contest which was for a national conference, MyLDS 2012. It was my first time creating a video related to AIESEC and this is where I unleash my creativity in making the video. Credits to Raymond Her and Jimmy for helping out with the filming of the video which was done mainly in UKM, where the conference was held. Had loads of fun while filming of the video and it has rank 2nd out of 5 videos in terms of number of likes. So, if you want to know why you should go for this conference, here's my take on it. =)

Memorable moment #3

Term 2011/2012 was personally for me the term where I made my return to AIESEC and grab many opportunities that came along throughout that term. Applied for many positions which includes Organising Committee President/Project Manager of RAwR (didn't get it but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger), Chief Delegate of MyLDS for LC TU, Manager of Finance and Administration and even Vice President of Finance and Administration for AIESEC Malaysia 2012/2013 (didn't get it but still a worthy attempt).

To be rewarded and recognised for my performance throughout the term is something that I am really proud of and hope that this will inspire all AIESECers to do their very best throughout their AIESEC journey.

Recognition received throughout AIESEC Taylor's Award and Alumni Night (ATAAN)

Memorable moment #4

Since being in AIESEC, I always wanted to go back to my secondary school, SMK Subang Jaya, to see an AIESEC related event being held there. That day finally came on 20 September 2012 where the Raising Awareness with Reaction (RAwR for short) team conducted a HIV/AIDS Champion Workshop for the Form 4 students. I had the privilege to present the first few slides about AIESEC and myself. Being introduced by the school counselor, Puan Lee as an alumnus to the students is a day that I will never forget as my wish came true. =)

Montage of the HIV/AIDS Workshop in SMK Subang Jaya. Credits to Puan Chuah.

Memorable Moment #5

Just being part of this big family and one that I will cherish for life, all the fun, crazy and enjoyable times. We work hard and we play harder! Everyone does their best in everything they do to ensure that we learn and grow as one entity. There is a saying that reflects this: " If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together". - African Proverb.

One Big AIESEC Family

These are my my proudest moments in AIESEC.

If I weren't an AIESECer, I would be the same person that I was before joining AIESEC: quiet, lack of confidence, a perspective towards the world that has not really expand and many other negative characteristics compared to the person I am now: confident, capable, committed and reliable.

In fact, none of the above moments or experiences that I have gain in AIESEC would have existed in the first place if I weren't an AIESECer.

It is because of AIESEC that I get to meet people from all walks of life both locally and internationally.
It is because of AIESEC that I keep on stepping out of my comfort zone.
It is because of AIESEC that I am who I am today.

Sure, there are other platforms out there to develop yourself but AIESEC is one of the fastest growing platform to develop yourself. So, take the plunge and experience it for yourself.

If you are still unsure, do read this note, "If You Are Wondering Why AIESEC", shared by Yana Makaveeva, President of AIESEC UAE 2012/2013 and written by Nawaz Latif, Vice President Organizational Development of AIESEC United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2012/2013 on behalf of AIESEC UAE at Open Thinking Day 2012.

Last but not least, I am proud to say that

[AIESEC] The Change

Hey readers.

This is my second post for AIESEC's National Recruitment Blog Campaign. This time the theme is 'The Change'.

Theme: The Change

Having been in AIESEC since August 2009, I have see tremendous growth in myself. When I first join AIESEC, I was a person who had the ability to speak out but lack the confidence as well as other soft skills. I was also shy as well and I just wanted to break out of my comfort zone and be a better person than I was before. At times, it was not easy to make those changes and I nearly could have gave it up and remain the same person. However, I chose not to and decide to go through it.

There have been a few events and/or turning points that have change me from a student with very little confidence to a person who is now able to go out there and speak to strangers, give presentations to a large number of people and providing guidance to people who want to make a change in themselves.

One of those life events was being out of AIESEC for a year due to medical reasons. I was diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia just a month into my term as the Vice President (VP) of Finance and Administration 2010/2011. It was one of the most difficult moments in my life and not being involved in AIESEC was difficult to take. I had to focus on getting well again and see how things progress.

I resume back my studies in February 2011 and attended a few AIESEC events and gatherings, reconnect back with the ones I knew when I first joined AIESEC and getting to know the ones who have recently joined AIESEC. In April/May, a friend, who was then part of the current Executive Board ask me this question: when will you be back in AIESEC? I told him most likely in January 2012 as I wanted to focus on my studies and most importantly my health. He ask me why not July 2012 and face the possible fact that I might not be remembered that I was once a VP in AIESEC should I rejoined 6 months later. It was one of the toughest decisions I had to make and on 1 July 2012, which at that time was AIESEC Taylor's Award Night, I announce my decision to officially return back to AIESEC. I return because of the people whom I knew and believe that I could make changes to myself in order to be a better person.

Another turning point in my AIESEC career is my first AIESEC conference. It was just a 3 months into my comeback from AIESEC (will explain that part in a bit) and I just did not have the drive to well. I also had to deal with the setback of not being selected as the Organising Committee President/Project Manager of Raising Awareness with Reaction (RAwR). I was questioning myself: Did I made the right choice to comeback to AIESEC? Did I actually have the determination to make myself a better person? Was I actually that good? I persevered and things were a little bit better by the time RLDS came and the rest was history.

I became a more confident person after that. Was performing very well in Project Management in which my teammates and I managed to get PT Foundation as our learning partner for Raising Awareness with Reaction and Rumah Shahlom as a partner under the TOMORROW Children Development Project. These efforts were rewarded during Local Committee Meeting, where each department share their updates for the past few months. I was awarded the Best Performing Member of Project Management.

The blue envelope which states "Best Performing Member of Project Management".

Apart from that, I was appointed the Manager of Finance and Administration for the remainder of the term and was the Chief Delegate of the Malaysian Leadership Development Seminar (MyLDS) before I was ruled out of the conference due to dengue fever. At that point, as I was gaining more confident since RLDS, I became overconfident which actually intimidated people. This phrase was mentioned during a feedback session and I had to make some adjustments to myself in order to be in a way confident yet it does not intimidate or affect the people around me.

As the months went by and when it came to another feedback session during a conference between the senior members, the ones that I received in January and the ones in May were different. These feedback show how much I have improved within those few months and it show that I was on the right path to success. On 30th June 2012 at 7pm, it was the AIESEC Taylor's Award and Alumni Night which recognises the performance of members throughout the term. On that night, I was awarded 2 awards, Most Performing Member of Strategic Initiatives and AIESECer of the Year. I did not expect to get one let alone two awards. These awards are just the icing on the cake on my long yet rewarding journey in AIESEC. To comeback from a very difficult moment, making those changes and sacrifices along the way and to top it off with these awards, is just unbelievable. I could not have done it without the support of my teammates and AIESECers who have been with me through good and bad times.

The awards.

The main turning point was actually joining AIESEC. In fact I would not have joined AIESEC had I actually change university. At that time, I have just completed Business Foundation in Taylor's and was contemplating which university to go to: remain in Taylor's or go to Metropolitan College. Had I chose Metropolitan over Taylor's, I would not have known about AIESEC and be who I am today.

That's it from me. I shall end this post with a quote and a collage of myself from 2009 to present. Hope you gain something from this post. Till then, have a nice day. =)

The change in me: 2009 to 2012 (Present)

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living" - Gail Sheehy.

[AIESEC] AIESEC Photo A Day Part 3

Hey all.

The final installment of the AIESEC Photo A Day with the remaining 10 themes. Enjoy. =)

Day 21: Where I Want To Be In 2015

Working somewhere while in the progress of heading towards either one of these directions.

Day 22: Black and White

Black and white photo taken after a RAwR (Raising Awareness with Reaction) workshop regarding HIV/AIDS back in March. =)

Credits to Grace See.

Day 23: Future

To go for the Global Community Development Programme in the not so distant future. =)

Destination: TBC

Video about GCDP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnRuS7x7z7A

Day 24: My Wish For You

Top: AIESEC Malaysia Awards Night 2010
Bottom: Top Gun Local Committee Plate

To my beloved Local Committee, AIESEC in Taylor's University, my wish for you is to be Top Gun again and be the best not just in Malaysia but regionally as well. =)

Day 25: I am an AIESECer

I am an AIESECer! =D

Day 26: AIESEC Shirt

Shirts from TU, other LCs, conferences and one from China.

The number of AIESEC shirts I have as of now - 13 =)

Day 27: Journey

These photos in short sum up my AIESEC journey from August 2009 to June 2012. =)

Day 28: Something I Will Miss

The AIESEC Experience.

Day 29: Happiness

James and James. Taken at Precious Children's Home. =D

Happiness to me is putting a smile on another person's face which makes me happy and enjoying what I do. =)


Day 30: 2011/2012

Return to AIESEC on 1 July 2011 at AIESEC Taylor's Award Night and ending the term on 30 June 2012 at AIESEC Taylor's Award and Alumni Night. It has been an awesome term and looking forward to new things ahead! =)

That concludes the 30 photos for each day of AIESEC Photo A Day. You can look through Part 1 and Part 2 if you have not seen it yet.

Till then, have a great weekend ahead.

[AIESEC] AIESEC Photo A Day Part 2

Hey all.

Here is the second installment of AIESEC Photo A Day Part 2 with the next 10 themes. Enjoy. =)

Day 11: Something you found

A collection of AIESEC brochures. =)

Day 11: Teammates (Updated from the one posted on Facebook)

I am fortunate to work alongside these bunch of talented people in whichever team I am in! =)

[L-R clockwise: Project Management Team 11/12, Executive Board 10/11 and 11/12, Executive Board and Management Team 11/12, Strategic Initiatives 11/12, Talent Management Team 11/12 and 12/13, Executive Board 11/12 and 12/13, Talent Management 12/13, Outgoing Exchange Team 09/10 and Talent Management 12/13].

Day 12: How You Feel Today

Keeping cool before finals on 16 June 2012.

Day 12: Election

To watch people giving their speeches to convince you to have faith in them is one thing. Being the one that has to give a speech to convince the plenary on why they should have confidence in you to lead the organization is a whole new level. Be it physical (as seen in the picture) or virtual (which I experience a few months back), it's something you need to experience for yourself. Having watch others standing there to convince the plenary to have a leap of faith in them, it's truly inspiring. =)

Day 13: Reflection

It's always good to do a self reflection once in a while. To see how far you have progress or grown, whether what you are doing is leading you to or away from the goal that you want to achieve or whether to stay on or to move on. I'll probably figure out that last part soon.

Day 14: Conference

Conferences are just amazing. You get to meet a lot of people either from different local committees or from abroad, learn new things and for some to find back their motivation/inspiration in AIESEC.

My first one is still my most memorable one: Regional Leadership Development Seminar 2011 held in UNMC. There were a lot of first for me: first conference, first group, first time leading a square dance, first sugar cubes and a whole lot more. It was the springboard that brought me to greater heights. =)

Read more about this in my blog post, My First AIESEC conference.

Day 15: Inspiration

One of my main sources of inspiration and one of the reasons why I am still in AIESEC: people. =)

People inspire people. They inspire me and I inspire them and long may that cycle continue. =)

Day 16: Mentor

Mentors (L-R Clockwise: Yi Hong, Peg-gy, Kenny, Jasmin, Daniel, Elvina and Jared)

My first mentors in AIESEC (2009-2010). Yi Hong, Peg-gy, Kenny, Jared, Elvina and Daniel. Thanks for the guidance when I was in OGX. Miss the good old days. =)

Jasmin. Thanks for the guidance and transiting of knowledge when I took up the role of VP FA even though I did not manage to complete the term. =)

Hope to see all of you soon. Cheers! =)

Day 17: 12am

12am: Deadline time.
 
Day 18: Global Experience

Since being in AIESEC, I have met people from different countries and it's great to learn about their culture which is interesting and a real eye opener. When they come here to make an impact towards the society in your country, it makes me feel like experiencing it for myself.

Day 19: Eddie

Eddie, the AIESEC Mascot, as seen in the merchandises I have. Shirts, wristbands, keychain/mobile phone strap and badge.

Day 20: Something You're Grateful For

This picture was taken back in May 2011 during my first AIESEC Gathering ever since coming back from a long medical leave. I'm grateful to be alive and back in AIESEC. =)

Stay tuned for the final installement of AIESEC Photo A Day.