W.A.

Umumnya ia adalah singkatan bagi Western Australia.

Namun, bagi masyarakat di sini mereka mengaitkannya sebagai bermaksud Wait Awhile. Ini kerana kebanyakan perkhidmatan yang diberikan di negara Australia ini tidak dapat dinikmati dengan serta-merta. Tiga contoh yang ketara saya kongsikan di sini.

Pertama:
Apabila tiba sahaja di sini, perkara pertama sekali yang harus dilakukan ialah membuka akaun bank. Selesai urusan di bank, anda perlu tunggu dalam masa lima hari untuk menunggu kad bank anda dan tambahan 3 hari lagi untuk mendapatkan nombor pin bagi kad anda pula.

Kad bank dan nombor pin tersebut akan diserahkan melalui surat ke alamat kediaman anda. Yang saya perhatikan, kebaikan dari sistem ini ialah terdapat pembahagian tugasan (segregation of duties) dari jabatan yang memberikan kelulusan, serahan kad bank serta serahan nombor pin bagi akaun bank. Jadi keselamatan maklumat perbankan anda boleh dikatakan terjamin.

Kedua:
Sekiranya anda ingin berjumpa doktor, anda harus membuat temujanji terlebih dahulu. Bak kata kalau demam pun boleh baik la kalau nak tunggu giliran untuk mendapatkan rawatan. Sekiranya ada kes kecemasan, teruslah ke unit kecemasan di hospital yang berdekatan.

Kalau setakat demam, pun tak guna berjumpa doktor..mereka akan bagi panadol sahaja. Lebih baik beli di farmasi. Lebih murah dan menjimatkan daripada membayar kos konsultansi doktor. Pernah seorang rakan (HP) berlawak, "kat sini engkau kalau nak mati pun, kena wait awhile dulu.."

Ketiga:
Apabila tiba masanya untuk servis kenderaan, juga anda harus membuat temujanji terlebih dahulu. Nyatakan jenis kenderaan anda dan jenis servis yang anda inginkan.Di sini terdapat banyak pusat servis kenderaan yang berdaftar. Pusat ini bukan sahaja boleh memberikan perkhidmatan servis untuk pelbagai jenis kereta lama macam saya ni (anak saya kata: keta BUGHOKKK!! - dah biasa hidup mewah mcm tu laa...), malahan juga boleh memberikan perkhidmatan servis untuk kereta-kereta baru di samping memberi jaminan yang servis tersebut tidak akan menjejaskan waranti kereta baru tersebut. Pendek kata, kalau beli kereta Mercedes baru, nak jimat duit - hantarlah ke pusat servis tersebut daripada ke pusat servis Mercedes.

Pusat itu juga sedia memberikan waranti bagi pelbagi alatganti yang telah ditukarkan. Tapi, awas walaupun kos alat gantinya boleh la tahan, upah buruhnya TINGGI.. Ialah semuanya dilakukan oleh rakyat mereka sendiri, mana ada pekerja Indon ka Bangla ka..

Kebaikan di sini ialah mereka bukan sahaja hanya memberikan perkhidmatan servis, malahan turut membuat pemeriksaan ke atas kenderaan anda (100 point checklist). Selesai servis, pusat tersebut akan mengeluarkan lapuran keadaan kereta anda. Ini adalah untuk rujukan anda dan mereka juga sekiranya kita mendapatkan servis di tempat yang sama pada masa akan datang. Hos radiator lama dan perlu diganti, tayar perlu diimbang, suspension kereta lemah, skru berkarat dan sebagainya adalah antara lapuran untuk kereta saya.

Terpulang kepada kita samada ingin menukarkannya pada servis akan datang atau tidak. Senang aje perkiraan saya, asal boleh jalan...SUDAHHH..Tapi kalau berlaku kerosakan, kosnya adalah lagi besar. Dah la kereta ni tak ada beg udara, ABS, EBD, Traction control, bla...bla... Bak kata Nabil, "lu pikir sendiri laa..."

Kesimpulannya:
Lain padang, lain belalang. Bagi saya sendiri "Grass is not always greener on the other side". Maksudnya, tak payah lah kita nak bermegah dan berbangga dengan kehebatan negara maju seperti di Australia ni. Ekonomi kelas pertama, tapi perkhidmatan mungkin di kelas kedua. Perangai tak payah cerita laa.. Masa kecik aje kita tengok baik, bersopan, dah besau, jadi pemabuk, setan..(Tak percaya..mehla datang sini..)

Ehh kejap...japp... apa kena cerita di atas dengan perangai orang putih kat sini niii??? Sahih aku dah mabuk artikel dahhh!!!

Kereta

Kereta amat murah di sini.

Lupakan tentang kadar pertukaran wang, harga sebuah kereta baru (termasuk bayaran pengedar, insuran pihak ketiga dan duti stem) seperti Toyota Yaris hanyalah sekitar AUD18,000 sahaja (di Malaysia di kategorikan kereta import- RM110,000). Untuk kereta Honda Odyssey yang bertaraf MPV pula, harga untuk unit yang baru adalah lebihkurang AUD42,000 sahaja (Malaysia - RM250,000). Cubalah tukarkan dengan matawang Malaysia!

Kalau kereta terpakai, usah dirisau. Lagi murah. Pilih saja samada ingin membeli melalui pengedar atau jualan persendirian. Anda boleh layari laman web seperti www.tradingpost.com.au, www.gumtree.com.au, www.drive.com.au, www.carsales.com.au dan banyak lagi untuk mencari pilihan kereta baru atau terpakai. Usahkan nak beli, urusan pertukaran nama pun amat mudah dengan hanya membuat pendaftaran di Licensing Department (macam JPJ) sahaja.

Bila tiba hujung tahun, mulalah semua pengedar-pengedar kereta (Suzuki, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Subaru dll) membuat jualan hujung tahun dengan memberikan harga yang amat menarik sekali! Kereta Toyota Altisse 2.4 litre dijual hanya AUD27,990 dengan percuma bayaran pengedar, insuran pihak ketiga, duti stem dan model itu siap dengan spoiler dan rim aloi yang juga diberikan PERCUMA!

Alahai, telan air liur ajela...

Mentor [II]

Dr Sandra Pereira dan Dr Greg Maguire merupakan kakitangan Research and Higher Degree di ECU ini. Tugas mereka adalah membantu pelajar-pelajar pra graduat dalam penyediaan penulisan thesis mereka.

Sandra adalah seorang Research Consultant yang berkemahiran di dalam bidang statistik manakala Greg pula ialah Academic Writing Consultant yang boleh membantu dalam pengeditan penulisan thesis dan artikel untuk penerbitan.

Saya telah berjumpa dengan kedua-duanya dan nyata mereka amat senang membantu dan bersedia untuk memberikan perkhidmatan mereka.

Selain bantuan dari penyelia utama dan kedua, Charlie dan kini Sandra dan Greg pula, saya sebenarnya tidak bersendirian dalam pengajian PhD ini!!

Hari Pembentangan

Alhamdulillah.

Itu sahaja yang mampu dilafazkan, sebaik sahaja sesi pembentangan yang mengambil masa lebih kurang satu jam berakhir. Perasaan resah, gementar dan gugup berselang-seli sepanjang sesi itu berlangsung. Malam sebelumnya lagi parah... Tak lena tidur!

Apabila ianya berakhir, bebanan yang selama ini dirasa amat berat dipikul..hilang begitu sahaja...
Lega kerana sesi pembentangan selama 25 minit dan selebihnya sesi bersoal jawab telah selamat diharungi. Ianya dihadiri oleh 2 orang penyelia saya, 2 staf akademik dari School of Accounting, Finance and Economics serta 5 pelajar-pelajar pra-ijazah yang lain.

Beberapa persoalan telah dilontarkan oleh 2 staf akademik tersebut dan juga dari kalangan penyelia-penyelia serta dari pelajar sendiri. Terkejut juga kerana penyelia utama pula melontarkan satu soalan yang amat sukar...terpinga-pinga juga dibuatnya untuk memberikan jawapannya.

Tetapi saya berasa amat terkesan dan terharu sekali ketika beliau memberikan ucapan memperkenalkan saya kepada mereka yang hadir sebelum memulakan sesi pembentangan saya. Apa yang diperkatakan oleh Prof Malcom Smith tentang saya??

Biarlah rahsia....

Debaran

Ianya bermula dengan balasan emel dari penyelia saya, Prof Malcolm Smith.

Syahrul
I just got through the proposal. It is very good. My only problem was with Hypothesis H8 - which seemed counter-intuitive compared to the text - perhaps it is the wording. They were lots of grammatical changes, so pick up my annotated copy of the proposal tomorrow morning.

You might like to consider getting the presentation out of the way early given the advanced state of the proposal - then you can focus on the survey instrument and the vignettes. What about next week? We could organise a presentation for Wed 3 December if you think that gives you time to prepare the slides and make the minor corrections to the proposal.

malcolm

Semoga kerja-kerja saya dipermudahkan Allah.. Doakanlah yang terbaik untuk saya!!!

Kembalinya ke Rahmatullah

Hari ini, (Ahad) pada jam lebih kurang jam 12.05 malam, ibu mertua saya Saodah bt Abd Karim telah kembali ke rahmatullah.

Aruah sebelum itu telah koma selama 3 hari di mana pada hari pertamanya aruah mengalami demam panas, namun masih sempat mendapatkan rawatan hemodialisis sebelum dimasukkan ke Hospital Pontian Johor.

Isteri saya, yang merupakan anak bongsunya tidak dapat menatap wajah terakhir beliau . Semoga roh beliau dicucuri rahmat dan ditempatkan di kalangan para ambia.

Alfatihah.

Salam Lebaran dari kami sekeluarga

Assalammualaikum dan salam sejahtera,

Salam Lebaran buat warga bloggers semua,

Maaf, Zahir dan Batin sesungguhnya kami pinta,

Semoga berbahagia, bergembira di Hari Raya,

Bersama keluarga dan seluruh sanak saudara,

Menjamah lemang, ketupat, rendang dan kuih raya,

Jangan pula lupa berhati-hati di jalan raya,

Insyaallah umur panjang kami akan kembali ke Malaysia,

Kenangilah kami di kala kalian menjamu selera,

Terima kasih di atas segala-galanya.....

Ikhlas,

SAA

RMY
AISA
ASSA
AASA
ECU, Joondalup Campus
Western Australia

Mentor

Sesi kuliah di ECU telah masuk minggu ke 8.

Saya hanya perlu mendaftar satu kelas sahaja, iaitu kelas BSA 5101 - Research Methodology (seminggu sekali, setiap Selasa jam 1.30-4.30 pm). Ianya diajar oleh Dr Charlie Huang (Gambar) yang telah menetap di Australia sejak tahun 1995 lagi.

Walaubagaimanapun, jelas jati diri "kecinaan" beliau tetap utuh kerana percakapan beliau masih pekat dengan slanga cinanya yang juga payah untuk menyebut huruf "r" dengan betul. Kami merasakan seolah belajar di negara China.....

Tetapi beliau merupakan seorang yang sangat berpengetahuan serta banyak membantu dalam memberikan buah pemikiran perihal penyelidikan pelajar-pelajarnya.

Di dalam kelas seramai 12 orang itu, hanya kami, Shikin (UMT) dan saya yang merupakan pelajar PhD. Lima yang lain merupakan pelajar MBA atau Master by Research. Selebihnya merupakan pelajar Honours. Mereka datang dari Jepun (1), India (1), Sri Lanka (1), Peranchis (1), China (2) dan selebihnya pelajar Australia sendiri.

Memandangkan hanya kami berdua sahaja pelajar PhD di dalam kelas tersebut, Charlie sering menggunakan cadangan penyelidikan kami sebagai contoh atau menanyakan kami soalan di dalam kelasnya (itu yang tak best tu...asyik kena aje!). Seperti mana-mana pensyarah di sesebuah universiti, beliau mempunyai harapan yang amat tinggi terhadap kualiti penyelidikan lebih-lebih lagi di tahap PhD.

Sering beliau menyatakan, "It is not about how well you know, but it is important to write effectively about what you really know ....". Ini kerana di ECU (dan di hampir semua Uni di Australia), pelajar PhD tidak perlu melalui proses Viva.

Dan oleh kerana itu, sesi pembentangan rancangan penyelidikan adalah seumpama Viva dan merupakan sesi yang amat penting sekali. Tapi apa yang pasti, saya mempunyai seorang lagi mentor untuk membimbing saya di ECU ini.

Merit Certificate Award

Pada 28 Ogos (semalam), kami menerima jemputan dari pihak sekolah Along memaklumkan yang Along akan menerima Merit Certificate pada hari perhimpunan sekolah keesokkan harinya.

Sebelum ini, melalui seorang rakan- HP, sememangnya saya telah sedia maklum dengan cara sekolah di sini yang akan menganugerahkan sijil bagi pelajar mereka yang berjaya atau cemerlang di dalam pelbagai perkara.

Menariknya, ianya bukan hanya kepada pencapaian akademik semata-mata, tetapi di atas pelbagai daya usaha yang ditunjukkan oleh pelajar tersebut yang telah dikenalpasti dan diunjurkan oleh guru kelas mereka sendiri. Sebagai contoh, terdapat anugerah untuk pelajar yang rajin bertanya, yang giat menjaga kebersihan persekitaran sekolah, dan pelbagai lagi yang tak terfikir oleh diri saya sendiri.

Pada keesokkan harinya, kami ke sekolah untuk menghadiri acara tersebut. Ianya dimulakan dengan persembahan dari kelas Year 1, TA7. Menariknya, walaupun pada hari bekerja, (bermula pada jam 8.40 pagi) ramai ibubapa yang hadir!

Persembahan nyanyian oleh kumpulan Year 1 itu diselangseli dengan pemberian sijil "Merit Certificate" untuk pelajar-pelajar junior dan senior. Terdapat 4 lagu yang dinyanyikan termasuk lagu kebangsaan Australia. Di akhir majlis, guru besar, Mr Kevin Brennan memberikan ucapannya.

Ramai juga pelajar sekolah tersebut dianugerahkan sijil dipelbagai kategori pada hari itu. Setelah nama Along diumumkan, barulah saya tahu kategorinya. Sijil itu tertulis, "FOR: Settling so beautifully into class and trying her hardest in all you do. I love your smile, Izzati!" Sijil itu ditandatangani oleh dua guru kelasnya dan juga guru besar sekolah.


Selesai majlis penyampaian, diadakan sesi fotografi secara perseorangan pula. Setelah tamat acara (tamat jam 9.45 pagi) dewan sekolah akan disusun, dikemas dan disapu oleh pelajar senior sendiri.

Kami percaya yang anugerah ini akan memberi semangat dan kegembiraan buat Along dalam menghadapi sesi persekolahannya. Ternyata kehadirannya yang tak sampai sebulan bersekolah serta keberanian dia menghadapi suasana serba baru amat dihargai oleh guru kelasnya sendiri.

Walaupun Along berseorangan (dia aje budak melayu kat sekolah tu), ternyata dia dapat menyesuaikan dirinya dengan baik di situ.

Syukur Alhamdulillah.

Riadah di Neil Hawkins Park

Angah (baju kuning- separuh gambar) Along (baju biru) Adik (baju pink- belakang)



Bersama-sama 4 keluarga Malaysia yang lain, S (UiTM), TZ(UiTM), Wan (UPSI), Shikin (UMT), kami berkelah di Neil Hawkins Park berdekatan dengan Lake Joondalup.

Taman tersebut penuh dengan itik-itik dan burung eksotik liar yang telah biasa dengan kehadiran manusia. Apalagi, bagi anak-anak ianya satu pengalaman yang amat menarik kerana dapat memberi sendiri makanan pada burung dan itik liar tersebut.

Tedapat juga padang permainan kanak-kanak yang berhampiran. Setelah sebulan di sini, barulah Along, Angah dan Adik dapat melepaskan dendam kesumat mereka.

Menariknya, terdapat papan tanda yang melarang pemilik membawa anjing peliharaan mereka ke taman tersebut (lega - tapi mat saleh ni ada gak yang degil).

Anak-anak kami dah ada "port" mereka yang baru di sini. Nampak gayanya ianya akan menjadi rutin mingguan yang tetap untuk mereka.

Hujung Minggu

Di Segamat, hari minggu tentunya merupakan hari bersantai bersama keluarga. Kalau tidak ke Pontian atau Melaka (untuk balik kampung) ataupun tidak bershopping di bandar Melaka, maka kami berjalan di sekitar Segamat sahaja.

Jadualnya amat mudah. Sarapan pagi di kedai soto Kg Jawa atau kedai nasi lemak di Taman Bendahara, ataupun di kedai roti canai di depan Poliklinik Segamat. Selesai bersarapan, kami ke taman permainan kanak-kanak di Batu Hampar Segamat (rutin tetap - sebab tempat kesukaan anak2 saya tu).

Setelah penat bermain, barulah ke pasar atau Giant Segamat untuk membeli barangan keperluan rumah.

Di sini (Kinross) rutinnya berubah. Sekadar bersarapan di rumah (nak sarap kat mana lagi...). Kemudian keluar menuju dari satu suburb ke satu suburb yang lain, rumah ke rumah mencari barangan di "garage sales". Kalau masa awal dulu mencari katil, sofa, meja makan dan barangan rumah. Sekarang sekadar mencari barangan kecilan seperti DVD movies, TV, barangan permainan kanak2 dll.

Selang dua minggu (kalau boleh nak selang sebulan tuuu) kami akan membeli barangan keperluan rumah di Wanneroo Market (Wanneroo suburb) untuk membeli buah2an, sayuran, dan ikan segar (murahlah sikit dari bershopping di Coles, Woolworth, IGA tu). Kemudian bergerak ke Girrawheen (untuk membeli daging ayam dan lembu halal) dan terus ke Maranggaroo untuk ke pasar oriental bagi membeli barangan asian (spt kicap kipas udang, mamee, sos maggi dsbnya).

Kalau ke shopping center di Joondalup tu tak de apa sangat. Di Malaysia berkali ganda lebih hebat (lagipun barangnya mahallllll pada kami ni).

Di musim winter ni, kami belum lagi berkesempatan berjalan ke tempat2 menarik di W.A ni.

Tengoklah di masa spring nanti.

Sebulan telah berlalu...

Begitu pantas masa berlalu.

Hari ini, genap sudah satu bulan kami sekeluarga di bumi Australia ini. Hari ini juga menandakan telah 3 minggu saya berdaftar sebagai pelajar PhD di ECU ini.

Setelah sebulan, kami rasa kehidupan kami adalah stabil, teratur dan selesa, berbanding ketika kami mula-mula sampai dahulu. Kami telah mempunyai kereta (terpakai, boleh la buat jalan..), rumah (harap dapat menyewa sehingga 3 tahun), Along telah pun seminggu bersekolah (kecuali Angah), dan Imah dapat menerima kenyataan yang dia kini adalah surirumah sepenuh masa!

Tumpuan utama saya kini adalah pengajian saya. Semoga ianya dipermudahkan Allah S.W.T.

Bertambah Meriah

Orang putih kata, "the more, the merrier"

Benar. Bila bertambah ramai, bertambah meriah jadinya.

Bagi keluarga Malaysia yang baru sampai ke ECU ini pula, akan bertambah kuranglah beban yang perlu ditanggung oleh mereka.

Ini terjadi kepada kami sekeluarga. Ketika baru sampai ke Perth ni, manalah kami nak cari tempat tinggal, makan-minum dan segala serba-serbinya.

Mujur ada HP dan Wan (UPSI) (setahun di ECU) , S dan TZ sekeluarga (mereka dah 6 bulan di ECU). Mereka semua banyak membantu. Bermula dengan mencarikan rumah sementara, barangan keperluan dapur, daftar telefon, insuran OSHC, mencari kereta dan segalanya - merekalah yang membantu kami sekeluarga.

Begitulah yang dihadapi oleh S dan TZ ketika mereka sekeluarga mula-mula sampai dahulu. HP dan Wan lah yang membantu.

Selepas saya sekeluarga tiba, seminggu kemudian tiba Malar Villi (Jab Kimia Malaysia) sekeluarga dan selang seminggu selepas itu pula tiba Shikin dan keluarganya (UMT).

Dan sudah tentu pula giliran saya yang menolong mereka. Tetapi saya masih lagi dibantu oleh suami S dan TZ.

Malar Villi, merupakan pelajar PhD jurusan Kimia manakala Shikin (PhD Accounting) pula merupakan rakan sekelas saya untuk BSA 5101 (Research Methodology).

Bayangkan bila 7 sekeluarga ini bertemu. Riuh jadinya dengan hiruk-pikuk anak-anak kami.

Bila jauh di perantauan ni, merekalah sahabat dan mereka jugalah saudara..tempat bergantung harap.

Bagi mereka yang akan ke ECU untuk melanjutkan pelajaran mereka, janganlah risau! Insyaallah, kami yang ada ni akan membantu anda sekelurga....

Apalagi...jom ke ECU!!!

Along ke Kinross Primary School

Along dan Mrs Felicity Scott di kelas TA14

Alhamdulilah.

Akhirnya Kak Long dapat didaftarkan di Kinross Primary School dan akan memulakan persekolahannya pada hari Isnin, 4 Ogos depan (setelah hampir sebulan tidak bersekolah! - 2 minggu di Malaysia dan 2 minggu di sini)

Logo Sekolah

Kak Long didaftarkan di kelas Year 2 (umur 7 tahun) di bawah seliaan Mrs Felicity Scott. Kami mendaftar pada hari semalamnya. Kami bernasib baik kerana masih ada kekosongan untuk kelas Year 2. Malangnya bagi kak Ngah.... tiada kekosongan untuk Kindy (umur 4 tahun). Walaubagaimanapun, kami telah mendaftarkan Kak Ngah untuk Pre-Primary untuk tahun depan (umur 5 tahun) di Kinross Primary School ini. Harapan kami untuk melihat mereka belajar di sekolah yang sana tidak kesampaian tahun ini. Nampaknya terpaksa mencari sekolah Kak Ngah di "suburb" lain yang berdekatan.

Petang tadi kami sekeluarga kembali ke Kinross Primary School untuk menyerahkan borang-borang yang telah disi dan bagi membeli uniform sekolah. Kenalah dalam AUD$117.00...

Yang mendebarkan, Kak Long diuji oleh Deputy Principal bagi mengetahui kemahiran pembacaan dan pemahaman English Language beliau. Alhamdulillah, dia dapat diterima masuk ke sekolah tersebut.

Kami amat berharap agar kedua-dua anak-anak kami dapat bersekolah di Kinross Primary Schooll kerana kerana jarak sekolah dan rumah kami teramat-amatlah dekat! - boleh berjalan kaki sahaja untuk ke sekolah!!!!

Kak Long nampak sungguh gembira dan teruja dengan perkembangan ini. Dah tak sabar dia nak bersekolah semula.

Harapan kami agar dia dapat menyesuiakan diri dengan persekitaran yang amat asing dan baru ini. Semoga Allah permudahkan dan berkati segala urusan kami sekeluarga.

Rumah Baru di Kinross, W.A.

Alhamdulillah.

Setelah hampir dua minggu dan setelah beberapa rumah dikenalpasti, akhirnya kami telah mendapat rumah sendiri di Kinross Suburb (sebelum ini kami sekeluarga tinggal di Banksia Grove Suburb).

Pada hari Rabu yang lepas (23 Julai), saya menerima panggilan telefon dari Ejen Hartanah Pam Gray Estate - Ms Tanielle, mengatakan saya telah berjaya di dalam permohonan untuk rumah sewa tersebut.

Sememangnya ketika hari pemeriksaan rumah dibuat pada hari Jumaat sebelumnya, saya amat berharap dan seperti dapat merasakan yang saya akan mendapat rumah tersebut.

Ini kerana, sewa rumah ini amat-amat berpatutan dan di kira rendah berbanding rumah-rumah sewa yang lain. Rumah ini pula hanya ada 3 bilik dan 1 bilik air (berasingan dari bilik tidur utama - mungkin sebab ini yang OZ tak minat tu). Ditambah pula rumah ini terletak di kawasan yang sempit dan hanya mempunyai satu garaj kereta (kebiasaannya OZ lebih suka garaj yang memuatkan 2 kereta dan mempunyai laman yang luas).

Saya amat bersyukur dengan rezeki ini. Saya berharap agar kami dapat terus tinggal di rumah ini sehingga ke hujung tempoh pengajian saya nanti.

Tempoh sewaannya hanya 6 bulan dan boleh disambung sekiranya prestasi saya sebagai penyewa adalah cemerlang. Namun, sekiranya pemilik ingin mengambil balik atau menjual rumah tersebut kepada orang lain, jawapnya...cari rumah lain lagi la......

Mudah-mudahan tidak...Insyaallah.

(p/s- terima kasih kepada Halil, Shan, Zali, Sham dan Wan (UPSI) sekeluarga kerana membantu dalam urusan pemindahan tadi. Semoga kalian semua diberkati Allah.)

ECU Orientation Day

Bermula dari tarikh pendaftaran pada 17 Julai yang lalu, ECU telah merangka beberapa program/aktiviti bagi memperkenalkan kemudahan yang dapat diberikan kepada pelajar-pelajar baru.

Program orientasi tersebut berlangsung sehingga 26 Julai ini. Ianya adalah seperti berikut:

1. Living in Perth (perihal visa, insuran kesihatan, tempat tinggal, kerja sampingan dsbnya)
2. Library/IT session (pengenalan kpd laman web dan laman pautan ECU)
3. Academic Skills session (perihal penulisan, plagiarisme, rujukan, pembelajaran efektif dsbnya)
4. Library Tours (perihal kemudahan perpustakaan mereka - it's amazing!!!!)
5. Using Library Resources (again..it truly amazed me)
6. Welcome Day Launch Event (dirasmikan oleh VC ECU, Prof Kerry O. Cox)

Program selama 10 hari (17 - 26 Julai) tersebut dibuat secara ulangan (ada 3 sesi setiap satu). Ini memudahkan pelajar baru merangka program yang mana ingin mereka ikuti dahulu. Seperti saya, saya pilih program di waktu pagi sahaja, kerana ianya tidak mengganggu waktu sembahyang saya, (pukul 12.30 dah zohor, 3.25 dah asar) dan saya ada kesempatan untuk membuat temujanji dengan ejen hartanah (bagi membuat house viewing session), sekiranya perlu.

Sememangnya, program mereka amat baik sekali. Dan sudah tentu saya terkesima dengan kemudahan library dan online database mereka. Ini sesuatu yang akan saya gunakan dengan sepenuhnya.......

Kalau dilihat, semua program dilakukan secara bersantai sahaja dan biasalah...akan diselangi dengan sesi nyanyian atau band undangan. Itu cara mereka.

Ini membuatkan saya sentiasa teringat cara orientasi yang dilakukan oleh pihak UiTM. Itulah cara kita dan sememangnya cara yang amat molek dan terbaik.

UiTM, tetap di hatiku!!!!

Seminggu Berlalu

Cuaca adalah masalah utama...

Ianya sememangnya amat berlainan sekali dengan Adelaide. Terlalu sejuk.
Yang baiknya Along dan Angah dapat menyesuaikan diri mereka dengan amat baik sekali. Tetapi tidak bagi kami dan adik bongsu mereka. Kalah teruk!!!!

Saya telah mendaftarkan diri pada hari Isnin (14 Julai), dengan ditemani oleh TZ. Kira daftar awal la ni. Dah dapat Kad Pelajar, Access Card dan Workstation sendiri.

Cuma sekarang kami masih lagi mencari-cari rumah. Rumah yang kami duduki sekarang hanyalah rumah sementara. Pemilik memberi tempoh sehingga Sept ini. Ini kerana beliau ingin berpindah ke rumah sendiri.

Untuk mencari rumah sewa di WA ini tidak semudah yang disangka. Kebanyakan pemilik rumah lebih suka mengunakan perkhidmatan "Real Estate Agent". Itu yang payah tu..

Pertamanya, kita perlu merujuk dimana-mana laman web yang mengiklankan rumah untuk disewa. Kemudian kita perlu berhubung / membuat pertemuan dengan ejen tersebut. Isi borang permohonan dan serahkan 1 minggu wang "holding deposit".

Seterusnya bertawakkal (sebabnya persaingannya amat sengit kerana terlalu ramai yang mencari rumah).... Sehingga kini, saya dah cuba 2 buah rumah. Kadar sewa adalah dalam sekitar AUD300 -AUD320 SEMINGGU... Ya, sememangnya amat mahal.

Bila dah dapat rumah, baru boleh kita daftarkan sekolah anak. Sebabnya disini, anak perlu bersekolah di sekolah yang berdekatan dengan kawasan rumah.

Semoga Allah permudahkan urusan hidup kami...

Dibumi Perth

Ketika ini kami di rumah S menggunakan kemudahan internetnya.

Alhamdulillah, kami semua selamat sampai di Perth International Airport jam 3.20 pm. Kami disambut oleh HP, TZ dan S sekeluarga. Kini kami telah berada selama 3 hari di sini.

Rumah yang kami duduki ini hanya untuk sementara sahaja, hanya sehingga bulan Okt. Jadi, perlu cari rumah yang tetap selepas ini.

Suasana sememangnya jauh berbeza dari Malaysia. Harap kami sekeluarga dapat cepat menyesuaikan diri di negara kanggaru ini.

Cuacanya amat sejuk sekali. Walaupun tidak bersalji, namun sejuknya terutama pada waktu malam meyucuk hinga ke tulang.

Doakan kami semua selamat dan sihat sejahtera di sini.....

An Email from Kak Sha

Kak Sha...a postgrad student in ECU since Feb 2008. Here is her email advising me on things to be done/prepared for coming to Australia....

salam,
Well, as promised brg yg perlu bawa.
1. ubat demam, selsema and batuk untuk setiap anak with prescription from the dr. (suruh Dr scrible aje) Ubat2 tu tadi wrap elok2 letak dalam bag besar jgn hand lugguge. Semua bahan2 cecair jgn bawa hand lugguge. Semua dalam bag besar. New rule of MAS. Berat setiap bag jgn exceed 30kg.Ni pun ruling MAS.
2. semua sijil yg ada termasuk sijil nikah, surat beranak anak2 and cert. (termasuk yg translate)
3. Brg letrik rice cooker, iron, blender and kettle (sini mahal)
4. Baju sejuk2 anak2 and appropriate dress for children (x payah banyak boleh beli kat garage sale).
5. Bawa le seliper dari sana. (sini mahal yg tak berbaloi beli)
6. ubat2 panas, minyak angin, gamat dan sewaktu dengannya.
7. Susu anak bawa la 2 tin Besar (declare aje masa sampai, they all ok provided jgn buka mesti yg baru)
8. Jgn bawa apa makanan dari malaysia.(kering or basah)
9. Jgn risau sini banyak Oriental market.
10. ubat gigi, berus gigi kalau boleh beli bayak2 kat malaysia and bawa sini. Sini bukan apa bulu berus tu yg risau.
11.Anak2 make sure ada stokin yg tebal ye. By the time you all sampai dah peak sejuk.
12. Alamat rumah yg bakal you all duduk untuk Julai - Sept - No XXXXXXXX. 4 bilik besar juga la. K Sha dah cakap dengan tuan rumah. Dia kata if you all tak dapat rumah by Sept you all boleh duduk sampai Nov. Nak cari rumah yg sesuai and dekat dengan uni memang susah.........but tak pe kita worry later. Sewa AUD320/wk.........setakat yg k sha tau la. Kat sini sewa dah mahal. Compare dengan Melbourne, kita mahal lagi.

Ada apa2 lagi yg you all nak tahu? K Sha cuba jawab. Actually, Syahrul, kalau you boleh sampai hari Sabtu memang cantik sebab we all semua free masa tu. But kalau tak boleh ubah, nak buat mcmana............kita tgk siapa yg free masa tu. Masalah K Sha and Tuan Zainun hubby we all kerja masa tu. halil.....masa tu pun dia kerja........yg tak buat apa2 Wan kawan dari UPSI............but gkla macamana..........kita org akan bersidang lagi sekali.

Okay la Syahrul, kirim salam buat Imah.

Truly, a friend in need is a friend indeed.....

Thanks Kak Sha!

An Email from Supervisor (24.6)

Hi Syahrul

When are you getting here? Will Rahimah be coming too? I look forward to seeing you all! ........

Malcolm

Some how I started to have mixed feelings about this. Is this for real???

As I've said previously...there is no turning back!!!

I need to face it...

Final Preparations

Everything seems to be in order. For now...

Though our preparations went to a halt for quite some time (due to my eldest daughter were admitted at Pantai Hospital, Air Keroh, Melaka), we managed to picked up the momentum and trying very hard to ensure every single thing is not being missed out.

Scholarship Allowances

I've collected my first 3 months' scholarship allowance today at MOHE's office in Putrajaya. Earlier than that, I have also received the first 3 months' family allowance from UiTM. The next thing is to convert it into Australian Dollars.

Parcels

We've sent 5 parcels to Perth last week through air mail. Yup, it's costly as compared to service by sea mail. Time is essence at this moment. It only took 5 days for the parcels to reach HP's house in Merriwa, W.A. (for sea mail, it will arrived in 2 months). We need to abide to POS Malaysia's parcel specifications.

Air Tickets

Tickets flight have also been confirmed. It's MH 0125, departs at 9.40 am, Thursday, 10th July. I've also booked the seating arrangement with MAS office in KLIA so that the family can get a good view in the plane. Heck...this is their first flight experience!!! My children are excited and thrilled about this....

Tax Clearance

It's settled. We have to personally come to IRB office in Sg Abong, Muar Johor to submit our CP 21 form. The IRB officer in charge of our files have indicated that we will not be chargeable for income tax this year.

Well, that's the beauty for paying the tithes.

International Driving Permits

We have both applied for it at RTD office in Muar, Johor. It cost us RM150 each for the permit which valid only for 1 year. So, we have to renew it each year. The RTD officer mentioned that we may ask our relatives' assistance to renew it for our own behalf.

My Car

We thought that we were able to sell off the car. Yes, it does draw a lot of interest from potential buyers. But, it had caught the attention of one particular buyer, a close friend of us.

But at the very last moment, the buyer decided to cancel it (I've spent RM700 having it auto detailed at Cars International...and another RM500 a month before that!!!).

The option was, to transfer the car ownership to my father temporally, while we were away.

It seems that me and my Honda are inseparable!!!

PTK

8 - 14 June 2008 @ INTEKMA RESORT

I'm currently in Shah Alam attending the TK3 module. It is just for the sake of getting my own personal experience of how the PTK course would be like.

My wife and one of my friends had eagerly asking me to sign up for the course earlier. Well in a way, it's a good move to shift my mind from thinking too much about my preparations to Perth - just to think about the whole preparations - the luggage, clothes and the likes.... pening...pening!!!!

Just let my wife deal with it at this moment... heheheh

Visas - Approved

Alhamdulillah....

The agony is over!!! After filing for application on 21, April 2008, finally, I received an email from the Australian Immigration Dept informing that our visa applications have been approved.

And guess what!! The email was sent to me on the Friday, 30th itself...shorly after I sent the Confirmation of School Placement letter to the Immigration Dept.

It was such a great blessings from Allah the Almighty....

It is confirmed then. Australia!!! here we come!!

OZ...OZ...OZ...

The Meet Up

Mon, 2 June 2008

1st Meeting
Venue - JPbSM, UiTM Malaysia
Time - 9.30 am

Went there to meet with Puan Hasma, the clerk incharged. The purpose was to hand over some documents to her and to enquire some informations pertaining to my scholarships, allowances, air tickets and few other details.

It was indeed a good discussion as my questions have been entertained and clearly explain by her.

2nd Meeting
Venue - MOHE, Putrajaya
Time - 12.30 pm

Finally I managed to see the PIC in person, Cik Arninawati. I emailed her last Fri indicating that I will personally hand over the documents that I have completed back to her. It was just short visit and discussion.

Overall, I am extremely feeling grateful that I have fullfilled all the major scholarship requirements, both for JPbSM and MOHE.

It was definitely a huge sigh of relief!!! All the obstacles, difficulties and challenges that I've encountered so far are nothing as compared to what I may have to face later on - my PhD journey!!

May Allah answer my prayers...

The Hollier Friday

Fri, 30th May.

Indeed it is a hollier day.

Case No 1
Status : Closed

I get my Confirmation of School Placement Letter for my two school-aged daughters on that day! What a pleasant surprise...Quickly, I emailed it to the Immigration Dept to finalise my application for the Student Visa.

Case No 2
Status : Closed

I finally received the said documents from MOHE through courier on Fri, 23rd May. The letter was dated on the 16th. I was required to answer the acceptance letter for the MOHE's scholarship within 2 weeks from the date of receipt!!!

Furthermore, I need to go through with another medical check-up again (For their on record keeping - as what the PIC informed me). Then there are few other documents - Forms of Agreement, Notice of Acceptance, etc, etc that need to be filled up and returned.

For the medical check-up (only at Government hospital or Polyclinics) - I took 2 days just to complete it. The reason - I need to undertake a blood test at Path Lab, Segamat and to wait til next morning to get its result (It'll take one month in Government hospital..)

I managed to fulfil all the MOHE's requirements on that hollier Friday, 30th. Alhamdulillah...

Almost at the end of my tether

I am almost at the end of my patience right now.

Case no. 1:

It has been nearly one month since I applied for my student visa and still the one and only important document is still not within my sight. I just received an email from the officer incharged from ECU regarding the much awaited document and this was how he replied:

Hello Syahrul

I am sorry for the delay in responding to you as I have been away from the university for a while. I will liaise with the Department of Education here in WA and will send you the requisite letter as soon as I have it. I anticipate it will take a few days.

Many thanks

Regards

XX


Case no 2:

I am also currently waiting for the letter of offer and other documentations from MOHE. This is because apart from my own uni, MOHE also will be sponsoring part of my studies in Australia. After emailing (on 2 May 2008) the required suporting documentation to the officer incharged, she then replied to my email (only after four days later, i.e. 6 May 2008)):

wsalam...

saye dah terima dan saya akan proses untuk keluarkan surat tawaran dlm 2 minggu..harap maklum.

terima kasih.

And guess what? 2 weeks had lapsed, and still no words from the PIC! I made numerous call to her office in Putrajaya and was made known by her colleague that she is currently away undertaking a course.....

Time is not on my side...

No worries....

That was how HP pen off when he replied to me in his email (It's one of the Aussie's lingo..)

I emailed to him asking for his opinion on the problem that I encountered currently regarding one of the requirement for the Australian Student Visa.

The one last documentation that I need to furnish to the Australian Immigration Department seems to be too long being handled by the Western Australian Education Department. It is a document confirming school enrolment for my two school-aged daughters.

It felt like ages to actually get this letter from the said department (even HP had the same experience too...). I have made three follow-ups to the ECU International Student Adviser through email requesting for its status...but to no avail.

HP assist me by providing me the email address of the officer incharge in ECU. The response form this officer seems to be very promising.... He assured to me that my case is kept within his sights and will revert to me once he has the update....

The clock is ticking....It is less than 2 months now.

Cyberlynx International

To those of you who have intentions to pursue your PhD studies overseas, you might be interested with the offer from this institution in providing counselling services to prospective overseas PhD students. To decide in which country you want to study, identifying the right institutions, and finding prospective PhD supervisor(s) can be quite a lengthy process and can cost you substantial money too. But, you can rest be assured that you can leave all these stuffs to Cyberlynx International.

Their services, includes:

• critical review of your proposal to ensure that prospective experts/supervisors don’t get turn off,
• identifying the right university (after you had decided the country),
• identifying the experts, convincing and securing your supervisor(s),
• submission of admission documentation,
• follow-ups,
• confirmation on study place,
• pre-departure briefing,
• facilitate Student Visa processing,
• airport pick-up and
• temporary accommodation.
  

Dato' Dr Abdullah Hj Ahmad, the Senior Advisor, in his email to me, stated that, their overall lead-time is very much shorter; i.e. within 10 days for securing experts/supervisors and 4-6 weeks for issuing Offer Letters. Importantly – all are FOC!

For further info, do contact:
Dato' Dr Abdullah Hj Ahmad
Hp: 014-3225001
Office: 03-20953322
Fax: 03-20921357
Email: drabha@tm.net.my

website: http://www.cyberlynx.net.my/v2/home.html

Note: I did my application, uni/visa/ etc all by my own.

Student Visa - Australia

My uni is having its exam weeks now. I am currently juggling my part between marking my exam papers, invigilating two exam sessions and in the midst of applying for my Australian student visa.

I would say that the application for the student visa is a tedious process. You need to fully understand its requirements and prepares the required documents to support your application. The info and its instruction could be accessed in the Australian Immigration's website.

The application could be made either through three ways, either by post, by hand or through online, of which I prefer the latter. The online application is quite easy. The visa cost me for AUS$430, which is paid through online.

The next day, I received an email notifiying the acceptance of my application and requesting for supporting documents (quite efficient!!).

Here comes the tedious parts!!

I need to get documents such as my Marriage Certificate and my children's birth certificates, translated by a Certified Translator. I have to take a day leave to travel to High Court Melaka to get this service. It cost me RM20 per page being translated.

Then, copies of our passports and the translated documents need to be certified by a Commissioner of Oath.

After that, I need to scan these documents in pdf formats and email them to the Australian Immigration office in Perth, Australia.

There are also medical check-ups that my family need to go through. I am currently trying to identify suitable dates to arrange for it. Mind you, the medical check-ups need to be made at the appointed Australian Immigration's panels only. Luckily, the nearest panel of clinics are available in Melaka.

I hope that, my family and I are in healthy conditions and can get through with it. InsyaAllah....

IELTS - The result

I received the result today through pos ekspress mail.

The result is ....... band.

Hint: I don't have to re sit the test...heheh - Alhamdulillah

Pasport Malaysia

Finally, classes are over. I will take a day off this Friday.

I need to bring the whole family to the Immigration Department in Melaka to apply for Malaysian passports. I on the hand, need to replace mine since my passport will expire on 25 April this year.

My wife called the immigration office in Segamat inquiring some information and was made known that in Segamat, the passports will be ready in 7 working days, while in Melaka, within 2 hours...

Time is gold. I need the passports quick in order :

1. to notify ECU on my intention to bring school age children to Australia. The uni need the front copies of my children passports to register them in school at Perth.
2. to assist my application for student visa, and
3. to assist during our medical check-up with the appointed panel of doctors later. We need to bring along the passports during the health examination.

Further info pertaining to application for the Malaysian passport is available at the Immigration Department's website. You can even download the application form (Form IM.42-Pin 1/97) for free from it, else it will cost you RM1 each should you buy it over the counter.

IELTS

5 April 2008 @ Subang Jaya, 8 am - 2 pm

It stands for International English Language Testing System. I registered to sit for the test about a month ago. It cost me RM530 and another RM100 for its Practice Test Kit.

The only reason why my blog is written in English is simply to get me prepared (mentally and physically) for the exam. I have no intention to boast myself by using the English in my blog nor any intention to sideline my own language. As a human being, I know my strength and certainly I even know about my own weaknesses. One of my own weakneses is to converse fluently and flawlessly in English.

I have to admit that, by practicing writing in English in this blog does help me a lot especially during its Writing and Speaking sub-tests. I also make use of the net to search for the IELTS's free practice test. You may find it here and here. I was made known about it from my friends. There are a lot of free test samples actually...try googling it, you may find more useful sites for your IELTS preparation.

Overall, I'm happy with the conduct of the exam, though I admitted that I could have done much better actually (I blamed myself for that):

1. Listening sub-test (30 minutes-40 questions) - I'm pretty satisfied with it;
2. Reading sub-test (1 hour - 40 questions) - it's ok actually - time management is crucial. There are 3 lengthy passages that need to be understood in order to grasp the information to enable you to get the correct answers. I don't think I am happy with the result.
3. Writing sub-test (1 hour - 2 tasks) - I'm happy with it.... Task 1 requires you to describe about two histogram charts in not less that 150 words. For Task 2 - you need to write an essay requiring you to express your opinion for not less than 250 words.
4. Speaking sub-test (15 minutes - 3 parts) - It's ok I guess. For the first part I should have been more talkative, I think.

I'll get the result in two weeks time. I can only hope for the best. Or else, I do have spares of RM530 to re-sit the test...ha..ha...ha....

Kursus Kenegaraan

20 - 24 March 2008 @ Kem Bina Negara, Ulu Seperi, NS

This is another requirement from MOHE. For this programme there were 127 soon-to-be overseas students who came from various Public Higher Learning Institutions (IPTA) as well as those who are from several government agencies.

They will either pursue Master, PhD or Sub-Specialist (for local doctors who would like to become speacialists) programmes all over the world. I met a lot of new friends here, and what amazed me was majority of them aged 30 years and below! (the youngest was 27 years old)

Imagine if an average spending by government to send these students to overseas is RM300,000 per person - for 127 of them, the Government shall fork out a hefty RM38 million!!! This is the cost for our own Human Capital Development...

There were some hard lessons that I learnt throughout the 5-day event - love and protect our own nation.

Pembentangan Peringkat Lembaga Akademik

17 March 2008, @ 2.30 pm

It was conducted by the Faculty's Academic Board for the successful scholarship holders. This is one of the requirements that the scholarship holders needed to adhere.

For this session, there were 9 board members, chaired by the Dean of the Faculty, and only 6 of us at that moment. I was made the third presenter.

Prior than the session, a memo was sent to us indicating the documents that needed to be brought along. I prepared and binded 10 copies of the documents for each Board members. The documents were:

1. A copy of the ppt slide presentation.
2. Offer of Admission letter from ECU.
3. Confirmation of Acceptance from ECU
4. ECoE from the Austalian Government
5. CV of my Supervisor
6. CV of myself
7. Comments made by my supervisor on my proposal.

The presentation went smoothly. There were only two questions directed to me. The Dean seems to be satisfied with my presentation (I hope the other Board members have the same feelings too), as he was basically impressed with my supervisor's background (27 pages of CV!!).

The Dean then reminded each one of us to excel in our studies.

Taklimat Biasiswa 2008

3 March 2008

The briefing session was held at JPbSM office in Shah Alam. It was held specifically for the 2008's overseas scholarship holders, where the purpose of the session was basically to give detail explanation about scholarships arrangements and to hand over various scholarship forms that need to be filled up and returned to JPbSM in various stages (there are a lot of forms to be filled up).

There are those who are bound to US, UK, Canada, Aust, NZ, Japan, India, German, France and even Singapore and Thailand. There is also a Q & A session for those who have doubts about various scholarship requirements.

The session was made formal. Dr ZM, the Registrar, took the stand to deliver her opening speech, where she explained about the responsibilities of a scholarship holders. She cited few cases on how some of these scholarship holders breached their scholarship agreements. She advised that, "scholarship is not your rights, but it's a privilege. So, please honor this privilege..."

Then Prof A, one of the DVCs, presented a paper on reasons why some of the uni's Phd scholarship holders failed to complete their studies. Though their numbers are small, but to date there have been about 100+- cases of PhD casualities (representing 10% from total PhD students to date). The top reason on why these students fail to complete their studies was lack of supervisors' commitment (as claimed by them). The second top reason was lack of family commitment.

She motivated us by saying that the Phd does not requires one to be genius, but one needs to have high perseverance. She cynically reminded us by saying that "don't be part of the samples for my future study!"

Kursus Kaedah Penyelidikan PhD

18 - 22 Feb 2008

The course was organized by iLQaM, Shah Alam for year 2008's sholarship holders. There were about 60 (first batch for 2008) scholarship holders who came from various faculties / departments. The course taught us various elements of research methodologies, such as:

1. problem statement / research questions
2. research framework
3. literature review
4. research design
5. analysis & interpretation of data
6. qualitative research
7. research report & thesis writing
8. research proposal, and
9. proposal presentation sessions

The speakers also took the opportunity to share with the participants on their previous PhD experience . One of the speakers, Dr R (FP's Post Graduate Coordinator) had teary eyes while reminiscing about her difficulties and sufferings while studying in UK previously.

All of the speakers agreed to one thing - do not take the PhD things lightly. Pray hard and pray that "lucks" are on our sides. They reminded that there are so many variables that could make or break your study.

The highlight of the session was a slot for Forum discussion. The organiser invited two successful staff who had completed their PhD studies with flying colors. These staff completed their studies for less than 3 years and submitted their theses without any amendments / corrections.

Overall, it's a worth experience that even money can't buy!

D Day - Scholarship Level

3 December 2007

The candidates from other faculties will only need to get through this hurdle. On the other hand, we, the candidates from Faculty of Accountancy have to go through the assessment conducted by our Faculty level first (conducted on 16 Nov 2007), before we can get through this round.

It was scheduled at 8.15 am. I left my house at the wee hour of the morning to ensure that I can reached there before time. Luckily my beloved wife was willing to take a day leave just to accompany me.

We reached in Shah Alam at 7.15 am. Stopped by at Section 3 Shah Alam to have a quick breakfast and we then left the place heading towards Bilik Mesyuarat Aras 3, Bangunan Canseleri.

It seemed that I was the first candidate who reached there. Nobody else was around at that time. I took the oppportunity to peep behind the door to have a close look how the session would be arranged. At the door, I saw a namelist stating that there were all together about 30-34 (can't exactly recall) candidates from our own faculty. Half of us were scheduled for the morning session while others were arranged for the evening session.

Then the candidates arrived one by one. Some I am familiar with, while some don't. They came from various campuses all over the country. As we were waiting for our turn, I took the opportunity to mingle with some of them while at the same time trying to figure out on my chances to secure this scholarship.

The only advantage that I have is the Letter of Offer from ECU plus with some of my research papers and publications to back me up. From the conversations, I try to figure out from them, information such as where do they intend to pursue their study and whether or not they have been offered a place.

Then two staff from JPbSM arrived and started manning the session. We were told to go into the meeting room in a group of five. I was made the fourth group.

As the first group exited from the meeting room, the rest of us surrounded them to know about the conduct of the session. We were made known that this time around there would only be 6 places bound for overseas.

It was a major setback. I expect that the portion will be more or less similar with last year (about 2/3 from 20 places). At that point of time I thought that my chances were slim.

The first group also mentioned that, out of six places, 1 are bound for UK while the rest is either OZ or NZ. These six places are for full overseas scholarship, which means that the candidates can bring along their spouses and children as well.

The not so good news was that there are also split PhD programs that would be conducted between our uni and a uni in UK. This program only offers single allowance to the candidates (you'll have to go alone). Furthermore, the structure of the study requires the candidates to either spend the 1st year in M'sia, 2nd year in UK and the 3rd back in M'sia or vice versa (from what I've heard from one of the candidates).

As my turn came up, we were actualy made the last group for the morning session. There's only three of us - AH (Shah Alam), N (Terengganu) and myself. The panelists were - Prof I (our Dean) , Dr R (our Post Graduate Coordinator) and the Chairperson was Prof A (a Dean from one of engineering faculties).

In the meeting room I sat between AH and N. The most talkative person would obviously be the chairperson himself. During the session he seems to be interested only with the two ladies, AH and N as compared to me. It was basically an informal chit chat session resolving around - what were our contribution towards UiTM?, Do you hold any admin posts?, do you actively involved in research and publication? Have you been offered a place? Would you consider the split program?, Why do you like to study in overseas? and the likes....

After we exited the room, I said to AH and N, "aku rasa mcm aku tak dapat la..dia macam layan korang aje...." which amused them...

Langkah Pertama

I faxed and mailed my acceptance letter for the offer of scholarship addressed to JPbSM (Scholarship Div) today.

I also thinking to send the acceptance letter for the Offer of Admission to ECU as well. Anyhow, the acceptance form needs to be returned together with its tuition fees and Overseas Students Health Cover.

I contacted the PIC from JPbSM regarding this matter. She informed that her Dept shall prepare the so called Guarantee Letter and she also mentioned that I need to start studying there latest by this June, else KPT will revoke the offer!!

I then emailed to another PIC (as suggested by the first PIC) asking her about the Guarantee Letter. However, the email that I sent keeps bouncing back. Contacted her later to remind her about the problem. She then directed me to email to another staff instead.

What a day!!

Semalam

I received a mail from JPbSM, Shah Alam. The letter indicated that I was offered a full scholarship for 2008 to pursue my PhD in Australia.

Syukur Alhamdulillah.

The offer came with 10 conditions. Amongst others:

• to pass either TOEFL (min 600) or IELTS (min 6 band)
• to attend a PhD Research Method Course organised by ILQAM
• to present RP to the Faculty's Academic Board
• to attend Kursus Kenegaraan organised by Jabatan Perdana Menteri
• and many more...

A year effort has finally shows its fruits. I'm walking on air now...

The Outcome - Faculty Level

End of November 2007.

I received a mail from Shah Alam. Obviously it came from Dr R. Earlier, she had promised the candidates that our "Grading Sheet" for the evaluation of our proposals as well as the candidates' presentation session be mailed to us prior than our interview session with BLPS (Bhgn Latihan dan Pembangunan Staf - scheduled at 3 December 2007).

I ignored completely the Grading Sheet outcome for my dissertation proposal. The reason - it was the first draft that I had sent earlier when I applied for the scholarship. The one that I had presented for the faculty level was actually my third draft.

I then browsed all the four Grading Sheets of the evaluation outcome for my presentation session (because there were 4 panelists for my session) However, their names on each sheets were sealed to remain anonymous! (it was photocopied). Their comments were as follows (direct quotation):

Panelist A - her only comment
"Look at the sampling and methodology"

Panelist B
"I think the candidate is ready to embark on a PhD program. Prof Malcom Smith is the best person to supervise him on this topic. The candidate has obtained a lot of input from the industry and the professional. Nevertheless, the candidate need to refine the research methodology, particularly on the instrument to be used to collect data for this research. I suggest that he be allowed to go to ECU, Australia."

Panelist C
"My only concern is the candidate's availability to respondends. Using experimental approach may cause problems later."

Panelist D
"contribution is there to understand [the study] but sensitive issue! Where do you get the idea to do on [the study] - too confidential.

1. Need to present fully in English - avoid using "apa dia"
2. Need to keep within time. You have gone beyond / allocated time.
3. "Initial evidence" in your objective - what good will this do to the practice?
4. How open will the participants to this kind of study? Which participants would want to come forward?
5. Theories should support / explain practice. Intention will influence behaviour but there's no guarantee, so this is where you should find the gap.
6. Need to observe research methodology
7. Do preliminary fieldwork."

In the Grading Sheet, the panelists also need to suggest (one only) either:

A. The proposal is accepted and recommended for PhD research.

B. The proposal needs improvement.

C. The proposal needs to be reviewed before accepted for PhD research.

D. Not recommended for and need to be changed; to be resubmitted to the faculty.

The result - one of the panelist gave me A, while the rest of them, B.

It's not easy to please everyone.!!

D Day - Faculty level

16 November 2007.

I arrived at Shah Alam a few minutes before Friday prayer. After the prayer, I headed straight to the Faculty to attend the PhD proposal presentation session. It was located at level 12 of SAAS Tower.

The first candidate that I noticed was N who hails from Terengganu. She was accompanied by her husband. We chat for a while at the foyer when all of sudden Dr R (The Post Graduate Coordinator) approached us.

She guided us to a room where the session would take place. At its entrance door, I saw a namelist stating that there were six candidates scheduled for the 3 pm session (Auditing and Investigation field). Dr R however mentioned that, there was only 3 of us for the session. I could not dare to ask why, as I have started to have butterflies in my stomach!

Then YS who is from Sarawak arrived. Dr R then briefed the three of us on the procedures for the presentation and interview sessions. She mentioned that the presentation should strictly be made in 10 minutes. It will then followed by a Q and A session. Once all the candidates have gone through with their presentations, an interview session shall then be conducted on individual basis.

Soon afterwards, came in the panel of judges one by one. Dr R was obviously one of them. Then there was Dr I and Dr A (who had just completed her PhD study). I waited patiently for the person who would be chairing this group of panels.

As soon as I saw her, Prof N, entering the door, I released a deep sound of relief. Phew.... I really expect her to sit in the panel for my session. One of the reason is, she knows what have I been doing all this while. She was the one whom I consulted during the early stages of writing up the draft proposal. The most important thing is, she already knew about my background!

The session started with N as the first presenter. I could not concentrate to listen to her presentation though I tried to pretend to. She managed to deliver her session within the given timeframe and was able to answer questions posed on her. So did YS, the third presenter.

I was made the second presenter. It started well until half way of my presentation, the time keeper ( yes... there was a time keeper in the room!!) rang the bell. Goshh.. I haven't finished yet!! It was a brief silent moment until Prof N cleared up the air by instructing me to carry on with my presentation. Lucky me..

After I have completed prensenting, it was the time for my Q and A session. The questions were mainly centered around methodological issues such as samples, sampling procedures, questionnaires, theories to be applied etc. etc. I believe I had given sufficient and acceptable answers to the panelists (I hope I did).

The ambience in the room was terrific. There was no personal attacks directed towards the candidates. The questions posed from the panelists were very constructive and friendly in manner. They even gave us few suggestions and tips on how to further improve our studies.

Overall, I am very happy and delighted with the conduct of the session. The next big thing is to wait patiently for its outcome..

"Tak lama lagi..." that was what I heard from Dr R before we left the room.

Memo dari Dekan

5 November 2007.

A memo was sent via faximile indicating that the PhD proposal presentation sesssion for the Faculty level was scheduled to be on the 16th of November (Friday).

However, the memo was only addressed to the respective applicants scheduled for that day only - 12 of them including myself. There were 2 sessions scheduled on that day, at 9 am and 3 pm.

I contacted my colleagues, HK, R, SK and MH. The info I gathered from them revealed that there were 5 sessions in total - mine was actually the last. The sessions were arranged in order as follows (at different dates):

1. Management Accounting and AIS
2. Taxation
3. Financial Reporting and Forensic Accounting
4. Corporate Governance
5. Auditing and Investigation

The memo also mentioned that the applicants were required to bring along 10 copies of RP and other necessary supporting documents on that day.

10 copies!!!! There must be 10 panels from our own Faculty!

Surat Tawaran ECU

11 October 2007....What a relief. The letter was emailed right before my interview session for the Faculty level.

The ECU's International Admission Officer emailed me the letter of offer together with its acceptance form.

The contents, among others, stated that Prof Malcolm Smith is my Principal Supervisor while Dr Zubaidah Ismail is the Assistant Supervisor. It also stated that my orientation program will be held at the Mt Lawley Campus on 17 July 2008 at 9.00 a.m.

I've already being offered a place at ECU.

The question now.. will I be able to get a scholarship from my Uni?

Emel dari Fakulti

September 2007.

The much anticipated news has finally arrived. It came through email from Dr. R, our Post Graduate Coordinator.

Since I submitted the application for the scholarship, I longed to hear news on call for the interview session that would be conducted by our Faculty.

Dr R mentioned that, it will somehow be conducted after Eid ul-Fitr. That could be end of October 2007. Plenty of time to get my presentation slides ready...

In her email, Dr R requested the applicants to furnish their CV to her. She mentioned that the information was needed to back up our application.

I'm thinking that, probably there are too many applicants from our Faculty. The selection committee must be very, very selective this year!

Emel dari ECU

The Manager of International Student Admission, Ms Baggott sent me an email on 21 August 2007, notifying me that my application is succesful. I quote:

Dear Syahrul Ahmar,

Congratulations, your application:

ApplicationID: SLECU-1388

to Doctor of Philosophy course at Edith Cowan University has been successful.

You should receive official notice soon via email. This will contain information that will confirm the fees you need to pay, how to pay them and what you need to do in order to get your Australian student visa.

Regards,
Lesley Baggott
Manager, International Student Admissions
Edith Cowan University

Nasihat dari bakal Dr

IS , a colleague of mine, just came back from her 3 year stint of study. While she is from the same faculty as me, Z (her other half), is from FBM. Both of them had pursued their PhD at MMU.

I can still remember the day she left our Uni . It doesn't seem to be like it was three years ago. All of sudden, she has came back to be with us again.

Currently, another members from our faculty shall follow her footsteps soon. (1) JA (2) DD, NA, (3) BZ, HS, WA, RA, NAB and probably (4) KA, HK, SK, RB and me (kalau dapat - disclaimer statement ni!!). Not to mention our ex-members too, MH (Shah Alam) and WR (Perak). Imagine in 3 -4 years to come, when they have completed their study. The more the merrier our Faculty will be....

As usual, I met her to request for her advice. I gave my RP for her to look at. She reviewed it, scribbled some points onto it and explained areas for improvement. She advised me on how to further improved my RP and lend several tips for me should I face the selection committee.

She keeps on referring Uma Sekaran's book entitled, "Research Method for Business" which I found very useful. The explanation given by this book is very simple and easier to relate to my study.

Dunia [siber] ini kecil..

I started this blog mainly to share my humble experience on an important journey that I am about to embark. It may be a joyful, succesful journey or it may not be materialised at all.

I really have to admit that, it was because of some influential blog sites such as the one owned by KA that triggered me to do so. But contrary to these sites, I try to remain anonymous as possible.

In the beginning the purpose of this blog is basically to get responses from communities out there (that's why it is termed as WWW...) other than of my own.

It didn't occur to me that this site will attract such a huge visitors from my own community as well. This is all because of www.sitemeter.com that enable one to track down his visitors. 'Thanks' to KA, for linking this blog into his own (He tracked me, which then leads him to this site). And more importantly, thanks to you all, for spending your precious time reading about my stories...(kelas jangan lupa aaaa!!!)

Status permohonon ECU

I can simply track down the status of my application for the PhD program in ECU by browsing the ECU Application Manager site.

This site will inform you on the status of activities conducted by the Uni while processing for your application. As for my case, my status clearly showed that, I've submitted my application form on 22 June 2007. The Uni only started to process it on 25 June 2007. On 21 Aug 2007, it then stated that my application was successful (which I will elaborate later in my future posting).

This site also allows you to upload and save all the necessary documents required for the application process to be uploaded in stages. You may upload one document for now, save it and return back to this site on the next day to upload another more. Once you feel that you have fulfilled all of its application requirements, you may then submit it through this system.

Tawaran biasiswa - yang ditunggu-tunggu

Yup, the moment I've been waiting for has finally arrived.

Official announcement about scholarship has been made by our DVC through circular and email. It stated that applications are to be made through online only. The opening date is 13th August 2007 and will be closed on the 30th.

The email annoucement also listed out the guidelines in writing up the research proposal. I ammended my RP (the 2nd draft actually) where necessary, and started to upload it as well as filling in the required information through its website as requested.

As I clicked the "send" button, I said to myself, "This is it man!! There's no turning back...."

Besar punya penangan PhD ni...