It is one of my most memorable moments to pay a visit to my HELP University College on October 2023 and it makes me feel like I am still a student at my University College where I previously studied and the feeling is so good and it just happened like yesterday. In fact, it has been so long that I haven't visited my university college in nearly twenty years. Wow! Actually, time flies!

Aww..I was thrilled to attend a special event, Deaf Awareness and BIM Sign Language workshop, hosted by Edward Wong, a junior of my schoolmate and HELP University College. It took place on 20th of October 2023 at HELP University Subang 2. Absolutely, thank you so much to my junior for inviting me to his workshop.

Furthermore, I was very excited and couldn't wait to meet my favourite lecturer who is still teaching at HELP University College, and I am very grateful to my junior for informing me about my ex lecturer and making me want to meet him after I graduated from my University College over 20 years ago. 

Wow! My first visit to HELP University College, which is located in a new location and is not where I previously studied. In the past, I studied at Pusat Bandar Damansara, which is located near Damansara Heights. Within 20 years, everything had changed rapidly. 

Without a doubt, I was very proud of my junior for hosting this meaningful programme, which is a good initiative to raise awareness about Deaf Awareness and BIM Sign Language among HELP University College students. 

Due to advanced technologies, my situation in the past was quite different from this current environment. Nowadays, we have a variety of methods and ways to communicate with people through technology, and it can even promote Deaf awareness more effectively and efficiently through Social Media platforms. 

Despite the fact that only a few students attended this workshop, it was successful in attracting them to participate in this special workshop and the programme ran smoothly. Everyone enjoyed learning BIM Sign Language during the workshop. Edward, the speaker only gives an overview of Sign Language, BIM (Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia-Malaysian Sign Language), and the advantages and disadvantages of using BIM. Aside from that, there are a few aspects to discuss about Deaf Awareness, Myths and Facts, as well as Appropriate Terms to Call Deaf People. 

Anyways if some of you are not sure about what is Sign Language and BIM. To get know about it more better and clearly. Sign Language is an expressive form of communication for the Deaf that relies on facial expressions, body movements, and movement. BIM is an identity and a unique name that represents the sign language used by Malaysia's Deaf community.

Due to a lack of awareness, some people do not know which terms are appropriate, for example, Deaf and Dumb, Deaf and Mute or Hearing Impaired, which are commonly used terms by hearing and the public to refer to Deaf. As a result, the proper terms should be "deaf/Deaf and Hard of Hearing." 

Wow. It is more interesting activities where everyone has the opportunity to learn the basics of BIM and they enjoy learning together. Some of them are also lucky enough to win the lucky draw. Congratulations to the winners. Overall, we took a group photo together. It makes me feel like a student and a young person person around them. It is one of my favorite memories especially meeting with my lecturers after so many years.

Some photo credits to Edward

What's interesting is that I was able to meet my favorite and former lecturer, Mr Kok in person. He came at the workshop. It was one of my favourite memories because I was able to teach him basic BIM Sign Language and spend some time with him. I'm feeling good because he was one of the lecturers who taught me in college. I couldn't put into words how meaningful the words are to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet my ex-lecturer at that time, and I am pleased to see him. After the workshop, my ex-lecturer, Mr Kok took me to meet two other lecturers who had also taught me. However, one of them was on leave and managed to meet up with Ms Seetha. I'm delighted to see her. As the result, three of them continue to teach at HELP University College. Most of lecturers resigned within 20 years. 

Furthermore, Edward hosted the Deaf Awareness Webinar (Virtual) via ZOOM on October 21, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Despite the fact that it has only been a short time, it has been successful in attracting more students than I expected. If I am not mistaken, there were around 30 people. Thus, it has a positive response. Indeed, I joined and support my junior as well.  At the very least, I was able to learn what he was trying to say in his speech via ZOOM. Overall, everyone had a good time learning about BIM and the Deaf community. I hope to see more public awareness about BIM and the Deaf Community. 

Here is the second part of my Johor and Tioman Trip. This time, we spend three days and two nights on Tioman Island. Tioman Island is a beautiful island and popular tourist destination for divers and snorkellers. My story continues: Next day, we have to wake up very early because we have to check out of the homestay and head to the Mersing Jetty. Wow! There are many people who queue up early in the morning. 

Arghh..I panicked when I realised I hadn't brought my identification card. Anyway, I'm relieved that I can still board the jetty. We use Cataferry. They offer two types of seating options: economy and premium seating. My parents sit in the Premium Deck, while we are on the Economy Deck. The seat is comfortable and clean. We definitely saw the beautiful view and sea while sitting on the sun deck.  Quite an unforgettable and amazing experience. 

Ferries to Pulau Tioman are available from Tanjung Gemok Jetty and Mersing Jetty respectively. There are two ferry operators: Bluewater Express and Cataferry. You can book ferry and bus tickets online via the websites listed below.

• www.easybook.com
• www.tiomanferryticket.com
• www.busonlineticket.com
• www.cataferry.com

When the ferry arrives at Tioman Island, it will drop passengers off at several piers. Pulau Tioman has five main jetties: 

1. Kampung Genting Jetty
2. Kampung Paya Jetty
3. Kampung Tekek Jetty
4. Air Batang Village Jetty
5. Kampung Salang Jetty

• The Forgotten Paradise
• The Hidden Paradise

If you are curious about these two places, you can find more information as below:-

https://www.xrector.com/advance-snorkeling/

Wow! The Forgotten Paradise is truly an amazing and wonderful time to explore the beautiful underwater and hidden wonders of the sea. We enjoyed seeing a variety of underwater marine life, including beautiful sea creatures, unique coral reefs, fishes, turtles, sharks, and many more. We are pleased to witness my niece's enjoyment of sea exploration and snorkelling. She was initially terrified of the deep water, but she overcame her fear by practicing repeatedly. Many thanks to Mr. Wee for his patience and guidance. She finally enjoyed seeing it in person.

In addition, The Hidden Paradise is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. It has a white sand beach with a stunning sea view. On the white sand beach, my niece is having fun playing with her new friend. It is definitely worth exploring and relaxing. It is one of the best activities I have ever experienced. Overall, we really enjoyed it. Snorkelling tours are must-do activities. After that, we have dinner at Mama's FoodHouse and then relax at night. 

Day 4

We have to pack our bags and get up early as usual. It's time to depart from Kampung Genting now. My family and I express our gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Wee and his family for their friendly and gracious hospitality. Apart from that, we relished the amazing opportunity to relax and have a great conversation with a lovely family guest. We are grateful for the fantastic trip and conversation. X Rector Finest is highly recommended if you intend to stay at a homestay and take the snorkelling tour. You will feel the warmth of Mr. Wee and his family. You can visit their website and Facebook page to learn more. For the most part, they receive positive reviews. Check out their review, if you would.

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/xrectortioman

Website : https://www.xrector.com

Google : Google Review

Trip Advisor : Trip Advisor Review

After boarding the Cataferry, we get to see different jetty because they have to pick up all of the passengers from each jetty before returning to Mersing Jetty. I loved gazing up at the stunning sky and sea from the Cataferry sun deck. 

After reaching Mersing Jetty, we made our way to the restaurant in time for lunch. The food is really not that bad. My food photos are shown below.

Facebook : Mersing Seafood Restaurant Facebok Page

Following that, we spend some time exploring more about Kluang Coffee Factory before returning to Kuala Lumpur. We even got an iced coffee, tasted it, and shared a waffle and biscuit. Absolutely we purchase some coffee to give to my relatives as a souvenir. 

Website : https://www.kluangcoffee.com.my/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/kluangcoffee1966

When the day turns into night so we have dinner at Seremban. Our dinner photo shown below. 

Overall, our trip to Johor and Tioman was fantastic and amazing. Without a doubt, we will return there. Please make sure to read about my upcoming trip!