E - Magazine

The End Times The Dummy's Guide to The End ART-SSENTIAL OR NOT? THE FUTURE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN MALAYSIA. HOME FOR CHILDREN SURVIVING THE PANDEMIC. MASKED FROM THE TRUTH? Government Aids Provided To Support SMEs and Micro Businesses During The Pandemic

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PAGE 5 BUSINESS MALAYSIA GOVERNMENT AID DURING COVID 19 SUPPORT TARGETED TOWARDS SMES AND MICRO BUSINESSES BY FERERRO CHAN Unessential Items aisles restricted in essential stores according to the SOPs of MCO 3.0 – TYPICALMSIAN Despite the billions of grants offered, many small packages, aimed to assist Small and Medium businesses have claimed that their applications for Enterprises (SMEs) and micro businesses in government aid were either unsuccessful or that withstanding the impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak their requests have been pending for a while now. and Movement Control Order (MCO). “Currently it is very tough for me, as we have zero The packages include the First Economic Stimulus income. I had tried applying (for the aid) but there Package, Prihatin Economic Stimulus Package was no answer. Hopefully, I can receive a reply soon, (ESP2), Additional Prihatin SME Economic Stimulus as it is not an easy time for me,” said Callie Goh, CEO Package (ESP3), Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara and founder of “Michael and Guys” Hair Salon. (PENJANA), Kita Prihatin, Perlindungan Ekonomi & Rakyat Malaysia (PERMAI), and Program Strategik Between 27/02/2020 to 17/03/2021, the Malaysian Memperkasa Rakyat & Ekonomi (PEMERKASA) government had issued a total of 7 stimulus worth RM20 billion, RM250 billion, RM10 billion,

PAGE 6 BUSINESS Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announcing the PEMERKASA stimulus package– BERNAMA RM35 billion, RM10 billion, RM15 billion, and RM20 owner, who did not wish to be named. billion. With that being observed, it seems that those who \"I would like to be frank, the government has limited are in desperate need for financial aid find it tougher fiscal power to spend at this time. However for the to acquire compared to those still pulling through. sake of the people's welfare, the government will strive to find a balance between lives and livelihoods... to enable people to survive for the duration of this MCO (movement control order),\" said Mr Muhyiddin in an announcement made to the public. On the contrary, essential businesses and organizations found the application process and approval straightforward. “We were informed by our banker regarding the grant. It required a few documentations and the application was done, as simple as that. I believe that it would be more inconvenient if the company does not have an accountant and banker to assist their application process. We must understand that this is not a donation. Of course, the source would select among clients that are doing well and have the ability to repay.”, said an essential business

PAGE 7 LIFESTYLE FOREIGN WORKERS FACING ISSUES IN LEAVING M’SIA DURING FMCO. BY IVORY ANNE Picture for illustration purposes only.- The Borneo Post and Bernama PETALING JAYA – Foreign workers and expats living “I can’t leave Malaysia until I sell my car and transfer in Malaysia have been facing a number of difficulties the loan to someone else. In order to do that, I need while trying to exit the country in the midst of the to get important documentation settled; some of FMCO Lockdown. which can only be obtained or filled through in- person services that aren’t being offered during the According to Jason Spivey, who is set to leave the FMCO.”, he explained. country in early July, expressed his frustrations on being unable to leave the country due to his inability Jason referred us to Marc Green, who has also been to settle his commitments here in Malaysia, which struggling to get his documents in order, so that he he believes has been primarily affected by the will be able to leave the country without getting into physical closure of governmental offices. any legal trouble.

PAGE 8 LIFESTYLE “With most services being closed during the FMCO, The emails exchang-edMabrectwGereeennM. arc and the MOFA. getting simple collateral that usually would be done almost instantly has now become a whole struggle However, according to Alex Ong, a building manager in itself. I even had to ask my father to mail my old for a condominium development, the situation was passport photos.”, he stated. completely different for foreign workers who were working as security guards. Marc also noted that widespread miscommunication has been another issue that he, “(For them) Leaving the country is a smooth process. along with many other foreign workers are They just need a flight ticket and to get a COVID-19 experiencing; he believes that this is caused by test at least 3 days before their departure. But confusion about the current SOPs. bringing new guards in has been an issue, and security companies have been forced to look more “When asking about how I could collect my towards hiring local Malaysians as guards instead”, documents, I was being pointed in different he stated. directions before speaking to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who had told me to collect the documents from their headquarters in Putrajaya. But upon arriving, I discovered that they were closed.”

PAGE 9 BUSINESS F&B BUSINESSES STRUGGLES TO OPEN UNDER PANDEMIC BY ASHLEY TEOH KUALA LUMPUR: The restaurant business has the Coliseum Café in Kuala Lumpur have announced seen a big drop in sales since the their closure, after being open for 99 years. implementation of MCO last year, even though To keep businesses open and running, Mr. Leong most eating establishments have been said that F&B business owners have taken necessary allowed to operate with strict restrictions in actions to sustain the business, from budget cuts place. and reducing the purchase of ingredients to heavily relying on take-away and delivery services. The ever-changing SOPs and alarming number of Covid-19 cases have left F&B business owners facing Restaurants anndoedaitneer-ieinspeoalricnys.-igTnhifeicSatnatrly less with the many challenges just to stay open. Mr. Leong, a restaurant owner in Subang commented that his However, the COVID-19 restrictions have caused food business has been heavily affected since the first delivery services such as GrabFood to see a boost in MCO last year. merchants during the pandemic, with 600,000 small businesses joining the platform in 2020. “The prohibition of dining-in, with only take-outs being allowed and shortened opening hours have depleted sales, resulting in many or some staff being laid off in order for us to stay open.” Although the restaurant industry is technically allowed to open during MCO 3.0, the challenge of reaching their target sales now takes extra effort and labor from both the employees and business owners. Even renowned historical restaurants like

PAGE 10 BUSINESS Food delivery services have seen a-nMotailcaeyaMbaliel boost in popularity since MCO 1.0 She says the convenience of ordering from food Alicia Yap, a local college student, says that she has delivery services has been a great help for avoiding noticed many people around her starting to use leaving their homes to avoid crowds. GrabFood and other food delivery services ever-since MCO was implemented. Mr. Leong closed up his interview by encouraging people to support local small businesses during “I have found myself using food delivery services MCOs to keep them open. more frequently to order meals for myself when having online classes. It is also great for ordering “Choosing to buy your meals from your food for a friend on their birthday, since we are neighborhood noodle stall or from local small cafés unable to physically meet up.” helps these businesses to sustain themselves until dine-ins are allowed to operate as usual.”

PAGE 11 BUSINESS THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THE PRODUCTION HOUSES DURING MCO BY SCHUYLER CHOONG - Mastermind Group Sdn Bhd PETALING JAYA: Since the worldwide Covid-19 Executive producer of Mastermind Group, Jehan pandemic reached Malaysian shores, Malaysia Miskin had this to say about the current situation implemented various Movement Control Orders faced by his team, “During the MCO, projects get put (MCO) that have left a major impact, causing the on hold, delayed or cancelled, causing quite a lot of broadcast industry to suffer significant losses as they loss in terms of revenue. It also made it incredibly have been unable to operate as usual. hard for us to plan out our next shoot due to the uncertain nature of the pandemic. Not only that, the On May 22nd, FINAS announced that filming and business still incurs overhead costs during the MCO, production shoots were only allowed to be done at regardless of whether there are any shoots, which official studios which have been registered with negatively affects the industry as a whole.” Companies Commissions of Malaysia. This ruling has restricted the industry’s shooting locations, halting many in-progress projects that were supposed to be in their shooting phase.

PAGE 12 BUSINESS - Mastermind Group Sdn Bhd The MCO-instated travel bans have also resulted in many shooting locations being off-limits, as the crew members of film shoots are now unable to gather for filming. Most production houses are forced to limit their staff on set, causing every project shoot to be delayed, further increasing their shooting costs which results in more losses for the production houses in general. As of June 2021, there have been approximately 3 different variations of Movement Control Orders (MCO) that were implemented in Malaysia. With each MCO, the broadcast industry suffers a significant amount. When asked about his opinion on the MCO, Jehan says, “The current MCO is too politically driven. Firstly, the only proper MCO was MCO 1.0. MCO 2.0 was a MCO that had businesses on a positive list and a negative list. The 3rd MCO is similar in many ways, as one that punishes certain sectors while rewarding others; the broadcasting industry is unfortunately part of the punished sectors.”

PAGE 13 EDUCATION SPM 2020 RESULTS ARE FINALLY OUT THIS MONTH! BY CALISTA THU Minister of Education, Datuk Radzi Jidin a- nEncoeunntcraels.mtyhat SPM results will be released virtually. KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of Education, Datuk Radzi including the Form 5 SPM candidates of 2020. 3 Jidin announced recently that the Form 5 candidates, Pin Cheng, Dong Cheng and Christie, candidates in 2020 will finally receive their from Stella Maris Private School spoke about their Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) results experiences being involved in this situation. virtually on the 10th June 2021, after several exam postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since Malaysia is currently under Full Movement Control Order (FMCO), candidates are encouraged to check and download their results online virtually, from 10am on the 10th June 2021 till 6pm, 17th June 2021, at https://myresult1.moe.gov.my/ . Since the start of the Movement Control Order A student taking on- lMinaelacylamsasile.csodmuring the pandemic. (MCO) on the 18th March 2020, most Malaysian students have had their classes conducted virtually,

PAGE 14 EDUCATION The students talked about having trouble studying Ultimately, this situation was a struggle for both due to their school’s closure at the beginning of the students and their teachers. It was not easy to lockdown. As their virtual classes were not planned adapt to having these virtual classes, but it certainly until the month of June, most of them relied on their paid off, as the students they taught were able to tuition classes to catch up on their studies in pass their exams with flying colours. preparation of the upcoming national examination. The candidates also brought up their concerns, mentioning their struggle to study their SPM examinations at the beginning of the lockdown. One of the interviewees, Christie Hoo, mentioned that she was distracted by the poor internet connection and noisy environment at home, with her intrusive parents, loud music, and the urge to laze around being the main cause of her lack of focus. However, the other interviewees also spoke about mental health and stress being another concerning factor for their inability to perform. Fortunately, the interviewees mentioned that they had received full As results for their SPM examination, which came to them as a shock. They checked their results through their class teachers, who also said that they are very proud of the students and are very satisfied with the results they received this year.

PAGE 15 ENTERTAINMENT ART-SSENTIAL OR NOT? THE FUTURE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN MALAYSIA. BY IVORY ANNE Picture for illustration purposes only. - Venuerific. On the 8th of July, the Kuala Lumpur Performing Even long before the novel-coronavirus (COVID-19) Arts Centre (KLPAC) published an open letter on made its first appearance, the performing arts scene their social media page detailing their struggles in in Malaysia has had its fair share of struggles. In 2017, staying afloat throughout the entirety of the various it was reported by the Malaysian Reserve that KLPAC Movement Control Order (MCO) periods here in was struggling to keep up their upkeep costs due to Malaysia; the risk of permanent foreclosure the lack of funding. This demonstrates a serious impending, as their funds dwindle in the balance. issue towards those involved in the performing arts, Unfortunately, this scenario wouldn’t be the first as local productions struggle with tight-budgets and major challenge that the Malaysian performing arts numerous stage production costs. This, in addition scene has had to face. to the effects of the rising cases, with the

PAGE 16 ENTERTAINMENT FMCO/EMCO here in Malaysia which has left many of Sally, who specializes i-nSBaallllyetLeaen.d Contemporary Dance. our local performing arts powerhouses stranded and without work, presents a dire situation for those who Sally also spoke about the uncertainties that she was are left in the industry: Will the Malaysian facing for her future career plans. Considering the performing arts scene be able to survive the severity of the performing arts’ current situation pandemic? locally, she thought about making the difficult decision to forego her dreams of performing in Sally Lee, an aspiring performer who is currently theatre shows, pivoting towards a career in undergoing her Bachelor’s Degree in the Performing advertisement-acting and social media influencing Arts at Taylor’s University, has these same thoughts; instead. However, in Sally’s opinion, the biggest her supposedly hands-on classes have had to make challenge would be the struggles faced by her fellow that transition to digital platforms, which has course mates, as well as her course lecturers, who deprived her of that full learning experience that she are currently wary of the future of the Malaysian requires to pursue her dream career. performing arts scene. “Because we have been doing our classes online, I “All of us are feeling that tension. With this online haven’t really had the chance to be able to learning situation, it has become difficult for us to be experience the most important parts of performing, able to get into the right headspace, which is especially on-stage performance. For example, essential when it comes to performing. This is acting requires you to feel the other person’s energy because some of us don’t have that luxury of space and notice certain visual cues, so that you know to move around, sing, or act out scenes, because when you can begin to say your lines- and it’s not we’re not allowed to go to KLPAC for our classes. just even about that. Performing on-stage requires Even with our teachers, Joe (Hasham) and Faridah you to be comfortable with performing in front of a (Merican) who are from the Actor’s Studio at KLPAC, live audience, which is a pretty nerve-wrecking this whole situation has taken a huge toll on them- experience if you’re not used to it; as a student who not just because of the online-learning, but because hopes to one day perform on-stage, I haven’t been KLPAC is on the verge of closing down. They haven’t given the opportunity to be able to get used to the performed in over a year and a half, and I think they feeling of performing in front of a crowd, which need a few million (ringgit) just to reach basic worries me.” sustainability for about a year.”, Sally notes.

PAGE 17 ENTERTAINMENT With the budgets for productions growing smaller With actors, creative directors, along with people and smaller with each passing year, many of those who work behind the scenes at these shows who were initially full-time actors in the performing struggling to stay afloat, many have called for the arts have begun to look towards pursuing other side injection of funds into the Arts and Culture industry endeavours, or even completely changing their as a means to save the scene. UiHua, however, says occupations, as a means to make ends meet. This otherwise. was the case for UiHua Cheah, who was a part-time actor, scriptwriter, and director; working on shows “Personally, I believe that devising a proper plan to like “Euphrasia – The Musical”, “Corporal PUN- look at how the funds given can be used to invest ishment”, “indicinelive!”, and more. Currently, UiHua into the performing arts scene would be a more is the Editor-in-Chief for the online-content website effective method that works in the long run. The lack CILISOS and AskLegal, where he funnels his passion of funding for Malaysian performing arts is an issue for scriptwriting into satire-filled articles reflecting that has been around for so many years due to the on Malaysian legislation, news, and culture as a lack of ticket sales. So, instead of just utilizing those whole; a topic that he was no stranger to in his funds for momentary costs, how can we re-invest theatrical works. that money into drawing in audiences that will keep coming in to watch more theatre shows?”, he UiHua performing on-stage. - UiHua Cheah. questioned. “I have a lot of friends who have basically gone into The impending closure of the KL Performing Arts acting full-time, and it’s really bad for them. My best Centre does not only mean the loss of one of friend, who used to act in theatre shows in Malaysia’s biggest cultural sites, but foretells the Singapore, had to come back to Malaysia and now gradual loss of Malaysian Arts and Culture in general. most of her work is merely based on planning as This scenario, however, has already come into play- everything has been put on hold. Not to mention, at least in the eyes of Peter Ong: a renowned veteran many of my theatre friends have also turned towards of the local performing arts scene here in Malaysia, driving for Grab, or doing whatever kinds of who has even performed in numerous productions freelance work is available at the moment.”, UiHua across Asia, Australia, the UK, and Germany. Peter, said, when asked about the falling number of people who is the executive producer of PAN Productions (a who were still actively involved in the local theatrical production company based in KL) says performing arts. that he has been focusing on his work outside the Malaysian theatre scene since the start of the pandemic, pivoting more towards his wildlife conservation and photography work, “Project Monyet”. It was a career-move that he says has kept him afloat, while performing arts activities in Malaysia are suspended. “Besides my work in musical theatre, I’ve also been heavily involved in wildlife conservation and photography even before the pandemic hit.

PAGE 18 ENTERTAINMENT Peter in the 2018 rendition of “Company” The Musical. - PAN Productions. And with performance venues in Malaysia remaining without passing on their talents and gifts? What will closed, I’ve mostly been giving workshops and talks be left of our beautiful traditions and local cultures about musical theatre and wildlife conservation in then?”, he observed. other countries, as their arts and culture operations still remain up and running.”, said Peter. Peter also noted that while many may be quick to blame policy-makers and legislators as the root of Peter also spoke about the observations that he has the cause, the real problem may actually lie within made while being involved in the foreign performing Malaysians’ own mindsets. arts scene, noting that while other South-East Asian countries were placing such an emphasis on “More often than not, you’ll see that we’re too busy preserving their local arts and culture, Malaysia was building one skyscraper and shopping mall after still falling behind on preserving our traditions and another, while our very own cultural landsites like heritage. the Sultan Abdul Samad building are left there to rot, despite being filled with such rich history and “Countries like Indonesia, Singapore, and the meaning. It is our society’s lack of “curiosity” towards Philippines have invested so much time and funding arts and culture that has slowly begun to kill the into their local arts and culture industries, while the local creative industry.”, Peter explained. Malaysian arts is struggling just to get by. But the problem isn’t about the performing arts scene here With all that has been said, the question behind alone, it’s about all of our Malaysian arts and culture why the Malaysian Performing Arts is struggling to as a whole. What will happen when the last stay afloat still remains; is it due to the lack of silversmiths and Mak Yong dancers leave this world funding, planning, or the faltering attitudes of

PAGE 19 ENTERTAINMENT Malaysians towards the arts? Though all three about a man who stole the show with his simple interviewees had differing opinions on what the performance in a small, rural town-hall, and a quote: bigger issue at hand was, there was one thing that they were all able to agree on: That the Malaysian “You don’t necessarily need a large stage or fancy performing arts scene will never die, as there will lighting to put on a show, because it is the passion to always be a community of people who hunger to perform that makes the performing arts what it truly keep it alive. UiHua ended his interview with a story is.”

PAGE 20 LIFESTYLE HOME FOR CHILDREN SURVIVING THE PANDEMIC TRINITY COMMUNITY CHILDREN HOME EXPRESSES THEIR THOUGHTS DURING COVID 19 BY FERERRO CHAN Members of the Trinity Community Children Home – TTC Home Despite the universal havoc of the Covid 19 pandemic, “It is a home setting, they are just as human as all of Trinity Community Children (TTC) Home decides to take us are but maybe lower in terms of intelligence. That on a positive note. is why they require individual tutors and attention. TTC Home has been established since 2006 for the Our home will operate just like any other house for orphaned, abused, neglected orang asli and children from the children to experience their younger years being single parents. With a vision to break the vicious cycle of happy before going out to work,” said Pastor Wendy, poverty, the children are nurtured with school education, manager of TTC Home. practical programs, Christian education, music and singing. Currently housing a total of 24 children, including 10 orang asli. TTC Home takes in children from the age Many often misunderstand the definition of an orphanage of 6 all the way to 17 years old. That is the age they as a running business or organization that depends on are required to leave the home for tertiary education donations as their source of income and volunteers as in colleges or training centres. their source of manpower.

PAGE 21 LIFESTYLE Children of theHTorwintitoyMCaokmemPuanuit–yTCThCilHdroemneHome Learning On the contrary, where the child is facing difficulties in curriculum achievement, they will be sent to a Currently housing a total of 24 children, including 10 training centre instead for a duration of 2 years. Then orang asli. TTC Home takes in children from the age it is when the children either return to their parents of 6 all the way to 17 years old. That is the age they after graduating or they will live in a separate rented are required to leave the home for tertiary education home arranged by TTC Home if they are an orphan in colleges or training centres. that does not have any extended family. In normal cases, TTC Home will apply for the child’s “The never-ending extra classes, tutoring, daily college enrolment once they reach the age of 17 if devotions, weekly church service have definitely their academic standards meet the institution’s contributed to my growth and change of character. minimum requirement. Colleges such as SEGI, HELP, This home has helped me see beyond my potential Sunway and Methodist provide complimentary and explore my capabilities when I was taught to education until a Diploma qualification to children play the piano, drums, guitar, tambourine and by that face such circumstances such as coming from participating in vocal lessons,” said Alrissa Harun, an orphanage. former occupant of TTC Home and current degree “I am an orang asli, I came from a broken family, and student in Teaching College, Jakarta. I thought I was pretty much useless. But ever since I stayed in TTC, the home has given me hope. They Most children in TTC Home are sent by their single provided me with everything including shelter, food parent for many reasons such as either one of their and even supported me in my education. I was really parents have passed, divorced, the single parent glad that I got a scholarship to pursue my studies, requires to work a few shifts a day or an orang asli doing my diploma in Mass Communication, as my from a rural kampung seeking education ambition is to become a journalist,” said Alisya opportunity. In rare cases, the children are sent due Harun, an occupant in TTC Home. to becoming an orphan with no extended family that will care for them. TTC Home encourages birth parents to frequently visit or even virtually connect with their child. For families that face difficulties with phone calls, they are encouraged to visit once a month to stay updated with their child’s condition. As for those with the capability and access to phone calls, they are encouraged to call once a week. In rare cases when the family could not keep in touch at all, the child will only return and reunite with the family once he/she completed his/her tertiary education.

PAGE 22 LIFESTYLE Pastor Wendy also mentioned that the home’s monthly As for the direct impact of the pandemic towards expenses revolve around RM18,000 to RM20,000 where children’s homes, TTC Home claims that the situation the funds are distributed to different aspects such as unexpectedly benefitted the children. This is because utilities, food, transport, and even staff salary. As they children who are weaker in terms of studies during are highly dependent on public funds, the government physical classes tend to remain silent when they have has implemented tax exemption for those willing to queries, but ever since their learning adapted to virtual donate. Unfortunately, as the economy and finances lessons, the children became more confident and were tight during the Covid 19 pandemic, the amount expressive behind the screen. Besides, when they are of donations had significantly dropped. able to move around freely and take a breather whenever they are tired, it increases their motivation to “Although during this tough time, people are still learn. generous by providing food instead. NGOs and individuals that get to know us through websites or Electronic devices and personal protective equipment friends also lend a helping hand.” such as second-hand laptops, hand sanitizers, and face masks are sufficient due to the generosity of the public. TTC Home looks at the positive aspect of the situation instead. However, the children still require caretakers, Rumours of children admitted into orphanages and the home still requires manpower for tasks such as significantly increase during the pandemic due to cleaning and cooking. losing their parents in the process is false as Pastor Wendy mentioned that to ensure the safety of their “We cannot depend on just volunteers as our source of existing children and staff, they do not accept new manpower. They are not committed, then who would admittance of occupants. tutor the children, who would cook their meals and who would clean the home. That’s why we still have to “The home is a place for them to study like a school, hire permanent staff.” where they are taught about character building just like how a parent teaches their child.” There are a total of 5 permanent staff recruited under With over 27 years of experience in this line, Pastor TTC Home. As a strategy to acquire additional outsource Wendy hopes to acknowledge the public that hands, Pastor Wendy states that college students that orphanages are no different from regular household wish to interview the home will have to complete a shelters. They are trying their best to ensure the minimum of 10 hours CSR by helping in the facility. But children a harmonious and memorable childhood just due to the movement control orders, they will be like any other ordinary child. dependent on just their staff for the moment. In terms of its difference in Malaysia compared to other countries, Pastor Wendy is pleased to say that Malaysia orphanages are more established, and it is rare to find homeless children roaming around the streets as the public and citizens are acknowledged of the existence of children homes and most importantly, they are willing to offer their act of kindness to help.

PAGE 23 LIFESTYLE HOW DO LDR RELATIONSHIPS WORK DURING THE CURRENT EVENT? BY CALISTA THU This leads couples in different places to have an unexpected Long-Distance Relationship (LDR) for the longest time. Kayla and her partner, Hew will share their experiences about how they have dealt with being in a LDR for the past 1 year 7 months. Last day of c-oKllaeyglea bCehfaonre lockdown. Back before they were together, Kayla and Hew meet each other during high school. Kayla was Hew’s senior On March 18, 2020, Malaysia implemented the Malaysian in school. They were not close to each other back then Government Movement Control Order (MCO), a measure until Hew graduated. They only started talking more against the Covid-19 spread in Malaysia.the country had often in college, getting to know more about each initiated restrictions on social, travel, business activities. other and the sparks between them start to grow. Not The MCO, Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) long after, Hew made his move to confess his partner and Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) was and YAHOO! They both got together and currently extended in 2020 and 2021. Several phrases have been been together for 3 years and 2 months. They have implemented across the country, but some have been gone through this LDR due to Hew studying abroad in limited to specific states, federal territories, or smaller the US to pursue his degree in Computer Science. districts. Thus, it seals the borders between the couples who study or work abroad. Starting off with the questions of how the pandemic affected their relationship. From Kayla’s perspective, she thinks that Hew will able to come back and visit his family, friends and her during his summer break. Travel restrictions and quarantine for 14 days became an issue of spending less time in Malaysia before he returned to the US again. Kayla worried about his safety and well-being, it will be the best option for him to remain where he was. On the other side, Hew thinks that the pandemic has given them too much free time to worry about each other. If the pandemic did not happen, their separate schedules would keep them busy and let them go about their normal days. Not only that, he believes time flies faster when he is busy.

PAGE 24 LIFESTYLE Like any other LDR couple, Kayla and Hew spend Sharing a milklissht.a-keKacyhleacCkhsaonff our bucket time together virtually. Through these difficulties, communication between them was not a big issue There is a time limit to how much involvement there for them. They have their way to keep the can be when two people live far apart. I tend to have conversation flowing. thoughts of missing my partner throughout my day. As wonderful as WhatsApp or Discord is, it can never be a “We both are very comfortable with each other and full replacement for being physically together because a we tend to find joy in any topic we talk about. relationship is usually built and maintained through Therefore, keeping the conversation going is not a one-to-one in-person contact. I still end up missing big challenge. There isn’t a fixed schedule in which everyday things my partner and I used to do together we would call. We would call whenever we are both like going out to eat lunch or watching a movie. free and when we feel like it.” Not only that, having physical touch as one of my main “Spending time virtually would include just normal personal traits in the 5 love languages makes me dislike texting, sending snaps via Snapchat, video and long distances more because physical intimacy audio calling. Though time passes by very quickly, between my partner and I would be absent; things like we cherish each other’s company. Not only that, we cuddling and holding hands. Generally, we only have exchange pictures or videos throughout the day words to convey our feelings and sometimes that does because this helps us cope and feel like we can not feel like it’s enough.” tighten the distance with one another,” said Hew. Aside from the cons of being in LDR, they both do also Not only that, Kayla continued the conversation by look into the bright side of this relationship. They agreed describing her feelings about how much she hates that this LDR makes them realize and value even more the most LDR in their relationship. “I dislike the about each other. They both agree that the pros of LDR 14,748 km put in between us. I used to see him daily are that you can spend some time for yourself. whenever I attend my classes in college, not anymore. Long-distance made me feel lonely without having him by my side. No matter how strong our long-distance relationship may seem, there are times when I just want my partner to be there for me and vice versa, maybe he had a rough day and needs a hug.

PAGE 25 LIFESTYLE Certain times, being alone could be therapeutic where In their opinion, they agreed that LDR will affect both they would do activities by themselves and find joy in parties’ feelings. Trusting plays an important role in the them. As we are all our own unique identity, they have a LDR. They describe LDR as a concept and trust is what different set of friends, and a life, which is not makes the concept fulfilling and worth it because it is intertwined with each other. They believe that it is the core that builds and strengthens a relationship always a good idea to have an individual identity. regardless of where your partner is currently. A lot of Besides that, they truly appreciate their partner even trust is being put onto each other and other matters more. As human beings, we tend to take things for like time zones, classes, social life would affect their granted, especially when it comes to us easily. They do communication. miss those non-LDR moments as well. As a result, all of them agreed that to use this time it Hew mentioned that he spent most of his time with his gets closer. Explore ways to learn about each other that partners before studying abroad. Even hoping that once you never imagined. It’s a whole new world to be in in a while, he could come back and take a visit with the love and being loved. You will never have the time or loved one. Unexpectedly, the pandemic strikes in. He space to listen to your partner completely. It is feels that now all he hopes is getting a simple lunch important to keep in mind that no one is to blame for date with Kayla would be the best thing he would ask this situation. Just remember that this situation will for. come to an end at some point. But if you are patient, I believe your relationship is stronger than a diamond, Likewise, LDR takes a lot of trust and a strong mentality unbreakable. to maintain it. We also interviewed Kayla’s friends to get the perspective as a friend’s angle too. Lim Li Ann and Yong Chu Ann are Kayla’s high school friends and her closest friends. They spend time together and have some deep talk sessions once in a while too. Understanding that their friend is having a tough time dealing with this pandemic and LDR, they shared how they support their friends virtually during the current event. “Mostly giving emotional and moral support when she Couple T-shirt? Cause why not. - Kayla Chan needs it. The important traits to have during situations like this are listening, understanding, threading and dissecting everything she shares. Even though sometimes I have assignments to do, I would still make time to listen because I understand that if the anxiety and stress are not tended to as soon as possible, things might get worse later on.”

PAGE 26 EDUCATION PANDEMIC STRUGGLES: WHAT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ABROAD FACE, MILES AWAY FROM CAMPUS. BY ASHLEY TEOH International university students were caught in a “I have not been back on campus since last year, and dilemma, when the pandemic hit a year and a half it’s really challenging and stressful with online ago: How would they go back to their campuses, classes when there are so many issues that could and when could they come back home? arise.” Since Malaysia was hit with one lockdown after the When asked about some of the problems she’s faced other from the beginning of March 2020, while having virtual classes, the issues of the poor international students who were back for the school internet network, being overlooked, and sometimes break found themselves stuck in Malaysia when even being ignored by her course lecturers were their universities reopened for physical classes, brought up, being the main cause of her lacking because of the inter-state and international border behind in her progress in classes. closure. This situation, unfortunately, does not come as much With the rapid change in education going from of a shock. A study says that students who study physical classes to online learning, the concerns they online are less likely to have better exposure to faced came from being miles away from their effective teaching and lower quality interactions. universities and home countries, while worrying if Carolyn feels that this is very true to her situation, they would be able to maintain their grades. along with the situations of many others who are in the same boat as her, as their lack of interaction Carolyn, who is studying at Huaqiao University in during the class causes her to struggle with finishing Fujian, China, has been in Malaysia since January her assignments on time. 2020, when she came back for the winter holidays. In the year and a half that she has been back, the The issues outlined here do not only apply to Carolyn constant stress and pressure that was put on her alone. Rainie, a business administration student throughout the pandemic have been negatively from the National Yunlin University of Science and affecting her studies. Technology in Yunlin, Taiwan, has been in Taiwan since the pandemic started, and also agrees online classes are highly inconvenient.

PAGE 27 EDUCATION She describes online classes as “really boring “Our university doesn’t allow those who aren’t on because the lecturer would only read the contents of campus to join any clubs. I've seen a lot of my seniors the slides, while network errors and lags would often who are abroad be withdrawn from their clubs; it’s happen with lecturers who are unfamiliar with the such a shame because joining them counts into our technology, and that often disrupts the class.” CGPA, which would have aided in applying for a “It’s tricky to focus and take notes in class, because scholarship.” the online call would either be laggy, or just really hard to see what the lecturer writes on the Rainie, who hasn’t been home in Kuala Lumpur for whiteboard due to blurry cameras,” Rainie says. the last year and a half, says that seeing the cases in Malaysia climb higher and higher each day makes Webcatmosspeleacwehdatto’sowfarirttmeankoens tshqeuibnotainrgd e- vCeanroimlypnossible the day she’s able to come home feel further. Unable to Return She tells me that she definitely misses home, and With Malaysia’s cases on a high and China’s plan to hasn’t been back for so many holidays. It's the first keep pandemic border restrictions for another year, time she’s spent Chinese New Year without her travelling back to universities or coming back home family and being away from them for this long. seems less likely for many in these times. Carolyn feels huge regret that she is not able to go Struggles of being online in an offline classroom back and join any clubs or societies at all, especially when it would have helped immensely in getting a But with some places where Universities are allowed scholarship. Not to mention that a big part of the to reopen for physical classes, the environment in university experience is also the social clubs and class is a new dynamic. Carolyn says that her activities on the campus. campus has been open for some time, but it’s a struggle to keep up academically compared to them. “Those who are in the classrooms with the lecturer get to interact directly with them, while those online are behind on lessons and assignments because they can’t seem to contact anyone,” she says. “It’s easy to be ignored every time you ask the lecturers and classmate’s questions because it’s already been asked too many times.” What is also an issue to her is the study environment she’s surrounded in. “The classroom environment and the atmosphere is important when it comes to studying, a noisy space full of distractions makes it hard to focus on the class.”

PAGE 28 EDUCATION spelcetfatt:oOrn. lrytigoahbbtle:eWatdhodepenadtrthiniectioopnatlhtieneeicnsactllul.ad-sesCnatasrcotwliyvenirteiefsoragsoatten Rainie also added, “Even in my university, I have not seen much help provided to students abroad by the “It’s harder to pay attention compared to those in school or lecturers, the most they have done is the physical class because of the different atmosphere.” lecturers would upload the recording of the class and slides online.” Despite some lecturers taking no notice of her, there are others who provide more attention to those While Carolyn will be in her 3rd year of university abroad. She fondly says some of their elective classes after the summer, she hopes that she can return are specialized for foreign students, and the lectures back to Fujian soon. “I really hope that I can return for those classes pay extra attention to those who back to campus as soon as possible, I want to keep are online and abroad, which has immensely helped up with my studies, enjoy activities in the university, her keep up with her grades. and go travel around different cities in China,” she says, “I don’t want to spend my university days in my It might be expected that universities would provide own home anymore.” any form of aid for their students abroad or regularly update them if they could go back; but surprisingly, both Rainie and Carolyn say otherwise. Carolyn expressed that the bad network can’t be helped, but her university does provide some monetary phone fee to let students purchase data to use for online classes in addition to class recordings to look back on, the school administration hasn’t provided any more information as to when they could go back.

PAGE 29 ENTERTAINMENT VIDEO GAMES: TO SPEND OR NOT TO SPEND? BY SCHUYLER CHOONG - Stardew Valley - HELMSIE Spending money on video games. There has always he plays supports MOLPoints, a payment method been heated debates in the past on whether it is a that could be easily accessed at the time, and could form of addiction, or if it is an additional way for be bought from any local 7-Eleven outlets. Dexter players to support their beloved game developers recounted that he would regularly spend his extra however they can. But what is the true nature of money to buy MOLPoints to then top-up the credits microtransaction? Today we will be diving into the of the game that he used to play. topic, by looking into the lives of some people who have come across, or even completed these forms of When asked about his stance on microtransactions, microtransactions. he replied that he sees microtransactions as a way to support game developers and provide them funding Dexter Lim Zi Jian is a 21 year old degree student in for more interesting game development ideas. His Public Relations. He came across gaming stance on microtransaction in games has never microtransactions during his time in secondary changed and he says it probably never will. school, at age 15; he discovered that the game that

PAGE 30 ENTERTAINMENT - imgflip.com be a conversational token between them. The microtransaction should also have sufficient benefits “I may have spent close to tens of thousands when it to him especially because he has a limited spending comes to in-game transactions. Honestly, looking budget. Games that do not meet these criterias are back at it now, I could have spent the money on generally a no-go when it comes to microtransaction things other than games that I no longer play as in Dexter’s eyes. much as I used to now. But it was a learning process that I took to heart and really helped me in Ultimately, Dexter doesn't believe that spending managing my savings better as time went on.” money in games is a form of addiction, saying that “It's more like a necessity to me than an addiction. As a degree student in the current pandemic, Dexter Games can usually be played without paying, but currently has no reliable source of income, except for spending some money can bring me more benefits an allowance given by his parents every month. to further enjoy the game and improve its However, he still invests a portion of his money into playability. It would not be considered an addiction in-game microtransactions. because I had several games in the past that stopped my spending due to loss of interest. “I'm not currently working, but I do sometimes work Spending money shows my commitment to the part-time in order to get some extra money to spend game and if I stop playing, I just stop.” for myself, instead of only relying on my parents allowance. I still do spend on games once per While Dexter sees that microtransactions are a way month. But I do it now while being extremely to support the game developers, there are others cautious with my money, due to the whole who think that such forms of spending are an pandemic situation.” addiction and should not be practiced. When asked about this viewpoint of in-game transactions, he When it comes to Dexter’s own spending, he does replied that it depends on the person. not seek permission from his parents as he manages his own spending, however he does seek out “If they are playing the same game as me, I would different opinions when it comes to buying a certain like to assume that they would also see my package, primarily its value per purchase. Currently, expenditure on that game as a reasonable choice. Dexter thinks that to spend money on a game, it But people who do not play the game or do not must be a game that he can foresee himself playing spend at all would probably look down upon my for a long time, at least 1 to 2 years. t should also be a spending habits. In my opinion, as long as I stay game that he could play amongst his friends and within my planned budget, that’s all that matters. I spend it based on my capabilities.” On the other end of the spectrum, we have Teryna Thu Pui Xing. Teryna is a 20 year old student in Mass Communication and is someone who doesn't believe in spending any amount of money when it comes to video games.

PAGE 31 ENTERTAINMENT “It is like gambling, the feeling of pleasure takes over people have become too invested into games to the one person’s reasoning and causes them to spend point where they can no longer differentiate money in video games in order to get some sort of between the virtual world and reality, which causes satisfaction, but in reality the money is wasted them to believe that spending money in video because nothing is really achieved with the money. games does contribute positively to their real lives. It is obviously an addiction, period.” Teryna replied. Teryna added-on further that if the game-in- question were to be shut down and its servers closed Teryna also feels that companies that insert permanently, all the money that was spent in that microtransactions into video games are “predatory”, game would no longer exist, and hence, wasted. with people who spend money in in-game transactions not helping the game developers, but “I once thought about spending money on video instead feeding the assumption that having games, back when Facebook games such as microtransactions in video games being something Restaurant City and Pet Society were still a thing. that should be normalised. But I quickly realized that I could have made a mistake, the moment they announced that both In addition, Teryna feels that a video game should be games were in the process of being shut down. It something that is done leisurely, and should not be was then that I realized that spending money on something that people should be spending loads of video games is a waste of money.” said Teryna money for. Especially since the money could be well spent elsewhere and may even contribute to making So, is spending money on video games a waste of one’s life better. money, an addiction, or just a way to support the game developers through a healthy hobby? This can - imgflip.com only be determined by the individual themselves. While some people may think that spending money “Just look at our current pandemic. We have people on their hobbies is a good thing, it is also important who are struggling financially, who are forced to to set boundaries and be smart about one’s raise white flags in order to ask for help. If the money expenditure to reduce the risk of addiction. spent on video games were to be donated or used on them, maybe the country wouldn't have ended up in such a miserable state.” Teryna feels that part of the reason why microtransactions are so prevalent now is because of how technology has become so advanced, and

PAGE 32 FOOD BRUTALLY HONEST TIK- TOK REVIEWS: MINI PANCAKE CEREAL BY IVORY ANNE - Ivory Anne Tik-Tok has seen the birth of so many trends that Just like making pancakes, but smaller. have made their way to mainstream media. In 2020, Dalgona Coffee took the world by storm and The process of making these tiny pancake coins Instagram Feeds everywhere were filled with its seemed simple enough. All that someone really deliciously frothy appearance. So, when talk about needed to do was to make the pancake batter and Pancake Cereal started circulating around the net, it cook them in small, bite-sized pieces, which would was really no surprise that it would reach peak then resemble cereal (and could also be eaten as Internet Stardom. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of such). However, the experience that I had was much following the latest Tik-Tok trends as they always different. just seemed like too much work; but upon hearing that this simple treat was “easy-to-make”, I just knew After making a simple pancake batter with the that I had to try making it. average ingredients and a hint of vanilla essence, I proceeded to start my attempt at making the

PAGE 33 FOOD pancake cereal. The very first problem that I had Honestly, it is a unique way to switch-up a common noticed was with my lack of tools and the thick breakfast food, and would be a great activity for consistency of the pancake batter; it was difficult to families with kids. But in the end, it was basically like be able to create a consistently-sized round shape making pancakes but significantly tougher. Piping without the assistance of a proper piping bag or out the mini pancakes and making sure they were a sauce bottle. consistent size for aesthetic-purposes was a task that took me over an hour. Not to mention, the However, after making do with a make-shift piping flipping process which resulted in singed fingers bag made with an old zip-loc bag with a hole cut (and a broken soul). It was definitely not as out in the corner, I was able to start making my glamorous as Tik-Tok makes it out to be. pancake cereal- or at least try to make it. After 3 long failed attempts over the course of an hour filled with Though it does have quite a nice texture when over-sized, under-sized, and burnt pancake coins eaten with butter and syrup, could it really have just (with multiple burnt fingers in the process), I was been a marketing strategy put in place by pancake finally able to come up with an edible batch of mix producers to sell more pancakes? I can’t pancake coins that looked good enough to eat. speculate- But what I can say is that with the amount of time spent to make a single bowl of pancake cereal, I might as well have just made an entire stack in half that time. The finished produacwt aayft. e-rIvaonrhyoAunrnaend a half of slaving In fact, the process of making the pancake cereal took so long that I even started mentally writing out the outline for this review in my head. Personal Review: 2 out of 5 stars

PAGE 34 HEALTH VACCINATION EXPERIENCE IN MALAYSIA BY CALISTA THU - Calista Thu The Covid-19 vaccination began in early December (SPCC). In this review, we will compare these 2 2020 in countries all over the world. In Malaysia, the vaccination centres of their process. increasing rate of Covid cases has pushed the country into a state of emergency, which made the Different vaccination centres provide different types vaccine a crucial part in the recovery for the country. of vaccines. WTC provides AstraZeneca, whereas SPCC provides Pfizer. Both places have a very limited Getting vaccinated is a way to help us return back to parking lot, especially WTC. The queue for entering our normal lives and to get the world back on track the parking lot was very long, which is why it is after months of battling the pandemic. To achieve highly encouraged for people to be there 30 minutes herd immunity, at least 80% of the population has to before your slot. Before entering the entrance of the be fully vaccinated. hall, both centres have a very strict system in place. Several front-liners will check your health status and The government has established a system through your appointment time in the MySejahtera the MySejahtera app, where applicants will be application and take your temperature before informed of their vaccination slot. There are several allowing you to enter. WTC has a very long queue vaccination centres available in the Klang Valley, before entering, whereas SPCC has a very smooth which includes World Trade Centre (WTC), Kuala flow, and doesn't require you to wait at the Lumpur and Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre entrances.

PAGE 35 HEALTH At WTC, after entering the hall, you will be arranged person at a time, whereas SPCC has two doctors per to be seated while waiting for your turn to go to the person. station to fill the consent form. The waiting time was not great, especially because I was booked for the 11 Once you get jabbed, you will be brought to the last am slot, but I sat there for an hour, only then I could station. You will need to stay in the observation move on to the next station. station for 15-30 minutes to be observed. This is to monitor the reaction you had and prevent Compared to SPCC, you will be guided straight to experiencing severe side effects. After you leave the the first station to fill in the consent form with the station, both places provide free gifts for the waiting number attached. While waiting for the vaccinated. WTC provided 100 plus, whereas SPCC number, you will need to sit down and listen to the provided food and vouchers. SPCC even provided instructions properly. It is very similar to the WTC free parking services for those coming to get system, the difference is that WTC has an extra vaccinated. They can enjoy rewards, privileges and waiting area before entering the first station. deals from Sunway Pyramid. Another difference that WTC has is there are band performances while waiting for Station 1. Soft and Personally, I got jabbed in WTC. My dad and I parked relaxing music was playing live, which was very nearby the vaccination centre, to avoid traffic jams. entertaining. Honestly, I was very annoyed that some people were late for their vaccination, which caused the people - Calista Thu in my slot to delay an hour before getting into the next station. But after that, everything went After Station 1, when your number is called, you will smoothly. be guided to Station 2. The station where the doctors will be gathered to ask about your condition Not only that, social distance is applied outside and and ensure you are eligible to take the vaccine. Not inside the hall, so it was great that all of us are taking many differences about this station for the 2 precautions. In total, it took around 1 hours plus to different centres, it is the same process. be vaccinated. Compared to my friend who got it from SPCC, she took less than 40 minutes to be Once everything is completed, you will be guided to jabbed. Station 3, the injection station. Both 2 places have many booths for this station. The differences In the nutshell, although the experiences of between 2 centres are that WTC has fewer doctors vaccination from 2 different centres are very compared to SPCC. In WTC, one doctor will see one different, both vaccination centres have a very smooth system and pretty good services. They both have the same goals, which is to get everyone to be vaccinated and Malaysia can get back on track once again. We hope that you could be vaccinated and able to protect yourself and your family as well as those in your community. #Kitajagakita

PAGE 36 ENTERTAINMENT IS STARDEW VALLEY THE GAME TO PLAY DURING THE PANDEMIC? BY SCHUYLER CHOONG - Stardew Valley In the midst of the ongoing Movement Control allows every individual character to have extremely Order (MCO) that is currently implemented in expressive expressions and movements which gives Malaysia, many people are forced into the confines them a lot of personality. Stardew Valley combines of their own homes. Everyone is filled with the desire the genres RPG and farm simulation together to to leave their home and socialize or just get their make a relaxing and comfortable game that minds distracted with something in order to keep everyone could enjoy. The core features that make them sane. Stardew Valley is a farming, socializing Stardew Valley what it is are Farming, Foraging, simulation video game made by Chucklefish, and Mining, Combat, Crafting, Relationship and finally today we will be taking a look at Stardew Valley and Fishing. Here is where the RPG elements come into see if it's suitable to be played during the pandemic. play, each of the core activities in the game has a leveling system where you steadily progress through Stardew Valley features a charming pixel art style, the more you perform the activities. While it may granted the portrait for each character may not be seem like something some might rush through like suited with everyone’s taste. The pixel art style any typical RPG, the game progresses in a very

PAGE 37 ENTERTAIMENT - Stardew Valley smooth and relaxing manner without making the must find out their interests and personal conflicts player feel necessary to rush through the game’s through trial and error. By continuously charming a content. marriage candidate you may eventually end up being married to one of them and having a kid of Stardew Valley is a game you could easily sink more your own with a tow of responsibilities. than 60 hours into without feeling like you finished every content in the game. The game does have its Probably Stardew Valley’s most exciting events are own storyline even though it's a game where you the change in seasons as the game’s soundtrack curate your own story. The story is a relatively simple does a great job in immersing the players into the one which compliments the theme of the game game with multiple seasonal tracks. With also extremely well, as your character attempts to escape unique events that only happen during certain the grind of your job at the mega corporation Joja seasons such as thunderstorms, snowing and hails. Corporations by inheriting the farm that your There are also community events such as PotLuck, grandfather left for you years ago. Once your Cooking Competitions, Flower festivals, etc. character is settled down on the farm, you then have to decide if you will support the locals by repairing All in all, Stardew Valley is a charming and the community center or support Joja Corp by comfortable game for anyone to enjoy during the making it a Joja Warehouse. pandemic. With its latest addition of the multiplayer function, you can also now digitally socialize in a Now to one of the most important aspects of the very charming world with your friends and family. If game, socializing. There are a total of 34 NPC and you wish to play a relaxing game without having to with 12 being romantic options, each with their own consistently invest time into and imitate live social distinct personalities and daily schedule depending events during the pandemic, Stardew Valley may on the season and weathers. By befriending the just be the perfect game for you. NPCs in the game their manner of speech changes as they become more familiar with you, however you

PAGE 38 FOOD HAIDILAO COOKED HOT POT – IS IT WORTH THE ‘HAI’-PE? BY ASHLEY TEOH Remember the days where we could go out for hot There are two ways where you can order, one is pot any time of the day? Throughout MCO 3.0 the through a food delivery app called Easi Delivery, or one thing I crave the most is Haidilao, the nice call your preferred branch to place an order. Here is bubbling soup in front of you, with all the meats, where it gets a bit inconvenient, Easi Delivery does veggies and snacks surrounding the pot in the not have positive reviews on their app, people have middle. What a time before covid-19 was, right? left reviews the app glitches and has little to no drivers available. Rejoice! Hhaoitdiplaoot!f-inHaalliydirlealoeMasaeladytshieair cooked That was enough to steer me to choose option 2, But thankfully, Haidilao Malaysia has come out with calling the branch to place an order and arranging a their single-serving cooked hotpot ready to deliver Grab Driver to pick it up. I called my nearest Haidilao to your doorstep for RM 26.90++. Needless to say, as a branch at Sunway Velocity, and a staff member Haidilao hotpot fan, I took the chance to order it to patiently took my order and answered any questions tell you if you should get it or not. I had and explained that I would need to arrange a Grab to pick up my food. From the menu, you get to pick your soup base, choice of noodle, and meat. The set includes a selection of base ingredients, and you are free to add on any extra ingredients for an extra cost. I choose my favorite tomato soup with glass noodles and beef slices, with an extra add on of meat stuffed pork ball. The selection of ingredients was a bit limited, I was looking forward to getting some of my favorites like the beef stomach and prawn paste only to find them unavailable, what a bummer.

PAGE 39 FOOD Once I placed my order through the phone, the staff contacted me through WhatsApp and guided me through payment and delivery. The delivery comes with the cooked hot pot, and the restaurant even provided some extra goodies like snacks and a dessert along with a nice package of mints and a hair tie. - Ashley Teoh After fishibnegetfhselibcoews,l stahde.re- AwsahsleoynlTyeaohspoonful of The portion of the cooked hot pot was huge for the Is it worth it though? I would say you would be price. The ingredients inside were quite a lot, but I better off buying your own favourite ingredients and do wish the portion of meat was a bit more, the the Haidilao seasoning pack, the delivery fees make amount they gave looked a bit sad. the meal quite overpriced if you live far from a branch, like me. But it is a good choice for special Taste-wise, it really is your standard bowl of hot pot. occasions, a treat yourself meal, or if you just really The tomato soup was a bit bland compared to when miss Haidilao. you have it in the restaurant, but generally, the beef tasted nice and fragrant, and vegetables like lotus root, cabbage, and potato maintained their crunchiness. The overall experience was pretty good, with such big portions I had the leftovers for dinner. The total bill was RM 31.00, with a Grab delivery fee of RM13.50, bringing the grand total of the meal to RM44.50.

PAGE 40 ENTERTAINMENT ‘TRAIN TO BUSAN’ PRESENTS: PENINSULA’ FILM REVIEW A STANDALONE SEQUEL TO THE 2016 SOUTH KOREAN ACTION- HORROR FILM ‘TRAIN TO BUSAN’ BY FERERRO CHAN The battle of prisoners and zombies - Train To Busan Presents: Peninsula DISCLAIMER: Spoilers for “Train to Busan” and till the end, every sacrifice made by the many “Peninsula” will be discussed in this review, so read it different characters throughout the film was at your own discretion! definitely heartwarming and tear-jerking. Before I even begin with the sequel, does anybody With the ending of Train To Busan leaving its fans still remember the prequel? Train To Busan is with a glimpse of hope for humanity during the personally one of the best zombie-horror films that I apocalypse, you can imagine how exciting it was to have seen. Differentiating itself from the typical anticipate the sequel that was said to release in 4 conventions of western-apocalyptic movies where years time. Now, after its release in 2020, let’s discuss everything is all about individual survival, Train to this long-awaited sequel to Train to Busan, named Busan portrays themes of sacrifice and love, not only “Peninsula”. towards a character’s family, but also strangers and fellow survivors. Although only two survivors made it

PAGE 41 ENTERTAINMENT The sacrifice of Elder Kim for Yu-Jin - Train To Busan Presents: Peninsula In my personal opinion, I think that Peninsula did audience engagement towards the characters. not live up to its expectations. Unfortunately, the end-result was honestly disappointing, and it First and foremost, Train To Busan is popular as a ultimately shattered my initial hopes and vision of zombie-genre film but Peninsula was barely even a the film. zombie-themed movie. The lengthy screen time filled with elaborate car-drifts and children As a summary, Peninsula tells about the modern-day distracting zombies is all I can remember. You could world, 4 years after the zombie outbreak. The main even call it a ‘Fast and Furious’ inspired plot as it protagonists, Jung-Seuk and Chul-Min, together showcases too many scenes of zombies vs. children with 2 other Koreans, were hired by Chinese driving a car. Not to mention, the poorly executed mobsters in a mission to retrieve a truck carrying and over-reliant CGIs throughout the entire USD20 million in the now-overrun-with-zombies screenplay. Korean Peninsula. Little did they know, their mission quickly became a battle for survival when a rogue Next is the character development. To connect and militia, Unit 631 ambushed the group and engage the characters with the audiences seemed imprisoned Chul-Min for a battle-to-the-death like such a difficult task, and is awfully done. To be between unarmed prisoners and zombies. Jung- fair, the only touching moment I found throughout Seuk, on the other hand, was rescued by a family he the film was when Min-Jung decided to sacrifice had once abandoned a long time ago, and together herself when she saw her children were in safe they fought to survive and were finally rescued by a hands, and realized she could not escape from the passing United Nations helicopter. constant wave of zombies. Other than that, there is nothing tear-worthy, despite me being a very So, from everything mentioned, I will break down emotional and sensitive person when it comes to the movie into 2 aspects that I believe made it fail so sad scenes in movies. miserably; the focus of the overall film and the

PAGE 42 ENTERTAINMENT While watching the film, I also questioned the point but I can’t seem to connect or relate with the of the long screen time portraying Jung-Seuk and character, nor persuade myself for a second go at Chul-Min? As the 2 main protagonists in the film, the movie. and even sharing the relation as brother-in-laws, Chul-Min’s death did not make me tear up one bit, So, from everything mentioned, I will break down compared to the scene when Elder Kim died saving the movie into 2 aspects that I believe made it fail so Yu-Jin. miserably; the focus of the overall film and the In a nutshell, Train To Busan is a film that I can Looking at it realistically, the Covid-19 pandemic that rewatch over and over again, yet it is still able to has reached its 2-year-checkpoint has everyone maintain those heart-melting moments that never exhausted and at the verge of surrender, but much seem to get old. On the other hand, Peninsula is a like the characters in Peninsula and Train to Busan, one time experience for me. Undoubtedly, it has its we should all just hang in there as brighter days are notable plots, just a few more steps ahead.

MONTHLY MAZE TIME TO GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK!

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