How I See Examination And The Lesson Behind It - Happiness

University life is not as easy as most people suggest. Apart from assignments, quiz, tutorial and tests, the Final Examination is the culprit to bring tension and stress to the students. As a Civil Engineering student, I deal a lot with various kind of stresses, tension (or even compression.. Lol.) in structure theory and analysis but stresses and pressure and real life are not as easy as simply putting supports. It really challenge a student's EQ and composure. Now talking about the Final Exam, let me share with you how different am I as compared to the one a year ago in seeing the examination and the way I treat it.

When I was first year, the only mission I had when I was in the hall is to make sure I can answer one or two questions + some 'anak soalan' for the other three questions (normally we need to answer five out of six questions) so that I can pass and no need to retake the subject. Everytime after the staff had collected my answer script, I would be busy calculating and estimating the marks I would get. I just need a pass or grade C to say goodbye to those subjects. Probably because I was seeking for a mere grade C as compared to some of my friends who were constantly aiming for A and Dean List, honestly I did not have much pressure and anxiety. Life was easier and happier.

Then here comes the second year of my USM journey. Before the first sem started, I had received a warning letter from JPA, my main income source for CGPA below 3.0 and it put me in an alarming state. During the MOV 10' in May, I made my mind very clear that since I had chosen Civil Engineering and scrapped the idea of transferring course, I must do well for it, score well for it no matter how hard it takes. Thus, during my second year, I have taken a few important measures to make sure my Academics Revival Plan going smooth. I notice that I am never the Foong Han Yang as I was, whose daily routine was : wake up-->go class/ponteng--> Play FIFA---> Nap ---> Play Football Manager ---> Sleep early. Now, I do the assignments by my own and I say NO to procrastination. I attend every class and PC Games are never my daily activity again (although Facebook is). Up to this point, I would like to say Congratulation to myself for these positive changes. My efforts were eventually paid off as my GPA and CGPA recorded an increase of around 5% and 4% respectively. I am close to the 3.5 level and I have seen the hope of scoring Dean List if I work harder. For the first time, I knew it was no longer an impossible mission. While men have left their footprints on the moon, me too can get above 3.5 and I that as a challenge for myself.

The date 18 April had finally arrived and the three week exam period kick started. Even though TITAS is relatively small Wigan to me but the subsequent papers are as tough as the likes of MU, Chelsea and Barca. supposed they are no big deal but my quest to score at least A- for these subjects had made me experiencing the pressure my friends had suffered. It intensifies everytime I begin to answer the question. The worst was during the Hydraulics paper which I took more than an hour to calm myself down and overcome the panic. I always feel proud of myself for I never buckle under pressure in life but I still have a lot to learn to beat this exam-panic syndrome. Hopefully, the increasing trend of both my GPA and CGPA continues.

I have derived some lesson from these two cases. In life there are people like my previous self - not craving for anything, as long as survival is guaranteed, life is happy. Another type of people is like my current self - have higher ambition or desire, always looking to achieve higher than the average. Happiness comes in different way and have different values to different individuals. Anyway, I am still proud with being the latter. During the process, I may need to sacrifice some happiness and give up something I really reluctant to but I do believe I will be rewarded with greater happiness and achievements which I think that's what life is all about. I. M. FOONG HAN YANG is never contented of just being normal and average. I will do something great to the society, nation and if possible, the world. Life is only once, I want a colourful and meaningful one. How about you ?

I. M. FOONG HAN YANG

'The higher you aim, the higher you achieve.'

愚鹄心声

友曰：人各有志，道不同，不相为谋，

何必强求必与己同。

麻雀无法了解鸿鹄的大志，

换过来，

鸿鹄又怎能体谅麻雀的小小需要呢?

吾曰：鹄雀虽有别于志 但亦得 互让互敬 以求 共存谋生。

鹄再威 若无雀 恐亡也。
雀再小 亦勿让 鸿鹄独撑天被 而 己当安乐公。
此鹄有己之高 绝不求 雀达之。
此鹄仅求雀 略 更上一层楼， 不求齐飞 却只望 共筑固巢 以 共享其利。
无奈 此 卑望 终难成。

鸿鹄再大 若无雀助 欲飞前一里 犹如 跨越万重山，非不能 却 无比艰难。
此鹄仅能望雀醒，期待更好的明日。

- 愚鹄 -

my SECOND year, SECOND sem, SECOND week

Being motivated by the challenges and the theme of the new year, I welcome the first Monday of 2011 with high spirits. It is a new day and another new week. After a relaxing and lazy first week and just before the engine begins to accelerate in the third week, so this week, the second week, I dedicate some precious time to write this sharing. There are some lessons, thoughts and outcomes I obtain from these five days but here I would like to highlight nothing but one incident that really reminds me to APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE and BE CONTENTED.

Yesterday (6th Jan), I went for a football game. After absent from football for more than a week, it is a torture to a football fanatic like me especially the FIFA and Football Manager are no longer in my laptop. You can’t imagine it unless you are a football crazy. As usual after the warm-up session, all the players were divided into two teams. It was an ‘El Clásico’ as one of my opponents was wearing the Real Madrid jersey while a teammate of mine was wearing the blue-and-red of Barcelona. The match eventually started.

It was drizzling but no one would care about it. Everyone was involved in the passing and eyeing for the opportunity to score. Unfortunately, my team was a goal down in the early stage. As a striker, the pressure and the urge to level the match began to intensify within my body. All of a sudden, I could feel the fighting spirits and the never-say-die attitude possessed by the likes of John Terry and Steven Gerrard fueled in my body. I made more runs and involved myself heavily in the attacking move of my team. Soon, we managed to stir a comeback by scoring twice. But I feel guilty to my teammates. I was disappointed with my poor skills as a player. I knew we would have scored a few more if I did not miss some chances upfront. The match continued and a few goal scoring machines in my team operated and more goals were soon followed. We kept terrorising the opposite defence and although I scored no goal, at least I did contribute a little to some of the goals scored.

‘WTF ! WTF ! WTF !’, one of my teammate shouted in annoyance probably because I had spoilt his goal scoring chance due to my wrong silly move. What an insult and humiliation it was ! However, the game still on and I couldn’t bother that much. In my mind, nothing came second to the team’s victory. Surprisingly, my efforts ware awarded when I finally bagged four goals at the latter stage of the game. In fact, I did consider that as a marvelous achievement for a lousy quality striker like me who missed more chances than scoring. Perhaps the WTF words had made me stronger. I could notice that all the goals I scored were produced from powerful strikes. As soon as I netted my fourth goal, I had no choice but to leave the pitch as I got a muscle cramp.

Albeit putting in a satisfying performance, however I was still angered with my poor playing skills and my failure to create more opportunities for my teammates. I questioned myself, “Why others can play so well but you can’t? Why?” Whenever I ask myself the very same question, I could not find myself an answer. What I do is improving my next game but most of the time, I fail which subsequently prompting me to ask myself this question again.

Later when I was having my dinner, somebody appeared in my sight. His left leg is handicapped. He could not walk properly like an ordinary person. Slowly and painstakingly, he walked towards my direction before he sat on the chair near the table opposite to mine. All of a sudden, the clock seemed to have stopped ticking but lots of thoughts flashing through my mind. I felt like I have been lectured for a moment. At that time, I realised how lucky I am. At those seconds, I forgot things like winning, scoring and stopped blaming myself. It was like waking up from a stupid dream and learning a valuable lesson. I thank God and my parents for giving me a nice pair of legs. Without them, I can’t even touch the ball or run on the field chasing the ball. As a person who loves football more than anything else, it’s hard to imagine how terrible the life would be. What else can I ask for? Isn’t the God has given me everything? A proper body, a good looking face and no physical defection. They are among the greatest assets God give to us. Human are greedy animals, they ask for more, demand for more and crave for more to fulfill their incessant desire. They seldom appreciate with the things they have got. Those things are so basic and simple yet they are so fundamental and essential. I remember there is quote which read, “When you are complaining about your shoes, there are people who don’t even have leg.” It is so true.

At the time of writing this article, a day has passed but the impact remains strong in my mind. It strengthens my belief and principle that it’s my responsibility to help the unfortunates. That’s why when a friend recently asks me what is my dream, without hesitation I reply him, “… But I have one ultimate one, that is to establish a foundation (I call it IRD Project) and help the poors across the globe especially those poor region in Africa. I want to give them DREAM and HOPE and a CHANCE to change their destiny.” Yes, I am not joking. I am serious and I do mean it.

So friends and those whom I love, be appreciate and thankful to what we have now. We will definitely live a happier life if we learn to appreciate and be contented. The world is beautiful and our lives are colourful, don’t let the bad desires and greed to destroy it. Also, do appreciate and love the people around us !

Theme for 2011

...5..4..3..2..1..

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

1 Jan 2011 or 1-1-11, the whole world are joyous in welcoming the whole new 2011, the fresh start of another decade. What's the story about this upcoming ten years ? Surely Euro 2012 (Ukraine & Poland), FIFA World Cup 2014 & 2018 (in Brazil and Russia respectively) and last but not least, the Malaysia by year 2020 are among the few things that really excite me.

While people are busy making their new year resolution and hoping for the best to come this year, I just couldn't think of any resolution specifically for this 2011. However, I do have set a mission and a theme for this year instead of resolutions.

Theme 2011 - Start NOW, Act NOW, Connect NOW

NOW is the keyword here. I am a visionary man who have several plans or blueprints in my mind to pave way for myself in achieving the goals I have set. After the fruitful MOV10' and LLP 10', I am sure and it must be now, beginning from this semester, this year that I am going to give extra efforts in converting those plans into TANGIBLE achievements. Again I have to stress that this is the work I must start NOW not weeks later nor after the end of the current semester nor the next year.

This is a project which need a lot of investments and sacrifices especially in term of time. There is no ending for it. Nevertheless, it will be executed in phases and KPI or objectives will be set for each phase to analyse and conclude the progress of the project. In short, the project can be described as a huge long bridge joining this solid ground where my feet lay and the dreamland of FIG which I anticipate. Since the construction plan of this magnificent bridge is now available, it's now my duty to construct it bit by bit, block by block steadily and patiently. The journey kick-starts when I am a 21 year old lad and hopefully I could reach the other side by my 40's if not 30's. Everything seem so untouchable, unreachable and stupid according to some of my friends and family. Yet deep in my heart, I know they are wrong and I am extremely confident and passionate to make it nothing but huge immeasurable success.

This semester, I will start my second business and during the semester break, I will seek for a job not for the money or salary it offers but the experience and values I can get from it. That is the way how I start. The previous working experience at the Empire Garment was really great and I expect to obtain a similar 'input-ful' experience this term. Besides, I will attend seminars, conferences or courses which are beneficial to me.

In the context of law, an individual of age 21 year old is considered mature (or old enough =.=) to make his own decision and is no longer under the control of his parents. He is 'Merdeka'. Although there are still months to go before I am officially declared as 21, I have now chosen the life of my own. I am ready to take the responsibility to decide my future, choose my way and set the direction of my life.

I see the route ahead and I know where my destination is.

It is not easy and of course it is not smooth either.

As I walk, I will come across junctions, holes, stumbling rocks and etc.

Risks, failures and challenges are inevitable.

Rise and fall...

But even if the whole world are doubting me,

I have faith in myself.

I will definitely success !

I will be a superb entrepreneur !

2011, here I go, here I start !

Salute, I.M. FOONG !!

"When people are hoping, I don't. I create hope and make it a reality."

I.M. FOONG HAN YANG

My Review of Year 2010

As year 2010 will soon pass and become history in less than an hour time, below is my review of this fabulous year.

YEAR 2010 – A DIFFERENT & UNFORGETTABLE YEAR

Jan 2010

The start of the second semester and also the beginning of the resurgence after the disastrous pointer for my first semester. It is an absolute failure and at that moment, I am being at the junction whether to change course or continue with my current course - civil engineering. At the end, I have chosen the later.

“A winner never give up despite being stumbled by defeats and tough challenges. He will be brave for the decision he has taken and U-turn is never the option at anytime. Therefore, I am still a civil engineering student and I am a winner. For sure ! ” I.M. FOONG HAN YANG

Feb 2010

The Pesta ‘Huat Ah !’ (CNY celebration) organised by the Persatuan Bahasa Tiong Hua Kampus Kejuruteraan USM is a huge success and I have played my role well as the treasurer. Before the event, I have involved myself in the fund-raising campaign and I am bitterly disappointed by the attitude of some party during the process.

March 2010

Joining and serving for the Persatuan Bahasa Tiong Hua (PBT) is one of the few promises I have made on the day I first stepped into the campus. Yet weeks after being elected as the chief secretary of the PBT, I resign from the post. It is an extremely hard and painful decision but I need a better platform to learn and lead. Today, I think that is a right decision and I have no regret of it.

Besides, in this month I have to deal with a ‘relation’ crisis (or confidence crisis) which is a challenge and learning experience for me as a leader. Lucky enough, my friends have offered me supports and trust plus my mental strength, I have overcome it. As the sayings goes, “Friends in need are friends indeed”. From the incident, I know who are my True Friends, Friends and Fake Friends. It is a reward to me.

Quote of the month – “Don’t be disheartened, you can’t expect to win everyone’s heart. Even the ruling government is elected and formed based on the 2/3 majority basis”. Prof. Hock

April 2010

On the 6^th day of this month, I celebrate my 20^th birthday together with my coursemates and a few guests from the PBT. A delightful moment and the cake is delicious !

May 2010

Three significant occasions in this month !

1. EYLN 2010, UKM

The most crucial turning point in my life and I have made my mind very clear that ENTREPRENEUR will be my career and this journey starts here ! Thanks, AIESEC for the exposure and Boss Hoe, my friend who introduces me this event. A fantastic three day conference during which I meet and socialise with a group of young intelligent minds of tomorrow.

2. Mantan JPP KMNS 08/09 Gathering 2010, Kuala Lumpur

I can’t describe in words my joy and excitement upon seeing my ex-colleagues (especially my best friend, Muhaimin a.k.a. Maimin)again after a year graduated from KMNS (Negeri Sembilan Matriculation College). Despite the brief moment, it means everything ! However, the terrible nightmare of ice-skating is still haunting me very much until today. Lol..

The next gathering should be held in Perak and I will be the host then ! Welcome ! Ipoh Mali !

3. MOV’10

A significant conference during which the SBTP for AY2S1 is outlined, the visions and missions are identified. One of the main objectives of SBTP is to enhance the performance in academics by rectifying the previous mistakes and executing a few key policies.

Not forget to mention is Chelsea FC being crowned as the Barclays Premier League champion after thrashing Wigan Athletics by eight goals. The domination by the Red Devils is finally ended. Later, The Blues win the FA Cup and thus completing the first Double in the club history. Chelsea ~Chelsea~

The same month my idol of all time – Jose Mourinho leads his team, Inter Milan to become the new European champion. Soon The Special One lands himself the greatest job in football world by agreeing to coach Real Madrid. Hala Madrid ! Viva Mourinho ! I still love you !

June 2010

I work at the packaging department of Empire Garment. Good experience and I have a new perception about the foreign workers. I have been exposed to the reality of life as an employer and I observe the life of those workers. Many things and thoughts come across my mind that time.

11th June – After four years of which I grow from a secondary school boy to a university student, I have been waiting from year 2006 (and in fact the whole world too ! ) and this day has finally come ! FIFA World Cup 2010 unite the nations around the world, boil the bloods of all football fans and snatch the headlines during this feverish month! Everyone is talking football at everywhere !

To me, this is not just a normal world cup because it means a lot to the South Africans. It has never been easy and the Bafana Bafana have delivered successfully ! Well done !

July 2010

The World Cup is concluded with Spain emerge to be the latest name carved onto the gold coloured trophy. The 116^th minute shot from Barca’s Iniesta demolishes the Dutch’s quest for the champion as the Oranje (Netherland) had failed in the previous two finals which they had featured decades ago. Spain has now become the football super power every team fear of. España – El rey del mundial !

The start of the third semester.

August 2010

Elected as the NYDP 2 of Persatuan Kejuruteraan Awam (also the Director of PPKA Family Day 2011) and appointed as the Deputy Director 1 of IronHorse Secretariat.

Higher post = More Responsibilities = More Time To Be Sacrificed, but I am more than glad to accept the challenge.

September 2010

My second ‘date’ with AIESEC, this time is LC USM. Attending L.E.A.D. give me a lot of benefits and inputs. During the conference, I meet with a Malay friend named Haikal. Wow, what a nice lad he is and we share a lot of similar passion. After chatting with him, I reckon MBA might be an option for me after graduated. The highlight of the conference is I am being awarded as the ‘Most Improved Male Delegate’ and the team I lead - ‘The SHAKERS’ wins the ‘Best Team Award’.

Prior to the resume of the semester, I go to Genting Highlands with the Career Fair 2010 staffs and members. Although not winning a hamper from the lucky draw, I am proud of myself for not spending even a single cent in Genting. It is actually a challenge I set to myself a year before and I did it ! Unbelievable right? But it is true..

October 2010

The successful launching of IronHorse project by Prof. Dato Omar Osman. Organise and chair the first official meeting (Family Day 2011) ever since I come to USM. The last time I did so was early year 2009 when I was still the JPP of KMNS. Quite a lot of mistakes I have made and I am still learning from it and keep improving.

November 2010

After three weeks of exam, all the coursemates and I go to Aiyer Tawar for the Annual Intensive geomatics Practical (AIGP). As a result, my holiday next month is shortened.

December 2010

Attend the LLP 10’ Conference. No significant input except the ECIF™ Program is finalised.

Participate in the Kursus Asas Keusahawanan Siswa (KAKS) in Langkawi, my last visit to the island was in year 2001. On the first day I am elected as the Penghulu, the chief among the participants. The course is awesome and the input is fantastic. Again, it stimulates my desire to become an entrepreneur. I know and I am pretty sure that I will be an entrepreneur. No one can change it ! This time, I am going to take real action to sharpen my entrepreneurial skills.

“What I would like to stress here is that we are not employees working for others. Rather, we are the solution provider. We offer them another alternative.” As quoted by I.M. FOONG HAN YANG during the presentation which he defends for his team.

2010... a very very meaningful year and I am very proud of what I have did and achieved throughout the year. As 2011 coming soon, I have to make myself a set of New Year Resolution for this coming year. Wow !

See you all in year 2011 ya ^^